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SUBSIM: The Web's #1 resource for all submarine & naval simulations since 1997
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SUBSIM: The Web's #1 resource for all submarine & naval simulations since 1997 |
02-03-23, 03:57 AM
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#316 | |
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The Old Man
 Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ 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). +++++++
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)*. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) Last edited by Kapitän; 02-03-23 at 05:11 AM. |
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02-04-23, 05:11 AM
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#317 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
Downloads: 29
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Thursday, 4 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). +++++++
In Germany, three days of national mourning begin over the disaster at Stalingrad. All theatres, cinemas and night clubs are closed. Soviet naval infantry repels our attempt to land at Malaya Zemlya. Nearby, later today, Soviet troops land near Novorossiysk, in southern Russia. As elements of the British 8th Army enters Tunisia, Winston Churchill visits Tripoli, Libya, and inspected troops of the same. U 217 (Kptlt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke) sank the British "Rhexenor", 7,957 GRT, from Freetown to St. Johns, on 3.2 in DR 14. One officer taken on board (4th Mate C.W.G. Allen). U 414 (Oblt. Walther Huth) was attacked by seaplanes and slightly damaged on her way to Group "Haudegen" 's patrol line. From Group "Haudegen" 's patrol line U 753 (Korvkpt. Alfred Manhardt von Mannstein) reported a corvette and an aircraft in BE 5915, on a S. course and U 575 (Kptlt. Günther Heydemann) a single corvette in BE 5825 at 1630, course SW. Air reconnaissance reported a steamer in BE 6432 and another in BE 2955, both also on a S. course. Boats operated against these sightings without intercepting the expected convoy or scoring successes against the independently-routed ships. U 632 (Kptlt. Hans Karpf) reports, that according to statements by a prisoner (Chief Engineer I.C. Bingham; sole survivor of British Motor Tanker 'Cordelia'), that Convoy No. 4 is to be followed by another large convoy from Halifax, making 6 knots, on the same route. Destination North Channel. Traffic from Curacao via New York to Halifax is to follow the shortest route. Convoy No. 6 (SC.118): At 1108/4/2 U 187 (Kptlt. Ralph Münnich), of Group "Pfeil", sighted a large convoy on a NE course in broad formation in BD 1199. Operations Control was therefore right in disposing a group on the route of the HX convoy on the assumption that the SC convoy would follow the same course. As U 187 reported that the convoy was very large (61 ships), it was assumed that it was the one reported by Radio Intelligence Service which left New York on 24.1. U 632 (Kptlt. Hans Karpf), which sank a tanker from the preceding HX convoy, reported that an officer of this tanker had said that a large convoy was to follow. It is an important convoy, part of which, according to Radio Intelligence, is destined for Murmansk. As many boats as possible were therefore detailed against it. First of all, all boats of Group "Pfeil" and other boats in the vicinity. These were the following 13: U 187, 402, 262, 609, 454, 135, 413, 266, 594, 608, 267, 465, 98. Then also 5 boats from group "Haudegen", U 438, 624, 704, 613 and 752. Operations against the "Teichers" convoy (Convoy No. 4; HX.224) were broken off and the boats U 614 and U 456 were also sent to meet the convoy. Altogether 20 boats were therefore operating against this convoy. In the course of the afternoon U 402, U 608 and U 267 made contact, and U 609 during the night. U 608 and U 609 both reported flares over the convoy. From the beginning individual boats only shadowed for short periods at a time, as they were constantly driven off and depth-charged by escort forces. At 0736/5 U 262 reported the convoy in 8442. According to shadowers' reports the convoy was making about 7 knots. At first it steered 40 degrees along the route followed by its predecessor and in the course of the afternoon altered to 10° probably by way of evasive action. The fact that the boats were constantly driven off can only be explained by unfavorable weather. The escort forces probably had good Asdic results in the calm west weather conditions and therefore had the advantage over the U-boats (British Escort Group B2; Lt Cdr Proudfoot) consisting of the 3 destroyers Vimy, Vanesa and Beverly and the 3 British corvettes Campanula, Mignonette and Abelia, the Free French corvette Lobelia and the American Coast Guard Cutter Bibb. In the convoy is the rescue vessel Toward equipped with HF/DF. The group is later enforced by three American escorts, the destroyers Babbitt and Schenk and the cutter Ingham, coming from Iceland). After the boats best off for fuel have been detailed against Convoy No. 6, the remaining 10 boats of Group "Haudegen" have been ordered to occupy the following attack areas a economical cruising speed: U 69 : 1189, U 414 : 1444, U 403 : 1737, U 201 : 1548, U 525 : 1883, U 606 : 1598, U 607 : 4347, U 226 : 1982, U 383 : 4682, U 303 : 4399. All BC. As Group "Delphin" has found nothing in its present patrol line, the boats are being disposed in an angular formation to intercept traffic approaching from the N. and W. The large distances apart of about 35 miles, which are necessary for this, will have to be accepted. The new line runs in the same order from CG 4655 via CF 9264 to DH 2556. 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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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) |
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02-05-23, 03:24 AM
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#318 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Friday, 5 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). +++++++
