Dönitz Orders U-Boat Withdrawal from Atlantic

Admiral Karl Dönitz, the commander of the German U-boat fleet during World War II, made a critical decision to withdraw the majority of U-boats from the Atlantic due to significant losses incurred from enhanced Allied anti-submarine warfare tactics. This strategic retreat was prompted by the mounting casualties faced by the U-boat fleet, which had been a vital component of Germany's naval strategy. By the end of the month, the German forces had lost 43 U-boats, a stark contrast to the 34 Allied ships that were sunk during the same period. This period of heavy losses for the German Navy is often referred to as "Black May," highlighting the severe impact of the Allied advancements in anti-submarine technology and tactics, which included improved depth charges, sonar, and coordinated air and naval operations.