S-Boote: German E-boats in action 1939-45 (2003) By J. P. Dallies- Labourdette
 
S-Boote, German E-Boats in Action, is a very complete, stand alone history of the German `fast boats' used in WW2. Author Jean-Phillippe Dallies Labourdette traces the creation of these torpedo boats back to WW1, the intra war development and operational use from 1939-45.

This is a hard bound, high glossy page book with good quality photos, line drawings (several in color), mostly b&w, but some color photos and maps. German propaganda magazine photos and posters are shown here to provide insight of the living quarters and layout of the boats. Each variant is described, as well as tactics, weapons of the German Navy as well as the opponents - there are descriptions of Italian, British, Soviet, US boats here as well. The author shares operational stories to show tactics, conditions used. There are organizational charts, descriptions of the various flotilla and WW2 photos of some of the Captains of the E Boats.

Some surprises in the text - S Boats were made of plywood (but since larger, more seaworthy than PT boats) and had longer range than PT Boats. According to the author, there were problems early in the war with the magnetic warheads on the torpedoes which paralleled problems in the US Navy. 239 were made of all types. As with the PT boat, the weapons were beefed up throughout the years to add more and higher powered cannon on board. Color cutaways are used to show different torpedoes used, mines are also given attention here, as are photos of Naval Bases in French ports, the Allied use of Tallboy bombs to try to knock out the bases.
 
Hard Cover with Dust Jacket
174 pages 
In good condition