Hi Nick,
The submarine is most probably ZOEA as she was at Tobruk at about the same time as Mz 703.
ZOEA arrived at Tobruk at 0830/6 August 1942 and unloaded a cargo of 64 tons of petrol, 2.6 tons of lubricating oil and 7 tons of spare parts. She sailed for home at 2005/6 but ran aground outside the harbour entrance and returned to harbour to check her damage and sailed for good at 1830/7 August for Navarino. During the night of 6/7 August there was an air raid on Tobruk and 30 tons of benzine were set afire at the Impero Jetty. It is possible that the photo was taken during the day on 7 August and this is the fire that can be seen on the photo. This would also explain the position of ZOEA in the middle of the anchorage rather than unloading at a jetty. During the same air attack the tug VALENTE was hit and had to be beached.
An interesting photo, thanks for sharing.
Best regards,
Platon
