THE BOOKS OF PETER C. SMITH
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FIGHTING FLOTILLA; HMS Laforey and her sister ships.
H/B 1976 (ISBN 0 7183 0314 8); 2nd Revised Edition H/B Pen & Sword Maritime, July 2010.
Foreword by Mrs R. M. J. Hutton.
This is the detailed history of the eight ships of the Laforey Class built during World War II. The most comprehensive account of the design, construction and war record of the British destroyer class ever written. Using then unreleased documents for the first time, the full story of the origins of these ships is given. The most handsome design of all the Royal Navy's destroyers and among the most powerfully armed, these vessels are given full coverage including the detailed discussions that led to their design, the building and construction and commissioning of each ship.
Replete with diagrams of their gun turrets and armaments, ships badges, commanding officers and battle Honours. Their full war records, which were outstanding, are given from both official records and eyewitness accounts. Reviewing the book on The Crusader Project in March 2009, Andreas Biermann said: "I was not disappointed," adding, "I can only highly recommend this book" The reviewer in Warship World December 2010 issue, said of the new edition of the book, “A mass of detail is required if a history is to be ‘definitive’ and this book has it in abundance. The first 70 pages cover the origins, planning and building of the ships. Accounts of meetings, correspondence and exchanges trace the emergence of the class from first ideas to the placing order with the shipbuilders.” He added, “In providing a definitive history, there is a danger that these chapters might become just a rather prosaic narrative of events, but the author is careful to add in personal accounts from former crew members, thus providing colour to the account. By the end one is left with total admiration for the bravery and endurance of these eight destroyers and their ships companies. A recommended read.”
Publishers enquiries welcomed.