Customer Reviews
Nothing for model makers - By: Tramway, 05 Aug 2008 
When I read that this book emphasized on River-Class construction
I ordered it at once. Unfortunately the smalll book size & the
tiny grayscale plans in the back are very disappointing. This is also
true for almost every other picture & plan in this book. The topic of the battle of the Atlantic is to extensive to be exploited even when focused on the River-Class to any detail in the given space. Therefore every topic discussed is fallling short.
I have a lot of books on ships & naval history & there are many
in better quality for lesser money.
An outstanding naval book - By: E. RABOSO GARCIA-BAQUERO, 25 Jun 2007 
This book deals with a humble class of ships which bore the brunt of the Battle of the Atlantic in WW II. It makes an in depth description of the development & the design of the class, but it also explains its operational employment & war career. The text is highlighted by recollections of the service aboard & a good selection of high quality pictures. I think it is one of the best naval books of the year so far. I highly recommend it.
Something fresh - By: Nautical fan, 05 Feb 2007 If you have read & seen lots about the Battle of the Atlantic you'll find something fresh in this book. Exactly what it says it is, it provides lots of technical information about the ships as you'd expect, the origins of the design, the building of the ships, & the equipment fitted. It goes on to provide some new information about U-boat hunting tactics in defending the convoys, & the bases. It covers the social side with information on the crews, their typical backgrounds, recruitment & training, & their lives aboard. Some duplication of text is a little annoying, but nevertheless a very interesting read.
A gem not just for the navak buff - By: Mr. P. Edmonds, 18 Oct 2006 This book proved to be a pleasing surprise. With its insightful look at the Royal Navy & its struggle throughout the Battle of the Atlantic. The choose of the River class to base the history on was inspired with alll aspects of the rapidly expanding escort force considered. Churchill worried about this battle he knew it had to be won. This book shows the RN's problems & some of the solutions used.
The numerous references to Nicholas Monsarrat & The Cruel Sea adds that something extra, especallly for the general reader.
Read it & realise Churchill was right the Battle of the Atlantic was the pivotal battle of World War 2
