Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

Is there anything in Luftwaffe KTBs regarding attacks on allied shipping outside the coast of Swansea between 22 to 24 March in 1941 ?

Also looking for similar attacks between 11 to 13 May in 1942 in the Bristol Channel.

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

Hi,

For 22 to 24 March 1941 there are entries in the Anlage to Lagebericht 577 (8.4.41)

21.3.41 20:10-20:15 I./KG 27 Merchant 4000 t South of Swansea Bay German Claim Sunk - Hit amidships, explosion and ship sank in 10 minutes.
21.3.41 20:10-20:15 I./KG 27 Tanker 4000 t South of Swansea Bay German Claim- 1 hit deck, 1 amidships, ship exploded, in 2-3 minutes sunk.
22.3.41 16:35 I./KG 27 Merchant 3000 t St George's Channel German Claim - 1 SC 500, hit amidships, ship sank immediately.
24.3.41 19:23 III./KG 27 Merchant 2000 t Bristol Channel German Claim - Damaged, 26 SC 50, hit on stern, smoke.

21.3.41 - possibly SS Millisle (617 t) en route from Cardiff to Cork - sunk near Helwick Light Buoy, Bristol Channel.
22.3.41 - Possibly SS Saint Fintan (495t) sunk near The Smalls, Marloe Pen. Pembrokeshire.
22.3.41 - Norwegian steamer INGER (1418grt) was damaged by German bombing ten miles south of Smalls.

Sources - www.naval-history.net and www.wrecksite.eu

Hope that this is of help.

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

In addition this from some of the Lageberichten.

Translations are via Google and have not been amended.

Lagebericht 560 22.3.41 10.00 hrs pg 2, 3 and 5

In Bristol-Kanal wurde in den Abendstunden zwischen
Pembroke und Swansea lebhafter Verkehr kleinerer Handelsschiffe dicht unter der Nordküste in allgemeiner Richtung nach Osten wahrgenommen. Südwestlich Swansea standen in den Abendstunden mehere Handels— und Tank-schiffe die zum Teil erfolgreich angegriffen.

The Bristol Channel was between in the evenings
Pembroke and Swansea saw brisk traffic from smaller merchant ships just below the north coast in a general eastbound direction. Several merchant and tankers stood southwest of Swansea in the evening, some of which were successfully attacked.

Regarding the claims for 21.3.41 – pg 5 of the Lagebericht 560 indicates that the ships attacked were part of a convoy and that the tanker was attacked from a height of 80m.

Lagebericht 562 24.3.41 10.00 hrs pg 4

In den Tagesstunden des 23.3. wurden folgende Schiffsziele durch
je 1 Kampfflugzeug angegriffen:
Bei bewaffneter Aufklärung über dem äußeren Bristol-Kanal
0850 bis
0910 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von 2000 BRT 70 km westlich Milfordhaven auf Südostkurs aus 40 m Flughöhe
mit 8 SC 250. 2 Bombeneinschläge etwa 1 Schiffsbreite vor dem Bug, 2 weitere 1 Schiffslänge zu kurz wurden beobachtet. Nach dem Bombenabwurf blieb das Schiff ohne Fahrt liegen, Schlagseite war nicht zu erkennen.

During the day of the 23.3. were the following ship objectives
1 plane attacked each:
During armed reconnaissance over the outer Bristol Channel
08.50 to
09.10 hrs. 1 merchant ship of 2000 GRT 70 km west of Milfordhaven on a southeast course from 40 m altitude with 8 SC 250. 2 bombs about 1 ship's breadth in front of the bow, 2 more 1 ship length were too short observed. After the bombing, the ship remained without drive lying, list was not recognizable.

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

The recently reformed III./KG 26 was the main anti-shipping unit off the western coasts of Britain in May 1942

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

Hello Andy,

thanks for the rundown of activity! But what specific Lagebericht does this come from?

Regarding my query about the attacks in march 1941, I have found there were a attack on a UK Coastal (probably) convoy during the night of March 23, at 2215 british time, as noted by one of the ships.

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

Hello Chris,

thanks for the information about the possible unit to the attackers. I made a somewhat big error about the year in my inital post, the attack that I was looking for took place in between May, 11 - 13 1941, not 1942. Do you have anything more regarding attacks on shipping in the Bristol Channel for the same period in 1941 ?

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

Nothing I am sorry

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

Ok. Would units from KG 26 also have been enagaged with antishipping in the same area in may 1941 ?

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

More like KG 27

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

Hi,

The March activity is as stated in the Lageberichten quoted in my two posts.

I will look at the May 1941 Lageberichten and see what there is in them.
Will post what I find.

What ship recorded the March attack?

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

Hello,

Here are some claims from Anlage 5 zu Lagebericht 627 (28th May 10.00 hrs)

11.5.41 02:30 hrs Fl.Gr 406 6000t Merchant Damaged (Lft.3) Nr Milford - German Claim – 1 SC 250, Bomb detonated under ship, ship stayed stopped.

11.5.41 02:01 hrs Fl.Gr 406 8000t Merchant Damaged (Lft.3) 20 sm SW Milford – German Claim – 2 SC 250, Hit aft edge of superstructure, slightly damaged.

11.5.41 02:00 hrs Fl.Gr 406 5000t Tanker Damaged (Lft.3) Northern Cardigan Bay – German Claim – 1 SC 250, Hit on the stern, high jet of flame, no further observations due to strong defence.

12.5.41 02:32 hrs Fl.Gr.406 8000t Tanker Damaged (Lft.3) Nr Milford – German Claim - Hit across the ship's side in the hull, strong explosion with a white cloud of smoke, due to strong Flak no further observations possible.

12.5.41 Fl.Gr.806 claim 2 ships damaged nr Fishguard

13.5.41 Fl.Gr. 406 claim 1 ship damaged nr Holyhead.

13.5.41 02:10 Fl.Gr.406 2000t Merchant Damaged (Lft.3) West of Cardigan Bay German Claim – 1 SC 250 - Impact in the waterline observed aft, the ship stopped after the attack, damaged.

Note - Unit designation is as stated in the Anlage to Lagebericht 627

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

Her is some detail for the 11.5.41 from Lagebericht 610 11.5.41 10:00 hrs

Note translations by Google (typing by muppet).

Page 9

Bei bewaffneter Seeaufklärung über dem St,Georgs-Kanal griffen
die in der Nacht zum 11.5.1941 eingesetzten Kampfflugzeuge einzeln folgende Schiffsziele an:

01:00 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff (Tankschiff) von 4000 BRT 25 km westlich Fishguard aus 40 m Flughöhe mit 2 SC 250 ohne erkennbare Wirkung.

01:15 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von 3000 BRI 70 km nordwestlich Bardsey aus einem in Versammlung begriffenen Geleitzug im Gleitangriff mit 1 SC 250, Bombeneinschlag 2 Schiffsbreiten
voraus ohne Wirkung wurde beobachtet.

02:00 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff (Tankschiff) von 5000 BRT aus einem Geleitzug von 5 Handelsschiffen 10 km südlich Bardsey aus 40 m Flughöhe mit 1 SC 250, die als Volltreffer auf dem Heck einschlug und mit hohem Feuerschein detonierte. Weitere Wirkung konnte wegen starker Abwehr nicht beobachtet werden.

02:01 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von 8000 BRT aus einen Geleitzug von
15-20 Handelsschiffen mit 2 Zerstörern 40 km südwestlich Milford Haven aus 40 m Flughöhe mit 2 SC 250. Eine Bombe schlug auf der achteren Kante der Aufbauten als Treffer ein, weitere Wirkung wurde nicht erkannt.

02:10 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von 4000 BRT 15 km südwestlich Bardsey aus 40 m Flughöhe mit 1 SC 250, die ohne erkennbare Wirkung zwei Schiffsbreiten zu kurz einschlugen.

02:30 Uhr 1 einzeln fahrendes Handelsschiff von 6000BRT 15 km südwestlich Milford Haven aus 40 m Flughöhe mit 1 SC 250.
Die Bombe detonierte unter dem Schiff, das gestoppt
liegen blieb. Weitere Wirkung konnte nicht wahrgenemmen
werden.

Attacked during armed sea reconnaissance over the St, Georgs Canal the planes deployed on the night of May 11, 1941 individually to the following ship targets:

01:00 a.m. 1 merchant ship (tanker) of 4000 GRT 25 km west of Fishguard from an altitude of 40 m with 2 SC 250s without any noticeable effect.

1:15 a.m. 1 merchant ship of 3000 BRT 70 km north-west of Bardsey from a convoy in the process of gliding attack with 1 SC 250, bombing 2 ship widths in advance with no effect was observed.

02:00 a.m. 1 merchant ship (tanker) of 5000 GRT from one Convoy of 5 merchant ships 10 km south of Bardsey from 40 m altitude with 1 SC 250, which was a direct hit on the Stern struck and detonated with a high glow of fire. Further Effect could not be observed due to strong defence become.

02:01 a.m. 1 merchant ship of 8000 GRT from a convoy of 15-20 merchant ships with 2 destroyers 40 km southwest of Milford Haven from 40 m altitude with 2 SC 250s. A bomb hit the aft edge of the superstructure as a hit, further effects were not recognized.

02:10 a.m. 1 merchant ship of 4000 GRT 15 km southwest of Bardsey from 40 m altitude with 1 SC 250, the one without recognizable effect two ship's breadth too short.

02:30 a.m. 1 single merchant ship of 6000BRT 15 km southwest of Milford Haven from 40 m altitude with 1 SC 250. The bomb detonated under the ship, which stopped remained lying. Further effect could not be perceived become.

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

Further detail for the early morning hours of 13.5.41 from Lagebericht Nr 612 13.5.41 10.00 hrs pgs 4, 5 and 6
as stated before translation via Google.

In der Nacht zum 13.5. waren Kampfflugzeuge zu bewaffneter Au^kJärung gegen Schiffsziele eingesetzt. Hierbei wurden folgende Ziele durch je 1 Kampfflugzeug mit beobachtetem Erfolg angegriffen:

02:10 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von 2000 BRT 50 km westsüdwestlich
Bardsey (St. Georgs-Kanal) aus 50 m Flughöhe mit 1 SC 250. Einschlag in der Wasserlinie achtern wurde erkannt, das Schiff blieb nach der Detonation gestoppt liegen.

02:50 Uhr 2 Handelsschiffe von je 6000 - 8000 BRT 20 km nord-
westlich Holy Head auf Westkurs aus 40 m Flughöhe
mit 2 SC 250 in 2 Anflügen. Beim zweiten Anflug wurde 1 Treffer auf dem Heck eines Schiffes erzielt und Detonation beobachtet.

Im Seegebiet des Bristol- und St. Georgs-Kanals:
01:05 Uhr 2 Handelsschiffe von je 3000 BRT 80 km Westnordwestl. Fishguard aus 50 m Flughöhe mit 2 SC 250.
01:20 Uhr 1 Zerstörer 90 km nordwestl, Fishguard mit Feuer aus Bordkanone.
02:10 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von 2000 BRT 50 km westsüdwestl. Bardsey aus 50 m Flughöhe mit 1 SC 250.
02:10 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff (Tankschiff) von 7000 - 8000 BRT
50 km nordwestl. Holy-Head aus 50 m Flughöhe mit 2 SC 250.
02:55 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von etwa 2000 BRT 50 km südostw.
Swansea aus 100 m Flughöhe mit 4 SC 250.
03:10 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von 3000 BRT 10 km sudwestl. Aberystwith (in der Cardigan Bay) aus 100 m Flughöhe mit 4 SC 250.
03:20 Uhr 1 Zerstörer vor Swansea aus 50 m Flughöhe mit 2 SC 250

On the night of May 13th bombers were used for armed reconnaissance against ship targets. Here the following targets were attacked by 1 combat aircraft each with observed success:

02:10 a.m. 1 merchant ship of 2000 GRT 50 km west-southwest
Bardsey (St. Georgs Canal) from 50 m altitude with 1 SC 250. Impact in the waterline aft was detected, the ship was stopped after the detonation.

02:50 a.m. 2 merchant ships of 6000 - 8000 GRT each 20 km north west of Holy Head on west course from 40 m altitude with 2 SC 250 in 2 approaches. On the second approach, 1 hit was obtained on the stern of a ship and detonation was observed.

In the sea area of the Bristol and St. George's Channels:
01:05 a.m. 2 merchant ships of 3000 GRT each 80 km west-north-west.Fishguard from 50 m altitude with 2 SC 250.
01:20 a.m. 1 destroyer 90 km northwest, Fishguard with fire from on-board cannon.
02:10 a.m. 1 merchant ship of 2000 GRT 50 km west-south-west. Bardsey from 50 m altitude with 1 SC 250.
02:10 a.m. 1 merchant ship (tanker) of 7000 - 8000 GRT
50 km northwest. Holy head from 50 m altitude with 2 SC 250.
02:55 a.m. 1 merchant ship of around 2000 GRT 50 km southeast.
Swansea from 100 m altitude with 4 SC 250.
03:10 a.m. 1 merchant ship of 3000 GRT 10 km south-west. Aberystwith (in Cardigan Bay) from 100 m altitude with 4 SC 250.
03:20 a.m. 1 destroyer off Swansea from 50 m altitude with 2 SC 250.

Re: Attack on allied shipping outside Swansea 1941 and Bristol Channel 1942
 

And here are the same details relating to 12.5.41

Translation via Google

Lagebericht Nr 612 13.5.41 10.00 hrs - Anlage 5 zum Lagebericht Nr 612 vom13.5.1941

F) Nachtrag zum Lagebericht Nr 611 vom 12.5.1941:
In der Nacht zum 12.5.1941 wurden ausser den im Lagebericht Nr 611 aufgeführten Kampfhandlungen noch folgende Angriffe durchgeführt:

In Seegebiet St .Georgs- und Bristolkanal.
a) Mit beobachteter wirkung durch je 1 Kampfflugzeug: -
02:32 Uhr 1 Tankschiff von 8000 BRT 20 km westl. St.Govens Head aus einen Geleitzug mit 5 Zerstörern. Treffer 1 SC 250
durch die Bordwand erzeugte in Rumpf eine starke Explosion
mit weißer Qualmwolke.
03:52 Uhr aus einen Geleitzuge von 15 Handelsschiffen mit 6 Zerstörern auf Nordkurs 20 km nördlich. St.Davids Head
1 Handelsschiff von 10 000 BRT. Volltreffer einer SC 250
auf der Achterkante der Brückenaufbauten erzeugte eine
starke Explosion, das Schiff brach auseinander und sank
in 4 Minuten.
03:10 Uhr 1 weiteres Handelsschiff von 6-8000 BRT aus den gleichen Geleitzug. Eine SC 250 detonierte unter den Bug, eine
weitere in den Aufbauten. Nach starker Explosion geriet
das Schiff in Brand.

b) Ohne beobachtete wirkung durch je 1 Kampfflugzeug:
00:55 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von 8000 BRT 20 kn westl. Fishguard mit 2 SC 250 ohne Erfolg, da Fehlwurf.
01:25 Uhr 1 Tankschiff von 4000 BRT 20 kn westl. Milford Haven mit 2 SC 250.
01:30 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von 4000 BRT in der Gleichen Position mit 2 SC 250,
01:30 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von 2000 BRT 50 km westl. Holy Head mit 2 SC 250.
02:30 Uhr 1 Zerstörer der W-Klasse in Einzelfahrt 20 km südwestl. Lands End.
02:40 Uhr 1 Handelsschiff von 2000 BRT in Einzelfahrt 30 km südl Holy Head.
Bei den vorstehend aufgeführten 6 Angriffen wurden keine Treffer oder Wirkung beobachtet .Die Flughöhe bei den in diesen Seegebiet durchgeführten Angriffen betrug durchweg 40 - 50 m.

F) Addendum to Lagebericht No. 611 from May 12, 1941:On the night of May 12th, 1941, in addition to those in the Lagebericht No. 611 listed the following attacks carried out:

In the St George and Bristol Channel area.
a) With observed effects by 1 combat aircraft each: -
02:32 a.m. 1 tanker of 8000 GRT 20 km west of St.Govens Head from a convoy with 5 destroyers. Hit 1 SC 250 a strong explosion caused by the ship's side with a cloud of white smoke.
03:52 a.m. from a convoy of 15 merchant ships with 6 destroyers on a north course 20 km north. St David's Head 1 merchant ship of 10,000 GRT. A direct hit with an SC 250 on the aft edge of the bridge superstructure created a strong explosion, the ship broke apart and sank in 4 minutes.
03:10 a.m. 1 further merchant ship of 6-8000 GRT from the same convoy. One SC 250 detonated under the bow, one more in the superstructures. Got caught after a strong explosion the ship on fire.

b) Without observed effects from 1 combat aircraft each:
00:55 hrs 1 merchant ship of 8000 GRT 20 km west of Fishguard with 2 SC 250 unsuccessful because of a miss.
01:25 am 1 tanker of 4000 GRT 20 kn west of Milford Haven with 2 SC 250.
01.30 a.m. 1 merchant ship of 4000 GRT in the same position with 2 SC 250.
01:30 a.m. 1 merchant ship of 2000 GRT 50 km west of Holy Head with 2 SC 250.
02:30 a.m. 1 destroyer of the W-class in single voyage 20 km southwest Land's End.
02:40 a.m. 1 merchant ship of 2000 GRT in single voyage 30 km south. Holy Head.
No hits were found in the 6 attacks listed above or effect observed. The altitude of the attacks carried out in this sea area was 40 - 50 m throughout.

-------------------------------------
Hope all of the information is of some help.