Has anyone identified who leaked the information about Weserübung to the American Embassy in Copenhagen? On about 6 April 1940, they were informed that the invasion of Norway was imminent and that a division transported in ten ships would land at Narvik while Sweden would be left alone. The signal w...

Hi Andrzej,

The wreck is about 10 miles north of Barletta. Where did you think it was?

For the submarine history see my page:

https://uboat.net/italian_submarines/boats/12

Best regards,

Platon

Dr Fabio Bisciotti interviewed on Italian TV (TELEBLU) on 13th May 2022 (broadcast on the 14th) about the discovery of the wreck of the submarine Giovanni Bausan (originally mistaken for HMS Regent) off Barletta in the Adriatic.

https://www.facebook.com/teleblutv/post ... 7997069013

Platon

Another link posted by Professor Timmy Gambin with some interesting photographs:

https://www.ww2wrecks.com/portfolio/hms ... my-gambin/

Last week in Malta we were invited at a number of events for the commemoration of the loss of HMS Urge (27th April 1942). With dives occurring on 25th April to deploy a White Ensign on the wreck as well as a commemorative plaque. The movie of these dives shown at a screening at the University of Mal...

Many thanks for your reply. However, I am a bit confused by the translation. Any indication how Veslekari was captured? Where is Arcticsund? I assume she was captured by Fridtjof. Nansen which later destroyed the weather station at Myggbukta.

Platon

Hello David,

Many thanks for the additional links. I assume that those arrested on Veslekari were Quisling followers and that Veslekari sailed from the UK when she was intercepted.

Best regards,

Platon

Hello Andrzej, Many thanks for the link. I have since learned that Norwegian captain Axel Coll was arrested on Veslekari as he was working for the Abwehr and was bringing a couple of German wireless operators. Books by Nigel West and Sophie Jackson mention the case. However, I am curious to know fro...

Hello, According to British sources (Naval Intelligence file ADM223/464, TNA), Veslekari (ex-Norwegian seal catcher) operated in German service and was sailed on a mission to supply clandestine weather stations in Greenland. The signals concerning her movements were deciphered by Bletchley Park and ...

Hello Andrzej and Darius, Many thanks for your input and comments. The web site link provided by Darius is most interesting. Although, at least one destroyer, Hans Lüdemann , was boarded after the second battle of Narvik, I have not found anywhere that secret documents were recovered from her. The c...

Some sources have indicated that the Enigma coding machine Rotor VIII was "pinched" by the Royal Navy in August 1940. I have been unable to find any mention of German vessel warship boarded during that month. Perhaps I have missed something. I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion? I have been te...

Hello Jordi, Alexandria: I have Pass of Balmaha arriving at Alexandria only on 12 June 1940 (from Gib) and I have Clydefield apparently leaving Port Said on 7 June (I believe for Aden?). I agree for Brambleleaf , Cherryleaf , Olna , British Union and Duffield and War Krishna . I do not seem to have ...

Hello Jan-Olof, I had found the information some years ago. This was supposed to be revealed in my book but I could not find a publisher. I do not know why this seems to have escaped the scrutiny of Italian and British historians. There is still no absolute certainty of her fate but the air attack a...

For those interested in a list of the British warship losses through the ages, there is a list which can be downloaded at: https://thisismast.org/research/royal-navy-loss-list.html It is not perfect as many omissions and errors can be found but hopefully the list will be updated from time to time. P...

Hello Thorsten,

The site Chronik Des Seekrieges still has the date in error and incidentally the name of Tricheco's Commanding Officer was Avogadro di Cerrione (not Cerricone).

Many thanks.

Platon