The mini-subs, manned torpedoes, and other vessels depicted in the 1945 film German and Italian Sneak Craft (local identifier 80-MN-5132) did not make much of a difference in the course of World War II. In fact, the film features many failed experimental designs – and suggests that the operators of some of these vessels were on a one-way trip. Nevertheless, the Navy took the potential of sneak craft quite seriously. Most notably, in December, 1941 six Italian sailors used manned torpedoes to disable two British battleships in Alexandria, Egypt.
Although the Chief of Naval Operations presented German and Italian Sneak Craft, it is a production of the masters of spycraft, the Office of Strategic Services. It includes footage from Axis sources that appears to be both training materials (ex. divers carefully placing explosives) and propaganda (ex. juxtaposing a German speedboat with what the narrator informs us is an unrelated bridge explosion).
Sneak craft proved their worth against merchant craft and bridges rather than Navy ships. The Italians sank 150,000 tons of allied shipping in the Mediterranean over the course of the war. Small vessels slipped beneath radar detection devices, and their pilots could cut holes in torpedo barriers.
Sneak Craft features some remarkable footage shot underwater. Illustrations of underwater actions and hydrographic devices further the viewer’s understanding of the complex maneuvers undertaken. The film closes with the timely warning that in the new age of nuclear weapons, stealth craft such as these could bring an atomic weapon perilously close to American shores. Already at the time of the film’s release in October, 1945, the Navy looked ahead to the Cold War.
PS: For those noting the absence of the Japanese from this film, fear not! We have footage of their mini-subs as well.