Benito Mussolini personally took over the Italian Foreign Ministry after firing his son-in-law Galeazzo Ciano. U 66 (Kptlt. Friedrich Markworth) sank a coastal steamer of 500 GRT by gunfire on 1.2 in DH 9665. So far only neutral shipping sighted. Medium enemy and neutral air activity. Machine gun C/38 proved satisfactory. U 590 (Kptlt. Heinrich Müller-Edzards) has been ordered to return, as both her Diesels were out of action owing to corrosion of 4 fuel pumps. After repairs 1 Diesel with 5 cylinders was serviceable again. The cause of corrosion cannot be discovered until tests have been made on the test bench. Convoy No. 6 (SC.118): Weather conditions A.M. on the 5th were reported as west 2-3, sea 2, visibility good. Wind freshened to W. 8. in the afternoon, heavy seas, snow and hail. Weather in the afternoon made it very difficult to find the convoy, and weather conditions were also largely responsible for the fact that the convoy was not attacked during the night 5/6. At 1025 U 609 (Kptlt. Klaus Rudloff) reported a steamer and a corvette in AK 8425. The same boat then found the convoy again at 1245 in 8193. She reported later that it consisted of 8 steamers, in wide formation. At 1423 she reported contact lost. As, according to 3 reports from this boat, the convoy was making 12 knots. Operations Control assumed that a small group of a few ships had succeeded in attracting the boats to itself while the large, slow section turned E.S. of this. U 609 reported only 8 ships and it was known from Radio Intelligence that the convoy was to proceed at 7.5 knots. At 2018 U 609 found the larger, slow section of the convoy in AK 8261, which had, as suspected, apparently turned E and was now going back to the convoy route proper. The boat reported 28 ships. She was seen while making an unsuccessful submerged attack. She shadowed until 0400. During the night she had contact only by hydrophone bearing. According to reports the convoy was making nearly 8 knots and steering 30 - 40°. Operations Control failed to understand why no other boats reached the convoy. It is true that various boats reported that they had been driven off by destroyers and depth-charged, but of the 16 boats which should have been in the vicinity, others should at least have sighted the convoy, especially as there was no air escort as yet. U 262 (Oblt. Rudolf Heinz Franke) reported that she had sunk a 12,000 - GRT tanker with 3 hits at 0655/5. U 413 (Kptlt. Gustav Poel) reported that she had sunk a straggling 5000 GRT steamer at 1707/5. The convoy was in AK 6488 at 1100/6 and the operation continues. After all boats of Group "Nordsturm" had reported their fuel a new disposition was ordered for Group "Haudegen". The following squares are to be occupied as attack areas: U 358 : AJ 58, U 186 : AJ 59, U 223 : AJ 83, U 707 : AJ 81, U 268 : AJ 95. From here the boats can operate as an attacking group against convoys which may be reported by "Haudegen" or against SW-bound convoys for another 2 days. U 518 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) has been give freedom of action from Cape St. Roque south along the Brazilian coast to Bahia. She is free to enter territorial waters, but forbidden to penetrate into harbors or bombard them. "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) has made her passage report and it is intended to supply U 706 (Kptlt. Alexander von Zitzewitz) and U 632 (Kptlt. Hans Karpf), from 7.2 in BD 6325. Subsequently boats of Group "Pfeil" which are short of fuel are to replenish in AK 89. "Milkcow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf) has supplied U 160 (Kptlt. Georg Lassen), the last boat intended for the Africa operation, and is starting her return passage. U 96 (Oblt. Hans-Jürgen Hellriegel; ex Lehmann-Willenbrock) entered Kiel and will now be used as a training boat. 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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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) |
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02-06-23, 03:02 AM
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#319 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
Downloads: 29
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Saturday, 6 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). +++++++
Brazil, already at war with Germany and Italy, now declares war upon Japan. The Führer meets with Erich von Manstein at Rastenberg, East Prussia, Germany. The Field Marshal had been flown 900 miles from Donetsk, Ukraine to the Führer's Wolfsschanze headquarters in Hitler's personal Focke-Wulf Fw200 V3 "Immelmann III". At the four hour conference, only five days after the surrender at Stalingrad, the Army Group South commander persuades The Führer to allow him to retreat to the River Mius. U 71 (Oblt. Hardo Rodler von Roithberg) fired a triple fan at an independent corvette, course 180 degrees in BE 5963. Corvette evaded the fan, contact lost. Expected convoy not found. There is strong air activity with Radar at present in Group "Haudegen" 's area. U 414 (Oblt. Walther Huth) is returning owing to considerable bomb damage. U 403 (Kptlt. Heinz-Ehlert Clausen) was also bombed and pursued by a searching group. Convoy No. 6 (SC.118): Weather conditions were calm, visibility, good again on the 6th. At 1146 U 609 (Kptlt. Klaus Rudloff) reported the convoy in AK 6488. The boat shadowed until 1445, lost contact for a time and found the convoy again towards 1900. Three other boats then came up to the convoy before dark, U 438, U 262 and U 456. U 262 (Oblt. Rudolf Heinz Franke) acted as shadower for the night. At 0230 U 402 (Kptlt. Freiherr Siegfried von Forstner) also made contact. The convoy was steering a main course of 70 and making a bare 8 knots. Conditions were easy again for the anti-submarine forces. Several boats were driven off by destroyers. U 262 and U 267 were damaged by depth charges and had to move off for repairs. But the particularly strong air escort was far more unpleasant for the boats. 11 boats reported aircraft. 