Toilet Troubles in World War II Caused the U-1206 to Be Sunk

I decided to write about one of the last post's 10 Unusual Events of World War II and chose Toilet Troubles.Relieving one's self in a submerged submarine is the same as on dry land, but getting rid of it is considerably more complicated  It requires advanced technology and training of personnel.

A horrible event on the German U-1206 involving system failure led to four deaths.  The original U-boat head system was a two-valve system good only during shallow dives.

Newer VIIC U-boats such as the U-1206 were outfitted with high pressure valves rigged for deep-water dives.

On April 14, 1945, while 200-feet deep off Scotland and under the command of Karl-Adolph Schlitt, the toilet was improperly flushed and began flooding compartments with sewage and salt water.  This concoction leaked onto the ship's batteries, creating deadly chlorine gas, forcing the submarine to surface.

While repairs were being made, the submarine was spotted by  British patrols and forced to surrender.  The Germans, however, scuttled their ship before leaving.

One sailor died in the attack and three more drowned and the other 46 were captured

Some historians blame Schlitt for the incident.  The U-1206 wreck was discovered in 2012.

You Know, Schlitt Sounds a Bit ZLike )____.  --GreGen