Indeed, in the end I had the impression that the Italians did not fare very well in the rescue. That this impression was correct can be seen from the figures of those rescued. Of 811 Englishmen about 800 were rescued, and of 1,800 Italians 450.
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: Admiral, I want once more to clarify the dates of the entire action. The Laconia was torpedoed on 12 September. When was the air attack on the lifeboats?
DÖNITZ: On the 16th.
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: In the night of the 16th? On the 17th?
DÖNITZ: On the 16th.
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: On the 16th of September. So the rescue took how many days altogether?
DÖNITZ: Four days.
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: And afterwards was continued until when?
DÖNITZ: Until we turned them over to the French warships which had been notified by us.
FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBÜHLER: Now, what is the connection between this incident of the Laconia, which you have just described, and the order which the Prosecution charges as an order for destruction?