Engineering War: Deadly Fleets & Lost Nukes | Drain the Oceans | MEGA EPISODE | National Geographic

1945: WWII's Decisive Year - Draining the Oceans Summary

Key Concepts:

• World War II, 1945: Decisive battles, technological advancements, and the human cost of war.
• Operation Hannibal: German naval operation to evacuate civilians and soldiers from the Eastern Front via the Baltic Sea.
• U-boats: German submarines, particularly Type 9D, used for long-range missions and technology transfer.
• Operation Caesar: German plan to supply Japan with advanced technology, including jet engines and mercury.
• Kamikaze: Japanese suicide attacks against Allied warships.
• B-29 Superfortress: American long-range bomber used in the Pacific theater, including the atomic bombings.
• Graf Spee: German pocket battleship scuttled in the River Plate.
• Blücher: German heavy cruiser sunk in Oslofjord during the invasion of Norway.
• Bismarck: German battleship sunk in the Atlantic after sinking HMS Hood.
• Tirpitz: German battleship targeted by Allied forces, eventually sunk by Tallboy bombs.
• Battle of Jutland: Major naval battle of World War I between Britain and Germany.
• Scapa Flow: British naval base where the German High Seas Fleet was scuttled after WWI.
• HMS Royal Oak: British battleship sunk in Scapa Flow by a German U-boat.
• Heavy Water: A key component for Nazi atomic bomb research.
• HMAS Sydney: Australian warship sunk by the German raider Kormoran.
• Graf Zeppelin: German aircraft carrier, scuttled and later sunk by the Soviets.
• U-480: German stealth submarine covered in Alberich coating.
• USS Independence: US aircraft carrier used in atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll.
• Operation Chrome Dome: US Air Force operation involving airborne nuclear bombers.
• USS Thresher: US nuclear submarine lost at sea due to implosion.
• K-129: Soviet submarine lost in the Pacific, subject of Project Azorian.
• Project Azorian: CIA operation to recover the K-129 submarine.

Operation Hannibal and the General Von Steuben

• Main Topic: The evacuation of German civilians and soldiers from the Eastern Front via the Baltic Sea in January 1945.
• Key Points:
  • Soviet forces advance, causing a refugee crisis among German civilians.
  • Operation Hannibal launches to rescue civilians and soldiers by sea.
  • The General Von Steuben, a 550-foot transport ship, sets sail from Pillau on February 9th, carrying approximately 5,000 people.
  • The Steuben sinks 13 hours later after being torpedoed.
• Evidence:
  • Polish divers explore the wreck, finding evidence of torpedo damage: two distinct blast holes.
  • Analysis of the Steuben's route confirms it stayed within cleared sea lanes, ruling out a mine.
  • Historical documents reveal the Steuben was a troop transport vessel, making it a legitimate target under the rules of war.
  • The ship was armed with anti-aircraft guns.
• Process:
  • Divers collect data from the wreck.
  • The wreck is virtually drained to reveal details.
  • Historical records are consulted to determine the ship's status and route.
• Conclusion: The Steuben was likely torpedoed by a Soviet submarine, a controversial act given the presence of civilians, but justified by the ship's military role.

Operation Caesar and the U-864

• Main Topic: Germany's attempt to supply Japan with advanced technology in February 1945.
• Key Points:
  • U-864, a Type 9D U-boat, is on a top-secret mission to Japan as part of Operation Caesar.
  • Type 9D U-boats are long-range submarines capable of carrying 252 tons of cargo.
  • The U-864 carries mercury (for bomb detonators) and jet engine prototypes.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck is identified as a Type 9D U-boat based on its size (287 feet long).
  • The presence of a snorkel identifies it as one of five Type 9D U-boats fitted with this technology.
  • War records confirm U-864's mission and cargo.
  • Cylindrical canisters containing mercury are found near the keel.
• Process:
  • The wreck is identified and virtually drained.
  • Historical records are consulted to determine the U-boat's mission.
  • Cargo is analyzed to determine its purpose.
• Conclusion: The U-864 was sunk by the British submarine HMS Venturer in a unique underwater battle, preventing the technology from reaching Japan. This was the first time a submerged submarine took out another submerged submarine with torpedoes.

Kamikaze Attacks and the USS Emmons

• Main Topic: The impact of Japanese kamikaze attacks on the US Navy during the Battle of Okinawa in April 1945.
• Key Points:
  • The USS Emmons, a Gleaves Class Destroyer, is part of a forward line of ships protecting the invasion force.
  • The Japanese employ kamikaze attacks due to a shortage of experienced pilots.
  • The Emmons sinks after being hit by five kamikaze planes on April 6th, 1945, with 137 casualties.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck is identified as the USS Emmons based on its size (348 feet long) and the presence of a paravane.
  • The presence of a Japanese Type 98 Reconnaissance plane engine near the wreck confirms a kamikaze attack.
  • Historical records detail the "Floating Chrysanthemum" kamikaze operation.
• Process:
  • The wreck is identified and virtually drained.
  • Debris is analyzed to determine the type of attack.
  • Historical records are consulted to understand the context of the attack.
• Conclusion: The USS Emmons was sunk by a coordinated kamikaze attack, highlighting the desperation of the Japanese and the terror inflicted on the US Navy.

