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Cochrane
The life of Thomas, Lord Cochrane, later 10th Earl of Dundonald, was more extraordinary than that of Nelson, more far fetched than that of Hornblower or Patrick O'Brien's Jack Aubrey. Born the son of an eccentric and indigent Scottish peer, he entered the Royal Navy in 1793. In a series of outstanding and heroic actions, often against seemingly overwhelming odds, he made his name fighting Napoleon's navy as one of the most dashing and daring frigate captains of his day, before embarking on a career as a mercenary admiral.
447 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1978
66 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Donald Serrell Thomas
66 books33 followersaka Francis Selwyn
Donald Serrell Thomas is an English author of (primarily) Victorian-era historical, crime and detective fiction, as well as books on factual crime and criminals, in particular several academic books on the history of crime in London. He has written a number of biographies, two volumes of poetry, and has also edited volumes of poetry by John Dryden and the Pre-Raphaelites.
Donald Serrell Thomas is an English author of (primarily) Victorian-era historical, crime and detective fiction, as well as books on factual crime and criminals, in particular several academic books on the history of crime in London. He has written a number of biographies, two volumes of poetry, and has also edited volumes of poetry by John Dryden and the Pre-Raphaelites.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 25, 2014
I've read snippets of Cochrane's exploits before. I know of his appearance in fiction, from Marryat's "Mr Midshipman Easy" (who served under Cochrane at Basque Roads), and in Hornblower, Ramage and the Aubrey-Maturin series. But, the truth is better than fiction. And Donald Thomas produces an entertaining and informative account of England's most skilled single-ship sailor--more skilled at frigate actions than Nelson. (Spoiler Alert!)
Cochrane, when unjustly dismissed the service by the Royal Navy, rented himself to liberate Chile, Peru, Brazil and took part in Greek independence. Later forgiven, his British honors were restored, he rose to Admiral of the Fleet (serving for two years on the American Station) before retiring at an advanced age, having been considered, but rejected, for Crimea war service. In between, he was twice elected to Parliament, and married a beautiful woman who was among his staunchest defenders.
That being said, he was a Scots hot-head, who had no idea how to "make friends and influence people." His Parliamentary interventions were, on the whole, insulting at best, clownish at worst. He was obsessed with money--prize money especially--and he rarely received it. Cochrane was fortunate to outlive his opponents, and hang around until democratic "reform" ideas became popular.
Some quotes from this highly recommended book (with full props to Aussie Rick for the recommendation):
A troop of Presbyterians sought an interview with Lord Thurlow, The Lord Chancellor, to ask that they should not continue to suffer civil and political disqualifications merely for being Presbyterians. "Gentleman," said The Lord Chancellor, I'll be perfectly frank with you. I am against you and for the Established Church, by God. Not that I like the Established Church a bit better than any other church, but because it IS established. And whenever you can get your damned religion established, I'll be for that too. Good morning to you."
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He was the master of surprise in naval warfare, yet victim of an extraordinary degree of naïveté in dealing with governments of every complexion. With a handful of ships, he could liberate half a continent, but his attempts to win a degree of political freedom for his own countrymen led to his repeated humiliation in the House of Commons.
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He was the swashbuckling commander whose triumphs were half the result of tactical genius, and half the outcome of a practical joke played on his enemies.
Cochrane, when unjustly dismissed the service by the Royal Navy, rented himself to liberate Chile, Peru, Brazil and took part in Greek independence. Later forgiven, his British honors were restored, he rose to Admiral of the Fleet (serving for two years on the American Station) before retiring at an advanced age, having been considered, but rejected, for Crimea war service. In between, he was twice elected to Parliament, and married a beautiful woman who was among his staunchest defenders.
That being said, he was a Scots hot-head, who had no idea how to "make friends and influence people." His Parliamentary interventions were, on the whole, insulting at best, clownish at worst. He was obsessed with money--prize money especially--and he rarely received it. Cochrane was fortunate to outlive his opponents, and hang around until democratic "reform" ideas became popular.
