Tell us what you're up to in current campaign (lets get this one going lol)

[Bubblehead1980]

SH 3 has a very active thread where Captains share what are doing currently. Tried to get it going before but going to try again lol.

Brief write ups and of course screenshots/videos are welcome.


Current:


TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty Cams off, Contacts on( for this patrol)


USS Nautilus SS-168
Eleventh War Patrol

Ended previous patrol in Brisbane on 13 March 1944 after departing Pearl Harbor on TENTH war patrol 24 January 1944.


20 May 1944


1400 Departed Brisbane for Darwin to embark passengers and supplies for
special mission to Philippines.

1420 Rendezvoused with Australian MS to escort through minefield. (new feature of V2.0, always a escort for player sub at friendly minefields)

1530 Exited Moreton Bay minefield

1700 Conducted trim dive.

1730 Surfaced. Set course for Darwin via Torres Strait.

[EddieLyons]

(new feature of V2.0, always a escort for player sub at friendly minefields)


Yeah, I could have done with that! I started two campaigns in S-class boats out of Manila that never got beyond Corregidor because of unknown "friendly" minefields! I ran into them while using time compression (x8 to x64). :wah:

Only on the third attempt did I realise what had happened when I just happened to notice some blips in the water that I then used the external camera to identify -- I was in the middle of the minefield and had to navigate my way out! :hmmm:

I also had a campaign from Pearl terminated by the "friendly" anti-submarine net at Wake, where I was pulling in to refuel on my way to reconnoitre the Marshalls. (At least now I know which entrance to use at Wake!) :o

So now I use the mission builder to print out maps of the various "friendly" minefields and anti-sub nets before beginning a new campaign. This is the sort of intelligence that would be available to a commander beforehand, even while enemy minefields and anti-sub nets might be unknown or at best only assumed. So an escort would be doubly useful!

When I exited Pearl on my latest campaign start (USS Nautilus), I used the external camera to take a look at the anti-sub net at the entrance. It lies along the seabed, which raises a question -- does this anti-sub net get raised and lowered periodically? In real life, of course, it was opened to allow vessels in and out. Is this even possible in the game? Or are the anti-sub nets fixed in place? :06:

[EddieLyons]

In the spirit of this thread (having hijacked it to ask questions about minefields and anti-sub nets!), here's my current campaign:

USS Nautilus - departed Pearl Harbor on 9 Dec 1941, bound for Hiroshima, Japan, to reconnoitre its harbour. (Nice and easy one to start the war with, then!)

Used ahead full to expedite the passage to Midway to refuel. Currently en-route to Japanese home waters at ahead standard, making good progress in fair weather. No ship or air contacts for days; currently north of Marcus Island, about halfway to our destination. Current date is 16 Dec 1941.

[KaleunMarco]

I used the external camera to take a look at the anti-sub net at the entrance. It lies along the seabed, which raises a question -- does this anti-sub net get raised and lowered periodically?

No

In real life, of course, it was opened to allow vessels in and out. Is this even possible in the game? Or are the anti-sub nets fixed in place? :06:

No and yes.
one additional piece of joyous information is that you (we) cannot penetrate the subnet with torpedoes or deck gun shells. it.is.permanent.

another piece of intel is that you can modify your sub's collision factor in the sub.zon file such that if you do meet up with a subnet, it will not be catastrophic and you will be able to back your way out of it.

[Bubblehead1980]

Yeah, I could have done with that! I started two campaigns in S-class boats out of Manila that never got beyond Corregidor because of unknown "friendly" minefields! I ran into them while using time compression (x8 to x64). :wah:

Only on the third attempt did I realise what had happened when I just happened to notice some blips in the water that I then used the external camera to identify -- I was in the middle of the minefield and had to navigate my way out! :hmmm:

I also had a campaign from Pearl terminated by the "friendly" anti-submarine net at Wake, where I was pulling in to refuel on my way to reconnoitre the Marshalls. (At least now I know which entrance to use at Wake!) :o

So now I use the mission builder to print out maps of the various "friendly" minefields and anti-sub nets before beginning a new campaign. This is the sort of intelligence that would be available to a commander beforehand, even while enemy minefields and anti-sub nets might be unknown or at best only assumed. So an escort would be doubly useful!

When I exited Pearl on my latest campaign start (USS Nautilus), I used the external camera to take a look at the anti-sub net at the entrance. It lies along the seabed, which raises a question -- does this anti-sub net get raised and lowered periodically? In real life, of course, it was opened to allow vessels in and out. Is this even possible in the game? Or are the anti-sub nets fixed in place? :06:


Haha ohhhh man lol hate had all the issues . Well, I did mention in the readme about the friendly minefields. From the README:

"Manila Bay has a US minefield in 1941 so use caution when exiting/entering. When US retreats the gaps are closed to prevent entry with exception of a small one for boats to get to Corregidor."

Now, I really thought I mentioned stay to the middle lol but apparently I did not, my apologies, will remedy that.


Sub net at Wake is not so much meant to represent a net as a the reef being closed off. UBI got the geography of some places pretty wrong. During the war the way boats/ships accessed Midway was through a channel blown in the reef and a small harbor. In SH 4 there is a small channel that the North. The gap at the west was closed off primarily to represent this, but also to prevent entry by submarine as well once Japanese have the island. If you want to enter the lagoon when US has possession , can go in via the north channel, its a pain to navigate though, as it is quite narrow. AI ships usually get stuck, so have them spawn outside or delete on last waypoint just as enter channel.


There is also a subnet at Midway surrounding enter island to represent the coral reef, which devs failed to include. The access is in the south, marked by boats (no buoys available for SH 4, but working on it) . The channel was quite narrow (actually shocked how narrow it was, may still be) and a challenge in real life to enter, some ships were grounded. Submarine USS Flier ran aground on the reef in Spring 1944 and was stuck for some time. A rescue tug was lost during rescue, along with crew.


Far as Pearl Harbor subnet, that is a glitch or issue i've noticed as well and have not been able to remedy as of yet. Problem with subnets is if you set the depth too shallow, obviously can impede surface traffic when not the intended desire. I found the same problem with a subnet at Sydney, Australia s well and few other places, working to see if can fix this. No, the subnets do not raise//lower/ open/close...would be amazing if they did.


Good move on printing the intelligence, ill look into including it in next release but the escorts will be a thing. Basically impossible to have them spawn and rendezvous for specific times given cant predict when player will start end a patrol but what they will have is a escort going back and forth through the safe zone player will be instructed to look out for and follow. Goes without saying, should always enter/leave in daylight (which was standard for subs anyways in most cases to avoid mine hazards and that of friendly fire incidents. Fyi friendly fire incidents while rare, are now possible in the mod)

[Bubblehead1980]

In the spirit of this thread (having hijacked it to ask questions about minefields and anti-sub nets!), here's my current campaign:

USS Nautilus - departed Pearl Harbor on 9 Dec 1941, bound for Hiroshima, Japan, to reconnoitre its harbour. (Nice and easy one to start the war with, then!)

Used ahead full to expedite the passage to Midway to refuel. Currently en-route to Japanese home waters at ahead standard, making good progress in fair weather. No ship or air contacts for days; currently north of Marcus Island, about halfway to our destination. Current date is 16 Dec 1941.


Yikes lol I would just ignore that mission as impossible (no sub would have been ordered to do that lol) and conduct patrol in area 7 off bungo suido, sink ships, earn some renown. Unfortunately last release, I did not make it around to changing up patrol objectives. Upcoming release, this has been done. I have eliminated these hollywoodesque photo missions, photo missions in v2.0 are of a more historical and realistic nature as are all special missions. Now more generic, exceedingly boring special assignments. I am currently in the Nautilus myself (Donation Narwhal model, love it) started in Dec 1941, now in June 1944 , based in Australia running supply missions to Philippines, actually been quite enjoyable and challenging. These are part of forthcoming V2.0 of mod.


In fact, I've completely overhauled the orders for variety of patrol assignments/areas for all boats, the language to be more historically accurate (based on actual orders in patrol reports etc have read in research).


Thank you for joining in on the thread though, keep it coming lol. Really hope we can get this going like SH III

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V.20
USS Nautilus SS-168



4 June 1944

0600 Entered Moro Gulf South of Mindanao, Philippines for approach to Illano Bay and special mission at Turukan, Mindanao.

0700 Submerged in Moro Gulf.

0745 Sound reported warship contact closing fast. Went to periscope depth, spotted a Auxiliary Subchaser, smoking heavily heading in our direction. Rigged for Silent Running, Depth charge and went to 300 feet.

Subchaser located NAUTILUS and dropped several close depth charges, real took shakers and continued hunting. Curiously, no pings were heard, assuming this aux vessel did not have active sonar, but proved to have one fine set of hydrophones, as at 0913, he laid a pattern of charges above , with one coming quite close and causing serious damage to the boat. Most serious of which being nearly disabling the trim pump, flooding in forward torpedo room, and as would discover later, damage to No.1 (control room) and No.2 (conning tower) periscopes, not functional. (Hull damage was pushed to 27 percent also. I hate the hull damage indicator btw lol)


Went to 350 ft and endured numerous depth charges until 1400 when the subchaser continue hunting nearby, staying with NAUTILUS but ceased dropping charges, either because did not have definite contact or depleted his supply.


5 June 1944

Finally lost contact with enemy in Moro Gulf at 0226. Came to periscope depth at 0330 to find neither scope functional. Eased to SJ radar depth, to find contact just 6000 yards astern, "creeping". Went back to 350 feet, heard SC crank up speed ran above NAUTILUS and splashes about one minute later, she dropped two depth charges well ahead of NAUTILUS. Obviously, she heard us, but did not have a fix.

At 0530 came back to radar depth and the contact was 12000 yards ahead to port, apparently stationary. Seas had grown heavy, which no doubt aided NAUTILUS. Secured silent running and surfaced after 22 1/2 hours submerged, under attack*, began repairs and battery recharge.


Submerged at noon to avoid single engine floatplane (PETE) patrolling area and made way towards mouth of Illano Bay in preparation to conduct special mission. Also, avoided the same subchaser twice as swept through the area.

Surfaced at 2103 in Illano Bay, ten miles off Turukan, Mindanao and made way to landing area. Sighted security signal (red smoke ) and approached the beach, coming within 1500 yards, coming along several rafts carrying Col. Bowler and his troops. Sent cargo ashore in rafts beginning precisely at 2200 hundred hours, with operation completed by 0015 6 June.


6 June

0031 as was leaving area, APR-1 detected radar signals astern and SJ soon had a pip at 13000 yards. A apparent patrol was heading to area. At 0037 SJ detected another pip ahead bearing 346 18000 yards, both were closing. They appear to be moving to block our escape. Increased to flank speed and went to GQ with gun crews standing by. Waters were just 42 feet, not deep enough to dive.

Came within 800 yards of coast and skimmed along coastline using it as cover and slipped out of the ever tightening noose of the two contacts, both of which were radar equipped but apparently lost contact as proceeded to a area where NAUTILUS had been previously.


0300 Received orders to return to Darwin at best speed.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V.20
USS Nautilus SS-168


23 June

Transiting Sibutu Passage West of Tawi Tawi en route to Darwin (new home port) after two back to back patrols (special missions, arrived 11 June, departed 12 June for next)

0421 About half through pass, SJ made contact , two pips. APR-1 detected radar emissions. Attempted to open range but seems were detected. Possible escorts were alerted to presence shore based radar/observation posts (they are now a feature in TMO Update). Unable to outrun them, submerged and attempted "down the throat" shot on closet DD with three MK 23 torpedoes i bow tubes but all missed as skilled DD outmaneuvered them, barely.


Currently at 390 ft, rigged for silent running, and depth charge, being pinging.


40 minutes into attack...count is 54 depth charges, real took shakers.

[Mad Mardigan]

This report is from a career start done up for testing for BH1980...

U.S.S Albacore (SS-218)
Skipper: J. T. Mardigan, commanding
Base: Fremantle/Perth, Australia
Date: June, of '43


07/06/43

On getting orders from command, crew made all preparations for getting under way, & shoved off to begin our 1st patrol.

Uneventful for the 1st day or so, until radar watch, picked up an air signal, gave the order to crash dive then ran submerged for the rest of the day. On it getting dark, called for all stop & ran a sonar sweep of the area & getting a report back of nothing on sound, proceeded to do a sweep on the periscope.

On confirm of nothing in the area, ordered surface, so as to recharge the batteries. proceeded ahead 1/3 to continue to make for Sunda Straights, to break through there and proceed to our patrol objective area.



10/06/43

Succeeded on making it through 2/3 of the passage through Sunda... until mid-day, when we ran across a DD & a torp boat. Managed to get in close enough to get a rough ID on them, then had sparks call it in. Waited & kept close tabs on their movement while awaiting word back from HQ.

After a bit, got message from them, of congrats on sighting, but... to break off & make way for patrol objective. Other assets would be vectored in to hit them. After reading that, gave the order to break off, head west for a bit then make turns for getting back on plotted course through the straights.

After having got back on course, ran across another contact, & deciding discretion was the better part of valor, gave the order to submerge... ran submerged the rest of the day, encountering a couple of other contacts patrolling the straights.

At dark, and finally clearing the straights, ran a check as before and determining no contacts about, gave the order to surface.



11/06/43
Early morning, exiting the straights:
http://snipboard.io/Zn6zKP.jpg


Early morning light made contact on a surface vessel. sonar reported it to be a merchant... gave the order to plot its base course, then having that in hand, ordered an intercept course.

After a couple of hours run at all ahead flank, got within sight of the target.

ID'ed her, as a Kigan Maru merchie, GRT 7390, ordered bow tubes 1 & 2 prepped in all aspects. Depth 6, slow runners & impact only. Having learned from the preceding months, on being 1st officer on another sub, the trials & troubles with the Mk 14's... how to best approach attacking with them, until Bureau of Ordnance can get it sorted out on fixing them properly.

As was still early morning, decided to make the attack while surfaced.

Closed within 3000 of her, still unseen, and not having any reports of aircraft or other surface ships about, gave the order to fire both fish, set apart by .75 degrees off either side of dead center.

While both fish were sent on their way, had crew manned & ready on the deck & flak guns... & turned to follow along at distance on the same base course of 052.

After their allotted run time plus or minus a few seconds... got the sweet reward of seeing both fish hit. With the 1st fish striking, watched the target go up in a massive fireball, and can only speculate that she must have been carrying ammo supplies or some other volatile cargo. The 2nd fish was just... icing on the cake, ensuring she went down faster. As she went under within just a few minutes of getting hit by both fish.

On impact of the 1st fish, & seeing no reasons to hang around, gave the order to return to base course... with adjustments as needed then went below to rack out for some much needed & deserved rest. Before doing so, gave the 1st officer Tom, orders to proceed best speed to our objective and if anything, major cropped up before I got in some good rest, to wake Me. Otherwise wanted to get in a good 8 if at all possible.



14/06/43

After several uneventful days, managed to make it to our, insertion point... on route to recon the Singapore port and to snap photos as required of anything of import.



03:37 hrs
Picked up signals of a small group of ships, making turns on a course of 067 had nav plot out a reciprocal course, so as to pass by, ID, radio it in & plot an attack approach. After conferring with the 1st, to give him experience in skippering and in agreement with his recommendation, decided on a surfaced attack, staying on a 180 heading off the targets base course.

ID'ed the targets as 1 Wakatake escort 4 merchies in a 2 x 2 following on the escort, like it's a mother duck. After a bit, managed to ID 3 of the merchies...

1 Kanaga Maru, 1 Shajima Maru & 1 Koto Maru, the 1 directly following behind the escort... couldn't get a clear definitive ID on... but from what is seen of it, is a small fry, anyway. Got the report from Sparks, that HQ had messaged back & the orders were clear... Hit 'em... & hit 'em hard...

Ordered tubes 1 through 4 fore, and tube 7 made ready in all aspects. As before with the Kigan Maru, ordered fish to be prepped to 6 depth, slow and impact only.

On getting a good confirm of aft tube being on track for a clear shot at the escort, ordered 7 fired 1st, then proceeded to unload tubes 1 through 4, 1 fish each at the at the smaller merchie's of the 3 & 2 at the larger one of the bunch... the Shajima. Both fish to be set apart off center by the same as with the Kigan Maru

After sending the last fish off, gave orders to head on a course of 225, ahead flank.

Heard 1 fish premature, despite precautions taken to avoid any possibilities of such occurring. (Still have the odd ones that do that) a few moments later, 1st impact came... on the Kanaga... which like as with the Kigan Maru, went up in a tremendous explosion & settles under fast. fish aimed at the escort missed... likely due to the escorts reaction to the Kanaga going up... which threw off the intercept of it. Will have to see of having fish sent off on other targets and give time for the ones aimed at escorts in My 1st officers firing pinpoint drills. Other than that, not bad on their firing points otherwise... so far.

Not long after the Kanaga went up like a roman candle... heard & saw impacts on the Koto & the Shajima... with the Koto slowing down a tad.

By this time, could make out the escort in the general area where we had been, nosing about looking for us on the impression that the attack had come from a submerged sub. Little did the crew know that we were indeed making the attack on the surface.

After the impact on the Shakima, gave orders to proceed on course 275 for a bit then proceed to run on a heading of 300... working our way back around so as to parallel them on a base of 067 so that we could then give it another run to attack.

Had fore torp crew, begin loading up some new fish that HQ wanted in action testing of, as a replacement to the Mk 18's or maybe even a replacement to the 14's... not sure as to which but... orders are orders. Figured shoot off 2, 1 each at the Koto & the Shajima... & could always send off a pair of 14's if needed to.



04:10

After doing the final approach on the end run and in good posit, tubes 3 & 4, were ready in all respects... sighted on the Koto, which by now... was trailing a bit further behind owing to the damages inflicted by the 1st fish. Gave the order to fire 4... waited about 20, 25 seconds and after having a good bead on the Shajima, ordered 3 fired. after firing 3, gave orders to go to 045, with the deck & flak guns manned & ready.



04:11/04:13

1st of the 2 Mk 23's impacted & sent the Shajima on a 1-way trip to join their fellow crew men to Davey Jones retirement home for wayward sailors... but not before they got sight of us & began to fire. Seconds after they began, came the impact & huge explosion of the fish hitting. She went under pretty fast after the fireball rocketed skyward. A half minute maybe less... the 2nd Mk 23, tore into the Koto & sent it on its way to join the others. Have to say, if with the rest of those fish on hand... preform as well as those, will have to give a hearty recommendation to HQ, to get them out to the rest of the sub fleet in the flash message to be sent off after getting clear of this engagement.



04:25

Have swung around to a heading of 265, to get clear of the area and making turns for all ahead full. Within a half hour, will give the order to head on a course of 225, to get us back on track for the course plot worked out by the nav crew... so as to proceed at best speed, before having to dive to make way to our prospective recon posit.

Left the last merchie & escort go... so that they can spread the terror & fear message... Is a Wolf loose & it's a very hungry Demon Wolf... :D :haha: :har: :haha: :har: :D :03: :yep:

04:26
Had Sparks, send to HQ... an after actions report, to date... along with My, recommendations on the new fish, included in it.

Of the crew, they've performed well... with considerations for some in the forward torp room, of being recognized for going above & beyond, even after being injured.

Still, have to make that insertion point to do the recon & then... completing that, finding out just what HQ wants done after that.


End report... To, be continued...

After action tally, up to now... :
http://snipboard.io/NFt758.jpg


:Kaleun_Salute:

M. M.

[Bubblehead1980]

This report is from a career start done up for testing for BH1980...

U.S.S Albacore (SS-218)
Skipper: J. T. Mardigan, commanding
Base: Fremantle/Perth, Australia
Date: June, of '43


07/06/43

On getting orders from command, crew made all preparations for getting under way, & shoved off to begin our 1st patrol.

Uneventful for the 1st day or so, until radar watch, picked up an air signal, gave the order to crash dive then ran submerged for the rest of the day. On it getting dark, called for all stop & ran a sonar sweep of the area & getting a report back of nothing on sound, proceeded to do a sweep on the periscope.

On confirm of nothing in the area, ordered surface, so as to recharge the batteries. proceeded ahead 1/3 to continue to make for Sunda Straights, to break through there and proceed to our patrol objective area.



10/06/43

Succeeded on making it through 2/3 of the passage through Sunda... until mid-day, when we ran across a DD & a torp boat. Managed to get in close enough to get a rough ID on them, then had sparks call it in. Waited & kept close tabs on their movement while awaiting word back from HQ.

After a bit, got message from them, of congrats on sighting, but... to break off & make way for patrol objective. Other assets would be vectored in to hit them. After reading that, gave the order to break off, head west for a bit then make turns for getting back on plotted course through the straights.

After having got back on course, ran across another contact, & deciding discretion was the better part of valor, gave the order to submerge... ran submerged the rest of the day, encountering a couple of other contacts patrolling the straights.

At dark, and finally clearing the straights, ran a check as before and determining no contacts about, gave the order to surface.



11/06/43
Early morning, exiting the straights:
http://snipboard.io/Zn6zKP.jpg


Early morning light made contact on a surface vessel. sonar reported it to be a merchant... gave the order to plot its base course, then having that in hand, ordered an intercept course.

After a couple of hours run at all ahead flank, got within sight of the target.

ID'ed her, as a Kigan Maru merchie, GRT 7390, ordered bow tubes 1 & 2 prepped in all aspects. Depth 6, slow runners & impact only. Having learned from the preceding months, on being 1st officer on another sub, the trials & troubles with the Mk 14's... how to best approach attacking with them, until Bureau of Ordnance can get it sorted out on fixing them properly.

As was still early morning, decided to make the attack while surfaced.

Closed within 3000 of her, still unseen, and not having any reports of aircraft or other surface ships about, gave the order to fire both fish, set apart by .75 degrees off either side of dead center.

While both fish were sent on their way, had crew manned & ready on the deck & flak guns... & turned to follow along at distance on the same base course of 052.

After their allotted run time plus or minus a few seconds... got the sweet reward of seeing both fish hit. With the 1st fish striking, watched the target go up in a massive fireball, and can only speculate that she must have been carrying ammo supplies or some other volatile cargo. The 2nd fish was just... icing on the cake, ensuring she went down faster. As she went under within just a few minutes of getting hit by both fish.

On impact of the 1st fish, & seeing no reasons to hang around, gave the order to return to base course... with adjustments as needed then went below to rack out for some much needed & deserved rest. Before doing so, gave the 1st officer Tom, orders to proceed best speed to our objective and if anything, major cropped up before I got in some good rest, to wake Me. Otherwise wanted to get in a good 8 if at all possible.



14/06/43

After several uneventful days, managed to make it to our, insertion point... on route to recon the Singapore port and to snap photos as required of anything of import.



03:37 hrs
Picked up signals of a small group of ships, making turns on a course of 067 had nav plot out a reciprocal course, so as to pass by, ID, radio it in & plot an attack approach. After conferring with the 1st, to give him experience in skippering and in agreement with his recommendation, decided on a surfaced attack, staying on a 180 heading off the targets base course.

ID'ed the targets as 1 Wakatake escort 4 merchies in a 2 x 2 following on the escort, like it's a mother duck. After a bit, managed to ID 3 of the merchies...

1 Kanaga Maru, 1 Shajima Maru & 1 Koto Maru, the 1 directly following behind the escort... couldn't get a clear definitive ID on... but from what is seen of it, is a small fry, anyway. Got the report from Sparks, that HQ had messaged back & the orders were clear... Hit 'em... & hit 'em hard...

Ordered tubes 1 through 4 fore, and tube 7 made ready in all aspects. As before with the Kigan Maru, ordered fish to be prepped to 6 depth, slow and impact only.

On getting a good confirm of aft tube being on track for a clear shot at the escort, ordered 7 fired 1st, then proceeded to unload tubes 1 through 4, 1 fish each at the at the smaller merchie's of the 3 & 2 at the larger one of the bunch... the Shajima. Both fish to be set apart off center by the same as with the Kigan Maru

After sending the last fish off, gave orders to head on a course of 225, ahead flank.

Heard 1 fish premature, despite precautions taken to avoid any possibilities of such occurring. (Still have the odd ones that do that) a few moments later, 1st impact cam... on the Kanaga... which like as with the Kigan Maru, went up in a tremendous explosion & settles under fast. fish aimed at the escort missed... likely due to the escorts reaction to the Kanaga going up... which threw off the intercept of it. Will have to see of having fish sent off on other targets and give time for the ones aimed at escorts in My 1st officers firing pinpoint drills. Other than that, not bad on their firing points otherwise... so far.

Not long after the Kanaga went up like a roman candle... heard & saw impacts on the Koto & the Shajima... with the Koto slowing down a tad.

By this time, could make out the escort in the general area where we had been, nosing about looking for us on the impression that the attack had come from a submerged sub. Little did the crew know that we were indeed making the attack on the surface.

After the impact on the Shakima, gave orders to proceed on course 275 for a bit then proceed to run on a heading of 300... working our way back around so as to parallel them on a base of 067 so that we could then give it another run to attack.

Had fore torp crew, begin loading up some new fish that HQ wanted in action testing of, as a replacement to the Mk 18's or maybe even a replacement to the 14's... not sure as to which but... orders are orders. Figured shoot off 2, 1 each at the Koto & the Shajima... & could always send off a pair of 14's if needed to.



04:10

After doing the final approach on the end run and in good posit, tubes 3 & 4, were ready in all respects... sighted on the Koto, which by now... was trailing a bit further behind owing to the damages inflicted by the 1st fish. Gave the order to fire 4... waited about 20 25 seconds and after having a good bead on the Shajima, ordered 3 fired. after firing 3, gave orders to go to 045, with the deck & flak guns manned & ready.



04:11/04:13

1st of the 2 Mk 23's impacted & sent the Shajima on a 1-way trip to join their fellow crew men to Davey Jones retirement home for wayward sailors... but not before they got sight of us & began to fire. Seconds after they began, came the impact & huge explosion of the fish hitting. She went under pretty fast after the fireball rocketed skyward. A half minute maybe less... the 2nd Mk 23, tore into the Koto & sent it on its way to join the others. Have to say, if with the rest of those fish on hand... preform as well as those, will have to give a hearty recommendation to HQ, to get them out to the rest of the sub fleet in the flash message to be sent off after getting clear of this engagement.



04:25

Have swung around to a heading of 265, to get clear of the area and making turns for all ahead full. Within a half hour, will give the order to head on a course of 225to get us back on track for the course plot worked out by the nav crew... so as to proceed at best sped, before having to dive to make way to our prospective recon posit.

Left the last merchie & escort go... so that they can spread the terror & fear message... Is a Wolf loose & it's a hungry demon Wolf... :D :haha: :har: :haha: :har: :D :03: :yep:

Of the crew, they've performed well... with considerations for some in the forward torp room, of being recognized for going above & beyond, even after being injured.

Still, have to make that insertion point to do the recon & then... completing that, finding out just what HQ wants done after that.


End report... To, be continued...

After action tally, up to now... :
http://snipboard.io/NFt758.jpg


:Kaleun_Salute:

M. M.


Nice:Kaleun_Salute:

[Mad Mardigan]

:Kaleun_Thumbs_Up: :Kaleun_Wink:

Thanks... & with this... makes like... the 2nd stab at, aka... go at doing up a detailed & as close to theirs, patrol report.

:Kaleun_Cheers:

:Kaleun_Salute:

M. M.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
Narwhal mod
100 difficult, cams off, map contacts on for this patrol. .



USS Nautilus SS-168


13 July 1944

0600 Submerged 15 miles off BABAYAN POINT,MINDORO reconnoiter area prior to schedule operations after dark.

0900-1200 Examined area via periscope, all clear.

2000 Surfaced, prepared for operations and closed the shore.

2131 Spotted a Japanese boat, armed tug anchored close to landing area.
Seas were too heavy for gun action and did not want to alert enemy
forces in area. Withdrew.

2145 Received orders to proceed to alternate landing site near SAN ROQUE,
MINDORO and conduct operation on evening of 14 July.

2200 Received message from COMSUBSOWESPAC, RAY (SS-271) will transit
near our position en route her patrol area between 0000-0800 14 July.


14 July


0400 Off Coast of SAN ROQUE. Reconnoitered the area, proceeded to point 1
10 NM off shore and prepared to submerged at dawn.



0528 Sighted RAY bearing 164 7000 yards. Exchanged recognition signals.
12-12N 120-46 E Course 315 15 knots.



0700 Submerged. Avoided numerous patrols throughout the day.


2000 Surfaced. Prepared for landing operation.


2200 Began landing cargo and personnel via rubber boat 1800 yards off
off shore. Sighted friendlies in rubber boats, brought them aboard.


15 July


0034 Special Mission Completed.


0035 Received ULTRA. Two tankers with escorts departing Coron for Subic
Bay 0600 15 July. Estimated convoy will transit Mindoro Straits
between 1200-1800 hours . Ordered to conduct joint attack with RAY.
RAY recalled to area.

0125 Received message from RAY stating will take North end of strait, giving
NAUTILUS first crack at tankers.

0300 In center of Mindoro Strait, making SJ radar sweeps every quarter hours


0421 Avoided two DE type patrol vessels. One equipped with radar, based on
reading of APR-1.





0600 Submerged in ambush position., making SJ sweeps at radar depth
every half hour.


0630 Sound detected faint noises of submarine bearing 182, believe to be
RAY.



1354 Detected distant props on sound bearing 290

1400 Radar depth. SJ contacts bearing 297 range 23250 yards.

1401 General Quarters

1418 Surface to pull ahead.

1425 convoy zigged to NW toward NAUTILUS.

1428 Submerged for attack.

1446 Sighted convoy. Two AO, four escort course 290 12 knots.

1450 Convoy zigged to SW throwing NAUTILUS out of position. Went to 250 ft, closed at flank speed to
close. Convoy zigging often. Heavy seas making periscope observation challenging.


1503 Periscope depth. Convoy on course 265 12 knots. NAUTILUS 3300 yards off track.
Identified KINKUSUI 3980 tons , followed by DAISHIN MARU 5150 tons 900 yards astern. Two Type A Etorofu Escorts forward
astern, two Type B Mikura Escorts each flank.. Targeted DAISHIN MARU




TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1


1505 Bow tubes readied for firing. Depth set to 8 ft. MK 18-2 torpedoes in all tubes.

1507 Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 2900 yards.

1510 Torpedoes missed, convoy zigged to starboard after firing

1512 Pinging. Ordered 300 ft. rigged depth charge, silent running.


1515 Short scale pinging. Enemy closing in.

1516 Escort above. DC splashes. DC explosions above.

1517 More DC explosions, boat shaken.

1527 Close DC explosions. Damage reported.

1535 large pattern, boat shaken.

1540 Multiple escorts hunting. While have somewhat of a fix on NAUTILUS, heavy seas and thermal layer are helping.


Currently at 385 feet, attempting to slip away as barrages of depth charges go off in general area, killing a lot of fish.



Full story and conclusion

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

[EddieLyons]

Captain's Log

USS Nautilus (SS 168)
(Note: All times in Base Time)

9 Dec 1941 13:00
Departed Pearl Harbour on our first war patrol, following the Japanese attack two days ago. Mission is to penetrate Japanese homeland defences to recon and photograph vessels in Hiroshima docks. No easy task, especially in such shallow waters, and in a vessel of this size. We have zero intel on what defences might be present in the approaches to the target, so we'll be going in blind and having to feel our way.
For the first leg, we shall use full ahead to expedite our arrival at Midway for refuelling. A few hours there, then it's on towards the Japanese archipelago.

9 Dec 1941 18:01
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: Japanese forces have landed on the Malay Peninsula and in the Philippines. Guam, Manila, Singapore and Hong Kong, among other places, have all been bombed. And after many years of conflict, China has finally declared war on Japan and its invading army. The scale of Japan’s offensive defies belief!

10 Dec 1941 18:01
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: Japanese aircraft have sunk the British battleship Prince of Wales and battlecruiser Repulse off the Malay Peninsula! It appears the Japanese really mean business.

11 Dec 1941 18:01
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: Germany and Italy have declared war on the US! The US Congress has replied in kind. Finally! This formalises what has already been the case in the North Atlantic for months, where the US Navy has been in combat with Hitler’s U-boat menace, protecting Atlantic convoys and President Roosevelt’s neutrality zone!

13 Dec 1941 07:31
Hooked up to the submarine tender at Midway to refuel. As soon as the tanks are full we'll depart.

13 Dec 1941 12:00
Fuel tanks are full, so we have cast off to resume our westward course. We shall proceed at ahead standard to balance our need for speed with the need to retain fuel for the return trip. So far weather has been set fair, and the barometer shows no sign of change.

13 Dec 1941 17:31
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: TF14 under Adm Fletcher are en-route to relieve Wake Island. Good luck to them!

16 Dec 1941 18:01
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: Japanese forces have invaded Borneo.

20 Dec 1941 18:01
Message received from COMASIATICFLT: Manila is under constant enemy air attack, so AF boats are to operate from Surabaya, Java, with immediate effect.

21 Dec 1941 13:15
144°58’E, 31°20’N, 435 NM SE of Tokyo. First contact with the enemy!
At 12:55 lookouts spotted an aircraft bearing 032, long range. In binoculars it appeared to be a multi-engine flying boat. I initially ordered a dive to periscope depth, but with the aircraft on a direct intercept course I changed the order to a crash dive and all hands to battle stations. As the aircraft initiated an attack run, I ordered a hard turn to starboard, into the attack. No bombs or depth charges were dropped, but the aircraft attempted to strafe us before we made it under. I ordered depth to be held at 120 ft, course 330°, flank speed, then initiated a course change to port to 224°, and reduced speed to ahead two thirds. At 13:00, three depth charges or bombs were heard to detonate, apparently at some distance from us.

21 Dec 1941 20:30
We held course, speed and depth for seven hours with no further contact. Following a clear hydrophone sweep, I ordered periscope depth at 20:09. A visual sweep showed no surface or air contacts, so I ordered the boat to surface at 20:13. Batteries are down to 50%. We have resumed course at ahead standard, as the sun sets.

23 Dec 1941 18:01
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: Wake Island has fallen to the Japanese! Poor bastards!

24 Dec 1941 04:30
133°41’E, 32°06’N, 165 NM SSE of Hiroshima.
At 04:06 lookouts reported a ship ahead, bearing 001, long range. Ordered speed reduced to one third ahead, and binoculars showed it to be a small sailing vessel. Within minutes, two others were spotted, at 345 and 016. A binocular sweep showed no other vessels within visual range, so I ordered a course change to 180° to avoid contact, diving to periscope depth, ahead two thirds. They are probably just fishing vessels, but best to avoid them in case they are part of a picket, or equipped with radios.

24 Dec 1941
Hydrophone and periscope sweeps show no contacts within range, so I ordered the boat to surface and resume course, ahead standard. Weather remains set fair, with little to no change since we departed Pearl and Midway.
I feel we have been very fortunate to make it this far into Japanese home waters with so little contact with the enemy. Surely this can’t last?

24 Dec 1941 10:45
We have crossed the 133°E meridian, so, with sunrise approaching, at 10:35 I ordered the boat to periscope depth, ahead one third to conserve battery power. While this limits our speed to 2 kts, it should put us in a favourable position by sunset. I intend to remain out of sight and undetected while we approach the Bungo Suido, aiming to squeeze through under cover of darkness. A hydrophone sweep has revealed no contacts within range.

24 Dec 1941 21:00
132°36’E, 32°17’N.
Hydrophone and periscope sweeps have revealed no contacts. The sun has set. I have ordered the boat to surface, ahead standard. We shall continue on the surface under cover of darkness to approach the entrance to the Bungo Suido. The First Quarter moon should help, if the weather remains clear.

24 Dec 1941 22:18
132°23’E, 32°22’N.
Have turned to 336°, ahead standard, on approach to Bungo Suido.

24 Dec 1941 22:30
My Nav Officer and I have plotted a route into Hiroshima harbour. Looking at the map, and our complete lack of intel on minefields and anti-sub nets, or other defences, it’s clear from his face that he thinks this is a suicide mission. I won’t say so, obviously -- I have to maintain the morale of my crew, after all -- but I don’t disagree. What were COMSUBPAC thinking?!

:k_confused:

[Bubblehead1980]

Captain's Log

USS Nautilus (SS 168)
(Note: All times in Base Time)

9 Dec 1941 13:00
Departed Pearl Harbour on our first war patrol, following the Japanese attack two days ago. Mission is to penetrate Japanese homeland defences to recon and photograph vessels in Hiroshima docks. No easy task, especially in such shallow waters, and in a vessel of this size. We have zero intel on what defences might be present in the approaches to the target, so we'll be going in blind and having to feel our way.
For the first leg, we shall use full ahead to expedite our arrival at Midway for refuelling. A few hours there, then it's on towards the Japanese archipelago.

9 Dec 1941 18:01
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: Japanese forces have landed on the Malay Peninsula and in the Philippines. Guam, Manila, Singapore and Hong Kong, among other places, have all been bombed. And after many years of conflict, China has finally declared war on Japan and its invading army. The scale of Japan’s offensive defies belief!

10 Dec 1941 18:01
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: Japanese aircraft have sunk the British battleship Prince of Wales and battlecruiser Repulse off the Malay Peninsula! It appears the Japanese really mean business.

11 Dec 1941 18:01
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: Germany and Italy have declared war on the US! The US Congress has replied in kind. Finally! This formalises what has already been the case in the North Atlantic for months, where the US Navy has been in combat with Hitler’s U-boat menace, protecting Atlantic convoys and President Roosevelt’s neutrality zone!

13 Dec 1941 07:31
Hooked up to the submarine tender at Midway to refuel. As soon as the tanks are full we'll depart.

13 Dec 1941 12:00
Fuel tanks are full, so we have cast off to resume our westward course. We shall proceed at ahead standard to balance our need for speed with the need to retain fuel for the return trip. So far weather has been set fair, and the barometer shows no sign of change.

13 Dec 1941 17:31
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: TF14 under Adm Fletcher are en-route to relieve Wake Island. Good luck to them!

16 Dec 1941 18:01
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: Japanese forces have invaded Borneo.

20 Dec 1941 18:01
Message received from COMASIATICFLT: Manila is under constant enemy air attack, so AF boats are to operate from Surabaya, Java, with immediate effect.

21 Dec 1941 13:15
144°58’E, 31°20’N, 435 NM SE of Tokyo. First contact with the enemy!
At 12:55 lookouts spotted an aircraft bearing 032, long range. In binoculars it appeared to be a multi-engine flying boat. I initially ordered a dive to periscope depth, but with the aircraft on a direct intercept course I changed the order to a crash dive and all hands to battle stations. As the aircraft initiated an attack run, I ordered a hard turn to starboard, into the attack. No bombs or depth charges were dropped, but the aircraft attempted to strafe us before we made it under. I ordered depth to be held at 120 ft, course 330°, flank speed, then initiated a course change to port to 224°, and reduced speed to ahead two thirds. At 13:00, three depth charges or bombs were heard to detonate, apparently at some distance from us.

21 Dec 1941 20:30
We held course, speed and depth for seven hours with no further contact. Following a clear hydrophone sweep, I ordered periscope depth at 20:09. A visual sweep showed no surface or air contacts, so I ordered the boat to surface at 20:13. Batteries are down to 50%. We have resumed course at ahead standard, as the sun sets.

23 Dec 1941 18:01
Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: Wake Island has fallen to the Japanese! Poor bastards!

24 Dec 1941 04:30
133°41’E, 32°06’N, 165 NM SSE of Hiroshima.
At 04:06 lookouts reported a ship ahead, bearing 001, long range. Ordered speed reduced to one third ahead, and binoculars showed it to be a small sailing vessel. Within minutes, two others were spotted, at 345 and 016. A binocular sweep showed no other vessels within visual range, so I ordered a course change to 180° to avoid contact, diving to periscope depth, ahead two thirds. They are probably just fishing vessels, but best to avoid them in case they are part of a picket, or equipped with radios.

24 Dec 1941
Hydrophone and periscope sweeps show no contacts within range, so I ordered the boat to surface and resume course, ahead standard. Weather remains set fair, with little to no change since we departed Pearl and Midway.
I feel we have been very fortunate to make it this far into Japanese home waters with so little contact with the enemy. Surely this can’t last?

24 Dec 1941 10:45
We have crossed the 133°E meridian, so, with sunrise approaching, at 10:35 I ordered the boat to periscope depth, ahead one third to conserve battery power. While this limits our speed to 2 kts, it should put us in a favourable position by sunset. I intend to remain out of sight and undetected while we approach the Bungo Suido, aiming to squeeze through under cover of darkness. A hydrophone sweep has revealed no contacts within range.

24 Dec 1941 21:00
132°36’E, 32°17’N.
Hydrophone and periscope sweeps have revealed no contacts. The sun has set. I have ordered the boat to surface, ahead standard. We shall continue on the surface under cover of darkness to approach the entrance to the Bungo Suido. The First Quarter moon should help, if the weather remains clear.

24 Dec 1941 22:18
132°23’E, 32°22’N.
Have turned to 336°, ahead standard, on approach to Bungo Suido.

24 Dec 1941 22:30
My Nav Officer and I have plotted a route into Hiroshima harbour. Looking at the map, and our complete lack of intel on minefields and anti-sub nets, or other defences, it’s clear from his face that he thinks this is a suicide mission. I won’t say so, obviously -- I have to maintain the morale of my crew, after all -- but I don’t disagree. What were COMSUBPAC thinking?!

:k_confused:


Nice report. Orders are meh. I would use Captain's discretion and patrol area for shipping, too much risk to photo Hiroshima.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
Donat Narhwal Mod
100 difficulty, cams off, map contacts on.



18 September 1944

0000

Position 3-16 N 122-33 E in Celebes Sea, cruising on course 295 at 8.5 knots
en route to Cebu and Mindanap for special assignment. Passengers and cargo aboard.

0040 Lookouts spotted vessel bearing 073 range 5000 yards closing fast! SJ was off at time as "sweep" is made every fifteen minutes. OOD turned away at flank speed, vessel, now identified as a DD or DE, continued closing.

0041 GENERAL QUARTERS. I rushed from my cabin to the bridge.

0044 Spotted vessel closing. Large DD, possibly Shimakaze class.
Planned stern shot, but vessel began to zig and fire guns. Ordered
boat to dive, splashes close!

0046 Ordered 300 ft. Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge.

0050 DD roared above as NAUTILUS passed 220 feet.

0053 DC explosions. Real tooth shakers.

0055 Serious damage reported forward torpedo room. Damage Control Party
dispatched.


Damage Control Report


1. Leaks in Forward Torpedo Room, flooded bilges and resulted in about one
foot of water in compartment. DC party stopped leaks at 0100.

2. Hull damage reported forward.


3. Forward Batteries


4. JP Listening Gear


5. Forward Dive planes Transmission


6. High Pressure Air line leaks


7. Light bulbs and glass fixtures


8. No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 torpedo tubes damaged, likely non operational.



0134

NAUTILUS at a depth 350 feet, pinging and depth charge attacks continue. Due to possible hull damage, not advisable to increase depth.


0143

After last DC run, which shook boat. DD went quiet, likely above listening for NAUTILUS.
Currently at 350 feet, just waiting this skilled DD commander out....

[EddieLyons]

25 Dec 1941 00:15
132°14’E, 32°41’N.
At 00:01 lookouts reported a ship at 042, long range. Binoculars showed it to be a sail equipped fishing vessel, so I ordered speed reduced to two thirds ahead to limit our chance of being seen. A binocular sweep showed it to be just the closest of five such craft, so I ordered a dive to periscope depth at 00:09.
I had hoped to get further into the Bungo Suido before having to submerge. But now that’s out of the question. We’ll continue from here submerged, at two thirds ahead, making 4 kts. I intend to probe the channel as far as is feasible -- I figure wherever fishing boats go, there’ll be no mines!
The crew is tense, which is to be expected. What a way to start Christmas Day! At least the hydrophone is clear, so there are no patrols within range.

02:10
132°13’E, 32°49’N.
I have decided to surface. Two fishing vessels remain within sight with the periscope, but far enough away not to be a concern. I have both ahead, one off the port bow, the other off the starboard. I can be reasonably confident there are no minefields in the vicinity. I’ve reduced speed to ahead one third, course 359°, to ensure we don’t overhaul the fishing vessels too soon.
Hydrophone also shows no sound contacts, so it looks like there are no patrol vessels in this part of the channel. Surprisingly! The Japanese don’t celebrate Christmas, do they? But wouldn’t it already be 26 Dec on this side of the International Date Line?

02:45
Only one fishing vessel remains in sight ahead, at 355, so I’ve increased speed to two thirds ahead. They seem to be moving faster than I thought!

02:55
I changed course to 004°, ahead standard. This puts us on course to make a change of course about 10 NM ahead, remaining in the deepest part of the channel. However, the one fishing vessel still in sight seems to be making for a shallower part of the channel, on the west side.

03:00
Lookouts spotted another fishing vessel ahead, bearing 344 and on a NNW course. A binocular sweep showed at least three others. I’ve reduced speed to one third ahead again, but maintaining course and staying surfaced. I think we’re far enough behind to remain out of sight, while observing their course. I’ll have to rethink our plotted course if these vessels are indeed heading through the shallower part of the channel.

03:30
Have increased speed once more to two thirds ahead. The fishing boats have pulled ahead, barely within binocular view. We’re also beginning to lose the moon -- won’t be long before it sets. I had hoped to be further into the channel before losing the benefit of its light.

04:00
Have reduced speed again to one third ahead. One of the fishing boats almost directly ahead is getting too close for comfort. But, unlike the one we have been tracking, which is on course for the shallower part of the channel, this next one is much nearer to our plotted course. This is reassuring, since it might well mean there is no minefield in our path. We shall proceed with caution.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
Donation Narwahl Mod
100 difficulty, cams off, map contacts on.



18 September 1944

0000

Position 3-16 N 122-33 E in Celebes Sea, cruising on course 295 at 8.5 knots
en route to Cebu and Mindanao for special assignment. Passengers and cargo aboard.

0040 Lookouts spotted vessel bearing 073 range 5000 yards closing fast! SJ was off at time as "sweep" is made every fifteen minutes. OOD turned away at flank speed, vessel, now identified as a DD or DE, continued closing.

0041 GENERAL QUARTERS. I rushed from my cabin to the bridge.

0044 Spotted vessel closing. Large DD, possibly Shimakaze class.
Planned stern shot, but vessel began to zig and fire guns. Ordered
boat to dive, splashes close!

0046 Ordered 300 ft. Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge.

0050 DD roared above as NAUTILUS passed 220 feet.

0053 DC explosions. Real tooth shakers.

0055 Serious damage reported forward torpedo room. Damage Control Party
dispatched.


Damage Control Report


1. Leaks in Forward Torpedo Room, flooded bilges and resulted in about one
foot of water in compartment. DC party stopped leaks at 0100.

2. Hull damage reported forward.


3. Forward Batteries


4. JP Listening Gear


5. Forward Dive planes Transmission


6. High Pressure Air line leaks


7. Light bulbs and glass fixtures


8. No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 torpedo tubes damaged, likely non operational.



0134

NAUTILUS at a depth 350 feet, pinging and depth charge attacks continue. Due to possible hull damage, not advisable to increase depth.


0143

After last DC run, which shook boat. DD went quiet, likely above listening for NAUTILUS.
Currently at 350 feet, just waiting this skilled DD commander out....




0550 Sound contact bearing 156, closing, long range.


0600 DD hunting in area. Maintained silent running.


1312 One hour since last sound contact. Ordered periscope depth.


1320 All clear. Fog and overcast with gray skies had set in. Light chop to sea.

1324 SJ sweep, all clear.

1326 Surfaced.

1400 Inspection showed that Torpedo Tubes No. 1,2,4, all non operational, heavily damaged. Torpedo Tube No.3
damaged, but operational. Damage Control Party formed to conduct repairs.

1700 Tube No.3 repaired, operational.



19 September


1000 Began transit of Sibutu Pass Northbound.


1235 SD contact 14000 yards closing.

1237 Submerged to avoid

1900 Surfaced in Sibutu Passage.


20 September

0100 Cleared Sibutu Pass.

0108 SJ contacts bearing 210 28550 yards, two pips. Likely a patrol NAUTILUS just missed.

1300 Torpedo But No. 4 repaired, operational.


21 September


1300 Passed into Bohol Sea, NEGROS visible to port, bearing 280 at range 11 NM, MINDANAO, visible to starboard
bearing 070, range of 18 NM. Clear day, sunny, calm seas. En route to Libertad, Mindanao for special mission.


1500 SIQUIJOR ISLAND visible to to port, bearing 285, 13 NM.


1606 SJ contact bearing 278 22700 yards. Single, fast moving pip, near SIQUIJOR ISLAND, likely a patrol.


1800 Torpedo Tube No. 2 repaired, operational. No. 1 remained non operational, undergoing repairs.

2100 Approaching designated landing area, preparations for landing of passengers made.


2155 Sighted security signal.

2200 Began deploying passengers via rubber boat.


22 September

0050

All passengers designated for Spot 1 deployed ashore via rubber boat. Mission Completed.


0700 Operations at Spot 2 off Cebu not scheduled until evening of 24 September. Proceeded to Bohol Sea away from shore, submerged at daylight, completed repairs until time to proceed to area arrives.

[Bubblehead1980]

25 Dec 1941 00:15
132°14’E, 32°41’N.
At 00:01 lookouts reported a ship at 042, long range. Binoculars showed it to be a sail equipped fishing vessel, so I ordered speed reduced to two thirds ahead to limit our chance of being seen. A binocular sweep showed it to be just the closest of five such craft, so I ordered a dive to periscope depth at 00:09.
I had hoped to get further into the Bungo Suido before having to submerge. But now that’s out of the question. We’ll continue from here submerged, at two thirds ahead, making 4 kts. I intend to probe the channel as far as is feasible -- I figure wherever fishing boats go, there’ll be no mines!
The crew is tense, which is to be expected. What a way to start Christmas Day! At least the hydrophone is clear, so there are no patrols within range.

02:10
132°13’E, 32°49’N.
I have decided to surface. Two fishing vessels remain within sight with the periscope, but far enough away not to be a concern. I have both ahead, one off the port bow, the other off the starboard. I can be reasonably confident there are no minefields in the vicinity. I’ve reduced speed to ahead one third, course 359°, to ensure we don’t overhaul the fishing vessels too soon.
Hydrophone also shows no sound contacts, so it looks like there are no patrol vessels in this part of the channel. Surprisingly! The Japanese don’t celebrate Christmas, do they? But wouldn’t it already be 26 Dec on this side of the International Date Line?

02:45
Only one fishing vessel remains in sight ahead, at 355, so I’ve increased speed to two thirds ahead. They seem to be moving faster than I thought!

02:55
I changed course to 004°, ahead standard. This puts us on course to make a change of course about 10 NM ahead, remaining in the deepest part of the channel. However, the one fishing vessel still in sight seems to be making for a shallower part of the channel, on the west side.

03:00
Lookouts spotted another fishing vessel ahead, bearing 344 and on a NNW course. A binocular sweep showed at least three others. I’ve reduced speed to one third ahead again, but maintaining course and staying surfaced. I think we’re far enough behind to remain out of sight, while observing their course. I’ll have to rethink our plotted course if these vessels are indeed heading through the shallower part of the channel.

03:30
Have increased speed once more to two thirds ahead. The fishing boats have pulled ahead, barely within binocular view. We’re also beginning to lose the moon -- won’t be long before it sets. I had hoped to be further into the channel before losing the benefit of its light.

04:00
Have reduced speed again to one third ahead. One of the fishing boats almost directly ahead is getting too close for comfort. But, unlike the one we have been tracking, which is on course for the shallower part of the channel, this next one is much nearer to our plotted course. This is reassuring, since it might well mean there is no minefield in our path. We shall proceed with caution.



Well done thus far:Kaleun_Salute:


Which mod(s) are you running or stock game? Curious.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
Donation Narwhal mod
100 difficulty, cams off, map contacts on

After completing special mission delivering ammunition and supplies at DIBUT BAY, LUZON, proceed towards SAN BERNADINO STRAIT but with orders to avoid area until 29 October. In between orders, decided to check in on SAN MIGUEL BAY. Usually some decent ships transiting in and out of the bay, running the coast up to LAMON BAY etc.


26/27 October 1944
14-14 N 123-8E
12 miles off entrance to San Miguel Bay , Philippines


As approached SAN MIGUEL BAY on the surface at night, sticking to deeper waters in the approaches off the entrance. Detected radar signals, then SJ made contact. 1000 ton aux patrol craft coming a long. Given do not get a lot of shots to sink vessels and figured she was worth a torpedo, went to GQ
to fire one of the four torpedoes in bow tubes (load reduced to just six, four forward, to aft, on special missions)

Submerged for approach but somehow was detected. Enemy turned in and NAUTILUS lined up for a "down the throat" shot. Fired tube No.1, but apparently misjudged the range. Torpedo hit, but did not exploded, likely did not have time to arm. Rigged for depth charge, silent running, went to 200 feet.

Passed a thermal layer 185 feet, leveled off at 190 feet. This for a time helped thwart the enemy above. However, after a while seemed to locate me.
Every 10-15 minutes, makes a run on us, dropping a couple charges.

Time is 0021 27 October 1944 , have made it into deeper waters and thus currently at depth of 345 feet, with bottom at 370. A second patrol boat type (judging by the sound) is en route from SAN MIGUEL BAY to assist, as can be heard making its best speed to join in from that direction.

[EddieLyons]

25 Dec 1941 04:15
We are now visually tracking six fishing boats. Five of them are keeping to the west of the channel, with one ahead nearer the deeper part, Given their spread out disposition, they appear unconcerned about minefields. Could it be that the Japanese have none in this channel? Are they that confident in the security of their home waters? That alone would be useful intelligence for COMSUBPAC, even if we are unable to make it all the way to Hiroshima.

04:45
I have ordered ahead two thirds for a short time. We have fallen far enough behind the lead fishing boats to warrant it. So far they are holding steady on their course of about 348°. We will shortly make the first of our turns in the channel. Current course is 004°, new course, for a short leg of 5500 yds, will be 324°.

04:51
On course at 324°. Speed reduced to ahead one third to reduce closure rate on fishing boats to our west. I want to pass behind them on our next course change.

05:18
I have ordered ahead two thirds once more. On our next leg we should now pass behind the five fishing boats that are still in view. They still haven’t deviated from their course.

05:24
132°12’E, 33°06’N.
Turned to new course 282°, speed ahead two thirds.

06:01
132°08’E, 33°07’N.
Turned to new course 325°, speed two thirds ahead. We are now some 6000 yds west of the course of the fishing boats, on a diverging course. Only one remains in view -- we’ll lose sight of it soon enough. We’re on our own from here on in -- I’m surprised we have seen no sign of defences so far: no patrols, no mines, no shore emplacements.

06:35
I spoke too soon! We have spotted three fishing boats to starboard, now apparently on a converging course of about 305°. They must have changed course shortly after our last sighting. I have ordered speed reduced to ahead one third to avoid contact. Although this slows us down again, it has the advantage that I can keep them in front to pathfind any potential minefields. That’s very thoughtful of them!

09:10
132°00’E, 33°17’N.
Course 326°. I have ordered speed increased to two thirds ahead. The fishing boats are far enough ahead and all but one have crossed our bow, so we will pass astern of them again. They remain steady on their course of 305°. Are they on their way to Oita? Or Tsurusaki? Or Bepu? If so, I can expect them to make a turn to port, on a diverging course from our plotted one. But, they’ve surprised us once with a course change -- they’ll bear keeping a close eye on for the time being.

09:30
131°59’E, 33°20’N.
We are passing through the Hoyo Strait into the Seto Inland Sea. I am surprised, and grateful for it, that we have still not encountered any patrol vessels of any sort. I also have to thank our fishing boat “escort” for being most helpful thus far! Still no sign of them changing course. But we will, about 1 NM ahead!

09:45
131°58’E, 33°21’N.
We have made our turn, to a new course of 018°, two thirds ahead. We still have six fishing boats in sight, all now to port and beginning to fall behind, steady on their course of 305°.

09:50
A binocular sweep has shown two more fishing boats ahead, off the port bow. With the first light of dawn appearing, and the horizon beginning to show clearly, I’ve ordered the boat to dive to periscope depth, ahead one third to conserve battery power to the maximum. This will be slow going, but I intend to remain submerged throughout daylight hours.

09:51
We finally have a hydrophone contact! Two vessels bearing approx 245. One certainly sounds like a warship, the other perhaps not. A merchant plus escort? A periscope sweep showed only the fishing boat fleet, so our sound contact is beyond visual range as yet. Possibly in the vicinity of Bepu, given the bearing. If we weren’t on a recon op, I would be turning to track and intercept. But I’ll have to let them go. This time!

10:39
131°58’E, 33°24’N.
Hydrophone operator reports a warship bearing 225, closing at medium speed, long range. Taking a listen myself, there appears to be two warships and a merchant.

10:49
A periscope sweep shows at least one escort vessel plus up to four merchants, one of them possibly a tanker, on a course through the Hoyo Strait to exit through the Bungo Suido. Have the Japanese adopted an escorted convoy strategy? Perhaps they’re taking notice of what is happening in the North Atlantic. But, what a missed opportunity because of these damned orders from COMSUBPAC!
Plus, we’re nearly surrounded by fishing boats! It would be just our luck to get entangled in their fishing nets!

10:54
According to the Nautical Almanac, the sun should now be risen.

12:05
We’ve lost hydrophone contact with the escorted convoy. We continue deeper into the Inland Sea, probing how far we can go.

14:14
132°01’E, 33°31’N.
We have turned to new course 072°, ahead one third, remaining at periscope depth. Hydrophone contact at approx bearing 212 of a single warship. This is likely our first contact with a patrol!

14:25
Sound contact is now at bearing 205. I want to avoid using the periscope during daylight, given the number of fishing boats we have been encountering.

14:35
Sound contact now at bearing 196. It appears to be on a southerly course.

14:45
Sound contact now bearing 186, clearly showing through our own baffles. Still on a southerly course - headed out through the Hoyo Strait?

14:55
Sound contact now bearing 181, still clear through our baffles.

15:05
Sound contact still bearing 181. Clearly has changed course -- but towards or away from us? According to our charts, we have plenty of depth to play with for the next several hours at this speed, so I’m taking us a bit deeper, to 100 ft.

15:15
Sound contact now at bearing 178. Is it a bit fainter?

15:25
Sound contact now bearing 176. Definitely fainter. If he’s searching for us, he’s looking the wrong way! But I wonder if any of “our” fishing boats spotted and reported us?

15:35
Sound contact now bearing 175. Getting much fainter. The variation in bearings indicate changes in course. Is he searching? Or simply patrolling?

15:45
Sound contact very faint, at bearing 174.

16:00
Sound contact is no longer audible. Second Watch is now on duty.

19:04
Hydrophone reports a sound contact bearing 283, identified as a merchant. Another missed opportunity!

19:30
Hydrophone contact is now bearing 250, apparently on a course reciprocal to our own.

20:00
We lost the hydrophone contact at 19:55. I hope this mission to Hiroshima is worth all the missed opportunities!

20:48
132°13’E, 33°35’N.
The Nautical Almanac tells us the sun is setting. I have ordered us to periscope depth.

20:54
Hydrophone and periscope sweeps are clear. When the sky is a bit darker, we shall surface.

22:00
It’s finally dark enough, so I have ordered the boat to surface, at two thirds ahead.
We received the following Fox Traffic: HONG KONG HAS SURRENDERED TO THE JAPANESE X MANILA DECLARED AN OPEN CITY X US FORCES WITHDRAWING TO JAVA AND AUSTRALIA X MERRY CHRISTMAS X
And a Merry Christmas to you too, COMSUBPAC!

[EddieLyons]

Well done thus far:Kaleun_Salute:


Which mod(s) are you running or stock game? Curious.


I'm using your TMO Update.

Map contacts are on. Manual targeting off. Event camera off. External camera on, but only for some "beauty" shots while cruising -- otherwise I play strictly first person. My save files include Replay, so it's available if ever I want to go back and check what happened in an action.

[Bubblehead1980]

I'm using your TMO Update.

Map contacts are on. Manual targeting off. Event camera off. External camera on, but only for some "beauty" shots while cruising -- otherwise I play strictly first person. My save files include Replay, so it's available if ever I want to go back and check what happened in an action.

Nice! I was wondering if were using my TMO mod.:Kaleun_Salute:

[Bubblehead1980]

25 Dec 1941 04:15
We are now visually tracking six fishing boats. Five of them are keeping to the west of the channel, with one ahead nearer the deeper part, Given their spread out disposition, they appear unconcerned about minefields. Could it be that the Japanese have none in this channel? Are they that confident in the security of their home waters? That alone would be useful intelligence for COMSUBPAC, even if we are unable to make it all the way to Hiroshima.

04:45
I have ordered ahead two thirds for a short time. We have fallen far enough behind the lead fishing boats to warrant it. So far they are holding steady on their course of about 348°. We will shortly make the first of our turns in the channel. Current course is 004°, new course, for a short leg of 5500 yds, will be 324°.

04:51
On course at 324°. Speed reduced to ahead one third to reduce closure rate on fishing boats to our west. I want to pass behind them on our next course change.

05:18
I have ordered ahead two thirds once more. On our next leg we should now pass behind the five fishing boats that are still in view. They still haven’t deviated from their course.

05:24
132°12’E, 33°06’N.
Turned to new course 282°, speed ahead two thirds.

06:01
132°08’E, 33°07’N.
Turned to new course 325°, speed two thirds ahead. We are now some 6000 yds west of the course of the fishing boats, on a diverging course. Only one remains in view -- we’ll lose sight of it soon enough. We’re on our own from here on in -- I’m surprised we have seen no sign of defences so far: no patrols, no mines, no shore emplacements.

06:35
I spoke too soon! We have spotted three fishing boats to starboard, now apparently on a converging course of about 305°. They must have changed course shortly after our last sighting. I have ordered speed reduced to ahead one third to avoid contact. Although this slows us down again, it has the advantage that I can keep them in front to pathfind any potential minefields. That’s very thoughtful of them!

09:10
132°00’E, 33°17’N.
Course 326°. I have ordered speed increased to two thirds ahead. The fishing boats are far enough ahead and all but one have crossed our bow, so we will pass astern of them again. They remain steady on their course of 305°. Are they on their way to Oita? Or Tsurusaki? Or Bepu? If so, I can expect them to make a turn to port, on a diverging course from our plotted one. But, they’ve surprised us once with a course change -- they’ll bear keeping a close eye on for the time being.

09:30
131°59’E, 33°20’N.
We are passing through the Hoyo Strait into the Seto Inland Sea. I am surprised, and grateful for it, that we have still not encountered any patrol vessels of any sort. I also have to thank our fishing boat “escort” for being most helpful thus far! Still no sign of them changing course. But we will, about 1 NM ahead!

09:45
131°58’E, 33°21’N.
We have made our turn, to a new course of 018°, two thirds ahead. We still have six fishing boats in sight, all now to port and beginning to fall behind, steady on their course of 305°.

09:50
A binocular sweep has shown two more fishing boats ahead, off the port bow. With the first light of dawn appearing, and the horizon beginning to show clearly, I’ve ordered the boat to dive to periscope depth, ahead one third to conserve battery power to the maximum. This will be slow going, but I intend to remain submerged throughout daylight hours.

09:51
We finally have a hydrophone contact! Two vessels bearing approx 245. One certainly sounds like a warship, the other perhaps not. A merchant plus escort? A periscope sweep showed only the fishing boat fleet, so our sound contact is beyond visual range as yet. Possibly in the vicinity of Bepu, given the bearing. If we weren’t on a recon op, I would be turning to track and intercept. But I’ll have to let them go. This time!

10:39
131°58’E, 33°24’N.
Hydrophone operator reports a warship bearing 225, closing at medium speed, long range. Taking a listen myself, there appears to be two warships and a merchant.

10:49
A periscope sweep shows at least one escort vessel plus up to four merchants, one of them possibly a tanker, on a course through the Hoyo Strait to exit through the Bungo Suido. Have the Japanese adopted an escorted convoy strategy? Perhaps they’re taking notice of what is happening in the North Atlantic. But, what a missed opportunity because of these damned orders from COMSUBPAC!
Plus, we’re nearly surrounded by fishing boats! It would be just our luck to get entangled in their fishing nets!

10:54
According to the Nautical Almanac, the sun should now be risen.

12:05
We’ve lost hydrophone contact with the escorted convoy. We continue deeper into the Inland Sea, probing how far we can go.

14:14
132°01’E, 33°31’N.
We have turned to new course 072°, ahead one third, remaining at periscope depth. Hydrophone contact at approx bearing 212 of a single warship. This is likely our first contact with a patrol!

14:25
Sound contact is now at bearing 205. I want to avoid using the periscope during daylight, given the number of fishing boats we have been encountering.

14:35
Sound contact now at bearing 196. It appears to be on a southerly course.

14:45
Sound contact now bearing 186, clearly showing through our own baffles. Still on a southerly course - headed out through the Hoyo Strait?

14:55
Sound contact now bearing 181, still clear through our baffles.

15:05
Sound contact still bearing 181. Clearly has changed course -- but towards or away from us? According to our charts, we have plenty of depth to play with for the next several hours at this speed, so I’m taking us a bit deeper, to 100 ft.

15:15
Sound contact now at bearing 178. Is it a bit fainter?

15:25
Sound contact now bearing 176. Definitely fainter. If he’s searching for us, he’s looking the wrong way! But I wonder if any of “our” fishing boats spotted and reported us?

15:35
Sound contact now bearing 175. Getting much fainter. The variation in bearings indicate changes in course. Is he searching? Or simply patrolling?

15:45
Sound contact very faint, at bearing 174.

16:00
Sound contact is no longer audible. Second Watch is now on duty.

19:04
Hydrophone reports a sound contact bearing 283, identified as a merchant. Another missed opportunity!

19:30
Hydrophone contact is now bearing 250, apparently on a course reciprocal to our own.

20:00
We lost the hydrophone contact at 19:55. I hope this mission to Hiroshima is worth all the missed opportunities!

20:48
132°13’E, 33°35’N.
The Nautical Almanac tells us the sun is setting. I have ordered us to periscope depth.

20:54
Hydrophone and periscope sweeps are clear. When the sky is a bit darker, we shall surface.

22:00
It’s finally dark enough, so I have ordered the boat to surface, at two thirds ahead.
We received the following Fox Traffic: HONG KONG HAS SURRENDERED TO THE JAPANESE X MANILA DECLARED AN OPEN CITY X US FORCES WITHDRAWING TO JAVA AND AUSTRALIA X MERRY CHRISTMAS X
And a Merry Christmas to you too, COMSUBPAC!



Interesting read. Keep it up:Kaleun_Salute:

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0



After 15 great patrols in NAUTILUS SS-168 from December 1941- November 1944, was sunk by "Friendly Fire" , a US John C. Butler Class Destroyer Escort
off Morotai on 5 November 1944, en route Brisbane via Mios Woendi to end the 15th patrol.


Started a new career, want to tested out some things did in 1944 for the upcoming TMO Update V2.0. I was assigned USS BARB SS-220. I was happy with this. Since January 1944 was before Fluckey was her CO, I looked up and used the name of LCDR JR Waterman. Will edit the file to reflect Fluckey's taking command in April 1944 when appropriate.

Assigned to Area 8(one of the new patrol orders I added to campaign) , a real hot zone at this point in war, looking forward to getting there .



3 January
______________


1300 Underway from Pearl Harbor in accordance with COMSUBPAC Operation Order 06-44.

1336 Exited channel and rendezvoused with BARB's escort, PC-461.

1515 Escort detached.

1530 Dive. Dive time 45 seconds. Will conduct drills to improve time.

1545 Surfaced

1550 En route Midway Island.


4 January
______________

En route Midway

0700 Dive. Improved time to 40 seconds.

0715 Surface

0900 Gunnery Drill

1000 Emergency Drill

1300 Dive

1305 Torpedo Fire Control Drill

1400 Surface



5 January
______________


0700 Dive

0730 Surface

1000 Crash Dive drills. Submerged in 38.9 seconds.

1015 Surface


6 January
______________

En route Midway


0630 Dive

0700 Surface



3 January
______________


1300 Underway from Pearl Harbor in accordance with COMSUBPAC Operation Order
06-44 with PC-461 as escort.

1515 Escort detached.

1530 Dive. Dive time 45 seconds. WIll conduct drills to improve time.

1545 Surfaced

1550 En route Midway Island.


4 January
______________

En route Midway

0700 Dive. Improved time to 40 seconds.

0715 Surface

0900 Gunnery Drill

1000 Emergency Drill

1300 Dive

1305 Torpedo Fire Control Drill

1400 Surface



5 January
______________


0700 Dive

0730 Surface




7 January
______________


0630 Dive

0700 Surface

0800 Docked Midway Island
Topped off fuel and stores.

1300 Departed Midway

1400 Dive

1430 Surface

1445 Course 270 to AREA 8


8 January
___________

En route to patrol area.
Course 271 degrees. 14 knots.

0645 Dive

0700 Surface

[EddieLyons]

25 Dec 1941 22:49
132°22’E, 33°3’N.
Soundings show only 65 ft under our keel! Our charts are not the most up to date, because of Japanese secrecy in the last 20 years, but if the shallows between here and Hiroshima are like this, it might well be impossible to reach our goal and complete our mission. And I’m reluctant to use our sounder too much in case it gets picked up by enemy hydrophones. At our current speed (8 kts) on the surface, we could be at Hiroshima before dawn. Our charts, if they are reliable, show a couple of deeper areas where we could hole up submerged on silent running during daylight. A hydrophone record of shipping in and out of port would be valuable, in addition to our photo recon objective. But given the shallows and narrows we have to navigate to get there, I’m sceptical of our chances of success. Any further encounters with fishing boats, merchants or, worse, patrols, could find us in water too shallow to submerge. We’d be a very large tin fish in a very small barrel!
We have another hour-and-a-half until our next course change. I’ll consult with my XO and nav officer at that time before I decide whether to proceed or not.

26 Dec 1941 00:45
We are at 132°35’E, 33°42’N, the last reasonably deep point on our charts before we would need to proceed into the narrows and shallows for the rest of our route to Hiroshima. Weather remains calm and clear. Visibility is good. Both for us and the enemy! Bad weather would be to our advantage, but the barometer is steady.
Although we have encountered no further patrols, merchants or fishing boats, that surely cannot last. The lack of depth in the shallows, plus the lack of room for manoeuvre in the narrows, reduces our chances to remain undetected in the event of any such encounters. We would not last for very long so deep into enemy territory thereafter.
After consulting with my XO and NO, I have decided to reverse course, to make our way back out of the Inland Sea. Being able to probe this far into the heart of Japanese waters in itself provides valuable intelligence. Our fuel bunkers are over 60% full, so we have sufficient reserves to loiter in the enemy’s home waters and wreak havoc on his shipping. We’ll spend as much time as possible on the surface tonight at ahead two thirds, but will have to spend daylight hours submerged once again. Tomorrow night, under cover of darkness, we shall endeavour to pass back out through the Bungo Suido. Then we can get down to business, and hopefully bag a late Christmas present or two for the crew, to make up for the lousy Christmas Day they have just had!

02:05
Hydrophone has picked up a contact at bearing 118. Sounds like a merchant to me. Faint, but the water here is too shallow to dive for a better fix. We’ll track it as best we can.

02:25
Hydrophone contact is at 120, seemingly parallel to our course. This could get interesting …

02:45
Hydrophone contact now bearing 132. Lagging behind, so going slower than our 8 kts.

03:05
Hydrophone contact now bearing 140.

03:30
Hydrophone contact now bearing 154.

03:35
Given the contact we have been tracking, I have decided on a change of plan. At ahead two thirds on the surface, it would be conceivable to make it through the Bungo Suido before dawn. That would allow us to lie in wait for this merchant out in open water -- assuming it is headed that way, rather than to one of the ports on the western shore of the Inland Sea.
To expedite our passage, I’ve ordered ahead standard, at least for an hour or two. It’s more risky, but as long as our lookouts are alert, we should be able to avoid contacts, just like last night. Plus, now we can be confident that Bungo Suido is clear of minefields. That makes it more plausible to make the passage at a higher speed.

04:40
We are approaching our turn towards the Hoyo Strait, at 132°01’E, 33°31’N. Hydrophone has detected a warship bearing 350; not in visual range with binoculars. I have ordered us to dive to periscope depth, ahead two thirds. Course currently is 247°; after the turn we will be on 198°.

04:47
Warship hydrophone contact now bearing 348. Appears to be moving southwards, so towards the Bungo Suido. That should place us in his baffles before long. If he is heading out through the Bungo Suido, we can follow him through. If we have to remain submerged, we can’t make it through before daylight. So we would have to stay down for the next seventeen hours, until after sunset.

04:55
We have made our turn towards the Hoyo Strait.

04:57
Warship contact now bearing 018. Still heading southwards.

05:00
A quick periscope sweep shows the enemy warship within visual range, just off our starboard bow. Not enough light to attempt to identify it. It does appear to be steady on a course through the Hoyo Strait. We shall remain submerged for now, waiting for its range to increase. Then I shall reassess whether it is feasible to surface. In the meantime, my SO is tracking it, and I have ordered ahead one third to conserve battery power.

05:16
Surprise, surprise! My SO has separated out a merchant hydrophone contact on the same bearing as the warship. A quick periscope check shows that the shadow I saw previously is not the warship, but the merchant! This changes the paradigm! I’m going to surface and shadow this merchant. The warship is not a concern at present -- it is still heading away, and the merchant should provide some cover for us.

05:25
We are on the surface, ahead two thirds, course 198°. The target is off our starboard bow, heading NE into the Inland Sea. I have identified it as the Kiturin Maru, 6800 tons. This is too good an opportunity to miss! I am setting up to attack!

05:39
The target is on a course of 064°. I have turned to 138° to attack. Tube one flooded and ready.

05:41
Tube 1 fired!

05:50
Damn the torpedoes! Tube one missed, or was a dud. Whichever, it alerted the enemy crew, who caught us in a spotlight and opened fire with smallarms and 20mm cannon. So much for merchants being unarmed! I have broken off the attack, and turned north towards deeper water at flank speed, submerging to periscope depth as soon as we were on course. This will have stirred up a hornet’s nest, to be sure!

06:06
I am manoeuvering to a new attack position, this time submerged. The target is doing only 4 kts. We are at ahead standard, doing 7 kts, closing the range. I have him trapped between me and the south shore of the Inland Sea, so he has little room to do anything to escape, apart from a bit of zig-zagging.

06:16
Tubes 1 and 3 fired at 1600 to 1700 yds range. Both missed!
I’ll try once more before breaking off, and concentrating on surviving the response that’s bound to arrive!

06:27
I’ll have to have my chief engineer check out the remaining torpedoes!
Tube 2 proved to be a dud! Tube 4 missed - that was my fault; I misjudged the turning rate of the target. He manoeuvred smartly out of the way, even though I had closed to close range.
But, finally, the Tube 1 reload did the job! Set to contact influence, shallow depth and high speed, I fired at almost point blank range as he turned away. The ship exploded and sank in a couple of minutes. Our first kill of the war. Now to survive the inevitable response!
I am heading deeper into the Inland Sea, in anticipation that the enemy will expect us to try to slip out through the Bungo Suido pronto. We will lie low throughout the coming daylight hours and hope to make it through once nightfall comes again.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0

USS Barb SS-220
January 1944
Area 8


26 January
_______________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3


0608 SJ contact bearing 343 27,340 yards. (Ship Contact No.3)

0610 Ordered course 309 Speed 20 kts to close contact.

0615 Multiple pips indicated convoy. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE

0633 Convoy course estimated 142 Speed Estimate 8 knts.
Eight pips total, six vessels with two escorts, one forward, one rear.

0649 Sighted convoy bearing 087 10,170 yards.

0656 Contact Report Sent.
Convoy Sighted 28-43N 133-00E
Estimated Course/Speed
139 degrees at 8 knots

0658 Lead Escort appears to be Chidori Class Torpedo Boat

0700 Received reply to contact report. X ATTACK X


0719 Approached convoy 3500 yards off track, lead escort sweeping along path.
Several tense moments as waited for him to pass by so could close in for attack.

0741 Fired Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 (two per target) at three mid sized AK in port column

0742 During torpedo run, convoy began turn for what appeared to be routine
:44 zig, causing torpedoes at forward and rear target to miss.

0743 Torpedo impact! Two torpedoes hit the middle AK. Large fires and a secondary explosion followed.
:01

0743 During BARB's turn away from convoy, received gunfire from merchant vessels as well as illuminated by searchlights
:15 star shells. Trailing escort, identified as a Minesweeper/Type A Shimushu Escort, already
in the midst of his "sweep" due to the convoys regular zig, began closing on BARB,
firing several rounds from deck gun. BARB was racing away, but the escort was keeping pace.

0745 Observed Chidori Class escort now rushing to join the pursuit. Several shell splashes landed well ahead and well astern.

0746 With the closest escort keeping pace, obvious could match BARB's speed. Ordered
engines put into overload with governors tied down (AHEAD EMERGENCY Ability)
BARB was soon at a surace speed of 22.8 knots, pulling away from the Shimushu Escort.
However, it appeared Chidori escort, which BARB could not outrun,
increased speed and was closing.

0755 Both escorts 3500 yards astern, but slowed and began search patterns, apparently convinced BARB had submerged. This was confirmed when both dropped depth charges, while BARB disappeared into the night.

0815 After opening distance, set course to end round convoy for follow up attack
before dawn if possible. Torpedo reload ordered.


0900 Escort rejoined convoy, one other remained in area of attack searching (Radar indication)


0933 Brought stern to bear for approach. Readied tubes 7,8,9,10.

0950 Fired tubes 7,8,9 2000 yards.

0952 Torpedo impact! All three MK 18 torpedoes hit as aimed.

0954 AK sunk in less than two minutes at 28-33N 132-55E. Chidori heading BARB's way BARB raced away at best speed.

1009 With dawn in just over a hour, secured GQ. Ordered stern tubes reloaded and moved ahead for follow up submerged attack at dawn.

1030 Dawn. SD contact 21200 yards (Aircraft Contact No. 5)

1032 Series of explosions above, astern. Aircraft apparently observed BARB,
no damage.

1100 Periscope Depth. Observed flying boat (EMILY) 7000 yards astern bearing 176/ Ordered 150 feet. (Aircraft Contact No. 5)

1300 Depth 60 ft. Extended SD mast to check area.

1331 SD contact 12000 yards, steady. (Aircraft Contact No. 6)
Ordered 150 ft

1421 Several explosions distant, astern, reverberated throughout the boat.
Enemy aircraft depth charges likely source.

1500 Periscope depth. Raised SD mast.

1504 SD contact 28000 yards closing (Aircraft Contact No.7)

1505 Ordered 200 ft.

1510 Convoy likely out of our are by this point, decided to remain submerged until night fall due to persistent air cover in area.

[Bubblehead1980]

25 Dec 1941 22:49
132°22’E, 33°3’N.
Soundings show only 65 ft under our keel! Our charts are not the most up to date, because of Japanese secrecy in the last 20 years, but if the shallows between here and Hiroshima are like this, it might well be impossible to reach our goal and complete our mission. And I’m reluctant to use our sounder too much in case it gets picked up by enemy hydrophones. At our current speed (8 kts) on the surface, we could be at Hiroshima before dawn. Our charts, if they are reliable, show a couple of deeper areas where we could hole up submerged on silent running during daylight. A hydrophone record of shipping in and out of port would be valuable, in addition to our photo recon objective. But given the shallows and narrows we have to navigate to get there, I’m sceptical of our chances of success. Any further encounters with fishing boats, merchants or, worse, patrols, could find us in water too shallow to submerge. We’d be a very large tin fish in a very small barrel!
We have another hour-and-a-half until our next course change. I’ll consult with my XO and nav officer at that time before I decide whether to proceed or not.

26 Dec 1941 00:45
We are at 132°35’E, 33°42’N, the last reasonably deep point on our charts before we would need to proceed into the narrows and shallows for the rest of our route to Hiroshima. Weather remains calm and clear. Visibility is good. Both for us and the enemy! Bad weather would be to our advantage, but the barometer is steady.
Although we have encountered no further patrols, merchants or fishing boats, that surely cannot last. The lack of depth in the shallows, plus the lack of room for manoeuvre in the narrows, reduces our chances to remain undetected in the event of any such encounters. We would not last for very long so deep into enemy territory thereafter.
After consulting with my XO and NO, I have decided to reverse course, to make our way back out of the Inland Sea. Being able to probe this far into the heart of Japanese waters in itself provides valuable intelligence. Our fuel bunkers are over 60% full, so we have sufficient reserves to loiter in the enemy’s home waters and wreak havoc on his shipping. We’ll spend as much time as possible on the surface tonight at ahead two thirds, but will have to spend daylight hours submerged once again. Tomorrow night, under cover of darkness, we shall endeavour to pass back out through the Bungo Suido. Then we can get down to business, and hopefully bag a late Christmas present or two for the crew, to make up for the lousy Christmas Day they have just had!

02:05
Hydrophone has picked up a contact at bearing 118. Sounds like a merchant to me. Faint, but the water here is too shallow to dive for a better fix. We’ll track it as best we can.

02:25
Hydrophone contact is at 120, seemingly parallel to our course. This could get interesting …

02:45
Hydrophone contact now bearing 132. Lagging behind, so going slower than our 8 kts.

03:05
Hydrophone contact now bearing 140.

03:30
Hydrophone contact now bearing 154.

03:35
Given the contact we have been tracking, I have decided on a change of plan. At ahead two thirds on the surface, it would be conceivable to make it through the Bungo Suido before dawn. That would allow us to lie in wait for this merchant out in open water -- assuming it is headed that way, rather than to one of the ports on the western shore of the Inland Sea.
To expedite our passage, I’ve ordered ahead standard, at least for an hour or two. It’s more risky, but as long as our lookouts are alert, we should be able to avoid contacts, just like last night. Plus, now we can be confident that Bungo Suido is clear of minefields. That makes it more plausible to make the passage at a higher speed.

04:40
We are approaching our turn towards the Hoyo Strait, at 132°01’E, 33°31’N. Hydrophone has detected a warship bearing 350; not in visual range with binoculars. I have ordered us to dive to periscope depth, ahead two thirds. Course currently is 247°; after the turn we will be on 198°.

04:47
Warship hydrophone contact now bearing 348. Appears to be moving southwards, so towards the Bungo Suido. That should place us in his baffles before long. If he is heading out through the Bungo Suido, we can follow him through. If we have to remain submerged, we can’t make it through before daylight. So we would have to stay down for the next seventeen hours, until after sunset.

04:55
We have made our turn towards the Hoyo Strait.

04:57
Warship contact now bearing 018. Still heading southwards.

05:00
A quick periscope sweep shows the enemy warship within visual range, just off our starboard bow. Not enough light to attempt to identify it. It does appear to be steady on a course through the Hoyo Strait. We shall remain submerged for now, waiting for its range to increase. Then I shall reassess whether it is feasible to surface. In the meantime, my SO is tracking it, and I have ordered ahead one third to conserve battery power.

05:16
Surprise, surprise! My SO has separated out a merchant hydrophone contact on the same bearing as the warship. A quick periscope check shows that the shadow I saw previously is not the warship, but the merchant! This changes the paradigm! I’m going to surface and shadow this merchant. The warship is not a concern at present -- it is still heading away, and the merchant should provide some cover for us.

05:25
We are on the surface, ahead two thirds, course 198°. The target is off our starboard bow, heading NE into the Inland Sea. I have identified it as the Kiturin Maru, 6800 tons. This is too good an opportunity to miss! I am setting up to attack!

05:39
The target is on a course of 064°. I have turned to 138° to attack. Tube one flooded and ready.

05:41
Tube 1 fired!

