The Journal of Submarine Commander von Forstner

A rare, translated diary from the commander of Germany’s first U‑boat offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the early days of submarine warfare. Written in the midst of World War I, the entries blend technical observations on how the vessels operated with vivid, often wry, recountings of patrols, torpedo attacks, and the daily life of a tight‑knit crew. The author’s voice is unmistakably personal—proud of his craft, loyal to his men, and occasionally amused by the absurdities of war—while never shying from the stark realities of the missions he led.

Beyond the mechanics, the journal reveals the conflicted mindset of a man who both admired his adversaries’ bravery and embraced the grim purpose of his orders. Listeners will hear candid reflections on sinking liners, hospital ships, and the moral tension that accompanies such actions. For anyone curious about the birth of modern submarine tactics or the human side of a conflicted wartime officer, this account provides a compelling, unvarnished portrait of a world beneath the waves.