Jutland

by Donald Macintyre

2.28 p.m. May 31st 1916 — the culminating moment of more than a decade of deadly rivalry between Britain and Germany for control of the seas.With drums beating to quarters and bugles blaring, the High Seas Fleet, Germany's entire naval might steamed majestically into battle against 148 warships of the British Grand Fleet.For 12 hours the inferno raged. And when the last thunderous shots died away, there emerged a new crop of legends, stories of peerless courage, scenes of magnificent drama.Captain Macintyre's enthralling account recreates the shock of battle, the tension of the commanders and the awesome splendour of this giant clash of force.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War I

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Commander Donald George Frederick Wyville Macintyre DSO & DSC was a Royal Navy officer during the Second World War and a successful convoy escort commander. As Commander of HMS Hesperus Macintyre was involved in the Battle of Narvik during the Norway campaign and the Battle of the Atlantic. Following the war, he published his memoirs U-Boat Killer and authored numerous books on British naval history.

Reviews

[Kenneth Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about the battle written by an experienced naval commander of World War II. My 1957 original edition has many photographs and, more importantly, many detailed charts/diagrams of the battle. I was already fairly familiar with the battle, but found this book gave the most lucid description of the confused night action. The author gives informed opinions on the actions of the major players, Jellicoe, Beatty, Scheer and Hipper. I would only fault the book on not giving a better assessment of the construction and capabilities of the ships involved.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this far more interesting than I expected! Captain Macintyre gives a factual account, and appears unbiased whether he is describing the actions of both English and German Navies, or the Admiral of the Fleet vs an inexperienced rating. There is 1 page of photographs of the main characters and many diagrams of the various battles which gave a clearer view when so many ships are involved.

[Julian Spenceley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads like a game of chess! Eye witness accounts by participants would have made this book more readable.