Knight of the North Atlantic: Baron Siegfried von Forstner and the War Patrols of U-402 1941 1943

The book delves into the history of U-402, a Type VIIC German U-boat, during World War II, focusing on the Battle of the Atlantic. The U-boat's captain, Baron Siegfried Freiherr von Forstner, exhibited a deep sense of loyalty to his profession, country, and crew, fighting the war with a defined code of chivalry. Despite the growing danger, von Forstner remained committed to sinking Allied tonnage while ensuring the safety of his crew. His bravery and conduct at sea earned the respect of Captain, US Coast Guard (Ret) John M. Waters, who became his friend after the war. The story of von Forstner and U-402 parallels the rise and fall of the Wolfpack and reflects the ebb and flow of the Battle of the Atlantic.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

As World War II fades further into the past, a plethora of new books continue to emerge, delving into various aspects of this global conflict. These books offer fresh perspectives, drawing from recently declassified documents, while others seek to re-interpret events that were once considered well-understood. This book is no exception to this trend. The history of U-402, a Type VIIC German U-boat, is another captivating tile in the mosaic of the war, particularly focusing on the Battle of the Atlantic. U-402's conning tower proudly displayed the shield of its sponsoring German city of Karlsruhe, adorned with the Latin word "Fidelitas" - Fidelity. At the helm of U-402 was Baron Siegfried Freiherr von Forstner, a man who embodied this word through his unwavering loyalty to his profession, country, and crew. Born into an aristocratic military family with a long tradition of U-boat service, von Forstner served without the trappings of title, even after earning the prestigious Ritterkreuz (Knight's Cross). He waged the war like a knight of old, adhering to a defined code of chivalry. He engaged in duels with escorts, provided aid to fellow U-boats, and even rescued his enemy from the sea. As the intensity of the North Atlantic battlefield increased with each successive patrol, von Forstner remained steadfast in his commitment to sinking Allied tonnage while ensuring the safety of his crew. His daring and bravery at sea earned him the respect of Captain, US Coast Guard (Ret) John M. Waters, who served as a Watch Officer onboard the escort USCGC Ingham during several convoy battles against U-402. After the war, von Forstner embarked on an unexpected journey, becoming the chronicler of his former enemy. He forged an enduring friendship with von Forstner's family, which further deepened his understanding of the man and his remarkable story. The tale of von Forstner and U-402 parallels the rise and fall of the Wolfpack, reflecting the ebb and flow of the Battle of the Atlantic from its early operations in Europe.

Weight: 740g
Dimension: 183 x 253 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399096720