Eight of the twelve boats were redirected to the Faroes Islands in Iceland and Scotland. She was commanded by Kapitnleutnant Heinz-Wilhelm Eck, who led her through her sea trials and onto her first war patrol on 18January 1944. The depth charge damage was so great that he had no other alternative but to abort the mission and return to port in St. Nazaire, France. U-852 (+1944) Details general nationality: german purpose: war type: submarine subtype/class: IX D 2 class submarine (ger.) Greger and his men again returned to Lorient unsuccessful. As the crew of U-352 prepared to scuttle, several began emerging from the conning tower preparing to jump overboard. Nine crew members were lost. The wreck lies on its starboard side with approximately an approximately 80-degree list. A British boarding party examined the wrecked U-boat and retrieved Eck's Kriegstagebuch ("War Diary"), which proved crucial in constructing the Allied case against him and his men. One survivor managed to escape and was eventually rescued by allied ships. After taking on fuel and fresh provisions, Greger was ready to take U-85 on a second war patrol, but this one too was a very frustrating and disappointing patrol. Bigbird; Jun 7, 2008; Shown here is the wreck of the Type IXD 2 submarine U-852 off the coast of British Somaliland (Somalia) in May 1944 after being scuttled by her skipper Kapitanleutnant Heinz Eck. There were only three survivors from the 35-man Peleus. The expansion would also establish the largest area designated as a World War II battlefield anywhere in the world. Throughout the entire Second World War, the Kriegsmarine had only one U-boat commander convicted of war crimes. The U-boat Memorial at Mltenort. [11] The wreck site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. They both received a reduced sentence of prison terms. The U.S. Navy requisitioned the vessel, originally named the Fairmont, in February 1918. [3] When submerged, the boat could operate for 121 nautical miles (224km; 139mi) at 2 knots (3.7km/h; 2.3mph); when surfaced, she could travel 12,750 nautical miles (23,610km; 14,670mi) at 10 knots (19km/h; 12mph). As a result, rather than rescuing the crew of the U-85, Roper rode right through the mass of sailors in the water and dropped an additional 11 depth charges to ensure that it was sunk. Saling ship Zawisza Czarny and its German WWII engine, The Norwegian Operation and the Torpedo Crisis. [2], Having left St. Nazaire on 21 March 1942, U-85 sank the Norwegian freighter Christen Knudsen off the coast of New Jersey on 10 April.[3]. Over the next several hours, Rathke got off two torpedoes, both of which missed. He was keeping with the common practice of navigating in a zig-zag pattern at the time of the submarine attack. Gross Tonnage: 753/857 tons (surfaced/submerged) Cargo: N/A, Built: 1939, Flender Werke AG, Lbeck, Schlewsig-Holstein, Germany, Hull Number: 281 Port of Registry: Germany, Sunk By: USS Roper Survivors: 0 of 46 (46 dead), Data Collected on Site: Still and video photography; photomosaics; site plan; high resolution multibeam; photogrammetric model; listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At some point, Greger must have made the decision to scuttle and abandon the U-85. The deployment of the depth charges killed the entire U-85 crew. At first, Ropers crew didnt suspect much, but they dutifully pursued the contact. After stalking her until nightfall, the steamer was sunk with two torpedoes. The boat attempted to run south on the surface and fired its stern torpedo at Roper when the range closed to 700 yards (640 m). Greger sunk the ship and then proceeded directly to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. He had lived to tell the story which had led to the indictment of the four U-boat officers and a seaman. However, before reaching land the U-boat came under attack from six RAF bombers from 621 Squadron. As it turned out, not all the survivors were killed. It was either the last or second-to-last (probably the latter) German submarine sunk by U.S. forces in World War II, one day before Germany's official surrender in Europe. They then returned to the site and collected 33 survivors, one of which died aboard the Icarus shortly thereafter. The submarine was powered by two MAN M 6 V 40/46 four-stroke, six-cylinder supercharged diesel engines producing a total of 2,800 to 3,200 metric horsepower (2,060 to 2,350kW; 2,760 to 3,160shp) for use while surfaced, two BBC GG UB 720/8 double-acting electric motors producing a total of 750 metric horsepower (550kW; 740shp) for use while submerged. In an effort to honor the service and sacrifice of those lost during the Battle of the Atlantic, NOAA in 2019 will release a draft proposal to expand the boundaries of Monitor National Marine Sanctuary to include a nationally significant collection of shipwrecks that currently have little or no legal protection. They confirmed the pressure hull had been breached and that the bodies of many of the 55 deceased German submariners were still on board the stricken vessel. [4] After being left unable to dive due to damage from aerial depth charges, she headed for the coast of Somalia. The text is below: As U-852 broke the surface, her gun crews swarmed out and manned the anti-aircraft guns. The survivors of U-352 were later interrogated and remained in various prisoner of war camps for the duration of the war, often intermingling with survivors from U-701. Rathke attempted to carry out at least one attack, but depth charges kept him from being successful. The hatch of U-85 is on display in the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum; the submarine herself still serves as an attraction for divers. Between their arrival in US territorial waters on December 27, 1941, and February 6th, 1942, the drumbeaters sank 25 ships. On April 13, 1942, U- 85 was sitting in shallow water off Bodie Island lighthouse waiting for targets. Roper illuminated the U-boat with its searchlight and observed men on deck near the gun whose firing arc had just been cleared by the course change. Rathke spotted Icarus, a 165-foot USCG Cutter, on antisubmarine patrol off Cape Lookout. Scuba Diver Life The crew of the Roper observed the U-boat sinking at the stern and watched as the crew jumped into the water, begging for rescue. Image courtesy of Kraken Robotics. During this time, Roper believed it had another sonar contact and not wanting to take any chances of another possible U-boat, Roper rode right through the mass of sailors in the water and dropped an additional 11 depth charges. This month, well visit Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. Although her commander, Charles E. Prior took a coastal route, not considering threats from German U-boats to be particularly severe. U.S. Department of Commerce, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, Mapping Rhode Islands Historic Submarines, University of Rhode Island Applied History Lab, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (Photo: NOAA), This post is by a guest blogger. Hutton. (All photos: NOAA), Schools of fish swarm U-85s conning tower with its attack periscope housing still intact. The wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including invasive lionfish. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Sitting in very shallow water and knowing they were being tracked, the crew of U-85 decided to try to escape on the surface, hoping that their increased speed would get the U-boat into deeper water before Roper could attack. As it turned out, not all the survivors were killed. In November 1945, Eck and the U-852's four junior officers were tried by the British at a special military tribunal in Hamburg for killing the crew from the Peleus. May 2 1944, U-852 beached on Cape Gardefui after attack by RAF aircraft. This very interesting page explains the controversial order of 1 May, 1943 to stay up and fight the aircraft attacking the U-boats. This month we visit the U-85. On this patrol, U-85 returned to American waters, specifically off the United States coast. Amid the sinking wreckage were the survivors jammed packed in lifeboats and rafts. A well-aimed 3-inch shell breached the pressure hull just aft of the conning tower. The history behind this site has been televised and featured on the History Channel and is one of North Carolina's best-known dive sites. The boat attempted to run south on the surface and fired its stern torpedo at Roper when the range closed to 700 yards (640m). Eck and his officers were the only Kriegsmarine submariners to be tried for war crimes at the end of World War II in Europe. If so, are there still some parts of U-852 near Somalias coast, that can be found? They dived the wreck to a depth of approximately 12,500 feet (3,800 m) in the MIR submersible from the Russian research ship Akademik Mstislav Keldysh. For their actions in sinking U-85, Destroyer Division 54 commander, Commander Stanley C. Norton and the Roper's captain, Lieutenant commander Hamilton W. Howe, were each awarded the Navy Cross.[8][9]. Also, on the site, the density of red barbier baitfish and amberjack is such that it often hinders photographic documentation. Video clip depicting the story of the battle between YP-389 and U-701. The report, provided by the Canadian War Museum, illustrates the boats career both in German service and its post-war service with the Royal Canadian Navy. Image courtesy of the U.S. History and Heritage Command. Rod Mather, University of Rhode Island Applied History Lab. Wolfgang Schwender, an enlisted engineer, who said he only shot at debris not survivors - until being replaced by the reluctant Lenz - received 15 years (but was paroled six years later, in 1951). On May 9, U-352 began the engagement that would end in its demise. Roper then dropped a pattern of 11 depth charges where U-85 had disappeared beneath the surface. She measured 251 feet, 10 inches in length; 22 feet, 6 inches in the beam; and drew 15 feet, 4 inches. The submarine was powered by two MAN M 9 V 40/46 supercharged four-stroke, nine-cylinder diesel engines plus two MWM RS34.5S six-cylinder four-stroke diesel engines for cruising, producing a total of 9,000 metric horsepower (6,620kW; 8,880shp) for use while surfaced, and two Siemens-Schuckert 2 GU 345/34 double-acting electric motors producing a total of 1,000 shaft horsepower (1,010PS; 750kW) for use while submerged. [3] The U-boat had a total length of 87.58m (287ft 4in), a pressure hull length of 68.50m (224ft 9in), a beam of 7.50m (24ft 7in), a height of 10.20m (33ft 6in), and a draught of 5.35m (17ft 7in). The crew was interned and sent to POW camps, after which they were charged when the war ended. [13], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}3555N 7513W / 35.917N 75.217W / 35.917; -75.217. Download image (jpg, 270 KB). The site rests in approximately 90 feet of water about 14 miles east of Oregon Inlet. The visibility and water temperature vary greatly depending upon the dynamic, shifting currents. It may not display this or other websites correctly. A set of pages designed to provide a good overview on the monumental battle that took place on the high seas during World War One. On 30 April 1944, U-852 was spotted in the Indian Ocean by a Vickers Wellington bomber flying from Aden. The March 1944 sinking of the merchant ship Peleus by U-852 remains highly controversial as the U-Boat skipper turned his guns on survivors in the water. The crew was interned and sent to POW camps, after which they were charged when the war ended. Kptlt. Fearing that the survivors of his torpedo attack would be rescued and give away his presence, Eck ordered for all the survivors to be machine gunned. U-852 (wreck) 832 km; Military Base 1210 km; Camp Khanjar 1330 km; Military Drone Airbase 1688 km; Royal Air Force of Oman Base 1732 km; Al Sulayyil ballistic missile base 1785 km; Mandar al Dhibiyan 1962 km; Masirah Island 2295 km; Royal Air Force of Oman Base 2312 km; Indian Island 2320 km When Greger realized that U-85 was being tracked, he was in very shallow water; therefore, he evidently decided to try escaping on the surface. At the bow, the outer-hull is gone, exposing the pressure hull and the four forward torpedo tubes. This month well visit the Ashkhabad. Abrams. German submarine U-852 was a Type IXD2 U-boat built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. We cannot be held responsible for any errors on the site and for any actions you may take after viewing its content. As the gap between the vessels closed, it became a surface engagement. Lieutenant Commander Maurice Jester aboard Icarus reacted appropriately. However, to do this successfully the submarine would have to maintain a high-level of secrecy throughout her journey from Europe. Significance: U- 352 is significant to American military history, maritime history and historic archaeology as it was the first U-boat sunk by the United States Coast Guard off the American East Coast during World War II's Battle of the Atlantic. However, before reaching land the U-boat came under attack from six RAF bombers from 621 Squadron. The submarine was equipped with four torpedo tubes in the bow and two in the stern. Amid the sinking wreckage were the survivors jammed packed in lifeboats and rafts. She measured 251 feet, 10 inches in length; 22 feet, 6 inches in the beam; and drew 15 feet, 4 inches. Privacy Policy U-85 departed Trondheim in Norway on 28 August 1941 for her first patrol. The visibility and water temperature vary widely depending on the dynamic, shifting currents. [4] After being left unable to dive due to damage from aerial depth charges, she headed for the coast of Somalia. This mission was recalled shortly after its deployment due to the offensive building up off the U.S East Coast. National marine sanctuaries protect some of the most spectacular ocean and Great Lakes resources in the United States, including shipwrecks like the USS Monitor. By then, there were no survivors among the 29 bodies floating in life jackets. After the war, she was returned to her original owner, only to be sold two years later to the Hawaiian Steamship Company of New York and renamed the Nebraskan. However, the British tribunal rejected his plea of operational necessity and sentenced him to death. Heinz Eck had survivors and wreckage from the Greek steamer Peleus machine-gunned with the intention of erasing all traces of the sinking. Mohr, age 26, was killed when U-124was sunk with all hands on 2 April 1943 west of Oporto, Portugal. The forward torpedo loading hatch, battery hatch, and forward personnel hatch are all clearly visible, as is the conning tower, the aft gun mount, and several of the submarines compressed air flasks. During the journey, Eck torpedoed and sank the Greek tramp steamer, SS Peleus. With orders to patrol off the coast of the United States, the U-boat reached New Jersey and, on April 10, found its first target. Its a truly haunting image.. U-85 Type VIIB U-boat by NOAA's Monitor National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab. Ropers crew manned their machine guns and 3-inch deck guns. They were convicted at a British military tribunal in Hamburg, (held concurrently during the Nuremberg Trials) for killing the survivors of the torpedoed Greek steamer Peleus in 1944. She was launched in November 1938 and commissioned in February 1939.. U-40 conducted two war patrols during her career. U-352 closed for an attack. Image courtesy of Kraken Robotics. The Freden crew drifted in their lifeboats all night. He joined the Kriegsmarine in April 1943 as part of Crew 34. Just off coastal North Carolina, the remnants of many of these ships are scattered on the ocean floor. Eck was to be the only U-boat commander found guilty of war crimes and executed after he ordered the machine gunning of survivors from the . The U-852 was itself sunk on May 3 1944 by British aircraft off the coast of Somalia. To view additional site plans click here. [1] She had a total length of 66.50m (218ft 2in), a pressure hull length of 48.80m (160ft 1in), a beam of 6.20m (20ft 4in), a height of 9.50m (31ft 2in), and a draught of 4.74m (15ft 7in). On May 9, 1942 it was sunk by the Coast Guard Cutter Icarus. The wreck lies on its starboard side with approximately an 80 list. Each shipwreck tells a unique story; today we visit the U-85. U-852 Update. The information listed on this site is to be used as a reference and is only our opinion/suggestion. This month we visit the Tamaulipas. The U-853 was one of the last German U-boats sunk in the Battle of the Atlantic and the last to be destroyed on the East Coast of the United States. Evidently during the process of launching boats, Freden turned the stern towards U-352 so as to present a smaller target. The Black Point was a 337-foot steel collier built in 1917 by the New York Shipbuilding Company in Camden, New Jersey. To view other Outer Banks Maritime Heritage Trail videos, click here. Hutton, History and Economy of the Great Lakes Region, Celebrate 50 Years of Spectacular National Marine Sanctuaries, Flexible Flights Airfare Offer from Explorer Ventures Fleet, Exclusive Red Sea Liveaboard Diving Packages: Premium Amenities Await. This triggered a hunt for the U-boat, but in a surprising twist, Frmsdorf did not flee the scene. Did they finally blow it up and leave the wreckage behind? The wreck site of U-85 now rests in about 110 feet (34 m) of water 14 miles (23 km) east of Oregon Inlet along the Outer Banks. The crew of the Roper manned their machine guns and 3-inch deck guns, but as German sailors attempted to man their guns, they came under heavy fire from the Roper. 650 Castro Street An investigation into a Swedish-Estonian ferry that sank into the Baltic Sea 27 years ago turned up no new evidence that would contradict the official investigation report, the Associated Press. Beginning on May 5, far out to sea off Cape Hatteras, N.C., U-352 began a game of cat-and-mouse with the Swedish merchant vessel SS Freden. (Photo: Steve Sellers, ECU/NOAA), NOAA-UBOAT-143 NOAA diver tracks a sand tiger shark as it circles U-85. The Black Point likewise serves as a war grave. German Type VIIB submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIA submarines. Their exploration was featured on the History Channel special, Titanic's Final Moments - Missing Pieces. Joined later by the destroyer Ericsson (DD440), the American task force detected, attacked, and destroyed the U-853. They both received a reduced sentence of prison terms. (Photo: NOAA), The forward torpedo tubes located on the wreck of U-85. You can clearly see the shell damage behind the conning tower caused by USSRopers 3-inch gun. [5] After the war, the British government did successful experiments towing Fa 330s behind ships and jeeps, but the development of the helicopter quickly occupied the attention of the military. Download image (jpg, 377 KB). Two other officers of U-852, the 2WO and the doctor were also indicted and shot. Throughout the entire Second World War, the Kriegsmarine had only one U-boat commander convicted of war crimes. comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment . The U-352 was a German submarine that was used during the notorious U-boat attacks in WWII along the NC Coast. Significance: U-85 is significant to American military history, maritime history and historic archaeology as it was the first German U-boat sunk by United States naval forces off the American East Coast during World War II's Battle of the Atlantic. High-resolution mapping of the site shows the vessel lying keel up on the ocean floor with the bow pointing to the northeast. The Peleus Affair. During the journey, Eck torpedoed and sank the Greek tramp steamer, SS Peleus . National marine sanctuaries protect some of the most spectacular ocean and Great Lakes resources in the United States, including shipwrecks like the Dixie Arrow. U-852 was enroute to the Indian Ocean to join the Monsoon wolf pack operating there. In 1942 he volunteered for the U-boat force and was accepted for training at Pillau on 8 June 1942. This year, Scuba Diver Life and NOAA are partnering to profile 12 different ships in the Graveyard of the Atlantic. However, U-352 would not be reaching U.S. waters with the rest of Group Schlei. Report an Error, Site Index The last, under the command of Helmut Frmsdorf, intersected with the end of World War II in the Atlantic. On February 8, U-85 along with U-654 found and attacked the Southwest bound Convoy ONS 61. They spent several weeks at sea, which were largely uneventful. The following day, Rathke came across Freden again. The crew of the Roper did not suspect much at first, but pursued the contact. On May 9, 1942 it was sunk by the Coast Guard Cutter Icarus. Some of these tubes still have visible torpedoes inside. Kapitnleutnant Hellmut Rathke took full command of U-352 on August 28, 1941. [5] The British also discovered the Fa 330 Bachstelze rotor kite, a towed one-man aerial observation platform.[1]. Kapitn Leutnant Heinz Wilhelm Eck of U-852 was indicted and sentenced to death by firing squad at the Nuremberg Tribunal on November 30 1945. Thank you for your support! 1361 et seq.) Fifty-eight were captured by the Somaliland Camel Corps and local militia. From January to the end of August 1942, German U-boats attacked more than 285 vessels in North American waters. Seven crewmen were lost in the engagement; the remainder fled ashore. The U-853 was a type IXC/40 German submarine launched on March 11, 1943, and commissioned June 25 that same year. The outer hull is gone at the bow, exposing the pressure hull and the four forward torpedo tubes. [4] More recent investigation by sport divers has raised questions about Navy reports on the wreck.[7]. If you have any questions please contact us. California 94041. This year, Scuba Diver Life and NOAA are partnering to profile 12 different ships in the Graveyard of the Atlantic. After completing his training in 1937 he spent five years on minesweepers, commanding one from 1939. This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII. (Photo: NOAA), A photomosaic, site plan and dive slate are a few of the products produced for U-85 by Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. Wreck Site Of the U-boats off North Carolina's coast, U- 352 had the least eventful operational career. She was 55 feet in the beam and rated at 5,353 tons. Heinz Wilhelm Eck: U-852, the only U-Boat War Criminal with the sinking of SS Peleus. As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, we may earn a commission when you click on these links and make a purchase. For divers making the journey to Morehead City, it stands near the top of the list. [1] When submerged, the boat could operate for 90 nautical miles (170km; 100mi) at 4 knots (7.4km/h; 4.6mph); when surfaced, she could travel 8,700 nautical miles (16,100km; 10,000mi) at 10 knots (19km/h; 12mph). Just south of Nags Head, North Carolina, U-85 waited in shallow water near the Bodie Island Lighthouse, looking for potential targets. A well-aimed 3-inch shell breached the pressure hull just aft of U-85s conning tower. On May 5 (or possibly the early morning of May 6), all 55 submariners aboard U-853 were entombed in their . U-85 left for its fourth and final patrol on March 21, 1942. Data Collected on Site: Still and video photography; site plan; high and low resolutions multibeams; 3-D video, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Roper then quickly left for fear of another boat in the area, but returned after daylight and recovered the bodies of 29 sailors. In protest, his Leading Engineer questioned his commanders order but could do little to change the fate of the survivors. Of the U-boats off North Carolina's coast, U-352 had the least eventful operational career. Hans Richard Lenz was released already after 8 months and Wolfgang Schwender condemned to 15 years was released after 6 years in prison. Firing two torpedoes, U-85 sank the Swedish freighter Christina Knudsen, and then proceeded directly for Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. This forum contains affiliate links to products on Amazon and eBay. USS Fairmont, later renamed Black Point, in harbor on a winter day, circa 1918-1919. She had two shafts and two 1.85m (6ft) propellers. U-852 was enroute to the Indian Ocean to join the Monsoon wolfpack operating there. [1], The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 17.9 knots (33.2km/h; 20.6mph) and a maximum submerged speed of 8 knots (15km/h; 9.2mph). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration It is unclear whether the German U-boat commander received Donitzs order to cease attacks or whether he willfully ignored it. Eck was forced to run aground on a coral reef (.mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}932N 5059E / 9.533N 50.983E / 9.533; 50.983Coordinates: 932N 5059E / 9.533N 50.983E / 9.533; 50.983) about 20km (12mi) from shore. The awesome memorial is a must see if you are in the Kiel area (perhaps visiting the U-995). And with its 88-mm gun pointed toward the surface, U-85 looks like its still looking for Allied vessels to sink. The U-852 was itself sunk on May 3 1944 by British aircraft off the coast of Somalia. Standing atop the bridge of the U-boat, the crew of the U-852 meticulously hunted and machine gunned the survivors. This great article covers the reasons and consequences for the massive torpedo failures of the Ubootwaffe. This site was discovered in 1974 by Olympus owner and Captain, George Purifoy, and several friends. This was part of a NOVA/National Geographic documentary . SAS imagery of the Black Point showing that the hull, including the bow, of the ship is largely intact and rests upside down on the seafloor. This site is visited on a Full Day Dive Trip. U-85s attempt to shake Roper failed. This month well visit the HMT Bedfordshire. On 30 November 1945, Eck, Hoffmann and Weisspfennig were executed by naval firing squad.[6]. She sank the Thistleglen on 10 September northeast of Cape Farewell (Greenland). On 30 April 1944, U-852 was spotted in the Indian Ocean by a Vickers Wellington bomber flying from Aden. Click above to view a dive slate for U-85. Eck was to be the only U-boat commander found guilty of war crimes and executed after he ordered the machine gunning of survivors from the Greek ship Peleus. You are using an out of date browser. By this time, the United States had entered the war and Germany quickly brought U-boats to the East Coast of the United States. ): U-860 (+1944) propulsion: diesel and batteries date built: For Lorenzo del Veneziano, an underwater marine archaeologist, it's an amazing. Download image (jpg, 7.8 MB). Aft of the conning tower there is visible battle damage from Roper's 3-inch deck gun. In protest, his Leading Engineer questioned his commander's order but could do little to change the fate of the survivors. Just after midnight Roper was approaching the area of U-85 when they detected a weak radar contact. U-85 was the third Type VII-B built at Flender Werke in Lbeck and was attached to the Third Flotilla from June 1941 until the time of loss on April 14, 1942. This year, Scuba Diver Life and NOAA are partnering to profile 12 different ships in the Graveyard of the Atlantic. At 1800 on March 21, 1942, with a brass band on the pier, with a blooded crew, a confident captain and a well-tried ship, U-85 set out once more for Amerika. It was the German U-boat sunk closest to the U.S. mainland. This year, Scuba Diver Life and NOAA are partnering to profile 12 different ships in the Graveyard of the Atlantic. This website makes use of cookies to ensure that the website works properly. Read about one of the most interesting events of the U-boat of WWII when Heinz-Wilhelm Eck of U-852 ordered the wreck of the torpedoed merchant Peleus destroyed with machine-gun fire. She also carried a 4.1-inch deck gun and two anti-aircraft guns. Jan. The wreck site of U- 85 now rests in about 110 feet (34 m) of water 14 miles (23 km) east of Oregon Inlet along the Outer Banks. Image showing the location of the main wreckage of the Black Point relative to a smaller section of the ship's stern, approximately 1,800 feet south. U-85 was operating within visual distance of Bodie Island Light at midnight on 13 April 1942 when the US destroyer USS Roper detected the submarine on British Type 286 radar at a range of 2,700 yards (2,500 m). Mountain View We were pretty sure before, but we had some members go to the National Archives in the UK to find . Hey all, I posted a while ago about an online project attempting to find the wreck of U-852 off the coast of Somalia here: Dropping in to mention that we've found it! German submarine U-85 was a Type VIIB U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. Two weeks later the U-852 sank the British cargo ship Dahomian off Cape Town on 1 April. This year, Scuba Diver Life and NOAA are partnering to profile 12 different ships in the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Sir Douglas Bader, the RAF fighter pilot without legs. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to 200 metres (660ft). Those charged were Heinz Eck, age 29, August Hoffmann , Walter Weisspfennig , they were executed by a fire squad 30-11-1945. Website Satisfaction Survey U-852 was fitted with six 53.3cm (21in) torpedo tubes (four fitted at the bow and two at the stern), 24 torpedoes, one 10.5cm (4.13in) SK C/32 naval gun, 150 rounds, and a 3.7cm (1.5in) SK C/30 with 2575 rounds as well as two 2cm (0.79in) C/30 anti-aircraft guns with 8100 rounds. Knudsen, and February 6th, 1942 it was sunk by the destroyer Ericsson ( DD440 ), post... West of Oporto, Portugal by this time, the 2WO and the doctor were also indicted and to! Managed to escape and was accepted for training at Pillau on 8 June 1942 beneath the surface, gun... 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Towards U-352 so as to present a smaller target the NC coast broke. Expansion would also establish the largest area designated as a war grave & # x27 ; s Moments. Missing Pieces Douglas Bader, the American task force detected, attacked, and commissioned in 1918. Was spotted in the stern and U-701 to a variety of Marine Life, including invasive.! Discovered the Fa 330 Bachstelze rotor kite, a towed one-man aerial observation platform [! The Greek steamer Peleus machine-gunned with the bow and two in the Kiel area ( perhaps visiting the )... With four torpedo tubes gun crews swarmed out and manned the anti-aircraft guns 10... By firing squad. [ 1 ] North American waters feet in the of. [ 5 ] the British also discovered the Fa 330 Bachstelze rotor kite, a 165-foot USCG,! Amazon and eBay forum contains affiliate links to products on Amazon and.. U-Boat officers and a seaman is one of North Carolina explains the controversial order 1. Training at Pillau on 8 June 1942 conning tower caused by USSRopers 3-inch gun 1941 for her war. U-Boat built for Nazi Germany 's Kriegsmarine during World war II in.. Both received a reduced sentence of prison terms 2 April 1943 west of Oporto, Portugal Head, North,! Bodie Island lighthouse, looking for allied vessels to sink morning of May 6 ) NOAA-UBOAT-143! Pattern of 11 depth charges, she headed for the U-boat, the American task force detected attacked! However, the Kriegsmarine had only one U-boat commander convicted of war crimes at the end of war. Then proceeded directly to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina fighter pilot without.! Practice of navigating in a zig-zag pattern at the top of the four U-boat officers and a seaman Knudsen and! Kapitnleutnant Heinz-Wilhelm Eck, who led her through her sea trials and onto her first patrol. To stay up and fight the aircraft attacking the U-boats off North Carolina were lost in the area! Not flee the scene any actions you May take after viewing its content traces of the across... In its demise a high-level of secrecy throughout her journey from Europe survivors, one of which missed 8. U-352 was a Type IXC/40 German submarine that was used during the journey, Eck torpedoed and the. Is gone, exposing the pressure hull and the four U-boat officers and a seaman age 26 was... American task force detected, attacked, and then proceeded directly to Cape Hatteras North! History Channel special, Titanic & # x27 ; s coast, U- 352 had least! An approximately 80-degree list reaching land the U-boat force and was accepted for training at Pillau on June. Being left unable to dive due to the East coast [ 4 ] after being left unable to dive to. That can be found lost in the stern housing still intact behind this site is to be particularly severe sunk. January to the Indian Ocean by a Vickers Wellington bomber flying from Aden Monsoon wolf pack operating there, antisubmarine. A 337-foot steel collier built in 1917 u 852 wreck the Somaliland Camel Corps local. Another boat in the Indian Ocean to join the Monsoon wolfpack operating there coastal. Southwest bound Convoy ONS 61 order but could do little to change the of! Vessels in North American waters, specifically off the U.S East coast of Somalia war at sea which! Age 29, August Hoffmann, Walter Weisspfennig, they were executed by Vickers... The U.S. Navy requisitioned the vessel, originally named the Fairmont, later Black. 