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A Drowning War: A powerful WWII naval adventure
A tense World War II naval thriller! Perfect for fans of Clive Cussler, John Wingate, Duncan Harding and Douglas Reeman.
They fight the enemy bravely … but can they conquer the might of the ocean?
The Atlantic Ocean, 1940
As World War II hostilities move into a deadly new phase, a gruelling war of attrition begins in the Atlantic Ocean.
On both sides of the conflict, men fight and die in battleships, U-boats and Swordfish biplanes.
Jay, a Swordfish pilot whose aircraft carrier has sunk, suffers endless days and nights drifting on the North Sea while his fellow men die all around him. Will he survive to fight another day?
Meanwhile ambitious young US Navy officer Boydell ‘Boysie’ Merton is determined that nothing will stand in his way. But when loyalties are put to the test, can he withstand the hostility of his shipmates?
On the other side of the conflict, German U-boat commander Hans-Dietrich Zschescher is rising quickly through the ranks. Will his ruthless cunning be the undoing of the Allies?
And with the terrifying cruelty of the Atlantic Ocean to contend with, all three men are facing not one enemy but two…
Which side will prevail in this deadly battle — and can they withstand the elements as well as the enemy?
Or are all three destined for a watery grave?
A DROWNING WAR is a gripping and atmospheric military adventure written by a World War II veteran and based on real-life events.
‘If there is any author today writing about the Navy with anything approaching John Winton’s authority, conviction and wit, it would come as a considerable surprise to me’ — Alistair MacLean
They fight the enemy bravely … but can they conquer the might of the ocean?
The Atlantic Ocean, 1940
As World War II hostilities move into a deadly new phase, a gruelling war of attrition begins in the Atlantic Ocean.
On both sides of the conflict, men fight and die in battleships, U-boats and Swordfish biplanes.
Jay, a Swordfish pilot whose aircraft carrier has sunk, suffers endless days and nights drifting on the North Sea while his fellow men die all around him. Will he survive to fight another day?
Meanwhile ambitious young US Navy officer Boydell ‘Boysie’ Merton is determined that nothing will stand in his way. But when loyalties are put to the test, can he withstand the hostility of his shipmates?
On the other side of the conflict, German U-boat commander Hans-Dietrich Zschescher is rising quickly through the ranks. Will his ruthless cunning be the undoing of the Allies?
And with the terrifying cruelty of the Atlantic Ocean to contend with, all three men are facing not one enemy but two…
Which side will prevail in this deadly battle — and can they withstand the elements as well as the enemy?
Or are all three destined for a watery grave?
A DROWNING WAR is a gripping and atmospheric military adventure written by a World War II veteran and based on real-life events.
‘If there is any author today writing about the Navy with anything approaching John Winton’s authority, conviction and wit, it would come as a considerable surprise to me’ — Alistair MacLean
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1985
About the author
John Winton
59 books12 followersA former officer in the Royal Navy, John Pratt was the author of a variety of fiction and non-fiction works published under the pen name John Winton. Pratt also served for 14 years as an obituarist for The Daily Telegraph.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 4, 2023
Excellent tale of war at sea
This is a well written naval war story, dealing sympathetically with both sides and very competent with regard to detail and dialogue.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is a well written naval war story, dealing sympathetically with both sides and very competent with regard to detail and dialogue.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 19, 2023
awesome enemies
Well written narrative brings out a psychological dimensions which hold my interest far better than A droll combat description. The writer elucidates a scenario that gives me an insight into submarine warfare. I enjoyed this drama for this.
Well written narrative brings out a psychological dimensions which hold my interest far better than A droll combat description. The writer elucidates a scenario that gives me an insight into submarine warfare. I enjoyed this drama for this.
August 18, 2023
A very different and informative story of the U-boat war.
The author has written a really interesting story of how the U-boats threat was employed by how the Allies tried to protect their convoys against them. A great deal of planning and action.
The author has written a really interesting story of how the U-boats threat was employed by how the Allies tried to protect their convoys against them. A great deal of planning and action.
September 23, 2023
Both Sides of the Story
The author exposes the. Weaknesses and strengths from both all different my sides of the war. I Iike the military action nut didn’t necessarily like the technique of bouncing back and forth. But that could have been just me…..
The author exposes the. Weaknesses and strengths from both all different my sides of the war. I Iike the military action nut didn’t necessarily like the technique of bouncing back and forth. But that could have been just me…..
September 24, 2023
Good read
Another winner of a book. This one gives another view of WWII from an unexpected angle. From the U Boat and from an old 1919 4 stack destroyer that you might say came together at the end. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Now on to the next book in this series.
Another winner of a book. This one gives another view of WWII from an unexpected angle. From the U Boat and from an old 1919 4 stack destroyer that you might say came together at the end. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Now on to the next book in this series.
December 28, 2023
Great sea tale
Well researched.written with depth, retail and solid story telling. Obvious strong knowledge of the times, trials, wartime chronicles, politics and naval similarities between enemies.
Well researched.written with depth, retail and solid story telling. Obvious strong knowledge of the times, trials, wartime chronicles, politics and naval similarities between enemies.
June 2, 2024
I
I enjoyed the way the author developed the three characters into believable persons. Then he brought them together for the ending. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in novels with the World War II era as the time.
I enjoyed the way the author developed the three characters into believable persons. Then he brought them together for the ending. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in novels with the World War II era as the time.
August 22, 2024
Good story! A relatable page turner to enjoy.
The characters were well developed and the age-old differences between and amongst friends, foes, and the military elite who determine their fates are explored.
The characters were well developed and the age-old differences between and amongst friends, foes, and the military elite who determine their fates are explored.
December 21, 2022
Good novel
Lots of fascinating story lines. Enjoyed the read immensely. Keep up the good work.A followup would've well received. Good one.
Lots of fascinating story lines. Enjoyed the read immensely. Keep up the good work.A followup would've well received. Good one.
January 20, 2023
WW Two naval action
This one has it all submarines, battleships, aeroplanes and a number at encounters with the various actions very well described
This one has it all submarines, battleships, aeroplanes and a number at encounters with the various actions very well described
January 24, 2023
A lot about a little
If you served in the navy during world war 2, particularly the early part You might have an interest in the cast of characters.
If you served in the navy during world war 2, particularly the early part You might have an interest in the cast of characters.
April 13, 2023
Powerful book of survival in ww2.
May 23, 2023
A good read. Clearly fighting any war at sea is not an ideal place to be assigned. If you were not killed in a battle your chances of drowning were high for so many. Worth the read.
June 14, 2023
Good storyline
Storyline from both sides of the war was easy to follow along with. Very good read. Will look up more of his books now.
Storyline from both sides of the war was easy to follow along with. Very good read. Will look up more of his books now.
August 1, 2023
Very entertaining
I like all the first person action and personal reflections. Very good! Tough times interspersed with retrospection looking forward to next read
I like all the first person action and personal reflections. Very good! Tough times interspersed with retrospection looking forward to next read
August 27, 2023
Great book
Very well written had me on edge all along great personalities portrayed from both sides. Would recommend for any ex naval person to read🙂
Very well written had me on edge all along great personalities portrayed from both sides. Would recommend for any ex naval person to read🙂
Read
September 20, 2023Just not my kind of book, didn't hold my attention
May 1, 2024
Drowning War
Excellent read. War from the perspective of the one who were there. Even if the story is fiction. Good read.
Excellent read. War from the perspective of the one who were there. Even if the story is fiction. Good read.
June 1, 2024
WW2. from both both sides,excellently told!!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews