Prefatory Note Ferm words are needed to indicate the scope and aim of this work. To an island nation such as ours the story of mans activity on the sea must always be of peculiar interest. Our own share in that story is an ample one-its duration is already counted in centuries, its achievements are a part of world-history. In the following pages I address myself in particular to those readers who, for one reason or another, have not devoted much attention to that invaluable asset, the Royal Navy. No complete history is attempted-my aim has been to introduce my readers to various phases and aspects of our earlier Naval forces, the evolution of men-of-war and of their armament, the perfected fighting ships of the present day, and lastly, though first in importance, to the officers and men who man them....