Two Navies Divided: The British and United States Navies in the Second World War

George Bernard Shaw's quote that England and America are two countries divided by a common language is the basis of this book. It explores the contrasts and commonalities between the two navies, including their failures, training systems, ships and weaponry, conditions onboard ships, and other topics. The book demonstrates how the two great allies came together to defeat the Axis forces during World War II.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

"England and America are two countries divided by a common language," famously remarked George Bernard Shaw. This phrase does not suggest that the two navies were engaged in a serious conflict, but rather that common roots and usages varied significantly, much like language. A pertinent comparison can be made with the Second World War, during which Britain and America fought on the same side against a common enemy for nearly four years. While both nations had their own motivations for the war, their approaches differed significantly.

Britain fought the war primarily to safeguard its survival and empire, although it ultimately failed in the long term. The American government, on the other hand, sought to maintain its influence through the balance of power. The American people fought for revenge for Pearl Harbor and a sense of justice.

In his new book, Brian Lavery delves into the differences and similarities between the two navies, shedding fascinating light on the naval war fought during this period. For instance, both navies experienced spectacular failures after entering the war. The Royal Navy suffered defeats off Norway, the USN at Pearl Harbor and Savo Island. Interestingly, both navies began the war with relatively amateur performances by professional navies and ended with highly skilled performances by largely amateur manned forces.

The training systems for regular officers in both countries had flaws. In Britain, entry was largely dependent on family income, while in America, it was influenced by political influence. However, American officers likely had a broader perspective by the time they entered active service.

The book covers various aspects of ships and weapons systems, such as the British use of multiple gun types in the 4 to 6-inch range and the Americans' concentration on the well-designed 5-inch. Lavery also provides detailed descriptions of conditions onboard ships, including the prevalence of alcohol on British vessels, which had its attractions.

Overall, "Two Countries Divided by a Common Language: The Differences and Similarities between the British and American Navies in World War II" offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the naval war between Britain and America during World War II. By exploring the similarities and differences in their approaches, training systems, ships, and weapons, Lavery provides valuable insights into the strategies and tactics employed by these two naval powers. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, naval warfare, or the complexities of international relations."

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399047210