COMMAND OF THE SEA: William Pakenham and the Russo-Japanese Naval War 1904-1905

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Studies the Russo Japanese War of 1904-1905, as seen through the eyes of the British Naval Attache Captain William Pakenham. The complicated set of international relations at the turn of the century is reviewed, as well as the balance of sea power in the Far East, which was a matter of considerable importance to the British government. The role of the naval attache was thus of considerable importance, particularly once war had broken out. Includes 28 illustrations and six maps.

He sent a stream of comprehensive reports not only describing the naval actions but also dealing with crucial matters relating for instance to the design of warships, developments in gunnery and the use of torpedoes. These were closely studied at the British Admiralty, at a time when the revolutionary design of the new battleship Dreadnought was under consideration.