In September of 1939, several Fleetwood vessels were sunk on the same day by U-35, a type VII vessel, under the command of Werner Lott. The log extract was provided by Hans Mair (www.u-35.com) who was related to the Engineer of U-35. Gil Mayes arranged for Jochen Krüsmann to translate the logs from German

War Diary U-35

On 18.09.1939 1319h the British fish trawler “St. Alvin(s)” was stopped in position 58.10N 09.17W and was examined in accordance with Art.54 of the Prize Regulations (=P.O. = “Prisenordnung”).

Results of Examination:

Name and size of the vessel: “St. Alvis”, 271 Br T
Name of owner: unknown
Port of registry: Hull
Port of departure : Fleetwood
Destination port: Fleetwood
Flag visible: none

The steamer is of enemy origin (Art.6 P.O.). He should be destroyed, because confiscation is not possible. His operation area was far away from the coast and because of that he could not be considered a “coastal fishery vessel”. The fish catching equipment and the radio were thrown overboard. The crew of 13 which had already embarked into the rescue boat was advised to get back onto the ship, beacause the freeboard of it was already very narrow and was not considered seaworthy. The steamer was dismissed. There were no attempts to escape or other resistance.

War Diary U-35

On 18.09.1939 1848h the British fish trawler “Arlita” was stopped in position 58.09N 09.17W and was examined in accordance with Art.54 of the Prize Regulations (=P.O. = “Prisenordnung”).

Results of Examination:

Name and size of the vessel: “Arlita” 325t
Name of owner: unknown
Port of registry: Fleetwood
Port of departure : Fleetwood
Destination port: Fleetwood
Flag visible: none

The steamer is of enemy origin (Art.6 P.O.). He should be destroyed, because confiscation is not possible. His operation area was far away from the coast and because of that he could not be considered a “coastal fishery vessel”. The vessel was advised to follow the submarine in the direction of two other smokes which were sighted and belonged to two other fish trawlers. After the two newly arrived steamers (“Lord Minto”, “Nancy Hague”) were stopped the papers were examined. Afterwards the steamer was gunfired and sunk. The crew which had taken the rescue boat was advised to step over onboard the “Nancy Hague”. The papers were left with the captain. There was no indication for either an attempt to escape or of any hostile behaviour.

War Diary U-35

On 18.09.1939 1900h the British fish trawler “Nancy Hague” was stopped in position 58.09N 09.17W and was examined in accordance with Art.54 of the Prize Regulations (=P.O. = “Prisenordnung”).

Results of Examination:

Name and size of the vessel: “Nancy Hague”, abt 285t
Name of owner: unknown
Port of registry, departure and destination port: Fleetwood
Flag visible: none

The steamer is of enemy origin (Art.6 P.O.). He should be destroyed, because confiscation is not possible. His operation area was far away from the coast and because of that he could not be considered a “coastal fishery vessel”. As he was siezed together with two other fish trawlers (“Lord Minto”, “Arlita”) of which he was the smallest and oldest and the rescue boats were not considered as a safe place for the crew, so he was not sunk. The crews of the fish trawlers “Lord Minto”, “Arlita” were transferred and afterwards the vessel was allowed to leave for his home port. The steamer had tried to escape and made use of his radio to send emergency signals.

War Diary U-35

On 18.09.1939 1900h the British fish trawler “Lord Minto” was stopped in position 58.09N 09.17W and was examined in accordance with Art.54 of the Prize Regulations (=P.O. = “Prisenordnung”).

Results of Examination:

Name and size of the vessel: “Lord Minto”, 295t
Name of owner: unknown
Port of registry: Fleetwood
Departure & destination port: Fleetwood
Flag visible: none

The steamer is of enemy origin (Art.6 P.O.). He should be destroyed, because confiscation is not possible. His operation area was far away from the coast and because of that he could not be considered a “coastal fishery vessel”. The steamer was siezed together with two others (“Arlita” and “Nancy Hague”). His papers were examined. The crew who had already embarked in a rescue boat was advised to step over to the trawler “Nancy Hague”. The steamer was gunfired and sunk. The papers were left with the captain of the vessel. The steamer had tried to escape.