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Teddy Suhren, Ace of Aces: Memoirs of a U-Boat Rebel
Teddy Suhren( Ace of Aces( Memoirs of A U-Boat Rebel) <> Hardcover <> TeddySiren <> USNavalInstitutePress
224 pages, Hardcover
First published February 15, 2006
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137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 2, 2019
A decent memoir by Teddy Suhren of his life and time in the Kriegsmarine. I did not overly enjoy the book very much though, as I did not like his writing style and his self-portrayal as someone who is never in the wrong.
February 7, 2017
The Memoir of a Bona Fide Character
This is one of the least thorough WWII memoirs I've had the pleasure of reading. Still, it gives one a good impression of U-boat ace Teddy Suhren's character. I have always been impressed by how honorably the U-boat service acquitted itself during the war. Suhren seems to have been more outspoken than most commanders and offers some very amusing anecdotes of how this got him into trouble.
Still, I wish that Suhren had remembered more of his war time service. The memoir is rather short, but I can definitely recommend it to those with an interest in the war. The prose is eminently readable, and the work offers a unique perspective on the German high command.
This is one of the least thorough WWII memoirs I've had the pleasure of reading. Still, it gives one a good impression of U-boat ace Teddy Suhren's character. I have always been impressed by how honorably the U-boat service acquitted itself during the war. Suhren seems to have been more outspoken than most commanders and offers some very amusing anecdotes of how this got him into trouble.
Still, I wish that Suhren had remembered more of his war time service. The memoir is rather short, but I can definitely recommend it to those with an interest in the war. The prose is eminently readable, and the work offers a unique perspective on the German high command.
June 24, 2019
Informative and easy to read book
I love the semi informal writing style of This book. It makes it easy to read and sets the tone for understanding Suhrens' personality.
There are things to learn in this book about certain characters and the mechanisms of the Kreigsmarine.I
I found it fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable.
I love the semi informal writing style of This book. It makes it easy to read and sets the tone for understanding Suhrens' personality.
There are things to learn in this book about certain characters and the mechanisms of the Kreigsmarine.I
I found it fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable.
December 24, 2015
An excellent account from the 'other side' and a very readable book for those interested in WW2 or naval history.
April 22, 2021
Teddy Suhren was an Ace U-Boat Commander in WWII. His 18 Commerce Ships and one Warship sunk was one of the top scores in the Kriegsmarine, Hitler's Navy. In this very interesting and compelling book, he tells his life story and his exploits in the German Navy, taking time to show how he did not consider himself a Nazi and did not agree with many of its policies, both military and social. Hard to tell now how honest he is being about his aversion to the "Brown" (Nazi Party Uniforms were brown- as opposed to the Navy and Airforce Blue , the Army Greens and the SS Black) side of the government, but he does tell a good story- and he did get to rub shoulders with some of the most famous Nazis. As the recipient of several of the Third Reich's greatest medals, most notably the "Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with oak Leaves and Swords", basically the top two classes of the Iron Cross- (a medal my Grandfather won three times in WWI, so of family/historical interest) Suhren stayed a few days at Martin Bormann's residence, and danced with Eva Braun, Hitler's Mistress and future wife. He tells his story in a simple and engaging way, with lots of Anecdotes, both personal and military. He comes off as a charming rogue, but one is left with the feeling one might not be getting the whole story.
The book is also a history of the Restoration of the German Navy after the Versailles Treaty, with Suhren joining the Navy in 1935. He survives basic training, and begins his climb up the Officer Corps with the reputation as a bungler and Jokester- perhaps not so great in a Nazifying Germany. But underwater, he was gifted, aggressive, calm and best of all lucky, first as a sought after First Officer - then as the Kapitan himself. Then at the height of the Battle of the Atlantic, he is promoted ashore, first to a training command in the Baltic, Germany's only "safe" sea, and then to the command of the U-boat Flotilla based in Norway, where he would see out the war. As a sea and then shore Strategic Officer, Suhren felt, as much as witnessed the growing German suspicion that the Allied Aircraft had mobile radars that were part of the ASW war against them. This was of course true - and it gives a real insight in this book as Suhren's teams struggle to keep up the fight. Suhren also mentions a suspicion that their codes had been broken as well- but this seems more an attempt to self justify- in the light of the then-recent ULTRA revelation- than it seems fully fleshed out - for most other sources have no German suspicion of code breakage during the actual war years. But maybe he was a savant...
