Customer Reviews

The Battle of the Atlantic

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Let's be clear about what this book is and what it isn't. It IS an enjoyable, atmospheric popular survey of the topic -- an expansion of the script of a well-done BBC documentary film written by its producer. It is NOT an in-depth history by a professional historian specializing in the subject. Its original contribution to the literature lies in some nicely selected oral history vignettes by eyewitnesses, which do not contribute important facts to the record but which definitely add a flavor of "being there".

As we would expect from the BBC, the account is basically balanced in terms of describing Allied vs. Axis hardships and sacrifices. Not surprisingly, British contributions are highlighted and there is a hint of gentlemanly joy in jabbing at US mistakes (e.g., Admiral King's obstinacy regarding use of convoys when the grey wolves came to American waters). Is there a tendency to use the term "Allied" (instead of American) in describing the triumphs of air power over the u-boats in the latter stages of the war? Perhaps just my imagination; you decide.

The most interesting individual character in this account is the German submarine navy commander, Admiral Doenitz, who tried to counter with a small staff and sheer Nazi zeal the much better staffed, financed, and more scientific British anti-submarine warfare effort.

Overall, a book well worth trying by general readers and period specialists alike.

The Battle Of The Atlantic: The Allies' Submarine Fight Against Hitler's Gray Wolves Of The Sea is the thrilling true story of a battle waged beneath the waves in which Hitler's U-boats strived to starve Britain into submission. Drawing upon exclusive interviews with survivors on both sides of the war, including some from former U-boat members, historian and documetary producer Andrew Williams offers a fascinating account of the deadly standoff, meticulously detailing the perils faced by all involved. An expertly researched, superbly presented and greatly welcome contribution to nautical and military history reference shelves.

Written from all points of view with survivor & combatant interviews and excellent narrative to explain what was going on with both sides. Some of the interviews are harrowing, be warned. But an excellent look at the tactics, deployment of resources by both sides during the entire war. This was a battle that ran from the opening day of the war until after D-day. It gives a clear picture of how close we came to losing this battle & consequently the war and what turned it around. There is dvd availiable too which is a must as well.

Hitler could have won WWII. Unfortunately few Americans or Europeans alive today understand how closely run WWII was through 1943. A few different decisions by Hitler on the one hand and the Allies on the other and the world would look a lot different today.

One of the areas in which, fortunately, Hitler made mistakes was submarine warfare in the Atlantic. While Hitler generally supported the U-boat campaign, he did not give its leader Admiral Doenitz (Anglicized spelling) everything he wanted.

Instead - to the lasting good fortune of the British and then the Americans as well - Doenitz went to war with relatively few U-boats which were phenomenally successful in sinking Allied ships and threatening Britain's lifeline to its Empire, Commonwealth and the United States. Initially the Germans were well prepared and well equipped while the British Admiralty was slow in understanding the enemy.

With time, conditions changed and the Allies, as is well known, learned and conquered.

But for some time, the issue was in doubt: if Hitler had given Doenitz more of what he wanted early in the war, Britain might have been forced to surrender.

Author Andrew Williams wrote this treatment in support of a BBC TV program on the same subject. It is not intended to be a scholarly history and, in fact, it leaves many areas untouched or at least under-explored.

But it is an excellent read and highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about this critical battle, but doesn't want to become bogged down in endless detail.

Jerry