(xxviii) Hydroplane

None.

(xxix) German Asdic

None.

(xxx) Communications

One V.H./F. receiver-transmitter.
One MF/LF receiver-transmitter.
(N.I.D. Note - The MF/LF reciever-transmitter is doubtful. It is almost certainly H.F.)

(xxxi) Alarm Bells

One in engine-room, one on mess deck and one in P.O.s' mess.

(xxxii) Dinghies

Two inflatable rubber dinghies carried.

III. - LAST SORTIE OF "S 71"

(i) Preliminary Exercise

In the afternoon of the 17th February, 1943, "S 71" escorted "S 91" (Oberleutnant zur See Nolte) on a short engine trial off the coast southwards from Ymuiden. On returning "S 71" ship's company were informed of the forthcoming operation.

(ii) First Departure from Ymuiden

Boats from the 2nd and 6th E.-Boat Flotillas sailed from Ymuiden on a minelaying sortie about 1630 on 17th February, 1943.

Boats of the 6th Flotilla concerned were as follows-

Group 1.

"S 76" (Leutnant zur See Enno Brandi, with the Flotilla S. O. , Oberleutnant zur See "Sepp" Obermaier, on board.)

"S 39" (Oberleutnant zur See Martin Kultzen).

"S 71" (Oberleutnant zur See Rudiger Suhr).

Group 2.

"S 74" (Oberleutnant zur See Herbert Witt).

"S 75" (Oberleutnant zur See Wolf Horning).

"S 119" (Oberleutnant zur See der Reserve August Licht).

It is not known which boats of the 2nd Flotilla were concerned. there wre three of them.

All boats proceeded in line ahead, those of the 6th Flotilla leading. Course was set due west on leaving Ymuiden at a speed of 25-28 knots.

(iii) Rendezvous with 4th Flotilla Boats

About on hour after sailing the group rendezvoused with four boats of the 4th E-Boat Flotilla based on Rotterdam. Prisoners did not recall the numbers of these boats.

(iv) Return to Ymuiden

All boats stopped and, after some discussion between the Commanding Officers, all returned to Ymuiden, the 6th Flotilla leading, followed by the 2nd and 4th.

Surviviors were unaware of the reason for putting back, but were of the opinion that the decision had something to do with the presence of a British convoy in the area where the minefields were to be laid.

On return to Ymuiden, the boats of the 6th Flotilla entered the shelters, while those of the 2nd and 4th Flotillas either lay in front of the shelters or in the Fishing Harbour.

(v) Second Departure from Ymuiden

The formation finally sailed from Ymuiden at about 1930, half an hour earlier than the ship's companies had expected. The formation was the same as previously, course was approximately 270° and speed 25-28 knots.

(vi) Passage to North Sea

On reaching approximate position 52° 30' N., 04° 00' E., course was altered slightly northwards, and the formation, as far as prisoners were aware, steered a slightly elliptical course across the North Sea until approaching the English coast.