Historical Question U-869?

[Kpt. Lehmann]

U-869 was discovered by a civilian wreck diver. (Bill Nagle)

Several years later it was positively identified by civilian divers John Chatterton and Richi Kohler after many dives and three fatalities.

Based on the nature of the damage to the sub, a circle runner impacted the base of its conning tower causing a catastrophic failure of the pressure hull.

Believe me gents, there is no conspiracy theory that can be attached to this boat. It was simply out of communication with BdU. All Enigma communications between U-869 and BdU were intercepted. Later comparison showed that U-869 made attempts to respond to BdU but failed.

BdU believed it sunk off Gibralter though U-869 had carried on with its primary mission to patrol the waters off the coastal regions of New York.

Read "Shadow Divers."

U-869 has been a personal interest of mine for several years... and is in part one of the stories that launched my obsession with U-boats.