HITLER'S NAVY
History of War|Issue 108
AN ENCYCLOPAEDIC OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE KRIEGSMARINE BEFORE AND DURING WWII
HITLER'S NAVY

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.

This story is from the Issue 108 edition of History of War.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Issue 108 edition of History of War.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HISTORY OF WARView All
THE IRA'S WAR IN COUNTY TYRONE
History of War

THE IRA'S WAR IN COUNTY TYRONE

The IRA's East Tyrone Brigade was one of its deadliest units. This is the inside story of how one of its attacks triggered a retaliatory ambush by the SAS

time-read
10+ mins  |
Issue 122
'HATRED IS NOT THE WAY'
History of War

'HATRED IS NOT THE WAY'

Speaking to mark the publication of his new memoir, Ivor Perl describes how he survived both Auschwitz and Dachau concentration camps during the Holocaust

time-read
10+ mins  |
Issue 122
JOHNSON BEHARRY
History of War

JOHNSON BEHARRY

Two acts of valour from this young private saved the lives of his comrades in the narrow streets of Al Amarah, Iraq

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 122
SUPER SPREADERS IN THE TRENCHES
History of War

SUPER SPREADERS IN THE TRENCHES

During the latter period of WWI, infection and disease were a universal enemy on both sides of no man’s land. Vaccination and prevention methods became essential for survival, never mind victory, on the frontline

time-read
10+ mins  |
Issue 122
PROKHOROVKA AND THE FIGHT FOR HILL 252.2
History of War

PROKHOROVKA AND THE FIGHT FOR HILL 252.2

The Battle of Prokhorovka, on 12 July 1943, was the culmination point of the southern pincer of Operation Citadel. The Soviets ultimately emerged victorious, despite suffering extremely heavy losses to their armour. Here, Dr Ben Wheatley recounts the struggle for one critical position during the battle: Hill 252.2

time-read
8 mins  |
Issue 122
AIR BATTLE FOR KURSK
History of War

AIR BATTLE FOR KURSK

On the eve of Operation Citadel, the Red Air Force sought to pre-empt the attack by smashing the Luftwaffe. The risky spoiling operation failed spectacularly

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 122
ITALIANS IN THE EAST
History of War

ITALIANS IN THE EAST

Reeling from his setbacks in North Africa, and eager to prove his forces’ worth against the communist foe, Il Duce sent a large expeditionary force to join the Nazi invasion of the USSR

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 122
SHOWDOWN IN THE DESERT
History of War

SHOWDOWN IN THE DESERT

The Italian campaigns in Africa sought to end British rule over Egypt and control of the Suez Canal, strengthening Mussolini’s dominance over the Mediterranean

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 122
CORPO TRUPPE VOLONTARIE
History of War

CORPO TRUPPE VOLONTARIE

During the Spanish Civil War, tens of thousands of Italian soldiers fought in Spain to support the fascist Nationalist forces of Francisco Franco

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 122
STRIKE AT AFRICA
History of War

STRIKE AT AFRICA

Mussolini envisaged building an empire to rival Ancient Rome. Once he’d established his grip on Italy, he set his sights on Abyssinia as the place to begin

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 122