Customer Reviews

Battleships of the Scharnhorst Class: Scharnhorst and Gneisenau: The Backbone of the German Surface Forces at the Outbreak of War

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Overshadowed by the big battleships of the Bismark class, the sister ships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau proved to be just as valuable to the German navy in WWII. This book provides many excellent photographs and technical drawings for all aspects of these ships - their hull design, weapon mounts, radar systems, camouflage schemes, refits during the war, and even a brief history of the men who's names were given to these ships.

Also covered is the battle history for each ship. The Gneisenau basically sat in port for most of the war but tied down some RAF bombers and Royal Navy vessels in accordance with the "fleet in being" theory. The Scharnhorst had a more 'glamorous' life of threatening the arctic convoys until it was badly battered and eventually scuttled after sustaining thirteen 14in shell hits, twelve 8in shell hits, and over ten torpedo hits(!) during a fight pitting her alone against a British force consisting of four destroyers, four cruisers, and a battleship.

The book is well laid out and provides good reading. It also makes a good reference book with excellent photographs and drawings.