KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar // WolvesAtWar VII Campaign

[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.

[Kapitän]

Fri., 29.12.39 - West of Portugal

1200 - Qu. C G 5824 - Days Run: 59.4 sm - ↗ 31.4 sm - ↘ 28.0 sm
75 cbm. 1 Eto and 4 Ato. S7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, 4°C
Sunrise 1105 - Sunset 2035

1220 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.
Incoming F.T.:
On 28th, attacked Repulse Type Battleship, northwest of Hebrides. 4 torpedoes fired, 1 hit observed. Lost contact. "Lemp"

1600 - Qu. C G 5576 - Boat vented, air supply replenished, batteries charged.
Incoming F.T.:
Sunk patrol vessel with deck gun. 1 torpedo left. "Lemp"

Continuing operation in alternative PZ.

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

[Kapitän]

Sat., 30.12.39 - West of Portugal

0620 - Qu. C G 5271 -Incoming F.T.: Shipping Report:
Position Marqu. C G 5241, on course south, slow speed.

0745 - Qu. C G 5244 - Diving for sound check. Steamer bearing 13°, approaching with slow speed on course 175°, E=12000. - 0750 - Surfaced. Starboard ahead a shadow, E=11000, very difficult to make out.

0800 - Steamer is identified as a coal freighter of about 5850 ts., draught 9.0m. - 0813 - Diving at E=4000 for submerged attack. T=20.

Due to the heavy swell, I have to attack submerged, using the B-Periscope. Before diving, I already collected preliminary torpedo shot data. The starry night and the half-moon in the east champion us.

0830 - Periscope depth. Battle stations!

0840 - Single shot with tube II (G 7 a, Pi-1, K-a, magnetic fuse, Vt 30, running depth 10.0m):
E=500, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 3 knots, aim-off red 10°, own course 85°:
Torpedo hit after 20 Sec.!

There is a tremendous explosion and fire aboard the freighter. The steamer immediately settles in the water, turns over to the starboard side and sinks with a series of very loud underwater explosions.
I have to turn hard to port, in order not to collide with the foundering freighter. I retire on a northerly heading.

0850 - Submerged cruise at A-40.

1200 - Qu. C G 5217 - Days Run: 115.3 sm - ↗ 102.4 sm - ↘ 12.9 sm
74 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. S7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, 3°C
Sunrise 1114 - Sunset 2035

1215 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

Received a BBC report about the sinking of a German submarine at the Spanish west coast. If this is not an old report, it can only be about U.-Sohler, that had sent a weather report on the 24th, from the west coast of Ireland. Several sighting reports from the 28th and 29th, also, seem to be indicative of this boat.

Continuing operation in alternative PZ.

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

[Kapitän]

Sun., 31.12.39 - West of Portugal

0427 - Qu. C G 2496 - "Fahrzeug!" Abeam to port a steamer on reciprocal heading, E=2600.

0430 - Veered boat on parallel course 205°. Steamer is identified as an English Caribou type freighter of about 2100 ts., draught 7.5m, speed 9 kn.

The boat stands against the rising half-moon. The distance to the steamer is about 3000m. Still, everything remains calm. The attempt to overtake the steamer proofs to be very difficult, as the boat cannot go faster than GF, due to the heavy swell and strong wind. Finally, I decide to brake-off the pursuit, as the target does not appear to be valuable enough for me to use up my fuel and running the risk of perhaps, wasting the even more valuable torpedoes. Also, I'm assuming, that this steamer is using a shipping lane utilized by the enemy and that before long, I will come across other valuable targets.

0500 - Qu. C G 2499 - Veered boat and retired on course 25°.

1200 - Qu. C G 2518 - Days Run: 134.5 sm - ↗ 133.7 sm - ↘ 0.8 sm
71 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. S7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, 1°C
Sunrise 1123 - Sunset 2030

1605 - Qu. C G 2276 - Diving for test dive at A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

The third week at sea lies behind us. Also, this week was characterized by poor weather and sea conditions. However, we also, had some successes to note, with two sinking's and one aircraft shot down. With the new year approaching, we will leave this sea area and commence our return cruise home.

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

[Kapitän]

Mon., 1.1.40 - Southwest of Finisterre

0413 - Qu. C G 2257 - The sound operator reports a contact bearing 137°, E=20000, slowly coming closer. Sounds like two vessels, seem to be running on course 3°.

0422 - At periscope depth, three separate screw noises can be heard in the hydrophone. - Surfaced.

0500 - Veered boat to course 180°. Several shadows ahead to port. Convoy turns out to be four well lit neutral steamers. - Retired on heading NNE.

1100 - Cape Finisterre 22 sm to starboard.

1200 - Qu. B F 7886 - Days Run: 96.7 sm - ↗ 78.2 sm - ↘ 18.5 sm
69 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. S7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -1°C
Sunrise 1128 - Sunset 2029

1221 - Diving from a pair of French naval planes approaching from 30° true, on heading SW, E=16000. At A-Meter no bombs. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

1348 - Single sound contact bearing 210°, with medium speed on course 350°. In the distance, bearing 150°, the neutral convoy can be heard as well.

1355 - Periscope Depth. The single sound contact appears to be a Whale Factory Ship of about 5460 ts, draught 9.0m. At T=20 and flank speed, attempting to maneuver into attack position.

1410 - Back to periscope depth, I realize, that I'm still not close enough to gather secure torpedo shot data. I decide, to let the whaler go but to follow on her course and after I surface outside of her field of view, to move into a more favorable attack position. I might even find other valuable targets along the way.

1507 - Qu. B F 7883 - Surfaced. The whaler is running with 10 kn. With the given wind and sea conditions, there is no way of overtaking the whaler, as the sea is constantly washing over the bridge. Continuing on heading 355°.

Incoming F.T.:
Trailing fuel oil again. Returning to base. "Schütze"

Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Free to attack Greek shipping.

2230 - Qu. B F 7582 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
1045 21Dec. shot down one French naval plane, 6988 B E. 1800 24Dec. sunk MV Mary Slessor, 5825 C G. 0840 30Dec. destroyed coal freighter of about 6000 ts, 5244 C G. Intend return cruise via Fair Isle passage. 1 Eto, 3 Ato, 69 cbm. S7, Sea6, medium northern swell, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -1°C. "Gelhaar"

2318 - Qu . B F 7558 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Gelhaar: Bravo! Safe journey and Happy New Year to you and crew.

Leaving alternative PZ.

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

[Kapitän]

Tue., 2.1.40 - Biscay

1200 - Qu. B F 4878 - Days Run: 168.7 sm - ↗ 160.9 sm - ↘ 7.8 sm
67 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. S7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -2°C
Sunrise 1153 - Sunset 2041

Incoming F.T.:
Failure of one electric engine. Returning to base. "Sohler"

I guess the BBC report from the 30th was wrong.

No further occurrences.

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

[Kapitän]

Wed., 3.1.40 - Biscay

1150 - Qu. B F 1799 - A pair of French naval planes heading east, pass the boat at a distance of about 2500m, do not approach. Boat remains surfaced.

1200 - Qu. B F 1799 - Days Run: ↗ 180.9 sm
64 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. W7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, 0°C
Sunrise 1209 - Sunset 2035

1300 - Qu. B F 1796 - Diving for test dive at A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

Commencing return cruise.

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

[Kapitän]

Thu., 4.1.40 - In front of the Channel

0600 - Qu. B F 1739 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

1131 - Qu. B F 1469 - Diving from a pair of French naval planes approaching from 90° true. Were sighted at E=7000 but because depth under keel is 23m, order to dive was not given until E=4000.
Boat cannot be leveled on an even keel and runs aground. Boat is taking damages. No bombs dropped by the airplanes.

1133 - At T=19, boat touching ground again. - 1136 - At periscope depth, boat running aground again.

Boat has taken the following damages: Water entry from the stern torpedo tube and in the NCO-quarters - fortunately, the rear battery is not discharging gases. Both electric motors and diesels, as well as, the compressor and the GHG, are temporarily put out of action. The L.I. informs me, that the pressure hull may have taken some damage as well.

All damages, except for the pressure hull, can be repaired before surfacing, by the Leak-Control-Groups I and II, the M-Group and E-Groups I and II.

1142 - Surfaced.

1200 - Qu. B F 1469 - Days Run: 74.8 sm - ↗ 47.9 sm - ↘ 26.9 sm
62 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. W7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -2°C
Sunrise 1228 - Sunset 2041

1306 - Qu. B F 1466 - Smoke trail bearing 166°, E= 16000, coming up fast.

