Hilfskreuzer Schiff 44 (HSK-16) “Afrika” [Archive]

CPTLTJASON

10-02-21, 09:02 PM

July 10, 1940 Indian Ocean 37°31’S, 47°42’E 327th day at sea.

Radio report picked up on 30.6.1940 from radio Berlin

"Deutsche Hilfskreuzer auf kaperfahrt im allen meer. Die Deutsche Hilfskreuzer im Indischen Ozean hat 72.000 BRT Schiffsfracht versenkt und ihre Minen haben 10 Schiffe für 50.000 BRT Schiffsfracht versenkt.

Continuing the hunt in the Indian Ocean May 28th, Ship 15 sank the British freighter HUFFMAN 5,195 grt (JSQY) from Melbourne to Southampton loaded with tires and steel plate. On May 31st 2 ships were sent to bottom within minutes, first was the Australian tanker BELLWOOD 2,780 grt (PNXH) from N.Boerno to Malta via the Cape Town-Freetown-Gibraltar loaded with 3,000 t of fuel oil. 17 minutes later a large freighter was sighted and engaged the Australian freighter KIRKLAND 7,178 grt (GSGE) from Sydney to Liverpool via Cape Town loaded with airplane engines, propellers, steel, tin, and misc cargo. On June 3rd the British freighter ALTON 4,100 grt (CDJE) was shelled and sunk she was transporting army and air force equipment from Calcutta to Liverpool via Durban-Cape Town. Returning to the South African coast on June 27th Ship 15 sank the British tramp steamer MILLHOUSE 4,067 grt (QPDJ) from Durban to Freetown loaded with misc. cargo and mail. Ship 15 has sunk 12 ships for 72,000 grt. With 422 prisoners aboard Ship 15 proceeded to meet the tanker Nordmark at (Point Green 10 Waiting Area Nr.III) she arrived on July 1st and for 10 days prisoners, provisions, ammunition, mines, stores, fuel, mail, etc. was transferred between the two ships. Now FKpt.z.S Brinkmann plans to operate North of the equator in the Bay of Bengal and as Far East as the South China Sea. Ship 15 will retain her anonymous British disguise as no ship has been able to transmit her appearance.

Laid minefields,

-Cape Town Minefield Nr.I-X: The radio reports of the minefield are less than the propaganda put it since the laying of the minefield 6 ships have been confirmed sunk.

-Cape of Good Hope Minefield Nr.I: No successes from this minefield have been picked up.
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CPTLTJASON

10-02-21, 09:04 PM

11/1/1940 South Atlantic 22°50’S, 7°39’E 441st day at sea

Since the last report Ship 15 has sent an additional 8 ships to the bottom, off the coast of Madagascar 2 ships were shelled, On July 14th the French steamer LUXOR 8,205 grt (FHWJ) from Diego Suarez to Plymouth loaded with misc. cargo. on the 23rd the French motorship KATHERINE 7,903 grt (ZSPL) from Karachi to London loaded with tea, spices, teak, and general cargo. Proceeding into the Bay of Bengal Ship 15 sank 2 ships on September 1st, in the morning was the British steamer CARNIVAL 8,053 grt (TCIZ) from Calcutta to Freetown. In the afternoon the British freighter NORTHWEST 8,140 grt (VVSU) from Madras to London loaded with tea, spices, oil nuts, and jute. The following morning the British freighter CORK 4,056 grt (OZXU) from Rangoon to Gibraltar loaded with army and air force equipment. After this success the Kommandant moved into the Laccadive Sea where Ship 15 sank 2 British freighters on September 12th the BIRMINGHAM 2,427 grt (LMCR) from Colombo to Singapore loaded with stores, mail, and naval stores. Three days later on the 15th the FLYNN 8,039 grt (TUFB) was sunk loaded with 8,100 tons of wheat and flour from Sydney to London via Karachi-Durban-Freetown. Moving into the Arabian Sea Ship 15 sank only one ship the British freighter KINGSTONE 4,012 grt (DOUV) in ballast from Suez to Colombo.

The Kommandant decided to begin the return transit as Schiff 16 and 33 were now operating in the Indian Ocean and Ship 36 and 45 in the Pacific. Brinkmann is now making for the Atlantic for a final hunt before making for Germany. On October 29th the Kommandant was awarded the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross.

Ship 15 has sunk 123,278 grt of shipping.

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CPTLTJASON

10-03-21, 01:47 PM

1/5/1941 Central Atlantic 505th day at sea
The hunt continues with Ship 15 sinking freighters in the Atlantic and Caribbean. On November 7th 2 British freighters are sunk the BRENTON 5,021 grt (OFJD) from Karachi to Cape Town loaded with textiles, tea, and spices. Later in the afternoon the British freighter CHESTER 4,093 grt (CJNH) from Melbourne to Southampton loaded with timber, steel, rubber, and mail. Crossing the equator for the last time on November 12th Ship 15 made for the Central and North Atlantic to continue operations. On December 11th the British freighters CLEMENTINE 5,252 grt (CFCG) from Cape Town to Malta loaded with airplane engines and propellers and the freighter NORINGTON 5,188 grt (YDBF) from in ballast from Halifax to Karachi. After the sinking of the Norington, Ship 15 proceeded into the Caribbean where on December 21st the small British freighter ATLAS 2,429 grt (HCHF) was sighted and sunk. On December 24th a Norwegian tanker was sighted, stopped, and taken prize she was the motor tanker HORTEN 8,384 grt (VNIS) she was placed under the command of Oblt.z.S.d.R Kuhn and with a prize crew (1 officer, 3 Petty Officers, and 12 ratings) was sent back to Germany (Prize Nr.I) along with her cargo of 10,000 t of gasoline the 563 prisoners Ship 15 had aboard were transferred as well. These successes bring Ship 15’s total to 26 ships for 153,642 grt, however Brinkmann wants more, He plans to take Ship 15 to the Pernambuco area to hunt the South American shipping lanes. The plan is to remain North of the Equator and because there are still 130 EMC mines aboard FKpt.z.S Brinkmann plans to lay 2 minefields off Freetown and on the approaches to the Strait of Gibraltar for this another tanker must be captured intact. Brinkmann plans to make for the Trinidad-Gibraltar-Freetown routes by mid-January and begin the return transit in late February.
Included in today's report is the Ship's emblem Oberbootsmann Karl Neumeister designed it for Ship 15 in early 1940.

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CPTLTJASON

10-03-21, 04:50 PM

2/18/1941 Baltic, Kiel,
After 550 days at sea the Hilfskreuzer Typhoon (Schiff 15) arrives at Kiel. During that time she sank 33 ships for 175,746 grt of shipping, mined 9 ships (7 freighters and 2 tankers), and took 5 ships prize for an additional 35,000 grt which brings the total score to 210,746 grt of enemy shipping destroyed.
List of ships sunk by Ship 15 since the last report,
January 9th COLUMBIA 4,229 grt (WNDJ) Calcutta-Liverpool British
17th KENSINGTON 2,435 grt (PSJV) Liverpool-Calcutta British
21st ORTEGA 3,630 grt (VNDJ) Halifax-Cape Town Canadian
22nd WILLINGTON 4,247 grt (CSHV) Hong Kong-Southampton British
WORCHESTER 3,680 grt (TUCB) Penang-London British
26th RIPLEY 2,658 grt (EYBC) Colombo-Plymouth British
27th CALVERY 7,906 grt (VFGX) Sydney-Southampton Australian
30th WOODSTOCK 1,703 grt (CJSH) Freetown-Halifax British
Grand Admiral Reader was present among the crowd to receive Ship 15 Reader presented Kapitan.z.S Brinkmann with Knights Cross of the Iron Cross. He was later decorated by the Fuhrer with the Oak Leaves and Swords. Ship 15 was decommissioned on March 1, 1941 and was recommissioned as a minelayer/transport ship she was sunk on August 31, 1944 after being hit by a torpedo from an unknown submarine in the Baltic Sea NW of Danzig Bay. Brinkmann took a position with the Seekriegslietung working in the Hilfskreuzer Operations Division until it was dissolved in October 1943 with the sinking of the Michel he held other staff positions until the end of the war. He was detained in May 1945 but released in November. The fate of the Officers and crew is for the most part unclear many went on to serve in Schnellboote and uboats of the 16 Officers, 50 Petty Officers, and 300 ratings it is known that 138 did not survive the war.

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CPTLTJASON

10-25-21, 10:33 PM

Enough of this planning BS which is getting me nowhere, The Hilfskreuzer “Afrika” Ship 44 will sail in a weeks time, a brief summary of the beginning of the voyage, the raider will sail on November 1, 1938 bound for Spanish water during the Spanish Civil War, from April 1939-August 10, 1939 the raider will call at various ports around the world during which the ship’s crew will be drilled with her support ships Reichenfels and Kybfels sister ships of the Weserfels “Ship 44” Kandelfels “Ship 33” and Goldenfels “Ship 16”.

As for the rest of the story we’ll have to wait and see……..In the meantime Ship 44 will remain in port(at least until I get a new charger for my laptop)

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CPTLTJASON

10-28-21, 11:15 AM

May 1, 1938 A.G. Weser Werft, Bremen Commissioning Pier

After many months of reading, writing, and utter failure I bring you the war patrol of the Hilfskreuzer Schiff Nr.44 “Afrika”

Ship 44 began her life as the DDG Hansa Line freighter Weserfels 7,700 grt (DOSG) working the East Asia Line (Hamburg-Calcutta). On her 8th voyage she pulled into Hamburg loaded with Oil Nuts, Jute, Oil Cakes, among other cargo. 3 days later on August 2, 1937 officers and representatives of the Kriegsmarine and Deschimag A.G. Weser Werft boarded the freighter and were taken to the master’s cabin Kplt.z.S Muller informed Kapitan Neumeister “We have orders to requisition the Weserfels for naval service”. Eight hours later the remaining cargo was disembarked and the Weserfels sailed for Bremen arriving 16 hours later under the temporary command of Muller, and docked at the Haushafen II she remained there for 3 days before her new commanding officer arrived KKpt.z.S Hans Felix Hartman. By this time the Spanish Civil War had been raging for over a year. Hartmann had served as Artillery officer aboard the Admiral Graf Spee before that he commanded a minesweeper (M-13) and expert in navigation, minelaying, and artillery made him a suitable candidate for the commander of a commerce raider. Hartmann took command and sailed the ship for the Deschimag A.G. Weser Werft, Bremen where the ship would undergo an extensive refit and modifications

In a 8 months shipwrights lengthened, modified, and finally armed the Weserfels now known by her hull number HSK-16. She was completed on April 30, 1938 and commissioned the following day. During the 8 months she was at the shipyard Hartmann began picking his 440 man crew he meticulously picked officers, petty officers, and ratings rejecting the initial recommendations of the personnel office. After the commissioning came the five and half months of training. Artillery, minelaying, torpedo firing, aircraft launch and recovery, engine, rudder exercises and trials were conducted in the Baltic.
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CPTLTJASON

10-29-21, 08:02 PM

October 31, 1938 Kiel, Kaiserhafen IV

Confident that his ship was ready for action Hartmann sailed into Kiel on August 5, 1938 and docked at the Kaiserhafen IV that same evening Ship 44 took on her ammunition, torpedoes, stores, mines, fuel, water, coal among other items needed for her operation. Hartmann, recently promoted to Fregattenkapitän has been making several trips to Berlin for briefings with the Seekriegslietung (1/SKL)

On October 1st Ship 44 weighed anchor and proceeded to Kiel-Holtenau the home base of 5/196 Bordfliegerstaffel here she took aboard 6 Arado Ar 196 A-1 aircraft during the night, by dawn she was back at her dock and loading resumed.

Shipments are brought in by train or ship, Hartmann arranged to have no more than 30 wagons per shipment by day each set would arrive with a mix of food, provisions, supplies, spare parts, torpedoes, ammunition, etc. for 4 nights barges would come alongside and load mines (100 EMC mines per shipment).

On the night of October 30th, a new Leichte Schnellboote (LS 33) arrived and was hoisted aboard. The following Morning 10 wagons were dropped off these contained ammunition, fuel, spare parts, and equipment for the boat. The final shipment was on October 19th when 103 wagons were dropped off these contained wood, steel plate, beams, canvas, paint, among other structural materials needed to effect disguises. The following evening and into the night 60 officers and men of the newly formed 8.MSK under Oblt.z.S Felix von Lindner board Ship 44 a few hours later the Luftwaffe detachment under the command of Hptm Wolfgang Kelsch come aboard along with 15 Prize officers, an indication of what was expected of Ship 44.

During the night the ship’s disguise was changed, she was to become a transport sailing under the “Reich Service Flag”

1. Hull Black

2. Superstructure light grey

3. I and X 15cm guns camouflaged and painted grey

4. Smokestack length and width remain

5. Masts yellow without the crows nest

6. Boats setout

7. Deck hatches, ventilators, winches, booms, etc. painted grey

8. Masts and cargo booms put up

9. Draft marks added to hull

10. Reich Service Flag hoisted atop the bearing deck.

Ship 44 has orders to sail at 01:00 hrs. on November 1.

*Radio Transmission Gkdos 3184/38 *
After 01:00 hrs. on November 1st Ship 44 is to depart at Kommandant discretion.

*S.K.L.*

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CPTLTJASON

10-29-21, 08:04 PM

November 1, 1938 Kiel Harbor 1st day at sea

Loading was completed late on the 31st at 23:00 hrs. the I. Officer KKpt Baumgartner informs the Kommandant “All crew present and accounted for, Ship clear for sea” at midnight the starboard watch is called, and at 01:10 hrs. Ship 44 raises anchor and casts off no bands nor crowds are there to see them off the raider silently pulls away from the harbor unbeknownst to all aboard that this is the last they will see of Germany for a very long time.................

Hartmann has orders to proceed to the Mediterranean and conduct commerce warfare against Spanish republican shipping coming down from Odessa, USSR. Since the attack on the Panzerschiff Deutschland on May 27, 1937 and another attack on the cruiser Leipzig on the 15th and 18th of June, Germany withdrew from Nonintervention patrols uboats have since been sent, albeit secretly however these operations have failed. The orders for Ship 44 were quite specific,* *“The auxiliary cruiser must only sink merchants flying the Spanish Republican flag or the flag of the USSR. Before engaging a merchant, it must be certain that the identity of the enemy has been positively established to avoid the destruction of an allied or neutral vessel”**. The area of operations of Ship 44 is between the ports of Cartagena and Barcelona, and no further east of the Baleares Islands. Furthermore, the operational orders state, **“If the operations of the auxiliary cruiser become known the ship is to leave the area immediately and return once the situation has settled down”**. Mining operations are to be carried out according to the SKL’s recommendations, **“The areas in which mines must be laid are as follows, 1.) On the approaches to the Ports of Valencia and Barcelona. 2.) on the Odessa-Cartagena/Barcelona/Valencia routes”.** More details will come as the ship heads out. Hartmann will take the short route through the English Channel. No escort will be taken out of Kiel to avoid being seen or announcing our departure.

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CPTLTJASON

11-05-21, 12:54 PM

11/28/1938 Gulf of Valencia, 41° 7'N, 4° 11'E (3877 CH) 28th day at sea

Ship 44 has been busy since entering the Gulf on the 22nd of November. In the late evening of the 22nd a small steamer was sighted and at 16:10 Ship 44 decamouflaged and hoisted battle ensign. At 16:11 Fkpt Hartmann ordered the I. Gunnery Officer Kplt(V) Byer to open fire. Cannons VIII, IX, and X opened fire at 8000m, closing the range to 3000m Ship 44 fired 14 salvos obtaining hits on the superstructure, bridge, engine room, and funnel. At 16:19 the ship slowed and eventually stopped. The Kommandant decided against sending a boarding commando aboard as the ship was mostly on fire, 2 lifeboats (Nr. III and V) were sent to rescue the crew all crewmembers were rescued and brought aboard the raider. The master Captain L.R Garcia gave a brief statement to the Kommandant: “The Pinto departed Odessa, USSR on November 9th loaded with ammunition, army/air force equipment, and misc. cargo”.
The first success of Ship 44 was the Spanish Republican freighter PINTO 2,427 grt (AZTO) from Odessa, USSR-Barcelona.
The following morning a British task force was sighted Numerous destroyers, and at least 2 freighters The Navigation Officer L.z.S Schneider, identified the 2 larger vessels as the HMS London and HMS Dorsetshire. At 12:20 another Spanish Republican freighter was spotted at 12:26 range 4000m Ship 44 decamouflaged and hoisted her battle ensign, she signaled “Stop immediately, do not use wireless, sending boat”. The vessel complies and the main radio room reports no distress signals on the 500m, 600m, or 650m wavelengths. A boarding commando under Oblt.z.S Schmidt boarded the vessel and determining that nothing of value could be taken, evacuated the crew, and 170 lbs. of scuttling charges placed aboard in the holds and engine room. These do little more than cause the ship to settle again Hartmann ordered the artillery to finish off the ship, cannons IX and X open fire, 8 salvos (16 HE rounds) send the freighter to the bottom. The freighter was the NORTE 5,929 grt (GCFH) from Odessa-Valencia loaded with army stores and equipment. 105 prisoners aboard. Later that day another enemy ship was sighted the French tanker BONAAT 10,316 grt (ZTLO) from Toulon-Tampico, Mexico. The freighter was not stopped, only friendly greetings exchanged. 15:15 Mtr.O.Gfr Weber on the fore crosstrees reported to the Bridge, “Feindlicher frachter in sicht mit 351°T 3000m, Spanische republikansische flagge vom mast! 2 minutes later Ship 44 rang out 4 salvos from cannons VI and VIII the freighter was hit 7 times in the engine room and bridge the freighter turns to port and explodes, a cutter (Nr. I) is sent away to rescue survivors 15 were saved including 2 officers. It is later determined that the Master, 3 officers, and 49 sailors went down with ship. The freighter FRESNO 6,393 grt (KDNC) again from Odessa-Cartagena loaded with ammunition. For the next 5 days no shipping has been sighted, The Kommandant will retain the disguise of the English ship. 118 prisoners are now aboard. Hartmann plans to transfer them to the freighter Kybfels which has departed La Spezia, Italy on November 27th.

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CPTLTJASON

11-07-21, 12:09 AM

12/18/1938 Mediterranean Sea 48th day at sea

Ship 44 hasn’t encountered a single enemy since the last report, now Hartmann the I. Offizier, Navigation officers, and the mine officer laid out a plan to mine 2 harbors and part of the supply route. Working north to south Ship 44 mined the Port of Valencia during the night of 11/28-29 79 EMC mines were laid without being detected. During the day Ship 44 laid a larger minefield (121 mines) along the Odessa Supply route this minefield was laid where the Odessa-Cartagena and Odessa-Valencia routes meet. Moving North towards Barcelona Ship 44 laid her remaining 27 mines, undetected she left the area passing between the Islands of Majorca and Menorca at 17 knots. On December 1, 1938 Ship 44 and the freighter Kybfels met during the night they transferred prisoners so as to keep the identity of the Kybfels anonymous.

The following morning the Kybfels disguised as an Italian freighter proceeded west towards the Strait of Gibraltar and off to Vigo where the prisoners would be released.

For 10 days Ship 44 remained changing her disguise yet again and overhauling the Diesel engines, she would take on the identity of the Kybfels
1. Outer hull painted black
2. White superstructure
3. Yellow masts height remained the same
4. Ventilators, winches, etc. painted dark yellow
5. Funnel painted in DDG Hansa line livery height
and width remain the same
6. 4 Derricks removed
7. Cannons I and X disguised as deckhouses both
are painted white
8. German merchant flag hoisted on the signal deck

During the night the main radio room reported the first success of the minefields,

1. Soviet freighter ANASTASIA 7,310 grt (TLOZ)
2. Soviet freighter LOTZ 2,616 grt (UNTZ)
3. Spanish Republican freighter LUISA 1,300 grt (BYTM)
4. Spanish Republican tanker BRANKO 7,960 grt (YMLZ)
5. Spanish Republican tanker TOLEDO 6,000 grt (BOMM)
6. Soviet tanker MOLOTOV 9,360 grt (PMOM)
Total tonnage sunk: 34,816 grt

Hartmann reported the success to the 1/SKL and at 08:00 hrs.

Radio message 1366/38 Anlage 169/38
“Have sunk 10 ships for 49,565 grt”, 3 minefields laid off Valencia, Barcelona, and the Odessa shipping route”.
Ship 44

Just over an hour later, Ship 44 received the following radio message,

Radio message 1513/38 Anlage 1761/38
“Congratulations to the Kommandant and crew, released from combat operations, proceed as directed (gkdos 1773/38 anlage 1923/38 V.1.9.28)”
1/Seekriegslietung

Ship 44 set sail for La Spezia arriving 3 days later meeting the freighter Hamburg and the tanker Hansel. She remained at La Spezia for 3 days her departure delayed due to bad weather her next stop is Piraeus, Greece. After that she will spend time training in Mediterranean south of Island of Cyprus.

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CPTLTJASON

11-07-21, 07:20 PM

2/15/1938 Mediterranean Sea 107th day at sea

Ship 44 arrived at Piraeus and spend Christmas at the port. On December 27th Ship 44 departed Piraeus for Point X and Area A where she would conduct training with the seaplanes and Leichte Schnellboote.
The Leichte Schnellboote (LS 33) conducted minelaying exercises. On January 1st Hartmann was promoted to Kapitan zur See. For the last 3 weeks officers and men of 8.Marine Stosstrupp Kompanie trained disembarking and reembarking from Ship 44. On February 13th Kapitan.z.S Hartmann informed that they would return to the Atlantic before crossing the Straits of Gibraltar Ship 44 would conduct another raid along the Odessa supply route. Hartmann decided to avoid visiting anymore ports.

Once the Spanish Civil War draws to a close Hartmann will undertake an expedition into the Pacific Ocean in which the vessel will seek out the best islands to use as bases and rendezvous points for commerce raiders. After this Ship 44 will return to Kiel by the end of the summer.

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CPTLTJASON

11-08-21, 07:41 PM

Apologies for again ending the patrol but I’m still not satisfied,

3/21/1939 Mediterranean Sea 40km South of Majorca Island 141st day at sea

Ship 44 has had success of in just 3 days 7 freighters and 2 tankers were sunk for 31,827 grt, however just south of the Island of Majorca. the Spanish Republican submarine C-5 was on patrol.Under the command of Capitan de Navio Ernesto Garcia the submarine had left Valencia on March 18th en route to the Italian supply lines of the Nationalists 2 days before Ship 44 had taken the guise of a Greek freighter The raider was approaching Majorca At 13:30 hrs. The port bridge watch reported torpedo tracks bearing 349°T Hartmann ordered hard to port but It was too late the first torpedo slammed into the ship under the aircraft hold. The second torpedo detonated 300-500m away Hartmann at once steered for the Island in hopes of beaching the raider, no sooner had he given the order that a second torpedo struck astern in the area of the aft magazine a colossal explosion engulfed the raider before anyone could escape. Of the 430 officers and ratings there were no survivors.

Ship 44 had been at sea for 141 days sailed 57,000 km and had sunk 62,000 grt of shipping. The crew were posthumously awarded the Iron Cross I and II class as well as the Spanish Cross in Silver and the
Kommandant the Spanish Cross in Gold

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CPTLTJASON

12-24-21, 09:53 PM

From the Kommandant, Officers, and Ratings of the Merchant raider "Afrika" we wish y'all a blessed and Merry Christmas!

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CPTLTJASON

01-25-22, 05:08 PM

During the first and second world wars submarines posed the greatest threat to England’s supply lines. Operating mainly in the Atlantic and Mediterranean they sank over ¾ of allied shipping despite this they had limited range and couldn’t operate independently against England’s global empire, so the Germans developed other ways to sink vessels around the world by using surface warships and disguised commerce raiders to sink over 1,500,000 tons of shipping and above all they tied down allied warships hunting them.
11 merchants in total were converted , 9 made it to sea however, there was a 12th raider her identity never established by Bletchley Park. She was a large, dreaded merchant raider rumored doomed to sail the 7 seas for eternity this is the story of the Merchant Raider “Stortebecker”..................

The raider began her career as a freighter of the DDG Hansa Line’s Ehrenfels Class of motorships, she was the “Weserfels”7,000 grt built at the Deshimag A.G. Weser Werft, Bremen in 1936 she entered commercial service in 1938 and ran the Hansa Line’s East Asia Route from Calcutta to Hamburg. On returning from a voyage from Calcutta the Weserfels docked early at Hamburg and by the afternoon she was in the hands of the Kriegsmarine who intended to use her as supply ship for the raging Spanish Civil War instead the Seekriegslietung had a different fate for the ship she was to be converted into the navy’s first commerce raider but not just any commerce raider for a year and half the vessel was transformed from her peaceful 509ft hull into a heavily armed 660ft raider capable of sustaining operations for over 330 days. The conversion took place at the shipyard that brought her to life, A.G. Weser Werft. During this time the SKL assigned her a captain, FKpt.z.S Hans Felix Hartmann an artillery officer aboard the Pocket Battleship Deutschland. He had just received command of the Minesweeper M-39 three months prior after being injured aboard the Deutschland. With enthusiasm for the new command Hartmann began to pour over the available material from raiders of the Great War and had lengthy conversations with Karl August Nerger commander of the Hilfskreuzer Wolf. After this Hartmann began assembling his crew rejecting the navy’s recommendations and demanding officers, petty officers, and ratings by name by mid-April the crew was assembled in barracks at Bremen awaiting their vessel’s completion.
By early May the conversion was complete and soon HSK-14 was commissioned into the Kriegsmarine as “Schiff Nr.77” all the while retaining her original name “Weserfels”. Schiff 77 proceeded to Kiel from Bremen via Bremerhaven where she took on the tremendous number of provisions, stores, equipment, fuel, coal, water, among other things on arriving to Kiel the raider took aboard her reconnaissance aircraft 5 x Arado Ar 196 A-1 aircraft 2 assembled and 3 in five ton crates.
Another month of training cruises followed by a brief stay in Kiel while Hartmann proceeded to Berlin to receive the final briefing from GAdm Reader himself.
Ship 77 will depart as part of Operation “Fall Weiss”.

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CPTLTJASON

01-26-22, 11:37 AM

8/12/1939 Baltic, Kiel Harbor, 1st day at sea

After months of preparations and training the starboard watch is called at midnight and Ship 77 weighs anchor at 01:00 hrs. her last links to Germany severed the raider slowly moves away from the pier during the last 2 nights the vessel was painted all grey is now disguised as a German Transport under the Reich Service Flag.
1. Outer hull painted grey
2. On deck winches, hatches, ventilators, etc. grey
3. Superstructure grey
4. Smokestack grey length unchanged
5. Masts grey, searchlights removed
6. Pole masts and cargo booms put up
7. Cannons I and X not disguised both painted grey
8. Boats setout
9. Draft marks fitted
10. German flag hoisted on roof of signal deck.
In accordance with her outbound orders Ship 77 is to make for Point Red 10 and meet her escorts.
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CPTLTJASON

01-26-22, 11:40 AM

8/29/1939 Norwegian Sea 138 km East of Jan Mayern Island 18th day at sea

Ship 77 made it through the Skagerrak without incident. A radio message came through ordering Ship 77 to put into Wilhelmshaven to pickup supplies and men not available at Kiel. She arrived at night and took aboard 19 crates, 2 officers, and 10 ratings. She remained there for 10 days before casting off for the last time in the meantime Hartmann was promoted to Kapitan.z.S. The crossing through the North Sea was uneventful except for the sighing of a freighter. On the 28th Ship 77’s meteorologists Kplt Dr. Wurst and L.z.S Dr. Klein predicted unfavorable weather through the Denmark Strait, so Hartmann decided to take the ship off Jan Mayern to 1. Wait for conditions to deteriorate and 2. Change the ship’s disguise to that of a British vessel. Ship 77 arrived early on the 29thand soon the I. Officer Fkpt Baumgartner organized work parties and soon work commenced on the new disguise,
1.Hull painted black
2.Superstructure white
3.Masts, winches, ventilators, etc. painted yellow
4.Camouflage for 3.7cm painted brown
5. 2nd pair of derricks removed
6.Funnel raised and painted black
7.Boats painted grey
8.Fore ventilators painted yellow and raised
9.Cannons I and X camouflaged

The Leichte Schnellboote is taken for a test run and the Kommandant of LS-33 Oblt.z.S Fredrich Hemmer reported no major defects on its first deployment. Weather is forecast to improve with the approach of heavy rain and fog in 48-72hrs.
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5031&stc=1&d=1643215153
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5032&stc=1&d=1643215160

CPTLTJASON

01-26-22, 11:41 AM

9/10/1939 North Atlantic 30th day at sea (43°7’N, 34°55’W)

Since the last report conditions have deteriorated and one does not refer to the weather, the Wehrmacht invaded Poland at 05:00 hrs. on September 1, 1939 just as Ship 77 began her transit to the Denmark Strait. On Sunday the 3rd on the outskirts of the strait the main radio room picked up the message that England had declared war on Germany. The passage through the Denmark Strait was successful and now Ship 77 begins the trek south on the 5th she received the first radio message from the Seekriegslietung (SKL) informing that they would take command before Ship 77 crossed 40°N. So far, the passage through the Atlantic has been quiet only sighting a neutral Swedish freighter at night on the 8th.Hartmann is not authorized to engage in commerce warfare until September 21st. at 16:00 hrs. on the 9th Ship 77 passed 45°N and will soon signal this to the SKL. While the transit to the operational area continues the crew carry on with the usual shipboard routine and maintenance. Hartmann expects to be in the operations area by the 15th.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5033&stc=1&d=1643215265

CPTLTJASON

01-29-22, 07:30 PM

9/22/1939 Central Atlantic □ 5556 DF 30°52’N, 39°25’W 42ndday at sea

Ship 77 crossed 40°N late on the 11th and come under command of the SKL. The first radio message came in for the raider to meet the tanker NORDMARK in □ 5556 DF. Ship 77 arrived on the 13th and Kapitan.z.S Hartmann boarded the tanker for a conference with FKpt.d.R Grau discussions resulted in a solid plan for commerce warfare in the Central Atlantic. The Seekriegslietung informed Hartmann that the pocket battleship Deutschland was operating in the North Atlantic as far as Bermuda and The Admiral Graf Spee operating in the area of the Pernambuco area and will work its way south towards the Indian Ocean. Hartmann was given freedom to operate from 30°-10°N, 90°-10°W. Hartmann also plans to raid in the Caribbean Sea. Ship 77 took on 300 tons of diesel fuel and topped off provisions. Ship 77 parted ways with the NORDMARK at 15:00 hrs. Hartmann plans to operate along the West Indies routes. At 17:25 hrs. the NORDMARK was out of sight.

For Ship 77 and her crew their hour had arrived and the raids for which they would gain undying fame were about to begin................

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5052&stc=1&d=1643502593

CPTLTJASON

02-16-22, 12:37 AM

9/28/39 Central Atlantic 48th day at sea 25°41’N, 58°28’W

Schiff 77 arrives at her operational area and launches one of her Arado Ar 196 A-1 aircraft reconnaissance flight under O.Fldwl Deutsch (pilot/Luftwaffe) and L.z.S Lemke (observer/Kriegsmarine). The aircraft carries out a reconnaissance flight to the east while Schiff 77 proceeds at cruising speed, 10 knots, 1 engine in zigzags along the shipping lanes. At 11:30 hrs. lookouts on the fore crosstrees report a smoke column bearing 310°T range 18,000m range is closed to 9,000m the vessel is identified as a neutral Norwegian tanker, at 11:44 hrs. battle ensign hoisted and the ship decamouflaged, Kapitan.z.S Hartmann ordered the port 12.7cm to open fire and a shot is fired across the tanker’s bow, from the signal deck the flags are hoisted “Stop at once, do not use wireless”. The Norwegian blasts her horn 3 times signaling she is coming to a stop the heavily armed boarding commando is sent, under the command of L.z.S Schmidt, consisting of 4 officers, 8 petty officers, and 30 ratings. The following information was obtained,
Norwegian tanker TUNAS 3,574 grt (KFLS) of the Norwegian Tanker Line Co.Ltd. Oslo loaded with 4,000 tons of gasoline from Willemstad to Southampton via Kingston under the command of Captain G.K. Gunderson with a crew of 45. The agent was British (Jones and Sons Ltd, London). Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decided to sink the vessel since no radio message had been sent Schiff 77 took her first prize quietly. At 13:02 hrs. the Tunas sank beneath the waves.

Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to remain in the area until October 10th before making for the Mona Passage into the Caribbean. Schiff 77 will cruise off the coasts of South America in search of oil tankers. Schiff 77 will retain the British disguise. The Graf Spee will clear the South Atlantic by December; therefore Schiff 77 will remain as long as possible in the Caribbean then moving into the Central Atlantic, Operating between the Azores and Freetown.
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CPTLTJASON

02-17-22, 11:15 AM

10/22/1939 Caribbean Sea 10°48’N, 76°19’W, 120nm NW of Punta de Manzanillo 72nd day at sea

Since the last report Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decided to raid Bermuda, by the time Ship 77 made it to Bermuda the pocket battleship Deutschland had already cleared the area. But said vessel caused the intelligence reports by the B-Dienst to be outdated, which stated that there were at least 8 English vessels in the harbor. On October 3rd Ship 77 arrived off the coast of Bermuda, her aft 15cm camouflage being removed, proceeded into the harbor disguised as a British freighter, under the cover of darkness she arrived off Hamilton only to find all the anchorages empty. Immediately Kapitan.z.S Hartmann steered Ship 77 out of the harbor encountering neutral warships who didn’t challenge the raider, however she was 22km from Whale Bone Bay when a large tanker and small British freighter was sighted, taking a great risk Hartmann turned hard to starboard, decamouflaged, and opened fire with 6 15 cm/48 Tbts KC/36 guns the aft guns engaged the smaller freighter while the fore guns engaged the larger tanker, after 11 salvos both vessels were on fire and sinking fast, the tanker began to transmit but the main radio room managed to jam the signals. Hartmann ordered the V-boat launched at once and soon 171 survivors were picked up, The torpedo officer Oblt.z.S(T)Becker launched 2 torpedoes which missed both their targets in spite of the close range.

British freighter CAMBRIDGE 2,009 grt (JFHS) and DALE 17,423 grt (HKSF) as it later turned out both vessels were operating directly for the Royal Navy and were crewed by Royal Navy crews, both departed Liverpool and arrived at Halifax before making for Bermuda then to Aruba, where from there they were to proceed independently to Colombo, Ceylon. Ship 77 steered towards the Caribbean, by the 14th she was off the coast of Puerto Rico and the following day transited the Mona Passage and at 10:53 hrs. 26km off Haiti was in the Caribbean, now making for Aruba. After cruising for 3 days nothing was sighted so Ship 77 changed course and cruised off the coasts of Colombia and Panama with the goal of making it to the shipping lanes off the Panama Canal. On the night of the 22nd a shadow was seen and she was identified as a British freighter, again the ship hoisted the battle flag, decamouflaged, and switched on her searchlight (Searchlight Nr.II) the 12.7cm fires a shot across her bow however the English began to transmit “RRR...........” before the main radio room jammed the transmissions. 3 15cm (Cannon VII, IX, and X) opened fire 6 salvos send the vessel to the bottom. 2 lifeboats were recovered. 3rd mate most senior survivor was questioned, the freighter was the HAMMOND 2,009 grt (TYFB) from the Royal Line Ltd., London from Perth to London via the Panama Canal loaded with tires, wood, steel plate, and general cargo.

Hartmann is now considering where to take the raider.............

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iambecomelife

02-17-22, 12:29 PM

CPTLTJASON

02-21-22, 11:18 AM

Nice shots, this thread's a gem - would be interesting to see how well your ship would do against a light cruiser - like the "Sydney" & "Kormoran" duel. Too bad there's no class that looks like Sydney in SH5!

Anyway keep it up!

Thank you, maybe Ship 77 might stand a better chance since it has the more modern 15cm tbtsk c/36 guns unlike the WWI guns of that were typically mounted on raiders during WWII and unlike the 6 all carried Ship 77 has 10 total meaning that a broadside would consist of 6 instead of 4 cannons. However like all merchant raiders she is just a modified freighter and in a said duel the result would probably be the same a single hit would blow the ship apart (example would be the Pinguin). Its too bad that one cant create new ships in SH5 id like to see how this raider would've preformed against other commerce raiders.

:Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:

CPTLTJASON

02-21-22, 11:19 AM

11/4/1939 Caribbean Sea Point Trafalgar 86th day at sea

Since the last report Ship 77 sighted the neutral Spanish freighter CADIZ 7,471 grt (ZJFB) on identifying the freighter as neutral Ship 77 broke off pursuit and moved further into the Caribbean to continue the hunt. On the 23rd a freighter was sighted, the Ben Line freighter BENSON 3,024 grt (TLOK) British, from Colon to Liverpool with a cargo of rubber was sunk. 3 days later a Brazilian neutral was sighted early in the morning and was intercepted by Ship 77 she hoisted her battle flag and decamouflaged, she signaled in international code, “Stop at once, do not use wireless” the neutral came quickly to a stop and Boarding Commando Nr. I under the command of L.z.S Schmidt boarded the freighter and based on the investigation conducted determined that she was sailing with cargo destined for England, the freighter was proceeding from Rio de Janeiro to Kingston with 5,000 tons of grain, mail and general cargo. The vessel was at first attempted to be sunk with scuttling charges, this failed so 2 15cm guns opened fire, realizing the waste Kapitan.z.S Hartmann ordered the Torpedo Officer Oblt.z.S(T)Becker to fire a precious torpedo into the vessel, at 07:15 the torpedo hit under the bridge and 1 hour later the freighter sank beneath the waves. SPARROW 4,874 grt (FDGU) Brazilian.

So far Ship 77 has sunk 6 ships for 35,046 grt. Afterwards Ship 77 made for Point Trafalgar where for 10 days Hartmann and his officers make plans to raid the British Port of Kingston where according to the captain of the Brazilian freighter that the port was unprotected and that there are numerous British vessels in the harbor, therefore the ship moves deeper into the Caribbean where she is painted in a special painted scheme, she is painted all black from stem to stern, funnel is raised, and 2 lifeboats with davits added aft.

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/274512507_1770871939785188_7426027405517750034_n.j pg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=NNLs1-C8HCgAX8A7aAA&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AT_R_5IKyepR_IzHQQ-BviwZtn5ApmMqcTPoelH3d7A9tg&oe=6218F762
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CPTLTJASON

03-01-22, 11:01 PM

11/10/1939 Caribbean Sea 91st day at sea

With the camouflage complete Ship 77 sets sail for the Port of Kingston. She arrived 2 days later and 10km southeast of Wreck Reef Ship 77 launched the Leichte Schnellboote to lay mine fields and afterwards conduct reconnaissance. 2 Arado Ar 196 A-1 are launched for reconnaissance.
At 17:30 hrs. Ship 77 entered Kingston Harbor and made for the main anchorage, shortly before opening fire 3 V-boats were sent with a detachment of the 8.Marine Stosstrupp Kompanie to raid the harbor where they destroyed oil storage tanks and dockyard facilities., at 17:55 hrs. the Kriegsmarine flag was hoisted, camouflage dropped, and at 18:00 hrs. the entire battery opened fire, shuttering the 616ft ship from stem to stern. Soon searchlights illuminated the entire harbor, however she continued to pump salvo after salvo as it turns out well over a dozen ships were in the harbor awaiting an escort to arrive from Freetown to escort them to England. By 04:00 hrs. the shelling stopped, with torpedoes, artillery, and the raids conducted by the 8.Marine Stosstrupp Kompanie as well as her Leichte Schnellboote which laid 2 small minefields at the harbor entrance. The merchant raider sank 16 ships for 118,430 grt, destroyed 6 oil tanks for 150,000 tons of fuel, 3 cranes, railroad tracks, 69 railroad cars, and 3 vehicles.

Freighter 7,066 grt
“” 7,016 grt
“” 2,366 grt
“” 2,316 grt
“” 3,426 grt
“” 3,419 grt
“” 7,173 grt
AMC 14,463 grt
“” 14,314 grt
Tanker 17,397 grt
“” 17,397 grt
“” 4,077 grt
“” 4,500 grt
“” 4,500 grt
“” 4,500 grt
“” 4,500 grt
Total: 118,430 grt

6 x oil tanks (25,000 tons ea.) 150,000 tons of oil burned.
3 x 6 ton cranes
6 x railroad lines coming into the harbor and a small marshaling yard
2 x Steam locomotives
69 x Railroad cars
3 x vehicles (trucks)
(449 shells and 6 torpedoes fired.)

Ship 77 departed the harbor at 06:00 hrs. As she was departing a Royal Navy vessel attempted to pursue but ran aground, she was the trawler HMS UNSTOPPABLE 4,000 grt, on the bridge was Admiral Norrington commander of Port Kingston who to say the least, was infuriated, helpless he watched the mystery raider sail away. Ship 77 pressed on stopping 10km south of Wreck Point to recover 2 Arado Ar 196 A-1 aircraft and the Leichte Schnellboote. For the next 4 days she sailed at full speed, with the Kriegsmarine flag hoisted high on the mainmast, she stopped once again in the middle of the Caribbean she changed her disguise once again to a neutral Mexican freighter, the 8,700 grt steamer TAMPICO home port Acapulco belonging to the Mexican Aztec Shipping Co.Ltd, Mexico City
Changes made to the auxiliary cruiser,
1. Outer hull painted black.
2. Superstructure painted white, upper bridge and signal deck painted brown.
3. On deck hatches, ventilators, winches, etc. painted light brown.
4. Awning from signal deck partially removed.
5. 2 derricks added aft of the superstructure, both painted brown
6. Funnel lowered, painted top black with dark red bottom, 2 thin white bands.
7. Deck house built on aft part of the boat deck; 2 ventilators added.
8. 2 derricks added aft of the mainmast booms.
9. Mexican neutrality markings painted on the hull amidships, TAMPICO and MEXICO along with 2 Mexican flags one to port one to starboard.
10. 2 derricks added ahead of the foremast booms.
11. 2 large lifeboats added between boats V and VI and the bridge.
Kapitan.z.S Hartmann as usual takes a V-Boat out to inspect the ship’s camouflage and is once again satisfied with the work, Ship 77 will now proceed for the Aruba area once again before making for the Yucatan Channel and the Gulf of Mexico. After that Ship 77 will make for the Atlantic via the Straits of Florida and proceed to operate between England, France and the Azores. By the end of the year the Seekriegslietung is expected to give clearance for Ship 77 to make for the South Atlantic.

Captions for pictures,
1.Ship 77 in the Caribbean shortly after the raid
2.Ship 77 photographed by L.z.S(PK) Sons aboard Leichte Schnellboote (LS 33)
3-7.Following 5 pictures taken by the men of the 8.Marine Stosstrupp Kompanie Kommandant Oblt.z.S(MA.E) von Lindner
9.Current disguise of Ship 77
10.Ship 77 painted in her special camouflage with flags flown during the raid

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CPTLTJASON

03-03-22, 10:06 PM

12/19/1939 Central Atlantic 32°35’N, 34°17’W 130th day at sea

Since the last report Ship 77 has sailed over 30,000km and sunk 177,822 grt of shipping. Ship 77 cruised the Caribbean once more as far east as Port-of-Spain however no shipping was sighted, then she made for the Yucatan Channel where she stopped and inspected 12 vessels all of which were let go. Entering the Gulf of Mexico, no shipping was sighted, Hartmann then steered into the Straits of Florida where on 11/24 a neutral American freighter was sighted, Ship 77 turned away making no contact with the ship.

Three days later Ship 77 passed the Island of Tortuga the following day off Haiti the bridge watch sighted mastheads and the Hilfskreuzer’s artillery was soon shelling the vessel, which was the Southern Line Ltd, Co. ship KRIKLAND 5,159 grt in ballast from Kingston to Tampico the English freighter was sunk and 49 were taken prisoner. Ship 77 returned to the Atlantic on 11/30 and again began to hunt for British merchant ships. On 12/7 Ship 77 sighted a 2 stack liner and closed in, by 17:39 Ship 77 has sunk the Australian Harris Line Co. RANGOON 9,885 grt from Sydney to Southampton she was to be converted into an Armed Merchant Cruiser, 139 were taken prisoner. From 12/8-12/18 Ship 77’s boarding parties were busy boarding and inspecting 38 ships. After thorough inspections all were released. Due to the high concentration of British warships in pursuit of the pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decides to remain in the North Atlantic.

Ship 77 will proceed north to operate between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Azores afterwards she will make for the French coast to lay mines then loop around the Azores and begin the trek southwards into the South Atlantic.
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CPTLTJASON

03-04-22, 07:33 PM

2/7/1940 South Atlantic 13°43’S, 9°6’W 180th day at sea
Since the last report Ship 77 has been experiencing success after success. Operating between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Azores Ship 77 sank the British freighter ODYSSEY 5,250 grt from Port-of-Spain to Southampton loaded with 6,000 tons of general cargo 26 crew were taken prisoner later that night another British freighter came into view she was the BRISBANE 4,173 grt from Durban to Liverpool loaded with 5,000 tons of spices and tea. 9 days later Ship 77 found herself off the coast of France where she laid 4 minefields (291 EMC Mines) That same day she sank 6 ships the first was the Bulk Carrier BONNET 3,612 grt from Boudreaux to Liverpool loaded with general cargo 2 hours later 2 French fishing vessels Nr.281 1,100 grtand Nr.38 90 grt were sunk by the 7.5cm gun amidships. No sooner had the last of the 18 survivors been brought aboard that 2 smoke columns were sighted, and Ship 77 started up her diesels and proceeded at 18 knots to the sighting which turned out to be 2 small British freighter both were sunk by artillery. MILLINGTON 2,181 grt and HERSHIRE 3,482 grt. She took on 75 survivors and as she steered towards the open ocean a radio message came in from a warship that departed La Pallice she struck a mine her identity was later established to be the LAVIT 1,188 grt. Heading west then south she rounded the Azores in mid-January on the 23rd she sighted a large steamer and closed the range, she hoisted her battle flag and opened fire, after expending 3 torpedoes and 52 shells 2 more British ships were sent to the bottom the Liner CAPE VERDE 19,000 grt and the freighter CLEMENTINE 4,148 grt both had departed Cape Town and were enroute to Southampton loaded with army and air force equipment. 376 were taken prisoner. By now Ship 77 had over 500 prisoners aboard and on the 27th she met once again with the tanker NORDMARK which took on the prisoners and resupplied Ship 77, her final resupply at least for the time being, the disguise of the ship was changed during this period, she was to become the Norwegian freighter TRONDHEIM 8,500 grt
1.Outer hull painted black
2.Superstructre white with brown band on the upper bridge 3.Ventilators, deck hatches, winches, etc. painted yellow
4.Fake ventilator added aft of the wheelhouse
5.Smokestack lowered, painted black, and orange band added. 6.Boats painted grey 7.2 ventilators next to fake deckhouse removed.
8.Neutrality markings painted on the hull words “NORGE” and “TRONDHEIM” painted port and starboard amidships.
On February 3rd the Nordmark and Ship 77 parted ways and later that day she crossed the equator 2 days later 3 ships were sent to the bottom south of Ascension Island they were the JUNIPER 19,000 grt, TALLY 3,064 grt, and NORTH BANK 3,423 grt. Ship 77’s prisoner quarters were once again home to 268 men.
Ship 77 is now steering for the Indian Ocean where she will operate for the next 11 months. Ship 77 has sunk 247,321 grt of shipping and soon the hunter would become the hunter.......................
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ConvoyHunting

03-07-22, 04:29 PM

Great thread, ideas and reports ! :Kaleun_Salute:

CPTLTJASON

03-08-22, 10:06 AM

Thank you very much im glad y'all are enjoying it! :Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:

CPTLTJASON

03-08-22, 11:38 AM

June 12, 1940 Indian Ocean 306th day at sea 1°38’N, 79°19’E

Ship 77 proceeded through the South Atlantic without further incident and rounded the Cape of Good Hope on 3/1/1939. On April 7th 2 ships were sunk the British freighters BURLINGTON 2,775 grt and INDIA 4,897 grt. 3 days later the British freighter MORGAN 5,229 grt was shelled and sunk. After this Ship 77 began a trek across the Indian Ocean and soon found herself approaching Australia where on April 14th she sank the Australian freighter HERO 8,075 grt and that same day the British freighter READING 4,237 grt.
After operating south of Java, she sank the British freighter LIVERPOOL 7,904 grt. Moving north along the coast of Sumatra Ship 77 entered the Bay of Bengal and began to hunt enemy merchant shipping on June 4th she shelled the British freighter BRENTWOOD 4,923 grt. Exiting the Bay of Bengal Ship 77 sank south of Ceylon the British motorship OXFORD 3,038 grt.
Ship 77 is now being hunted by up to 15 warships and Kapitan.z.S Hartmann makes a decision that will seal the fate of the dreaded raider...............

https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/275470026_1781274752078240_5576340171289003162_n.j pg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=ZTEETsDD0_wAX9BYAkM&_nc_oc=AQk7lGiSQMTqMZvxTK_LukHHeneqSE_gU_TC5EjXogL v1MnMlXwyrOfVGL8ljlZudYkBPYDwhkHdjQ-unC_LKISO&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AT8665p-d4dmZ-7kkmQ_os1-JI_vgTSaFcoTUDj5Oa7g7Q&oe=622BC9D2
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CPTLTJASON

03-08-22, 08:31 PM

August 8, 1940 Arabian Sea 6°56’N, 60°47’E 363rd day at sea

Kapitan.z.S Hartmann takes Ship 77 into the Arabian Sea, a hotspot for merchant and naval shipping she begins to hunt enemy merchant shipping on June 28th she captured the Norwegian tanker ARUBA 9,800 grt she transferred 392 of the 504 prisoners to the tanker and under the command of L.z.S.d.R Panzer the tanker departed for Germany. The following day the disguise was changed for the last time, she was disguised as an anonymous Greek freighter,

1. Outer hull black
2. Superstructure white with black band on the upper bridge
3. White band painted on the hull, Greek neutrality markings painted on the hull port and starboard “GREECE” painted 4 times with 6 Greek flags
4. Aft 15cm cannon disguised as a deckhouse
5. Fore 15cm disguised as deck cargo

After this change the raider pressed July passed with no success moving towards Addu Atoll she was cruising on the shipping lanes when in the early hours of August 8th a large silhouette was sighted, Ship 77 came about and began to run at 19 knots. by 11:00 hrs. the unknown vessel was identified as the heavy cruiser HMS LONDON, the range closed, and Hartmann swung Ship 77 hard to port, put on his Kriegsmarine uniform and gave his final order, decamouflage and open fire! The one and only salvo was fired from the auxiliary cruiser when a salvo from the cruiser found its mark the first rounds hit the bridge destroying it and all inside were killed instantly including the Kommandant, Kapitan.z.S Hartmann. A second salvo again hit the bridge and it was obliterated other hits were on the fore deck, amidships, and in the engine room.

There was still hope for the survivors as the most senior officer, as reported by OStrm Witterhold, was the IV. Artillery Officer L.z.S(W) Wrangel gave the order to abandon ship when the final salvo came in and hit Hold Nr.7 which house the remaining 109 EMC mines the ship was blown apart of the 623 man crew only 3 Petty Officers, and 21 ratings survived. As for the prisoners only 2 made it out alive. (Ship 77 never sent a radio message to the S.K.L. The S.K.L. found out over a Reuters broadcast "British heavy cruiser sinks German raider in the eastern Arabian sea")

The raider sank at 13:02 hrs. local time. HMS LONDON stopped to pick up the survivors, and all were taken to Colombo, Ceylon where they spent the remainder of the war. In 363 days at sea Ship 77 sank 279,037 grt of shipping in the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. The entire crew were awarded the Iron Cross II Class many received the Iron Cross I class and 3 Knights Cross of the Iron Cross were awarded. The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, and Swords was awarded to Kapitan.z.S Hans Felix Hartmann on November 1, 1940.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
And so, the first voyage was concluded. it will be evaluated, and I will improve on the storyline and the writing of the Kriegstagebuch. The Ship’s number and possibly the commander name will change as well.
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iambecomelife

03-13-22, 10:33 AM

Lol the disadvantage of carrying mines! Those spiky little fellows can be a double-edged sword if your ship comes under fire. Better luck next time; your lookouts (assuming they survived) ought to be punished. :doh: Then again, by the time they got released in 1945 perhaps it would be a moot point...:haha:

CPTLTJASON

04-22-22, 08:32 PM

On July 17, 1936 the Spanish Civil War began. The Führer would send Nationalist Forces the Condor Legion and with it ships to bring troops and supplies, under this pretext the notorious merchant raider only known as Schiff 66 began her infamous voyage. she was a vessel, which according to legend was doomed to sail the seas for eternity, this is her story.............

6/30/1936 Bremen A.G. Weser Werft, Dock IX

The recently completed freighter ‘Weserfels’ was taken over from the shipyard by a party of officers and ratings from the Kriegsmarine. She was docked next to 2 of her sister ships the namesake of the class ‘Ehrenfels’ and her future supply ship ‘Kybfels’. in spite of looking identical there was one major difference, the two other ships measured 506ft in length while the ‘Weserfels’ was estimated to have measured over 600ft in length this was because she was “officially” taken over while still on the stocks at the A.G. Weser Werft, Bremen and was modified to become a Handelsstörkreuzer (trade disruption cruiser). Launched in secrecy she was towed to Dock IX where she was fitted with her armament and equipment. She was provided with an extra funnel, telescoping masts, removable derricks, and deck fittings. She was completed on New Years Eve 1935. She was commissioned into the Kriegsmarine on January 1, 1936 at the A.G. Weser Werft Commissioning Pier II and was painted in the colors of her original owners the DDG Hansa Line, Bremen. After commissioning Schiff 66 moved to the Naval Fitting out depot and began to take on fuel, water, coal, and provisions.
For the next 4 months she shifted from the ports of Kiel, Wilhelmshaven, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven taking on supplies including fuel, ammunition, torpedoes, aircraft, and tons of paint and structural material.
Her captain is 32 year old Freg.Kpt Hans Felix Hartmann former commander of the minesweeper M19 and officer aboard the Graf Spee and Deutschland. He went to work handpicking her 440 man crew plus an additional 200 officers and men would join her including Luftwaffe and Heer personnel for land operations. On May 31st the raider returned to A.G. Weser for final adjustments and modifications including the addition of 2 more torpedo tubes. Hartmann left the ship in charge of the I. Officer KKpt Baumgartner while he travelled to Berlin where he received his final briefing and orders from GAdm Reader himself. Hartmann returned on June 28, 1936 and gave the entire crew shore leave ordering them to return to the ship at midnight on June 30th. (In the next report a detailed list of changes made to her disguise will be included)

According to her operational orders Schiff 66 is to depart Bremen for Wilhelmshaven on June 30, 1936 at 01:00 hrs. after the stopover in the Jade Bay off Wilhelmshaven she is to set off for the Mediterranean.

