[Kapitän]

Thu., 28.12.39 - West of Cape St. Vincent

The attack against the steamer during the night was a disappointment: One Ato failed to detonate and two Eto detonated prematurely. I decided against pursuing the steamer, due to the high fuel consumption in such wind and sea conditions and because of the uncertainty of the torpedoes functioning properly, once I reach a favorable attack position. Submerged cruise on heading NNW.

1200 - Qu. C G 8223 - Days Run: 87.5 sm - ↗ 47.8 sm - ↘ 39.7 sm
76 cbm. 1 Eto and 5 Ato. N7, Sea6, medium swell from north, clear, >1000mb, light haze, medium visibility, 3°C
Sunrise 1106 - Sunset 2030

1251 - Sound contact with single steamer bearing 149°, E=13000, approaching with medium speed on course 340°.

1258 - Surfaced. I have to maneuver the boat to the wind-ward side of the steamer but have to run both diesels at H.F. to overcome the heavy swell. The sea is constantly washing over the bridge.

1306 - Smoke trail bearing 75°! E=9000. Seems to be a tanker on course 337°, speed 10 kn.

1311 - At a closer look, it is a bulk carrier of about 2923 ts., draught 7.0m. Diving at E=8000.
I will probably, not manage to get into the wind-ward position, if I can get into an attack position at all.

1335 - After running V.F., I actually manage to get to the wind-ward side of the steamer but too late. By the time the boat is on an even keel at periscope depth, I'm out of position again. The shot with the stern tube misses.

1338 - Single shot with tube V (G 7 a, Pi-1, K-a, magnetic fuse, Vt 30, running depth 8.0m):
E=300, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 10 knots, aim-off green 25°, own course 65°:
Torpedo misses by the stern!

Conclusion: A torpedo attack in such wind and sea conditions, takes much preparation and time, and should not be hurried.
I run off on course 330°.

1449 - Qu. C G 5888 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

1553 - Qu. C G 5886 - Suddenly, a pair of French naval planes are right over the boat and drop one bomb each, about 20m next to the boat, however, without inflicting any damage.
The planes approached right out of the sun and were only sighted during the bombing run and flying off on course 155°.
Boat remains surfaced.

1948 - Qu. C G 5855 - A pair of French naval planes bearing 130° true, E= 6000, on heading NNW. Come as close as 1800m abeam to starboard and fly off again on heading SSE.
Boat remains surfaced.

2005 - Diving from neutral steamer bearing 330°, E=9000, on heading SSE.
Test dive at A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

Re-entering alternative operation area.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.