Tell us what you're up to in current campaign (lets get this one going lol)

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

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Wednesday, 27 January 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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The USAAF strickes Germany for the first time as B-17 and B-24 bombers attack Emden and Wilhelmshaven.

U 105 (Oblt. Jürgen Nissen) sank new American motor ship "Cape Indecision" of 8,000 GRT carrying aircraft parts and casked benzene from Charleston to Africa. General course 125°, speed 15 knots. Position of the sinking lies about 40 miles north of the straggler route confirmed by Radio Intelligence reports.

U 607 (Oblt. Wolf Jeschonnek) sank a tanker wreck in AJ 30 with 2 finishing shots.New positions for U 608, 89 and U 135 = AJ 89. A new disposition of another patrol line with the boats of Group "Landsknecht" still having adequate fuel supplies, is planned for the 5.2 in this area.

U 442 (Korvkpt. Hans-Joachim Hesse) and U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) each sighted a steamer on an easterly course in CE 8487 and CE 8157, in the patrol lines of Group "Delphin". The latter was left sinking by U 514 in CE 8198 (American ship "Charles C. Pinkney" of 6,800 GRT). Speed 14 knots, zig-zagging strongly. Ship was heavily armed.

As a result of the sightings reported by U 514 and U 442 the Group "Delphin" is to be split up to the N. and S. and will then be in patrol lines from CE 5774 to DG 4342. The boats received orders to cover as much sea as possible to the E. from 0600 to dawn in order to reach the anticipated isolated traffic.

According to recently acquired information from Special Radio Intelligence reports, the Trinidad-Gibraltar convoy, coming from the Caribbean steers a course first, north of Cape Blanco along the African coast.
The boats operating in DU 70 are therefore too far to the S. and have received orders (in order to intercept regular traffic on this route) to proceed to the N. of the present operations area with a daily reckoning of 150 sea miles, via the first position of DU 4351 to 5185 and further via the second position from DU 2231 to 2365. Subsequently, the following operations areas are to be occupied at a depth of 15 sea miles: U 518 = DH 9595, U 43 = 9912, U 218 = 9566, U 521 = 9672, U 66 = 9687. Convoy traffic may be expected in a NE/SW direction.
The boats form the Group "Rochen".

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) interrupts exercises with the AGRU-Front Hela and commences Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

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Thursday, 28 January 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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As our forces in Stalingrad are now divided into three pockets, Hermann Göring messages Friedrich Paulus, noting that Paulus' stubborn defense, even if it leads to self sacrifice, will go down in German history as one of the most heroic tales.

U 442 (Korvkpt. Hans-Joachim Hesse) sank the ship reported on 27.1 in CE 8763. Confirmed as American ship "J. W. Gaves" carrying 36 tanks, 6 railway tank cars and 15 lorries.

As the expected ON convoy was also not intercepted this time, Command has decided to dispose the boats with a plentiful supply of fuel and several boats recently arrived, E. of Newfoundland. Group "Landsknecht" is disbanded. U 187, 267, 456, 553, 609, 262, 614, 402, 465 and 454 are to proceed at economical cruising speed to BC 21.
The boats with less fuel are to be disposed in the present area and receive the following grids as operations area. U 632 = AL 47, U 257 = AL 71, U 71 = AL 75, U 572 = AL 87.
U 631 and U 333 are to return.

U 404 (Kptlt. Otto von Bülow) and U 584 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) are to undertake special duties. They are to make a surprise appearance off the coast near the Scilly Islands - U 404 in BF 7510 and 584 in BF 2190. There, they are to carry out short, sudden attacks on the convoy traffic (every two days) (see operations order Lands End*).

The impression is gained from U-boat situation reports received, that the enemy is aware of the disposition of the Group "Delphin". It appears from a Special Radio Intelligence Report that the anticipated convoy went around the lines to the N. and a new disposition is therefore necessary. The group is to occupy a patrol line from CF 7397 to DH 5879 at economical cruising speed in the following order: U 125 - 522 - 511 - 442 - 436 - 575 - 381 - 571 - 620 - 87 - 202 - 264 - 558 and 258.
In conjunction with Group "Rochen" therefore, the entire area between the Azores, the Canaries and the African Mainland will be to some extent patrolled. Normally, apart from North American supplies, also those from Trinidad and West Africa to Gibraltar are expected in this area.

U 156 (KrvKpt. Werner Hartenstein) and U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) continue the uninterrupted southward passage to EJ 70. U 108 (Kptlt. Ralf-Reimar Wolfram) joins Group "Rochen" and occupies U 518's (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) position. The latter (having more fuel than U 108) is also proceeding southwards to position EJ 70).

We finally mobilized our work force for total war, requiring registration of men aged 16 to 65 and women aged 17 to 50.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig.

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26. January 1943.

F.O. U-boats

Most Secret !

(*) Additional Order "Lands End" for U 404 and U 584

1) The traffic between the Bristol Channel and the Channel is to be attacked in the area round Lands End during the new moon period. There have been no U-boat operations here since June 1941, so that a surprise appearance should have good results; for this reason, the boat must at all costs remain unobserved until the initial attack. Withdrawal to open sea in between each attack according to existing circumstances.

2) Passage report to be sent after putting out and after execution of deep diving trial. A situation report should be sent as soon as observed (by the enemy).

3) Mining situation:
a) There is a mine-field between Lands End (via the Scillys) and the Bishop's Rock, according to old reports. If mines are actually in this position there is a gap on the line 50 47' W. through which enemy traffic sails.
b) For information on the declared area St. Georges Channel and barrier gaps see Standing Operational Orders No. 481 C II.
c) Our own mines in the waters round Cornwall are only on the south coast, east of Lizard Head (see Standing Operational Order No. 461 B 5).

4) There is no information of a shipping route free of mines or marked by buoys in the waters round Lands End.

5) Traffic: Convoys proceeding from Milford Haven to Portsmouth and from Portsmouth to Milford Haven may be expected to sail in a two day cycle. The convoys putting out of Milford Haven on even days will be in the area Hartland Point at 2000 on the same day and pass Lands End towards 0600 on the following day. Convoys sailing from Portsmouth on uneven days are near St. Albans Head at 2000 on the same day, and pass the Lands End area at 2000 on the following day. According to this, there is an east-bound convoy at 0600 on every uneven day and a west-bound convoy at 2000 on every even day, in the Lands End area.

For F.O. U-boats

- Head of Ops. Section -

GODT

Distribution:
Copy No.:
1. U 404 and U 584
2. 1st and 6th U-Flotilla
3-6. F.O. U-boats
7-8. Reserve copies.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++++

Thursday, 28 January 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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As our forces in Stalingrad are now divided into three pockets, Hermann Göring messages Friedrich Paulus, noting that Paulus' stubborn defense, even if it leads to self sacrifice, will go down in German history as one of the most heroic tales.

U 442 (Korvkpt. Hans-Joachim Hesse) sank the ship reported on 27.1 in CE 8763. Confirmed as American ship "J. W. Gaves" carrying 36 tanks, 6 railway tank cars and 15 lorries.

As the expected ON convoy was also not intercepted this time, Command has decided to dispose the boats with a plentiful supply of fuel and several boats recently arrived, E. of Newfoundland. Group "Landsknecht" is disbanded. U 187, 267, 456, 553, 609, 262, 614, 402, 465 and 454 are to proceed at economical cruising speed to BC 21.
The boats with less fuel are to be disposed in the present area and receive the following grids as operations area. U 632 = AL 47, U 257 = AL 71, U 71 = AL 75, U 572 = AL 87.
U 631 and U 333 are to return.

U 404 (Kptlt. Otto von Bülow) and U 584 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) are to undertake special duties. They are to make a surprise appearance off the coast near the Scilly Islands - U 404 in BF 7510 and 584 in BF 2190. There, they are to carry out short, sudden attacks on the convoy traffic (every two days) (see operations order Lands End*).

The impression is gained from U-boat situation reports received, that the enemy is aware of the disposition of the Group "Delphin". It appears from a Special Radio Intelligence Report that the anticipated convoy went around the lines to the N. and a new disposition is therefore necessary. The group is to occupy a patrol line from CF 7397 to DH 5879 at economical cruising speed in the following order: U 125 - 522 - 511 - 442 - 436 - 575 - 381 - 571 - 620 - 87 - 202 - 264 - 558 and 258.
In conjunction with Group "Rochen" therefore, the entire area between the Azores, the Canaries and the African Mainland will be to some extent patrolled. Normally, apart from North American supplies, also those from Trinidad and West Africa to Gibraltar are expected in this area.

U 156 (KrvKpt. Werner Hartenstein) and U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) continue the uninterrupted southward passage to EJ 70. U 108 (Kptlt. Ralf-Reimar Wolfram) joins Group "Rochen" and occupies U 518's (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) position. The latter (having more fuel than U 108) is also proceeding southwards to position EJ 70).

We finally mobilized our work force for total war, requiring registration of men aged 16 to 65 and women aged 17 to 50.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig.

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26. January 1943.

F.O. U-boats

Most Secret !

(*) Additional Order "Lands End" for U 404 and U 584

1) The traffic between the Bristol Channel and the Channel is to be attacked in the area round Lands End during the new moon period. There have been no U-boat operations here since June 1941, so that a surprise appearance should have good results; for this reason, the boat must at all costs remain unobserved until the initial attack. Withdrawal to open sea in between each attack according to existing circumstances.

2) Passage report to be sent after putting out and after execution of deep diving trial. A situation report should be sent as soon as observed (by the enemy).

