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Convoy: The defence of sea trade, 1890-1990
An authoritative examination of the role of convoy between 1890 and 1990.
Perfect for readers of naval history, strategy and how convoys saved the allies in both World War One and Two.
Convoy is at the heart of naval history. The Navy had indeed been first formed specifically for convoy the nation’s prosperity and security depending upon the safe passage of ships carrying troops and merchandise, in convoy, ever since the Middle Ages.
So why was the subject of trade defence so frequently and keenly debated? How did the best navy in the world come to abandon its oldest and best practice when it needed it the most?
Naval historian John Winton examines the controversy — whether in time of war vessels can be better protected in convoys or sailing individually in protected sea-lanes — and traces the arguments leading to the adoption of the convoy system in the First World War and, despite its resounding success, grudging adoption in the Second.
The author shows how the advantage in the Battle of the Atlantic swung back and forth until, in 1943, the German submarine fleets attempting to cut through Britain’s shipping arteries were finally driven back by convoy escorts and long-range aircraft, assisted by sophisticated new radar equipment. The discovery was made that convoy was more than a cautious it was actually the best offensive weapon against the U-boats.
John Winton’s expert analysis of the records combined with his knowledge of naval history result in a comprehensive study of convoy sure to appeal to all maritime enthusiasts and those keen to learn more about naval strategy between 1890 and 1990.
‘a highly effective writer on naval subjects’ – The Telegraph
‘[John Winton] is acquiring a second reputation as an excellent historian’ – British Book News
‘The lessons of history are no more and no less important for us than they ever were and John Winton’s book reminds us of vital facts we must keep to hand’ – Rear Admiral Sir John Woodward KCB
Perfect for readers of naval history, strategy and how convoys saved the allies in both World War One and Two.
Convoy is at the heart of naval history. The Navy had indeed been first formed specifically for convoy the nation’s prosperity and security depending upon the safe passage of ships carrying troops and merchandise, in convoy, ever since the Middle Ages.
So why was the subject of trade defence so frequently and keenly debated? How did the best navy in the world come to abandon its oldest and best practice when it needed it the most?
Naval historian John Winton examines the controversy — whether in time of war vessels can be better protected in convoys or sailing individually in protected sea-lanes — and traces the arguments leading to the adoption of the convoy system in the First World War and, despite its resounding success, grudging adoption in the Second.
The author shows how the advantage in the Battle of the Atlantic swung back and forth until, in 1943, the German submarine fleets attempting to cut through Britain’s shipping arteries were finally driven back by convoy escorts and long-range aircraft, assisted by sophisticated new radar equipment. The discovery was made that convoy was more than a cautious it was actually the best offensive weapon against the U-boats.
John Winton’s expert analysis of the records combined with his knowledge of naval history result in a comprehensive study of convoy sure to appeal to all maritime enthusiasts and those keen to learn more about naval strategy between 1890 and 1990.
‘a highly effective writer on naval subjects’ – The Telegraph
‘[John Winton] is acquiring a second reputation as an excellent historian’ – British Book News
‘The lessons of history are no more and no less important for us than they ever were and John Winton’s book reminds us of vital facts we must keep to hand’ – Rear Admiral Sir John Woodward KCB
378 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1983
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About the author
John Winton
57 books12 followersA former officer in the Royal Navy, John Pratt was the author of a variety of fiction and non-fiction works published under the pen name John Winton. Pratt also served for 14 years as an obituarist for The Daily Telegraph.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 21, 2023
Excellent history of convoys
Highly researched and replete with detail down to the names of Allied and German captains, this book appears to leave no stone unturned.
It also reveals the politics of a convoy system. Admiral King, CNO of US Navy, does not come off well.
Highly researched and replete with detail down to the names of Allied and German captains, this book appears to leave no stone unturned.
It also reveals the politics of a convoy system. Admiral King, CNO of US Navy, does not come off well.
Displaying 1 of 1 review