Regret, Determination, and Honour: The Impact of the Single Ship Losses in North American Waters on the British Royal Navy, 1812-1813

Abstract

In 1812, after nineteen years of warfare, the Royal Navy was humiliated when five of its ships were taken by their American counterparts in the Atlantic Ocean. Whereas British naval historiography focuses on victories, there has not been sufficient attention paid to Britain’s experience with loss. This thesis examines the impact of these losses on the post-Nelsonic culture and fighting spirit of the Royal Navy. Whereas civilians and historians tend to rationalize these losses as the inevitable result of lighter frigates tackling the truly impressive American heavy frigates, the officers of the Royal Navy refused to accept that their standard frigates could not fight them and win. As defeats piled up, that frustration built and result in the direct defiance of orders. Officers driven y vengeance risked their ships and their missions for the chance to defend the honour of themselves and of their beloved fleet.