A First: New book about WW1 subs (but ...

[Catfish]

... more about the political and naval background, it is not a book about U-boat technics). However i know of no book that is that detailed, and thoroughly researched. Be aware this will put WW1 and its causes in a (for me) new dimension, it is however equally hard and fair to the main opponents of WW1.

Title is "Die U-Boote des Kaisers", and it explains in detail why and how those first U-boats were used, against what and why. This pulls away the internationally accepted cover and dust of almost a hundred years, showing that politics of that time are those of today. It also ends the discussion if the german Kaiser was a helpless marionette, or a monstrous tyrant, and why he had reacted in the way he finally did. It also explains in detail England's politics and plans of ostracizing Germany, and as well the reason for the Entente treaties in 1905 to 07. Since i am aware that the causes for WW2 go directly back to WW1 and its outcome this is a must read. It is as non-revanchistic as politically incorrect, at least for my generation .
The price is quite low imho (bought it for 13,95 Euro in a Decius store), and it is only in german, but in one of the critiques there is some hope expressed to have this translated into english soon.

http://www.amazon.de/Die-U-Boote-Kai.../dp/3763762353

http://www.historio-graphus.de/Presseschau.htm

Greetings,
Catfish

[Monica Lewinsky]

Hey bubba,

No intent of messing with you post, but, about a year ago. I completed the book called:

Hitler's U-Boat War by Clay Blair.

I found it interesting how the the first chapter is devoted to what Germany "learned" from WWI. I found one statistic interesting. The working theory is everything sunk was via a torpedo. But the statistics for WWI U-boats were 70% of what was sunk was by the DECK GUN according to Mr. Clay Blair's records and documentation. Interesting, egh?

just a FYI.

[Catfish]

Hello,
i have heard a lot of Clay Blairs's "Hitler's U-boat war", i did not yet read it though. Seems to be a modern approach to this scenario, and most of the critiques were indeed positive.

[" ... I found it interesting how the the first chapter is devoted to what Germany "learned" from WWI. I found one statistic interesting. The working theory is everything sunk was via a torpedo. But the statistics for WWI U-boats were 70% of what was sunk was by the DECK GUN according to Mr. Clay Blair's records and documentation. Interesting, egh? ... "]

Hmm maybe it is because of my (german) language, but i do not quite understand this. You mean that most sinkings during WWI were caused by U-boat's deck gun fire (right), while most sinkings in WWII were caused by torpedoes (right), and the question is what Germany learned of WWI ? :hmm:

For my understanding Blair does not mean this fact by "learning" of WW1, the circumstances in WW2 were much different. Most merchants were fitted with guns after 1941, and even if there is only one known damage of a U-boat by a merchant's deck gun it sure prevented the U-boats from surface attacks at daytime.
In the first days of the 2nd worls war when international laws were still kept, U-boats indeed stopped and searched merchants before sinking them.
Maybe he means "they" learned something else, like tactics, how to use U-boats with more effect, and the developing technology ?

Thanks and greetings,
Catfish

[Monica Lewinsky]

Originally Posted by Catfish

Hello,
Hmm maybe it is because of my (german) language, but i do not quite understand this. You mean that most sinkings during WWI were caused by U-boat's deck gun fire (right), while most sinkings in WWII were caused by torpedoes (right), and the question is what Germany learned of WWI ? :hmm:

Hmm maybe it is because of my (german) language, but i do not quite understand this. You mean that most sinkings during WWI were caused by U-boat's deck gun fire (right),

YES

while most sinkings in WWII were caused by torpedoes (right),

YES

and the question is what Germany learned of WWI ?

YES

I am just a plain, simple YES girl. :p

Originally Posted by Catfish

For my understanding Blair does not mean this fact by "learning" of WW1, the circumstances in WW2 were much different. Most merchants were fitted with guns after 1941, and even if there is only one known damage of a U-boat by a merchant's deck gun it sure prevented the U-boats from surface attacks at daytime.

You are CORRECT on the learning part. I was just pointing out the folklore of subs in WWI sinking ships left and right via a torpedo is NOT accurate. The Deck Guns on the WWI subs did most of the sinking.

Sir .....
HIGHLY recommend that book. It is almost 1,000 pages. True, your passion might be WWI, but that book is DARN GOOD! anyway.

PLEASED to meet you!


I hope your next patrol gives you TONAGE!

I wish you success!

[Catfish]

Hi,
" ... I hope your next patrol gives you TONAGE! ..."
Thanks dito, i never thought i would ever talk to Mrs. Lewinsky about WW1 in a Subsim forum
Greetings from Germany,
Catfish

[Monica Lewinsky]

Originally Posted by Catfish

i never thought i would ever talk to Mrs. Lewinsky about WW1 in a Subsim forum
Greetings from Germany,
Catfish

Technically it is MISS not Mrs. :p
Greeting from the U. S. of A.

[Deamon]

Originally Posted by Monica Lewinsky

The Deck Guns on the WWI subs did most of the sinking.

It is perhaps worth to mention on a side note that many ships were not sunk only by gun or torpedos. In many instances they were stopped and sunk with blasting cartridges or by opening the sea valves.

[Deamon]

Catfish you are from germany ?