Username: OpanaPointer Postmark: 19 September 2019 From: The U-505 Submarine, Chicago, Illinois, USA And now OpanaPointer checks in from the famous U-505 Unterseeboot housed in Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. Having visited the U-505 many times myself, I'm happy to finally see her appear in on of our postcards. With the look and feel of a U-Boat pen, the underground exhibit is truly one of the best naval WWII museums I've seen. It is not to be missed if you are ever in the Windy City. Remember to check the WW2 Forums/Forces Postal Service Map for a look at our growing list of all WW2F/FPS submissions.
ColHessler, my memory of it too. A little the worst for wear. That the museum would house it and put it into better shape is near-miraculous and we are indebted to them for their good efforts. It is hard to believe it is a type 9 long-range boat when you compare it to say the USS Drum, a cruise ship by comparison.. the mortality rate of U-Boats causes one to shutter!
What happened to the deck gun? Had a model of this boat when I was a kid and I seem to remember a deck gun!
Hmmm...two 20mm twins or a 20mm quad? or both...! Now we are talking... Speaking of 20mm action...now this would be fun...
@CAC The 20mms were good for killing pilots, but the 40s were needed to kill the planes, especially the ones in a death dive.
That's funny, I was there just yesterday with the wife and eldest son. Last visit was over 30 years ago.
I imagine it got a little loud when the action was hot and heavy in that part of the ship. Nary a noise cancelling ear protection device in sight. Osha would have a sh1tfit over something like that these days.
Some U-boats had a quad 20mm in lieu of the 37mm on the aft extension of the conning tower. These would still have the two twin 20mm side by side abaft the bridge, for a total of eight. Some of "flak traps" that were briefly tried in 1943 had quad 20s on bandstands fore and aft of the bridge plus the 37mm.
I saw the sub on my eight grade field trip. Back then it was outside and I remember it, being Chicago, was windy, rainy and miserable even though it was May.