Sink 'em All

Charles A. Lockwood's "Sink 'em All" stands as one of the most authoritative firsthand accounts of submarine warfare in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Written by the man who served as Commander of the U.S. Submarine Force Pacific Fleet from 1943 to 1945, this work provides readers with an insider's perspective on one of the war's most critical yet often overlooked campaigns. Lockwood's position afforded him unparalleled access to operational details, strategic decisions, and the human stories behind America's submarine war against Japan.

The book chronicles the development and execution of the submarine campaign that ultimately crippled Japan's ability to wage war by severing its maritime supply lines. Lockwood documents how American submarines evolved from operating under flawed doctrine and defective torpedoes in the early war years to becoming a devastatingly effective force that accounted for the majority of Japanese merchant shipping losses. His account covers the technical challenges, tactical innovations, and strategic adjustments that transformed the submarine service into one of the most successful components of the American war effort in the Pacific.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Lockwood's ability to balance operational history with human interest. While he provides detailed accounts of submarine patrols, attacks, and the overall strategic picture, he also shares stories of the submariners themselves. These men operated in cramped, dangerous conditions, spending weeks at sea in vessels that offered no margin for error. Lockwood's respect and admiration for these crews permeates the narrative, giving readers insight into the courage and professionalism required for submarine duty during wartime.

The technical aspects of submarine warfare receive considerable attention throughout the book. Lockwood discusses the various classes of submarines employed during the war, their capabilities and limitations, and the ongoing efforts to improve their performance. Particularly valuable is his discussion of the torpedo problems that plagued American submarines early in the war. The Mark 14 torpedo's failures cost American submarines numerous opportunities and endangered crews who had successfully positioned themselves for attacks only to have their weapons malfunction. Lockwood's frustration with these technical shortcomings and his efforts to address them provide fascinating insight into the challenges faced by commanders dealing with defective equipment while lives hung in the balance.

The strategic dimension of the submarine campaign receives thorough treatment as well. Lockwood explains how submarines were deployed, how patrol areas were assigned, and how intelligence was used to position boats where they could inflict maximum damage on Japanese shipping. The cumulative effect of the submarine campaign on Japan's war-making capacity becomes clear through his narrative. By interdicting the flow of oil, raw materials, and troops between Japan and its conquered territories, American submarines strangled the Japanese economy and military machine.

The book also addresses the risks and losses inherent in submarine warfare. Lockwood does not shy away from discussing boats that were lost with all hands, the dangers of depth charge attacks, and the constant threat posed by Japanese antisubmarine efforts. These accounts serve as sobering reminders of the price paid by submariners in prosecuting the campaign. The tension between achieving military objectives and preserving the lives of submariners under his command clearly weighed heavily on Lockwood, and this comes through in his writing.

As a historical document, "Sink 'em All" benefits from Lockwood's direct involvement in the events he describes. His command position gave him access to information and perspectives that few others possessed. However, readers should approach the work with the understanding that it represents one commander's viewpoint and was written relatively soon after the war's conclusion. The passage of time and the opening of additional archives have allowed subsequent historians to provide additional context and sometimes different interpretations of certain events and decisions.

The writing style is straightforward and accessible, making complex naval operations understandable to general readers while still providing sufficient detail to satisfy those with deeper interest in military history. Lockwood writes with the clarity expected of a naval officer accustomed to precise communication, yet his prose remains engaging and his enthusiasm for his subject matter evident throughout.

"Sink 'em All" remains an essential primary source for anyone seeking to understand the submarine war in the Pacific. It offers a combination of strategic overview, technical detail, and human drama that few military memoirs achieve. While modern readers have access to more comprehensive analyses that incorporate Japanese records and declassified materials unavailable to Lockwood, his account retains its value as a foundational text written by a key participant in one of World War II's most decisive campaigns.