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01-19-23, 03:22 AM | #301 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Tuesday, 19 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). +++++++
Aircraft Carrier USS Ranger (CV-4) launched 72 USAAF P-40F fighters off Casablanca, French Morocco, to reinforce Allied forces fighting in North Africa. Ranger began withdrawing toward Norfolk, Virginia almost immediately. As the expected convoy was not found during the day, its appearance must no longer be anticipated. The groups "Falke" and Habicht" will be relieved of their duties and each redistributed according to their fuel supply. The boats form the group "Haudegen". Boats with less fuel will be disposed in reconnaissance lines from AL 4447 to BE 2136. Southwestward bound convoy is expected on 24.1. Boats arriving early in position are to submerge during the day in order to avoid interception by English air reconnaissance. According to a Radio Intelligence report received a north bound convoy close to the Newfoundland coast is expected sooner than was first presumed. Group "Jaguar", therefore received orders to take up position in new reconnaissance lines from AJ 7561 to AJ 8827 at 0000 on 20.1. From 1200 on 20.1. to proceed at a speed of 4 knots on a reconnaissance line, course 200°. The strip from AJ 7565 to AJ 8818 is to be narrowed owing to the temporary breakdown of U 96 (Oblt. Hans-Jürgen Hellriegel; ex Lehmann-Willenbrock) . U 43, 521, 218 and 518 proceed at economical cruising speed to DU 72. U 66 is to occupy grid DU 72 and 73 as temporary operations area after execution of the special duties. According to agents reports there is strong north-south traffic in this area. For this reason the boats are not taking up the intended reconnaissance channels to the S. U 109 (Kptlt. Heinrich 'Ajax' Bleichrodt) has taken the Warrant Quartermaster from U 558 (Kptlt. Günther Krech) on board and continues the return passage. U 507 (Korvkpt. Harro Schacht) reported convoy in FB 5643 on 13.1. It received orders to attack. In spite of repeated requests boat has not reported since then. It must be presumed to have been sunk by the convoy escort, and considered lost (along with Master Donald MacCallum of the Baron Dechmont, sunk on 3 Jan., and taken prisoner). U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front Hela. KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-20-23, 03:12 AM | #302 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Wednesday, 20 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). +++++++
Luftwaffe fighter-bombers launch surprise daylight attacks on London. The British claim that the Luftwaffe has to abandon the attacks, after five Fw 190 aircraft are lost within half an hour, to the RAF Manston based Typhoon fighters of the No. 609 Squadron. Captured French submarines "Requin" and "Espadon" depart Bizerte, Tunisia, with an Italian crew. U 176 (Kptlt. Reiner Dierksen) searched from 9 - 12.1 in the lower half of ER 80 with long legs on the Equator to the E. and also on the way to FD 25. U 177 (IXD2; KrvKpt. Robert Gysae) sighted unidentified U-boat in BF 7692. According to dead reckoning not one of ours. Group "Jaguar" remains in the position reached at 2100 from AJ 7822 to AJ 8796 (Patrol channel). U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) and U 202 (Oblt. Günter Poser) are to join Group "Delphin" to extend their patrol channels, and occupy the positions DF 3933 and DF 3969. U 454 (Kptlt. Burckhard Hackländer) joins Group "Landsknecht" and occupies position BE 2244, which must be reached by 0800 on 24.1. U 553 (KrvKpt. Karl Thurmann) handed over a Nautical Year Book to U 465 (Kptlt. Heinz Wolf). General: 1. The following operations in the North Atlantic have not been successful: 31.12.1942 - Convoy ON - Group "Falke" - 13 boats 8.1.1943 - Convoy ONS - Group "Falke" - 14 boats 12/13.1.1943 - Convoy HX, SC - Group "Jaguar" - 6 boats 16.1.1943 - Convoy ONS - Group Falke-Habicht" - 27 boats Altogether only one convoy (HX) was intercepted for a short period on 17.1.1943 and an operation was not possible. 2. The non-interception of the last ONS is a further confirmation of the conjecture that the English have begun to spread out their convoys and possibly deflected their routes considerably to the N. This evasive movement can at the most only be out-maneuvered by a long disposition in the area S.E. of Cape Farewell. It is possible here to fight to the S.W. and N.E. with some chance of success and to bring pressure to bear on ON, ONS, HX and SC convoys. 3. The next operations possible are on HX, SC (convoys) on 20/21.1 and ON (convoy) on 24.1. It is possible to operate on all these convoys with the number of boats now available. It is not, however, possible to reinforce the group "Jaguar" (North of Newfoundland Bank) within the time limit. The group will be entirely disposed to the W., according to the information obtained by the decyphering section on the positions of the lost HX convoy. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front Hela. KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-21-23, 02:59 AM | #303 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Thursday, 21 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). +++++++
