Packed with rich detail and analysis of what often transpired when merchant ships were sunk by U-boats, this dramatic book highlights the hazards of World War II at sea. At its center, James P. Duffy relates the story of the sinking of the British liner Laconia by the German U-boat U-156.

On September 12, 1942, as Laconia sailed crowded with 1,800 Italian prisoners of war, 103 Polish soldiers, 286 mostly severely wounded British military personnel, 80 civilians, and 463 officers and crew, she was hit by two torpedoes fired by U-156. Laconia's captain ordered the vessel abandoned, and within an hour, she sank. Perhaps surprisingly, the German U-boat then surfaced and sent a signal that brought two other U-boats, an Italian submarine, and three Vichy French warships to assist with rescue operations.

The rescue operation by German ships and the subsequent bombing raid by Allied aircraft are both compelling stories and events that had major repercussions for the conduct of the war. In the wake of the incident, German admiral Karl Doenitz issued instructions known as the Laconia Order demanding that all attempts to rescue survivors from Allied merchant ships be ended. The order provoked an international outcry against inhumane treatment of survivors stranded at sea. After the war, Doenitz was charged with and acquitted of war crimes in connection with this order.

Highlights the hazards of World War II at sea

About the Author
James P. Duffy is a writer who specializes in military history. He has written numerous books, including Target: America: Hitler's Plan to Attack the United States and Hitler's Secret Pirate Fleet: The Deadliest Ships of World War II, available in a Bison Books edition.

Reviews
"An excellent look at the history of the U-boat war, The Sinking of the Laconia will prove reward reading for anyone interested in the Second World War or submarine operations."-A. A. Nofi, Strategy Page
"An excellent look at the history of the U-boat war, this will prove reward reading for anyone interested in the Second World War or submarine operations."-NYMAS Review
"Duffy has written a solid little book."-Marc Milner, Mariner's Mirror



Book Information
ISBN 9780803245402
Author James P. Duffy
Format Paperback
Page Count 152
Imprint University of Nebraska Press
Publisher University of Nebraska Press