by James Follett.

The Southern Atlantic, 10 November 1941: U-boat 395 has been patiently waiting for a month to torpedo a British cargo ship, the Southern Pearl, due out of Rio de Janeiro. Things do not go according to plan and eventually the U-395 undertakes an epic journey of 2,500 miles, towing six lifeboats to the safety of Brest.
'It was, and will remain for many years, the longest rescue operation in maritime history.' (Karl Donitz, Flag Officer, U-boats, 1941)
Admiral Donitz's assertion still stands.

(Repeated: Mon 3.15 pm)