The Cruise of the German Raider Atlantis
The Cruise of the German Raider Atlantis Atlantis, one of Germany’s most successful World War II raiders, boasted the concealed firepower of a light cruiser yet had no armor, relying on her beguiling appearance to surprise the enemy. During her two-year cruise behind Allied lines, she captured or sank twenty-two merchant ships, broke enemy codes, and got hold of valuable intelligence material from the British that included secret plans for the defense of Singapore. Using the ship’s log, crew interviews, and extensive research, the author recounts the real story behind the mystery ship that rarely flew her own flag and never wore her own name.
Joseph P. Slavick draws on previously unavailable data to detail Atlantis’s 655-day saga, from outfitting and crew selection to a daring mine-laying mission and attacks on Allied ships that resulted in the loss of more than 145,000 tons of goods, and to reveal the captain’s tricks of naval stealth and evasion. At the same time he provides information on the Allied intelligence agencies’ responses to the raider threat and the subsequent Allied actions to eliminate the raider threat. Slavick also details Atlantis’s eventual destruction and the rescue of her crew. As a chronicle of an often misunderstood kind of strategic and economic warfare, the book stands as a tribute to the dedication, tenacity, resourcefulness, and chivalry of a unique naval officer and his handpicked crew. Their intriguing story will appeal to all readers who like military history, epic, true-life adventure stories, and the lore of the sea. 256 pages. 13 photographs. Notes. Bibliography. Index. Hardcover. 6 x 9 inches.
Customer Review: The Cruise of the German Raider Atlantis
An engrossing read that kept bringing me back for more. Joe Slavic is a meticulous historian with an easy, readable style. His book on the World War II raider ship Atlantis brings to light a slice of military history few people have heard of. The Atlantis circumnavigated the world for almost two years sinking or capturing 22 Allied ships while disguised as a merchant vessel. Perhaps the most compelling part of the book is the story of its skipper. Captain Rogge fought a deadly cat and mouse war on the high seas while showing surprising humanity for both his men and opponents. The insightful portrayal of Captain Rogge provides a leadership laboratory in how to hold a team together and bring them back alive.
Customer Review: A THRILLING AND EXHILARATING READ!
Joe Slavick has put together an impressive work that tells the story of a type of warfare that is seldom discussed. The compelling exploits of the crew of the Atlantis is definitely a story worth telling. Having served on a naval vessel for over a year myself, the prospect of staying at sea for 622 continuous days as the Atlantis did is a feat almost beyond my comprehension. Joe Slavick’s research is detailed and very comprehensive and his writing style is comfortable and easy to read. His detailed descriptions of daily life aboard the Atlantis and the chivalry and regard for human life in which Captain Rogge and the crew of the Atlantis carried out their mission serves to humanize the enemy. I have read hundreds of books about armed conflict and I can honestly say this is the first time I have ever rooted for the enemy. One can really tell that Joe Slavick developed a tremendous amount of respect for the crew of the Atlantis during the course of his research and the reader cannot help but to share in this feeling. This is a very good book that I highly recommend to anyone interested in Military history or just a thrilling exploit of heroism and honor.
