British Submarines 1939–45 (New Vanguard, 129) - Softcover

McCartney, Innes

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1846030072 ISBN 13: 9781846030079

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2006

Synopsis

The submarine was as formidable a weapon for the Royal Navy in World War II as for the other main combatant nations. The first half of this book explores the conception, design, development and subesequent evolution of the three major classes: the "S", "T", and "U".

The "S" Class submarine was originally conceived in the 1920s, specifically for deployment in narrow seas. As the war progressed the submarine was modified to increase its diving capability and fuel-carrying capacity, and radar and many other features were added. The "S" Class served in all theaters from the North Atlantic to the Pacific with notable success, in many cases surviving very severe damage.

The "T" Class submarine was originally conceived for operations in the Far East, thus was one of the largest types to be built and serve in World War II. The development of the "T" Class during the war was sometimes at the expense of its underwater stability and in the Mediterranean theater half of the submarines that were deployed sunk.

The "U" Class include Upholder, the most successful British submarine of World War II.

The second half of the book surveys the major submarine actions of the war, including the Norwegian Campaign, operatins to save Malta and many other engagements in all theaters involving British submarines, German U-Boats and the Japanese. The author has accessed many previously unpublished sources and draws on his own extensive underwater research to give a highly detailed and informed account of the British submarine.

About this title

About the Author

Innes McCartney is a naval history enthusiast, who runs his own publishing company specialising in naval history. He lectures on a variety of naval history subjects. Unusually, he combines his knowledge of naval history with a passion for diving and has explored many submarine and ship wrecks to uncover vital information about their design and battle experience. He was part of a team who worked on a Channel 4 documentary on the battle of Jutland. He lives and works in Penzance, Cornwall. The author lives in Penzance, Cornwall, UK.

Review

“In all, a very interesting read with enough technical information clarifying the major differences in the classes of submarines, without being overly complex for the casual reader. However, it has chapters covering fleet operations that make most interesting reading and a fitting testimony to the bravery and daring of the British submariners. A definate recomendation for those with either a keen or just passing interest in the subject and if you want to know how a British submarine captain sunk a tank in a torpedo attack you will just have to buy the book.” ―Ian Shaw, Model Shipwrights

About this edition

• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1846030072
• ISBN 13: 9781846030079
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Bryan Tony