Osprey Elite 79 : The Royal Navy 1939-1945

The Royal Navy - Britain's 'senior service' - had been regarded for 200 years as the nation's principal protector; but it was starved of resources in the interwar years. Advances in submarine warfare and air/sea tactics cost the Royal Navy dear in the early Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific campaigns; but the traditional professionalism of the prewar regulars, and the willingness of the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Naval Volunteers Reserve, and 'hostilities only' recruits combined to win the battles of the Atlantic and Mediterranean; the navy went on to play a vital part in the seaborne invasions to liberate Europe, and by 1945 was once more making a serious contribution to the war against Japan. This book covers the organisation of the fleet, the duties and conditions of shipboard life, and the uniforms and gear worn in all theatres of war. Text by Ian Sumner with illustrations by Alix Baker.

Contents

• Introduction - Organisation and Command Structure in 1939
• Recruitment and Training - Personnel Categories
• Service Afloat - Organisation of the Ship's Company
• Uniforms - Officers, Ratings, Shore Parties, Naval Commandos, Fleet Air Arm
• Insignia - Ratings' Badges
• WRNS & QARNNS
• Commonwealth and Allied Personnel
• Miscellaneous Organisations