Karl Dönitz Relaxes Prize Rules

Karl Dönitz, the commander of the German U-boat fleet, implemented a significant change in naval warfare strategy by relaxing the existing prize rules. Under traditional prize rules, naval engagements required that merchant ships be warned before being attacked, allowing for the possibility of evacuation. However, Dönitz's new orders permitted the sinking of merchant vessels without warning, particularly targeting those that communicated via radio. This shift marked a departure from previous protocols and aimed to enhance the effectiveness of U-boat operations against Allied shipping. The decision also included the directive to engage smaller Allied passenger ships, which had previously been spared under the more cautious rules of engagement. Furthermore, Dönitz expanded the scope of operations to include French shipping, thereby broadening the conflict at sea and increasing the pressure on Allied supply lines. The impact of Dönitz's relaxed prize rules was immediate and profound. The U-boat campaign intensified, leading to a significant increase in the number of Allied merchant vessels sunk. This escalation contributed to the disruption of supply routes critical to the war effort of the Allies. The decision to attack without warning not only raised the stakes for merchant shipping but also instilled fear among crews and passengers alike. The change in strategy was a calculated move to assert German naval dominance and to exploit the vulnerabilities of Allied maritime logistics. As a result, the U-boat fleet became a formidable threat, leading to heightened naval engagements and a reevaluation of Allied maritime strategies in response to the increased risk posed by German submarines.