Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 5:35:08-5:36:10

Otto Kretschmer's depth-charged surrender

Depth-charge attacks could force a damaged submarine to surface and surrender rather than sink with all hands.

Anti-Submarine WarfareBattle of the AtlanticDepth ChargesGerman U BoatsOtto KretschmerPrisoners Of War
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Question

Did a submarine ever surrender after a depth-charge attack?

Short answer

Yes; Otto Kretschmer was forced to the surface by depth charging and captured before being sent to Canada.

Notes

Otto Kretschmer is the example given of a submarine commander captured after depth charging forced his boat to the surface. The conversation initially searches for the name before settling on Kretschmer. His captivity in Canada is also recalled. The example answers the narrow question of whether a depth-charge attack could end in surrender.