After reading a well-worn copy of Thomas Gallagher’s book The X-Craft Raid, I have been fascinated by mini-subs and the missions they completed or attempted during the Second World War. Three X-craft were to sink the Tirpitz at her berth in Norway, and the mission was moderately successful in that they were able to damage the German battleship in such a way she was out of action until spring of 1944. I learned that many countries produced midget submarines during the war, and Mr. Bauernfeind’s book, Midget Submarines 1939–45 covers these craft comprehensively. Molch, Biber, Seehund (Germany), Kaiten, Ha Series, Kairyu (Japan), Type Ca, Type CC (Italy), X-Craft, XE-Craft, and Welman (United Kingdom); these and more are midget submarines examined in this new Casemate publication.

This hardback book is printed on high-quality glossy paper and color photos of museum pieces and color profiles of some craft are included, as well as period black and white photographs. Each submarine is described, and an accompanying plate lists the specifications with displacement, range, diving depth, armament and measurements. Undersea photos of located and unrecoverable mini-subs are included whenever possible. There is extensive coverage of the midget subs which attacked Pearl Harbor. Production photos and some interior shots provide insight into the complex and cramped work spaces these brave submariners faced, often to their demise. Important missions are recounted, including some manned torpedo missions. The final chapter covers the Royal Navy Submarine Museum’s restoration to operating condition of a German Biber sub. Since it had been stored for years exposed to the elements, essentially every part of the submarine had to be evaluated and repaired. When completed, Tom Heron, the expert mini sub pilot of the attempted Kursk rescue, was asked to pilot this, the only operational WWII submarine in existence. The test dive went off without a hitch.

Those interested in World War II history, midget subs, manned torpedoes and the missions they attempted and completed will be well satisfied to have this book in their collection. Many thanks to Casemate for providing this book for review, and to IPMS for allowing me to share it with you.

(from the publisher)

About the Author

Ingo Bauernfeind studied military and naval history, visual communication, and documentary film at Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu. Ingo has completed 30 books about naval, military and aviation history and has directed or co-produced award-winning documentaries in cooperation with German and American TV networks, including films about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the Pacific War. In addition, Ingo has been producing interactive museum guides for history and naval museums in Pearl Harbor and in Germany.