Some quotes from this highly recommended book (with full props to Aussie Rick for the recommendation):
A troop of Presbyterians sought an interview with Lord Thurlow, The Lord Chancellor, to ask that they should not continue to suffer civil and political disqualifications merely for being Presbyterians. "Gentleman," said The Lord Chancellor, I'll be perfectly frank with you. I am against you and for the Established Church, by God. Not that I like the Established Church a bit better than any other church, but because it IS established. And whenever you can get your damned religion established, I'll be for that too. Good morning to you."
__
He was the master of surprise in naval warfare, yet victim of an extraordinary degree of naïveté in dealing with governments of every complexion. With a handful of ships, he could liberate half a continent, but his attempts to win a degree of political freedom for his own countrymen led to his repeated humiliation in the House of Commons.
__
He was the swashbuckling commander whose triumphs were half the result of tactical genius, and half the outcome of a practical joke played on his enemies.
September 12, 2015
He served under four flags: those of Britain, Chile, Brazil, and Greece. He was perhaps the greatest ship (rather than fleet) commander in all of naval history. Yet Lord Cochrane is relatively unknown outside of Britain, Greece, and South America. Donald Thomas with his book Cochrane: Britannia's Sea Wolf attempts to redress that.
Like many exceedingly brilliant military figures, Cochrane frequently ran afoul of politicians and was frequently persecuted and mulcted by them. He was accused of stock fraud in a patently ludicrous trial by an unfair judge, Lord Ellenborough, served time in prison, was stripped of his title of Knight of the bath, and removed from the navy list.
That did not dismay the Scottish sea wolf, who helped Chile and Peru win their independence from Spain by destroying that country's Pacific Fleet. When he had done all he could there, he moved on to Brazil to fight for Don Pedro I. When that was over, he joined the struggle for Greek independence, where he was prevented from winning by the factionalism of the Greek politicians.
In the end, under Queen Vicoria, he regained all his honors and died rich in years and reputation.
Like many exceedingly brilliant military figures, Cochrane frequently ran afoul of politicians and was frequently persecuted and mulcted by them. He was accused of stock fraud in a patently ludicrous trial by an unfair judge, Lord Ellenborough, served time in prison, was stripped of his title of Knight of the bath, and removed from the navy list.
That did not dismay the Scottish sea wolf, who helped Chile and Peru win their independence from Spain by destroying that country's Pacific Fleet. When he had done all he could there, he moved on to Brazil to fight for Don Pedro I. When that was over, he joined the struggle for Greek independence, where he was prevented from winning by the factionalism of the Greek politicians.
In the end, under Queen Vicoria, he regained all his honors and died rich in years and reputation.
February 14, 2019
An entertaining and engrossing book about a audacious, brave, and radical naval officer.
September 10, 2024
Extraordinary life and times of the seaman who inspired Master and Commander. Very well written
January 24, 2013
This title; Cochrane: Britannia's Sea Wolf, was first published in 1978 but has now been re-released (1999) to the benefit of all who enjoy a fast-paced historical account. After reading this book I am amazed that it has taken nearly twenty years to be re-released. What a great story Mr. Thomas tells of Thomas, Lord Cochrane, later the 10th Earl of Dundonald. From his birth through to his death covering all his exploits in numerous sea battles and actions, so many in fact that you find it hard to believe that he survived.
The book covers Cochrane's battles during the Napoleonic Wars during which, on many occasions, he sent his ship in action against overwhelming odds. It was during this period that he was recognized as one of Britain's most daring and successful captains. It was also during this period that he made many enemies, although he pressed hard in every action and took many risks, he always considered the well being of the men under his command. This later led to his single-handed campaign against corruption in the Admiralty.
Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 Cochrane commenced an extraordinary career as a mercenary admiral. He subsequently commanded the navies of Chile and Brazil and launched campaigns against their protagonists, Spain and Portugal. After finishing his 'little wars' in South America he took command of elements of the Greek navy in their war against the Turks. In all these campaigns Cochrane again showed that he was one of the best naval commanders of his time.
The narrative flowed along smoothly and although I have no great knowledge of maritime history I had no problems in following this story. In over 350 pages of text along with a number of black & white plates and a few maps Mr. Thomas tells a wonderful and exciting story. This is the type of book, which I am sure any person who has a love for history or who enjoys the novels of C. S. Forester and Patrick O'Brien will just love. A must for any serious student of naval tactics or Napoleonic warfare.
