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Naval categories / biographies
World War II
088 A Midshipman’s War 25.00
Wade, Frank. 1st. ed. 1994. Cordilla Publishing Co. 256 pp.
ISBN 1-895590-06-X
A firsthand account of a young man’s war in the RN stationed in the Mediterranean. He served aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth and later on the famous Destroyer HMS Jervis and the cruiser hms orion. he saw action in several campaigns including crete, the syria, north africa and sicily. Well Illustrated, many photos and maps. Hardbound with d/j. near mint condition
344 Battle of the Malta Striking Force 25.00
Smith, Peter C. & E. Walker. Ian Allen, 1st. ed. 1974, 120 pp.
ISBN 0 7110 0528 1
Number 11 in “Sea Battles Up Close” series. This one covers the operations of primarily destroyers that escorted the Malta convoys and struck back at Axis convoys attempting to reach North Africa. Many photos, maps and illustrations. Hardbound with d/j. Excellent condition.
345 Battle of Sirte 25.00
Pack, S.W.C. Ian Allen Ltd. 1st.ed 1975, 144 pp.
ISBN 07110 0528 1
Number 15 in a series of books called “Sea Battles Up Close”. This one covers the second encounter of the Royal Navy and Italian Navy in the Gulf of Sirte. This one pitted an Italian battleship and three cruisers against a lighter British force that was escorting a vital Malta convoy. The British held off this force with relatively little damage and was a great morale booster. Well illustrated with photos of the ships involved and many maps. Hardbound with d/j. Excellent condition.
316 Battle of the Wine Dark Sea – the Aegean Campaign 1940-1945 30.00
Lind, Lew. 1st. ed. 1994. Kangaroo Press. 191 pp.
A detailed account of the little known commando and small flotilla operations in the eastern Mediterranean. The SAS, SBS, LRDG and other units from many countries participated in the Aegean to tie up Italian and German forces and keep them thinking there would be an invasion in Greece. Many photos. Hardbound with d/j and clear cover. Excellent condition.
307 bless our ship - mountbatten and the kelly 30.00
Hough, Richard. 1st. ed. 1991, TJ Press Ltd. 194 pp.
ISBN 0-340-54396-5
A full story of the man and the ship. The Kelly became famous despite not seeing much action due to battle damage and then being sunk. Her controversial captain had royal connections so rose to high rank despite not being regarded very highly by contemporaries or his superiors. Many photos. Hardbound with d/j. Excellent condition.
318 British and Dominion Warships of World War Two 45.00
Lenton, H.T. and J.J. Colledge, 1st. ed. 1964, Ian Allen, 638 pp.
An indispensable reference for every possible warship in service during the war. Covers capital ships down to trawlers and landing craft. All classes are covered in detail. Many photos and every ship is listed by name and its ultimate fate recorded. Hardbound with d/j. D/j has some chips and two small tears on spine. Original owners name on front flyleaf in ink. Otherwise in very good condition.
752 Crete 1941 – The Battle at Sea 30.00
Thomas, David A. 1st. ed. 1972. Andre Deutsch Ltd., 224 pp.
ISBN 0-233-96272-7
The naval story of the British transporting 58,000 troops to Crete to defend it and then evacuate nearly 50,000 of them again following defeat by the Germans. The naval losses were very heavy. Three cruisers and eight destroyers were sunk, including the Kelly. Two battleships, a carrier and seven other destroyers were heavily damaged and other transport ships lost or damaged. Nevertheless, Admiral Cunningham insisted in carrying out these operations to support the Army. Hardcover with d/j. D/j has a small tear at top corner, but no losses. Very good condition.
306 Cunningham of Hyndhope – Admiral of the Fleet 30.00
Warner, Oliver. 1st. ed. 1967, Camelot Press. 301 pp.
A comprehensive biography of one of the Royal Navy’s greatest and most respected admirals. In command in the Mediterranean with a reduced fleet of older capital ships, he nevertheless took the offensive against the Italian fleet and remained aggressive throughout the entire campaign. He was later First Sea Lord. Many photos, illustrations and maps. Hardbound, no d/j. Spine has a small bump on the top and bottom. Otherwise in very good condition.
503 The Deadly Stroke 20.00
Tute, Warren. 1st. ed. 1973. Wm. Collins & Sons. 211 pp.
