British Escort Carriers 1941–45 (New Vanguard)

The Second World War quickly generated a requirement for increased protection of vulnerable convoys at sea. The British Royal Navy discovered that aircraft were an effective response to German submarines and long-range aircraft. The challenge: how to get that air cover out to remote locations such as the mid-Atlantic?With its few fleet aircraft carriers tied to ongoing combat operations, the British Royal Navy turned first to merchantmen converted to carry a few aircraft, then to purpose-built escort carriers. Many of these escort carriers would be the product of the U.S. Navy's robust escort carrier program. British escort carriers would end up operating in every ocean during 1941-45.Experienced author Angus Konstam does the honors for this well-written Osprey New Vanguard Series book. The narrative provides a concise recap of the escort carrier program, with technical listings by class, accompanied by a solid selection of period photographs and modern illustrations. Included are examples of combat action.The author notes British crews assigned to U.S.-designed escort carriers were generally delighted with the availability of air-conditioning, bunks (vice hammocks), and ice cream makers, among other modern conveniences. Well recommended as a quick introduction to an often neglected topic of the war at sea.

The book is an OK general summary of the Royal Navy escort carriers of WW II. It describes the evolution of the design concepts and includes tabulations of dimensions and performance characteristics. Both the British designs and conversions and the American escort carriers obtained via lend-lease are discussed.Pages 43 - 45 "Life on Board" describes the differences in amenities between the British designed or converted ships and the American lend-lease ships. Not surprisingly, the American ships had accommodations and features that were luxurious by British standards and much appreciated by their crews.More detailed information on the type is provided in the following books:* "British Carrier Aviation: The Evolution of the Ships and their Aircraft" by Friedman (1988). Chapter 9 "Trade Protection" describes British escort carriers in detail;* "Allied Escort Carriers of World War II in Action" by Poolman (1988).

As always, an excellent New Vanguard book by Angus Konstam. Excelolent detail on these little-known but essential ships of WWII.

Outstanding work as to be expected from osprey publishing

thank you

Another ideal short history account to add to my collection of New Vanguard titles concerning Royal Navy warships of WWII. Unfortunately proof reading is a little lax with this title. For instance there two versions of the fate of DASHER, sunk by U-boat and fire on the Clyde whilst refuelling aircraft. Under aircraft the Sea Hurricane is shown as having a higher speed (268 knots) than the Seafire (252 knots), which I think we all know was not the case but then goes on to state the Seafire was faster than the Sea Hurricane! Apart from these slight glitches it is still a useful book.

Useful but flawed book. Aside from the mistakes made which question not only basic editing by someone with knowledge of the subject but also the “author” who could relate facts which were disproved in an official history over 50 years ago.However the book is also not a cut and paste job and if treated with caution is useful. What would be really useful would be a mini history of each ship.

Excellent book with a lot of detailed information and pictures. A book you must have/read if you are interested in military warships, it is a pleasure to read it

I liked the book it was book about the escort and mac carriers

Good book for these essential specialised aircraft carriers