U-Boat Adventures: Firsthand Accounts from World War II

by Melanie Wiggins

Book Overview

Twenty-two U-boat veterans, mostly enlisted men, tell their stories in this collection of their experiences. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1557509506
• ISBN13: 9781557509505
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: US Naval Institute Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

WW II History at its best

This work contains riveting, never told, personal accounts of WWII German submariners. Ms. Wiggins research,attention to detail and superb writing skill make this a must read for anyone interested in U-boat history. Don't miss it.

The Realities of the Enemy

The fine line between the right and wrong of WWII becomes very hazy after reading this book. I found myself cheering along with the U-boats triumphs, and reading with trepidation when they described the threat of the U.S. ships nearby. An excellent story book, as well as historical reference.

Easy to read.... and interesting

What a great book. Melanie Wiggins' writing style is very easy on the eyes, and flows very nicely across the pages. I think what I liked most was that its more like a collection of short stories, which made it even more readable for me. I would recommend this book to any student of the U Boat war, or someone just looking for an interesting book to read. Ms. Wiggins did her homework on this one, and it shows.

Must reading for WWII buffs

Ms. Wiggins has scooped other World War II and U-boat writers with this excellent rendering of recent and unique first-hand interviews recorded from all levels (admiral to seaman) of German U-boat survivors. The author deftly sets the scene for each of these adventures, but rightfully leaves the telling of their individual stories to their own words. Besides the substance of the tales themselves, what makes the book so special is the realization that without publication at this time, most of the interviews and much of the fine research very probably would have been lost. While some of the U-boat veterans undoubtedly came from backgrounds of naval tradition, most (as in our own US Navy) were just ordinary citizens caught in a wartime situation but dedicated to doing their best while serving their country. Their stories reflect the same hopes and fears, hardship and respite, good luck and bad of all those who go to war; each told in the refreshing light of their own personal experience. The reader is equally struck by the universality of these recollections as those of all who go to sea in ships; noting that regardless of nationality, a sailor's first and last enemy remains the elements themselves. This fine collection of stories Ms. Wiggins presents are fascinating reading for all who may be interested in knowing "the rest of the story" about German U-boat operations in World War II. Her sensitive presentation is simply outstanding.

fascinating, little known stories of ordinary uboat men.

What a fantastic book! I've been collecting submarine books for 30 years and this is the first one that really gives a view from the personal - human side from ordinary crewmen as well as from little known commanders. I highly recommend this book for anyone who thinks they know about u-boat life. I wait anxiously for her next book and hope that there are many more like this!