Down to the Sea in Submarines: A Cold War Odyssey
Down to the Sea in Submarines: A Cold War Odyssey is Dan Conley’s memoir of a Royal Navy submarine career spanning 1967 to 1997. It follows his service from basic training to command of two nuclear attack submarines, combining first-hand accounts of Cold War underwater encounters with reflections on life aboard diesel and nuclear boats, weapons development and defence procurement.
At a glance
- First-hand memoir of service in the Royal Navy Submarine Service from 1967 to 1997.
- Follows Conley’s progression from submarine training to command of two nuclear attack submarines.
- Covers Cold War submarine encounters, life aboard diesel and nuclear boats, and British weapons development.
- The account also describes personal and professional challenges and includes moments of humour.
Reference price: £25.00
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The career-spanning first-person account links day-to-day submarine service with Cold War history.
- Combines operational experiences with discussion of weapons development and defence procurement.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Seaforth Publishing |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 13 Jun. 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 352 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 103611368X |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1036113681 |
| Weight listed | 594 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.75 x 3.81 x 23.62 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Royal Navy submarine history and the Cold War.
- Readers looking for a serving submariner’s memoir, including career experiences and life aboard submarines.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
80% 80% - 4 stars
13% 13% - 3 stars
3% 3% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
4% 4%
Aggregate ratings are broadly favourable, with most ratings in the five-star category, but a small share are one-star. No written review themes are supplied, so the figures cannot explain what readers liked or disliked. They offer limited guidance on whether the memoir’s naval history and first-person career focus suit a particular reader.
Frequently asked questions
What period does the memoir cover?
The listing describes Dan Conley’s Royal Navy Submarine Service career from 1967 to 1997.
What topics does the book cover?
It covers submarine training and command, life aboard diesel and nuclear submarines, Cold War encounters, weapons development and procurement challenges.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 352 pages.
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