Killing Shore: The True Story of Hitler's U-boats Off the New Jersey Coast

by K.A. Nelson, David Stifel (reader)

It is January 1942. Six weeks after the United States entered World War II, Imperial Japan is annihilating American forces across the Far East while the Nazis stand triumphant over much of Europe. Adolf Hitler’s forces are about to commence an assault along the East Coast of the United States, but this “Atlantic Pearl Harbor” would prove far more devastating than Japan’s attack on Hawaii. The wolves are closing in, and few Americans realize their beaches and coastal cities are about to witness the worst naval defeat in American history.
The Western Hemisphere holds the key to victory for the beleaguered Allies, but only if the vast economic and military resources of North and South America can be carried across the Atlantic by Allied merchant ships. These civilian-manned cargo vessels are the backbone of the American war economy and the lifeline enabling Britain and the Soviet Union to survive—but Hitler’s favorite admiral also knows this, and he has set in motion a plan of unprecedented boldness. Germany’s dreaded submarines, or “U-boats,” are going to the United States.
The fiery months that followed would pit American servicemen against German U-boat sailors in a desperate struggle that stained East Coast waters with oil and blood. In the crosshairs of this deadly cat-and-mouse game was a stalwart contingent of civilian mariners who crewed the tankers and freighters supplying the war against the Axis Powers. Thousands of them would perish as hundreds of merchant ships were sunk.
Every American coastal state became a battlefront in 1942, and the events that transpired off New Jersey illustrate the perils and brutality of this forgotten campaign. The seafloor along the Garden State is today strewn with shipwrecks that bear witness to the innumerable ways to die faced by friend and foe alike
only miles from the boardwalk. Though these seafarers’ lives were forfeit, the battle they fought would decide the fates of millions.

Table of Contents

Preface
Sources & Methodology

Part I
1. Eins Zwei Drei
2. The Third Dimension of Warfare
3. The Gray Wolves
4. A Tide of Steel

Part II
5. Varanger
6. India Arrow
7. R.P. Resor
8. USS Jacob Jones (DD-130)
9. Gulftrade
10. Toltén
11. Persephone
12. Berganger
13. Rio Tercero
14. John R. Williams
15. Pan Pennsylvania

Part III
16. Wolfsdämmerung
17. Bones in the Ocean

Acknowledgments
Selected Bibliography
Endnotes

Genres: World War II, Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[María Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I inherited from my mother a morbid fascination with WWII, and I’ve read a lot about it, from memoirs to full-on fiction. But U-boats were just another piece of machinery in these stories. They are, however, the center of “Killing Shore” by K.A. Nelson. The author did a great job of bringing to life the real men (and a few women) at play in the submarine warfare. While the subject can seem niche, we can extrapolate the ideological implications to the whole war. And isn’t scrutinizing the last bit of the tragic conflict the best way of keeping ourselves from repeating it?

[Christopher Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up in New Jersey and is a huge history buff (especially WWII related), this book was right up my alley. It did Not disappoint. I learned a lot too.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Echoes Beneath the Waves: Stories of Sacrifice and Survival”

When the Ocean Became a Battleground
The seas have long been storytellers, their waves carrying whispers of triumph and tragedy. In Killing Shore, K.A. Nelson captures the haunting saga of America’s coastal waters during WWII, where Nazi U-boats prowled, merchant ships perished, and the Atlantic became a graveyard. This is not just a history book; it’s a maritime odyssey that bridges past and present.

Ships as Stories
Nelson’s narrative dives deep into the lives of the vessels themselves—silent protagonists of an epic conflict. Take the R.P. Resor, its burning hull illuminating the night sky off the Jersey Shore. It wasn’t merely a ship but a floating lifeline, carrying oil vital to the war effort. When it sank, it carried not just cargo but the hopes and fears of a nation at war.

The Poetry of Survival
Through lyrical prose, Nelson transforms historical accounts into vivid, almost poetic experiences. He portrays the bravery of merchant mariners navigating dangerous waters, knowing every voyage could be their last. He contrasts this courage with the calculated efficiency of the U-boat commanders, painting a picture as gripping as any classic tale of man versus sea.

A Journey Worth Taking
Killing Shore invites readers on a journey beneath the waves and into history, proving that every shipwreck is a chapter, every survivor a verse, and every ocean a book waiting to be read.

Content Warning: Contains vivid depictions of maritime warfare and its human toll, conveyed with sensitivity.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killing Shore, the inaugural work of K. A. Nelson, distinguishes itself as an insightful foray into the realm of historical non-fiction, skillfully blending rigorous research with a compelling narrative. The book delves into the lesser-known exploits of Nazi submarines in the Western Hemisphere during World War II.

Nelson structures the narrative in three distinct parts. The first and third sections are dedicated to a detailed historical analysis, shedding light on the operational strategies of German U-boats near New Jersey and the factors contributing to their eventual defeat. Here, Nelson's meticulous approach to research is evident, as he draws from a wealth of primary sources, including military archives from the United States, Britain, and even German logbooks. This thorough groundwork enables him to reconstruct the complex maneuvers and intentions of the Nazi forces with clarity and precision.

The most striking section, in my view, is the second part. Nelson shifts his focus to vividly portray life aboard the U-boats through first-hand accounts. He introduces a diverse cast of personalities, ranging from German to US commanders, and deftly weaves their personal stories into the larger tapestry of historical events. The vivid depiction of submarine warfare's intensity, often echoing the suspense of a thriller, showcases Nelson's ability to transcend the boundaries of traditional non-fiction.

Nelson's expertise in exploring the technical aspects of submarine warfare is particularly noteworthy. He meticulously explains the design and functionality of these formidable machines, providing a detailed yet accessible account of their role in the conflict. This deep dive into the mechanics of submarines offers a unique perspective on the technological challenges faced by both the Allies and the Axis powers. Nelson's narrative style ensures that the subject, which could easily become tedious in less capable hands, remains engaging throughout. He employs a vivid, almost cinematic approach to storytelling, bringing each anecdote to life with remarkable intensity. The book serves as an informative read for those with a keen interest in World War II naval warfare. It offers a captivating exploration of human resilience and ingenuity under duress.

In Killing Shore, Nelson respectfully and evocatively illuminates the struggles and triumphs of real-life figures. His ability to balance the technical aspects of warfare with the human dimension makes the book a compelling read, not just for history enthusiasts but also for a broader audience.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of military history and local maritime history, I was really looking forward to this book coming out. Now that it's here and I've read it, I don't feel it was quite what I was expecting.

The book is broken up into three parts, but I feel that it should have only consisted if part 2. WW2 U-Boat histories have been beaten to death on tv shows, movies, and books and because of that Part I seemed to be too general for my taste. If you're new to the subject I could see it's benefit, but for me it was a bit of a slog to get through and found myself wanting to skip sections.

Part 2 is a narrative from the perspective of the victims of U-Boat attacks and to some degree the U-Boat crews. I'm glad the author chose to narrow his focus to just the attacks off New Jersey because it really allowed for a deep focus on all the aspects of the attack. The only quibble I had with this part was that it was so hyper focused that the reader could lose track of the wider campaign along the East Coast.

Part 3 suffers in the same way that part 1 does in that it covers a more general history than more knowledgeable readers would probably prefer. Again, this would be useful to the more casual history reader.

[Kajori · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Killing Shore: The True Story of Hitler’s U-boats Off the New Jersey Coast” is a historical book penned by K.A. Nelson. The book chronicles the story of the German U-boats that attacked the Atlantic Coast of the United States of America during WWII. K. A. Nelson is a brilliant author who presents to us both the Allied and the Axis sides. Instead of the statistics, he focuses on the harrowing yet thrilling stories of the men who were involved in the war. The best part is that each and every part of this book is well-researched and backed by proof. The photographs and the illustrations add a special touch. Being a WWII buff myself, I highly recommend this book to all history lovers. People who love reading about native battles will enjoy this book as well.

[Norma Andreasen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few know that a major battle of WW II was fought off the Eastern Coast of the US. Tankers and freighters speeding up and down the coast were laden with vital wartime matériels. Major port cities and communities were lit up, providing lurking U-Boats with a silhouette for ship destruction. This book chronicles the little known armed conflict.
The reader experiences both sides of the conflict. The points of view of both U-boat commanders and merchant vessel captains and crew make reading a you-are-there experience. These people come alive on the book’s pages.
Both a lively sea story and a meticulously researched document, the book’s writer deserves plaudits for meticulously recreating this important piece of history. A great read!

[Stan Blackburn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Abandoned at 31%: This is about a fascinating topic, but 'Killing Shore' contains way too much painstaking detail about every event, character, ship, torpedo, and moment in history. I simply cannot listen to another hour of this, as it bored me to tears.

[Sarah Gallini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Such a well written book for a first time author. So interesting. Highly recommend if you are interested in WW2 history or history of New Jersey. I grew up a few miles from so many of these stories and I never knew about them. Top notch.

[BigwinnerSejati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book