This first photograph shows the boat at the conclusion of the sea trials. One of the things they discovered about the boat was that she was a very slow diver, even under ideal conditions. Normally, it took her five minutes to get under, and longer in heavy seas. Her best time was three minutes. After she was converted to a war boat (U-155) she was equipped with high speed vent valves that improved her diving time, but the boat remained a slow diver and a clumsy maneuverer throughout her career.
The color scheme was over-all sea green with a black tank top. The extra black saddle on the stern was unique to the U-deutschland.
If you look carefully you will see the signal flag "S" on the foremast. According to my source, that means, "I am backing." Maybe one of you old swabbies can tell me what it means in this case.
I think this is a shot of her entering Wilhelmshaven. It looks a little bit like Helgoland, but that breakwater featured heavy pilings on the inside. Claas can probably tell us where this photo was actually taken.
Next up, when I get time, will be the return to Bremen from Baltimore. Dwight
Bookmarks