05:50
Damn the torpedoes! Tube one missed, or was a dud. Whichever, it alerted the enemy crew, who caught us in a spotlight and opened fire with smallarms and 20mm cannon. So much for merchants being unarmed! I have broken off the attack, and turned north towards deeper water at flank speed, submerging to periscope depth as soon as we were on course. This will have stirred up a hornet’s nest, to be sure!

06:06
I am manoeuvering to a new attack position, this time submerged. The target is doing only 4 kts. We are at ahead standard, doing 7 kts, closing the range. I have him trapped between me and the south shore of the Inland Sea, so he has little room to do anything to escape, apart from a bit of zig-zagging.

06:16
Tubes 1 and 3 fired at 1600 to 1700 yds range. Both missed!
I’ll try once more before breaking off, and concentrating on surviving the response that’s bound to arrive!

06:27
I’ll have to have my chief engineer check out the remaining torpedoes!
Tube 2 proved to be a dud! Tube 4 missed - that was my fault; I misjudged the turning rate of the target. He manoeuvred smartly out of the way, even though I had closed to close range.
But, finally, the Tube 1 reload did the job! Set to contact influence, shallow depth and high speed, I fired at almost point blank range as he turned away. The ship exploded and sank in a couple of minutes. Our first kill of the war. Now to survive the inevitable response!
I am heading deeper into the Inland Sea, in anticipation that the enemy will expect us to try to slip out through the Bungo Suido pronto. We will lie low throughout the coming daylight hours and hope to make it through once nightfall comes again.


Well done. :Kaleun_Salute:


i am enjoying this as don't believe I've ventured into those waters since stock game a decade ago lol.

[EddieLyons]

26 Dec 1941 06:40
My NO has provided the coordinates for the sinking of Kiturin Maru: 132°03’E, 33°27’N.

06:45
I have ordered ahead one third and a new depth of 150 ft. Course is 359°. Now we wait it out.

09:05
We have been running north for two and a half hours, gaining 6 NM from the sinking. I have ordered a course change to 065°. Hydrophone shows no sign of a response yet from enemy forces.

10:45
Sunrise according to the Nautical Almanac.

14:00
132°12’E, 33°37’N.
We’re over 14 NM from the sinking, and still no response. Are the IJN asleep?

14:35
132°13’E, 33°37’N.
I have ordered a course change to 270°.

15:09
Hydrophone has detected a warship bearing 263, long range.

15:30
Sound contact now bearing 207. On a course opposite to ours. My SO is tracking it.

15:47
Sound contact now bearing 170, still increasing range. I’ve ordered my SO back to normal sweep.

16:00
Hydrophone contact lost on warship.

16:21
New sound contact bearing 122. Sounds like the same warship to me, obviously searching for us. My SO is tracking this contact.

16:30
Contact now bearing 102, closing, medium speed. I have ordered silent running.

16:40
Contact bearing 060, moving away.

17:00
Contact now bearing 026, moving away. Most of First and Third Watches are sleeping. That’s good -- I’ll want them well rested and alert for tonight!

17:37
Contact lost bearing 018. I have secured from silent running.

18:08
Soundings show only 65 ft under our keel, so I’ve ordered a new depth of 100 ft.

19:10
I have picked up the warship on hydrophone again, bearing 005. The SO cannot yet distinguish it -- he clearly requires a lot more experience or training!

19:15
Contact now bears 014. Appears to be moving northwards.

19:40
Contact now bearing 028.

20:10
Contact now very faint at bearing 040.

20:30
132°02’E, 33°37’N.
Depth under the keel is down to 62 ft. I’m changing course southwards to deeper water. New course 195°. The Hoyo Strait is about 18 NM ahead. Sunset should be in a few minutes. It should be dark enough by about 21:30 to 22:00 to contemplate surfacing.

20:36
Sunset, according to the Nautical Almanac.

21:00
Hydrophone has picked up an indeterminate contact at 355. We shall proceed with extreme caution -- it might be a stationary enemy just listening for an unsuspecting submarine! I shall bear away to westwards a little to open the range to this possible contact. If necessary, I shall stay submerged at silent running -- we still have over 50% of our battery capacity, but the air is getting a little bit stuffy, with CO2 reading just above 30.

21:20
The possible hydrophone contact is bearing 310 from our new course. Projected, that puts it directly in line with Hoyo Strait. Have the Japanese stationed a picket there? I guess we’ll find out!

22:00
132°00’E, 33°35’N. I am coming to periscope depth.

22:03
Our anomalous hydrophone contact has become clearer -- I do believe we have an enemy submarine in our vicinity, bearing 275, which is no longer in line with Hoyo Strait. I’ve ordered silent running.

22:15
Our “friend” now bears 256, apparently moving eastwards relative to us. I am returning to our plotted course, at 188°, hoping to move through his baffles.

22:32
Contact now bears 277, slowly increasing range.

22:45
Contact now bearing 258.

23:00
Contact now bearing 251, getting fainter. He might be coming about. The next few plot lines on the chart should show that.

23:15
Contact now bearing 245. Faint. No other contacts - it sounds clear ahead.

23:30
Contact now bearing 243. Very faint. He has definitely changed course, possibly coming back towards us. I have ended silent running.

23:37
131°59’E, 33°32’N.
I have conducted a periscope sweep -- clear! Apart from our “friend” there are no hydrophone contacts. I have ordered the boat to surface, ahead full, course 188°!

23:45
Weather is still clear and settled. Pity. I could have done with a storm right about now!

27 Dec 1941 00:40
131°59’E, 33°19’N.
We are passing through the Hoyo Strait. We made our turn to a course of 325° at 131°58’E, 33°21’N. In the moonlight I have spotted a shore emplacement on the island on the west side of the Strait, and another on the mainland beyond. No sign of activity at either one. Perhaps we’ve caught them asleep? I’ll maintain ahead full until we've gained more range.

01:00
I have ordered ahead standard, to conserve fuel and make us a little more stealthy.

01:05
A binocular sweep shows no sign of enemy vessels ahead, or any pursuit from behind.

01:50
132°08’E, 33°07’N.
We have turned to a new course of 112°. At this rate we should be out of the Bungo Suido in about two hours. These waters were infested with fishing boats when we last passed through here. There’s no sign of them, now. Perhaps bringing the war to their home has put some fear into their hearts!

02:23
132°14’E, 33°04’N. Changed course to 184°.

02:27
Hydrophone contact ahead. Warship bearing 351, long range, constant distance. I knew this was too good to last. But, we are in good shape, with batteries recharged above 80%. We have detected only one warship, so we should be able to avoid him.

02:44
I have spotted two distant ships in binoculars, bearing 350, long range. I have ordered periscope depth and silent running. We proceed with utmost caution from here.

02:50
The enemy is patrolling the centre of the entrance to Bungo Suido. I have ordered a change of course to 214°, to the west side of the channel, to maximise our separation from them, and a new depth of 120 ft.

03:09
One warship is closing our position, slowing down. I have ordered all stop.

03:18
Hydrophone contact bearing 032, medium speed, closing.

03:20
Active sonar! Ahead flank, hard to port! New depth 200 ft.

03:23
We have taken major damage from multiple depth charges - flooding, forward batteries -- much more. I have blown ballast to halt our sinking.

03:28
We are being attacked again!

03:29
Multiple close depth charges. I have blown ballast again to control sinking.

03:33
Active sonar again. We are sinking. I have blown ballast for a third time! Flank speed gives us only 2 to 5 kts. I am attempting to reach shallow water to abandon ship. But we are under attack for a third time!

03:37
Another six depth charges, but no further damage.

03:38
Blown ballast for a fourth time. We don’t have much compressed air left! More active sonar! Making only 2 kts at flank speed.

03:42
We are sinking again.

03:43
I have blown ballast for a fifth time!

03:45
We are under attack again! Making only 1 kt at flank speed.

03:48
We have struck the bottom. Depth 260 ft. Still alive! I have ordered all stop. Latest attack was only one relatively distant depth charge!

03:51
Forward torpedo room is pumping out water. The forward dive planes transmission is shot. The enemy is attacking again, directly overhead. Four depth charges that stirred us a little, but otherwise no new damage.

03:57
We are under attack again. Only three depth charges, no further damage. Depth gauge shows 270 ft.

03:59
More active sonar. Hopefully we are now mimicking a big rock! My NO reckons we are at 132°12’E, 33°00’N.

04:03
Five more depth charges, but no damage. We are probably too deep! But he knows we’re around here, somewhere.

04:06
More active sonar. My crew is holding up well. Several injuries, mostly minor, but no fatalities. Water is being pumped out of the forward torpedo room. Forward batteries are under repair, but that is a slow job. We had some flooding in the control room earlier, but that has been pumped out. It looks like the forward part of my boat took the brunt of the damage, but all bulkheads are intact. Biggest concern is that our compressed air is down to only 18 per cent, and slowly decreasing. We must have a slight leak somewhere.

04:07
Five more depth charges. A little shaken, but no additional damage.

04:09
Active sonar.

04:11
We are under attack again. Only two depth charges nearby, and three further away.

04:15
Active sonar. We are under attack again. Only three depth charges, two somewhat distant, one closer, but obviously not deep enough.

04:19
More active sonar.

04:20
Another attack.

04:21
Massive explosion nearby. Damage taken …

[CTD]


NOTE: Unfortunately, at this point I had a CTD. Rather than returning to a save file, I regard USS Nautilus as lost with all hands, 27 Dec, 1941.

[Bubblehead1980]

26 Dec 1941 06:40
My NO has provided the coordinates for the sinking of Kiturin Maru: 132°03’E, 33°27’N.

06:45
I have ordered ahead one third and a new depth of 150 ft. Course is 359°. Now we wait it out.

09:05
We have been running north for two and a half hours, gaining 6 NM from the sinking. I have ordered a course change to 065°. Hydrophone shows no sign of a response yet from enemy forces.

10:45
Sunrise according to the Nautical Almanac.

14:00
132°12’E, 33°37’N.
We’re over 14 NM from the sinking, and still no response. Are the IJN asleep?

14:35
132°13’E, 33°37’N.
I have ordered a course change to 270°.

15:09
Hydrophone has detected a warship bearing 263, long range.

15:30
Sound contact now bearing 207. On a course opposite to ours. My SO is tracking it.

15:47
Sound contact now bearing 170, still increasing range. I’ve ordered my SO back to normal sweep.

16:00
Hydrophone contact lost on warship.

16:21
New sound contact bearing 122. Sounds like the same warship to me, obviously searching for us. My SO is tracking this contact.

16:30
Contact now bearing 102, closing, medium speed. I have ordered silent running.

16:40
Contact bearing 060, moving away.

17:00
Contact now bearing 026, moving away. Most of First and Third Watches are sleeping. That’s good -- I’ll want them well rested and alert for tonight!

17:37
Contact lost bearing 018. I have secured from silent running.

18:08
Soundings show only 65 ft under our keel, so I’ve ordered a new depth of 100 ft.

19:10
I have picked up the warship on hydrophone again, bearing 005. The SO cannot yet distinguish it -- he clearly requires a lot more experience or training!

19:15
Contact now bears 014. Appears to be moving northwards.

19:40
Contact now bearing 028.

20:10
Contact now very faint at bearing 040.

20:30
132°02’E, 33°37’N.
Depth under the keel is down to 62 ft. I’m changing course southwards to deeper water. New course 195°. The Hoyo Strait is about 18 NM ahead. Sunset should be in a few minutes. It should be dark enough by about 21:30 to 22:00 to contemplate surfacing.

20:36
Sunset, according to the Nautical Almanac.

21:00
Hydrophone has picked up an indeterminate contact at 355. We shall proceed with extreme caution -- it might be a stationary enemy just listening for an unsuspecting submarine! I shall bear away to westwards a little to open the range to this possible contact. If necessary, I shall stay submerged at silent running -- we still have over 50% of our battery capacity, but the air is getting a little bit stuffy, with CO2 reading just above 30.

21:20
The possible hydrophone contact is bearing 310 from our new course. Projected, that puts it directly in line with Hoyo Strait. Have the Japanese stationed a picket there? I guess we’ll find out!

22:00
132°00’E, 33°35’N. I am coming to periscope depth.

22:03
Our anomalous hydrophone contact has become clearer -- I do believe we have an enemy submarine in our vicinity, bearing 275, which is no longer in line with Hoyo Strait. I’ve ordered silent running.

22:15
Our “friend” now bears 256, apparently moving eastwards relative to us. I am returning to our plotted course, at 188°, hoping to move through his baffles.

22:32
Contact now bears 277, slowly increasing range.

22:45
Contact now bearing 258.

23:00
Contact now bearing 251, getting fainter. He might be coming about. The next few plot lines on the chart should show that.

23:15
Contact now bearing 245. Faint. No other contacts - it sounds clear ahead.

23:30
Contact now bearing 243. Very faint. He has definitely changed course, possibly coming back towards us. I have ended silent running.

23:37
131°59’E, 33°32’N.
I have conducted a periscope sweep -- clear! Apart from our “friend” there are no hydrophone contacts. I have ordered the boat to surface, ahead full, course 188°!

23:45
Weather is still clear and settled. Pity. I could have done with a storm right about now!

27 Dec 1941 00:40
131°59’E, 33°19’N.
We are passing through the Hoyo Strait. We made our turn to a course of 325° at 131°58’E, 33°21’N. In the moonlight I have spotted a shore emplacement on the island on the west side of the Strait, and another on the mainland beyond. No sign of activity at either one. Perhaps we’ve caught them asleep? I’ll maintain ahead full until we've gained more range.

01:00
I have ordered ahead standard, to conserve fuel and make us a little more stealthy.

01:05
A binocular sweep shows no sign of enemy vessels ahead, or any pursuit from behind.

01:50
132°08’E, 33°07’N.
We have turned to a new course of 112°. At this rate we should be out of the Bungo Suido in about two hours. These waters were infested with fishing boats when we last passed through here. There’s no sign of them, now. Perhaps bringing the war to their home has put some fear into their hearts!

02:23
132°14’E, 33°04’N. Changed course to 184°.

02:27
Hydrophone contact ahead. Warship bearing 351, long range, constant distance. I knew this was too good to last. But, we are in good shape, with batteries recharged above 80%. We have detected only one warship, so we should be able to avoid him.

02:44
I have spotted two distant ships in binoculars, bearing 350, long range. I have ordered periscope depth and silent running. We proceed with utmost caution from here.

02:50
The enemy is patrolling the centre of the entrance to Bungo Suido. I have ordered a change of course to 214°, to the west side of the channel, to maximise our separation from them, and a new depth of 120 ft.

03:09
One warship is closing our position, slowing down. I have ordered all stop.

03:18
Hydrophone contact bearing 032, medium speed, closing.

03:20
Active sonar! Ahead flank, hard to port! New depth 200 ft.

03:23
We have taken major damage from multiple depth charges - flooding, forward batteries -- much more. I have blown ballast to halt our sinking.

03:28
We are being attacked again!

03:29
Multiple close depth charges. I have blown ballast again to control sinking.

03:33
Active sonar again. We are sinking. I have blown ballast for a third time! Flank speed gives us only 2 to 5 kts. I am attempting to reach shallow water to abandon ship. But we are under attack for a third time!

03:37
Another six depth charges, but no further damage.

03:38
Blown ballast for a fourth time. We don’t have much compressed air left! More active sonar! Making only 2 kts at flank speed.

03:42
We are sinking again.

03:43
I have blown ballast for a fifth time!

03:45
We are under attack again! Making only 1 kt at flank speed.

03:48
We have struck the bottom. Depth 260 ft. Still alive! I have ordered all stop. Latest attack was only one relatively distant depth charge!

03:51
Forward torpedo room is pumping out water. The forward dive planes transmission is shot. The enemy is attacking again, directly overhead. Four depth charges that stirred us a little, but otherwise no new damage.

03:57
We are under attack again. Only three depth charges, no further damage. Depth gauge shows 270 ft.

03:59
More active sonar. Hopefully we are now mimicking a big rock! My NO reckons we are at 132°12’E, 33°00’N.

04:03
Five more depth charges, but no damage. We are probably too deep! But he knows we’re around here, somewhere.

04:06
More active sonar. My crew is holding up well. Several injuries, mostly minor, but no fatalities. Water is being pumped out of the forward torpedo room. Forward batteries are under repair, but that is a slow job. We had some flooding in the control room earlier, but that has been pumped out. It looks like the forward part of my boat took the brunt of the damage, but all bulkheads are intact. Biggest concern is that our compressed air is down to only 18 per cent, and slowly decreasing. We must have a slight leak somewhere.

04:07
Five more depth charges. A little shaken, but no additional damage.

04:09
Active sonar.

04:11
We are under attack again. Only two depth charges nearby, and three further away.

04:15
Active sonar. We are under attack again. Only three depth charges, two somewhat distant, one closer, but obviously not deep enough.

04:19
More active sonar.

04:20
Another attack.

04:21
Massive explosion nearby. Damage taken …

[CTD]


NOTE: Unfortunately, at this point I had a CTD. Rather than returning to a save file, I regard USS Nautilus as lost with all hands, 27 Dec, 1941.




Ahhhh almost made it, but that is the nature of the beast I really enjoyed the patrol reports on this, kept it interesting. I think the Inland Sea areas may be too lightly defended in early war. I mean, I wanted it to reflect when Japan beefed up against submarine incursion as war went on, so in later periods its much more difficult but may be too lightly defended, esp in terms of mines controlling traffic. Something I will work out. I left it a lone because I assumed like me, most people just disregarded those orders. Again, you kept it interesting.


I hate you CTD but that does happen when sitting on the bottom sometimes, in stock or mods. Devs were idiotic in not designing it where subs can set on the bottom. They take hull damage and being depth charged when on bottom san "sink" you into the seafloor which will eventually cause a CTD.


Again, really enjoyed the reports though.


What is next? New career? Same class or boat/time period or moving on ?

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty, cams off, map contacts on.

I had to start career over due to discovered defect in damage model while at sea which involved removing the mod and making changes, so had to scrap the saved game.

Started over, with BARB SS-220 again.
Same time period, same area.

___________________________________________



USS Barb SS-220

19 January
____________

En route to patrol area.
Course 271 degrees Speed 14 knots
Curiously, no aircraft contacts as transited North of Wake
and Marcus Islands last few days. Can only surmise
recent carrier air strikes have neutralized the increasingly isolated
islands as air bases. However, we remain alert for contacts.

0940 Dive

1001 Surfaced



20 January
____________

En route to patrol area.
Course 271 degrees Speed 14 knots

0945 Dive

1005 Surfaced

1233 Spotted vessel bearing 333 16202 yards (SJ range)
off Sofu Gan. Possible picket or weather vessel.
Spotted Sofu Gan. (Ship Contact No.1)

1234 Dive

1236 Depth 150 ft. Speed 6 kts
closed target on course 245.

1239 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO

1348 Periscope depth.
Course 198 Speed 2.5 kts
Observed a weather tug/picket anchored 5200 yards SE Sofu Gan.
Continued approach for torpedo attack.

1357 Periscope depth 64 ft. As scope was raising, three large explosions to port rocked BARB.
Spotted BETTY speeding along at 300 ft, climbing. Apparently
BARB spotted during approach. Ordered 200 feet. No damage reported.
Vessel fired at our periscope as went down. (Aircraft Contact No.1)

1402 While at 200 ft, aircraft depth charged BARB again. Charges exploded above.
Ordered 300 ft. Tug heard underway on sound.

1450- Attempted to rise to periscope depth several times for attack on tug.
1700 However, aircraft remained in area preventing this. Tug was underway and maneuvered
out of range.

1705 Secured GQ.

2234 Surfaced



21 January
____________

Course 265 degrees Speed 10.5 knots
until dawn, increased to 14.5 knots
until night fall.


0936 SD contact 18228 yds. Night flyer closing, fast!
(Aircraft Contact No.2)

0939 Series of large explosions heard, astern.
Given still dark and not likely BARB was sighted,
likely that aircraft equipped with radar.


1113 Just after dawn, came to periscope depth.

1130 Surfaced

1539 SD contact 19950 yds closing, fast!
Dive
(Aircraft Contact No.3)

1542 Depth 150 ft.


1544 Explosions of depth charges/bombs audible through hull,
not close. BARB really stirred the hornets nest as
believed radar equipped aircraft dispatched to search by day
and night for submarine contact off Sofu Gan. This
is slowly our transit and it is regrettable we were contacted
before entering patrol area.

1600 Turned to course 180 4 kts submerged
until dark. Course change meant
to confuse enemy searches.

2146 Periscope Depth. SD mast extended.

2230 Surfaced



22 January
_____________

En route assigned area.
Course 220 Speed 10 kts


0000 Entered Area CORRIDOR I adjacent to our
assigned area.

0300 Increased speed to 15.5 kts.


0500 Turned to Course 260 10 kts


0901 Spotted surfaced submarine bearing 096
at 6500 yds. Appeared to be GATO Class,
Likely TRIGGER as transiting her assigned
area. Unable to exchange recognition signals,
turned to course 180 at flank speed
to put her astern. (Ship Contact No.2)

1103 Dive

1133 Surfaced

1135 Course 261 Speed 14 kts.



23 January
_____________


0000 Entered Area 8, began North-South
patrol line along suspected shipping route.


0010 Seas picked up. Strong chop but not heavy. Clear skies, low moonlight,
Winds at 17.50 kts direction 114 degrees.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty
Cameras off, map contacts on.


January 1944 in Area 8...




23 January
_____________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1


0000 Entered Area 8, began North-South
patrol line along suspected shipping route.


0010 Seas picked up. Strong chop but not heavy. Clear skies, low moonlight,
Winds at 17.50 kts direction 114 degrees.


0100 SJ contacts bearing 355 28500 yds.
Multiple pips, appeared to be convoy.
Course 310 at speed 17 kts to intercept.
Tracking party called to stations.

0109 Increased to Flank speed to close.

0114 Slowed to 15.5 kts.

0115 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE

0124 Spotted convoy bearing 235 10000 yds
Course 133 degrees Speed 10 knots

0125 Sent Contact Report to COMSUBPAC
Convoy Sighted
28-49N 132-39E in Area 8
Estimated Course 133 degrees
Estimated Course 10 kts.

0132 3000 yards off to port of
convoy track. Convoy appeared to be
six merchants in loose formation with one
escort forward, one astern.


0136 Forward escort identified as MIKURA Type B Escort Vessel
Rear escort appears to be DE type.

0149 Near firing point, convoy made what appeared to be
routine zig to SW.

0151 Flank speed, turned to course 105 to pull away from convoy.
Rear escort, began high speed sweep along port side of convoy
BARB was not spotted, this was believed to be routine escort maneuver
as convoy showed no sign of alert.

0153 Rear escort bearing 175 4000 yards.
Identified as Otori Class Torpedo Boat/Escort.


0155 Paralleled convoy on course 188 to pull ahead for
attack.


0345 Convoy zigged to port course 160.
BARB maneuvered to regain position quickly
to fire from starboard side of convoy.

0400 Fired Tubes 1,2,3 at Target No.1
:20

0400: Fired tubes 4,5,6 at Target No.2
45

0402 Torpedoes impacted Target No.1
Large fires observed on target.

0403 Torpedoes impacted Target No.2
Large fires observed on target.

After torpedo impacts, BARB came under heavy machine gun,
deck gun fire, illuminated by strong searchlights aboard
Target No.2 (MIIKE MARU) during turn away.
Lead MIKURA escort came aboard, fired two star shells
above BARB and began closing at high speed.

Several rounds of machine gun/auto cannon fire hit BARB's superstructure
but caused no serious damage. Several deck gun splashes observed
, closed about twenty yards off starboard beam during turn away.


0405 Otori Class Torpedo Boat rear escort observed pouring on the coals
speeding BARB's way. The choppy seas made it initially difficult to reach above 19 kts
during initial get away but 20 knts was reached.

0412 Otori bearing 180 fired several rounds forward guns
Splashes landed well ahead of BARB. One
flew low and heard it roar over the
periscope shears, splashed into sea about thirty yards
off port bow of BAR. However, range continued to open
so remained on surface.

0415 Began end around for follow up attack.
Observed AK AKAMA MARU 5425 tons sink at
28-32 N 132-38 E.


0416 Depth charge explosions observed/heard 6000 yards astern.
Enemy believes BARB submerged. Poor whale/fish taking our punishment.


0421 Observed AK MIIKE MAR 11800 tons sink
at 28-32 N 132-38 E.


TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2


0426 Tracking large pip believed to be AK making a solo run from area.
Bold strategy. BARB closed contact at high speed.

0450 Spotted AK bearing 292 10,170 yards.

0503 Turned about, began to back towards target
for stern shot.

0525 Target identified as AK HIYAMA MARU 7145 tons.
Course 160 Speed variations of 7-10 knots
zigging along course.

0526 Report of enemy pip closing range fast on
SJ radar, appears to be escort coming to join the
party.

0538 AK HIYAMA MARU changed course 280, possibly to rejoin
convoy. Escort closing high speed bearing 130 7000 yards
Closing range fast.


0541 HIYAMA MARU suddenly turned hard starboard to course 345, instead of zigging back towards BARB as anticipated HIYAMA MARU increased speed to twenty knots ruining stern shot. Vessel also fired several rounds from her aft deck gun in BARB's direction. BARB turned to pursue, moving to her starboard to avoid oncoming escort now just 5000 yards bearing 335, identified as Otori Class Torpedo Boat. escort (interesting tactics AI pulled here)


0618 Unable to catch HIYAMA MARU, as rejoined other merchant vessels,
another AK was on course to cross our stern for perfect setup.
Switched targets to AK similar to JOKUJA MARU 7390 tons.

0630 JOKUJA MARU turned North, away from BARB.

0634 As pursuit of JOKUJA MARU was going on. HIYAMA MARU again
towards BARB.


0636 Otori spotted bearing 170 5000 yards, closing.

0637 HIYAMA MARU turned away high speed, firing deck guns
and machine guns/auto cannons at BARB.
Star shell illuminated area.
Otori observed heading BARB direction.
Ordered flank speed on course 035

0640 Otori was now chasing BARB range 6000 yards bearing 180, closing.

0650 Otori slowed suddenly, then turned back
for convoy. BARB secured GQ and ordered
forward tubes reloaded. Would end around for follow up
attack, before dawn if possible. This would give the
convoy a chance to calm down.

0937 Regained SJ contact after end around.
Bearing 009 28,350 yards.

0956 Ahead of convoy, waiting for anticipated dawn zig for
dawn attack. Visibility now too great for surface attack.

1022 Convoy made dawn zig to SE.

1043 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED

1101 Submerged for attack.


1106 Depth 300 ft for high speed run to close range.

1128 Periscope depth.
Observed convoy on course 160 degrees
to being stern tubes to bear on
convoy.

1148 Tubes, 7,8,9,10 made ready for firing.

1152 Fired tubes 7,8,9

1153 All three torpedoes impacted as aimed.

1154 Small fire observed, vessel lost way.
Engine noises ceased on sound.

1155 List to starboard developed on target.

1156 Lifeboats (two) observed from AK KANAGA MARU. Vessel low in water,
sinking on even keel.
Pings. Otori observed closing, Mikura escort observed closing as well
high speed. Ordered 300 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge.

1157 Passed thermal layer 195 ft.

1159 Pinging

1202 DC explosions astern, not close.

1203 Enemy above to port. Splashes.

1204 DC explosions. Close. Real tooth shakers.
BARB at 350 ft depth. Most charges seem above.

1206 Second escort above. Many splashes.
DC explosions. All were above, not too close.

1207 BARB leveled off at 370 ft.

1209 Pinging

1211 Depth Charge explosions, distant.

1212 Sounds of ship breaking up audible on sound gear
from last bearing of target attacked.

1213 Multiple DC explosions astern.
Pinging from closing escort.

1215 Pinging on short scale. Enemy closing high speed.

1216 Enemy above. Many splashes.

1217 DC explosions.


1221 Pinging. Distant DC explosions.
BARB at 375 ft

1223 Enemy crossing bow above.
One DC explosion, above aft.

1224 One DC explosion to port.

1226 Pinging.

1227 Enemy crossing bow, above.
Splashes. Ordered AHEAD FLANK!
BARB at 382 ft.
Boat shaken by DC explosions.

1230 Pinging

1238 Distant DC explosions

1248 Pinging.
More distant DC explosions.

1251 Enemy above.
Splashes.
BARB at depth of 390 ft

1252 DC explosions.

1310 Sound reported enemy heading away at high speed.

1332 Believe one escort departed to rejoin convoy.
Other remained in area estimated 5000 yards, hunting.
Occasional ping heard but did not appear to
have contact with BARB.

1416 Secured GQ
Escort remains in area hunting.
Maintained Silent Running.
Course 256 Speed 2.5 kts
Depth 390 ft.

1500 Damage assessment show BARB faired well
in depth charge attack. Only some light bulbs
and glass fixture busted. Minor piping
and air line leaks in conning tower and control room.


1510 Enemy remains in area about 7000-10000 yards astern.
Occasional sporadic explosions heard.

1630 Turned to course 332 degrees

1945 Lost Sound contact.
Secured Silent Running.

1948 Tubes 7,8,9 ordered reloaded.
BARB to depth of 300 ft.


2306 Periscope depth.
Night settled in.
All clear.
Seas remain choppy.

2308 Radar depth for SJ/SD sweep.

2315 Surfaced.


24 January
_____________

0000 Position: 28-22N 132-23E
Course 320
Speed 10 kts
Proceeded to Northern section
of Area 8.

[EddieLyons]

What is next? New career? Same class or boat/time period or moving on ?

Well, I'm a sucker for punishment! And, the period I'm most fascinated by is the early war period. So, it'll be back to the Asiatic Fleet in an S-class boat.

What is also fascinating is the immediate pre-Pearl Harbor period, 1940-41, in the Pacific. The Roosevelt administration was sure that a showdown with Japan was coming, just not sure of exactly when and how it would start. But they got the basics right -- the Japanese offensive southwards. (The one bit they missed, of course was Pearl Harbor.) But they were already committing resources to beefing up defences across the Pacific, in the minor outlying American island territories like Wake, Midway, Palmyra, etc, and securing the maritime lines of communication to Australia, the Philippines, New Zealand.

But what I've never heard about is what sort of operations the USN's submarine force was doing during that time, apart from sending extra subs to the Asiatic Fleet. The AF, especially, had a mission to protect American interests in China, especially in those areas affected by the Sino Japanese conflict. So AF subs were deployed to Chinese waters and ports on many occasions from 1937 to 1941. Presumably some of these included intelligence gathering to identify and record IJN forces engaged against the Chinese. (For instance, in October 1938 the British Royal Navy very cheekily sent the light cruiser HMS Birmingham unannounced into Amoy harbour, where a Japanese fleet of seven battleships, eight cruisers, plus destroyers and minelayers were deployed, most of which had never been seen by western observers because of Japanese naval secrecy since the 1920s. Every sailor on board who had a camera, or who could make decent sketches or drawings, lined the gunnels to record every possible detail of the Japanese ships, who's crews had most definitely been caught with their pants down!)

There were also the Japanese occupations of the Paracel Islands in April 1939, and their involvement in the Spratlys from July 1937 leading to their occupation in March 1939, both in the South China Sea, the latter immediately adjacent to the Philippines. Surely the AF must have been interested in reconnoitring what the IJN was doing there.

Similarly, the USN knew about Japanese naval deployments to, and naval facilities, in the Marshalls and Carolines and other island groups of the Japanese Mandate. Apart from the submarine "war patrols" from Pearl Harbor to Midway and Wake in 1941 in the weeks before the Japanese offensive, I do wonder if there were any intelligence gathering missions sent to reconnoitre such locations in 1941 especially.

These could be interesting scenarios to play out in any pre-Pearl Harbor campaign starts in the next update to TMO. I've always felt it is very artificial that the game starts only on 7 Dec 1941. At the very least there should have been an option for a pre-war training campaign.

[EddieLyons]

I think the Inland Sea areas may be too lightly defended in early war. I mean, I wanted it to reflect when Japan beefed up against submarine incursion as war went on, so in later periods its much more difficult but may be too lightly defended, esp in terms of mines controlling traffic. Something I will work out. I left it a lone because I assumed like me, most people just disregarded those orders. Again, you kept it interesting.

By the way, have you come across this post-war report on Japanese underwater harbour defences?

https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt13wwvvt.13?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents

[propbeanie]

Withers had 2 S-Boats, both badly in need of overhaul, out patrolling off western Luzon, near Manila Bay... the rest of the boats were anchored in Manila Harbor, Cavite, Sangley Point, Mariveles, or at Olangapo, undergoing a battery rebuild that was over six months late in scheduling... The AF had not done like a few of the Pearl boats, and therefore most did not have a clue as to what to expect on a real patrol, much less a wartime patrol. Both commands had quit any attempts to "spy" or recon on the Japanese, for fear of antagonizing them... They already did know where a lot of the Japanese resources were though, and with the War Warning message, the AF should have had boats off the coast of Indo-China and China proper at the least, so that they could see and accurately report movements. Same way with to the east of the Philippines. It was well established in military circles that the Japanese would shortly be the enemy, and that they would mount invasion from Palau, Japan, Okinawa, Formosa, Hainan and CamranhBay, at a minimum... see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, and you'll get your butt handed to you every time...

[Mad Mardigan]

Well, I'm a sucker for punishment! And, the period I'm most fascinated by is the early war period. So, it'll be back to the Asiatic Fleet in an S-class boat.

What is also fascinating is the immediate pre-Pearl Harbor period, 1940-41, in the Pacific. The Roosevelt administration was sure that a showdown with Japan was coming, just not sure of exactly when and how it would start. But they got the basics right -- the Japanese offensive southwards. (The one bit they missed, of course was Pearl Harbor.) But they were already committing resources to beefing up defences across the Pacific, in the minor outlying American island territories like Wake, Midway, Palmyra, etc, and securing the maritime lines of communication to Australia, the Philippines, New Zealand.

But what I've never heard about is what sort of operations the USN's submarine force was doing during that time, apart from sending extra subs to the Asiatic Fleet. The AF, especially, had a mission to protect American interests in China, especially in those areas affected by the Sino Japanese conflict. So AF subs were deployed to Chinese waters and ports on many occasions from 1937 to 1941. Presumably some of these included intelligence gathering to identify and record IJN forces engaged against the Chinese. (For instance, in October 1938 the British Royal Navy very cheekily sent the light cruiser HMS Birmingham unannounced into Amoy harbour, where a Japanese fleet of seven battleships, eight cruisers, plus destroyers and minelayers were deployed, most of which had never been seen by western observers because of Japanese naval secrecy since the 1920s. Every sailor on board who had a camera, or who could make decent sketches or drawings, lined the gunnels to record every possible detail of the Japanese ships, who's crews had most definitely been caught with their pants down!)

There were also the Japanese occupations of the Paracel Islands in April 1939, and their involvement in the Spratlys from July 1937 leading to their occupation in March 1939, both in the South China Sea, the latter immediately adjacent to the Philippines. Surely the AF must have been interested in reconnoitring what the IJN was doing there.

Similarly, the USN knew about Japanese naval deployments to, and naval facilities, in the Marshalls and Carolines and other island groups of the Japanese Mandate. Apart from the submarine "war patrols" from Pearl Harbor to Midway and Wake in 1941 in the weeks before the Japanese offensive, I do wonder if there were any intelligence gathering missions sent to reconnoitre such locations in 1941 especially.

These could be interesting scenarios to play out in any pre-Pearl Harbor campaign starts in the next update to TMO. I've always felt it is very artificial that the game starts only on 7 Dec 1941. At the very least there should have been an option for a pre-war training campaign.

On that... it had already been well doc'ed... that Pearl, was inately well vulnerable, to what had gone down with the BB's in Taranto(sp? at best) when th Brit's I think it was... had sunk 3 Italian BB's... in a shallw water harbor, very similar in aspects to Pearl.

That point had been attempted to be driven home, several time... the last iirc, was by Mitchell... the same guy that the B-25 bomber, was named for... like... 5 or so years, well before Pearl happened...

Yeah, Pearl happened... *snorts*

Pearl, was a definitive Bent over wearing a "come kick Me" written sheet of paper, scotch taped to the back of the Pac fleet anchored there... & am a firm believer, in that it was sent there, to exact such a reaction from IJN... in short, it was a deliberate poke the bear move. On the tail end of all the sanctioning that was leveled against Japan, already by that point.

May have not been Roosevelt, himself... but someone in the higher ups... was the orchestrator of it... & Roosevelt, didn't quash it from happening.

Is no way, He couldn't have known, otherwise...

:Kaleun_Salute:

M. M.

[Bubblehead1980]

Well, I'm a sucker for punishment! And, the period I'm most fascinated by is the early war period. So, it'll be back to the Asiatic Fleet in an S-class boat.

What is also fascinating is the immediate pre-Pearl Harbor period, 1940-41, in the Pacific. The Roosevelt administration was sure that a showdown with Japan was coming, just not sure of exactly when and how it would start. But they got the basics right -- the Japanese offensive southwards. (The one bit they missed, of course was Pearl Harbor.) But they were already committing resources to beefing up defences across the Pacific, in the minor outlying American island territories like Wake, Midway, Palmyra, etc, and securing the maritime lines of communication to Australia, the Philippines, New Zealand.

But what I've never heard about is what sort of operations the USN's submarine force was doing during that time, apart from sending extra subs to the Asiatic Fleet. The AF, especially, had a mission to protect American interests in China, especially in those areas affected by the Sino Japanese conflict. So AF subs were deployed to Chinese waters and ports on many occasions from 1937 to 1941. Presumably some of these included intelligence gathering to identify and record IJN forces engaged against the Chinese. (For instance, in October 1938 the British Royal Navy very cheekily sent the light cruiser HMS Birmingham unannounced into Amoy harbour, where a Japanese fleet of seven battleships, eight cruisers, plus destroyers and minelayers were deployed, most of which had never been seen by western observers because of Japanese naval secrecy since the 1920s. Every sailor on board who had a camera, or who could make decent sketches or drawings, lined the gunnels to record every possible detail of the Japanese ships, who's crews had most definitely been caught with their pants down!)

There were also the Japanese occupations of the Paracel Islands in April 1939, and their involvement in the Spratlys from July 1937 leading to their occupation in March 1939, both in the South China Sea, the latter immediately adjacent to the Philippines. Surely the AF must have been interested in reconnoitring what the IJN was doing there.

Similarly, the USN knew about Japanese naval deployments to, and naval facilities, in the Marshalls and Carolines and other island groups of the Japanese Mandate. Apart from the submarine "war patrols" from Pearl Harbor to Midway and Wake in 1941 in the weeks before the Japanese offensive, I do wonder if there were any intelligence gathering missions sent to reconnoitre such locations in 1941 especially.

These could be interesting scenarios to play out in any pre-Pearl Harbor campaign starts in the next update to TMO. I've always felt it is very artificial that the game starts only on 7 Dec 1941. At the very least there should have been an option for a pre-war training campaign.


You are a sucker for punishment for sure, esp in the S boats in this updated mod lol.

Early war fascinates me as well, it was a interesting yet, depressing time frame for submariners though. I found it boring in original version (stock and all other mods) because AI was so easy, but changed that up in the update, AI is tougher, but not on the level of say later war ijn escorts. While I love early phase myself, I would encourage you to not miss out on other parts of the war in this update though, really is a lot of excitement and challenge. The ability to pull off historically accurate night surface attacks really brings 1944/45 alive. The revision to traffic in campaign, the ULTRA's on different ships etc. Just a lot to see and experience. Not sure if you read my post from earlier, but that was two attacks on a convoy in Jan 1944, sample of it.

Real run starts in mid 1944 when japanese started running the major North/South convoys in a Alliedesque fashion...10-15 ships, 4-5 escorts, sometimes escort carriers, often time land and sea based air cover. With the night surface attacks, can get inside the convoy now undetected(in most cases), attack from within, as many boats did.


Well, it was pretty apparent we would have to fighting Japanese in early 20th century after they defeated Russians are Battle of Tsushima.(glorious victory it was) and even more so by the 1930's so they reinforced overseas territories within realm of 1930's i.e. depression era budgets. Pearl was considered safe, out of reach of attack. Those who tried to raise the alarm were shut down. If I recall the Admiral who protested to Roosevelt about moving fleet from San Diego to Pearl Harbor was fired or "retired".


I agree though, always though SH 4 should had option to start at least one month before Pearl Harbor. A pre pearl harbor start mod came out sometime ago but it was just a few days before the war started and has not been updated in quite a while. So building on that concept, there will be a pre war campaign start in next mod.

Campaign will begin in June 1941 and new construction/seal trials for Tambor/Gar class will begin January 1941, west coast, maybe even east coast if have time to work the east coast in. Career starts will be for boats out of Pearl and Manila.
Attacks on Pearl Harbor and Cavite are scripted in, worked fine. A lot of work getting that part in lol


Prior to war, player has a variety of objectives from simulated defensive war patrols in area of Hawaii, Midway, Guam, Philippines, to participating in fleet problems with carrier and battleship task forces, homage to the original "fleet boat" concept. Also, some orders to observe japanese shipping in home islands, and in their overseas territories with orders to remain undetected.

Propensity for hostility from Japanese units will be unpredictable as one may spot you and ignore you, other may attack you (accomplished same method as the US Friendly Fire in the mod). After oil embargo takes places in August 1941, tensions rise and higher propensity for hostile actions, which increase even more so as time goes on. Remember, this is 1941, before SD radar is available, so staying on the surface in daytime and remaining undetected, is almost impossible. Adds a lot to the challenge having to operate in the pre war-early war doctrine of submerge by day, surface by night when in enemy areas.


Some fictional license (I've never read about this happening but figured could bring some variety) will be taken with limited special missions, inserting intel agents in places like Truk etc other parts of Japanese mandate, and then recovering them after X amount of time (pick them up in raft, can be rescued like a downed pilot) or being sent to recover them, as were previously inserted by another boat. Some photo missions (not hollywood, photo Tokyo Bay though lol) may pop up. I do have a one for S Boats to visit Shanghai area for a port visit, as they used to do prior to start of war in 1941 when Japanese took over completely. "


I've played through June -December 1941 start of war once out of pearl and once out of manila to test, worked well overall, few things need to tweak, couple patrol objectives want to add, but it worked well. Obviously the pace is slower since not at war but is challenging from trying to always remain undetected in area, esp if trying to send contact reports on enemy task forces. Possibility of sighting their newest fleet carrier when out on sea trials in 1941 or the new battleship (Yamato) not aware of it (based on historical records of ship movements as are most of the major warship movements in the TMO Update) , is possible as well. Yet, can only document and send report, shadow, no attacking, unless you are attacked and even then only if in self defense.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0
100 difficulty, cams off, map contacts off.

USS BARB SS-220
Area CLOSET March 26, 1944

After several days of patrol in area with nothing but daily aircraft contacts and
chasing a contact report which did not show up at expected rendezvous, either due to own navigation error or course change by convoy, possibly both, crew was going restless. Then on 26 March just after midnight, SJ made contact.


26 March
___________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1

0014 SJ contact bearing 007 28,355 yards
Numerous pips, likely convoy, appears Northbound.
(Ship Contact No.2)

0015 Increased speed 18 kts to intercept.


0025 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE


0026 Eight pips in two columns with one pip forward and one in rear, likely
escorts.

0050 Spotted convoy bearing 040 9000 yards.

0052 Contact Report sent to COMSUBPAC
Convoy Sighted 23-53N 131-47E
Estimated Course 066 degrees
Estimated Speed 9 kts.

0102 Lead escort is minesweeper.


0103 Spotted large Tanker similar to AKATSUKI MARU (11800 tons) Class.

0105 Directly astern of AKATSUKI MARU was a mid sized tanker
similar to ICHIYU MARU (5115 tons) Class.

0112 APR-1 detecting radar emissions from astern of convoy.
Rear escort appeared to have radar.

0117 Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 made ready to fire. Depth set for 8 ft.

0125 Fired Tubes 1,2,3 at ICHIYU MARU. Range 2893 yards.
Fired Tubes 4,5,6 at AKATSUKI MARU. Range 2500 yards

Torpedoes 1,2,3 impacted ICHIYU MARU. Massive fireball and
explosions after second torpedo hit loaded tanker.

Torpedoes 4,5,6 hit AKATSUKI MARU. First torpedo set off massive,
skyward reaching fireball
engulfing the entire vessel. Second and third torpedo hits were
somewhat redundant, but further wrecked the vessel.

0138 During turned away, lead escort spotted BARB. BARB received some machine gun/Auto Cannon fire, few rounds heard stringed aft , starboard. No damage. Escort continued pursuit as second escort, with its radar
signal sweeping BARB's area coming in fast. BARB making 21 kts plowing through seas to get away.

0145 Oddly, both escorts disengaged, returned to convoy.
BARB moved for end around and follow up attack.

0146 AO AKATSUKI MARU 11800 tons sunk
23-52N 131-47E

0150 AO ICHIYU MARU 5115 tons sunk
23-51N 131-47E


TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2

0247 Stern tubes brought to bear on convoy, approached
large AK which suddenly turned hard away at high speed.
BARB not detected, routine evasive maneuver. Switched setup on
small AK believed to be CHOKO MARU 1800 tons. Unable to set up
on others due to proximity to the radar equipped escort. APR-1
was buzzing at this time.

0250 Fired Torpedo Tube No. 10 at AK CHOKO MARU. 1950 yards.

0252 Torpedo impact! Large fire visible just forward of bridge structure.
Large hole visible forward. Vessel appeared to be sinking.


TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3

0307 CHOKO MARU out of range. Spotted mid sized AK similar to MOMOYAMA MARU 4037 tons crossing stern of BARB.

0309 Fired tubes 7,8,9 at MOMOYAMA MARU. Range 2000 yards.

0313 Torpedoes missed!
Based on sound, missed just astern. Speed setting in TDC
was slightly too slow, perhaps should have been 5 kts instead of 4.5 kts.

0314 Pulled away from convoy to conduct torpedo reload as
all tubes empty after three attacks with seven out of ten torpedoes hitting
targets. Two tankers sunk, one AK damaged.


0315 APR-1 detected enemy radar emissions focusing on BARB's bearing. Escort, a unidentified DE type began closing at high speed. BARB increased to flank speed.


0323 DE turned back to convoy.


0330 Secured General Quarters. Torpedo reload ordered, all tubes.


0400 Convoy changed course to 040 degrees.

0530 Lost SJ contact with convoy, backtracking along course.


0600 Torpedo reload completed.


0610 Searching for convoy.

[EddieLyons]

United States Navy
Commander Submarines, Pacific

Lieutenant Commander Straw Kalling,

You have been approved for the command of USS S-31 (SS-136), a S-18 class submarine assigned to the Asiatic Fleet.

Report for duty at Cavite Naval Base, Manila, Philippines, no later than December 8, 1941.

#####

United States Navy
Commander Submarines, Asiatic Fleet

Operational Order, December 8 1941

TO: Straw Kalling, USS S-31 (SS-136)
DEPART ON: December 9, 1941

Proceed to area Vineyard and conduct anti shipping operations within the designated area near the Celebes Sea for 5 days.

OBJECTIVE: Patrol area Vineyard within the designated area near the Celebes Sea for 5 days.

#####


Aboard USS S-31 (SS-136)

9 Dec 1941 13:02 - Cavite Naval Base
War patrol Day 1.
Ordered cast off from the tender, and ahead one third, set course to 270°. Departing on a war patrol in response to the Japanese attack. I have a crew of 54: five officers and 49 men, comprising four CPO, two PO1, eight PO2, six PO3, six S1c, and 23 S3c.
There’s a band on the nearby quay, but I don’t know who they’re playing for. It can’t be us -- they’re facing the wrong way!

13:10
My nav officer will guide us out of Manila Bay. I haven’t sailed with him before, but he’s familiar with these waters. Especially the placement of the minefields at the entrance to the bay, off Corregidor. I’ve been briefed that they were deployed back in July, after Japan occupied southern French Indochina. Along with Hainan, the Paracels and the Spratleys, that gives them the potential to dominate the South China Sea. Much too close to our base for comfort. And now they’ve launched a major offensive!

13:12
Ahead two thirds.

14:20
Ahead standard. Our course is 235°.

14:44
We have sighted four PTBs ahead of us, crossing our bows. These guys are small and fast! I wouldn’t like to be on the receiving end of a salvo of their torpedoes -- they’re so hard to see until the last minute they could launch a devastating attack before you could bring guns to bear on them!

14:50
The PTBs have changed course, and are bearing away towards Corregidor.

16:03
We are in the channel between the minefields off Corregidor. I can see mines in the water to starboard, but not to port. My NO assures me they are there! I have also seen smoke rising in the channel between Corregidor and the Bataan Peninsula. That’s the heading the PTBs were on when we saw them over an hour ago. I hope none of them hit a mine! I know the PTBs were deployed here a couple of months ago. Surely they would have been briefed about the minefields? We have only six of them, so we need every single one intact!

16:08
We’ve made our final turn, on course at 242°, to pass between the minefields. Second watch is now on duty.
Corregidor is an impressive bastion -- surely the IJN wouldn’t be foolish enough to try a naval assault here?

17:00
We are through the channel between the minefields and exiting Manila Bay. Still on course 242°, ahead standard.

17:42
We have come to new course 237°, ahead standard. I aim to skirt to NW of Lubang before turning SSE to pass through Mindoro Strait. We should make our turn in about four hours.

18:10
We have received Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: LARGE CONVOYS OF TRANSPORTS HAVE DEPARTS (sic) SOUTHERN FORMOSA LAST SEEN ON SOUTHERLY COURSE X UNITS IN AREA SHOULD INTERDICT X
This is contrary to the orders from COMSUBAF that I sailed with just a few hours ago, to patrol south of Mindanao. Because of the enemy presence in the vicinity, I am observing strict radio silence. So, because it will take over three days to reach our patrol zone, I am making an executive decision to attempt to interdict, as COMSUBPAC says. I have informed my XO, and I am ordering an immediate change of course. We can always head down the east side of the Philippines afterwards to reach our patrol zone, admittedly some days later than intended!

18:15
We have changed course to 270°. We will turn northwards in a little over three hours. My NO has plotted a course to 120°E, 20° N. It will take us less than two days to get there, if we remain on the surface -- which I intend to do to expedite our passage, as long as we don’t encounter the enemy, especially air patrols. I just wish we could have been fitted with one of the SD radars that became available in recent months!

21:40
We have come about to 345°, ahead standard. Weather is clear with a 10 kt wind out of the north.

[Bubblehead1980]

United States Navy
Commander Submarines, Pacific

Lieutenant Commander Straw Kalling,

You have been approved for the command of USS S-31 (SS-136), a S-18 class submarine assigned to the Asiatic Fleet.

Report for duty at Cavite Naval Base, Manila, Philippines, no later than December 8, 1941.

#####

United States Navy
Commander Submarines, Asiatic Fleet

Operational Order, December 8 1941

TO: Straw Kalling, USS S-31 (SS-136)
DEPART ON: December 9, 1941

Proceed to area Vineyard and conduct anti shipping operations within the designated area near the Celebes Sea for 5 days.

OBJECTIVE: Patrol area Vineyard within the designated area near the Celebes Sea for 5 days.

#####


Aboard USS S-31 (SS-136)

9 Dec 1941 13:02 - Cavite Naval Base
War patrol Day 1.
Ordered cast off from the tender, and ahead one third, set course to 270°. Departing on a war patrol in response to the Japanese attack. I have a crew of 54: five officers and 49 men, comprising four CPO, two PO1, eight PO2, six PO3, six S1c, and 23 S3c.
There’s a band on the nearby quay, but I don’t know who they’re playing for. It can’t be us -- they’re facing the wrong way!

13:10
My nav officer will guide us out of Manila Bay. I haven’t sailed with him before, but he’s familiar with these waters. Especially the placement of the minefields at the entrance to the bay, off Corregidor. I’ve been briefed that they were deployed back in July, after Japan occupied southern French Indochina. Along with Hainan, the Paracels and the Spratleys, that gives them the potential to dominate the South China Sea. Much too close to our base for comfort. And now they’ve launched a major offensive!

13:12
Ahead two thirds.

14:20
Ahead standard. Our course is 235°.

14:44
We have sighted four PTBs ahead of us, crossing our bows. These guys are small and fast! I wouldn’t like to be on the receiving end of a salvo of their torpedoes -- they’re so hard to see until the last minute they could launch a devastating attack before you could bring guns to bear on them!

14:50
The PTBs have changed course, and are bearing away towards Corregidor.

16:03
We are in the channel between the minefields off Corregidor. I can see mines in the water to starboard, but not to port. My NO assures me they are there! I have also seen smoke rising in the channel between Corregidor and the Bataan Peninsula. That’s the heading the PTBs were on when we saw them over an hour ago. I hope none of them hit a mine! I know the PTBs were deployed here a couple of months ago. Surely they would have been briefed about the minefields? We have only six of them, so we need every single one intact!

16:08
We’ve made our final turn, on course at 242°, to pass between the minefields. Second watch is now on duty.
Corregidor is an impressive bastion -- surely the IJN wouldn’t be foolish enough to try a naval assault here?

17:00
We are through the channel between the minefields and exiting Manila Bay. Still on course 242°, ahead standard.

17:42
We have come to new course 237°, ahead standard. I aim to skirt to NW of Lubang before turning SSE to pass through Mindoro Strait. We should make our turn in about four hours.

18:10
We have received Fox Traffic from COMSUBPAC: LARGE CONVOYS OF TRANSPORTS HAVE DEPARTS (sic) SOUTHERN FORMOSA LAST SEEN ON SOUTHERLY COURSE X UNITS IN AREA SHOULD INTERDICT X
This is contrary to the orders from COMSUBAF that I sailed with just a few hours ago, to patrol south of Mindanao. Because of the enemy presence in the vicinity, I am observing strict radio silence. So, because it will take over three days to reach our patrol zone, I am making an executive decision to attempt to interdict, as COMSUBPAC says. I have informed my XO, and I am ordering an immediate change of course. We can always head down the east side of the Philippines afterwards to reach our patrol zone, admittedly some days later than intended!

18:15
We have changed course to 270°. We will turn northwards in a little over three hours. My NO has plotted a course to 120°E, 20° N. It will take us less than two days to get there, if we remain on the surface -- which I intend to do to expedite our passage, as long as we don’t encounter the enemy, especially air patrols. I just wish we could have been fitted with one of the SD radars that became available in recent months!

21:40
We have come about to 345°, ahead standard. Weather is clear with a 10 kt wind out of the north.

You really are a glutton for punishment with those S boats eh? lol
Good luck. If you can, let me know how any depth charge attacks go.

max depth you went to, damage etc. I plan to revisit S boats a bit before releasing next update.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty with
External cam on and Map contacts on for this patrol to change it up.

Continuing testing of 1944 campaign in V2.0.

USS BARB SS-220 on my third patrol (this time period would be her eight actual patrol, first under her famous CO E.B. Fluckey) , changed Captain over to LCDR E.B. Fluckey. Patrol objective is one of the new ones, reflects orders and opportunities to experience things as Barb did in the Sea of Okhotsk in May-June 1944.

Ended last patrol at Midway as Barb did in April 1944, so starting out at Midway
(to keep things fresh and for variety of experiences, in V2.0 boat will often start patrol at say Pearl end at Midway, later at other bases and then will end next patrol at Pearl. This reflects nature of submarine operations during certain time periods. Will also apply to Australia subs once they have other bases aside from Brisbane and Fremantle. SO you'll bounce around a bit as new bases open but eventually rotate back to main base )




USS Barb SS-220
Eighth War Patrol
May 1944



May 21
_______

1530 Departed Midway in accordance with Operation Order No. 164-44.

1601 Observed large formation of PBY's (Aircraft Contact No.1) bearing 010
Kaneohe Based bombers transiting through Midway, returning from
strike on Wake Island.

1830 Trim Dive

1845 Surfaced.


May 22
_______

0152 Course change to 303 degrees at 14 kts en route patrol area
in the Sea of Okhotsk.

0400 SD contact (Aircraft Contact No.2) 12550 yds closing.

0405 PBY spotted 172 degrees. Attempted to exchange recognition
signals. PBY observed circling then making a dive for
BARB. Dive!

0406 As BARB passed 101 ft, a series of explosions shook the boat
violently. Light bulbs, glass fixtures, air lines, valves, pipes leaking.
Damage reported. Leveled boat off at 150 ft. (friendly fire mod, not so
friendly)

0407 Series of more loud explosions, but above and not close.

0410 Inspection revealed damage was Forward Batteries,
Trim Pump, Hydraulic Pump, and some water in forward torpedo
compartment. However, all could be repaired at sea.
Damage Control Party assigned.


0500 Surfaced. Continued to patrol area after that close call.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty
Camera and Contacts on for this patrol.

Note: This is V2.0 of the update mod, which is final stages of testing. Certain patrol objectives do involve wolfpack operations, within the bounds of the sim of course. Some orders will require rendezvous with other subs, dispatch to certain area for coordinated attacks. Due to navigation errors I did not arrive in time to attack with the AI sub standing in for Herring after meeting up with them earlier in day on May 31, but found a couple hours after. One merchant was damaged and convoy had passed through the designated ambush area. Later after my own attacks, the convoys lone escort was dead in water with props and rudder blown off, about 7000 yards astern of the last ship. No other allied forces in area, thinking AI sub got some torpedo hits in.
Also testing out my new longer sinking times in V2.0, working great thus far.


This mission was created and added to campaign for testing in order to replicate Barb's real life Eighth War Patrol (first under Eugene B. Fluckey, her famous skipper) in the Sea of Okhotsk . Used several resources including Admiral Fluckey's excellent memoir "Thunder Below!" , BARB's actual patrol reports, and other resources. These patrols will be in V2.0 as single patrols in addition to the career but modified for career to work with any boat, not just the BARB.(Would be weird to be in the Silversides in a career and get referred to on radio as Barb lol, immersion killer).




1944 -


May 31
________


0037 Received reply from HERRING regarding rendezvous at 1000 hours.
GOLET had yet to reply.

0714 Iceberg sighted bearing 330 six miles.
47-48N 152-11E


0850 SJ contact 349 14470 yards. Contact believed to be HERRING OR GOLET as near rendezvous point.
Began cautious approach. (Ship Contact No.2)

0929 Dive. Decided to conduct submerged approach due to low visibility.

0940 Received ULTRA and ACTION for BARB, HERRING< GOLET for coordinated attack. Convoy departed
MATSUWA this morning at 0630. G

0955 Confirmed contact is HERRING. Surfaced.

1000- Conducted meeting regarding coordinated attack. GOLET failed to acknowledge message or
1030 make rendezvous.

1400 Did not locate convoy at expected location. Set search course along
Matsuwa-La Perouse line at 18 kts.

1438 HERRING reported contact and attacking convoy.
Set course 220 to intercept.


1557 SJ contact bearing 318 27955 yards. (Ship Contact No.3)
Four pips. Set pursuit course.


1630 Smoke sighted bearing 280. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED


1640 Submerged for attack. Went to depth 350 ft for high speed range to close for firing.

1705 Periscope depth. During ascent to periscope depth, convoy zigged to 205 away from BARB.
Convoy is three AK with one frigate or MS type escort. One AK in rear appears damaged, likely from
HERRING's earlier attack. AK has large hole aft and stack and slight list.

1725 Convoy zigged back towards BARB. Closed at high speed at 250 ft.

1740 At periscope depth, convoy zigged further away.

1750 Secured GQ. Due to radical zig making obtaining a suitable submerged attack position unlikely. Decided to trail convoy until dark for night surface attack.

1805 Surfaced. Shadowed convoy at range of eleven miles off port side.
Contact Report sent to COMSUBPAC and for action to HERRING, GOLET.

1900 Convoy zigs roughly every 10-15 minutes, radically.

2355 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE


June 1
_______

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1

0100 Astern of convoy at 6000 yards, awaited next zig to close in for attack.

0104 Convoy zigged, moved for attack.

0119 Readied all bow tubes. No.1-6

0123 Fired tubes 1,2,3. at lead AK KOTO MARU. Range 2550 yards.

0124 Torpedoes 1,2,3 all hit target. Large explosions. Vessel began to settle in water.

During turn away from convoy came under heavy fire from merchants. BARB illuminated by star shells.
Escort attempted to chase but did not have speed to catch BARB.

0130 AK KOTO MARU 4466 tons sunk at 47-54N 151-29E.


TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2

0212 Closing on AK MADRAS MARU

0216 Fired tubes 4,5,6 at AK MADRAS MARU. Range 2000 yards.
Torpedo (Tube 6) went on erratic track to port. Likely gyro failure.
Other two torpedoes ran hot, straight, and normal.

0217 Two torpedoes hit MADRAS MARU. Large fire visible, vessel lost water,
settled in water.

During turn away came under intense machine gun fire from MADRAS MARU.Escort about 4000 yards away hunting, closed in at high speed. Area illuminated with star shells. BARB turned away to evade closing escort. Several shells splashed ahead abut 100 yards from escort.

0232 MADRAS MARU dead in water.

0233 Forward tubes ordered reloaded.


TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2-A

0302 Fired Tube No.1 at MADRAS MARU. Range 5200 yards.

0306 Enemy escort bearing 304 dropping depth charges. Explosions heard, water columns from explosions observed at 5000 yards.


0307 Torpedo impact!


0308 MADRAS MARU sinking. Opened range to 10000 yards. Stopped.
Fog lifted, with moonlight and phosphorescence, further surface action
not possible. Early arctic dawn approaching in less than two hours.
Secured GQ, finished torpedo reload, allow crew to stand easy.
Waited for pip of MADRAS MARU to disappear, if does not, will approach to finish off Once vessel sinks, will end around to finish off the remaining AK, previously damaged by HERRING. No word from HERRING nor GOLET in response to contact report.

0318 Pip disappeared. Visually observed MADRAS MARU 3790 tons sink at 47-54N 151-27E


0430 Dawn breaking, moving for end around.


0711 Regained SJ contact after end around.
SJ contacts bearing 339 28544 yards.


TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3

0715 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED


0725 Smoke sighted ahead bearing 000. Convoy closing BARB. Submerged for attack.


0742 AK zigged away to SSE course. AK is RYUSEI MARU, previously damaged by HERRING.

0815 AK zigged back towards BARB. Heard distant explosions. Escort not in sight, possibly attacking (or being attack!) by HERRING/GOLET

0834 "Crossed the T" of the AK for stern shot.

0842 Fired Tubes 7,8,9 at RYUSEI MARU. Range 928 yards.

0843 Torpedoes

0844 Torpedo 1(Tube 7) hit the bow, Torpedo 2(Tube 8) missed just ahead, Torpedo 3(Tube 9) hit
bow of target. Adjusted TDC speed to 5 knots and fired Tube 10.

0845 Torpedo hit target amidships.

0846 Target one fire, sinking by her bow.

0854 RYUSEI MARU 6538 tons sunk at 47-56 N 151-01 E

0855 Surfaced. Lone SJ pip bearing 240, presumed to be escort. Set course 150 to close.

0904 Spotted escort stationary/dead in water at 1252 yards.
Submerged for approach and attack.

1054 Periscope depth. Target at 9000 yards appears dead in water, difficult to ascertain in fog.
Returned 100 ft for approach, rigged for silent running.

1135 Thermal layer at 100 ft. Set depth for 105 ft.

1140 Sound has noises of escort ahead. Escort is stationary.

1230 Escort dead in water at 6000 yards, bearing 000.
Returned to 105 ft for approach.


1332 Tubes 3,4,5,6 made ready to fire.

1333 Vessel identified as a Shimushu Class Escort Vessel.

1344 Periscope depth.

1350 Fired Tube 3 at Shimushu Class Escort (Type A) . Range 1600 yards.

1352 Torpedo ran below vessel. Secured GQ, went to 100 ft.
Vessel's propulsion obviously disabled (external cam shows props and rudder blown off, surely by AI sub aka HERRING's torpedoes) decided would surface after dark and use deck gun to sink vessel, in lieu of possibly wasting more torpedoes on shallow draft vessel.


GUN ACTION NO.1

2247 GENERAL QUARTERS-BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION

2344 Surfaced.

2346 Opened fire range 6500 yards.

2347 Hit

2348 Direct hit amidships. Large explosion and cloud of flames short into air, engulfing entire vessel.

2349- Scored multiple hits on target. Target burning bow to stern.
2356


2356 Ceased fire. Target on fire bow to stern, sinking.

[EddieLyons]

10 Dec 1941 01:08
War patrol Day 2.
We have received another signal from COMSUBPAC: JAPANESE FORCES APPROACHING APPARI (sic) LUZON X INVASION IMMINENT X
We can’t get there to oppose the invasion, but perhaps we can interfere with their logistics.

04:14
We have received yet another signal from COMSUBPAC: ENEMY INVASION FORCES HAVE BEEN REPORTED OFF THE COAST OF VIGAN WESTERN LUZON X INVASION IMMINENT X
The Japs are certainly busy! Vigan is a lot closer to us, only some 160 NM from our current location. We could be there in under 15 hours, so I’ve ordered ahead full and changed course to 358°. My NO has plotted a new course to place us off the invasion beaches. Our current position is 15°11’N, 119°37’E.

12:00
We are making good progress, currently at 16°34’ N, 119°42’ E, course now 024°, less than 20 NM NW of Santiago Island at the mouth of Lingayan Gulf. I have ordered a dive to 100 ft, ahead two thirds. Lingayan Gulf is an ideal place for an invasion - the lowlands from there lead right towards Manila. I want my sonarman to spend some time searching for possible contacts, before we proceed towards Vigan.

13:00
We have heard no sound contacts of note. I have ordered us to periscope depth.

13:05
A periscope sweep and another hydrophone sweep reveal no contacts in our vicinity. I have ordered us to surface, ahead full.

13:25
It’s said that best laid plans don’t survive first contact with the enemy. At 16°41’ N, 119°44’ E lookouts spotted multiple aircraft coming from aft. I quickly counted 20(!) twin-engined bombers in echelon formation on a direct intercept course. As I ordered a crash dive at flank speed, with a hard turn to starboard, they started to strafe and bomb us from medium to high altitude. Bomb detonations were so frequent and close together, we could not count them. As I write this, additional detonations are audible, so at least some aircraft must be circling and dropping ordnance in a vainglorious hope of a lucky hit on us. Fortunately, reports from all compartments indicate no damage, and no injuries apart from bumps and bruises suffered by those caught unawares by the crash dive.

13:32
More detonations in the distance; why are they continuing a futile expenditure of ordnance on a target they cannot see?
We are currently on a heading of 098°, ahead two thirds, at a depth of 150 ft. Battery is already down to 87%, so I’ll reduce speed before long to conserve power.
The enemy knows we’re here now, so we’ll remain submerged until nightfall.

13:52
I have ordered a reduction in speed to ahead one third, with battery reserves reduced to 85%. I have also ordered a return to our plotted course. We haven’t heard any more bomb detonations since before 13:40, so it looks like they’ve finally given up.

[NOTE: I went back to check this encounter on replay. There were, indeed, 20 twin-engined bombers that all either bombed or strafed us. It was an impressive number of bombs that were dropped! The bombers were followed by a number of waves of fighters, which attacked the same location we had vacated over the next 10 to 15 minutes. I counted 50 fighters in total! The bomber "formation" was especially ridiculous - maybe not the number of aircraft, but certainly the formation. They should have been in tactical groups of three, not a 20-aircraft echelon! And 50 fighters turning up in such a short space of time? Are these known bugs?] :k_confused:

16:00
A hydrophone sweep shows no contacts. But they’re bound to be looking for us. And expecting us!

17:00
Still negative on another hydrophone sweep.

17:11
The Nautical Almanac says the sun should be setting, so I’ve ordered ahead two thirds and periscope depth. Time for a look see!

17:26
Periscope shows all clear. But it’s still too bright for comfort -- I don’t want to get caught out by a lucky sighting by an enemy aircraft. So I’ll check again at 18:00.

17:53
Hydrophone and periscope sweeps show all clear. We surface at 18:00. Battery reserves are now 75%.

18:10
We surfaced at 18:00 at 16°50’N, 119°50’E, ahead full.
We received a signal from COMSUBPAC. Grim news, indeed: BRITISH BB PRINCE OF WALES BC HMS REPULSE SUNK BY JAPANESE BOMBERS OFF MALAY PENINSULA X GUAM CAPTURED X JAP FORCES HAVE LANDED AT APARRI AND VIGAN PHILIPPINES X
The British have one of the best navies in the world. The IJN was modelled on it at one point! But air power is showing the day of the battleship may be over. And we very nearly joined those two grand vessels on the bottom of the sea today, too!
At our current speed and course we should arrive off Vigan in less than five hours. Perhaps under cover of darkness we can demonstrate that our submarines pose just as great a threat to Japanese shipping!

21:05
We are at 17°19’ N, 120°02’ E, inside 20 NM from our plotted arrival point off Vigan. At 21:00 I ordered a dive to periscope depth to make a hydrophone sweep, to see if we can pick up any contacts. We’ll proceed from here with more caution.
Third watch is on duty; first watch sleeping -- I want them well rested for the night ahead!
I must commend my crew. Morale is good; all remained calm through their first combat experience today; and even though we didn’t have time to go to battle stations, all operated magnificently to get us under in good time to avoid the worst of the onslaught of multiple bombs dropped all around us. That experience I’m sure will stand us in good stead in the future.

20:20
The hydrophone and periscope show all clear, so we are surfacing, ahead standard.

22:05
I conducted a binocular sweep ahead at 22:00. No visual contacts. We are now about 10 NM from our plotted point of arrival, so I ordered periscope depth for another hydrophone sweep.

22:06
And there there are! Multiple sound contacts ahead at long range, both warships and merchants. Right where I expected them to be!

22:15
The warships seem to be concentrated ahead, near the plotted point of our arrival. The merchants seem to be further inshore. I’m altering course towards shore, course 070°, and what I hope will be a target rich environment!

22:18
With a clear periscope sweep, I’ve ordered us back to the surface, ahead standard, for our run in towards the coast. The lookouts will have to be extra wary of the warship threat to our north,

22:50
The Moon has risen, and the weather remains clear and calm. This should aid us greatly in setting up any opportunities to attack the enemy. Equally, it gives the enemy a better chance to spot us in our approach on the surface. So, I shall dive again at 23:00 to conduct a hydrophone sweep.

23:10
I ordered a dive to periscope depth at 23:00, and commenced a hydrophone sweep shortly thereafter. This shows a group of warships and merchants between bearings 263 and 281, with the warships further offshore than the merchants. On those bearings they would be 10 to 15 NM offshore -- there appears to be nothing closer in, where I was aiming for. Are they withdrawing? Have they completed their landing operations? We shall monitor the situation for the next while before deciding what to do.

[NOTE: I took a toilet break here, leaving the sim running in real time, and guess what happened?!] :doh:

23:47
We have lost all hydrophone contact. I am surfacing to pursue northwards in hope of reestablishing contact.

23:52
Periscope showed all clear. I ordered us to the surface at 23:50, ahead full, on new course 359°.

[Bubblehead1980]

10 Dec 1941 01:08
War patrol Day 2.
We have received another signal from COMSUBPAC: JAPANESE FORCES APPROACHING APPARI (sic) LUZON X INVASION IMMINENT X
We can’t get there to oppose the invasion, but perhaps we can interfere with their logistics.

04:14
We have received yet another signal from COMSUBPAC: ENEMY INVASION FORCES HAVE BEEN REPORTED OFF THE COAST OF VIGAN WESTERN LUZON X INVASION IMMINENT X
The Japs are certainly busy! Vigan is a lot closer to us, only some 160 NM from our current location. We could be there in under 15 hours, so I’ve ordered ahead full and changed course to 358°. My NO has plotted a new course to place us off the invasion beaches. Our current position is 15°11’N, 119°37’E.

12:00
We are making good progress, currently at 16°34’ N, 119°42’ E, course now 024°, less than 20 NM NW of Santiago Island at the mouth of Lingayan Gulf. I have ordered a dive to 100 ft, ahead two thirds. Lingayan Gulf is an ideal place for an invasion - the lowlands from there lead right towards Manila. I want my sonarman to spend some time searching for possible contacts, before we proceed towards Vigan.

13:00
We have heard no sound contacts of note. I have ordered us to periscope depth.

13:05
A periscope sweep and another hydrophone sweep reveal no contacts in our vicinity. I have ordered us to surface, ahead full.

13:25
It’s said that best laid plans don’t survive first contact with the enemy. At 16°41’ N, 119°44’ E lookouts spotted multiple aircraft coming from aft. I quickly counted 20(!) twin-engined bombers in echelon formation on a direct intercept course. As I ordered a crash dive at flank speed, with a hard turn to starboard, they started to strafe and bomb us from medium to high altitude. Bomb detonations were so frequent and close together, we could not count them. As I write this, additional detonations are audible, so at least some aircraft must be circling and dropping ordnance in a vainglorious hope of a lucky hit on us. Fortunately, reports from all compartments indicate no damage, and no injuries apart from bumps and bruises suffered by those caught unawares by the crash dive.

13:32
More detonations in the distance; why are they continuing a futile expenditure of ordnance on a target they cannot see?
We are currently on a heading of 098°, ahead two thirds, at a depth of 150 ft. Battery is already down to 87%, so I’ll reduce speed before long to conserve power.
The enemy knows we’re here now, so we’ll remain submerged until nightfall.

13:52
I have ordered a reduction in speed to ahead one third, with battery reserves reduced to 85%. I have also ordered a return to our plotted course. We haven’t heard any more bomb detonations since before 13:40, so it looks like they’ve finally given up.

[NOTE: I went back to check this encounter on replay. There were, indeed, 20 twin-engined bombers that all either bombed or strafed us. It was an impressive number of bombs that were dropped! The bombers were followed by a number of waves of fighters, which attacked the same location we had vacated over the next 10 to 15 minutes. I counted 50 fighters in total! The bomber "formation" was especially ridiculous - maybe not the number of aircraft, but certainly the formation. They should have been in tactical groups of three, not a 20-aircraft echelon! And 50 fighters turning up in such a short space of time? Are these known bugs?] :k_confused:

16:00
A hydrophone sweep shows no contacts. But they’re bound to be looking for us. And expecting us!

17:00
Still negative on another hydrophone sweep.

17:11
The Nautical Almanac says the sun should be setting, so I’ve ordered ahead two thirds and periscope depth. Time for a look see!

17:26
Periscope shows all clear. But it’s still too bright for comfort -- I don’t want to get caught out by a lucky sighting by an enemy aircraft. So I’ll check again at 18:00.

17:53
Hydrophone and periscope sweeps show all clear. We surface at 18:00. Battery reserves are now 75%.

18:10
We surfaced at 18:00 at 16°50’N, 119°50’E, ahead full.
We received a signal from COMSUBPAC. Grim news, indeed: BRITISH BB PRINCE OF WALES BC HMS REPULSE SUNK BY JAPANESE BOMBERS OFF MALAY PENINSULA X GUAM CAPTURED X JAP FORCES HAVE LANDED AT APARRI AND VIGAN PHILIPPINES X
The British have one of the best navies in the world. The IJN was modelled on it at one point! But air power is showing the day of the battleship may be over. And we very nearly joined those two grand vessels on the bottom of the sea today, too!
At our current speed and course we should arrive off Vigan in less than five hours. Perhaps under cover of darkness we can demonstrate that our submarines pose just as great a threat to Japanese shipping!

21:05
We are at 17°19’ N, 120°02’ E, inside 20 NM from our plotted arrival point off Vigan. At 21:00 I ordered a dive to periscope depth to make a hydrophone sweep, to see if we can pick up any contacts. We’ll proceed from here with more caution.
Third watch is on duty; first watch sleeping -- I want them well rested for the night ahead!
I must commend my crew. Morale is good; all remained calm through their first combat experience today; and even though we didn’t have time to go to battle stations, all operated magnificently to get us under in good time to avoid the worst of the onslaught of multiple bombs dropped all around us. That experience I’m sure will stand us in good stead in the future.

20:20
The hydrophone and periscope show all clear, so we are surfacing, ahead standard.

22:05
I conducted a binocular sweep ahead at 22:00. No visual contacts. We are now about 10 NM from our plotted point of arrival, so I ordered periscope depth for another hydrophone sweep.

22:06
And there there are! Multiple sound contacts ahead at long range, both warships and merchants. Right where I expected them to be!

22:15
The warships seem to be concentrated ahead, near the plotted point of our arrival. The merchants seem to be further inshore. I’m altering course towards shore, course 070°, and what I hope will be a target rich environment!

22:18
With a clear periscope sweep, I’ve ordered us back to the surface, ahead standard, for our run in towards the coast. The lookouts will have to be extra wary of the warship threat to our north,

22:50
The Moon has risen, and the weather remains clear and calm. This should aid us greatly in setting up any opportunities to attack the enemy. Equally, it gives the enemy a better chance to spot us in our approach on the surface. So, I shall dive again at 23:00 to conduct a hydrophone sweep.

23:10
I ordered a dive to periscope depth at 23:00, and commenced a hydrophone sweep shortly thereafter. This shows a group of warships and merchants between bearings 263 and 281, with the warships further offshore than the merchants. On those bearings they would be 10 to 15 NM offshore -- there appears to be nothing closer in, where I was aiming for. Are they withdrawing? Have they completed their landing operations? We shall monitor the situation for the next while before deciding what to do.

[NOTE: I took a toilet break here, leaving the sim running in real time, and guess what happened?!] :doh:

23:47
We have lost all hydrophone contact. I am surfacing to pursue northwards in hope of reestablishing contact.

23:52
Periscope showed all clear. I ordered us to the surface at 23:50, ahead full, on new course 359°.


Really enjoy your reports "as it happens.":Kaleun_Salute:


Far as the bombers. December 10 with those numbers, sounds like you ran into the bombers heading for Cavite, for the big air strike on December 10 or other air strikes at locations on Luzon etc. Fighters would be their escorts. Unfortunately, not way to really put them in realistic formation. I tried to make them spawn in somewhat accurate formation but does not always work out. Depending on the direction they were traveling, they could have been returning from a strike and had some bombs on board(planes do not always drop all ordnance for some reason) so may have been returning. They do not level bomb , so after attacking, they reform in odd formations as well.

Unfortunately, since planes in the game were added from development to be ASW, if they see you, the player's sub, they will forgo any other mission and focus on you. That is something that can not be changed without altering the coding. So the air strike spotted you and see lets get the sub! lol

Also, when you are detected a "warning" is broadcast to other forces in area, so if they are within range they will come looking for you. Aircraft(obviously) can get there in most timely manner. In stock and default TMO the time was 15 minutes which I find absurdly low, because is a patrol was 16 minutes away, would not come looking for you.. I set it to 24 hours. Now, that does not mean everything within 24 hours travel will come your way, there are other factors at play, but it does mean will attract attention. .

They continued bombing the site because was last place they saw you. If they got lucky and spotted your elsewhere submerged, would focus on you. False contacts happened/happens in ASW. Same reason after surface attack once lose sight of player sub, often assume you submerged and will circle than start depth charging a random spot where have false contact. Poor whales/fish lol

Yes the amount of ordnance they dumped was impressive I am sure lol.


Finally, interesting you mentioned all the messages. I added a lot of them. Very tedious work lol. V2.0 will have refined messages and they will be theater appropriate so if operating out of Manila, will not be taking orders from COMSUBPAC and vice versa.

Regarding Repulse and Prince of Wales. They are operating in their historical time and place in current version and are attacked by bombers. In V2.0 with pre war career start, player may be assigned to a pre war patrol to the area and orders to operate with them in opposing invasion in area. If around them at appropriate time and place, can witness the air strikes that sink them. Pretty impressive to watch. The numbers overwhelm them and usually sink them, but sometimes they survive, listing, on fire. A Betty torpedo bomber (unfortunately we dont have G3M NELL bombers in SH 4) dropped a fish and caught fire from AA, then crashed into Repulse at the waterline.



Last test, Repulse went down quickly. Prince of Wales lingered for 14 hours, then exploded (fire mod which causes damage at work) in massive fireball, rolled over and sunk.

[EddieLyons]

11 Dec 1941 00:10
War Patrol Day 3.
I ordered a dive to periscope depth at 01:00 to conduct a hydrophone sweep, at 17°42’ N, 120°13’ E. This proved negative. Upon surfacing, I will change course to NW.

02:10
I again ordered a dive to periscope depth at 02:00 for a hydrophone sweep. Negative again. Upon surfacing, I’ll continue to NW until the next check.

03:10
17°56’ N, 119°59’E. Ordered periscope depth at 03:05 for another hydrophone sweep. Still negative. If they are retiring, are they heading north towards Formosa, or west towards Hainan? Either way, they should still have been within hydrophone range. Just how fast are their transports?

03:20
I ordered the boat to surface at 03:16, ahead full, returning to course. If our next hydrophone check is negative, I shall continue into the Luzon Strait, making best speed on the surface. We shall dive at dawn, conserving batteries to the maximum. My aim will be to loiter to the north of the Babuyan Islands in the hope of interdicting any shipping crossing from Formosa to the invasion beaches and back.

04:15
I ordered periscope depth at 04:10. Hydrophone again shows no contacts. It certainly looks like we’ve lost an entire convoy! When we surface, I shall pursue the Luzon Strait option.

05:10
18°15’ N, 119°59’ E. Dawn is approaching, and we have changed course to 037°. I anticipate a significant enemy aerial presence by day, so I will be ordering us under before the sky gets much brighter.

05:45
I ordered a dive to 150 ft at 05:35, a little after sunrise, at 18°19’ N, 120°01’ E, ahead one third once we reached our depth. An immediate hydrophone sweep revealed no contacts.

16:24
It is just after sunset on the surface, so I have ordered periscope depth. No sound contacts all day long.

16:49
Hydrophone and periscope sweeps show all clear. We surface at 17:00. Battery reserves are good at 71%.

17:05
We surfaced at 17:00, ahead standard, course 037°.

18:05
We have received a signal from COMSUBPAC: We are now at war with Germany and Italy, as well as Japan. So now we are in a two-ocean war! Good news is that the marines on Wake Island have defeated a Japanese invasion attempt! That raised a hearty cheer from my crew when I read it to them over the intercom.

20:00
I have ordered a dive to periscope depth to conduct a hydrophone sweep, at ahead one third. I have a standing order for this every three hours. I’ll be able to grab some much needed shut eye in between dives.

20:15
The hydrophone search proved negative, so we are back on the surface, ahead standard, still on course 037°. Our next dive will be at 23:00.

23:00
19°21’ N, 120°47’ E. The Moon has just risen, and I have ordered our next dive for a hydrophone sweep. Ahead one third once we are at depth.

23:15
Hydrophone sweep was again clear. We have surfaced, ahead standard, maintaining the same course. In about three hours we will change course onto the first leg of our patrol in Luzon Strait.

[EddieLyons]

12 Dec 1941 00:10
War Patrol Day 4.
Weather remains clear and calm. Conditions are very pleasant up on the bridge, with a gentle breeze out of the north. We are sailing almost directly towards the end of the handle of the Big Dipper - long before I learned stellar navigation at the Naval Academy, my father taught me to recognise the constellations. But there’s no time for stargazing for those on watch.

01:35
19°38’ N, 121°00’ E.
We have turned to our new course, 076°. We dive again in less than half-an-hour.

02:20
We dived to periscope depth at 02:00. Again a clean sweep - no hydrophone contacts. I ordered us back to the surface at 02:15.

03:00
I ordered a reduction in speed to ahead two-thirds, to conserve fuel. We’re close to base, so fuel supply shouldn’t be a problem, if all goes well. But who knows what will happen in the coming days and weeks if the Japanese forces ashore are not stopped. We must remember that their army and navy have over four years of combat experience in China -- no matter what politicians back home might say about them!

04:40
With the sky brightening, lookouts spotted a Japanese destroyer at long range, bearing 315, at 04:34. I ordered a crash dive to 150 ft and crew to battle stations. Hydrophone quickly picked up a second warship contact. It appears they did not spot us - they are continuing on their course of about 135° at high speed.

04:52
I have ordered us to periscope depth and new course 180°. The warships began to manoeuvre soon after crossing our bow.

04:59
Active sonar!

05:01
I have ordered us to 200 ft. We are on silent running. Passing through a thermal layer. Active sonar has stopped, and started again.

05:04
Several depth charges. Manoeuvred into the attack to attempt to evade. Aft dive planes transmission is damaged. Damage control team is on it.

05:08
Active sonar from two vessels. Close! Evading!

05:12
Multiple depth charges; multiple systems damaged! But no flooding.

05:15
Sonar is off line, so we’re deaf to what the enemy is doing! But the aft dive transmission is repaired.

05:16
Active sonar!

05:18
Multiple systems damaged from close depth charging. Some flooding in engine room and forward torpedo room.

05:23
I have ordered a new depth of 240 ft. Hopefully this will reduce the severity of the battering we are taking from depth charges …

#####

Okay, this was a brutally short war patrol! When I ordered the final dive to 240 ft, the boat just kept on going -- both dive plane transmissions were damaged! Blowing ballast helped for only so long. Not much I could do.

This is the second time I've been detected (passively?) by enemy destroyers that seemed to be far enough away not to have picked us up, or where we were far enough aft to be out of their hydrophone arc. But, no, they zeroed in on us like a laser. They must have exceptional hearing! lol

[Bubblehead1980]

12 Dec 1941 00:10
War Patrol Day 4.
Weather remains clear and calm. Conditions are very pleasant up on the bridge, with a gentle breeze out of the north. We are sailing almost directly towards the end of the handle of the Big Dipper - long before I learned stellar navigation at the Naval Academy, my father taught me to recognise the constellations. But there’s no time for stargazing for those on watch.

01:35
19°38’ N, 121°00’ E.
We have turned to our new course, 076°. We dive again in less than half-an-hour.

02:20
We dived to periscope depth at 02:00. Again a clean sweep - no hydrophone contacts. I ordered us back to the surface at 02:15.

03:00
I ordered a reduction in speed to ahead two-thirds, to conserve fuel. We’re close to base, so fuel supply shouldn’t be a problem, if all goes well. But who knows what will happen in the coming days and weeks if the Japanese forces ashore are not stopped. We must remember that their army and navy have over four years of combat experience in China -- no matter what politicians back home might say about them!

04:40
With the sky brightening, lookouts spotted a Japanese destroyer at long range, bearing 315, at 04:34. I ordered a crash dive to 150 ft and crew to battle stations. Hydrophone quickly picked up a second warship contact. It appears they did not spot us - they are continuing on their course of about 135° at high speed.

04:52
I have ordered us to periscope depth and new course 180°. The warships began to manoeuvre soon after crossing our bow.

04:59
Active sonar!

05:01
I have ordered us to 200 ft. We are on silent running. Passing through a thermal layer. Active sonar has stopped, and started again.

05:04
Several depth charges. Manoeuvred into the attack to attempt to evade. Aft dive planes transmission is damaged. Damage control team is on it.

05:08
Active sonar from two vessels. Close! Evading!

05:12
Multiple depth charges; multiple systems damaged! But no flooding.

05:15
Sonar is off line, so we’re deaf to what the enemy is doing! But the aft dive transmission is repaired.

05:16
Active sonar!

05:18
Multiple systems damaged from close depth charging. Some flooding in engine room and forward torpedo room.

05:23
I have ordered a new depth of 240 ft. Hopefully this will reduce the severity of the battering we are taking from depth charges …

#####

Okay, this was a brutally short war patrol! When I ordered the final dive to 240 ft, the boat just kept on going -- both dive plane transmissions were damaged! Blowing ballast helped for only so long. Not much I could do.

This is the second time I've been detected (passively?) by enemy destroyers that seemed to be far enough away not to have picked us up, or where we were far enough aft to be out of their hydrophone arc. But, no, they zeroed in on us like a laser. They must have exceptional hearing! lol


Ouch lol.

They most likely heard you dive the boat. All Boats are very noisy when diving/surfacing. Your engine speed was mostly likely high, esp if at crash dive, dive, once you hit the depth the game considers you submerged...in fleetboats its 40 feet, probably less for S boat then you are making a lot of noise under water they can hear, even some distance away. Plus the sub's sound signature, without RPM's, with pumps, tanks blowing etc is making louder during the dive/surface sequence. Sounds like they heard you dive, were into "alert" mode and came hunting. Located you with active sonar, possibly heard you, then located with active.

S boat's are in general quite noisy , esp compared to the modern boats, easier for AI to detect. I dealt with this in my recent Narwhal career. Old boat was noisy as hell and of course could not dive very deep, like a S boat.

Another factor is enemy destroyers/asw type vessels assigned to ASW patrol duties are usually set to "Elite" skill level, vs escorts which are mostly veteran units with a few elites here and there. Elite is to make them skilled in hunting subs and not be easy targets. Forces Captain to use discretion.


What is next? More S boat? lol

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty
Cams and contacts off.

USS BARB SS-220
Ninth War Patrol
August 1944


August 4
_________


1130 Departed Pearl Harbor for patrol area as part of Coordinated Attack
Group, Task Group 17.5 as part of Task Group 17.5, with in accordance with Operation Order 265-44. COMTG 17.5 embarked on aboard BARB for
duration of patrol.

1350 Rendezvoused with QUEENFISH and TUNNY off Barber's Point.
Proceeded on course 275 12 kts for Midway.

1530 Trim Dive.

1545 Surfaced.


August 5
________


0830- Conducted wolfpack exercises.
1230

1542 SJ contact (Ship Contact No.1) bearing 020 22500 yards.

1600 Sighted smoke.

1615 Exchanged recognition signals. Vessel is Victory type cargo with DE escort.



August 6
__________


Conducted sighting, torpedo fire control, and coordinated attack
drills throughout the day with QUEENFISH and TUNNY.


August 7
_________

0000- Coordinated night surface attack drills.
0300


August 8
_________

Conduct drills and group exercises throughout the day.


August 9
__________

1000 Entered Midway channel with QUEENFISH and TUNNY astern at 5000 yard intervals.

1027 Docked at Submarine Tender, Midway Island.

Conduct voyage repairs, topped off fuel and provisions.


August 10
____________


0730 Departed Midway in company with QUEENFISH and TUNNY
for assigned area in Luzon Straits.


0800 Formed into patrol line spaced fifteen nautical miles apart parallel to
one another as drilled. Course 264 degrees 11 kts per operation order.
ETA of arrival in Area 0500 25 August.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty.
Cams/contacts off.

USS BARB SS-220 in Luzon Straits operating in "Wolfpack" with USS TUNNY SS-282 and USS QUEENFISH SS-393 (AI torpedo firing subs)



August 30, 1944
__________

1321 Received ULTRA and action addressed to BARB QUEENFISH TUNNY.
Convoy reported en route Takao to Manila. Expected transit
area 0000 31 August Conduct coordinated attack.


1330 COMTG 17.5 set intercept point at 20-55N 119-43E.
QUEENFISH TUNNY acknowledged order for coordinated attack.
BARB on course 139 18 kts.

1900 Contact with QUEENFISH (Radar signals)
at designated attack coordinates.

1930 Submerged until dark to avoid possible detection by aircraft, patrols in
advance of convoy.


2245 Periscope depth. Aircraft spotted! Bearing 007 5000 yards (Aircraft
Contact No.4) Ordered 150 ft.

2247 Spotted TUNNY on surface bearing 244 6.5 NM.

2250 Aircraft heading right for TUNNY. TUNNY detected AR submerged. Do
not believe TUNNY was spotted as aircraft cruised on.
(AI sub reached last waypoint to simulate a dive as it arrived at ambush site, GREAT timing lol)

2309 Sound has many prop noises ahead bearing 005, distant.

2330 Radar depth. SJ contacts bearing 004 28355 yds (Ship Contact No.3)

2350 Chose to make night submerged attack due to near full moon providing
too great of visibility for surface attack. GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED.

2356 Spotted smoke and outline of enemy ships (Convoy) bearing 017 8 miles estimated.




August 31, 1944
___________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1

0022 Contact report sent.
Convoy sighted.
Position 21-04 N 119-43E.
Convoy course 160 Speed 11 kts

0025 Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6, made ready to fired.
Torpedoes set to low power. Heavy escort screen and last minute course
change by convoy required firing from longer range.

0030 Selected one large AO in middle column, one mid sized AO in starboard
column as targets.

0033 Fired tubes 1,2,3 at Target No.1 (AO 10000 tons) Range:6750 yards.
Torpedo Depth: 5ft.

Fired tubes 4,5,6 at Target No.2 (AO 6000 tons) Range: 5540 yds
Torpedo Depth:5 ft


0039 Search lights on, star shells. Torpedo wakes spotted.
Damn phosphorescence!


0040 Torpedo impact on far side of convoy with a mid sized AK.
Unsure of identity as only saw vessel briefly due to flash
of explosion illuminating vessel.

0041 Escorts heading in BARB's direction, fast.
Ordered 350 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge.

0044 Thermal layer at 216 feet
21-4N 119-44E

0046 Pinging.

0047 Enemy above. Splashes.

0048 DC explosions. Tooth shakers.

0050 Another enemy above. Splashes.

0051 BARB at 375 ft. Boat shaken.

0053 Enemy above. Large pattern of splashes.

0054 Large pattern exploded above. BARB at 395 ft. Pushed to 411 feet by
explosions above.

0101 Many DC explosions astern, not close.
Believe enemy lost contact with BARB.
BARB at 390 ft.

0103 Many DC explosions astern.

0105 More DC explosions astern. Estimated range 3000-4000 yards.

0117 More DC explosions astern.

0210 Convoy moved on SSW course. Depth charge explosions and gunfire
audible on sound bearing 293, long
range. Believe QUEENFISH and/or TUNNY attacked convoy.


0215 Periscope depth.

0220 SJ contact bearing 178 8500 yards.

0223 Surfaced. Began to close contact, as could be damaged AK torpedoed.

0225 Contact is DE type vessel. APR-1 detected radar emissions from contact bearing. Turned away on pursuit course of convoy. DE increased speed and closed location of BARB's surfacing. BARB slipped away into night.

0226 Ahead at bearing 330-340 observed star shells, cna see large splashes in water at 9000 yards/ Fire and smoke visible as well, likely from damaged/sinking vessels torpedoed by QUEENFISH/TUNNY.
BARB conducted end around and reloaded forward tubes.


0328 Tubes reloaded. Closed convoy for attack.


0331 Submerged for attack 3500 off track of convoy.
Went to 150 ft for high speed run to close large AO.

0332 Sound has many depth charge explosions, distant bearing 305. TUNNY
or QUEENFISH, or both have escorts rather worked up.


0342 Periscope depth. Large AO veered off out of range.
Sighted medium sized AO identified as DAISHIN MARU 5150 tons

0342 Many DC explosions audible.

0344 Closing target at high speed.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2

0346: Fired tubes 1,2,3,4 at AO DAISHIN MARU 5000 tons. Range 1700 yards. Torpedo Depth. 8 ft

0346:45 After release of torpedo No 4, noticed target slowed, and began a turn to port, which would likely cause torpedoes to miss. Adjusted TDC speed and AOB to compensate, fired Tube No.5 at 0346:55.

0347 Torpedo No. 5 impact! Tanker went up in massive explosion.
Tanker began to sink. Torpedoes 1,2,3,4 missed.

Observed large AK closing fast, firing at BARB's periscope, coming in to
ram. Ordered 100 feet emergency in case has depth charges (coming
soon merchants will have depth charges to defend themselves in
situations like this.)

TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 3

0402 Periscope depth. Fast set up on AK. Fired stern tubes 7,8,9 range 500
yards. Torpedo Depth 8 ft.

0403 Torpedo impact (all three)! massive explosion and secondary explosions
for nearly a minute. Vessel split in two! Must have been a ammo ship.
AK JOGU MARU 6669 tons sunk at 20-50N 119-41E

0404 AO DAISHIN MARU sunk! 20-50N 119-41E

0405 Large AO spotted ! Ahead flank. One torpedo forward, one aft.
AO will pass astern of BARB. AO fired at BARB's scope.

0406 Sound reports warship closing high speed estimated range 4000 yards.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.4

0408 Fired tube 10 at AO NAMPO MARU. Range 650 yards.
Torpedo depth 8 ft.

0409 Torpedo impact! Massive explosion and fireball! Tanker slowed, on fire
bow to stern.
Ten seconds later a massive secondary explosion broke tankers back, split
in two.NAMPO MARU 10000 tons sunk at 20-50N 119-41E.

Pinging heard just after last explosion. Escort spotted 275 closing fast.
Ordered 350 ft, rigged for silent running and depth charge.

0411 As BARB passed 275 feet, heard torpedoes impact at bearing 330
estimated range 4000 yards. Submerged submarine detected same
bearing. Appears QUEENFISH or TUNNY's torpedoes found their mark,
again!


0414 BARB at 350 ft. Escort passed above, did not drop depth charges.
Rushed on and dropped on bearing of submerged submarine. TUNNY or
QUEENFISH were in for it.

0421 Pinging

0423 Pinging.
Escort above. Again no splashes, escort moved on to
attack other submarine. Many depth charge splashes heard on its
bearing.


0435 Depth charge explosions and gunfire, distant.

0500 Last depth charge explosions. Sounds of convoy grew distant.

0517 Secured General Quarters to give crew a rest. Maintained Silent Running.


0548 Sound has submerged submarine estimated 6000 yards on bearing 105. Likely QUEENFISH or TUNNY.


0647 One escort remains in area hunting, covering the convoys rear, keeping
BARB and no doubt our pack maters from surfacing for end around
for another attack before convoy departs our area.
BARB has nine torpedoes remaining. One MK 14-3A, and four MK 23-2
torpedoes forward, four MK 18-2 torpedoes aft.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty
cams and map contacts off.

__________________________________________________ ____
USS BARB SS-220

August 31, 1944 (continued)
September 1, 1944.


August 31, 1944

0820 Periscope/Radar depth.

0825 Surfaced for end around. Tubes ordered reloaded.
Batteries on charge.

1100 Dawn. BARB still working into position ahead for attack.
Radar interference on APR-1 bearing 230 believed to be from
QUEENFISH.
(Added radar to the AI subs, so if player has APR-1, will detect their radar
signals sometimes)
No communications otherwise from TUNNY or QUEENFISH.

1236 Regained SJ contact with convoy bearing 014 26500 yards.
Course 319 to intercept.

1245 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED.

1255 Analysis of PPI scope shows attack from starboard side would
be BARB's best bet due to persistent gap in the screen.
Readout indicates four vessels surrounded by five escorts in a ring.
BARB sunk three, apparent QUEENFISH and TUNNY sunk two, as
original count of convoy was nine merchants/tankers, five escorts.

1308 Convoy changed course to SW.

1332 Contact report sent to QUEENFISH, TUNNY, COMSUBPAC.
Submerged for attack.


1406 Easing inside escort screen from starboard side.
Etorofu Escort crossed BARB's stern at 1800 yards.

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.5

1409 Observed AP KYOKUYO MARU 6783 tons as best target in range of electric torpedoes.

1411 Tubes 7,8,9,10 made ready to fire.

1412 Fired tubes 7,8,9,10. Range 2548 yards.
Torpedo Depth: 10 ft.

1415 Torpedoes missed. Secured GQ. Went to 200 ft.


TORPEDO ATTACK NO.6

1517 Sound has lone merchant contact bearing 200 long range.
Possible straggler trying to catch up with convoy.
Ordered Ahead Full on intercept course and periscope depth.

1526 Periscope depth. Spotted damaged AK, low in water.
Possibly AK BARB damaged in Attack No.1, of course
could been damaged by TUNNY or QUEENFISH.
Went to 80 feet at flank speed to close for attack.


1528 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED


1540 Single Ping Range to target. 3580 yards bearing 305.


1545 Periscope observation. Contact is AK of KOTO MARU Class 4466 tons.
Course 215 8 kts. Vessel shows signs of previous damage.

1549 Fired Tubes 5,6,. Range 1200 yards.

1550 Target made evasive maneuver. One torpedo struck bow, other missed ahead.

1552 Target down by bow with angle. Stern lifted in air, but appears
underway.
No large guns visible. Prepared for BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION.

1553 AK has serious down angle by bow.


1556 Vessel now had heavy down angle by bow. Props broached surfaced.

1558 BATTLE SURFACE-GUN ACTION.
Surfaced.

1600 Opened fired from 2500 yards with 4 inch 50 caliber gun, 40mm and
20mm guns.
Gunners on stern, and por side, in spite of vessels condition returned
machine gun fire.
However, three solid hits from three inch, and several from 40mm
and 20mm was all that was needed.
AK's down angle increased her, stern stuck straight up in the air,
before quickly sliding beneath the waves. Two lifeboats were
observed in the water. AK KOTO MARU sunk
19-55N 119-31E 4473 tons.

1601 As BARB moved to investigate the wreck and lifeboats, SD had a
contact a 15000 yards closing fast.
Appeared that the stricken vessel put out a distress call.Cleared the
deck
and submerged to
150 ft. At 150 ft, secured from GQ. (Aircraft Contact No.5)

1727 Surfaced. Pursuit course to catch convoy before depart our area.


1813 Received contact report from QUEENFISH.
Enemy convoy 21-18N 119-50E Course 170 Speed 9 knots. BARB
turned north to intercept.

1959 SD contact 21000 yards closing fast. (Aircraft Contact No.6)

2000 Dive

2110 Surfaced


2246 SJ contact bearing 349 26250 yards.
Multiple pips. Convoy. (Ship Contact No.4)

2248 Topped off Battery Charge. Shadowed
convoy until night fall.


2259 SD contact 24000 yards. (Aircraft Contact No.7 )


2301 SD contact closing fast.
Dive


2310 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED
Opted to make dusk periscope attack
as moon would again prevent surface torpedo attack.

2350 Observed large AO in center column.
Similar to AKATSUKI MARU class 11800 tons.


September 1, 1944

0003 Tubes 2,3,4 made ready to fire.

0004 Fired Tubes 2,3,4 at AO AKATSUKI MARU. 1950 yards.
Torpedo Depth: 8 ft.All torpedoes expended.
CAPT E.R. Swinburne, USN., COM TG 17.5, pushing the firing plunger
for the last three torpedoes.

0005 All three torpedoes impacted tanker.
Tanker apparently empty of fuel, as did not explode
as expected. Tanker slowed with visible fire forward, amidships,
and aft when torpedoes impacted. Large holes visible as well.

Pinging began. AK nearby fired on BARB's scope, turned to ram.
Escort closing. Ordered 350 feet . Rigged for depth charge and Silent
Running.

0010 BARB depth 300 ft, escort above.
Large pattern of splashes heard.
BARB passed 315 ft.

Many DC explosions. Real tooth shakers. Damage reported
in after torpedo room. (minor)


0012 Large DC pattern, not close.


0013 Pinging.


0015 Enemy above. Many splashes.

BARB leveled off at 390 ft.

0016 DC explosions. Boat shaken.


0022 Pinging.

0025 Pinging, short scale. Enemy closing.

0026 Enemy above. Splashes.

0027 DC explosions. Boat shaken.

Close depth charge. Damage reported.
Flooding reported in Aft engine room.
Damage Control Party dispatched.

0029 Flooding under control.


0032 Many DC splashes above.

0033 Many DC explosions. Boat shaken.

0035 Many DC splashes above.

0040 DC explosions. Boat shaken.

0045 Sounds of ship breaking up from last known bearing of AO torpedoed.
Several large explosions from that bearing as well.

0430 Nearly four hours since last depth charge, two hours since last contact
with enemy. BARB rose to periscope depth.

0435 Periscope Depth.

0440 Radar depth.

0450 Surfaced. Secured GQ.

0534 Returned to scene of Torpedo Attack No.7


0545 Located large debris field and oil slick at 20-30N 119-44E.
AO AKATSUKI MARU 11800 tons sunk

0546 With all torpedoes expended early in patrol,
set course for Saipan to rearm and refuel so BARB my rejoin
QUEENFISH and TUNNY for further operations.

1415 SD contact 12152 yards closing.
Dive! (Aircraft Contact No.8)

1417 BARB at 150 ft.

2213 Periscope depth. Overcast, fog. Choppy seas with heavy rains.

2315 Surfaced. En route Saipan.
ETA September 6.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty
cams and contacts off

__________________________________

USS BARB SS-220 (Continued)
Operating with "wolfpack" i.e. Coordinated Attack Group, designatedTask Group 17.5 or "ED's Eradicators." (QUEENFISH, TUNNY) in Luzon Straits..


August 31, 1944


2246 SJ contact bearing 349 26250 yards.
Multiple pips. Convoy. (Ship Contact No.4)

2248 Topped off Battery Charge. Shadowed
convoy until night fall.


2259 SD contact 24000 yards. (Aircraft Contact No.7 )


2301 SD contact closing fast.
Dive


2310 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED
Opted to make dusk periscope attack
as moon would again prevent surface torpedo attack.

2350 Observed large AO in center column.
Similar to AKATSUKI MARU class 11800 tons.





September 1, 1944

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.7

0003 Tubes 2,3,4 made ready to fire.

0004 Fired Tubes 2,3,4 at AO AKATSUKI MARU. 1950 yards.
Torpedo Depth: 8 ft.All torpedoes expended.
CAPT E.R. Swinburne, USN., COM TG 17.5, pushed the firing plunger
for the last three torpedoes. (I added a crew member with name/rank on this patrol and had stationed on the torpedo fire control panel on this attack.)

0005 All three torpedoes impacted tanker.
Tanker apparently empty of fuel, as did not explode
as expected. Tanker slowed with visible fire astern in engine compartments
where one torpedo impacted. Fore toward bow as well.

Pinging began. AK nearby fired on BARB's scope, turned to ram.
Escort closing. Ordered 350 feet . Rigged for depth charge and Silent Running.

0010 BARB depth 300 ft, escort above.
Large pattern of splashes heard.
BARB passed 315 ft.

Many DC explosions. Real tooth shakers. Damage reported
in after torpedo room.


0012 Large DC pattern, not close.


0013 Pinging.


0015 Enemy above. Many splashes.

BARB leveled off at 390 ft.

0016 DC explosions. Boat shaken.


0022 Pinging.

0025 Pinging, short scale. Enemy closing.

0026 Enemy above. Splashes.

0027 DC explosions. Boat shaken.

Close depth charge. Damage reported.
Flooding reported in Aft engine room.
Damage Control Party dispatched.

0029 Flooding under control.


0032 Many DC splashes above.

0033 Many DC explosions. Boat shaken.

0035 Many DC splashes above.

0040 DC explosions. Boat shaken.

0045 Sounds of ship breaking up from last known bearing of AO torpedoed.
Several large explosions from that bearing as well.

0430 Nearly four hours since last depth charge, two hours since last contact with enemy. BARB ascended to periscope depth.

0435 Periscope Depth.

0440 Radar depth.

0450 Surfaced. Secured GQ.

0534 Returned to scene of Torpedo Attack No.7


0545 Located large debris field and oil slick at 20-30N 119-44E.
AO AKATSUKI MARU 11800 tons sunk

0546 With all torpedoes expended so early in patrol,
set course for Saipan to rearm and refuel so that BARB my rejoin
QUEENFISH and TUNNY for further operations.

1415 SD contact 12152 yards closing.
Dive! (Aircraft Contact No.8)

1417 BARB at 150 ft.

2213 Periscope depth. Overcast, fog. Choppy seas with heavy rains.

2315 Surfaced. En route Saipan.



September 2
____________

En route Saipan


September 3
____________

En route Saipan



September 4
____________

En route Saipan



September 5
_____________

En route Saipan



September 6
____________

1300 Docked at Garapan, Saipan. Reload oftorpedoes,
provisions, refueling, and voyage repairs began shortly after arrival.



September 7
____________

0345 Voyage repairs completed. Provisions loaded and stocked.

0400 Reload of twelve MK 14-3A, four MK 23-2, and eight MK 18-2 torpedoes completed.

0430 Refueling completed. Ready for sea.

0500 Underway from Garapan, Saipan.
Proceeded on course to return to patrol area.


September 8
____________

En route patrol area.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update V2.0
100 difficulty. Map contacts and cams on for this patrol.
USS BARB SS-220 10th War Patrol
Operating with Wolfpack "Loughlin's Loopers" (QUEENFISH, PICUDA, BARB) in
Area 9. (Real life Wolfpack in November 1944, under Cdr C.E. Loughlin, CO of QUEENFISH)




October 27
___________

0753 Departed Majuro en route Saipan in company with QUEENFISH, PICUDA, and U.S.S. GREINER DE-37 (Escort) in accordance withCOMSUBPAC Operation Order No. 355-44, conducting daily dive, schools, and drills. Group Commander, Commanding Officer, QUEENFISH.


October 28-
1 November
__________

En route Saipan. Conducted drills and group exercises.


November 2
__________

1030 Arrived Saipan. Refueled.


1500 Departed Saipan for patrol area in company with QUEENFISH and
PICUDA.



November 3
__________

En route to patrol area.



November 4
__________

En route to patrol area.


November 5
__________


1745 SD contact- 27500 yds, steady. (Aircraft Contact No.1)

1746 Aircraft appears to be circling location of QUEENFISH.

1747 SD contact range began to close rapidly. Aircraft spotted bearing 088
by lookouts. Dive! Emergency depth 150 ft.


1749 Explosions astern, not close.


1751 More explosions above, astern.


1840 Periscope depth. SD mast extended. All clear.


1841 Surfaced. Regained SJ contact with QUEENFISH and PICUDA at 29000
yds bearing 030. Increased speed to catch up.



November 6
___________


1530 Heavy rain, fog, overcast set in, seas remained calm with six knot wind
direction 235.


1600 Winds increased to thirty knots, direction 216.
Heavy seas churned up, with overcast and rain.

1815 Per orders from group CO, fell in line astern
QUEENFISH at 20000 yds for night time passage South of Yakushima
into assigned area. (Area 9)

2200 Received message from Group Commander aboard QUEENFISH to
proceed independently through the strait and proceed to assigned
station. BARB ordered to patrol the approaches to Sasebo and
Nagasaki.

2201 Increased speed to 20 kts for run through strait.
Heavy seas, winds, rain, and fog, made passage a challenge.


2245 Lost SJ contact with QUEENFISH and PICUDA.


2250 SJ contact on Yakushima Island bearing 030 30000 yds.
This provided a aid to navigating the strait in foul weather.

2316 SJ contact bearing 357 27000 yds. (Ship Contact No.1)


2318 APR-1 detected radar signals from bearing of contact.
Believed SJ contact was a patrol vessel, BARB avoided.





November 7
__________


0100 Cleared passage, set course for assigned patrol station in Area 9
off Sasebo-Nagasaki.

0947 Arrived in area. Storms persisted throughout the day.


November 8
__________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.1

0836 Storms cleared. Seas remained rough with tweny five knot
winds, direction 118.


1626 SJ contact bearing 003 24560 yds. (Ship Contact No.2)
Multiple pips indicated convoy approaching Nagasaki from SW.
Set course to intercept before convoy entered minefields.

1632 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED.


1647 Smoke sighted bearing 280.


1650 Twelve pips with four or five surrounding pips
indicated large, well escorted convoy.

1651 Convoy course 050 9 kts.
Contact Report sent.

1552 Depth under keel 300 ft.


1659 APR-1 detected radar emissions from convoy.


1700 Dive.


1703 275 ft for high speed run to close convoy.


1723 During ascent to periscope depth, passed thermal layer
at 183 ft. 32-38N 129-39


1726 Periscope depth. Observation showed BARB was nearly
inside convoy. Spotted large AK possibly AO in middle column.
Went to 100 ft to continue approach.

1747 Escort contact (lead escort) ahead estimated 2500 yards
bearing 000. Time approach for escort to pass as entered
forward screen. BARB depth 100 ft.


1756 Periscope depth. AK spotted bearing 030 500 yds.
Downed scope, backed away as slightly too close to center column.


1802 Observation. Identified AO CHIYODA MARU in center column
bearing 315 3000 yds.

1813 Fired tubes 1,2,3 at AO CHIYODA MARU. Range 920 yds
Torpedo Depth: 8 ft

1814 Torpedo impact! Torpedo impact!

1815 Torpedo impact!

Tanker exploded in characteristic manner of a loaded AO.
Massive explosion and fireball. Tanker keel split in two at amidships after
explosion. AO CHIYODA MARU 5113 tons sunk.


TORPEDO ATTACK NO.2


1816 Turned to starboard for setup on large AK next in column of CHIYODA MARU.


1821 Fired Tubes 3,4,6 at AK JOKUJA MARU tons. Range 1150 yds
Torpedo depth 8 ft. Ordered hard port rudder to turn away and head for
deeper waters.

1822 Torpedo impact! Torpedo impact!

First torpedo apparently missed, second hit stern mast area,
causing a explosion and large fire. Last torpedo hit the stern,
likely knocking our steering and the prop.

Escort vessel (TYPE C or TYPE D) spotted bearing 070 estimated range
2500 closing, fast. Ordered 250 ft, rigged for depth charge and silent
running.

1826 Thermal layer detected 193 ft. BARB leveled off 200 feet


1825 Pinging.

1826 Enemy appeared to lose contact.

1829 Sounds of enemy vessel breaking up, sinking.
AK JOKUJA MARU 7390 tons sunk.

1830 Enemy warship closing fast.

1831 Many splashes.
DC explosions, not close.

1838 Many splashes.

Multiple close explosions.
Damage reported. BARB at 280 ft.


1844 Enemy above, alongside.

1846 Many splashes.



1847 Very close DC explosion.
Flooding in aft engine room, and torpedo room.


1850 Leaks stopped in engine room, and aft torpedo room.


1852 BARB at depth of 285 ft.
Constant pinging by multiple escorts searching for BARB.

1900 Pinging ceased. Three contacts heard leaving area high speed.
Appeared contacts gave up. BARB at 250 ft.

1901 Damage to No.2 and No.4 electric motors and port prop shaft
caused a noisy and slow submerged speed.

Persistent valve leak and high pressure air line
leaks in conning tower.

1930 Several warship contacts arrived in area astern of BARB.
Likely ASW units dispatched from Sasebo.
Explosions heard in distance.


1950 Water and air line leaks in conning tower repaired.


2000 Secured GQ.


2100 Secured Silent Running. Ordered tubes reloaded.



November 9
__________


0022 Periscope depth.

0024 Radar depth.


0038 Surfaced into heavy seas and light raid.

Set course for area off Sasebo North entrance
to clear area of attacks.

0200 SJ contacts. Two pips bearing 025 21000 yds.
APR-1 detected radar emissions. Contact was
two ASW vessels. Avoided. (Ship Contact No.3)


0915 Dawn. Off approaches to Sasebo Northern entrance after high speed run
through the night. Heavy seas remain with light rain and light fog.


0945 Submerged for patrol off Sasebo North entrance.


1207 Periscope depth. Seas calmed great deal, barely any waves.


1901 Aircraft Spotted! Bearing 231 estimated 1000 yds.
(Aircraft Contact No.2) Ordered 150 ft emergency.

1952 Periscope depth.

2115 Radar depth. All clear. Surfaced into calm night.


2120 Set course to patrol ten miles West of Goto Islands along approaches to
Sasebo North entrance.


November 10
____________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3


0127 SJ contact bearing 351 26390 yds.
Set course to intercept at flank speed before target entered North
channel and minefields to Sasebo.


0130 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE


0144 Visually sighted target at 9500 yds bearing 045.
Target identified as large AK or Auxiliary on course
062 12 kts.

0148 Target identified as a Auxiliary Cruiser 15000 tons.
Large guns visible forward.

0149 Submerged for attack.


0154 Single ping verified range to target at 3200 yds.

0156 Target speed 15 kts course 062.
BARB increased to flank speed to close range.
Tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6 made ready to fire.


0159 Fired tubes 4,5,6 at AIKOKOKU MARU Class Auxiliary Cruiser 14280
tons. Range: 1589 yds. Torpedo depth: 10 ft

0201 Torpedo impact!
Torpedo impact! Large explosion
Torpedo impact! Massive series of explosions ripped vessel apart.
Likely third torpedo set off the ships magazines.

0205 Smoke settled somewhat. Vessel split amidships
in two sections, both profusely burning.


0207 Surfaced. Vessel astern.


0209 AIKOKU MARU Class Auxiliary Cruiser 14280 tons
sunk. 33-18N 128-55E


0210 Torpedoes ordered reloaded. Secured GQ.
Set course area south of Sasebo-Nagasaki.


0945 South of Sasebo-Nagasaki.
Submerged for patrol at dawn.


2148 Surfaced


November 11
___________

Patrol of Southern approaches to Sasebo and Nagasaki on surface.


1758 SD contact 25575 yds closing. (Aircraft Contact No.3)
Dive.

1800 Leveled at 150 ft.


1810 Several large explosions at BARB's depth, close.
Boat shaken. Ordered 350 ft emergency, ahead flank,
course 195. Appeared aircraft somehow detected BARB at 150 ft.


1815 BARB at depth of 350 ft.
Several large explosions heard off port bow, above, distant.
Changed course to 250 at 5 kts.

2130 Surfaced


2335 SJ Contact bearing 001 22300 yds. (Ship Contact No.5)
Contact made while transiting south of Goto Islands.

2337 APR-1 detected radar emissions from contact.

2349 Vessel identified as a Minelayer. Vessel appeared to be
patrolling pass south of Goto Islands. Avoided contact.

November 12
____________


0103 Unknown radar emissions detected bearing 067.
No SJ or visual contact was established.
Possible submarine. Departed area at high speed.


0157 Received orders to rotate to next station.
Set course to 260 to head for new station South of Quelpart Island.

[EddieLyons]

What is next? More S boat? lol

When I come out of "retirement, I'll see!

Maybe not an S Class, next time ...

[Bubblehead1980]

NOTE: This is a "historic contact" added to TMO Update and is present in V1.0 as well. This convoy is based on convoy HI-81 attacked by SEA LION and other subs beginning 15 November 1944. QUEENFISH sunk the escort carrier/aircraft transport AKITSU MARU. Wiki below, decent summary, mostly accurate)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convoy_Hi-81


November 15, 1944
________________

TORPEDO ATTACK NO.4


0205 Received ULTRA regarding large convoy departing Goto Islands 0600 hours.Proceeded to intercept for coordinated attack with QUEENFISH and PICDA.


0825 APR-1 detected radar signals.


0906 APR-1 detected radar signals.


0907 Two SD contacts range 24000 yds steady.
(Aircraft Contact No.7 and 7-A)


0908 Lost both SD contacts.

0954 SD contact 15190 yds closing fast. Two contacts.
Dive! (Aircraft Contact No. 8)


1207 Radar depth. SD contact 15000 yds closing.
(Aircraft Contact No. 9) Ordered 150 ft.

Believed this aerial activity was a sweep by aircraft ahead of a convoy.
Maintained submerged patrol.

1225 Detected submarine ahead estimated 10000 yards, this was
confirmed to be QUEENFISH.


1235 Sound detected many heavy props bearing 003.
Likely convoy closing.

1251 SJ contacts bearing 351 28400 yds.(Ship Contact No.6)

1252 SD contacts 13000 yds closing (Aircraft Contact No.10)


1300 GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SUBMERGED

1304 Radar depth. SJ contacts bearing 088 23696 yds closing.

1305 Received contact report from SEA LION regarding convoy.

1306 APR-1 detected multiple radar signals from convoy bearing.

1310 Convoy appears in tight screen with two long columns. Went to 300 ft for high speed run to open
range along convoys projected track. SEA LION expected to attack first from port side, likely pushing convoy towards BARB on starboard side. Convoy has 4-5 AO, several land auxiliary type, possibly troopships/landing craft carriers, with eight escorts.

1326 Periscope depth. Spotted smoke and outlines of ships on horizon ahead bearing 010 estimated range seven miles.

1336 Identified vessel in second column forward as a escort carrier.

1350 Convoy zigged toward BARB. Ordered back 1/3.

1359 Tubes, 1,2,3,4,5,6, made ready to fire. Torpedo depth set to 15 ft.


1403 Periscope observation: Target course 278. Speed 11 knots. AOB 49
Range 4650 yds.

1408 Fired Tubes 1,2,3,4 at AKITSU CVE. Range:
Torpedo Depth: 15 ft

1410 Escort passed just 1400 yards ahead
Maneuvered BARB to keep bow towards for low profile.

1412: Torpedo impact!
20

1412: Tornedo impact! Fired visible amidships and forward.
25


1412: Torpedo impact! Large exposion followed torpedo hit.
31

1412: Torpedo impact! Torpedo hit aft started large fire aft.
36

1415: CVE Akitsu erupted in massive explosion and fireball. Began listing to port.

1415 Pinging, two escorts closing. Ordered 300 ft
Rigged for depth charge and silent running.

1415: Passed thermal layer at 182 feet. Ordered boat level at 190 ft.
41


1416 Enemy above. Many splashed. Ahead flank!

DC explosions', tooth shakers.

1417 Another enemy closing. Ordered 300 ft.

1418 Enemy above. Splashes.

DC explosions, astern, not close.


1422 AKITSU CVE 11800 tons sunk.
33-07N 127-50E

1433 Sound reported torpedoes in water bearing 060.
Believe QUEENFISH fired on convoy.

1434 Torpedo impacts audible on sound.


1435 Several large explosions followed torpedo impacts.
Believe QUEENFISH hit one of the tankers judging by the explosion.
(under depth charge attack so did not want to cheat and go to external camera)

1444 Pinging by multiple escort continued.

1445 Two escorts passed above dropped large patterns.
Many DC explosions, BARB shaken.

1449 Enemy above. Many splashes.


1450 Many DC explosions, close. Boat shaken.
Damage reported.(See Damage and Defects)
Serious leak in forward torpedo room.
Damage control party assigned.

1452 Forward dive planes transmission inoperative.
Dive controls sluggish.

1500 Leaks in forward torpedo room stopped.
Flooding under control.


1504 Pinging resumed.


1507 Escort above. Splashes.
Explosions. Real tooth shakers.

1509 Pinging resumed.


1511 Pinging ceased. Sound reports two warships leaving area high speed.
Likely the third is playing possum, listening for BARB.
BARB depth 350 ft.

1518 Many explosions distant, convoy likely attacked again by QUEENFISH,
perhaps PICUDA.

1607 Sound can heard many explosions distant, bearing 107.


1630 Secured GQ. Maintained silent running.
Course 180. 350 ft.

2000 Secured Silent Running.


2130 Surfaced


2200 Damage Assessment:
Torpedo Tubes No.1,2,3,4,5,6 inoperable. (Three MK 18-1 torpedoes
remained forward)
Damage control party assigned.

Forward Dive planes transmission inoperable
Damage control party assigned.


Compressed Air Reserve Banks damaged beyond repair at sea.
Could only replenish reserve to 90 percent capacity.

All four stern tubes operation with eight torpedoes available.
In spite of damage, BARB could remain on patrol, and did just that.

[Bubblehead1980]

When I come out of "retirement, I'll see!

Maybe not an S Class, next time ...


:Kaleun_Salute:

[Sammy-rai]

My skipper recently transferred from USS S-28 (OnePunch) to the USS Snapper (SS-185). Sent out to the Solomons on his first war patrol with the Snapper, he sank 2 IJN Kuma-class Lt Cruisers and a destroyer escort in night action in 'The Slot'.


Here are some shots of the Snapper's interior, courtesy of the Fleet Interiors mod and a little adjusting:
5130

5131

5132

[Sammy-rai]

And just for giggles here is a shot of the Snapper's and OnePunch's conning towers:
5133

5134

[Bubblehead1980]

My skipper recently transferred from USS S-28 (OnePunch) to the USS Snapper (SS-185). Sent out to the Solomons on his first war patrol with the Snapper, he sank 2 IJN Kuma-class Lt Cruisers and a destroyer escort in night action in 'The Slot'.


Here are some shots of the Snapper's interior, courtesy of the Fleet Interiors mod and a little adjusting:
5130

5131

5132


Thanks for sharing:Kaleun_Salute: Gotta love those interior mods!

[Bubblehead1980]

New career in TMO V2.0 update
100 difficulty
Cams off, contacts on.

(Close call while leaving Saipan!)



March 3, 1945
_____________

Departed PEARL HARBOR in accordance with COMSUBPAC Operation Order #65-45, en route to the west coast of KYUSHU via SAIPAN to form coordinated attack group with TINOSA and SPADEFISH, with Commanding Officer TINOSA as group commander.


March 3-14
___________

En route SAIPAN, conducted training en route. Averaged three dives, one battle problem per day. Studied many patrol reports and "BUSHIDO" to get back in trim after a long lay off.



March 15
_________

0810 While approaching Garapan Harbor, Saipan,
spotted large formation of B-29 heavy bombers approaching
for landing, likely returning from night time raid over Japan.
(Aircraft Contact No.1) (B-24's substituting for B-29's, since do not have
B-29 in SH 4 at this time)


0945 Docked at Saipan.
Topped off fuel and provisions.

2000 Departed Saipan at dusk for Patrol Area NINE.

2101 Trim dive.

2105 Sound reported a submerged submarine bearing 070 short range, closing!. TIRANTE at 75 ft. Rigged for silent running.
(Ship Contact No.1)

2107 Torpedo noises detected on sound bearing 030! Ordered 100 ft,
emergency! Appeared that a undetected enemy submarine fired
torpedoes at TIRANTE, which was saved by her evening. post refuel trim
dive. (Shocked as did not expect any AI enemy submarines to be in are
at this point, but shows why must remain vigilant. Trim dive saved my
boat)


2140 Lost sound contact with submerged submarine.
Last known bearing 240, estimated range 5000 yards.


March 16
________

0040 Surfaced. Departed area at high speed.

0045 SJ contact bearing 090 19250 yds. Two pips.
(Ship Contact No.2)

0105 Contacts identified as Butler Class DE.
Exchanged recognition signals.
DE hunting area for submarine, likely
same one which fired on TIRANTE.

0130 Star shells spotted astern in distance.


0135 Depth charge explosions visible astern, DE
appears to have discovered a submerged submarine.
(Seems the patrolling DE's spotted the AI sub and attacked.
With external cam off, all could do was see flashes distant and listen on
hydrophones to explosions.


0200 Lost contact with DE's astern. Continued on patrol area,
with caution.

[!!HansGruber!!]

FOTRSU v1.7 p3
98/100 difficulty

USS Harder, 2nd patrol
March 17, 1943

1700 - ULTRA received of enemy task force operating in the East China Sea. Report is within 100nm but these things never pan out.

2300 - Radar detects large group heading ENE at 16 kts. Task group consists of 2 CV, 3 CA, 1 CL, 6 DD. Harder goes to battle stations and begins pursuit at flank speed to N for intercept.

2330 - Task group turns towards Harder on course 105. 1 x Hiyo and 1 x Shokaku class CV identified. Contact report sent and sub goes to periscope depth & silent running.

2345 - Leading DD passes 500 yards to stern.

2350 - 6 bow fish launched at Shokaku class CV from 1200 yards. Immediate dive to 250' and course NNW.

2351 - 4 detonations heard overhead followed by many secondary explosions.

2355 - Breaking up noises heard. "Believe that baby sank."

0200 - Some active pinging from a lone DD but sonar reports most screws far too the E.

0500 - Return to periscope depth and spot a few DD's 5+nm blinking.

0600 - Surface and withdraw to west to resume patrol.

[1Patriotofmany]

3 hits on the Rodney east of Britain. OM Darkwatershttps://i.imgur.com/b9ZHkEl.jpghttps://www.subsim.com/radioroom/https://i.imgur.com/b9ZHkEl.jpg

[Bubblehead1980]

3 hits on the Rodney east of Britain. OM Darkwatershttps://i.imgur.com/b9ZHkEl.jpghttps://www.subsim.com/radioroom/https://i.imgur.com/b9ZHkEl.jpg


Nice! :Kaleun_Salute:

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH

August 2, 1943
USS Cisco SS-290
Balao Class


0800 Underway from Mare Island for final Sea Trial,
live fire torpedo practice, depth charge indoctrination, and
night surface attack training on convoy.


0830 Passed below Golden Gate Bridge. Set course for
Monterey Bay for first phase of sea trial.

[Sammy-rai]

1943 January 14, just off the SW coast of New Ireland, kl 2200 -

Surface radar, then sonar detected a 4-vessel box formation, with one contact leading them and two more contacts astride the box's flanks.

As the SnapperII moved into firing position 90 degrees relative to the direction of the convoy, a preliminary speed estimate was taken. The result was 28 knots, either a mistake or the fastest convoy the Snapper had ever seen. A speed measurement was taken on another vessel and this time the result was 30 knots. Some sort of task force, then ??

Regardless, being well in front of their plotted path the SnapperII easily achieved a good firing position, 800 meters from the convoy's predicted passing point. SnapperII then went to periscope depth. Bow tubes were opened. Following normal procedure, firing would commence when the leading 'merchant' reached the 15 degree bearing point. Still no visual.

Visibility was decent and sea conditions were calm so as the spearpoint ship came within 1200 meters distance it was IDed as a Chidori, the feared anti-sub escort. It passed by surprisingly quickly. The sub's attack team now swung into action, working on a fix for the nearest vessels in convoy box.

To their surprise, both vessels were mere 1300-ton destroyers. Where were the juicy targets ? Suddenly it was noticed that the convoy box had reached the 15 degree mark without any of the contacts having been locked in and targeted. The captain then ordered that the trailing vessel in the box be attacked. The attack team went to work but by the time they had calculated a firing solution on the rearmost vessel in the box (a small Kaya class destroyer-escort), its bearing was 340 degrees and rapidly receding.

Captain Skeezix called off that attack and said to concentrate on hitting the nearest escort vessel guarding the rear of the convoy box. The last ship in this convoy, It loomed out of the darkness suddenly, nearer to the sub than it's companions had been. 'A Fubuki sir!' reported the exec. The attack team worked feverishly to achieve a firing solution but the 1750-ton destroyer had swept by the 15 degree firing point and was passing the 0 degree bearing before the team was finished. They then improvised a 345 degree targeting solution and quickly fired off two eels.

Watching their wakes, the skipper noticed at once that the 2 torpedoes had swung 90 degrees and seemed to be following a parallel course off to the side of the Fubuki. And that the Fubuki was pulling away from the torpedoes! In their haste to work out a firing solution, no one had told the torpedo room to set the speed to 'high'.

Results: 2 torpedoes fired, no hits.

Comments: What kind of setup was this - 2 full-sized destroyers guarding 4 smaller vessels ? Possibly an express-speed convoy? On the positive side, the Snapper remained undetected by this quite formidable group with great ASW potential. No pinging of any kind by any vessel at any time while the Snapper was observing. 800 meters is much too close for targeting a fast-moving convoy at night, even with clear skies and calm waters. Was this an ASW group trying to trick a sub into attacking it or an express convoy speeding on to Bouganville ? Attack team miscalculated time available to set up a firing solution, resulting in no attack and unsuccessful attack.

[propbeanie]

The 'local' USN used to refer to that as The Tokyo Express, while the Japanese referred to it as The Rat Express. They would speed across and down from Rabaul or Kavieng to Bougainville / Shortlands, and down to Guadalcanal or other points South. By January of 1943, if they are headed for Guadalcanal, they are attempting to withdraw... Report immediately to a superior officer upon RTB for JAG assignment and a court date will be set... "they went too fast" is not an excuse... There will be no investigation, this will go straight to trial, and you will be found guilty... :salute:

:arrgh!:

[Bubblehead1980]

1943 January 14, just off the SW coast of New Ireland, kl 2200 -

Surface radar, then sonar detected a 4-vessel box formation, with one contact leading them and two more contacts astride the box's flanks.

As the SnapperII moved into firing position 90 degrees relative to the direction of the convoy, a preliminary speed estimate was taken. The result was 28 knots, either a mistake or the fastest convoy the Snapper had ever seen. A speed measurement was taken on another vessel and this time the result was 30 knots. Some sort of task force, then ??

Regardless, being well in front of their plotted path the SnapperII easily achieved a good firing position, 800 meters from the convoy's predicted passing point. SnapperII then went to periscope depth. Bow tubes were opened. Following normal procedure, firing would commence when the leading 'merchant' reached the 15 degree bearing point. Still no visual.

Visibility was decent and sea conditions were calm so as the spearpoint ship came within 1200 meters distance it was IDed as a Chidori, the feared anti-sub escort. It passed by surprisingly quickly. The sub's attack team now swung into action, working on a fix for the nearest vessels in convoy box.

To their surprise, both vessels were mere 1300-ton destroyers. Where were the juicy targets ? Suddenly it was noticed that the convoy box had reached the 15 degree mark without any of the contacts having been locked in and targeted. The captain then ordered that the trailing vessel in the box be attacked. The attack team went to work but by the time they had calculated a firing solution on the rearmost vessel in the box (a small Kaya class destroyer-escort), its bearing was 340 degrees and rapidly receding.

Captain Skeezix called off that attack and said to concentrate on hitting the nearest escort vessel guarding the rear of the convoy box. The last ship in this convoy, It loomed out of the darkness suddenly, nearer to the sub than it's companions had been. 'A Fubuki sir!' reported the exec. The attack team worked feverishly to achieve a firing solution but the 1750-ton destroyer had swept by the 15 degree firing point and was passing the 0 degree bearing before the team was finished. They then improvised a 345 degree targeting solution and quickly fired off two eels.

Watching their wakes, the skipper noticed at once that the 2 torpedoes had swung 90 degrees and seemed to be following a parallel course off to the side of the Fubuki. And that the Fubuki was pulling away from the torpedoes! In their haste to work out a firing solution, no one had told the torpedo room to set the speed to 'high'.

Results: 2 torpedoes fired, no hits.

Comments: What kind of setup was this - 2 full-sized destroyers guarding 4 smaller vessels ? Possibly an express-speed convoy? On the positive side, the Snapper remained undetected by this quite formidable group with great ASW potential. No pinging of any kind by any vessel at any time while the Snapper was observing. 800 meters is much too close for targeting a fast-moving convoy at night, even with clear skies and calm waters. Was this an ASW group trying to trick a sub into attacking it or an express convoy speeding on to Bouganville ? Attack team miscalculated time available to set up a firing solution, resulting in no attack and unsuccessful attack.


Thanks for sharing, keeping this thread going. I haven't been on patrol in few weeks as have been working on next release of V2.0 mod, so have not really been able to share.


Appears to be you were running FOTRS mod? I thought it was TMO at first until I looked closer at screenshot.

I know that in TMO, I added certain convoys, typically based on actual convoys some cases landing forces, high priority contacts are "overprotected. " Importance of ships not necessarily denoted by their size.

Off top of my head I forget name of the sub but there was one in 1943 ran into a 3500 ton transport with four escorts, very heavy screen for one vessel esp for that time period, so they attacked. Turns out was carrying troops and ammo to Rabaul from Truk (later found out) or one the Cobia sunk in 1944, carrying tank regiment to Iwo Jima. One or two ships well protected.

I added quite a few "offbeat" contacts like this. Typically, the escorts are highly skilled as well.

[Sammy-rai]

Appears to be you were running FOTRS mod? I thought it was TMO at first until I looked closer at screenshot.

To be sure, I'll be trying out TMO before too long. Friendly-fire feature is something I'm definitely interested in checking out. I'm playing SH4 using the FOTRS mod and submods - in my opinion a pretty sweet package.

[Sammy-rai]

1943 January 15, just off the SE coast of New Ireland -

Weather: overcast sky, calm waters, good visibility.
No contacts this day.

The captain and officers of the SnapperII were down in the dumps after the dressing down received via radio communications. Before they had left Brisbane, the scuttlebutt had been that the base's new sub commander, Admiral Fife, would be cleaning house and removing those skippers he deemed 'unfit'. Skeezix had not considered himself in any danger. But now he was being threatened with a court martial while in the middle of a patrol!

As if that were not enough, the SnapperII received new orders to begin patrolling the SE coast of New Ireland for 'small convoys'. "Well boys," mused Captain Skeezix, "looks like they decided to put me in the backyard. We'll all be hunting fleas from now on."

Making good use of their free time, the captain and his men spent a good portion of the day practicing attacks via radar and sonar inputs.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***
1943 January 16, just off the SE coast of New Ireland, kl 2100 -

Weather: heavy rain, choppy waters, poor visibility.

Sonar reported three contacts traveling in single file formation. A preliminary speed measurement was taken in conjunction with the plotting of the convoy's path. Speed: 14.5 knots. Battle stations were sounded.

The SnapperII went to full speed and eventually lay submerged in a position 90 degrees to the convoy's path, at a distance of 1100 meters. (The attack team was now leery of being so close that they would not be able get a fix on a target before it steamed past them out of range.) As was their custom, they would try to launch a torpedo when it was 15 degrees off the bow. Bow torpedo tubes were duly opened. The captain then ordered all torpedoes set to 'high' speed with magnetic detonators 'on'.

The exec took up the attack periscope for a quick look-see. "Holy Jeezus, everything is black! Can't see where the ocean ends and the sky begins." He looked enquiringly at Captain Skeezix. "We stay put for the time being." was the captain's reply.

Two more speed measurements were taken as the convoy drew near: 14 knots was agreed upon as the new speed. At 25 degrees the exec took the periscope up to get a fix on the first vessel. "Still can't see a thing ! Too dark and the waves too choppy." The captain ordered the SnapperII forward at flank speed for 10 seconds, then slowed her down to 1/3 speed. Closer now, the exec took another look but still failed to make visual contact on a vessel. "For Christ's sake are you blind ?" - The skipper shoved his exec aside and took the periscope himself. "Give me a bearing on the last vessel!". Despite the sonarman's reports, Skeezix could not sight a vessel either.

"Zero the TDC - we'll fire straight ahead blind!". The TDC was duly zeroed and the first torpedo launched, but by now the last vessel was crossing the Snapper's bow, according to the sonarman. Frustrated, the captain laid his forehead against the perisope column.

Results: 1 torpedo fired, no hits.

Comments: The Captain ordered radio silence for the next 24 hours and has now retired to his cabin.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***********

[propbeanie]

If I may, skipper - next time, Radar Depth, and give a couple of sweeps to definitely establish course and speed, plus it will help with identifying DD versus merchants, etc. Observation periscope, but use the <Insert> key to raise the scope just above the waves. It brings in more light, and since you're at roughly 45 foot instead of 62 for the radar, you won't need much of a rise to use it. The <Delete> key lowers it, or you can use the push button to bring it fully down. Between the radar and the Observation periscope, you might get enough info to actually attack with. That is all. Carry on! :salute:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ob_Iwbd8h4


A song that is overplayed, but is quite good still, and applies here... lol- Sorry, no Kerry Livgren, but... couldn't find a "Live!!!" video of Lonely Street either... nutz...

[Bubblehead1980]

To be sure, I'll be trying out TMO before too long. Friendly-fire feature is something I'm definitely interested in checking out. I'm playing SH4 using the FOTRS mod and submods - in my opinion a pretty sweet package.


FOTRS is excellent, can't go wrong with it:Kaleun_Salute:

Lol Friendly Fire is definitely a interesting element. I've been bombed by a few "friendly planes". Lost a 14 patrol career in November 1944 to a Butler Class DE off Morotai, hedgehogs and Allied sonar vs a old Narwhal Class , not much of a chance lol.

My fault though, I was close to Mios Woendi to end a long patrol and ASSUMED the contact was a friendly DE given proximity to friendly bases, well his radar detected me on surface at night and he closed in firing, forced me to dive as could not out run him. (Sadly, the real life Seawolf was lost to in similar circumstances in October 1944 off Morotai as well)


In the soon to be released V2.0 of the update mod, I have reworked friendly fire a bit, still somewhat rare overall , but always a possible threat, especially in early war. New construction in 1942 off East Coast while U boats are a problem, friendly fire is likely .

[Bubblehead1980]

I've been working on the TMO UpdateV2.0 so have not been on patrol in a while. Testing out some new lifeguard patrol objectives (major revamp as they were terrible done in stock and were used in TMO)

USS Gato SS 212 map contacts and external cam on for testing, otherwise on max difficulty.


I was on patrol In DUNKERS DERP on 22 January 1944, awaiting orders to lifeguard station when SJ made contact at 28500 yards at 2341 hours. PPI scope indicated a large convoy in three columns, four ships each with five escorts. Soon plotted convoy as Northbound convoy, likely from Truk.

Closed range ant at 15000 yards called crew to GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE as conditions were ideal for night surface attack. There was no visible moon, just a slight glow in the otherwise dark night with crisp night air, winds at 3 kts direction 274, no fog, with moderate clouds.

GATO approached from the starboard side, looking to exploit the gap left every so often when escort would leave station to "sweep". GATO was ahead of convoy just 6000 yards ahead of convoy matching their 8 kt speed. At 0052 on 23 January 1944, escort made his sweep and GATO made a "U turn" into the convoy, increased speed to 15 knots and set course to enter via the gap.

As GATO came closer to lead escort, slowed to 10 knots to reduce bow and stern wakes. Soon noticed spacing was such could get inside convoy and with the enemy escort returning to station sooner than expected at high speed, decided to head inside. Maneuvered inside towards the center column where the most important ships are typically located, had a few tense moments as passed between first and second ships in outside starboard column, two mid sized AK's, roughly 4000 tons each.


Convoy was on course 340 at 8.5 kts and at 0101 the escor, now identified as a Chidori class torpedo boat, was back on station. Soon identified a large 11000 ton tanker similar to GENYO MARU and a large merchant similar to NAGARA MARU in center column. MK 14 3-A torpedoes in tubes 1-6 were made ready to fire, set to 10 feet. Stern tubes 7,8,9 with MK 18-1 torpedoes made ready as well, set to 10 feet.

At 0116, fired tubes 1,2,3 at the large AK. Each shot fired on single bearing with MOT (Middle of Target) as aiming point at five second intervals. Switched target to the tanker. Tubes 4,5,6 fired on divergent spread, as individual shots...aim points were middle of target, aft mast, fore mast.


Switched to Aft TBT and fired tubes 7,8,9 at mid sized AK astern. Immediately following release of last torpedo, ordered turn port aiming for intended "exit" spot.


At 0117 three torpedoes hit the large AK forward, setting it afire. Moments later, one torpedo hit the tanker, which erupted into a massive fireball, as it was obviously loaded with oil/fuel. Last two torpedoes were obviously redundant but contributed further to the conflagration.

By this point, GATO was up to flank speed and running through the convoy. A nearby AK spotted us and illuminated with spotlight, firing machine guns and then decks guns, a few close machine gun rounds, but no worries. Just then boom! two out of three MK 18's hit the AK astern, setting her afire. About 40 seconds later, ship erupted into massive fireball and split into two at keel amidships (love the fire damage mod!). At this point, star shells, spotlights, and fires had the area fairly well illuminated as GATO dodged gunfire.


Original escape spot was now blocked by a SC type escort, GATO changed course passing uncomfortably close to a mid sized AK astern in port column, which fired on GATO with her machine guns.

Soon noticed the Chidori had detected GATO and was closing at very high rate of speed. With one MK 18 (purposely saved for just this scenario) in tube 10, torpedo was set to minimum depth and tube opened. Course was changed to bring stern to bear for "Down the throat" shot on the on rushing Chidori if needed.


Chidori was closing fast from 4100 yards and APR-1 detected radar emissions ahead. Soon SD had a contact at 13000 yards closing fast. Seems a night flyer was called in from Iwo Jima, which was less than 100 miles away.

At 0120 fired Tube 10 down the throat from 3500 yards. Torpedo tracked perfectly but run below target(!). At 3000 yards, Chidori kicked on spotlight and opened fire. A crash dive was ordered.


GATO, was below in 38 seconds, on her way to 300 feet rigged for silent running and depth charge. Chidori began pinging immediately but at his high speed overshot GATO and dropped his pattern of charges too far ahead, none were close, but made a lot of noise.

GATO soon leveled at 300 feet as pinging returned. On this pass, Chidori pattern was on point, with one close charge pushing GATO to 311 feet, shaking boat terribly, causing minor damage. Ordered GATO to 350 feet as escort closed in for next run. A well delivered pattern of charges shook the boat violently. Minor flooding in forward torpedo room and conning tower quickly controlled.

GATO went to 375 feet and on next run went ahead to port on "burst" of speed (ahead flank) for one minute fifteen seconds. This seemed to throw the Chidori off initially as next pattern was not nearly as close.

However, two warship contacts soon arrived on scene , making runs, tooth shakers, but none were too close.

0144 the GENYO MARU tanker 11800 tons sunk! (love the longer sinking times I've implemented into V2.0)

Escorts soon made three depth charge runs in quick succession. GATO was forced to 390 feet. A close charge busted compressor and trim pumps, along with damage to dive planes transmission, but nothing too serious.

At 0201 NAGARAR MARU sunk.


Over next six hours GATO was depth charged numerous times by one escort, as other two departed scene and rejoined convoy. Some charges were close but GATO escaped further damage.


At 0830 after several hours of "sleeping" , escort was heard leaving area. Came to periscope depth, spotted a BETTY bearing 274 at 5000 yards, searching area. Went to 200 feet, secured GQ, reloaded tubes. At 1100 , back at periscope depth, all clear, surfaced to catch convoy, but SD contacts continued to force dives , preventing end around.

At 1400 on surface at flank speed to catch up with convoy, lookouts spotted aircraft astern, a BETTY was visible, flying low at high speed heading our way!. CRASH DIVE! (SD has been modified for realistic performance, contacts flying below 1000 feet at unlikely to be detected. Most planes in game fly above 1000 though).

As GATO passed 150 feet, boom! Boat was shaken, close bombs/depth charges from plane. Minor air and piping leaks in conning tower, lights went out for a few seconds, boat shaken but overall no further damage.

Went to 300 feet and remained so until dark, as each time went up, detected aircraft. At 1900, two DD arrived in area about 9000 yards away, hunting, likely based on earlier plane contact.

Surfaced at 2300, recharged batteries and back on patrol, awaiting lifeguard orders.

[Strykr]

Bubblehead, your Patrol Report reads like "Thunder Below."

And that's a GOOD thing.
Amazing how your work allows Convoy infiltration.

:Kaleun_Salute:

[Bubblehead1980]

Bubblehead, your Patrol Report reads like "Thunder Below."

And that's a GOOD thing.
Amazing how your work allows Convoy infiltration.

:Kaleun_Salute:


Thanks:Kaleun_Salute: I enjoy Fluckey's writing style in "Thunder Below" and do attempt to imitate it when do write ups. That was typed up in a hurry, noticed had a few typos when I just went back through it, corrected them. Glad you enjoyed.


Yes, it is the thing I am most proud of and happy with in the mod, making it possible to pull off such attacls, but maintaining the risk level. Escorts are not blind, especially once alerted. Just brings a whole new level to SH4 IMHO.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0
27 January 1944
USS GATO SS-212
100 difficulty, cams and contacts on for testing purposes


Testing out series of new lifeguard missions added to campaign.

After running into a convoy while in area DUNKERS DERP on 22/23 January, sinking a large tanker, large merchant, and a mid sized merchant in night surface attack, received orders on 24 January to assume Lifeguard station off Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands . These carrier air strikes are in advanced of invasion of Kwajalein on 31 January.


Dodged a few patrol planes en route as hornets nest stirred in general area after GATO's attack on convoy, but arrived on station 6 miles off Eniwetok Atoll before midnight 27 January per orders.


At 0901 SD radar made contact with group of aircraft at 10 miles, submerged just in case were enemy but soon spotted TBF, F6F, SB2C and SBD aircraft bearing 190. Sounds of AA fire were heard and a few "puffs" observed near planes.


Watched as planes attacked ships in lagoon and land installations (have added land installations planes and ships will attack, namely fuel tanks, looking for others). GATO closed in submerged to get a closer look at action.

Watched a SB2C Helldiver on fire crash in the lagoon, no chute or smoke marker visible. At 0913 , bsberved a F6F explode and a parachute open. Avaitor splashes down about 5000-6000 yards SSE of Eniwetok. Gato went to 80 feet and ahead full to close the distance.

After a brief run, came to periscope depth and slowed for observation. A smoke marker was visible at bearing 343 about 8000 yards. This rescue would be a risk due to suspected shore batteries nearby, but GATO would pick the flyboy up regardless.

GATO closed to the location of the smoke marker and man in the water was spotted bearing 343. GATO came to 25 feet, decks slightly awash. LT jg H.C. Clifton, USNR, was rescued from the water. Just after pulling the aviator aboard, a large shell splash was observed about 1000 yards off starboard bow. Seems the shore batteries spotted us. GATO quickly went to 100 feet before coming back to periscope depth. By 1000 the first wave had cleared the area.


At 1015 sound made contact with what was revealed to be a small PC type vessel exiting southern entrance of the atoll, sweeping area of GATO's rescue, no doubt called in to hunt us after being spotted. GATO cleared area en route to lifeguard station North of Eniwetok for the second wave, due around 1230.


At 1145 GATO surfaced 10 miles North of Eniwetok on lifeguard station. At 1233 SD contacted large number of planes. Soon spotted TBF, F6F, and SB2C aircraft. These bombers went to work on islands in north end of lagoon as well as sinking a AK damaged in previous attack and cleared area by 1310.

At 1331 received report of downed aircrew in raft 5 miles NNE of the atoll. GATO went to four engine speed , making 21 knots in the calm seas.

Soon spotted two F6F's circling a raft (added this into the campaign) and a smoke marker on the horizon. Continued closing at high speed. Soon, GATO arrived and pulled the downed crew in the raft aboard.

Rescued were:

LT A.D. Sanford, USN.
ENS F.F. Walker, USN.
ARM2c S.E. Hartford, USN.


GATO returned to lifeguard station after completing this rescue.



At 1545 the third wave of aircraft, consisting of F6F and TBF arrived over the lagoon and struck facilities without incident. With this, the final wave scheduled for the day departing area at 1615, GATO stood easy by per orders remained in area.


At 1801, as dusk settled lookouts spotted a RUFE floatplane bearing 124 closing. SD failed to detected plane as was flying low (new SD settings!) ordered a crash dive. RUFE made a strafing run as GATO submerged in 41 seconds. As GATO passed 120 feet, two explosions, not close. Remained submerged until after dark, surfacing at 2100 to cruise area. A single strike is scheduled for the following day, with GATO due to be on lifeguard station by 0600.

[Jeff1959]

1943 January 13 00:00
Tautog, Tambor class

Patrolling of the Coast of Honshu. Periscope depth due to rough seas.
Sonar picks up warship sailing alone at medium range bearing 340.
Surface to see what it is.
Due to weather, cannot id ship until 1000 yards.

Hiryu class fleet carrier.
Drop to periscope depth.
Launch all six bow torpedoes.

4 hits, carrier comes to halt.
Drop down, reload and fire 4 more torpedoes.
4 hits, carrier sinks at 02:43.


SH4 1.5, GFO, Max Optics, Difficulty Normal

[Sammy-rai]

1943 January 18, just off the SE coast of New Ireland, 0200 hours -

Weather: moderate rain, moderate waves, limited visibility.

At 0200 hours a contact was obtained by surface radar, closing, from the north, along the SE coast of New Ireland. Turned out to be 3 ships, with one vessel off to the side ahead of the other two ships, which were in a line.

The skipper conned the SnapperII to a firing position about 800 meters from the formation's probable path.and waited, submerged. Plan was to attack the first of the ships in the line and then circumstances permitting, follow up against the trailing ship. The lead vessel was presumed to be an escort of some sort and so ignored for the time being. The two ships traveling in a line were presumed to be merchants.

As the formation came within 1200 meters distance, the target vessel was identified as the 3200 GT Aden Maru. The other two contacts could still not be sighted due to weather conditions. The initial torpedo attack went off without difficulties. The result was a hit amidships to the Aden Maru. Captain Skeezix observed, and then ordered a second torpedo fired against her. This was followed by a crash drive in order avoid the anticipated response of the escort. As the sub prepared to dive, the exec noted that the freighter was slowing down while listing slightly to port.

Unseen, the second torpedo exploded on time and so was deemed a hit as well. But there was no protective response from either of the other contacts. Instead, tracked by sonar, they were heading straight for the safety of the broad but shallow waters of a nearby cove.

The captain cancelled the crash dive and ordered the Snapper surfaced. The torpedoed merchant was dead in the water and listing badly. The sub left it for the time being and pursued the fleeing Japanese vessels at flank speed, but these reached the cove easily. Here they began to twist and turn, making them difficult targets for a torpedo attack. The Snapper was eventually positioned outside the cove, ready to intercept any attempt to sneak out. Still dark and raining, the sub continued to track the two contacts 3000 meters away via radar and sonar.

An hour went by without either contact attempting a breakout. The skipper then ordered the Snapper forward at pericsope depth towards the contact which had been following behind the Aden Maru. After about 5 minutes, the engineer warned that depth under keel was now down to 5 meters and that continuing submerged would be hazardous.

By now the Snapper was still about 1700 meters from its target and just nosing over into 'shallow waters'. Captain Skeezix mulled over the situation and then said, "That's it, then. It's getting light and they're most likely waiting for help to arrive. Let's go back and finish off that cripple. Reverse standard". But before the helmsman could respond the sonar operator reported that the Snapper was being pinged and that the contact in front of them had swung about and was closing fast.

The captain was speechless for a moment and then ordered a dive to 30 meters.Thirty meters was the lowest the Snapper could get in these waters before the other vessel arrived. The exec, who had swung the periscope around to appraise the approaching enemy, began shouting "Dammit she's got a bone in her teeth - she's got a bone in her teeth ! Full emergency reverse! Full right rudder!". (When later asked what type of ship it was, he replied that "It looked to be some sort of a budget-version of a destroyer.")

The pinging grew in volume. Skeezix realized that he had unwittingly conned the Snapper into an exposed position. From experience he knew that their attacker's next action would be either to ram or make a depth charge run as the ship passed over the sub.

While the Snapper continued its slow backward descent, the pinging suddenly stopped while the whoosh-whoosh sound of the attacker's screws grew louder over them. The captain and crew knew what was in store and waited for a depth charge barrage to begin. At only 30 meters under, the Snapper was a sitting duck and would be torn apart by the explosions.

But no depth charges were dropped. Instead, the sonar operator reported that the Kaya DE veered off to the side, slowed to a crawl, and began circling around. Meanwhile, the Snapper continued retreating backwards slowly but surely towards deeper waters. No one had an explanation for why the enemy had broken off its attack.

At a distance of 3000 meters from the Kaya DE the captain ordered that the SnapperII be surfaced and set course for the crippled Aden Maru. Upon arrival, the sub's deck gun finished off the freighter with four explosive rounds. The skipper then conferred with his officers and decided that the Snapper's next move would be to once again run down those two vessels they had left in the cove.


But by now the two Japanese ships had departed the cove and were once again heading SE along the coast towards 'The Slot' and Guadalcanal. The Snapper plotted a course to make an end run around these two and cut them off.

The Snapper sped along at flank speed and in under an hour began to come up along side the Japanese ships at a distance of 3000 meters. The sub easily tracked them with its sonar and radar while the enemy seemed oblivious of their presence, due to the heavy rains. However, it was starting to get light.

In another half hour the Snapper had swung in to the right and once again settled into a submerged attack position (just as a snapping turtle should). By now it was daylight. At the right moment it sent a torpedo towards the lead ship, a Kaya DE. This torpedo was erratic. Luckily, the Snapper followed with another torpedo despite being discovered and shelled by the DE's sister ship all the while conducting its attack. The second fish passed the first and detonated in the bow of the Kaya. Then the first torpedo arrived, curving towards the bow area as well and detonating. The Kaya sank in less than five minutes.


https://youtu.be/yWNld9xu-zs



The skipper was fuming at the remaining Kaya. Earlier it had fooled him badly and by all rights should have sunk the Snapper in shallow waters. And now she had interfered in their bid to sink the other DE. In any event, its attack had again chewed up the conning tower and the equipment there. Captain Skeezix was out after blood!

Thus, though the remaining Kaya fled promptly, the SnapperII relentlessly hunted it down and dispatched it with the last torpedo from its bow tubes.

The sub spent the rest of the day submerged, then surfaced after sunrise and radioed to ComSubPac:

FIVE HOUR RUNNING BATTLE DURING NIGHT CONVOY THREE ALL SUNK

"Let's see what they have to say now, sir! ", declared the radio operator. Captain Skeezix smiled back but said nothing.

Results: 5 torpedoes fired, 3 ships sunk, of which 1 sinking was deck-gun assisted.

Comments: Why did the Kaya veer off from the ram/depth charge attack ? Did it lack depth charges ? Did it have a novice crew ? Why did the Kaya switch from timid to aggressive tactics ?

[Sammy-rai]

If I may, skipper - next time, Radar Depth, and give a couple of sweeps to definitely establish course and speed, plus it will help with identifying DD versus merchants, etc. Observation periscope, but use the <Insert> key to raise the scope just above the waves. It brings in more light, and since you're at roughly 45 foot instead of 62 for the radar, you won't need much of a rise to use it. The <Delete> key lowers it, or you can use the push button to bring it fully down. Between the radar and the Observation periscope, you might get enough info to actually attack with. That is all. Carry on! :salute:

Radar Depth = Decks Awash ? I haven't tried that yet - my experience so far is that the hydrophone gives the same info but works both above and below the water. Range is a little weaker, though ? IIRC once in awhile the radar displays bigger icons for some contacts but otherwise no advantage in discerning escort vs merchant.


Thx for the observation scope tip but I tried this twice before without noticing any improvement. But I guess there are some weather conditions where nothing helps . . . :hmmm:

[KaleunMarco]

Comments: Why did the Kaya veer off from the ram/depth charge attack ? Did it lack depth charges ? Did it have a novice crew ? Why did the Kaya switch from timid to aggressive tactics ?

they knew whom they were up against....and left the building in a hurry.
:Kaleun_Salute:

[Rhodes]

August 1943.

The USS Paddle (Gato class) just left a buddy (commando) in Okinawa in the early morning hours.

And then SUBPAC decided to send me to check a harbour and take picturesque photos of it, north of Bungo Strait...:doh:

[Bubblehead1980]

August 1943.

The USS Paddle (Gato class) just left a buddy (commando) in Okinawa in the early morning hours.

And then SUBPAC decided to send me to check a harbour and take picturesque photos of it, north of Bungo Strait...:doh:


lol I would have a err "radio failure" , noted in ships log to show we never received such (moronic, unrealistic) orders. I really would just go hunt ships in Area 7instead, stay out of the straits, possible mines and all. You'll get way more renown for sinking ships. Fortunately, in soon to be released V2.0, such silly photo orders will be gone.


Funny you post about this, I am in final stages of work for next mod release, mostly tested. I've eliminated those ridiculous photo missions as well as the special missions as mentioned. Now, photo missions now are to photograph invasion beaches before hand or to photograph during/after bombardments by friendly warships for damage assessments. A few coastal ports can be photographed if possible. Many are based on real photo missions US subs conducted during the war.

Currently I am adding the new patrol objectives into campaign...namely lifeguard assignments for late war(complete overhauled, not boring/ unrealistic as in stock , TMO eliminated them all together previously, but were such a big part of sub operations in 1944/1945, had to add them. In testing they have been fun/exciting.

[Rhodes]

I don't mind this kind of missions, but from time to time. And I do prefer the insertions ones. But not one after the other,like there is nothing else to do.
The insertion went well, I spot shore batteries and went underwater, 50ft always until the spot. Pop up and kick the command out,go to work! And went under again and got away.
The harbour was a little more idiotic, crossed the strait at night, surface and noticed that was a storm raging.
Had to wait near the target until it cleared, going back and forth waiting at night on the surface and bellow during the day. No warships,just a few merchants. It made me remember "Destination: Tokyo".
When the weather cleared,took the pick and sunk 2 ships.
Now subpac send me to patrol corridor II... and after this:
https://i.ibb.co/p1R02wb/SH4-Img-2022-04-12-18-53-07-218.png (https://ibb.co/9pV8ngc)


What the hell do they think we are? The bus?

Never saw this order, never received this order and who says I did, lies!

[Bubblehead1980]

I don't mind this kind of missions, but from time to time. And I do prefer the insertions ones. But not one after the other,like there is nothing else to do.
The insertion went well, I spot shore batteries and went underwater, 50ft always until the spot. Pop up and kick the command out,go to work! And went under again and got away.
The harbour was a little more idiotic, crossed the strait at night, surface and noticed that was a storm raging.
Had to wait near the target until it cleared, going back and forth waiting at night on the surface and bellow during the day. No warships,just a few merchants. It made me remember "Destination: Tokyo".
When the weather cleared,took the pick and sunk 2 ships.
Now subpac send me to patrol corridor II... and after this:
https://i.ibb.co/p1R02wb/SH4-Img-2022-04-12-18-53-07-218.png (https://ibb.co/9pV8ngc)


What the hell do they think we are? The bus?

Never saw this order, never received this order and who says I did, lies!


I would not mind occasional photo mission etc if they made sense, had some sense of historical accuracy, were not repetitive, boring etc. Thus, why I changed them in upcoming version to be more immersive, to make sense.


What message? Your radio is broken lol

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO V2.0
100 difficulty, cams and contacts on for testing purposes.


Testing out patrol objectives added to new campaign, among them lifeguard missions for 1945.


Ordered to lifeguard station in Tokyo area(Sagami Wan). Lifeguard station is along the departure route of the bombers. Near daily B-29 raids (B-24 substituting, as we do not have a B-29 for SH 4, yet) on Tokyo area will make for a busy assignment as I have added AA guns to target areas, as well as "targets" for bombers actually attack/engage. Per history, B-29's switching to night time missions in March 1945.


January 24 1945


About 1300 SD radar picked up large waves of bombers heading South away from Tokyo. Via periscope, observed a few of the high flying bombers, but noticed at bearing 030 a smoke trail, appeared one was hit.

At 1312 observed bomber exploded and several chutes visible. Wreckage followed by downed aircrew splashed into the waters 11 miles SSE of Yokosuka. Risky area for rescue, heavily patrol typically, close to air bases, shore batteries on each side of bay and possible mines. Ordered GQ, surfaced with AA guns manned and deck gun crew on stand by. Upon surfacing, went to four engine speed, closed aircrew splash down position at flank speed.


1338 spotted smoke marker in distance bearing 010.


1341 APR-1 detected radar emissions, possibly land based radar.

1344 APR-1 detected radar emissions and made simultaneous SJ contact bearing 300 11 miles.


1351 spotted raft with several aircrew (loved the rescue raft mod) , pulled along side, conducted rescue of five aircrew in raft.. Another smoke marker was spotted bearing 091, this would take BALAO closer to shore and possible shore batteries, but ordered flank speed to close the marker.


1402 spotted airman bobbing in the water bearing 351.


1403 SD contact 11000 yards closing.


1405 "PETE" spotted bearing 174. AA gunners ordered to open fire when aircraft closed.


1407 After a couple minutes meandering around, PETE made a attack run. 40 and 20 MM AA guns opened fired. PETE dropped two bombs, not close. While pulling out of dive, 40 MM forward got a solid hit on the PETE, which caught fired made a wild turn, and then splashed into the bay.


Approached the downed airman's position less than 10000 yards off the eastern shore of the bay, where shore batteries were known to be located with caution.


Our SJ contact from earlier was now closing, with APR-1 detecting his radar signals, we rushed in a flank speed to snatch up the airman. Pulled along side and rescue him, as we were turning away at high speed, spotted shell splashes and observed the flashes from shore batteries. Continued opening range at high speed with slight constant zig along base course, "chasing" the splashes.


Lookouts spotted aircraft bearing 040 (flying low, SD did not detect it). Spotted aircraft as two "KATE" type torpedo bombers closing in fast.


As closed, observed the bombers had depth charge/bombs aboard, not torpedoes. Swung into the KATES to bring broadside firing of AA guns at the KATES. Also loaded up 5 inch AA ammunition and fired(only can do this manually) as well. One KATE caught fire and splashed into the water, other braved through and dropped a "stick" which missed as KATE circled back made a "dry" run, then flew on.


Lookouts spotted our SJ contact astern, it was DE type vessel closing at high speed but still at 9000 yards. BALAO continued high speed jaunt into open waters, dodging occasional shell splash from shore batteries.

In open waters with the DE, not identified as a Matsu Class , overtaking BALAO quickly, submerged, rigged for silent running and depth charge.

BALAO first went to 450 feet, as the DE closed in pinging, dropped a couple patterns, which were way off. Then after about ten minutes of pinging, DE made a run and laid a nice, close pattern, causing minor damage. Balao wen to 500 ft, more close depth charges, finally at 600 feet, escort seemed to have trouble tracking BALAO, but kept hunting.

After three hours, lost contact, but aware he may have been "sleeping", maintained 600 feet and silent running. Secured from GQ.


Upon returning to periscope depth and then radar depth for sweep, closest contact was 18000 yards astern. Secured silent running and surfaced to search general area for other aircrew along the formations retirement path to towards the Mariana Islands.

One hour after surfacing, received report of downed aircrew near Hachijo- Jima about 95 miles away. (report was likely hours old due to time submerged but broadcasted until received as marked in the mission file). Set course for Hachijo Jima at flank speed.

Spotted aviator in water five miles West of Hachijo Jima, as slowed to come along side to recover him, APR-1 and SD radar had simultaneous contact at 7 miles. Submerged to avoid, raised SD antenna. SD contact was lost 5 minutes later. Surfaced and closed downed airman, rescuing him from the water. Without no strike scheduled for next day, decided to proceed to Cape Inubosaki Area and patrol for coastal shipping.

[Rob Jacobsen]

I have met my patrol objectives, arriving on site and patrolling for 24 hours in a VIIC, but I used only 2 torpedoes. I sank one cargo ship with my deck gun, attacked 2 others with 1 torpedo each, and finished off one with my deck gun. I still have full racks and reserves.

Do I return to base? Maybe I'll be needed elsewhere and should return on schedule. But I'm reluctant to head back with so many unspent torps. Advice?

[Bubblehead1980]

I have met my patrol objectives, arriving on site and patrolling for 24 hours in a VIIC, but I used only 2 torpedoes. I sank one cargo ship with my deck gun, attacked 2 others with 1 torpedo each, and finished off one with my deck gun. I still have full racks and reserves.

Do I return to base? Maybe I'll be needed elsewhere and should return on schedule. But I'm reluctant to head back with so many unspent torps. Advice?



Can send a status report for new orders or just continue hunting in area.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0 testing
max difficulty, cams and contacts on for testing purposes.

March 19, 1945
USS Balao on lifeguard duty Area 7 off Kyushu in support of Task Force 58's strikes in lead up to Okinawa Invasion.


Arrived on lifeguard station SSE of Kyushu on 17 March 1945 per orders, reconnoitered the area, as carrier air strikes by TF 58 were scheduled 18-23 March before forced moved on to hit Okinawa prior to landings on 1 April .


At 0200 on 18 March, ran into three , 200 ton fishing boats sailing about 6000 yards apart. Ordered GENERAL QUARTERS BATTLE SURFACE GUN ACTION. At 0215, opened fire and sunk all three boats with 5 inch, 40mm and 20mm gunfire. Ceased fire 0224.


At dawn, submerged 10 miles of Miyazaki to patrol lifeguard station. At 1140, raised SD antenna as strike was expected to be arriving in area. At 1149 SD made a contact with large number of aircraft. Two minutes later spotted Avenger, Helldiver, and Hellcat aircraft bearing 161 about 10000 yards estimated range. Observed via periscope as some aircraft struck Miyazaki area while others continued on to inland targets.


Observed a explosion a few thousand yards off shore and soon spotted smoke markers indicating downed aircrew. Ordered General Quarters-Rescue, and closed smoke marker. At 1203, made periscope observation, and soon after spotted a Zero closing bearing 091, as scope dropped spotted tracers and gunfire, BALAO's scope was being strafed. Ordered 150 feet emergency and continued on towards location of downed flier. About one minute later, as leveled off at 150 feet, BALAO was rocked by two explosions, obviously from the aircraft. Went to 250 feet, continued course. Minor damage reported.


At 1235, returned to periscope depth, spotted a second smoke marker bearing 052 degrees. Closed original marker and spotted a aviator in the water. Closed to about 1500 yards from aviator in water and surfaced to decks awash (25 ft). Motored in for rescue about 9000 yards off the beach off Miyazaki. Observed fires burning in Miyzaki area from air strikes. At 1301, made SD contact with planes returning from strikes inland on Kyushu.


At 1306 pulled along side downed aviator, who was pulled aboard. Set course for another smoke marker observed earlier at high speed, estimated range 6 miles. At 1344 spotted a raft with several aircrew in water about 6000 yards off Miyazaki beach. Submerged to approach on the raft due to known shore batteries.

Surfaced to decks awash at 1400 about 6300 yards off Miyazaki, closed the raft. Just as pulled along side the raft, observed flashes from a shore and shell splashes in water, first one being well astern. With shore batteries firing on Balao, pulled the raft ashore. Not wanting to get tied down in shallow possible mine infested waters, opted for high speed run away from beach in lieu of submerging, dodging shell splashes by "chasing" them. At 1407, one shell splash to port was quite close, perhaps 25 yard, others were not nearly as close. As we pulled away from coast, observed several mines ahead to starboard and port, apparently were inside the defensive minefield. As closed mines , 40mm and 20mm guns were used to detonate three mines to clear a path.

At 1430 SD radar contacted a second large inbound strike wave and at 1437 spotted formation of Helldivers, Avengers, Hellcats, Corsairs, and Dauntlessness. Returned to position in area of Miyazaki and observed explosions ashore from air strikes. At 1524 received report of downed aviator North of Balao's position off Cape Togenkyo. Set course at high speed to close reported position, submerging to avoid a SD contact at 1537.

After 15 minutes submerged, surfaced and soon arrived, searching area off Cape Togenkyo. At 1613 spotted smoke marker in distance and closed at high speed, soon spotted what appear to be fishing trawler sailing towards the marker as well. Ordered GENERAL QUARTERS BATTLE SURFACE,. All guns manned, vessel was identified as a tug boat with gun forward.

From range of 7000 yards opened fire with 5 inch gun. After four missed, scored a solid hit amidships at waterline of the tug boat, which caught fire and slowed. A few shell splashes landed towards Balao, but as range closed quickly, scored three more hits with 5 inch gun on the Tug, which ceased firing, went dead in water burning and after five minutes, exploded , capsized and sunk.


Pulled along side downed aviator in water and pulled him aboard, just as two "Val" dive bombers were spotted bearing 280 flying low (below SD radar ) , with bombers close, did not dive as was in shallow possible mined waters and would not reach safe depth before planes attacked. AA guns ordered to fire at will, the aft and forward 40 MM along with deck mounted 20 MM put up a impressive flak show, flaming one Val as it entered its dive, which crashed into water. A hard turn to port avoided the bomb dropped by second Val, which exploded off starboard, causing no damage. Forward 40MM scored hits on the Val as it pulled out of her dive. While plane did not burn, it kept on flying away, did not make a second pass. Soon more SD contacts were closing, but Balao now clear of the shore, submerged to avoid.

Surfaced at 1800 and proceeded to position off Miyazaki to cover the final raid of the day, sweeping waters in area for downed air crew.
Received messages indicating TF 58 carriers, not far from Balao's position had come under attack by enemy aircraft. Enterprise CV 6, Yorktown CV-10 and Intrepid CV-11 all damaged by bombs and kamikaze attacks.


At 1901 SD detected final strike outbound from Kyushu, more fires observed burning near Miyazaki. At 2100, as night fell, observed smoke marker about 20 miles off Miyazaki, pulled along side and rescued downed TBF aircrew. With strikes concluded for the day, closed coastal areas to patrol for enemy vessels off Fuka Island near entrance to Bungo Suido.



At 0100 , SJ made contact bearing 040 27000 yards. Closed contact, which developed into multiple pips. At 6 NM called GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE.


At 0131 visually identified a large AK and mid sized tanker with six escorts...one DE leading with five other SC PC type escorts. Convoy was Southbound about 4000 yards off shore passing between Fuka Island and Kyushu. MK 18-2 torpedoes in tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6, were made ready to fire. The screen's spacing would force to fire from longer range than desired of 3200 yards. Maneuvered just inside the screen between the port forward and port aft escorts , each about 2500 yards on each side of BALAO and fired
six MK 18-2 torpedoes set at depth of 10 feet. Four torpedoes went to the large AK with two to the smaller tanker, at 0146.

At 0148, two torpedoes hit the tanker, which erupted into a into massive fireball characteristic of a loaded tanker, three of four hit the large AK which caught fired and slowed. Meanwhile, Balao was turning away at high speed, with the PC's firing and one illuminating Balao with her searchlight. While racing away, the torpedo that missed hit the SC on far side of convoy, which exploded in massive fireball.

BALAO had soon outran the the PC's but the DE was closing fast, with BALAO's APR-1 detecting his radar emissions (Curiously, previously did not detect any, wondering if he switch it on after being alerted, i've encountered this before, rare but does happen it seems)


DE soon identified as a Matsu Class, which BALAO could not outrun. Stern tubes were made ready to fire, set minimum depth and stern brought around to set up for a "down the throat" shot on the pursuing DE. DE at 5000 yards fired star shells which illuminated skies above BALAO. At 0156 fired two MK 18-2 torpedoes from tubes 7,10 "down the throat" of the Matsu. (Torpedoes tracked properly, should have been hits but one ran deep below the hull, second (ran down the side scraping the hull, really makes long for magnetic detonators lol) .

0201: Auxiliary Subchaser 1000 tons sunk. mid sized AO unidentified sunk. Estimated 4000 tons.

DE opened fire with close shell closes, worried about radar guided gunfire, BALAO submerged, rigged for silent running and depth charge, dropping SBT-1 decoys at 75 and 125 feet, leveled off at 175 feet with just 30 feet below keel.


First pattern was close and caused damage. Most serious damage reported was to aft batteries and some flooding. DC party was formed and quickly stopped flooding with a small amount of water in aft engine room.

Follow up patterns by the DE were not as accurate, likely due to thermal layer passed at 170 feet. However, soon his "little friends", three of them arrived on scene. More decoys were deployed which distracted escorts but one stubborn PC stayed on Balao, passed above dropping usually two to three charges per run. One very close one caused damage and minor flooding in conning tower.


BALAO endured multiple other DC runs but increasing depth, thermal layer, decoys permitted a escape. At 0500 lost contact with all escorts, maintained silent running but secured GQ, as escorts were likely "sleeping". At 0511 three escorts reported moving away, likely rejoining the convoy. Balao continued silent running at depth of 350 feet to seaward.

Came to periscope depth at 0700, all clear. At SJ radar depth, detected two pips, apparently stationary astern at 12000 yards. Secured silent running , surfaced, and closed to investigate in the remaining darkness before dawn.


At 0730, spotted a large AK dead in water, with one PC type escort stationary off his port side, likely listening for BALAO. Soon developed other pips in area, spread out, no doubt searching for Balao. Turned about and backed down to fire remaining torpedoes in stern tubes. Fired tubes 8 and 9 (MK 18-2) at range of 3800 yards at 0801. Both torpedoes hit the AK, which exploded and listed hard to port. Balao raced away with the PC in pursuit but unable to close. APR-1 detected radar emissions, presumably from the DE but she was not nearby. as was off searching. Soon the PC gave up pursuit. Balao slowed to observe damaged AK and reloaded tubes.


At 0817 , AK HIYAMA MARU 7650 tons sunk. BALAO secured GQ and cleared area toward Cape Ashizuri in support of TF 58 strikes schedule to hit the Kure area, set to begin in just a few hours.

[Rhodes]

10th November 1943 - 14th December 1943

3rd patrol of the USS Paddle.


After a ordinary voyage to the patrol area - north-east of Miako, between Honshu and Hokkaido, for 5 days of anti-shipping objectives,the USS Paddle focused the patrol south of the ordered area.



Weather was clear, no fog or light fog during the night, wind 15 m/s during all the patrol time.



A few days in the area, a task force was detected, 2 destroyers at high speed. Resulted a failed attack since the speed was off, the targets were slower than estimated. Broke off the attack since I could not keep up.



The next night, a strange small convoy detected: one merchant ship and 4 escorts, all small anti-submarine ships (subchasers, trawlers, etc.)

USS Paddle manage to get inside the escorts screen but was detected prior to shoot. All 4 escorts come down on the sub.
After a few minutes escaping on the surface, do to the increasing shells hinting near the sub, I ordered crash dive. Thermal layer was high, at 160ft and after passing it, silent running and hard to starboard.

The escorts failed to detect the sub and the USS Paddle went away, surfacing after a few hours and resuming patrol.



After a few days, in the same location a convoy was detected by radar. After the initial approach, two marus were sunk, but the lead escort - chidori class, detected us and we could not escaped at surface.

After crashing dive and going quiet, they detected us by active sonar ping and drop well placed charges.

When escaping the attack, the charges damage the bulked, aft tubes and propeller shafts. Heavy flooding.

After a few moments trying to get the situation under control, the flooding became uncontrolled, so I ordered the main ballast tanks blow and we will try to escape at surface, since we had light fog,so use the weather in our favour.

(and for some reason the game did had some hic-up and after surface, only I could go outside. The watch crew didn't appeared, like the sub was still below water.)

Ordered all ahead flank, but only got 14kn. Still we lose the chidori and the other escorts in the fog.

By morning (and after reloading the game), the damage and flooding were fixed, but we lost my aft tubes (even with part not showing damage in the damage menu).



The next night, near the same area, another convoy detected. Manage to get near and 3 more marus went down. The mark 18 missed it targets.

Escaped and with no more torpedo in the bow tubes, and the aft inoperable, the USS Paddle returned to base.

[Bubblehead1980]

10th November 1943 - 14th December 1943

3rd patrol of the USS Paddle.


After a ordinary voyage to the patrol area - north-east of Miako, between Honshu and Hokkaido, for 5 days of anti-shipping objectives,the USS Paddle focused the patrol south of the ordered area.



Weather was clear, no fog or light fog during the night, wind 15 m/s during all the patrol time.



A few days in the area, a task force was detected, 2 destroyers at high speed. Resulted a failed attack since the speed was off, the targets were slower than estimated. Broke off the attack since I could not keep up.



The next night, a strange small convoy detected: one merchant ship and 4 escorts, all small anti-submarine ships (subchasers, trawlers, etc.)

USS Paddle manage to get inside the escorts screen but was detected prior to shoot. All 4 escorts come down on the sub.
After a few minutes escaping on the surface, do to the increasing shells hinting near the sub, I ordered crash dive. Thermal layer was high, at 160ft and after passing it, silent running and hard to starboard.

The escorts failed to detect the sub and the USS Paddle went away, surfacing after a few hours and resuming patrol.



After a few days, in the same location a convoy was detected by radar. After the initial approach, two marus were sunk, but the lead escort - chidori class, detected us and we could not escaped at surface.

After crashing dive and going quiet, they detected us by active sonar ping and drop well placed charges.

When escaping the attack, the charges damage the bulked, aft tubes and propeller shafts. Heavy flooding.

After a few moments trying to get the situation under control, the flooding became uncontrolled, so I ordered the main ballast tanks blow and we will try to escape at surface, since we had light fog,so use the weather in our favour.

(and for some reason the game did had some hic-up and after surface, only I could go outside. The watch crew didn't appeared, like the sub was still below water.)

Ordered all ahead flank, but only got 14kn. Still we lose the chidori and the other escorts in the fog.

By morning (and after reloading the game), the damage and flooding were fixed, but we lost my aft tubes (even with part not showing damage in the damage menu).



The next night, near the same area, another convoy detected. Manage to get near and 3 more marus went down. The mark 18 missed it targets.

Escaped and with no more torpedo in the bow tubes, and the aft inoperable, the USS Paddle returned to base.



Ouch on the damage, but at least you survived, esp when when forced to surface. How far away were they when you surfaced?

[Rhodes]

Possibly at 2000/3000 yards or less. They did lose contact after the initial run, but I am sure that they would regain if I stayed submerge. I would have to be at head standard to maintain depth and they would pick me up soon.

And they did detected me after surface,but didn't hit me.

Over all, has game, it was a cool doing this all.

[Bubblehead1980]

Possibly at 2000/3000 yards or less. They did lose contact after the initial run, but I am sure that they would regain if I stayed submerge. I would have to be at head standard to maintain depth and they would pick me up soon.

And they did detected me after surface,but didn't hit me.

Over all, has game, it was a cool doing this all.



Nice. I would say you made right decision. After all, on a foggy dark night, a surfaced sub is a tough target to spot/keep track of. :Kaleun_Salute:

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0 (Testing)
100 difficulty, cams contacts on for testing.

Testing Life Guard objectives added to campaign for 1945.

USS Sea Dog SS-401
July 1945


Departed Pearl Harbor June 21 1945 with orders to to Lifeguard Duty in Area 4 in support of Task Force 38 (Halsey) air strikes on Japan scheduled to begin 10 July 1945 in addition to regular B-28 strikes from the Mariana Islands against Japan. (no B-29 for SH 4 yet somehow, B-24 filling in). with air strikes on Tokyo area . Real operation in July-August 1945 by TF 38 (which included TF 37 aka British Pacific Fleet..These forces are now present in the campaign at historical times and places with air strikes)


After departing a stop at Saipan to top off fuel, proceeded to assigned station 10 NM off Cape Nojima Saki in Tokyo area. Arrived on station at 1900 9 July, meeting the 0000 10 July deadline in operation order.


Searched area for shipping through the night. At 0430 spotted a large fishing boat. A quick gun action with 40 and 20 MM sunk the 200 ton fishing vessel.


At 1000 (base time, which sub clock is on) as dawn began to break, with SEA DOG within 10 miles of shore, submerged and began observation of area. Raised SD mast just before noon and at 1234 SD contacted multiple aircraft at 24000 yards. Periscope observation soon revealed 30+ aircraft...F6F, F4U, TBF, SB2C heading for Tokyo area.


Per procedure, SEA DOG's lifeguard station is situated along the planned egress route of the strikes. Multiple planes, some flying high, some low flew over SEA DOG's position.


At 1351 received radio report of downed pilot in raft in Sagami Wan, F6F circling his wingman. SEA DOG went to GQ, Surfaced and heading for report at flank speed.


Spotted a smoke marker bearing 021 estimated range about five miles. Closed marker to find a downed pilot in water (not the contact reported). Quickly retrieved the downed aviator and proceeded to original contact.


Soon had a lone SD contact and a few minutes later spotted a smoke marker. Observed F6F at low altitude circling area. Closed contact to find downed aviator in water, who was quickly recovered. Departed area to return to designated lifeguard station for expected second wave from TF 38.


About 6 miles from designated station, a low flying aircraft which SD failed to detect was spotted. Crash dive was ordered and as SEA DOG leveled off at 150 feet, large explosions were heard above.


About 30 minutes later came to periscope depth and spotted aircraft of second wave inbound Tokyo area, taking heavy AA fire from Cape Nojima (AA guns added to strategic locations). One TBF was observed to exploded, no survivors observed.


At 1642 received report of downed aircrew in raft near Cape Inubosaki, surfaced and proceeded area at flank speed. Crew called back to GQ, 40 and 20 mm guns ordered manned to defend against aircraft and for quick response to mine sighting as contact location was just inside area of known minefield.


After a 46 minute run was nearing Cape Inubosaki when SJ made a contact bearing 344 28100 yards. Soon outline and smoke plume of a trawler PC type vessel was spotted rounding Inubosaki, possibly heading towards downed pilot (smoke marker now visible). 5 inch gun ordered manned in case needed to fire on this PC. Suddenly SD made contacts and soon two F4U's were observed bearing 200. Appears F4U's spotted the trawler and closed in. Rocket (and gun?) attacks left the trawler on fire, which soon sunk two miles E of Cape Inubosaki.


SEA DOG continued to near what was revealed to be a occupied raft. Sharp lookout was kept for shore batteries and mines. Soon several mines were spotted off port a nf starboard bow, mines detonated by 40 and 20 mm gunfire. F4U's were not making runs at enemy positions on Cape Inubosaki in the distance.


SEA DOG soon came along side the raft and recovered the crew, then reversed course to travel back the "clear" track through the minefield and return to the lifeguard station off Cape Nojima.



A fast closing SD contact forced SEA DOG to submerge as approached lifeguard station. While back on station, raised SD mast soon detected another inbound wave from TF 38. Observed mid air collision between two F6F's over Cape Nojima with two parachutes and soon two smoke markers. One aviator was down over land, other roughly 6000 yards off shore in clear view of shore batteries. SEA DOG closed downed aviator submerged and entering shallow waters.


After some time, aviator had drifted towards SEA DOG, which came to decks awash for a quick rescue. Shore batteries spotted SEA DOG and opened fire, with shell splashes visible as submerged just after rescue



Returned to station and observed final wave of the day outbound without further reports of downed plans. Maintained station until dark, then surfaced and searched area for unreported downed aircrew.


At midnight , SEA DOG was released from station as TF 38 would be moving on (to refuel on 11-12 July, then strike Northern Japan on 14 July) and began patrol of Area 4, primarily coastal waters used by enemy shipping.

At 0300 received orders to proceed to the Kamaishi area by midnight 13 July. Task Unit 34.8.1 (TU 34.8.1) ...battleships USS South Dakota, Indiana and Massachusetts as well as heavy cruisers USS Quincy and Chicago and nine destroyers, under Rear Admiral John F. Shafroth Jr. was scheduled to bombard Kamaishi on 14 July. SEA DOG was assigned to reconnoiter the area ahead of time, conduct observation of the bombardment, in addition to conducting pre and post bombardment photography of Kamaishi for damage assessment purposes.

Arrived off Kamaishi just after midnight 13 July and reconnoitered the area through the day, taking photography of small vessels anchored in port and the steelworks industry (industry added to the campaign.loc file in some coastal cities where appropriate) Avoiding a PC and aircraft through the day.


At 1100 on 14 July SEA DOG was submerged just 6 miles off Kamaishi as bombardment was scheduled to begin at noon.A quick trip to radar depth, SJ detected the approaching Task Unit, PPI showing them in a impressive single file battle line.


At 1221 bombardment by battleships began with few shore batteries returning fire. Fires (fuel tanks) and explosions observed a shore. One DD and one CA took hits from shore batteries with a fire observed on the DD . After roughly 35 minutes the bombardment ended, apparently causing heavy damage.


SEA DOG headed for open ocean, returning after dawn on 15 July to take post bombardment photos. Masts of sunken vessels in harbors were observed, as was damage ashore.


Returned to lifeguard station as TF 38 was to strike Tokyo again on 17 and 18 July.


On 18 July, received reports of raft in Sagami Wan but no raft was located.


Released from lifeguard on 19th, continued patrol of area 4.



Received message that Destroyer Squadron (DESRON 61) would make a anti shipping sweep in Sagami Wan night of 22-23 July. (Battle of Sagami Bay, last surface action of the war)



At 2150 on 22 July, SEA DOG made SJ contact on a small convoy of two AK and two SC in Sagami Wan. Went to GQ and began to close for night surface attack. A contact report was sent and soon SJ had contact with approaching DESRON 61. Closed on 3000 ton freighter and fired three MK 18 torpedoes from 1,2,3 from a range of 2500 yards. All three torpedoes hit. The ship, apparently loaded with ammo, explode in a particularly amazing fashion. Fires served to help illuminate SEA DOG as she turned away at high speed under heavy fire. Severe machine gun rounds impacting, with one lookout wounded by gunfire. Both SC's now in pursuit of SEA DOG.

APR-1 was not detecting DESRON's radar signals as they closed at high speed and engaged the subchasers in a violent, close range gun battle, sinking both subchasers. Another DD engaged and sunk the other AK by gunfire.


SEA DOG secured from GQ, with one 4200 HOTO MARU freighter sunk.



SEA DOG received orders to Area 6 to cover TF 38's (and TF 37 British carriers) strikes on Osaka-Kobe area on 24 July, while others were Kure Naval Base and Inland Sea.


Multiple planes observed through day returning from strike smoking and one on fire crashed, with no survivors. At 1701, received reports of British Avanger torpedo bomber downed in Kii Suido, crew in raft with Hellcats circling.


SEA DOG went to GQ and rushed in at flank speed, AA guns manned.


A PC type guard boat encountered at 1741 was quickly dispatched with 5 inch gun fire from 3100 yards. Vessel sunk at 1746. SD soon detected two contacts, in time observed to be Hellcats circling a raft in middle of the Kii Suido.


Just after picking up the crew, a low flying PETE single engine floatplane(did not show up on SD radar) was spotted closing. 40 mm and 20 MM guns opened fire as SEA DOG conducted evasive maneuvers, PETE's bombs missing astern to starboard. 40 mm hits were observed and plane left area.

At 1803 APR-1 detected radar signals and then SJ made contact. Range of contact was rapidly decreasing. Soon a PT type boat was spotted bearing 188 closing high speed. SEA DOG remained on the surface to avoid submerging in shallow, possible mine infested waters.


Unable to outrun the PT, SEA DOG pulled the pluge, submerging in about 450 feet of water. PT closed in, pinging, dropping several depth charges, but none were close. On its fourth run, one charge, believed right above to port, caused heavy damage to the conning tower. Flooding reported with equipment smashed and injuries. Compartment was abandoned as completely flooded (moved crew out as bulkhead damage was 90 percent and quickly flooded. Hull damage went to 10 percent).


After several more close runs, increased depth and multiple SBT-1 decoy launches, was able to shake the nasty little bugger (as the downed Brit aircrew would likely have called him). Over time conning tower was pumped and surfaced. Both periscope heads were destroyed, rendering scopes non operational. This along with other damage and questionable integrity of conning tower, prompted decision to request permission to return home. Reply to status report granted discretion to RTB. SEA DOG set course for Guam.



At 0814 following morning, made SJ contact, then visual contact with Task Force 38. Quite the impressive sight. (not realistic but fun to get inside and move about looking the fleet over, if they are moving at a speed catch match, which is rare)


While en route to Guam on 27 July, received reports of PBY missing in area. Proceeded to conduct search and at 1804 on 28 July, spotted a smoke marker and soon observed a PBY down in water (added V2.0) Rescued crew via raft. Used 40 and 20 MM to scuttle the PBY, which was not capable of taking off again.


Arrived Guam 1 August at 1130 hours. Terminated patrol.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0
100 difficulty, cams off, contacts on.


With release of V2.0, decided to start a real career and go on patrol.

I decided to start at Subron 50 in the Atlantic, run through the campaign and transfer to Pacific. I was assigned USS Barb SS-220. Coincidentally, assigned to the actual mission Barb had on her first patrol in support of Operation Torch (landings in French Morocco) with reconnoitering area and landing six Army scouts near Safi night before invasion. Observed bombardment and landings on 8 November (pretty cool, need to get troops in the landing craft though). With cams off, just had the periscope and sound, pretty cool though.



On the night of 11 November just after 2300, made a lone SJ contact bearing 030 18200 yards. Location approximately 40 miles West of Safi landing area.
Set course to investigate. Night was quite dark with heavy seas, winds at 22 knots direction 275.


At 4500 yards could make out the silhouette of a surfaced submarine, low in the water. GENERAL QUARTERS was called and pulled ahead, plotting contact on course 160 speed 12 kts. Assumed this contact was enemy as no other submarines were to be in this area. However, to avoid possibility of torpedoing a friendly, worked to identify.

Vessel was eventually identified as a German Type 9 U boat. With BARB ahead, submerged for attack. In the heavy seas and dark night, was difficult to track the target via periscope but managed to do so. Plot confirmed course 160 at 12 knots. Tubes 1-6 were made ready, set to depth of 6 ft.

At 2337 fired tubes 1,2,3, from 1800 yards. 1.5 degree spread along length of target from amidships.

At 2338 Torpedoes 1 and 2 prematurely exploded. U Boat appeared alerted by second torpedo explosion, which was close and began evasive action at high speed. U Boat suddenly turned toward BARB. BARB went to 150 feet, rigged for silent running and collision.

Sound soon picked up two torpedo noises closing, U boat had fired at us.
BARB's third torpedo reached its end of run explosion at 2340.


Lost contact with U Boat at 2358.

[Rhodes]

TMO Update BH V2.0


New patrol for the USS Paddle - 10 January, 1944.
Destination: Yellow Sea, obj: dropping of a agent to a saipan! :D

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0


New patrol for the USS Paddle - 10 January, 1944.
Destination: Yellow Sea, obj: dropping of a agent to a saipan! :D

Drop off at a Sampan in the Yellow Sea? I assume not Saipan lol

Oh nice. one of those new special missions I added. Let us know how it goes.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO V2.0
100 difficulty, cams off, contacts on.


USS BARB SS-220
THIRD WAR PATROL



Departed Roseneath, Scotland at 1030 hours on 20 February 1943 for assigned area to East of Iceland. Assignment is Anti-Uboat patrols as heavy losses to German U Boats continue.


Entered assigned area (68-10N 8-10W x 315 nautical miles)at midnight 23 February. Shortly after entering area, winds kicked up to 14 knots with a strong chop.


Proceeded to Eastern section of area to patrol for U-Boats transiting area from North Sea.

[Kal_Maximus_U669]

Hey BH.. :salute:
I started looking...
There are a lot of things especially with careers and that's good...
You have to be careful.. moreover, everything is in English so a lot of things to translate and read for me... as well as a lot of fleet options...
I have already set up the base... but I'm thinking about the career I'm going to start... as well as the year... following the reading of the documents...
See you soon I feel that I will definitely need your help..
I would have liked you to change the download page at startup for a more personal one for your mod...maybe in a future update. Because it seems to me that there will be one in view of the acoustic problems that you have encountered.. well done Mr Beanie..
go BH see you soon thank you
https://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/2022/19/1/1652111660-sh4img-2022-05-09-14-15-27-872.png
:salute::salute:

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0
100 difficulty




USS BARB SS-220
Third War Patrol
March 9, 1943
360 NM NNE of Iceland



0600 Submerged just after dawn for patrol.

0604 after leveling off at 100 feet, sound detected a U Boat bearing 050 estimated range 3000 yards or less, closing. Appears a enemy submerged U Boat was conducted a approach to fire when BARB made her routine dive!

Went to 150 ft rigged for silent running.


0721 Lost sound contact.

[Kal_Maximus_U669]

hey BH
Departure before war Pearl Harbor
Is this setup correct? :hmmm:
My liste
D:\Sh4\Sh4_TMO_BH
[MODS]
1_Trigger Maru Overhaul 2.5 UpdateBH V2.0
2_Nav Map Make-Over TMO Update 2.0
3_NMMO Patch TMO Update V2.0
4_EAX_Clang_Splash_Dud for TMO Update
5_AAtoDeckguns+Radio
6_Pre-PearlHarborPatch TMO Update V2.0
7_Torpedoes Early_TNTV4B
8_BBPearlHarbor Pre War TMO

:salute::salute:

[Bubblehead1980]

hey BH
Departure before war Pearl Harbor
Is this setup correct? :hmmm:
My liste
D:\Sh4\Sh4_TMO_BH
[MODS]
1_Trigger Maru Overhaul 2.5 UpdateBH V2.0
2_Nav Map Make-Over TMO Update 2.0
3_NMMO Patch TMO Update V2.0
4_EAX_Clang_Splash_Dud for TMO Update
5_AAtoDeckguns+Radio
6_Pre-PearlHarborPatch TMO Update V2.0
7_Torpedoes Early_TNTV4B
8_BBPearlHarbor Pre War TMO

:salute::salute:


Looks fine to me, make sure to deactivated the BB Pearl Harbor after Dec 7 (or Dec 11 if out of Manila) 1941 (when in port).

[Kal_Maximus_U669]

Looks fine to me, make sure to deactivated the BB Pearl Harbor after Dec 7 (or Dec 11 if out of Manila) 1941 (when in port).
Yes according to your notes I had understood it... thank you Tomorrow I will have other questions my head needs rest... :yep: thank you go BH good night.. :salute:

[!!HansGruber!!]

In my FOTRSU career I am patrolling the Bismarck Sea trying to catch shipping from/to Rabaul. For the better part of a day Harder has been tracking a large freighter as she zigzags every so often. Finally, Harder is positioned in front and reasonably confidant the next turn won't be for several miles. I am within a minute of firing and this freighter just explodes in front of me. Out of the smoke comes a PBY who circles and drops another bomb to finish his work. :o

[propbeanie]

They are US Navy, so a good team effort! lol - unfortunately, they will not share their catch...

[Bubblehead1980]

In my FOTRSU career I am patrolling the Bismarck Sea trying to catch shipping from/to Rabaul. For the better part of a day Harder has been tracking a large freighter as she zigzags every so often. Finally, Harder is positioned in front and reasonably confidant the next turn won't be for several miles. I am within a minute of firing and this freighter just explodes in front of me. Out of the smoke comes a PBY who circles and drops another bomb to finish his work. :o

Was this at night? Blackcat swiped your prey lol

[Bubblehead1980]

With the release of the interiors for TMO Update V2.0, started career over with Subron 50. USS Barb SS-220 (Gato). Assigned to support Operation Torch landings at Safi, French Morocco . Departed New London, CT on 19 October 1942.



Arrived in area on night of 5 October 1942 with heavy storms kicking. Heavy winds, rain and fogs prevented any type of visibility. A SJ contact was made briefly after midnight but unable to locate in rain.

Evening of 7 November the weather cleared. Reconnoitered area, identified location of shore batteries.

Night of November 7, conducted special mission. Surfaced t 2320 and landed Army Rangers under Lt Duckworth 2500 yards off Point de la Tour at 2330.


While departing area made SJ contact bearing 094 15500 yards.

Closed contact and identified as a moder freighter/passenger vessel of 3600 tons flying the French Flag. Crew ordered to General Quarters-Torpedo. Submerged ahead for night time periscope attack as the moonlight permitted.

Close up inspection confirmed contact was Vichy French. All bow tubes made ready.


At 2354 fired tubes 1,2 from 1000 yards, set to depth of 6 feet.. Torpedo 1 apparently ran deep and exploded on opposite of target about 50 yards. Second torpedo hit amidships, leaving visible hole forward of stack.


Target vessel slowed and took heavy list. Tube 3 was fired at 2359 but detonated about 15 yards from target. Ordered Battle Surface-Gun Action
on the apparently unarmed AK.Surfaced at 0005 hours and commenced firing at 0007 with 3 inch 50 caliber deck gun and 20mm cannon.


After 14 hits from the deck gun, ship was burning and apparently sinking, ceased fire.Target sunk at 0031 8 November 30 NM NNW of Safi.


Secured GQ, proceeded to assigned station to complete infrared signaling assignment for landing forces.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0 w Vickers Interiors
100 difficulty, cams and contacts on.




September 13
----------------


1100 Departed Brisbane, Australia in company with THUNDERFISH for
Darwin, Australia en route patrol
area.

1230 Rendezvoused with RN escort vessel for transit through minefields.

1355 Escort detached.

1400 Trim Dive.

1430 Surface. Set course for Darwin.


September 14
-------------

En route Darwin. Uneventful.



September 15
-------------

En route Darwin. Uneventful.


September 16
-------------

En route Darwin.

1333 SD contact 22700 yds, steady.(Aircraft Contact No.1)

1336 Aircraft range began to rapidly decrease.

1337 Spotted Sunderland flying boat (RAAF) bearing 147 6500 yds.
Aircraft rapidly closed, appeared to be setting up for attack.
Attempted to exchanged recognition signals. For safety, submerged.

1338: CISCO at depth of 170 ft, large explosions above. Friendly fire.
42

1339: A series of large explosions.
51


1341: More explosions.
33

1344 More explosions.

1346 More explosions.


1818 Surfaced.


September 17
-------------

En route Darwin. Uneventful.

1810 Began transit of Torres Strait en route Darwin.


1848 Port lookout spotted mine floating in water, bearing 290 50 yards.
Ordered 20mm guns manned, detonated mine with 20mm gunfire at 1854.

1850 Slowed speed of advance in strait from 15 knots to 10 knots for safety.



September 18
-------------

En route Darwin.

0030 Seas grew heavy during transit of Torres Strait. Winds 29 knots direction 218.

0400 Clear of Torres Strait. Increased speed to 15 knots.

0600 Dawn position showed CISCO entered Arafura Sea.


September 19
-------------

En route Darwin. uneventful.


September 20
-------------

0100 Entered Van Diemen Gulf


0800 Docked at Darwin. Refueled, restocked provisions, conducted voyage repairs.

1800 Departed Darwin for patrol area.


September 21
-------------

En route patrol area. Uneventful.


September 22
-------------

En route patrol area.

0000 Entered Banda Sea.

0800 Heavy seas. Winds 24 kts direction 355.


September 23
-------------

En route area.

0613 SJ contact bearing 005 18500 yards. (Ship Contact No.1)

0630 Contact PC type vessel North of Buru, likely guard vessel. Avoided.

1319 PT boat spotted bearing 017 10000 yds (Ship Contact No.2) Dive!

1320 Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge.

1330 Depth 400 ft, leveled off.

1410 Lost sound contact. Maintained depth and silent running, secured from
rig for depth charge.

1705 Secured from Silent Running.


2000 Surfaced.



September 24
-------------

En route to assigned area.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0
cams and contacts off.


Scrapped previous career and did new install of TMO and SH 4, running much better now with interiors mod.



USS Cisco SS-290 (Balao) en route to assigned area B4 in South China Sea after departing Brisbane on 12 September and stopping at Darwin 19 September for refuel.


Night of 23/24 September entered Sibutu Pass to enter Sulu Sea.
While West of Tawi Tawi in the pass, made two SJ contacts. Judged to be a patrol, began evasion on surface but was detected, possibly by radar and soon two DD's were in view. Unable to outrun them, went to GQ, turned into them and submerged, rigging for silent running and depth charge.


9 hours and 15 minutes later....still being pinged, hunted, depth charged. One aft torpedoman is listed as "broken" when aft torpedo room took on some water. Currently at 650 ft. About four hours in, two more warship contacts arrived in area, presumably from Tawi Tawi and joined the hunt. At nine our mark, lost contact with two of pursuers, believe are "sleeping:, listening for me. I am up way too late lol, figured this would have ended hours ago. Most persistent escorts have ran into in a while. Given they are DD's and ASW patrol, most likely set to Elite and the time period, now have radar, latest sonar gear etc. Rough ride....

[Bubblehead1980]

Continuation of previous post "9 hours and 15 minutes"


After 12 1/2 hours under attack, lost contact with enemy destroyers.

Remained submerged until dark. Avoided two DD's hunting in area.
Surfaced and exited North end of pass into Sulu Sea en route to patrol area B4 in South China Sea.

Battery Power was down to 5 percent, compressed air reserve at 70 percent due to high speed maneuvering, deep submergence below 600 ft and battle damage (Compressed air drained after close depth charge and compressor damaged, as well as notice usage when beyond 600 ft.)

[Rhodes]

TMO Update BH V2.0


USS Paddle - 10 January, 1944, 26 February, 1944
Destination: Yellow Sea, obj: dropping of a agent to a sampan!


Un-eventual voyage during the first days. When crossing Corridor II area, radar pick up several ships, a convoy. 2 rows, 4 ships each, just 2 escorts.

Reported to COMSUBPAC and they ordered to attack, Tankers were the priority.



Starboard side, textual attack, score one merchant. After exiting northeast an reload the torpedos, new attack. The ships were back in formation and slow, just zig-zaging. Escorts were trying to find me south.

3 more ships went down, another merchants and 2 tankers.

Escaped at full speed and dived to boat since it was near dawn - realoded the remaining torpedos.



After also voyage days with out any contact, arrived at the destination.

Dropped the agent of and return to base, after message from SUBPAC. Low fuel.



When I approach the sampan, I did with my duck gun manned and loaded. Was expecting something fishy...:D

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0


USS Paddle - 10 January, 1944, 26 February, 1944
Destination: Yellow Sea, obj: dropping of a agent to a sampan!


Un-eventual voyage during the first days. When crossing Corridor II area, radar pick up several ships, a convoy. 2 rows, 4 ships each, just 2 escorts.

Reported to COMSUBPAC and they ordered to attack, Tankers were the priority.



Starboard side, textual attack, score one merchant. After exiting northeast an reload the torpedos, new attack. The ships were back in formation and slow, just zig-zaging. Escorts were trying to find me south.

3 more ships went down, another merchants and 2 tankers.

Escaped at full speed and dived to boat since it was near dawn - realoded the remaining torpedos.



After also voyage days with out any contact, arrived at the destination.

Dropped the agent of and return to base, after message from SUBPAC. Low fuel.



When I approach the sampan, I did with my duck gun manned and loaded. Was expecting something fishy...:D


"Was expecting something fishy" lmao:har:. Good move, being prepared. I mean it could happen, there are neutral and unfriendly fishing boats (some armed) etc in area usually.

Funny you say that though, I considered placing hostiles very close to those areas so player might confuse them but don't believe ever got around to it. Perhaps in next patch lol.



Nice job on the convoy:Kaleun_Salute:

[Rhodes]

"Was expecting something fishy" lmao:har:. Good move, being prepared. I mean it could happen, there are neutral and unfriendly fishing boats (some armed) etc in area usually.

Funny you say that though, I considered placing hostiles very close to those areas so player might confuse them but don't believe ever got around to it. Perhaps in next patch lol.



Nice job on the convoy:Kaleun_Salute:


After your reply to my post, I began to suspect that you could have add something more to that new kind of missions. Like the sampan having a gun or signal an appearing ASW ship - shallow water, near coast...
Of course, I don't know if the game can be programmed for it.



I could had done more in the convoy, still shooting from a distance and the first salvo of my bow tubes only 2 hit and sunk a ship.

[Bubblehead1980]

After your reply to my post, I began to suspect that you could have add something more to that new kind of missions. Like the sampan having a gun or signal an appearing ASW ship - shallow water, near coast...
Of course, I don't know if the game can be programmed for it.



I could had done more in the convoy, still shooting from a distance and the first salvo of my bow tubes only 2 hit and sunk a ship.



Well I added a few different surprises in different missions, whether they occur is kind of in the air. Test a patrol objective 4 times, may happen properly 2/2/ or 2/3 or 1/3 and then different other times, really depends on player when they arrive etc, when things spawn, its quite dynamic in that sense. Boat you rendezvoused with should have been in shallow waters.

Nothing wrong with sinking one ship en route to your special mission. :Kaleun_Salute:

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0
100 difficulty. Cams and contacts off.

Departed Milne Bay, New Guinea on 1 January 1944. Assigned area in the Truk-Rabaul shipping lanes.


January 6, 1944
1423
1-36N
148-56E

SJ radar picked up two contacts bearing 010 26329 yards. Increased speed to intercept. Called General Quarters-Torpedo.

Soon became clear the contacts were moving at high speed on
a Northerly course. Even at flank speed, CISCO was having
difficulty pulling ahead.

Eventually, in distance could make out a large vessel and a DD in column, DD making sweeps ahead. Vessels were plotted on course 358 at 18 knots.

After some time moving ahead, submerged for attack. Went to 400 feet and flank speed to close to proper firing range. Upon reaching plotting point of track, began turn to bring stern tubes to bear in order
to utilize the new MK 18 electric torpedoes in stern tubes, taking
advantage of their lack of wake.


At periscope depth, identified the large vessel as a Aikoku Maru
class Auxiliary Cruiser 14280 tons. The DD was of Fubuki or similar class.


At 1556 fired tubes 7,8,9,10. Range 3300 yards. Torpedo (Tube 7) suffered
gyro malfunction and took a 50 degree jog to starboard, other torpedoes
deployed correctly.

At 1559, torpedo (tube no 9) impacted the stern of the target, other torpedoes missed. A large fire developed on the stern of the cruiser as it slowed. Engine/prop noises slowed, believe torpedo disabled the screw/rudder. Began turn to bring bow tubes to bear as DD was a bit ahead at time of impact and did not seem aware of CISCO's location.


About five minutes after impact, the fire on stern of target was burning and
she appeared dead in water, the torpedo hit had definitely disabled her prop and/or rudder. However, enemy DD seemed to have idea of CISCO's location
and bean closing at very high rate of speed, with pinging commencing.


CISCO rigged for depth charge and silent running, went to 450 feet. DD began a series or intense but inaccurate attacks, with CISCO leveling off at 500 feet. At 1653 noises of a ship breaking up following by explosions were clearly audible through the hull, emanating from the last bearing of the aux cruiser.


At 1653, 14280 ton AIKOKU MARU Class Auxiliary Cruiser sunk at 1-43N 148-55E. 330 NM NE Kaveing, New Ireland.


Intensity of depth charge attack ramped up after the cruiser went down. in spite of best evasive tactics was unable to shake the enemy DD. CISCO was forced 650 ft at one point, where the enemy had difficulties tracking, but continued with a persistent and accurate attack. A few minor leaks developed
during depth charging.


Eventually, DD "went silent" , clearly listening for CISCO as she plodded along at 650 ft. Night had now fallen and ship was rigged for red.
A few sporadic sound contacts were made with DD as she slowly moved about then went silent again.


At 2340 rose to periscope depth, then SJ depth, no contact with enemy DD. Secured silent running and GQ. Surfaced at 2350.

[easy]

Always exciting, your stories! I always read them and hope to one day get to play them too. :Kaleun_Applaud:

[Bubblehead1980]

Always exciting, your stories! I always read them and hope to one day get to play them too. :Kaleun_Applaud:


Thank you, glad you enjoy them.:Kaleun_Salute:

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0
100 difficulty. Cams on, map contacts off.



USS CISCO SS-290
War Patrol Four. Patrol off Palau prior to Lifeguard Duty in support of
Operation Desecrate I (air strikes on Palau and Yap by carriers)



On 21 March received ULTRA regarding enemy submarine departing southern entrance to Palau sometime on 23 March. On 22 March proceeded to assume position from patrol area south of Angaur Island, Palau.



Arrived position 10 miles off Southern entrance to lagoon morning of 22 March,
submerged for patrol through the day, surfaced at 2200. Avoided a PC in area.

At 0505 made SJ contact at 29,000 yards on a small convoy preparing to enter the lagoon. Called General Quarters and began tracking. Convoy
was identified in the pre dawn light as one AK, one AO, one DE escorting course 070 10 knots. With dawn breaking, conditions were not suitable for surface attack, so submerged for attack.


At 0616 fired six MK 23-1 torpedoes from tubes 1,2,3,4,5,6. Three at AO, three at AK.


Three torpedoes hit the tanker, setting it on fire and breaking it in two.


The AK slowed and began turn to port when torpedoes hit the tanker, causing two to miss ahead, but one torpedo hit the bow, cause severe visible damage and fire.


The Momi Class DD/DE began pinging almost immediately. CISCO rigged for depth charge and silent running, and dove for 450 ft.


The DE was soon above as CISCO neared 350 ft and leveled off to avoid
stern sticking protruding during the depth charge attack. As DE roared above, went Ahead Flank for speed burst for 35 seconds, then slowed to 1/3 speed with 15 degrees port rudder.

Depth charges exploded, two were close, causing minor damage in
aft torpedo room, including minor leaks and flooding, which was quickly controlled.

After this, CISCO continued on to 450 ft, while DE set up for another run.

Soon it was apparent that this escort was the enemy's first team, as stayed with CISCO and made increasingly accurate runs, causing damage each time.

CISCO leveled at 550 ft and the escort seemed to have difficulty tracking, but still stayed too close for comfort, making repeated depth charge runs.



A brief period of silence occurred, while he listened for CISCO, followed by
a prolonged period of pinging and then a very accurate DC attack, which caused forward torpedo room to take on some water, but flooding was quickly controlled.

CISCO now at 600 ft, was continually attacked by the persistent DE. Although he made several attacks not close to CISCO, as was having trouble
keeping accurate contact with her.


However, a close run revealed he had found the depth, CISCO went on to 650 ft and then 675. Although pinging continued for some time and many charges dropped, none were close enough to do more than shake the boat a bit and enemy lost contact. A total of 105 depth charges were tallied during this attack. Over next few hours more explosions were heard as CISCO slipped away at 675 ft. Secured from GQ , maintained silent running.

In the afternoon came to periscope depth, to find the DE still hunting in area of attack, dropping occasional depth charge. Also spotting a low flying MAVIS , scouring the area for CISCO.


In the later afternoon secured silent running and reloaded torpedo tubes,
surfaced after dark and patrolled in area, hoping to catch the enemy sub, if had not departed undetected or departed from another entrance.


At 2109, came to all stop to listen with hydrophones.

At 2111, sounds of distant light props were heard, set course to close
contact.SJ showed no contact.


Soon a surfaced submarine was spotted at 8200 yards on course 195, zigging. Obviously the submarine departed, but alerted to earlier attack,
was zigging. Submarine gave no indication had detected CISCO. Submarine was identified as a I-Class Japanese submarine.


Due to distance and difficulty tracking via radar, decided to go for the attack on surface. Called GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO-SURFACE . Brought stern tubes to bare on target and backed down at 8 kts, slowing to 5 was we closed range.

Plotted the enemy's zigs along base course, which were roughly every 45-60 seconds 60 or so degrees in each direction. Submarine was maintaining speed of advance of 10 knots, even with the wild zigs. Calculated spread to fire two at middle of target, one at stern, and one at bow. With the spread and intervals for firing, this provided excellent coverage.


At 2140 Fired tubes 7,8,9,10 at I Class Submarine. 3050 yds. All four MK 23-1 torpedoes ran hot, straight, and normal.



2142 Two torpedoes missed ahead as sub made its swing to starboard, away from CISCO, but the third torpedo, which had been aimed at stern, impacted
the stern, in a sort of "up the pipes" shot as the AOB of the sub was about 170 degrees when torpedo hit. The explosion was large, and massive. A huge fireball flashed and loomed. About 4 seconds later, a massive secondary explosion, and a large, but smaller than first secondary also occurred, likely torpedoes cooking off in aft torpedo room.. The submarine sunk in 43 seconds at 6-52N 133-56E.
Further explosions were heard over next couple minutes as sub descended to the depths.


CISCO cleared area and secured GQ.


A busy but productive day with two ships sunk, one damaged.

Sunk:

AO ARARE MARU 2800 tons

I-Class Submarine 1800 tons


Damaged:

AK SURABAYA MARU 5186 tons.

[easy]

thrilling !

[Bubblehead1980]

thrilling !


Glad you enjoyed it.


Yes, was quite thrilling, especially the sub encounter. A lot of tension and satisfaction when make a shot like the one on the sub and it works s planned.

Sobering as well, since AI subs in TMO fire torpedoes, could easily be my boat.

Had many close calls since they've been present in game and been sunk once by a AI sub off Pearl in December 1941, at night. Never knew they were there until torpedo hit.

[Rhodes]

TMO Update BH V2.0+patches

USS Paddle - 28 April, 1944, 5 May, 1944
Destination: Area 14 - patrolling and anti-shipping actions.



The trip to the patrol location was fine, notting to report. Area 14 East of the Marianas Islands proved empty.

After 15 days and some enemy patrols/task forces detected, the
USS Paddle was ordered to patrol the Carolinas Islands.



Detected a merchant with a small escort, score one torpedo of a shot of 2. After evading the escort and the ship left, ended the Maru with a aft shot.



Convoy detected after 2 days, attack from the starboard side, no escorts each side. 2 rows of ships, 10 torpedos shot (bow+aft) only 2 hit the target.

Calculated speed was off. Had to abandon the attack do to escorts finding and chasing me.

They had to had radar...


After a few hours of depth charges and going to 500 ft with some damages here and there, manage to escape.



2nd convoy detected near West of Truk, direction NW ,10 knts. After some shadowing for a night surface attack, 3 merchants and 1 tanker sunk.

Light escort, 2 rows of ships, shot all tube from 3500 yards.

After evading the escorts on surface, ended the last ship that was still floating with the deck gun.



Return voyage with incidents.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0+patches

USS Paddle - 28 April, 1944, 5 May, 1944
Destination: Area 14 - patrolling and anti-shipping actions.



The trip to the patrol location was fine, notting to report. Area 14 East of the Marianas Islands proved empty.

After 15 days and some enemy patrols/task forces detected, the
USS Paddle was ordered to patrol the Carolinas Islands.



Detected a merchant with a small escort, score one torpedo of a shot of 2. After evading the escort and the ship left, ended the Maru with a aft shot.



Convoy detected after 2 days, attack from the starboard side, no escorts each side. 2 rows of ships, 10 torpedos shot (bow+aft) only 2 hit the target.

Calculated speed was off. Had to abandon the attack do to escorts finding and chasing me.

They had to had radar...


After a few hours of depth charges and going to 500 ft with some damages here and there, manage to escape.



2nd convoy detected near West of Truk, direction NW ,10 knts. After some shadowing for a night surface attack, 3 merchants and 1 tanker sunk.

Light escort, 2 rows of ships, shot all tube from 3500 yards.

After evading the escorts on surface, ended the last ship that was still floating with the deck gun.



Return voyage with incidents.

Nice haul and job on the night surface attack:Kaleun_Salute:

Do you feel the night surface attacks are: Too easy or just right balance?

Yes, possible at least one of the escorts had radar. Depends on the class of vessel.

Area 14 is busy that time of the war until June but over time convoy routes do change up some though, some move closer to the islands , others moved further our in the open ocean where easier to avoid detection. I believe you may have just missed the lanes. Overall N/S traffic running east of Marianas does die down after feb 1944 though, when Truk was essentially neutralized by the Operation Hailstone air strikes Feb 1944.

[Rhodes]

Nice haul and job on the night surface attack:Kaleun_Salute:

Do you feel the night surface attacks are: Too easy or just right balance?



Well, for me and until this date, I think that they are right balance. Why?

1. One time, current campaign (the one of the latest reports) I spot a small convoy - one escort and 3 or 2 ships. Clear sky, crystal flat water, moon light.
Approached slowly, let them come tome me, try always to to be in a angle of 45º, etc.
At 3000-2000 yards, the merchants spotted me. Began to fire all their weapons, flood lights at me, etc. Had to dive. Possible I should have done a submerge attack, with all that clarity.


2. Convoys that the escorts detect me, by any means. So it is not always: "it's easy peasy".


3. Until this time, I only manage to get inside a convoy once.

[Mad Mardigan]

Well, for me and until this date, I think that they are right balance. Why?


Feedback, is important, more so if things are not as they should be... & without that info, well... modder's (too many to try & name all here... *nod to all of them*) won't know what needs tweaking to either dial it back or amp it up if a response times off either way... in short, feedback is necessary in order to make... course corrections, dependent on what those are & where they are needed to be.


So.... if you do run into an issue, always strive to make sure to gather every last shred, scrap, miniscule bit of info to give... so that when the modder goes to find what is causing a problem... they'll know where to start looking.... & be able to see just what is the cause of it & what to do to solve/correct/fix it. Or to be able to narrow it down & confer/confab with other modders, in figuring out what can be done to do so... as sometimes... 2 heads (or more) are better than 1.


:Kaleun_Cheers:





:Kaleun_Salute:


M. M.

[Bubblehead1980]

Well, for me and until this date, I think that they are right balance. Why?

1. One time, current campaign (the one of the latest reports) I spot a small convoy - one escort and 3 or 2 ships. Clear sky, crystal flat water, moon light.
Approached slowly, let them come tome me, try always to to be in a angle of 45º, etc.
At 3000-2000 yards, the merchants spotted me. Began to fire all their weapons, flood lights at me, etc. Had to dive. Possible I should have done a submerge attack, with all that clarity.


2. Convoys that the escorts detect me, by any means. So it is not always: "it's easy peasy"





3. Until this time, I only manage to get inside a convoy once.




Oh, I was just wondering, glad you find it balanced. I do as well, quite happy with it, even though at times it seems kind of easy but thats the balance. Really all has to do with conditions of the night for most part, minaly light and fog. As MM pointed out, feedback is very important in modding. My experience is not always the experience others have. One reason and a unfortunate part of modding, is I have a inside track on the workings of the mod. I actually do my best not to use that knowledge and try to create things so they can vary and feel I struck that balance in TMO. Even though I designed the TMO Update, changed a lot of things, have do hours and hours of testing and I can not always predict how things will go down, I still get caught off guard, and even lose my boat now and then. Mod remains a challenge, even for me, which was the goal. Having said, want it difficult but not impossible. I loved the original TMO, but at times it was impossible, primarily due to the damage model and overpowered depth charges, which I corrected. With addition of night surface


Sounds like you are doing it right, keeping angles small to reduce visibility. Yes, moonlight is the main factor in night surface attacks. I always attack so the moon is behind the convoy, my position is "down moon". A rule of thumb is full moon, go for night attack with periscope or shadow until dawn, then attack, use the rising sun to illuminate the targets, works well. Much like human eyes, the visual sensors have difficulty during transition time of dawn and dusk, so if torpedo wakes are coming from the "dark side" (west) at dawn, they typically have more trouble spotted them.

Sometimes there is no moon but the night is just lighter than others, can chance it, Captains discretion. Thing about mod is those without radar have a hard time tracking you on surface (as should, subs were tough to see on surface, esp at night) for very long. Your boat can disappear into the night, as so many did.

Calm seas is best for surface attacks because your sub becomes more visible in heavy seas due to the spray kicked up, water flowing out of the superstructure's holes. Heavy seas also slows your boats surface maneuverability and dive speeds down.


Far as getting inside convoys, well that is a very situational thing, but quite possible, provides a real advantage, and is a lot of fun. Mainly only possible in mid 1944 on, when Japanese started running larger, allied style convoys, the convoys in TMO (most of them) esp the North South/HI convoys (Singapore-Japan) and N/X Takao-Manila(TAMA )Manila to Takao (MATA convoys). Previous to mid 1944, its rare to find a convoy suitable for a attack from inside.

[Rhodes]

Feedback, is important, more so if things are not as they should be... & without that info, well... modder's (too many to try & name all here... *nod to all of them*) won't know what needs tweaking to either dial it back or amp it up if a response times off either way... in short, feedback is necessary in order to make... course corrections, dependent on what those are & where they are needed to be.


So.... if you do run into an issue, always strive to make sure to gather every last shred, scrap, miniscule bit of info to give... so that when the modder goes to find what is causing a problem... they'll know where to start looking.... & be able to see just what is the cause of it & what to do to solve/correct/fix it. Or to be able to narrow it down & confer/confab with other modders, in figuring out what can be done to do so... as sometimes... 2 heads (or more) are better than 1.


:Kaleun_Cheers:





:Kaleun_Salute:


M. M.




Oh, I was just wondering, glad you find it balanced. I do as well, quite happy with it, even though at times it seems kind of easy but thats the balance. Really all has to do with conditions of the night for most part, minaly light and fog. As MM pointed out, feedback is very important in modding. My experience is not always the experience others have. One reason and a unfortunate part of modding, is I have a inside track on the workings of the mod. I actually do my best not to use that knowledge and try to create things so they can vary and feel I struck that balance in TMO. Even though I designed the TMO Update, changed a lot of things, have do hours and hours of testing and I can not always predict how things will go down, I still get caught off guard, and even lose my boat now and then. Mod remains a challenge, even for me, which was the goal. Having said, want it difficult but not impossible. I loved the original TMO, but at times it was impossible, primarily due to the damage model and overpowered depth charges, which I corrected. With addition of night surface


Sounds like you are doing it right, keeping angles small to reduce visibility. Yes, moonlight is the main factor in night surface attacks. I always attack so the moon is behind the convoy, my position is "down moon". A rule of thumb is full moon, go for night attack with periscope or shadow until dawn, then attack, use the rising sun to illuminate the targets, works well. Much like human eyes, the visual sensors have difficulty during transition time of dawn and dusk, so if torpedo wakes are coming from the "dark side" (west) at dawn, they typically have more trouble spotted them.

Sometimes there is no moon but the night is just lighter than others, can chance it, Captains discretion. Thing about mod is those without radar have a hard time tracking you on surface (as should, subs were tough to see on surface, esp at night) for very long. Your boat can disappear into the night, as so many did.

Calm seas is best for surface attacks because your sub becomes more visible in heavy seas due to the spray kicked up, water flowing out of the superstructure's holes. Heavy seas also slows your boats surface maneuverability and dive speeds down.


Far as getting inside convoys, well that is a very situational thing, but quite possible, provides a real advantage, and is a lot of fun. Mainly only possible in mid 1944 on, when Japanese started running larger, allied style convoys, the convoys in TMO (most of them) esp the North South/HI convoys (Singapore-Japan) and N/X Takao-Manila(TAMA )Manila to Takao (MATA convoys). Previous to mid 1944, its rare to find a convoy suitable for a attack from inside.


My "why" was not I asking Bubblehead1980 why did he ask me. Was just me answering him why do I find it balance and the my reasons for it. I notice now I forgot writing "because" before the list of reasons. I only noticed that when I red my post again.

It was something lost in translation and about writing instead of a conversation and different languages all together. I apologise for the miss understanding



Of course the feedback is important and that's the reason I try to answer the best i can, explaining all the game experiences and my insights.


Bugs and oddities, I post in the other thread, mod section. I have a few things, but been postponing.

[Mad Mardigan]

My "why" was not I asking Bubblehead1980 why did he ask me. Was just me answering him why do I find it balance and the my reasons for it. I notice now I forgot writing "because" before the list of reasons. I only noticed that when I red my post again.

It was something lost in translation and about writing instead of a conversation and different languages all together. I apologize for the misunderstanding.



Of course the feedback is important and that's the reason I try to answer the best i can, explaining all the game experiences and my insights.


Bugs and oddities, I post in the other thread, mod section. I have a few things, but been postponing.

Hey... no sweat... can well understand that, the phrase... 'been there, done that', well comes to mind... on more than 1 occasion at the least, for Me at any rate. :yep:

:shucks:





:Kaleun_Salute:


M. M.

[Bubblehead1980]

My "why" was not I asking Bubblehead1980 why did he ask me. Was just me answering him why do I find it balance and the my reasons for it. I notice now I forgot writing "because" before the list of reasons. I only noticed that when I red my post again.

It was something lost in translation and about writing instead of a conversation and different languages all together. I apologise for the miss understanding



Of course the feedback is important and that's the reason I try to answer the best i can, explaining all the game experiences and my insights.


Bugs and oddities, I post in the other thread, mod section. I have a few things, but been postponing.


Got it. You do a great job:Kaleun_Salute: Thanks for the reports, look forward to more of them.

[Bubblehead1980]

Dark Waters
100 difficulty, no map contacts, no camera.

U-47 April 27, 1940
Grid AF 7995 in North Sea.


Have been in area in support of the German invasion of Norway beginning April 9th. Have suffered numerous torpedo failures.......12 fired, 4 hit, sinking two ships Other eight....4 premature explosions, 3 duds, one unexplained miss possibly ran deep.


While on surface at 1300 hours 27 April spotted a destroyer and then smoke of merchants. Soon spotted French flagged merchants and destroyers. Fired a TII G7e electric torpedo at 9000 ton merchant , suddenly (All bow torpedoes expended), sound reported warship close closing fast. Swung scope to bearing to find a Adroit Class destroyer just 600 meters away! Apparently, these destroyers are not equipped with ASDIC but only hydrophones, this concealed his approached. Ordered a Alarm and hard dive on planes. DD roared above as boat passed 25 meters and dropped large Wasserbombe pattern. Boat shaken with minor leaks, quickly repaired.

A torpedo impact was reported, but no further signs of a destroyed ship were heard.

Took boat to 115 meters and silent routine. Enemy bombed in area, but never close for remainder of attack.

[Rhodes]

TMO Update BH V2.0+patches

USS Paddle - 12 Jun, 1944, 31 July, 1944. 7th Patrol
Destination: North-East Hookaido - patrolling and anti-shipping actions.


After I calm voyage, the USS Paddle arrived to her destination for 25 days of anti-shipping actions.

The first days were spend patrolling near Kushiro with heavy weather conditions. Only a few hours at surface and the rest submerge.

Second area, after a few days, more southwest, calmer weather but no targets or contacts.

COMSUBPAC after 10 days declared mission completed and assign Area 4 as the nest destination for the USS Paddle!



Uneventful travel to the area; after a few days, only light escorts detected.

Decided to go South and them Southwest. Convoy detected!
Storm weather and 0 visibility. Intercepted the convoy and decided to attack on surface using the radar to detect and plot my solution.

The escorts were not aware my presence so near the ships. Fired all bow tubes, manage to score a merchant.

Then the escorts did awake and force the USS Paddle to dive, they manage to pin-point my location with that weather.

After a few hours of depth charging, they lost me when order 400 ft depth.



Second part of the patrol, on that area was of boredom...

https://i.ibb.co/xC4xF0D/SH4-Img-2022-06-20-18-42-05-400.png (https://ibb.co/h7q3Yjy)
:D


In one occasion, a single ship was detected by sonar, merchant, travelling East, slow speed. Manage to intercept and fire 2 torpedos. One missed because of error on the speed+ship evasion manoeuvres. The other passed under the ship :06: :06: :06:?!!! Then, plane detected and a destroyer...
The ship escaped, I crash dive to avoid the plane. After coming to periscope depth again, the destroyer was searching for me. Decided to engage and:

https://i.ibb.co/vXXSHvf/SH4-Img-2022-06-21-18-42-35-944.png (https://ibb.co/Z220V1v)
He still keep going at fast speed... we got to love those toyota engines...:D
But he decided to go way.

After more days of Notting and going to the last part of Area 4 before leaving, I detected a destroyer and decide to go away. The ship was travelling slow, possible the destroyer that I had engaged before.

On moving away from it, Radar pick up something relatively near. Put the binoculars and saw 2 huge things coming from the light horizon fog.
A task force of 2 heavy cruisers with an escort.



Decided to attack using my last bow torpedos and with my aft tubes and reserves still to use, didn't think more. Reported find, orders to inflict heavy damages.



They were zigzaging, speed was estimate of 20,5 knts. NE route, I was SE +/-, almost 90º.

I switch of my radar and at one point the escort stopped! The cruisers continue their zig-zaging. I shot all my bow torpedos at around 3000 yards and turn 90 degrees to shoot my aft tubes.

2 hits on the first one and one hit on the second one. The first one became dead on the water, the second one only later did the same.

Then the escort did come back to life and chase me, had to dive and since he was going on a strait path to my derriere, silent speed and went for bow shot.

Tube 7 was already loaded and the destoyer didn't move from his path. solution ready and at 600 yards, Fire...
And forgot to set the depth of the torpedo to its slowest valour and the torpedo goes under the ship... but since I had changed to influence it did exploded near the propellers. The destroyer lost it high speed but still manage to socre some hit on me.

Damages were always minor to medium and deal with. My top speed underwater was 5, since my batteries were not charged when I pick up the task force.

Even so, at 370ft, 1 knt silent running, he lost me and I manage to get way. After a wile I went to periscope depth and saw both my targets dead on the water and had 3 torpedos left. 2 to the second crusier and the last to the first.

https://i.ibb.co/wwWQWVJ/SH4-Img-2022-06-23-20-02-47-329.png (https://ibb.co/2stMtx8)

one down
I shot my last torpedo and he decides to go the other way, possible to see something... I forgot to click 2 times on the bering...


Spotted the escort at long range, so exit route at 2 knts, ESE, 100 ft.

After 3 hours had to surface to charge the bateries!



After reaching Pearl, Promoted to Commander and got the Navy Commendation Medal!

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0+patches

USS Paddle - 12 Jun, 1944, 31 July, 1944. 7th Patrol
Destination: North-East Hookaido - patrolling and anti-shipping actions.


After I calm voyage, the USS Paddle arrived to her destination for 25 days of anti-shipping actions.

The first days were spend patrolling near Kushiro with heavy weather conditions. Only a few hours at surface and the rest submerge.

Second area, after a few days, more southwest, calmer weather but no targets or contacts.

COMSUBPAC after 10 days declared mission completed and assign Area 4 as the nest destination for the USS Paddle!



Uneventful travel to the area; after a few days, only light escorts detected.

Decided to go South and them Southwest. Convoy detected!
Storm weather and 0 visibility. Intercepted the convoy and decided to attack on surface using the radar to detect and plot my solution.

The escorts were not aware my presence so near the ships. Fired all bow tubes, manage to score a merchant.

Then the escorts did awake and force the USS Paddle to dive, they manage to pin-point my location with that weather.

After a few hours of depth charging, they lost me when order 400 ft depth.



Second part of the patrol, on that area was of boredom...

https://i.ibb.co/xC4xF0D/SH4-Img-2022-06-20-18-42-05-400.png (https://ibb.co/h7q3Yjy)
:D


In one occasion, a single ship was detected by sonar, merchant, travelling East, slow speed. Manage to intercept and fire 2 torpedos. One missed because of error on the speed+ship evasion manoeuvres. The other passed under the ship :06: :06: :06:?!!! Then, plane detected and a destroyer...
The ship escaped, I crash dive to avoid the plane. After coming to periscope depth again, the destroyer was searching for me. Decided to engage and:

https://i.ibb.co/vXXSHvf/SH4-Img-2022-06-21-18-42-35-944.png (https://ibb.co/Z220V1v)
He still keep going at fast speed... we got to love those toyota engines...:D
But he decided to go way.

After more days of Notting and going to the last part of Area 4 before leaving, I detected a destroyer and decide to go away. The ship was travelling slow, possible the destroyer that I had engaged before.

On moving away from it, Radar pick up something relatively near. Put the binoculars and saw 2 huge things coming from the light horizon fog.
A task force of 2 heavy cruisers with an escort.



Decided to attack using my last bow torpedos and with my aft tubes and reserves still to use, didn't think more. Reported find, orders to inflict heavy damages.



They were zigzaging, speed was estimate of 20,5 knts. NE route, I was SE +/-, almost 90º.

I switch of my radar and at one point the escort stopped! The cruisers continue their zig-zaging. I shot all my bow torpedos at around 3000 yards and turn 90 degrees to shoot my aft tubes.

2 hits on the first one and one hit on the second one. The first one became dead on the water, the second one only later did the same.

Then the escort did come back to life and chase me, had to dive and since he was going on a strait path to my derriere, silent speed and went for bow shot.

Tube 7 was already loaded and the destoyer didn't move from his path. solution ready and at 600 yards, Fire...
And forgot to set the depth of the torpedo to its slowest valour and the torpedo goes under the ship... but since I had changed to influence it did exploded near the propellers. The destroyer lost it high speed but still manage to socre some hit on me.

Damages were always minor to medium and deal with. My top speed underwater was 5, since my batteries were not charged when I pick up the task force.

Even so, at 370ft, 1 knt silent running, he lost me and I manage to get way. After a wile I went to periscope depth and saw both my targets dead on the water and had 3 torpedos left. 2 to the second crusier and the last to the first.

https://i.ibb.co/wwWQWVJ/SH4-Img-2022-06-23-20-02-47-329.png (https://ibb.co/2stMtx8)

one down
I shot my last torpedo and he decides to go the other way, possible to see something... I forgot to click 2 times on the bering...


Spotted the escort at long range, so exit route at 2 knts, ESE, 100 ft.

After 3 hours had to surface to charge the bateries!



After reaching Pearl, Promoted to Commander and got the Navy Commendation Medal!



Well done:Kaleun_Salute:

Always fun/challenging when run into warships. Zigging at 20 kts can be a tough target if unlucky and out of position at contact, difficult to pass them them. Nice job on the sinking. I'm off un U Boat landing in Dark Waters having a blast currently, but I miss the pacific and fleetboats lol.

Nice job on damaging the DD. Influence was still active in 1944? Thought I disabled magnetic features on torpedoes per history in mid 1943 for pac boats and jan 1944 for Australia based boats.. I'll have to check into that.


DD should have been disabled or sunk. I've tried for years to go someone with the know how to fix the DD's damage model in TMO. I unfortunately do not have the knowledge and at this moment, do not have time to learn.


Likely in a effort to make enemy escorts tougher to kill, original creator of TMO decided to strengthen their bows and sterns and reworked damage zones. I learn this first career in TMO when I tried a down the throat shot, it hit he DD and DD kept on coming. I was quite annoyed lol. That was a real tactic used and it was deadly. The unfortunate side effects was they had absurdly strong bows and to a lesser degree sterns, also their midships was strengthened and thus they do not split in two, which was something stock had right, there are quite a few photos and reports showing japanese DD's split in two from torpedo hits DD's were small warships and vulnerable to torpedoes, esp bow shots.

Hopefully one day someone with the know how will take on this task and correct this for my TMO Update.

[Rhodes]

Indeed, but decided to put AOB as if they were not doing zig-zag. When I fired it should had been 70º +/- and shoot when the cruiser began to zag, coming in my direction.

It did pay of!


I always switch back on the fire control, no top brass is there to see and the crew says nothing in port...:03:
But historically, after the orders, all ships sunk by US subs, late 43 and until the end of the war, the torpedos were always on contact fuse?



I understand and also, not always manage to get a throat shot right, but at least is fun seeing a DD still going with out part of the it...

[Bubblehead1980]

Indeed, but decided to put AOB as if they were not doing zig-zag. When I fired it should had been 70º +/- and shoot when the cruiser began to zag, coming in my direction.

It did pay of!


I always switch back on the fire control, no top brass is there to see and the crew says nothing in port...:03:
But historically, after the orders, all ships sunk by US subs, late 43 and until the end of the war, the torpedos were always on contact fuse?



I understand and also, not always manage to get a throat shot right, but at least is fun seeing a DD still going with out part of the it...


Well, in the mod is supposed to match history. In TMO update the magnetic features of exploder are supposed to be deactivated regardless of how player "switches" on the control panel...it's a setting in sim file. I may have left it checked by mistake.


Historically...

In June 24/25 (I forget which day) 1943 orders were sent out to Pacific Fleet Submarines (COMUBPAC) at sea to deactivate magnetic features on torpedoes, use contact only. This was welcomed due to the issues had with magnetic exploders. Torpedoes in base had them deactivated and were sent out on on boats in following weeks. What was discovered was the magnetic influence problem was masking the "dud" torpedo problem to a large degree. The firing pin was crushing on impact and not igniting the torpedo warhead.


Australia based boats (Fremantle, COMSUBSOWESPAC) under Admiral Christiem were ordered by him to keep magnetic features activated. Christie had been part of the development of the magnetic exploders and refused to acknowledge the problems. Brisbane based boats under Admiral Fife were under same orders.

Some, well many but not all Captains would go to sea, order the magnetic exploders deactivated, it was kept quiet. If any torpedoes remained after patrol, they had the magnetic influence reactivated before reaching port. Christie began to suspect this and had the base torpedoman use specific colored paint on crews on access panels to torpedo to see if had been tampered with. Sympathetic torpedoman told sub crews this, so they would take extra paint of x color to sea and simply touch up paint to hide evidence.
Of course this also meant some patrol reports had to be fudged a bit.


This went on for Australia based boats until January 20, 1944, when under orders from his superior, Adm. Christie ordered boats to deactivate magnetic features and Adm Fife in Brisbane gave same orders.
I included a Australia torpedoes Torpex mod for this reason.

[Rhodes]

I understand. Well, it could be that the torpedo hit the propeller shaft or ruder and did exploded because of that or the game interpreted like that and not a mistake of the sim file.

Now, next mission is Area 8, lets see what we will get. But I think I will for some Atlantic vacation before...

[Bubblehead1980]

Dark Waters
U-409 Type VIIC
100 difficulty, cam on, contacts off.



Left Lorient on Feb 24 1943


In Grid BD 255 en route to patrol assigned Grid AK 87 in North Atlantic convoy lanes. Spotted convoy on course 080 8 kts.


Attempted to approach on surface for attack, but enemy escorts got me on radar, forcing a dive.


Underwent intense depth charging and hedgehog attack. Between four escorts....at least 300 depth charges and 4 rounds of hedgehogs.


After four hours under attack and boat at depth of 230 meters, a close depth charge caused serious leaks in all compartments in addition to battery and pump damage. Boat went to 267 meters before could regain control. Blew tanks and went to 75 meters, survived a hedgehog attack at that depth somehow. Escorts seemed to lose me once went to shallow depth.

After stopping leaks and pumping water, judged by sound was inside convoy. Rose to periscope depth...attacked three freighters and fired a down the throat shot on a corvette. Sunk three merchants, crippled corvette. Went
back to 180 meters, endured more depth charges and hedgehog.


Close depth charge sprung leaks in propulsion room and stern torpedo room. Sunk to 180 meters before under control.



More depth charges followed. Eventually lost contact. Surfaced after a submerged time of 21 hours.

[Bubblehead1980]

FOTRS V1.8 w Nippon Maru and Nihon mods, in addition to
interiors ,with a few small custom mods.

100 difficulty, cams off, contacts on.
----------------------------------------------

Started first patrol in latest FOTRS in USS Triton SS-201 (Tambor Class)
out of Pearl Harbor in December 1941.



December 9
--------------
Weather| Clear. Winds 0 kts
Sea State| 1
Moon| None


0900| Departed Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. for assigned area.

1230| Trim Dive.

1300| Surface.


December 10
----------------
Weather| Clear. Wind 6 kts at 000
Sea State|1
Moon| Quarter


0630| Trim Dive

0700| Surface.



December 11
----------------
Weather| 9 KTS at 000
Sea State| 1
Moon| None

0630| Trim Dive.

0700| Surface.

Conducted dive, emergency, as well as simulated
gunnery, torpedo fire control drills throughout the day.
Otherwise, normal underway routine en route to assigned area.



December 12
----------------
Weather| Clear. Winds 9 kts at 000
Sea State| 1
Moon| None


0640| Trim Dive

0710| Surface.

Underway routine en route to assigned area.
Conducted drills.



December 13
----------------
Weather| Clear. Winds 25 kts at 028
Sea State| 4
Moon| None


0635| Trim Dive

0715| Surface.

Underway routine en route to assigned area.
Conducted drills.


December 14
-----------------
Weather| Clear. Winds 23 kts at 028
Sea State| 4
Moon| Partial


0730| Trim Dive

0750| Surface.

Underway routine en route to assigned area.
Conducted drills.




December 15
-----------------
Weather| Clear. Winds 0 knots
Sea State| 0
Moon| Partial


0730| Trim Dive

0750| Surface.

Underway routine en route to assigned area.



December 16
----------------
Weather| Clear. Wind 0 knots.
Sea State| 0
Moon| None


0750| Trim Dive

0810| Surface.

Underway routine en route to assigned area.
Conducted drills.




December 17
----------------
Weather| Clear. Wind 0 knots
Sea State| 0
Moon| Partial


0930| Dive. Per orders submerged for transit during daylight,
as was was now within 500 NM of known enemy airfield at
Kwajalein Atoll.

Following trimming of boat
and dive to test depth of 250 ft, conducted underway
procedure of continuous sound checks, rising to periscope depth
every half hour for visual observations. Returned to 90 ft during
interim between observations.



2000| Surfaced.




December 18
-----------------
Weather| Clear. Wind 0 knots.
Sea State| 0
Moon| Quarter


0900| Dive. Conducted normal underway submerged routine.

2022| Surface.


December 19
------------------
Weather| Clear. Winds 0 knots.
Sea State| 0
Moon| Quarter


0000| Entered assigned area.
Transit time| 10 days

0910| Dive. Submerged for patrol ten miles East of
Kwajalein Atoll.

1710| Sound contact bearing 110 long range. Possible warship.
Turned to investigate.

1721| Spotted enemy destroyer, believed to be Mutsuki Class.
Favorable setup, opted for attack.

1723| GENERAL QUARTERS-TORPEDO.

1750| Target changed course, unable to attack.

1800| Secured General Quarters.

2100| Surface.

[Rhodes]

TMO Update BH V2.0+patches

USS Paddle - August/September 1944. 8th Patrol
Destination: Area 8 patrolling and anti-shipping actions.


Summary report (since I already finished last week)


Normal and uneventful travel to destination area. Area 8 didn't produce any kind of shipping during 2 weeks after arriving.
Convoy report out side the area but could not intercept do to distance.



When expanding the patrol route to more SW/SSW waters, a task force was detected, NE course, directly at my SW route.

Fast (18 knots), 6 ships, 2 light cruisers and one heavy; 3 destroyers ate front, port and starboard side.

Intercept: after radar contact, they were a NNE. Still viable attack, intercept course and do to the weather conditions, submerge night attack.

3 fan shot at the heavy cruiser with type 14, distance was not viable for type 18. After, changed course to exit the area and dive to 250 ft, silent running.

2 hits, no immediate sink but it stopped the ship. Escorts did some search patterns but never got me, possible do to the shooting distance.

After all was quite, return submerge and detected the heavy cruiser leaning to starboard. At +/- 1000 yards, near 5 a.m. shot a type 18 and the cruiser was sent to the depths.



After a few days with out any to report, a convoy was detected. 4 columns, 5 ships each; light escorts.

After intercept and going almost inside the port column, decided for a night submerge attack.

2 torpedos each ship of the inner column, and 2 aft torpedos shot at on ship, at 400 yards distance.

2 ships hit, convoy breaks loose. Decided to turn and stay inside the convoy, same original direction.

Escorts never looked inside (lead escort never change course or did ASW actions ?!).

Began to pick up the ships when they crossed my heading, shooting the near ones and reloading. 6 ships (2 tankers and 4 merchants went below)


All torpedoes expended, return to base. 7 ships sunk

Navy Cross and new command, but declined.

[Bubblehead1980]

TMO Update BH V2.0+patches

USS Paddle - August/September 1944. 8th Patrol
Destination: Area 8 patrolling and anti-shipping actions.


Summary report (since I already finished last week)


Normal and uneventful travel to destination area. Area 8 didn't produce any kind of shipping during 2 weeks after arriving.
Convoy report out side the area but could not intercept do to distance.



When expanding the patrol route to more SW/SSW waters, a task force was detected, NE course, directly at my SW route.

Fast (18 knots), 6 ships, 2 light cruisers and one heavy; 3 destroyers ate front, port and starboard side.

Intercept: after radar contact, they were a NNE. Still viable attack, intercept course and do to the weather conditions, submerge night attack.

3 fan shot at the heavy cruiser with type 14, distance was not viable for type 18. After, changed course to exit the area and dive to 250 ft, silent running.

2 hits, no immediate sink but it stopped the ship. Escorts did some search patterns but never got me, possible do to the shooting distance.

After all was quite, return submerge and detected the heavy cruiser leaning to starboard. At +/- 1000 yards, near 5 a.m. shot a type 18 and the cruiser was sent to the depths.



After a few days with out any to report, a convoy was detected. 4 columns, 5 ships each; light escorts.

After intercept and going almost inside the port column, decided for a night submerge attack.

2 torpedos each ship of the inner column, and 2 aft torpedos shot at on ship, at 400 yards distance.

2 ships hit, convoy breaks loose. Decided to turn and stay inside the convoy, same original direction.

Escorts never looked inside (lead escort never change course or did ASW actions ?!).

Began to pick up the ships when they crossed my heading, shooting the near ones and reloading. 6 ships (2 tankers and 4 merchants went below)


All torpedoes expended, return to base. 7 ships sunk

Navy Cross and new command, but declined.


Nice, well done.


Sometimes, the AI gets silly and does not think to look inside the convoy, especially when player is submerged. Many variables play in...one is once they are in alert mode, can they detect your sub with sensors...visual or on passive/active sonar./radar, your relative position/aspect to the escort sensors and skill level of crew. Most cases if you are inside convoy...you will be out of range of their sound gear unless running at full speed and in ideal conditions and out of visual range. Unless one of the merchant spots your periscope etc and "transmits" your position (sometimes they do, sometimes they dont) escorts may not respond. I found this in testing and have encountered it in the mod during campaign. Annoying flaw in the way the AI is designed. Only way found around it is the give the sensors further range but then that presents a problem in it prevents realistic approaches.

For example...although esp for mid to later war escorts I increase the max range and/or sensitivity of sound gear, less likely what you experienced will happen and may response to center of convoy once alerted, as their gear is further enhanced. However, with the increased capabilities, even when in "normal" mode, they can detect a player at a unrealistic distance during a submerged approach, when convoy otherwise is unalerted to presence.

Not being at minimum harassed a little in such a situation is anticlimactic and unrealistic, drives me crazy when it does happen, one of those wish could do a hard code fix to get better performance. To minimize this, work around I have found is in many cases is while I approach target on silent running often times (not realistic as subs were not rigged for silent during approach as key systems had to be active, but its necessary in TMO in most cases). After torpedo impact or point when torpedoes should have impacts, I clear silent running. This makes me noisy enough to pick up for counter attack, esp once AI is alerted by torpedo impact or torpedoes being spotted etc, once have escort on me and its time to go deep, rig for silent running/depth charge, I do so.


Sometimes , the AI is just stupid lol.

[Rhodes]

TMO Update BH V2.0+patches

USS Paddle - Late November/December 1944. 9th Patrol
Destination: Area 11-C for patrolling and anti-shipping operation.


USS Paddle departed from Pearl Harbour on the 20th of Nov. to the patrol area.

Surface travel, with a calm, mirror flat sea. The crew enjoyed the outside time until near the designated area.

At area 11-C, for 2 weeks, no shipping was sighted/detected. Running always on surface, only diving when a few planes were detected and remaining under water until dusk.



After that, ComSubPac ordered to go to the Luzon Straits and conduct patrol operations.

In travel, night, we spoted a destroyer and we changed course to surface attack. When we were about to conduct the latest corrections to the TDC, the destroyer changed course to our direction. Radar...
Ahead full, periscope depth and going for a throat shot.

Error made, not shooting when the target was still going strait, with type18 torpedos. Miss 2 plus the backup 3rd torpedo, type 14, full speed. Passed in front of the bow of the target....

Hard to starbord, crash dive, depth charges - aft compartment damage, torpedos tubes severe to moderate, bulkhead light.

Began the cat and mouse game for 6 hours...


200 feet first, slow speed, damage being repaired. Enemy pinging, 250ft, changing course; rinse and repeat.

After the bulked was repaired and water pumped out, silent running at 300ft.

After a bad judgment, took long to go below, depth charges went closer to comfort and damages to the control tower.

350ft, damage repair. After that, manage to get behind him, and the contact was lost. Destroyer going way, for several minutes, turn to port and go way.

After a few minutes, they detected me again.
Maximum depth was 380ft, the depth charges began to explode far and he lost contact again, escaped...


After the next day at 100 ft, repairing everything, surface at dusk for charging and ventilating the boat.

At the Strait, not much to report, until a large convoy was reported. Far but interpretable, changed course to.



Detected the convoy during the day, reported has ordered. Was ordered to break contact. Didn't understood the last part of message, radio malfunctioned for some reason.

Decided for submerge attack, 2 ships sunk, escorts didn't detected me.



After that, for 2 weeks, no contacts besides airplanes, sea state always 15/m for 3 weeks, decreasing to 11/m. Always clear, no fog or clouds.

During a crash dive, some malfunction happend and the boat went down uncontrolled.

Order back emergency and blow main ballast. Damage to the forward compartment and tubes, boat went to 580ft before stopping and rising.

When levelled, went head flank and and had to blow half the tanks to rise.

My torpedo chief had his morale broken (first time I saw that).
After surfacing, repaired were made and with least of a half a tank of fuel, ordered return home.

Xmas was passed in transit, extra rations for every one.

Not a good patrol for the USS-Paddle.

[Bubblehead1980]

"During a crash dive, some malfunction happened and the boat went down uncontrolled.

Order back emergency and blow main ballast. Damage to the forward compartment and tubes, boat went to 580ft before stopping and rising.

When levelled, went head flank and and had to blow half the tanks to rise.

My torpedo chief had his morale broken (first time I saw that).
After surfacing, repaired were made and with least of a half a tank of fuel, ordered return home."


Interesting. Wondering what caused the uncontrolled dive. Close call for sure.

