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The Mosquito Fleet: The History of the PT Boat in World War II
The Mosquito Fleet, first published in 1963, is a classic account of America’s small but strategically important fleet of PT boats during the Second World War. The lightweight boats proved to be a significant ‘irritant’ to the enemy in terms of their effectiveness in combat, hence the nickname ‘Mosquito.’ The book covers the use of PT boats in the Pacific, Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters, and is based on action reports, squadron histories, and other naval records, plus diaries, letters, anecdotes, etc. supplied by PT crewmen. Included are six maps.
Author Bern Keating served as a communications officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was the author of a number of history-related books. He passed away in 2004.
Author Bern Keating served as a communications officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was the author of a number of history-related books. He passed away in 2004.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1963
68 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 21, 2012
of iron men in wooden ships
June 9, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
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Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/used-sea-ark...
https://numberoneboats.com/sea-ark-bo...
https://theboatyacht.com/west-wight-p...
https://numberoneboats.com/west-wight...
October 8, 2025
PT Boat WWII History Pacific & Atlantic
An easy and informative read on the activities of PT Boats in WWII. While primarily focused on US boat activities it does included a smattering of information on PT/MTB of other navies.
Fortunately, the boat does not get bogged down on JFK's PT 109. But it is included as one of the many boat actions.
I would have appreciated more information on the maintenance support operations (the tenders and bases) as my uncle was a PT maintainer in 1944-45 in the Philippines. It would be have been a humorous compare and contrast appendix to have included the TV "McHale's Navy" and "Expendable" to actual events as TV or movies gave the public their biggest exposure to PTs.
A worthwhile ebook purchase.
An easy and informative read on the activities of PT Boats in WWII. While primarily focused on US boat activities it does included a smattering of information on PT/MTB of other navies.
Fortunately, the boat does not get bogged down on JFK's PT 109. But it is included as one of the many boat actions.
I would have appreciated more information on the maintenance support operations (the tenders and bases) as my uncle was a PT maintainer in 1944-45 in the Philippines. It would be have been a humorous compare and contrast appendix to have included the TV "McHale's Navy" and "Expendable" to actual events as TV or movies gave the public their biggest exposure to PTs.
A worthwhile ebook purchase.
August 21, 2020
The PT fleet was well-respected by American forces in both theaters during World War II, but historically, they don't receive much, if any, of the "glory." This book portrays the crewmen of the torpedo boats almost as fiercely-brave swashbucklers of old returned to spread havoc and fear among the enemy.
June 30, 2025
Well documented overview of PT boats in Pacific and Mediterranean war
I admire the courage and ingenuity of brave men who took wooden boats into combat with Japanese navy ships to frustrate Jap efforts to stall American advance in Pacific war. They deserve a lot of respect and thanks for their work!
I admire the courage and ingenuity of brave men who took wooden boats into combat with Japanese navy ships to frustrate Jap efforts to stall American advance in Pacific war. They deserve a lot of respect and thanks for their work!
December 31, 2024
Not enough credit for bravery can EVER be given to these Navy crazies who stood up to the goliath of war on nothing but PLYWOOD AND BALLS.Lets hope and pray that we will Never again have to put so much faith to so few HEROs....Anchors AWEIGH!!!!!!!!!
September 11, 2019
Big Story, Little Boats
Covers OF actions in all theatres of the war. Gives a good idea of the variety of chores they performed.
Covers OF actions in all theatres of the war. Gives a good idea of the variety of chores they performed.
February 11, 2025
A great recall of how the small can make a big contribution towards the winning of WW II. Their historic crews took tasks other vessels couldn't perform due to size and/or their profile in the water.
March 12, 2014
True stories of the PT-Boats of World War II both in the Japanese campaign and also the British Motor Torpedo Boats against the Germans. This is a young adult non-fiction title. It includes John F. Kennedy's action as a PT commander when his boat was cut in half by a Japanese ship and Kennedy and his surviving crew had to make it back to Allied territory through the Japanese occupied South Pacific.
September 15, 2010
The story of the PT boats in World War II, which were so lightweight but so irritating to the enemy that they were sometimes called "Mosquitoes." A well researched and interesting book, written mainly for young adults. I read it many, many years ago now.
August 14, 2019
This is a good account of the history of US PT boats in the World War II. This is a Scholastic Book for young adults and it was written in 1963 before JFK became president. It does a good job of covering all aspects of PT action both in the Pacific and Europe.
July 22, 2014
Still have a copy, although with a different cover then the one shown. Kept it since I was a kid. Bought it from an older Kid in the small town I grew up in. Somewhat beat up, but a great introductory book for those interested in the men of the plywood navy during WWII.
October 24, 2019
Good Overall History, But Lots of Typos
Includes highlights of PT operations in the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel, as well as in the Philippines. Multiple typos throughout the text; appears to be due to unedited use of OCR technology to create e-book text from print.
Includes highlights of PT operations in the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel, as well as in the Philippines. Multiple typos throughout the text; appears to be due to unedited use of OCR technology to create e-book text from print.
October 31, 2010
One of those I read a looong time ago. High school reading fun, about
PT boats, and you wonder why didn't they make 11,000 of them if they
were so effective?
October 30, 2021
Great read
Read this book as a teenager and loved it. Read it again now in Kindle format, (40 years later) and guess what. I still love it!!
Read this book as a teenager and loved it. Read it again now in Kindle format, (40 years later) and guess what. I still love it!!
April 19, 2017
Interesting overview of PT Boat operations
Had read this book before in paperback but lost the paperback copy by loaning it out. Purchased an E-book version to rebuild my library.
Had read this book before in paperback but lost the paperback copy by loaning it out. Purchased an E-book version to rebuild my library.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews