The Capture of U-505: The US Navy's controversial Enigma raid, Atlantic Ocean 1944

The US Navy captured the first enemy warship at sea since 1812, U-505, by Captain Gallery's risky plan to capture scuttled U-boats. The book explores Gallery's strategy, why he thought the reward was worth the risk, and the potential exposure of the Bletchley Park codebreaking secret.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The United States Navy's capture of the enemy warship U-505 at sea marked a significant milestone since 1812. In this captivating account, Captain Gallery takes center stage as he meticulously plans and executes the raid on his own initiative. The success of this daring operation almost jeopardizes the entire war against the U-boats.

On June 4, 1944, a U.S. Navy antisubmarine task group encountered an enemy U-boat in the Atlantic. Although the Allies had previously taken German U-boats as prizes, the capture of U-505 was unique. Captain Gallery and his Task Group 22.3 devised a risky plan to capture scuttled U-boats.

This book delves into the intricate details of Gallery's dangerous strategy, utilizing contemporary sources to explore why he believed the reward outweighed the risk. Instead of attempting to sink the next U-boat that surfaced, a destroyer escort would send off its whaleboat. The remaining ships were to engage in light gunfire to swiftly force the U-boat's crew to abandon ship. Unbeknownst to Gallery, the Allies had already cracked the Germans' codes, and the capture of a U-boat could potentially expose the highly classified Bletchley Park codebreaking secret.

Gallery's audacious plan culminated in the successful capture of U-505 in early June. This daring operation came perilously close to jeopardizing the secrecy of Bletchley Park and potentially altering the course of World War II.

Featuring captivating contemporary photographs, specially commissioned artwork, and 3D maps, this book offers a fascinating exploration of one of the most controversial and perilous raids in history. It sheds light on the bravery and ingenuity of Captain Gallery and his crew, as well as the critical role played by Bletchley Park in deciphering the enemy's codes.

The capture of U-505 not only marked a significant victory for the Allies but also showcased the immense power of intelligence and collaboration in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the enduring impact of the codebreakers' efforts on shaping the course of history.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 184 x 247 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472849366