RAN Reading List
Naval Biographies
Australian Naval Personalities: Lives from the Australian Dictionary of Biography
selected and condensed by Gregory P. Gilbert
published by Sea Power Centre - Australia, Canberra, 2006
This book contains a selection of naval personalities that have been previously published within the Australian Dictionary of Biography (ADB). Since 1966 the ADB has expanded, incorporating the lives of many of Australia's most famous and infamous personalities, and currently the work runs into 16 biographical volumes covering individuals who passed away prior to 1980. By including some of the most interesting naval personalities from the ADB within this volume it is hoped that a wider audience may gain familiarity with the deep and lasting contribution that these individuals have made to Australian maritime and indeed national affairs. The selected biographies include naval officers, sailors, administrators and other professionals. This collection is recommended as a source of inspiration. Naval personalities who have exhibited personal discipline, moral fortitude and strong leadership capabilities in the past are most suitable role models for Australia's present and future naval personalities.
Cochrane, The Life and Exploits of a Fighting Captain
by Robert Harvey
published by Carroll & Graf, New York, 2000
The life of Lord Thomas Cochrane (1775-1860) is so dramatic that writers of fiction have had to tone down his exploits to make them believable. Cochrane is the quintessential character whose brilliant leadership, unsurpassed seamanship skills and single-minded pursuit of his career should resonate with many 21st century commanders. In effect Cochrane excelled in each of his three careers; as a fighting captain he was among the best that Britain ever produced. His adventures in command of the brig Speedy, the frigates Pallas and Imperieuse, and his courageous assault using 'explosion' ships during the Battle of Aix Roads helped to make him a hero to the British nation, but his efforts to expose corruption, which led at times to insubordination, and his individualist ways made enemies within the Admiralty. His career was not helped by his radical political views, his election to parliament while in naval service, and his conviction and subsequent imprisonment after a Stock Exchange scandal. Cochrane's final naval service, as an Admiral for hire, supported of the independence struggles of the modern states of Chile and Brazil. His naval victories, which sometimes used deception rather than direct confrontation, helped to make him a national hero in South America. His work as admiral of the Greek nation was less successful, although it did help pave the way for Greek independence. While Nelson may have been the best role model for naval leaders of the 20th century, Cochrane should be studied by today's leaders. As Cochrane himself wrote, 'It is wonderful what an amount of terrorism a small frigate is able to inspire on an enemy's coast. Actions between line-of-battle ships are no doubt very imposing, but for real effect I would prefer a score or two of small vessels well handled to any fleet of line-of-battle ships.' This biography is highly recommended.
