Early in World War II, fifty obsolete US Navy destroyers were transferred to the Royal Navy in return for a 99-year lease British bases in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Newfoundland. Though they were obsolete and far from ideal, they played a vital role in the Royal Navy’s campaign. This is their complete story.
Topics covered include: . Background to the acquisition of the ships - the Battle of the Atlantic . Their specification and design, and modifications in RN service . Operations and achievements, such as the St Nazaire Raid . Losses and accidents This authoritative text is supported by many contemporary photographs and twenty eight detailed plans prepared specially for this book. AUTHOR: John Henshaw was educated at Wesley College and Melbourne University. Since creativity and the discipline of a naval career tend to be incompatible, he made a career choice he often regrets, to design and construct buildings for most of his working life. As the Australian equivalent of a Chartered Surveyor, his business life was engaged in all aspects of property development. His 2008 essay, ‘HMAS Albatross: White Elephant or Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing?’ won Second Prize in Australia’s Leage Essay Competition. He has had various articles published in yachting magaazines and won a cruising yacht design competition. SELLING POINTS: . A comprehensive history of the service of the fifty obsolete US Navy destroyers that were transferred to the Royal Navy in return for the use by the US of British bases in the Caribbean. . Of great interest to those interested in naval history; World War II and maritime technology. . Covers the background to the acquisition; design and modifications in RN service and their operational use. . Superbly illustrated with fifty contemporary black & white photographs and twenty-eight specially drawn plans. . John Henshaw is an Australian Chartered Surveyor and has had numerous articles published in yachting magazines.