Osprey New Vanguard 71 : German Battleships 1939-1945

Gordon Williamson examines the capital ships of the German Navy of World War II and covers their design, development and operational use of the battleships used by the Kriegsmarine. The 'Schlesien' and 'Schleswig-Hostein' were used mostly as training ships until the end of the war when they took part in bombardment of Soviet troop movements in East Prussia. The 'Scharnhorst' had a successful career until her sinking at the battle of the North Cape, and the 'Gneisenau' with her ignominious end as a block-ship. Bismarck's short but glorious career and Tirpitz's lonely vigil in Norway's distant Fjords until sunk by RAF bombers using the massive 'Tallboy' bombs are also covered. Text by Gordon Williamson with illustrations by Ian Palmer.

Contents

• Introduction
• Design and Development
• Operational History
• The Variants
• Further Reading
• Colour Plate Commentary