U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - On station
 

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

Tuesday, 14 October 1941 - Rockall Bank -

0501 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
For Commanders eyes only:
RST: About F.T.0501/11:
Own units currently in Qu.3698AL, on course NNE.

0600 - Morning Dawn.

0704 - Qu.1755AM - Sunrise.
Weather unchanged since 13 Oct., 0000h.

1001 - Incoming F.T.: From U 206:
Have sunk the British Corvette HMS Fleur de Lys (K 122), in front of the Straits of Gibraltar. - Opitz -

1200 - Qu.1719AM - Days Run: 132.3sm - ↗ 129.3 (22h 20') - ↘ 3.0sm (1h 40').
177.6cbm (1.7cbm/24h). 9300Ah. On course 297°. 9 internal torpedoes (6xEto, 3xAto). Weather unchanged since 13 Oct., 0000h.

1605 - Incoming F.T.: From U 83:
ASW hunt by destroyers and aircraft. - Kraus -

Cmdr.: Probably as a result of U 206 (Opitz) sinking the destroyer in CG 9593.

1608 - According to a radio intercept message, the convoy, on which we have been operating since the 2nd October, has entered Gibraltar. According to this reliable report, the convoy must have traveled about 2.5kn faster than calculated up to now. As all the operations on the convoy were not calculated for such an unusually high speed, the boats were, in fact, traveling behind the convoy.

The boats are now west of the Straits of Gibraltar and receive orders to move away, in order to operate on the convoy leaving Gibraltar on or after the 17th of October.

1600 & 1640 - Position reports from Group "Mordbrenner" (Arsonist) in Qu.3693AL, on course South, speed 5kn.

Group "Mordbrenner" consists of U 208 (Oblt. Alfred Schlieper); U 374 (Oblt. Unno von Fischel); U 573 (Kptlt. Heinrich Heinsohn) - all VIIC - and U 108 (IXB, Kptlt. Heinrich Bleichrodt).

1643 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
U 553 (Kptlt. Karl Thurmann) and U 568 (Kptlt. Joachim Preuss) have been assigned to attacking areas AK 55 and AK 59, which is the area inside the patrol lines S.E. of Greenland.

1816 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 13 Oct., 0000h.

Boat operating acc. Op.-Orders as per F.T.0501/11.

U53 - Type VIIb - 3rd patrol - part 1
 

1 November 1939, 0744
U53 leaves Wilhelmshaven under an heavy rain.
Visibility is really poor so we must pay extra attention not to collide with any other vessels.
Assigned patrol area: AM41


U53 will sail NNW, just north of the Shetland isles will turn SSW and cruise toward assigned patrol area passing halfway between Far Oer Isles and Scotland.


November 2, 1939 1852
Run some emergency drills on our way here, crew must be ready for the real stuff and it's good to make them wonder about the risks of our mission...once in a while at least. We are approaching an interesting area, with any luck we may find some targets for our torpedoes.


November 3, 1939 0600 AN43
Weather has improved: wind 4 knots, almost no waves and a big blue sky.
U53 will dive more often to briefly check with sonar.


0942 Ship spotted! Merchant closing in, too far away to identify properly, does not seem that big. Perhaps we'll save torpedoes and go for a deck gun attack. Down to periscope depth for a stealthy approach.


0951 Seems like a Granville, moving about 7 knots heading NE. No other sound contact. Moving into position.


1000 Definetly a british Granville all alone out here. We may end up jumping out very close and make good use of our deck gun.


1008 That's our first prey! Granville going down. Crew at the deck gun made a quick job of it. Back on our previous course and leaving the area.



November 5, 1939 AF77

1252 Sonar reports feeble sound contact NNE of our position. Surfacing and closing the gap.


1338 Ship spotted! Seems like a medium cargo heading WSW. Changing course and taking the boat lower on the water while moving into position. Let's see if we can identify our prey properly and determine her speed.


1344 Down to periscope depth. It's a medium cargo moving about 6 knots. Wind picked up a bit, about 9 knots. I'll use a single torpedo and finish it off with deck gun if necessary.


1357 A dud! Damn! Surfacing and using deck gun.


1402 We got our second prey! She is going down very slowly but it's burning like a huge bonfire. That dud almost spoiled the day. I don't dare think what would happen if we had a dud while attacking a destroyer.
Resuming previous course and leaving the area.

U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - Operating on convoy
 

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

Wednesday, 15 October 1941 - Northwest of Rockall Bank -

0040 - Group "Mordbrenner" now in Qu.3666AL, course 8°, 5kn.

0400 - WNW5/4, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb.

0451 - Incoming F.T.: From U 553:
After making contact with convoy SC.48, immediately pressed home the attack and sunk the British Silvercedar, 4354ts, and the Norwegian Ila, 1583ts. About 50 ships and 4 escorts. On course 70°, speed 7kn. Keeping contact and sending radio beacon signal. - Thurmann -

0530 - Qu.3655AL -

0601 - Morning Dawn.
Incoming F.T.: From F.d.U.M.:
For Commanders eyes only: Further special orders for boats operating in the Mediterranean.

0708 - Sunrise.

0719 - Incoming F.T.0710/15: From B.d.U.:
B-Dienst reporting small enemy convoy in Qu.3681AL, course ESE, speed 6kn.

0729 - Boat operating on convoy 0710/15. New course 163°, 1/3-Ahead. Boat should make contact with convoy in about 2h in Qu.3682AL.

0907 - At plotted interception point - nothing found.
Diving for sound check. At first nothing heard, then faint screw noises bearing 25°. At S-Tiefe nothing seen.

0913 - T=18. Full Ahead.

0920 - S-Tiefe. Sound contact turbine bearing 26°, E=24000.

Cmdr.: Only now I discover the blunder: We were plotting a convoy course of ENE, when in fact it is ESE. A classic rookie mistake.

0922 - Surfaced after 15min. and 1.1sm. 2xH.F.-Ahead.

0950 - New course 136°.

The convoy comes into sight. E=10000.
5 steamers in keel-line and a Flower Corvette in the back:
1. Ore Freighter; 2. M12-Freighter; 3. OreII Freighter; 4. Medium Freighter; M39 Freighter.

The Corvette has the following ASW sensor fields:
Field-of-View 360° = 8000m
Radar 360° = 3000m
Sound contact 270° = 6500m
ASDIC 180° = 1500m

1125 - Moving ahead of the convoy along its port beam, all the while keeping a distance of 8000m. New course 210°. K.F.-Voraus.

As the wind and sea conditions have not improved since 0400h, the torpedo running depth has to be set at min. 3.5m.

1132 - At E=7000, diving for submerged attack. S-Tiefe. 65rpm.

1147 - "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube I.

1155 - Two Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
U 568 (VIIC, Kptlt. Joachim Preuss), U 502 (IXC, Kptlt. Jürgen von Rosenstiel), U 432 (VVC, Oblt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) and U 558 (VIIC, Kptlt. Günther Krech), receive orders to operate on convoy "Thurmann".
U 126 (IXC, Kptlt. Ernst Bauer), which has recently come into the southern operational area, receives orders to operate west of Freetown, and to push on to the east along the African coast to Takoradi and Lagos.

1200 - Qu.3689AL - Days Run: 154.1sm - ↗ 152.3 (23h 17') - ↘ 1.8sm (43').
174.1cbm (3.5cbm/24h). S-Tiefe. On course 219°. 9 internal torpedoes (6xEto, 3xAto).

U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - Convoy battle
 

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


1204 - Qu.3689AL - Single Shot with tube I: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.5m; Vt30. Own course 210°; Own speed 1.6kn; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST.
Target ship: Position 1 Ore Freighter, draught 5.8m.
Target course 120°; Target distance 1176m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 6kn; Firing angle α 346°.

=> The torpedo is a hit amidships after 74 Sec.!
Steamer is burning and has a distinct list to port but continues on.

1205 - F.T. from HQ could not be heard.

1206 - Qu.3689AL - Single Shot with tube II: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.5m; Vt30. Own course 210°; Own speed 1.6kn; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST.
Target ship: Position 2 M12 Freighter (has military trucks as upper deck cargo), draught 7.5m.
Target course 120°; Target distance 1196m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 6kn; Firing angle α 000°.

=> The torpedo is a miss by the bow, as the steamer has started to turn to port after the first torpedo hit on the Ore Freighter.

1207 - Qu.3689AL - Single Shot with tube III: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 4.0m; Vt30. Own course 210°; Own speed 1.6kn; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST.
Target ship: Position 2 M12 Freighter, draught 7.5m.
Target course 120°; Target distance 1015m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 4kn; Firing angle α 349°.

=> The torpedo is a hit after 56 Sec.!
Load fire explosion after the hit, debris are flying through the air.

Right after the shot, turning the boat hard to port, in order to bring the stern tubes to bear. T=18. Full Ahead.

1210 - Qu.3689AL - Distinct sinking noises heard from the Pos.2 torpedoed M12 Freighter.

1212 - Boat is deteced by the escort ASDIC! Diving from approaching Corvette. On course 120°.

1214 - At T=130, several Wabos above and behind the boat. No concussions or damages.

1215 - At 2A+7, further Wabos astern. In all, 40 Wabos are counted.

Cmdr.: First Wabo attack for this young boat!

1238 - Back to S-Tiefe. Boat is still in good position to attack the Pos.5, M39 Freighter. Turning boat hard to port, to bring the stern tube to bear. Flooding tube V.

1244 - Qu.3689AL - Single Shot with tube V: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 4.0m; Vt30. Own course 210°; Own speed 2kn astern; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST.
Target ship: Position 5 M39 Freighter (has a deck gun on the stern), draught 9.3m.
Target course 120°; Target distance 853m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 5kn; Firing angle α 000°.

=> The torpedo is a hit amidships after 51 Sec.!
The steamer continues on.

1255 - Running off submerged on course 75°, 1/3-Ahead.

1310 - Qu.3823AL - The Pos.5, M39 Freighter, sinks by the bow.

1314 - The Corvette runs back to the remaining convoy. All the while, apparently, no radar detection of our periscope.

1323 - O₂ = 20%.

1341 - Diving for torpedo reloading. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". Lunch break for the watch below.

U53 - Type VIIb - 3rd patrol - part 2
 

November 9, 1939 0600 AM01
U53 keeps sailing toward assigned patrol area.
We have almost no wind and calm sea, visibility moderate.
Will continue doing brief sonar checks for possible targets.


0712 AM01 Ship spotted! Seems a small cargo cruising our way. Down to periscope depth and closing.


0719 A small freighter. Think we'll use the deck gun.


0736 Some deck gun shell and some flack ammo were enough to sink our target. Leaving the area and back on previous course.


1702 Reached assigned patrol grid AM41. Sky is partly cloudy and the wind picked up to 9 knots.


November 10, 1939 AM41 0303 Surfaced to ventilate boat and reload batteries. Storm is raging, wind blow so hard U53 has to tack and jibe like a sailboat. We'll go down as soon as batteries are good.


1704 Patrol complete. Storm still raging. No contacts...but I doubt we would have been able to spot them anyway. U53 will now sail toward AM53. Let's hope the storm relents a little.

U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - Convoy battle continues
 

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


1356 - Tube II reloaded with G7e, K-b.

1407 - Tube V reloaded with G7a, K-a.

1416 - Surfaced after 2h 44' and 7.7sm.
Weather unchanged since 0400h.
Corvette bearing 80° on course ESE, E=8000.

1424 - Boat ventilated. Battery 7900Ah. New course 90°. 2xH.F.-Voraus.

1438 - Corvette goes on search pattern astern of the convoy, which is now running on course 95°.

1440 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
After making contact with convoy 0710/15, immediately pressed home the attack and sunk 2 steamers for 11020ts. Wabo attack, no damages. Chasing after convoy, has 3 ships left and 1 corvette with 3000m range radar. Qu.3689AL. 174cbm. 5 internal eels. WNW5/4, overcast, light haze, visibility 5-6sm, ~1000mb. - RST -

1447 - Incoming F.T.: From U 553:
Convoy SC.48: Chased off by escort. Running after convoy. - Thurmann -

Cmdr.: The incoming F.T.'s from U-Thurmann, are being read to the crew over the intercom system, mainly to the benefit of one of our Stbd.DieselFireman 1cl, who's uncle is U 553's commander.

1500 - The steamers are running array from time to time, apparently, in an attempt to confuse contact keeping boats.

1516 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
RST: Great Job!

1531 - Incoming F.T.: From U 568:
Convoy SC.48: Taking over as contact keeper. - Preuß -

Cmdr.: The commander from our sister boat U 10, when operating in the North Sea at the outbreak of the war, has joined the convoy battle of convoy SC.48.

1544 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
The boats U 77, U 101, U 751, U 73, which were enroute to the operational area, were likewise set on to convoy SC.48 at high speed.

1550 - Reached forward position of convoy.
Diving at E=7000, for submerged attack. S-Tiefe.
Turning boat hard to port, in order to bring the stern tubes to bear.

Group "Mordbrenner" (Arsonist), reporting in from Qu.3669AL, on course south.

1558 - Incoming F.T.: From U 568:
Convoy SC.48 proceeding east with a mean course of 40°. - Preuß -

1601 - Incoming F.T. from U 204 (Kell) cannot be deciphered.

1603 - "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube VI.

U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - The convoy battle rages on
 

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


1614 - The moment for the attack is ideal, as the Corvette is going on a search pattern astern of the convoy.

1626 - Qu.3931AL - Single Shot with tube VI: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.5m; Vt30. Own course 185°; Own speed 2kn astern; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST.
Target ship: Position 3 OreII Freighter, draught 5.8m.
Target course 95°; Target distance 729m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 6kn; Firing angle α 009°.

=> The torpedo is a hit midships after 35 Sec.!
After the torpedo hit, the steamer turns to port and heads directly for our position. Boat has to retreat with K.F.-Ahead, on course 005°. The steamer turns a full circle to port and almost get's in the way of the next torpedo shot.

1644 - Qu.3931AL - Single Shot with tube V: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 4.5m; Vt44. Own course 185°; Own speed 2kn astern; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST.
Target ship: Position 4 Medium Freighter, draught 8.0m.
Target course 95°; Target distance 1801m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 4kn; Firing angle α 000°.

=> The torpedo is a hit under the aft mast, after 86 Sec.!
However, the steamer continues on.

Cmdr.: Now the remaining three steamers have been torpedoed and are burning but not sinking, and I have only three torpedoes left under deck.

The Corvette is running up and down along the port beam of the convoy but not dropping any Wabos.

1715 - Boat running off submerged on course 51°.
"Dismissed from Battle Stations!". Dinner for the off-watch.

1720 - Group "Mordbrenner" (Arsonist), reporting in from Qu.3696AL, on course south.

1743 - O₂ = 20%. The convoy is now proceeding again on course 95°. The Watch Officers and Quartermaster are taking turns at the observations periscope.

1807 - T=49. Reloading of tube VI.

1816 - Tube VI reloaded with G7a, K-a.

1825 - Sundown - Surfaced after 2h 35' and 6.7sm.
Weather unchanged since 0400h.

1833 - Boat ventilated and on course 94°. Battery 7500Ah. 2xH.F.-Ahead.

1846 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
As the convoy which was expected to leave Freetown has not been picked up, the boats are now ordered to search toward the west, in an attempt to find the traffic.

1900 - Incoming F.T.: From U 564:
Refueling from "Gata" has been carried out. - Suhren -

U 562 (VIIC, Oblt. Herwig Collmann) reporting that it has entered Brest.

2000 - Turning boat hard to stbd. and approaching the convoy with a narrow angle. Course 265°. "Battle Stations!".

First patrol of the IXB U-64
01.03.1940 - 13.05.1940
Kaleun : Leutnant z.S. Georg Shulz
Days at sea : 74
Ships Sunk : 9
Tonnage : 36110
Wolfpacks/Convoy Battles : 2
Awards :
Leutnant z.S. Eugen Offermann (Wath Officer) - Iron Cross Second Class
Bootsman Fritz Zolke - Iron Cross First Class

welcome aboard!
 

ConvoyHunting!:Kaleun_Salute:

U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - Escaping certain desaster
 

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


2004 - Flooding tube II.

2011 - On course 185°. Inrun begins.

2014 - The boat is getting too close. K.F.-Astern.

2017 - The boat is being picked-up by the Corvette Radar. The Corvette is approaching the boat with a high bow wave at angle 0° and its max. speed of 16kn.

Running off with A.K. at course 90°. With the current sea state, the max. speed of the boat is 15kn, the corvette is slowly gaining on us.

2021 - Diving at a distance of 1600m to the Corvette.

2024 - At A+50. Silent Running. The order to close torpedo tube II was not given. The boat must reach S-Tiefe as soon as possible, before any water entry occurs or the torpedo in tube II is being damaged.

Group "Mordbrenner" can be heard in the hydrophone bearing 268°, E=19000, on a northerly course. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

The Corvette is dropping 22 Wabos at our diving position, 900m astern.

2049 - S-Tiefe. Closing torpedo tube II. The Corvette is still on ASW action at our diving position. Estimated distance is 3000m, just outside the enemy radar range.

2051 - Surfaced after 30 min. and 1.6sm.

2055 - The boat is still in favorable attack position.
"Battle Stations!". Turning in toward the steamers on course 185°. The Corvette has gone out of sight.

2058 - Qu.3833AL - Single Shot with tube II: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.5m; Vt30. Own course 185°; Own speed 3kn ahead; Shooter: OFähn.z.S & I.W.O. Udo HARTENSTEIN.
Target ship: Position 3 OreII Freighter, draught 5.8m.
Target course 95°; Target distance 1700m; Target angle red105°; Target speed 5kn; Firing angle α 332°.

=> The torpedo is a failure, understeers midships under the steamer!

Cmdr.: Perhaps, due to damage when the torpedo tube was not closed, when diving from the approaching Corvette.

2059 - Qu.3833AL - Single Shot with tube IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 4.5m; Vt30. Own course 185°; Own speed 3kn ahead; Shooter: OFähn.z.S & I.W.O. Udo HARTENSTEIN.
Target ship: Position 4 Medium Freighter, draught 8.0m.
Target course 95°; Target distance 1800m; Target angle red68°; Target speed 5kn; Firing angle α 015°.

=> Torpedo is hit amidships! The steamer continues on with a list to port and falls behind the OreII Freighter.

2101 - Running off on course 90° and 1/3-Ahead.

2129 - The Corvette is returning to the convoy.

2155 - "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

2222 - The already twice torpedoed steamer doesn't sink. The Corvette has disappeared. Approaching the steamer at a narrow angle.

2230 - "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube VI.

U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - No more internal eels
 

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


2241 - Turning boat hard to stbd., in order to bring the stern tube to bear. K.F.-Astern, 3kn.

2244 - On course 185°.

2248 - Qu.1714AM - Single Shot with tube VI: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 4.5m; Vt40. Own course 185°; Own speed 3kn astern; Shooter: OFähn.z.S & I.W.O. Udo HARTENSTEIN.
Target ship: Position 4 Medium Freighter, draught 8.0m.
Target course 95°; Target distance 1500m; Target angle red79°; Target speed 4kn; Firing angle α 003°.

=> Torpedo is hit amidships after 69 Sec.!
The steamer breaks in two and is burning over its entire length. Both halves sink within 1min. Flames linger on the surface long after the ship has sunk.
Running off right after the shot with K.F.-Ahead on course 005°.

2251 - The Corvette comes back into sight, E < 3000m.
Running off with A.K. on course 54°. Too late: The boat is being picked-up by the Corvette Radar. As before, the Corvette is approaching the boat with a high bow wave at angle 0° and its max. speed of 16kn. With the current sea state, the max. speed of the boat is still 15kn, the corvette is slowly gaining on us again.

2300 - Diving from approaching Corvette at a distance of 2800m. Speed 1/3-Ahead, 185rpm.

2307 - At A-Meter everything is very quite. Reducing speed to 135rpm and Silent Running. There! A single ASDIC ping. Diving deeper.

2310 - At A+20, sound contact with Corvette, which does not drop any Wabos. Diving position is about 800m astern.

2346 - At reception depth.
Incoming F.T.: From U 558:
Have sunk the Canadian Freighter Vancouver Island, 9472ts. - Krech -

2352 - Surfaced after 52' and 2.5sm.
The Corvette is 4000m astern, still searching for us at the diving position. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!".

All internal eels expended.

Just want to say that I'm really impressed by all your posts on this thread, Kapitän.
A very thrilling read and extremely well documented ! You inspired me to post career's KTB here.

Thank you very much! I see, that you also master the ENIGMA Code ... well played :03::up:

U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - Convoy battle concluded
 

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

Thursday, 16 October 1941 - Northwest of Rockall Bank -

0015 - The Corvette had gone out of sight, is now back in sight, bearing 79°, E=6000, on easterly course.

0029 - On course 95°. Speed 1/3 Ahead.

0050 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
On 15 October, 2250h, sunk out of convoy 0710/15, 1 steamer of 4792ts and torpedoed 2 Ore Freighters for combined 8157ts, Qu.1714AM. Had to dive twice from Corvette after radar detection, moderate Wabo pursuit, no damages. Continue to shadow remnants of convoy. 171cbm. 8 external Ato. WNW5/4, overcast, light haze, visibility 5-6sm, ~1000mb. - RST -

0139 - Boat is searching for the torpedoed Ore Freighter. Flower Corvette bearing 72°, E=4000, on opposite course.

0145 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
RST: Message received. Group Mordbrenner was at 0130h, in Qu.3663AL, on course 008°.

0152 - Ore Freighter comes into sight, bearing 004, E=4500. Turned boat around hard to port, new course 95°. Boat is now positioned lee-ward. The torpedoed OreII-Freighter, must be positioned ahead of the Corvette.

0200 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
Convoy 0710/15 now in Qu.1715AM top left, course 95°, speed 5kn. - RST -

Contact keeping report is not heard by HQ.

0331 - Incoming F.T.: From U 568:
Convoy SC.48: Again being driven off by Corvette. Attempting to regain contact to convoy. - Preuß -

Cmdr.: Apparently, the other boats have similar issues with the convoy escorts, as we have.

0444 - Early Morning Dawn.
Caught up with the torpedoed OreII Freighter, bearing 350°, E=3500. Crossed over to luff-side again, on course 50°.

0501 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Group Mordbrenner is to carry out a reconnaissance off the Belle Isle Straits. Boats U 573, U 374, U 208 and U 109 received orders to steer to square AJ 71, day's run 120 miles.

Cmdr.: The B.d.U. is vacating the area off the southern tip of Greenland. The Naval War Staff, must have given permission to attack outside the blockade area.

0543 - Now, the Corvette also comes into sight, bearing 139°, E=8000, on course 95, speed 5kn. Boat is running on parallel course.

0633 - Incoming F.T.0204/16: From U 568:
Convoy SC.48 now in AK 6649. At 0114h, sunk the British Empire Heron, 6023ts, out of same convoy. - Preuß -

0656 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 15 Oct., 0400h.

0701 - Incoming F.T.: From U 568/U 502/U 558:
Boats continue to maintain contact to convoy SC.48.

0731 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
B-Dienst reporting the departure of convoy HX.155. Arrival in Op.-Area is expected around 24 Oct.

Group Mordbrenner is answering position request 0730/16:
U 208, U 374, U 573 from Qu.3832AL, on course NNE;
U 109 from Qu.3669AL, on course SW.

0800 - Running off from convoy. Boat is moving to the south, in order for improved weather and sea conditions to allow the loading of the external torpedoes.

1055 - On course 180°. Evading the already torpedoed Ore Freighter on the surface.

1200 - Qu.1728AM - Days Run: 158.5sm - ↗ 140.7 (17h 47') - ↘ 17.8sm (6h 13').
169.7cbm (4.4cbm/24h). On course 180°. 6900Ah. 8 external Ato. Weather unchanged since 15 Oct., 0400h.

U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - In search of better weather for torpedo reloading
 

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


1201 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
The boats operating in the Southern Op.-Area, have not picked up any traffic around or west of Freetown. The boats with the same fuel reserve are ordered to proceed to the north in a patrol line, in order to increase the possibility of picking up convoy traffic. U 103, U 107, U 66 and U 125 received orders to return to base slowly on a line between 18° 30' W., and 22° 10' W.

1603 - Incoming F.T.: From U 204:
Reporting that refueling from "Gata" has been carried out. - Kell -

1607 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
No further refueling is possible from "Gata" (Cádiz) on account of lack of supplies.

1640 - Incoming F.T.1637/16: From U 553:
Convoy SC.48 now in AL 4152. - Thurmann -

1753 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 15 Oct., 0400h.

2002 - Incoming F.T.1744/16: From U 553:
First Sunderland attached to Convoy SC.48, at about 26° W.
- Thurmann -

2251 - Incoming F.T.: From U 553:
Convoy Sc.48: At least 10 tankers, of medium and large size, in the convoy. Strong escort expected. - Thurmann -

Boat operating acc. Op.-Orders as per F.T.0501/11.

U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - In search of better weather for torpedo reloading
 

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

Friday, 17 October 1941 - West of Rockall Bank -

0502 - Morning Dawn -
Incoming F.T.: From U 553:
Convoy SC.48 at 0143h in square AL 1966. Have sunk a tanker of 6000ts, and have observed the light of another tanker. - Thurmann -

0644 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 15 Oct., 0400h.

1200 - Qu.0355AL - Days Run: 149.6sm - (↗ 24h).
167.0cbm (2.7cbm/24h). On course 244°. 6900Ah. 8 external Ato. Weather unchanged since 15 Oct., 0400h.

