Hello Don

Don Prince Wrote:
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> I hope you don't mind, I printed it for a reference.

Thank you Don, ofcourse not.

> Q1 - Photo 9 shows two holes in the torpedo tube.
> Are these holes the location where compressed air
> enters before and after the piston for submerged
> and surface firings?

I marked these holes on the following image:
[img831.imageshack.us]
I cannot find any good photo of the starboard side of the tube to
see any arrangement corresponding to the "unknown" hole.
When I get next time in Laboe, I'm gonna figure it out.

> Q2 - Was it always required to install the piston
> for a surface attack? Perhaps the piston was
> needed to allign the torpedo so the adjusting
> devices were mated properly?

Yes, the piston was helpful to align while loading, but the main
"device" used to keep torpedo in proper position was stop-bolt.
I remember, that I have read descriptions, that after
depth charges/air bomb attack the tubes were damaged in such way,
that piston could jammed in tube, but torpedo could still be fired.
In such case there were possible surface attack without usage piston.


--
Regards
Maciek


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