What impact did U-boats have on the war?
Britain’s blockade across the North Sea and the English Channel cut the flow of war supplies, food, and fuel to Germany during World War I. Germany retaliated by using its submarines to destroy neutral ships that were supplying the Allies.
How many people were killed by U-boats?
| U-Boat Campaign | |
|---|---|
| Strength | |
| ? surface vessels 366 Q-ships | 351 U-boats |
| Casualties and losses | |
| 5,000 merchant ships sunk 15,000 merchant sailors killed 104 warships sunk 42 warships damaged 61 Q-ships sunk | 217 U-boats lost to all causes 6,000 sailors killed |
What was the U-boat attack?
On Jan. 13, 1942, German U-boat attacks officially started against merchant ships along the Eastern Seaboard of North America. In less than seven months, U-boat attacks would destroy 22 percent of the tanker fleet and sink 233 ships in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Which U-boat had the most kills?
U-35 alone accounted for 224 ships totaling more than 500,000 tons—most sunk by its deck gun. It averaged nine kills per patrol, making U-35 the highest-scoring submarine of either world war.
What happened to the crew of U 534?
On May 5th, the day after all German forces in Northern Europe surrendered, a R.A.F. Liberator from Coastal Command sank U 534 off the Danish Island of Anholt. Most of the crew managed to abandon the boat and were soon rescued, but five were trapped inside the U-boat and were dragged down by it.
Who was the only U-boat commander convicted of war crimes?
Throughout the entire Second World War, the Kriegsmarine had only one U-boat commander convicted of war crimes. KL Heinz Wilhelm Eck of U-852 was indicted and sentenced to death by firing squad at the Nuremberg Tribunal on November 30 1945.
Who was the only war criminal of the Kriegsmarine?
The Only War Criminal. Throughout the entire Second World War, the Kriegsmarine had only one U-boat commander convicted of war crimes. KL Heinz Wilhelm Eck of U-852 was indicted and sentenced to death by firing squad at the Nuremberg Tribunal on November 30 1945. Two other officers of U-852, the 2WO and the doctor were also indicted and shot.
How many U-boat officers did not go on to command?
Those Who Did Not Go On To Command 1,418 U–boat officers passed their C.O.s’ course. Busch & Röll say 1,411 commanded boats. So 7 who passed did not go on to command.
Who was the commanding officer of the German U-boat?
Zschech took U–505 out on 9 October, 1943 on his 7th patrol On 23 October U–505 was located by surface forces and depth charged. During the attack Zschech shot himself in the head with his revolver. The 1st W.O., OL Paul Meyer brought the boat in, after burying KL Zschech at sea.
