Category: Official Despatches

Action Between British and Italian Forces off Cape Spartivento on 27th November 1940. Supplement to the London Gazette of 4 May 1948, Number 38281, pp.2799–2808.

A despatch submitted by Admiral Somerville, FOC Force H, who commanded during the action. Reprinted in 2014 in a collection of nine despatches edited by John Grehan as  The War at Sea in the Mediterranean 1940-1944  and published by Pen & Sword Maritime (ISBN: 1783462221).

GREHAN, John & MACE, Martin. The BEF in France 1939-1940: Manning the Front Through to the Dunkirk Evacuation. xxiv, 194p., bibliog., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Military, 2014. ISBN: 1783462116.

With an introduction and commentary this gives the official account of the experiences of the BEF in 1939-40 as reported in official despatches printed in the London Gazette, namely: 35305 (Lord Gort’s two despatches on the land forces in 1939-40); 38017 (Admiral Ramsey’s report of Operation Dynamo); 37573 (Alan Brooke’s Despatch on the BEF left in France after Dunkirk).

BENNETT, G. H. Admiralty Despatches: The Story of the War from the Battlefront, 1939-1945. 288p., bibliog., illus., index. Stroud: Amberley in Association with the National Archives, 2017. ISBN: 9781445662442.

        An introduction by the well-known naval historian leads to a reprinting of eight despatches chosen to depict different aspects of the war at sea. They were printed originally as supplements to the London Gazette and are: 38273 (Action off Calabria); 38023 (Carrier Operations against Taranto); 39041 (Convoys to North Russia); 38296 (The Battle of Crete); 38342 (Raid on Vaagso Island); 38045 (Dieppe Raid, August 1942); 38110 (Assault Phase of the Normandy Landings, June 1944); 38432 (Coastal Forces Actions, 1943-44).

GREHAN, John & MACE, Martin. The War in East Africa 1939-1943: From the Campaign Against Italy in British Somaliland to Operation Ironclad, the Invasion of Madagascar xiv, 253p., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Military, 2015. ISBN: 97817834623330.

Reprints four despatches from the London Gazette with a brief introduction, namely 37609, Operations in Somaliland; 37645, Operations in East Africa 1940-41; 37655, Operations in East African Command, 1941-43; 38225, Operations in Madagascar.

GREHAN, John & MACE, Martin. North Africa and the Middle East 1942-1944: El Alamein, Tunisia, Algeria and Operation TORCH. xiv, 247p., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Military, 2015. ISBN: 1783461942.

Reprints five despatches from the London Gazette with a brief introduction, namely 38196, From El Alamein to Tunis; 38569, Operation TORCH; 37779, operations in North West Africa; 37786, operations in the Middle East 1943-1944; 38423, Control of the Sicilian Straits.

GREHAN, John & MACE, Martin. North Africa and the Middle East 1939-1942: Tobruk, Crete, Syria and East Africa. xiii, 312p., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Military, 2015. ISBN: 9781783462179.

Reprints five despatches from the London Gazette by Generals Wavell and Auchinleck, with a brief introduction. These are numbers 37594, 37628, 37638, 37695, 38177 and describe operations and events in the Middle East chronologically.

GREHAN, John & MACE, Martin. Operations in North Africa and the Middle East 1942-1944: El Alamein, Tunisia, Algeria and Operation TORCH. xiv, 247p., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Military, 2015. ISBN: 1783461942.

Reprints five despatches from the London Gazette with a brief introduction, namely 38196, From El Alamein to Tunis; 38569, Operation TORCH; 37779, operations in North West Africa; 37786, operations in the Middle East 1943-1944;  38423, Control of the Sicilian Straits, 38423.

GREAT BRITAIN. Royal Air Force. Despatches on the Operations of Coastal Command, Royal Air Force. iii, 225p. London: Air Ministry, 1950.

The official despatches of Air Chief Marshals Bowhill, Joubert de la Ferte, Slessor, and Douglas to May 1945. Declassified in November 1967.

Naval Operations in the Aegean Between the 7th September, 1943 and 28th November, 1943. Supplement to the London Gazette of Friday, 8 October 1948, Number 38426, pp.5371–5379.

A despatch from Admiral Willis, C-in-C Levant. Reprinted in 2014 in a collection of nine despatches edited by John Grehan as  The War at Sea in the Mediterranean 1940-1944  and published by Pen & Sword Maritime (ISBN: 1783462221).

Coastal Force Actions. Supplement to the London Gazette of Friday, 15 October 1948, Number 38432, pp.5493–5511.

A miscellany of despatches; from Admiral Harwood, C-in-C Levant referring to an action off Sicily on 15-16 February 1943, with enclosures from Lieutenants Giles and Hennessy; a despatch from Admiral Pridham-Wippell, FOC Dover, on the sinking of a supply ship in a Channel convoy on 26-27 September 1943, with enclosures from Lieutenants Ward, Larive, and Rooper; from Admiral Tovey, C-in-C The Nore on an action with E-boats in the Channel on 18 November 1943; and a despatch from Admiral John Cunningham, C-in-C Mediterranean Station on an action against a convoy on 11-12 October 1944 near Vir in the Adriatic, with enclosures from Captain Stevens, Commander McIlWraith of Mediterranean Coastal Forces, and Lt. Commander Bligh who fought the action. Includes four plans. Reprinted in 2014 in a collection of nine despatches edited by John Grehan as  The War at Sea in the Mediterranean 1940-1944  and published by Pen & Sword Maritime (ISBN: 1783462221).

The Battle of Sirte of 22nd March 1942. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 16 September 1947, Number 38073, pp.4371–4380.

A despatch from Admiral Harwood with an enclosure describing the action from Admiral Vian, commanding the 15th Cruiser Squadron. Includes a track chart. Reprinted in 2014 in a collection of nine despatches edited by John Grehan as  The War at Sea in the Mediterranean 1940-1944  and published by Pen & Sword Maritime (ISBN: 1783462221).

Mediterranean Convoy Operations. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 10 August 1948, Number 38377, pp.4469–4512.

Despatches from Admiral A. B. Cunningham on the Excess convoy to Malta in January 1941, from Admiral Somerville on the Substance convoy of July 1941, and the Halberd convoy of September 1941, from Admiral Curteis on the Harpoon convoy of June 1942 (with as an appendix a report of proceedings from Captain C. C. Hardy of Force X), and from Admiral Syfret on the Pedestal convoy of August 1942. Reprinted in 2014 in a collection of nine despatches edited by John Grehan as  The War at Sea in the Mediterranean 1940-1944  and published by Pen & Sword Maritime (ISBN: 1783462221).

Report of an Action against an Italian Convoy on the Night of the 15th/16th April 1941. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 11May 1948, Number 38287, pp.2913–2916.

A despatch submitted by Admiral Cunningham, with a Letter of Proceedings from Captain Mack of 14DF, and reports from Commander Ravenhill of Jervis, Commander Tothill of Janus and Commander Eaton of Mohawk. Reprinted in 2014 in a collection of nine despatches edited by John Grehan as  The War at Sea in the Mediterranean 1940-1944  and published by Pen & Sword Maritime (ISBN: 1783462221).

Battle of Matapan. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 29 July 1947, Number 38031, pp.3591–3609.

The despatch of Admiral Cunningham, including a report from the Vice Admiral Light Forces, Pridham-Wippell. Includes a map of the battle area and ten pages of track charts. Reprinted in 2014 in a collection of nine despatches edited by John Grehan as  The War at Sea in the Mediterranean 1940-1944  and published by Pen & Sword Maritime (ISBN: 1783462221).

BENNETT, G.H. Desperate Victories: From Dunkirk to the Battle of Britain: Military Despatches on Operations Against German Forces in Western Europe 1940.  286p., bibliog., illus., index. Stroud: Amberley, 2018. ISBN: 9781445668161.

