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

[Kapitän]

Hello Fellow-Kaleun's,

75 years ago, on 1 Sept. 1939 began World War II. Long before this date, German uboats were preparing for a possible altercation with England and the western allies. In this thread, I'm going to post the daily KTB of my current career in the Wolves at War VII Campaign with U 45.

You can find more details or even join the current campaign here: http://wolvesatwar.org/radioroom/index.php

I hope, you'll enjoy the read!

[Kapitän]

15./16.8.39 - During the night, arrived in Kiel together with U.-Knorr.

1140 - Received orders for Fall Weiss.

1500 - Opening of comms scheduled for 19.8.39, 00:00

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Thursday, 17.8.39 - Kiel

Received orders for departure on 19.8., 00:00. Initial patrol grid is KMQ A L 93, A L 96, A M 71 & A M 74.

Provisioning of boat.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Friday, 18.8.39 - Kiel

1130 - Farewell on the "Hamburg", for Commanders who will depart for the Atlantic.

Boat provisioned with 9 G7e and 5 G7a (all Pi-G36, contact and magnetic fuse), 240 rounds of 8.8 cm, 4000 rounds of M.G.-2cm-C/30 and 130 cbm fuel.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Sat., 19.8.39

0000 - Leaving Kiel together with U.-Sohler, U.-Prien, U.-Schultze and U.-Barten via KWK acc. orders for Fall Weiss.

Orders for Driftings Mines and Prize Regulations were not available at departure and will be delivered via Naval Courier Plane.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Sun., 20.8.39 - Deutsche Bucht

0930 - Qu. A N 6355 - Received Orders for Driftings Mines and Prize Regulations from Naval Courier Plane.

1200 - Qu. A N 6324 - Days Run: 222.7 sm
127 cbm. N3, Sea2, light haze, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 0520; Sunset 2009

No further occurrences.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Mon., 21.8.39 - North Sea

1200 - Qu. A N 2889 - Days Run: 229.2 sm
124 cbm. N3, Sea2, light haze, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 0530; Sunset 2020

No further occurrences.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Tue., 22.8.39 - North Sea

1200 - Qu. A F 7954 - Days Run: 198.4 sm
120 cbm. NE7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, light haze, ~1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 0540; Sunset 2107

No further occurrences.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Wed., 23.8.39 - Artic Ocean

0422 - Qu. A F 7823 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
B-Dienst reporting a small neutral convoy in Qu. A F 7828, course SSE, speed 5 kt.
Continuing outgoing cruise.

1200 - Qu. A F 7575 - Days Run: 186.8 sm
117 cbm. ESE7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, cloud cover and light haze, <1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 0555; Sunset 2125

No further occurrences.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Thu., 24.8.39 - Artic Ocean

1200 - Qu. A E 9638 - Days Run: 187.1 sm
114 cbm. SW7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, cloud cover and light haze, <1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 0617; Sunset 2146

Weather and Sea getting worse. No further occurrences.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Fri., 25.8.39 - Faeroes

1200 - Qu. A E 9259 - Days Run: 188.5 sm
110 cbm. NNE7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, cloud cover and dense haze, <1000mb, poor visibility
Sunrise 0636 - Sunset 2201

16:36 - Qu. A E 9281 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Received code word for Atlantic boats for Y-Time for Fall Weiss.

Continuing outgoing cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Sat., 26.8.39 - Faeroes

1200 - Qu. A E 9756 - Days Run: 190.6 sm
107 cbm. SW7, Sea6, medium swell from north, cloud cover and rain, <1000mb, poor visibility
Sunrise 0702 - Sunset 2221

12:01 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
OKM reports general mobilization in England and Poland and non-aggression-pact between both countries. Received order to proceed to Marqu. A M 18 and to maintain complete radio silence and to remain undetected. Further orders will follow.

Operating according to orders.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Sun., 27.8.39 - North Atlantic

1200 - Qu. A M 2384 - Days Run: 190.6 sm
103 cbm. SW7, Sea6, medium swell from north, cloud cover and rain, <1000mb, poor visibility
Sunrise 0722 - Sunset 2229

2030 - Qu. A M 2574 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
To all atlantic boats: Further operation according to orders for X-Time. Maintain peace-time radio transmission code.

Weather and sea improving. Operating according to orders.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Mon., 28.8.39 - North Atlantic

1200 - Qu. A M 1877 - Days Run: 194.9 sm
99 cbm. ESE6, Sea5, moderate swell, clear skies, light haze, ~1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 0749 - Sunset 2258

1205-1615 - Test dive to A-Meter and torpedo maintenance at A-30.

1750 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
From OKM: Secret German mobilization. Report on position of English cruiser Ajax. English admirality taking control over English merchant shipping. Old and new Marqu.maps can be used. Still maintain peace-time radio transmission code.

2212 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
From OKM: To Atlantic naval forces: Situation still uncertain. No hostile action allowed. Continue outgoing cruise. Still possibility of diplomatic negotiations. German merchant shipping ordered to dock at german or neutral harbours.

Weather and sea getting worse again. Operating according to orders.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Tue., 29.8.39 - Rockall Bank

1200 - Qu. A M 4173 - Days Run: 171.7 sm - ↗ 158.5 sm - ↘ 13.2 sm
97 cbm. S7, Sea6, medium swell, cloud cover, hazy, < 1000 mb, poor visibility
Sunrise 0842 - Sunset 2324

1201 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
Gelhaar: Ensure reaching patrol grid by 1.9. Keep radio silence. Orders will follow.

1305-1308 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
To all Atlantic boats: Received orders for ships traveling dimmed and outside the usual shipping lanes. Information about additional boats leaving port: U.-Ewerth, U.-Franz, U.-Lemp and U.-Heinicke.

Weather and sea changing. Operating according to orders.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Wed., 30.8.39 - West of Ireland

0700 - Qu. A L 9322 - Reached assigned patrol area.

1200 - Qu. A L 9355 - Days Run: 187.3 sm
93 cbm. SSW7, Sea6, medium swell from West, moderate, ~1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 0905 - Sunset 2325

No further occurences.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Thu., 31.8.39 - West of Ireland

1200 - Qu. A L 9388 - Days Run: 140.9 sm
91 cbm. NNW6, Sea5, light swell from west, cloud cover, light haze, ~1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 0914 - Sunset 2328

1830 - Qu. A L 9352 - Incoming F.T.: From O.K.M.:
To all Atlantic boats: 1.) Beginning of hostilities against Poland, 1.9., 0445. 2.) Reaction of Western allies uncertain. 3.) No hostile actions against English or other Western allies forces, unless in self-defense or under special order. 4.) For now, boats shall remain in assigned patrol area.

Boat standing up and down in assigned patrol area. Operating according to orders.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Fri., 1.9.39 - West of Ireland

0302 - Qu. A L 9355 - Incoming F.T.:
Gelhaar: B-Dienst reports four british merchants approaching Marqu. A M 18, northern tip of Rockall Bank, ETA 3.9., 12:00. Keep position. - F.d.U. -

From this F.T. it is not discernible which order is current. According to the last sentence of this F.T. and due to the fact that I'm out of position to reach the mentioned Marqu. in time, I decide to remain in my current position.

0501 - Qu. A L 9358 - Norddeich Radio reports an attack of polish forces against the Gleiwitz radio station and that since 0445 Germany is striking back.

1002 - Qu. A L 9628 - Incoming F.T.:
Gelhaar: All polish naval forces are to be considered hostile and must be attacked without prior warning. - F.d.U. -

1136 - Qu. A L 9652 - Special Report from the O.K.M. on Norddeich Radio: Germany is in a state of war with Poland.

1200 - Qu. A L 9652 - Days Run: 144.2 sm
90 cbm. ENE7, Sea6, light swell from north, cloud cover, hazy, <1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 0955 - Sunset 0020, 2.9.39

1220-1445 - Test dive to A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30.

Boat standing up and down in assigned patrol area.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Sat., 2.9.39 - West of Ireland

1200 - Qu. A L 9346 - Days Run: 137.7 sm - ↗ 133.3 sm - ↘ 4.4 sm
88 cbm. ENE7, Sea6, light swell from north, cloud cover, hazy, <1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 1001 - Sunset 0032, 3.9.39

Boat standing up and down in assigned patrol area.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Sun., 3.9.39 - West of Ireland

1200 - Qu. A L 9666 - Days Run: 137.2 sm
86 cbm. NE7, Sea6, light swell from north, moderate, light haze, ~1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 1018 - Sunset 0041, 4.9.39

1202 - Norddeich Radio reports that England has declared war against Germany and that the position of France is uncertain.

1258 - Qu. A L 9665 - F.T. 1256/3: From O.K.M.:
To all Atlantic forces: Start of hostilities against England now.

1403 - Qu. A L 9665 - F.T. 1400/3: From O.K.M.:
Merchant war of the U-Boote for now according to the current operational orders - prize rule, preferably against troop transports, especially in the English channel.

1550 - Qu. A L 9664 - Incoming F.T.: From O.K.M.:
Start of hostilities against England, Australia, India and New Zealand now, don't wait to be attacked first, engage without prior warning.

1753 - Qu. A L 9656 - F.T. 1752/3: From F.d.U.:
From O.K.M.: As of 1700h, France regards itself in a state of war with Germany. Hostilities against France, even during merchant war, only in self-defense.

Boat standing up and down in assigned patrol area.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Mon., 4.9.39 - West of Ireland

1035 - B-Dienst and Norddeich Radio report sinking of the 'Athenia'.

1200 - Qu. A L 9371 - Days Run: 136.6 sm
84 cbm. NE7, Sea6, light swell from north, moderate, light haze, ~1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 1033 - Sunset 0051, 5.9.39

1655 - Qu. A L 9345 - Incoming F.T.: From O.K.M.:
Operational orders No. VI A - Prize Rule - remain valid without exception for merchant warfare.

2353 - Qu. A L 9356 - Incoming F.T.: From O.K.M.:
To all boats: Upon order of the Führer, until further notice, no combat actions against passenger ships, even in convoy.

Boat standing up and down in assigned patrol area.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Tue., 5.9.39 - West of Ireland

1200 - Qu. A L 7146 - Days Run: 131.8 sm
83 cbm. NNW7, Sea6, light swell from north, cloud cover, hazy, <1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 1032 - Sunset 0042, 6.9.39

No further occurences.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Wed., 6.9.39 - West of Ireland

1200 - Qu. A L 9666 - Days Run: 141.8 sm
81 cbm. WNW7, Sea6, light swell from north, cloud cover, hazy, <1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 1036 - Sunset 0103, 7.9.39

1205-1440 - Qu. A L 6665 - Test dive to A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30.

1743 - Qu. A L 9656 - Incoming F.T.: From O.K.M.:
Situation regarding France still uncertain. Combat actions, even during merchant warfare, only in self-defense. Vessels identified as French, are not to be stopped. Under all circumstances, avoid any incidents with France.

1901 - Qu. A L 9655 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
South African vessels are to be treated as hostile.

2319 - Qu. A L 9646 - Diving from Swordfish aircraft approaching from 103° true, distance 8000m. No bombs dropped. Continue submerged cruise at A-50.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Thu., 7.9.39 - West of Ireland

0209 - Qu. A L 9645 - Surfaced.

The Swordfish airplane some 550 sm from the Irish west coast can only mean one thing: There must be an enemy Aircraft Carrier operating in the area. Even though, the airplane did not drop any bombs, I must assume that I have been spotted. Having operated in the ordered patrol zone for one week, I decide therfore, to head west.

0415 - Qu. A L 9644 - F.T.0400/7: To B.d.U.:
After one week in ordered PZ, no traffic found. 6.9., 2320h, Marqu. A L 9646, diving from Swordfish aircraft, suspect enemy aircraft carrier. I retire to the west. 80 cbm, 9 Eto, 5 Ato. W5, Sea4, light westerly swell, clear >1000mb, light haze, good visibility. "Gelhaar"

1200 - Qu. A L 9554 - Days Run: 149.6 sm - ↗ 135.9 sm - ↘ 13.7 sm
79 cbm. W5, Sea4, light swell from west, clear, light haze, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 1125 - Sunset 0155, 8.9.39

1902 - Qu. A L 9464 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
Boats of the 6th & 7th Flotilla ordered back to base, except for 'U.-Heinicke'. The remaining boats are distributed in groups in front of the northern entrance of the Irish Sea. All issued 'G 7 e' torpedoes have been adapted for angle shots.

Operating according to orders.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Fri., 8.9.39 - North Atlantic

1200 - Qu. A L 8576 - Days Run: 200.3 sm
75 cbm. NNW7, Sea6, light swell from south, clear, light haze, ~1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 1149 - Sunset 0207, 9.9.39

1445 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
For reconnaissance purposes in the area of Iceland - Shetlands - Norway during the return cruise, following routes must be taken: a) Between Iceland and Färörer - northern third, "U.-Gelhaar", middle third, "U.-Sohler", southern third, "U.-Schultze" and "U.-Barten". b) ... c) Between Shetlands and Norway - western third, "U.-Schmidt", eastern third, "U.-Gelhaar", middle third, "U.-Sohler".

Operating according to orders.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Sat., 9.9.39 - North Atlantic

1200 - Qu. A L 7819 - Days Run: 203.8 sm
71 cbm. NW2, Sea2, clear, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 1206 - Sunset 0206, 10.9.39

1950-2215 - Qu. A L 7755 - Test dive to A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-50.

No further occurences.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Sun., 10.9.39 - North Atlantic

0604 - Incoming F.T.: From O.K.M.: Attacks against convoys north of the Brest latitude are approved when escorted by French or French and English forces. Passenger ships must not be attacked by uboats, even when escorted.

1200 - Qu. A L 7832 - Days Run: 205.7 sm - ↗ 199.7 sm - ↘ 6.0 sm
68 cbm. NW2, Sea2, clear, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 1158 - Sunset 0153, 11.9.39

1901 - Qu. A L 8485 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.: Canadian ships are to be considered hostile.

Operating according to orders.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Mon., 11.9.39 - North Atlantic

1200 - Qu. A L 8828 - Days Run: 209.0 sm
65 cbm. NNE7, Sea6, light swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 1150 - Sunset 0153, 12.9.39

No further occurences.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Tue., 12.9.39 - West of Ireland

1200 - Qu. A L 9753 - Days Run: 195.5 sm
61 cbm. SSW7, Sea6, medium swell from north, cloud cover, hazy, <1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 1144 - Sunset 0150, 13.9.39

1200-1455 - Test dive to A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30.

1528 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
Returning atlantic boats are to report in at Norderney, respectively, Abelö.

Commencing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Wed., 13.9.39 - West of Ireland

0835 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
Received shipping and mine warning for all Atlantic boats.

1200 - Qu. A L 9375 - Days Run: 176.6 sm - ↗ 169.5 sm - ↘ 7.1 sm
58 cbm. SSW7, Sea6, medium swell from north, cloud cover, hazy, <1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 1134 - Sunset 0144, 14.9.39

Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
Received excerpts of the extended contraband list for Atlantic boats. Release for all issued G 7 e torpedoes having been adapted for angle shots from 7.9., is revoked: Only the angle-setting-mechanism has been adapted for angle shots but not the tail-fin.

Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Thu., 14.9.39 - West of Ireland

1200 - Qu. A M 4485 - Days Run: 197.1 sm
55 cbm. NE6, Sea5, light swell from north, cloud cover, hazy, <1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 1124 - Sunset 0148, 15.9.39

No further occurences. Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Fri., 15.9.39 - Rockall Bank

1000 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
Supply Ship "Altmark" is available for provisioning in Marqu. B E 3, until end Sept.

1200 - Qu. A M 1751 - Days Run: 200.9 sm
52 cbm. NE7, Sea6, light swell from NNE, clear, light haze, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 1118 - Sunset 0210, 16.9.39

No further occurences. Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Sat., 16.9.39 - North of Rockall Bank

1200 - Qu. A M 1279 - Days Run: 200.3 sm
49 cbm. NNE7, Sea6, light swell from north, clear, light haze, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 1105 - Sunset 0204, 17.9.39

No further occurences. Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Sun., 17.9.39 - South East of Iceland

1200 - Qu. A E 9772 - Days Run: 207.9 sm
45 cbm. NNE4, Sea3, light swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 1054 - Sunset 0203, 18.9.39

No further occurences. Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Mon., 18.9.39 - West of Färöer

1200 - Qu. A E 6758 - Days Run: 212.2 sm
41 cbm. NNE4, Sea3, light swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 1042 - Sunset 0154, 19.9.39

16:00 - Qu. - A E 6759 - Test dive to A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30.

19:00 - Qu. - A E 6791 - Surfaced.

Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Tue., 19.9.39 - Artic Sea

1200 - Qu. A E 9253 - Days Run: 183.9 sm - ↗ 174.2 sm - ↘ 9.7 sm
38 cbm. SSE7, Sea6, light swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 1033 - Sunset 0150, 20.9.39

No further occurences. Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Wed., 20.9.39 - Färöer

1200 - Qu. A E 9663 - Days Run: 198.7 sm
34 cbm. SSE7, Sea6, light swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility
Sunrise 1024 - Sunset 0135, 21.9.39

No further occurences. Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Thu., 21.9.39 - Shetland Islands

1136 - F.T. 1130/21: From B.d.U.:
B-Dienst report: Enemy convoy in Marqu. A F 7578, on heading SSW, speed 5 knots.

1200 - Qu. A F 7819 - Days Run: 196.8 sm
31 cbm. NNW7, Sea6, light swell from north, cloud cover, hazy, <1000mb, medium visibility
Sunrise 1019 - Sunset 0121, 22.9.39

F.T. 1200/21: To B.d.U.:
Operating on B-Dienst reported convoy. Approximate contact in Qu. A F 7815, at 1300h. "Gelhaar"

1325 - Qu. A F 7815 - Enemy convoy sighted. Three ore steamers traveling in keel line and with dimmed lights, on heading 200, speed 5 knots.

F.T. 1320/21: To B.d.U.: B-Dienst reported convoy sighted. Preparing to attack. "Gelhaar"

1340 - Running from lee-ward position to luff-side. Wind and sea conditions are unfavorable. Running depth setting of torpedoes should be minimum 4m, preferably, 6m or deeper.

1400 - Diving for submerged attack. Sonar operator reports four screw noises. Convoy comes in sight. It is in fact, four ore merchants in keel line: Two big ones of about 5000 GRT each, in front and back and two smaller ones of about 3500 GRT each, in between. I couldn't see the fourth one before due to the severe weather conditions. All four are English and travel with dimmed lights. From the ship recognition chart they have a draught of 5.8m. So, I estimate, that a torpedo running depth setting of 6-7m should suffice.

1436 - Two single shots with tube I and II (G 7 e, Pi-G36, magnetic fuse, running depth 7m and 6m, respectively) on the position 1 steamer: E=500, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 4 knots, aim-off red 10°, own course 110°. Both are hits amidships after 22 seconds!
The steamer continues apparently unfazed.

1441 - Incoming F.T.:
Gelhaar: Permission to attack. Report in later. - B.d.U. -

1449 - Two single shots with tube III and IV (G 7 e, Pi-G36, magnetic fuse, running depth 7m and 6m, respectively) on the position 4 steamer: E=550, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 4 knots, aim-off 0°, own course 110°. Tube III is a hit amidships after 27 seconds! Tube IV understeers and misses!
This steamer also, continues apparently unfazed.

I go on parallel course 200° with the convoy and haul ahead submerged on the starboard side. Reloading torpedo tubes I and II at T=33.

1528 - Qu. A F 7818 - In attack position again.
Single shot with tube I (G 7 e, Pi-G36, magnetic fuse, running depth 7m) on the position 1 steamer, which by now has a list to starboard of about 30°: E=500, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 4 knots, aim-off red 5°, own course 110°. It's a hit amidships after 25 seconds!
The steamer disintegrates in numerous explosions, brakes in half and sinks within a few seconds.

