Mayhem,

Correct, UC 42 is still technically German property and the typical laws of salvage do not apply.

Removing mines and torpedoes from a UCII like UC 42 would not involve entering the submarine proper as the mine chutes and forward torpedo tubes are external to the pressure hull. Based upon the documentation I've seen to date -- and I will admit that I haven't seen everything -- it's uncertain where RN or US Navy divers ever did enter the submarine.

I've seen nothing to suggest that bodies were removed from the submarine wreck. And I doubt it would be possible to remove them all, given the technology of the time, without raising the wreck (as was the case with UC 44). The record does suggest an escape attempt (open hatches), which combined with mine damage aft, would lead be expect that even if she had been raised, that not all 27 bodies would have been recovered. Some crew likely got off, but were not rescued.

So, yes, UC 42 should be a war grave. I'm not familiar with Irish laws on the matter.

Best wishes,
Michael