There are some adult themes (Paris was a favorite haunt in '40-43) and some graphic illness description in the book that make it better for Junior readers over about 14 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast crowd, a real Gem. The Gamer who's doing Cruel Seas or Victory At Sea or any other WWII Naval Game system/ruleset will get a good look at U-boat tactics and best practices- as well as a few scenario concepts. The modeler gets a lot of cool ideas- ranging from Hitler, Bormann and other Nazi Gangster/Luminaries with Naval staff like Doenitz and Raeder in Germany- to various crises/successes underwater with a grimy crew. For the Military Enthusiast/Military History Buff there is an inside look at the Kriegsmarine from prewar to surrender, from low officer on the totem pole to the top management of the war, and from a young jokester to a Veteran Admiral who would anchor U-Boat Vet movements and guide an Oil business career after the war. The parts where Suhren gets a glimpse of Nazi Celebrity life and finds it predictably banal were intriguing. I really enjoyed the book and think all sort of readers will enjoy it, not only WWII readers, but those who just want to sample 1940s memoir with a bit of a twist. #DeepDive2021
The book is also a history of the Restoration of the German Navy after the Versailles Treaty, with Suhren joining the Navy in 1935. He survives basic training, and begins his climb up the Officer Corps with the reputation as a bungler and Jokester- perhaps not so great in a Nazifying Germany. But underwater, he was gifted, aggressive, calm and best of all lucky, first as a sought after First Officer - then as the Kapitan himself. Then at the height of the Battle of the Atlantic, he is promoted ashore, first to a training command in the Baltic, Germany's only "safe" sea, and then to the command of the U-boat Flotilla based in Norway, where he would see out the war. As a sea and then shore Strategic Officer, Suhren felt, as much as witnessed the growing German suspicion that the Allied Aircraft had mobile radars that were part of the ASW war against them. This was of course true - and it gives a real insight in this book as Suhren's teams struggle to keep up the fight. Suhren also mentions a suspicion that their codes had been broken as well- but this seems more an attempt to self justify- in the light of the then-recent ULTRA revelation- than it seems fully fleshed out - for most other sources have no German suspicion of code breakage during the actual war years. But maybe he was a savant...
There are some adult themes (Paris was a favorite haunt in '40-43) and some graphic illness description in the book that make it better for Junior readers over about 14 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast crowd, a real Gem. The Gamer who's doing Cruel Seas or Victory At Sea or any other WWII Naval Game system/ruleset will get a good look at U-boat tactics and best practices- as well as a few scenario concepts. The modeler gets a lot of cool ideas- ranging from Hitler, Bormann and other Nazi Gangster/Luminaries with Naval staff like Doenitz and Raeder in Germany- to various crises/successes underwater with a grimy crew. For the Military Enthusiast/Military History Buff there is an inside look at the Kriegsmarine from prewar to surrender, from low officer on the totem pole to the top management of the war, and from a young jokester to a Veteran Admiral who would anchor U-Boat Vet movements and guide an Oil business career after the war. The parts where Suhren gets a glimpse of Nazi Celebrity life and finds it predictably banal were intriguing. I really enjoyed the book and think all sort of readers will enjoy it, not only WWII readers, but those who just want to sample 1940s memoir with a bit of a twist. #DeepDive2021
June 8, 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/used-zuma-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/zuma-sailb...
https://theboatyacht.com/kaufman-sail...
https://numberoneboats.com/kaufman-sa...
January 17, 2019
I was very satisfied with the book. It is a personal account of life as a soldier, including descriptions of short encounters with Nazi top heads, including Hitler.
It is centered in the day to day life and fears in charge of a group of people every time he was at sea.
It surprises to see the German Navy was quite rigid in its established rules for promotion, and how only a handful of people with military insight managed to promote and protect good ones as Suhren.
His very open description of his live shows in short glimpses perils of war, the ones that did not return, cowards that went out to sea and back evading clashing with the enemy, the stressed family lives and the strange lives of the Nazi top leaders.
It is centered in the day to day life and fears in charge of a group of people every time he was at sea.
It surprises to see the German Navy was quite rigid in its established rules for promotion, and how only a handful of people with military insight managed to promote and protect good ones as Suhren.
His very open description of his live shows in short glimpses perils of war, the ones that did not return, cowards that went out to sea and back evading clashing with the enemy, the stressed family lives and the strange lives of the Nazi top leaders.
May 13, 2022
A fascinating insight into the life of one of the most successful U-boat commanders. Covering Surhen's training his (frequent) clashes with authority and briefly some of his early cruises, the middle third goes into much more detail re: his last couple of trips which are very interesting, despite knowing what the encounters mean for one side or the other.
Whilst a little self-serving (understandably so I guess), Surhen seems to provide an reasonably honest assessment of the Battle of the Atlantic, and how the course of that changed over the course of WW2. I would have liked perhaps a bit more on 'life' aboard - the focus is very much on actions, so you do not get a sense of the everyday.
Definitely worth a read if you want to learn something about this part of the conflict.
Whilst a little self-serving (understandably so I guess), Surhen seems to provide an reasonably honest assessment of the Battle of the Atlantic, and how the course of that changed over the course of WW2. I would have liked perhaps a bit more on 'life' aboard - the focus is very much on actions, so you do not get a sense of the everyday.
Definitely worth a read if you want to learn something about this part of the conflict.
January 16, 2019
This is a pretty decent account of a U-boat commander in the Second World War.
There is not a lot of technical detail on the U-boats themselves which will disappoint some and it's not as gripping, dark and all encompassing as say Iron Coffins.
Still, it is worth a read.
Quite a bit of the book is his training and opinions on the war, Kriegsmarine and leading political figures which is at times quite interesting.
For me a real highlight is his experiences of meeting and sometimes talking to major historical figures such as Hitler. That is worth reading and was something I was not expecting.
Worth picking up.
There is not a lot of technical detail on the U-boats themselves which will disappoint some and it's not as gripping, dark and all encompassing as say Iron Coffins.
Still, it is worth a read.
Quite a bit of the book is his training and opinions on the war, Kriegsmarine and leading political figures which is at times quite interesting.
For me a real highlight is his experiences of meeting and sometimes talking to major historical figures such as Hitler. That is worth reading and was something I was not expecting.
Worth picking up.
January 4, 2018
A well written portrait of life in a U boat
An interesting portrait of one sailor's experience in rising through the ranks of the pre war German navy. The biography encompasses the war years through the surrender. Mr. Suhren appears to have been an honorable commander and was highly decorated for his service. Particularly interesting is his descriptions of meeting with high members of the naval command, Hitler and other high ranking party leaders. That said, I find it hard to believe when he professes ignorance of German atrocities.
An interesting portrait of one sailor's experience in rising through the ranks of the pre war German navy. The biography encompasses the war years through the surrender. Mr. Suhren appears to have been an honorable commander and was highly decorated for his service. Particularly interesting is his descriptions of meeting with high members of the naval command, Hitler and other high ranking party leaders. That said, I find it hard to believe when he professes ignorance of German atrocities.
March 19, 2023
One of the racier U boat commander autobiographies. Suhren certainly has a high opinion of himself which makes for entertaining reading- he doesn't just cover being depth charged etc but meets Hitler, parties with Eva Braun and Himmler as well as his bosses, Raeder and Donitz. However, the numerous awards seem to show that the powers that be considered him an extremely effective officer, and the book is well worth reading even if you have read many in the genre. It truly is a one of a kind U Boat book.
Want to read
January 28, 2021I’ve not read this book but Teddy Suhren was responsible for trying to kill my grandfather, Capt. Fred Christian, master of the ocean-going salvage tug, Empire Oak, 22/08/1941. Capt. Suhren succeeded in killing 23 others on board the vessel as well as sinking a number of other ships making up convoy OG 71.
Nicholas Montserrat on board HMS Campanula, which rescued my grandfather, drew on this experience to write The Cruel Sea.
Nicholas Montserrat on board HMS Campanula, which rescued my grandfather, drew on this experience to write The Cruel Sea.
February 5, 2023
Memorable account of a U-Boat Commander
On the plus side, Teddy and his brother, both highly decorated U-Boat Commanders, survived the war. One sad part--almost written as an aside near the end--was that his parents and sister committed suicide rather than be taken by the mob--the Russians.
On the plus side, Teddy and his brother, both highly decorated U-Boat Commanders, survived the war. One sad part--almost written as an aside near the end--was that his parents and sister committed suicide rather than be taken by the mob--the Russians.
November 19, 2018
Good read
I liked the first person account of a submarine captain. The transfer of torpedoes in the middle of the ocean shows that not only the Americans could come up with novel solutions to problems, the Germans could too.
I liked the first person account of a submarine captain. The transfer of torpedoes in the middle of the ocean shows that not only the Americans could come up with novel solutions to problems, the Germans could too.
March 23, 2019
The author delivered a glimpse into life on an u-boat. It wasn't ideal or appealing but then being in war time isn't. I learned a lot about the challenges they faced and the sacrifices made. I enjoyed the memoir very much.
September 27, 2019
One really remarkable book
This book reads just like reading the story of an English Naval officer's careeer.
It is really well written although there are some occasional words that seem to be the results of interpreting from German to English. These are few and far between.
This book reads just like reading the story of an English Naval officer's careeer.
It is really well written although there are some occasional words that seem to be the results of interpreting from German to English. These are few and far between.
June 20, 2020
Excellent book
Excellent story about the Reich submarine service. Teddy is a great story teller and his accounts of serving as a submarine CO and later as a shore commander are both entertaining and informative.
Excellent story about the Reich submarine service. Teddy is a great story teller and his accounts of serving as a submarine CO and later as a shore commander are both entertaining and informative.
August 7, 2020
An interesting history of a great character on the wrong side when the final whistle blew. It's a warts and all biography of a self-confessed flawed individual, who nevertheless achieved a great deal. He writes with an easy style, which makes it a good read.
August 11, 2021
Good insight to my fathers life as a young man
As first generation, my father was a displaced person from Danzig. He was younger than Teddy, but saw some of The same experiences. First book that went into post surrender of war.
As first generation, my father was a displaced person from Danzig. He was younger than Teddy, but saw some of The same experiences. First book that went into post surrender of war.
November 15, 2020
Great read!
One feels like he went through the whole war with the author. Most informative. I recommend this to any WW II history buff.
One feels like he went through the whole war with the author. Most informative. I recommend this to any WW II history buff.
March 11, 2022
Excellent real story of the uboat war from the inside
May 2, 2022
Good read
June 22, 2022
I did enjoy a lot to read this war memoirs. Well written, properly translated, interesting. A must to anyone interested in world war two naval warfare.
May 8, 2022
Highly entertaining, informative about submarine warfare.
March 2, 2016
A short book by the leading German U-boat ace. He finished the war with 18 missions and many more ships sunk than he is given credit for. Most of his missions were spent as commander of U-564, which was eventually lost in June 1943.
A rebel throughout his Naval career, he succeeded in spite of his outspokenness and his disdain for politicking. Highly decorated with the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, he met Hitler several times and even blagged an invitation to Berchtesgaden where he met Eva Braun and spent time with the Bormanns.
He was fortunate to be posted to an instructors position before the devastation of Black May 1943, where the Germans lost 41 U-boats in a single month. It represented a loss of 25% of the U-boat fleet and marked the end of the limited U-boat successes.
The book gives a brief biography of his early years and then focuses on his Naval training and eventual posting to the submarine branch. Not a lot of technical detail about the U-boats overall so it is quite easy to read.
A brave man who fought for his country and was rightfully proud of the role that he and so many of his dead comrades played. He died in 1984 and his ashes were scattered in the ocean in the same location where U-564 lies beneath the waves. (7/10)
A rebel throughout his Naval career, he succeeded in spite of his outspokenness and his disdain for politicking. Highly decorated with the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, he met Hitler several times and even blagged an invitation to Berchtesgaden where he met Eva Braun and spent time with the Bormanns.
He was fortunate to be posted to an instructors position before the devastation of Black May 1943, where the Germans lost 41 U-boats in a single month. It represented a loss of 25% of the U-boat fleet and marked the end of the limited U-boat successes.
The book gives a brief biography of his early years and then focuses on his Naval training and eventual posting to the submarine branch. Not a lot of technical detail about the U-boats overall so it is quite easy to read.
A brave man who fought for his country and was rightfully proud of the role that he and so many of his dead comrades played. He died in 1984 and his ashes were scattered in the ocean in the same location where U-564 lies beneath the waves. (7/10)
May 13, 2010
Suhren's book in centered not so much on the U-boat, but on the person of Teddy Suhren himself. Quite fitting for memoirs, it has a strange pace nonetheless, going from minute -albeit maybe a bit scarce- combat details to all kind of human reminiscences.
At some point, I wasn't sure what to think of the book. You cannot hold it against a man who saw combat to go about telling his own story the way he wants. Yet the simple interest of the book isn't where you'd expect. There aren't many details about combat, but Suhren does provide a myriad of information about the Kriegsmarine, the U-boat force, Dönitz, Hitler, and, more generally, the German navy as he saw it.
In the end, I definitely recommend the book. Not a book to learn everything there is to know about U-boats, but definitely an interesting, revealing glimpse of the German naval forces during the Second World War.
At some point, I wasn't sure what to think of the book. You cannot hold it against a man who saw combat to go about telling his own story the way he wants. Yet the simple interest of the book isn't where you'd expect. There aren't many details about combat, but Suhren does provide a myriad of information about the Kriegsmarine, the U-boat force, Dönitz, Hitler, and, more generally, the German navy as he saw it.
In the end, I definitely recommend the book. Not a book to learn everything there is to know about U-boats, but definitely an interesting, revealing glimpse of the German naval forces during the Second World War.
June 5, 2016
Well worth your valuable time....
I have been following this subject matter for over fifty years, and this work both taught me and clarified things for me. It's a well written first hand account of an exemplary Officer's and Gentleman's career. Enjoy the read and retain the wisdom.
I have been following this subject matter for over fifty years, and this work both taught me and clarified things for me. It's a well written first hand account of an exemplary Officer's and Gentleman's career. Enjoy the read and retain the wisdom.
August 9, 2016
great book, poor translated though.
October 29, 2016
Good book for ww2 historians
Excellent example of the struggle a uboat crew had to endure to make it back to love one's. Outstanding work.
Excellent example of the struggle a uboat crew had to endure to make it back to love one's. Outstanding work.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews