U
-boats – or ‘unterseeboots’, which
translates as ‘undersea boats’ – were a
series of submarines used in both World
War I and World War II. They were famed for
their ability to stealthily strike at Allied
vessels, ganging up on them in brutally
efficient ‘wolf packs’ to inflict the maximum
damage. In World War I alone, 430 A llied and
neutral ships were sunk by these rov ing packs.
If the might of the U-boat was thought to be
at its peak in 1917, however, then by the start of
World War II in 1939, they had risen to a whole
other level. Over 50 new U-boats were built or
already in construction and this impressive
submarine fleet proceeded to enjoy much
success raiding supply lines and sinking Allied
vessels. One of the foremost of these next-
generation U-boats was the VII-C – the most
advanced submarine that had ever been built.© DK ImagesFlak cannon
A few VII-Cs were fitted
with a flak cannon too.
These 20mm (0.8in)
guns were used to fire
at any enemy attack
aircraft trying to blow
the U-boat out the water.Storage
There was no dedicated
storage area in U-boats
due to their compact,
narrow design. As such
meat, bread and other
produce were kept in
the crew quarters.Capable of travelling thousands of miles on
the water and then able to submerge and strike
enemy targets within a 142-kilometre (88-mile)
range, the VII-C was the backbone of Germany’s
submarine fleet. A rmed with a bount y of
torpedoes, sea mines and cannons, the VII-C
could deliver damage both on the surface and
beneath the waves, as well as tie key areas
down with traps and blockades. Indeed, the
type II was so successful that between 1940 and
1945 568 vessels were commissioned.
In contrast to the impressive German fleet,
the Allied fleet was inferior both in number
and, in general, in its technology. Interestingly
though, records indicate that more U-boats
were sunk by Allied vessels than vice versa,
with HMS Upholder – a U-class submarine –
sinking several in the Mediterranean.
Many of these statistics do not give an
accurate portrayal, however, of the overall
influence that the U-boats had during World
War II, as their primar y purpose was that of
economic warfare (eg cutting off supply lines),
rather than being solely dedicated to battle.Engine
When on the surface, the
U-boat was propelled by two
supercharged six-cylinder,
four-stroke M6V 40/46 diesel
engines. These generated a
maximum 2,400kW (3,200hp).Motors
While submerged the U-boat
was propelled by a brace of
electric motors that produced
560kW (750hp). These were
needed as the diesel engines
required air to operate.Fuel tank
Due to limited internal
space, the VII-C’s fuel
tanks were mounted in a
saddle arrangement over
its back, with twin cavities
extending from each side.Battery array
Huge banks of electrical
batteries were located in
the lower centre portion
of the U-boat. These
supplied energy for the
motors and lights.Crew quarters
Living quarters were situated
throughout the vessel. Up to 44
people could be accommodated,
with individuals sleeping on
narrow, wall-mounted bunk beds.Conning tower
Each VII-C was topped
with a conning tower at
the centre of the vessel.
The commander of the
U-boat controlled the
submarine from here
when surfaced.DID YOU KNOW? It’s estimated that over 3,000 Allied ships were sunk by U-boats during WWII