Never before published uboat pictures

[greenman407]

As well as a few more.

[greenman407]

A Rare ,Rare picture indeed. Pictures of type 23 are few and far between. Even fewer, almost non-existent, are pictures of a type 23 with a full crew pictured with it. This picture is one of those. Here we have a picture taken in the spring of 1945. In it we see U-2360 and her entire crew as well as her Commander Oblt.z.S. Kurt Schrobach in Hamburg. The picture caption brings out some very interesting details. If you look at the very back edge of the conning tower you will see a position light of a type rarely seen hanging in position. Also, notice that the snorkel is wrapped in a anti detection material known as "Weschmatte" named after its inventer Professor Wesch. Also of note is the electric signal lamp, known as the "Varta lamp" ,hung in a mount on the side of the periscope block.

[greenman407]

I posted this picture previously but something came to mind(doesnt happen often). Look closely at the forward edge of the conning tower. Notice how rounded and rolled back it is to reduce drag. Now look at your Bronco type 23 as well as other pictures. Most of them have the rim turned outward or should I say upwards to act as a spray shield. This was also incorporated on U-2330 in an attempt to reduce drag. The tests concluded no appreciable difference so this was not repeated. This picture goes along with the previous picture of u-2360 and her crew because it shows her at commisioning on Jan. 23, 1945.

[greenman407]

Now notice this one. Here is the aforementioned Commander Schrobach atop his U-2360 revealing further details. Notice the cramped conditions that this type of modified bridge design afforded compared to the normal type 23 arrangement. Also notice the UZO mounting pedestal to his right. A special pair of binoculars were mounted atop of it which was connected to the torpedo computer in the control room. Also note the other type 23 in the background. U-2360 was scuttled by her crew at wars end.

[trout]

Mark, I must admit my shame, I have this photo and the prior one showing the running light, I only looked at the foreground. Now that you pointed the one in the background, this photo is priceless. There is so much information in the sub in the background!

[greenman407]

YES SHAME ON YOU!!!....................no not really. We all miss things. Im bringing this stuff out , not because Im an Eagle eye for details but only because I read of it in the caption. OH FUDGE!!! Now my secret is out. DRAT.

[greenman407]

Notice also on the picture with the commander and his crew standing in front of the sub. Look at all the holes cut in the top rear of the conning tower. ILL wager you that they were for helping get all the air out for faster diving. We have to do the same on our model subs sometimes.

[greenman407]

This picture was taken from the U2360 bridge area. Notice how narrow the submarine is.

[greenman407]

In the second and third pictures, U2332 is shown with a wooden structure built right in front of the Conning tower. Anyone have any idea as to what it is?

[trout]

This would be a completely wild guess. This looks like an early Type XXIII, no exhaust on the side. There are tugboats fore and aft, the platform might be used for filming, important guests, or for testing the newly designed sub??
The first picture shows the bow area without the wood walkway/platform in, maybe that is what they are doing installing or removing it. Again more great pictures. 3 of the 4 I have not seen before!

[greenman407]

Exhaust? What exhaust? Im showing my complete ignorance here. Im looking over my Bronco type 23 and I dont see any sign of any exhaust. I think its a great idea though. If its supposed to have an exhaust.............then I want one.

[trout]

Mark,
it is a housing that goes from the base of the tower along the hull into the water. I will look for a photo.
Peace,
tom

[greenman407]

The first picture shows U25 in 1939 with her camouflage of grey segments on conning tower and above water part of the boat. The other pictures show some changes in her appearance reflecting the wishes of each of her new Commanders.

[greenman407]

I guess I spoke too soon. I had some other pictures of the U25 but now I cant find dem. FUDGE!!!!!...................OH!........please excuse the language.

[greenman407]

I found them. Here dey is: