[keltos01]

sinking of a submerged Uboot by hms VENTURER:

NARRATIVE

0932

Very faint (? Diesel) H.E. heard bearing 340°, it then faded.

1010

H.E. again heard, now bearing 295°, increasing and drawing North

1035

Bearing now 320°, Still nothing to be seen.

1050

O.O.W., (LT. A.T. CHALMERS, R.N.) after prolonged search over bearing sighted ‘a thin mast’. Nothing could be seen shortly after. Altered course to North to intercept H.E.

1115

Sighted periscope and prepared to attack. Target was well to northward of accepted route and was apparently proceeding on diesels (By the noise) or running some noisy machine like an air compressor – there was definitely no ‘SCHNORKEL’ in use.

1117

Target crossed to Starboard. In view of set to northward and position of target well to north of route his course might have been anything between 120° and 170 ° and in view of doubts about his speed and range as well it was thought advisable not to fire hastily but to take station on him and catch up to fire when better estimations of course and speed were possible.

1122

Periscope again sighted, one showing about eight feet and another showing about three feet. It was apparent that we were very broad on the bow and that target would have to alter course more to starboard to make good the course to FEJESEN.

1151

Periscope sighted range about 2,000 yards. We were now beginning to establish his course as about 135°, speed 3 ½ knots. and were gaining bearing on his starboard quarter. Enemy appeared to be zig-zagging about a mean course of 120°

1210

Target altering course to starboard leg of zig. Altered with full helm to 140° track to fire by asdic, D.A. 20° +1°

1212

Fired four torpedoes by asdic, in view of long firing interval and position enemy´s quarter (rendering an avoiding turn away at the sound of torpedo H.E. almost certain) fired the first torpedo at the estimated position of the stem and spread in half lengths to one half length astern.

1214 ½

Loud sharp explosion followed by breaking up noises.

sketch of attack

http://www.klambauer.net/html/u864-8_3_1.html

keltos