4 were bombed and U 465 (Kptlt. Heinz Wolf) had to move off owing to considerable damage. U 454, U 438 and U 135 were driven off when starting to attack and afterwards did not manage to fire again. The following successes were reported: U 266( Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen): straggler Polyktor, 4,077 GRT sunk U 402 (Kptlt. Freiherr Siegfried von Forstner): 2 large tankers and 4 freighters totaling: 45,000 GRT sunk U 262 (Oblt. Rudolf Heinz Franke): 1 large tanker of 9,000 GRT sunk and a freighter of 6,000 GRT sunk U 614 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Sträter): 1 large tanker, estimated 8,000 GRT sunk Operation against the convoy is continuing. It was in AL 4416 at 0700/7. Of the boats detailed only 11 are left fit to operate against the convoy, U 454, 613, 402, 135, 614, 438, 608, 624, 456, 609 and 89. Several of these have only few torpedoes left. 6 boats have started their return passage or are proceeding to supply: U 262, 266, 752, 413, 594 and 704. 2 boats, U 465 and 267 have moved away because of damage. U 187 (Kptlt. Ralph Münnich) has not reported since she made her first report of the convoy. U 265 (Oblt. Leonhard Auffhammer), which was previously operating against the "Teichert" convoy, has also not reported again and did not reach this convoy. U 265 (Oblt. Leonhard Auffhammer), on her first patrol, last made a short weather report on 2.2 from AL 26. As she was in a favorable position she was ordered to operate against Convoy No. 4. On her way there she was attacked by an aircraft, probably in AL 29. She has not replied to several orders to report her position. Her loss must be presumed. Changes in closing of Route A. Attack on independently-routed ships is forbidden: between 5° S and 10° N up to 10.2. From 10° N to 35° N from 7 - 23.2. From 35° N, up to the north and east from 19.2 until further notice. Present conditions do not justify allowing all independent ships in Route A to pass unhindered and boas have therefore been ordered to stick to any ships which from its type and course is probably enemy, to report and to wait for permission to attack. 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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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) |
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02-07-23, 03:41 AM
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#320 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Sunday, 7 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 Japanese Army completes Operation Ke, the evacuation of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, as the final 1,796 soldiers are evacuated by 18 ships. U 628 (Oblt. Heinrich Hasenschar) sighted the hospital ship "New Foundland" in BE 6588, course S., 13 knots. Boat continued on her outward passage. U 511 (Oblt. Fritz Schneewind) reported 2 escort vessels on a main course of 1200 in CG 4826. U 202 (Oblt. Günter Poser) also sighted a corvette, 95°, in DH 3146. U 183 (Korvkpt. Heinrich Schäfer) heard weak sounds bearing 60° from BE 6712. Noise at first approached, then hydrophone bearing lost. Constant air patrol. Convoy No. 6 (SC.118): Weather in the convoy area on the 7th was reported as WSW 4 - 5, good visibility deteriorating at times owing to showers. According to boats' reports the convoy was making 7.5 knots, and changing course more and more to the E. in the direction of the North Channel. Contact with the convoy was not regained until 1544 in AL 4273 by U 456 (Kptlt. Max-Martin Teichert). She lost contact an hour later and U 402 (Kptlt. Freiherr Siegfried von Forstner) found the convoy again at 1730. She too lost contact at 1900 shortly before dark. U 456 and U 402 both regained contact at 2310 and 0215 respectively. The convoy was held until 0700, when it was reported in AL 5221. Besides these 2 boats only U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) came up to the convoy. U 456 was picked up by the escort twice before attacking and did not manage to fire. U 402 reported an 8,000 GRT freighter sunk with her last electric torpedo. U 605 (Kptlt. Herbert-Viktor Schütze) reported a 12,000 GRT tanker sunk. The enemy's air escort did not appear until towards evening on the 7th, whereas on the previous day there had been far more aircraft with the convoy. Although the boats must be exhausted after 4 days, the operation is being continued as 8 boats still have torpedoes left and U 402 can still give valuable service as shadower. U 456 has broken off owing to lack of fuel, and U 438 owing to damage, apparently not due to enemy action. U 454, 613, 402, 135, 614, 608, 624, 609, and 89 are still operating. U 465 (Kptlt. Heinz Wolf) and U 262 (Oblt. Rudolf Heinz Franke) had to break off pursuit of the convoy owing to damage and return. As both have fuel to spare they have been ordered to rendezvous with U 413, U 266 and U 594 in AK 9442. Several SSS and torpedo reports from an unidentified position. Probably from this convoy. Convoy No. 7 (GIB.2): U 218 (VIID; Oblt. Richard Becker) sighted a small convoy in DH 9473 at 0820, consisting of about 3 steamers and 3 escort vessels, course N, speed 10 knots. The first report of this was not received by control until 1230. The convoy was then on a NE course. Group "Rochen" and 5 boats of Group "Delphin", which are well off for fuel (U 87 - 202 - 264 - 558 - 258) were ordered to operate against the reported enemy. The 5 "Delphin" boats could arrive by 8.2. Owing to strong air patrol U 218 was constantly forced to dive and lost contact at 1523 in DH 9188 main course 45°, speed 8 knots. The following were identified 2 freighters, 1 tanker, 1 destroyer and 2 corvettes. The boats then continued to search independently along an enemy course of 45 - 55°. At 2130 U 66 (Kptlt. Friedrich Markworth) located the convoy in DH 9244. Towards 0200 U 43 (Oblt. Hans-Joachim Schwantke) took over a shadower and shadowed until morning. Convoy's last position at 0643 was DH 6885. No successes were scored. The operation is continuing. 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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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) Last edited by Kapitän; 02-07-23 at 04:05 AM. |
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02-08-23, 03:07 AM
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#321 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
Downloads: 29
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Monday, 8 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). +++++++
Soviet troops capture Kursk. Gefreiter Werner Wrangel of the Panzerjager Battalion 183, becomes the only person to be awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, Iron Cross 1st Class, and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross at the same time. Convoy No. 6 (SC.118): The last report of this convoy was from U 402 (Kptlt. Freiherr Siegfried von Forstner) at 1100/8 in AL 5236. After that it was not sighted again. Boats were constantly forced to dive by strong air activity by land-based planes, and could not get ahead. The operation was nevertheless continued during the night 8/9, as there was a chance that the boats might come upon the convoy in the dark. But as it was not sighted again and no boat appeared to be in the vicinity, the boats were ordered to move away from the convoy by first light on the 9th, as air activity by land-based planes was likely to be very strong off the North Channel. U 135 (Lt.z.S.d.R. Heinz Schütt) reported that she had been surprised by an aircraft that had 22 bombs. She reported further damage and broke off on the evening of the 8th. U 402 also had to break off prematurely owing to lack of fuel. U 187 (Kptlt. Ralph Münnich), on her first enemy patrol, sighted the convoy (No. 6) at 1108/4/2 in BD 1199 and reported it again at 1144. Since then the boat has not replied to several signals. She may have been sunk by escort forces. Convoy No. 7 (GIB.2): Strong air activity continued. Ar 0800 U 108 (Kptlt. Ralf-Reimar Wolfram) believed the convoy to be in DH 6864 according to hydrophone bearing. Contact was then lost and reestablished by U 202 (Kptlt. Günter Poser) at 1745 in DH 6667. Convoy was zig-zagging around 50°. Close escort of 2 aircraft. Boats were ordered to haul as far ahead as possible during the day so as to be able to attack at night. Boats which could not reach the convoy before first light were to break off then and move away to the W. At 1902 the convoy was in DH 6666. Visibility deteriorated badly and contact was lost, and was only regained for a short time by U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) in DJ 4446 and at 0625 by U 264 (Oblt. Hartwig Looks) in DJ 4194. U 264 fired 3 single misses at a corvette and was then driven off. According to reports received later U 43 (Oblt. Hans-Joachim Schwantke) fired a double miss at 800 meters with good data. U 521 (Kptlt. Klaus Heinrich Bargsten) attacked before first light on the 8th and sank a tanker of 10,000 GRT and a corvette in DH 6863 also torpedoed a freighter of 8,000 GRT, probably sunk. The operation was broken off at dawn as intended. By then all boats had reported and moved away to the W. No boat was lost, damage was slight, so that all boats are still fit for operations. 2 ships totaling 18,000 GRT and a corvette were sunk. The operation has shown that extensive action in the area N. of the Canary Islands is no longer possible owing to strong air patrol by land-based aircraft (altogether 44 planes, according to radio interception). According to observations from Ceuta and Tangier a convoy started to put to sea during the night as there are about 20 loaded ships with the convoy, this section may be destined for Casablanca. But there are also ships coming from Spain assembling there, which are presumably destined for England. On the assumption that at least a large section is going to England, Group "Delphin" has been ordered to form a new patrol line from CG 4652 to CF 9665. Order: U 125, 522, 511, 436, 442, 575, 381, 571, 620. The convoy is expected to arrive in the course of February 10th. Owing to low fuel stocks, this will probably be the Group's last operation, which they could only carry out on a homeward course. U 706 (Kptlt. Alexander von Zitzewitz) has supplied from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) and is starting her return passage. U 217's (Kptlt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke) supply from U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis) has so far been interrupted twice owing to bad weather. Both boats are now in DF 6456 with course 65°. U 176 (Kptlt. Reiner Dierksen) has been ordered to take over 2 Metox sets from U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) and deliver them to U 571 (Kptlt. Helmut Möhlmann) and U 620 (Kptlt. Heinz Stein) on her return passage. 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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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) |
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02-09-23, 04:55 AM
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#322 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
Downloads: 29
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
Quote:
+++++++ Tuesday, 9 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). +++++++
Soviet troops recapture Belgorod. The first of seven Axis convoys left Italy with reinforcements bound for Tunisia. British aircraft from Malta, submarines, and minefields caused some losses. U 614 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Sträter) was attacked by aircraft in AL 5293 when surfacing and received 4 well-placed bombs. Considerable damage, ability to dive restricted. Return necessary after refueling from U-tanker. U 752 (Kptlt. Karl-Ernst Schroeter) reported a large independently-routed ship in BE 1685, course 45°, speed 12 knots. Boat was ordered to attack. U 442 (FrgKpt. Hans-Joachim Hesse) sighted a solitary destroyer in CG 4861. No further contact was made with the enemy. According to our reckoning no convoy is expected at the moment. Group "Nordsturm" is being dissolved. These boats will reinforce Group "Haudegen" and occupy the following positions, depth 40 miles: U 358 : AJ 78, U 186 : AJ 7972, U 223 : BC 1255, U 707 : BC 1384. U 268 (Oblt. Ernst Heydemann) is returning owing to lack of fuel. According to a report from U 607 (Kptlt. Ernst Mengersen) there has been fog in this sea area for 3 days. As a depression is passing and visibility may be expected to improve, the boats have been left in their positions. A convoy can be expected to pass any time after today. After operations against Convoy No. 7 (GIB.2) had been broken off, Group "Rochen" received orders to be in patrol line from DH 2333 to DH 5639, course 270, speed of advance 6 knots at 1200/11/2. Order: U 66 - 521 - 108 - 218 - 43 - 264 - 258 - 558 - 202 and 87. The latter 5 boats are to supply from U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) in about DH 45. Subsequently all boats will operate against America - North Africa convoy traffic. A Chief Engineer has transshipped from U 183 (Korvkpt. Heinrich Schäfer) to U 105 (Oblt. Jürgen Nissen). U 183 and U 68 (Oblt. Albert Lauzemis) are to operate in the Windward Passage sea area. There have been no boats there for some time. They are to make for DN 60. U 632 (Kptlt. Hans Karpf) has supplied from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) and is returning. U 609 and U 624 both operated against Convoy No. 6 (SC.118) and made contact. They last reported on 6.2. from AK 65 and on 7.2. from AK 66 respectively. It can therefore be assumed for certain that they were lost due to convoy escort or aircraft. Shoe rationing are going into effect in the United States. 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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02-10-23, 03:16 AM
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#323 | |
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The Old Man
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Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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4th Training Flotilla, Stettin and AGRU-Front
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+++++++ Wednesday, 10 February 1943 - Stettin Concluding tactical exercises and training with the 4th Training Flotilla (Freg.Kpt. Heinz FISCHER), Stettin and AGRU-Front, (Kvt.Kpt.-Ing. H. MÜLLER). +++++++
Enemy reports depth charge attack by aircraft in DJ 3748 and torpedo report from an unidentified steamer from an area 10 miles S. of Cape Francis (Capetown). U 376 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Karl Marks) tried several times to reach Peterhead in bad weather. There were constant location transmissions from AN 1633 onwards. Doubtful whether she was picked up. From 7.2. heard several explosions in the area by day. So that there will be U-boats in the vicinity in case of an American and English invasion of Portugal, Group "Delphin" has been ordered to take up a new disposition W. of Lisbon. Attack areas, depth 60 miles: U 575 : CF 6626, U 571 : CF 6862, U 620 : CF 9345, U 436 : CG 4515, U 125 : CG 4624, U 5522 : CG 4718, U 511 : CG 4829, U 381 : CG 7165, U 422 : CG 7354. Several of these boats are already so short of fuel that they will have to return very soon and U 107, 103, 445, 569, 382 and 410 are intended to replace them and have been directed to CG 44. "Milkcow" U 465 (Kptlt. Heinz Wolf) has refueled U 266 (Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen) and U 413 (Kptlt. Gustav Poel). U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Tactical Exercises in the Baltic Sea. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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02-11-23, 02:50 AM
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#324 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Thursday, 11 February 1943 - Danzig Transferred to Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
General Dwight Eisenhower is selected to command the Allied forces in Europe. U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening), on her way out, sighted several destroyers and small vessels in BE 9945. According to our reckoning, they probably belonged to a N-bound Gibraltar convoy and boats in favorable positions were ordered to make use of opportunities to attack. For reasons unknown, U 155 continued on her outward passage as soon as she had made her report. There is therefore no contact. As visibility is poor and there is strong air reconnaissance in this area a controlled operation of several boats does not seem promising, especially as there is at most one night left for attack. U 223 (Oblt. Karl-Jürgen Wächter) was observed in AJ 8489 by an independent destroyer, course 220°, high speed. She lost contact after surfacing. U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) has requested squares EO and EP as attack area, because of an oil trace. As no further reports were received from Group "Rochen", the operation was broken off at 1200. U 87, 202, 264, 558 and 258 are proceeding to DH 4755 to supply from U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan). The remaining boats will occupy the following attack areas for the time being: U 521 squares CF 76 and 84, U 108 : CF 79 and 87, U 66 : DH 11 and 12, U 218 : DH 14 and 15, U 43 : DH 17 and 18. U 103 will occupy position CG 4624, U 107 CG 4515, depth 60 miles, as reliefs for U 125 and U 436 which are short of fuel. These boats will join Group "Delphin". In order to intercept convoy traffic to and from England on the southern route a patrol line has been ordered which will leave AK 3784 for AL 4711 at 1200/14/2, course 235°, speed 5 knots. Order U 529 - 468 - 377 - 225 - 653 - 628 - 623 - 621 - 753 - 332 and 92. These boats will form Group "Ritter" "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) will start to supply in AK 8985 from today. 5 boats will refuel for return passage at economical speed, 4 boats for further operation on the northerly convoy route. U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) has not reported since she sailed on 30.1. There have been several attack reports in BF and BE during the last few days and she may have been sunk by English aircraft. Her loss must be presumed. Ryan Aeronautical receives a US Navy contract to build three piston-jet mix-powered prototype fighters. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Tactical Exercises in the Baltic Sea. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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02-12-23, 03:16 AM
