Two U-Boats in two days

10th April 1944: Even long-experienced U-boat commanders cannot escape as a US Task Group hunts them down in the Atlantic

U-515 being attacked and sunk by USS Pope (DE-134), USS Chatelain (DE-149), USS Pillsbury (DE-133), and USS Flaherty (DE-135) assisted by aircraft of VC-58 from USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60). 9 April 194

U-515 afire and sinking following attacks by US Navy Destroyer Escorts. Fire appears to be from explosion of the sub's after A.A. gun position.

5 sinks, after being disabled by US Navy Destroyer attacked, in 34 30' N, 19 30'W.

Survivors of U-515 await rescue, just after she was sunk .

In the Battle of the Atlantic the advantage had now shifted decisively in favour of the Allies. In an ever more desperate attempt to halt the waves of men and munitions that were arriving in Europe from America, the Nazis kept sending U-boats to sea. It was by no means an entirely one sided battle - but the chances of survival for an U-boat crew were becoming increasingly slim. Allied air cover, together with much improved radar, now extended across the the ocean.

… a terrific underwater explosion, with large air bubbles, debris, oil, battery acid, torpedo air flasks and several survivors coming to the surface …

On the 9th April a US anti submarine Task Group 22.3 led by the USS Guadalcanal had caught the U-515 on the surface and successfully sunk her following a five hour hunt. In doing so they captured Kapitänleutnant Werner Henke, a Nazi hero awarded the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves. Henke was later to be shot and killed while attempting to escape from a detention facility at Fort Hunt, Virginia.