The story of the lost U Boats of the Black Sea: Scuba diving at an intact nazi U Boat wreck

For years, German submarines U-19, U-20, and U-23 were a terrifying presence beneath the waves, preying on British and Russian shipping. 

Then, 72 years ago, they suddenly vanished to the bottom of the Black Sea.

One of the lost submarines, the U23, was found by Turkish divers.

The search began along the Turkish coast near the town of Zonguldak in 1994, after the Turkish navy complained that it was having difficulty conducting minesweeping operations. 

Local people had known for years that the submarines were out there under the water somewhere, though the remarkable story of the U-boats is one of the lesser known episodes of the war.

Mr. Asım Karsçakar, an experienced scuba diver and explorer from Turkey, shares with pierrekosmidis.blogspot.com and WW2 Wrecks in Greece his experience. "3 U boats, U 20, U 19 and U 23 were scuttled by their crews close to the turkish coast of Black Sea on 10 and 11 September 1944. All crew landed safe and were arrested. They stayed two years in Turkey  in Afyon city, as prisoners of war, before returning to Germany."

The three submarines were originally part of a six-boat flotilla harassing Allied shipping around the North Sea. 

U-23 had patrolled the Spanish coast during the civil war, under the command of a young Sea Lieutenant, Otto Kretschmer, who was to become Germany's top U-boat ace. 

He was known as "Otto the Silent" for his mastery of silent running and his reluctance to make radio contact with Germany while he was at sea.

Scuba diver and explorer from Turkey Mr. Asım Karsçakar (right)

His career almost finished before it had properly begun when a British submarine spotted U-23 off the Danish coast in October 1939 and fired three torpedoes at it. 

All three missed. Before he was transferred to another boat, Kretschmer scored his first hit of the war in U-23 when he sailed into the Moray Firth and sank a 10,000 ton Danish tanker on 12 January 1940.

The U-boats of the 30th flotilla were small by Second World War standards – only 140 feet long – which made them popular with the Kriegsmarine when it was rearming in the 1930s. 

The Type II-B, nicknamed Einbaum (dugout canoe), were cheap to build and could be run off an assembly line quickly. Once war began, the smaller submarines were taken out of action in the Atlantic and North Sea as soon as larger boats could be built to replace them.

But their size was an advantage when choosing craft for their next deployment. After the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, the German high command decided that it needed the flotilla to attack Soviet ships in the Black Sea.

To have taken the subs by sea past Great Britain and Gibraltar would have been hazardous. And they would then have had to go through Turkish waters, violating that country's neutrality. 

So it was decided they would go by land. Each weighed just under 280 tons, making it easier to convey them on their 2,000 mile (3,300km) journey overland.

The submarines docked in Kiel and were taken by canal to the Elbe, then upstream to Dresden. 

There they were dismantled and taken 85 miles by lorry to Ingolstadt, on the Danube. They were then ferried hundreds of miles through Germany, Austria, Hungary and Romania, to the Black Sea port of Constanza.

Over the next three years, the flotilla sank 45,000 tons of Soviet shipping, while losing three boats.

But in September 1944, the Red Army entered Romania, its government switched sides, and the remaining three subs were stranded. 

Their crews were ordered to scuttle their boats and try to make it home by land. They rowed to Turkey, but were interned for the rest of the war.

Mr. Asım Karsçakar says: "In 1992 I contacted Rudolf Arendt, the commander of U 23 and Hupert Verpoorten commander of U 19. They explained in detail the conditions of the scuttling of their U Boats and their story and adventures in Turkey."

Only 20 Type II-B submarines were ever built, and just one survives, making the prospect of retrieving three of them in good condition an enticing one for naval historians. 

And as the 25 man crew of each ship got out alive, they are not considered to be war graves.

The U Boat wreck is just in 22 meters depth Mr. Asım Karsçakar says. "A diving club owned by Mr. Volkan Demircioğlu in Karasu city began organising dives there. We dived and took pictures in 2013 -2014 as a group formed by Mr. Volkan Demircioğlu,Selçuk Dilşen and Tolga Dumlu.The U boat is totally intact and in a very good condition. U 19 and U 23 still waiting to be discovered." 

SOURCE

German fallschirmjäger and the last bridge over Corinth Canal, Greece, Saturday 26 April 1941

The Germans had established air superiority early in the campaign. As they consolidated their positions German fighters and dive bombers dominated even more.

