Ad: This forum contains affiliate links to products on Amazon and eBay. More information in Terms and rules
It would scare them witless and force the US government to spend huge amounts of money on securing its coasts, cities, towns, villages and so on, basically everyone would want protection.
Soren said:That isn't true as the German put up several weatherstations on US soil and they all functioned beautifully, and none were found during the war. Some were found after the war and some have been found recently, still functioning...
Operations - Weather station Kurt erected in Labrador in 1943[/url]
The US had several divisions available available on the eve of Pearl Harbor.
I guess it all depends on "when" this commando raid(s) would take place. If Hitler had gotten together with Yamamoto and coordinated the attacks, I think the Isolationists would've had a larger following, instead of everybody abandoning them and flocking to the recruiters. I was assuming this would be taking place in '43 or '44, maybe as a last-ditch strategy by Hitler in early '45.
It would have been a complete waste of German expertise.
Here is a thought for you all - How about "frogman" style commando attacks by the Germans or Italians similar to those that hit British Battleships in Alexandria other ships in Gibraltar?
These two ports were major British Naval bases, at wartime, vigilantly guarded by patrols that were expecting just these type of attacks. Yet the Italians were still able to achieve their missions.
Suppose that the Italians sent some of these teams, with gear, to be inserted at night by German U-boats near the US East coast ports prior to "Pearl Harbour". Then perhaps the night after the PH attack, they could strike at the USN bases
The USA was at peace, they did not expect to be attacked, and were much less vigilant than British ports {which were in a war zone}
Compare the defence {or lack therof} of Pearl Harbour, which was threatened by its location, and which had been warned of imminant hostilities with Japan.
Is there any reason to think that Norfolk or the other Eastern US ports would be even as well guarded or prepared as Pearl Harbour?
Glider, you're wrong on many of your points:
1.) The Enigma wasn't completely broken in 42 43, infact there was a period were it was fully kryptic.
2.) The men could easily be transported by U-boat, the Germans set off spies in the US quite a few times, not to mention a multitude of weatherstations etc etc. And a Type IXD could carry tons of equipment and men, easily carrying about 25 men beyond the crew
3.) When they arrive they can commandeer a vehicle if needed.
4.) Civilian clothes is brought along to give the ability to blend in when needed.
5.) Spies could be set off long BEFORE the raid, gathering information beneficial to the succes of the raid.
__________________________________________
I went to visit that camp last summer. Its now a national monument due to the historical significance of it.
Best way to call it is a "detention camp".
It would take place in early to mid 1942 Rabid.
Now contrary to what Glider believes a Uboat could carry many men besides the dedicated crew, a Type IX could easily haul along 25 extra men, and even more if the number of torpedoes carried were cut down. On top of that the Type IX had a cargo hold on the top deck, usually used for extra torps or mail, food (Incase of milkcow), equipment, looted goods etc etc. This cargo hold could ofcourse therefore be used to hold all the equipment needed for the raid.
Oh and I don't know where Glider got the idea from that it took 25 men 48 hours to get out of the sub, into rubber boat and head for shore - guess they must have been really sloooow according to Glider.
There actually was a a battle up here its called the Battle of the St Lawrence there was a number of U boat patrols in the St Lawrence one almost got to Quebec CityOn U-boats getting places... I could be wrong on the river or the whole info..But "I was thinking" that a U-boat got up the Saint Lawrence river and wreaked its ruder ..And its some were in a museum up in that part of the world ... Flame me and shoot me down if I'm keeping rumors going ... Ring a bell ...??
I'm sure with the nuts of the U-boat captains they were sniffing around the US coast line more then we knew...
Soren, the commando's will only be able to haul a couple of hundred pounds of explosive at any given time.
Take out a power plant? No.
QUOTE]I would think you could take out a power plant at least here you could if you knew the infrastructure and the locks on the Mississippi or the what is now called the St Lawrence Seaway. They were guarded 24/7 . certain bridges could cause havoc and the same places were also guarded after 9/11