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CPTLTJASON

05-21-22, 10:36 PM

8/5/1936 North of the Straits of Sicily 57th day at sea

Ship 66 continues her rampage against the supply lines of the Spanish Republic; however, tragedy has marred the successes of the raider, on the third of August, a Greek tanker was sighted and ordered to stop for a search, it took 3 shots over the bow with the 7.5cm then the 15cm to convince the Greek to stop. The Examination Party under L.z.S Schmidt go aboard and after a thorough investigation of her destination and cargo it is determined that the Greek tanker “OLYMPIA” 5,267 grt G R Z A from the Soviet Union to Almeria loaded with 6600 t of gasoline. Because the tanker which was built in 1915 is in rough condition and the cargo is not valuable Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decides to sink the tanker with scuttling charges, the Demolition Commando under Oblt.z.S Wolff and 20 officers and ratings board the tanker, 3 minutes later and with the Examination Party along with 2 of the tanker’s lifeboats in tow, a tremendous explosion shook the boats and the raider herself, the tanker disintegrated in a large fireball the demolition commando had no chance of escape. For now, Ship 66 drifts in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea along the Republican supply lines the crew takes the opportunity to touchup the ship's hull and paint job.

The following report will find Ship 66 taking a short cruise through the Mediterranean as far a Cyprus before looping around and returning to the blockade area.

Ship 66 has sunk 8 ships for 33,134 grt and sailed over 16,000km.

https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/283395323_1834467776758937_5681533729818858053_n.j pg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=4rJU5KsF_0UAX8rgGPG&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AT__pXcZslVredpQOxMxuZkEqEzpsay8EmHKjOyt7IkB 4A&oe=628DEE8A

CPTLTJASON

05-26-22, 10:54 AM

8/18/1936 Mediterranean Sea 70th day at sea

Ship 66 has been busy sinking the vital supplies of the Spanish Republicans after the disastrous sinking of the “OLYMPIA” off the coast of Sardinia “Ship 66” stopped and captured the Soviet freighter “LENINGRAD” 8,800 grt from Odessa to Barcelona loaded with 10000 t of general cargo, the ship was taken prize and dispatched with a prize crew under the command of L.z.S(S) Schultz and 13 ratings with orders to make for the provisional Nationalist naval base of Caligari. In the night of the 7th L.z.S(M) Brockman and Mtr.O.Gfr Kob sighted another Soviet vessel, she was shelled to immobilization it was the STEPANOV 8,100 grt loaded with 10000 t of diesel fuel unfortunately due to the damage of the shelling she could not be taken prize and had to be sunk. In the evening on the 11th Mtr Hertzog and L.z.S(W) Fischer sighted a freighter the British “WHIRPOOL” 2,900 grt from Port Said to Barcelona loaded with 3017 t of coal destined for the Spanish Republicans the raider quickly sent the freighter to the bottom. Just after midnight on the 12th Fahnr.z.S Meyer and OStrm Witterhold spotted a large vessel approaching off the starboard bow, after an hour and half long chase the large Spanish Republic Liner “MARIA ELENA I” 8,000 grt from Alexandria and Almeria loaded with 10000 t of army and air force equipment. It turns out that the liner was outfitted as a troop/supply ship. 278 of the 330 aboard were fished out of the water. A few hours later a Dutchman came into view she was signaled to stop for a search and was promptly sent to the bottom “BACHLAAN” 5,547 grt from Alexandria to Barcelona.

No sooner had “Ship 66” cleared the area that the bridge watch again sighted another vessel Mtr.O.Gfr Hahn and Kplt.z.S Wagner this was a Norwegian freighter who turned out to be quite inquisitive it took some convincing to get her to stop for a search which turns out she was carrying contraband for the Spanish Republicans, the “RONSTAD” 6,700 grt was sent to the bottom. By 22:00 hrs. “Ship 66” was off the coasts of Libya and Egypt. On the 14th Stb.O.Fldwl Kirchner and OGfr Phillipp sighted another ship then shortly thereafter another was sighted. Soon the Hilfskreuzer shelled and torpedoed both which turned out to be Spanish Republican ships the “DOMINGO” 2,799 grt and the “MAR AZUL” 4,284 grt later in the day yet another ship was sighted by Kplt.z.S Wagner and by 12:30 hrs. the freighter was sent to the bottom she was the “REY ANTONIO” 5,263 grt from Odessa and Cartagena loaded with misc. cargo. Another Soviet freighter was sighted the “SKVORTZOV” 2,962 grt loaded with food, timber, and steel bound for the Spanish Republicans.

Again, late in the afternoon OGfr Theismann sighted another freighter the Spanish Republican Freighter “EL OLIVO” 2,800 grt from Odessa to Valencia loaded with spare parts for tanks.

The following day “Ship 66” rounded the Island of Cyprus and since the afternoon of 17.August the raider has been drifting at 1-2 knots in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Today she continues to drift awaiting for September 1st to begin the voyage back to the Gulf of Valencia to lay minefields. Then on orders from the Seekriegslietung she is to make for the Alboran Sea and continue to engage in commerce warfare. In 10 days of aggressive commerce warfare “Ship 66” has sunk 49,355 grt of shipping and captured 1 freighter for 8,800 grt totaling over 80,796 grt of shipping sunk/captured. But with success comes major problems currently we have 913 prisoners aboard plus the 600 crew equals to 1,513 aboard! we must find another ship to take prize as this number is unsustainable. If not Kapitan.z.S Hartmann will be forced to abandon his operational area and head to the Port of Cadiz to release the prisoners.

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CPTLTJASON

05-28-22, 08:35 PM

10/4/1936 Mediterranean Sea, 40°23’N, 5°33’E, 117th day at sea

Ship 66 continues to cause chaos among the Spanish Republican supply lines. Since she entered the Mediterranean Ship 66 has sunk or captured 116,000 grt of shipping. Next she was lay her 130 EMC mines on the approaches to Spanish Republican ports. While in transit to her mining area, she sank 2 Spanish Republican tankers

Arriving in mid-September, Ship 66 laid nine minefields on the approaches to 3 of the Spanish Republicans vital ports. According to Reuters and Spanish radio some 22 merchant ships have been either sunk or damaged off Barcelona and Valencia with a destroyer, 3 mine sweepers, and 6 fishing and merchant ships lost between Valencia and Barcelona. These reports are not reliable, therefore Kapitan.z.S Hartmann will await confirmation from the Seekriegsleitung on these figures, if they hold true this has been a tremendous success against the Republican’s Odessa Supply line. By all appearances neither the Soviets or Republicans have any idea that a German auxiliary cruiser is causing said damage, all so far have been credited to either the Italians or the Nationalist Navy.
After the mining operation Ship 66 drifted off the coast of Algeria only sighting a hospital ship and various Portuguese vessels. On 21.Sep. Ship 66 adopted her peacetime self for her new camouflage sailing as the “WESERFELS” 10,100 grt from Bremen to Calcutta the route that was originally intended for her. The perfect disguise since the Ehrenfels class of ships run the East Asia Route via the Suez Canal. No sooner had the disguise been completed that another British non-intervention patrol was sighted patrolling the Nationalist supply route from La Spezia. After running into a storm and days or boredom on the 28.Sep. L.z.S(MA.E) Michealson serving as III.WO on the bridge sighted a silhouette off the starboard quarter and by 21:32 the Spanish Republican freighter was sent to the bottom. Ship 66 continues on her way drifting quietly along the supply lines waiting patiently for her next prize.
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CPTLTJASON

08-04-22, 10:07 AM

On September 1st 1939 at 05:45 the first shots of the Second World War were fired. The Seekriegslietung began preparations for commerce warfare begin in earnest.

The Kriegsmarine was to repeat the successes of the disguised commerce raiders of the Great War such as the Mowe, Seeadler, and Wolf II. The newest and fastest freighters were reserved for troop transports therefore the conversion office of the Kriegsmarine was left with a pool of ships some are modern motorships with reliable diesel engines others have recycled steam turbine engines from bygone passenger liners.

One such motorship was the “Weserfels” of the DDG Hansa Line she was part of the Ehrenfels Class of motorships she was a slightly modified version of the class, at 525ft in length she was 16ft longer and had more powerful engines which allowed her to run at a top speed of 18.5 . She was taken over by the Kriegsmarine on the morning of September 3rd at noon and was placed under guard. Fregettenkapitan Wolfgang Felix Hartmann was chosen to take command of the soon to be raider. Born on November 20, 1905 he joined the navy in 1921 but the war ended before he could see active service nevertheless he remained in the Reichsmarine through the ranks. In 1935 he was promoted to Korvettenkapitan and was assigned as gunnery officer aboard the Pocket Battleship Deutschland in which he saw service in the Spanish Civil War. Having been promoted to Fregettenkapitan, Hartmann took a desk job at the Seekriegslietung, at the beginning of the war he was informed that he was to take command of a disguised commerce raider , an assignment he relished.

When he arrived at Bremen he found the freighter still tied up to her moorings he at once sent for a tugboat which took her off to her builders Deschimag A.G. Weser Werft, Bremen over the next month and half months she was converted from freighter to commerce raider she was armed with the following:
Armament:
6 × 15 cm SK L/45 guns
1 × 75 mm (3 in) gun
2 × 3.7 cm (1.46 in) PaK 36 anti-tank guns
2 × twin 3.7 cm SK C/30 anti-aircraft guns
8 × twin 20 mm anti-aircraft cannons
6 × torpedo tubes (25 torpedoes)
600 × EMC mines
Aircraft:
3 × Arado Ar 196 A-1

During the conversion process freezers were installed to keep food longer and fuel, water and coal storage significantly increased
Range: 80,000 nmi (150,000km) at 12 kn
Endurance: 300 days
Complement: 450
Fuel storage: 4,500 cbm3
Coal: 3,300 t
Water: 4,000 t

Also, during conversion, the crew was picked an initial crew list was provided but Hartmann keeping his high standards, rejected three quarters of the crew and instead choose his own officers, petty officers, and ratings by October 10th the crew was quartered at a hotel in Bremen awaiting the completion of the conversion.

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CPTLTJASON

08-12-22, 12:30 PM

November 10, 1939 Deschimag A.G. Weser Werft, Bremen

With the entire 441 officers, petty officers, and ratings aboard. The Motorship “Weserfels” is commissioned into the Kriegsmarine as Hilfskreuzer Schiff Nr.19 under the command of Kapitan.z.S Wolfgang Felix Hartmann. After the commissioning ceremony the ship is taken to the Naval Fitting Out depot to being taking on stores and equipment she will then be shifted to Columbus Pier to take on fuel, water, and coal. Once she is loaded Schiff 19 will make for the River Weser to conduct trials.
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fitzcarraldo

08-13-22, 11:54 AM

Doenitz requests TONNAGE!

Be more agressive.:Kaleun_Wink:

Fitzcarraldo :Kaleun_Salute:

CPTLTJASON

08-13-22, 05:56 PM

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5407&stc=1&d=1660431327

CPTLTJASON

08-13-22, 05:57 PM

November 1939

Schiff 19 departed Bremen at 08:00 hrs. for trials with a commission from Deschimag A.G. Weser Werft aboard. Several faults were found and the ship returned to the shipyard to address the faults. Once all were dealt with the ship conducted another trial cruise which was successful after that she once again returned to Columbus Pier to take on fuel, water, and coal. Today she will depart for Kiel via the Kiel Canal. Before she leaves, the crew will disguise the ship as a Sperrbrecher she was painted all grey and tactical markings were painted on her funnel.

Schiff 19 arrives in the early hours of the 16th and is anchored at her assigned location, Buoy A-10. In the morning the ship will be shifted to the Kiel Naval Arsenal and began taking on ammunition and other supplies. By the 21st she is ready for sea and ready to begin the 2 month training period in the Baltic.

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CPTLTJASON

08-16-22, 04:13 PM

1.2.1940 Kiel Harbor 1st day at sea

After almost three months of training and outfitting Schiff 19 is finally ready to depart on her war cruise. The Kommandant Kapitan.z.S Hartmann travelled to Berlin for a final briefing and to receive the raider’s final operational orders from GAdm Reader personally. The task was simple raid enemy supply lines in distant waters, lay minefields, and raid enemy harbors in the Indian Ocean, Caribbean, and Pacific Ocean.

At 01:00 hrs. the starboard watch was called, and Schiff 19 cast off from Kiel on her war cruise making for Mecklenburg Bay where she will change her disguise from Sperrbrecher XI to a German transport sailing under the Reich Service Flag. The change in disguise will take 1 day. Afterwards the ship is to meet her escorts off Keldsnor and begin the voyage to the Norwegian Sea.

Paint and camouflage of the ship:
1. Outer hull black
2. On deck hatches, ventilators, winches, etc. dark grey
3. Superstructure grey
4. Smokestack light grey with black top length unchanged
5. Masts light grey crow’s nest on the foremast
6. Pole masts put up, including cargo booms
7. Cannon I and VI disguised as deck houses, light grey
8. Boats set out
9. Draft marks fitted.
10. Reich Service Flag hoisted on the signal deck.

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CPTLTJASON

08-16-22, 05:48 PM

5.2.1940 Baltic Sea 5th day at sea

Schiff 19 arrived at Mecklenburg Bay and the change in disguise was carried out quickly and efficiently by the crew, now sailing as a German Transport. Schiff 19 arrived off the Gjedser Barrier and met NAUTILUS which was to escort the raider as far as Keldsnor and handed over outbound orders from Gruppe West. At Point Green 10 Sperrbrecher X took over escort through the Great Belt. In naval square 7511 at Røsnaes two torpedo boats “FALKE” and “LEOPARD” joined the escort. Later that day in naval square 4813 three destroyers of the 1.Zestroyerflottile Z 22, Z 33, and Z 41 under Kapitan.z.S Kohler joined the escort reinforcing the port and starboard quarter as well as the aft quarter. At around the same time a single Hr 60 provided aircover as far as Seelandsrev Barrier. At 24:00 hrs. the escort ended in accordance with outbound orders. Sperrbrecher X, Z 22, Z 33, and Z 41 were released. The torpedo boats remained with the raider now making 16.5 knots at 12:00 hrs. at Hanstholm 1 Do 18 and 2 fighters took over aircraft escort. In the Nedstrandsfjord 2 minesweepers M 17 and M 141 were awaiting for the raider along with the tanker ESSO HAMBURG. For now Schiff 19 proceeds with her remaining escorts towards Skudesnes.

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CPTLTJASON

08-17-22, 10:44 AM

7.2.1940 Nedstrandsfjord 7th day at sea

Schiff 19 arrives without incident to Nedstrandsfjord and anchors next to the ESSO HAMBURG and began taking on fuel, water, coal, stores, and spare parts for the LS Boot. In the meantime, the Kommandant of M 22 Korv.Kpt. Hertz came aboard to inform Kapitan.z.S Hartmann of the mine situation in the North Sea. At around midnight M 17 and the torpedo boats “FALKE” and “LEOPARD” depart for Wilhelmshaven leaving only M 22 and the ESSO HAMBURG. When the tanker leaves later in the day the change in camouflage will begin this time she will be disguised as a Norwegian Freighter of the Fred Olson Line the BATAVIA 7,771 grt N V B K homeport Oslo. While this change in camouflage is being carried out M 22 will patrol the entrance to the fjord.

Paint and camouflage of the ship:
1.Outer hull light grey, green waterline
2.On deck hatches, ventilators, winches, etc. light yellow
3.Superstructure grey with bridge and upper control position brown
4.Norwegian nationality markings on the hull
5.Smokestack grey, length unchanged
6.Pole masts put up, including cargo booms
7.Cannon I and VI disguised as deckhouses, grey
8.Boats set out
9.Draft marks removed
10.Norwegian flag hoisted on the mainmast

The work will continue throughout the night and a radio message will be sent via M 22 to signal Gruppe West that Schiff 19 is ready to sail.
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CPTLTJASON

08-17-22, 11:00 AM

10.2.1940 59°41’N, 3°26’E 10th day at sea

Work on the ship’s disguise is complete. On the 9th Schiff 19 sent a radio message via M 22 to Gruppe West indicating that the Kapitan.z.S Hartmann intended to sail early on the 10th. Gruppe West approved and gave the ship its course and new operational orders, to advance via AN 2255, AF 8451, and 5566 afterwards the Kommandant is free to operate against merchant shipping until 1.3.1940 before beginning the westward march to the Denmark Strait.
Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to operate well into the Barents Sea the B-Dienst informs that British merchant shipping to and from Norwegian and Soviet ports is plentiful. There are no known warships to be operating in this area however at the first sinking that is to change. For now Schiff 19 sails to her ordered course at a steady 10 knots.
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CPTLTJASON

08-19-22, 08:33 PM

25.2.1940 Barents Sea 71°56’N, 2°19’E 25th day at sea

Schiff 19 has been cruising the area without success so Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decided to move further east into the Barents Sea one of her 3 Arado Ar 196 A-1 aircraft was launched with the exception of last night and today due to the sea state being 4-5 at times 6. The aircraft only found a neutral Soviet tanker which was not pursued. On 24.2 at 22:54 hrs. Mtr.O.Gfr Beyer a distant shadow bearing 255°T at a range of 7600m, in seconds the crew was at action stations and Kapitan.z.S Hartmann on the bridge with the navigation officer Oblt.z.S Neumann plotted the enemy’s course which came to 101° speed estimated at 6 knots the shadow is very big quite possibly a fleet tanker. The Kommandant ordered the helm swung hard to port, steer course 207° Ship ready for action. At 23:30 hrs. range 3000m, Kapitan.z.S Hartmann ordered the battle flag hoisted and drop camouflage. With a clinging of the ship’s bell the battle flag was hoisted on the mainmast by Sig.O.Gfr Becker. The fore 15cm guns decamouflaged as well as the 7.5cm on the bow, a warning shot was fired over the bows of the ship and with a lamp on the bridge the ships were signaled “STOP AT ONCE, DO NOT USE WIRELESS, OR I OPEN FIRE” the enemy did not heed the warnings a second warning shot was fired which was also ignored at which point the tanker began to transmit at the same moment on the bridge L.z.S Meyer sighted a smaller vessel aft of the tanker, Kapitan.z.S Hartmann ordered the raider’s helm swung hard to starboard and the aft cannons were decamouflaged The artillery was given permission to open fire. 21 salvos from the 15cm guns sank the smaller ship and brought the tanker to a halt. A boarding commando under the command of L.z.S Schmidt (3 officers, 6 petty officers, and 25 ratings) was preparing to board the tanker when the tanker suffered 2 large explosions and began to quickly sink over the stern. Searchlights located 3 lifeboats which were picked up all were from the tanker. Schiff 19 remained in the area until 6 in the morning when picket boats sent from the raider to look for survivors. A total of 97 were picked up 91 from the tanker’s crew of 141 and 6 from the freighter’s crew of 22. At 07:00 Schiff 19 headed further east in search of more targets.

Oblt.z.S(F) Kohler reported that the main radio room successfully jammed all signals from the tanker. In any case the radio rooms will continue to monitor the radio waves for any shore stations calling either ship.

Ships sunk:
PINEDALE (A189) 17,380 grt GBZP From Scapa Flow to Narvik loaded with 20000 t of oil and aircraft fuel.
NORTON 1,918 grt GHWN From Plymouth to Narvik via Scapa Flow loaded with general cargo, mail, and tires.
Total sunk: 19,298 grt

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CPTLTJASON

08-21-22, 05:17 PM

1.3.1940 Barents Sea 72°52’N, 25°51’E 30th day at sea

Schiff 19 continues to hunt for shipping. The day after sinking the tanker and freighter on the bridge Oblt.z.S Wessel and Mtr.O.Gfr Richter sighted a smoke column on the starboard bow. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann ordered the ship steered towards the sighting and soon 3 small coastal freighters were sighted. At a range of 2200m, set war flag, and decamouflage fore battery, and fire a warning shot on leading vessel with the 7.5cm cannon. Hoisted signals to stop and do not use wireless. All vessels comply and 3 search commandos simultaneously go aboard the ships. (Picket Boat Nr. III L.z.S Schmidt, Picket Boat Nr. I L.z.S Neumann, and Picket Boat Nr. V L.z.S Fischer). All three were found to be carrying contraband and were sunk with demolition charges The demolition commando (Oblt.z.S Wolff Picket Boat Nr. IV) completed the work just after noon and by 13:00 hrs. all three ships went to the bottom.

All three coastal freighters were enroute from Narvik to Grimsby, England. 66 crew were taken aboard including a Royal Norwegian Navy officer Lieutenant Bjorn Hansen after hours of interrogation he gives no details or reasonable explanation for him being aboard the coastal freighter. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann suspects that these vessels are in fact spy ships enroute to German ports to spy on naval and merchant sailings. Some of the crew stated that a large tanker and another British vessel were overdue at Narvik by a week as no other surface raiders or submarines are operating in this area and therefore no further sinkings have occurred we presume that it’s the PINEDALE and the NORTON.

The Seekriegslietung informs of the sailing of Schiff 16. Due to the sailing of the Hilfskreuzer we will have to delay our entry into the North Atlantic so Kapitan.z.S Hartmann now plans to operate as far as the Kara Sea. For this she will venture north towards the Spitzbergen to change her disguise from Norwegian Freighter to Soviet auxiliary ship.

Ships sunk:
BUD 981 grt
GOLMA 1,110 grt
BRANA 880 grt
Total sunk: 22,269 grt

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CPTLTJASON

08-22-22, 07:55 PM

8.3.1940 Barents Sea 76°10’N, 23°36’E, 37th day at sea

Since the last report no sinkings have occurred. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decided to make for the sea area between Spitsbergen and Hopen Island where he will change the disguise of the raider to that of a Soviet Naval Auxiliary ship then sail as far east as the Kara Sea and even into the Laptev Sea. During the voyage to the sea area the ship was battered by heavy seas. On the afternoon of 4.March Schiff 19 stopped to launch her Arado Ar 196 aircraft on a reconnaissance flight, unlike her pervious reconnaissance flights this time she was launched fully armed. Her orders were to conduct a reconnaissance of Hopen Island and her surroundings. The pilot and observer were instructed to report any sightings. In the meantime, Schiff 19 would continue on its present course and heading. At around 19:19 a VHF transmission was received by the aircraft “steamer and radio station destroyed, have taken damage am off Kapp Thor” At once the radio officer was summoned to the bridge. No distress signals to report was the radio officer’s report to the Kommandant. It was an unexpected but welcomed success. Later the B-Dienst reported that the steamer sunk was the Norwegian motorship DALHOLEN 7,170 grt NKGT this vessel was apparently tasked with supplying the radio station. Schiff 19 arrived off Kapp Thor where she took aboard the aircraft which was damaged by splinters and had small shell holes in her fuel tank and floats. Schiff 19 arrived at her hiding place early on 5.March she anchored in position 76°45’N, 25°0’E from the 6th to the 8th the camouflage was changed from the Norwegian freighter ‘BATAVIA” to the Soviet Auxiliary ship “KOSMONOV” 7,200 grt SVKO homeport Murmansk.
Paint and camouflage of the ship:
1. Soviet nationality markings
2. Smokestack and masts lowered, smokestack insignia
3. Forwards bulwark lengthened
4. Superstructure white
5. Bridge and signal deck brown
6. Soviet naval flag hoisted on the signal deck.

With her new disguise complete and seaplane operational Schiff 19 resumes her war cruise at 04:00 hrs. course 097°, speed 12 knots, 1 engine.
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CPTLTJASON

08-30-22, 07:48 PM

27.3.1940 Barents Sea 75°34’N, 46°23’E 56th day at sea

Schiff 19 continues the hunt for merchant shipping with no success. The Kara Sea according to the Meteorological office is still frozen solid with ice and therefore unpassable until May. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decided to abandon the plan to enter the Kara and Laptev Seas and return to operate between Narvik and Bear Island till the end of the month so far only 4 Soviet ships have been sighted as the majority of traffic passes close to the coasts where Hartmann does not want to take the raider for fear of meeting a Soviet warship.

Operation Weserübung is scheduled to begin soon on 9.April which Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to be well clear of the area. However, the S.K.L. has other plans under operations order Gkdos 1139/40 V 1.2.10 Anlage II to the Operations Orders of Schiff 19 the raider is to conduct a raid on independent merchant shipping in the Norwegian Sea a dangerous task which Hartmann is not enthusiastic about, as fellow Hilfskreuzers are beginning to set sail and above all the presence of naval units of both sides are feverishly operating in the area.

Nevertheless, Hartmann plans to operate in the area, minelaying operations are also being planned on the east coast of England as most of the ports are being protected only by small escort boats and trawlers on Anti-submarine patrols as British naval forces gather in Scapa Flow to counter the German invasion of Norway. Hartmann plans to breakthrough into the North Atlantic by the beginning of May.

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CPTLTJASON

09-05-22, 01:17 PM

9.4.1940 Barents Sea 71°21'N, 17°30'E 69th day at sea

Schiff 19 returns to the area off Bear Island, During the cruise from the Kara Sea to the Bear Island Schiff 19 came across 32 Soviet freighters and tankers. Schiff 19 continues to hunt enemy merchant ships the raider stopped 21 Norwegian, Swedish, and Dutch vessels of which 8 were sunk and 3 were taken prize including the Norwegian tanker “KNUDSEN” 10,200 grt which carried over 13000 t of diesel fuel was ordered to Jan Mayern Island for use as Schiff 19’s supply ship.

The remaining ships were released after a thorough search of their cargos ports of destinations and departures. Schiff 19 is scheduled to be off her operational area by the 13th and begin operations which will last 7 days.
Today, While operating off the approaches to Narvik Schiff 19 sighted smoke columns and immediately turned away this was the beginning of the first Battle of Narvik, Hartmann ordered 2 x A.K. the ship was now plowing the seas at 18.5 knots however a single smoke column approaches with great speed and is soon identified as a single destroyer. Schiff 19 still disguised as a Soviet auxiliary ship maintained course towards the northeast speed reduced to 10 knots, crew to action station, and camouflage party to stations. The warship is identified as an H-Class destroyer, the H.M.S. Hearty 1,250 grt the warship armed with 4 x 4in guns signaled us to stop and not use wireless, Kapitan.z.S Hartmann orders that the Soviet flag hoisted and signals “KOSMONOV” St. Petersburg to Murmansk the destroyer closes to a range of 1200m and stops. The guns are not trained nor is anyone on deck only a few are seen on the bridge and the upper control position. While the destroyer launches a boat Kapitan.z.S Hartmann orders to run up the war flag and port artillery and torpedo tubes to drop camouflage and open fire! 3 G7v torpedoes and 4 x 15cm salvos surprise the destroyer of the 3 torpedoes launched 2 torpedoes hit causing a large explosion. The destroyer immediately heels to starboard and begins to sink.

On the bridge Kapitan.z.S Hartmann orders Halt battery Halt!, Hard to starboard! 2 x A.K.! Schiff 19 speeds away from the sinking destroyer 3 hours later the raider returns and picks up 1 officer and 2 ratings. They were taken to the ship’s hospital for treatment. Schiff 19 now moves towards Bear Island; the radio officer reports that the destroyer was being called by another warship D/F’d 225° range estimated at 19km. During the engagement no radio message was transmitted by the destroyer.

Kapitan.z.S Hartmann and the Navigation Officer Oblt.z.S Neumann choose to anchor off South Cape Island for a few days as now Schiff 19 was being hunted by at least 2 warships. The ship’s camouflage was slightly altered by painting the red band on the funnel blue and building an additional deckhouse on the boat deck. The raider now sails as the Soviet Research Ship “ROSSKOVO” 7,780 grt KLTV homeport Murmansk and is in transit to launch another raid on merchant shipping between Norway and England.

Sunk between Narvik and Bear Island

English
“” Destroyer H.M.S. “Hearty” 1,250 grt
Dutch
“” Freighter “TAMPICO” 4,869 grt
“” Freighter “VENEZUELA” 5,125 grt
“” Freighter “ATLANTIC” 3,325 grt
“” Tanker “KETTY OSLO” 6,562 grt
“” Freighter “ROTTERDAM” 8,202 grt
“” Freighter “HONG KONG” 3,300 grt
“” Tanker “STAVERDEN” 5,800 grt
Norwegian
“” Freighter “CEYLON” 7,100 grt
Swedish
“” Freighter “GEORGIA” 4,473 grt
Taken prize:
Norwegian
“” Tanker “KNUDSEN” 10,200 grt
“” Tanker “OLE HANSEN” 8,800 grt
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CPTLTJASON

09-10-22, 09:58 PM

15.4.1940 South Cape Island 75th day at sea

Schiff 19 arrives at South Cape Island. The raider now undergoes another change in disguise from Soviet Research Ship to a Dutch freighter. She will sail as the “Arendsderk” 7,700 grt PFLK homeport Amsterdam
Paint and camouflage of the ship:
1. Outer hull black
2. Superstructure dark grey
3. Bridge and signal deck brown
4. Forward bulwark lengthened
5. Smokestack lengthened black with orange ring
6. Nationality and name on both sides of the hull
7. Cannon VI camouflaged as deckhouse, painted dark grey
8. 2 pairs of cargo booms added, one pair aft of the bridge structure the second forward of the foremast.
9. Masts and cargo booms painted yellow
10. 2 lifeboats and davits removed; bulwark extended aft.
11. Dutch flag hoisted on the signal deck

Schiff 19 will remain hidden until 1.May and then resume raids in the North Sea the Seekriegslietung now plans to send the raider into the North Atlantic sometime in late May early June. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann wants to leave the North Sea and breakthrough into the North Atlantic by the end of April. So far Schiff 19 has sunk 97,195 grt of shipping plus one destroyer. In the coming days Hartmann and his officers will come to a decision on where to operate next.
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CPTLTJASON

09-19-22, 08:03 PM

20.4.1940 Norwegian Sea 80th day at sea 76°08'N, 16°27'E

After hiding at South Cape Island for 6 days and changing the ship’s camouflage to that of a neutral Dutchman, Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decides to operate along an area where the B-Dienst reports vast numbers of Independent Norwegian merchant shipping attempting to escape Norway. Several targets including 2 whale factory ships, and various tankers of over 10,000 grt are sailing for England. Schiff 19 weighs anchor and sets sail at 16 knots to her operations area between Narvik and the Faroe Islands. Schiff 19 has been advised that other Hilfskreuzers had sailed or were preparing to sail in the coming days. The S.K.L. has informed Schiff 19 that at least 3 other Hilfskreuzers have sailed or are preparing to sail.

While enroute the main radio room received new orders from the S.K.L. which instructs the raider to break off operations and proceed to Waiting Area C in the Greenland Sea and await for favorable weather to breakout into the North Atlantic.

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CPTLTJASON

09-22-22, 02:41 PM

10.5.1940 Greenland Sea 74°4'N, 6°9'W 100th day at sea

Schiff 19 arrives at Waiting Area C as instructed, now she waits to meet her supply ships. During the passage Schiff 19 briefly swung south and sank a tanker and 2 freighters before steering north. On 25.4 she sank the British tanker “ATLANTIC RANGER” 4,876 grt loaded with 5000 t of gasoline from Lerwick to Narvik. 13 salvos send the tanker to the bottom, 21 of the 58 crew were picked up. Two days later the freighter “GLENBURG” 7,254 grt from London to Narvik loaded with army and air force equipment for Norwegian troops after being inspected by the search commando the ship was sunk with scuttling charges 76 were taken prisoner. On 30.4 Schiff 19 sank the Freighter “VIRGINIA” 5,247 grt loaded with 10 tanks and 130 t of army equipment again bound for Narvik a torpedo sent the freighter to the bottom, 87 were taken prisoner. The sinkings caused a brief disruption in traffic from England to Norway, all distress signals from the enemy ships were successfully jammed by the main radio room. The raider with 184 prisoners aboard headed northwest at 16 knots.

Today to commemorate 100 days at sea, the crew was lined up for a speech by the Kommandant in which he announced the name of the raider, she was to be called “Wolf”. In 4 months of commerce warfare, “Wolf” has sunk 108,713 grt of shipping she’s become the most notorious privateering vessel of WWII and has yet to make it into the main shipping lanes of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
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CPTLTJASON

09-24-22, 07:14 PM

22.5.1940 North Atlantic 63°10’N, 29°43’W 112th day at sea

The Wolf runs the British blockade! after spending 2 days refueling and rearming the raider makes for the Denmark Strait at 10 knots just south of the ice limit. The Wolf entered the Straits on the evening of the 21st and sailing at 16 knots crossed into the North Atlantic. The main radio room reported 3 British freighters within a 20km radius these were successfully avoided. On the morning of 22nd lookouts sighted out of the mist a large vessel to starboard. On the bridge Kapitan.z.S Hartmann identified her as the British Armed Merchant Cruiser H.M.S. WALVIS BAY 10,191 grt she briefly came into view then disappeared again into the mist. The crew were disappointed that the ship was not engaged however the mood changed when Kapitan.z.S Hartmann informed that the sighted vessel was an Armed Merchant Cruiser.

For the Wolf her hour had come and the raids for which she was to gain eternal notoriety were about to begin……………..
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/308480085_1926981490840898_4906924760824350387_n.j pg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=EZsNHokCAjMAX9lpP4E&tn=FtZ7f8iKlu7Hvs0W&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AT833FZ3KepGB2PLoJc-f1LlP168bm2sRcW6qu821sftSA&oe=63349B6D

CPTLTJASON

09-24-22, 08:33 PM

15.6.1940 South Atlantic 16°39’S, 32°52’W 136th day at sea

Mtr.O.Gfr Meyer of the starboard bridge watch sighted a smoke column off the port bow and with this the Wolf obtained her first success in the North Atlantic. The smoke column was the Australian freighter S.S. WHITEMARK 7,085 grt GFTK homeport Melbourne in transit from Freemantle to Southampton via Hong Kong-Halifax loaded with 8,800 t of tires, steel plate, and wheat. The vessel had been armed in Freemantle and put up a fight with the Hilfskreuzer which resulted in a battle in which the freighter fired 10 salvos all of which missed, in turn the raider fired 81 shells and 2 torpedoes of the crew of 90, 81 including the master Capitan S.W. Fish were taken prisoner. The ship sank fast over the stern.

After the sinking the Wolf headed south sighting only a neutral Argentine freighter on the 10th. On 11.6 she crossed the equator at 29°42’W. The following morning the crossing of the line ceremony took place. During the next 4 days the raider encountered heavy seas and rough weather. today the weather cleared and Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to send the Arado on at least 2 reconnaissance flights per day. The ship has freedom to operate as far south as the Falkland Islands always keeping south of the equator and west of Ascension Island.
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/308855305_1927022904170090_886677759532975908_n.jp g?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=pNl4ShzunVAAX-s7aVq&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AT_yiGHYfy6khU3mwparhjL9sO_O9ovEApwnnRrPVefG 9A&oe=63346F90
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/308794710_1927022967503417_5335505296652171479_n.j pg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=TrwB-D5Ni9sAX8weLMT&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AT_FqgyP5nUNmRDOVkpSHib9mN6aa1iyUB6q63VA79RA aA&oe=6335936E

CPTLTJASON

09-30-22, 09:44 PM

18.8.1940 South Atlantic 9°5’S, 6°16’W 207th day at sea

The Wolf continues her cruise of destruction. sinking 13 ships from Pernambuco to Brazil. On the 22nd of June she sank the Panamanian tanker WYOMING 10,011 grt of the Tanker Corp (Johan Rasmussen & Co), Panama loaded with 12000 t of gasoline from Aruba to Freetown the entire crew of 52 were taken aboard. The following day Oblt.z.S Soltau of the starboard bridge watch sighted 2 smoke columns off the starboard bow on approaching the 2 vessels identified as 2 Panamanian tankers, the raider disguised as a neutral Dutchman approached to within 1000m and decamouflaged ordering both tankers to stop at once and not to use wireless neither complied and soon 18 salvos from all her artillery sent both vessels to the bottom. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann ordered 2 boats to be launched and with searchlights located 119 survivors from the tankers they were the FLORIDA 11,335 grt and VISTA 10,061 grt of the Panama Transport Co (Standard Oil Co), Panama the first tanker was loaded with 13000 t of aviation spirits and the second with 11,000 t of gasoline. On 26.6 the merchant raider was drifting on the South Atlantic swells when lookouts of the fore crosstrees sighted 2 ships closing to 1800m and opened fire on the two ships within minutes boarding parties under the commands of L.z.S Schmidt and L.z.S Mohr board the vessels and take them intact. The Panamanian freighter RANGOON 3,421 grt from Colombo to Aruba loaded with misc. cargo and the tanker SAMSON 4,972 grt from Aden to Liverpool loaded with 4500 t of diesel fuel and 1,000 t of gasoline. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann ordered the vessels taken prize and bring aboard all valuable goods found aboard after taking over all the Nautical charts, ships logbook, provisions, tools, a welding rig, and 20 bottles of oxygen from the freighter from the tanker the Wolf took on the 4500 t of diesel fuel the Demolition party under Oblt.z.S Wolff sinks both vessels with scuttling charges. The Wolf continued the hunt on the 29th another tanker came into view and within 20 minutes she was sent to the bottom. The Panamanian tanker was sighted and sunk in position 74°7’S, 33°8’W she was the EL MAR 3,486 grt from Aruba to Bahia Blanca loaded with 3500 t of fuel oil. 19 were taken prisoner.

On 1.7.1940 Wolf sinks the British freighter WINDWARD 6,701 grt from Freemantle to Liverpool via Durban-Cape Town-Pernambuco-Freetown loaded with 7000 t of steel plate and general cargo. the freighter was sunk with a torpedo, 22 were taken prisoner. The following day 2 more Panamanian vessels were sunk the tanker EL RIO 10,000 grt of the Panama Transport Co (Standard Oil Co), Panama from Aruba to Freetown loaded with 11000 t of bunker fuel she was sunk with 8 x 15cm salvos the liner DEMETRIO 6,951 grt from Bahia Blanca to Freetown then on to Sydney to be converted into a troopship was sunk with scuttling charges. 116 were taken prisoner. Later that day Mtr.II Meyer of the port bridge watch sighted another freighter closing to the target this vessel was identified as a Panamanian as well the vessel was further closed and a warning shot was fired over the bows bringing the freighter to a halt again a boarding party under L.z.S Schmidt board the ship and identify her as the CONSTANSA 5,040 grt of the Panama Transport Co (Standard Oil Co), Panama from Freemantle to Aruba loaded with 7700 t of pipe, steel plate, and machinery destined for the oil refinery on the island. Again, the vessel was taken prize all valuable documents, stores, and equipment taken aboard the raider and the ship scuttled. 2 days later while cruising south to get out of the area the Wolf came across another 2 ship convoy consisting of yet another Panamanian tanker and freighter both were stopped with warning shots over the bow, boarded, inspected, and sunk. They were the SANTIAGO 5,286 grt loaded with misc. cargo and BURMINGHAM 3,481 grt loaded with 3500 t of gasoline.

The Seekriegslietung informed Kapitan.z.S Hartmann that the Altmark was at Point Andalusia to fully resupply the raider and soon the ship headed south on the 9th she sank the Panamanian freighter SHERMAN 4,188 grt from Colombo to Aruba loaded with 4000 t of general cargo. After sinking the freighter, the raider headed south then east towards St. Helena Island sighting no shipping until this morning when lookouts sighted a large silhouette off the port bow Kapitan.z.S Hartmann identified the mysterious shadow as a light cruiser! All stop! darken the ship! crew to action stations! the Wolf came to a halt the cruiser passed at a distance of 2400m after the cruiser was out of sight the raider moved north one hour later a British freighter came into view however Hartmann decided not to sink the ship due to the proximity of the cruiser. Instead, the Dutch flag was hoisted on the mainmast and the Wolf continued north accelerating to 17.5 knots. Soon the freighter was out of sight. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann now decides to breakoff operations and head south to meet the Altmark now 200km north of Tristan da Cunha.

https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/309848446_1932239296981784_2926945639516246538_n.j pg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=iQNikx2XRbwAX_itnaQ&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AT_6oXzSNYku0a1vr-2U9OztCQRbsclxG0QFSvhviJ-CEg&oe=633D8162
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/309634564_1932239403648440_6360056872723447390_n.j pg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=C39xv8ni9HAAX81ZYpx&tn=FtZ7f8iKlu7Hvs0W&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AT9y6C_3z9KvlxH3_7ckwZNbMTBCYelXRQEwa6Jd9EiO iQ&oe=633C6150
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/309118937_1932239490315098_6991001936677885074_n.j pg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=ennDtTpcNPQAX-i4k22&tn=FtZ7f8iKlu7Hvs0W&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AT8YJBfPlQqs6MZnelliU53BTBETt86-Z92yTBMnWFMqfA&oe=633B9E02
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/310074880_1932239653648415_1729495029623728856_n.j pg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=VN1yxaDM41kAX_lbZM2&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AT9D00LiijQjjeKl9-wf1NOu2IsvDsCy3FYlhalFMxQQ5g&oe=633C3C37
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https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/310136059_1932239900315057_5124688660657316549_n.j pg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=21l94UXJ9xkAX8ub18S&tn=FtZ7f8iKlu7Hvs0W&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AT8sDLixCXBKoasNRQHIJxZyJBHeB_KubaAg00BB88qV qg&oe=633D06B1
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CPTLTJASON

10-01-22, 08:13 PM

15.9.1940 South Atlantic 200km North of Tristian da Cunha 228th day at sea

After an uneventful voyage south, the Wolf meets the naval tanker Altmark in position 35°25’S, 12°17’W. The raider took aboard 800 x 15cm shells, 100 x 7.5cm shells, 12000 x 2cm shells, 3 torpedoes, 2200 cbm3 of diesel fuel, 2000 t of water, 1000 cbm3 of lubricating oils, 7 months’ worth of stores, 1 Arado Ar 196 A-1 aircraft stored in 5 ton crates. During the resupply the currently used Arado is launched carrying out daily reconnaissance flights in a 250km radius of the ships. The Wolf also took aboard 10 prize officers and another 100 petty officers and ratings for use as prize crews as well as 1 officer and 10 petty officers and ratings specializing in EMC mines.

Considering that Schiff 16 is operating in the mid Indian ocean and Schiff 33 off Madagascar, having sunk 3 ships, and heading east Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to repeat the mining operations carried out by the ship’s namesake. Hartmann, the first officer, and the navigation officer plan to lay 8 minefields off the approaches to Cape Town. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to depart for the Cape Town area on the 20th.

https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/310546325_1933106173561763_4155423813798697250_n.j pg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=i3u4jMcGRt4AX9kw7wc&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AT-K_dkCsECV236g0oHxofnAo_2nvGYD6BnSDsmrBAXznw&oe=633D9B8E

CPTLTJASON

10-01-22, 10:49 PM

Unfortunately, due to some technical difficulties with SH5 in which I had to reinstall the game therefore making the last savegames unusable therefore I have to conclude the war cruise of the Wolf. Hopefully in future I can get a proper Hilfskreuzer war cruise going.
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/310104549_1933223723550008_215204981354211180_n.jp g?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=h8-xFwhkteUAX-L_5Go&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AT8qO5QqlSXK5iyTQXV8-ACiGbhzi3S_6jI6Ii-POKoVAw&oe=633D3DD9

Rwearjr

10-02-22, 04:11 AM

Sad to hear this, was enjoying reading of the Wolf's exploits against allied shipping. May she sail again soon.:Kaleun_Salute:

CPTLTJASON

10-03-22, 01:58 PM

Sad to hear this, was enjoying reading of the Wolf's exploits against allied shipping. May she sail again soon.:Kaleun_Salute:

It's quite frustrating but then again its SH5.

CPTLTJASON

10-09-22, 08:38 PM

Currently working out the storyline for the new raider patrol. I plan to make this into another unrealistic mega patrol which will take the raider from 1935-1945. Hopefully I can get this going by late October so stay tuned. :Kaleun_Salute:
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5463&d=1665365153

Rwearjr

10-11-22, 04:11 AM

:Kaleun_Cheers:

propbeanie

10-11-22, 11:59 AM

Looking forward to it CPTLTJASON! Here is to wishing you a smooth installation, and stable SH5 / TWoS game running! :salute:

ConvoyHunting

10-22-22, 03:25 PM

Great read and operations, as usual !:Kaleun_Salute:
Looking forward for your next raiders patrols :Kaleun_Cheers:

CPTLTJASON

10-28-22, 08:20 PM

Thanks I glad y'all are enjoying the operations!
:Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:

CPTLTJASON

10-28-22, 08:26 PM

After several months of work this is the first draft of what the HK would've looked like had she existed during the next few days I'll make further adjustments to the plans, finalize the storyline, and get screenshots done.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5484&stc=1&d=1667006581

CPTLTJASON

11-04-22, 02:29 PM

I took down the posts due some inaccuracies and in my search for information on commerce warfare in the Spanish Civil War I found a book by Michael Alpert "The Spanish Civil War at Sea" and just by reading a preview I learned partly how ships were secretly sent to Spain this will add to the accuracy to the story of Schiff 30 with that being said I will have to edit the storyline once again, so it makes sense.

I know in the past I had great success with U-293/U-838 unfortunately not so much with the Hilfskreuzer side as I continue to study the operations and tactics of these vessels I am not a fan of posting then deleting stuff but the story albeit fictional has to make sense and in the end this is a hobby, So the ship will return to port for a short period of time while I get the storyline sorted out.

:Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=4862&stc=1&d=1635219157

CPTLTJASON

11-11-22, 05:38 PM

First off I appreciate all the interest y'all have in this project I'm glad that folks are enjoying the adventures of the Hilfskreuzer.

Currently working on the appearance of the ship and the storyline, for the storyline the recent book i got has been helpful (In my opinion its more of a what if? book for the Spanish Republican Navy) but it works.

Here is the final draft of Schiff 30's appearance
Dimensions of Schiff Nr. 30
Length: 600ft
Beam: 65ft
Draft: 36ft

I am aware that there were few vessels that were not ocean liners to be over 580ft if they aren't Whale factory ships, tankers, etc. during the interwar years and WWII. I also plan on keeping a Kriegstagebuch even though they are of the same format as uboat KTBs the wording is of course much different I'm currently using a translated version of the Kriegstagebuch of the raider Atlantis as a guide for the kriegstagebuch of Schiff 30. With that being said hopefully in a few weeks time I'll finish rewriting the part of the storyline that covers the ship's early history I feel that's been quite vague.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5514&stc=1&d=1668205718

Rwearjr

11-12-22, 05:05 AM

Sounds like even better tales of "Afrika" are soon to come CptLtJason. Looking forward to hearing more........sink 'em all.
:Kaleun_Salute:

CPTLTJASON

11-24-22, 04:17 PM

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

Update:

Finalizing the storyline for the early history of the ship, as for the appearance of the ship, this has been finalized after researching the war diaries and experience reports of Schiff 16 and Schiff 33.

The only thing of course is that these call for smaller faster vessels, which the “Weserfels” at 600ft ain’t meeting that criteria!, but the recommendations for higher speeds (25.5 knots), more modern guns (10 X 15cm Tbts C/36), radar (modified version of Seetakt/De-Telegraph), improved rangefinder placement (3m), Armor (on the hull and decks), Leichte Schnellboote (which won’t come aboard until much later), aircraft catapult (on the extended boat deck), cabins, bunks, etc. (as noted in the experience report of Schiff 33) were made of wood and therefore flammable so all these aboard are of metal construction etc. more detailed list of improvements will be published later.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5532&stc=1&d=1669324453

propbeanie

11-25-22, 07:52 PM

Definitely looking forward to the first sailing day, even if it is just a shake-down cruise. :salute:

CPTLTJASON

11-27-22, 07:40 PM

On September 1st 1939 at 04:47 the first shots of the Second World War were fired when the Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish positions on the Westerplatte.

The Seekriegslietung began preparations for commerce warfare in earnest. Although auxiliary cruisers were hardly a priority, 2 prewar studies were hastily carried out in the summer of 1939 and there was little support among the officers in the Seekriegslietung or the Naval High Command. In spite of this the Kriegsmarine’s auxiliary cruisers were to repeat the successes achieved by disguised commerce raiders of the Great War such as the Mowe, Seeadler, and Wolf IV. During WWII the newest and fastest freighters were reserved for troop transports therefore the conversion office of the Kriegsmarine was left with a pool of ships ranging from modern motorships with reliable diesel engines to steamers with recycled steam turbine engines from bygone passenger liners. 11 freighters were converted, 9 sailed, of these 6 were sunk in action. The “Thor” was destroyed by explosion in Yokohama, Japan. Only “Widder” and “Orion” survived. The last merchant raider sunk on the high seas was Schiff 28 also known as the “Michel” she was torpedoed and sunk by the submarine USS Tarpon (SS-175) some 50 miles from port. This marked the end of the Hilfskreuzer operations...........or so official history says,

However, there was a 12th raider a mysterious vessel doomed to sail the seas for eternity. By orders of the Führer, she sailed on a cruise of destruction, sinking ship after ship, destroying port after port, sowing minefield after minefield it was even said that she sank an entire convoy when the escorting destroyers abandoned their posts on sighting her terrifying silhouette, captured and held the Cocos Islands, and even took a battleship prize at the British Naval Base at Trincomalee, Ceylon.

In spite of this the allies were never aware of the existence of this raider as her activities were always linked with uboats, other commerce raiders, and even spies. It wasn’t until late 1944 when a British tanker was sunk in the Pacific Ocean roughly 80km off Papua New Guinea that shed light on the existence of this mystery raider, but Allied intelligence attributed this sinking to a Japanese raider.

She was never caught and subsequently undertook the return voyage to Germany, or what was left of it and surrendered in late 1945 at Kiel Harbor, Buoy Nr. 10.
This is story of the dreaded merchant raider Schiff Nr. 30
The “Wolf”.
.....................Die Piraten des Führer......................
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/317324538_1980442238828156_740398469950959000_n.jp g?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=E9nElgyCkRoAX8iT8Ce&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfDX_G-E8ypKS864zGOc5sllpfxw2PLRjt0cR9Wm6p8Evw&oe=63889E4D

Rwearjr

11-28-22, 05:10 AM

:Kaleun_Applaud:
" the escorting destroyers abandoned their posts on sighting her terrifying silhouette"
Now if I can only get the same effect from a Type IX........

Looking forward to hearing more CPTLTJASON, the secret patrol logs of "The Wolf."

CPTLTJASON

11-28-22, 10:13 PM

Early 1935, Marinekommandiertenabteilung, Berlin.

The motorship “Weserfels” was originally part of the new Ehrenfels Class ships these large fast motorships were diesel powered giving them a tremendous advantage over coal or turbine ships. Most would end up sailing the DDG Hansa Line’s East Asia Route (Hamburg-Calcutta).

Fate of the Ehrenfels Class ships during and after WWII.
M/S Ehrenfels Sunk off Mormugoa 09.03.1943
M/S Weserfels - - - - - - - - Not Built - - - - - - - -(Officially)
M/S Reichenfels Sunk off Kerkenna Island on 21.6.1942
M/S Kandelfels Converted into Hilfskreuzer and sunk on 8.5.1941 by H.M.S. Cornwall (56)
M/S Kybfels Sunk off Leukás, Greece 21.5.1941
M/S Goldenfels Converted into Hilfskreuzer and sunk off 22.11.1941 by H.M.S Devonshire (39)
M/S Hohenfels Sunk by the crew in the Port of Bandar Shapour on 25.8.1941
M/S Tannenfels Sunk as a blockship at Bordeaux-Bassens on 25.8.1944
M/S Moltkenfels Sunk off the roadstead of Hela in East Prussia on 11.4.1945
M/S Neidenfels Taken prize at Eckernförde on 25.5.1945, scrapped on 8.10.1975

The “Weserfels” was taken over before her keel was laid at the Deshimag A.G. Weser Werft, Bremen. However, she was still being designed and was not expected to be laid down until later in the year with her sister and namesake of the class Ehrenfels, but planners in the Marinekommandiertenabteilung had other plans. In mid-1934 KAdm Karl von Werner of the Marinekonstruktionsamt (K) proposed the construction of a disguised commerce raider from the keel up, this project was initially met with strong opposition, the Reichsmarine was in the midst of building the last Panzerschiffe, known as Panzerschiff C costing 82,000,000 RM and were finalizing plans for the Admiral Hipper-class cruisers in spite of this Adm Reader Chef der Marineleitung authorized von Werner to proceed with the project with utmost secrecy and so on January 2, 1935 at 10:00 hrs. the teletype at the A.G. Weser Werft tapped out the a directive from Berlin, Officials from the Reichsmarine’s Marinekonstruktionsamt (K) soon took over the plans of the “Weserfels” and began a study into a possible design and construction of a “Handelsstorkreuzer” or “Trade Disruption Cruiser” for this the ship was given the designation of H.S.K. (10).

Unlike the Hilfskreuzers of the Great War which were just converted freighters this study was to design and build a Hilfskreuzer from the keel up. This vessel would be heavily armed with 10 x 15cm guns, an array of secondary and anti-aircraft guns, 6 torpedo tubes, a catapult, the space to carry 8 aircraft, range 180,000km, an endurance of at least 300 days, space for up to 580 mines, cargo space for captured cargo, specially built refrigeration rooms, large pens for livestock, prisoner quarters, etc. Although being heavily armed they lacked above all things armor. With the “Weserfels” it was decided to augment the sand ballast, it was decided to install armor plates on her decks and sides with a thickness of 3/4” on the deck and 1” on the hull from frame 10-frame 210.5 This greatly increased her weight from 8,000 grt to 12,000 grt. but it provided protection for her machinery spaces, magazines, torpedo rooms, mine rooms, and her 8 x 15cm guns hidden behind flaps which were a headache to design in less than two months.
During this phase in the design process, It was eventually decided to build the ship independently of the other Ehrenfels Class ships which is the reason she does not appear as an Ehrenfels Class ship.

The superstructure layout was retained being only slightly modified, along with the engine installation. The original length of the ship was to be 506ft however this increased to 600ft. This new length would give the ship the extended range and greater endurance that the naval architects and engineers were looking for and the option to install improved machinery the downside was that she would be easily singled out and hard to camouflage.
Her keel was laid down on January 20, 1935 at the Deschimag A.G. Weser Werft in Building Way Nr. V.

During the construction of the ship, the commander was assigned, the newly promoted Korv.Kpt. Hellmuth Wilhelm Hartmann the II. Artillery officer of the pocket battleship Deutschland. Previously he had served as commander of the minesweeper M-21. He joined the Kaiserliche Marine in October 1918, one month later the war ended, however Hartmann was retained and was swiftly promoted by 1928 he held the rank of Kapitanleutnant and was in command of M-21 before being transferred to the newly completed Panzerschiffe Deutschland as II. Artillery Officer in June 1933 shortly after the ship entered service. After being given command he began assembling his crew, rejecting the entire roster provided by the Personnel Office. Instead, he handpicked his officers, petty officers, and ratings. Once the crew selection was completed the crew of 440 were housed in barracks in Bremen the nature of the ship was still a mystery to the crew and was to remain for the remainder of her construction.

The ship was completed on April 5, 1935 The launching took place on April 10, 1935 and without ceremony one of the last ships launched under the flag of the Reichsmarine floated high on the River Weser. The “Weserfels” was then towed to the Fitting out Pier where she was completed by April 30th.
On completion the cost of the new raider was over 31,000,000 Reichsmarks due to the high cost and size of the vessel further ships of this type were not pursued and efforts were shifted to what would end up being the never completed Plan Z.
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/317090034_1981240018748378_5379402517773765024_n.j pg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=O7Zi_8aehxgAX_dm0hd&tn=FtZ7f8iKlu7Hvs0W&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfAg-MRflnNTEtWTeZdD--HhWrdk_HO9gAchEvxv0IQW4Q&oe=638A9B6D
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/317077889_1981242272081486_3039324228376566487_n.j pg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=CD_XytblfokAX_6-yLD&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfA7O4lZIUQz0sL8OU7SS2AZSL3aJlahlMc8fjrhNhCY 6Q&oe=638AB874

CPTLTJASON

11-28-22, 10:27 PM

Rwearjr

11-30-22, 05:22 AM

Good stuff CPTLTJASON! Not sure if I was reading a fictional account of an SH5 mod, or a novel/documentary about "Weserfels." Nice work Kaleun. Perhaps you should be (if not) a writer? Could it be her cargo bay is designed to carry a type II U-Boat as well?
Thank you for sharing these, as obviously you put quite a bit of thought into Weserfels back story.
:Kaleun_Applaud::Kaleun_Cheers:

CPTLTJASON

12-07-22, 07:11 PM

I appreciate the comment Rwearjr but I’m hardly a writer!

The Type II uboat would be useful for port raids, mining operations, and reconnaissance and would greatly expand the operations of the raider, however there is no way to transport the vessel realistically. The uboat can’t be carried in pieces as there would be no way to assemble the boat nor a way to launch it without a heavy duty boom (279 tons). I have read about these uboats being transported on barges for operations in the Black Sea and in the couple pictures I’ve managed to find they are transported with hulls fully assembled with the exception of the conning tower and the 2cm MG C/30 ahead of the conning tower. On top of that the hold would be extraordinarily long which would be unusual for a merchant ship of the era. With that being said the ship is already a stretch being 606ft in length and equipped like a light cruiser, I’d like to keep it as realistic as possible. There is the option of a joint operation like Schiff 33 and UA carried out briefly in the South Atlantic all that amounted to was the resupply of the uboat with torpedoes, fuel, and provisions and being towed to another operational area. But in my opinion a more in depth and long term operation would both hamper the Hilfskreuzer and the uboat which could result in both being sunk.

:Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:

Rwearjr

12-09-22, 05:26 AM

My post was perhaps a bit tongue-n-cheek, given the specs of Weserfels as outlined. TY for the reply nonetheless, popcorn in hand, awaiting the first patrol. Be it pre-war, or after. Weserfels will be wreaking havoc on the high seas.
"Niemals aufhoren zu jagen"
:Kaleun_Salute:

CPTLTJASON

12-12-22, 10:51 PM

I see, nevertheless an interesting concept. Perhaps later in the war when the smaller midget subs are brought into service like the "Seehund" or "Hecht". Schiff 30 could carry perhaps 2 of the craft.

:Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:

CPTLTJASON

12-14-22, 04:51 PM

UPDATE:

Finalizing the the storyline for the 1935 portion of Schiff 30.
This will cover the design and construction phase, Launching, commissioning, and fitting out. Then the trial cruises, loading of cargo, etc., and finally the departure. I expect Schiff 30 to sail soon.
:Kaleun_Cheers:

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5558&stc=1&d=1671053744

CPTLTJASON

12-17-22, 09:20 PM

On September 1st 1939 at 04:47 the first shots of the Second World War were fired when the Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish positions on the Westerplatte.

The Seekriegslietung began preparations for commerce warfare in earnest. Although auxiliary cruisers were hardly a priority, 2 prewar studies were hastily carried out in the summer of 1939 and there was little support among the officers in the Seekriegslietung or the Naval High Command. In spite of this the Kriegsmarine’s auxiliary cruisers were to repeat the successes achieved by disguised commerce raiders of the Great War such as the Mowe, Seeadler, and Wolf IV. During WWII, the newest and fastest freighters were reserved for troop transports therefore the conversion office of the Kriegsmarine was left with a pool of ships ranging from modern motorships with reliable diesel engines to steamers with recycled steam turbine engines from bygone passenger liners. 11 freighters were converted, 9 sailed, of these 6 were sunk in action. The “Thor” was destroyed by explosion in Yokohama, Japan. Only “Widder” and “Orion” survived. The last merchant raider sunk on the high seas was Schiff 28 also known as the “Michel” she was torpedoed and sunk by the submarine USS Tarpon (SS-175) some 50 miles from port. This marked the end of the Hilfskreuzer operations...........or so official history says,

However, there was a 12th raider a mysterious vessel doomed to sail the seas for eternity. By orders of the Führer, she sailed on a cruise of destruction, sinking ship after ship, destroying port after port, sowing minefield after minefield it was even said that she sank an entire convoy when the escorting destroyers abandoned their posts on sighting her terrifying silhouette, captured and held the Cocos Islands, and even took a battleship prize at the British Naval Base at Trincomalee, Ceylon.

In spite of this the allies were never aware of the existence of this raider as her activities were always linked with uboats, other commerce raiders, and even spies. It was not until late 1944 when a British tanker was sunk in the Pacific Ocean roughly 80km off Papua New Guinea that shed light on the existence of this mystery raider, but Allied intelligence attributed this sinking to a Japanese raider.

She was never caught and subsequently undertook the return voyage to Germany, or what was left of it and surrendered in late 1945 at Kiel Harbor, Buoy Nr. 10.

This is story of the dreaded merchant raider Schiff Nr. 30
The “Wolf.”

.....................Die Piraten des Führer......................
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5560&stc=1&d=1671329992

CPTLTJASON

12-17-22, 09:55 PM

Mid-1934, Marinekommandiertenabteilung, Berlin.

In July 1934 KAdm Karl von Werner of the Marinekonstruktionsamt (K) proposed the construction of a disguised commerce raider from the keel up, von Werner had served aboard the raiders Mowe and Wolf IV in the Great War, the project was initially met with strong opposition, the Reichsmarine had just launched the Panzerschiffe Admiral Graf Spee, known as Panzerschiff C costing 82,000,000 RM and were planning for the Admiral Hipper-class cruisers which would cost 85,000,000.00 RM, in spite of this Adm Erich Reader Chef der Marineleitung authorized von Werner to proceed with the project with utmost secrecy.

He met with the owners of the Deutsche Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft Hansa at their Bremen Headquarters to discuss the requisitioning of one of their new future class of motorships of the Ehrenfels Class. The Reichsmarine would end up buying the ship for 4,250,000.00 RM was accepted on July 19th. The payment was received on July 20th, 1934 at 12:01pm then on July 21, 1934 at 08:00 hrs. the teletype at the A.G. Weser Werft tapped out a directive from Berlin, 1.Marineleitung. Iac. 33928/34 geh.

The chosen ship was the “Weserfels” she was originally the second ship of the new Ehrenfels Class of motorships to be built by the Deschimag A.G. Weser Werft, Bremen. These large, fast motorships were diesel powered giving them a tremendous advantage over coal or turbine ships. She was to have sailed on the bi-weekly Hamburg-Calcutta run via the Suez Canal.
Specifications (as planned)

Length 506ft
Beam 61ft
Draft 31ft (Loaded 33ft, Empty 27ft)
Tonnage: 7.764 GRT (4.795 NRT 10.450 tdw)

Engine installation:
2 x 6-Zylinder doppeltwirkende Zweitakt-Dieselmotoren
Deschimag Werk A.G. "Weser", Bemen
Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg (MAN), Augsburg: Typ: D 6 Zu 53/76
7.600 PSe, 210 UpM, Vulcan-Getriebe 86 UpM

1 x Propeller / 1 x Rudder / 16.0 knots

Crew: 44
Passengers: 12

Loading gear:
1 x 50 t Boom
1 x 15 t Boom
6 x 10 t Boom
14 x 5 t Boom

The ship was given the designation of H.S.K. (10). But to maintain the secrecy of the project official documents refer to H.S.K. 10 as Schiff Nr. 30. Officially the ship was a special transport, destined to sail under the Reichsdienstflagge, the Reich Service Flag.
Unlike the Hilfskreuzers of the Great War which were just converted freighters this Hilfskreuzer was to be built from the keel up. The vessel would be heavily armed with 10 x 15cm guns, an array of secondary and anti-aircraft guns, 6 torpedo tubes, a catapult, the space to carry 8 aircraft, range 180,000km, an endurance of at least 300 days, space for up to 500 mines, cargo space for captured cargo, specially built refrigeration rooms, large pens for livestock, prisoner quarters, etc.

Most of the disguised raiders of the Great War were heavily armed however, they lacked above all things armor. With the “Weserfels” it was decided to augment the sand ballast with the installation of armor plates on her decks and hull with a thickness of 0.5” on the deck and 1” on the hull from frame 10.0 to frame 255.5 This greatly increased her weight from 7,700 grt to 10,800 grt. but it provided protection for the machinery spaces, magazines, torpedo rooms, mine rooms, and 8 x 15cm guns hidden behind flaps which were a headache to design in less than two months. During this phase in the design process, It was eventually decided to build the ship independently of the other Ehrenfels Class ships which is the reason she does not appear as an Ehrenfels Class ship in any register.

Final plans were approved by the Reichsmarine, and the contract was signed on August 31st. at the Deschimag A.G. Weser Werft. The keel was laid in Building Way Nr.V. on September 1st. at 07:00 hrs.
During the construction of the ship, the commander was assigned, the newly promoted Korv.Kpt. Wilhelm Hellmuth Hartmann, the II. Artillery officer of the pocket battleship Deutschland. Previously he had served as commander of the minesweeper M-21. He joined the Kaiserliche Marine in October 1918, one month later the war ended, however Hartmann was retained and was swiftly promoted by 1928 he held the rank of Kapitanleutnant and was in command of the minesweeper M-21 before being transferred to the newly completed Panzerschiffe Deutschland as II. Artillery Officer in June 1933 shortly after the ship entered service.

After being given command he began assembling his crew, rejecting the entire roster provided by the Personnel Office which were basically undesirable officers and ratings. Instead, he handpicked his officers, petty officers, and ratings. Once the crew selection was completed the original crew of 440 were housed in barracks in Bremen the nature of the ship was still a mystery to the crew and was to remain for the remainder of her construction.

The ship was completed on February 11, 1935. The launching took place on the 12th. and without ceremony one of the last ships launched under the flag of the Reichsmarine floated high on the River Weser. The “Weserfels” was then towed to the Fitting out Pier where she was completed by April 30th.
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5561&stc=1&d=1671332085
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5562&stc=1&d=1671332085

CPTLTJASON

12-17-22, 10:06 PM

1.5.1935 Deutsche Schiff-und Maschinenbau A.G. Weser Werft, Bremen, Commissioning Pier

On May 1, 1935. The M/S “Weserfels” was commissioned into the Reichsmarine as Schiff Nr. 30 under the command of Korv.Kpt. Hellmuth Wilhelm Hartmann. Officially she is still the “Weserfels.”

Schiff 30 was the last ship to be commissioned into the Reichsmarine, afterwards the ship was moved to the Naval Fitting out Depot and began taking aboard her equipment
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5563&stc=1&d=1671332653

CPTLTJASON

12-17-22, 10:26 PM

2.5.1935 Naval Fitting Out Depot, Bremen.

The ship was moved to the Naval Fitting out Depot and began taking aboard her equipment. from 2.5.-10.5. After which the ship will return to Deschimag then proceed on her sea trials.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5564&stc=1&d=1671333895

Rwearjr

12-18-22, 05:09 AM

:Kaleun_Applaud::Kaleun_Cheers:

CPTLTJASON

12-19-22, 12:15 PM

11.5.1935 Mouth of the River Weser

The ship returned to Deschimag for final adjustments and on the 11th the ship departed for sea trials with a commission from A.G. Weser Werft aboard the ship fired her main and secondary guns before putting into Columbus Pier to take on fuel. The following day Schiff 30 continued her sea trials as far as Hohe Weg Lighthouse.

On the evening of the 12th. Schiff 30 once again made fast at Columbus Pier after taking on fuel Schiff 30 departed Bremerhaven at 21:32 hrs. and returned to Bremen back to Deschimag. The ship arrived at Deschimag and was put into Drydock V for correction of defects found on the sea trials and modifications recommended by the Kommandant and crew. During the time at Deschimag the crew were housed in Barracks and not allowed to venture further than the city center.

On the morning of the 16th. the ship was refloated and towed to Fitting Out Pier Nr. IV. From the 15th to the 20st the ship was fitted with the remainder of her equipment.

Modifications and corrections to ship carried out by
Deschimag A.G. Weser Werft, Bremen

1.) Reinforcing of the bow, propeller, and rudder for sailing through ice.
2.) Addition of Seetakt/De-Telegraph and radar office.
3.) Addition of 2 x 3.7cm PAK 36 and 2 x 2cm MG C/30.
4.) Deckhouse on boat deck lengthened.
5.) Armor plating (0.25”) installed for the steering gear room.
6.) Upper bridge and wheelhouse layout remodeled. including the captain’s cabin, bridge radio room, and chartroom.
7.) Addition of cabins for 10 officers, 20 petty officers, and 60 ratings.
8.) Hold Nr. I converted to hold 5 Panzers (Sd.Kfz. 101) and other equipment.
9.) Workshop added for Panzers.
10.) Exhaust noises eliminated by installing large new mufflers.
11.) Mine Deployment room enlarged by 10ft., scuppers enlarged.
12.) 7.5cm relocated further aft of the bow from Frame 264.5 to 260.0
13.) 3.7cm installed between Hold Nr. II and Foremast (Frame 204.9)
14.) 2 x 65cm searchlights installed on the upper bridge.
15.) Addition of 4 x 2cm MG C/30 2 all 4 were installed on the boat deck

Image 1: Schiff 30 on the River Weser conducting her sea trials
Image 2: Schiff 30 at the Deschimag A.G. Weser Werft, Bremen

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5565&stc=1&d=1671469993
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5566&stc=1&d=1671470020

CPTLTJASON

12-19-22, 09:32 PM

9.7.1935 Anchored off Brunsbüttel Locks in 20 fathoms of water.

At 13:00 hrs. the ship was cleared of all shipyard workers and contractors. The crew was assembled below decks and the Kommandant gave the following announcement “In accordance with the Fuhrer’s proclamation of the “Restoration of Military Sovereignty” given on 16.3. In which the Reichswehr was dissolved, and the Wehrmacht was established. Today 21.5.1935 the Reichsmarine is dissolved, and the Kriegsmarine is established as a branch of the Wehrmacht effective immediately.” The fitting out of the ship was transferred to the Allgemeine Marineamt(B) then back to the Marinekonstruktionsamt(K). The change did not have a significant impact on the fitting out of the ship. New stationary, codebooks, etc. were issued to the ship and by June 25th. the ship was ready for her sea trials.

By the 26th the fitting out work was completed, and the ship taken over from the shipyard.

The raider departed Bremen on June 27th and sailed down the River Weser to conduct her second set of sea trials with a commission from the Deshimag A.G. Weser Werft aboard on evening of 28th. Schiff 30 made fast at Columbus Pier and took on fuel, water, and coal. Afterwards the ship resumed her sea trials and completed these by the 29th she returned to Bremerhaven anchoring for the night to the west of the approaches. Schiff 30 departed Bremerhaven at midnight and began the transit back upriver to the A.G. Weser Werft. for final adjustments and to disembark the commission. After 4 days at the shipyard the ship moved to Freihafen III, Bremen. For 8 days the ship took over 600 tons of stores, coal, and fresh water. In the afternoon of the 14th. Schiff 30 sailed for Kiel via the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal.

Schiff 30 made a stopover in Cuxhaven to pick up 3 V-Boots on departing the DDG Hansa colors on the funnel were painted over. By the late afternoon she was at anchor off the Brunsbüttel Locks.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5568&stc=1&d=1671503532

CPTLTJASON

12-20-22, 10:22 PM

13.7.1935 Kaiser Wilhelm Canal, Anchored off Rendsburg in 10 fathoms of water.

Schiff 30’s voyage through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal was going smoothly until 02:29 hrs. when a tugboat from Rendsburg signaled the ship to stop and anchor off Buoy 29. A tanker and a freighter collided off the Kiel-Holtenau locks it will take 1-2 weeks to clear the wreckage. The Kommandant signaled to Berlin and requested instructions on what course of action to take. In the meantime, the ship anchored 1km from Rendsburg in 10 fathoms of water in the Canal.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5570&stc=1&d=1671592886

CPTLTJASON

12-24-22, 08:47 PM

Merry Christmas to all!
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/321707722_1163831044520375_3490779964997044699_n.j pg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=BsdWvssFMgcAX-LTvMP&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfB36g_Ej90fa4UTs3CE6-QYDTCpincO_FLlQU8g3PBxFQ&oe=63AC087B

Rwearjr

12-25-22, 05:10 AM

Merry Christmas CPTLTJASON. :Kaleun_Salute:

CPTLTJASON

12-25-22, 05:17 PM

Kiel Harbor, Naval Fitting Out and Ordnance Depot

The O.K.M. instructed Hartmann to turn the ship around and return to Bremen and await further instructions. At noon, the ship turned around in Rendsburg and sailed for Bremen, arriving in the early morning of the 15th. The ship docked at Freihafen IV and took aboard some of the equipment from Kiel which arrived via the Reichsbahn on 2 Sonderzüge.

The ship was shifted to the Naval Fitting Out Depot where she remained until the 18th. During this time 8 Offiziere, 31 Uffz, and 100 Mannschaften of the Heer come aboard under Hptm Fredrich Deutsch. In Stettin tanks, vehicles, and equipment will be taken aboard. With this she will have all three branches of the Wehrmacht aboard.

On the evening of the 19th. orders came in instructing that Schiff 30 put to sea and make for the Baltic Sea via the Skagerrak, Kattegat, Great Belt, and put into Kiel Harbor.

At 08:00 hrs. on the 20th., Korv.Kpt. Hartmann ordered Schiff 30 to put to sea in accordance with the operational orders. At 06:00 hrs. on the 24th. the ship arrived at Kiel without further incident and moored at the Kiel Naval fitting out and Ordnance Depot. Here she began outfitting for her training cruises.

The raider was photographed from the dock on which the light cruiser “Karlsruhe” was moored at.

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CPTLTJASON

12-25-22, 07:31 PM

Baltic, Kiel.

Schiff 30 is ready for her test cruises. While in port and During the night the following was carried out: adjustment of the torpedo tubes, compensation of the compass, and determination of the radio load. At Scheerhafen Fresh water, provisions and coal were supplied and the tanks for aircraft fuel were filled at Kiel-Holtenau. 3 Heinkel He 60 aircraft and aircraft parts were taken on board. The following test cruises were carried out in the following sequence:

25.7.-26.7. Howachtbucht Proceeded with bow protection gear and cutter for mines.
27.7-1.8. Eckenforder Bay Small and large caliber weapons shooting.
2.8.-5.8. Kiel Bay T.E.K. Torpedo shooting.
6.8.-8.8. Kiel Bay Torpedo shooting.
9.8.-10.8. Lübecker Bay Anti-aircraft weapons shooting.
11.8. Kiel Bay Practice launching and recovering the embarked aircraft and use of the onboard catapult.
12.8. Kiel Bay Engine measured mile
13.8.-15.8. Kiel Bay During these cruises further training of the crew in boat drills and combat exercises. Repeated launch and recovery of the embarked aircraft on the catapult and trial fitting of the disguise mechanisms.
16.8. Kiel Bay Training for searchlight crews and the boarding and demolition commandos

On 17.8 the Kommandant, Freg.Kpt. Hartmann reported the ship and crew ready for combat. That evening the Kommandant was recalled to Berlin and informed that the ship would sail on 1.Sep. at midnight. He arrived early on the 18th. and immediately began preparations be begin the final outfitting of the ship. Hartmann had less than 15 days to outfit his ship, an impossible task reported the Administrative and supply officers, but impossible was not in Freg.Kpt. Hartmann’s vocabulary.

Soon Schiff 30 returned to the Naval Fitting Depot and began taking aboard, ammunition, torpedoes, and her cargo which brings us to her operational orders: Sail from Kiel to Yokohama via Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, and Valparaiso. On arrival to Yokohama the raider is to disembark her cargo for the Naval Attache and Ambassador in Yokohama then cruise the Pacific for suitable Islands to be used for rendezvous points for raiders in times of war, among other tasks. The ship is scheduled to depart Kiel for Stettin on the morning of the 22nd. and be back in Kiel by midnight.

Now I will pause for a few days to begin writing the Kriegstagebuch. I initially will write it by hand as I've always done with the uboat patrols then type a final copy of which will now include attachments such as combat sketches, radio reports, reports from different ships divisions, etc.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5576&stc=1&d=1672015643
(Picture shows Schiff 30 back at the Kiel Ordnance Depot)

CPTLTJASON

12-27-22, 08:46 AM

30.8.1935 Kiel Harbor

Working in 2 shifts (port and starboard) the ship is outfitted and ready for departure in record time.

5,500 cbm3 of diesel fuel
4,000 cbm3 of lubricating oils
4,500 cbm3 of fresh water
3,200 t of coal
2,200 cbm3 of aviation fuel
1,000 cbm3 of reserve diesel fuel
Endurance of 350 days.
10,000 t of cargo and equipment.

In Stettin part of the cargo was loaded in accordance with 1.Okm. 100579/35 gkdos. this cargo was initially supposed to arrive by train and be loaded at Scheerhafen. But both trains were still sitting in the marshaling yards in Stettin when the Kommandant inquired about their arrival to Kiel. So, Hartmann decided to sail for the port and take aboard the cargo there.
In the evening Freg.Kpt. Hartmann travelled to Berlin for the last time for a final briefing and brought up to date on the latest political situation and intelligence from the B-Dienst. During the Kommandant’s voyage to Berlin the ship was disguised as a Transportschiffe A10 sailing under the Reich service flag.

1.) Outer hull dark grey
2.) On deck ventilators, hatches, winches, etc. light grey
3.) Superstructure grey
4.) Smokestack length unchanged, painted light grey with black top
5.) Masts light grey, crow’s nest unchanged
6.) Pole masts put up including cargo booms
7.) I and X cannons completely disguised, painted grey
8.) Boats setout
9.) Draft marks and identification markings on hull
10.) Reich Service Flag hoisted on roof of signal deck

In the night, the disguise work was complete, Schiff 30’s outbound orders are as follows to proceed independently to Cape Arkona and meet the tanker “Esso Bremen”. From here both will proceed via the Great Belt, Kattegat, and Skagerrak to the North Sea where they will follow 4224 AN, 7878, 4949 AF, 9939 AB, 1236 AC, and 8711 AG. Here they will meet another freighter the “Wachtfels.”

The fitting out of Schiff Nr. 30 is on schedule and is anticipated to depart on 1.Sep.1935.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5577&stc=1&d=1672148765
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5578&stc=1&d=1672149000

Rwearjr

12-29-22, 05:14 AM

Freg.Kpt Hartmann will have five years of preparation, and excercises to familiarize himself and the crew with Schiff 30 prior the looming date of Sept 1, 1939.
"Nach Osten ho Pirat der Fuhrer"

CPTLTJASON

12-29-22, 09:46 PM

Freg.Kpt Hartmann will have five years of preparation, and excercises to familiarize himself and the crew with Schiff 30 prior the looming date of Sept 1, 1939.
"Nach Osten ho Pirat der Fuhrer"

Yes and the ship will take part in Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

CPTLTJASON

12-31-22, 08:33 PM

Happy New Years! :Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/323549969_725201505493124_1628286768680457466_n.jp g?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=W2_7qfiasZAAX81019N&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfAbUqeEsCchUNZDjZPU4kwlw3li5c9ru6oQiHdpPr3i uQ&oe=63B4EF78

CPTLTJASON

01-02-23, 09:26 PM

1.9.1935 Kiel Harbor, Buoy Nr. 10. 1st. day at sea

After months of preparations, at 24:00 hrs. on the 31st. of August Schiff 30 weighs anchor casts off from Kiel. None of the 800 men aboard had any idea that their 10 month cruise would turn into 10 years and that some would never see Kiel or Germany again.

Schiff 30 will meet the tanker “Esso Bremen” off Cape Arkona from here they will then proceed to Keldsnor. Then to a meeting point with the freighter “Wachtfels” which is currently off Spitzbergen.

Excerpt from Operational Orders of Schiff Nr. 30 O.K.M. I Op 4424/35
“.........will proceed via the Great Belt, Kattegat, and Skagerrak to the North Sea where they will follow 4224 AN, 7878, 4949 AF, 9939 AB, 1236 AC, and 8711 AG.........”

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5580&stc=1&d=1672712748

CPTLTJASON

01-02-23, 09:42 PM

Cover of the Kriegstagebuch des Schiff Nr. 30

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5583&stc=1&d=1672714178

CPTLTJASON

01-02-23, 09:55 PM

Kriegstagebuch des Schiff Nr. 30
pg.14

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5584&stc=1&d=1672714460

CPTLTJASON

01-04-23, 11:15 PM

20.9.1935 Bear Island 74°17’N, 18°26’E, 19th day at sea

After a stormy yet uneventful voyage through the Great Belt, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, the North Sea, and the Norwegian Sea Schiff 30 arrives at “Point Blue 10” early on the morning of the 12th. and await the arrival of the “Esso Bremen.” The “Wachtfels” was delayed in Stettin and is expected to arrive no sooner than 20.9. The “Esso Bremen” is roughly 4 to 6 days away from the meeting area.