B-29 Superfortress Losses and the Atomic Bomb

• Main Topic: The operational challenges and mechanical failures of the B-29 Superfortress and its role in ending the war.
• Key Points:
  • The B-29 Superfortress is a long-range bomber capable of striking Japan from distant bases.
  • The US faces the prospect of losing half a million men in a land invasion of Japan.
  • A B-29 wreck is found near Tinian Island, a major B-29 base.
  • The B-29s were rushed off the line, they were rushed through testing and they were sent to the front lines.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck is identified as a B-29 based on its wing structure.
  • The plane is resting upside-down with landing gear retracted and no bombs, indicating a crash on take-off.
  • Engine damage suggests a fire.
  • US Air Force records reveal that 414 B-29s were lost, primarily due to mechanical problems.
• Process:
  • The wreck is identified and virtually drained.
  • Engine damage is analyzed to determine the cause of the crash.
  • Historical records are consulted to understand the operational context.
• Conclusion: The B-29 likely crashed on take-off due to engine failure, highlighting the operational risks and mechanical problems associated with these planes. Despite these issues, the B-29 played a decisive role in ending the war, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Graf Spee Scuttling

• Main Topic: The scuttling of the German pocket battleship Graf Spee in the River Plate.
• Key Points:
  • The Graf Spee, a "Panzerschiff" designed for hit-and-run raids, is engaged by three British cruisers.
  • The Graf Spee inflicts damage but is also damaged.
  • The Graf Spee sails into Montevideo for repairs but is given only three days.
  • Captain Hans Langsdorff scuttles the ship rather than face the British fleet.
• Evidence:
  • Sonar images confirm the wreck's identity.
  • The stern is blown off, indicating deliberate explosions.
  • Historical records confirm the battle and the scuttling.
• Conclusion: The Graf Spee was scuttled to avoid capture, a decision that enraged Hitler.

Blücher Sinking

• Main Topic: The sinking of the German heavy cruiser Blücher in Oslofjord during the invasion of Norway.
• Key Points:
  • The Blücher leads a naval force to conquer Norway.
  • The Blücher is attacked by the Oscarsborg Fortress.
  • The Blücher is hit by shells and torpedoes.
• Evidence:
  • Sonar images confirm the wreck's identity.
  • Gaping wounds in the hull indicate torpedo hits.
  • A secret torpedo launch chamber is discovered.
• Conclusion: The Blücher was sunk by Norwegian torpedoes, disrupting Hitler's plan for a swift conquest of Norway.

Bismarck and Hood

• Main Topic: The sinking of HMS Hood and the Bismarck.
• Key Points:
  • The Bismarck, a powerful German battleship, is designed to strike terror.
  • The Bismarck sinks HMS Hood, a symbol of British sea power.
  • The Bismarck is sunk by the Royal Navy.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck of the Hood is found, showing catastrophic damage.
  • The Bismarck's shell hit Hood in the aft part of the ship, near the main mast.
  • The Bismarck is sunk after a relentless pursuit.
• Conclusion: The sinking of the Hood was a major blow to British morale, but the Bismarck's destruction restored British sea power.

Tirpitz Sinking

• Main Topic: The sinking of the German battleship Tirpitz.
• Key Points:
  • The Tirpitz is Hitler's last great battleship.
  • The Tirpitz hides in Norwegian fjords.
  • The Tirpitz is protected by smoke screens.
  • The Tirpitz is sunk by Tallboy bombs.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck is found upside down in shallow waters.
  • Gigantic holes in the deck indicate Tallboy bomb impacts.
• Conclusion: The Tirpitz was sunk by precision bombing, marking a revolution in naval warfare.

Battle of Jutland

• Main Topic: The Battle of Jutland, a major naval battle of World War I.
• Key Points:
  • The British and German fleets clash in the North Sea.
  • Both sides claim victory.
  • The British lose more ships but maintain control of the sea.
• Evidence:
  • The wrecks of HMS Invincible, Lutzow, and HMS Black Prince are found.
  • The Invincible exploded due to open blast doors.
  • The Lutzow was scuttled by the Germans.
  • The Black Prince was sunk by German battleships.
• Conclusion: The Battle of Jutland was a strategic victory for the British, who maintained control of the North Sea.

Scapa Flow Scuttling

• Main Topic: The scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet in Scapa Flow.
• Key Points:
  • The German fleet is interned at Scapa Flow after World War I.
  • The German fleet is scuttled to prevent it from falling into Allied hands.
  • The wrecks are later salvaged for scrap metal.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck of Markgraf is found with open portholes.
  • Historical records confirm the scuttling.
• Conclusion: The scuttling of the German fleet was a defiant act that prevented the Allies from seizing the ships.

