Library Results | Royal Museums Greenwich

The air war at sea in the Second World War / Martin W. Bowman. "Martin Bowman's considerable experience as a military historian has spanned over forty years, during which time he has spent hundreds of hours interviewing and corresponding with numerous men and women and their relatives, in Britain, America and beyond, resulting in a wealth of material on the war at sea from World War One to the Falklands and the wars on terror. All these narratives have been woven into a highly readable and emotional outpouring of life and death in action in all his titles, as here, in World War Two, where the men of the Fleet Air Arm and the US Navy fighter, bomber and torpedo carrying aircraft describe the compelling, gripping and thought-provoking narrative of the air war in the freezing Atlantic wastes to the waters of the mighty Pacific." 2022. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 940.545

The great Edwardian naval feud : Beresford's vendetta against Fisher /Richard Freeman. Freeman, Richard 2009. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 355.353(42):392.77

The animal Victoria Cross : the Dickin Medal /P.J. Hawthorne. Sixty-three animals have won the Dickin Medal, the highest award for animal bravery. Four types of animal have been honoured, dogs, horses, pigeons and one cat. In addition to British animals, there are American, Canadian, Australian and Egyptian winners of this unique award. This delightful book will be treasured by animal lovers everywhere. 2012. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 355.134.22:636.045

Fleet Air Arm carrier war : the history of British naval aviation /Kev Darling. "This is the story of British naval flying from aircraft carriers, from its conception in World War One to the present day. It includes the types of aircraft and the men who flew them, the carriers and the evolution of their designs, the theatres of war in which they served and their notable achievements and tragedies. It traces navy flying from the early days of the biplane, through the rapid developments during World War Two to the post-war introduction of jet-powered flight. The British inventions of the angled flight deck and later vertical landing jets revolutionised sea warfare and allowed the carrier to play a vital part in many recent land wars when naval aircraft flew in support of Allied land forces"--Publisher's website. 2009. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 359.38(42)"19/..."

Fight for the sea : naval adventures from the Second World War /by John Frayn Turner. "This collection of popular naval stories covers the entire span of World War II, beginning when the British Royal Navy faced fascist forces on its own until the final Allied victory over the Japanese in 1945. Fight for the Sea offers a rich mixture of accounts about such large and well-known battles and operations as the Battle of the Coral Sea, as well as lesser-known actions such as the submarine attack on Corfu harbour, the loss of the USS Leedsdown, and the saga of the USS Rich to characterize the breadth and variety of the war at sea. Also included are memories of John F Kennedy's heroic actions with PT 109 and George H W Bush's near-death experience with an aircraft known as the 'flying casket'. A sailor's eye view of the war at sea, this compelling compilation has broad appeal. John Frayn Turner's prose crackles with action and tension to keep the reader's attention, and even those who know little about the war will find the stories to be a welcome introduction to the subject. Among the book's special attractions are the little-known contributions of rescue ships and merchant seamen and the adventures of civilians, including Johnnie Ferguson, who spent three weeks adrift in an open boat when her ship was torpedoed. Readers will come away with not only a clear understanding of the giant scope of World War II but of the individual grit and determination that produced victory."--Provided bby the publisher. 2013. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 940.545.9(100)

Langsdorff and the Battle of the River Plate / by David Miller. "This compelling new study of the Battle of the River Plate concentrates on Kapitèan zur See Hans Langsdorff, the commander of the German pocket battleship Graf Spee - it is written from his point of view. The story of his mission at the start of the Second World War to prey on merchant shipping is graphically retold, and Langsdorff's command decisions are the primary focus of David Miller's gripping narrative. He considers in vivid detail the factors Langsdorff had to consider as he assessed the situation of his ship and choose his course of action. He describes the intelligence Langsdorff received and his knowledge of the position and strength of the forces of the Royal Navy that were arrayed against him. Langsdorff's interpretation of his mission and the tense calculations he had to make in order to carry it out are the essential elements of this dramatic story. Langsdorff, operating alone and thousands of miles away from home and with no prospect of support, had to grapple with the enormous burden of a lone command. He made grave mistakes, and these are ruthlessly exposed. But this fascinating re-examination of his actions and his leadership does nothing to diminish his reputation as a brave and honourable officer."--Provided by the publisher. 2013. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 355.49"1939"(43)

