The story of UB-65, a World War I German U-boat, is shrouded in mystery and legend. From tales of a cursed vessel to its dramatic demise, the submarine's history is a blend of documented facts and enduring ghost stories. This article delves into the known history of UB-65, separates fact from fiction, and examines the circumstances surrounding its sinking.
UB-65: A Type UB III U-Boat
SM UB-65 was a Type UB III U-boat of the Imperial German Navy during World War I. Under the command of Kptlt. Martin Schelle, UB-65 embarked on six war patrols. During her active career, she sank six merchant ships and damaged six more, contributing to Germany's U-boat campaign.
A Troubled Beginning: Accidents and Omens
The construction and early service of UB-65 were marked by a series of unfortunate events, fueling rumors of a cursed vessel. These incidents included:
- Three crew members asphyxiated by diesel fumes in the engine room.
- Two crew members crushed by a falling girder.
- A crew member swept overboard during seaworthiness tests and never seen again.
- During the first test dive, a fracture in a ballast tank caused the submarine to sink to the bottom, trapping the crew for 12 hours before they could surface.
These incidents led to a belief among the crew that the ship was cursed. According to some accounts, the German Imperial Navy even called a priest on board to exorcise the ship due to the crew's reluctance to serve on it.
The Ghost of Lieutenant Richter
Adding to the mystique of UB-65 are tales of a ghost haunting the vessel. The ghost is said to be that of Lieutenant Richter, the second officer, who was killed early in the U-boat's career when a torpedo exploded. These stories contributed to the legend of UB-65 as a haunted submarine.
Read also: Espionage and betrayal: The Dieter Gerhardt case.
Debunking the Myths: The Role of Hector Charles Bywater
Researchers George Behe and Michael Goss argue that the ghost stories surrounding UB-65 were popularized, if not invented, by journalist Hector Charles Bywater. They speculate that Bywater, a skilled storyteller, may have fabricated some of his sources, such as a post-war pamphlet attributed to a "Dr. Hecht." Behe and Goss conclude that it is difficult to definitively trace the origins of the haunting rumors before Bywater's writings and that official documents offer little support for the claims.
The Final Voyage: Conflicting Accounts of the Sinking
The circumstances surrounding the sinking of UB-65 are subject to conflicting accounts. One version, based on an account by Captain Paul F. Foster of the submarine L-2, describes a dramatic encounter:
- L-2 spotted UB-65 listing heavily on the surface, seemingly disabled.
- As Foster maneuvered for a torpedo shot, UB-65 was torn apart by a massive explosion.
- UB-65 rose on its bows and sank rapidly.
- There were no survivors, and no bodies were recovered.
- The sound of small propellers and an underwater signaling device were heard briefly after the explosion.
- According to one source, the American officer thought he saw someone on deck just before UB-65 went down. It was a figure in a German officer's overcoat, standing near the bow with folded arms.
However, this version of events has been challenged by the discovery and examination of the UB-65 wreck.
The Wreck of UB-65: Unraveling the Mystery
In 2004, the wreck of a U-boat was discovered off the coast of Padstow, Cornwall, at coordinates 50°36′40″N 5°00′18″W. Subsequent inspection of the wreck by nautical archaeologist Innes McCartney and U-boat historian Dr. Axel Niestlé confirmed the identity of the boat as UB-65. The wreck site is now designated as a protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.
The examination of the wreck provided valuable clues about the possible cause of the sinking:
Read also: Insights into George Dieter
- The survey showed no obvious signs of weapon attack as the cause of loss, although this could not be completely ruled out. Damage assessment expert David Manley suggested that shock damage from a depth charge attack could have caused internal failures and hull penetrations not visible externally.
- The aft hatches were open, suggesting an attempted escape by some of the crew.
Based on the wreck observations and historical accounts of depth control and handling issues experienced by other boats of the same class, the most likely conclusion is that UB-65 was lost due to accidental causes on or after July 14, 1918, the date of the sinking of a Portuguese vessel in the Padstow area.
Correcting the Record: The Padstow U-boat Wreck
The identification of the Padstow U-boat wreck as UB-65 corrected the previously accepted account of its loss. The discovery provided tangible evidence that challenged the dramatic narrative of a surface engagement and explosion.
Read also: Explore the significance of 2100 George Dieter Drive.