Mutiny

It is 1797 and Kydd is now master's mate on Achilles, diverted to Gibraltar to be part of the defences of the fabled Rock. There, he is reunited with his enigmatic friend Nicholas Renzi, and volunteers to join a dangerous voyage to rescue a diplomat fleeing over the Alps. In Venice, against the backdrop of Bonaparte's imminent conquest, their chances look slim. Kydd finally sets sail for England and finds himself at the centre of the Mutiny at the Nore. Ten thousand men, one thousand guns and scores of ships hold the country to ransom. But the Dutch Fleet at Texel threatens the very survival of England; should they prevail the country will be lost to the French. In the bloody Battle of Camperdown that ensues, the sailors experience the horror of a fleet in action.Biographical NoteJulian Stockwin was sent to sea-training school at the age of fourteen, then he joined the Royal Navy at fifteen. He transferred to the Royal Australian Navy when his family emigrated and saw service in the Far East, the Antarctic and the South Seas.In Vietnam he served on a carrier task force. Later commissioned into the Royal Naval Reserve. He was awarded the MBE and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He now lives in Devon with his wife Kathy.Julian Stockwin is also the author of "Artemis", "Seaflower" and "Kydd".