President’s Foreword The 2021 issue of the Trafalgar Chronicle is truly a unique one. Unlike previous editions, the distinction of this issue lies with the individual authors overcoming the consequences of the COvId-19 pandemic. Namely, they submitted their wellresearched products despite lacking access to archives, libraries and museums; all closed to the public as a precaution to avoid spreading the deadly virus. I wish to extend a well-deserved ‘Bravo Zulu’ – well done to them for their purposefulness and creativity in overcoming a truly once in a lifetime set of restrictions. The central theme for the 2021 issue is Georgian Navy encounters with indigenous populations and enslaved people. The editors chose this theme during a planning session in 2019, and little did they know that the following year’s news headlines would be affixed to the global political and social unrest due to racial conflict that started across the US in 2020. These events have produced a re-examination of Western history as it pertains to colonisation, exploration and slavery. The editors’ selected theme has become pertinent to contemporary events in a way they did not foresee. Another aspect of this issue is that it contains contributions by authors from six countries, and in doing so, this particular issue of the Trafalgar Chronicle reinforces its international reputation. This issue also reflects the mission The 1805 Club is now undertaking to become the ‘go to’ association for scholars and enthusiasts of the Georgian maritime era. The Trafalgar Chroniclemirrors the Club’s aim to inspire greater understanding of the achievements of the maritime world of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Also, as with The 1805 Club, the Trafalgar Chronicle takes its name from the iconic Battle of Trafalgar that gave Nelson his acclaimed place in history and confirmed the role of the Royal Navy in asserting its sea power. Through this journal, the reader will see that The 1805 Club is building a global community open to enthusiasts of naval history from all backgrounds, recognising the role of the world’s sailing navies of the Georgian period and promoting their legacy to the modern seafaring age. I wish to convey my hearty congratulations to the editors and to the writers who have contributed to this year’s volume – well done! AdMIRALSIRJONATHONBANdGCBdL Former First Sea Lord President of The 1805 Club 5
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