During this time the crew carried out gunnery and boat drills, the catapult was used so far the aircraft have carried out over 30 reconnaissance flights, and the investigation commandos practice boarding procedures. The radio rooms carryout reconnaissance on the airwaves all transmissions are accessed and transcribed so far all traffic keeps well south of Bear Island the closest vessel detected was a Soviet Research ship 400 miles northwest of Bear Island. The anticipated breakthrough into the North Atlantic is anticipated to be in the first week of October.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5585&stc=1&d=1672892023
Schiff Nr. 30 in the North Sea.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5586&stc=1&d=1672892102
Schiff Nr. 30 and the "Esso Bremen" 'A 39'

CPTLTJASON

01-04-23, 11:29 PM

The aircraft currently in use the Heinkel He 60c with a range of 826 km at 2,000 m. The Pilots described the aircraft as being a sturdy but sluggish aircraft. Nonetheless they've proved useful in the reconnaissance flights carried out so far.

The aircraft carried by Schiff 30 were modified to have their wings folded for storage.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5587&stc=1&d=1672892684

CPTLTJASON

01-05-23, 08:38 PM

21.9.1935 Norwegian Sea “Point Blue 10” 74°17’N, 18°26’E, 20th day at sea

During training in refueling procedures A 39 suffered a list to starboard, the engineering staff under the LI of Schiff 30 Korv.Kpt.(Dipl-ing) Sonntag go aboard in an attempt to repair the damage which the Kommandant of A 39 believes was sustained during the stormy passage through the North Sea. Despite the best attempts of the engineering staff nothing could be done and the list of the tanker grew from 5° to 19° and Freg.Kpt. Hartmann ordered A 39 abandoned and sunk with scuttling charges this was carried out by 16:45 hrs. and the tanker sank in position 74°17’N, 18°26’E. A radio message was sent to operations stating that A 39 had sunk and another suitable replacement tanker be sent. A reply from the Ob.d.M. is expected sometime tonight or tomorrow morning.

Korv.Kpt. Hoffmann will be put in command of the incoming tanker the crew will be kept aboard and used to supplement the Prize Commandos. Of the 49 ratings 21 are civilian merchant sailors they all volunteer to join the Kriegsmarine.

With this new delay the departure of the convoy is now anticipated to be in mid-October. For the time being, the crew continues with their training and daily shipboard routine, the 3 radio rooms with their intelligence gathering, and the seaplanes are being sent out 4 times a day, 2 flights per aircraft. The catapult has proved to be very useful more than 60 flights have been carried out as opposed to the 10 or 15 that would have been able to have carried out without a catapult.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5589&stc=1&d=1672968692
Schiff 30 stopped in stormy weather off Bear Island
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5591&stc=1&d=1672968938
"Esso Bremen" 'A 39' 4,500 grt DOKL sinking after being scuttled due to damage sustained during a storm in the North Sea
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5592&stc=1&d=1672968990
Schiff 30 and one of her seaplanes approaching to land after carrying out a reconnaissance flight

Rwearjr

01-07-23, 05:06 AM

:Kaleun_Applaud:

Fingers crossed SH5 install remains stable well into the future to follow this career. Nice screenshots.
:arrgh!:

CPTLTJASON

01-09-23, 11:02 PM

23.9.1935 “Point Blue 10” 74°17’N, 18°26’E, 23rd day at sea

The “Wachtfels” arrived at 06:00 hrs. and the Kommandant of the freighter Korv.Kpt. Siegfried Becker boarded Schiff 30 to give a report and for a conference with Freg.Kpt. Hartmann, Obstlt Foerster (Luftwaffe), and Hptm Deutsch (Heer). In a meeting the day before they decided to hold an exercise on Kapp Thor, Hoppen Island for the 3 branches of that make up the ship’s company this would in Hartmann’s view weld the three branches together and be able to develop tactics for future Hilfskreuzers.

In a separate report to the Kommandant of Schiff 30, Korv.Kpt. Becker stated that he had run into a storm in the North Sea but no damage had been sustained. He also reported that the “Wedemark” and the “Lindenfels” had not departed Stettin or Wilhelmshaven when he departed on the evening of the 18th. from Kiel this meant that the ships would not arrive until early October at the earliest. This would hamper Hartmann’s plans for the exercise if the ships did not show by October 5th. he would have no choice but to scrap his plans and resume his voyage south in spite of this the crew, besides the daily shipboard routines, are building a mock harbor on the raiders decks from canvas and wood.

There has been no radio message from operations in regards to the delay of the freighter and tanker. Freg.Kpt. Hartmann summed it up to the inefficacy and bureaucratic red tape of deskbound officers working in the Shipping Office of the Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine. A message will be sent on the evening of the 31st. to see what if any update can be given on the status of the “Lindenfels” and “Wedemark”.

So far this “merchant raider” has become, to Hartmann’s dismay a passenger/cargo ship for the Kriegsmarine. But soon, events in Spain 10 months from now would give the ship her legendary reputation.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5593&stc=1&d=1673322867
"Wachtfels" arrives, Schiff Nr. 30 photographed from the funnel of the freighter.
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5594&stc=1&d=1673323135
"Wachtfels" photographed from the fore crosstrees of Schiff 30
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5595&stc=1&d=1673323270
Another photograph of "Wachtfels" from the deck of Schiff 30. One of the 4 seaplanes was moved to Hold Nr. II for repairs (damage sustained while landing on rough seas)

CPTLTJASON

01-13-23, 06:26 PM

23.9.1935 Norwegian Sea, Point Blue 23rd day at sea

Schiff 30 is still stopped in the Norwegian Sea while planning on the voyage south continues.

I had to alter the storyline due to a conflict in events. Special Station IX was to be located on Henderson Island, with construction starting in late 1935. However further reading on the history of Henderson Island indicates that in August 1937 H.M.S. Leander carried out an ariel survey of Henderson, Oeno, and Ducie Islands. These were claimed as British Territory. Therefore, the construction will have to wait until after August 1937.

There will be also a change in tankers. But in spite of this slight delay, the ship will soon begin her trek south.
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5599&stc=1&d=1673652214
Schiff 30 in the Norwegian Sea.

CPTLTJASON

01-15-23, 05:53 PM

1.10.1935 Norwegian Sea 74°17’N, 18°26’E, 30th day at sea

During the last few days there have been changes in the operations of Schiff 30. The “Wedemark” was out, she was heavily damaged when she ran aground in the Jade Bay. Operations radioed on 23.9. to Schiff 30 the situation and Hartmann responded 2 days later requesting that a new tanker be assigned, hold the “Lindenfels” in port, and that he was dismissing the “Wachtfels” back to Bremen. There would be no more indecision, Schiff 30 would embark as much material, stores, etc. from the “Wachtfels” as possible then begin the trek west to the Denmark Strait.

Today in the afternoon, the crew of Schiff 30 bid farewell to the “Wachtfels” she circled the merchant raider twice before crossing her bows at 10 knots as she sailed south towards the North Sea. Now Schiff 30 was alone and tomorrow would weigh anchor and set sail for Jan Mayern then to the Denmark Strait and disappear forever into the wide expanses of Atlantic.

Freg.Kpt. Hartmann would radio operations when he was ready for the transports to sail.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5600&stc=1&d=1673823200

CPTLTJASON

01-17-23, 05:14 PM

25.10.1935 Barents Sea 77°5’N, 48°22’E 54th day at sea

Schiff 30 weighs anchor after 19 days Freg.Kpt. Hartmann decides to sail to the Barents and Kara Sea for reconnaissance and to test the reinforced bow. Just before leaving the crew disguised the ship as an anonymous Soviet freighter

Paint and camouflage of the ship:
1.) Russian nationality markings
2.) Name plates and name affixed
3.) Smokestack and masts lowered, smokestack insignia
4.) Forward bulwark lengthened
5.) Superstructure white
6.) Bridge and signal deck brown
7.) Russian merchant flag on the signal deck roof.
8.) 2 lifeboats with davits added over the catapult.

Schiff 30 sailed eastward, on the 4th. the chief Meteorological Officer reported to the Kommandant, Oblt.z.S Dr. Wurst informed the Kommandant that the bad weather being experienced will cease within 24-48 hrs. by 07:30 the following morning the weather had calmed but the seas remained choppy. Schiff 30 began sighting Soviet merchant traffic on the 10th. at 19:20 hrs. she sighted the Soviet steamer “BELOMORKANAL”. The following day she sighted at 13:45 the Soviet tanker “SMOLETS” just under an hour later the Soviet freighter “KOSMOSEK” were passed. Also, that day the Meteorological Office reported that a storm was to be expected within the next 3-4 days, heavy seas, high winds, and strong rain squalls were expected. The I. Navigation Officer Oblt.z.S Neumann suggested sailing as far north as Salm Island to avoid the worst of the storm, but this was rejected because this would add an additional 3 day sail. Hartmann decided to sail through the storm and ordered the ship prepared. The camouflage for Cannons I and X were secured as well as the disguised 3.7cm cannons. In the afternoon the ship carried out boat drills and practiced a silent alarm.

Schiff 30 began encountering heavy seas on the 12th with overcast skies and light fog by 06:00 hrs. on the 13th. the ship was being pounded by heavy seas. A large wave slammed into the forepeak causing damage to the 7.5cm stop gun, the bridge watch reported that the gun was swinging from port to starboard, no repairs could be carried out so, 2 Port.U.O. were sent forward to secure the gun with rope this was successfully carried out. On the bridge the engine room telegraphs were moved to Kleine Fahrt Voraus.

On 14.Oct. at 04:51 hrs. Schiff 30 rounded Cape Zhelaniya in bad weather and cruised the area until the 19th. then the Kommandant ordered the voyage westward to commence. The I. Navigation Officer informed the Kommandant that Schiff 30 would be entering the Denmark Strait by the first week of November.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5605&stc=1&d=1673993131
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5606&stc=1&d=1673993433
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5607&stc=1&d=1673993504
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5608&stc=1&d=1673993621

CPTLTJASON

01-21-23, 08:08 PM

11.11.1935 18 Miles North of Jan Mayern, 71st day at sea

Schiff 30 continued sailing east, during her eastward passage the F.T. detected a Soviet Research vessel less than 20 miles away heading for Murmansk from Alexandra Land. Freg.Kpt. Hartmann ordered A.K. Voraus (21 knots). The Research Vessel was heard to make now for Archangelsk. Hartmann reduced speed to 16 knots then went back to cruising speed 12 knots (1 engine) after 36 hrs. Another pass with the direction finders resulted in no contacts. However, on 31.10. the British freighter “King” was sighted the British steamer passed at a distance of 4 miles, making no contact with Schiff 30 which was still disguised as a Soviet vessel.

Schiff 30 was once again alone. She arrived off Jan Mayern Island without incident. Hartmann ordered the ship to be camouflaged as an anonymous German Freighter:

Paint and Camouflage:
1.) Outer hull black
2.) Superstructure white
3.) On deck ventilators, hatches, winches, etc. yellow
4.) Smokestack black, length unchanged
5.) Cannons I and X camouflaged, painted grey
6.) 3.7cm guns camouflaged, painted grey
7.) 2 Additional lifeboats on aft boat deck removed.
8.) Awnings with coverings added on the after boat deck
9.) German Merchant Flag hoisted on the mainmast
10.) Added 2 derricks on the after boat deck.

The work will be completed in 2 days and the ship will then set sail for the Denmark Strait and into the North Atlantic.
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/326976271_568303488229171_3635992439744222933_n.jp g?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=qsP1_i8Yh7EAX96kbJZ&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfA5kz0gtnPKdVX9srJJGoJeduzmUbzpoEAuWmDI1sNu NA&oe=63D166AF
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/326793551_959724564993192_9209529195730633212_n.jp g?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=G0Eu-GUv75QAX8wZEu1&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfCv2ppE3iaurIAL-o91E8DH__uil4qvuypd06AfHV3ubg&oe=63D18D61
https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/326922692_5257913250977098_8611040301443678995_n.j pg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=p93ExWkexGwAX8BEOP3&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfA4Mzg15qUnL20CKVniVov7OaiHVJ-pgiBmaS2Z7tyuPQ&oe=63D194D7

CPTLTJASON

01-23-23, 08:37 PM

1.12.1935 North Atlantic 49°25’N, 40°37’W 91st day at sea

The work was completed in 2 days and the ship immediately set sail for the Denmark Strait. Meteorological reports from operations said that clear weather was to be expected in the strait. The Kommandant decided to proceed to the ice limit near Greenland to await for more favorable weather for the breakthrough into the North Atlantic.

Schiff 30 arrived at the ice limit on 14.11. and stopped until more favorable weather reports were received. It was not until the 19th that bad weather began to develop and soon the ship was steaming at 12 knots for the Denmark Strait. As the ship headed southeast the weather became worse. On the 22nd the breakthrough began at 09:06 hrs. speed was increased to 18 knots. At noon her 9 cylinder MAN diesel engines were put to the test; speed was increased to her actual top speed of 25 knots for the remainder of the breakthrough.

At 12:15 hrs. a shadow was sighted in the rain bearing 214°T, Schiff 30 steered a new course 258°T the rest of the cruise through the strait was uneventful. On 24.11. at midnight the breakthrough was successfully carried out and now Schiff 30 was loose in the North Atlantic.

The ship is to carryout the first task of her expedition, survey of the Labrador Sea for suitable areas to build weather stations. This is to be completed by the end of the year.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5609&stc=1&d=1674524259

CPTLTJASON

01-25-23, 10:23 PM

10.12.1935 Labrador Sea, Davis Strait, Anchored 1 mile from Knight Island, 100th day at sea

Schiff 30 spent her 100th day at sea at anchor off an uninhabited island in the Davis Strait. She arrived after an uneventful voyage from the Denmark Strait and North Atlantic. 2 Survey teams disembarked from the ship as follows:
Boat Nr. I under Oblt.z.S Dr. Wurst to Knight Island
Boat Nr. III under L.z.S Dr. Klein to Lawson Island
Boat Nr. V under Reg.Rat. Dr. Bey to Knight Island
V-Boot Nr. I under L.z.S Schmidt on standby in the water
During the time the ship is anchored the following repairs are carried out:
Repairs to the canvas camouflage on the foredeck
Repairs to the 7.5cm stop gun
Superstructure was given a fresh coat of white paint
Floatplane moved from Hold Nr. II back to Hold Nr. IV.

Schiff 30 will then move up the Davis strait and stop at Resolution Island, Loks Island, and finally Coburg Island in the Baffin Bay. The meteorological expedition is expected to be completed by 31.12.1935.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5612&stc=1&d=1674703216
Schiff 30 on the high seas
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5613&stc=1&d=1674703268
Boats I and V making for Knight Island

Rwearjr

02-10-23, 05:08 AM

:Kaleun_Periskop:
Keeping the boat at PD until we spot another post from Schiff30. Enjoying the series so far.

CPTLTJASON

02-11-23, 07:11 PM

31.12.1935 Cumberland Sound 65°9’N, 65°25’W, 121st. day at sea

Schiff 30 completed her meteorological expedition on 15.12. The specialists will begin preparing their reports and packing their suitcases.

Reg.Rat. Bey and Reg.Rat. Hoffmann intended to survey Hudson and Morris Islands but a reconnaissance flight carried out by aircraft determined that the approaches were obstructed by ice so the specialists instead decided to survey Monumental Island and Lady Franklin Island. Schiff 30 arrived off the first island at 11:00 hrs. and by 22:30 hrs. both had been surveyed and the ship was sailing for Cumberland Sound to spend Christmas and New Year’s. Schiff 30 arrived on the 16th. and anchored in the middle of Cumberland Sound. Here she was isolated from the world. the 3 V-Boots were launched and 3 aircraft were put in the water for pilots to conduct trial flights.

The expedition team decided to carryout an expedition on Baffin Island beginning at Hall Peninsula and ending at Cumberland Peninsula on the other side of the island. From the 17th.-20th. the crew carried out gunnery and camouflage exercises then proceeded to give the superstructure, hull, and smokestack a new coat of paint. With the current paint scheme used by Schiff 30 she can be camouflaged as a British, Norwegian, or Dutch freighter.

21st.-31st. The crew of Schiff 30 rested and celebrated Christmas and New Year’s. On Boxing Day, a radio message finally came through from operations indicating that arrangements had been made with the German Embassies in Montevideo and Buenos Aires and clearance had been granted by port authorities to dock at the respective ports. Transit through the Atlantic is anticipated to begin after 5.1.1936. Hartmann’s objective is to be in Yokohama Harbor by the beginning of June.

On 26.12. Freg.Kpt. Hartmann was promoted to Kapitän zur See.
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5627&stc=1&d=1676160657

CPTLTJASON

02-11-23, 07:12 PM

:Kaleun_Periskop:
Keeping the boat at PD until we spot another post from Schiff30. Enjoying the series so far.

Danke!

I'm glad you're enjoying the series. I Fell behind on the storyline but rest assured the voyage is going as planned!

:Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:

CPTLTJASON

02-13-23, 12:22 PM

11.1.1936 North Atlantic 49°33’N, 42°55’W 132nd day at sea

Since the end of the Great War 18 years ago, a German merchant raider is loose on the high seas.

Schiff 30 left the freezing expanses of the Labrador Sea and is now slowly working her way south. Calm weather with high winds and heavy seas accompany her southward. Schiff 30 will meet an inbound German freighter east of Bermuda to transfer the specialists, their equipment, and 2 wounded ratings who were injured in Cumberland Sound when taking aboard a V-Boot. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann announces to the crew that they will make for the South Atlantic and cross the equator.

Our next patrol report will take place once the ship has crossed the equator.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5630&stc=1&d=1676308957

CPTLTJASON

03-04-23, 08:50 PM

I've decided to rewrite part of the storyline I didn't like the quality of the photos and the story itself, with this i must also change the war dairy of the ship but I won't be restarting the voyage.

So in the meantime Schiff 30 is drifting in the North Atlantic on a southerly course.

:Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5656&stc=1&d=1677981004

Rwearjr

03-06-23, 05:22 AM

:up:
:subsim:
Will keep checking in a couple of times a week as usual and watching for the new storyline. Thank you for sharing these CPTLTJASON.

CPTLTJASON

03-19-23, 03:40 PM

15.2.1936 Central Atlantic 34°26’N, 16°21’W 168th day at sea

On entering the North Atlantic the Kommandant Kapitan.z.S Hartmann mustered the crew and gave a short speech in which he announced that Schiff Nr. 30 would be christened “Wolf”. On 12.1. at 1630 hrs. the inbound German freighter “Kanada” was met and the specialists and their findings were transferred. Both ships departed after 2 hours of transferring the crew and supplies. afterwards Schiff 30 continued on her voyage south. The following day a radio message was received from operations indicating that the raider was to put into Santa Cruz de Tenerife and meet the HAPAG liner M.S. Milwaukee for transfer of cargo, mail, and passengers.

On the 15th. Schiff 30 stopped west of the Azores and the disguise was changed to a HAPAG Line freighter M.S. Seattle 10 800 grt DKSE homeport, Bremen.

Paint and camouflage of the ship:
1.)Outer hull black
2.)Superstructure white
3.)On deck ventilators, winches, hatches, etc. buff color
4.)Smokestack buff with HAPAG livery, length unchanged.
5.)Markings painted on the bows and stern
6.)Lifeboat painted white, after most set of boats removed
7.)Masts painted buff, crow’s nest put up
8.)cargo booms put up
9.)Name and markings added on the hull, bridge, and signal deck

By 18.1. the camouflage was completed and Schiff 30 resumed transit to Las Palmas. On the 23rd. La Isleta Lighthouse came into view and by noon Schiff 30 was tied up alongside the HAPAG Liner M.S. Milwaukee. For 2 weeks Schiff 30 transferred cargo and passengers from the liner to the Hilfskreuzer these “Passengers” were actually personnel from the Kriegsmarine, Heer, and Luftwaffe and the “cargo” was spare parts for the diesel engines and aircraft, mail, official correspondence, and other material for the H.K.’s voyage to the east. On 25.1. another radio message was received indicating that the German Reich purchased 3 old vessels for Schiff 30 to use as target practice or any use the Kommandant would see fit all three were built between 1900-1915 they were 1 freighter and 2 tankers of just over 4 400 grt each. The vessels were currently located in Puerto Franco and would be sailed by Spanish crews to our location.

On 26.1. the tanker “Spichern” arrived and topped off the H.K.’s stores of diesel fuel, lubricating oils, and aviation fuel. That same day another radio message was received indicating that the German freighter S.S. “Afrika” outbound for Hong Kong was to be met off Punto Santo Island.

30.1. the three purchased vessels arrived and 3 prize crews were assembled they were ordered to sail for 49°36’N, 25°55’W. During the night Schiff 30 and the three ships moved to Punta del Arrecife to prepare the ships they were disguised as HAPAG freighters at midnight they departed for the ordered location.

On 5.2. Schiff 30 departed for the meeting area and after 5 days arrived and began the preparations that the freighter and one tanker were to be sunk as the raider would conduct a mock attack on both ships. All day on 11.2. the gunnery exercises were carried out both ships sank just after 1200 hrs. the Artillery officers and the Kommandant discussed the performance of the crew, artillery, rangefinders, and the ship itself. At 1840 the tanker was dismissed bound for the South Atlantic Schiff 30 would radio the tanker further instructions. Schiff 30 departed at 1900 hrs. for Punto Santo Island.

After 4 days of sailing Schiff 30 arrived and now awaits the arrival of the S.S. “Afrika”.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5663&stc=1&d=1679258163
Schiff 30 and M.S. Milwaukee in Las Palmas
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5664&stc=1&d=1679258270
Schiff 30 after sinking her practice targets
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5665&stc=1&d=1679258363
Schiff 30 preparing to sail for Punto Santo Island

CPTLTJASON

03-19-23, 09:40 PM

18.2.1936 Central Atlantic 34°26’N, 16°21’W 171st day at sea

The S.S. “Afrika” arrives at 0500 on 16.2. and the transfer of cargo destined for Montevideo and Buenos Aires. A second transfer was begun later in the day in which Schiff 30 took aboard spare parts for the diesel engines and aircraft, fresh vegetables, and other stores and equipment.

Schiff 30’s new orders now state that the ship is to make directly for Yokohama, Japan and deliver her cargo as instructed.

The “Afrika” departed at 2331 hrs. on 17.2. Schiff 30 departed today at 0600 hrs. bound for Yokohama the raider will not sail through the Panama Canal but instead sail through the Drake Strait to enter the Pacific Ocean.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5666&stc=1&d=1679279983
Schiff 30 and the S.S. "Afrika"

CPTLTJASON

03-19-23, 09:42 PM

Current disguise of Schiff 30

HAPAG Line freighter M.S. Seattle 10 800 grt DKSE homeport, Bremen
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5667&stc=1&d=1679280067

propbeanie

03-20-23, 02:19 PM

:yeah:

(I moved my "Yeah!" down here for story continuity)

CPTLTJASON

03-21-23, 11:53 AM

1.4.1936 Pacific Ocean 53°11’S, 78°40’W 182nd. day at sea

After leaving the S.S. “Afrika” Schiff 30 sailed south on 5.3. a British formation consisting of 8 freighters and 3 destroyers were sighted Schiff 30 steered clear of these vessels. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann is not sure what or where the formation was transporting or sailing to. Two days later on 7.3. The Equator was crossed the Equator Crossing Ceremony was carried out that same day. Now begins the long trek south towards Cape Horn. By 10.3. Schiff 30 was west of Ascension Island. 4 days later the British South America Squadron was sighted of St. Helena Island after this sighting no further sightings have been logged.

Kapitan.z.S Hartmann intended to use the seaplane extensively in the South Atlantic but periods of bad weather and the two sightings with warships convinced the Kommandant not to use his seaplane hopefully the aircraft will be see flying time in the Pacific. The days passed aboard the H.K. without excitement the typical shipboard routine, the usual entertainment whether it be watching a film in Hold Nr. III, playing deck games, or just roaming the decks it quickly became monotonous. The Division Officers were instructed by the Kommandant to find ways of keeping the crew’s spirits up with new activities.

Today Schiff 30 rounded Cape Horn and entered the Pacific in partly cloudy skies freshening winds and rough seas. Hartmann plans to stop at various Islands along the way to allow the crew some shore leave and if the Island is inhabited trade with the locals.

Schiff 30 is on course 305° bound for Yokohama (12 knots, 1 engine.)
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5669&stc=1&d=1679417583

CPTLTJASON

03-23-23, 07:57 PM

20.4.1936 Pacific Ocean 25°29’S, 109°24’W 201st day at sea

Schiff 30 arrived off Easter Island on 10.4. and sent a landing party ashore to trade with the islanders for 5 tons of sugar and 5 tons of flour Schiff 30 got 15 t of fruit (pineapples, coconuts, and mangos)
After this trade a Chilean gunboat tied up alongside the 600ft hull of Schiff 30 and inquiring officials and naval officers boarded unknowingly a German disguised raider. After inspecting the ship’s clearance papers, cargo manifest, and crew list the Chileans departed and good for Kapitan.z.S Hartmann a lapse of judgement meant that there was no “cargo” aboard. This time he got lucky and Schiff 30 departed for a new rendezvous area 100 nm. north of Easter Island. On arriving she signaled to the “Rio de Janerio” the new position. During the waiting period locomotive smokeboxes and cabs were made from wood and empty beer kegs and crates were lettered for various cargos and placed in empty Hold Nr. II.

During this time as well the superstructure and decks were washed and the paint touched up on the smokestack.

The “Rio de Janerio” arrived 2 days later in the morning of 14.4. the vessel came alongside she was riding very low in the water. In the end 6 vehicles and trailers, wood, canvas, steel plates, spares for diesel engines/aircraft, rifles, ammunition, steel helmets, and 60 3.7cm Pak cannons were transferred to Schiff 30. In addition to 10 sacks of mail and a sealed envelope marked “Kommandant” in it were orders that after leaving the cargo for Japan Schiff 30 was to call at Hong Kong and Shanghai and deliver the indicated cargo for the army of Cheng Kai-Shek. Generalleutnant v. Falkenhausen advisor to Cheng Kai-Shek would meet the H.K. at Hong Kong.

Afterwards Schiff 30 was to carry out an expedition of the Pacific Islands for the remainder of 1936 or so that is the plan.............

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5671&stc=1&d=1679618504
A Chilean gunboat tied up alongside Schiff 30
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Schiff 30 and "Rio de Janeiro" transferring cargo

CPTLTJASON

03-26-23, 04:21 PM

25.5.1936 Tokyo Bay 267th. day at sea

Schiff 30 stopped at Malden Island to give the crew 3 days shore leave. Afterwards Schiff 30 sailed northward crossing the busy Fiji-Honolulu and Auckland-Honolulu routes her main radio rooms picked up over 2 dozen ships and a further 2 dozen which could not be identified. The seaplane was also launched and in 3 flights sighted 2 steamers. In spite of sighting 2 steamers at long range the H.K. was itself not sighted.

Schiff 30 continued her march northward and soon entered the Yokohama-Honolulu route she sailed towards Japan without sighting a ship although the B-Dienst carried out by the Main radio room indicated that the several Japanese ships were sailing in the area however none were sighted. On the 22nd. a radio message was received indicating that Schiff 30 would meet the S.S. “Bremen” and 2 German freighters to transfer the cargo for the German Naval Attache.

Schiff 30 entered Sagami Bay then Uraga Channel and into Tokyo Bay where she anchored alongside the S.S. Bremen at 2300 hrs. the first major objective of the H.K. had been achieved. Schiff 30 will remain in Tokyo Bay until July 1st then sail for Shanghai and Hong Kong.

