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U-Boat Killer
Experience, through his own words, the adventures of the Royal Navy's ace U-boat killer. This is the astounding story of how one remarkable captain protected vulnerable convoys in the treacherous conditions of the North Atlantic, faced and triumphed over the German wolf packs, and captured the enemy's greatest U-boat commander.
194 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1956
128 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Donald Macintyre
62 books12 followersCommander Donald George Frederick Wyville Macintyre DSO & DSC was a Royal Navy officer during the Second World War and a successful convoy escort commander. As Commander of HMS Hesperus Macintyre was involved in the Battle of Narvik during the Norway campaign and the Battle of the Atlantic. Following the war, he published his memoirs U-Boat Killer and authored numerous books on British naval history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 19, 2022
So, being a fan of submarines like I am, it almost pains me to read a book told from the perspective of those who hunt them; however, this was a rather interesting foray into the life of a Destroyer Captain, specifically a British one, during World War Two.
My two take-aways are that I can not imagine life crossing the Atlantic several times, being subjected to severe storms and waves repeatedly - especially when at a stand-still - imagine a convoy going 7 knots per hour in a Westerly direction, into a headwind which is essentially pushing back at them the equivalent speed - they are a literal standstill plowing through mountainous waves - and everything everywhere is always wet says they. That's like my living nightmare. Also, something briefly mentioned by the Captain regarding the sheer quantity and variety of shipwrecks at the bottom of the English Channel over it's thousands of years of history both inflames my imagination, terrifies my psyche, and creeps me the fuck out - but like, all in the best of ways.
My two take-aways are that I can not imagine life crossing the Atlantic several times, being subjected to severe storms and waves repeatedly - especially when at a stand-still - imagine a convoy going 7 knots per hour in a Westerly direction, into a headwind which is essentially pushing back at them the equivalent speed - they are a literal standstill plowing through mountainous waves - and everything everywhere is always wet says they. That's like my living nightmare. Also, something briefly mentioned by the Captain regarding the sheer quantity and variety of shipwrecks at the bottom of the English Channel over it's thousands of years of history both inflames my imagination, terrifies my psyche, and creeps me the fuck out - but like, all in the best of ways.
September 19, 2016
A convincingly accurate account of WWII anti-submarine war, written by a man who skippered Royal Navy destroyers throughout the length of the conflict. The final chapter is a scree against the British government for failing to keep up an anti-submarine force after WWII, but written in 1956 while Britain was broke, we can hope this shortfall has been somewhat remedied. Captain MacIntyre was one of the more successful U-boat killers and this little volume (179 pages) is worth reading, especially for students of naval warfare.
October 9, 2013
Very good first-hand account of the convoy escorts. Macintyre switches with ease between personal reminiscence and tactical explanations, and talks about the enemy with the clear unbiased eye of a professional with a long, exhausting war to fight, so the book is free of name-dropping, chest-thumping and 1940's flag-waving. The perfect book for a reader who has a birds' eye view of the Battle of the Atlantic, and who wants to delve a little deeper into the first-hand view.
January 20, 2022
Great book!
Having been an officer on a destroyer, the reality of the book was incredible. Brought me back to my 4 years in a tincan!
Having been an officer on a destroyer, the reality of the book was incredible. Brought me back to my 4 years in a tincan!
June 7, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
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Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/27-rambo-boa...
https://numberoneboats.com/used-rambo...
https://theboatyacht.com/carolina-ski...
https://numberoneboats.com/carolina-s...
July 18, 2025
Captain Macintyre (DSO and two bars, DSC, RN) writes a first hand account of the ""hunt for, the stalking of and the finally killing of a U-boat"" which, to him, is the ""perfect expression of a fighting sailor's art"" with a minimum of dramatics and a maximum of modesty. His Navy career, which included a tour in the RAF, builds up to his command of the Kingfisher, an experimental anti-sub class ship and the then effective equipment that started them off in the War. Asdic and depth charges were the means of holding off the Germans in the early days of patrols and escort; radar and other improved devices and alliance with the air force were the assists which helped to rid the Atlantic lanes of the wolf packs. His ships, the Bickerton, a tin can, the Hesperus, an aristocrat, and the Walker, an old warhorse, and his men are very much a part of his story of life with the convoys, of the evasive and attacking tactics developed against the submarines, of changing phases of the war at sea. His days abroad, when he was stationed at the new base Argentina in Newfoundland, helped to take off the pressure and the improvement in methods of protecting the convoys and in finding their prey made the Atlantic crossing safe. Good yarns and intimate knowledge make this a first ranker in its field.
