15 May 1942 Part 1

15 May 1942 St Malo convoy diary

St Malo. Weak winds shifting through south, calm sea, visibility two to five nautical miles. From radio messages received during the night or towards morning I learn that V 204/205 have been in action. Since I do not know that the important convoy is Sperrbrecher 171, I cannot initially connect the action with the task. I therefore sail with V 203/11, which I would otherwise have refrained from doing.

06:10: V 203/11 sail with the flotilla chief aboard. From radio reports of Sperrbrecher 171 entering Cherbourg and two torpedo boats being sent to the square where V 204/05 were in action, I infer that Sperrbrecher 171 is probably the object of the important convoy. 08:30: arrive J 2, where the division has ordered me to stand with the pilot boats. Light SE breeze, very calm sea, hazy. 11:00: I radio the division that I have been at J 2 since 08:30 but have seen no vessel. 11:56: divisional radio message says the task is completed for the time being and the boats are to enter St Malo. I head in and anchor with V 211/03 in St Malo Roads.

Situation: V 210/12 eastward passage; V 208/09 Guernsey–Cherbourg with Olwe, Hume, Hoedic and H 8 B [vessel list as read], then ready; V 207/06 on position under divisional special orders, then Guernsey for Karel and Ad. le Prince night troop convoy to Jersey; V 203/11 left St Malo at 05:40 for the divisional special task, then ready St Malo [05:40 in list, 06:10 in narrative]; V 204/05 on position under divisional special orders after night action, V 204 enters Cherbourg with V 205 in tow, Hermes Alderney–Cherbourg; V 202/1510 ready St Malo, V 202 anchor windlass unserviceable; V 213 unready St Malo. Tonnage 2,200 GRT.

Intentions for 16 May: V 210/12 eastward passage, then yard period; V 208/09 ready Cherbourg; V 206/07 Jersey–St Malo night troop convoy with Karel, Maas, Ad. le Prince and Nordplain; V 203/11 St Malo–Cherbourg to relieve V 204/05; V 204/05 rest Cherbourg; V 202/1510 ready St Malo, V 202 anchor windlass unserviceable; V 213 unready St Malo.

14:25: teletypes received while I was at sea tell me V 205 has meanwhile been brought to Cherbourg. I decide to go there immediately to inspect the battle damage and visit the wounded, and report my departure to the division. 15:50: leave by motor car. 19:25: arrive Cherbourg. V 205 has very considerable damage above water from 23 hits of at least 12 cm calibre and many hits of about 4 cm calibre. All weapons are unserviceable.

The crew of V 205 behaved excellently, according to the concurring reports of its severely wounded commander, Obersteuermann Hesseling, and Obersteuermann (ROA) Magnusson, who took command after the commander was disabled. Under the heaviest enemy fire, when the fighting range fell below 300 metres, no slackening of devoted duty was observed. V 205 has seven dead, one having succumbed to wounds in hospital, six severely wounded including the commander, and five lightly wounded.

Remark: V 205’s commander Hesseling, his deputy Magnusson and Flak Leutnant Schmidt, aboard for navigational training, deserve recognition for exemplary conduct and bravery. The commander’s decision led to an unsuccessful attempt to ram an English destroyer. V 204’s commander also handled his boat with calm judgement and courage. The energetic conduct of both boats split the English force and enabled Sperrbrecher 171 to enter Cherbourg undamaged. This success is not diminished by the fact that, apart from damage to a destroyer, no enemy losses were established. [These are the German diary author’s assessments and damage claims.]

Closing tonnage table, 1–15 May (GRT): 1 May 5,200; 2 May 10,600; 3 May 8,700; 4 May 4,500; 5 May 10,700; 6 May 3,400; 7 May 1,400; 8 May 7,350; subtotal 51,850. 9 May 5,500; 10 May 5,800; 11 May 7,200; 12 May 4,900; 13 May 6,500; 14 May 3,100; 15 May 2,200; subtotal 35,200. Total 87,050 GRT. [Both subtotals and the total add correctly.]

Convoy requests in the reporting period, figures in order requested / carried out / deferred / refused: 1 May 7/5/1/1 (one refused for weather); 2 May 4/4/0/0; 3 May 6/6/0/0; 4 May 2/1/1/0 (fog, 5 May); 5 May 3/3/0/0; 6 May 2/2/0/0; 7 May 1/1/0/0; 8 May 4/4/0/0; 9 May 1/1/0/0; 10 May 4/3/1/0 (lack of boats, 11 May); 11 May 2/2/0/0; 12 May 5/5/0/0; 13 May 4/4/0/0; 14 May 2/1/1/0 (17/18 May, island area closed); 15 May 3/0/3/0 (17/18 May, special employment). Total 50/42/7/1. Closed 15 May 1942, signed Dr Diederichs, Fregattenkapitän and chief of the 2nd Patrol Flotilla and Convoy Office.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 38000, scans 0342–0343.