The horrors of U-boat warfare: the books that inspired Wolfpack by Roger Moorhouse.

KeywordsU-Boat War, Wolfpack, Das Boot, WWII, German perspective, naval history, PTSD, memoirs, historical narrative, empathySummaryIn this conversation, Antonia Senior and Roger Moorhouse dive into the complexities of the U-Boat War during World War II, discussing the launch of the book 'Wolfpack' and its influences. They explore the historical narratives surrounding German soldiers, the psychological impacts of U-Boat warfare, and the importance of empathy in understanding the experiences of those involved. The discussion also highlights the conditions faced by U-Boat crews and the significance of memoirs and accounts in shaping our understanding of this dark chapter in history.The books that inspired Wolfpack include Das Boot, by Lothar-Günther Buchheim; U-Boat Commander, Peter Erich-Kremer; Iron Coffins, Herbert Werner. TakeawaysThe U-Boat War is a complex and often overlooked aspect of WWII.'Wolfpack' aims to provide a German perspective on the U-Boat experience.'Das Boot' serves as a significant cultural reference for understanding U-Boat life.Writing about German soldiers requires a nuanced approach to avoid glorification.Empathy is crucial in recounting the experiences of U-Boat crews.The psychological toll of U-Boat warfare was immense, with many suffering from PTSD.Conditions aboard U-Boats were horrific, leading to severe health issues.Memoirs provide valuable insights into the personal experiences of U-Boat crews.The average age of U-Boat casualties was alarmingly young, highlighting the tragedy of war.Understanding the U-Boat War is essential for a complete narrative of the Battle of the Atlantic.TitlesDiving Deep into the U-Boat WarUnveiling 'Wolfpack': A New PerspectiveSound bites"It's a very exciting day today.""What if we flip that 180 degrees?""It's a pretty horrific experience."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the U-Boat War and Book Launch02:31 The Genesis of 'Wolfpack' and Influential Works05:21 Exploring 'Das Boot' and Its Impact08:11 The Complexity of Writing About German Soldiers11:29 Humanizing the U-Boat Experience14:18 The Horrors of U-Boat Warfare17:33 Mental Health and Combat Stress in U-Boat Crews20:19 Memoirs and Accounts of U-Boat Life23:10 Conditions and Challenges Faced by U-Boat Crews26:01 The Role of Empathy in Historical Narratives29:11 The U-Boat War's Human Cost32:05 Conclusion and Reflections on the U-Boat Experience