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For those of you who have visited
U995 - the world's only remaining Type VII U-boat - you will
instantly recognise the view as you stroll along the beach in Laboe, near
Kiel, in northern Germany.
I was fortunate enough to be
staying overnight nearby and so during a late evening walk on the beach
was able to appreciate the scene in almost solitude: the
gentle lapping of the sea together with the sound of halyards jangling
against the masts of the nearby beached dinghies all created a peaceful
atmosphere allowing you time to reflect and consider U995's history.
The following day I visited her interior
and marveled at what a day at sea in such squalid conditions must have
like for her crew all those years ago.
Those of you who have not managed to visit U995 yet, I would seriously
recommend it. Definitely worth the trip no matter where you're
coming from. There are also plenty of other places to visit in the
area - jjust off the painting, to the right
of this image, towers the Marine-Ehremal - a monument and museum honouring
all German sailors who lost their lives at war. Whilst down the road
is the U-boat memorial showing a somber listing of row upon row of
submariners' name engraved in black granite - all of whom gave their life
for their country.
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