Very Special Ships: Abdiel-Class Fast Minelayersof World War Two

by Arthur C. Nicholson

Overview

Very Special Ships is the first full-length book about the Abdiel-class fast minelayers, which were considered the fastest and most versatile to serve in the Royal Navy during World War II. This book spans the scope of the class from alpha to zulu as they operated in many roles, most famously as blockade runners to Malta, transporting items as diverse as ammunition, condensed milk, gold, and VIPs. To provide a complete picture of this important class of ships, Very Special Ships examines the origin and history of the minelayers, describes the design and construction of each ship in the class, details the operational history of the ships during World War II, and concludes with the post-war careers of the surviving ships.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781848322356
Publisher:	Naval Institute Press
Publication date:	11/15/2015
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 10.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Arthur Nicholson is an American lawyer and naval enthusiast. He is also the author of Hostages of Fortune.

Editorial Reviews

Arthur Nicholson’s new book is therefore welcome in its detailed recording of the exploits of what were, indeed, very special ships…. Very Special Ships can be recommended as a well-researched and well-written operational history of a remarkable class of warship." —Warshipsas part of the publication's Naval Books of the Year “This entertaining, well written and immensely interesting history represents the bulk of the book. Included, as is typical of histories of this type, are a wide range of photographs, diagrams and maps. Particularly well done is a series of exquisite views of the six ships of the class in various guises and layouts. The story introduces the human element throughout with liberal quotes, photos and anecdotes from the crews who served in the ships from captain to ordinary seaman. The book is well produced, attractively laid out and well written. I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone with an interest in this class of warships.”—The Northern Mariner

From the Publisher