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Old 04-23-08, 10:18 AM   #14
Gunnar
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I think given that the U-boats involved at the start of Operation Drumbeat operated under sealed orders not to be opened until the boat was at sea with only basic radio transmissions of position and weather allowed, it is likely that targets of opportunity were to be ignored.

I think this is a rare case of strategic orders taking precedence over all other tactical considerations with no exceptions. I think in one documentary it was pointed out that U-boats sailed without charts of the US coast in order to maintain security but of course little did they know that their routine transmissions were being decoded and sent to the American Navy. Even more amazingly, according to various sources, Admiral King, simply ignored this priceless intelligence and allowed tankers to travel along the coast as a single unit whilst making no real attempt to interdict the U-Boats.

On this basis I would argue (given the current circumstances faced by the U-Boat commander involved) that the strategic aims of Drumbeat over-ride all other considerations and that targets of opportunity should be noted and a brief transmission should be sent to the appropriate authorities for their perusal.

Given the absolute over-riding necessity to disrupt US coastal sea traffic, I would argue that the Kaleun in receipt of Drumbeat orders is to disregard all other targets in order to maximise the surprise factor and success of their coastal operations.
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