Royal Navy Home Fleet 1939–41

The last line of defence at Scapa Flow

Royal Navy Home Fleet 1939–41 cover

Description

Packed with illustrations, this is a new history and analysis of how the Royal Navy's most important fleet operated and fought the German Navy in the crucial first years of World War II.

Throughout its history, the Royal Navy's most powerful fleet has been the one guarding home waters. In this book, naval historian Angus Konstam explores the fighting power, the roles, and the battles of the Home Fleet, in the crucial first years of World War II when it was Britain's most powerful fighting force, anchored in the northern bastion of Scapa Flow.

He explains the complex responsibilities of the fleet, charged simultaneously with preventing the powerful German Navy from breaking out into the Atlantic; preparing to challenge any cross-Channel invasion force; and attacking German naval operations in the North Sea. Home Fleet actions included the loss of HMS Hood, the sinking of the Bismarck and countering the invasion of Norway, Germany's biggest amphibious operation of the war.

Packed with striking new artwork and 3D diagrams and maps, this book offers a detailed portrait of the Home Fleet during these most crucial years of the war, from the capabilities of the warships to logistics and intelligence-gathering, to how the fleet was organized and commanded, and how and why it fought as it did.

Table of Contents

(Subject to Confirmation)
THE FLEET'S PURPOSE
FLEET FIGHTING POWER
The Ships
Technical Factors
HOW THE FLEET OPERATED
Doctrine, Command, and Communication
Intelligence and Deception
Logistics and Facilities
COMBAT AND ANALYSIS
The Fleet in Combat
Analysis
FURTHER READING

Product details

Published Mar 26 2024
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472861481
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Illustrated throughout with at least 40 archive photos and 15 pages of original colour illustrations
Dimensions 10 x 7 inches
Series Fleet
Short code FLT 5
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Angus Konstam

Angus Konstam is a Fellow of the Royal Historical…

Illustrator

Jim Laurier

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives i…

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