The first submarines dell' board to go through the waters of the South Africa had been those Italians, left from Massaua to reach Bordeaux in the spring of 1941. They were: GUGLIELMOTTI, ARCHIMEDES, FERRARIS and PERLA. Their transfer, making use some supplying from the auxiliary ships Germany NORTHMARK and ATLANTIS. They began the departures March 1 and arrived May 20, after to have route between the 12,425 and the 13,100 miles.

Reference: Francesco Mattesini, “Betasom La Guerra negli Oceani (1940-1943)”, Ufficio Statico della Marina Militare (USMM), 2^ Edizione, Roma 2003, pag. 226-229.