Churchill recognized the U-boat presence in the Atlantic as the main menace that almost brought Britain to her knees. The maintenance of trading links with the outside world was absolutely critical - not just for vital war supplies but for the sustenance of the civil population. This task fell on the shoulders of the extraordinarily brave merchant sailors manning the defenseless vessels that were targeted by the U-boats. The merchant seamen lived under constant threat of being torpedoed without warning. They knew that their chances of survival in the freezing Atlantic were minimal, even if not killed by explosion and fire. Bernard Edwards convincingly redresses what he feels is the lack of recognition for their contribution to the ultimate allied victory; the successful outcome of the Battle of the Atlantic.