Tell us what you're up to in current campaign (lets get this one going lol) [Archive] - Page 3

Kapitän

08-31-23, 03:22 AM

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Thursday, 8 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

0527 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) In the Battle of Kursk, Walter Model's armour made three thrusts into the centre of the Soviet defences along the Central Front, the villages of Teploye, Olkhovatka and Ponyri in Russia. At Teploye, the main objective was Hill 272. Fierce fighting developed and swarms of Stuka's dropped 550-pound bombs on the anti-tank positions. The hill changed hands three times.

From B.d.U.:
a) U 197 (IXD2; Kptlt. Robert Bartels) has freedom of action to the N. in U 198's (IXD2; Kpt.z.S. Werner Hartmann) area.
b) U 455 (Kptlt. Hans-Martin Scheibe) took over cipher memorandum Triton from U 558 (Kptlt. Günther Krech) as ordered.
c) U 154 (Oblt. Oskar-Heinz Kusch) and U 126 (Oblt. Siegfried Kietz; ex Bauer) were on return passage in company through Biscay. U 154 reported on 2.7.: "Lost contact with U 126 after she had been bombed.". U 154 has meanwhile entered port without sighting U 126 again. She must be presumed lost.
d) U 267 (Kptlt. Otto Tinschert) reported at 1853 from CG 2212: "Unable to dive, am proceeding inshore.".
This boat may have been picked up by escort forces of a N.-bound Gibraltar convoy and bombed. She has been ordered to put into El Ferrol if she cannot restore her diving efficiency. If she returns directly air escort and destroyers will be provided. There are no U-boats in the vicinity to give immediate assistance. U 267 had not reported again by morning.

B-Dienst Report:
a) Escort Carrier USS Casablanca (CVE-55) was commissioned into service.

1025 - Morning Dawn.

1139 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.5267JB - Days Run: 180.9nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 11560.6nm (64tg 22h) - ↗ 11137.8nm (58tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
Course 41°; 508cbm (4cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 4d 12h)

1218 - Incoming F.T.: From U 514:
Rocket attack by Liberator. Sinking. - Auffermann -

2130 - Sundown.

2305 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
Supply done acc. Op.-Order. Compressor still not clear. 507cbm. 2EtoFat. ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb. Continuing outbound transit acc. Op.-Orders. - RST -

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Friday, 9 July 1943 - Southeast of Madagascar -

1012 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) Industrialist Otto Merker, has been appointed by Albert Speer as General Director of the Main Committee for Shipbuilding, of the Reich Ministry of Armaments and War Production (RMfRuK). As such, he is succeeding Rudolf Blohm.
Merker's main task is to organize the production of new submarines of the type submarine class XXI and XXIII for the Kriegsmarine. An unfinished finishing facility for the submarines is to be the Valentin submarine bunker. On 8 July, Merkers's plan is submitted to the Führer, whereas under Merker's leadership, the construction time for these submarines is to be reduced from the original 11.5 months to 2 months by introducing the sectional construction method.

From O.K.M.:
a) Italian Supply U-Boat Aquilla III (Comandante Cappellini), arrived at Sabang just off the northern tip of Sumatra island, occupied Dutch East Indies, at 1515 hours; her fuel tanks were nearly empty when she pulled into port.

B-Dienst Report:
a) While at Norfolk, Commander Joseph Dunn relieved Captain Short as commanding officer of Escort Carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9).

1025 - Morning Dawn.

1129 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.3419JB - Days Run: 189.3nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 11749.9nm (65tg 22h) - ↗ 11327.1nm (59tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
Course 41°; 505cbm (3cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 5d 12h)

2131 - Sundown.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän

09-01-23, 04:32 AM

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Friday, 9 July 1943 - Southeast of Madagascar -

1012 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) Industrialist Otto Merker, has been appointed by Albert Speer as General Director of the Main Committee for Shipbuilding, of the Reich Ministry of Armaments and War Production (RMfRuK). As such, he is succeeding Rudolf Blohm.
Merker's main task is to organize the production of new submarines of the type submarine class XXI and XXIII for the Kriegsmarine. An unfinished finishing facility for the submarines is to be the Valentin submarine bunker. On 8 July, Merkers's plan is submitted to the Führer, whereas under Merker's leadership, the construction time for these submarines is to be reduced from the original 11.5 months to 2 months by introducing the sectional construction method.

From O.K.M.:
a) Italian Supply U-Boat Aquilla III (Comandante Cappellini), arrived at Sabang just off the northern tip of Sumatra island, occupied Dutch East Indies, at 1515 hours; her fuel tanks were nearly empty when she pulled into port.

B-Dienst Report:
a) While at Norfolk, Commander Joseph Dunn relieved Captain Short as commanding officer of Escort Carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9).

1025 - Morning Dawn.

1129 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.3419JB - Days Run: 189.3nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 11749.9nm (65tg 22h) - ↗ 11327.1nm (59tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
Course 41°; 505cbm (3cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 5d 12h)

2131 - Sundown.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Saturday, 10 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

0111 - Incoming F.T.: From O.K.M.:
The Allies have launched Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, Italy, with an airborne assault before dawn; amphibious elements of Operation Husky landed to join the fight later in the day. All available German naval Forces are to proceed immediately to OP.-area south of Licata.

1015 - Morning Dawn.

1120 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.9595KR - Days Run: 188.6nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 11938.5nm (66tg 22h) - ↗ 11515.7nm (60tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
Course 41°; 502cbm (3cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 6d 12h)

1620 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
RST: Schlieman is in Qu.4278KS top center. - B.d.U. -

Cmdr.: The navigational position is given as 27°02'S, 60°56'O.

2131 - Sundown.

2312 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) Greek partisan fighters killed 2 officers and 16 soldiers of the 2nd Company of the Pioneer Battalion of German 104th Jäger Division near Lake Trichonida near the city of Agrinio in Greece.

From O.K.M.:
a) During Operation Husky, the British encountered little resistance at Syracuse, while the advance of the US troops was halted by our Herman Göring Division and the Italian Livorno and Napoli Dvisions. Out at sea, the hospital ship Tampala and LST-313 were sunk by a Luftwaffe attack. Picket ship USS Sentinel was sunk by a SC250 bomb delivered by a Fw 190 aircraft off Molla. Destroyer USS Maddox was also sunk after being attacked by dive bombers and sunk within two minutes. While the United States Navy covered the landings on Sicily with naval gun support throughout the offensive, using the proximity fuzed anti-aircraft shell for the first time in the European Theater, the US Navy will subsequently suffer severe accusations for failing to supply adequate air cover.

From B.d.U.:
a) U 198 (IXD2; Kpt.z.S. Werner Hartmann) sighted a darkened armed cruiser at anchor in KP 5351. Attack was forbidden because of territorial waters.
b) Italian Supply U-boat Aquilla III (Comandante Cappellini) departed Sabang, Sumatra, Dutch East Indies at 1935 hours, escorted by Italian sloop Eritrea.
c) U 607 (Oblt. Wolf Jeschonnek; ex Mengersen) and U 613 (KrvKpt. Helmut Köppe) sailed to carry out mining operations Kingston (Jamaica) and Jacksonville (Florida) respectively.

B-Dienst Report:
a) The minesweeper USS Agent was transferred to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease act.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän

09-18-23, 02:23 PM

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Saturday, 10 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

0111 - Incoming F.T.: From O.K.M.:
The Allies have launched Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, Italy, with an airborne assault before dawn; amphibious elements of Operation Husky landed to join the fight later in the day. All available German naval Forces are to proceed immediately to OP.-area south of Licata.

1015 - Morning Dawn.

1120 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.9595KR - Days Run: 188.6nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 11938.5nm (66tg 22h) - ↗ 11515.7nm (60tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
Course 41°; 502cbm (3cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 6d 12h)

1620 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
RST: Schlieman is in Qu.4278KS top center. - B.d.U. -

Cmdr.: The navigational position is given as 27°02'S, 60°56'O.

2131 - Sundown.

2312 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) Greek partisan fighters killed 2 officers and 16 soldiers of the 2nd Company of the Pioneer Battalion of German 104th Jäger Division near Lake Trichonida near the city of Agrinio in Greece.

From O.K.M.:
a) During Operation Husky, the British encountered little resistance at Syracuse, while the advance of the US troops was halted by our Herman Göring Division and the Italian Livorno and Napoli Dvisions. Out at sea, the hospital ship Tampala and LST-313 were sunk by a Luftwaffe attack. Picket ship USS Sentinel was sunk by a SC250 bomb delivered by a Fw 190 aircraft off Molla. Destroyer USS Maddox was also sunk after being attacked by dive bombers and sunk within two minutes. While the United States Navy covered the landings on Sicily with naval gun support throughout the offensive, using the proximity fuzed anti-aircraft shell for the first time in the European Theater, the US Navy will subsequently suffer severe accusations for failing to supply adequate air cover.

From B.d.U.:
a) U 198 (IXD2; Kpt.z.S. Werner Hartmann) sighted a darkened armed cruiser at anchor in KP 5351. Attack was forbidden because of territorial waters.
b) Italian Supply U-boat Aquilla III (Comandante Cappellini) departed Sabang, Sumatra, Dutch East Indies at 1935 hours, escorted by Italian sloop Eritrea.
c) U 607 (Oblt. Wolf Jeschonnek; ex Mengersen) and U 613 (KrvKpt. Helmut Köppe) sailed to carry out mining operations Kingston (Jamaica) and Jacksonville (Florida) respectively.

B-Dienst Report:
a) The minesweeper USS Agent was transferred to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease act.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Sunday, 11 July 1943 - ESE of Madagascar -

1015 - Morning Dawn.

1109 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.4717KR - Days Run: 188.1nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 12126.6nm (67tg 22h) - ↗ 11703.8nm (61tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55').
Course 41°; 499cbm (3cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 7d 12h).

1636 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
RST: Schlieman is in Qu.4278KS top center. - B.d.U. -

Cmdr.: Repeat of B.d.U. F.T.1620/10/7. Hopefully, Schliemann has the necessary spare parts for repair of the compressor.

1911 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Flak U-boat U 441 (Kptlt. Götz von Hartmann) was strafed by three British Beaufighters from 248 Sqdn RAF in the Bay of Biscay, in Qu.4894BF. Ten men dead and 13 wounded, including all officers except the ship's doctor. Dr.Paul Pfaffinger took over command from Kplt.von Hartmann, treated the wounded and will bring the boat back to Brest. Air escort and surface escort will be arranged. Dr.Pfaffinger will be awarded the German Cross in Gold. This action will lead to the abandonment of the flak boat experiment, and all the boats involved will be returned to their original armament configuration.

2134 - Sundown.

