This book takes a fresh look at the undersea war as a whole and all the complex factors bearing on the campaign, only one of which was convoy. Its analysis is original, and its conclusions thought-provoking – an important contribution to the naval history of the Great War.

"In Defeating the U-boat: Inventing Antisubmarine Warfare, Newport Paper 36, Jan. S. Breemer tells the story of the British response to the German submarine threat. His account of Germany's 'asymmetric' challenge (to use the contemporary term) to Britain's naval mastery holds important lessons for the United States today, the U.S. Navy in particular. The Royal Navy's obstinate refusal to consider seriously the option of convoying merchant vessels, which turned out to be key to the solution of the U-boat problem, demonstrates the extent to which professional military cultures can thwart technical and operational innovation even in circumstances of existential threat. Although historical controversy continues to cloud this issue ... Breemer ends his lively and informative study with some general reflections on military innovation and the requirements for fostering it."--Foreword.

Admiral Sir Herbert Richmond was "a unique phenomenon in the Victorian-Edwardian navy—a professionally competent and successful officer who was also an intellectual," writes the author. "This was enough to ensure that his progress would be stormy.'' This thoroughly documented biographical study of Richmond's professional career reveals a fully experienced, clear-thinking officer with a profound understanding of naval history, "a restless and uncompromising personality," and a passionate concern with naval strategy, the art of war, and the most effective training programme for officers. Richmond persistently challenged the accepted practices and prejudices of the naval profession. He and his small group of disciples, the "Young Turks," found themselves in the thick of the most crucial controversies in the British Navy. In spite of frequent official displeasure, however, Richmond became an influential naval historian and educator, responsible for the creation of the modern naval staff and the Imperial Defence College. The volume rests on extensive research in the official records and the private papers of Richmond and his close associates. It will interest not only naval historians, but also those with a general interest in the impact of one man's thought and actions on Britain's defence policy and the outcome of two World Wars.

In 'The Crisis of the Naval War in WW1' by John Rushworth Jellicoe, readers are presented with a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by the naval forces during World War I. Jellicoe delves into the intricate strategies, naval technologies, and key battles that shaped the course of the war, providing a scholarly account of this pivotal period in history. Written in a precise and informative style, the book offers readers a detailed understanding of the naval aspects of WWI, highlighting the critical role played by navies in the conflict. John Rushworth Jellicoe, a highly esteemed naval officer and historian, draws upon his extensive experience and knowledge to offer insights into the complexities of naval warfare. His authoritative voice and in-depth research make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in military history or the events of WWI. Jellicoe's expertise in the subject matter lends credibility to the text, making it a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts alike. I highly recommend 'The Crisis of the Naval War in WW1' to readers seeking a detailed and well-researched account of the naval operations during World War I. Jellicoe's meticulous analysis and engaging narrative make this book a compelling read for those interested in military history and the impact of naval power on global conflicts.

There have been a number of studies published on the activities of British and German navies during World War I, but little on naval action in other arenas. This book offers for the first time a balanced history of the naval war as a whole, viewed from the perspective of all participants in all major theaters. The author's earlier examination The Naval War in the Mediterranean, 1914-1918, centered on submarine activities and allied efforts to counteract this new menace. With this welcome sequel he again takes the reader beyond those World War I operations staged on the North Sea. Halpern's clear and authoritative voice lends a cohesiveness to this encompassing view of the Italians and Austrians in the Adriatic; the Russians, Germans, and Turks in the Baltic and Black Seas; and French and British in the Mediterranean. Important riverine engagements--notably on the Danube--also are included, along with major colonial campaigns such as Mesopotamia and the Dardanelles. The role of neutral sea powers, such as the Swedes in the Baltic and the Dutch in the East Indies, is examined from the perspective of how their neutrality affected naval activity. Also discussed is the part played by the U.S. Navy and the often overlooked, but far from negligible, role of the Japanese navy. The latter is viewed in the context of the opening months of the war and in the Mediterranean during the height of the submarine crisis of 1917.

The overriding image of the First World War is the bloody stalemate of the Western Front, but although much of the action did occur on land, the overall shape of the war _ even the inevitability of British participation _ arose out of its maritime character. It was essentially a struggle about access to worldwide resources, most clearly seen in the desperate German attempts to deal with the American industrial threat, which ultimately levered the United States into the war, and thus a consequence of British sea control.rn This radical new book concentrates on the way in which each side tried to use or deny the sea to the other, and in so doing it describes rapid wartime changes not only in ship and weapon technology but also in the way naval warfare was envisaged and fought. Combat produced many surprises: some, like the impact of the mine and torpedo, are familiar, but this book also brings to light many previously unexplored subjects, like creative new tactical practices and improved command and control.rn The contrast between expectation and reality had enormous consequences not only for the course of the war but also for the way navies developed afterwards. This book melds strategic, technical, and tactical aspects to reveal the First World War from a fresh perspective, but also demonstrates how its perceived lessons dominated the way navies prepared for the Second.

In 'The Crisis of the Naval War: British Royal Navy in World War I' by John Rushworth Jellicoe, the author provides an insightful analysis of the British Royal Navy's challenges and triumphs during World War I. Through a detailed examination of naval strategies, battles, and key figures, Jellicoe highlights the impact of the war on naval warfare and its role in shaping the outcome of the conflict. His writing style is both informative and engaging, making this book a valuable resource for those interested in military history and naval tactics of the era. Jellicoe's firsthand experience as a naval officer adds credibility to his account, enhancing the reader's understanding of the subject matter. Overall, this book offers a comprehensive view of the British Royal Navy's role in World War I, shedding light on a crucial aspect of the war that is often overshadowed by other events on land.

"To win in the Pacific during World War II, the U.S. Navy had to transform itself technically, tactically, and strategically. It had to create a fleet capable of the unprecedented feat of fighting and winning far from home, without existing bases, in the face of an enemy with numerous bases fighting in his own waters. Much of the credit for the transformation should go to the war gaming conducted at the U.S. Naval War College. Conversely, as we face further demands for transformation, the inter-war experience at the War College offers valuable guidance as to what works, and why, and how."