Were U boats ever givin a Chance to Surrender?

[GoldenRivet]

Not to mention they were inexperienced because almost the entire atlantic fleet had been sent to the pacific ocean.

I think elsewhere in books i have read they point out that there were only a hand full of coast guard cutters and airplanes available in early 1942 to defend the east coast.

[P_Funk]

Originally Posted by GoldenRivet

Not to mention they were inexperienced because almost the entire atlantic fleet had been sent to the pacific ocean.

I think elsewhere in books i have read they point out that there were only a hand full of coast guard cutters and airplanes available in early 1942 to defend the east coast.

And worst of all the American top brass refused to listen to the advice of the British brass on how to go about ASW. They did the same stuff the Brits did in 39/40: DD patrols to random places, sending a DD to chase after U-boat sightings, not actually moving ships in convoy.

They learned the hard way. Ego.

[tenakha]

do not forget that flying a white flag has never been a sign of surrender, it is a protective sign of truce or ceasefire, contrary to striking the colors. As U-boats didn't fly theirs colors there was never signs of surrender except for the crew abandoning ship.

for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striking_the_colors

[joea]

Originally Posted by P_Funk

And worst of all the American top brass refused to listen to the advice of the British brass on how to go about ASW. They did the same stuff the Brits did in 39/40: DD patrols to random places, sending a DD to chase after U-boat sightings, not actually moving ships in convoy.

They learned the hard way. Ego.

Yes indeed, and many merchant sailors paid the price. I alos read how many USN sailors were amazed at how many depth charges British and Canadian vessels would load up in port before going out to join their convoys.

[P_Funk]

Originally Posted by joea

I alos read how many USN sailors were amazed at how many depth charges British and Canadian vessels would load up in port before going out to join their convoys.

Indeed. It isn't marksmanship hunting u-boats. Its more like firing grapeshot at a small bird dancing around you through a fog at twice the distance you can aim properly.

[Jimbuna]

Don't forget the Admiralty gave orders that any boarding party had to shoot any sub crew they caught trying to scuttle a U-boat or destroy ciphers etc.