German Battleships 1939–45

In this book, Gordon Williamson examines the design, development and operational use of the battleships used by the Kriegsmarine during World War II. The "Schlesien" and "Schleswig-Hostein" were used mostly as training ships until the end of the war when they took part in bombardment of Soviet troop movements in East Prussia. The "Scharnhorst" had a successful career until her sinking at the battle of the North Cape, and the "Gneisenau" with her ignominious end as a block-ship. Bismarck"s short but glorious career and Tirpitz"s lonely vigil in Norway"s distant Fjords until sunk by RAF bombers using the massive "Tallboy" bombs are also covered.