Tell us what you are upto in your current campaign

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


- continued from 24 April, 0600h -


0735 - Qu.2332ED - Reached ordered patrol grid!
On new course 218°. Small-Ahead, 205RPM.

0835 - Morning Dawn. "All Engines Stop!".

0840 - Commencing of loading 2 external torpedoes under deck.

0900 - Incoming F.T.: From U 154:
Sank 3 tankers and 2 freighters in the area of the Greater Antilles, 28715ts. - KKpt. Kölle -

0918 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

1000 - 2 Ato loaded in the bow compartment above the floor plates. 6 internal Eto, 8 internal Ato and 4 external Ato.

1015 - Incoming F.T.: From U 459:
The following have been supplied: U-Scholtz - 35 cbm and provisions for 12 days. U-Cremer - 40 cbm and provisions for 14 days. U-Suhren approximately 25 cbm and provisions for 10 days. - von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf -

1019 - 2x325RPM/11.5kn(1/3-Ahead).

1030 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
Status report: On 20 April, 1417h, Alarm from single Catalina in 230°true, on course NE, no bombs, Qu.9844DP.
On 24 April, from 0307h until 0544h, destroyed coastal convoy 2340/23 on course 98° with 2 Ato and deck gun, Qu.8959DO to Qu.8968DO, 1 patrol boat, 1 tanker, 4 freighters, 8991ts. Reached ordered patrol grid and have taken 2 external Ato under deck. 14 internal and 4 external eels. 192cbm. NNW1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. Continuing acc. Op.-Orders. - RST -

1038 - Incoming F.T.: From U 553:
"GUSTAV GELB!". Convoy sighted in BE 7317, on course 20°, 8 knots, 12 ships, so far 2 destroyers distinguished. - Thurmann -

1059 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
RST: Sinkings recorded. Report imediately in case of any survivors. - B.d.U. -

1102 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 553:
Thurmann: Do not attack and continue outward passage.
- B.d.U. -

1111 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
On 24 April, 0545h, questioned and supplied 7 survivors in 2 boats from Small Coastal Steamer Santa Teresa, in Qu.8968DO. - RST -

1200 - Qu.2353ED - Days Run: 241.1sm - ↗ 236.8sm (22h 30') - ↘ 4.3sm (1h 30').
192cbm (9cbm/24h). Battery 9500Ah. 14+4 Torpedoes. 10.5cm: 64xSpG, 29xLkG. On course 219°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

1216 - Small Ahead.

1255 - Qu.2355ED - On new course 135°.

1807 - Norddeich Radio sending report about successes of the 4th Wave of Paukenschlag boats: U 552 (Kptlt.Topp) 7 ships for 45,731ts; U 754 (Kptlt.Oestermann) 4 ships for 29,309ts, and a Canadian convoy of steam tugs for 2,759ts; U 203 (Kptlt.Mützelburg) 2 ships for 14,232ts, plus the tankers Harry F Sinclair and Stanvac Melbourne torpedoed; U 571 (Kptlt.Möhlmann) 3 ships for 24,319ts; and U 572 (Kptlt.Hirsacker 2 ships for 9,532ts, and the British tanker Ensis damaged.

1843 - On newe course 270°.

2134 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

Boat patrolling ordered patrol grid.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.






Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Saturday, 25 April 1942 - East of the American Virgin Islands -

0247 - On new course 45°.
0320 - Boat operating on ship contact report 0000/25, in Qu.3712ED, course WNW, medium speed.
Altering course to 180°, Full-Ahead.

0530 - At plotted interception point noting found. Reducing speed in order to allow dieel engines to cool down before submerging.

0538 - Shortly before diving, Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
B-Dienst reporting a small enemy convoy in Qu.2655ED, on course north, speed 9kn.

0540 - Diving for sound check. At Reception Depth nothing heard.

0545 - Surfacing directly from Reception Depth, after 5min. and 0.3sm. Boat returning to course 45°. Full-Ahead.

Cmdr.: I suspect that the ship contact report 0000/25, actually is this convoy reported by the B-Dienst, and that it has changed its course to north, which is the reason for us not making contact at the plotted interception point.

0704 - "Smoke Plume Ahead Stbd.30!". 3 steamers in keel line, traveling darkened. Escorts cannot be seen. Water depth here is 33m.

0732 - "Maneuver Stations!".

0735 - At E=5000 the ships can be identified:
In front in the middle two Small Passenger Ships of 1449ts each, draught 4.6m and in back a Large Ferryship of 6200ts, draught 8.5m. The forward and rear steamers are Panamanian, the steamer in the middle is identified as Mexican. The forward steamer is also painted with camouflage painting. All are traveling darkened.

0745 - 2xH.F. Boat is passing the convoy along its port beam on parallel course 0°, distance 4000m. Speed of the convoy is 9kn.

Cmdr.: My plan is to attack the large Ferryship with one torpedo and to fire a star shell in order to observe how the convoy will react. If they will start sending "SSS" and/or act in some kind of hostile manner, I will engage and sink them.

0750 - 1/3-Ahead.

0755 - Turning into the convoy on attack course 91°. Small Ahead. "Battle Stations!". Preparing boat for surface attack according B.d.U.-Standing Order No.302.

0758 - Flooding tube III.

0801 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Mützelburg: Port of Entry is Brest.
Hardegen and Loewe: Port of Entry is Lorient.
- B.d.U. -

0802 - Qu.2625ED - Single Shot with tube III: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 5.5m; Vt30; Own course 91°; Own speed 7kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Pos.3 Large Ferryship of 6200ts, draught 8.5m.
Target course 001°; Target distance 2600m; Target angle red73°; Target speed 9kn; Firing angle α 000°.

Closing tubes II. Running off on northerly heading with 1/3-Ahead.

Torpedo is a hit midships after 2min. 41Sec.!

The steamer explodes in a huge fireball across its entire length, breaks in-two and both halfs sinking in less than 1 minute. Flames linger on the ocean surface for well over 2 minutes after the sinking. Boats cannot be made out.

The other two steamers begin zig-zagging and sending "SSS". Now, also a deck gun on the stern can be made out on both steamers.

0812 - Reloading of tube III.

Cmdr.: I decide to attack the forward Panamanian steamer with an Ato and to stop the Mexican steamer for investigation, as they clearly are not transporting passengers, but have to hurry, as it is getting light very fast now.

- to be continued -

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Saturday, 25 April 1942 - East of the American Virgin Islands -

0247 - On new course 45°.
0320 - Boat operating on ship contact report 0000/25, in Qu.3712ED, course WNW, medium speed.
Altering course to 180°, Full-Ahead.

0530 - At plotted interception point noting found. Reducing speed in order to allow dieel engines to cool down before submerging.

0538 - Shortly before diving, Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
B-Dienst reporting a small enemy convoy in Qu.2655ED, on course north, speed 9kn.

0540 - Diving for sound check. At Reception Depth nothing heard.

0545 - Surfacing directly from Reception Depth, after 5min. and 0.3sm. Boat returning to course 45°. Full-Ahead.

Cmdr.: I suspect that the ship contact report 0000/25, actually is this convoy reported by the B-Dienst, and that it has changed its course to north, which is the reason for us not making contact at the plotted interception point.

0704 - "Smoke Plume Ahead Stbd.30!". 3 steamers in keel line, traveling darkened. Escorts cannot be seen. Water depth here is 33m.

0732 - "Maneuver Stations!".

0735 - At E=5000 the ships can be identified:
In front in the middle two Small Passenger Ships of 1449ts each, draught 4.6m and in back a Large Ferryship of 6200ts, draught 8.5m. The forward and rear steamers are Panamanian, the steamer in the middle is identified as Mexican. The forward steamer is also painted with camouflage painting. All are traveling darkened.

0745 - 2xH.F. Boat is passing the convoy along its port beam on parallel course 0°, distance 4000m. Speed of the convoy is 9kn.

Cmdr.: My plan is to attack the large Ferryship with one torpedo and to fire a star shell in order to observe how the convoy will react. If they will start sending "SSS" and/or act in some kind of hostile manner, I will engage and sink them.

0750 - 1/3-Ahead.

0755 - Turning into the convoy on attack course 91°. Small Ahead. "Battle Stations!". Preparing boat for surface attack according B.d.U.-Standing Order No.302.

0758 - Flooding tube III.

0801 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Mützelburg: Port of Entry is Brest.
Hardegen and Loewe: Port of Entry is Lorient.
- B.d.U. -

0802 - Qu.2625ED - Single Shot with tube III: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 5.5m; Vt30; Own course 91°; Own speed 7kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Pos.3 Large Ferryship of 6200ts, draught 8.5m.
Target course 001°; Target distance 2600m; Target angle red73°; Target speed 9kn; Firing angle α 000°.

Closing tubes II. Running off on northerly heading with 1/3-Ahead.

Torpedo is a hit midships after 2min. 41Sec.!

The steamer explodes in a huge fireball across its entire length, breaks in-two and both halfs sinking in less than 1 minute. Flames linger on the ocean surface for well over 2 minutes after the sinking. Boats cannot be made out.

The other two steamers begin zig-zagging and sending "SSS". Now, also a deck gun on the stern can be made out on both steamers.

0812 - Reloading of tube III.

Cmdr.: I decide to attack the forward Panamanian steamer with an Ato and to stop the Mexican steamer for investigation, as they clearly are not transporting passengers, but have to hurry, as it is getting light very fast now.

- to be continued -




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


- continued from 25 April, 0812h -


0820 - Morning Dawn. Tube II reloaded with Ato. Turning into the convoy on attack course 92°. Small-Ahead.

0822 - Decks awash, 85RPM/1kn.

0827 - Steamers are traveling only with 2kn and zig-zagging. Flooding tube III.

0902 - Qu.2625ED - Single Shot with tube III: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 2.5m; Vt40; Own course 92°; Own speed 1kn ahead decks awash; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Pos.1 Small Passenger Ship of 1449ts, draught 4.6m.
Target course 001° zig-zagging; Target distance 1300m; Target angle red85°; Target speed 2kn; Firing angle α 017°.

0903 - Closing tubes III.
The steamer starts to engage the boat with its stern deck gun! The torpedo is a dud, hits the steamer amidships after 1min. 48Sec., but fails to detonate!

0904 - Qu.2625ED - Flooding tube II.
Single Shot with tube II: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 2.5m; Vt30; Own course 92°; Own speed 1kn ahead decks awash; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Pos.1 Small Passenger Ship of 1449ts, draught 4.6m.
Target course 001° zig-zagging; Target distance 1200m; Target angle red82°; Target speed 2kn; Firing angle α 011°. Closing tube II.

The torpedo is a hit after 1min 15Sec.!

Also, this steamer explodes in a huge fireball and sinks in less than 1 minute, on an even keel, generating a lot of smoke. Boats cannot be made out.

0908 - Blowing tanks and manning deck gun.

0910 - E=900. "Weapons Free!". Shooting a round of the deck gun across the bow of the Mexican steamer. At first no reaction, but then, the steamer returns fire with its stern deck gun and 1-2 Flak guns, however, the shots are way off.

0917 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

0913 - After 19 shots and 16 hits (45 remaining) with the deckgun - the 9th hit taking out the steamers stern deck gun - the Mexican steamer sinks on an even keel, also generating a lot of smoke.

"Secure Weapons!". Approached the sinking position and questioned and supplied 7 survivors in 2 boats.

0930 - Running off at high speed on northerly heading. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

- to be continued -

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


- continued from 25 April, 0812h -


0820 - Morning Dawn. Tube II reloaded with Ato. Turning into the convoy on attack course 92°. Small-Ahead.

0822 - Decks awash, 85RPM/1kn.

0827 - Steamers are traveling only with 2kn and zig-zagging. Flooding tube III.

0902 - Qu.2625ED - Single Shot with tube III: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 2.5m; Vt40; Own course 92°; Own speed 1kn ahead decks awash; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Pos.1 Small Passenger Ship of 1449ts, draught 4.6m.
Target course 001° zig-zagging; Target distance 1300m; Target angle red85°; Target speed 2kn; Firing angle α 017°.

0903 - Closing tubes III.
The steamer starts to engage the boat with its stern deck gun! The torpedo is a dud, hits the steamer amidships after 1min. 48Sec., but fails to detonate!

0904 - Qu.2625ED - Flooding tube II.
Single Shot with tube II: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 2.5m; Vt30; Own course 92°; Own speed 1kn ahead decks awash; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Pos.1 Small Passenger Ship of 1449ts, draught 4.6m.
Target course 001° zig-zagging; Target distance 1200m; Target angle red82°; Target speed 2kn; Firing angle α 011°. Closing tube II.

The torpedo is a hit after 1min 15Sec.!

Also, this steamer explodes in a huge fireball and sinks in less than 1 minute, on an even keel, generating a lot of smoke. Boats cannot be made out.

0908 - Blowing tanks and manning deck gun.

0910 - E=900. "Weapons Free!". Shooting a round of the deck gun across the bow of the Mexican steamer. At first no reaction, but then, the steamer returns fire with its stern deck gun and 1-2 Flak guns, however, the shots are way off.

0917 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

0913 - After 19 shots and 16 hits (45 remaining) with the deckgun - the 9th hit taking out the steamers stern deck gun - the Mexican steamer sinks on an even keel, also generating a lot of smoke.

"Secure Weapons!". Approached the sinking position and questioned and supplied 7 survivors in 2 boats.

0930 - Running off at high speed on northerly heading. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

- to be continued -



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


- continued from 25 April, 0930h -


0951 - Compressed Air Supply filled.

1005 - Qu.ED23 - Back in ordered patrol area. Small-Ahead.

1031 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 506 and U 507:
Würdemann and Schacht: Pay attention to traffic situation in the Gulf of Mexico. - B.d.U. -

1040 - Beginning of torpedo reloading.

1054 - F.T. from U 582: To B.d.U.:
Have supplied with provisions for 18 days and 55 cbm fuel from tanker. - Schulte -

1056 - Tubes II & III reloaded with G7a.

1100 - "All Engines Stop!". Beginning of external torpedo loading.

1101 - F.T. from U 582: To B.d.U.:
Was in CB 80 and 90 from 14-22 April. No traffic. On 21 April in CB 8252 Portuguese ship, course west. - Schulte -

1140 - Loaded first external Ato in bow compartment.

1200 - Qu.2385ED - Days Run: 200.3sm - ↗ 200.0sm (23h 55') - ↘ 0.3sm (05').
186cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 9500Ah. 15+2 Torpedoes. 10.5cm: 45xSpG, 29xLkG. On course 0°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

1230 - Loaded second external Ato in bow compartment.
Small-Ahead.

1255 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
Since 20 April, 1417h, no airplanes or ASW vessels. Today from 0805h until 0915h, destroyed convoy 0530/25. Two Panamanian and one Mexican Passenger Ships, loaded with War Materials, incl. Ammunitions, as well as, Military and Civilian Personal, on course 0° in Qu.2625ED, total of 9369ts. 2 Eto hits and 1 Ato a dud. Use of deck gun. Still have 15 internal and 2 external eels, 45 rounds of 10.5 and 186cbm. NNW1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 3-4sm, >1000mb. Continuing acc. Op.-Order. - RST -

1302 - Incoming F.T.: From U 402:
No traffic since 19 April in CA 98 and 99 and south of this. Slight air patrol observed.
- Freiherr von Forstner -

1305 - Diving for Torpedo Maintenance and Trial Dive.

1306 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
RST: Congratulations! Excellent Results! - B.d.U. -

1310 - At T=50. Beginning of Torpedo Maintenance.

1440 - Both bow Eto serviced.

1453 - O₂ = 20%.

1635 - Both stern Eto serviced.

1640 - Beginning of Trial Dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507. 135rpm/3kn.

1700 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter.
Setting for Reception Depth.

1719 - At Reception Depth.

1725 - Surfaced after 4h 20min. and 12.4sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

1730 - Charging batteries (8900Ah): Port Diesel Propulsion 285RPM/8kn; Stbd.Diesel Charging 496RPM.

1740 - Boat ventilated.

1801 - Norddeich Radio sending report about air raid on Lübeck during the night of 24-25 April, 204 dead and many injured.

1845 - Batteries charged => 1h 15' for 1100Ah.

1850 - 1/3-Ahead. On course 138°.

2030 - 325RPM/11.5kn.

2122 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

2303 - On new course 180°.

Boat operating acc. Op.-Order as per F.T.0907/23.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


- continued from 25 April, 0930h -


0951 - Compressed Air Supply filled.

1005 - Qu.ED23 - Back in ordered patrol area. Small-Ahead.

1031 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 506 and U 507:
Würdemann and Schacht: Pay attention to traffic situation in the Gulf of Mexico. - B.d.U. -

1040 - Beginning of torpedo reloading.

1054 - F.T. from U 582: To B.d.U.:
Have supplied with provisions for 18 days and 55 cbm fuel from tanker. - Schulte -

1056 - Tubes II & III reloaded with G7a.

1100 - "All Engines Stop!". Beginning of external torpedo loading.

1101 - F.T. from U 582: To B.d.U.:
Was in CB 80 and 90 from 14-22 April. No traffic. On 21 April in CB 8252 Portuguese ship, course west. - Schulte -

1140 - Loaded first external Ato in bow compartment.

1200 - Qu.2385ED - Days Run: 200.3sm - ↗ 200.0sm (23h 55') - ↘ 0.3sm (05').
186cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 9500Ah. 15+2 Torpedoes. 10.5cm: 45xSpG, 29xLkG. On course 0°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

1230 - Loaded second external Ato in bow compartment.
Small-Ahead.

1255 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
Since 20 April, 1417h, no airplanes or ASW vessels. Today from 0805h until 0915h, destroyed convoy 0530/25. Two Panamanian and one Mexican Passenger Ships, loaded with War Materials, incl. Ammunitions, as well as, Military and Civilian Personal, on course 0° in Qu.2625ED, total of 9369ts. 2 Eto hits and 1 Ato a dud. Use of deck gun. Still have 15 internal and 2 external eels, 45 rounds of 10.5 and 186cbm. NNW1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 3-4sm, >1000mb. Continuing acc. Op.-Order. - RST -

1302 - Incoming F.T.: From U 402:
No traffic since 19 April in CA 98 and 99 and south of this. Slight air patrol observed.
- Freiherr von Forstner -

1305 - Diving for Torpedo Maintenance and Trial Dive.

1306 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
RST: Congratulations! Excellent Results! - B.d.U. -

1310 - At T=50. Beginning of Torpedo Maintenance.

1440 - Both bow Eto serviced.

1453 - O₂ = 20%.

1635 - Both stern Eto serviced.

1640 - Beginning of Trial Dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507. 135rpm/3kn.

1700 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter.
Setting for Reception Depth.

1719 - At Reception Depth.

1725 - Surfaced after 4h 20min. and 12.4sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

1730 - Charging batteries (8900Ah): Port Diesel Propulsion 285RPM/8kn; Stbd.Diesel Charging 496RPM.

1740 - Boat ventilated.

1801 - Norddeich Radio sending report about air raid on Lübeck during the night of 24-25 April, 204 dead and many injured.

1845 - Batteries charged => 1h 15' for 1100Ah.

1850 - 1/3-Ahead. On course 138°.

2030 - 325RPM/11.5kn.

2122 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

2303 - On new course 180°.

Boat operating acc. Op.-Order as per F.T.0907/23.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Sunday, 26 April 1942 - Lesser Antilles -

- Third week at sea completed -


0141 - On new course 153°.

0727 - Qu.3755ED - On new course 180°.

0810 - Morning Dawn.

0846 - Qu.3785ED - A Colombian Colonial Freighter of 2540ts, bearing 22°, on course 350°, 5kn, E=5500.

0850 - Running to, on course 270°.

0855 - At E=3000, own speed 1kn. "Manning Deck Gun!".

0900 - At E=2200, firing a star shell over the steamer.
Steamer answers by firing with her stern deck gun and sending "SSS".

"Weapons Free!". With her third round, the steamer scores a near hit on the port side in the area of the diesel engines. The port diesel engine is knocked off-line for about 1 minute. After this, the steamer deck gun stops firing for the most part of the engagement but resumes again later on.

The final hit scored on the steamer, causes the stern deck gun ammunition to explode, setting the entire ship on fire. After 19 shots and 13 hits (Remaining 26SpG/28LkG), the steamer breaks in-two in a huge explosion and both halfs sinking in flames of fire. The flames linger on the ocean surface for about 3 min. after the steamer has sunk.

0908 - The port diesel is back online. Running to the sinking position - nothing found!

0910 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

0920 - Running off on southerly heading, 325RPM/11.5kn.

0939 - Qu.3785ED - "ALARM!". 2-3 pair of Catalina's approaching from 140°true, are already fairly close. Machine Gun fire. During the diving process several well placed bombs. Water entry in the Control Room, the Main Bilge Pump and the F.T.-Equipment are damaged.

0943 - Restored trim at A-Meter. The Water Entry in the Control Room is repaired.

0948 - The Main Bilge Pump is repaired. The whole time more bombs are dropped at and around our diving position.

1001 - The F.T.-Equipment is repaired.

1003 - Commencing Trial Dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507.

1009 - At A+35, the Pressure Hull is cracking. Blowing tanks (0.5 Atü) and setting for Reception Depth.

1018 - Restoring trim at T=50.

1020 - Commencing of Torpedo Maintenance.

Cmdr.: I decide to do the required torpedo maintenace now, as it also serves as somewhat of a distraction for the crew.

1113 - O₂ = 20%.

1150 - Stern tubes serviced.

1200 - Qu.3788ED - Days Run: 197.4sm - ↗ 178.2sm (17h 19') - ↘ 19.2sm (6h 41').
181cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 9500Ah. 15+2 Torpedoes. 10.5cm: 26xSpG, 28xLkG. On course 178°. T=50.

- to be continued -

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Sunday, 26 April 1942 - Lesser Antilles -

- Third week at sea completed -


0141 - On new course 153°.

0727 - Qu.3755ED - On new course 180°.

0810 - Morning Dawn.

0846 - Qu.3785ED - A Colombian Colonial Freighter of 2540ts, bearing 22°, on course 350°, 5kn, E=5500.

0850 - Running to, on course 270°.

0855 - At E=3000, own speed 1kn. "Manning Deck Gun!".

0900 - At E=2200, firing a star shell over the steamer.
Steamer answers by firing with her stern deck gun and sending "SSS".

"Weapons Free!". With her third round, the steamer scores a near hit on the port side in the area of the diesel engines. The port diesel engine is knocked off-line for about 1 minute. After this, the steamer deck gun stops firing for the most part of the engagement but resumes again later on.

The final hit scored on the steamer, causes the stern deck gun ammunition to explode, setting the entire ship on fire. After 19 shots and 13 hits (Remaining 26SpG/28LkG), the steamer breaks in-two in a huge explosion and both halfs sinking in flames of fire. The flames linger on the ocean surface for about 3 min. after the steamer has sunk.

0908 - The port diesel is back online. Running to the sinking position - nothing found!

0910 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h.

0920 - Running off on southerly heading, 325RPM/11.5kn.

0939 - Qu.3785ED - "ALARM!". 2-3 pair of Catalina's approaching from 140°true, are already fairly close. Machine Gun fire. During the diving process several well placed bombs. Water entry in the Control Room, the Main Bilge Pump and the F.T.-Equipment are damaged.

0943 - Restored trim at A-Meter. The Water Entry in the Control Room is repaired.

0948 - The Main Bilge Pump is repaired. The whole time more bombs are dropped at and around our diving position.

1001 - The F.T.-Equipment is repaired.

1003 - Commencing Trial Dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507.

1009 - At A+35, the Pressure Hull is cracking. Blowing tanks (0.5 Atü) and setting for Reception Depth.

1018 - Restoring trim at T=50.

1020 - Commencing of Torpedo Maintenance.

Cmdr.: I decide to do the required torpedo maintenace now, as it also serves as somewhat of a distraction for the crew.

1113 - O₂ = 20%.

1150 - Stern tubes serviced.

1200 - Qu.3788ED - Days Run: 197.4sm - ↗ 178.2sm (17h 19') - ↘ 19.2sm (6h 41').
181cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 9500Ah. 15+2 Torpedoes. 10.5cm: 26xSpG, 28xLkG. On course 178°. T=50.

- to be continued -




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


- continued from 26 April, 1200h -

1300 - Servicing of the bow tubes until 1600h.

1453 - O₂ = 19%.

1606 - At Reception Depth. Receiving and Sending of F.T. messages seems still to be not possible.

1609 - Surfaced after 4h 09' and 12.2sm since Etmal, and 6h 30' and 19.0sm in total.
Weather: SSW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

1613 - Boat ventilated and damages to Conning Tower repaired.

1636 - Flak2 repaired.

1642 - Qu.6128ED - "ALARM!". Direct approach of a pair of single engine fighters from 215°true, E=6000.
Due to the Repair Crew being on top, it takes longer to dive. During the diving process Machine Gun fire and 4 bombs - no damages.

1644 - At A-20, no further bombs.

1702 - Qu.6128ED - Surfaced after 20min and 1.1sm.

1703 - Right after surfacing, again "ALARM!", from a Catalina, direct approach from 175°true, E=7000.

Since the tanks haven't been fully blown yet, the diving process is faster than usual.

1704 - At A-20, about 3 bombs, followed by another 2. In further course, about 22-24 bombs are dropped at and around our diving position.

Cmdr.: Clearly, the enemy has organized a hunt for us, however, we have still have not encountered any ASW vessels, yet.

1723 - Surfaced after 20min.and 1.0sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since 1609h.

1731 - Flak1 repaired.

1735 - Damaged to the Upper Deck are repaired.

The Radio Antenna is destroyed! Boat is not able to receive or send F.T.-Messages!

1802 - 2xH.F.

1835 - Qu.6155ED - On new course 180°.
Compressed Air Supply filled. Battery 8500Ah.

Cmdr.: The boat is only partially able to dive - max. depth is A+20. We are also unable to send or receive any F.T.-Messages. But still, we were very lucky and count our blessings, as our fate could have been of a much different nature. After deliberation with the Officers onboard, I decide to continue the war patrol.

1840 - Charging Batteries (8500Ah).
Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

2007 - Batteries charges => 1h 27min. for 1500Ah.
2xH.F.-Ahead/14kn.

2110 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1600h.

2200 - Diving for submerged cruise at A-20.

2207 - A-20; 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

Cmdr.: Our last outgoing F.T. was sent yesterday, and the one prior to that, the day before yesterday. B.d.U.will anticipate our next report by latest tomorrow. From our inability to send F.T.s and from intercepted enemy F.T.s, B.d.U. will conclude that we might have been sunk and will start sending position and status requests for the next 3 days. The only way for us to give indications to B.d.U., that we are still operational, is by further sinkings over the next few days, until we reach the supply ship again.

Boat operating acc. Op.-Order as per F.T.0907/23.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


- continued from 26 April, 1200h -


1300 - Servicing of the bow tubes until 1600h.

1453 - O₂ = 19%.

1606 - At Reception Depth. Receiving and Sending of F.T. messages seems still to be not possible.

1609 - Surfaced after 4h 09' and 12.2sm since Etmal, and 6h 30' and 19.0sm in total.
Weather: SSW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

1613 - Boat ventilated and damages to Conning Tower repaired.

1636 - Flak2 repaired.

1642 - Qu.6128ED - "ALARM!". Direct approach of a pair of single engine fighters from 215°true, E=6000.
Due to the Repair Crew being on top, it takes longer to dive. During the diving process Machine Gun fire and 4 bombs - no damages.

1644 - At A-20, no further bombs.

1702 - Qu.6128ED - Surfaced after 20min and 1.1sm.

1703 - Right after surfacing, again "ALARM!", from a Catalina, direct approach from 175°true, E=7000.

Since the tanks haven't been fully blown yet, the diving process is faster than usual.

1704 - At A-20, about 3 bombs, followed by another 2. In further course, about 22-24 bombs are dropped at and around our diving position.

Cmdr.: Clearly, the enemy has organized a hunt for us, however, we have still have not encountered any ASW vessels, yet.

1723 - Surfaced after 20min.and 1.0sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since 1609h.

1731 - Flak1 repaired.

1735 - Damaged to the Upper Deck are repaired.

The Radio Antenna is destroyed! Boat is not able to receive or send F.T.-Messages!

1802 - 2xH.F.

1835 - Qu.6155ED - On new course 180°.
Compressed Air Supply filled. Battery 8500Ah.

Cmdr.: The boat is only partially able to dive - max. depth is A+20. We are also unable to send or receive any F.T.-Messages. But still, we were very lucky and count our blessings, as our fate could have been of a much different nature. After deliberation with the Officers onboard, I decide to continue the war patrol.

1840 - Charging Batteries (8500Ah).
Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

2007 - Batteries charges => 1h 27min. for 1500Ah.
2xH.F.-Ahead/14kn.

2110 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1600h.

2200 - Diving for submerged cruise at A-20.

2207 - A-20; 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

Cmdr.: Our last outgoing F.T. was sent yesterday, and the one prior to that, the day before yesterday. B.d.U.will anticipate our next report by latest tomorrow. From our inability to send F.T.s and from intercepted enemy F.T.s, B.d.U. will conclude that we might have been sunk and will start sending position and status requests for the next 3 days. The only way for us to give indications to B.d.U., that we are still operational, is by further sinkings over the next few days, until we reach the supply ship again.

Boat operating acc. Op.-Order as per F.T.0907/23.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Monday, 27 April 1942 - Lesser Antilles -

0025 - O₂ = 20%.

0425 - Qu.6455ED -

0545 - O₂ = 19%. Stopping Silent Running.

0855 - Sunrise.

0923 - T=20. O₂ = 18%.

0930 - Surfaced after 11h 30min. and 33.6sm.

0933 - Boat ventilated.

0935 - Charging Batteries (7700Ah).
Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

1135 - Batteries charges => 2h for 2300Ah.
2xH.F.-Ahead/14kn.

1200 - Qu.6728ED - Days Run: 132.0sm - ↗ 84.1sm (7h 41') - ↘ 47.9sm (16h 19').
179cbm (2cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 15+2 Torpedoes. 10.5cm: 26xSpG, 28xLkG. On course 180°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 26 April, 1600h.

1235 - It's beginning to rain, wind and sea increasing and shifting west and in due course north, poor visibility.

1305 - Qu.6755ED - SW2/2, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb.

1735 - Qu.9155ED - N4/3, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb.

2103 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1700h.

2115 - Diving for submerged cruise at A-20.

2122 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

2353 - O₂ = 20%.

Cmdr.: I suspect, that B.d.U. sent the first status and position request today.

Boat operating acc. Op.-Order as per F.T.0907/23.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Monday, 27 April 1942 - Lesser Antilles -

0025 - O₂ = 20%.

0425 - Qu.6455ED -

0545 - O₂ = 19%. Stopping Silent Running.

0855 - Sunrise.

0923 - T=20. O₂ = 18%.

0930 - Surfaced after 11h 30min. and 33.6sm.

0933 - Boat ventilated.

0935 - Charging Batteries (7700Ah).
Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

1135 - Batteries charges => 2h for 2300Ah.
2xH.F.-Ahead/14kn.

1200 - Qu.6728ED - Days Run: 132.0sm - ↗ 84.1sm (7h 41') - ↘ 47.9sm (16h 19').
179cbm (2cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 15+2 Torpedoes. 10.5cm: 26xSpG, 28xLkG. On course 180°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 26 April, 1600h.

1235 - It's beginning to rain, wind and sea increasing and shifting west and in due course north, poor visibility.

1305 - Qu.6755ED - SW2/2, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb.

1735 - Qu.9155ED - N4/3, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb.

2103 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1700h.

2115 - Diving for submerged cruise at A-20.

2122 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

2353 - O₂ = 20%.

Cmdr.: I suspect, that B.d.U. sent the first status and position request today.

Boat operating acc. Op.-Order as per F.T.0907/23.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Tuesday, 28 April 1942 - North of Venezuela -

0125 - Qu.9455ED - On new course 135°.

0154 - Sound contact with steamer bearing 260°, E=21000. on course 147°, slow speed.

0159 - Second sound contact with steamer bearing 259°. E=20000, on course 147°, slow speed.

The steamers seem to be running next to each other and heading toward Port-of-Spain.

0207 - T=20.

0208 - S-Tiefe. It stopped raining but is very foggy.

0210 - Surfaced after 4h 55min. and 14.3sm.
N4/3, overcast, fog, visibility ~600m, <1000mb.

0214 - Boat ventilated.

0220 - On new course 72°. 2xH.F.-Ahead. "Maneuver Stations!".

0255 - Diving to T=20 for sound check.
Steamers now in keel-line, bearing 305°, on course 147°, E=5000. Picking up a second sound contact of a warship, bearing 68°, E=20000, running away at high speed, in general direction toward Port-of-Spain.

0300 - Surfaced directly from T=20, after 5 min. and 0.3sm.

0310 - "Battle Stations!". Flodding tubes II&III. Speed 1.6kn. Preparing boat for surface attack according B.d.U.-Standing Order No.302.

Lead tanker comes into sight through the fog, visibility about 600m. Is an empty Standard Tanker of 8286ts.

0325 - Qu.9464ED - Salvo Shot with tubes II&III: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Angle of divergence 1.5°; Own course 72°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Empty U.S.A. Standard Tanker of 8286ts, draught 5.5m.
Target course 147°; Target distance 500m; Target angle green91°; Target speed 5kn; Firing angle α 001°.
Closing tubes II&III.

Tube II understeers amidships, Tube III hits amidships but fails to detonate!

0326 - Flooding tubes I&IV.
- Qu.9464ED - Salvo Shot with tubes I&IV: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Angle of divergence 1.5°; Own course 72°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Empty U.S.A. Standard Tanker of 8286ts, draught 5.5m.
Target course 147°; Target distance 550m; Target angle green120°; Target speed 5kn; Firing angle α 018°.
Closing tubes I&IV.

Both torpedoes are hits! The tanker explodes and sinks after 1-2min.!

In the meanwhile the pos.2 tanker comes into sight. It is a Supply Tanker of 2555ts. Turning boat hard to stbd. and 2xH.F., to bring the stern tubes to bear.

0330 - On course 241°, speed 1.6kn. Flooding tubes V&VI.

0331 - Qu.9464ED - Salvo Shot with tubes V&VI: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Angle of divergence 1.5°; Own course 241°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: U.S.A. Supply Tanker of 2555ts, draught 6.0m.
Target course 147°, zig-zagging; Target distance 700m; Target angle green82°; Target speed 4kn; Firing angle α 011°.
Closing tubes V&VI.

Both torpedoes are hits! The tanker explodes in a huge ball of fire, immediately after tube V hits, even before tube VI hits. Debris are flying through the air, as the tanker sinks within mere seconds. The flames of the cargo that was set on fire, linger on the ocean surface for 2-3 minutes after the sinking.

Running towards the sinking positions, which are very close to each other. Questioning and supplying 3 survivors in 1 boat and 16 survivors in 4 boats.

0400 - Running off at high speed on a southerly heading. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

- to be continued -

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Tuesday, 28 April 1942 - North of Venezuela -

0125 - Qu.9455ED - On new course 135°.

0154 - Sound contact with steamer bearing 260°, E=21000. on course 147°, slow speed.

0159 - Second sound contact with steamer bearing 259°. E=20000, on course 147°, slow speed.

The steamers seem to be running next to each other and heading toward Port-of-Spain.

0207 - T=20.

0208 - S-Tiefe. It stopped raining but is very foggy.

0210 - Surfaced after 4h 55min. and 14.3sm.
N4/3, overcast, fog, visibility ~600m, <1000mb.

0214 - Boat ventilated.

0220 - On new course 72°. 2xH.F.-Ahead. "Maneuver Stations!".

0255 - Diving to T=20 for sound check.
Steamers now in keel-line, bearing 305°, on course 147°, E=5000. Picking up a second sound contact of a warship, bearing 68°, E=20000, running away at high speed, in general direction toward Port-of-Spain.

0300 - Surfaced directly from T=20, after 5 min. and 0.3sm.

0310 - "Battle Stations!". Flodding tubes II&III. Speed 1.6kn. Preparing boat for surface attack according B.d.U.-Standing Order No.302.

Lead tanker comes into sight through the fog, visibility about 600m. Is an empty Standard Tanker of 8286ts.

0325 - Qu.9464ED - Salvo Shot with tubes II&III: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Angle of divergence 1.5°; Own course 72°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Empty U.S.A. Standard Tanker of 8286ts, draught 5.5m.
Target course 147°; Target distance 500m; Target angle green91°; Target speed 5kn; Firing angle α 001°.
Closing tubes II&III.

Tube II understeers amidships, Tube III hits amidships but fails to detonate!

0326 - Flooding tubes I&IV.
- Qu.9464ED - Salvo Shot with tubes I&IV: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Angle of divergence 1.5°; Own course 72°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Empty U.S.A. Standard Tanker of 8286ts, draught 5.5m.
Target course 147°; Target distance 550m; Target angle green120°; Target speed 5kn; Firing angle α 018°.
Closing tubes I&IV.

Both torpedoes are hits! The tanker explodes and sinks after 1-2min.!

In the meanwhile the pos.2 tanker comes into sight. It is a Supply Tanker of 2555ts. Turning boat hard to stbd. and 2xH.F., to bring the stern tubes to bear.

0330 - On course 241°, speed 1.6kn. Flooding tubes V&VI.

0331 - Qu.9464ED - Salvo Shot with tubes V&VI: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Angle of divergence 1.5°; Own course 241°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: U.S.A. Supply Tanker of 2555ts, draught 6.0m.
Target course 147°, zig-zagging; Target distance 700m; Target angle green82°; Target speed 4kn; Firing angle α 011°.
Closing tubes V&VI.

Both torpedoes are hits! The tanker explodes in a huge ball of fire, immediately after tube V hits, even before tube VI hits. Debris are flying through the air, as the tanker sinks within mere seconds. The flames of the cargo that was set on fire, linger on the ocean surface for 2-3 minutes after the sinking.

Running towards the sinking positions, which are very close to each other. Questioning and supplying 3 survivors in 1 boat and 16 survivors in 4 boats.

0400 - Running off at high speed on a southerly heading. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

- to be continued -




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


- continued from 28 April, 0400h -



0500 - About 16km from the sinking position, diving for torpedo re-loading and submerged cruise.

0506 - T=50, 135rpm/3kn.

0553 - Sound contact with steamer, bearing 102°, at medium speed on course 130°, E=20000.

0600 - Beginning of torpedo loading.
Sound contact turbine, bearing 340°, fast on course 320°, E=22000.

0603 - Sound contact turbine, bearing 284°, at medium speed on course 272°, E=21000.

Cmdr.: It seems that we reached the outer defense line, about 100sm from Port-of-Spain.

0619 - Qu.9492ED - Tubes II&III re-loaded. Sound contact 0600/28 is passing our port beam on opposite course, E=3500.

0623 - Interrupting torpedo works, going to Silent Running.

0630 - Lost sound contact 0600/28, in relative bearing 200°, on course 320°, E=7000.

0644 - O₂ = 20%. Sound contact turbine, bearing 159°, fast on course 183°, E=7000 - seems to be sound contact 0600/28, now on its way back toward the main land.

0648 - Lost sound contact 0603/28, in relative bearing 200°, on course 272°, E=10000.

0652 - Sound contact 0613/28 is passing our stbd. beam on parallel course, E=7500.

0705 - Continuing torpedo re-loading.

0709 - Sound contact turbine, bearing 159°, at medium speed on course 271°, E=18000 - seems to be sound contact 0603/28.

0713 - Lost sound contact 0613/28 in relative bearing 52°, fast on course 182°, E=18000.

0719 - Lost sound contact 0709/28 in relative bearing 155°, medium speed, on course 271°, E=21000.

Cmdr.: Both patrol vessels have crossed our diving position.

0723 - Re-loaded all bow tubes.

0742 - Re-loaded both stern tubes.

0800 - Beginning of trial dive, 135rpm/3kn.

0807 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20.

0819 - At A-20. Sound contact turbine, bearing 334°, fast on course 318°, E=18000 - seems to be the same as sound contact 0600/28 and 0613/28, repeating its patrol pattern.

0838 - Sound contact 0819/28 passing our port beam on course 318°, E=5000.
Lost steamer sound contact 0553/28, in relative bearing 17°, medium speed, on course 130°.

0850 - Sunrise. Setting for T=20.

0857 - At T=20.

0858 - S-Tiefe. Wind and Sea seem to be unchanged, fog.
Lost sound contact 0819/28 in relative bearing 198°, fast on course 318°, E=10000.

0900 - Surfaced after 4h and 11.6sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since 0210h.

0910 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (8200Ah):
Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

1000 - Port-Diesel, 285RPM/7kn.

1020 - Qu.9499ED - The charging process has not yet been finished (9500Ah), when the boat is being attacked by a S-Boat with surface weapons. Direct approach from relative bearing 136°, is already very close, coming out of the fog. The conning tower is taking some damage. "ALARM!". Water depth here is 105m.

1025 - At A-Meter, Silent Running. Depth under keel is 30m.

1030 - The S-Boat is circling our diving position.

Cmdr.: I suspect that the S-Boat is the sound contact we obtained throughout the morning, last heard at 0819h. As it directly approached us out of the fog, it must also be fitted with somekind of radar equipment.

1037 - Sound contact with what appears to be a cutter of somekind, bearing 352°, on course 32°, slow speed, E=20000.

1039 - Second sound contact with a cutter, bearing 356°, on course NE, slow speed, E=20000.

1045 - Third sound contact with a cutter, bearing 359°, on course NE, slow speed, E=20000 - seems to be a fishing trawler fleet.

1055 - T=60.

1109 - On new course 135°.

1116 - T=20. Sound Contact turbine bearing 190° within our own baffles (can only be heard if operating the hydrophone yourself, command key-"H"). Turning rudder 15° to port, for the Sound Operator to hear the contact as well.

1121 - Sound contact 1116/28 is identified as the S-Boat still at our diving position, 6000m astern. Boat remains submerged.

1156 - S-Boat running off on course 86°.

1200 - Qu.9811ED - Days Run: 183.3sm - ↗ 152.2sm (13h 20') - ↘ 31.1sm (10h 40').
173cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 9100Ah. 7 internal & 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 26xSpG, 28xLkG. On course 103°. T=20.

- to be continued -

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


- continued from 28 April, 0400h -



0500 - About 16km from the sinking position, diving for torpedo re-loading and submerged cruise.

0506 - T=50, 135rpm/3kn.

0553 - Sound contact with steamer, bearing 102°, at medium speed on course 130°, E=20000.

0600 - Beginning of torpedo loading.
Sound contact turbine, bearing 340°, fast on course 320°, E=22000.

0603 - Sound contact turbine, bearing 284°, at medium speed on course 272°, E=21000.

Cmdr.: It seems that we reached the outer defense line, about 100sm from Port-of-Spain.

0619 - Qu.9492ED - Tubes II&III re-loaded. Sound contact 0600/28 is passing our port beam on opposite course, E=3500.

0623 - Interrupting torpedo works, going to Silent Running.

0630 - Lost sound contact 0600/28, in relative bearing 200°, on course 320°, E=7000.

0644 - O₂ = 20%. Sound contact turbine, bearing 159°, fast on course 183°, E=7000 - seems to be sound contact 0600/28, now on its way back toward the main land.

0648 - Lost sound contact 0603/28, in relative bearing 200°, on course 272°, E=10000.

0652 - Sound contact 0613/28 is passing our stbd. beam on parallel course, E=7500.

0705 - Continuing torpedo re-loading.

0709 - Sound contact turbine, bearing 159°, at medium speed on course 271°, E=18000 - seems to be sound contact 0603/28.

0713 - Lost sound contact 0613/28 in relative bearing 52°, fast on course 182°, E=18000.

0719 - Lost sound contact 0709/28 in relative bearing 155°, medium speed, on course 271°, E=21000.

Cmdr.: Both patrol vessels have crossed our diving position.

0723 - Re-loaded all bow tubes.

0742 - Re-loaded both stern tubes.

0800 - Beginning of trial dive, 135rpm/3kn.

0807 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20.

0819 - At A-20. Sound contact turbine, bearing 334°, fast on course 318°, E=18000 - seems to be the same as sound contact 0600/28 and 0613/28, repeating its patrol pattern.

0838 - Sound contact 0819/28 passing our port beam on course 318°, E=5000.
Lost steamer sound contact 0553/28, in relative bearing 17°, medium speed, on course 130°.

0850 - Sunrise. Setting for T=20.

0857 - At T=20.

0858 - S-Tiefe. Wind and Sea seem to be unchanged, fog.
Lost sound contact 0819/28 in relative bearing 198°, fast on course 318°, E=10000.

0900 - Surfaced after 4h and 11.6sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since 0210h.

0910 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (8200Ah):
Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

1000 - Port-Diesel, 285RPM/7kn.

1020 - Qu.9499ED - The charging process has not yet been finished (9500Ah), when the boat is being attacked by a S-Boat with surface weapons. Direct approach from relative bearing 136°, is already very close, coming out of the fog. The conning tower is taking some damage. "ALARM!". Water depth here is 105m.

1025 - At A-Meter, Silent Running. Depth under keel is 30m.

1030 - The S-Boat is circling our diving position.

Cmdr.: I suspect that the S-Boat is the sound contact we obtained throughout the morning, last heard at 0819h. As it directly approached us out of the fog, it must also be fitted with somekind of radar equipment.

1037 - Sound contact with what appears to be a cutter of somekind, bearing 352°, on course 32°, slow speed, E=20000.

1039 - Second sound contact with a cutter, bearing 356°, on course NE, slow speed, E=20000.

1045 - Third sound contact with a cutter, bearing 359°, on course NE, slow speed, E=20000 - seems to be a fishing trawler fleet.

1055 - T=60.

1109 - On new course 135°.

1116 - T=20. Sound Contact turbine bearing 190° within our own baffles (can only be heard if operating the hydrophone yourself, command key-"H"). Turning rudder 15° to port, for the Sound Operator to hear the contact as well.

1121 - Sound contact 1116/28 is identified as the S-Boat still at our diving position, 6000m astern. Boat remains submerged.

1156 - S-Boat running off on course 86°.

1200 - Qu.9811ED - Days Run: 183.3sm - ↗ 152.2sm (13h 20') - ↘ 31.1sm (10h 40').
173cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 9100Ah. 7 internal & 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 26xSpG, 28xLkG. On course 103°. T=20.

- to be continued -




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


- continued from 28 April, 1200h -

1214 - O₂ = 20%. Sound contact 1116/28 is running off on northerly heading.

1224 - S-Tiefe. On course 136°. Distance to sound contact 1116/28 is 20000m.

1230 - Surfaced after 30min. and 1.6sm since Etmal, and 2h 10min. and 6.5sm in total.

NNE6/5, overcast, rain, hazy, poor visibility, <1000mb. Wind and Sea increasing and shifting East.

1238 - Slight damage to Flak repaired.

1245 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (9100Ah):
Port Diesel, Propulsion 285RPM/6kn; Stbd.Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

1340 - Batteries charged => 55min. for 900Ah. 2x1/3-Ahead.

ENE7/6, overcast, rain, hazy, poor visibility, <1000mb. Water depth here is 150m.

1415 - Diving for submerged cruise.
Sound contact bearing 339°, fast on a westerly heading, about 13kn and on course 277°.

1421 - Surfaced directly from T=20, after 6min. and 0.4sm.
It stopped raining but still foggy, wind and sea shifting East.

1425 - On course 185°. Preparing boat for surface attack according B.d.U.-Standing Order No.302.

1430 - "Battle Stations!". 2xH.F.

1432 - Flooding tubes I&IV for salvo shot.

1434 - 1/3-Ahead.

1435 - Small-Ahead.

Cmdr.: Out of the fog appears a Small Panamanian Passenger Steamer of 1449ts, draught 4.6m. I decide to switch to single shots.

1439 - Small-Astern. Just before the first torpedo is launched, the steamer fires one round with its stern gun, but the shot passes well over the boat, E=700, also, has slowed down to 2kn, possibly going into reverse, and turns away to its port side.

1440 - Qu.9815ED - Single Shot with tube I: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 185°; Own speed 2kn astern; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Panamanian Passenger Steamer of 1449ts, draught 4.6m.
Target course ~260°; Target distance 700m; Target angle green87°; Target speed 2kn; Firing angle α 342°.
Closing tube I.

Torpedo is a failure, understeers midships!

1441 - Qu.9815ED - Small Ahead. After the shot, Small-Astern.
Single Shot with tube IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt44; Own course 185°; Own speed 5kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Panamanian Passenger Steamer of 1449ts, draught 4.6m.
Target course ~260°; Target distance 750m; Target angle green87°; Target speed 2kn; Firing angle α 345°.
Closing tube IV. Compressed Air Supply filled.

Torpedo is a failure, understeers midships!

1442 - The steamers fires another shot with its stern gun, which misses the boat by a hair.

"ALARM!". At A-20 no damages. Breaking-off attack. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". Boat remains submerged, running off on course 133°.

Cmdr.: The steamer seems to be stationary about 1000m astern. However, I will not expend another torpedo at this small target in such weather and sea conditions.

1510 - T=50. Reloading tube IV.

1520 - Tube IV reloaded with G7a. Continue submerged cruise at A-20, 135rpm/3kn.

1624 - O₂ = 20%.

2004 - O₂ = 19%.

2046 - Sundown.

2055 - S-Tiefe. It has cleared-up, but wind and sea are still stormy.

2057 - Surfaced after 6h 15min. and 18.4sm.
SSE7/6, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.
Battery 8700Ah, Compressed Air Supply 5.4Atü, 2x1/3-Ahead.

2114 - Boat ventilated.

2151 - Qu.9855ED - On new course 190°. It has grown dark.

2205 - Compressed Air Supply filled. Charging Batteries: Port-Diesel Propulsion, 396RPM/8-9kn; Stbd.-Diesel Charging, 496RPM.

2256 - 7sm north of Chacachacare - Lighthouse is dimmed. Port-Diesel on 1/3-Ahead.

2320 - 4.3sm north of Chacachacare - Batteries charged: 1h 15min. for 1300Ah. Small-Ahead in order to prevent any bow waves or stern wake.

2351 - On new course 220°. Passing the Bocas del Dragon, between Punta Peñas in the West and Chacachacare in the East.

2400 - 1/3-Ahead. "Maneuver Stations!".

Boat operating acc. Op.-Order as per F.T.0907/23.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


- continued from 28 April, 1200h -


1214 - O₂ = 20%. Sound contact 1116/28 is running off on northerly heading.

1224 - S-Tiefe. On course 136°. Distance to sound contact 1116/28 is 20000m.

1230 - Surfaced after 30min. and 1.6sm since Etmal, and 2h 10min. and 6.5sm in total.

NNE6/5, overcast, rain, hazy, poor visibility, <1000mb. Wind and Sea increasing and shifting East.

1238 - Slight damage to Flak repaired.

1245 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (9100Ah):
Port Diesel, Propulsion 285RPM/6kn; Stbd.Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

1340 - Batteries charged => 55min. for 900Ah. 2x1/3-Ahead.

ENE7/6, overcast, rain, hazy, poor visibility, <1000mb. Water depth here is 150m.

1415 - Diving for submerged cruise.
Sound contact bearing 339°, fast on a westerly heading, about 13kn and on course 277°.

1421 - Surfaced directly from T=20, after 6min. and 0.4sm.
It stopped raining but still foggy, wind and sea shifting East.

1425 - On course 185°. Preparing boat for surface attack according B.d.U.-Standing Order No.302.

1430 - "Battle Stations!". 2xH.F.

1432 - Flooding tubes I&IV for salvo shot.

1434 - 1/3-Ahead.

1435 - Small-Ahead.

Cmdr.: Out of the fog appears a Small Panamanian Passenger Steamer of 1449ts, draught 4.6m. I decide to switch to single shots.

1439 - Small-Astern. Just before the first torpedo is launched, the steamer fires one round with its stern gun, but the shot passes well over the boat, E=700, also, has slowed down to 2kn, possibly going into reverse, and turns away to its port side.

1440 - Qu.9815ED - Single Shot with tube I: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 185°; Own speed 2kn astern; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Panamanian Passenger Steamer of 1449ts, draught 4.6m.
Target course ~260°; Target distance 700m; Target angle green87°; Target speed 2kn; Firing angle α 342°.
Closing tube I.

Torpedo is a failure, understeers midships!

1441 - Qu.9815ED - Small Ahead. After the shot, Small-Astern.
Single Shot with tube IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt44; Own course 185°; Own speed 5kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Panamanian Passenger Steamer of 1449ts, draught 4.6m.
Target course ~260°; Target distance 750m; Target angle green87°; Target speed 2kn; Firing angle α 345°.
Closing tube IV. Compressed Air Supply filled.

Torpedo is a failure, understeers midships!

1442 - The steamers fires another shot with its stern gun, which misses the boat by a hair.

"ALARM!". At A-20 no damages. Breaking-off attack. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". Boat remains submerged, running off on course 133°.

Cmdr.: The steamer seems to be stationary about 1000m astern. However, I will not expend another torpedo at this small target in such weather and sea conditions.

1510 - T=50. Reloading tube IV.

1520 - Tube IV reloaded with G7a. Continue submerged cruise at A-20, 135rpm/3kn.

1624 - O₂ = 20%.

2004 - O₂ = 19%.

2046 - Sundown.

2055 - S-Tiefe. It has cleared-up, but wind and sea are still stormy.

2057 - Surfaced after 6h 15min. and 18.4sm.
SSE7/6, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.
Battery 8700Ah, Compressed Air Supply 5.4Atü, 2x1/3-Ahead.

2114 - Boat ventilated.

2151 - Qu.9855ED - On new course 190°. It has grown dark.

2205 - Compressed Air Supply filled. Charging Batteries: Port-Diesel Propulsion, 396RPM/8-9kn; Stbd.-Diesel Charging, 496RPM.

2256 - 7sm north of Chacachacare - Lighthouse is dimmed. Port-Diesel on 1/3-Ahead.

2320 - 4.3sm north of Chacachacare - Batteries charged: 1h 15min. for 1300Ah. Small-Ahead in order to prevent any bow waves or stern wake.

2351 - On new course 220°. Passing the Bocas del Dragon, between Punta Peñas in the West and Chacachacare in the East.

2400 - 1/3-Ahead. "Maneuver Stations!".

Boat operating acc. Op.-Order as per F.T.0907/23.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Wednesday, 29 April 1942 - Trinidad & Tobago -

0000 - Passing the northwestern Fortress of Chacachacare, at a distance of 5000m. All remains calm.

0020 - Making out a second Fortress on the southwestern tip of Chacachacare, passing at a distance of 5000m, as well.

0029 - Diving from a Parcel Freighter and a Colonial Freighter in keel-line, bearing 35°, on course 6°.
Diving to T=30 at a distance of 2100m and bearing 56°.
Boat remained undetected.

0051 - Shortly before surfacing, sound contact with a small vessel bearing 302°, slow speed, E=20000.
Surfaced directly from T=20, after 22min. and 1.1sm.

0055 - On new course 114°. Nothing seen. 1/3-Ahead.

0110 - 2/3-Moon rising in the South.

0126 - On new course 90°. Approaching Port-of-Spain.

0235 - Port-of-Spain comes into sight, E=10000. Harbor is darkened. Need to be careful of radar detection as of E=7000.

Located a Light Cruiser of the Arethusa Class and a what is identified as a fully laden Standard Tanker, north of the northern harbor mole. The Cruiser is covered by a Small Coastal Steamer and the Tanker is covered by a L02-Merchant.
Preparing boat for surface attack according B.d.U.-Standing Order No.302.

0305 - At E=3600, turning in toward the targets on course 73° and 2kn. "Battle Stations!".

0307 - Flooding tube II.

0308 - Qu.9894ED - Single Shot with tube II: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt44; Own course 73°; Own speed 2kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Light Cruiser Arethusa Class, 5240ts, draught 5.0m.
Target course ~350°; Target distance 3800m; Target angle red80°; Target speed 0kn; Firing angle α 355°.
Closing tube II.

Torpedo is a failure, Early Detonator!

0308 - Qu.9894ED - Flooding tube IV.
Single Shot with tube IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 73°; Own speed 2kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Light Cruiser Arethusa Class, 5240ts, draught 5.0m.
Target course ~350°; Target distance 3600m; Target angle red80°; Target speed 0kn; Firing angle α 355°.
Closing tube IV.

Torpedo is a failure, Early Detonator after 4sec.!

0311 - Qu.9894ED - Flooding tube III.
Single Shot with tube IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.5m; Vt30; Own course 73°; Own speed 2kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Light Cruiser Arethusa Class, 5240ts, draught 5.0m.
Target course ~350°; Target distance 3600m; Target angle red80°; Target speed 0kn; Firing angle α 355°.

Torpedo is a hit in the forecastle after 3min 40sec.!

0312 - Closing tube III and turning boat hard to stbd., to bring the stern tubes to bear.

0316 - The cruiser sinks by the bow and capsizes to port.

0317 - Weather and Sea are improving: SSE5/4, shifting to south, clear, light haze, visibility ~3sm, >1000mb.
Boat on heading 237° and Small-Astern. Flooding tube V.

0318 - Qu.9894ED - Single Shot with tube V: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 6.0m; Vt30; Own course 67°; Own speed 3kn astern; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Standard Tanker, 8230ts, draught 9.0m.
Target course ~355°; Target distance 3600m; Target angle red80°; Target speed 0kn; Firing angle α 358°.
Closing tube V. Flooding tube VI.

Torpedo is a hit midships after 3min 54sec.!
The tanker is burning at the impact zone but doesn't sink.

Behind the Standard Tanker, a Tanker09 of 6949ts is identified. Boat on heading 247°.

0325 - Qu.9894ED - Single Shot with tube VI: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 6.0m; Vt30; Own course 77°; Own speed 1kn astern; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Standard Tanker, 8230ts, draught 9.0m.
Target course ~355°; Target distance ~3000m; Target angle red80°; Target speed 0kn; Firing angle α 359°.
Closing tube VI.

Torpedo is a hit midships after 3min 12sec.!
The tanker burnes over its entire length and breaks in two, both halfs sticking out of the shallow harbor water.

Cmdr.: As the weather and sea state is immproving, I decide to engage the Tanker09 with the deck gun.

0331 - Turning boat hard to port.

0335 - Manning deck gun.

0337 - E=3200. "Weapons Free!"

0339 - After 18 shots and hits (10 remaining), the tanker explodes and sinks on an even keel!

0341 - Turning boat hard to stbd., and running off at high speed on an easterly heading. The entire time during the torpedo and deck gun attacks, the entire harbor remains quite.

Cmdr.: Now B.d.U. should become aware of our continued presence in the Op.-area.

0355 - "Dismissed from Battle Stations! Remain on Maneuver Stations!".

0445 - On new course 295°. 1/3-Ahead.

0516 - Taking the steamer path on course 6°.

0545 - SW1/1, clear, light haze, visibility ~3sm, >1000mb.
Passed the Bocas del Dragon. At both fortresses of Chacachacare, everything remained calm. On new course 15°. "Dismissed from Maneuver Stations!".

- to be continued -

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Wednesday, 29 April 1942 - Trinidad & Tobago -

0000 - Passing the northwestern Fortress of Chacachacare, at a distance of 5000m. All remains calm.

0020 - Making out a second Fortress on the southwestern tip of Chacachacare, passing at a distance of 5000m, as well.

0029 - Diving from a Parcel Freighter and a Colonial Freighter in keel-line, bearing 35°, on course 6°.
Diving to T=30 at a distance of 2100m and bearing 56°.
Boat remained undetected.

0051 - Shortly before surfacing, sound contact with a small vessel bearing 302°, slow speed, E=20000.
Surfaced directly from T=20, after 22min. and 1.1sm.

0055 - On new course 114°. Nothing seen. 1/3-Ahead.

0110 - 2/3-Moon rising in the South.

0126 - On new course 90°. Approaching Port-of-Spain.

0235 - Port-of-Spain comes into sight, E=10000. Harbor is darkened. Need to be careful of radar detection as of E=7000.

Located a Light Cruiser of the Arethusa Class and a what is identified as a fully laden Standard Tanker, north of the northern harbor mole. The Cruiser is covered by a Small Coastal Steamer and the Tanker is covered by a L02-Merchant.
Preparing boat for surface attack according B.d.U.-Standing Order No.302.

0305 - At E=3600, turning in toward the targets on course 73° and 2kn. "Battle Stations!".

0307 - Flooding tube II.

0308 - Qu.9894ED - Single Shot with tube II: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt44; Own course 73°; Own speed 2kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Light Cruiser Arethusa Class, 5240ts, draught 5.0m.
Target course ~350°; Target distance 3800m; Target angle red80°; Target speed 0kn; Firing angle α 355°.
Closing tube II.

Torpedo is a failure, Early Detonator!

0308 - Qu.9894ED - Flooding tube IV.
Single Shot with tube IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 73°; Own speed 2kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Light Cruiser Arethusa Class, 5240ts, draught 5.0m.
Target course ~350°; Target distance 3600m; Target angle red80°; Target speed 0kn; Firing angle α 355°.
Closing tube IV.

Torpedo is a failure, Early Detonator after 4sec.!

0311 - Qu.9894ED - Flooding tube III.
Single Shot with tube IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.5m; Vt30; Own course 73°; Own speed 2kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Light Cruiser Arethusa Class, 5240ts, draught 5.0m.
Target course ~350°; Target distance 3600m; Target angle red80°; Target speed 0kn; Firing angle α 355°.

Torpedo is a hit in the forecastle after 3min 40sec.!

0312 - Closing tube III and turning boat hard to stbd., to bring the stern tubes to bear.

0316 - The cruiser sinks by the bow and capsizes to port.

0317 - Weather and Sea are improving: SSE5/4, shifting to south, clear, light haze, visibility ~3sm, >1000mb.
Boat on heading 237° and Small-Astern. Flooding tube V.

0318 - Qu.9894ED - Single Shot with tube V: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 6.0m; Vt30; Own course 67°; Own speed 3kn astern; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Standard Tanker, 8230ts, draught 9.0m.
Target course ~355°; Target distance 3600m; Target angle red80°; Target speed 0kn; Firing angle α 358°.
Closing tube V. Flooding tube VI.

Torpedo is a hit midships after 3min 54sec.!
The tanker is burning at the impact zone but doesn't sink.

Behind the Standard Tanker, a Tanker09 of 6949ts is identified. Boat on heading 247°.

0325 - Qu.9894ED - Single Shot with tube VI: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 6.0m; Vt30; Own course 77°; Own speed 1kn astern; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Standard Tanker, 8230ts, draught 9.0m.
Target course ~355°; Target distance ~3000m; Target angle red80°; Target speed 0kn; Firing angle α 359°.
Closing tube VI.

Torpedo is a hit midships after 3min 12sec.!
The tanker burnes over its entire length and breaks in two, both halfs sticking out of the shallow harbor water.

Cmdr.: As the weather and sea state is immproving, I decide to engage the Tanker09 with the deck gun.

0331 - Turning boat hard to port.

0335 - Manning deck gun.

0337 - E=3200. "Weapons Free!"

0339 - After 18 shots and hits (10 remaining), the tanker explodes and sinks on an even keel!

0341 - Turning boat hard to stbd., and running off at high speed on an easterly heading. The entire time during the torpedo and deck gun attacks, the entire harbor remains quite.

Cmdr.: Now B.d.U. should become aware of our continued presence in the Op.-area.

0355 - "Dismissed from Battle Stations! Remain on Maneuver Stations!".

0445 - On new course 295°. 1/3-Ahead.

0516 - Taking the steamer path on course 6°.

0545 - SW1/1, clear, light haze, visibility ~3sm, >1000mb.
Passed the Bocas del Dragon. At both fortresses of Chacachacare, everything remained calm. On new course 15°. "Dismissed from Maneuver Stations!".

- to be continued -





Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

- continued from 29 April, 0545h -


0650 - Qu.9855ED - On new course 45°.

0741 - Qu.9853ED - Morning Dawn.
Two coastal freighters in keel line, bearing 309°, on course SW, E=3000. In front a Panamanian of 1050ts and in back an Englishman of 1120ts.

0742 - Turning toward the steamers on course 270°. Speed 1kn. "Manning Deck Gun!".

0745 - Speed 1kn. "Battle Stations!".

0747 - E=2400. "Weapons Free!". Firing at the front Panamanian steamer and incinerating the middle upper deck cargo with the second shot and hit.

0748 - After 3 shots at the Panamanian steamer, the Englishmen in back is firing with a deck gun, which is mounted amidhsips. Boat has to re-direct its fire onto the English steamer.

Boat scores a direct hit after for shots and hits on the enemy deck gun, the steamer has fired 3 shots in total, which were either too short or way over the boat.

0749 - After 3 more shots, the boat is out of ammunition. Both steamers are burning, but continue on. "Secure Weapons!".

0750 - Turning boat hard to port and running off at high speed, on an easterly heading.

0805 - On new course 40°. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

0834 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h, visibility ~4.6sm.

0913 - Qu.9835ED - "ALARM!". Crash-diving from at least 4 pair of Catalinas, direct approach from 180°true, E=8500.
At T=25 the first well-placed bombs, very strong concussions.

0915 - Regained trim at A-Meter, Small-Ahead. In due course, several more bombs at and around our diving position.

0923 - Boat remains submerged at A-20, 135rpm/3kn.

0932 - Sound contact with warship bearing 143°, medium speed on course north, E=20000, seems to be heading straight for our diving position.

1000 - At S-Tiefe, the distance to the ASW sound contact is now about 10000m. The I.W.O. is scanning the skies for A/C with the B-Sehrohr.

1002 - In the A-Sehrohr, a destroyer is emerging through the haze, bearing 160°, E=8500, medium speed, course north.

1010 - At E=6200, Silent Running. The periscopes are sticking about 1m out of the water.

1012 - At E=6000, the destroyer is positivly identified as a Clemson type Destroyer, is sniffing around for us at the diving position.

1033 - The Destroyer is running off on course south. Secured from Silent Running. Boat is staying submerged, setting for A-20.

Cmdr.: It is quite surprising to me, that the destroyer approached our position only at medium speed. However, since she did, we were able to gain the necessary safe distance without straining the batteries too much.

1104 - O₂ = 20%.

1200 - Qu.9833ED - Days Run: 158.8sm - ↗ 129.1sm (14h) - ↘ 29.7sm (10h).
168cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 9300Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 40°. T=60. O₂ = 20%.

1230 - Surfaced after 30min. and 1.5sm since Etmal, and 3h 17min. and 9.7sm in total. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h. Flak and Forward Upper Deck took some damage at the last A/C attack.

1233 - Compressed Air Supply filled and Flak repaired.

1234 - Boat ventilated and Forward Upper Deck repaired. 1/3-Ahead.

1240 - On new course 45°. 2xH.F.-Ahead.

1535 - Qu.9655ED -

1556 - Qu.9653ED - "ALARM!". Crash-diving from at least 3 pair of Catalinas, direct approach from 225°true, E=6500.
At T=40 the first bombs, medium concussions.

1557 - At A-Meter and in due course, min. of 48 bombs are dropped at and around our diving position.

1615 - Boat remains submerged at A-20, 135rpm/3kn.

Cmdr.: Clearly, the enemy has organized a concerted hunt for us.

1744 - O₂ = 20%.

1911 - Surfaced after 3h 15min. and 9.7sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h.

1915 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries: Port-Diesel, Propulsion, 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging, 496RPM.

2032 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h.

2040 - Batteries charged => 1h 25min. for 1500Ah.

2100 - Diving for submerged cruise.

2108 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

2324 - O₂ = 20%.

Boat heading toward supply ship.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

- continued from 29 April, 0545h -


0650 - Qu.9855ED - On new course 45°.

0741 - Qu.9853ED - Morning Dawn.
Two coastal freighters in keel line, bearing 309°, on course SW, E=3000. In front a Panamanian of 1050ts and in back an Englishman of 1120ts.

0742 - Turning toward the steamers on course 270°. Speed 1kn. "Manning Deck Gun!".

0745 - Speed 1kn. "Battle Stations!".

0747 - E=2400. "Weapons Free!". Firing at the front Panamanian steamer and incinerating the middle upper deck cargo with the second shot and hit.

0748 - After 3 shots at the Panamanian steamer, the Englishmen in back is firing with a deck gun, which is mounted amidhsips. Boat has to re-direct its fire onto the English steamer.

Boat scores a direct hit after for shots and hits on the enemy deck gun, the steamer has fired 3 shots in total, which were either too short or way over the boat.

0749 - After 3 more shots, the boat is out of ammunition. Both steamers are burning, but continue on. "Secure Weapons!".

0750 - Turning boat hard to port and running off at high speed, on an easterly heading.

0805 - On new course 40°. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

0834 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h, visibility ~4.6sm.

0913 - Qu.9835ED - "ALARM!". Crash-diving from at least 4 pair of Catalinas, direct approach from 180°true, E=8500.
At T=25 the first well-placed bombs, very strong concussions.

0915 - Regained trim at A-Meter, Small-Ahead. In due course, several more bombs at and around our diving position.

0923 - Boat remains submerged at A-20, 135rpm/3kn.

0932 - Sound contact with warship bearing 143°, medium speed on course north, E=20000, seems to be heading straight for our diving position.

1000 - At S-Tiefe, the distance to the ASW sound contact is now about 10000m. The I.W.O. is scanning the skies for A/C with the B-Sehrohr.

1002 - In the A-Sehrohr, a destroyer is emerging through the haze, bearing 160°, E=8500, medium speed, course north.

1010 - At E=6200, Silent Running. The periscopes are sticking about 1m out of the water.

1012 - At E=6000, the destroyer is positivly identified as a Clemson type Destroyer, is sniffing around for us at the diving position.

1033 - The Destroyer is running off on course south. Secured from Silent Running. Boat is staying submerged, setting for A-20.

Cmdr.: It is quite surprising to me, that the destroyer approached our position only at medium speed. However, since she did, we were able to gain the necessary safe distance without straining the batteries too much.

1104 - O₂ = 20%.

1200 - Qu.9833ED - Days Run: 158.8sm - ↗ 129.1sm (14h) - ↘ 29.7sm (10h).
168cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 9300Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 40°. T=60. O₂ = 20%.

1230 - Surfaced after 30min. and 1.5sm since Etmal, and 3h 17min. and 9.7sm in total. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h. Flak and Forward Upper Deck took some damage at the last A/C attack.

1233 - Compressed Air Supply filled and Flak repaired.

1234 - Boat ventilated and Forward Upper Deck repaired. 1/3-Ahead.

1240 - On new course 45°. 2xH.F.-Ahead.

1535 - Qu.9655ED -

1556 - Qu.9653ED - "ALARM!". Crash-diving from at least 3 pair of Catalinas, direct approach from 225°true, E=6500.
At T=40 the first bombs, medium concussions.

1557 - At A-Meter and in due course, min. of 48 bombs are dropped at and around our diving position.

1615 - Boat remains submerged at A-20, 135rpm/3kn.

Cmdr.: Clearly, the enemy has organized a concerted hunt for us.

1744 - O₂ = 20%.

1911 - Surfaced after 3h 15min. and 9.7sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h.

1915 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries: Port-Diesel, Propulsion, 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging, 496RPM.

2032 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h.

2040 - Batteries charged => 1h 25min. for 1500Ah.

2100 - Diving for submerged cruise.

2108 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

2324 - O₂ = 20%.

Boat heading toward supply ship.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.





Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Thursday, 30 April 1942 - Southwest of Barbados -

0444 - O₂ = 19%.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running.

0751 - T=20.

0753 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged.

0800 - Surfaced after 11h and 32.1sm.
NNW1/1, clear light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

0805 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 7900Ah. 1/3-Ahead.

0810 - 2xH.F.-Ahead.

0818 - Sunrise.

0925 - Qu.7155EE - On new course 63°.

Testing Diesel Engines:
2xHalf-Ahead: 12.5kn; Full-Ahead: 14kn; A.K.: 16kn.

Cmdr.: In the upper speed settings, we seem to be about 1-2kn short.

1200 - Qu.7139EE - Days Run: 159.0sm - ↗ 115.7sm (9h 15') - ↘ 43.3sm (14h 45').
165cbm (3cbm/24h). Battery 7900Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 63°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0800h.

5sm south of Barbados, southern tip is visible in the haze. Water depth is 210m. Taking navigational land fix.

1955 - Qu.4955EE -

2020 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0800h.

2045 - Diving for submerged cruise.

2100 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

2314 - O₂ = 20%.

Boat heading toward supply ship.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Thursday, 30 April 1942 - Southwest of Barbados -

0444 - O₂ = 19%.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running.

0751 - T=20.

0753 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged.

0800 - Surfaced after 11h and 32.1sm.
NNW1/1, clear light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

0805 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 7900Ah. 1/3-Ahead.

0810 - 2xH.F.-Ahead.

0818 - Sunrise.

0925 - Qu.7155EE - On new course 63°.

Testing Diesel Engines:
2xHalf-Ahead: 12.5kn; Full-Ahead: 14kn; A.K.: 16kn.

Cmdr.: In the upper speed settings, we seem to be about 1-2kn short.

1200 - Qu.7139EE - Days Run: 159.0sm - ↗ 115.7sm (9h 15') - ↘ 43.3sm (14h 45').
165cbm (3cbm/24h). Battery 7900Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 63°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0800h.

5sm south of Barbados, southern tip is visible in the haze. Water depth is 210m. Taking navigational land fix.

1955 - Qu.4955EE -

2020 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0800h.

2045 - Diving for submerged cruise.

2100 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

2314 - O₂ = 20%.

Boat heading towards supply ship.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Friday, 1 May 1942 - ENE of Barbados -

0434 - O₂ = 19%.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running.

0735 - T=20.

0737 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged.

0745 - Surfaced after 11h and 32.1sm.
SE1/1, clear light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

0755 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 5700Ah. 2xH.F.-Ahead.

0802 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.5493EE - Days Run: 192.3sm - ↗ 160.2sm (13h) - ↘ 32.1sm (11h).
160cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 5700Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 63°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0745h.

1455 - Qu.5555EE - On new course 45°.

2008 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0745h.

2030 - Diving for submerged cruise.

2100 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

2249 - O₂ = 20%.

2314 - Batteries 5000Ah.

Boat heading towards supply ship.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Friday, 1 May 1942 - ENE of Barbados -

0434 - O₂ = 19%.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running.

0735 - T=20.

0737 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged.

0745 - Surfaced after 11h and 32.1sm.
SE1/1, clear light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

0755 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 5700Ah. 2xH.F.-Ahead.

0802 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.5493EE - Days Run: 192.3sm - ↗ 160.2sm (13h) - ↘ 32.1sm (11h).
160cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 5700Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 63°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0745h.

1455 - Qu.5555EE - On new course 45°.

2008 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0745h.

2030 - Diving for submerged cruise.

2100 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

2249 - O₂ = 20%.

2314 - Batteries 5000Ah.

Boat heading towards supply ship.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Saturday, 2 May 1942 - East of the Lesser Antilles -

0110 - Qu.5355EE -

0404 - O₂ = 19%.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running.

0720 - T=20.

0722 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged.

Cmdr.: Three minutes before the boat is to surface, 2 pair of Catalina's are visible in the B-Periscope. E=6000. Approaching from 225°true on course Northeast and right over the position of the boat, turn back on course 225°. 4 bombs each under each wing can clearly be made out in the periscope.

0740 - Surfaced after 11h 10min. and 32.6sm.
NNW1/1, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb.

0745 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 3500Ah. 1/3-Ahead.

0748 - Sunrise.

0800 - 2xH.F.

0845 - Charging batteries: Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM; Port Diesel Propulsion 405RPM/11kn.

0933 - Batteries 5000Ah.

1102 - Batteries 7500Ah.

1155 - Interrupted Battery Charging at 8700Ah. 2xH.F.

1200 - Qu.3773EE - Days Run: 186.6sm - ↗ 154.0sm (12h 50') - ↘ 32.6sm (11h 10').
155cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 8700Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0740h.

1300 - Continued with battery charging: Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM; Port Diesel Propulsion 405RPM/11kn.

1313 - Qu.3755EE -

1415 - Batteries charged: 4h 25min. for 6500Ah. 2xH.F./12kn.

1957 - Qu.3555ED - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0740h.

2020 - Diving for submerged cruise.

2100 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

2234 - O₂ = 20%.

Boat heading towards supply ship.


RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Saturday, 2 May 1942 - East of the Lesser Antilles -

0110 - Qu.5355EE -

0404 - O₂ = 19%.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running.

0720 - T=20.

0722 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged.

Cmdr.: Three minutes before the boat is to surface, 2 pair of Catalina's are visible in the B-Periscope. E=6000. Approaching from 225°true on course Northeast and right over the position of the boat, turn back on course 225°. 4 bombs each under each wing can clearly be made out in the periscope.

0740 - Surfaced after 11h 10min. and 32.6sm.
NNW1/1, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb.

0745 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 3500Ah. 1/3-Ahead.

0748 - Sunrise.

0800 - 2xH.F.

0845 - Charging batteries: Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM; Port Diesel Propulsion 405RPM/11kn.

0933 - Batteries 5000Ah.

1102 - Batteries 7500Ah.

1155 - Interrupted Battery Charging at 8700Ah. 2xH.F.

1200 - Qu.3773EE - Days Run: 186.6sm - ↗ 154.0sm (12h 50') - ↘ 32.6sm (11h 10').
155cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 8700Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0740h.

1300 - Continued with battery charging: Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM; Port Diesel Propulsion 405RPM/11kn.

1313 - Qu.3755EE -

1415 - Batteries charged: 4h 25min. for 6500Ah. 2xH.F./12kn.

1957 - Qu.3555ED - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0740h.

2020 - Diving for submerged cruise.

2100 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running.

2234 - O₂ = 20%.

Boat heading towards supply ship.


RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Sunday, 3 May 1942 - East of the Lesser Antilles -

- Fourth week at sea completed -


0354 - O₂ = 19%.

0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running. Port Machine-Watch on duty. Wake-Up and Morning Wash of remaining crew.

0630 - Breakfast for the remaining crew.

0700 - Swap-the-Decks for the Off-Watch.

0705 - T=20.

0707 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged.

0710 - Surfaced after 10h 50min. and 31.6sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h.

0715 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 7900Ah. 1/3-Ahead.

0738 - Sunrise.

0745 - 2xH.F.

0845 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.

1105 - Qu.3355EE -

1200 - Qu.3353EE - Days Run: 191.5sm - ↗ 159.9sm (13h 10') - ↘ 31.6sm (10h 50').
149cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 7900Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 2 May, 0740h. – Lunch Break –

1300 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.

1430 - Qu.7777DQ - Reached limit of enemy air cover zone.

1715 - Dinner for the crew.

1740 - Qu.7755DQ -

1800 - Port Machine-Watch on duty.

1948 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 2 May, 0740h.

2100 - Lights-Out for the Off-Watch.

2212 - On new course 90°. Darkness.

2305 - 1/3-Ahead. 16km from Supply Ship. 2/3-Moon rising in the East.

2330 - At E=8000, Supply Ship comes into sight (visibility for crew is 6000m).

2340 - Wake-Up for the Stbd.-Machine-Watch and the 1st Sea-Watch.
At E=5000, reducing speed. Exchanging Recognition Signal and running to the Leeward (Stbd.) and the moonlit Side of the Supply Ship.

2400 - "Mittelwächter": Mid-Night Coffee for the Watch on Duty.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[SonarmaatU212]

Patrol 11:
U64 a type IX sub was leaving Brest 05.11.1940 at 0304. Went to PQ DG81


08.11.1940 BF 77 early morning crew found a small convoy in bad weather. Rain, fog and heavy sea. Started surface attack with torpedos. Sent all 4 ships down within 20 minutes. (coastal freight, passenger and freight, colonial freight and caribou)
Back heading wsw towards DG81


11.11.1940 CF 59 in germany they start 5th season - we started submerged attack against big convoy (5 escorts). Shot down another 5 ships in heavy seas. (big freightsteam, big tanker, big tanker, freight M33 and trooper)
After silent running for rest of day, we did it out and went back to general direction.


After cruising our PQ without any contact, i decided to go towards Rockall Banks.


02.12.1940 BE 36 another convoy was reported and we could go in good position. Again wind with 10m/s and high waves. Again 5 escorts. 6 torps left. Shot 2 again tanker, next 2 for standard freight didn´t hit. So 1 torp to get tanker down and 1 torp for standard freighter. Both hit and both ships went down. Again silent running to get out of convoy.


After surfacing we just went home to Brest with 82722 tons.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Sunday, 3 May 1942 - East of the Lesser Antilles -

- Fourth week at sea completed -


0354 - O₂ = 19%.

0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running. Port Machine-Watch on duty. Wake-Up and Morning Wash of remaining crew.

0630 - Breakfast for the remaining crew.

0700 - Swap-the-Decks for the Off-Watch.

0705 - T=20.

0707 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged.

0710 - Surfaced after 10h 50min. and 31.6sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h.

0715 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 7900Ah. 1/3-Ahead.

0738 - Sunrise.

0745 - 2xH.F.

0845 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.

1105 - Qu.3355EE -

1200 - Qu.3353EE - Days Run: 191.5sm - ↗ 159.9sm (13h 10') - ↘ 31.6sm (10h 50').
149cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 7900Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 2 May, 0740h. – Lunch Break –

1300 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.

1430 - Qu.7777DQ - Reached limit of enemy air cover zone.

1715 - Dinner for the crew.

1740 - Qu.7755DQ -

1800 - Port Machine-Watch on duty.

1948 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 2 May, 0740h.

2100 - Lights-Out for the Off-Watch.

2212 - On new course 90°. Darkness.

2305 - 1/3-Ahead. 16km from Supply Ship. 2/3-Moon rising in the East.

2330 - At E=8000, Supply Ship comes into sight (visibility for crew is 6000m).

2340 - Wake-Up for the Stbd.-Machine-Watch and the 1st Sea-Watch.
At E=5000, reducing speed. Exchanging Recognition Signal and running to the Leeward (Stbd.) and the moonlit Side of the Supply Ship.

2400 - "Mittelwächter": Mid-Night Coffee for the Watch on Duty.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Monday, 4 May 1942 - Northeast of Caribbean -

0005 - Qu.7585DQ - 19°37'00"N, 050°57'00"W (bottom center) - Making fast at Supply Ship.

145cbm (4cbm/12h). Battery 7900Ah. 2 External Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. NNW1/1, clear, visibility 3.5sm, >1000mb.

Taking over from Supply Ship:
- 73cbm Fuel => Now have 218cbm.
- 4 Ato => Loaded 4 Ato in bow compartment and 2 external Ato in stern compartment. Loaded tubes I-VI. Now have 6 internal Ato.
- Provisions and Fresh Water for 14 days (1100kg).
- Charged batteries (2h for 2100Ah).

Received Mine Situation Report of the Bay of Biscay:
Path Tannennadel and Cedernland closed as of 26 April.
Inbound Lorient boats to use paths Bogenlampe and Uhunest.

Handing over a copy of our KTB since damage to radio system, for reporting to B.d.U. by next boat at supply ship on our behalf.

Crew going aboard Supply Ship in shifts, for a hot shower, a warm meal, washing laundry and a doctors visit.

0515 - Completed re-supply and repairs. Radio System could not be repaired with what is available on supply ship.

0630 - Early Morning Dawn.
SSW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

0650 - Casting off Supply Ship and running off on an easterly heading.

0728 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0630h.

0745 - At 16km from Supply Ship, 2xH.F.

1153 - Qu.7655DQ - On new course 45°.

1200 - Qu.7655DQ - Days Run: 208.2sm - ↗ (24h).
216cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0630h.

1830 - Qu.8155DQ -

1938 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0630h.

Boat on return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Monday, 4 May 1942 - Northeast of Caribbean -

0005 - Qu.7585DQ - 19°37'00"N, 050°57'00"W (bottom center) - Making fast at Supply Ship.

145cbm (4cbm/12h). Battery 7900Ah. 2 External Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. NNW1/1, clear, visibility 3.5sm, >1000mb.

Taking over from Supply Ship:
- 73cbm Fuel => Now have 218cbm.
- 4 Ato => Loaded 4 Ato in bow compartment and 2 external Ato in stern compartment. Loaded tubes I-VI. Now have 6 internal Ato.
- Provisions and Fresh Water for 14 days (1100kg).
- Charged batteries (2h for 2100Ah).

Received Mine Situation Report of the Bay of Biscay:
Path Tannennadel and Cedernland closed as of 26 April.
Inbound Lorient boats to use paths Bogenlampe and Uhunest.

Handing over a copy of our KTB since damage to radio system, for reporting to B.d.U. by next boat at supply ship on our behalf.

Crew going aboard Supply Ship in shifts, for a hot shower, a warm meal, washing laundry and a doctors visit.

0515 - Completed re-supply and repairs. Radio System could not be repaired with what is available on supply ship.

0630 - Early Morning Dawn.
SSW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

0650 - Casting off Supply Ship and running off on an easterly heading.

0728 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0630h.

0745 - At 16km from Supply Ship, 2xH.F.

1153 - Qu.7655DQ - On new course 45°.

1200 - Qu.7655DQ - Days Run: 208.2sm - ↗ (24h).
216cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0630h.

1830 - Qu.8155DQ -

1938 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0630h.

Boat on return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Tuesday, 5 May 1942 - Northeast of Caribbean -

0107 - Qu.5855DQ -

0620 - Morning Dawn.

0711 - Sunrise. W1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

0745 - Qu.5655DQ -

1200 - Qu.6175DQ - Days Run: 299.3sm - ↗ (24h).
208cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sunrise.

1420 - Qu.6155DQ - On new course 0°.

1900 - Qu.3755DQ -

1929 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sunrise.

2343 - Qu.3455DQ - On new course 45°.

Boat on return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Tuesday, 5 May 1942 - Northeast of Caribbean -

0107 - Qu.5855DQ -

0620 - Morning Dawn.

0711 - Sunrise. W1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

0745 - Qu.5655DQ -

1200 - Qu.6175DQ - Days Run: 299.3sm - ↗ (24h).
208cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sunrise.

1420 - Qu.6155DQ - On new course 0°.

1900 - Qu.3755DQ -

1929 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sunrise.

2343 - Qu.3455DQ - On new course 45°.

Boat on return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Wednesday, 6 May 1942 - Atlantic Ocean -

0300 - Qu.3275DQ - At position from first sinkings of this patrol on 17 April.

Cmdr.: Maybe we get lucky again.

0415 - Diving for sound check and trial dive.

0429 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20.

0440 - At T=20. Nothing heard.

0515 - Directly surfacing from T=20, after 1h and 2.9sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9700Ah.

0530 - On new course 90°. 2xH.F. Boat heading toward plotted meeting point with outbound U-Hartenstein.

0610 - Morning Dawn.

0701 - Sunrise. NE1/1, shifting east, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

1200 - Qu.3386DQ - Days Run: 284.8sm - ↗ 281.9sm (23h) - ↘ 2.9sm (1h).
201cbm (7cbm/24h). Battery 9700Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 90°. ESE1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

1915 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

2053 - On new course 32°.

2130 - Qu.1282DR - At plotted meeting point with outbound U-Hartenstein. Diving for sound check. T=20.

2324 - O₂ = 20%.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Wednesday, 6 May 1942 - Atlantic Ocean -

0300 - Qu.3275DQ - At position from first sinkings of this patrol on 17 April.

Cmdr.: Maybe we get lucky again.

0415 - Diving for sound check and trial dive.

0429 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20.

0440 - At T=20. Nothing heard.

0515 - Directly surfacing from T=20, after 1h and 2.9sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9700Ah.

0530 - On new course 90°. 2xH.F. Boat heading toward plotted meeting point with outbound U-Hartenstein.

0610 - Morning Dawn.

0701 - Sunrise. NE1/1, shifting east, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

1200 - Qu.3386DQ - Days Run: 284.8sm - ↗ 281.9sm (23h) - ↘ 2.9sm (1h).
201cbm (7cbm/24h). Battery 9700Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 90°. ESE1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

1915 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

2053 - On new course 32°.

2130 - Qu.1282DR - At plotted meeting point with outbound U-Hartenstein. Diving for sound check. T=20.

2324 - O₂ = 20%.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Thursday, 7 May 1942 - Atlantic Ocean -

0030 - Nothing heard of U-Hartenstein. Surfacing directly from T=20, after 3h and 8.8sm. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

0033 - Boat ventilated. Battery 9100Ah.

0045 - 2xH.F. Continuing with return voyage.

0355 - On new course 73°.

0600 - Morning Dawn.

0641 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

1200 - Qu.8755DF - Days Run: 267.0sm - ↗ 258.2sm (21h) - ↘ 8.8sm (3h).
193cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 9100Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 73°. SW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

1205 - On new course 70°.

1859 - Sundown. WSW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

Boat on return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Thursday, 7 May 1942 - Atlantic Ocean -

0030 - Nothing heard of U-Hartenstein. Surfacing directly from T=20, after 3h and 8.8sm. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

0033 - Boat ventilated. Battery 9100Ah.

0045 - 2xH.F. Continuing with return voyage.

0355 - On new course 73°.

0600 - Morning Dawn.

0641 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

1200 - Qu.8755DF - Days Run: 267.0sm - ↗ 258.2sm (21h) - ↘ 8.8sm (3h).
193cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 9100Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 73°. SW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

1205 - On new course 70°.

1859 - Sundown. WSW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.

Boat on return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Friday, 8 May 1942 - Atlantic Ocean -



0125 - Qu.8655DF -

0545 - Morning Dawn.

0621 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown.

0700 - Diving for Torpedo Maintenance and Trial Dive.

0705 - T=50. Beginning of torpedo maintenance.

0854 - O₂ = 20%.

1006 - Bow tubes serviced - break until 1030h

1200 - Qu.9422DF - Days Run: 248.9sm - ↗ 234.3sm (19h) - ↘ 14.6sm (5h).
185cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 8200Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. T=50. O₂ = 20%.

Stern tubes serviced.

1238 - O₂ = 19%.

1300 - Beginning of trial dive, 135rpm/3kn.

1304 - A-Meter.

1310 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20. Setting for Reception Depth.

1320 - T=20.

1325 - Surfaced after 1h 25min. and 4.1sm since Etmal, and 6h 25min. and 18.7sm in total.
Weather an Sea unchanged since Sundown, 7 May.

1335 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (8000Ah):
Port Diesel Propulsion 396RPM/10kn; Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM.

1525 - Batteries charged => 1h 50min. for 2000Ah.
2xH.F., 12.5kn.

1843 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h.

2020 - Qu.9255DF -

Boat on return voyage.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Friday, 8 May 1942 - Atlantic Ocean -



0125 - Qu.8655DF -

0545 - Morning Dawn.

0621 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown.

0700 - Diving for Torpedo Maintenance and Trial Dive.

0705 - T=50. Beginning of torpedo maintenance.

0854 - O₂ = 20%.

1006 - Bow tubes serviced - break until 1030h

1200 - Qu.9422DF - Days Run: 248.9sm - ↗ 234.3sm (19h) - ↘ 14.6sm (5h).
185cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 8200Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. T=50. O₂ = 20%.

Stern tubes serviced.

1238 - O₂ = 19%.

1300 - Beginning of trial dive, 135rpm/3kn.

1304 - A-Meter.

1310 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20. Setting for Reception Depth.

1320 - T=20.

1325 - Surfaced after 1h 25min. and 4.1sm since Etmal, and 6h 25min. and 18.7sm in total.
Weather an Sea unchanged since Sundown, 7 May.

1335 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (8000Ah):
Port Diesel Propulsion 396RPM/10kn; Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM.

1525 - Batteries charged => 1h 50min. for 2000Ah.
2xH.F., 12.5kn.

1843 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h.

2020 - Qu.9255DF -

Boat on return voyage.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Saturday, 9 May 1942 - West of the Canary Islands -


0530 - Morning Dawn.


0607 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged in 36h.


0945 - Qu.4755DG -


1200 - Qu.4762DG - Days Run: 278.2sm - ↗ 274.1sm (22h 35') - ↘ 4.1sm (1h 25').
177cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. SSE2/2, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.


1827 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.


2325 - Qu.4655DG -


Boat on return voyage.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Saturday, 9 May 1942 - West of the Canary Islands -


0530 - Morning Dawn.


0607 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged in 36h.


0945 - Qu.4755DG -


1200 - Qu.4762DG - Days Run: 278.2sm - ↗ 274.1sm (22h 35') - ↘ 4.1sm (1h 25').
177cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. SSE2/2, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb.


1827 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.


2325 - Qu.4655DG -


Boat on return voyage.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Sunday, 10 May 1942 - South of the Azores -
- Fifth week at sea completed -


0510 - Morning Dawn.


0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch.


0547 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.


0600 - Port Machine-Watch on duty. Wake-Up and Morning Wash of remaining crew.


0630 - Breakfast for the remaining crew.


0700 - Swap-the-Decks for the Off-Watch.


0845 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.


1200 - Qu.5257DG - Days Run: 290.7sm - ↗ (24h).
169cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h. – Lunch Break –



1300 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.


1310 - Qu.5255DG - On new course 53°.


1600 - WNW3/2, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb.


1715 - Dinner for the crew.


1800 - Port Machine-Watch on duty.


1812 - Sundown. NNW3/2, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb


2100 - Lights-Out for the Off-Watch.


2125 - Qu.2955DG -


2340 - Wake-Up for the Stbd.-Machine-Watch and the 1st Sea-Watch.


2400 - "Mittelwächter": Mid-Night Coffee for the Watch on Duty.


Boat on return voyage.


RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Sunday, 10 May 1942 - South of the Azores -
- Fifth week at sea completed -


0510 - Morning Dawn.


0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch.


0547 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.


0600 - Port Machine-Watch on duty. Wake-Up and Morning Wash of remaining crew.


0630 - Breakfast for the remaining crew.


0700 - Swap-the-Decks for the Off-Watch.


0845 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.


1200 - Qu.5257DG - Days Run: 290.7sm - ↗ (24h).
169cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h. – Lunch Break –



1300 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.


1310 - Qu.5255DG - On new course 53°.


1600 - WNW3/2, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb.


1715 - Dinner for the crew.


1800 - Port Machine-Watch on duty.


1812 - Sundown. NNW3/2, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb


2100 - Lights-Out for the Off-Watch.


2125 - Qu.2955DG -


2340 - Wake-Up for the Stbd.-Machine-Watch and the 1st Sea-Watch.


2400 - "Mittelwächter": Mid-Night Coffee for the Watch on Duty.


Boat on return voyage.


RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Monday, 11 May 1942 - South of the Azores -

0450 - Morning Dawn.

0530 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, 10 May.

0545 - Qu.3455DG -

1200 - Qu.3273DG - Days Run: 281.6sm - ↗ (24h).
161cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, 10 May.

1316 - Qu.3249DG - "Smoke Plume Ahead Stbd.24!". E=16000.

Looks like a destroyer. Does it belong to a task force or a convoy? Running toward on course 90°, Full-Ahead.

1327 - Further smoke plumes come into sight, from what appears to be a south going convoy. Visibility is 8.5-9sm. Altering course to 135°. "Maneuver Stations!".

Convoy consists of 14 ships in 5 rows and 3 columns, and 6 escorts: Forward Sweeper and Forward Stbd. are C&D Destroyers, Rear Stbd. is L-Class Destroyer, Back and Rear Port are Flower Corvettes, Forward Port is a Dido-Class Cruiser. None of the escorts seem to have any radar fitted, except for the Cruiser, with a range of 3000m.

Boat is positioned to the stbd.-beam of the convoy, which is running with 11kn on course 190°, and keeping a distance of about 8000m on parallel course. Overtaking the convoy is slow, as the boats max speed at Full-Ahead is a mere 12.5kn, wind and sea state is NNW3/2.

Cmdr.: A south going convoy in this area must belong to the OS-Convoys, going from Liverpool to Freetown, Sierra Leone. Main concern at this point are the diesel engines and I don't want to risk damaging them further by going A.K.

1345 - The Stbd.-Rear L-Class Destroyer goes on a search pattern of about 6000m to stbd., and returns back to the convoy at 1355h.

1428 - The Stbd.-Rear L-Class Destroyer goes on a search pattern of about 6000m to Stbd., and returns back to the convoy at 1443h.

1500 - The Stbd.-Rear L-Class Destroyer and the Forward Stbd. C&D-Class Destroyer go on a search pattern of about 6000m to Stbd., the L-Class returns back to the convoy at 1515h, and the C&D-Class at 1535h.

1600 - On new course 175°. Both Stbd. Destroyers go on a search pattern until 1623h.

1638 - Back to course 190°.

1655 - Both Stbd. Destroyers and the Forward Sweeper go on a search pattern until 1714h.

1730 - The Forward Sweeper goes on search pattern.

1747 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h.

With the setting sun, the Stbd. Forward Destroyer goes on a search pattern until 1800h.

Cmdr.: With the current weather and sea state, and due to the fact, that except for the Cruiser, none of the escorts have radar fitted, we can wait until dark for a surface attack.

1753 - The Forward Sweeper goes on search pattern until 1815h.

1824 - The Stbd. Rear Destroyer goes on a search pattern, goes out of sight at 1837h and does not re-appear when back at the convoy at 1857h.

1830 - The Stbd. Forward Destroyer goes on a search pattern until 1849h.

1900 - Darkness. Visibility 10000m. Small-Ahead.

1905 - The Stbd. Rear Destroyer goes on a search pattern until 1915h.

1915 - The Stbd. Forward Destroyer and the Forward Sweeper go on search patterns.

- to be continued –

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++


Monday, 11 May 1942 - South of the Azores -

0450 - Morning Dawn.

0530 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, 10 May.

0545 - Qu.3455DG -

1200 - Qu.3273DG - Days Run: 281.6sm - ↗ (24h).
161cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, 10 May.

1316 - Qu.3249DG - "Smoke Plume Ahead Stbd.24!". E=16000.

Looks like a destroyer. Does it belong to a task force or a convoy? Running toward on course 90°, Full-Ahead.

1327 - Further smoke plumes come into sight, from what appears to be a south going convoy. Visibility is 8.5-9sm. Altering course to 135°. "Maneuver Stations!".

Convoy consists of 14 ships in 5 rows and 3 columns, and 6 escorts: Forward Sweeper and Forward Stbd. are C&D Destroyers, Rear Stbd. is L-Class Destroyer, Back and Rear Port are Flower Corvettes, Forward Port is a Dido-Class Cruiser. None of the escorts seem to have any radar fitted, except for the Cruiser, with a range of 3000m.

Boat is positioned to the stbd.-beam of the convoy, which is running with 11kn on course 190°, and keeping a distance of about 8000m on parallel course. Overtaking the convoy is slow, as the boats max speed at Full-Ahead is a mere 12.5kn, wind and sea state is NNW3/2.

Cmdr.: A south going convoy in this area must belong to the OS-Convoys, going from Liverpool to Freetown, Sierra Leone. Main concern at this point are the diesel engines and I don't want to risk damaging them further by going A.K.

1345 - The Stbd.-Rear L-Class Destroyer goes on a search pattern of about 6000m to stbd., and returns back to the convoy at 1355h.

1428 - The Stbd.-Rear L-Class Destroyer goes on a search pattern of about 6000m to Stbd., and returns back to the convoy at 1443h.

1500 - The Stbd.-Rear L-Class Destroyer and the Forward Stbd. C&D-Class Destroyer go on a search pattern of about 6000m to Stbd., the L-Class returns back to the convoy at 1515h, and the C&D-Class at 1535h.

1600 - On new course 175°. Both Stbd. Destroyers go on a search pattern until 1623h.

1638 - Back to course 190°.

1655 - Both Stbd. Destroyers and the Forward Sweeper go on a search pattern until 1714h.

1730 - The Forward Sweeper goes on search pattern.

1747 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h.

With the setting sun, the Stbd. Forward Destroyer goes on a search pattern until 1800h.

Cmdr.: With the current weather and sea state, and due to the fact, that except for the Cruiser, none of the escorts have radar fitted, we can wait until dark for a surface attack.

1753 - The Forward Sweeper goes on search pattern until 1815h.

1824 - The Stbd. Rear Destroyer goes on a search pattern, goes out of sight at 1837h and does not re-appear when back at the convoy at 1857h.

1830 - The Stbd. Forward Destroyer goes on a search pattern until 1849h.

1900 - Darkness. Visibility 10000m. Small-Ahead.

1905 - The Stbd. Rear Destroyer goes on a search pattern until 1915h.

1915 - The Stbd. Forward Destroyer and the Forward Sweeper go on search patterns.

- to be continued –






Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

- continued from 11 May, 1915h -

1928 - Qu.3581DG - Preparing boat for surface attack acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 302. "Battle Stations!". Turning toward convoy on course 100°. Flooding tube I.

1930 - Single Shot with tube I: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 100°; Own speed 6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Light Cruiser Dido Class, 5600ts, draught 6.3m.
Target course 190°; Target distance 8000m; Target angle green71°; Target speed 11kn; Firing angle α 002°.
Closing tube I. Flooding tube II & III.

=> Tube I hits last after 8min.26sec., amidhsips! The Cruiser sinks on an even keel within 2-3 minutes.

1931 - Double Shot with tube II & III: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 100°; Own speed 7kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Large empty Tanker, 18192ts, draught 6.0m.
Target course 190°; Target distance 6000m; Target angle green66/67°; Target speed 11kn; Firing angle α 356/357°.
Closing tube II & III. Flooding tube IV.

=> Tube II & III are hits amidships! Tube III hits after tube IV hits the Naval Tanker. The Large empty Tanker catches fire but continues on at 7kn.

1931 - Single Shot with tube IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 100°; Own speed 7kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Navy Supply Tanker, 5922ts, draught 9.0m.
Target course 190°; Target distance 5500m; Target angle green65°; Target speed 11kn; Firing angle α 355°.
Closing tube IV.

=> Tube IV hits amidships before tube III hits the Large empty Tanker! The Navy Tanker explodes and sinks within less than a minute.

Note: All torpedoes fired were loaded from the supply ship.

1932 - Running off on course 190° and 1/3-Ahead.

The convoy is zig-ziggaing around its mean course, at a speed of 7kn. The Stbd. Forward Destroyer runs back to the convoy, while the Forward Sweeper runs through the middle of the convoy towards the back. The Stbd. Rear Destroyer goes on a search pattern, while to two Corvettes are picking up survivors.

1958 - The Stbd.-Rear Destroyer runs back to the convoy, as the Stbd.-Forward Destroyer goes on a search pattern. The Forward Sweeper and the Rear Corvette, are searching behind the convoy, can't tell if for survivors or for us.

2003 - Both Stbd. Destroyers are back on station.

2005 - Small-Ahead. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

2030 - The convoy is in disarray. Both Stbd. escorts go on search patterns until 2050h.

The already torpedoed tanker is being covered on the stbd. side of the convoy, by the forward destroyer, while the forward port side of the convoy is uncovered since the sinking of the Cruiser. Only the port rear side is covered by a Corvette, also, the forward sweeper is still searching behind the convoy. The boat is switching to the port side of the convoy, while keeping a distance of about 5000m.

2130 - On course 100°, Small Ahead.

Cmdr.: Very interesting: The rear port Corvette that all the while has not moved from its position and course, now goes on a search pattern to port.

2135 - Preparing boat for surface attack acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 302. "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube I.
The forward sweeper is coming back on station, running straight through the convoy.

2149 - Qu.3821DG - Single Shot with tube V: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt40; Own course 100°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Large empty Tanker, 18192ts, draught 6.0m.
Target course 190°, zig-zagging and changing speeds; Target distance 5000m; Target angle red43°; Target speed 9kn; Firing angle α 000°.
Closing tube V. Flooding tube VI.

=> Tube V is a miss and understeers the freighter behind the tanker.

Cmdr.: Torpedoes from home seem to have issues.

The ships turn on their search lights - the torpedo track must have been sighted. The rear port Corvette returns to the convoy and the rear Corvette is searching for usw along the port side.

2155 - Boat running off on course 190° and 2xH.F., and getting ahead of the convoy. Closing tube VI.

2212 - The forward sweeper is on search pattern towards the convoy. The torpedoed tanker is running in disarray at different speeds.

2216 - Back to course 100°. Flooding tube VI.

2220 - Qu.3821DG - Single Shot with tube VI: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt40; Own course 100°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Large empty Tanker, 18192ts, draught 6.0m.
Target course 190°, zig-zagging and changing speeds; Target distance 5000m; Target angle red79°; Target speed 6kn; Firing angle α 000°.
Closing tube VI.

=> Tube VI is a miss.

2232 - 2/3-Moon is rising in the East. Running off on course 67° and medium speed. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

- continued from 11 May, 1915h -


1928 - Qu.3581DG - Preparing boat for surface attack acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 302. "Battle Stations!". Turning toward convoy on course 100°. Flooding tube I.

1930 - Single Shot with tube I: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 100°; Own speed 6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Light Cruiser Dido Class, 5600ts, draught 6.3m.
Target course 190°; Target distance 8000m; Target angle green71°; Target speed 11kn; Firing angle α 002°.
Closing tube I. Flooding tube II & III.

=> Tube I hits last after 8min.26sec., amidhsips! The Cruiser sinks on an even keel within 2-3 minutes.

1931 - Double Shot with tube II & III: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 100°; Own speed 7kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Large empty Tanker, 18192ts, draught 6.0m.
Target course 190°; Target distance 6000m; Target angle green66/67°; Target speed 11kn; Firing angle α 356/357°.
Closing tube II & III. Flooding tube IV.

=> Tube II & III are hits amidships! Tube III hits after tube IV hits the Naval Tanker. The Large empty Tanker catches fire but continues on at 7kn.

1931 - Single Shot with tube IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 100°; Own speed 7kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Navy Supply Tanker, 5922ts, draught 9.0m.
Target course 190°; Target distance 5500m; Target angle green65°; Target speed 11kn; Firing angle α 355°.
Closing tube IV.

=> Tube IV hits amidships before tube III hits the Large empty Tanker! The Navy Tanker explodes and sinks within less than a minute.

Note: All torpedoes fired were loaded from the supply ship.

1932 - Running off on course 190° and 1/3-Ahead.

The convoy is zig-ziggaing around its mean course, at a speed of 7kn. The Stbd. Forward Destroyer runs back to the convoy, while the Forward Sweeper runs through the middle of the convoy towards the back. The Stbd. Rear Destroyer goes on a search pattern, while to two Corvettes are picking up survivors.

1958 - The Stbd.-Rear Destroyer runs back to the convoy, as the Stbd.-Forward Destroyer goes on a search pattern. The Forward Sweeper and the Rear Corvette, are searching behind the convoy, can't tell if for survivors or for us.

2003 - Both Stbd. Destroyers are back on station.

2005 - Small-Ahead. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

2030 - The convoy is in disarray. Both Stbd. escorts go on search patterns until 2050h.

The already torpedoed tanker is being covered on the stbd. side of the convoy, by the forward destroyer, while the forward port side of the convoy is uncovered since the sinking of the Cruiser. Only the port rear side is covered by a Corvette, also, the forward sweeper is still searching behind the convoy. The boat is switching to the port side of the convoy, while keeping a distance of about 5000m.

2130 - On course 100°, Small Ahead.

Cmdr.: Very interesting: The rear port Corvette that all the while has not moved from its position and course, now goes on a search pattern to port.

2135 - Preparing boat for surface attack acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 302. "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube I.
The forward sweeper is coming back on station, running straight through the convoy.

2149 - Qu.3821DG - Single Shot with tube V: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt40; Own course 100°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Large empty Tanker, 18192ts, draught 6.0m.
Target course 190°, zig-zagging and changing speeds; Target distance 5000m; Target angle red43°; Target speed 9kn; Firing angle α 000°.
Closing tube V. Flooding tube VI.

=> Tube V is a miss and understeers the freighter behind the tanker.

Cmdr.: Torpedoes from home seem to have issues.

The ships turn on their search lights - the torpedo track must have been sighted. The rear port Corvette returns to the convoy and the rear Corvette is searching for usw along the port side.

2155 - Boat running off on course 190° and 2xH.F., and getting ahead of the convoy. Closing tube VI.

2212 - The forward sweeper is on search pattern towards the convoy. The torpedoed tanker is running in disarray at different speeds.

2216 - Back to course 100°. Flooding tube VI.

2220 - Qu.3821DG - Single Shot with tube VI: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt40; Own course 100°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER.
Target ship: Large empty Tanker, 18192ts, draught 6.0m.
Target course 190°, zig-zagging and changing speeds; Target distance 5000m; Target angle red79°; Target speed 6kn; Firing angle α 000°.
Closing tube VI.

=> Tube VI is a miss.

2232 - 2/3-Moon is rising in the East. Running off on course 67° and medium speed. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.


Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Tuesday, 12 May 1942 - South of the Azores -

0400 - Morning Dawn. NW5/4 increasing, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb.

0500 - Sunrise. NW6/5 increasing, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb.

0640 - Qu.3655DG - On new course 53°.
NW7/6, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb.

1130 - It's beginning to rain. Wind and Sea shifting north, poor visibility.

1200 - Qu.1177DH - Days Run: 255.1sm - ↗ (24h).
151cbm (10cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 8000xPbG. On course 53°. NNW7/6, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb.

1640 - Qu.1155DH - ENE7/6, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb. On new course 35°.

1727 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1640h.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Tuesday, 12 May 1942 - South of the Azores -

0400 - Morning Dawn. NW5/4 increasing, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb.

0500 - Sunrise. NW6/5 increasing, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb.

0640 - Qu.3655DG - On new course 53°.
NW7/6, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb.

1130 - It's beginning to rain. Wind and Sea shifting north, poor visibility.

1200 - Qu.1177DH - Days Run: 255.1sm - ↗ (24h).
151cbm (10cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 8000xPbG. On course 53°. NNW7/6, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb.

1640 - Qu.1155DH - ENE7/6, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb. On new course 35°.

1727 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1640h.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Wednesday, 13 May 1942 - Southeast of the Azores -

0450 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 12 May, 1640h.

0720 - Qu.8455CF - On new course 53°.

1200 - Qu.8433CF - Days Run: 233.8sm - ↗ (24h).
143cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 8000xPbG. On course 53°. ENE7/6, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb.

1230 - The rain is stopping and it is clearing up. Wind and Sea are subsiding and shifting to Northwest.

1600 - NW5/4, clear, good visibility, >1000mb.

1700 - Qu.8255CF -

1715 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1600h.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Wednesday, 13 May 1942 - Southeast of the Azores -

0450 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 12 May, 1640h.

0720 - Qu.8455CF - On new course 53°.

1200 - Qu.8433CF - Days Run: 233.8sm - ↗ (24h).
143cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 8000xPbG. On course 53°. ENE7/6, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb.

1230 - The rain is stopping and it is clearing up. Wind and Sea are subsiding and shifting to Northwest.

1600 - NW5/4, clear, good visibility, >1000mb.

1700 - Qu.8255CF -

1715 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1600h.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Thursday, 14 May 1942 - East of the Azores -

0200 - Qu.5955CF -

0400 - Morning Dawn.

0430 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 13 May, 1600h.

0600 - Boat entering area of HG/OG-Convoys and air cover zone of Gibraltar.

1110 - Qu.6455CF -

1200 - Qu.6453CF - Days Run: 253.2sm - ↗ (24h).
134cbm (9cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 8000xPbG. On course 53°. NW5/4, clear, good visibility, >1000mb.

1300 - It is clouding up somewhat, wind and sea are further subsiding and shifting west.

1500 - W1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 5.5sm, >1000mb.

1705 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1500h.

1925 - Qu.6255CF -

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapt Z]

Kptlt. Kurt Huter, KC(OL/SW)
7 patrols
01AUG39-12NOV40
34 merchant vessels sunk
5 warships sunk
2 aux cruisers, HMS Derbyshire, Mooltan
2 cruisers, HMS Sheffield, Bonaventure
1 battleship, HMS Ramillies
Total tonnage 269,748

Kptlt. Paul Lieb, KC(OL)
6 patrols
01DEC40-14OCT41
30 merchant vessels sunk
Total tonnage 169,718

U-45 withdrawn from front line service and transferred to 5th Flotilla as instructional boat.

U-585, type VIIC

Oblt. Gunter Peschke
3 patrols
01NOV41-09JUN42
14 merchant vessels sunk
1 warship sunk
1 destroyer, HMS Roebuck
Total tonnage 77,161

U-585 awaiting arrival of new commander...

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Thursday, 14 May 1942 - East of the Azores -

0200 - Qu.5955CF -

0400 - Morning Dawn.

0430 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 13 May, 1600h.

0600 - Boat entering area of HG/OG-Convoys and air cover zone of Gibraltar.

1110 - Qu.6455CF -

1200 - Qu.6453CF - Days Run: 253.2sm - ↗ (24h).
134cbm (9cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 8000xPbG. On course 53°. NW5/4, clear, good visibility, >1000mb.

1300 - It is clouding up somewhat, wind and sea are further subsiding and shifting west.

1500 - W1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 5.5sm, >1000mb.

1705 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1500h.

1925 - Qu.6255CF -

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Friday, 15 May 1942 - West of Portugal -

0315 - Qu.3955CF - Morning Dawn. On new course 33°.

0353 - Qu.3953CF - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from what appears to be a twin-engine airplane, is on southerly heading bearing 190°true, then at a distance o 3000m turns around and approaches the boat. At T=20, 2 bombs at the diving position. At A-10, no damages. Boat remains submerged for trial dive.

0408 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20.

0412 - Sunrise.

0428 - Surfaced after 35min. and 1.8sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9700Ah. 2xH.F./14kn.

0619 - Qu.3931CF - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from what appears to be a single-engine airplane with U.S.A. markings, bearing 000°true, on a southerly heading, E=6000.

0621 - At T=10, no bombs

0639 - Surfaced after 20min. and 1.1sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9600Ah.

Right after surfacing the boat, flyover by a single Hurricane on a southerly heading, drops a single bomb, that falls wide to stbd. Must have been just as surprised as we were.

Manning Flak guns, the forward gun jams, shooting 6 rounds with the rear gun. The Hurricanes flys off on a northerly heading, boat remains surfaced.

0646 - 2xH.F./14kn.

0807 - Qu.3693CF - Boat is attacked by a pair of U.S.A. TBF Avenger Torpedo Bombers. Were at first on a southerly heading and then turned towards the boat from 270°true.

Manning Flak guns and scoring hits on the first bomber, catches fire. The second bomber drops 4 bombs to Stbd. and flys off on a northerly heading. No damages.

The already burning bomber, again approaches the boat and is hit by Flak fire in the stbd. wing, and crashes into the sea behind the boat. 222 shots fired, 7772 remaining.

Turning boat around and fishing one pilot out of the water.
Running off at high speed on northeasterly heading.

Supplying and questioning the U.S.A. Pilot and taking him prisoner under deck.

Cmdr.: From questioning the prisoner pilot, it has become clear, that the enemy is operating with English and U.S.A. Escort Carriers in the area. The Grumman TBF Avenger we shot down, belongs to USS Long Island (CVE 1). The British Escort Carrier operating in the area, is possibly, HMS Avenger (D 14).

0909 - Qu.3666CF - Boat is attacked by a pair of Hurricanes. Attack takes place analog to the attack at 0807h, dropping 1 bomb each to Stbd. - no damages. 101 shots fired, 7671 remaining.

1012 - Qu.1417CG - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from two pair of Hurricanes, bearing 330° and 000°true, on a southerly heading, one pair crossing our bows and and one pair crossing our stern.

1014 - At A-10, no bombs.

1027 - Surfaced after 15min. and 0.9sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9500Ah.

1054 - Qu.1418CG - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from two pair of Hurricanes, bearing 330° and 320°true, on a southerly heading, E=7000.

1109 - Surfaced after 15min. and 0.9sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9400Ah.

1116 - Qu.1415CG - Boat is attacked by a pair of Hurricanes. Were at first bearing 000°true on a southerly heading and at E=4500, then turned towards the boat. One bomb falls to port and another falls to stbd. - no damages.

Manning Flak guns and scoring hits on one of the attackers, which catches fire. Both fly off on a northerly heading. Boat remains surfaced. 131 shots fired, 7540 remaining.

1200 - Qu.1412CG - Days Run: 285.4sm - ↗ 280.7sm (22h 40') - ↘ 4.7sm (1h 20').
126cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 9400Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 7540xPbG On course 33°. W1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 5.5sm, >1000mb.

1230 - Crossed 15° West. Switching to Irleland Circuit just in case. The radio crew is still trying to repair the F.T.-System.

1341 - Qu.1181CG - A single Hurricane or Martlet in 300°true on course SSE, turns toward the boat. A.K., one bomb falls wide to stbd. Manning Flak guns, forward gun jams again. 61 shots fired, 7479 remaining. Airplane flies off on course NNW.

1427 - Qu.1155CG - Boat is attacked by a pair of U.S.A. TBF Avenger. Approach from 300°true, E=7000. Diesels make 18kn at A.K., turning a full circle to stbd. during the attack. Manning Flak guns. The first attacker is shot down - no survivors found.

The second Avenger makes a total of 7 attack runs. At the last one, dropping 2 bombs wide to Stbd. - no damages. Boat is taking some damage to the upper deck from strafing fire.

1438 - Remaining airplane flies off on course NNW. 524 shots fired, 6955 remaining.

1445 - Running off at 2xH.F., on course 68°.

1610 - Qu.1161CG - Boat is attacked by a pair of Hurricanes or Martlets, approaching from angle to bow 0°. They first were on course SSE and then turned towards the boat. Each airplane dropped 1 bomb wide to port - no damages.

One airplane is taking hits from the Flak, catches fire, both airplanes fly off on course NNW.

1645 - Sundown. W1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 4.8sm, >1000mb.
Damages to upper deck repaired.

1652 - Qu.1138CG - Boat is attacked by a Fairey Fulmar. Attack takes place analog to the attack at 1610h. Our flak guns, also set this airplane ablaze, which flys off on course NNW. 304 shots fired in last two attacks, 6651 remaining.

1700 - Diving for submerged cruise at T=19. 135rpm/3kn.

1845 - O₂ = 20%.

2100 - Silent Running.

2254 - O₂ = 19%.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Friday, 15 May 1942 - West of Portugal -

0315 - Qu.3955CF - Morning Dawn. On new course 33°.

0353 - Qu.3953CF - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from what appears to be a twin-engine airplane, is on southerly heading bearing 190°true, then at a distance o 3000m turns around and approaches the boat. At T=20, 2 bombs at the diving position. At A-10, no damages. Boat remains submerged for trial dive.

0408 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20.

0412 - Sunrise.

0428 - Surfaced after 35min. and 1.8sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9700Ah. 2xH.F./14kn.

0619 - Qu.3931CF - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from what appears to be a single-engine airplane with U.S.A. markings, bearing 000°true, on a southerly heading, E=6000.

0621 - At T=10, no bombs

0639 - Surfaced after 20min. and 1.1sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9600Ah.

Right after surfacing the boat, flyover by a single Hurricane on a southerly heading, drops a single bomb, that falls wide to stbd. Must have been just as surprised as we were.

Manning Flak guns, the forward gun jams, shooting 6 rounds with the rear gun. The Hurricanes flys off on a northerly heading, boat remains surfaced.

0646 - 2xH.F./14kn.

0807 - Qu.3693CF - Boat is attacked by a pair of U.S.A. TBF Avenger Torpedo Bombers. Were at first on a southerly heading and then turned towards the boat from 270°true.

Manning Flak guns and scoring hits on the first bomber, catches fire. The second bomber drops 4 bombs to Stbd. and flys off on a northerly heading. No damages.

The already burning bomber, again approaches the boat and is hit by Flak fire in the stbd. wing, and crashes into the sea behind the boat. 222 shots fired, 7772 remaining.

Turning boat around and fishing one pilot out of the water.
Running off at high speed on northeasterly heading.

Supplying and questioning the U.S.A. Pilot and taking him prisoner under deck.

Cmdr.: From questioning the prisoner pilot, it has become clear, that the enemy is operating with English and U.S.A. Escort Carriers in the area. The Grumman TBF Avenger we shot down, belongs to USS Long Island (CVE 1). The British Escort Carrier operating in the area, is possibly, HMS Avenger (D 14).

0909 - Qu.3666CF - Boat is attacked by a pair of Hurricanes. Attack takes place analog to the attack at 0807h, dropping 1 bomb each to Stbd. - no damages. 101 shots fired, 7671 remaining.

1012 - Qu.1417CG - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from two pair of Hurricanes, bearing 330° and 000°true, on a southerly heading, one pair crossing our bows and and one pair crossing our stern.

1014 - At A-10, no bombs.

1027 - Surfaced after 15min. and 0.9sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9500Ah.

1054 - Qu.1418CG - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from two pair of Hurricanes, bearing 330° and 320°true, on a southerly heading, E=7000.

1109 - Surfaced after 15min. and 0.9sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9400Ah.

1116 - Qu.1415CG - Boat is attacked by a pair of Hurricanes. Were at first bearing 000°true on a southerly heading and at E=4500, then turned towards the boat. One bomb falls to port and another falls to stbd. - no damages.

Manning Flak guns and scoring hits on one of the attackers, which catches fire. Both fly off on a northerly heading. Boat remains surfaced. 131 shots fired, 7540 remaining.

1200 - Qu.1412CG - Days Run: 285.4sm - ↗ 280.7sm (22h 40') - ↘ 4.7sm (1h 20').
126cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 9400Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 7540xPbG On course 33°. W1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 5.5sm, >1000mb.

1230 - Crossed 15° West. Switching to Irleland Circuit just in case. The radio crew is still trying to repair the F.T.-System.

1341 - Qu.1181CG - A single Hurricane or Martlet in 300°true on course SSE, turns toward the boat. A.K., one bomb falls wide to stbd. Manning Flak guns, forward gun jams again. 61 shots fired, 7479 remaining. Airplane flies off on course NNW.

1427 - Qu.1155CG - Boat is attacked by a pair of U.S.A. TBF Avenger. Approach from 300°true, E=7000. Diesels make 18kn at A.K., turning a full circle to stbd. during the attack. Manning Flak guns. The first attacker is shot down - no survivors found.

The second Avenger makes a total of 7 attack runs. At the last one, dropping 2 bombs wide to Stbd. - no damages. Boat is taking some damage to the upper deck from strafing fire.

1438 - Remaining airplane flies off on course NNW. 524 shots fired, 6955 remaining.

1445 - Running off at 2xH.F., on course 68°.

1610 - Qu.1161CG - Boat is attacked by a pair of Hurricanes or Martlets, approaching from angle to bow 0°. They first were on course SSE and then turned towards the boat. Each airplane dropped 1 bomb wide to port - no damages.

One airplane is taking hits from the Flak, catches fire, both airplanes fly off on course NNW.

1645 - Sundown. W1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 4.8sm, >1000mb.
Damages to upper deck repaired.

1652 - Qu.1138CG - Boat is attacked by a Fairey Fulmar. Attack takes place analog to the attack at 1610h. Our flak guns, also set this airplane ablaze, which flys off on course NNW. 304 shots fired in last two attacks, 6651 remaining.

1700 - Diving for submerged cruise at T=19. 135rpm/3kn.

1845 - O₂ = 20%.

2100 - Silent Running.

2254 - O₂ = 19%.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Saturday, 16 May 1942 - West of Cape Finisterre -

0354 - Sunrise.

0414 - O₂ = 18%.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running.

0700 - Commenced trial dive. 135rpm/3kn.

0715 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20. Setting for T=20.

0730 - Surfaced after 14h 30min. and 42.3sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, visibility is 8.6sm.

0735 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (6700Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0937 - Qu.9896BE - Smoke Plume bearing 325°, E=14000.
Appears to be an OS-Series convoy, postioned in Qu.9893BE, on course 190°, 7kn. 9 steamers and 4 escorts.

Secured from battery charging at 9300Ah, and evaded convoy on surface, acc. to B.d.U.-Order as per F.T. 1236/20/4, not to engage Gibraltar convoys in Qu.BE.

Cmdr.: The convoy is escorted by two Corvettes and two Patrol Boats. The steamers are also zig-zagging intermittently, which is very likely due to the Uboat warning given by the enemy airplanes.
(handwritten note: Later we learn, that the convoy was a detached section of convoy OS.28, heading for Gibraltar)

1200 - Qu.9973BE - Days Run: 172.0sm - ↗ 129.7sm (9h 30') - ↘ 42.3sm (14h 30').
120cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 9300Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG On course 33°. SE1/1, partly cloudy, visibility 8.6sm, >1000mb.

1355 - Qu.9955BE - On new course 59°.

1430 - Fuel 120cbm (50%).

1630 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0730h.

1700 - Diving for submerged cruise at T=19, 135rpm/3kn.

1854 - O₂ = 20%.

2100 - Silent Running.

2135 - On new course 53°.

2305 - O₂ = 19%.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Saturday, 16 May 1942 - West of Cape Finisterre -

0354 - Sunrise.

0414 - O₂ = 18%.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running.

0700 - Commenced trial dive. 135rpm/3kn.

0715 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20. Setting for T=20.

0730 - Surfaced after 14h 30min. and 42.3sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, visibility is 8.6sm.

0735 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (6700Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0937 - Qu.9896BE - Smoke Plume bearing 325°, E=14000.
Appears to be an OS-Series convoy, postioned in Qu.9893BE, on course 190°, 7kn. 9 steamers and 4 escorts.

Secured from battery charging at 9300Ah, and evaded convoy on surface, acc. to B.d.U.-Order as per F.T. 1236/20/4, not to engage Gibraltar convoys in Qu.BE.

Cmdr.: The convoy is escorted by two Corvettes and two Patrol Boats. The steamers are also zig-zagging intermittently, which is very likely due to the Uboat warning given by the enemy airplanes.
(handwritten note: Later we learn, that the convoy was a detached section of convoy OS.28, heading for Gibraltar)

1200 - Qu.9973BE - Days Run: 172.0sm - ↗ 129.7sm (9h 30') - ↘ 42.3sm (14h 30').
120cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 9300Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG On course 33°. SE1/1, partly cloudy, visibility 8.6sm, >1000mb.

1355 - Qu.9955BE - On new course 59°.

1430 - Fuel 120cbm (50%).

1630 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0730h.

1700 - Diving for submerged cruise at T=19, 135rpm/3kn.

1854 - O₂ = 20%.

2100 - Silent Running.

2135 - On new course 53°.

2305 - O₂ = 19%.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Sunday, 17 May 1942 - Northwest of Cape Finisterre -

- Sixth week at sea completed -


0338 - Sunrise.

0415 - O₂ = 18%.

0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running. Port Machine-Watch on duty. Wake-Up and Morning Wash of remaining crew.

0630 - Breakfast for the remaining crew.

0700 - Surfaced after 14h and 41sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h, visibility is 8.6sm.
Swap-the-Decks for the Off-Watch.

0705 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (6700Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0845 - Qu.7455BF - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.

0950 - Batteries charged => 2h 45min. for 3300Ah. 2xH.F./14kn.
1200 - Qu.7433BF - Days Run: 173.3sm - ↗ 132.3sm (10h) - ↘ 41.0sm (14h).
114cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG. On course 53°. SW1/1, partly cloudy, visibility 8.6sm, >1000mb.
– Lunch Break –

1300 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.

1600 - Qu.7255BF - On new course 26°.

1620 - Sundown. W1/1, partly cloudy, visibility 8.6sm, >1000mb.

1700 - Diving for submerged cruise at T=19, 135rpm/3kn.

1715 - Dinner for the crew.

1800 - Port Machine-Watch on duty.

1855 - O₂ = 20%.

2100 - Silent Running. Lights-Out for the Off-Watch.

2305 - O₂ = 19%.

2340 - Wake-Up for the Stbd.-Machine-Watch and the 1st Sea-Watch.

2400 - "Mittelwächter": Mid-Night Coffee for the Watch on Duty.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Sunday, 17 May 1942 - Northwest of Cape Finisterre -

- Sixth week at sea completed -


0338 - Sunrise.

0415 - O₂ = 18%.

0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running. Port Machine-Watch on duty. Wake-Up and Morning Wash of remaining crew.

0630 - Breakfast for the remaining crew.

0700 - Surfaced after 14h and 41sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h, visibility is 8.6sm.
Swap-the-Decks for the Off-Watch.

0705 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (6700Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0845 - Qu.7455BF - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.

0950 - Batteries charged => 2h 45min. for 3300Ah. 2xH.F./14kn.
1200 - Qu.7433BF - Days Run: 173.3sm - ↗ 132.3sm (10h) - ↘ 41.0sm (14h).
114cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG. On course 53°. SW1/1, partly cloudy, visibility 8.6sm, >1000mb.
– Lunch Break –

1300 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch.

1600 - Qu.7255BF - On new course 26°.

1620 - Sundown. W1/1, partly cloudy, visibility 8.6sm, >1000mb.

1700 - Diving for submerged cruise at T=19, 135rpm/3kn.

1715 - Dinner for the crew.

1800 - Port Machine-Watch on duty.

1855 - O₂ = 20%.

2100 - Silent Running. Lights-Out for the Off-Watch.

2305 - O₂ = 19%.

2340 - Wake-Up for the Stbd.-Machine-Watch and the 1st Sea-Watch.

2400 - "Mittelwächter": Mid-Night Coffee for the Watch on Duty.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Monday, 18 May 1942 - Bay of Biscay -

0326 - Sunrise.

0415 - O₂ = 18%.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running.

0700 - Surfaced after 14h and 41.4sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, 17 May.

Reached Qu.BF40. "All hands on Quivive!".

0705 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (7400Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0800 - Qu.4855BF - On new course 90°.
Boat is on ordered approach path Uhunest, as per new Op.-Orders received at supply ship.

0925 - Batteries charged => 2h 20min. for 2600Ah. 2xH.F./14kn. Wind and Sea increasing, shifting north.

1200 - Qu.4944BF - Days Run: 170.6sm - ↗ 129.2sm (10h) - ↘ 41.4sm (14h).
110cbm (4cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG On course 90°. NNW5/4, partly cloudy, visibility 8.6sm, >1000mb.

1555 - Qu.4955BF -

1610 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

1700 - Diving for submerged cruise at T=30, 135rpm/3kn.

1900 - O₂ = 20%. T=19.

2100 - T=30. Silent Running.

2305 - O₂ = 19%.

Boat continuing return voyage.


RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Monday, 18 May 1942 - Bay of Biscay -

0326 - Sunrise.

0415 - O₂ = 18%.

0600 - Secured from Silent Running.

0700 - Surfaced after 14h and 41.4sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, 17 May.

Reached Qu.BF40. "All hands on Quivive!".

0705 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (7400Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0800 - Qu.4855BF - On new course 90°.
Boat is on ordered approach path Uhunest, as per new Op.-Orders received at supply ship.

0925 - Batteries charged => 2h 20min. for 2600Ah. 2xH.F./14kn. Wind and Sea increasing, shifting north.

1200 - Qu.4944BF - Days Run: 170.6sm - ↗ 129.2sm (10h) - ↘ 41.4sm (14h).
110cbm (4cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG On course 90°. NNW5/4, partly cloudy, visibility 8.6sm, >1000mb.

1555 - Qu.4955BF -

1610 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

1700 - Diving for submerged cruise at T=30, 135rpm/3kn.

1900 - O₂ = 20%. T=19.

2100 - T=30. Silent Running.

2305 - O₂ = 19%.

Boat continuing return voyage.


RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Tuesday, 19 May 1942 - Bay of Biscay -

0314 - Sunrise.

0415 - O₂ = 18%.

0545 - Secured from Silent Running.

0700 - Surfaced after 14h and 40.8sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal, 18 May.

0705 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (7400Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0925 - Batteries charged => 2h 20min. for 2600Ah. 2xH.F./12kn.

1110 - Qu.5755BF - On new course 59°.
Boat is on approach path Bogenlampe, as per new Op.-Orders received at supply ship. Evading Area 1, between 47° N - 5° 30' W, Qu.BF5463, according Op-Orders.

1200 - Qu.5753BF - Days Run: 156.3sm - ↗ 115.5sm (10h) - ↘ 40.8sm (14h).
104cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG On course 90°. NNE4/3, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb.

1600 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

1630 - Diving for submerged cruise due to limited A/C visibility, at T=30, 135rpm/3kn.

1825 - O₂ = 20%.

1850 - T=19.

2100 - T=30. Silent Running.

2225 - O₂ = 19%.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Tuesday, 19 May 1942 - Bay of Biscay -

0314 - Sunrise.

0415 - O₂ = 18%.

0545 - Secured from Silent Running.

0700 - Surfaced after 14h and 40.8sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal, 18 May.

0705 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (7400Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0925 - Batteries charged => 2h 20min. for 2600Ah. 2xH.F./12kn.

1110 - Qu.5755BF - On new course 59°.
Boat is on approach path Bogenlampe, as per new Op.-Orders received at supply ship. Evading Area 1, between 47° N - 5° 30' W, Qu.BF5463, according Op-Orders.

1200 - Qu.5753BF - Days Run: 156.3sm - ↗ 115.5sm (10h) - ↘ 40.8sm (14h).
104cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG On course 90°. NNE4/3, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb.

1600 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

1630 - Diving for submerged cruise due to limited A/C visibility, at T=30, 135rpm/3kn.

1825 - O₂ = 20%.

1850 - T=19.

2100 - T=30. Silent Running.

2225 - O₂ = 19%.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Wednesday, 20 May 1942 - Bay of Biscay -

0225 - Reached 200m-Line.

0300 - Sunrise.

0335 - O₂ = 18%.

0545 - Secured from Silent Running.

0700 - Surfaced after 14h 30min. and 42.4sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal, 19 May.

0705 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (7200Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0735 - Qu.5555BF - Water Depth is 146m.

0745 - Qu.5555BF - "ALARM!". Crash diving from 3 pair twin-engine airplanes, approaching from 000°true, on course south, E=8000.

At T=30-40, approx.24 bombs, medium concussions.

0747 - At A-5, another 8 bombs - no damages.

0810 - Surfaced after 25min. and 1.4sm.
Wind and Sea increase, shifting East.

0828 - Compressed Air Supply filled.
Charging batteries (7900Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0850 - Qu.5555BF - 3 pair twin-engine airplanes, approaching from 000°true, on course south. Are already pretty close, about 4000m.

Turning at A.K. towards the approaching A/C on course North.
The first bombs fall wide to port and the bombs following, close behind the boat. The Flak is slightly damaged.

0851 - After the fly-over, "ALARM!". At A-20 another 2 bombs - about 24 bombs in total - light concussions.

0856 - At A-10, back to course 59°.

0914 - Surfaced after 23min. and 1.4sm.
NE7/6, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb.

0930 - Compressed Air Supply filled.
Charging batteries (8300Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0950 - At 8800Ah (500Ah in 20min.), back to 2xH.F./12kn.

1016 - Qu.5537BF - "ALARM!". Crash-diving from a twin engine A/C, approaching on course SE from 330°true, E=8000.

1019 - At A-4, 4 bombs, no damages.
Boat remains submerged at A-20, 135rpm/3kn.

1118 - Surfaced after 1h 02min. and 3.2sm.
East7/6, overcast, visibility 4.3sm, ~1000mb.

1135 - Compressed Air Supply filled.
Charging batteries (8500Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

1200 - Qu.5537BF - Days Run: 134.0sm - ↗ 85.6sm (7h 40') - ↘ 48.4sm (16h 20').
101cbm (3cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG On course 90°. East7/6, overcast, visibility 4.3sm, ~1000mb.

1210 - At 9100Ah (600Ah in 35min.), back to 2xH.F./11kn.

1432 - Qu.6177BF - "ALARM!". Crash diving from at least 2 pair of twin egine bombers, approaching from NW, E=4000.

At first, evading on the surfaced. About 14 bombs being dropped - no damages. At A-20, another 2 bombs, light concussions, no damages.

1433 - Sound contact with steamer bearing 119°, E=13000, slow on course ESE.

1453 - S-Tiefe. In the B-Periscope, 2-3 Blenheim bombers can be seen in 90°true, flying off on a northerly heading. Visibility is about 3sm.

1502 - Surfaced after 30min. and 1.5sm. 2xH.F.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

1525 - On new course 80°.

1533 - Compressed Air Supply filled.
Charging batteries (9000Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

1540 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.
At 9100Ah, 2xH.F.

1545 - 1/3-Ahead, preparing for submerged cruise.

- to be continued –

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Wednesday, 20 May 1942 - Bay of Biscay -

0225 - Reached 200m-Line.

0300 - Sunrise.

0335 - O₂ = 18%.

0545 - Secured from Silent Running.

0700 - Surfaced after 14h 30min. and 42.4sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal, 19 May.

0705 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (7200Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0735 - Qu.5555BF - Water Depth is 146m.

0745 - Qu.5555BF - "ALARM!". Crash diving from 3 pair twin-engine airplanes, approaching from 000°true, on course south, E=8000.

At T=30-40, approx.24 bombs, medium concussions.

0747 - At A-5, another 8 bombs - no damages.

0810 - Surfaced after 25min. and 1.4sm.
Wind and Sea increase, shifting East.

0828 - Compressed Air Supply filled.
Charging batteries (7900Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0850 - Qu.5555BF - 3 pair twin-engine airplanes, approaching from 000°true, on course south. Are already pretty close, about 4000m.

Turning at A.K. towards the approaching A/C on course North.
The first bombs fall wide to port and the bombs following, close behind the boat. The Flak is slightly damaged.

0851 - After the fly-over, "ALARM!". At A-20 another 2 bombs - about 24 bombs in total - light concussions.

0856 - At A-10, back to course 59°.

0914 - Surfaced after 23min. and 1.4sm.
NE7/6, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb.

0930 - Compressed Air Supply filled.
Charging batteries (8300Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

0950 - At 8800Ah (500Ah in 20min.), back to 2xH.F./12kn.

1016 - Qu.5537BF - "ALARM!". Crash-diving from a twin engine A/C, approaching on course SE from 330°true, E=8000.

1019 - At A-4, 4 bombs, no damages.
Boat remains submerged at A-20, 135rpm/3kn.

1118 - Surfaced after 1h 02min. and 3.2sm.
East7/6, overcast, visibility 4.3sm, ~1000mb.

1135 - Compressed Air Supply filled.
Charging batteries (8500Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

1200 - Qu.5537BF - Days Run: 134.0sm - ↗ 85.6sm (7h 40') - ↘ 48.4sm (16h 20').
101cbm (3cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG On course 90°. East7/6, overcast, visibility 4.3sm, ~1000mb.

1210 - At 9100Ah (600Ah in 35min.), back to 2xH.F./11kn.

1432 - Qu.6177BF - "ALARM!". Crash diving from at least 2 pair of twin egine bombers, approaching from NW, E=4000.

At first, evading on the surfaced. About 14 bombs being dropped - no damages. At A-20, another 2 bombs, light concussions, no damages.

1433 - Sound contact with steamer bearing 119°, E=13000, slow on course ESE.

1453 - S-Tiefe. In the B-Periscope, 2-3 Blenheim bombers can be seen in 90°true, flying off on a northerly heading. Visibility is about 3sm.

1502 - Surfaced after 30min. and 1.5sm. 2xH.F.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

1525 - On new course 80°.

1533 - Compressed Air Supply filled.
Charging batteries (9000Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/9-10kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM.

1540 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.
At 9100Ah, 2xH.F.

1545 - 1/3-Ahead, preparing for submerged cruise.

- to be continued –




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

- continued from 20 May, 1545h -


1550 - Qu.6177BF - Own Uboat sighted bearing 323°, on southerly heading, E=8500.

1555 - "ALARM!". Crash diving from several twin-engine bombers. approaching from the North on a southerly heading, E=7000. Water depth is 100m. At A-30, several bombs and again at A-10 - no damages. Suspect about 3 pair of bombers and about 24 bombs being dropped.

Hearing thud-like explosions coming from direction of the own Uboat, and only faint screw noises.

1616 - S-Tiefe. Observing airplanes, bomb splashes and explosions, and flares being fired in the area of the own Uboat.

1622 - Surfaced after 27min. and 1.5sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

Running carefully toward the own Uboat, as not to veer off the mine-free path. Exchangig E/S-Signals. The Uboat is U 701 (Kptlt. Horst Degen), and is unable to dive.

1642 - Qu.6178BF - The damage to the boat can clearly be seen. Running lee-ward, distance is about 20m. As a rope connection can not be established due to the high waves and swell, crew members from U 701 are taking to the water in groups and are drifting toward our boat. However, as the sea is running, the various groups can not see each other or stay together in the water. Two of the men, a boatswain's mate and the midshipman, struck out for shore, 30 miles distant, against the warning of the others, and were never seen again.

1701 - Compressed Air Supply filled. It is almost completely dark.

1715 - Last crew members from U 701 to take to the water are the Commander and the L.I. Secret documents were left with the boat. There was no time to explode scuttling charges even had that been necessary. Apparently, no attempt was made to send a radio signal reporting the sinking of the U-boat. Out of the entire crew of 46, 18 men make it to our boat and are taken under deck. There were 28 casualties.

1730 - Back to approach path Bogenlampe and running off on course 80°.

1735 - Small-Ahead, preparing for submerged cruise.

1745 - Diving for sugmerged cruise at A-20, 135rpm/3kn

1935 - O₂ = 20%.

1942 - As we get closer to Lorient, much warship and steamer traffic can be heard to the west and south of Île de Groix and later also, to the north of it.

2100 - Silent Running.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

- continued from 20 May, 1545h -


1550 - Qu.6177BF - Own Uboat sighted bearing 323°, on southerly heading, E=8500.

1555 - "ALARM!". Crash diving from several twin-engine bombers. approaching from the North on a southerly heading, E=7000. Water depth is 100m. At A-30, several bombs and again at A-10 - no damages. Suspect about 3 pair of bombers and about 24 bombs being dropped.

Hearing thud-like explosions coming from direction of the own Uboat, and only faint screw noises.

1616 - S-Tiefe. Observing airplanes, bomb splashes and explosions, and flares being fired in the area of the own Uboat.

1622 - Surfaced after 27min. and 1.5sm.
Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal.

Running carefully toward the own Uboat, as not to veer off the mine-free path. Exchangig E/S-Signals. The Uboat is U 701 (Kptlt. Horst Degen), and is unable to dive.

1642 - Qu.6178BF - The damage to the boat can clearly be seen. Running lee-ward, distance is about 20m. As a rope connection can not be established due to the high waves and swell, crew members from U 701 are taking to the water in groups and are drifting toward our boat. However, as the sea is running, the various groups can not see each other or stay together in the water. Two of the men, a boatswain's mate and the midshipman, struck out for shore, 30 miles distant, against the warning of the others, and were never seen again.

1701 - Compressed Air Supply filled. It is almost completely dark.

1715 - Last crew members from U 701 to take to the water are the Commander and the L.I. Secret documents were left with the boat. There was no time to explode scuttling charges even had that been necessary. Apparently, no attempt was made to send a radio signal reporting the sinking of the U-boat. Out of the entire crew of 46, 18 men make it to our boat and are taken under deck. There were 28 casualties.

1730 - Back to approach path Bogenlampe and running off on course 80°.

1735 - Small-Ahead, preparing for submerged cruise.

1745 - Diving for sugmerged cruise at A-20, 135rpm/3kn

1935 - O₂ = 20%.

1942 - As we get closer to Lorient, much warship and steamer traffic can be heard to the west and south of Île de Groix and later also, to the north of it.

2100 - Silent Running.

Boat continuing return voyage.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Thursday, 21 May 1942 - South of Île de Groix -

0005 - O₂ = 19%.

0236 - Sunrise.

0400 - Secured from Silent Running.

0408 - S-Tiefe. Weather and Sea appear to have subsided somewhat.

0410 - Surfaced after 10h 25min. and 30.4sm.
East4/3, overcast, light haze, visibility 5.4sm, ~1000mb.

0420 - Boat ventilated. 6800Ah, 2xSmall-Ahead.
R-Boat bearing 238, E=7500. Exchanging E/S Signal.
Light damage to Flak repaired.

0515 - Outbound VIIC boat on test cruise to our port beam.
A Ju52-Mausi, is patrolling the area north of Île de Groix.

0525 - Point Luci-1 - Taking on escort (R-Boat).

0552 - Releasing escort (R-Boat). Entering Lorient.

0700 - All available hands on deck for greeting in the harbour. Making fast. Mooring boat at Isère.

Disembarking of survivors of U-Degen and handing over of the POW to the Military Police.

Lorient - Qu.6157BF - Days Run: 92.6sm - ↗ 59.2sm (7h 38') - ↘ 33.4sm (11h 22') - since Etmal.
99.0cbm (2.0cbm/19h). Battery 6800Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG. East4/3, overcast, light haze, visibility 5.4sm, ~1000mb.

Clearing out of boat:
99cbm; 10.5cm: 28xLkG; M.G.2cm-C/30: 6651PbG.
Discharging of battery (6800Ah).
Placing boat in dry dock for Shipyard Overhaul.
Routine work by the crew throughout.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[WolfyBrandon]

U-957 - Patrol 04...


September 14th, 1941 - Hunting In The North Atlantic

https://i.ibb.co/FscmdSt/01.jpg


12:50am - Radio Contact Report Recieved... "Enemy Large Convoy"

https://i.ibb.co/QNRJg8t/02.jpg


Upon Hydrophone Contact: Enemy Convoy Has Zigged, Plotting New Intercept Course...

https://i.ibb.co/23zbQ2K/03.jpg


Have Reached Intercept Point, Diving To Reestablish Hydrophone Contact...

https://i.ibb.co/M7VwFV3/04.jpg


"Contact Warship, Medium Speed Closing! Bearing 270, Long Range..."

https://i.ibb.co/mBcbrqQ/05.jpg

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Thursday, 21 May 1942 - South of Île de Groix -

0005 - O₂ = 19%.

0236 - Sunrise.

0400 - Secured from Silent Running.

0408 - S-Tiefe. Weather and Sea appear to have subsided somewhat.

0410 - Surfaced after 10h 25min. and 30.4sm.
East4/3, overcast, light haze, visibility 5.4sm, ~1000mb.

0420 - Boat ventilated. 6800Ah, 2xSmall-Ahead.
R-Boat bearing 238, E=7500. Exchanging E/S Signal.
Light damage to Flak repaired.

0515 - Outbound VIIC boat on test cruise to our port beam.
A Ju52-Mausi, is patrolling the area north of Île de Groix.

0525 - Point Luci-1 - Taking on escort (R-Boat).

0552 - Releasing escort (R-Boat). Entering Lorient.

0700 - All available hands on deck for greeting in the harbour. Making fast. Mooring boat at Isère.

Disembarking of survivors of U-Degen and handing over of the POW to the Military Police.

Lorient - Qu.6157BF - Days Run: 92.6sm - ↗ 59.2sm (7h 38') - ↘ 33.4sm (11h 22') - since Etmal.
99.0cbm (2.0cbm/19h). Battery 6800Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 6651xPbG. East4/3, overcast, light haze, visibility 5.4sm, ~1000mb.

Clearing out of boat:
99cbm; 10.5cm: 28xLkG; M.G.2cm-C/30: 6651PbG.
Discharging of battery (6800Ah).
Placing boat in dry dock for Shipyard Overhaul.
Routine work by the crew throughout.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Friday, 22 May 1942 - Lorient

The totals of this 4th war patrol with U 113 and 16th war patrol overall are:

Traveled surfaced: 9536.9sm - 35 days, 20h, 13min.
Traveled submerged: 751.0sm - 10 days, 3h, 47min.
Traveled total: 10287.9sm - 46 days, 0h, 0min.

Total of 9 merchants for 26,695ts and 7 tankers for 52,248ts (Total of 78,943ts) sunk. Also, 2 Cruisers for 10,840ts and 1 Escort of 610ts sunk: HMS Aurora (12) in the harbor of Port-of-Spain and HMS Phoebe (43) from convoy OS.27. Additionally, 2 U.S.A. Grumman TBF "Avenger" airplanes, belonging to Escort Carrier "USS Long Island" (CVE 1) shot down and 1 pilot taken prisoner.

Also, 1 Tanker of 18,192ts from convoy OS.27 torpedoed. All in all, 20 ships for 108,585ts sunk or torpedoed.

From the report of the Cmdr., Aircraft Carrier based airplanes are operating along the convoy routes in CF30 and CG10. Enemy Air cover over Bay of Biscay, seems to have shifted from Qu.40BF to Qu.50BF.

Torpedo hits: 18 (9 Eto and 9 Ato).
Torpedo misses: 1 Ato on zig-zagging convoy at night.
Torpedo failures:
- 1 Eto and 2 Ato were duds.
- 2 Ato ignited prematuraly.
- 4 Ato understeered.
Note: All torpedoes with Pi-G7H. 6 Ato were taken on from supply ship.

Crash Dives: 19:
- 16 from airplanes;
- 1 from Warship;
- 2 from armed merchants.

Depth Charges/Fliebos: 102 (all from airplanes) - None from Warships. The Bold-1 was not deployed.

Pressure hull: 52.58% (Accumulated damage: 47.92%)

Honour points: 4354.78 (Accumulated: 32180.09)

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

[WolfyBrandon]

U-957 - Patrol 04...


Enemy Convoy Approching... Lead Escort Identified.

https://i.ibb.co/2Mp9z1M/06.jpg


"All Stop, Rig For Silent Running!"

https://i.ibb.co/Ct03PX8/07.jpg


:o

https://i.ibb.co/dJ81g28/07b.jpg


Lead Escort Has Passed, Selected Convoy Targets Approching... Open Outer Doors On Tubes 1, 2, & 5.

https://i.ibb.co/5Y59858/08.jpg


Tube 5... Los!

https://i.ibb.co/cLS20WM/09.jpg


Tube 1... Los!

https://i.ibb.co/dcmP01y/10.jpg


Tube 2... Los!

https://i.ibb.co/vX7nHJL/11.jpg


https://i.ibb.co/yywWy9G/12.jpg


https://i.ibb.co/Rj76YLB/13.jpg


Third Convoy Target Approching... Open The Outer Door On Tube 3.

https://i.ibb.co/1XS8mch/14.jpg


Tube 3... Los!

https://i.ibb.co/MgShmmP/15.jpg


https://i.ibb.co/q78Sbmv/16.jpg


"Contact Warship, Moving Fast, Bearing 175, Closing!"

https://i.ibb.co/D54NWT5/17.jpg


"Set Course 095, Make Depth 100 Meters, Ahead Flank!"

https://i.ibb.co/smQKtnP/18.jpg


https://i.ibb.co/LYVSvjQ/19.jpg


https://i.ibb.co/xzK3Vsg/20.jpg


https://i.ibb.co/1JFPTwq/21.jpg


https://i.ibb.co/QJbN2T1/22.jpg


https://i.ibb.co/995n7cn/23.jpg


https://i.ibb.co/ncNVPFg/24.jpg


After A Few Hours And Many DC Runs, The Warship's Sound Contact Began To Fade On The Hydrophone... No Damage Was Received Due To The Warship Never Having A Good Fix On Us..

https://i.ibb.co/J2gh2yH/25.jpg


No Sound Contact On The Hydrophone... "Surface!"

https://i.ibb.co/kxQg7nP/26.jpg

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Friday, 22 May 1942 - Lorient

The totals of this 4th war patrol with U 113 and 16th war patrol overall are:

Traveled surfaced: 9536.9sm - 35 days, 20h, 13min.
Traveled submerged: 751.0sm - 10 days, 3h, 47min.
Traveled total: 10287.9sm - 46 days, 0h, 0min.

Total of 9 merchants for 26,695ts and 7 tankers for 52,248ts (Total of 78,943ts) sunk. Also, 2 Cruisers for 10,840ts and 1 Escort of 610ts sunk: HMS Aurora (12) in the harbor of Port-of-Spain and HMS Phoebe (43) from convoy OS.27. Additionally, 2 U.S.A. Grumman TBF "Avenger" airplanes, belonging to Escort Carrier "USS Long Island" (CVE 1) shot down and 1 pilot taken prisoner.

Also, 1 Tanker of 18,192ts from convoy OS.27 torpedoed. All in all, 20 ships for 108,585ts sunk or torpedoed.

From the report of the Cmdr., Aircraft Carrier based airplanes are operating along the convoy routes in CF30 and CG10. Enemy Air cover over Bay of Biscay, seems to have shifted from Qu.40BF to Qu.50BF.

Torpedo hits: 18 (9 Eto and 9 Ato).
Torpedo misses: 1 Ato on zig-zagging convoy at night.
Torpedo failures:
- 1 Eto and 2 Ato were duds.
- 2 Ato ignited prematuraly.
- 4 Ato understeered.
Note: All torpedoes with Pi-G7H. 6 Ato were taken on from supply ship.

Crash Dives: 19:
- 16 from airplanes;
- 1 from Warship;
- 2 from armed merchants.

Depth Charges/Fliebos: 102 (all from airplanes) - None from Warships. The Bold-1 was not deployed.

Pressure hull: 52.58% (Accumulated damage: 47.92%)

Honour points: 4354.78 (Accumulated: 32180.09)

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.



Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Saturday, 23 May 1942 - Lorient


KTB - U 113


B.d.U. Assessment:

This was the fourth war patrol of this boat and crew, and was performed under much increased air activity by the enemy. The outbound and return cruise went smoothly, as did refueling und supply from the supply ship.
The return voyage was marked by Carrier based A/C along the convoy routes in CF30 and CG10, whereas, the enemy air cover over the Bay of Biscay seems to have shifted from Qu.40BF to Qu.50BF
The weather conditions were favorable while operating in the assigned Op.-area of the Carribean.
The sinking of an enemy cruiser and other valuable shipping in Port-of-Spain, after the boat being damaged and without radio contact after the air attack on 26 April, as well as the sinking of a second Cruiser from convoy OS.27, are to be highlighted.
The selfless actions by the boat and crew in saving members of the stricken boat in the Bay of Biscay, as well as, the desctruction of 2 enemy airplane with an enemy pilot taken prisoner, deserve every respect.
It is therefore with great honor, that the Commander is being promoted to Korvettenkapitän, and given a postion on the B.d.U.-Staff, as 1. Admiralstabsoffizier operativ (A I op) 'Geleitzugs-Asto' (convoy staff officer), in Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury.
Consequently, the Commander will relinquish the command of the boat to the current XO.

Karl Dönitz

Admiral (3.) & B.d.U.

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

Saturday, 23 May 1942 - Lorient


KTB - U 113


B.d.U. Assessment:


This was the fourth war patrol of this boat and crew, and was performed under much increased air activity by the enemy. The outbound and return cruise went smoothly, as did refueling und supply from the supply ship.
The return voyage was marked by Carrier based A/C along the convoy routes in CF30 and CG10, whereas, the enemy air cover over the Bay of Biscay seems to have shifted from Qu.40BF to Qu.50BF
The weather conditions were favorable while operating in the assigned Op.-area of the Carribean.
The sinking of an enemy cruiser and other valuable shipping in Port-of-Spain, after the boat being damaged and without radio contact after the air attack on 26 April, as well as the sinking of a second Cruiser from convoy OS.27, are to be highlighted.
The selfless actions by the boat and crew in saving members of the stricken boat in the Bay of Biscay, as well as, the desctruction of 2 enemy airplane with an enemy pilot taken prisoner, deserve every respect.
It is therefore with great honor, that the Commander is being promoted to Korvettenkapitän, and given a postion on the B.d.U.-Staff, as 1. Admiralstabsoffizier operativ (A I op) 'Geleitzugs-Asto' (convoy staff officer), in Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury.
Consequently, the Commander will relinquish the command of the boat to the current XO.

Karl Dönitz

Admiral (3.) & B.d.U.




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

KTB - U 113


Sunday, 24 May 1942 - Lorient

Awards & Promotions:


The Commander is being promoted to Korvettenkapitän, and will take over as 1. Admiralstabsoffizier operativ (A I op) 'Geleitzugs-Asto' (convoy staff officer).

The XO, Ob.Ltnt.z.S. Rainer SCHEUFLER was promoted to the Commander of U 113! He also received the Iron Cross 1st Class & U-boat War Badge!

The II.W.O., Ltnt.z.S. Jakob APPELT, and Chief QuartermasterOtto TOTENHAGEN, also, received the Iron Cross 1st Class!

The L.I., Ltnt.-Ing. Fritz FRIEDERICHS, was awarded with the German Cross in Gold!

The No.1 Boatswain's Mate 2cl. Leo ALBRECHT, the No.3 Coxswain Werner KIRCHHOFF, the OMasch(D), Chief Machinist Mattheides ROHDE and the OMasch(E), Machinist Kurt MARKS, were awarded with the Iron Cross 2nd Class!

The A/A Mate Philipp HARTMANN, was promoted to Boatswain's Mate 2cl. and awarded with the U-boat War Badge!
The two Seaman 1cl. Gustav CLAUSEN and Ebe FISCHER, were both promoted to Leading Seaman 1cl.

The No.1 Boatswain's Mate 2cl. Leo ALBRECHT, the A/A Boatswain's Mate 2cl. Philipp HARTMANN, the Fireman 1cl.(DBb) August EPPEN, the two Seaman 2cl.(T) Günther HANSEN and Ernst THOMSEN, the two Seaman 2cl.(Radio) Alfred EULER and Ernst RAHN, and 18 further enlisted men, were awarded with the U-boat War Badge!

The crew is given leave of 6 weeks at home, in 2 shifts of 3 weeks each.

Fourth war patrol with U 113 and 16th war patrol overall completed.

RST

KvtKpt.&Cmdr.

[WolfyBrandon]

U-957 - Patrol 04...

September 15th, 1941 - After successfully attacking the tanker Convoy for the second time and sinking 3 more tankers at night... it was time to break off since the escorts were becoming more wary and getting closer with their DC's.

With 6 remaining torpedoes, It was time to begin the journey home with the remaining reserves, and see if we encounter another enemy convoy or single ship.

5:34pm - Radio Report Recieved: Large Enemy Convoy, Grid AM15, Headed Northeast... We plotted an intercept course, and upon hydrophone contact we learned the convoy had just zigged.

https://i.ibb.co/XpBrwb4/00.jpg


September 16th, 1941 - We adjusted course and arrived at the new intercept point... after some time I made visual contact with the convoy in the attack periscope...

https://i.ibb.co/dQKNyGL/02.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/x7K59CH/01.jpg


We positioned ourselves on the right side between lanes 2 & 3, looking to see if a high value target was hidden near the center of the convoy... It didn't take long for one to come into view...

https://i.ibb.co/CJPg79M/03.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/J3HtfM4/04.jpg


Though not as much tonnage as the tanker's we sunk earlier, the Dido-class Light Cruiser has good air defense that helps protect the convoy. Since recently BDU wanted us to also focus on warships, this was my target of choice.

Tube 5 was empty since we used the remaining stores the previous night. We were unable to load the stern external store due to bad weather, but we were able to reload tubes 1-4 after we broke away from the previous convoy. I selected tubes 3 & 4 for the attack, and opened the outer doors. The lead destroyer had already long passed, so we began to move into position for the attack.

https://i.ibb.co/yBbdbFM/05.jpg


Tube 3... Los!

https://i.ibb.co/wW4502v/06.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/NSHnyWK/07.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/jhLvfwF/08.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/n6RBrXb/09.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/09MsNNG/10.jpg


Tube 3 hit the forward magazines causing secondary explosions throughout the ship. Sonar reported that the engines had stopped... I figured she was done for, and we got her.

https://i.ibb.co/2kWj65R/11.jpg


After a few moments sonar reported that the engines had restarted, looking through the periscope I could see she was moving again...

"It's better to sink one ship, then to damage many..."

Tube 4... Los!

https://i.ibb.co/0B9pXx2/12.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/frsVqf3/13.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/9TvgwSb/14.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/3shnh0W/15.jpg


Sonar reported the engine had stopped again, and also... Warship, Bearing 200, Closing!... "Crash Drive, 110 Meters, Course 320, Ahead Fank!"

https://i.ibb.co/kGFGcqC/16.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/jWQRfGD/17.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/3chRwjM/18.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/QD5dnp0/19.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/SmMJ2Qz/20.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/VMBNgXs/21.jpg


We listened to the warship behind us searching around our previous location for about an hour, no pings, no DC's... It never even detected us.

https://i.ibb.co/VS9W2Mb/22.jpg


After both the convoy, and the warship faded on the hydrophone, and there was no sound contact, we surfaced.

https://i.ibb.co/DGjGD2R/23.jpg


We arrived on our previous course, and continued sailing home...

https://i.ibb.co/YZtTGbd/24.jpg

[WolfyBrandon]

U-957's Patrol 04 Log

https://i.ibb.co/7QwD1LG/P04L-01.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/mBMrPtC/P04L-02.jpg

[Rob Jacobsen]

I'm ducking relentless air harassment while looking for targets in my patrol zone SWE of Cape Town (GR89) after a long trip from Brest. Along the way, I sank three destroyers and an escort carrier in one encounter. I got the usual response to my patrol report after the action: "Keep up the good work!" The same I get for sinking unescorted merchant ships. Sigh. Ship sightings have been rare, but I got what I could and arrived here with six fish left: three in the bow, two in the stern, and one in the stern reserve.

[Bubblehead1980]

Sh 4 Dark Waters mod but its U Boats, not many U boat threads for SH 4. Sure SH 3 captains can identify with this situation, a real close call.






24.12.39 Patrol in Grid AM 378 West of Hirta Island.
---------- Sea State: 0

21.04 Aircraft 180 very short range !
Alarm! Dive! Unidentified single engine
aircraft appeared out of darkness and
dropped several bombs/depth charges,
which landed 10-12 meters off starboard bow/conning tower.

Damage reported (see below).

21.05 Boat in uncontrolled dive, heavy forward due to flooding.

Emergency procedures to stop descent, but hit bottom
at 120 meters. Damage reported (see below).

Damage from bombs/depth charges:

1. Flooding in bow torpedo compartment.

2. Bow Dive planes Transmission disabled.

Damage from impact with sea floor:

1. Fore batteries severely damaged.
Capacity reduced to 40 percent.
2. Additional flooding in bow torpedo room.

3. Hydraulic Pump

4. Trim Pump

5. Clean Fuel Oil Tank

6. High Pressure Air Compressor


Injuries:

Mostly minor. Matrosengefeiter M.H. Ritter seriously injured
as was on watch topside when bombing occurred.


21.10 Ballast tanks blow with motors backing at full.


21.25 Surfaced. Repairs continued.

[Bubblehead1980]

SH 4 Dark Waters but figured U Boat Kaleuns here would enjoy..


U-47 August 21, 1940



21.08.40 Convoy Intercept.
--------- Weather: Clear. Winds 0 kts
Sea State: 0
Moon:


03.06 Received report of convoy in Grid AL 81
Course ENE 8 kts. Set intercept course.
Estimated intercept time 13.00.

12.28 Submerged for sound check.

12.31 Distant prop noises bearing 036.
Set course to close contacts.

12.35 Surfaced to close contacts.


12.55 Spotted enemy convoy bearing 345 17000 meters.

12.56 Contact Report Sent.
Large Convoy Sighted Grid AL 82
Course 090 Speed 7 kts.


13.10 Received orders to attack immediately.
Called Action Stations for submerged attack.

13.11 Submerged for attack.


14.00 Approached convoy from starboard side.


14.29 Inside convoy. Targeting middle columns.


14.32 Fired Tube No.1, No.2 (TI G7a) 8500 ton tanker. Range 1500 meters.

Fired Tube No.3 (TI G7a) at large merchant Range 900 meters.

Fired Tube No.4 at Second large tanker Range 1900 meters.

14.33 Two torpedo impacts on first tanker!

One torpedo impact(Tube No.3) but no detonation. Torpedo was a dud.

14.34 Enemy escort pinging closing. Ordered hard dive 100 meters.
Rigged for Silent Routine and wasserbombe.

14.35 Torpedo missed target.


14.36 Torpedo impact! Very large series of explosions followed by
sounds of ship breaking up. Torpedo missed intended target but hit
another vessel. Possibly a ammunition ship judging by the explosions.

14.41 Enemy passed above. Splashes.


14.42 Depth charges.


14.45 Boat at 120 meters. Enemy appeared to lose contact
after first pattern.

14.53 Inside convoy with escorts not close. Rose to periscope depth.


14.59 8300 ton Tanker (Torpedoes 1 and 2 hit) sunk.

15.07 Fired Tube No.5 (TII G7e) at Hog Island Type A freighter. 4515 tons.
Range 1100 meters. Fired then dove, escorting closing

15.10 Torpedo impact! Torpedo missed, but impacted another vessel.

15.11 Enemy above. Boat depth 108 meters.

15.20 Sounds of ship breaking up astern.

15.21 Distant wasserbombe explosions.

15.26 Distant wasserbombe explosions.

15.42 Unknown vessel sunk Grid AL 82.
(Later identified as 3907 tons Medium Modern Passenger/Freighter)

16.20 Secured Action Stations and Silent Routine.
Depth 160 meters. Ordered torpedo reload.

17.31 Reload completed.

17.54 Periscope depth. All clear.

18.01 Surfaced. Set pursuit course 090.

18.40 Spotted convoy bearing 056 15 km


(In pursuit for night surface attack)

[Kapitän]

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

++++++

KTB - U 113


Sunday, 24 May 1942 - Lorient

Awards & Promotions:


The Commander is being promoted to Korvettenkapitän, and will take over as 1. Admiralstabsoffizier operativ (A I op) 'Geleitzugs-Asto' (convoy staff officer).

The XO, Ob.Ltnt.z.S. Rainer SCHEUFLER was promoted to the Commander of U 113! He also received the Iron Cross 1st Class & U-boat War Badge!

The II.W.O., Ltnt.z.S. Jakob APPELT, and Chief QuartermasterOtto TOTENHAGEN, also, received the Iron Cross 1st Class!

The L.I., Ltnt.-Ing. Fritz FRIEDERICHS, was awarded with the German Cross in Gold!

The No.1 Boatswain's Mate 2cl. Leo ALBRECHT, the No.3 Coxswain Werner KIRCHHOFF, the OMasch(D), Chief Machinist Mattheides ROHDE and the OMasch(E), Machinist Kurt MARKS, were awarded with the Iron Cross 2nd Class!

The A/A Mate Philipp HARTMANN, was promoted to Boatswain's Mate 2cl. and awarded with the U-boat War Badge!
The two Seaman 1cl. Gustav CLAUSEN and Ebe FISCHER, were both promoted to Leading Seaman 1cl.

The No.1 Boatswain's Mate 2cl. Leo ALBRECHT, the A/A Boatswain's Mate 2cl. Philipp HARTMANN, the Fireman 1cl.(DBb) August EPPEN, the two Seaman 2cl.(T) Günther HANSEN and Ernst THOMSEN, the two Seaman 2cl.(Radio) Alfred EULER and Ernst RAHN, and 18 further enlisted men, were awarded with the U-boat War Badge!

The crew is given leave of 6 weeks at home, in 2 shifts of 3 weeks each.

Fourth war patrol with U 113 and 16th war patrol overall completed.

RST

KvtKpt.&Cmdr.




Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++++


Wednesday, 01 July 1942 - Paris

Taking up my new post on the B.d.U.-Staff, as 1. Admiralstabsoffizier operativ (A I op) 'Geleitzugs-Asto' (convoy staff officer).

During the month of May, the enemy had started to adopt the convoy system along the East Coast of the U.S.A. and in the Gulf of Mexico, and as of this month, also, in the Caribbean.


Saturday, 4 July 1942

Boats are free to engage Brazilian shipping.

Allied convoy PQ-17 is attacked by 24 He 111 aircraft of German Luftwaffe unit I./KG 26 about 60 miles north of Bear Island (Bjørnøya), Norway.

British RAF's third 1,000-plane raid targets Bremen, Germany, causing considerable damage to the city and the Focke-Wulf plant.

While the Soviet 5th Guards Tank Army has been moved to Voronezh, Russia to aid the city's defense, Adolf Hilter diverts the German 6th Army toward Stalingrad.

Axis tanks continue the attack on Ruweisat Ridge near El Alamein, Egypt, making little progress; British aircraft fly 900 sorties on this day against the Axis offensive. The Allies, believing the Axis forces have lost their initial momentum, launch a limited offensive with elements of the South African 1st Division and New Zealand 2nd Division toward the Ruweisat Ridge.


Sunday, 19 July 1942

B.d.U. withdraws the last two boats from the U.S.A. East Coast.

99 British bombers (40 Halifax, 31 Stirling, and 28 Lancaster) are launched to attack the Vulkan submarine yard at Vegesack district of Bremen, Germany; most bombs miss the shipyard; 3 bombers are lost.

The Soviet 66th Naval Rifle Brigade arrives at Stalingrad and is assigned to the Soviet 64th Army.

British cruisers HMS Dido and HMS Euryalus and four destroyers bombard Mersa Matruh, Egypt.

General Walther von Brauchitsch is awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Liberty of Finland.


RST

KvtKpt.& A I op
(Geleitzugs-Asto)

[Kaptlt.Endrass]

Left Lorient in March of 1941, on U-32's 3rd war patrol. Having just been promoted to Oblt. z. See, and the majority of the crew having been onboard for some time now, the ship was in good spirits as we set course for EK76.

Stopped by the approaches to the Strait of Gibraltar, sinking three lone merchants and tracking and engaging a convoy, though luck would not be on our side; of the four torpedoes fired, one missed, another detonated prematurely, and the remaining two were dodged as the convoy began maneuvering. Escorts depth-charged us for the better part of 3 hours before we finally gave them the slip, and we surfaced later in the evening of the 15th of April. With the weather so good, we continued hunting in the area, hoping to catch some more traffic, but after a few run-ins with air patrols, we made for the Canary Islands to resupply at M/V Corrientes, and enjoy some well-deserved liberty in Las Palmas.

[Randomizer]

Hopefully the community will forgive necro-posting in this thread but 420+ pages of patrol reports seems worthy of retaining to report the loss of U-447.

The boat, under command of OLzS Erwin Aleve sailed from Bergen on September 7th 1942 to patrol AL42. After unsuccessfully attempting intercepts of two convoys, early on October 4th, contact was made with a large convoy near Rockall in appalling weather, rain, high seas and 15 m/s winds. The opportunity for an night surface attack was there and while getting into position, OLzS Aleve got a reply to his contact report which required shadowing and hourly contact reports. An end-around run brought the boat ahead of the convoy to maintain contact.

Over the course of the next ten-hours, U-447 made nine contact updates, with each being acknowledged by BdU without orders to attack. Gradually as daylight came on and the rain ceased, the range opened to about 6500m. Finally at about 1215 local, the weather suddenly cleared and the boat was charged by no less three escorts. Breaking contact towards the convoy and evading the escorts eventually U-447 assumed a course parallel to the convoy and gradually dropped astern. The plan was to open the range until the boat could surface and do another end around. After some four-hours and at least 50 depth charges, the escorts seemed to have returned to the convoy and it seemed that the boat could surface safely around 1800 local.

Sadly, just after 1630, Cat made an appearance and tread upon the keyboard and it would seem as though at some point the "D" key was pressed and U-447 begin a dive that would remain undetected and result in the boat exceeding crush depth undetected. This is what comes of leaving the game running to prepare beer BBQ beef ribs and losing situational awareness.

We know that at least one U-Boat was lost due to toilet errors but the loss of U-447 to feline intervention is perhaps unique. Take the loss of the boat as a cautionary tale.

OLzS Aleve's career was played out using SH-3 with Fifi's June 2022 NYGM Hardcore Mod.

-C

[Texas Red]

November 16, 1939
Wilhelmshaven, Germany
Pier 7
---------------------------

"We spent thirty days at sea this time around, three more than our last." The weary twenty-seven-year-old looked the interviewer in the eyes.

The interviewer couldn't help but notice the dark bags underneath Norst Nennhaus' piercing blue eyes. Even though Nennhaus was a captain of a U-Boat in the Kriegsmarine- where he was far away from the combat in Poland- the interviewer still saw the same stoic look he had seen in troops returning from the frontlines. Perhaps the officer had seen more this time around, something that ate away at him just a bit more this time. Quickly writing his thoughts down on his notepad, the interviewer returned to the conversation with the captain.

"Mr. Nennhaus, what were those thirty days like for you?" The reporter asked keenly waiting for an answer.

"Son," Norst Nennhaus said as he buried his hands and face deeper into his dark gray peacoat, "out of thirty days, we spent at least fifteen of them fighting our way through North Atlantic gales. The wind, waves, and rain were nothing like you'll experience on land. If it weren't for the fine engineers that put together the submarine, we would've never returned home! However, we weren't worried about the storms at all. We were constantly looking for a British destroyer to appear like a ghost out of the fog."

https://i.postimg.cc/7PVwdCwm/image002.jpg

"When you weren't fighting through the gales, what were you doing?"

Suddenly, Norst became somber. His face turned even darker than it had been before.

"Trying not to die. We didn't care that our food was moldy or that we hadn't had a single pair of clean underwear for twenty days. All we cared about was making sure that we didn't end up as the next boat lost in this war."

"I see the loss of your comrades has affected you heavily, sir." The reporter remarked.

"Well, Gelhaar's and Beduhn's boats were all lost in the past couple of weeks. That's sixty-six young boys right there. All gone. Mr. Beduhn was in my graduating crew. He was a fine fellow gone too soon."

"Surely, you made up for it!" the reporter grinned foolishly and pointed at the Iron Cross pinned right below Norst's left breast pocket.

Norst Nennhaus fell silent as he recalled all he had killed for the glory.
https://i.postimg.cc/661pj29n/SH3-Img-12-6-2023-17-3-45-490.jpg

"Mr. Nennhaus, the Admiral told me you sank just shy of 29,500 tons of shipping. That is a lot, no?" The reporter inquired once more, this time with less ignorance.

"Yes, it's a lot. We sank one freighter just outside of Scapa Flow that burnt for hours. We first detected the freighter just at sunset and tracked her for ten kilometers before engaging. I fired two torpedoes at her from less than one thousand meters away. Both torpedoes hit her amidships and a brilliant fireball erupted from her hull. Searchlights immediately came on and I could see an oil slick on the water. A fire burned for hours upon that oil slick as her searchlights combed the sea for us. Once she went down, I surfaced the submarine and saw no survivors. Just burnt-up, bloated corpses. There was only one survivor, but he died on our deck. His face was burned so badly there was no way he could've made it back alive."
https://i.postimg.cc/JtwPqNPM/image009.jpg

"I see, I see..." the reporter said as scribbled the word "GRUESOME" in his notepad. "How would you say the war is going?"

"It's too early to say for certain. Both sides are making gains, but I'm positive that our Fuher will lead the German Fatherland to victory." Norst said, almost robotically.

The reported reached for his briefcase and stuffed the notepad inside. "Forgive me, but I must leave. I'll let you know if I decide to publish your story." The reporter said as he reached out his hand for a handshake.

Norst willingly obliged in the gentlemanly gesture, returning the handshake with a "Goodbye, sir."

Now, he waits for his next voyage to sea.

[Kapt Z]

KptLt. Herbert Fruth(KC)
U-52, type VIIB
7th Flotilla
01SEP39-20APR40
6 Patrols
26 merchant ships sunk
2 warships sunk, Hood class battle cruiser, Illustrious class aircraft carrier
Total tonnage-208,796

KptLt. Ewald Lindeholz(KCOL)
U-52, type VIIB
7th Flotilla
01MAY40-30JUN41
7 patrols
36 merchant ships sunk
1 warship sunk, Black Swan class frigate
Total tonnage-205,397

Oblt. Heini Klasen(KC)
U-453, type VIIC
7th Flotilla
01JUL41-currently at sea NOV42
7 patrols
29 merchant ships sunk
Current tonnage-170,339

[Tabris]

For the last several weeks, I've been using WB and Evan's excellent 1939 Type XXI mod, plus extensive custom modifications to the "timeline" of the game, to play (and stream on Twitch) an alternate history scenario in which just about everything in the u-boat war happens 1-2 years early. Rather than being a "Total Victory" scenario, the campaign ends in 1945 with the outcome uncertain but with Britain effectively starved out.

This started as a practical hypothetical, "could the Elektroboote have won the Atlantic War, especially if they were using the French bases?" but has since also become a fun excuse to go places in the game that I don't typically visit when doing a more historical career. I try to keep things challenging, largely by not relying too heavily on endgame torpedoes like the LUT and T-X or on the overpowered endgame sonar decoys. With that out of the way,

We are U-3053. Took command in February 1943, first war patrol departed from Kiel in May 1943. We've completed two patrols in the North Atlantic, one in the Caribbean off Curaçao, one off equatorial Africa, and our fifth patrol was a transit from France to Penang. So far things have gone pretty well. We've sunk about nine escorts and immobilized another five (homing torpedoes sometimes blow off the enemy's screws without sinking the ship) and sunk 50,000-70,000 tons of merchant shipping in each patrol. Currently it is late February 1944, we've just passed through the treacherous shallows off Port Moresby and are en route to New Zealand waters. Following this patrol we will be returning to France, and after that, perhaps the Med? It's getting a little late to head there...

Here we are meeting Charlotte Schliemann https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=1434&pictureid=13229

One thing I've learned just recently is that we need to be more proactive about attacking the escorts where we find them. In 1943, I had mostly relied on the XXI's incredible performance to avoid escorts when possible, in order to take more ordinary anti-merchant torpedoes and fewer acoustic homing weapons. During this patrol, in the Timorsee, we carried out the only convoy attack of 1944 thus far. Let me tell you, the escorts were ferocious. Even though we only tangled with 3-4 of them, they hounded us harder than I've ever experienced. Just one sloop kept us under his thumb for about 45 minutes, and when we had enough of getting pinged and successfully sunk the contact with a T-V, the convoy sent two more frigates to avenge him, making it an even more harrowing disengagement. Clearly, if we're to have any hope of racking up 40,000+ ton patrols against convoys in 1944, it'll hinge on attacking the escorts more aggressively. The trouble is, attacking escorts is an inexact science. You don't necessarily want to go in shooting - sometimes you'll sink escorts that didn't really pose a serious threat, plus it alerts the merchants and makes shooting them much harder - but you also definitely don't want to wait until you're already being pinged by two or more at once, since the odds of scoring multiple homing torpedo hits in quick succession without getting murdered by hedgehogs can be pretty slim. The perfect attack involves penetrating the escort screen, shooting the merchants 4-6 times, and then putting homing torpedoes on 1-2 escorts right before going deep, but even this formula may not guarantee success in 1944.

When we find ourselves leaving Brest again, it will be with at least six T-Vs!

U-3053, sporting some thematic local markings stolen from the historical U-1224, being escorted by an IJN subchaser past Surabaya https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=1434&pictureid=13228

[Kapt Z]

KptLt. Herbert Fruth(KC)
U-52, type VIIB
7th Flotilla
01SEP39-20APR40
6 Patrols
26 merchant ships sunk
2 warships sunk, Hood class battle cruiser, Illustrious class aircraft carrier
Total tonnage-208,796

KptLt. Ewald Lindeholz(KCOL)
U-52, type VIIB
7th Flotilla
01MAY40-30JUN41
7 patrols
36 merchant ships sunk
1 warship sunk, Black Swan class frigate
Total tonnage-205,397

KptLt. Heini Klasen(KC)
U-453, type VIIC
7th Flotilla
01JUL41-21JAN43
8 patrols
31 merchant ships sunk
Total tonnage-182,411

Oblt. Wilhelm Muller
U-453, type VIIC
7th Flotilla
01FEB43-
At sea 1st patrol

[tolgahakan76]

I like to play SH3 and tried to play the carreer mode several times in the game. But when I came to date 1943 and the destroyers are more clewer and harder to get over them in real depth of 120 meter.

They can detect me any more when I dive deeper to 120 meter. At early time in campaign at 1942 I could get ovet them When I dive 100 meter down but I have to fiind a solution after attacking convoys and find a trick for destroyers.:Kaleun_Salute:

[Aktungbby]

more clewer and harder tolgahaken76!:Kaleun_Salute:..Klewer class destroyers are harder to deal with after 1942, as there are more of them!??:arrgh!::shucks::O: