DOC The Battle of the Atlantic: How the Allies Won the War by Jonathan Dimbleby in History

Review

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful. His previous book 'DESTINY IN THE DESERT' was the best book on the battle of El Alamein i ever ...By Tony MeyerJonathan Dimbleby does it again! This book is a masterpiece. His previous book DESTINY IN THE DESERT was the best book on the battle of El Alamein i ever read. The battle of El Alamein was a critical part of world-war-two. And now in THE BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC Mr Dimbleby argues rather convincingly that this six-year sea battle was a crucial part of the war also. It is magnificently written and Mr Dimbleby demonstrates his superior command of the English language and his skill as a writer. After all of the hundreds hundreds of books on world-war-two; one may ask; is there anything left to write? Mr Dimbleby demonstrably proves the answer is a resounding yes.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. The only thing that really frightened me...By Duckie DocDimbleby has written a sweeping and detailed history of the battle of the Atlantic. Written mostly from a British perspective this account shows that even though it frightened Winston Churchill; he (and his commanders) did little about it until it was almost too late. Although in retrospect it was indeed the most vital and important campaign of the war it did not get the resources and attention needed to prevail until very late in the conflict. Dimbleby does an admirable job in sustaining the tension throughout this detailed telling. Hitler made mistakes too and these are exposed as well. The evolution in doctrine on both sides is elucidated well. It is best not to spoil the fun by saying more. The suspense kept me turning pages until the end. It is one of the more enjoyable accounts I have read lately and left me with a wider and deeper understanding of the campaign and those who fought it. Highly recommended for those with some knowledge of the War in general who would like a more detailed presentation of this important campaign.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A riveting read about one of World War Two's most devastating battles - the Atlantic OceanBy John ClaytonThis is a brilliant book! World War Two (WW2) has generated literally hundreds and hundreds of books about that war so; one might ask; ‘how on earth is it possible to still find newsy; interesting stuff?’ Especially about the Battle of the Atlantic. As a WW2 aficionado; I’ve read countless books about almost every aspect of this worldwide conflict; and even I was stunned to find out many new facts and intriguing information in Jonathan Dimbleby’s book. Here’s an example. When the Germans’ began building huge concrete pens for their submarines in ports along the French coastline – with walls that were 30 feet thick; for gosh sakes – the British NEVER bombed them when they were just starting construction; and thus most vulnerable. Later bombing raids on these behemoth sub sanctuaries by Britain’s Bomber Command and the USAAF 8th Air Force proved the pens were impossible to destroy as bombs just bounced off them. As Dimbleby points out; had the Brits bombed them when they were being assembled and put together; it could have well have meant a completely different outcome for the Atlantic Battle; and so proved very beneficial to the allies – but they Brits did not do it. This is but one example of the many fascinating facts that Dimblely uncovers in this truly page tuner of a book. For more intriguing facts; and thought-provoking information about the one battle that Winston Churchill called THE one that frightened him the most; read this book. It’ll give you fresh insights into how it was so nearly won by the Germans – and that makes one think about this; if they had won it; the history of WW2 would have been totally different… just imagine if they HAD won the Battle of the Atlantic; the Normandy invasion from England in June; 1944 would not have been possible. As I said; even all these many years later; new facts; new details and fresh evidence of what Hitler’s plans were; are all uncovered in Jonathan Dimbleby’s book “The Battle of the Atlantic.”