Battle of the Atlantic (2): From Operation Drumbeat to the Defeat of the Wolfpacks, 1942–43
Mark Stille
Jun 2026 · Bloomsbury Publishing
Ebook
96
Pages
infoThis book will become available on June 18, 2026. You will not be charged until it is released.
About this ebook
A detailed account of the dramatic success and failures of Hitler's U-boats in the mid-war years during the best-known naval campaign of World War II.
At the start of 1942, the Germans benefited from the lack of American preparations to defend shipping along the US East Coast, and this 'Second Happy Time' saw serious Allied losses between January and July 1942. After this Allied disaster, Admiral Dönitz planned to shift his focus to the North Atlantic. This was interrupted by the Allied invasion of North Africa, which diverted the U-boat force until the end of 1942. When Dönitz was finally able to move his U-boats into the North Atlantic, they inflicted very heavy losses on Allied shipping and, by March 1943, looked poised for victory.
Respected naval historian Mark Stille analyses this critical period in the Battle of the Atlantic, describing how Allied advances in technology and intelligence saw the balance shift, with a stunning 34 boats lost in May 1943 alone and the Germans forced to withdraw. He also examines whether the Germans could have ever actually threatened the Allied sea lanes of communication effectively. Using maps, diagrams, photographs and stunning battlescene artworks, the weapons, personalities, and tactics of the opposing sides are brought vividly to life in a unique and engaging way.
At the start of 1942, the Germans benefited from the lack of American preparations to defend shipping along the US East Coast, and this 'Second Happy Time' saw serious Allied losses between January and July 1942. After this Allied disaster, Admiral Dönitz planned to shift his focus to the North Atlantic. This was interrupted by the Allied invasion of North Africa, which diverted the U-boat force until the end of 1942. When Dönitz was finally able to move his U-boats into the North Atlantic, they inflicted very heavy losses on Allied shipping and, by March 1943, looked poised for victory.
Respected naval historian Mark Stille analyses this critical period in the Battle of the Atlantic, describing how Allied advances in technology and intelligence saw the balance shift, with a stunning 34 boats lost in May 1943 alone and the Germans forced to withdraw. He also examines whether the Germans could have ever actually threatened the Allied sea lanes of communication effectively. Using maps, diagrams, photographs and stunning battlescene artworks, the weapons, personalities, and tactics of the opposing sides are brought vividly to life in a unique and engaging way.
About the author
Mark Stille is the author of numerous Osprey titles focusing on naval history in the Pacific. He recently concluded a nearly 40-year career in the intelligence community. He received his BA in History from the University of Maryland and also holds an MA from the Naval War College.
Jim Laurier lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, and he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration ever since.
Jim Laurier lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, and he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration ever since.
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