Memoir of the Life of Admiral Sir Edward Codrington

Edward Codrington (1770–1851) joined the navy at the age of thirteen. Having narrowly avoided freezing to death in Nova Scotia three years later, he went on to serve during some of the most important naval conflicts of his time. This two-volume biography was first published in 1873, and combines his own accounts with the research of his daughter Lady Bourchier. Volume 2 opens in 1827 as the English fleet, now under Codrington's command, faces the Turks at the battle of Navarino, now seen as a decisive moment in the struggle for Greek independence. It also includes accounts of the blockade of the Morea, Codrington's terse exchanges with the Ottoman commanders, and a vivid portrayal of the devastation that would ensue should his tactics fail. Structured around the first-hand accounts in Codrington's own correspondence, this is both an entertaining read and a useful resource for students of naval history.