Thank you for this in depth deep dive into das Boot.
When I was a schoolboy about 8-9 we visited the Bavaria Film Studios where most of the shots where filmed. The set was built slightly bigger than the original U-Boot so crew could move with the camera. But walking through that submarine made me feel pretty anxious and I was small at that time.
It was cool to see how the movie was filmed, a lot of german engineering and cool tricks you still see in Hollywood where used. I will have to rewatch now that I read this :)
I am happy my grandfather survived WWII, he served on land though but of what he told me I know I do not want to be in a war.
Thank you for your service Craig!