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

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Saturday, 24 April 1943 - 12th U.-Flotilla Bordeaux (Korvkpt. Klaus Scholtz; ex U 108) -

Taking boat out of dry dock and putting on charging station.

During the shipyard time in Bordeaux, the pressure hull, torpedo tube no.6 and the flak guns were repaired. Several crew members had to disembark and were replaced, due to injuries sustained in the air attacks during the outbound transit.

Beginning of pre-war patrol preparation.

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Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.W.-Report:
a) In the Mediterranean Sea, British submarine HMS Sahib (P 212; Lieutenant J. H. Bromage) was scuttled and abandoned by her crew to avoid capture after being seriously damaged by the Italian torpedo boat Climene and Ju88 aircraft off Cape Milazzo. All her crew was saved except for one who was wounded and will die on 3 May 1943. Her loss will be officially announced by the Admiralty on 6 May 1943.

O.K.M.-Report:
a) U 180 (IXD1; Fregkpt. Werner Musenberg) reported: Met at 0620 on 23.4. Exchange has so far been impossible owing to weather conditions. Boat accompanying until improvement in weather. (U 180 and the Japanese U-boat I-29 were ordered to meet at 0600 on 23.4 in JA 2432. After execution of special duties - transfer of two Indian Nationalist agents, to be put ashore by I-29 at Sumatra - U 180 is to operate in the lower third of KP and KQ and the upper third of KZ and JA, with central point off Durban. E.W. traffic is presumed in the vicinity of this port).

B.d.U.-Report:
a) Convoy No. 28 (HX.234):
At 0200, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is back o Battle Stations but is kept at bay by convoy escorts and is attacked with escort surface weapons at 0315 and has to crash-dive at 0328 and turns toward the convoy. At 130m, U-Stahl receives the first Wabos and dives deeper to 140-150m, and is now positioned right under the convoy; ASDIC pings continue until 0600 in Qu.AK 2336. At 0625 U-Stahl surfaces and has to crash-dive 5 times due to airplanes until 1912 (at 1000 U-Stahl briefly sights the convoy in 46°true and a VIIC type boat 2nm abeam to port). At 1953, U-Stahl surfaces in Qu. AK 3354, Wind and Sea have increased and the boat can not go faster than 2xH.F., as the sea is continually washing over the Conning Tower. At 2300, U 267 (Kptlt. Otto Tinschert) reports contact in AK 3493, and again at 2330. At 2342, the wolfpack receives F.T. 2325/24/131 from HQ: To Trotha-Convoy: If during the night no attack opportunity, operate in such a way that by daybreak boat is positioned in front of the convoy.
In spite of the fact that altogether 12 boats were operating on the convoy on the night of 24th, and that at dawn several boats were still in contact, this could not be maintained during the day. The reason for this was the appearance of strong air escort with the beginning of daylight.

B-Dienst Report:
a) In the Pacific, after repeated failures, Admiral Nimitz discontinues the use of magnetic pistols on torpedoes for his theater of operation. Submarines under General MacArthur's command, however, continue to use them.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Sunday, 25 April 1943 - Bordeaux - (Easter Sunday)

Pre-war patrol preparation:

- Taking on of Fuel Oil (510cbm at 865kg/m³) and Lubricating Oil.

