U-Boat AA Guns in Action

U-415 was commissioned by Kapitänleutnant Kurt Neide and commanded by him until the end of June 1943. This was when the anti-aircraft guns were strengthened and Oberleutnant zur See Herbert Warner, author of the book 'Iron Coffins', took over. This picture shows how the 20mm anti-aircraft guns were aimed and shot. Although these guns were ineffective against large, fast-flying and armoured aircraft, their operation was relatively easy, but the gunners were not provided with protection against bullets from the aircraft.

U-31 with 88mm Deck Gun in Action

U-31, a Type VIIA, with the 88mm quick-firing deck gun in action. Cartridges were stored in a magazine beneath the radio room. They had to be passed up by a chain of men through several very small hatches and along a complicated route. Shells were stored either in waxed cardboard tubes or sealed individually inside pressure and water-resistant containers, almost as if each shell was places inside a tin. These metal containers were so well made that shells found in wrecks more than fifty years after the war were still in perfect condition! Although this picture is not terribly clear, the optical aiming devices can be seen on both sides of the weapon.