U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - "PAUKENSCHLAG, PAUKENSCHLAG, PAUKENSCHLAG!!!"
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Wednesday, 14 January 1942 - East of Cape Hatteras - 0002 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: For Commanders eyes only: RST: Password PAUKENSCHLAG! Angriff, ran, versenken (Attack, engage, sink)! 0222 - Incoming F.T.: From U 43 (IX): Sunk in heavy weather from convoy ON.55, the British Empire Surf, 6641ts and the Panamanian Chepo, 5707ts. - Lüth - 0945 - Early Morning Dawn. 1101 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h. 1200 - Qu.2291DC - Days Run: 168.3sm (↗ 24h). 152.1cbm (1.8cbm/24h). On course 264°. Battery 10000Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h. 1800 - Norddeich Radio sending report about war activities in West Africa: Under the Code name "Operation Postmaster", British Small Scale Raiding Force (SSRF) and the Special Operations Executive (SOE), conducted a special operation on the Spanish island of Fernando Po, in the Gulf of Guinea, during which they to boarded Italian and German Uboat supply ships in the harbour of Santa Isabel and sailed them to Lagos. 2054 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h. 2241 - It is beginning to rain. Wind and Sea are increasing. shifting East. 2400 - ESE7/6, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Reached ordered patrol grid
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Thursday, 15 January 1942 - ESE of Cape Hatteras - 0005 - Qu.2197DC - Diving for submerged cruise. 0010 - At A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running. 0228 - O₂ = 20%. 0700 - At T=50. Beginning of Torpedo Maintenance. 0708 - O₂ = 19%. 1000 - Bow tubes serviced. 1048 - O₂ = 18%. 1110 - Sunrise. 1200 - Qu.2178DC - Days Run: 119.0sm - ↗ 84.7sm (22h 05') - ↘ 34.7sm (11h 55'). 150.3cbm (1.8cbm/24h). On course 264°. T=50. O₂ = 18%. Battery 7700Ah (12h at 135rpm => 2300Ah). 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Stern torpedoes serviced. 1300 - Beginning of Trial Dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507, 185rpm/4kn. 1315 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. Setting for Reception Depth. 1322 - At Reception Depth. 1325 - Surfaced after 1h 25min and 4.5sm since Etmal, and after total of 13h 20min and 39.2sm. Battery: 7300Ah. 2x235RPM/8kn. Weather: SE7/6, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb. 1340 - Boat ventilated. 1403 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: For Commanders eyes only: Paukenschlag boats: Enemy situation off the East coast of America was reported as follows: a) Along the coast of the USA and to the south still heavy single ship movements. Fuel points New York, Baltimore etc., Straits of Florida, Aruba, Trinidad. - to be continued - 1405 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 94, U 586, U 132: Ites, von der Esch, Vogelsang: Due to entrance of our warships (Tirpitz + 4 destroyers) to Drontheim, do not to fire at warships and remain eastward of our own minefields, West of 3° 40'. - B.d.U. - 1408 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: For Commanders eyes only: Paukenschlag boats: Continued from F.T.1403/15: b) Also heavy single ship movements after waiting for activity at the assembly points on the Halifax - Sydney Line. Only sparse movements to Bermuda. Assembly and organization of convoys in U.S.A. harbors possible but not yet noticeable. - to be continued - 1536 - Qu.1633DC - Reached ordered patrol area! 2x205RPM/K.F.-Ahead. On new course 233°. Cmdr.: Finally, after 1 month, we finally reached our designated patrol area. We lost about 7-10 days in the storm and having to pass through the air cover zone of Bermuda. Still, morale is high, as the boat is combat ready and in position, with just 1 day delay. With the fuel supply and provisions on board, we should be able to stay in the operational area for up to 1 month, before we have to head back to base. 1800 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: For Commanders eyes only: Paukenschlag boats: Continued from F.T.1408/15: c) Enemy air patrols heavy but not dangerous because of inexperience. - to be continued - 1806 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: For Commanders eyes only: Paukenschlag boats: Continued from F.T.1800/15: d) Activity similar to that in English waters during the 1st 2 years of war. - End - 1807 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: Third position and status request for U 374 (von Fischel). Boat is presumed lost. (U 374, VIIC, Oblt.z.S.Unno von Fischel, was sunk on 12 January 1942 in the Mediterranean Sea, south-west of Cape Spartivento, in position 37.50N, 16.00E, by torpedoes from the British submarine HMS Unbeaten, 42 dead and 1 survivor. Unno von Fischel was the son of Naval Admiral, Hermann von Fischel. Hermann commanded the U-65 during WWI. When Unno's boat, U 374 was sunk by the British submarine HMS Unbeaten, he and all but one of his men died. U 374 had been damaged two days earlier and was unable to dive on its return to port, when ambushed by the British submarine.) 1820 - Sailing athwart, doesn't help. Diving due to heavy swell continuously washing over the bridge. 1827 - At A-20. On new course 270°. 65rpm/1.6kn. 1958 - O₂ = 20%. 2058 - Sundown. 2100 - Lights out for the Off-Watch. Silent Running. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Patrolling ordered patrol grid
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Friday, 16 January 1942 - Southeast of Cape Hatteras - 0038 - O₂ = 19%. 0548 - O₂ = 18%. (Silent Running: 1% = 5h 10min.). 0700 - Swab the decks for the Off-Watch. Suspended Silent Running. 0948 - O₂ = 17%. 0958 - T=20. L.I. distributing Oxygen in the boat. (After 10 min. of O₂=17%). Back to course 233°. 1002 - Surfaced after 15h 42' and 21.6sm. Early Morning Dawn. Weather unchanged since 15 Jan., 1325h. Battery: 6300Ah. 2x1/3-Ahead. 1018 - Boat ventilated. 2xSlow-Ahead. 1038 - Diving for submerged cruise. 1045 - At A-20. 65rpm/1.6kn. Silent Running. 1111 - Sunrise. 1200 - Qu.1626DC - Days Run: 59.7sm - ↗ 31.8sm (5h 31') - ↘ 27.9sm (18h 29'). 149.5cbm (0.8cbm/24h). On course 180°. T=60. O₂ = 21%. Battery 6100Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. 1254 - O₂ = 20%. 1536 - Patrolled ordered Patrol Grid for 24h. 1728 - O₂ = 19%. 2102 - Sundown. Lights-Out for the Off-Watch. 2208 - O₂ = 18%. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Battling yet another storm
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Saturday, 17 January 1942 - East of Myrtle Beach - 0328 - O₂ = 17%. 0335 - At Reception Depth. 0338 - Surfaced after 15h 38' and 19.9sm since Etmal, and after 17h and 21.7sm in total. Weather unchanged since 15 Jan., 1325h. Battery: 5000Ah. (17h at 65rpm => 1300Ah). 0351 - Turning into the wind, doesn't help. 0359 - Boat ventilated. On course 180°. 0508 - Compressed Air Supply filled. 0515 - Diving for submerged cruise. 0525 - At A-20. On course 270°. 65rpm/1.6kn. 0700 - Silent Running. 0708 - O₂ = 20%. 1112 - Sunrise. 1200 - Qu.1682DC - Days Run: 36.5sm - ↗ 8.0sm (1h 37') - ↘ 28.5sm (22h 23'). 148.6cbm (0.9cbm/24h). On course 270°. T=60. O₂ = 20%. Battery 4900Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Suspended Silent Running. 1208 - O₂ = 19%. 1308 - Silent Running. 1658 - O₂ = 18%. 2107 - Sundown. 2208 - O₂ = 17%. 2218 - At Reception Depth. L.I. distributing Oxygen in the boat. 2222 - On course 174°. Surfacing directly from T=20, after 10h 22' and 13.8sm since Etmal, and after 17h 07' and 22.4sm in total. Weather unchanged since 15 Jan., 1325h. Battery: 4200Ah. 2308 - Boat ventilated. 2400 - Compressed Air Supply filled. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Operating acc. to Op.-Orders
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Sunday, 18 January 1942 - South of Cape Hatteras - 0014 - On course 230°. 0500 - Diving for Torpedo Maintenance and Trial Dive. 0508 - T=60, course 270°, 65rpm/1.6kn. 0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch. 0600 - Port-Machine-Watch on duty. Wake-Up and Morning-Wash for the rest of the crew. 0630 - O₂ = 20%. Breakfast for the rest of the crew. 0700 - T=50. Beginning of torpedo maintenance. 1000 - Bow tubes serviced. Break until 1020h. 1008 - O₂ = 19%. 1112 - Sunrise. 1150 - Stern tubes serviced. 1200 - Qu.1836DC - Days Run: 61.5sm - ↗ 38.5sm (6h 38') - ↘ 23.0sm (17h 22'). 147.7cbm (0.9cbm/24h). On course 270°. T=60. O₂ = 19%. Battery 4700Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Lunch Break until 1300h. 1300 - Beginning of Trial Dive acc. Standing B.d.U.-Order 507, 135rpm/3kn. 1320 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. Setting for Reception Depth. 1345 - At Reception Depth, no F.T. received. At S-Tiefe, weather and sea unchanged. Setting for A-20 for submerged cruise. 1348 - O₂ = 18%. 1355 - At A-20. 65rpm/1.6kn, Silent Running. 1715 - Dinner until 1800h. 1838 - O₂ = 17%. 1848 - L.I. is distributing O₂ in the boat. 1855 - At Reception Depth. On course 230°. 1900 - Surfaced after 7h and 9.8sm since Etmal, and 14h and 19sm in total. Weather unchanged since 15 Jan., 1325h. 1908 - Boat ventilated. 1929 - Compressed Air Supply filled. 2107 - Sundown. Lights-Out for the Off-Watch. 2330 - Qu.1855DC - Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - The storm continues
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Monday, 19 January 1942 - South of Cape Hatteras - 0010 - Diving for submerged cruise at A-20. 0020 - At A-20., on course 270°, 65rpm/1.6kn, Silent Running. 0228 - O₂ = 20%. 0728 - O₂ = 19%. 1112 - Sunrise. 1200 - Qu.1843DC - Days Run: 58.6sm - ↗ 33.7sm (5h 10') - ↘ 24.9sm (18h 50'). 146.8cbm (0.9cbm/24h). On course 270°. T=60. O₂ = 19%. Battery 3300Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. 1228 - O₂ = 18%. 1728 - O₂ = 17%. Setting for Reception Depth. On course 230°. 1738 - At S-Tiefe. L.I. distributing O₂ in the boat. 1740 - Surfaced after 5h 40' and 7.6sm since Etmal, and 17h 30' and 22.7sm in total. Weather unchanged since 15 Jan., 1325h. 1748 - Boat ventilated. 1823 - Compressed Air Supply filled. 1830 - Charging Batteries (3000Ah): - Port Engine Propulsion 296RPM/6kn; - Stbd.Engine Charging, 496RPM. 2010 - Battery 50% charged (1h 40' for 2000Ah). 2030 - Diving for Submerged Cruise at A-20. 2045 - At A-20. On course 270°. 2105 - Sundown. 2258 - O₂ = 20%. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Fifth week at sea
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Tuesday, 20 January 1942 - East of Charleston - - Fifth week at sea completed - 0408 - O₂ = 19%. 0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch. 0600 - Port-Machine-Watch on duty. Wake-Up and Morning Wash of the rest of the crew. 0630 - Breakfast for the rest of the crew. 0700 - Swab-the-decks for the Off-Watch. 0908 - O₂ = 18%. 1109 - Sunrise. 1200 - Qu.1794DC - Days Run: 47.0sm - ↗ 17.8sm (2h 40') - ↘ 29.2sm (21h 20'). 145.9cbm (0.9cbm/24h). On course 270°. T=60. O₂ = 18%. Battery 4200Ah (15.5h at 65rpm = 800Ah). 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Lunchbreak. 1300 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch. 1358 - O₂ = 17%. Setting for Reception Depth. 1408 - L.I. distributing O₂ in the boat. 1410 - At Reception Depth. On course 230°. 1415 - Surfaced after 2h 15' and 3.2sm since Etmal, and 17h 45' and 24.8sm in total. Weather unchanged since 15 Jan., 1325h. 1418 - Boat ventilated. 1449 - Compressed Air Supply filled. 1500 - Diving for submerged cruise at A-20. 1510 - At A-20. On course 270°. 65rpm/1.6kn. Silent running. 1715 - Dinner until 1800h. O₂ = 20%. 2103 - Sundown. Lights-out for the Off-Watch. 2218 - O₂ = 19%. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Weather and Sea slightly improving
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Wednesday, 21 January 1942 - East of Charleston - 0338 - O₂ = 18%. 0838 - O₂ = 17%. Setting for Reception Depth. 0848 - At S-Tiefe. Weather and sea have improved somewhat. It stopped raining but still overcast and a heavy swell. The L.I. is distributing O₂ in the boat. 0850 - Surfaced after 17h 50' and 23.sm. Weather and sea improving somewhat, wind shifting NE, sea still with a heavy swell that washes over the bridge, although, not as much as before, overcast, medium visibility. 0858 - Boat ventilated. 2x235RPM. 0930 - Compressed Air Supply filled. 0955 - Early Morning Dawn. 1000 - Charging Batteries (2900Ah): - Port Engine Propulsion 285RPM/6kn; - Stbd.Engine Charging, 496RPM. 1108 - Sunrise. NE6/5, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, heavy swell, <1000mb. 1200 - Qu.1772DC - Days Run: 48.6sm - ↗ 25.4sm (3h 55') - ↘ 23.2sm (20h 05'). 145.1cbm (0.8cbm/24h). On course 300°. Battery 6500Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, swell subsiding, visibility ~5sm. 1342 - Qu.1747DC - Single Engine airplane in 90°true, on northerly heading, E=6000, turning back right behind the boat and flying off on course South. 100sm from land. Suspect airplane belonging to U.S.A. Naval Air Command Tampa, Florida. Boat remains surfaced. 1506 - Batteries charged (5h for 7100Ah). 2x235RPM. 1515 - On course 270°. Water depth 435m. 1605 - Diving for Torpedo Maintenance and Trial Dive acc. Standing B.d.U.-Order 507. 1611 - T=49, 65rpm/1.6kn. Beginning of torpedo maintenance. 1741 - Stern tubes serviced. 1758 - O₂ = 20%. 2103 - Sundown. 2130 - Bow tubes serviced. 2135 - Beginning of trial dive. Depth under keel 333m. 135rpm/3kn. 2138 - O₂ = 19%. 2155 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. Setting for Reception Depth. 2212 - At Reception Depth. No F.T.s received. 2228 - S-Tiefe. Darkness. Weather and Sea unchanged. 2230 - Surfaced after 6h 25' and 9.7sm. Weather unchanged since Sunrise. 2238 - Boat ventilated 2245 - Charging Batteries (9500Ah): - Port Engine Propulsion 285RPM/6kn; - Stbd.Engine Charging, 496RPM. 2315 - Batteries charged (30' for 500Ah). 2x235RPM/7kn. 2319 - Incoming F.T.: From U 123: Have sunk 53360ts off New York. - Hardegen - Cmdr.: The other Paukenschlag boats that have left after us, have already scored nice successes further north, while we were yet again, battling through another storm. We have now arrived in the operational area as well, as the most southern boat of the Group Paukenschlag. Let's hope, the Americans have not closed their shipping lanes already. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - After 5 weeks, finally have slain our first prey
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Thursday, 22 January 1942 - South of Bald Head Island - 0032 - Incoming F.T.: From U 82: Have sunk from convoy ON.56, the British tanker Athelcrown, 11999ts. - Rollmann - 0115 - Qu.3955DB - Water Depth 280m. 0505 - Qu.3945DB - "Commander to Bridge, Surface Vessel!". A small American merchant relative bearing 29°Stbd., on course 82°, E=1800m. 0507 - Turning boat hard to stbd. and to course 355°. 0508 - Slow Ahead. "Battle Stations!". 0509 - Flooding tube I. 0510 - Qu.3945DB - Single Shot with tube I: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 4.5m; Vt30. Own course 355°; Own speed 5kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Small Freighter of 1710ts, draught 6.8m. Target course 82°; Target distance 1110m; Target angle green75°; Target speed 7kn; Firing angle α 357°. => Torpedo is hit amidships after 66 Sec.! Steamer immediately looses headway and settles in the water, and sinks over the stbd. beam within 1-2 minutes. No radio message intercepted. After about 1 min., loud underwater explosions. Water depth here is 185m. 0520 - Questioned and supplied 3 survivors in one boat, and ran off on westerly heading. 2x235RPM/7kn. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". 0600 - Water Depth 130m. 0707 - Qu.3866DB - Water Depth 55m. 0955 - Early Morning Dawn. 1000 - Diving for torpedo reloading. Water Depth 35m. 1010 - T=32. Depth under keel is 5m. Commencing torpedo reloading. 1021 - Tube I reloaded with G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ). 1026 - At Reception Depth. 1104 - Sunrise. Depth under keel is 14m. 1140 - Sound contact turbine bearing 262°, approaching at medium speed on course 350°, E=19000. Heading directly for our position. 1148 - O₂ = 20%. 1200 - Qu.3864DB - Days Run: 118.5sm - ↗ 103.6sm (15h 35') - ↘ 14.9sm (8h 25'). 144.2cbm (0.9cbm/24h). On course 270°. Battery 9500Ah. T=20. O₂ = 20%. 13 internal and 8 external torpedoes. 1212 - S-Tiefe. In the A-Periscope, the patrol vessel comes into sight, bearing 248°, E=8000. Is identified as a Patrol Boat of 925ts, draught 2.5m, top speed 12kn. 1233 - Crossing our stern at a distance of 4300m. 1236 - I.W.O. manning the A-Periscope. Continuing Lunch Break until 1300h. 1300 - Patrol Boat has gone out of sight, still on course 350°. Surfaced after 1h and 2.9sm since Etmal, and 3h and 8.1sm in total. Battery 9400Ah. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 21 January. 1308 - Boat ventilated. 2x235RPM 1445 - Qu.3855DB - Water depth 30m. 1508 - Diving from a Single Engine Airplane in 140°true., on course NNW, E=8000. Before closing the Conning Tower Hatch, noticed that the airplane is crossing exactly Qu.3855DB and at a distance of about 5000m behind the boat, turns around and flies off again on course 164°. Suspect that the center of Qu.3855DB is used as a navigational fix point. 1548 - Surfaced after 40 min. and 1.9sm. Battery 9300Ah. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 21 January. 1902 - Incoming F.T.: From U 553: Have sunk the Norwegian tanker Inneröy, 8260ts. - Thurmann - 2105 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 21 January. 2120 - On new course 305°. 2200 - Running along the coast of Kiawah Island from East to West and back again, until 0030h. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Operation hampered by torpedo failures
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Friday, 23 January 1942 - Kiawah Island - 0030 - Ocean Park - 0250 - In front of the entrance to Charleston, between Cummings Point and Sullivan's Island. As nothing can be seen, running off on course 77°. 0600 - Charging Batteries (9300Ah): - Port Engine Propulsion 285RPM/6kn; - Stbd.Engine Charging, 496RPM. 0632 - Incoming F.T.: From U 82: Have sunk from convoy ON.56, the Norwegian tanker Leiesten, 6118ts. - Rollmann - 0645 - Batteries charged (45' for 700Ah). 2x235RPM/7kn. 0810 - F.T.-Intercept: On 600m-Wave: SSS SSS SSS Thirlby SSS SSS SSS sinking quickly 43.20N 66.15W Cmdr.: The position given in the radio intercept is Marqu.BA9955, which is in the Op.-area of Paukenschläger Bleichrodt (U 109). Later we will learn, that SS Thirlby was a straggler from convoy SC.66 and indeed sunk by U 109. 0955 - Early Morning Dawn. 1108 - Qu.3831DB - Sunrise - Weather unchanged in 48h. "Commander to Bridge, Surface Vessel!". A steamer bearing 339°, on course 235°, E=6000m, approaching with angle to bow 0°. 1110 - Diving for submerged attack. S-Tiefe. Trying to get distance from the course line of the steamer on course 90°. 1125 - Turning a full circle hard to stbd. and Full Ahead to bring the bow tubes to bear. However, the steamer is much faster than anticipated and by the time we have reached our attack course of 325°, is already crossing our bows. 1128 - "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube I. 1129 - Qu.3831DB - Single Shot with tube I: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 4.5m; Vt30. Own course 325°; Own speed 3kn ahead; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST. Target ship: Small Panamanian Merchant of 2180ts, draught 5.6m. Target course 235°; Target distance 1289m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 10kn; Firing angle α 316°. => Torpedo is a failure, Early Detonator! 1130 - Qu.3831DB - Single Shot with tube II: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 4.0m; Vt30. Own course 325°; Own speed 3kn ahead; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST. Target ship: Small Panamanian Merchant of 2180ts, draught 5.6m. Target course 235°; Target distance 1289m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 9kn; Firing angle α 304°. => Torpedo is a failure, Early Detonator! 1140 - Running off on course 60°, as a pair of Seversky P-35 are flying over the merchant on course NW and fly off again on course SE. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". 1155 - Surfaced after 45 min. and 2.7sm. Battery 9700Ah. Heading East to deeper waters for torpedo maintenance and reloading. 1200 - Qu.3831DB - Days Run: 152.4sm - ↗ 144.9sm (21h 35') - ↘ 7.5sm (2h 25'). 140.7cbm (3.5cbm/24h). On course 90°. Battery 9700Ah. 11 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 21 January. - to be continued - +++++ |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Found the U.S.A. East Coast shipping lanes
Quote:
+++++ - continued from 23 January 1942, 1200h - 1401 - Norddeich Radio sending O.K.W. report about Kptlt. Reinhard Hardegen (U 123) being awarded on this day with the Knights Cross! 1515 - Boat operating on Ship Contact Report 1510/23, in Qu.3916DB, on course SSW, slow speed. Plotting course considering enemy speed of 6kn. New course 130°, Full Ahead. 1603 - On new course 140°. 1610 - Ship Contact Report 1510/23 comes into sight, bearing 347°, E=9000. Is identified as a M04B Merchant of 5650ts, draught 7.0m, on course 194°, speed 7kn. 1612 - On new course 180°. 1620 - Boat is positioned lee-ward and moving along the stbd. side of the steamer on parallel course 193°, in order to overtake and maneuver into attack position. 1638 - Incoming F.T.: From U 125: Leaving operational area for area DC, because of lack of ship movement. - Folkers - Cmdr.: Apparently, U-Folkers did not find any shipping in its Op.-area of CA 38, 59, 62, 63, and is now going to operate just east from us. Perhaps, the enemy has already stopped ships leaving port and the only ships still to be found, are the ones that were already or were still at sea, when the order was given. 1703 - Incoming F.T.: From U 123: Have passed Bermuda on return cruise. Marqu.DD 25. City and harbor dimmed out. Lights extinguished even to single buoys. Searchlight defenses on harbor entrances. No mine defenses, no patrols or ship movements observed. - Hardegen - Cmdr.: No mentioning of any air patrols, of which we had plenty. 1716 - Incoming F.T.: From U 85: Sunk steamer in BD 8793. Attacked according Order No.50, Figure 23b (sinking of ship sailing alone screened by destroyer). - Greger - 1720 - Reached position forward of steamer, angle to bow 0°, E=7500. Reducing speed, on course 150°. 1739 - Incoming F.T.: From U 66: Have sunk the U.S.A. tanker Venore, 8017ts, Qu.7968CA - Zapp - Cmdr.: The position given by U-Zapp is off Cape Hatteras, just to the North from us. 1745 - Qu.3945DB - Diving for submerged attack. 1800 - "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube III & IV. 1803 - Incoming F.T.: From U 553: All torpedoes fired, returning to port. Results: 2 tankers (16,000 BRT) sunk. Ships taking outer coastal route, about 100 miles east of Cape Hatteras - Cape Race line, steering for convoy assembly point. - Thurmann - 1807 - Double Shot with tube III & IV: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 4.5m; Vt30. Own course 284°; Own speed 2kn ahead; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST. Target ship: British M04B Merchant of 5650ts, draught 7.0m. Target course 194°; Target distance 926m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 6kn; Firing angle tube III α 004°, tube IV α 001°. => Both torpedoes are hits after 51 Sec.! Going on parallel course along port side of the steamer, which is continuing on with a list to port. Has upper deck cargo in crates. 1813 - The steamer capsizes over the port side and sinks. After about 1.5min., loud underwater explosions. Noticed 3 boats with 9 survivors 1820 - Boat remains submerged, running off on course 90°. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". 1900 - T=50. 65rpm/1.6kn. Beginning of torpedo maintenance and reloading. 1924 - Tubes II & III reloaded with G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ). 1928 - O₂ = 20%. 1949 - Tube I & IV reloaded with G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ). Break until 2005h. 2047 - Sundown. 2135 - Tubes V & VI serviced. No damages found. 2235 - At Reception Depth. No F.T. received. 2242 - S-Tiefe. Darkness. Weather and Sea unchanged. 2245 - Surfaced after 5h and 8.7sm. 2300 - On new course 0°. Boat ventilated. Charging Batteries (9100Ah): - Port Engine Propulsion 285RPM/6kn; - Stbd.Engine Charging, 496RPM. 2355 - Batteries charged (55' for 900Ah). 2x235RPM/7kn. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Indeed a target-rich Op.-area
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Saturday, 24 January 1942 - East of Charleston - 0200 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: During outbound transit was forced south by heavy storm into the air cover zone of Bermuda. Many airplanes, was bombed once, no damages. Arrived in Op.-area on 15 Jan., 1536h. On 22 Jan., 0511h, sunk U.S.A. Steamer 1710ts, and on 23 Jan., 1813h, sunk British M04B Steamer 5650ts, both in Qu.3945DB. On 23 Jan., 1130h, double Eto Early Detonator on Panamanian Steamer 2180ts, in Qu.3831DB, attack broken off. All remaining torpedoes checked, no damages found. Current position Qu.3916DB, heading north. 9 internal and 8 external eels. 139cbm. NE6/5, overcast, light haze, visibility 5sm, medium swell, <1000mb. - RST - 0245 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Well "pauked". Continue acc. Op.-Orders. 0825 - Qu.3655DB - 0950 - 15sm south of Bald Head Island - Early Morning Dawn. 1051 - Off Frying Pan Shoals - Sunrise. Weather unchanged in 3 days. 1200 - Qu.3637DB - Days Run: 147.1sm - ↗ 139.0sm (19h) - ↘ 8.7sm (5h). 137.1cbm (3.6cbm/24h). On course 53°. Battery 10000Ah. 9 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 21 January. 1516 - Incoming F.T.: From U 130: 30000ts sunk. Expended all torpedoes. 130cbm. Commencing return transit. - Kals - 1702 - Qu.1177DC - "Surface Vessel!". A Small Merchant and a Coastal Schooner ahead, E=8000. Both on parallel course SSW, distance between them is about 1600m. 1715 - At E=4500, Diving for submerged attack. Water depth here is 33m. 1720 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: Ship contact report in Qu.1167DC, on course WSW, medium speed. 1725 - Turning boat hard to port, in order to bring bow tubes to bear. Course is 300°. "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube I. Targeting the Small Merchant, which is another Panamanian Steamer of 2180ts, and is burning in the forecastle. 1731 - Qu.1177DC - Single Shot with tube I: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 4.0m; Vt40. Own course 300°; Own speed 2kn ahead; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST. Target ship: Panamanian Steamer of 2180ts, draught 5.6m. Target course 210°; Target distance 692m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 8kn; Firing angle α 007°. => Torpedo is a hit under the bridge after 27 Sec.! The steamer catches on fire over its entire length. As its continuing on, its burning cargo is setting the water on fire. The steamer sinks after 1-2 minutes on an even keel, the top of the masts are still sticking out of the shallow water. 1 boat with 4 survivors seen in the periscope. 1736 - The U.S.A. Coastal Schooner is approaching the sinking position. Boat is staying at S-Tiefe and running off on course 30°. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". 1825 - Surfaced after 1h 10min. and 3.5sm. Boat operating on ship contact report 1720/24. New course 68°, 2xH.F.-Ahead. 