This record was kindly provided by the generous assistance of Roger Griffiths

 
 

   
                                                                                                                 COPY No.
     
 
This book is invariably to be kept locked up when not in use and is not to be taken outside the ship or establishment for which it it issued without the express permission of the Commanding Officer
 
     
     
     
 
C.B.  04051 (102)
 
   
     
 
 
 
"U 845"
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interrogation of Survivors
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
     
 
May, 1944
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
This Report is not to be considered accurate in all respects, having been prepared before complete information was available.  It is therefore not to be taken as historically correct.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

 
 

   
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
     
     
     
     
 
SECRET
  
     
          This book is the property of His Majesty's Government.  
     
          It is intended for the use of the recipients only, and for communication to such Officers under them (not below the rank of Commissioned Officer) who may require to be acquainted with its contents in the course of their duties.  The Officers exercising this power will be held responsible that such information is imparted with due care and caution.  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

 

     
 
SECRET
  
     
 
Attention is called to the penalties attaching to any infraction of the
 
Official Secrets Acts.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
C.B.  04051 (102)
 
     
     
 
 
 
"U 845"
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interrogation of Survivors
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
     
 
May, 1944
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
     
     
     
     
  NAVAL INTELLIGENCE DIVISION,  
  ADMIRALTY, S.W.1.  
     
  N.I.D. 03209/44.  
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
          The following report is compiled from information derived from prisoners of war.  The statements made cannot always be verified; they should therefore not be accepted as facts unless they are definitely stated to be confirmed by information from other sources.  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

     
     
 
CONTENTS
 
 
 
     
PAGE
I.
   INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
1
 
(i)
   General
1
 
(ii)
   Commanding Officers
1
 
(iii)
   Other Officers
1
 
(iv)
   Ratings
1
 
   
II.
DETAILS OF U 845
1
(i)
   Type
1
(ii)
   Tonnage
1
(iii)
   Builders
1
(iv)
   Armament
1
(v)
   Diesels
2
(vi)
   Main Motors
2
(vii)
   Switchboards
2
(viii)
   Batteries
2
(ix)
   Compressors
2
(x)
   H.P. Air Bottles
2
(xi)
   W/T Equipment
2
(xii)
   G.S.R.
2
(xiii)
   Radar
2
(xiv)
   R.D.S.
2
(xv)
   Depth Gauges
2
(xvi)
   Diving Performance
2
(xvii)
   Welding Gear
2
(xviii)
   Rubber Dinghies
2
(xix)
   Potash Cartridges
2
(xx)
   Badge
3
(xxi)
   Field Post Number
3
(xxii)
   Base
3
     
III.
FIRST AND ONLY PATROL OF U 845
3
(i)
   U 845 sails
3
(ii)
   Passage into the Atlantic
3
(iii)
   Aircraft Attack
3
(iv)
   Further Mishaps
3
(v)
   U 845 Grounds near St. John's, Newfoundland
3
(vi)
   Repairs at Sea
3
(vii)
   Convoy Attack
3
(viii)
   Torpedoing of a Freighter
4
(ix)
   Aircraft Attack
4
(x)
   Unsuccessful Attack on a Merchantman
4
(xi)
   Passage Eastwards
4
     
IV.
SINKING OF U 845
4
(i)
   Contact with a Convoy
4
(ii)
   Depth Charge Attacks
4
     
V.
GENERAL REMARKS ON U-BOATS
5
(i)
   Improved Diesel
5
(ii)
   Torpedoes
5
 
          (a)  T 4 Torpedoes
5
 
          (b)  T 5 (Gnat)
5
 
          (c)  Pi 4 Pistols
5
 
          (d)  Pi 3 Pistols
6
 
          (e)  Hot Tube Runners
6
 
          (f)  Safety Depth for Open Caps
6
 
(iii)
   Deep Diving U-Boats
6
 
(iv)
   New Type VH/F R/T Set
6
 
(v)
   Anti-Aircraft Radar
6
 
(vi)
   New Type Attack Periscope
6
       
VI.
   SURFACE SHIPS
6
      E-boats
6
       
VII.
   MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS
6
      Massacres at Libau
6
       
APPENDIX "A"  Building and Working up of U 845
6
       
APPENDIX "B"  Nominal Roll of U 845
7
 
     
  (5091)                                                                                                                             A2  
     
     

 

 
 
 
1
  
     
 
REPORT ON INTERROGATION OF SURVIVORS FROM "U 845," A 740-TON
 
  U-BOAT, SUNK BY E.G. C.2 ON 10th MARCH, 1944, IN POSITION  
 
48 ° 47' N., 21 ° 02' W.
 
______________________
 
 
 
I.  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
 
     
  (i)  General  
          U-845, a 740-ton U-boat, commanded by Korvettenkapitän Werner WEBER, was sunk on her first patrol on 10th March 1944, in position 48° 47' N., 21° 02' W., by ships of Escort Group C.2  Forty-five officers and men from a complement of fifty-four were rescued.  When sunk she was returning to base from her operational area off St. John's, Newfoundland, where she claimed the torpedoing of two merchant vessels.  There is little of interest in the history of U 845.  An unusual number of mechanical failures were experienced on her patrol.  
     
  (ii)  Commanding Officers  
          During the course of her brief history, U 845 had three commanding officers.  The first was Korvettenkapitän Udo BEHRENS, who left her before her trials in the Baltic had been completed; he was relieved by Kapitänleutnant HOFFMANN, who remained for a brief period only; the last of the three was Korvettenkapitän Werner WEBER, who was killed at the sinking of his boat.  Although he was thirty-five years old and was a member of the 1932 term, he had had almost no previous experience in U-Boats.  He had served in surface ships for a time, and then held a staff position in Lorient.  His crew considered him to have been far too temperamental and inexperienced to be in command of a U-Boat.  They felt that it was through his negligence that the boat was lost.  While on his only patrol, he was promoted to Korvettenkapitän  
     
  (iii)  Other Officers  
          The First Lieutenant, Oberleutnant z.S.d.R. Willibald THEIMANN, was also killed at the sinking.  He was described by one survivor as a "stupid cow."  
          The Second Lieutenant, Leutnant z. S. Horst DOEDENS, of the October, 1940 term, survived.  He was polite, but security conscious.  Before joining U 845 he had served in U-505.  
          The Engineer Officer, Oberleutnant (Ing.) Otto STRUNK was a lower deck promotion.  He had been Engine Room P.O. Under PRIEN in U 47.  Later he served as instructor at the U-Boat school at Gdynia.  He, too, was security conscious, and exhibited an exaggerated politeness when under interrogation.  
          The Medical Officer, Marine Stabsarzt Wilhelm HEINRICH, was not interrogated.  
     
  (iv)  Ratings  
          The morale of the ratings was not high, and they spoke comparatively freely under interrogation, which was greatly aided by several captured diaries.  Many of them had joined the U-Boat in Kiel shortly before she sailed on patrol, and were relatively inexperienced in the U-Boat arm.  
          A feature of this report is new information on T 5 (Gnat) torpedoes.  
          The following are the Royal Navy equivalents of German Naval ranks used in this report:  
 
Korvettenkapitän Lieutenant-Commander.
Kapitänleutnant Lieutenant.
Oberleutnant zur See Sub-Lieutenant.
Leutnant zur See Junior Sub-Lieutenant.
Oberfähnrich zur See Senior Midshipman.
Fähnrich zur See Junior Midshipman.
Oberassistensarzt Surgeon Lieutenant.
 
          The suffix "(Ing.)" after a German rank in place of "zur See" denotes an Engineer Officer.  The suffix "der Reserve" denotes a Reserve Officer.  
     
 
II.  DETAILS OF U 845
 
     
  (i)  Type  
          IX C.  
     
  (ii)  Tonnage  
          740 tons.  
     
  (iii)  Builders  
          Deschimag, Bremen.  Commissioned 1st May, 1943.  
     
  (iv)  Armament  
          (a)  Guns.  Two twin 20 mm. mountings on upper bandstand.  One fully automatic 37 mm. gun on lower bandstand.  Four type 15 M.G.'s on bridge.  A quadruple 20 mm. mounting was removed from the lower bandstand before the first patrol.  
     
  (5091)                                                                                                                               A3  
     
     

 

     
     
 
2
     
          (b)  Torpedoes.  Fourteen carried.  Seven were said to be T 5's (Gnats).  Two spares were carried on the floor plates forward, one spare on the floor plates aft.  Six were carried in the tubes, four forward and two aft.  The remainder were stowed in the bilges.  Two T 5's were fitted with Pi 4b pistols.  
     
  (v)  Diesels  
         M.A.N. with mechanical superchargers.  Diesel revolutions were said to be as follows:  
 
Dead Slow (K.F.) 170 r.p.m.
Slow Speed (L.F.) 240 r.p.m.
Half Speed (H.F.) 300 r.p.m.
Three-quarter Speed (2 x H.F.) 330 r.p.m.
Four-fifths Speed (G.F.) 410 r.p.m.
Full Speed (A.K.) 455 r.p.m.
 
  With 300 or more r.p.m., superchargers were always used.  
     
  (vi)  Main Motors  
          Siemens.  
     
  (vii)  Switchboards  
          Siemens.  Said to be of new and simplified design, about half the size of the older type.  
     
(viii)  Batteries
          Ampère hour capacity, 13,000.  
     
  (ix)  Compressors  
          One Junkers and one electric compressor, the latter taking 400 ampères.  
     
  (x)  H.P. Air Bottles  
          Fourteen bottles carried.  
 
 
  (xi)  W/T Equipment  
          One 200-watt short-wave transmitter.  
          One 150-watt long-wave transmitter.  
          One 40-watt Lorenz receiver.  
          One MAIN receiver.  
          One broadcast receiver.  
          One all-wave receiver.  
          VH/F Lo. 10 U.K.39 removed after working up.  
     
  (xii)  G.S.R.  
          Naxos, Wanz II and Borkum carried.  The Naxos aerial was protected by a wooden, box-like covering.  The range of the Naxos was said to be about 15 km. (10 miles).  (N.I.D. Note.  This is probably an excessive estimate, but indicates that the operator was comparatively satisfied with the gear.)  The Wanz was tested by a small buzzer applied near the aerial.  
     
  (xiii)  Radar  
          Gema II type fitted, with mattress aerial.  Used a few times without success.  
     
  (xiv)  R.D.S.  
          Not carried.  
     
  (xv)  Depth Gauges  
          Stated to be graduated up to 180 metres (590 feet).  
     
  (xvi)  Diving  
          50 seconds to 20 metres (65.6 feet).  
     
  (xvii)  Welding Gear  
          Two types carried, electric and oxy-acetylene.  The oxygen bottle was fitted inside the conning tower and the acetylene bottle was carried below.  Pressure of oxygen was 2,550 lbs./sq. in., and of the acetylene 1,800 lbs./sq. in.  Yellow electrodes were used for welding, red for cutting.  
          A rotary converter, 200 volts D.C. to 110 volts D.C., was fitted for the electric welder.  It was protected by a fuse box with exchangeable fuse links, 60 and 70 ampères.  
     
  (xviii)  Rubber Dinghies  
          A one-man dinghy carried for each man.  Two additional large dinghies also carried.  
     
  (xix)  Potash Cartridges  
          450 carried.  
     
     

 

     
     
 
3
     
  (xx)  Badge  
          Giraffe with words "Kopf Immer Über Wasser" ("Head always above water") written below.  
     
  (xxi)  Field Post Number  
          M. 41779.  
     
  (xxii)  Base  
          Was to have been Lorient.  
     
 
III.  FIRST AND ONLY PATROL OF U 845
 
     
  (i)  U 845 Sails  
          U 845 was due to sail from Kiel on 23rd December, 1943, on her first patrol.  A piston developed a fault, however, and, there being no dockyard workers available, the ship's staff had to replace it themselves.  This, the first of a series of mishaps, delayed U 845's departure for over a week.  
        U 845 finally sailed from Kiel at 0900 on 1st January, 1944, with one 500-ton U-Boat, and an escort of minesweepers.  She proceeded at half speed, arriving at Kristiansand S. on 4th January.  There she topped up with oil from a tanker and, on 5th January, sailed for Stavanger.  In Stavanger her original escort left her, and a new minesweeper escort took its place.  On the following day the U-Boat arrived at Bergen.
     
  (ii)  Passage into the Atlantic  
          On 8th January, U 845 sailed from Bergen for an operational area off Newfoundland.  She proceeded surfaced until 11th January, and then remained submerged for most of the following ten days.  On 13th January she passed the Shetlands.  At about this time it was discovered that the Junkers compressor was not functioning.  It had not been properly refitted before sailing, and galvanic action had set in, causing a fracture.  Attempts were made to weld it, but the joints failed to hold.  For the rest of the patrol it was out of action.  
     
  (iii)  Aircraft Attack  
          On 16th January, while the U-Boat was surfaced, an aircraft was sighted.  No G.S.R. warning was received.  The plane dropped six bombs, which caused no damage.  
     
 
(iv)  Further Mishaps
 
          On 20th January, one of the Diesels broke down and was repaired while submerged.  The Wanz G.S.R. failed three times during the passage.  Trouble was experienced with the periscope and with the torpedo angling gear leads.  The Engineer Officer considered that the boat should have remained four weeks longer in port for final adjustments.  
          On 21st January the U-Boat again proceeded surfaced, and on 25th January the coast of Newfoundland was sighted.  The ship's company suffered from the heavy seas and from the extreme cold.  Several of the prisoners stated that ice formed on the inside of the pressure hull in the bow compartment.  
     
  (v)  U 845 Grounds near St. John's, Newfoundland  
          WEBER wished to approach the harbour of St. John's in order to attack shipping.  Fearing the presence of minefields, he waited at periscope depth until a destroyer was seen making for the harbour.  Having carefully noted her course, WEBER attempted to follow it, and on 1st February, when approaching the coast, at a depth of 40 metres (131.2 feet), the U-Boat grounded on a submerged rock, which prisoners thought was probably off Cape Spear.  The rudders were jammed amidships, but by going full astern with both motors, U 845 was finally able to get clear.  WEBER, believing the damage to be serious, decided to abandon ship and scuttle.  He surfaced and, after making a patriotic speech to his men, went to the bridge carrying a large German flag.  He was finally dissuaded from giving up his ship by the Engineer Officer.  Six men were sent aft to manipulate the steering gear and, with much effort, they were able to move one rudder slightly, and to steer after a fashion.  U 845 withdrew from the coast on the surface in broad daylight, trailing an oil slick from a damaged diving tank.  
     
  (vi)  Repairs at Sea  
          When U 845 had proceeded in this manner for about 40 miles, she hove to and stock was taken of the damage.  One of the rudders was useless, two diving tanks were ruptured, the caps of torpedo tubes I and III were jammed, and the jumping wires were broken.  The Engineer Officer came to the conclusion that the situation was not hopeless.  The boat was heeled over, and oil was pumped from one tank, a section of which was cut away and used to repair the second damaged tank.  With great difficulty one rudder was disconnected and the other repaired.  
     
  (vii)  Convoy Attack  
          On 5th February smoke was sighted on the horizon.  Tools and welding gear were hastily stowed below, and the U-Boat submerged.  Soon a merchant vessel of 6,000 tons, escorted by three corvettes, was sighted.  After shadowing her for five hours, U 845 fired a spread of three torpedoes, and prisoners believed that the merchantman was sunk.  The corvettes circled about the U-Boat for some time,  
     
     

 

     
     
 
4
     
  but no depth charges were dropped, and the prisoners believed that none was carried.  (N.I.D. Note.  No record of this attack can be found.)  
          After this incident, the U-Boat withdrew still farther and completed the repairs.  
     
  (viii)  Torpedoing of a Freighter  
          Later U 845 again approached the coast.  Some prisoners stated that she surfaced near a bell buoy numbered R 4, and that an abortive attempt was made to steal the bell as a souvenir.  On 9th February an 8,000-ton freighter was sighted.  The U-Boat fired a spread of three torpedoes, and then two more.  Two hits were scored, and the ship was believed to have been sunk.  (N.I.D. Note.  S.S. "KELMSCOTT," 7,039 tons, was damaged by two explosions, one at 1300 and one at 1404 G.M.T., on 9th February.  The attack took place in position 47° 31' N., 52° 23' W.  The merchantman was outward bound, but returned to St. John's.)  
     
  (ix)  Aircraft Attack  
          U 845 then withdrew to safer waters.  On 15th February she was attacked by an aircraft said to have been a Liberator.  Several bombs were dropped without damaging the U-Boat, which remained surfaced and engaged the aircraft with gunfire.  After a few rounds had been fired, the 37 mm. gun jammed.  During the course of the engagement, a member of one of the guns' crews was killed by fire from the aircraft.  The U-Boat then crashed dived out of control, reaching a great depth before trim was regained.  (N.I.D. Note.  At 2030 Z on 14th February, Liberator Q of 10 B.R. Squadron "GANDER" sighted a surfaced U-Boat, distant four miles.  As the aircraft approached, heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered.  The aircraft replied with fire from its nose and upper turret guns.  Six depth charges were dropped and detonated out of effective range.  On the second approach, the remaining two depth charges were dropped and detonated beside the conning tower.  After this, the U-Boat submerged, leaving a large oil slick, but although the position was patrolled for an hour more, there were no further signs of the U-Boat.)  
     
  (x)  Unsuccessful Attack on a Merchantman  
          U 845 later approached the coast of Newfoundland for a third time.  A large vessel, believed to have been well over 10,000 tons was sighted.  The U-Boat followed her for some time, and finally fired several torpedoes.  Detonations were heard, but the ship was apparently not hit.  Prisoners were told that the torpedoes had missed and detonated against the rocks off shore.  
     
  (xi)  Passage Eastwards  
        Early in March, U 845 left her operational area and headed for Lorient, which was to have been her base.  While on passage, she received a signal from Control, diverting her from her course, and ordering her to intercept a convoy.
     
 
IV.  SINKING OF U 845
 
     
  (i)  Contact with a Convoy  
          U-845 was proceeding submerged at about 1400 on 10th March, 1944, when the Commanding Officer announced that a convoy was in the vicinity.  The U-Boat, attempting to gain contact, continued submerged for several hours at four-fifths speed (G.F.).  When the Engineer Officer reported that the batteries were 60 per cent. discharged, the Commanding Officer ordered the boat to periscope depth.  Nothing was in sight, and the U-Boat surfaced to charge batteries.  About 15 minutes later, destroyers were reported in sight and overhauling the U-Boat.  WEBER immediately gave the order to dive.  (N.I.D. Note.  At 1630 on 10th March, a U-Boat was sighted by ships of Escort Group C.2 in position 48° 48' N., 20° 35' W.  The U-Boat dived, and contact was gained at 1650.)  
     
  (ii)  Depth Charge Attacks  
 
        Prisoners stated that some time elapsed before the depth charges began to explode.  U 845 dived to about 180 metres (590 feet), and the first pattern exploded well above her, doing no harm.  (N.I.D. Note.  H.M.C.S. "OWEN SOUND" fired a pattern of depth-charges at 1657, H.M.C.S. "ST. LAURENT" 20 depth-charges set to "E" at 1704, and hedgehog a 1715; there were no explosions after the hedgehog attack.  At 1926 H.M.S. "FORESTER" commenced firing a creeping attack pattern of 22 depth-charges with deep settings.)
  
          Subsequent patterns fell close to the U-Boat, shaking her considerably.  The asdic could be clearly heard before each attack.  On several occasions the U-Boat was driven to a depth well below 200 metres (656 feet).  Once an attempt was made to use the S.B.T., but water pressure was so great that the charge could not be ejected from the tube.  Several leaks developed in the U-Boat, the most serious being in the Diesel room.  
 

        Suddenly the batteries went dead.  When this was reported to WEBER, he decided to attempt escape on the surface.  Tanks were blown, the boat surfaced, and made off at extreme emergency speed (3 x A.K.) on her Diesels.  Four vessels were seen, and WEBER fired two torpedoes without result, a third failing to leave the tube.  The 37 mm. gun was jammed, but guns' crews manned the twin 20 mm. guns and engaged the enemy for about two minutes.  The escort group opened fire, and many hits were scored.  The Commanding Officer, First Lieutenant and entire bridge watch were killed.  When the Diesels began to over-heat, the Engineer Officer gave the order to abandon ship.  He remained below to open the vents, and managed to escape through the galley hatch before the

 
     
     

 

     
     
 
5
     
  U-Boat sank.  (N.I.D. Note.  At 2234 the U-Boat surfaced, and fire was opened with all weapons that would bear.  At 2315 the U-Boat was observed to be down by the stern, and was taking violent evasive action.  "ST. LAURENT" passed close and fired a 10-charge pattern.  She observed that the forward gun was hanging over the side, and that the U-Boat appeared to be on fire internally at the base of the conning tower.  At 2338 the U-Boat sank in position 48° 47' N., 21° 02' W.  Forty-five of her crew were picked up.  
     
 
V.  GENERAL REMARKS ON U-BOATS
 
     
  (i)  Improved Diesel  
          A stoker rating from U 845 stated that an improved Diesel is being developed in Kiel.  It has a high compression ratio, runs faster than the normal U-Boat Diesel, and gives a far greater output.  The clearance between the piston at Top Dead Centre and the cylinder head is only 3 mm., as against 7 mm. in the standard engines.  
          Two U-Boats being fitted with six-cylinder Diesels, with two stage Rootes-type superchargers, were seen by a prisoner.  He stated that they developed 2,000 h.p. (N.I.D. Note.  Output of the standard six-cylinder U-Boat Diesel with supercharger is 1400 h.p.)  According to him the nine cylinder M.A.N. Diesels are no longer being fitted.  
     
  (ii)  Torpedoes  
          (N.I.D. Note.  Summaries of prisoners' statements on torpedoes have been previously given in C.B.'s 04051 (76), (92), (94) and (100), Part VII.)  
     
          (a)  T.4 Torpedoes  
          The following information on T.4 Torpedoes was obtained from a torpedoman's notebook, and was clarified verbally by him:  
                Weight:  1,423 kgs. (3,137 lbs.).
                  Length:  7,175 mm. (23.53 feet).  
                  Displacement:  1,383 kgs. (3,049 lbs.).  
                  Water surrounding the torpedo in the tubes:  374 litres (82.3 gallons).  
     
          (b)  T.5 (Gnat)  
          The notebook mentioned above gave identical data for the T.5 Torpedo, except for the weight, which is 1,472 kgs. (3,245.2 lbs.).  
          An L.T.O. from U 472 stated that the setting N.S. on the T.5 Torpedo is for use against retiring targets.  On this setting, the torpedo runs straight until it picks up a noise, when it alters course and follows it.  If it loses the noise, it then continues to run a straight course parallel to its original one.  In the case of the W.S. setting, when the noise is lost, the torpedo circles in one direction only.  The prisoner was not certain whether it circled to port or starboard.  S.S. is the setting that switches out the acoustic mechanism and O + L is the setting that is employed when charging the batteries.  
 
        (N.I.D. Note.  These statements do not agree entirely with statements made previously by U-Boat prisoners.  See C.B. 04051 (94), page 8.)
 
          The prisoner stated that two types of nose are used with the T.5.  One is a bakelite-type, filled with fluid, and containing two units which look like small single-phase transformers.  The second is a flat type, about one foot in diameter, and is made of metal.  Three bands extended across it, and on either side of them are holes through which one can see windings of coils inside.  The prisoner believed that this head was free flooding.  
          The batteries used in the T.5 consist of 32 cells of the same size as those used in the normal electric torpedo.  A special resistance must be used in series for charging on board, since the charging equipment is designed for the 52 cell batteries of the normal electric torpedo.  The resistance was said to be fixed, and could not be adjusted.  
          According to the prisoner, a small modification should be made to the torpedo computor for use with T.5 Torpedoes.  This modification has to do with the transmitter gear for the target's estimated course and speed.  U-Boats which are not fitted with this new gearing carry a larger and differently-graduated scale on this part of the computor.  
          After firing a T.5 Torpedo, a U-Boat dives to a depth of 30 metres (98.4 feet).  U-Boats are instructed to give warning to other boats in the vicinity when firing a T.5.  
     
          (c)  Pi 4 Pistols  
          The prisoner stated that the Pi.4a and Pi.4b Pistols are both pure inertia pistols.  A magnetic pistol is fitted to the T.5 in addition, however.  This pistol has a coil which is wound around the recess in which the Pi.4 is placed.  The Pi.4b has a pendulum which is free to swing in any direction.  Consequently it would react to any type of glancing blow.  It has a dual safety device.  A magnetic lock is fitted to the paddle to prevent its rotation while still in the tube.  When the torpedo is fired, this lock is released through a series of relays.  Rotation of the paddle arms the pistol after the torpedo has run 280 metres (305 yards).  The paddle is made of a rubber composition, which deteriorates if greased.  A strip on the torpedo is left ungreased, with the intention of obviating any danger of this occurring.  
     
     

 

     
     
 
6
     
          (d)  Pi.3 Pistols  
          The L.T.O. from U 472 stated that the Pi.3 Pistol is the same length as the Pi.2.  The only difference is that the Pi.3 is fitted with a battery, and no connection with the battery of the torpedo is necessary.  It can consequently be used with air torpedoes.  
     
          (e)  Hot Tube Runners  
          In the event of a hot tube runner, instructions are to use the normal expulsion gear.  If this fails, recourse is made to the H.P. air system of the mine expulsion gear.  
     
          (f)  Safety Depth for Open Caps  
          An entry in a notebook captured from U 845 states that tube caps are to be closed without orders as soon as the boat reached a depth of 30 metres (98.4 feet).  The note states that torpedoes can be fired at a depth of 100 metres (328 feet).  A torpedoman from U 845 was questioned on this entry.  He stated that no torpedoes were ever fired below periscope depth.  He believed that the note merely indicated that it is safe to leave the caps open to a maximum of 100 metres.  A prisoner from U 472 stated the his U-Boat once dived to 80 metres (262.4 feet) with the caps open, and that no ill effects resulted.  
     
