Two-Star Position Finding 1969
Edward M. Weyer, Westbrook, Conn.: Edward M. Weyer, 1969. 286 pp. Illus. $10.00 (paper).
Reviewed by G. D. Dunlap
(Mr. Dunlap, president of Weems & Plath, Inc., has been with the Weems organizations since 1946, following naval service in World War II. He has conducted a number of navigation studies for the Navy and Coast Guard, and was project manager for a DX destroyer program study. He has designed and produced over 20 navigational instruments, and has written numerous articles on air and marine navigation. He is co-author of Dutton’s Navigation and Piloting, 12th ed., 1969. Annapolis, Md.: U. S. Naval Institute.)
This publication contains a mathematical method of determining latitude and longitude and sextant altitudes of two stars; selected star pairs must always be used. The author includes in the text a number of blank forms for solution of the problem. These forms indicate the step-by-step mechanical method for finding the solution by indicating the particular table which must be used for each entry in the form. The over-all formula for the problem is given in a separate chapter.
In addition to the spherical triangle used in standard sight reduction methods, Weyer introduces another spherical triangle in the solution formed by the Pole and the geographical position of the two stars being observed. The author claims that the 1969 edition has a solution which is six steps shorter than the 1968 edition. It is, however, still a long, detailed mathematical solution.
The introduction to the book is unfortunately devoted to listing the advantages of the system in terms of the things the user does not have to do. Most of those mentioned are items which are not done in other solutions, or not plotting on the chart. Many persons, however, prefer to plot on the chart rather than undergo a long mathematical solution.
If this text had been written 50 years ago, there might be some justification for statements about not needing to understand spherical trigonometry, and all that is required is a knowledge of how to handle logarithms. The author is, of course, aware that in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the so-called “short methods” such as H.O. 208, HO. 211, Weems Line of Position Book, and the like, were developed to eliminate the necessity of a working knowledge of spherical trigonometry and also to simplify the use of logarithms, by eliminating the necessity to keep track of the decimal point.
Of more recent vintage, H.O. 214, the most widely used sight reduction method at sea, and H.O. 249, the air navigation tables also used by many mariners, are inspection tables where logarithms are not even used. Altitude and azimuth are taken directly from the tables. The advantage of not having to use an assumed position is also debatable. H.O. 211 was designed for working from a DR position, and even H.O. 214 can be used in this manner, although the shorter solution using an assumed position, is normally employed. The statement made by the author that curved lines from a 3-D surface do not have to be converted to straight ones is irrelevant, as normal lines of position used in plotting other methods overcome this objection.
These claimed advantages are mentioned here, because this reviewer cannot help but feel that the author could have made a better case for his system without the negative approach in the introduction. A simple introduction of the two-star method as a novel approach would have attracted more navigators who realize that his objections have already been overcome by other modern, shorter, easier-to-use systems.
The two-star approach is new to most navigators who have not studied in detail the historical development of sight reduction. For those interested in trying out new ideas, this book is recommended. It is not truly novel in that the two-star solution was introduced in 1537. Many solutions were introduced in the 18th and 19th centuries, when solution by spherical trigonometry was necessary since the line of position concept had not yet been discovered. A brief statement of the old systems, which were quite similar to Weyer’s, is given by D. H. Sadler, Her Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office, in his review of Weyer’s tables for the British Institute of Navigation.
In the solution, to enable the navigator to choose acceptable pairs of stars, star charts are prepared for various latitudes and for various times of the day. Although several pairs would be available if no overcast existed, for most locations and times, the navigator is much more restricted in having to use given pairs, than when shooting single stars for solutions by conventional sight reduction methods.
The method is basically one of simultaneous solution for two stars. Since it would be difficult to observe the stars simultaneously, tables are given to adjust the reading of the first star to what it would have been at the time of the second star sight, considering elapsed time and distance run between sights. This correction is based on relative bearing of the first star observed, and the correction changes from plus to minus depending on whether the bearing is greater or less than 90 degrees, or, stating it another way, whether steaming toward or away from the azimuth of the star. This correction, which is inserted into the mathematical solution, replaces the advancing of lines of position on a chart as used in standard marine celestial navigation; or the “motion of body” and “motion of observer” correction used by aircraft navigators when reducing their sights to a common time.
The author does include in the 1969 edition, all necessary tables for his sight reduction, including the normal tables for dip, refraction, and the like. He gives the GHA Aries so that an almanac is unnecessary, and also the trigonometric and logarithmic tables for the solution.
For today’s navigator, who learned his navigation using H O. 214 or H O. 249, and who refuses even to use H O. 211, the thought of following through the form without making errors for the two-star solution, will probably preclude all but the curious from trying it.
In fairness to the author, a tremendous amount of work has gone into the preparation of his book. It serves to bring to the attention of all navigators a method novel to most. It is a welcome addition to the literature, and will no doubt cause anyone reading of the system to speculate on how it works, and therefore increase his knowledge. For practicing navigators at sea, however, it appears that the two-star system will not be accepted seriously as a replacement for the traditional individual star sights reduction methods.
Polar Operations
Captain Edwin A. MacDonald, U. S. Navy (Ret.). Annapolis, Md.: U. S. Naval Institute, 1969. 224 pp. Illus. $11.00.
Reviewed by Sir Vivian E. Fuchs
(Sir Vivian E. Fuchs is an internationally-known geologist and explorer. Since 1929, he has completed various expeditions throughout the world, including the Antarctic. He has been awarded medals from many countries for his expeditions and geological work. He was co-author of the book The Crossing of Antarctica, and has written several geological and geographical papers. He is presently Director of the British Antarctic Survey.)
The use of ships in the polar regions implies the need to navigate in ice. Whether the vessels be large or small, a high degree of skill and experience is required to penetrate safely the varied conditions which are encountered. Many ships have been lost, damaged, or beset for long periods. These experiences have built up a fund of knowledge, but until now, no general assessment of the problems has been published.
In Polar Operations, we have the first book which deals comprehensively with the subject. It will be of value and interest to all who sail in the polar seas, whether they be observers or experienced ice pilots in command of vessels. The author has delved deeply into the history of the ice pilotage, and, using his own long and wide experience, has compiled a fascinating and readable volume, which is full of factual information and valuable advice.
The scene is set by a chapter on the environment, which describes the stages of sea ice formation and states the nature and behavior of sea ice in both the Arctic and Antarctic. This is followed by a discussion of icebreaker development and a chapter on the all-important handling of vessels in ice, including the use of helicopters for selecting a route.
A particularly valuable section is that concerning the use of icebreakers to free a beset ship, or to accompany a convoy of vessels which are not themselves powerful or strong enough to penetrate the ice. These are especially difficult operations demanding skills which are unlikely to be known by most masters. The author’s description will do much to prepare inexperienced commanders for this kind of situation.
Under “Voyage Procedures,” the reader is given the special preparations necessary for protecting unstrengthened ships, methods of mooring to ice, the removal of ice from the superstructure, and the general handling of such ships when entering or maneuvering in ice.
An important chapter is that on polar navigation when special problems arise. There are few good hydrographic charts available, and the coastlines may be inaccurately mapped and normal dead reckoning cannot be used when navigating at different speeds and directions through ice. These problems and various solutions are discussed, as are the special use of radar, ice atlases, and other sources of information.
The last three chapters are devoted to ice seamanship, wintering, and safety. Although these are not so much concerned with the operation of ships, they provide an excellent guide to those engaged in setting up a station. The responsibilities of ships’ captains, pilots, and station commanders are pointed out, and much valuable advice is given.
In the appendices, there is technical information dealing with such matters as the movement of traffic over sea ice, reporting of sea ice conditions, particulars of the world’s icebreakers, rules for ships’ ice classes, and various tables. There is also a useful glossary, but it should be said that many of the terms given appear to originate in the United States and are not in general use.
Altogether, this is an excellent book which is lavishly illustrated. It should certainly be carried by every ship which is likely to operate in ice-filled waters.
Professional Reading
Compiled by Robert A. Lambert, Associate Editor
An Affair of Honor
William Oliver Stevens. Chesapeake, Va.: Norfolk County Historical Society, 1969. 204 pp. Illus. $4.00.
This is a short biography of Commodore James Barron, USN, captain of the Chesapeake at the time of her fight with the Leopard in 1807. Barron’s court martial, which resulted from losing the action with the Leopard, eventually led to his killing of Stephen Decatur in one of America’s more famous duels.
The Arms Trade In International Relations
Lewis A. Frank. New York: Praeger, 1968. 266 pp. $15.00.
