At 20.11 hours on 20 Feb 1944, U-256 fired two Gnats simultaneously from a bow and the stern tube at the 2nd Escort Group, escorting convoy ON-224, and claimed two destroyers sunk after hearing two detonations and sinking noises. In fact, HMS Woodpecker (U 08) (Cdr H.L. Pryse, RD, RNR) was hit aft by one torpedo and another detonated near HMS Starling (U 66) (Capt F.J. Walker, DSO and Bar, RN). She lost her stern and was taken in tow by the other sloop for Devonport, but capsized and sank in bad weather near Scillies in 49°51N/06°46W on 27 February. The crew, including some prisoners from U-264, were rescued by HMS Azalea (K 25) (LtCdr G.C. Geddes, RNR) and HMCS Chilliwack (K 131) (T/A/LtCdr C.R. Coughlin, RCNVR).