Reviewed by John Prigent

Osprey's "US Fleet Submarines of World War 2” will be available online from Squadron.com
 

The latest naval New Vanguard covers the US Fleet Submarines of World War 2, but actually begins with a look at their origins from 1916 onward. Fleet submarines were originally intended for long-range operations with the fleet at sea, but the early designs were less than successful.

By the end of the 1930s the designs had become much more effective, and the boats were fully capable of offensive operations when their time came. Unfortunately their torpedoes were not so good, with malfunctioning fuses and poor depth control, so it was a couple of years before the submarines really started to rack up a score.

The book includes a walk-through description of a boat layout from stem to stern, with good photographs showing the cramped quarters. Armament is discussed, not just the types of torpedo but also the deck and antiaircraft guns fitted. Tactics are described, with an excellent look at how an attack was mounted, and there are several descriptions of actual attacks.

The plates are good, showing the different paint schemes used as well as how the bridge designs changed over time, and like the photographs they hae good captions.

This is an excellent primer for anyone wanting to learn about US Fleet Submarines.

Recommended.

Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review sample

US Submarines 1941-1945 (New Vanguard 118)   Author:  Jim Christley Illustrator: Tony Bryan US Price: $15.95 UK Price: £9.50 Publisher: Osprey Publishing Publish Date: January 31, 2006 Details: 48 pages; ISBN: 1-8176-859-6 Shop Buy it from Osprey Publishing

Review Copyright © 2006 by John Prigent
Page Created 20 February, 2006
Last updated 19 February, 2006

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