Online lecture | The Cutlass
This online lecture by naval historian Dr. Mark Barton explores the history of the British Royal Navy cutlass from its official adoption in 1804 through its final withdrawal in 2014. The talk covers the motivations behind its adoption during wartime, reasons for its initial inferiority and subsequent rejection of improvements, new patterns in the Victorian era, a procurement scandal, and its eventual uses in action and ceremonial service. The video is presented by the Royal Armouries.