The book covers Cochrane's battles during the Napoleonic Wars during which, on many occasions, he sent his ship in action against overwhelming odds. It was during this period that he was recognized as one of Britain's most daring and successful captains. It was also during this period that he made many enemies, although he pressed hard in every action and took many risks, he always considered the well being of the men under his command. This later led to his single-handed campaign against corruption in the Admiralty.
Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 Cochrane commenced an extraordinary career as a mercenary admiral. He subsequently commanded the navies of Chile and Brazil and launched campaigns against their protagonists, Spain and Portugal. After finishing his 'little wars' in South America he took command of elements of the Greek navy in their war against the Turks. In all these campaigns Cochrane again showed that he was one of the best naval commanders of his time.
The narrative flowed along smoothly and although I have no great knowledge of maritime history I had no problems in following this story. In over 350 pages of text along with a number of black & white plates and a few maps Mr. Thomas tells a wonderful and exciting story. This is the type of book, which I am sure any person who has a love for history or who enjoys the novels of C. S. Forester and Patrick O'Brien will just love. A must for any serious student of naval tactics or Napoleonic warfare.
September 26, 2012
I read Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey/Maturin series without realising just how much O'Brien drew inspiration from real-life events. The two major points in Cochrane's life - his defeat of the Gamo by his ship, HMS Speedy, and the Stock Exchange fraud trial of 1814 - are both pivotal events in the life Jack Aubrey. Whereas O'Brien has the luxury of a fictional narrative and poetic licence to help tell the tale, Donald Thomas is confined to the facts. Nonetheless he still manages to convey all the excitement of Cochrane's many naval engagements and adventures. He also uses that flair to tell the story of Cochrane's political triumphs to great effect. It is difficult to understand why Cochrane is not held in the same regard as Nelson or Wellington and Thomas does go some way to try and use Cochrane's antagonism of the British establishment as a possible explanation. I think that those of us who are richly educated and entertained by this book and its ilk - whether fact or fiction - now owe Thomas Cochrane a duty to honour his memory and this small contribution is where I start.
August 1, 2012
On a friend's recommendation I temporarily dropped the book I was reading and started one he had brought, Cochrane: Britannia's Sea Wolf by Donald Serrell Thomas. I could not put the book down. I do not usually read biographies but this one read as an adventure story. However, I was as equally amazed at the man's accomplishments as I was at how he was systematically wronged. Moreover, I was disappointed to find that as a fan of C.S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian, these authors seemingly took scenes from Cochrane's life rather than use their own creative faculties. I highly recommend this book about the real life Hornblower/Aubrey - a brilliant captain, inventor, and liberator of Brazil, Chile, Peru and Greece.
March 25, 2025
The fictional heroics of C. S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower and Patrick O'Brian's Jack Aubrey are pale imitations of the deeds of Admiral Lord Thomas Cochrane, one of the most daring and successful real-life heroes the naval world has ever seen. In this fascinating account of his life, Donald Thomas fills in the details of Cochrane's winning exploits against the French Navy, actions that earned him the title "Sea Wolf" from Napoleon. Despite his extraordinary accomplishments and the controversies that plagued his long life, today the admiral is not well known outside the naval community. Thomas's splendid narrative is certain to give the valiant and romantic sea warrior the recognition he deserves. His meticulous scholarship and index, notes, and bibliography make the biography a useful reference. The battle descriptions are particularly noteworthy, especially that of the Basque Roads in 1809 when Cochrane nearly achieved another Nile. Cochrane's battles on land as a politician are described with equal attention to colorful detail. While mounting a vigorous campaign against corruption in the Admiralty, he gained many enemies, who, in turn, framed him in a sensational stock exchange fraud case. Imprisoned briefly, he fought back with his usual intensity, restored his reputation, and returned to sea, bound in 1818 for the wars of independence in South America. Once again with nearly total disregard of danger, he helped liberate Brazil and Chile from colonial rule. Upon his death in 1860, a few weeks before his eighty-fifth birthday, he received a hero's burial in Westminster Abbey.
