07-15-2019, 05:38 PM
I enjoy watching the History Guy. He seems to have taken his information primarily, if not exclusively from Thunder Below!: The USS Barb Revolutionizes Submarine Warfare in World War II by Eugene Fluckey. I have this book on audiobook and have listened to it several times. It is a VERY ENJOYABLE book. Fluckey is quite the story teller.
Fluckey was a very unique sub captain, very intelligent, always looking for new ways to harass the enemy. He was extremely creative, even going so far as to having a rocket launcher installed on his submarine in order to better harass inland targets, essentially proving a previously unconsidered notion that submarines could serve in this capacity, and eventually as missile platforms.
However, the submarine did not sink a train, not in the tradition sense that you would think of the sub using a torpedo. Fluckey had seen this train previously on various patrols and could not figure out how to get to it. During the course of his command, he had his men get firearms and combat training, mostly for the purpose of boarding vessels. Using a scuttling charge from his boat, Fluckey sent several of his men ashore to blow up the tracks, causing the train to derail, part of which apparently rolled down hill into the water. Not only was the sub credited with the train, but also with invading Japan.
Fluckey, aka "Lucky Fluckey" was an amazing commander. I would strongly suggest those of you interested in WWII or submarines, or who just enjoy history to take a look at this book. It is very well done and in many places, actually quite funny.
Fluckey was a very unique sub captain, very intelligent, always looking for new ways to harass the enemy. He was extremely creative, even going so far as to having a rocket launcher installed on his submarine in order to better harass inland targets, essentially proving a previously unconsidered notion that submarines could serve in this capacity, and eventually as missile platforms.
However, the submarine did not sink a train, not in the tradition sense that you would think of the sub using a torpedo. Fluckey had seen this train previously on various patrols and could not figure out how to get to it. During the course of his command, he had his men get firearms and combat training, mostly for the purpose of boarding vessels. Using a scuttling charge from his boat, Fluckey sent several of his men ashore to blow up the tracks, causing the train to derail, part of which apparently rolled down hill into the water. Not only was the sub credited with the train, but also with invading Japan.
Fluckey, aka "Lucky Fluckey" was an amazing commander. I would strongly suggest those of you interested in WWII or submarines, or who just enjoy history to take a look at this book. It is very well done and in many places, actually quite funny.
Kill a hog. Save the planet.
My videos - https://www.youtube.com/user/HornHillRange
My videos - https://www.youtube.com/user/HornHillRange