RICHARD THE CRTLSADER, A NAVAL HERO

Otago Witness, Issue 2692, 18 October 1905, Page 2 (Supplement)

RICHARD THE CRTLSADER, A NAVAL HERO

In the reign of Henry I Portsmouth came into prominence as a place of naval importance, and Henry II enacted some of the earliest Navigation Laws ; but it was not until the reign of Richard that we have any clearly defined naval action. In 1191, when nearing Beirout, Richard discovered a huge ship ahead — " A marvellous ship ! a ship than which, except Noah's ship, none greater was ever read of ! She was full of men to the incredible number of 1500, among whom were seven emirs and 80 chosen Turks for the defence of Acre ; and was laden with bows, arrows, and other weapons, an abundance of Greek fire in jars, and 200 most deadly serpents prepared for the destruction of Christians." Richard ordered an attack, "but though the galleys rowed round and about her in all directions, her great height and the number of her crew, whose arrows fell with deadly effect from her decks, rendered it extremely difficult to board her." The men becoming discouraged and hanging back, the King accused them of sloth and fear, and swore that if the ship escaped every man he had should be hung on the cross or put to extreme torture. Making a virtue of necessity the men emulated Richard and the ship was taken. It is said that its captxue led to the downfall of Acre.