3) Mining situation:
a) There is a mine-field between Lands End (via the Scillys) and the Bishop's Rock, according to old reports. If mines are actually in this position there is a gap on the line 50 47' W. through which enemy traffic sails.
b) For information on the declared area St. Georges Channel and barrier gaps see Standing Operational Orders No. 481 C II.
c) Our own mines in the waters round Cornwall are only on the south coast, east of Lizard Head (see Standing Operational Order No. 461 B 5).

4) There is no information of a shipping route free of mines or marked by buoys in the waters round Lands End.

5) Traffic: Convoys proceeding from Milford Haven to Portsmouth and from Portsmouth to Milford Haven may be expected to sail in a two day cycle. The convoys putting out of Milford Haven on even days will be in the area Hartland Point at 2000 on the same day and pass Lands End towards 0600 on the following day. Convoys sailing from Portsmouth on uneven days are near St. Albans Head at 2000 on the same day, and pass the Lands End area at 2000 on the following day. According to this, there is an east-bound convoy at 0600 on every uneven day and a west-bound convoy at 2000 on every even day, in the Lands End area.

For F.O. U-boats

- Head of Ops. Section -

GODT

Distribution:
Copy No.:
1. U 404 and U 584
2. 1st and 6th U-Flotilla
3-6. F.O. U-boats
7-8. Reserve copies.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

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Friday, 29 January 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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Six RAF Mosquito aircraft attack Berlin, during the Party's 10th Anniversary celebration.

Soviet troops capture Maikop, Caucasus.

Benito Mussolini meets with the Commando Supremo. Among the items discussed is the plan to salvage, repair, and recommission French battleships Strasbourg and Dunkerque into the Italian Navy by the end of 1946.

U 381 (Kptlt. Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limpurg) sighted sea plane in CE 9748 while en route to new "Delphin" patrol lines.

With the return of U 466 (Oblt. Gerhard Thäter), 20 boats of Group "Haudegen" are now distributed in the patrol lines ordered earlier, from AJ 2442 to AK 7132. To occupy as temporary operations areas: U 594 = AK 49, U 413 = AK 81. Both boats reported their fuel situation and should be able to remain in the ordered areas for 5 - 7 days. In this way the area S.E. of the "Haudegen" lines will be simultaneously patrolled.

Position for U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) is DH 21 after execution of the special duties. The supplying of the "Delphin" boats is intended here.

Owing to the necessary return passage of U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) of the second needed tanker - the supply situation is at the moment very unfavorable. Fuel delivery to U 664 (Oblt. Adolf Graef) from U 117 (XB; Korvkpt. Hans-Werner Neumann) could not be carried out in the bad weather conditions. U 466 (Oblt. Gerhard Thäter) on return passage with about 70 cubic meters of fuel is to be used as a tanker and has arrived in AK 86 with U 266 (Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen). Further, U 598 (Kptlt. Gottfried Holtorf) and U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) received orders to carry out return passage if possible without fuel replenishment. The supplying of U 706 (Kptlt. Alexander von Zitzewitz) awash in BD 67 is to take place from the outward bound U 439 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Sporn). All boats are again reminded to proceed at economical cruising speed during bad weather and in the operations area.

Owing to the return of a blockade runner, Route Anton is to be closed as follows: From 1.2 to 13.2 inclusive between 5° S., 15° N. From 8.2 to 17.2 between 15° N. and 30° N. From 14.2 entire northern section N. of 30° N. Apart from this the eastern boundary of route Anton is transferred 200 sea miles to the E. between 3° S. and 13° N. This is only in connection with the present closing of the route.

U 337 (Oblt. Kurt Ruwiedel) on first patrol, has up to now operated in the Group "Jaguar". It last reported a short weather report from AE 83 on 3.1. (Iceland Passage). Subsequently, the boat was again requested to report on 24.1., but no reply was received. Information of the loss - place and time is not available. As in spite of repeated requests, no position report has been received, the loss of this boat must be presumed.

The U.S.A. captures a Japanese 5-digit naval code book.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++++

Friday, 29 January 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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Six RAF Mosquito aircraft attack Berlin, during the Party's 10th Anniversary celebration.

Soviet troops capture Maikop, Caucasus.

Benito Mussolini meets with the Commando Supremo. Among the items discussed is the plan to salvage, repair, and recommission French battleships Strasbourg and Dunkerque into the Italian Navy by the end of 1946.

U 381 (Kptlt. Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limpurg) sighted sea plane in CE 9748 while en route to new "Delphin" patrol lines.

With the return of U 466 (Oblt. Gerhard Thäter), 20 boats of Group "Haudegen" are now distributed in the patrol lines ordered earlier, from AJ 2442 to AK 7132. To occupy as temporary operations areas: U 594 = AK 49, U 413 = AK 81. Both boats reported their fuel situation and should be able to remain in the ordered areas for 5 - 7 days. In this way the area S.E. of the "Haudegen" lines will be simultaneously patrolled.

Position for U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) is DH 21 after execution of the special duties. The supplying of the "Delphin" boats is intended here.

Owing to the necessary return passage of U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) of the second needed tanker - the supply situation is at the moment very unfavorable. Fuel delivery to U 664 (Oblt. Adolf Graef) from U 117 (XB; Korvkpt. Hans-Werner Neumann) could not be carried out in the bad weather conditions. U 466 (Oblt. Gerhard Thäter) on return passage with about 70 cubic meters of fuel is to be used as a tanker and has arrived in AK 86 with U 266 (Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen). Further, U 598 (Kptlt. Gottfried Holtorf) and U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) received orders to carry out return passage if possible without fuel replenishment. The supplying of U 706 (Kptlt. Alexander von Zitzewitz) awash in BD 67 is to take place from the outward bound U 439 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Sporn). All boats are again reminded to proceed at economical cruising speed during bad weather and in the operations area.

Owing to the return of a blockade runner, Route Anton is to be closed as follows: From 1.2 to 13.2 inclusive between 5° S., 15° N. From 8.2 to 17.2 between 15° N. and 30° N. From 14.2 entire northern section N. of 30° N. Apart from this the eastern boundary of route Anton is transferred 200 sea miles to the E. between 3° S. and 13° N. This is only in connection with the present closing of the route.

U 337 (Oblt. Kurt Ruwiedel) on first patrol, has up to now operated in the Group "Jaguar". It last reported a short weather report from AE 83 on 3.1. (Iceland Passage). Subsequently, the boat was again requested to report on 24.1., but no reply was received. Information of the loss - place and time is not available. As in spite of repeated requests, no position report has been received, the loss of this boat must be presumed.

The U.S.A. captures a Japanese 5-digit naval code book.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++++

Saturday, 30 January 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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Erich Raeder is officially relieved of his duty as the head of the German Navy.

B.d.U. Admiral Karl Dönitz is promoted to Grand Admiral.

Soviet troops reach the Red Square in central Stalingrad. Hermann Göring publicly notes that the defense and sacrifice at Stalingrad, will go down in history as a heroic tale.

Our DAK defeats French troops and captures Faïd Pass, Tunisia.

The following area are to be occupied after replenishing supplies from "Milkcow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf):
U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) and U 509 (Oblt. Werner Witte) are to operate in grid GR with directions to proceed near to Cape Town for the time being, to intercept traffic routes. U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) is to operate with Port Elizabeth as center point. If the boats do not find traffic in the areas indicated, U 506 and 509 have freedom of movement to both sides. U 182 (IXD2; Kptlt. Asmus Nicolai Clausen) on its first operational trip, and also making for the southern tip of Africa, is to occupy the area Mozambique Channel between 20° and 31°S. Boats are reminded of circumspect, sparing use of torpedoes.
U 459 has filled up the boats detailed for operations in Africa U 506, 509 and 516 in GG 54. Assembly point for U 160 (Kptlt. Georg Lassen) also detailed for this area is FU 44 on 4.2.
U 117 (XB; Korvkpt. Hans-Werner Neumann) has supplied U 662 (KrvKpt. Wolfgang Hermann), U 333 (Oblt. Werner Schwaff; "Ali" Cremer in hospital) has handed over "Bolde" (decoy) to U 404 (Kptlt. Otto von Bülow).

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++++

Saturday, 30 January 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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Erich Raeder is officially relieved of his duty as the head of the German Navy.

B.d.U. Admiral Karl Dönitz is promoted to Grand Admiral.

Soviet troops reach the Red Square in central Stalingrad. Hermann Göring publicly notes that the defense and sacrifice at Stalingrad, will go down in history as a heroic tale.

Our DAK defeats French troops and captures Faïd Pass, Tunisia.

The following area are to be occupied after replenishing supplies from "Milkcow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf):
U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) and U 509 (Oblt. Werner Witte) are to operate in grid GR with directions to proceed near to Cape Town for the time being, to intercept traffic routes. U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) is to operate with Port Elizabeth as center point. If the boats do not find traffic in the areas indicated, U 506 and 509 have freedom of movement to both sides. U 182 (IXD2; Kptlt. Asmus Nicolai Clausen) on its first operational trip, and also making for the southern tip of Africa, is to occupy the area Mozambique Channel between 20° and 31°S. Boats are reminded of circumspect, sparing use of torpedoes.
U 459 has filled up the boats detailed for operations in Africa U 506, 509 and 516 in GG 54. Assembly point for U 160 (Kptlt. Georg Lassen) also detailed for this area is FU 44 on 4.2.
U 117 (XB; Korvkpt. Hans-Werner Neumann) has supplied U 662 (KrvKpt. Wolfgang Hermann), U 333 (Oblt. Werner Schwaff; "Ali" Cremer in hospital) has handed over "Bolde" (decoy) to U 404 (Kptlt. Otto von Bülow).