+++++++

Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.M.-Report:
a) U 119 (XB; Kptlt. Horst-Tessen von Kameke) has put out for special duties (Mining Op. Halifax).
b) U 177 (IXD2; Kptlt. Robert Gysae) reported experiences with "Bachstelze".
c) Italian submarine Leonardo da Vinci hit British tanker Doryssa, en route from Cape Town, to Abadan, Iran, with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean at 1726 hours. At 1845 hours, a second torpedo hit her. Shortly after, Leonardo da Vinci closed in and sank the tanker with gunfire. 53 were killed, and the 11 survivors were picked up by British whaler HMSAS Southern Barrier five days later. Having expended all torpedoes, Leonardo da Vinci began her journey back to Bordeaux.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) Convoy No. 28 (HX.234):
At 0130, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) sends F.T.0128/25/138: Due to A/C positioned 60nm behind Trotha-Convoy. Due to weather max. speed 11kn. Question continue Op.
At 0200, another boat reports wind N.N.E. 9, seaway 8, visibility 500 meters.
At 0900, U-Stahl is diving for torpedo maintenance and at 1218, receives F.T.1050/25/151 from HQ: Break off Op., proceed to SW.
At 1554, U-Stahl receives F.T.1249/25/153 from HQ: Group "Meise" in new order Junker, Mäder ..., proceed at cruisng speed to position in patrol line from AK 2386 to 0347. Slow NE convoy will pass the area of the patrol line tomorrow.
At 1718, U-Stahl surfaces and is in AK 3451 at 2400h, wind and sea have subsided considerably.
The main reason for the failure of the operation can be attributed to the extremely changeable visibility experienced during the night, and very unfavorable weather, hail, fog, rain, snow squalls. The convoy exploited this very cleverly for his zig zags. The enemy sailed in line ahead with about 10 ships, and destroyers or escort vessels were disposed in the gaps (later it is determined, that convoy HX.234 consisted of 46 ships and 21 escorts).
The Commanders, for the most part inexperienced and fresh from home waters, were unable to cope with these conditions.
Air activity was so intense on the 24th, that all boats were beaten off and lost the convoy. As intensified air activity is anticipated in the vicinity of Iceland on the 25th, the operations were broken off on the morning of that day. Altogether 2 ships of 19,500 GRT were sunk and 2 ships torpedoed.
b) The loss of U 191 (Kptlt. Helmut Fiehn; Convoy No. 30/ON.178) and U 189 (KrvKpt. Hellmut Kurrer; Convoy No. 28/HX.234) must be presumed. The boats reported for the last time on 23.4 from AK 01 and AK 15 respectively.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Sunday, 25 April 1943 - Bordeaux - (Easter Sunday)

Pre-war patrol preparation:

- Taking on of Fuel Oil (510cbm at 865kg/m³) and Lubricating Oil.

+++++++

Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.M.-Report:
a) U 119 (XB; Kptlt. Horst-Tessen von Kameke) has put out for special duties (Mining Op. Halifax).
b) U 177 (IXD2; Kptlt. Robert Gysae) reported experiences with "Bachstelze".
c) Italian submarine Leonardo da Vinci hit British tanker Doryssa, en route from Cape Town, to Abadan, Iran, with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean at 1726 hours. At 1845 hours, a second torpedo hit her. Shortly after, Leonardo da Vinci closed in and sank the tanker with gunfire. 53 were killed, and the 11 survivors were picked up by British whaler HMSAS Southern Barrier five days later. Having expended all torpedoes, Leonardo da Vinci began her journey back to Bordeaux.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) Convoy No. 28 (HX.234):
At 0130, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) sends F.T.0128/25/138: Due to A/C positioned 60nm behind Trotha-Convoy. Due to weather max. speed 11kn. Question continue Op.
At 0200, another boat reports wind N.N.E. 9, seaway 8, visibility 500 meters.
At 0900, U-Stahl is diving for torpedo maintenance and at 1218, receives F.T.1050/25/151 from HQ: Break off Op., proceed to SW.
At 1554, U-Stahl receives F.T.1249/25/153 from HQ: Group "Meise" in new order Junker, Mäder ..., proceed at cruisng speed to position in patrol line from AK 2386 to 0347. Slow NE convoy will pass the area of the patrol line tomorrow.
At 1718, U-Stahl surfaces and is in AK 3451 at 2400h, wind and sea have subsided considerably.
The main reason for the failure of the operation can be attributed to the extremely changeable visibility experienced during the night, and very unfavorable weather, hail, fog, rain, snow squalls. The convoy exploited this very cleverly for his zig zags. The enemy sailed in line ahead with about 10 ships, and destroyers or escort vessels were disposed in the gaps (later it is determined, that convoy HX.234 consisted of 46 ships and 21 escorts).
The Commanders, for the most part inexperienced and fresh from home waters, were unable to cope with these conditions.
Air activity was so intense on the 24th, that all boats were beaten off and lost the convoy. As intensified air activity is anticipated in the vicinity of Iceland on the 25th, the operations were broken off on the morning of that day. Altogether 2 ships of 19,500 GRT were sunk and 2 ships torpedoed.
b) The loss of U 191 (Kptlt. Helmut Fiehn; Convoy No. 30/ON.178) and U 189 (KrvKpt. Hellmut Kurrer; Convoy No. 28/HX.234) must be presumed. The boats reported for the last time on 23.4 from AK 01 and AK 15 respectively.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 26 April 1943 - Bordeaux -

Pre-war patrol preparation:

- Trimming trials at Bordeaux roadstead and Test cruise at Gironde Estuary.

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Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.W.-Report:
a) RAF bombers conducted a raid against Duisburg.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) U 566 (Kptlt. Hans Hornkohl) experienced a severe a/c depth charge attack at 2325 in BF 4599 (outbound from Brest). Unable to submerge, return passage. Close escort by 4 Ju 88's from daylight, also escort by F.O.I.C. Western Defences.
b) Final summary on Convoy No. 28 (HX.234):
The slight success achieved, in an operation lasting four days and with a fairly large numbers of boats, may be explained as follows: The conditions of convoy warfare are becoming increasingly difficult, above all the case of convoys in the N., where the nights are especially short, and the enemy is able to provide protection with strong air forces from Greenland, and to an even greater extent from Iceland. Boats usually choose a night when a large number of boats are in contact with the convoy, and the not disproportionately strong defence makes success appear likely. The night of 23/24 in this case. Before this, only one boat was in contact and afterwards the air protection was too strong. This night was the only chance. It could not be exploited owing to the very unfavorable weather conditions in conjunction with the inexperience of the large number of new Commanders who were not equal to the situation.
On the next to last day the convoy air escort was particularly strong and all hopes of success had to be abandoned. Surface protection was of normal strength. 4 boats were attacked by depth charges by the convoy. One boat U 189 (KrvKpt. Hellmut Kurrer), was sunk by the convoy escorts after reporting contact for the last time on the afternoon of the 23rd.
c) U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is standing up and down in ordered position of new patrol line.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Monday, 26 April 1943 - Bordeaux -

Pre-war patrol preparation:

- Trimming trials at Bordeaux roadstead and Test cruise at Gironde Estuary.

+++++++


Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.W.-Report:
a) RAF bombers conducted a raid against Duisburg.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) U 566 (Kptlt. Hans Hornkohl) experienced a severe a/c depth charge attack at 2325 in BF 4599 (outbound from Brest). Unable to submerge, return passage. Close escort by 4 Ju 88's from daylight, also escort by F.O.I.C. Western Defences.
b) Final summary on Convoy No. 28 (HX.234):
The slight success achieved, in an operation lasting four days and with a fairly large numbers of boats, may be explained as follows: The conditions of convoy warfare are becoming increasingly difficult, above all the case of convoys in the N., where the nights are especially short, and the enemy is able to provide protection with strong air forces from Greenland, and to an even greater extent from Iceland. Boats usually choose a night when a large number of boats are in contact with the convoy, and the not disproportionately strong defence makes success appear likely. The night of 23/24 in this case. Before this, only one boat was in contact and afterwards the air protection was too strong. This night was the only chance. It could not be exploited owing to the very unfavorable weather conditions in conjunction with the inexperience of the large number of new Commanders who were not equal to the situation.
On the next to last day the convoy air escort was particularly strong and all hopes of success had to be abandoned. Surface protection was of normal strength. 4 boats were attacked by depth charges by the convoy. One boat U 189 (KrvKpt. Hellmut Kurrer), was sunk by the convoy escorts after reporting contact for the last time on the afternoon of the 23rd.
c) U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is standing up and down in ordered position of new patrol line.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Tuesday, 27 April 1943 - Bordeaux -

Pre-war patrol preparation:

- Testing of Navigational and Radio Equipment.

+++++++

Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.M.-Report:
a) Torpedo boats Jaguar and Greif, and Destroyer Z4 Richard Beitzen, escorted light cruiser Nürnberg out of Harstad, Norway, toward Kiel.
b) U 180 (IXD1; Fregkpt. Werner Musenberg) has taken on the anticipated apparatus from the Japanese U-boat (I-29). It is operating as ordered in the area off Durban.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) For quite some time it has been possible to dispose a patrol line with boats from home waters and Western France, between Iceland and Greenland. The object of this is the interception of the next ONS convoy at present proceeding in the N. The following boats form the new Group "Star":
U 710 - 650 - 533 - 386 - 528 - 231 - 532 - 378 - 381 - 192 - 258 - 552 - 954 - U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) - 209 - 413. At 1119, they are ordered per F.T.1038/27/191, to take up position in patrol lines from AD 8731 via AK 3523 to AK 0329 at 0900 on 28.4. A slower S.W. bound convoy is expected here from 28.4.
U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl), is proceeding with diesel/electric propulsion to the new position, and dives from 0930-0956 for trimming exercises. At 1214, U-Stahl has has to crash dive from A/C. At 1235 the Attack Periscope is steamed over, which is fixed by wiping down the mirror. U-Stahl surfaces at 1304 and is in Qu.AK3847 at 2400h.

B-Dienst Report:
a) According to a special Radio Intelligence report the SC 127 convoy should have been in BC 5447 at 2100 on 20.4, from there to a point BC 5278 and then on a course of 35° degrees. According to a new decoded report, the convoy was actually in BC 4372 on the evening of 21.4. It therefore curved prematurely to the N., probably to avoid a suspected U-boat disposition. At this time Group "Meise" with 19 boats, was in patrol line from AJ 1690 to AJ 6980.
b) According to an American U-boat situation report the enemy suspected 15 boats in the area 50 - 55° N and 39 - 45° W on 25.4. Actually Group "Specht" had 16 boats in this area. In spite of the fact that on the previous days numerous wireless messages were sent and U-boats sighted, the very exact dividing line of this patrol line is significant, especially, as up to then Group "Specht" was on the move and took up the present disposition from the south, only shortly beforehand. This confirms, more than ever, the suspicion that the enemy has at his disposal a radar device, especially, effective for aircraft, which our boats are powerless to intercept.
c) Further, 5 boats were reported within 150 seamile circumference of 50° N, 34° W. Supplies have taken place here for a long time. Unfortunately, the boats have often inaugurated radio concerts here and this had led to the interception of the supply point. It is, however, significant that this was suspected in the area where there has been no wireless activity for several days.
d) Radar jamming devices began operations in eastern England.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Tuesday, 27 April 1943 - Bordeaux -

Pre-war patrol preparation:

- Testing of Navigational and Radio Equipment.

+++++++

Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.M.-Report:
a) Torpedo boats Jaguar and Greif, and Destroyer Z4 Richard Beitzen, escorted light cruiser Nürnberg out of Harstad, Norway, toward Kiel.
b) U 180 (IXD1; Fregkpt. Werner Musenberg) has taken on the anticipated apparatus from the Japanese U-boat (I-29). It is operating as ordered in the area off Durban.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) For quite some time it has been possible to dispose a patrol line with boats from home waters and Western France, between Iceland and Greenland. The object of this is the interception of the next ONS convoy at present proceeding in the N. The following boats form the new Group "Star":
U 710 - 650 - 533 - 386 - 528 - 231 - 532 - 378 - 381 - 192 - 258 - 552 - 954 - U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) - 209 - 413. At 1119, they are ordered per F.T.1038/27/191, to take up position in patrol lines from AD 8731 via AK 3523 to AK 0329 at 0900 on 28.4. A slower S.W. bound convoy is expected here from 28.4.
U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl), is proceeding with diesel/electric propulsion to the new position, and dives from 0930-0956 for trimming exercises. At 1214, U-Stahl has has to crash dive from A/C. At 1235 the Attack Periscope is steamed over, which is fixed by wiping down the mirror. U-Stahl surfaces at 1304 and is in Qu.AK3847 at 2400h.

B-Dienst Report:
a) According to a special Radio Intelligence report the SC 127 convoy should have been in BC 5447 at 2100 on 20.4, from there to a point BC 5278 and then on a course of 35° degrees. According to a new decoded report, the convoy was actually in BC 4372 on the evening of 21.4. It therefore curved prematurely to the N., probably to avoid a suspected U-boat disposition. At this time Group "Meise" with 19 boats, was in patrol line from AJ 1690 to AJ 6980.
b) According to an American U-boat situation report the enemy suspected 15 boats in the area 50 - 55° N and 39 - 45° W on 25.4. Actually Group "Specht" had 16 boats in this area. In spite of the fact that on the previous days numerous wireless messages were sent and U-boats sighted, the very exact dividing line of this patrol line is significant, especially, as up to then Group "Specht" was on the move and took up the present disposition from the south, only shortly beforehand. This confirms, more than ever, the suspicion that the enemy has at his disposal a radar device, especially, effective for aircraft, which our boats are powerless to intercept.
c) Further, 5 boats were reported within 150 seamile circumference of 50° N, 34° W. Supplies have taken place here for a long time. Unfortunately, the boats have often inaugurated radio concerts here and this had led to the interception of the supply point. It is, however, significant that this was suspected in the area where there has been no wireless activity for several days.
d) Radar jamming devices began operations in eastern England.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Wednesday, 28 April 1943 - Bordeaux


- Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions, Torpedoes:

Ari and Flak ammunition:
- 10,5cm-SK-C/30: 150 x SpG; 80 x PbG; 20 x LkG
- 3.7cm-SK-C/30: 2550 x PbG
- Twin-M.G.-2cm-C/30: 2640 (x2=5280) x SpG; 1360 (x2=2720) x PpG (x2 = Total: 8000)

+++++++

Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.W.-Report:
a) Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu wrote to Baron Hiroshi Oshima in Berlin, urging the ambassador to exert his influence with our leadership to encourage Germany to make a separate peace with the Soviet Union.
b) Otto Skorzeny is promoted to the rank of Hauptsturmführer and was given command of the commandos of the Oranienburg Special Training Unit.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) At 0400, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is standing up and down in the ordered position Qu.AK 3851 in the patrol line, ESE1/1, good visibility, 1015mb. At 0904, U-Stahl dives for trimming exercise and surfaces at 0930. At 1053, U-Stahl receives F.T.1037/28/120: U-Witzendorff (U 650) has contact to convoy ONS.5 in AD 3738, 8-10kn, 270°, and operates with highest speed on convoy. From 1910-2120, one diesel has to be repaired due to a broken valve spring.
b) U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis) was attacked by aircraft without previous radar location in BF 49 after a suspicious looking trawler group had passed. The boat presumes cooperation.
c) U 437 (Oblt. Hermann Lamby) was heavily bombed during the night in BF 7281 (outbound). The boat is temporarily out of control and submerging is restricted. Help is urgently needed. All boats in the vicinity are ordered to proceed at high speed to this area to render assistance. Destroyer and fighter protection is requested.
The night attacks repeatedly reported recently make it necessary for the boats in the Biscay area to be given permission to proceed on the surface during the day only to recharge batteries, and submerged at night.
Every effort is being made to produce apparatus able to intercept the radar equipment presumably used by the enemy.
d) U 710 (Oblt. Dietrich von Carlowitz) has not reported since it sailed from Kiel on 15.4. There have been numerous sighting and attack messages recently from the area of the Iceland Passage, so that its loss through aircraft must be presumed.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Wednesday, 28 April 1943 - Bordeaux


- Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions, Torpedoes:

Ari and Flak ammunition:
- 10,5cm-SK-C/30: 150 x SpG; 80 x PbG; 20 x LkG
- 3.7cm-SK-C/30: 2550 x PbG
- Twin-M.G.-2cm-C/30: 2640 (x2=5280) x SpG; 1360 (x2=2720) x PpG (x2 = Total: 8000)

+++++++

Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.W.-Report:
a) Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu wrote to Baron Hiroshi Oshima in Berlin, urging the ambassador to exert his influence with our leadership to encourage Germany to make a separate peace with the Soviet Union.
b) Otto Skorzeny is promoted to the rank of Hauptsturmführer and was given command of the commandos of the Oranienburg Special Training Unit.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) At 0400, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is standing up and down in the ordered position Qu.AK 3851 in the patrol line, ESE1/1, good visibility, 1015mb. At 0904, U-Stahl dives for trimming exercise and surfaces at 0930. At 1053, U-Stahl receives F.T.1037/28/120: U-Witzendorff (U 650) has contact to convoy ONS.5 in AD 3738, 8-10kn, 270°, and operates with highest speed on convoy. From 1910-2120, one diesel has to be repaired due to a broken valve spring.
b) U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis) was attacked by aircraft without previous radar location in BF 49 after a suspicious looking trawler group had passed. The boat presumes cooperation.
c) U 437 (Oblt. Hermann Lamby) was heavily bombed during the night in BF 7281 (outbound). The boat is temporarily out of control and submerging is restricted. Help is urgently needed. All boats in the vicinity are ordered to proceed at high speed to this area to render assistance. Destroyer and fighter protection is requested.
The night attacks repeatedly reported recently make it necessary for the boats in the Biscay area to be given permission to proceed on the surface during the day only to recharge batteries, and submerged at night.
Every effort is being made to produce apparatus able to intercept the radar equipment presumably used by the enemy.
d) U 710 (Oblt. Dietrich von Carlowitz) has not reported since it sailed from Kiel on 15.4. There have been numerous sighting and attack messages recently from the area of the Iceland Passage, so that its loss through aircraft must be presumed.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Thusday, 29 April 1943 - Bordeaux


- Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions, Torpedoes:

- Rohr I-II-IV: T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ)
- Rohr III: AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ)
- Fwd above floor plates: 2 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ)
- Fwd below floor plates: 1 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ) and 3 x AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ)

+++++++

Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.W.-Report:
a) The Führer met with French Prime Minister Pierre Laval and Italian Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Giuseppe Bastianini, at the Berghof.
b) Our troops fell back to Lake Garaet Anchkel west of Bizerte, Tunisia; "Grado" Battalion of the "San Marco" Italian Naval Infantry Regiment, served as rearguard.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) Convoy No. 33 (ONS.5):
At 0400, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is in Qu.AK 2145. After diving 4 times for sound detection of the convoy, U-Stahl is maneuvering into submerged attack position at 0930; Wabos are being dropped but not close to the boat, light concussions. Upon surfacing, U-Stahl sends at 1019, ßß Enemy steers 220°. U-Stahl is on course 220° and highest speed, as to be in position for a submerged attack, as soon as the weather clears up, which is rapidly deteriorating, visibility up to 2000m, wind and sea increasing heavily, max speed possible is 10kn. There have been no further contact reports since 1100. U-Stahl dives 2 more times for sound detection in the afternoon and evening but has lost contact with the convoy, position at 2400, Qu.AK 1172.
The operation on the convoy continues, and the boats are to continue the search assuming the enemy's course to be from 205 - 250° and enemy speed to be 4 - 7 knots according to the weather.
b) U 437 (Oblt. Hermann Lamby) able to submerge only with difficulty after bombing attack in BF 7371. Speed 7 knots, course 80°. 2 waves of 4 Ju. 88's. Only aerial protection. U 437 reported at 1450. Speed 14 knots. Boats approaching to render assistance are ordered to proceed on their course, U 571 (Kptlt. Helmut Möhlmann) on the return passage is to follow the damaged U 437 to render assistance if necessary.
c) The loss of U 174 (Oblt. Wolfgang Grandefeld) must be presumed, as this boat has not answered numerous requests to report. Last message from convoy area in BB 8689 on 27.4.

B-Dienst Report:
a) After much experimentation an "Upkeep" bomb drop was successfully carried out at Reculver in southeastern Britain. By this time several of the new Lancaster bombers modified for dam attacks have been delivered to the squadron's base, RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Thursday, 29 April 1943 - Bordeaux


- Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions, Torpedoes:

- Rohr I-II-IV: T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ)
- Rohr III: AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ)
- Fwd above floor plates: 2 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ)
- Fwd below floor plates: 1 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ) and 3 x AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ)

+++++++

Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.W.-Report:
a) The Führer met with French Prime Minister Pierre Laval and Italian Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Giuseppe Bastianini, at the Berghof.
b) Our troops fell back to Lake Garaet Anchkel west of Bizerte, Tunisia; "Grado" Battalion of the "San Marco" Italian Naval Infantry Regiment, served as rearguard.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) Convoy No. 33 (ONS.5):
At 0400, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is in Qu.AK 2145. After diving 4 times for sound detection of the convoy, U-Stahl is maneuvering into submerged attack position at 0930; Wabos are being dropped but not close to the boat, light concussions. Upon surfacing, U-Stahl sends at 1019, ßß Enemy steers 220°. U-Stahl is on course 220° and highest speed, as to be in position for a submerged attack, as soon as the weather clears up, which is rapidly deteriorating, visibility up to 2000m, wind and sea increasing heavily, max speed possible is 10kn. There have been no further contact reports since 1100. U-Stahl dives 2 more times for sound detection in the afternoon and evening but has lost contact with the convoy, position at 2400, Qu.AK 1172.
The operation on the convoy continues, and the boats are to continue the search assuming the enemy's course to be from 205 - 250° and enemy speed to be 4 - 7 knots according to the weather.
b) U 437 (Oblt. Hermann Lamby) able to submerge only with difficulty after bombing attack in BF 7371. Speed 7 knots, course 80°. 2 waves of 4 Ju. 88's. Only aerial protection. U 437 reported at 1450. Speed 14 knots. Boats approaching to render assistance are ordered to proceed on their course, U 571 (Kptlt. Helmut Möhlmann) on the return passage is to follow the damaged U 437 to render assistance if necessary.
c) The loss of U 174 (Oblt. Wolfgang Grandefeld) must be presumed, as this boat has not answered numerous requests to report. Last message from convoy area in BB 8689 on 27.4.

B-Dienst Report:
a) After much experimentation an "Upkeep" bomb drop was successfully carried out at Reculver in southeastern Britain. By this time several of the new Lancaster bombers modified for dam attacks have been delivered to the squadron's base, RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Friday, 30 April 1943 - Bordeaux

- Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions, Torpedoes:

- Rohr I-II-IV: T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ)
- Rohr III: AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ)
- Fwd above floor plates: 2 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ)
- Fwd below floor plates: 1 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ) and 3 x AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ)

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Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.M.-Report:
a) Italian submarine Leonardo da Vinci transmitted her final signal in the Atlantic Ocean about 600 miles northwest of Cape Town.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) Convoy No. 33 (ONS.5):
The weather conditions in the convoy area were also unfavorable on the 30th. Wind S.W. 7, visibility 4 seamiles high, steep waves running against the boats.
At 0447, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) receives F.T.2307/29/183: Stahl: At 0400 switch to circuit Hubertus. At 0908, U-Stahl dives for trimming excerises and surfaces at 0930.
U 381 (Kptlt. Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limpurg) reported the convoy in AD 9853, speed 5 knots, course 220° at 1600 according to hydrophone and depth charges. It was able to maintain contact until 1700, but then lost it owing to bad visibility.
U-Stahl meets U 209 (Kptlt. Heinrich Brodda) at 2125. Comparison of navigational data reveals the same, U-Brodda will search in SE direction, U-Stahl in SW direction, position of U-Stahl at 2400 is Qu.AJ 3312.
There have been no further reports of the convoy.
U 386 (Oblt. Hans-Albrecht Kandler) and U 528 (Oblt. Georg von Rabenau) began return passage owing to considerable damage to boats caused by aerial bombs and depth charges. The operation continues.

B-Dienst Report:
a) After receiving a special Radio Intelligence report according to which the expected convoy in BC 5489 is to alter course to "Unknown" (probably between 0 and 90°) patrol lines are to be transferred as follows: Group "Specht" from AJ 7679 via 8824 to BC 2666, Group "Amsel" from BC 4372 via 3875 to 9264. The entire disposition is therefore transferred to the S.
b) Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) and her escorts detached from Convoy HX-235 in the eastern Atlantic and set course toward Belfast.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Friday, 30 April 1943 - Bordeaux

- Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions, Torpedoes:

- Rohr I-II-IV: T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ)
- Rohr III: AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ)
- Fwd above floor plates: 2 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ)
- Fwd below floor plates: 1 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ) and 3 x AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ)

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Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.M.-Report:
a) Italian submarine Leonardo da Vinci transmitted her final signal in the Atlantic Ocean about 600 miles northwest of Cape Town.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) Convoy No. 33 (ONS.5):
The weather conditions in the convoy area were also unfavorable on the 30th. Wind S.W. 7, visibility 4 seamiles high, steep waves running against the boats.
At 0447, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) receives F.T.2307/29/183: Stahl: At 0400 switch to circuit Hubertus. At 0908, U-Stahl dives for trimming excerises and surfaces at 0930.
U 381 (Kptlt. Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limpurg) reported the convoy in AD 9853, speed 5 knots, course 220° at 1600 according to hydrophone and depth charges. It was able to maintain contact until 1700, but then lost it owing to bad visibility.
U-Stahl meets U 209 (Kptlt. Heinrich Brodda) at 2125. Comparison of navigational data reveals the same, U-Brodda will search in SE direction, U-Stahl in SW direction, position of U-Stahl at 2400 is Qu.AJ 3312.
There have been no further reports of the convoy.
U 386 (Oblt. Hans-Albrecht Kandler) and U 528 (Oblt. Georg von Rabenau) began return passage owing to considerable damage to boats caused by aerial bombs and depth charges. The operation continues.

B-Dienst Report:
a) After receiving a special Radio Intelligence report according to which the expected convoy in BC 5489 is to alter course to "Unknown" (probably between 0 and 90°) patrol lines are to be transferred as follows: Group "Specht" from AJ 7679 via 8824 to BC 2666, Group "Amsel" from BC 4372 via 3875 to 9264. The entire disposition is therefore transferred to the S.
b) Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) and her escorts detached from Convoy HX-235 in the eastern Atlantic and set course toward Belfast.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

U 115
- KTB -
First War Patrol
(17th war patrol overall)

Saturday, 1 May 1943 - Bordeaux

- Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions, Torpedoes:

- Rohr V: EtoFAT, Pi-2/39H(MZ/AZ) - only as circle runners against escorts.
- Rohr VI: T-4 ("Falke"), Pi-4(MZ) - only stern tube; only against merchants due to its slow speed of 20kn.
- Aft below floor plates: 2 x EtoFAT, Pi-2/39H(MZ/AZ) and 1 x T-4 ("Falke"), Pi-4(MZ)

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Daily F.d.U. Briefing

O.K.W.-Report:
a) The International Medical Commission completed its investigation on the Katyn Massacre, concluding that the Soviet Union was responsible for the atrocity.
b) US troops captured Hill 609 in Tunisia.

O.K.M.-Report:
a) Seaplane tender Richthofen is commissioned into service.

B.d.U.-Report:
a) Convoy No. 33 (ONS.5):
The continuing bad weather also prevented contact being reestablished on 1st May.
At 0428 the I.W.O.(Ltnt.z.S. Gerhard Nolte) of U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) gives ALARM, as he believes to have seen an airplane shining a light on the water in the distance. The latter has been confirmed by U 954 (Kptlt. Odo Loewe) per F.T.1800/1/883. At 1200, position of U-Stahl is Qu.AJ 3247, snow flurries. There is still no sound contact of the convoy and the F.T. reception is very poor, sound volume 1. At 1712, U-Stahl sends a short weather report as ordered with F.T.1253/1/878. At 2143, U-Stahl receives F.T. 2011/1/885: If at dusk no contact, break off operation. Remain in the current position. "Stahl" send position and fuel. At 2400, position of U-Stahl is Qu.AJ 3428.
To sum up:
The operations against the convoy with 16 boats in all suffered from first to last from very hazy weather and strong S.W. wind, against which the boats had to struggle during their pursuit of the enemy. Lookout, finding and shadowing of the convoy were much hampered thereby. In all, only 5 boats contacted the convoy. After 29th April contact could not be reestablished.
The only success was scored by U 258 (Kptlt. Wilhelm von Mässenhausen), who probably sank 2 ships and torpedoed a third. Naval defences were not reported as very strong. No reports were received about them. There was some air activity on the first day, but only seaplanes. During the last night a boat reported continuous air patrol, probably based on Greenland. The same boat observed what was probably a new type of location gear. The Commander repeatedly noticed planes approaching at great height and carrying a light like a planet that went on and off. No location was heard at the time.
Two boats had to give up the chase because of enemy counter-measures. They were bombed and depth-charged and badly damaged. No boats were lost while attacking the convoy.
The whole operation was hampered by heavy atmospherics, so that Operational Control had no definite information on the course of the operation from midnight until noon the next day. It can therefore be said that this attack failed only because of the bad weather, not because of the enemy's defences.
As there was little prospect of picking the convoy up again while weather remained hazy, the boats were ordered to break off the operation at dusk on 1st May.
b) "Milkcow" U 487 (Oblt.d.R. Helmut Metz) has given her remaining fuel to "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler), has taken over Engineer Officer from U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis) and is continuing her homeward voyage.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115