Pirate Killers: The Royal Navy and the African Pirates

The Royal Navy conducted a daring campaign against ruthless pirates 150 years ago, killing The King of the Pirates, Bartholomew Roberts, and capturing his fleet. This is the subject of Graham A. Thomass new study of one of the most pernicious episodes in the history of African piracy, which uncovers the long tradition of piracy and privateering along the African shore.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

One hundred and fifty years ago, the Royal Navy embarked on a daring campaign against ruthless pirates, resulting in a significant victory. On the West African shores, they successfully eliminated The King of the Pirates, Bartholomew Roberts, and captured his fleet. The Admiralty Court subsequently executed scores of Roberts' men. The Barbary Coast of North Africa had been a haven for pirates for centuries, preying on shipping in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, causing terror among the coastal towns. Piracy was their way of life, and the mighty sea-powers of that time were unable to halt their activities. However, in one of the most remarkable and overlooked anti-piracy operations in maritime history, the Royal Navy took on the pirates and emerged victorious. This captivating story is explored in depth by Graham A. Thomas in his compelling new study. Thomas delves into the long tradition of piracy and privateering along the African shore, providing vivid descriptions of attacks in the Mediterranean, as well as on the other side of the continent, along the shores of West Africa and around Madagascar.

Among the most notable and impactful chapters in Thomas' narrative are the daring rescue of the British merchant ship The Three Sisters by HMS Polyphemus in 1848 and the actions of the battleship HMS Prometheus against the Rif pirates a few years later. His account is based on extensive research and analysis of documents held at the National Archives and other original sources, offering a fascinating insider's perspective into the Royal Navy's response to the menace of piracy in the nineteenth century.

The Royal Navy's campaign against the pirates not only secured the safety of trade routes but also had a lasting impact on the history of African piracy. It marked a turning point in the fight against maritime piracy and set a precedent for future anti-piracy operations. The bravery and resilience of the Royal Navy sailors in confronting the pirates are a testament to their dedication to protecting the interests of commerce and ensuring the peace and stability of the world's oceans.

In conclusion, Graham A. Thomas' study of the Royal Navy's campaign against pirates in the nineteenth century is a valuable contribution to maritime history. Through his detailed exploration of the events and the broader context of piracy in Africa, Thomas sheds light on a neglected chapter of history that deserves to be recognized and celebrated. The Royal Navy's triumph over the pirates not only secured the safety of trade routes but also had a profound impact on the development of international law and the fight against maritime piracy.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399013567