U-94 captured by a coupla Canunks in swim trunks

[Scape]

http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/uti...tils/noimg.jpg

One naval story shows what Canadian sailors could do when faced with a close in enemy. In 1942 the corvette Oakville rammed a German U-boat, then ran up alongside it as its crew began spilling out of the conning tower. Twenty-two year-old Sub-Lt.Harold Lawrence and 23-year-old PO Arthur Powell jumped over the side onto the narrow, slippery deck of the damaged U-boat, hoping to capture it. The Canadian officer signaled the Germans to get back in the sub. Lawrence was afraid the jerries had pulled the plugs, but reasoned if they were back inside they would stop the craft from sinking. The first German refused so Lawrence shot him with a pistol. A second German lunged at Powell and a bullet in the chest for his effort. Both Germans fell into the sea, the rest surrendered. While Powell kept the prisoners covered, Lawrence entered the submarine to look for documents. He soon came out as it was obvious the U-boat was sinking rapidly. The German crew was herded aboard the Oakville. Lawrence, who went into action wearing only a lifebelt and pair of shorts, was awarded the DSO, Distinguished Service Award. Powell, clad only in swimming trunks, a lifebelt and a pair of sock, got the DSM, Distinguished Service Medal. Surely few sailors or soldiers get closer to the enemy. Lawrence's and Powell's story would make a Hollywood movie.

Linkl

[barkhorn45]

I find this somewhat interesting.That sailor got a medal for shooting an unarmed german sailor for refusing to re-enter a sinking ship?
If the situation was reversed and a german shot a canadian in the same way he'd be called a war criminal and a fanatic nazi.
I guess all's fair in love and war,as long as you win the war!

Interesting sea story, would be a nice flick for Hollywood! It's been a while since they last turned out a good sub movie

[Schroeder]

Originally Posted by barkhorn45

I find this somewhat interesting.That sailor got a medal for shooting an unarmed german sailor for refusing to re-enter a sinking ship?
If the situation was reversed and a german shot a canadian in the same way he'd be called a war criminal and a fanatic nazi.
I guess all's fair in love and war,as long as you win the war!

Yup, don't see anything heroic in this, too.

[Letum]

No mention of the 17 other Germans who didn't get out in time after this 'heroic' event.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by -SWCowboy.

Interesting sea story, would be a nice flick for Hollywood! It's been a while since they last turned out a good sub movie

After U-571, I don't think anyone would dare attempt to

[Red Heat]

Originally Posted by Scape

http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/uti...tils/noimg.jpg

Linkl

NO COMMENTS!

[AndyW]

POW Interrogation report of the U-94 survivors:
http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-94INT.htm

Shooting down surrendering unarmed u-boat men and herding them back into thier sinking boat is hardly heroic to me. Report says that the casualties were not caused by the bombing / ramming, but later.

Cheers,

[danurve]

Originally Posted by -SWCowboy.

Interesting sea story, would be a nice flick for Hollywood! It's been a while since they last turned out a good sub movie

If you want a good sub movie, keep hollywood out of it.

Perfect example was U-571.
Take excellent details, talented actors, then FRACK it all up. You can still enjoy the action if you can just remeber it is based on fantasy. Alchohol helps.

back to topic - While this incident is no shinning example of heroics, I wouldn't dwell on it as the war was full of bitter moments. Capt Walker wasn't exactly known for treating German survivors with mercy. There is also an incident in the Pacific where a US sub captain ordered Jap survivors shot instead of rescued.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by danurve

If you want a good sub movie, keep hollywood out of it.

Perfect example was U-571.
Take excellent details, talented actors, then FRACK it all up. You can still enjoy the action if you can just remeber it is based on fantasy. Alchohol helps.

back to topic - While this incident is no shinning example of heroics, I wouldn't dwell on it as the war was full of bitter moments. Capt Walker wasn't exactly known for treating German survivors with mercy. There is also an incident in the Pacific where a US sub captain ordered Jap survivors shot instead of rescued.

[Orion2012]

Originally Posted by -SWCowboy.

Interesting sea story, would be a nice flick for Hollywood! It's been a while since they last turned out a good sub movie

IMO Run Silent, Run Deep is the best I have ever seen. I

[Scape]

20/20 hindsight is looking out your a**

At the time it was seen as heroic as not only was it the height of the battle of the Atlantic but was a recruitment boon as witnessed by the poster. I suppose shooting an unarmed man is seen as cold but that U-boat had 10 patrols and sunk many ships. Most didn't even see it coming. Was that heroic either? Sauce of the goose.

[SilentNite]

Originally Posted by barkhorn45

I find this somewhat interesting.That sailor got a medal for shooting an unarmed german sailor for refusing to re-enter a sinking ship?
If the situation was reversed and a german shot a canadian in the same way he'd be called a war criminal and a fanatic nazi.
I guess all's fair in love and war,as long as you win the war!

I would agree, these actions certainly don't warrant medals and not to throw politics at it, but one must understand...

The allies won the war and history is written by the and always sided with the winners.

[Red Heat]

All observation are valid in my point of view...
But both sides wich fight in this war knows the price to pay...follow orders or not
be victorious or not, stay alive or die!

We can resume to this: Victory or Death! the rest its only details writen to the History books, but with a diference...depends who writ the book, if belongs the winer side or the defeted side!