An introduction by the author is followed by a personal account of life in 1940 by Roy Bennett. This is followed by the official account of the experiences of the BEF in 1939-40 as reported in official despatches printed in the London Gazette, namely: 35305 (Lord Gort’s two despatches on the land forces in 1939-40); 37573 (Alan Brooke’s Despatch on the BEF left in France after Dunkirk) and 37719 (Dowding’s Despatch covering the Battle of Britain).

Fleet Air Arm Operations against Taranto on 11th November, 1940. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 22 July 1947, Number 38023, pp.3471–3477.

A despatch submitted by Admiral Cunningham, which includes a narrative of the attack by Captain Boyd of Illustrious. Includes a plan of Taranto Harbour. Reprinted in 2014 in a collection of nine despatches edited by John Grehan as  The War at Sea in the Mediterranean 1940-1944  and published by Pen & Sword Maritime (ISBN: 1783462221).

Report of an Action with the Italian Fleet off Calabria, 9th July 1940. Supplement to the London Gazette of 27 April 1948, Number 38273, pp.2643–2649.

A despatch submitted by Admiral A. B. Cunningham, C-in-C Mediterranean Station. Includes three track charts.

Reprinted in 2014 in a collection of nine despatches edited by John Grehan as  The War at Sea in the Mediterranean 1940-1944  and published by Pen & Sword Maritime (ISBN: 1783462221).

No. 32       Malta Convoys 1942 (T.S.D. 266/45). 60p., plans, index. London: Admiralty, 1945.

This was combined with Battle Summary 18 and re-issued as Selected Convoys (Mediterranean), 1941-1942 in 1957. It was then reprinted in 2007 as The Royal Navy and the Mediterranean Convoys: A Naval Staff History with a preface by Malcolm Llewellyn-Jones. ISBN: 0415390958. Also published with No. 32 and related documents in 2013 as Between Hostile Shores in the Britannia Naval Histories series, ISBN: 1841023531.

No. 18   Mediterranean Convoys 1941 (T.S.D.563/43). 46p., plans, index. London: Admiralty, 1944.

This was combined with Battle Summary 32 and re-issued as Selected Convoys (Mediterranean), 1941-1942 in 1957. It was then reprinted in 2007 as The Royal Navy and the Mediterranean Convoys: A Naval Staff History with a preface by Malcolm Llewellyn-Jones. ISBN: 0415390958. Also published with No. 32 and related documents in 2013 as Between Hostile Shores in the Britannia Naval Histories series ISBN: 1841023531.

Actions against Raiders. Supplement to the London Gazette of Friday, 9 July 1948, Number 38349, pp.4009–4015.

Three despatches published in one. "Report of the Destruction of Enemy Raider No. 16 by HMS Devonshire" submitted by Admiral Willis, C-in-C South Atlantic Station, with a report from Captain Oliver of Devonshire; "Report of the Sinking of the German Supply Ship Python" again submitted by Willis, with a report from Captain Agar of Dorsetshire; "Report of a Gallant Action by HMIS Bengal and MV Ondina with Two Japanese Raiders," from Admiral Somerville, C-in-C Eastern Fleet and with a report from Lt. Commander Wilson of Bengal.

Operations in East Africa, November 1940–July 1941. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 9 July 1946, Number 37645, pp.3527–3599.

A despatch from General Sir Archibald Wavell covering the combined operations in this theatre.

Reprinted and edited with a preface by David Brown in 2000 as part of a set of three reports along with nos. 39 and 43.

The Landings in North Africa. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 22 March 1949, Number 38569, pp.1509-1525., battle plans.

A despatch from Admiral A. B. Cunningham describing Operation Torch. Reprinted 1n 2015 as one of five despatches in Operations in North Africa and the Middle East 1942-1944 by John Grehan & Martin Mace and published by Pen & Sword, ISBN: 9781783461943.

