[sublynx]

U-331 VIIC
1. Flottille, Brest
Ob.lt.z.s. Theodor Wald
Orders: Transfer to Brest

Patrol report

29.6.1941 Departure from Kiel
2.7.1941 0209 BF7655 a group of several warships observed on the hydrophone. A probable group of destroyers on a N - NE course, medium speed
9.7.1941 0046 BE3366 a contact report received. However, the convoy couldn't be found
10.7.1941 1453 BE6359 cloudy, good vis., wind 0 m/s A merchant heard on the hydrophone at 1023 hours. By 1440 hours four G7e torpedoes launched at an 8000 GRT ore carrier, estimated course 145 degrees, 9 knots. Due to some unexplainable carelessness the first torpedo was launched delayed because the order to open the torpedo hatch never got through to the torpedo compartment. Shaken by the mistake the next torpedo was launched at a gyro angle of 003 degrees instead of the planned 000 degrees. The last two torpedoes were launched with the correct settings. Depth 2 meters, AZ pistol, range 911 meters, bearing 342. Two hits on the ship, only one where intended. Probably there was an error in the ship's course and/or speed estimate. The ship seen sinking by 1453
12.7.1941 Arrival at Brest

Observations:
1. There seems to be an airplane free route from Norway to the Atlantic. The planes from Iceland and Scotland can't reach all areas.
2. The long time spent training and refitting has made the crewmen somewhat careless. We were lucky we didn't find a convoy. With my crew making mistakes like these it would not be too good trying to evade a destroyer screen. I hope we get a new patrol order soon, in order to get the crewmen working at their full skills again

Wald