North Carolina at Home and in Battle in World War II

Subjects

Eighth-grade geography and North Carolina history

Competency goals

Social studies: 6.2, 6.3, 6.4

Instructional materials

• article: Danger and Death in Torpedo Junction (Adobe Acrobat file)
• blank outline map of North Carolina coastline (Adobe Acrobat file)
• North Carolina road map (optional)
• colored pencils or crayons

Introduction

German submarines, called U-boats, navigated the coast of North Carolina during World War II. Their purpose was to destroy supply ships bound from America to Great Britain and other Allied countries. The U-boats were extremely effective, and a large number of ships were sunk in what became known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The entire crew of the British trawler HMS Bedfordshire died after a German sub torpedoed the ship on May 11, 1942. Four crewmen were recovered and buried on Ocracoke Island.

Procedure

1. Have the students read "Danger and Death in Torpedo Junction," the story of German submarines off the North Carolina coast and the ships they destroyed.
2. Have the students designate on the blank outline map
   -- locations of ship sinkings and names of vessels sunk
   -- major ports, cities, and military installations near the coast
   The students may use state road maps to help them pinpoint locations.
3. Discuss the purpose of enemy U-boats, how they found their targets, and the ramifications on United States shipping.

Extension activity

Have the students make a detailed map of U-boat activity in the Atlantic Ocean, including the latitude/longitude of ship sinkings.