U-47 in Scapa Flow

The Sinking of HMS Royal Oak 1939

U-47 in Scapa Flow cover

Description

At the outset of World War II, Scapa Flow was supposed to be the safe home base of the British Navy – nothing could penetrate the defences of this bastion. So how, in the dead of night, was Gunther Prien's U-47 able to slip through the line of protective warships to sink the mighty Royal Oak? This book provides the answer with an account of one of the most daring naval raids in history. Drawing on the latest underwater archaeological research, this study explains how Prien and his crew navigated the North Sea and Kirk Sound to land a devastating blow to the British. It reveals the level of disrepair that Scapa Flow had fallen into, and delves into the conspiracy theories surrounding the event, including an alleged cover-up by the then First Sea Lord, Winston Churchill.

Product details

Published 20 Oct 2015
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472808912
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 20 b/w; 3 col
Series Raid
Short code RAID 33
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Angus Konstam

Angus Konstam is a Fellow of the Royal Historical…

Illustrator

Peter Dennis

Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazine…

Illustrator

Alan Gilliland

Alan Gilliland, a contributor to more than 70 Ospr…

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases

Free UK delivery for orders £30 and over