Percy Parrymore was with the 122/13th Light Anti Aircraft unit in Greece. As the British made their withdrawal from Greece his troop was selected to remain as a rearguard on the last bridge over the Corinth canal. 

The eight men on his gun were reduced down to six and they were told to watch out for parachutists:

Came the dawn on Saturday, 26th April, along with scores of German fighters with machine guns blazing. The man taking cover alongside me was killed outright and I was wounded in the right hand and arm.

Then the Germans started dropping the parachutists, and it was quite evident that nothing was going to stop them. Eventually there were left only the Sergeant, Alan Ponsford, and myself (bombardier), and deciding the only course of action was to spike the gun, we threw the breech block as far as we could into a corn field.

My right arm was useless, so I told Alan I would crawl through the adjacent corn field to see if I could see any other British troops. 

On my return after only a few minutes Alan was dead. I had not, of course, seen any British, but found four Germans advancing towards us, at whom Alan had apparently been firing with a Greek rifle; he was just keeled over in a kneeling position. I took his rifle with my remaining hand and took one shot at the advancing Germans. This stopped them, but they started throwing grenades.

Then a very Lancashire accent voice called out ‘Nah then, daft bugger, gie thissen up’. I thought this must be a German who had lived in England, so still dodged a few more grenades. 

Finally, deciding ‘This is the end’, I stood up, still holding the rifle, and the Germans and I simply stared at each other. They indicated strongly that I should drop the rifle, which I did, and then walked over towards them.

They could not have been kinder, and used their own field dressings to mop up my hand and arm, and I was taken to a field dressing station, which had been dropped by parachute, and where a German doctor showed no discrimintion between German and British wounded.

SOURCE

WW2 Pacific Treasures: The Battle of the Coral Sea "stray" Zero

This Japanese Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" was deliberately crashed into the sea after "Shoho" and "Zuikaku" were sunk during the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. (PHOTO CREDIT: Rod Pearce)

A Japanese Zero fighter is resting in the shallow waters of Deboyne Lagoon, since 1942. 

This aircraft was ditched by her pilot, when the Zero ran out of fuel, because the carrier out of which it started her mission was sunk by US forces, during the Battle of the Coral Sea.

Map of the Deboyne Islands

During World War II, the Japanese built a temporary seaplane base in the lagoon at Deboyne Atoll as part of MO Sakusen, the attempt to capture Port Moresby, Papua. 

The base was created by units that came from Rabaul, New Britain and Shortland Island in the Solomon Islands, including the seaplane tender Kamikawa Maru. 

The base existed for approximately five-and-a-half days in May 1942, including the Battle of the Coral Sea. During that time the Japanese Navy operated a small number of Aichi E13A (Jake), Mitsubishi F1M (Pete), Nakajima E8N (Dave) and possibly other types of seaplanes there. 

Fortifications were minimal, consisting of felled palm trees and small-caliber anti-aircraft guns on shore, as well as any firepower on ships in the lagoon.

Operations at Deboyne

Two Australian planes made contact with the Japanese seaplane base force as it was approaching the Deboyne atoll on May 6, 1942 to set up the base. 

Lockheed Hudson bomber A16-160 escaped, but Catalina A24-20 was shot down by three Japanese seaplanes in the vicinity of Misima Island. An Australian Hudson carried out a bombing raid early on May 7.

The light aircraft carrier Shôhô was sunk later on May 7, 1942 by American carrier-based airplanes north and east of Deboyne. 

At least two fighter planes from Shôhô ditched at Deboyne. In addition, one Japanese land-based bomber made an emergency landing in the lagoon on May 7 following its attack on Royal Australian Navy Rear Admiral Crace's task force, which was to the south of Deboyne. 

Japanese seaplanes flew in and out of the Deboyne base during the Coral Sea battle on reconnaissance and search-and-rescue missions. They particularly concentrated their searches to the south, where American aircraft carriers were expected.

On May 8, a fighter plane from aircraft carrier Zuikaku made an emergency landing in the lagoon. 

American Army bombers from Port Moresby attacked the seaplane base on May 9, 10 and 11, suffering the loss of one B-25 and one B-26. 

The Japanese left Deboyne during May 10–12, 1942 and did not return during World War II. 

The base became untenable for the Japanese due to proximity to Allied airfields at Port Moresby and the failure of MO Sakusen.

SOURCE

Exploring with a... submarine the U-133, the German U boat that sank off Aegina Island, Greece, in 1942

The wreck of U-133, broken in two, after hitting a mine off Aegina Island, Greece.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

Few people have the opportunity to dive a WW2 U Boat wreck, the feared weapon of nazi Germany.

Submersible Commander and scuba diver Kostas Katsaros from Athens, Greece, is one of the few persons in the world who has dived the nazi U Boat U-133, which was lost on March 14, 1942 with all hands, close to Aegina Island, Greece, both as a Submersible Commander, as well as a scuba diver.

Sonar image of the U-133 wreck.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

German submarine U-133 was a Type VIIC U-boat built for nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine for service during World War II. 

She was laid down on 10 August 1940 by Vegesacker Werft, Bremen-Vegesack as yard number 12, launched on 28 April 1941 and commissioned on 5 July that year. 

View from the inside of "Thetis"
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

U-133 sank after striking a mine, off Aegina Island, Saronic Gulf, Greece, on 14 March 1942, with all hands lost.

Marine growth on U-133
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

At 17:00 hrs on 14 March 1942 U-133 left her base at Salamina Island, Greece. Only 2 hours later she hit a mine off Aegina Island, broke in two and immediately sank with all hands. 

"Thetis" submersible hovers over the wreck of the nazi submarine U-133, sunk off Aegina Island, Greece (PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

The German commander of the 23rd Flotilla stated after the incident that U-133 was lost due to a navigational error that led the U Boat through the minefield.

 Commander Kostas Katsaros with "Thetis"
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

Submersible Commander Kostas Katsaros describes his experience diving at the U Boat wreck both as a submariner and a scuba diver: 

" I first dived U-133 on March 27, 2010 with the diving team of Antonis Grafas. After much reading on the tragic fate of U-133 and her crew at last I had the submarine wreck right before my eyes.

I didn't stop shooting photos, while my mind  was full of images and stories from this terrible weapon of the era. 

The mixed feelings of awe and admiration about the tragedy that happened right there were a unique experience. 

Unfortunately, time inexorably passed quickly and after spending a bottom time of 25 minutes at 78 metres depth, I had to slowly begin my ascent to the surface. 

On November 12, 2010 I had another dive at the U-133, but this time with a... submarine, the submersible "Thetis", of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research .

Diving with a submarine to see a submarine wreck is a quite memorable experience. Feelings of joy were overwhelming, as this time I was seated comfortably in the submersible, without time constraints that scuba divers face.

Submersible Commander Kostas Katsaros with HCMR colleague Leonidas Manoussakis

I could see all of the wreck's details, the severed bow resting on the stern, the conning tower, the cannon and many objects around U-133 I did not have the time to examine while scuba diving there a few months before. 

What attracted my interest was the open hatch of the conning tower, confirming the fact that the ill -fated U Boat was on the surface when it hit the mine that destroyed her.

"Thetis" at a depth of 311 metres (PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

After spending over an hour around the wreck a voice over the submarine's intercom said "Permission to surface granted".

Usually, as the Submersible's Commander I am the one to request permission to surface, but in that case, the surface vessel "AEGEO" gave the permit, as if implying "OK, you've spent enough time at the wreck, now get back to the surface".

Submersible THETIS 

The manned submersible THETIS was constructed, in 1999 in France by the company COMEX S.A, to very high technical specifications and has great potential for a wide range of scientific activities. 

The conning tower of U-133
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

It has a wide optical field, with distinct advantages over previous submersibles using older technologies. 

"Thetis" hovers next to the wreck of U-133
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

It is fitted with light projectors of advanced technology specially equipped for photography and cinematography. In addition it has a special intercom system for communication with the research vessel AEGAEO of which it forms an integral part. 

Lights on U-133
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

Services

Support in national programmes

Searching for, location and recovery of shipwrecks and submerged objects

Inspection of pipelines and cables

Research of underwater areas

Support in European and International scientific programmes

Support in underwater archaeological research.

Front view of "Thetis" Submersible
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

Submersible THETIS Equipment

She has a modern sonar echo sounder of high resolution which provides high standards of safety in terms of visibility, and it is particularly effective for the location of wrecks, communication systems (UHF, VHF, underwater telephone), a special com system with the R/V AEGAEO, navigation systems, cameras and powerful lights for photography and cinematography.

Submersible Commander Kostas Katsaros

She is equipped with 2 robotic arms (5 and 3 axis of movement) for its many applications and range of activities, with the possibility of lifting objects of up to 100 kg in weight. 

"Thetis" is ready for another dive, off "AEGEO" the HCMR's ship
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kostas Katsaros)

For the atmosphere control she is equipped with the appropriate gas meter instruments. She is also equipped with cutting equipment, hydraulic pistons, vacuum pumps, etc., for special needs.

