•- For four centuries, Sir Francis Drake has symbolized English nonchalance and cunning in the face of danger.
-First, according to the legend drummed into every pupil, he insisted on finishing his game of bowls on Plymouth Hoe as the Spanish Armada approached in July 1588.
-Then he dispatched the enemy ships with little more than a few burning rowing boats and a favorable breeze.
-But yesterday, it was claimed that Elizabeth's protestant throne was saved by a less celebrated ally: the Turkish Navy