U-596 attack on 09.03.1943

[Platon Alexiades]

Hello,

I noticed an odd thing about the attack by U-596 on 9 March 1943 when she torpedoed the British transports Fort Norman and Empire Standard. The position recorded by the U-boat was Quadrat CH 8428 (36°21' N, 00°06' W). Yet British records give positions of 36°51' N, 01°09' E or 36°51' N, 01°19' E which is about 70 miles from the U-boat position. Also the British reported that they were torpedoed by aircraft. Clearly there is an error somewhere. I have the U-boat KTB and the position is not a typo. Can anyone provide more details on the British side?

Many thanks.

Platon

[Urs Heßling]

moin,

um das Wirrwarr zu komplettieren , gibt u-boat.net die Position der Beschädigung der Fort Norman mit der brit. Breiten- und Längenangabe und dem deutschen Marinequadrat an.

Gruß, Urs

[ARANTALES]

Hello,

While it does not solve the problems with the position of U596 vs. the torpedoing of the FORT NORMAN & the EMPIRE STANDARD, the survivors' reports from TNA ADM199/2144 do clarify the torpedoing by an aircraft. Please see attachment.

Met vriendelijke groeten,
Walter

[Platon Alexiades]

Hello Walter,

Many thanks for the documents! The pages are very useful.  It does appear that the supposed attack by aircraft was an error but the positions remain problematic. Cape Tenes is about 70 miles from the U-boat position.

Best regards,

Platon

[ARANTALES]

Hello Platon,

EMPIRE STANDARD was attacked by JU88's and hit by an aerial torpedo, but while she was at Algiers, on March 26. See 2nd page of her master's report.

The index of TNA ADM199/2144 mentions as 'cause of loss or damage' for the EMPIRE STANDARD both 'A/C' AND 'S/M', alas not in successive lines. One could miss the 'S/M'-entry for the same ship...

Best regards,
Walter

[Platon Alexiades]

Hello Walter,

Many thanks again for your help. Do you have page 263 which is the 1st page of the Empire Standard report?

Best regards,

Platon

[ARANTALES]

Aie. My error.

Page 263 attached.

Met vriendelijke groeten,
Walter

[Platon Alexiades]

Many thanks Walter!

Platon