What Happened to the Battleship: 1945 to the Present

This book explores the post-World War II history and role of battleships, examining the decisions made by major world powers to retain them despite financial constraints. It places the history and role of battleships after 1945 in their geo-political context, focusing on the Cold War and the need for the West to face down the Soviet Union. It also examines the impact of operational analysis of the Second World War and new technological developments on battleships. The book uses extensive information from ship's books, ship's logs, and gun logs to document the activities of battleships after 1945, particularly those of the Royal Navy. It covers United States battleship operations in Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War, as well as the deterrent role played by battleships for NATO from the 1950s to the 1990s. The book is extensively illustrated with photographs of battleships in various roles, from Fleet flagships to Royal or Presidential yachts and target ships.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 26 May 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In the vast realm of books dedicated to battleships, a common trend emerges: their narratives often culminate with the surrender of Japan in September 1945. However, on that fateful day, a remarkable sight unfolded across the world, with ninety-eight battleships or ex-battleships scattered across the oceans. Eleven of these majestic vessels found themselves in or near Tokyo Bay, witnessing the historic surrender. Yet, the question remains: what happened to these ships after that pivotal moment? This groundbreaking new book delves into the gradual decline of the battleship, offering a fresh perspective on its fate. It explores the decision-making processes of the major world powers following World War II, their unwavering aspiration to retain battleships in their naval fleets, despite financial constraints. The book contextualizes the history and role of battleships in the post-war era, particularly in the context of the Cold War and the Western need to confront the aggressive Soviet Union. It also examines the profound impact of operational analysis of the Second World War and the emergence of new technological advancements, such as the atom bomb and guided missile. Drawing upon a wealth of information from ship's books, ship's logs, and gun logs, the book meticulously documents the actions of battleships after the Second World War, with a special emphasis on the Royal Navy's endeavors. It encompasses the United States battleship operations in Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War, as well as the crucial deterrent role played by battleships for NATO from the 1950s to the 1990s. To bring the story up to date, the book also showcases the preservation of eight dreadnoughts as museum ships in the United States. Extensively illustrated with photographs that capture a wide range of activities of battleships after 1945, from their service as Fleet flagships to Royal or Presidential yachts and, more poignantly, as target ships, this new book appeals to both historic ship enthusiasts and general readers alike.

Weight: 1236g
Dimension: 253 x 181 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399070089