The Shannon and the Chesapeake - British Sea Shanty

British patriotic sea shanty about the capture of USS Chesapeake, 1813.

Sung by Jerry Bryant and the Starboard Mess.

Links to the images:

[TalutellenduUle]

The Americans are rightly proud of their naval performance in the war of 1812, however the Shannon and the Chesapeake was pretty much the only real 'equal' naval fight of the war.

The famous American frigates tended to pray on smaller vessels than themselves, and the victories ships like the USS Constitution won were by and large against inferior forces; smaller ships in need of repair and often undermanned due to the demands of Britain's war with Napoleon.

Shannon was a different kettle of fish; a British warship as she was meant to be, and as a result, a shocking wake up call for the overconfident US navy, which promptly banned any more ship duels. The battle was ferociously bloody and all agreed everyone on both sides gave a good account of themselves.

I cant blame the Americans for by and large trying to pick easier fights; its entirely sensible to pick fights with weaker opponents when you haven't got many ships to lose.

[NZC_Meow]

So many references to other songs! This song is so good!!

[wisserke]

Notwithstanding all their brag,
Now the glorious British flag
At the Yankee mizzen peak
Was quite the dandy-o.

[Tea_and_Cake]

Love some good Canadian patriotism, GSTK

[Sonny-mf]

This is the Scots song the bonny lass of Fyve'O