I know, we had covered this Flotille in KTB #121 a couple months ago, but PETER HANSEN (251-LIFE-1987) sent me a quick note telling me that I had made a huge error with this history, so let’s try it again’ this time using PETER’s letter to make certain it is correct.

“The 5th U-Flotilla was never moved and always remained in Kiel, it was not really a front Flotilla at all, but all Type VII U-Boat in Baltic tests, training exercises and preparation for war patrol services were administered by the 5th Flottilla. But it did NOT get involved in operations, even if commanders received final sailing instructions and operational instructions prior to sailing for the Northsea and Atlantic in Kiel usually. HOWEVER, this was only the case due to consolidation of front flotillas due to reorganization, effective June 1st 1941. When Karl-Heinz Moehl was appointed Flotilla Chef, who had previously commanded U-20 and U-123 and had been a watchofficer on U-5 and also U-32. Before that, Type II U-Boats had been handled by the 5th Flotilla since December 1st 1938, such as U-56, U-57, U-58, U-59 and U-60 coordinated by the Tender LECH and with RÖSING (313-1987) as Flotilla Commander from starting up date through December 31st 1939. However at that time, it was usually called U-Flotille EMSMANN customarily, but it was likewise based in Kiel already. With other words, IT ALWAYS WAS BASED IN KIEL only.”

PETER, many thanks for the correction. We want to be absolutely accurate, and it is through input from Members like you with the on-site knowledge that we keep our wheels on the track.