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Safe: Lubin
safe Lubin
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 13, 1942
MEMORANDUM
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
SUBJECT:
MERCHANT VESSEL LOSSES
The attached table shows that during the week
ending April 5, the United States and British governments
received notification of the loss of 19 ships aggregating
186,244 deadweight tons. Of this total, 100,103 tons were
tankers and 86,141 tons were cargo ships.
During the same week 12 new ships of 130,041
deadweight tons were put into operation. Two of these were
tankers, of 32,250 tons.
The net loss of merchant vessels under United
States and British control for the week ending April 5 was
56,203 deadweight tons.
You will note from the table that there was a
net gain in cargo ships of 11,650 tons. The net loss of
tankers (new construction minus sinkings) was 67,853 tons.
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date
FEB 8 1972
CSAB (w) (42) 28
U.S. S
BRITISH MOST SECRET
GAINS AND LOSSES OF OCEAN GOING MERCHANT VESSELS
UNDER AMERICAN AND BRITISH CONTROL
NUMBER AND DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
WEEK ENDING APRIL 5, 1942
CARGO
TANKER
TOTAL
No.
DWT
No.
DWT
No.
DWT
GAINS THROUGH NEW CONSTRUCTION
For U. S. Control
5
54,691
2
32,250
7
86,941
For British Control
5
43,100
-
-
5
43,100
of which:
In United States
1
10,600
-
-
1
10,600
In United Kingdom
4
32,500
-
-
4
32,500
In Canada
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
TOTAL GAINS
10
97,791
2
32,250
12
130,041
LOSSES THROUGH SINKINGS,
CAPTURES AND MARINE CASUALTIES
U. S. controlled vessels
7
52,441
2
18,003
9
70,444
British controlled vessels
3
33,700
7
82,100
10
115,800
TOTAL LOSSES
10
86,141
9
100,103
19
186,244
NET INCREASE FOR WEEK
-
11,650
-
-
-
-
NET DECREASE FOR WEEK
-
-
7
67,853
7 56,203
BASIS:
Date of notification
SOURCES: U. S. controlled - U.S. Maritime Commission
British Controlled vessels Ministry of War Transport
Combined Shipping Adjustment Board
April 11, 1942
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
FEB 8.1972
By W. J. Stewart Date
PEODET
safe Lubia
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 13, 1942
MEMORANDUM
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
SUBJECT:
MERCHANT VESSEL LOSSES
The attached chart shows the merchant vessel
situation from March 1 to April 5.
It should be noted that the losses reported
for the week ending April 5 were smaller than for any
week in the 5-week period. On the other hand, new con-
struction was higher than for any week in the period.
The total losses for the five weeks, as shown
on the chart, amounted to 1,195,000 deadweight tons. This
is an average loss of approximately 239,000 tons per week.
The total new construction in the United States,
Great Britain and Canada for the five weeks was 456,000 tons,
or an average of 91,000 tons per week.
The total net loss for the five weeks was 739,000
tons, or an average of approximately 148,000 tons per week.
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
MERCHANT VESSELS GAINS AND LOSSES - WEEKLY
U.S. AND U.K. CONTROLLED
THOUSAND
THOUSAND DEADWEIGHT TONS
DWT. TONS
THOUSAND
MARCH I TO APRIL 5, 1942
400
DWT. TONS
400
353
300
300
255
LOSSES
200
199
201
186
200
NET
182
139
273
89
56
LOSS
130
100
110
100
80
73
62
GAINS
o
WEEK ENDING
6
15
22
29
5
12
19
26
3
o
10
17
24
31
MARCH, 1942
APRIL, 1942
MAY, 1942
{
U.S. - U.S. MARITIME COMMISSION
SOURCES:
U.K. - MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
BASIS: DATE OF NOTIFICATION
safe: Lubin
got
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
April 17, 1942
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
SUBJECT: SHIPPING LOSSES
March, 1942
Losses of British and United States merchant vessels,
on which notification was received during the month of March,
reached an all-time monthly high record of 1,023,000 DWT tons.
This figure exceeds February losses by almost 300,000 tons.
Of the ships lost, 564,000 tons were cargo and 458,000
tons were tankers.
During the month, U.S., U.K., and Canadian construction
of new ships aggregated 350,200 tons. Of this total, only 28,000
DWT tons were tankers. This is equal to about 5 per cent of the
total tanker tonnage lost during the month.
The net loss (losses minus new construction) for the
month of March were 672,400 DWT tons. At the end of the month,
the combined merchant fleets of both countries had declined by
242,000 tons of cargo ships and 430,000 tons of tankers. Table
No. 1 attached shows the breakdown of the construction and losses
by type of ship.
Losses for the Quarter Ending March 31
Gross losses of merchant shipping under U.S. and U.K.
control for the first quarter aggregated 2,366,000 tons. If this
rate were continued throughout the year, the gross loss for 1942
would amount to close to 10 million DWT tons.
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
FEB 8 1972
By W. J. Stewart Date
THE PRESIDENT
- 2 -
April 17, 1942
New construction for the first quarter amounted to
1,020,000 tons, leaving & net loss of 1,345,000 tons.
The loss figures refer to losses by sinking and capture,
of which notification was received by the United States and British
governments during the quarter. They do not refer precisely to
the date on which the actual sinking or loss occurred.
The picture for the quarter is presented in the table
below:
GAINS AND LOSSES
NEW CONSTRUCTION - SINKINGS & CAPTURES
U. s., U. K., CANADA
JANUARY 1, 1942 - MARCH 31, 1942
January
February
March
Total
Sinkings & Captures
612,092
731,075
1,022,678
2,365,845
New Construction
308,378
361,449
350,232
1,020,059
NET DECREASE
303,714
369,626
672,446
1,345,786
A more detailed breakdown of the shipping situation for
the first quarter of 1942 is shown in Table No. 2. The bottom of
this table shows that 83 tankers of 921,800 DWT tons were lost in
the quarter as compared with 15 new tankers of 222,195 tons which
were put into operation during the period. For cargo ships, the
losses for the quarter were 212, of 1,444,000 DWT tons. New con-
struction of cargo ships for the quarter was 82 ships, of 797,864
tons.
In addition to these losses, it is estimated that the
sinkings and captures of neutral vessels, not under the control
of either the United States or the United Kingdom, aggregated
310,000 DWT tons during the quarter. This brings the total U.S.,
U.K., and neutral vessel gross losses up to 2,675,000 tons.
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
SECRET
THE PRESIDENT
- 3 -
April 17, 1942
Estimated Losses for the Week Ending April 12
According to preliminary estimates received from London,
the combined losses for the week ending April 12 were 70 vessels,
aggregating approximately 565,000 DWT tons. Twenty-two vessels
of 229,000 tons were tankers.
The losses for the week exceeded the losses for the
entire month of December and were only 50,000 tons under the total
losses for the month of January. The losses during the week
exceeded the previous weekly peak (March 15 - March 22) by more
than 200,000 tons.
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
FEB 8 1972
By W. J. Stewart Date
SECRET
Table No. 1
SECRET
GAINS AND LOSSES OF OCEAN GOING MERCHANT VESSELS*
UNDER AMERICAN OR BRITISH CONTROL
NUMBER AND DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
MARCH, 1942
CARGO
TANKER
TOTAL
No.
DWT
No.
DWT
No.
DWT
GAINS
New Construction
U. S.
17
179,332
2
28,000
19
207,332
British
15
142,900
-
|
15
142,900
In U.S.
5
53,000
-
--
5
53,000
In U.K.
9
79,400
-
--
9
79,400
In Canada
1
10,500
-
--
1
10,500
-
-
-
TOTAL
32
322,232
2
28,000
34
350,232
LOSSES
Sinkings & Captures
U. S.
20
157,140
14
169,038
34
326,178
British
60
407,000
28
289,500
88
696,500
-
TOTAL
80
564,140
42
458,538
122
1,022,678
NET DECREASE
48
241,908
40
430,538
88
672,446
* *British figures on four week basis ending March 29, 1942
BASIS:
Date of Notification
SOURCE: U.S. - U.S. Maritime Commission
British - - Ministry of War Transport
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
SECRET
W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
Table No. 2
SECRET
SECRET
S
GAINS AND LOSSES OF OCEAN GOING MERCHANT VESSELS
UNDER AMERICAN OR BRITISH CONTROL
NUMBER AND DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
CARGO
TANKER
TOTAL
No.
DWT
No.
DWT
No,
DWT
JANUARY, 1942
New Construction
20
191,793
8 116,585
28
308,378
Losses
70
463,712
12
148,380
82
612,092
Net Decrease
50
271,919
4 31,795
54
303,714
FEBRUARY, 1942
New Construction
30
283,839
5
77,610
35
361,449
Losses
62
416,193
29
314,882
91
731,075
Net Decrease
32
132,354
24
237,272
56
369,626
MARCH, 1942
New Construction
32
322,232
2
28,000
34
350,232
Losses
80
564,140
42
458,538
122
1,022,678
Net Decrease
48
241,908
40
430,538
88
672,446
JANUARY 1 to MARCH 31, 1942
New Construction
82
797,864
15
222,195
97 1,020,059
Losses
212
1,444,045
83
921,800
295 2,365,845
Net Decrease
130
646,181
68 699,605
198 1,345,786
BASIS:
Date of Notification
SOURCE: U.S. - U.S. Maritime Commission
British - - Ministry of War Transport
DECLASSIFIED
SECRET:
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
GAINS AND LOSSES
SECR
MERCHANT VESSELS-U.S. AND U.K. CONTROLL
THOUSAND
THOU
DEADWEIGHT TONS
NEW CONSTRUCTION
DEADWEI
1,000
1,0
750
75
500
50
361
350
308
U.S.
U.S.
216
207
U.S.
250
247
135
25
US
66
UK
UK
181
173
UK
U.K.
145
143
o
O
SINKINGS & CARTURES-INCLUDING MARINE CASUALTIES
1,000
U.S.
I,C
1,022
326
750
731
75
US
252
UK
696
612
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
us
160
500
50
DECLASSIFIED
By V. J. Stewart Date FEB
UK
UK
479
366
452
us
132
250
25
UK
234
o
0
NET CHANGE IN TOTAL TONNAGE
41,000
41.
40,001
40,000
40
39,882
39,578
39,208
39,000
39
38,536
38,000
38
o
o
NOV DEC
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
1941
1942
*
GRAPHIC PRESENTATION
OCEAN GOING, 2,000 GROSS TONS AND OVER, UNDER DIRECT AMERICAN
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
MUNITIONS ASSIGNMENTS BOARD
OCEAN GOING, 1,600 GROSS TONS AND OVER, TIME CHARTERED TO UN
BASIS DATE OF NOTIFICATION
Dirs. Ehen: Lile be
This is the table I
called about, to he attached
to the shipping memo.
m. Main
CODET
safe fie Lubin
THE WHITE HOUSE
Box.
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
April 28, 1942
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
SUBJECT: MERCHANT SHIPPING GAINS AND LOSSES
Week Ending April 19, 1942
Tankers
1. During the week ending April 19, United States and
British controlled tanker losses continued at an exceedingly
high rate. Total U. 8. and U. K. losses were 150,000 DW tons.
2. New construction of tankers in the U.S., the U.K.,
and Canada for the month aggregated 28,000 tons.
3. Taking the first three weeks of April as & whole, 38
tankers of 441,000 tons were lost.
4. During the first three weeks of April, only five new
tankers of 73,000 tons were put into operation.
5. From January 1 to April 19, 1942, total U.S. and U.K.
tanker tonnage lost was 1,363,000 tons. During the same period
295,000 tons of new construction were put into commission, leaving
a net decrease in available tonnage of 1,068,000 tons. This is
about 10 per cent of the total tanker tonnage available to the
United States and Great Britain on January 1.
Cargo Vessels
6. Losses of cargo vessels under American and British
control during the week ending April 19 were 175,000 tons.
7. This loss was partially offset by new U.S., U.K., and
Canadian construction during the week when 128,800 DW tons were
put into commission.
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By N. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
THE PRESIDENT
- 2 -
4/28/42
Combined Cargo and Tanker Losses
8. The combined cargo and tanker losses for the week ending
April 19 were 325,000 tons. This is 159,000 tons less than during
the previous week.
9. The net losses (sinkings minus new construction) for the
week aggregated 169,700 tons. This is 221,000 tons less than during
the week ending April 12.
10. The reported shipping losses for the three weeks ending
April 19 aggregated 996,000 tons. This exceeded the losses for the
month of December by 630,000 tons. It was 384,000 tons greater than
the losses for the whole month of January, and 265,000 tons greater
than the losses in February.
Location of Sinkings
11. Preliminary reports as to actual location of sinkings re-
ceived by April 23 show that between April 1 and April 23, 307,000
tons of United States, British, Allied and Neutral shipping were lost
in the Atlantic north of 30° N. and west of 45° W. Losses in the
Atlantic Ocean south of 30° N. and west of 45 W. were 85,000 tons.
Indian Ocean losses were 186,000 tons.
The attached table shows new construction and losses for
cargo vessels and tankers under United States and British control
for the week ending April 19.
The chart attached shows the changes in the shipping
situation from March 1 to date.
A table and map showing sinkings by geographical areas from
April 1-23 are also attached.
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By V. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
MERCHANT SHIPPING GAINS AND LOSSES - WEEKLY
U.S. AND U.K. CONTROLLED
THOUSAND
THOUSAND DEADWEIGHT TONS
THOUSAND
DEADWEIGHT TONS
MARCH 1, TO APRIL 19, 1942
DEADWEIGHT TONS
375
375
GAINS
NET GAIN
250
250
NET LOSS
LOSSES
155
130
125
125
110
93
80
73
62
GAINS
NEW CONSTRUCTION
o
o
SINKINGS a
56
CAPTURES
89
LOSSES
139
170
182
-125
-125
273
392
186
201
199
-250
-250
255
NET
LOSSES
325
DECLASSIFIED
353
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
-375
-375
By W
J. Stewart Date
FEB P 1972
485
-500
-500
15
22
29
5
12
19
26
3
10
17
24
31
8
MARCH, 1942
APRIL, 1942
MAY, 1942
WEEK ENDING
GRAPHIC PRESENTATION
U.S.-U.S. MARITIME COMMISSION
SOURCES:
BASIS: DATE OF NOTIFICATION
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
U.K. - BRITISH MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
MUNITIONS ASSIGNMENTS BOARD
SECRET-
U.S. SI
BRITISH MO
GAINS AND LOSSES OF OCEAN GOING MERCHANT VESSELS
UNDER AMERICAN OR BRITISH CONTROL
NUMBER AND DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
WEEK ENDING APRIL 19, 1942
CARGO
TANKER
TOTAL
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
GAINS
New Construction
U.S.
6
64,700
-
I
6
64,700
British
6
64,100
2
26,500
8
90,600
In U.S.
2
21,200
-
--
2
21,200
In U.K.
3
32,400
2 26,500
5
58,900
In Canada
1
10,500
-
--
1
10,500
-
-
-
TOTAL GAINS
12
128,800
2 26,500
14
155,300
LOSSES
Sinkings & Captures
U.S.
6
53,000
6
87,700
12
140,700
British
16
122,400
5
61,900
21
184,300
-
-
--
TOTAL LOSSES
22
175,400
11
149,600
33
325,000
NET DECREASE FOR WEEK
10
46,600
9
123,100
19
169,700
BASIS: Date of Notification
SOURCE: U.S. U.S. Maritime Commission
British - - Ministry of War Transport
April 25, 1942
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S,
SECRET
By W. J. stewart Date FEB 8 1972
SECRET
U.S., BRITISH, ALLIED and NEUTRAL MERCHANT VESSELS
SINKINGS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA
APRIL 1-23, 1942
(Preliminary)
AREA
DWT
Atlantic Ocean North of 30°N, West of 45°W.
307,000
Atlantic Ocean North of 30°N, East of 45°W.
56,000
British Coastal Waters
57,000
Atlantic Ocean South of 30°N, West of 45°W:
85,000
Atlantic Ocean South of 30°N, East of 45°W.
56,000
Mediterranean Sea
16,000
Pacific Ocean
2,000
Indian Ocean
186,000
Elsewhere or Area Unknown
64,000
TOTAL
829,000
BASIS: Date of Occurrence
SOURCE: Office of Naval Intelligence
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
SEOREE
so
120
150°
180
150
120
90
60
so
o
10
60
90
UNITED STATES, BRITISH, ALLIED & NEUTRAL SINKINGS OF MERCHANT VESSELS, BY AREA
APRIL I - 23, 1942 (PRELIMINARY)
THOUSAND DEADWEIGHT TONS
56
MURMANS
e
ARCHANGEL
60°
60°
CHURCHILL
57
VLADIVOSTOK
0
o
307
16
BASRA
30
30°
145
PAGABA
85
CALCUTTA
RANGOONG
HONOLULU
BOWBAY
RANGOON
DAKAR
MADRAS
2
SAIGON
FREETOWN
SAIGON
186
of
d
56
No
DARWIN
30
FREMANTLE
30°
CAPETOWN
SYDNEY
MELBOURNE
AUCKLAND
WELLINGTON
60°
40°
un
LORGITUDE WEST OF GREENWISH
LONGITUDE EAS
120
150
180
120
90
60
30°
of
60
90
TOTAL 829
ELSEWHERE OR AREA 30 UNKNOWN 64
90
files THE WHITE HOUSE
SHORM4
safe: Lubin
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
May 5, 1942
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
SUBJECT: MERCHANT SHIPPING FOR THE WEEK
ENDING APRIL 26, 1942
Tankers
1. The immobilization of tankers was reflected in the
shipping figures for the week. No United States tankers were
reported as sunk during the week. It is interesting to note that
no British tanker losses were reported.
2. During the week previous, tanker losses aggregated
150,000 DW tons.
3. One new tanker was added to the merchant fleet
during the week.
Cargo Vessels
4. Although there was a reduction of 35,000 tons in
cargo vessels lost during the week ending April 26 as compared with
the week before, the total was 140,400 DW tons. This is at a rate
of 7 million tons a year, despite the fact that some cargo vessels
were immobilized in port.
5. The cargo vessel losses for the week were in large
part offset by the new construction of 104,000 tons in the United
States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. This means that the net
reduction in cargo vessels was approximately 35,000 tons.
Tanker and Cargo Vessels Combined
6. The combined net losses for tankers and cargo vessels
(sinkings minus new construction) aggregated 26,200 tons for the
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
THE PRESIDENT
-2--
May 5, 1942
week. This is the smallest net decrease for any week since March 1st.
(See attached chart). During the week of April 19, net losses were
170,000 tons.
Summary for the Four Weeks Ending April 26
7. Total shipping losses for which notification was received
during the four weeks ending April 26 aggregated 1,136,000 tons. This
is at an annual rate of almost 14 million tons. The losses during the
first four weeks in April were 113,000 tons greater than in March.
8. New construction during the four weeks ending April 26
(tankers and cargo vessels) was 142,000 tons greater than in March.
The total for the four weeks was 492,000 tons.
9. The decline in tonnage available to the United States
and the United Kingdom during the four weeks was 644,000 tons (losses
minus new construction).
Tankers
During this 4-week period, tanker sinkings were 441,000 tons.
Only 83,000 tons of new tankers were put into operation.
Cargo Vessels
Cargo sinkings for the four weeks were 695,000 tons. New
construction amounted to 409,500 tons.
Location of Losses
10. Preliminary figures now on hand, based upon the actual
date of sinking, account for 941,000 DW tons lost between April 1 and
April 30. Of this total, 476,000 tons, or more than one-half of the
total, were lost in the Atlantic Ocean west of 45°W. In the Indian
Ocean losses were 186,000 tons. (See Table I and map).
Table II attached shows new construction and losses of cargo
vessels and tankers for the week ending April 26.
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By 1. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
SECRET
SECRET
Table No. II.
GAINS AND LOSSES OF OCEAN GOING MERCHANT VESSELS
AVAILABLE TO THE UNITED NATIONS
NUMBER AND DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
WEEK ENDING APRIL 26, 1942
CARGO
TANKER
TOTAL
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
GAINS - New Construction
U.S.
5
54,300
1
10,000
6
64,300
British
5
49,900
-
--
5
49,900
In U.S.
1
10,600
-
--
1
10,600
In U.K.
3
28,800
-
--
3
28,800
In Canada
1
10,500
-
--
1
10,500
TOTAL GAINS
10
104,200
1
10,000
11
114,200
LOSSES - Sinkings, Captures &
Marine Casualties
U.S.
8
61,600
-
--
8
61,600
British
11
78,800
-
--
11
78,800
TOTAL LOSSES
19
140,400
-
:
19
140,400
NET DECREASE FOR WEEK
9
36,200
-
--
8
26,200
NET INCREASE FOR WEEK
-
--
1
10,000
-
---
LOSSES - Other vessels
available to United Nations
2
15,300
-
--
2
15,300
TOTAL LOSSES OF UNITED NATIONS
21
155,700
-
--
21
155,700
TOTAL NET GAIN
-
--
1
10,000
-
|
TOTAL NET LOSS
11
51,500
-
--
10
41,500
BASIS: Date of Notification
SOURCE: U.S. - U.S. Maritime Commission; British - Ministry of War Transport
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
SEORET
May 4, 1942
MERCHANT SHIPPING GAINS AND LOSSES - - WEEKLY
U.S. AND U.K. CONTROLLED
SECRET
THOUSAND DEADWEIGHT TONS
THOUSAND
THOUSAND
DEADWEIGHT TONS
MARCH 1, TO APRIL 26, 1942
DEADWEIGHT TONS
375
375
GAINS
NET GAIN
250
250
NET LOSS
LOSSES
155
130
125
114
110
125
93
80
73
62
GAINS
NEW CONSTRUCTION
o
o
SINKINGS &
X
CAPTURES
56
89
LOSSES
139
182
170
-125
-125
273
140
392
186
201
199
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
DECLASSIFIED
-250
NET
By V. J.
-250
255
LOSS
Stewart Date FEB
8 1972
325
353
-375
-375
-500
-500
8
15
22
29
5
12
19
26
3
10
17
24
31
WEEK ENDING
MARCH, 1942
APRIL, 1942
MAY, 1942
GRAPHIC PRESENTATION
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
SOURCES:
-
U.S.- U.S. MARITIME COMMISSION
BASIS: DATE OF NOTIFICATION
OLONE
U.K. - BRITISH MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
MUNITIONS ASSIGNMENTS BOARD
Table No. I.
SECRET
U.S., BRITISH, ALLIED and NEUTRAL MERCHANT VESSELS
SINKINGS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA
APRIL 1-30, 1942
(Preliminary)
AREA
DWT
Atlantic Ocean North of 30°N, West of 45°W.
355,000
Atlantic Ocean North of 30°N, East of 45°W.
56,000
British Coastal Waters
57,000
Atlantic Ocean South of 30°N, West of 45°W.
121,000
Atlantic Ocean South of 30°N, East of 45°W.
56,000
Mediterranean Sea
34,000
Pacific Ocean
2,000
Indian Ocean
186,000
Elsewhere or Area Unknown
74,000
TOTAL
941,000
BASIS: Date of Occurrence
SOURCE: Office of Naval Intelligence
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
May 4, 1942
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB & 1972
SECRET-
90
120
150°
120
150
180
90
60
UNITED STATES, BRITISH, ALLIED AND NEUTRAL SINKI
THROUGH APRIL (PREL
THOUSAND DEADWEIGHT TO
0
60'
CHURCHILL
VLADIVOSTOK
30°
RANGOON
HONOLULU
SAIGON
2
0°
DARWIN
30
FREMANTLE
SYDNEY
AUCKLAND
MELBOURNE
WELLINGTON
60
SOURCE: OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE
LONGITUDE
LAST
150
180
120
90
60
120
TOTAL- - 941
90
But
SECRET
safe: Lubin
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 11, 1942
MEMORANDUM
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
SUBJECT:
SHIPPING SITUATION - WEEK ENDING MAY 3, 1942
For the first time since the U. S.-U.K. shipping statistics
were combined (March 8, 1942), the figures show an actual increase in
the amount of shipping available.
This is due to the fact that total losses for the week
ending May 3 were 108,900 DWT. New construction for the period
reached & new peak of 196,600 tons. The net increase in shipping
available thus became 87,700 DWT. (See Chart I).
TANKERS
l. Despite the immobilization of tankers, three United
States ships were lost, aggregating 37,300 tons during the week.
2. This loss was offset by the delivery of three new
tankers totalling 44,800 DWT. This tanker production was 12,500
tons greater than that of the peak week of April 5.
3. The net tanker gain (new construction minus losses)
was 7,500 tons. This is the second consecutive week showing a net
gain in tanker tonnage.
CARGO VESSELS
1. For the first time since the week ending April 5, cargo
ship construction exceeded losses. The net increase for the week was
80,200 tons.
2. New cargo ship construction reached a new weekly peak.
There were 14 vessels of 152,000 tons delivered. This is 23,000
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
S
THE PRESIDENT
- 2 -
5/11/42
tons more than the last peak, which was reached during the week ending
April 19.
3. Losses during the week ending May 3 are the lowest recorded
since early in March. Losses of U. S. and U. K. cargo vessels were
71,600 tons.
Table II shows new construction and losses for cargo vessels and
tankers under U. S. and U. K. control for the week ending May 3.
LOCATION OF SINKINGS BY DATE OF OCCURRENCE
May 1-9, 1942
1. According to preliminary reports, 141,000 DWT were lost
during the first nine days of May.
2. There was only one vessel (10,000 DWT) lost in the Atlantic
Ocean, North of 30 North, and West of of 45° West. In the South
Atlantic (South of 30° North and West of 45° West) losses were 96,000
tons or 68% of the total reported.
3. Three vessels, aggregating 24,000 tons were lost off of
Murmansk. One Russian vessel of 7,000 tons was sunk in the Pacific
Ocean (See Table I).
By Deputy DECLASSIFIED Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
GEORGI
Table II
SECRET
GAINS AND LOSSES OF OCEAN GOING MERCHANT VESSELS
AVAILABLE TO THE UNITED NATIONS
NUMBER AND DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
WEEK ENDING MAY 3, 1942
CARGO
TANKER
TOTAL
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
GAINS - New Construction
U.S.
10
110,000
2
32,800
12
142,800
British
4
41,800
1
12,000
5
53,800
In U.S.
1
10,600
-
--
1
10,600
In U.K.
1
10,200
1
12,000
2
22,200
In Canada
2
21,000
-
--
2
21,000
TOTAL GAINS
14
151,800
3
44,800
17
196,600
LOSSES - Sinkings, Captures &
Marine Casualties
U.S.
3
21,100
3
37,300
6
58,400
British
7
50,500
-
--
7
50,500
TOTAL LOSSES
10
71,600
3
37,300
13
108,900
NET INCREASE FOR WEEK
4
80,200
-
7,500
4
87,700
LOSSES - Other vessels
available to United Nations
3
19,300
-
--
3
19,300
TOTAL LOSSES OF UNITED NATIONS
13
90,900
3
37,300
16
128,200
TOTAL NET GAIN
1
60,900
-
7,500
1
68,400
BASIS:
Date of Notification
SOURCE: U.S. War Shipping Administration
British - - Ministry of War Transport
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
May 9, 1942
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
SECRET
MERCHANT SHIPPING GAINS AND LOSSES - WEEKLY
SECRET
U.S. AND U.K. CONTROLLED
CLUILI
THOUSAND
THOUSAND DEADWEIGHT TONS
THOUSAND
DEADWEIGHT TONS
MARCH I, TO MAY 3, 1942
DEADWEIGHT TONS
375
375
GAINS
NET GAIN
250
250
NET LOSS
197
LOSSES
155
130
125
114
110
125
93
80
73
62
GAINS
88
NEW CONSTRUCTION
o
o
SINKINGS a
CAPTURES
56
89
LOSSES
139
182
170
-125
109
-125
273
140
392
186
201
199
1
-250
NET
DECLASSIFIED
-250
255
LOSS
By Deputy Archivist of U.S.
By V. J. Stewart Date FEB o 1972
325
353
-375
-375
485
-500
-500
8
IS
22
29
5
12
19
26
3
10
17
24
31
MARCH, 1942
APRIL, 1942
MAY, 1942
WEEK ENDING
GRAPHIC PRESENTATION
US - US MARITIME COMMISSION
BASIS: DATE OF NOTIFICATION
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
SOURCES:
UK - BRITISH MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
MUNITIONS ASSIGNMENTS BOARD
SECRET
Table I
U.S., BRITISH, ALLIED and NEUTRAL MERCHANT VESSELS
SINKINGS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA
MAY 1-9, 1942
(Preliminary)
AREA
DWT
Atlantic Ocean North of 30° N, West of 45° W.
10,000
Atlantic Ocean North of 30° N, East of 45° W.
24,000
British Coastal Waters
Atlantic Ocean South of 30° N, West of 45° W.
96,000
Atlantic Ocean South of 30° N, East of 45° W.
Mediterranean and Red Sea
4,000
Pacific Ocean
7,000
Indian Ocean
Elsewhere or Area Unknown
TOTAL
141,000
BASIS:
Date of Occurrence
SOURCE: Office of Naval Intelligence
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
SECRET
May 11, 1942
TOTAL-
06
06
021
051
081
051
120
40 1930
- 40 LSY3
BASIS: DATE OF OCCURRENCE
SOURCE, OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE
.09
AUGOLAND
MELBOURNE
SYDNEY
FREMANTLE
08
NIMBVO
,0
NODIVS
o
07070NOH
NOOGNAN
,0£
CHURCHILL
,09
THOUSAND DEAD
MAYI-9, 1942 (P
UNITED STATES, BRITISH, ALLIED AND NEUTRAL
V
06
120
091
081
,051
120
,06
Box
SECRET safe: Lubin
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 19, 1942
MEMORANDUM
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
SUBJECT:
SHIPPING GAINS AND LOSSES FOR THE WEEK ENDING
MAY 10
LOSSES
1. United States and United Kingdom merchant shipping losses
for the week ending May 10 were higher than those for any week with
but three exceptions since March 1.
2. The total U. S. and U. K. losses amounted to 260,000 tons.
In addition, 26,000 tons of neutral vessels were lost, making total
losses of the United Nations 286,000 tons. (See Table I)
3. If this rate of sinkings should continue, the annual loss
would be close to 14,000,000 tons.
4. Tanker losses aggregated 62,000 tons. Cargo losses were
198,000 tons.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
5. New construction during the week was 145,500 tons. Of
this amount, 116,500 tons were built in American yards. (See Table I.)
6. No new tankers were put into commission during the week.
NET CHANGE IN SHIPPING POSITION
7. The net loss for the week (sinkings minus new construction)
was 140,700 tons. (See attached chart.)
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
Stewart Date
FEB 8 1972
SECRET
THE PRESIDENT
- 2 -
5/19/42
8. Since December 1, the net shipping under U.S.-U.K. control
has declined by 2,136,000 tons, despite the fact that 2,100,000 tons
of new ships have been put into commission during the period.
LOCATION OF SINKINGS
9. The bulk of the ships lost during the first thirteen days
of May were sunk in the Atlantic Ocean South of 30 N, West of 45°
West. (See attached map.) This area accounted for 68% of the
losses for which definite information is available in the Office of
Naval Intelligence. During this period, 28,000 tons were sunk in
the Murmansk area.
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
SECRET
GAINS AND LOSSES OF OCEAN GOING MERCHANT VESSELS
AVAILABLE TO THE UNITED NATIONS
NUMBER AND DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
WEEK ENDING MAY 10, 1942
CARGO
TANKER
TOTAL
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
GAINS - New Construction
U.S.
9
95,300
-
--
9
95,300
British
5
50,200
-
--
5
50,200
In U.S.
2
21,200
-
-
2
21,200
In U.K.
3
29,000
-
--
3
29,000
In Canada
-
--
-
--
-
--
-
-
-
TOTAL GAINS
14
145,500
-
--
14
145,500
LOSSES - Sinkings, Captures &
Marine Casualties
U.S.
9
63,500
2
25,100
11
88,600
British
17
134,600
3
36,900
20
171,500
TOTAL LOSSES
26
198,100
5
62,000
31
260,100
-
-
NET DECREASE FOR WEEK
12
52,600
5
62,000
17
114,600
LOSSES - Other vessels
available to United Nations
6
26,100
-
--
6
26,100
TOTAL LOSSES OF UNITED NATIONS
32
224,200
5
62,000
37
286,200
TOTAL NET LOSS
18
78,700
5
62,000
23
140,700
BASIS:
Date of Notification.
SOURCE:
U.S. - War Shipping Administration
British - Ministry of War Transport
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
May 18, 1942
OLOTILT
MERCHANT SHIPPING GAINS AND LOSSES - WEEKLY
U.S. AND U.K. CONTROLLED
SECRET
THOUSAND DEADWEIGHT TONS
THOUSAND
THOUSAND
MARCH 1, TO MAY 10, 1942
DEADWEIGHT TONS
DEADWEIGHT TONS
375
375
GAINS
NET GAIN
250
250
NET LOSS
197
155
145
LOSSES
130
NET
114
125
125
110
93
GAIN
80
GAINS
73
62
88
NEW CONSTRUCTION
o
o
26
56
SINKINGS &
89
115
CAPTURES
139
170
LOSSES
182
109
-125
-125
273
140
186
392.
201
199
-250
-250
NET
260
255
LOSS
DECLASSIFIED
325
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
353
-375
FEB
c
1972
-375
By W. J. Stewart Date
485
-500
-500
22
29
5
19
26
3
10
17
24
31
12
#
15
MARCH, 1942
APRIL, 1942
MAY, 1942
WEEK ENDING
GRAPHIC PRESENTATION
U.S. - U.S. MARITIME COMMISSION
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
SOURCES:
U.K. - BRITISH MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
BASIS DATE OF NOTIFICATION
MUNITIONS ASSIGNMENTS BOARD
SECRET
U.S., BRITISH, ALLIED and NEUTRAL MERCHANT VESSELS
SINKINGS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA
MAY 1-13, 1942
(Preliminary)
AREA
DWT
Atlantic Ocean North of 30°N, West of 45°W.
30,000
Atlantic Ocean North of 30°N, East of 45°W.
28,000
British Coastal Waters
1,000
Atlantic Ocean South of 30°N, West of 45°W.
218,000
Atlantic Ocean South of 30°N, East of 45°W.
Mediterranean and Red Sea
4,000
Pacific Ocean
25,000
Indian Ocean
Elsewhere and Area Unknown
TOTAL
306,000
BASIS: Date of Occurrence
SOURCE: Office of Naval Intelligence
May 18, 1942
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
OLOTIL
so"
180°
190°
100°
90°
110°
10"
10°
0°
so"
not
180°
so"
60°
UNITED STATES, BRITISH, ALLIED AND NEUTRAL SINKINGS OF MERCHANT VESSELS - BY AREA
MAY 1-13,1942 (PRELIMINARY)
THOUSAND DEADWEIGHT TONS
ARCTIC OCEAN
28
NURMANSK
ARCHANGEL
80
60°
CHURCHILL
NORTH
SEA
VLADIVOSTOK
e
-***
30
BASRA
ad
30°
218
ATLANTIC
10-5
AQABA
OCEAN
CALCUTTA
RANGOON
HONOLULU
BOMBAY
RANGOON
OAKAR
MADRAS
25
FREETOWN
SAIGON
PACIFIC OCEAN
SAIGON
0"
NY
DARWIN
INDIAN OCEAN
so
CAPETOWN
30"
FREMANTLE
SYDNEY
MELBOURNE
AUCKLAND
WELLINGTON
no
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Apclivist of the U.S.
by I. 4. Stewart
FEB 8 1972
60°
ad
BOURGE: OFFICE of REVAL INTELLIGENCE
BABIS. DATE OF DOCUMENCE
LONSITUDE WEST OF
or
&
THE
LONGITURE (ART - BREENWICH
-
⑉⑉
.
-
190°
180°
10"
0"
180
150°
150°
90, TOTAL - 306
ELSEWHERE OR AREA UNKNOWN - 0
180°
ad
safe: Lubin
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
May 25, 1942
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
SUBJECT: SHIPPING SITUATION - WEEK ENDING
MAY 17
1. Shipping losses totalled 36 vessels of 305,000 DWT
tons during the week ending May 17.
2. There were 14 new U.S. and U.K. vessels, aggregating
152,600 DWT tons, put into commission.
3. The ratio of new vessels put into commission to the
number of vessels lost was one to two-and-a-half. The ratio in
tonnage was about one to two.
4. Sinkings during the week were at the annual rate of
about 16 million tons, whereas U.S., U.K., and Canadian construction
was at the annual rate of approximately 8 million tons.
5. In addition to the losses sustained by the U.S. and U.K.
controlled merchant fleets, 14 vessels of 72,000 tons under Allied
and Neutral control were lost, bringing the total losses for the week
up to 50 vessels of 377,600 tons.
6. The net loss of U.S.-U.K. ships (sinkings minus new
construction) was 153,000 tons. This is the highest net weekly loss
since the week ending April 19. (See Chart No. 1.)
Tankers
7. Thirteen tankers, aggregating 148,000 tons were lost.
8. Only one new tanker was put into commission.
THE PRESIDENT
- 2 -
May 25, 1942
Cargo Ships
9. Twenty-three cargo vessels of 157,000 tons were
lost. Offsetting this U.S.-U.K. loss were 13 new ships, aggre-
gating 139,000 tons. (See Table No. 1.)
MERCHANT SHIPPING GAINS AND LOSSES - WEEKLY
Chart No. 1.
U.S. AND U.K. CONTROLLED
THOUSAND DEADWEIGHT TONS
THOUSAND
THOUSAND
DEADWEIGHT TONS
MARCH 1, TO MAY 17, 1942
DEADWEIGHT TONS
375
375
GAINS
NET GAIN
250
250
NET LOSS
197
155
LOSSES
153
145
130
NET
125
110
114
GAIN
125
93
80
GAINS
73
(
62
NEW CONSTRUCTION
88
o
26
o
56
SINKINGS a
89
CAPTURES
139
115
LOSSES
170
153
182
-125
109
273
-125
140
186
392
201
199
-250
-250
255
NET
260
LOSS
306
325
353
-375
-375
485
-500
-500
.
15
22
29
5
12
19
26
3
10
17
24-
31
WEEK ENDING
MARCH, 1942
APRIL, 1942
MAY, 1942
GRAPHIC PRESENTATION
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
SOURCES :
U.S. - U.S. MARITIME COMMISSION
MUNITIONS ASSIGNMENTS BOARD
U.K. - BRITISH MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
BASIS DATE OF NOTIFICATION
Table No. 1
SECRET
GAINS AND LOSSES OF OCEAN GOING MERCHANT VESSELS
AVAILABLE TO THE UNITED NATIONS
NUMBER AND DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
WEEK ENDING MAY 17, 1942
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By
I
FEB 0 19/2
I
Stewart,
Date
CARGO
TANKER
TOTAL
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
GAINS- New Construction
U. S.
9
98,400
1
13,000
10
111,400
British
4
41,200
-
-
4
41,200
In U.S.
2
21,200
-
-
2
21,200
In U.K.
1
9,500
-
-
1
9,500
In Canada
1
10,500
-
-
1
10,500
TOTAL GAINS
13
139,600
1
13,000
14
152,600
LOSSES - Sinkings, Captures &
Marine Casualties
U. S.
6
31,300
7
83,800
13
115,100
British
17
126,200
6
64,200
23
190,400
TOTAL LOSSES
23
157,500
13
148,000
36
305,500
NET DECREASE FOR WEEK
10
17,900
12
135,000
22
152,900
LOSSES - Other vessels
available to United Nations
13
62,100
1
10,000
14
72,100
TOTAL LOSSES OF UNITED NATIONS
36
219,600
14
158,000
50
377,600
TOTAL NET LOSS
23
80,000
13
145,000
36
225,000
BASIS: Date of Notification.
SOURCE:
U.S. - War Shipping Administration
British - - Ministry of War Transport
SECRET
May 23, 1942
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
May 25, 1942
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
x2
SUBJECT: SHIPPING GAINS AND LOSSES -
FINAL FIGURES FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL
1. An all-time high of 56 ships, aggregating 619,000
DWT tons, were put into commission in April by the United States
and the United Kingdom.
2. Losses of U.S. and U.K. controlled vessels also
reached an all-time high; the total loss for the month was 131
vessels aggregating 1,158,000 tons.
3. For every new vessel put into commission during
April, 2-1/2 were lost. Tonnage losses were twice as high as
new construction.
4. Losses in April were 13 per cent higher than in
the previous peak month (March). (See Chart No. 2.)
5. In addition to losses of U.S. and U.K. controlled
ships, the Allied and Neutral losses in April were 28 vessels
of 158,000 tons.
6. The total U.S., U.K., Allied and Neutral loss in
April was 159 ships of 1,316,000 tons.
7. New construction for the month was equal to about
46 per cent of these total losses.
(See attached Table No. 2.)
SECRET
Table No. 2.
GAINS AND LOSSES OF OCEAN GOING MERCHANT VESSELS
AVAILABLE TO THE UNITED NATIONS
NUMBER AND DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
APRIL, 1942
CARGO
TANKER
TOTAL
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
GAINS
New Construction
U. S.
27
293,000
3
49,000
30
342,000
British
22
224,400
4
53,000
26
277,400
In U.S.
6
63,600
-
-
6
63,600
In U.K.
12
118,700
4
53,000
16
171,700
In Canada
4
42,100
-
-
4
42,100
-
-
TOTAL
49
517,400
7
102,000
56
619,400
LOSSES
Sinkings & Captures
U. S.
29
215,000
17
207,000
46
422,000
British
65
518,000
20
218,000
85
736,000
TOTAL
94
733,000
37
425,000
131
1,158,000
NET DECREASE
45
215,600
30
323,000
75
538,600
LOSSES - other vessels
available to United
Nations
25
122,000
3
36,000
28
158,000
TOTAL LOSSES OF
119
855,000
40
461,000
159
1,316,000
UNITED NATIONS
TOTAL NET DECREASE
70
337,600
33
359,000
103
696,600
British figures on five week basis ending May 3, 1942
BASIS:
Date of Notification
SOURCE: U.S. - War Shipping Administration; British - Ministry of War Transport
May 20, 1942
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By T. J. Stewart Date FEB 8 1972
Chart No. 2.
GAINS AND LOSSES
MERCHANT VESSELS-U.S. AND U.K. CONTROLLED
THOUSAND
THOUSAND
DEADWEIGHT TONS
NEW CONSTRUCTION
DEADWEIGHT TONS
1,000
1,000
750
750
619
US
342
500
500
361
350
308
U.S
US
216
207
US
250
247
135
UK
250
us
277
66
UK
UK
181
173
UK
UK
145
143
1,158
o
US
o
422
SINKINGS & CARTL
ES-INCLUDING MARINE CASUALTIES
1,000
US
1,000
1,022
326
750
731
750
us
UK
252
UK
736
696
612
us
160
500
500
UK
UK
479
366
452
us
132
250
250
UK
234
O
o
NET CHANGE IN TOTAL TONNAGE
41,000
41,000
40,001
40,000
40,000
39,882
39,578
39,208
39,000
39,000
38,536
37,997
38,000
38,000
o
O
NOV DEC
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
19411942
* OCEAN GOING, 2,000 GROSS TONS AND OVER, UNDER DIRECT AMERICAN CONTROL
GRAPHIC PRESENTATION
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
OCEAN GOING, 1,600 GROSS TONS AND OVER, TIME CHARTERED TO UNITED KINGDOM
MUNITIONS ASSIGNMENTS BOARD
BASIS DATE OF NOTIFICATION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
May 25, 1942
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
SUBJECT: SHIPPING LOSSES -
December, 1941 through April, 1942
1. During the five months since the United States
entered the war, 3,890,000 DWT tons of United States and
United Kingdom shipping have been lost.
2. Less than half of this loss has been offset by
new construction.
3. Whereas the tonnage available to the United States
and Great Britain on December 1 was 40,001,000 DWT tons, the
net available on May 1, after new construction had been
taken into consideration, had fallen to 37,997,000 DWT tons,
making a net loss of 2,004,000 tons for the period.
(See table No. 3 and bottom of chart No. 2.)
SECRET
Table No. 3.
GAINS AND LOSSES OF OCEAN GOING MERCHANT VESSELS
UNDER AMERICAN OR BRITISH CONTROL
NUMBER AND DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
DECLASSIFIED
DECEMBER, 1941 - MAY, 1942
coputy Arohivis
U.S.
FEB
Q
By W. J. Stewart
Date
1972
CARGO
TANKER
TOTAL
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
NO.
DWT
Total Merchant Vessels as of
December 1, 1941
3,843
27,968,906
1,099
12,032,101
4,942
40,001,007
Total Gains, New Construction
19
182,575
5
64,700
24
247,275
Losses, Sinkings & Captures
37
281,138
8
85,498
45
366,636
Net Decrease for December
18
98,563
3
20,798
21
119,361
Total Merchant Vessels as of
January 1, 1942
3,825
27,870,343
1,096
12,011,303
4,921
39,881,646
Total Gains, New Construction
20
191,793
8
116,585
28
308,378
Losses, Sinkings & Captures
70
463,712
12
148,380
82
612,092
Net Decrease for January
50
271,919
4
31,795
54
303,714
Total Merchant Vessels as of
February 1, 1942
3,775
27,598,424
1,092
11,979,508
4,867
39,577,932
Total Gains, New Construction
30
283,839
5
77,610
35
361,449
Losses, Sinkings & Captures
62
416,193
29
314,882
91
731,075
Net Decrease for February
32
132,354
24
237,272
56
369,626
Total Merchant Vessels as of
March 1, 1942
3,743
27,466,070
1,068
11,742,236
4,811
39,208,306
Total Gains, New Construction
32
322,232
2
28,000
34
350,232
Losses, Sinkings & Captures
80
564,140
42
458,538
122
1,022,678
Net Decrease for March
48
241,908
40
430,538
88
672,446
Total Merchant Vessels as of
April 1, 1942
3,695
27,224,162
1,028
11,311,698
4,723
38,535,860
Total Gains, New Construction
49
517,400
7
102,000
56
619,400
Losses, Sinkings & Captures
94
733,000
37
425,000
131
1,158,000
Net Decrease for April
45
215,600
30
323,000
75
538,600
Total Merchant Vessels as of
May 1, 1942
3,650
27,008,562
998
10,988,698
4,648
37,997,260
BASIS: Date of Notification SOURCE: U.S. - War Shipping Administration
British - Ministry of War Transport
SECRET
May 20, 1942
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
May 25, 1942
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
SUBJECT: LOCATION OF SINKINGS BY DATE
OF OCCURRENCE
1. According to preliminary reports for the period
May 1 - - May 21st, 403,000 tons or 68 per cent of the tonnage
sunk has been lost in the Atlantic Ocean, south of 30° North
and west of 45° West.
2. Losses in the Atlantic Ocean, north of 30° North,
west of 45° West, were 49,000 tons.
3. Locations for sinkings for which information by
date of occurrence is available are shown on the attached
map.
SECRET
U.S., BRITISH, ALLIED and NEUTRAL MERCHANT VESSELS
SINKINGS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA
MAY 1-21, 1942
(Preliminary)
AREA
DWT
Atlantic Ocean North of 30°N, West of 45°w.
49,000
Atlantic Ocean North of 30°N, East of 45°w.
53,000
British Coastal Waters
1,000
Atlantic Ocean South of 30°N, West of 45°w.
403,000
Atlantic Ocean South of 30°N, East of 45°w.
Mediterranean and Red Sea
14,000
Pacific Ocean
25,000
Indian Ocean
11,000
Elsewhere or Area Unknown
30,000
TOTAL
586,000
BASIS:
Date of Occurrence
SOURCE:
Office of Naval Intelligence
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the FEB 8 1972
May 23, 1942
By W. J. Stewart Date
SECHET
90°
120°
150°
180°
150°
120°
90°
64
UNITED STATES, BRITISH, ALLIED AND NEUTRAL SINK
MAY I - 21, 1942 (PREL
THOUSAND DEADWEIGHT
ARCTIC OCEAN
60
CHURCHILL
VLADIVOSTOK
49
38
403
RANGOON
HONOLULU
SAIGON
PACIFIC OCEAN
25
0"
DARWIN
30
FREMANTLE
SYDNEY
MELBOURNE
AUCKLAND
WELLINGTON
60°
SOURCE OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE
BASIS: DATE OF OCCURRENCE
LONGITUDE EAST of GREENWICH
LONGITUDE WEST or GREENWICH
90°
to"
150°
180°
150°
120°
"TOTAL-
64
safe: Lubin
Brt
SCORET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
July 15, 1942
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MR. LUBIN
We have just received some preliminary figures
from London on shipping losses for the week ending last
Sunday (July 12). These figures show a loss for the
week of something in excess of half 8. million tons of
shipping. Final figures for the week will not be avail-
able for three or four days. This is the highest loss
for any week on record.
Twenty-two of the ships lost during the week were
on the Murmansk-Archangel run. Seventeen were proceeding
eastward and were loaded, and five were sailing west
without cargo.
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date
FEB 8 1972