British Submarines 1939–45

British Submarines 1939–45 cover

Description

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 The author has accessed many previously unpublished sources and draws on his own extensive underwater research to give a highly detailed and informed account of the British submarine.

Table of Contents

Introduction·The S-Class submarine·The U-Class Submarine·Other British Submarine Classes·Operations, 1939–40·The Mediterranean·The Far East·Bibliography·Colour Plate Commentary·Index

Product details

Published Nov 28 2006
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781846030079
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 7 col
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series New Vanguard
Short code NVG 129
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Innes McCartney

Dr Innes McCartney is a nautical archaeologist, ex…

Illustrator

Tony Bryan

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