KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Mon., 18.12.39 - Western Approaches

0525 - Qu. A M 7988 - Surfaced for venting the boat. Weather still bad but it is not raining anymore.

0550 - Qu. B E 3322 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
Reached assigned PZ. Moving toward Op.-area south of Finisterre due to weather in acc. with Op.-orders. E9, Sea8, heavy swell from SW, overcast, <1000mb, fog, visibility <250m, 0°C. 96 cbm, 5 Eto, 9 Ato. "Gelhaar"

0800 - Qu. B E 3352 - Diving for test dive at A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30.

1200 - Qu. B E 3355 - Days Run: 73.7 sm - ↗ 26.2 sm - ↘ 47.5 sm
96 cbm. 5 Eto and 9 Ato. E9, Sea8, heavy swell from SW, overcast, <1000mb, fog, poor visibility, 0°C
Sunrise 1105 - Sunset 1914

Submerged cruise at A-40. Continuing outgoing cruise.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Tue., 19.12.39 - In front of the Channel

0545 - Qu. B E 3388 - Surfaced for venting the boat. Patrolled assigned PZ for 24h.

1200 - Qu. B E 3682 - Days Run: 74.8 sm - ↗ 45.4 sm - ↘ 29.4 sm
95 cbm. 5 Eto and 9 Ato. E9, Sea8, heavy swell from SW, overcast, <1000mb, fog, poor visibility, 0°C
Sunrise 1104 - Sunset 1919

Dived for submerged cruise at A-40.

Continuing outgoing cruise.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Wed., 20.12.39 - In front of the Channel

0600 - Qu. B E 3955 - Surfaced for venting the boat. The weather has improved. Finally, navigational fix can be taken again.

Incoming F.T.:
Boat trailing heavy oil slick out of one tank. Returning to base.
"Schütze"

1200 - Qu. B E 6325 - Days Run: 84.0 sm - ↗ 41.0 sm - ↘ 43.0 sm
94 cbm. 5 Eto and 9 Ato. W9, Sea8, heavy swell from north, moderate, ~1000mb, light haze, medium visibility, 2°C
Sunrise 1058 - Sunset 1859

1203 - Steamer bearing 228°, E=10000, on course West, slow speed.

1210 - Steamer producing thick, black smoke, running on course 260°, speed 5 kn.
Veered boat on heading 290° and hauled ahead, outside the steamers field of view.

1240 - Diving for submerged attack. Boat is windward, the sun stands bearing 140° true.

1245 - Vessel is identified as an English coastal steamer of approx. 1174 ts. - Battle stations!

1322 - Single shot with tube III (G 7 a, Pi-1, K-a, magnetic fuse, Vt 30, running depth 5m):
E=300, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 4 knots, aim-off red 25°, own course 170°:
Torpedo failure! The torpedo understeers and runs amidships beneath the steamer, failing to detonate.

I'm now too close for a second shot. Also, the steamer begins to commence evasion maneuvers.
I brake-off the attack, because the target does not appear to be lucrative enough, for me to risk anymore torpedoes in the existing sea conditions.

1330 - Diving to A-30 for reloading of tube III. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

1440 - Surfaced. Continuing outgoing cruise.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Thu., 21.12.39 - Biscaya

1043 - Qu. B E 6988 - French naval aircraft type Latecoere flying over the boat. The plane approached out of the rising sun but did not drop any bombs.

While the airplane is turning around astern to approach the boat again, I'm ordering the M.G.-2cm-C/30 to be manned. At a distance of about 2000m, Bts.Mt. & Nr.3 Ewald "Rudi" Fischer, shoots down the airplane, with 14 rounds of the Flak gun.

After investigating the crash site and finding nothing, I head off on a southerly course.

1200 - Qu. B E 9322 - Days Run: 177.1 sm - ↗ 171.2 sm - ↘ 5.9 sm
91 cbm. 5 Eto and 8 Ato. SW4, Sea3, light swell from north, clear, >1000mb, light haze, good visibility, 0°C
Sunrise 1021 - Sunset 1834

1205 - Right after lunch, the Ob.Strm. is just taking a navigational fix, the boat has to dive from two french naval planes, bearing 65° true, on course WSW, E=8000. At A-Meter no bombs.

1210 - The soound operator reports a contact of a slow steamer, bearing 30°, on northerly course, E=14000.
Boat remains submerged and goes into position for a submerged attack.

1300 - The ship is identified as a Spanish motor vessel of about 5903 ts. Breaking off the attack.
Torpedo maintenance at A-50.

1555 - Qu. B E 9328 - Surfaced and continued outgoing cruise.

Finally, we have better weather! And even though, that with the improved weather the enemy air surveillance makes its presence known, there is good reason for hope, that we will come across many rewarding targets.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Fri., 22.12.39 - Northwest of Finisterre

1022 - Qu. B E 9991 - Alarm from French naval aircraft bearing 20° true, on course 235°, E=4000. At A-Meter no bombs. Test dive at A+20.

1102 - Qu. B E 9994 - Surfaced.

1200 - Qu. B E 9995 - Days Run: 188.7 sm - ↗ 173.4 sm - ↘ 15.3 sm
87 cbm. 5 Eto and 8 Ato. SW4, Sea3, light swell from north, clear, >1000mb, light haze, good visibility, 2°C
Sunrise 0940 - Sunset 1830

1402 - Qu. C G 1333 - A pair of French naval aircraft bearing 0° true, on course NE, E=6000. No approach. Boat remains surfaced.

1707 - Qu. C G 2119 - Two smoke plumes bearing 90°, E=9000, seem to be on a NNE heading. Evading outside the field of view. Intercepted radio message on the 600m-Wavelength, which identifies the vessels as being of neutral nationality. No uboat warning sent.

1757 - Qu. C G 2151 - Suddenly a French naval aircraft appears and approaches the boat from 130° true, is already very close.

I order the flak gun to be manned. At the third flyover, the plane drops a single bomb, which falls about 50m to the starboard bow and causes no damage. During the entire time, we steer evasion maneuvers and cover the boat and finally, chase off the airplane, with constant flak fire from the M.G.-2cm-C/30.

1900 - Qu. C G 2155 - A pair of French naval aircraft cross the boats stern at a distance of about 4000m. They are initially, on a southwest heading but then turn and fly off on course NE.

I do not intend to take on two airplanes, so as a precaution, I order the bridge to be cleared. After the planes have disappeared, I order the lookouts back on the bridge and continue the outgoing cruise.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Sat., 23.12.39 - Southwest of Finisterre

1200 - Qu. C G 2822 - Days Run: ↗ 196.5 sm
84 cbm. 5 Eto and 8 Ato. N7, Sea6, light swell from north, clear, >1000mb, light haze, medium visibility, 4°C
Sunrise 0922 - Sunset 1825

1241 - Qu. C G 2825 - Diving from a pair of French naval aircraft bearing 30° true, E=6000.
While closing the conning tower hatch, I notice that the airplanes are turning away and flying off again.
Boat remains submerged. Torpedo maintenance at A-30. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

1606 - Qu. C G 2852 - Surfaced.

1657 - Qu. C G 2855 - Alarm from three french naval airplanes approaching from 45° true, E=5000.
At A-Meter no bombs. Test dive at A+20. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

2021 - Qu. C G 2858 - Surfaced.

Reached new Op.-area.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Sun., 24.12.39 - West coast of Portugal

1200 - Qu. C G 5282 - Days Run: 158.2 sm - ↗ 136.1 sm - ↘ 22.1 sm
81 cbm. 5 Eto and 8 Ato. N7, Sea6, medium swell from south, clear, >1000mb, light haze, medium visibility, 6°C
Sunrise 0914 - Sunset 1835

Lisbon 30 sm abeam to port.

Incoming F.T.:
Weather report from "U.-Sohler", west of the Hebrides.

1420 - Qu. C G 5825 - Incoming F.T.: Shipping Report:
Surface vessel in Marqu. C G 5859, heading NNW, medium speed.

Altered course to 160°.

1550 - Qu. C G 5829 - Incoming F.T.: Shipping Report:
Surface vessel now in Marqu. C G 5853, on course 333, speed 8-9 kn.

Altered course to 180°.

1606 - Qu. C G 5829 - "A shadow ahead to port 10!" Appears to be a Whale Factory Ship of about 6625 ts., traveling on course 334°, speed 8 kn, E=9000. Maneuvering boat to the port side of the steamer.

1620 - Diving for submerged attack and moving into attack position.
As we get closer, the ship is identified as a large English Motor Vessel of about 5903 ts, draught 7.3m.

1652 - Single shot with tube I (G 7 e, Pi-1, K-b, magnetic fuse, running depth 8.3m):
E=800, inclination red 90°, enemy speed 9 knots, aim-off 0°, own course 65°:
Torpedo hit after 36 Sec.!

The steamer continues to travel at slow speed and begins to zigzag. Thick smoke is coming out of the belly of the ship. I'm going on parallel course with the steamer and descend to T=33 for reloading of tube I. After a while, it becomes apparent, that the steamer has picked up speed again, because we can't keep up with her, even at flank speed.
Back to periscope depth, I can't make out any armament on her, so, I decide to surface.

We are positioned windward, with the sun behind us and pass the steamer along its port side very slowly, due to the wind and sea conditions, as there is now a northern swell. The entire time she doesn't send any radio messages, so, I assume, that the first torpedo hit must have knocked the radio equipment out of commission.

1735 - Finally, we are in attack position again. We turn in toward the port beam for a surface attack (Shooter: Ernst von Bergen-Windels, Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & I.W.O.).

1736 - Single shot with tube IV (G 7 a, Pi-1, K-a, magnetic fuse, Vt 30, running depth 8.3m):
E=1000, inclination red 70°, enemy speed 5 knots, aim-off green 10°, own course 65°:
Torpedo hit after 55 Sec.!

1747 - Qu. C G 5825 - The steamer looses speed but continues to cruise ahead. The fire under the bridge has intensified. We are now lee-ward with a northern swell. I decide to launch another surface shot and veer the boat (Shooter: Ernst von Bergen-Windels, Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & I.W.O.).

1748 - Single shot with tube III (G 7 e, Pi-1, K-b, magnetic fuse, running depth 8.3m):
E=650, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 5 knots, aim-off green 25°, own course 245°:
The torpedo explodes prematurely after 22 Sec.!

I veer the boat again, to bring the stern tube to bear, as all of a sudden, two French naval airplanes arrive at the scene, approaching from 180° true. I'm about to give the order to crash dive, as they each drop 1 bomb at one of our previous attack positions and fly off again.

1755 - Single shot with tube V (G 7 a, Pi-1, K-a, magnetic fuse, Vt 30, running depth 8.3m):
E=1000, inclination green 83°, enemy speed 5 knots, aim-off green 11°, own course 60° (Shooter: Ernst von Bergen-Windels, Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & I.W.O.).:
Torpedo hit aft of the funnel, after 66 Sec.!

There is a tremendous secondary explosion within the ship and very thick smoke emission. She sinks about 1 minute thereafter. I veer the boat and approach 2 Carley Floats and question the 8 survivors in them. Apparently, the ships name is MV Mary Slessor. She was on course from Algiers - Gibraltar to Liverpool, with general cargo, including sardines and tartar, as well as, a complement of 80 onboard.

I head off on course south, before more airplanes arrive. It concerns me, that the two French naval planes were apparently, looking for us, even though, there were no radio messages intercepted from the steamer. I order the radio equipment to be checked but no failure is found. This situation confirms my opinion, to keep radio transmission to a bare minimum.

1930 - Qu. C G 5852 - Diving for torpedo reloading at A-30 and afterwards, submerged cruise at A-20.

After 2 weeks at sea and a long storm period behind us, the crew has now been rewarded with its first sinking on this cruise, right on Christmas Eve. I'm certain, it's a sign of many more good things to come.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Mon., 25.12.39 - West coast of Portugal

1110 - Qu. C G 5895 - Surfaced for venting the boat and charging of batteries.

1200 - Qu. C G 5895 - Days Run: 95.3 sm - ↗ 58.3 sm - ↘ 37.0 sm
80 cbm. 3 Eto and 6 Ato. N7, Sea6, medium swell from north, clear, >1000mb, light haze, medium visibility, 4°C
Sunrise 0925 - Sunset 1854

1320 - Qu. C G 8232 - Diving for submerged cruise at A-40.

2120 - Qu. C G 8266 - Surfaced for venting the boat and charging of batteries.

2400 - Qu. C G 8371 - Cape St. Vincent with Fort Sagres, 8 sm abeam to port.

No further occurences.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Tue., 26.12.39 - In front of the Gibraltar Strait

0931 - Qu. C G 8674 - Alarm from Swordfish aircraft approaching from 50° true.

The plane was initially on heading NE and was positioned directly in front of the rising sun. When it was first sighted, it had turned in toward the boat and was already at a distance of about 2000m.
At T=20 two bombs and light concussions - no damages.

Afterwards, test dive at A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30.

1200 - Qu. C G 8911 - Days Run: 127.2 sm - ↗ 94.0 sm - ↘ 33.2 sm
77 cbm. 3 Eto and 6 Ato. N7, Sea6, medium swell from north, clear, >1000mb, light haze, medium visibility, 3°C
Sunrise 0928 - Sunset 1908

2116 - Qu. C G 8831 - Surfaced for venting the boat and replenishing the air supply.

Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Sohler: B-Dienst has calculated the position of an enemy convoy at the west coast of Portugal. Operation on this convoy.

The convoy appears to be heading north. This shipping report along with the other reports received, seem to suggest, that the west coast of Portugal is indeed a highly frequented shipping area. I therefore decide, to operate towards the north again.

2135 - Qu. C G 8597 - Diving for submerged cruise at A-40, due to the sea constantly washing over the bridge.

Nothing further to report.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Wed., 27.12.39 - In front of the Gibraltar Strait

1200 - Qu. C G 8561 - Days Run: 59.4 sm - ↗ 2.2 sm - ↘ 57.2 sm
77 cbm. 3 Eto and 6 Ato. N7, Sea6, medium swell from north, clear, >1000mb, light haze, medium visibility, 2°C
Sunrise 1001 - Sunset 1938

1510 - Qu. C G 8537 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishing the air supply and charging of batteries.

2010 - Qu. C G 8294 - Incoming F.T.: Shipping Report:
In position Marqu. C G 8222, on course SE, medium speed. Estimated contact in Marqu. C G 8265, 2400h.

2210 - Qu. C G 8268 - Incoming F.T.: Shipping Report:
Contact now in Marqu. C G 8261, on course 139°, speed 9 kn. Estimated contact in Marqu. C G 8265, 2300h.

2310 - Qu. C G 8265 - Diving for sonar check. Contact with single steamer bearing 344°, E=10000, approaching slowly. The boat is already positioned windward. Superb navigation!

I go to A-50 to prepare for a submerged attack. It's a starry night of the new moon. The attack has to be done with the B-Periscope. Torpedo running depth should be 6m or deeper.

2340 - Periscope depth. Battle stations! The target is a Standard Merchant of about 6311 ts. - 2343 - Tube IV and III flooded.

2346 - Single shot with tube IV (G 7 a, Pi-1, K-a, magnetic fuse, Vt 30, running depth 8.8m):
E=550, inclination red 90°, enemy speed 6 knots, aim-off red 5°, own course 231°:
Torpedo failure! The torpedo is heard to hit the side of the ship at the pre-calculated time but fails to detonate!

2347 - Single shot with tube III (G 7 e, Pi-1, K-b, magnetic fuse, running depth 8.8m):
E=550, inclination red 90°, enemy speed 6 knots, aim-off red 30°, own course 231°:
Torpedo failure! The torpedo detonates prematurely after 14 Sec.!

2348 - Single shot with tube II (G 7 e, Pi-1, K-b, magnetic fuse, running depth 8.8m):
E=550, inclination red 90°, enemy speed 6 knots, aim-off red 70°, own course 231°:
Torpedo failure! The torpedo detonates prematurely after 14 Sec.!

2350 - Broken off attack and retired to A-30 for torpedo reloading.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Thu., 28.12.39 - West of Cape St. Vincent

The attack against the steamer during the night was a disappointment: One Ato failed to detonate and two Eto detonated prematurely. I decided against pursuing the steamer, due to the high fuel consumption in such wind and sea conditions and because of the uncertainty of the torpedoes functioning properly, once I reach a favorable attack position. Submerged cruise on heading NNW.

1200 - Qu. C G 8223 - Days Run: 87.5 sm - ↗ 47.8 sm - ↘ 39.7 sm
76 cbm. 1 Eto and 5 Ato. N7, Sea6, medium swell from north, clear, >1000mb, light haze, medium visibility, 3°C
Sunrise 1106 - Sunset 2030

1251 - Sound contact with single steamer bearing 149°, E=13000, approaching with medium speed on course 340°.

1258 - Surfaced. I have to maneuver the boat to the wind-ward side of the steamer but have to run both diesels at H.F. to overcome the heavy swell. The sea is constantly washing over the bridge.

1306 - Smoke trail bearing 75°! E=9000. Seems to be a tanker on course 337°, speed 10 kn.

1311 - At a closer look, it is a bulk carrier of about 2923 ts., draught 7.0m. Diving at E=8000.
I will probably, not manage to get into the wind-ward position, if I can get into an attack position at all.

1335 - After running V.F., I actually manage to get to the wind-ward side of the steamer but too late. By the time the boat is on an even keel at periscope depth, I'm out of position again. The shot with the stern tube misses.

1338 - Single shot with tube V (G 7 a, Pi-1, K-a, magnetic fuse, Vt 30, running depth 8.0m):
E=300, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 10 knots, aim-off green 25°, own course 65°:
Torpedo misses by the stern!

Conclusion: A torpedo attack in such wind and sea conditions, takes much preparation and time, and should not be hurried.
I run off on course 330°.

1449 - Qu. C G 5888 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

1553 - Qu. C G 5886 - Suddenly, a pair of French naval planes are right over the boat and drop one bomb each, about 20m next to the boat, however, without inflicting any damage.
The planes approached right out of the sun and were only sighted during the bombing run and flying off on course 155°.
Boat remains surfaced.

1948 - Qu. C G 5855 - A pair of French naval planes bearing 130° true, E= 6000, on heading NNW. Come as close as 1800m abeam to starboard and fly off again on heading SSE.
Boat remains surfaced.

2005 - Diving from neutral steamer bearing 330°, E=9000, on heading SSE.
Test dive at A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

Re-entering alternative operation area.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Fri., 29.12.39 - West of Portugal

1200 - Qu. C G 5824 - Days Run: 59.4 sm - ↗ 31.4 sm - ↘ 28.0 sm
75 cbm. 1 Eto and 4 Ato. S7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, 4°C
Sunrise 1105 - Sunset 2035

1220 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.
Incoming F.T.:
On 28th, attacked Repulse Type Battleship, northwest of Hebrides. 4 torpedoes fired, 1 hit observed. Lost contact. "Lemp"

1600 - Qu. C G 5576 - Boat vented, air supply replenished, batteries charged.
Incoming F.T.:
Sunk patrol vessel with deck gun. 1 torpedo left. "Lemp"

Continuing operation in alternative PZ.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Sat., 30.12.39 - West of Portugal

0620 - Qu. C G 5271 -Incoming F.T.: Shipping Report:
Position Marqu. C G 5241, on course south, slow speed.

0745 - Qu. C G 5244 - Diving for sound check. Steamer bearing 13°, approaching with slow speed on course 175°, E=12000. - 0750 - Surfaced. Starboard ahead a shadow, E=11000, very difficult to make out.

0800 - Steamer is identified as a coal freighter of about 5850 ts., draught 9.0m. - 0813 - Diving at E=4000 for submerged attack. T=20.

Due to the heavy swell, I have to attack submerged, using the B-Periscope. Before diving, I already collected preliminary torpedo shot data. The starry night and the half-moon in the east champion us.

0830 - Periscope depth. Battle stations!

0840 - Single shot with tube II (G 7 a, Pi-1, K-a, magnetic fuse, Vt 30, running depth 10.0m):
E=500, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 3 knots, aim-off red 10°, own course 85°:
Torpedo hit after 20 Sec.!

There is a tremendous explosion and fire aboard the freighter. The steamer immediately settles in the water, turns over to the starboard side and sinks with a series of very loud underwater explosions.
I have to turn hard to port, in order not to collide with the foundering freighter. I retire on a northerly heading.

0850 - Submerged cruise at A-40.

1200 - Qu. C G 5217 - Days Run: 115.3 sm - ↗ 102.4 sm - ↘ 12.9 sm
74 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. S7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, 3°C
Sunrise 1114 - Sunset 2035

1215 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

Received a BBC report about the sinking of a German submarine at the Spanish west coast. If this is not an old report, it can only be about U.-Sohler, that had sent a weather report on the 24th, from the west coast of Ireland. Several sighting reports from the 28th and 29th, also, seem to be indicative of this boat.

Continuing operation in alternative PZ.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Sun., 31.12.39 - West of Portugal

0427 - Qu. C G 2496 - "Fahrzeug!" Abeam to port a steamer on reciprocal heading, E=2600.

0430 - Veered boat on parallel course 205°. Steamer is identified as an English Caribou type freighter of about 2100 ts., draught 7.5m, speed 9 kn.

The boat stands against the rising half-moon. The distance to the steamer is about 3000m. Still, everything remains calm. The attempt to overtake the steamer proofs to be very difficult, as the boat cannot go faster than GF, due to the heavy swell and strong wind. Finally, I decide to brake-off the pursuit, as the target does not appear to be valuable enough for me to use up my fuel and running the risk of perhaps, wasting the even more valuable torpedoes. Also, I'm assuming, that this steamer is using a shipping lane utilized by the enemy and that before long, I will come across other valuable targets.

0500 - Qu. C G 2499 - Veered boat and retired on course 25°.

1200 - Qu. C G 2518 - Days Run: 134.5 sm - ↗ 133.7 sm - ↘ 0.8 sm
71 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. S7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, 1°C
Sunrise 1123 - Sunset 2030

1605 - Qu. C G 2276 - Diving for test dive at A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

The third week at sea lies behind us. Also, this week was characterized by poor weather and sea conditions. However, we also, had some successes to note, with two sinking's and one aircraft shot down. With the new year approaching, we will leave this sea area and commence our return cruise home.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Mon., 1.1.40 - Southwest of Finisterre

0413 - Qu. C G 2257 - The sound operator reports a contact bearing 137°, E=20000, slowly coming closer. Sounds like two vessels, seem to be running on course 3°.

0422 - At periscope depth, three separate screw noises can be heard in the hydrophone. - Surfaced.

0500 - Veered boat to course 180°. Several shadows ahead to port. Convoy turns out to be four well lit neutral steamers. - Retired on heading NNE.

1100 - Cape Finisterre 22 sm to starboard.

1200 - Qu. B F 7886 - Days Run: 96.7 sm - ↗ 78.2 sm - ↘ 18.5 sm
69 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. S7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -1°C
Sunrise 1128 - Sunset 2029

1221 - Diving from a pair of French naval planes approaching from 30° true, on heading SW, E=16000. At A-Meter no bombs. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

1348 - Single sound contact bearing 210°, with medium speed on course 350°. In the distance, bearing 150°, the neutral convoy can be heard as well.

1355 - Periscope Depth. The single sound contact appears to be a Whale Factory Ship of about 5460 ts, draught 9.0m. At T=20 and flank speed, attempting to maneuver into attack position.

1410 - Back to periscope depth, I realize, that I'm still not close enough to gather secure torpedo shot data. I decide, to let the whaler go but to follow on her course and after I surface outside of her field of view, to move into a more favorable attack position. I might even find other valuable targets along the way.

1507 - Qu. B F 7883 - Surfaced. The whaler is running with 10 kn. With the given wind and sea conditions, there is no way of overtaking the whaler, as the sea is constantly washing over the bridge. Continuing on heading 355°.

