by Mark Stille. Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 96 pages. 2026.
Subtitle: From Operation Drumbeat to the Defeat of the Wolfpacks 1942-43
The years 1942 and 1943 saw the Allied battle against the U-boats swing from unfavorable to favorable to triumphant as new technology and plain ol’ increasing numbers of ships and aircraft were deployed.
The U-boats took advantage of the US entry into WWII to roam up and down the East Coast of the US taking advantage of US naval inexperience and a certain amount of arrogance. As losses accrued, the convoy lessons learned by the British sunk into US doctrine to reduce losses. When U-boats extended their reach into the Gulf of Mexico, the defensive doctrine extended, too.
The usual Campaign format includes a situational overview, commanders, technical details of ships and planes, a UK Royal Navy-slanted OOB with ancillary info about US and German forces, and an excellent overview of the war at sea — hitting the high and low points of Allied and German victories, losses, and shifting fortunes.
Losses showcase both sides’ technical advancements while the shift to wolfpacks took advantage of increased German production. Adm. Donitz figured he needed to sink 700,000 tons of merchant shipping per month to win the sea war, and did achieve it — but only once. However, increased Allied production dwarfed losses and a good statistical analysis showed that convoys got through intact far more often than perceived, in part due to Ultra reading German communications to allow re-routing. Increased air coverage, technical advancements, and more resources reduced Allied losses and increased U-boat losses.
The booklet contains 64 black and white photos, one color photo, one color illustration, eight color maps, and three color two-page action illustrations.
Presumably, the third booklet in a Battle of the Atlantic Campaign trilogy will close out WWII. In the meantime, volumes 1 and 2 will bring you to the decisive shift in U-boat warfare.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
