United States Destroyer Operations in World War II

This is one of those book which is easily recognised as a product of supreme quality and that quality comes from the detailed information found within. The destroyers of the United States of America during WW2 bore the brunt of many a battle as they placed themselves between the enemy and the much larger capital ships their very existence demanded they protect - because that was their role. To include the details of all US destroyer operations of WW2 in one book is an immense undertaking. I purchased this book because I was researching the loss of a small number of specific ships with the USS Aaron Ward being one. Just as soon as the book arrived, therefore, I went straight to that name. I was previously unaware that the first USS Aaron was one of several four-funnelled US Destroyers sold to the Royal Navy and renamed - in her case, HMS Castleton. Another was USS Buchanan which became HMS Campbeltown and was used to ram the dock gates at St Nazaire with devastating effect. My point being, all the information is here. The book begins with a brief history of the US destroyer which is quickly followed by a description of this type of vessel in 1938. Various deck guns and deck-mounted torpedo tubes and their operating mechanisms are all explained. Then there is an overview of the 8 classes of WW2 destroyer and a cutaway diagram of a typical ship. So far we are only at page 26 and the next 500 pages carry a narrative, assessment and appreciation of all US destroyer operations throughout the second world war. This coverage of such a vast subject is as complete as one could hope to find. Appendices include details of all losses, Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendations, the composition of different fleets (i.e. which ship was serving where), which ships were transferred to the Royal Navy and Free French Navy, the names of new ships added during WW2 and which ships were converted to other duties. Completed with a 27 page index, I am confident that the reader will quickly find anything of particular interest. Altogether a full and comprehensive coverage of a most complex subject and an excellent addition to my own private library. NM

I have lost my father's original copy and was somewhat disappointed by the photo reproductions in the current printing. Would like to replace my father's copy if anyone has used copy to trade. Refreshing though to see so much raw information in one package.

The destroyer's best years were WWII. She could sink a BB or Cruiser with five steam torpedos, chase down and blast submarines into an icy grave, give fire support to troops ashore and those landing; or they could shuttle admirals and generals & pick up downed pilots. There was no ship like the destroyer. They laid one keel a week and they ruled the seas from Midway to Anzio and Omaha. This book tells it all in fast moving, battle experienced detail; the exact details of the battles, the line of march, the mistakes, the dud torpedoes, the intrepid captains, the iron discipline, and a sense of humor ...

I have been reading this book for 20 years and still find it amazing! If you love naval history, this is a book that should be included in your library!