[kevinsue]

Originally Posted by Aktungbby

Not aboard the U-505 (now in Chicago) Some crewmen were just considering going heavy due to the boats vulnerability: low clouds, incessant radar, and poor lookout visibility as referenced in Goebbler's book when this happened> A crippling Hudson attack which destroyed the attacking aircraft and compelled a long journey back to Lorient. The sub's pressure hull took several days to repair before a shallow dive could even be attempted. "On 10 November near Trinidad, U-505 was surprised on the surface by a Lockheed Hudsonmaritime patrol aircraft from No. 53 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which made a low-level attack, landing a 250 lb (110 kg) bomb (Actually 4 depth charges) directly on the deck from just above water level. The explosion killed one watch officer and wounded another in the conning tower. It also tore the anti-aircraft gun off its mounting and severely damaged the ship's pressure hull. The aircraft was hit by shrapnel from the bomb's explosion and crashed into the ocean near U-505, killing the crew. With the pumps inoperative and water flooding the engine room in several places, Kptlt. Zschech, a suicidal martinet, ordered the crew to abandon ship, but the technical staff (led by Chief Petty Officer Otto Fricke) insisted on trying to save her. The vessel was made water-tight after almost two weeks of repair work. After sending the wounded watch officer to the supply submarine ("milk cow") U-462, U-505 limped back to Lorient on reduced power, earning the distinction of being the "most heavily damaged U-boat to successfully return to port". [wiki] [Goebeler, Hans Jacob, with Vanzo, John. (1999) Steel Boat, Iron Hearts: The Wartime Saga of Hans Goebeler and U-505 (Wagnerian Publications] Screw regulation! go heavy...Herr Dönitz is a forgiving 'old lion'!

Yahoo!!.....just bought the book "Steel Boat, Iron Hearts: The Wartime Saga of Hans Goebeler and U-505" (Wagnerian Publications]

Guess what I'll be doing for the rest of the day!!