The Milk Cows: The U-Boat Tankers at War 1941 - 1945 - John F. White

Descriere The Milk Cows: The U-Boat Tankers at War 1941 - 1945 - John F. White

\nDuring the Second World War the Germans developed a specially adapted U-boat oil tanker with two aims. First, by refueling the attack U-boat fleet their range of operations and duration of patrol could be significantly increased. Secondly, these underwater tankers were far more likely to avoid detection than surface support ships. \n \nThe submarine tankers, affectionately known as Milk Cows, were regarded by both the Germans and the Allies as the most important element of the U-boat fleet. Allied forces had orders to attack the tankers first whenever a choice was presented. \n \nUntil late 1942 the German Milk Cows operated with great success and few losses. But from 1943 onwards the German rendezvous ciphers were repeatedly broken by the Allies and losses mounted rapidly. The Milk Cows were highly vulnerable during the lengthy refueling procedure as they lay stationary on the surface, hatches open. By the end of the war virtually every tanker had been sunk with severe loss of life. \n \nThe story of this critical campaign has been thoroughly researched by the author and is told against the background of changing U-boat fortunes.

Detalii

Brand

Pen And Sword Maritime

Categorie

ENSTK

EAN / GTIN

9781399085199

Magazine

1

Disponibilitate

in stock