HITLER'S NAVY

AN ENCYCLOPAEDIC OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE KRIEGSMARINE BEFORE AND DURING WWII

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Gordon Williamson has produced an already impressive catalogue of books related to various aspects of the Wehrmacht, particularly its naval forces. This latest offering provides a complete overview of the relatively short history of the Kriegsmarine and can be roughly divided into three main sections: an examination of Kriegsmarine inter-war development, German naval operations between 1939 and 1945, and service within the Kriegsmarine.

Major events that shaped Kriegsmarine strategy are covered, including the root cause of many decisions, the resulting incidents and effects felt thereafter. For particularly noteworthy events, such as the invasion of Norway and loss of both the Bismarck and Scharnhorst, clear and welldrawn maps help illustrate the action.

Perhaps due to the nature of this 'overview' there is little room devoted to fully developing a picture of the U-boat war and the familiar narrative of the 1941 'Happy Time' makes its appearance, something that even noted 'Ace' Otto Kretschmer frequently railed against.