U-boat Operations and Challenges

On April 9, 1944, U-boat Commander Werner Henke faces a critical situation as his submarine's batteries run low, forcing him to surface. Despite initial calm, Henke's crew spots enemy warships, prompting a crash dive. The USS Guadalcanal and its escorts engage, using the Hedgehog weapon to maintain sonar contact while attacking. U-515 struggles to balance and surfaces uncontrollably, leading Henke to order an abandonment as American forces encircle the submarine, marking their defeat.

What critical issue forced U-boat Commander Werner Henke to surface his submarine?

• Running out of battery power

• A lack of food supplies

• A malfunctioning periscope

• An enemy attack

What did Henke do to prepare for potential threats after surfacing?

• He ordered a full-speed retreat

• He submerged the U-boat immediately

• He placed lookouts and gunners on deck

• He signaled for reinforcements

What new weapon did the destroyer escorts carry to engage the U-boat?

• Torpedoes

• Missiles

• Depth charges

• Hedgehog

What was the unique feature of the Hedgehog weapon?

• It could fire underwater

• It allowed continuous sonar contact

• It was heat-seeking

• It was silent

What happened to the U-boat after being hit by a Hedgehog round?

• It exploded immediately

• It managed to escape

• It plunged and then surfaced uncontrollably

• It sank to the ocean floor

How did the crew attempt to stabilize the U-boat after it was hit?

• By replacing water in the tank with air

• By calling for help

• By repairing the hull

• By jettisoning equipment

What was the result of the U-boat's over-correction?

• It stabilized at a safe depth

• It surfaced rapidly by the stern

• It exploded

• It sank to the bottom

What did Henke order his crew to do as the U-boat was surrounded?

• Prepare for a counterattack

• Abandon ship

• Surrender to the enemy

• Dive to escape

Which American vessels surrounded the U-boat at the end?

• A fleet of submarines

• Only the USS Pillsbury

• Pope, Chatelaine, and Flaherty

• Only the USS Guadalcanal

What marked the moment of defeat for Henke and his crew?

• Running out of ammunition

• Being surrounded by American vessels and aircraft

• A successful escape

• A direct hit to the command center