author

William Gordon Perrin

b. 1874

Known for turning deep Admiralty research into vivid maritime history, this early 20th-century writer became a leading authority on British naval flags. His work still stands out for its mix of patient scholarship and practical seafaring knowledge.

1 Audiobook

British Flags: Their Early History, and Their Development at Sea

British Flags: Their Early History, and Their Development at Sea

by William Gordon Perrin

About the author

Born on February 10, 1874, William Gordon Perrin built his career through civil service and hard work rather than a long formal education. After entering the Admiralty in 1893, he worked in the Record Office and Legal Branch, where he developed the research habits and specialist interests that shaped his writing.

Perrin later served as private secretary to senior Admiralty officials and became Admiralty Librarian in 1908. He was closely involved in reorganizing the library and was widely respected for his efficiency, historical knowledge, and commitment to naval records.

He is best remembered for books on maritime history and naval signaling, especially British Flags: Their Early History, and Their Development at Sea and Nelson's Signals. He also edited important historical works for the Navy Records Society and served as honorary editor of The Mariner's Mirror from 1922 until his death in 1931.