Periscope View: A Remarkable Memoir of the 10th Submarine Flotilla at Malta 1941-1943

by G.W.G. Simpson

For the critical years of WWII the key role of the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean was to interrupt the flow of Axis supplies to Rommel’s armies in North Africa. The possession of Malta, right on the supply lines, allowed this role to be carried out. The author, in command of the 10th Submarine Flotilla, played a central and unique role in this battle. In incredible conditions, and under a furiously mounting air bombardment, which at times exceeded the full force of the German bombardment of England during the battle of Britain, Commander Simpson operated the fragile submarines and to press the attack against enemy shipping despite appalling submarine losses both at sea and in harbor.

This is a remarkable memoir by a man who rarely had a commonplace reaction to a full and dangerous life of brilliant submarine service.

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 1972

Reviews

[Yong Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up the book because I knew nothing about British submarine warfare. Unfortunately I am not any wiser. The most compelling part of the book is the descriptions of Malta during the war and deprivations suffered. I have no doubt Admiral Simpson was an exceptional leader. The book however could have captured his war experience better.