WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk Atlantic War: The Happy Time (Part 3)
10 snips
Nov 25, 2025 The discussion revolves around the intriguing term 'The Happy Time' for German U-Boats and the significant merchant tonnage lost by the Allies due to their attacks. The hosts delve into U-boat tactics, including surface attacks and the formation of wolfpacks, highlighting the emotional toll and human cost of sinkings. They also explore the challenges faced by British ports and shipbuilding amid wartime chaos. Finally, the reliance on U-boat aces and the strategic consequences of their losses are examined, offering a nuanced view of this critical maritime conflict.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
French Atlantic Bases Changed The Battleground
- The fall of France gave German U-boats Atlantic bases that massively reduced transit time to patrol areas. This strategic shift put Allied shipping approaches under immediate new threat.
U-Boats Were Essentially Surface Attackers
- U-boats operated mainly on the surface because surface speed far outpaced submerged performance. That made night surface attacks routine and allowed them to outrun slow convoys.
Surin's Long-Range Shot Sinks Mordrecht
- Teddy Surin risked a long-range torpedo shot at 5,000 yards and scored a hit on the Dutch tanker Mordrecht. The tanker carried 10,000 tonnes of fuel and only four of 29 crew survived.
