Spoils of War: The Fate of Enemy Fleets after the Two World Wars

An extensive history of enemy fleets following both World Wars, featuring never-before-seen archival and archaeological materials.

Spoils of War traces the histories of navies and ships of the defeated powers from the months leading up to the relevant armistices or surrenders to the final execution of the appropriate post-war settlements. In doing so, it discusses the way in which the victorious powers reached their final demands, how these were implemented, and to what effect. The later histories of ships that saw subsequent service, either in their original navies or in those navies which acquired them, are also described. Much use is made of archival materials, and in some cases archaeological, sources, some of which have never previously been used. Ultimately, a wide range of long-standing myths are busted, and some badly distorted modern views are set right.

The fascinating narrative is accompanied by lists of all major navy-built (and certain significant ex-mercantile) enemy ships in commission at the relevant date of the armistice or surrender, or whose hulks were specifically listed for attention in post-Second World War allied agreements. These include key dates in their careers and their ultimate fates.

This original book, featuring numerous photographs, is sure to become an essential reference tool for all those interested in the naval history of the two World Wars.

Praise for Spoils of War

“Most highly recommended.” —Firetrench

“For those who need to finally know the ultimate fate of the often gallant ships that strove against the Allies in both world wars, this is the book.” —Julian Stockwin, author of the Thomas Kydd series

© 2020 Seaforth Publishing (Ebook): 9781526741998

Release date

Ebook: 30 March 2020