The Logbook of Wolfgang Jachson - Log of Patrols

[HMS Vanguard]

This is the logbook of Wolfgang Jachson, the name of the Commander of my sub I came up with in SH3. I decided to write my patrols up like logbook entries, seeing as I enjoy writing as well as sinking the Royal Navy. This will be updated as I patrol and type up my writings into my longhand book that I am using.

The Logbook of Wolfgang Jachson
Log of Patrols on the Unterseeboote during World War II

Chapter 1 - The Early Patrols
U-5 Type IIA U-Boat

August 25th, 1939
1315 Hours

Departing Berlin this morning for new posting at Wilhelmshaven. Orders for my command came through this morning to depart immediately for the Flotilla base. Tearful farewells to my wife before leaving – it saddens me to think I may not see her for quite some time. Stuck in a crowded train with people leaving the capital, mostly soldiers and sailors heading west, I find myself wondering whether any of the latter are assigned to my boat.
Old Couple in the other aisle won’t stop talking about the news. Wireless reports not good – tensions with the rest of Europe are high since the invasion of Czechoslovakia. Many talk about war looming, although the newspapers dismiss these rumours as nonsense. However, I find myself wondering as to why my commission to Lieutenant Junior came through faster than I expected. I’ve been a sailor since I was 17, but only recently have I become acquainted with the Unterseeboote. After two decades on Destroyers, I wonder whether transferring to the U-Boat flotilla was a good idea. The training to the Type IIs has been exciting – something I have not felt in a long while – but now I may face open conflict I find myself thinking whether my training, my boat and my crew will get me through.

September 1st, 1939
1422 Hours

War has been declared. The wireless reported that the Army, supported by the Luftwaffe, invaded Poland today, and that France and Britain have declared war. We are being rushed to sea several days earlier than anticipated. I can’t say that I am pleased with having a green crew put to sea early, but I am excited to be going into action. The crew is nervous, but they are able, if inexperienced. I only hope that we survive long enough to gain the latter. Ordered the vessel underway at 1420 hours to the cheers of gathered families and onlookers from the sides of the flotilla pen.

1912 Hours

Lookouts spotted a ship at 1859 bearing 047. Most likely our own, but used this as an opportunity to practise a crash dive. Issued order and achieved depth quickly. Moved on silent running for a time before resurfacing at 1911. Crew behaved per the book, but needs fine tuning in their movements and procedures. This should come in time.

September 2nd, 1939
1117 Hours

Arrived on station at grid AN56 before midday. Initiated sweep pattern of the grid and posted a fresh watch on the tower. Going to be a long 24 hours…

September 3rd, 1939
1927 Hours

Patrol time over, and crew morale is low. No contacts whatsoever in our patrol zone, and the weather was continuously bad so as to prevent any kind of clear visibility beyond a certain point. Engineering informs me that Diesel levels are at fifty percent, so we are turning for home with no kills in our jacket yet.

September 4th, 1939
0928 Hours

Roused from my cabin by an excited Watch Officer as we moved home through Grid AN64. Ship sighted at long range, moving towards us. I ordered a dive to periscope depth to allow us to remain hidden whilst we assessed the situation.

0930 Hours

Vessel identified as a Coastal Merchant flying the Royal Navy Ensign from its mast. Despite bad visibility, I cannot allow this to pass without attempting a kill, so moving in order to attack.

0940 Hours

Set up the attack as the vessel came across our bow and fired two torpedoes towards the vessel. Waited for impact, but missed with both torpedoes. Not wanting to allow the ship to escape, I ordered the boat surfaced and followed at close range in order to set up a third shot. Fired tube 3, but missed again due to rushed calculations. Diesel levels dangerously low, so turning for home with no kills. Estimated to reach home on September 8th.[/u][/b]