Helmut Rosenbaum resurrected

[ninja turtle]

I propose to follow (where possible) the career of: Helmut Rosenbaum.

U-Boat type: IIA
Name: U-2
Emblem: Shield with sword and swastika
Flotilla: 1st

The following parameters/game options exist:


Dead Is Dead
Stabilize view is checked
Map updates is checked, but used sparingly; in effect as a second opinion with the WO and WE. It is active for the following reasons IMO:

Watchman and watch crew would constantly give target updates when on the bridge when weather conditions allowed
Sonar and navigator would also continually update information passed to them
When decks awash it will symbolise the crew on the bridge making observations rather than disappearing into the control room

Fatigue is unchecked
Randomised ship tonnage is checked
Malfunctions and random crush depth is checked
External view is checked for eye candy but used sparingly
TC maximum is 512
Historical patrol grids within reason will be used
Leave dates in-between patrols will be dictated by the historical patrol logs
Realism is at 85% (GWX and SHCmdr)
The observation periscope will not be used as the IIA only had one periscope
Ship spotted bearings will be as per in-game, not true bearings


The patrols will be set out as a KTB, which I will endeavour to show as near as possible how they may have looked using historical examples.

Helmut Rosenbaum

Born: 1 May 1913, Leipzig

Promotions

1 Apr 1932 Offiziersanwärter
4 Nov 1932 Seekadett
1 Jan 1934 Fähnrich zur See
1 Sep 1935 Oberfähnrich zur See
1 Jan 1936 Leutnant zur See
1 Oct 1937 Oberleutnant zur See
1 Feb 1940 Kapitänleutnant

U-Bootwaffe Postings

1 Feb 1937 U-Boat Flotilla Saltzwedel (Commander training)
17 Mar 1939 1st Flotilla

U-Boat Commands

1 Mar 1940 U-2, Type IIA

U-2 Historical Facts:

Only 2 war patrols. No ships sunk or damaged.

Patrol 1: 15 days
Departure - Kiel 15/3/1940
Arrival - Wilhelmshaven 29/3/1940
Mission - To hunt for enemy submarines off Southern Norway. Hampered by bad weather.

Patrol 2: 12 days
Departure - Wilhelmshaven 4/4/1940
Arrival - Wilhelmshaven 15/4/1940
Mission - As part of U-Boat Group 8 (U-2, U-3, U-5, U-6) patrolled the western approach to The Skagerrak during the German invasion of Denmark and Norway in Operation Weserübung. On 11 April the boat had to abort the patrol due to bow plane defect.

Fate: Sank 8 April 1944 in the Baltic Sea west of Pillau, (Grid AO96/93?) after a collision with the German Steam Trawler 'Helmi Söhle', 17 dead and 18 survivors. On 9 April 1944 U-2 was raised and stricken. On 25 April 1945 the wreck was captured by Soviet forces at Pillau and probably broken up.

All information is from the following sources:

http://www.uboat.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmut_Rosenbaum
"U-Boat Attack Logs" by Daniel Morgan and Bruce Taylor. Seaforth Publishing.

[ninja turtle]

War Patrol 1
U-2, 1st Flotilla

Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant z. s. Rosenbaum

Beginning: 1.3.1940
Ending: 29.3.1940

From: Kiel

Mission Orders: Patrol the western approaches to The Skaggerak

Loadout: 5 x G7a torpedoes

News for February 1940: British Destroyer "Daring" sunk by U-23. 5 U-boats lost for 182,369 GRT.

1.3.40.

0450 Wind 3, Sea 3, light fog, Vis.very good

U-2 and crew fit for first patrol. Navigator ordered to plot course through Kiel Canal. Speed-KF. 20 hours expected to travel through Canal at 4 knots.

2.3.40.

0250 Out of Kiel Canal. Course set for patrol grid. ETA-55 hours at 4 knots KF. The past 22 hours has been uneventful and with very good visibility overall. Usual sea traffic observed throughout the canal.
0554 AN9683 Ship spotted at bearing 07°. Course set to investigate.
Increased speed to HF.
0610 ID: German Cargo. Reduced speed to KF and returned to original course.
0616 Ship spotted on bearing 01°.
0624 ID: German Minesweeper.
0635 Ship spotted on bearing 327°. Course set to investigate.
0649 ID: Finnish Cargo heading ESE. Returned to original course due to the merchant travelling east.
0813 Ship #1 spotted on bearing 217°. Course set to investigate.
1020 Also 3 x anchored ships spotted at Cuxhaven.
1025 Ship #1 ID: Finland Cargo. Signalled for ship to send papers for investigation as vessel was heading west.
1035 Cargo was found to be non-contraband. Changed course for Cuxhaven in order to observe anchored ships.
1115 Nothing to report. Returned to original patrol course heading 350° at KF. Weather conditions have not changed. Have stayed on the surface finding it unnecessary to submerge due to very good visibility.

3.3.40.

0000 AN9339 Continued to travel at KF.
0400 Nothing to report.
0800 "
1200 "
1600 "
2000 AN9336 Visibility continued as very good. Have continued with our course to patrol grid travelling at KF to conserve fuel.

4.3.40.

0000 AN9190 Over the past 24 hours no sightings. Visibility overall very good. Had no reason to submerge.
0400 AN9168 Nothing to report.
0800 AN9162 "
1200 AN9132 "
1340 Patrol grid reached. Set search pattern travelling at KF. Fuel maximum range estimated as 10699km. Search pattern of grid AN38 at 4 knots will finish in about 5 days at a range of 943km. As visibility is still very good will continue travelling on the surface.
1600 AN3899 Nothing to report.
2000 AN3898 "
5.3.40.

0000 AN3887 Nothing to report
0400 AN3887 "
0800 AN3879 "
1200 AN3878 "
2000 AN3877 "

6.3.40.

0000 AN3871 Nothing to report.
0400 AN3872 "
0800 AN3873 "
1200 AN3881 "
1600 AN3882 "
1814 AN3883, Wind 3, Sea 3, Vis. very good
Ship spotted on bearing 255°. Course set to investigate and increased speed to GF.
1827 A lone merchant. Possibly French. However, needed to get closer and identify its nationality. Changed course to keep out of the target's visibility range and to pass ahead for an attack position.
1831 ID confirmed as a Belgian Tramp Steamer. Course set to investigate cargo and papers.
1900 Cargo and papers correct. Submerged before returning to patrol course as a precaution.
1930 Surfaced.
2000 AN3853 Nothing to report.

7.3.40.

0000 AN3891 Course 90°.
0400 AN3892 Nothing to report.
0800 AN3893 "
1200 AN3866 Course 00°.
1600 AN3839 Nothing to report.
2000 AN3833 Course 270°.

8.3.40.

0000 AN3832 Nothing to report.
0400 AN3831 "
0800 AN3823 "
1200 AN3821 "
1600 AN3813 "
2000 AN3812 "

9.3.40.

0000 AN3811, new moon but clear sky
Decided to extend search area into Skagerrak grids AN35/36.
0400 AN3574 Course 00°.
0800 AN3544 Nothing to report.
1200 AN3540 Course 90°.
1600 AN3546 Nothing to report.
1720 AN3554, Wind 3, Sea 3, Vis. very good
Ship spotted on bearing 337°. Deck lights lit so assumed to be neutral. Course set at 19° to investigate and increased speed to HF.
1745 ID: Norwegian Medium Cargo. Signalled vessel to reduce speed in order to check cargo. Steamer released. Submerged to periscope depth and returned to patrol course.
1900 Surfaced.
2000 AN3554 Course 93°.

10.3.40.

