Wartime Standard Ships

Nonfiction, History, Military, Naval, Science & Nature, Technology
Cover of the book Wartime Standard Ships by Nick Robins, Pen and Sword
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Nick Robins ISBN: 9781848323780
Publisher: Pen and Sword Publication: August 30, 2017
Imprint: Seaforth Publishing Language: English
Author: Nick Robins
ISBN: 9781848323780
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication: August 30, 2017
Imprint: Seaforth Publishing
Language: English

In both World Wars there arose a pressing need for merchant tonnage both to supplement existing ships but, more importantly, to replace ships that had been sunk by enemy action, and the key to the Allied strategy in both wars was a massive programme of merchant shipbuilding. This need gave rise to a series of standard designs with increasing emphasis on prefabrication and a progression towards welded hulls.

This new book tells the remarkable story of the design and construction of the many types that not only contributed to their country’s war efforts, but were also responsible for a cultural change in world shipbuilding that would lay the foundations for the post-war industry. The story begins in the First World War with the National type cargo ships which were the first examples of prefabricated construction. The best known of all types of wartime standard ships, of course, were the Liberty ships and their successor, the better equipped Victory ships, both built in the United States. Some 2,700 Liberty ships were built and this incredible achievement undoubtedly saved the Allies from losing the War. In Canada, the Ocean and Park ships made a further major contribution. Germany and Japan also introduced standard merchant shipbuilding programmes during the Second World War and these are covered in detail. The many different types and designs are all reviewed and their roles explained, while the design criteria, innovative building techniques and the human element of their successful operation is covered.

Some of the story has been told piecemeal in a range of diverse books and articles, a few with extensive fleet lists. However, the complete history of the twentieth century wartime-built standard merchant ship has not previously been written, so this new volume recording that history within its appropriate technical, political and military background will be hugely welcomed.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In both World Wars there arose a pressing need for merchant tonnage both to supplement existing ships but, more importantly, to replace ships that had been sunk by enemy action, and the key to the Allied strategy in both wars was a massive programme of merchant shipbuilding. This need gave rise to a series of standard designs with increasing emphasis on prefabrication and a progression towards welded hulls.

This new book tells the remarkable story of the design and construction of the many types that not only contributed to their country’s war efforts, but were also responsible for a cultural change in world shipbuilding that would lay the foundations for the post-war industry. The story begins in the First World War with the National type cargo ships which were the first examples of prefabricated construction. The best known of all types of wartime standard ships, of course, were the Liberty ships and their successor, the better equipped Victory ships, both built in the United States. Some 2,700 Liberty ships were built and this incredible achievement undoubtedly saved the Allies from losing the War. In Canada, the Ocean and Park ships made a further major contribution. Germany and Japan also introduced standard merchant shipbuilding programmes during the Second World War and these are covered in detail. The many different types and designs are all reviewed and their roles explained, while the design criteria, innovative building techniques and the human element of their successful operation is covered.

Some of the story has been told piecemeal in a range of diverse books and articles, a few with extensive fleet lists. However, the complete history of the twentieth century wartime-built standard merchant ship has not previously been written, so this new volume recording that history within its appropriate technical, political and military background will be hugely welcomed.

More books from Pen and Sword

Cover of the book The Story of HMS Revenge by Nick Robins
Cover of the book Warfare in the Medieval World by Nick Robins
Cover of the book Fighter Command 1936-1968 by Nick Robins
Cover of the book Saturday at M.I.9 by Nick Robins
Cover of the book The Adventures of Sir Samuel White Baker by Nick Robins
Cover of the book The Romford Outrage by Nick Robins
Cover of the book Rails Across Canada by Nick Robins
Cover of the book 2nd Air Division Air Force USAAF 1942-45 by Nick Robins
Cover of the book The Great War Illustrated - The Home Front by Nick Robins
Cover of the book Cheshire Bantams by Nick Robins
Cover of the book Slim: Unofficial History by Nick Robins
Cover of the book Regency Spies by Nick Robins
Cover of the book Me and My MG by Nick Robins
Cover of the book Stilicho by Nick Robins
Cover of the book The Malayan Emergency & Indonesian Confrontation by Nick Robins
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy