U-505 page 14

 U-505 page 14 by ric gustafson

As U-505 is trying to return to Lorient, the Commander in Chief of RAF Bomber Command gives a command. He wants the French seaport of Lorient France destroyed. From Jan 14 1943 to the 16th, British and American bombers devestate the town. Luckily, the submarine pens stayed intact. The crew of the U-505 were shocked by the massive bombing.

The U-505 made it back. The boat was put into drydock for extensive repairs and modifications. The crew was given 3 weeks leave.

On July 3 1943, U-505 quietly leaves it's submarine pen. Skipper Zschech is unsettled. His closest comrade on board Thilo Bode was promoted to Skipper of the U-858. He was replaced by 26 year old Paul Meyer.

U-505's problems started after only one hour. The diesel engines began to sputter. Then at midnight, the engines totally shut down. After dealing with that problem, Zschech wanted to do a test dive. At 40 meters, a leak started in the starboard propeller shaft. When the boat reaches it's patrol destination, it is attacked by 3 British destroyers. 6 depth charges shake and rattle the boat. Then Zschech notices diesel fuel leaking from the boat. That scares Zschech. Too many problems have been happening on this patrol. Zschech is beginning to think of sabotage.

research help: ' Codename Nemo' by Charles Lachman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric