Osprey Publishing

British Battleships 1939-1945 (2) Nelson and King George V Classes

by  Angus Konstam

Reviewed By  Ken Williams, IPMS# 45861

MSRP: $17.95 (UK £9.99) ISBN: 978-1-84603-389-6 Website: www.ospreypublishing.com In a short 48 pages, this little book is a complete guide to British WWII Battleships. It is rich with illustrations, pictures, and exceptional artwork depicting the battle between the Bismarck and HMS Rodney. The book is an excellent source of history and ship detail. It is book number 160 in Osprey's "New Vanguard" series. With the outbreak of World War II, Britain's Royal Navy is at the forefront of her defense with her fleet of battleships as her main striking force. However, ten battleships of this fleet were already over 20 years old, venerable veterans of WW I. As such, in the 1930s two new classes were commissioned-modern battleships which were designed to replace the aging battle fleet, although only one of which would see active service. Together with the older battleships, which were recently modified in the decade preceding the war and during the conflict itself, these vessels held their own against their German and Italian counterparts. This title offers a comprehensive review of the seven battleships of the Nelson and King George V classes from their initial commissioning to their peacetime modifications in wartime service, detailed descriptions of the main armament of the ships will offer further analysis of individual battleships effectiveness discussing how the guns were manned when engaging the enemy. Moreover a specially commissioned artwork and a dramatic retelling of the battleship battles, this book will highlight what it was like on board for the sailors who risked their lives on the high seas. Describing HMS Rodney battling against the Bismarck, the might of the Kriegsmarine, the author details how the British battleship closed on her German adversary at such close range that the spotters could follow the shells on their way to the target. He also argued that although the aircraft carrier would eventually dominate later naval conflict, it was a battleship that performed an invaluable service throughout countless engagements. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in battleships. My thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review sample.