Wow Great Books

[Stealth Elephant]

Originally Posted by BBwalk

Since we're on the topic of great U-boat books, I HIGHLY recommend "Iron Coffins" by Herbert Werner. He writes about his first hand experiences serving on five different U-boats from 1941-1945. It is well written and hard to put down; exciting, intense and somber all at the same time.

During one of his tours in '43, the author describes how their sub was submerged and under attack by several destroyers for almost 35 hours...where they eventually reached a depth of 280 meters! The book also demonstrates how often and threatening air attacks were in the last few years of the war.

I only just started to read my copy (that was VERY hard to find, I might add!), but so far there is one part that really sticks out for me.

Without giving away too much, a very tragic occurrence ends what was meant to be a simple training exercise. I couldn't believe the consequences.

The book is so gripping it hurts. It is told with such emotion and conviction that you truly feel for the men who consigned themselves to this miserable duty. I almost cannot imagine how "Das Boot" could be any better than this, but I'm more than willing to try it out once I can locate a copy!