- Author
- Duchesne, Tim
- Subjects
- Ship histories and stories, History - WW2, Book reviews, Naval Engagements, Operations and Capabilities, Non Commonwealth Navies
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- June 1997 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
On Germany’s surrender, the Japanese took over the U-Boats in Singapore, but they never sailed on patrol again. Their crews were interned but treated reasonably well. When Japan surrendered, the U-Boat men were treated as prisoners of war by the British. They were shipped to England and dispersed in small groups, most of whom were made to work on farms. Most were repatriated in 1947, but Timms was not released until April 1948 when he at last returned home to Bremen.
David Stevens has told this epic story with great skill and his selections from crew members’ diaries add immediacy to the tale. His accuracy and attention to detail are commendable and he has breathed life and humanity into the telling. I commend it to all with an interest in the struggle at sea in World War II and in the ability of men to survive against the odds.