Show notes
In a world where Nelson dominates discussion of the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic era, arguably more significant figues have been pushed to the sidelines. In this episode, we explore the fascinating career of John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, and his role in the Napoleonic Wars. Join us as we delve into his early life, naval career, personality, and the myths surrounding his legacy, with insights from historian Evan Wilson.Evan's books: https://boydellandbrewer.com/book/a-social-history-of-british-naval-officers-1775-1815-9781783271740/?v=7885444af42ehttps://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781625347336/Horrible-Peace-British-Veterans-End-1625347332/plpKeywordNapoleonic Wars, John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, naval history, Evan Wilson, biography, British Navy, maritime strategyTime Stamps:00:00 Introduction to the Napoleonic Navy and John Jarvis03:11 The Early Life of John Jarvis05:56 The Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Early Career08:47 The Role of Patronage in Jarvis's Naval Career12:03 Jarvis's Path to Becoming a Lieutenant15:14 The Influence of Key Figures in Jarvis's Career18:11 Jarvis's Experiences in the West Indies20:55 The Transition to Lieutenant and Early Naval Actions23:58 The Quebec Expedition and Emerging Myths26:46 Personality Traits and Early Reputation of Jarvis35:17 The Complexity of Historical Figures37:12 The Quebec Campaign: A Naval Perspective43:37 Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Role45:12 Jarvis's Command Style and Leadership53:10 The American War of Independence: Jarvis's Contributions01:05:05 Jarvis's Rise to Prominence