The Surrender of the U-Boat Fleet 1945

Main Themes and Topics

The Surrender of the U-Boat Fleet 1945 by Derek Waller delves into the significant historical event of the German U-boat fleet surrender at the end of World War II. This book provides an exhaustive account of the surrender process of 156 U-boats to the Allied forces. Waller meticulously documents where each U-boat surrendered—be it at sea or in various ports—and tracks the subsequent fate of these submarines. The book also covers the scuttling of about 200 U-boats in the war's final days, detailing those raised post-war for further use or scrapping.

The narrative begins with Allied policy development between 1943 and 1945 concerning the surrender and disposal of the German Navy and its surviving U-boats. Furthermore, it explores the intricacies of the surrender arrangements made, discussions at the Potsdam Conference, and deliberations by the Tripartite Naval Commission. The text also touches on postwar submarine development, focusing on how the U.S. and Soviet navies sought to leverage the U-boats' technological advancements.

Writing Style and Tone

Derek Waller employs a comprehensive and analytical approach in his writing, ensuring the book serves as both an essential reference and an engaging historical analysis. His tone is factual and precise, presenting a clear chronological narrative of events backed by extensive research. The writing is detailed, catering to readers who have a keen interest in naval history and World War II, particularly those interested in the technical aspects of naval warfare.

Brief Summary (no spoilers)

The book provides a detailed chronicle of the German U-boats' surrender in the waning days of World War II. Waller covers the surrender procedures, the strategic discussions about the German fleet's disposal, and the eventual allocation of surrendered U-boats to Allied forces including the UK, the USA, and the USSR. The account culminates in an intricate schedule that outlines the disposal status of each surrendered U-boat, highlighting the significant impact these vessels had on postwar naval developments.