Splinter Fleet: The Wooden Subchasers of World War II

By Theodore R. Treadwell

A firsthand account of life aboard the tough 110-foot subchasers that went up against the U-boats. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1557508178
• ISBN13: 9781557508171
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Naval Inst Pr
• Length: 274 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.0" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

A non veterns viewpoint

What a marvelous book. Capt Treadwell has researched this subject, leaving no stone unturned. This incredible mix of short stories depicting the lives aboard the "Splinter Fleet", tell us about World War II through the eyes of a writer who lived it. He took the enormous job of seeking out the details of each event, filtered them through his own intimate knowledge and draws you in. The accounts are so detailed which, as a "lay person" intrigued me. I came away with an understanding of life aboard these small wooden ships with these overlooked and unspoken heroes. I began to feel as if I was in the Navy reading about my fellow sailors lives. Ted's work is a must for veterans and more importantly for everyone to learn about these unsung heroes. I recommend this book highly.

A REAL BEST SELLER

Move over Tom Brokaw! A superbly written and tightly constructed account of human suffering, sacrifice, and bravery beyond description which made a substantial contribution to the Allied victory in World WarII. Largely unacknowledged and ignored by both government and war historians, the "little fellas"are brought to life brilliantly by Ted Treadwell as he poignantly captures the essence of the SC rolethroughout the war.Even as a landlubber I found myself immersed in the wonderfully human stories in every chapter. Ted's style skillfully allows you inside the heads and hearts of countless men who lend new meaning to the definiton of courage. Can I give this book 6 stars?

Subchasers,

Until Treadwell, very little has been known or made available about this brave group of American sailors and their proud fleet of wooden ships. This extremely well written account is as valuable for the light it sheds on this overlooked chapter of American Naval history. Extremely well written, it's easy to determine Treadwell has devoted countless hours assembling names, dates, locations, pictures, and presented them in a fashion that deserves praise. A breath of fresh air to remind us all of true Americans in time of war, this book is easy to read, harder to put down. "Spinter Fleet" will no doubt become a manuscript of learning for anyone who ever asks, "what was a subchaser?" I loved this book and highly recommend it.

One splinter fleet man for another

As an old (75 and counting) subchaserman, I cannot thank Ted Treadwell enough for his book. Here is an account by a subchaser captain who lived the strange, rough life, remembered it, and had the talent to express it and the tenacity to seek out the records and the great photos. If you want a feel for the pitch, roll, and yaw, the water breaking over the bridge, the fear and the exhilaration of the subchasers, read Splinter Fleet. Bill Thomson

Excellent non-fiction nautical book; well written

This book is an excellent read anyone who likes sea stories, and this is non-fiction. Treadwell has done an excellent job of researching the material, and its written in an easy to read style for all levels, with lots of anecdotes and true stories that keep it entertaining and interesting. Very well documented and numerous pictures provide authenticity and make it lively reading. Don't miss the part about the decoy 110 foot subchaser made to resemble an aircraft carrier! This book is a good read for persons of all backgrounds and documents an important part of nautical history. Particularly relevant for those who like good war stories.