In August 1943, the Luftwaffe began using radio-controlled anti-ship glide bombs. These proved very effective, sinking one battleship, crippling another, wrecking two cruisers and destroying numerous merchant ships within just a few weeks. However, a year later the Germans were forced to abandon their use, defeated by scientists who developed electronic systems to jam the radio links that guided the bombs.

Drawing on a wealth of new sources, Martin Bollinger examines what happened from both a historical and technological perspective and lays out a mission-by-mission analysis of effectiveness. Based on interviews with participants, intelligence documents, and archival records in four countries, his book chronicles the yearlong battle between the Allied seamen (the warriors) and the scientists (the wizards) for a story of courage, technical achievement, and sacrifice.

About the Author

Martin J. Bollinger has been a management consultant in the aerospace and defence industry for more than twenty-five years. A resident of Baltimore, MD, he is also the author of Stalin's Slave Ships.