This study investigates all facets of this complex and controversial subject, from supply and demand—including production, supply costs, and prices—to the various legal and clandestine methods of obtaining arms. Also surveyed is the arms trade as it relates to both the conduct of war and to arms control.
British Aeroplanes 1914-1918
J. M. Bruce. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1969. 742 pp. Illus. $27.50.
Comprehensive, illustrated narratives, in an over-size format, describe nearly 300 basic types of aircraft, both operational and experimental, with details of all known variations. While certainly worth the price, the price definitely limits this reference book’s audience to libraries and very interested historians and aviation specialists.
The Cactus Air Force
Thomas G. Miller, Jr. New York: Harper & Row, 1969. 242 pp. Illus. $6.95.
Inflicting losses far out of proportion to their numbers by destroying what was left of the best fighter pilots in the Japanese Navy, this book tells of the small group of Marine, Navy, and Army pilots who repeatedly balked Japanese attempts to drive American forces off Guadalcanal. “Cactus” was the U. S. Navy code name for the 1942 Guadalcanal operation.
Changing Shipboard Duties and Recommendations for Training of Modern Ships’ Deck Officers
New York: International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, 1969. 41 pp. Illus. No price given.
The accelerating trend in shipboard automation is forcing the shipping industry to look for people with the skills to handle new types of equipment. But traditional on-the-job training is outmoded and too slow in producing the required numbers of officers. Simulation is now considered the best method for providing training on new equipment and procedures. This report examines trends in shipping technology and existing training programs, in an effort to determine the types of simulation devices needed and the training programs that should be initiated for the maximum performance of man-machine systems.
Confederate Propaganda in Europe, 1861-1865
Charles P. Cullop. Coral Gables, Fla.: University of Miami Press, 1969. 160 pp. Illus. $6.95.
The nature and scope of Confederate efforts to influence public opinion and governmental policy are summarized in this study of a neglected piece of Civil War history. It looks at the personalities involved in this aspect of Southern diplomacy.
Decisive Warfare
Reginald Bretnor. Harrisburg, Pa.: Stackpole, 1969. 192 pp. $7.95.
This book studies the factors of destructive force, vulnerability, and time. It discusses their relationships as functions of war with the purpose of improving prediction, planning, and preparation on the part of military commanders.
Department of the Army—Bibliographic Surveys
U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. G: Illus. No price given. (Paper).
These three massive literature surveys—Middle East: Transcontinental Hub: A Bibliographic Survey, 1968 (DA Pamphlet 550-2), USSR: Strategic Survey, 1969 (DA Pamphlet 550-6), Latin America and the Caribbean: Analytical Survey of Literature, 1969 (DA Pamphlet 550-7)—provide annotations and abstracts to a wealth of printed materials that reflect the strategic, political, economic, and sociological aspects of each area under study. Each survey is also backed by appendixes that include large, full-color maps, background notes, and fact sheets.
Flat-Tops
Capt. Edmund L. Castillo, U.S.N. (Ret.). New York: Random House, 1969. 173 pp. Illus. $1.95.
Intelligently written for a juvenile audience, this is the history of the aircraft carrier from 1910 to the present. There are some very interesting photographs.
Frontiers of Space
Philip Bono and Kenneth Gatland. New York: Macmillan, 1969. 247 pp. Illus. $3.95.
Packed with color illustrations of present and future craft and travel concepts, various chapters discuss the technology required to advance man’s use of this new domain.
The German Giants, 2d Edition
G. W. Haddow and Peter M. Grosz. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1969. 310 pp. Illus. $17.95.
In a large format, this is the illustrated story of the development and service history of the “R-planes” that were built in World War I. German engineers, in a few short years, had spanned the technological gulf between wood-and-wire flying machines to all-metal, multi-engine, giant monoplane bombers that were being produced at the close of the war.
Heavily armed and capable of a long range with a heavy bomb load, these were the largest planes to bomb England in either World War I or II.
German Secret Weapons: Blueprint for Mars
Brian Ford. New York: Ballantine, 1969. 160 pp. Illus. $1.00 (paper).
Fertile imagination and basic scientific inventiveness produced the array of World War II weapons displayed in this album. Soe were more successfully developed by other nations, while others have provided the basis for the space age.