2312 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) At the Battle of Kursk, our 4th Panzer Armee and Battle Group Kempf, captured the strategic important town of Prokhorovka.
b) During Operation Husky, HMS Howe bombarded Trapani and Favignana, Sicily. The British 8th Army captured Syracuse, Sicily, and its useful harbour. Also on Sicily, General Paul Conrath's Hermann Göring Panzer Division overran the American outposts at Ponte Dirillo and were only prevented from breaking through the Allied lines by an attack by James Gavin's paratroopers from the rear. Elsewhere, Conrath personally led a column which assaulted the weakly held Piano Lupo, to get within 2,000 yards of the beach before being stopped by the defenders. Omar Bradley arrived at Sicily, Italy while recovering from a recent hemorrhoidectomy.
c) A German officer was killed in Greece when a partisan fighter threw a grenade into the officer's vehicle.

From B.d.U.:
a) U 198 (IXD2; Kpt.z.S. Werner Hartmann) was unsuccessfully bombed in KP 3783.
b) U 566, 230, 607, 613 and 373 have been given course instructions for carrying out their mine laying operations. Except for U 373, it is intended to refuel these boats as far as possible on their return passage or after they have carried out their operations.
c) U 628 (Kptlt. Heinrich Hasenschar) has not reported since she left Brest on 1.7. She must be presumed lost. Nothing is known of the cause of her loss, but it was probably due to a/c or A/S groups in Biscay.

2355 - Qu.4278KS - Charlotte Schliemann in sight, E=6000 (nor radar detection). Giving Recognition Signal, confirmed.

Supply cannot be done during darkness, circling Schliemann until morning, at distance of 5000m. Switching off radar.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän

09-27-23, 01:14 PM

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Sunday, 11 July 1943 - ESE of Madagascar -

1015 - Morning Dawn.

1109 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.4717KR - Days Run: 188.1nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 12126.6nm (67tg 22h) - ↗ 11703.8nm (61tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55').
Course 41°; 499cbm (3cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 7d 12h).

1636 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
RST: Schlieman is in Qu.4278KS top center. - B.d.U. -

Cmdr.: Repeat of B.d.U. F.T.1620/10/7. Hopefully, Schliemann has the necessary spare parts for repair of the compressor.

1911 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Flak U-boat U 441 (Kptlt. Götz von Hartmann) was strafed by three British Beaufighters from 248 Sqdn RAF in the Bay of Biscay, in Qu.4894BF. Ten men dead and 13 wounded, including all officers except the ship's doctor. Dr.Paul Pfaffinger took over command from Kplt.von Hartmann, treated the wounded and will bring the boat back to Brest. Air escort and surface escort will be arranged. Dr.Pfaffinger will be awarded the German Cross in Gold. This action will lead to the abandonment of the flak boat experiment, and all the boats involved will be returned to their original armament configuration.

2134 - Sundown.

2312 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) At the Battle of Kursk, our 4th Panzer Armee and Battle Group Kempf, captured the strategic important town of Prokhorovka.
b) During Operation Husky, HMS Howe bombarded Trapani and Favignana, Sicily. The British 8th Army captured Syracuse, Sicily, and its useful harbour. Also on Sicily, General Paul Conrath's Hermann Göring Panzer Division overran the American outposts at Ponte Dirillo and were only prevented from breaking through the Allied lines by an attack by James Gavin's paratroopers from the rear. Elsewhere, Conrath personally led a column which assaulted the weakly held Piano Lupo, to get within 2,000 yards of the beach before being stopped by the defenders. Omar Bradley arrived at Sicily, Italy while recovering from a recent hemorrhoidectomy.
c) A German officer was killed in Greece when a partisan fighter threw a grenade into the officer's vehicle.

From B.d.U.:
a) U 198 (IXD2; Kpt.z.S. Werner Hartmann) was unsuccessfully bombed in KP 3783.
b) U 566, 230, 607, 613 and 373 have been given course instructions for carrying out their mine laying operations. Except for U 373, it is intended to refuel these boats as far as possible on their return passage or after they have carried out their operations.
c) U 628 (Kptlt. Heinrich Hasenschar) has not reported since she left Brest on 1.7. She must be presumed lost. Nothing is known of the cause of her loss, but it was probably due to a/c or A/S groups in Biscay.

2355 - Qu.4278KS - Charlotte Schliemann in sight, E=6000 (nor radar detection). Giving Recognition Signal, confirmed.

Supply cannot be done during darkness, circling Schliemann until morning, at distance of 5000m. Switching off radar.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 12 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

1000 - Morning Dawn.

Decision to attempt supplying at the Leeward side of Supply Ship. Fuel hose connection done by crane. Supplying of provisions by rope connection.

Messages transferred by Supply Ship (see Annex II to KTB).

1108 - Sunrise.

1120 - F.T. from U 506:
7 depth charges from Liberator. A/C was not detected by FuMB. Sinking. - Würdemann -

1200 - Qu.4278KS - Days Run: 157.7nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 12284.3nm (68tg 22h) - ↗ 11861.5nm (62tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
496.5cbm (2.5cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 1w 1d 12h).

1220 - Provisioning completed. Leaving Supply Ship and running off on course 20°, 235RPM. (for details of Supply refer to Annex I to KTB).

1518 - F.T. from U 409:
Attacked by destroyer. 11 dead and 37 survivors. Giving up boat. - Massmann -

1652 - F.T. from B.d.U.:
RST: After supply, Schliemann will proceed to ESE, 5kn. - B.d.U. -

2313 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) British 8th Army captured Augusta, Sicily, and its harbour. HMS King George V bombarded Trapani, Sicily.
b) Soviet forces launched a massive offensive along their Bryansk, Central, and West Fronts in Russia, toward Bryansk, Kursk, and Orel. Prokhorovka became the site of what will be hailed as the largest armor battle in history.
c) The National Committee for a Free Germany was formed in Krasnograd, Ukraine, made up of a number of captured German officers as well as exiled German communists. This group calls for an uprising against The Führer and an end to the fighting between Germany and the Soviet Union.

From O.K.M.:
a) Italian Supply U-boat Aquilla III (Comandante Cappellini) arrived at Singapore at 1029 hours and unloaded her cargo for Japan. She began to receive some repairs for damage incurred during the journey from Europe to the Dutch East Indies.

From B.d.U.:
a) U 359 and U 466 have supplied from "Milkcow" U 487 (Oblt.d.R. Helmut Metz). The tanker is proceeding to DG 77 to refuel U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl), U 527 and all Far Eastern boats.
b) U 709 (Oblt. Karl-Otto Weber) reported from BD 8452 that there had been a heavy explosion in the forward battery. She had 3 men seriously wounded and requested immediate medical assistance. U 566 (Kptlt. Hans Hornkohl) was ordered to give assistance.

B-Dienst Report:
a) Escort Carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) and her escorts departed Norfolk, Virginia on a Hunter-Killer mission along the convoy routes to Africa.
b) USAAF 59th Bombardment Squadron, operating B-18 Bolo bombers, arrived at Edinburgh Field in Trinidad.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän

09-29-23, 02:10 PM

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 12 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

1000 - Morning Dawn.

Decision to attempt supplying at the Leeward side of Supply Ship. Fuel hose connection done by crane. Supplying of provisions by rope connection.

Messages transferred by Supply Ship (see Annex II to KTB).

1108 - Sunrise.

1120 - F.T. from U 506:
7 depth charges from Liberator. A/C was not detected by FuMB. Sinking. - Würdemann -

1200 - Qu.4278KS - Days Run: 157.7nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 12284.3nm (68tg 22h) - ↗ 11861.5nm (62tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
496.5cbm (2.5cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 1w 1d 12h).

1220 - Provisioning completed. Leaving Supply Ship and running off on course 20°, 235RPM. (for details of Supply refer to Annex I to KTB).

1518 - F.T. from U 409:
Attacked by destroyer. 11 dead and 37 survivors. Giving up boat. - Massmann -

1652 - F.T. from B.d.U.:
RST: After supply, Schliemann will proceed to ESE, 5kn. - B.d.U. -

2313 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) British 8th Army captured Augusta, Sicily, and its harbour. HMS King George V bombarded Trapani, Sicily.
b) Soviet forces launched a massive offensive along their Bryansk, Central, and West Fronts in Russia, toward Bryansk, Kursk, and Orel. Prokhorovka became the site of what will be hailed as the largest armor battle in history.
c) The National Committee for a Free Germany was formed in Krasnograd, Ukraine, made up of a number of captured German officers as well as exiled German communists. This group calls for an uprising against The Führer and an end to the fighting between Germany and the Soviet Union.

From O.K.M.:
a) Italian Supply U-boat Aquilla III (Comandante Cappellini) arrived at Singapore at 1029 hours and unloaded her cargo for Japan. She began to receive some repairs for damage incurred during the journey from Europe to the Dutch East Indies.

From B.d.U.:
a) U 359 and U 466 have supplied from "Milkcow" U 487 (Oblt.d.R. Helmut Metz). The tanker is proceeding to DG 77 to refuel U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl), U 527 and all Far Eastern boats.
b) U 709 (Oblt. Karl-Otto Weber) reported from BD 8452 that there had been a heavy explosion in the forward battery. She had 3 men seriously wounded and requested immediate medical assistance. U 566 (Kptlt. Hans Hornkohl) was ordered to give assistance.

B-Dienst Report:
a) Escort Carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) and her escorts departed Norfolk, Virginia on a Hunter-Killer mission along the convoy routes to Africa.
b) USAAF 59th Bombardment Squadron, operating B-18 Bolo bombers, arrived at Edinburgh Field in Trinidad.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 12 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

Annex 1

S u p p l y :

1.) Meeting was good (including Recognition Signal exchange).
2.) Fuel oil transfer according to plan and smoothly (13.5 cbm taken on in 30').
3.) Provisions transfer considerably complicated because in addition to inflatable boat as cargo boat only 1 small boat from the supplier as towing boat (Launch of the motorboat and torpedo loading not tried because of the poor sea state). Doctors visit not required. Exchange of navigational fix.
4.) Signal personnel at tanker at a strength of 1:1 was sufficient but is not enough for group supply.
5.) Beyond fuel and provisions the supplier was not fitted out for supply (hardly any spare parts etc., i.e., Repair of compressor not possible).
6.) The kindness of the supply ship Captain to the last crew member was exemplary.
7.) Supply was great for morale of own boat and for the raider crew.
8.) Weather and Sea conditions throughout were consistently poor with high winds, overcast and swell.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän

10-07-23, 04:51 AM

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 12 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

Annex 1

S u p p l y :

1.) Meeting was good (including Recognition Signal exchange).
2.) Fuel oil transfer according to plan and smoothly (13.5 cbm taken on in 30').
3.) Provisions transfer considerably complicated because in addition to inflatable boat as cargo boat only 1 small boat from the supplier as towing boat (Launch of the motorboat and torpedo loading not tried because of the poor sea state). Doctors visit not required. Exchange of navigational fix.
4.) Signal personnel at tanker at a strength of 1:1 was sufficient but is not enough for group supply.
5.) Beyond fuel and provisions the supplier was not fitted out for supply (hardly any spare parts etc., i.e., Repair of compressor not possible).
6.) The kindness of the supply ship Captain to the last crew member was exemplary.
7.) Supply was great for morale of own boat and for the raider crew.
8.) Weather and Sea conditions throughout were consistently poor with high winds, overcast and swell.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 12 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

Annex 2

Radio Messages transferred by Schliemann:

U-boat Situation.

A. North Atlantic:

1) When on May 24th convoy operation "Donau" failed and all the boats still well off for fuel (U 569, 641, 228, 603, 636, 666, 211, 608, 221, 951, 232, 435, 642, 217 and 92) were ordered to proceed to the central Atlantic, it was intended that the remaining boats in the N. Atlantic should occupy varying attack areas and deceive the enemy as to the number of boats actually in the area by heavy dummy radio traffic. Altogether 13 boats remained in the Northern operations area and during the first few weeks is was actually possible to keep the enemy in the dark as to the number of boats there, as English U-boat situation reports have shown. He continued to believe that there were 2 or 3 large groups of U-boats.

2) It was intended to keep the number of U-boats remaining in the operations AK and AJ, at approximately the same level by relieving them by boats sailing from home ports. Within a short time however, several boats had to return owing to fuel consumption and damage and 2, U 202 and 304, were lost. The number of boats coming from home ports was not sufficient, especially as 4 Atlantic boats in Bergen were made available to F.O. U/B Norway, for operations in Northern Waters.
Of the 16 boats which left home ports or Norway up to 12.5. (i.e. U 467, 667, 450, 535, 341, 170, 669, 271, 308, 449, 536, 417, 388, 194, 200 and 420);
a) 5 were lost in the Iceland Passage: (U 467, 308, 417, 200, 194).
b) 2 were lost after 2 days in the operations area: (U 334, 338).
c) 2 were damaged in the Iceland Passage and returned to W. France: (U 450, 449).
d) 3 boats, type IXc were ordered to CE 70 to deliver their fuel, owing to the strained tanker situation (U 535, 536, 170).

3) After it became known that U 194 and U 200 had been lost, the sailing of all boats without quadruple Flak from home ports was cancelled. This meant a postponement of approximately 4 weeks for all sailing dates. 4 boats on their way to the Atlantic: (U 387, 277, 713 and 307) were diverted and made available to F.O. U/B Norway for his mining operation.

4) These facts have led to the N. Atlantic being at present practically devoid of U-boats. There is one boat U 667 still in the Northern operations area. It is presumed that the enemy is no longer deceived to the actual state of affairs (there is no information on this, as no English U-boat situation reports have been received because of change in Radio procedure ("Frankfurt"). As far as can be gathered from the press, the enemy believes that, by using more auxiliary carriers, he has succeeded in chasing the U-boats off the North Atlantic convoy routes. At present, chances of attacking are so slight owing to the strength of the escort forces and chances of finding the convoys so remote with so few U-boats, that there is little purpose in sending boats from Western France to fill this gap in the Northern operations area. In practice boats would have to operate in the North Atlantic with very small prospects of success.

5) The plan to resume convoy operations in the North Atlantic, at the end of July with stronger forces, has been abandoned, as by that time neither the Zaunkönig nor the improved Radar interception gear necessary to prevent surprise attacks by aircraft will be available. If it is possible to equip boats leaving W. France by the middle of August with Zaunkönig and the Radar interception gear, action against convoys on the England - America route will be resumed during the new moon period at the end of August.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän

10-09-23, 02:50 AM

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 12 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

Annex 2.1

Radio Messages transferred by Schliemann:

U-boat Situation.

A. North Atlantic:

1) When on May 24th convoy operation "Donau" failed and all the boats still well off for fuel (U 569, 641, 228, 603, 636, 666, 211, 608, 221, 951, 232, 435, 642, 217 and 92) were ordered to proceed to the central Atlantic, it was intended that the remaining boats in the N. Atlantic should occupy varying attack areas and deceive the enemy as to the number of boats actually in the area by heavy dummy radio traffic. Altogether 13 boats remained in the Northern operations area and during the first few weeks is was actually possible to keep the enemy in the dark as to the number of boats there, as English U-boat situation reports have shown. He continued to believe that there were 2 or 3 large groups of U-boats.

2) It was intended to keep the number of U-boats remaining in the operations AK and AJ, at approximately the same level by relieving them by boats sailing from home ports. Within a short time however, several boats had to return owing to fuel consumption and damage and 2, U 202 and 304, were lost. The number of boats coming from home ports was not sufficient, especially as 4 Atlantic boats in Bergen were made available to F.O. U/B Norway, for operations in Northern Waters.
Of the 16 boats which left home ports or Norway up to 12.5. (i.e. U 467, 667, 450, 535, 341, 170, 669, 271, 308, 449, 536, 417, 388, 194, 200 and 420);
a) 5 were lost in the Iceland Passage: (U 467, 308, 417, 200, 194).
b) 2 were lost after 2 days in the operations area: (U 334, 338).
c) 2 were damaged in the Iceland Passage and returned to W. France: (U 450, 449).
d) 3 boats, type IXc were ordered to CE 70 to deliver their fuel, owing to the strained tanker situation (U 535, 536, 170).

3) After it became known that U 194 and U 200 had been lost, the sailing of all boats without quadruple Flak from home ports was cancelled. This meant a postponement of approximately 4 weeks for all sailing dates. 4 boats on their way to the Atlantic: (U 387, 277, 713 and 307) were diverted and made available to F.O. U/B Norway for his mining operation.

4) These facts have led to the N. Atlantic being at present practically devoid of U-boats. There is one boat U 667 still in the Northern operations area. It is presumed that the enemy is no longer deceived to the actual state of affairs (there is no information on this, as no English U-boat situation reports have been received because of change in Radio procedure ("Frankfurt"). As far as can be gathered from the press, the enemy believes that, by using more auxiliary carriers, he has succeeded in chasing the U-boats off the North Atlantic convoy routes. At present, chances of attacking are so slight owing to the strength of the escort forces and chances of finding the convoys so remote with so few U-boats, that there is little purpose in sending boats from Western France to fill this gap in the Northern operations area. In practice boats would have to operate in the North Atlantic with very small prospects of success.

5) The plan to resume convoy operations in the North Atlantic, at the end of July with stronger forces, has been abandoned, as by that time neither the Zaunkönig nor the improved Radar interception gear necessary to prevent surprise attacks by aircraft will be available. If it is possible to equip boats leaving W. France by the middle of August with Zaunkönig and the Radar interception gear, action against convoys on the England - America route will be resumed during the new moon period at the end of August.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 12 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

Annex 2.2

Radio Messages transferred by Schliemann:

U-boat Situation.

B. Central Atlantic:

Convoy operations planned with the U-boats sent to the Central Atlantic have failed. Boats forming Group "Trutz" were operated against 2 E.-bound and one W.-bound convoy. Except for the sightings and attacks by carrier-borne aircraft reported by "Trutz" boats on 4.6., these boats did not have any further contact with the enemy between 1.6. and 29.6. It is believed that the first convoy expected during the period 4-6.6. evaded the "Trutz" line to the south. The second, E.-bound convoy, which was the same as that attacked by U 572 on 22 June in DH 4133, also passed Group "Trutz's" patrol line far to the south. Nothing is known of the route followed by the third, W.-bound convoy.

It is believed that in each case the patrol line was located by high-flying carrier-borne aircraft and then skirted. (See War Diary of 2.7.) This is confirmed by Lieut(s.g.) Krech, the experienced Commanding Officer of U 558. The sea area in which the U.S.A. - Gibraltar convoy route lies permits the convoys to make extensive evading movements without greatly prolonging their passage and there therefore seems no purpose in sending another group to the Central Atlantic to intercept U.S.A. - Gibraltar convoys while boats cannot detect enemy Radar transmissions from aircraft. Apart from the uncertainty of finding the convoys, constant high pressure weather conditions and the presence of enemy aircraft carriers with the convoy make conditions of operations so difficult for the U-boats, that they are not likely to meet with success.

The diversion of Group "Trutz" into Groups "Geier 1-3" on return passage did not lead to any success.

Of the 16 "Geier" boats there are at present 3 in the operations area W. of Spain. The remaining boats are returning to W. France owing to strong air activity and damage received on the England - Gibraltar convoy route.

In retrospect, it can be said that, when the North Atlantic U-boats still well off for fuel were sent to the sea area W. of the Azores, an attempt was made to achieve some success with these boats in some sea area outside the America - England convoy routes. From the start there were no illusions as to the difficulties of finding convoys in this area without reconnaissance by our own aircraft.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän

10-12-23, 08:37 AM

Kapitän

10-14-23, 02:55 PM

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 12 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

Annex 2.3

Radio Messages transferred by Schliemann:

U-boat Situation.

C. Southern Operations Area:

The operation of all available type VIIC and IXC boats, which could be supplied by U-tanker, in remote operations area in the Caribbean, and off the Brazilian and W. African coast, has begun to take effect during the last few days. On the way to their operational areas, these boats did not sink a single ship, a clear proof of the fact, that there are actually no independently-routed ships in the N. and Central Atlantic.

After a short period in their operational areas, the boats have so far scored the following successes:

In the Caribbean:
2 steamers from convoys
1 cargo sailing vessel by U 759 in EC

Off the N. coast of Brazil:
1 steamer by U 590
3 steamers from a convoy and one independent ship by U 510 in EP
5 steamers from a convoy by U 185 in FC

Off the E. coast of Brazil:
1 steamer by U 172 in FD 70

Off Rio:
4 steamers by U 513

Off Freetown:
1 ship by U 618 in ET 50

Off Lagos:
2 steamers by U 508 in EV 60.

It can be seen that in general, traffic is by convoy even in these areas and according to present experience, the escort is very poorly trained. The constant air activity is unpleasant, although is it by no means as strong or as dangerously effective. It remains to be seen how long the U-boat crews will be able to stand being submerged all day with few opportunities to surface in these operations areas, in the Equatorial zone, where the weather is particularly hot and damp at this time of year. Although the risks are much fewer than in the N. Atlantic, operation in those waters requires extreme endurance on the part of the crews. The length of time spent in the operational area will ordinarily be governed by the state of health of the technical personnel, who usually have to work in temperatures of 40 - 50 degrees celcius. On the whole, however, all Commanding Officers and crews like to go to these areas, in spite of the trials involved, because chances of success are so much greater than in the convoy operations on the England - American routes.