  (iii)  Deep-diving U-Boats  
          A deep diving U-Boat was described to a prisoner from U 845 by a friend who had stood by one during building.  He said that the boat resembled a normal VII C type, except that the number of ribs was doubled by fitting two identical ribs, side by side, in place of the normal single rib.  The boat is said to be able to dive to a depth of 300 metres (984 feet), at which it is believed that depth-charges are ineffective.  
          (N.I.D. Note.  This type is believed to be Type VII C 42.)  
     
(iv)  New Type VH/F R/T Set
          A prisoner had been told that U-Boats are soon to be fitted with a new and more powerful type of VH/F R/T set.  
     
  (v)  Anti-Aircraft Radar  
          A W/T rating had been told at the G.S.R. school at Le-Coq-sur-Mer (Den Hahn) that a new type radar aerial is being designed for Hohenwiel and Gema radar sets.  These sets had proved satisfactory, but the mattress aerial is ill-designed for detecting aircraft.  
     
  (vi)  New Type Attack Periscope  
          A prisoner from U 744 stated that either U 742 or U 742 was being experimentally fitted with a new type attack periscope, at the Schichauwerft, Danzig, in spring, 1943.  It was 5 or 6 metres (16-20 feet) higher than the normal periscope, but, like the normal one, it extended the whole way down into the bilges.  The prisoner did not know if it was telescopic, or if it remained 5 or 6 metres higher than normal when housed.  
     
 
VI.  SURFACE SHIPS
 
     
  E-Boats  
          A prisoner saw a new type of E boat in Kiel in December, 1943.  It was lighter and faster than the normal type, had two torpedo tubes aft, and carried aircraft torpedoes.  20 mm. guns were mounted forward and aft.  
     
 
VII.  MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS
 
     
  Massacres at Libau  
          A prisoner from U 845 had served in the 13th Manning Division at Libau from 1st September until the end of December, 1942.  He stated that on two occasions he witnessed the personnel of the 1st Company take part in the shooting of hostages in reprisal for the killing of German soldiers.  The executions took place in a wooded district north of the harbour, known as the "Kathedral Platz."  Oberleutnant KLINGENTHAL, C.O. of the 1st Company, gave the order to fire.  
     
 
________________________
  
     
 
APPENDIX "A"
 
 
BUILDING AND WORKING UP OF U 845
 
     
          U 845 was commissioned on 1st May, 1943, at the Deschimag yard, Bremen.  Her Commanding Officer at this time was Korvettenkapitän Udo BEHRENS, and a third watchkeeper, Oberfähnrich z. S. GÜNTHER, was attached to the boat.  
          After completing the U.A.K. trials at Kiel, U 845 proceeded to Hel for the Agrufront trials.  On one occasion she dived at an angle of 40°, and the batteries spilt.  On completing the Agrufront, BEHRENS was relieved of his command, probably because of defective vision.  GÜNTHER also left the boat at this time.  Oberleutnant HOFFMANN was Commanding Officer during the torpedo firing trials and tactical exercises; but when, in August, 1943, U 845 put into the Oderwerke, Stettin, for final adjustments, having been promoted to Kapitänleutnant, he was relieved, because of illness, by Kapitänleutnant Werner WEBER.  Because WEBER had had little experience in U-Boats, the trials were hurriedly repeated.  During the second series of tactical exercises, in October, 1943, Admiral DOENITZ was in Gdynia, and a review was held in his honour, eighty U-Boats taking part.  
          U 845 returned to the Oderwerke, Stettin, in November, for further adjustments.  Her original 20 mm. quadruple mounting was removed, and a 37 mm gun was mounted in its place.  In mid-December she proceeded to Kiel, where she lay for fourteen days for further adjustments and embarked stores for her first patrol.  
     
 
 

 

 
 
 
7
  
   
 
APPENDIX "B"
 
NOMINAL ROLL OF U 845
 
 
(i)  Survivors
  
     
 
Name
Rank
English Equivalent
Born
STRUNK, Otto Oberleutnant (ing.) Sub-Lieutenant 12.9.07.
DOEDENS, Horst Leutnant zur See Junior Sub-Lieutenant 25.3.23.
HEINRICH, Dr. Wilhelm Marinestabsarzt Surgeon-Lieutenant   8.9.13.
KOOB, Walter Obermaschinist Chief Stoker and Chief E.R.A., 1st or 2nd Class 11.8.14.
LUCHT, Paul Obersteuermann C.P.O. (Navigation)   4.11.20.
BRAUN, Berthold Oberfunkmeister C.P.O. Telegraphist 29.12.14.
HENNIG, Erhard Obermaschinenmaat Acting Stoker P.O. and E.R.A., 4th Class 30.4.16.
DORMAGEN, Erich Bootsmannsmaat Leading Seaman 26.6.16.
BÖTTCHER, Hans Bootsmannsmaat Leading Seaman   4.4.22.
SCHNEIDER, Karl Maschinenmaat Leading Stoker and E.R.A., 5th Class 25.9.21
UEBERSCHAER, Hans Maschinenmaat Leading Stoker and E.R.A., 5th Class 24.6.22.
VAAS, Roland Maschinenmaat Leading Stoker and E.R.A., 5th Class   8.1.22.
TORUNSKI, Erich Maschinenmaat Leading Stoker and E.R.A., 5th Class 24.1.21.
HOCHHUT, Gerhard Maschinenmaat Leading Stoker and E.R.A., 5th Class 25.3.21.
ZEHMKE, Freimuth Maschinenmaat Leading Stoker and E.R.A., 5th Class 31.5.21.
KLAUKE, Gerhard Mechanikersmaat Leading Torpedoman   5.2.21.
UNGERMANN, Hermann Matrosenobergefreiter Able Seaman 19.2.22.
BEHNERT, Heinrich Matrosenobergefreiter Able Seaman 26.12.20.
VOIGT, Rudolf Matrosengefreiter Able Seaman 13.1.25.
FRUBRICH, Hermann Matrosengefreiter Able Seaman 26.11.24.
KLING, Herbert Matrosengefreiter Able Seaman 18.4.23.
URBACH, Wilhelm Matrosengefreiter Able Seaman 26.6.24.
HEGER, Ferdinand Matrosengefreiter Able Seaman 17.6.24.
ANDRACK, Hartmut Matrosengefreiter Able Seaman 25.1.23.
DÖHLER, Franz Matrosengefreiter Able Seaman   7.12.24.
PICHOTTKY, Erich Matrosengefreiter Able Seaman 29.12.23.
DEHNE, Karl Matrosengefreiter Able Seaman   8.3.25.
MAASCHE, Artur Maschinenobergefreiter Stoker, 1st Class   7.2.23.
SCHELLACK, Jürgen Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class 26.4.23.
HOMBURG, Wilhelm Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class 17.5.24.
VOGEL, Sven Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class 10.12.24.
HELEFERS, Adolf Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class   3.8.24.
LIEDTKE, Kurt Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class 21.11.24.
ZICKMANTEL, Edgar Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class   8.5.24.
RUFF, Edwin Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class 11.7.21.
BETTER, Josef Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class 21.2.25.
GÜNTER, Oswald Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class 19.1.23.
HOFFMANN, Helmut Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class 13.12.23.
HENNIG, Werner Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class 16.7.24.
VOGELGESANG, Richard Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class   7.7.24.
DÖLITZSCH, Erich Funkobergefreiter Telegraphist 13.10.23.
SEEBACHER, Otto Mechanikerobergefreiter Able Seaman (S.T.)   2.7.23.
WILSKE, Günter Mechanikergefreiter Able Seaman (S.T.)   3.1.24.
WILL, Hans Mechanikergefreiter Able Seaman (S.T.) 13.2.24.
BARRS, Karl Mechanikergefreiter Able Seaman (S.T.) 21.2.25.
 
 
 
 
Officers . .
3
Chief and Petty Officers . .
4
Men . .
38
   
45
 
 
 
  (ii)  Casualties  
     
 
Name
Rank
English Equivalent
Born
WEBER, Werner Korvettenkapitan Lieutenant-Commander
-
THEIMANN, Willibald Oberleutnant zur See d. R. Sub-Lieutenant (Reserve)
-
LEUTZ, Obermaschinist Chief Stoker and Chief E.R.A., 1st or 2nd Class
-
MAY, Erwin Obersteuermann C.P.O. (Navigation)
-
BOEHME, Heinz Oberbootsmannsmaat Acting P.O. (Seaman's Branch)
-
DÜRR, Heinz Funkmaat Leading Telegraphist
-
WENDT, Kurt Matrosengefreiter Able Seaman
-
DASSLER, Maschinengefreiter Stoker, 1st Class
-
FLEIGER, Funkgefreiter Telegraphist
-
 
     
 
Officers . .
2
Chief and Petty Officers . .
3
Men . .
4
   
9
 
     
  (iii)  Total Crew  
     
 
Officers . .
5
Chief and Petty Officers . .
7
Men . .
42
   
54
 
     
 
(5091)   500    6/44
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

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