Send Some King's Ships

<p>In January 1942 following the United States' entry into WWII German U-boats began a reign of terror off America's Eastern Seaboard; over the next several months sinking hundreds of ships almost at will. With the combatant ships of the then-small U.S. Navy spread thin in distant theaters Vice Admiral Andrews desperately sought vessels to protect the coast. Those available consisted of Navy remnants of World War I private yachts and fishing vessels hastily obtained and armed and a few small Coast Guard cutters. This force was insufficient to protect major ports let alone escort merchantmen. Andrews needed help and got it when Great Britain sent twenty-four King's ships to America to operate under his command. Eventually with a gradual increase in the numbers of aircraft and ships available to search for and find U-boats the enemy moved on to South African waters where the hunting was easier. The eighteen remaining King's ships followed and began anew to assist a small unprepared Navy to combat the deadly menace. One hundred thirty-two photographs maps and diagrams; appendices; a bibliography; and an index to full names places and subjects add value to this work.</p><p><br></p><p>2022 6x9 paper index 398 pp</p>