Naval Operations in Ramree Island Area 19th January to 22nd February, 1945. Supplement to the London Gazette of Friday, 23 April 1948, Number 38269, pp.2581–2584.

A despatch from Admiral Arthur J. Power, C-in-C East Indies Station, with a report from Rear Admiral Martin, Flag Officer Force W and an enclosure from Captain Eric Bush, Senior Officer of Advanced Force W. Includes a map of the area. Reprinted in a set of four despatches edited by John Grehan & Martin Mace as The Battle for Burma 1943-1945: From Kohima and Imphal Through to Victory published by Pen & Sword in 2015, ISBN: 9781783461998.    

MACE, Martin & GREHAN, John. Disaster in the Far East 1940-1942: The Defence of Malaya, Japanese Capture of Hong Kong and the Fall of Singapore.  xii, 516p., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Military, 2015. ISBN: 1783462094.

Reprints four despatches from the London Gazette with a brief introduction, namely 38183, The Defence of Malaya; 38190, Operations in Hong Kong; 38183, the Fall of Singapore; 38216, air operations during the campaigns in Malaya and the Netherlands East Indies.

MACE, Martin & GREHAN, John. The War at Sea in the Mediterranean 1940-1944. xvi, 256p., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Maritime, 2014. ISBN: 1783462221.

         Reprints nine despatches from the London Gazette with a brief introduction, namely 38273, the Action off Calabria; 38023, the attack on Taranto; 38281, the Battle of Cape Spartivento; 38031, the Battle of Matapan; 38287, action against an Italian convoy in April 1941; 38377, the major Malta convoys of 1941-42; 38073, the Battle of Sirte; 38432, Coastal Force Actions in the Levant in 1942-3; 38426, Actions in the Aegean in late 1943.

MACE, Martin & GREHAN, John. The Battle for Norway 1940-1942.  xii, 174p., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Military, 2015. ISBN: 1783462329.

Reprints six despatches from the London Gazette with a brief introduction, namely 37584, Operations in Central Norway in 1940; 38005, First and Second Battles of Narvik; 38011, Operations in Northern Norway; 38300, Carrier-borne aircraft attack on Kirkenes and Petsamo; 38331, Raid on the Lofoten Islands; 38342, Raid on Vaagso Island.

MACE, Martin & GREHAN, John. The Battle for Norway 1940-1942.  xii, 174p., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Military, 2015. ISBN: 1783462329.

Reprints six despatches from the London Gazette with a brief introduction, namely 37584, Operations in Central Norway in 1940; 38005, First and Second Battles of Narvik; 38011, Operations in Northern Norway; 38300, Carrier-borne aircraft attack on Kirkenes and Petsamo; 38331, Raid on the Lofoten Islands; 38342, Raid on Vaagso Island.

MACE, Martin & GREHAN, John. Disaster in the Far East 1940-1942: The Defence of Malaya, Japanese Capture of Hong Kong and the Fall of Singapore.  xii, 516p., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Military, 2015. ISBN: 1783462094.

Reprints four despatches from the London Gazette with a brief introduction, namely 38183, The Defence of Malaya; 38190, Operations in Hong Kong; 38183, the Fall of Singapore; 38216, air operations during the campaigns in Malaya and the Netherlands East Indies.

MACE, Martin & GREHAN, John. Capital Ships at War 1939-1945. xvi, 191p., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Maritime, 2014. ISBN: 1783462043.

Reprints six despatches with a brief introduction, namely 37989, the River Plate; 38098, the sinking of the Bismarck; 38214, the loss of Prince of Wales and Repulse; 38204, X-craft attacks on the Tirpitz; 38038, the battle of North Cape; 38308, the assault on Okinawa.

The Contribution of the British Pacific Fleet to the Assault on Okinawa 1945. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 1 June 1948, Number 38308, pp.3289–3314.

