Battle Stations 43-08-05 (1) The Battle of the Atlantic

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Battle Stations 43-08-05 (1) The Battle of the Atlantic"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Battle Stations 43-08-05 (1) The Battle of the Atlantic
Release Date: February 1, 2025
Host/Narrator: Raymond Edward Johnson
Writer: Charles Gusman
Production: Special Events Department of NBC in cooperation with the Navy Department

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1. Introduction

"Battle Stations 43-08-05 (1) The Battle of the Atlantic" serves as the inaugural episode in a four-part series dedicated to dramatizing pivotal moments from the Golden Age of Radio. This episode delves into the intense and strategic naval conflict known as the Battle of the Atlantic, portraying the relentless struggle between Allied convoys and German U-boats during World War II.

2. Setting the Stage: The Onset of the Battle

The episode commences with an urgent call to "Battle stations" ([00:19] Captain), signaling the commencement of hostilities. Raymond Edward Johnson introduces the narrative, highlighting the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean—spanning three million square miles—and the daunting task of hunting hundreds of Axis submarines within this formidable domain ([00:30] Johnson). The tension is palpable as the historical context is established: the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor has thrust the American public into a state of urgent vigilance and wartime priorities ([01:26] Captain).

Notable Quote:
"The National Broadcasting Company Japanese Department of special events cooperating with United States Navy presents on this and the three succeeding parts entitled Battle Stations Tonight the Battle of The Atlantic Part 1." ([00:30] Raymond Edward Johnson)

3. The U-Boat Threat: Strategies and Tactics

The narrative shifts focus to the German U-boat fleet, emphasizing their strategic positioning along the Eastern Seaboard, an area ominously dubbed "U Boat Alley" ([01:43] Charles Gusman). Vice Admiral Carl Denitz, the mastermind behind Germany's U-boat operations, is portrayed strategizing within his headquarters in Kiel, inspired by Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz's aggressive U-boat warfare philosophy, "The deed is all" ([02:50] Charles Gusman).

Notable Quote:
"The U boats were there, but not her drum. January 1st, 5th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th. This is too easy. This is simplicity itself." ([04:52] Raymond Edward Johnson)

4. The American Struggle and Adaptation

As U-boats intensify their attacks, American merchant ships face unprecedented peril. The lack of adequate patrols and the unfamiliarity of U-boat tactics result in significant losses, with numerous ships being sunk within short spans ([01:43] to [02:50]). The United States Merchant Marine grapples with adapting to the ruthless efficiency of German submariners, leading to heavy casualties and a pressing need for improved defensive measures ([04:52] Raymond Edward Johnson).

5. Turning the Tide: Convoy System and Naval Responses

A critical turning point occurs when the U.S. Navy initiates the convoy system, organizing merchant ships into protected groups escorted by naval vessels. This strategy dramatically reduces the vulnerability of individual ships to U-boat attacks. The effectiveness of this system becomes evident by mid-May, with a 95% decrease in submarine successes against convoys ([13:04] Raymond Edward Johnson).

Notable Quote:
"The effectiveness of the submarine decreased by 95%. There were sinkings, yes, a few, but at a fearful price. For the escort vessels knew their jobs. They had learned." ([13:04] Raymond Edward Johnson)

6. Key Battle Incidents and Strategies

The episode vividly recreates several naval engagements, illustrating the cat-and-mouse dynamics between convoy escorts and U-boats. One such encounter depicts the detection of a submarine pack near a convoy, leading to coordinated depth charge attacks that result in the sinking of multiple U-boats ([18:53] Raymond Edward Johnson). These dramatizations underscore the tactical evolution and increasing proficiency of the Allied naval forces in countering the submarine threat.

Notable Quote:
"If we patrol 500 miles out, the U boats will be forced away from our shore." ([11:48] Captain)

7. Psychological Warfare and Intelligence

The narrative delves into the psychological aspects of the conflict, highlighting how secrecy and misinformation play pivotal roles. The U-boats, led by commanders like Donitz, attempt to project an image of invincibility, but increasing losses and effective countermeasures sow seeds of doubt among German submariners ([14:30] Raymond Edward Johnson).

Notable Quote:
"The seed of doubt is planted and it will grow." ([23:14] Raymond Edward Johnson)

8. Conclusion: The Outcome and Significance

By the episode's conclusion, it's evident that the Allies have gained the upper hand in the Battle of the Atlantic. Enhanced convoy tactics, increased production of escort vessels, and improved aerial patrols have collectively diminished the efficacy of the U-boat fleet. Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews declares confidence in eventual victory, emphasizing relentless efforts to erode Nazi submarine forces ([25:25] Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews).

Notable Quote:
"With all our resources, we are working toward the day when Hitler will be forced to admit that he is beaten in the Atlantic." ([25:07] Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews)

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Key Takeaways and Insights

• Strategic Importance: The Battle of the Atlantic was crucial in ensuring the steady flow of war materials to Allied forces, directly impacting the overall war effort.

• Adaptation and Innovation: The U.S. Navy's shift to convoy systems and the rapid production of escort vessels exemplify effective military adaptation in response to evolving threats.

• Psychological Warfare: The conflict wasn't solely maritime; psychological strategies and intelligence played significant roles in influencing enemy morale and decision-making.

• Collective Effort: The victory in the Atlantic was a testament to the combined efforts of military strategy, technological advancements, and industrial capacity.

Conclusion

"Battle Stations 43-08-05 (1) The Battle of the Atlantic" intricately weaves factual history with dramatic storytelling, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted naval conflict. Through engaging narratives, character portrayals, and strategic insights, the episode not only educates but also honors the resilience and ingenuity of those who served during one of World War II's most challenging theaters.

Transcript

[Captain]

Battle stations.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

Battle stations.

The National Broadcasting Company Japanese Department of special events cooperating with United States Navy presents on this and the three succeeding port is entitled Battle Station Tonight the Battle of The Atlantic Part 1.

Here is a page for history. Here is the story, still incomplete, of a grim uphill fight of a frantic hunt in 3 million square miles of water for hundreds of submerged needles the submarines of the Axis. Here is the story of the Battle of the Atlantic. That's Sunday. The Japanese serpent struck our western side.

[Captain]

The White House reports that there has been a Japanese attack on United States.

[Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews]

Bases at Pearl Harbor.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

This was it. And suddenly things the man on the street had never thought of became vitally. Oh, yes, urgent, important.

[Charles Gusman]

On map of Atlantic and eastern seaboard states of United States. The dotted line parallel to the coastline 300 miles offshore marks the limits of the area to be known for a time as U Boat Alley.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

They were there, the U boats. They were there somewhere. A neutrality patrol from Halifax to Reykjavik Knew they were there, saw 57 of them. Yes, the U boats were there. And there was tenseness along the sea lanes, whistling at night down a dark road past the graveyard. January 1st. Still no attacks. But they were there. The U boats were there. The word of one man is awaited. This man has laid his plans well. 29 of his 50 years are invested in preparations for the battle that awaits just his signal. Word.

[Charles Gusman]

Illustration. Thin lipped man, seamed face. Creator and commander of Germany's U boat fleet, Vice Admiral Carl Denitz, sitting at his desk at Kiel. As he speaks, he looks at the wall portrait of spike, bearded old Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, godfather of unrestricted U boat warfare in World War I. He is answering an anxious inquirer. We shall sink them by sail alone or in convoy. Grand Admiral Tirpitz, the U boat credo. The deed is all.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

Yes, the U boats are there. There is laughter beneath the sea.

