We did not use any sophisticated systems for monitoring the air quality, only experience.
When on 7th May 1945 La Rochelle was surrendered to Allies, they captured decommissioned (but still afloat) U776 (type VIIC U-Boat).
The boat was overhauled and commissioned into the French Navy, where was named
Laubie. She was in Service till 1961. She had three accidents:
- on 17th July 1950, during the exercises near the Morocco coast, during surfacing she was rammed by frigate
La Surprise (ex
HMS Torridge)
- on 2nd May 1960, near Alger, she was rammed on periscope depth by passenger liner
Ville de Marseille- on 22 September 1961 she was rammed (also on periscope depth, when schnorcheling) by submarine
Espadon
Laubie also took part as a support for submarine
La Creole during the Suez Crisis in 1956.
In 1958, her commander was lieutenant Bernard Louzeau, who (9 years later) became commander of first French nuclear sub -
Le Redoutable.
Anyway, till 60s, French submariners also did not have any sophisticated systems for monitoring air quality. To deal with this problem, they took aboard small dogs.
Due to their small size and weight, the dogs reacted quickly on the air quality changes. When the dogs became lethargic - the air purification measures were taken.
On the board of Laubie, there was cocker spaniel name
Folk. The dog loved retrieving the bottles, which were thrown away overboard by crew.
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Regards
Maciek
