I completed my second war patrol (details to follow), and no further awards for the Kaleun. It must have been my family ties that got me that Iron Cross 2 after my first patrol!

**Pretty boring patrol, but fun nonetheless - the air attack by the British when I was departing was an interesting experience. I enjoy the challenge of the IIA boat, but obviously the torpedo performance and quantity is a pain in the ass.**
**Also, all status reports are presumed to be done at 24-hour intervals after leaving dock (i.e., at 0500) unless of special note.**
**Finally, I hope you enjoy this as much as I do - what a great gaming experience!**

10 OCT 1939 1900
Patrol Report
U-16 (Type IIA)
2nd Flotilla, Wilhelmshaven
Walter Frönlich, Oberleutnant z.S.

Second war patrol commenced 08 OCT 1939, departing Wilhelmshaven at 0500
Initial Armament
Torpedoes: (5) Type-I torpedoes
AA gun: 4000 rounds 20mm AP

Immediately while leaving dock, a raid by British bombers (type Blenheim) attacked the base. U-16 manned its flak gun but did not expend any rounds. No official word on any friendly or enemy casualties, but it appeared that at least two enemy bombers were shot down. Things quieted down by 0505. No damage to U-16.

Cleared north lock (east channel) at 0551. Proceeded north to Helgoland Hafen point to open orders. Opened orders at 0800 - proceed to grid AN36 and patrol there for 24 hours.

09 OCT 1939 0806
Proceeding north to AN36 at 9 kts.

09 OCT 1939 1110
Reached AN36

09 OCT 1939 1150
B-dienst radio msg: enemy small convoy AN36 heading ENE speed 7 kts **how convenient - thank you intel peeps**
Adjusted heading to possibly intercept enemy

09 OCT 1939 1258
Ships sighted! AN36 Four enemy ships (type (2x) catapult ship; (1) coal bulker; (1) East India-type freighter)
**what is a catapult ship? I couldn't tell what tonnage each ship was, even after doing some online searches**
Submerged to 25m and set heading to intercept (weather perfect) - ordered submerged attack battle stations at 1315

09 OCT 1939 1335
Launched one torpedo each at coal bulker, freighter and trailing catapult ship (other catapult was leading convoy) (range of about 800m-1000m)
Coal bulker set on fire after hit.
Trailing catapult ship listing after hit.
Torpedo aimed at freighter detonated early.
Submerged to 25m to reload, following convoy.

09 OCT 1939 1346
Launched torpedo at trailing catapult ship, with a hit recorded. Enemy ship stops. Other three ships continue on, including coal bulker which is still on fire.

09 OCT 1939 1405
Launched last (fifth) torpedo at catapult ship, breaking its keel. Confirmed kill. No other enemy activity in the area, other than three enemy who continue away, and so U-16 surfaces, reports to BdU, and ordered to RTB at 1617.

10 OCT 1939 1516
Reached north lock Wilhelmshaven; cleared lock at 1524

10 OCT 1939 1610
Docked at Wilhelmshaven

Patrol Results

Crew losses: 0
U-Boat damage: None
Torpedoes expended: Five Type-I torpedoes (one premature detonation, four hits)
Deck gun ammunition expended: None
Enemy ships sunk: One
Total tonnage: 4269 GRT
(1) "Har Zion" - British flag - 4269 GRT (catapult ship) Grid AN36 - 49 crew, 11 lost (iron ore)


Promotions/Awards/Qualifications

Oberfähnrich z.S. (Watchman) Adolf Karlewitz awarded U-Boat War Badge
Bootsman (Torpedoman) Hasso Balke earned Torpedoman qualification.

**XXXXXXXXXX**

28 OCT 1939 1005
Patrol Report
U-16 (Type IIA)
2nd Flotilla, Wilhelmshaven
Walter Frönlich, Oberleutnant z.S.

Third war patrol commenced 25 OCT 1939, departing Wilhelmshaven at 2130
Initial Armament
Torpedoes: (5) Type-I (G7a) torpedoes (Three loaded, two reserve)
AA gun: 4000 rounds 20mm AP

Immediately while leaving dock, a raid by British bombers (type Blenheim) attacked the base. U-16 manned its flak gun but did not expend any rounds. No official word on any friendly or enemy casualties, but it appeared that at least three enemy bombers were shot down. Things quieted down by 2136. No damage to U-16.