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#325 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Friday, 12 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
Soviet troops capture Rostov, while our troops fall back from Krasnodar to the Kuban defensive positions. Upon promotion to Generalfeldmarschall, Maximilian von Weichs steps down as the commanding officer of German Armeegruppe B, which has been transferred to the new Army Group Don. U 603 (Oblt. Hans-Joachim Bertelsmann) has broken off her search for the convoy reported yesterday by U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening). This operation is thus ended. U 436 (Kptlt. Günther Seibicke) reported strong air activity in CG 45, bombs; no damage, returning because of fuel. U 620 (Kptlt. Heinz Stein) sighted 2 destroyers, course 225°, in CF 9266. No further contact with the enemy. U 108 (Kptlt. Ralf-Reimar Wolfram) was bombed on 10.2 at great depth. Bow tubes probably out of action. She is testing her operational fitness. Convoy No. 8 (KMF/S.9G?): U 569 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Hans Johannsen) sighted several smoke clouds at 1323 in BE 9815 disappearing S. According to our reckoning there should be a Gibraltar-bound convoy in this area. Group "Delphin", including U 107 and U 103 and U 410, 382, 445, 155 and 185, on outward passage, were ordered to operate on U 569's report. At 1600 the enemy was in BE 9873. Towards 2000, U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus) reported that she had sighted 5 steamers, 3 of them passenger ships, on a main course of 160°, speed 16 knots, in CG 1559 and had fired a miss at an "Arundel Castle" type. She was then driven off by aircraft and destroyers. It appeared therefore that there was a fast and slow section of the convoy. This was quite possible, as radio intelligence (X) and agent's reports had stated that material and personnel were often convoyed to Gibraltar in separate groups. The boats were ordered to operate against one of these 2 convoys on a main course of 160 - 180°, according to the situation. Meanwhile, U 569 had also been forced to dive and contact was lost. Convoy's last position at 1730 was in CG 9892. The boat sighted several single destroyers during the night, but was constantly driven off in varying visibility, as was U 185, which also sighted destroyers several times in CG 1537. Contact had not been regained by morning. The fast group must have got through and can probably no longer be reached. Operation continues against the slow section. Attack areas: U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel): EO 60, evading N and E. U 156 (KrvKpt. Werner Hartenstein): EO 50 and 20 westwards to Georgetown. Both boats are to operate as close to the coast as possible. Freedom of action as far as the sea area off Trinidad during the next new moon period. U 594 (Kptlt. Friedrich Mumm) and U 414 (Oblt. Walther Huth) have supplied from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor). Boats in the Capetown area have been informed that Saldanhab Bay is probably an assembly point for convoys and is mainly approached by independent ships from Capetown. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Tactical Exercises in the Baltic Sea. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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02-13-23, 03:56 AM
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#326 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Saturday, 13 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
With a load of 75 USAAF P-40L fighters, Aircraft Carrier USS Ranger (CV-4) departs Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.A., bound for North Africa. U 437 (Oblt. Hermann Lamby) discovered another large crack in the flange when trying to repair her exhaust conduit. Repairs cannot be carried out. Further operation only possible in a less endangered area. U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) sighted a destroyer with high speed, zig-zagging around a course of 225° in BC 2433. No contact. U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) is the first of the African boats to score a success. She sank a ship of 6,000 GRT, course 265°, speed 10 knots in KY 6267. No zig-zags. Much air activity day and night, with lights, in KY 6310. Probably training. Convoy No. 8 (KMF/S.9G?): U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus) sighted smoke clouds at 1005 in CG 1911 and shortly afterwards made contact with a steamer and a destroyer. The enemy was only in sight intermittently owing to bad visibility. U 511 (Oblt. Fritz Schneewind) reported the same forces at 1615 in CG 1968, was soon forced to dive by an escort vessel and depth charged. Aircraft were located constantly and no further direct contact was made. Boats were ordered to continue provided positions for attack could be reached by first light. During the night U 569 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Hans Johannsen) and U 511 broke off and proceeded W. U 511 had some depth charge damage. U 381 (Kptlt. Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limpurg) started on her return passage because of lack of fuel and bomb damage. U 108 (Kptlt. Ralf-Reimar Wolfram) is starting on her return passage. All her bow tubes are unserviceable. It is intended for her to deliver fuel to U 511 (Oblt. Fritz Schneewind). A convoy coming from America may be expected in the Azores area on about 17.2 and Group "Rochen" has therefore been ordered to proceed W. immediately, making a day's run of 140 miles. U 108 (Kptlt. Ralf-Reimar Wolfram) has been ordered to return. "Rochen" boats now supplying will join the most southerly boat of the N. group at economical cruising speed in the order in which they leave. It is intended to form a patrol line with all boats from CE 8380 to DG 2820. According to recent reckoning, a NE-bound convoy is expected in Group "Haudegen" 's area from 15.2. The group's disposition has therefore been narrowed. Boats are now in the following position, depth 30 miles: U 358 : AJ 7574, U 186 : AJ 7595, U 223 : AJ 7685, U 69 : AJ 8715, U 201 : AJ 8764, U 403 : AJ 8887, U 707 : BC 2156, U 606 : BC 2199, U 226 : BC 2549, U 525 : BC 2813, U 303 : BC 2848, U 607 : BC 5218, U 383 : BC 5514. The following have supplied: U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) from U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan), U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) and U 135 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Heinz Schütt) from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor). U 175 has delivered a METOX set each to U 571 (Kptlt. Helmut Möhlmann) and U 620 (Kptlt. Heinz Stein). Boat's attention has again been called to the closing of Route A. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) concludes Tactical Exercises in the Baltic Sea. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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02-14-23, 03:28 AM
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#327 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Sunday, 14 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
Our troops launch an offensive against American forces near Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia. Convoy No. 8 (KMF/S.9G?): Operation was broken off. U 620, 571, 125 and 442, which are short of fuel, are returning, U 103, 107, 185, 382, 410 and 445 are moving away to the west. U 522 (Kptlt. Herbert Schneider) is waiting in CF 50 to supply from U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles). The last hydrophone bearing of the convoy was from CG 5473 bearing 210° at 0800. After the "Rochen" boats had supplied from U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan), the group will receive orders to be in patrol line from CE 8285 to DG 2785 at 1200/16/2. Course 285, day's run 150 miles. Order: U 521 - 66 - 218 - 43 - 218 - 43 - 558 - 258 - 202 - 87 - 267 and 504. A convoy from America is expected on 17.2. As there is no information on the convoy's probable course, it is intended to form an extended line N. of the Azores. U 410, 445, 382, 569, 107 and 103 are to make for CE 39, U 437 for CE 32. The following have supplied from U 118: U 214 on 12.2, U 558, 258, 202 on 13.2, U 82, 264 and 514 on 14.2. The tanker is now sold out and returning. Because of bad weather (west 9) a day's run of 60 miles has been ordered for Group "Ritter". It is intended to operate one boat in the Hatteras sea area and one in the Florida Straits area, as there have been no U-boats there for some time. Heavy traffic may be expected and success is likely if the U-boats appear suddenly and the Commanding Officers make intelligent use of their opportunities. U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) is making for DN 30. She is free to proceed via Windward Passage. U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus) will go to CA 87 and have freedom of action to the N. and S. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) continues Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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02-15-23, 06:14 AM
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#328 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Monday, 15 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
American forces in Tunisia launch a counterattack at Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia. Though achieving some results, the Americans suffer heavy casualties and loose 46 medium tanks. U 607 (Kptlt. Ernst Mengersen) sank "Atlantic Sun", 11,355 GRT in BC 5163, course 220°, 16 knots. According to statements made by prisoner (Ordinary Seaman William Golobich) the ship belonged to a convoy which it lost a few nights earlier in the fog. Presumably this was an extra-scheduled fast convoy. U 509 (Kptlt. Werner Witte) encountered spasmodic traffic off Capetown, partly strongly escorted, leaving and entering the harbor on the 100 meter line. No night air activity. Good cooperation between land-based radar and sea patrol. Boat sank a 5,000 GRT ship on 10.2 in GR 6844. According to an agent's report an American convoy of 27 steamers is said to be leaving Capetown for Australia on 15.2. Following the new disposition of Group "Rochen": U 437, 410, 445, 382, 511, 569, 107 and 103 are being formed into Group "Robbe". They have been ordered to be in reconnaissance line at 1200/17/2 from CF 1671 to CF 4575, course 290°, day's run 140 miles. Except for 5, all the Group "Haudegen" boats must now have less than 30 cbm fuel. This means that they could not operate even if a convoy is intercepted. Group "Haudegen" is therefore being dissolved. U 606, 69, 201, 226, 525, 303, 383 and 607 have been ordered to return. If these boats require to refuel this can be done in BD 51 from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor). The remaining boats will stay in the sea area around Newfoundland and occupy the following attack areas: U 358 : AJ 87, U 186 : AJ 88, U 223 : BC 21, U 403 : BC 22, U 707 : BC 25. The Group will be called "Taifun". At present there is no information as to what convoy routes are being used and several radio intelligence (X) reports show that the enemy is dispersed over the whole N. Atlantic and several patrol lines are being formed to pick up the convoys. In addition to Group "Ritter", which proceeded as reconnaissance line from AK 3784 to AL 4711 at 1200/14/2, course 235°, day's run 60 miles, U 759, 405, 448, 638, 359, 135, 608, 376, 566 and 659 have been ordered to form a new reconnaissance line from AD 3718 to AK 3497 at 2000/18/2, course 235°, day's run 100 miles. These boats will form Group "Neptun". U 659 will not take up her position until 19 or 20/2, as she is too far away. These 2 lines overlap and should rake an area of about 450 miles. The disposition has the further advantage that it is unlikely to be detected by enemy aircraft. U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) has delivered a METOX set to U 217 (VIID; Kptlt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke). The rendezvous of U 511 (Oblt. Fritz Schneewind) and U 108 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) in CF 5275 will have to be transferred to CF 5171 owing to strong air activity in the former area. 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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02-16-23, 04:23 AM
