Ep 10. Wolf Pack: U-Boats in the Atlantic 1939 - 1944

The World At War is an acclaimed documentary series that chronicles the events of World War II. In season 1, episode 10 titled "Wolf Pack: U-Boats in the Atlantic 1939 -1944", the focus is on the devastating impact of the German U-boat campaign on Allied forces as they struggled to maintain supply lines across the Atlantic.

The episode begins by underscoring the importance of the Battle of the Atlantic, as shipping lanes were the lifeline of Britain. With the fall of France, the port of Bordeaux on the west coast of France became a haven for German U-boats to operate from. German Wolfpacks were formed, with multiple U-boats working together to increase their chances of success. This strategy allowed the U-boats to sink Allied ships by the thousands, cutting off the Allies from the supplies they needed to survive and fight the war.

The episode highlights the tension between the Allied forces over how to respond to the U-boat threat. The British wanted to focus on protecting convoys with warships and planes, while the Americans pushed for more aggressive tactics, such as using aerial patrols to hunt for and sink U-boats. Despite these differences, both sides suffered heavy losses from U-boat attacks, with ships being destroyed daily.

The documentary delves into the U-boat campaigns in detail, examining the tactics and strategies employed by both sides. The Allies struggled to adapt to the advanced technology and tactics used by U-boats, including silent running. The Germans used tactics like the "hedgehog" anti-submarine mortar and sonar decoys to evade detection, making it difficult for the Allies to sink them.

Throughout the episode, personal accounts from veterans are woven in, adding a human dimension to the documentary. Their accounts bring to life the fear and terror felt by sailors as they faced the grim reality of being hunted by the enemy from the depths of the ocean.

The episode also highlights the crucial role played by codebreakers in deciphering German naval communications. The codebreakers' work allowed the Allies to anticipate and intercept U-boat movements, significantly reducing their effectiveness.

Towards the end of the episode, the tide of the battle begins to turn as the Allies develop and deploy more effective anti-submarine tactics and technology. The development of long-range aircraft equipped with radar allowed them to identify and destroy U-boats before they could attack. German losses mounted, and they were eventually forced to withdraw their U-boats from the Atlantic, marking a turning point in the battle of the Atlantic.

In conclusion, "Wolf Pack: U-Boats in the Atlantic 1939 -1944" is a gripping episode that provides insight into a crucial aspect of World War II. The documentary weaves together historical footage and personal accounts to create a deeply engaging narrative that draws the viewer into the drama of the conflict. The episode highlights the bravery of sailors and the resourcefulness of codebreakers, while also capturing the desperation and horror of the U-boat threat.