A despatch from Admiral Fraser, C–in–C Pacific Fleet. Includes reports of proceedings from Admiral Rawlings. Reprinted in 2014 in the compilation by Martin Mace and John Grehan, Capital Ships at War 1939-1945 (ISBN 1783462043).

Sinking of the German Battlecruiser Scharnhorst on the 26th December 1943. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 5 August 1947, Number 38038, pp.3703–3713.

A despatch from Admiral Fraser, C-in-C Home Fleet. Includes three plans. Reprinted in 2014 in the compilation by Martin Mace and John Grehan, Capital Ships at War 1939-1945 (ISBN 1783462043).

The Attack on the Tirpitz by Midget Submarines on 22nd September, 1943. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 10 February 1948, Number 38204, pp.993–1008.

A despatch on Operation Source from Rear Admiral Barry, Admiral (Submarines) written in 1943, and a subsequent despatch written in July 1945 by Rear Admiral Creasy, Admiral (Submarines). Includes two plans. Reprinted in 2014 in the compilation by Martin Mace and John Grehan, Capital Ships at War 1939-1945 (ISBN 1783462043).

Loss of HM Ships Prince of Wales and Repulse. Supplement to the London Gazette of Friday, 20 November 1948, Number 38214, pp.1237–1244.

A despatch submitted by Admiral Layton, C-in-C Eastern Fleet, with reports from Captain Tennant of Repulse and Lt. Commander Skipwith of Prince of Wales. Also includes a report from Flt. Lt. Vigors of 453 Squadron, whose aircraft was the first to reach the scene of the sinking, forwarded by Air Vice Marshal Pulford. Reprinted in 2014 in the compilation by Martin Mace and John Grehan, Capital Ships at War 1939-1945 (ISBN 1783462043).

Sinking of the German Battleship Bismarck on 27th May, 1941. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 14 October 1947, Number 38098, pp.4847–4867.

A despatch from Admiral Tovey, C-in-C Home Fleet. It includes a report of the actions of Force H from Admiral Somerville and an anonymous appendix on Coastal Command operations. There is a North Atlantic chart of ship movements and a track chart of the final action. Reprinted in 2014 in the compilation by Martin Mace and John Grehan, Capital Ships at War 1939-1945 (ISBN 1783462043).          

The River Plate Battle. Supplement to the London Gazette of Thursday, 19 June 1947, Number 37989, pp.2759–2766.

Submitted by Admiral Harwood and concentrating on the action itself. Includes a track chart. Reprinted in 2014 in the compilation by Martin Mace and John Grehan, Capital Ships at War 1939-1945 (ISBN 1783462043).          

The Capture of Diego Suarez. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 2 March 1948, Number 38225, pp.1589–1616.

A despatch from Admiral Syfret, the Force Commander. It includes reports of proceedings from Captain Oliver of Devonshire, Captain (D) Hutton of 19DF, Captain Garnon-Williams of Keren and as an Appendix a report from Major General Sturges, RM, Commander of the military forces. Includes two plans. Reprinted in 2015 from a set of four despatches edited by John Grehan and Martin Mace as The War in East Africa 1939-1943 and published in 2015 by Pen & Sword Military (ISBN: 9781783462230).

Operations of East Africa Command, 12th July, 1941 to 8th January 1943. Supplement to the London Gazette of Wednesday, 17 July 1946, Number 37655, pp.3711-3720.

A despatch from General Platt, much concerned with the occupation of Madagascar. Reprinted in 2015 from a set of four despatches edited by John Grehan and Martin Mace as The War in East Africa 1939-1943 and published in 2015 by Pen & Sword Military (ISBN: 9781783462230.

GREHAN, John & MACE, Martin. The Battle for Burma 1943-1945: From Kohima & Imphal to Victory. xii, 291p., illus., index. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Military, 2015. ISBN: 9781783461998.

