ATLANTIC FORCE U-BOATS THAT ABORTED PATROLS
JANUARY I-JUNE 30, 19431
The horrendous loss of U-boats sailing to the North Atlantic in the first half of 1943 (eighty-six)2 has been documented in this volume (see Appendix 2) and in other publications. Although seldom mentioned, in this same period, eighty-three other U-boats were forced to abort patrols and return to French bases. Seven of these patrolled for fifty days or more, a normal outing for a Type VII, so patrol days lost was not a significant factor. However, the patrol days lost by the other seventy-six aborting boats was another noteworthy setback for the Atlantic U-boat force. Quite a few of these U-boats incurred heavy battle damage and were in repair for extended periods, a further loss of patrol days. Almost every abort shown here was a nerve-racking experience for the crew. In a few instances, crewmen were killed or wounded. The aborting boats were:
