Although the Gedania was a veteran of many cruises, her first military cruise was her last. The mission of the ship was initially thought to be as a supply ship for U-boats in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. However it was noticed that she held specific ammunition that could only be used by surface vessels as well as containing space for 120 prisoners, all indicative of a mission to supply surface craft. When the crew were questioned, some believed that the Gedania would rendezvous, if necessary with the and cruiser , although no specific instructions were provided. Certainly the initial mission of the ship seemed to be to sail into the Central Atlantic, then find and takeover the patrol of the supply tanker . The Gedania would have remained on position until all the torpedoes were transferred. Further orders were then to be issued by Western Command to both ships.
