BLURBS

This book, which was originally published in Germany in the 1930s, has never previously been translated into English. This is remarkable for it must rank amongst the classic memoirs of the First World War and of submarine warfare in either World War.

The author, Werner (Fips) Fürbringer, who was born in 1888 and lived to the grand old age of 94, served throughout the Great War in the new U-Boat arm of the Imperial Navy. At first he was watchkeeping officer aboard U20; in April 1915 he was given his first command. He continued to operate out of the Bruges U-Boat Base until his command was sunk and he was taken prisoner in July 1918. That he survived at all is in itself a near miracle when 80% loss rate was considered acceptable.

The events described by Fips in his enthralling war memoir read as excitingly as the best seafaring novel. However every word is true; further proof that fact is more fascinating than fiction.

While dedicated to the righteousness of his nation's cause and possessing boundless pride in the German U-Boat Service, the author comes across as totally humane and chivalrous; a true leader in the best tradition. It is remarkably easy to empathise with him and his comrades. Their escapades — and escapes — make for the most thrilling reading.

The book benefits from each chapter describing a particular episode.
Fips is indeed an epic tale and both naval historians and general readers have reason to be grateful to Geoffrey Brooks (who brought us Hirschfeld-The Story of a U-Boat NCO 1940-1946) for having rescued and translated it.

CONTENTS

Translator's Introduction
Introduction
1. My First Command
2. An Unpleasant Surprise on the English Coast
3. Friends in the Air
4. Commerce Warfare in Accordance with the
Prize Regulations
S. Where is Leutnant Busse?
6. Hurricane at Forty Metres
7. "I've Just Got this Feeling I Ought to be Careful"
8. Egg-Laying with UC-70
9. Lucky Voyage
10. Dover—Calais
11. Rammed!
12. Colsterdale
Epilogue
Index