Graf Spree Emerges From Its River Plate Grave

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 2-27-2004 | Seamus Mirodan

[dd5339]

Ping

[Wombat101]

The "weird rule" was established international law -- beligerent warships entering a neutral port could stay for a maximum of 48 hours to conduct necessary repairs or for humaitarian reasons.

Britain's bluff was to convince the Germans that the Royal Navy had a task force bearing down on Montevideo to sink or capture the Graf Spee as she emerged from Montevideo harbor.

British intelligence agents in Uraguay (a hotbed of pro-Nazi sympathy) leaked the story of the fake task force knowing that German agents or sympathizers would pick it up and transmit this information back to Germany, and the Kreigsmarine (German Navy).

The bluff worked. The Graf Spee's Captain, under pressure from international law and the belief that a British surface force was coming to pound his ship, scuttled his vessel and then took his own life, after ensuring that his crew made it ashore.

[Petronski]

I had a bit of trouble climbing around in a B-17 a few years back...couldn't make it through the bomb-bay to the aft guns. I'm a little bashful about attempting to squeeze into a WWII sub.

But a genuine U-boat? I think I'd try.

[Redleg Duke]

The term is "fought", not "faught" and she should have beaten the three Commonwealth Cruisers, but she wasn't as good at fighting those who could fight back as she could against helpless merchantment.

Game, Set and Match!

[SAMWolf]

<== Mash This

[gcruse]

You're an old guy, too, eh? :)

[dinok]

A. I admit to being a bad speller. Quit being anal.

B. You ASSUMED I was singing praize to the Graff Spee. I was stating fact from a military history perspective. Get a grip will yah?

[gcruse]

Outstanding!! Thanks for that.

[Wumpus Hunter]

Here it is online: The U505. Be sure to check out the history tab.

The U-505 on Lake Michigan with the 1954 Chicago skyline in the background.

Looks like you'll need to wait until 2005 to see it, as they are remodeling.

[SAMWolf]

You're welcome. I remember that song too.

[witnesstothefall]

Never thought I'd see this bump.

[Erasmus]

The U-505. Being from Chicago, I remember when they brought it to the Museum and installed it. They had to lay temporary rail tracks from the lake shore, across the Outer Drive, and to the side of the museum.

The producers of "Das Boot" used U-505 as the model for their mockups and sets.

[Redleg Duke]

Got it out of your system now? Good!