Originally Posted by
air pig
793 U Boats were lost during WW2 from all causes and 28,000 lives lost, a 75% loss rate. The RN in contrast.lost 79 boats in WW2 which does not include ones such as X Craft. If you go to war in a submarine you deserve all the respect in the world.
The US loss rate for subs during WW II was about 25% - which was higher than any other branch of the US military during the war (nearly all in the Pacific against the Japanese). It took serious cajons to volunteer for the submarine service (not sure if the German U-Boats were all volunteer, but the US was).
You don't have to approve of their cause to appreciate their bravery.
Willow, I toured that U Boat in Chicago several years back. Having also gone through the Bowfin at Pearl Harbor, I was shocked at how small the U Boat was in comparison.