Reprints four despatches published as supplements to the London Gazette, with a very brief introduction, namely General Giffard’s Despatch on operations in Burma and North-East India in 1943-44 ( No. 39171) and a second Despatch from him covering operations in Assam and Burma in June- November 1944 (No. 39187); a brief Despatch from Vice-Admiral Power covering naval operations in the Ramree Island area in January-February 1945 (No. 38269) and finally a long Despatch from General Leese on operations in Burma in November 1944-August 1945, which has some naval relevant material (No. 39195).

PEARCE, M. J.  Confronting Italy: Mediterranean Surface Actions in 1940. Exploding the Myth of Mussolini’s ‘Mare Nostrum (Britannia Naval Histories of World War II). 192p., illus. Plymouth: University of Plymouth Press, 2019. ISBN: 1841024392.

This volume contains three previously classified Naval Staff Histories describing major naval surface actions of 1940, supported by a modern introduction setting them in context and also illustrates warships involved, using WW2 US Navy Intelligence Department documents. Two Official Despatches are also included. The Staff Histories are: No. 2, The Battle of Calabria; No. 8. The Battle of Spartivento; No. 9, The Battle of Cape Spada. The Despatches are no. 38273, The Battle off Calabria and no. 38281, The Battle of Cape Spartivento.

WINTER, Paul. D-Day Documents. xvii, 520p., bibliog., illus., index. London: Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN: 9781408194003.

Published in association with the National Archives, this miscellaneous collection of previously unpublished records contains the 21st Army Group intelligence reports on Omaha Beach, RAF Photographic Reconnaissance prints and the ship's log of Warspite as well as official documents covering different aspects of Operations Neptune and Overlord. It also brings together for the first time the war diary entries of all Anglo-Canadian 'spear-head' units and regiments who landed in France on 6 June 1944.

BENBOW, Tim. Operation Neptune: The D-Day Landings, 6 June 1944 (Naval Staff Histories of the Second World War, Volume 1), edited by Tim Benbow. 423p., bibliog., illus., index. Solihull: Helion, 2015. ISBN: 9781909982970

Originally published in 1948 by the Admiralty historical staff for internal use and covering the planning, preparation and execution of the landings, this edition has a new and strong introduction and a good bibliography and index, which make it very accessible. 

No. 17 The Conjunct Expeditions to Norway, April–June 1940 (T.S.D. 335/43). 99p., plans, index. London: Admiralty, 1943.

A 19-page supplement was published in 1947 as B.R.1736 (10) (1), which redrafted some of the original sections and a complete revision published as T.S.D. 57/50 in 1951. This was reprinted in 2000 with 18 added photographs and edited with a preface by David Brown as Naval Operations of the Campaign in Norway April-June 1940, ISBN: 0714651192. Again reprinted in 2012 by the University of Plymouth Press as Fight for the Fjords: The Battle for Norway 1940 (ISBN: 9781841023052).

MACE, Martin. The Royal Navy at Dunkirk: Commanding Officers’ Accounts of British Warships in Action During Operation Dynamo. ixx, [that is xix], 428 pages, illus.  Barnsley: Frontline, 2017. ISBN:  9781473886728.

The Admiralty issued an order requiring the Commanding Officers of those British warships involved in the evacuation to submit a report detailing their actions. These carefully organised accounts bring to life the chaos, professional skill, bravery and improvisation which made Operation Dynamo a success.

No. 14 Loss of HM Ships Prince of Wales and Repulse 10th December 1941 (T.S.D. 1679/42). 40p., plans, index. London: Admiralty, 1943

A revised edition was published in 1955 as B.R. 1736 (8)/1955 which made some minor corrections and incorporated evidence from Japanese sources.

No. 41 The Evacuation From Dunkirk, Operation Dynamo, 26 May to 4 June, 1940. London: Admiralty, 1949.

