Military Model Scene

Title: British Aircraft Carriers 1945-2010
Author: Angus Konstam
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-4728-5687-6

New Vanguard number 317 from Osprey. A 48-page soft-cover book, with artwork by Paul Wright.
Leading up to WW2 the battleship was the key naval vessel around the world, but after WW2 it became the aircraft carrier. At the end of WW2 the Royal Navy had the second largest force of aircraft carriers in the world. Many in service and others still on the building blocks. As the book explains, the problems of costs as well as the development of new jet aircraft also impacted what could be afforded. The book takes us through the design and development story after the war, how some were cancelled and others were converted, particularly with the then new angled flight deck for faster jet operations. This section also includes the variety of aircraft that came into service with the Fleet Air Arm, including the new V/STOL aircraft, specifically the Harrier. From Fleet and Light carriers, to the new Invincible class of 3 ships. The next section takes us through Carriers in Action, from the Korean War, through to the Falklands. The final section gives the various Ship Specifications for both the wartime and the post-war carriers. It does end though before we get to the 2 big carriers now operated by the Royal Navy, they are saved for another day.
While many will be familiar with names such as Illustrious, Hermes, Ark Royal, and Invincible, maybe even Victorious and Eagle. I suspect less will be familiar with names such as Colossus, Indomitable, Indefatigable, Glory, Ocean, Albion and Bulwark and more. There is a lot of fascinating material packed into a small book, a read I found especially interesting. Add the lovely artwork and there is so much in here to like. Another excellent addition to the New Vanguard series.
Thanks to Osprey for our review copy.

Robin