Ep 2. Hitler's Revenge

In the second episode of Hell Below, titled "Hitler's Revenge," the focus is on the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II. This was a crucial battle between the Allies and the Germans, as Britain depended heavily on the supplies brought in by merchant ships. German submarines, or U-boats, were constantly patrolling the waters, trying to sink as many Allied ships as possible.

The episode begins with the sinking of the British cargo ship named S.S. Thistlegorm. The ship was carrying supplies for Britain's war effort, including rifles, ammunition, and even Bedford trucks. The Thistlegorm was attacked by a German bomber plane and sunk in the Red Sea. Despite the tragedy, the ship's cargo has become an important historical artifact and has been accessible to divers.

The focus then shifts to the German U-boat U-553, captained by Karl Thurmann. Thurmann had been a successful captain, sinking dozens of Allied ships. He was on his sixth patrol when he received a telegram from Hitler himself, acknowledging his successes and asking him to return to port. However, Thurmann was determined to score another victory before returning home.

Thurmann and his crew set their sights on a convoy of merchant ships heading towards Britain, which included the S.S. Lulworth Hill. The Lulworth Hill was carrying tanks and other military equipment, and was a crucial asset for the Allies. The U-boat was able to successfully torpedo and sink the Lulworth Hill, proving once again how dangerous the U-boats could be. The crew of the Lulworth Hill managed to escape in lifeboats, but the loss of their valuable cargo was a blow to the Allied war effort.

The episode also explores the tactics used by both sides during the Battle of the Atlantic. The Germans had developed a strategy called "wolfpacks," where multiple U-boats would attack a convoy at once, making it difficult for the Allies to defend themselves. The Allies responded by creating their own convoy system, where multiple ships would travel together, making it harder for the Germans to identify and attack them.

The Battle of the Atlantic was a long and grueling battle, and the episode highlights the toll it took on both sides. The U-boat crews faced long periods of isolation and danger, as they constantly hunted for Allied ships and tried to avoid detection themselves. The Allies, on the other hand, faced the constant threat of attack and had to be vigilant at all times.

Overall, "Hitler's Revenge" offers a fascinating look into the Battle of the Atlantic and the dangers faced by both sides. It showcases the bravery and determination of the U-boat crews, as well as the resilience of the Allied forces. The sinking of the S.S. Thistlegorm and the S.S. Lulworth Hill were tragic losses, but they also serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.