Ep 5. Sub vs. Sub

In the fifth episode of season two of HELL BELOW, titled "Sub vs. Sub," viewers are taken deep beneath the ocean surface to witness the intense battles that took place between submarines during World War II. The episode focuses on the German U-boat U-864 and the British submarine HMS Venturer as they engage in a cat-and-mouse game beneath the frigid waters of the Norwegian Sea.

As the episode begins, we are given a brief history of the U-864 and its mission. This Type IXD2 submarine was tasked with delivering crucial technology and supplies to the Japanese in early 1945. It was the only German submarine to make such a journey during the war, and its presence in Norwegian waters was a closely guarded secret. However, the British had caught wind of U-864's mission and were actively hunting for it.

The episode then cuts to the HMS Venturer, a V-class submarine commanded by Lieutenant James Launders. Launders and his crew have been tasked with finding and sinking the U-864 before it can deliver its cargo to the Japanese. This proves to be a difficult task, as the British have no idea where the U-boat is. They are forced to rely on intelligence reports and spy networks to try and track down their target.

Meanwhile, the U-864 is facing its own challenges. Its commander, Ralf-Reimar Wolfram, knows that the British are on his tail and is doing everything in his power to evade them. However, his crew's inexperience and the U-boat's faulty engine make this a near-impossible task. The episode highlights the tension and fear that the U-boat crew experiences as they try to evade their enemy.

As the episode continues, we see both submarines engage in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The Venturer manages to get within striking distance of the U-864 but is forced to retreat when it is spotted. This sets off a frantic chase as the U-864 tries to escape and the Venturer tries to keep up. At one point, Launders makes the difficult decision to fire his submarine's torpedoes in a spread, hoping that at least one will hit its target.

The tension is palpable as the British sailors wait anxiously for their torpedoes to hit. Meanwhile, we see the crew of the U-864 frantically trying to outmaneuver the incoming torpedoes. The episode does an excellent job of showing just how terrifying submarine warfare can be, with both sides desperately trying to gain the upper hand.

Throughout the episode, we are treated to incredible footage of both submarines as they maneuver through the icy waters of the Norwegian Sea. The episode also includes interviews with experts and historians who provide valuable insights into the tactics and strategies employed by both sides. Viewers will gain a greater appreciation for the complexities of submarine warfare and the bravery of those who fought these battles far beneath the surface of the ocean.

Overall, "Sub vs. Sub" is a gripping and suspenseful episode of HELL BELOW that offers a fascinating look into one of the lesser-known battles of World War II. Whether you are a history buff or simply a fan of thrilling warfare documentaries, this episode is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.