THE BATTLE OF MATAPAN. BRITISH BATTLE SERIES. by Pack, S.W.C - 1961

London: B. T. Batsford, 1961. 183 pp, 8vo (8 15/16" H). B&w photographs, maps/battle plans. "In March 1941 Britain faced the Axis powers alone. Her army was still in disarray after Dunkerque, her fleet was stretched to the uttermost. It was in this context that, 100 miles off Cape Matapan in Greece, there was fought an action in which the Italian fleet was so signally defeated that it never voluntarily offered battle again so long as the war lasted. The engagement, the first major fleet action since Jutland a quarter of a century earlier, was of historical significance for two reasons; it was the first time carrier-borne aircraft had played a vital role, and the first time that the use of radar was of preponderant importance in a large-scale fleet action. Here is an account of Matapan which, illustrated by unfamiliar action photographs, will satisfy the expert no less than it will engross the general reader." The author, Captain Pack, was present throughout the Battle in the carrier 'Formidable'. Light to moderate edge wear to boards, light wrinkling at bottom of spine, two previous owner's names/info./date on front pastedown, very light browning to fore-edge of text block. Dust jacket is price clipped, has browning on spine and edges, light edge wear - mainly at top/bottom of spine and flap-folds.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good -/Good+.