ISBN 0-00-211171-3
A full account of the political and military decisions that led up to the Royal Navy firing upon the French fleet at Mers-el-Kebir following the collapse of France and the uncertainty with the Vichy government. Much political posturing and stalling by Admirals Darlan and Gensoul along with the Vichy government sealed the fate of the French fleet. Hardbound, no d/j. Top of spine has a small bump. Very good condition.
311 Dog Boats at War 70.00
Reynolds, Leonard. 1st. ed. 1998, Sutton Publishing, 289 pp.
ISBN 0-7509-1817-9
A complete history of Royal Navy “D” class MTB’s and MGB”s and other small vessels and their operations. Produced by the Imperial War Museum. Profusely illustrated with photos, maps, line drawings and side views of various boats depicting armaments. Also many photos of crews and operational shots. Lists of vessels, awards to crews and other information. An outstanding reference. Hardbound with d/j. Mint condition.
206 fifty years of naval avaition 1914-1964 5.00
NO AUTHOR, H.M.S.O. (C.1964), 16 PP.
A COMMEMORATIVE BOOKLET ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF ROYAL NAVY AVIATION. MANY PHOTOS AND B/W AIRCRAFT PROFILES. SOFT PAPER COVERS. FOLDS ON REAR COVER AND SOME RUBS ON BOTTOM EDGE. GOOD CONDITION.
321 FRASER OF NORTH CAPE 35.00
HUMBLE, RICHARD, 1ST. ED. 1983, ROUTLEDGE & KEGAN PAUL, 385 PP.
ISBN 0-7100-9555-4
A FINE BIOGRAPHY OF ONE OF THE KEY ARCHITECTS OF THE ROYAL NAVY IN WW2 AND HIS RISE TO HIGH COMMAND. HE DEVELOPED PLANS FOR THE KING GEORGE V class BATTLESHIPS, THE MOST MODERN BRITISH CAPITAL SHIPS GOING INTO SERVICE. HE COMMANDED THE HOME FLEET THROUGH MOST OF THE WAR DIRECTING OPERATIONS. HE WAS IN COMMAND OF HMS DUKE OF YORK AND OTHER VESSELS WHEN HE TRACKED DOWN AND SANK THE SCHARNHORST. HE WAS THEN given RESPONSIBiLity TO BUILD UP THE PACIFIC FLEET. MANY PHOTOS AND MAPS. HARDBOUND WITH D/J. EXCELLENT CONDITION.
785 HMS Welshman – A Report on a Combined Services Operation 100.00
Various contributors. May 1942.
A genuine carbon copy of a report commissioned by the C.O. Royal Artillery, Malta. It details the organization, logistics and execution of a combined services operation to protect HMS Welshman, a fast mine laying cruiser, that delivered 84,000 rounds of AA ammunition during the siege. Welshman also brought spare Spitfire engines and other supplies for the army and navy. She sailed into Valetta, unloaded and sailed again in hours suffering only minor damage. This coincided with the arrival of 60 Spitfires flown off HMS Eagle and USS Wasp to reinforce the RAF on Malta. The operation was a complete success and was a key factor saving the island. The detailed plans and reports are a unique document. One of only 19 produced according to the distribution list in the documents. Extremely rare. document is Protected in a cardboard sleeve. Very good condition.
309 Hero of the Upholder 30.00
Allaway, Jim. 1st.ed. 1991. Airlife Publishing, 191 pp.
ISBN 1 85310 218 0
A biography of Cdr. David Wanklyn, the top submariner of the Royal Navy in World War 2. He operated mostly in the Mediterranean gaining much success including sinking two U-boats. He was highly decorated including a V.C. and three D.S.O.’s. He was lost along with Upholder just before Italy’s surrender in 1942. Many photographs and some maps. Hardbound with d/j. Excellent condition.
039 JANE’S FIGHTING SHIPS 1966-67 (SEE ALSO JANE’S LIST) 40.00
BLACKMAN, RAYMOND (ED.) SAMPSON LOW. 1966. 468 PP.
THE WORLD’S AUTHORITY ON NAVAL VESSELS. ALL SHIPS LISTED, MOST WITH PHOTOS AND TECHNICAL DATA. SOME PROFILES OF MAJOR SHIPS. HARDBOUND, NO D/J. EX. LIB COPY. BOTTOM OF SPINE BRUISED AND EDGE SCUFFED, BINDING A BIT LOOSE AT BOTTOM, BUT COMPLETE. GOOD COPY.
504 Mediterranean Maelstrom -HMS Jervis and the 14th. Flotilla 35.00
Connell, G.G. 1st. ed. 1987. William Kimber & Co. 272 pp.
ISBN 0-7183-0643-0
The story of HMS Jervis a destroyer leader that was commanded by a series of outstanding commanders. It was awarded 13 battle honours for its service primarily in the Mediterranean. It seems the ship was constantly in action especially around Crete but survived intact. This gives you the feel and understanding of what it was like to serve aboard destroyers. Signed by author. Hardbound with d/j. Excellent condition.
347 Naval War in the Mediterranean 1940-1943 25.00
Greene, Jack & A. Massignani. Chatham Publishing, 2002. 352 pp.
A well-researched book giving a complete account of both surface and submarine activity of both the British and Axis navies. It explores the strengths and weaknesses of both and how they affected the eventual outcome of the war in the Mediterranean. Card covers. Excellent condition.
360 Perchance 25.00
Hurran, B.J. 1st. ed. 1949. Nicholson & Watson, 197 pp.
A history of British Naval Aviation through WW1 until the end of WW2 starting with floatplanes and early catapults from gun turrets to seaplane carriers. The author then covers the development of aircraft carriers and the aircraft operated from them. Photos and and cutaway of a Colossus class carrier. Signed and dated by author. Hardbound, no d/j. Spine sun faded. Very good condition.
369 Red Duster, White Ensign 30.00
Cameron, Ian. 1st. ed. 1959. Frederick Muller Ltd., 218 pp.
A comprehensive history of the Malta convoys describing the ordeals of both Merchant Marine and Royal Navy ships. Various key convoys and ships necessary to keep Malta supplied are described. Photos and maps. Lists of ships involved in appendices. Original owners signature in ink on flyleaf. No d/j. Spine bumped on top edge, otherwise in very good condition.
381 Sailor’s Odyssey 35.00
Cunningham, Andrew B. Admiral. 1st. ed. 1951, Hutchinson & Co. 715 pp.
The autobiography of a major figure in WW2. Cunningham, or “ABC” as he was called from his initials was a fighting admiral of the first order. With a smaller fleet in the Mediterranean, he nevertheless went on the offensive against the Italian fleet scoring major victories. The evacuation of Crete caused massive losses to the RN, but ABC never lost the initiative in the Mediterranean theatre. He rose to the rank of Admiral of the Fleet. This covers his full career and a provides insights into his leadership. 46 photos and 16 maps. Hardbound, no d/j. Some minor scuffing on bindings, but in very good condition.
310 Ship with Two Captains 25.00
Robertson, Terence. 1st. ed. 1957. Evans Brothers, 191 pp.
The intriguing story of the submarine HMS Seraph that had an ‘interesting’ war. It was under the command of “Bill” Jewell when a body was put in the ocean off Spain carrying phony secret papers to fool the Germans in the mediterranean theatre that Sicily was not the intended invasion site. Operation Mincemeat was a success. Earlier, the boat was temporarily placed under the command of a US naval officer and christened “USS Seraph” in order to land US General Mark Clark to make contact with the Vichy French before the North African landings (see also, biography listing of Clark). Ex USAF library copy. Many photos and illustrations. Hardbound, no d/j, but does have a clear book covering. Excellent condition.
386 That Day in Gibraltar 20.00
Monks, Noel, 1st.ed. 1957. Frederick Muller Ltd. 192 pp.
An account of the ‘dramatic, controversial dismissal’ of Admiral Sir Dudley North. North was in command at Gibraltar in 1940 in the confused time during the French collapse. Although French ships regularly sailed back and forth through Gibraltar, six French warships passed into the Atlantic just before the allies attacked Dakar. North was dismissed for allowing their passage. Five admirals including two former First Sea Lords thought North was unfairly blamed and asked for a hearing. None was given and his dismissal remains highly controversial. Hardbound with d/j. Some loss to d/j on the spine, Otherwise in excellent condition.
402 “The Med” 25.00
Langmaid, Rowland, 1st.ed. 1948. Batchworth Press Ltd. 130 pp.
An interesting account of the Official Admiralty Artist of operations in the Mediterranean. The author was Allowed full access to bases, plans and permitted to travel in various warships and he documented events as they unfolded. He describes his activities in relation to events and ships he drew. the book contains 57 of his illustrations. Hardbound, no d/j. Excellent condition.
359 Two Fleets Surprised 30.00
Seth, Ronald. 1st. ed. 1960, Geoffrey Bles Ltd. 201 pp.
The story of the Battle of Matapan off Crete in 1941 where the Royal Navy forced a night action on the Italian fleet of a modern battleship and heavy cruisers before they could escape and have air cover in daylight. The Italians suffered heavy losses and was a psychological shock as well as a physical defeat for the Italians. Photos and several maps. Hardbound, no d/j. Spine has slight sun fade, otherwise in very good condition.
502 Walls of Steel 20.00
Graydon, John. 1st. ed. 1992. Carlton Press. 208 pp.
ISBN 0-8062-3728-7
The biography of a young officer serving in WW2. He started serving aboard HMS Calcutta, a cruiser converted to an Anti-Aircraft ship in the Mediterranean. He describes his adventures in the Aegean and Crete. He was later transferred to the Far East eventually ending up in Canada performing training duties. Told with an easy style it conveys his feelings and worries clearly. Photos and illustrations. Hardbound with d/j. Excellent condition.
372 White Ensign – British Navy at War 1939-1945 30.00
Roskill, S.W. 1st.ed. 1960, Collins and Sons, 480 pp.
A thorough study of operations of the Royal Navy during WW2 written by one of Britain’s best naval historians. Covers prewar planning and adaptation to early defeats and the need to protect convoys up to Normandy and a return to the Pacific. Many photos and maps. Hardbound with d/j and mylar covering. Small loss on top of d/j. Excellent condition.
biographies (Naval)
088 A MIDSHIPMAN’S WAR 25.00
WADE, FRANK. 1ST. ED. 1994. CORDILLA PUBLISHING CO. 256 PP.
ISBN 1-895590-06-X
A FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF A YOUNG MAN’S WAR IN THE RN STATIONED IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. WELL ILLUSTRATED, MANY PHOTOS AND MAPS. HARDBOUND WITH D/J. EXCELLENT CONDITION
307 BLESS OUR SHIP – MOUNTBATTEN AND THE KELLY 30.00
HOUGH, RICHARD. 1ST. ED. 1991, TJ PRESS LTD. 194 PP.
ISBN 0-340-54396-5
A FULL STORY OF THE MAN AND THE SHIP. THE KELLY BECAME FAMOUS DESPITE NOT SEEING MUCH ACTION DUE TO BATTLE DAMAGE AND THEN BEING SUNK. HER CONTROVERSIAL CAPTAIN HAD ROYAL CONNECTIONS SO ROSE TO HIGH RANK BUT WAS NOT REGARDED VERY HIGHLY BY CONTEMPORARIES OR HIS SUPERIORS. MANY PHOTOS. HARDBOUND WITH D/J. EXCELLENT CONDITION.
306 CUNNINGHAM OF HYNDHOPE – ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET 30.00
WARNER, OLIVER. 1ST. ED. 1967, CAMELOT PRESS. 301 PP.
A COMPREHENSIVE BIOGRAPHY OF ONE OF THE ROYAL NAVY’S GREATEST AND MOST RESPECTED ADMIRALS. IN COMMAND IN THE MEDITERRANEAN WITH A REDUCED FLEET OF OLDER CAPITAL SHIPS, HE NEVERTHELESS TOOK THE OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE ITALIAN FLEET AND REMAINED AGGRESSIVE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CAMPAIGN. HE WAS LATER FIRST SEA LORD. MANY PHOTOS, ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS. HARDBOUND, NO D/J. SPINE HAS A SMALL BUMP ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM. OTHERWISE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION.
309 HERO OF THE UPHOLDER 30.00
ALLAWAY, JIM. 1ST.ED. 1991. AIRLIFE PUBLISHING, 191 PP.
ISBN 1 85310 218 0
A BIOGRAPHY OF CDR. DAVID WANKLYN, THE TOP SUBMARINER OF THE ROYAL NAVY IN WORLD WAR 2. HE OPERATED MOSTLY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN GAINING MUCH SUCCESS INCLUDING SINKING TWO U-BOATS. HE WAS HIGHLY DECORATED INCLUDING A V.C. AND THREE D.S.O.’S. HE WAS LOST ALONG WITH UPHOLDER JUST BEFORE ITALY’S SURRENDER IN 1942. MANY PHOTOGRAPHS AND SOME MAPS. HARDBOUND WITH D/J. EXCELLENT CONDITION.
569 Midshipman’s War – A Young man in the Mediterranean Naval War 25.00
Wade, Frank, 1st. ed. 1994, Cordillera Publishing, 256 pp.
The story of a young ciphers officer and his recollections of the Mediterranean theatre where he spent most of the war. Initially assigned to the Queen Elizabeth, he later served in the destroyer Jervis and cruiser Orion, all of which were heavily engaged. Many photos, maps and illustrations. Near mint condition.
873 PIRATE OF TOBRUK - A SAILOR'S LIFE ON THE SEVEN SEAS 20.00
PALMER, ALFRED. 1ST. ED. 1994. NAVAL INSTITUTE PRESS, 205 PP.
ISBN 1-55750-667-1
THE REMARKABLE STORY OF A CAREER SAILOR AND HIS ADVENTURES IN WW2. SERVING IN THE RN IN WW1 HE THEN JOINED THE MERCHANT NAVY AND SPENT TIME IN SAILING SHIPS. IN WW2, THAT EXPERIENCE WAS PUT TO USE IN THE "LITTLE WARS" IN THE MEDITERRANEAN WHERE HE SAILED IN A CAPTURED ITALIAN SCHOONER (HENCE THE BOOK TITLE) RUNNING BLOCKADES TO TOBRUK AND OTHER SPOTS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. CAPTURED IN 1941, HE LOST AN ARM TRYING TO ESCAPE IN 1944. PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. HARDBOUND WITH D/J. NEAR MINT CONDITION.
381 SAILOR’S ODYSSEY 35.00
CUNNINGHAM, ANDREW B. ADMIRAL. 1ST. ED. 1951, HUTCHINSON & CO.
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A MAJOR FIGURE IN WW2. CUNNINGHAM, OR “ABC” AS HE WAS CALLED FROM HIS INITIALS WAS A FIGHTING ADMIRAL OF THE FIRST ORDER. WITH A SMALLER FLEET IN THE MEDITERRANEAN, HE NEVERTHELESS WENT ON THE OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE ITALIAN FLEET SCORING MAJOR VICTORIES. THE EVACUATION OF CRETE CAUSED MASSIVE LOSSES TO THE RN, BUT ABC NEVER LOST THE INITIATIVE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE. HE ROSE TO THE RANK OF ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET. THIS COVERS HIS FULL CAREER AND A PROVIDES INSIGHTS INTO HIS LEADERSHIP. 46 PHOTOS AND 16 MAPS. HARDBOUND, NO D/J. SOME MINOR SCUFFING ON BINDINGS, BUT IN VERY GOOD CONDITION.
386 THAT DAY IN GIBRALTAR 20.00
MONKS, NOEL, 1ST.ED. 1957. FREDERICK MULLER LTD. 192 PP.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE ‘DRAMATIC, CONTROVERSIAL DISMISSAL’ OF ADMIRAL SIR DUDLEY NORTH. NORTH WAS IN COMMAND AT GIBRALTAR IN 1940 IN THE CONFUSED TIME DURING THE FRENCH COLLAPSE. ALTHOUGH FRENCH SHIPS REGULARLY SAILED BACK AND FORTH THROUGH GIBRALTAR, SIX FRENCH WARSHIPS PASSED INTO THE ATLANTIC JUST BEFORE THE ALLIES ATTACKED DAKAR. NORTH WAS DISMISSED FOR ALLOWING THEIR PASSAGE. FIVE ADMIRALS INCLUDING TWO FORMER FIRST SEA LORDS THOUGHT NORTH WAS UNFAIRLY BLAMED AND ASKED FOR A HEARING. NONE WAS GIVEN AND HIS DISMISSAL REMAINS HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL. HARdBOUND WITH D/J. SOME LOSS TO D/J ON THE SPINE, NOW COVERED IN MYLAR SLEEVE. OTHERWISE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.
502 WALLS OF STEEL 20.00
GRAYDON, JOHN. 1ST. ED. 1992. CARLTON PRESS. 208 PP.
ISBN 0-8062-3728-7
THE BIOGRAPHY OF A YOUNG OFFICER SERVING IN WW2. HE STARTED SERVING ABOARD HMS CALCUTTA, A CRUISER CONVERTED TO AN ANTI-AIRCRAFT SHIP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. HE DESCRIBES HIS ADVENTURES IN THE AEGEAN AND CRETE. HE WAS LATER TRANSFERRED TO THE FAR EAST EVENTUALLY ENDING UP IN CANADA PERFORMING TRAINING DUTIES. TOLD WITH AN EASY STYLE IT CONVEYS HIS FEELINGS AND WORRIES CLEARLY. PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. HARDBOUND WITH D/J. EXCELLENT CONDITION.
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