Jack P. Mallmann Showell

This is a look at the planning, construction and operation of the U-boat bases during WW2, primarily focused on the bunkers rather than the personnel and materials accommodation, although that is discussed as well. It is not a technical history as there aren't blueprints or the like, but there are many photographs from WW2 as well as modern ones, as many of the bunkers still exist, some more damaged than others. The author has sections describing each U-boat base from initial conception through building and then their post-war situation. If the book can be faulted it is that it is somewhat uneven in the content outside of the base descriptions.… (mehr)

Good Comparative History

Donitz, U-boats, Conveys is an interesting and well researched book by Jak P. Mallmann Showell that gives two sides of the same story. This is a fantastic read especially for those who have a naval history interest or students of the sea battles of the Second World War. This book uses Donitz’s own memoirs along with the reports from the Admiralty in London that give a parallel view of the U-boat war that was raging around the commercial supply routes to and from the UK. This added to the insightful commentary provided by the author makes for interesting reading and also helps to shed light on important areas of war that is often forgotten until too late how to cut the supply lines.

The way the book is laid out makes it easy to dip in and out of as well as being an excellent resource. From the introduction where we are told how far to Donitz was from the centre of power in 1939 to becoming Hitler’s successor in April 1945. The book guides you through the planning stage and the early months of war to the massive battles out in the Atlantic. We are also able to see the tactics that are used to find and attack the conveys while from the other side how the British hunted down and used new weapons and technology to hunt the U-Boats.

This is an excellent book for all those with an interest in naval and maritime history and is unusual in that we now are able to see the two sides of the war from a very safe distance. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!… (mehr)