Allied leadership issues the directive to RAF and USAAF commanders "your primary objective will be the progressive destruction and dislocation of the German military, industrial and economic system, and the undermining of the morale of the German people to a point where their capacity for armed resistance is fatally wounded." Soviet troops capture Voroshilovsky and Stavropol in the Caucasus region, claiming 500,000 of our troops dead and 200,000 captured in the last two months of fighting. The Führer tells the Ambassador Hiroshi Oshima, that he would welcome Japanese assistance in defeating Russia. In order to intercept the north-south bound convoys and isolated traffic, 5 boats are to be disposed in a 30 sea mile wide strip as far as 120 sea miles W. of Cape Blanco in N/S strips of equal width. Order from the west: U 518, 43, 218, 521, 66. Warfare against the traffic is considered of utmost importance to the African Front. Replenishment of supplies from "Milkcow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf) is to take place early on 29.1 in CG 5455. U 506 will take on 140 cubic meters, U 509 and U 516, 100 cubic meters each. Fuel replenishment of U 160 (still behind) follows later. Meeting of "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) and U 258 (Kptlt. Wilhelm von Mässenhausen) for the handing over of an Fu.M.B. Cable has taken place. In a S.W. wind, strength 10 and heavy sea the supplying of U 260 (Kptlt. Hubertus Purkhold) - intended for the last 10 days - is still impossible. U 96 (Oblt. Hans-Jürgen Hellriegel; ex Lehmann-Willenbrock) is not fully ready for action owing to breakdown of forward hydroplane. The boat is ordered to return to Bergen owing to inability to submerge entirely. Further use as training ship is proposed. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front Hela. KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-22-23, 02:53 AM | #304 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Friday, 22 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). +++++++
The RAF conducts its first combat operation using the new Mitchell Mk.II bombers. Six aircraft from No. 98 and No. 180 Squadrons are sent out to attack oil installations at Ghent in Belgium. One aircraft is shot down by flak over the target and two others are lost when attacked by Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighters. Following this disaster the RAF's Mitchell squadrons are stood down to concentrate on developing new tactics to fend off enemy fighters. 6th Army engineers report that the small Stalingradskaya Airfield close to the center of Stalingrad, is ready to receive transport aircraft. Several He 111 aircraft arrive later on the same day with supplies, some of which will be fatally damaged when their landing gears become caught in bomb craters on the runway. The "Bafile" Battalion of the "San Marco" naval infantry regiment of Italian Navy, captures Djebel Bou Dabouss massif in Tunisia, capturing 200 prisoners of war, while loosing 24 killed and 65 wounded. U 69 (Kptlt. Ulrich Gräf) a boat belonging to Group "Haudegen" heard several beacon locator noises with north-easterly deviations since 0600 on 22.1. According to fix at 0800 last bearing lay in AJ 3449. The boat is following this up in the direction of 20° in good visibility. The boats U 525, U 201, north and south of U 69 have also received instructions to steer on searching course, as the presence of an HX convoy must be presumed. This must have passed the patrol lines of Group "Jaguar" unobserved and proceeded at a very high speed. U 69, 525 and 201 pursued until darkness fell without establishing contact. They are now proceeding on a course of 210°, cruising speed to the S. to reinforce Group "Jaguar". According to a Radio Intelligence report (special) received, the course of the awaited convoy leads through the middle of the channels occupied by Group "Delphin". As its arrival can take place from today, Group "Delphin" is to proceed on a course of 90°, speed 8 knots at 2030, as reconnaissance line. On 23.1 at 1000 to turn back on a course of 280°, speed 4 knots. The boats U 264, 258 and 558 coming up, are making for approximately the center of the line. U 96 (Oblt. Hans-Jürgen Hellriegel; ex Lehmann-Willenbrock) on the return passage, reported a convoy in AK 7422 at 1315 and after several hours confirmed an isolated search group on a southerly course. As such an isolated group is unlikely in this area, the possible presence of a convoy must be presumed. Whether it is an HX or an SC convoy remains to be seen. In any case on receipt of U 96's message Group "Haudegen" (not U 69, 525 and 201) were ordered to proceed to the S.W. at a speed of 10 knots and ordered to take up position in reconnaissance lines from AK 4313 to 8394 for 1200 on 23.1. Course 235°, speed 6 knots. U 96 continues return passage. U 66 (Kptlt. Friedrich Markworth) has only encountered Spanish coastal sailing vessels within the 40 sea mile line of DU 57 since 20.1. The boat has carried out a special task (landing Jean Lallart on the coast of Mauritania near Cape Blanc). Two sailors did not return to the boat after the successful landing. After waiting in vain for over 13 hours for his men (Bootsmaat Wagner and Matrosenobergefreiter Helmut Daschkey) to return, Kptlt. Markworth was forced to abandon them to whatever fate they had suffered. Heavy surf since then. 10 days later we will learn, that Lallart and the two men who rowed him ashore were immediately captured by the French. Colonel-General Ludwig Beck and other anti-Hitler conspirators meet at the home of Peter Yorck von Wartenburg. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front Hela. KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-23-23, 04:36 AM | #305 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Saturday, 23 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). +++++++
The British Eighth Army capture Tripoli, Libya. Soviet troops capture Armavir, Caucasus. The Gumrak Airfield on the western side of Stalingrad, is taken by Soviet troops. Air Reconnaissance: 3 aircraft in AL 90 and 60 to intercept an expected ON convoy. Convoy No. 3 (SC.117): The following W/T with T.O.O. 0850 was received from U 413 (Oblt. Gustav Poel) at 1142: Contact with escort in AJ 7267. As according to the text of this message other message must have been already sent, and also U 598 (Kptlt. Gottfried Holtorf) had not reported contact at 1500 from AJ 4971, the boats of Group "Jaguar" are requested to send a short situation summary. It can be seen from the messages received that U 413 sighted a convoy on a course of 20° at 1714 on 22.1. in AJ 7855, and that it reported the same at 2240 in AJ 7592 and at 0545 in AJ 7291. Also the boat sank a straggler of 5,000 GRT in AJ 7592. Unfortunately these W/T messages were not picked up by the control station owing to interference presumably caused by the northern lights, and this had a particularly adverse effect on the operations decided for Groups "Jaguar" and Haudegen". As it is likely that at the moment there is no contact, the group "Haudegen" will be at once disposed on receipt of the first situation report, on a course of 300°, speed 9 knots. Disposition of a patrol line is planned for the forenoon of 24.1, if no contact has been established by then. Group "Jaguar" received ordered to continue the search, U 525, 69 and 201 are to operate at cruising speed on the information contained in U 413's report. U 268 reporting from N.W. of the Group "Haudegen" and 358 on the outward passage in A 30 are to be diverted to AJ 25. A W/T received from U 413 at 0117 reports that the boat lost contact at 0900 in AJ 7267. Last course doubtful, NE, speed 9 knots. Convoy drawn out, about 20 ships. Weather: variable visibility, wind N.N.W., freshening to 10-11. It does not appear from the number of ships involved to be the expected SC convoy. The operation continues. U 214 (VIID; Kptlt. Günther Reeder) situation: 19 days in the Caribbean, submerged by day. No traffic in EC 90 at night, tanker escorts from Aruba only at dawn. It is only possible to stay there a short time owing to the strong current. U-boat chaser activity at night in EC 60 large craft radar small craft then attacked. Continue to search for traffic from DP 75 via EO 52 to EE 60. U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) received instructions to return via DU 70. It is to search for further traffic there, and not leave the position to replenish supplies until there is only 20 cu. mtrs. of fuel left. Owing to the return of "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe), U 105 (Oblt. Jürgen Nissen) and U 124 (Kptlt. Johann Mohr) received orders to remain in DF 50 using as little fuel as possible until the arrival of the next tanker (about 9.2). General Dwight D. Eisenhower is tasked with planning the invasion of Sicily, with the target date set as the period of the favourable Jul 1943 moon. General Harold Alexander, Eisenhower's deputy, will be in overall command of all Allied land forces during the operation. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front Hela. KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-24-23, 03:50 AM | #306 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Sunday, 24 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). +++++++
Tirpitz completed its refitting at Fættenfjord/Lofjord near Trondheim, Norway. 12 aircraft are launched to attack Allied convoy JW-52; three of them find and attack the convoy, but all three are shot down. Soviet troops capture Starobelskiy, Ukraine, while the Soviet Trans-Caucasian Front's offensive toward the Kuban bridgehead is halted near Krasnodar and Novorossiysk. A new offensive drive, named the Tikhoretsk-Eisk Offensive Operation, is therfore launched today. The Soviets once again demand surrender from the encircled 6th Army in Stalingrad. Responding to Friedrich Paulus' message requesting permission to surrender as his men were now nearly out of ammunition and medical supplies, The Führer tells Paulus to fight to the last man even if defeat is imminent. By the end of this day, the 6. Armee in Stalingrad will be divided in two pockets and will have lost the use of the last airstrip available to them, Stalingradsaya Airfield. Convoy No. 3 (SC.117): Wireless conditions are still bad and make escort duties impossible for Group "Jaguar". According to U 594 (Kptlt. Dietrich Hoffmann) report U 706 (Kptlt. Alexander von Zitzewitz) fired a quadruple miss at a destroyer on 23.1. and U 598 (Kptlt. Gottfried Holtorf) sighted a suspicious looking isolated vessel in AJ 7972 and smoke trails in AJ 7974. U 706 and U 123 searched in the direction of 20°, also 60° and began their return passage in the course of 24.1. owing to fuel shortage. Group "Haudegen" received orders to take up position in patrol lines with 15 boats at 1100 on 24.1 from AD(?) 