The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS Pillsbury (DE-133) tied up to the German submarine U-505 on 4 June 1944, after a U.S. Navy boarding party had captured the submarine.
With the distinction as the “most heavily damaged U-boat to successfully return to port,” the U-505, a German Type IXC submarine built during World War II was quite unfortunate throughout her career. It broke down several times, its commanding officer took his own life, and the US Navy Task Group captured it. Although its crew members protest against the moniker that it was unlucky, saying the boat had always brought them back, regardless.
The U-505 was laid down in Hamburg, Germany, on June 12, 1940. Throughout her career, she conducted 12 patrols and sank eight ships.
Misunderstanding
On May 1941, Kapitänleutnant Axel-Olaf Loewe commissioned the boat. Everything was going well until July 22, 1942, when he misunderstood a command and shot off the mast of a sailing boat with no flag. The boat, which belonged to a Columbian diplomat, sank. After the incident, Columbia declared war with Germany while Loewe was relieved of his position and was replaced by Kptlt. Peter Zschech. He didn’t know what was coming his way.
The Suicide
Zschech had a good reputation as a commander, and expectations were high when he was given the U-505. In November 1942, U-505 was heavily damaged by an air attack in the Caribbean Sea. They were surprised by the low-level attack of the Lockheed Hudson maritime patrol aircraft, which successfully landed a 250 lb bomb directly on the deck from just above water level. The explosion killed one officer, wounded another, tore off the anti-aircraft gun on its mounting, and severely breached their hull. The boat was extremely damaged, and the repair took six months. Zschech attempted to take U-505 to sea, but his crew kept hearing strange noises six consecutive times, said to result from sabotage by French dockyard workers. So back into drydock she went.
In October 1943, the ship finally sailed again. However, she drew the attention of a pair of Allied destroyers and came under concentrated depth charge attack. It is said that Zschech had a mental breakdown, pulled his pistol, and took his life.
The Capture of the U-505
A boarding party from the US Navy destroyer escort USS Pillsbury (DE-133) working to secure a tow line to the bow of the captured German submarine U-505, 4 June 1944.
Oberleutnant zur See Harald Lange was the next commanding officer. In June 1944, US Navy Task Group 22.3 got a radar hit 50 miles east followed by sound contact. It was, of course, the U-505. The USS Chatelain attacked first, forcing the submarine to resurface. The anti-aircraft gunners and machine gunners fired the U-505 before it was towed to Bermuda, and the remaining crew was detained at a US prisoner of war camp.
With the distinction as the “most heavily damaged U-boat to successfully return to port,” the U-505, a German Type IXC submarine built during World War II was quite unfortunate throughout her career. It broke down several times, its commanding officer took his own life, and the US Navy Task Group captured it. Although its crew members protest against the moniker that it was unlucky, saying the boat had always brought them back, regardless.
The U-505 was laid down in Hamburg, Germany, on June 12, 1940. Throughout her career, she conducted 12 patrols and sank eight ships.
Misunderstanding
On May 1941, Kapitänleutnant Axel-Olaf Loewe commissioned the boat. Everything was going well until July 22, 1942, when he misunderstood a command and shot off the mast of a sailing boat with no flag. The boat, which belonged to a Columbian diplomat, sank. After the incident, Columbia declared war with Germany while Loewe was relieved of his position and was replaced by Kptlt. Peter Zschech. He didn’t know what was coming his way.
The Suicide
Zschech had a good reputation as a commander, and expectations were high when he was given the U-505. In November 1942, U-505 was heavily damaged by an air attack in the Caribbean Sea. They were surprised by the low-level attack of the Lockheed Hudson maritime patrol aircraft, which successfully landed a 250 lb bomb directly on the deck from just above water level. The explosion killed one officer, wounded another, tore off the anti-aircraft gun on its mounting, and severely breached their hull. The boat was extremely damaged, and the repair took six months. Zschech attempted to take U-505 to sea, but his crew kept hearing strange noises six consecutive times, said to result from sabotage by French dockyard workers. So back into drydock she went.
In October 1943, the ship finally sailed again. However, she drew the attention of a pair of Allied destroyers and came under concentrated depth charge attack. It is said that Zschech had a mental breakdown, pulled his pistol, and took his life.
The Capture of the U-505
A boarding party from the US Navy destroyer escort USS Pillsbury (DE-133) working to secure a tow line to the bow of the captured German submarine U-505, 4 June 1944.
Oberleutnant zur See Harald Lange was the next commanding officer. In June 1944, US Navy Task Group 22.3 got a radar hit 50 miles east followed by sound contact. It was, of course, the U-505. The USS Chatelain attacked first, forcing the submarine to resurface. The anti-aircraft gunners and machine gunners fired the U-505 before it was towed to Bermuda, and the remaining crew was detained at a US prisoner of war camp.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.