Reached north lock 2205; cleared north lock (east channel; west channel still being constructed/dredged) at 2211. Proceeded north towards Helgoland Hafen point to open orders. Opened orders at 0030 - proceed to grid AN35 and patrol there for 24 hours.

26 OCT 1939 0030
Proceeding north to AN35 at 9 kts.

27 OCT 1939 0319
B-dienst radio msg: enemy small convoy AN38 heading ENE speed 7 kts
Adjusted heading to possibly intercept enemy. Estimate my current position 25km northeast of reported convoy (AN38).

27 OCT 1939 0429
Ship sighted! AN38 One enemy ship (collier)
Set heading to intercept (weather perfect) and submerged to periscope depth - ordered submerged attack battle stations at 0435
0436 - sonar picks up three more ships near collier **funny what happens when I ordered my radioman-qualified PO to the sonar station - I need to micromanage this more**
0455 - all four ships identified - in a line heading ENE: collier, coal bulker, East India-type freighter, small merchant "Varna"
0506 - fired two torpedoes at collier from distance of about 1500m
0507 - both torpedoes hit collier and detonate; she appears to be losing speed
0509 - collier begins sinking and then explodes - verified kill British collier 5933 GRT
0509 - fired torpedo at freighter - dud!! Torpedo room working as fast as possible to reload for more shots.
0518 - tube one ready; fired torpedo at freighter range 360m
0518 - torpedo hits freighter and detonates; manuevering while reloading last torpedo in tube two
0519 - freighter dead in water and riding very low
0522 - went to 40m depth after merchant spotted my periscope and charged; urging torpedomen to load faster
0530 - tube two ready; manuevering to attack
0541 - fired torpedo at merchant range 1200m
0543 - miss! Heading back to sinking freighter to use 20mm on it to ensure destruction (is sitting very low in water) - out of torpedoes. Coal bulker and small merchant live to see another day, continuing northeast.
0610 - engaging freighter with 20mm AP rounds range 700m
0641 - after expending 2500 (!) 20mm AP rounds, freighter was still floating; radioed its position to BdU for someone else to finish off; heading back to Wilhelmshaven **embarrassed and lesson learned...keep a torpedo to ensure target sinks**

27 OCT 1939 0711
BdU orders me to RTB

28 OCT 1939 0531
Reached north lock Wilhelmshaven; cleared lock at 0539

28 OCT 1939 0616
Docked at Wilhelmshaven

Patrol Results

Crew losses: 0
U-Boat damage: None
Torpedoes expended: Five Type-I torpedoes (one dud, one miss, three hits)
Deck gun ammunition expended: 2500 20mm AP
Enemy ships sunk: One
Total tonnage: 5933 GRT
(1) "Executor" - British flag - 5933 GRT (collier) Grid AN38 - 65 crew, 42 lost (iron ore)


Promotions/Awards/Qualifications

No promotions after this patrol.

Oberleutnant z.S. Walter Frönlich awarded Iron Cross First Class and German Cross.
Oberfähnrich z.S. Otto Todenhagen awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Oberfähnrich z.S. Fritz Friedrichs awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Oberfähnrich z.S. Udo Hartenstein awarded U-Boat War Badge.

Bootsmann (Machinist) Wolf Degen awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann (Machinist) Viktor Beck awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann (Flak Gunner) Herbert Andersen awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann (Machinist) Viktor Beck awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann (Radioman) Karl Kreutz awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann (Torpedoman) Hasso Balke awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann (Watchman) Adolf Conrad awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann (Medic) Konrad Schmitt awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann (Watchman) Otto Grau awarded U-Boat War Badge.

Matrosenobergefreiter Carl Zahn awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosenobergefreiter Egon Bahn awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Ebe Fischer awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Kurt Goldbeck awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Adalbert Vowe awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Bruno Kals awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Friedrich Wissmann awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Frits Hauber awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Klaus Wolfbauer awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Adolf Thurmann awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Dieter Kimmelmann awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Axel Bauer awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Gustav Thomsen awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Wolfgang Mahn awarded U-Boat War Badge.

Bootsmann (Medic) Konrad Schmitt earned Medic qualification.

**Upgraded batteries to AFA 44 MAL 570 string**

25 NOV 1939 1810
Patrol Report
U-16 (Type IIA)
2nd Flotilla, Wilhelmshaven
Walter Frönlich, Oberleutnant z.S.

Fourth war patrol commenced 20 NOV 1939, departing Wilhelmshaven dock at 0243
Initial Armament
Torpedoes: (5) Type-I (G7a) torpedoes (Three loaded, two reserve)
AA gun: 4000 rounds 20mm AP


20 NOV 1939 0317
Reached north lock Wilmelmshaven; cleared north lock (east channel; west channel still being constructed/dredged) at 0324.
Proceeded north towards Helgoland Hafen point to open orders.

20 NOV 1939 0543
Opened orders - proceed to grid AN37 and patrol there for 24 hours.
Proceeding northwest to AN37 at 9 kts.

21 NOV 1939 0000
AN66 Submerged to 25m and slow ahead to listen for shipping activity.

21 NOV 1939 0600
AN63 Surfaced after conducting six-hour hydrophone run

21 NOV 1939 1551
Reached AN37 - beginning search pattern at 25m depth

21 NOV 1939 2200
AN37 Surfaced after conducting six-hour hydrophone run

22 NOV 1939 1200
AN37 Submerged to 25m and slow ahead to listen for shipping activity.

22 NOV 1939 1815
AN37 Surfaced after conducting six-hour hydrophone run

22 NOV 1939 2150
AN37 Received report of enemy ship AN62 heading NNE medium speed - adjusting course to intercept.

23 NOV 1939 0423
Ship sighted! AN49 War Melody-type merchant heading NNW speed 7kts - moving to intercept on surface (ahead flank parallel to target to set up submerged attack most likely during daylight)

23 NOV 1939 0526
AN49 Found merchant again after losing her in end-around flank - setting up submerged attack; ordered submerged battle stations
0546 - fired two torpedoes at War Melody merchant range 600m
0546 - first torpedo a dud; second torpedo impacts and detonates; merchant stopping; readying tube three for firing while torpedomen reload tubes one and two
0549 - fired one torpedo
0550 - torpedo impacts and detonates; fire breaks out and merchant begins sinking - verified kill British War Melody merchant 5902 GRT
Running NE while torpedoes reloaded

**Random traipsing around AN quadrants**

23 NOV 1939 1430
AN46 Received report of enemy ship AN61 heading N medium speed - adjusting course to south to intercept.

23 NOV 1939 2140
AN49 Received report of enemy ship AN49 heading N medium speed - continuing on course south to intercept.

23 NOV 1939 2207
Ship sighted! AN49 Old reefer ship heading N 8kts right at me - setting up submerged attack; ordered submerged battle stations
2234 - fired two torpedoes at reefer range 1800 meters
2236 - both torpedoes impact and detonate, ship slows to 4kts
2245 - no sign of any flooding or fire **WTF? How can a ship of this size survive two torpedo impacts?**; turning to head home

23 NOV 1939 2258
BdU orders me to RTB

25 NOV 1939 1351
Reached north lock Wilhelmshaven; cleared lock at 1401

25 NOV 1939 1440
Docked at Wilhelmshaven

Patrol Results

Crew losses: 0
U-Boat damage: None
Torpedoes expended: Five Type-I torpedoes (one dud, four hits) **Still a mystery how two torps hit that old reefer and didn't sink her**
Deck gun ammunition expended: None
Enemy ships sunk: One
Total tonnage: 5902 GRT
(1) "Polzella" - British flag - 5902 GRT (War Melody merchant) Grid AN49 - 58 crew, 9 lost (general cargo)


Promotions/Awards/Qualifications

Matrosengefreiter Dieter Kimmelmann promoted to Matrosenobergefreiter.

No Awards

Oberfähnrich z.S. Udo Hartenstein earned Machinist qualification.

October 1939
Was ordered to patrol grid AN13.
On the way there sunk 2 ships off the NE coast of England, 1 medium cargo ship and one Steamer, lost 2 torpedoes because of the high winds and not knowing of the 4*windspeed/10 rule.
The strange thing happened after i finished patrolling AN13, went a bit south of it and on the way encountered another medium cargo ship. To my surprise the submarine did not want to dive and could not exceed speed of 3 knots. Sunk the ship with the guns nonetheless and returned home. I think it was a submarine net else i can't explain it.

Where is the SS Belchen?
 

Grid AD6871
4 March 1940
U-123 IXB
In desperate need to find the SS Belchen in the storm to resupply.
I have attacked the port of St Johns in Canada. Resistance was minimal to none. Note it is only 1940 and a Uboot was not expected to show up there.

U 802 is poised to break into Loch Ewe, where about 50,000 tons of warship lie at anchor, ready to receive my torpedoes.
So far, in attendance, we have 1 illustrious class fleet carrier, 1 bogue class escort carrier, 1 fiji class light cruiser, a whole mess of destroyers, plus one T3 heavy tanker. It's going to be glorious...:arrgh!:

UKönig exulted:
It's also going to be very shallow....

It's also going to be very unrealistic. :O:

Trust me, I know it's unrealistic, but then, so is the idea of me being a U-boat captain in the first place. :har:

I like to do these kinds of things and 'game the game' so to speak. And it helps me live out the 'what if...' scenario.

Besides, at this moment, we are only just slipping past the outer defenses, and we are at 65% battery, so, things are already at the white knuckle stage. And bad news for me, I have only the G7as loaded forward. If I fire at the ships on patrol (I saw 2) then they will see the wakes in the water. Ideally, I'd have to wait another hour for the sun to set, but I'm already committing the boat and crew to whatever follows.

Aufwiedersehen from Valhalla...

Actually, at this point in time, Newfoundland is it's own country. Newfoundland was not incorporated into Canadian Confederation until 1949.

So, you attacked a neutral...

(I'm not sure if the Newfie gov't declared war against Germany specifically or not)

In the game map it is red so an enemy.
All targets were legit as they were flying British and Canadian colors.

Didn't Newfoundland (and Labrador) find itself back in British dominion status by 1934 due to economic difficulties? If I recall the government during WW2 was made up of a British-appointed Governor and six commissioners appointed by the Crown. I would think that would make it part of the British Commonwealth for most diplomatic purposes.

I know, I'm only pointing out that inaccuracy. Historically, Newfoundland was not part of Canada until 1949.
If it helps, just think of them as allied to England and the colonies, so, yes, they are enemies and therefore, legitimate targets.

I didn't know that history fact. Thank you for the information.

We made them (the Newfies) an offer that they could not refuse. There was a close call when it looked like they may not join, but in the end, those "economic difficulties", which had been going on for 400 years, proved to be the tipping point. Unfortunately, things have not improved a great deal for them since 1949. The grand banks are not so grand anymore. They went in for a deal in hydroelectric power with the province of Quebec, and promptly got screwed by the french. It's a bone of contention with them still today. And they pay some of the highest taxes in the country. But they are a good solid people. Friendly, dependable, but with a taste for 'the drink' that makes them resemble the average scotch-irish immigrants that made up a lot of the first wave of new settlers.

U-123 IXB
 

April 1940
Sailing on the surface in grid AM3529.
Bad weather with heavy rain but medium winds.
Listening the theme from "Das Boot" on the gramophone.

**Bootsmann Viktor Beck (Machinist) transferred out to different U-boat; Bootsmann Hellmut Rüggeberg transferred in - first post-training deployment**
**Transferred to Erprobungsstelle to acquire U-51, a type-VIIB boat**
**The following officer joined the crew (one total): Leutnant z.S. Ulrich Zapf**
**The following petty officers joined the crew (seven total): Stabsoberbootsmann Manfred Reckhoff; Stabsbootsmann Gottfried Goldbeck; Stabsbootsmann Hans Blaudow; Bootsmann Gotz Eckerman; Bootsmann Arend Zinke; Bootsmann Oskar Wittenberg; Bootsmann Burckhart Kettner**
**The following enlisted personnel joined the crew (11 total): Matrosenobergefreiter Albrecht Bahn; Matrosenobergefreiter Hermann Dobbert; Matrosenobergefreiter Ulrich Clausen; Matrosenobergefreiter Gotz Reichmann; Matrosengefreiter Helmuth Falke; Matrosengefreiter Reiner Abel; Matrosengefreiter Rolf Hauber; Matrosengefreiter Heino Rausch; Matrosengefreiter Johannes Kaufmann; Matrosengefreiter Carl Albrecht; Matrosengefreiter Philipp Ebert

19 DEC 1939 1525
Patrol Report
U-51 (Type VIIB)
Erprobungsstelle, Kaseburg
Walter Frönlich, Oberleutnant z.S.

Qualification patrol commenced 16 DEC 1738, departing Kaseburg dock at 1738 **heh - not apparently the smoothest departure, as I "may" have hammered the boat next to me with my stern - no damage to U-51**
Initial Armament
Torpedoes: (14) Type-I (G7a) torpedoes (Five loaded, nine reserve)
Deck gun: 40 rounds 88mm AP; 160 rounds 88mm HE; 40 rounds 88mm SS
AA gun: 4000 rounds 20mm AP

16 DEC 1939 1830
Cleared channel at Swinemünde lighthouse; headed northeast to target grid AO91 for 24-hour shakedown/patrol

18 DEC 1939 1732
AO84 After uneventful shakedown in AO91, returning to base, picked up warship on hyrdrophones. Went to periscope depth and set course to intercept. Identified as Soviet Malyutka-class submarine. Returned to course to RTB.

18 DEC 1939 2110
AO84 Received report of enemy ship in AO84, heading WSW, medium speed. Manuevering to intercept. Could not locate; returned to course to RTB.

19 DEC 1939 1030
Reached Swinemünde lighthouse; entering channel to dock at Kaseburg

19 DEC 1939 1155
Tied up at Kaseburg

Patrol Results

Crew losses: 0
U-Boat damage: None *despite my antics when leaving base**
Torpedoes expended: None
Deck gun ammunition expended: None
AA gun ammunition expended: None
Enemy ships sunk: None

Promotions/Awards/Qualifications

Matrosengefreiter Wolfgang Mahn promoted to Matrosenobergefreiter.

Oberleutnant z.S. Walter Frönlich awarded Knight's Cross. **WTF?**

Stabsbootsmann (Machinist) Hans Blaudow earned Machinist qualification.

**Requested and was granted transfer to 2nd Flotilla, Wilhelmshaven**

**Matrosenobergefreiter Wolfgang Mahn transferred out to different U-boat; Matrosenobergefreiter Otto Fuchs transferred in from another U-boat**
**Refitted hydrophones to type KDB**

12 JAN 1940 1200
Patrol Report
U-51 (Type VIIB)
2nd Flotilla, Wilhelmshaven
Walter Frönlich, Oberleutnant z.S.

Fifth war patrol commenced 03 JAN 1940, departing Wilhelmshaven dock at 1908
Initial Armament
Torpedoes: (12) Type-I (G7a) torpedoes (five loaded, seven reserve) (2) Type-II (G7e) torpedoes (two reserve)
Deck gun: 40 rounds 88mm AP; 160 rounds 88mm HE; 40 rounds 88mm SS
AA gun: 4000 rounds 20mm AP

03 JAN 1940 1943
Reached north lock Wilmelmshaven; cleared north lock (east channel; west channel still being constructed/dredged) at 1948.
Proceeded north towards Helgoland Hafen point to open orders.

03 JAN 1940 2208
Opened orders - proceed to BE53 and patrol for 24 hours.

05 JAN 1940 1600
AN43 Received report of enemy ship in AN43, heading NE, medium speed. maneuvering to intercept.
1703 - AN43 Ship sighted bearing 320, range 8000m - ordered periscope depth and submerged battle stations. Identified as British small merchant "Varna".
1726 - fired two torpedoes (Type-I) at merchant range 1500m
1727 - first torpedo a dud; second torpedo impacts and detonates; ships sinks - verified kill British small merchant "Varna" 2279 GRT; reloading torpedoes and bringing in one external torpedo.

05 JAN 1940 1800
AN28 Received report of enemy ship in AN28, heading SW, medium speed. maneuvering to intercept.
Failed to locate; returning to course to round north of British Isles

06 JAN 1940 1600
AF78 Submerged to 25m and slow ahead to listen for shipping activity.

06 JAN 1940 1845
AF78 Surfaced after conducting hydrophone run

06 JAN 1940 1950
AF78 Received report of enemy ship in AN12 heading ENE, slow speed. maneuvering to intercept.

07 JAN 1940 0116
AF78 Ship sighted bearing 315, range 8200m - ordered periscope depth and submerged battle stations. Identified as British merchant type L02.
0145 - fired two torpedoes (Type-I) at merchant range 900m
0146 - both torpedoes impact and detonate; merchant breaks in two and sinks -- verified kill British merchant type L02 6959 GRT; reloading torpedoes.

07 JAN 1940 0430
AF77 Received report of enemy ship in AN12 heading ENE, slow speed. maneuvering to intercept.

07 JAN 1940 0448
AF77 Two ships sighted bearing 354, range 8500m - ordered periscope depth and submerged battle stations. Identified as (2) British Great Lakes steamers.
0524 - Fired one Type-I torpedo at each steamer.
0525 - Both torpedoes hit their targets and detonate; both steamers stopping. Observing to see if more help is needed to sink them.
0527 - First steamer explodes and sinks - verified kill British Great Lakes steamer 1820 GRT. Second steamer riding very low, on verge of going under.
0531 - Second steamer explodes and sinks - verified kill British Great Lakes steamer 1821 GRT. Returning to course for target grid (eight torpedoes left)

07 JAN 1940 0817
AN12 - enemy warship popped up out of nowhere - crash dive and silent run while determining if attack possible. No attack possible - warship moved away; surfaced at 1530.

07 JAN 1940 1840
AN11 Received report of enemy ship in AN13 heading NE, slow speed. maneuvering to intercept.

07 JAN 1940 2350
AN11 Received report of enemy SAR merchant 6.5 miles SE of my position in AN11 heading NE, slow speed. maneuvering to intercept. Ordered surface battle stations.

08 JAN 1940 0010
AN11 Fired two Type-I torpedoes at merchant, range 500m - both torpedoes impact and detonate, exploding merchant - verified kill British SAR merchant 2613 GRT (six torpedoes left - three bow, three stern)

08 JAN 1940 0340
AN13 Received report of enemy ship in AN13 heading NE, slow speed. maneuvering to intercept.

08 JAN 1940 0600
AN13 Ship sighted! Bearing 015, range 6500m. maneuvering for a stern shot. Identified as British Old Tramp Steamer.
0630 - Fired one Type-I torpedo at steamer (stern shot). Torpedo impacted and detonated. Steamer exploded - verified kill British Old Tramp Steamer 3829 GRT (five torpedoes left - three bow, two stern)

08 JAN 1940 0920
AN13 Received report of enemy ship in AN13 19 miles SW of my position heading ENE, slow speed. maneuvering to intercept.
0949 AN13 Ship sighted Bearing 010, range 5600m. Diving to periscope depth and maneuvering to attack. Identified as British old reefer ship.
1002 - Fired two Type-II torpedoes at reefer range 650m; both impact and detonate.
1011 - Fired one Type-I torpedo (stern) at reefer range 500m; torpedo impacts and detonates; reefer explodes - verified kill British old reefer ship 4342 GRT (two torpedoes left - one bow, one stern)

08 JAN 1940 1015
AN13 Heading for home with two torpedoes left (one bow, one stern)

08 JAN 1940 1050
AN13 Plane spotted - crash dive. Remaining submerged until dark.

08 JAN 1940 1515
AN13 Sound contact - merchant bearing 354 long range, closing. Will attempt to attack.
1550 AN13 Two sound contacts - maneuvering for attack.
1554 AN13 Spotted two ships with periscope bearing 020. One identified as Red Cross ship. Continuing to maneuver to identify second ship.
1556 AN13 Identified second ship as Red Cross ship. Too dangerous to board and search in this area. Continuing journey home around British Isles.

