General Discussions
This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII.
Re: Photo of SURCOUF in Bermuda before 2/12/42
Posted by:
Frederick H, Hallett
()
Date: January 23, 2013 07:17PM
I am interested in gathering any new evidence which could either reinforce or contradict my thesis that after leaving Bermuda she "defected" from British Navy control and went to join her French Navy comrades in Martinique, remaining there until late May, 1942, when USS Blakeley, having had her bow blown off by U-156, limped into Fort de France. Knowing that her presence would inevitably be discovered, a plan was hatched to have her return to Vichy France, escorted by U-69.
Unfortunately, she was caught on the surface by a St.Lucia PBY who was searching for Blakeley's attacker and sunk just before midnight on May 26 in a brilliant night attack for which the pilot received a Navy Cross.
U-69 lingered at the rendezvous point, waiting for SURCOUF, until June 1, 1942, before returning to St. Nazaire alone, arriving June 25th after the longest patrol in his boat's history. I can be reached by email at f.hallett@comcast.net
Unfortunately, she was caught on the surface by a St.Lucia PBY who was searching for Blakeley's attacker and sunk just before midnight on May 26 in a brilliant night attack for which the pilot received a Navy Cross.
U-69 lingered at the rendezvous point, waiting for SURCOUF, until June 1, 1942, before returning to St. Nazaire alone, arriving June 25th after the longest patrol in his boat's history. I can be reached by email at f.hallett@comcast.net