1902 - Qu.1175DC - Boat has to dive from a Catalina, direct approach from 230°true, E=6000, water depth is 26m.During the diving process, 2 bombs behind the boat, no damages. 1903 - At Reception Depth, 4 more bombs at the diving position, no damages. 1912 - Running off submerged on course 0°, 1/3-Ahead. 2012 - Surfaced after 1h 10' and 4.6sm. Weather unchanged. 9000Ah. 2021 - Qu.1172DC - Sundown. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 21 January. Fly over by a double-tail airplane, identified as a Lockheed P-38 "Lightning", right over the boat from stern to bow, was all of the sudden right over the boat, flew off again on heading NNE. No gunfire or bombs dropped. Suspect air reconnaissance from Norfolk. 2050 - Nothing seen at calculated interception point of ship contact report 1720/24. 2125 - Diving for sound check. Water depth is 30m. 2130 - At Reception depth nothing heard. 2135 - Surfaced after 10min. and 0.3sm. Darkness. Weather unchanged. 2x235RPM. Cmdr.: The ship contact must have by-passed our position, due to the airplane sightings. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Air attack and damage to the boat
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Sunday, 25 January 1942 - Southwest of Cape Lookout - 0019 - Qu.1182DC - The boat is being illuminated by a search light from a Catalina and attacked with machine guns and bombs. The bombs fall short to the port side of the boat, resulting in water entry in the Control Room and the Main Bilge Pump being damaged. 0020 - Diving at water depth of 33m. During the diving process 2 more bombs are dropped without effect. Boat cannot be held at 20m and drops to the ocean floor, resulting in further damage, to the forward battery, and to the bow and stern torpedo tubes. 0024 - All engines stop. Bottoming boat and repairing damages. 0027 - Back to Reception Depth. All damages repaired, however, the pressure hull seems to have been damaged as well. 0150 - Surfaced after 1h 30 min. and 4.8sm. Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 8900Ah. 0156 - Some light damage to the Flak Guns repaired. The light damage to forward upper deck cannot be repaired yet, due to the swell washing over the deck. 0200 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: On 24 Jan., 1732h, sunk Panamanian Steamer, 2180ts, in Qu.1177DC. On 24 Jan., 1902h, attacked by Catalina, direct approach, bombs, no damages, Qu.1175DC. On 24 Jan., 2022h, direct approach by a P-38 "Lightning", no attack, Qu.1172DC. On 25 Jan., 0019, attacked by Catalina, direct approach, search lights, bombs and machine-gun fire. Water entry, main bilge pump and forward battery damaged. All damages repaired after bottoming boat at 33m. Qu.1182DC. 5 internal Eto and 3 Ato. 136cbm. NE6/5, overcast, light haze, visibility 5sm, medium swell, <1000mb. Continuing Op. - RST - 0228 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Message received. 0710 - Boat operating on new Ship Contact Report 0700/25, position Qu.1229DC, on course West, medium speed. This is within the Op.-area of U-Zapp. 0744 - Qu.1244DC - Boat is attacked by a pair of Catalina's, direct approach from 240°true. Bombs and Machine-Gun fire, Flak slightly damaged. 0745 - Diving to T=20. Water depth here is 26m. During the diving process and in due course more bombs, but without effect. Cmdr.: It is now clear, that we are being hunted by enemy airplanes, that have been equipped with radar and special search lights. 0815 - Surfaced after 30 min. and 1.5sm. Weather and Sea unchanged. 0820 - Flak repaired. 2xH.F.-Ahead. 0930 - Early Morning Dawn. 0950 - Nothing seen at plotted interception point of ship contact report 0700/25. Diving for sound check. Water depth is 40m. 0951 - At Reception depth, sound contact of steamer bearing 140°, E=20000, going away. Seems to be ship contact report 0700/25. Cmdr.: Again, the ship contact must have been alerted by aircraft and by-passed our position. 1020 - Surfaced after 30min. and 1.6sm. Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 8500Ah. 1022 - Incoming F.T.: From U 66: Sank altogether: 1 tanker 9200 BRT, 1 freighter-passenger 9000 BRT, 1 freighter 7500 BRT, 1 tanker "Charles Black" (14,000 BRT), 1 ore steamer 10,000 BRT, total tonnage 50,000 BRT. 3 undetermined misses on 3 other tankers. Heavy ship movements from the south to Cape Hatteras. Still have 2 torpedoes. - Zapp - Cmdr.: Now, that the enemy has been alerted, the ship movement seems to be going from north to south. 1029 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged in 4 days. 1036 - Compressed Air Supply filled. 1200 - Qu.1227DC - Days Run: 149.1sm - ↗ 132.8sm (19h) - ↘ 16.3sm (5h). 134.5cbm (2.6cbm/24h). On course 75°. Battery 8500Ah. 8 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 21 January. Cmdr.: The experiences gained since entering the Op.-area have shown, that the tactics to obtaining contact to a ship report with restricted visibility and strong enemy air cover, have to be altered to plotting an interception point based on sound contact, rather than visual contact. - to be continued - |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Another steamer sunk and being hunted by destroyers
Quote:
- continued from 25 January, 1200h - 1324 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: To U 66: Do not to pass Bermuda in order to make use of a fruitful area. - B.d.U. - Cmdr.: U-Zapp is heading back to base and vacating the area that we are now entering. 1415 - Diving for torpedo maintenance and reloading, and trial dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507. Water Depth here is 130m. 1421 - T=50. 65rpm/1.6kn. Beginning of torpedo maintenance and reloading. 1437 - Tube I reloaded with G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ). 1557 - O₂ = 20%. 1700 - Tubes II, III & IV serviced. Break until 1715h. 1810 - Sound contact of steamer bearing 341°, E=20000, medium speed, on course 242°. 1845 - Tubes V & VI serviced. Distance to sound contact now 8000m. 1851 - S-Tiefe. Steamer in sight, identified as a U.S.A. Tramp Steamer II of 2300ts, draught 6.8m. Going on course 330°. 1900 - Qu.1216DC - "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube IV. 1911 - Single Shot with tube IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 4.5m; Vt40. Own course 330°; Own speed 3kn ahead; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST. Target ship: U.S.A. Tramp Steamer II of 2300ts, draught 6.8m. Target course 242°; Target distance 976m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 8kn; Firing angle α 000°. => Torpedo is a hit amidships after 38 Sec.! The steamer immediately looses headway and settles in the water. A gaping hole can be seen under the bridge from the torpedo hit. The steamer is armed with a Flak gun behind the bridge and a stern gun, and is carrying upper deck cargo in crates. After 1-2 minutes the steamer sinks on an even keel, and after another minute, loud underwater explosions can be heard. No boats can be seen in the water. Water depth here is 225m. 1925 - Running off submerged on course 75°. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". 1930 - Beginning of trial dive. 135rpm/3kn. 1938 - O₂ = 19%. At A-Meter. 2000 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. Setting for Reception Depth. 2016 - Sundown. T=20. 2042 - S-Tiefe. Weather and Sea unchanged. 2045 - Surfaced after 6h 30min. and 11.9sm. 2050 - Boat ventilated. Charging Batteries (9100Ah): - Port Engine Propulsion 285RPM/6kn; - Stbd.Engine Charging, 496RPM. 2150 - Batteries charged to 9000Ah (1h for 1300Ah). 2200 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: On 25 Jan., 1912h, sunk U.S.A. Tramp II Steamer, 2300ts, in Qu.1216DC. Successfully performed trail dive acc. Standing Orders. 5 internal Eto and 2 Ato. 133cbm. NE6/6, overcast, light haze, visibility 5sm, medium swell, >1000mb. Continuing Op. - RST - Diving for submerged cruise at Reception Depth, 65rpm/1.6kn, Silent Running. 2230 - Qu.1231DC - Sound contact turbine, bearing 121°, E=18000, medium speed on course 007°. Identified as a destroyer. 2318 - Qu.1232DC - About 34sm south of Cape Hatteras. The destroyer is passing our stern at a distance of 5000m and turns around on course SE. At the same time, a second sound contact with another destroyer bearing 346°, E=20000, on course 225°. 2340 - The second destroyer crosses our bow at a distance of 10000m, on course 225°. 2400 - The second destroyer is now about 5300m to our stbd. beam, still on course 225°. The swell seems to have subsided somewhat. Cmdr.: Apparently, U.S.A. Naval Vessels have now joined the hunt for us. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - A tanker and a merchant fall before noon
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 0037 - O₂ = 20%. 0222 - Sound contact of steamer in Qu.7997CA, at medium speed on course 232°, E=20000. Is too far away, also, it is still dark. 0230 - On new course 0°, 105rpm/2kn. 0436 - Sound contact of steamer bearing 38°, E=21000, approaching at medium speed, on course 205°. 0449 - On new course 90°. Second sound contact of steamer bearing 306°, E=20000, at medium speed, on course 240°. 0505 - The first sound contact now bearing 317°, E=10000. Full Ahead. 0513 - S-Tiefe. Darkness, overcast, sea has subsided somewhat. 0515 - Surfaced after 7h 15min. and 13.0sm. Weather: N5/4, overcast, hazy, limited visibility, ~1000mb. 0517 - "Shadow bearing 325°, E=3500m!". Boat ventilated. On new course 115°. 0520 - "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube I. Ship is identified as a Supply Tanker of 3150ts, draught 6.0m. 0524 - Qu.7998CA - Single Shot with tube I: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.5m; Vt30. Own course 115°; Own speed 2kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Supply Tanker of 3150ts, draught 6.0m. Target course 205°; Target distance 1300m; Target angle green63°; Target speed 11kn; Firing angle α 356°. => Torpedo is a hit amidships after 73 Sec.! Tanker starts to zig-zag, continues on and is sending "SSS". Going on parallel course 205°. 0530 - The tanker doesn't sink. Manning deck gun. Distance to tanker is 1000m. "Weapons Free!". 0535 - After the second shot, the tanker is pointing a search light at the boat. After 6 shots and hits with the deck gun, the tanker sinks in a sea of fire. Running off with Full Ahead on course 300°. 0551 - Compressed Air Supply filled. 0555 - The second sound contact comes into sight at the plotted position and time. Ship is identified as a Small U.S.A. Merchant of 1667ts, draught 6.8m. Going to new course 330°. Small Ahead. 0559 - Qu.7998CA - Single Shot with tube II: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 4.5m; Vt30. Own course 330°; Own speed 6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Small U.S.A. Merchant of 1667ts, draught 6.8m. Target course 240°; Target distance 2000m; Target angle red69°; Target speed 9kn; Firing angle α 002°. => Torpedo is a hit in the forecastle after 1 min. 58 Sec.! The torpedo hit is followed by a huge explosion, debris are flying through the air. After 1-2 minutes the steamer sinks on an even keel. Spotted 3 boats with 9-12 survivors. 0605 - Running off at high speed on course 58°. 0636 - Incoming F.T.: From U 123: Sank the armed steamer "Culebra", 3044 BRT, after a gun battle in CC 79. Ship was loaded with aircraft parts. - Hardegen - 0700 - Diving for submerged cruise at T=20, 105rpm/2kn. 0703 - Sound contact turbine, bearing 125°, E=8000, slowly on course 235°. 0808 - Lost sound contact 0703/25, bearing 155°, E=18500, in position Qu.7998CA. 0857 - O₂ = 20%. 0920 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea unchanged. Back to Reception Depth. 0956 - Incoming F.T.: From U 106: Sank the British "Traveller", 3963 BRT. - Rasch - Cmdr.: U-Rasch belongs to the second wave of "Paukenschlag" boats, which have already left the Western bases. 1010 - Sunrise. 1015 - Surfaced after 3h 15min. and 7.8sm. 1020 - Boat ventilated. Charging Batteries (7700Ah): - Port Engine Propulsion 285RPM/6-7kn; - Stbd.Engine Charging, 496RPM. 1200 - Qu.8772CA - Days Run: 83.3sm - ↗ 50.6sm (7h) - ↘ 32.7sm (17h). 131.9cbm (2.6cbm/24h). On course 62°. Battery 9700Ah. 3 internal Eto and 2 Ato. Weather unchanged since 0515h. - to be continued - |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Chasing our third prey for the day
Quote:
- continued from 26 January, 1200h - 1220 - Batteries charged (2h for 2300Ah). 2x235RPM/7kn. 1608 - On new course 306°. 1845 - Water depth 162m. 1900 - Water depth 100m. 1915 - Water depth 63m. 1930 - Water depth 50m. 1951 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 0515h. Water depth 45m. 2100 - Diving just before dark, for submerged cruise at Reception Depth. 2104 - Sound contact with steamer, bearing 200°, E=14000, on course SSW, medium speed. 2110 - Surfaced after 10min and 0.5sm. Boat operating on sound contact 2104/25. On course 158°. "Estimated contact with sound contact in about 45 min. All hands on Maneuver Stations!". 2200 - Now on course 201°. Diving for sound check. Steamer heard bearing 11°, E=5000. Speed of steamer must therefore be about 10kn. 2203 - Surfaced directly from T=20, after 3min. and 0.6sm. 2241 - Now on course 215°. Diving for sound check. Steamer heard bearing 318°, E=4500. Course of steamer must therefore be about 205°. 2244 - Surfaced directly from T=20, after 3min. and 0.3sm. 2306 - Now on course 203°. "Shadow Ahead Port! Distance 4000m!". It is the sound contact 2104/25! A Large U.S.A. Tanker of 18192ts, that appears to be empty, with a draught of 6.0m, on course 205, speed 11kn. Cmdr.: I suspect, that the tanker is on its way to the oil refineries of Aruba-Trinidad, for loading of precious cargo destined for England. I sound "General Quarters!", as we are overtaking the tanker along its stbd. beam. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Gettings more done before 9am ...
