The Last Big Gun

"Another stirring story of WWII that in days gone by would have been handled by someone like author Paul Brickhill. No student of WWII history should pass this one by...  " ~Books Monthly

"an exciting tale" ~Sea Classics

"The author’s informative, yet engaging style will grip the reader’s attention … Whether one is interested in the ship itself, life at sea or naval history, this is a brilliant and exhaustive chronicle of Belfast’s varied service." ~Airfix Model World

‘Brian Lavery’s style is, as we have come to expect from his past work, succinct and very readable, even gripping when describing the ship in action. … This is a thoroughly worthwhile volume for those interested both in the ship herself and in war at sea in the mid-20th century.’ ~Ships in Scale

‘The Last Big Gun is an impeccably researched, well-written book, which was a particularly great pleasure to read. ~Military History Monthly

‘This fine book well maintains the consistently high standard of these studies. Written to be readily comprehensible by the general reader, it will be of value to the specialist, who will particularly appreciate the comprehensive bibliography and references.’ ~Mariner's Mirror

"…thoroughly enjoyable book on HMS Belfast and her career in a Royal Navy …. The combination of ‘human interest’ digressions with the recollections of those who served in the ship, alongside an operational history is compelling. It is a reminder, if any is needed, that what makes a warship effective is the crew. It helps that the ship had an interesting war, and played a significant part in it. While not central to Lavery’s purpose, he also delves briefly into design features of British cruisers of the 1930s, as well as the potential use of the ship in the first fifteen years after the war. This was a time of rapid technological change as well as vast modifications in the potential conduct of war between major powers, creating a great deal of uncertainty about how these challenges would be met. One consequence was the demise of the ‘big gun’ and with that, the day of the cruiser was done. The author has provided an excellent bibliography, which includes both primary and secondary sources. The selection of photographs is an interesting blend of wartime and museum shots. Included on the inside front cover of the book is an ‘exploded’ view of the ship, which is a pleasure to pour over. One wishes it were bigger. I have no difficulty in recommending this book. Indeed, if you are visiting London, you must visit the ship itself." ~The Northern Mariner

“A fascinating story of a well-travelled and hard-worked warship.” ~Work Boat World