XXI.

This is coolbert:

Here, thanks to Harry and KTB Sharkhunters, http://www.sharkhunters.com

Excerpts from an interview with the distinguished German U-boat captain from World War Two [WW2], Erich Topp. Regarding the Type XXI boat.

The question is whether the Type XXI was a war winning weapon. The Type XXI had the capability to allow Germany to prevail in the Battle of the Atlantic?

SH: "The Type XXI was an amazing submarine. Would you tell us something of it's capabilities and the effect it might have had on the Battle of the Atlantic, had been introduced earlier?"

Topp: "Well, the main thing was it had a higher underwater speed, in excess of seventeen knots, and it's endurance was considerable . . . So when you ask me if it would have changed the outcome of the Battle of the Atlantic, I must say NO  . . . we tried to find out if we could revive the old Rudeltaktik (The Wolf pack system) but it was impossible because we were always submerged . . . we were unable to communicate with the other boats"

SH: "So you mean that it might have extended it [the Battle of the Atlantic], but the outcome would not have changed?"

TOPP: "No, it would not have changed the outcome."

THE VERY STRENGTH OF THE TYPE XXI, THE ABILITY TO REMAIN SUBMERGED FOR AN ENTIRE VOYAGE [THANKS TO DER SNORKEL], NEGATED ANY POSSIBILITY OF HIGH FREQUENCY LONG-RANGE COMMUNICATION AS NEEDED TO COORDINATE AND GATHER A WOLFPACK.

Erich speaks. And we must all pay attention.

coolbert.