Inside The Control Room During A DC Attack

[Subnuts]

Okay, this is sorta OT, but whatever...

When I bought Lothar-Gunther Buchheim's book U-Boat War, this was one of the photographs that immediately jumped out at me. It captures the moment a depth charge explodes near U-96, momentarily pushing the boat downwards.



It really is, in my opinion, one of the most stunning pieces of 20th century combat photography, but it seems to have been lost to history, and only known to a few U-boat buffs. Of all the thousands of U-boat photographs out there, I've never seen one that so vividly captures a moment between life and possible death. It's almost like this could be the last known photograph of the crew of U-96, and the boat sunk immediately afterwords, and they found the wreck and retrieved some water-damaged film from Buchheim's camera. Not really plausible, but this photo still creeps me out!

[Jimbuna]

I agree....one of the most interesting photos I've seen, the guy was probably lifted off his feet and a foot or so in the air as he pressed the button

[stoneys-nutz]

Truly terrifiying moments for the crew.
Although they were at the time the "enemy", you cant but admire their courage, brave men all.

[sharkbit]

There's another photo in that same sequence when the captain is standing with his hands in his pockets. Looked like a pretty calming action. In fact, Bucheim says that it was the captain's non-verbal way of letting the crew know that the worst was over. That was one cool cucumber.

Those are some great pictures. I'd bet no still photos exist of an actual DC attack other than Bucheim's(or movie footage, for that matter).



Woohoo!! 1000th post!

[Weiss Pinguin]

I bet the control room get real crowded during a DC attack

[K-61]

I've got that photo in one of my Time-Life books. There's a series of Bucheim's photos in there, all fantastic snapshots of U-boat life.

[pickinthebanjo]

Originally Posted by Weiss Pinguin

I bet the control room get real crowded during a DC attack

I don't think I would want to be in the Control room during an attack, to much to get slammed into and not enough space

[frau kaleun]

Originally Posted by pickinthebanjo

I don't think I would want to be in the Control room during an attack, to much to get slammed into and not enough space

As opposed to the rest of the u-boat, which is quite roomy and decorated for the most part in a "big cushy pillows and no sharp corners" motif.

Altho to be fair I suppose lying flat out in one's bunk and holding onto something would be preferable given an option.

[K-61]

Originally Posted by frau kaleun

As opposed to the rest of the u-boat, which is quite roomy and decorated for the most part in a "big cushy pillows and no sharp corners" motif.

Altho to be fair I suppose lying flat out in one's bunk and holding onto something would be preferable given an option.

And do a Leutnant Werner: Pull the curtains closed, look at a picture of Mommy and Daddy while you cry yourself to sleep.

[TarJak]

Originally Posted by frau kaleun

As opposed to the rest of the u-boat, which is quite roomy and decorated for the most part in a "big cushy pillows and no sharp corners" motif.

Altho to be fair I suppose lying flat out in one's bunk and holding onto something would be preferable given an option.

Nope being in the DD dropping the DC's is the preferred position. Much less chance of getting crushed to death or being stabbed with a sharp piece of U-boat.

[Puster Bill]

Originally Posted by frau kaleun

As opposed to the rest of the u-boat, which is quite roomy and decorated for the most part in a "big cushy pillows and no sharp corners" motif.

I see you've been to my boat. You don't know how hard it is to convince a good interior decorator to work on a u-boat these days.

[timmy41]

Originally Posted by Puster Bill

I see you've been to my boat. You don't know how hard it is to convince a good interior decorator to work on a u-boat these days.

my favorite part is the pair of fuzzy dice in the tower

[ediko]

That's why you decorated it yourself?

Actually I kinda like you're IX command room interior

Originally Posted by Puster Bill

I see you've been to my boat. You don't know how hard it is to convince a good interior decorator to work on a u-boat these days.

[Jimbuna]

santas grotto is usually well situated in the conning tower.

[Elektranaut]

The photo reminds me of the ones Robert Capa took of the troops running through the water towards Omaha Beach on D-Day.The images are blurred but there's a real sense of motion,action and danger,you feel your'e right there running up that hellish beach.