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Graf Paper · 03-19-08, 01:44 PM

Platpus, that was classically..:rotfl:

I'd have to say that if you were to define "best" my own views are thus...

Assuming equally competent crews as a measuring stick:

Technologically and tactically, the u-boat in general is the better. Many advances in sub tech were copied by the Allies from captured u-boats, especially the XXI being the template for sub technology during the beginning of the Cold War. The Wolfpack and other tactics of the U-bootwaffe are still required reading at Annapolis. Germany demonstrated to the world that the submarine was a viable and deadly weapon.

The irony there being that it was an American that invented the modern submarine, yet it was Germany that exploited the technology and used the submarine to its fullest potential.

Strategically and logistically the American subs were the better. Their interdiction of Japanese shipping was far more successful than Germany's interdiction of Britain.

All the "what-if" comparisons aside, the Atlantic sub war was an entirely different beast from the Pacific sub war so it's difficult to make accurate comparisons.

03-19-08, 01:44 PM	#58
Graf Paper Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pacific Northwest United States Posts: 1,146 Downloads: 41 Uploads: 2	Platpus, that was classically..:rotfl: I'd have to say that if you were to define "best" my own views are thus... Assuming equally competent crews as a measuring stick: Technologically and tactically, the u-boat in general is the better. Many advances in sub tech were copied by the Allies from captured u-boats, especially the XXI being the template for sub technology during the beginning of the Cold War. The Wolfpack and other tactics of the U-bootwaffe are still required reading at Annapolis. Germany demonstrated to the world that the submarine was a viable and deadly weapon. The irony there being that it was an American that invented the modern submarine, yet it was Germany that exploited the technology and used the submarine to its fullest potential. Strategically and logistically the American subs were the better. Their interdiction of Japanese shipping was far more successful than Germany's interdiction of Britain. All the "what-if" comparisons aside, the Atlantic sub war was an entirely different beast from the Pacific sub war so it's difficult to make accurate comparisons. __________________ Still sailing the high seas, hunting convoys with those who join me.