Ep 8. Silent Service: The Captains of WWII

The Deep Sea Detectives season 1 episode 8, titled 'Silent Service: The Captains of WWII' explores the role of submarines in World War II. As the world was caught up in the war, advancements in submarine technology brought about new challenges for each side. Episode 8 focuses on the captains that manned these American and Japanese subs and the experiences they faced during the brutal war.

The United States faced an uphill battle in the Pacific theater against the Japanese Empire. With the Japanese dominating Asia and the Pacific, the US struggled to keep up with its enemy's military technology. America's initial lack of modern submarines further complicated the situation - their diesel-electric subs were limited by battery power making a submerged state for too long, and a turnaround was not feasible given the wartime setting. However, with time, the US invested in more advanced submarines, keeping in mind the Japanese fleet's sustained attacks.

At the same time, Japanese submarine captains were fighting in the Pacific, striking against vessels and bases that were critically important to the Allied forces. The Japanese subs had a serious advantage over the Americans with longer range, torpedo technology, and years of experience in warfare tactics.

Deep Sea Detectives dives deep into the history of WWII submarines, exploring the bravery of captains like Dudley "Mush" Morton, commander of the USS Wahoo, who helped turn the war in America's favor. Morton's story epitomizes the strength and courage it took to fight in the warfront, and he was consistently innovative in his tactics, perfecting America's submarine torpedo maneuvers along the way.

As with the Americans in the Pacific, the Japanese sub force had its fair share of talented captains who had years of experience exploring their waters, studying how to fight all manner of marine vessels, and who had exceptional eyesight needed to spot mines and ships that were difficult to identify from underwater. These are the unsung heroes of the war, living in cramped conditions for weeks underwater with no respite from the monotony of their duties, all while trying to survive the constant threat of depth charges detonating nearby.

The Deep Sea Detectives cross-referenced statements made by the captains who fought in the war and pieced together how each captain managed to maneuver his submarine, even when it was almost impossible. The submariners' evasive tactics and valiant efforts were ultimately instrumental in deciding the outcome of many battles.

The rise of advanced submarine technology changed the course of maritime warfare during the Second World War. The strategies developed during this era still influence modern submarine warfare. 'Silent Service: The Captains of WWII' is one of the most engrossing documentaries to explore WWII sub operations in video and audio. It opens a window to a world of tactical thought and bravery and marks the men who were the leaders in their field in one of the most tumultuous times in history.