MOST SECRET CAPTAIN'S EYES ONLY
27 May 1944
From: Commander XI U-Boat Flotilla La Rochelle
To: Commanding Officer U-992
Subject: Patrol Orders
1. Objective Square AM01. Authorized free deployment within four squares adjacent to Rockall Bank after minimum 24-hours in AM01.
2. Depart not before 1200Z 3 June 1944.
3. U-992 authorized to draw rations and fuel for 65-days at sea.
4. Ordnance: Torpedo load to consist of 6 x G7e TII electric, 4 x G7e FaT electrics, 2 x G7e Falke homing torpedoes. FLAK and small arms ammunition authorized as per Flotilla SOP's.
4. Communications Security:
a. Radio silence authorized at Commander's discretion WEST of W5 degrees meridian and NORTH of N55 parallel. Outside of these limits, noon and midnight position and weather reports to BdU except when in contact with enemy forces.
b. Report departing patrol area for return to base.
5. Operations in objective area are to be conducted submerged with the aim of developing effective tactical routines for submerged, high-seas patrols using snorkel.
6. Target priority:
a. Major warships
b. Troop ships
c. Tankers
d. Cargo ships
e. Escorts
f. Naval Auxiliaries
7. Expenditure of Falke homing torpedoes is authorized only for escort targets and only in self defence.
8. Report deficiencies not later than 48-hours before final departure. LI to brief Flotilla engineer on material condition of U-992 not later than 1200Z 1 June 1944. Final Captain's briefing 1400Z 2 Jun3 1944 at Flotilla Operations room.
9. Receipt of this order is to be entered in U-992 war diary.
//Signed//
11 Flotilla Adjutant
for
Commander XI U-Flot
U-992 sailed without incident at 1213Z and dropped her escorting sperrbrecker at 1525Z. She is now crossing the Bay of Biscay.
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