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Originally Posted by slow_n_ez
I never been in the navy but I seriously doubt when the boat is at port for re-stock that the crew was given a 2 week leave to go on a drinking spree as you see in movies ......
Plus I doubt that Hitler ( or any other country's leader ) would appreiciate their war machines looking like something from a junk yard ......
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Crew did indeed spend most of their time after a patrol 'enjoing' themselves. They would be celebrating the fact that they had survived and living life to the full for the few weeks leave they got till the next patrol which might be their last! Refits were not carried out by the crew in the case of the KM U boats were taken in hand by work men and dock fitters and in the USN an entire 'relief crew' would take over the boat when it came back in port.
U boats like any other military vehicles are simply machines and as such their appearance in wartime was only of interest as far as it affected their combat effectiveness. Therefore rust was only a problem if began to damage the boat or it affected the ability of its camoflage to hide it.
I've never served in the navy, but I have a good friend who served 23 years in the RN. According to him the condition of a vessel can depend on many factors. The quality of paint and the ability of those who apply it and maintain it. The length of time a vessel spends on patrol and between refits. The weather conditions it encounters. Where its sent and during wartime what sort of enemy action it encounters. Some vessels can appear in a very sorry state, others can be in very good condition and all shades in between. So really all of the rusty skins are just as accurate as the clean ones.