Colombia and the Nazi Submarine Threat: Battles and Heroism in WWII

World War II, which spanned from 1939 to 1945, was not only a conflict that affected European and Asian powers but also had significant repercussions in various parts of the world, including Colombia. Although the country was located far from the main theaters of war, its strategic position in the Americas and its proximity to the Panama Canal made it a focal point for naval and submarine operations during the conflict. This article explores the submarine activities in Colombian waters, highlighting events, dates, locations, and characters that marked this period.

Initial Neutrality and the Influence of German U-Boats

At the beginning of the war, Colombia adopted a stance of neutrality. However, the situation began to change after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, which led the country to break diplomatic relations with the Axis powers. In 1943, Colombia formally declared war against Germany and its allies, although it did not send troops overseas. What followed was a series of attacks by German submarines on Colombian vessels, resulting in significant losses.

Between 1942 and 1943, German U-boats, in search of Allied ships, attacked several Colombian vessels. The first notable incident occurred on June 23, 1942, when the SS Resolute, a small 35-ton boat, was sunk by U-172 near San Andrés and Providencia. This attack marked the beginning of a series of operations that would affect Colombia’s maritime security and its economy, which heavily depended on maritime trade.

Intensification of Naval Operations

Following the attacks, the Colombian Navy, officially known as the National Navy of the Republic of Colombia, intensified its patrols in the Caribbean. In 1942, the Navy began conducting regular patrol operations to protect its territorial waters and merchant ships. One of the most significant events occurred on July 27, 1942, when the Roamar, a 110-ton boat, was sunk by U-505, and on November 1, 1943, the Rubby, a 39-ton boat, was attacked by U-516. These incidents led Colombia to adopt a more aggressive stance against enemy submarines.

In response to these attacks, the Colombian Navy began conducting combat operations. However, the most famous battle occurred on March 29, 1944, when the destroyer ARC Caldas, under the command of Captain Federico Diago Díaz, spotted a submarine periscope, later identified as U-154. The Caldas attacked with 105 mm guns and depth charges, forcing the submarine to dive. Although U-154 managed to escape, the action was an example of the Colombian Navy’s commitment to protecting its waters.

Economic and Social Impact

Submarine operations not only affected maritime security but also had a significant economic impact. Colombia, already facing economic challenges due to the Great Depression, saw its economy affected by the attacks on its merchant ships. The trade of coffee and oil, main export products, was hampered, leading to increased social and political tension.

Moreover, the war brought a wave of migration and refugees, although on a smaller scale than in other Latin American countries. The presence of German citizens in Colombia also raised concerns about Axis influence in the country, leading the government to take measures to control the situation.

Declaration of War and Increased Naval Activity

On November 23, 1943, following the loss of the Rubby, Colombia officially declared a state of belligerence against the Axis powers. This resulted in a significant increase in naval activity in Colombian waters. The Navy began conducting more frequent patrols and collaborating with Allied forces to protect maritime routes and combat the submarine threat.

During this period, the Colombian Navy also received support from the United States, which established operational bases in the region to protect the Panama Canal. The collaboration between Colombian and American forces was crucial for the security of maritime routes in the Caribbean.

Legacy of Submarine Operations

Submarine operations in Colombia during World War II left a lasting legacy. Although the country did not directly engage in land combat, its Navy played a vital role in protecting its waters and fighting against enemy submarines. The incident with U-154, although not resulting in a decisive victory, highlighted the importance of the Colombian Navy and its ability to respond to external threats.

Furthermore, the war led to the modernization of the Navy and increased awareness of the importance of maritime security. The experience gained during the war helped shape Colombia’s naval policy in the following decades, leading to a renewed focus on protecting territorial waters and defending against external threats.