Vice Admiral Andreas Michelsen’s work details the submarine war as experienced by a senior officer, (Commander of Submarines from 1917 on), responsible for implementing the orders and policies created by those far removed from actual combat conditions. As a professional military man he evaluates and critiques from the point of view of naval officer, and not a statesman or diplomat. Michelsen served ably in his senior command roles. He commanded the torpedo boat raids on The Dover Patrol when leader of torpedoboats. He brought the same exacting nature in his tenure as commander of submarines. The detail in the text is rigorous as are the views. The chaotic workings of naval aspects of German ware making policy are detailed. He delves into the condition of submarine warfare as understood prior to the war, commencement and the ebb and flow of policy as the war progressed. The military accomplishments and fighting tactics of German submarines, his view of Allied anti-submarine efforts, the growth and training of the submarine branch, and the reasons for failing to achieve victory. The work is a polemic as Michelsen grapples with Germany’s defeat and virtual destruction of his navy and overwhelming changes occurring to Germany. It is a valuable work; having been translated by Allied Naval Intelligence for study by professionals. A fitting title for inclusion in the Great War at Sea series. Footnotes have been added to clarify information which is now obscure and correct errors due to contemporary research.
Mito's Militaria 