author
Sir Henry Keppel
1809–1904
A fearless Royal Navy officer who spent much of the 19th century at sea, he became known for action, dash, and a gift for turning dangerous service into vivid stories. His long career carried him from Spain and China to the Crimea and the Mediterranean, ending with the highest rank in the Royal Navy.
4 Audiobooks
The Expedition to Borneo of H.M.S. Dido For the Suppression of Piracy
by Sir Henry Keppel, Rajah of Sarawak James
A sailor's life under four sovereigns, Volume 1 (of 3)
by Sir Henry Keppel
A sailor's life under four sovereigns, Volume 3 (of 3)
by Sir Henry Keppel
A sailor's life under four sovereigns, Volume 2 (of 3)
by Sir Henry Keppel
About the author
Born on 14 June 1809, Henry Keppel entered the Royal Navy as a boy and built a career that stretched across some of the century's best-known naval campaigns. He served off Spain during the First Carlist War, took part in operations in China during the First Opium War, and later fought in the Crimean War. Over time he rose through the service to become Admiral of the Fleet.
Keppel was admired for his energy and personal bravery, and he gained a reputation as one of the Royal Navy's most colorful officers. He also held important senior commands, including service in China and in the Mediterranean, showing that he was valued not only for courage in action but for leadership at the highest level.
He lived a remarkably long life, dying on 17 January 1904. His career offers a window into the age of the global British Navy, and his memoirs helped preserve the lively, adventurous side of that world for later readers.