A Drowning War

by John Winton

This highly charged and moving novel traces the fortunes of three men. Jay is a Swordfish pilot whose aircraft carrier is sunk after the fiasco at Narvik, and who endures a seemingly endless succession of days and night drifting in the North Sea in a Carley float. Hansi works his way up through the ranks of the 'kreigsmarine' and Boysie is an ambitious young U.S. Navey officer, determined that nothing shall stand in the way of the efficiency of his command.

528 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1985

About the author

A former officer in the Royal Navy, John Pratt was the author of a variety of fiction and non-fiction works published under the pen name John Winton. Pratt also served for 14 years as an obituarist for The Daily Telegraph.

Reviews

[D.M. Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tale of war at sea

This is a well written naval war story, dealing sympathetically with both sides and very competent with regard to detail and dialogue.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Kathy Fritschi · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome enemies

Well written narrative brings out a psychological dimensions which hold my interest far better than A droll combat description. The writer elucidates a scenario that gives me an insight into submarine warfare. I enjoyed this drama for this.

[Loretta Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very different and informative story of the U-boat war.

The author has written a really interesting story of how the U-boats threat was employed by how the Allies tried to protect their convoys against them. A great deal of planning and action.

[John Taussig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both Sides of the Story

The author exposes the. Weaknesses and strengths from both all different my sides of the war. I Iike the military action nut didn’t necessarily like the technique of bouncing back and forth. But that could have been just me…..

[Dennis E. Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Another winner of a book. This one gives another view of WWII from an unexpected angle. From the U Boat and from an old 1919 4 stack destroyer that you might say came together at the end. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Now on to the next book in this series.

[Stuart F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sea tale

Well researched.written with depth, retail and solid story telling. Obvious strong knowledge of the times, trials, wartime chronicles, politics and naval similarities between enemies.

[James Holliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I

I enjoyed the way the author developed the three characters into believable persons. Then he brought them together for the ending. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in novels with the World War II era as the time.

[Juliene K. Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story! A relatable page turner to enjoy.

The characters were well developed and the age-old differences between and amongst friends, foes, and the military elite who determine their fates are explored.

[Robert W Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good novel

Lots of fascinating story lines. Enjoyed the read immensely. Keep up the good work.A followup would've well received. Good one.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 4 out of 5]

WW Two naval action

This one has it all submarines, battleships, aeroplanes and a number at encounters with the various actions very well described

[kent wisecarver · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot about a little

If you served in the navy during world war 2, particularly the early part You might have an interest in the cast of characters.

[Roger Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful book of survival in ww2.

[John Lovett Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read. Clearly fighting any war at sea is not an ideal place to be assigned. If you were not killed in a battle your chances of drowning were high for so many. Worth the read.

[Richard Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good storyline

Storyline from both sides of the war was easy to follow along with. Very good read. Will look up more of his books now.

[Jack Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining

I like all the first person action and personal reflections. Very good! Tough times interspersed with retrospection looking forward to next read

[Malcolm King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Very well written had me on edge all along great personalities portrayed from both sides. Would recommend for any ex naval person to read🙂

[Dianne & Skip]

Just not my kind of book, didn't hold my attention

[William Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drowning War

Excellent read. War from the perspective of the one who were there. Even if the story is fiction. Good read.

[John Pearse · Rating 5 out of 5]

WW2. from both both sides,excellently told!!