Bernard Edwards Knihy

Bernard Edwards, autor řady knih, zabývajících se problematikou moře a druhé světové války, se v tomto díle rozhodl vypořádat s vůbec nejznámějším fenoménem té doby vlčími smečkami nacistických ponorek, které sužovaly Atlantský oceán, působily ale i v Indickém oceánu a v Karibském moři. V podobě historií několika konvojů v období let 1940 až 1943 popisuje vzestup Dönitzova ponorkového loďstva až k vrcholu a jeho strmý pád. Edwards chápe německé námořníky v ponorkách jako profesionály, odmítá však jejich "ušlechtilost", kterou staví do kontrastu k tisícům mrtvých spojeneckých námořníků na palubách spojeneckých lodí.

From the earliest days of the Second World War, Hitler's U-Boats were unleashed with the mission of sinking as much Allied merchant tonnage as possible. From the sinking of the Glasgow-based ship Olivegrove by U-23, to the end of hostilities six years later officers and seamen of the Merchant Marine played a key role in winning the war by their blatant disregard of the risks from Axis forces. The most dangerous were the U-Boats working unseen but there were also surface raiders and aircraft.All too often the result was the loss of ship, cargo and, tragically, crew. But as described in this excellent book great gallantry against overwhelming odds brought rewards and surprising results.We learn of acts of both chivalry and brutal activity by the enemy.The actions described in this book are varied but always make for excellent reading.

This book follows the changing pattern of man's fortunes at sea, from the golden age of sail, through the proud years when steam reigned supreme, to the present day, when the flag of convenience rules the waves. It tells of triumphs and disasters, some recent, some long-forgotten, and illustrates how, contrary to all expectations, the fine art of seamanship has withered and died with the advent of advanced technology.