0000 AN3556 Course 92°.
0400 AN3564 Nothing to report.
0800 AN3560 "
1200 AN3566, Wind 3, Sea 3, Vis. very good "
1246 Ship spotted on bearing 303°. Course set to 179° and increased speed to HF.
1255 Submerged to periscope depth due to the excellent visibility. Speed on electric motors continued at HF.
1306 ID: Norwegian Small Trawler. Stayed submerged until vessel was out of sight to prevent location being reported.
1400 Periscope and hydrophone sweep. All clear. Surfaced.
1600 AN3593 Course 180°.
2000 AN3599 Course 90°.

11.3.40.

0000 AN3674, Wind 3, Sea 3, Vis. good
Course 00°.
0345 Ship spotted on bearing 337°. Deck lights lit so assumed neutral. Course set to investigate.
0357 ID: Danish Medium Cargo.
0432 Papers checked. Nothing to report. Submerged to periscope depth before returning to patrol course.
0530 AN3644 Surfaced.
0800 AN3642, Wind 2, Sea 2, Vis. very good
Course 79°.
1200 AN3643 Course 80°.
1600 AN3651 Nothing to report.
1720 Ship spotted on bearing 41°. Course set to 125° and increased speed to HF.
ID: Medium Cargo? Nationality uncertain at this time.
1738 ID confirmed as Norwegian Medium Cargo. Reduced speed to KF in order to check papers.
1800 Papers found to be in order. Submerged to periscope depth before returning to original course.
Whilst submerged new sound contact made on bearing 99°. Not the Norwegian Merchant.
1845 After getting a confirmed fix of the new target, surfaced and increased speed to GF on a heading of 30°.
1930 Unable to spot new target so submerged to assist hydrophone. Contact made at 35°. Surfaced on a new course 72°. Speed at GF.
2000 Submerged. Faint contact at bearing 00°. Surfaced. Course headed for due north.
2100 AN3620 Submerged. Contact made at bearing 24°. Surfaced. Headed due west. Very shortly after surfacing, the target was spotted.
ID: Norwegian Medium Cargo. Reduced speed to KF and signalled vessel to show papers.
2115 Papers in order. Submerged to periscope depth.
2230 AN3626, N 2, Sea 2, Vis. very good
Surfaced.

12.3.40.

0000 AN3626 Course 90°.
0400 AN3634, N 2, Sea 2, Vis. very good
Nothing to report.
0410 Ship spotted on bearing 277°. Deck lights lit so again assumed neutral. Speed increased to GF. Course set to investigate.
0427 ID: Norwegian Medium Cargo.
0435 Papers found to be correct. Submerged to periscope depth and returned to original course.
0600 AN3632 Course 94°.
0800 AN3636 Course 93°.
1200 AN3666 Course 180°.
1600 AN3693 Nothing to report.
2000 AN3699 Course 270°.

13.3.40.

0000 AN3698 Nothing to report.
0400 AN3686 "
0800 AN3680 "
1200 AN3684 "
1600 AN3676 "
2000 AN3670 "

14.3.40.

0000 AN3674 Course 00°.
0400 AN3647 Nothing to report.
0431 Ship spotted at bearing 29°. Deck lights lit. Course set to investigate. Increased speed to GF. 2 x merchants travelling in single file.
0451 ID: Danish Tramp Steamer and Medium Cargo. Signalled for vessels to slow down and await inspection.
0510 Papers and cargo checked. Submerged to periscope depth and returned to original course.
0600 Surfaced.
0800 AN3641 Course 09°.
1200 AN3618 Course 104°.
1600 AN3619 Nothing to report.
2000 AN3651 "
2027 Ship spotted on bearing 222°. No deck lights. Possibly hostile.
Increased speed to GF at a heading of 320°. Over the next 10 minutes estimated the speed of target at approximately 8 knots on a course of 247°.
Approached on surface under cover of darkness and submerged at a safe distance to ID. Merchant estimated at 3000GRT.
2146 Submerged to periscope depth and manoeuvred into an attack position.
Target angle: red 90°, speed: 9 knots, range: 600m, torpedo depth: 4m, fast, Ato AZ
Aim point: Centre
Target has not changed course or zigzagged.
2154 ID: Small Merchant. Nationality: Polish!!
2201 Tube I fired and through the periscope confirmed an impact forward of the engine room after 29 seconds. Steamer slowed down but did not sink.
2204 Surfaced. Using the flak gun manned by Erik Brunz the cargo was destroyed hoping that secondary explosions will sink her. The steamer was obviously not armed as we did not encounter any return fire, although their searchlight was used to keep us under observation.
2215 Target seen to list to starboard but still not sinking. Signalled the Polish crew to abandon ship before we fire a coup-de-grâce.
2237 Tube II fired at minimum depth at range of 600m AZ. Although the target was again hit it still remained afloat.
2242 Decided to use tube III as a second coup-de-grâce aiming at the starboard side. A hit and the target finally started to sink. Our first kill. Crew ecstatic after such a non-productive patrol. Before returning to our patrol course, provisions were passed to the survivor's life boats. Only one boat was observed which made me consider that not all of the crew managed to abandon ship or more crew were killed throughout the attack.
2243 AN3643 Radio message received from BdU: "Confirmed sinking. SS Destro, 3427 tons. Cargo: Paper Products. Crew: 77. Crew lost: 63."

15.3.40.

0000 AN3643, N 2, Sea 2, Vis. very good
Course 93°.
0005 Radio message received from BdU: "Search for enemy submarines off Southern Norway."
New course set at 268°. Headed for grid AN3550. ETA: 27 hours at 4 knots.
0400 AN3640 Course 269°. Nothing to report.
0710 Ship spotted on bearing 160°. No deck lights which again caused me to suspect an enemy vessel. Changed course to 68°. Steamer estimated at 2000 GRT.
Target course on 265°, speed of 7 knots.
After a short while changed boat's course to 357°.
0722 Ordered periscope depth. Battle stations for submerged attack.
Target angle: red 90°, speed: 7 knots, range: 600m, depth: 2m, fast, Ato AZ
Target did not change course nor zigzag which made me believe that we had not been seen on the surface.
Nationality??
0731 Through the periscope I was able to ID the vessel as a Coastal Freighter. Nationality: British!!
0732 Tubes I and III fired at bow and just before stern. After 22-25 seconds two impacts. Target destroyed and sinks within minutes.
Surfaced. Provisions passed to the survivors.
0733 AN3643 Radio message received from BdU: "Confirmed sinking. SS Hastings, 1869 tons. Cargo: Coal. Crew: 33. Crew lost: 18."
0745 Report sent to BdU: "Out of torpedoes but still with 80% diesel. Please advise."
Ordered to continue with patrol and make observations/report sightings.
Submerged to periscope depth to avoid survivors noting our direction.
0800 AN3641 Surfaced. Course 268°. No sign of lifeboat.
1200 AN3566 Nothing to report.
1600 AN3560 "
2000 AN3566 "
2106 Ship spotted on bearing 08°. No deck lights. After a few minutes another ship loomed out of the darkness. A smaller boat. Escort? Observed the two vessels for a short while.
2130 Ordered the crew to dive to periscope depth and approach the two ships with care.
2150 Through the periscope I could make out the shape of the two ships. Obviously one was much larger than the other travelling in single file.
A Tugboat and what looked to be a Dithmarschen Class? After a few more minutes I confirmed them both to be German.
Surfaced. Managed to make contact. Ship's doctor boarded our boat to check the crew and food supplies passed over. Fortunately with the cover of darkness this was carried out with little threat of attack. However, crew still worked as fast as possible and look outs were very vigilant. Crew given a clean bill of health and content with the fresh supplies.

16.3.40.

0000 AN3550 Course 263°.
0400 AN3550 Course 269°.
0800 AN3551 Course 263°.
1200 AN3518 Course 297°.
1600 AN3514 Course 299°.
2000 AN3544 Course 192°.

17.3.40.

0000 AN3571 Nothing to report.
0400 AN3577 Course 91°.
0800 AN3578 Nothing to report.
1200 AN3579 "
1600 AN3587 "
2000 AN3820 Course 171°.

18.3.40.

0000 AN3850 Nothing to report.
0400 AN3854 Course 270°.
0800 AN3846 Nothing to report.
1200 AN3844 "
1600 AN3766 "
2000 AN3760 "

19.3.40.

0000 AN3764 Nothing to report.
0400 AN3756 "
0800 AN3754 "
1200 AN3746 "
1600 AN3740 "
2000 AN3741 Course 00°.

20.3.40.

0000 AN3714 Nothing to report.
0400 AN3712 Course 90°.
0800 AN3713 Nothing to report.
1200 AN3721 "
1600 AN3722 "
2000 AN3723 "

21.3.40.

0000 AN3752 Nothing to report.
0400 AN3733 "
0800 AN3736 Course 180°.
1200 AN3766 "
1600 AN3793 "
2000 AN3790 Course 270°.

22.3.40.

0000 AN3794 Nothing to report.
0400 AN3786 "
0527 Ship spotted on bearing 123°. Deck lights on. Course set to 10° in order to check cargo and papers. Speed increased to GF.
Nationality? Confirmed as Norwegian.
0537 Speed reduced to KF. Merchant signalled to prepare for paper inspection.
0545 Merchant released.
0600 Submerged to periscope depth before returning to original course.
0900 AN3780 Surfaced. Course 268°. Speed 2 knots while the batteries recharged.
1200 AN3784 Batteries recharged. Speed 4 knots at KF.
1600 AN3776 Nothing to report.
2000 AN3770 "

23.3.40.

0000 AN3774 Course 67°.
0400 AN3772 Nothing to report.
0800 AN3749 "
1200 AN3750 Course 68°.
1600 AN3753 Nothing to report.
2000 AN3737 "

24.3.40.

0000 AN3730 Nothing to report.
0400 AN3733, N 2, Sea 1, very calm, Vis. very good
Course 71°.
1200 AN3812 Course 91°.
1600 AN3821 Nothing to report.
2000 AN3822 "

25.3.40.

0000 AN3823 Course 90°.
0400 AN3831 Nothing to report.
0800 AN3832 "
1200 AN3833 Course 180°.
1600 AN3863 Nothing to report.
2000 AN3869 "

26.3.40.

0000 AN3899 Nothing to report.
0400 AN3898 Course 271°.
0800 AN3897 Nothing to report.
1200 AN3889 Course 270°.
1600 AN3888 Nothing to report.
2000 AN3887 "

27.3.40.

0000 AN3878, SE 2, Sea 1, very calm, Vis. good
Nothing to report.
0400 AN3877 "
0800 AN3871 Course 00°.
0815 Radio message received from BdU: "Return to Wilhelmshaven for refuel, rearm and shore leave. Well done with your first patrol."
Course set for Wilhelmshaven.
1200 AN3877 Course 143°.
1600 AN6330 Nothing to report.
2000 AN6363 "

28.3.40.

0000 AN9147 Increased speed to LF 8 knots.
0400 AN9312, N 0, Sea 1, very calm, Vis. very good
Nothing to report.
0800 AN9354 Course 144°.
1200 AN9380 Nothing to report.
1600 AN9537 "
2000 AN9593 "

29.3.40.

0000 AN9811, N 0, Sea 1, Vis. good
Course 141°. Reduced speed to KF as we neared Wihelmshaven harbour.
0320 Wilhelmshaven Docked. Erik Brunz promoted to flak gunner.


Summary:

The patrol was blessed with calm weather with overall very good visibility.
All non-hostile vessels had their deck lights lit. Hostile vessels were without deck armament.
Apart from precautions taken after searching neutral vessels for contraband, it was not necessary to submerge.
The crew efficiency was excellent with special note of Eric Brunz on the flak gun.

Comments of the BdU on the KTB of "U-2" (Rosenbaum) from 1 - 29 March 1940:

First war patrol of the Kommandant with a new boat. U-2 could have returned to the nearest base for rearming, as unfortunately one stubborn target needed more than one torpedo hit to sink.
However, as no more vessels were spotted once out of torpedoes the 29 day patrol is deemed a success.

Accredited successes:

1 Small Merchant 3400 GRT sunk.
1 Freighter 1800 GRT sunk.

[ninja turtle]

Patrol 1


Rosenbaum started his first patrol in the middle of March. In-game starts a new career at the beginning of the requested month. Therefore, the first two weeks of my patrol will be conjecture. Once the proposed date is reached, the historical locations of U-2 will be used as per sources.

Rosenbaum's first patrol was hampered by bad weather and was unable to find any targets. This was not the case in my patrol. On the contrary, I had perfect weather throughout and was able to sink two merchants. I could have rearmed at Helgoland, but was more concerned with finishing the patrol on the historical date. As it turned out I did not find any further targets during the final days of this patrol.

Rosenbaum's patrol was 15 days.
My patrol was 29 days.

[Becker67]

That was a nice read mate, looking forward to more. Great stuff!

[Fahnenbohn]

In reality, was the U-Boot's position given each 4 hours to BdU ? Or is it just for your personnal navigation book ? :hmm2:

[ninja turtle]

30.3.40. Wilhelmshaven
Boat vacated.

31.3.40.
Boat overhauled.

1.4.40.
Loaded torpedoes and fuel.

2.4.40.
Loaded ammunition. Sea trials and trim test.

3.4.40.
Final trim test. Provisions loaded.

War Patrol 2
U-2, 1st Flotilla

Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant z. s. Rosenbaum

Beginning: 4.4.1940
Ending: 18.4.1940

From: Wilhelmshaven

Mission Orders: As part of Group 8, patrol west approaches to The Skaggerak

Loadout: 5 x G7a torpedoes

News for March 1940: USSR and Finland sign peace treaty. 0 U-boats lost for 69,826 GRT.

4.4.40.

2226 Wind 3, Sea 3, partial cloud, light fog, Vis. good
U-2, U-5 and U-6 left dock under escort.
2332 Released from escort. Continued with U-5 and U-6 at engines HF on course 00°.

5.4.40.

0000 On course for ordered patrol grid.
0400 AN9641 BR Course 353°.
0800 AN9471 Nothing to report.
1104 Radio report: "Friendly Task Force, Grid: AN96, Course: NW, Speed: 25 knots."
1200 AN9199 BR U-5 and U-6 have changed to respective courses for their patrol grids.
1600 AN9162 Course 341°.
2000 AN3890 BL Course 297°.

6.4.40.

0000 AN3856 BL Nothing to report.
0214 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN73, Course: SE, Speed: 8 knots."
0400 AN3816 BC Nothing to report.
0800 AN3499 Course 270°. Test dive at 50m.
0830 Surfaced.
0918 Radio report: "Friendly Warship, Grid: AN96, Course: NW, Speed: 25 knots."
1030 AN3497 Ship spotted on bearing: 328°. Friendly warship and task force. Heading NW.
1130 Out of visual range.
1200 AN3849 LR Course 270°.
1522 Radio report: "Friendly Task Force, Grid: AN34, Course: NW, Speed: 12 knots."
1600 AN3479 BR Nothing to report.
2000 AN4699 BR Search patterns of patrol grids plotted. U-2 - AN46, U-5 - AN34, U-6 - AN37.

7.4.40.

0000 AN4689, New Moon
Nothing to report.
0400 AN4679 LC Nothing to report.
0800 AN4674 LC Course 00°. Radio message received from BdU: "U-6 change course to patrol AN49 with immediate effect, U-2 patrol AN45 from 8th April."
1200 AN4614 LC Test dive: 60m.
1230 Surfaced.
1600 AN4611 TL Submerged to 40m before progressing onto AN45 as per orders. All engines stopped.

8.4.40.

0000 Surfaced. CO2 at 75%. Continued with patrol at KF.
0040 Radio report: "Unknown vessel in Grid AN4358, Course: WNW, Speed: Medium. U-boats in the area please investigate."
0138 AN4533 Changed our course to 00° at HF. Intention: To try and sight unknown vessel and either attack or report back to BdU.
0215 Radio report: "Friendly Task Force, Grid: AN91, Course: NW, Speed: 15 knots."
0246 Radio report: "Friendly Task Force, Grid: AF82, Course: ENE, Speed: 12 knots."
0300 AN4296 Increased speed to GF.
0400 AN4269 Submerged for hydrophone sweep at 30m. No contacts.
0402 Surfaced.
0447 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN13, Course: ENE, Speed: 8 knots."
0552 Radio report: "Position of unknown vessel update: 0540 AN4319. Course: WNW, Speed: Medium."
Deduced the following approximations from previous report: Distance travelled in 5 hours = 77 kms. Therefore speed = 8 knots? Course is 297°.
Changed our heading to 30° and reduced speed to HF.
0715 Submerged for hydrophone sweep at 30m. No contacts.
0800 AN4311 TL Surfaced. Decided to travel at KF along the target's expected course. Our heading: 105°.
0830 Visual of target. Heading towards us. Looked to be a submarine. Ordered battle stations. Flak gun manned by Erik Brunz.
0840 Signalled recognition code to unknown vessel. U-6 returned signal: "Faulty radio. Therefore unable to send patrol reports. Confirm our location to BdU. Happy hunting!"
Radio message sent to BdU.
0845 Radio message received from BdU: "Message received. U-2 proceed to patrol AN45."
Changed course to 245°.
1200 AN4238 TR Nothing to report.
1252 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN16, Course: ENE, Speed: 35 knots."
1600 AN4256 TR Nothing to report.
2000 AN4281 TR "
2058 Radio report: "Friendly Task Force, Grid: AN58, Course: NNW, Speed: 15 knots."

9.4.40.

0000 AN4270 BL Nothing to report.
0201 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AF71, Course: ENE, Speed: 28 knots."
0400 AN4514 TL Nothing to report.
0402 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN26, Course: ESE, Speed: 23 knots."
0709 Crash dived for aircraft. Levelled out at 50m. No bombs heard. No damage. With the weather so clear decided to continue submerged.
1011 Battery down to 50% at LF.
1025 After sweep by periscope, surfaced. Recharging batteries. Engines at KF.
1200 AN4574 Course 180°.
1208 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN22, Course: SE, Speed: 18 knots."
1318 Battery recharged to 100%.
1600 AN4577 TR Course 90°.
2000 AN4570 Course 00°.
2013 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AF73, Course: WSW, Speed: 28 knots."
2315 Radio report: "Friendly Warship, Grid: AF87, Course: SSE, Speed: 32 knots."

10.4.40.

0000 AN4548 Radio message received from OKM: "U-Boats are ordered to commence hostilities against Denmark and Norway immediately."
0110 Radio report: "Possible target in location AN4543, Course: W, Speed: Medium."
With our current course the target was expected to run straight across our bow. Increased our speed to GF.
0145 Submerged for a hydrophone sweep at KF. Contact at 88°.
0225 Surfaced for a visual contact.
0227 Ship spotted on bearing: 103°. Steamer 1900 GRT.
0238 AN4540 Ordered battle stations for a submerged attack as the visibility was good and didn't want to risk being spotted on the surface.
Target: Tramp Steamer, speed: 8 knots, target angle: green 90°, range: 600m, depth: 2m, fast, ATO AZ, aim-point: centre
0250 As the target approached nearer confirmed it as a Large Merchant. Estimated 6000 GRT. Nationality: British!!
0255 Decided to fire 3 x eels set at 2, 4 and 4m depth. Aim-points: bow, centre, stern in case there were failures.
0258 Tubes I, II, III fired at selected aim-points. After 29 seconds first impact followed by two more in 4 second intervals.
Surfaced. Radio intercepted: "SOS. Royal Star sinking fast. Hit by torpedoes."
From the conning tower watched the steamer sink by the bow at 30°. Disappeared after five minutes.
3 x lifeboats seen plus survivors clinging to debris in the water. Provisions passed to survivors.
0315 Submerged before continuing with patrol course. Death throes of steamer clearly heard to our stern throughout the boat which subdued the crew's celebrations.
0400 AN4540, N2, Sea 2, partial cloud, Vis. good
Surfaced. Course 143°. Engines at KF.
0258 AN4540 Radio message received from BdU: "Confirmed sinking. SS Royal Star, 6535 tons. Cargo: Coal. Crew: 93. Crew lost: 68."
0549 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN16, Course: ENE, Speed: 20 knots."
0800 AN4573 TC Radio message received from BdU: "To U-5 - patrol grid AN46. To Group 8 - Confirmed that U-4 sank British submarine HMS Thistle."
1200 AN4587 TL Nothing to report.
1224 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN28, Course: NNE, Speed: 18 knots."
1600 AN4588 Course 90°.
1828 Radio report: "Friendly Task Force, Grid: AF84, Course: WSW, Speed: 12 knots."
2000 AN4580 TL Course 00°.

11.4.40.

0000 AN4550 BL Nothing to report.
0032 Radio report: "Friendly Warship, Grid: AN29, Course: NW, Speed: 22 knots."
0333 Radio message to Group 8 received from U-5: "Fired one torpedo at a British submarine, but without success."
0400 AN4528 Nothing to report.
0800 AN4526 Course 90°.
1109 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN73, Course: SE, Speed: 8 knots."
1200 AN4534 Course 180°.
1240 Radio report: "Friendly Warship, Grid: AN28, Course: SSE, Speed: 20 knots."
1600 AN4561 BR Nothing to report.
2000 AN4591 "

12.4.40.

0000 AN4598 TL, W0, Sea 2, clouds clear, Vis. good, starry night sky
Course 90°.
0048 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN26, Course: S, Speed: 18 knots."
0148 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN76, Course: SW, Speed: 25 knots."
0400 AN4599 TL Nothing to report.
0600 Radio message received from BdU: "Group 8 patrol the following assigned grids: U-2 - AN46, U-5 - AN34, U-6 - AN31. U-3 is en route from Wilhelmshaven to patrol AN62."
0800 AN4677 TC, W 0, Sea 2, clouds clear, Vis. very good
Course 90°.
1200 AN4678 Nothing to report.
1256 Radio report: "Friendly Warship, Grid: AN31, Course: NNW, Speed: 18 knots."
1600 AN4679 TR Radio message to Group 8 received from BdU: "U-6 to patrol AN31. U-3 has returned to Wilhelmshaven due to damaged periscope."
2000 AN4688 TL Nothing to report.

13.4.40.

0000 AN4689 TC Nothing to report.
0104 Radio report:
1. "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN26, Course: SSE, Speed: 18 knots."
2. "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN23, Course: SSE, Speed: 20 knots."
0400 AN4697 TC Nothing to report.
0800 AN4698 "
1200 AN4696 Course 00°. Radio message received from U3: "Leaving Wilhelmshaven."
1600 AN4669 TC Increased speed to HF. Radio message received to Group 8 from BdU: "U-6 to patrol AN35."
2000 AN4630 Course 270°.

