In this book, naval historian Angus Konstam examines the backbone of the Dunkirk evacuation fleet: the warships of the Royal Navy and the French Navy that were deployed to rescue the British Expeditionary Force. Nearly 50 destroyers, an anti-aircraft cruiser and more than 200 MTBs, minesweepers, trawlers and other small warships were involved as many as could be spared without recklessly endangering the naval forces. He emphasises that the Allies had no adequate anti-aircraft defences in 1940 and shows how improvised weapons were used to ward off the Stukas. Dunkirk was the first naval operation of the Second World War to be conducted under sustained air attack. Nearly a fifth of the destroyers and a quarter of the smaller ships were sunk, with others badly damaged. Illustrated with archive photos, profiles of the British and French warships involved, and dramatic artwork, this work examines the maritime side of the largest evacuation of the Second World War.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Konstam, Angus/Groult, Edourd A. (Illustr.)
Title
Warships at Dunkirk 1940
Details
English text, paperback, numerous black-and-white illustrations, some colour plates. 48 pages.
