The Sins of Men (The Peter Smith Chronicles) by Danny J. Bradbury

Can an impoverished boy overcome his humble beginnings, abduction, and mistreatment to participate in a series of pivotal events in world history? Raised in poverty and hopelessness on the streets of Portsmouth, Peter Beale is forced into a life of crime just to survive. This lifestyle leaves him vulnerable, and he is snatched by an uncaring Naval officer against his will. He is pressed into service aboard the HMS Progress, a British man of war, which quickly becomes his prison.