U31 class U-Boats (1914)

Germany (1913-1919) U-31 to U-41, launched/commissioned 1914-15

The U31 class were a continuation of previous diesel boats, a serie started with U19 and continued with the U23 and U27 classes, made by either Germaniawerft or Kaiserliche Werft Danzig. This was the same basic design, incrementally improved, increased in size and tonnage and becoming the standard oceanic submarines of the German Navy when world war one broke out. In fact, most of U31 class entered service just as the war broke or soon after, as a modified copy of the U23 from Germaniawerft in Kiel, double-hull with the same armament and a few changes in draught and other details, for eleven boats built. Among these, U35 became the most successful submarine of any war in the hands of famous ace commanders such as Waldemar Kophamel, Lothar Von Arnauld the la Perière, Ernst von Voigt or Heino von Heimburg with a tally of 224 ships and half a million tonnes in 25 sorties. They operated from the british Isles to the Atlantic North and South, the Mediterranean and Adriatic and West Africa. Collectively the class sank more than 1,000 allied vessels and a dozen warships. To compare the best U-Boat of WW2 “only” bagged 51 ships.

U 31 class subs. Arguably the most successful U-Boats class ever in service with the laiserliches Marine in 1914, aside the UB I serie. This was the first homogeneous class of oceanic U-Boats built in significant numbers, after small series of four ships or single boats, a cautious approach as grand admiral Tirpitz was still unconvinced of their utility and wanted to avoid diversion from his mighty surface fleet. In all, 11 boats were made (U-31 to U-41), 7 lost, many by Q-ships. They were faster diving, with a 7800 nautical miles range. U-35 became the best U-Boat of WWI and of all times, sinking 224 ships (536,000 GRT) between her four ace commanders, including W. Kophamel (also a WW2 U-ace) and the legendary Lothar von Arnault De la Periere. To compare the U-ace of aces on U-48 in WW2 sank 51 ships for 310,000 GRT… In fact they had the top-three-scoring uboats of the war, with also U-39 (Walter Forstmann) and U-38 (Max Valentiner) together claiming 1,198,139 gross register tons (GRT). Later on, another U-ace on U-38 and U-34, Wilhelm Canaris, became admiral and head of the Abwehr from 1935 to 1944.
The full story and individual careers. #kaiserlichesmarine #germannavy #ww1 #191418 #uboat #uboote #u35 #delaperiere #kophamel #submarine #battleatlantic

U-52 meeting U-35, two of the most successful submarines of all times.

Development

The U31 class followed a long line of U-Boats derived from U-1 from Germaniawerft and reflected the progresses made between August 1906 and January 1914, so in nine years. Compared to the latter, the new class displaced 860 tonnes versus 280 underwater, had four torpedo tubes instead of one, with larger torpedoes, a gun deck, and could reach 16.4 knots surfaced versus 10.5, 9.7 kts underwater versus 8.7 and with a range of 7800 nm versus 1500, so increased five fold.
This result was the fruit of nine years of gradual improvements in design, through the U2, U3, U5, U9, U13 classes, U16, class, U17, 19, 23 and 27 classes. All iterated on the base formula, the sold design made for surface performances and range rather than underwater speed or agility, as the admiralty considered them s torpedo boats that could disappear underwater of threatened, an approach soon similar to what happened in other navies, with different designs and formulas.
U1 was the brainchild of Spanish engineer D’Equevilley (which also work with Laubeuf in France on a winning design), and it was not designed for export by “by the navy and for the navy” at Friedrich Krupp, Germaniawerft on official specification.

The follow-up boats were also prototypes from Kiel and Dantzig yards, useful to show what these yards can do, and the first U5 serie was ordered to Germaniawerft (U5), the U9 and U13 series at Dantzig. The latter also built a serie of four U19 class which became the first diesel-electrically powered U-Boats. They also introduced 500 mm torpedo tubes and deck gun; Truly revolutionary, they inspired the order to Germaniawerft of the U23 serie, and at U27 Dantzig, each four boats to form squadrons.

Here comes the U-31 class. They were essentially Germaniawerft copies of its own U-23 class, but with a much faster diving time. Between 1912 and 1915 eleven were built at Germaniawerft, Kiel, as an evolution of the rival Dantzig design U-27 class, while being larger than the U-23 series (685/878 tonnes versus 669/864t) and same dimensions but greater draught.

BUT…
The U31 were also the last of a breed born with U19 from Dantzig Naval Yard. This 650/830 tonnes 1911-12 class inaugurated diesels engines, a definitive doule hull shape, and for the first time, ditched its gasoline engines for MAN diesels for a greater range. Speed was better, both surfaced and underwater in contrast to previous boats, and to boot they inaugurated a brand new armament of 500 mm torpedo tubes instead pf 450 mm. At that point Germany, oddly enough was still lagging behind for the number of its submarine fleet compared to pretty much anybody else, the Russians, French, British, Italians, or even the US Navy, thanks, in no small part, to the resistance of Admiral Hipper. However there was a band of motivated officers than pushed for the submarine design branch and managed to get orders all along from 1910 onwards, for two specialized yards, which competed for the best designs: Dantzig Naval yard and Germaniawerft in Kiel, both state-sponsored.

The U31 came out after alternating series from these yards: The U23 class was Gerrmaniawerft’s answer to Dantzig U19 series, then Dantzig came back with the improved U27 series. Nothing changed much in between but incremental improvements across the board, from a similar design essentially. When planned in January 1912, it was Germaniawerft’s turn and the shipyard’s engineers came with an improved design similar to U27 but with a greater diving time. For all specifications it was still close to the U27 design, with the same armament as the U19. After all these limited classes of four boats (since U19), as before that time, single boats or classes of two were the norm, confidence on submersibles started to grew, more on the Kaiser Wilhelm than on Hipper himself.

This time, for the new U31 series, Germaniawerft obtained an order for no less than 11 boats, unprecedented, bu it was about time, as when completed, 1914 arrived. It was time for Germany to be serious about submersibles, and the Government also wanted to keep pace with foreign developments and ordered in Italy U42 (prospective name) a Fiat-Laurenti type to retain competitive knowledge, especiually for the Fiat diesel technology. However U42 was never delivered due to the outbreak of the war and requisitioned by the Italian Navy, integrated in the Regia Marina as Balilla.

In 1912, Dantzig already prepared its response, which came out with the U43 class (eight boats ordered) also called the Project 25 boats, which differed from the previous series on many points, notably having to deck guns, a larger coning tower, and trying to match the U31 series diving time. This will be out next stop. Now, for the U31 series, they were ordered in March 1912 onwards, the last in June 1912. All built by Germaniawerft which opened a brand new section dedicated to submarine construction, there was enough capacity now to built simultaneously up to eight boats. This was put to good use. The U31 to U41 were laid down between October 1912 and April 1913. U31 was the first completed, commissioned on 18 September 1914, whereas U41 was commissioned on 1 February 1915, so they had little time to train before the war broke out. Still, this did not prevented them to accomplish the greatest tally of any submarines in history, elbeit less impressive than some smaller coastal submarines of the UB types given the tonnage ratio.

Design of the class

The Type U 31 were double-hulled and ocean-going, drawing inspiration from the Type 23 and Type 27 in dimensions but having a reworked propulsion and speed and were capable of diving in 1 minute and 40 seconds, the best time of any submarine in 1914. This was a crucial advantage if caught surfaced. They were considered very good high sea boats, but with average manoeuvrability (which is expected due to the lenght/beam ratio) but with good surface steering thanks to the generous rudder and two screw propeller. The complement was 4 officers and 31 enlisted. Living conditions in the tiny pressure hull were scarce.

Hull and general design

The Type U-31 was 64.70 m (212 ft 3 in) long overall. The pressure hull alone was 52.36 m (171 ft 9 in) in lenght, 4.05 m (13 ft 3 in) wide. The Outer hull beam was of 6.32 m (20 ft 9 in) overall with the large ballast blisters. The deck represented the emerged part and was quite thin for the least resistance while surfaced, apart the sponson around the main gun forward, and as time passed, a second was added aft. Normal draught was 3.56 m (11 ft 8 in) and their total height from keel to periscope top, in folded position, was 7.68–8.04 m (25 ft 2 in – 26 ft 5 in). Grand total displacement was 971 tonnes (956 long tons) with 685 t (674 long tons) surfaced, 878 t (864 long tons) submerged, making them the largest German submarines ever built so far.
The 900t mark (submerged) would be reached in wartime classes such as the U43 class, U51 class and others.

The U31 class had the same hull basically as the previous U23, with an overall length of 64.70 m (212 ft 3 in), with a pressure hull was 52.36 m (171 ft 9 in) long. Its beam was 6.32 m (20 ft 9 in) (o/a), and the pressure hull was a cylinder 4.05 m (13 ft 3 in) wide. The only change compared to the U23 was the draught of 3.56 m (11 ft 8 in). With the conning tower, their total height was 7.68 up to 8.04 m (25 ft 2 in – 26 ft 5 in) depending on the retractation of the periscopes. They displaced up to 971 tonnes (956 long tons), 685 t (674 long tons) when surfaced and 878 t (864 long tons) when submerged.
The conning tower was a copy without changes of the U23 as well as the shape and placement of the access hatches and many other details. The helmsman stand on front of the CT upper deck, protected by a tarpaulin with the officers standing behind and the two periscopes (attack and observation, zoom settings of 1,5x and 6x.) inside and armoured fairing. There were two forward hull diving planes, two lower aft close to the tail. The rudder, propellers, shafts and struts were all copies of U23. There were two telescopic masts to support cables for a wireless radio.

Powerplant

Type U-31s were fitted with two Germania 6-cylinder, two-stroke diesel engines. They had a total output of 1,850 metric horsepower (1,361 kW; 1,825 bhp) and were used when surfaced. Underwater, two Siemens-Schuckert double-acting electric motors took over. Each prioduced 600 bhp, a total of 1,200 PS (883 kW; 1,184 shp). The two shafts drove a 1.60 m (5.2 ft) propeller. This gave them a top surface speed of 16.4 knots (30.4 km/h; 18.9 mph) down to 9.7 knots (18.0 km/h; 11.2 mph) submerged, which were a tad better than previous designs. Cruising range was an unprecedented 8,790 nautical miles (16,280 km; 10,120 mi) at 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph) surfaced, about 90 nautical miles submerged. Test drive was 50 m (164 ft 1 in) but they were likely to meet their crush depht at twice that number.

Perhaps the biggest change was the powerplant. On the same, albeit a bit deeper hull, the powerplant now comprised two Germania 6-cylinder two-stroke diesel engines rated together for total of 1,850 metric horsepower (1,361 kW; 1,825 bhp) for surface running as well as two Siemens-Schuckert double-acting electric motors for underwater runs, totalling 1,200 PS (883 kW; 1,184 shp).
To compare, the U23 had 1800 hp/1200 shp powerplant figures, so there was some improvements in the in-house diesels. They powered two shafts diving 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in) propellers for a top surface speed of 16.4 knots (30.4 km/h; 18.9 mph) versus 16.7 knots on the U23.

Underwater this was 9.7 knots (18.0 km/h; 11.2 mph) when submerged versus 10.3 kts underwater, so a step back, albeit the diving time was much improved now at 1 minutes and 40 seconds (versus 2 min. 13 sec. on U23). The cruising range however also progressed, notably thanks to a better oil capacity, from 98t on U23 to 110t now, making for an impressive 8,790 nautical miles (16,280 km; 10,120 mi) at 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph) surfaced (versus 7,620 nm), but 80 nmi (150 km; 92 mi) versus 85 nmi fot the U23, also at 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph) under water. Their diving performances were still about the same as before at 50 m (164 ft 1 in).

Armament

The U-31 class were armed with four 50 cm (20 in) torpedo tubes, tow located forward in the bow, two aft in the stern. Provision for torpedoes was limited to just six. Which explains why many commander used their artillery as many as they could and keep torpedoes for the most dangerous and/or valuable targets. They also had one or two 8.8 cm (3.5 in) SK L/30 deck guns, later replaced in wwartime by more capable 10.5 cm (4.1 in) SK L/45 guns. It should ne noted that U-31 was completed without deck gun at all. It was added later in the war. Some retained their sole 8,8 cm until the end of the war, others received from the start two 8.8 cm guns, and from 1916/17 one 10.5 cm gun was installed on most.

The U31 class repeated simply the configuration of U19: Four 500 mm (19.7 inches) torpedo tubes instead of 45 cm (18 in), two in the bow, two in the stern, all reloadable internally, but with only two spare torpedoes forward. There were trials to shoehorn two more in the inter-deck, but that was seen as detrimental to stability while it obliged a long and complicated extraction and reload process at sea. This remained theoretical. The 8,8 cm now standard, was reconducted as deck gun forward. However later in the war, a 105 cm SK L/45 was substituted when possible. The exception was U31 which was sunk without any deck gun.

