British Amphibious Assault Ships

From Suez to the Falklands and the present day

British Amphibious Assault Ships cover

British Amphibious Assault Ships

From Suez to the Falklands and the present day

Description

From the first “commando carriers” to the legendary Fearless class and the current generation, this title explores the capabilities, roles, and history of the Royal Navy's frontline amphibious assault ships.

Amphibious assault ships have been at the center of nearly all of Britain's expeditionary campaigns since World War II, from the Suez crisis of 1956 to operations as far afield as Borneo (1963–66), the Falklands (1982), Sierra Leone (2000) and Iraq (2003).

In major operations such as Suez and the Falklands, the use of amphibious assault ships was essential to the military success of the campaigns. The Suez Crisis saw two of the Royal Navy's former light fleet carriers converted into "commando carriers" to specialize in amphibious warfare. In the 1960s these were followed by the famous Fearless class ships – the first purpose-built amphibious assault ships in the Royal Navy. With an internal dock, headquarters capability, and multiple landing craft, these "Landing Platform Docks" were built to project power around the world. When the Falklands were invaded, HMS Fearless was the key to the successful landing in San Carlos.

In the 1990s, a new generation was ordered: the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean and the Albion class LPDs. In recent years Ocean, Albion and Bulwark have been the largest fighting ships of the Royal Navy and have acted as the navy's flagships, as well as being perhaps the most versatile ships in the navy.

This title is an essential guide to British Amphibious Assault Ships across the decades, from the mighty Fearless to the modern Albion. Packed with full-color illustrations, contemporary photography, and detailed analysis, this definitive work explores the history, development, and deployment of the Royal Navy's front line.

Table of Contents

Introduction /LST3000 class tank landing ships /Albion and Bulwark commando carriers /Fearless and Intrepid dock landing ships /Hermes commando carrier /Ocean commando carrier /Albion and Bulwark dock landing ships /Auxiliary landing ships and logistical transports /Operational service /Bibliography /Index

Product details

Published Dec 24 2019
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781472836304
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Dimensions 10 x 7 inches
Series New Vanguard
Short code NVG 277
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Edward Hampshire

Edward Hampshire is a historian at the Naval Histo…

Illustrator

Adam Tooby

Adam Tooby is an internationally renowned digital…

Resources

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