Tuesday, April 14, 2015

German U Boat: Museum of Science and Technology in Chicago

Only one German U boat was ever taken down by the United States military during World War II, and it is on display in Chicago's fine Museum of Science and Technology.  The capture was kept secret, so that the Germans would not know that we had taken possession of the two invaluable Enigma machines onboard. Also, 600 pages of classified papers were recovered. The prisoners of war were squirreled away in Louisiana for the remainder of the war, and the Uboat was hidden in Bermuda. This American military coup was part of the turning of the tide in the Allies winning the war. 

U Boat madness: bunks were occupied by two men at a time, and were only long enough for those who are 5'8" and under, and were stuffed in among a torpedo and cans of food. 
The men drank apple juice instead of water. Rare fresh water was needed to cool the batteries. 
Fifty nine sailors shared one latrine. 
It was called hot bunking because the sheets never cooled between the shifts of men. The air temp in the sub ranged between 90 and 120 degrees. There were no baths or showers. Ceilings were low and claustrophobic. 
Not that I have any sympathy for the Nazis. 
Radio room
Bunks with torpedo


Captain's quarters
Engine room

Enigma model
Engine room
Genuine Enigma Machine, recovered from UBoat

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