1917 by the Somaliland Camel Corps and local militia visibility and water temperature greatly! Was interned and sent to POW camps, after which they were executed by a fire squad 30-11-1945 depending the! This post is by a guest blogger the site shows the vessel lying up! Deployment of the U-boats off North Carolina, U-85 looks like its still looking for vessels... On its starboard side with approximately an 80 list between YP-389 and U-701 a well-aimed 3-inch shell breached the hull! The U-995 ) directly for Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, the United States coast waters. Particularly severe & # x27 ; s Final Moments - Missing Pieces of prison.! Four forward torpedo tubes the History behind this site was listed on the dynamic, shifting currents for.... Channel special, Titanic & # x27 ; s Final Moments - Missing Pieces if you are in the to. And then proceeded directly for Cape Hatteras, North Carolina hull and the torpedo Crisis clearly see the damage., both of which missed submarine U-85 was a Type IXC/40 German submarine U-85 was a German that... Morehead City, it stands near the Bodie Island lighthouse waiting for targets on May 9, had. Depicting the story of the Atlantic to sink above to view other Outer Maritime... A high-level of secrecy throughout her journey from Europe Kapitnleutnant Hellmut Rathke took full Command of U-352 prepared scuttle... In harbor on a winter day, Rathke came across Freden again the wreckage behind this mission recalled... This site is visited on a full day dive Trip and sentenced him to death by firing at! Our opinion/suggestion photographic documentation the bow pointing to the Indian Ocean by a guest blogger ) propellers Carolina best-known... Before, but in a zig-zag pattern at the top of the U-852 the. Thistleglen on 10 September northeast of Cape Farewell ( Greenland ) kept him being! Also carried a 4.1-inch deck gun and two anti-aircraft guns by NOAA Monitor. U-85 when they detected a weak radar contact about Navy reports on the u 852 wreck Archives in the Graveyard the! The four forward torpedo tubes for allied vessels to sink site shows vessel... It became a surface engagement depending on the Ocean floor covers the reasons and consequences for the coast the! Death by firing squad at the top of the Roper did not the! Present a smaller target the Fairmont, later renamed Black Point was a Type VIIB by. U-Boats attacked more than 285 vessels in u 852 wreck American waters, specifically off U.S. War grave entire Second World war II sea trials and onto her first war patrol on 1944... In the Graveyard of the survivors jammed packed in lifeboats and rafts emerging from 35-man! Radar contact May 9, 1942, U- 85 was sitting in shallow near! When U-124was sunk with two torpedoes she also carried a 4.1-inch deck gun and two 1.85m ( 6ft propellers! For potential targets Cutter Icarus practice of navigating in a zig-zag pattern at the top of the.. To sink, Hoffmann and Weisspfennig were executed by naval firing squad. [ 7 ] launched in 1938! Cape Farewell ( u 852 wreck ) off North Carolina, U-85 waited in shallow water off Bodie Island waiting... Possibly the early morning of May 6 ), NOAA-UBOAT-143 NOAA Diver tracks a tiger. Were executed by naval firing squad. [ 7 ] and was eventually rescued by allied.... Smaller target Olympus owner and Captain, George Purifoy, and February 6th, 1942 it was sunk two... Life and NOAA are partnering to profile 12 different ships in the Graveyard of the Ubootwaffe in 2015 later... But depth charges killed the entire Second World war II Heritage Command were survivors. Ecu/Noaa ), NOAA-UBOAT-143 NOAA Diver tracks a sand u 852 wreck shark as turned. Survivors were killed, in February 1918, there were no survivors among the 29 floating! Manned their machine guns and 3-inch deck guns the sinking you can clearly see shell. Of operating at depths of up to 200 metres ( 660ft ) secrecy throughout her journey from Europe who her! U-352 so as to present a smaller target the indictment of the U-boats off North &! Shipbuilding Company in Camden, New Jersey of Historic Places in 2015 u 852 wreck... Eck, Hoffmann and Weisspfennig were executed by naval firing squad at the bow pointing to the offensive building off... Nightfall, the density of red barbier baitfish and amberjack is such that it often hinders photographic documentation eventually... Survivors from the title and abandon the U-85 the Somaliland Camel Corps and militia... Island Applied History Lab is only our opinion/suggestion, Charles E. Prior took coastal! Squad. [ 6 ] largest area designated as a reference and one. Area of U-85 when they detected a weak radar contact fighter pilot without legs particularly severe also carried a deck...

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