U-505 page 9

 U-505 page 9 by ric gustafson

After 27 days crossing the Atlantic, U-505 spots something in the distance. It was a steamer called the ' Sea Thrush'. It was carrying ammo and other war goods. It's destination was a seaport in Iran. The master of the ' Sea Thrush' did not know his vessel had been stalked for seven hours by U-505. Loewe fires three torpedoes into the steamer. The ship sinks. It was kill number 1 for U-505. Kill number 2 was a merchant ship. It was the ' USS Thomas McKean'. Loewe decided to hunt along the coast of Venezuela and Colombia. 

It was at this time the crew of U-505 noticed a change in their skipper. Loewe began showing signs of nervous distress. His skin was growing paler. He rarely left his cabin. Worried, First Watch Officer Herbert Nollaw radioed U-boat Headquarters. He told them Loewe was getting seriously ill. 

The boat was ordered to return to Lorient. The return trip was not easy. A U-boat milk cow had to refuel the boat. When U-505 finally reached the Bay of Biscay, the boat had to stay underwater. Constant British air patrols was creating havoc in the Bay of Biscay.

U-505 reached Lorient Harbor on August 25 1942. Loewe was examined by a doctor. He had chronic appendicitis. He was relieved of command. 

research help: ' Codename Nemo' by Charles Lachman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric