TRIGGERnometry The True Story of Hitler's U-Boat War - Roger Moorhouse
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Oct 15, 2025 
Roger Moorhouse, a British historian specializing in Nazi Germany, delves into the intricacies of Hitler's U-boat strategy. He reveals that while the U-boat threat was real, it was often overstated. Moorhouse discusses Dönitz's ambitious plans and the harsh realities of life aboard U-boats, including poor conditions and psychological toll. He also highlights the significance of capturing the Enigma machine and how it altered the war's intelligence landscape. Additionally, he examines the ideological barriers that hindered effective naval strategies and the misallocation of resources.
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U-Boat Threat Was Time-Limited
- The U-boat threat peaked briefly in 1940–early 1942 and was never a sustained existential danger to Britain.
- By the time Germany had enough boats, Allied countermeasures and US production had already shifted the balance.
Hitler Late To Recognize U-Boat Value
- Hitler largely ignored the U-boat arm until late 1941 and prioritized tanks and surface ships.
- Dönitz had long argued for many more U-boats, but conversion came too late to be decisive.
U-Boat Service Was Psychologically Devastating
- U-boat service inflicted extreme physical and psychological strain: cramped, filthy conditions and constant danger.
- Medical reports estimated about half of U-boat crews suffered PTSD symptoms ranging to suicidal thoughts.
