Much has been written about the German submarine arm during World War II, but what was really known about the men serving in these special "ships"? This book, written by a specialist of naval history, evokes how the men were recruited and how they went through the long arduous training (this training regime started to collapse in 1941); it also covers the main training schools, the principles, tactics, team spirit and politics together with the long test periods for the submarine itself. Many other aspects are covered, such as the drive and spirit with which Admiral Doenitz inspired the men; the very direct and informal relations between the Admiral and his U-Boat commanders, the very strong bond between the commanders and their men; the different compartments and machines, the men at action stations, daily life aboard with all the inconveniences of this claustrophobic life with its various superstitions, its hygiene problems, pollution, food etc. Jean Delize is a Doctor of History, a teacher of History and Geography and a specialist of the French, British and German Navies of the first half of the 20th Century. The book is fully illustrated throughout with contemporary photographs and modern color artworks