Complex sentence: In early March the U-boat rakes came in contact with SC 121, which was several days ahead of HX 228, and engaged; the Admiralty diverted HX 228 north-east to avoid the conflict and thus straight into the "Neuland" patrol area.
Split into simpler sentences: In early March the U-boat rakes came in contact with SC 121, which was several days ahead of HX 228, and engaged it. The Admiralty diverted HX 228 north-east to avoid the conflict and thus straight into the "Neuland" patrol area.