[mookiemookie]

I think 56 ratings for a Type VII boat in 1940 is a bit high. That might be close to what a boat would carry in the late war on a Type IX as they carried extra radiomen to operate the radar systems and extra gunners for the increased number of flak guns. But in 1940, I'd say you'd be close to 40 men and 4 officers on a Type VII.

Look at the crews lost on these early war sinkings of Type VIIC's

U-70 - sunk in 1941 with 20 dead and 25 survivors
U-79 - sunk in 1941 with 44 survivors
U-82 - sunk in 1942 with all 45 men lost
U-93 - sunk in 1942 with 6 dead and 40 survivors
U-94 - sunk in 1942 with 19 dead and 26 survivors
U-95 - sunk in 1941 with 35 dead and 12 survivors