During World War II, German torpedo boats (Schnellbooten) caused serious damage to the fleets of the anti-Hitler coalition, sending about 60 warships and more than a hundred merchant ships to the bottom. Having distinguished itself in all theaters of military operations - both in the English Channel, and on the Mediterranean Sea, and on the Eastern Front, where the Schnellbots entered the battle in the early morning of June 22. In the summer of 1941 alone, they sank and damaged 13 ships of the Baltic Fleet. The author of this book, commander of the 3rd Schnellboot flottille (3. Schnellbootflottille) Friedrich Kemnade (1911–2008) is rightfully considered one of the most successful captains of the Kriegsmarine , being awarded not only the Knight's Cross with oak leaves, but also the rare Military Badge of Torpedo Boats (Schnellboot-Kriegsabzeichen) with diamonds, which was awarded only to real aces of the “mosquito” fleet. In his memoirs, first published immediately after the war, hot on the heels of the events, He spoke in detail about combat work, naval battles, mine laying and desperate attacks by Hitler’s torpedo boats: “The Russian formation is turning to the southwest, speed 20 knots. Radiogram addressed to the S-35, which is already about to fire torpedoes: “Nerves are like sleepers, don’t shoot!” To hit for sure, you have to get closer. We increase the speed to 30 knots. The trailing Russian ship opens fire. The shells fall short. At a distance of 2500 m I order: “Torpedo fire!” The target is the lead Russian destroyer. Both boats fire at the same time. The destroyer breaks in two. First the bow, then the stern part sinks. Under heavy fire from the remaining destroyers of the formation, we put up a smoke screen and retreat along the coast. Along the way, there is a short artillery battle with two Russian torpedo boats, we manage to drive them away..."