By late 1914, U35 saw the removal of its provisional Maxim MG for a 75mm/15 UK L/18 gun due to shortages of 838 cm and in 1915, U32, 36, and U37 were given not one but two 8,8cm/27 TK L/30 C/08 deck guns, one forward and one aft of the CT. The same year U33, 34, 35, 38, 39 40 and 41 saw the removal of their provisional Maxim 7.9mm/79 liquid cooled MG for a single 8,8cm/27 TK L/30 C/08 forward. In 1916-1917, U33, 34n 35, 38, 39 had it replaced by a 105mm/43 TK L/45 C/16 and in 1917 U32 had her two 88mm guns replaced by a single 105mm/42 Utof L/45 C/16 forward instead. This was about the single more important change. Operationally they always carried six torpedoes, included four pre-loaded in tubes.

Torpedo Tubes

The first 50 cm models were called G6. The first, G/6 and G/6D were used on surface ships and U-boats from U-19. In 1910 design work started on an improvement solely for submarines, the G7. The was the start of the most famous German torpedo ever, still forming the bulk of WW2 submarine’s stocks. The 50cm was introduced in 1913, just as the new U31 class were built, but they were used on surface ships at first, and only were destrobuted to U-Boats towards 1917-18. So here are both the G6 and G7 data:

U23 was the first to introduce the new and famous G7 (entering service in 1913), repeated by the U27 class and follow-up U31 class. Still, there were important stocks of G/6, and it’s possible they were used for training or tests. The Kerosene powered G/6D was considered too “temperamental” for submarine use indeed. The G/6 was developed from 1908 and entered service in 1911. The Royal Navy was slower on this chapter, only introducing the 21″ (53.3 cm) Marks II, II* and II** for submarine use from 1914 onwards.
The four 500 mm (19.7 inches) torpedo tubes could be reloaded from above via the larger hatches going through the outer upper hull.

G/6 specs

Weight unknown, 236 in (6.000 m) lenght overall
Warhead 353 lbs. (160 kg) TNT/Hexanitrodiphenylamin (Hexanite) mixture
Range/Speed 2,410 yards (2,200 m) at 35 knots or 5,470 yards (5,000 m) at 27 knots
Power: Decahydronaphthalene (Decalin) Wet-Heater
More on navweaps

G7 Torpedo

The G7 was designed in 1910 and entered service in 1913. Originally designed for surface ships, but in 1917 it started to be used on U-boats.
Specs:
Weight: 3,009 lbs. (1,365 kg)
Overall Length: 276 in (7,020 m)
Explosive Charge: 430 lbs. (195 kg) Hexanite warhead
Range/Speed settings: 4,370 yards (4,000 m)/37 knots and 10,170 yards (9,300 m)/27 knots
Power: Decahydronaphthalene (Decalin) Wet-Heater

⚙ specifications G/6 and G/6D
Weight	Unknown
Dimensions	236 in (6.000 m) x 20 in (50 cm)
Propulsion	Decahydronaphthalene/Kerosene* Wet-Heater
Range/speed setting G6	2,410 yards (2,200 m)/35knots, 5,470 yards (5,000 m) / 27 knots
Range/speed setting G6D	9,190 yards (8,400 m)/27 knots, 3,830 yards (3,500 m)/35 knots
Warhead	353/362 lbs. (160.164 kg) TNT/Hexanitrodiphenylamin (Hexanite) mixture

⚙ specifications G7
Weight	3,009 lbs. (1,365 kg)
Dimensions	276 in (7,020 m)
Propulsion	Decahydronaphthalene (Decalin) Wet-Heater
Range/speed setting	4,370 yards (4,000 m)/37 knots or 10,170 yards (9,300 m)/27 knots
Warhead	430 lbs. (195 kg) Hexanite

8,8 cm SK L/30 deck gun

For U19 onwards, the classic 3,7 cm or 5cm deck guns were ditched out. It seem however the U31 class were given provisnally a 7.9mm/79 Maxim Machine gun, waiting for their planned single 88mm 27 calibre TK L/30 C/08 deck gun to be installed forward. The deck had been reinforced but had no sponsons extensions seemingly on photos. In 1916, after captains reported this gun still weak, notably to scuttle a boarded ship or engage an armed trawler. They spent way too much time sinking their prey, which called for enemy reinforcements. Sponsons for a 8,8 cm main deck gun forward was a novelty introduced by Dantzig NyD’s U43 class onwards.

The 8.8 cm SK L/30 gun used the Krupp horizontal sliding block, or “wedge” and the submarine deck version was on either a retractable or fixed pivot mount. The Krupp mount retracted vertically through a hatch, and the Erhardt version folded down onto the ship’s deck. They avoided underwater drag and turbulences. It seems U19 class had the Ubts.L of the second type.
The 8.8 cm SK L/30 was a widely used naval gun on World War I pre-dreadnoughts, cruisers, coastal defence ships, avisos, submarines and torpedo boats in both casemates and turrets as well.
This calibre became so ubiquitous in the German Navy it was still a favourite for WW2 U-Boats as well starting with the Type VII. Read more

Standard light gun on all ships and submarines (designed in 1890 and entered service in 1892) of the Kaiserliches Marine until 1920 and beyond. They were quick to operate yet however limited in weight to do effective damage; Mostly usable against small ships, sailships, yachts, coastal steamers, trawlers, barges and such. More on these on navweaps.

⚙ specifications 8,8 cm SK L/30
Weight	644 kilograms (1,420 lb)
Lenght	2.64 meters (8 ft 8 in)
Elevation/Traverse	MPL C/89: -10° to +20°, 300°
Loading system	horizontal sliding-wedge breech
Muzzle velocity	590 m/s (1,900 ft/s)
Range	7,300 metres (8,000 yd) at +20°
Crew	4
Round	Fixed 7 kgs (15 lb) 3.5 in
Rate of Fire	15 RPM

1,05 cm SK L/45 deck gun

The 10.5 cm SK L/45 gun was designed and manufactured by Peddinghaus, being produced until 1945 on a variety of cradles, usually mounted on a conical pedestal mount, in that case, the latter was bolted to the submarine deck, replacing the 8.8 cm gun. These particular guns were carefully designed according to submarine operations requirements, and streamlined in design. Many items were also manufactured from brass to resist corrosion. That was certainly a boost for surfaced operations, given its double range and shell weight. At least these could deal with steamers and spared torpedoes. Among all victories earned by these ships, circa 1500 vessels, perhaps 20% were due to gunfire… More on navweaps

⚙ specifications 1,05 cm SK L/45
Weight	1,450 kilograms (3,200 lb)
Dimensions	472.5 cm (15 ft 6 in) oa x 6.8 mm (0.27 in)
Elevation/Traverse	MPL C/06: -10° to +30°, 360°
Loading system	horizontal sliding-block breech
Muzzle velocity	710 m/s (2,300 ft/s)
Range	MPL C/06: 12,700 m (41,700 ft)
Round	Fixed Brass Casing 25.5 kg (56 lb), 17.4 kg (38 lb) 4.1 in HE
Rate of Fire	15 RPM

HD Illustration

⚙ U31 specifications
Displacement	685 t surfaced, 878 t submerged
Dimensions	64.70 x 6.32 x 3.56m (212 ft 3 in x 20 ft 9 in x 11 ft 8 in)
Propulsion	2 shafts 1,850 PS Krupp diesels, 2× 1,200 PS (883 kW; 1,184 shp) Doppelmodyn EM
Speed	16.4 knots surfaced/9.7 knots submerged
Range	8,790 nmi (16,280 km; 10,120 mi)/8 knots surfaced, 80 nmi/5 knots submerged
Test depth	50 m (164 ft 1 in)
Armament	4x 50 cm TTs (20 in) (2 bow, 2 stern), 6 torpedoes, 8.8 cm SK L/30, later 10.5 cm SK L/45 guns
Crew	4 officers, 31 enlisted

Most succesful submarines of all times ?

Aces of Aces: SM.U35

U35 cruising in the Mediterranean with the crew, and Captain Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière scanning the horizon.
There were several very successful submersibles in this class, but among these, the story of U35 stands out. She became the most successful submarine in history, full stop. None of WW2 famed U-Boats even came close. She was notrious for having “bagged” half a million tons of shipping (220 merchant ships sunk for 505,121 GRT or 538,500 tonnes), three warships and auxiliaries and damaged 10 others. During her long career which ended with her surrender to the entente powers in 1918, she operated under several commanders, creating their legend. The most successful submarine ace of all times, De la Perière (Lothar von Arnauld) made his main career on board.

U-35 had a slippery delivery date, supposed to be 1 March 1914, but delayed due development issues with its new diesels. She entered service on 3 November 1914, under command of Kapitänleutnant Waldemar Kophamel, a future ace of WWI with lead engineer Hans Fechter, assigned to the II Flottille, Heligoland. Her fist two sorties were reconnaissance actions in the North Sea. In the next three she sank 17 merchant ships (25,716 GRT) and operated in pair with U-34 from Cattaro in Montenegro, sinking two merchant ships (3,724 GRT) and in two more voyages bagged 13 more merchant ships for 51,594 GRT notably the transport Marquette in the Aegean Sea, carrying an Ammunition Column of the 29th Division and the staff of the 1st New Zealand Stationary Hospital. On 9 November 1915 with U-34, she sank SS Californian, known for its inaction during the sinking of RMS Titanic on 15 April 1912. She oul ironclically also crossed path with RMS Olympic in 1916 but was unable to attack. On 13 November 1915, Kptlt. de la Perière took command, led 15 patrols mostly in the Mediterranean, sinking 187 merchant ships (417,682 GRT and securing his legend. He also sank the British gunboat HMS Primula on 29 February 1916 and French gunboat Rigel on 2 October 1916.
On 26 February 1916, she destroyed the French Armed merchant cruiser La Provence with 1,800 French troops on board off Cerigo Island.

The crew of U-35 salutes the Spanish Navy armored cruiser Cataluña while departing Cartagena, Spain, on 22 June 1916. (Illustration in La Esfera, 1 July 1916)
On 21 June 1916 she was in Cartagena, Spain, newt to the armored cruiser Cataluña to deliver a state message from the Emperor to King Alfonso XIII and was back to sea on 22 June. U-35 in her 14th patrol from 26 July to 20 August 1916 under de la Perière remained the most successful of all time, sinking 54 merchant ships for 90,352 GRT. Most were sunk by gunfire given the fact his boa only carried six torpedoes. She also sank the French transport ship SS Gallia on 4 October 1916 (believed to cost 1,800 men). Kptlt. Ernst von Voigt took command on 17 March 1918, making two patrols, and a redeployment cruise and from 7 September and 9 October 1918 but marred by engine issues. On 14 October 1918, Kptlt. Heino von Heimburg took command, she was transferred to Kiel and used for training. Transferred to the United Kingdom she was docked in Blyth from 1919 to 1920 as a public attraction, then BU.

Career of the U31 class

U31 (1914)

U-31 was laid down on 12 October 1912, launched on 7 January 1914 and commissioned on 18 September 1914. She sailed from Wilhelmshaven on 13 January 1915, but disappeared shortly thereafter. It was assumed she had struck a mine somewhere in the North Sea. Her wreck confirmed this, rediscovered in 2012 about 55 miles (89 km) off the coast of East Anglia during surveys for an offshore wind farm. Formal identidfication was made on 9 September 2015 when divers procured the hull number engraved on her navigation equipment.

U31 was ordered on 29 March 1912 at Germaniawerft, Kiel, Yard number 191, laid down on 12 October 1912, launched on 7 January 1914 and commissioned on 18 September 1914.
She was part of the IV Flotilla from 18 September 1914 to 13 January 1915 under Oblt.z.S. Siegfried Wachendorff. She only made a single patrol but sank no ship. She sailed from Wilhelmshaven on 13 January 1915 but disappeared shortly thereafter. It was assumed she had struck a mine, going down with all hands somewhere in the North Sea. Her wreck was rediscovered in 2012, 55 miles (89 km) off the coast of East Anglia while making a survey for the construction of an offshore wind farm. it was only formally identified on 9 September 2015 by experts of the Dutch Lamlash wreck-diving team. Divers found indeed the hull number engraved on a salvaged item of navigation equipment. In 2012 the Wreck was surveyed again in a sonar survey by Fugro for the Offshore Windfarm Project by Scottish Power Renewables and the next two years, the Royal Neth. Navy made more surveys with divers and sonar why looking for the wreck of HNLMS O13 lost on patrol in June 1940 in the North Sea. In 2015 the Wreck definitively identified by Dutch divers from Lamlash-Haarlem. The giveaway was the number clearly registered on the “Fahrt Tabelle” (Manoeuvring Settings Table).

U32 (1914)

U32 was laid down on 8 November 1912, launched on 28 January 1914, commissioned on 3 September 1914. She conducted 11 patrols, sank 37 merchant ships totalling 106,035 gross register tons (GRT) and one warship for 14,000 tons: This was on 9 January 1917, East of Malta, the British pre-dreadnought battleship HMS Cornwallis. Fortunately she sank slowly but lost 15 lives initially caused by the explosion or trapped inside.

U32 was ordered on 29 March 1912 from Germaniawerft, Kiel at Yard number 192, laid down on 8 November 1912, launched on 28 January 1914 and commissioned on 3 September 1914. She made 11 patrols and sank 37 merchant ships sunk (106,035 GRT) one warship (14,000 tons) and damaged three merchant ships (18,554 GRT), taking one 1,115 GRT as a prize.
Oberlt.z.S. Spiegel von und zu Peckelsheim served later on U-93. Her was succeeded by Kaptlt. Hartwig from October 1916 to September-October 1918, before moving to U-63. Kaptlt. Karl Albrecht commanded her when lost. U32 came off the stocks at Kiel by late October 1914, making her debut and trials at Kiel School, then leaving for the North Sea on 27 November. In December 1914 as well as January and February 1915, she was detached to patrol in the Bight, twice however she was in the dockyard hands to handle her finnicky diesels and other issues. She was attached to the 4th Half Flotilla and under Kptlt. Edgar von Spiegel von und zu Peckelsheim from 3 September 1914 to 17 March 1916 she left the Channel via Dover and spotted, sank a sailing vessel in the area. On 12-24 June 1915 in the North Sea, she took a ship as a prize. On 9–13 August 1915 she was in bight patrol, blocking any attempt of RN minelayers to lay minefield in the Jade.
From the 14th to 16 August 1915 she was in a Bight anti-air raid patrol. On 22 to 27 August 1915 she was deployed in the North Sea but returned due to compass failure.
From 11 to 13 September 1915 she was posted from the Flanders, in Ostend. On 19-21 September she mad the trip from Ostend to Emden and in 2-4 October 1915 was in the Bight patrol.
On 20 October 1915 she was back in Emden and on 24–27 October deployed in the North Sea. On 29 December 1915 until 2 January 1916 she was part of the North Sea patrol.
From 17 January 1916 was was again on Bight patrol, same between 23 January and 3 February 1916 and 11 – 14 February 1916. However from 26 February to 17 March 1916 she was in northabout to the Channel approach sinking at last two merchant sailing vessels.

Due to her poor results, captain zu Peckelsheim was dismissed and replaced by Kptlt. Kurt Hartwig, operating until 15 February 1918. On 16-18 April 1916 she was in the Bight patrol, as 22 April 1916, north sea on 27 April to 8 May then again on 16 May until 3 June 1916 posted out to attack the passing by British RN, which never happened, during the Jutland Battle.
On 24–25 August she was back in the Bight and on 28 August to 1 September 1916 in the North Sea, as well as from 20 September to 1 October 1916. Until 7/8 November she made a trip to the Mediterranean, arriving at Cattaro on 7/8 November. Underway she managed to spot and sank wto merchant sailing vessels but was fired at by the AMC S.S. ARLINGTON COURT, on 30 October. She then operated from the Pola-Cattaro Flotilla. Until December 1916 she left Cattaro for a cruise in central Mediterranean and sank sis steamers and nine sailing vessels (including the French S.S. KARNAK). She was also fired upon by the British AMC S.S. NAGOYA. From 2 January 1917 to 18 January 1917 she made another patrol in the central Mediterranean sinking two steamers, one sailing vessel, and, the great prize of her carrier, no less than the battleship H.M.S. CORNWALLIS.
From February 1917 to March 1918 she continued operatinf in the Mediterranean but with less success. Her commander was replaced by Kptlt. Kurt Albrecht which operated her from 16 February until 8 May 1918. On 16 April 1918 she left Cattaro for the western Mediterranean. She Sank a steamship, missed another by torpedo. On 24 April she was spotted some 50 miles North of Algiers. Escort rallied and looked for her. She was caught and sank on 8 May 1918 by H.M.S. WALLFLOWER.

U33 (1914)

U33 was Laid down on 7 November 1912, she was Launched on 19 May 1914 and commissioned on 27 September 1914. She joined the Kiel School for trial, sailed to Emden on 12 January 1915, was attached to the 4th Half Flotilla. On 24–25 January 1915 she patrolled on the Bight, where enemy battlecruisers were reported and on 30 January her patrol was cut short due to diesel issues. She made two more patrols on 18–20 and 21-22 February. On 27 February – 10 April she transited through the English Channel into the Atlantic, sinking underway two sailing vessels.
On 28 March 1915 she spotted the Great Eastern Railway’s SS Brussels, and intimated her to stop. Instead, captain Charles Fryatt ordered full steam ahead and attempted to ram U-33, which quick dive save her.

Ordered on 29 March 1912 to Germaniawerft, Kiel under Yard number 193, U33 was laid down on 7 November 1912, launched on 19 May 1914 and commissioned on 27 September 1914. U33 was now part of the IV Flotilla until 1 August 1915, the transferred to the Pola Flotilla from 16 September 1915 to 11 March 1916 and the Constantinople Flotilla from 11 March to 27 Nov 1916 and the Pola Mittelmeer I Flotilla from 27 November 1916 to 11 November 1918 under Commander Konrad Gansser from 27 September 1914 to 31 March 1917, then Gustav Sieß from 1 April 1917 to 11 November 1918. She survived the war.

She served under Kptlt. Gausser until the Autumn 1917. She was back in the Noth Sea by May 1915 and in June patrolled off the west coast of Scotland. She sank 2 freighters, took one as prize. By August 1915 she was in the Bight Anti-air raid patrol and until 15 September 1915 joine dthe Mediterranean, sank five ships. Sailed to Cattaro, 15 September and then Constantinople Half Flotilla. Until 9 October 1915 eastern Mediterranean, sank 10 ships. Until 6 December central Mediterranean, sank 13 shios, and on 5 December exchanged ginfire with the drifter HOLLIBANK, Straits of Otranto. Took a neutral Greek ship off Piraeus, made POW Stanley Wilson, King’s messenger. 30 March 1916 sank the hospital ship “Portugal”. The latter was towing a small flat-bottomed barge carrying wounded infantry. She was caught by U33 stopped dead off Rizeh, Turkish coast (Black Sea) in repairs with a staff of Red Cross workers on board. They spotted the periscope but since they were protected by the Hague conventions, no evasive actions were taken. A first torpedo missed, and another fired under 30 feet hit near her engine room, breaking her in two and of 273 on board, 158 were rescued.

Between April 1916 and November 1916 she was operating mostly on the eastern Black Sea between Constantinople and Varna. April 1917, back in the Adriatic. Until 10 February 1918 was based in Cattaro for eastern Mediterranean cruises, sank two cargos, 2 sailing vessels, damaged to more. 1–17 May 1918 she sailed to Port Said, sank a cargo, one sailing vessel, attacked 2 ships but convoy escaped. On May 15 May she broke off due t engine issues, returned to Cattaro. Until 26 September 1917 she made an east med patrol, sank one cargo, 12 sailing vessels. 19 October 1918 she left Cattaro for Kiel, caught by naval trawler on 1 November, escaped. later joined UB-51 and UB-105. Surrendered to British at Harwich January 16, 1919.

U34 (1914)

She was laid down on 7 November 1912, Launched on 9 May 1914 and commissioned on 5 October 1914. U-34 made 17 patrols, sinking 119 ships for 257,652 gross register tons (GRT) total; damaging five more for 14,208 GRT. She surrendered in 1919. U34 was ordered on 29 March 1912 to Germaniawerft, Kiel as yard number 194, laid down on 7 November 1912, launched on 9 May 1914 and commissioned on 5 October 1914. She was part of the II Flotilla, until 23 August 1915, then Pola at the Mittelmeer Flotilla until 21 October 1918, first under Kptlt. Claus Rücker from 5 October 1914 to 11 December 1916, then Kptlt. Johannes Klasing until 17 January 1918 and then until 9 November 1918 xith un between a short command by Kptlt. Wilhelm Canaris from 18 January to 13 March 1918. In total she made 17 patrols and sank 119 merchant ships sunk (257,652 GRT), and damaged 5 more (14,208 GRT).

U35 (1914)

Laid down on 20 December 1912 Launched on 18 April 1914. U35 was commissioned on 3 November 1914 and entered service on 3 November 1914, under command of Kapitänleutnant Waldemar Kophamel, chief engineer Hans Fechter. She was assigned to the II Flottille stationed in Heligoland. She started patrols in the North Sea, sinking 17 merchant ships (25,716 GRT. Later) and later paired with U-34 after at Cattaro, sinking 2 more (3,724 GRT.), the two more cruises, 13 merchants for 51,594 GRT.On 23 October 1915 she sank the Marquette in the Aegean Sea, carrying an Ammunition Column of the 29th Division and staff of the 1st New Zealand Stationary Hospital. She sank the merchant ship Roma in Cartagena on June 21, 1916, which angered Spanish authorities.

Ordered on 29 March 1912 at Germaniawerft, Kiel, Yard number 195 she was laid down on 20 December 1912, launched on 18 April 1914 and commissioned 3 November 1914.
She was part of the II Flotilla from 1 August 1915 and was based at Pola in the Mittelmeer Flotilla between 23 August 1915 and 11 November 1918, starting service under Kptlt. Waldemar Kophamel from 3 November 1914 to 12 November 1915, then legendary sub ace Kptlt. Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière until 16 March 1918, Kptlt. Ernst von Voigt until 13 August 1918 and Kptlt. Heino von Heimburg until 11 November 1918. She was one of the most successful U-Boat of WW1, with 17 patrols, sinking 220 merchant ships sunk for 505,121 GRT and three warships sunk (2798 tons), three auxiliary warships sunk (30,581 GRT), eight merchant ships damaged (35,384 GRT) one 1,055 GRT warship damaged and one auxiliary warship damaged.
On 9 November 1915 with U-34 she sank the large SS Californian, delivering the coup-de-grace after U-34. U35 also dealt with the French patrol boat towing her. She would also met RMS Olympic but was not in the best position.

On 13 November 1915, Kptlt. de la Perière took command, making 15 missions mostly in the Mediterranean, sinking 187 merchants (417,682 GRT) as well as the British gunboat HMS Primula on 29 February 1916 and French gunboat Rigel on 2 October 1916 and later the Armed merchant cruiser La Provence carrying 1,800 French troops off Cerigo Island (990 lost).
Hr 14th patrol from 26 July to 20 August 1916 was the most successful submarine patrol in history. She sank 54 merchants (90,352 GRT), mostly by guns as she only had 10 torpedoes and no tender to refill her. On 4 October 1916, she sank the French large troopship SS Gallia (1,800 men lost).
Then Kptlt. Ernst von Voigt took command on 17 March 1918, making two patrols between 7 September and 9 October 1918, but the boat’s engines died out, ending her career. On 14 October 1918, Kptlt. Heino von Heimburg took command as she was moved to Kiel for an overhaul, but it never happened. She was surrendered and transferred to England, Blyth, displayed here to the public from 1919 to 1920, and BU.

U36 (1914)

U-36 was laid down on 2 January 1913 at Germaniawerft, launched on 6 June 1914, commissioned on 14 November 1914, under command of Kapitänleutnant Ernst Graeff. After February 1915 acceptance trials at Kiel, she was assigned to the 2d Half-Flotilla, North Sea in March, but her indicative was soon caught by British Naval Intelligence “Room 40”. She was in the Heligoland Bight on 29-30 March, then 23 April.

U36
U36 was ordered on 29 March 1912 to Germaniawerft, Kiel under yard number 196, laid down on 2 January 1913, she was launched on 6 June 1914, and commissioned on 14 November 1914.
She started in the II Flotilla with her first patrols around 24 July 1915 under Kptlt. Ernst Graeff 14 November 1914 to 24 July 1915, making just two patrols, sinking 14 merchant ships (12,674 GRT) and taking three merchant ships as prize (3,466 GRT).

U35 rafted up with the depot ship Roma

Later in the North Sea she sank the 1,966-ton Danish steamer Lilian Drost on 8 May and captured the 1,241-ton Swedish steamer Björn on 10 May as prize, and the 654-ton Dutch steamer Niobe.
U-36 was back to the North Sea station on 17 July and sailed for the north-northwest coast of Scotland, sinking 3 steamers, 11 smaller vessels. On 22 July she sank the 3,644-ton Russian Rubonia and rampaged fishing vessels west of the Orkney Islands, sank 9 by gunfire, plus 1 sailing vessel, one more as prize, and on the 23th she sank the 1,505-ton Frenchman Danae under prize rules and the 3,819-ton Norwegian Fimreite.

24 July 1915 was her last mission. She intercepted and captured the American windjammer Pass of Balmaha, sent to Cuxhaven and refitted as the only German sailing merchant raider under Count Felix von Luckner, the legendary Seeadler.
In the afternoon off North Rona, Outer Hebrides she spotted a cargo and closed for the usual prize… But this was a British Q-ship, “Prince Charles” (Lieutenant Mark Wardlaw). He spotted U-36 as she was about to board the Danish vessel SS Luise. U-36 signaled Prince Charles to stop, firing a warning shot at her bow.

The Q-ship complied and swang out her boats, watiing fror U36 to come at 600 m when she hoisted the British war flag, swang open all her fake walls to reveal her main guns and immediately took aim and fire. U-36 took direct hits and sank as a result. What was later a major “blue on blue” that when the captain of Luise, which moved to pick up the survivors saw with horror, Prince Charles turn her guns on them, believing she was the U-Boat supply ship. She sank in turn, but all were rescued. Kptlt. Graeff survived with 15 crewmen were saved, 18 lost. U-36 was the first sunk by a Q-ship and Wardlaw received a DSO, the crew awarded a prize sum of £1,000.

U37 (1914)

U37 was laid down on 2 January 1913, launched on 25 August 1914 and commissioned on 9 December 1914. She had only three kills during her initial patrols: On 25 March 1915 she reported sank (only damaged) the British SS Delmira (3,459t) sank on 31 March 1915 the French Emma (1,617) and on 1 April 1915 the British SS Seven Seas (1,194t). She struck a mine on 30 April 1915 in Straits of Dover and sank with all hands.

U-37 was ordered on 12 June 1912 at Germaniawerft, Kiel at Yard number 197, laid down on 2 January 1913, launched on 25 August 1914 and commissioned on 9 December 1914.
She was part of the II Flotilla until 30 April 1915 under Kptlt. Erich Wilcke from 9 December 1914 to 30 April 1915. She made a single war patrol, sinking two merchant ships for 2,811 GRT (UK Delmira 3,459 GRT, French Emma 1,617t) and damaged a third, Seven Seas (3,459 GRT) on 1 April 1915. She never went back, striking a mine on 30 April 1915 in the Straits of Dover.

U38 (1914)

U38 was laid down on 25 February 1913, she was launched on 9 September 1914 and Commissioned on 15 December 1914. She was the 3rd most successful U-boat in WW2, sinking 134 merchants (287,811 GRT). Most were earned by Kptlt. Max Valentiner (Pour le Mérite). In December 1915 he infamously sank the passenger liners Ancona and Persia, controversial as this was without warning, not under Prize rules. In 1917 Kptlt. Wilhelm Canaris took command. 15 years later as an Admiral he became the famous head of the Abwehr (German Mil. Intel.) from 1935 to 1944. U-38 was surrendered to France, docked in Brest in 1919, visited by the public and then broken up.

U38 was ordered on 12 June 1912 at Germaniawerft, Kiel, yard number 198, laid down on 25 February 1913, launched on 9 September 1914 and commissioned on 15 December 1914.
She entered the II Flottille until 11 November 1915, then moved to the Pola Flotilla until 22 May 1916, the Constantinople Flotilla until 7 September 1918 and the Mittelmeer I Flotilla until 11 November 1918, under Kptlt. Max Valentiner from 5 December 1914 to 15 September 1917, then Kptlt. Wilhelm Canaris on 15 November 1917, then Oblt.z.S. Hans Heinrich Wurmbach until 18 January 1918 and Kptlt. Clemens Wickel between 19 January and 11 November 1918, in total making 17 patrols and sinking 134 merchant ships for 287,811 GRT. She also sank four auxiliary warships for 4,643 GR, damaged 7 merchant ships (29,821 GRT) and a warship, HMS Roxburgh (10,850 tons), then damaged one auxiliary warship (3,848 GRT) and took three merchant ships as prize (3,550 GRT). She was surrendered 23 February 1919. Broken up at Brest 1921.

U39 (1915)

U-39 was laid down on 27 March 1913, launched on 26 September 1914 and commissioned on 13 January 1915. She was second most successful U-boat by sinking 149 merchants (404,774 GRT), most under Kapitänleutnant Walther Forstmann (Pour le Mérite). From January to mid-1917, Martin Niemöller was his coxswain, author of the 1946 poem “First they came…” a fervent antinazi. Lastly in 1917 and 1918 no other than Karl Dönitz was U-39’s watch officer. No need to explain his career. On 27 April 1918, U-39 sailed from Pola under Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Metzger for a Western Mediterranean patrol and from 17 May, played with SM UB-50, preying on a convoy North of Oran, sinking the British Sculptor (4,874 GRT).

At 13:50 on 18 May, U-39 was attacked by two French seaplanes, crash-dived, hit 12 meters when 2 nea-missed flooded her after torpedo room and jammed her diving planes. She avoided sinking by having her tanks blown to surface and limped to the nearest Spanish harbour in Cartagena when at 17:00, she was caught by two seaplanes, fough back, was near-missed, but lost two. She reached port in the evening and remained interned, later surrendered to France on 22 March 1919, BU in Toulon in 1923.

U-39 was ordered on 12 June 1912 at Germaniawerft, Kiel, Yard number 199, laid down on 27 March 1913, launched on 26 September 1914 and commissioned on 13 January 1915. She was part of the II Flotilla until 15 September 1915, then the Pola Mittelmeer I Flotilla until 18 May 1918, under Kptlt. Hans Kratzsch from 13 January to 9 February 1915 and Kptlt. Walther Forstmann from 11 February 1915 to 14 October 1917 and Kptlt. Heinrich Metzger from 15 October 1917 to 18 May 1918. In 19 patrols, she sank 149 merchant ships (404,774 GRT), three warships (1,364 tons) and two auxiliary warships (187 GRT), damaged seven merchant ships (30,552 GRT) and took as prize a merchant ship (798 GRT). She surrendered on 22 March 1919 and was broken up 1923.

