In 1940, a tanker was transporting 299 British POWs to Germany. As it passed through neutral Norwegian waters, the British mounted a successful rescue operation, so Hitler retaliated by punishing Norway.
Although WWII began in 1939, Britain and France were anxious to avoid any conflict with Germany. What resulted was the “Phony War” – a series of minor skirmishes where both sides tested each other.
Hitler wanted a peace treaty with Britain, but the latter wouldn’t budge unless he withdrew from Poland. Resorting to more persuasive means, he ordered the German Navy to raid British merchant ships on 26 September 1939, but to do so in accordance with prize rules.
This meant they couldn’t just slaughter everyone and take everything. The Germans had to first evacuate the enemy crew, take what they could, then sink the enemy vessel. After that, they had to ensure the crew’s rescue.
On September 30, the Graf Spee (a German heavy cruiser) seized the Clement (a British cargo ship) off the coast of Brazil. The Clement broadcast the RRR signal (I am under attack by a raider) before her captain and chief engineer were taken hostage, while the rest of the crew were put on lifeboats.
