UU Gerät achtern / UU device astern

[Chris Goss]

This was mentioned in a report of damage to the Prinz Eugen in Feb 42. At first I thought it was passive sonar (GHG) but obviously not. Can anyone throw any light on what UU device might have been?

[Nick Beale]

In the key to abbreviations in the 1./Seekriegsleitung KTB, the nearest entries are UT = Unterwasser-Telegraphie and u.U. = unter Umständen (in certain circumstances). No hits on Bundesarchiv Invenio either.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks (as always) Nick. Thought it was this (passive sonar):

The GHG sonar was, by WWII standards, very advanced. It had a spaced array of multiple crystal hydrophones with electric signal delays. This radar could detect a ship out to 10NM in quiet conditions, and because of the signal delaying, it was possible to determine a contact’s bearing and course.

[Tony Kambic]

I was performing research at NASM for one of the curators on the Ar196, that allegedly was taken from the Prinz Eugen once it was brought to the US. Actually at capture, it seemed nobody at first wanted the ship, neither the Soviet Union nor the UK, so the US agreed to take it.

This was years ago I did the research, but as I recall, the entire crew was left on until it arrived in the UK. Then most were vetted and only the crew needed to bring it to the US remained onboard.

It sailed with US personnel and the remaining crew to Boston Naval Yard where it was first examined and the Germans were released. Then it went to Philadelphia Naval Yard where the Ar196s and one turret were removed.

It then sailed through the Panama Canal and on the west coast, I believe near San Diego, tests were run to see the sonars capabilities. Again, as I recall, it was able to evade numerous inert torpedoes attacks which surprised the US leaders.

It eventually sailed to Bimini for the atomic tests, and turned over after a blast and sank. That was not supposed to occur but somehow ports were left open to let in ocean water. More recently one of the propellers was removed and returned to Germany to be displayed, after being approved that it did not give off too much radioactivity.

Tony

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Tony. She survived the two blasts and sank being towed away afterwards. The prop is now on display at Laboe. Still doesn't answer was UU was!

[edwest2]

I suggest trying here:


https://uboat.net/forums/list.php?20