1531 - I decide to attack the position 2 steamer.

Single shot with tube II (G 7 e, Pi-G36, magnetic fuse, running depth 7m): E=500, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 4 knots, aim-off green 5°, own course 110°. The torpedo explodes prematurely after 20 seconds!

1542 - I veer the boat to fire the stern tube at the previously torpedoed position 4 steamer.
Single shot with tube V (G 7 e, Pi-G36, magnetic fuse, running depth 7m): E=500, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 4 knots, aim-off green 5°, own course 290°. It's a hit amidships after 23 seconds!
At first, the steamer continues with a heavy list to starboard, fires are raging aboard the steamer. Three minutes later, she disappears beneath the waves.

I go on parallel course 200° with the remaining two steamers and haul ahead submerged on the starboard side. Reloading torpedo tubes I - V at T=31.

1654 - Qu. A F 7842 - In attack position again.
Single shot with tube I (G 7 e, Pi-G36, magnetic fuse, running depth 7m) on the position 2 steamer: E=500, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 4 knots, aim-off red 5°, own course 110°. It's a hit amidships after 30 seconds!
The steamer immediately stops and sinks by the bow after 2 minutes.

1704 - Single shot with tube II (G 7 e, Pi-G36, magnetic fuse, running depth 7m) on the position 3 steamer: E=300, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 4 knots, aim-off green 15°, own course 110°. The torpedo understeers and misses!
I go to T=20 and give chase to the steamer.

1722 - In attack position again.
Single shot with tube III (G 7 a, Pi-G36, magnetic fuse, running depth 7m, Vt 30 knots) on the position 3 steamer: E=500, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 3 knots, aim-off 0°, own course 110°. It's a hit in the after section and underneath the bridge after 33 seconds!
The steamer sinks by the stern after 2 minutes.

1730 - Surfaced. I approach two life boats with eleven occupants of the number 3 steamer and three life boats with 12 occupants of the number 2 steamer. Helping and aiding of the survivors is not possible due to the severe weather and sea conditions. Even the communication with the survivors is very difficult. Apparently, the convoy was bringing in an iron ore shipment from Sweden. However, I cannot make out the names of the ships.

1830 - At the sinking positions of the other two steamers, I cannot find any debris or signs of any survivors. I retire to the east.

2315 - Qu. A F 7854 - Diving from approaching Swordfish aircraft at bearing 240° true, E=9000. No bombs at A-Meter.

2345 - Surfaced. Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Fri., 22.9.39 - Shetland Islands

0045 - Qu. A F 7855 - Outbound aircraft at bearing 240° true, E=9000 on heading SW. Boat remains surfaced.

0402 - Qu. A F 7886 - Port ahead bearing 25°, a small English coastal tanker with dimmed lights lying still. Approaching very carefully for danger of a Uboat trap.

Just as I'm turning into the tanker for a bow shot, she picks up speed and runs off with 11 knots on heading NNW. To catch the tanker, I would have to run at flank speed to have a chance against the prevailing wind and sea conditions. With my fuel reserve in sight and the chance of this being a Uboat trap after all, I decide to withdraw and resume the return cruise.

0500 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
Destroyed B-Dienst reported enemy convoy, consisting of 4 ore steamers traveling with dimmed lights, 17000 BRT, 7818 to 7842 AF. Broke off chase of small coastal tanker in Marqu. A F 7886 due to weather, running on course 335, speed 11 knots. Enemy air surveillance in Marqu. A F 7850. 31 cbm, 2 int and 2 ext Ato. Continuing return cruise. "Gelhaar"

0818 - Qu. A N 2131 - Crossing prime meridian.

1200 - Qu. A N 2166 - Days Run: 181.7 sm - ↗ 164.2 sm - ↘ 17.5 sm
27 cbm. 2 internal and 2 external Ato. NE7, Sea6, light swell from north, moderate, light haze, ~1000mb, medium visibility.
Sunrise 1100 - Sunset 0155, 23.9.39

1409 - Qu. A N 2271 - Diving from two pair of approaching Swordfish aircraft at bearing 250° true, E=7000. No bombs at A-Meter. Submerged cruise at A-40.

1509 - Surfaced.

1820 - Qu. A N 2713 - Diving from an approaching twin engine aircraft at bearing 277° true, E=7000. No bombs at A-Meter. Submerged cruise at A-40.

2015 - Surfaced.

Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Sailor Steve]

Three weeks at sea and you finally got some trade! I was beginning to fear you'd be going home empty-handed. Too bad about the tanker.

Sorry for interrupting, but I've been following this with great interest. :sunny:

[Kapitän]

Three weeks at sea and you finally got some trade! I was beginning to fear you'd be going home empty-handed. Too bad about the tanker.

Sorry for interrupting, but I've been following this with great interest. :sunny:

Thank you for following! However, that's what it was like in many cases: For example, the original/historic U 45 did not sink anything during its first of two patrols. With Sh3, I seem to have that happen often, that I don't come across any shipping, until my return cruise. Well, in this case, we're almost back home in W'haven :)

[Sailor Steve]

I fully agree. I've had several empty patrols, mainly because I tend to stay in my assigned grid for the entire patrol, occasionally using a die to decide if I'm assigned a new one, but even then it's in an adjacent grid.

[Kapitän]

I fully agree. I've had several empty patrols, mainly because I tend to stay in my assigned grid for the entire patrol, occasionally using a die to decide if I'm assigned a new one, but even then it's in an adjacent grid.

Yes. Of course, in my case, I'm following orders of the B.d.U., according to the current Wolves at War VII Campaign ...

[Kapitän]

Sat., 23.9.39 - North Sea

0333 - Qu. A N 2759 - Twin engine aircraft at bearing 225° true, on heading 215°, E=6000. Boat remains surfaced.

1200 - Qu. A N 4315 - Days Run: 180.1 sm - ↗ 170.6 sm - ↘ 9.5 sm
25 cbm. 2 internal and 2 external Ato. NN7, Sea6, light swell from north, cloud cover, light haze, <1000mb, medium visibility.
Sunrise 1048 - Sunset 0142, 24.9.39

1349 - Qu. A N 4319 - Twin engine aircraft at bearing 270° true, on heading 225°, E=3500, is not approaching. Boat remains surfaced.

Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Sun., 24.9.39 - North Sea

1200 - Qu. A N 3491 - Days Run: 194.4 sm
22 cbm. 2 internal and 2 external Ato. NN7, Sea6, light swell from north, cloud cover, light haze, <1000mb, medium visibility.
Sunrise 1053 - Sunset 0121, 25.9.39

1402 - Qu. A N 3495 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
As of now, French ships are to be treated like British vessels. Orders of 3.9. are suspended with immediate effect.

1528 - Qu. A N 3499 - Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.:
By order of the Führer, allied ships that transmit radio messages when being engaged by uboats, are to be attacked without exception but not without an attempt to rescue the crew.

1810 - Qu. A N 3811 - A pair of French maritime patrol aircraft at bearing 315° true, on heading 210°, E=6000, not approaching. Boat remains surfaced.

Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Mon., 25.9.39 - North Sea

1200 - Qu. A N 9185 - Days Run: 195.5 sm
19 cbm. 2 internal and 2 external Ato. NNE7, Sea6, light northern swell, overcast, rain showers, <1000mb, poor visibility.
Sunrise 1054 - Sunset 0109, 26.9.39

No further occurences. Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Tue., 26.9.39 - Deutsche Bucht

0200 - Norderney - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
Sending position report as ordered: ETA W'haven III, 1200h. "Gelhaar"

0249 - Incoming F.T.:
Gelhaar: Escort will be at entry Jadebusen, 1100h. - B.d.U. -

08:30 - Roter Sand

1100 - Taken into escort by torpedo boat. Gneisenau and Scharnhorst are lying in W'haven.

1200 - Qu. A N 9814 - Days Run: 190.1 sm
16 cbm. 2 internal and 2 external Ato. NNE4, Sea3, overcast, fog, <1000mb, poor visibility. Sunrise 1052

Entered W'haven III. Greeting in the lock.

Award ceremony for I.W.O. Ernst von Bergen-Windels: E.K. II & promotion to Ob.Ltnt.z.S.

1215 - Moored boat in Uboat base. Closed comms.

Special experiences:

The boat functioned satisfactorily. There was mixed weather with strong winds and medium swell and medium visibility. No traffic was found in the operational area. The fact that the crew was on their 1st war patrol could be felt throughout. The normal routine was without major problems or damage.

Keeping the boat at periscope depth during the convoy battle and the constant reloading of the torpedoes was a difficult challenge for the crew.

Duration of mission: 38 days 16 hours 25 minutes.
Of which surfaced: 37 days 13 hours 10 minutes.
Of which submerged: 1 day 3 hours 15 minutes.

Total traveled surfaced: 6930 nm.
Total traveled submerged: 116 nm.
Total traveled Overall: 7046 nm.

Crash dives: 0

Success of Mission:
Hits: 7
Misses: 0
Failures: 3 (1 premature explosion; 2 understeered)
Total: 10

Note: All failures were G 7 e, Pi-G36 MZ.

Ships sunk: 4
Estimate of sunken tonnage is somewhat imprecise.
Total estimate 17000 GRT.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Wed., 27.9.39 - Wilhelmshaven

Offloaded 2 internal and 2 external Ato and equipment.

Putting out to sea for transfer cruise to Kiel via K.W.-Kanal.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[Kapitän]

Thu., 28.9.39 - Kiel

Moved boat into dry dock.

Beginning of shipyard periodic maintenance.

First war patrol completed.

Gelhaar
Kptlt. & Kmdt.

[sublynx]

Thanks for the report and good luck for the next patrol :salute:

[Kapitän]

Thanks for the report and good luck for the next patrol :salute:

Thanks! I will start posting the KTB of patrol 2 soon ...

[Draka]

Looking forward to your reports. Let's hope your second patrol doesn't end as the original did!

As an aside, I'm just now getting back into SH3 and was musing whether to see if the "Wolves at War" group was still active - however, if I do return I'll have to wait for the next campaign as my login is "Alexander Gelhaar" of U45! LOL!

Question: I presume that you use SH3 Commander - I used to have a cfg with the actual names, ranks and quals of the U45 at her loss - would you like to use it? I'm recreating it now.

[Kapitän]

Thanks for the offer, Draka! I think, I'm pretty good set-up for that, also using the actual crew names etc. Except, after the second war patrol, activating the "Random crew change" in the Sh3_Cmdr, as the actual U 45 was lost on 14 Oct 1939.

As for the survival of U 45 in the current WAW VII campaign, I guess, I'm trying to re-write the history books :know:

I suppose, you'll just have to stay posted to find out ... :03:

[Draka]

Yep, our dear Kaleun made a serious error in judgement. When he hit the convoy, he took out two ships - then chased a third at 15 kts for several hours ON THE SURFACE trying to sink her by deck gun, while the target was madly yelling for help over the wireless! Result, three British DD's trapped and sunk her. just a TAD TOO aggressive!

[Kapitän]

I could never find any details on the sinking of U 45. How did you get your information?

[Draka]

Did a Google search on the terms "Gelhaar U45" and came up with an excerpt from the book "The Gathering Storm: The Naval War in Northern Europe ...". Front Page here:

http://books.google.com/books?id=v8A7BAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

The tale is told on pages 185-186 - excerpt here:

http://books.google.com/books?id=v8A7BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA184&lpg=PA184&dq=Gelhaar+U45&source=bl&ots=mqgYZZEckv&sig=0M0pFJkDS9mg70UN248IwYik2Ug&hl=en&sa=X&ei=2SgHVIqjOMK8igKj94CoAg&ved=0CFYQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Gelhaar%20U45&f=false

My Goggle-fu is fairly good, after lo these many moons of research!

[Kapitän]

Thanks for that!