U-48: The Most Successful U-Boat of the Second World War
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Complete history of the patrols of a key U-boat and its notorious commander.







Complete history of the patrols of a key U-boat and its notorious commander.
The Panzer Lehr Division, a German armoured division during World War II, was one of the most Elite units in the entire German Wehrmacht Heer. It was formed in 1943 from various units of elite training and demonstration troops stationed in Germany, to provide additional armoured strength for resisting the anticipated Allied invasion of western Europe. Its great weakness was that it concentrated the cream of Germany's tank commanders and instructors in a single unit. Due to its elite status it was lavishly equipped in comparison to the ordinary Panzer divisions, though on several occasions it fought almost to destruction, in particular during Operation Cobra. For the first time in English, this book follows the division from Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge to the end of the war, showing how Germans fought Americans at St. Lô and Bastogne. Written in Kurowski's trademark you-are-there style, this includes numerous firsthand accounts based on interviews with veterans.
In August 1939, U-48, commanded by 'Vaddi' Schultze, took up a waiting position around England. Schultze showed himself to be a notable humanitarian: he addressed signals to Churchill giving positions of ship sinkings so that crews could be saved. By 1 August 1941 this most successful boat of World War II, had sunk 56 merchant ships one corvette.
The narrative immerses readers in the experiences of German soldiers in the Afrika Korps during World War II, showcasing their struggles under the harsh desert conditions and their loyalty to commander Erwin Rommel. From 1941 to 1943, they engaged in fierce battles across the Western Desert, facing both enemy forces and the brutal climate. Kurowski highlights the camaraderie, humor, and resilience of these men as they navigated the complexities of war, ultimately culminating in their surrender in Tunisia. His firsthand insights as a wartime journalist enrich the account.
Exciting stories of the infantrymen who supported Germany's tanksHow tanks and infantry cooperated at the small-unit levelFirst time in EnglishThe panzergrenadiers were the footsoldiers who went into battle alongside the Third Reich's feared tanks. Whether in the Wehrmacht or Waffen-SS, these troops endured all the horrors of infantry combat--fighting hand-to-hand, storming enemy positions, and rescuing fallen comrades--but they did so in the shadow of thundering giants like the Tiger and Panther. Kurowski tells the stories of some of the very best of these mechanized infantrymen, bringing them and their actions to life.
In this action-packed account appearing for the first time in English Franz Kurowski straps readers into the harness with German paratroopers, the elite Fallschirmjager, as they jump into the inferno of combat in World War II.
A narrative detailing a clandestine operations unit ran by the German Army's intelligence service, and its exploits. It gives a rare look into the secret military operations of Hitler's Germany. Trained to be quick, mobile, self-reliant and steeped in local customs and languages, the Brandenburgers operated behind enemy lines around the world. From Western Europe to Romania, Russia, Egypt, Afghanistan, and World War II's other fronts, they seized bridges as well as other strategic targets. They engaged in sabotage, espionage, and other daring missions-often bending the rules of war in the process. Although the unit was dissolved in 1944, its tactics influenced special forces around the world both during the war and after.
- Combat stories of eight German infantry soldiers: one paratrooper, two members of the Waffen-SS, and five members of the Wehrmacht - A concluding chapter examines infantry tactics This is an authentic account of German infantry aces, common foot soldiers who were thrust into a blazing maelstrom of bloody horror the world had never seen. On the frozen Russian steppes, under the scorching African desert sun, and in the final desperate battles, they were outnumbered and outgunned and faced impossible odds. Here are the fascinating stories of the men who stared death in the face during some of the most brutal battles ever waged.
Featuring firsthand accounts from Germany's most formidable pilots, this companion to Panzer Aces and Panzer Aces II delves into the intense aerial dogfights of World War II. Readers will gain insight into the strategies, experiences, and challenges faced by these aviators, highlighting their skills and bravery in combat. The book offers a gripping perspective on the air war, showcasing the personal stories that shaped the course of history in the skies.
Six riveting, gritty accounts of some of the greatest German tank commanders, including Michael Wittmann, Hans Bolter, Hermann Bix, and others. Timelines mark the milestones of each officer's career.