Battleships - WWII Evolution Of The Big Guns (Images Of War - Rare Photographs From Wartime Archives)

Renowned Naval Author and Photographer Philip Kaplan illustrates with Archival images the development and history of the class of warship known as the Battleship - from its earliest days of the Dreadnought through to the Super Battleships of The Second World War and beyond. All the major naval engagements Battleships have participated in are covered from The Battle Of Tsushima in 1905 right upto their most recent use in in the 1990s during The Gulf War, as are all the major classes and warships of the Four main 'Battleship Powers' (British and Commonwealth, Germany, Japan, and America). Some of the Naval Warships examined inside the text and photographs include; KMS Scharnhorst (1939-43), KMS Gneisenau (1938-42), KMS Bismarck (1940-41), KMS Tirpitz (1941-44), HMS Warspite (1915-45), HMS Dreadnought (1906-19), HMS King George V (1940-49), HMS Vanguard (1910-17), HMS Hood (1920-41), IJNS Fuji (1897-1923), IJNS Mikasa (1902-23), IJNS Fuso (1915-45), IJNS Yamato (1941-45), USS Arizona (1916-41), USS Missouri (1944-55 & 1986-92), USS West Virginia (1923-47) and USS Oklahoma (1916-41). As well as covering the machinery and equipment that helped to make the Battleship such an awesome force to be reckoned with, Philip Kaplan also examines the men and women who designed, constructed, sailed and commanded these 'Grey Castles' in war and peace until they were finally rendered obsolete by their own long-term adversaries - Submerged Warfare and Air Power. A pictorial history of American, Japanese, German, and British battleships in World War II. Beginning with a pictorial essay on battleship construction in the 1930s and 1940s, this book looks at the various design facets of the last great capital ships of the world's navies. Kaplan offers us a glimpse into those massive American and German navy yards and construction facilities that were put to use during this time, acquainting us with the arenas in which these final examples of battleship technology were laid down, built up, launched, fitted out, commissioned and taken out to sea. The book roots itself in a period of monumental change within the history of contemporary warfare. With the baton being passed from the battleship community to that of the aircraft carrier, the iconic battleship was gradually superseded by a new and even more threatening weapons system. It was destined to be consigned to the history books, whilst newer, slicker and more efficient fighting machines took precedence. This publication serves as a tribute to a lost legend of naval warfare. There is a look at some of modern history's most significant battleships, relaying their thrilling stories, defining characteristics and eventual fates. Ships featured include Scharnhorst , Gneisenau , Warspite , Tirpitz and Yamato . The book is completed with 'Fast and Last,' a visit on board the four final examples of battleship technology and design, the last serving battleships USS Iowa , USS New Jersey , USS Wisconsin , and USS Missouri . Their Second World War careers are recounted, as are the qualities that made them special. Praise for Battleships: WWII Evolution of the Big Guns "The author does an excellent job providing insight into the design and building of particular battleship classes. . . . The pictures of battleships that grace this book are one of its chief strengths. . . . this volume provides new information, insights, and images that even some well- read "experts" might find enlightening." —Naval Historical Foundation Beginning with a pictorial essay on battleship construction in the 1930s and 1940s, this new book looks at the various design facets of the last great capital ships of the world's navies. Kaplan offers us a glimpse into those massive American and German navy yards and construction facilities that were put to use during this time, acquainting us with the arenas in which these final examples of battleship technology were laid down, built up, launched, fitted out, commissioned and taken out to sea.The book roots itself in a period of monumental change within the history of contemporary warfare. With the baton being passed from the battleship community to that of the aircraft carrier, the iconic battleship was gradually superseded by a new and even more threatening weapons system. It was destined to be consigned to the history books, whilst newer, slicker and more efficient fighting machines took precedence. This publication serves as a tribute to a lost legend of naval warfare.There is a look at some of modern history's most significant battleships, relaying their thrilling stories, defining characteristics and eventual fates. Ships featured include Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, Warspite, Tirpitz and Yamato.The book is completed with 'Fast and Last', a visit on board the four final examples of battleship technology and design, the last serving battleships USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, USS Wisconsin, and USS Missouri. Their Second World War careers are recounted, as are the qualities that made them special. [Elib] Beginning with a pictorial essay on battleship construction in the 1930s and 1940s, this new book looks at the various design facets of the last great capital ships of the world's navies. Kaplan offers us a glimpse into those massive American and German navy yards and construction facilities that were put to use during this time, acquainting us with the arenas in which these final examples of battleship technology were laid down, built up, launched, fitted out, commissioned and taken out to sea. The book roots itself in a period of monumental change within the history of contemporary warfare. W The book is completed with ‘Fast and Last’, a visit on board the four final examples of battleship technology and design, the last serving battleships USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, USS Wisconsin, and USS Missouri. Their Second World War careers are recounted, as are the qualities that made them special. HISTORY / Military / Naval