from ERNST SCHMIDT (10-+-1983)

Did you know…..

• the Type VII-C German U-Boat could travel at 17 knots on the surface, using direct drive from the diesel engines, and could dive to 100 feet within 20 seconds? Their range was 8,700 miles with her 114 tons of fuel.
• under the German “Z”Plan in 1935, Germany wanted to build 6 battleships, 8 heavy cruisers, 4 aircraft carriers, several light cruisers and 233 U-Boats? Completion date for this fleet was 1948.
• actually only 1/5 of all German U-Boats were in enemy waters at any given time? The rest were on the way in, their way out, being repaired, being outfitted, and used for training.
• before World War II, the submarine was actually a surface vessel that could dive, and was called a diving vessel?
• Churchill wrote that the only thing he really feared in the war were the U-Boats? He said that the U-Boat attacks were the Brits’ worst evil and that Germany would have been wise to stake all upon it.

Little Known Submarine (and Naval) Historical Facts

This section is for your own information – please do not send the answers here. They will be in KTB #176 next month.

Answers

306. Prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 the last time so many American battleships were together in one port was July 4th weekend, also at Pearl Harbor.

307. The three Japanese aircraft carriers sunk in the Battle of Midway were AKAGI, KAGA and SORYU.

308. The Japanese aircraft carrier damaged at the Battle of Midway was HIRYU.

309. The first sighting of a Japanese submarine prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor came at daybreak on December 6th when Lieutenant James O. Cobb sighted a submarine off Diamond Head and sent this information ashore via radio. The submarine dived before an attack could be mounted.

310. The German ship which was boarded by the Royal Navy while in neutral Norwegian waters was the supply ship ALTMARK. Norway made a protest, although a feeble one, to the British.

Now for KTB #176 next month, try these bits of naval history:

311. When did the first official contact occur between the Japanese and Americans at Pearl Harbor?

312. Who developed the concept of Kamikaze?

313. What was the troop strength of Germany when they invaded Russian in Operation BARBAROSSA?

314. What was the Russian strength when Germany invaded?

315. Who were the four German Fleet Commanders during World War II and what was their fate?

Remember – do not send answers here. This is meant for your enjoyment, and the answers will be in KTB #176 new month.

Here is a Question we do need answered

CHRIS GORDON (6688-2003) wants to know where to find a listing of all who served in the Kriegsmarine. Answers please?