Who killed Prien?

Bilge_Rat · 03-07-11, 07:55 AM

70 years ago today, march 7,1941, Gunther Prien, arguably the most famous U-boat commander of the war disappeared.

This much is known, he filed his last position report on 0440, attacked a 20,000 ton ship in convoy Outbound 293, hitting her with two torpedoes, then U-47 disappeared for all time.

initially the Admiralty gave the credit to "Wolverine" for a DC attack at 0400 on march 8, however this would have meant Prien had chased the convoy far to the west for 24 hours which is unlikely given that he was low on torpedoes.

According to Clay Blair, the most likely explanation is that U-47 was destroyed during the many DC attacks "Wolverine" and/or " Verity" launched on U-47, U-70 and U-99 on march 7.

Among the other possibilities are that U-47 was sunk by a circular running torpedo, by crew error or for unknown causes on the way back to Lorient with a defective
radio.

U-47 had sailed on February 20 after 76 days in port. There had been a substantial turnover in the crew and little opportunity to train before sailing, so crew error is a real possibility.

Gerald · 03-07-11, 09:20 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%BCnther_Prien

http://www.uboat.net/men/prien.htm

http://www.u47.org/english/u47_pri.asp

http://www.leisuregalleries.com/prienp.html

Feuer Frei! · 03-07-11, 09:32 AM

Conclusion: Inconclusive.

nikimcbee · 03-07-11, 09:34 AM

If I recall, the one the Wolverine sunk had a bent prop shaft, and that is how they were able to track it. Whether or not it was the U-47, I guess we'll never know.

Bilge_Rat · 03-07-11, 09:45 AM

we should have a better idea on the cause when they find the wreck of U-47 at the bottom of the Atlantic.

I am surprised it has not been located yet, considering all the other wrecks which have found in recent years.

Dowly · 03-07-11, 09:47 AM

Dont think there is an answer to this. Not definitive atleast.

bookworm_020 · 03-08-11, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dowly

Dont think there is an answer to this. Not definitive atleast.

I think your sig might have something to do with it!

nikimcbee · 03-07-11, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilge_Rat

we should have a better idea on the cause when they find the wreck of U-47 at the bottom of the Atlantic.

I am surprised it has not been located yet, considering all the other wrecks which have found in recent years.

That would be quite the find. I don't know how'd they ID the boat though, unless they went inside.

Bilge_Rat · 03-07-11, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

That would be quite the find. I don't know how'd they ID the boat though, unless they went inside.

They keep finding new u-boats and other wrecks, although most of them are in relatively shallow waters (i.e. Less than 300 feet) and accessible to scuba divers.

http://www.uboat.net/announce.html

Feuer Frei! · 03-07-11, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

That would be quite the find.

Don't hold your breath. (Pun intended).

03-07-11, 07:55 AM	#1
Bilge_Rat Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: standing watch... Posts: 3,855 Downloads: 344 Uploads: 0	Who killed Prien? 70 years ago today, march 7,1941, Gunther Prien, arguably the most famous U-boat commander of the war disappeared. This much is known, he filed his last position report on 0440, attacked a 20,000 ton ship in convoy Outbound 293, hitting her with two torpedoes, then U-47 disappeared for all time. initially the Admiralty gave the credit to "Wolverine" for a DC attack at 0400 on march 8, however this would have meant Prien had chased the convoy far to the west for 24 hours which is unlikely given that he was low on torpedoes. According to Clay Blair, the most likely explanation is that U-47 was destroyed during the many DC attacks "Wolverine" and/or " Verity" launched on U-47, U-70 and U-99 on march 7. Among the other possibilities are that U-47 was sunk by a circular running torpedo, by crew error or for unknown causes on the way back to Lorient with a defective radio. U-47 had sailed on February 20 after 76 days in port. There had been a substantial turnover in the crew and little opportunity to train before sailing, so crew error is a real possibility. __________________ Last edited by Bilge_Rat; 03-07-11 at 08:29 AM.

03-07-11, 09:20 AM	#2
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Some links. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%BCnther_Prien http://www.uboat.net/men/prien.htm http://www.u47.org/english/u47_pri.asp http://www.leisuregalleries.com/prienp.html __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

03-07-11, 09:32 AM	#3
Feuer Frei! Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Valhalla Posts: 5,295 Downloads: 141 Uploads: 17	Conclusion: Inconclusive. __________________ "History is the lies that the victors agree on"- Napoleon LINK TO MY SH 3 MODS

03-07-11, 09:34 AM	#4
nikimcbee Fleet Admiral Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Patroling the Slot. Posts: 17,952 Downloads: 90 Uploads: 0	If I recall, the one the Wolverine sunk had a bent prop shaft, and that is how they were able to track it. Whether or not it was the U-47, I guess we'll never know. __________________

03-07-11, 09:45 AM	#5
Bilge_Rat Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: standing watch... Posts: 3,855 Downloads: 344 Uploads: 0	we should have a better idea on the cause when they find the wreck of U-47 at the bottom of the Atlantic. I am surprised it has not been located yet, considering all the other wrecks which have found in recent years. __________________

03-07-11, 09:47 AM	#6
Dowly Lucky Jack Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Finland Posts: 25,052 Downloads: 32 Uploads: 0	Dont think there is an answer to this. Not definitive atleast.