Nazis vs New York - Axis Operations to Attack 'The Big Apple'
Mark Felton Productions・2 minutes read
Hitler declared war on the US, leading to German U-boats targeting Allied supply ships along the US and Canadian shores, with Operation Drum Beat successfully leading to defensive measures by the US Navy against U-boat attacks in US waters. Despite efforts like the America Bomber project and submarine attacks, the Axis powers' ambitions to directly attack New York City during World War II were largely unfulfilled.
Insights
- Operation Drum Beat, initiated by Admiral Carl Dönitz with U-boats like the U-123 led by Captain Reinhard Hardegen, aimed to disrupt Allied supply lines and led to defensive measures by the US Navy in response to U-boat attacks along the Eastern seaboards of the US and Canada.
- The Axis powers, including Germany and Italy, attempted various innovative strategies like rocket-armed U-boats, man torpedo submarines, and the America Bomber project to target US cities like New York, showcasing the technological aspirations and challenges faced during World War II.
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Recent questions
What was Operation Drum Beat?
Operation Drum Beat was a German U-boat operation initiated by Admiral Carl Dönitz in response to Hitler declaring war on the US after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. The operation aimed to extend the U-boat war to the US shores by targeting Allied supply ships along the US and Canadian Eastern seaboards.
Who led the successful U-boat attacks near New York City?
Captain Reinhard Hardegen led the successful U-boat attacks near New York City during Operation Drum Beat. Despite physical challenges, Hardegen commanded the Type 9B U-123 submarine, sinking vessels like the SS Cyclops and Coimbra, and refraining from entering New York Harbor due to lack of accurate charts.
What defensive measures did the US Navy institute against U-boat attacks?
In response to the success of Operation Drum Beat, the US Navy instituted convoys, dimmed Coastal lights, and implemented other defensive measures to counter U-boat attacks in US waters. These measures were crucial in protecting Allied supply ships from further U-boat attacks.
What was the Germany's America Bomber project?
The Germany's America Bomber project aimed to develop long-range aircraft like the Junkers Ju 390 to reach New York City during World War II. Despite building prototypes, logistical challenges and political decisions prevented the full realization of the project, leaving it as a significant "what if" scenario in history.
Who led the Mediterranean raids using the "Pig" man torpedo?
Bazi, a fascist supporter and submarine commander, led successful raids in the Mediterranean using the innovative "Pig" man torpedo. Bazi planned to extend operations to the United States, targeting New York Harbor to impact American morale, seeking assistance from the German Navy for a large mother submarine to carry the attack equipment across the Atlantic.
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