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Tuesday, 27 January 1942 - ESE of Cape Hatteras -- Sixth week at sea completed - 0005 - Turning boat hard to port, in order to bring the stern tubes to bear. On course 295°. Flooding tubes V & VI. 0007 - Qu.7993CA - Salvo Shot with tubes V & VI: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.5m; Vt30; Angle of divergence 1.5°; Own course 295°; Own speed 6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Large empty U.S.A. Tanker of 18192ts, draught 6.0m. Target course 205°; Target distance 1600m; Target angle green72°; Target speed 11kn; Firing angle α 001°. => Torpedo tube V is hit amidships, after 1 min. 36 Sec.! => Torpedo tube VI is a failure, understeers! The tanker starts sending "SSS" and zig-zags, reducing speed to 5kn. Boat running ahead of tanker, in order to get the last loaded torpedo in tube III to bear. 0023 - On course 112°. Flooding tube III. Waiting for the tanker to return to its mean course of 205°, after turning away while zig-zagging. 0033 - Qu.7993CA - Single Shot with tube III: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.5m; Vt30; Own course 112°; Own speed 3kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Large empty U.S.A. Tanker of 18192ts, draught 6.0m. Target zig-zagging around mean course of 205°; Target distance 1300m; Target angle green95°; Target speed 5kn; Firing angle α 355°. => Torpedo is a hit below the forward bridge, after 79 Sec.! 0037 - The tanker continues on, further reducing speed, but is not sinking. Manning deck gun. 0038 - "Weapons Free!". E=900. After the 2nd shot, a fire breaks out on the tanker, and after 8 shots in total, the tanker starts to catch fire over all and sinks on an even keel at 0040h. Flames continue to linger on the water for a while, even after the tanker has sunk. Water depth here is 365m. Running toward the sinking position. Questioning and supplying 14 survivors in 4 boats. 0100 - Running off on an easterly course, at 2xH.F.-Ahead. "Secure Weapons! Dismissed from Battle Stations!". Cmdr.: After a chase that lasted over 3.5h and covered a distance of nearly 38sm, we finally caught our prey, that provided us with more tonnage, than the previous 6 ships combined. 0130 - The weather is clearing up, but the sea and swell are increasing. Reducing speed to 1/3-Ahead. Cmdr.: We were able to sink the tanker with the help of the deck gun, just in the nick of time. 0200 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: On 26 Jan., 0530h, sunk Supply Tanker, 3150ts, with Eto and deck gun, in Qu.7998CA. On 26 Jan., 0600h, sunk Small U.S.A. Merchant, 1667ts, with Eto, in Qu.7998CA. On 27 Jan., 0040h, sunk Large empty U.S.A. Tanker, 18458ts, with 2 Eto and deck gun, 1 Eto understeered, in Qu.7993CA. Tanker was en route to Aruba-Trinidad. Many patrol vessels in Qu.1230DC. Still have 2 internal Ato and 128cbm. NW6/5 increasing, clear, light haze, good visibility, medium swell, >1000mb. Continuing Op. - RST - Cmdr.: The outgoing F.T.'s are more detailed and longer, in order to give the second wave of "Paukenschlag" boats, e.g, U-Rasch, that are already on their way to the U.S.A. East Coast, some intelligence about the theatre of operation. 0205 - "ALARM!". Crash diving from Catalina, direct approach from 275°true, E=5000. Airplane was first sighted heading SSE, and then turned toward the boat. Suspect radar detection. At T=30, 2 well placed bombs, no damages. 0207 - At A-20, another 3-4 bombs, no damages. Also, sound contact turbine, bearing 351°, E=11000, heading straight toward our postion on course 253°, at medium speed. Cmdr.: Clearly, the enemy has organized a concerted hunt for us. There! All of a sudden, sinking noises coming from the direction of the warship. I suspect, it must have foundered in the heavy sea. I decide to stay submerged. 0248 - On course 0°. 105rpm/2kn, Silent Running. 0427 - O₂ = 20%. 0702 - T=50. Beginning of torpedo reloading. 0714 - Tube V reloaded with G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ). 0727 - Tube VI reloaded with G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ). 0735 - Continue submerged cruise at A-20, 65rpm/1.6kn. 0837 - O₂ = 19%. 0909 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather is clear, however, stormy sea. 0910 - Surfaced after 7h 05min. and 16.7sm. Water Depth is 203m. NNW7/6, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. Light damage to forward upper deck from the last airplane attack, cannot be repaired due to the heavy swell. Battery 9000Ah. 0920 - Boat ventilated. On new course 45°. - to be continued - |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - ... than others do all day.
Quote:
- continued from 27 January, 0920h - 0945 - On course 90°. 285RPM. Water depth is 143m. Diving for Trial Dive and submerged cruise. 0950 - A-20. 135rpm. 1000 - Beginning of trial dive acc. B.d.U. Standing Order 507. 1006 - Sunrise. 1020 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. Setting for A-20. 1024 - Sound contact turbine, bearing 268°, E=17000, on medium speed on course 85°. 1037 - T=60. 65rpm/1.6kn 1050 - Lost sound contact turbine in relative bearing 285°, E=18000. 1117 - O₂ = 20%. 1200 - Qu.8742CA - Days Run: 137.5sm - ↗ 115.1.6sm (14h 24') - ↘ 22.4sm (9h 36'). 127.5cbm (4.4cbm/24h). On course 90°. Battery 8700Ah. 2 internal Ato. T=60. O₂ = 20%. 1308 - Submerged cruise. Silent Running. 1527 - O₂ = 19%. 1949 - Sundown. 2007 - On new course 0°. 2015 - S-Tiefe. Weather and Sea unchanged. 2017 - O₂ = 18%. 2020 - Surfaced after 8h 20' and 10.8sm since Etmal, and 10h 35' and 15.1sm in total. Weather unchanged since 0130h. Battery 7900Ah. 2027 - Boat ventilated. 2051 - Compressed Air Supply filled. 2100 - At evening dusk, diving for submerged cruise. 2106 - At A-20. 65rpm/1.6kn. Silent Running. Lights out for the Off-Watch. 2205 - Sound contact with warship bearing 008°, E=21000, with slow speed on course 202°. 2317 - O₂ = 20%. 2330 - Sound contact crosses our bow at a distance of 8000m. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - The ASW hunt is on ...