August 21, 2022
Thomas Cochrane was born in Scotland in 1775. He was a descendant of several members of Scottish aristocracy and military men. He obtained title when his father died, becoming the 10th Earl of Dundonald. He was a crew member for several ships that belonged to the Royal Navy, before joining the Navy at 17. He developed a reputation for not being able to get along with his shipmates, and being insubordinate to his officers. He was, however, a very capable seaman, and did a lot to benefit the cause during the French Revolutionary War. He was back at sea, serving in the Napoleonic War, where he again proved himself to be a capable seaman. He also entered the political arena, serving on the House of Commons. He did get himself into some trouble though, involving the Great Stock Exchange Fraud. I won't ruin the book by giving away too many interesting details.
This is a great book for those interested in Naval service, or in British Naval service. I hadn't heard of this man before I was gifted this book by a friend who was in the US Navy. It was a pretty good book, and not very long either.
This is a great book for those interested in Naval service, or in British Naval service. I hadn't heard of this man before I was gifted this book by a friend who was in the US Navy. It was a pretty good book, and not very long either.
April 3, 2025
A very good biography of a British Naval officer whose adventures were so many and so daring that if his story was sold as fiction you might think it far fetched. The book is well written with battle scenes written at a fast pace bringing excitement and making me cheer on our hero wondering how he would get out of it or what he would dare to do next. The author also cover the more dry parts of the history well, including Cochrane's political endeavours and his battles with his own superiors in the British Admiralty for what he saw as fairness and anti-corruption. The book highlights, for me, that were Cochrane given what he deserved and the right opportunities by those in power in Britain during his lifetime he would today be as famous a sailor as Nelson. This adds a certain sadness and a feeling of what could have been, but it also enabled Cochrane's adventures in the service of a number of other nations that made his life so interesting. This is a very well researched and written book that blends exciting story telling with excellent history.
October 2, 2020
You can tell this author is usually more of the fictional rather than scholarly variety, but in the case of this particular subject that is probably for the best. Few people in history have led such improbable lives as Thomas Cochrane, who I personally regard as second only to Yi Sun Shin on the list of most impressive naval commanders in history.
Be warned though, the background events that explain the somewhat bizarre turn of events that occurred in Chile and Brazil are pretty breezily glossed over here so expect nothing thorough of the South American stage of his life outside of the battles.
Be warned though, the background events that explain the somewhat bizarre turn of events that occurred in Chile and Brazil are pretty breezily glossed over here so expect nothing thorough of the South American stage of his life outside of the battles.
March 8, 2023
The meticulous research was appreciated, but it also made for a rather slow read. It took me a long time to get through, as it was not a page-turner, but it was fascinating to learn the details of what life was like during this era, especially aboard ships of war and how that whole world of sea-going warfare worked. I had no idea about the complexities of the British navy, the spoils system, the corruption of the politics of the time. Fascinating! And, I had never heard of Cochrane himself, and the role he played on the world stage. I’m more of a fiction reader, but this book has me eager for more true history reads, for sure:)
June 7, 2018
A Swashbuckling true story for justice by a contemporary Nelson
A Naval hero who changed the fortunes of so many people who fought for justice and kept to his morales despite sniping from lesser men, eventually winning the support of his peers and monarch. What a compelling read. I could not put this book down. It is amazing that this hero is not commemorated more in the UK. His tomb in Westminster and HMS Cochrane in Scotland is the only reference i am aware of. His life story and backdrop to his adventures would be an amazing film and a fitting epitaph.
A Naval hero who changed the fortunes of so many people who fought for justice and kept to his morales despite sniping from lesser men, eventually winning the support of his peers and monarch. What a compelling read. I could not put this book down. It is amazing that this hero is not commemorated more in the UK. His tomb in Westminster and HMS Cochrane in Scotland is the only reference i am aware of. His life story and backdrop to his adventures would be an amazing film and a fitting epitaph.
September 17, 2019
Such a great book! I read this after learning of Cochrane via my love for the Horatio Hornblower series. If you love those books, this will defiantly be something you’ll enjoy. The craziest part of the whole biography is that it’s true.
I also love that the complexity of Lord Cochrane was demonstrated time and again. It’s too easy with historical figures to paint them with broad strokes. Here was a man who was both a hero, and a man with shortcomings.
