The Prinz Eugen was not heard of again till 4 June when aircraft reported her in Brest. At 1244/25, six submarines81 had been ordered to take up position about 120 miles west of Brest. They were ordered to move their patrol to the south-east at 2219/25 when it was thought that the enemy might make for St. Nazaire. On 27 May an enemy cruiser was reported at 1820/27 in 47° N., 14° 30’ W.82 and the patrols, by that time reduced to five (for H 44 had to return) were altered accordingly. Nothing was seen of the Prinz Eugen. There can be little doubt that the task allotted to her and the Bismarck was associated with a large movement of German supply ships in the Atlantic which was taking place at this time, for between 4 and 23 June no fewer than eight were intercepted by British ships83 and scuttled themselves or were sunk.
81. H 44, Sea Lion, Seawolf, Pandora, Sturgeon and Tigris.
82. i.e., in about the position of Bismarck at 2400/26.
83. 4 June, Esso Hamburg by HMS London; 4 June, German tanker by Marsdale; 4 June, Gonzenheim by Neptune; 5 June, tanker Egerland by London; 12 June, tanker Friedrich Breme by Sheffield, 21 June, Babitonga by London; Elbe by Hilary; 23 June, Alstertor.