Atlantic Linchpin: The Azores in Two World Wars

By Guy Warner

Roughly 870 miles west of Lisbon, nine volcanic islands collectively known as the Azores rise from the Atlantic Ocean. Settled by the Portuguese in the fifteenth century, the islands became a crucial victualing station for maritime empires well through the Age of Sail. As World War I raged on, both the Allied and Central Powers recognized the islands’ importance in controlling the commercial sea lanes vital to continuing the war effort. Guy Warner’s Atlantic Linchpin: The Azores in Two World Wars is the product of his research into the military history of the Azores during the two global conflicts, as well as their unique role in the development of the airplane for commercial and military applications.

As German U-boats wreaked havoc across the Atlantic during World War I, Portuguese and American military leaders responded by establishing naval bases on the island of Ponta Delgada. U.S. Navy vessels escorted merchant vessels and countered the U-boat threat through regular patrols and rescue operations. By 1918, Ponta Delgada hosted the U.S. Marines Aeronautic Company and the first successful flights in the Azores. Planes like the Curtiss R-6 flew hundreds of missions in support of the Allied U-boat countermeasures. 

In the fall of 1943, Operation Alacrity brought the Royal Air Force to Lagens Airfield on the island of Terceira. Aircraft from Lagens brought greater air coverage to merchant convoys bound to and from the United Kingdom. By December, U.S. aircraft in the form of two Consolidated Liberators and two Douglas C-54 Skymasters were stationed at Lagens. The Allied aircraft stationed there again played a pivotal role in preventing German U-boats from halting the merchant convoys bringing the sorely needed supplies and materials to continue the war effort. 

The greatest component of Warner’s work is the exhaustive primary source material conveyed to the audience. Warner frequently includes direct quotes from those stationed on the Azores, as well as the local inhabitants. These consist of soldiers’ personal journal entries recounting successful attacks on German submarines and reflections upon garrison life on the islands. To capture the islanders’ perspective, he references several newspapers which expressed the gratitude of the locals towards the Allied soldiers. Including these primary sources gives the audience a glimpse into the efforts of British, American, and Portuguese personnel into constructing and maintaining these remote outposts.

In contrast, these quotes often take away from the author’s own voice and perspective on the source material. So many lengthy direct passages from journals, newspapers, or other accounts can overwhelm readers. Especially those exploring the topic for the first time. Yet, this remains the solitary criticism of Warner’s work and, in fairness, the second half of the book possesses less block quotes than the first. 

Warner’s extensive research conducted on the military and aviation history of the Azores culminates in Atlantic Linchpin. His thorough examination of personal accounts and government documents permits him to brilliantly describe the careful planning and politicking behind the military operations on the islands. He compliments the grander narrative of the formation of American and British aviation presence there with passages from local newspapers and soldiers’ journal entries, portraying the intersection of military and island life. Atlantic Linchpin: The Azores in Two World Wars remains an excellent companion for anyone interested in learning about the naval and aeronautical roles these islands played in, and between, both World Wars. 

• Barnsley, Seaforth Books, 2021
• 7” x 19”, hardcover, 160 pages
• Illustrations, notes, bibliography, index. $44.95
• ISBN: 9781399010900

Reviewed by: William Nassif, University of South Carolina