Hirschfeld: The Secret Diary of a U-Boat

by Wolfgang Hirschfeld

Whilst there have been many memoirs written by U-boat commanders of the Second World War, a book such as this, based upon the diaries of senior Petty Officer telegraphist, written in 'real time' is something very special. Wolfgang Hirschfeld, whose diaries Geoffrey Brooks has translated is a born story teller.

The principal characters describe his experiences during six wars patrols in U-109, in which he served as the senior telegraphist. His is a tale which covers the whole kaleidoscope of emotions shared by men at war - a story of immense courage and fortitude, of remarkable comradeship born of the dangers, frustrations and privations shared and of transitory moments of triumph.

Throughout runs a vein of humor, without which resistance to stress would have been virtually impossible. We get to know one of Germany's great U-boat aces, 'Ajax' Bleichrodt, holder of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, and in a special biographical appendix. learn how he finally cracked under the strain. The role of Admiral Karl Donitz, the dynamic commander of the U-boat service, so fascinatingly described by Hirschfeld, is of special interest - not least because even this dedicated Nazi had clearly realized by September, 1942, that the war was fast being lost.

In 1944 Hirschfeld was promoted Warrant Officer and found himself on a large, schnorkel-equipped boat (U-234) heading for Japan with a load of high technology equipment and, in addition, a quantity of uranium one. The possible significance of that uranium has been deeply researched by Geoffrey Brooks and is discussed in a second appendix.

Genres: World War II, Nonfiction, Naval History, War, Military History, Biography

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Mark Baines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping read. No heroics, written (or translated) in that matter of fact manner often used by brave men. A very different perspective from the brash filmography of today.

[Miles Perryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important historical personal memoir of the life of a German submariner. The mortality rate of German submariners was 75%, therefore, to have this personal account contemporaneously prepared is quite unique. For those interested in understanding the life and emotions of a submariner in WW2 this book is excellent.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hirschfeld is how a book written from a diary should be written. First Wolfgang Hirschfeld is listed as an author and treated like an equal with his co author. Hirschfeld is a great book in that he shows his experiences without much bias and is a very quick read. This book is highly reccommended.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

risking court martial and possible death by keeping a diary of life on a german u-boat made this all the more interesting

[Kate Millin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly readable - it is the autobiography of a u boat crew member telling what it was like to be on the German side of the battle of the Atlantic. They were in horrific conditions in poorly maintained submarines. Interesting to read especially as I have read the British side in The Cruel Sea.