The first wave of boats which have arrived in these operational areas, will be relieved by a second and a third wave. Unfortunately, much depends on the tanker situation, which is at present bad (U 462 has returned to port, as she was forced to turn back on her way out through Biscay, owing to bombing attacks). Only small supplies of fuel and provisions can be provided fairly far N. in the Central Atlantic.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 12 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

Annex 2.4

Radio Messages transferred by Schliemann:

U-boat Situation.

D. Situation in Biscay:

So far, 4 losses have occurred this month in Biscay, U 126 and U 535 on return passage and U 528 and U 514 on outward passage. It is fairly certain that the first two were the victims of an enemy air attack, but there is no clue as to the cause of loss of the other 2. It is strongly suspected that the enemy has laid a form of blockade around Biscay with part of the defence forces withdrawn from the N. Atlantic, convoys concentrating in BF 70, BE 90, BF 10 and BE 30. The following facts speak for this:
1) Increased sightings of A/S vessels of all kinds (destroyers, corvettes, trawlers) by U-boats.
2) Increased sightings of destroyers and cruisers by aircraft.
3) U 650's report of a long methodical D/C hunt heard in her hydrophones in BE 90. U 450 and U 119 were probably sunk at this time.
4) The unexplained disappearance of inward and outward-bound boats in Biscay.
5) A report from Naval Attache Madrid of the sighting of 3 destroyers and one other patrol vessel in the Cape Finisterre area and off El Ferrol.
6) Enemy press reports of the blockading of Biscay by naval forces.

This organized blockade may develop into a really serious danger for U-boats. The activity of English A/S a/c already makes great demands on the battery capacity of the boats which are submerged all the time, so that sometimes the boats are forced to proceed on the surface to charge their batteries in spite of danger from enemy a/c and keep off the planes with their Flak armament. The presence of English naval forces, which, according to experience, can be brought up to the U-boats in a very short time by the a/c will mean a considerable increase in losses which are already numerous due to English a/c alone. Every effort must therefore be made,
1) To obtain an exact idea of the disposition of these light naval forces and their method of operation, so that the boats can be given routes which will evade the blockade or enable them to break through it at the most favorable points. This will have to be done by organized air reconnaissance and systematic evaluation of all Radio Intelligence reports and reports from U-boats themselves.
2) To attack and destroy anti-submarine forces reported with our own few naval forces (destroyers).
3) To combat these light anti-submarine vessels, which usually operate in two's or three's with the FW 200s available, suitably armed.

If we cannot succeed in driving the English forces off from Biscay, further losses will be inevitable. The danger is particularly serious for damaged U-boats returning. The situation with regard to combating the enemy anti-submarine aircraft by G.O.C. Atlantic Air Forces' heavy bomber formations, has not in the main changed. It must however be noted, that enemy air activity has abated considerably W. of 8° W., so that at least in this sector of Biscay, the U-boats are safer against surprise attacks. It is to be hoped, that the new ME 410s will reduce the superiority of the English Mosquitoes and Beaufighters to such an extent, that the Ju 88s operating further south will be able to carry out their sweeps with less than 8 aircraft at a time. If fewer aircraft can operate in one formation, more sorties can be flown and greater success achieved. It is probable however, that the enemy will counter the new aircraft by increasing the numbers of Mosquitoes and Beaufighters.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän

10-16-23, 01:34 PM

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 12 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

Annex 2.4

Radio Messages transferred by Schliemann:

U-boat Situation.

D. Situation in Biscay:

So far, 4 losses have occurred this month in Biscay, U 126 and U 535 on return passage and U 528 and U 514 on outward passage. It is fairly certain that the first two were the victims of an enemy air attack, but there is no clue as to the cause of loss of the other 2. It is strongly suspected that the enemy has laid a form of blockade around Biscay with part of the defence forces withdrawn from the N. Atlantic, convoys concentrating in BF 70, BE 90, BF 10 and BE 30. The following facts speak for this:
1) Increased sightings of A/S vessels of all kinds (destroyers, corvettes, trawlers) by U-boats.
2) Increased sightings of destroyers and cruisers by aircraft.
3) U 650's report of a long methodical D/C hunt heard in her hydrophones in BE 90. U 450 and U 119 were probably sunk at this time.
4) The unexplained disappearance of inward and outward-bound boats in Biscay.
5) A report from Naval Attache Madrid of the sighting of 3 destroyers and one other patrol vessel in the Cape Finisterre area and off El Ferrol.
6) Enemy press reports of the blockading of Biscay by naval forces.

This organized blockade may develop into a really serious danger for U-boats. The activity of English A/S a/c already makes great demands on the battery capacity of the boats which are submerged all the time, so that sometimes the boats are forced to proceed on the surface to charge their batteries in spite of danger from enemy a/c and keep off the planes with their Flak armament. The presence of English naval forces, which, according to experience, can be brought up to the U-boats in a very short time by the a/c will mean a considerable increase in losses which are already numerous due to English a/c alone. Every effort must therefore be made,
1) To obtain an exact idea of the disposition of these light naval forces and their method of operation, so that the boats can be given routes which will evade the blockade or enable them to break through it at the most favorable points. This will have to be done by organized air reconnaissance and systematic evaluation of all Radio Intelligence reports and reports from U-boats themselves.
2) To attack and destroy anti-submarine forces reported with our own few naval forces (destroyers).
3) To combat these light anti-submarine vessels, which usually operate in two's or three's with the FW 200s available, suitably armed.

If we cannot succeed in driving the English forces off from Biscay, further losses will be inevitable. The danger is particularly serious for damaged U-boats returning. The situation with regard to combating the enemy anti-submarine aircraft by G.O.C. Atlantic Air Forces' heavy bomber formations, has not in the main changed. It must however be noted, that enemy air activity has abated considerably W. of 8° W., so that at least in this sector of Biscay, the U-boats are safer against surprise attacks. It is to be hoped, that the new ME 410s will reduce the superiority of the English Mosquitoes and Beaufighters to such an extent, that the Ju 88s operating further south will be able to carry out their sweeps with less than 8 aircraft at a time. If fewer aircraft can operate in one formation, more sorties can be flown and greater success achieved. It is probable however, that the enemy will counter the new aircraft by increasing the numbers of Mosquitoes and Beaufighters.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Tuesday, 13 July 1943 - Southeast of the Mascarene Islands -

- 10th week at sea completed -

1000 - Early Morning Dawn.

1101 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.1293KS - Days Run: 184.9nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 12469.2nm (69tg 22h) - ↗ 12046.4nm (63tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
Course 20°; 507.5cbm (2.5cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 1w 2d 12h)

1206 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
Supply from Schliemann completed. Compressor still faulty. 2 EtoFat, 507cbm. Continue outbound voyage according Op.-Orders. ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm. - RST -

1439 - Incoming F.T.: From U 607:
Air attack. Casualties. Sinking. - Jeschonnek -

Cmdr.: U 607 was previously commanded by Kptlt. Ernst Mengersen (ex U 101).

1708 - Incoming F.T.: From Schliemann:
Positioned in Marqu.4661KS bottom right.

Cmdr.: Is 27° 27' S, 62°53' E.

2140 - Sundown.

2312 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) After our advances at Kursk were stopped, The Führer ordered Operation Citadelle to be suspended, and told Erich von Manstein that the forces to repel the Allied thrust through Italy and the Balkans would have to be found from the Eastern Front.
b) On Sicily, the Allies were able to take the cities of Augusta and Ragusa, as well as captured the Primosole Bridge over the Simeto River by the British 1st Airborne Division, despite our heavy resistance. Meanwhile, British Air Vice Marshal Harry Broadhurst, moved his Western Desert Air Force Headquarters to Pachino, Sicily, with three squadrons of Spitfire VC fighters under his command. Over the next week, our Luftwaffe operations will be reduced from 275-300 sorties per day to less than 150.
c) In the Gulf of Kula of New Georgia in the Salomon Islands, the Japanese sank the US Destroyer Gwin and heavily damaged 3 US Cruisers, while loosing only the Cruiser Jintsu.

From O.K.M.:
a) In Bremen, the Atlas Werke AG held its final General Meeting. Shortly after, Krupp will take over Atlas's operations and will rename the company Maschinenbau Kiel GmbH.

From B.d.U.:
a) U 709 (Oblt. Karl-Otto Weber) is starting on her return passage with one battery having completed repairs.
b) U 43 (IX; Oblt. Hans-Joachim Schwantke; ex Lüth) sailed today for mining operation.
c) U 177 (IXD2; KrvKpt. Robert Gysae) and U 181 (IXD2; KrvKpt. Wolfgang Lüth) will again operate off Capetown during the next new moon period. Until then they have freedom of action.
d) "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) which was to have been the tanker for the Far Eastern boats, and was to have refueled them in about FD 20, is again out of action. The Far Eastern boats will therefore have to be supplied further N. than intended, (DG 7754). As the tanker U 487's (Oblt.d.R. Helmut Metz) stocks will not be sufficient an outward-bound operational boat (U 160; IXC; Oblt. Gerd von Pommer-Esche) will have to be used as reserve tanker. It will then be possible to let all Far Eastern boats, as well as U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl), have 40 cbm and the corresponding provisions and also to supply U 527 (Kptlt. Herbert Uhlig) for her return passage. After supplying on approximately 15 July, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) will steer for EO 20.

With this quantity of fuel the Far Eastern boats can reach Penang without difficulty, if for some reason the second supply cannot take place.

The IXC and VIIC boats at present on outward passage will have to occupy their attack areas without first refueling. For this reason the VIIC boats which have so far been replenished by the tanker are to operate in the Caribbean or off the Brazilian coast, so that the VIIC boats proceeding south without refueling can occupy the less remote sea area off Freetown. The boats should be able to arrive there with about 80 cbm. If the 3 next U-tankers to sail get through Biscay unscathed one of them will go to ER, so that the boats off Freetown can remain as long as possible in their operations area. They must start their return passage with about 20 cbm, and would thus have 60 cbm to use until then in their operational area.

The second U-tanker is to proceed as far west as possible to supply the Caribbean and American boats. Nothing has been decided yet for the last tanker to leave.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän

10-18-23, 08:41 AM

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Tuesday, 13 July 1943 - Southeast of the Mascarene Islands -

- 10th week at sea completed -

1000 - Early Morning Dawn.

1101 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.1293KS - Days Run: 184.9nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 12469.2nm (69tg 22h) - ↗ 12046.4nm (63tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
Course 20°; 507.5cbm (2.5cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 1w 2d 12h)

1206 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
Supply from Schliemann completed. Compressor still faulty. 2 EtoFat, 507cbm. Continue outbound voyage according Op.-Orders. ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm. - RST -

1439 - Incoming F.T.: From U 607:
Air attack. Casualties. Sinking. - Jeschonnek -

Cmdr.: U 607 was previously commanded by Kptlt. Ernst Mengersen (ex U 101).

1708 - Incoming F.T.: From Schliemann:
Positioned in Marqu.4661KS bottom right.

Cmdr.: Is 27° 27' S, 62°53' E.

2140 - Sundown.

2312 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) After our advances at Kursk were stopped, The Führer ordered Operation Citadelle to be suspended, and told Erich von Manstein that the forces to repel the Allied thrust through Italy and the Balkans would have to be found from the Eastern Front.
b) On Sicily, the Allies were able to take the cities of Augusta and Ragusa, as well as captured the Primosole Bridge over the Simeto River by the British 1st Airborne Division, despite our heavy resistance. Meanwhile, British Air Vice Marshal Harry Broadhurst, moved his Western Desert Air Force Headquarters to Pachino, Sicily, with three squadrons of Spitfire VC fighters under his command. Over the next week, our Luftwaffe operations will be reduced from 275-300 sorties per day to less than 150.
c) In the Gulf of Kula of New Georgia in the Salomon Islands, the Japanese sank the US Destroyer Gwin and heavily damaged 3 US Cruisers, while loosing only the Cruiser Jintsu.

From O.K.M.:
a) In Bremen, the Atlas Werke AG held its final General Meeting. Shortly after, Krupp will take over Atlas's operations and will rename the company Maschinenbau Kiel GmbH.

From B.d.U.:
a) U 709 (Oblt. Karl-Otto Weber) is starting on her return passage with one battery having completed repairs.
b) U 43 (IX; Oblt. Hans-Joachim Schwantke; ex Lüth) sailed today for mining operation.
c) U 177 (IXD2; KrvKpt. Robert Gysae) and U 181 (IXD2; KrvKpt. Wolfgang Lüth) will again operate off Capetown during the next new moon period. Until then they have freedom of action.
d) "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) which was to have been the tanker for the Far Eastern boats, and was to have refueled them in about FD 20, is again out of action. The Far Eastern boats will therefore have to be supplied further N. than intended, (DG 7754). As the tanker U 487's (Oblt.d.R. Helmut Metz) stocks will not be sufficient an outward-bound operational boat (U 160; IXC; Oblt. Gerd von Pommer-Esche) will have to be used as reserve tanker. It will then be possible to let all Far Eastern boats, as well as U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl), have 40 cbm and the corresponding provisions and also to supply U 527 (Kptlt. Herbert Uhlig) for her return passage. After supplying on approximately 15 July, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) will steer for EO 20.

With this quantity of fuel the Far Eastern boats can reach Penang without difficulty, if for some reason the second supply cannot take place.

The IXC and VIIC boats at present on outward passage will have to occupy their attack areas without first refueling. For this reason the VIIC boats which have so far been replenished by the tanker are to operate in the Caribbean or off the Brazilian coast, so that the VIIC boats proceeding south without refueling can occupy the less remote sea area off Freetown. The boats should be able to arrive there with about 80 cbm. If the 3 next U-tankers to sail get through Biscay unscathed one of them will go to ER, so that the boats off Freetown can remain as long as possible in their operations area. They must start their return passage with about 20 cbm, and would thus have 60 cbm to use until then in their operational area.

The second U-tanker is to proceed as far west as possible to supply the Caribbean and American boats. Nothing has been decided yet for the last tanker to leave.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Wednesday, 14 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

0955 - Early Morning Dawn.

1059 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.7173KS - Days Run: 186.0nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 12655.2nm (70tg 22h) - ↗ 12232.4nm (64tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
Course 20°; 505.0cbm (2.5cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 1w 3d 12h)

2149 - Sundown.

2313 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) The Soviet Voronezh Front joined in the offensive against our 4.Panzer Armee and Armeeabteilung Kempf south of Kursk.
b) Before dawn, Allied Northwest African Strategic Air Force Wellington bombers attacked Palermo and Messina in Sicily, while C-47 Skytrain transports dropped British airborne troops at the Simeto River at Primosole Bridge; The paratroopers of the British 1st Airborne Division attempted to establish a bridgehead, but they faced stiff opposition from our Paratroopers. During the day, British and American aircraft attacked Messina, Marsala, Enna, Palermo, Randazzo, Licata, and Lentini; in indirect support, American aircraft struck Naples on mainland Italy. Elsewhere in Sicily, US troops captured Niscemi and Biscari airfield while other British troops captured Vizzini.
c) USAAF Eighth Bomber Command, including the 306th Bomb Group flying from RAF Thurleigh, attacked three targets in France, with 111 B-17 bombers and 5 YB-40 bombers launched against aircraft factories at Villacoublay (3 B-17 bombers lost), 64 B-17 bombers launched against Glisy Airfield at Amiens (1 B-17 bomber lost), and 84 B-17 bombers launched against LeBourget Airfield at Paris (4 B-17 bombers lost).

From B.d.U.:
a) U 181 (IXD2; KrvKpt. Wolfgang Lüth) situation: On 1 July, 3 medium-sized ships in Port Louis (Mauritius). 1 3-funnelled cruiser and 2 ships left on 2 July. Of these, S.S. "Hoihow" 2,798 GRT, sunk in KG 5937. Aircraft and destroyer off Port Louis on 3 July, Radar at night, believed to be from destroyers. Signal strength 5 at 25 miles, continuous note, no attack. Outward-bound cruiser, course 310°, sighted at midday. Fired under a 1,000-tonner in KF 36 in heavy seas. Flying boats in KF 3752.
b) U 445 (Oblt. Heinz-Konrad Fenn), proceeding in company with U 613 (KrvKpt. Helmut Köppe) and U 607 (Oblt. Wolf Jeschonnek; ex Mengersen), lost them both on 13 July in BF 73 after an air attack. In the Commanding Officer's opinion, U 607 dived too soon and was bombed, but she could afterwards be heard in the hydrophones. So far, only U 613 has given her position. Strong air activity in BF 73.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän

10-20-23, 08:38 AM

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Wednesday, 14 July 1943 - Indian Ocean -

0955 - Early Morning Dawn.

1059 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.7173KS - Days Run: 186.0nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 12655.2nm (70tg 22h) - ↗ 12232.4nm (64tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
Course 20°; 505.0cbm (2.5cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 1w 3d 12h)

2149 - Sundown.

2313 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) The Soviet Voronezh Front joined in the offensive against our 4.Panzer Armee and Armeeabteilung Kempf south of Kursk.
b) Before dawn, Allied Northwest African Strategic Air Force Wellington bombers attacked Palermo and Messina in Sicily, while C-47 Skytrain transports dropped British airborne troops at the Simeto River at Primosole Bridge; The paratroopers of the British 1st Airborne Division attempted to establish a bridgehead, but they faced stiff opposition from our Paratroopers. During the day, British and American aircraft attacked Messina, Marsala, Enna, Palermo, Randazzo, Licata, and Lentini; in indirect support, American aircraft struck Naples on mainland Italy. Elsewhere in Sicily, US troops captured Niscemi and Biscari airfield while other British troops captured Vizzini.
c) USAAF Eighth Bomber Command, including the 306th Bomb Group flying from RAF Thurleigh, attacked three targets in France, with 111 B-17 bombers and 5 YB-40 bombers launched against aircraft factories at Villacoublay (3 B-17 bombers lost), 64 B-17 bombers launched against Glisy Airfield at Amiens (1 B-17 bomber lost), and 84 B-17 bombers launched against LeBourget Airfield at Paris (4 B-17 bombers lost).

From B.d.U.:
a) U 181 (IXD2; KrvKpt. Wolfgang Lüth) situation: On 1 July, 3 medium-sized ships in Port Louis (Mauritius). 1 3-funnelled cruiser and 2 ships left on 2 July. Of these, S.S. "Hoihow" 2,798 GRT, sunk in KG 5937. Aircraft and destroyer off Port Louis on 3 July, Radar at night, believed to be from destroyers. Signal strength 5 at 25 miles, continuous note, no attack. Outward-bound cruiser, course 310°, sighted at midday. Fired under a 1,000-tonner in KF 36 in heavy seas. Flying boats in KF 3752.
b) U 445 (Oblt. Heinz-Konrad Fenn), proceeding in company with U 613 (KrvKpt. Helmut Köppe) and U 607 (Oblt. Wolf Jeschonnek; ex Mengersen), lost them both on 13 July in BF 73 after an air attack. In the Commanding Officer's opinion, U 607 dived too soon and was bombed, but she could afterwards be heard in the hydrophones. So far, only U 613 has given her position. Strong air activity in BF 73.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Thursday, 15 July 1943 - Southern Coast of Rodrigues (Mauritius) -

0343 - Qu.4496KH -

0414 - Water Depth 210m.

0419 - Water Depth 140m.

0424 - Water Depth 70m.

0427 - 20m-Line - Flat Island, Pierrot Island, Gombrani Island.

0439 - Qu.4493KH - Hermitage Island, Port Sud-Est (Rodrigues/Mauritius) - Water Depth 70m - On course 90°. Taking navigational fix from land sighting, 6100m off Pointe Raffin, Port Sud-Est (Rodrigues/Mauritius).

0514 - Qu.4571KH - Water Depth 50m - On course 45°.

0522 - 20m-Line.

0628 - Qu.4548KH - Water Depth 67m - Last navigational fix from land sighting, 10000m east of Trou d'argent (Rodrigues/Mauritius).

0741 - Qu.4546KH - Course 60°.

0955 - Early Morning Dawn.

1058 - Sunrise.

1200 - Qu.4534KH - Days Run: 185.6nm - ↗ 24h
Total: 12840.8nm (71tg 22h) - ↗ 12418.0nm (65tg 07h 05') - ↘ 422.8nm (6tg 14h 55')
Course 60°; 502.5cbm (2.5cbm in 24h); Battery 100%; 2xEtoFat; 8xBold.
ESE7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility ~3.5nm, ~1000mb (Weather & Sea unchanged in 1w 4d 12h)

1922 - Incoming Radio Reports:

From O.K.W.:
a) Erwin Rommel is made the commander of Heeresgruppe B, while the Soviet Central Front begins an offensive toward Orel.

From B.d.U.:
a) U 181 (IXD2; KrvKpt. Wolfgang Lüth) sank "Empire Lake" 2,852 GRT in KF 9169 on passage from Durban to Aden.
b) U 667 (Kptlt. Heinrich-Andreas Schroeteler) is returning because of fuel. There is thus, no boat in the N. Atlantic at present.
c) U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) has not reported since she left Lorient on 6 July. She must be presumed lost. There is no information as to whether her loss was caused by aircraft or naval forces.

