Kretschmer: The Hunt For Nazi Germany's Deadliest U-Boat Ace
Synopsis
By early spring of 1941, German U-boats had sunk a total of 650 ships, severely threatening Allied shipping during the Battle of the Atlantic.
Synopsis
Otto Kretschmer commanded U-Boat operations that sank 650 ships by early 1941, significantly impacting Allied shipping during World War II. The Royal Navy struggled to counter his tactics, leading Winston Churchill to issue directives targeting U-Boats and their supply lines. Meanwhile, the Women's Royal Naval Service played a crucial role in decoding intelligence that aided in the hunt for Kretschmer. This episode details the strategic battles and intelligence efforts that defined the conflict in the Atlantic.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Find out how U-boats coordinated attacks like wolf packs.
- See how the capture of the Enigma machine changed the war.
- Meet Captain Johnny Walker, who sank two U-boats in one attack.
Did You Know
- By early spring of 1941, German U-boats had sunk a total of 650 ships.
- 95% of Britain's energy and over 70% of its food supplies were imported.
- Winston Churchill ordered all U-boats to be targeted in a directive during the Battle of the Atlantic.
- U-boat captains competed to sink the highest tonnage, with one aiming for 100,000 tons of cargo.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ships had Dun's U-boats sunk by early spring of 1941?
Dun's U-boats had sunk a total of 650 ships by early spring of 1941.
What directive did Winston Churchill issue regarding U-boats?
Winston Churchill issued the Battle of the Atlantic directive, ordering that all U-boats be targeted and all U-boat shipping yards be bombed.
What was Captain Johnny Walker's success during a U-boat attack?
Captain Johnny Walker managed to sink two U-boats during a full-on U-boat attack while escorting a fleet out of Gibraltar.
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