The Battle of The River Plate.

[Gibbs505]

I first read this book many years ago and aquired a copy of it recently. I am also looking for a copy of the movie of the same name. *** so often happens, the book is a lot better, in my opinion, anyway:D

In late 1939, the pocket battleship 'Admiral Graf Spee' was ravaging the waters of the South Atlantic, where she sank eleven ships. Several task forces were assembled to hunt down the raider, the weakest of which was the forces under command of Commodore Harwood, patrolling of the River Plate. On the dawn of the 13th of December, HMS Exeter signalled the flagship, "Enemy in sight bearing 322."

Thus began the thrilling start of a naval battle that was to set the tone of the Second World War, with much weaker British forces, consisting of two light and one heavy cruiser's, attacking a much stronger enemy force.

This is a great read and about a thrilling hunt and fight the South Atlantic, and I highly recommend it.

The author is Dudley Pope. The ISBN is 1590130960


Here are some photos
Admiral Graf Spee
http://www.milsurps.com/imagehosting/10246f1f7df520ae.jpg

HMS Ajax
http://www.milsurps.com/imagehosting/10246f1f51531258.jpg

HMNZS Achilles
http://www.milsurps.com/imagehosting/10246f1f514d66f1.jpg

HMS Exeter
http://www.milsurps.com/imagehosting/10246f1f514eda05.jpg

A map of the action
http://www.milsurps.com/imagehosting/10246f1f52dbcf41.gif

[happydude]

I really wonder what would have happened if she had gone out to sea and not been scuttled. Me thinks three British ships would have gone down.

[Gibbs505]

I really wonder what would have happened if she had gone out to sea and not been scuttled. Me thinks three British ships would have gone down.

I think that the plan was for the three cruiser's, Cumberland had joined the Ajax and the Achilles, to tracke her during the day and attack with torpedoes at night.

I think that one or two might have been sunk at least however.

[happydude]

On a related note, I picked up "Pocket Battleships of the Deutschland Class" by Gerhard Koop and Klaus-Peter Schmolke years ago when I was more into plastic models. The book has great pictures, scale drawings, and a complete service history of all three ships.

[Gibbs505]

Sounds like a great book!

[happydude]

When I bought the book it was $50... and now Amazon.com: Pocket Battleships of the Deutschland Class: Books: Gerhard Koop,Klaus-Peter Schmolke,Geoffrey Brooks (http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Battleships-Deutschland-Class-Gerhard/dp/1557504261)

[Gibbs505]

Looks like you made a good buy!