[Charles Gusman]

Illustration. The interior of a Nazi submarine. This is the crew of a newborn. They're gay and not without reason, for it's been very hot for them of late in their operations near the western approaches to the British Isles. Now they have the entire Atlantic to prowl. They're happy, a new hunting ground and a fascinating technique to practice. The technique is called, we know it as the Wolf Pack strategy.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

The U boats were there, but not her drum. January 1st, 5th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th. This is too easy. This is simplicity itself. They told themselves soon they would be operating in our rivers, they thought, and the 10 following days supported that belief. Seven ships sunk. 49,000 tons. And the actions of the U boat crews demonstrated they had learned from Tirpitz credo.

[Charles Gusman]

Illustration. Crew of a merchant ship torpedoed off the east coast in a lifeboat.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

Keep your shirts on.

[Captain]

Let's surface to see if we got water and provisions nuts. They don't need a man their guns to find that out. Hey, maybe they're going to take some of us aboard for questioning.

[Charles Gusman]

Down. Down in the bottom of the boat.

[Captain]

Louses machine gunning us.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

I am direct up here, by the way. Come back.

[Charles Gusman]

The T is Alice.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

The deed is all. The rules have been made for the campaign. Rules with words written by a bloody finger across the face of them. Be ruthless. They had been dashing cavalierly figures among Germany's submarine commanders in the last war. Ruthless in their destruction of merchant tonnage, but solicitous over the welfare of the survivors. Not Dernitz's men. United States Merchant Marine was to learn that there was much to be learned.

[Captain]

If you hope to get your ship there, Captain, you'll have to change quite a few of the old habits. There are hundreds of Nazi submarines in the Atlantic. You'll have to stay in as close to shore as you can.

[Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews]

You know, Navy men know how to handle fighting ships. But I've been master of a ship since I was that high. I want to be out where I can move around.

[Captain]

You won't find much space to move around in Davy Jones Locker.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

There was a lesson to learn. And many merchantmen went to Davy Jones Locker to learn it. Closer and closer the shipping moved in to hug the shoreline. And bolder and bolder the U boats became. Soon the front yard of the United States was in truth U boat alley. Each TNT laden shark that churned through the coastal waters struck a blow that was felt throughout the frontier.

[Captain]

S.O.S. s.O.S. city of Memphis torpedoed 68 degrees 11 minutes west. 42 degrees 20 minutes north. Sinking fast. Abandoned ship ordered S.O.S.

[Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews]

O.S.

[Officer]

First Naval District to Eastern Sea Frontier.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

Go ahead.

[Officer]

S.O.S. picked up City of Memphis. Torpedoed 68 degrees 11 minutes west 42.

[Captain]

Message received. City of Memphis. 68 degrees 11 minutes east. 42 degrees 20 minutes north. Ensign, take this information to the potting room. Another sinking.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

In just a matter of minutes from the time the radio transmitter of the stricken ship spoke its last words. A young ensign strode into the huge room on whose walls spread a map of the Atlantic. And with a long pull pulled from the face of the map a numbered green disc of celluloid that had represented the city of Memphis and a black sliver of celluloid that represented the submarine moved to supplant it. Yes, here was the information on which to act. But where were the ships with which to strike back? It is past midnight, but lights of the Eastern Frontier Command burned late that night. Early in 1942 is another sinking, sir, off Boston.

[Charles Gusman]

Thank you. Gentlemen, while we've been talking, another ship has gone down. The U boat is able to lie outside our zones of plane patrol until dark, then steal into strike. There's a remedy, gentlemen. We must find it.

[Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews]

Why wasn't that ship using the Cape Cod canal?

[Charles Gusman]

That isn't the answer. Only the smaller boats can use the canal.

[Officer]

Well, then the solution is for shipping to move by daylight only. Now from Boston, the Long Island Sound can be made by daylight. New York, the Delaware Capes is another daylight run from the capes to Chesapeake Bay is still another.

[Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews]

We'll add one third to shipping time. But I see no other solution.

[Charles Gusman]

Still, that doesn't solve the problem of the traffic below. Norfolk. Norfolk to Charleston.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

What there?

[Officer]

Your suggestion seems the best, Captain. Minefields will have to be sewn and our shipping will have to take haven in them. During the hours of darkness.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

There was laughter beneath the sea. The vital coastwise shipping had been slowed perceptibly. And the nation felt it. Coffee on the ration list. Sugar on the ration list. That put the frothy head on the beer of Nazi laughter. The basis of the laugh was satisfaction. Crucially needed war materials were not reaching their destinations on time. Illustration.

[Charles Gusman]

An officer of the Navy addresses an officer of the army.

[Captain]

We believe it's within your power to solve one of our most pressing problems, sir. Then maybe your problem's solved.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

What can we do to help?

[Captain]

The U boats have moved in on our eastern seafront here. And they're able to operate close to our shores because the patrol planes we have, of which I'm afraid there are too few, aren't able to patrol out far enough. The cruising range is too short.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

Hmm. Sounds like a job for our long range bombers.

[Captain]

That was our thought. If we patrol 500 miles out, the U boats will be forced away from our shore. Then I'll see to it that an army bomber command is transferred to your control at the earliest possible moment.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

You will mark many turns in the Battle of the Atlantic. This was one. An army bomber command was transferred to the Navy. And its men were trained in the task of the Navy. Army flyers learned to identify ships from aloft, learned to carry out the tasks of shore patrol. An army bomber command became a Navy Task force and the navy from this public place expresses its gratitude and thanks for the U boats slowly were forced farther out to sea and around was won. And daily, hourly, the workers in the shipyards of America were doing their bit to choke the laughter that came from beneath the sea.

[Charles Gusman]

Illustration. A young lady stands on the platform gripping the neck of a champagne bottle. She raises it and brings it down on the sleek bow of the ship.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

And crashing down the waves of navy shipyards came another answer to the U boat destroyers. Enough so that by the 14th of May, our coastwise shipping was traveling in convoys from Norfolk to the Gulf. Then within a month, enough to convoy from New York to the Caribbean. And the effectiveness of the submarine decreased by 95%. There were sinkings, yes, a few, but at a fearful price. For the escort vessels knew their jobs. They had learned.

[Charles Gusman]

Illustration. Aboard the USS Fury, an officer stands with an observation observer, watching an efficient crew man a Y gun.

[Officer]

Well, you think you'll get the devil?

[Captain]

We'll see. If we don't, it won't be because we don't know how. You see, we've learned how to toss them out in an effective pattern. There goes the first one. If it isn't deep enough, the next one will be.

[Officer]

I wouldn't like to be caught between the two.

[Captain]

I doubt if the men down below care for it either.

[Officer]

Hey, how can you be sure when you've got yourself?

[Captain]

They don't chalk up a score at headquarters until we bring in the U boat skipper's pants to prove it.

[Officer]

Who knows when you do get one?

[Captain]

Somebody knows. Dernitz.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

Janet knew. Silent transmitters told him.

[Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews]

Hello?

[Charles Gusman]

Hello?

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

No, U73 will not answer. U73 has spread its blanket of oil on the Atlantic battlefield, to be dissipated by the unconcerned waves and forgotten to all except the man who runs his fingers through close cropped hair, turns and glares at the face of Grand Admiral Font Turpitz. The unoffended portrait returns the stare. I didn't have the answer in 1918. The painted eyes say. Have you?

[Charles Gusman]

They cannot convoy everywhere. Order them to move to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

If Donitz thought the United States Navy could not convoy within the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, it was because he could not hear the crash of countless magnums of champagne against the prows of new escort vessels. That sound could not be heard across the Atlantic. But it could be heard where laughter was dying beneath the sea.

[Charles Gusman]

The tense crew of a U boat that had a few minutes before been attacking a seemingly helpless merchantman now Watch an indicator that marks the depth of their dive. One remarks that something has gone wrong. Another observes that that is not unusual. Of late this crew can be seen tense as a depth charge thunders nearby. There is little laughter now. One tries to joke, says that maybe this is the way they're to get the leave they've been promised. He is told that he is not so funny. The craft quivers like a wounded animal as a depth charge releases its might. Nearby. One is sure that some of the seams have been opened by that charge. The speed of the descent that once seemed quite adequate does not seem so now. One of the crew remarks that the Americans are learning too much too fast. And his fellow crew members seem to agree.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

Don't be misled. The battle was not going our way even then, far from it. Sinkings were increasing. Figure 2.

[Charles Gusman]

Sinkings in ships. From January 14th, 1942 to to May 14th, 1942. 175 ships sinkings in ships. From May 14th to September 14th, 197 ships.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

Sinkings were increasing. But now the Eastern Sea frontier under the command of Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews was being armed and the Navy was striking back. The U boats had been driven to a greater degree from U boat alley, forced out into the sea to prey on lone ships which were too fast to travel in the convoys. But the varieties of U boat attack are infinite. And Donitz's voodoo system had its share of successes.

[Charles Gusman]

We are traveling in a convoy eastward.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

Number four one. Number four one.

[Captain]

Alter your course two points to starboard.

[Charles Gusman]

It is dark and silent this night. Only the sound of our prow slashing into the sea ahead is heard. That and the hum of the engines below. No light showing, but there are shapes in the mixture of moonlight and haze. Other ships in the convoy in files 200 cables apart, cutting a zigzag course through the black waters. A submarine pack has been reported in this area. Then suddenly the hitherto silent radiophone begins to speak.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

Submarine sighted, off to port.

[Captain]

All right, go after it.

[Charles Gusman]

The screen of ships in the escort line turns off to stalk down. The marauder and the merchantmen of the convoy move along in the silver haze. Then an explosion. Flames leap from a stricken tanker. The darkness gone. Seen a nightmare of red light and ships thrown into silhouette. More torpedoes find their marks.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

S. Dernitz had a way a submarine would allow itself to be sighted. This to draw up the escort vessels in pursuit. Then the other members of its pack worked into the center of the convoy and fired torpedoes in all directions. It worked once. Then with variations again, then with still other variations again, but with decreasing success. For experience, the teacher had brought defense. Almost even with attack, it merited a cautious word of optimism.

[Captain]

Can you say anything for publication on the battle against the sub, Sir? I can say that some of the recent visitors to our territorial waters will never enjoy the return portion of their voyage. Furthermore, the percentage of one way traffic is increasing while that of two way traffic is satisfactorily on the decline. But there will be no information given out about the fate of the submarine excursionists who don't get home until that information is no longer of aid and comfort to the enemy. The Nazis think themselves pretty clever in the field of psychological warfare. Secrecy surrounding the fate of their submarines is a counter blow the American people can give them, which may serve to shake some of their super confidence.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

How was the super confidence of the men who not long ago laughed under the sea? The words spoken in a press conference soon crackle in the air. And submarines have ears.

[Charles Gusman]

Illustration. The crew of a submarine listens.

[Captain]

I can say that some of the recent visitors to our territorial waters.

[Charles Gusman]

These men never affect a casual mocking expression. Their radio has told them of the ineffectiveness of the American defenses against submarines. But their radio has lied to them than before. They laugh, but their laughter has a hollowness that causes them to look aside at their crewmates. Could not this be true? Their eyes ask. One is bold enough to venture a question of how much of this is true, Claus. None of it, another responds. It's all rubbish. And they eagerly agree among themselves. But they are interested. The idiot blowing about now. Faces must not betray it. Each resolves to himself. But there could be something to all this talk of U boats being destroyed. This bold fellow suggests that our radio probably exaggerates as theirs does. It goes on to recall that a 3,000 ton vessel they had sunk was reported on the Nazi transmitters as being attended thousand ton ship. This is the seed of doubt that will grow.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

The seed of doubt is planted and it will grow. Yes, the number of sinkings was steadily increased, increasing. But in the most part this was because of the daring born of desperation that drove the U boat commanders in their efforts to stop the flow of war materials that were slowly blunting the knife of Nazi attacks against the Russians. The German losses in submarine were commensurate with hours in shipping. How many were sent to the bottom is a secret that only the end of the war will bring to light. A cautious statement from the Navy department said that all was going reasonably well. Which means that the opposite is True with the affairs of the man behind the desk beneath the portrait at Kiel, at some time between 14 January 1942 and today, the tide turned in the Battle of the Atlantic. It'll be for future historians and not this report to name the moment. But it may have coincided with a statement made by Secretary of Navy Knox on the night of April 22nd of this year.

[Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews]

He said, every submarine they have or can build in an effort to cripple our striking power before it can be aimed at their throat. We accept that challenge, and in accepting it, we are confident of victory. Therefore, this is in effect, a warning to the officers and men of the Nazi submarines that each combat voyage they undertake will be more dangerous than the last. This is an honest warning to the crews of German U boats that each time they go out there will be a sharply increasing likelihood that they will not come back. Here is the reason why we are now building, both in navy and private yards, destroyer escort vessels by the dozens.

[Charles Gusman]

Yes, the Secretary's words were heard in the enemy U boats. Prisoners taken from captured submarines since tell of hearing. And they were heard by the man who sits beneath the fortress of von Tirpitz behind a desk in an office in Kiel.

[Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews]

And they are releasing our regular destroyers for combat duty in the Pacific and elsewhere. In addition to vastly increased offensive power on the surface, our aerial protection is being stepped up to a vast extent. We are building auxiliary and converted aircraft carriers literally by the dozens. Like the destroyer escort vessels, these convoy carriers are not something projected for the future. They are already in action. New ones are being added at a rapid rate. These carrier aircraft will be supplemented by long range patrol planes operating from land bases. Finally, we have developed and are introducing certain new anti submarine weapons which we prefer the Germans to learn about in action. The Battle of the Atlantic, before it is finally decided, is bound to mean more losses on both sides. But if Hitler suffers enough losses in submarines and crews, he will not be able to replace them. With all our resources, we are working toward the day when Hitler will be forced to admit that he is beaten in the Atlantic. When that day comes, the end of Nazi power will be in sight.

[Raymond Edward Johnson]

You have heard the history of the Battle of the Atlantic to what we may hope has been its turning point. And there is another story. The story of the men and the mechanisms by which the battle has been brought to this favorable turn that will be told in part two of this document. The Battle of the Atlantic.

This has been the first in a series of four programs prepared by the Special Events Department of NBC in cooperation with the Navy Department. Raymond Edward Johnson was heard tonight as the narrator. Tonight's report was written by Charles Gusman. The music was composed and scored by Leo Campinski, and the orchestra was directed by Joseph Sto. Pakistan Battle Stations was directed by Joseph Mansfield. Next Thursday at this same time. Battle Stations. Nursing is one of the highest callings in the service of mankind. And there can be no more exalted service than that to which a nurse dedicates herself saving lives. And right now, there's an urgent and immediate need for student nurses. America needs 65,000 new student nurses now to join the US Cadet Nurse Corps at once. These students are needed to replace the nurses who have already gone into the armed services. So if you would like to be a nurse, Write to the U.S. cadet Nurse Corps, Box 88, New York City. That's U.S. cadet nurse corps, box 88, New York City. And they'll be happy to send you information about how you can join the Corps. The US Cadet Nurse Corps, Box 88, New York City. However, please do not write unless you meet the following requirements. The age limit is between 17 or 18, depending upon state and nursing school regulations. You must have graduated from high school with satisfactory grades. And, of course, your health must be good. If you qualify, join the U Cadet Nurse Corps now. Save a life and find your own. This is the National Broadcasting Company.