HELLCATS OF THE SEA

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 27, 1955

Operation Barney consisted of nine submarines, known collectively as the Hellcats, which in 1945 entered the Sea of Japan, and with incredible luck and daring sent to the bottom 70,000 tons of enemy shipping. This raid had been unthinkable before the development of special sonar equipment, which enabled the undersea forces to thread their way unfalteringly through the network of Japanese mine fields. The objective of Operation Barney, however, was less military than psychological. The Sea of Japan represented the Emperor's own Mare Nostrum, and any effective penetration was a great loss of face. The Bonefish went down, but the loss of the Wahoo became a most painful memory for Rear Admiral Lockwood who conceived, designed and carried out the Operation. His fatherly attachment to the skipper of the vessel opens Operation Barney and trails in the final pages of its wake. He also writes warmly of the raiders who returned- and with precision of torpedo tubes used, tone of commands given, etc. A Foreword by Admiral Nimitz pays a fully deserved tribute to all who participated in Operation Barney and predicts that no one will put the book down. Certainly Navy men and lovers of adventure at sea will not.

Pub Date: Sept. 27, 1955

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Greenberg

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955

Categories: NONFICTION