Overview
Fully illustrated, this study examines World War II's most dramatic single-ship action, in which Stephen Hopkins fought a heavily armed German auxiliary cruiser, Stier.
When the United States entered World War II, the Battle of the Atlantic was already raging. The so-called 'Liberty Ships', built at breakneck speed and in huge numbers during 1941–45, were crucial to the Allied war effort. While the greatest successes of Germany's auxiliary cruisers occurred in 1939–41, this book describes how one of these ingenious warships, Stier, confronted the Liberty Ship Stephen Hopkins in an epic single-ship duel on September 27, 1942.
Stephen Hopkins carried one 4in gun, two 37mm cannon and six machine guns, all primarily intended for antisubmarine and antiaircraft purposes. Stier had six 150mm, one 75mm, one twin 37mm, four single 20mm and four 533mm torpedo tubes. At the end of this grossly uneven fight, Stier had sunk Stephen Hopkins, but was so badly damaged it had to be scuttled.
While this battle has garnered much attention, Mark Lardas explores other clashes between the German surface raiders and their Liberty Ship quarry during 1942. Featuring specially commissioned artwork and mapping alongside archive photographs, this lively study investigates the important role both ship types played as the Battle of the Atlantic reached its climax.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry US Liberty Ship vs German Surface Raider (The Battle of the Atlantic 1942), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of US Liberty Ship vs German Surface Raider (The Battle of the Atlantic 1942).