U534

[Kyt]

Originally Posted by spidge

Has anyone been to see this display?

No but I would like to go when it opens again.

Pictures:

BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In Pictures: U-boat operation

[Kyt]

Interesting letter - I wonder how many other veterans feel the same way about similar restoration projects?

Why We Shouldnt Glorify These Uboats (from Wirral Globe)

I'M in a state of horror after reading your article on the U-Boat (Work starts on sub scheme', Globe, February 6).

At 82 years of age, I remember clearly the monthly reports on the amount of shipping sunk in World War Two by U-Boats.

Many lives were lost and I suspect that a great many of the seamen who lost their lives were from Merseyside - why should Merseytravel glorify U-Boats and at the same time spend a great deal of public money to create a tribute to the wolf packs' of the Nazi fleet?

Is this why tunnel fees are to be increased?

Do people know that the U-Boat fleet nearly brought this country to its knees?

This is crazy . . .

[spidge]

I can feel for people who see the carnage being glorified. The portrayal of the U-Boat activity has to be handled carefully however it is a big part of the eventual defeat of Germany.

[Kyt]

Nazi U-boat sails to final resting place in Wirral - Liverpool Daily Post.co.uk

[Antipodean Andy]

I was still a bit miffed about it being cut up given it has survived effectively in original condition for so long but because it is so original, it would have required a lot of work to get it accessible. Obviously, that would have removed the originality so cutting her up isn't such a bad idea.

[Kyt]

U-boat that wouldn't surrender rises in Poulton - Blackpool Today

(click on the above link for a short video)

IT was saved from the scrap after being bought for less than £1 and now a unique piece of Second World War history is being restored with the help of a Poulton company.
The German vessel U-534 was sunk between Denmark and Sweden after being attacked by the RAF in 1945.

After being discovered by a Danish diver the submarine was given a new lease of life when it was raised from the sea bed 15 years ago.

But disaster struck again and it appeared destined for scrap after the Historic Warships collection in Birkenhead, where it was housed, closed.

That was until Merseytravel pledged to restore the submarine to its former glory after buying it from its Danish owners for £1 two years ago.

A team of engineers at Poulton-based BSA – which normally manufactures recycling equipment – have now been contracted to realign the guns.

Steve Mattinson, director of BSA, on Bracewell Avenue, said: "It's the gun off a German sub which has been cut up into different sections.

It's got a slight bend on it which we are trying to straighten.

"It's well rusted but a lot of the parts are still very well greased up so we are hoping everything will work. It's in quite good condition considering it's been under water for about 40 years."

The engineers began steam cleaning the gun to get rid of layers of sand and silt.

Mr Mattinson added: "We've got pull lifts on it, there's a lot of weight on it to try and unlock the guns and get them to move.

"We normally manufacture recycling equipment so this is a bit different.

"It's a bit of a challenge, but we've been engineers a long time and this is just another piece of equipment.

"We've had people coming in to have a look and have their photo taken next to it. I guess it's a bit of a souvenir.

"It'll never work again, you'll have to be a brave man to try it!"

The U-boat is set to become a major tourist attraction depicting the history of undersea warfare at Mersey Ferries' Woodside Ferry Terminal, in Birkenhead, next year.

Neil Scales, chief executive and director general of Merseytravel, which owns and operates Mersey Ferries, said:"More people than ever before will be able to view the sub in its new location.

"Previously youngsters under the age of 16 were not allowed to enter the craft.

"Now there will be superb viewing areas so that everyone will be able to see exactly what it is like inside."