The Highland Light Infantry
L. B. Oatts. New York: Hillary House, 1969. 113 pp. Illus. $3.75.
Raised in 1777, the regiment fought Napoleon on the Peninsula. They later served in the many campaigns of the late 18th and early 19th centuries on the Indian subcontinent. In India, at the battle of Assaye, the regiment earned its well deserved reputation for tenacity when it held off the Mahrattas while losing four-fifths of its men.
Historical Aviation Album, Vol. 4
Kenn C. Rust (ed.). Temple City, Calif.: Box 33, Historical Aviation Album, 1967. 52 pp. Illus. $2.98 (paper).
Of the seven articles about old aircraft, it is the two about the “Navy-Wright NW-1, NW-2 Mystery Racers” and “Martin T4M-1, Great Lakes TG-1/2” that are of most interest; scale drawings are included.
Jane’s All the World’s Airships 1909
Fred T. Jane (ed.). New York: Arco, 1969. 374 pp. Illus. $17.50.
This is a facsimile reprint of the first edition. However, this reprint, though of excellent quality, suffers from the drawback of the original—too few pictures.
Jane’s All the World’s Fighting Ships 1898
Fred T. Jane (ed.). New York: Arco, 1969. 228 pp. Illus. $14.95.
This is a facsimile edition of the first issue of what became a monumental reference series. Because printing processes at the time of the original publication reproduced drawings more clearly than photographs, the book is illustrated with Jane’s own pen-and-ink sketches.
The Man in the Yellow Raft
C. S. Forester. Boston: Little, Brown, 1969. 191 pp. $5.95.
This volume is comprised of eight stories about the men who served in the U. S. Navy during World War II.
Maritime Subsidies
U. S. Department of Commerce/Maritime Administration. Washington, D. C.: U. S. Government Printing Office, 1969. 124 pp. $.60 (paper).
With summaries of each country’s basic economic factors, the methods by which 88 different governments assist their maritime industries are compared.
The Mighty Endeavor
Charles B. MacDonald. New York: Oxford University Press, 1969. 564 pp. Illus. $12.50.
The author, who also wrote that near-classic account of World War II as seen by the combat soldier, Company Commander, reviews the circumstances of America’s decision to concentrate on winning first in Europe. He then follows the fighting and strategy from the landings at Casablanca to V-E Day.
Military and Politics in Israel
Amos Perlmutter. New York: Praeger, 1969. 161 pp. $6.50.
This book examines the nature of civilian-military relations in Israel, tracing them from the earliest beginnings of the Zionist movement in Palestine up to the present. In the process, he shows the persistence of civilian authority over the military power.
The New Dictionary and Handbook of Aerospace
Robert W. Marks (ed.). New York: Praeger, 1969. 531 pp. Illus. $10.00.
With its definitions, tables, charts, and emphasis on space navigation, guidance systems, fuels, and radar, this is an up-to-date reference written in clear, understandable language.
No Exit From Vietnam
Sir Robert Thompson. New York: McKay, 1969. 208 pp. Illus. $4.50.
Even though the United States has made many mistakes in Vietnam, it is the author’s contention the United States must stay there or indeed the “domino theory” will certainly begin to operate. Sir Robert, who is quite sympathetic to American aims, was the principle [sic] architect of British victory over Malayan Communist guerrillas in the late 1950s.
The Realm of the Submarine
Paul Cohen. New York: Macmillan, 1969. 274 pp. $5.95.
Beginning with the search for the nuclear submarine Thresher and the H-bombs lost off Spain, the book looks at the past and present efforts to explore and exploit the underseas. The author also examines the future role of underwater craft and structures in oceanography, industry, transport, and warfare.
1775, Another Part of the Field
Ivor Noel Hume. New York: Knopf, 1969. 520 pp. Illus. $8.95.
With each chapter representing a separate month in the year before the American Revolution, this book attempts to balance the usual attention given to New England by chronicling public and private events, the social life, and the politics, in the colony of Virginia, and especially in Williamsburg.
The Silent Warriors
Joshua Tadmor. New York: Macmillan, 1969. 189 pp. Illus. $5.95.
The deadly espionage war, which has gripped the Middle East since before World War II, is recounted by a journalist who worked for Israeli intelligence in the years before the establishment of the state of Israel.
Spitfire
John Vader. New York: Ballantine, 1969. 160 pp. Illus. $1.00 (paper).
Though generally remembered for its role in the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire served in all World War II theaters. It was flown by men of nearly all the Allied nations as shown by this narrative-pictorial of one of the world’s best known fighter aircraft.