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++++

Sunday, 31 January 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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B.d.U. Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz, is appointed as Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine (ObdM) - (Commander in Chief of the German Navy)!

Out of food and ammunition, the southern half of the German 6.Armee in Stalingrad surrenders; The final radio message coming out of this pocket is made at 1945 hours, which closed with the Morse abbreviation "CL", short for "Clear (I am closing my station)". Shortly after, 110 German transport aircraft take off for the northern pocket with supplies; more than 90 of the aircraft find the illuminated triangular drop zone and released their loads.

The British RAF Bomber Command uses the H2S radar system for the first time operationally.

U 187 (Kptlt. Ralph Münnich) reported suspicious looking isolated vessels on a course of 50 in AK 8922. No contact. The boat is reminded in this connection that the presence of "Q-boats" in the open sea is unlikely.

New position for U 439, 653 and 332 = BD 24, for U 265 = AK 02. Operations on convoys are intended with these boats.

U 584 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) has broken off the ordered special duty (attack on convoy traffic in BF 2190; "Op. Lands End") owing to own strong noise interference. Instead, U 71 (Oblt. Hardo Rodler von Roithberg) with a relatively large amount of fuel - 44 cubic meters - is detailed for this task.

U 376 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Karl Marks) lost the Warrant Quartermaster/3.W.O. (OStrm. Heinz Richter) overboard. After relief procured in Hellisoc (Bergen) passage continued.

U 553 (KrvKpt. Karl Thurmann!) has been requested repeatedly since 28.1 to send position report without, however, an answer being received. The last W/T message dated 20.1 was from BE 6113.
U-553 was last seen by U-465 (Kptlt. Heinz Wolf) south-west of Ireland in position 48.15N, 15.35W in the evening on 20 January 1943, and had reported troubles with its periscope the day before.
Subsequently, the boat was ordered to join "Landsknecht" and disposed in a patrol line. When and how U 553 was lost is not known.
Its loss must be presumed.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++++

Sunday, 31 January 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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B.d.U. Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz, is appointed as Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine (ObdM) - (Commander in Chief of the German Navy)!

Out of food and ammunition, the southern half of the German 6.Armee in Stalingrad surrenders; The final radio message coming out of this pocket is made at 1945 hours, which closed with the Morse abbreviation "CL", short for "Clear (I am closing my station)". Shortly after, 110 German transport aircraft take off for the northern pocket with supplies; more than 90 of the aircraft find the illuminated triangular drop zone and released their loads.

The British RAF Bomber Command uses the H2S radar system for the first time operationally.

U 187 (Kptlt. Ralph Münnich) reported suspicious looking isolated vessels on a course of 50 in AK 8922. No contact. The boat is reminded in this connection that the presence of "Q-boats" in the open sea is unlikely.

New position for U 439, 653 and 332 = BD 24, for U 265 = AK 02. Operations on convoys are intended with these boats.

U 584 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) has broken off the ordered special duty (attack on convoy traffic in BF 2190; "Op. Lands End") owing to own strong noise interference. Instead, U 71 (Oblt. Hardo Rodler von Roithberg) with a relatively large amount of fuel - 44 cubic meters - is detailed for this task.

U 376 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Karl Marks) lost the Warrant Quartermaster/3.W.O. (OStrm. Heinz Richter) overboard. After relief procured in Hellisoc (Bergen) passage continued.

U 553 (KrvKpt. Karl Thurmann!) has been requested repeatedly since 28.1 to send position report without, however, an answer being received. The last W/T message dated 20.1 was from BE 6113.
U-553 was last seen by U-465 (Kptlt. Heinz Wolf) south-west of Ireland in position 48.15N, 15.35W in the evening on 20 January 1943, and had reported troubles with its periscope the day before.
Subsequently, the boat was ordered to join "Landsknecht" and disposed in a patrol line. When and how U 553 was lost is not known.
Its loss must be presumed.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

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Monday, 1 February 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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Japanese troops begin to be evacuated from Guadalcanal by destroyers.

Trapped in the ruins of a department store in Stalingrad, Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus surrenders the southern pocket along with 14 of his generals; Paulus becomes the first German field marshal to surrender to an enemy force. Fighting continues in the northern pocket, however, and 85 of the 108 transport aircraft dispatched to airdrop supplies to the northern pocket are able to do so. Meanwhile, our troops fall back from Demyansk, Russia.

The Führer's special train "Amerika" is renamed "Brandenburg".

U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) heavily depth-charged by aircraft in EJ 9677 on 30.1. Heavy loss of fuel, ability to dive restricted. Early refuelling from U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) planned.

U 377 (Kptlt. Otto Köhler) is on her way to Peterhead and reports constant unmistakable radar location transmission from shore (AN 1616). She is moving away to the East. Boat has been informed that she is unlikely to be picked up by shore radar at such long range.

U 584 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) reported that she was still fit for operations and was allocated square AL 84 as temporary attack area.

Convoy No. 4 (HX.224):
At 1231/1/2 U 456 (Kptlt. Max-Martin Teichert) reported a convoy on a N. course in AK 9117. The former "Landsknecht" boats proceeding W. should already have been a long way astern of the convoy and all "Landsknecht" boats were therefore ordered to report by short signal if they were operating against convoy Teichert. 3 boats reported and of these only U 614 was detailed. The 2 others were hopelessly far astern and will join Group "Pfeil", which is being disposed along the course of this convoy, as it is believed that this is the HX and that the SC convoy may be astern of the HX on the same route. Besides U 615, U 632 and U 257 were also detailed against the convoy.
U 456 shadowed constantly until morning. The convoy was steering a main course of 10 to 15° and was making about 8 knots. At 0344 U 456 reported that she has sunk an 8,000 GRT freighter. The convoy was in AK 6271 at 0200/2 and the operation continues.

According to agent's and Radio Intelligence reports, a convoy passed Group "Rochen" on 31.1 and another one on 1.2 on N. and S. courses respectively. Boats have once more been reminded to keep a sharp lookout.

U 518 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) is to be detailed against the Brazilian coastal traffic. New approach point is FJ 30.

Cruiser Köln departs Germany for the Baltic Sea.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) commences Tactical Exercises in the Baltic Sea.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

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Monday, 1 February 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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Japanese troops begin to be evacuated from Guadalcanal by destroyers.

Trapped in the ruins of a department store in Stalingrad, Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus surrenders the southern pocket along with 14 of his generals; Paulus becomes the first German field marshal to surrender to an enemy force. Fighting continues in the northern pocket, however, and 85 of the 108 transport aircraft dispatched to airdrop supplies to the northern pocket are able to do so. Meanwhile, our troops fall back from Demyansk, Russia.

The Führer's special train "Amerika" is renamed "Brandenburg".

U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) heavily depth-charged by aircraft in EJ 9677 on 30.1. Heavy loss of fuel, ability to dive restricted. Early refuelling from U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) planned.

U 377 (Kptlt. Otto Köhler) is on her way to Peterhead and reports constant unmistakable radar location transmission from shore (AN 1616). She is moving away to the East. Boat has been informed that she is unlikely to be picked up by shore radar at such long range.

U 584 (Kptlt. Kurt Nölke) reported that she was still fit for operations and was allocated square AL 84 as temporary attack area.

Convoy No. 4 (HX.224):
At 1231/1/2 U 456 (Kptlt. Max-Martin Teichert) reported a convoy on a N. course in AK 9117. The former "Landsknecht" boats proceeding W. should already have been a long way astern of the convoy and all "Landsknecht" boats were therefore ordered to report by short signal if they were operating against convoy Teichert. 3 boats reported and of these only U 614 was detailed. The 2 others were hopelessly far astern and will join Group "Pfeil", which is being disposed along the course of this convoy, as it is believed that this is the HX and that the SC convoy may be astern of the HX on the same route. Besides U 615, U 632 and U 257 were also detailed against the convoy.
U 456 shadowed constantly until morning. The convoy was steering a main course of 10 to 15° and was making about 8 knots. At 0344 U 456 reported that she has sunk an 8,000 GRT freighter. The convoy was in AK 6271 at 0200/2 and the operation continues.

According to agent's and Radio Intelligence reports, a convoy passed Group "Rochen" on 31.1 and another one on 1.2 on N. and S. courses respectively. Boats have once more been reminded to keep a sharp lookout.

U 518 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) is to be detailed against the Brazilian coastal traffic. New approach point is FJ 30.

Cruiser Köln departs Germany for the Baltic Sea.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) commences Tactical Exercises in the Baltic Sea.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

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Tuesday, 2 February 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training together with U 648 (Stahl)*, with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER). - The construction of Graf Zeppelin is stopped in Stettin. -

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The last of the Sixth Army surrender in Stalingrad. A reconnaissance aircraft is dispatched to fly over Stalingrad, confirming that all fighting has ceased.

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) was off Ponte Delgada and sighted a tanker with destroyers in territorial waters, outward bound on an E. course. She could not give chase owing to damage to a flange which was causing a leak.

U 404 (Kptlt. Otto von Bülow) situation: 1 steamer, 2 small craft on a S.E. course heard in hydrophones P.M. 2.1 in BF 2432. Did not manage to attack. No convoy seen. After simultaneous location by 8 shore stations, 3 aircraft searched with searchlights. Radar range as far as BF 2425. Return passage, as forward hydroplane out of action due to striking a rock.

Convoy No. 4 (HX.224):
In heavy weather. W 8, sea 7 and variable visibility the boats continued to operate against the convoy which was in AK 6271 at 0800/2/2. The convoy was making nearly 9 knots, which confirms that it is the HX. It maintained its NNE course on the 2nd, and then changed to an E. course during the night and made for the direction of the North Channel. The convoy was shadowed continuously by U 456 (Kptlt. Max-Martin Teichert), except for short intervals. A.M. on the 2nd U 632 made contact and remained in the vicinity of the convoy until A.M. on the 3rd. She then had to break off owing to lack of fuel. U 257 also reported that she was starting on her return passage. She was informed of the possibility of refueling. U 265, coming from home, was detailed against the convoy. 4 boats are therefore still operating: U 456, 265, 614 and 257.
U 456 reported sinking a 7,000 GRT tanker. The convoy was in AL 0189 at 0700/3/2.

Convoy No. 5 (SG.19):
At 1408/2/2 U 223( Oblt. Karl-Jürgen Wächter), the most northerly boat of Group "Haudegen", sighted a convoy, course 10°. A further 9 boats, the northern half of Group "Haudegen", were detailed to operate against it and U 223 was ordered to report strength of the convoy, as it may be a Greenland convoy. She reported 5 steamers, which fact made it clear that it was the suspected Greenland convoy. Only 5 boats were therefore operated against it: U 223, 358, 707, 268 and 186.
U 223 shadowed until AM 3/2 and was then driven off by escort vessels. U 358 was also shadowing. At 0600/3 U 223 reported that she had fired 5 single shots at 0452, scored 3 hits and sunk a 6-7,000 GRT ship for certain. The convoy was in AA 3852 at 0500/3 and the operation continues.

The German Consul has reported that a convoy on a N. course was sighted in the area of Group "Rochen" off Santa Cruz and the following new attack areas have therefore been ordered: U 218 : DH 9445, U 66 : DH 9548, depth 30 miles. U 43 : DH 9684, U 521 : DH 9672, U 108 : DH 9644, depth 15 miles.

The special operation (off Peterhead) ordered for U 377 (Kptlt. Otto Köhler) has been transferred to U 376 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Karl Marks). The boat has been informed by radio. U 377 is proceeding to the Atlantic.

The following have refueled: U 125 (Kptlt. Ulrich Folkers) from U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis), U 266 (Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen) from U 466 (Oblt. Gerhard Thäter).

U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) reported the Straits of Gibraltar fouled as ordered on 2.2.

Ettore Bastico stepped down as the Governor-General of Italian Libya, succeeded by Giovanni Messe.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Tactical Exercises in the Baltic Sea, together with U 115 (RST)*.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

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Tuesday, 2 February 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training together with U 648 (Stahl)*, with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER). - The construction of Graf Zeppelin is stopped in Stettin. -

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The last of the Sixth Army surrender in Stalingrad. A reconnaissance aircraft is dispatched to fly over Stalingrad, confirming that all fighting has ceased.

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) was off Ponte Delgada and sighted a tanker with destroyers in territorial waters, outward bound on an E. course. She could not give chase owing to damage to a flange which was causing a leak.

U 404 (Kptlt. Otto von Bülow) situation: 1 steamer, 2 small craft on a S.E. course heard in hydrophones P.M. 2.1 in BF 2432. Did not manage to attack. No convoy seen. After simultaneous location by 8 shore stations, 3 aircraft searched with searchlights. Radar range as far as BF 2425. Return passage, as forward hydroplane out of action due to striking a rock.

Convoy No. 4 (HX.224):
In heavy weather. W 8, sea 7 and variable visibility the boats continued to operate against the convoy which was in AK 6271 at 0800/2/2. The convoy was making nearly 9 knots, which confirms that it is the HX. It maintained its NNE course on the 2nd, and then changed to an E. course during the night and made for the direction of the North Channel. The convoy was shadowed continuously by U 456 (Kptlt. Max-Martin Teichert), except for short intervals. A.M. on the 2nd U 632 made contact and remained in the vicinity of the convoy until A.M. on the 3rd. She then had to break off owing to lack of fuel. U 257 also reported that she was starting on her return passage. She was informed of the possibility of refueling. U 265, coming from home, was detailed against the convoy. 4 boats are therefore still operating: U 456, 265, 614 and 257.
U 456 reported sinking a 7,000 GRT tanker. The convoy was in AL 0189 at 0700/3/2.

Convoy No. 5 (SG.19):
At 1408/2/2 U 223( Oblt. Karl-Jürgen Wächter), the most northerly boat of Group "Haudegen", sighted a convoy, course 10°. A further 9 boats, the northern half of Group "Haudegen", were detailed to operate against it and U 223 was ordered to report strength of the convoy, as it may be a Greenland convoy. She reported 5 steamers, which fact made it clear that it was the suspected Greenland convoy. Only 5 boats were therefore operated against it: U 223, 358, 707, 268 and 186.
U 223 shadowed until AM 3/2 and was then driven off by escort vessels. U 358 was also shadowing. At 0600/3 U 223 reported that she had fired 5 single shots at 0452, scored 3 hits and sunk a 6-7,000 GRT ship for certain. The convoy was in AA 3852 at 0500/3 and the operation continues.

