Herbert A. Werner, Iron Coffins

When I stumbled upon this book years ago, inspired by the movie Das Boot, I was overwhelmed by the detail and engaging writing. Here is a U-boat officer who spends time describing the FLOWERS and how they smelled as he courted various women while on leave. Some of the narrative is shocking, but it humanizes men at war who are being deceived by their commanders as the writer gradually becomes disillusioned with the war effort as he watches most of his comrades buried in Iron Coffins.

Having served 4 years in the u.s. navy submarine service from1948 to 1952 i find a u-boat commander's war, 1939-45 incredibly authentic, eerily mindfulof real life aboard diesel submarines.

A U-boat Commander's War, 1939-45 is a marvellous book. It is captivating from the first page. Thoughtfully, and accurately written, it mixes the personal and battle experiences of the Author in a way that leaves you bewildered by the futility of human combat, and at the same time astonished by the professionalism and dedication of all involved. I am not a reader dedicated to reading history books - but this book reads like a novel, and steps way beyond those accounts which simply tell the facts of a war-time experience. Wonderful read. 10/10. Read it!! I could not put it down. The most captivating aspect of the book is the viewpoint of the author. Werner does not shrink from stating his view, what was going on in his mind through the conflict. THis is what knits the book together, and makes it so compelling.

This is the book that gave me the incentives to further my knowledge of the German Kriegsmarine during WW2. This reader felt as if I was onboard the boats with the author as he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean tracking down elusive convoys whilst at the same time trying desperately to avoid the deadly enemy destroyers, corvettes and airplanes that made life so hazardous for the German submarine men. If given the opportunity I would love to spend some time with Mr. Werner and ask him many questions.

Werner's book is an engrossing account of the day-to-day experiences (especially the perils and tribulations)of German U-boot servicemen in World War II, as well as an eyeopening record of a German naval officer's personal history. The detailed accounts of his numerous at-sea missions as well as his personal training to become an U-boot officer constitute the most vivid individual history of a U-boot career I've read. His accounts of his personal lifestyle as a naval officer during the war are also very enlightening. A very riveting and insightful book.

Amongst the best history books I have ever read.

This book is the personal account of a real u-boat man. His triumphs and ultimately his tragedies are presented in an astute, clinical manner, that I feel reflects the attitudes imposed on the U-boat service at the time.

If you want to learn about U-boat warfare read Herbert A. Werner, Iron Coffins: A U-boat Commander's War, 1939-45 together with Das Boot (or watch the movie if you're too lazy) and you know everything you need to know about this subject.