Thanks Rainer, heres a copy of the ORB report...

ORB states the following: "At 2055 a message was received from group "HUNT U/B position 47.24N 12.12W". Aircraft proceeded to position indicated and at 2147 while aircraft was flying at 4000 ft in 5/10 cloud. Sgt Harris (2nd Pilot) sighted a fully surfaced U/B 4 miles ahead bearing 60 degrees green. Pilot turned to starboard down sun and wind and losing height. When at right angles to U/B and 400 yards ahead, pilot turned 90 degrees and attack up track from bow. When 200 yards U/B turned hard to port and opened fire with multiple M.G's. At 2150 hours Navigator released 2 DC's, spaced 80ft from 100ft at 176 mph, angle 30 degrees to U/B (a third hung up). Rear gunner opened fire as aircraft passed over U/B. First DC hit approx 95 yards and second DC 65 yards from U/Bs bow. Thick black smoke was emitted abaft of C/T and firing ceased temporarily but then recommenced with 20mm cannons. Aircraft continued to circle until PLE was reached, U/B remaining on surface and turning in same direction and was last seen heading on a course of 360 degrees T at about 10 knots. U/B was 517 ton class, grey in colour with 2 guns on C/T."

I know ORBs are full of errors, but if the position is recorded incorrectly, thats a big one... Theyre an experienced crew, so I have no doubt that if they were ordered to go to 47.24N 12.12W, thats where they went... Plus as John pointed out, the differences in boat types, although Im no expert, theyve reported a VIIC type, not IXB?

Somethings really not adding up for me here... does the review of their attack mention the thick black smoke abaft the C.T? Any ideas of where to find a copy of the message received from group? If the coordinates on the message are not as per the ORB, my theory may well be sunk...

Thanks Rainer.