Kriegsmarine U-129 Plaque

[RichardT]

I'm trying to find a connection between U-129 and a LtzS Curt Rechel. The attached picture appears to be a plate off an instrument panel of some sort with a submarine side view mounted within the circle. The reverse side of the plaque has a brass plate attached reading as follows:

U-129

Leutnant-zur-See

CURT RECHEL

28.4.44 LAROCHELLE

I know U-129 was taken out of service at Lorient on 4 July 1944 and scuttled there on 18 August 1944. The plaque is dated 10 days after the scuttling raised the question of whether or not this plate was removed from U-129 prior to scuttling.

The only Curt Rechel that I have been able to locate as a FKpt. Curt Rechel (RK winner) a commander of Destoyer Z-29 in 1943.

Any help would be appreciated.

[joetauchretter]

The plaque reads something like " change over switch for heating "

In the top center there looks to be a " O " , in my opinion this may mean off postion .

I think this brass ring at one time was around a switch on a ship and wasused for heating . I think when the ship was docked the switch would be turned to " land " and use shore based heating and when at sea the switch would be turned to " Bord " or use the ships own heating . I would think the heating system would be electric . Does the brass image of a sub rotate ?

Joe

[RichardT]

The plaque reads something like " change over switch for heating "

In the top center there looks to be a " O " , in my opinion this may mean off postion .

I think this brass ring at one time was around a switch on a ship and wasused for heating . I think when the ship was docked the switch would be turned to " land " and use shore based heating and when at sea the switch would be turned to " Bord " or use the ships own heating . I would think the heating system would be electric . Does the brass image of a sub rotate ?

Joe

Thanks for the reply Joe. Your translation seems to make sense. The sub does not rotate but appears to have been brazed to the circular instrument plate for decorative purposes at the time the plaque was made up and attached to the wood backing of the plaque.

Richard

[joetauchretter]

This is a very nice looking peice of " eye candy " , as I like to call these unknown but very interesting items to hang in your collection . What is the round , red backing material ? wood or metal ?

Joe

[RichardT]

This is a very nice looking peice of " eye candy " , as I like to call these unknown but very interesting items to hang in your collection . What is the round , red backing material ? wood or metal ?

Joe

It's wood Joe.

Richard