[sublynx]

20.3.1942, 20:02
Ob.Lt. z S. Erich Scheide
U-451 ("die Elster"), VIIC, 7.th Flotilla, St.Nazaire
Orders: Patrol AL15
Location: Grid BF 41
Weather: 15m/s, cloudy, no rain, visibility 4 - 5 kilometers

In about five to six hours we'll be in position to intercept a reported inbound convoy in grid BF17. Even if we find it with no problems we only get one chance of attacking before the water starts getting shallower and the airplanes flying from England become a factor too. Ten torpedoes left, so I might risk attacking it multiple times anyway.

Yesterday we had a very encouraging success using the FuMo 29 in 4 - 5 kilometer visibility, 8m/s wind conditions. We found a contact with hydrophones and then located two ships with radar. We shadowed them out of sight in the fog for 15 minutes keeping radar contact. During that time we established their course with the radar and measured their speed (7 knots) by changing our speed so that the range shown on FuMo 29 didn't change. The 3:15 method was difficult to use, because there were two contacts to follow and the radar kept switching off now and then (waves kept hitting the radar). The ships were duly sunk and were kleiner frachters, about 2200 GRT both. Even though the ships were quite small the signature in the radar was absolutely clear.

With FuMo 29 onboard we managed to establish the enemy's course and speed reasonably fast and accurate. In this case there was no need for time consuming and often a bit inaccurate hydrophone bearings. With some practice I think the radiomen will be able to do the necessary range and speed finding in 5 - 10 minutes, maybe even less.The radiomen were happily informing me about contacts on the radar and are now on a jubilant mood! With the FuMo 29 they can really add to the punching power our boat carries, at least in these kind of conditions (foggy, not too stormy, no airplane risk, area checked by hydrophone).