I’d really be interested in reading his autobiography now, as well as visit his grave.
I also love that the complexity of Lord Cochrane was demonstrated time and again. It’s too easy with historical figures to paint them with broad strokes. Here was a man who was both a hero, and a man with shortcomings.
I’d really be interested in reading his autobiography now, as well as visit his grave.
October 7, 2025
An engaging account of a man who’s actions are hardly mentioned in comparison to the heroes of his time. This book describes the extent of corruption that became a standard facet of how the naval admiralty operated. His story is one of rebellion through action and defying odds through sheer will. Cochranes name was cut out of history because of how he challenged the norms and deflected the ill-intentions of those who deemed he was not suitable for respected posts in the Royal British Navy and Parliament.
December 23, 2021
Excellent biography of Thomas Cochrane, a daring sea captain capable of near-mythological genius on the waters, but blind and deaf to the institutional politics of his own military.
The finest biographies teach, and this one teaches readers tw...[see the rest on my book review site.]
The finest biographies teach, and this one teaches readers tw...[see the rest on my book review site.]
January 16, 2022
If the life of Thomas Cochrane were to be made into a film, it would be considered unbelievable.
Not only does this book shine a thorough light on the man himself, but also on the times he lived in.
A man of legend.
Not only does this book shine a thorough light on the man himself, but also on the times he lived in.
A man of legend.
October 12, 2019
Totally ripping!
May 4, 2020
Never heard of this great character until I read Bernard Cornwell, he used it for reference. What a brilliant read, if only all history books were written just like this.
February 12, 2022
Brilliant!
March 17, 2022
Excellent.
November 24, 2022
an uncompromising hero
Cochrane a tactical genius at sea and a hand grenade in the commons! A prickly hero, a scientist and a speculator! A fully fledged man of action.
Cochrane a tactical genius at sea and a hand grenade in the commons! A prickly hero, a scientist and a speculator! A fully fledged man of action.
November 19, 2016
Thomas Cochrane was certainly a colorful character who had a full life serving successfully in the Royal Navy, then after a scandal he undertook to serve in South America and eventually in Greece. He also used his talents as an inventor of explosive devices to aid in his raids along the Atantic coast during the Napoleonic period and later battles.
One interesting point of this book was his idea to have Napoleon serve as the leader of the country in some of the South American revolutions. I can just imagine how that would have gone over in Britain.
Much of his later life was spent in trying to redeem his reputation from the Stock Exchange Scandal, and in trying to recover the prize monies, which he felt were owed him. He was more successful with the former than the latter.
Anyone with a basic knowledge of this period should find Cochrane's life to be one of interest.
One interesting point of this book was his idea to have Napoleon serve as the leader of the country in some of the South American revolutions. I can just imagine how that would have gone over in Britain.
Much of his later life was spent in trying to redeem his reputation from the Stock Exchange Scandal, and in trying to recover the prize monies, which he felt were owed him. He was more successful with the former than the latter.
Anyone with a basic knowledge of this period should find Cochrane's life to be one of interest.
May 8, 2008
I was prompted to find a biography of Cochrane after his influence on "Sharpe's Devil" by Bernerd Cornwell and on Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey/Maturin series especially "Master and Commander".
I didn't expect to find such a clear, easy to read text let alone the fascinating and outrageous details of this 19th C bad boy genius. He could easily have commanded Verne's Nautilus. The Danes should be very glad Wellington never let them use Cochrane's "gunpowder Atomic Bomb" on Copenhagen!
I didn't expect to find such a clear, easy to read text let alone the fascinating and outrageous details of this 19th C bad boy genius. He could easily have commanded Verne's Nautilus. The Danes should be very glad Wellington never let them use Cochrane's "gunpowder Atomic Bomb" on Copenhagen!
October 4, 2012
The real man who was the basis for Master and Commander, only Cochrane was way, way more interesting on the sea and on land!
August 12, 2013
Loved the Patrick O'Brian stories but the author really shows that the truth is more fantastic then any fiction
March 14, 2008
I'm not normally into adventures on the high sea, but I really enjoyed this read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews