What Life Was Like In A WW2 Submarine

During WWII, one of the deadliest weapons in the German military’s arsenal was the U-boat, a submarine that nearly crippled Allied logistics and came close to altering the war’s outcome.

The Type IX Class

In the 1930s, Germany began developing larger, long-range submarines, leading to the production of the Type IX class, which included subvariants like the IXA, IXB, IXC, IXC40, and IXD.

One of the most famous variants was the Type IXC, specifically U-505. It measured 76 meters in length, 6.76 meters in width, and 9.4 meters in height, with an overall displacement of 1,800 tons and a draft of 4.7 meters.

Performance

The Type IXC was designed as a long-range vessel, capable of traveling up to 13,400 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots. It was powered by two nine-cylinder diesel engines, producing up to 4,000 horsepower.

Although the U-boat could reach a top speed of 18 knots (21 mph), this was rarely done due to high fuel consumption. The submarine was armed with six 22-inch torpedo tubes—four at the bow and two at the stern.

Locations

The engine room was one of the most uncomfortable places on the U-boat, where temperatures could exceed 100°F. The conning tower served as a lookout post while the submarine was surfaced.

Below that, the control room housed stations for steering, depth control, and navigation. Forward of the control room was the radio and sonar room, which contained the ship’s communication equipment.

The crew quarters were cramped, accommodating between 49 to 54 sailors with only 35 bunks available. As a result, the crew had to rotate sleeping shifts. The captain’s quarters were separate from the rest of the crew.

Hygiene and Toilets

The U-boat had just two toilets on board and no facilities for bathing or laundry.

Sailors often went unwashed for three months at a time, with no extra clothes except for a spare pair of socks and underwear. Fresh water was reserved strictly for drinking and food preparation, meaning shaving was also a rare luxury.

Galley and Food

The Type IXC had a one-man galley where meals were prepared. Food was stored in every available space, including one of the toilets and under bunks.

About 12 tons of food, mostly canned goods, were stored onboard. Due to the constant exposure to diesel fumes, food often tasted like fuel, earning it the nickname “diesel food.”

Fresh water for cooking and drinking was supplied by a saltwater distillery, which produced about 63 gallons per day.