1308 - Seems to be a passenger liner traveling alone: Two funnels and two masts, one at the bow and one at the stern, speed about 13 kn, on northwesterly heading.
Changing course to 270° and GF, in order to intercept. Boat cannot go faster than 13 kn, as the sea is constantly washing over the bridge.

1345 - Qu. B F 1465 - Diving at E=8000. Turning in toward the passenger liner. Course 210° and AK.

1400 - S-Tiefe. Vessel is identified as an English mail steamer of about 5760 ts, painted in navy grey colors and traveling with dimmed lights on course 300°, however, without any apparent armament.

I decide to attack because the steamer
1) is coming from either England or France,
2) is painted in navy grey colors,
3) is traveling with dimmed lights and
4) is identified as a mail steamer and not a passenger liner.

The fact, that no armament is visible, is no guaranty, that the steamer is not armed anyways.

1403 - Single shot with tube I (G 7 e, Pi-1, K-b, magnetic fuse, running depth 10.0m):
E=550, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 15 knots, aim-off green 25°, own course 210°:
Torpedo hit after 37 Sec.!

I have estimated the enemy speed too fast, the torpedo just manages to hit the steamer at the bow.
The initial torpedo explosion is followed by several very strong secondary explosions along the entire length of the steamer. This is a very strong indicator, that this steamer was not merely carrying care packages and love letters.

The steamer sinks within 1 minute of the torpedo hit, accompanied by very violent explosions and an underwater boiler explosion. Through the periscope I can see 3-4 carley floats with survivors on them.
I decide not to surface, as I find it very doubtful, that I will be able the question the survivors with the prevailing wind and sea conditions. I also, don't want to subject the boat to another possible air attack, before performing a proper test dive. I retire to the west.

2245 - Qu. B F 1455 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

Continuing return cruise.

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

[Kapitän]

Fri., 5.1.40 - Western Approaches

1200 - Qu. A M 8785 - Days Run: 142.0 sm - ↗ 112.3 sm - ↘ 29.7 sm
60 cbm. 3 Ato. W7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -1°C
Sunrise 1235 - Sunset 2041

1240 - Qu. A M 8785 - Diving for test dive at A+20. Boat is tight and secure. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

1508 - Qu. A M 8782 - Sound contact with single steamer bearing 273°, E=21000, heading SSE.

1516 - Surfaced. New course 225°. - 1530 - Smoke trail bearing 42°, E=16000.

1550 - A single steamer on course 153°, speed 6 kn. At E=1000, new course 180°. Vessel is identified as a Whale Factory Ship of about 5460 BRT, draught 9.0m.
As we get closer, it becomes evident, that the steamer is in fact a Pyro Ammunitions Transport of about 7025 BRT, draught 9.0m.

1600 - Qu. A M 8785 - I cannot make out any escort and must get to the starboard side of the steamer.

1650 - At E=9000 and bearing 33°, diving for submerged attack.

1730 - Turning into the steamers starboard side. Periscope depth. Clearly, armament can be seen on the steamers stern section. Battle stations! Tube III flooded. Tube I is a tube runner.

1731 - Qu. A M 8788 - Single shot with tube III (G 7 a, Pi-1, K-a, magnetic fuse, Vt 30, running depth 10.0m): E=500, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 6 knots, aim-off 0°, own course 63°:
Torpedo hit amidships after 24 Sec.!

The steamer slows down. Other than that, no apparent effect of the torpedo hit recognized. Then, after 3 minutes, the steamer sinks on an even keel. Only, after she's slipped beneath the ways, several very load underwater explosions can heard and felt throughout the boat. I retire submerged on course 10°, T=40.

2235 - Qu. A M 8758 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

2400 - Qu. A M 8755 - Fastnet Rock 65 sm abeam to starboard.

Continuing return cruise.

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

[Kapitän]

Sat., 6.1.40 - Southwest coast of Ireland

0200 - Qu. A M 8722 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
1735 05Jan40, destroyed ammunitions transport 7000 BRT, 8788 A M. Return cruise according F.T. 2230/1. Two external Ato, 59 cbm. W7, Sea6, medium northern swell, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -2°C. "Gelhaar"

0915 - Qu. A M 8428 - Evading shipping contact report from 0910h.

