Expanding on their ever growing range of reference books, Osprey Publishing has announced the release of Scapa Flow The defences of Britain’s great fleet anchorage 1914–45.

Written by naval historian Angus Konstam this book tells the story of the mighty naval fortress of Scapa Flow.

Scapa Flow was a strategically important natural harbour in the Orkney Islands and served as Britain’s main fleet anchorage during both World Wars.

In 1914 and again in 1939, the British began building a comprehensive defensive network by fortifying the entrances to Scapa Flow, and then extended these defenses to cover most of Orkney.

By 1940, it had become an island fortress, the largest integrated defensive network of its kind in Europe, manned by as many as 50,000 Commonwealth troops.

Illustrated by Peter Dennis this promises to be a fine addition to any modelshipwrights reference library.

It is expected to be available in July 2009 and it has a current retail price UK pounds 9.59.
Books contents:

• Introduction;
  
• Chronology;
  
• The development of Scapa Flow’s defences;
  
• Principles of defence: ‘Plan Q’ and ‘Plan R’;
  
• A tour of the fortress;
  
• Life in the Orkney Garrison;
  
• Scapa Flow at war;
  
• The aftermath of World War II;
  
• The defences of Scapa Flow today;
  
• Museums and other attractions;
  
• Further reading.
  

Image and background courtesy of Osprey Publishing