General Discussions
This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII.
RE: USS Roper sinking U85
Posted by:
Jerry Mason
()
Date: March 11, 2001 07:14PM
<HTML>Rainer, It is understandable why the U-85 sinking would cause bad feelings. The unnecessary loss of life was a tragedy. I have posted the USS Roper\'s Action Report at the following address [www.uboatarchive.net]. Clearly the Roper\'s CO knew the sub had been partially abandoned and that the men were in the water when the lethal depth charge run was made. It is equally clear that the CO was not sure that the sub had been completely destroyed. I have studied the records of many attacks, and as a rule, the attackers (both aircraft and ships) showed no concern for the presence of survivors until they were sure the sub was destroyed beyond a doubt. Only then would they consider rescuing the survivors. Jerry</HTML>