Golden Horseshoe: The Wartime Career of Otto Kretschmer, U-Boat Ace - Softcover

Robertson, Terence

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591143276 ISBN 13: 9781591143277

Publisher: Naval Institute Press, 2011

Synopsis

The legendary U-boat ace Otto Kretschmer was branded "the Wolf of the Atlantic," for his exploits as one of the Kriegsmarine's finest U-boat commanders. In his dramatic wartime career he sank ship after ship, sowing terror among Allied convoys and dismay in those charged with their protection. Kretschmer was a daring officer who favored bringing his U-boat into the heart of the convoy and destroying it from within. Robertson draws upon first-hand accounts of the deadly game at sea to paint a masterly portrait of life in the U-boats and weaves in the fascinating story of Kretschmer's exploits. Kretschmer was eventually captured and became a prisoner of war in March 1941, spending the rest of the war in a POW camp in Canada, before his release in 1947.

About this title

Review:

"...A highly captivating and a fine biography of Germany's most successful U-boat commander during the Second World War...A fine chronicle of the wartime career of Otto Kretschmer...Highly accessible and a pleasure to read, for a general audience and historians alike." -- The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord

From the Back Cover:

THE STORY OF OTTO KRETSCHMER GERMANY'S TOP U-BOAT ACE.

'The Wolf of the Atlantic' was the name given to Otto Kretschmer, Germany's most brilliant U-boat commander. It was a title Kretschmer fully earned by almost legendary exploits during the early days of the war, when he accounted for a high tonnage of Allied shipping.

When it was discovered that some of the Allied ships had undoubtedly been torpedoed from within the convoy, on the surface, it was thought that the U-boat responsible must have become accidentally trapped among the vessels. In actual fact, night surface raiding along the lanes of the convoys was a daring technique, cold-bloodedly evolved and perfected by Otto Kretschmer. But while men spoke with awe of the destructive ability of the U-boat which bore a golden horseshoe on her conning tower, they spoke with respect of her commander who waged war with honour and humanity. Kretschmer would bring his boat alongside life-boats from stricken ships, toss cigarettes, brandy and medical supplies to the occupants and set them on the right course for home.

The first part of this book tells in full the amazing U-boat career of Kretschmer, from his early training days until his capture, by Captain McIntyre of the destroyer Walker. Then, sent to prison, Kretschmer set about organizing an espionage group under the very noses of his guards. The second half of the book deals with these activities as a PoW and makes fascinating, if somewhat disturbing reading.

About this edition

• Publisher: Naval Institute Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1591143276
• ISBN 13: 9781591143277
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224