The German Consul has reported that a convoy on a N. course was sighted in the area of Group "Rochen" off Santa Cruz and the following new attack areas have therefore been ordered: U 218 : DH 9445, U 66 : DH 9548, depth 30 miles. U 43 : DH 9684, U 521 : DH 9672, U 108 : DH 9644, depth 15 miles.

The special operation (off Peterhead) ordered for U 377 (Kptlt. Otto Köhler) has been transferred to U 376 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Karl Marks). The boat has been informed by radio. U 377 is proceeding to the Atlantic.

The following have refueled: U 125 (Kptlt. Ulrich Folkers) from U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis), U 266 (Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen) from U 466 (Oblt. Gerhard Thäter).

U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) reported the Straits of Gibraltar fouled as ordered on 2.2.

Ettore Bastico stepped down as the Governor-General of Italian Libya, succeeded by Giovanni Messe.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Tactical Exercises in the Baltic Sea, together with U 115 (RST)*.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

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Wednesday, 3 February 1943 - Stettin

Conducting tactical exercises and training together with U 648 (Stahl)*, with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER).

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During the day, the German OKW issues an announcement to inform the German public of the defeat at Stalingrad. The message, read over the radio, is preceded by a solemn drum roll and is followed by the 2nd movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's 5th symphony.
12 He 111 aircraft, with supplies on board, fly over the northern pocket of Stalingrad, before dawn. Of the 11 aircraft that reach the intended drop zone, only 3 drop some of their cargo, as they find no friendly activity.

Convoy No. 4 (HX.224):
The remaining 4 boats continued the operation in favorable, calm S.W. weather. The convoy was clearly making for the North Channel at 9 knots. U 456 (Kptlt. Max-Martin Teichert) and U 614 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Sträter) continued to shadow. Towards midnight contact was lost, after U 456 had last reported the convoy in AL 6133 at 2030. Contact was not regained.
U 632 (Kptlt. Hans Karpf) reported at 1400 that she was chasing an independent tanker on an E. course, 12 knots, in AL 59. At 2200 she reported the tanker Cordelia, 8,190 GRT, sunk.
U 257 (Kptlt. Heinz Rahe) reported that she was returning owing to lack of fuel. A.M. on the 4th operations against the convoy were broken off.
There was no boat shadowing and U 456 reported that she was 30 miles astern. The remaining 3 boats were therefore directed against a NE-bound convoy picked up A.M. on 4/2 in BD 10. In conclusion: It is thanks to U 456's excellent shadowing from midday on the 1st until the 3rd that such a small group of boats were able to operate against the convoy over this long stretch. Of 5 boats, 3 made contact. Unfortunately only U 456 was able to fire. Altogether 2 tankers and a freighter, totaling 23,190 GRT were sunk.
U 265 (Oblt. Leonhard Auffhammer) was probably lost in this operation. There is a report of an attack by an English aircraft with bombs on a U-boat N. of the convoy in position 56.35N, 22.49W, by depth charges from a British Fortress aircraft of 220 Sqn RAF/N (46 dead, all hands lost). Otherwise no losses or damage.

Convoy No. 5 (SG.19):
No further reports were received of the convoy, and it can be assumed that the boats have not been able to get their radio messages through owing to the well-known difficulties arising off Greenland. According to dead reckoning the convoy should reach a port on the SW coast of Greenland on the 3rd. Boats were therefore ordered to press on to the coast and, if conditions were favorable, to penetrate into the fjord. Operations control does not know if boats are even in contact. The convoy cannot be discussed further until reports have been received from Group "Nordsturm".

Following U 404's (Kptlt. Otto von Bülow) report of 3.2, the special operation "Lands End" ordered for U 71 (Oblt. Hardo Rodler von Roithberg) has been broken off. U 71 will join Group "Hartherz" and will occupy U 107's position in the patrol line (BE 5933), making a day's run of 180 miles. U 107 will extend the patrol line to the E. as far as BE 6832.

U 156 (KrvKpt. Werner Hartenstein) and U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) are proceeding to ED 90 via EG 30. Operation here must be attempted at all costs, as there has been no boat there for a fortnight and the area was always a good hunting ground so far.

U 105 (Oblt. Jürgen Nissen) has supplied from U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis).

Boats have again been reminded of the closing of Route A in stages. The homeward bound ship is the tanker "Hohenfriedber" ex-"Herburg".

Over lunch, Dwight Eisenhower informs George Patton, that Patton has been chosen to help plan the invasion of Sicily, Italy.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Tactical Exercises in the Baltic Sea, together with U 115 (RST)*.

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RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115