The Laconia Incident

The Laconia Incident occurred on September 12, 1942, when the German U-Boat U-156, commanded by KL Werner Hartenstein, sank the British troopship Laconia in the South Atlantic. The Laconia was carrying 2,732 passengers, including civilians and Italian prisoners of war. After realizing the ship was not solely a military target, Hartenstein initiated a rescue operation, saving hundreds of survivors over two and a half days. He called for assistance from nearby U-boats, and several responded, including U-506 and U-507, which helped in the rescue efforts. However, on September 16, an American B-24 bomber attacked the U-boats, resulting in significant loss of life among the survivors. This incident led to the "Laconia Order," issued by Admiral Donitz, which prohibited U-boats from rescuing survivors of attacks. The order was a response to the perceived moral implications of the incident and the subsequent attack on the U-boats. After the war, Donitz was tried for war crimes, with the Laconia Order being a significant point of contention, although he received some support from U.S. Navy figures. Ultimately, he was convicted and sentenced to prison, which left a lasting bitterness among U-boat crews.

- The Laconia Incident involved the sinking of a British troopship by a German U-Boat in 1942.

- U-156's captain initiated a rescue operation, saving many survivors before an American bomber attacked.

- The incident led to the "Laconia Order," forbidding U-boats from rescuing survivors.

- Admiral Donitz was tried for war crimes post-war, with the Laconia Order as a key issue.

- The incident highlighted the moral complexities of submarine warfare during World War II.