Strangling the Axis

'Charting the interplay of means, methods and measures, and resting on meticulous research, Richard Hammond's authoritative account of a neglected but decisive campaign explains for the first time exactly how air and sea power throttled the Axis forces in North Africa, laying the foundations for victory in the Mediterranean.' John Gooch, University of Leeds 'Richard Hammond provides a much needed comprehensive analysis of the British anti-shipping campaign in the Mediterranean and underscores the impact it had on the ability of both the Allies and the Axis to pursue victory in the region as well as elsewhere in Europe.' Mary Kathryn Barbier, Mississippi State University 'Richard Hammond has forged one of the great missing links in our understanding of the Mediterranean campaign of the Second World War. He finally explains just how the Axis powers' ambitions were hampered by shipping shortages and why the anti-shipping war was vital to Allied success.' Niall Barr, King's College London 'Strangling the Axis is a very well-written and presented book ... [It] is an excellent book, providing a highly readable and detailed analysis of the contribution of maritime power to the Allied victory in the Mediterranean in the Second World War. It is highly recommended.' James Bosbotinis, The Naval Review 'It makes an important contribution, which is unlikely to be surpassed.' Steven Morewood, Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research 'Hammond's coverage is sweeping and comprehensive. He presents his evidence by building a solid foundation in the relevant Italian and German documents, besides the Allied sources and the historiography.' James D. Scudieri, Parameters 'Hammond's book will be a point of reference in the literature on the military history of the Second World War in the Mediterranean for years to come.' Fabio De Ninno, Italia Contemporanea