{Atlantic Ocean – April/June 1945}
Hitler’s U-boat convoy slowly navigated in stealth mode through the dangerous North Sea. The captains of the four vessels used great skill to escape detection by the Allied naval vessels and to avoid colliding with any of the hundreds of floating mines that were set by the Royal Navy.
After almost two days of purposely slow undersea travel, the convoy quietly entered another secret German naval base located in Bergen, Norway. Though the Allies had conducted several bombing raids near the base over the past two years, the concealed and protected submarine pens were not damaged. Because of this, Hitler’s four U-boats remained safe while additional fuel and provisions were secured for the long voyage to Argentina.
During the journey, one of the U-boat captains notified the others that his vessel’s snorkeling device was not working properly and required repairs. This important pole-like apparatus enabled a U-boat to operate while submerged. The primary task of the snorkel was to reach high above a submerged sub’s upper deck and control platform. Once extended above the sea surface, it would channel fresh air back down into the vessel. This function was extremely important not only for the comfort of the U-boat passengers but also for recharging the many batteries required to operate the XXI-A class U-boats.
On April 30, 1945, the crucial repair work was completed. While Hitler, his officers, and the crew discussed plans for continuing the journey, one of the U-boat radio crewmen politely notified the group of a breaking news broadcast that declared that Adolf Hitler had died in his bunker in Berlin, Germany.
“My plan is a success!” Hitler boasted to his officers. “The Soviets and Allies now believe that the two actors who committed suicide in my bunker are actually Eva and me. They are all fools.”
Then he explained, “Do not be alarmed. I’ve left orders for Joseph Goebbels to temporarily assume the role of Chancellor and for Admiral Karl Dönitz to serve as the interim Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. They will direct our government and war effort until we reach Argentina. Once we arrive in the new Fatherland, I will resume directing our mighty forces.”
Early the next morning, with the world believing that Adolf Hitler was dead, the elusive leader ordered the convoy to quickly depart from Norway.
After a smooth and uneventful ride toward Iceland, the U-boats turned south and began the 7,500-mile quest through the Atlantic Ocean toward Argentina. The small convoy was scheduled to make only one stop along the way, a rendezvous at the Cape Verde Islands.
During the first few days of the journey, the officers and passengers were jubilant, trusting they were destined for triumph and great rewards in the new Fatherland. But they were gravely incorrect. By May 8, everyone on board knew that the so-called super submarines were not entirely seaworthy. All four captains openly complained that the vessels handled like “drifting coffins” because of their excessive weight and insufficient power.
To add to their problems, communications between the vessels were problematic because the radio transmitting equipment was malfunctioning. For this reason, the four submarines filled their ballast tanks with air and briefly surfaced.
While motoring on the Atlantic’s surface, the four U-boats raised their communication aerials. The Führer and his party listened to a long-range radio broadcast announcer declare, “Germany has surrendered! Germany has surrendered to the Allied forces. The European war is over!”
Hitler did not speak for several minutes. He was visibly shaken. The broadcaster said that Joseph Goebbels had committed suicide on May 1 and that on May 7, Admiral Karl Dönitz had authorized Germany’s surrender to the Allied forces.
Incredibly, Hitler quickly recovered from his initial shock. In an attempt to display continued strength to the troubled officers and U-boat passengers, he commanded, “Do not worry. This means nothing. The Third Reich is alive and well. We will be in Argentina soon!”
For the next four weeks, the resubmerged U-boat convoy headed southward toward the strategic Cape Verde Islands. This group of ten volcanic islands was located in the Atlantic Ocean, 350 miles west of the African continent. The convoy occupants were eager to reach this destination, but because of their heavy cargo, the U-boats operated poorly, and progress was slow.
Many passengers were visibly dejected by the news of Germany’s surrender. To make matters worse, the snorkel devices were not providing enough fresh air into the vessels, and numerous occupants became ill.
When the convoy finally reached its destination, the four U-boats surfaced and anchored in a deep-water cove near one of the remote mountainous islands. Hitler ordered several seamen to disembark and secure supplies from a trusted islander. During this brief stoppage, the officers, crew, and passengers enjoyed the island’s clean air, warmer temperatures, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Hitler urged everyone to eat, drink, and enjoy the temporary rest. “But understand, we will not be staying long.”
Although most of Hitler’s officers appreciated the restful stopover, some quietly expressed grave concerns that the short stay was an unnecessary risk. They feared that if any outsiders saw the four large German U-boats, they would assume that this flotilla had offensive intentions and were a threat.
Standing on the deck of his U-boat, Captain Yeager spoke in a low voice to one of his trusted officers. “It’s almost certain that if we are discovered, the Allies will launch a quick and fatal strike without first asking questions.” Yeager shook his head in frustration and added, “The entire world believes that Germany has surrendered. We should not be here!”