Don't know much about specific battles, I just know the submarine wasn't as effective in WWII as it was in WWI. Personally, I feel WWII was when the Plane decided naval battles.

But I will not take us too far off topic....

Beginning of World War II - Gunter Prien leads a U boat into Scapa Flow beyond blockships and torpedoes the Renown I believe was her name. He then navigated out of the harbor and back to Germany. It was not a great victory in the terms of ships disabled or destroyed but it was an awesome feat of strength and dedication.

Actually it was the Royal Oak. She was hit by two torpedoes, exploded, and sank. She was an oudated "R" class, unmodernized from WW1, but still caused a good hit on morale, as she was considered to be King George's personal flagship.

As for Submarines, they played a vital part in all theatres of the war in WW2. American submarines slaughtered the Japanese navy and mercantile fleet. German submarines slaughtered early war British mercantile ships and virtually the entire British Mediterranean fleet.

To be fair, Germany and Britian had their own version of Midway where submarines and aircraft played a more important part than surface actions. All historians known of the large scale aerial assault on Crete. What you might not know is that the naval aspect of the action was far more significant than the conquest of the island. Submarines laid waste to the British squadron running interference and Luftwaffe aircraft also gave hell to the British. However, in turn, a Britiash submarine was responsible for the destruction of an entire Fallscrhimjaeger brigade as it was on transports to the island.



Another great torpedo action would have to be the sinking of the Ark Royal, a British Carrier, by a German u-boat. Another massive blow to British morale.


It is interesting to note that during the war, there was never an action involving two submarines. As oft touted in books on the Cold war, Ami and Soviet subs battling it out under the Artic Ice Cap, never happened during the Second World War. A pity - because I think a U-bout would have slaughtered the Ami sub.



Another interesting point of submarine war that many may njot know. At the end opf the war the Type XXI german u boat was the most advanced in the world and would continue to be for many years after the war. It was diesal powered but had an air recycling system that allowed it to stay underwater and draft air for cooling itys batteries. It had an impressive armament and could stay underwater for the equivalent of what Ami subs can now. Just before the end of the war a XXI was sent into the Atlantic and through the Indian ocean for Japan. On it was all of Germany's weapons research including its work on Biological and Chemical weapons as well as the atomic programme. Many examples of fine weapons like the SG44 and V2 as well as a full-scale 88 were aboard. However, when news was received that Germany surrendered, the ship surrendered to a roving British destroyer. The sub and its crew were interned of curse and the ship quietly tucked away. It was only 3 days short of its reaching Japan. Giving what was aboard, the war could have easily turned out very differently.

-From the Vast Mental Expanse of M. von Meillen

Oh yes, I know all about the advanced German Submarines and Jet Interceptors, Rockets, etc.


And then there was the Norweigan Invasion, where the Heavy Cruiser Blucher was torpedoed and sunk by Norweigan shore defences.

If Hitler was a smart tactician the war would've ended a lot differently. Yes, his caution was smart in one mind set. But, he was over cautious and it cost him a great deal. If only he had used those jet fighters in the Battle of Britain....

But then again, that would place me on the loosing side. So God Bless Hitler's fool-hearty decisions!

Actually probably the biggest mistake Hitler made was his greediness, and his faith in his subordinates. He should have known better than to let Goering talk him into letting airpower destroy the British army at Dunkirk, and into winning for him the Battle of Britian. Also a big mistake was opening too quickly a second front into Russia, and under-estimating the Reds.

Are you mad krak? Yes, Hitler was wrong to listen to Georing on several occassions but Hitler had too little faith in subordinates - able subordinates. As a result, excellent officers were wasted as was time. Had Hitler left war to his generals Germany might not have been destroyed.


PS - -Jet fighters were not ready for the Battle of Britian. It was also Hitler that relegated them to certain missions rather than allwoing competent Luftwaffe officers to place them where they were needed.


But this is not about Hitler

Well versed discussion, yes. I am much to enjoy this read. Keeping dumb comments to a minimum. Kudos Park an' Telan.

I retract my earlier negativity.