Review by Felix Bustelo

The Benson/Gleaves class of destroyers was an improved version of the previous Sims class. While these classes shared the same hull design, they were strengthened on the Benson/Gleaves ships, adding 50 tons to their displacement. Another design difference was the arrangement of the propulsion machinery. The Benson/Gleaves class of ships had two alternating engine and boiler spaces, which gave them an improved survivability rate in the event of a torpedo hit. This new internal arrangement necessitated two funnels. The Benson/Gleaves ships proved their mettle during World War II, serving in all theaters of operation and they were an important design step in the development of subsequent destroyer classes. In total, 30 Benson class and 66 Gleaves class ships were commissioned.

This title is the 12th volume of the popular Warship Pictorial series and it follow the photo album format, which is common to the other titles that cover a class of ships rather than one specific vessel.

The 72-page soft covered book provides an extensive visual record of the ships in this class of destroyers with a total of 169 photos. The photos cover these ships from their pre-war fits, through wartime actions and to some final post-war dispositions and transfer to allied navies. A total of 24 Gleaves class ships were converted to destroyer minesweepers (DMS) and there are several photos showing the details of the minesweeping gear. The photos are crystal clear and the quality of the photographs has become the trademark of the Warship Pictorial series. Two color photos of the USS Buchanan (DD-484) appear on the front and back covers.

The book begins with a brief one-page developmental history of this class of destroyers. This is followed with a table listing the hull number and name, builder and location, the keel laying, launching and commissioning dates and ultimate fate for all 96 ships of the Benson/Gleaves class. This is then followed by the extensive collection of photos, which shows details from just about every angle possible and depicts a variety of camouflage schemes used on these ships. This is a veritable gold mine for modelers.

The photos are supplemented with 1/400 scale profile drawings of the USS Aaron Ward as she appeared in 1942 and plan, profile and sectional drawings of the USS McCalla also in 1942. The book also contains a page of general statistics that summarizes the armament usually fitted on these ships and during which times. This is an enormous help to modelers wishing to build an accurate model.

Whether you are a modeler or a naval enthusiast, I highly recommend adding this book to your library. As is the case with all of the volumes in the Warship Pictorial series, this book is an exceptional value at only $13.95 US. My thanks to Warship Books for providing this review copy.