KTB, U-105
15 September
15:00 Conditions remain clear so we turn west to increase range from land-based aircraft and start bringing in external torpedo reloads. Flak manned.
15:50 Suddenly, before the first torpedo is inboard, we are attacked by a pair of landplanes!
All flak returns heaviest fire and the bombers break off their strafing run without dropping bombs.
The attack is quickly repeated, starting with more machine-gun fire.
This time, bombs follow.
The boat shakes and rocks violently and fountains of water shower the bridge and flak crew.
Despite this, the decks can now be cleared and we crash dive in an interval between attacks, with the first rounds from the next one falling around us.
We are barely below when more bombs splash into the water, somewhere above and behind us.
The boat is thrown about by the impact and all hands expect the worst.
But we survive the barrage, level the boat and make a start on repairs. Some minor knocks and sprains amongst the crew are attended to.
No leaks apparent in pressure hull, valves or seals. As well as damage to apparatus in radio, sound and control rooms including main pump, in the tower, both periscopes
and the radio antenna are damaged. Boat brought up to 20 meters and revolutions reduced while internal repairs are made.
