- Author
- Book reviewer
- Subjects
- WWII operations, Book reviews, Royal Navy
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- December 2011 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
The narrative of this book is racy, absorbing and thoroughly researched. There is generous inclusion of b&w illustrations, including several photos of BPF ships in Australian ports. The index is exceptionally well detailed. There are other publications dealing with the BPF but this work is undoubtedly the definitive study to date and will be difficult to surpass. Importantly it carries a sober reflection on the result of ‘accountancy based’ and short term planning which is influenced by vested interests but does not allow for unforeseen and unpleasant surprises. It is therefore strongly, indeed urgently, recommended reading for future planners as well as interested historians.
Reviewed by LCDR Ron Robb, RAN Rtd.