D. A. Rayner (1908–1967)

In 1808, a French raider named Piamontaise was planning on attacking and capturing an English merchant convoy of three ships that were carrying cargo to England. The French were in dire need of food,etc. for the island of Isle de France.

In the way of French success was the English frigate, San Fiorenzo which was smaller, had fewer guns and at the moment was undermanned because many of its complement was a shore recovering from malaria. The frigate's captain was young and aggressive even though he was relatively new in the role.

When he met the French privateer, he out maneuvered his opponent and while severally damaged himself. made repairs at sea and tracked down the French ship just as the convoy came into sight and again defeated the French ship to the point it had to strike its flag and surrender.

Rayner. who is better known for his novel The Enemy Below, has written a truly fascinating novel about a real event that took place off the coast of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 1808. His descriptions of the way sailors of the period used sails to maneuver the ship quickly using wind and water currents to take down an enemy is very enlightening. He even includes drawings that show the tracks of the ships as they tried to outmaneuver each other to gain an advantage during the battle.… (más)