The U-Boats

The U-Boats is one of twenty-two volumes in the Time-Life book series The Seafarers. This series of books celebrates the spirit of maritime adventure, from ancient times to the twentieth century. This volume describes German submarine operations, and the Allied response to them, in the First and Second World Wars. The key German commanders involved in the U-boat operations are also profiled. In both the First and Second World Wars, the Unterseeboote (U-boat submarines) were so devastating and effective that they came very close to choking off entirely the vital sea lanes to Great Britain. The convoy system, mines, depth charges, and Allied air power became crucial factors in defeating the U-boats in World War I. In World War II the British managed to break the cipher in which the U-boat men communicated. This factor, along with asdic (the British term for sonar), the convoy system, and Allied air power were instrumental in defeating the German submarines in World War II. Nevertheless, the U-boat men remained loyal to their leaders and to Germany to the very end. In conclusion, author Douglas Botting has captured the savagery and chivalry, danger and drama, courage and fear of the battles fought over the Atlantic in both world wars. The numerous illustrations and maps supplement the fast-moving and fascinating narrative. This is one of the best books I have read on naval history and I give it my highest recommendation.