Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast *PREVIEW* The Close Quarters Combat of the USS Buckley
Aug 13, 2025
Dive into the intense naval clash of the USS Buckley and a U-boat during WWII. Discover the strategic evolution that turned the tide in the Atlantic, as advances in convoy systems emerged. Enjoy a humorous take on U-boats, blending pop culture and personal reflections on modern relationships. Plus, explore quirky wartime anecdotes, like a basketball player's tales and the creative uses of Spam by Soviet soldiers. It's a mix of history and humor that keeps you engaged!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
USS Buckley’s Close-Quarters Encounter
- The USS Buckley engaged in an unexpected close-quarters fight with a German U-boat.
- The hosts set up the episode as a tale where naval combat became almost hand-to-hand.
Turning Point In The Battle Of The Atlantic
- The Battle of the Atlantic became decisive as radar, long-range air power, and improved convoys turned the tide by 1943.
- These changes made U-boat surface operations deadly and shifted Allied advantage in the Atlantic.
Why U-Boats Dominate Then Decline
- Nazi U-boats initially dominated by exploiting British codebreak failures, new French bases, and wolfpack tactics.
- By 1943 Allied tactics and technology drastically reduced U-boat effectiveness and survivability.