1200 - Qu. A M 8422 - Days Run: 141.7 sm - ↗ 117.0 sm - ↘ 24.7 sm
58 cbm. 2 external Ato. W7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -2°C
Sunrise 1246 - Sunset 2032

1820 - Qu. A M 8125 - Evading shipping contact report from 1810h.

1942 - Qu. A M 8122 - Smoke trail bearing 296°, E=16000. It is the shipping contact report from 1810h. Evading outside its field of view.

Continuing return cruise. Weather is getting worse again, rain.

Also, the fourth week at sea was characterized by strong winds and heavy swell. And again, like the week before, we were able to note another success. Now, with just two Ato left in the upper deck containers, it is time to head back home.

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

[Kapitän]

Sun., 7.1.40 - West coast of Ireland

1200 - Qu. A M 5437 - Days Run: ↗ 173.6 sm
55 cbm. 2 external Ato. ESE7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, cloud cover, freezing rain, <1000mb, poor visibility, -4°C
Sunrise 1301 - Sunset 2011

No further occurrences. Continuing return cruise.

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

[Kapitän]

Mon., 8.1.40 - In front of the North Channel

1200 - Qu. A M 2858 - Days Run: ↗ 175.0 sm
51 cbm. 2 external Ato. ESE7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, cloud cover, freezing rain, <1000mb, poor visibility, -1°C
Sunrise 1307 - Sunset 1949

Incoming F.T.:
Unable to execute mine operation in designated position due to fixed enemy sound and sonar equipment, as well as, many escort vessels. Proposing alternative drop zone close to land, south of Ailsa Craig. "Büchel"

Incoming F.T.:
Büchel: Approved to execute mine operation in proposed alternative drop zone. - B.d.U. -

No further occurrences. Continuing return cruise.

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

[Kapitän]

Tue., 9.1.40 - West of the Hebrides

1200 - Qu. A M 3537 - Days Run: ↗ 160.1 sm
49 cbm. 2 external Ato. ESE7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, cloud cover, freezing rain, <1000mb, poor visibility, -4°C
Sunrise 1307 - Sunset 1930

2138 - Qu. A M 3475 - F.T. 2130/9: From B.d.U:
B-Dienst reports small enemy convoy in Qu. A M 3472, on heading WSW, speed 7 kn.

Boat is continuing return cruise due to fuel and weather.

No further occurrences.

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

[Kapitän]

Wed., 10.1.40 - North of The Minch

1200 - Qu. A M 3466 - Days Run: ↗ 152.0 sm
46 cbm. 2 external Ato. ESE7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, cloud cover, freezing rain, <1000mb, poor visibility, -4°C
Sunrise 1305 - Sunset 1922

Incoming F.T.:
"U.-Lemp" and "U.-Büchel" report execution of their respective mine operation.

1645 - Qu. A N 1345 - It stops raining and is clearing up again. The wind is shifting to Northeast.

1800 - Qu. A N 1356 - Naval plane bearing 195° true, E=5000, flying off. Boat remains surfaced.

1825 - Diving from Swordfish approaching from 215° true, E=6000. At A-20 no bombs. Submerged cruise at A-40.

The Swordfish seems to have been the "Change of guard" of the French naval plane. I intend to cross the Fair Isle Passage submerged by day. After the last stormy and rainy days, it will be a much needed rest period for the boat and crew, before the "final stretch" through the North Sea.

1943 - Qu. A N 1346 - Sound contact with slow single screw bearing 295°, on heading southwest. Boat remains submerged.

2125 - WNW8, Sea7, medium northern swell, moderate, ~1000mb, light haze, medium visibility, -4°C, bright Northern Lights
Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

Continuing return cruise.

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

[Kapitän]

Thu., 11.1.40 - Northwest of Scapa Flow

1145 - Qu. A N 1445 - At dawn, a twin engine airplane flies straight over the boat, without dropping bombs or any other action. Was not spotted until late due to the sea constantly washing over the bridge.

1200 - Qu. A N 1445 - Days Run: 147.6 sm - ↗ 138.0 sm - ↘ 9.6 sm
43 cbm. 2 external Ato. WNW8, Sea7, medium northern swell, moderate, ~1000mb, light haze, medium visibility, -4°C
Sunrise 1250 - Sunset 1913

Diving for submerged cruise at A-40.

2200 - Qu. A N 1454 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

Continuing return cruise.

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