Quote:
Originally Posted by Neon Knight
Maybe he simply could not accept british/american superiority...
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Doenitz knew the war came seven years to early for his U-Boats and after Hitler's victory in the west in 1940 resulted in Hitler making cut backs in scientific field, this was a bad move and allowed the Allies to catch up.
I don't believed he would under estimated what he faced and did job well in 39/40. The trouble was his fleet was being over stretched in 1942, true to say the IXC U-Boats would see the second happy times as they patrol America's eastern sea board but as fast as the IXC's were sinking ships America replaced there numbers with ease. Allied shipping routes to Russia would see action along with the Med and Black Sea.
Late 42 saw the IXD2 class U-Boats hit the Tankers in the Caribbean for a period of time before some were moved to Penang. I think Doenitz knew he had one shot and one shot only in 39/40 and gave it his best shot. When you come third in the military budget you have to do the best you can.