Seapower was a crucial element in the outcome of the Second World War. The U-Boat campaign almost brought Britain to her knees; the Arctic convoys were crucial to keeping Russia in the war; Pearl Harbor brought America into the conflict with massive repercussions; allied supremacy made the D-Day landings possible. This book examines in detail the key naval commanders of both sides including five British (Pound, Cunningham, Ramsay, Horton, Somerville) and five US admirals (King, Nimitz, Spruance, Halsey, Fletcher), three German (Raeder, Doenitz, Lutjens) three Japanese (Yamamato, Nagumo, Koga) and two French (Darlan, de la Borde), the later justified by the problem faced by Vichy France, including the courageous decision to scuttle the fleet rather than let it fall into German hands in late 1942. In selecting the list, the author has made their decisive role in the war the only criterion. AUTHOR: David Wragg has written no less than seven books for Pen and Sword and many others for other leading publishers. He lives near Edinburgh. SELLING POINTS: Examines the careers, personalities, achievements and failures of 18 leading naval commanders. Covers all major naval campaigns of WW2. Strong appeal to naval enthusiasts. Written by leading naval historian. 16 pages of b/w plates
