The chart above shows the estimated relative positions of HMS Alsatian and the U-Bremen from 26 to 30 August 1916. The U-boat's track and positions are largely speculative, but are based on the existing practices followed by the high seas U-boats when going north-about. The U-Bremen's rate of advance is based on a speed of 10 knots. The Alsatian's positions are taken from her log and are noon positions. What this chart indicates, even allowing for variations in the U-boat's speed and actual track, the two ships were never close to one another, and certainly not close enough for the Alsation to have rammed the U-boat, even accidentally. And as I wrote in the earlier post, there is nothing in the Alsatian's log to indicate that she had hit something. After I made this chart I saw something that I had overlooked before. On 29 August, Alsatian left Patrol Line "D" (black line) and headed toward Liverpool. But instead of heading directly there, she laid a course to 56.5N-14.4W where she was at noon on 29 August. From there Captain Wardel laid a course for Liverpool. It looks to me that Captain Wardel, who was aware the U-Bremen was at sea, concluded that the U-boat had already crossed "D" Line on or about 28 August and moved his ship into a position to intercept the boat farther south. If that is the case, then the estimated track shown in the chart above is probably close to being correct. Dwight
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