The Royal Navy and Fishery Protection: From the Fourteenth Century to the Present

The Royal Navy's Cinderella Fleet, which has been protecting fishing vessels since the late 14th century, is the subject of a new book by Jon Wise. The Fishery Protection Squadron (FPS) is the oldest in the fleet and has been engaged in protection and policing of fishing fleets for six centuries, including the Cod Wars and the two World Wars. The book contains many first-hand accounts and is set to become the definitive account of this vital but often unsung component of Britain's naval forces.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The history of the Royal Navy's Cinderella Fleet, which spans from the late fourteenth century to recent controversies over the shift in emphasis to border patrols and overseas deployments, is a captivating tale filled with dramatic incidents. Until now, a comprehensive book dedicated to this subject has been lacking. However, naval historian Jon Wise's latest work aims to rectify this oversight.

Historically, there have been two primary reasons why protecting fishing vessels has been crucial: first, fish have consistently played a vital role in the nation's diet, and second, fishermen have provided a significant pool of skilled personnel for the Royal Navy. It is often claimed that the Fishery Protection Squadron (FPS) is the oldest in the fleet, predating the formal establishment of the Navy in the early sixteenth century. Despite its age, the Squadron remains relatively unknown. However, its most renowned operations were during the Cod Wars of 1958-76.

For six centuries, the FPS has been engaged in various critical tasks, including the protection and policing of fishing fleets. More recently, it has shifted its focus to patrolling oil and gas fields, overseeing quotas and sustainability, and addressing ongoing disputes over fishing rights and regulations.

The author delves into a wide range of subjects in this thought-provoking narrative, covering the battles with the Dutch for dominance in the North Sea, the protection of fishing on the eastern seaboard of America, and the Squadron's role in the two World Wars. The book includes numerous first-hand accounts, making it of particular interest to all those who have served in the FPS. It is poised to become the definitive account of this vital but often overlooked component of Britain's naval forces.

Weight: 758g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399041706