The E-Boat Threat

During World War II, the control of coastal waters became crucial for defense and amphibious landings. Motor boats armed with torpedoes and light guns were the ideal craft for this purpose. Major powers like Britain, Germany, and the USA built up large fleets of these boats, mainly operating at night to penetrate minefields and attack enemy coastlines. The first real threat came from German E-boats in the North Sea and English Channel, leading to a unique conflict between British MTBs, MGBs, and American PT boats. Defense methods included the use of aircraft, destroyers, and motor gunboats, sometimes under a unified command.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

One of the most significant lessons learned from World War II was the immense importance of coastal waters. Prior to the war, the significance of controlling these waterways was not fully appreciated, both in terms of defending vital convoys and launching offensive operations. While land-based aircraft could conduct offshore operations during the day, destroyers and cruisers patrolled the deeper waters. However, the ideal vessel for operations in coastal waters was a motor boat equipped with torpedoes and light guns.

Despite the need for such boats, none of the major powers had a substantial fleet of them operational at the start of the war. However, this situation quickly changed as large fleets of highly maneuverable motor torpedo boats were built up by Britain, Germany, and the United States. These boats were primarily used at night, as they were small enough to navigate through minefields and reach the enemy's coastline without being detected. They were also fast enough to escape after firing their torpedoes.

Motor torpedo boats played a crucial role in every major theater of war, but the first significant threat they faced came from German E-boats in the North Sea and English Channel. These boats were designed to attack British convoys, which were vital for supplying troops and supplies to the war effort. In response, British MTBs (Motor Torpedo Boats) and MGBs (Motor Gunboats) were deployed to counter the E-boat threat. Later, American PT boats also joined the battle.

One of the unique aspects of the E-boat conflict was the close-quarters fighting that often occurred. These boats were small and agile, allowing them to engage in hand-to-hand combat with larger warships. This led to some of the most intense battles of the war, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

The development of German E-boats is explored in detail in The E-boat Threat. The book describes the process of designing and building these deadly little craft, as well as the training of their crews, who were usually volunteers. It also discusses the gradual evolution of tactics in response to wartime experience. Methods of defense were also employed, including the use of aircraft and destroyers, as well as motor gunboats, which sometimes operated under a unified command.

Overall, the importance of coastal waters in World War II cannot be overstated. The control of these waterways was critical for the success of both sides in the war, and the development of motor torpedo boats played a vital role in achieving this control. The E-boat threat was a significant challenge that the British and American forces faced, but they were able to overcome it through the deployment of innovative tactics and the use of advanced technology.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399019873