Battlecruiser New Zealand: A Gift to Empire

This book tells the story of HMS New Zealand, a battlecruiser paid for by the people of New Zealand in 1909, and its distinguished World War I career when it was present in all three major naval battles in the North Sea. It outlines the politics, engineering issues, and human and social context of the ship's career, providing a more detailed account than prior accounts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 11 August 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

This book delves into the captivating tale of HMS New Zealand, a formidable battlecruiser that was funded by the people of New Zealand in 1909, specifically in response to the perceived threat posed by Japan in Australasia and the Pacific. The story of HMS New Zealand is intricately woven with the turbulent power plays at the Admiralty in the years preceding World War I, primarily due to the fact that her design had already become obsolete by the time she was built. Despite this, the ship went on to have a remarkable and distinguished career during the war, participating in all three major naval battles in the North Sea: Heligoland, Dogger Bank, and Jutland.

The book provides a comprehensive outline of the political context, engineering challenges, and the ship's remarkable career, drawing from a wealth of official documents, eyewitness accounts of her crew, and other period documentation. This rich tapestry of information is interwoven with the human and social context, creating a captivating biography of the ship that serves as a testament to human endeavor, engineering, and action. The book offers a significantly more detailed account than previous summaries, offering readers a deeper understanding of this iconic vessel and its place in history.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in naval history, military strategy, or the remarkable stories of individuals and communities that shaped the course of history. HMS New Zealand's journey from inception to its heroic wartime service is a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity and the enduring power of engineering.

Weight: 828g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526784032