War Beneath the Sea

Submarine Conflict During World War II

By: Peter Padfield

Narrated by: Chris MacDonnell

Sweeping from the frigid waters of the North Atlantic to the steaming South Pacific, this riveting chronicle of submarine warfare is the first to cover all the major submarine campaigns of the war, describing, in detail, the operations of the British, American, Japanese, Italian, and German submarine and anti-submarine forces.

Beginning with a vivid re-creation of the sinking of the passenger liner Athenia by a German U-boat in September 1939, critically acclaimed military historian Peter Padfield's compelling narrative casts an unflinching eye on the devastating consequences of maritime warfare. The often harrowing encounters unfold with urgency and power, balanced by his keen sense of objectivity and perspective.

Exploring the full spectrum of the submarine and anti-submarine warfare experience, this brilliantly detailed account pulls no punches. Facts and figures that stagger the imagination are revealed in starkly human terms, and disturbing questions abound. Padfield addresses the controversial issues raised with candor and insight, and the result is not only an impressive achievement but a milestone work in the history of the 20th century.

©2008 Peter Padfield (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Comprehensive

Listened to this back to back to fill in the gaps from falling asleep on occasion. Great writing and narration!

Surely the Best on ww2 submarine warfare

This book lays out the brutal submarine war, occurring from the beginning y in the end of WW2, like a thriller. Padfield’s knowledge about the subject and how he lays it out keeps the reader continually engaged but not ever confused. It’s completely streamlined. This topic has been covered before of course but Padfeld is able to provide knowledge that the readers may not have known before and without bias. The U boat war was unbelievably brutal is is often overlooked. The narration is exceptional. The best of the best on this subject and for any military history buff.

Superb Overview of WW2 Under The Sea

So well done I listened to the book twice! Author's take on Admiral King was very enlightening. Best coverage I have read on German pattern running torps.

War Beneath the Sea

I have enjoyed listening to this book and I think others will agree with it

Submarine Entirety

Best complete review of the submarine war of WWII that has been written. I am utterly amazed.

review of submarine warfare by UK, US, Japan, and Germany is amazing

I enjoyed this book and wish it been longer rich with history and understanding of the difficulty these men suffered.

Very good in every respect

I listened to this because I so enjoyed " The War Below". I find submarine warfare interesting and I"m a history buff.
This book did not disappoint by any measure. Interesting commentary on technological evolution, excellent personal stories and first hand accounts.

It starts a bit slow, but the other 90% of the book was well worth it.

full history of the WW2 Sub forces

This is a wonderful over view of the WW2 submarine forces. The depth of information in the different countries sub fleets was surprising. It should be the first book read on the WW2 war under the seas.

A good effort marred by unforced errors

Book covered the submarine forces of all major belligerents, in all theaters, in depth. However, the omission of seminal events — such as Convoy PQ-17 — the incomplete handling of others — such as the story of the Sailfish and the Sculpin — and outright errors of fact (e.g. misnaming the atomic bombs “Thin Boy” and “Fat Boy”) marred the story, and thereby called other details into question.

WWII Submarine Multinational overview

Strong overview of key submarine activity if the top five nations involved in submarine activity. many I had never heard before.