Churchill's Navy: The ships, people and organisation, 1939-1945

In this remarkable book, now reissued in paperback, Brian Lavery examines every aspect of the Royal Navy, both ashore and at sea, during the Second World War, and casts a lucid eye over the strengths and weaknesses of an organisation that was put under acute strain during the period, yet rose to the challenge with initiative and determination.

Divided into twelve sections, the book delves into the structure of naval power from the Board of Admiralty and shore commands to officers and crews, their recruitment and training, daily life and discipline. The roles of the Reserves, Merchant Navy, Royal Marines and Wrens within this structure are also explained. Developments in ship design and technology, as well as advances in intelligence, sensors and armament are all discussed and set in context. The different divisions are dealt with one by one, including the Submarine Service, Fleet Air Arm, Coastal Forces, and Combined Operations. The text is complemented by over 300 illustrations and the personal accounts of those who served. Read more Continue reading Read less ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian Lavery is one of Britain's leading naval historians and a prolific author. A Curator Emeritus at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, and a renowned expert on the sailing navy and the Royal Navy, in 2007 he won the prestigious Desmond Wettern Maritime Media Award. His naval writing was further honored in 2008 with the Society of Nautical Research's Anderson Medal. His recent titles include Ship, Royal Tars, Conquest of the Ocean, In Which They Served, and the Sunday Times bestseller Empire of the Seas. --This text refers to an alternate kindleedition edition. REVIEW
"This book covers every facet of life in the Royal Navy in the Second World War. Incredibly comprehensive, it ranges from esoteric matters such as the Admiralty Board and command structures to the reality of life on the lower deck of an escort. Lavery hasn't shrunk from exposing weaknesses as much as illustrated strengths; everything from the legacy of pre-war neglect and the very real threat of mutiny in 1944 in certain ships to the development of radar." -- History Today

"In this wide-ranging, lavishly illustrated book, Lavery shows how Churchill inspired those who served under him, and does not gloss over the weaknesses. An inspiring read." -- The Good Book Guide

"This really is a tour de force of life in the wartime Navy. Fascinating and informative, it is also a delight to read." -- Warship World

"Breaks new ground in its comprehensive approach to the subject . . . and should be in the library of everyone interested in the Royal Navy of World War 2." -- Navy News

"The real strength of Churchill's Navy is in taking the big picture, showing how all the different maritime services--from the Wrens to the Marines--contributed to the war effort." -- Nautilus Telegraph

"Churchill's Navy is a 300-page coffee table book that will make an excellent gift for anyone who served in the Royal Navy during the last war. Superbly illustrated in colour and black and white pictures with exploded drawings showing how complex items such as torpedeos and guns work, this is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the reality of life in the Royal Navy during those crucial years." -- Now & Then Magazine

--This text refers to an alternate kindleedition edition. Read more Continue reading Read less