War Beneath the Sea: Submarine Conflict During World War II

By Peter Padfield

Book Overview

A leading naval and military historian presents the first book to cover the major submarine campaigns in all the WWII theaters. Vividly recreates the experience of submarine and anti-submarine warfare from the decision makers in the war offices to the men in the boats. Describes the disappointing performance of the giant Japanese submarines in the Pacific and the narrow margin by which Britain escaped defeat by German U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic. Reveals new information about the capture of the Enigma cipher machine, harrowing accounts of defenseless warriors shot in the water and much more. Contains 16 pages of photographs, many published for the first time.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471249459
• ISBN13: 9780471249450
• Release Date: March 1998
• Publisher: Trade Paper Press
• Length: 608 Pages
• Weight: 1.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Excellent account, Good analysis

I found Mr. Padfields book to contain some excellent accounts of the various submarine forces' efforts during the Second World War. I also thought that he does a great job of placing the 1st hand accounts within the larger strategic issues he examines.My only criticism of the work is that he does not treat the US efforts in the pacific with anywhere near the same breadth of analysis that he gives the British in the Med. I found it hard to accept his arguments fully, as he rarely if ever gives alternatives to his positions.

Absorbing, as though you're there

Once I was into page one, I couldn't get away from it. Secondhand accounts they may be in many instances, but you feel as though you're part of the scenery, in the action. Peter's frequent use of his analytical skills helped to stimulate my own thinking. Very good read for anyone interested in the submarine conflicts of WWII.

A great book

A very good book, giving a comprehensive overview of the WW2 submarine war. Of particular value is the comparison between the different tactics used by different navies (for example, comparing the US failure to institute convoys with the British convoy experience, or comparing the US and German difficulties with torpedoes, and many others).It's true that the chapter headings are not helpful, but that in no way detracts from the excellence of this work.

A Comprehensive Examination

Padfield's book is a comprehensive examination of submarine warfare from 1939 to 1945. It includes extensive information about the whole spectrum of boats from manned torpedos through to the Japanese submarine float plane carriers. An appendix provides a day by day important actions over the entire war.What I particularly like is the macro/micro nature of the book. In this way it has much in common with some works of CEW Bean. There are many single action descriptions that provide a lively counterpoint to descriptions of the strategic situation.My criticism is that the work is devided into chapters by theatre and time frame - but the text is strictly chronological. This makes many of the chapter titles pointless. None the less the chapters do round out particular periods.In all a very readable and enjoyable book.

Great Book

Padfield goes into greater depth on submarine warfare in the Second World War than any other author I have encountered. While some parts of the book get a bit long, overall it is a fascinating and worthwhile read for any enthusiast, a must for the historian's bookshelf.