A superb example of a ‘Blitz’ period Luftwaffe 10-30 B-2 Schwimweste, dated August 1941, complete with maker’s label, oxygen bottle and all straps, with fascinating history indicating that it was later used by crewman of the German Supply Ship Charlotte Schliemann which was torpedoed and sunk by H.M.S. Relentless on 12th February 1944.
Schwimweste, FL30154-2. Manufactured by Auergesellschaft A.G. Berlin. Early war example of the 10-30 B schwimmweste with plastic fittings on the inflation tube and CO2 bottle mounting point. The rubberized canvas is in very good overall condition. It remains flexible and is clean with good even colour. All straps and rings are present, as is the waist belt. . Complete with a very good oral inflation tube/valve and CO2 bottle, FL30153-1, which is dated 9-43. Maker’s label with werknummer 241657 and manufacture date of 8.41. Ink stamped to the exterior back panel R.7
Condition. Some rust spot stains, generally sound overall condition.
The Schwimweste was purchased with a paper label stating:
H.M.S. Relentless torpedoed + sank German Supply Ship Charlotte Schilman, U-Boat Submarine U532 alongside escaped - this belt from a survivor 12 Feb 1944, 23°23’9 074” 37’E
A Catalina reported a tanker with a surfaced submarine nearby in position 22°48'S, 73°05'E at 10.55 on 11 Feb 1944. The aircraft at first was not sighted but around 11.15, the submarine, which was U-532 was now almost alongside the tanker and was seen to dive.
At 12.10 the aircraft reported the tankers new position, course 142° and speed 6 knots and then returned to base. HMS Relentless was meanwhile proceeding towards the first sighting position at 30 knots. Course was now adjusted according to the new position.
By 17.20 the enemy's furthest on position on the reported course had been covered for speeds between 6 and 12 knots. A search was then started.
At 19.25 a radar contact was obtained and three minutes later the tanker was sighted. She was recognised in the moonlight, it was the Charlotte Schliemann.
HMS Relentless kept on closing up moon and at 20.15 fired eight torpedoes from 2000 yards. Two or three hits were obtained. Fire was then opened with the main armament. The enemy supply tanker sank at 20.40 in position 23°23'S, 74°37'E. HMS Relentless then picked up 41 survivors. This Schwimweste having helped save one of them.
