Communications from Bdu to U-64/U-345 concerning lost U-Boot

[Laufen zum Ziel]

Real example of the Donitz Elite Flotilla communications of a U-Boot in trouble.


From : U-64 IXB / Konteradmiral vonHarris
To : BdU

January 5 1941 , 01:00 hours*
Escaping from Argentia , Canada
Recce mission failed
Hit subnet and ran aground
Damages to bow - lost all bow torpedo compartment crew to mine explosion.
Safe to dive only at periscope depth
Will try to make it to Lorient

SIGNED
Konteradmiral von Harris


Update:
18:12 hours
Direct hit 250lb bomb*
Heavy casualties and damages
Unable to dive
SIGNED
Konteradmiral von Harris

*Bdu to U-64
Are your AA Guns functional? If so keep them manned. We have diverted U-345 and a warship to your position. Off load most of your crew and wounded to the escorts. Retain enough crew to stay a float. If you come under attack scuttle and abandon ship.

Best of luck to you and crew.
_________________

U-345 is proceeding to intercept U-64 at flank speed. All AA guns will remain at the ready. Keep us posted on our warships progress. Our ETA is 6.5 hours.

Best of luck to U-64

From : U-64 IXB
To : Bdu / U-345

20:30 hours
Last transmission
Attacked by aircraft
Sinking aft
Scuttling boat
Logs dest...............

*Bdu to U-345 and other escorts
Quote:
Originally Posted by VONHARRIS *
From : U-64 IXB
To : Bdu / U-345

20:30 hours
Last transmission
Attacked by aircraft
Sinking aft
Scuttling boat
Logs dest...............
U-64 came under air attack again and was sinking. The Commander ordered the Boot scuttled. And abandoned the Boot. All boots in the area are ordered to U-64 last location to assist any survivors. If U-64 has not totally sunk you are ordered to sink her by deck gun.

God save her crew.
__________________