The Crisis of the Naval War

A seasoned naval commander offers an insider’s view of the perilous battle against unrestricted submarine warfare during the later years of the Great War. Drawing on official reports, personal observations, and vivid illustrations, he explains how the Admiralty responded to the sudden surge of U‑boat attacks that threatened Britain’s lifelines. The narrative walks listeners through the early scramble to devise convoy systems, new detection methods, and daring counter‑measures that turned the tide in the Atlantic’s shadowy depths.

The second half of the account details the collaborative effort between Royal Navy officers, Admiralty planners, and the brave crews of merchant vessels. It reveals the evolution of tactics—from simple escort patrols to intricate zig‑zag routes, decoy ships, and early depth‑charge experiments—showing how ingenuity and perseverance kept vital supplies moving. Listeners gain a clear picture of the challenges faced, the strategic decisions made, and the human courage that underpinned this crucial chapter of naval history.