The Battle of the Atlantic: Three Days Against the U-Boat

[qprdave]

Taken from the Times Archive 18th March 1943

[dennis a feary]

QPR, another great story taken from what could be considered `THE Battle of WW11' !! Here is what I belive to be the U-boat refered to ;

U 187
Type: IX.C/40, ocean-going.
Constructor: Deschimag AG Weser, Bremen.
Armament: 22 Torpedoes, 1 x 105mm, 1 x 37mm, 2 x 20mm.
Commissioned: 23.7.42. Operational: January, 1943.
Service Life: 7. Operational Life: 1. Patrols: 1.
Theatre: Atlantic: Departed: 12.1.43. Kiel; for North Atlantic.
Last Action: 4.2.43, 10.U-Flotille, `Landsknecht' U 187 had radioed
that she had sighted c/v SC.118, which she shadowed for 48 hours in
very adverse weather conditions, as a result of which 20 U-boats came
up to the c/v; she was detected by Huffduff, and was sunk by HMS Vimy
(DD L.Cdr J.N.K. Knight) and HMS Beverley (DE L.Cdr R.A. Price) of
Br. 2nd. EG, (Capt D.G.F.W. MacIntyre), 7 miles ahead of c/v SC.118,
with DC's and gunfire; in position 50.12N 36.34N, North Atlantic.
The Commander and 8 crewmen were lost, 45 were made POW.
Commander: KL R. Münnich 07.42-02.43.

Sadsac

[culverin]

U 188 would avenge this loss only 2 months later on 11 April when
HMS Beverley as part of the escort for convoy ON 176 had earlier collided with the SS Cairnvalona, suffering hull damage and loss of her asdic. Although still sea worthy and despite being ordered to detach and return to port, she remained with the convoy but at the rear where she could assist if needed but not in her primary role as anti submarine escort.
Her sinking was rapid, in position 52.28N 40.32W, SW of Iceland, as a torpedo struck her at 0552 leaving just 4 survivors. Over 150 of her crew were lost.

[jainso31]

U188 seemed to bear a charmed life; until she was forced to scuttle at Bordeaux in 1944. due to the US Army advance.See link from uboatnet

jainso31








http://www.uboat.net/boats/u188.http