La Combattante's active service depended on keeping her in good material condition. A mine sank her on 23 February 1945. Two motor torpedo boats rescued 118 of the crew, while 67 were lost. The German torpedo claim is rejected because the vessel credited with sinking her had actually sunk a British cable layer. The mine's exact type remains disputed, with an air-dropped mine mentioned as a possibility.
Notable Point · 58:49-59:48
La Combattante's mine loss and the rejected torpedo claim
La Combattante was lost to a mine, with 118 rescued and 67 dead. A German torpedo claim concerned a different victim.