Silent Killers: Submarines and Underwater Warfare

James Delgado, Osprey Publishing, June 2011.

ISBN: 978-1849083652.

James P. Delgado is an expert in underwater archaeology as well as marine history. In a detailed and well-illustrated book, Delgado traces the history of submarines from their humble beginnings to the position now, where they are a most formidable weapon, armed with nuclear capability. He reviews the development of the submarine into their present state and pays much attention to the German U-Boat menace, which came very close to starving Britain into defeat in both World Wars. Cold War development post-1945 is well documented. There are many colour photographs used, as well as black and white photographs and line drawings. The author has done some diving on submarine wrecks in pursuit of his research. This is an excellent book, which will appeal to anyone wanting to expand their knowledge. As someone who once went on board a British World War II submarine in a museum and was glad to get off such a cramped vessel again, I admire the men who served (and often died), in them. I can thoroughly recommend this book.