IID U-152 30th out of the Black Sea

[danurve]

Patrol 9
U-152, 30th/33rd Flotilla
Left at: August 20, 1944, 16:31
From: Constanza

08.25.44 Constanza is now in Russian hands.

KAPITÄNLEUTNANT OSKAR HIPPERLING & U-152 decide to chance the channel and pass Istanbul. Before passing the bay/mouth of the channel a small convoy sighted.

25 Aug 1944
1330Long 29° 22' E, Lat 41° 29' N Ship sunk! Sposobny (Storozhevoy class), 3150 tons
1408Long 29° 25' E, Lat 41° 27' N Ship sunk! S.S. Agawam (Small Tanker), 4028 tons
1410Long 29° 25' E, Lat 41° 27' N Ship sunk! S.S. Jenny (Small Tanker), 4029 tons

U-152 suddenly and strangly aware this was most likely the Russian tankers she can send to the bottom.

28 Aug 1944
U-152 docks at Salamis.
She will have to dodge the gauntlet of warships & allied aircraft in the Med., around the Italian boot with only a small supply of eels, two twin 38's and a radar warning device. We will attempt to reach one of the last Italian western ports in German hands.
From there, make an attempt to pass through Gibraltar. :huh:


So, what do you think U-152's chances are? :ping:

[nikbear]

Go for it,Your little type IID should be hard to find hopefully,and quick to dive;)best of luck:up:

[Kipparikalle]

You got good chances.
IID is quite damn small, and staying silent and away from all the DD's, you should be fine.

See you around! I'm on exactly same timeline and patrolling between the Tunisia and Sicily.
There's quite a lot of traffic, I'm looking forward to hunt together with you herr kaleun Danurve ;)

[danurve]

29 Aug 1944 Patrol 10
U-152, Left at: August 29, 1944, 03:49 From: Salamis

Light shipping spotted as U-152 on a S/W course through grid CO26 into the Med.
No other air or sea traffic detected for the remaining leg of CO.
S/W corner of CN38 multiple warships detected on a Easterly course.
Hunter Killer group.
U-152 proceeds on a SSW course at silent speed. Heavy fog, rain and rough seas. Boat remained ar periscope depth. H/K group passed to within 1000m. Boat undetected.
South end of CN38 small convoy detected, one warship and two merchants.
Boat moved to range then to periscope depth.
Large merchants, est 6-7 tons. Much larger then typical Soviet traffic in the black sea. Also both merchants seemed heavily armed.
U-152 returned to course.
CN37 radar signals detected, aircraft, boat submerged.
CN26 radar signals detected, aircraft, boat submerged.
CN23 radar signals detected, aircraft, boat submerged.
CN23 hydrophone contact, VIIC.
CJ88 radar siganls detected, aircraft, boat sumberged.
CJ87 radar signals detected, aircraft, boat submerged.
CJ87 small convoy reported, escorted, continued course.
CJ72/CJ73 multiple radar signals, aircraft, boat submerged.
9.9.44 signal received port of Samalis is in enemy hands.
U-152 no longer just past the point of no return, but on a one-way voyage.
CJ17 multiple hydrophone contacts on a S/E course.
Task force detected, w/one large warship.
Task force is within intercept range.
KAPITÄNLEUTNANT OSKAR HIPPERLING & crew move in to engage.

09 Sep 1944
2313 CJ 17 Ship sunk! HMS Kite (Black Swan class), 1250 tons
Sunk with a T-1 at high speed.
2313 CJ 17 Ship sunk! HMS Bermuda (Fiji class), 10725 tons
Sunk with a salvo pair of T-III's. A final T-1 shot before silent running aimed at the Cruiser missed, but the ship sunk after about 30 minutes passed.

The next 6-7 hours had U-152 under a cat & mouse Depth charge attack.
U-152 went to 180, then 185m before damage from exteem depth in a IID forced the boat to continue with evasion at 150-170 meters.
Boat arrived at LaSpezia 11SEP44.

U-152 will take on fuel and supplies for a breakthrough attempt.
It is cetainly possible for contacts and an attack on merchants or even a small convoy. The officers and crew are aware of the tonnage, as well as the danger. In smooth seas and clear weather, a IID is out of place and under equiped for continued patrols in the Med.