'Very Special Ships' is the first full-length book about the six Abdiel-class fast minelayers, the fastest and most versatile ships to serve in the Royal Navy in the Second World War. They operated not only as offensive minelayers ? dashing into enemy waters under cover of darkness ? but in many other roles, most famously as blockade runners to Malta. In lieu of mines, they transported items as diverse as ammunition, condensed milk, gold, and VIPs. Distinguished by their three funnels, the Abdiels were attractive, well-designed ships, and they were also unique ? no other navy had such ships, and so they were sought-after commands and blessed with fine captains. To give the fullest picture of this important class of ships, the book details the origins and history of mines, minelayers, and minelaying; covers the origins and design of the class; describes the construction of each of the six ships, and the modified design of the last two; tells in detail of the operational careers of the ships in the second World War, when they played vital roles in the battle of Crete and the siege of Malta, plied the hazardous route to Tobruk, and laid mines off the Italian coast. The post-war careers of the surviving ships is also documented. Written to appeal to naval enthusiasts, students of World War II and model makers, the author tells the story of these ships through first-hand accounts, official sources, and specially- commissioned drawings and photographs. AUTHOR: Arthur Nicholson is an American lawyer and naval enthusiast who has been fascinated by fast minelayers since he was a boy. In researching this book he has been assisted by members of the Fast Minelayers Association and the families of men who served on them. This book follows his study of Churchill and the loss of Prince of Wales and Repulse. 120 b/w drawings and photos, and 24 colour profiles
