[Fighting Instructions, 1530-1816 by Julian S. Corbett]@TWC D-Link bookFighting Instructions, 1530-1816 PART VIII 26/47
It is not in the Additional Instructions of 1759, but reappears in a modified form in those of 1780. [3] This article is entered in the same signal book, but has no signature.
It may therefore have been one of Anson's innovations. _ADMIRAL BOSCAWEN_, 1759.[1] [+From the original in the Admiralty Library, 252/29+.] I.In case of meeting with a squadron of the enemy's ships that may be less in number than the squadron under my command, if I would have any of the smaller ships quit the line, that those of the greatest force may be opposed to the enemy, I will put abroad the signal for speaking with the captains of such ships as I would have leave the line, and hoist a flag, striped yellow and white, at the flagstaff at the main topmast-head; then the next ships are to close the line, and those that have quitted it are to hold themselves in readiness to assist any ship that may be disabled, or hard pressed, or to take her station, if she is obliged to go out of the line: in which case, the strongest ship that is withdrawn from the line is strictly enjoined to supply her place, and fill up the vacancy. II.
And in case of meeting with any squadron, or ships of war of the enemy that have merchant-men under their convoy, though the signal for the line of battle should be out, if I would have any of the frigates that are out of the line, or any ship of the line fall upon the convoy, whilst the others are engaged, I will put abroad the pennant for speaking with the captain of such ship or ships, and hoist the flag above mentioned for quitting the line, with a pennant under it; upon which signal, such ship or ships are to use their utmost endeavours to take or destroy the enemy. III.
If at any time while we are engaged with the enemy, the admiral shall judge it proper to come to a closer engagement than at the distance we then are, he will hoist a red and white flag on the flagstaff at the main topmast-head, and fire a gun.
Then every ship is to engage the enemy at the same distance the admiral does; and if the admiral would have any particular ship do so, he will make the same signal, and the signal for speaking with the captain. IV.[2] When I would have the two divisions of the fleet form themselves into a separate line of battle, one ship ahead of another at the distance of a cable's length asunder, and each division to be abreast of the other, when formed at the distance of one cable's length and a half, I will hoist a flag chequered blue and yellow at the mizen peak, and fire a gun, and then every ship is to get into her station accordingly, *V.[3] When I would have the fleet spread in a line abreast, each ship keeping at the distance of one mile from the other, I will hoist a flag chequered blue and yellow, on the flagstaff at the mizen top-mast-head, and fire a gun. *VI.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|