General Discussions
This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII.
DønitZ's 44 boats
Posted by:
fredleander
()
Date: July 12, 2011 11:44AM
When operation Sealion was in the planning Admiral Dønitz obviously intended to scrape the bottom and use everything he had for the operation, also boats not having gone through complete work-up. He mentions this in his book, setting up this overview:
On August 6th, 1940, Dönitz wrote:
“If no losses occur during the next weeks the following boats are available for the operation:
12 large - Type IX
12 medium - Type VII
7 small Type II – front boats
13 small Type II – training
In all: 44 boats.
This is the highest total number and can only be achieved if none need repairs, which is not expected. U-2 - U-6, 11, 17, 24 and 29 are not ready for frontline service due to technical and personnel-related reasons. Two boats are on their way back with engine trouble. These are not included in the setup. During the preparations (14 days) for the operation, and eventual repairs which undoubtedly are necessary, all training has to be postponed except on those boats just now under phase-in. Ten new boats shall therefore have to wait for their crews as long as it takes to get back the training boats. These drawbacks must be accepted in view of the importance of the operation. The boats shall be positioned in the Channel, concentrated outside the areas where the British reinforcements are expected to arrive, and at the east coast south of Cross Sand and Hoofden. If the conditions in the Channel shall prove too crowded a number of boats shall be stationed by the Orkneys with a view to attacking targets in connection with the execution of the diversions. To be able to operate in the western Channel it must be arranged for proper openings through the western minefields. Bases to supply fuel and torpedoes: Lorient, St. Nazaire, Brest, Cherbourg, den Helder and Vlissingen.”
How realistic do you consider Dønitz's force constellation from what we know today?
www.fredleander.com - River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion
On August 6th, 1940, Dönitz wrote:
“If no losses occur during the next weeks the following boats are available for the operation:
12 large - Type IX
12 medium - Type VII
7 small Type II – front boats
13 small Type II – training
In all: 44 boats.
This is the highest total number and can only be achieved if none need repairs, which is not expected. U-2 - U-6, 11, 17, 24 and 29 are not ready for frontline service due to technical and personnel-related reasons. Two boats are on their way back with engine trouble. These are not included in the setup. During the preparations (14 days) for the operation, and eventual repairs which undoubtedly are necessary, all training has to be postponed except on those boats just now under phase-in. Ten new boats shall therefore have to wait for their crews as long as it takes to get back the training boats. These drawbacks must be accepted in view of the importance of the operation. The boats shall be positioned in the Channel, concentrated outside the areas where the British reinforcements are expected to arrive, and at the east coast south of Cross Sand and Hoofden. If the conditions in the Channel shall prove too crowded a number of boats shall be stationed by the Orkneys with a view to attacking targets in connection with the execution of the diversions. To be able to operate in the western Channel it must be arranged for proper openings through the western minefields. Bases to supply fuel and torpedoes: Lorient, St. Nazaire, Brest, Cherbourg, den Helder and Vlissingen.”
How realistic do you consider Dønitz's force constellation from what we know today?
www.fredleander.com - River Wide, Ocean Deep - a book on Operation Sea Lion
| Subject | Written By | Posted |
|---|---|---|
DønitZ's 44 boats
|
fredleander | 07/12/2011 11:44AM |