The PFC SH3 Rolling Quiz (PFC = Post Forum Crash) | Forums

[Ant__.]

* Bump! *

[VikingGrandad]

Originally posted by VikingGrandad:
I think this will be easy:

What unique opportunity was offered to artist Claus Bergen in WW1 and Lothar-Günther Buchheim in WW2?

No answers yet.... hmmmm... surely anyone who has read/watched 'Das Boot' could make an educated guess?

[Ant__.]

I was holding back VG, but will punt..They sailed as 'invited observers' ?

[VikingGrandad]

That's correct RJ... Now, I wonder if someone can provide the names of the U-boats and captains they sailed with?

[BatleshipHunter]

I belive Bergen was aboard U-53.


I know Buchheim joined Lieutenant-Commander Heinrich Lehmann-Willenbrock and the crew of U-96 for a single patrol.


I am just going by memory, maby someone can corret me if I am wrong?

[VikingGrandad]

Well done BattleshipHunter

The Buchheim details are of course correct, and Claus Bergen did indeed join the crew of U-53 (a Type U 51 Mittel-U class), and her captain, Hans Rose.

Like Buchheim, Bergen was fortunate enough to accompany one of the war's U-boat aces. Rose sank 84 ships (213,900 tons) during his command of U-53. Amongst the ships sunk during Bergen's patrol, Rose sank the 10,402 ton liner 'Ultonia' (fortunately, all but one passengers/crew survived). Bergen painted the scene of 'Ultonia' slipping stern-first beneath the waves.

Bergen's story of his trip is featured, amongst other, in the wonderful book 'U-boat Stories of the Great War', which also features many of his stunning paintings (sadly, only black and white versions).

My references: 'U-boat Stories - Narratives of German U-boat Sailors' by Karl Neureuther and Claus Bergen, uboat.net, http://www.uk-muenchen.de/english/eng_bergen.htm and http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/de.../ShipsT-U.html

I think the next question should be yours, BattleshipHunter (I'm sure RJ won't mind )

[BatleshipHunter]

Ok, here is my question, what is a "Mousetrap"

[Ant__.]

*BUMP!*

[geoffwessex]

MOUSETRAP:

Either a trap for mice, OR....

A rocket-launched Depth Charge system, fitted to USN ships.

This weapon was originally classified as a Rocket Launcher and retained its original Mark number when reclassified as an ASW projector. This weapon was intended to take the place of Hedgehog on smaller ships. An 85 lbs. (39 kg) warhead was originally fitted, but this was too heavy to man-handle in rough seas. The warhead was changed to that of the Hedgehog. Compared to Hedgehog, this weapon was rocket propelled rather than a spigot mortar, i.e., the propellant burned more slowly. Usually fitted in pairs and could not be compensated for rolling. Used by the Soviet Navy under lend lease. (www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WAMRussian_ASW.htm)

[BatleshipHunter]

Geoff, you are right in every aspect of your post. These systems were built for smaller ships. The Mousetrap was to designed to forward fire 8 contact bombs by means of rockets, which had no recoil.