Customer Reviews (4)

trawlers drifters and tugs
this is volume 2 which covers trawlers drifters and tugs plus requistioned ships. It does not cover purpose built warships. This is not what I expected and the information povided in the book description is wrong, no battleships, carriers, cruisers, submarines, destroyers or even corvettes arelisted. While it is useful info on the support ships of the fleet, it doesn't cover the fleet's main units at all

Of limited use as a research asset.
Curiously, having been a fan of Volume One of this work for over 30 years, I was, until very recently, completely unaware of the existence of this, Volume 2.

Sadly, most of the vessels listed in this particular book have even less detail than is shown in Volume 1 and even that is the bare minimum. That said, the information for many of the vessels listed probably no longer exists. Writers will always prefer to write about big and great ships. Those responsible for keeping records on lesser vessels will confine their work to a minimum of detail. Consequently, when individual ships cease to be a part of the Royal Navy fleet - be they scrapped, sold or lost at sea, it is only to be expected that the historic details of these minor craft will become lost with time.

Thousands of Royal Navy Trawlers, Drifters, Tugs and Requisitioned Ships are listed in strict alphabetical with scant details against each name. The following are two examples of this minimum detail; "BRENDA Tender. Hired 1854-55." "LION Tug. Purchased 2.1854. Sold 4.4.1854."

Elsewhere, the authors have tried to include details such as; Type, displacement, date acquired (hired or purchased) date sold. There is no narrative at all.

The book does contain errors and, once again, is only useful as a quick reference in cases where the reader wishes to establish whether or not a vessel with a particular name actually existed.

As with Volume 1, this book is regularly updated for those who wish to have the most complete list of British Naval vessels.

NM

An invaluable but limited research asset.
I was visiting the rather splendid library in the centre of Gibraltar in 1977 when a fellow researcher took me under his wing and introduced me to this book. I was so impressed, I purchased a copy shortly thereafter and I am still using it.

Thousands of Royal Navy ships are listed in strict alphabetical order but with a minimum of detail. Where there have been a number of ships of the same name, the earliest is listed first. Facts against each ship's name include; Type, displacement, length and breadth, number and size of guns, builder, date completed (or date purchased/acquired) and fate. There is no narrative - not even for those ships sunk in famous engagements.

The book does contain errors and points over which purists will argue long into the night. This product is only useful as a quick reference in cases where the reader wishes to establish exactly whether or not "HMS Whatever" actually existed, how many ships called Ark Royal there have ever been, or exactly how big is HMS Belfast - now moored on the River Thames. Beyond that, the book is of precious little value although it really does help the researcher to get started.

Regularly updated for those who wish to have the most complete list of British Naval vessels.

NM

Good reference work
An encyclopedia-style book with brief entries on every British warship since the 15th century. Information includes ship type, tonnage/dimensions, armament, shipyard where built, years of service. It would be great to see short histories of each ship's career, but that would obviously require a much larger book. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive guide from the publishers of one of the foremost magazines for arms collectors, 'Man at Arms', is organized in an easy-to-access format by subject, author and title. Includes an issue-by-issue synopsis. Cover photos are reproduced in miniature. 91 b&w illus., 6.5"x9.25". ... Read more

Product Description
This quarterly journal, since its launch in 1972, has been regarded as the world's leading ship modeling publication. The mixture of articles, reviews, news and comment from model makers worldwide provides the best and most detailed information available anywhere, and is enhanced with authentic plans, clear diagrams and many photographs.