Introduction
The German submarine U-858 was one of the last operational U-boats of Nazi Germany at the end of World War II. It is remembered not only for its missions during the war but also for its historic surrender in May 1945. When Germany unconditionally surrendered at the end of the war, U-858 became the first German submarine to surrender to the United States. This article explores what happened to U-858 after its surrender and its role in the final stages of the war.
U-858: History and Missions During World War II
U-858 was a Type IXC/40 submarine of the German Kriegsmarine, launched on December 11, 1943. It was equipped for long-range patrols and was assigned missions in the Atlantic. During its service, U-858 participated in operations against Allied convoys but did not achieve notable success in sinking enemy ships.
In the final stages of the war, U-858 was ordered to conduct a patrol mission in the Atlantic. However, in May 1945, when news of Germany’s surrender spread, the commander of U-858, Captain Lieutenant Thilo Bode, decided to surrender following orders from the German High Command.
The Historic Surrender
On May 14, 1945, after receiving the surrender order, U-858 became the first German submarine to surrender in the United States. The submarine surfaced near Cape May, New Jersey, and was then directed to Lewes, Delaware. This surrender took place just days after Germany officially capitulated on May 8, 1945, marking the end of the war in Europe.
The event attracted significant attention from the American press and became a symbol of victory and the end of the German submarine threat in the Atlantic. The crew members of U-858 were brought ashore and became prisoners of war. They underwent interrogations by the U.S. Navy to gather information about German submarine operations during the war.
The Fate of U-858 After the War
After its surrender, U-858 was studied and used by the U.S. Navy for training purposes. The Navy conducted several tests on the submarine to better understand German submarine technology, including weapons systems and electronic equipment. The information obtained from U-858 helped the United States improve its anti-submarine capabilities and develop new naval tactics.
However, the fate of U-858 was ultimately decided in 1947 when it was used as a target in a weapons test by the U.S. Navy. The submarine was sunk during a bombing exercise on November 21, 1947, off the coast of New England.
Conclusion
U-858, the first German submarine to surrender in the United States after World War II, played a significant role in marking the end of the war in the Atlantic Ocean. After its surrender, it became a valuable source of information for the U.S. Navy and was eventually used as a target in military exercises. The fate of U-858 reflects the transition from wartime to peacetime, and its story remains an interesting chapter in naval military history.
