the limited number of mines they could carry. In order to lay a mine
barrage effective enough to obstruct enemy operations, several
U-boats are needed, whereas the same could be performed by a single
surface mine laying ship. Additionally, it is difficult for a pack of
U-boats to work co-operatively in mine laying operations due to
navigational and communication difficulties.
Nevertheless, the value of the U-boat as a minelayer lies in its
ability to plant mines in areas dominated by the enemy. These areas,
such as the mouths of enemy harbors, or along coastal areas
frequented by enemy shipping are essentially off limits to German
surface forces. The stealth and invisible characteristics of the
U-boat is indispensable in these circumstances.
All attack U-boats are capable of laying mines, but the number of
mines which can be carried is severely limited. Additionally, the
boat's torpedo payload suffered with every additional mine carried.
Also due to the limited space, the type of mines which could be
carried were the less powerful tube launched TMA mines. The adverse
effect is that the boat was neither effective as a minelayer nor as
an attack boat.
To alleviate this, specialized boats were constructed, which could
carry a large number of mines and plant them in enemy territory. The
large Type XB minelayer could carry up to 66 of the more powerful SMA
shaft mine and had a much reduced torpedo armament solely for self
defense. It had two stern torpedo tubes, none in the bow and was
equipped with the usual array of a 105mm deck gun and a single 20mm
and 37mm anti-aircraft cannon.
Un poco de ejercicio de inglés para variar ...continuará!
Kummetz
