Signalling an interesting read
What Ship, Where Bound? by David Craddock
David Craddock, who received his own signals training from a seafarer who served as a boy signaller at the Battle of Jutland, explores 2,500 years of visual communication at sea.
Beginning with flag signalling and moving on to semaphore, light signalling and pyrotechnics, Craddock explains the history of signals in naval warfare from the Age of Sail to the modern era.
He presents a range of flag systems, which look resplendent in the full-colour illustrations, and also demonstrates how they were used, with the famous example of Nelson's signal at Trafalgar and an extended discussion of signals at Jutland. Peace-time signalling is not the focus, but it isn't neglected either – commercial codes and signals from ship to shore are also included in this thoroughly accessible history of the technology and practice.
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Scottish city's maritime heart
Glasgow Harbour By Graeme Smith and Mike McCreeryFew places are as closely tied to maritime heritage as Glasgow. In this richly illustrated guide, Graeme Smith and Mike McCreery trace the history of the city's Clydeside harbour from its beginnings in the 17th century to its present-day redevelopment.
Standing the test of tide
Piers of England and Wales By Steve EdmundsIn this richly illustrated guide, Steve Edmunds takes readers on a tour of the iconic structures that blend land and sea – home to all manner of amusements and amenities.
Maritime mystery tour
Irish Sea Lime Trade, by David JohnsonIn his attractively-presented book, David Johnson takes us on a tour of historical sites in the Irish Sea lime trade, from South Pembrokeshire up to the Solway Firth, and across to the Isle of Man and Ireland.
From seafarer to force of nature
Gale Force 10, by Nicholas CourtneyFrances Beaufort was born in Ireland to a family of Huguenot descent, and first went to sea in 1789 onboard the ill-fated British East India Company vessel Vansittart. In a fascinating career, he is best known for creating the Beaufort Wind Scale.