This is a history of navies in the Baltic Sea and its approaches, from
the Skaggerak to the Gulfs of Bothnia and Finland. Throughout history,
navies have inherently supported civil society and the prosperity that
international trade brings. Two navies in particular have played a
significant role in the Baltic and this book portrays the relationship
between the Swedish and British Navies over the centuries. In the 1700s
Britain was a global naval power and developed doctrine, ships and
culture which were copied by others, but the relationship with Sweden
became special. While Britain and its navy depended upon Baltic Sea
trade for timber, tar, iron and grain, the foundation was laid for the
Swedish Navy, its self-image, tactics, materials and traditions. Many of
these interactions have centred around thrilling, colourful, strong
individuals, and many are the stories of how their good sense and good
judgement created friendship and trust, rather than discord and
conflict. These collected accounts demonstrate how British naval
officers have had an influence on the development, not only of the
Swedish Navy, but also of Sweden itself. Only once during the centuries
have the two countries been officially at war with each other, but not a
shot was fired.
