In reply refer to Initials
	and No.
	Op-16-Z
	NAVY DEPARTMENT
	OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
	WASHINGTON
	O.N.I. 250 – G/Serial 12
	REPORT ON THE
	INTERROGATION OF SURVIVORS FROM U-569
	SUNK ON MAY 22, 1943
	Lt. Kuhn
	June 19, 1943

	TABLE OF CONTENTS
	Chapter I.   INTRODUCTORY REMARKS         II.   CREW OF U-569         III.   EARLY HISTORY OF U-569         IV.   FIRST WAR CRUISE OF U-569         V.   SECOND WAR CRUISE OF U-569         VI.   THIRD WAR CRUISE OF U-569         VII.   FOURTH WAR CRUISE OF U-569         VIII.   FIFTH WAR CRUISE OF U-569         IX.   SIXTH WAR CRUISE OF U-569         X.   SEVENTH WAR CRUISE OF U-569         XI.   EIGHTH WAR CRUISE OF U-569         XII.   NINTH AND LAST WAR CRUISE OF U-569         XIII.   SINKING OF U-569           XIV.   DETAILS OF U-569           XV.   GENERAL REMARKS ON U-BOATS           XVI.   U-BOAT BASES           XVII.   MISCELLANEOUS
	Annex A.     CREW LIST OF U-569
	Annex B.     TRANSLATION OF A MEMORANDUM WRITTEN BY THE CHIEF
	RADIOMAN CONCERNING REPAIRS TO BE MADE BY DOCK
	YARD MAINTENANCE, RADIO SECTION.

 

	Chapter I.  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
	U-569, under command of Oberleutnant* der Reserve Hans Johannsen, was sunk by two planes from USS Bogue on May 22, 1943, at about 1900Z in approximate position 50.00 N. - 35.00 W.
	U-569 had been cruising on the surface for about an hour when she was surprised by an aircraft.  The first bombs dropped damaged the U-boat, which immediately dived.  There was serious water entry aft and the U-boat was forced to the surface.  She was then machine-sunned by two planes.  The crew was ordered on deck, a white flag was tied to the periscope, the ship was abandoned, flooded, and then she sank.
	Twenty-five survivors were picked up by HMCS St. Laurent and were later landed at St. John's, Newfoundland.  One wounded man was sent to a Canadian hospital.  The remaining 24 were brought to the United States for interrogation.
	U-569 had been singularly unsuccessful.  She had made nine cruises and had sunk only three ships in all.  Her crew was unusually listless, and their morale extremely low.  They were thoroughly disinterested in the war in general, and the U-boat arm in particular.  Except for a few of the older petty officers, they responded readily to interrogation.  This report is based almost entirely on their statements.  Since U-569 was the sister ship of U-570 which was captured by the British on August 28, 1941, and since her history is long and uneventful, this report contains little that is new or of interest to the history of U-boat warfare.
	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
	*  For U.S.N. equivalent of German ranks and ratings, see Annex A.
	- 1 -

 

	Chapter II.  CREW OF U-569
	The complement of U-569 was 46.  Two of the four officers, one of the two midshipmen, and twenty-one of the forty men survived.
	U-569 had had two commanding officers during the course of her history.  The first of these was Oberleutnant Hans Peter Hinsch of the 1934 naval term.  In 1934 and 1935 Hinsch attended the Naval Academy at Flensburg-Mürwik and in 1936 he served aboard the cruiser. Köln, as Fähnrich.  In 1937 he received his commission as Leutnant z. See and served for a brief period on U-16.  In 1938 he was attached to the Saltzwedel Flotilla which, at that time, was based on Wilhelmshaven.  On April 1, 1939, Hinsch was promoted to Oberleutnant z. See.  From August 1939 to January 1940, he served as executive officer on U-30 under Kapitänleutnant Lemp.  Later in 1940, according to one source, Hinsch was put in command of U-140.  In April 1940, he took command of U-569 and remained her captain until he was relieved after her seventh cruise, in December 1942.  The prisoners were under the impression that he holds a shore position at the present time.  They stated that as captain of U-569, Hinsch was a rather strict disciplinarian and maintained very clear distinction between officers and men.  Several of the older petty officers admired him for this, feeling that he was carrying on the old military traditions of the German navy.  All of the prisoners stated that he was far too cautions to be a successful U-boat commander.
	The second of the commanding officers of U-569 was Oberleutnant der Reserve Hans Friedrich Johannsen.  Johannsen is a native of Hamburg and is 32 years of age.  He is a reserve officer, and before the outbreak of war, was employed by the Holland America Line.  Johannsen was extremely polite and correct with his interrogators, but at the same time, was highly suspicious
	- 2 -

 

	of all but the most innocuous of subjects.  His steadfast refusal to talk politics gave the impression that he was an ardent Nazi and that there was something in his past that he wished to conceal.  Although extremely security conscious, he apparently neglected to indoctrinate his crew in security.  He took command of U-569 in December 1942, and was captured on his second cruise with her.  Johannsen was well liked by his men toward whom he took a fatherly attitude.  The petty officers who had admired the aloofness of Hinsch, felt that Johannsen was too familiar with the crew.
	The Executive Officer, Oberleutnant Fritz Otto Paschen of the October 1938 naval term, was more friendly with his interrogators but was just as security conscious as his captain.  Paschen is 21 years of age, and a native of Rostock.  In 1940 he held the rank of midshipman.  He joined U-569 in November 1942, as Executive Officer and made the last three cruises with her in this capacity.
	Little could be learned of the Second Watch Officer and the Engineer Officer who were lost.  Neither appears in the German Naval List of 1940 and both had joined U-569 with Johannsen in December 1942.  One prisoner described them as being rather old and believed that they, like Johannsen, had been officers in the merchant marine before the war.  The Second Watch Officer was Leutnant Stickler and the Engineer Officer, Leutnant (Ing.) Eckstein.
	The surviving midshipman was Oberfähnrich (Ing.) Horst Rosebach, 19 years of age and a native of Wupperthal-Barmen.  He joined the navy January 4, 1941, and served for six months on the destroyer, Z-24, in the Arctic.  Before joining U-569 on her last cruise (early April 1943), he took a three months engineering course at the U-boat school in Pillau.
	The other midshipman, Fähnrich Tietemann, was lost in the sinking of U-569.
	- 3 -

 

	The petty officers and men of U-569 were deeply discouraged with life in the U-boat arm.  Many had been with the boat throughout its long uneventful history.  The lack of success of their boat did much to weaken their morale.  Most of them seemed convinced that Germany would lose the war, and only Warrant Quartermaster Albig was an enthusiastic Nazi.  The men, with few exceptions, were friendly and appeared relieved to have been taken prisoner and to be out of the service.
	- 4 -

 

	Chapter III.  EARLY HISTORY OF U-569
	U-569 was a 500-ton, type VII-C U-boat, built at the Blom and Voss Yard, Hamburg.  She was one of the series of U-boats, U-551 to U-623, assigned to Blom and Voss.
	It could not be learned when U-569 was laid down.  She was launched late in February 1941, and in March the crew began to arrive for constructional training.  They were quartered in barracks near the building yard.  At this time the officers were:  Captain, Oberleutnant Hinsch;  Executive Officer, Oberleutnant Küpe of the 1935 naval term;  Second Watch Officer, leutnant Zeller of the October 1938 naval term;  Engineer Officer, Oberleutnant (Ing.) Wehn of the 1935 naval term.  During the final phases of construction, Fähnrich Julius Arp of the December 1939 naval term was attached to U-569.  He later became Second Watch Officer on U-203 and was taken prisoner when she was sunk on April 25, 1943.
	U-569 was launched on May 8, 1941, and spent the next two weeks in Kiel undergoing trials supervised by the U-boats Acceptance Command (U.A.K.)  Because of the Russian campaign, the working up exercises were run off Horten and Trondheim rather than in the Baltic.  Prisoners stated that only a few other U-boats were working up with them.  Among them were U-568, U-570,       U-571, and a 750-ton boat.
	Late in July 1941, her trials completed, U-569 put in at Trondheim for final overhaul and provisioning for her first patrol.  While at Trondheim one of the crew members bought an umbrella for his girl but neglected to mail it to her before sailing.  The umbrella was carried on the boat for several cruises and eventually it came to be regarded as a good luck charm.  Later the men wore small metal umbrellas as devices on their hats.
	- 5 -

 

	U-569 remained in Trondheim for less than a week before sailing on her first war cruise.
	- 6 -

 

	Chapter IV.  FIRST WAR CRUISE OF U-569
	U-569 sailed from Trondheim on her first war cruise early in August 1941.  Stickler, who was later to become Second Watch Officer, served as midshipman on this patrol.  The cruise lasted five or six weeks, the patrol area being off Iceland in the Denmark Strait.  Nothing was sighted, and    U-569 put in at St. Nazaire in mid September 1941.  Here she was attached to the 3rd Flotilla which had its headquarters at La Pallice.  The U-boat remained in port for about three weeks, preparing for her next patrol.
	- 7 -

 

	Chapter V.  SECOND WAR CRUISE OF U-569
	The second patrol of U-569 was no more successful than her first.  Fähnrich Meltzer was on board on this and the next cruises for training purposes.  The U-boat sailed from St. Nazaire early in October 1941, and again headed for the Denmark Strait.  After having been out about three weeks, a convoy was sighted.  Hinsch approached cautiously and fired four torpedoes at very long range.  He failed to make any hits and, fearing a counter attack, made off without attempting any further shots.
	U-569 returned to St. Nazaire shortly before November 13, 1941.  The Executive Officer, Köpke, was relieved of his post and his place was taken by Oberleutnant Winkler.  (O.N.I. Note:  This officer was probably Werner Winkler of the 1936 naval term.)  U-569 again stayed in port for about three weeks.
	- 8 -

 

	Chapter VI.  THIRD WAR CRUISE OF U-569
	The third war cruise of U-569 was her shortest.  She was ordered to an operational area in the Mediterranean and sailed from St. Nazaire early December 1941.  As she was nearing the Straits of Gibraltar by night, she was surprised on the surface by a British aircraft.*  The moon was full, and the plane was able to bomb the U-boat with considerable accuracy.  Much of the outboard gear was damaged, the periscope adjustments failed to work, a few battery cells were cracked, a fuel tank was pierced, and much oil was lost.  The U-boat dived and eventually was able to elude the plane, but the damage was so severe that, instead of continuing into the Mediterranean, Hinsch decided to return to St. Nazaire.  The boat proceeded back to her original base at slow speed in order to conserve fuel.  She arrived in port before Christmas 1941, after having been out less than three weeks.
	U-569 lay in port for six or seven weeks, undergoing extensive repairs.  The crew was given leave at this time.
	__________________________________________________________________________
	*  "A/812 Swordfish 2119/16/12/41;  3550 N., 0615 W.  Assessed - probably damage B".
	-- N.I.D. 1/PW    30 August 1943.
	ref.  N.I.D. pw - U.S. 246/43.
	- 9 -

 

	Chapter VII.  FOURTH WAR CRUISE OF U-569
	On her fourth patrol, U-569 sank her first ship.  She sailed from St. Nazaire about mid February 1942 and headed for an operational area in the North Atlantic.  While sailing through the Bay of Biscay, the U-boat was attacked by a British plane* but sustained no damage.
	After being out about 20 days, U-569 sighted a 5000-ton merchant vessel** sailing out of convoy.  Hinsch fired three torpedoes.  Two of them were hits and the freighter sank.
	At the conclusion of the cruise, U-569 put in at La Pallice early in April, a pennant proudly flying from her periscope.  She was to be based on this port for the remainder of her history.  During the month of April 1942, the Executive Officer, Winkler, was replaced by Oberleutnant Schelz.  (O.N.I. Note:  The name Schelz does not appear in the German Naval List of 1940.)  The U-boat remained in La Pallice for about a month before sailing on her next cruise.
	__________________________________________________________________________
	*  "M/209    1445/18/2/42.    4610 N., 1846 W.    Assessed - no damage."
	**  "SCANE.  (4,528).  Independent.  Torpedoed and sunk 6/3/42.  2250 N., 6061 W."
	---  N.I.D  1/PW  30 August 1943
	ref.  N.I.D. pw - U.S. 246/43.
	- 10 -

 

	Chapter VIII.  FIFTH WAR CRUISE OF U-569
	The sixth patrol of U-569 was her most successful.  She sailed from La Pallice on May 4, 1942, and remained out for about nine weeks.  On her way through the Bay of Biscay, the U-boat was again attacked by a British aircraft*, and slight damage to her diving planes resulted.  The damage was repaired while underway.
	Early in June 1942, U-569 sighted a convoy.  Hinsch, inspired by his recent meager success, approached within reasonable range of his target.  Nine torpedoes were fired but, because of heavy seas, some of them broached.  Nevertheless, Hinsch scored hits on two freighters, both of which sank.  One was a vessel of 5,000 tons, and the other, 6,000 tons.  The U-boat was depth charged by destroyers but escaped without sustaining damage.
	About two weeks later, U-569 was met by a supply U-boat.  Oil was pumped aboard through a hose, and provisions were loaded.
	Early in July 1942, U-569 returned to La Pallice.  While in port, Zoller, the Second Watch Officer, was replaced by Leutnant Hitscher.  (O.N.I. Note:  This name does not appear in the German Naval List of 1940.)
	__________________________________________________________________________
	*  "Attacked by Whitney E/58 - 1502/5th May    4512 N., 1004 W.  Assessed - probably slightly damaged."
	---  N.I.D.  1/PW    30 August 1943.
	ref.  N.I.D.  pw - U.S.  246/43.
	- 11 -

 

	Chapter IX.  SIXTH WAR CRUISE OF U-569
	The longest patrol made by U-569 was her sixth.  It was also one of the least eventful ones.  The U-boat sailed from La Pallice on August 6 or 7, 1942 to be gone for about ten weeks, patrolling the North Atlantic convoy lanes.  Toward the end of August, a convoy was sighted and Hinsch, once more feeling that discretion was the better part of valor, fired three torpedoes from too great a distance and failed to score.  Destroyers escorting the convoy became aware of the presence of a U-boat, and U-569 turned tail and fled.
	U-569 was supplied with oil from a supply U-boat during this cruise.  An engine room rating stated that 20 tons of fuel were taken aboard and provisions were transferred.  One prisoner said that the supply U-boat was U-461, command by Kapitänleutnant Stiebler of the 1930 naval term.  This statement was not confirmed.  The two boats remained together for about six hours.
	U-569 reached La Pallice in mid-October and remained in port for about six weeks.  Her Executive Officer, Schelz was transferred to other duties, and his place was taken by Oberleutnant Paschen.
	- 12 -

 

	Chapter X.  SEVENTH WAR CRUISE OF U-569
	The seventh patrol of U-569 was the last under command of Oberleutnant Hinsch.  Fähnrich Klemm made this patrol for training purposes.  The cruise followed the pattern of most of the others.  The U-boat sailed from La Pallice on November 26 or 27, 1942 and remained out about five weeks.  The sea was heavy and the U-boat sighted nothing.
	U-569 returned to La Pallice the end of December 1942.  A small and decorous celebration was held in honor of Hinsch who was about to relinquish his command.  The crew was treated to a chicken dinner at the canteen at La Rochelle, and beer and cognac were provided for them.  Johannsen took over his duties as Captain and brought with him Leutnant Stickler and Leutnant (Ing.) Eckstein, the Second Watch Officer and Engineer Officer respectively.
	The U-boat remained in port all of January 1943.  In order to bolster the morale of the thoroughly discouraged and disinterested crew, Johannsen had the motto, "Los Gehte" (Let's Go) painted on the conning tower.
	- 13 -

 

	Chapter XI.  EIGHTH WAR CRUISE OF U-569
	U-569 left La Pallice early February 1943 under command of Oberleutnant Johannsen.  The boat was patrolling north of the Azores when she received orders from the Admiral-in-Command of U-boats to leave her operational area and join an attack on a convoy.*  U-569 proceeded on the surface for two days to the agreed position of the attack.  Prisoners stated that she covered about 480 miles.  The convoy was sighted southwest of the Azores about February 25, 1943.  Several other U-boats were present and carried out a group attack.  Prisoners said that U-569 fired three torpedoes and scored hits on three merchant vessels.  The convoy drove the U-boat beneath the surface before the captain was able to ascertain whether any of the ships actually sank.
	U-569 returned to La Pallice the third week of March.  A mine destructor vessel ("Sperrbrecher") escorted her through the breakwater into the harbor.  She lay in port for about four weeks, preparing for her next cruise.  Johannsen and three petty officers were presented with the Iron Cross First Class for their part in the convoy attack.  The Commanding Officer of the 3rd Flotilla, Korvettenkapitän Richard Zapp of the 1926 naval term made the presentation.
	U-569 was beginning to show structural defects, according to one prisoner who stated that it was planned to withdraw her from active service after her next patrol.
	__________________________________________________________________________
	*  "Probably U.G. 1.    Four ships torpedoed (two sunk and two reached harbor).  2130/23/2/43.    3110 M., 2730 W."
	--- N.I.D. 1/PW    30 August 1943.
	ref.  N.I.D.  pw - U.S.  246/43.
	- 14 -

 

	Chapter XII.  NINTH AND LAST WAR CRUISE OF U-569
	The ninth patrol of U-569 was much like the others except for its conclusion.  The U-boat sailed from La Pallice at about 1900 Z on April 19, 1943, accompanied by a mine destructor vessel ("Sperrbrecher") and several patrol boats.  Her operational area was in the North Atlantic.  Once a convoy was sighted, but the U-boat was unable to get into position to attack.  Later a vessel sailing out of convoy was seen, but she was identified by the captain as the Swedish ship, Vasaholm, and no attack was made.
	On about May 18, 1943, U-569 met a supply U-boat.  Several prisoners said that the two U-boats were together for more than a day in order to take on oil and supplies and to carry out minor repairs.  They stated that the supply U-boat was commanded by Kapitänleutnant Wilamowitz-Möllendorf.
	Shortly after being refueled, U-569 received a signal from the Admiral-in-Command of U-boats to proceed to another operational area to join an attack on a convoy.  On May 21, 1943, she sighted planes which were recognized as carrier-based aircraft.
	On May 22, 1943, U-569 surfaced about 1800 Z after having been submerged most of the day.  Although the ceiling was low, Johannsen neglected to order the antenna of the G.S.R. to be raised.  About an hour later, a plane from USS Bogue gained a radar contact on the U-boat and closed for attack.
	- 15 -

 

	Chapter XIII.  SINKING OF U-569
	The attack on U-569 by a plane from USS Bogue, which was escorting Convoy ON.184, caught the U-boat completely by surprise.  At about 1900 Z on May 22, 1943, the plane, following a radar contact, came out of the clouds and dropped four bombs which exploded very close to the U-boat.  The U-boat dived, but a second stick of bombs brought her to the surface.  The boat dived again, reaching a depth of about 120 meters, but considerable damage had already been sustained.  The high pressure lines were broken, and water began leaking into the after compartment.  When the water reached the electric motor compartment, the boat became very heavy by the stern, and it was impossible to maintain trim.  The crew was ordered forward in an effort to decrease the angle but to no avail.  The order was given to surface.
	When U-569 broke surface, the plane from Bogue immediately machine-gunned the deck to prevent the crew from manning the anti-aircraft gun.  Realizing that the situation was hopeless, Johannsen ordered a white flag to be raised and the crew on deck.  The men ties a napkin to the periscope, but it was too small for the plane to see.  The plane continued to attack, and the crew rushed from one side of the conning tower to the other to avoid its fire.  Soon a second plane joined the first, and the attack was made from both sides of the boat.  Over half of the crew of the U-boat sprang into the water to avoid being hit, and many of them were lost due to the heavy sea.  Johannsen ordered a larger white flag to be raised, and a sheet was put up in place of the napkin.  This was seen by the planes which immediately ceased fire.  Shortly thereafter, HMCS St. Laurent hove into sight.  Johannsen gave the order to abandon ship, and the Engineer Officer went below and opened the flood
	- 16 -

 

	valves.  He went down with the boat.  Twenty-five members of the crew were picked up by St. Laurent and Johannsen was much impressed by the efforts of the destroyer in rescue work.  He mentioned, with admiration, one of her officers who, with a line secured about his waist, sprang into the water and saved two of the U-boat men.
	- 17 -

 

	Chapter XIV.  DETAILS OF U-569
	TONNAGE.
	500 tons.
	TYPE.
	VII-C.
	BUILDING YARD.
	BLom and Voss, Hamburg.
	FLOTILLA.
	U-569 was always assigned to the 3rd Flotilla, which had its headquarters at La Pallice.
	DIESEL ENGINES.
	G.W. (Germania Werft, Krupp).  6-cylinder, 4-cycle, single acting, developing 1400 horsepower.  An engine room petty officer stated that at slow speed (L.F.) the engines turned up to 280 r.p.m.; at half speed (H.F.) to 350 r.p.m.; and at full speed (A.K.) up to 470 r.p.m.  The Diesels were fitted with geared centrifugal superchargers.  The valves were ground after each patrol.
	ELECTRIC MOTORS.
	Brown Boveri Co.  At slow speed they turned up 150 r.p.m.; at half speed, 190 r.p.m.; at 3/4 speed, 230 r.p.m.; and at full speed, 250 r.p.m.  The batteries were said to be good for 30 hours at half speed.
	- 18 -

 

	ARMAMENT.
	88 mm. deck gun forward.  Two 20 mm. A.A. guns on the bridge.  The magazines of the 20 mm. guns were curved and held 20 rounds.  Model C-38 20 mm. guns were installed in February 1943, replacing a Model C-30.
	TORPEDOES.
	Fourteen.  Twelve electric and two air torpedoes.  The latter were carried in upper deck containers.  Prisoners stated that the batteries of the electric torpedoes were charged weekly and that distilled water was added only in port.
	S.B.T.
	Fitted.
	G.S.R.
	Fitted.
	C.H.G.
	Fitted.
	K.D.B.
	Not Fitted.
	F.P.N.
	M 42293.
	CALL LETTERS.
	XCV.
	- 19 -

 

	FRESH WATER.
	The distiller was capable of producing 200 liters per day.
	WATCHES.
	Watches were run by German summer time.  There were six watches of four hours each.
	CONNING TOWER DEVICE.
	The motto "Los Gehts" (Let's Go) with the compass rose between the words was painted on each side of the conning tower.
	UNIFORM DEVICE.
	A metal umbrella was worn on the caps of the crew.
	NICKNAME.
	Because she was the oldest boat in the 3rd Flotilla, U-569 was known in La Pallice as "Der alte Haee"  (The old hare).
	- 20 -

 

	Addenda to O.N.I. 250 - G/Serial 12
	REPORT ON THE
	INTERROGATION OF SURVIVORS FROM U-569
	SUNK ON MAY 22, 1943
	Chapter XIV.  DETAILS OF U-569
	ARMAMENT.
	Two 20 mm. guns were mounted:  one was on Platform I and the other abaft the conning tower on a special gun platform (Platform II) which had been constructed in February 1943.  The latter platform was described as being some 70 cm. (about 27 inches) lower than the conning tower.

 

	Chapter XV.  GENERAL REMARKS ON U-BOATS
	EXHAUST VALVES.
	A prisoner stated that the greatest weakness of German U-boats lies in their exhaust valves.  These often become pitted and coated with carbon.  They provide an effective closure at normal depth in spite of the coating, but at great depths, the carbon is removed by excessive pressure.  The valves are regularly cleaned and ground, but trouble from this source is on the increase due to new and inferior fuel.
	- 21 -

 

	Chapter XVI.  U-BOAT BASES
	LORIENT.
	The rest home for crews of U-boats based at Lorient is at Carnac, just west of the Presqu'lle de Quiboron.
	LA PALLICE.
	Prisoners stated that by April 1, 1943, all U-boat shelters had been fitted with heavy armored doors.  Each shelter has a pair of three doors, hung from the top and not quite reaching water level.  Dry-dock shelters also have these doors in addition to the pressure proof doors.  Several new shelters were near completion at the time of the departure of U-569 (April 19, 1943) and were scheduled to be finished by June 1, 1943.  Their completion had been delayed by the cave-in of the roof of the second wet-deck shelter, which killed three workmen.  The accident was blamed on sabotage.
	Barrage balloons are in a semi-circle in front of the shelters, the line beginning at the swing bridge.  The bridge, it was stated, had not been damaged by air raids.  A net is placed in front of the shelters at a distance of about 100 meters.  The new passage from the outer port leading to the inner harbor was still under construction in April 1943.  It runs parallel to the old passage.
	U-boats in the shelters at La Pallice are given identifying names (Decknamen) instead of numbers.  Usually the names of women are used and prisoners mentioned the following as being popular:  Anni, Susi, Vicki, Yvonne, Cisela, and Dora.
	- 22 -

 

	The officers' quarters are located on the Rue Thiers near the Place du Marché in the former Hotel des Étrangers.  It has been renamed "Haus Schepke".
	Favorite places of entertainment in La Pallice are the Café de la Paix and the Klsässer Bar in the center of town, and the Cafés Mutti, Susie, and Buffalo Bill on the water front.  The brothels are located on and near Rue Alcide.
	A rest home for U-boat crews is at Royan and is known as "U-Weide Royan".  The crews occupy four hotels situated on the beach.
	The Headquarters of the 3rd Flotilla are on the outskirts of La Rochelle and are known as "Priengelände".  They occupy the site of the old French artillery post, between the railroad and the Boulevard de Gognehors.  They consist of thirteen two-story stone buildings painted a light color, within an irregular enclosure.  Barracks, administration buildings, a first aid station (Revier), canteen, swimming pool, and recreation buildings are all within the enclosure.  Only one officer is quartered here.  Prisoners stated that the Commanding Officer of the Flotilla was Korvettenkapitän Zapp, and that the Flotilla Engineer Officer was Korvettenkapitän (Ing.) Abel.
	A new and spacious U-Heia (rest home) was opened in January 1943.  It is situated on the beach near the Mall, about a mile from the Priengelände.  It was described as a well appointed stone building, painted white.  At the opening celebration were officers and men from the 3rd Flotilla and girls from the Organisation Todt.
	ST NAZAIRE.
	There is said to be only one brothel, used by both officers and
	- 23 -

 

	men, in St. Nazaire.  A prisoner said that St. Nazaire was "not as advanced as La Pallice" in this regard.
	STEENWIJK.
	A prisoner said that the commanding officer of the Replacement Company at Steenwijk is named Reinfeld.  (O.N.I. Note:  This name does not appear in the German Naval List of 1940.)
	- 24 -

 

	Chapter XVII.  MISCELLANEOUS
	A prisoner from U-569 was one of a group of nine from the Personnel Reserve of La Pallice to join a detail of 300 men, sent to Toulon for the purpose of taking over and manning the French submarines based there.  The detail was in charge of a midshipman and a warrant officer.  They started two days before the scuttling of the French Fleet, going via Paris on slow trains.  They arrived in Toulon the morning after the scuttling.  Finding no submarines to man, they returned, using express trains.
	A radioman from U-569 stated that the crew often listened to the broadcast, "Kameradeschafts Dienst".
	A prisoner stated that in the summer of 1942, a U-boat based on La Pallice mysteriously blew up shortly after it had left the harbor.  The story was widely known among U-boat men who blamed the accident on sabotage.
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	ANNEX A.  CREW LIST OF U-569
	Name Rank USN Equivalent Age           Johannsen, Hans Oberleutnant der Reserve Lieutenant (j.g.), Reserve 32   Paschen, Fritz Oberleutnant zur See Lieutenant (j.g.) 21 * Stickler, Leopold Leutnant zur See Ensign * Eckstein Leutnant (Ing.) Ensign, Engineering duties only   Roosbach, Horst Oberfähnrich (Ing.) Midshipman 19 * Tietemann Fähnrich zur See Midshipman   Albig, Hans Obersteuermann Warrant quartermaster 28   Bethke, Werner Obermaschinist Warrant machinist 29   Jasse, Reinhold Obermaschinist Warrant machinist 29   Harder, Otto Maschinenobermaat Machinist's mate 2cl 24 * Hohman Maschinenobermaat Machinist's mate 2cl   Schulz, Herbert Maschinenobermaat Machinist's mate 2cl 23   Schurient, Heinz Maschinenobermaat Machinist's mate 2cl 22 * Söhl Bootsmaat Coxswain * Schrief Bootsmaat Coxswain   Haist, Hans Funkobermaat Radioman 2cl 24   Beckers, Kurt Oberbootsmannsmaat Boatswain's mate 2cl 27 * Markworth Maschinenmaat Fireman 2cl * Steger Maschinenmaat Fireman 2cl   Albus Mechanikermaat Torpedoman's mate 2cl 23 * Scholand Funkmaat Radioman 3cl * Adam Maschinenobergefreiter Fireman 2cl * Brocke Maschinenobergefreiter Fireman 2cl * Heine Maschinenobergefreiter Fireman 2cl   Kühn, Konrad Maschinenobergefreiter Fireman 2cl 19 * Rotschke Maschinenobergefreiter Fireman 2cl * Wolter Maschinenobergefreiter Fireman 2cl * Bornemann Matrosenobergefreiter Seaman 1cl   Süsing, Günther Matrosenobergefreiter Seaman 1cl 20   Fennel, Georg Matrosenobergefreiter Seaman 1cl 20   Borchert, Hans Mechanikerobergefreiter Seaman 1cl 22   Drechsel, Werner Maschinengefreiter Fireman 3cl 19 * Gennat Maschinengefreiter Fireman 3cl   Kortüm, Richard Maschinengefreiter Fireman 3cl 20   Krütsfeld, Hans Maschinengefreiter Fireman 3cl 20   Meissle, Rupert Maschinengefreiter Fireman 3cl 19   Schuls, Kurt Maschinengefreiter Fireman 3cl 19 * Nebelsick Mechanikergefreiter Seaman 2cl * Schlaff Funkgefreiter Seaman 2cl   Ulmer, Heinrich Funkgefreiter Seaman 2cl   Dornfeld, Gerhard Matrosengefreiter Seaman 2cl 21 * Hollmann Matrosengefreiter Seaman 2cl * Kutterer Matrosengefreiter Seaman 2cl   Pönitz, Kurt Matrosengefreiter Seaman 2cl 19   Reisinger, Frana Matrosengefreiter Seaman 2cl 20 * Rupp Matrosengefreiter Seaman 2cl
	__________________________________________________________________________
	*  Denotes casualties.

 

	SUMMARY OF CREW
	Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Midshipmen . . . . . . . . . 2 Petty Officers . . . . . . . . 15 Other ranks . . . . . . . . . 25                       Total . . . . . 46

 

	ANNEX B.
	TRANSLATION OF A MEMORANDUM WRITTEN BY THE CHIEF RADIOMAN CONCERNING REPAIRS TO BE MADE BY DOCK YARD MAINTENANCE, RADIO SECTION.
	1.  Install new switch on main circuit of short-wave receiver.
	2.  Move 220 volt outlet in the listening room (Horchraum).
	3.  Adjust Radioman (radione, trade name ?).
	4.  Adjust switch on forward tube box of multiunit hydrophones (G.H.G.).
	5.  Replace oscillator of multiunit hydrophones.
	6.  Check keying of 40 watt transmitter - loud hum.
	7.  Install loudspeaker in captain's cabin.
	8.  Dry out D/F apparatus.
	9.  Install new air pump for D/F apparatus.
	10.  Complete new G.S.R. antenna.
	11.  Adjust G.S.R.
	12.  Install G.S.R. on movable base (Schwingnetall).
	13.  Install new antenna plug board (Antennenstackbrett).
	14.  Adjust all-frequency receiver.
	15.  Overhaul amplifier of loudspeaker system.
	16.  Overhaul transformer and regulate voltage.

 

	OTHER U-BOATS.
	U-boats Identified by Number:
	U-104         A prisoner from U-569 once served under Kapitänleutnant Jürst of the 1932 naval term, in U-104.  The prisoner said that this boat was used to make part of the film, "U-boote Westwärts".  The photography was done at Zoppot.  The boat was sunk November 21, 1940, on her first war cruise.     U-132?        U-306?         The sinking of the U-boat commanded by Kapitänleutnant Vogelsang of the 1931 naval term was confirmed.  (O.N.I. Note:  Information regarding Vogelsang's boat is contradictory.  He has been reported commanding officer of both U-132 and U-306.     U-332         This U-boat formerly commanded by Kapitänleutnant Liebe belongs to the 3rd Flotilla at La Pallice.  Liebe was relieved of his command  in January 1943 and a new commanding officer has his boat.  The new captain has retained Liebe's conning tower device, Cupid astride a torpedo.  (O.N.I. Note:  It is believed that this officer was Kapitänleutnant Johannes Liebe of the 1933 naval term, thought to have commanded U-332.  Information from another source indicates that Liebe was lost with this boat.)     U-333         Several prisoners reported that U-333 was in La Pallice in January 1943.  The boat was formerly commanded by Kapitänleutnant Erich Cremer of the 1932 naval term.  Cremer, they said, had been wounded by gun fire from a destroyer in June 1942 and that an Oberleutnant Stein was the new commanding officer.   U-402         Kapitänleutnant Siegfried von Forstner, commanding officer of U-402,
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	gives his boat the name, "Rommel" when she is in the shelters at La Pallice.  Prisoners said that they saw the boat in La Pallice in early April 1943.  It is said to have the motto, "Fidelitas" painted on the conning tower.     U-571         U-571 commanded by Kapitänleutnant Helmut Höhlmann of the 1933 naval term, belongs to the 3rd Flotilla at La Pallice.  A prisoner from U-569 had a good friend aboard this U-boat.  He had not seen nor heard from him for six months, and believed that U-571 had been sunk.     U-572         A prisoner from U-203 had served for a time on U-572, commanded by Kapitänleutnant Hirsacker of the 1934 naval term.  U-572 was on trials in the Baltic in July 1941 when the prisoner joined the boat.  She sailed from Hamburg on her first war cruise late in August 1941.  The cruise ended about mid September 1941 when U-572 put in at Brest.  The second war cruise began early in November 1941 and ended at Brest December 20, 1941.  After this cruise, the prisoner was ill and was given leave.  He returned to Brest January 15, 1942 but U-572 had already left on her third war cruise.  The prisoner made the fourth cruise with the boat, from about the middle of February to the middle of March 1942, after which he was detached from U-572.   U-753         The U-boat commanded by Korvettenkapitän von Mannstein of the 1925 naval term was said to have been in the same shelter as U-569 in La Pallice in April 1943.  Prisoners said that she was scheduled to leave on a war cruise shortly after April 19, 1943.  They stated that this U-boat had as a conning tower device a large Death's Head and the motto "Noch und Noch" (Again and Again).  It was previously thought that the device was the Coat of Arms of Marburg.
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	U-Boats Identified by Commanding Officers:
	U-Köpe         Prisoners stated that Kapitänleutnant Köpe of the 1935 naval term now has command of a U-boat.  Köpe was formerly Executive Officer (1.W.O.) of U-569 from April 1941 to November 1941.     U-Rasch         It was reported that Kapitänleutnant Rasch of the 1934 naval term and former commanding officer of U-106 how has command of a new boat.     U-Schamong         Oberleutnant Schamong of the April 1937 naval term, former Executive Officer of U-333, now has command of a new boat.  The boat was reported to have been in La Pallice between April 8 and April 19, 1943.     U-Schels         Oberleutnant Schels was reported to have command of a U-boat.  (O.N.I. Note:  This name does not appear in the German Naval List of 1940.)  Schels was Executive Officer of U-569 from April 1942 to January 1943.  He left the boat in January 1943 to take the commanding officers' course at Flensburg.     U-boats identified by Devices:     Black Cat, Recumbent         A U-boat bearing this device was reported attached to the 3rd Flotilla at La Pallice.   Polar Bear         A U-boat bearing this device arrived in La Pallice about April 1, 1943.  She had been newly assigned to the 3rd Flotilla.
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