14.4.40.

0000 AN4620 TL Radio report: "Friendly Warship, Grid: AN35, Course: ENE, Speed: 16 knots."
0400 AN4614 Radio message received from U3: "Location: AN91."
0800 AN4671 TR Course 163°.
1200 AN4649 Course 27°.
1328 Radio report: "Friendly Warship, Grid: AN24, Course: NW, Speed: 20 knots. Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN42, Course: NNE, Speed: 18 knots."
1600 AN4624 TC Course 163°.
2000 AN4680 Nothing to report.

15.4.40.

0000 AN4656 Course 23°.
0136 Radio report:
1. "Friendly Warship, Grid: AN43, Course: ESE, Speed: 18 knots."
2. "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN27, Course: N, Speed: 18 knots."
0400 AN4637 Course 163°. Radio message received from U-3: "Patrolling AN62."
0609 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AF81, Course: WSW, Speed: 20 knots."
0800 AN4698 TC Course 18°.
1200 AN4639 TC Test dive. Levelled at 60m.
1230 Surfaced. Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN27, Course: NE, Speed: 18 knots."
1600 AN4663 BR Course 180°. Reduced engines to KF in order to conserve fuel. Diesel almost at 50%.
2000 AN4693 TR Nothing to report.

16.4.40.

0000 AN4699 BR Course 294°.
0208 Radio report: "Enemy Task Force, Grid: AN27, Course: NNW, Speed: 18 knots."
0400 AN4690 Nothing to report.
0800 AN4691 Radio mesage received to Group 8 from BdU: "U-2 to patrol AN37. U-3 to patrol AN38."
Changed course to 116°. ETA to new patrol grid = 10 hours at KF 4 knots.
1200 AN4690 Nothing to report.
1400 Radio report: "Friendly Warship, Grid: AN23, Course: SSE, Speed: 20 knots."
1600 AN4699 BR Nothing to report.
1700 Reached grid AN37. Changed course to 90°.
2000 AN3711 TR Nothing to report.

17.4.40.

0000 AN3711 TR Nothing to report.
0400 AN3721 "
0619 Ship spotted on bearing: 254°. Looked to be a Warship. Could be allied. Decided to submerge to periscope depth as a precaution and observe. Speed increased to LF.
From sound checks and periscope, target heading to our port side and stern.
Course: SSE? Our course 90°.
0630 ID: German Type 34, passing our port stern at 230°. Decided to surface rather than the possibility of being mistaken for a British submarine.
Raised periscope fully so as not to alarm the destroyer before surfacing.
Surfaced and sent recognition signal.
Signal received from destroyer: "All's well. Happy hunting!"
0800 AN3721, NNE 0, Sea 1, sky clear, Vis. very good
Nothing to report.
0810 Radio message received to Group 8 from BdU: "Group 8 return to Wilhemshaven."
Speed increased to HF. ETA Wilhelmshaven from present location = 31 hours.
Changed course to 140°.
0938 Diesel down to 50%. Will have sufficient amount to reach Wilhelmshaven.
1200 AN3764 Nothing to report.
1416 Radio report: "Friendly Warship, Grid: AN35, Course: WNW, Speed: 20 knots."
1600 AN3722 Nothing to report.
2000 AN3767 "

18.4.40.

0000 AN9314 Nothing to report.
0400 AN9381 "
0800 AN9537 "
1200 AN9596 Course 135°.
1248 Two masts spotted on bearing: 350°, heading NW. Land spotted on starboard side. ID: 2 x German Small Vessels.
1416 Escort spotted. Bearing: 345°. Our course 175°.
1430 Speed reduced to LF. Changed course to 80° to follow escort.
1450 Released from escort. Engines reduced to KF.
1530 Wilhelmshaven Docked.

Awarded U-Boat Front Clasp.

Summary:

Our second patrol was again blessed with calm weather with overall very good visibility and again it was not necessary to submerge unless:
1. Attacking at night because of the clear skies,
2. As a precaution when approaching vessels,
3. Diving for aircraft.

The morale of the crew was very high and worked very professionally throughout the patrol.

Comments of the BdU on the KTB of "U-2" (Rosenbaum) from 4 - 18 April 1940:

U-2 contributed well within Group 8 and was an asset in Operation 'Weserübung' by discouraging enemy shipping patrolling the western approaches of The Skaggerak.
It must be remembered that a U-Boat's silhouette is harder to see at night, therefore a surface attack is always a possibility.

Accredited success:

1 Large Merchant 6500 GRT sunk.

[ninja turtle]

In KTB's the U-Boat's speed was rarely inserted, instead the engine state was referred to: KF (Kleine Fahrt - dead slow, Langsame Fahrt - slow etc). I've added both the speed and engine state every now and then.

The grid references are 4 digits as was the norm. In patrol 2 there are additional grid references which some Kaleun's used to give a more detailed location: TR (top right), BL (bottom left), TC (top centre) etc.

The wind and sea state uses the Beaufort scale. 'Charts Add On' mod has been a massive asset for this.

:subsim:

[ninja turtle]

In reality, was the U-Boot's position given each 4 hours to BdU ? Or is it just for your personnal navigation book ? :hmm2:

Ahoy Fahnenbohn,

Yes the boat's location was given every four hours with a weather report when on the surface if it had changed from the last one.

Also a requirement from BdU which some Kaleun's didn't do was to give a distance travelled on surface and submerged at 1200 each day within the report.

I'm not doing that as I want to play the game more than be a navigator full-time.

:salute:

[ninja turtle]

That was a nice read mate, looking forward to more. Great stuff!

Thanks Becker67. Glad you liked it. It does take up a lot of time so patrol KTB's won't happen too regularly.

:salute:

[ninja turtle]

Patrol 2


I was able to start the patrol at the correct historical date, although whether the actual time was correct is uncertain but not really necessary.

Rosenbaum's boat had to return to port due to a bow plane defect. Even though I have malfunctions option checked, my boat was sea-worthy throughout.

On 5 April a British submarine fired three torpedoes at Rosenbaum's boat but all missed. This was possibly around grid AN46. I did not come across other submersibles apart from 'U-6'.

On 10 April SW of Norway a Wellington bomber attacked Rosenbaum's boat, dropping one bomb but with no damage. I encountered one aircraft but crash dived early enough to avoid any attack.

Although Rosenbaum had to return on 15 April, the remainder of Group 8 didn't set course for Wilhelmshaven until about the 17-18, arriving in WS about the 19. These gave me another 3 days extra for my patrol.

Rosenbaum's patrol was 12 days.

My patrol was 15 days.

Rosenbaum finished his two patrols without any tonnage. My result was 3 x Merchants = 11831 GRT and a U-Boat Front Clasp.

After U-2, Rosenbaum took command of U-73 (VIIB) in September 1940, setting sail on its first war patrol in February 1941.

To be continued...

[sublynx]

In reality, was the U-Boot's position given each 4 hours to BdU ? Or is it just for your personnal navigation book ? :hmm2:

Here's some war time rules on keeping KTB's:

http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUOrder501A.htm

Thanks ninja turtle! Great to read and very interesting, especially as you compare your patrols to the real patrols made by U-2 :rock:

[Becker67]

Here's some war time rules on keeping KTB's:

http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUOrder501A.htm

Thanks ninja turtle! Great to read and very interesting, especially as you compare your patrols to the real patrols made by U-2 :rock:

Been looking for stuff like this - thanks for the linkage :)

[ninja turtle]

Kapitänlutnant: Helmut Rosenbaum
Name: U-73
U-Boat type: VIIB
Flotilla: 7th
Emblem: Tree / Axe with USA / Shield with castle and bird of prey. None of these emblems exist within SH3 so decided to use the emblem for 7th FLotilla.

Historical Departure: 7 Aug 1941, St. Nazaire.
In-game Departure: 1 Aug 1941, St. Nazaire.
Historical Arrival: 7 Sep 1941, St. Nazaire.
In-game Arrival: 7 Sep 1941, St. Nazaire.
[See note below after patrol KTB]

The dates I am starting are actually from U-73's 4th patrol as this patrol was the nearest to the start of a month as SH3 always starts on the 1st with a new career.

U-73 patrolled the area of grid AL during this patrol with Wolfpack Grönland, consisting of the additional 20 boats: U-38, U-43, U-71, U-77, U-82, U-84, U-96, U-101, U-105, U-129, U-202, U-206, U-501, U-553, U-563, U-567, U-568, U-569, U-652, U-751.

Historically, out of the 21 boats within this Wolfpack only 7 were successful in sinking targets, with 1 damaging another within my patrol time-scale. Zero U-boats were lost between 1st Aug and 7th Sep, although U-501 was lost on 10th Sep 1941 (just after U-73's return to St, Nazaire).

All sources as per post #1.

[ninja turtle]

War Patrol 1

U-73, 7th/13th Flotilla

Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant z. s. Rosenbaum

Beginning: 1.8.1941
Ending: 7.9.1941

From: St. Nazaire

Mission Orders: Patrol South of Iceland as part of Grönland Wolfpack

Loadout: 14 x T2 G7e torpedoes (including 2 x external reserves)

Deck Gun: 8.8cm SK C/35

Flak Gun: 2 cm FK C/30 Flakzwiling

News for July 1941: German forces occupy Minsk and surround Smolensk. Allies and Vichy French forces sign an armistice, bringing fighting in Syria and Lebanon to a close.

Monthly losses: 1 U-boat for 112,624 GRT.

4.8.41.

2113 N3, Sea 2, partial clouds, Vis. good
Escorted out of dock. Diesels KF.
2147 Released from escort. Diesels HF. Course: 208°.
2210 BF6517 BR Course: 270°.

5.8.41.

0000 BF6438 DBK: 27m.
0400 BF6419 DBK: 101m.
0800 BF5561 Test dive. Levelled at 80m. Electric motors KF. DBK: 129m.
0840 Surfaced. Diesels LF. Course: 256°.
1200 BF5557 DBK: 132m.
1600 BF5496 Course: 285°. DBK: 1000m.
2000 BF5449 Nothing to report.

6.8.41.

0000 BF5442 "
0400 BF4630 BL "
0800 BF4630 "
1200 BF4374 BL "
1424 Ship spotted on bearing: 29°. Heading: NE. Changed our course to 49°. Increased speed to GF.
1430 ID: Possibly a Steam Merchant, 7000 GRT. Heading: 40°. Speed: 4 knots.
1455 Battle stations for submerged attack. Target changed course to 15°. Looked to be zigzagging.
1510 Set up for bow attack. Target: Steamer, speed: 4 knots, target angle: red 90°, range: 800m, tube I depth: 4m AZ, aim-point: bow, tube II depth: 6m MZ, aim-point: centre.
Observations through periscope: Target zigzagging but not venturing too far from course of 40°.
1550 Torpedoes fired at respective aim-points, reticle 351°.
Impacts at 90 seconds and 114 seconds respectively.
Also fired tube III in haste in case tube II missed. This was an error on my part as it missed due to the target taking evasive action after the first two detonations.
1552 Steamer's stern gun commenced attack at our periscope. Lowered it immediately to avoid any damage and changed course to run parallel to target at electric motors GF to get ahead.
1600 Once we were out of danger from the stern gun, the periscope was raised and I could observe that the steamer was listing to starboard and obviously sinking. Surfaced.
After a few minutes after surfacing the steamer's stern slowly slipped beneath the surface.
1 x lifeboat seen. Provisions passed to survivors.
1800 Radio message received from BdU: "Confirmed sinking. British Steam Merchant Empire Endurance. 8570 tons. Cargo: Military stores. Crew: 94. Crew lost: 66."
2000 BF4251 BR Nothing to report.

7.8.41.

0000 BF4217 "
0400 BF4126 "
0800 BF4113 "
0952 Radio report: "Large convoy. Grid: BF14. Course: NE. Speed: 7 knots."
1. The distance and time taken to reach this convoy and to be able to attack using night-time cover would have meant attacking in shallow waters and very close to the English Channel, and therefore with limited escape options.
2. Assumed that the convoy would have protection by a number of destroyers.
3. Therefore decided to continue on original planned course and hunt other targets allowing us a greater chance of survival.
1200 BE3990 N3, Sea 2, partial cloud, Vis. very good
Course: 301°. Decided to travel on the surface during the day while the weather is clear, diesels HF in case we are surprised by aircraft, and at LF during the dark hours to conserve fuel.
1600 BE3951 Nothing to report.
2000 BE3596 "
2200 Reduced diesels to LF.
2304 BE3556 Ship spotted on bearing: 295° travelling towards our port stern. Heading: East. Increased diesels to AK and hard starboard to run parallel.
2310 Battle stations for submerged attack due to full moon and clear sky. Target: Steamer, speed 7 knots.
2315 Changed our course to 180° for a Green 90° attack, range: 800m, speed: 7 knots, torpedo depth: 5m AZ, aim-point: centre.
2335 Noticed a stern deck gun. Decided to use a single torpedo and then surface and use deck gun if necessary avoiding target's armament.
2340 Tube I fired. 40 seconds run then impact at centre. 45 seconds after impact, target was seen to be dead in water.
After it was clear that the deck gun was unmanned and the crew were abandoning ship, surfaced.
7 minutes and 15 seconds after impact the target slipped beneath the surface. Explosions heard. Possibly the boiler.
Provisions passed to survivors and ship's name called to us: Waynegate.
Set course to 299°.

8.8.41.

0000 BE3556 Radio message received from BdU: "Confirmed sinking. Waynegate. 4260 tons. Cargo: Coal. Crew: 41. Crew lost: 0."
0400 BE3510 BR Moon covered by cloud. Moved forward external reserve torpedoes into boat whilst conditions were favourable and night visibility sufficient.
40 minutes.
0800 BE3190 Nothing to report.
1200 BE3151 TL "
1600 AL9998 TC Course: 297°.
2000 AL9954 TL Nothing to report.
2200 NW5, Sea 4, clouds clear, Vis. good Change of weather.

9.8.41.

0000 AL9832 BR WSW 5, Sea 4, clouds clear, Vis. good Wind direction change.
0400 AL9580 TR SSW 5, Sea 4, clouds clear, Vis. good "
0600 Radio report from BdU to Grönland Wolfpack via U-206: "British Steam Trawler Ocean Victor sunk at 0528. 202 GRT. One torpedo hit. Sank immediately. AE8525."
0800 AL9540 Nothing to report.
1200 AL9431 BC "
1600 AL9173 "
2000 AL8238 BL "

10.8.41.

0000 AL5879 Vis. very good due to Icelandic sunset "
0400 AL5769 "
0800 AL5729 BL "
0900 WSW 7, Sea 4, clouds clear, Vis. very good Weather change.
1200 AL5477 TR Nothing to report.
1600 AL4556 "
2000 AL4510 "
2155 Radio report: "At 2140 enemy ship in grid AL4828. Heading: East. Speed: medium."
170km from our location. Potentially possible to overtake the target within 10 hours at diesels GF, assuming that the target's speed was 8 knots.
Changed course to 94°.

11.8.41.

