Military Model Scene

Title: Russian Battleships and Cruisers of the Russo-Japanese War

Author: Mark Lardas

Publisher: Osprey

ISBN: 978-1-4728-3508-6

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New Vanguard 275 from Osprey makes for interesting reading I thought. It adds to a number of other Osprey books dealing with the topics around the Battle of Tsushima in 1905, when the Japanese Fleet caused a shock when they defeated the Russian Navy of the eriod.

The book opens with the background to the Tsar's development of his navy from 1880 through to 1905. His aim was to raise Russia's stake in the armaments race between the likes of the UK, USA, France and Germany. New engines, armament, quality of steel and armour protection as well as the start of using wireless. We hear how the well developed Baltic fleet provided reinforcements to the Pacific Squadron. Then in the Russo-Japanese War, the Japanese Fleet gave the Russians a 'bloody-nose' at the Battle of Tsushima in 1905. The second half of the book then looks at each individual Russian Battleship and cruiser of the period.  For each one there is a table carrying the basic statistics of each vessel, along with a brief history of the ship, including her eventual fate.

Interesting text, supported by plenty of data on each ship, and all illustrated with supportive archive images plus some of the excellent artwork that Osprey are so renowned for. On this occasion, the artwork is provided by illustrator Paul Wright. Excellent as ever.

 

Thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review copy.

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Robin