Survivors: British Merchant Seamen in the Second World War

Survivors: British Merchant Seamen in the Second World War

by R.Bennett (Author), G . H . Bennett (Author)

Synopsis

Winning the Battle of the Atlantic was critical to Britain's survival in World War II. If the struggle at sea had been lost, Britain would have been forced to surrender. The British Merchant Navy suffered enormous losses, both of ships and men, particularly in the early years. Sailing through U-boat wolf-packs across the Atlantic, or on the perilous routes to Malta and Murmansk, took a special kind of courage. Ships often sank within moments of being torpedoed. This book tells, in graphic detail, of the epic struggle against the Germans, Italians and Japanese, and, in particular, what actually happened when a ship was sunk by mine, aircraft, surface raider or U-boat. The resourcefulness and skill of the seamen enabled a surprising number to survive, including those making long voyages in lifeboats or on rafts. Throughout the War, efforts were made not only to increase the chances of survival by destroying enemy submarines, but also by improving life-saving equipment and rescue procedures. Survivors also describes how the crews of sunken ships were treated by the enemy. At first, most U-boat captains were extraordinarily considerate, but the risk of being attacked brought about a change of attitude. While atrocities remained rare, Hitler's instructions to the U-boats, to show no mercy, added to the many perils that British seamen already faced.

$92.47

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 288
Publisher: Hambledon Continuum
Published: 01 Jul 1999

ISBN 10: 1852851821
ISBN 13: 9781852851828

Media Reviews
Harry Bennett is Lecturer in History at the University of Plymouth.

Roy Bennett is a former merchant seaman and Lecturer in Education.
Author Bio

G H Bennett is Reader in History and Head of Humanities at the University of Plymouth.