The Crisis of the Naval War

The Crisis of the Naval War by John Rushworth Jellicoe delivers a gripping, authoritative account of the Royal Navy’s fight to defeat the U-boat threat and reorganize naval strategy during the critical year of 1917. Written by Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Jellicoe, this history blends operational detail with big-picture analysis, tracing changes at the Admiralty, the submarine campaign, the birth and practical workings of the convoy system, anti-submarine tactics, and the impact of the United States’ entry into the war. A vivid work of military history and war stories, Jellicoe’s narrative examines patrol craft and minesweeping services, the Dover Patrol and Harwich forces, production challenges at the Admiralty, and the seizure of initiative that helped turn the tide at sea. The original book included plates and charts that complement Jellicoe’s precise, insider perspective; the text offers clear explanations of strategy, logistics, and leadership without sensationalism. Essential listening for naval enthusiasts, military historians, and anyone fascinated by World War I strategy, The Crisis of the Naval War provides a rare first‑hand view from a senior commander—an indispensable resource for understanding how tactical innovation and administrative reform combined to meet one of the war’s greatest threats.