Books Highlight Battleships, Destroyers and World War I Naval War in the Baltic Sea

摘要

The 200 destroyers of the Caldwell, Wickes and Clemson classes - called "Four-Pipers" and "Flush Decks" by Sailors - were mainstays of the U.S. destroyer fleet in World War I and the inter-war period and made significant contributions in World War II, despite their obsolescence by 1939. They served worldwide, notably in convoy escort duty and in specialized roles as seaplane tenders, fast transports, minelayers and minesweepers. One, the USS Ward, damaged a Japanese mini-sub with the first shot fired by the United States on Dec. 7,1941. Fifty of the destroyers were traded to the Royal Navy as part of the Lend-Lease Act, and one of these was sacrificed to destroy a German drydock in St. Nazaire, France. Others saw combat service with the Soviet, Canadian and Norwegian navies. One of the destroyers was captured by Japan and placed into service with its navy. This monograph portrays the extensive operational service of the Four-Pipers and Flush Decks with original artwork and a good variety of photos.