Hello Theresa and All,

well, the British version of spoken language of a German word is kind of interesting; it sounds a little bit like a German Bavarian accent. Anyway the sole origin of the term used in Das Boot was Kaptitänleutnant and was in that respect not necessarily related originally to using “Herr” as form of addressing the Captain of the boat. To address somebody in German with “Herr” is a matter of course and not something special to be used in the Armed Forces only. A Korvettenkaptän in those days would state: “Kaleun X report to me…” On the other hand we all know that abbreviations are liked to be used in Armies, Navies etc. all over the world, like in Das Boot calling for LI, IWO, Nr. 1 and so on. Of course in those days the superior rank had to be addressed as “Herr… but in Das Boot der Alte talked to Lt. Werner sometimes as “Herr Leutnant…”.

Btw Theresa, if you would ever make it to Munich for carnival make sure you visit the Deutsche Museum, were you could have a close look at and into U 1 down in the basement and from there head to Bavaria Filmgelände to find the original set up Petersen used to shoot the scenes inside “U 96”, but be careful there not to bump your nice head when walking through this “boat”, because this set is indeed of very “heavy metal”.

You all have a nice day.
Sincerely Yours
VEK