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U-boat Wars 1916-45
Traces the development of submarine warfare from World War I to the end of World War II, placing emphasis on the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II and how it was nearly lost by the Allies
841 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 16, 2022
A comprehensive, in depth and even handed examination of both U-Boat wars of the twentieth century. John Terraine has produced a well written account of how the Allies were able to defeat the German submersible force in the First World War, and then carry the lessons learned into the immediate unrestricted campaign that began in September 1939.
Taking the main theme of the see-saw shift in technological innovation, this is an interesting and very well written account, somewhat surprising (in the number of convoys making passage unopposed, and the lack of actual innovation going into U-Boat design; one of the final points of the book is that the German sailors of 1918 would have easily recognised the boats of 1944) in part, the book also manages to navigate the minefield of coalition warfare and show the centrality of the Atlantic campaign and it's effects on the European war.
Quite simply the best title I've yet read on the Battle of the Atlantic. Highly recommended.
Taking the main theme of the see-saw shift in technological innovation, this is an interesting and very well written account, somewhat surprising (in the number of convoys making passage unopposed, and the lack of actual innovation going into U-Boat design; one of the final points of the book is that the German sailors of 1918 would have easily recognised the boats of 1944) in part, the book also manages to navigate the minefield of coalition warfare and show the centrality of the Atlantic campaign and it's effects on the European war.
Quite simply the best title I've yet read on the Battle of the Atlantic. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2021
Student of military history is probably spoiled for choice when choosing among the books dedicated to the topic of the struggle between German U-boat fleet and Allied fleets during the two World Wars. I am however convinced that if the reader is looking for a comprehensive single-volume narrative of that aspect of marine history of World Wars, then he’ll be hard-pressed to find anything that will surpass “Business in Great Waters” by John Terraine.
The author himself states that this volume is primarily dedicated to history of technological developments in submarine and anti-submarine warfare during the period between 1914 and 1945. I have to say that this claim is a very modest one, because this book is about so much more. Sure, the rapid, constant developments in technology and how they continuously impacted on operations at sea is the focal point of this book. But in the course of his narrative the author also does a pretty darn good job illuminating the strategic, economic and indeed human aspects of the story. And all that is done in a very accessible writing style. The contents of this book may be complex, sometimes quite technical and at times quite grim, but the book itself is never boring.
The prolonged maritime struggle called as Battle of the Atlantic strikes me as something of an overlooked topic even among students of Second World War. We know that it took place, we are vaguely aware of its importance as well as of its uncompromising, gruesome nature. Yet, when it comes to the details and its actual significance in the overall scheme of things... I suspect that the fog of time has successfully hidden those from us. The “first round” which took place during First World War suffers in similar manner, but even to a greater degree than Battle of the Atlantic. In my opinion, John Terraine's effort to disperse the fog with this volume is quite splendid one.
The author himself states that this volume is primarily dedicated to history of technological developments in submarine and anti-submarine warfare during the period between 1914 and 1945. I have to say that this claim is a very modest one, because this book is about so much more. Sure, the rapid, constant developments in technology and how they continuously impacted on operations at sea is the focal point of this book. But in the course of his narrative the author also does a pretty darn good job illuminating the strategic, economic and indeed human aspects of the story. And all that is done in a very accessible writing style. The contents of this book may be complex, sometimes quite technical and at times quite grim, but the book itself is never boring.
The prolonged maritime struggle called as Battle of the Atlantic strikes me as something of an overlooked topic even among students of Second World War. We know that it took place, we are vaguely aware of its importance as well as of its uncompromising, gruesome nature. Yet, when it comes to the details and its actual significance in the overall scheme of things... I suspect that the fog of time has successfully hidden those from us. The “first round” which took place during First World War suffers in similar manner, but even to a greater degree than Battle of the Atlantic. In my opinion, John Terraine's effort to disperse the fog with this volume is quite splendid one.
October 31, 2019
Very well researched and readable history of the U Boat wars 1914-1945.
October 3, 2024
I have always enjoyed Terrain'es well-written and often caustic books. This one is no exception. I was only going to read the first quarter which deals with the Great War, my primary interest, but so compelling was it that I carried on for another 450 pages. I did not regret it. Not only are all the facts and technical details here but they are intergated inot a narrative that is both pacy ad pithy.
October 10, 2014
Terraine masters a vast array of sources to chart the revolutionary effect on warfare resulting from the invention of the submarine. An epic read but well worth the investment as it becomes clear that the German u-boat arm came perilously close to winning a world war one two separate occasions.
November 5, 2012
excellent read concerning one of the less well known parts of both World Wars, including the nearest we ever came to being on the losing side
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews