Shop Ani- May
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$4.99 with 62 percent savings
Print List Price: $12.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Sir Peter Gretton
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Convoy Escort Commander: A Memoir of the Battle of the Atlantic (Submarine Warfare in World War Two) Kindle Edition

by Sir Peter Gretton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 1,437 ratings
An engrossing memoir that uncovers the turning point of the Battle of the Atlantic against the U-boat menace.

Perfect for fans of Ian Toll, Jonathan Dimbleby or C. S. Forrester’s Greyhound.

Vice Admiral Sir Peter Gretton’s book is a brilliant account of his career in the navy through World War Two: fighting in the Second Battle of the Narvik, guarding convoys in the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic, before being placed in charge of Escort Group B7, which he described as “the finest job in the Navy for a new commander”.

It was in this role that Gretton, and the seven warships under his command, were able to make their contribution to turning the tide against the U-boat threat.

On the 22nd April 1943 Gretton was in charge of the escort for Convoy ONS 5 during its journey across the North Atlantic. Over the course of the voyage they were attacked by over fifty U-boats, and although they lost thirteen ships they managed to sink six U-boats and seriously damage many more.

The U-boats had never faced such fierce resistance to their lethal raids. As the great historian Samuel Eliot Morison stated: “the glorious battle of a British escort group under Commander P. W. Gretton to the Westbound convoy ONS 5 is regarded by both the Allies and the Germans as a turning point in the struggle for the North Atlantic.”

What tactics had Gretton used to fend off Doenitz’s terrifying submarine wolf packs? And how had these strategies developed over the course of the war?

Convoy Escort Commander demonstrates how Allied commanders searched for new methods to repel U-boat assaults, including using direction-finding radio and radar, employing special tactical formations, co-ordinating with air cover, and endeavouring to keep the convoy together and prevent straggling.

This book takes the reader to heart of the action and is an impressive account of the Battle of the Atlantic and the Royal Navy in World War Two.

“It is a delight to read a book that still resonates today as both history of the battle against the U-Boats but also about inspiring leadership at sea. Well recommended to young and old alike.” David Collins, The Naval Review

“one of the best memoirs of the Battle [of the Atlantic]” Acadiensis: Journal of the History of the Atlantic Region
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Part of series
    Submarine Warfare in World War Two
  2. Print length
    256 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    August 29, 2021
  6. File size
    2.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you borrow the Kindle edition of this book with your Kindle Unlimited membership. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 7 books in this series.
  • Kindle Price:
    $23.95
    By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  17. The Cruel Sea
    Kindle Edition
    $7.99
  24. Thirty-Five Missions Over Japan
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Gretton, KCB, DSO, OBE, DSC, was an officer in the Royal Navy. He was active during the World War II Battle of the Atlantic and was a successful convoy escort commander. He eventually rose to become Fifth Sea Lord and retired as a vice admiral before entering university life as a bursar and academic.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0968R6PPP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 29, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1800552623
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Submarine Warfare in World War Two
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 1,437 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Sir Peter Gretton

Sir Peter Gretton

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
1,437 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book to be a very good read and fascinating, with one review highlighting its comprehensive coverage of critical naval engagements during the Battle of the Atlantic.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

10 customers mention "Readability"9 positive1 negative

Customers find the book to be a good read, with one mentioning its elegant narrative.

"...Easy to read, informative, interesting, and written by a man who could not have been more centrally involved in the actual operation of convoys...." Read more

"...related narratives then you will like this book I recommend it as a good one and I think you will like it too" Read more

"A most charming, elegant narrative. The author personifies British military reliance upon an officer’s character...." Read more

"Descriptive,historical importance and reads well ! Good review of our past history with tyrants and thoughts of how we deal with them." Read more

6 customers mention "Information quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and fascinating, with one customer highlighting its comprehensive coverage of critical naval engagements.

"...Easy to read, informative, interesting, and written by a man who could not have been more centrally involved in the actual operation of convoys...." Read more

"...But he did not have a knack for story telling, and this is a fascinating but dry report, most suited for naval officers." Read more

"...There is an abundance of educational material here for both modern military thinkers and practitioners." Read more

"Descriptive,historical importance and reads well ! Good review of our past history with tyrants and thoughts of how we deal with them." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • coastal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is very well written. This is one book that I was sorry to finish. I learned more about the convoy business here than in any other related book I’ve read. Easy to read, informative, interesting, and written by a man who could not have been more centrally involved in the actual operation of convoys. Recommend to all!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Crockett
    4.0 out of 5 stars very good read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    If you like war related narratives then you will like this book I recommend it as a good one and I think you will like it too
    Helpful
     Report
  • Robert Taft Kiser
    3.0 out of 5 stars Written by a senior officer, not a storyteller
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Sir Peter Gretton was without a doubt a naval hero and one of the men who saved Britain. But he did not have a knack for story telling, and this is a fascinating but dry report, most suited for naval officers.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • George D. Kenney
    5.0 out of 5 stars An essential WWII memoir
    Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A most charming, elegant narrative. The author personifies British military reliance upon an officer’s character. Low key, leavened by dry wit, yet comprehensively covering critical naval engagements. There is an abundance of educational material here for both modern military thinkers and practitioners.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Descriptive,historical importance and reads well !

    Good review of our past history with tyrants and thoughts of how we deal with them.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon Customer.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting reading
    Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    An interesting insight into the battle of the Atlantic, thoughhly enjoyed this book brief to the point and captivating all the ingredients of a great book.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Chicago Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    For those interested in learning more about the Battle of the Atlantic, you won't go wrong with this eyewitness account.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jorge
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The author provides a captivating history of the convoy system. The author provides both big picture and intriguing details of the system.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Deep diver
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read
    Reviewed in Spain on February 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is an enthralling account of the longest battle of WWII. Told in the concise manner one would expect of a naval officer, full of detail and humour. Readers of a sensitive nature might have problems with some of the phrasing which is colloquial for the time but perhaps not nowadays.
    Report
  • Bri
    3.0 out of 5 stars Abbastanza interessante
    Reviewed in Italy on February 14, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Questo libro contiene diversi fatti interessanti sulla vita abordo di un sommergibile durante la Seconda Guerra mondiale ma non è scritto molto bene. Assomglia più ad un diario che un libro.
    Report
  • Jayare
    5.0 out of 5 stars Accurate Book Title
    Reviewed in Canada on July 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The author’s journey as a commanding officer in the Battle of the Atlantic takes the reader through this part of the Second World War from the perspective of naval convoy escort duties including the changes that influenced the way the allies fought the U-boats. This adventure is well written and keeps the reader’s interest throughout. Pace picks up as the war progresses. The author gives the reader a great sense and feeling of the conditions and challenges facing the ship’s crew and the convoy. Great read for insights into the war at sea in the Atlantic.
    Report
  • NeilA
    5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND FANTASTIC TALES AT SEA IN WW2
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of the best Naval books about WW" that I have read. Still to finish it but the detail is amazing and the bravery and skill of these people who fought at sea should be remembered and applauded. Great Read
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars authentic first hand account
    Reviewed in Australia on May 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent account of the convoy system in ww2
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report