US Navy Destroyer Escorts of World War II

The smallest ocean-going escort built for the US Navy was the Destroyer Escort, a downsized destroyer with less speed, guns, and torpedoes than its big brother. They were ordered in the US because Britain lacked the shipyards to build them. Despite initial reservations, they served during World War II, fighting in the Atlantic and Pacific, taking on U-boat and Japanese submarines, and serving as early warning pickets against kamikazes. They continued to serve after World War II, with several serving into the twenty-first century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 26 November 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The United States Navy commissioned the smallest ocean-going escort, the Destroyer Escort, which was a downsized version of the fleet destroyer. These escorts were designed to be faster and more maneuverable than their larger counterparts, with fewer guns and torpedoes. The demand for escort warships grew during World War II, as the Royal Navy required vessels larger than corvettes but faster to build than destroyers. The US, lacking shipyards capable of constructing these ships, turned to the United States for their production.

Despite initial reservations, the destroyer escorts proved to be invaluable assets in the war. They fought in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, taking on U-boat and Japanese submarines. They also served as early warning pickets against kamikazes later in the war. Some notable actions included the Battle of Samar, where a group of destroyers and destroyer escorts fought Japanese battleships and cruisers to protect escort carriers, and the capture of the U-505, the only major naval vessel captured at sea by the US Navy.

After World War II, the destroyer escorts continued to serve in the United States Navy and a number of other navies around the world. Many of these ships remained in service into the twenty-first century, showcasing their durability and versatility. This book provides a comprehensive account of the destroyer escorts' design, development, and service history, featuring stunning illustrations and contemporary photographs.

Weight: 170g
Dimension: 184 x 247 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472839749