Ep 2. U-Boat Base

In the second episode of season one of the documentary series Nazi Mega Weapons, titled "U-Boat Base," viewers are taken deep into the history and engineering marvels behind the Nazi's underwater boats or submarines, referred to as U-boats. This episode unveils how Hitler ordered the construction of a top-secret U-boat base on the coast of France.

The episode starts with an overview of Germany's initial U-boat operations during World War I, which resulted in the sinking of around 12 million tonnes of allied shipping. The Nazi's U-boat program during World War II gave them a significant advantage over the allies as they were able to infiltrate enemy waters, sink ships and bring supplies to Germany, and gather intelligence. Despite their success in World War I, U-boats were still based on outdated and damp conditions.

To overcome this and to increase the efficiency of the U-boat fleet, Hitler commissioned a massive underwater base to be built on the French coast. To accomplish this, he chose an architect and engineer, Albert Speer, who would design and oversee the construction of this ambitious project. The base was named Bunker Valentin, and it was a massive complex covering 42 hectares of land, housing five U-boat halls, a loading crane, and extensive facilities for storing weapons, ammunition, torpedoes, and fuel.

Viewers are treated to an in-depth discussion of the harsh working conditions that Speer and his team had to deal with. They had to dig out the coast of a small town, with no machinery, to create the required space for the base. The base had to be built entirely underground to avoid any detection from enemy bombers. The workers had to carve through solid rock, and the work was carried out in appalling conditions with no ventilation, lighting, or plumbing. They were also working against tight deadlines to complete the base before the USA joined the war.

The program also explains how the base was built to withstand the most extreme conditions, including targeted bomb attacks and the weight of the U-boats stored inside. The docking halls were constructed with a curved, concrete roof, which added to the strength and stability of the structure. As the dock halls were submerged, they were fitted with powerful pumps and lines to protect against flooding. The documentary goes beyond the designs of Bunker Valentin and also explores the sacrifices the workforce had to endure while constructing the massive underground complex. While some workers volunteered for the strenuous work, others were brought in as forced labor.

In the second half of the episode, viewers get an exclusive look inside one of the abandoned U-boat hangers in France, which was used during World War II. Up until recently, the complex was hidden in plain sight and was used to store boats and equipment from the war. This segment explores how the U-boat base at La Rochelle was built and operated by the Nazis throughout the war. The documentary also presents how the facility was designed to protect U-boats from the elements, as well as the French Resistance. Additionally, viewers can see the engineering secrets that enabled the base to function despite the limited space and difficult conditions.

Overall, this episode of Nazi Mega Weapons season one delivers a fascinating insight into the Nazi's U-boat fleet and the incredible construction technology used to develop and create the Bunker Valentin underwater base. It serves as a testament to the immense engineering skill and perseverance of the architects and workers who made the project possible. The program also demonstrates how, though it is a relic of the past, this amazing site continues to inspire and intrigue even today.