HMS Royal Oak Sinking

• Main Topic: The sinking of HMS Royal Oak in Scapa Flow by a German U-boat.
• Key Points:
  • HMS Royal Oak is sunk by a German U-boat in Scapa Flow.
  • The U-boat penetrates the harbor through poorly defended channels.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck of HMS Royal Oak is found with torpedo damage.
• Conclusion: The sinking of HMS Royal Oak was a major propaganda victory for the Germans.

Heavy Water Sabotage

• Main Topic: The sabotage of the Nazi heavy water production at Vemork and the sinking of the ferry Hydro.
• Key Points:
  • The Nazis need heavy water for their atomic bomb research.
  • The Vemork power plant in Norway is the world's largest producer of heavy water.
  • Allied forces sabotage the heavy water production.
  • The ferry Hydro, carrying heavy water, is sunk in Lake Tinn.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck of the Hydro is found in Lake Tinn.
  • Barrels of heavy water are found on board.
• Conclusion: The sabotage of the heavy water production and the sinking of the Hydro disrupted the Nazi atomic bomb program.

HMAS Sydney Sinking

• Main Topic: The sinking of the Australian warship HMAS Sydney by the German raider Kormoran.
• Key Points:
  • HMAS Sydney is sunk by the German raider Kormoran.
  • The Kormoran is a disguised merchant ship with hidden weapons.
• Evidence:
  • The wrecks of HMAS Sydney and Kormoran are found.
  • HMAS Sydney shows damage from hidden weapons.
• Conclusion: HMAS Sydney was sunk by a cleverly disguised German raider, a major loss for the Australian Navy.

Graf Zeppelin Sinking

• Main Topic: The fate of the German aircraft carrier Graf Zeppelin.
• Key Points:
  • The Graf Zeppelin is launched but never fully completed.
  • The Graf Zeppelin is scuttled by the Germans.
  • The Graf Zeppelin is seized by the Soviets and used for bombing tests.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck of the Graf Zeppelin is found in the Baltic Sea.
  • The wreck shows damage from bombing tests.
• Conclusion: The Graf Zeppelin was never used in combat and was ultimately sunk by the Soviets.

U-480 Sinking

• Main Topic: The sinking of the German stealth submarine U-480.
• Key Points:
  • U-480 is a stealth submarine covered in rubber panels.
  • U-480 sinks four ships in the English Channel.
  • U-480 is sunk by a minefield.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck of U-480 is found in the English Channel.
  • The wreck is covered in rubber panels.
• Conclusion: U-480 was a technologically advanced submarine, but it was ultimately sunk by a minefield.

USS Independence Sinking

• Main Topic: The fate of the USS Independence after atomic bomb tests.
• Key Points:
  • The USS Independence is used in atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll.
  • The USS Independence is heavily damaged and contaminated by radiation.
  • The USS Independence is scuttled off the coast of California.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck of the USS Independence is found off the coast of California.
  • The wreck shows damage from atomic blasts.
• Conclusion: The USS Independence was scuttled after being contaminated by radiation, a chilling reminder of the dawn of the Cold War.

Palomares Incident

• Main Topic: The Palomares incident, a nuclear accident in Spain.
• Key Points:
  • A B-52 bomber crashes over Spain, dropping four nuclear bombs.
  • Three of the bombs are recovered on land.
  • One of the bombs falls into the Mediterranean Sea.
• Evidence:
  • The lost nuke is found on the sea floor.
• Conclusion: A nuclear disaster was narrowly avoided.

USS Thresher Sinking

• Main Topic: The sinking of the USS Thresher, a US nuclear submarine.
• Key Points:
  • The USS Thresher is lost at sea during deep dive tests.
  • The USS Thresher implodes due to a leak and frozen ballast pipes.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck of the USS Thresher is found in pieces.
• Conclusion: The USS Thresher was lost due to a combination of mechanical failure and human error.

K-129 Sinking and Project Azorian

• Main Topic: The sinking of the Soviet submarine K-129 and the CIA's attempt to recover it.
• Key Points:
  • The Soviet submarine K-129 is lost in the Pacific Ocean.
  • The CIA attempts to recover the submarine in Project Azorian.
  • The recovery attempt fails, and the submarine is left on the sea floor.
• Evidence:
  • The wreck of K-129 is found.
  • Video footage of Project Azorian is revealed.
• Conclusion: The K-129 was lost due to an unknown cause, and the CIA's attempt to recover it was only partially successful.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The "Draining the Oceans" documentary reveals the hidden history of World War II and the Cold War, showcasing the technological advancements, strategic decisions, and human sacrifices that shaped these conflicts. By combining underwater archaeology with historical records and cutting-edge computer visualization, the documentary provides a detailed and compelling account of these pivotal moments in history. The wrecks serve as a testament to the sacrifices made by military personnel and civilians, and a reminder of the enduring legacy of these conflicts.