General Discussions
This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII.
Re: SL-81 & The Loss of U-401
Posted by:
Mark McShane
()
Date: April 20, 2011 11:13PM
Some more info on the attack by HMS Hydrangea
Extract from HMS Hydrangea Report on Attack on U-boat 03 August 1941
2004 U-boat sighted bearing 330 degrees, altered course to 330 degrees. Opened fire with 4 guns, fired two rounds
2005 Campanula approaching from eastward, fired one round
2006 U-boat observed submerging
2008 Distinct HE heard on bearing right ahead. Campanula at this time fired a pattern about one mile away on starboard beam. HE contact was maintained.
2012 Firm echo contact obtained.
2016 Fired a 10 charge pattern
2018 Heavy explosion was heard and felt.
2019 Campanula fired a pattern about three quarters of a mile north eastwards.
2025 Altered course to pass over position of attack, no wreckage seen
20384 inch gun crew reported periscope, which subsequently proved to be a spar floating vertically. Altered course to attempt to ram.
2044 Turned to investigate wreckage which was gradually coming to the surface.
2049 Lowered seaboat to collect specimens of wreckage. Picked up human remains, German naval collar silk, lambs wool coats, cushion, grey chrome leather coat and naval buttons marked Schmidt, wood locker door and alley fittings.
Extract of Report from Captain (D) Liverpool to C in C Western Approaches 13 August 1941
The Enemy submarine attack by Hydrangea and Campanula is considered to be sunk by Hydrangea first attack as wreckage (spar) was seen before their second attack. The explosion two minutes after the first attack and the pieces of human flesh recovered indicate that ther explosion occurred inside the u-boat.
More evidence that HMS Hydrangea alone was responsible for the destruction of U-401.
Regards,
Mark
Extract from HMS Hydrangea Report on Attack on U-boat 03 August 1941
2004 U-boat sighted bearing 330 degrees, altered course to 330 degrees. Opened fire with 4 guns, fired two rounds
2005 Campanula approaching from eastward, fired one round
2006 U-boat observed submerging
2008 Distinct HE heard on bearing right ahead. Campanula at this time fired a pattern about one mile away on starboard beam. HE contact was maintained.
2012 Firm echo contact obtained.
2016 Fired a 10 charge pattern
2018 Heavy explosion was heard and felt.
2019 Campanula fired a pattern about three quarters of a mile north eastwards.
2025 Altered course to pass over position of attack, no wreckage seen
20384 inch gun crew reported periscope, which subsequently proved to be a spar floating vertically. Altered course to attempt to ram.
2044 Turned to investigate wreckage which was gradually coming to the surface.
2049 Lowered seaboat to collect specimens of wreckage. Picked up human remains, German naval collar silk, lambs wool coats, cushion, grey chrome leather coat and naval buttons marked Schmidt, wood locker door and alley fittings.
Extract of Report from Captain (D) Liverpool to C in C Western Approaches 13 August 1941
The Enemy submarine attack by Hydrangea and Campanula is considered to be sunk by Hydrangea first attack as wreckage (spar) was seen before their second attack. The explosion two minutes after the first attack and the pieces of human flesh recovered indicate that ther explosion occurred inside the u-boat.
More evidence that HMS Hydrangea alone was responsible for the destruction of U-401.
Regards,
Mark
| Subject | Written By | Posted |
|---|---|---|
SL-81 & The Loss of U-401
|
Mark McShane | 03/29/2011 04:32PM |
|
Re: SL-81 & The Loss of U-401
|
Mark McShane | 04/20/2011 11:13PM |