Additional Coverage:
- See inside a WWII-era U-boat, the only submarine that the US Navy captured intact and towed home (newsbreak.com)
Captured Nazi U-Boat Preserved in Chicago
During World War II, the US Navy made history by capturing a Nazi U-boat in a top-secret operation. The U-505, a Type IX-class submarine, was responsible for sinking several Allied ships before being captured in 1944.
A Treasure Trove of Intelligence
The capture of the U-505 provided the Allies with valuable German intelligence. The submarine contained codebooks, Enigma machines, and documents that helped break German naval codes and track U-boat movements.
Inside the U-Boat
The U-505 is now a permanent exhibit at Chicago’s Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Visitors can explore the submarine’s interior, which has been restored to its original condition.
An Underwater Predator
The U-505 was a lethal weapon, equipped with six torpedo tubes and antiaircraft guns. Its long range allowed it to target Allied ships far from German shores.
Tracking Down the U-Boat
The U-505 was detected by a US Navy task group off the coast of Africa. After a fierce battle, the submarine was forced to surface and was boarded by US sailors.
Saving the U-Boat
To prevent the U-boat from sinking, US sailors disabled the scuttling charges and replaced a sea strainer cover that had been left open by the German crew.
Towing it Home
The U-505 was towed across the Atlantic Ocean to Bermuda, where it was studied for its technology and intelligence. The captured German sailors were held as prisoners of war in the United States.
Preserving History
After the war, the U-505 was donated to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. It was transported to Chicago in a massive operation that involved towing the submarine through locks and Great Lakes.
The U-505’s Legacy
The capture of the U-505 was a major turning point in the Battle of the Atlantic. It provided the Allies with crucial intelligence and helped them to counter the threat of German submarines. The U-505 serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by sailors on both sides during the war.