The U-Boot Archiv in Cuxhaven is without a doubt the world's finest source of information on the U-Boats of both the Kaiserliche Marine and the Kriegsmarine.
The Archiv is located in a large house at Altenbrucher Bahnhofstrasse 57  , 27478 Cuxhaven, Germany, and is run by its founder Horst Bredow, though Horst is now semi-retired.. Entry is free though a collection box is provided so that visitors may show their appreciation for their time at the Archiv.

In 2007, partly to avoid confusion with an internet website using the name U-Boat Archive, the Archiv changed its name to the German U-Boat Museum (Deutsches U-Boot Museum). The purpose and work of the establishment remains the same, only the name has been changed.

The Archiv has virtually complete records of all the 1171 U-Boats which served in WW2, as well as considerable amounts of data on the men who served in them, to say nothing of it's vast photographic archive collection. One only has to look at the credits of virtually any book written on the subject of U-Boats to see the name of the U-Boat Archive or its founder Horst Bredow listed amongst the credits.
Horst speaks excellent English and will do all he can to answer queries about U-Boats or those who served in them. Please be aware however that the Archiv is not an officially funded organisation and depends entirely on voluntary contributions. If you ask for information, please be sure to enclose a cash contribution towards the cost (the Archive would have to pay bank admin fees to cash cheques or money orders).

 

 

Those who wish to learn more about the U-Boats of the Kriegsmarine may wish to consider join the FTU ( Freundeskreis Traditionsarchiv U-Boote) or Circle of Friends of the U-Boat Archive. For an annual subscription of  members may use the archive's considerable research facilities, will receive a regular newsletter ( an English version is produced) and will have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to support Horst in his efforts to ensure that the history and achievements of the U-Boats and the 30,000 men who lost their lives serving aboard them are not lost to posterity. The English language newsletter is published by U-Boat historian Jak P Mallmann Showell , 1 Lookers Lane, Saltwood, Hythe, Kent CT21  5HW, Tel (+44) 1303 263035 from whom further details can be obtained. If writing from the UK please send an SSAE, if writing from overseas please enclose two IRCs. 

 

A selection of books, badges, posters, memberships pins etc is also available. For further information, English speakers may contact Kevin Matthews, 29 Kings Hedges, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5  2QE, England Tel  ( +44) 1462 621715 .