Captain Hans Klarholz
U-94 , VIIC
Based at S.Naz.
4th war patrol
25th October 1942
Patrol Notes
Preparing to patrol grid AL35.Looks like we are going to be operating on the same convoy lane as our last patrol,yet we are nearer to both Britain and Iceland this time,and that means high alert
There may also be opportunities against Russian shipping if we cannot attack the American shipping.Damn Ruskies,i've been itching for a fight with them!.
If we have trouble against these convoys then we can always drop south onto the merchant lane down there.We will make all endeavours to attack during the day as much as possible due to our proximity to local air bases,giving us much more time to evade then,than would be possible at night.
Air Strength
Expected to be very high,due to local air bases nearby.We had a close call by
just one bomber coming out of Iceland last time,and we were on what we thought were the fringes of their coverage!.
Naval Strength
Moderate to high.Strength of previous convoy was very high,and we could expect assistance coming directly from Britain this time.Last time we were further to the west and in the 'air gap'.
Equipment Notes
Just finished fitting Alberich and Bold cannisters to the boat.We were being pinged at 200m and at 3kts last time,and its evident the allies have increased their ASW quite a bit.The bold cannisters have never been used by us before,and we hope to find good use for them on this patrol.For emergencies only,such as when unable to escape multiple Asdic pings,or prolonged pursuits lasting for more than about 1 hr.
Torpedo Layout
Main Fore
4 ETorps.For 1st daylight attack on expected convoy.Ranges not to exceed about 2000m from perimeter.
Fore Reserves
4 GasTorps.For subsequent night attack against same convoy.Ranges not to exceed about 1000m from perimeter.
2 Falkes.Reserved for any opportunities against major warships,LCs,BBs,etc.
External
3 spare GasTorps.Simply to bolster Fore Reserves.
Main Aft
1 Falke.For emergencies only.