From the information received from WERNER K. HOFFMANN (327-LIFE-1987), we learn that U-864 departed for the Far-East with freight as well as four guests, including S. Plass for Dr. Sorge.

This big TYPE IX-D2 boat never made it out into the Atlantic, as the Royal Navy submarine HMS VENTURER sank her on 9 February, 1945 off Bergen, Norway in the only submarine sinking another submarine in WW II while both were submerged.

While there's no real proof that the Royal Navy knew the route and time that U-864 was due in the area, it is rather obvious that this was not a chance interception. There appears to have been more than general cargo on board, and more than the usual number of officers.

ROBERT WILCOX (25-1984) was the author of the book 'JAPAN'S SECRET WAR' he writes: "I have a note in my files that, according to a MAGIC intercept dates 19 March, 1945 that U-864 carried plans and parts of German jets and technicians." Also, according to his research, WILCOX believes that U-864 also carried uranium for the Japanese atomic bomb.

HARRY COOPER (1-LIFE-1983) spoke with KPLT JOHANN-HEINRICH FEHLER (32-+-1984) in his home in 1988, and it was this sinking that gave FEHLER the idea that the Allies might have advance knowledge of the routes taken by U-Boats and were lying in wait, so he took U-234 away from his prescribed route and into the middle Atlantic.

When U-864 sailed, she had 73 men, including 10 officers on board; far more than the normal compliment of 60 or 65. Who were these additional men and why were they on board? The Skipper held the rank of KorvettenKapitän; two held the rank of Kapitänleutnant; one was Kapitänleutnant (Ing/Engineer); the I.W.O. held the rank of Oberleutnant zur See; there was one Leutnant (Ing/Engineer); two with the rank of Leutnant zur See and one Marie-Stabs-Arzt, a doctor......ten officers on a boat that normally only required four. Why? And why so many Kapitänleutnants - there were three. The boat had orders so secret, they were not even logged in the KTB (LogBook) at OKM - what WAS U-864 up to on this mission.....and was she really bound for the Japanese base at Penang as thought? There are hints that South America may have been the ultimate destination. Who knows.......