Naval History

Royal Navy Readiness for a War with Japan in Mid-1941: Intelligence and Capability I

British Japan Naval History 25 Min Read

The defence of the Indian Ocean became an increasingly important factor in British strategic calculations during the first half of 1941. They also showed how American determination to prioritise the Atlantic over the Pacific obliged the Royal Navy to resurrect the concept of an eastern fleet to ensure adequate security against Japanese intervention in the war. For a number of…

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British Naval History Spain 28 Min Read

The English Armada: Battles at Sea I

Engraving of the galley of the Adelantado of Castile, Royal Palace (Palacio Real), Madrid. A gentle breeze was blowing as dawn broke on Monday, 19 June, and so the Adelantado of Castile ‘set out that morning with nine ships in pursuit of the enemy fleet, which was coming round Cape…

British Naval History Spain 20 Min Read

The English Armada: Battles at Sea II

Map: 25 May–20 June, Lisbon. 1.25 May. A council of war held off Peniche where it is decided to undertake an expedition on land, ruling out a naval attack on Lisbon on 26 May. Difficult disembarkation on Consolaçao beach; of the thirty-two landing craft, fourteen went under with over eighty…

Air Warfare Germany Naval History Soviet 26 Min Read

Soviet Naval Air in the Black Sea 1943

Il-4T 5th GMTAP, Black Sea Fleet Pe-2 (205th series) 40th BAP, Black Sea Fleet A-20DO 30 RAP, VVS Black Sea Though varying in intensity, air activity was more effective and dangerous than submarine activity all through the year. Off the part of the coast held by the Soviets (with the…

ANZAC British Italy Naval History 25 Min Read

The Red Sea 1940–41

The Red Sea, 1940–1941 Long months of torture in the blazing heat and incredible humidity of Massawa had left us apathetic and drained of hope of escape. —Edward Ellsberg, No Banners No Bugles Italy’s East African possessions, particularly its Red Sea base at Massawa, were situated strategically astride the sea…

Naval History 34 Min Read

Hit and Run in the Aegean

With the ‘D’ type Fairmiles and new American-built Vospers coming into operation in increasing numbers, the older Elco boats continued to give good service, although armed with nothing heavier than Oerlikons. They were formed into the 10th MTB Flotilla, under Lieutenant Commander Peter Evensen. In September 1943, while Allan took…

Baltic Naval History Soviet 22 Min Read

Tallinn disaster

Soviet cruiser Kirov protected by smoke during evacuation of Tallinn in August 1941. Bombs start to fall near ships moored in Tallinn for the evacuation. Reval Hafen 1.9.1941 (Tag der Eroberung) The Port of Tallinn on 1 September 1941 after having been seized by the Germans. Admiral Vladimir F. Tributs.…

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Brown Water Navy

The Monitors were the battleships of the Mobile Riverine Force. They were equipped with varied…

Hellcats in the Royal Navy

The Royal Navy acquired large numbers of F4Fs as Grumman Martlets and made extensive use…

Mediterranean Coastal and Torpedo Craft

Known popularly as PT boats, World War II–era patrol-torpedo boats were the American equivalent of…

Raid on Medway II

De Zeven Provinciën was a Dutch ship of the line, originally armed with 80 guns.…