Imagine being in charge of a ship that has to travel hundreds of miles with not much more guidance than the sun and stars, and possibly a simple compass. Picture a crew who are your responsibility, and then imagine that you have to be ready to attack and be attacked from any angle at any time.

Sir Francis Drake, Admiral Horatio Nelson and Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope - are just a few of the most renowned and respected leaders the British Navy has ever seen. They led their crews into battle with wisdom and astonishing bravery, in spite of all that threatened. Accounts of these and other great Naval heroes can be found on the following pages. Please read on...