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4) |
Convoy routes in the North Channel were radioed again to boats in that operations area (U 1001 - 309 - 953 - 743), and also a note to the effect that there is no traffic outside the routes given, but strong anti-submarine activity aimed at driving off approaching boats. |
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c) |
None. |
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d) |
1) |
U 445 and U 925 must now be regarded as lost. U 445 (non-schnorchel boat) left Lorient on 22.8. U 650 (also non-schnorchel boat), which sailed on the same day, entered Brest 11 days ago. U 445 did not make a passage report in BE, as ordered, and did not reply to several orders to give her position, and she was probably sunk in the inner Bay of Biscay by anti-submarine forces, of which there were large numbers there at the time. |
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U 925 left Kristiansand on 24.8. for the North Atlantic via the Iceland Passage. She made no passage report and there is no clue to the cause of her loss. |
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2) |
Situation in the North Atlantic: |
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There are at present, in the North Atlantic: |
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In operations areas: |
8 boats |
(4 off North Channel |
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1 off North Minch |
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2 off Halifax |
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1 in St. Lawrence River). |
On return passage: |
28 boats |
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On outward passage: |
4 boats |
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When the boats at present in operations areas leave, the number of boats in the Atlantic will have reached the lowest figure for about 3 years. It is to be expected that the enemy will soon realize this, will curtail his anti-submarine activity accordingly and will use the naval and air forces so released for offensive operations against the coasts and against our own shipping. |
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Every effort must be made to increase the number of boats quickly, and this can only be achieved by sailing Group "Mitte" boats. If 6 schnorchel boats are withdrawn for the Atlantic, it may not be possible to replace them in a hurry in the event of an attack on Norway or Jutland. This risk will have to be taken however, in the interests of Atlantic warfare, as a large-scale landing operation is unlikely so late in the year. |
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The 6 schnorchel boats, U 978 - 1003 - 1006 - 1200 - 246 - 483 have been ordered to fit out immediately for an 11 weeks' Atlantic operation and to sail as soon as possible. These boats are to operate in the North and Bristol Channels |
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