With war against Germany looming, Britain pushed forward its carrier program in the late 1930s. In 1938, the Royal Navy launched the HMS Ark Royal, its first-ever purpose-built aircraft carrier. This was quickly followed by others, including the highly-successful Illustrious class. Smaller and tougher than their American cousins, the British carriers were designed to fight in the tight confines of the North Sea and the Mediterranean. Over the next six years, these carriers battled the Axis powers in every theatre, attacking Italian naval bases, hunting the Bismark, and even joining the fight in the Pacific. This book tells the story of the small, but resilient, carriers and the crucial role they played in the British war effort.

The developmental, design and operational history of some of the most remarkable vessels in the Royal Navy's arsenal in WWII.

About the Author
Angus Konstam is an acclaimed military and naval historian, and one of Osprey's most experienced and respected authors, with over 35 titles in print. He has also written over two dozen larger books for other publishers. A former naval officer, underwater archaeologist and maritime museum curator, Angus has a long and passionate love affair with the sea, maritime history and warships. He makes regular television and radio appearances, and has held events at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Angus is now a full-time writer and historian, as well as being a board member of the Society of Authors, and Publishing Scotland. He currently lives in Edinburgh. For more details visit the author's website at www.anguskonstam.com


Book Information
ISBN 9781849080798
Author Angus Konstam
Format Paperback
Page Count 48
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 198g
Dimensions(mm) 248mm * 184mm * 5mm