Schlachtschiff TIRPITZ Volume II
Ready for combat
Erster Kriegseinsatz in der Ostsee
(1941/Mai - 1942/Januar)
ISBN 978-3-9817358-1-9
175 pages
This second volume describes the completion and frontline readiness of the battleship followed by its initial deployment in the northern Baltic Sea. Both the high quality and quantity of the hitherto unpublished photo material illustrate the life of this proud and mighty warship.
After years of research spent on evaluating historic documents – such as the war diaries from ships and other naval bodies involved – it has been possible to allocate almost the entire range of photos to certain locations and time frames. The photos are thus arranged chronologically as if viewed in quick motion; from its return from Gotenhafen to the three months‘ period at the shipyard in Kiel, its subsequent operation against the Soviet Union and its later transit through the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Kanal to the Schillig roadstead.
All of this is supplemented by detailed technical information and projections depicting the individual stages of fitting-out, plus maps showing the Kiel port facilities and the different transfer routes. Furthermore, photos of the past and the present are shown side-by-side for comparison purposes in order to identify the individual berths and anchorages of this sea-going giant.
Despite having been a German warship, the TIRPITZ – and her famous sistership, the BISMARCK – still receives strong worldwide attention today. For this reason the German texts and captions are accompanied by their respective English translations to make this historic period of the German Kriegsmarine linguistically accessible to non-German readers.
Feedback to this item:
from Richard Hooper on September 3rd, 2015
"Whether you are a Tirpitz aficionado, a German naval warfare enthusiast or just have an interest in the history of famous warships, Robert Gehringer and Antonio Bonomi’s new book, Tirpitz (Volume II) Ready for combat is for you.
The book builds impeccably on Volume 1, Tirpitz; the “beast” is born. It draws on extensive archival research and primary source material to document in uncommonly detailed fashion a photographic history of the famous battleship from May 1941 to January 1942, leading up to its deployment to Norway.
The astonishing array of photographs, including some not previously seen before in the public domain are a feature and make the publication unique among the many Tirpitz tomes available.
The narrative is supported by superbly illustrated colour profiles, drawings, charts and maps and is written in both English and German text.
This impressive work is a valuable resource and reference for students and historians of Tirpitz. If you have an interest in the battleship Tirpitz you can do no better than add Tirpitz, Ready for Combat to your collection."
from Red Baron on October 20th, 2015
"This richly illustrated book is a must have for any military/naval enthusiast interested in the history of the battleship Tirptz. Volume I was great and volume II is even better. Through a series of rare and previously unpublished photographs the authors tell the story of the Tirpitz in amazing detail. Over the years many books have been written on this subject but not like this. The authors have surpassed all my expectations. I highly recommend this book to everyone and look forward to the next installment."
from Bill Pollock on December 8th, 2015
"Well done again. Superlative edition.
With the safe and promised arrival of Book 2 of Tirpitz, a scan of its contents, I can safely say that with this series, that this will be come the reference for all in the future. It delivers all that it promises, Well laid out and set out , fantastic clear photos and charts. A wonderful documentation of Tirpitz. The ultimate reference of the Battleship. Yes – in the future this will be a much sort out treasured reference series, each part a unique and finely documented snap shot in the history of this Battleship. The Ultimate reference – YES.
Bring on Books 3 and 4 and then Bismarck – what a future to await."
from Thorsten Reich on February 13th, 2016
"Astonishing!!
The sheer number of photos depicted is great. Many of them are known from other sources but now the reader gets an exact description and – sometimes even more important – an exact timestamp when the photo was taken.
But there are also a lot of photos unknown to most people.
The 3-D-drawings of turrets and other equipment of the ship also add to the positive picture of the book like the quality of the printing and the cover.
Five stars, thumbs up and hopefully not to wait too long till Volume 3 is published!"
from Alfred B. on June 15th, 2017
"The fascination on the Tirpitz is very intriguing! I have been awed by the size and complexity of these giants! However, Robert Gehringer and Antonio Bonomi have put together an exceptional and detail book on the daily activities of the Tirpitz! The minute chronological record is so informative especially on one rare moment when the Tirpitz and Bismarck were anchored off Gotenhafen!! Wow!! Picture number 007, 009 and 010 show the Bismarck within eye sight of the Tirpitz! I was never aware that they ever met! I wonder if there is more photographs of the May 11th thru the 14th of May? My imagination wonders if these two vessels could have sailed together, if the Tirpitz's crew were fully trained? What if? As I said before this volume is rich with photographs,maps and all the technical data concerning the Tirpitz in her armament, propulsion, camouflage and other areas but most importantly her crew!! As before mentioned by another reviewer this book is unique from all other books on the subject of Tirpitz! Kudos to Mr. Gehringer and Mr. Bonomi on their diligent work on this book as well as volume 1!!"
from James Stewart on May 30th, 2018
"I recieved the three Tirpitz books on Monday and have to say absolutely worth buying. I was told I would not be disappointed and these words have been proved true.
There are so many photos I have not seen before and the art work – well the first really good WW2 art work I saw and loved was that in the late 1960’s history by Prunnell’s and the IWM (“History of the Second World War”). the art work in each of the three volumes is simply 1st Class.
I put off buying any of these books , always had a mind to get them but never seemed to get around to it so I “bite the bullet” and bought all three – no regrets at all.
The books impress at all levels.
In quality of production , information, photographic content , art work, maps and diagrams all show a degree of thought as to presentation, context and I dare say the selection of high quality images used.
Tirpitz would be a ship I would have a general knowledge of and I would never have professed more than this so buying the three books was a good decision on my part and having spent a while with them I know I have have had good value for money.
What has been really nice are the series of “Then and Now” images and related diagrams which really great .
The build of the books – have to say that the authors set a high standard and the publishers did not let them down in achieving it.
The size of the books, quality of paper, clarity of images (pin sharp) , binding is tight and font size is excellent.
really glad I invested in these three books and look forward to Volume IV in due course – I will not wait as long to buy it .
I do hope the final volume will cover the post war fate of the Tirpitz and the sad fate of many of the men who died in her.
If you have not yet seen the authors books I can only recommend them, my turn to say ” you will not be disappointed”.
It is worth mentioning the great trouble the authors have gone to in researching and in documenting the history of the ship – travelling to Norway – exploring the Fjords finding and mapping locations – no one could say Robert & Antonio have not done their homework."
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