0000 AL4279 Nothing to report.
0400 AL4531 TC "
0800 AL5413 "
1200 AL5434 TR "
1600 AL5516 "
1800 Course change: 148°. Intention: By midnight 12 August we should be ahead of the target on expected course line and will head west to intercept target using visual and hydrophone.
2000 AL5567 Nothing to report.
2340 E7, Sea 4, clouds clear, Vis. good Course change: 270°. Reduced diesels to LF.

12.8.41.

0000 Submerged to 60m for hydrophone check.
Nothing.
0100 Surfaced.
0400 AL5828 Radio message recieved from BdU to Grönland Wolfpack via U-568: "AE7665 British Corvette (Flower) HMS Picotee hit by single torpedo. Broke in two and sank immediately. 925 tons."
0500 Submerged to 60m for hydrophone check.
Nothing.
0600 Surfaced.
0800 AL5817 Changed course to 90° and increased diesels to AK. Thoughts that we had missed the target. Tried to overrun on assumed course.
1200 AL5837 Nothing to report.
1600 AL6727 "
2000 NE7, Sea 5, clouds clear, Vis. very good Fuel close to 60%. Decided to stop the chase. Fuel too low to continue at AK. Target might have changed course.
Patrolling grids AL9-7.
Course change: 137°. Diesels at LF.

13.8.41.

0000 AL6873 Nothing to report.
0400 AL9220 "
0800 AL9276 BR "
1200 AL9614 "
1600 E7, Sea 5, clouds overcast, lightning in distance, Vis. fairly good Submerged to 60m to give watchcrew some respite due to change in weather. Continuing until batteries and CO2 levels become too low.
2000 AL9681 TL Nothing to report.

14.8.41.

0000 AL9684 TC "
0400 AL9688 TL E7, Sea 6, clouds overcast, Vis. poor Surfaced.
0800 AL9960 Nothing to report.
1200 AL9997 New course: 275°.
1300 Clouds clearing, Vis. good
1600 AL9970 Nothing to report.
1700 New course: 289°.
2000 AL9859 BR SE7, Sea 5, clouds clear, Vis. good Nothing to report.

15.8.41.

0000 AL9842 "
0400 AL9734 TL "
0800 AL9470 "
1200 AL8567 S6, Sea 4, clouds clear, Vis. good "
1600 AL8518 W6, Sea 4, clouds clear, Vis. good "
2000 AL8431 "

16.8.41.

0000 AL8172 Submerged to 60m for respite and to save on fuel.
0400 AL8172 TL Nothing to report.
0800 AL8147 Surfaced.
1100 W7, Sea 5, clouds overcast, rain and heavy fog, Vis. poor Submerged to 60m.
1200 AL7253 Nothing to report.
1600 AL7228 "
2000 AL7227 "

17.8.41.

0000 AL7216 "
0400 AL7210 S7, Sea 5, clouds overcast, rain and heavy fog, Vis. poor Surfaced to replensih air and recharge batteries.
0710 Batteries recharged. Submerged to 60m. Electric motors at KF.
0800 AL7211 BR Nothing to report.
1200 AL7211 TL "
1300 New course: 260°.
1600 AL7133 Nothing to report.
2000 AL7132 "

18.8.41.

0000 AL7132 BL S7, Sea 5, clouds overcast, heavy rain and fog, Vis. poor, lightning in distance Battery charging.
0106 Batteries recharged. Patrol report sent to BdU: "Fuel almost at 50%. Weather conditions very poor. At KF fuel should reach St. Nazaire surfaced and submerged. 10 torpedoes including reserves."

0120 Radio message received from BdU: "Return to St. Nazaire. Economise fuel. Use torpedoes on targets of opportunity."
Submerged to 60m. New course: 107°.
0400 AL7130 Nothing to report.
0800 AL7130 BR "
1200 AL7139 "
1600 AL7217 "
1710 W6, Sea 6, overcast, rain and heavy fog, Vis. very poor, lightning Surfaced to recharge batteries and renew air.
Radio message received from BdU via U-38: "AD7969 0250 fired two torpedoes at Steam Merchant Longtaker. Sank within one minute."
1804 Batteries recharged. Submerged to 60m.
2000 AL7217 Nothing to report.

19.8.41.

0000 AL7218 BC "
0400 AL7243 "
0800 AL7251 "
1200 AL7254 E5, Sea 4, overcast, lightning in distance Vis. fairly good, medium fog Surfaced. Diesels at HF. Recharging batteries. Continued on surface whilst low visibility reduced threat from enemy aircraft.
1306 Batteries recharged.
1600 AL7293 TL Nothing to report.
2000 AL8187 Reduced engines to KF in order to conserve fuel.

20.8.41.

0000 AL8423 TL E4, Sea 3, overcast, medium fog, lightning in distance, Vis. poor Nothing to report.
0400 AL8431 "
0800 AL8436 "
1200 AL8517 "
1600 AL8543 TL "
2000 AL8551 Submerged to 60m for hydrophone check due to limited visibility.

21.8.41.

0000 AL8550 TC Nothing to report.
0400 AL8556 "
0800 AL8556 BR "
1200 AL8567 TC "
1400 AL8567 E0, Sea 1, clouds clear, Vis. very good Surfaced to replenish oxygen and recharge batteries.
1509 Batteries recharged.
1600 AL8568 Nothing to report.
2000 AL9471 TL "

22.8.41.

0000 AL9472 "
0400 AL9484 "
0800 AL9488 "
1200 AL9731 TC "
1506 Chief Engineer confirmed diesel reserves at 50%. At KF we have plenty of fuel to reach home base. However, I am reluctant to increase diesel engine speed in case we need more fuel in order to chase potential targets.
1600 AL9733 BL Nothing to report.
2000 AL9814 NE7, Sea 5, overcast, heavy rain and fog, Vis. poor Weather has severely worsened. Submerged to 60m.

23.8.41.

0000 AL9810 Nothing to report.
0400 AL9819 TL "
0800 AL9819 "
1200 AL9827 NNW7, Sea 5, overcast, heavy rain and fog, Vis. verry poor Surfaced. Batteries recharged.
1300 Batteries recharged.
1330 No change in weather. Therefore submerged to 60m.
1600 AL9852 TC Nothing to report.
2000 AL9853 TL "

24.8.41.

0000 AL9853 "
0400 AL9861 "
0800 AL9860 NNW7, Sea 4, overcast, medium fog, Vis. poor Surfaced. Recharging.
0911 Batteries recharged.
1000 Radio message recieved from BdU: "Patrol grid BE6 until further orders."
New course: 150°. Increased diesels to HF until we reached BE61.
1200 AL9896 BR Radio message recieved from BdU to Grönland Wolfpack via U-101: "0953 Attacked by aircraft. Two depth charges. No damage."
1600 BE2349 Nothing to report.
2000 BE2652 "
2200 BE2686 Submerged to 60m. Electric motors at KF.
2329 Sonar contact, bearing: 211°. Merchant, speed: slow.
2340 Vis. poor Surfaced. Target heading East. Diesels increased to HF. Course: 65°.
Intention: to get ahead of target following assumed heading.

25.8.41.

