Admiral Karl Dönitz regarded the Italian crews as inexperienced in Atlantic conditions but considered their large submarines useful and well designed. His criticism fell more heavily on training and high command than on the boats themselves. Italian crews had long-range experience through Mediterranean and Indian Ocean routes, yet sustained Atlantic weather patrols demanded a different level of practice. As experience accumulated, their sinkings increased and the force became a more effective part of the campaign.
Notable Point · 36:39-38:01
Dönitz valued the boats but doubted their employment
German commanders respected the large Italian boats while their crews learned the weather, patrol demands, and employment methods of the Atlantic.