The Suez Canal
Hugh J. Schonfield. Coral Gables, Fla.: University of Miami Press, 1969. 214 pp. Illus. $6.95.
Originally published several years ago as The Suez Canal in World Affairs, it has been revised and given a subtitle “In Peace and War 1869-1969.” In addition to providing a concise history of this famous ditch, the author analyzes the economics of shipping through Suez and concludes that it is no longer an indispensable shipping route.
The Suffolk Regiment
Guthrie Moir. New York: Hillary House, 1969. 140 pp. Illus. $4.50.
From the time of its raising in 1685 until its amalgamation in 1959, the 12th Regiment of Foot has had its share of both drab service and exciting moments. At the battle of Minden, the Suffolk infantry charged the French cavalry and, at Dettingen, they were led by George II, the last English king to command troops in the field.
Survival In Space
Vladimir Lebedev and Yuri Gagarin. New York: Praeger, 1969. 166 pp. Illus. $5.95.
The late cosmonaut and a Russian doctor specializing in space psychology tell of the techniques and training programs devised to overcome the challenges of deep-space flight.
Tanker Performance and Cost
Ernest Gannett. Cambridge, Md.: Cornell Maritime Press, 1969. 109 pp. $6.50.
This book instructs tanker operators in methods of using their own operating statistics to arrive at meaningful expressions of demand, supply, performance, and costs. To measure, integrate, and analyze these factors, the Tanker Transportation Unit is introduced as a management tool.
Thud Ridge
Col. Jack Broughton, U.S.A.F. (Ret.). Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1969. 254 pp. Illus. $5.95.
The frustrations of the air war over Hanoi are seen through the eyes of a fighter pilot with 102 missions against the North Vietnamese.
Training for Leadership
John Adair. London: Macdonald, 1968. 158 pp. $3.00.
Stressing that leadership is an interaction between leader, group, and situation, this text uses many examples from the military to explain methods of selecting and training potential leaders.
The Voyages of David De Vries
Charles McKew Parr. New York: Crowell, 1969. 280 pp. Illus. $8.95.
Based on original, autobiographical journals, the dramatic life and voyages of a 17th century Dutch sea captain are told in an interpretative style that provides insights into the reasons for Dutch inability to withstand the forceful English threat.
Weapons Systems Decisions
Davis Bobrow (ed.). New York: Praeger, 1968. 282 pp. $17.50.
This study features authors from several disciplines discussing the place of behavioral science variables—principally political and psychological and political variables—in national security choices, specifically continental defense policy and its components, of anti-ballistic missiles and civil defense shelters programs.
The Wiltshire Regiment
Tom Gibson. New York: Hillary House, 1969. 147 pp. Illus. $4.50.
Few British regiments have a more varied history than this one formed in 1756. The unit first saw action at the siege of Louisburg, Nova Scotia. In 1857, as the 99th Regiment, their officers wore more than the usual amount of gold lace on their uniforms giving rise to the expression “dressed up to the Nines.”
With a Machine Gun to Cambrai
George Coppard. New York: British Information Service, 1969. 135 pp. Illus. $1.20 (paper).
An interesting, personal account of World War I trench warfare by a young Tommy in Kitchener’s New Army. The author was not quite 17 when he enlisted in the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment and became a machine gunner.
World Uniforms in Colour—Volume 2 Nations of America, Africa, Asia and Oceania
Rinaldo D. D’Ami (ed.). London: Stephens, 1969. 90 pp. Illus. $3.60.
In the same format and truly colorful style of its predecessor published last year, this volume includes nearly 300 illustrations of uniforms, badges, emblems, and banners of military and police forces, ranging from the United States to the Fiji Islands. The section on the United States, unfortunately is disappointing.
Re-issues
Appointment on the Moon
Richard S. Lewis. New York: Ballantine [1968], 1969. 568 pp. Illus. $1.25 (paper).
The Franco-Prussian War
Michael Howard. New York: Collier [1961], 1969. 512 pp. Illus. $3.95 (paper).
In Flanders Fields
Leon Wolff. New York: Ballantine [1958], 1969. 254 pp. Illus. $.95 (paper).
The Uncertain Giant: 1921-1941, American Foreign Policy Between the Wars
Selig Adler. New York: Collier [1965], 1969. 340 pp. $2.95 (paper).