         First published by the Admiralty in 1949 as Staff History No. 41. Reprinted and edited with a preface by Jock Gardner in 2000. ISBN: 0714651206. Reprinted by Helion in 2016 as Operation Dynamo: The Evacuation from Dunkirk, May-June 1940 with a new introduction by Tim Benbow, ISBN: 9781910294598. A further version was published in 2020 as Dunkirk: Operation “Dynamo” 26th May – 4th June 1940. An Epic of Gallantry as one of the Britannia Naval Histories of World War II series, and with an introduction by M. J. Pearce, ISBN: 9781838010706.

No. 4 Naval Operations of the Battle of Crete 20th May to 1st June, 1941 (T.S.D. 522/42). 61p., plans. London: Admiralty, 1942.

A revised edition was published in 1960 as B.R. 1736 (2) which incorporated evidence from captured German documents and also made minor factual corrections.    

No. 33 Raid on Dieppe (Naval Movements) 19th August, 1942 (T.S.D. 2/46). 79p., plans, index. London: Admiralty, 1945.

Reprinted in 2019 by Frontline Books, ISBN: 9781526752918.

The despatch submitted by Commodore Collins, Commodore Commanding China Force. It includes reports from Captain Waller of Perth, from Gunner (T) T. J. Cain, senior surviving Officer of Electra and from Captain Gordon of Exeter, this last written on his release in 1945. Also includes a track chart.

A nine-page supplement giving an Italian account of the action was published in 1947 as B.R.1736 (6) (1).

A revised edition was published as T.S.D. 16/49 in 1949 to include information from captured German records. Reprinted by Frank Cass in 2002 as part of a two volume compilation of battle summaries entitled German Capital Ships and Raiders in World War II, with an introduction by Eric Grove and including Battle Summaries 5, 11, 13, 24, 26, 27, 29. ISBN: 0714652083 (Vol.1); 0714652830 (Vol. 2).

A despatch from Admiral Burrough, Naval C-in-C, Germany.

A despatchby Admiral Sir Arthur J. Power, Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station

A despatch from Sholto Douglas, the Head of Coastal Command.

A despatch from Admiral Ramsay, Allied Naval Expeditionary Force Commander. Includes a diagram of the naval routes.

A despatch fromAdmiral of the Fleet Sir Andrew B. Cunningham, Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Station

This Despatch from Cunningham as C-in-C Mediterranean includes the report from Vice-Admiral Willis as Commander of the Eastern Task Force.

A despatch from Admiral A. B. Cunningham describing Operation Retribution.

A despatch from Captain Hughes-Hallett, Naval Force Commander, which includes a map of the passage routes.

A despatch from Admiral Forbes, C-in-C Plymouth, including a report of proceedings from Commander Ryder, who led the striking force. Includes three plans.

A revised edition of no. 11 was published as T.S.D. 35/48 in 1948, incorporating information from the Official Enquiry and captured German records. No. 11 was reprinted by Frank Cass in 2002 as part of a two volume compilation of battle summaries entitled German Capital Ships and Raiders in World War II, with an introduction by Eric Grove and including Battle Summaries 5, 11, 13, 24, 26, 27, 29. Numbers 12, 27 and 29 were further printed together, edited by G. H. Bennett as Hunting Tirpitz and published by the University of Plymouth in 2012 (ISBN: 1841023094).

The Admiralty provided a substantial foreword to these extracts from despatches from Admiral Tovey, C-in-C Home Fleet. Includes two plans.

A despatch from Admiral Tovey, with reports from the commanders of Operation Archery, Brigadier Haydon and Rear Admiral Burrough. Two maps.

A despatch from Major-General C. M. Maltby, General Officer Commanding British Troops in China

A despatch from Admiral Tovey, with a narrative from Admiral Wake-Walker, commanding 1CS, a report from Captain Talbot of Furious and one from Captain Bovell of Victorious.

Two despatches from Admiral Cunningham, one covering naval operations around Crete and the other the evacuation. Includes an inserted footnote explaining the absence of the RAF from Crete.

A despatch from General Wavell, covering the revolt in Iraq and related naval operations.