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Schiff 30 and SS Bremen in Tokyo Bay
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Schiff 30 transiting the North Pacific

CPTLTJASON

03-27-23, 10:01 PM

2.6.1936 Tokyo Bay 275th. day at sea

Since arriving in Japan Schiff 30 has been anchored alongside the German liner T.S. “Bremen” from here the ship received the naval attache in Japan, Kapitan.z.S Paul Wenneker who arranged not only the ship’s unquestioned stay in the harbor but the ability to obtain some supplies which came over the Trans-Siberian railway these included new visor caps for Kriegsmarine officers rank L.z.S and up which were part of the Naval regulations introduced on May 13, 1936 they added visor trim to the brims of the hats. For loading of the cargo a dock was prepared at the Mitsubishi Shipyard, the ship remained here for 2 days before sailing back to her assigned anchorage. By 2.6. the T.S. “Bremen” had departed and Kapitan.z.S Hartmann was ready to sail back to the Pacific. The raider weighed anchor in misty weather at 0100 hrs.

As they motored towards the Uraga Channel they passed the lighted and very busy Yokohama harbor and 35°21’N, 139°45’E. None of the 658 officers and ratings aboard had any idea that in 9 years, 3 months, and 0 days Yokohama like most of the world would be devastated by another horrendous world war and that war would come to an end with the stroke of a pen aboard an American battleship anchored in position 35°21’N, 139°45’E..................

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5675&stc=1&d=1679972414
Schiff 30 sailing through Tokyo Bay

CPTLTJASON

03-28-23, 04:35 PM

27.6.1936 Pacific Ocean 2°15’N, 139°59’W 300th. day at sea

Schiff 30 sailed through the expanses of the North Pacific unseen. On 19.6. Schiff 30 sailed 362 sm. south of the Hawaiian Islands. The following day the Kommandant stopped the ship and ordered the disguise to change to that of a British Blue Funnel Liner the S.S. “Hercules” 10 400 grt homeport London for 2 days the camouflage was changed.

Paint and camouflage of the ship:
1. outer hull black
2. superstructure white
3. smokestack light blue with black top, lengthened
4. on deck winches, hatches, ventilators, etc. dark brown
5. bridge and signal deck brown
6. awnings put up between the bridge and engine room skylight and between holds
nr. V and VI.
7. cannons I and X remain camouflaged painted grey
8. markings added to the hull

For the next 4 days Schiff 30 continued the advance east arriving at the rendezvous point today at 1910 hrs. Now Schiff 30 awaits the arrival of the tanker.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5677&stc=1&d=1680039322

CPTLTJASON

03-31-23, 07:21 PM

14.7.1936 Kiribati Island, St. Stanislas Bay 317th. day at sea

Schiff 30 and the tanker arrive off Kiribati Island and enter St. Stanislas Bay via the Cook Island Passage and anchored in position 1°55'N, 157°29'W. Here the tanker is stripped of all useful material, fuels, oils, and equipment in preparation for the ship to be sunk as a target in the pacific. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to remain in St. Stanislas Bay for 10 days.

Sending 2 aircraft on reconnaissance flights daily one of the aircraft’s observers, L.z.S(M) Freytag took a photograph of Schiff 30 and the tanker at anchor in St. Stanislas Bay. While on Kirimati Island 6 landing parties are sent on land to explore the Island At 1000 hrs. 3 landing parties are sent aboard the 3 V-Boots and the remaining three will go aboard the cutters I-III. A seventh landing team will go and collect coconuts for the ship.

A house was located on Benson Point from a sign on one of the buildings the name “Paris House” was barely made out. The German officers stated that there were no sign of inhabitants this was reported to the Kommandant however to Kapitan.z.S Hartmann there is a possibility that the island was inhabited. Hartmann decided to sail from the island and anchor off Cecile Peninsula in the Vaskess Bay this was transmitted to the landing parties as well as to say away from the northern part of the island as it is most likely to be inhabited Schiff 30 sailed at night arriving that same night to her new position 1°51'N, 157°30'W.

By 13.7. All landing parties return to Schiff 30 reporting that there were mostly fresh and saltwater lagoons numerous coconut trees. 800 coconuts were collected from 60 coconuts trees. Hartmann plans to sail out into the Pacific to conduct her gunnery, boarding, and demolition exercises.

According to BBC and Reuters, the situation in Spain is deteriorating rapidly.

In less than 48 hrs. the peacetime cruise of Schiff Nr. 30 would end and her wartime cruise would begin.
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5682&stc=1&d=1680308275
Schiff 30 and the tanker anchored in St. Stanislas Bay one of the seaplanes is in the air for a reconnaissance flight
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5683&stc=1&d=1680308320
Schiff 30 anchored off Cecile Peninsula in Vaskess Bay
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5684&stc=1&d=1680308346
Schiff 30 and the tanker photographed from the second seaplane.

Rwearjr

04-01-23, 04:14 AM

Great Pics, CPTLT. Enjoying the new storyline as well.
Eine legende wirde geboren.

:Kaleun_Binocular:

CPTLTJASON

04-10-23, 10:23 PM

2.8.1936 Bismarck Sea 0°51’N, 139°47’E 336th. day at sea

Since the last report the situation has deteriorated quickly Schiff 30 departed Kirimati Island and sank in target practice the last tanker on 14.7. Three days later on the 17th. the Spanish Army in Morocco rose up against the Spanish Republic and so the Spanish Civil War broke out the Kommandant was informed at 0200 hrs. local time. Hartmann decided to continue into the Bismark Archipelago and the Bismarck Sea which the Hilfskreuzer entered on 21.7. On 23.7. a fleet under V.Adm. Carls sailed from Wilhelmshaven with the pocket battleships “Deutschland” and “Admiral Scheer” a larger contingent of light cruisers and torpedo boats will depart in the near future for Spanish waters. Schiff 30 has been kept well informed by reports from the Deutsche Rundfunk, Reuters, and the BBC.

Schiff 30 was sailing off the coast of Papua New Guinea when the fore crosstrees sighted smoke on the horizon. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann ordered an intercept course of 157° speed increased to 14 knots and crew to action stations. Closing to 189 hm. a single mast and smoke stack came into view shortly by a smokestack and a bridge structure the arrangement of a tanker. At 150 hm. a Spanish flag was flying from the mast over the bridge and Hartmann decided to stop the Spanish tanker for a search. At 1449 for the first time in combat the battle flag was hoisted and the camouflage for the 7.5cm stop gun and Cannon Nr. X was hastily dropped 2 warning shots brought the tanker to a halt and the Examination and Demolition commandoes went aboard. It was determined that the Spanish tanker “Jose I” 11 200 grt had departed Miri, North Borneo and was bound for Cartagena. The master, officers, and crew stated their support for the Spanish Republicans and that their firm had ordered the cargo to be delivered to the Spanish Republican Army the cargo being paid for by the Spanish Republican Government. After careful consideration Hartmann gave the order to scuttle the tanker and its cargo of 13 200 t of gasoline.

After the scuttling of that tanker Schiff 30 sailed off at 16 knots on course 200° Hartmann radioed his success to the Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine who in turn gave Hartmann slight congratulations for sinking the tanker and its valuable cargo of 13 200 t of gasoline however there was strict reprimand for sinking vessel when the order had not been given to engage and sink Republican merchant shipping.

Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decided to abandon the Pacific and disappear into the Ross Sea and wait there for at least 30 days to let the situation calm down as soon Madrid would be calling for the now sunk tanker. The weather begins to quickly deteriorate as Schiff 30 sails east.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5688&stc=1&d=1681183304
Schiff 30 sails east towards the Solomon Islands
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Examination Commando makes its way towards the tanker
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Tanker sinking over the stern

CPTLTJASON

04-10-23, 10:31 PM

Great Pics, CPTLT. Enjoying the new storyline as well.
Eine legende wirde geboren.

:Kaleun_Binocular:

Glad you're enjoying the story of Schiff 30 :Kaleun_Cheers::Kaleun_Salute:

CPTLTJASON

04-17-23, 12:38 PM

9.9.1936 Ross Sea 74°42’S, 165°38’E. 374th. day at sea

After steaming for 23 days Schiff 30 arrives in the Ross Sea on 25.8. The previous day Germany and Italy joined France, England, and the Soviet Union to form the Non-Intervention Committee.

Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to remain in this area until 20.9. In the 2 radio rooms transmissions are being picked up calling for a tanker with no response. Soon British warships from Rabaul and Australian warships from Sydney sailed out to search for the tanker in the Bismarck Sea. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decided to make for Victoria Land and began the advance east on 28.8. at 1600 hrs. however 2 days later a powerful snowstorm brought the 606ft. raider to a halt with the temperature at 2.1°C winds at force 11 and sea state of 12. Everyone was ordered below decks with the exception of the bridge watch wearing every jacket and oil skin they could find, stood watch as the ship was battered by the snow and wind. By the 31st. the weather began to improve and at 0700 hrs. the advance east resumed.

Schiff 30 arrived off Victoria Land on 1.9., 365 days after departing Kiel and immediately sent an aircraft on reconnaissance all the way to Cape Washington. However, the aircraft returned early as in the cold weather fuel consumption increased drastically. The pilot reported he did not make it to Cape Washington but in the distance flown the intended route was free of ice and there were no ships in the area. On 3.9. Schiff 30 anchored in position 74°42’S, 165°38’E.

In the cold of the Antarctic the Spanish Civil War was followed with great zeal. On the evening of 3.9. the Island of Majorca was taken by the Nationalists as Republican forces retreated from the island. The following morning Schiff 30 received a series of messages from the Ob.d.M. with a very interesting mission, to capture 3 ships laden with Spanish gold. These were in fact just the beginning of the transfer of gold reserves to the Soviet Union. In the same radio message, the Non-Intervention zone for Germany was established between Almeria and Valencia. At 1020 hrs. another radio message came through indicating that Schiff 30 was to be fully resupplied by 2 freighters and a naval tanker at Heard Island.

On 5.9. for the first time the onboard Seetakt/De-Telegraph radar was used. The thick ice and snow cleared off the hatch where the radar “mattress” antenna was stored and was then fully extended. The radar referent Korv.Kpt.(N.T.) Dr. Schlosser reported the radar to be in working order and will be tested on the supply ships. During the following days the ship remained at anchor, another radio message came through on 6.9. indicating what ships were sailing with the gold reserves and the estimated value of the cargo along with news that there had been a mutiny in the Portuguese Navy in which 2 vessels attempted to sail and join the Spanish Republican Navy. But perhaps the most interesting off all was Incoming radio message 31425/36, the contents of the message informed that the sealed orders were to be opened, the very first page was “Führer Directive 100a” which instructed Kapitan.z.S Hartmann to establish a shipping company between India-Dutch East Indies, Asia and Germany to supply raw materials, it was to be called the “German East India Trading Company”.

On 9.9. the first Non-intervention meeting took place between 23 countries in which Mexico firmly and openly gave its support to the Spanish Republicans.

Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to sail for the Indian Ocean on 10.9.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5701&stc=1&d=1681753106
Schiff 30 off Cape Washington in the Ross Sea

Rwearjr

05-01-23, 05:16 AM

:Kaleun_Periskop:

propbeanie

05-01-23, 06:35 AM

You cannot rush a good story! :yeah:

Rwearjr

05-03-23, 04:16 AM

:Kaleun_Cheers:

Agreed Propbenie, just scanning the surface after a longer than usual silent run from Kapitan z.S Hartmann. :salute:

CPTLTJASON

05-03-23, 06:17 PM

Sorry about the delay, I write the story as it comes to me and along with writing the Kriegstagebuch it does take a while to read up on the history and events and then write the story so it sounds plausible on top of this I have to create the single missions for the screenshots. I really appreciate the interest in the story. :Kaleun_Cheers:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.9.1936 Southern Ocean 56°28’S, 130°14’E 386th. day at sea

Schiff 30 departed the frozen expanses of the Ross Sea and began sailing northwest towards Heard Island. The “Altmark” signaled that she was 2 days from Heard Island. The “Ehrenfels” and “Reichenfels” are 3 days out. “Wachtfels” is 4 days out. On 12.9. The Ob.d.M. informed Kapitan.z.S Hartmann that the Seekriegsleitung will take over administrative control of the ship from now on. After passing the Balleny Islands on the 13th the following day the aircraft was catapulted on its afternoon reconnaissance flight at 1548 hrs. the aircraft returned and reported by VHF that 2 unidentified factory ships and 9 whalers were sailing in formation 121 sm. from the Hilfskreuzers position. There were no identification markings on the vessels nor where they flying any national flag. In the Kriegstagebuch the Kommandant was of the opinion that this whaling fleet was charted by the Spanish Republican Government requesting further information. The B-Dienst in Berlin reported 3 whaling fleets operating in the area 1 Japanese, 1 Dutch, and 1 unidentified. The fleet was later identified as a Soviet whaling fleet; however, Schiff 30 ran into a strong storm so the aircraft could not be catapulted for its daily reconnaissance and contact was lost with the fleet. On the afternoon of the 17th. during the storm, the catapult was damaged by a derrick which collapsed and caused several of the deck plates covering the catapult to be jammed in the rails. Luftwaffe personnel were able to repair the catapult by the 19th.

Schiff 30 will soon be assigned an operational area by the Seekriegslietung. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann anticipates that this will be either in the Indian Ocean, off Spanish South Africa, or in the Mediterranean.

The Spanish Civil War continues with the Nationalists taking the island of Ibiza while the rebellion succeeds in the island of Fernando Po in Spanish Guinea.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5717&stc=1&d=1683155582

CPTLTJASON

05-19-23, 05:53 PM

10.10.1936 Southern Ocean, Heard Island 405th. day at sea

The remaining portion of the voyage through the Southern Ocean remained uneventful. Occasional snow showers and storms came and went. When the weather permitted the aircraft would be catapulted for reconnaissance flights.

On 19.9. the first court martial was held aboard for 2 ratings which broke into the ship’s canteen. Mtr.II Baron and Mtr.Gfr. Beyer were both found guilty and sentenced to 40 days imprisonment, demotion to the rank of Mtr and transfer to the supply ship Altmark.

On 3.10. Schiff 30 approaches Heard Island early in the morning. The Altmark, Ehrenfels, and Reichenfels come into view, after exchanging recognition signals the Ehrenfels comes alongside Schiff 30 to begin loading the cargo bound for the Spanish Nationalist Heer after loading the specified cargo which included the ship’s 4 Heinkel He 60c aircraft Schiff 30 took aboard from the Ehrenfels fresh provisions, ammunition, torpedoes, 2 Heinkel He 114b aircraft and several tons of stores. At 1800 hrs. on the 4.10. the Ehrenfels departed for Spanish Waters. The Altmark comes alongside and Schiff 30 begins to take on diesel fuel and lubricating oils and the Luftwaffe personnel began to assemble the 2 Heinkel He 114b aircraft. The following day the master of the Reichenfels Captain Wolf Dietrich is informed that the ship is being taken in for naval service and he is commissioned as Korv.Kpt(S) the deck officers are commissioned as L.z.S(S) through Kplt(S) the petty officers and ratings are given their appropriate ranks. To augment the crew of the Reichenfels 2 officers, 10 Port U.O./U.O, and 40 ratings of all career tracks were sent aboard. At 1300 hrs. the Reichenfels was commissioned into the Kriegsmarine. Work began to try and install armament however when the first 15cm was put on the deck it began to buckle, therefore Kapitan.z.S Hartmann and Korv.Kpt.(Dipl-ing) Sonntag decided to send the ship back to Germany to have the vessel rebuilt after the capture of the Spanish gold ships. On 6.10. the Altmark departs for naval square 2121 JM. The last 2 days are spent training the crew and conducting gunnery exercises. After a conference was held in the early morning of 10.10. to discuss the details of the operation Reichenfels departed at 0815 hrs.

At 1030 hrs. Schiff 30 weighs anchor. For the crew of Schiff 30 their hour had come and the raids which would gain them and their ship eternal fame were about to begin.......................
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5723&stc=1&d=1684536956
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5722&stc=1&d=1684536761
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5724&stc=1&d=1684537006

CPTLTJASON

05-24-23, 04:29 PM

18.10.1936 Indian Ocean South of Madagascar 405th. day at sea

After 8 days of sailing Schiff 30 and the Reichenfels arrive off Madagascar. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann orders the supply ship to carryout reconnaissance as far as 50°E and keeping south of Reunion and Mauritius Island. Schiff 30 remains stopped in position 28°27’S, 47°8’E south of Cape St. Marie.

B-Dienst reports that the 3 Spanish gold ships have rounded the Cape of Good Hope and are now making for 40°S, 40°E to meet up with the Spanish tanker.

Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to sail for the Mozambique Channel then turn south towards the Cape-Indi-Australia routes and begin tracking the Spanish vessels.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5725&stc=1&d=1684963756

Tomi_099

05-24-23, 04:39 PM

:Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:

CPTLTJASON

05-25-23, 08:45 PM

27.10.1936 Indian Ocean 423rd. day at sea

On 19.10. Schiff 30 setout for the Mozambique Channel at 0600 hrs. almost 2 hours later she catapulted one of her Heinkel He 114B aircraft fore reconnaissance nothing was sighted. At noon Schiff 30 was entering the Mozambique Channel. The following day she altered course to 217° On the 21st Schiff 30 used her radar operationally for the first time conducting sweeps at distances of 16-32 nm. Nothing was detected. The following day she received a radio signal from the “Reichenfels” that she had conducted reconnaissance from 24°S to 29°S and have sighted nothing so far. Another aircraft was sent for reconnaissance and again nothing was sighted. On 22.10. at 1400 hrs. the Bridge radio room picked up a signal from the Spanish liner “Santa Ana” indicating a meeting would take place between 40°S and 40°E at 1000 hrs. The vessel is identified as one of the gold ships. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann recalls the “Reichenfels” and steers Schiff 30 towards the radioed coordinates now the race to catch the treasure laden ships has begun. A reconnaissance flight was launched on the morning of the 23rd. and 2 British ships were sighted the Blue Funnel freighter “Cyclops” 9 076 grt and the “Berwickshire” 7 646 grt sailing on course 021° sailing for Madagascar Schiff 30 remained unseen. 2 days later D/T was carried out and 3 vessels which were identified as being Spanish were detected bearing 314°T on the 26th. various radio messages indicated that the gold ships were under escort by 2 armed trawlers. at 0600 hrs. the aircraft is catapulted and at 0659 flew passed Schiff 30 dropping a red flare, this indicated that the vessels were close by, the Beobachter L.z.S(M) Lehmann reported that the ships were stopped less than 50 nm. on course 089° from the ship. Schiff 30 comes to course 089° On the bridge the W.O. puts the engine telegraphs to full speed ahead, 19.9 knots, the pilot and Beobachter also confirmed that there are 2 armed trawlers with the vessels which are 2 single stack liners and a larger 2 stack liner. They could not be positively identified, Kapitan.z.S Hartmann informed the crew that the Spanish ships were nearby the adrenaline was running high as the crew has been at action stations since midnight, at 0723 Mtr.F.Gfr Dietrich of the port bridge watch sighted mastheads bearing 332°T range 150 hm.

Kapitan.z.S Hartman ordered Hard to port speed 16 knots. As the range closed a “sea of masts” was sighted when the range was down to 100 hm. Hartmann ordered “ set war flag, drop camouflage on fore cannons, signal via lamp “REMAIN STOPPED, DO NOT USE WIRELESS, OR I OPEN FIRE”

Armed trawler signaled: “Who are you?”
Schiff 30 replies: “German Boarding Ship 33. Do not use your wireless or guns or I open fire. Identify yourself immediately!”
Armed trawler replies: “Armed trawler ‘Durango” in service of the Spanish Republican Navy. Understood.”
Schiff 30 replies: “Sending boats!”

All the ships hoisted the flag of the Spanish Republicans 6 boats were sent to inspect the ships 3 liners, 1 French freighter, and 2 armed trawlers were boarded. The Investigation Commandos were not interfered with by the Spaniards protecting the gold shipment. According to the cargo manifests which were saved by the Investigation Officers a total of over 1,230,336.05 Kg. of gold bars and coins are aboard. On the liner “Santa Ana” there are 4,200 t of general cargo. At 0915 the “Reichenfels” appeared over the horizon with the captured Spanish tanker “Malta” loaded with over 13,000 t of diesel fuel and 1,200 t of aviation fuel.

During the next few hours, the prisoners are spread out between the 6 ships and prize crews assigned. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to use the armed trawlers as scouts and commissions them into the Kriegsmarine. as the Auxiliary Minelayers “Indien” and “Pazifik”. At 1040 hrs. the liners “Santa Ana” and “Silva” are dismissed to naval grid square 2121 JM. Aboard the “Indien” and “Pazifik” work parties from Schiff 30 install 4 10.5cm/45 SK C/32 cannons and mine rails on the deck. The two trawlers were armed with the British made 4.7” QF Mark IX cannon. these were removed and stored aboard Schiff 30.

At midnight all preparations were completed and with the ships in formation the convoy sets off for Naval Grid Square 2121 JM.
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5726&stc=1&d=1685065135
Schiff 30 drifting in the Indian Ocean shortly before capturing the Spanish gold ships
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The captured Spanish fleet pictured shortly after the arrival of the "Reichenfels" and the Spanish tanker "Malta"
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Schiff 30 with the newly commissioned Auxiliary Minelayers "Indien" and "Pazifik"
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Convoy preparing for departure for Naval Grid Square 2121 JM.

Rwearjr

05-28-23, 05:52 AM

:Kaleun_Applaud:

CPTLTJASON

06-01-23, 03:15 PM

1.11.1936 Indian Ocean 39°43’S, 51°20’E 427th. day at sea

Schiff 30 arrives on the evening of 30.10. after an uneventful 2 day voyage from where the Spanish treasure ships were captured. All the liners have been released and only the captured tanker “Malta” and the auxiliary minelayers “Indien” and “Pazifik” remain. They arrive at naval square 2121 JM, drifting down towards their current position of 2192 JM. For most of the 31st Schiff 30 spent taking on fuel and supplies while the 2 auxiliary minelayers carried out reconnaissance to augment them a seaplane were launched.

Once the oiling was completed the aircraft undertook test flights and made several practice runs on the prize tanker “Malta” unfortunately the pilot accidentally dropped one of the SC50s which landed square on the tankers after deck causing a large explosion which sank the tanker and damaged the aircraft. The entire prize commando was able to leave the tanker before it sank, however 10.000 t of high quality diesel fuel was lost. The pilot and observer were severely reprimanded by Kapitan.z.S Hartmann and Obstlt Forester for the incident, punishment pending. “Indien” and “Pazifik” were sent to pickup the survivors. 8 of the prize commando including L.z.S Heusinger were injured according to Geschw.Arzt Dr. Brinkmann they are expected to make a full recovery.

Schiff 30 has been assigned to operate in the Indian Ocean and will be disguised as an anonymous Norwegian freighter however when she stops a ship she will present herself as a Spanish Hilfskreuzer. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann plans to setout to Madagascar tomorrow at 0600 hrs.
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5735&stc=1&d=1685650275
Schiff 30, Altmark, and Malta stopped while aircraft gains altitude on a reconnaissance flight
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5736&stc=1&d=1685650406
Tanker Malta sinking and on fire after being accidently hit by one of the Schiff 30's aircraft while on a practice run.
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5737&stc=1&d=1685650490
Schiff 30 and Altmark on the evening of 1.11.

CPTLTJASON

06-02-23, 10:06 PM

12.11.1936 Indian Ocean 35°13’S, 40°2’E 438th. day at sea

Schiff 30 meets the freighter “Hansa” off Durban to take on needed spares for the diesel engines and seaplanes. Along with them were 8 prize officers. Schiff 30 will sail this evening to meet the “Indien” and “Pazifik”.

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CPTLTJASON

06-10-23, 09:00 PM

25.11.1936 Indian Ocean 14°35’S, 68°18’E 451st day at sea

Today Schiff 30 completes 451 days at sea matching the record set by her namesake in the Great War the dreaded commerce raider SMS Wolf (IV).

Excerpt from Kriegstagebuch des Schiff Nr. 30
1220 hrs. Schiff 30 has been at sea for 451 days matching
the time at sea from her namesake of the Great War
SMS Wolf (IV). Unfortunately, the success achieved
by the SMS Wolf (IV) has yet to be reached by
Schiff 30.

So the hunt began for Spanish Republican merchant shipping. The 2 auxiliary minelayers disguised as British naval trawlers while Schiff 30 changed camouflage to the Dutch freighter “Abbekerk” later changed to the “Mar Verde” after a radio message from operations received on the 12th. indicated that Spanish Republican vessels are disguising themselves as British, Dutch, and even Norwegian. The following day the funnel was shortened and insignia was painted on. The aircraft was catapulted almost daily on reconnaissance flights. On 11.17. the 3 ships stopped and a Kommandant’s Conference was held aboard Schiff 30 and a procedure for scouting was set the two vessels were further equipped with 1 2cm MG C/30 anti-aircraft cannon and Both vessels were topped off with fuel. On 0030 hrs. on the 18th. Schiff 30 and the scouts sailed further into the Indian Ocean. At 1641 hrs. a radio signal was received informing that the Reich and Italian government officially recognize the Franco government.

0658 hrs. on 19.11. the “Pazifik” sights a freighter bearing 025°T range 154 hm. the vessel is flying a British flag and making evasive maneuvers Kapitan.z.S Hartmann orders the “Pazifik” to make contact. meanwhile aboard the raider the Spanish Republican flag was hoisted and crew went to combat stations, approaching as the “Mar Verde” the “British” freighter signaled at 100 hm. in Spanish “Comrade! we are being persecuted by the British!” Confirming the nationality of the vessel the war flag was set. The 7.5cm cannon fired a warning shot over the bow and signals to stop by flag. The freighter began to transmit, the 15cm cannons were permitted to open fire and the Bridge radio room successfully jammed the transmissions after 3 salvos the freighter stopped transmitting. Investigation and Prize commandos were disembarked the vessel was identified as the Spanish freighter “Florida” 7.803 grt from Manzanillo to Valencia with a crew of 31 loaded with 8.000 t of military equipment bound for the Spanish Republican Army.

The crew was disembarked and the Demolition commando went aboard. At 0800 hrs. 3 detonations and an explosion send the “Florida” to the bottom of the Indian Ocean. The hunt continues, on the 22nd. a radio message was picked up indicating that a Spanish Republican tanker was sailing from the Persian Gulf to Cartagena via Durban. The tanker is reportedly disguised as a tanker from the British Tanker Company. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decides to detach the two scouts and orders them to wait at “Point Hans” while Schiff 30 will continue alone to hunt for the tanker in the Arabian Sea.

Schiff 30 has sunk or captured 58.077 grt of Spanish shipping.
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Schiff 30 on the hunt in the Indian Ocean
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Demolition charges going off on the freighter "Florida"
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"Florida" 7.803 grt Sinking
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Schiff 30 and the auxiliary minelayers "Indien" and "Pazifik" at "Point Hans"

Rwearjr

06-21-23, 04:04 AM

:Kaleun_Salivating:

CPTLTJASON

07-08-23, 06:26 PM

16.12.1936 Arabian Sea 13°31’N, 59°8’E 472nd. day at sea

Schiff 30 has been busy since the last report after hunting to the east of the Seychelles Islands. Schiff 30 sailed west between Madagascar and the Seychelles. Twice daily, weather permitting, the Heinkel He 114b seaplanes are catapulted for reconnaissance. On 30.11. the seaplane sighted the Cunard liner “Aquitania” and a P&O liner several other freighters and tankers were sighted. On 2.12. a radio message was intercepted from a tanker contacting Valencia. Schiff 30 continued in pursuit of the elusive Spanish tanker. The following day Prize II signaled she had arrived at Las Palmas and disembarked the prisoners. The three prizes are expected to arrive at Wilhelmshaven by 1.2.1937.

