from ERNST SCHMIDT (10-+-1983)

Did you know…..

• the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to U-Boat Commanders for sinking at least 100,000 tons of merchant ships or for sinking one capital navy ship such as a carrier or battleship?
• over the night of 19/20 October 1940, six U-Boats sank 38 ships of some 325,000 from British Convoy HX.79 in the Atlantic?
• the Oak Leaf to the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to U-Boat Commanders for sinking at least 200,000 tons of merchant shipping? Only 28 Skippers received the Oak Leaf?
• the U.S. Navy sank 1,113 ships in WW II for 5,320,094 tons?

Little Known Submarine (and Naval) Historical Facts

This section is for your own information – please do not send the answers here.

321. The Battle at Makassar Strait on 24 January 1942 was the first major naval engagement between the USN and the I.J.N. Four US Navy destroyers attacked and sank four Japanese transport ships with heavy loss of life.

322. The USN Submarine Service was extremely successful. Less than 2% of the USN were in the submarines, they caused some 55% of Japan’s maritime losses.

323. Rear Admiral Erich Bey and nearly the entire crew of the German battle cruiser SCHARNHORST were lost on Christmas of 1943.

324. HMS UPHOLDER sank the Italian troop transports OCEANA and NEPTUNIA in September 1941.

325. The largest amphibious assault of the Pacific War was the attack on Okinawa. It was also the last AmphibOp.

Now, for KTB #179 next month, see if you know…..

What caused the loss of USS LEXINGTON?
What single incident caused the greatest loss to the US Navy in the Pacific in World War II?
What were the losses in this incident?
What ship did the British planes attack in error while hunting BISMARCK?
How many aircraft carriers did the US Navy lose in WWII and what carriers were they?

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