U40 (1915)

U-40 was ordered on 12 June 1912 to Germaniawerft, Kiel as Yard number 200, laid down on 3 April 1913 and launched on 22 October 1914, Commissioned on 14 February 1915. She was part of yhr II Flotilla until 23 June 1915, under Kptlt. Gerhardt Fürbringer from 14 February to 23 June 1915. She made a single patrol but sank no ship, she was sunk herself on 23 June 1915.
U-40 was Laid down 3 April 1913, launched on 22 October 1914 and commissioned on 14 February 1915 under Kpt Gerhardt Fürbringer. She made just one patrol without sinking a ship and on the morning of 23 June 1915 she stopped the trawler Taranaki in the North Sea, whuch happened to be a Q-ship, in liaison to the submerged HMS C24 by tow line and telephone cable. When U-40 stopped C24 tried to slip the tow line but the release mechanism failed. Yet she managed to manoeuvre and with adjusted trim despite the chain close to her propellers, she fired a single torpedo, hitting amidships. Only the 3 in the conning tower survived. The wreck was rediscovered on March 2009 by Marine Quest 40 nmi (74 km; 46 mi) off Eyemouth, Berwickshire.

U41 (1915)

U-41 was laid down 22 April 1913, launched on 10 October 1914 and commissioned on 1 February 1915. Her career was short, ended by another Q-ships. After her first patrol when she sank the “Anglo-Columbian” on 23 December, HMS Wyandra was sent to the latest location flagged as the US merchantman Baralong from Falmouth. U-41 later stopped the 6,651 GRT “Urbino” on 24 December, 70 miles from Bishop Rock. She sent a boarding party to inspect her and after finding war material had the crew evacuated into lifeboats. She was trying to sink Urbino with gunfire when Baralong arrived at 9:45, flying the US flag and turned away visibly afraid. During the chase, U-41 signalled her to prepare her papers and lower a boat. Baralong complied, and revealed her guns at 700 yards. The whole crew took part, armed with rifles, including marksmen Royal Marines onboard. U-41’s captain ordere to abandon the deck gun and prepared to dive when hits in her conning tower killed Kapitänleutnant Hansen and six of his staff. U-41 listed, dived, rose again and sank for good. Oberleutnant zur See Iwan Crompton and a helmsman, both injured, escaped. 42 from Urbino were also picked up by HMS Wyandra. Both sides would later complain about violation of the rules of war and this generated widespread outrage in Germany.

U-41 was ordered on 12 June 1912 at Germaniawerft, Kiel, Yard number 201, laid down on 22 April 1913, launched on 10 October 1914 and commissioned on 1 February 1915. She was part of II Flotilla until 24 September 1915 under Kptlt. Claus Hansen from 1 February to 24 September 1915 aking four patrols, sinking 28 merchant ships (58,546 GRT) and damaged a merchant ship for 4,409 GRT taking a small 355 GRT merchant ship as prize. She was sunk on 24 September 1915 by a Q ship. Here is how it unfolded:
After the British heard of the sinking of the Anglo-Columbian on 23 December, HMS Wyandra was despatched to find her. This British Q-ship was maskeraded as the American-flagged merchantman Baralong. She sailed from Falmouth to present herself as a target in U41 expected patrol area given recent events. U-41 stopped previously the 6,651 GRT merchantman Urbino on 24 December, just 70 miles from Bishop Rock indeed, sinding a boarding party aboard to inspect her and after finding war material on board, urged the crew off on lifeboats so that she could sink her by ginfire when “Baralong” came out at 9:45, flying its bogus American flag. She turned away so that U-41 had to change targets and sped up to catch her up fully surfaced.

She then signalled Baralong to send their papers across in a boat and the crew diligentl showed preparing a boat, while readying for combat, while the distance close down to 700 yards. At the right moment all her hidden guns were able to bear, unveiled and started to bark, accompanied by rifle fire from the Marines onboard. U-41 immediately took a hit while under heavy bullet fire, the crew abandoned the deck gun. The conning tower was hit soon killing Kapitänleutnant Hansen and six others. U-41 listed after more hits on her hull tried to dive, then rose again, and sink again, with only Oberleutnant zur See Iwan Crompton, badly wounded, and the helmsman, escaping her CT in time. They were picked up along with the 42 men from by the Q-ship. Crompton while back in Germany by 1917 claimed not only the Q-ship attempted to ram the lifeboat, but also fired before showing its true colors. The event generated widespread outrage in Germany and was commemorated in a propaganda medal designed. This only emboldened the Kaiser into a more radical approach to sub warfare, no longer applying commerce raiding rules.

U31 class top Ace: Lothar von A. De la Periere

Lothar Eugen von Arnauld de La Perière (born March 18, 1886 Posen (Poznań) died February 24, 1941, Le Bourget, FR. This German officer was the prominent, second best German submarine commander during the First World War. He sank 194 ships equivalent to 453,716 tons, 189 of which were were merchant ships, the rest military. He won most of his victories when surfaced with deck guns, in the Mediterranean. He also won the highest military awards at the time. He returned to active service during World War II as a vice admiral, but was killed in a plane crash near Paris in 1941 while participating in secret negotiations with the Vichy government.

Back to WWI he seconded Admiral Hugo von Pohl in Berlin and at first went to the naval airship division (Marine Luftschiff Abteilung) before moving to the U-boat branch in 1915. After training in Pola her took command of U-35 in November, making 14 patrols dring which he obtained his 189 merchants, two entente gunboats and mostly use his pair of 88 mm deck artillery in preference to torpedoes, but before that, boarded the ships and had the crew lowered into lifeboats. Essentially ha scuttled these afrerwards. On October 4, 1916, he torpedoed and sank the troop transport Gallia, however, which made 1,740 victims. In May 1918, he was assigned to the brand new U-139 and sank five more ships for 7,008 tons. He was awarded the Iron Cross of the Second and First Class, Pour le Mérite medal (blue max) in 1916 and the Knight’s Cross of the Imperial Order of Leopold, highest Austrian decoration for his service in the Adriatic. It should be noted however that the absolute top scorer of all U-Boat crews was Otto Steinbrick, which sank 206 ships vs. 193 for Lothar. He served on smaller U-boats, U6, UB10, UB18, UC65 and UB57. But de la Periere remained the U-31 class top scorer.