"WW2 naval war in the med - book" Topic

Hi all,

Could i have a recommendation for a good general military history of the naval fighting in the mediterranean in WW2. particularly from the british viewpoint.

Reasonably detailed, but interesting to read, nothing too dry or academic.

Thanks guys

Andy

Try Stuggle for the Middle Sea by Vincent P. O'Hara. Its meticulously researched, complete but very well written, not at all dry or boring.

Here's a link to brief review I wrote in my book blog.

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"The Naval War in the Mediterranean, 1940-1943" by Greene and Massignani.

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It is desirable to have joint authorship from both sides, as it tends to reduce national bias (the early 1960s-1970s British-only books were often significantly biased). The O'Hara book mentioned previously is also valuable, and he goes out of his way to avoid the traditional pro-British bias I mentioned.

MH

Another hearty endorsement for the two books named above.

Another endorsement for Green and Massignani.Well written and gives a nicely balanced view of events.

Both sound great, thanks.

Both are great – I'm just finishing Naval War in the Med

I have ordered a copy of

"The Naval War in the Mediterranean, 1940-1943" by Greene and Massignani.

Some reviews I looked at seemed to feel there was a strong bias against the british in Mr O'Haras book.

I'd take those reviews with a grain of salt. Most are from the established pro-British viewpoint that has dominated historys about the naval war in the Med. Both books mentioned above are refreshing in being far more balanced than previous historys. I'd definitely reconsider O'Haras book.

"Malta Convoys, 1940-1943" by Richard Woodman.

from the Italian point of view I would strongly strongly suggest Giorgio Giorgerini, but I am not sure if has been translated into English.

His "la guerra italiana sul mare" – the italian war at sea – provide extensive coverage of pre-war Italian naval policy, the Italian doctrine of the fleet-in-being and an assessment of how this doctrine was actually applied during the war, a critical analisys of Italian technological weak points (radar, carriers,etc.).

And only then, having put all of this in proper context, Giorgerini goes into the story of the whole war, battle after battle and convoy after convoy. very critical, also very fair. Hope you can find a translated copy.

With others above, another recommendation for Vincent O'Hara's book. It is really a very useful, concise outline of the destroyers and larger actions throughout the war, including several convoy-oriented actions. O'Hara give the Italian navy a good deal of deserved attention considering their interests in the Mediterranean and their involvemen, but there is no bias against the Royal Navy, especially seeing how efficient the RN was in clearing the Red Sea, and having won at least their share of the face-to-face actions. O'Hara does omit most reference to the air campaigns, submarine and carrier battles, though, wishing to concentrate on the surface actions.