Description
No weapon platform sank more U-boats in the Second World War than the Allied aircraft. Whether it was an American 'plane operating from American escort carriers, US aircraft from Royal Air Force bases, or British aircraft from bases throughout the world, these officers and men became the most decisive factor in turning the tide of the Battle of the Atlantic against the German submarine threat. While the German crews could threaten escort vessels with torpedoes, or avoid them by remaining submerged, their leaders never developed an effective strategy against aircraft.
However, the Allied aircraft did not enjoy much early success. British, Canadian and Australian air crews that fought the U-boats from 1939 until 1941 achieved few triumphs. They possessed neither the aircraft nor the bases necessary to deliver consistent lethal attacks against German submarines.
In 1941, the Royal Air Force finally began implementing an effective aircraft response when it initiated training on the American-built Consolidated B-24 Liberators. Supported by other types then in service, these four-engine bombers would prove to be decisive. With America's entry into the war, the United States Navy and the United States Army Air Forces also began employing Liberators against the U-boats so that by mid-1943, the Admiral Karl Dönitz, commander of U-boat forces, withdrew his submarines from the North Atlantic in recognition of the Allied aircraft's new dominance.
From Dönitz's retreat to the end of the war, Allied aircraft continued to dominate the U-boat battle as it shifted to other areas including the Bay of Biscay. Dönitz eventually ordered his U-boats to remain on the surface and engage Allied aircraft as opposed to submerging. This approach did lead to the demise of some Allied aircraft, but it also resulted in even more U-boat being sunk. Most critically, Dönitz acknowledged with his new policy that he knew of no tactics or weapons that would defend his submarines from Allied aircraft. In the end, it was a matter of choosing whether his submariners would die submerged or die surfaced. Either way, Allied aircraft prevailed.
The Allied Air Campaign Against Hitler's U-Boats is the most comprehensive study ever undertaken of this most crucial battle which helped turn the Battle of the Atlantic irrevocably in favour of the Allies.
Specification
Format: Hardback, 275 pages
Dimensions: 16.4 x 24.2 x 2.7cm
Publisher: Frontline Books
ISBN: 1399096494
Deliveries
We aim to dispatch orders between 1-4 working days, however, as some items are stored at individual venues some orders may take longer. Orders are dispatched between Monday and Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
UK delivery is with Royal Mail tracked 48 and costs from £3.75. We offer free delivery on UK orders over £40. Most orders take between 2 and 5 working days to be delivered. If you have any queries, please e-mail onlinesales@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
We use Royal Mail's airmail service to post overseas. This can take from 1 to 4 weeks and costs from £15.00 in Europe and from £22.00 for the rest of the world depending on the weight of the parcel. Please be aware there may be local duty and/or taxes payable on goods delivered outside the UK. National Museums Liverpool are not responsible for paying these charges and they are not included in your payment to us. We will send your parcel with tracking where possible.
If you would like to order a large number of items, it may be worth contacting us directly to enquire about shipping costs.
John Moores Painting Prize prints are sent direct from the printers. Smaller prints will be sent tracked with Royal Mail and larger prints with a courier service. Please allow 7 days for delivery. For any queries email onlinesales@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Returns
If you are not totally satisfied with your order, please return it to us. Goods must be returned in the same condition you received them within 45 days of receiving the order. We will issue a refund or replacement at your request subject to certain conditions being met.
For more details go to the Delivery and Returns Page.
From Liverpool gifts to unique art-inspired accessories, we have a great range of gift ideas.
