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Threadfin · 10-13-06, 01:49 PM

Patrol 11, November 20, 1942 - January 1, 1943
La Spezia, Italy

Despite our successes in the Mediterranean, the crew of U-94 recieved orders to return overland to France, for transfer to the 1st Flotilla at Brest. The Allies had begun to deploy groups of destroyers or destroyer escorts around a small aircraft carrier. Known as Hunter-Killer groups, their sole purpose for existance was to hunt and kill u-boats. Many of these groups were patrolling Biscay Bay and it's approaches, and to counter them, the j-boats were gathered in France.

Three days before we were to proceed to France, we recieved word that an air attack had heavily damaged the boat we were to take over in France, U-553, and also any of the three which could have served as replacement. In order to fullfil our orders, we'd sail U-94 once again.

The refit of U-94 included the installation of a new radar warning device, the Metox, known throughout the ubootwaffe as the Biscay Cross. This device would give us some warning that radar emmissions were neaby.

Torpedo loadout was the same as previous patrol, except all type II G7e replaced by improved type III G7e. These new versions had an increase of 2/3 range over the type II. The 3000m restriction of the type II meant the submarine had to get relatively close, the type III, with a range of 5000m, would provide an extra margin should it be necessary.

Nov 20
U-94 sets sail from La Spezia. Enroute Gibraltar. The Allies had recently made landings in North Africa near Algiers and Oran. Two days enroute, we heard the first merchant convoy we had encountered in our time in the Med. These were some distance south of our position and drawing east toward Algiers, and we did not close. Our intentions were to make it to and through Gibraltar undetected.

Nov 23
Storm sets in, with heavy fog, rain, wind and sea state. The presence of the Cross gave us a measure of security we had not known in the fog before. We continued surfaced as a result.

Nov 25
2100 Nearing the strait, the Cross gave us warning of radar signal off our starboard bow, and the plug was pulled to 160 meters, rigged for silent, and our long transit began. Dozens of warscrews mixed with merchants, crisscrossed the stait on every possible bearing and course.

Nov 26
1300 After 16 hours submerged, U-94 surfaces west of the strait, and by all indications, undetected. The latest batteries are excellent. Capacity reduced just 1/3 on long submergence at 3kts.

2123 While continuing west, a routine sound sweep revealed multiple warscrews south and closing, heading for Gibraltar from the general area of Casablanca. In this weather it was decided to avoid. New course set slightly northward to give a wider berth.

Nov 28
Off Spanish coast. Weather still heavy.

Dec 1
Entering BE grid. Weather unchanged. First assumed contact with hunter-killer group obtained on hydrophone in grid BE99. Contact consisted of four screws, three DD and one heavy. Prop count indicated medium speed of 12kts. In heavy weather, conned to avoid and continued north.

Dec 8
Weather still heavy. As U-94 moved northward through eastern edge of BE grid, many warcrews encountered. More four-screw groups, and also three-screw groups by all indications consisting of DDs. The Allies have considerably increased their patrols of these waters.

Dec 16
Weather unchanged.

Dec 23
The storm raged for nearly one month, but today we have seen the sun. There were many among the crew who were certain the Allies had captured it.

Dec 24
0432 Contact with five-screw group in grid BE66. Screws drawing to west at medium speed and long range. U-94 surfaces to conduct end-around. Course was set slightly southward to give diverging berth to expected due-west course of enemy. Intend 45 minute run at 20 knots, then submerge for sound bearings.

0501 Cross warning of radar emissions off starboard bow. Plug is pulled. Persicope and hydrophones soon reveal 3 DD approaching. Certain we had been detected by escort radar. Most likely the group was also drawing SW, and our diverging course had actually been closing. We learn that escort radar outranges our Cross, at least in calm and clear conditions.

0602 Three DD continued to spot we had last been held on their radar displays. Depth charging of that spot was commenced. Reassuring to know they did not have us.

0637 When Tribal DD began closing, tube five's Falke was fired with an underkeel mag pistol and sent on it's way to buy us some time. One escort and what was now observed to be a small carrier continued zigging on base course. The zigging considerably slowed their speed, and allowed us a good chance of reaching a good firing position. If they had kept on once we submerged we would have stood no chance of getting a shot.

0641 Falke detonates under Tribal, which sinks stern first. Two other DD continue to search and depth charge area where we submerged, now some 4000 meters astern.

0655 The detection by the escort in many ways was beneficial, as one was sunk, two were far astern, and now none were between U-94 and the carrier. Because of this we could fire tube two's Falke, and not have to be concerned it would lock onto flank screen.

0657 Single G7es fired on 085 port track, range 1900, with underkeel mag pistol and depth setting at zigging carrier determined to be making 6 knots along base course. Single G7e with impact pistol at 4 meters fired immediately after. U-94 immediately begins dive to 220 meters and rigs for depth charge.

After a run of 4 minutes detonation of torpedo is heard. All four screws still audible as U-94 seeks safety in depth.

0710 DDs continue to mill about. Bearing on screws reveal little movement along course. Seem to be circling.

0730 DD screws fading slightly. Carrier still heard, but bearings not changing.

0843 DD screws lost to SW. Carrier still audible. She sounds as though she's going away at high speed. But range and bearing unchanged. Order periscope depth for a look.

0903 U-94 at PD. Periscope reveals carrier ahead, dead in water, no screens observed. Carrier stopped, but otherwise appears level, no noticable angle or list. Very likely the Falke blew her screws off and the impact shot missed. We did not wonder for long why she sounds on hydrophone as if she still has screws, but in any event she was dead in the water directly ahead of U-94.

0910 After ensuring that all escort screws had indeed been lost, a single G7e with 4 meters depth, impact pistol, fired on 085 starboard track, range 950, at stationary carrier, with spot below bridge selected for aimpoint. After a run of exactly one minute, torpedo impacts carrier on aimpoint, and she at once explodes. Fires leap from her decks, the aircraft she carried on deck are thrown into the sea, and the carrier goes under in two minutes.

U-94 surfaces for renew and recharge and to bring foreward and after externals into internal reserves.

2356 Six-screw group detected on hydrophone travelling same course as previous group. We are ahead this time, and submerge to avoid detection by radar.

Dec 25
Merry Christmas. Six-screw group determined to be hunter-killer, with escort carrier and five escort. One DD leads, with two on each flank. Leading flank escort is outside, with trailing escort some distance inside. The enemy are learning quickly.

Because of our position ahead, and because of the double-flank screen, it is decided to attempt zero-angle bow shot. If group continues on course, this should provide an opportunity to fire from long range with a high probability of a hit. The earlier we could fire, the deeper we could get before any counterattack could commence. New type III G7e range allows a shot from over 6000m, which the enemy's course and speed will reduce during the run.

Forward tubes are prepared for a four-shot salvo, with 1/2 degree spread, depth 10 meters for the 8.7 meter draft, magnetic pistol. Calm seas should allow the torpedos to keep their depth well, and reduce any chance of premature detonation. These fish should run under the lead escort, and hopefully under the carrier as well. The 1/2 degree spread should cover any slight angle she may have, though it appears zero, more by judging the lead escort than the carrier, whose blunt bow masks any slight divergence of course.

At three minutes past midnight, the salvo is fired on a 000 track, range 6000 meters. U-94 immediately begins dive to 220 meters and rigs for depth charge while changing course ahead and away of approaching enemy.

0015 No detonations are detected. It appears we missed. Perhaps they changed course, or our solution had errors.

0020 Expected the enemy to pass astern by now, but they are still in general area of firing. Appear to be circling. All screws still heard on hydrophone.

0120 U-94 continues to extend from firing postion. Distant echo ranging is heard. Depth charges or bombs are being dropped every two minutes. Two or four explsions at a time indicate aerial bombs, as depth charges tend to come in strings of six or more.

0140 DD screws astern and continuing at speed on original base course. Heavier screw seperating astern.

0150 U-94 begins to ascend to PD.

0157 Persicope sweep reveals DDs no longer in sight, and carrier is seen with a pronounced down angle, zigging, and barely making way. We must have hit her after all, and the detonation(s) were lost in our own screws as we manuevered ahead and away to present stern to possible echo ranging.

0210 Carrier speed determined to be two knots and zigging. U-94 closes base course for shot.

0212 Single G7e fired at engine spaces from a range of 700 meters. Impact on aimpoint, but no catastrophic damage evident, so second single G7e fired at bridge. Carrier takes more severe down angle and catches fire, sinking in 32 seconds.

U-94 surfaces for renew and recharge.

Jan 1
0524 After several days of unproductive patrolling, and low on fuel, U-94 ties up at Brest, France, after 43 days at sea.

10-13-06, 01:49 PM	#13
Threadfin Ace of the Deep Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,163 Downloads: 38 Uploads: 0	Patrol 11, November 20, 1942 - January 1, 1943 La Spezia, Italy Despite our successes in the Mediterranean, the crew of U-94 recieved orders to return overland to France, for transfer to the 1st Flotilla at Brest. The Allies had begun to deploy groups of destroyers or destroyer escorts around a small aircraft carrier. Known as Hunter-Killer groups, their sole purpose for existance was to hunt and kill u-boats. Many of these groups were patrolling Biscay Bay and it's approaches, and to counter them, the j-boats were gathered in France. Three days before we were to proceed to France, we recieved word that an air attack had heavily damaged the boat we were to take over in France, U-553, and also any of the three which could have served as replacement. In order to fullfil our orders, we'd sail U-94 once again. The refit of U-94 included the installation of a new radar warning device, the Metox, known throughout the ubootwaffe as the Biscay Cross. This device would give us some warning that radar emmissions were neaby. Torpedo loadout was the same as previous patrol, except all type II G7e replaced by improved type III G7e. These new versions had an increase of 2/3 range over the type II. The 3000m restriction of the type II meant the submarine had to get relatively close, the type III, with a range of 5000m, would provide an extra margin should it be necessary. Nov 20 U-94 sets sail from La Spezia. Enroute Gibraltar. The Allies had recently made landings in North Africa near Algiers and Oran. Two days enroute, we heard the first merchant convoy we had encountered in our time in the Med. These were some distance south of our position and drawing east toward Algiers, and we did not close. Our intentions were to make it to and through Gibraltar undetected. Nov 23 Storm sets in, with heavy fog, rain, wind and sea state. The presence of the Cross gave us a measure of security we had not known in the fog before. We continued surfaced as a result. Nov 25 2100 Nearing the strait, the Cross gave us warning of radar signal off our starboard bow, and the plug was pulled to 160 meters, rigged for silent, and our long transit began. Dozens of warscrews mixed with merchants, crisscrossed the stait on every possible bearing and course. Nov 26 1300 After 16 hours submerged, U-94 surfaces west of the strait, and by all indications, undetected. The latest batteries are excellent. Capacity reduced just 1/3 on long submergence at 3kts. 2123 While continuing west, a routine sound sweep revealed multiple warscrews south and closing, heading for Gibraltar from the general area of Casablanca. In this weather it was decided to avoid. New course set slightly northward to give a wider berth. Nov 28 Off Spanish coast. Weather still heavy. Dec 1 Entering BE grid. Weather unchanged. First assumed contact with hunter-killer group obtained on hydrophone in grid BE99. Contact consisted of four screws, three DD and one heavy. Prop count indicated medium speed of 12kts. In heavy weather, conned to avoid and continued north. Dec 8 Weather still heavy. As U-94 moved northward through eastern edge of BE grid, many warcrews encountered. More four-screw groups, and also three-screw groups by all indications consisting of DDs. The Allies have considerably increased their patrols of these waters. Dec 16 Weather unchanged. Dec 23 The storm raged for nearly one month, but today we have seen the sun. There were many among the crew who were certain the Allies had captured it. Dec 24 0432 Contact with five-screw group in grid BE66. Screws drawing to west at medium speed and long range. U-94 surfaces to conduct end-around. Course was set slightly southward to give diverging berth to expected due-west course of enemy. Intend 45 minute run at 20 knots, then submerge for sound bearings. 0501 Cross warning of radar emissions off starboard bow. Plug is pulled. Persicope and hydrophones soon reveal 3 DD approaching. Certain we had been detected by escort radar. Most likely the group was also drawing SW, and our diverging course had actually been closing. We learn that escort radar outranges our Cross, at least in calm and clear conditions. 0602 Three DD continued to spot we had last been held on their radar displays. Depth charging of that spot was commenced. Reassuring to know they did not have us. 0637 When Tribal DD began closing, tube five's Falke was fired with an underkeel mag pistol and sent on it's way to buy us some time. One escort and what was now observed to be a small carrier continued zigging on base course. The zigging considerably slowed their speed, and allowed us a good chance of reaching a good firing position. If they had kept on once we submerged we would have stood no chance of getting a shot. 0641 Falke detonates under Tribal, which sinks stern first. Two other DD continue to search and depth charge area where we submerged, now some 4000 meters astern. 