Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
German Submarine at Cape Henlopen
The Surrender of U-858
By Devry Becker Jones, May 16, 2020
1. German Submarine at Cape Henlopen Marker
On May 14, 1945, the officers and crew of the German submarine, U-858 gave themselves up to U.S. Marines after hearing of Germany's surrender to Allied troops. They and their vessel were escorted here to the Fort Miles Army dock. Crew members were held for a short time and then transferred to the P.O.W. camp at Fort DuPont, Delaware. The captain was sent to Washington, D.C. for questioning.The Delaware River provides access to some of the East Coast's busiest ports, and was considered vulnerable to enemy attack. Because of its location, Fort Miles was a vital part of the defense of the river throughout the war. Even though U-858 never took part in combat, German U-boats sank 400 vessels in East Coast waters during the war.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1823.
Location. 38° 47.167′ N, 75° 6.09′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 9 near Coastal Highway (State Route 1). Marker located near the fishing pier within Cape Henlopen State Park.
2. Photo Displayed on Marker
The Captain and crew of U-858 are escorted ashore at the Fort Miles Army dock.
(Photo courtesy of Delaware Public Archives)
(Photo courtesy of Delaware Public Archives)
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Quarantine Station (here, next to this marker); William J. Hopkins (within shouting distance of this marker); Delaware Breakwater Quarantine Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Miles Historical Area (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Miles Historical Area (approx. 0.8 miles away); Fort Miles in World War II (approx. 0.8 miles away); Standing Guard (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Ever Changing Cape Henlopen (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.
Also see . . . The U-858 and Fort Miles. From the Images of America series Fort Miles by Lee Jennings and Gary Wray. (Submitted on January 3, 2011.)
3. Photo Displayed on Marker
The officers and crew of U-858 line up on the dock prior to their internment at Fort Miles.
(Photo courtesy of Delaware Public Archives)
(Photo courtesy of Delaware Public Archives)
4. Diagram Displayed on Marker
Schematic diagram courtesy of Gary Wray
5. Photo Displayed on Marker
About 50 miles off the coast of Cape May, U.S. Marines board U-858 ans search the crew. Sea and air escorts are shown in the background.
(Photo courtesy of Delaware Public Archives)
(Photo courtesy of Delaware Public Archives)
By John Miller, August 7, 2019
6. German Submarine at Cape Henlopen Marker
Wide view of the marker, facing the Fishing Pier, Cape Henlopen State Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2011, by Nate Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,488 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 17, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 1, 2011, by Nate Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. 6. submitted on August 11, 2019, by John Miller of Rising Sun, Maryland. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
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