1759 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 15 Oct., 0400h.

2321 - Incoming F.T.: From U 553:
Convoy SC.48: Have expended all torpedoes and request that another boat should take over and keep contact. Have sunk altogether 3 freighters and 1 tanker, totaling 21000ts.
- Thurmann -

2330 - Boat not operating on ship contact report in Qu.3983AL, on course East, slow speed, due to lack of torpedoes and bad weather.

Boat operating acc. Op.-Orders as per F.T.0501/11.

U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - In search of better weather for torpedo reloading
 

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

Saturday, 18 October 1941 - Southwest of Rockall Bank -

0501 - Morning Dawn -
Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Convoy HX.155: Heavy Cruiser or Battleship expected in convoy. No attacks on neutral vessels!

0651 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 15 Oct., 0400h.

0845 - Qu.6255Al -

1200 - Qu.0355AL - Days Run: 149.3sm - (↗ 24h).
164.4cbm (2.7cbm/24h). On course 180°. 6900Ah. 8 external Ato. Weather unchanged since 15 Oct., 0400h.

1321 - Incoming F.T.: From U 132:
Attacked a small coastal convoy at Cape Gorodetskij/Murmansk, and sunk the soviet steamer Argun, 3487ts. - Vogelsang -

1802 - Qu.6555AL - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 15 Oct., 0400h.

1837 - Norddeich Radio sending O.K.W.-Report about the successful operation against convoy SC.48, with 10 ships sunk, including 3 fully laden tankers, for combined 60,000ts.

1906 - Norddeich Radio sending O.K.W. report about the defeat of the soviet army in the Ukraine and the concerted merchant warfare of the Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe, against the English supply lines.

Boat operating acc. Op.-Orders as per F.T.0501/18.

U559 - Convoy battle off the coast of Freetown
 

January 21 1943 - Sector ET15

Enroute to ET57
- Radio contact report on convoy, heading NW, speed 6 knots. 3 hour intercept considered feasible and plotted.
- Torpedoes in tubes I, II (TIII G7e), III, IV (G7a FaT, G7e FaT) and V (TIII G7e) inspected and prepared for firing.
- Visibility moderate and improving, winds 11m/s from 26 degrees true. Overcast.

0549: "Biscay Cross" detects radar signals, likely escorts. Steered to put bow on to reduce signature. Visibility still very poor in low light.

0600: Course now 195, telegraph reads all ahead full - attempting high speed run prior to submerging.

0616: Course adjusted slightly to reduce radar profile. RWR now shows four distinct emitters.

0623: Dive ordered, depth 180m for submerged run to likely attack position.

0628: Sonar reports contacts on merchant-like screws. Convoy!

0630: Depth now 180m. Convoy appears to be closing off port bow. Boat rigged for silent running; speed 2.5kts.

https://i.imgur.com/VexGubx.png

0651: course now 180. Possibility of conducting attack from within the convoy appears to be forming Speed now 2 knots.

0708: Lead escort appears to be crossing bow. Starboard-side escort has begun to pass aft of us. Course now 215, speed 1 knot.

0712: Speed now 2 knots. Periscope depth ordered. Have penetrated enemy's starboard screen.

https://i.imgur.com/nD7AnYa.png

0731: Merchant screws aft to starboard; we are now in between lanes of the convoy. Depth presently 40m and rising. Speed 1 knot.

0736: Now at periscope depth. Medium cargo identified and used for solution data, speed estimated 5-6knots. AOB roughly 90 to starboard. Tubes I and IV flooded.

0740: Range to targets estimated at 2500m and 4000m - two columns of the convoy off our bow. Tubes I and IV fired at Medium Tanker.

https://i.imgur.com/9KgvhKd.png

0741: Tube II fired at coastal-type freighter, range 1953m.

0742: Tube III fired at small merchant, range 1759m. Torpedo set to a medium speed run. Wake appears to have been spotted, as searchlights begin to sweep the area.

