U-47 Photograph Album
Section W (8th November 1940, Atlantic Ocean - during 9th patrol)
W01. 14.00hrs, 8th November 1940, 52°30N/17°30W, Atlantic Ocean
The Gonçalo Velho, a Portuguese steamer of 1,595 tons, was damaged by 88mm shells from U-47's deck gun. The Portuguese crew took to the lifeboats, one of which approached U-47. The startled captain came aboard U-47, whereupon Prien demanded to see the ship's papers. These were fetched from the Gonçalo Velho, and proved the ship to be neutral. To the astonishment of the Portuguese captain and the crew of U-47, Prien let them go. In this photo, the lifeboat is making its way towards U-47. (Landser 891)
View Photograph: W01. 14.00hrs, 8th November 1940, 52°30N/17°30W, Atlantic Ocean
W02. 14.00hrs, 8th November 1940, 52°30N/17°30W, Atlantic Ocean
In this shot one the Gonçalo Velho’s papers are being fetched aboard U 47 for inspection.
In pre-war times, the two red and white emergency rescue buoys were located on top of the deck, as can be seen in A04 and A05. These buoys were connected by a strong cable, and were released from a submerged boat in times of an emergency. To be less obstructive to men working on the deck, these conspicuous objects were later accommodated inside hatches with almost flush-fitting lids. Directly below the right arm of the sailor holding the rope attached to the suitcase is the hatch for the forwardmost rescue buoy. (Admiral, Edwin, Landser 891, Schiffer)
View Photograph: W02. 14.00hrs, 8th November 1940, 52°30N/17°30W, Atlantic Ocean
W03. 14.00hrs, 8th November 1940, 52°30N/17°30W, Atlantic Ocean
The Portuguese skipper pleads his neutrality to Prien. The ring on the tower bulwark was one of several that could be used to secure safety harnesses, thus preventing crewmembers from being washed overboard. Two months earlier Matrosen Stabsobergefreiter (Senior Leading Seaman) Heinrich Mantyk had been swept overboard. Mantyk served as a Matrosen Obergefreiter (Leading Seaman) aboard U 47 during the Scapa Flow attack. The "stabs" prefix in the rank name denoted a more senior position. (Admiral, Enemy, Grieft)
View Photograph: W03. 14.00hrs, 8th November 1940, 52°30N/17°30W, Atlantic Ocean
W04. 14.00hrs, 8th November 1940, 52°30N/17°30W, Atlantic Ocean
Prien shares a joke with the senior crewmember of the Gonçalo Velho, having just informed the skipper of his decision to allow the Portuguese steamer to continue on its voyage.
Wolfgang Frank's account of the 9th patrol was published soon afterwards in an article which translates as "I Went Out With Prien." After the war he wrote the book Der Stier von Scapa Flow (The Bull Of Scapa Flow) which focused upon Günther Prien's career in command of U-47. This book was translated into English, and released as Enemy Submarine: The Story Of Günther Prien, Captain Of U47. (Greift)
View Photograph: W04. 14.00hrs, 8th November 1940, 52°30N/17°30W, Atlantic Ocean