Incoming F.T.:
Trailing fuel oil again. Returning to base. "Schütze"

Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Free to attack Greek shipping.

2230 - Qu. B F 7582 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
1045 21Dec. shot down one French naval plane, 6988 B E. 1800 24Dec. sunk MV Mary Slessor, 5825 C G. 0840 30Dec. destroyed coal freighter of about 6000 ts, 5244 C G. Intend return cruise via Fair Isle passage. 1 Eto, 3 Ato, 69 cbm. S7, Sea6, medium northern swell, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -1°C. "Gelhaar"

2318 - Qu . B F 7558 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Gelhaar: Bravo! Safe journey and Happy New Year to you and crew.

Leaving alternative PZ.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Tue., 2.1.40 - Biscay

1200 - Qu. B F 4878 - Days Run: 168.7 sm - ↗ 160.9 sm - ↘ 7.8 sm
67 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. S7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -2°C
Sunrise 1153 - Sunset 2041

Incoming F.T.:
Failure of one electric engine. Returning to base. "Sohler"

I guess the BBC report from the 30th was wrong.

No further occurrences.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Wed., 3.1.40 - Biscay

1150 - Qu. B F 1799 - A pair of French naval planes heading east, pass the boat at a distance of about 2500m, do not approach. Boat remains surfaced.

1200 - Qu. B F 1799 - Days Run: ↗ 180.9 sm
64 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. W7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, 0°C
Sunrise 1209 - Sunset 2035

1300 - Qu. B F 1796 - Diving for test dive at A+20 and torpedo maintenance at A-30. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

Commencing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Thu., 4.1.40 - In front of the Channel

0600 - Qu. B F 1739 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

1131 - Qu. B F 1469 - Diving from a pair of French naval planes approaching from 90° true. Were sighted at E=7000 but because depth under keel is 23m, order to dive was not given until E=4000.
Boat cannot be leveled on an even keel and runs aground. Boat is taking damages. No bombs dropped by the airplanes.

1133 - At T=19, boat touching ground again. - 1136 - At periscope depth, boat running aground again.

Boat has taken the following damages: Water entry from the stern torpedo tube and in the NCO-quarters - fortunately, the rear battery is not discharging gases. Both electric motors and diesels, as well as, the compressor and the GHG, are temporarily put out of action. The L.I. informs me, that the pressure hull may have taken some damage as well.

All damages, except for the pressure hull, can be repaired before surfacing, by the Leak-Control-Groups I and II, the M-Group and E-Groups I and II.

1142 - Surfaced.

1200 - Qu. B F 1469 - Days Run: 74.8 sm - ↗ 47.9 sm - ↘ 26.9 sm
62 cbm. 1 Eto and 3 Ato. W7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -2°C
Sunrise 1228 - Sunset 2041

1306 - Qu. B F 1466 - Smoke trail bearing 166°, E= 16000, coming up fast.

1308 - Seems to be a passenger liner traveling alone: Two funnels and two masts, one at the bow and one at the stern, speed about 13 kn, on northwesterly heading.
Changing course to 270° and GF, in order to intercept. Boat cannot go faster than 13 kn, as the sea is constantly washing over the bridge.

1345 - Qu. B F 1465 - Diving at E=8000. Turning in toward the passenger liner. Course 210° and AK.

1400 - S-Tiefe. Vessel is identified as an English mail steamer of about 5760 ts, painted in navy grey colors and traveling with dimmed lights on course 300°, however, without any apparent armament.

I decide to attack because the steamer
1) is coming from either England or France,
2) is painted in navy grey colors,
3) is traveling with dimmed lights and
4) is identified as a mail steamer and not a passenger liner.

The fact, that no armament is visible, is no guaranty, that the steamer is not armed anyways.

1403 - Single shot with tube I (G 7 e, Pi-1, K-b, magnetic fuse, running depth 10.0m):
E=550, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 15 knots, aim-off green 25°, own course 210°:
Torpedo hit after 37 Sec.!

I have estimated the enemy speed too fast, the torpedo just manages to hit the steamer at the bow.
The initial torpedo explosion is followed by several very strong secondary explosions along the entire length of the steamer. This is a very strong indicator, that this steamer was not merely carrying care packages and love letters.

The steamer sinks within 1 minute of the torpedo hit, accompanied by very violent explosions and an underwater boiler explosion. Through the periscope I can see 3-4 carley floats with survivors on them.
I decide not to surface, as I find it very doubtful, that I will be able the question the survivors with the prevailing wind and sea conditions. I also, don't want to subject the boat to another possible air attack, before performing a proper test dive. I retire to the west.

2245 - Qu. B F 1455 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Fri., 5.1.40 - Western Approaches

1200 - Qu. A M 8785 - Days Run: 142.0 sm - ↗ 112.3 sm - ↘ 29.7 sm
60 cbm. 3 Ato. W7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -1°C
Sunrise 1235 - Sunset 2041

1240 - Qu. A M 8785 - Diving for test dive at A+20. Boat is tight and secure. Afterwards, submerged cruise at A-40.

1508 - Qu. A M 8782 - Sound contact with single steamer bearing 273°, E=21000, heading SSE.

1516 - Surfaced. New course 225°. - 1530 - Smoke trail bearing 42°, E=16000.

1550 - A single steamer on course 153°, speed 6 kn. At E=1000, new course 180°. Vessel is identified as a Whale Factory Ship of about 5460 BRT, draught 9.0m.
As we get closer, it becomes evident, that the steamer is in fact a Pyro Ammunitions Transport of about 7025 BRT, draught 9.0m.

1600 - Qu. A M 8785 - I cannot make out any escort and must get to the starboard side of the steamer.

1650 - At E=9000 and bearing 33°, diving for submerged attack.

1730 - Turning into the steamers starboard side. Periscope depth. Clearly, armament can be seen on the steamers stern section. Battle stations! Tube III flooded. Tube I is a tube runner.

1731 - Qu. A M 8788 - Single shot with tube III (G 7 a, Pi-1, K-a, magnetic fuse, Vt 30, running depth 10.0m): E=500, inclination green 90°, enemy speed 6 knots, aim-off 0°, own course 63°:
Torpedo hit amidships after 24 Sec.!

The steamer slows down. Other than that, no apparent effect of the torpedo hit recognized. Then, after 3 minutes, the steamer sinks on an even keel. Only, after she's slipped beneath the ways, several very load underwater explosions can heard and felt throughout the boat. I retire submerged on course 10°, T=40.

2235 - Qu. A M 8758 - Surfaced for venting the boat, replenishment of air supply and charging of batteries.

2400 - Qu. A M 8755 - Fastnet Rock 65 sm abeam to starboard.

Continuing return cruise.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.

KTB Patrol 2 // U.-Gelhaar
 

Sat., 6.1.40 - Southwest coast of Ireland

0200 - Qu. A M 8722 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
1735 05Jan40, destroyed ammunitions transport 7000 BRT, 8788 A M. Return cruise according F.T. 2230/1. Two external Ato, 59 cbm. W7, Sea6, medium northern swell, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -2°C. "Gelhaar"

0915 - Qu. A M 8428 - Evading shipping contact report from 0910h.

1200 - Qu. A M 8422 - Days Run: 141.7 sm - ↗ 117.0 sm - ↘ 24.7 sm
58 cbm. 2 external Ato. W7, Sea6, heavy swell from north, clear, >1000mb, good visibility, -2°C
Sunrise 1246 - Sunset 2032

1820 - Qu. A M 8125 - Evading shipping contact report from 1810h.

1942 - Qu. A M 8122 - Smoke trail bearing 296°, E=16000. It is the shipping contact report from 1810h. Evading outside its field of view.

Continuing return cruise. Weather is getting worse again, rain.

Also, the fourth week at sea was characterized by strong winds and heavy swell. And again, like the week before, we were able to note another success. Now, with just two Ato left in the upper deck containers, it is time to head back home.

Gelhaar
Ob.Ltnt.z.S. & Cmdr.