"This book is a testament to the courage, tenacity, initiative and humour of the many thousands of Second World War submariners who served their countries, often in the most difficult and extraordinary circumstances. It allows men of all ranks and nationalities to tell their stories in their own words. Their accounts are expertly woven together by Jean Hood with additional references in the form of patrol reports, diary entries and letters. Some of these first-hand accounts come from post-war autobiographies but many have been gained during interviews and correspondence with veterans themselves. Their underwater world is brought vividly to life, from the monotony of patrol work to the adrenalin rush of an attack, and from the deathly stillness of trying to avoid Asdic detection to the drama of escaping a doomed boat. We can share their differing memories of food and drink and the common problems of sleeping conditions and capricious toilet arrangements."--Jacket.