The Great Edwardian Naval Feud

Beresford’s vendetta against ‘Jackie’ Fisher

This is the story of the clash between two gigantic personalities in the early years of the twentieth century.On one side was Admiral Lord Charles Beresford. Physically strong, courageous and hot-headed, he was the most popular admiral in the navy. Addicted to the sound of his own voice, he drew crowds of thousands whenever he spoke in public. On the other side was the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir John Fisher. Of humble origin, he had risen through hard work and genius to become the greatest naval reformer that Britain has ever known.Both men wished to be First Sea Lord. When the prize went to Fisher, Beresford determined to unseat him at any cost. He launched attacks in Parliament, he plotted with Unionist politicians, he leaked state secrets and he courted public opinion. As a popular public figure, no one dared act against him until he finally overstepped the mark and viciously hounded a rear-admiral out of his fleet.A Cabinet inquiry followed, sitting for fifteen days. Its five members listened to Beresfords incoherent account of his eight charges. In the end, they dismissed the charges, but failed to show any warm support for either man. Fishers resignation followed and Beresfords career came to an end.

REVIEWS

'lucid and captivating' 'informative and a pleasure to read' - Naval Review, May 2010

'You will find [it] hard to put down ... Essential reading for anyone with an interest in the subject ... A darned good read.' - Ned Middleton on Amazon

A 'masterly book ... Freeman is a master of scene setting ... Every introduction and every corner of his tale is a hook that grabs the reader and leaves him intrigued for more.' - Cdr K J Davidson on Amazon

'A fascinating account' - Military History Encyclopaedia on the Web

'A very well researched book that sees these two navy officers in their true form.' - Ships Monthly

'It is a hard book to put down.' - Royal Australian Navy Reading List

'A really excellent book' - J Forrester on Amazon

'Another must-read military history book from the Pen & Sword publishing house.'

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