Submarines, Admirals and Navies
Los Angeles, California: Associated Publications, 1940. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Hardcover. [16], 280 pages. Errata slip. Frontis. Includes Preface, Index and Errata; Also contains chapters on Submarines and Battlefleets; Submarines and Convoys; Finding and Sinking Submarines; Submarines as Carriers; Submarine Penetration into Harbors; The Riddle of Submarine Artillery; Submarine Tactical Lessons and Naval Staff; Blocking Submarine Development; and Personalities--Policies--Progress. Also contains an Appendix on Submarine Lessons in Norwegian Campaign; Submarines in German Air-Military Operations; Submarines and Concrete Towers; and Submarines and Continental Blockade. Also includes 17 black and white photographs of ships and sailors. Bookplate of John Lyman inside the front cover. Dr. Lyman was professor emeritus of environmental chemistry at the University of North Carolina. He served in the Navy in World War II. He began his career in Washington in 1946, when he became director of oceanography for the Navy Hydrographic Office. He later became director of oceanography at the National Science Foundation and then chief adviser for oceanographic research at the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries. The John Lyman Book Awards are given annually by the North American Society for Oceanic History to recognize excellence in books making a major contribution to the study and understanding of maritime and naval history. The awards are given in 6 categories: Canadian naval and maritime history; U.S. naval history; U.S. maritime history; History of maritime science and technology; Maritime biography and autobiography; and Maritime reference works. Colin Mayers was an ex-Royal Navy submarine commander, After leaving the Royal Navy he was employed by Vickers. In 1926 he was found to be in contact with the Japanese who were apparently paying him for services rendered. An investigation was mounted and he was prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act 1911 after naval submarine plans, which he had retained after leaving the Navy, were found at his home. Mayers was bound over after some of the charges were withdrawn at his trial in 1927. Although the prosecution failed, Mayers was convicted on the minor infringement of retaining documents and given a suspended sentence, but the case confirmed official suspicions of Japanese clandestine objectives. Lieut.-Commander Mayers had also been a Senior Instructional Officer of the British Submarine School. The author asserts that in the history of fighting ships, the submarine is comparatively still very young. Correctly developed and employed, she may profoundly affect the outcome of World War 2, or the outcome of wars of the future.
The author wrote that "In order then that those interested in naval affairs may have as clear a picture as possible of the submarine situation, I have given, in non-technical language, an historical account of the various events which have interfered with the free fighting development of this type of naval vessel, and I have called attention to the important changes now looming up on the horizon.... In the history of fighting ships the submarine is comparatively still very young. Correctly developed and employed she may profoundly affect the outcome of this war, should it be one of long duration, or the outcome of wars of the future should unwise peace arrangements again become the breeding ground for armed strife." Condition: Good.
Keywords: WW2, Submarines, Navies, Battlefleets, Torpedo, Battlecruiser, Battleship, Anti-submarine Warfare, Minelaying, Flying Boats, Admiralty, Blockade, Aircraft Carrier, Fisher of Kilverstone
[Book #80090]
Price: $100.00