Dave, I am reasonably certain that U175 (commissioned Dec. 5, 41) was built without one. I therefore assume that the whole batch (U171-176) built together at AGWeser was also built with the cutter. By the end of next week shall be back from Germany where I shall attend a crew reunion of the survivors of U175. Some 16-18 are still alive and about 14 of them will attend. I shall ask the guys and let you know. Lots of photos will be there as well. RB