Quote:
+++++ KTB - U 113 Wednesday, 28 January 1942 - ENE of Cape Hatteras -0008 - Sound contact now 2500m to our port beam. Vessel identified as possible submarine contact. Boat remains submerged. (In the External View, it is a US Submarine) 0205 - Lost warship sound contact in relative bearing 203°, E=21000, still with slow speed on course 202°. From Qu.8721 to 8743CA. 0314 - Sound contact turbine bearing 340°, E=19000, medium speed, course 215°. 0408 - Lost sound contact turbine in relative bearing 262°, E=20000, still with medium speed on course 215°. From Qu.8713 to 8715CA. 0437 - O₂ = 19%. Sound contact turbine bearing 237°, E=18000, medium speed, on easterly course. 0545 - On new course 85°. Lost sound contact turbine in relative bearing 121°, E=21000, still with medium speed on course 215°. From Qu.8716 to 8725CA. 0744 - Sound contact turbine bearing 105°, E=20000, medium speed, course 287°. 0825 - Sound contact crosses our stern at a distance of 2000m. 0915 - Lost sound contact turbine in relative bearing 274°, E=20000, still with medium speed on course 287°. From Qu.8722 to 8712CA. Cmdr.: I suspect that his was the same patrol vessel as the sound contact from 0442h to 0600h. 0937 - O₂ = 18%. 1003 - Sunrise. 1013 - S-Tiefe. Weather and Sea unchanged. 1015 - Surfaced after 13h 15' and 18.5sm. Weather unchanged since 27 Jan., 0130h. Battery 7300Ah. 1047 - Boat ventilated. 1110 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 125: Folkers: Return to port, reloading from deck containers to be attempted. 1118 - Compressed Air Supply filled. 1200 - Qu.8476CA - Days Run: 45.4sm - ↗ 16.1sm (2h 25') - ↘ 29.3sm (21h 35'). 126.6cbm (0.9cbm/24h). On course 0°. Battery 7300Ah. 2 internal Ato. Weather unchanged since 27 Jan., 0130h. Swell subsiding somewhat. 1210 - Charging Batteries (7300Ah): - Port Engine Propulsion 285RPM/6kn; - Stbd.Engine Charging, 496RPM. 1435 - Batteries charged (2h 25' for 2700Ah). 1448 - On new course 270°. - to be continued - |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Another steamer falls ...
Quote:
- continued from 28 January, 1448h - 1520 - Water Depth 427m. "Commander to Bridge!". Two steamers in keel line, bearing 257°, E=8500/9000, on course 334°, speed 9kn. 1530 - Diving for submerged attack, at angle to bow 0°. 1532 - Sound Contact turbine, bearing 43°, E=13500, with medium speed on course 208°. 1545 - On course 245°. The lead steamer is identified as Caribou class, 2100ts, draught 7.5m, 1 Army Truck as upper deck cargo and a stern gun. 500m behind a SAR-Freighter of 2530ts, draught 6.0, is burning in the forecastle, 1 Airplane and 2-3 boats as upper deck cargo, also, has a deck gun on the forecastle. Both are U.S.A. steamers. 1553 - "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube V. 1555 - Qu.8446CA - Single Shot with tube V: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 5.5m; Vt30. Own heading 245°; Own speed 1kn astern; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST. Target ship: U.S.A. Caribou Steamer of 2100ts, draught 7.5m. Target course 334°; Target distance 1247m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 9kn; Firing angle α 330°. 1556 - Qu.8446CA - Flooding tube VI - Single Shot with tube VI: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 4.0m; Vt44. Own heading 245°; Own speed 2kn astern; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST. Target ship: U.S.A. SAR-Freighter of 2530ts, draught 6.0m. Target course 334°; Target distance 1320m; Target angle red90°; Target speed 9kn; Firing angle α 350°. => Tube V is a hit amidships after 87 Sec.! The steamer sinks after 1-2 minutes followed by one single underwater explosion. Water depth here is 184m. => Tube VI is a failure, understeers amidships! 1605 - The sound contact turbine from 1532h, is approaching our position. Running off on course 130°. 1/3-Ahead. 1612 - At E=7000, the sound contact is identified as a Clemson Destroyer, and has the following ASW ranges: ASDIC: 1300m; Sound: 6500m; Radar: 7000m; Field of View: 8000m. Reducing speed to Small Ahead. 1619 - At E=4000, Silent Running. 1623 - The destroyer is sniffing around for us, in the general area of our firing position. 1715 - After 1h, the destroyer runs off on course SW. 1723 - At Reception Depth. 1730 - "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". On new course 90°. 1737 - O₂ = 20%. T=60. 1755 - Lost sound contact with Clemson Destroyer in relative bearing 158°, E=19000, on course SW. 1827 - S-Tiefe. Wind and Sea conditions seem to have subsided somewhat and it is partly cloudy. 1830 - Qu.8457CA - Just mere seconds before surfacing, a P38-"Lightning" is seen in the B-Periscope in 220°true, E=6000. At first the airplane is on course south but then turns around and flies off of course north. Suspect that the airplane belongs to the Air Cover Zone of New York. 1845 - Surfaced after 3h 15min. and 9.2sm. Battery 9300Ah. Weather: NE5/4, partly cloudy, light haze, medium visibility, >1000mb. 1847 - Boat ventilated. 1927 - Sundown. ENE5/4, partly cloudy, light haze, medium visibility, >1000mb. 2117 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 123: Hardegen: U 575 is at Spreewald rendezvous point. In case Spreewald has not passed the meeting place, she has taken course so that she will reach that point not earlier than the morning of 30 January. You are to wait until 1 February at 2400 hours and in case Spreewald is not found, will proceed. 2120 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: On 27 Jan., 0205h, right after sending F.T., bombed by Catalina, direct approach, search lights, no damage, Qu.8771CA. Many patrol vessels in Qu.8710/20CA. On 28 Jan., 1557h, sunk U.S.A. Caribou Merchant, 2100ts; last internal Ato on U.S.A. SAR-Freighter understeered; both in Qu.8446CA. Still have 8 external Ato and 126cbm. Heading East. ENE5/4, partly cloudy, light haze, medium visibility, >1000mb. - RST - Diving for submerged cruise at Reception Depth. 2123 - T=20, 105rpm/2kn, Silent Running. 2313 - Sound contact steamer bearing 120°, E=19000, on course 009°, slow speed. 2323 - S-Tiefe. Weather and Sea unchanged. Boat stays submerged because of no use of weapons due to weather and no internal torpedoes. 2327 - T=20, 105rpm/2kn, Silent Running. 2347 - O₂ = 20%. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:59 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 1995- 2024 Subsim®
"Subsim" is a registered trademark, all rights reserved.