Torpedoes in the Gulf: Galveston and the U-Boats, 1942-1943 Volume 40

by Melanie Wiggins

Book Overview

At the beginning of America's involvement in World War II, Galveston Island was a recreation center for area servicemen. Every evening throngs of soldiers, sailors, and Marines strolled along the seawall, basking in the warm sun and soft gulf breezes. Red, pink, and white oleanders bloomed in all their glory, sea gulls squawked overhead, and gentle waves swished over sandy beaches. It was paradise on earth. Small wonder that German U-boat commanders...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0890966486
• ISBN13: 9780890966488
• Release Date: March 1995
• Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
• Length: 282 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Was there

According to the person who got the book as a gift and was a member of the 22nd Squadron, the book is accurate and brought back many memories. The Squadron member remembers the days when he flew fondly - he received 11 Air Metals and two DFCs for his service in WWII. Anyone who wishes to see WWII from a Blimp should read this book.

Torpedoes in the Gulf, Galveston and the U-Boats 1942-1943

A very well written and interesting account about a subject not many people know about. Lots of good insight into the people of Galveston, as well as the U-Boats and the men who commanded them. The fact America was not prepared in 1942, but made the U-Boats pay in 1943 is well documented in the book. Great map of the Gulf of Mexico and the listing of where all 56 ships were sunk. Highly recommended reading.

An interesting facet of the war that few were aware of.

As a former submaring officer, I was particularly interested in the risky and sometimes foolish tactics that U-Boat skippers used in heavily traveled and very shallow coastal waters. It was more incredible when one considers their lack of any sophisticated electronics.

Excellent summary of little known area of WWII

Ms. Wiggins has covered the human aspects of this part of World War II submarine operations with a fresh and interesting perspective. Her inclusion of personal interview material make the story more credible. A good read for any history buff. Cdr. John A. Holt USN(Ret)

Great Book

My interest in the book was from the stand point of the ships being attacked by the submarine. I enjoyed the account of the SS San Pablo and its "unusual stratagem". My father was on that ship later on during the war. Ms Wiggins covered the topic very well.