1 June 1943

Signal intercepted by code-breakers at United States Combat Intelligence HQ, Pearl Harbour: 'Japanese Fleet HQ to Befehlshaber der Unterseebote (C-in-C U-boats). U-160, now refitting Japanese base at Penang, Malaya, assigned to carry out pick-up mission at Bridge of Magpies, South West Africa. Your agent code-named Swakop will be landed and our man Tsushima will be brought off. Suggest active operations by U- 160 against Allied shipping be banned in view of importance of mission.'

2 June 1943

BdU to Japanese Fleet HQ: 'Mission agreed. Kapitan zur See Schlebusch to command. Schlebusch experienced in Cape waters, served in wolf-packs Gruppe Eisbar and Seehund. Cannot agree to restriction hostile operations. U-160 will, however, confine attacks to unescorted ships out of convoy; or warships.'

7 July 1943

Signal received by escort commander of convoy bound from Walvis Bay to Cape Town: 'Most immediate. C-in-C South Atlantic to commodore convoy WV. 5BX. Strong enemy D /F bearings reported Possession Island area. Probably U-boat'

Commodore WV. 5BX to C-in-C South Atlantic: 'Convoy turned away 240 degrees. Sound heavy guns down-horizon vicinity Possession. Proceeding utmost dispatch in frigate Gousblom to investigate'

Liner City of Baroda to C-in-C: 'SSSS… SSSS… am being attacked by U-boat… Possession Island area.,. SSSS.

20.15 hours

U-160 to BdU: 'British liner City of Baroda 8,000 tons, hit by two of quadruple spread torpedoes position Grid Merten P6 Lat. 27° oo'S., Long. 15° 1

Possession Channel.'

20.30 hours