09 JAN 1940 0231
AN12 Received B-dienst report small enemy convoy AN12 approximately 18 miles north of my position heading WSW slow - maneuvering to intercept
0341 Submerging to 25m to listen for convoy (directly in its path, I believe)
0342 Three sound contacts to northeast; continuing to maneuver
0357 Periscope identification: three British ore carriers; continuing to intercept for bow shot (and I hope a stern shot too)
0412 Fired bow torpedo (Type-I) at leading ore carrier range 500m; maneuvering to get stern shot set up
0413 Torpedo impacts and detonates on leading ore carrier
0415 Fire stern torpedo **last one** at leading ore carrier range 450m; torpedo impacts and detonates, splitting ore carrier in two - verified kill British ore carrier 4936 GRT; time to go home, out of torpedoes; seas too dangerous for deck gun attack

09 JAN 1940 0713
AN12 Warship sound contact dead ahead, long range; maneuvering to avoid
AN12 0950 Surfacing after losing warship contact

**Managed to get around the Shetlands, through the North Sea back to Wilhelmshaven with no trouble!**

12 JAN 1940 0739
Reached north lock Wilhelmshaven; cleared lock at 0747

12 JAN 1940 0830
Docked at Wilhelmshaven

Patrol Results

Crew losses: 0
U-Boat damage: None
Torpedoes expended: 14 (one dud, 13 hits)
Deck gun ammunition expended: None
AA gun ammunition expended: None
Aircraft destroyed: None
Enemy ships sunk: Eight
Total tonnage: 28599 total GRT
(1) "Sea Angler" - British flag - 2279 GRT (small merchant "Varna") Grid AN43 60 crew; 9 lost (grain)
(2) "Rad" - British flag - 6959 GRT (merchant type L02) Grid AF78 59 crew; 44 lost (grain)
(3) "Santa Monica" - British flag - 1820 GRT (Great Lakes steamer) Grid AF77 Crew 28; 24 lost (textiles)
(4) "Orpheus" - British flag - 1821 GRT (Great Lakes steamer) Grid AF77 Crew 25; 17 lost (tobacco)
(5) "Prince William" - British flag - 2613 GRT (SAR merchant) Grid AN11 Crew 39; 31 lost (sugar)
(6) "Sea Centaur" - British flag - 3829 GRT (old tramp steamer) Grid AN13 Crew 56; 31 lost (explosives)
(7) "Svenör" - British flag - 4342 GRT (old reefer ship) Grid AN13 Crew 84; 56 lost (textiles)
(8) "Sea Swallow" - British flag - 4936 GRT (ore carrier) Grid AN12 Crew 90; 81 lost (copper ore)

Promotions/Awards/Qualifications

Matrosengefreiter Axel Bauer promoted to Matrosenobergefreiter.

Oberleutnant z.S. Walter Frönlich awarded Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and U-Boat Badge.
Leutnant z.S. Ulrich Zapf awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Oberfähnrich z.S. Udo Hartenstein awarded Iron Cross 2nd Class.

Stabsoberbootsmann Manfred Reckhoff awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Stabsbootsmann Hans Blaudow awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Stabsbootsmann Gottfried Goldbeck awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann Gotz Eckermann awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann Arend Zinke awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann Hellmut Rüggeberg awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann Burckhart Kettner awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Bootsmann Oskar Wittenberg awarded U-Boat War Badge.

Matrosenobergefreiter Hermann Dobbert awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosenobergefreiter Albrecht Bahn awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosenobergefreiter Gotz Reichmann awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosenobergefreiter Ulrich Clausen awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Philipp Ebert awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Helmuth Falke awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Johannes Kaufmann awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Carl Albrecht awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Reiner Abel awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Rolf Hauber awarded U-Boat War Badge.
Matrosengefreiter Heino Rausch awarded U-Boat War Badge.

Oberfähnrich z.S. Otto Todenhagen earned Helmsman qualification.

So what happened? :D