Book Information

From the preface to the index: "Where a vessel was renamed, there is a cross-reference to the former name instead of a page number. ... Each name is usually followed by a type description and by two dates; the first being that of the year of launch or acquisition by the Royal Navy (or of being given that name in the case of renamings), while the second is that year in which the vessel was lost or disposed of by the Royal Navy (or when its name was changed.'

Some ships -- those that carried a number rather than a name, former names of prizes or purchased ships, and vessels for hire by the RN -- are not included in the Index, even if they're mentioned in certain parts of the book.