Destroyers (since 1945) - Great Britain: books - history

British Guided Missile Destroyers : County-Class, Type 82, Type 42 and Type 45 (Osprey)

In the years after World War II, new guided missile technology offered surface ships the chance to destroy airborne threats from afar, thereby preserving their role in naval warfare.

This book examines the technology and combat performance of Britain's guided missile destroyers over half a century. Uniquely among modern destroyers, three of these classes have been tested in battle against the aircraft and missiles of another modern navy - in the Falklands War - as well as being deployed during the Gulf War.

Written by an expert on British naval technology, this book assess the changing technology of the Royal Navy's destroyers over half a century, including an examination of the Royal Navy's newest and most capable warship, the Type 45.

Contents: Introduction: the maritime air threat and the defensive missile - The County-class destroyers - The Type 82 destroyer: HMS Bristol - The Type 42: Sheffield-class destroyers - The Type 45: Daring-class destroyers - Operational Service - Conclusion - Bibliography - Index.

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HMS Bristol: In a class of her own

The Type 82 Destroyer HMS Bristol was born in a blaze of glory as lead ship in a proposed class of four - designed to escort a new generation of super carriers for the Royal Navy. The carriers never materialised and neither did the other Type 82s, leaving Bristol literally in a class of her own.
Completed as a trials ship for new equipment, she was at one point the best-armed and best-equipped vessel in the fleet.

This book covers the ship's political background and eventual acceptance into service, her various roles and equipment trials, her deployments - including during the Falklands War in the South Atlantic, where she was flagship for a time - her withdrawal from the operational fleet, her second life as an accommodation and training ship and her decommissioning in 2020.

Author Rob Griffin presents the story of HMS Bristol complete with a wealth of rare photos and tales from those who served on board.

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