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Threadfin · 10-13-06, 01:47 PM

Patrol 8, Nov 10, 1941 - January 1, 1942
7th Flotila, St. Nazaire, France

With the recent build-up of forces by both sides in the Mediterranean and North African theaters, it was desired that u-boats be deployed to the Mediterranean. Therefore, and in part due to our experience in the Med on our 6th war patrol, U-94 recieved orders to begin her next patrol from St. Nazaire, proceeding through Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. Patrol was to end at the newly established base at La Spezia, Italy. The 29th Flotilla, under command of Korvkpt. Franz Becker, was to begin operations in the Mediterranean, while operating out of La Spezia. Additional bases were established at Salamis and Pola. Once at La Spezia, U-94 would be transferred to the 29th for future operations in the Mediterranean. A small force of 3 j-boots was to begin operations at La Spezia, along with U-331 and U-351 under the designation of 1./ Jadgunterseebootsflotille.

The powerful British Mediterranean Fleet, based at Alexandria, consisting of a number of battleships, cruisers, carriers and destroyers, would be our targets.

In every respect, U-94 was provisioned as detailed for 7th patrol, except anti-echo ranging coating (Alberich) had been applied to hull as measure against improving British ASDIC equipment. Due to positive experience and results with G7e torpedos on 7th patrol, U-94 equipped with full load of 14.

Nov 10
1302 U-94 sets sail from St. Nazaire. Set course for Gibraltar.

Nov 18
U-94 approaches Gibraltar in good weather, diving to 160 meters at first warship sighting. Intend transit strait deep submergence, silent running to avoid detection. We hope to delay the suspicion of u-boats in the Med until our first torpedos strike. Therefore, routine patrol will be submerged from dawn to dusk, surfaced after darkness.

Nov 19
U-94 surfaces east of Gibraltar. Approaches and strait heavily patrolled, however, 3-DD patrol groups of previous visit do not seem to be present. By all indications, U-94 successful in remaining undetected.

Nov 23
U-94 approaching area south of Sardinia thought to be likely hunting grounds when reconned on 6th patrol.

Nov 24
2045 Hydrophone detection of multiple closing warscrews from west. U-94 conned for normal approach course to expected due east course.

2101 Grid CJ74 Hydrophone contact has developed into task force consisting of two battleships, with lead and trailing escort. No flank escort can be detected on sound or periscope. Preparations are made to all tubes for attack on battleship. Four-shot G7e salvo, with 2 degree spread, depth 4.5 meters, open all outer foreward doors. Range, bearing and AoB are fed into the TDC, and after a minute or two Gotz reports a speed determination of 21kts.

2103 Lead escort is Tribal DD. Second ship in column is Royal Sovereign class BB, followed by a Nelson class BB. Intend target Nelson. U-94 closes base course rigged for silent at 3kts submerged.

2110 U-94 in position, range 800 meters on port side of enemy task force base course. With less than one minute to go, two bow wakes can be seen 2000 meters astern of Nelson BB. Assume trailing escort out of position and prepare to take shot.

2111 Another look and bow wakes determined to be Hunt class DD followed by Nelson class BB. As this BB is the last in line, decided to switch targets to this BB. Attacking her would place most of main body well ahead, and limit possibility of quick counterattack.

2113 Four-shot G7e spread fired at trailing Nelson class BB, range 700 meters on a 075 port track. Ordered deep submergence to 150 meters.

After run of 46 seconds, three impact detonations occur from superstructure to stern, somewhat aft of aiming point. Fourth torpedo assumed to miss astern. No immediate explosions or catastrophic damage. As U-94 started down, a last glimpse showed the battleship slowing, with a heavy port list.

2115
As U-94 passes through 20 meters, battleship is heard to sink and break up, with thunderous detonations such as those heard from HMS Resolution, and the boys in the Command Room celebrate.

2140 The Hunt that had accompanied the straggling Nelson searched in widening circles for U-94, but to no avail. Main body determined to continue zigging on course leaving one DD to look for us. In retrospect, wished we had stayed at PD to attack this DD with after torpedo, but we could not have know this at the time.

2150 U-94 surfaces and begins reload, and foreward external is brought into the internal reserve.

Dec 1
U-94 continues to patrol Mediterranean from north-south line roughly Cagliari-Annaba west to line roughly Palermo-Tunis east. Moderate merchant traffic, with many sightings over last week. Weather clear, with moderate winds and rolling seas. No air contacts since leaving Gibraltar.

Dec 2
1530 Grid CJ87 Hydrophone contact, Fritz reporting multiple warscrews, closing from east. Short surface dash and pull plug for sound bearings, which are constant. We are right on their track. Make preparations to all tubes, foreward arranged for spread identical to one used on Nov 24.

1535 Task force in view through scope. TF comprised of four destroyers and three cruisers. May be same one that got by on 6th patrol some distance west of present location. In any event composition is the same. TF base course determined to be northwest by sharp angle presented by leading DD. Ordered all back standard to get off base course, or get run over by fast charging TF.

1539 Have decided, as our range is short and our chance to hit therefore high, to attack leading Dido, and second in line Fiji, each with two-shot, 2 degree spreads. First spread is fired using a 3 meter depth. Second spread is fired with 2.5 meter depth, as larger Fiji has shallower draft. Range 600 meters, on 070 track with 22 knots from the TDC. Immediately swung U-94 90 degrees to attempt stern mag shot at last Fiji in line.

1540 One impact on Dido near forward turrets. No explosions, but CL takes a noticable down angle and begins to slow. Two impacts on Fiji, which exploded in a flash and starts to sink immediately.

1541 Stern tube fired at high speed, zigging Fiji CL with high gyro angle. This torpedo misses. Ordered deep submergence to 150 meters. Trailing J class DD goes right past without echo ranging.

1542 Fiji sinks, and Dido now with entire bow to bridge under water. The down angle slowly increases, and once vertical, she rapidly gains speed and plummets to the bottom of the deep Mediterranean Sea.

1555 Clear of screws, U-94 surfaces to renew and recharge, and to bring after external into internal reserve.

Dec 9
Recieved radio message. Germany is at war with United States.

Dec 25
Siggi reports fuel reserves down to 25% on this Christmas day. Johan calculates this will allow 3900 km of surfaced cruising at 8 knots. Decide to head toward Malta for recon, and to possibly find targets for the remaining fish, 3 foreward and two astern.

Dec 27
Grid CN34 U-94 is submerged in deep water outside of Valletta harbor. Port is patrolled by several DD and corvettes. We watch them patrol for a few hours, then, having plotted the route of the nearest Hunt DD, we wait until she passes, then position U-94 with her track 500 meters astern, and wait for her to return. 45 minutes later she obliges, running right down the same track, and at

2002 Single after G7e fired from 075 track, range 550 at Hunt class DD making 20+ knots. Torpedo almost misses, but strikes the bow, DD explodes at once and sinks. U-94 surfaces to put Valletta further astern, and to clear area for expected investigation by area patrols. Within 5 minutes the first one is seen closing, and plug is pulled while reload of after tube is completed, having put 3000 meters between U-94 and the spot of the last attack.

2040 U-94 continues to try and get shot at one of the circling corvettes and destroyers now milling about. But I am cautious with so many alerted warships, and when a suitable setup does not materialize, U-94 retires to being journey to La Spezia.

Dec 31
Any hopes we may have of further success are dashed when weather closes in to heavy fog, rain, moderate winds and sea state. Enroute La Spezia.

Jan 1
2303 U-94 ties up at La Spezia with four fish aboard, after 56 days at sea.

10-13-06, 01:47 PM	#10
Threadfin Ace of the Deep Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,163 Downloads: 38 Uploads: 0	Patrol 8, Nov 10, 1941 - January 1, 1942 7th Flotila, St. Nazaire, France With the recent build-up of forces by both sides in the Mediterranean and North African theaters, it was desired that u-boats be deployed to the Mediterranean. Therefore, and in part due to our experience in the Med on our 6th war patrol, U-94 recieved orders to begin her next patrol from St. Nazaire, proceeding through Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. Patrol was to end at the newly established base at La Spezia, Italy. The 29th Flotilla, under command of Korvkpt. Franz Becker, was to begin operations in the Mediterranean, while operating out of La Spezia. Additional bases were established at Salamis and Pola. Once at La Spezia, U-94 would be transferred to the 29th for future operations in the Mediterranean. A small force of 3 j-boots was to begin operations at La Spezia, along with U-331 and U-351 under the designation of 1./ Jadgunterseebootsflotille. The powerful British Mediterranean Fleet, based at Alexandria, consisting of a number of battleships, cruisers, carriers and destroyers, would be our targets. In every respect, U-94 was provisioned as detailed for 7th patrol, except anti-echo ranging coating (Alberich) had been applied to hull as measure against improving British ASDIC equipment. Due to positive experience and results with G7e torpedos on 7th patrol, U-94 equipped with full load of 14. Nov 10 1302 U-94 sets sail from St. Nazaire. Set course for Gibraltar. Nov 18 U-94 approaches Gibraltar in good weather, diving to 160 meters at first warship sighting. Intend transit strait deep submergence, silent running to avoid detection. We hope to delay the suspicion of u-boats in the Med until our first torpedos strike. Therefore, routine patrol will be submerged from dawn to dusk, surfaced after darkness. Nov 19 U-94 surfaces east of Gibraltar. Approaches and strait heavily patrolled, however, 3-DD patrol groups of previous visit do not seem to be present. By all indications, U-94 successful in remaining undetected. Nov 23 U-94 approaching area south of Sardinia thought to be likely hunting grounds when reconned on 6th patrol. Nov 24 2045 Hydrophone detection of multiple closing warscrews from west. U-94 conned for normal approach course to expected due east course. 2101 Grid CJ74 Hydrophone contact has developed into task force consisting of two battleships, with lead and trailing escort. No flank escort can be detected on sound or periscope. Preparations are made to all tubes for attack on battleship. Four-shot G7e salvo, with 2 degree spread, depth 4.5 meters, open all outer foreward doors. Range, bearing and AoB are fed into the TDC, and after a minute or two Gotz reports a speed determination of 21kts. 2103 Lead escort is Tribal DD. Second ship in column is Royal Sovereign class BB, followed by a Nelson class BB. Intend target Nelson. U-94 closes base course rigged for silent at 3kts submerged. 2110 U-94 in position, range 800 meters on port side of enemy task force base course. With less than one minute to go, two bow wakes can be seen 2000 meters astern of Nelson BB. Assume trailing escort out of position and prepare to take shot. 2111 Another look and bow wakes determined to be Hunt class DD followed by Nelson class BB. As this BB is the last in line, decided to switch targets to this BB. Attacking her would place most of main body well ahead, and limit possibility of quick counterattack. 2113 Four-shot G7e spread fired at trailing Nelson class BB, range 700 meters on a 075 port track. Ordered deep submergence to 150 meters. After run of 46 seconds, three impact detonations occur from superstructure to stern, somewhat aft of aiming point. Fourth torpedo assumed to miss astern. No immediate explosions or catastrophic damage. As U-94 started down, a last glimpse showed the battleship slowing, with a heavy port list. 2115 As U-94 passes through 20 meters, battleship is heard to sink and break up, with thunderous detonations such as those heard from HMS Resolution, and the boys in the Command Room celebrate. 2140 The Hunt that had accompanied the straggling Nelson searched in widening circles for U-94, but to no avail. Main body determined to continue zigging on course leaving one DD to look for us. In retrospect, wished we had stayed at PD to attack this DD with after torpedo, but we could not have know this at the time. 2150 U-94 surfaces and begins reload, and foreward external is brought into the internal reserve. Dec 1 U-94 continues to patrol Mediterranean from north-south line roughly Cagliari-Annaba west to line roughly Palermo-Tunis east. Moderate merchant traffic, with many sightings over last week. Weather clear, with moderate winds and rolling seas. No air contacts since leaving Gibraltar. Dec 2 1530 Grid CJ87 Hydrophone contact, Fritz reporting multiple warscrews, closing from east. Short surface dash and pull plug for sound bearings, which are constant. We are right on their track. Make preparations to all tubes, foreward arranged for spread identical to one used on Nov 24. 1535 Task force in view through scope. TF comprised of four destroyers and three cruisers. May be same one that got by on 6th patrol some distance west of present location. In any event composition is the same. TF base course determined to be northwest by sharp angle presented by leading DD. Ordered all back standard to get off base course, or get run over by fast charging TF. 1539 Have decided, as our range is short and our chance to hit therefore high, to attack leading Dido, and second in line Fiji, each with two-shot, 2 degree spreads. First spread is fired using a 3 meter depth. Second spread is fired with 2.5 meter depth, as larger Fiji has shallower draft. Range 600 meters, on 070 track with 22 knots from the TDC. Immediately swung U-94 90 degrees to attempt stern mag shot at last Fiji in line. 1540 One impact on Dido near forward turrets. No explosions, but CL takes a noticable down angle and begins to slow. Two impacts on Fiji, which exploded in a flash and starts to sink immediately. 1541 Stern tube fired at high speed, zigging Fiji CL with high gyro angle. This torpedo misses. Ordered deep submergence to 150 meters. Trailing J class DD goes right past without echo ranging. 1542 Fiji sinks, and Dido now with entire bow to bridge under water. The down angle slowly increases, and once vertical, she rapidly gains speed and plummets to the bottom of the deep Mediterranean Sea. 1555 Clear of screws, U-94 surfaces to renew and recharge, and to bring after external into internal reserve. Dec 9 Recieved radio message. Germany is at war with United States. Dec 25 Siggi reports fuel reserves down to 25% on this Christmas day. Johan calculates this will allow 3900 km of surfaced cruising at 8 knots. Decide to head toward Malta for recon, and to possibly find targets for the remaining fish, 3 foreward and two astern. Dec 27 Grid CN34 U-94 is submerged in deep water outside of Valletta harbor. Port is patrolled by several DD and corvettes. We watch them patrol for a few hours, then, having plotted the route of the nearest Hunt DD, we wait until she passes, then position U-94 with her track 500 meters astern, and wait for her to return. 45 minutes later she obliges, running right down the same track, and at 2002 Single after G7e fired from 075 track, range 550 at Hunt class DD making 20+ knots. Torpedo almost misses, but strikes the bow, DD explodes at once and sinks. U-94 surfaces to put Valletta further astern, and to clear area for expected investigation by area patrols. Within 5 minutes the first one is seen closing, and plug is pulled while reload of after tube is completed, having put 3000 meters between U-94 and the spot of the last attack. 2040 U-94 continues to try and get shot at one of the circling corvettes and destroyers now milling about. But I am cautious with so many alerted warships, and when a suitable setup does not materialize, U-94 retires to being journey to La Spezia. Dec 31 Any hopes we may have of further success are dashed when weather closes in to heavy fog, rain, moderate winds and sea state. Enroute La Spezia. Jan 1 2303 U-94 ties up at La Spezia with four fish aboard, after 56 days at sea. __________________ What? Behind the rabbit?