Midget Submarines 1939-45
240 pages
Chris Davies
Many will be familiar with the attack on Tirpitz, when British X-Craft penetrated a Norwegian harbour with the aim of neutralising a major threat to Allied convoys. Others may be aware of the submarines that formed part of the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor, with I-class submarines transporting five Type A midget submarines to participate in the attack. Although neither of these operations fully achieved their intended goals, they demonstrated the potential of such weapons, particularly to the Germans, who took note of how close the X-Craft had come to sinking Tirpitz and subsequently decided to develop their own variants.
It is to these vessels, and others like them, that Bauernfeind dedicates Midget Submarines 1939–45. The author provides a detailed exploration of the various classes of midget submarines and manned torpedoes employed during the Second World War. His descriptions of their design and construction are supported by a range of excellent images, allowing the reader not only to visualise the vessels but also to appreciate their scale. These include wartime photographs, modern images of preserved examples in museums, as well as sketches, technical diagrams, and artwork, collectively offering a comprehensive visual understanding.
In addition, Bauernfeind supplies concise overviews of the operations in which these craft were employed, alongside key technical details such as year of construction, length, beam, crew complement, and armament. These elements combine to bring the subject to life in an accessible and engaging manner, something that many existing publications on the topic fail to achieve.
Just before the conclusion, Bauernfeind includes an account of the restoration of a Biber (German for ‘beaver’)-class submarine, undertaken in my hometown of Gosport in 2003 as part of Channel 4’s Salvage Squad. This chapter effectively captures the complexities of the project and outlines the steps taken to overcome them without becoming overly technical. As with earlier sections, it is supported by a series of striking images, illustrating the condition of the vessel before restoration, the work in progress, and the results of subsequent testing.
If there is any criticism to be made, it lies in the absence of a formal reference list or bibliography. While the book is not intended as an academic study, which makes this omission understandable, its absence may frustrate readers wishing to pursue further research or verify the author’s sources. Although references are provided for the photographic material, and the text occasionally directs readers towards museums and other sources of information, a more structured bibliography would have significantly enhanced the book’s utility. That said, a ‘further reading’ section is included, which may offer some guidance to those interested in exploring the subject further.
Overall, Bauernfeind has produced a thoroughly enjoyable, well-written, and accessible study of vessels that are often overshadowed by their larger, more prominent, and more operationally successful counterparts. His engaging style, combined with carefully selected imagery, brings the subject vividly to life. The book serves as an excellent introduction not only to midget submarines but also to submarine warfare more broadly and stands as a valuable addition to the author’s already noteworthy body of work.
