The outcome of much of the naval war in World War II was decided by the torpedo or the aerial bomb; making the submarine and aircraft carrier; the new arbiters of naval conflict. Despite this; there were a surprising number of ship-to-ship engagements involving the big guns of battleships and cruisers. Big Gun Battles recounts some of the most important; technically interesting; or obscure of these gunfire duels. Covering all theatres of the naval war; the battles selected demonstrate the changing face of surface warfare under the influence of rapidly improving fire-control systems; radar; and other sensors. By 1945 big ships could open fire at great ranges with a high probability of hitting with the first salvo. This was the pinnacle of gunnery excellence; but also heralded the end of naval gunnery as a major factor in sea warfare. Facing such deadly accuracy; navies looked to longer-ranged; smarter; weapons like surface-skimming missiles and homing torpedoes.
#1222174 in Books Osprey Publishing 2010-12-21 2010-12-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 250.95 x 5.59 x 7.34l; .57 #File Name: 184603945280 pages
Review
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Interesting entry in Osprey's Duel seriesBy Steven PetersonOne of the aircraft duels of World War II was the British Hurricane I versus the German Bf 110. Indeed; it was not; in effect; a fair fight. The Bf 110 was designed as a "bomber-destroyer" and was not up to one on one dogfights with the Hurricane. While the Bf 110 was poor in acceleration and was not nearly as maneuverable as the Hurricane. While the Bf 110 could generate decent speed; it simply was not built to succeed in battle against the Hurricane.The year 1940 is examined in this slim Osprey volume. The book notes the beginning of the duel between the two planes; during the "Phony War" and continuing thereafter. A nice chronology appears on pages 6-7; outlining key points in the evolution of the aircraft. Next; the work examines design and development of the two planes. The Hurricane was one of the first monoplanes in the British air arm. The next section examines the technical specifications of the two airplanes. Page 24 provides; in tabular form; a nice comparison. The Bf 110 was a considerably larger and heavier aircraft.Then; a discussion of the strategic situation in which combatants piloting the two warplanes operated within. Unit organization is commented upon and the Battle of Britain is mentioned. Next; the combatants. We learn of the training of German and British pilots. The combat between the aircraft is elaborated upon; followed by the disproportionate statistics; with the Hurricane shooting down more Bf 110s than vice versa.A fine introduction to these two World War II era combat airplanes.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. staggeringly good historical review!By Wounded Combat VeteranThis is the first of this series of "duel" books that I've read. First; I must echo what previous reviewers have written. This book is faultness; unless one can complain that it ended too soon! The photos; graphical layout; large number of brief ace biographies and excerpts of their combat stories - all are superb! I am staggered by the quality of this!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Png52More personal combat accounts would have been nice . I'd still by again