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#329 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Tuesday, 16 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
USAAF heavy bombers attack the U-Boat pens at Saint-Nazaire. Norwegian commandos parachute into Norway, meeting up with the reconnaissance party near Telemark. Soviet forces recapture Kharkov, Ukraine. Our forces capture Sidi Bouzid and Sbeitla, Tunisia. The British 8th Army enter Tunisia, spearheaded by the 7th Armoured Division. According to special intercept message HX No. 226 was in BC 1176 at 2000 on the 14th February. In view of this special intercept message, Group "Ritter" has orders to proceed to the N.W. and at 2200 on the 17th February to take up patrol line, with U 454, from AK 1677 to AK 5646. According to dead reckoning, the convoy could pass the patrol line at the earliest during the course of the night. If no contact is established by 1100 on the 18th February, the boats are to proceed, as reconnaissance patrol, with course 235° and daily run 80 miles. The extent of the patrol line corresponds approximately to the courses of HX convoys previously intercepted. In order to ensure a better watch by hydrophone etc. during the night, Group "Rochen" is to remain stationary at 2100 in a patrol line already reached from CE 8156 to DG 1959, proceeding as from 0930 on the 17th February with course 285°, daily run 150 miles. After refueling U 402 (Kptlt. Freiherr Siegfried von Forstner) and U 454 (Kptlt. Burckhard Hackländer) on the 15th February, "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) is to proceed to BD 52 as the next supply rendezvous. After return of U 124 (Kptlt. Johann Mohr) the reports of the Commanding Officer will be communicated to boats U 156 (Korvkpt. Werner Hartenstein and U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) now operating in the Trinidad area. Dr. Mildred Harnack-Fish, a member of German resistance, is beheaded at Plötzensee Prison near Charlottenburg, Berlin. 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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02-17-23, 06:19 AM
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#330 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Wednesday, 17 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
The Führer arrives at the headquarters of Army Group South in Russia. Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder becomes AOC-in-C Mediterranean Air Command with responsibility for all air operations. American forces east of Kasserine Pass, Tunisia, retreat into the pass. U 525 (Kptlt. Hans-Joachim Drewitz) reported a steamer sighted by two destroyers in BD 4112, course 200°. Contact lost owing to poor visibility (2 miles). U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) sighted for a short time in BC 3899 vessel with course 215°, speed 15 knots, fog. Convoy No. 9 (ON.165): On the return passage U 69 (Kptlt. Ulrich Gräf; ex. Jost Metzler, "The Laughing Cow") sighted a convoy with course 225° in AJ 9982. Since the convoy was about 500 miles from the coast so that there was sufficient area for operations, Group "Taifun" as well as the returning "Haudegen" boats received orders to attack the convoy as far as fuel supplies permitted. Since all the boats were comparatively low (in fuel) refueling facilities were provided in BD 42 (by "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor). The convoy consisted of 20 steamers proceeding in open formation without remote escort. Position at 1701 was AJ 9988, course 215°, speed 9 knots. U 201 (Oblt. Günther Rosenberg; ex Adalbert Schnee) made contact also at 2000 and reported last at 2207 from BC 3136 then both boats lost contact. U 607 (Kptlt. Ernst Mengersen) must have been quite near as she requested D/F signal but she also did not sight the convoy. In order to reestablish the convoy by conducted action (search sectors etc.) all boats were instructed to give their positions. The reports of positions were so irregular that the plan could not be carried out. U 201 - U 69 and U 223 (Oblt. Karl-Jürgen Wächter) have not reported up to now. The operation is being continued. "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) is to proceed to BD 42 to supply the "Haudegen" boats, contrary to previous order. Convoy Report U 522 (Kptlt. Herbert Schneider): The above boat sighted at 0836 in CF 5872 a small convoy of 5 steamers and 3 escorts, course 1500, speed 12 knots. Action by Group "ROBBE" was impossible because of insufficient speed superiority. The boats would only have reached the convoy in an area where air cover was strong and continuous. U 522 herself had only 17 cbm of fuel left. She was ordered to continue pursuit as long as possible with this. With visibility variable contact was lost towards 1600. U 522 suspected zig on to course 90° and proceeded in this direction, however, without finding the convoy again. The last hydrophone fix was at 2000 from CF 9177 in direction 110°. Towards 0500 the operation was broken off in CF 9567, fuel being at 7 cbm. No sinkings. All groups were ordered, so as to avoid location of the patrol line by enemy aircraft, to man their radar interception service as far as possible and in case enemy aircraft were sighted, to dive at once and remain submerged for about 30 minutes. 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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