Memoirs of Karl Doenitz, The: Ten Year and Twenty Days by Doenitz Karl

Author:Doenitz, Karl
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781783031429
Publisher: Pen & Sword
Published: 2013-08-27T04:00:00+00:00

1125: shortly before arrival of other two boats, four-engined aircraft with American markings, bearing 70°. As proof of my peaceful intentions displayed large Red Cross flag four yards square on bridge facing line of aircraft’s flight. Aircraft flew over once and then cruised in vicinity for some time. Made morse signals: ‘Where are you?’ and ‘Are there any ships in sight?’ No response. Aircraft flew off in south-westerly direction then returned for a few moments half an hour later.

1232: aircraft of similar type approached. Flew over at a height of 250 feet slightly ahead of boat, and dropped two bombs at an interval of about three seconds. While the tow with four lifeboats was being cast off, the aircraft dropped a bomb in the middle of these latter. One boat capsized. Aircraft cruised round in the vicinity for some little while and then dropped a fourth bomb some two or three thousands yards away. Realized that his bomb-racks were now empty. Another aircraft. Two bombs one of which with a few seconds delayed action exploded directly beneath control room. Conning tower disappeared in a mushroom of black water. Control room and bow compartment reported making water. Order all hands to don life-jackets. Ordered all British to leave the boat. Next—all Italians away, as the battery begins to give off gas. (In any case I had no escape apparatus to give them.)

1311: sent out war emergency message on four wavelengths, each repeated three times. Returned to the lifeboats, to which I transferred all remaining survivors. (Some of them required a little gentle persuasion.) Reports regarding leaks cancelled. No leak.

1345: submerged. Caught trim. Left on course 270°.

1600: all damage repaired, as far as possible. Damage sustained. Air search periscope jammed. Fixed eyepiece periscope refuses to turn. Seven battery cells empty, others doubtful. Diesel cooling flange torn off. D-F set not working. Sounding gear and hydrophones out of order. First class repair job by technical personnel.

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