0655 The detection by the escort in many ways was beneficial, as one was sunk, two were far astern, and now none were between U-94 and the carrier. Because of this we could fire tube two's Falke, and not have to be concerned it would lock onto flank screen. 0657 Single G7es fired on 085 port track, range 1900, with underkeel mag pistol and depth setting at zigging carrier determined to be making 6 knots along base course. Single G7e with impact pistol at 4 meters fired immediately after. U-94 immediately begins dive to 220 meters and rigs for depth charge. After a run of 4 minutes detonation of torpedo is heard. All four screws still audible as U-94 seeks safety in depth. 0710 DDs continue to mill about. Bearing on screws reveal little movement along course. Seem to be circling. 0730 DD screws fading slightly. Carrier still heard, but bearings not changing. 0843 DD screws lost to SW. Carrier still audible. She sounds as though she's going away at high speed. But range and bearing unchanged. Order periscope depth for a look. 0903 U-94 at PD. Periscope reveals carrier ahead, dead in water, no screens observed. Carrier stopped, but otherwise appears level, no noticable angle or list. Very likely the Falke blew her screws off and the impact shot missed. We did not wonder for long why she sounds on hydrophone as if she still has screws, but in any event she was dead in the water directly ahead of U-94. 0910 After ensuring that all escort screws had indeed been lost, a single G7e with 4 meters depth, impact pistol, fired on 085 starboard track, range 950, at stationary carrier, with spot below bridge selected for aimpoint. After a run of exactly one minute, torpedo impacts carrier on aimpoint, and she at once explodes. Fires leap from her decks, the aircraft she carried on deck are thrown into the sea, and the carrier goes under in two minutes. U-94 surfaces for renew and recharge and to bring foreward and after externals into internal reserves. 2356 Six-screw group detected on hydrophone travelling same course as previous group. We are ahead this time, and submerge to avoid detection by radar. Dec 25 Merry Christmas. Six-screw group determined to be hunter-killer, with escort carrier and five escort. One DD leads, with two on each flank. Leading flank escort is outside, with trailing escort some distance inside. The enemy are learning quickly. Because of our position ahead, and because of the double-flank screen, it is decided to attempt zero-angle bow shot. If group continues on course, this should provide an opportunity to fire from long range with a high probability of a hit. The earlier we could fire, the deeper we could get before any counterattack could commence. New type III G7e range allows a shot from over 6000m, which the enemy's course and speed will reduce during the run. Forward tubes are prepared for a four-shot salvo, with 1/2 degree spread, depth 10 meters for the 8.7 meter draft, magnetic pistol. Calm seas should allow the torpedos to keep their depth well, and reduce any chance of premature detonation. These fish should run under the lead escort, and hopefully under the carrier as well. The 1/2 degree spread should cover any slight angle she may have, though it appears zero, more by judging the lead escort than the carrier, whose blunt bow masks any slight divergence of course. At three minutes past midnight, the salvo is fired on a 000 track, range 6000 meters. U-94 immediately begins dive to 220 meters and rigs for depth charge while changing course ahead and away of approaching enemy. 0015 No detonations are detected. It appears we missed. Perhaps they changed course, or our solution had errors. 0020 Expected the enemy to pass astern by now, but they are still in general area of firing. Appear to be circling. All screws still heard on hydrophone. 0120 U-94 continues to extend from firing postion. Distant echo ranging is heard. Depth charges or bombs are being dropped every two minutes. Two or four explsions at a time indicate aerial bombs, as depth charges tend to come in strings of six or more. 0140 DD screws astern and continuing at speed on original base course. Heavier screw seperating astern. 0150 U-94 begins to ascend to PD. 0157 Persicope sweep reveals DDs no longer in sight, and carrier is seen with a pronounced down angle, zigging, and barely making way. We must have hit her after all, and the detonation(s) were lost in our own screws as we manuevered ahead and away to present stern to possible echo ranging. 0210 Carrier speed determined to be two knots and zigging. U-94 closes base course for shot. 0212 Single G7e fired at engine spaces from a range of 700 meters. Impact on aimpoint, but no catastrophic damage evident, so second single G7e fired at bridge. Carrier takes more severe down angle and catches fire, sinking in 32 seconds. U-94 surfaces for renew and recharge. Jan 1 0524 After several days of unproductive patrolling, and low on fuel, U-94 ties up at Brest, France, after 43 days at sea. __________________ What? Behind the rabbit?