H. T. Lenton (1924–2009)

Mr. Lenton is at his best in handbooks that cover a specific area, and allow enough space for short essays on the variances between ship classes. Thus, a specific book on Cruisers of the commonwealth Navies is easily within his comfort zone. Lenton comes to grips with a serious problem in British shipbuilding. There was limited funds between the wars, and a cruiser is a large ship that requires about three years to build and commission. Thus an extensive building plan requires accurate forecasting in an area where innovation is likely. The RN came out of WWI with a cruiser component geared towards battle in the constricted waters of the North Sea, and the Mediterranean. However, the requirements of the Empire were for a force of seventy ships capable protecting the shipping lanes from surface raiders as well as the destroyer killing function necessary for Jutland style battles. There were many roles, and only a limited budget. Lenton's book shows that the inventiveness of the naval architects resulted in a cruiser suite capable of meeting all demands laid upon it.… (mehr)

The quest for the perfect destroyer is a complex action, as the hulls big enough for the perfect armament suite, involves big engines, then big fuel tanks, then ammunition storage, then crew quarters, and before you know it are away over treaty limits, and you simply can't afford building too many, so... all of these questions arose during WWI, and then the British set out to solve the quandary. By 1935 it was obvious that a one size fits all policy would not work. Thus the RN went on to build the Tribals, and the J to N classes, while preparing the plans for the escort destroyers of the Hunt classes. Finally the advances in Naval gunnery, and the pressure of losses led to the final "O" to "Ch" classes. Facing an obviously reduced post-war navy, the "Battles" were seen as a final gasp of the battle line destroyer. Mr. Lenton coped with the basic British design plan, and the influx of American four pipers as best one might. These two volumes and do remember the "Hunt" Classes are in volume two, are the accomplishment of a huge task and an experienced researcher.… (mehr)