0000 BE2694 Course: 21°.
0038 Ship spotted on bearing: 325°. Heading: East. Course change: 85° to run ahead.
0043 Estimated target speed: 7 knots.
0100 New course: 54°.
0110 New course: 87°.
0210 Course: 356°. Battle stations!
0230 Ordered periscope depth for submerged attack.
Target: Steamer, speed: 7 knots, range: 1000m. Torpedoes Eto AZ set at minimum depth due to sea conditions, aim-point: foredeck, stack.
0305 Through the periscope it became obvious that there were two x merchants once out of the gloomy murk of the night sky conditions.
Target #1 with a long centre funnel followed by a smaller merchant.
#1 Steam Merchant 4000GRT.
#2 Small Merchant 2000 GRT.
0322 #1 Green 90°. Tube I fired at foredeck, II at stack 15 seconds after. Both hits after 49 seconds run times respectively.
0324 Tube III was fired but missed.
Target started to turn toward periscope. Dived to 50m. Unable to fire at small merchant as it took evasive action.
Followed second target. Unable to use deck gun due to sea conditions.
0330 Periscope depth. Target #1 has sunk.
Intending to follow small merchant and hope for a weather change rather than waste an eel.
Unable to assist survivors of stricken merchant.
0332 Confirmation of torpedo miss. Through the periscope merchant continuing on original heading. Searchlight lit.
Surfaced to keep up with target's speed. Zigzagging.
0348 Able to determine target's course as original: 87° with zigzagging. Will head further East and attack.
Radio message received from BdU: "Confirmed sinking. British Steam Merchant Alderpool. 4313 tons. Cargo: Wheat. Crew: 39. Crew lost: 0."
2200 Well ahead of target's proposed course. Submerged to 60m, electric motors at KF. Lying in wait.

26.8.41.

0000 BE6531 BC Nothing to report.
0400 BE6530 "
0800 BE6538 "
1200 BE6563 Surfaced. Battery recharge.
Message received from BdU to Grönland Wolfpack via U-652: "0044 Hit Minelayer HMS Southern Prince. Damaged but not sunk. AE9185."
1300 Batteries recharged.
1400 W7, Sea 5, partial clouds, Vis. good Nothing to report.
1600 BE6679 "
2000 BE6964 BL S7, Sea 5, partial clouds, Vis. good "
2238 New course: 270°.

27.8.41.

0000 BE6997 TR Nothing to report.
0400 BE6979 "
0800 BE6897 "
1014 Radio report: "1000 Ship BE6544. Course: WSW. Speed: slow."
160km from our location. Abandoned chase of small merchant for this potential target.
1200 BE6876 TL Nothing to report.
1500 Radio message recieved from BdU to Grönland Wolfpack via U-202: "1435 British Steam Trawler Lady Love. 230 tons. Hit with one torpedo. Trawler sank within 15 seconds. AE8439. Crew: 14. Crew lost: 14."
1600 BE6764 Nothing to report.
1800 Submerged to 60m for hydrophone check.
Course: 50°.
1900 Very faint contact at 310°.
Course change: 00°.
A definite sound contact ahead. Target heading: 240°?
1908 BE6728 Surfaced. Course: 295°.
Interception marked at grid BE6724. ETA: 2030.
2000 BE6724 BR Nothing to report.
2012 Ship spotted on bearing: 106° on starboard.
Intention: to attack using stern tubes.
Course change: 332°.
2025 Ordered periscope depth.
2030 BE6724 Battle stations. Target: Steamer, speed 7 knots, heading: 242°, stern attack green 90°, range: 800m, minimum depth AZ
2106 Target ID: Steam Merchant approx. 5000 GRT.
2115 Steamer is armed. Stern deck gun.
2119 Tube V fired. Aim-point: centre funnel. After 49 seconds torpedo impact.
2124 Through the persicope I could see a hole in the starboard side beneath the centre stack. Target was still moving. Weather conditions hopefully will clear to use the deck gun therefore ran parallel and got ahead of the steamer.
2130 Surfaced but sea conditions still too rough to use deck gun. Shadowed steamer and reloaded stern tube. Stayed out of trajectory of enemy deck gun.
2145 Target heading: 315°.
2155 Target keeling over to starboard.
Radio message intercepted: "SOS. Westpool. U-Boat attack. Hit in starboard. Sinking. Abandoning ship."
2200 Periscope depth in case of aircraft attack. Observed target to ensure sinking.
2210 Coup de Grâce fired dead ahead at bow AZ. After 45 seconds impact.
2216 Finally steamer slipped beneath the surface.
3 x lifeboats observed. Unable to assist survivors due to the clear sky and the risk of aircraft attack following the distress signal intercepted. Distanced us from lifeboats. Course: 270°.

28.8.41.

0000 BE6716 TR S7, Sea 5, partial clouds, Vis. good Sea conditions too rough to load external torpedo. Lookouts alert for aircraft.
Radio message recieved from BdU: "Confirmed sinking. Westpool. 5724 tons. Cargo: Iron. Crew: 45. Crew lost: 35."
0236 BE6714 Course: 118°. Diesel reserves at 30%. Range at HF: 2700km.
Plotted course for St. Nazaire: 1700km.
1 x fore torpedo, 1 x aft torpedo, 1 x aft external (until sea conditions improve, cannot load).
0400 BE6718 Nothing to report.
0700 BE6758 S6, Sea 4, clouds clear, Vis. good Ordered all engines stop. Started to load external torpedo before sunrise.
0800 W0, Sea 1, clouds clear, Vis. very good External torpedo loaded. Diesels at KF.
1200 BE6791 NNW0, Sea 1, clouds clear, Vis. very good, hazy Course: 56°.
1600 BE6768 Nothing to report.
2000 BE6841 "

29.8.41.

0000 BE6818 TC "
0400 BE6813 "
0800 BE6580 BL "
1200 BE6583 "
1500 W6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. moderate Weather change.
1600 BE6564 Nothing to report.
2000 BE6562 "

30.8.41.

0000 BE6614 BL "
0400 BE6612 "
0800 [Save corruption. The following is only conjecture following a corrupt save as nothing could be salvaged:
Travelling at KF U-73 would have reached Saint Nazaire from its last location in 6 days = 5th September in a direct route.
I had planned on patrolling grid BE63 for a few days to use the last three torpedoes. Therefore my patrol will have ended on the same date as Rosenbaum (7th September) as there was still sufficient fuel travelling at KF.
The ship names sunk have been lost through SHCmdr so I have used the names of those ships sunk by Rosenbaum keeping the tonnage approximately the same as within game.
The following radio messages are still added in order to finish this historical patrol.]

3.9.41.

2200 Radio message received from BdU to Grönland Wolfpack via U-567: "AL8563, 2042 Torpedoed and sank British Motor Merchant Fort Richepanse. 3485 tons. Cargo: mail. Crew: 58. Crew lost: 36."

5.9.41.

1247 Radio message received from BdU to Grönland Wolfpack via U-501: "Norwegian Steam Merchant Einvik hit by torpedo and sunk by gunfire. 2000 tons. Crew: 23. Crew lost: 0."

7.9.41.

1200 St. Nazaire Made fast.

Awarded Iron Cross 1st Class.

Comments of the BdU on the KTB of "U-73" (Rosenbaum) from 1 August - 7 September April 1941:

U-73 contributed well within Grönland Wolfpack and Rosenbaum deserved his Iron Cross 1st Class.

Accredited success:

EMPIRE ENDURANCE 8570 GRT sunk
WAYNEGATE 4260 GRT sunk
ALDERPOOL 4313 GRT sunk
WESTPOOL 5724 GRT sunk

[ninja turtle]

During this patrol, Rosenbaum and U-73 was unsuccessful in finding/sinking any targets whereas I was able to sink 4 x Merchants.
Because of the way SH3 starts on the 1st of the month with a new career, I had an additional 6 days within the patrol. However, with the corrupt save the final few days was conjecture.
Rosenbaum's patrol was 32 days.
My patrol 'lasted' 38 days.
Although I was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class within this patrol, Rosenbaum actually was awarded his on 25th April 1941.
My next patrol with Rosenbaum will either be his 6th patrol when he travelled from St. Nazaire through the Gibraltar Straits to La Spezia or one of his patrols from La Spezia.

To be continued...

[sublynx]

Thanks for the report! Too bad about the save.