General Discussions
This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII.
U-582 Patrols
Posted by:
Eric Stone
()
Date: December 03, 2011 01:48PM
Hello,
I have a couple questions on U-582's patrols.
1. Her first sailing does not seem to be considered her first war patrol, but I'm wondering if it should, even though it may have been an aborted attempt.
The facts seem to agree that they departed Kiel December 20th, 1941 and arrived in Trondheim on December 29th.
Two bits of information I've come across seem to indicate that Trondheim was not a planned stop or part of a training cruise:
a. According to BdU's KTB for December 25th, 194: "U 582 was ordered to proceed to Trondheim at once in order to replace stud-bolts of exhaust valves." Indicating a mechanical problem forced them into port.
b. According to allied interrogation reports of the survivors of U-203 (perhaps Hermann Kottmann): "She left on her first cruise December 10 [sic], proceeding through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal, presumably into the North Atlantic. This cruise lasted about ten days only, when the boat put into Trondheim with the permission of the Admiral of U-boats. She avoided action with three British destroyers, but was damaged when attacked by a corvette. Repairs were affected in Trondheim."
Granted, it's from a interrogation report, and there could be some misdirection going on, but there are several other details about U-582 in U-203's interrogation report which all seem to check out.
Thoughts?
2. 4th sailing, 3rd war patrol they depart Brest on June 22nd, but enter L'Orient on the 26th and depart on the 27th. U-124 also entered L'Orient that day and BdU notes: "U 124 reports: cannot dive because stern heavy, reason unknown. Boat is continuing on her way at high speed will have air escort from 0830. 2 patrol vessels are also being sent to meet her."
Was U-582 simply escorting U-124 into port and standing by in case a rescue was necessary?
Thanks,
Eric Stone
www.ssarkansan.com
I have a couple questions on U-582's patrols.
1. Her first sailing does not seem to be considered her first war patrol, but I'm wondering if it should, even though it may have been an aborted attempt.
The facts seem to agree that they departed Kiel December 20th, 1941 and arrived in Trondheim on December 29th.
Two bits of information I've come across seem to indicate that Trondheim was not a planned stop or part of a training cruise:
a. According to BdU's KTB for December 25th, 194: "U 582 was ordered to proceed to Trondheim at once in order to replace stud-bolts of exhaust valves." Indicating a mechanical problem forced them into port.
b. According to allied interrogation reports of the survivors of U-203 (perhaps Hermann Kottmann): "She left on her first cruise December 10 [sic], proceeding through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal, presumably into the North Atlantic. This cruise lasted about ten days only, when the boat put into Trondheim with the permission of the Admiral of U-boats. She avoided action with three British destroyers, but was damaged when attacked by a corvette. Repairs were affected in Trondheim."
Granted, it's from a interrogation report, and there could be some misdirection going on, but there are several other details about U-582 in U-203's interrogation report which all seem to check out.
Thoughts?
2. 4th sailing, 3rd war patrol they depart Brest on June 22nd, but enter L'Orient on the 26th and depart on the 27th. U-124 also entered L'Orient that day and BdU notes: "U 124 reports: cannot dive because stern heavy, reason unknown. Boat is continuing on her way at high speed will have air escort from 0830. 2 patrol vessels are also being sent to meet her."
Was U-582 simply escorting U-124 into port and standing by in case a rescue was necessary?
Thanks,
Eric Stone
www.ssarkansan.com
| Subject | Written By | Posted |
|---|---|---|
U-582 Patrols
|
Eric Stone | 12/03/2011 01:48PM |