Destroyers of World War Two: An International Encyclopedia

Fast, compact and formidable, destroyers were in the thick of the action in every theater of operations during the Second World War. They performed a wide range of duties, often of the most hazardous nature. Not only were they assigned to escort the main battle fleets into action, but they were called upon to escort convoys and protect them from attacks by aircraft and submarines.

Illustrated with hundreds of photographs and line drawings, this reprint of the popular 1988 book comprehensively details in one volume all the destroyers built between 1939 and 1945 by the navies of the world. Each class is described under three headings: design, modification, and service. The author, a leading World War II historian, provides a wealth of data on each ship's builder, dimensions, armament, performance, and fate as well as keel-laying, launch, and commissioning dates. Such a detailed record of these highly effective, versatile ships will prove invaluable to warship enthusiasts everywhere.