A despatch from Admiral Cunningham on Operation Lustre. There are enclosures from Admirals Baillie-Grohman and Pridham-Wippell.

A despatch from Admiral Tovey, with a Report on Proceedings from Captain Caslon of 6DF and an appendix from Brigadier Haydon, commanding the Special Service Brigade. Two maps.

A despatch from Admiral Ramsey, FOC Dover and the planner of Operation Dynamo. Includes a chart of the Channel.

Despatches from Lord Gort covering the travails of the B.E.F. from the declaration of war to the evacuation of Dunkirk.

A despatch from the Earl of Cork and Orrery, Flag Officer Narvik, including further despatches in appendices from General Mackesy, covering 14 April to 13 May and from General Auchinleck covering 13 May to 8 June. Includes a map of Vestfjorden.

The report of the First Battle consists of two narratives by Commander Layman, senior surviving Officer of Hotspur and Lt. Commander Courage, CO of Havock, submitted by Admiral Hallifax, Rear Admiral (D) Home Fleet. The despatch on the Second Battle is by Admiral Whitworth who commanded from Warspite. There are two charts.

A revised edition was published as B.R. 1736 (22) (48) in 1948, containing information from captured German records and returned prisoners of war. Reprinted by Frank Cass in 2002 as part of a two volume compilation of battle summaries entitled German Capital Ships and Raiders in World War II, with an introduction by Eric Grove and including Battle Summaries 5, 11, 13, 24, 26, 27, 29. Numbers 12, 27 and 29 were further printed together, edited by G. H. Bennett as Hunting Tirpitz and published by the University of Plymouth in 2012 (ISBN: 1841023094).

Reprinted in 2012 as Dark Seas: The Battle of Cape Matapan, by the University of Plymouth Press and with a preface and notes by J.E. Harrold. ISBN: 9781841023038.

Reprinted and edited with a preface by David Brown in 2000 as part of a set including nos. 39 and 49.

No copy seen.

Reprinted and edited with a preface by David Brown in 2000 as part of a set including nos. 43 and 49.

No copy seen

Submitted by Admiral Harwood and concentrating on the action itself. Includes a track chart.

Reprinted by Frank Cass in 2002 as part of a two volume compilation of battle summaries entitled German Capital Ships and Raiders in World War II, with an introduction by Eric Grove and including Battle Summaries 5, 11, 13, 24, 26, 27, 29. Numbers 12, 27 and 29 were further printed together, edited by G. H. Bennett as Hunting Tirpitz and published by the University of Plymouth in 2012 (ISBN: 1841023094).

Reprinted by Frank Cass in 2002 as part of a two volume compilation of battle summaries entitled German Capital Ships and Raiders in World War II, with an introduction by Eric Grove and including Battle Summaries 5, 11, 13, 24, 26, 27, 29. Numbers 24 and 26 were further printed together, edited by G. H. Bennett as Hitler's Ghost Ships and published by the University of Plymouth in 2012 (ISBN: 1841023078).

A revised edition was published as T.S.D. 223/48 in 1948, incorporating information from captured German records. Reprinted by Frank Cass in 2002 as part of a two volume compilation of battle summaries entitled German Capital Ships and Raiders in World War II, with an introduction by Eric Grove and including Battle Summaries 5, 11, 13, 24, 26, 27, 29. Numbers 24 and 26 were further printed together, edited by G. H. Bennett as Hitler's Ghost Ships and published by the University of Plymouth in 2012 (ISBN: 1841023078).

A revised and expanded version was published in 1954 as Arctic Convoys 1941-1945. A facsimile with a preface by Malcolm Llewellyn-Jones was published by Routledge in 2007 as The Royal Navy and the Arctic Convoys: A Naval Staff History. (ISBN: 0714652849).

Reprinted by Frank Cass in 2002 as part of a two volume compilation of battle summaries entitled German Capital Ships and Raiders in World War II, with an introduction by Eric Grove and including Battle Summaries 5, 11, 13, 24, 26, 27, 29.