Royal Navy Monitors of World War II: Britain’s Battleship-Calibre Gunboats
48 pages
Dr James Bosbotinis
With a cover image depicting HMS Terror in action in January 1918, this slim new volume immediately appeals to the prospective reader. The author, Angus Konstam, a formal naval officer and historian will be well-known to members, with his books covered regularly by the NR. In this book, he sets out to provide “an account of these remarkable, ungainly warships – a story which irrevocably intertwined with their role – using their lethal firepower to deliver devastating naval bombardments…”
Following the standard Osprey format, the author provides a context-setting introduction, proceeding then to discuss the ‘Design and Development’ of monitors in Royal Navy service; the operational history of HMS Erebus, Terror, Roberts, Abercrombie and several harbour monitors. The latter included M-33, which is now “the only British monitor still in existence”, on display at the Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth. Konstam also discusses the evolution and tactical development of naval gunfire support, the technical characteristics of the 15-inch gun arming the monitors, and the contribution of the ships to Operations NEPTUNE and INFATUATE. A brief overview of the specifications of and modifications made to the Erebus and Roberts-classes is also included as is a short selection of further reading.
Royal Navy Monitors of World War II provides a readable and detailed account; the author has packed much into the book’s 48 pages, yet it remains highly engaging. There are minor errors: a confused sentence on page 20; and on page 16, the sinking of HMS Terror is attributed to an air attack by Junker Ju-87 Stukas, while on page 18 and 19, the illustration of the attack and accompanying caption depicts/refers to Junkers Ju-88s. These do not, however, detract from the quality of the book. Alongside Konstam’s text are an excellent selection of photos, diagrams, and Adam Tooby’s illustrations. In all, Royal Navy Monitors of World War II is certainly recommended.