Did you crash dive for a plane? Did plane drop bombs? Residual damage to dive controls from previous attack perhaps.

You're into a period of campaign now where its tougher to find targets, especially in open waters, traffic shifts to coastal areas. A lot of night surface work ahead for ya lol.

[Rhodes]

"During a crash dive, some malfunction happened and the boat went down uncontrolled.

Order back emergency and blow main ballast. Damage to the forward compartment and tubes, boat went to 580ft before stopping and rising.

When levelled, went head flank and and had to blow half the tanks to rise.

My torpedo chief had his morale broken (first time I saw that).
After surfacing, repaired were made and with least of a half a tank of fuel, ordered return home."


Interesting. Wondering what caused the uncontrolled dive. Close call for sure.

Did you crash dive for a plane? Did plane drop bombs? Residual damage to dive controls from previous attack perhaps.

You're into a period of campaign now where its tougher to find targets, especially in open waters, traffic shifts to coastal areas. A lot of night surface work ahead for ya lol.


Well, I was at 128x time speed. The drop to 1x was the game, or else. In terms of report, I did add a point or two for narrative.

I crash dive for a plane, but after 100 ft and no bombing, hit time compression.

What I also thought was a mine, since I was near the first islands north of Luzon, in the Luzon Straits.

But I thought that was more cool a uncontrolled dive do to some malfunction. At least added to the atmosphere of a simulation. :03:

[Bubblehead1980]

Well, I was at 128x time speed. The drop to 1x was the game, or else. In terms of report, I did add a point or two for narrative.

I crash dive for a plane, but after 100 ft and no bombing, hit time compression.

What I also thought was a mine, since I was near the first islands north of Luzon, in the Luzon Straits.

But I thought that was more cool a uncontrolled dive do to some malfunction. At least added to the atmosphere of a simulation. :03:


Oh if it were a mine you would have been dead lol. Mines were changed for realism, hit a mine your boat is doomed In testing never survived a mine hit.

Oh yea, malfunctions do add to immersion for sure.

Look forward to hearing about your next patrol, since you will be into 1945.

[Rhodes]

I already started, Fev 1945. Same place, Luzon straits and then freedom of manoeuvre to sink. But where to get targets. Already going near Macau and Hong Kong. Still planes buzzing the sky...

[Bubblehead1980]

I already started, Fev 1945. Same place, Luzon straits and then freedom of manoeuvre to sink. But where to get targets. Already going near Macau and Hong Kong. Still planes buzzing the sky...


Early Feb 45? Did receive any ultras about IJN subs heading for Aparri ? The three subs Batfish sunk over four days in Feb 1945 at in the Luzon Straits appear in the campaign Feb 8-14 or so if I recall.


Yes, for merchant traffic in that area during this time, you will have to get rather close to China coast, sometimes will have to just stay in deeper waters by day then venture into shallows at night, attack on surface, then bust out to deeper waters during daytime to avoid air patrols. Some instances can find patches of "deeper" water 150-200 ft can ambush convoys submerged by day if willing to risk it. Air patrols can get somewhat intense in the area.



This resembles historical the shift of North-South convoy traffic in late 1944. The TAMA(Takao to Manila ) and MATA (Manila to Takao) convoys ceased in December 1944 which cut a lot of the Luzon Straits traffic. The HI convoys (Singapore-Home Islands, Home Islands to Singapore) switched to running close to the China/Indochina coasts. They avoided open oceans to thwart submarine attacks.Convoys would sail in the shallows by day, then anchor in many of the small bays etc along Chinese coast by night to avoid night time surface attacks. A few of the convoys sailing China coast do this in TMO now, but most do not.

Admiral (then CDR) Fluckey on the BARB (SS-220) discovered in January 1945 convoys were doing this, which lead to his epic night surface attack on a convoy anchored in Namkwan Harbor China in Jan 1945. (This can be replicated in the sim) Home Islands and Yellow Sea, the traffic runs close to shore as well.

Of course just because are assigned to what seems to be a dead area does not always mean you should leave it as you are assigned there for a reason...namely a historic contact, something important can be encountered.

One that sticks out is if get assigned to Bungo Suido Area 7, now its overall pretty dead as convoys stopping departing arriving the Bungo Suido, instead making port on the Western side of Kyushu in late 1944 and into 1945. However, if there in April, Yamato and her escorts will depart at appropriate date and time. A lot of these historic type contacts throughout campaign. As said, I reworked patrol objectives so even if its dead and seems pointless, you were assigned there for a reason.

Anyways, plenty of targets in Feb 45, just have to find them in the shallows.

[Rhodes]

I did, but I was mid voyage. Took more 4 days to get to the area after the Ultra message about the subs. Thought they were long gone.

Lets see what i can fish.

[Red Devil]

Just left Pearl on patrol, USS Drum. Had to heave to to avoid a large US Fleet passing Pearl. just got radar.

[Rhodes]

TMO Update BH V2.0+patches

USS Paddle - Early February/Mid March 1945. 10th Patrol
Destination: Luzon Strait for patrolling and anti-shipping operation with freedom of manoeuvre.



After a calm sea surface voyage, USS Paddle arrived at the patrol area. The sea state changed to high waves, wind 15m/s.

After 15 days inside the patrol area+the south china sea, the sea state remain the same and no contacts so ever.

One day, near Hainan coast, the sonar operator reported a strange sound, like chains... MINES!!!
https://i.ibb.co/hcyKxbs/SH4-Img-2022-08-11-18-49-47-143.png (https://ibb.co/nBbDq9r)
Full stop and surface and exit the area.


After crossing the sea and already with less a half a tank, decided to go to Manilla, refuel. It's now a USA port, so...
After refuelling, USS Paddle went north, to Formosa, seeing what could pick up. During this events, the sea calmed finally.



Near the port of Hsin-Ying, radar detected several points and decided to went looking. Approached the harbour with caution but no patrol ships detected.

Harbour full of merchants and tankers. Lovely.

Submerged to 55ft and attacked. Night was clear, dawn was coming and didn't want any shore battery to see me.

Several torpedoes expended, 0 kts speed, the way I like my targets! :D
https://i.ibb.co/k9bqT5G/SH4-Img-2022-08-17-17-23-34-207.png (https://ibb.co/NmDWqtF)

Exit southwest and after the day was over, surfaced and went way.

After reporting to COMSUBPAC, orders were to return base or to patrol any area my choose, no new objectives.



With torpedos left, went south, to Luzon Strait again. Pick up a lone merchant at the area, going slow, 7 kts. Shot the final bow eels and the ship went down.

https://i.ibb.co/hfBMCN0/SH4-Img-2022-08-17-18-34-56-937.png (https://ibb.co/sHKPt47)




After that, decided to return. Base changed mid voyage to Guam...Nice to COMSUBPAC to let us know... NOT!!!
But managed to reach the new base.



And the next mission is again to Convoy collage???

[Red Devil]

On my previous career Drum saves went POP! Had to start again, so I thought ok, bin it all and re install. On Jan 13th, in Sculpin, I was starting to head back to Java with little success when I spotted a TF heading toward Balikpapan. I was well out of position so decided to shadow it. After nightfall I came across 8 troop carriers, on their own, the main fleet had gone on ahead. A turkey shoot later, no troop carriers left.

I decided to continue the course and came upon the main fleet near Balikpapan. Dived and crept in. Came up not far from an Agana Cruiser and a Mogama. Took them out with the last of my torps. Got back to Java to be offered a new boat, USS Drum.

Loaded it out and noted another Drum bug, that I have seen before. No damn main gun crew and no space to insert them. The gun is there, on the bow, switched from rear. I always have bow guns, better at attack with.

Can someone, or has someone, eradicated these Drum bugs. I don't get them in any other boat.

[Kieldk]

That is a well known bug

The best thing you can do is never to change your deck gun location and use the default position

Try reload your game
To where you where assigned to the Drum and then don’t change the gun location

Also never overwrite any save games but use a fresh save with new name each time


Best Regards

[Red Devil]

No



No and yes.
one additional piece of joyous information is that you (we) cannot penetrate the subnet with torpedoes or deck gun shells. it.is.permanent.

another piece of intel is that you can modify your sub's collision factor in the sub.zon file such that if you do meet up with a subnet, it will not be catastrophic and you will be able to back your way out of it.


many moons ago. might have been in SH2, I actually went under the nets at Truk. But since then, in SH4, never seen any vessels in truk.

[Red Devil]

Kieldk: I went back one save to meeting up with the Invasion fleet off Balikpapan, after I had sunk the 8 troop carriers.

Added bonus got an extra cruiser. Then arrived in Java and they offered me Drum, took it and carefully loaded it out included a change of gun to forward and the required crew member were there. I quickly saved it and carried on and sailed with forward gun and crew!!

Note to myself: Obviously a random glitch, so must save more often.

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Saturday, 01 August 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Boats are equipped with the new FuMB System R-600 (new generation of Metox Receivers, also called "Biscay Cross").



Tuesday, 18 August - Wednesday, 19 August 1942

Operation 'Jubilee' - Attack on Dieppe

Lord Louis Mountbatten, Chief of Combined Operations, wanted to finally strike continental Europe and perhaps even cause Germany to reinforce the French coast with troops destined for the Eastern Front, therefore alleviating pressure off of the Soviet troops.

The Operation Jubilee, called for a landing at Dieppe on the French coast, hold beach head for 12 hours while commando units attacked a nearby German HQ and bring back German officers for interrogation, and then the entire force would retreat back to England.

On 18 Aug 1942, 237 ships left various ports in Britain for the Dieppe area, including eight destroyers but no battleships (the Admiralty did not wish to risk losing any heavy ships). The convoy carried 5,000 Canadian, 1,000 British, and 50 American troops; it was escorted by 74 squadrons of aircraft. A stroke of bad luck brought the Allied fleet in the path of a German convoy; the convoy was quickly driven off, but German defenses were alerted.

80% of the Allied fleet were destroyed by the alerted German coastal defenses. Only a few commandos reached their landing spots on 19 Aug, but they were able to improvise their plans; instead of destroying the coastal artillery, they managed to kill many of the gun crews by sniper fire and disabled the artillery nevertheless.

The Canadian landing at Puys failed completely, the well-placed German forces drove off the Canadian landing, killing roughly half the landing force (225) and captured the other half (264), allowing only 33 to escape back to England.

At Pourville, Canadian and British troops made their landing, but were quickly driven back to the sea by fierce German defenses after losing 141 men.

As for the main assault, some of the landing forces were held at the beach by heavy fire, while some of the tanks either did not make it to the shore or were disabled by anti-tank traps. The reserve forces were also committed too early due to communications problems.

In all, the operation met with failure due to a number of reasons. However, if the 1,027 men lost (900 of whom were Canadian) and 2,340 captured (again, with a bulk being Canadian) had achieved one objective, it was giving Allied command a valuable, if costly, lesson on amphibious operations.

Mountbatten himself will later say that "for every soldier who died at Dieppe, ten were saved on D-Day". While this statement may be out of Mountbatten's attempt to save his credibility, it indeed will give the United States valuable lesson of the difficulty of assaulting a defended port, as it might even directly influence General Eisenhower's decision to strike at other beaches, e.g., at Normandy, instead of the nearby port city of Cherbourg (or other targets).


RST

KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)

[1Patriotofmany]

has started, I'm deployed to the east coast, I cruise on into Norfolk and find the Philthadelphia (my nick name for Philadelphia(filthadelphia from where I'm from) experiment going on. Two destroyers are melded together I had to take a shot at them. Maybe they'll both sink. https://i.imgur.com/Ve2JGGo.jpg

[Rinaldi]

FOTRSU v1.8 - with TDW fire damage and a night surface attack submod I am playtesting for BH.
-------
USS Grampus (SS-207)
03/07/42 at 05:41
0m waves, light fog, clouds partial, new moon.

Lookouts report contact, shadows on the water. Closed to confirm contact; small unescorted group. Position: 25nm off Hachijo-Jima, 140 00 E, 33 20 N. Trimmed to decks-awash and set up along their track. Fired at 2500 yards salvo of 6 tubes between 0615-0616 hours. Five hits recorded by hydrophone, only 1 explosion seen, water column followed by fires aft on armed tanker. Due to heavy-trim and slow speed had not been able to unmask stern tubes. Submerged to open distance.

By 0853 was approaching on surface from aft starboard of group, who was still constant-helming. Tanker had noticeable list and was having trouble keeping station. Fired a full fore-and-aft salvo at rear merchant and tanker at between 2900-2136 yards. Multiple dud impacts reported by hydrophone, 2 further successful hits on Tanker reported, which ultimately came to a dead-stop with a heavy starboard list. Opened up distance to 5800 yards and finished off tanker with 3" fire.

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/963598701748686948/1011420362233360524/SilentHunter4_2022-08-22_11_10_09_PM.png?width=1083&height=609

Closed again on surviving unarmed merchantmen for third attack. Trailing freighter sunk by deck gun fire, leading merchant sunk by combination of torpedoes (single torp fired at 800 yard, successful detonation) and deck gun fire. Cargo's keel was broken and she sunk rapidly. No boats put to sea from her.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/963598701748686948/1011420363428733038/SilentHunter4_2022-08-22_11_38_04_PM.png

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Saturday, 01 August 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Boats are equipped with the new FuMB System R-600 (new generation of Metox Receivers, also called "Biscay Cross").



Tuesday, 18 August - Wednesday, 19 August 1942

Operation 'Jubilee' - Attack on Dieppe

Lord Louis Mountbatten, Chief of Combined Operations, wanted to finally strike continental Europe and perhaps even cause Germany to reinforce the French coast with troops destined for the Eastern Front, therefore alleviating pressure off of the Soviet troops.

The Operation Jubilee, called for a landing at Dieppe on the French coast, hold beach head for 12 hours while commando units attacked a nearby German HQ and bring back German officers for interrogation, and then the entire force would retreat back to England.

On 18 Aug 1942, 237 ships left various ports in Britain for the Dieppe area, including eight destroyers but no battleships (the Admiralty did not wish to risk losing any heavy ships). The convoy carried 5,000 Canadian, 1,000 British, and 50 American troops; it was escorted by 74 squadrons of aircraft. A stroke of bad luck brought the Allied fleet in the path of a German convoy; the convoy was quickly driven off, but German defenses were alerted.

80% of the Allied fleet were destroyed by the alerted German coastal defenses. Only a few commandos reached their landing spots on 19 Aug, but they were able to improvise their plans; instead of destroying the coastal artillery, they managed to kill many of the gun crews by sniper fire and disabled the artillery nevertheless.

The Canadian landing at Puys failed completely, the well-placed German forces drove off the Canadian landing, killing roughly half the landing force (225) and captured the other half (264), allowing only 33 to escape back to England.

At Pourville, Canadian and British troops made their landing, but were quickly driven back to the sea by fierce German defenses after losing 141 men.

As for the main assault, some of the landing forces were held at the beach by heavy fire, while some of the tanks either did not make it to the shore or were disabled by anti-tank traps. The reserve forces were also committed too early due to communications problems.

In all, the operation met with failure due to a number of reasons. However, if the 1,027 men lost (900 of whom were Canadian) and 2,340 captured (again, with a bulk being Canadian) had achieved one objective, it was giving Allied command a valuable, if costly, lesson on amphibious operations.

Mountbatten himself will later say that "for every soldier who died at Dieppe, ten were saved on D-Day". While this statement may be out of Mountbatten's attempt to save his credibility, it indeed will give the United States valuable lesson of the difficulty of assaulting a defended port, as it might even directly influence General Eisenhower's decision to strike at other beaches, e.g., at Normandy, instead of the nearby port city of Cherbourg (or other targets).


RST

KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)



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

+++++++


Friday, 04 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Today marks the last sinking by one of our boats in the Gulf of Mexico (U 171, Kptlt. Günther Pfeffer; Mexican Steam Tanker 'Amatlan", about 60 miles off Tampico, Mexico; 10 torpedoes were expended on this attack!).

The coast of Guyana, South America, has been added to the operational areas of our boats.

Last month, the Allies have introduced a High Frequency Direction Finder device, called 'Huff-Duff'. With this technology, the enemy escorts are able to get a much more accurate fix on our transmitting U-boats, by means of simple triangulation. Often times, the boats in question are only a few miles from a convoy, yet perhaps out of radar range, but if two or more escorts have HF/DF contact, they are able get a quite accurate fix on the U-boat's position, at least good enough to considerably reducing the area needing to be to searched.
This new technical development is heavily affecting our wolfpack tactics, as the radio communications are essentiel to gather the group into position, and imposing more strict radio silence will make the forming of wolfpacks a lot harder.

The Bluie West Nine auxiliary station at Cruncher Island (Simiutak), Greenland, begins operations. It is guiding incoming aircraft toward Bluie West Eight airfield, and provides meteorological reports for the US Army Air Forces, patrolling the Atlantic.


Today, 251 British bombers (98 Wellington, 76 Lancaster, 41 Halifax, and 36 Stirling) attacked Bremen, damaging or destroying 71 industrial buildings and 1,821 houses; Our Flak shot down 12 bombers.

In Egypt, the New Zealand 5th Brigade and British 132nd Brigade, attacked our retreating Afrika Korps.

RST

KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)

[quickening58]

Started SH4 a few months ago. WOW!! Been wondering for quite some time on what was available in WW2 Pacific sub ops. I was a big fan of the Silent Service series....almost 40 years ago?? Did some SH4 training this summer between other life commitments....and now have a slow fall winter ahead of me. Perfect :subsim:
Finally started a career in Jan44 with a Gato. I posted this short story to anothers comment on shore batteries in the forum. Thought I'de post it here as my first patrol report. Of Patrol 3

"I'v seen and felt the shore batteries bite....it was a shocking surprise for sure" .....and a good newbie story :D

It was a wet and stormy night as we patrolled outside of Bungo Suido. Finally,with nothing coming out of the Bungo, we headed in at 8-9knots, cause we saw occasional radar returns up inside.
Kinda figured they were fishing boats.....but we had plenty of time to go in,and egress back out in deep water by sunrise. The rain and wind helped the insert trip,too.
Long story short, once up inside the "Big Lake", after sinking a small lonely tramper, then getting involved with chasing down one of many singles we had on radar, we found out our planned 12-14kt egress wasn't going to cut it, broke off the chase and started romping out of there out at 19-21kts No charging needed.. Passing the island guarding the entrance to the inner sanctum.....and damn if we weren't taking fire AND getting hit!! Took a few minutes to figure out where it was coming from. Still wet and windy---low viz, but I guess they could see our rooster tail :o Sure didn't see those batteries on the way in. Alot of zig zagging and off course turns later,we made it out ok Spent extra time on the surface attending to some damage when we got out.
Later...found a small convoy to play with and got Dc'd pretty good. Found out shortly afterwards with another convoy encounter, that you don't stay at 300ft for very long with 48% hull damage....and expect to come back up. Didn't make it home :wah: Its been an enlightening learning curve.

As my buddy Arne would say......I'll be back :shucks:

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Friday, 04 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Today marks the last sinking by one of our boats in the Gulf of Mexico (U 171, Kptlt. Günther Pfeffer; Mexican Steam Tanker 'Amatlan", about 60 miles off Tampico, Mexico; 10 torpedoes were expended on this attack!).

The coast of Guyana, South America, has been added to the operational areas of our boats.

Last month, the Allies have introduced a High Frequency Direction Finder device, called 'Huff-Duff'. With this technology, the enemy escorts are able to get a much more accurate fix on our transmitting U-boats, by means of simple triangulation. Often times, the boats in question are only a few miles from a convoy, yet perhaps out of radar range, but if two or more escorts have HF/DF contact, they are able get a quite accurate fix on the U-boat's position, at least good enough to considerably reducing the area needing to be to searched.
This new technical development is heavily affecting our wolfpack tactics, as the radio communications are essentiel to gather the group into position, and imposing more strict radio silence will make the forming of wolfpacks a lot harder.

The Bluie West Nine auxiliary station at Cruncher Island (Simiutak), Greenland, begins operations. It is guiding incoming aircraft toward Bluie West Eight airfield, and provides meteorological reports for the US Army Air Forces, patrolling the Atlantic.


Today, 251 British bombers (98 Wellington, 76 Lancaster, 41 Halifax, and 36 Stirling) attacked Bremen, damaging or destroying 71 industrial buildings and 1,821 houses; Our Flak shot down 12 bombers.

In Egypt, the New Zealand 5th Brigade and British 132nd Brigade, attacked our retreating Afrika Korps.

RST

KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)



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

+++++++


Saturday, 12 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

U 156 (Hartenstein) sank the British "Laconia" (19,695 GRT) at 0110 in FF 7721, course 3100. After torpedoing her, boat discovered that the ship had 1500 Italian prisoners of war on board. Group "Eisbär", including "Milk Cow" U 459 (von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf), and U 506 (Würdemann) and U 507 (Schacht), are ordered to proceed to the scene at once at high speed. An Italian boat (Cappellini) in the vicinity is also directed there. It is intended to make for "Bingerville" (French Ivory Coast) in the first place with the survivors. Meanwhile U 156 has taken 193 persons on board, including 21 British. Further orders will be given.

Today, Prince Emanuel Galitzine, great grandson of Russian emperor Paul I, in a specially modified Spitfire IX fighter, intercepted a high-flying pressurized Junkers Ju 86 over the Solent in southern England, at an altitude of over 42,000 feet, far higher than any other RAF fighter could attain. After evading four attempts by Galitzine to shoot down the intruder, the German bomber, expertly flown by Oberfeldwebel Horst Goetz, jettisoned its 550-pound bomb and escaped to land at Caen, France with only one cannon hole in its wing.

The 6th Army under General Friedrich Paulus, began a fresh offensive toward Stalingrad, with artillery and aerial bombardments.The ground troops then reached the strategically vital hill 102 of Mamayev Kurgan, which overlooks the city. This hill, an important line of defence for centuries, will now see a bloody struggle by both sides, as it allows our troops to control the entire river, across which all Soviet supplies have to travel. By the end of today, the Soviet 62nd Army will have been reduced to 90 tanks, 700 mortars and 20,000 men.

Our troops in the Caucasus region, report the first snow of winter.

RST

KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Saturday, 12 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

U 156 (Hartenstein) sank the British "Laconia" (19,695 GRT) at 0110 in FF 7721, course 3100. After torpedoing her, boat discovered that the ship had 1500 Italian prisoners of war on board. Group "Eisbär", including "Milk Cow" U 459 (von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf), and U 506 (Würdemann) and U 507 (Schacht), are ordered to proceed to the scene at once at high speed. An Italian boat (Cappellini) in the vicinity is also directed there. It is intended to make for "Bingerville" (French Ivory Coast) in the first place with the survivors. Meanwhile U 156 has taken 193 persons on board, including 21 British. Further orders will be given.

Today, Prince Emanuel Galitzine, great grandson of Russian emperor Paul I, in a specially modified Spitfire IX fighter, intercepted a high-flying pressurized Junkers Ju 86 over the Solent in southern England, at an altitude of over 42,000 feet, far higher than any other RAF fighter could attain. After evading four attempts by Galitzine to shoot down the intruder, the German bomber, expertly flown by Oberfeldwebel Horst Goetz, jettisoned its 550-pound bomb and escaped to land at Caen, France with only one cannon hole in its wing.

The 6th Army under General Friedrich Paulus, began a fresh offensive toward Stalingrad, with artillery and aerial bombardments.The ground troops then reached the strategically vital hill 102 of Mamayev Kurgan, which overlooks the city. This hill, an important line of defence for centuries, will now see a bloody struggle by both sides, as it allows our troops to control the entire river, across which all Soviet supplies have to travel. By the end of today, the Soviet 62nd Army will have been reduced to 90 tanks, 700 mortars and 20,000 men.

Our troops in the Caucasus region, report the first snow of winter.

RST

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Sunday, 13 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

On Sept.12, 2222h, "Laconia" had sent the following radio on the 600 meters-frequency: "SSS SSS 0434 South / 1125 West Laconia torpedoed."

Today, at 0125h, U 156 sent the following radio message:
"Sunk by Hartenstein British "Laconia". Grid FF 7721 310 degrees. Unfortunately with 1,500 Italian POW's. Till now 90 fished. 157 cubic meters (oil). 19 eels (torpedoes), trade wind, ask for orders.", and again ...

... at 0600h, the uncoded message on the 25 meters-frequency:
"If any ship will assist the ship-wrecked 'Laconia'-crew, I will not attack providing I am not being attacked by ship or air forces. I picked up 193 men. 4, 53 South, 11, 26 West. - German submarine."

U 156 (Hartenstein) has been ordered to remain at the position of the sinking. U 506 (Würdemann) and U 507 (Schacht) are making for there at maximum speed to take over survivors. Fast French ships have left Bingerville and Dakar, to take over survivors which are in the U-boats or still in lifeboats. Remaining boats of Group "Eisbär" are continuing their passage south.

Today, 446 British bombers attacked Bremen, damaging the Lloyd dynamo works, the Focke-Wulf factory, 7 historical buildings, 6 schools, and 2 hospitals; 70 civilians were killed; 21 enemy bombers were shot down.

At Stalingrad, the Soviet 13th Guards Rifle Division attacked our postitions in heavy fighting at Mamayev Hill and Railway Station No. 1, and will lose a third of its strength in the fighting.

Allied troops conducted an amphibious landing near Tobruk, Libya, for a raiding mission. Meanwhile, about 50 kilometers to the northeast, raiders of the British Long Range Desert Group, have begun to launch a raid against Barce, Libya.

RST

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(convoy staff office

[Kapitän]

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Sunday, 13 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

On Sept.12, 2222h, "Laconia" had sent the following radio on the 600 meters-frequency: "SSS SSS 0434 South / 1125 West Laconia torpedoed."

Today, at 0125h, U 156 sent the following radio message:
"Sunk by Hartenstein British "Laconia". Grid FF 7721 310 degrees. Unfortunately with 1,500 Italian POW's. Till now 90 fished. 157 cubic meters (oil). 19 eels (torpedoes), trade wind, ask for orders.", and again ...

... at 0600h, the uncoded message on the 25 meters-frequency:
"If any ship will assist the ship-wrecked 'Laconia'-crew, I will not attack providing I am not being attacked by ship or air forces. I picked up 193 men. 4, 53 South, 11, 26 West. - German submarine."

U 156 (Hartenstein) has been ordered to remain at the position of the sinking. U 506 (Würdemann) and U 507 (Schacht) are making for there at maximum speed to take over survivors. Fast French ships have left Bingerville and Dakar, to take over survivors which are in the U-boats or still in lifeboats. Remaining boats of Group "Eisbär" are continuing their passage south.

Today, 446 British bombers attacked Bremen, damaging the Lloyd dynamo works, the Focke-Wulf factory, 7 historical buildings, 6 schools, and 2 hospitals; 70 civilians were killed; 21 enemy bombers were shot down.

At Stalingrad, the Soviet 13th Guards Rifle Division attacked our postitions in heavy fighting at Mamayev Hill and Railway Station No. 1, and will lose a third of its strength in the fighting.

Allied troops conducted an amphibious landing near Tobruk, Libya, for a raiding mission. Meanwhile, about 50 kilometers to the northeast, raiders of the British Long Range Desert Group, have begun to launch a raid against Barce, Libya.

RST

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(convoy staff office



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Tuesday, 15 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

At 1130h, U 506 (Würdemann), U 507 (Schacht) and "Cappellini", have taken over survivors from U 156 (Hartenstein), and have lifeboats in tow, including some Englishmen and Poles. Boats were ordered to cut the lifeboats with the Englishmen and Poles loose. A position check showed that AF 7752 was the point where "Laconia" sank. New rendezvous with French ships in FE 9695 on 17.9.
U 159 (Witte) will join Group "Eisbär" instead of U 156 (Hartenstein). It is intended to supply this group in CG 1999 from 22 Sept.

12 British Boston bombers attack Cherbourg, France, sinking whaling factory ship "Solglint" in the harbor.

French submarine "Junon" lands 10 British commandos and 2 Norwegian soldiers at the village of Glomfjord, Norway, at 2115 hours.

Italian frogmen enter Gibraltar harbor and attach limpet mines on British ship "Ravens Point", causing her to sink in shallow water shortly after.

Allied forces attack Jalo, Libya, after sun down; Our tropps, who had learned of this attack, repulse the initial attack with ease.
Hans-Joachim Marseille shoots down four P-40 fighters and three Hurricane fighters between 1651 and 1702 hours, southwest of El Alamein, Egypt, bringing his score up to 151 kills.


Our troops make repeated assaults at the Mamayev Kurgan hill in Stalingrad; Heavy fighting causes heavy casualties on both sides. Elsewhere in the city, our infantry advance down the Tsaritsa River gorge, toward the Volga River.

RST

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(convoy staff office)

[Kapitän]

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Tuesday, 15 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

At 1130h, U 506 (Würdemann), U 507 (Schacht) and "Cappellini", have taken over survivors from U 156 (Hartenstein), and have lifeboats in tow, including some Englishmen and Poles. Boats were ordered to cut the lifeboats with the Englishmen and Poles loose. A position check showed that AF 7752 was the point where "Laconia" sank. New rendezvous with French ships in FE 9695 on 17.9.
U 159 (Witte) will join Group "Eisbär" instead of U 156 (Hartenstein). It is intended to supply this group in CG 1999 from 22 Sept.

12 British Boston bombers attack Cherbourg, France, sinking whaling factory ship "Solglint" in the harbor.

French submarine "Junon" lands 10 British commandos and 2 Norwegian soldiers at the village of Glomfjord, Norway, at 2115 hours.

Italian frogmen enter Gibraltar harbor and attach limpet mines on British ship "Ravens Point", causing her to sink in shallow water shortly after.

Allied forces attack Jalo, Libya, after sun down; Our tropps, who had learned of this attack, repulse the initial attack with ease.
Hans-Joachim Marseille shoots down four P-40 fighters and three Hurricane fighters between 1651 and 1702 hours, southwest of El Alamein, Egypt, bringing his score up to 151 kills.


Our troops make repeated assaults at the Mamayev Kurgan hill in Stalingrad; Heavy fighting causes heavy casualties on both sides. Elsewhere in the city, our infantry advance down the Tsaritsa River gorge, toward the Volga River.

RST

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Wednesday, 16 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Despite large Red Cross flag, U 156 (Hartenstein) was bombed five times by an American "Liberator" type plane, while towing 4 full life boats. Both periscopes temporarily out of order. Submarine stopped rescue work and transferred all survivors to the boats. She was ordered to render no further assistance in any rescue attempts.
Once again, all submarines have been told that the safety of our own boats must not be endangered in any circumstances. If necessary, take any steps, even breaking off all rescue work. Only Italians are to be taken on board and they are to be handed over to the French at the pre-arranged rendezvous points.
As shown by the report from U 156, the Commanding Officer did not believe that the enemy would attack once he saw the Red Cross flag and the rescue attempts. This opinion is hard to understand. It must be assumed, that he was influenced by seeing hundreds of survivors fighting for their lives.

Japanese submarine I-29 sank British ship "Ocean Honour" in the mouth of the Gulf of Aden; 20 were killed, 33 survived.

369 British bombers attacked the Ruhr industrial region of Germany, damaging buildings (incl. a Krupp factory in Essen; 47 civilians killed), Bochum, Wuppertal, Herne and Cochem; 39 bombers were shot down during this night.

In Stalingrad, the Soviet NKVD rifle battalion stationed on Mamayev Kurgan hill, continues to fight off our attempts to take this high point.


Our 502nd Tank Battalion, stationed near Leningrad, receives the first batch of Tiger I tanks.

RST

KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff office)

[Rhodes]

TMO Update BH V2.0+patches

USS Paddle - The last patrol April 1945.

Destination: Luzon Straits for patrolling and anti-shipping operation with freedom of manoeuvre.



The last patrol of the USS Paddle (gato class) began with a normal voyage, from the new Harbour base.

The straits where empty for several days, only 2 merchants were detected, attacked and sunk.

After that, area 11 was the next stop, also only very light traffic.

After returning, the old submarine was delegated for trainning duties and I received a new command (was expecting a brand new Tench, but the Navy said they were out of stock, got a fairly new Balao class).



USS Capelin - First patrol, May/June 1945
Destination: Area 9 patrolling and anti-shipping operation with freedom of manoeuvre.


After a quick voyage, the patrol area was reached. No traffic besides some tasks forces of trawlers and subchacers.

A few days in, ULTRA reported a convoy heading to Singapore. 48h later, a report of the position.

Intercept course and detection was made. Decided for a submerge attack; 2 ships sunk.

After that, several hours of depth charges. Light damage when they got near, after 475ft, they began to loose contact.

At 500ft, the uss capelin escaped.

After sunset and with all the tubes loaded and all damage repaired, surfaced and tried to regain contact.

Convoy detected and night surface attack at 1am, local time; 2 ships (one troop transport) sunk.



All torpedoes used, return to base.



USS Capelin - 2nd patrol, 27th July/15 August 1945
Destination: East China Sea, deliver a agent to a fishing ship.



Voyage to the mission coordinates went good, agent deliver, no incidents.

After that, patrol area 11 for 20 days.

Only one tanker detected after several days, engaged and sunk.

Type I submarine spotted a few days after, at surface, night. Error on speed estimation, torpedos passed in front of target. Deck gun duel, but after taking light damage, emergency dive and enemy sub escaped.

After, patrol area extended to Nagasaki bay, only 2 merchants detected after several days, besides patrols.

One ship sunk.

War Ended during the return voyage, crew was happy and in party.

[Kapitän]

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Wednesday, 16 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Despite large Red Cross flag, U 156 (Hartenstein) was bombed five times by an American "Liberator" type plane, while towing 4 full life boats. Both periscopes temporarily out of order. Submarine stopped rescue work and transferred all survivors to the boats. She was ordered to render no further assistance in any rescue attempts.
Once again, all submarines have been told that the safety of our own boats must not be endangered in any circumstances. If necessary, take any steps, even breaking off all rescue work. Only Italians are to be taken on board and they are to be handed over to the French at the pre-arranged rendezvous points.
As shown by the report from U 156, the Commanding Officer did not believe that the enemy would attack once he saw the Red Cross flag and the rescue attempts. This opinion is hard to understand. It must be assumed, that he was influenced by seeing hundreds of survivors fighting for their lives.

Japanese submarine I-29 sank British ship "Ocean Honour" in the mouth of the Gulf of Aden; 20 were killed, 33 survived.

369 British bombers attacked the Ruhr industrial region of Germany, damaging buildings (incl. a Krupp factory in Essen; 47 civilians killed), Bochum, Wuppertal, Herne and Cochem; 39 bombers were shot down during this night.

In Stalingrad, the Soviet NKVD rifle battalion stationed on Mamayev Kurgan hill, continues to fight off our attempts to take this high point.


Our 502nd Tank Battalion, stationed near Leningrad, receives the first batch of Tiger I tanks.

RST

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(convoy staff office)



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Thursday, 17 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

U 506 (Würdemann) and U 507 (Schacht) transferred 415 Italian and 668 Allied survivors to the French cruiser "Gloire", sloop "Annamite", and sloop "Dumont d'Urville". U 507 is returning on 17 Sept. U 506 was bombed at mid-day by the same Ascension Island-based US B-24 Liberator bomber, that attacked on the previous day, forcing U-506 to dive while 142 survivors were still on the deck. Boat is operationally serviceable and is continuing to operate in the same area.

All Commanding Officers are again reminded that attempts to rescue the crews of ships sunk are in direct contradiction to the most primitive rules of warfare after sinking enemy ships and their crews. Orders dealing with bringing captains and chief engineers back remain unchanged.

"Laconia-Order", issued by B.d.U.:


Every attempt to save survivors of sunken ships, also the fishing up of swimming men and putting them on board lifeboats, the setup right of overturned lifeboats, the handing over of food and water have be discontinued. These rescues contradict the primitive demands of warfare, esp., the destruction of enemy ships and their crews.
The orders concerning the bringing in of skippers and chief engineers stay in effect.
Survivors are only to rescue, if their statements are important for the boat.
Stay hard. Don't forget, that the enemy didn't take any regard for women and children when bombarding German cities.

In Stalingrad, our troops engage the Soviets in heavy fighting at the Mamayev Kurgan hill, the Central Station, the grain elevator, and the apartment building soon to be named "Pavlov's House". Also in the city, our troops continue to advance along the Tsaritsa River toward the banks of the Volga River, where Soviet reinforcements are arriving from the other side.

RST

KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff office)

[Kapitän]

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

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Thursday, 17 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

U 506 (Würdemann) and U 507 (Schacht) transferred 415 Italian and 668 Allied survivors to the French cruiser "Gloire", sloop "Annamite", and sloop "Dumont d'Urville". U 507 is returning on 17 Sept. U 506 was bombed at mid-day by the same Ascension Island-based US B-24 Liberator bomber, that attacked on the previous day, forcing U-506 to dive while 142 survivors were still on the deck. Boat is operationally serviceable and is continuing to operate in the same area.

All Commanding Officers are again reminded that attempts to rescue the crews of ships sunk are in direct contradiction to the most primitive rules of warfare after sinking enemy ships and their crews. Orders dealing with bringing captains and chief engineers back remain unchanged.

"Laconia-Order", issued by B.d.U.:


Every attempt to save survivors of sunken ships, also the fishing up of swimming men and putting them on board lifeboats, the setup right of overturned lifeboats, the handing over of food and water have be discontinued. These rescues contradict the primitive demands of warfare, esp., the destruction of enemy ships and their crews.
The orders concerning the bringing in of skippers and chief engineers stay in effect.
Survivors are only to rescue, if their statements are important for the boat.
Stay hard. Don't forget, that the enemy didn't take any regard for women and children when bombarding German cities.

In Stalingrad, our troops engage the Soviets in heavy fighting at the Mamayev Kurgan hill, the Central Station, the grain elevator, and the apartment building soon to be named "Pavlov's House". Also in the city, our troops continue to advance along the Tsaritsa River toward the banks of the Volga River, where Soviet reinforcements are arriving from the other side.

RST

KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff office)


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

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Sunday, 20 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

U 68 (Merten) is taking over from U 156 (Hartenstein) in Group "Eisbär". U 68 will be replaced by U 159 (Witte), a new boat joining the group! The boats have been informed.

As of today, the American Liberty Ship production, will exceed the rate of sinkings by our boats.

In Stalingrad, our troops engage the Soviets in heavy fighting at the Mamayev Kurgan hill, the Central Station and the grain elevator.
In the Caucasus region, our Army Group A, captured Terek.

Yesterday, 118 British bombers (72 Wellington, 41 Halifax, 5 Stirling) attacked Saarbrücken, generally missing military targets and instead destroying 13 houses and killing 1 civilian; The enemy lost 5 bombers on this mission.
Also yesterday, 68 Lancaster bombers and 21 Stirling bombers attacked München, 6 enemy bombers were shot down.

RST

KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff office)

[Kapitän]

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

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Sunday, 20 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

U 68 (Merten) is taking over from U 156 (Hartenstein) in Group "Eisbär". U 68 will be replaced by U 159 (Witte), a new boat joining the group! The boats have been informed.

As of today, the American Liberty Ship production, will exceed the rate of sinkings by our boats.

In Stalingrad, our troops engage the Soviets in heavy fighting at the Mamayev Kurgan hill, the Central Station and the grain elevator.
In the Caucasus region, our Army Group A, captured Terek.

Yesterday, 118 British bombers (72 Wellington, 41 Halifax, 5 Stirling) attacked Saarbrücken, generally missing military targets and instead destroying 13 houses and killing 1 civilian; The enemy lost 5 bombers on this mission.
Also yesterday, 68 Lancaster bombers and 21 Stirling bombers attacked München, 6 enemy bombers were shot down.

RST

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(convoy staff office)




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Monday, 21 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

The following report has been made to Naval War Staff on the operational use of submarine type IX D2 and the Italian submarine-cruiser "Cagni":
1) En route to the operations area U 179 is about at the Equator, U 178 west of Biscay, U 181 west of Scotland.
2) B.d.U. intends to use the boats in the area off Cape Town and off the coast of East Africa up to the Madagascar area. They will attack shipping sailing to and from Eastern Asia and North Africa, and if the occasion arises, against supplies from Madagascar.
3) The Italian F.d.U. at Bordeaux informed us that the Italian submarine "Cagni" should pass Gibraltar about 15:10, and is to operate in that area. Boat has a cruising range of 25,000 miles and caries 42 torpedoes. B.d.U. has no objection to the Italian plan. The Italians have not been informed of the plan set out in B.d.U. communication, S.O. only No. 372 of 20.9.
4) It is assumed, that in accordance with the German-Japanese Operational boundary 70° East, no Japanese forces are in the area mentioned.
5) It must however, be stated, that according to information from the Italian F.d.U., the Italians have approached the Japanese about using the cruiser "Eritrea", now in Japan, as a supply ship for "Cagni". Apparently the Japanese are not at all inclined to do this and stated, that they intended operating very shortly in the East Africa-Madagascar area with 40 to 50 submarines. It is requested, that this point shall be cleared up. However, the Italian B.d.U. requested that no mention should be made of Italian - Japanese negotiations, when so doing.

U-446 (Oblt. Hellmuth-Bert Richard), on training off Kahlberg in the Gulf of Danzig, is sunk by an air-laid mine in the British field Privet II; 23 dead and 18 survivors.

RAF bombers conduct a raid on München.

British forces begin their first land counter-offensive against the Japanese in the Arakan region of Burma.


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[Kapitän]

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Monday, 21 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

The following report has been made to Naval War Staff on the operational use of submarine type IX D2 and the Italian submarine-cruiser "Cagni":
1) En route to the operations area U 179 is about at the Equator, U 178 west of Biscay, U 181 west of Scotland.
2) B.d.U. intends to use the boats in the area off Cape Town and off the coast of East Africa up to the Madagascar area. They will attack shipping sailing to and from Eastern Asia and North Africa, and if the occasion arises, against supplies from Madagascar.
3) The Italian F.d.U. at Bordeaux informed us that the Italian submarine "Cagni" should pass Gibraltar about 15:10, and is to operate in that area. Boat has a cruising range of 25,000 miles and caries 42 torpedoes. B.d.U. has no objection to the Italian plan. The Italians have not been informed of the plan set out in B.d.U. communication, S.O. only No. 372 of 20.9.
4) It is assumed, that in accordance with the German-Japanese Operational boundary 70° East, no Japanese forces are in the area mentioned.
5) It must however, be stated, that according to information from the Italian F.d.U., the Italians have approached the Japanese about using the cruiser "Eritrea", now in Japan, as a supply ship for "Cagni". Apparently the Japanese are not at all inclined to do this and stated, that *they intended operating very shortly in the East Africa-Madagascar area with 40 to 50 submarines. It is requested, that this point shall be cleared up. However, the Italian B.d.U. requested that no mention should be made of Italian - Japanese negotiations, when so doing.

U-446 (Oblt. Hellmuth-Bert Richard), on training off Kahlberg in the Gulf of Danzig, is sunk by an air-laid mine in the British field Privet II; 23 dead and 18 survivors.

RAF bombers conduct a raid on München.

British forces begin their first land counter-offensive against the Japanese in the Arakan region of Burma.


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Tuesday, 22 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

U 600 (Kptlt. Bernhard Zurmühlen) reported damage from mine explosion in BF 9321 (Route "Herz"). Boat was escorted to La Pallice by 2 patrol vessels. Probably ground-mine with acoustic firing laid by plane.

Japanese submarine I-29 sinks US freighter Paul Luckenbach 800 miles *west of Kochi, India.

The Soviet 62nd Army is split in half by our advance down the Taritsa River gorge in Stalingrad. Our troops now hold nearly the entire southern half of the city.

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt visits facilities in Washington state, including Fort Lewis, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Seattle Point of Embarkation, and the the Boeing Aircraft factory.

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[Kapitän]

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

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Tuesday, 22 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

U 600 (Kptlt. Bernhard Zurmühlen) reported damage from mine explosion in BF 9321 (Route "Herz"). Boat was escorted to La Pallice by 2 patrol vessels. Probably ground-mine with acoustic firing laid by plane.

Japanese submarine I-29 sinks US freighter Paul Luckenbach 800 miles *west of Kochi, India.

The Soviet 62nd Army is split in half by our advance down the Taritsa River gorge in Stalingrad. Our troops now hold nearly the entire southern half of the city.

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt visits facilities in Washington state, including Fort Lewis, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Seattle Point of Embarkation, and the the Boeing Aircraft factory.

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Wednesday, 23 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

U 125 (Kptlt. Ulrich Folkers) reported she had sunk "Bruyere" (5,335 GRT) on course 200 in ET 7333.
U 407 (Oblt. Ernst-Ulrich Brüller) had trouble with both compressors, moved away to southeast to make repairs.
U 455 (Kptlt. Hans-Henrich Giessler )reported completion of secondary task (Minelaying off Charleston). 19 Sept. steamer sighted in DB 38, course north.
U 512 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Schultze) sank ship of 7,500 GRT on 19.9. in EE 4423. Searched Spanish vessel "Campuzano" in EE 4284. Electric compressor out of order.
U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) reported busy traffic in both directions in EO 1440 and 1490.

East African 22nd Infantry Brigade captures Tananarive (modern day Antananarivo), *Madagascar.

Soviet submarine M-60 strikes a mine and sinks in the Black Sea off Odessa, Ukraine.

Soviet 284th Rifle Division arrives in Stalingrad, and is ferried across the Volga River to join the front lines, as our troops attack the landing site.

Tiger I tanks see combat for the first time, operated by our 502nd Tank Battalion, near Leningrad.

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel departs North Africa for a six-week rest in Germany, to recover from sinusitis, high blood pressure, and other ailments linked to the North African environment.

In northern Germany, the RAF attacks our naval bases and shipyards:
83 British Lancaster bombers attack Wismar (4 are shot down), 28 Halifax bombers attack Flensburg (5 are shot down), and 24 Stirling bombers attack Vegesack (1 is shot down).


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[Kapitän]

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

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Wednesday, 23 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

U 125 (Kptlt. Ulrich Folkers) reported she had sunk "Bruyere" (5,335 GRT) on course 200 in ET 7333.
U 407 (Oblt. Ernst-Ulrich Brüller) had trouble with both compressors, moved away to southeast to make repairs.
U 455 (Kptlt. Hans-Henrich Giessler )reported completion of secondary task (Minelaying off Charleston). 19 Sept. steamer sighted in DB 38, course north.
U 512 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Schultze) sank ship of 7,500 GRT on 19.9. in EE 4423. Searched Spanish vessel "Campuzano" in EE 4284. Electric compressor out of order.
U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) reported busy traffic in both directions in EO 1440 and 1490.

East African 22nd Infantry Brigade captures Tananarive (modern day Antananarivo), *Madagascar.

Soviet submarine M-60 strikes a mine and sinks in the Black Sea off Odessa, Ukraine.

Soviet 284th Rifle Division arrives in Stalingrad, and is ferried across the Volga River to join the front lines, as our troops attack the landing site.

Tiger I tanks see combat for the first time, operated by our 502nd Tank Battalion, near Leningrad.

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel departs North Africa for a six-week rest in Germany, to recover from sinusitis, high blood pressure, and other ailments linked to the North African environment.

In northern Germany, the RAF attacks our naval bases and shipyards:
83 British Lancaster bombers attack Wismar (4 are shot down), 28 Halifax bombers attack Flensburg (5 are shot down), and 24 Stirling bombers attack Vegesack (1 is shot down).


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Thursday, 24 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

The Führer relieves General Franz Halder from command as Chief of Staff, replacing him with General Kurt Zeitzler.

U 217 (VIID; Oblt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke) took over sick man from U 201 (Oblt. Günther Rosenberg, formerly, Kptlt. Adalbert Schnee).

U 441 (Kptlt. Klaus Hartmann) has been ordered to enter Drontheim because a member of the crew is seriously ill.

U 171 (Kptlt. Günther Pfeffer) and U 164 (Korvkpt. Otto Fechner), refueled from 'Milk Cow' U 461 (Korvkpt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler).

Japanese submarine I-165 sinks US freighter 'Losmar', 220 miles west of the southern tip of India.

Australian destroyer HMAS Nizam sinks a Vichy French merchant ship southwest of Madagascar.

Our 94th Infantry Division and 24th Panzer Division effectively wipe out all Soviet units in the southern pocket in Stalingrad.

Our Armeegruppe A, launches an assault against Tuapse on the Black Sea.

Our Luftwaffe bombers attack Hastings and Seaford in southeastern England.


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KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff office)

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++

Thursday, 24 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

The Führer relieves General Franz Halder from command as Chief of Staff, replacing him with General Kurt Zeitzler.

U 217 (VIID; Oblt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke) took over sick man from U 201 (Oblt. Günther Rosenberg, formerly, Kptlt. Adalbert Schnee).

U 441 (Kptlt. Klaus Hartmann) has been ordered to enter Drontheim because a member of the crew is seriously ill.

U 171 (Kptlt. Günther Pfeffer) and U 164 (Korvkpt. Otto Fechner), refueled from 'Milk Cow' U 461 (Korvkpt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler).

Japanese submarine I-165 sinks US freighter 'Losmar', 220 miles west of the southern tip of India.

Australian destroyer HMAS Nizam sinks a Vichy French merchant ship southwest of Madagascar.

Our 94th Infantry Division and 24th Panzer Division effectively wipe out all Soviet units in the southern pocket in Stalingrad.

Our Armeegruppe A, launches an assault against Tuapse on the Black Sea.

Our Luftwaffe bombers attack Hastings and Seaford in southeastern England.


RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff office)




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

+++++++

Friday, 25 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

I'm getting itchy feet. Being able to serve on the B.d.U. staff has been a great honor and a very rewarding experience. However, I feel like, that our war effort would be served much better, if I were in command of a combat boat at the front line. With more of the new long-range IXD2 boats becoming available, I want to seize the opportunity to take a new boat and crew into combat.
I approach B.d.U. with my request and he fully understands and agrees with my intentions, and merely asks me to report back to him after the weekend, as he will have to check on the availability of new boats and a suitable replacement for me on the B.d.U. staff.

With the Führer relieving Chief of the Army General Staff, Colonel-General Franz Halder, and appointing General Kurt Zeitzler to succeed him, the responsibility for the employment of General Staff Corps personnel, is also taken away from the Chief of the General Staff and given to the Army Personnel Office, which is directly subordinate to the Führer.

U 177 (IXD2; Kptlt. Robert Gysae), on 23 Sept., 0605h, 1 P.O. overboard (Bootsmannmaat Erwin Henning). The present distribution of the main ballast tanks causes the boat to have a decided tendency to dip into the swell.

U 512 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Schultze) reported that "Monte Gorbea" (Esp) was recognized as a neutral vessel before she was torpedoed. Reasons for suspecting that she was a camouflaged English vessel were insufficient to warrant sinking. The Commanding Officer will have to face a court martial. All boats at sea have been informed.

(It will not come to the court martial, as U 512 will be sunk on 2 October 1942, north of Cayenne, French Guiana, by depth charges from a US B-18A-Bolo aircraft, 99th BS USAAF/71; 51 dead and 1 survivor.
The sole survivor, Matrosengefreiter Franz Machon, will spend 10 days on a life raft which the aircraft will have dropped to his aid, before being rescued by the US destroyer USS Ellis (DD-154); He will survive partly by killing and eating seabirds that attack him while he lays exposed on the raft.)

RAF Mosquito aircraft conduct a daring low-level raid on the Gestapo Headquarters in Oslo, Norway.

After sundown, our Luftwaffe attack Penzance, southwestern England.


RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++

Friday, 25 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

I'm getting itchy feet. Being able to serve on the B.d.U. staff has been a great honor and a very rewarding experience. However, I feel like, that our war effort would be served much better, if I were in command of a combat boat at the front line. With more of the new long-range IXD2 boats becoming available, I want to seize the opportunity to take a new boat and crew into combat.
I approach B.d.U. with my request and he fully understands and agrees with my intentions, and merely asks me to report back to him after the weekend, as he will have to check on the availability of new boats and a suitable replacement for me on the B.d.U. staff.

With the Führer relieving Chief of the Army General Staff, Colonel-General Franz Halder, and appointing General Kurt Zeitzler to succeed him, the responsibility for the employment of General Staff Corps personnel, is also taken away from the Chief of the General Staff and given to the Army Personnel Office, which is directly subordinate to the Führer.

U 177 (IXD2; Kptlt. Robert Gysae), on 23 Sept., 0605h, 1 P.O. overboard (Bootsmannmaat Erwin Henning). The present distribution of the main ballast tanks causes the boat to have a decided tendency to dip into the swell.

U 512 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Schultze) reported that "Monte Gorbea" (Esp) was recognized as a neutral vessel before she was torpedoed. Reasons for suspecting that she was a camouflaged English vessel were insufficient to warrant sinking. The Commanding Officer will have to face a court martial. All boats at sea have been informed.

(It will not come to the court martial, as U 512 will be sunk on 2 October 1942, north of Cayenne, French Guiana, by depth charges from a US B-18A-Bolo aircraft, 99th BS USAAF/71; 51 dead and 1 survivor.
The sole survivor, Matrosengefreiter Franz Machon, will spend 10 days on a life raft which the aircraft will have dropped to his aid, before being rescued by the US destroyer USS Ellis (DD-154); He will survive partly by killing and eating seabirds that attack him while he lays exposed on the raft.)

RAF Mosquito aircraft conduct a daring low-level raid on the Gestapo Headquarters in Oslo, Norway.

After sundown, our Luftwaffe attack Penzance, southwestern England.


RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)



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

+++++++

Saturday, 26 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Current Operations:
Convoy No.55 (most likely RB-1)
As further pursuit of the fast convoy when contact had been broken and the weather was deteriorating promised little chance of success, the order was given that all boats who were not in a favorable position should break off the pursuit.
This unscheduled convoy again shows how difficult it is to attack a fast formation. Our boats have a maximum continuous speed of about 14 knots., but this does not often give them sufficient superiority to get ahead of the enemy and take up an attack position.
Underwater attack is also very difficult as it is only rarely possible to get into a favorable position for firing at a target that keeps making wide zigs, especially as the destroyer escort and its location gear force the submarines to take avoiding action underwater.
Despite the lack of success during the first 2 days, the operation was continued without considering the large consumption of fuel, and finally a real success was achieved. No losses, no major damage. On 27 Sept., planes are busy seeking survivors and this suggests that the steamers sunk were troop transports.

U 107, 333, 406, 87, 590 have refueled from U 460. It is intended that these boats shall operate in the Freetown area.


US 417th Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron are assigned to Bluie West Eight airfield in Greenland.
Hans-Joachim Marseille shot down one Hurricane fighter and three Spitfire fighters near El Daba, Egypt between 0910 and 0916 hours. In his second sortie of the day, escorting Stuka dive bombers to El Hammam, Egypt, he shot down four enemy fighters between 1656 and 1710 hours. His score stands at 158 kills by the end of the day. When he returned to base, he was observed to be extremely exhausted, and his hands trembled uncontrollably. His superior Eduard Neumann, is grounding him for some days to give him a chance to rest.

Our troops begin another "final" attack in Stalingrad.

Soviet troops launch the Tuapse Defensive Operation in the Caucasus region of southern Russia.

Bogue-class escort carrier USS Bogue is placed in commission as an Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier, at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, with Captain Giles E. Short in command.

The Manhattan Project is given permission to use the highest wartime priority rating by the United States War Production Board.


RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++

Saturday, 26 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Current Operations:
Convoy No.55 (most likely RB-1)
As further pursuit of the fast convoy when contact had been broken and the weather was deteriorating promised little chance of success, the order was given that all boats who were not in a favorable position should break off the pursuit.
This unscheduled convoy again shows how difficult it is to attack a fast formation. Our boats have a maximum continuous speed of about 14 knots., but this does not often give them sufficient superiority to get ahead of the enemy and take up an attack position.
Underwater attack is also very difficult as it is only rarely possible to get into a favorable position for firing at a target that keeps making wide zigs, especially as the destroyer escort and its location gear force the submarines to take avoiding action underwater.
Despite the lack of success during the first 2 days, the operation was continued without considering the large consumption of fuel, and finally a real success was achieved. No losses, no major damage. On 27 Sept., planes are busy seeking survivors and this suggests that the steamers sunk were troop transports.

U 107, 333, 406, 87, 590 have refueled from U 460. It is intended that these boats shall operate in the Freetown area.


US 417th Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron are assigned to Bluie West Eight airfield in Greenland.
Hans-Joachim Marseille shot down one Hurricane fighter and three Spitfire fighters near El Daba, Egypt between 0910 and 0916 hours. In his second sortie of the day, escorting Stuka dive bombers to El Hammam, Egypt, he shot down four enemy fighters between 1656 and 1710 hours. His score stands at 158 kills by the end of the day. When he returned to base, he was observed to be extremely exhausted, and his hands trembled uncontrollably. His superior Eduard Neumann, is grounding him for some days to give him a chance to rest.

Our troops begin another "final" attack in Stalingrad.

Soviet troops launch the Tuapse Defensive Operation in the Caucasus region of southern Russia.

Bogue-class escort carrier USS Bogue is placed in commission as an Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier, at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, with Captain Giles E. Short in command.

The Manhattan Project is given permission to use the highest wartime priority rating by the United States War Production Board.


RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)



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

+++++++

Sunday, 27 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Radio Message to all boats:
C-in-C Navy has again issued a personal and definite order that all submarine commanders are to conform most carefully with the orders for the treatment of neutral ships. Infringement of these orders will lead to unforeseeable political repercussions. This order is to be brought immediately to the notice of each and every Commander.

Reports on the enemy:
1) U 262 (Kptlt. Günther Schiebusch): Bombs dropped in AF 4799. Proceeding to Bergen because of damage.
2) U 513 (Korvkpt. Rolf Rüggeberg): Convoy reported consisted of about 61 (doubtful) steamers, 6 destroyers; it made zigs between 25° and 85°, speed 7 knots. Air escort while making a daylight attack in BC 4128 submarine was picked up; depth charges were dropped.
3) U 177 (Korvkpt. Robert Gysae): 26 Sept., anti-submarine group in AL 6540, fast single ship, camouflaged super-structure, destroyers in quarter-line on either side. Ships were well handled, no chance to attack.
4) U 552 (Korvkpt. Erich Topp): Reported several patrol vessels in CG 58, some showing lights like neutrals. At night continuous horizontal locating (horizontally polarized radar transmissions).
5) U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann): Sighted convoy at 0010h in FA 2948, 4 vessels on a northerly course. Submarine sank 2 freighters of 4,000 and 6,000 tons. Forced to move away.


Our Auxiliary Cruiser 'Stier' and supply ship 'Tannenfels, came across US Liberty Ship 'Stephen Hopkins' off of Dutch Guiana. Exchanging gunfire at the distance of 2 miles starting at about 0900 hours, 'Stephen Hopkins' sank about an hour later; only 15 men survived and will drift for a month before reaching the Brazilian coast. 'Stier', fatally damaged, is scuttled by her crew at 1140 hours; 2 men were lost.

Our Luftwaffe unit III./KG 4 (flying He111 bombers), flew its last bombing sortie over Stalingrad. The unit will soon be transported out of its base in Morozovsk for Germany, to undergo glider towing training.
One of our Ju88A-4 bombers and a Bf109-G2 fighter piloted by Horst Loose, where shot down today over Stalingrad, by Lydia Litvyak ('The White Rose of Stalingrad'), flying a Yak-1 fighter.


RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++

Sunday, 27 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Radio Message to all boats:
C-in-C Navy has again issued a personal and definite order that all submarine commanders are to conform most carefully with the orders for the treatment of neutral ships. Infringement of these orders will lead to unforeseeable political repercussions. This order is to be brought immediately to the notice of each and every Commander.

Reports on the enemy:
1) U 262 (Kptlt. Günther Schiebusch): Bombs dropped in AF 4799. Proceeding to Bergen because of damage.
2) U 513 (Korvkpt. Rolf Rüggeberg): Convoy reported consisted of about 61 (doubtful) steamers, 6 destroyers; it made zigs between 25° and 85°, speed 7 knots. Air escort while making a daylight attack in BC 4128 submarine was picked up; depth charges were dropped.
3) U 177 (Korvkpt. Robert Gysae): 26 Sept., anti-submarine group in AL 6540, fast single ship, camouflaged super-structure, destroyers in quarter-line on either side. Ships were well handled, no chance to attack.
4) U 552 (Korvkpt. Erich Topp): Reported several patrol vessels in CG 58, some showing lights like neutrals. At night continuous horizontal locating (horizontally polarized radar transmissions).
5) U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann): Sighted convoy at 0010h in FA 2948, 4 vessels on a northerly course. Submarine sank 2 freighters of 4,000 and 6,000 tons. Forced to move away.


Our Auxiliary Cruiser 'Stier' and supply ship 'Tannenfels, came across US Liberty Ship 'Stephen Hopkins' off of Dutch Guiana. Exchanging gunfire at the distance of 2 miles starting at about 0900 hours, 'Stephen Hopkins' sank about an hour later; only 15 men survived and will drift for a month before reaching the Brazilian coast. 'Stier', fatally damaged, is scuttled by her crew at 1140 hours; 2 men were lost.

Our Luftwaffe unit III./KG 4 (flying He111 bombers), flew its last bombing sortie over Stalingrad. The unit will soon be transported out of its base in Morozovsk for Germany, to undergo glider towing training.
One of our Ju88A-4 bombers and a Bf109-G2 fighter piloted by Horst Loose, where shot down today over Stalingrad, by Lydia Litvyak ('The White Rose of Stalingrad'), flying a Yak-1 fighter.


RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)




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

+++++++

Monday, 28 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

B.d.U. tells me that my wish has been granted and that I will take command of the brand new IXD2 type boat U 115 and her newly assigned crew. This boat is a further development of the type IX boat, with storage of 441 tons of fuel, which gives it an increased range of up to 31500 nautical miles at 10 knots. The two diesel engines with 2200hp each, propel the boat to a top speed of 19.2kn. This is mainly achieved by the installation of two additional diesel engines with 5500hp each, which serve as electrical charging generators.

B.d.U. also informs me, that my successor as 'Geleitzug-Asto', will be Kptlt. Adalbert 'Adi' Schnee (formerly, commander of U 201), and asks me to prepare a hand-over briefing by Wednesday, as 'Adi' Schnee will assume his new command, as of 1 October 1942.

I inform B.d.U., that it would be my esteemed honor and privilege, to fulfill my duty under his command once again, as commander of a combat boat, and agree that 'Adi' Schnee, is the ideal candidate for the position of 'Geleitzug-Asto'.

Convoy 56:
Still no contact, wind strong westerly, visibility poor. In the evening, boats are ordered to continue to stalk as far as AK 70 at low speed and to remain there cruising at the lowest possible speed. It is assumed that the convoy is still to the East. U 260 (Oblt. Hubertus Purkhold) was bombed by a Liberator in AK 9519. U 595 (Kptlt. Jürgen Quaet-Faslem) sighted a destroyer and detected location by means of her radar interception gear.

Luftwaffe bombers attack Colchester and Broadstairs, England.

Hans-Joachim Marseille is telephoned by Erwin Rommel, who wants him to accompany him to Berlin, for a speech at the Berlin Sportpalast. Marseille rejects the offer, citing his wish to save his leave time to marry Hanne-Lies Küpper later in the year.

The Ohio River Division of the US Army Corps of Engineers opened up an office in Harriman, Tennessee, to begin acquiring land, by purchase and the implementation of Eminent Domain, for Site X of the Manhattan Project.


RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++

Monday, 28 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

B.d.U. tells me that my wish has been granted and that I will take command of the brand new IXD2 type boat U 115 and her newly assigned crew. This boat is a further development of the type IX boat, with storage of 441 tons of fuel, which gives it an increased range of up to 31500 nautical miles at 10 knots. The two diesel engines with 2200hp each, propel the boat to a top speed of 19.2kn. This is mainly achieved by the installation of two additional diesel engines with 5500hp each, which serve as electrical charging generators.

B.d.U. also informs me, that my successor as 'Geleitzug-Asto', will be Kptlt. Adalbert 'Adi' Schnee (formerly, commander of U 201), and asks me to prepare a hand-over briefing by Wednesday, as 'Adi' Schnee will assume his new command, as of 1 October 1942.

I inform B.d.U., that it would be my esteemed honor and privilege, to fulfill my duty under his command once again, as commander of a combat boat, and agree that 'Adi' Schnee, is the ideal candidate for the position of 'Geleitzug-Asto'.

Convoy 56:
Still no contact, wind strong westerly, visibility poor. In the evening, boats are ordered to continue to stalk as far as AK 70 at low speed and to remain there cruising at the lowest possible speed. It is assumed that the convoy is still to the East. U 260 (Oblt. Hubertus Purkhold) was bombed by a Liberator in AK 9519. U 595 (Kptlt. Jürgen Quaet-Faslem) sighted a destroyer and detected location by means of her radar interception gear.

Luftwaffe bombers attack Colchester and Broadstairs, England.

Hans-Joachim Marseille is telephoned by Erwin Rommel, who wants him to accompany him to Berlin, for a speech at the Berlin Sportpalast. Marseille rejects the offer, citing his wish to save his leave time to marry Hanne-Lies Küpper later in the year.

The Ohio River Division of the US Army Corps of Engineers opened up an office in Harriman, Tennessee, to begin acquiring land, by purchase and the implementation of Eminent Domain, for Site X of the Manhattan Project.


RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)




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

+++++++


Tuesday, 29 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

In the area around Route "Kernleder", searching for missing men from U 165 (FrgKpt. Eberhard Hoffmann).

U 202 (Kptlt. Günter Poser): Spread missed a large tanker in ED 9839. Detonation against own side, probably an explosive float. At night bombs were dropped, cooperation suspected, moderate damage.

U 177 and U 181 have been given GR 80 as approach point. It is intended that they shall operate in the area East of the Cape of Good Hope.

Distribution of attack areas for new boats arriving in the Freetown area is as follows:
Sectors with reference point Freetown: U 87, 145° - 80°; U 333, 80° - 30°; U 107, 30° - 330°. U 590 in ET 7235 to a depth of 400 miles.

U 217 refueled in DE 8299 sufficiently to return at economy speed.
U 507 did likewise in DT 74.

RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 29 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

In the area around Route "Kernleder", searching for missing men from U 165 (FrgKpt. Eberhard Hoffmann).

U 202 (Kptlt. Günter Poser): Spread missed a large tanker in ED 9839. Detonation against own side, probably an explosive float. At night bombs were dropped, cooperation suspected, moderate damage.

U 177 and U 181 have been given GR 80 as approach point. It is intended that they shall operate in the area East of the Cape of Good Hope.

Distribution of attack areas for new boats arriving in the Freetown area is as follows:
Sectors with reference point Freetown: U 87, 145° - 80°; U 333, 80° - 30°; U 107, 30° - 330°. U 590 in ET 7235 to a depth of 400 miles.

U 217 refueled in DE 8299 sufficiently to return at economy speed.
U 507 did likewise in DT 74.

RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)



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

+++++++


Wednesday, 30 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Our Luftwaffe Ace "Jochen" Marseille has fallen:
After a dive bomber escorting mission, the engine of Hauptmann Hans-Joachim Marseille's Bf 109G-6 fighter caught fire southeast of El Imayid, Egypt. Unable to make it back to his airfield due to black smoke entering the cockpit, our 22-year-old "Star of Africa" attempted to bail out, but while doing so he struck the vertical stabilizer across his chest and hip. He fell to his death 7 kilometers south of Sidi Abdel Rahman, Egypt at 1142 hours. For a moment, a horrific blow to our morale, which however, only strengthens our determination and resolve in seeing through our war effort until final victory.

+++++++

Briefing and hand-over of my duties as 1. Admiralstabsoffizier operativ (A I op) 'Geleitzugs-Asto' (convoy staff officer) to my successor Kptlt. Adalbert Schnee (formerly, commander of U 201).
In his new role, Kptlt. Adalbert ("Adi") Schnee, will take over my task of planning and organising operations against Allied convoys:

Submarine situation and intended operations.

Note: Submarine situation reports will be sent to Naval War Staff at pre-set intervals. They will set out a summarized assessment of the situation and the intentions of B.d.U.

1) Convoy situation in the North Atlantic:
Contrary to convoy methods during the first six months of 1942, convoys are no scattered over a wider area. Even so, the spacing out is not nearly so great as in Autumn 1941, and remain within certain limits on either side of the Great Circle. Information gathered through Radio Intercept Intelligence and experienced gained on the timing of convoys have made it possible to track down convoys, especially when westbound. Prospects are still considered favorable on this respect. The successes scored against the convoy from 9-13 Sept. and the failure from 20-22 Sept. clearly show the decisive role played by the weather. When operating against North Atlantic convoys the medium sized submarines have the advantage.

2) St. Lawrence and Belle Isle Straits:
The operations carried out by 3 boats have been very successful. Defences proved comparatively weak and were limited to direct convoy escorts. Further boats are to be sent out to make the most of this situation.

3) East coast of North America:
Operations ongoing for some time; busy shipping well defended convoys close inshore in shallow water; good successes, but also caused several losses. Air patrolling is particularly strong. But when occasion arises it is planned that single boats shall lay mines.

4) Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea:
Comparatively high losses have been suffered, probably through air attacks.
Radar interception gear can certainly protect the boats at night, but it cannot facilitate attack. Thus it is intended to station at most single boats in this area if the occasion offers. The area concerned is that of Old Bahama Channel - Windward Passage - Jamaica, where the majority of convoys pass through. Climatic conditions and the necessity for lengthy submersion result in strain for the crew, so that a lengthy stay offers little chance of success.
U 202 (Kptlt. Günter Poser) has been ordered to operate East of 52° West, off Trinidad, as electric compressor has broken down.

5) Area round Trinidad:
West of Trinidad the conditions are rather similar to the above. The likelihood of contacting convoys is of course, greater near the port of departure. On the other hand, the area East of Trinidad has proved exceptionally favorable. Convoys have not yet been observed here, air patrolling is less, naval anti-submarine measures (destroyers) have been observed for the first time recently. The difficulty lies in picking up the obviously frequently varied approach courses of the single ships, and this accounts for the patchy nature of successes.
It is striking that so far only a little eastbound shipping has been contacted. It is possible that this is only exceptionally routed via Trinidad.
With the Freetown area, the area East of Trinidad will continue to be the focal point for large submarines. Medium sized boats can and will be employed there, provided previous refueling from submarine tankers is possible.

6) North - South Convoy Route ("SL" and "OS" convoys):
It has been repeatedly possible to pick up "SL" convoys according to plan, though admittedly so far north pursuit could not be continued very long because of the appearance of air escorts. The drawback of operating against these convoys is that when a convoy has been missed the next one does not pass for about 10 days.
Thus these operations are worth while only when carried out by submarines en route for the Freetown area, i.e. for medium sized boats only if they can be refueled.
Accordingly Group "Iltis", which is at present operating here, is to proceed farther into the Freetown area after refueling.

7) Freetown area:
Has again proved very fruitful. Despite numerous successes, a major change of the shipping route or a soft-laid reaction by the enemy in reply to the sinkings has not been noticed. A major change of route would not be possible either here or in Trinidad.
It is intended that Group "Iltis" shall operate after refueling with other large boats.

8) Harbors in the Gulf of Guinea:
No experience is yet available for these harbors. 2 large boats have left for this area, two Italian boats will also operate.

9) Intended operations for Cape Town and East Africa:
Are given separately, also opinion on sanctioning attacks on the coast of Brazil.
Group "Eisbär" (U 68, 172, 159, 504) U 179 and U 178 have been given operational freedom in the area bounded as follows, once the first surprise attack has been carried out:
FE 9179 - GZ 1599 - coast of Africa. Southern boundary 40° South. U 179 has been ordered to wait in left half of GR 40 until attack is sanctioned.

10) Off Iceland:
At present the first attempt to operate with submarines against Murmansk convoys. Light nights and powerful air patrolling prevent successful operations here during the summer. Despite this, it has been possible for single ships to remain off Reykjavik for a long time.
It is intended to send out single boats here when there is an opportunity during the new moon period. When more reliable news that a "PQ" convoy will shortly leave port, several boats should also be available, providing they put out from home waters.

11) The situation in Coastal Waters and in the Bay of Biscay:
Is governed as before by the danger of air attacks and mines.

Although U 165 (FrgKpt. Eberhard Hoffmann) announced that she was entering on 28 Sept., she has not yet arrived. Air reconnaissance yielded no information. The loss of the boat must be assumed, probably through bombing attack. There was a reliable sounding radio announcement of submarine sinking by the R.A.F. in the Bay of Biscay.
The repeated requests regarding the air forces and the naval forces under Admiral Western Defences can merely be emphasized once again.

Luftwaffe bombers attacked Lancing and Colchester, England.


RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 30 September 1942 - Paris, Avenue Maréchal Maunoury

Our Luftwaffe Ace "Jochen" Marseille has fallen:
After a dive bomber escorting mission, the engine of Hauptmann Hans-Joachim Marseille's Bf 109G-6 fighter caught fire southeast of El Imayid, Egypt. Unable to make it back to his airfield due to black smoke entering the cockpit, our 22-year-old "Star of Africa" attempted to bail out, but while doing so he struck the vertical stabilizer across his chest and hip. He fell to his death 7 kilometers south of Sidi Abdel Rahman, Egypt at 1142 hours. For a moment, a horrific blow to our morale, which however, only strengthens our determination and resolve in seeing through our war effort until final victory.

+++++++

Briefing and hand-over of my duties as 1. Admiralstabsoffizier operativ (A I op) 'Geleitzugs-Asto' (convoy staff officer) to my successor Kptlt. Adalbert Schnee (formerly, commander of U 201).
In his new role, Kptlt. Adalbert ("Adi") Schnee, will take over my task of planning and organising operations against Allied convoys:

Submarine situation and intended operations.

Note: Submarine situation reports will be sent to Naval War Staff at pre-set intervals. They will set out a summarized assessment of the situation and the intentions of B.d.U.

1) Convoy situation in the North Atlantic:
Contrary to convoy methods during the first six months of 1942, convoys are no scattered over a wider area. Even so, the spacing out is not nearly so great as in Autumn 1941, and remain within certain limits on either side of the Great Circle. Information gathered through Radio Intercept Intelligence and experienced gained on the timing of convoys have made it possible to track down convoys, especially when westbound. Prospects are still considered favorable on this respect. The successes scored against the convoy from 9-13 Sept. and the failure from 20-22 Sept. clearly show the decisive role played by the weather. When operating against North Atlantic convoys the medium sized submarines have the advantage.

2) St. Lawrence and Belle Isle Straits:
The operations carried out by 3 boats have been very successful. Defences proved comparatively weak and were limited to direct convoy escorts. Further boats are to be sent out to make the most of this situation.

3) East coast of North America:
Operations ongoing for some time; busy shipping well defended convoys close inshore in shallow water; good successes, but also caused several losses. Air patrolling is particularly strong. But when occasion arises it is planned that single boats shall lay mines.

4) Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea:
Comparatively high losses have been suffered, probably through air attacks.
Radar interception gear can certainly protect the boats at night, but it cannot facilitate attack. Thus it is intended to station at most single boats in this area if the occasion offers. The area concerned is that of Old Bahama Channel - Windward Passage - Jamaica, where the majority of convoys pass through. Climatic conditions and the necessity for lengthy submersion result in strain for the crew, so that a lengthy stay offers little chance of success.
U 202 (Kptlt. Günter Poser) has been ordered to operate East of 52° West, off Trinidad, as electric compressor has broken down.

5) Area round Trinidad:
West of Trinidad the conditions are rather similar to the above. The likelihood of contacting convoys is of course, greater near the port of departure. On the other hand, the area East of Trinidad has proved exceptionally favorable. Convoys have not yet been observed here, air patrolling is less, naval anti-submarine measures (destroyers) have been observed for the first time recently. The difficulty lies in picking up the obviously frequently varied approach courses of the single ships, and this accounts for the patchy nature of successes.
It is striking that so far only a little eastbound shipping has been contacted. It is possible that this is only exceptionally routed via Trinidad.
With the Freetown area, the area East of Trinidad will continue to be the focal point for large submarines. Medium sized boats can and will be employed there, provided previous refueling from submarine tankers is possible.

6) North - South Convoy Route ("SL" and "OS" convoys):
It has been repeatedly possible to pick up "SL" convoys according to plan, though admittedly so far north pursuit could not be continued very long because of the appearance of air escorts. The drawback of operating against these convoys is that when a convoy has been missed the next one does not pass for about 10 days.
Thus these operations are worth while only when carried out by submarines en route for the Freetown area, i.e. for medium sized boats only if they can be refueled.
Accordingly Group "Iltis", which is at present operating here, is to proceed farther into the Freetown area after refueling.

7) Freetown area:
Has again proved very fruitful. Despite numerous successes, a major change of the shipping route or a soft-laid reaction by the enemy in reply to the sinkings has not been noticed. A major change of route would not be possible either here or in Trinidad.
It is intended that Group "Iltis" shall operate after refueling with other large boats.

8) Harbors in the Gulf of Guinea:
No experience is yet available for these harbors. 2 large boats have left for this area, two Italian boats will also operate.

9) Intended operations for Cape Town and East Africa:
Are given separately, also opinion on sanctioning attacks on the coast of Brazil.
Group "Eisbär" (U 68, 172, 159, 504) U 179 and U 178 have been given operational freedom in the area bounded as follows, once the first surprise attack has been carried out:
FE 9179 - GZ 1599 - coast of Africa. Southern boundary 40° South. U 179 has been ordered to wait in left half of GR 40 until attack is sanctioned.

10) Off Iceland:
At present the first attempt to operate with submarines against Murmansk convoys. Light nights and powerful air patrolling prevent successful operations here during the summer. Despite this, it has been possible for single ships to remain off Reykjavik for a long time.
It is intended to send out single boats here when there is an opportunity during the new moon period. When more reliable news that a "PQ" convoy will shortly leave port, several boats should also be available, providing they put out from home waters.

11) The situation in Coastal Waters and in the Bay of Biscay:
Is governed as before by the danger of air attacks and mines.

Although U 165 (FrgKpt. Eberhard Hoffmann) announced that she was entering on 28 Sept., she has not yet arrived. Air reconnaissance yielded no information. The loss of the boat must be assumed, probably through bombing attack. There was a reliable sounding radio announcement of submarine sinking by the R.A.F. in the Bay of Biscay.
The repeated requests regarding the air forces and the naval forces under Admiral Western Defences can merely be emphasized once again.

Luftwaffe bombers attacked Lancing and Colchester, England.


RST
KvtKpt.& A I op
(convoy staff officer)



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

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Thursday, 01 October 1942 - On transit to Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Hans-Joachim Marseille is buried at the Heroes Cemetery in Derna, Libya. Albert Kesselring and Eduard Neumann each deliver an eulogy.

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I depart Paris for Bremen, where I will meet the newly assigned crew of U 115, which is undergoing final construction at the AG Weser, Bremen, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau.


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Chief of the Department of Naval Operations, Admiral Kurt Fricke, is awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

U 202 sank an independently-routed ship of 3,000 GRT in EO 1465, course 300°. Slow aircraft on a west course in EO 1432. Boat is proceeding to EP 47.

U 175 bombed in EO 1485. No casualties.

U 584 dived in AL 7498 because of a destroyer. Radar observed.

U 253 (Kptlt. Adolf Friedrichs) has not reported despite several calls. She may be lost. Boat made her last report north of Iceland on 24.9. She was then ordered to make for the Atlantic via the Denmark Straits in deep water. Nothing is known of the cause of her loss.
(We will later learn, that U 253 was sunk on 25 September 1942 in the Denmark Strait north-west of Iceland, by a British mine. 45 dead, all hands lost).

Egmont Prinz zur Lippe-Weißenfeld, is named the commanding officer of the 1st Group of the Nachtjagdgeschwader 3 wing.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Thursday, 01 October 1942 - On transit to Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Hans-Joachim Marseille is buried at the Heroes Cemetery in Derna, Libya. Albert Kesselring and Eduard Neumann each deliver an eulogy.

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I depart Paris for Bremen, where I will meet the newly assigned crew of U 115, which is undergoing final construction at the AG Weser, Bremen, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau.


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Chief of the Department of Naval Operations, Admiral Kurt Fricke, is awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

U 202 sank an independently-routed ship of 3,000 GRT in EO 1465, course 300°. Slow aircraft on a west course in EO 1432. Boat is proceeding to EP 47.

U 175 bombed in EO 1485. No casualties.

U 584 dived in AL 7498 because of a destroyer. Radar observed.

U 253 (Kptlt. Adolf Friedrichs) has not reported despite several calls. She may be lost. Boat made her last report north of Iceland on 24.9. She was then ordered to make for the Atlantic via the Denmark Straits in deep water. Nothing is known of the cause of her loss.
(We will later learn, that U 253 was sunk on 25 September 1942 in the Denmark Strait north-west of Iceland, by a British mine. 45 dead, all hands lost).

Egmont Prinz zur Lippe-Weißenfeld, is named the commanding officer of the 1st Group of the Nachtjagdgeschwader 3 wing.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Friday, 02 October 1942 - On transit to Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

On transit from Paris to Bremen, where I will meet the newly assigned crew of U 115, which is undergoing final construction at the AG Weser, Bremen, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau.

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The new 1. Admiralstabsoffizier operativ (A I op) 'Geleitzugs-Asto' (convoy staff officer), Kptlt. Adalbert ("Adi") Schnee, holds his first B.d.U. briefing in his new role:

Convoy action in the North Atlantic:

a) Anti-submarine conditions being as they are (large number of enemy destroyers and corvettes, surface radar sets) and our own developments not keeping apace, it is essential to have the necessary large number of U-boats onto the convoys, if effective action is to be taken, enemy anti-submarine forces split up and continuous shadowing maintained. The convoy routes are uncertain, the sea areas are so extensive that the few boats which are still all that are available, have to be disposed in lines of no depth at all, so that, the weather conditions being bad on average, it takes a very long time before remaining boats have come up to the convoy on the basis of a sighting report. This means:
First requirement:
Convoy operations lasting several days must be possible.

b) Experience of several convoys has shown that a successful action can only be fought as a rule in sea area outside the range of the enemy air force.
Second requirement:
Action in sea area without enemy air escort.

c) Both requirements combined show that the most important condition is: To pick up the convoy early on the side of the Atlantic from which it starts (i.e. ON and ONS convoys in AL, HX and SC convoys in BB and AJ, lower third).

d) The boats have so far been disposed to meet this requirement and they will continue to be so disposed. It has been found best to form U-boats leaving home ports and Western France at once into a disposition against ON convoys; after picking up a convoy they then proceed southwest, operating against it, and, after breaking off the operation (in the area of the Newfoundland Bank), the boats supply in about DC 90. This supply is necessary, because the boats' fuel stocks after the first operation would not permit a second operation. These refueled boats then form a patrol line northeast of the Newfoundland Bank, the distance off the Bank being determined by fog conditions, to pick up SC or HX convoys.

e) U-tankers alone have made this procedure, which has already been used several times, possible. In practice a few U-tankers mean the same as considerably more U-boats.

Mediterranean: The general situation in the Mediterranean has again made it necessary to send U-boats from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean to bring up the reduced numbers. Altogether 6 boats are to break through into the Mediterranean (U 438, U 660, U 605, U 89, U 593, U 458). They are to pass through the Straits of Gibraltar during the new moon period in October.

The British codebreaking establishment at Bletchley Park and the US Navy's codebreaking department (OP-20-G), agree to a relationship of "full collaboration".

The troopship Queen Mary collides with (and sinks) one of her escorts, the light cruiser HMS Curacoa, off the Irish coast with the loss of 239 lives.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Friday, 02 October 1942 - On transit to Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

On transit from Paris to Bremen, where I will meet the newly assigned crew of U 115, which is undergoing final construction at the AG Weser, Bremen, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau.

