Polaris, Submarines, Missiles, The US Navy and The Royal Navy, John Boyes

 

At the start of the 20th century the most deadly weapon that could be deployed was the battleship, which over a period of time destroy a town or small city. Well as technology progressed and the Cold War deepened this changed so that by the mid 1960’s the deadliest weapon was a ballistic missile submarine, which could obliterate over 200 cities if so configured. 

John Boyes looks into the development of the US weapon system Polaris which equipped US and Royal Navy Submarines from the 1960’s all the way to the late 1980’s. This book covers the development of the missile itself, the submarines that carried them and the counter measures carried inside them. This book contains a lot of technical information but it’s presented in a way that’s easy to read and digest. I will confess there are times when a lot of political information is presented and this can be hard work but it’s an essential part of the history of this weapon system. 

If you have an interest in submarine warfare or how the Cold War developed then this is an essential read and puts a context to the development. Even the expensive Chevaline system which became a political scandal when the cost was unveiled to the UK public is explored and it importance explained. 

It’s a really well written book and it’s worth picking up to explore. It’s rather expensive to buy new so look out for a second hand example on Amazon marketplace. 

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Have fun stay safe 👍