Cmdr.: It was established, that "Monsun"-Boat U-Würdemann was sunk at 1550hrs on 12 July 1943 in the North Atlantic west of Vigo, Spain, in position 42.30N, 16.30W, by 7 depth charges from a US Liberator aircraft (1st A/S Sqn USAAF/C). The boat was located by SC137 10cm radar, which the crew of U 506 could not detect. About 15 men were seen in the water after the boat broke in two. The attacking pilot dropped a liferaft and a smoke flare to assist the survivors. 6 men were picked up from the sea by the British destroyer H.M.S. "Hurricane" on 15 July, 3 days after the sinking. 48 dead and 6 survivors.

From B-Dienst:
a) The enemy airforce reported that during the Battle of Sicily, it has sunk U 375 (Kptlt. Jürgen Könenkamp; missing on the south coast of Sicily, since 12 July), U 409 (Oblt. Hanns-Ferdinand Massmann; sunk by British Destroyer off Algiers, on 12 July) and U 561 (Oblt. Fritz Henning; sunk by British Torpedo Boat, on 12 July in the Strait of Messina). Additionally, 6 more Italian Uboats were supposably sunk, as well as, the Italian Platino 2 (25) class U-boat "Bronzo" (BZ; T.V. Antonio Gherardi) captured by British minesweepers off Syracuse, Sicily, on 12 July. U-Bronzo will later be commissioned by the Royal Navy as HMS P 714.

2153 - Sundown.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Bubblehead1980

03-30-25, 11:47 AM

I am in neck deep in modding and testing for V2.1 of the TMO Update, so
living vicariously as far as SH 4 goes through others aside from the testing opportunities lol so want to revive this thread.

TMO BH Upate V2.1 Testing

Currently I am testing a Special Operations mission I added to the campaign, which replicates Barb's "sinking" of a train in July 1945 on Hokkaido. Due to SH4's goofy "date/time" trigger issues, I am removing them from campaign objectives, as they never work properly. Revised the two Doolittle support missions, and Operation Torch Missions.

USS Barb SS-220 (Gato Class) for testing.

Briefing text:

"Your request for a special sabotage mission has been approved. Eight members of your crew are to be selected for specialized training with the Marines prior to departure for patrol.

When ready in all respects for sea, proceed to the Karafuto-Patience Bay area and if conditions permit, dispatch your eight man raiding party via rubber raft at 0000 hours on 23 July to plant explosives on vital railroad tracks along the coastal areas. Upon recovery of your sabotage party, conduct patrol and harassment operations in the area until fuel and provisions require a return to port or unless otherwise ordered. "

USS Barb SS-239 Departed Pearl Harbor on 1 July 1945
for special mission. Currently 250 NM from area.

At 1124 hours on 11 July avoided a submerged submarine, possibly closing for attack.

Since within range of enemy air cover, submerging daily to avoid detection.

Baxder

03-31-25, 09:59 AM

I'm back in a tub because I have a new PC and simply must play this game on every new machine - not only do I love it, but I've never been able to complete a campaign because at some point near the end (January of '45, I believe) the game has always become unstable to the point of unplayability. I figure eventually that won't be the case.

So here we are. I'm on my fifth patrol. We've just recaptured the Solomon Islands and I've just arrived in the very target-rich Carolinas, just having sunk a European freighter in fog using the 45° method (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=1007637&postcount=204). I was going to shoot for a Big Ol' Old Tanker but it changed position in the convoy just before it would have crossed my lead bearing so I went with the next juciest, which happened to be right on the line. Bugger is that I missed the opportunity for the next closest ship in the front line in the kerfuffle. It obscured the Euro as it was hit - It would have been awesome to see the simultaneous plumes.

I had set up for the shot well in advance, and when it came time to put the scope up I was greeted by a DD just a few hundred yards off, but it was never a problem in the fog. Last time that was the case, on my last patrol, I had to fire as a similarly positioned escort was just off and facing the line of fire, so as the fish crossed its path the convoy essentially came to a halt and they all missed. This time it was far enough off and facing the wrong way to notice and I got clean hits. Now that I think about it, the possibility of a repeat may be what kept me from taking the second shot.

Previous outings haven't been all bad, though. In another foggy encounter (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=258416), I discovered and reported a TF with several BB's, and was of course immediately ordered to sink one. I hadn't learned the 0° methods yet, had no radar, and could not get a visual fix on anything because of the heavy fog, so after a day or two of leading the group in hopes of a clear shot and wondering what to do, I found myself looking aft and directly down the bow of a very large, hazy silhouette. I did some guessing and fired four aft tubes, scoring four hits along her starboard side. Disabled but still afloat, I made my way directly beneath her to avoid the initial search and eventually snuck out to her port and finished the job. The fog made the surface getaway easy.

So far I've only been lightly damaged by depth charges and the only surface combat was with a Sub Chaser after taking out its accompanying DD with a couple torpedos. Neither of them were very good at their job. Wait, I might be wrong about that. I seem to recall, again before learning proper sonar plotting and targeting, plowing through a convoy in heavy rain and "firing at will." Good times.

Oh, and I'm using most of the mods in Berbster's package (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2297819&postcount=2). The 3000-yard plotter thing causes the game to crash at 4k, and the deck gun firing like 2 times per second is just ridiculous.

Oh again, I'm also using ReShade (https://reshade.me/), which is a graphics tool that basically allows you to layer filters over a game. I'm using Clarity, Deband, HDR, FXAA, a Tonemap and Vibrance. It's super easy to use, too, though I had to dig a little to find the clarity filter. With all the fog I've had to deal with, Deband is the undisputed MVP of that set. IDK if NVidia filters will work on SH4, but they'd do most of the same things. Me being a newly-minted NVidia hater, though, I'm running an ARC B580 so they aren't an option.

I am in neck deep in modding and testing for V2.1 of the TMO Update, so
living vicariously as far as SH 4 goes through others aside from the testing opportunities lol so want to revive this thread.

TMO BH Upate V2.1 Testing

Currently I am testing a Special Operations mission I added to the campaign, which replicates Barb's "sinking" of a train in July 1945 on Hokkaido. Due to SH4's goofy "date/time" trigger issues, I am removing them from campaign objectives, as they never work properly. Revised the two Doolittle support missions, and Operation Torch Missions.

USS Barb SS-220 (Gato Class) for testing.

Briefing text:

"Your request for a special sabotage mission has been approved. Eight members of your crew are to be selected for specialized training with the Marines prior to departure for patrol.

When ready in all respects for sea, proceed to the Karafuto-Patience Bay area and if conditions permit, dispatch your eight man raiding party via rubber raft at 0000 hours on 23 July to plant explosives on vital railroad tracks along the coastal areas. Upon recovery of your sabotage party, conduct patrol and harassment operations in the area until fuel and provisions require a return to port or unless otherwise ordered. "

USS Barb SS-239 Departed Pearl Harbor on 1 July 1945
for special mission. Currently 250 NM from area.

At 1124 hours on 11 July avoided a submerged submarine, possibly closing for attack.

Since within range of enemy air cover, submerging daily to avoid detection.

It's awesome that you're working on TMO after all this time! I think I'll do a "hardcore" playthrough after this one so color me interested!

Bubblehead1980

03-31-25, 09:51 PM

TMO BH Upate V2.1 Testin
USS Barb SS-220
July 23-29 1945 Karafuto/Shikuka

USS Barb SS-220 (Gato Class) for testing.

Briefing text:

"Your request for a special sabotage mission has been approved. Eight members of your crew are to be selected for specialized training with the Marines prior to departure for patrol.

When ready in all respects for sea, proceed to the Karafuto-Patience Bay area and if conditions permit, dispatch your eight man raiding party via rubber raft at 0000 hours on 23 July to plant explosives on vital railroad tracks along the coastal areas. Upon recovery of your sabotage party, conduct patrol and harassment operations in the area until fuel and provisions require a return to port or unless otherwise ordered. "

USS Barb SS-239 Departed Pearl Harbor on 1 July 1945.

Arrived in area on 16 July 1945. Dodged air patrols, encountered multiple Russian (still neutral) freighters heading to and from La Perouse Strait. This provided excellent fire control drills submerged and surfaced, day and night.

On 23 July 1945, per orders, sent sabotage parties ashore. Recovered successfully (rescue raft, way that downed aviators are recovered) although during recovery of second, a nosy patrol craft came along. Waters shallow, 5 inch gun as well as 40 and 20mm guns manned in case needed, but Barb was not sighted.

On 25 July, received warning from COMBSUBPAC of Special Hunter Killer Group deployed to area (based on real occurrence) , including aircraft equipped with MAD.

On 26 July at 0430 received message on convoy in Taraika Wan, heading for Cape Shiretoko-zaki, hugging the coast.

1051-APR-1 detected radar signals, almost immediately SD radar detected aircraft at 11 miles. BARB submerged.

1059-SJ contact on convoy, hugging the coast just three miles off shore, heading south for Cape Shiretoko-zaki. Went to GQ.

1117-Convoy one small AK, one small AO, one large AK astern, with a Akizuki DD in lead, five SC PC type escorts in ring, an Otori Class TB astern.

Screen was tight and convoy traveling shallow coastal waters (as convoys typically did at this point of the war) Bow tubes were loaded with new MK 16 torpedoes in tubes 1,2,3,4,5 with a "cutie" homing torpedo in tube 6.

1126-Fired the "Cutie" at the lead DD first, as its slow travel time and
1129 required slow run required. Then Fired three MK 16's at the large AK astern and one each at the small AK and AO.

Two MK 16's hit the freighter, setting off large explosions, ship broke in two. The small tanker took a hit and erupted in the fashion a loaded tanker typically does, the small AK took it's hit in the bow, practically blowing it off, and began taking a down angle quickly.

Escorts were racing as BARB was already well into high speed turn and head for deeper waters when boom! the homing torpedo hit the Akizuki DD in the stern, it's depth charges exploding in series of secondary explosions. The DD slowed, and discontinued it's pursuit. Well the most lethal of the escorts subdued, but still had 5 out of the 7 heading out way, including the Otori at 30 plus knots.

Fired off a Cutie homing torpedo in the stern tubes, hoping it'd find a target.

1134-The large AK, GANZA MARU 8,990 tons sunk!

1135-AK TAIHOSAN MARU 1,982 tons sunk by bow in waters shallow its stern stuck out of water.

The SAMUI MARU (tanker) 1850 tons, was burning and adrift.

The AKIZUKI DD's stern was on fire and it was dead in the water, its props obviously fouled.

