E-Boat vs MTB: The English Channel 1941–45

Osprey Duel #34

by Gordon Williamson, Ian Palmer (Illustrator), Howard Gerrard (Illustrator)

During WWII, German E-Boats were so active in the English Channel that the narrow stretch of water became known as 'E-Boat Alley'. To counter the threat of these E-Boats, Britain brought its coastal forces to bear - flotillas of small Motor Torpedo and Gun Boats (MTBs and MGBs) and Motor Launches (MLs).

As the Germans sought to maintain their supremacy in Channel waters, they continued to develop their E-Boat designs to accommodate more armor and more firepower. Rather than matching the newer E-Boats for armament, the British developed several types to fulfill the varied roles for which the Kriegsmarine were attempting to use the E-Boat.

This book details this developing conflict, examining the evolution of the boats involved, and covering the their battles from fights in the Thames estuary to the build-up for D-Day.

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Gordon Williamson (born 1951) is a military history writer and author based in the United Kingdom. Williamson spent seven years with the Military Police in the British Territorial Army and resides in Scotland. Williamson's works focus primarily on German military forces during the Second World War.

Williamson has worked with several publishers but is perhaps best known for his continuing partnership with Osprey Publishing, with whom he has produced over 40 books.

Reviews

[Robert Hepple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 2011, 'E-Boat vs MTB - The English Channel 1942-45' is number 34 in the popular 'Duel' series of military history booklets from publisher Osprey. This volume looks at the battles between Royal Navy MTBs and Kreigsmarine E-Boats in the area of the English Channel during WW2. Other periods and areas are touched on, and there is some useful information about the development of these small vessels. Very informative for its small size, and well illustrated.

[John Somers · Rating 4 out of 5]

15/20.