Cruise ships : the small scale fleet :a visual showcase /Peter C. Smith. Smith, Peter C., 2014. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 629.123.3(100)"19/20"

The Ohio and Malta : the legendary tanker that refused to die /by Michael Pearson. "During the dark days of WW2 Malta became the lynchpin of the Allied campaign in the Mediterranean and North African theatres and a vital base from which to attack Axis convoys supplying Rommel's Panzer Armee in Libya. Malta was, however, extremely difficult to keep supplied, (particularly with oil), and by the summer of 1942 the Island was close to surrender; the Pedestal convoy of august that year was literally the last chance. On entering the Mediterranean the convoy was subjected to prolonged ferocious air and submarine attacks and suffered terrific losses both in warship escorts and merchantmen. OHIO, being the only tanker, was marked for particular attention, and during the course of her voyage suffered a direct hit from a torpedo, direct bomb hits, any number of near-misses, and was struck by two Luftwaffe aircraft shot down while attacking her. Despite her engines being dead and her hull practically broken in two, she was towed into Grand Harbour by three destroyers and a minesweeper with her vital cargo virtually intact."--Provided by the publisher. 2011. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 940.542.1(458.2)"1942"

Family History web directory : the genealogial websites you can't do without /Jonathan Scott. "Jonathan Scott's Family History Web Directory is an information-packed reference guide that distils the best of the internet into one easy-to-use format. Themed sections cover different topics, from 'getting started' to specific occupations, and there is an index reproducing all the websites in A-Z order. His handbook is a vital source for less experienced researchers, and a handy aide-memoire for more seasoned campaigners. Web addresses are listed by topic, then in order of importance and usefulness. An extraordinary range of sites that will interest family historians is included - from records of births and deaths, tax, crime and religion, to military records and records of work and occupations. Also featured are sites that give information about archives, blogs and forums, social networking and sharing research. The internet can be an overwhelming place for the genealogist. Jonathan Scott's book provides readers with online shortcuts, tips for getting the best from well-known websites, plus the details of all kinds of lesser-known and hard-to-find sources."--Provided by the publisher. 2015. • BOOK • 2 copies available. 929.5:004.744

The Titanic and the city of widows it left behind : the forgotten victims of the fatal voyage /Julie Cook. "When Titanic foundered in April 1912, the world's focus was on the tragedy of the passengers who lost their lives. Ever since, in films, dramatisations, adaptations and books, the focus has mostly continued to be on the ones who died. The Titanic and the City of Widows it Left Behind focuses on another group of people - the widows and children of the crew who perished on board. Author Julie Cook's great-grandfather was a stoker who died on Titanic. Her great-grandmother had to raise five children with no breadwinner. This book focuses on Emily and the widows like her who had to fight for survival through great hardship, whilst still grieving for the men they loved who'd died on the ship. Using original archive sources and with accounts from descendants of crew who also lost their lives, the book asks how these women survived through abject poverty and grief - and why their voices have been silent for so long."--Provided by the publisher. 2020. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 656.61.085.3TITANIC

The Eastern Fleet and the Indian Ocean, 1942-1944 : the fleet that had to hide /Charles Stephenson. "The story of the British Eastern Fleet, which operated in the Indian Ocean against Japan, has rarely been told. Although it was the largest fleet deployed by the Royal Navy prior to 1945 and played a vital part in the theatre it was sent to protect, it has no place in the popular consciousness of the naval history of the Second World War. So Charles Stephenson's deeply researched and absorbing narrative gives this forgotten fleet the recognition it deserves. British pre-war naval planning for the Far East is part of the story, as is the disastrous loss of the battleship Prince of Wales and battlecruiser Repulse in 1941, but the body of the book focuses on the new fleet, commanded by Admiral Sir James Somerville, and its operations against the Japanese navy and aircraft as well as Japanese and German submarines. Later in the war, once the fleet had been reinforced with an American aircraft carrier, it was strong enough to take more aggressive actions against the Japanese, and these are described in vivid detail. Charles Stephenson's authoritative study should appeal to readers who have a special interest in the war with Japan, in naval history more generally and Royal Navy in particular."--Provided by the publisher. 2021. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 940.5429