On 7.12. the Meteorological Officer reported that a strong storm was approaching Kapitan.z.S Hartmann ordered the boats and camouflage for the deck cannons be checked and secured. At 1230 hrs. a large wave hits the ship causing significant damage on the aft boat deck wiping out most of the ventilators deck fittings and 2 boats and their davits. Stbs.O.Masch Munster and Masch.Gfr Haag who were securing the deck and carrying out maintenance and Heizer Freiwald, who against orders was smoking on deck were slammed against the railings they were sent down to the ships hospital all were severely injured but the ships doctor Geschw.Arzt. Dr. Brinkmann expects all to recover.

On 13.12. Schiff 30 went to work at 0433 hrs. a tanker was sighted and when approached turned away from the Hilfskreuzer. Hartmann ordered the fore 15cm. cannons to open fire! Six salvos and a torpedo send the fleeing Spanish tanker to the bottom. Only 20 of the 121 man crew were picked up the 1.Offz. was interviewed and said the tanker was the “San Domingo” 11.401 grt loaded with 12.000 t of diesel fuel and 1.200 t of gasoline. The tanker was on its way from Aden to Valencia via Durban- Cape Town. The first officer stated that several Spanish tankers were in the Indian Ocean and were either sold or charted from the British Tanker Company. He identified 6 tankers which were destined for Spanish Republican ports. The watch on the bridge and crosstrees were doubled as any tanker could be sighted at any moment. On 15.12. smoke was sighted by the bridge watch and after a staggering 52 salvos and 312 shells 2 charted tankers were sent to the bottom the largest was the “British Might” 11.200 grt loaded with 12.000 t of fuel oil while the smaller tanker was the “British Monarch” 3.528 grt loaded with 5.000 t of gasoline were sunk.

Less than 2 hours later another tanker was sighted by the Bridge watch and by 1400 Oblt.z.S Brandt’s demolition commando sent the Spanish tanker “La Palma” 4.500 grt loaded with 6.000 t of gasoline to the bottom. Schiff 30 pressed further north into the Arabian Sea and on the 16th. the tanker “British Cannon” 8.990 grt was spotted and stopped for inspection it was determined by the Investigation Commando that she was sailing for a Spanish Republican port loaded with 11.000 t of high quality diesel oil and 100 t of bunker fuel. Hartman ordered the tanker to be taken prize and was placed under the command of L.z.S(S) Hansen who was instructed to take the tanker to “Point George”

Almost 2 hours later at 1550 the tanker “British Duchess” was sighted and stopped for inspection. However, when the first warning shot from the Hilfskreuzer’s 7.5cm stop gun rang out the tanker turned and ran from the raider and began sending distress signals. Hartmann ordered the fore 15cm cannons to drop camouflage and open fire. 6 salvos bring the tanker to halt but the tanker burns heavily on the bows and the Kommandant decided not to send the Investigation Commando aboard. The tanker was in fact the Spanish tanker “Vargas” 3.400 grt sailing from Abadan to Barcelona loaded with 6.000 t of gasoline. The Norwegian freighter “Triton” picked up the distress signals from the tanker and relayed it to Ceylon, Aden, and Bombay however the Bridge Radio Room reported that only “S.O.S..........” were transmitted before jamming and the shelling stopped the transmission.

In just a few days Schiff 30 has sunk or captured 43.019 grt of shipping. Hartmann will break off the tanker hunt and proceed to meet the “Pazifik” and “Indien” along with the prize tanker which was sent to wait at “Point George”.

The situation in Spain is rapidly deteriorating. Hartmann expects to be in the Mediterranean Sea sooner or later.

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Schiff 30 speeding through the smoke of the sinking tanker shortly after launching a torpedo.
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Schiff 30 approaching two sinking tankers.
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Schiff 30 in the Arabian Sea

CPTLTJASON

07-28-23, 11:08 PM

7.1.1937 Indian Ocean 2°14’S 82°24’E 494th. day at sea

After a calm Christmas and New Years Schiff 30 continues the hunt for merchant shipping bound for the Spanish Republicans.

On 5.1. a large French liner was sighted coming out of a rain squall and was stopped and boarded. The S.S. “Bordeaux” 34.225 grt from Saigon to Marseille loaded with tin, rubber, and refrigerated cargo along with 120 naval and army officers bound for Spain, the ship was to stop in Valencia and Barcelona. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann ordered the vessel taken prize, it was placed under the command of Oblt.z.S Krammer with a large prize crew, the liner will be used as a prison and supply ship. With 6 weeks’ worth of provisions the liner was ordered to 13°48’S, 77°32’E and await the return of the Hilfskreuzer.

The master of the “Bordeaux” stated that there were several French vessels sailing for Spanish Republican ports via the Indian Ocean and entering the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. Hartmann plans to search for these vessels. Hartmann intends to meet the “Bordeaux” and the “Ehrenfels” no later than 20.2.

Schiff 30 has sunk or captured 124.566 grt. The Skl. has instructed that the Hilfskreuzer remain active in the Indian Ocean. No information has been given by the Skl. in regards to potential shipping sailing for Spanish Republican ports.

The situation in Spain continues to deteriorate.

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Rwearjr

08-10-23, 04:25 AM

CPTLTJASON

08-10-23, 10:37 PM

500 Days at Sea! Schiff30 has really proven herself a great asset to the Kriegsmarine. As the dark days of Sep-Oct 1939 approach, she will have many more opportunities to do so. If I may ask CPTLTJason, why the prohibition on sailing the Suez canal?
:ahoy:

The main reason is that I wouldn't be able to accurately make it work in the game simply cause the Suez Canal isn't modeled in the game nevertheless i could try and actually it would actually be appropriate since the ship is currently disguised as Deutsche Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft Hansa freighter and that is the route they took from Bremen-Calcutta.

:Kaleun_Cheers:

Rwearjr

08-11-23, 04:48 AM

Ty for the reply sir :Kaleun_Salute: I only asked because I thought perhaps not going through Suez was somehow connected to the storyline. If going through there may cause an issue with SH5, then by all means Gilbrater!
Enjoying the great story, along with many other SubSimmers here as well Im sure.
:Kaleun_Applaud:

CPTLTJASON

09-04-23, 08:12 PM

13.3.1937 South Atlantic 38°3’S, 2°15’E 559th. day at sea

Schiff 30 has been sinking Spanish bound shipping in the Indian Ocean and in the Bay of Bengal. Since the last report Schiff 30 has sunk over 150.000 grt of shipping.

After dismissing the prize “Bordeaux” on 5.1., Schiff 30 continued east-northeast towards the Bay of Bengal. On 6.1. one of the Heinkel He 114b seaplanes was catapulted on reconnaissance sighting 1 British tanker, 1 British liner, and 1 Dutch freighter, these were not operated on. That evening the radar was deployed and after 2 1/2 hrs. nothing was detected The following day the Skl. informed Kapitan.z.S Hartmann that a supply ship will be met at Treffpunkt “Sonnenblume” on 1.3. and that Schiff 30 is to remain operational in the Indian Ocean.

At 2125 the Skl. signaled that Prizes I and II had been taken in escort and Prize III was met by the destroyer Z 12 off Jan Mayern Island. Sailing on the dark night was illuminated by a Dutch liner which passed the H.K. at a distance of 55 hm. On 9.1. the II. W.O. L.z.S Treager sighted the British freighter “Benington” of the Ben Line passing very close at a distance of only 10 hm. At 1720 the raider suffered a rudder failure and was swiftly brought under control. The following morning Mtr.H.Gfr Muller of the Bb. Bridge watch sighted a Dutch liner the Reichskriegsflagge was hoisted and a warning shot fired over the bows the Dutch liner turned away and hoisted the flag of the Spanish Republicans. 2 more warning shots were fired but were ignored, Feuerlaubnis! 19 salvos from the fore 15cm cannons brough the Spaniard to a halt, it would take another 32 shells for the liner to sink to the bottom. She was the “Agustin Dominquez” 17.107 grt from Hong Kong to Barcelona.

On 13.1. Schiff 30 marked 500 days at sea the occasion was celebrated after an inspection by the Kommandant of the crew lined along the after decks in their summer uniforms. However, the jovial mood would not last long.

On 14.1. at 0430 Stbs.O.Strm Knorr sighted a freighter approaching fast bearing 054°T at 0500 hrs. the war flag was set, one warning shot fired over the bows, and the vessel was signaled to heave to. The vessel, hoisting a Dutch flag complied and quickly came to a halt. 5 minutes later the Investigation and Demolition commandos were disembarked. At 0511 hrs. shots could be heard from the freighter, Hartmann immediately maneuvered the raider towards the Dutchman’s starboard side and just as in the Golden Age of Piracy at 0525 a heavily armed boarding commando boarded the enemy with grapnels and gangplanks the Stb. 10.5cm, and 2cm along with the 3.7cm anti-aircraft guns dropped camouflage and raked the decks of the enemy freighter

By 0533 the Spanish resistance was suppressed. By 0553 the ship, still flying the Dutch flag split in half and sunk.

3 of the Investigation Commando fell and were buried at sea.

Leutnant.z.S Meyer
O.Fldwl Fischer
Mtr.O.Gfr Hass

After interrogation of the master, it was determined that the reason for the Spanish resistance was a mutiny aboard the vessel by the crew that was loyal to the Spanish Republicans, none survived. They were led by the 1st. mate. The freighter was identified as “Palma” 4.037 grt. On 16.1. the Dutch freighter “Texel” 6.450 grt was stopped and searched it was determined that the vessel was enroute from Batavia to Valencia loaded with 5.000t of rubber and 1.200 t of tin, this cargo was transferred to Schiff 30 and the vessel was scuttled the following morning. During this time the Skl. sent the much awaited radio message ordering Schiff 30 to cease operations in the Indian Ocean and begin the long voyage to the Mediterranean Sea. On 22.1. Schiff 30 arrived at Treffpunkt “Apfel” and daily reconnaissance was carried out while the ship was cleaned and the diesels overhauled. The off duty crew was given 3 days leave aboard. On 25.1. a Blue Funnel Liner was sighted sailing east towards Sumatra. In the morning of the 26th. the Skl. sent another radio message with orders for the upcoming mission. On 28.1. Prize V arrived and then the following day the “Ehrenfels” arrived transferring prize officers, supplies, and ammunition. Prize V was refueled and ordered to the Canary Islands.

Up until 15.2. Schiff 30 remained at Treffpunkt “Apfel” the crew carrying out artillery, torpedo, and even minelaying exercises. Then Schiff 30 began the march to the east. By 21.2. Schiff 30 passed Rodriquez Island and rounded well south of the Cape of Good Hope on 3.3.
on 8.3. Schiff 30 and the “Altmark” met and took over 2.203 cbm of diesel fuel and 1.233 cbm of lubrication oil. Several crates of aircraft spare parts were taken over. By 9.3. the oiling and loading was completed and the “Altmark” sailed back to Germany.

Schiff 30 resumed the march to the Central Atlantic and is expected off the Canary Islands by 1.4.

The situation in Spain is slowly turning towards the Nationalists with Franco’s armies taking Malaga. The Condor Legion dominates the skies. An advance into Jarama leads to a stalemate where the Republicans briefly gain the upper hand with aircraft arriving from the Soviet Union.

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CPTLTJASON

09-12-23, 09:54 PM

7.4.1937 Central Atlantic Corvo Island 39°43’N, 31°5’W 595th. day at sea

Schiff 30’s passage through the South Atlantic went smoothly, the raider crossed once equator once again on 23.3. two days later on 25.3. the Argentine Liner “Rio Plata” was sighted, the only ship sighted during the passage to the Azores. On 2.4. the Kommandant orders the camouflage of the ship changed to that of an anonymous British freighter:

Paint and camouflage of the ship:
1.) Outer hull black
2.) Superstructure and bridge white
3.) Smokestack black and length unchanged
4.) On deck ventilators, winches, etc. yellow
5.) Cargo booms put up

After an inspection by the Kommandant, Schiff 30 sailed for Corvo Island where the crew would get some much needed shore leave. On 6.4. Schiff 30 arrives off the Azores and anchors in 50 fathoms of water on the northern tip of Corvo Island. One V-Boot was launched for inspection of the hull. While Picket boats I-IV were used to ferry the off duty crew to shore and V-Boot Nr. II under the command of L.z.S(ing) Adams was sent ashore and was tasked with cutting trees down for timber.

During the time the raider was at Corvo Island it flew the British flag from her mainmast. The Kommandant, I. Offz., Navigation officers, and division officers held a conference for the next operational phase of the ship. On 18.4. the crew is recalled and a muster was held. All were present and accounted for.

The I. Offz. reported all decks ready to sail. At 0600 hrs. the ship departed for the Mediterranean Sea as Corvo Island disappeared over the horizon, the raids that would gain the merchant raider enduring fame were about to begin..................

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Schiff 30 in the South Atlantic after crossing the equator.

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Schiff 30 anchored Corvo Island

Rwearjr

09-15-23, 05:02 AM

:Kaleun_Applaud:

CPTLTJASON

09-20-23, 08:38 PM

28.4.1937 Mediterranean Sea 38°1’S, 10°46’E 605th. day at sea

On 23.4. Schiff 30 sails into the Gulf of Cadiz. The following day the first real signs of the Spanish Civil War came into view, a Nationalist warship came into sight followed by an unidentified warship, several warships and merchant ships, and 2 Nationalist gunboats. At 1300 hrs. the raider was in the Strait of Gibraltar. At that same time 2 Nationalist gunboats sailed astern and followed Schiff 30 for most of the transit through the Strait. By 1533 hrs. The Rock of Gibraltar came into view and by 1721 hrs. the ship exited the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Alboran Sea. The following day the Kommandant requested operational orders from the Skl. the Skl. gave Hartmann the area between 8°E, 31°E. Schiff 30 began her work in at once. A freighter was sighted in position 37°44’N, 3°22’E the Soviet freighter “Kosmolov” 7.900 grt was stopped, searched, and scuttled with demolition charges. On 28.5 the Soviet liner “Stepanov” 8.889 grt was shelled and sunk after an attempt to stop the vessel failed and the Soviet turned and began to run from Schiff 30. This vessel was transporting troops, tanks, and supplies from Odessa. Only 8 survived. No sooner had Schiff 30 departed the sinking location of the troop transport that a Spanish tanker was sighted and sunk she was the “Cadiz” 8.957 grt from Batum to Valencia loaded with 10.000 t of gasoline and 300 t of lubrication oils. Less than an hour later another target comes into view, the Soviet freighter “Smirnoff” 4.800 grt transporting war materials was stopped, searched, and scuttled.
Shortly after noon, A column of smoke was sighted of the starboard bow, after stopping the tanker an hour later it was identified as the Republican tanker “Campos” 10.200 grt travelling in ballast to Batum. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decided to take the tanker prize and use it as a supply ship, a prize crew under L.z.S.(S) Kasch was assembled and Prize VI is dismissed to La Spezia to take on supplies, fuel, and lubrication oils for the raider.

Schiff 30 continues its path of destruction against Republican shipping.

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CPTLTJASON

09-22-23, 10:37 PM

29.4.1937 Mediterranean Sea 38°1’S, 10°46’E 605th. day at sea

After passing SSE of Malta, A lone British freighter was sighted and due to the darkness could not be identified. On the 30th. the Italian freighter “Fontana” was sighted, shortly after the republican freighter “El Castillo” 5.523 grt was shelled and sunk after it failed to stop. this vessel was loaded with 6 Soviet planes destined for the Republican air force. 30 minutes later the tanker “Fernando V” 4.500 grt was also shelled and sunk after it attempted to send radio messages.

The relentless German merchant raider continued to push into the Mediterranean Sea on 1.5. the republican liner “Dominguez de Cadiz” 8.800 grt was stopped and captured. Prize VII was put under the command of Oblt.z.S Berger and the 1048 captured Soviet and Spanish sailors were placed aboard and Prize VII was dismissed to Palam on the Island of Majorca. Before leaving the cargo of rifles, pistols, and ammunition of various calibers were thrown overboard and the Prize Commando was heavily armed in the event of an attempted mutiny.

Several prisoners stated that off the coast of Greece there were several republican vessels anchored their purpose was not known, Hartmann decided to sail into the Ionian Sea and investigate the claim.

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CPTLTJASON

09-27-23, 08:54 AM

10.5.1937 Mediterranean Sea 34°38’S, 31°27’E 617th. day at sea

Sailing for the Ionian Sea Schiff 30 began the hunt for the mysterious Republican freighters. On 3.5. in the early hours of the morning, a large shadow was sighted and Schiff 30 stopped astern of the target and the raider extinguished her lights. The Bridge Radio Room reported that there was radio chatter in Spanish it appears that there are 3 ships here and they will depart tomorrow morning. Since Schiff 30 is in Greek territorial waters Hartmann decided to follow the ships into international waters and stop them for inspection. At 2005 hrs. in 36°25’N, 20°39’E all three ships were stopped with shots over the bow, the three Spanish vessels quickly stopped, three Investigation Commandos were launched, all three ships were identified as “Torres II” 4.400 grt, “Perez de Bilbao” 4.500 grt, and “Castillo de Cruz” 4.500 grt all were loaded with gold, silver, and Spanish currency these vessels were taken prize and the valuable cargo was transferred aboard Schiff 30. These gold transports were destined for Odessa. On 6.5. the Spanish freighter “Alonso XII” 4.400 grt was sunk with demolition charges.

Schiff 30 will now drift towards the island of Cyprus for the remainder of the month. Afterwards the raider will embark on a secret operation.

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Investigation Commandos are disembarked from Schiff 30
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Three gold transports burning after the valuable cargo is taken aboard.
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Schiff 30 drifting in the swells of the Mediterranean Sea

CPTLTJASON

09-30-23, 07:33 PM

20.6.1937 Mediterranean Sea 627th. day at sea.

Since our last report, Schiff 30 has been drifting in the Mediterranean Sea having drifted for almost a month Kapitan.z.S Hartmann decided to return to the area south of Malta to sink further republican shipping.

Another round of sinkings occurred east of Malta on 5.6. the republican freighter “Trevinio Mendi“ 7 400 grt loaded with 9.000 t of military equipment from Odessa to Alicante her cargo included 4 soviet aircraft, tanks, small arms and a hefty quantity of ammunition. Later that afternoon the Swedish liner “Halmstad” 13.420 grt was stopped and inspected. This caused some unwanted effects, the Investigation Officer L.z.S Schmidt and 1 Port. U.O. and 2 sailors were photographed in their Kriegsmarine uniforms as they made their way up to the bridge to make matters worse over 300 passengers and crew went to the railings and took pictures of the German merchant raider. Nevertheless
the German raider continued her work, late that same afternoon Schiff 30 passed a Portuguese freighter, three days later another Republican freighter was stopped and taken prize, the freighter “Villaneuva Mendi” 7.700 grt loaded with 2.000 t of gold 2.000 t of silver from the Spanish Gold reserves this was to pay for more aircraft, tanks, etc. the motorship had once been part of the British Ben Line’s “Bennington” which ran on the line’s Far East routes. 3 hours later the “Castillo de Eizaguirre” 6.500 grt was sent to the bottom

On 10.6 the radar was used again and it picked up a target bearing 302°T range 300 hm. after a pursuit which was guided by the Seetakt radar, the freighter was identified as a British freighter which was sailing in the direction of Alexandria in the afternoon Kapitan.z.S Hartmann requested that arrangements be made for entry into Operations Area B. At 1728 hrs. the Republican liner “Mar Atlantico” 8.800 grt was stopped, searched, and taken prize. The prize was dismissed to Treffpunkt “India”. On the 12th. a freighter came out of a fog bank, flying the republican flag, after chasing the vessel and firing 10 15cm salvos the “Agustin Mendi” 4.400 grt was sent to the bottom.

Sailing further east Schiff 30 stopped in position 33°41’N, 28°48’E and a change in camouflage to that of an anonymous republican freighter

Paint and camouflage of the ship:
1.) Outer hull black.
2.) White superstructure
3.) Smokestack black, shortened, and the emblem of the Compania
Maritima del Nervion painted white.
4.) On deck hatches, ventilators, winches, etc. painted gray
5.) Masts and booms light yellow
6.) Republican merchant flag hoisted on the mainmast
7.) Name “Mar Pacifico” and Valencia was painted for identification.

On the 18th. the BBC and Reuters reported from a Republican radio broadcast that “Rebel pirate ships are sinking numerous Soviet and Spanish freighters and tankers south of Malta”

The political and military situation in Spain was to get worse and very tense on 24.5 a Republican air raid hit the Italian freighter “Barletta” 6 Italian officers died. Later that day two Soviet aircraft piloted by Soviet pilots attacked the Panzerschiffe “Deutschland” 31 sailors died and 73 were wounded. The Fuhrer intended to declare war on the Republicans but instead opted for the shelling of Almeria. At dawn on 31.5. the “Admiral Sheer” and the destroyers “Albatros”, “Leopard”, “Seeadler’, and “Luchs” shelled the town and harbor with 200 shells. A further submarine attack on the “Leipzig” further aggravated the already complicated situation.

It is unclear what Berlin intends to do, nevertheless Schiff 30 will continue the trade war against republican merchant ships. Sailing again on the 20th. Hartmann was to meet the 2 prizes at Treffpunkt “India” meeting them 2 days later the prisoners were placed aboard Prize VIII. After briefing the 2 Prize Offz. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann sailed away at midnight rounding the Island of Cyprus where the crew could relax before beginning the next phase of the operation. However, there was one convention which had been signed less than a year ago which would most likely derail Hartmann’s plans but worse yet in less than a month a new war would break out and see Schiff 30 return to a very familiar area of operations to protect German shipping and interests............

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Schiff 30 drifting in the Mediterranean Sea

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Sinking of the Spanish republican freighter “Agustin Mendi” 4.400 grt

fitzcarraldo

10-03-23, 06:49 AM

Great shots, Jason. :Kaleun_Applaud::Kaleun_Applaud:

Best regards.

Fitzcarraldo :Kaleun_Salute:

CPTLTJASON

10-22-23, 08:55 PM

Schiff 30 continues to drift in the Aegean Sea. Haven’t been able to advance the game. Stay tuned for an update soon.

CPTLTJASON

10-22-23, 08:56 PM

Great shots, Jason. :Kaleun_Applaud::Kaleun_Applaud:

Best regards.

Fitzcarraldo :Kaleun_Salute:

Thank you! Glad you are enjoying the story of Schiff 30.

Zinmar

11-15-23, 01:02 PM

A shame there isn't an actual way to model and play this in the game. It'd be interesting to sail around in an armed merchant taking prizes/passengers.

CPTLTJASON

01-20-24, 11:05 PM

Thank y’all for the nominations for Best of Subsim 2023 and enjoying the series on Schiff 30. I know i haven’t posted anything in a while no I haven’t stopped the war cruise of Schiff 30 and the storyline is in the works. I will have some new posts coming in the next couple months.

Greatly appreciate y’all!
:Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5914&stc=1&d=1705809909

CPTLTJASON

03-07-24, 01:44 PM

1.7.1937 41°14’N, 29°8’E 670th. day at sea

After sinking the “Agustin Mendi” Schiff 30 sailed for the Aegean Sea. Hartmann hid in the many Greek Islands waiting for instructions from the Seekriegslietung.

After a few days of waiting the Skl. gives Schiff 30 permission to enter Black Sea. Due to the Montreux Convention which came into effect on 9.Nov.1936. the Skl. was trying to justify the entry of the raider into the strait they came up with a task for the merchant raider. Schiff 30 will be disguised as a German merchant ship with the task of gathering information on Spanish merchant ships sailing for Spanish Republican ports. Schiff 30 is forbidden from sinking Spanish Republican ships in the Black Sea. Kapitan zur See Hartmann intends to remain in the Black Sea for 3 weeks before returning to the Mediterranean Sea to sink more Spanish Republican merchant shipping.

However, just before the ship entered the Bosphorus, The Skl. ordered Schiff 30 to immediately return to the Mediterranean Sea and meet with the Pocket Battleship “Admiral Scheer” for instructions on future operations.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5948&stc=1&d=1709837044
Schiff 30 at anchor off a Greek Island.

CPTLTJASON

04-02-24, 04:08 PM

31.7.1937 38°35’N, 7°46’E Mediterranean Sea 699th. day at sea

Schiff 30 once again emerges on the Spanish Republican’s shipping route in the Mediterranean Sea, unsuspecting ships and tankers are sent to the bottom and some taken as prizes, few manage to send out radio transmissions. Many of the sinkings are attributed to Nationalist Navy or the Italian Navy. There is no indication that a German merchant raider is hunting in the Mediterranean.

After spending 4 days overhauling her diesel engines Schiff 30 crosses the Strait of Sicily. On the 24th. the Spanish republican freighter “Fortuna” 7.700 grt was sighted and sunk the vessel was traveling from Odessa to Valencia loaded with war materials. The captain was interrogated and stated that there were 41 Kriegsmarine Officers and ratings that were taken prisoner and are being held at Valenica. Hartmann immediately requested information from the Skl. in regards to this statement. A few hours later the Spanish tanker “Aguas Campos” 6.600 grt was sunk with artillery and torpedos. The tanker was travelling in ballast from Almeria to Batum. Shortly after departing the sinking location. The troopship “Cabo de Palos” 11.800 grt was sunk. On the 26th. the freighter “El Toro” 4.300 grt was sent to the bottom travelling loaded with wheat and canned milk from Odessa to Barcelona. In the evening the Greek tanker “Naxos” 8.800 grt was stopped and boarded. The Investigation Officer Oblt.z.S Schmidt reported that the Greek was in service to the Spanish Republican Government was taken prize being sent off to Treffpunkt “Grün”

On the 27th. another Spanish freighter was sighted and sunk the “Ciudad de Malaga” 5.694 grt was travelling from Odessa to Valenica loaded with grain, canned milk, and other peacetime goods. However, when the master was questioned about the cargo, he refused to give the Interrogation Officer any more information. In the afternoon the Spanish tanker “Santa Cruz II” 9.932 grt was sighted and taken prize the tanker was travelling in ballast from Cartagena to Batum. The 15th. prize was dismissed to Treffpunkt “Grün”. In the early hours of the 28th. the Spanish freighter “Castillo de Frontera” 5.110 grt in ballast from Valencia to Odessa was sunk. 2 days later another freighter was sent to the bottom, “Herrera” 4.254 grt was shelled after it refused to stop. As before the captain refused to give any information regarding the cargo of the ship.

Shortly after 0600 hrs. the Spanish tanker “Cartagena” 8.989 grt was taken prize the tanker was loaded with 10.000 t of gasoline and 2.800 t of aviation fuel from Odessa to Valenica. At 0900 hrs. the 17th. prize was dismissed to Treffpunkt “Grün” with orders to “await further instructions”.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=5987&stc=1&d=1712092060
Greek tanker captured by Schiff 30