U-243

Shown here is the Type VIIIC boat U-243 under attack on 8 July 1944. U-243 left Bergen, Norway, on 15 June 1944 under the command of Kapitanleutnant Hans Martens, heading for the coast of France and then the English Channel. In the early afternoon of 8 July it was spotted west of St. Nazaire by Sunderland G.R.Mk.III (W4030) flown by Flying Officer W.B. Tilley, of No.10 (RAAF) Sqd, from Mount Batten, Devon. Six depth charges were dropped, and there was an exchange of MG fire. The U-boat was in difficulties when Sunderland G.R.Mk.III (JM684), flown by Flight Lieutenant R.E. Cargeeg, of No.10 (RAAF) Sqd, arrived, as well as a USAAF Liberator of VP-105. Both dropped depth charges, but they fell short. The U-boat sank from the first attack, together with ten of the crew, but thirty-nine men were rescued by the destroyer HMCS Restigouche. Among the latter was Martens but he died of his wound. Ref: AIR37/1231