Submarine - Table Bay Harbour

grogman · **Joined:** 15 Oct 2009, 06:22 **Posts:** 6

Hi All

Everyday I drive past the harbour on my way home from work. Recently, I noticed a submarine up on blocks in the area where the scrap metal is stored. It seems that it is still being assembled, it does have a distinct German WWII sub look about it. Would anyone have anymore details? Is this for a movie being filmed in Cape Town?

Cheers
Greg

Dean · **Joined:** 29 Jun 2004, 17:19 **Posts:** 1466

Ah, that would be the old Daphne class submarine, S98 “Assegaai” (ex SAS Johanna van der Merwe). Funds are successfully being raised to preserve her as a museum.

This photo was taken two weeks ago. I'm going there again this morning and will see if I can take a better photo.

(I know what is painted on her sail, that was for a movie!)

Kremlin · **Posted:** 15 Oct 2009, 08:23

I've have heard of a WWII movie being filmed in Cape Town, involving some submarine mock-up. If this was indeed spotted in Cape Town harbour, I doubt it would possibly be the old Daphne from Simonstown?

Any pics ?

Cheers

grogman · **Joined:** 15 Oct 2009, 06:22 **Posts:** 6

Thanks for the replies but definately not a Daphne. Had a more conical conning tower and a gun mounted on the foredeck. It is also painted in a green colour but I may have been mistaken. Probably for the WWII movie mentioned.

Dean · **Joined:** 29 Jun 2004, 17:19 **Posts:** 1466

Doh!

I misread the question!

Yes, there is a WWII mock-up being built in the harbour for a film shoot.

I'm sure there was a photo of it in the Cape Times a few days ago.

grogman · **Joined:** 15 Oct 2009, 06:22 **Posts:** 6

Dean, no problemo!

I'll check out the Times.

Kremlin · **Posted:** 17 Oct 2009, 19:49

This might be an interesting movie.... I snapped these today & after trawling through my books I think I have identified the mock-up u-boat in question. The emblem is from U-156, a type IXC submarine, whose claim to fame during World War II, was the "Laconia Affair"

Quote:

From wikipedia ...
"The Laconia incident happened in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. On 12 September 1942, RMS Laconia, carrying some 80 civilians, 268 British Army soldiers, about 1,800 Italian prisoners of war, and 160 Polish soldiers (on guard), was struck and sunk by a torpedo from Kriegsmarine submarine U-156 off the coast of west Africa.

The U-boat commander, Kapitänleutnant Werner Hartenstein and his crew immediately commenced rescue operations and were joined by the crews of other U-boats in the area...."

The story had a controversial twist though, which changed the rules of engagement for axis & allied submarines. So provided the emblem is correct, it might indeed make for an interesting movie.

Cheers

grogman · **Joined:** 15 Oct 2009, 06:22 **Posts:** 6

Brent thanks for the pics and data.

Kremlin · **Posted:** 17 Oct 2009, 20:07

Greg, It's only a pleasure

There is nothing like a little mystery to go hunt down & clarify ... Whilst reading further about the Laconia incident & U-156 on the Uboat.net forums, I just found this ...

Quote:

Re: U-156 Movie
Posted by: piekenier ()
Date: August 12, 2009 10:50PM

Some time has past since the last posting .I have some very interesting news and that is that a movie is being shot in Cape Town South Africa concerning the Laconia incident .It is a co-production of the BBC and others. I have read the script and am in touch with people working on the movie and expect it to be quite a good production.The historical facts are pretty accurate and the script writer has clearly done a lot of research. A full scale model of topside of U156 is being built for the movie and I believe it will be a floating prop.
I am attempting to give advise to the set people to the best of my ability and would welcome any photos of U156 ,Hartenstein and crew.

So, no more speculation as to who & what or where ... now we only wait to see the movie.

Cheers

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