0743: Tube V fired at Medium Cargo, range 1162m. Depth ordered to 200m, left standard rudder. As we begin to dive a torpedo impact is reported on time and on target for the Tanker.

https://i.imgur.com/nUyk2Uq.png

0744: Torpedo impact reported for Tube II's, just slightly forward of run time. Sonar rapidly reports sounds of breaking bulkheads and hull popping noises. Rudder amidships, telegraph now reads Ahead 2/3rds. FaT torpedoes now appear to be beginning their ladder runs.

https://i.imgur.com/GvIw2Bg.png

0746: A torpedo impact reported by sonar. One of the FaTs appeared to have hit something.

https://i.imgur.com/gLXocts.png

0749: Final FaT torpedo appears to have missed. Aft torpedo also appears to have missed, sonar never able to re-establish contact on its bearing after dive and course change. Focus now is evasion, damage assessment can be carried out later. Depth 100m and descending. Scheme is to delay and frustrate escorts attempts to locate by heading through and under the 'thundering herd.'

https://i.imgur.com/5uxFGhO.png

https://i.imgur.com/CMbz5B8.png

0803: Dive planes levelled off at 158m.

0806: Sonar reports sounds of another ship breaking up, hull popping noises. Believe it is the Tanker based on bearing. Escorts do not appear to have a fix on our location.

https://i.imgur.com/XwnNiUW.png

0921: Now at periscope depth. Periscope sweep shows escorts still visible just off port bow. Course ordered changed to 213. We will go deep again and open up the distance.

0933: Secured from silent running. Tubes I through IV ordered reloaded with T1 G7a.

1034: Tubes I through IV reported loaded. Ordered to periscope depth.

1042: Surfaced. Will now attempt to get ahead of convoy based on last known course, with an intention to be in likely attack position in 4 hours time. Swells remain high but in spite of this hot food and coffee distributed among all ratings. Organised rest in small 2 hour blocks to occur. Battery charge remains acceptable and we are running at standard propulsion.

https://i.imgur.com/kONiPaL.png

1443: Course now 45. Sounding dive taken, faint noise bearing 40 relative.

1445: Surfaced. Ahead standard on standard propulsion.

1506: Metox detecting singals. Periscope depth ordered. Propeller noises constant at bearings 40-50 relative.

1513: Depth now 160m.

1517: Clear merchant screws, closing.

1521: Now at 163m. 3 minute high speed run followed by a drift planned.

1606: Portside escort now off starboard bow. Depth 165m, speed 4 knots. Silent running ordered.

1610: Depth now 170m. Speed 2 knots.

1614: Ordered to periscope depth.

1619: Speed now 4 knots. Nearest escort appears to be passing aft. Depth still rising.

1621: Planes levelled at 93m temporarily.

1626: Course now 20, speed 4 knots. Dpeth 122m.

1631: Re-ordered periscope depth. Course now 40. Speed maintaining at 4 knots - we are on our attack run. All tubes prepared for firing. Nearest escort passing off port bow.

1636: Now at periscope depth.

1638: Large Cargo identified as target 1. Empire-type identified as target 2.

https://i.imgur.com/9ZGN1jV.png

1642: Tubes I and II fired at Empire-type on 4 degree spread. Range 3000m, fast run.

1643: Tubes II and IV fired at large Cargo on 3 degree spread. Range 2500m, medium run.

https://i.imgur.com/7IZdTSP.png

1645: Searchlights! Course changed to 80, depth ordered 150m. Speed 4 knots.

1646: 1 impact reported, followed rapidly by series of large, very loud, explosions. Hull popping noises.

https://i.imgur.com/tl6uAFC.png

https://i.imgur.com/PkHMabj.png

https://i.imgur.com/MStbxdp.png

https://i.imgur.com/697u61L.png


1650: Depth now 144m and descending. Speed ordered ahead slow. Escorts once again do not appear to be aware of origin point of fire.

1706: Escort very close off starboard bow. No pinging or depth charges.

1711: Course reversed.

1843: Periscope sweep shows no contacts in sight. Surfaced; no sonar or RWR contacts. Will now head course 180(T) until nightfall, watch will then change and rest. Convoy is now exiting assigned grid of ET and ammo is limited, no follow up attack will occur. En route to ET57.

https://i.imgur.com/UDisARb.png

@Rinaldi: Nice read, also with pics :up:

Interesting to follow your tactic. Which Mod are you using (GWX, LSH, ...)?

GWX 3.0 with SH3 commander.

My exact modlist is presently:

GWX 16km Atmosphere
GWX No Medals on Crew
GWX Open Hatch Mod
GWX Captain America's Officer Icons
Hull damage made by torpedo impact mod v1.0
Depth charge noise - v2 GWX
TDW's Ship Plane Fire Damage_v1.4