This book, (a
reprint of the orginal which was published in 1974) published by the Australian
Naval Historical Society, looks at the N Class Destroyers in Royal Australian
Service from 1940 -1945. In this period they carved themselves an undeniable
reputation in combat, losing only H.M.A.S. Nestor in 1942 near Tobruk.
The N Class Destroyers were part of the J, K, N Class of Destroyers armed with twin 4.7 inch mountings, 21 inch torpedoes, depth charges and AA guns. With a varied history of service in the Mediterranean which included both the Crete and Malta convoys and the Tobruk ferry run as well as action with the British Pacific Fleet at Sabang, Burma and the Indian Ocean, these destroyers did their job and did it well.
While this book does not have much for the modeller in the way of detailed photos, camouflage schemes and plans, it will give the modeller a view of their R.A.N. Service (with some interesting snippets). What this book does have is good writing (almost like an adventure novel in parts) which combined with the action reports and inevitable yarns about the antics of Australian sailors makes for a great read. Covering as it does the history of the individual ships, it will give the modeller a particular time frame to assist in further detailed research.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough for those interested in RAN history and destroyers.
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