3989 to AK 4178. With a cruising speed of 8 knots the convoy should reach the lines at about 1130. Owing to heavy north-westerly storms the boats could only cover a distance of 4 sea miles and were unable to occupy the lines at the time decided upon. As, however, U 266 (Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen) confirmed with certainty a broad hydrophone bearing in 80° at 0130 from AJ 2745 and a strong noise band of 210° - 265° from AJ 2746, it may be presumed that the convoy is further astern than previously supposed and the boats must have occupied the lines before it passed through. Group "Jaguar" and U 525 and 201 are operating on the hydrophone bearing obtained by U 266. No further messages were received up till morning. The operation continues. U 105 (Oblt. Jürgen Nissen) sank a tanker of 10,000 GRT which was lying for no apparent reason with engines stopped about 60 sea miles S. of the isolated traffic route confirmed by Radio Intelligence report (special) in DQ 2347. It was carrying Benzene - Note: "The British Viligence" which had been hit by U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) on January 3rd and abandoned. A flying boat was sighted at 2115 circling over the sinking area. U 217 (VIID; Kptlt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke) situation: From 26 - 29.12. and 10. - 23.1. only passenger steamer on a course of 330° encountered from EO 52 to EP 48 on the 200 meter line and a hydrophone bearing in EO 5252 with southerly deflection. Systematic aerial activity by "Consolidated" type flying boat as far as 200 sea miles from the Guiana Coast. U 260 (Kptlt. Hubertus Purkhold) replenished supplies from U 117 (XB; Korvkpt. Hans-Werner Neumann) and began return passage. U 164 (Korvkpt. Otto Fechner) operated off the Brazilian Coast and sank a steamer after examination of the cargo on 2.1. in FB 3815 (Note: Swedish Brazaland). In spite of repeated requests the boat has not since reported. According to an earlier W/T message, U 164 had a leak in the pressure tanks, that was effectively mended. It is likely that the leak sprang up again on a deep dive and caused the destruction of the boat. (Note: U 164 was sunk on Jan. 6th). British war expenditure is estimated to be running at £14 million a day. The Casablanca Conference ends with the announcement of a requirement for unconditional surrender from Germany to end the war. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front Hela. KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-25-23, 04:17 AM | #307 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Monday, 25 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). +++++++
Our troops evacuate Voronezh and Armavir in southern Russia, and the remnants of the 6.Armee are split in two pockets, north and south, in Stalingrad. In his Order of the Day, Stalin claimes that Soviet troops have routed 102 enemy divisions in two months of fighting. U 575 (Kptlt. Günther Heydemann) - in patrol line of group "Delphin" - sank a large 10,000 ton vessel on a course of 1200, speed 12 knots in DG 1326. According to P.O.W. (Chief Cook Robert Daigle) reports the ship belonged to the expected convoy which put out of New York for Casablanca on 13.1 and which dispersed owing to bad weather on 22.1. (UGS.4). It can, therefore, be presumed that still further isolated vessels will pass the patrol lines. "Delphin" boats have received directions to report every ship sighted isolated. Convoy No. 3 (SC.117): Boat of the "Haudegen" group reported on request, that owing to persistent N.W. storms their passage speed still only amounts to 4 knots. This means that the lines previously ordered cannot be occupied before 0800 on 26.1. In order to intercept the convoy with certainty, Group "Haudegen" received orders to take up position in new patrol lines from AD 9533 to AK 4183. Further, boats are directed to operate at their own discretion and without orders from Command on receipt of convoy contact messages. U 266 (Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen) presumes convoy to be in AJ 2755 as two perfect hydrophone observations were obtained at 0300 on 25.1. in this area. No further messages received. Group "Jaguar" maintains an independent search from NE to E. Several boats are so low in fuel that they will have to start the return passage within 24 hours. Lack of sufficient tankers is now uncomfortably noticeable. The operation continues. Owing to U 384's (Oblt. Hans-Achim von Rosenberg-Gruszcynski) necessary return, the line occupied by Group "Landsknecht" will be narrowed by one position on 1200 on 26.1 and will then extend from AL 4447 to BE 2138. According to present reckoning the arrival of the expected convoy cannot be expected until after today as the leaving times of the ON convoys has probably been postponed for 2 