Went to 150 feet near bottom was Otori closed in, dropped SBT-1 decoys at 90 and 125 feet,

Some of escorts took the bait, but Otori and a pluckey Subchaser did not. They dropped numerous effective patterns, battering BARB.

A torpedo impact was head and reported as hit but unsure which vessel was hit by the second homing torpedo.

Eventually made it deeper waters and found a thermal layer at 175 ft, with that and decoys, lost the pursuers.

At 1450, while secured from GQ, running silent at 190 feet on SSW course well into Taraika Wan, numerous warship sounds bearing 350-005. Came to periscope depth sight bumps on the horizon. Quick SJ sweep at radar depth showed three contacts parallel about 12,000 yards apart, the flankers barely on the ppi scope. APR-1 had radar signals from the bearing and SD radar had a contact nearby. (This was the hunter killer group mentioned, apparently alerted to the area by the attack and within range) .

BARB was caught in a dragnet, escorts astern at 9-10,000 yards, warships ahead, closing. Two aircraft in area, one two LORNA ASW types.Soon the middle vessel was identified as a Type D Kaibokan(Coastal Defense Ship)

Went to 100 feet for a few, then back at periscope depth , saw splashes in water from bullets, an unseen LORNA was strafing. Ordered emergency depth to 150 feet. As passed 131, rocked by series of close explosions, damage deported.

Soon after...the Kaibokan's were on scene, pinging, dropping massive patterns. BARB was heavily damaged, including flood in conning tower, forward torpedo room. Forward batteries damaged.

Soon some of the escorts arrived from astern. The hunt continued until 2300 hours when appeared to loose them.

At 0100, came to scope depth. Observation periscope was inoperable due to damage. Quick SJ sweep showed nothing, nothing could be seen with attack scope. Surfaced and departed into Sea of Okhotsk to conduct repairs.

Currently conducting repairs....

Baxder

04-05-25, 09:57 PM

Another patrol completed, and this one was a doozie!

It began easily enough, with an agent insertion straight across from Midway on the big island. Encountered nothing but Sampans on the way in, avoided detection to maintain opsec, and delivered our spook. Well, launched a lifeboat with him presumably in it. I can't speak for what happened after...
https://i.imgur.com/Nzu7qjb.jpg

Received new orders to patrol off of Honshu, outside of Toyohama. Picked up a convoy on radar en route and decided to investigate...
https://i.imgur.com/B2GqzJ5.jpg
Nice and juicy.

I set up my intercept and solution, realizing later that I should have approached from the other side with one of the LMT's in the front-left position and me coming from the right. My launch position was right on top of the formation, which I liked because I like taking cover in the convoy after the opening attack. It makes escort access more difficult and allows for maximum havoc.
https://i.imgur.com/5lN8THs.jpg

I sent three fish at each of the LMT's as they crossed the lead line, but two blew prematurely, and the convoy broke. I still got one hit on an intended target, and only two of the remaining four torps missed, so that's something. No sinks off that salvo, though. I was able to cause the aforementioned havoc afterward as I hunted the LMT's through the ensuing chaos, sinking them both.
https://i.imgur.com/zqpJ3Is.jpg

That done, I set course again for my assigned patrol. Fate had better ideas, though. Less than four hours later, I received a report of another radar contact coming up the strait I was passing through to get on station. This one a Task Force full of CV's.
https://i.imgur.com/D65BtIL.jpg

But there was a little problem...
https://i.imgur.com/mMB9bO5.jpg

That damn convoy ate all my fish! Still, I had enough left to send one of the flat-tops to the bottom. So I set up for a 45° shot out the stern and watched the fleet approach. I think they detected my radar at some point because the escorts suddenly burst away from the formation, and the lead three made a beeline for my position. I had enough range to spare, so I secured the radar and increased my distance from the track. Turns out that was enough to throw the cans off. I watched and laughed as they did donuts a mile off while their charges progressed to their doom.
https://i.imgur.com/jsWihIF.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lN9QDM0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wESB9Hh.jpg

That done, and mostly spent of torpedoes, Honshu would have to be spared. I left for port with an unfulfilled duty but plenty of tonnage to show for it.
https://i.imgur.com/NeBrGG8.jpg

Happily on my way, there came yet another warship radar contact just 1.5 hours out. It ended up looking like a picket line was going to cross my path quite perfectly.
https://i.imgur.com/asiNz8E.jpg

Who was I to say no to such an opportunity? I came to a stop at 2000 yards and sent my last two forward fish swimming. One of the DD's was only disabled by the first hit, so I spun about and finished it off.
https://i.imgur.com/MvjNlDf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/N8xcDBV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/l6TJR0W.jpg

There was a third trailing quite a bit behind, so I waited for it and sent it to the depths as well. These guys are still really bad at their jobs...

https://i.imgur.com/HI5oCgz.jpg

I was finally free to make the trip home. On arriving, I realized I hadn't taken the time to tour Pearl, so I set a course to do a lap around the harbor. Sadly, the cursed fog had found me once again. I tried anyway, but my watch Lieutenant's apparent lack of opacity and utterly inhuman eyes sent me screaming to my quarters, where I shall remain until his replacement assures me he's gone.
https://i.imgur.com/a55K6Bo.jpg

Patrol Report
Patrol Date 31 JAN 1943
From : CDR Baxder

To : SubRon 14 & ComSubPac
Report from USS Swordfish
Patrol area : Hokkaido

The following ships/aircraft have been destroyed
Number of Warships sunk : 4
Number of Merchants sunk : 3

Total Warship tonnage : 36103
Total Merchant tonnage : 23333

Total Gross tonnage : 59436

161858 JAN 1943
Medium Modern Split Freighter, 3262 ton
Long 143° 08' E, Lat 39° 35' N

182100 JAN 1943
Large Modern Tanker, 10048 ton
Long 139° 43' E, Lat 34° 45' N

182122 JAN 1943
Large Modern Tanker, 10023 ton
Long 139° 44' E, Lat 34° 46' N

190231 JAN 1943
Shokaku Fleet Carrier, 28000 ton
Long 139° 31' E, Lat 34° 25' N

190716 JAN 1943
Akizuki Destroyer, 2701 ton
Long 140° 00' E, Lat 34° 22' N

190723 JAN 1943
Akizuki Destroyer, 2701 ton
Long 139° 59' E, Lat 34° 23' N

190727 JAN 1943
Akizuki Destroyer, 2701 ton
Long 139° 59' E, Lat 34° 23' N

Torpedoes fired : 23
Torpedo impacts : 19
Torpedo misses : 2
Torpedo duds : 0
Torpedo premature explosions : 2
Gun loaded 0 times

Patrol narrative:
15 JAN 1943 1521: Sir, we've sighted a liferaft. Bearing 013! Short range!

16 JAN 1943 1320: Radar contact, sir! Bearing 329! Long range!
16 JAN 1943 1857: Torpedo data: Firing tube 1
16 JAN 1943 1857: Torpedo data: Firing tube 2
16 JAN 1943 1858: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
16 JAN 1943 1858: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
16 JAN 1943 1857: Ship sunk! Medium Modern Split Freighter, 3262 ton Long 143° 08' E, Lat 39° 35' N

18 JAN 1943 1839: Radar contact, sir! Bearing 025! Long range!
18 JAN 1943 2022: Torpedo data: Firing tube 1
18 JAN 1943 2022: Torpedo data: Firing tube 2
18 JAN 1943 2023: Torpedo data: Firing tube 3
18 JAN 1943 2024: Torpedo data: Firing tube 4
18 JAN 1943 2024: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
18 JAN 1943 2027: Torpedo data: Firing tube 5
18 JAN 1943 2027: Torpedo data: Firing tube 6
18 JAN 1943 2028: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
18 JAN 1943 2032: Torpedo data: Torpedo miss
18 JAN 1943 2032: Torpedo data: Torpedo miss
18 JAN 1943 2058: Torpedo data: Firing tube 1
18 JAN 1943 2058: Torpedo data: Firing tube 2
18 JAN 1943 2059: Torpedo data: Firing tube 3
18 JAN 1943 2059: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
18 JAN 1943 2059: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
18 JAN 1943 2100: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
18 JAN 1943 2100: Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10048 ton Long 139° 43' E, Lat 34° 45' N
18 JAN 1943 2121: Torpedo data: Firing tube 4
18 JAN 1943 2121: Torpedo data: Firing tube 5
18 JAN 1943 2121: Torpedo data: Firing tube 6
18 JAN 1943 2121: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
18 JAN 1943 2122: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
18 JAN 1943 2122: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
18 JAN 1943 2122: Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10023 ton Long 139° 44' E, Lat 34° 46' N

19 JAN 1943 0101: Radar contact, sir! Bearing 016! Long range!
19 JAN 1943 0226: Torpedo data: Firing tube 7
19 JAN 1943 0226: Torpedo data: Firing tube 8
19 JAN 1943 0226: Torpedo data: Firing tube 9
19 JAN 1943 0227: Torpedo data: Firing tube 10
19 JAN 1943 0230: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
19 JAN 1943 0230: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
19 JAN 1943 0231: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
19 JAN 1943 0231: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
19 JAN 1943 0231: Ship sunk! Shokaku Fleet Carrier, 28000 ton Long 139° 31' E, Lat 34° 25' N

19 JAN 1943 0404: Radar contact, sir! Bearing 212! Long range!
19 JAN 1943 0714: Torpedo data: Firing tube 1
19 JAN 1943 0715: Torpedo data: Firing tube 2
19 JAN 1943 0716: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
19 JAN 1943 0716: Ship sunk! Akizuki Destroyer, 2701 ton Long 140° 00' E, Lat 34° 22' N
19 JAN 1943 0716: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
19 JAN 1943 0722: Torpedo data: Firing tube 7
19 JAN 1943 0723: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
19 JAN 1943 0723: Ship sunk! Akizuki Destroyer, 2701 ton Long 139° 59' E, Lat 34° 23' N
19 JAN 1943 0725: Torpedo data: Firing tube 8
19 JAN 1943 0725: Torpedo data: Firing tube 9
19 JAN 1943 0726: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
19 JAN 1943 0726: Torpedo data: Torpedo hit
19 JAN 1943 0727: Ship sunk! Akizuki Destroyer, 2701 ton Long 139° 59' E, Lat 34° 23' N

RTP 31 JAN 1943 1207

CDR Baxder
CO USS Swordfish

Baxder

04-06-25, 09:26 PM

Another patrol complete. Deployed from Brisbane to the Marshall Islands to engage enemy shipping in the area. We searched for 1/2 a tank with no contacts and received no reports of contacts in the vicinity while watching the Bismark Sea light up every few hours with another contact report. So, considering my duty in the Marshalls complete and having provided the crew with plenty of training, swim calls, and steel beaches, we refueled in the Solomons and headed to the Bismark Sea to engage the shipping there instead.

