U-505 Tour Problems?

This is the last issue in which we will read about Phase 1; the rude behavior of some personnel, and the stories told by some of the guides who probably are trying to do a good job, but have no idea what is fact and what is sheer fantasy. Then we will move on to:

Phase II - apparent lack of security;

Phase III - How much money really is needed for U-505?

Phase IV - Possible destruction of U-505;

Phase V - What submarine really is there in Chicago?

Here is some of the letter we received from Member #12XX.

"I do believe the (not unfamiliar) deplorable situation with U-505 in Chicago would have a better chance of improvement if complaints would make sure the Mayor and City Council President were sent copies of the letters they've already directed to the Museum honcho who's given everyone So much to complain about. There may be an ally there somewhere ... and the key Chicago politicos need to know of the general public dissatisfaction and the reasons."

Okay, maybe this is an idea. Perhaps Members in the greater Chicago area might wish to send copies of these pages to Mayor Richard M. Daley or to their City Councilman. Not a bad idea.

We have received letters, e-mails and FAXes from Members who either work at the Museum or are volunteers there, and they have told us things but have demanded anonymity. Naturally, they do not want to lose their jobs, but they are worried about this treasure.

They tell us that the boat is not being maintained properly, that it needs paint to protect it from the harsh Chicago winters but there is no painting going on, etc. The list goes on and on, but they all say the same thing - they are desperately worried that U-505 is not gong to be with us too much longer.

From what we have been told by some high-level personnel, they may not be too far off base. More on that later.

Earlier this year, HARRY COOPER (1-LEFE-1983) toured this great Museum and of course, U-505. He tells us:

"The guide was a really nice kid and had many of his facts straight, but he told the group that the only use for the conning tower was so that in case of a mutiny, the Captain and a few trusted officers could lock themselves in the tower and, using special controls up there that would override all other controls, could take the boat back to port. I asked if the boat could be handled by only four men, why then did the Type rX-C need 55 to 60 men on the normal crew. He had no answer."

More Problems?

Member 2xxx-LIFE-1992 not only told us about some rather odd things told by the guide, he sent us an audiotape of he presentation. The guide really felt she was doing a good job, but somehow she had been given some really faulty information. Here are some of the things she told her group of 20 people.

"At three short bells, thirty of us would run to the front of the boat and pile up in stacks of three so the boat can dive faster."

This would really be a waste of manpower, space and food and of course, just was totally incorrect - but it made a good story.

When the group got to the Zentralle, she told them:

"Welcome to the control room. At all times there would be fifteen men in here with several going room to room and a couple going up and down the ladder."

This again is totally incorrect and somewhat near to impossible. We think that any destroyers above would certainly have loved it if this were true, as the ensuing racket in the U-Boat would have made sound location a rather simple exercise.

Forward, she indicated an open hatch where the forward batteries could be seen down below. She told the group there were:

"A couple crew members riding on that little track at all times to keep the batteries cool and away from salt water."

Totally incorrect, and this would have been really crummy duty if it were accurate. And Fletcher Christian thought he had it rough.

When showing the forward tubes, she stated:

"One of the special things about this boat is they also had two tubes astern and could fire two more torpedoes from the rear."

No, nothing special about U-505 at all .... the Type IX boats all had four tubes forward and two astern. Nothing special at all.

Her final comment was that, on June 4, 1944 U-505 was spotted by radar and that led to the attack. Again, not correct. The initial contact was made by the sonar aboard USS CHATELAIN. Their radio call to Captain Gallery aboard the carrier GUADALCANAL is in the film they show there at the Museum. It goes:

"Frenchy to Blue Jay Frenchy to Blue Jay I have a possible sound contact."

'Frenchy' was the call sign for USS CHATELAIN and 'Blue Jay' was that for the carrier GUADALCANAL.

This marks the end of phase 1, the massive errors there at the Museum and their refusal of help to make them correct. There are obviously more letters in files, but these are plenty to show a pattern.

Mayor Daley's Contacts

If you have any concerns about the way U-505 is being cared for (or not cared for), or you have any comments to make about this piece of heritage at all, you may mail them to:

Mayor Richard M. Daley
City Hall
121 No. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Press Secretary's number is 312 744-3334

Thanks to LARRY KAGAN (5053-C-1996) for this information.

In KTB #156 next month, we will begin phase II in this situation, which is the incredible lack of security surrounding this priceless piece history and heritage. We suspect you'll find it appalling!