What a weird name for a sailboat well yes and no. A forlorn hope is a band of soldiers or other combatants chosen to take the leading part in a military operation, such as an assault on a defended position, where the risk of casualties is high. The term comes from the Dutch verloren hoop, literally "lost heap", and adapted as "lost troop".[1][2][3][4] The Dutch word hoop (in its sense of heap in English) is not cognate with English hope: this is an example of false folk etymology.[5][6][7]
In the days of muzzle-loading muskets, it was most frequently used to refer to the first wave of soldiers attacking a breach in defences during a siege. It was likely that most members of the forlorn hope would be killed or wounded. The intention was that some would survive long enough to seize a foothold that could be reinforced, or at least that a second wave with better prospects could be sent in while the defenders were reloading or engaged in mopping up the remnants of the first wave.
A forlorn hope was typically composed of volunteers and led by a junior officer with hopes of personal advancement. If they survived, and performed courageously, they would be expected to benefit in the form of promotions, cash gifts and adding glory to their name. The commanding officer was almost guaranteed both a promotion and a long-term boost to his career prospects. As a result, despite the risks, there was often competition for the opportunity to lead the assault. For me it is about being out there taking a bit of risk to get ahead with the hope of something better some freedom. John
Monday 4 April 2011
My first blog like my first boat is probably going to sink but what the hell.
I wish I had something witty to say but the reason I thought I would start my own blog has to do with being a father of four kids and keeping a roof over their heads and loving sailing. I have a Halman 20 and big dreams and Ive been reading and studying and planning voyages. There is however very little information for the family guy the "blue coller holler" out there. Time to change that time to participate. I love sailing and everything to do with sailing so here we go. John
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