History of order (2 photos + text)

September 12 German submarine U-156 and met two torpedoes sank the British troop transport "Laconia»
On board the transport is 2789 persons: 136 crew members, 80 civilians, 268 British soldiers, more than 1,800 Italian prisoners of war and 160 Polish jailers.
The captain of the submarine, seeing the sorry state of drowning, (and the Italians were allies) has decided to help.
Soon the boat was packed to the rescued people. The Germans took in tow 4 lifeboats. Realizing that his own forces can not cope, the captain gave an open telegram:
"If any ship wish to assist the crew of" Laconia "I'm not going to attack him on the condition that he will not be attacked from the sea or from the air. I have the 193 on board rescued. 4 degrees 52 minutes south latitude, 11 degrees 26 minutes west longitude. German submarine. »
Rushed to the rescue: Kriegsmarine U-506 and U-507, the Italian "Cappellini." Also responded to the call of the Vichy government, sending the place of tragedy patrol ship "Annam" and the cruiser "Gloire».
U-156 took on board more than 400 people. Total swam in the ocean 22 lifeboats and rafts, which found temporary salvation approximately fifteen hundred people. In the water, there was not a victim.

September 16 flew the first plane with the identification signs the US Air Force. Less than half an hour - another. When they appear on the chopping U-156 was raised high the flag of the Red Cross.

An hour later, the Americans clearly understand the situation and passed at an altitude of less than 80 meters, began bombing German submarines. The logic of the Americans:
1. The rules of warfare do not allow the warship to use the flag of the Red Cross
2. On the approach of a few British transports, which can also be sunk
3. The Germans engaged in saving only the Italians



One bomb hit exactly in the boat - all perished in it. After the next sunset bomb exploded under the central post of the submarine, the bridge received reports of leakage. Was stuck zenith periscope periscope commander does not turn out of order seven battery cells, disrupted flange line of water cooling diesel broken finder, sonar station refused.

The captain ordered put on life belts and planted all saved with the "Laconia" in the boat.
U-156 gave a distress signal, but by eliminating the most serious injuries, managed to sink the boat.
From allied manning "Laconia" killed at least 20 people and more than 1,800 of the Italians was only saved 450 people

The next day, Admiral Doenitz, commander of submarine forces of the German Navy, issued an order:

1. Do not attempt any rescue teams to sunken ships, that is to catch sinking, transfer them to the lifeboats, to return to its normal position upturned boat, provide the affected provisions and water. Salvation is contrary to the very first rule of warfare at sea, requires the destruction of enemy ships and their crews.
2. Orders of the seizure of the captains and chief engineers remain in force.
3. To save the people only if they have important information for the boat.
4. Be adamant. Remember - the enemy did not think of women and children, when a bomb German cities.