Pressgangs, Conscripts and Professionals

[anteros_lmc]

Just checking in after getting back from Portsmouth where nodbear and I had a fab weekend at the National Museum of the Royal Navy's Pressgangs, Conscripts and Professionals Conference. It was a much smaller conference than the Port Towns Conference we were at last month, however what the audience lacked in size, it more than made up for in eminence! Both Brian Lavery and N.A.M Rodger were there along with two retired admirals, a head of department from Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth and a retired lieutenant colonel of the US Marine Corps :}

The conference papers were all excellent, several were by doctoral students undertaking large scale statistical analyses of musterbooks and naval records, but there were also some brilliant papers on the role of evangelists in reforming the navy, the use of uniform and clothing as recruiting tools, the history of the Wrens, and "balladry, naval recruitment and the language of patriotism in 18th century Britain". The majority of the papers were on the sailing navy but somehow I ended up chairing a session about 20th century and contemporary naval recruiting, which is a subject I know absolutely zilch about!

nodbear and I presented a paper on the naval and merchant service of two of the Indefatigable's Scottish midshipmen which seemed to go down rather well. We got lots of questions and N.A.M. Roger seemed to be genuinely interested that we presented evidence that rather contradicted the accepted historical view that Pellew was only concerned with promoting the sons of powerful political friends and allies. So if we've gone some way to help reform Ned's reputation among the proper naval historians we'd be very happy bunnies indeed :)

Comments

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Thank you m'dear, we had a fab time! :)

[stevie-carroll.livejournal.com]

That all sounds fabulous! I'm braving the Roads and Road Transport History Association without Dad this year, but I don't think there'll be anyone there quite as impressive as some of your line-up.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

It was indeed fabulous! Sorry we didn't have time to catch up (again). We'll be back again in May though, so perhaps third time lucky?!

[stevie-carroll.livejournal.com]

Fingers crossed...

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Huzzay for my brave 'history' re-writers.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Every fangirl must do her duty, and all that! :)

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

Funny how history is not static. Our picture of the past continues to change. I like that.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

That's very true indeed! Though it's amazing how often the "historical" version of events isn't supported by the evidence.

[aletheiafelinea.livejournal.com]

Congratulations, especially for this: seemed to be genuinely interested that we presented evidence that rather contradicted the accepted historical view. Huzzah for fans and fandom work! :)

(And I must say I love the photo.)

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Thank you m'dear! I hope we can do the fangirls proud :)

[amaraal.livejournal.com]

A retired lieutenant colonel of the US Marine Corps? Was he in uniform? *drools* Very impressive list btw.
I vote for a blockbuster about Ned's life! With at least five sequels :)

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Ha! We've already cast that blockbuster ;)

[amaraal.livejournal.com]

LOL Who plays Ned?

[nodbear.livejournal.com]

That would be telling -actually I don't know that it would be easy to find one actor who could go from young Ned to the elderly Lord Ned.

I have been known to say in the past that there are no English actors who are 6ft redneads with Pellews' nose around - but of course there is one -but whatever his many merits he is no Ned Pellew - not at all !

Mr Lindsay actually did a good job in so far as the scripts would allow him but he is long past being Mr Midshipman Ned

but Anteros and I think a drama documentary based on our work with most of the cast ( including Jamie putting his francophone ability to use as Captain Bergeret) would be - er - educational :)
we would take a very very close interest in the filming...
for the sake of historical accuracy of course

[amaraal.livejournal.com]

*snort* Of course :)

Agreed - couldn't think of an actor who could do both versions - young Pellew and Admiral Pellew...
Mr Bamber as Bergeret - well, good choice! Is there a chance for Mr Gruffud being casted too? Or he is the narrator :)

Who will write the script, btw? But then I insist that there will be 'behind the scenes' shots too :)

[nodbear.livejournal.com]

Sorry for looking as if I am missing from this - LJ decided to fail to make this thread appear on my friends page so I have endede up being late as ever is !

But yes we have had a grand time as ever is and even provoked some laughter in our presentation and aftere - questions.

But if I had to defne the best bits personally- well I think i might add them in a post too.