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klh · 06-22-20, 10:30 PM

U-45 left Wilhelmshaven on 14 June 1940 with orders to harass shipping off the southeastern coast of England in grid AN84.

Shortly after arriving on station we intercepted a fast-moving whale factory ship followed closely by an ASW trawler. We attacked the whaler with two torpedoes and heard both hit the target but no explosion. Determined to not lose our quarry, we fired our remaining two forward tubes at the trawler hoping to sink it and surface to attack the whaler with the deck gun. At least one made contact, but it was also a dud. Before we could reload both ships moved out of range, apparently unaware of our presence.

After trying unsuccessfully to intercept a reported task force, we moved in closer to the coast toward what we hoped would be a shipping lane. On 18 June U-45 intercepted a lone coastal freighter and sunk her with two torpedoes without surfacing so that the Allies would think it was the result of mines rather than a U-boat off their coast.

The following day we were stalked for hours by three ASW vessels patrolling together, which we evaded. That evening a lone ASW trawler came into range, and we fired and hit her at close range. She still had power and maneuvering, and turned to ram us. Believing that we had 25 meters under our keel, we dove to avoid contact. However, the charts were incorrect and we struck bottom while at the same time we were hit from above.

The damage was severe. My best watchman, a bootsman, was killed when equipment fell on him. Forward batteries, both periscopes, and hydrophones were destroyed. U-45 was blind and deaf. Severe flooding throughout the boat was the first priority to repair. Electric engines, aft batteries, diesel engines, forward tubes, and the compressor were severely damaged. We sat on the bottom for nearly two hours to make partial repairs, then limped away with only 15% battery power.

After moving approximately 3 km, we surfaced to survey the damage and clear out the choking smoke. Not only did we discover that the deck and flak guns were destroyed, but we were also greeted by the same ASW trawler. Although she was burning and could not move, she began to fire on us. Having no way to return fire or make speed, we submerged once again to periscope depth and moved slowly away on our last bits of battery power until the cover of nightfall.

Once we resurfaced we were able to complete repairs to diesels and make way for home. Nearing the coast we had to submerge again after being fired upon by a small ship which we did not identify.

U-45 arrived in Wilhelmshaven on 21 June 1940 in need of major repairs.
Our success was limited to only 2000 tonnes. Our failure included the loss of a fine bootsman.

Kapitänleutnant Hähl, U-45

06-22-20, 10:30 PM	#5495
klh Ensign Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Indiana, USA Posts: 221 Downloads: 200 Uploads: 0	KTB-8 U-45 (klh) U-45 left Wilhelmshaven on 14 June 1940 with orders to harass shipping off the southeastern coast of England in grid AN84. Shortly after arriving on station we intercepted a fast-moving whale factory ship followed closely by an ASW trawler. We attacked the whaler with two torpedoes and heard both hit the target but no explosion. Determined to not lose our quarry, we fired our remaining two forward tubes at the trawler hoping to sink it and surface to attack the whaler with the deck gun. At least one made contact, but it was also a dud. Before we could reload both ships moved out of range, apparently unaware of our presence. After trying unsuccessfully to intercept a reported task force, we moved in closer to the coast toward what we hoped would be a shipping lane. On 18 June U-45 intercepted a lone coastal freighter and sunk her with two torpedoes without surfacing so that the Allies would think it was the result of mines rather than a U-boat off their coast. The following day we were stalked for hours by three ASW vessels patrolling together, which we evaded. That evening a lone ASW trawler came into range, and we fired and hit her at close range. She still had power and maneuvering, and turned to ram us. Believing that we had 25 meters under our keel, we dove to avoid contact. However, the charts were incorrect and we struck bottom while at the same time we were hit from above. The damage was severe. My best watchman, a bootsman, was killed when equipment fell on him. Forward batteries, both periscopes, and hydrophones were destroyed. U-45 was blind and deaf. Severe flooding throughout the boat was the first priority to repair. Electric engines, aft batteries, diesel engines, forward tubes, and the compressor were severely damaged. We sat on the bottom for nearly two hours to make partial repairs, then limped away with only 15% battery power. After moving approximately 3 km, we surfaced to survey the damage and clear out the choking smoke. Not only did we discover that the deck and flak guns were destroyed, but we were also greeted by the same ASW trawler. Although she was burning and could not move, she began to fire on us. Having no way to return fire or make speed, we submerged once again to periscope depth and moved slowly away on our last bits of battery power until the cover of nightfall. Once we resurfaced we were able to complete repairs to diesels and make way for home. Nearing the coast we had to submerge again after being fired upon by a small ship which we did not identify. U-45 arrived in Wilhelmshaven on 21 June 1940 in need of major repairs. Our success was limited to only 2000 tonnes. Our failure included the loss of a fine bootsman. Kapitänleutnant Hähl, U-45 Last edited by klh; 06-23-20 at 07:39 AM.