+++++++


The new 1. Admiralstabsoffizier operativ (A I op) 'Geleitzugs-Asto' (convoy staff officer), Kptlt. Adalbert ("Adi") Schnee, holds his first B.d.U. briefing in his new role:

Convoy action in the North Atlantic:

a) Anti-submarine conditions being as they are (large number of enemy destroyers and corvettes, surface radar sets) and our own developments not keeping apace, it is essential to have the necessary large number of U-boats onto the convoys, if effective action is to be taken, enemy anti-submarine forces split up and continuous shadowing maintained. The convoy routes are uncertain, the sea areas are so extensive that the few boats which are still all that are available, have to be disposed in lines of no depth at all, so that, the weather conditions being bad on average, it takes a very long time before remaining boats have come up to the convoy on the basis of a sighting report. This means:
First requirement:
Convoy operations lasting several days must be possible.

b) Experience of several convoys has shown that a successful action can only be fought as a rule in sea area outside the range of the enemy air force.
Second requirement:
Action in sea area without enemy air escort.

c) Both requirements combined show that the most important condition is: To pick up the convoy early on the side of the Atlantic from which it starts (i.e. ON and ONS convoys in AL, HX and SC convoys in BB and AJ, lower third).

d) The boats have so far been disposed to meet this requirement and they will continue to be so disposed. It has been found best to form U-boats leaving home ports and Western France at once into a disposition against ON convoys; after picking up a convoy they then proceed southwest, operating against it, and, after breaking off the operation (in the area of the Newfoundland Bank), the boats supply in about DC 90. This supply is necessary, because the boats' fuel stocks after the first operation would not permit a second operation. These refueled boats then form a patrol line northeast of the Newfoundland Bank, the distance off the Bank being determined by fog conditions, to pick up SC or HX convoys.

e) U-tankers alone have made this procedure, which has already been used several times, possible. In practice a few U-tankers mean the same as considerably more U-boats.

Mediterranean: The general situation in the Mediterranean has again made it necessary to send U-boats from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean to bring up the reduced numbers. Altogether 6 boats are to break through into the Mediterranean (U 438, U 660, U 605, U 89, U 593, U 458). They are to pass through the Straits of Gibraltar during the new moon period in October.

The British codebreaking establishment at Bletchley Park and the US Navy's codebreaking department (OP-20-G), agree to a relationship of "full collaboration".

The troopship Queen Mary collides with (and sinks) one of her escorts, the light cruiser HMS Curacoa, off the Irish coast with the loss of 239 lives.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115



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

+++++++


Saturday, 03 October 1942 - On transit to Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Traveling from Paris to Bremen, where I will meet the newly assigned crew of U 115, which is undergoing final construction at the AG Weser, Bremen, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau.

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Group "Eisbär" intends to make the first attack early on 8 Oct., in accordance with operations order.

The first successful A4 test flight reaches the altitude of 84.5 kilometers (52.5 miles). The rocket is launched at Peenemünde, Germany.

During heavy fighting, the 6.Armee pushes the Soviet 62nd Army back to the Volga River at Stalingrad.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Saturday, 03 October 1942 - On transit to Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Traveling from Paris to Bremen, where I will meet the newly assigned crew of U 115, which is undergoing final construction at the AG Weser, Bremen, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau.

+++++++


Group "Eisbär" intends to make the first attack early on 8 Oct., in accordance with operations order.

The first successful A4 (V2) test flight reaches the altitude of 84.5 kilometers (52.5 miles). The rocket is launched at Peenemünde, Germany.

During heavy fighting, the 6.Armee pushes the Soviet 62nd Army back to the Volga River at Stalingrad.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115


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

+++++++


Sunday, 04 October 1942 - On transit to Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Traveling from Paris to Bremen, where I will meet the newly assigned crew of U 115, which is undergoing final construction at the AG Weser, Bremen, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau.

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A US Navy PBY-5A aircraft is the first aircraft to land at Bluie West Four in western Greenland.

Operation 'Basalt': Last night, a British commando raid took place on the Channel Island of Sark, resulting in three of our soldiers dead and one German POW (Ob.Gfr. Hermann Weinreich), being taken back to England for interegation.

Our XIV. Panzer Korps attacks the Stalingrad Tractor Factory.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Sunday, 04 October 1942 - On transit to Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Traveling from Paris to Bremen, where I will meet the newly assigned crew of U 115, which is undergoing final construction at the AG Weser, Bremen, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau.

+++++++


A US Navy PBY-5A aircraft is the first aircraft to land at Bluie West Four in western Greenland.

Operation 'Basalt': Last night, a British commando raid took place on the Channel Island of Sark, resulting in three of our soldiers dead and one German POW (Ob.Gfr. Hermann Weinreich), being taken back to England for interegation.

Our XIV. Panzer Korps attacks the Stalingrad Tractor Factory.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Monday, 05 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Arrived at AG Weser, Bremen, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau, for meeting and joining the new crew for the final construction of U 115 (IXD2).

Technical information for the type IXD2 boat:
(sm = submerged, sf = surfaced, ph = pressure hull, oa = overall, hp = horsepower).
Displacement (tons): 1616 (sf); 1804 (sm); 2150 (total)
Length (m): 87,60 oa; 68,50 ph
Beam (m): 7,50 oa; 4,40 ph
Draught (draft): 5,40 m
Height: 10,20 m
Power (hp): 4400 (sf); 1000 (sm)
Speed (knots): 19,2 (sf); 6,9 (sm)
Range (miles / knots): 31500/10 (sf); 57/4 (sm)
Torpedoes: 24 (KSDII: 25) - 4/2 (bow / stern tubes)
Mines: 48 TMA
Deck gun: 105mm - 150 rounds (KSDII: 150xSpG; 80xPbG: 20xLkG)
Crew: 55-63 men
Max depth: ca. 230 m (755 feet)

Boat is equipped with FuMB-1/Metox600A ('Biscay-Cross') and SBT 'Bold-1'.
By the end of the year, front Flotillas will be supplied with Short Range Radar FMG 41G (gU) FuMO 29 Seetakt equipment.

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

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English aircraft several times reported attacks or sightings of German U-boats in probably AL 10 and 20 as well as in Biscay. Positions were not resolved, as the code for latitude and longitude data has changed.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Monday, 05 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Arrived at AG Weser, Bremen, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau, for meeting and joining the new crew for the final construction of U 115 (IXD2).

Technical information for the type IXD2 boat:
(sm = submerged, sf = surfaced, ph = pressure hull, oa = overall, hp = horsepower).
Displacement (tons): 1616 (sf); 1804 (sm); 2150 (total)
Length (m): 87,60 oa; 68,50 ph
Beam (m): 7,50 oa; 4,40 ph
Draught (draft): 5,40 m
Height: 10,20 m
Power (hp): 4400 (sf); 1000 (sm)
Speed (knots): 19,2 (sf); 6,9 (sm)
Range (miles / knots): 31500/10 (sf); 57/4 (sm)
Torpedoes: 24 (KSDII: 25) - 4/2 (bow / stern tubes)
Mines: 48 TMA
Deck gun: 105mm - 150 rounds (KSDII: 150xSpG; 80xPbG: 20xLkG)
Crew: 55-63 men
Max depth: ca. 230 m (755 feet)

Boat is equipped with FuMB-1/Metox600A ('Biscay-Cross') and SBT 'Bold-1'.
By the end of the year, front Flotillas will be supplied with Short Range Radar FMG 41G (gU) FuMO 29 Seetakt equipment.

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++


English aircraft several times reported attacks or sightings of German U-boats in probably AL 10 and 20 as well as in Biscay. Positions were not resolved, as the code for latitude and longitude data has changed.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115


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

+++++++


Tuesday, 06 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Meeting and joining the new crew for the final construction of U 115 (IXD2).

3,7cm Flak gun SK C/30U (Single Shot) is not installed (KSDII: Turm4 needed for installation); Instead installed Twin-M.G.-2cm/C30.

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

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U 333 (Kptlt. Peter-Erich Cremer) was located by a corvette (HMS Crocus) in about ET 2989 and fired on with guns and machine guns at ranges from 1500 - 0 meters. 1 officer and 3 ratings killed (Ob.Ltnt.z.S. Hermann-Karl Bernhardt, Bts.Mt. Heinz-Kurt Kurtze, Mtr.Ob.Gfr. Ernst Thiel, Masch.Ob.Gfr. Erwin Levermann), 1 petty officer missing, C.O. and First Watchkeeping Officer wounded. Boat badly damaged, but can dive. A rendezvous is being arranged with "Milk Cow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf), which is nearby (M.O. on board), and sighted a light carrier-borne aircraft in FD 6463.

U 575 (Kptlt. Günther Heydemann) lost a man overboard (Oberbootsmaat Herbert Gühler).

U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) reported at 2219h that Capetown Roads were empty when she reconnoited them. Boat requested freedom of action. It is assumed that this absence of shipping is only temporary and, as it is hoped to heighten the effect of operation "Eisbär" as a whole by a surprise coup against Capetown Roads, the time for attack was postponed from 10th to the 11th October.
U 68 (KrvKpt. Karl-Friedrich Merten) also penetrated as far as the roads and reported a searchlight barrage. Success in the roads very doubtful. Heavy transit traffic. Boat suggests attack at discretion from 0000/8/10.
Facts are as follows:
1) Capetown is empty and it is not certain that the roads will be occupied within the next few days.
2) Even if they were occupied, prospects of success are doubtful, on account of searchlight barrage.
3) Submerged attack not possible because of shallow water.
4) In the circumstances the boats would be running to great risk.
5) Reports show that both C.O.'s, after their first reconnaissance regard success as doubtful, and think an attack at discretion would be better.
Both C.O.'s are fully aware of the "strategic, propaganda and prestige" effect that the first attack on Capetown Roads was intended to create, and they are in the best position to judge the situation, it was decided to accept their views and they received the order: Attack at discretion from 0000/8/10. The chances of a big surprise coup are very much reduced now that the roads are empty. Possibly the appearance of Japanese U-boats off Madagascar and in the Atlantic has contributed towards the evacuation and defence of Capetown Roads.

Our III.Panzer Korps captures Malgobek on the Terek River in the Caucasus. Far to the west, our troops also captured Novorossiysk. Luftwaffe unit I./KG 100 (flying He 111 bombers) is transferred from Morozovskaya to Saki, to support our offensive.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 06 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Meeting and joining the new crew for the final construction of U 115 (IXD2).

3,7cm Flak gun SK C/30U (Single Shot) is not installed (KSDII: Turm4 needed for installation); Instead installed Twin-M.G.-2cm/C30.

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++


U 333 (Kptlt. Peter-Erich Cremer) was located by a corvette (HMS Crocus) in about ET 2989 and fired on with guns and machine guns at ranges from 1500 - 0 meters. 1 officer and 3 ratings killed (Ob.Ltnt.z.S. Hermann-Karl Bernhardt, Bts.Mt. Heinz-Kurt Kurtze, Mtr.Ob.Gfr. Ernst Thiel, Masch.Ob.Gfr. Erwin Levermann), 1 petty officer missing, C.O. and First Watchkeeping Officer wounded. Boat badly damaged, but can dive. A rendezvous is being arranged with "Milk Cow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf), which is nearby (M.O. on board), and sighted a light carrier-borne aircraft in FD 6463.

U 575 (Kptlt. Günther Heydemann) lost a man overboard (Oberbootsmaat Herbert Gühler).

U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) reported at 2219h that Capetown Roads were empty when she reconnoited them. Boat requested freedom of action. It is assumed that this absence of shipping is only temporary and, as it is hoped to heighten the effect of operation "Eisbär" as a whole by a surprise coup against Capetown Roads, the time for attack was postponed from 10th to the 11th October.
U 68 (KrvKpt. Karl-Friedrich Merten) also penetrated as far as the roads and reported a searchlight barrage. Success in the roads very doubtful. Heavy transit traffic. Boat suggests attack at discretion from 0000/8/10.
Facts are as follows:
1) Capetown is empty and it is not certain that the roads will be occupied within the next few days.
2) Even if they were occupied, prospects of success are doubtful, on account of searchlight barrage.
3) Submerged attack not possible because of shallow water.
4) In the circumstances the boats would be running to great risk.
5) Reports show that both C.O.'s, after their first reconnaissance regard success as doubtful, and think an attack at discretion would be better.
Both C.O.'s are fully aware of the "strategic, propaganda and prestige" effect that the first attack on Capetown Roads was intended to create, and they are in the best position to judge the situation, it was decided to accept their views and they received the order: Attack at discretion from 0000/8/10. The chances of a big surprise coup are very much reduced now that the roads are empty. Possibly the appearance of Japanese U-boats off Madagascar and in the Atlantic has contributed towards the evacuation and defence of Capetown Roads.

Our III.Panzer Korps captures Malgobek on the Terek River in the Caucasus. Far to the west, our troops also captured Novorossiysk. Luftwaffe unit I./KG 100 (flying He 111 bombers) is transferred from Morozovskaya to Saki, to support our offensive.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Wednesday, 07 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

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As U 333 is returning, U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) will occupy this boat's sector. Replacement WO, Kptlt. Lorenz Kasch, Cmdr-at-sea-training on U 107 (Kptlt. Harald Gelhaus), will take command of U 333 on her return passage ("Final Examination").

U 216 (VIID; Oblt. Karl-Otto Schultz) has taken over fuel from U 643 (Oblt. Hans-Harald Speidel) and handed over one sick man, is now making for Group "Wotan's" patrol line.
U 615 (Kptlt. Ralph Kapitzky) and U 599 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Breithaupt) have refueled from U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan), they are also joining Group "Wotan".

Group "Eisbär": U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) reports: Nothing seen in the North for 2 days. Considerable traffic along the route through German mines. Shore-based radar.

There is permission to attack in the following area from 0000/8/10 until further notice: East of the line FE 91 left lower edge to GZ 16 left lower edge. The south boundary is 40° South. The east boundary is 270° East.

Prince Heinrich Alexander Ludwig Peter of Sayn-Wittgenstein, squadron leader of the 9th Squadron of the Nachtjagdgeschwader 2 Wing, is awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, after achieving 22 victories.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 07 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++


As U 333 is returning, U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) will occupy this boat's sector. Replacement WO, Kptlt. Lorenz Kasch, Cmdr-at-sea-training on U 107 (Kptlt. Harald Gelhaus), will take command of U 333 on her return passage ("Final Examination").

U 216 (VIID; Oblt. Karl-Otto Schultz) has taken over fuel from U 643 (Oblt. Hans-Harald Speidel) and handed over one sick man, is now making for Group "Wotan's" patrol line.
U 615 (Kptlt. Ralph Kapitzky) and U 599 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Breithaupt) have refueled from U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan), they are also joining Group "Wotan".

Group "Eisbär": U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) reports: Nothing seen in the North for 2 days. Considerable traffic along the route through German mines. Shore-based radar.

There is permission to attack in the following area from 0000/8/10 until further notice: East of the line FE 91 left lower edge to GZ 16 left lower edge. The south boundary is 40° South. The east boundary is 270° East.

Prince Heinrich Alexander Ludwig Peter of Sayn-Wittgenstein, squadron leader of the 9th Squadron of the Nachtjagdgeschwader 2 Wing, is awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, after achieving 22 victories.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Thusday, 08 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++


Group "Eisbär" and U 179 have been given freedom of action in the sea area of Capetown.
U 159 reported her first successes off Capetown. She sank 8 Oct., in GR 5881 "Salandia" 8,482 GRT, course 240° and in GF 5852 a freighter of 5,300 GRT course 40°. Heavy southwest bound traffic, medium air activity.

U 590 has been given freedom of action in the sea area off Freetown.

English aircraft (presumably with SL 120) reported surfaced U-boat (U 404?).

U 441 and U 621 had to heave to for 1 to 2 days in about AL 30 on account of the heavy gale.

Kapitän zur See Hans-Erich Voß is named the commanding officer of the Heavy Cruiser "Prinz Eugen".

In a radio announcement it is stated that from mid-day (German time) officers and men captured at Dieppe, have been manacled as a retaliation for the tying of prisoners during the British raid on the Channel Island of Sark on 3 October. The British War Office replies that German prisoners brought back from Dieppe had not had their hands tied and had been treaty humanely. It is further threatened that unless we immediately unshackle our captives, then our prisoners of war in Canada would be put into chains from noon 10 October.

Glenn Miller reports for military service at Omaha, Nebraska. He is assigned to the Seventh Service Command as a Captain in the Army Specialist Corps.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Thursday, 08 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++


Group "Eisbär" and U 179 have been given freedom of action in the sea area of Capetown.
U 159 reported her first successes off Capetown. She sank 8 Oct., in GR 5881 "Salandia" 8,482 GRT, course 240° and in GF 5852 a freighter of 5,300 GRT course 40°. Heavy southwest bound traffic, medium air activity.

U 590 has been given freedom of action in the sea area off Freetown.

English aircraft (presumably with SL 120) reported surfaced U-boat (U 404?).

U 441 and U 621 had to heave to for 1 to 2 days in about AL 30 on account of the heavy gale.

Kapitän zur See Hans-Erich Voß is named the commanding officer of the Heavy Cruiser "Prinz Eugen".

In a radio announcement it is stated that from mid-day (German time) officers and men captured at Dieppe, have been manacled as a retaliation for the tying of prisoners during the British raid on the Channel Island of Sark on 3 October. The British War Office replies that German prisoners brought back from Dieppe had not had their hands tied and had been treaty humanely. It is further threatened that unless we immediately unshackle our captives, then our prisoners of war in Canada would be put into chains from noon 10 October.

Glenn Miller reports for military service at Omaha, Nebraska. He is assigned to the Seventh Service Command as a Captain in the Army Specialist Corps.

RST
KvtKpt.& Cmdr. U 115


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

+++++++


Friday, 09 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++


With immediate effect, at B.d.U.'s request, permission to attack is granted in the following extended sea area: East of the line FE 8910 via FM 4954 to GY 3598, south boundary 40° South, east boundary 27° East.

U 171 (Kptlt. Günther Pfeffer) was to have been at point L2 at 1600/9/10 to pick up escort. The boat arrived too soon, and towards 1400 she sank 3 miles northeast of L2 after an explosion. Probably hit by a magnetic or acoustic mine. 30 members of the crew were saved, including all officers.

U 333 (Kptlt. Peter Erich "Ali" Cremer) is being brought home by Kptlt. Lorenz Kasch (Replacement WO, Cmdr-at-sea-training on U 107, Kptlt. Harald Gelhaus). Boat is damaged, but is able to crash dive. The C.O. and First Watch Officer are not in critical condition.

Sinkings off Capetown:
U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte) on 9 Oct. in GR 8144, "Colorandan" (6,575 GRT), course 260°.
U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) GR 5593 "Chichasaw City" (6,196 GRT) course 270°. GR 5671 "Firethory" (6,000 GRT) course 90°. GR 5648 freighter of 3,500 GRT, course 260°. Boat reports air and sea patrol from 8 Oct., was depth-charged in GR 5650, hunted for 28 hours with hydrophones and Asdic, no damage.
U 68 (KrvKpt. Karl-Friedrich Merten) reported heavy inward and outward-bound traffic day and night between the Cape and the mined area, course 160° or 320°. On 8 Oct. she sank a freighter of 8,000 GRT, a freighter of 6,000 GRT, and the American "Swiftsure" (8,207 GRT). On 9 Oct. the American "Examlea" (4,981 GRT) and a freighter of 6,000 GRT.

U 201 (Oblt. Günther Rosenberg) attacked a British ship type "Astroma" 8,401 GRT, in EP 3132 and reported a clean case of pistol failure. She pressed on and sank the ship in EF 9773. Boat suspects from the way the steamer behaved that she was a Q ship.

U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) was bombed by fast shore-based aircraft in EO 5181. Attack periscope out of order.

U 438 (Kptlt. Rudolf Franzius) will not carry out special operation as radar interception gear is not working. She will now steer for AK 93.

Italy's Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano notes in his diary, that Italian intelligence has learned that the Allies are planning on invading North Africa, and it concernes him, as a successful Allied campaign would put Italy in danger.

RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Friday, 09 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++


With immediate effect, at B.d.U.'s request, permission to attack is granted in the following extended sea area: East of the line FE 8910 via FM 4954 to GY 3598, south boundary 40° South, east boundary 27° East.

U 171 (Kptlt. Günther Pfeffer) was to have been at point L2 at 1600/9/10 to pick up escort. The boat arrived too soon, and towards 1400 she sank 3 miles northeast of L2 after an explosion. Probably hit by a magnetic or acoustic mine. 30 members of the crew were saved, including all officers.

U 333 (Kptlt. Peter Erich "Ali" Cremer) is being brought home by Kptlt. Lorenz Kasch (Replacement WO, Cmdr-at-sea-training on U 107, Kptlt. Harald Gelhaus). Boat is damaged, but is able to crash dive. The C.O. and First Watch Officer are not in critical condition.

Sinkings off Capetown:
U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte) on 9 Oct. in GR 8144, "Colorandan" (6,575 GRT), course 260°.
U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) GR 5593 "Chichasaw City" (6,196 GRT) course 270°. GR 5671 "Firethory" (6,000 GRT) course 90°. GR 5648 freighter of 3,500 GRT, course 260°. Boat reports air and sea patrol from 8 Oct., was depth-charged in GR 5650, hunted for 28 hours with hydrophones and Asdic, no damage.
U 68 (KrvKpt. Karl-Friedrich Merten) reported heavy inward and outward-bound traffic day and night between the Cape and the mined area, course 160° or 320°. On 8 Oct. she sank a freighter of 8,000 GRT, a freighter of 6,000 GRT, and the American "Swiftsure" (8,207 GRT). On 9 Oct. the American "Examlea" (4,981 GRT) and a freighter of 6,000 GRT.

U 201 (Oblt. Günther Rosenberg) attacked a British ship type "Astroma" 8,401 GRT, in EP 3132 and reported a clean case of pistol failure. She pressed on and sank the ship in EF 9773. Boat suspects from the way the steamer behaved that she was a Q ship.

U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) was bombed by fast shore-based aircraft in EO 5181. Attack periscope out of order.

U 438 (Kptlt. Rudolf Franzius) will not carry out special operation as radar interception gear is not working. She will now steer for AK 93.

Italy's Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano notes in his diary, that Italian intelligence has learned that the Allies are planning on invading North Africa, and it concernes him, as a successful Allied campaign would put Italy in danger.

RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Saturday, 10 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++


English aircraft five times reported German U-boats in unidentified position, probably AL and east of this.

A major Axis air offensive is launched against Malta.

U-boats have been informed of the sailing of Supply Ships "Burgenland" and "Spichern", and Blockade Runner "Rio Grande".

U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) sighted a small convoy escorted by destroyers in EU 7440. Boat has been ordered to continue on her passage, as this is a French convoy.

U 333 (Kptlt. "Ali" Cremer) reported a vessel in ES 2649, course 260°, 14 knots.

U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) sank the British "Orcades" (23,456 GRT) course 280° in GR 7339.

U 178 (IXD2, Kpt.z.S. Hans Ibbeken) sank the British "Dutchess of Atholl" (20,119 GRT) in FM 3734 proceeding from Capetown to England.

U 177 (IXD2, Kptlt. Robert Gysae) sighted an American battleship with close destroyer screen in EH 3820, course 330°, 16 knots, after a 5 hour chase boat was picked up by searchlight shortly before the attack and forced to submerge.

UD 5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27, Kpt.z.S. Bruno Mahn) has been given freedom of action in the sea area off Freetown.

RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Saturday, 10 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++


English aircraft five times reported German U-boats in unidentified position, probably AL and east of this.

A major Axis air offensive is launched against Malta.

U-boats have been informed of the sailing of Supply Ships "Burgenland" and "Spichern", and Blockade Runner "Rio Grande".

U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) sighted a small convoy escorted by destroyers in EU 7440. Boat has been ordered to continue on her passage, as this is a French convoy.

U 333 (Kptlt. "Ali" Cremer) reported a vessel in ES 2649, course 260°, 14 knots.

U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) sank the British "Orcades" (23,456 GRT) course 280° in GR 7339.

U 178 (IXD2, Kpt.z.S. Hans Ibbeken) sank the British "Dutchess of Atholl" (20,119 GRT) in FM 3734 proceeding from Capetown to England.

U 177 (IXD2, Kptlt. Robert Gysae) sighted an American battleship with close destroyer screen in EH 3820, course 330°, 16 knots, after a 5 hour chase boat was picked up by searchlight shortly before the attack and forced to submerge.

UD 5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27, Kpt.z.S. Bruno Mahn) has been given freedom of action in the sea area off Freetown.

RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115


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

+++++++


Sunday, 11 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++


English aircraft reported 3 U-boats sighted, one attacked with D/C's.
In BB 1738 or 1761 probably anti-S/M station with constant patrol of the surrounding area.

U 615 (Kptlt. Ralph Kapitzky) sank the English "Ellare", 4,655 GRT, in AJ 8898, in ballast from Iceland to New York. Captain and Chief Engineer on board.

U 106 (Kptlt. Hermann Rasch) and U 43 (Oblt. Hans-Joachim Schwantke) have been given freedom of action in BB, N.W. sector (St. Lawrence River).

U 125 (Kptlt. Ulrich Folkers) has taken over 20 cbm from "Milk Cow" U 459 (Kptlt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff).
After refueling, U 125 and U 552 (ex Topp; Kptlt. Klaus Popp) will be given freedom of action in the Freetown area according to traffic situation.

RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Sunday, 11 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++


English aircraft reported 3 U-boats sighted, one attacked with D/C's.
In BB 1738 or 1761 probably anti-S/M station with constant patrol of the surrounding area.

U 615 (Kptlt. Ralph Kapitzky) sank the English "Ellare", 4,655 GRT, in AJ 8898, in ballast from Iceland to New York. Captain and Chief Engineer on board.

U 106 (Kptlt. Hermann Rasch) and U 43 (Oblt. Hans-Joachim Schwantke) have been given freedom of action in BB, N.W. sector (St. Lawrence River).

U 125 (Kptlt. Ulrich Folkers) has taken over 20 cbm from "Milk Cow" U 459 (Kptlt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff).
After refueling, U 125 and U 552 (ex Topp; Kptlt. Klaus Popp) will be given freedom of action in the Freetown area according to traffic situation.

RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115



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

+++++++


Monday, 12 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++

U 504 (Korvkpt. Fritz Poske) situation: 28 Sept. sighted freighter, course 140° in GH. No traffic between GR 5320 and 5620. Freighter which she was attacking in GR 5612 on 8 Oct. was sunk by another boat (probably, U 179, IXD2, FrgKpt. Ernst Sobe). Subsequently destroyers, Ventura A/C, D/C's.

U 258 (Kptlt. Wilhelm von Mässenhausen) of Group "Wotan" shadowed escort vessels in a N.E. course for 170° - 2300/11/10. Last position AJ 8521. Radio message was not clearly received by control station until the morning of the 12th. Probably because of disturbances caused by the earth's magnetism. As SC 104 is at present expected in this area, Group "Wotan" was ordered to take action on U 258's report. Contact was regained at 1215 in AK 8373. Corvette was steering 60° and then zig-zagged to East. The convoy was not sighted despite a long search.

English aircraft reported U-boats 3 times in about AL, one of which was attacked with D/C's, one hit probable.

The Assistant Chief of the British Air Staff distributed a memorandum formally announcing the British Cabinet's decision to conduct unrestricted air warfare against Germany, Italy and Japan.

Winston Churchill was presented at Edinburgh, Scotland, with the "Freedom of the City".


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Monday, 12 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++

U 504 (Korvkpt. Fritz Poske) situation: 28 Sept. sighted freighter, course 140° in GH. No traffic between GR 5320 and 5620. Freighter which she was attacking in GR 5612 on 8 Oct. was sunk by another boat (probably, U 179, IXD2, FrgKpt. Ernst Sobe). Subsequently destroyers, Ventura A/C, D/C's.

U 258 (Kptlt. Wilhelm von Mässenhausen) of Group "Wotan" shadowed escort vessels in a N.E. course for 170° - 2300/11/10. Last position AJ 8521. Radio message was not clearly received by control station until the morning of the 12th. Probably because of disturbances caused by the earth's magnetism. As SC 104 is at present expected in this area, Group "Wotan" was ordered to take action on U 258's report. Contact was regained at 1215 in AK 8373. Corvette was steering 60° and then zig-zagged to East. The convoy was not sighted despite a long search.

English aircraft reported U-boats 3 times in about AL, one of which was attacked with D/C's, one hit probable.

The Assistant Chief of the British Air Staff distributed a memorandum formally announcing the British Cabinet's decision to conduct unrestricted air warfare against Germany, Italy and Japan.

Winston Churchill was presented at Edinburgh, Scotland, with the "Freedom of the City".


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115



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

+++++++


Tuesday, 13 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++

Convoy No. 58:
The boats continued to operate along the convoy's supposed course, weather remained bad. U 382 started for the supply point because of shortage of fuel. At 1522 U 254 sighted the convoy (8 steamers) in AK 5516 course SW. Boat reported that the speed could not be maintained at wind force SW 9. Nevertheless Group "Leopard" was ordered to carry on, even if the contact was lost for a time. It is intended to operate these boats against the oncoming convoy No. 59, if occasion arises. Convoy No. 58 was in AK 5541 at 1800. It made a sharp leg to the S. and U 254 lost contact towards 1900. It was not regained by morning. Weather continued bad WSN 8, moderate visibility, heavy rain and hailstorm. The operation continues.

U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) was forced to submerge by an aircraft when hauling ahead of a small convoy in EU 8596 on 12 Oct. Later was located by 2 destroyers while attacking. Heavy D/C's. Got away after dark, considerable damage.

U 512 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Schultze) has so far not reported despite several calls. Her last message was on 29 Sept., and mentioned damage to her Junkers and electric compressors. Boat intended to operate in a remote area. She may be lost. There is no information on the subject.

No radio message has yet been received from U 582 (KrvKpt. Werner Schulte). If the boat's transmitter had been completely out of action, she would certainly have tried to reach another nearby boat. She must be presumed lost.

Detachment of further U-boats for the Mediterranean:
U 89 and U 438, which were intended for Mediterranean were ordered to remain in the Atlantic when their radar interception dear failed. U 605 - 660 - 458 - 593 - passed through the Straits of Gibraltar on the 10th and 11th without particular difficulty and are at present on their way to La Spezia. The positions given for these boats in the War Log are not their actual ones by dead reckoning (disguised until they had passed through the Straits of Gibraltar).

Japanese battleships Haruna and Kongo bombard Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, destroying more than 40 American aircraft on the ground; they retired up New Georgia Sound at 29 knots.
The 164th Infantry Regiment becomes the first US Army unit on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Gilbou]

Reinstalled SH4 + Uboat missions.


Until now played without manual targeting.


Well. It is not going well.


Stadimeter is not working. Crosshairs on a ship. Select one in the recognition manual, send to TDC. Then trying to use the stadimeter doesnt produce a mirror image to move for mast height.


I also get the missing eyes form the crew. Game is in version 1.5.0.0 so it's supposed to be "fixed" which is not.


Cruising back to base to remove that stupid manual targeting crap.

[KaleunMarco]

Cruising back to base to remove that stupid manual targeting crap.

or...you could just abandon the mission by exiting to the Main Menu, re-Load the Save, change the Gameplay Option, and Start the mission all over again.
there is no sense to finishing an unsuccessful mission, is there?

:Kaleun_Salute:

[Kapitän]

Reinstalled SH4 + Uboat missions.


Until now played without manual targeting.


Well. It is not going well.


Stadimeter is not working. Crosshairs on a ship. Select one in the recognition manual, send to TDC. Then trying to use the stadimeter doesnt produce a mirror image to move for mast height.


I also get the missing eyes form the crew. Game is in version 1.5.0.0 so it's supposed to be "fixed" which is not.


Cruising back to base to remove that stupid manual targeting crap.


So, I'm using Manual targeting now (Version 1.4.1) and have to admit, that I have a similar experience but a bit for a different reason:

I just find it wayyy to tedious having to use all of these different contraptions trying to get a torpedo shot off - albeit, I also would like to figure out how to create the mirror image to establish the mast height.

Since I haven't, I feed the TVR with the speed derived from using the Nomograph and the distance from mere measurement via the Map view F5. Seems to work just as well.

I figure, either way, I need to have the periscope up, which will become increasingly difficult during late war times (I'm in early 1943 now), and blind shots using FAT torpedoes and T-5s, will become the normal way of attacking.

The real challenge will be, trying to stay alive ...

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 13 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++

Convoy No. 58:
The boats continued to operate along the convoy's supposed course, weather remained bad. U 382 started for the supply point because of shortage of fuel. At 1522 U 254 sighted the convoy (8 steamers) in AK 5516 course SW. Boat reported that the speed could not be maintained at wind force SW 9. Nevertheless Group "Leopard" was ordered to carry on, even if the contact was lost for a time. It is intended to operate these boats against the oncoming convoy No. 59, if occasion arises. Convoy No. 58 was in AK 5541 at 1800. It made a sharp leg to the S. and U 254 lost contact towards 1900. It was not regained by morning. Weather continued bad WSN 8, moderate visibility, heavy rain and hailstorm. The operation continues.

U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) was forced to submerge by an aircraft when hauling ahead of a small convoy in EU 8596 on 12 Oct. Later was located by 2 destroyers while attacking. Heavy D/C's. Got away after dark, considerable damage.

U 512 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Schultze) has so far not reported despite several calls. Her last message was on 29 Sept., and mentioned damage to her Junkers and electric compressors. Boat intended to operate in a remote area. She may be lost. There is no information on the subject.

No radio message has yet been received from U 582 (KrvKpt. Werner Schulte). If the boat's transmitter had been completely out of action, she would certainly have tried to reach another nearby boat. She must be presumed lost.

Detachment of further U-boats for the Mediterranean:
U 89 and U 438, which were intended for Mediterranean were ordered to remain in the Atlantic when their radar interception dear failed. U 605 - 660 - 458 - 593 - passed through the Straits of Gibraltar on the 10th and 11th without particular difficulty and are at present on their way to La Spezia. The positions given for these boats in the War Log are not their actual ones by dead reckoning (disguised until they had passed through the Straits of Gibraltar).

Japanese battleships Haruna and Kongo bombard Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, destroying more than 40 American aircraft on the ground; they retired up New Georgia Sound at 29 knots.
The 164th Infantry Regiment becomes the first US Army unit on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 14 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++

U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) has observed no traffic since 9 Oct. in EO 18-14. Very heavy air activity at night at times. Boat is continuing to operate along the Capetown-Trinidad route discovered by Radio Intelligence.

U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) was chased by 2 S/M chasers, type PC 451 with D/C's on 13 Oct. in EO 1490. No radar observed. Intends to operate against the same traffic as U 332 on her way back.

U 455 (Kptlt. Hans-Henrich Giessler) chased a fast tanker in vain on 2 Oct. in CB 36. Lay close inshore S. of St. John's for 9 days. Slight sea and air patrol. Searchlight barrage off the main harbor. Altogether only 1 steamer and 1 tanker sighted. Moved away, as Gyro was out of order. Boat has been ordered to return.

U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) engines are in working order and she is able to dive. She is making for the point ordered (FP 23).

U 590 (Kptlt. Heinrich Müller-Edzards) was hunted by a solitary patrol boat with hydrophones in ET 7354.

U 620 (Oblt. Heinz Stein) examined the Irish ship "Irish Pine" in AK 9583. Ship is continuing on her way to Dublin.

U 174 (Fregkpt. Ulrich Thilo) is proceeding via DS 3955 to deliver fuel and spare parts for radar interception gear to U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) and "Milk Cow" U 459 (Kptlt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff).

Our assault on the Stalingrad Tractor Factory, is aided by more than 2,000 sorties by aircraft of Luftflotte 4.

Our offensive in the Caucasus region, is suspended with the exception of 17th Army's attacks near Tuapse on the coast of the Black Sea.

The Soviet GKO orders all males between the ages of 15 and 55 living in the Soviet Union who are ethnic Romanians, Hungarians, and Italians, to be rounded up and employed as slave laborers. Ethnic Germans in Soviet territory have already been subjected to this persecution.

Prompted by signals from an orchestra conducted by legless RAF ace Douglas Bader, Canadian Flying Officer Hank Wardle and British officers Major Ronnie Littledale, Captain Pat Reid, and Lieutenant-Commander William Stephens escape from Oflag IV-C prisoners of war camp at Colditz Castle, Germany. All four will make it to Switzerland, fleeing with fake identifications by trains and on foot.

Before dawn, six Japanese destroyers land 1,000 troops on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 14 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Standing by during the final stages of construction of U 115.

+++++++

U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) has observed no traffic since 9 Oct. in EO 18-14. Very heavy air activity at night at times. Boat is continuing to operate along the Capetown-Trinidad route discovered by Radio Intelligence.

U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) was chased by 2 S/M chasers, type PC 451 with D/C's on 13 Oct. in EO 1490. No radar observed. Intends to operate against the same traffic as U 332 on her way back.

U 455 (Kptlt. Hans-Henrich Giessler) chased a fast tanker in vain on 2 Oct. in CB 36. Lay close inshore S. of St. John's for 9 days. Slight sea and air patrol. Searchlight barrage off the main harbor. Altogether only 1 steamer and 1 tanker sighted. Moved away, as Gyro was out of order. Boat has been ordered to return.

U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) engines are in working order and she is able to dive. She is making for the point ordered (FP 23).

U 590 (Kptlt. Heinrich Müller-Edzards) was hunted by a solitary patrol boat with hydrophones in ET 7354.

U 620 (Oblt. Heinz Stein) examined the Irish ship "Irish Pine" in AK 9583. Ship is continuing on her way to Dublin.

U 174 (Fregkpt. Ulrich Thilo) is proceeding via DS 3955 to deliver fuel and spare parts for radar interception gear to U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) and "Milk Cow" U 459 (Kptlt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff).

Our assault on the Stalingrad Tractor Factory, is aided by more than 2,000 sorties by aircraft of Luftflotte 4.

Our offensive in the Caucasus region, is suspended with the exception of 17th Army's attacks near Tuapse on the coast of the Black Sea.

The Soviet GKO orders all males between the ages of 15 and 55 living in the Soviet Union who are ethnic Romanians, Hungarians, and Italians, to be rounded up and employed as slave laborers. Ethnic Germans in Soviet territory have already been subjected to this persecution.

Prompted by signals from an orchestra conducted by legless RAF ace Douglas Bader, Canadian Flying Officer Hank Wardle and British officers Major Ronnie Littledale, Captain Pat Reid, and Lieutenant-Commander William Stephens escape from Oflag IV-C prisoners of war camp at Colditz Castle, Germany. All four will make it to Switzerland, fleeing with fake identifications by trains and on foot.

Before dawn, six Japanese destroyers land 1,000 troops on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Thursday, 15 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Commissioning of U 115 in Bremen


+++++++

Chief of the Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff, Colonel Alfred Jodl, suggests to Adolf Hitler to order Vichy France to strengthen its defenses in North Africa, as intelligence indicates a possible Allied attack; The Führer rejects this suggestion, as he believes the Italians will object to any moves that strengthen France.

U 67 (Kptlt. Günther Müller-Stöckheim) situation:
11 Oct. EO 1975 sighted freighter, course SE, 10 knots, EO 4352 via 1816 to 1422 nothing except 3 freighters of up to 4,000 GRT, course 310°, 9 knots. Subsequently 2 patrol vessels, severe bombing in EO 1816.

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann): Nothing sighted in EP 4920 to 70 up to 13 Oct., also nothing in EP 2560-2370.

U 156 (KrvKpt. Werner Hartenstein) operated without result in the area of Ascension. Airfield on the island, and strong air activity.

U 69 (Kptlt. Ulrich Gräf) sank a 6,500-GRT passenger ship escorted by a destroyer in BB 5190, course 40°. Boat suspects outward-bound convoys through the Canso Straits, and a further route for small convoys via BB 5450 to 5130.
After a steamer had been sunk, strong sea patrol and constant patrol by aircraft with radar in BA 36, BB 14, 18.

U 513 (IXC, Korvkpt. Rolf Rüggeberg) has completed refueling from U 757 (VIIC, Kptlt. Friedrich Deetz).

Enemy aircraft reported U-boats 3 times probably in AK.

German Stuka dive bombers of Luftflotte 4, fly 900 individual sorties against Soviet positions at the Stalingrad Tractor Factory, wiping out several Soviet regiments. German Luftwaffe unit I./KG 100 (flying He 111 bombers), briefly returns to Stalino (now Donetsk), Ukraine, to conduct three bombing raids on Stalingrad.

Robert Oppenheimer is appointed, to coordinate the scientific research of the Manhattan Project at Site Y, a location yet to be finalized.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Thursday, 15 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Commissioning of U 115 in Bremen


+++++++

Chief of the Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff, Colonel Alfred Jodl, suggests to Adolf Hitler to order Vichy France to strengthen its defenses in North Africa, as intelligence indicates a possible Allied attack; The Führer rejects this suggestion, as he believes the Italians will object to any moves that strengthen France.

U 67 (Kptlt. Günther Müller-Stöckheim) situation:
11 Oct. EO 1975 sighted freighter, course SE, 10 knots, EO 4352 via 1816 to 1422 nothing except 3 freighters of up to 4,000 GRT, course 310°, 9 knots. Subsequently 2 patrol vessels, severe bombing in EO 1816.

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann): Nothing sighted in EP 4920 to 70 up to 13 Oct., also nothing in EP 2560-2370.

U 156 (KrvKpt. Werner Hartenstein) operated without result in the area of Ascension. Airfield on the island, and strong air activity.

U 69 (Kptlt. Ulrich Gräf) sank a 6,500-GRT passenger ship escorted by a destroyer in BB 5190, course 40°. Boat suspects outward-bound convoys through the Canso Straits, and a further route for small convoys via BB 5450 to 5130.
After a steamer had been sunk, strong sea patrol and constant patrol by aircraft with radar in BA 36, BB 14, 18.

U 513 (IXC, Korvkpt. Rolf Rüggeberg) has completed refueling from U 757 (VIIC, Kptlt. Friedrich Deetz).

Enemy aircraft reported U-boats 3 times probably in AK.

German Stuka dive bombers of Luftflotte 4, fly 900 individual sorties against Soviet positions at the Stalingrad Tractor Factory, wiping out several Soviet regiments. German Luftwaffe unit I./KG 100 (flying He 111 bombers), briefly returns to Stalino (now Donetsk), Ukraine, to conduct three bombing raids on Stalingrad.

Robert Oppenheimer is appointed, to coordinate the scientific research of the Manhattan Project at Site Y, a location yet to be finalized.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Friday, 16 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Preparing boat for transfer of boat and crew to U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft.


+++++++

According to 1/Sk1 IK 2055/42, 2 boats have been detailed to escort "M.S. Tannenfels". U 105 position CD 95 at midday on 21 Oct. and U 382 after completing refueling in BD 57 to proceed on southerly course with 210 miles day's run to meet ship.

Convoys Nos. 59 and 60:
From patrol line of Group Panther U 602 - 563 - 610 - 301 and 575 report large numbers of aircraft. Line seems to have been discovered and will be shifted.

U 333 (Kptlt. "Ali" Cremer) sighted unknown submarine in DH 1392. Italian according to dead reckoning.

U 441 (Kptlt. Klaus Hartmann) leaving large oil tracks caused by leaking emergency end seals and slide valves of ventilators. Boat ordered to blow starboard main ballast tank and report operational readiness.

U 216 (VIID; Oblt. Karl-Otto Schultz) was on return passage and last reported short weather signal on 6 Oct. from BD 8286. Since then neither weather nor sighting report received. Loss of boat must be reckoned with, since boat is already 3 days overdue in port.

U 597 (KrvKpt. Eberhard Bopst) operated with Group "Leopard" on Convoy No. 58. Reported same at 1145/12/10 in AK 3999. Last radio message stated boat had lost contact 1200. Since then no reply has been received in spite of repeated calls. Loss must be reckoned with.

The entire staff of the Soviet 339th Infantry Regiment is wiped out by Luftwaffe air attacks at Stalingrad.

Japanese cruisers bombard Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Gilbou]

My biggest problem with manual targeting is recognizing ships.


When I'm too far, it's impossible. So I get closer.
But because I don't know the ships very well and the water keeps going over the periscope, I am very SLOW at finding what merchant ship I'm looking at


Meanwhile, destroyers that are following the ships see me, start shooting at me, and I have to escape them without having shot a single torpedo.


Feel likes the torpedo mast has a huge orange flag "IM HERE" as soon it's out of the water, while I'm 1 Km away and trying to keep the mast head as close to the water level as possible by using page up/down.

[Kapitän]

My biggest problem with manual targeting is recognizing ships.


When I'm too far, it's impossible. So I get closer.
But because I don't know the ships very well and the water keeps going over the periscope, I am very SLOW at finding what merchant ship I'm looking at


Meanwhile, destroyers that are following the ships see me, start shooting at me, and I have to escape them without having shot a single torpedo.


Feel likes the torpedo mast has a huge orange flag "IM HERE" as soon it's out of the water, while I'm 1 Km away and trying to keep the mast head as close to the water level as possible by using page up/down.

Yes, same here: Periscope must be used very sparingly ...

In another thread I read that one can identify a ship by pressing Shift+I, when locked on the ship by pressing key "L". However, one must be close enough for key "L" to work ...

[KaleunMarco]

Yes, same here: Periscope must be used very sparingly ...

In another thread I read that one can identify a ship by pressing Shift+I, when locked on the ship by pressing key "L". However, one must be close enough for key "L" to work ...

your response interested me.

i checked the Stock Commands file and there is no command mapped to Shift+I.

what Command is executed with the Shift+I in your config?

[Kapitän]

your response interested me.

i checked the Stock Commands file and there is no command mapped to Shift+I.

what Command is executed with the Shift+I in your config?


"Identifying ship (or vessel)" ... can't remember which right now ...

[KaleunMarco]

"Identifying ship (or vessel)" ... can't remember which right now ...

understood.
at your next opportunity, send the Command line, bitte.
danke.

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Friday, 16 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Preparing boat for transfer of boat and crew to U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft.


+++++++

According to 1/Sk1 IK 2055/42, 2 boats have been detailed to escort "M.S. Tannenfels". U 105 position CD 95 at midday on 21 Oct. and U 382 after completing refueling in BD 57 to proceed on southerly course with 210 miles day's run to meet ship.

Convoys Nos. 59 and 60:
From patrol line of Group Panther U 602 - 563 - 610 - 301 and 575 report large numbers of aircraft. Line seems to have been discovered and will be shifted.

U 333 (Kptlt. "Ali" Cremer) sighted unknown submarine in DH 1392. Italian according to dead reckoning.

U 441 (Kptlt. Klaus Hartmann) leaving large oil tracks caused by leaking emergency end seals and slide valves of ventilators. Boat ordered to blow starboard main ballast tank and report operational readiness.

U 216 (VIID; Oblt. Karl-Otto Schultz) was on return passage and last reported short weather signal on 6 Oct. from BD 8286. Since then neither weather nor sighting report received. Loss of boat must be reckoned with, since boat is already 3 days overdue in port.

U 597 (KrvKpt. Eberhard Bopst) operated with Group "Leopard" on Convoy No. 58. Reported same at 1145/12/10 in AK 3999. Last radio message stated boat had lost contact 1200. Since then no reply has been received in spite of repeated calls. Loss must be reckoned with.

The entire staff of the Soviet 339th Infantry Regiment is wiped out by Luftwaffe air attacks at Stalingrad.

Japanese cruisers bombard Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Saturday, 17 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Departing Bremen for transfer of boat and crew to U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft.


+++++++

Oberst Ernst Kühl, commanding officer of the German Kampfgeschwader 55 wing, is awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

All daylight air raids on Malta are abandoned by the Axis following heavy losses and bombing is now restricted to night-time operations only. The Axis has lost 270 aircraft this year over Malta.

94 British Lancaster bombers attack the Schneider armament factory at Le Creusot in central France in daylight; 1 bomber is shot down.

U 183 sighted nothing while proceeding through Iceland Passage and southern tip of Greenland as far as AJ 46.

U 160 continued hunt for convoy reported on previous day. At 1130 it lay in EE 7858, course 90°, speed 8 knots. U 67 continued to operate and for a time also U 332 but latter soon had to break off engagement on account of a temporary attack of giddiness of its Commander. Boats were continually forced to submerge by strong air patrol and lost contact towards evening. U 160 presumed convoy had broken up into single groups and at 1702 sighted 2 large steamers in EO 1236. No successes were scored.

U 441 blew main ballast tank and is again at full operational readiness. Boat joined Group "Puma" and lengthened patrol line to AK 6139 on the N.

U 609 took over radar intercept escort for U 254.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Saturday, 17 October 1942 - Bremen, AG Weser, Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau

Departing Bremen for transfer of boat and crew to U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft.


+++++++

Oberst Ernst Kühl, commanding officer of the German Kampfgeschwader 55 wing, is awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

All daylight air raids on Malta are abandoned by the Axis following heavy losses and bombing is now restricted to night-time operations only. The Axis has lost 270 aircraft this year over Malta.

94 British Lancaster bombers attack the Schneider armament factory at Le Creusot in central France in daylight; 1 bomber is shot down.

U 183 sighted nothing while proceeding through Iceland Passage and southern tip of Greenland as far as AJ 46.

U 160 continued hunt for convoy reported on previous day. At 1130 it lay in EE 7858, course 90°, speed 8 knots. U 67 continued to operate and for a time also U 332 but latter soon had to break off engagement on account of a temporary attack of giddiness of its Commander. Boats were continually forced to submerge by strong air patrol and lost contact towards evening. U 160 presumed convoy had broken up into single groups and at 1702 sighted 2 large steamers in EO 1236. No successes were scored.

U 441 blew main ballast tank and is again at full operational readiness. Boat joined Group "Puma" and lengthened patrol line to AK 6139 on the N.

U 609 took over radar intercept escort for U 254.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Sunday, 18 October 1942 - On board U 115

Transfer of boat and crew to U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft.


+++++++

The Führer issues a Kommando Befehl, ordering that any captured Soviet commandos be shot.

Four Norwegian agents of the British Special Operations Executive are parachuted near the Vemork heavy water production plant in Telemark, Norway, on a reconnaissance mission code named "Grouse".

British Captain Pat Reid and Canadian Flying Officer Hank Wardle, having escaped from Oflag IV-C prisoners of war camp at Colditz Castle in Germany on 14 Oct 1942, successfully make it to Switzerland.

French troops attempt a counter offensive at Andriamanalina, Madagascar, but are repulsed by British and Commonwealth troops.

U 620 sighted ship sailing independently in BD 7791 course 70°, speed 15 knots. As ship was 15 miles inside Route A and one of our own ships was expected, boat was ordered not to attack.

Situation report Capetown Area:
U 68: Worst weather possible since 10 Oct. On penetrating to the east as far as KY 62 came upon heavy westbound traffic proceeding through own minefield on account of weather. Heavy air activity.
U 172: Nothing sighted in GR 40-42 and 89, apart from one freighter. 2 shots missed. Air patrol. Boat presumed traffic stoppage.
U 504: Sank "Empire Jaguar" (5,186 GRT) in JJ 1313 on 17 Oct., course 230°, heavily armed. Otherwise nothing sighted.

Convoy No. 60:
In continuous stormy weather boats continued search independently. Organized search on sector system or the like pointless, as positions of boats too uncertain. U 89 sighted smoke clouds at 1130 in BD 2221, probably hove to. By morning no further contact with enemy was made.

New positions for U 509 and U 510 CF 84 southward passage and operation on "SL" convoy in view.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Sunday, 18 October 1942 - On board U 115

Transfer of boat and crew to U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft.


+++++++

The Führer issues a Kommando Befehl, ordering that any captured Soviet commandos be shot.

Four Norwegian agents of the British Special Operations Executive are parachuted near the Vemork heavy water production plant in Telemark, Norway, on a reconnaissance mission code named "Grouse".

British Captain Pat Reid and Canadian Flying Officer Hank Wardle, having escaped from Oflag IV-C prisoners of war camp at Colditz Castle in Germany on 14 Oct 1942, successfully make it to Switzerland.

French troops attempt a counter offensive at Andriamanalina, Madagascar, but are repulsed by British and Commonwealth troops.

U 620 sighted ship sailing independently in BD 7791 course 70°, speed 15 knots. As ship was 15 miles inside Route A and one of our own ships was expected, boat was ordered not to attack.

Situation report Capetown Area:
U 68: Worst weather possible since 10 Oct. On penetrating to the east as far as KY 62 came upon heavy westbound traffic proceeding through own minefield on account of weather. Heavy air activity.
U 172: Nothing sighted in GR 40-42 and 89, apart from one freighter. 2 shots missed. Air patrol. Boat presumed traffic stoppage.
U 504: Sank "Empire Jaguar" (5,186 GRT) in JJ 1313 on 17 Oct., course 230°, heavily armed. Otherwise nothing sighted.

Convoy No. 60:
In continuous stormy weather boats continued search independently. Organized search on sector system or the like pointless, as positions of boats too uncertain. U 89 sighted smoke clouds at 1130 in BD 2221, probably hove to. By morning no further contact with enemy was made.

New positions for U 509 and U 510 CF 84 southward passage and operation on "SL" convoy in view.


RST
KrvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115


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

+++++++


Monday, 19 October 1942 - Gotenhafen

Arrival in Gotenhafen-Oxhöft for Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

For clearing up of traffic situation off Freetown, boats detailed to take up attack positions in following sector with apex ET 20: U 87 and U 552 sector 80 - 30°, U 128 and U 107 the sector to the south and U 590 sector to the north of it, up to the coast from time to time. UD-5 freedom of action.

U 154 in position CD 9255 at 1400/21/10 for rendezvous with returning "Tannenfels". Note to follow.

Boat's attention is drawn to the fact that enemy is using submarines with surface silhouette similar to that of a German as decoy!

The British King's African Rifles regiment captures 800 Vichy French troops in Madagascar, without incurring a single casualty of their own.

British officers Major Ronnie Littledale and Lieutenant-Commander Billie Stephens, having escaped from Oflag IV-C prisoners of war camp at Colditz Castle in Germany on 14 Oct 1942, successfully make it to Switzerland.


RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Monday, 19 October 1942 - Gotenhafen

Arrival in Gotenhafen-Oxhöft for Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

For clearing up of traffic situation off Freetown, boats detailed to take up attack positions in following sector with apex ET 20: U 87 and U 552 sector 80 - 30°, U 128 and U 107 the sector to the south and U 590 sector to the north of it, up to the coast from time to time. UD-5 freedom of action.

U 154 in position CD 9255 at 1400/21/10 for rendezvous with returning "Tannenfels". Note to follow.

Boat's attention is drawn to the fact that enemy is using submarines with surface silhouette similar to that of a German as decoy!

The British King's African Rifles regiment captures 800 Vichy French troops in Madagascar, without incurring a single casualty of their own.

British officers Major Ronnie Littledale and Lieutenant-Commander Billie Stephens, having escaped from Oflag IV-C prisoners of war camp at Colditz Castle in Germany on 14 Oct 1942, successfully make it to Switzerland.


RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115



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

+++++++


Tuesday, 20 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) shot missed a freighter, course 290°, in EF 9452. Gun fight broken off on account of defence and bright moonlight.
U 658 (Kptlt. Hans Senkel) made submerged attacks on ship reported on 18 Oct. which proved fruitless on account of seaway, and lost contact in fog during night.

U 69 (Kptlt. Ulrich Gräf) fired stern shot which missed, at English ship "Rose Castle" in BB 6497, course 95°. Strong suspicion of pistol failure. Boat reported further experiences of aircraft radar. Return passage on account of fuel supply. SSS reports from steamer "Rose Castle" in BB 6730.

At 1046h, U 437 (Kptlt. Werner-Karl Schulz) reported a destroyer on southerly course in BD 4395. As it was possible that messages from Supply Group "Wolfbauer" had been D/F'd and destroyer was operating on same, U 463 received orders to refuel only boats with shortest supply, and to suggest new rendezvous 100 miles to the west.

English aircraft reported submarines in BE 8398, BE 6476. Further aircraft attacked submarines in BE 2797 and probably scored 6 hits. Aircraft's own tail plane ripped away by depth charge explosion. According to dead reckoning this could have been U 216 (VIID, Oblt. Karl-Otto Schultz). Boat was asked for position report.

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) received more details concerning rendezvous with "Tannenfels". According to this, boat was to be in following positions 1400h, 21 Oct. - CD 9255, 22 Oct. - CD 9755, 23 Oct. - DF 2555. Transmitter of important radio messages to be made about 300 miles west of rendezvous.

U 609 (Oblt. Klaus Rudloff) took over radar intercept escort for U 254 (Kptlt. Hans Gilardone).

U 178 (IXD2, Fregkpt. Hans Ibekken) received freedom of action: Eastward boundary now running from point 40° South and 40° East across southern tip of Madagascar to the west as far as African coast. Search for shipping off the important ports.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 20 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) shot missed a freighter, course 290°, in EF 9452. Gun fight broken off on account of defence and bright moonlight.
U 658 (Kptlt. Hans Senkel) made submerged attacks on ship reported on 18 Oct. which proved fruitless on account of seaway, and lost contact in fog during night.

U 69 (Kptlt. Ulrich Gräf) fired stern shot which missed, at English ship "Rose Castle" in BB 6497, course 95°. Strong suspicion of pistol failure. Boat reported further experiences of aircraft radar. Return passage on account of fuel supply. SSS reports from steamer "Rose Castle" in BB 6730.

At 1046h, U 437 (Kptlt. Werner-Karl Schulz) reported a destroyer on southerly course in BD 4395. As it was possible that messages from Supply Group "Wolfbauer" had been D/F'd and destroyer was operating on same, U 463 received orders to refuel only boats with shortest supply, and to suggest new rendezvous 100 miles to the west.

English aircraft reported submarines in BE 8398, BE 6476. Further aircraft attacked submarines in BE 2797 and probably scored 6 hits. Aircraft's own tail plane ripped away by depth charge explosion. According to dead reckoning this could have been U 216 (VIID, Oblt. Karl-Otto Schultz). Boat was asked for position report.

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) received more details concerning rendezvous with "Tannenfels". According to this, boat was to be in following positions 1400h, 21 Oct. - CD 9255, 22 Oct. - CD 9755, 23 Oct. - DF 2555. Transmitter of important radio messages to be made about 300 miles west of rendezvous.

U 609 (Oblt. Klaus Rudloff) took over radar intercept escort for U 254 (Kptlt. Hans Gilardone).

U 178 (IXD2, Fregkpt. Hans Ibekken) received freedom of action: Eastward boundary now running from point 40° South and 40° East across southern tip of Madagascar to the west as far as African coast. Search for shipping off the important ports.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115



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

+++++++


Wednesday, 21 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

UD 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) reported destroyer in BF 5551. Boat in position entering Route "Kernleder".

U 333 (Kptlt. "Ali" Cremer) avoided spread in BF 8438 at 1809h.

Boats on return passage are warned of increased danger from submarines in Bay of Biscay!

English aircraft reported submarines in AL 1824 and AF 7561. Latter attacked with depth charges.

After return of U 517 (Kptlt. Paul Hartwig) following experiences were communicated to boats: special convoy assembly point BB 1730. Escort still very inexperienced. Listening and Asdic conditions made very bad by heavy density of layering. From time to time heavy continuous air activity.

U 410 (KrvKpt. Kurt Sturm) reports radar intercept escort taken over for U 258 (Kptlt. Wilhelm von Mässenhausen).

U 174 (Fregkpt. Ulrich Thilo) supplied U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) on return passage with 15 cbm fuel oil, and "Milk Cow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf) with spare parts for radar intercept equipment.

U 353 (Oblt. Wolfgang Römer) operated with Group "Leopard" on Convoy No. 58 and finally Group "Wotan" on Convoy No. 59. Boat reported this at 0500/16 in AK 9112. After breaking off engagement boat was detailed to westbound Convoy (No. 60). No further position reports were received. According to a radio intercept report at 1851/17/10 a unit sent SSS, and sighted submarine in convoy. It is possible that this was U 353 and was destroyed. Loss must be reckoned with.

U 661 (Oblt. Erich von Lilienfeld) operated with Group "Wotan" on Convoy No. 59. According to last radio message it was fired on with machine guns by a corvette and destroyed in AK 4975. According to radio intercept report of 15 Oct., a further ship in the convoy was torpedoed, as yet unclaimed by any of our boats. Possibly this was U 661, which was finally destroyed. Loss is probable.

US Major General Mark Clark, aboard British submarine HMS Seraph (which is under disguise as an American submarine), begins negotiations with Vichy French commanders in North Africa in preparation of Operation Torch.


RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 21 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

UD 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) reported destroyer in BF 5551. Boat in position entering Route "Kernleder".

U 333 (Kptlt. "Ali" Cremer) avoided spread in BF 8438 at 1809h.

Boats on return passage are warned of increased danger from submarines in Bay of Biscay!

English aircraft reported submarines in AL 1824 and AF 7561. Latter attacked with depth charges.

After return of U 517 (Kptlt. Paul Hartwig) following experiences were communicated to boats: special convoy assembly point BB 1730. Escort still very inexperienced. Listening and Asdic conditions made very bad by heavy density of layering. From time to time heavy continuous air activity.

U 410 (KrvKpt. Kurt Sturm) reports radar intercept escort taken over for U 258 (Kptlt. Wilhelm von Mässenhausen).

U 174 (Fregkpt. Ulrich Thilo) supplied U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) on return passage with 15 cbm fuel oil, and "Milk Cow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf) with spare parts for radar intercept equipment.

U 353 (Oblt. Wolfgang Römer) operated with Group "Leopard" on Convoy No. 58 and finally Group "Wotan" on Convoy No. 59. Boat reported this at 0500/16 in AK 9112. After breaking off engagement boat was detailed to westbound Convoy (No. 60). No further position reports were received. According to a radio intercept report at 1851/17/10 a unit sent SSS, and sighted submarine in convoy. It is possible that this was U 353 and was destroyed. Loss must be reckoned with.

U 661 (Oblt. Erich von Lilienfeld) operated with Group "Wotan" on Convoy No. 59. According to last radio message it was fired on with machine guns by a corvette and destroyed in AK 4975. According to radio intercept report of 15 Oct., a further ship in the convoy was torpedoed, as yet unclaimed by any of our boats. Possibly this was U 661, which was finally destroyed. Loss is probable.

US Major General Mark Clark, aboard British submarine HMS Seraph (which is under disguise as an American submarine), begins negotiations with Vichy French commanders in North Africa in preparation of Operation Torch.


RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Thursday, 22 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger): Since 12 Oct. no shipping in ET 55, 56 and 84. No air, slight sea patrol. Much bad visibility on account of rain.

U 552 (ex Topp; Kptlt. Klaus Popp): Nothing sighted since 24 Sept. Boat making long legs in allocated sector en route for Freetown.

U 106 (ex Oesten; Kptlt. Hermann Rasch): Set apart from BA 35 and 38 on account of bright moon, in BB 50. Nothing sighted in BA. Heavy defence since 16 Oct. On 11 Oct. sank one steamer of 5,000 GRT in S.W. bound convoy in BB 5438.

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) took over engineer officer (Kptlt.-Ing., Harry Förster) from U 505 (Oblt. Peter Zschech).

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) received order stating if no meeting with "Tannenfels" by morning of 24 Oct. to report "No" by short signal.

Most of the Red October and Barricade factories in northern Stalingrad, are taken by our troops.

The conscription age in Britain is lowered to age 18 by Royal Proclamation.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[ConvoyHunting]

Kapitän always on top of everything. One of the best storytellers here :Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:

[Kapitän]

Kapitän always on top of everything. One of the best storytellers here :Kaleun_Salute::Kaleun_Cheers:

Thanks! Merely trying to render some historical perspective/context to our game play ...

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Thursday, 22 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger): Since 12 Oct. no shipping in ET 55, 56 and 84. No air, slight sea patrol. Much bad visibility on account of rain.

U 552 (ex Topp; Kptlt. Klaus Popp): Nothing sighted since 24 Sept. Boat making long legs in allocated sector en route for Freetown.

U 106 (ex Oesten; Kptlt. Hermann Rasch): Set apart from BA 35 and 38 on account of bright moon, in BB 50. Nothing sighted in BA. Heavy defence since 16 Oct. On 11 Oct. sank one steamer of 5,000 GRT in S.W. bound convoy in BB 5438.

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) took over engineer officer (Kptlt.-Ing., Harry Förster) from U 505 (Oblt. Peter Zschech).

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) received order stating if no meeting with "Tannenfels" by morning of 24 Oct. to report "No" by short signal.

Most of the Red October and Barricade factories in northern Stalingrad, are taken by our troops.

The conscription age in Britain is lowered to age 18 by Royal Proclamation.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Friday, 23 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Tirpitz departed Bogen near Narvik, Norway for refitting at Fættenfjord/Lofjord near Trondheim.

U 333 (Kptlt. "Ali" Cremer) entered La Pallice.

U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) fired 3 spread which missed at unknown 4,000 tonner in ET 5241, possibly dummy warship, course 100°, low speed. Probable pistol failure.

U D 5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) sighted no traffic in western sector of ET, commenced return passage on account of fuel supply. Reported heavy air patrol by sea planes and land-based aircraft in CF 6181.

U 441 (Kptlt. Klaus Hartmann) sighted independent ship in AK 6577 on 22 Oct. During attack at dusk (or dawn, not indicated) 2 spread fired, which missed also 2 single shots. Another submarine in the vicinity, behaving very suspiciously.

U 129 (Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt) sank American ship "Reuben Tipton" in EE 5627, carrying mixed cargo from Capetown to Trinidad, course 290° degrees. In FE 5654 2 shots missed at ballaster on W. course. U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) lay in the same area as U 129 and also operated on "Reuben Tipton". SOS sent by "Reuben Tipton" (6,870 GRT) in EE 6440.

Situation U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles; ex Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt): On 20 Oct. in FP 2362 nothing sighted. U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) also operating there. On morning of 23 Oct. torpedoed destroyer of "Balch" class, hit below bridge (was actually Dido Class Cruiser HMS Phoebe (43). Nothing further observed on account of defence. Cabinda (Angola) harbor greatly enlarged. At present 5 steamers along jetty. Probable formation of enemy convoy since arrival of 2 destroyers.

U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) on passage through DS 30 for refueling from "Milk Cow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe).

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) picked up returning "Tannenfels" according to plan at arranged meeting place CD 9755 at 1400 on 22 Oct. and sent message from DF 1229 as ordered by German Naval Staff.

Allied convoy UCF 1, containing troops and equipment for the invasion of French North Africa ("Operation Torch"), departed Chesapeake Bay, U.S.A.

RAF bombers attacked Genoa and Turin, Italy.

"Operation Lightfoot" was launched by the British in Egypt, attempting to penetrate the extensive Axis minefield with a major offensive.

Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt arrived in London, for a three-week visit as guest of King George VI.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Friday, 23 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Tirpitz departed Bogen near Narvik, Norway for refitting at Fættenfjord/Lofjord near Trondheim.

U 333 (Kptlt. "Ali" Cremer) entered La Pallice.

U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) fired 3 spread which missed at unknown 4,000 tonner in ET 5241, possibly dummy warship, course 100°, low speed. Probable pistol failure.

U D 5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) sighted no traffic in western sector of ET, commenced return passage on account of fuel supply. Reported heavy air patrol by sea planes and land-based aircraft in CF 6181.

U 441 (Kptlt. Klaus Hartmann) sighted independent ship in AK 6577 on 22 Oct. During attack at dusk (or dawn, not indicated) 2 spread fired, which missed also 2 single shots. Another submarine in the vicinity, behaving very suspiciously.

U 129 (Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt) sank American ship "Reuben Tipton" in EE 5627, carrying mixed cargo from Capetown to Trinidad, course 290° degrees. In FE 5654 2 shots missed at ballaster on W. course. U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) lay in the same area as U 129 and also operated on "Reuben Tipton". SOS sent by "Reuben Tipton" (6,870 GRT) in EE 6440.

Situation U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles; ex Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt): On 20 Oct. in FP 2362 nothing sighted. U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) also operating there. On morning of 23 Oct. torpedoed destroyer of "Balch" class, hit below bridge (was actually Dido Class Cruiser HMS Phoebe (43). Nothing further observed on account of defence. Cabinda (Angola) harbor greatly enlarged. At present 5 steamers along jetty. Probable formation of enemy convoy since arrival of 2 destroyers.

U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) on passage through DS 30 for refueling from "Milk Cow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe).

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) picked up returning "Tannenfels" according to plan at arranged meeting place CD 9755 at 1400 on 22 Oct. and sent message from DF 1229 as ordered by German Naval Staff.

Allied convoy UCF 1, containing troops and equipment for the invasion of French North Africa ("Operation Torch"), departed Chesapeake Bay, U.S.A.

RAF bombers attacked Genoa and Turin, Italy.

"Operation Lightfoot" was launched by the British in Egypt, attempting to penetrate the extensive Axis minefield with a major offensive.

Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt arrived in London, for a three-week visit as guest of King George VI.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Saturday, 24 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 518 (Oblt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) fired 4 spread miss on destroyer, which was probably picked up on hydrophones and out-maneuvered.

U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) sighted 2 single destroyer masts in AK 0377, and presumed an A/S patrol.

U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) during night attack on vessels on course 320 in FH 9593 on 24.10. was forced off by destroyer. Destroyer was apparently operating on 200 meter line, and boat presumed traffic to be proceeding close inshore.

U 132 (Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang) in patrol line of Group "Veilchen" reported bearing increasing in signal strength in BC 2275, and later a number of bearings over whole scale. Boat heard pistons and turbines passing overhead on two occasions. Retired in S.E. direction. As no convoy lay in the vicinity according to own dead reckoning estimations Group "Veilchen" received orders to continue patrol. U 132 was left free to pursue.

Following completed refueling from "Milk Cow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer): U 620 - 382 - 260 and 662.

The British submarine HMS Unique, last heard from on 9 Oct 1942, is posted as missing presumed lost, most probably after detonating a mine west of the Bay of Biscay, on or around 10 Oct 1942.

In Egypt outside of El Alamein, British aircraft dropp 122 tons of bombs on Axis airfields and tank concentrations, as Allied troops continued to engage in heavy combat.

General Georg Stumme, temporarily in command of Panzer Army Afrika in Erwin Rommel's absence, dies from a heart attack after falling from his car while conducting a reconnaissance of British positions at El Alamein, Egypt. His body will not be found until the next day. General Wilhelm von Thoma, commanding the Afrika Korps, takes over pending Rommel's return.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Saturday, 24 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 518 (Oblt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) fired 4 spread miss on destroyer, which was probably picked up on hydrophones and out-maneuvered.

U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) sighted 2 single destroyer masts in AK 0377, and presumed an A/S patrol.

U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) during night attack on vessels on course 320 in FH 9593 on 24.10. was forced off by destroyer. Destroyer was apparently operating on 200 meter line, and boat presumed traffic to be proceeding close inshore.

U 132 (Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang) in patrol line of Group "Veilchen" reported bearing increasing in signal strength in BC 2275, and later a number of bearings over whole scale. Boat heard pistons and turbines passing overhead on two occasions. Retired in S.E. direction. As no convoy lay in the vicinity according to own dead reckoning estimations Group "Veilchen" received orders to continue patrol. U 132 was left free to pursue.

Following completed refueling from "Milk Cow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer): U 620 - 382 - 260 and 662.

The British submarine HMS Unique, last heard from on 9 Oct 1942, is posted as missing presumed lost, most probably after detonating a mine west of the Bay of Biscay, on or around 10 Oct 1942.

In Egypt outside of El Alamein, British aircraft dropp 122 tons of bombs on Axis airfields and tank concentrations, as Allied troops continued to engage in heavy combat.

General Georg Stumme, temporarily in command of Panzer Army Afrika in Erwin Rommel's absence, dies from a heart attack after falling from his car while conducting a reconnaissance of British positions at El Alamein, Egypt. His body will not be found until the next day. General Wilhelm von Thoma, commanding the Afrika Korps, takes over pending Rommel's return.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Sunday, 25October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Group "Veilchen" was warned of expected passage of east bound convoy. U 704 (Kptlt. Horst Wilhelm Kessler) sighted sea plane inside patrol area in AJ 8811. U 132 (Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang) reported destroyer in BC 2239, which later turned out to be ship sailing independently on general course 20°.

Group "Streitaxt":
U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) sighted passenger steamer in DH 4573 on northerly course, speed 16 knots ("California" class). Boat pursued steamer as far as DH 1181 without success and then returned to patrol line. U 659 (Kptlt. Hans Stock) was forced to submerge by two destroyers and was depth charged.
At 2115 U 203 (Obtlt. Hermann Kottmann; ex Kptlt. Rolf Mützelburg) reported 3 steamers on easterly course in DH 4788. As the sighting was exactly on a level with patrol line the whole of Group "Streitaxt" was put on to it. U 203 attacked enemy in DH 4791, consisting of one tanker and 2 destroyers, and was forced to submerge by destroyer. Broke off pursuit later on account of damaged diesels. Group was ordered to continue operations as long as possibility of success existed. Boats which broke off pursuit were for the time being to take up 0800 position of reconnaissance line as patrol line.

Following refueled from "Milk Cow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer): U 610 - 442 - 437 and 356.

USS Ranger departs Bermuda as part of Task Force 34 bound for the invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch).

British XXX Corps moves north, with Australian 26th Brigade at the spearhead, attack Point 29 southwest of Tel el Eisa, Egypt. This is meant to draw Axis reserves to the area.

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel visits Rome to press for more supplies for the war in North Africa. He arrives in Egypt to assume command of all Axis units in North Africa by the evening.

General Friedrich Paulus reports to The Führer that Stalingrad will be taken by 10 Nov 1942.

Soviet troops launch the Nalckik-Ordzhonikidze Defensive Operation in the Caucasus region of southern Russia.

Pacific: With discipline declined, equipment abandoned and diarrhea and dysentery reaching epidemic proportions, the 2nd Battalion of US 126th Infantry Regiment arrives at Jaure, Australian Papua along the Kapa Kapa Trail in the Owen Stanley mountain range. The march had been so arduous that some men had wandered into the jungle never to be seen again.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Sunday, 25 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Group "Veilchen" was warned of expected passage of east bound convoy. U 704 (Kptlt. Horst Wilhelm Kessler) sighted sea plane inside patrol area in AJ 8811. U 132 (Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang) reported destroyer in BC 2239, which later turned out to be ship sailing independently on general course 20°.

Group "Streitaxt":
U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) sighted passenger steamer in DH 4573 on northerly course, speed 16 knots ("California" class). Boat pursued steamer as far as DH 1181 without success and then returned to patrol line. U 659 (Kptlt. Hans Stock) was forced to submerge by two destroyers and was depth charged.
At 2115 U 203 (Obtlt. Hermann Kottmann; ex Kptlt. Rolf Mützelburg) reported 3 steamers on easterly course in DH 4788. As the sighting was exactly on a level with patrol line the whole of Group "Streitaxt" was put on to it. U 203 attacked enemy in DH 4791, consisting of one tanker and 2 destroyers, and was forced to submerge by destroyer. Broke off pursuit later on account of damaged diesels. Group was ordered to continue operations as long as possibility of success existed. Boats which broke off pursuit were for the time being to take up 0800 position of reconnaissance line as patrol line.

Following refueled from "Milk Cow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer): U 610 - 442 - 437 and 356.

USS Ranger departs Bermuda as part of Task Force 34 bound for the invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch).

British XXX Corps moves north, with Australian 26th Brigade at the spearhead, attack Point 29 southwest of Tel el Eisa, Egypt. This is meant to draw Axis reserves to the area.

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel visits Rome to press for more supplies for the war in North Africa. He arrives in Egypt to assume command of all Axis units in North Africa by the evening.

General Friedrich Paulus reports to The Führer that Stalingrad will be taken by 10 Nov 1942.

Soviet troops launch the Nalckik-Ordzhonikidze Defensive Operation in the Caucasus region of southern Russia.

Pacific: With discipline declined, equipment abandoned and diarrhea and dysentery reaching epidemic proportions, the 2nd Battalion of US 126th Infantry Regiment arrives at Jaure, Australian Papua along the Kapa Kapa Trail in the Owen Stanley mountain range. The march had been so arduous that some men had wandered into the jungle never to be seen again.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115



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

+++++++


Monday, 26 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Norwegian trawler Arthur, commanded by Norwegian Lieutenant Leif Larsen working for the British Special Operations Executive, enters Trondheimsfjord, Norway, with two Chariot manned torpedoes (Chariot-class Midget Submarine) secreted beneath the vessel. The Chariots are torn off the hull when just 10 miles short of their target, the Tirpitz, and the mission has to be abandoned.

U 260 (Oblt. Hubertus Purkhold) reported armed 2-funneller on course 70° and speed 13 knots in CD 6857 Route A. As some of our own ships lay in the vicinity and there was a possibility of 2-funnel camouflage, order was given to break off pursuit.

In BE 4929, U 608 (Oblt. Rolf Struckmeier) sighted American battleship with destroyer escort course 240°, medium speed. Contact was almost immediately lost apparently.

U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) reports English periscope in AK 4664 (boat operating on Convoy No. 61).

With short signal, U 224 (Oblt. Hans-Carl Kosbadt) reported enemy in sight in AK 3622, was probably forced to submerge at once, since no further message was received.

In BB 6396, U 520 (Kptlt. Volkmar Schwartzkopff) came on brightly illuminated ship sailing independently, course 80°, speed 8 knots. As it could only have been Irish ship boat ordered not to attack if ship could be distinguished as enemy in spite illumination.

In order to provide wing protection for 3 returning ships, which are due to cross line of longitude 22° W. early on the 29th, at one day's distance, following positions are to be temporarily occupied: U 92 - BE 55, U 218 - BE 65, U 752 - BE 87; U 356 and 664 return passage on 44° N.

Allied convoy UCF 1, containing troops and equipment for the invasion of French North Africa (Operation Torch), is met by a covering force of battleships and cruisers, which had sailed from Casco Bay, Maine, U.S.A.

North Africa: In the morning, Rommel committed much of his reserves to the Point 29 region in Egypt. Meanwhile, noting that Rommel had taken the bait, Montgomery planned to pin down Axis troops around Point 29 while launching a new offensive to the southwest.

Eastern Front: In light of the positive report from General Friedrich Paulus from Stalingrad, Adolf Hitler, from his Wehrwolf headquarters near of Vinnytsia in Ukraine, orders some of the German units in that region to prepare to move north, once Stalingrad is conquered.

The Soviet 15th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment is formed in the Moscow Military District from the 137th Tank Brigade. Equipped with Churchill III and IV tanks supplied by the British under Lend-Lease-Act, the Regiment is initially assigned to I Guards Mechanized Corps but will be removed from the Corps in July 1943, to serve as an independent infantry support regiment. It will be disbanded in Feb 1944, to provide manpower for the new heavy assault gun regiments.

Pacific: At the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, US forces achieve victory but see USS Enterprise, USS South Dakota, and USS San Juan damaged. Aircraft carrier USS Hornet (Yorktown-class) is badly damaged from aerial bombs and torpedoes and then finally hit by three Type 93 torpedoes launched from Japanese destroyers Akigumo and Makigumo, which cause her to sink 30 minutes later. On the Japanese side, carriers Shokaku and Zuiho are damaged by dive bombers from USS Hornet and USS Enterprise, respectively.

1st Battalion of US 164th Infantry Division, repulse a Japanese attack on the southern flank of the Lunga Perimeter at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Meanwhile, another attack against Hill 67, initially penetrating into the American line, is eventually driven back by US Marines.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[ConvoyHunting]

Starting a new career, after so long time, in SH4 Dark Waters mod.
Taking command of IX U-43 in April 1940 as Wilhelm Ambrosius.

Patrol 1

3 April 1940 (Wednesday)
08:04 - Leaving Wilhemshaven for first war patrol. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 1, sea 1.
09:07 - Released from escort.
12:00 - AN9329.
16:00 - AN6894.
17:30 - Conduct mandatory dive test, depth 30m. No troubles to report.
17:48 - Surfaced.
20:00 - AN6854.
20:36 - Message to BDU : "AN6854 X TEST DIVE DONE X EN ROUTE TO OP AREA X U-43"
20:57 - Message from BDU : "TRANSMISSION ACKNOWLEDGED X PROCEED ACCORDING TO ORDERS X BDU"
00:00 - AN6184.


4 April 1940 (Thursday)
04:00 - AN6495. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 1, sea 1.
04:13 - Message from BDU : "B-DIENST REPORTED TASK FORCE AM64, HEADING WNW AT 14KTS X BDU"
06:19 - Dive test, 35m. Conduct torpedoes maintenance. Meeting with the officers to reveal operational orders of the patrol.
06:50 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AN6455.
12:00 - AN6416.
16:00 - AN5393.
20:00 - AN5353.
00:00 - AN5315.


To be continued.

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Monday, 26 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Norwegian trawler Arthur, commanded by Norwegian Lieutenant Leif Larsen working for the British Special Operations Executive, enters Trondheimsfjord, Norway, with two Chariot manned torpedoes (Chariot-class Midget Submarine) secreted beneath the vessel. The Chariots are torn off the hull when just 10 miles short of their target, the Tirpitz, and the mission has to be abandoned.

U 260 (Oblt. Hubertus Purkhold) reported armed 2-funneller on course 70° and speed 13 knots in CD 6857 Route A. As some of our own ships lay in the vicinity and there was a possibility of 2-funnel camouflage, order was given to break off pursuit.

In BE 4929, U 608 (Oblt. Rolf Struckmeier) sighted American battleship with destroyer escort course 240°, medium speed. Contact was almost immediately lost apparently.

U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) reports English periscope in AK 4664 (boat operating on Convoy No. 61).

With short signal, U 224 (Oblt. Hans-Carl Kosbadt) reported enemy in sight in AK 3622, was probably forced to submerge at once, since no further message was received.

In BB 6396, U 520 (Kptlt. Volkmar Schwartzkopff) came on brightly illuminated ship sailing independently, course 80°, speed 8 knots. As it could only have been Irish ship boat ordered not to attack if ship could be distinguished as enemy in spite illumination.

In order to provide wing protection for 3 returning ships, which are due to cross line of longitude 22° W. early on the 29th, at one day's distance, following positions are to be temporarily occupied: U 92 - BE 55, U 218 - BE 65, U 752 - BE 87; U 356 and 664 return passage on 44° N.

Allied convoy UCF 1, containing troops and equipment for the invasion of French North Africa (Operation Torch), is met by a covering force of battleships and cruisers, which had sailed from Casco Bay, Maine, U.S.A.

North Africa: In the morning, Rommel committed much of his reserves to the Point 29 region in Egypt. Meanwhile, noting that Rommel had taken the bait, Montgomery planned to pin down Axis troops around Point 29 while launching a new offensive to the southwest.

Eastern Front: In light of the positive report from General Friedrich Paulus from Stalingrad, Adolf Hitler, from his Wehrwolf headquarters near of Vinnytsia in Ukraine, orders some of the German units in that region to prepare to move north, once Stalingrad is conquered.

The Soviet 15th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment is formed in the Moscow Military District from the 137th Tank Brigade. Equipped with Churchill III and IV tanks supplied by the British under Lend-Lease-Act, the Regiment is initially assigned to I Guards Mechanized Corps but will be removed from the Corps in July 1943, to serve as an independent infantry support regiment. It will be disbanded in Feb 1944, to provide manpower for the new heavy assault gun regiments.

Pacific: At the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, US forces achieve victory but see USS Enterprise, USS South Dakota, and USS San Juan damaged. Aircraft carrier USS Hornet (Yorktown-class) is badly damaged from aerial bombs and torpedoes and then finally hit by three Type 93 torpedoes launched from Japanese destroyers Akigumo and Makigumo, which cause her to sink 30 minutes later. On the Japanese side, carriers Shokaku and Zuiho are damaged by dive bombers from USS Hornet and USS Enterprise, respectively.

1st Battalion of US 164th Infantry Division, repulse a Japanese attack on the southern flank of the Lunga Perimeter at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Meanwhile, another attack against Hill 67, initially penetrating into the American line, is eventually driven back by US Marines.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Tuesday, 27 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

During attack on freighter of 5,000 GRT course 300°, speed 10 knots, U 67 (Kptlt. Günther Müller-Stöckheim) was rammed. Beforehand boat scored two hits and sank the ship entirely during the night. One pistol failure and one electric torpedo explosion while underway. One sailor killed by explosion caused while opening upper deck container (Matrosenobergefreiter Heinz Hartmann). Moved off in order to repair damage (periscope).

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) sighted probable enemy submarine in DF 1374 on westerly course (could have been friendly).

U 128 (Kptlt. Ullrich Heyse) sighted nothing in EO 70 and in 73 - 81 over period of several days. Also no traffic sighted by U 160 from EO 25 via EE 68, 59, 55 and 72, and U 590 in sector off Freetown. On return passage on account of fuel supply. Active air patrol in ET 29 upper half.

U 183 (IXC/40; Kptlt. Heinrich Schäfer) reported on emergency transmitter: for 10 days stationed off northern exit to Belle-Isle-Straits - completely dead area. Straits presumably mined.

U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) commenced southward passage via D 770. Operation off Brazilian coast in view.

"Milk Cow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) en route for DS 58 as next refueling place. Supplied following boats with fuel: U 459: 26 cbm; U 506: 30 cbm; U 125: 37 cbm. Own reserves 610 cbm fuel oil and 184 days' provisions.

U 216 (VIID; Oblt. Karl-Otto Schultz) has not reported in spite of repeated calls. According to D/R and last position report it should have entered port 2 days ago. According to Radio Intercept report of 20 Oct., an English aircraft attacked a submarine in BE 2797 and scored 6 probable hits. This could only have been U 216 as there was no other boat in the vicinity. Loss must be reckoned with.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 27 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

During attack on freighter of 5,000 GRT course 300°, speed 10 knots, U 67 (Kptlt. Günther Müller-Stöckheim) was rammed. Beforehand boat scored two hits and sank the ship entirely during the night. One pistol failure and one electric torpedo explosion while underway. One sailor killed by explosion caused while opening upper deck container (Matrosenobergefreiter Heinz Hartmann). Moved off in order to repair damage (periscope).

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) sighted probable enemy submarine in DF 1374 on westerly course (could have been friendly).

U 128 (Kptlt. Ullrich Heyse) sighted nothing in EO 70 and in 73 - 81 over period of several days. Also no traffic sighted by U 160 from EO 25 via EE 68, 59, 55 and 72, and U 590 in sector off Freetown. On return passage on account of fuel supply. Active air patrol in ET 29 upper half.

U 183 (IXC/40; Kptlt. Heinrich Schäfer) reported on emergency transmitter: for 10 days stationed off northern exit to Belle-Isle-Straits - completely dead area. Straits presumably mined.

U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) commenced southward passage via D 770. Operation off Brazilian coast in view.

"Milk Cow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) en route for DS 58 as next refueling place. Supplied following boats with fuel: U 459: 26 cbm; U 506: 30 cbm; U 125: 37 cbm. Own reserves 610 cbm fuel oil and 184 days' provisions.

U 216 (VIID; Oblt. Karl-Otto Schultz) has not reported in spite of repeated calls. According to D/R and last position report it should have entered port 2 days ago. According to Radio Intercept report of 20 Oct., an English aircraft attacked a submarine in BE 2797 and scored 6 probable hits. This could only have been U 216 as there was no other boat in the vicinity. Loss must be reckoned with.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 28 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

On 23 Oct., U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) sighted Portuguese ship entering port off Banana and on 25 Oct., a 2 funnel steamer close inshore. During the day boat operated within sight of the coast and at night at mouth of estuary.

U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Witte) sighted nothing since 18 Oct. from GQ 60 - JJ 21. Plans passage to KZ 41 and GR 57 by new moon. Heavy north and southwest storms since 13 Oct.

U 552 (Kptlt. Klaus Popp; ex Topp) in previous position of U 107 (Kptlt. Harald Gelhaus) off Freetown (S. sector). U 552 detailed to operation area N. of 41° N. and W. of 59° 30' W focal point off Halifax. Attention drawn to traffic situation.

According to report from Commander of U 217 (Oblt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke; VIID), operations by 1 - 2 boats off Curacao and Aruba during new moon period promise success. U 129 (Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt) will therefore take up position in EC 96 with waning moon, focal points off Curacao. Free to fire on oil installations. If no traffic met with, operation in Aruba area on cargo traffic from Maracaibo. U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) operating in same area. Route via Mona Passage.

U 599 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Breithaupt) has not yet made message concerning entry into port which is now several days overdue. According to Radio Intercept report of 24 Oct., a submarine was attacked by English aircraft in BE 5965 and bombed. Aircraft presumed 2 hits. According to dead reckoning this must have been U 599. Loss must be reckoned with.

Allied convoy UCF 1, containing troops and equipment for the invasion of French North Africa (Operation Torch), is met by carriers Ranger, Sangamon, Suwannee, Chenango, and Santee, which have sailed from Bermuda. Task Force 34 now contains the full invasion force of 102 ships, carrying 35,000 American troops; the force is sailing for Casablanca.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[ConvoyHunting]

IX U-43 (Wilhelm Ambrosius)
Patrol 1, continue.


05 April 1940 (Friday)
04:00 - AN2971. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 2, sea 1.
06:42 - Crashdive drill. Practiced fire excercices and conducted torpedoes maintenance.
07:25 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AN2861.
12:00 - AN2822.
16:00 - AN2572.
20:00 - AN2462.
00:00 - AN2189.

06 April 1940 (Satuday)
04:00 - AN2146. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 2, sea 1.
06:26 - Test dive, 35m. Torpedoes maintenance.
07:07 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AN2114.
12:00 - AF7883.
16:00 - AF7854.
16:16 - Crashdive drill.
16:35 - Surfaced.
19:33 - AF7849. Visual contact with british G&H destroyer, bearing 60 at very fast speed. Crashdive. It seems that we remains undetected from her. Proceeding submerged.
20:00 - AF7854.
21:00 - Surfaced.
21:13 - Message to BDU : "AF7872 X CONTACT WITH BRITISH DESTROYER AF7849 AT 1933 x HEADING NW AT FAST SPEED X U-43"
21:42 - Message from BDU : "REPORT ACKNOWLEDGED X CONTINUE ACCORDING TO ORDERS X SWITCH TO IRELAND CIRCUIT X BDU"
21:45 - Radio switched to "Ireland" circuit.
00:00 - AF7877.

07 April 1940 (Sunday)
04:00 - AF1126. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 3, sea 2.
06:29 - Dive test, 35m, and torpedoes maintenance.
07:17 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AF1219.
12:00 - AM1116.
16:00 - AM1182.
20:00 - AM1175.
00:00 - AM3631.

[Kapitän]

IX U-43 (Wilhelm Ambrosius)
Patrol 1, continue.


05 April 1940 (Friday)
04:00 - AN2971. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 2, sea 1.
06:42 - Crashdive drill. Practiced fire excercices and conducted torpedoes maintenance.
07:25 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AN2861.
12:00 - AN2822.
16:00 - AN2572.
20:00 - AN2462.
00:00 - AN2189.

06 April 1940 (Satuday)
04:00 - AN2146. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 2, sea 1.
06:26 - Test dive, 35m. Torpedoes maintenance.
07:07 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AN2114.
12:00 - AF7883.
16:00 - AF7854.
16:16 - Crashdive drill.
16:35 - Surfaced.
19:33 - AF7849. Visual contact with british G&H destroyer, bearing 60 at very fast speed. Crashdive. It seems that we remains undetected from her. Proceeding submerged.
20:00 - AF7854.
21:00 - Surfaced.
21:13 - Message to BDU : "AF7872 X CONTACT WITH BRITISH DESTROYER AF7849 AT 1933 x HEADING NW AT FAST SPEED X U-43"
21:42 - Message from BDU : "REPORT ACKNOWLEDGED X CONTINUE ACCORDING TO ORDERS X SWITCH TO IRELAND CIRCUIT X BDU"
21:45 - Radio switched to "Ireland" circuit.
00:00 - AF7877.

07 April 1940 (Sunday)
04:00 - AF1126. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 3, sea 2.
06:29 - Dive test, 35m, and torpedoes maintenance.
07:17 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AF1219.
12:00 - AM1116.
16:00 - AM1182.
20:00 - AM1175.
00:00 - AM3631.


Great Job! I like the details of drills and dives, maintenance, changing Radio Frequencies ... Nice :up:

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 28 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

On 23 Oct., U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) sighted Portuguese ship entering port off Banana and on 25 Oct., a 2 funnel steamer close inshore. During the day boat operated within sight of the coast and at night at mouth of estuary.

U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Witte) sighted nothing since 18 Oct. from GQ 60 - JJ 21. Plans passage to KZ 41 and GR 57 by new moon. Heavy north and southwest storms since 13 Oct.

U 552 (Kptlt. Klaus Popp; ex Topp) in previous position of U 107 (Kptlt. Harald Gelhaus) off Freetown (S. sector). U 552 detailed to operation area N. of 41° N. and W. of 59° 30' W focal point off Halifax. Attention drawn to traffic situation.

According to report from Commander of U 217 (Oblt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke; VIID), operations by 1 - 2 boats off Curacao and Aruba during new moon period promise success. U 129 (Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt) will therefore take up position in EC 96 with waning moon, focal points off Curacao. Free to fire on oil installations. If no traffic met with, operation in Aruba area on cargo traffic from Maracaibo. U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) operating in same area. Route via Mona Passage.

U 599 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Breithaupt) has not yet made message concerning entry into port which is now several days overdue. According to Radio Intercept report of 24 Oct., a submarine was attacked by English aircraft in BE 5965 and bombed. Aircraft presumed 2 hits. According to dead reckoning this must have been U 599. Loss must be reckoned with.

Allied convoy UCF 1, containing troops and equipment for the invasion of French North Africa (Operation Torch), is met by carriers Ranger, Sangamon, Suwannee, Chenango, and Santee, which have sailed from Bermuda. Task Force 34 now contains the full invasion force of 102 ships, carrying 35,000 American troops; the force is sailing for Casablanca.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Thursday, 29 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Destroyers were sighted by: U 752 in BF 87 on course 220°. U 463 in BD 8313 on course 270°, U 624 in AL 5481 on course 90°.

U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) commenced return passage on account of short fuel supply. Sighted dummy warship reported on 28 Oct. again. Nothing in ET 53.

UD-5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) sank British ship "Primrose Hill" 7,600 GRT in DS 9835, course 150°, carrying aircraft from England to Freetown.

U 129 (Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt) sank American ship "Westkebar" 5,620 GRT in ET 6413 carrying Manganese Ore from Tokoradi to New York. According to statement of Captain, 5 - 6 ships leave Tokoradi every day for England or N. America via Freetown. Captain receives no sailing orders.

U 706 (Kptlt. Alexander von Zitzewitz) completed refuel from "Milk Cow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer).

U 621 (Kptlt. Horst Schünemann) took over radar intercept for U 602 (Kptlt. Philipp Schüler).

U 179 (FrgKpt. Ernst Sobe), the first IX D 2 boat, was ordered to operate off Capetown. Last report received from FD 10 on 18 Oct., after which in spite of repeated calls no further report was received. A Radio Intercept report states that on 21 Sept., a German submarine was sighted off Ascension. Boat was probably sunk off Capetown as according to broadcast some of the crew of a German submarine landed there. All other boats operating there have reported up to date so this could only be the crew of U 179. Loss of boat must be reckoned with.

According to a broadcast a German submarine is supposed to have been sunk by gun fire by a Brazilian steamer "Pio Branco" off San-Vicente about 2 months ago. No confirmation of this.

Our troops are now only 50 miles from the oil fields in Grozny, as they capture Nalchik in southern Russia.

Britain advise Italy, that Italy would continue to be bombed by the RAF until they step out of the war.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Thursday, 29 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Destroyers were sighted by: U 752 in BF 87 on course 220°. U 463 in BD 8313 on course 270°, U 624 in AL 5481 on course 90°.

U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) commenced return passage on account of short fuel supply. Sighted dummy warship reported on 28 Oct. again. Nothing in ET 53.

UD-5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) sank British ship "Primrose Hill" 7,600 GRT in DS 9835, course 150°, carrying aircraft from England to Freetown.

U 129 (Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt) sank American ship "Westkebar" 5,620 GRT in ET 6413 carrying Manganese Ore from Tokoradi to New York. According to statement of Captain, 5 - 6 ships leave Tokoradi every day for England or N. America via Freetown. Captain receives no sailing orders.

U 706 (Kptlt. Alexander von Zitzewitz) completed refuel from "Milk Cow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer).

U 621 (Kptlt. Horst Schünemann) took over radar intercept for U 602 (Kptlt. Philipp Schüler).

U 179 (FrgKpt. Ernst Sobe), the first IX D 2 boat, was ordered to operate off Capetown. Last report received from FD 10 on 18 Oct., after which in spite of repeated calls no further report was received. A Radio Intercept report states that on 21 Sept., a German submarine was sighted off Ascension. Boat was probably sunk off Capetown as according to broadcast some of the crew of a German submarine landed there. All other boats operating there have reported up to date so this could only be the crew of U 179. Loss of boat must be reckoned with.

According to a broadcast a German submarine is supposed to have been sunk by gun fire by a Brazilian steamer "Pio Branco" off San-Vicente about 2 months ago. No confirmation of this.

Our troops are now only 50 miles from the oil fields in Grozny, as they capture Nalchik in southern Russia.

Britain advise Italy, that Italy would continue to be bombed by the RAF until they step out of the war.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115


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

+++++++


Friday, 30 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 161 was sighted by aircraft in FH 9141 and forced to submerge. In doing so heard convoy on course 290°, speed 8 knots. 2 spread which missed at steamer in FH 5826, course 325°. Phosphorescence gave boat away during attack, and it received flares and depth charges.U 518 has sighted nothing off N. exit of Belle Isle Straits up to date.

In reply to question U 402 reported amount of fog in past 6 days as 25%.

U 128 and 552 given freedom of action in waters off Freetown.
U 177 and U 181 - 2 IXD2 boats fresh from home given freedom of action in area off Capetown and eastwards to 17° 30' E.

U 753 completed refuel from U 463.

In answer to question regarding operational readiness and possible operation off Dakar, U 500 reported full mechanical readiness, but provision for only 2 - 3 weeks.
U 87 no longer serviceable and on return voyage.
U 156 has small inaccessible leak in pressure hull in region of battery room. Boat only able to dive to shallow depth. On return passage.

Axis forces at El Alamein, Egypt, are now down to about 320 operational tanks with little fuel, while the Allies have about 800 tanks. After sun down, Montgomery launches a diversionary attack at the Point 29 region to pin down Axis forces before he is ready to launch his main offensive elsewhere.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Friday, 30 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 161 was sighted by aircraft in FH 9141 and forced to submerge. In doing so heard convoy on course 290°, speed 8 knots. 2 spread which missed at steamer in FH 5826, course 325°. Phosphorescence gave boat away during attack, and it received flares and depth charges.U 518 has sighted nothing off N. exit of Belle Isle Straits up to date.

In reply to question U 402 reported amount of fog in past 6 days as 25%.

U 128 and 552 given freedom of action in waters off Freetown.
U 177 and U 181 - 2 IXD2 boats fresh from home given freedom of action in area off Capetown and eastwards to 17° 30' E.

U 753 completed refuel from U 463.

In answer to question regarding operational readiness and possible operation off Dakar, U 500 reported full mechanical readiness, but provision for only 2 - 3 weeks.
U 87 no longer serviceable and on return voyage.
U 156 has small inaccessible leak in pressure hull in region of battery room. Boat only able to dive to shallow depth. On return passage.

Axis forces at El Alamein, Egypt, are now down to about 320 operational tanks with little fuel, while the Allies have about 800 tanks. After sun down, Montgomery launches a diversionary attack at the Point 29 region to pin down Axis forces before he is ready to launch his main offensive elsewhere.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Saturday, 31 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Convoy No. 63:
On morning of 31 Oct., Convoy "Maßmann" lay in CF 96 with NNE course and speed 7 knots. Convoy appeared to pass Gibraltar and continued northwards. With wind dropping from west and sea strength 3 - 4 contact was maintained by U 604 (Kptlt. Höltring) and U 509 Kptlt. Witte). By the afternoon six boats of the group had come up to the convoy. In the morning U 509 and U 604 had reported that all that remained of convoy was 4 - 5 ships. In the afternoon U 604 reported there were certainly 12. It therefore looked as though two groups had joined up in the afternoon while up to date very little had been reported about escort, and also no air patrol seemed to be present, suddenly from 1800 onwards all boats were driven off by heavy air activity and large destroyer escort. A number of boats reported aircraft contacts.
As rest of convoy route lay more and more within range of enemy air support, operation was broken off at daylight on 1 Nov. in CF 69.
In a tough four day battle with convoy under favorable weather conditions and not too strong an escort, 7 boats out of strong groups of 10 attacked successfully and sank a total of 18 ships together 133,131 GRT without a single loss.

U 412 (Kptlt. Walther Jahrmärker) and U 627 (Kptlt. Robert Kindelbacher) were both detailed to operate on Convoy no. 63, but neither made contact. After close of operation no reports were received in spite of many calls. It is possible that U 412 was destroyed by English aircraft on the outward journey, since it had not reported since sailing. Radio intercept report concerning aircraft attack received. On 27 Oct., U 627 reported convoy in AL 2559 at 0325 on easterly course and gave chase after which no further report was received. Loss of both must be reckoned with.

Friendly aircraft sighted 2 aircraft carriers at 1115 with 1 cruiser and 3 destroyers on course 180°.

U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) completed secondary duty 1 (Met Buoy Rockall). U D 5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) completed refueling from "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe).

Heavy Crusier HMS Cumberland (County-class) sail from Scapa Flow in Scotland, with HMS Norfolk and screen of 5 destroyers. She is nominated for support of planned allied landings in North Africa.

Our 21st Panzer Division launch four successive strikes against Australian troops at Point 29 in Egypt, causing heavy casualties on both sides.

As The Führer is confident that Stalingrad will soon be under our control, he departs the Wehrwolf headquarters near of Vinnytsia, Ukraine and moves to the Wolfsschanze headquarters in Rastenburg, Germany (modern day Ketrzyn, Poland).

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[ConvoyHunting]

IX U-43 (Wilhelm Ambrosius)

Patrol 1 (continue)

08 April 1940(Monday)
04:00 - AM3619.
06:40 - Dive test, 35m. Torpedoes maintenance.
07:26 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AM3563.
12:00 - AM3558.
13:14 - Crashdive drill. Practiced fire exercices.
13:46 - Surfaced.
16:00 - AM3575.
20:00 - AM3497.
00:00 - AM3716.

09 APril 1940 (Tuesday)
04:00 - AM2962.
06:52 - Crashdive drill. Torpedoes maintenance.
07:49 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AM2986.
12:00 - AM5322.
16:00 - AM5387.
19:57 - AM5627. Operation area reached.
20:20 - Kurzsignal to BDU : "AM5627 X U-43"
20:57 - Message from BDU : "KURZSIGNAL ACKNOWLEDGED X CONTINUE OPERATION X BDU"
00:00 - AM5627.

10 April 1940 (Wednesday)
00:10 - Clouds overcast, heavy fog, wind SW Beaufort 4, Sea 3, heavy rain. Dive because of bad visibility, 35m.
04:00 - AM5627.
06:00 - Torpedoes maintenance.
07:17 - Surfaced for batteries and CO2, no weather improvment.
08:00 - AM5627.
09:53 - Dived, 35m.
12:00 - AM5627.
16:00 - AM5627.
16:55 - Surfaced, no improvment.
19:56 - Dived, 35m.
20:00 - AM5627.
00:00 - AM5627.

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Saturday, 31 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Convoy No. 63:
On morning of 31 Oct., Convoy "Maßmann" lay in CF 96 with NNE course and speed 7 knots. Convoy appeared to pass Gibraltar and continued northwards. With wind dropping from west and sea strength 3 - 4 contact was maintained by U 604 (Kptlt. Höltring) and U 509 Kptlt. Witte). By the afternoon six boats of the group had come up to the convoy. In the morning U 509 and U 604 had reported that all that remained of convoy was 4 - 5 ships. In the afternoon U 604 reported there were certainly 12. It therefore looked as though two groups had joined up in the afternoon while up to date very little had been reported about escort, and also no air patrol seemed to be present, suddenly from 1800 onwards all boats were driven off by heavy air activity and large destroyer escort. A number of boats reported aircraft contacts.
As rest of convoy route lay more and more within range of enemy air support, operation was broken off at daylight on 1 Nov. in CF 69.
In a tough four day battle with convoy under favorable weather conditions and not too strong an escort, 7 boats out of strong groups of 10 attacked successfully and sank a total of 18 ships together 133,131 GRT without a single loss.

U 412 (Kptlt. Walther Jahrmärker) and U 627 (Kptlt. Robert Kindelbacher) were both detailed to operate on Convoy no. 63, but neither made contact. After close of operation no reports were received in spite of many calls. It is possible that U 412 was destroyed by English aircraft on the outward journey, since it had not reported since sailing. Radio intercept report concerning aircraft attack received. On 27 Oct., U 627 reported convoy in AL 2559 at 0325 on easterly course and gave chase after which no further report was received. Loss of both must be reckoned with.

Friendly aircraft sighted 2 aircraft carriers at 1115 with 1 cruiser and 3 destroyers on course 180°.

U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) completed secondary duty 1 (Met Buoy Rockall). U D 5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) completed refueling from "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe).

Heavy Crusier HMS Cumberland (County-class) sail from Scapa Flow in Scotland, with HMS Norfolk and screen of 5 destroyers. She is nominated for support of planned allied landings in North Africa.

Our 21st Panzer Division launch four successive strikes against Australian troops at Point 29 in Egypt, causing heavy casualties on both sides.

As The Führer is confident that Stalingrad will soon be under our control, he departs the Wehrwolf headquarters near of Vinnytsia, Ukraine and moves to the Wolfsschanze headquarters in Rastenburg, Germany (modern day Ketrzyn, Poland).

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Sunday, 1 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 563 (Kptlt. Götz von Hartmann) reports ship traveling alone in BE 2647 on course 0°. Pursuit was broken off because of excessive use of lubricating oil.

U 664 (Oblt. Adolf Graef) was heavily attacked by aircraft in approximately AL 10 and has to return to port. (Possibly air cover for an E. bound convoy).

U 575 (Kptlt. Günther Heydemann) reports in connection with sinking of 29 October that the ship formerly described as a freighter was actually a troop ship transport of the "Abosso" type (11,330 T). At the point where she sank there are about 10 cutters and many rafts full of soldiers. Boat sighted 3 steamers and 1 destroyer at 1329, 1 November in BD 6859, sailing on S. course. She is returning to base.

U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) situation: nothing further seen in areas EE 60, EF 80 and EP 20 since 23 January.

U D 5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) sighted destroyer in DG 8143, course 0°.

Aircraft reported convoy in BE 9755 at 1155, consisting of 10 merchant ships, and 3 patrol boats on N. course at low speed. (Evidently the rest of SL 125.

"Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) carried out transfer of supplies and is returning to port. Reports convoy in BD 6815, which steered course 270° at first and then changed to 180°.

U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) took on provisions for 10 days from "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe). Tanker situation: 555 cubic meters fuel oil; 8 cubic meters of motor oil; 169 day supply of provisions and 4 torpedoes.

Rommel begins to devise a plan to withdraw his forces at El Alamein, Egypt westward to Fuka, but will not activate the plan yet.

Our III.Panzer Korps captures Alagir on the Terek River in the Caucasus.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Sunday, 1 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 563 (Kptlt. Götz von Hartmann) reports ship traveling alone in BE 2647 on course 0°. Pursuit was broken off because of excessive use of lubricating oil.

U 664 (Oblt. Adolf Graef) was heavily attacked by aircraft in approximately AL 10 and has to return to port. (Possibly air cover for an E. bound convoy).

U 575 (Kptlt. Günther Heydemann) reports in connection with sinking of 29 October that the ship formerly described as a freighter was actually a troop ship transport of the "Abosso" type (11,330 T). At the point where she sank there are about 10 cutters and many rafts full of soldiers. Boat sighted 3 steamers and 1 destroyer at 1329, 1 November in BD 6859, sailing on S. course. She is returning to base.

U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) situation: nothing further seen in areas EE 60, EF 80 and EP 20 since 23 January.

U D 5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) sighted destroyer in DG 8143, course 0°.

Aircraft reported convoy in BE 9755 at 1155, consisting of 10 merchant ships, and 3 patrol boats on N. course at low speed. (Evidently the rest of SL 125.

"Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) carried out transfer of supplies and is returning to port. Reports convoy in BD 6815, which steered course 270° at first and then changed to 180°.

U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) took on provisions for 10 days from "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe). Tanker situation: 555 cubic meters fuel oil; 8 cubic meters of motor oil; 169 day supply of provisions and 4 torpedoes.

Rommel begins to devise a plan to withdraw his forces at El Alamein, Egypt westward to Fuka, but will not activate the plan yet.

Our III.Panzer Korps captures Alagir on the Terek River in the Caucasus.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Monday, 2 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) reported 7 large ships and a destroyer in CF 4399 on E. course. U 514 was forced to submerge at once by aircraft and lost contact. Since this convoy was possibly a troop or equipment transport group for Gibraltar, orders were given U 130 - U 620 - U 572 and U 103 to operate on supposed course to Gibraltar. Convoy sailed at estimated speed of 10 knots. Of the boats mentioned, U 620 has a damaged rudder, U 103 has difficulty submerging and U 440 needs repairs on her stern tube and operated against single ship on courses in CG 7535 at 1418 hours - no attack because of high speed.
No further reports came in on the enemy.

Operations on carrier force broken off. U 510 and U 134 sailing S. to DT 50. Supply activity by "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) forthcoming.
U 103 and U 440 to meet U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte) on 6 November in DG 3355 to take on about 60 cubic meters of fuel each. Both boats to continue southward.

"Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) took over radar interception escort for U 575 (Kptlt. Günther Heydemann).

"Operation Supercharge" is launched at El Alamein, Egypt, destroying many Axis tanks and guns. Axis tanks counterattack at 1100 hours, which fail to stop the Allied advances. During the night, Rommel requests permission from The Führer to fall back, which will be denied on the next day.

Our 13th Panzer Div. of the III Panzer Korps reaches what will be the farthest point to the southeast reached by the Wehrmacht, when it is halted by Soviet forces, 5 miles outside Ordshonikidze, Azerbaijan.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Monday, 2 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) reported 7 large ships and a destroyer in CF 4399 on E. course. U 514 was forced to submerge at once by aircraft and lost contact. Since this convoy was possibly a troop or equipment transport group for Gibraltar, orders were given U 130 - U 620 - U 572 and U 103 to operate on supposed course to Gibraltar. Convoy sailed at estimated speed of 10 knots. Of the boats mentioned, U 620 has a damaged rudder, U 103 has difficulty submerging and U 440 needs repairs on her stern tube and operated against single ship on courses in CG 7535 at 1418 hours - no attack because of high speed.
No further reports came in on the enemy.

Operations on carrier force broken off. U 510 and U 134 sailing S. to DT 50. Supply activity by "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) forthcoming.
U 103 and U 440 to meet U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte) on 6 November in DG 3355 to take on about 60 cubic meters of fuel each. Both boats to continue southward.

"Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) took over radar interception escort for U 575 (Kptlt. Günther Heydemann).

"Operation Supercharge" is launched at El Alamein, Egypt, destroying many Axis tanks and guns. Axis tanks counterattack at 1100 hours, which fail to stop the Allied advances. During the night, Rommel requests permission from The Führer to fall back, which will be denied on the next day.

Our 13th Panzer Div. of the III Panzer Korps reaches what will be the farthest point to the southeast reached by the Wehrmacht, when it is halted by Soviet forces, 5 miles outside Ordshonikidze, Azerbaijan.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 3 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 440 (Kptlt. Hans Geissler) sighted 2 destroyers on E. course at 1035 in CG 7454 and reported at 0130 a convoy in CF 9595, course E. Operation impossible because of condition of the boat. Looks like the same group that was reported by U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) on 2 November in CF 4399. Operation was not possible since no boats are in the area.

Following orders were given for Special Operation: U 407 and U 617 steer for CG 61. U 662 (KrvKpt. Wolfgang Hermann) make for U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte) in DG 3355 and take on 30 cubic meters of fuel. U 440 is to report as soon as boat is repaired. More to follow.

U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) and U 68 (KrvKpt. Karl-Friedrich Merten) will have freedom of movement in GF, since movements there are favorable from time to time.

After sun down, Allies launch renewed attacks at the weakened Axis defensive positions near El Alamein, Egypt.

British Ventura aircraft fly their first combat mission against a factory in Hengelo in the Netherlands.

The US government demands Finland to cease hostilities against the Soviet Union.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 3 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 440 (Kptlt. Hans Geissler) sighted 2 destroyers on E. course at 1035 in CG 7454 and reported at 0130 a convoy in CF 9595, course E. Operation impossible because of condition of the boat. Looks like the same group that was reported by U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) on 2 November in CF 4399. Operation was not possible since no boats are in the area.

Following orders were given for Special Operation: U 407 and U 617 steer for CG 61. U 662 (KrvKpt. Wolfgang Hermann) make for U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte) in DG 3355 and take on 30 cubic meters of fuel. U 440 is to report as soon as boat is repaired. More to follow.

U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) and U 68 (KrvKpt. Karl-Friedrich Merten) will have freedom of movement in GF, since movements there are favorable from time to time.

After sun down, Allies launch renewed attacks at the weakened Axis defensive positions near El Alamein, Egypt.

British Ventura aircraft fly their first combat mission against a factory in Hengelo in the Netherlands.

The US government demands Finland to cease hostilities against the Soviet Union.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 4 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Due to the increasing acuteness of the Mediterranean situation, High Command ordered 4 more boats to that area, besides U 755 and U 595. Since breaking through the Straits of Gibraltar should meet with success, U 662 and U 440 both of which have been at sea a long time already, and U 617, U 407 and U 596 will be sent. Captains who have had experience against convoys in the Atlantic are thought best for operations in the Mediterranean by B.d.U.
These boats make up Group "Delphin". In view of the great amount of ships and heavy patrols, breaking through the Straits will evidently be difficult this time. We must count on some losses.
As far as can be determined, operations in the Mediterranean will find large and worthwhile targets. It is imperative to use the 39 H type pistol as soon as it has been properly proved in combat.

In this regard:

Message to: Naval Command
Torpedo Development Division,
and information to: 1st Naval Command
German U-boat Commander Italy.

1. The situation in the Mediterranean makes use of Pistol 39 H extremely important to Mediterranean boats. Reasons:
1.a. Principal targets are battleships, aircraft carriers and large transports. Greatest damage possible is desired from single shots.
1.b. According to air observation the worthwhile targets in the Mediterranean are protected by anti-torpedo nets. The only workable solution is use of the 39 H pistol.
1.c. This would also dispense with premature ignition and faulty shots in an area where not only do we find high seas and heavy swells but also ships of deep draught.
1.d. Operational torpedoes of greater destructive power are more urgent in the Mediterranean than in the Atlantic because of the intense situation in Africa.

2. B.d.U. has ordered the 1st consignment of 50ea. 39 H type pistols for the Mediterranean, also is trying to speed up the delay in their operation in the Atlantic.

B.d.U. Secret 4733 A 4.

+++++++

In Egypt, the British 7th Armoured Division catches and encircles the Italian Ariete Division which, against tremendous odds, is fightig to the last tank in a desperate running battle. General Wilhelm von Thoma, Commanding General of the Deutsche Afrika Korps, is taken prisoner in Egypt by British troops.
Axis forces slowly fall back to the west toward Fuka, Egypt, but the rear guard continues to cause heavy casualties against the pursuing Allied troops. Seeing that victory is now impossible, Rommel disobeys The Führers orders and gives the orders for a general withdraw toward the Egyptian-Libyan border.

All of our offensive operations in the Caucasus region are suspended.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 4 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Due to the increasing acuteness of the Mediterranean situation, High Command ordered 4 more boats to that area, besides U 755 and U 595. Since breaking through the Straits of Gibraltar should meet with success, U 662 and U 440 both of which have been at sea a long time already, and U 617, U 407 and U 596 will be sent. Captains who have had experience against convoys in the Atlantic are thought best for operations in the Mediterranean by B.d.U.
These boats make up Group "Delphin". In view of the great amount of ships and heavy patrols, breaking through the Straits will evidently be difficult this time. We must count on some losses.
As far as can be determined, operations in the Mediterranean will find large and worthwhile targets. It is imperative to use the 39 H type pistol as soon as it has been properly proved in combat.

In this regard:

Message to: Naval Command
Torpedo Development Division,
and information to: 1st Naval Command
German U-boat Commander Italy.

1. The situation in the Mediterranean makes use of Pistol 39 H extremely important to Mediterranean boats. Reasons:
1.a. Principal targets are battleships, aircraft carriers and large transports. Greatest damage possible is desired from single shots.
1.b. According to air observation the worthwhile targets in the Mediterranean are protected by anti-torpedo nets. The only workable solution is use of the 39 H pistol.
1.c. This would also dispense with premature ignition and faulty shots in an area where not only do we find high seas and heavy swells but also ships of deep draught.
1.d. Operational torpedoes of greater destructive power are more urgent in the Mediterranean than in the Atlantic because of the intense situation in Africa.

2. B.d.U. has ordered the 1st consignment of 50ea. 39 H type pistols for the Mediterranean, also is trying to speed up the delay in their operation in the Atlantic.

B.d.U. Secret 4733 A 4.

+++++++

In Egypt, the British 7th Armoured Division catches and encircles the Italian Ariete Division which, against tremendous odds, is fightig to the last tank in a desperate running battle. General Wilhelm von Thoma, Commanding General of the Deutsche Afrika Korps, is taken prisoner in Egypt by British troops.
Axis forces slowly fall back to the west toward Fuka, Egypt, but the rear guard continues to cause heavy casualties against the pursuing Allied troops. Seeing that victory is now impossible, Rommel disobeys The Führers orders and gives the orders for a general withdraw toward the Egyptian-Libyan border.

All of our offensive operations in the Caucasus region are suspended.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Thursday, 5 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Convoy No.64 (SC.107):
U 521 made contact for a short time again at 1000 hours but could not keep it. Due to air patrols over the convoy none of the 7 boats operating against it were able to approach. All other boats were either returning to port or moving toward refueling points. Since visibility was so good during the day and surprise attacks by aircraft were likely, boats were ordered to attack only at night when in favorable positions and to cease the operation at daybreak.
A number of boats reported damage due to aircraft bombs.
No further success reported. Hence the operation will end in the morning of 6 November with the following successes:
23 ships sunk, 136,115 tons.
1 destroyer and 1 corvette torpedoed and 5 other hits scored on ships.
Evidently only U 132 (Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang) was sunk on this entire operation. She operated against Convoy No. 64 and last reported from AJ 91 on 3 November. According to observations of other boats she may have been destroyed when she torpedoed a munitions ship.

U 658 (Kptlt. Hans Senkel) and U 520 (Kptlt. Volkmar Schwartzkopff) also operated against Convoy No. 64. The last reports were 20 October for U 658 and 27 October for U 520. It is believed that both boats were destroyed by aircraft.

U 108 and U 103 took on fuel from U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte) and sailed southward. U 128 and U 511 made for FC 50 after being supplied by "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe). U 462 has supplied: U 156, 107, 590 and U 87.
Tanker situation: 415 cubic meters of fuel oil, provisions for 136 days, and 4 torpedoes.

German intelligence reported that a large Allied fleet had departed Gibraltar.

U 620 (Oblt. Heinz Stein) reports heavy movements in CG 57, neutral insignia shown.

U 440 and 622 were unable to break through Straits of Gibraltar because of engine trouble. U 380 and 259 are considered as substitutes.

British tanks attempt, in failure, to out-flank the retreating Axis forces in Egypt.

Vichy French forces on Madagascar surrender.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Thursday, 5 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Convoy No.64 (SC.107):
U 521 made contact for a short time again at 1000 hours but could not keep it. Due to air patrols over the convoy none of the 7 boats operating against it were able to approach. All other boats were either returning to port or moving toward refueling points. Since visibility was so good during the day and surprise attacks by aircraft were likely, boats were ordered to attack only at night when in favorable positions and to cease the operation at daybreak.
A number of boats reported damage due to aircraft bombs.
No further success reported. Hence the operation will end in the morning of 6 November with the following successes:
23 ships sunk, 136,115 tons.
1 destroyer and 1 corvette torpedoed and 5 other hits scored on ships.
Evidently only U 132 (Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang) was sunk on this entire operation. She operated against Convoy No. 64 and last reported from AJ 91 on 3 November. According to observations of other boats she may have been destroyed when she torpedoed a munitions ship.

U 658 (Kptlt. Hans Senkel) and U 520 (Kptlt. Volkmar Schwartzkopff) also operated against Convoy No. 64. The last reports were 20 October for U 658 and 27 October for U 520. It is believed that both boats were destroyed by aircraft.

U 108 and U 103 took on fuel from U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte) and sailed southward. U 128 and U 511 made for FC 50 after being supplied by "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe). U 462 has supplied: U 156, 107, 590 and U 87.
Tanker situation: 415 cubic meters of fuel oil, provisions for 136 days, and 4 torpedoes.

German intelligence reported that a large Allied fleet had departed Gibraltar.

U 620 (Oblt. Heinz Stein) reports heavy movements in CG 57, neutral insignia shown.

U 440 and 622 were unable to break through Straits of Gibraltar because of engine trouble. U 380 and 259 are considered as substitutes.

British tanks attempt, in failure, to out-flank the retreating Axis forces in Egypt.

Vichy French forces on Madagascar surrender.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Friday, 6 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 160 (Kptlt. Georg Lassen) reports eastbound convoy of 8 freighters, 2 destroyers and 2 patrol boats. She attacked and scored hits on freighters of 7,000 and 6,000 tons. Neither ship seen to sink. No contact. So far no single ship movements off Port of Spain. Outbound ships sailing with escort on courses 310° and 90°. Air patrols far and wide. (One of the torpedoed ships sank, according to radio intercepts).

U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) situation: sighted 2 steamers on 5 November in EV 7321 on course 260° and on 6 November 1 steamer course 90. Both put into Takoradi. Because of heavy seas and strong easterly currents, shallow water operations are pointless.

Taking on of supplies will be carried out later for U 161 and U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) in approximate area DS.

U 440 (Kptlt. Hans Geissler) took over radar interception escort for U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe).

U-boats were informed of the sailing of our own ships and instructed regarding the exact limits of operational areas.

Liberty to attack single ships given in area Route Anton between 30° N. and 10° S.

Joseph Stalin speaks to the Congress of Soviet Deputies, warning the US and UK that a failure to open a second front might well end badly for all freedom-loving countries.

Lieutenant General Dwight Eisenhower flies from London to his headquarters in Gibraltar from where he will direct Operation Torch.

Groves and Oppenheimer visit Los Alamos, New Mexico, and agree that it is suitable as the location for Site Y for the Manhattan Project.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[ConvoyHunting]

IX U-43 (Wilhelm Ambrosius)

Patrol 1 (continue)


11 April 1940 (Thursday)
01:14 - Surfaced, no weather improvment.
03:37 - Dived, 35m.
04:00 - AM5627.
06:00 - Torpedoes maintenance.
08:00 - AM5627.
09:27 - Surfaced, no improvment.
11:34 - Dived, 35m
12:00 - AM5627.
16:00 - AM5627.
16:40 - Surfaced, no improvment.
18:50 - Dived, 35m.
20:00 - AM5627.
23:44 - Surfaced, no improv.
00:00 - AM5627.

12 April 1940 (Friday)
02:00 - Dived, 35m.
04:00 - AM5627.
06:00 - Torpedoes maintenance.
07:09 - Surfaced, no improv.
08:00 - AM5627.
08:44 - Dived, 35m.
12:00 - AM5627.
13:57 - Surfaced, no improv.
16:00 - AM5627.
16:33 - Dived, 35m. Practiced fire exercices.
20:00 - AM5627.
21:37 - Surfaced, no improv.
23:48 - Dived, 35m.
00:00 - AM5627.

13 April 1940 (Saturday)
04:00 - AM5627.
05:14 - Surfaced, no improv.
07:19 - Dived, 35nm. Torpedoes maintenance.
08:00 - AM5627.
12:00 - AM5627.
12:18 - Surfaced, no improv.
13:33 - Transmission from BDU : "REPORT ACTUAL STATUS X BDU"
13:45 - Kurszignal to BDU : "AM5799 X NO TRAFFIC AND CONTACTS X VERY BAD WEATHER X U-43"
14:07 - Transmission from BDU : "KURZSIGNAL ACKNOWLEDGED X RELOCATE PATROL LINE AM5799"
14:20 - Dived, 35m.
16:00 - AM5643.
19:40 - Surfaced, no improv.
20:00 - AM5645.
22:00 - Dived, 35m
00:00 - AM5593.

[Kapitän]

IX U-43 (Wilhelm Ambrosius)

Patrol 1 (continue)


11 April 1940 (Thursday)
01:14 - Surfaced, no weather improvment.
03:37 - Dived, 35m.
04:00 - AM5627.
06:00 - Torpedoes maintenance.
08:00 - AM5627.
09:27 - Surfaced, no improvment.
11:34 - Dived, 35m
12:00 - AM5627.
16:00 - AM5627.
16:40 - Surfaced, no improvment.
18:50 - Dived, 35m.
20:00 - AM5627.
23:44 - Surfaced, no improv.
00:00 - AM5627.

12 April 1940 (Friday)
02:00 - Dived, 35m.
04:00 - AM5627.
06:00 - Torpedoes maintenance.
07:09 - Surfaced, no improv.
08:00 - AM5627.
08:44 - Dived, 35m.
12:00 - AM5627.
13:57 - Surfaced, no improv.
16:00 - AM5627.
16:33 - Dived, 35m. Practiced fire exercices.
20:00 - AM5627.
21:37 - Surfaced, no improv.
23:48 - Dived, 35m.
00:00 - AM5627.

13 April 1940 (Saturday)
04:00 - AM5627.
05:14 - Surfaced, no improv.
07:19 - Dived, 35nm. Torpedoes maintenance.
08:00 - AM5627.
12:00 - AM5627.
12:18 - Surfaced, no improv.
13:33 - Transmission from BDU : "REPORT ACTUAL STATUS X BDU"
13:45 - Kurszignal to BDU : "AM5799 X NO TRAFFIC AND CONTACTS X VERY BAD WEATHER X U-43"
14:07 - Transmission from BDU : "KURZSIGNAL ACKNOWLEDGED X RELOCATE PATROL LINE AM5799"
14:20 - Dived, 35m.
16:00 - AM5643.
19:40 - Surfaced, no improv.
20:00 - AM5645.
22:00 - Dived, 35m
00:00 - AM5593.


Yes, prolonging bad weather can be an issue at time. Daily Torpedo Maintenance, wow ... keeping everybody bussy I guess ...

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Friday, 6 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

U 160 (Kptlt. Georg Lassen) reports eastbound convoy of 8 freighters, 2 destroyers and 2 patrol boats. She attacked and scored hits on freighters of 7,000 and 6,000 tons. Neither ship seen to sink. No contact. So far no single ship movements off Port of Spain. Outbound ships sailing with escort on courses 310° and 90°. Air patrols far and wide. (One of the torpedoed ships sank, according to radio intercepts).

U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) situation: sighted 2 steamers on 5 November in EV 7321 on course 260° and on 6 November 1 steamer course 90. Both put into Takoradi. Because of heavy seas and strong easterly currents, shallow water operations are pointless.

Taking on of supplies will be carried out later for U 161 and U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) in approximate area DS.

U 440 (Kptlt. Hans Geissler) took over radar interception escort for U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe).

U-boats were informed of the sailing of our own ships and instructed regarding the exact limits of operational areas.

Liberty to attack single ships given in area Route Anton between 30° N. and 10° S.

Joseph Stalin speaks to the Congress of Soviet Deputies, warning the US and UK that a failure to open a second front might well end badly for all freedom-loving countries.

Lieutenant General Dwight Eisenhower flies from London to his headquarters in Gibraltar from where he will direct Operation Torch.

Groves and Oppenheimer visit Los Alamos, New Mexico, and agree that it is suitable as the location for Site Y for the Manhattan Project.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Saturday, 7 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

"Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) reports ship sailing alone in EH 6199 on S. Westerly course. She was given orders to keep contact for U 128 (Kptlt. Ullrich Heyse) which is nearby. At 2016 hours the ship was in EH 6461. No further reports.

Rather than to worry about the former area, which was at best unproductive, U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) and U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) moved E. and W. (Former area off Lagos and Takoradi).

Vichy French General Antoine Béthouart attempts a failed coup d'etat in North Africa, which alarms defenses.

U 620 (Oblt. Heinz Stein) has been standing off Lisbon on the 3 mile limit for 3 days. Sightings: 8 - 10 neutral ships per day, each having a red cross insignia but no flag. Clarification of this unusual procedure will be requested from France.

In the morning, British 7th Armoured Division clashes with our 21st Panzer Division about 24 kilometers southwest of Sidi Haneish, Egypt. British tanks win the engagement, but fail to prevent our troops from withdrawing to Mersa Matruh.

In view of the situation in the Mediterranean, Group Delphin U 755 (Kptlt. Walter Göing) and U 595 (Kptlt. Jürgen Quaet-Faslem) were ordered to try and break through the Straits of Gibraltar as soon as possible. Boats are to sail course 5° W. without further orders on Mediterranean circuit and come under Officer Commanding U-boats Mediterranean.

The Führer departs the Wolfsschanze headquarters at Rastenburg, Ostpreußen (now Ketrzyn, Poland) for München, traveling aboard his private train "Amerika".

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[ConvoyHunting]

Yes, prolonging bad weather can be an issue at time. Daily Torpedo Maintenance, wow ... keeping everybody bussy I guess ...


Since it's the "main weapon", I guess it's normal to take care. Maybe I'm a "too cautious" Kaleun, but I've seen in a KTB a real one doing that almost everyday too (but I forget his name and his Uboote number). It was the same for crashdive exercices, some practiced it almost everyday, while in good weather and transit, and others only one or two by week.

And yes it keep crew busy during these very bad weather days.

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Saturday, 7 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

"Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) reports ship sailing alone in EH 6199 on S. Westerly course. She was given orders to keep contact for U 128 (Kptlt. Ullrich Heyse) which is nearby. At 2016 hours the ship was in EH 6461. No further reports.

Rather than to worry about the former area, which was at best unproductive, U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) and U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) moved E. and W. (Former area off Lagos and Takoradi).

Vichy French General Antoine Béthouart attempts a failed coup d'etat in North Africa, which alarms defenses.

U 620 (Oblt. Heinz Stein) has been standing off Lisbon on the 3 mile limit for 3 days. Sightings: 8 - 10 neutral ships per day, each having a red cross insignia but no flag. Clarification of this unusual procedure will be requested from France.

In the morning, British 7th Armoured Division clashes with our 21st Panzer Division about 24 kilometers southwest of Sidi Haneish, Egypt. British tanks win the engagement, but fail to prevent our troops from withdrawing to Mersa Matruh.

In view of the situation in the Mediterranean, Group Delphin U 755 (Kptlt. Walter Göing) and U 595 (Kptlt. Jürgen Quaet-Faslem) were ordered to try and break through the Straits of Gibraltar as soon as possible. Boats are to sail course 5° W. without further orders on Mediterranean circuit and come under Officer Commanding U-boats Mediterranean.

The Führer departs the Wolfsschanze headquarters at Rastenburg, Ostpreußen (now Ketrzyn, Poland) for München, traveling aboard his private train "Amerika".

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Sunday, 8 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Allied forces attack French forces at the Moroccan ports of Safi and Casablanca, and the Algerian ports of Oran and Algiers during Operation Torch, capturing the Moroccan ports and Algiers surrendering at 1800 hours. The Allies suffer heavy losses at Oran and Fehala.
U.S.A. Submarine SS Gunnel (SS-253) uses infra-red signals to guide ships to an invasion beach.

Meanwhile, Axis defenses in Egypt fall back to Sidi Barrani, and many units of the German Luftflotte 4 are transferred from Stalingrad to North Africa.

Due to the landing of Americans in French Morocco, U 155 - 515 - 103 - 411 - 572 - 108 - 173 and U 130 received orders to set course for DJ 19 at top speed. U 510 - 752 - 511 - 185 - 519 - 91 and U 86 also approached the areas sailing 200 miles during the 24 hour period. The following boats were sent southwards on course for CG 87: U 413 - 263 - 98 - 218 - 92 - 566 - 564 - 653 and U 613. Group Delphin, composed of U 595 - 755 - 407 - 596 - 259 - 617 and U 380 steered for CH 8477 at highest speed possible. U 572 received later orders to go to DJ 2524 (Fedala).
U 509 has transferred torpedoes and is sailing for DJ 19.

Boats remaining in N. Atlantic are making for the following areas at cruising speed: U 521 - AK 83; U 84 - AK 91; U 704 - AK 94; U 624 - AK 95; U 753 - AK 98; U 224 - AK 99; U 383 - BD 32; U 606 - BD 33; U 454 - BD 31. In order to extend the operation, it is proposed to refuel the boats which need it from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) on 17 November.

U 103 and U 108 have been supplied by U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte).

U 595 (Kptlt. Jürgen Quaet-Faslem) has passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and now comes under the command of Officer Commanding U-boats in the Mediterranean.

+++++++


North African Operations:
At 0630 the head of Naval High Command was informed by B.d.U. of the large scale of the landing operations underway on the Moroccan Coast by the Americans.
Estimate of the situation: The invasion of the Algerian and Moroccan coasts must be treated as a large scale operation, for which the enemy will need an enormous amount of supplies. Operations of U-boats began too late for the first landings, since the U-boats will not appear on the scene until 9 to 11 November. U-boat activities can indeed make serious inroads on shipment of supplies. Prospects of success should not be regarded too highly for the following reasons:
a) Boats must operate in water of less than 50 meters depth when attacking troop transports and warships.
b) Heavy aircraft operations from Gibraltar using long range planes, carrier borne aircraft. Operations of fast bombers is expected from air fields installed in the meantime.
c) Heavier destroyer and corvette patrols must be reckoned with.
U-boats can make only stationary attacks. U-boat activities can be regarded as favorable by the enemy as regards their course. Each attack therefore means complete operation. Nevertheless, the importance of these supply trains calls for all-out U-boat operations. Hence: B.d.U. has ordered the following, without advice of Naval High Command. U 155 - 515 - 103 - 108 - 411 - 572 - 173 - 130 to proceed at high speed and U 510 - 752 - 511 - 185 - 519 - 91 and U 86 to average 200 miles per day and to steer for DJ 19.
An order for full speed is pointless due to heavy seas and the fact that the large consumption of fuel would limit later activities of the boats.

Incoming message No. 2291/42 Secret from Naval High Command.
1) On the basis of present situation the focal point of action for U-boats is the landing of the enemy and supply trains for which the enemy is waiting.
1.A) The Casablanca area, Safi and Port Lyautey being the most important harbors for flanking action. According to reports received, the enemy attack on Casablanca ia already underway.
1.B) Traffic from England and America to the Mediterranean comes through the Azores - Gibraltar area where boats are being sent as fast as possible. Intentions are reported with the numbers of the boats.
2) It is not contemplated sending more boats to the Mediterranean after Group Delphin has been sent in, at least not for the time being. Further operations will depend on the development of the situation.

Radio order:
1) U 413 - 263 - 98 - 218 - 92 - 566 - 564 - 653 - 613 ordered to make for CG 87, averaging 200 miles per day.
2) Action discontinued on Neumann convoy.
Purpose: To employ a large number of boats first against landing operations on the Moroccan coast. Later to attack ships W. of Gibraltar as they approach the Mediterranean with supplies.


RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Sunday, 8 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Allied forces attack French forces at the Moroccan ports of Safi and Casablanca, and the Algerian ports of Oran and Algiers during Operation Torch, capturing the Moroccan ports and Algiers surrendering at 1800 hours. The Allies suffer heavy losses at Oran and Fehala.
U.S.A. Submarine SS Gunnel (SS-253) uses infra-red signals to guide ships to an invasion beach.

Meanwhile, Axis defenses in Egypt fall back to Sidi Barrani, and many units of the German Luftflotte 4 are transferred from Stalingrad to North Africa.

Due to the landing of Americans in French Morocco, U 155 - 515 - 103 - 411 - 572 - 108 - 173 and U 130 received orders to set course for DJ 19 at top speed. U 510 - 752 - 511 - 185 - 519 - 91 and U 86 also approached the areas sailing 200 miles during the 24 hour period. The following boats were sent southwards on course for CG 87: U 413 - 263 - 98 - 218 - 92 - 566 - 564 - 653 and U 613. Group Delphin, composed of U 595 - 755 - 407 - 596 - 259 - 617 and U 380 steered for CH 8477 at highest speed possible. U 572 received later orders to go to DJ 2524 (Fedala).
U 509 has transferred torpedoes and is sailing for DJ 19.

Boats remaining in N. Atlantic are making for the following areas at cruising speed: U 521 - AK 83; U 84 - AK 91; U 704 - AK 94; U 624 - AK 95; U 753 - AK 98; U 224 - AK 99; U 383 - BD 32; U 606 - BD 33; U 454 - BD 31. In order to extend the operation, it is proposed to refuel the boats which need it from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) on 17 November.

U 103 and U 108 have been supplied by U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte).

U 595 (Kptlt. Jürgen Quaet-Faslem) has passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and now comes under the command of Officer Commanding U-boats in the Mediterranean.

+++++++


North African Operations:
At 0630 the head of Naval High Command was informed by B.d.U. of the large scale of the landing operations underway on the Moroccan Coast by the Americans.
Estimate of the situation: The invasion of the Algerian and Moroccan coasts must be treated as a large scale operation, for which the enemy will need an enormous amount of supplies. Operations of U-boats began too late for the first landings, since the U-boats will not appear on the scene until 9 to 11 November. U-boat activities can indeed make serious inroads on shipment of supplies. Prospects of success should not be regarded too highly for the following reasons:
a) Boats must operate in water of less than 50 meters depth when attacking troop transports and warships.
b) Heavy aircraft operations from Gibraltar using long range planes, carrier borne aircraft. Operations of fast bombers is expected from air fields installed in the meantime.
c) Heavier destroyer and corvette patrols must be reckoned with.
U-boats can make only stationary attacks. U-boat activities can be regarded as favorable by the enemy as regards their course. Each attack therefore means complete operation. Nevertheless, the importance of these supply trains calls for all-out U-boat operations. Hence: B.d.U. has ordered the following, without advice of Naval High Command. U 155 - 515 - 103 - 108 - 411 - 572 - 173 - 130 to proceed at high speed and U 510 - 752 - 511 - 185 - 519 - 91 and U 86 to average 200 miles per day and to steer for DJ 19.
An order for full speed is pointless due to heavy seas and the fact that the large consumption of fuel would limit later activities of the boats.

Incoming message No. 2291/42 Secret from Naval High Command.
1) On the basis of present situation the focal point of action for U-boats is the landing of the enemy and supply trains for which the enemy is waiting.
1.A) The Casablanca area, Safi and Port Lyautey being the most important harbors for flanking action. According to reports received, the enemy attack on Casablanca ia already underway.
1.B) Traffic from England and America to the Mediterranean comes through the Azores - Gibraltar area where boats are being sent as fast as possible. Intentions are reported with the numbers of the boats.
2) It is not contemplated sending more boats to the Mediterranean after Group Delphin has been sent in, at least not for the time being. Further operations will depend on the development of the situation.

Radio order:
1) U 413 - 263 - 98 - 218 - 92 - 566 - 564 - 653 - 613 ordered to make for CG 87, averaging 200 miles per day.
2) Action discontinued on Neumann convoy.
Purpose: To employ a large number of boats first against landing operations on the Moroccan coast. Later to attack ships W. of Gibraltar as they approach the Mediterranean with supplies.


RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Monday, 9 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Vichy French government brakes off diplomatic relations with the United States.

The Führer informes Italy, via Galeazzo Ciano, that he intends to occupy Vichy France soon.

German Luftwaffe combat aircraft consisting of 27 Bf 109G fighters from 1/JG53 and 24 Ju 87D Stuka dive bombers of II.StG 3 are transferred to Tunisia from Sicily, Italy. The Tunis airfields are found to be in good condition with concrete runways and revetments. Once a ground organisation has been created, relays of Ju 52/3m aircraft will commence the movement of ground troops into the region. On the front lines, Axis troops under Walter Nehring attack Vichy French positions as Vichy French forces in North Africa are apparently switching sides to aide the Allies.

American troops continue to attack the French fort of Kasbah, French Morocco. Meanwhile, in French Algeria, the French garrison at Oran surrenderes in the face of overwhelming British naval power and American airborne attack in its rear. French Admiral Darlan signes an armistice with American General Dwight Eisenhower, but fighting will continue for two more days.

Allied troops capture Sidi Barrani, Egypt.
Lieutenant General Kenneth Anderson is named the commanding officer of the British First Army in North Africa.

+++++++


U 407, 596 and 617 have passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and are now under the jurisdiction of the Mediterranean U-boat command.
The boats operating in the Gibraltar and Morocco areas have received the following radio message:
1) The Führer sends to boats in the Mediterranean "I expect a completely victorious operation."
2) I expect the same from boats off Morocco and Gibraltar. We must relentlessly carry out the Führer's will with our tested brutal methods of attack. The sinking of transports will have great significance for the American attack and the French defence.
Commander-in-Chief.


U 155 - 515 - 103 - 108 - 411 - 572 - 173 and 130 make up Group "Schlagtot" and are making for DJ 25 at highest possible continuous speed. U 572, as the first boat, is operating against transports in DJ 2524.

U 704 (Kptlt. Horst Wilhelm Kessler) fired a 4 torpedo spread at a ship presumed to be "Queen Elizabeth" class at 1300 in AK 6553. One hit for certain - sharp detonation heard. After 15 minutes the ship made off on a course 250°. Pursuit impossible because of high seas. She is believed to be a battleship.

+++++++


Enemy supply movements are to be anticipated on a great scale in the Western Mediterranean. B.d.U. therefore considers it imperative that Mediterranean boats, as far as possible, be equipped with type G 7a F.A.T. torpedoes.

Report of German Naval Command, Torpedo Station:
1) B.d.U. considers use of G 7a F.A.T. on boats in the mediterranean as pressing and important due to heavy protection of warships and transport groups. In many cases the firing possibilities are limited to excessive ranges.
2) Use of F.A.T. torpedoes has promise in the case of groups of ships at long range. (Supply convoys and gatherings of ships in the roads off landing areas).
3) The question of F.A.T. used with G 7a being practical only on night operations is answered by the mixed charges of G 7a and G 7e which is favorable for both day and night operations.
4) According to establishment of possibilities at hand, B.d.U. sets forth the following:
4.a) Immediate designation of 24 F.A.T. torpedoes lying ready in Kiel. 6 for Pola and 18 for Spezia.
4.b) To send out working groups from Kiel to adapt the tubes of the following boats: U 375 Pola 17 November, U 562 Spezia 22 November, U 453 Spezia 28 November, U 83 Spezia 29 November. Adaptation of 2 tubes on each boat considered enough, in case no more work can be done because of time.
4.c) To send out instruction groups from the torpedo testing stations to Italy for the purpose of instructions the Commandant regarding use of F.A.T.
5) Boats will carry 6 G 7a F.A.T. type torpedo the rest G 7e with 39 pistol. Daytime for bow tubes: 3 G 7e, 1 G 7a F.A.T. Nighttime for bow tubes 2 G 7a F.A.T. and 2 G 7e with 39 pistol. Different loadings are indeed decided by the situation.
6) Use of F.A.T. for Western boats is not foreseen because of the former mode of action.
7) Details of all action in the area must be cleared with Officer Commanding U-boats Italy.


+++++++


German Abwehr spy, Werner Janowsky, lands from a submarine on the Gaspé peninsula in Quebec, Canada. Janowsky, a thirty-eight-year-old former French Foreign Legionaire has a wife living in Canada and knows the country well. He is swiftly apprehended by the Canadian police after arousing suspicion by trying to pay a New Carlisle hotel bill with time-expired Canadian currency. Janowsky will survive the war in British captivity.


RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Monday, 9 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Vichy French government brakes off diplomatic relations with the United States.

The Führer informes Italy, via Galeazzo Ciano, that he intends to occupy Vichy France soon.

German Luftwaffe combat aircraft consisting of 27 Bf 109G fighters from 1/JG53 and 24 Ju 87D Stuka dive bombers of II.StG 3 are transferred to Tunisia from Sicily, Italy. The Tunis airfields are found to be in good condition with concrete runways and revetments. Once a ground organisation has been created, relays of Ju 52/3m aircraft will commence the movement of ground troops into the region. On the front lines, Axis troops under Walter Nehring attack Vichy French positions as Vichy French forces in North Africa are apparently switching sides to aide the Allies.

American troops continue to attack the French fort of Kasbah, French Morocco. Meanwhile, in French Algeria, the French garrison at Oran surrenderes in the face of overwhelming British naval power and American airborne attack in its rear. French Admiral Darlan signes an armistice with American General Dwight Eisenhower, but fighting will continue for two more days.

Allied troops capture Sidi Barrani, Egypt.
Lieutenant General Kenneth Anderson is named the commanding officer of the British First Army in North Africa.

+++++++


U 407, 596 and 617 have passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and are now under the jurisdiction of the Mediterranean U-boat command.
The boats operating in the Gibraltar and Morocco areas have received the following radio message:
1) The Führer sends to boats in the Mediterranean "I expect a completely victorious operation."
2) I expect the same from boats off Morocco and Gibraltar. We must relentlessly carry out the Führer's will with our tested brutal methods of attack. The sinking of transports will have great significance for the American attack and the French defence.
Commander-in-Chief.


U 155 - 515 - 103 - 108 - 411 - 572 - 173 and 130 make up Group "Schlagtot" and are making for DJ 25 at highest possible continuous speed. U 572, as the first boat, is operating against transports in DJ 2524.

U 704 (Kptlt. Horst Wilhelm Kessler) fired a 4 torpedo spread at a ship presumed to be "Queen Elizabeth" class at 1300 in AK 6553. One hit for certain - sharp detonation heard. After 15 minutes the ship made off on a course 250°. Pursuit impossible because of high seas. She is believed to be a battleship.

+++++++


Enemy supply movements are to be anticipated on a great scale in the Western Mediterranean. B.d.U. therefore considers it imperative that Mediterranean boats, as far as possible, be equipped with type G 7a F.A.T. torpedoes.

Report of German Naval Command, Torpedo Station:
1) B.d.U. considers use of G 7a F.A.T. on boats in the mediterranean as pressing and important due to heavy protection of warships and transport groups. In many cases the firing possibilities are limited to excessive ranges.
2) Use of F.A.T. torpedoes has promise in the case of groups of ships at long range. (Supply convoys and gatherings of ships in the roads off landing areas).
3) The question of F.A.T. used with G 7a being practical only on night operations is answered by the mixed charges of G 7a and G 7e which is favorable for both day and night operations.
4) According to establishment of possibilities at hand, B.d.U. sets forth the following:
4.a) Immediate designation of 24 F.A.T. torpedoes lying ready in Kiel. 6 for Pola and 18 for Spezia.
4.b) To send out working groups from Kiel to adapt the tubes of the following boats: U 375 Pola 17 November, U 562 Spezia 22 November, U 453 Spezia 28 November, U 83 Spezia 29 November. Adaptation of 2 tubes on each boat considered enough, in case no more work can be done because of time.
4.c) To send out instruction groups from the torpedo testing stations to Italy for the purpose of instructions the Commandant regarding use of F.A.T.
5) Boats will carry 6 G 7a F.A.T. type torpedo the rest G 7e with 39 pistol. Daytime for bow tubes: 3 G 7e, 1 G 7a F.A.T. Nighttime for bow tubes 2 G 7a F.A.T. and 2 G 7e with 39 pistol. Different loadings are indeed decided by the situation.
6) Use of F.A.T. for Western boats is not foreseen because of the former mode of action.
7) Details of all action in the area must be cleared with Officer Commanding U-boats Italy.


+++++++


German Abwehr spy, Werner Janowsky, lands from a submarine on the Gaspé peninsula in Quebec, Canada. Janowsky, a thirty-eight-year-old former French Foreign Legionaire has a wife living in Canada and knows the country well. He is swiftly apprehended by the Canadian police after arousing suspicion by trying to pay a New Carlisle hotel bill with time-expired Canadian currency. Janowsky will survive the war in British captivity.


RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 10 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

As Pierre Laval visits The Führer in Germany, The Führer tells the French Prime Minister that Germany intends on moving its forces into Vichy France and Tunisia; The Führer did not share the timetable and gave no indication that it was to happen soon. Laval did not protest. At 2030 hours, The Führer gives the order to launch the occupation on the following day.

Allied forces in French Algeria push into Tunisia. In response, Axis transport aircraft are being prepared to bring in reinforcements.

U 259 (Kptlt. Klaus Köpke) has passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and is therefore under jurisdiction of U-boat Commander of the Mediterranean.

North Africa attack areas: U 130 - 173 - 108 and 509 have sector off Fedala and Casablanca, U 103 off Safi. Attacks ordered on all types of transports and warships and in still water complete action.

As compensation for boats drawn from the mid-Atlantic areas for the N. African operation, 2 boats were turned back from their homeward cruise to take positions in EH 60 and EJ 70. These two boats are U 332 and U 552 whose cruises can be extended since they have recently been refueled (boats have already been at sea 69 and 64 days).

U 66 (Kptlt. Friedrich Markworth) was bombed in BF 4998 by an English airplane on her outward bound voyage. She was unable to dive and returned to Lorient by "Kernleder" route. The plane followed the boat until about 0300 hours. Escort Division sent 3 trawlers and 2 JU 88 which picked up U 66 at Point Kern and convoyed her home. By morning she was again seaworthy.

U 608 Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) completed her mining operation according to orders (New York).

The blockade runner "Spichern" was in BF 7642 at 0200 hours and sailed for El Ferrol at a speed of 6 knots. The ship was heavily bombed by an English plane. Boats nearby were ordered to spread out to pick up any of the crew who might have gone overboard.

The temporary attack permission on "Anton" route between 30° N., and 10° S. was lifted by degrees: Restrictions from 11 November at 0000 to 20° N. From 13 November at 0000 restrictions to 10° N. and from 14 November attack is forbidden on "Anton" route. Captains are required to obey these orders to the letter.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[ConvoyHunting]

IX U-42 (Wilhelm Ambrosius)
Patrol 1, continue.



14 April 1940 (Sunday)
03:01 - Surfaced, no improv.
04:00 - AM5594.
05:01 - Dived, 35m.
07:49 - Practiced fire exercices.
08:00 - AM5589.
16:15 - Surfaced, no improv.
12:00 - AM5824.
12:24 - Dived, 35m.
16:00 - AM5819.
17:33 - Surfaced, no improv.
19:39 - Dived, 35m.
20:00 - AM5845.
00:00 - AM5847.

15 April 1940 (Monday)
00:49 - Surfaced, no improv.
03:12 - AM5799. New patrol line reached.
03:23 - Kurzsignal to BDU : "AM5799 X U-43".
03:32 - Dived, 35m.
04:00 - AM5799.
08:00 - AM5799.
08:39 - Surfaced, no improvement. Last transmission not acknowledged by BDU, maybe because of weather. Repeating Kurszignal once again.
08:59 - Transmission from BDU : "KURZSIGNAL ACKNOWLEDGED X PROCEED ACCORDING TO ORDERS X BDU"
11:02 . Dived, 35m. Torpedoes maintenance.
12:00 - AM5799.
16:00 - AM5799.
16:24 - Surfaced, weather changed. Clouds partial, wind SW Beaufort 4, sea 3. No more rain.
20:00 - AM5799.
00:00 - AM5799.

16 April 1940 (Tuesday)
04:00 - AM5799.
06:27 - Test dive, 35m.
07:11 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AM5799.
12:00 - AM5799.
16:00 - AM5799.
16:30 - Crashdive drill.
17:09 - Surfaced.
20:00 - AM5799.
00:00 - AM5799.

17 April 1940 (Wednesday)
04:00 - AM5799.
06:52 - Dive test, 35m. Torpedoes maintenance.
08:00 - AM5799.
08:51 - Transmission from BDU : "B-DIENST REPORTED ENNEMY TASK FORCE AN52 X HEADING NW 17KTS X BDU"
12:00 - AM5799.
16:00 - AM5799.
20:00 - AM5799.
00:00 - AM5799.

[Kapitän]

IX U-42 (Wilhelm Ambrosius)
Patrol 1, continue.



14 April 1940 (Sunday)
03:01 - Surfaced, no improv.
04:00 - AM5594.
05:01 - Dived, 35m.
07:49 - Practiced fire exercices.
08:00 - AM5589.
16:15 - Surfaced, no improv.
12:00 - AM5824.
12:24 - Dived, 35m.
16:00 - AM5819.
17:33 - Surfaced, no improv.
19:39 - Dived, 35m.
20:00 - AM5845.
00:00 - AM5847.

15 April 1940 (Monday)
00:49 - Surfaced, no improv.
03:12 - AM5799. New patrol line reached.
03:23 - Kurzsignal to BDU : "AM5799 X U-43".
03:32 - Dived, 35m.
04:00 - AM5799.
08:00 - AM5799.
08:39 - Surfaced, no improvement. Last transmission not acknowledged by BDU, maybe because of weather. Repeating Kurszignal once again.
08:59 - Transmission from BDU : "KURZSIGNAL ACKNOWLEDGED X PROCEED ACCORDING TO ORDERS X BDU"
11:02 . Dived, 35m. Torpedoes maintenance.
12:00 - AM5799.
16:00 - AM5799.
16:24 - Surfaced, weather changed. Clouds partial, wind SW Beaufort 4, sea 3. No more rain.
20:00 - AM5799.
00:00 - AM5799.

16 April 1940 (Tuesday)
04:00 - AM5799.
06:27 - Test dive, 35m.
07:11 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AM5799.
12:00 - AM5799.
16:00 - AM5799.
16:30 - Crashdive drill.
17:09 - Surfaced.
20:00 - AM5799.
00:00 - AM5799.

17 April 1940 (Wednesday)
04:00 - AM5799.
06:52 - Dive test, 35m. Torpedoes maintenance.
08:00 - AM5799.
08:51 - Transmission from BDU : "B-DIENST REPORTED ENNEMY TASK FORCE AN52 X HEADING NW 17KTS X BDU"
12:00 - AM5799.
16:00 - AM5799.
20:00 - AM5799.
00:00 - AM5799.

Reads like the writings of Erich Topp whilst "in the lonely wastes of the Atlantic" ...

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 10 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

As Pierre Laval visits The Führer in Germany, The Führer tells the French Prime Minister that Germany intends on moving its forces into Vichy France and Tunisia; The Führer did not share the timetable and gave no indication that it was to happen soon. Laval did not protest. At 2030 hours, The Führer gives the order to launch the occupation on the following day.

Allied forces in French Algeria push into Tunisia. In response, Axis transport aircraft are being prepared to bring in reinforcements.

U 259 (Kptlt. Klaus Köpke) has passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and is therefore under jurisdiction of U-boat Commander of the Mediterranean.

North Africa attack areas: U 130 - 173 - 108 and 509 have sector off Fedala and Casablanca, U 103 off Safi. Attacks ordered on all types of transports and warships and in still water complete action.

As compensation for boats drawn from the mid-Atlantic areas for the N. African operation, 2 boats were turned back from their homeward cruise to take positions in EH 60 and EJ 70. These two boats are U 332 and U 552 whose cruises can be extended since they have recently been refueled (boats have already been at sea 69 and 64 days).

U 66 (Kptlt. Friedrich Markworth) was bombed in BF 4998 by an English airplane on her outward bound voyage. She was unable to dive and returned to Lorient by "Kernleder" route. The plane followed the boat until about 0300 hours. Escort Division sent 3 trawlers and 2 JU 88 which picked up U 66 at Point Kern and convoyed her home. By morning she was again seaworthy.

U 608 Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) completed her mining operation according to orders (New York).

The blockade runner "Spichern" was in BF 7642 at 0200 hours and sailed for El Ferrol at a speed of 6 knots. The ship was heavily bombed by an English plane. Boats nearby were ordered to spread out to pick up any of the crew who might have gone overboard.

The temporary attack permission on "Anton" route between 30° N., and 10° S. was lifted by degrees: Restrictions from 11 November at 0000 to 20° N. From 13 November at 0000 restrictions to 10° N. and from 14 November attack is forbidden on "Anton" route. Captains are required to obey these orders to the letter.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Wednesday, 11 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Vichy France is being occupied by Axis troops in order to defend against a potential Allied invasion. The American embassy in Vichy is seized by our troops.
Meanwhile, the French garrison at Casablanca officially surrenderes to the Americans and the British 36th Infantry Brigade lands at Bougie, Algeria unopposed.

Allied troops push all Axis troops out of Egypt; Bernard Montgomery is made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

U 755 (Kptlt. Walter Göing) and U 380 (Kptlt. Josef Röther) have passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and are under jurisdiction of Commanding Officer Submarines Mediterranean. All boats have now entered the Mediterranean as planned.

U 173 (Oblt. Hans-Adolf Schweichel) sighted a strongly protected convoy in DJ 2519 - 2 battleships, 1 transport, about 10 freighters entering Casablanca. 3 detonations were heard as she attacked, one hit scored on a freighter for sure. Aircraft and destroyer groups working together off the harbor.

U 505 (Kptlt. Peter Zschech) was bombed in EE 8468 and has only limited diving ability. Doctor's help is seriously needed. Boat received orders to sail for EH 60 where "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) is waiting with a doctor on board.

U 704 (Kptlt. Horst Wilhelm Kessler) reported that the ship torpedoed was not a battleship but the fast steamer "Queen Elizabeth".

Our 13.Panzer Division manages to avoid encirclement near Ordshonikidse, Ukraine.

The 6.Armee succeeds in reaching the Volga River in Stalingrad, with a 600-yard frontage near the Red October steel factory. In Germany, The Führer announces during Beer Hall Putsch celebration, that all of Stalingrad is basically under our control, but that he does not want to keep the city just because of its name.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 11 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

Vichy France is being occupied by Axis troops in order to defend against a potential Allied invasion. The American embassy in Vichy is seized by our troops.
Meanwhile, the French garrison at Casablanca officially surrenderes to the Americans and the British 36th Infantry Brigade lands at Bougie, Algeria unopposed.

Allied troops push all Axis troops out of Egypt; Bernard Montgomery is made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

U 755 (Kptlt. Walter Göing) and U 380 (Kptlt. Josef Röther) have passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and are under jurisdiction of Commanding Officer Submarines Mediterranean. All boats have now entered the Mediterranean as planned.

U 173 (Oblt. Hans-Adolf Schweichel) sighted a strongly protected convoy in DJ 2519 - 2 battleships, 1 transport, about 10 freighters entering Casablanca. 3 detonations were heard as she attacked, one hit scored on a freighter for sure. Aircraft and destroyer groups working together off the harbor.

U 505 (Kptlt. Peter Zschech) was bombed in EE 8468 and has only limited diving ability. Doctor's help is seriously needed. Boat received orders to sail for EH 60 where "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) is waiting with a doctor on board.

U 704 (Kptlt. Horst Wilhelm Kessler) reported that the ship torpedoed was not a battleship but the fast steamer "Queen Elizabeth".

Our 13.Panzer Division manages to avoid encirclement near Ordshonikidse, Ukraine.

The 6.Armee succeeds in reaching the Volga River in Stalingrad, with a 600-yard frontage near the Red October steel factory. In Germany, The Führer announces during Beer Hall Putsch celebration, that all of Stalingrad is basically under our control, but that he does not want to keep the city just because of its name.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115



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

+++++++


Thursday, 12 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

British 3rd Parachute Battalion conducts an airborne attack on Bone, Algeria, capturing the airfield.

U 108 situation (Oblt. Matthias Brünig): Nothing seen from 11 to 12 November while en route to Casablanca on "Cape Caetin" coastal area. Lengthy depth charge attack by search group in DJ 2281.

U 173 (Oblt. Hans-Adolf Schweichel) sighted a convoy in DJ 2218 at 2332 hours, course 300°, speed 15 knots. She followed but was unable to attack because of fast screening vessels. Last position 0250 DJ 2132.
Boats in CG moved against convoy reported by U 173. Boats in DJ are to operate only if they are in position ahead after night attack so that daylight attack can be carried on. Due to U 173 losing contact and high speed of the convoy no other boats approached it.

U 130 (KrvKpt. Ernst Kals) sank 2 transports off Fedala in a daylight attack. A third was possibly sunk. Total 22,500 tons (USS Tasker H. Bliss, USS Hugh L. Scott, and USS Edward Rutledge). Situation: about 20 freighters off Fedala also 1 carrier. Heavy sea patrols, especially at night. Heavy air patrols during the day. Ships moving only during the day in water of 30 meters depth.

U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) fired 4 torpedoes at a "Birmingham" type cruiser - a fifth hit was heard. K class destroyer evidently sunk.

U 572 situation (Kptlt. Heinz Hirsacker): Heavy destroyer patrols 30 miles off the coast. Forced to submerge every night by destroyers

U 704 (Kptlt. Horst Wilhelm Kessler) has sick aboard and has begun return cruise.

U 413 (Oblt. Gustav Poel) transferred her sick to U 71 (Oblt. Hardo Rodler von Roithberg).

Experienced captains who have returned give the following advice to the boats: Dive to 80 meters when in danger of aircraft attacks. Go to shallower water only when you are sure you have not been seen or when it is appropriate because of bearings. Go only as far as periscope depth if you are not seen, since it is easier to resurface from there.

U 648 (Oblt. (R) Peter-Arthur Stahl) is commissioned in Hamburg.


RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Thursday, 12 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.


+++++++

British 3rd Parachute Battalion conducts an airborne attack on Bone, Algeria, capturing the airfield.

U 108 situation (Oblt. Matthias Brünig): Nothing seen from 11 to 12 November while en route to Casablanca on "Cape Caetin" coastal area. Lengthy depth charge attack by search group in DJ 2281.

U 173 (Oblt. Hans-Adolf Schweichel) sighted a convoy in DJ 2218 at 2332 hours, course 300°, speed 15 knots. She followed but was unable to attack because of fast screening vessels. Last position 0250 DJ 2132.
Boats in CG moved against convoy reported by U 173. Boats in DJ are to operate only if they are in position ahead after night attack so that daylight attack can be carried on. Due to U 173 losing contact and high speed of the convoy no other boats approached it.

U 130 (KrvKpt. Ernst Kals) sank 2 transports off Fedala in a daylight attack. A third was possibly sunk. Total 22,500 tons (USS Tasker H. Bliss, USS Hugh L. Scott, and USS Edward Rutledge). Situation: about 20 freighters off Fedala also 1 carrier. Heavy sea patrols, especially at night. Heavy air patrols during the day. Ships moving only during the day in water of 30 meters depth.

U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) fired 4 torpedoes at a "Birmingham" type cruiser - a fifth hit was heard. K class destroyer evidently sunk.

U 572 situation (Kptlt. Heinz Hirsacker): Heavy destroyer patrols 30 miles off the coast. Forced to submerge every night by destroyers

U 704 (Kptlt. Horst Wilhelm Kessler) has sick aboard and has begun return cruise.

U 413 (Oblt. Gustav Poel) transferred her sick to U 71 (Oblt. Hardo Rodler von Roithberg).

Experienced captains who have returned give the following advice to the boats: Dive to 80 meters when in danger of aircraft attacks. Go to shallower water only when you are sure you have not been seen or when it is appropriate because of bearings. Go only as far as periscope depth if you are not seen, since it is easier to resurface from there.

U 648 (Oblt. (R) Peter-Arthur Stahl) is commissioned in Hamburg.


RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115



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

+++++++


Friday, 13 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


The Führer promises France that Germany will leave the French fleet at Toulon, France alone.

Allied troops capture Tobruk, Libya.

In Algeria, men of British No. 6 Commando capture the harbor of Bone, while other troops capture Djedjelli.

U 103 (Kptlt. Gustav-Adolf Janssen) saw no ships either in area from DJ 1995 - 1965 or in the roads. Strong destroyer screen in front of the harbor.

U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) sighted two smoke plumes in DJ 1977 which she established as patrol craft.

U 509 (KrvKpt. Werner Witte) reported tow mine detonated under her stern in DJ 2522. She was hunted by a destroyer. Water depth 60 m. B.d.U. discredits this mine report - considers it unlikely.

U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus) sighted convoy of large, many funneled steamers and a London type cruiser in CF 6226, course 335°. Could not approach because of high speed of the convoy.

The following are taking positions in area of 25 nm depth: U 92 - CG 9431; U 411 - 9464; U 155 - 9494; U 515 - 9737; U 91 - 9795; U 98 - 8665; U 86 - 8698; U 564 - 8965; U 653 - 8268; U 566 - 9376; U 613 - 8614; U 218 - 8671; U 519 - 9817; U 413 - 8971; U 108 - DJ 2117; U 185 - 2135; U 263 - 2184. Boats were free to move out to sea because of strong static defences. U 511 occupied area off Mogador and Agadir. In case there is no activity there, she is to go to AJ 21. U 509 sails today for Mehdia, since troop transports are evidently in that area. U 752 and U 510 are in areas off Casablanca and Fedala.

U 505 (Kptlt. Peter Zschech) and U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) have transferred morphium in EE 60.

Hauptmann Wilhelm Antrup and Oberleutnant Albert Koller of Kampfgeschwader 55 wing are awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

U 648 (Oblt.(R) Peter-Arthur Stahl) performs exercises on the Elbe river in Hamburg.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Friday, 13 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


The Führer promises France that Germany will leave the French fleet at Toulon, France alone.

Allied troops capture Tobruk, Libya.

In Algeria, men of British No. 6 Commando capture the harbor of Bone, while other troops capture Djedjelli.

U 103 (Kptlt. Gustav-Adolf Janssen) saw no ships either in area from DJ 1995 - 1965 or in the roads. Strong destroyer screen in front of the harbor.

U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) sighted two smoke plumes in DJ 1977 which she established as patrol craft.

U 509 (KrvKpt. Werner Witte) reported tow mine detonated under her stern in DJ 2522. She was hunted by a destroyer. Water depth 60 m. B.d.U. discredits this mine report - considers it unlikely.

U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus) sighted convoy of large, many funneled steamers and a London type cruiser in CF 6226, course 335°. Could not approach because of high speed of the convoy.

The following are taking positions in area of 25 nm depth: U 92 - CG 9431; U 411 - 9464; U 155 - 9494; U 515 - 9737; U 91 - 9795; U 98 - 8665; U 86 - 8698; U 564 - 8965; U 653 - 8268; U 566 - 9376; U 613 - 8614; U 218 - 8671; U 519 - 9817; U 413 - 8971; U 108 - DJ 2117; U 185 - 2135; U 263 - 2184. Boats were free to move out to sea because of strong static defences. U 511 occupied area off Mogador and Agadir. In case there is no activity there, she is to go to AJ 21. U 509 sails today for Mehdia, since troop transports are evidently in that area. U 752 and U 510 are in areas off Casablanca and Fedala.

U 505 (Kptlt. Peter Zschech) and U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) have transferred morphium in EE 60.

