THE STUDY OF HISTORY is a matter of perspective; many times, what seems inconsequential to contemporary society was actually a matter of dire consequence to those directly affected. The story of U-234 provides an excellent example. While the presence aboard U-234 of German scientists, technicians, “modern” rocket technology, turbojet aircraft, and nuclear material might seem like an antiquated threat to us at the dawn of the twenty-first century, it provoked deep concern among those charged with sending American soldiers and sailors into harm’s way in 1945. It is my hope that while reading this book, the reader will consider the effect U-234 had upon the thinking of the American military officials who were planning the proposed invasion of Japan.
Japanese names are presented according to the Japanese custom of placing the surname first. German military titles are translated as follows:
Kapitän zur See: captain
Fregattenkapitän: commander (senior to a Korvettenkapitän)
General der Flieger: general of the air force
Kapitänleutnant: lieutenant commander
Korvettenkapitän: commander
Leutnant zur See: ensign
Oberfunkmeister: chief radioman
Oberleutnant: first lieutenant
Oberstleutnant: lieutenant colonel
The source materials cited in the notes that pertain to the interrogation of U-234’s passengers include two types of transcripts that may warrant explanation: “independent room conversations” and “inter-room conversations.” An independent room conversation was an interrogation, either a formal question-and-answer session between interrogator and prisoner or an informal conversation taking place after confidence had been established between the two. An interroom conversation was an eavesdropping event, a covert recording of prisoners as they talked among themselves. The prisoners knew full well that they were being overheard. Some didn’t care, but most used it as an opportunity to let the Allies know indirectly that they were willing to cooperate.