Cruisers + Destroyers in the General Action (original) (raw)

Cruisers and Destroyers in the General Action

This document (courtesy of David Dickson, (ddickson@firstam.com)) describes United States Navy tactical doctrine as of the mid-1930's. Not only is this an important record in its own right, but it is based on the lessons from the First World War as seen by the USN - hence its inclusion here.

Notes:
1. Red, Blue and Orange refer to the British, American and Japanese Navies respectively.
2. the "General Action" is the term given to a major Fleet battle.
3. "O. T. C." stands for Officer in Tactical Command.

Unfortunately, the quality of the copy used for this transcription wasn't the best. Thus, there are a few places where there is text missing, a few of the diagrams are poor (and 18-20 + 24 missing as well). In the future, it is hoped that these gaps will be filled-in.

An enlargement of each plate can be seen by clicking on the small thumbnail versions, scattered through the text.

CRUISERS AND DESTROYERS IN THE GENERAL ACTION

DECLASSIFIED IAW DOD MEMO OF 3 MAY 1972, SUBJ:

DECLASSIFICATION OF WWII RECORDS

NAVAL WAR COLLEGE

Newport, R. I.

June 1937

CONFIDENTIAL

Not to pass out of the custody of Officers of the
U. S. Naval or Military Service

Contents

Section I - Outline of Discussion
Section II - Preliminary Survey of Employment of Cruisers and Destroyers in the General Action
Section III - Cruisers and Destroyers in Defense of the Battle Line
Section IV - Cruisers and Destroyers Attacking Enemy Battle Line
Section V - Synthesis of Attack and Defense by Cruisers and Destroyers

Last Updated: 30 October, 2000.

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