Saturday, July 16, 2011

Torpedo Alley

This is very interesting article from Wikipedia, and something I never knew before. This takes place right in our own country, right in the Atlantic Ocean waters, off North Carolina and into her inland waters. I never knew the Germans were so close to us.

The Torpedo Alley, off North Carolina, is one of the graveyards of the Atlantic Ocean., named for the high number of attacks on allied shipping by German U-boats in World War two.

Torpedo Alley was the 100 mile stretch of water along the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks are along the coast of the US and comprise a chain of islands off North Carolina (and just a bit of Virginia). These islands shelter the Pamlico and Albermarle Sounds, which run inland. If you check the state of N.C. you will see they do run inland quite a way.

Torpedo Alley got its name because of the effectiveness of the German Kriegsmarine, specifically their U-boats, who sunk nearly 400 ships along that stretch of coast, between January and July of 1942. Some 5,000 people, most of them merchany marines did loose their lives during these attacks on shipping, in what has sometimes been called the "great American turkey shoot".

Thanks to our men in the armed forces, the ones that fought to keep our country free from harm. For them we came through unscaved, except for the Torpedo Alley incident, we will always be grateful.






13 comments:

DeniseinVA said...

This is a very interesting piece of history Margaret, thank you so much for sharing it. I've been down to the Outer Banks several times over the years since living in the US and the next time I go, I will look at it with new eyes. We have a lot to thank our Veterans for don't we? Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the weekend. Denise x

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Most interesting Margaret, I was born a year before the war ended so don't remember it. It's surprising what our troops had to go through.
Hope you and husband are keeping well.
Thanks for the visit.
Yvonne.

Anonymous said...

For want of a better world, people go to war to kill the enemy and then, the enemy becomes our best friends after the war is over. With a nod to both Germany and Japan...

Becky said...

I hadn't heard of this Margaret. I Love reading all your interesting posts. Thanks so much for stopping by, and leaving such nice comments.
Have a wonderful rest of the weekend.
B.

romance-of-roses said...

Wow Margaret I didn't know this how very interesting. I was a little girl but do remember World War 2. Dad worked for the railroad, therefore, we lived near the railroad yards and remember seeing all the trains go by and stop just full of soldiers.
Very difficult times for many folks. Glad you posted this.
Hugs and thank you for visiting my blog, Lu

Becky said...

Margaret, I forgot to answer your question about my header. It is the creek behind our home, and right now is so low. I bet there isn't 6" of water in it. Everything is so dry, and the grass is burning up.
B.

Kavita Saharia said...

Even i am hearing of it for the first time.It is very interesting.Loosing 5000 lives in just seven months :(Wish there were no wars in the world.
Thanks for that you posted it.
Have a wonderful Sunday .

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hello Margaret,

This is something I have not heard of. I know about Pearl Harbor. Americans did a wonderful job in the second world war. If not for them Germany would have conquered the entire Europe and Africa. American soldiers are fantastic people.
Joseph

Anonymous said...

Hi Margaret, Having vacationed at the Outer Banks all my life, I am familiar with this bit of history. The outer banks is a very beautiful coast line and if I had my druthers I would live there....maybe someday. xoxo

Urmi said...

Very interesting to know as I was not aware of it. Hats off to the American soldiers for their excellent work. Thanks for this lovely and informative post.
You are welcome at my new post-
http://amazing-shot.blogspot.com/
http://urmi-z-unique.blogspot.com

Kay said...

I've vaguely heard about this, but didn't know the history behind it. How awful! What a sad time this was. It's hard to believe we lost 400 ships! Thank you for sharing this history, Margaret.

My Unfinished Life said...

most interesting!!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the information, I never knew this and I like to learn something new every day.
I totally agree with you in thanking the men and women who the ones that fought to keep our country free from harm. Including you beloved husband. HUGS!!
Lorie of The Shewbridges
http://wmljshewbridge.blogspot.com
LJS65@aol.com

Post a Comment