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The Submariners: Life in British Submarines 1901-1999
John Winton, a retired Royal Navy officer, presents a selection of personal accounts covering the Royal Navy submarine service, from the first Holland boats of 1901 to the giant Trident nuclear submarines of today. Commentary by the author links the descriptions of tense patrols of World War I and World War II, the torpedo attacks on enemy warships, U-boats and merchant vessels, the horrors of depth charging, and the midget-submarine attacks on the Tirpitz. The deterrent patrols of the Cold War are also described, as well as the sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano in the Falklands War. The book includes stories of survival and heroism, as well as anecdotes about daily life aboard the submarines.
- GenresNonfiction
316 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
About the author
John Winton
59 books12 followersA 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.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 6, 2019
Overall it was OK. It's a collection of different primary sources about British submariners. I needed it mainly for the Pre-First World War and First World War sections. No bibliography or citations which is disappointing.
October 7, 2023
I have a friend who was a submariner in the Australian Navy. Reading Winton's book, I now realise why my friend is as sharp as he is.
This book is a tribute to a special breed of men. Detail is extraordinary, and many of the key moments are covered with up-to-date information, given at the time, the Soviets would have loved to get their hands on the data.
Highly recommended.
This book is a tribute to a special breed of men. Detail is extraordinary, and many of the key moments are covered with up-to-date information, given at the time, the Soviets would have loved to get their hands on the data.
Highly recommended.
April 13, 2023
The Submariners: Life in British Submarines, 1901-1999 by John Winton is a fascinating look at the experience through the eyes of those who lived it.
I am a submariner, albeit American and from the late 70s and early 80s. and found a lot that was similar and a lot that was different from what I experienced. Part of that difference stems from the time periods, early diesel boats have far fewer things in common with nuclear boats than one might think. But the essentials of life in cramped quarters knowing that what would be a minor accident on a surface ship can be fatal on a sub are largely the same.
I learned a lot about the Royal Navy through this book and came to better appreciate the importance and value of the submarine force for a nation surrounded by water. I was aware, as anyone with any background in history would be, of the importance of their Navy, but hearing it firsthand made it hit closer to home. I was struck by a sentiment that is mentioned in the first pages of the book about the opinion toward submarines prior to their development into what we know today: they are for the weak nations. I understand the genesis of that idea, but having lived only during the time submarines were important not only in warfare but in the balance of world power, it gave me pause. What a different world.
I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in military history, naval history, or just with a fascination about life onboard a submarine and how it has evolved.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
I am a submariner, albeit American and from the late 70s and early 80s. and found a lot that was similar and a lot that was different from what I experienced. Part of that difference stems from the time periods, early diesel boats have far fewer things in common with nuclear boats than one might think. But the essentials of life in cramped quarters knowing that what would be a minor accident on a surface ship can be fatal on a sub are largely the same.
I learned a lot about the Royal Navy through this book and came to better appreciate the importance and value of the submarine force for a nation surrounded by water. I was aware, as anyone with any background in history would be, of the importance of their Navy, but hearing it firsthand made it hit closer to home. I was struck by a sentiment that is mentioned in the first pages of the book about the opinion toward submarines prior to their development into what we know today: they are for the weak nations. I understand the genesis of that idea, but having lived only during the time submarines were important not only in warfare but in the balance of world power, it gave me pause. What a different world.
I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in military history, naval history, or just with a fascination about life onboard a submarine and how it has evolved.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
March 16, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed the read. Earlier pages were very interesting regarding the life in the old boats. Refreshing my memories from the mid 50s to later 60s I was pleasantly surprised by the pages by my old friend who later became 1st Sea Lord but as Captain of HMS Ganges sentenced me to a flogging !! (cuts - in return from my request - a long story) but during the rest of my service time we became good friends. Great respect. Also Captain Submarines J.S. Stevens remarks on reunions. I have enjoyed a few reunions since leaving the service. I think I'm glad he didn't review me. You can't win 'em all.
Altogether a good read.
Altogether a good read.
June 15, 2023
Excellent compilation of submarine tales.
As an ex Polaris submariner, now a guide at the Submarine Museum, I found the stories most enlightening and they have re-enforced and corroborated my knowledge about submarine life that I pass on to visitors when guiding them through the boat.
As an ex Polaris submariner, now a guide at the Submarine Museum, I found the stories most enlightening and they have re-enforced and corroborated my knowledge about submarine life that I pass on to visitors when guiding them through the boat.
March 1, 2024
wide spectrum of historical submarine tales
Some great stories in here with heroism and bravery to the gunwales. Clearly a very very dangerous game, tread carefully any potential recruits. Well worth the read and no I won’t be a submariner in any life.
Some great stories in here with heroism and bravery to the gunwales. Clearly a very very dangerous game, tread carefully any potential recruits. Well worth the read and no I won’t be a submariner in any life.
April 14, 2023
Fascinating stories!
A compilation of stories told by British submariners beginning in the workup to World War I to present day 1999.
A compilation of stories told by British submariners beginning in the workup to World War I to present day 1999.
April 28, 2024
good
Good book of British submarine stories fro
The very beginning to modern subs, including stories from the Falkland Islands campaign.
Good book of British submarine stories fro
The very beginning to modern subs, including stories from the Falkland Islands campaign.
September 1, 2024
interesting
An interesting read which gives insight into the submariners life and experiences over many years as well as the evolution of the submarine.
An interesting read which gives insight into the submariners life and experiences over many years as well as the evolution of the submarine.
February 12, 2025
I read it. I just don't remember anything about it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews