"Donald Featherstones WWII naval rules" Topic

Long ago I had a book by Donald Featherstone that had a few rules in it. One was a very simple WWII naval set which included aircraft. Can't find it in my collection of books and massive amount of unpainted stuff. Anybody have an idea which book it was, so I can try to find a copy again?

I have the book in front of me, I haven't read it for a decade or three.

Let me scan through it and I'll get back to you.

I assume you mean "Naval War Games" by Donald E Featherstone. Chapter 15 is "World Wars I and II – Charles Dick's Rules". Followed by ch.16 "Hunt the Raider"; ch.17 "The Rules of Fred Jane – Early Twentieth Century" and ch.18 "The Fletcher Pratt Naval War Game – Modern".
My copy is an ex-libray hard back 1968 second impression published by Stanley Paul & Co. (1st ed. was '65) and ISBN is 09 076581 8.
I hope that helps?

There are two references to naval rules including aircraft.

The first is a WW1/WW2 set by Charles Dick. The content of the chapter does not appear to be a complete set of rules but gives a good indication of their manner. There is a refence as to how aircraft can be incorporated but it is very sparse.

The second is a fuller version, based on the Fred Jane rules which also briefly mentions aircraft. You would need to add a lot of material to make them playable. It goes on to mention an other ruleset by Fletcher Pratt.

I'll check my other Featherstone books for any further references.

There is a reference in the preface of the above book to further aircraft rules in Air War Games which I will try and find.

I think I may have found what you are looking for.

Chapter 7 of Air War Games refers to Aircraft at Sea, 7 pages thereof.

It mentions both the Jane and the Pratt rules.

Thanks guys. The Pratt and Janes names sound familiar. We played it a few times and I remember that we really didn't need to add anything. It was a complete set.

Fletcher Pratt is available from John Curry's wargaming project – I've used them and they've given very good games with results that have been uncannily close historical outcomes. I didn't get on with the aircraft rules so fashioned my own based on Wings of War that worked well and resulted in the Bismarck taking a torpedo in the stern while turning to port – if someone else told me it would've been that close a match I wouldn't have believed them.

link

Rules, articles, scratch building plans, I love this book.

Don autographed my copy at an Historicon. My 15 yr old son was with me and of course had no idea of Don's international stature.

Don was very positive and encouraging toward Robert, who then became interested in boardgaming as well as naval miniatures again. He's now living his dream as an aerospace engineer.

My Naval Action rules are free on CoatneyHistory now … as long as it lasts … I'm 74 and have had 4 heart attacks.

And I've added the Sims class to my paper/cardstock model ship plans.

But don't miss Postcard Barbarossa! :-)

I'm the proud owner of an original 1938 edition of Fletcher Pratt's naval rules. Found it in an antique/junk shop for five dollars US. It was the last thing in the world I ever expected to find in that place.

Agree they make for a good game (provided that you do not try playing Jutland in an afternoon)!

B