Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

German Submarine at Cape Henlopen

The Surrender of U-858

By Nate Davidson, December 31, 2010

1. German Submarine at Cape Henlopen Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

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. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lewes DE 19958, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Quarantine Station (here, next to this marker); Delaware Breakwater Quarantine Station

Photo Displayed on Marker image. Click for full size.

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)

(within shouting distance of this marker); Standing Guard (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Ever Changing Cape Henlopen (approx. 0.8 miles away); Delaware’s Beachnesters (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Osprey (approx. 0.8 miles away); Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse (approx. 0.9 miles away); Breakwaters (approx. 0.9 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.)

Topics. This marker is included in these topic lists: Forts or Castles • War, World II

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)

Diagram Displayed on Marker image. Click for full size.

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)

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 August 20, 2019. This page originally submitted on January 1, 2011, by Nate Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,401 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 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.