The Baltic Prize

Chapter 59

Victory

As the dinner progressed, the formality of a commander-in-chief’s entertainment in the great cabin of his flagship eased, then melted away. Flushed faces, happy talk and open laughter filled the hallowed space as was to be expected from those whose destinies had so recently passed from uncertain to assured.

Captain Sir Thomas Kydd was well content with life and sat back to listen to Byam Martin of Implacable tell of the last hour of gallant Vsevolod, which, he swore, deserved a better fate than to be deserted by her comrades.

Hearing the tale, now in the warmth of the company of his peers, it was ironic to be calmly at anchor and enjoying such fine fellowship and a splendid meal so close to the enemy, now skulking in what could only be fear and trembling of Nelson’s heirs.

The cloth drawn, brandy and cigars made their appearance.

Talk died away and faces turned to the centre of the long table: the admiral was getting to his feet.

‘Fellow captains. Brothers-in-arms of the Baltic Fleet. I shan’t speak for long.’ His usual cool-headed, aloof features were lined, strained. ‘I entered the Baltic at the beginning of the year with the most grievous burden it has been the lot of any commander to bear – the preservation of the last and only channel for the exports of our industries, which alone pay for this war.’

He looked about him, at the score or more captains, anxious or mature, seasoned mariners or fresh-faced young men, all joined in the one great endeavour, and smiled. ‘The Great Belt and Sound are now highways on which our trade is secure, no matter the enduring of gunboats and the worst the weather can bring. Tireless patrols by greater and lesser have near exterminated the privateer vermin and we have finally devised a gateway for our merchant shipping opening directly into the continent of Napoleon Bonaparte.’ The smile vanished. ‘Yet from the very first there has always been a dire vision, a sceptre that has haunted me since first we passed into these waters. You will probably know to what I refer – the Russians and their fleet.’

There were knowing looks around the table.

‘As our forces were divided on their various occasions, I knew too well that all it required was for a determined sortie from Kronstadt to fall upon us in our weakened state, and our bold and noble cause would be finished. Then I received news that finally such had occurred – and with an armament greater than any that has faced our country since Trafalgar.

‘In the towns and villages of the kingdom they will not hear of a mighty clash at arms, a desperate confrontation, but you and I know full well what we have achieved together. The Imperial Russian Navy is now locked up within Ragervik and I hold the key. It shall remain there impotent until the ice comes to seize it. Next year when the ice retreats they will find me here waiting, and I will not be moved.

‘And I will tell you what it means. In fine – we have won! We have prevailed over the Tsar, over Bonaparte, the elements themselves. In a friendless sea we have established and secured the greatest victory of all.’

Then, beaming triumphantly, he proposed the toast, ‘Do raise your glass with me and drink to our prize.

‘Gentlemen: the Baltic!’