PDF Summary:The Submariners, by John Winton

From their early days as unconventional weapons to their crucial roles in World War I, World War II, and the Cold War, The Submariners by John Winton traces the progression of British underwater vessels. This comprehensive account details the initial skepticism towards submarines, their evolution into decisive military assets, and the harrowing experiences of the crews who manned these silent hunters of the deep.

Winton explores the pivotal impact of British submarines in major conflicts, from sinking enemy ships and disrupting supply lines to nuclear deterrence patrols. He delves into the daring missions, tactical decisions by commanders, and camaraderie forged in the depths, offering an immersive look at the history and culture of Britain's "Trade."

(continued)...

• The use of submarines led to substantial losses, but it's important to consider that new tactics and technologies, such as convoys and depth charges, were developed to mitigate these losses.
• The role of submarines in World War II, though crucial, was complemented by other strategic factors such as code-breaking, industrial output, and international alliances.
• The operations of British submarines were daring, but similar operations were conducted by other nations' submarines, which also had significant impacts on the war effort.
• The heavy losses suffered by submarines must be contextualized within the broader scope of wartime casualties, and the survival rate of submariners was often higher than that of other branches, such as the infantry.

Submarine operations and experiences during the World Wars

Winton's anthology delves into the unique challenges faced by those working within the restrictive and intense conditions aboard submarines, highlighting the complex tactical decisions they are required to make and the strong bonds of fellowship that form among the crew members.

Life aboard the initial underwater vessels was fraught with danger and myriad difficulties.

In this part of Winton's collection, the focus is on the hardships and dangers encountered by the first generations of submariners, highlighting their rudimentary construction, the cramped quarters they tolerated, and the ever-present risks associated with malfunctions and clashes with enemies.

The early days of operating submarines were perilous, owing to their basic design, cramped spaces, and the hazardous methods used for submerging and resurfacing.

Winton skillfully portrays the challenges stemming from the basic designs of the early submersible crafts. The crew members faced a demanding environment due to the limited space, rudimentary sanitation facilities, and the unsophisticated nature of their underwater voyages. The inherent dangers of the initial use of submarines are highlighted by incidents like the sinking of HMS A.8 and the narrow escape of A.4, with both cases involving water entering through a ventilation tube. Sub-Lieutenant Ashmore's experience aboard the E.18 as it navigated The Sound emphasized the increased perils faced by submariners, stemming from undependable underwater communication and navigation systems.

In times of war, submarine leaders faced complex decisions regarding tactics.

Winton highlights the intricate decisions submarine commanders must make, emphasizing the need for them to act with both resolution and prudence to enhance results while minimizing risks.

Submarine commanders had the dual responsibility of confronting enemy forces and maintaining the stealth and security of their vessels against the protective warships.

Winton's anthology vividly illustrates how submarine commanders adeptly juggled the act of aggressively seeking out adversaries with the need to elude advanced methods intended to thwart their covert activities. The book portrays the intense strain that submarine commanders face through narratives like the challenging mission of the Sealion in the Skagerrak, where the captain had to weigh the peril of emerging to recharge batteries against the threat of enemy planes. The Storm submarine chose to confront enemy vessels directly with its surface guns in the Malacca Strait, a strategy that enhanced its capability to combat smaller coastal ships while simultaneously heightening its vulnerability to enemy assaults. The use of decoy trawlers like the Taraniki was a tactical ploy aimed at luring German submarines into exposed situations where allied vessels, including C.24, could engage them, highlighting the risky and unconventional tactics employed in submarine combat.

Individuals serving in the submarine branch developed a profound camaraderie and cultivated a unique cultural persona.

Winton explores the unique culture that emerged amongst submariners, forged by the shared hardships and risks of their profession.

Members of the submarine community often identified with the moniker "The Trade," signifying a set of distinct traditions, ceremonies, and a way of life intrinsic to their service aboard submarines.

Winton emphasizes the unique bond formed among the crew members as a result of the particular conditions inherent in submarine service. The expression 'The Trade,' as referred to by sailors or enlisted personnel, aptly encapsulated the specialized and somewhat clandestine nature of their work. Kipling's poem, included in the anthology, underscores the distinctive character of this group, emphasizing their hidden operations, their non-traditional approaches to executing tasks, and the frequent absence of public acclaim for their brave deeds. Winton provides a thorough examination of the unique traditions and rituals associated with 'The Trade', emphasizing the practice of hoisting skull and crossbones flags to signify the successful conclusion of missions, a tradition that originated in the interwar period and became widely acknowledged during World War II. Winton brings to life the unique lifestyle of those serving on submarines through enthralling narratives, including an incident aboard HMS R.4 and the personal adventures of Chief ERA Murdoch on HMS L.8, highlighting the tight-knit nature and unique characteristics of this group.

Other Perspectives

• While the text emphasizes the dangers of basic design and hazardous submerging methods, it's important to note that even with these limitations, early submarines were a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability, often pushing the boundaries of naval warfare and technology.
• The hardships endured by early submariners, though significant, also led to rapid advancements in submarine technology and living conditions, which could be seen as a testament to the resilience and innovation of the crews and designers.
• The focus on cramped quarters and basic sanitation might overshadow the fact that such conditions were common across many military vessels of the time, not just submarines.
• Highlighting specific incidents like the sinking of HMS A.8 could be seen as emphasizing the failures without equally considering the numerous successful missions that demonstrated the strategic value of submarines.
• The complex decisions made by submarine commanders were not unique to submarine warfare but were also mirrored in the command structures of other military branches, which also required a balance of aggression and caution.
• The use of aggressive tactics and direct engagement with enemy vessels by submarines like the Storm could be critiqued as a deviation from the primary strategic advantage of submarines, which is stealth.
• The use of decoy trawlers and other tactics mentioned might be criticized for their ethical implications in warfare, as they involve deception and could potentially endanger non-combatant vessels.
• The term "The Trade" and the unique culture of submariners, while fostering camaraderie, could also be seen as creating an exclusive environment that might have been difficult for new recruits or outsiders to integrate into.
• The tradition of hoisting skull and crossbones flags, while a significant part of submarine culture, could be critiqued from a modern perspective as glorifying a symbol often associated with piracy and lawlessness.
• Rudyard Kipling's poem and the narratives used to highlight the submariners' experiences might romanticize what was in reality a very dangerous and often grim service environment.
• The unique lifestyle and characteristics of submariners, as depicted through personal narratives, may not fully represent the diversity of experiences and perspectives of all those who served on submarines.

Submarines were crucial to naval tactics during the Cold War and in the skirmishes close to the Falkland Islands.

This segment of the narrative describes the evolution of submarines after the conflict, highlighting the transformative impact of nuclear propulsion on their performance, their critical role in the period of intense competition between the Eastern and Western powers, and their key involvement in conflicts surrounding the archipelago in the South Atlantic.

Submarines adapted to new technologies and missions in the postwar period

Winton's anthology chronicles the post-war era's advancements in submersible vessels, emphasizing the impact of technological advancements and shifts in strategic contexts on their development.

Nuclear propulsion, along with state-of-the-art detection technology and contemporary weapons, transformed the functional potential of submarines.

Winton emphasizes how the advent of nuclear propulsion revolutionized submarine operations. Commander Tim Hale served as the commanding officer aboard HMS. Dreadnought vividly illustrates the challenges and triumphs of this new technology. The Dreadnought's enhanced velocity, prolonged underwater endurance, and sophisticated features represented a considerable advancement beyond the capabilities of previous diesel-electric submarines. Submarines underwent significant changes in their fundamental roles in both submerged and above-water combat, with progress in pursuit technology highlighted by the adoption of navigational aids like the one used on the Renown, and the unveiling of sophisticated weaponry such as the Mark 24 Tigerfish, which is directed through wire guidance.

Submarines played a crucial role in the deterrence patrols throughout the Cold War period.

Winton delivers a thorough analysis of the United Kingdom's pivotal project centered on submarines equipped with ballistic missiles, highlighting their importance during the Cold War era, the complex technical challenges overcome, and the significant collaboration involved. The firsthand account provided by Vice Admiral Sir Hugh Mackenzie sheds light on the rigorous planning and intricate coordination required to execute the program successfully. Despite facing unexpected technical challenges and a collision, the teams involved showcased their dedication and expertise by successfully executing the first launch of a Polaris missile from the submarine Resolution. The anthology explores the experiences of individuals who serve aboard Polaris submarines, emphasizing the psychological pressures they face, the monotonous repetition of their daily responsibilities, and their perpetual awareness of the powerful weapons they control.

Submarines played a crucial role in the Falklands Conflict.

Winton highlights the pivotal roles played by submarines powered by nuclear and conventional diesel-electric means in the Falklands conflict, outlining their involvement in intelligence gathering, covert operations, and the controversial destruction of the General Belgrano.

British submarines, powered by both nuclear and conventional engines, undertook secret operations, gathered intelligence, and conducted critical strikes that played a key role in the triumph of British forces.

Winton's anthology sheds light on the often overlooked but vital role that submarines played in the Falklands Conflict. The HMS serves as an example of a vessel propelled by nuclear energy. HMS Conqueror played a strategic role in deterring the naval forces of Argentina, which operated submarines with diesel and electric propulsion. The Onyx was commanded by Lt.-Cdr. Johnson, proved ideal for clandestine tasks. Onyx's extended patrols, deployment of Special Forces units, and reconnaissance tasks played a crucial role in providing essential intelligence and support for the military operations conducted by Britain. The narrative emphasizes the flexibility and endurance of diesel-electric submarines facing supply chain challenges and severe weather conditions, exemplified by the episode where Onyx had to refuel on Ascension Island.

The sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano by the submarine Conqueror was a contentious yet pivotal incident.

Commander Wreford-Brown delivers a captivating narrative detailing the pivotal role HMS Conqueror's torpedo assault played in the demise of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano during the Falklands War. The assault, authorized after a change in engagement protocols, highlighted the pivotal role submarines assumed in resolving the conflict. The incident sparked debates among journalists and political figures, but Winton underscores its significance from a military defense perspective. He underscores that the sinking of the Belgrano, coupled with the persistent threat posed by submarines of the United Kingdom, effectively neutralized the naval capabilities of Argentina, thus granting the British Task Force a considerable advantage in strategy. The narrative acknowledges the heavy toll of warfare, as Wreford-Brown mourns those who perished beneath the waves when the Belgrano sank.

Other Perspectives

• While nuclear propulsion significantly enhanced submarine capabilities, it also introduced new risks and complexities, such as nuclear accidents or the environmental impact of nuclear waste.
• The role of submarines in deterrence patrols during the Cold War might be criticized for contributing to the arms race and escalating tensions between superpowers.
• The emphasis on ballistic missile-equipped submarines could be seen as an over-reliance on nuclear deterrence, potentially overshadowing the importance of diplomacy and other forms of conflict resolution.
• The effectiveness of submarines in the Falklands Conflict could be debated, considering the broader context of air power, logistics, and ground operations that were also critical to the outcome.
• The narrative may underrepresent the contributions of other branches of the military in the Falklands Conflict, possibly overstating the role of submarines.
• The sinking of the General Belgrano, while pivotal, remains controversial, with arguments that it may have escalated the conflict unnecessarily and resulted in avoidable loss of life.