The War Below

The Story of Three Submarines That Battled Japan

By: James Scott

Narrated by: Donald Corren

Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

The riveting story of the submarine force that helped win World War II by ravaging Japan’s merchant fleet and destroying its economy.

The War Below is a dramatic account of extraordinary heroism, ingenuity, and perseverance—and the vital role American submarines played in winning the Pacific War. Focusing on the unique stories of the submarines Silversides, Drum, and Tang—and the men who skippered and crewed them—James Scott takes readers beneath the waves to experience the thrill of a direct hit on a merchant ship and the terror of depth charge attacks. It’s a story filled with incredible feats of courage, including an emergency appendectomy performed with spoons by an inexperienced medic and the desperate struggle of sailors to escape from a flooded submarine stuck on the bottom, as well as tragic moments such as American submarines sinking an unmarked enemy ship carrying some 1,800 American POWs.

The casualty rate among submariners topped that of all military branches, a staggering six times higher than the surface navy. The war claimed almost one out of every five boats. But Japan was so ravaged by the loss of precious fuel and supplies that by war’s end, Japanese warships lay at anchor while hungry civilians ate sawdust. Scott paints an unforgettable picture of the dangerous life submariners endured, including the atrocious prison camps where the Japanese beat, tortured, and starved captured Allied troops. Based on more than one hundred interviews with submarine veterans and a review of more than three thousand pages of previously unpublished letters, diaries, and personal writings, The War Below allows readers to experience the Pacific War as never before.

©2013 James M. Scott (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Using voluminous official records plus interviews and an amazing number of unpublished diaries and letters, former Charleston Post and Courier investigative reporter Scott delivers a gripping, almost day-by-day account of the actions of three submarines…Military buffs will lap it up, but general readers may find it difficult to resist the tension, drama, and fireworks of this underappreciated but dazzlingly destructive American weapon of World War II.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

“This is the most absorbing narrative of submarine warfare that I’ve read in years. The research is so deep, and the writing so vivid, I could practically feel the vast ocean closing over me as these three boats ranged the Pacific looking for the kill.” (James D. Hornfischer, New York Times bestselling author)

“Beautifully researched and masterfully told, James Scott’s book is an enthralling and important addition to the story of undersea warfare.” (Alex Kershaw, New York Times bestselling author of Escape from the Deep)

Amazing story about true American heroes.

The story was absolutely incredible! The performance lacked a little bit in my opinion.
While the narrator of the story had a fantastic voice for telling such a story, he obviously didn't do his research on the pronunciation of a lot of naval terms which was a bit disconcerting. He pronounce boatswains mate how it's spelled which isn't how it's pronounced. Anybody that's been around naval service knows it's pronounced more like bosun's mate.
The sub Wahoo is pronounced like the fish not like the exclamation of excitement which is how the narrator pronounced it. I know I'm being nitpicky but just a little research would reveal that

Good Submarine History

I really liked this audiobook. Highly recommend.

That being said:

Be forwarned, if you’re familiar with WW2 submarine operations (specifically Clay Blair or Theodore Roscoe), a lot of this will be familiar to you. Similarly, the author rehashes some operational-level ground in successive chapters. This isn’t totally bad given the book’s episodic nature. But if you’re, say, listening to it across West Virginia / Virginia, you may be annoyed at times.

Incredible stories of leadership, ingenuity, and bravery

You probably haven’t heard these stories but you really need to. You will NOT regret getting this book. I listen to it regularly

Gripping, Fascinating, and Harrowing

This book follows three is subs during WWII. The writing is relatable yet engaging. You don't need to be a navy expert to understand it or learn from it all while being very entertained by the incredible stories. the voice acting is also great, easy to listen to and understand.

Outstanding work so well researched.

My review may be biased as I am the daughter of a WWII submarine skipper. I knew only one of the men but I knew their children. The traits shared by these men come through in the details of this chronicle. It is these details that make this so riveting. A must read (or listen) for those interested in the submarine aspect of WWII. I wish the narrator had put in a little research before he read the script....he mispronounced naval terms and even the name of one of the subs.

Incredible story but storyline skipping can be frustrating

Well read and an incredible story about the often unrecognized undersea warfare that unequivocally turned the tide in the Pacific fight. My only complaint is how a particular narrative will be drawing you in and it is suddenly stopped and another storyline starts or resumes and then later the one that just stops resumes. The breaks, esp. towards the later parts of the book, aren't often logical and I found myself wondering if I had inadvertently hit the +30 sec button. Beyond that complaint for which I removed a star- absolutely a great book to download!

Submarine Excellence

Would you listen to The War Below again? Why?

Yes, great story and suprise ending regarding POWs

Who was your favorite character and why?

Capt Boyington

What does Donald Corren bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Quick paced and excitement

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

POW Camp

Any additional comments?

Skippers of the submarines were each genius in their own right

WOW.. it was hard to stop listening

Would you listen to The War Below again? Why?

I could not get enough of this book. The information, the narration....wow SO SO informative, and well read. Kinda like watching on of those tv shows where they talk about war on a historical note, then read from the diary of someone who was there.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All were..... each one had a unique personallity.

What does Donald Corren bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He gave it life... I was there watching this

Any additional comments?

Are there more ????

a good sub listen

this is a good sub listen worth the effort. if you like history this has amazing true storie

a must read

Simply put this book is wonderful. I've read many histories and memoirs of submarine warfare in WW2 and this is one of the best.