Did You Know?
by OBLT Ernst Schmidt (10-1983)

Oberleutnant zur See Karl Dönitz as Skipper of UB-68 was sunk in the Mediterranean on 4 October 1918 while attacking a British convoy? He was taken prisoner of war in Malta. In 1935 he rebuilt the new German U-Boot arm, became the GrandAdmiral of the Kriegsmarine, eventually succeeding Adolf Hitler at the end of WW II as leader of Germany.

German U-Boats sank 2,979 merchant ships in WW II, a total of more than 14,360,000 tons - and 184 Allied naval vessels?

Germany built 1,162 U-Boats during World War II of which 863 became operational? 784 were lost through various causes.

Little Known Submarine Facts

This quiz is meant for your enjoyment only. It is meant to improve your knowledge of submarine and naval history. Please do NOT call or write here with answers, they’ll be in KTB #124 next month.

86. In February 1942 the GNEISENAU, the PRINZ EUGEN and SCHARNHORST got away from the Norwegian coast. GNEISENAU reached port in Germany, but was bombed by the RAF and was put out of commission. After the war, the Soviets cut the ship into sections and moved much of this ship to the Soviet Union.

87. The first ship sunk at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 was a Japanese midget submarine which initially was sighted by a PBY CATALINA flying boat. The destroyer USS WARD sank her with depth charges at 0645; more than an hour before the attack by Japanese forces.

88. The 1st naval engagement between the US Navy and the I.J.N. took place on 24 January 1942 at the Battle of Makassar Strait. Four USN destroyers sank four Japanese transport ships with heavy casualties.

89. While the US Navy submarine force constituted less than 2% of the entire US Navy, the American submarines caused more than 55% of Japan’s maritime losses.

90. The 9th most successful US Navy submarine Skipper was John E. Lee with USS S-12, USS GRAYLING and USS CROAKER. Over ten war patrols on those submarines, he sank 16 ships.

Now, for KTB #124, do you know - - -

91. What German Admiral was killed at Christmas 1943 when SCHARNHORST was destroyed?
92. What Royal Navy submarine sank the Italian troop transports OCEANIA and NEPTUNIA in September 1941?
93. What was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War?
94. How was the aircraft carrier USS LEXINGTON sunk?
95. Who was the 8th most sucessful US Navy submarine CO?