Source: ADM 199/1783 Proceedings of U-boat assessment committee. U-boat attack by Sharpshooter  Précis of Attack by SHARPSHOOTER  Date:                10.9.42 Time:               1216 Position:           70° 50’ N, 12° 20’ W Depth of Water: 317 fathoms Weather: Wind NNW Force 4, Visibility ½ to 2 miles      NARRATIVE: SHARPSHOOTER was in position ‘W’ (eastern) screening Convoy PQ18. At 1215 SHARPSHOOTER left her station to assist HARRIER, who obtained a contact astern of the convoy. At 1216 SHARPSHOOTER obtained a contact bearing 275°at a range of 750 yards. This contact was counter attacked at 1220 and on three further occasions. Details of SHARPSHOOTER’s attacks are as follows. No report has been received from HARRIER and there is no mention in SHARPSHOOTER’s report of her having carried out any attacks.  No. of attacks 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Time 1220 1241 1254 ½ 1305 ½ Inclination None Opening Opening Opening H E None None Yes Whistle effect Did target appear to move Yes Yes Yes Yes Range of losing contact 200 yards 200 yards Instant echoes 150 yards Time to fire obtained by Recorder Recorder Recorder Recorder No. of depth charges 4 5 4 3 Depth settings 250 & 350 feet 150, 250 & 350 feet 250, 350 & 500 feet 250 & 350 feet Remarks Oil streak Oil streak   Air bubbles Contact was held more or less continuously during these attacks and was not lost until 1315. No further contact was obtained and SHARPSHOOTER rejoined the convoy in accordance with previous orders. ‘Faulty firing’ was stated to have been responsible for the small pattern used.  SURFACE EVIDENCE An oil streak was seen after the first attack but this was thought at first to have come from the oilers. No sample or analysis of the oil has been received.  ASDIC EVIDENCE Hydrophone effect was heard during the third attack and whistle effect was strongly audible during the approach for the fourth attack. The asdic conditions at the time were described as being fair. The recorder trace was not forwarded owing to fading. Air bubbles were seen after the fourth attack.  CO’S OPINION It is considered that the U-boat was probably damaged.  RAD’s OPINION It is considered that the U-boat was probably damaged.  Submarine tracking room’s opinion Analysis of tracking evidence of U-boat operations against PQ18 tends to suggest that three U-boats of the total operating may never have returned to base.  DECISION OF U-BOAT ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE Insufficient evidence of damage. 16th November 1942