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Re: 16 Aug 18 Irish Sea - U-boat? vs. 3x USN DDs, RAF blimp
Posted by:
Colin Reed
()
Date: July 30, 2022 12:15AM
Hi,
My grandfather, Hermann Holtken, was the Chief Engineer on the U-52 at this time. The boat was damaged and grounded on the sea bed for 46 hours - the crew, according to his stories, were given pistols and a single bullet, as things looked hopeless. Thankfully, he managed to restore power and the boat surfaced. He received the Iron Cross for saving the crew.
Some details taken from a photo of him on the boat, written on the back, in his handwriting. Have been unable to confirm the class of award, as my parents were burgled and the medal and certificate were taken.
Would be great to have any additional information, if available, or a steer in the right direction to obtain more info.
My grandfather, Hermann Holtken, was the Chief Engineer on the U-52 at this time. The boat was damaged and grounded on the sea bed for 46 hours - the crew, according to his stories, were given pistols and a single bullet, as things looked hopeless. Thankfully, he managed to restore power and the boat surfaced. He received the Iron Cross for saving the crew.
Some details taken from a photo of him on the boat, written on the back, in his handwriting. Have been unable to confirm the class of award, as my parents were burgled and the medal and certificate were taken.
Would be great to have any additional information, if available, or a steer in the right direction to obtain more info.
Subject | Written By | Posted |
---|---|---|
16 Aug 18 Irish Sea - U-boat? vs. 3x USN DDs, RAF blimp | DavidIsby | 08/13/2017 11:10PM |
Re: 16 Aug 18 Irish Sea - U-boat? vs. 3x USN DDs, RAF blimp | Simon S. | 08/14/2017 09:08AM |
Re: 16 Aug 18 Irish Sea - U-boat? vs. 3x USN DDs, RAF blimp | DavidIsby | 08/14/2017 12:14PM |
Re: 16 Aug 18 Irish Sea - U-boat? vs. 3x USN DDs, RAF blimp | Colin Reed | 07/30/2022 12:15AM |
Re: 16 Aug 18 Irish Sea - U-boat? vs. 3x USN DDs, RAF blimp | Simon S. | 07/30/2022 08:54AM |
Re: 16 Aug 18 Irish Sea - U-boat? vs. 3x USN DDs, RAF blimp | NickT | 08/06/2022 09:28PM |
Re: 16 Aug 18 Irish Sea - U-boat? vs. 3x USN DDs, RAF blimp | NickT | 08/09/2022 10:20PM |