Germany, Kriegsmarine. A Manual For Handling Of Torpedo Of Experimental Submarines U-792 And U-793

This is a manual for the safe transfer, stowing, and loading of two late-war experimental torpedoes, the G5ut and the G5e, for the equally late-war experimental Submarines U-792 and U-793. The manual consists of 11 pages of writing, with a large diagram of the loading winch “Adler”, a large diagram of the torpedo transfer from the outside, a large diagram of the torpedo transfer from the inside, as well as a large diagram of the loading of the torpedo from the inside. The manual measures 298 mm x 210 mm, and is in near mint condition, with only a small piece ripped out of the cover page of the manual. Otherwise, it is entirely complete, without rips, tears, missing pages, creases, stains, or other significant signs of age or use.

Footnote: The Wa201 class submarines consisted of two experimental propulsion system U-Boats, the U-792 and U-973. Construction on both U-Boats began in 1942 by Blohm & Voss in Hamburg - U-792 entered service on November 19, 1943, while U974 entered service on behind schedule on April 22, 1944. Both featured Hellmuth Walter’s experimental high test peroxide propulsion system, which would allow the submarines to reach significantly higher submerged speeds. The G5ut torpedo featured a similar Walter turbine, designed to allow the torpedo to reach its target significantly faster, while the G5e torpedo features a silent acid-battery driven propulsion system for more quiet travel through water. Both U-Boats were scuttled on May 4th, 1945 in the Audorfer See (Kaiser Wilhelm Canal) to prevent the experimental technology from falling into allied hands. However, both submarines were raised on May 26, 1945 by the British and taken to Howaldtswerke to be examined. They were used for a limited time for trials, but were torn apart for parts with plans to scrap them. Interestingly, their final fate is unknown as it is believed that neither were actually scrapped.