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On A/S escort to HX., 231 while carrying out patrol as
ordered by S.N.O. by R/T. flying on track 280 degs at 700 ft. in weather
10/10 cloud, base 700 ft., sea rough, visibility 1 mile sighted U/B on
surface bearing Green 20 degs., distant 1 mile in position 58 degs. 02
mins., N. 28 degs., 42 mins W. course 086 degs 10 knots. This position
was 265 degs. 18 nm from HX., 231. S/E. was in use but no contact
was obtained. U/B. was 517 ton type, greyish brown in color, guns
fore and aft of conning tower. Pilot altered course to starboard
losing height and manoeuvered for an attack down U/B's track, during the
approach three or four men were seen, one of them on deck and another
manning conning tower gun, no shots were fired and all but one of the
men were thought to have scrambled down the hatch prior to attack.
Aircraft attacked down U/B's track releasing from 50ft., 1 Mark XI. Torpex
depth charge, shallow setting, while U/B. was on surface. Three
depth charges failed to release. Evidence states that No. 1 depth
charge which did release entered water about 60 ft., to port of U/B.,
in line with bows. After attack U/B turned hard to starboard, and
commenced to dive. Aircraft had turned to port before U/B's change
of course was observed, and aircraft then had to make more than a complete
circle before being able to deliver another attack. Second attack
was made from U/B's port quarter at angle of 45 degs. to track releasing
from 50 ft., 4 Mark XI Torpex depth charges, shallow setting spaced 90
ft., actual as U/B was in the act of diving with 20 ft., of stern still
visible. Evidence states that stick entered water straddling U/B's
track with centre dead on track about 180 ft., ahead of swirl. Aircraft
circled and observed a patch of dark oil 10 yds. in diameter in vicinity
of attack. A black object which may have been one of the men left
on deck, was also seen in the position of attack. At 1940 aircraft
set course for convoy informing S.N.O. by R/T. of attack. At 2000
aircraft resumed patrol. |
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