or 3 days. U 214 (VIID; Kptlt. Günther Reeder) which was originally to have searched for traffic in DP 70, has received orders to proceed with small steps via DQ 70 to DR 55 and to operate there according to fuel supply. The grid mentioned is approximately the intersection point of the Trinidad/North Africa tanker convoy route and according to Radio Intelligence Report (special) a confirmed straggler route. Owing to the temporary breakdown of "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) the replenishment of supplies by U 124 (Kptlt. Johann Mohr) and U 105 (Oblt. Jürgen Nissen), in DF 50, must be carried out by a type IXc boat. U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis) received orders to proceed to DP 3755 and carry out replenishment of supplies. Later replenishment of this boat by U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) is intended. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front Hela. KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-26-23, 05:19 AM | #308 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Tuesday, 26 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). +++++++
Soviet troops capture Voronezh, southern Russia. Enemy reports a sunk ship still sticking out of the water in FB 9119. U 358 (Kptlt. Rolf Manke) sank a fully loaded tanker of type "Nordatlantic" of 10,000 GRT, on a course of 90°, speed 11 knots in AK 2550. U 594 (Oblt. Friedrich Mumm) encountered wreck of tanker "Kollbjoerg-Oslo" in AJ 3284 while operating on Convoy No. 3 (SC.117), and sank it. Convoy No. 3 (SC.117): As no contact messages were received up to nightfall, the convoy must according to dead reckoning, have passed the lines. U 384, 525, 707, 223 and 466 were to allocate to the Group "Haudegen" and if there was not contact, ordered to proceed to the S.W. at 0800 on 27th. If however, the convoy was still W. of the group it would have been intercepted during the night. Disposition in about AK 50 and 80 was intended for Group "Jaguar" until the low fuel supply was exhausted. None of these orders were put into effect, as the group had been operating on destroyer sightings and hydrophone bearings of several boats, since 1900. The relevant W/T messages could not be picked up by the control station until 2400. Subsequently, U 266 (Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen) and U 383 (Oblt. Horst Kremser) sighted a destroyer on an eastward course in AJ 3450 at 1800. U 466 (Oblt. Gerhard Thäter) reported a broad listening band from 260 to 290 from AJ 35 at 2120 and at 0237 destroyer and steamer noises were confirmed with certainty. According to further hydrophone bearings, the boats must be on either side of the convoy. Both groups are operating at high speed. Direct sighting reports were, however, not received up to morning. The large number of boats coming up from all sides ensures the interception of the convoy at dawn. U 444 (Oblt. Albert Langfeld) has begun the return passage owing to fuel shortage. Patrol lines occupied by Group "Landsknecht" are therefore shortened by one position to the southeast. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front Hela. KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-27-23, 02:28 AM | #309 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ 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). +++++++
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. KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-28-23, 03:30 AM | #310 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ 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). +++++++
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. +++++++ 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. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-29-23, 03:12 AM | #311 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ 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). +++++++
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. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-30-23, 03:09 AM | #312 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ 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). +++++++
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. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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01-31-23, 04:16 AM | #313 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ 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). +++++++
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. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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02-01-23, 03:08 AM | #314 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ 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). +++++++
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. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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02-02-23, 03:27 AM | #315 | |
The Old Man
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ 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. - +++++++
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)*. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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