This illustrated history of World War II describes the inter-related nature of the events which took place in the Baltic and North Seas, in the Arctic, the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. Photographs from all the countries involved give insights into the events of half a century ago and the author includes information which has emerged in recent years from the former Eastern Bloc countries. The author, who was a witness to the terrible events of 1939-1945, aims to create a vivid picture of the realities of war at sea and to give some idea of how the conflict was enacted and how it affected the men who took part in it. Every aspect of the naval war is addressed, from the top-level discussions and decisions concerning technical requirements and operations, to the events of the battles themselves.