Sea Warfare Book

Rudyard Kipling, acting as a sort of proto-embedded journalist, reported on aspects of the Royal Navy in the first World War that usually don't receive as much attention. In sections on the minesweepers, Merchant Marine, submariners, and the destroyers, he gave an illuminating summary of the important behind-the-scenes work they did. Through interviews and summations of battle reports, he presented a view of the "culture" in which they operate. I especially enjoyed the precis of one wing of the destroyer action at Jutland, told with Kiplings wry and understated sense of humor.