Identifying cap badges : a family historian's guide /Graham Bandy. "Identifying Cap Badges is the book that has been missing from the bookshelves of family historians, military enthusiasts, and badge collectors alike. It is quite easy to find an erudite book on military cap badges, but you could spend hours, if not days, plodding through hundreds of pictures to find a match for the one you hold. Sometimes you may not find it at all! These learned badge collector's books have one major flaw; they are pictured and discussed in 'order of precedence', that is to say, from the earliest formed regiments to the latest, with separate sections on medical, engineers, cavalry, infantry, etc. This can be most confusing to those uninitiated into the 'dark arts' of military badges. Thus, if you do not know the name or 'original number' of your regiment in this order of precedence, you can be flummoxed! This, combined with all the different crowns, laurels, animals, mythological beasts and castles, can prove more than a little daunting, even to ex soldiers themselves! In this book you will find badges ordered by what is on the badge itself; be it a dragon, sphinx or castle, horse, lion or tiger. This is badge identification in minutes, rather than hours, with added information on dating badges and many comparison photographs alongside all the pictures of the badges. Added to these pictures are short histories of the regiments and 'family trees' plotting the antecedents of today's units."--Provided by the publisher. 2022. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 355.13420941

The development of crude oil tankers : a historical miscellany /Dr Ray Solly. "In this engaging book, Dr. Solly examines the history of crude oil tankers from early days when this vital commodity was carried aboard ordinary sailing vessels, through the innovative designs that resulted in significant breakthroughs leading to early single-hulled VLCCs, and the later stronger hence safer double-hulled vessel. The professional reader will identify with much of the author's thinking, especially his handling of the enormous advances in shipboard techniques, and examination of excellent contributions made by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) from its conception in 1948, to its penetratingly effective work of today. Special attention is paid to their profound influence on the industry through MARPOL and SOLAS innovations, including arguably the greatest contribution made to tanker safety and environmental protection by Inert Gas Systems (IGS) and Crude Oil Washing (COW). Non-seagoing readers in allied shipping professions, and that huge army of ship enthusiasts, will learn a great deal about the ins-and-outs of an industry which, for the immediate future, underpins virtually every aspect of practical 21st Century living. Ray Solly's authoritative story is lavishly supported by 211 images (many of which have never previously been published), plus accounts of two recent voyages aboard a Norwegian North sea shuttle tanker, and a product carrier. Both passenger trips not only updated his professional knowledge but provided penetrating insight into current maritime practices. Each confirmed his convincing observation that today's crude oil carriers present the safest and most regulated form of transportation in the world."--Provided by the publisher. 2021. • FOLIO • 1 copy available. 623.8245

Naval battles of the Second World War : the Atlantic and the Mediterranean /Leo Marriott. "The Second World War was a truly global conflict and maritime power played a major role in every theatre of operations. Land campaigns depended on supplies transported by sea, and victory or defeat depended on the outcome of naval battles. So Leo Marriott's highly illustrated two-volume account of the struggle sets naval actions in the wider strategic context as well as giving graphic accounts of what happened in each engagement. This first volume concentrates on the Royal Navy's confrontation with the ships and submarines of the German Kriegsmarine during the Battle of the Atlantic, the Arctic convoys and the struggle across the Mediterranean against the Italian navy to supply the opposing armies in North Africa. The Battle of the River Plate, the pursuit of the Bismarck, the PQ17 convoy to the Soviet Union and Operation Pedestal, the most famous convoy sent to relieve Malta, are among the episodes described in vivid detail and illustrated with a selection of striking photographs. This concise but wide-ranging introduction to the naval war emphasizes the sheer scale of the conflict in every sea and shows the direct impact of each naval battle on the course of the war ."--Provided by the publisher. 2022. • BOOK • 1 copy available.

How maritime trade and the Indian subcontinent shaped the world : ice age to mid-eighth century /Nick Collins. "World-wide maritime trade has been the essential driver of wealth-creation, economic progress and global human contact. Trade and exchange of ideas have been at the heart of economic, social, political, cultural and religious life and maritime international law. These claims are borne out by the history of maritime trade beginning in the Indian Ocean and connecting to Southeast Asia, Japan, the Americas, East Africa, the Middle East especially the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean and Europe. This development pre-dates the end of the Ice Age with world-wide flooding and stimulated the establishment of land-based civilisations in the above regions with particular effect on the Greek and Roman empires and even China's 'Celestial' empire. The Indian subcontinent was the original major player in maritime trade, linking oceans and regions. Global maritime trade declined with the fall of Mediterranean empires and the 'dark age' in Europe but revived with Indian Ocean and Asian maritime networks. Shipping and trade studies are hugely practical but can be technical, legalistic and even dull for non-specialists. But this history is a broadly-based and exciting account of human interaction at multiple levels, for general readers, specialists and practitioners. It is based on huge reading and rare sources and with an attractive writing style, and full of fascinating sidelights illuminating the historical narrative - and from an author with life-long experience in international shipping. "--Provided by the publisher. 2021. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 387.52

