n the early morning hours enemy units made contact with the battle group Bismarck and Prinz Eugen, which was breaking out through the Denmark Straits. There was an engagement with enemy battleships during which Hood was sunk. Western Group boats were informed of this and that further enemy operations were likely.
It was considered whether anything could be done at once with these boats to give support to the Bismarck group, but it was decided to wait until C. in C. Fleet's [Admiral Gunther Lutjens] intentions were known. I telephoned C. in C. West [Admiral Alfred Saalwachter] and placed all the U-boats at his disposal regardless of the war against merchant shipping and he confirmed my view. He would make his requirements known as soon as he heard from C. in C. Fleet.
As operations proceeded, C. in C. Fleet requested that Western Group U-boats be concentrated together in square AJ 68, he intended to lure the enemy units which were still shadowing him into the U-boats' position A.M. on the 25th. At 1613 an order was given for U 94, 43, 46, 557 and 66 to form a patrol line to run N.W. to S.E. through the square. U 93 and 73, which were further away, were to take up positions N.E. of this patrol line. In preparation for the event of the Fleet's returning, U 48, 97, 98, on passage in Biscay, were ordered to attack areas in BE 6420 to 6620, at the request of Group Command West [headquartered in Paris]. U 138 was to have occupied position adjoining those to the East, but could not carry out her orders owing to lack of lubricating oil.
