ASA-Datensatz: 15210

[TW]

The Achaia 'attack' on 12.02.1942 in ASA is certainly an error. At that time, P.38 was ordered to stay south of 36°15' N and west of 12°20' E that is off the Tunisian coast. Achaia sailed unescorted from Ras Ali to Tripoli as you mentioned but Ras Ali is in the Gulf of Sirte so too far east to have been attacked by P.38. A quick look at my documents have not revealed this supposed attack but if there was one it is certainly bogus.

I found that the torpedo boat Cantore sailed from Tripoli at 0645/12 to meet Achaia half way through and escort her back to Tripoli. Cantore proceeded at 18 knots and passed Misurata at 1523/12. An hour later she was off Ras Cara (I have not located this point on Google earth but we can reasonably assume that it was about 18 miles south of Misurata) but Achaia did not not show up at the appointed time. Cantore proceeded further south without seeing and then returned to Ras Cara which was obviously the rendezvous point. The torpedo boat patrolled the area until the following morning then went to Misurata and asked if Achaia had been seen but this was negative. Finally Cantore proceeded to Khoms at 0920/13 and at 1155/13 sighted Achaia and escorted her to Tripoli where they arrived at 1825/13. So if there was an 'attack' on Achaia it must have occurred east or southeast of Khoms, well outside P.38's patrol area and this must be considered as bogus.

Best regards,
Platon