News

23 August 2025

Last month I did a talk with the Middletown Township Historical Society. A total of 104 people showed up/logged in for the event and, as usual, it was a pleasure hearing audience members’ personal stories after the event. A link to the recorded presentation can be found HERE.

That event should probably be the last U-boat talk for this year as I’m going to have to start ramping up events for my next book. Earlier this week my editor sent me the 1st version of the copy-edited book, along with the cover layout and photo inserts. It looks fantastic and I can’t wait to share more news with everyone on here when I can. Currently, the book is projected to release in April/May of 2026.

In the meantime, I created a Substack account and will be posting various articles of interest. The first one deals with the myth regarding a British Q-ship sinking SM U-88 and in turn, avenging the sinking of the Lusitania, but there will be more - particularly regarding research I’m doing for my third book. You can click on the image below to access it. Currently, the account is free (and I hope to keep it that way), but we’ll see how it goes.

Article headline stating, "Did a Q-Ship Really Avenge the Sinking of the Lusitania?" by Dominic Etzold, with a subtitle "When Myths Get in the Way of Facts," and a small profile picture of the author.

29 December 2024

I hope everyone had a great holiday season and are just as excited for 2025 as I am!

Earlier this month I finished the draft of my next book - a whole 7 months ahead of my deadline. Currently it’s being checked over by some expert colleagues and the fantastic artist Valeriya Timofeeva (Lady Flamberg) is in the process of finishing up a commissioned work that will become the book’s cover. Like Reaping the Whirlwind, it will be published by Schiffer Military History sometime in 2025/2026. I don’t want to spoil the surprise of what the next book is about, but think an airship with a very specific mission.

Also, prior to the holiday, I received a Christmas card shaped envelope in the mail from a a friend. It seemed a bit heavy for a card, but nonetheless I was surprised when I opened it and the data plate, pictured on the bottom of this photo, fell into my lap.

After doing a very brief investigation, it appears this data plate, reading "slow tube 3&4," originated in the Danziger Werft and was intended for a Type VII U-Boot. It has a part number on the back as well. With this, my collection of U-Boat data plates doubled. The plate on the top of the photo is another piece from my collection allegedly removed from SM U-117 after WWI.

If I ever do get around to opening a museum when I retire, both of these will be excellent exhibit pieces. If anyone knows any wealthy philanthropists that want to speed up the process and enhance the collection, please send them my way!

A metal plaque with German inscriptions from a U-boat, resting on an engineering blueprint.

25 September 2024

Last week I had the privilege of speaking (virtually) with the Monmouth County Historical Association. I’m both shocked and grateful that 117 people logged in to listen and ask questions about such niche events off the Jersey shore. The MCHA was nice enough to publish the talk on YouTube for those that are interested, but be warned, this may take you back to a college history class. There are more talks in the works for 2025 and details will be posted when it gets closer to the anticipated dates.

5 September 2024

This week I’ll be appearing on the “History of the Great War” podcast, it airs on September 8th. I’m curious to see what's included as Wesley's questions were excellent and required lengthy explanations. You can tune in HERE. Additionally, on September 17th, I’ll be doing a virtual presentation with the Monmouth Country Historical Association. I’m going to be putting particular emphasis on debunking myths and exploring the events specifically off the NJ coastline in 1918.

Poster advertising a virtual lecture titled "Reaping the Whirlwind: The U-Boat War Off North America During WWI," presented by historian Dominic Ezold, scheduled for Tuesday, September 17 at 7:00 pm, sponsored by Monmouth County Historical Association.

19 July 2024

Today I happened to be glancing at “The Tattooed Historian’s” YouTube channel and saw that he gave Reaping the Whirlwind a phenomenal review. I'm particularly grateful that he expounded on how important it is to read about WWI history beyond the trenches. Naval history is a very niche audience, particularly from 1914-1918. The YouTube video can be found at the link below, please give it a look and subscribe to his channel.