to Open or close, that is the question

[sidslotm]

One of the things I never understood about Uboats films and even playing SH5 is why are the hatches left open during a depth charging. The only thing that I can realize is the "you go we go" mindset, a statement from the film Backdraft.

all thoughts in writing please.........:yeah:

[coronas]

I read about some time ago. IRL hatches were open because crew can see the captain and was better for morale but orders from BdU said that hatches must be closed for security. Captain decided: morale or security.
:salute:

[Sailor Steve]

Part of the problem, as I understand it, is that there are only three or four compartments total in a u-boat, and any one of them flooding will sink the boat, so closing them is kind of useless. On the other hand, if one compartment is flooded and the boat sinks in shallow water there might be some chance for at least some of the crew to escape.

The bottom line is that I don't know either, but I've heard some explanations and speculations from different quarters, and that was the reason given.

[sidslotm]

Thanks Steve and Coronas, I reconned as much but never truly understood. When you try to get your head around the ordeal of a depth charging and what submariners went through during an attack, the mind boggles.