December 2, 2025
I good account essentially of convoy protection in the Atlantic by destroyer captain Donald MacIntyre. Not a huge amount therein that will be new to existing students of the topic although there are one or two anecdotes that are amusing and revealing.
Two particular points are quite interesting. The first, the weaknesses of Coast Command and the limitations of using shore-based aircraft for convoy protection, given the communication problems and poor understanding of the overall disposition of the fleet. This fact leads MacIntyre to favour carriers within convoys, which was in fact done with several grain ships adapted to the purpose.
The second is his views on the strategic nature of the convoy. It is well know that the US eschewed this form of protection to considerable cost at the outset of their war. MacInytre’s argument is that the concentration of a convoy is an offensive rather than defensive arrangement. It draws the enemy to attack where one’s own force is concentrated. He counters the idea of the merchant ship thus being used as bait by pointing out that 72% of merchant shipping losses during WWII were solitary boats.
Two particular points are quite interesting. The first, the weaknesses of Coast Command and the limitations of using shore-based aircraft for convoy protection, given the communication problems and poor understanding of the overall disposition of the fleet. This fact leads MacIntyre to favour carriers within convoys, which was in fact done with several grain ships adapted to the purpose.
The second is his views on the strategic nature of the convoy. It is well know that the US eschewed this form of protection to considerable cost at the outset of their war. MacInytre’s argument is that the concentration of a convoy is an offensive rather than defensive arrangement. It draws the enemy to attack where one’s own force is concentrated. He counters the idea of the merchant ship thus being used as bait by pointing out that 72% of merchant shipping losses during WWII were solitary boats.
June 10, 2024
Its always interesting to hear about different perspectives of stories and history I have learned. German U-Boats have always been a thing of fascination to me. To read about the struggles of the British Royal Navy in the beginning of the war protecting convoys, and hunting the elusive submarines, to seeing how the battles changed when the primitive ways of hunting submarines was replaced with technology, was in my best words... amusing. This book is a great re-telling of the Battle of the Atlantic from a Destroyer Captain, and his fight against the German U-Boats and harsh weather. Recommend to anyone who likes Naval History.
March 15, 2022
Outstanding
Not only an exciting account on men who had to overcome frigid dangerous seas, but bad to maintain their fighting edge . the book also provides plenty of examples of the value and how to of teamwork and The leadership that enables it. It also provides concrete examples of the enduring value of unified command & control and the penalty of it absence. All of that and a great read.
Not only an exciting account on men who had to overcome frigid dangerous seas, but bad to maintain their fighting edge . the book also provides plenty of examples of the value and how to of teamwork and The leadership that enables it. It also provides concrete examples of the enduring value of unified command & control and the penalty of it absence. All of that and a great read.
July 27, 2021
A very well written account of ww2 English Navel defense at sea. I wish every one who reads about ww2 could understand such devotion I've always admired the
British people and their courage,and Reading this account of courage and seamanship I would recommend this book to anyone. It's a great read.
.
British people and their courage,and Reading this account of courage and seamanship I would recommend this book to anyone. It's a great read.
.
November 30, 2021
The Atlantic war
A very interesting description of the way the war of the Atlantic was won and that too not from an armchair historian but someone who spent all his time on this marine battle front. He talks about brutal weather conditions, human endurance, and the technology that helped them win this war.
A very interesting description of the way the war of the Atlantic was won and that too not from an armchair historian but someone who spent all his time on this marine battle front. He talks about brutal weather conditions, human endurance, and the technology that helped them win this war.
January 20, 2023
Entertaining book about the hunt for U-boats
Quite thorough coverage of surface ships hunting German U-boats, written by a British naval officer heavily involved in the action. One gets excellent explanations of daily life aboard the ships, tactics, logistics and an understanding of the pressures of command.
Quite thorough coverage of surface ships hunting German U-boats, written by a British naval officer heavily involved in the action. One gets excellent explanations of daily life aboard the ships, tactics, logistics and an understanding of the pressures of command.
February 12, 2023
I found this book to be great.
The author had a lot of experience at naval warfare. He wAs clear and concise. I enjoyed his honesty and "to the point" describe of convoys in the North Atlantic. I also enjoyed the stories about sub chases and strategy has in protecting vital convoys for England. Well done! J. Shirk
The author had a lot of experience at naval warfare. He wAs clear and concise. I enjoyed his honesty and "to the point" describe of convoys in the North Atlantic. I also enjoyed the stories about sub chases and strategy has in protecting vital convoys for England. Well done! J. Shirk
September 10, 2023
Informative and readable.
