War Beneath the Sea

Submarine Conflict During World War II

By: Peter Padfield

Narrated by: Chris MacDonnell

Length: 25 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

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

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.

Submarine Entirety

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

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

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.

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.

Fills in the gaps of other submarine books

I really liked this book as it filled in gaps I wanted to know more about, specifically concerning Japanese and British submarine services. I wouldn't recommend it as a first book on the subject because books like Steel Boat Iron Hearts or The War Below are more narrative and entertaining in a dramatic human way, but as a 3rd or 4th book for someone who wants to learn more it's awesome.

Terrific

Terrific in every respect. Fantastically resourced and delivered. Only problem I had was trying to do something else (reading the paper) while listening. perpetually backing up to hear tidbits.
loved it

Detailed history of WW2 sub warfare

The detail of sometime evolution in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters is amazing. Wartime officers leading these efforts are deeply portrayed. Very authoritative!

Good Factually Premise Just Way To Drawn Out

Based on the stories told the book could have been half the length. I was hoping it consisted of maritime navel facts and engineering concepts of the subs themselves. Story after story about the sinking of convoy vessel holds value but after the first t hour it gets quite redundant. The book goes on for hours like this. Concept gets lost very quickly.