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SHARKHUNTERS Salutes Veterans

THILO  BODE  (304-1987)

Kriegsmarine, U-Bootwaffe

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THILO BODE was I.W.O. aboard U-505 during the time that Peter Zschesch was the Skipper.  One of the crew of U-505 told us that BODE was always taking the headlines away from Zschesch and that, coupled with the constantly aborted patrols of U-505 and other factors, contributed to the breakdown of Zscheche during an attack by a Royal Navy destroyer – and Zscheche committed suicide.

BODE was already off U-505 by that time and Paul Meyer was the I.W.O. aboard U-505 who saved her from destruction.

BODE had taken command of U-858 by that time.  During World War II, neither BODE nor U-858 made any attacks on any ships.  When the war ended and the surrender order was sent out, he surrendered to the U. S. Navy and was escorted into Portsmouth, NH.

The surrender of U-858

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U-858 on the horizon, surrendering…now there is a U.S. Navy Blimp over the boat
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U-858 waiting to be boardedBODE and the crew of U-858 aboard a U.S. Navy ship

After the end of the war and finishing his time in P.o.W. camp, BODE emigrated to England and became a journalist.