U-35, 2 Flotilla Saltzwedel
ObltzS Peter Schmidt, Commander
Departed Wilhelmshaven on Feb 17 1939 10:51 with orders to patrol grid AN52. Reached assigned grid near midday on Feb 19 and began 24 hour patrol.
Received hydrophone report late that evening of ship heading roughly SSE through patrol area; plotted intercept course and came within range of target at approximately 02:00; target confirmed as large enemy merchant. First torpedo was fired at periscope depth from 1100m out and appeared to stay on target but failed to detonate. Second shot successful from 900m distance. Took up parallel course to slowing merchant and surfaced boat. Opened fire with deck gun; ship sank at 02:42. Estimated tonnage: 4700 GRT.
Proceeded west in hopes of tracking British task force that was reported heading SSW just off the Scottish coast. One enemy aircraft sighted just after dawn; opened fire with flak gun. Was unable to down aircraft but after two attack runs the plane left the area and did not return. Minimal damage to flak gun, repaired in good time. Some damage to hull also reported, but have since made test dives to 50m without incident. Unable to test boat's performance beyond 50-55m until we reach deeper waters. No contact made with task force, however made visual contact with small Polish freighter, late morning of Feb 21. Sank target with one torpedo. Estimated tonnage: 2200 GRT.
Sent patrol report to BdU and have received orders to proceed to grid AN16, just east of Scapa Flow, and take up station there for 24 hours. Currently on route to new patrol area; fore tubes reloaded and external reserve transfered to fore reserve position.
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