...this is an interesting account, well written and enjoyable to read. It represents some of the best work on the Battle of the River Plate and as such, should definitely be considered by more than just those interested in the period or the individuals involved. It is an account that many would find useful and definitely a satisfying read.

The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord - Vol. 32, No. 3 (Fall 2022)

Langsdorff and the Battle of the River Plate is a stirring tale of maritime conflict in an era which was about to change into a brutal submarine war. The story is expertly told and highly recommended.

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Tim Coyle, Australian Naval Institute

The author demonstrates a clear understanding of raider warfare and the loneliness of Langsdorff’s command while at the same time providing a critical but sympathetic re-examination of Langsdorff’s command decisions which does nothing to diminish his reputation as a brave and honourable officer

World Ship Society - Marine News, January 2020

Miller's analytical approach makes this a 'must-read' for anyone interested in naval operations in the Second World War.

New York Military Affairs Symposium

A very well-researched and well-presented book. Langsdorff was a brave and honourable commander who made some serious mistakes but received very little support from head office, as it were. He commanded a very powerful ship with a crack crew.
Langsdorff's tragic end was, very early in the war, perhaps symptomatic of the doom facing the whole national socialist edifice. He and his Nazi masters were truly doomed from the start of their mad adventure.
In his intensive study and analysis of Langsdorff, his ship, crew and strategic and tactical environment, author Miller makes this very clear. There is much to learn in modern times from this.

Ausmarine

‘A superb analysis of a man under great strain during war, and a stimulating read.’

David Miller

A sympathetic but clinically analytical study. A superb analysis of a man under great strain during war, and a stimulating read.

Warship World

A useful portrait of Langsdorff. Usable text for readers entirely unfamiliar with the subject.

Proceedings USNI

New account differs from some other books. The analysis...offers interesting insights. Produced to a high standard and well-illustrated. Contains interesting insights from the German perspective. A timeless and poignant story that deserves to be told.

Simon Bellamy Lieut RNR

Readers may judge that Miller's account makes up for the failure of another recent book on the same battle to analyse Langsdorff's decision making fully. This is a welcome addition to the bibliography of the Battle of the River Plate.

Warships Magazine

A welcome addition to the bibliography of the Battle of the River Plate.

Warships International Fleet Review

The Battle of the River Plate must be one of the best known naval engagements of the 20th century. There have been plenty of books about the battle, but this one focuses on her Captain, Hans Langsdorff, portrayed by the author, David Miller, as a 'decent, honourable and compassionate man' and a professional naval officer. Miller gives a sympathetic but clinically analytical study of the pressures facing Langsdorff, a man who always behaved with great integrity.
It is a superb analysis of a man under great strain during war, and a stimulating read.

Scuttlebutt

A very interesting book that looks specifically at the command decisions during one of the most famous naval actions of World War Two...The author's breadth of experience has combined with thorough research and been supported by a selection of well-chosen images in a black and white plate section...This is a moving story of success and failure, of good decisions and poor decisions. A very valuable addition to our pool of knowledge of an important naval action.

Firetrench Reviews