Closing out the DKM with one of the few structures built for them during the war to still survive. The U-boats pens build to protect the fleet took punishment during the entire war and survived mostly intact.

The pens were built to protect subs between patrols and during construction. They were targeted by numerous bombing raids, none of which were effective. Pens were located in France included Saint-Nazaire, Lorient, La Rochelle and Toulon. Norway had pens constructed in Bergen and Tronbeim. Pens in Germany were primarily built to protect construction of the subs. These were located in Bremen, Wilhelmshaven, Hamburg, Danzig, and Finkenwerder. Pens were also built along the Dutch coast. These were used for both U-boats and S-boats during the war.

The pens today stand as testimony to their construction. After all concrete continues to strengthen for many years after it is poured. The importance of the pens was such that during the war they were protected until the very end. As a matter of fact the garrison at Lorient was never taken. The allies knew the force was considerable, so they were cut off.

Today some of these pens are used as museums while other serves as municipal structures for their cities. The DORA-1 pens are used in Norway as an archive building and even a bowling alley. While entering the harbor in Bergen I saw the Bruno pens. They do not look at all like the pens in France. A roof has been added to make them fit into the surrounding area better.

I could go on for an extended time talking about DKM words and technology, but it is time to move along. Starting in August I will move onto the IJN.