Humpday History Highlight
By Wyatt Earp | March 31, 2010
March 31, 1940 – Germany Launches Atlantis
On this day, the German auxiliary cruiser Atlantis sets off on a mission to catch and sink Allied merchant ships.
The Atlantis had been a merchant ship itself, but was converted to a commerce raider with six 5.9-inch guns, 93 mines ready to plant, and two aircraft fit for spying out Allied ships to sink. The Atlantis donned various disguises in order to integrate itself into any shipping milieu inconspicuously.
Commanded by Capt. Bernhard Rogge, the Atlantis roamed the Atlantic and Indian oceans. She sank a total of 22 merchant ships (146,000 tons in all) and proved a terror to the British Royal Navy. The Atlantis’s career finally came to an end on November 22, 1941, when it was sunk by the British cruiser Devonshire as the German marauder was refueling a U-boat. (H/T – History.com)
First time I heard this story. Those sneaky Hun bastards sure had a good gig there for a while.
Topics: HHH | 6 Comments »
March 31st, 2010 at 8:38 pm
The Atlantis donned various disguises in order to integrate itself into any shipping milieu inconspicuously.
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Ya mean like this ?
http://www.moonbattery.com/nose-moustache-glasses.jpg
March 31st, 2010 at 9:02 pm
JT – Exactly! Is it any wonder why the Brits didn’t see them?
April 1st, 2010 at 4:06 am
If I recall correctly, the Atlantis was featured in the series Victory At Sea. And you’re right, they did have a good gig for a year and a half, pretending to just be a harmless merchant vessel until ready to strike.
April 1st, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Recently watched “Under Ten Flags” starring van Heflin as the Atlantis’ captain. Very sympathetic to the captain and crew, but still a good yarn.
April 1st, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Morgan – Well, at least until the Brits got them.
John A – Van Heflin is one the of the great actors of that time.
April 2nd, 2010 at 1:57 am
IIRC recall correctly, Rogge was dubbed the polite pirate by the British. He would give advanced warning to unarmed merchant and passenger ships to allow everyone to escape.