Just bought from Thomas Huss ( www.german-historica.de )
The actual condolence letter is signed by Günther Kuhnke, Knights Cross winner and Flotilla Commander of 10 U-Flotille in Lorient. Quick check of boats lost by that Flotilla show only one lost on that day, U-540,(Kapitänleutnant Lorenz Kasch) a new Type IXC on her first war cruise. She was caught on the surface by two Liberators of Coastal Command. Both aircraft attacked, one keeping the flak gunners occupied (U-540 obeyed Dönitz orders to fight it out on the surrface) whilst the other attacked with cannon and depth charges. First batch of depth charges straddled her, second lot broke her back. She was seen with both bows and setrn pointing high in the air before sinking, her spine snapped. There were no survivors.
Another letter with the set informs the family that they will be sent his Wehrpass to retain in remembrance of him.
U-Boot Archiv will be able to provide more info and photos of U-540.
Posthumous U-Boat Docs are rare. Been looking for a good example of this type preferably with some additional background material for some years now. Asked Thomas to look out for one for me. Few weeks later, bang-here it is.
Can't believe my good luck in finding a solid trustworthy dealer who can actually supply first class original U-Boat material, usually harder to find than hens teeth
The actual condolence letter is signed by Günther Kuhnke, Knights Cross winner and Flotilla Commander of 10 U-Flotille in Lorient. Quick check of boats lost by that Flotilla show only one lost on that day, U-540,(Kapitänleutnant Lorenz Kasch) a new Type IXC on her first war cruise. She was caught on the surface by two Liberators of Coastal Command. Both aircraft attacked, one keeping the flak gunners occupied (U-540 obeyed Dönitz orders to fight it out on the surrface) whilst the other attacked with cannon and depth charges. First batch of depth charges straddled her, second lot broke her back. She was seen with both bows and setrn pointing high in the air before sinking, her spine snapped. There were no survivors.
Another letter with the set informs the family that they will be sent his Wehrpass to retain in remembrance of him.
U-Boot Archiv will be able to provide more info and photos of U-540.
Posthumous U-Boat Docs are rare. Been looking for a good example of this type preferably with some additional background material for some years now. Asked Thomas to look out for one for me. Few weeks later, bang-here it is.
Can't believe my good luck in finding a solid trustworthy dealer who can actually supply first class original U-Boat material, usually harder to find than hens teeth
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