Nelson's Pathfinders

“[A] diligently thorough account.”—David Mills, The Times“[Barritt’s] book is a compelling study, beautifully illustrated with contemporary maps and surveys.”—Alan Forrest, BBC History Magazine“This excellent book does much to shed light on a very important and overlooked subject.”—Nick Hewitt, Military History Matters“Essential reading for Naval Historians.”—Tom Petch, Aspects of History“The incredible dedication of the handful of skilled hydrographers who charted these waters often under the noses of the enemy … has been exposed brilliantly in this work by a former Hydrographer of the Navy.”—David Childs, The Naval Review“A critical contribution to the new naval history of the Nelson era. Barritt rescues a largely forgotten man and his work from the quiet obscurity of historical ignorance.”—Andrew Lambert, author of Seapower States“This is a compelling story of the unsung heroes of the Royal Navy—the men in the hydrographic service whose skill and bravery helped to secure Britain’s position as a global maritime power.”—Janet Hartley, author of The Volga“Barritt’s research into the extraordinary accomplishments of the young British Hydrographic Service in the wars of 1793–1815 matches their own diligence. A fine account of a vital factor in the defeat of Napoleon.”—Richard Woodman, author of Neptune’s Trident“Michael Barritt is uniquely qualified to unravel and explain the complicated and patient work of British naval surveyors and chart makers. He does so brilliantly, aided by a profusion of minutely-detailed contemporary illustrations.”—Roger Knight, author of Convoys“Nelson’s Pathfinders brilliantly highlights the crucial roles and largely untold story of hydrographers and marine surveyors in naval combat operations during the Napoleonic Wars, while also emphasizing their continuing relevance for current and future naval operations.”—John B. Hattendorf, author of Naval History and Maritime Strategy

Captain Michael Barritt is a former Hydrographer of the Navy, head of the Royal Navy’s hydrographic profession, and a successor to Captain Thomas Hurd. He is the author of Eyes of the Admiralty.