Helping Members to better understand some of the naval terms (both German and English) used in World War II and in our KTB.

OKM Oberkommando der Marine, or Naval High Command

OKW Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, or Armed Forces High Command

Popenberg Column A shallow depth-pressure gauge for close to the surface periscope work

Paukenschlag Strict translation is 'striking a drum' but in the case of Operation PAUKENSCHLAG, it referred to a striking the kettle drums as in a Wagnerian march. It was the opening thrust against the United States, and the Skipper who was first on station was Korvettenkapitain REINHARD HARDEGEN (102-LIFE-1985).

Pillenwerfer This device was fired out of Tube 7 of a Type IX boat or out of Tube 6 of a Type PW (yes, they DID have that extra tube) and it was like a huge Alka-Seltzer table that fizzed and bubbled loudly in the water, imitating the sounds of a sub's propeller in the hopes of confusing the sonar operator to the location of the submarine.

PC US Navy Patrol Craft, 173 foot sub-chaser

PS US Navy designation for a small gunboat. Can also refer in German to a Party Member.

Port Left-hand side of a vessel, facing forward

Puster the German nickname for the radioman (blower)