Hello, Mr. Bruns.
I had hoped that you would reply. You seem to be the guy to turn to in all matters u-boat related, and maybe you could lend your opinion to the above discussion (hint, hint). Thanks a bunch.

As to the Type IX\'s, I have more about the VII\'s than IX, but I found these in a very common book: U-Boats in Action, by Squadron/Signal Publications. Although I have recently discovered some of the drawings to be innacurate, photos do not lie. On page 37, there are two abreviated photographs showing U-40 immediately before its first (and only) patrol. The black and white pics show a dark colored deck.

Another book of mine, Jane\'s War at Sea 1897 - 1997 shows on page 153 the commissioning of U-42. Again, clearly visible the dark colored deck. I had another copy of a photo of this same boat on the ways during its launching ceremony. I don\'t know where it came from, most likely the Buffalo, NY Central library War in the 20th Century stacks (which for those of you in Western New York - it is a prime source of some great out of print and rare u-boat books). But again, you guessed it.

I can mail photocopies of these pictures to you if you do not have these books to reference them. Let me know.

Best regards,
Will King