This book gives the reader a good delve into how the Battle of the Atlantic played out. It’s told through the lens of the author’s involvement as the commander of an escort group. It contains a nice mix of action, tactics., and analysis. He turns what could have been a boring log of events into a nice read.
This book gives the reader a good delve into how the Battle of the Atlantic played out. It’s told through the lens of the author’s involvement as the commander of an escort group. It contains a nice mix of action, tactics., and analysis. He turns what could have been a boring log of events into a nice read.
February 12, 2022
Danger in the Atlantic
An extremely interesting tale of finding and sinking submarines. It was important to protect the convoys while attempting to stop attacks by submarines. A real dangerous game of cat and mouse.
An extremely interesting tale of finding and sinking submarines. It was important to protect the convoys while attempting to stop attacks by submarines. A real dangerous game of cat and mouse.
August 6, 2022
Been there, done that
Well written by a man that had, been there , done that. Feel the deck under your feet not as much of that as some of these 1st person experiences. But very well done.
Well written by a man that had, been there , done that. Feel the deck under your feet not as much of that as some of these 1st person experiences. But very well done.
September 22, 2022
WW2 Thriller
This book on Atlantic naval activities is well written and exciting to read. My grandfather was a WW2 destroyer and battleship sniper who captivated my brother and I with stories of his Naval experiences. This book had the same tenor as his recollections.
This book on Atlantic naval activities is well written and exciting to read. My grandfather was a WW2 destroyer and battleship sniper who captivated my brother and I with stories of his Naval experiences. This book had the same tenor as his recollections.
October 30, 2022
An absolutely magnificent read.
The wartime narration by Captain McIntyre puts the reader on the bridge with the commander of the British escort destroyers from 1939 to 1944 as they fought the Nazi US boat wolf packs. Settle in for a good read.
The wartime narration by Captain McIntyre puts the reader on the bridge with the commander of the British escort destroyers from 1939 to 1944 as they fought the Nazi US boat wolf packs. Settle in for a good read.
January 21, 2018
Great narrative about the real scenes of U-boat hunting and killing.
March 27, 2021
Good book, entertainingly written.
December 15, 2021
Hunting U boats with minute by minute action. Great first person narrative.
February 19, 2022
good stuff
An easy and thoughtful read that illustrates the complexity of naval warfare. I enjoyed reading the development of new technology for seeking out the enemy.
An easy and thoughtful read that illustrates the complexity of naval warfare. I enjoyed reading the development of new technology for seeking out the enemy.
March 6, 2022
Awesome book!
I loved this book. It went into the nuts and bolts of convoy duty and sub hunting without boring you. The story flows along well and the captain has a good style.
I loved this book. It went into the nuts and bolts of convoy duty and sub hunting without boring you. The story flows along well and the captain has a good style.
April 18, 2022
u Boat Killer
An honest first person account of the Battle of the Atlantic by the skipper of not just one but several escort type, sub hunting warships.
An honest first person account of the Battle of the Atlantic by the skipper of not just one but several escort type, sub hunting warships.
September 12, 2022
The way it was
The author, who fought through it, tells it like it was. He commanded several ship during the war so he knows the topic fans expresses it very wel.
The author, who fought through it, tells it like it was. He commanded several ship during the war so he knows the topic fans expresses it very wel.
April 5, 2023
solid, well done “you are there” book
A good read. Minimal hyperbole and plenty of action.
MacIntyre does a great job of sharing his exceptional experiences at sea.
A good read. Minimal hyperbole and plenty of action.
MacIntyre does a great job of sharing his exceptional experiences at sea.
June 23, 2025
a look at the greatest generation from a UK perspective and how they fought the Battle of the Atlantic.
September 27, 2010
A classic of naval warfare! "Macintyre was England's top U-boat destroyer during World War II, with seven kills and several captures to his credit. Here he offers his firsthand account of safeguarding convoys in the North Atlantic from roaming German subs. Pretty scary stuff.
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December 20, 2011My grandpa was in the korean war and I think he had fought on a u-boat before
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November 19, 2017A memoir by a non-writer. Interesting but told at a remove from the events so more like the story you would tell your kids -- little of the emotion of the events. the conclusion is quite interesting if you are an history buff. Sets out his recommendations for the re-build of the UK Navy for 1955 on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews