German E-boats, officially known as *Schnellboote* (fast boats), were a class of fast, agile torpedo boats used by the Kriegsmarine (German Navy) during World War II. Designed primarily for hit-and-run attacks, these vessels were equipped with powerful engines that allowed them to reach speeds of up to 40 knots (46 mph), making them highly effective in coastal and night operations. The E-boats were typically armed with torpedoes, machine guns, and occasionally mines, and they were used for a variety of missions, including attacking Allied shipping convoys, escort vessels, and conducting coastal raids.
The reason German E-boats were responsible for sinking so many Allied ships during World War II was primarily their speed, surprise tactics, and effective use of torpedoes. These boats operated mainly in the English Channel, the North Sea, and the Mediterranean, where they exploited the vulnerability of Allied merchant ships and naval vessels. Their small size and speed allowed them to launch rapid, unexpected attacks on larger, slower Allied ships, often at night or during poor visibility conditions. This made it difficult for Allied forces to detect and respond to the threat in time.
The E-boats relied on their speed to close in on their targets quickly, launch torpedoes, and then escape before the enemy could mount a counterattack. They often targeted poorly defended convoys or isolated ships, making it hard for Allied escorts to protect the merchant vessels. Their success was also bolstered by effective coordination with German radar systems, which helped them detect and engage targets at long range, especially during the night.
While Allied forces eventually developed countermeasures, such as improved anti-aircraft defenses and naval convoys with better protection, the E-boats continued to cause significant damage throughout the war. Their ability to strike quickly and retreat before being engaged made them one of the more effective naval threats the Allies faced in coastal operations.