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naval-warfare-subterfuge
The chapter explores deception in naval warfare, with the rain-ships distracting the French while the real British fleet maneuvers elsewhere.
1 chapter across 1 book
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (2004)Susanna Clarke
Chapter 33
In November 1807, a mysterious British fleet of seemingly hundreds of warships suddenly appears off the coast of Brest, France, defying natural laws and naval expectations. The ships are revealed to be made of rain, animated by a magical spell, which holds them motionless and silent, confusing the French officers. After days of observation, the spell breaks as the rain stops, and the illusory fleet dissolves, leaving the French alone and unaware that the real British navy has been slipping into other strategic ports.