“Boats must at all times be clear for crashdiving and underwater use.”
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: That is on Page 37, under 0740, Heading 3.
DÖNITZ: “Beware of enemy interference by airplanes and submarines.”
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: “All boats, also Hartenstein, take in only so many people that boats are completely ready for use under water.”
DÖNITZ: That my concern was justified was clearly evident from the message which Hartenstein sent and which said that he had been attacked by bombs from an American bomber.
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: This message, Mr. President, is on Page 39, under 1311 hours. It is an emergency message, and under 2304 hours there is the whole text of the message which I should like to read.
DÖNITZ: At this occasion...
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: One moment, Admiral. The message reads:
“Radiogram sent: From Hartenstein”—to Admiral Dönitz—“Bombed five times by American Liberator in low flight when towing four full boats in spite of a Red Cross flag, 4 square meters, on the bridge and good visibility. Both periscopes at present out of order. Breaking off rescue; all off board; putting out to West. Will repair.”
DÖNITZ: Hartenstein, as can be seen from a later report, also had 55 Englishmen and 55 Italians on board his submarine at that time. During the first bombing attack one of the lifeboats was hit by a bomb and capsized, and according to a report on his return there were considerable losses among those who had been rescued.