Detailed Specifications

Length 3.4m, Width 2.4m, Height 2.5m, Weight 5.5 tonnes. She can accommodate a crew of two. Operational depth 610m, speed 2.5 knots. For her propulsion she has 5 hydraulic generators of 11KW. Her energy source is an electric lead battery, wet type, 160 volts.

In case of emergency it can stay submerged for three whole days as it possesses a life support system (food, water and oxygen for the 2-man crew).

The submersible is propelled by two power batteries of a special type with a total power of 160 volts. 

The cathode and anode are independent of the electronic system and it is maintained with an air supply in a special ballast tank. In case of emergency a ballast weighing 212 kg can be jettisoned. 

Total Weight: 5500 kg 

Length: 3400 mm 

Width: 2400 mm 

Height: 2150 mm 

Maximum operating depth: -610 m/ 2000 ft 

Operating time: 6 hours normal, 9 hours max 

Survival time: 80 hours 

Underwater speed: 2,5 knots 

Crew: 2 persons 

Classification: BUREAU VERITAS Class I3/3 

Cabin material: ASME PVHO-1 

Cabin Diameter: 1689 mm (outer) 1499 mm (inner) 

Cabin thickness: 90 mm 

Hatch diameter: 580 mm 

Propulsion: 5 hydraulic motors 1400 N 

Propellers: 5 aluminium 6061 OD 459 mm (constant step)

CLICK HERE FOR THE GREEK VERSION 

Greece, April 1941: "Only the dead have seen the end of war"

Three Allied soldiers lay dead under an olive tree, somewhere in Greece, April 1941, during the nazi invasion.

"Only the dead have seen the end of war"...

RIP

WW2 Pacific Treasures: "Pete" the Japanese nearly intact reconnaissance floatplane of Rabaul

The Mitsubishi F1M (Pete) Reconnaissance Biplane Floatplane in Rabaul is nearly intact
(Photo Credit: Rod Pearce)

The Mitsubishi F1M (Allied reporting name "Pete") was a Japanese reconnaissance floatplane of World War II. 

It was the last biplane type of the Imperial Japanese Navy, with 1,118 built between 1936 and 1944. 

The Navy designation was "Type Zero Observation Seaplane" (零式水上観測機), not to be confused with the Type Zero Carrier Fighter or the Type Zero Reconnaissance Seaplane.

This specific wreck was a reconnaissance plane sunk while at anchor. 

She lies near the shore in 30 metres of water. 

Her three-pronged front propeller is still intact and is one of Rabaul’s most iconic images. 

While there are many WWII wrecks dotted around Papua New Guinea, the Rabaul area undoubtedly has the most. 

Situated on the eastern tip of New Britain, Rabaul is a large natural harbour that was the main naval base of the Japanese during the war. 

The area is also a very active volcanic region, sitting between 3 active volcanoes.

The last eruption was in 1994, which prompted the government to strip Rabaul of its title as regional capital. 

The town harbour was covered in ash, to the detriment of the diving at the time. 

Now, the area, if not the town is recovering well.

SOURCE

WW2 Pacific Treasures: The story of the Japanese Zero fighter aircraft at Vial Island

The Zero fighter is lying upside down on a sandy seabed (PHOTO CREDIT: Rod Pearce)

The Japanese Zero fighter aircraft of Vial Island was found in 2007, lying upside on a sandy bottom. 

The landing gear is extended and the rubber tires remain mostly intact, albeit covered in marine life. 

Both wing flaps are extended. 

The right side of the fuselage has a hole, possibly caused by combat damage.

Location of aircraft wreck at Vial Island

Possibly, this Zero was lost on January 23, 1943 when Zeros took off to intercept 90th Bombardment Group B-24 Liberators on an armed reconnaissance mission over Wewak. 

This Zero was damaged and had to perform an emergency ditching at sea. 

SOURCE OF INFO

Rare photos from the nazi invasion of Greece, April-May 1941

A series of previously unpublished photographs from the nazi invasion of Greece, April-May 1941 has recently resurfaced, after decades hidden in drawers and is auctioned off mainly via ebay. 

These photos, shot by German soldiers, depict different phases of the campaign, including the paratroopers operations in Corinth and in Crete, the return of the survivors to Germany and tombs of their fallen comrades.

These photos, along with thousands more, illustrate the German invasion in Greece and Crete.