Bomb Alley, Falkland Islands 1982 : Aboard HMS Antrim at War /David Yates. "This is the untold story of the Falklands War as experienced by a below-decks seaman on one of the most important ships to be despatched to the South Atlantic. It is a no-holds-barred account as seen through the eyes of a Royal Navy matelot who shared the terror of the first encounter with Argentinean forces when South Georgia was retaken from the invaders in Operation Paraquat. Then, HMS Antrim led the first attack into the North Falklands Sound where she destroyed enemy defences and later became part of the main force anti-aircraft defences in the infamous 'Bomb Alley' or San Carlos Water. During one of the many air attacks, the ship was struck by a bomb that destroyed her defensive missile system, but through pure chance, the bomb did not explode and remained aboard wedged in the aft 'heads'. All around the stricken ship other RN vessels were taking extreme punishment from the almost continuous onslaught from low-flying Argentinean jets. HMS Antelope, HMS Coventry and the Atlantic Conveyer were all lost within a short period whilst the army was trying to establish a bridgehead."--Provided by the publisher. 2007. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 997.11024092

Frigate commander / by Tom Wareham. Based on the previously unpublished private journal of Admiral Sir Graham Moore (1764-1843), this work primarily focuses on Moore's career as a frigate commander beginning with his service in the Perseus, Dido and Adamant. Commanding first the Orestes and the sloop Bonetta in 1790, Moore was promoted to post captain in 1794 with command of the Syren, his first frigate command. His later commands included the larger frigates Melampus and Indefatigable which he commanded until 1805 when ill-health forced him to relinquish the command and ended Moore's career as a frigate commander. However, his naval career continued with commands of the Marlborough and Chatham. Moore was promoted first to the rank of rear admiral and commander-in-chief in the Baltic in 1812, and then in 1819 to vice admiral when he was given command of the Mediterranean station. Moore was promoted in 1837 to full admiral and commander-in-chief Plymouth, but his health continued to deteriorate and he died in 1843. 2004. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 92MOORE, GRAHAM

A reluctant hero : the life of Captain Robert Ryder, VC /Richard Hopton. A biography of Captain Robert Ryder (1908-1986), VC. Born in India, Ryder joined the Royal Navy in 1926. His naval service included the captaincy of the ketch Tai-Mo-Shan (1933-34), and the schooner Penola during the British Graham Land Expedition in Antarctica (1934-37). During the Second World War, and having been promoted to commander of the Q-ship HMS Edgehill which was sunk on the 29th June 1940, Ryder was adrift in the Atlantic for four days before rescue. Ryder later went on to lead the St Nazaire Raid, codenamed Operation Chariot, on 28 March 1942. This was a successful operation to destroy the 'Normandie Dock' in the German naval base in the town and with the stated aim of denying large German ships, particularly the German battleship Tirpitz, a base on the Atlantic coast. For his actions during this operation Ryder was awarded the Victoria Cross. Following retirement from the Royal Navy, Ryder entered politics as a Conservative Member of Parliament (1950-55) for Merton and Morden, was Managing Director of the John Lewis Partnership (1955-59) and was appointed to the management committee of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), serving until 1974 when he became a Life Vice-President. Illustrated with photographs. 2011. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 92RYDER

The fatal fortress / the guns and fortifications of Singapore 1819-1856 /Bill Clements. "The Fall of Singapore in February 1942 was arguably the greatest disaster suffered by the British Empire. Between 1923 and 1938, the Singapore naval base had been upgraded with some of the largest coast guns ever installed. The guns' design and incorrect siting have since been blamed for the humiliating debacle. The Fatal Fortress traces the history of Singapore's fortifications and guns from the city's foundation in 1819 to the demise of coast artillery in the British Army in 1953. It also follows the development of artillery through the Victorian era of muzzle-loading guns to the introduction of the large breech-loading guns of the twentieth century. The author argues that it was not the siting of the guns that brought about the fall of Singapore, but an overall failure in command and control and a lack of suitable ammunition. The book is illustrated with a large number of photographs, drawings and plans, and contains a gazetteer describing all the batteries and forts, both existing and demolished. There is also an annex giving the details of the guns that were installed in Singapore."--Provided by the publisher. 2016. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 623.1/.3(592.3)

