by M J Whitley (Author)
Fast, compact and formidable, destroyers were in the thick of the action in every theatre of operations during the Second World War. Demands made upon the flotillas were enormous: not only were they to escort the main battle fleets into action, but they were also called upon to escort convoys, protecting their charges against the depredations of aircraft and submarines. The torpedo role diminished and, increasingly, destroyers were called upon to perform a wide range of duties, often of the most hazardous nature. Losses were high. Illustrated with more than 480 photographs and line drawings, DESTROYERS OF WORLD WAR TWO is the first large-scale, comprehensive encyclopedia to detail in one volume all the destroyers extant, completed or laid down during the period 1939-45 by the navies of the world. Each class is described under three headings - Design, Modifications and Service - while full data tabulations are also presented.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 320
Edition: New edition
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Published: 10 Oct 2002
ISBN 10: 0304356751
ISBN 13: 9780304356751
Book Overview: Fully international, unrivalled coverage of World War Two destroyers Fantastic photo source for historians and modellers: over 400 photographs Each class also illustrated with plan and profile drawings Includes full design, modification and service histories