Hauptmann Wilhelm Antrup and Oberleutnant Albert Koller of Kampfgeschwader 55 wing are awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

U 648 (Oblt.(R) Peter-Arthur Stahl) performs exercises on the Elbe river in Hamburg.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Saturday, 14 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


U 508 (Kptlt. Georg Staats) reports convoy of 16 to 20 steamers in ED 9497, course 310°, speed 9 knots. She was forced to sheer off by aircraft and suspected that the convoy veered sharply on bearing 20°. Contact was lost because of showers. Convoy course is evidently N.W., last position was at 0513 in ED 9188.

U 163 (Korvkpt. Kurt-Eduard Engelmann) operated against the convoy in EC 6835. Boat was repeatedly attacked by land based bombers during the night because her Radar Interception gear was out of order. Heavy air activity during the day without location.

U 413 (Oblt. Gustav Poel) made contact on convoy at 0900 in CG 4556. Convoy included a carrier, course N, speed 10 knots. She sank the troop transport "Warwick Castle", 20,107 tons. Further action was impossible because of the weather situation.

U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus) sighted a corvette in CG 7397 on course 0°.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) scored hits on 3 large transports in CG 8665. Boat was forced to submerge after the attack and was not able to make further observations.

U 564 (Oblt. Hans Fiedler; ex Suhren) reported enemy in sight in CG 8543. 4 large transports with 2 patrol craft were seen. Contact was lost due to trouble with the starboard diesel. According to sound bearings, convoy course is N.E., last bearing from CG 8527 lay in direction 80°. At 0642 she sighted another enemy group on course 230°, speed 14 knots.

U 108 (Oblt. Matthias Brünig) plans to repair her diving gear in DH 29 or 26.

U 509 (KrvKpt. Werner Witte) situation: No activity observed on 13 November either day or night up to the 100 meter line. Mine detonation is considered to have been an antenna mine, as opposed to former conjectures. Dragging noises could be heard the entire length of the hull. Detonation blossom was 10 meters high.

U 572 (Kptlt. Heinz Hirsacker) went to Mazagan and U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) to Mehdia to sound out the harbor and roads of these ports.

U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) and U 134 (Kptlt. Rudolf Schendel) have been supplied by "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe).

Sailing report of a convoy for 14 November consisted of 1 carrier (converted type), 2 raiders, 2 destroyers, 5 corvettes and 5 large transports. Sailing from Gibraltar toward the Atlantic.

Boats were forbidden to attack sailing vessels of about 50 tons in area E. of 45° W. and S. of 48° N. in the Bay of Biscay. Reason being that some of our own craft of this size are carrying out a very important operation.

According to experienced captains who have returned, it is better to cruise with Radar Interceptor gear turned off during clear weather. Boats have been given a corresponding order.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) performs exercises on the Elbe river in Hamburg.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Saturday, 14 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


U 508 (Kptlt. Georg Staats) reports convoy of 16 to 20 steamers in ED 9497, course 310°, speed 9 knots. She was forced to sheer off by aircraft and suspected that the convoy veered sharply on bearing 20°. Contact was lost because of showers. Convoy course is evidently N.W., last position was at 0513 in ED 9188.

U 163 (Korvkpt. Kurt-Eduard Engelmann) operated against the convoy in EC 6835. Boat was repeatedly attacked by land based bombers during the night because her Radar Interception gear was out of order. Heavy air activity during the day without location.

U 413 (Oblt. Gustav Poel) made contact on convoy at 0900 in CG 4556. Convoy included a carrier, course N, speed 10 knots. She sank the troop transport "Warwick Castle", 20,107 tons. Further action was impossible because of the weather situation.

U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus) sighted a corvette in CG 7397 on course 0°.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) scored hits on 3 large transports in CG 8665. Boat was forced to submerge after the attack and was not able to make further observations.

U 564 (Oblt. Hans Fiedler; ex Suhren) reported enemy in sight in CG 8543. 4 large transports with 2 patrol craft were seen. Contact was lost due to trouble with the starboard diesel. According to sound bearings, convoy course is N.E., last bearing from CG 8527 lay in direction 80°. At 0642 she sighted another enemy group on course 230°, speed 14 knots.

U 108 (Oblt. Matthias Brünig) plans to repair her diving gear in DH 29 or 26.

U 509 (KrvKpt. Werner Witte) situation: No activity observed on 13 November either day or night up to the 100 meter line. Mine detonation is considered to have been an antenna mine, as opposed to former conjectures. Dragging noises could be heard the entire length of the hull. Detonation blossom was 10 meters high.

U 572 (Kptlt. Heinz Hirsacker) went to Mazagan and U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) to Mehdia to sound out the harbor and roads of these ports.

U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) and U 134 (Kptlt. Rudolf Schendel) have been supplied by "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe).

Sailing report of a convoy for 14 November consisted of 1 carrier (converted type), 2 raiders, 2 destroyers, 5 corvettes and 5 large transports. Sailing from Gibraltar toward the Atlantic.

Boats were forbidden to attack sailing vessels of about 50 tons in area E. of 45° W. and S. of 48° N. in the Bay of Biscay. Reason being that some of our own craft of this size are carrying out a very important operation.

According to experienced captains who have returned, it is better to cruise with Radar Interceptor gear turned off during clear weather. Boats have been given a corresponding order.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) performs exercises on the Elbe river in Hamburg.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115


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

+++++++


Sunday, 15 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Allied forces capture Derna, Libya, along with the nearby Martuba airfield, which immediately becomes the new forward base for conducting air operations.

British troops capture Tebarka, Tunisia and American paratroopers capture Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.

In Britain, church bells ring for the first time since Jun 1940 to celebrate Montgomery's British 8th Army's victory at El Alamein, Egypt

Situation report - Moroccan Coast:

U 173 (Oblt. Hans-Adolf Schweichel) - harbor of Fedala empty. 3 freighters beached in Bouznicha Roads (U 130). Cruiser with screen entered Casablanca on 14 November. On 15 November a heavily protected convoy sailed over DJ 2259, 2326 and 5519. Battle group consisted of 2 battleships, 1 carrier and 2 transports. Daily sea and air patrols off Casablanca Roads in 25 - 30 meter area. Periodic locations during the night. Hit scored on passenger steamer with air cover. 6,000 tons, course 225°, speed 15 knots.

U 218 (VIID; Kptlt. Richard Becker) was picked up by destroyer while attacking the carrier escort. Due to heavy air and surface depth charging she was damaged and ordered home.

U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) sighted a battleship in DJ 2173 also carriers, transports and 10 destroyers, course W., medium speed. 3 misses on battleship from extreme range. Heavy air patrols. Pursuit was without success.

U 752 (Kptlt. Karl-Ernst Schroeter) damaged by depth charges in DJ 2192.

U 509 (KrvKpt. Werner Witte) forced to submerge (on 14 and 15 November in DJ 2250 and 2220) during the day by aircraft. Heavy air and sea depth charging due to oil track. Forced to sheer off at night by patrol vessel. Damage negligible.

U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) Agidir Roads clear on 14 November, no patrols. Nothing seen off Mogador 15 November.

U 572 (Kptlt. Heinz Hirsacker) made off from land because of faulty Radar Interception gear. Boat ordered to return because of depleted fuel supply.

U 130 (KrvKpt. Ernst Kals) sighted patrol craft off Mehdia Roads.

The Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal ends in the early hours of the day, with the Americans fighting off the Japanese attack with effective use of radar; four surviving Japanese transport sare able to accomplish their missions by delivering 2,000 troops to Guadalcanal, albeit without most of their heavy equipment.

US battleship Washington sinks Japanese battleship Kirishima by gunfire off Savo Island in the Solomon Islands.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) continues with exercises on the Elbe river in Hamburg.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Sunday, 15 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Allied forces capture Derna, Libya, along with the nearby Martuba airfield, which immediately becomes the new forward base for conducting air operations.

British troops capture Tebarka, Tunisia and American paratroopers capture Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.

In Britain, church bells ring for the first time since Jun 1940 to celebrate Montgomery's British 8th Army's victory at El Alamein, Egypt

Situation report - Moroccan Coast:

U 173 (Oblt. Hans-Adolf Schweichel) - harbor of Fedala empty. 3 freighters beached in Bouznicha Roads (U 130). Cruiser with screen entered Casablanca on 14 November. On 15 November a heavily protected convoy sailed over DJ 2259, 2326 and 5519. Battle group consisted of 2 battleships, 1 carrier and 2 transports. Daily sea and air patrols off Casablanca Roads in 25 - 30 meter area. Periodic locations during the night. Hit scored on passenger steamer with air cover. 6,000 tons, course 225°, speed 15 knots.

U 218 (VIID; Kptlt. Richard Becker) was picked up by destroyer while attacking the carrier escort. Due to heavy air and surface depth charging she was damaged and ordered home.

U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) sighted a battleship in DJ 2173 also carriers, transports and 10 destroyers, course W., medium speed. 3 misses on battleship from extreme range. Heavy air patrols. Pursuit was without success.

U 752 (Kptlt. Karl-Ernst Schroeter) damaged by depth charges in DJ 2192.

U 509 (KrvKpt. Werner Witte) forced to submerge (on 14 and 15 November in DJ 2250 and 2220) during the day by aircraft. Heavy air and sea depth charging due to oil track. Forced to sheer off at night by patrol vessel. Damage negligible.

U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) Agidir Roads clear on 14 November, no patrols. Nothing seen off Mogador 15 November.

U 572 (Kptlt. Heinz Hirsacker) made off from land because of faulty Radar Interception gear. Boat ordered to return because of depleted fuel supply.

U 130 (KrvKpt. Ernst Kals) sighted patrol craft off Mehdia Roads.

The Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal ends in the early hours of the day, with the Americans fighting off the Japanese attack with effective use of radar; four surviving Japanese transport sare able to accomplish their missions by delivering 2,000 troops to Guadalcanal, albeit without most of their heavy equipment.

US battleship Washington sinks Japanese battleship Kirishima by gunfire off Savo Island in the Solomon Islands.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) continues with exercises on the Elbe river in Hamburg.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Monday, 16 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Georg von Bismarck is promoted to the rank of Generalleutnant posthumously.

Oberfeldwebel Karl Lipp of the German Kampfgeschwader 55 wing is awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

Situation report - Moroccan Coast and Gibraltar area:

Coast of Morocco:
Boats operated first off Fedala, Casablanca and Fedala, the principle enemy landing place. Boats ordered to make for shallow waters just off the coast and attack shipping entering the harbors. The attack conditions (shallow water, heavy air and sea patrols with destroyer and land detection gear) made stationary positions just off the harbor untenable. Only quick thrusts by day or night were possible, followed by a quick withdrawal to deeper water.
On 11 November U 173 attacked a heavily guarded convoy off Casablanca harbor and scored 3 hits. On 12 November U 130 sank 3 freighters in Fedala Roads and reported about 20 freighters near the harbor.
While operating in shallow water near Casablanca during the night of 13 November U 509 reported a mine explosion. Since a minefield N. of Casablanca is unlikely and since good opportunities were available only just off Casablanca boats received orders to operate in their designated positions.
At the time of the next strike on 13 November no movements were seen off Casablanca and Fedala up to the 100 meter line and no ships were to be found in the Roads. Survey of the harbor of Safi on 12 November revealed no ships either in harbor or in the Roads, although there was a strong destroyer screen round the harbor.
On 15 November U 173 reported an outgoing group consisting of 1 carrier, 2 battleships and transports in DJ 2273 on course 30° high speed. Adir - Mogador and Mehdia Roads were proved to be empty offering no chance of success.
Overall situation on 16 November:
Landing operations finished in the West between 11 and 13 November. Attacks possible on 11 and 12 November only on ships at anchor in Fedala Roads. After the harbor of Casablanca and other small harbors were taken, only incoming and outgoing convoys offered targets. Attacks on these convoys would necessitate operations of boats in less than 50 meters of water. It is impossible to stay in this depth for any length of time because of the heavy destroyer and air patrols.
Purpose: Placement of boats somewhat removed from land in deep water. As far as possible according to numbers to join boats to Gibraltar area patrols so that a virtual blockade of the harbor of Casablanca is imposed. Strikes were possible near land in order to control harbors and roads.

Gibraltar area:
Due to heavy air and sea patrols in the sector west of Gibraltar we can reckon on no daylight attacks and only small night attacks. Placement must therefore be made in deepest water possible (depending on the number of boats). Boats will be placed in checkerboard fashion completely plastering the area, so that at least one boat will be in firing position either by day or by night. The 16 boats so disposed will be insufficient for the accomplishment of this task since the area between the boats are so great that convoys can move to and fro without being sighted by the boats.
Successes:
12 November - 1 Birmingham class cruiser and 1 destroyer sunk.
14 November - 3 torpedo hits on 3 large transports in CG 8665, course W.
16 November - ship sailing alone sunk (12,000 T) in CG 9457 course 300°.
Therefore no success against supply convoys.

In the same area from 12 - 16 November 11 attacks by English aircraft in the Gibraltar and Morocco area. U-boat reported "Very heavy air and destroyer patrols, aircraft and surface vessels depth charges". A number of boats report damage by aircraft (U 509 - 752 - 218 - 108).
U 218 returning to port since operations of boats close to land will become increasingly more dangerous. With the brightening of the moon a move to the west is imperative.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) concludes exercises on the Elbe river in Hamburg.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Monday, 16 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Georg von Bismarck is promoted to the rank of Generalleutnant posthumously.

Oberfeldwebel Karl Lipp of the German Kampfgeschwader 55 wing is awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

Situation report - Moroccan Coast and Gibraltar area:

Coast of Morocco:
Boats operated first off Fedala, Casablanca and Fedala, the principle enemy landing place. Boats ordered to make for shallow waters just off the coast and attack shipping entering the harbors. The attack conditions (shallow water, heavy air and sea patrols with destroyer and land detection gear) made stationary positions just off the harbor untenable. Only quick thrusts by day or night were possible, followed by a quick withdrawal to deeper water.
On 11 November U 173 attacked a heavily guarded convoy off Casablanca harbor and scored 3 hits. On 12 November U 130 sank 3 freighters in Fedala Roads and reported about 20 freighters near the harbor.
While operating in shallow water near Casablanca during the night of 13 November U 509 reported a mine explosion. Since a minefield N. of Casablanca is unlikely and since good opportunities were available only just off Casablanca boats received orders to operate in their designated positions.
At the time of the next strike on 13 November no movements were seen off Casablanca and Fedala up to the 100 meter line and no ships were to be found in the Roads. Survey of the harbor of Safi on 12 November revealed no ships either in harbor or in the Roads, although there was a strong destroyer screen round the harbor.
On 15 November U 173 reported an outgoing group consisting of 1 carrier, 2 battleships and transports in DJ 2273 on course 30° high speed. Adir - Mogador and Mehdia Roads were proved to be empty offering no chance of success.
Overall situation on 16 November:
Landing operations finished in the West between 11 and 13 November. Attacks possible on 11 and 12 November only on ships at anchor in Fedala Roads. After the harbor of Casablanca and other small harbors were taken, only incoming and outgoing convoys offered targets. Attacks on these convoys would necessitate operations of boats in less than 50 meters of water. It is impossible to stay in this depth for any length of time because of the heavy destroyer and air patrols.
Purpose: Placement of boats somewhat removed from land in deep water. As far as possible according to numbers to join boats to Gibraltar area patrols so that a virtual blockade of the harbor of Casablanca is imposed. Strikes were possible near land in order to control harbors and roads.

Gibraltar area:
Due to heavy air and sea patrols in the sector west of Gibraltar we can reckon on no daylight attacks and only small night attacks. Placement must therefore be made in deepest water possible (depending on the number of boats). Boats will be placed in checkerboard fashion completely plastering the area, so that at least one boat will be in firing position either by day or by night. The 16 boats so disposed will be insufficient for the accomplishment of this task since the area between the boats are so great that convoys can move to and fro without being sighted by the boats.
Successes:
12 November - 1 Birmingham class cruiser and 1 destroyer sunk.
14 November - 3 torpedo hits on 3 large transports in CG 8665, course W.
16 November - ship sailing alone sunk (12,000 T) in CG 9457 course 300°.
Therefore no success against supply convoys.

In the same area from 12 - 16 November 11 attacks by English aircraft in the Gibraltar and Morocco area. U-boat reported "Very heavy air and destroyer patrols, aircraft and surface vessels depth charges". A number of boats report damage by aircraft (U 509 - 752 - 218 - 108).
U 218 returning to port since operations of boats close to land will become increasingly more dangerous. With the brightening of the moon a move to the west is imperative.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) concludes exercises on the Elbe river in Hamburg.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115




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

+++++++


Tueday, 17 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


American troops capture Gafsa, Tunisia and British 36th Brigade engage German forces at Djebel Abiod, Tunisia. German General Walter Nehring arrives in Tunis to lead a counterattack against the Allies. The Italians formally absorb the French Protectorate of Tunisia into the borders of Italian North Africa.

French Ambassador to the United States Gaston Henri-Haye arrives at Hotel Hershey, his place of internment, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States.

British Admiral Max Horton was appointed Commander-in-Chief Western Approaches Command with his Headquarters at Northways, North London, England.

U 752 (Kptlt. Karl-Ernst Schroeter) has repaired her damage and has taken up position as ordered.

U 566 (Oblt. Gerhard Remus) has been bombed repeatedly because of oil leaks. She is moving on according to orders.

U 86 (Kptlt. Walter Schug) reports enemy convoy at 1817 on W. course, high speed. Contact lost immediately. This is possibly the convoy which was left after having been sighted off Gibraltar at 0300 by our boats.

U 564 (Oblt. Hans Fiedler; ex Suhren) sighted a second convoy at 2115 in CG 8966, course W. speed up to 14 knots, 3 steamers and 2 patrol boats were seen. Boats in the Gibraltar area are to operate against this convoy during the night or early in the morning if they can get into position. U 86, U 155 and U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) reported on the convoy. U 413 (Oblt. Gustav Poel) requested bearing signal. Besides U 155 and U 511 both of which fired double shot misses, no other boat has approached because of high speed of the convoy. Pursuit was given up and boats returned to their area. Last convoy position was DJ 1311 at 0325, speed 16 knots, general course 260°. At 0407, U 86 sighted a pair of destroyers on course 90° in CG 8570.

U 103 (Kptlt. Gustav-Adolf Janssen) and U 108 (Oblt. Matthias Brünig) encountered only a patrol boat in DJ 2163, off Mazagan.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) situation: Strong air patrols of all types in Gibraltar area. Single destroyers and trawlers. During the night heavy air and surface bearing searches with D/C's dropped at random. Small prospects for attacks, ships well protected at night. Boat requests freedom of movements in CG 80.

The opinion that an operation just W. of Gibraltar would be impossible in a few days was confirmed by report from U 155. Boat was forced to stay submerged 20 hours per day due to heavy air, destroyer and patrol craft activity, so that recharging of batteries was virtually impossible. It is more evident that possibilities of success are even more meager. Lowest speed so far of the convoy's is between 10 and 12 knots. The screening craft are destroyers of special skill, and experience so that the boats cannot get near enough for firing.
The report of U 155 (experienced, bold Captain with Knight's Cross) is: Small possibilities of attack, due to night shipping being screened by sonic gear.

Definite attack sectors were ordered for boats in the Casablanca area:
U 130 - DJ 2254; U 510 - DJ 2419; U 130 - 103 - 263 and 510 making sorties of opportunity on Casablanca and near coast.
U 752 and U 173 occupying CG 8585 and CG 9719 respectively for repairs.

U 118 (VIID; Kptlt. Richard Becker) is waiting to refuel Morocco boats in DH 10.

U 518 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) completed operation (putting spy ashore) on 9 November. She has operated in BB 17 - 18 since the operation and has seen only occasional single ships sailing close to land. Slight surface patrols, no night air patrols. Meager prospects of success. According to previous orders boat is operating further in BB 70 (Halifax).

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) transfers to U.A.K.-Kiel via the K.W.K.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 17 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


American troops capture Gafsa, Tunisia and British 36th Brigade engage German forces at Djebel Abiod, Tunisia. German General Walter Nehring arrives in Tunis to lead a counterattack against the Allies. The Italians formally absorb the French Protectorate of Tunisia into the borders of Italian North Africa.

French Ambassador to the United States Gaston Henri-Haye arrives at Hotel Hershey, his place of internment, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States.

British Admiral Max Horton was appointed Commander-in-Chief Western Approaches Command with his Headquarters at Northways, North London, England.

U 752 (Kptlt. Karl-Ernst Schroeter) has repaired her damage and has taken up position as ordered.

U 566 (Oblt. Gerhard Remus) has been bombed repeatedly because of oil leaks. She is moving on according to orders.

U 86 (Kptlt. Walter Schug) reports enemy convoy at 1817 on W. course, high speed. Contact lost immediately. This is possibly the convoy which was left after having been sighted off Gibraltar at 0300 by our boats.

U 564 (Oblt. Hans Fiedler; ex Suhren) sighted a second convoy at 2115 in CG 8966, course W. speed up to 14 knots, 3 steamers and 2 patrol boats were seen. Boats in the Gibraltar area are to operate against this convoy during the night or early in the morning if they can get into position. U 86, U 155 and U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) reported on the convoy. U 413 (Oblt. Gustav Poel) requested bearing signal. Besides U 155 and U 511 both of which fired double shot misses, no other boat has approached because of high speed of the convoy. Pursuit was given up and boats returned to their area. Last convoy position was DJ 1311 at 0325, speed 16 knots, general course 260°. At 0407, U 86 sighted a pair of destroyers on course 90° in CG 8570.

U 103 (Kptlt. Gustav-Adolf Janssen) and U 108 (Oblt. Matthias Brünig) encountered only a patrol boat in DJ 2163, off Mazagan.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) situation: Strong air patrols of all types in Gibraltar area. Single destroyers and trawlers. During the night heavy air and surface bearing searches with D/C's dropped at random. Small prospects for attacks, ships well protected at night. Boat requests freedom of movements in CG 80.

The opinion that an operation just W. of Gibraltar would be impossible in a few days was confirmed by report from U 155. Boat was forced to stay submerged 20 hours per day due to heavy air, destroyer and patrol craft activity, so that recharging of batteries was virtually impossible. It is more evident that possibilities of success are even more meager. Lowest speed so far of the convoy's is between 10 and 12 knots. The screening craft are destroyers of special skill, and experience so that the boats cannot get near enough for firing.
The report of U 155 (experienced, bold Captain with Knight's Cross) is: Small possibilities of attack, due to night shipping being screened by sonic gear.

Definite attack sectors were ordered for boats in the Casablanca area:
U 130 - DJ 2254; U 510 - DJ 2419; U 130 - 103 - 263 and 510 making sorties of opportunity on Casablanca and near coast.
U 752 and U 173 occupying CG 8585 and CG 9719 respectively for repairs.

U 118 (VIID; Kptlt. Richard Becker) is waiting to refuel Morocco boats in DH 10.

U 518 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) completed operation (putting spy ashore) on 9 November. She has operated in BB 17 - 18 since the operation and has seen only occasional single ships sailing close to land. Slight surface patrols, no night air patrols. Meager prospects of success. According to previous orders boat is operating further in BB 70 (Halifax).

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) transfers to U.A.K.-Kiel via the K.W.K.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 18 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Two boats of the Gibraltar Group which have been requested to report positions have not reported (U 98, Oblt. Kurt Eichmann - U 411, Kptlt. Johann Spindlegger).
U 613 (Kptlt. Helmut Köppe) was heavily damaged by plane attack, U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) damaged by D/C attack.
U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) had to sail westward due to illness of the Captain.

Boats operating off Gibraltar and Morocco have met with no special success so far, rather they have met with misfortune for the most part. The boats have been assigned new operational areas for that reason. The new placement in a semi-circle running from Cape Vincent to Safi closes Casablanca Bay to some degree. It is yet to be seen whether this will be successful and thereby less dangerous for the boats.

The following are occupying attack area as shown, the depth of the area being 25 miles:
653 - 8255; U 613 - 8295; U 509 - 8287; U 411 - 8433; U 263 - 8452; U 92 - 8556; U 185 - 8485; U 519 - 8571; U 515 - 8823; U 86 - 8817; U 511 - 8752; U 566 - 8872; U 98 - 8859; U 155 - 8788.
All areas above in square CG.

U 413 - 1324; U 564 - 1235; U 752 - 1269; U 102 - 1367; U 91 - 2175; U 130 - 1387; U 173 - 2416; U 510 - 1662.
All above in square DH.

U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) sighted a flight of 6 bombers on E. course in FK 26 on 15 November. Presumed underway to Africa via Ascension. A similar group was sighted on 12 September. 2 patrol craft sighted in FK 12 on 17 November, course N.

Marshal Philippe Pétain signed a constitutional document permitting Prime Minister Pierre Laval to make laws and issue decrees on his own signature only. Gabriel Auphan resigned from his position as the head of the French Navy.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) commences with U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 18 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Two boats of the Gibraltar Group which have been requested to report positions have not reported (U 98, Oblt. Kurt Eichmann - U 411, Kptlt. Johann Spindlegger).
U 613 (Kptlt. Helmut Köppe) was heavily damaged by plane attack, U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) damaged by D/C attack.
U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) had to sail westward due to illness of the Captain.

Boats operating off Gibraltar and Morocco have met with no special success so far, rather they have met with misfortune for the most part. The boats have been assigned new operational areas for that reason. The new placement in a semi-circle running from Cape Vincent to Safi closes Casablanca Bay to some degree. It is yet to be seen whether this will be successful and thereby less dangerous for the boats.

The following are occupying attack area as shown, the depth of the area being 25 miles:
653 - 8255; U 613 - 8295; U 509 - 8287; U 411 - 8433; U 263 - 8452; U 92 - 8556; U 185 - 8485; U 519 - 8571; U 515 - 8823; U 86 - 8817; U 511 - 8752; U 566 - 8872; U 98 - 8859; U 155 - 8788.
All areas above in square CG.

U 413 - 1324; U 564 - 1235; U 752 - 1269; U 102 - 1367; U 91 - 2175; U 130 - 1387; U 173 - 2416; U 510 - 1662.
All above in square DH.

U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) sighted a flight of 6 bombers on E. course in FK 26 on 15 November. Presumed underway to Africa via Ascension. A similar group was sighted on 12 September. 2 patrol craft sighted in FK 12 on 17 November, course N.

Marshal Philippe Pétain signed a constitutional document permitting Prime Minister Pierre Laval to make laws and issue decrees on his own signature only. Gabriel Auphan resigned from his position as the head of the French Navy.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) commences with U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Thursday, 19 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


General der Jagdflieger (Inspector of Fighters), Adolf Galland is promoted to the rank of Generalmajor.

A raid on our Vemork heavy water plant at Telemark, Norway, comes to grief when the gliders carrying 34 commandos crashes. After being interrogated, the enemies are executed.

The Soviets launch a surprise counter-attack north and south of Stalingrad, designed to encircle our 6th Army holding the city.

Axis forces under General Walter Nehring attack and penetrate the Vichy-French defense line at Majaz al Bab, Tunisia.

U 413 (Oblt. Gustav Poel) was on return voyage because of periscope damage due to aircraft bombs when she sighted a convoy in CG 8454, course S.E. speed 15 knots. She followed until 0715 reaching CG 8843, about 15 ships. Shortly after U 413 reported, U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) likewise reported convoy of about 6 - 10 steamers in CG 7682, course 110°. Boats of the Gibraltar Group received orders to attack either of the two convoys. U 519 was forced to submerge by destroyers in CG 8447 at 0727. Last course 100°, speed 12 knots. None of the boats which set out to attack the convoy has contacted it so far. Evidently boats have been hindered by being forced to cruise submerged due to
continuous air activity. The operation continues.

U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) has only one torpedo in firing condition due to aircraft bombs.

U 518 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) sighted a brightly lighted steamer on 19 November in BB 8827. Her lights could be seen at a great distance. When approached lights were extinguished suddenly and horizontal search signals were given out (radar). Evidently a trap.

U 509 (KrvKpt. Werner Witte) took over anti-radar escort for U 613 (Kptlt. Helmut Köppe).

U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) and U 106 (Kptlt. Hermann Rasch; ex Oesten) reported operationally ready after being supplied. Operations against convoy movements are foreseen. U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) sailed from Vowe (U 462) via ES 55 and FC 26 refueling operation. First refueling and supply of "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) is foreseen on 21 November in the afternoon.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) performs U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Thursday, 19 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


General der Jagdflieger (Inspector of Fighters), Adolf Galland is promoted to the rank of Generalmajor.

A raid on our Vemork heavy water plant at Telemark, Norway, comes to grief when the gliders carrying 34 commandos crashes. After being interrogated, the enemies are executed.

The Soviets launch a surprise counter-attack north and south of Stalingrad, designed to encircle our 6th Army holding the city.

Axis forces under General Walter Nehring attack and penetrate the Vichy-French defense line at Majaz al Bab, Tunisia.

U 413 (Oblt. Gustav Poel) was on return voyage because of periscope damage due to aircraft bombs when she sighted a convoy in CG 8454, course S.E. speed 15 knots. She followed until 0715 reaching CG 8843, about 15 ships. Shortly after U 413 reported, U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) likewise reported convoy of about 6 - 10 steamers in CG 7682, course 110°. Boats of the Gibraltar Group received orders to attack either of the two convoys. U 519 was forced to submerge by destroyers in CG 8447 at 0727. Last course 100°, speed 12 knots. None of the boats which set out to attack the convoy has contacted it so far. Evidently boats have been hindered by being forced to cruise submerged due to
continuous air activity. The operation continues.

U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) has only one torpedo in firing condition due to aircraft bombs.

U 518 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) sighted a brightly lighted steamer on 19 November in BB 8827. Her lights could be seen at a great distance. When approached lights were extinguished suddenly and horizontal search signals were given out (radar). Evidently a trap.

U 509 (KrvKpt. Werner Witte) took over anti-radar escort for U 613 (Kptlt. Helmut Köppe).

U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) and U 106 (Kptlt. Hermann Rasch; ex Oesten) reported operationally ready after being supplied. Operations against convoy movements are foreseen. U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) sailed from Vowe (U 462) via ES 55 and FC 26 refueling operation. First refueling and supply of "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) is foreseen on 21 November in the afternoon.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) performs U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Friday, 20 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


The Führer relinquishes personal command of Armeegruppe A to General Ewald von Kleist.

One day after the first Soviet offensive was launched at Stalingrad, a second one is launched south of the city against positions held by Romanian 4th Army Corps. Six He 111 bombers of Luftwaffe group KG 55 fly an armed reconnaissance mission from their base at Morozovskaya, Russia, over Stalingrad; two aircraft fail to return.

British troops enter the city of Benghazi, Libya, and find ports and facilities destroyed by our troops before their withdrawal. The 3rd Battalion of the "San Marco" naval infantry regiment of Italian Navy arrives in Tunisia from Corsica, France. German paratroop Engineer Battalion "Witzig" and Italian 1st Paratroop Battalion are deployed together at Djebel Abjod, Tunisia.

Boats were instructed that application of Prize Law was permissible in the case of French Merchant Ships sailing in the service of the enemy without sanction of the German and Italian Government.

U 263 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) attacked the convoy which was reported yesterday by U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) and has sunk 2 ships of 5,000 tons each in CG 8731. Another steamer of the same size in a sinking condition and on fire and a medium sized steamer torpedoed. She was later picked up by enemy sound gear, and radar and attacked by 119
D/C's. Considerable damage. Ships all had war materials and landing craft on board. U 103 (Kptlt. Gustav-Adolf Janssen) likewise made contact but was forced to submerge by aircraft.

U 86 (Kptlt. Walter Schug) was forced to veer off from U 413's convoy by A/C and search groups, just before attacking. She was hunted for 7 hours. No damage. U 413 (Oblt. Gustav Poel) likewise attacked but had no success. After 7 hour pursuit she began return cruise.

U 92 (Oblt. Adolf Oelrich) sighted 2 smoke plumes at 1650 hours in CG 8586 on E. course. She broke off pursuit after losing contact at 0215.

U 519 and U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus) were hunted by search group and attacked by D/C's. U 185 observed A/C shot down after scoring a hit on a steamer in convoy.

U 183 (Kptlt. Heinrich Schäfer) reports she is not in a condition for convoy operations because of excessive mechanical noises of her own, making her sound gear ineffective.

U 552 (Kptlt. Klaus Popp, ex Topp) was attacked by a submarine in EJ 7323 and avoided a surface runner (torpedo).

"Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) transferred 55 cubic meters of fuel to U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele), which reported another submarine in EH 6941.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) sailed for meeting point of U 118 (XB; KrvKpt. Werner Czygan) to repair oil pump on her Junkers compressor.

U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) needs doctor's help for her Captain.

British government scientist Dr. Reginald V. Jones warns Assistant Chiefof Air Staff (Intelligence) of possible new German weapons, ie. rockets,that could threaten Britain.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) performs U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Friday, 20 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


The Führer relinquishes personal command of Armeegruppe A to General Ewald von Kleist.

One day after the first Soviet offensive was launched at Stalingrad, a second one is launched south of the city against positions held by Romanian 4th Army Corps. Six He 111 bombers of Luftwaffe group KG 55 fly an armed reconnaissance mission from their base at Morozovskaya, Russia, over Stalingrad; two aircraft fail to return.

British troops enter the city of Benghazi, Libya, and find ports and facilities destroyed by our troops before their withdrawal. The 3rd Battalion of the "San Marco" naval infantry regiment of Italian Navy arrives in Tunisia from Corsica, France. German paratroop Engineer Battalion "Witzig" and Italian 1st Paratroop Battalion are deployed together at Djebel Abjod, Tunisia.

Boats were instructed that application of Prize Law was permissible in the case of French Merchant Ships sailing in the service of the enemy without sanction of the German and Italian Government.

U 263 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) attacked the convoy which was reported yesterday by U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) and has sunk 2 ships of 5,000 tons each in CG 8731. Another steamer of the same size in a sinking condition and on fire and a medium sized steamer torpedoed. She was later picked up by enemy sound gear, and radar and attacked by 119
D/C's. Considerable damage. Ships all had war materials and landing craft on board. U 103 (Kptlt. Gustav-Adolf Janssen) likewise made contact but was forced to submerge by aircraft.

U 86 (Kptlt. Walter Schug) was forced to veer off from U 413's convoy by A/C and search groups, just before attacking. She was hunted for 7 hours. No damage. U 413 (Oblt. Gustav Poel) likewise attacked but had no success. After 7 hour pursuit she began return cruise.

U 92 (Oblt. Adolf Oelrich) sighted 2 smoke plumes at 1650 hours in CG 8586 on E. course. She broke off pursuit after losing contact at 0215.

U 519 and U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus) were hunted by search group and attacked by D/C's. U 185 observed A/C shot down after scoring a hit on a steamer in convoy.

U 183 (Kptlt. Heinrich Schäfer) reports she is not in a condition for convoy operations because of excessive mechanical noises of her own, making her sound gear ineffective.

U 552 (Kptlt. Klaus Popp, ex Topp) was attacked by a submarine in EJ 7323 and avoided a surface runner (torpedo).

"Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) transferred 55 cubic meters of fuel to U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele), which reported another submarine in EH 6941.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) sailed for meeting point of U 118 (XB; KrvKpt. Werner Czygan) to repair oil pump on her Junkers compressor.

U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) needs doctor's help for her Captain.

British government scientist Dr. Reginald V. Jones warns Assistant Chiefof Air Staff (Intelligence) of possible new German weapons, ie. rockets,that could threaten Britain.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) performs U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Saturday, 21 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Our Paratroop Engineer Battalion "Witzig" and Italian 1st Paratroop Battalion attacked British troops near Djebel Abjod, Tunisia; initially successful, the British counterattack later in the day.

Boats of Gibraltar Group reporting damage due to enemy countermeasures are: U 263 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke), U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling), U 752 (Kptlt. Karl-Ernst Schroeter) and U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel). U 566 (Oblt. Gerhard Remus) as well as U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) was heavily damaged by an air attack on a convoy, she remained however, as did the boats named above, after damage had been partly repaired. Shortly before firing at convoy of U 519, U 564 (Oblt. Hans Fiedler; ex Suhren) was sighted by a 4 stack destroyer which dropped D/C's (1210 in CG 8758). Convoy composed of about 30 freighters of 5 - 6,000 GRT. U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) picked up airplane radar bearing 500 miles W. of Gibraltar.

The heavy countermeasures against boats of the Gibraltar Group even in seaward areas necessitates a move even further westward. Placement from England and America. Boats in attack area of 25 miles depth:
U 92 - 495x; U 752 - 7311; U 653 - 4891; U 185 - 4796; U 86 - 7243; U 515 - 7291; U 510 - 7551; U 173 - 7199; U 103 - 7179; U 564 - 7465; U 263 - 7499; U 130 - 7444; U 566 - 7716; U 91 - 7758; U 519 - 7153.
All of the above in CG. Boats will make up the Group "Westwall".

U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) on return voyage, as further operation impossible according to the doctor's opinion.

U 517 (Kptlt. Paul Hartwig) bombed and heavily damaged by aircraft in BE 5945. At 1135 hours she reported in open text: Vent knocked out and boat is sinking rapidly. U 211 (Kptlt. Karl Hause) which was near by, given orders to make for the spot and expects to be there about 1900. 2 FW 200 type planes from the Air-Sea Rescue Group were sent out and will be at the attack area by dawn on 22 November.

U 518 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) attacked convoy reported yesterday in BB 9515 at 0415 and sank a special ship of 10,000 tons as well as a tanker of 8,000 tons which evidently sank. Subsequently forced to submerge by gun fire then attacked by D/C's. Boat is scarcely able to dive and requests permission to return to port gradually. She received orders to return via BC 80 and BD 30.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) took spare parts on board from U 118 (XB; KrvKpt. Werner Czygan).

Colonel General Eberhard von Mackensen replaces Paul Ludwig Ewald von Kleist as the commander of the 1.Panzerarmee.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Saturday, 21 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Our Paratroop Engineer Battalion "Witzig" and Italian 1st Paratroop Battalion attacked British troops near Djebel Abjod, Tunisia; initially successful, the British counterattack later in the day.

Boats of Gibraltar Group reporting damage due to enemy countermeasures are: U 263 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke), U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling), U 752 (Kptlt. Karl-Ernst Schroeter) and U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel). U 566 (Oblt. Gerhard Remus) as well as U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) was heavily damaged by an air attack on a convoy, she remained however, as did the boats named above, after damage had been partly repaired. Shortly before firing at convoy of U 519, U 564 (Oblt. Hans Fiedler; ex Suhren) was sighted by a 4 stack destroyer which dropped D/C's (1210 in CG 8758). Convoy composed of about 30 freighters of 5 - 6,000 GRT. U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) picked up airplane radar bearing 500 miles W. of Gibraltar.

The heavy countermeasures against boats of the Gibraltar Group even in seaward areas necessitates a move even further westward. Placement from England and America. Boats in attack area of 25 miles depth:
U 92 - 495x; U 752 - 7311; U 653 - 4891; U 185 - 4796; U 86 - 7243; U 515 - 7291; U 510 - 7551; U 173 - 7199; U 103 - 7179; U 564 - 7465; U 263 - 7499; U 130 - 7444; U 566 - 7716; U 91 - 7758; U 519 - 7153.
All of the above in CG. Boats will make up the Group "Westwall".

U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) on return voyage, as further operation impossible according to the doctor's opinion.

U 517 (Kptlt. Paul Hartwig) bombed and heavily damaged by aircraft in BE 5945. At 1135 hours she reported in open text: Vent knocked out and boat is sinking rapidly. U 211 (Kptlt. Karl Hause) which was near by, given orders to make for the spot and expects to be there about 1900. 2 FW 200 type planes from the Air-Sea Rescue Group were sent out and will be at the attack area by dawn on 22 November.

U 518 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) attacked convoy reported yesterday in BB 9515 at 0415 and sank a special ship of 10,000 tons as well as a tanker of 8,000 tons which evidently sank. Subsequently forced to submerge by gun fire then attacked by D/C's. Boat is scarcely able to dive and requests permission to return to port gradually. She received orders to return via BC 80 and BD 30.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) took spare parts on board from U 118 (XB; KrvKpt. Werner Czygan).

Colonel General Eberhard von Mackensen replaces Paul Ludwig Ewald von Kleist as the commander of the 1.Panzerarmee.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Sunday, 22 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Paul von Kleist is made the commanding officer of German Army Group A.

The encirclement of the 6th Army around Stalingrad, is completed when the Soviet 4th Mechanized Corps and the 4th Tank Corps meet at Kalach-na-Donu, after smashing through positions held by Romanian troops.

Upon asking returning "Polar Bear Boats" whether they had enough fueland torpedoes and whether personnel and machinery were in condition for further operations, U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte) and U 504 (KrvKpt. Hans-Georg Friedrich Poske) reported they would be ready after taking on fuel provisions and torpedoes. U 159 was ordered to take on torpedoes and fuel from U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) in ES 75. U 504 is returning to port since she has only enough provisions for 15 days and she cannot be re-supplied in so short a time.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) took up position of U 91 - CG 7758. U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) operating in N.W. group of "Westwall".
U 118 (XB; KrvKpt. Werner Czygan) is in DH 10 for the purpose of refueling members of Group "Westwall".

U 92 (Oblt. Adolf Oelrich) was depth charged by a search group in CG 8287. U 566 (Oblt. Gerhard Remus) cannot repair oil leaks and is returning.

U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) is to look for rendezvous point where air torpedoes can be taken from boats returning to port.

"Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) completed re-supply of U 505 (Kptlt. Peter Zschech) and is returning because her stocks are used up. The watch officer wounded in the attack of 10 Nov 1942 is transferred to U-Vowe.
U 454 (Kptlt. Burckhard Hackländer) has taken on provisions from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor). Oil transfer impossible at the time because of heavy seas.

U 211 (Kptlt. Karl Hause) has had no success so far in her search for U 517 (Kptlt. Paul Hartwig). The 3 "FW 200" airplanes have likewise seen nothing. We must consider the boat lost. Another airplane is scheduled for 23 November to exhaust all possibilities.

U 98 (Oblt. Kurt Eichmann) and U 411 (Kptlt. Johann Spindlegger) must be considered lost in the area W. of Gibraltar. Both boats last reported on 10 November farther N.W. their meeting in CG is regarded with greatest skepticism. They are considered to have been sunk by aircraft.

The British Admiralty Operational Intelligence Centre (OIC) urges the staff of Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England, to focus on our new four-rotored Enigma machines.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Sunday, 22 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Paul von Kleist is made the commanding officer of German Army Group A.

The encirclement of the 6th Army around Stalingrad, is completed when the Soviet 4th Mechanized Corps and the 4th Tank Corps meet at Kalach-na-Donu, after smashing through positions held by Romanian troops.

Upon asking returning "Polar Bear Boats" whether they had enough fueland torpedoes and whether personnel and machinery were in condition for further operations, U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte) and U 504 (KrvKpt. Hans-Georg Friedrich Poske) reported they would be ready after taking on fuel provisions and torpedoes. U 159 was ordered to take on torpedoes and fuel from U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) in ES 75. U 504 is returning to port since she has only enough provisions for 15 days and she cannot be re-supplied in so short a time.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) took up position of U 91 - CG 7758. U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) operating in N.W. group of "Westwall".
U 118 (XB; KrvKpt. Werner Czygan) is in DH 10 for the purpose of refueling members of Group "Westwall".

U 92 (Oblt. Adolf Oelrich) was depth charged by a search group in CG 8287. U 566 (Oblt. Gerhard Remus) cannot repair oil leaks and is returning.

U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) is to look for rendezvous point where air torpedoes can be taken from boats returning to port.

"Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) completed re-supply of U 505 (Kptlt. Peter Zschech) and is returning because her stocks are used up. The watch officer wounded in the attack of 10 Nov 1942 is transferred to U-Vowe.
U 454 (Kptlt. Burckhard Hackländer) has taken on provisions from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor). Oil transfer impossible at the time because of heavy seas.

U 211 (Kptlt. Karl Hause) has had no success so far in her search for U 517 (Kptlt. Paul Hartwig). The 3 "FW 200" airplanes have likewise seen nothing. We must consider the boat lost. Another airplane is scheduled for 23 November to exhaust all possibilities.

U 98 (Oblt. Kurt Eichmann) and U 411 (Kptlt. Johann Spindlegger) must be considered lost in the area W. of Gibraltar. Both boats last reported on 10 November farther N.W. their meeting in CG is regarded with greatest skepticism. They are considered to have been sunk by aircraft.

The British Admiralty Operational Intelligence Centre (OIC) urges the staff of Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England, to focus on our new four-rotored Enigma machines.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Monday, 23 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Axis forces evacuate Agedabia, Libya.

The vital French West African port of Dakar comes under Allied control with the Vichy governor changing sides.

By waning moon and more hours of darkness the boats have an opportunity to push E. The following boats to occupy these areas:
U 263 - CG 8140; U 564 - 8170; U 103 - 8410; U 92 and 515 - 8440; U 653 and 155 - 8479; U 185 - 8710; U 519 - 8740; U 510 - 8770. All in CG.

U 86 (Kptlt. Walter Schug) and U 130 (KrvKpt. Ernst Kals) are operating in top sections of DJ 12 1510 and 1540. They are to approach the harbors as closely as possible according to shipping and defense measures. U 752 (Kptlt. Karl-Ernst Schroeter) requested more remote area due to oil leaks and moved westward because of the conditions of the boat.

U 183 (Kptlt. Heinrich Schäfer) sighted warship group at 0248 in CB 2245 on 23 November course 280°.

U 552 (Kptlt. Klaus Popp, ex Topp) was attacked in ES 1221 by an enemy U-boat.

U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) returning to port because of fuel supply.

U 211 (Kptlt. Karl Hause) has broken off search for the crew of U 517 (Kptlt. Paul Hartwig). In BE 5839 she sighted an empty, overturned rubber boat with German identification marks. The "FW 200" planes have likewise seen nothing. It cannot be established whether the crew was lost or picked up by English patrol boat.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Monday, 23 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Axis forces evacuate Agedabia, Libya.

The vital French West African port of Dakar comes under Allied control with the Vichy governor changing sides.

By waning moon and more hours of darkness the boats have an opportunity to push E. The following boats to occupy these areas:
U 263 - CG 8140; U 564 - 8170; U 103 - 8410; U 92 and 515 - 8440; U 653 and 155 - 8479; U 185 - 8710; U 519 - 8740; U 510 - 8770. All in CG.

U 86 (Kptlt. Walter Schug) and U 130 (KrvKpt. Ernst Kals) are operating in top sections of DJ 12 1510 and 1540. They are to approach the harbors as closely as possible according to shipping and defense measures. U 752 (Kptlt. Karl-Ernst Schroeter) requested more remote area due to oil leaks and moved westward because of the conditions of the boat.

U 183 (Kptlt. Heinrich Schäfer) sighted warship group at 0248 in CB 2245 on 23 November course 280°.

U 552 (Kptlt. Klaus Popp, ex Topp) was attacked in ES 1221 by an enemy U-boat.

U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) returning to port because of fuel supply.

U 211 (Kptlt. Karl Hause) has broken off search for the crew of U 517 (Kptlt. Paul Hartwig). In BE 5839 she sighted an empty, overturned rubber boat with German identification marks. The "FW 200" planes have likewise seen nothing. It cannot be established whether the crew was lost or picked up by English patrol boat.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 24 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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The 3rd Battalion of the "San Marco" naval infantry regiment of Italian Navy completes its transfer from Corsica, France to Tunisia.

The request for situation reports of attack possibilities and countermeasures in the Gibraltar area reveals the following:

U 130 (KrvKpt. Ernst Kals): No possibility of attack near the coast because of constant air patrols. Contact on convoys impossible to keep due to screening vessels by night and heavy air patrols by day. Boat believes it best to stay outside the area of air patrols in order to attack convoys reported from other sources.
U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) has established nothing outside presence of patrol craft and radar. Strong air and sea patrols up to 500 miles from the coast. In the present position she has been forced to submerge by day and has been subject to Radar by night. This boat also considers operation outside air patrol area as essential for successful attacks.
U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus) is sailing W. because of heavy damage and is ordered to go to U-tanker to carry out repairs.

U 118 (XB; KrvKpt. Werner Czygan) designated as tanker for Group "Westwall" received orders to take operational areas CF 70 and 80 and DH 10 and 40. As her first supply operation, she is to operate with Gibraltar area boats.

U 263 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) a boat of Group "Westwall" was bombed by a plane in CG 7294 at 1145 and is unable to dive. Boats nearby ordered to go to her assistance. About 0200 she was bombed again and was unable to fight the plane off without damage to herself. After the boat had been made dive worthy the others were ordered back to their sectors. Joint return through Bay of Biscay was agreed upon with U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff).

U 173 (Oblt. Hans-Adolf Schweichel) belongs to Group "Westwall" and last reported on 16 October from about DJ 2284. Further radio messages have not been received in spite of repeated requests to do so. According to Radio Intercepts a U-boat was attacked in DJ 22 on 18 November and believed destroyed. Possibly U 173 was sunk in this engagement. We must consider her lost.

U 184 (Kptlt. Günther Dangschat) was operating against Convoy No. 66 (ONS.144) and on 20 November in BC 28 she was forced to veer off by far ranging screening vessels. Boats involved were ordered to the attack. U 184 has not reported since. Her loss is probable.

U 505 (Kptlt. Peter Zschech) attacked a fast freighter in EH 3773 on 24 November and in DT 9787 and 9785 on 25 November, course S.E. Impossible to close with her because of speed limitations due to faulty diesel. Ship was evidently a member of convoy which had broken up.

According to previous Radio Intercept an enemy plane scored a bomb hit on a U-boat in BF 5282. It was believed to be U 413 and a light sweeper flotilla was sent at high speed toward the point. Of the boats in question, U 413 - 507 - 217, U 217 (VIID; Oblt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke) has not yet reported. We await further reports. U 413 and U 507 are moving on.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Tuesday, 24 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


The 3rd Battalion of the "San Marco" naval infantry regiment of Italian Navy completes its transfer from Corsica, France to Tunisia.

The request for situation reports of attack possibilities and countermeasures in the Gibraltar area reveals the following:

U 130 (KrvKpt. Ernst Kals): No possibility of attack near the coast because of constant air patrols. Contact on convoys impossible to keep due to screening vessels by night and heavy air patrols by day. Boat believes it best to stay outside the area of air patrols in order to attack convoys reported from other sources.
U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) has established nothing outside presence of patrol craft and radar. Strong air and sea patrols up to 500 miles from the coast. In the present position she has been forced to submerge by day and has been subject to Radar by night. This boat also considers operation outside air patrol area as essential for successful attacks.
U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus) is sailing W. because of heavy damage and is ordered to go to U-tanker to carry out repairs.

U 118 (XB; KrvKpt. Werner Czygan) designated as tanker for Group "Westwall" received orders to take operational areas CF 70 and 80 and DH 10 and 40. As her first supply operation, she is to operate with Gibraltar area boats.

U 263 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) a boat of Group "Westwall" was bombed by a plane in CG 7294 at 1145 and is unable to dive. Boats nearby ordered to go to her assistance. About 0200 she was bombed again and was unable to fight the plane off without damage to herself. After the boat had been made dive worthy the others were ordered back to their sectors. Joint return through Bay of Biscay was agreed upon with U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff).

U 173 (Oblt. Hans-Adolf Schweichel) belongs to Group "Westwall" and last reported on 16 October from about DJ 2284. Further radio messages have not been received in spite of repeated requests to do so. According to Radio Intercepts a U-boat was attacked in DJ 22 on 18 November and believed destroyed. Possibly U 173 was sunk in this engagement. We must consider her lost.

U 184 (Kptlt. Günther Dangschat) was operating against Convoy No. 66 (ONS.144) and on 20 November in BC 28 she was forced to veer off by far ranging screening vessels. Boats involved were ordered to the attack. U 184 has not reported since. Her loss is probable.

U 505 (Kptlt. Peter Zschech) attacked a fast freighter in EH 3773 on 24 November and in DT 9787 and 9785 on 25 November, course S.E. Impossible to close with her because of speed limitations due to faulty diesel. Ship was evidently a member of convoy which had broken up.

According to previous Radio Intercept an enemy plane scored a bomb hit on a U-boat in BF 5282. It was believed to be U 413 and a light sweeper flotilla was sent at high speed toward the point. Of the boats in question, U 413 - 507 - 217, U 217 (VIID; Oblt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke) has not yet reported. We await further reports. U 413 and U 507 are moving on.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 25 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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The Führer orderes the seizure of the French fleet at Toulon, France.


Gibraltar situation - Morocco area:

1) In an effort to completely intercept the stream of shipping to Gibraltar from England and America as well as the southwest, the first placements of boats in areas CG 90, 80, DJ 10 and 20 was made close to the coast. On 18 November heavy defenses and countermeasures close to the coast made it necessary to move farther from shore in area CG 80. On 20 November the limit had to be extended to CG 70. As a result a wide gap was made west of Cape Vincent, through which shipping from England could pass without being attacked. Similarly shipping from the S.W. would not be apprehended.
Since this disposition brought no success, placements along an E-W line was ordered on 23 November. In this way a final attempt was made to intercept traffic through the "Hole". On the other hand, boats were given the option of operating freely in case of countermeasures became to strong close to Gibraltar and Morocco. This new disposition of craft brought no success. Whether because of intercepts, or reports, from Gibraltar many convoys must have passed through this area and not one was seen, an indication that countermeasures were successful in keeping boats submerged day and night at some distance.

2) For the purpose of clearing up the situation, 2 well known captains (U 155; Piening - U 130; Kals) were requested to give their opinions of the possibilities for success and the anti-submarine situation in the last operational area. According to the reports of the two captains and previous reports of other boats, the following situation is presented:
Since the enemy has gained a foothold in Morocco his anti-submarine measures have strengthened greatly. Heavy air patrols day and night ranging 300 miles from land, patrol craft and destroyer search groups divided among the area, make even one's presence in these areas difficult and dangerous. With one exception (ship alone sunk by U 92) convoys are strongly protected and air patrols are rapidly making attack area untenable. The U-boat should not be committed in areas close to land since it is not able to take evasive measures.
Example: Attacks on convoys in the North Channel have been considered impossible for the past 1 1/2 years, and in this connection it is worthy of notice that defences in that area were never so strong as those of Gibraltar are today, surface and aircraft radar and patrols not considered. 3) Since 20 November there has been no further success reported, so that the total in the Gibraltar - Morocco area remains at the following level:

12 Nov. DJ 2519 3 explosions, 1 hit seen on freighter. U 173
13 Nov. CG 8830 4 hits on Birmingham type cruiser, 1 DD probably sunk. U 515
14 Nov. Fedala Roads 2 transports sunk, 1 probably sunk. Total 22,500 tons. U 130
14 Nov. CG 4556 "Warwick Castle". U 413
15 Nov CG 8665 3 hits on 3 large transports. U 155
16 Nov DJ 2284 Hit on 6,000 tonner. U 173
16 Nov CG 9457 Ship 12,000 tons sunk. U 92
20 Nov. CG 8731 3 steamers 15,000 tons sunk, 1 steamer torpedo. U 263

The transport "Warwick Castle" was sunk W. of Lisbon by a boat returning to port.
Therefore in the last 5 days: 1 cruiser, 1 destroyer and 5 ships were sunk 7 ships torpedoed.
In the next 4 days: 3 ships sunk, 1 ship torpedoed and no further sinkings since 21 November.
Against this we suffered the following losses and damage out of total of 23 boats.
Total loss: 3 boats U 411 - 98 - 173.
Badly damaged so that immediate return was ordered: U 218 - 613 - 413 - 566 - 263.
A number of boats suffered minor damage from plane bombs of D/C's.
Deductions: Attack of supply shipping in the usual stationary manner no longer possible within 500 miles of Gibraltar. Further delay does not indicate losses. Without corresponding compensating possibilities of success.
Conclusions: Attacks on supply shipping must be carried out beyond the range of enemy air patrols, since it then can be treated as a pure convoy action this must be begun on the "Starting side of the Atlantic" so far from Gibraltar that attack is possible for several days.

4) From the data at hand (U-boat sightings intercepts, intelligence reports) is is decided that evidently a larger part of ships used in the African landing, especially troop transports from England and a few convoys from America came from the N.W.
a) There are only small prospects of success in operations against shipping from England since there are constant English air patrols in the area. Running attack is therefore impossible and the prospects for stationary attacks are bad since the area to be occupied between 11 and 24° is too large. Convoys can be cut up by incoming and outgoing boats and short operations are possible by these boats and can be carried out if the convoys are sighted
b) Attack on the America - Gibraltar supply traffic: Only 2 reports given along the enemy route: Convoy in CF 4399, course E. on 2 November (sighting report of U 514) convoy N. of Azores course E. on 16 November (Spy). The entire Great Circle route between Norfolk and Boston on one side and Gibraltar on the other side lies N. of the Azores between 39 and 42 N. and this offers promise for a fair amount of success to operations in that area.
Aims: Boats of Group "Westwall" which have sufficient fuel are to take position in observation line from CF 6518 to 9189 and sail westward toward the presumed convoy route. Boats which are low on fuel are to refuel at once and join the group in order to broaden the observation strip. Boats to sail together westward to about CD 20. From here attacks can be carried out without the presence of enemy aircraft from the east. If no convoys are sighted this operation will be considered a failure. On the other hand, interception of only one convoy will result in greater success than Group "Westwall" has had thus far.


He 111 aircraft from Tatsinskaya Airfield and Morozovskaya Airfield in Rostov Oblast, Russia fly 75 tons of supplies, mostly fuel, into Stalingrad.


U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Wednesday, 25 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


The Führer orderes the seizure of the French fleet at Toulon, France.


Gibraltar situation - Morocco area:

1) In an effort to completely intercept the stream of shipping to Gibraltar from England and America as well as the southwest, the first placements of boats in areas CG 90, 80, DJ 10 and 20 was made close to the coast. On 18 November heavy defenses and countermeasures close to the coast made it necessary to move farther from shore in area CG 80. On 20 November the limit had to be extended to CG 70. As a result a wide gap was made west of Cape Vincent, through which shipping from England could pass without being attacked. Similarly shipping from the S.W. would not be apprehended.
Since this disposition brought no success, placements along an E-W line was ordered on 23 November. In this way a final attempt was made to intercept traffic through the "Hole". On the other hand, boats were given the option of operating freely in case of countermeasures became to strong close to Gibraltar and Morocco. This new disposition of craft brought no success. Whether because of intercepts, or reports, from Gibraltar many convoys must have passed through this area and not one was seen, an indication that countermeasures were successful in keeping boats submerged day and night at some distance.

2) For the purpose of clearing up the situation, 2 well known captains (U 155; Piening - U 130; Kals) were requested to give their opinions of the possibilities for success and the anti-submarine situation in the last operational area. According to the reports of the two captains and previous reports of other boats, the following situation is presented:
Since the enemy has gained a foothold in Morocco his anti-submarine measures have strengthened greatly. Heavy air patrols day and night ranging 300 miles from land, patrol craft and destroyer search groups divided among the area, make even one's presence in these areas difficult and dangerous. With one exception (ship alone sunk by U 92) convoys are strongly protected and air patrols are rapidly making attack area untenable. The U-boat should not be committed in areas close to land since it is not able to take evasive measures.
Example: Attacks on convoys in the North Channel have been considered impossible for the past 1 1/2 years, and in this connection it is worthy of notice that defences in that area were never so strong as those of Gibraltar are today, surface and aircraft radar and patrols not considered. 3) Since 20 November there has been no further success reported, so that the total in the Gibraltar - Morocco area remains at the following level:

12 Nov. DJ 2519 3 explosions, 1 hit seen on freighter. U 173
13 Nov. CG 8830 4 hits on Birmingham type cruiser, 1 DD probably sunk. U 515
14 Nov. Fedala Roads 2 transports sunk, 1 probably sunk. Total 22,500 tons. U 130
14 Nov. CG 4556 "Warwick Castle". U 413
15 Nov CG 8665 3 hits on 3 large transports. U 155
16 Nov DJ 2284 Hit on 6,000 tonner. U 173
16 Nov CG 9457 Ship 12,000 tons sunk. U 92
20 Nov. CG 8731 3 steamers 15,000 tons sunk, 1 steamer torpedo. U 263

The transport "Warwick Castle" was sunk W. of Lisbon by a boat returning to port.
Therefore in the last 5 days: 1 cruiser, 1 destroyer and 5 ships were sunk 7 ships torpedoed.
In the next 4 days: 3 ships sunk, 1 ship torpedoed and no further sinkings since 21 November.
Against this we suffered the following losses and damage out of total of 23 boats.
Total loss: 3 boats U 411 - 98 - 173.
Badly damaged so that immediate return was ordered: U 218 - 613 - 413 - 566 - 263.
A number of boats suffered minor damage from plane bombs of D/C's.
Deductions: Attack of supply shipping in the usual stationary manner no longer possible within 500 miles of Gibraltar. Further delay does not indicate losses. Without corresponding compensating possibilities of success.
Conclusions: Attacks on supply shipping must be carried out beyond the range of enemy air patrols, since it then can be treated as a pure convoy action this must be begun on the "Starting side of the Atlantic" so far from Gibraltar that attack is possible for several days.

4) From the data at hand (U-boat sightings intercepts, intelligence reports) is is decided that evidently a larger part of ships used in the African landing, especially troop transports from England and a few convoys from America came from the N.W.
a) There are only small prospects of success in operations against shipping from England since there are constant English air patrols in the area. Running attack is therefore impossible and the prospects for stationary attacks are bad since the area to be occupied between 11 and 24° is too large. Convoys can be cut up by incoming and outgoing boats and short operations are possible by these boats and can be carried out if the convoys are sighted
b) Attack on the America - Gibraltar supply traffic: Only 2 reports given along the enemy route: Convoy in CF 4399, course E. on 2 November (sighting report of U 514) convoy N. of Azores course E. on 16 November (Spy). The entire Great Circle route between Norfolk and Boston on one side and Gibraltar on the other side lies N. of the Azores between 39 and 42 N. and this offers promise for a fair amount of success to operations in that area.
Aims: Boats of Group "Westwall" which have sufficient fuel are to take position in observation line from CF 6518 to 9189 and sail westward toward the presumed convoy route. Boats which are low on fuel are to refuel at once and join the group in order to broaden the observation strip. Boats to sail together westward to about CD 20. From here attacks can be carried out without the presence of enemy aircraft from the east. If no convoys are sighted this operation will be considered a failure. On the other hand, interception of only one convoy will result in greater success than Group "Westwall" has had thus far.


He 111 aircraft from Tatsinskaya Airfield and Morozovskaya Airfield in Rostov Oblast, Russia fly 75 tons of supplies, mostly fuel, into Stalingrad.


U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Thursday, 26 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


The British 36th Brigade reaches Jefna, Tunisia and runs into an ambush of our troops, suffering heavy casualties. Meanwhile, the British 11th Brigade captures Majaz al Bab unopposed. The 1st Battalion of US 1st Armored Regiment raids the Axis airfield at Djedeida, shooting up 23 Ju 87 Stuka and 14 Bf 109 fighters.

Low cloud ceiling of 200 meters and periodic snow showers hinder our ability to supply our troops in Stalingrad, on this day.

After joint pursuit with U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte), U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) sank Norwegian ship "India" 5,041 tons in ER 9833, course 310°.
U 178 (IXD2; Kpt. Hans Ibbeken) has seen nothing since 26 November in area KY 95 to JJ 15. Fired a 2 shot spread which missed a freighter on 21 November in KY 9693, course 70°. Boat on return cruise.

U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth) sank a freighter of 2,000 tons in KP 53, also the steamer "Corinthiakos" (3,562 tons) as well as the "Alcoa Pathfinder", 6,900 tons. No ships have left Lourenco Marques since 20 November. Shipping from the N.E. very hard to intercept because the N.E. border of the area is too near. Further sinkings were: "Mounthelmos" 6,481 tons in KP 6465, enroute Suez to Capetown and "Dorington Court" (5,281 tons) in KP 6158, course 290°.

U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) one of the boats short of fuel near "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor), sighted a steamer in BD 7590 on course 190° and 2 hours later 3 smoke plumes on estimated N. course. Pursuit impossible because of lack of fuel
Since the weather has improved, re-supplying will begin today by Schnorr. Heavy weather has prevented this operation up to date. The boats have been cruising about for 6 days near the tanker and some have no fuel at all. This is even more unpleasant since a number of ships and destroyers have been encountered nearby, which must have come from convoys which have been broken up. Warning has been issued to these boats to give assistance to each other.

U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) is occupying ES 40 as attack area. "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) gave anti-radar gear cables to U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) and U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) as well as Junkers spare parts to U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus). U-Stiebler is moving southward, and is designated as refueling boat for other boats in this area. Rendezvous is planned for 9 days hence.

U 263 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) is sailing through Bay of Biscay according to plan and was in position BF 9716 at 0900 on 27 November.

A number of attack reports from ships as well as sighting reports by aircraft gives indication of the presence of a U-boat in BC and CC. It is possible that this boat is U 520 (Kptlt. Volkmar Schwartzkopff) which is believed lost but which may be unable to report because of breakdown of her radio gear. We must await further developments.

According to the proposal of B.d.U., boats are free to attack single ships in the area of route "Anton", N. of 25° N. and W. of 20° W., effective at once.

Yugoslavian Partisans convene the first meeting of the Anti-Fascist Council of National Liberation of Yugoslavia at Bihac in northwestern Bosnia.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Thursday, 26 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


The British 36th Brigade reaches Jefna, Tunisia and runs into an ambush of our troops, suffering heavy casualties. Meanwhile, the British 11th Brigade captures Majaz al Bab unopposed. The 1st Battalion of US 1st Armored Regiment raids the Axis airfield at Djedeida, shooting up 23 Ju 87 Stuka and 14 Bf 109 fighters.

Low cloud ceiling of 200 meters and periodic snow showers hinder our ability to supply our troops in Stalingrad, on this day.

After joint pursuit with U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte), U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) sank Norwegian ship "India" 5,041 tons in ER 9833, course 310°.
U 178 (IXD2; Kpt. Hans Ibbeken) has seen nothing since 26 November in area KY 95 to JJ 15. Fired a 2 shot spread which missed a freighter on 21 November in KY 9693, course 70°. Boat on return cruise.

U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth) sank a freighter of 2,000 tons in KP 53, also the steamer "Corinthiakos" (3,562 tons) as well as the "Alcoa Pathfinder", 6,900 tons. No ships have left Lourenco Marques since 20 November. Shipping from the N.E. very hard to intercept because the N.E. border of the area is too near. Further sinkings were: "Mounthelmos" 6,481 tons in KP 6465, enroute Suez to Capetown and "Dorington Court" (5,281 tons) in KP 6158, course 290°.

U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) one of the boats short of fuel near "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor), sighted a steamer in BD 7590 on course 190° and 2 hours later 3 smoke plumes on estimated N. course. Pursuit impossible because of lack of fuel
Since the weather has improved, re-supplying will begin today by Schnorr. Heavy weather has prevented this operation up to date. The boats have been cruising about for 6 days near the tanker and some have no fuel at all. This is even more unpleasant since a number of ships and destroyers have been encountered nearby, which must have come from convoys which have been broken up. Warning has been issued to these boats to give assistance to each other.

U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) is occupying ES 40 as attack area. "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) gave anti-radar gear cables to U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) and U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) as well as Junkers spare parts to U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus). U-Stiebler is moving southward, and is designated as refueling boat for other boats in this area. Rendezvous is planned for 9 days hence.

U 263 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) is sailing through Bay of Biscay according to plan and was in position BF 9716 at 0900 on 27 November.

A number of attack reports from ships as well as sighting reports by aircraft gives indication of the presence of a U-boat in BC and CC. It is possible that this boat is U 520 (Kptlt. Volkmar Schwartzkopff) which is believed lost but which may be unable to report because of breakdown of her radio gear. We must await further developments.

According to the proposal of B.d.U., boats are free to attack single ships in the area of route "Anton", N. of 25° N. and W. of 20° W., effective at once.

Yugoslavian Partisans convene the first meeting of the Anti-Fascist Council of National Liberation of Yugoslavia at Bihac in northwestern Bosnia.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Friday, 27 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Axis forces stiffen resistance on the approaches to Tunis, as our forces in Tunisia counterattack, capturing 286 men from the British 11th Brigade.

Commanded by General Erich von Manstein, the Armeegruppe "Don" is formed in southern Russia, in order to relieve the 6th Army in Stalingrad.

U 663 (Kptlt. Heinrich Schmid) sank a steamer in AJ 8844, type "Clan Maquarry" (6,000 tons). Deck load consisted of aircraft and landing barges.

U 174 (FrgKpt. Ulrich Thilo) situation: Inner roads of Fortaleza empty. Lights extinguished along harbor but city was lit up. Shelling possible, no air patrols. Nothing seen in FB 60 and 91. Boat received FB 21 - 36 as new operational area since attacks on the harbor have not yet been authorized.

So far "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) has supplied U 84 - 753 and 606. U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) which was drifting and entirely out of fuel, was picked up by U 521 (Kptlt. Klaus Heinrich Bargsten) and will be refueled when the weather permits.

The former Spanish route was abolished because of the U.S. port of Baltimore and Norfolk are closed to neutral shipping. Ships now sail from entrance point CE 4956 to 38° N. westwards to the coast. Only destination is Philadelphia.

Attack area in the Mozambique route will immediately be broadened to 20° S.

As we occupy the naval base at Toulon, the French Navy scuttles warships to avoid capture.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Friday, 27 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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Axis forces stiffen resistance on the approaches to Tunis, as our forces in Tunisia counterattack, capturing 286 men from the British 11th Brigade.

Commanded by General Erich von Manstein, the Armeegruppe "Don" is formed in southern Russia, in order to relieve the 6th Army in Stalingrad.

U 663 (Kptlt. Heinrich Schmid) sank a steamer in AJ 8844, type "Clan Maquarry" (6,000 tons). Deck load consisted of aircraft and landing barges.

U 174 (FrgKpt. Ulrich Thilo) situation: Inner roads of Fortaleza empty. Lights extinguished along harbor but city was lit up. Shelling possible, no air patrols. Nothing seen in FB 60 and 91. Boat received FB 21 - 36 as new operational area since attacks on the harbor have not yet been authorized.

So far "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) has supplied U 84 - 753 and 606. U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) which was drifting and entirely out of fuel, was picked up by U 521 (Kptlt. Klaus Heinrich Bargsten) and will be refueled when the weather permits.

The former Spanish route was abolished because of the U.S. port of Baltimore and Norfolk are closed to neutral shipping. Ships now sail from entrance point CE 4956 to 38° N. westwards to the coast. Only destination is Philadelphia.

Attack area in the Mozambique route will immediately be broadened to 20° S.

As we occupy the naval base at Toulon, the French Navy scuttles warships to avoid capture.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Saturday, 28 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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Infantry of British 11th Brigade and tanks of US 1st Armored Division attacke Djedeida, Tunisia unsuccessfully, losing 19 tanks in the process.

Because of especially heavy supply shipping and presence of 30 - 40 ships in Fedala and Casablanca (spy reports) U 618 (Oblt. Kurt Baberg) ordered there at high speed.

U 167 (IXC/40; Kptlt. Kurt Neubert) sighted "Empire Glade" in EF 2463 course 310. U-boat scored a number of hits during an artillery engagement but stopped pursuit at dawn.

U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) sank Dutch "Tojileboot", 5,760 T. in ES 7633 on 29 November. She blew up as she was torpedoed - no survivors.

U 177 (Kptlt. Robert Gysae) sank English auxiliary "Nova Scotia" cruiser (6,796 tons) in KP 8325, carrying over 1000 Italian internees from Massana. Two survivors taken on board and about 400 in lifeboats and rafts. Had to leave because of air patrols. Rescue activities impossible by U-boat traveling alone. Request orders regarding operations.

Single ships on the S. African - W. Indies route sometimes follow a course 75 miles wide from Capetown along the coast to 20° S., then spread out toward St. Helena - Ascension St. Paul Rocks. U 178 (IXD2; Kpt. Hans Ibbeken) ordered to intercept this activity on her return cruise.

U 552 (Kptlt. Klaus Popp, ex Topp) is to operate off Dakar as fuel permits since Free French merchant and warships are believed to be operating with the enemy in that area, receiving information from the Guallists. U 552 reports however that neither the fuel supply or the condition of the crew permits any further operation. U 552 is returning to port.

U 224 (Oblt. Hans-Carl Kosbadt) has been re-supplied by "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor).

U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) has transferred a total of 8 air torpedoes to U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte).

U-boats were informed of the departure of the Italian blockade runner "Cortellazzo".

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

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Saturday, 28 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Infantry of British 11th Brigade and tanks of US 1st Armored Division attacke Djedeida, Tunisia unsuccessfully, losing 19 tanks in the process.

Because of especially heavy supply shipping and presence of 30 - 40 ships in Fedala and Casablanca (spy reports) U 618 (Oblt. Kurt Baberg) ordered there at high speed.

U 167 (IXC/40; Kptlt. Kurt Neubert) sighted "Empire Glade" in EF 2463 course 310. U-boat scored a number of hits during an artillery engagement but stopped pursuit at dawn.

U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) sank Dutch "Tojileboot", 5,760 T. in ES 7633 on 29 November. She blew up as she was torpedoed - no survivors.

U 177 (Kptlt. Robert Gysae) sank English auxiliary "Nova Scotia" cruiser (6,796 tons) in KP 8325, carrying over 1000 Italian internees from Massana. Two survivors taken on board and about 400 in lifeboats and rafts. Had to leave because of air patrols. Rescue activities impossible by U-boat traveling alone. Request orders regarding operations.

Single ships on the S. African - W. Indies route sometimes follow a course 75 miles wide from Capetown along the coast to 20° S., then spread out toward St. Helena - Ascension St. Paul Rocks. U 178 (IXD2; Kpt. Hans Ibbeken) ordered to intercept this activity on her return cruise.

U 552 (Kptlt. Klaus Popp, ex Topp) is to operate off Dakar as fuel permits since Free French merchant and warships are believed to be operating with the enemy in that area, receiving information from the Guallists. U 552 reports however that neither the fuel supply or the condition of the crew permits any further operation. U 552 is returning to port.

U 224 (Oblt. Hans-Carl Kosbadt) has been re-supplied by "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor).

U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) has transferred a total of 8 air torpedoes to U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte).

U-boats were informed of the departure of the Italian blockade runner "Cortellazzo".

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Sunday, 29 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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British 2nd Parachute Battalion is dropped near Depienne airfield, Tunisia.

The Soviet Transcaucasus Front launches an offensive against our lines along the Terek River in the Caucasus region in southern Russia; it will be be halted within days.

Russian Light cruiser Voroshilov bombards Axis positions near Feodossija, Crimea, and is damaged by German naval mines.

French merchant and warships are to be sunk at once unless they have been especially reported as such. All Swedish ships not in Goeteborge traffic which are inside blockade area are to be sunk, after being stopped and after the crew has abandoned ship.

U 553 (KrvKpt. Karl Thurmann) is the first boat to put out equipped with F.A.T. torpedoes - put out to sea on 23 Nov. Boats at sea were instructed to act accordingly during combined attacks. Further equipping of boats follows according to yard capabilities.

U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth) sank a freighter (4,500 tons) on 28 November in KP 3742 with torpedoes and gun fire. Portuguese "Inharrime" sighted in the same area, her flag and insignia were not illuminated.

U 178 (IXD2; Kpt. Hans Ibbeken) on 27 November sank American new ship "Jeremia Wadsworth" 8,000 tons in JJ 2557 course 0°. Allegedly enroute from New Orleans to Bombay.

U 177 (Kptlt. Robert Gysae) situation since the last sinking the E. sector off Durban has been quiet for 5 days. Great deal of shipping seen from 30 - 50° over RP 8530. Standing sea patrols. Raider sunk on 28 November was steering 210 at 14 knots. According to statement of the crew voyage from Aden to Durban lasted 9 1/2 days. Medium enemy activity under way.

U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) had taken on 7 cubic meters from U 521 (Kptlt. Klaus Heinrich Bargsten) and is sailing for "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor). U-Schnoor has supplied U 43 and U 106.

Due to departure of the Italian blockade runner, the N. section of route "Anton" was closed by order and on 30 November at 1200 the following limitations lifted: area to E. from 30° West and on 2 December to N. of 35° North.

The United States begin to ration coffee.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Sunday, 29 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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British 2nd Parachute Battalion is dropped near Depienne airfield, Tunisia.

The Soviet Transcaucasus Front launches an offensive against our lines along the Terek River in the Caucasus region in southern Russia; it will be be halted within days.

Russian Light cruiser Voroshilov bombards Axis positions near Feodossija, Crimea, and is damaged by German naval mines.

French merchant and warships are to be sunk at once unless they have been especially reported as such. All Swedish ships not in Goeteborge traffic which are inside blockade area are to be sunk, after being stopped and after the crew has abandoned ship.

U 553 (KrvKpt. Karl Thurmann) is the first boat to put out equipped with F.A.T. torpedoes - put out to sea on 23 Nov. Boats at sea were instructed to act accordingly during combined attacks. Further equipping of boats follows according to yard capabilities.

U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth) sank a freighter (4,500 tons) on 28 November in KP 3742 with torpedoes and gun fire. Portuguese "Inharrime" sighted in the same area, her flag and insignia were not illuminated.

U 178 (IXD2; Kpt. Hans Ibbeken) on 27 November sank American new ship "Jeremia Wadsworth" 8,000 tons in JJ 2557 course 0°. Allegedly enroute from New Orleans to Bombay.

U 177 (Kptlt. Robert Gysae) situation since the last sinking the E. sector off Durban has been quiet for 5 days. Great deal of shipping seen from 30 - 50° over RP 8530. Standing sea patrols. Raider sunk on 28 November was steering 210 at 14 knots. According to statement of the crew voyage from Aden to Durban lasted 9 1/2 days. Medium enemy activity under way.

U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) had taken on 7 cubic meters from U 521 (Kptlt. Klaus Heinrich Bargsten) and is sailing for "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor). U-Schnoor has supplied U 43 and U 106.

Due to departure of the Italian blockade runner, the N. section of route "Anton" was closed by order and on 30 November at 1200 the following limitations lifted: area to E. from 30° West and on 2 December to N. of 35° North.

The United States begin to ration coffee.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++


Monday, 30 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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Luftwaffe VIII. Fliegerkorps is relieved of all its combat duties. Instead, its aircraft stationed across Rostov Oblast, Russia, are ordered to focus on flying supplies into Stalingrad.

British 2nd Parachute Battalion reaches high ground at Prise de L'Eau in Tunisia one day after having been dropped into the country.

U 618 (Oblt. Kurt Baberg) and U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) are underway to DJ 20. Boats have orders to carry out short surprise attacks against harbors of Mehdia, Casablanca, and Mazagan and to act according to enemy counter attacks. These harbors, according to most recent information are debarkation ports for troops and material.

U 663 - 623 - 445 are sailing to be supplied by "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) in BD 7415. Combined activity is proposed with Group "Westwall" on the American - Gibraltar convoy routes.

U 118 (XB; KrvKpt. Werner Czygan) has supplied U 564 - 519 - 86 - 92 and 653.

"Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) and U 505 (Kptlt. Peter Zschech) have met in DG 92 for transfer of anti-radar gear cable and a sick man.

U 513 (KrvKpt. Rolf Rüggeberg) has taken on pumps and nozzles from U 68 (KrvKpt. Karl-Friedrich Merten).

U 174 (FrgKpt. Ulrich Thilo) missed two shots on the C2 type ship as reported by U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) course 260°, speed 17 knots, heavily armed. Possible pistol failure.

U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth) sank Greek "Cleathis" 4,153 tons in KP 3525 with gunfire, ship was armed.

Attack on single ships along route "Anton" has been further prohibited as follows: From 2 December at 0000 N. of 35° N. from 4 December 0000 N. of 15° N. Complete prohibition is planned by about 8 December.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

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

+++++++


Monday, 30 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

+++++++


Luftwaffe VIII. Fliegerkorps is relieved of all its combat duties. Instead, its aircraft stationed across Rostov Oblast, Russia, are ordered to focus on flying supplies into Stalingrad.

British 2nd Parachute Battalion reaches high ground at Prise de L'Eau in Tunisia one day after having been dropped into the country.

U 618 (Oblt. Kurt Baberg) and U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) are underway to DJ 20. Boats have orders to carry out short surprise attacks against harbors of Mehdia, Casablanca, and Mazagan and to act according to enemy counter attacks. These harbors, according to most recent information are debarkation ports for troops and material.

U 663 - 623 - 445 are sailing to be supplied by "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) in BD 7415. Combined activity is proposed with Group "Westwall" on the American - Gibraltar convoy routes.

U 118 (XB; KrvKpt. Werner Czygan) has supplied U 564 - 519 - 86 - 92 and 653.

"Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) and U 505 (Kptlt. Peter Zschech) have met in DG 92 for transfer of anti-radar gear cable and a sick man.

U 513 (KrvKpt. Rolf Rüggeberg) has taken on pumps and nozzles from U 68 (KrvKpt. Karl-Friedrich Merten).

U 174 (FrgKpt. Ulrich Thilo) missed two shots on the C2 type ship as reported by U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) course 260°, speed 17 knots, heavily armed. Possible pistol failure.

U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth) sank Greek "Cleathis" 4,153 tons in KP 3525 with gunfire, ship was armed.

Attack on single ships along route "Anton" has been further prohibited as follows: From 2 December at 0000 N. of 35° N. from 4 December 0000 N. of 15° N. Complete prohibition is planned by about 8 December.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Tuesday, 1 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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The "Grado" Battalion of the "San Marco" naval infantry regiment of Italian Navy, is attached to our Army units in Tunisia. Our 10th Panzer Division launches a counterattack in Tunisia, pushing back the British 11th Brigade. Meanwhile, British 2nd Parachute Brigade crosses Miliane River south of Oudna airfield and continues northwest toward El Fedja.

After supplying U 564 - 519 - 86 - 92 - 653 orders are to occupy the intended reconnaissance lines to cover the America - Gibraltar convoy traffic. U 106 has recently joined Group "Westwall". Boats received orders to patrol in reconnaissance channels from CE 1363 - CE 4966 on 3.12. at 0800, course W., daily reckoning 160 miles in the following order: U 106 - 103 - 130 - 515 - 155 - 91 - 185 - 564 - 519 - 86 - 92 and 653.

The verbal reports of the Captains of U 263 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) and U 613 (Kptlt. Helmut Köppe) completely back up the accuracy of the resolution to move westward from the Gibraltar area. Both Captains' reports are in agreement regarding the very strong and dangerous air patrols which forced boats to remain submerged for excessive lengths of time. The fact that both boats returned to W. France in spite of heavy damage is on the one side, due to the outstanding quality of German U-boats, on the other side, due to the aggressive and unshakeable character of the crews, especially the Captains. As long as such crews (both boats on 1st war cruise) come from the homeland, one need have no misgivings regarding the future of the U-boat war. Also if the war becomes more difficult, these men will meet it with still greater fortitude.
In spite of these difficult circumstances which made the operations of larger numbers of U-boats W. of Gibraltar useless, 2 have closed the Moroccan harbors, through use of U 618 (Oblt. Kurt Baberg) and U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze). The possibility to gain something by sending single boats close to the coast must at least be attempted.

(Signed): DÖNITZ.


Italian blockade runner "Cortelazzo" was attacked by an English cruiser in BE 8481 at 1600 and was scuttled by the crew. Returning boats received orders, as far as fuel situation allows, to proceed at high speed to scene of the action and to take the crew on board. The first 5 boats can be in position after about 26 hours - 3 more with course of the 3rd and three more in the morning of the 4th/12. A U-boat coming from the E. goes to meet a life boat sailing to Spain. On assembly the boats are to begin the search according to weather conditions and drift. It is intended to use 3 Condor (rec. planes) on the 2nd.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115