KTB Enigma Flotilla September 1939

[smilinicon]

KTB* Enigma Flotilla September 1939
-------------------------------------

At the outbreak of war with England, Engima Flotilla had the following boats ready for action:

U-13, commanded by Hoffler. PATROL COMPLETED
U-15, commanded by Schmitdt. AT SEA
U-33, commanded by Blohme. PATROLS COMPLETED
U-46, commanded by Becker. PATROL COMPLETED.
U-48, commanded by Hunmann. IN PORT
U-59, commanded by Rabe. AT SEA
U-69, commanded by Wittig. PATROLS COMPLETED
U-99, commanded by Schotte. PATROLS COMPLETED
U-102, commanded by Biermann. PATROL COMPLETED.
U-779, commanded by Scheiswetter. IN PORT

U-48 and U-779 remained in port in Kiel due to mechanical issues.

U-13 finished patrol, but was unsuccesful due to poor weather conditions.
5.9.39 - U-33 departed kiel for area BRUNO. 26.9.39 - U-33 returned to port. Reports 50,368 tonnage.
6.9.39 - U-102 departed Kiel for area ANTON. 1.10.39 - U-102 returned to port. Reports 24,551 tonnage.
14.9.39 - U-99 departs Kiel for area CEASAR. 1.10.39 - U-99 returned to port. Reports approx. 34,000 tonnage.
2.09.39 - U-69 departs Kiel for area BF41. 15.10.39 - U-69 returned to port. Reports approx. 16,238 tonnage.
21.08.39 - 12.09.39 U-46 COMPLETES PATROL. 14,068 TONS, NO DUDS.

Enigma Flotilla lost no U-boats for this period vs. 108,625 merchant tonnage sunk.

6 (six) faulty torpedoes were reported by U-102. Torpedo Inspectorate has been notified and does not know
the reason for the failures at this time.

Enemy ASW aircraft: All boats reported light airforce ASW north of Scapa Flow area. Enemy ASW aircraft were
most active in area CEASAR making daytime surface running inadvisable.

One convoy was reported, tracked and attacked most likely traveling the SL or HG travel routes toward Londonderry.
Convoy had screens on each side consisting of Destroyer or Frigate class ships consisting of 4-5 ships. Screen
was easily penetrated by timing the lead escort, then slipping behind and inside the flank escorts. Entering into
the convoy from the rear was not possible.

Light damage was reported by U-99 from ASW aircraft. All subs reported very high morale and crew efficiency.

ASW coverage within Channel allows passage in Sept.

Flotilla training:

Three (3) U-boats were made ready:

U-13, (Hoffler)
U-58, (Wagner)
U-69, (Wittig)

Awards:

Applications for Iron Cross, Second Class for commander and all officers for the succesful patrols.
No other awards authorised**.

(* war diary)
(** please remove U-boat Front Clasp if awarded by SH3)