The lost story of the Ocean Monarch : Fire, family & fidelity /Gill Hoffs "The Ocean Monarch was only a few hours out of Liverpool on 24 August 1848 when a cabin passenger shouted "Fire!" and all hell broke loose. Bound for Boston with almost 400 people on board, the emigrant ship was soon ablaze with little chance of putting the flames out. People watched helplessly from their cottages along the Welsh coast as some ships ignored the travellers' plight while others raced to their aid. On the 170th anniversary of the disaster Gill Hoffs reveals the full story of this forgotten wreck, including tales of French royalty, an American artist, and a courageous stewardess who gave her life to save her fellow travellers. Discover what happened to the passengers and crew, including: James K. Fellows, a kindly American jeweller trying to get home to his family; Jotham Bragdon, the first mate who fled the wreck then returned to shore a hero; Mary Walter and her mysterious 'family', escaping danger in London only to find greater peril lay at sea. Follow the murder trial of a crew of rescuers and find out the real fate of their 'victim' - and whether the mysterious Irish toddler 'Kate' found her family again."--Provided by the publisher. 2018. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 656.61.085.3OCEAN MONARCH

Pirates and privateers in the 18th century : the final flourish /Mike Rendell. "Pirates and Privateers tells the fascinating story of the buccaneers who were the scourge of merchants in the 18th Century. It examines their lifestyle, looking at how the sinking of the Spanish treasure fleet in a storm off the coast of Florida led to a pirate's gold rush; how the King's Pardon was a desperate gamble - which paid off - and considers the role of individual island governors, such as Woodes Rogers in the Bahamas, in bringing piracy under control. The book also looks at how piracy has been a popular topic in print, plays, songs and now films, making thieves and murderers into swash-buckling heroes. It also considers the whole question of buried treasure - and gives a lively account of many of the pirates who dominated the so-called 'Golden Age' of Piracy."--Provided by the publisher. 2018. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 341.362.1"17"

Seeking sanctuary : a history of refugees in Britain /Jane Marchese Robinson. "Seeking Sanctuary explores the history of people looking for refuge in this country. It starts with those protestant refugees fleeing oppression and persecution from Catholic Spain who ruled the Netherlands in the 16th century. It traces successive waves of peoples in the context of why they fled. At various times this was due to religious persecution, political upheaval, war and ethnic cleansing."--Provided by the publisher. 2020. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 305.9069140941

The Spanish Civil War at sea : dark and dangerous waters /Michael Alpert. "The Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939 underlined the importance of the sea as the supply route to both General Franco's insurgents and the Spanish Republic. There were attempted blockades by Franco as well as attacks by his Italian and German allies against legitimate neutral, largely British, merchant shipping bound for Spanish Republican ports and challenges to the Royal Navy, which was obliged to maintain a heavy presence in the area. The conflict provoked splits in British public opinion. Events at sea both created and reflected the international tensions of the latter 1930s, when the policy of appeasement of Germany and Italy dissuaded Britain from taking action against those countries' activities in Spain, except to participate in a largely ineffective naval patrol to try to prevent the supply of war material to both sides. The book is based on original documentary sources in both Britain and Spain and is intended for the general reader as well as students and academics interested in the history of the 1930s, in naval matters and in the Spanish Civil War."--Provided by the publisher. 2021. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 946.08145

Front-line and experimental flying with the Fleet Air Arm : "purely by chance" /G.R. (Geoff) Higgs. Memoir by Geoff Higgs, who served in the Royal Navy for more than 30 years as a pilot, first in carrier squadrons and later of experimental aircraft. Higgs describes his initial experiences of training and service during the latter part of the Second World War, then post-war in the Fleet Air Arm, including a stint as a flight instructor, before training as a test pilot. The book particularly emphasises this latter part of Higgs's career, during which he flew nearly one hundred types of aircraft. Includes 24 pages of black and white plates. 2010. • BOOK • 1 copy available. 92HIGGS

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