Two days later, we were spent of torpedoes and the Japs were short a few thousand troops and 20kt of fuel.

Our first few engagements were in very heavy fog and darkness. The first while we were still on the way, the second right upon entry, and the third was so close to the second that I still had the hunter escort DD on radar as it approached. I was very happy to be able to ID the passenger liner during the second engagement. It was the only merchant vessel being escorted by 3 DD's so I figured it was carrying troops, but if I hadn't seen it was the 9k'er I would have only sent two torps.

https://i.imgur.com/l2dZBmW.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IlD74xQ.png
https://i.imgur.com/qcMk9Io.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZS9KrnB.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Hrv3xty.png

The weather was clear and bright the next morning. As we began searching what looked like a corridor, the radar lit up yet again with a single contact. The two from the previous night had not been worth the explosives, so I was glad to get eyes on this target before wasting more.

https://i.imgur.com/S01j6Yt.jpg

...ok then.

https://i.imgur.com/GsM4Dvj.jpg

We resumed patrolling the same corridor, and 12 hours later were rewarded with a convoy on the scope. Scouting them in the clear night, we ID'd no less than three Large Modern Tankers, two of which appeared damaged, which explained the convoy's 5kt speed. I decided to save ammo by picking off the weak ones and set up for the 45° shot. Sent two torps at each of the limping tankers - three hits, no sinks, the tough bastards. I was able to hunt one down from within their formation after a bit of deep running.

https://i.imgur.com/cByaief.jpg

I tried to do the same with the other survivor, but it evaded all three shots. My bow tubes were now empty (so much for saving ammo!), so I tried to run fast and deep to get ahead of it for an aft shot. The escorts finally became a threat as I did, and it sucked the batteries down to 25%. I gave up the chase but made my way out of the convoy, ran ahead on the surface, and lay in wait for it. More practical, less fun, but with no less satisfying results.

https://i.imgur.com/KolTeS7.jpg

And with that, we were spent and departed for Perth.
The Marshalls were nice and all, but this was clearly the place to be.

https://i.imgur.com/K8W5REE.jpg

Patrol Report
Patrol Date 25 FEB 1943
From : CDR Baxder

To : SubRon 14 & ComSubPac
Report from USS Swordfish
Patrol area : Marshall Islands

The following ships/aircraft have been destroyed
Number of Warships sunk : 0
Number of Merchants sunk : 6

Total Warship tonnage : 0
Total Merchant tonnage : 42901

Total Gross tonnage : 42901
Total JANAC tonnage : 4290

28 MAR 1943 0850
Small Old Engine Aft, 1619 ton
Long 152° 59' E, Lat 5° 21' S

28 MAR 1943 1847
Large Old Passenger Carrier, 9280 ton
Long 152° 14' E, Lat 4° 02' S

28 MAR 1943 2129
Small Old Split Freighter, 2433 ton
Long 151° 59' E, Lat 3° 58' S

29 MAR 1943 1046
Large Old Passenger Carrier, 9528 ton
Long 149° 59' E, Lat 3° 29' S

30 MAR 1943 0121
Large Modern Tanker, 10033 ton
Long 150° 01' E, Lat 3° 02' S

30 MAR 1943 0711
Large Modern Tanker, 10008 ton
Long 149° 32' E, Lat 2° 54' S

Torpedoes fired : 22
Torpedo impacts : 16
Torpedo misses : 6
Torpedo duds : 0
Torpedo premature explosions : 0

Patrol narrative:
28 MAR 1943: Clouds Overcast, Precipitations None, Fog Heavy Wind Speed 15 meters per second, direction 282.
28 MAR 1943 0707: Radar contact, sir! Bearing 009! Long range!
28 MAR 1943 0849: Firing tube 1, sir!
28 MAR 1943 0850: Firing tube 2, sir!
28 MAR 1943 0850: Torpedo Impact!
28 MAR 1943 0850: Ship sunk! Small Old Engine Aft, 1619 ton
28 MAR 1943 0851: Torpedo Impact!

28 MAR 1943 1515: Radar contact, sir! Bearing 293! Long range!
28 MAR 1943 1827: Rig for silent running
28 MAR 1943 1845: Firing tube 1, sir!
28 MAR 1943 1845: Firing tube 2, sir!
28 MAR 1943 1845: Firing tube 3, sir!
28 MAR 1943 1845: Firing tube 4, sir!
28 MAR 1943 1846: Torpedo Impact!
28 MAR 1943 1846: Torpedo Impact!
28 MAR 1943 1847: Torpedo Impact!
28 MAR 1943 1847: Torpedo Impact!
28 MAR 1943 1847: Ship sunk! Large Old Passenger Carrier, 9280 ton
28 MAR 1943 1856: Crash dive

28 MAR 1943 2021: Radar contact, sir! Bearing 334! Long range!
28 MAR 1943 2128: Firing tube 1, sir!
28 MAR 1943 2128: Firing tube 2, sir!
28 MAR 1943 2129: Ship sunk! Small Old Split Freighter, 2433 ton
28 MAR 1943 2129: Torpedo Impact!

29 MAR 1943: Clouds Clear, Precipitations None, Fog None Wind Speed 3 meters per second, direction 275
29 MAR 1943 0629: Radar contact, sir! Bearing 317! Long range!
29 MAR 1943 1045: Firing tube 1, sir!
29 MAR 1943 1045: Firing tube 2, sir!
29 MAR 1943 1045: Firing tube 3, sir!
29 MAR 1943 1046: Torpedo Impact!
29 MAR 1943 1046: Torpedo Impact!
29 MAR 1943 1046: Torpedo Impact!
29 MAR 1943 1046: Ship sunk! Large Old Passenger Carrier, 9528 ton

29 MAR 1943 2310: Radar contact, sir! Bearing 040! Long range!
29 MAR 1943 2349: Rig for silent running
30 MAR 1943 0035: Firing tube 1, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0035: Firing tube 2, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0038: Firing tube 4, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0038: Firing tube 5, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0039: Torpedo Impact!
30 MAR 1943 0041: Torpedo Impact!
30 MAR 1943 0042: Torpedo Impact!
30 MAR 1943 0043: Torpedo missed, sir!
*Evade and pursue*
30 MAR 1943 0119: Firing tube 6, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0121: Torpedo Impact!
30 MAR 1943 0121: Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10033 ton
*More of the same*
30 MAR 1943 0433: Firing tube 7, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0434: Firing tube 8, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0434: Firing tube 9, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0442: Torpedo missed, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0442: Torpedo missed, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0442: Torpedo missed, sir!
*Get ahead of convoy for aft 45° shot on surviving LMT - Went with TDC instead*
30 MAR 1943 0609: Rig for silent running
30 MAR 1943 0709: Firing tube 7, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0709: Firing tube 8, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0710: Firing tube 9, sir!
30 MAR 1943 0711: Torpedo Impact!
30 MAR 1943 0711: Torpedo Impact!
30 MAR 1943 0711: Ship sunk! Large Modern Tanker, 10008 ton
30 MAR 1943 0712: Crash dive
30 MAR 1943 0718: Torpedo missed, sir!

RTP 04 APR 1943 1743

CDR Baxder
CO USS Swordfish

P.S. Let me know if this isn't the place for photo dumps. I know some folks don't care for them.

KaleunMarco

04-07-25, 09:34 AM

https://i.ibb.co/h56xp3V/SH4-Img-2025-04-06-16-32-23-326.png

Baxder

04-07-25, 03:24 PM

If that isn’t sunk, I’d like to know the criteria. What mods?

KaleunMarco

04-07-25, 03:46 PM

If that isn’t sunk, I’d like to know the criteria. What mods?

lol.

no, it was not considered sunk. Playing RFB.

we were in the Java Sea, very shallow...put one fish into her, forward (obviously) and she did what you see...stuck in the bottom by the bow.

well...we were assaulted by the escorts and, through no small amount of skill and luck, we dispatched said escorts and then doubled back and cleaned up. unfortunately, our deck gun was not functional so we had to use another fish to put her down....finally.

Bubblehead1980

04-08-25, 02:12 AM

P.S. Let me know if this isn't the place for photo dumps. I know some folks don't care for them.

This typically more a "real time" log while on patrol with the patrol report and photo thread being here.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=107786

However, no big deal! Really enjoy your posts and photo dumps. Especially while I am modding and not on patrol, just testing lol.

Post away!

I am testing three missions I added to campaign in support of the Doolittle Raid on Japan in 1942.

USS Tautog SS-199

April 10, 1942, Rendezvoused with Task Force 16 (Enterprise CV 6 and Hornet CV-8) North of Hawaii, proceeded in scouting position 50 NM ahead
on course 072 at 15.5 knots.

April 12, 1942

0711-During morning trim dive, sound detected a submerged submarine bearing 065. Closed to intercept, no contact established. Surfaced, continued
scouting ahead.

Baxder

04-08-25, 09:47 AM

I'll make future posts of that type there, thanks!

Bubblehead1980

04-09-25, 10:04 AM

USS Tautog SS-199
TMO Update BH V2.1-Testing

Testing three separate missions, "Doolittle Missions" I incorporated into the campaign. Player may be assigned to:

1. Rendezvous with TF 16 (Hornet and Enterprise) and scout ahead for them
as they move towards Japan to launch B-25's.

2. Take position in Tokyo Bay area to provide weather reports
and act as a "beacon", observe the B-25's arriving and if willing to use free cam to scroll, can observe the B-25 raid on Tokyo.

3. East China Sea to act as a beacon" and potential rescue (called lifeguard in later war)

4. Possible Hollywood style mission I may include (have not decided) where player is actually in Tokyo Bay, insert/recover personnel in support of the B-25 mission , along lines of Destination Tokyo/

--------------------------------------------------------
I was assigned mission No.1 to rendezvous and scout ahead of TF 16.

On 9 April I rendezvoused with TF 16 North of Hawaii and proceeded on the historical route the TF took (added this to the campaign traffic). Scouted ahead 50-100 NM typically until recalled by radio message.

18 April 1942

0723-Approximately 650 nautical miles from Tokyo near 35N 154E (roughly the historical position), while submerged, lookouts spotted a small vessel.
Closed contact. Vessel was a possible picket boat along path of the TF.

Ordered GQ-Battle Surface-Gun Action and Surfaced at 0741 at 4,000 yds from vessel. Opened fire with deck gun.

500 ton trawler sunk by gunfire. Proceeded on designated course.

Received word from TF due to possible detection, strike was launched early.
Tautog detached and ordered to patrol Area CORRIDOR I