U-534 ON PERMANENT DISPLAY

U-534 is one of only four German WWII submarines in preserved condition remaining in the world. Sunk east of Anholt Island, Denmark, on 5th May 1945, U-534 was recovered on 23rd August 1993 by the Dutch salvage company Smit Tak, and became part of the Warship Preservation Trust’s collection at Birkenhead Docks. In 2006 the museum had to close and in 2007 Merseytravel acquired U-534 to become a permanent feature at the ’U-Boat Story’ Exhibition, Woodside Ferry Terminal, Wirral, Merseyside. Visitor information at: www.u-boatstory.co.uk

The relocation of U-534 and how it could be displayed to the best advantage was a challenge. The chosen option was to cut the submarine into sections to allow it to be moved to its new site using a floating crane. These separate sections (two were re-joined) were finished with glazed panels and ramps allowing visitors better visibility of difficult to access areas. U-534 is now part of a wider exhibition with interactive exhibits and audio visual shows explaining the link between the ferries and the history of underwater warfare.

RELICS RECOVERED FROM U-534

The exhibition includes weapons, equipment and two Enigma machines. Also various types of bottles - from small medicine bottles to wine and beer bottles - jars, crockery, utensils and medical instruments, as well as personal belongings such as razors and toothbrushes are on display. Pockets of air aided preservation, even paperwork and board games have been recovered in unbelievably good condition.

THE MYSTERIES SURROUNDING U-534

U-534 was the last submarine to leave Kiel Harbour before the order was given for U-Boats to surrender. U-534, having been joined by two other submarines, refused to do so and was attacked by two RAF Liberator bombers. Having managed to shoot one down (E/547 Edward from Leuchars), U-534 was eventually sunk by G/86 George from Tain. Most of the U-Boat crew dived off as she sank, five were trapped in the torpedo room but escaped once the boat had settled on the seabed. One of them, 17 year-old radio operator, Josef Neudorfer, failed to exhale as he was surfacing and died from lung damage. Two others died from exposure, the remaining 49 of the 52 men on board were rescued.

Why didn’t U-534 surrender? A number of rumours persist about U-534’s destination with stories of gold bullion, secret documents and mystery passengers on board. The captain was the only man present who could know all the answers, but he never revealed the purpose of the mission before committing suicide in 1968.