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

Kapitän · 12-03-22, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Wednesday, 2 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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U-boat Success in November 1942.

1) U-boat success in November reached a new high and will probably mount to 900,000 T. The time has come to regard these results in a true light and to give propaganda proper guidance in this connection.

2) Merchant ship sinkings, losses and serious damage to U-boats, which will not be changed appreciably amount to: in N. Atlantic: 300,000 T. 5 lost, 1 badly damaged. Remainder of the Atlantic except Gibraltar area: 360,000 T. none lost, one heavily damaged. Gibraltar - Morocco area: 70,000 T., 3 lost, 5 badly damaged. Mediterranean: 100,000 T., 5 lost, 8 badly damaged. Arctic: 35,000 T. none lost or damaged.

3) The evaluation of these figures is as follows:
a) A good three quarters of the sinkings were in the open Atlantic a great preponderance at the beginning of the month, before the beginning of the African operation. Success fell off appreciably after withdrawal of boats for the Gibraltar area. As already reported in the opinion of B.d.U. the initial success in the Atlantic was conditioned by lack of counter measures in connection with the African landings.
Losses in the Atlantic maintained themselves in normal times, namely one boat for each 130,000 tons.
b) The success in operations against the enemy in the approaches to Africa west of Gibraltar-Morocco and in the Mediterranean comprise only one fifth of the total results. It must be pointed out that the firm position of the enemy at the time of the landing resulted in the heaviest losses, namely 1 boat for every 20,000 tons sunk and in addition a much higher percentage of boats heavily damaged. The losses in this area are therefore percentage wise more than six times as high as those in the entire Atlantic, about the North Atlantic. The average operational time of the 19 boats was only 8 days and of these boats none was in action 13 days after the beginning of the operation.
c) Results in the Arctic are of no numerical importance.

4) The outlook for December is unfavorable. According to the record month of November the smallest results are to be expected because:
a) The favorable conditions in the Atlantic cannot be taken advantage of because of withdrawal of boats to the Mediterranean and the Gibraltar-Morocco area.
b) In the Capetown area there are only 2 boats, which will probably have fired all their torpedoes in the course of the month.
c) The counter measures off Gibraltar in spite of aggressive operations, have succeeded and attacks in this area can expect only losses without the corresponding possibilities of success. That prospects in intercepting the enemy in the approaches are smaller, has already been reported.
d) Fewer targets can be expected in the Mediterranean after the first stream of shipping has ceased, the number of boats was raised 50% more during November and the defences remained the same.

5) Conclusions in brief:
a) Success in November have no connection with operations against African shipping. The prospects of these operations are meager. The opposition propaganda in the press will make false reports and will wreck damage in the long run.
b) After the record month of November, December must fall off perceptibly.

6) U-boat command and U-boats are ready and willing to fight under most difficult conditions. B.d.U. however, is of the opinion that the command must make a clear picture so that the relationship between losses and success is factual. The foregoing situation report alone serves this point.
The U-boat arm will also fight in the future under the most difficult conditions wherever they may be committed.

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U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) concludes U.A.K.-Training at Kiel.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Thursday, 3 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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U-boats early December 1942.

I. In service on 1 November 1942: 368
In service in November: 23
Subtotal1: 391
Lost in November: 15
Temporarily out of order: 1
Subtotal2: 375
Foreign U-boats: 7
Total: 382

Losses in November:
Atlantic 3 (98, 411, 173)
Otherwise in Atlantic 5 (132, 658, 520, 184, 517)
Mediterranean 6 (660, 605, 595, 559, 331, 259)
In Training 1 (272)

Consisting of:
Type VIIC:
U 98 Eichmann. Experienced boat. New Commander. Middle of November W. of Gibraltar. No information.
U 132 Vogelsang. Veteran boat. At the beginning of November in action with a convoy in N. Atlantic.
U 259 Köpke. Second trip. Middle November. Mediterranean.
U 272 Hepp. On 12.11. during training in the Baltic. Rammed and sunk.
U 411 Spindlegger. Second trip. New Commander. In the middle of November W. of Gibraltar.
U 559 Heidtmann. Veteran boat. At the end of October in Eastern Mediterranean. Part of the crew taken prisoner.
U 595 Quaet - Faslem. Second trip. Bombed in the middle of the Mediterranean, later presumably scuttled off the coast of Africa. Part of crew taken prisoner.
U 605 Schutze. Second trip. Middle of November. Mediterranean.
U 658 Senkl. Second trip. Last message 20.11. May have been lost to convoy in North Atlantic.
U 660 Baur. Second trip. Middle of November. In Mediterranean. Crew for the most part taken prisoner.
U 331 von Tiesenhausen. Middle of November. Mediterranean.

Type IXC
U 173 Schweichel. Second Trip. New Commander. Middle of November. West of Gibraltar.
U 184 Dangschat. First trip, experienced Commander. Middle of November to convoy in North Atlantic.
U 517 Hatwig. Second trip. On outward voyage west of Biscay. Air attack.
U 520 Schwarzkopf. First trip. Last message 27.10. E. of Newfoundland.

By far the most sinkings can presumably be attributed to air attacks.

II. Distribution:
In action : 203
On trials: 110
In training: 62
Total: 375

III. In November (without foreign boats):
Total added +7
Number of boats in action deducted -4
Number of trial boats added + 11

IV. Number of boats in action on 1 December 1942:

Atlantic (without foreign boats) 154 plus 2 foreign boats.
Mediterranean (including 4 proceeding from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean 24
the North Sea 23
Black Sea 2

The number of boats in action in the Atlantic has decreased to 6, owing to losses and boats being sent to the Mediterranean.

V. Number of boats in the Atlantic in November:
On an average, at sea during the day 94.9 boats
Of these, in the Op. area 38.2 boats
Of these, outward bound 56.7 boats
Of these, returning to base 24.5 boats

VI. Number of boats which put out in November:
From home bases 11 boats.
From Western France 42 boats.

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U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts an 8h A.K. cruise to Saßnitz. At 1700, the U.A.K. representative disembarks.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän · 12-04-22, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Thursday, 3 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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U-boats early December 1942.

I. In service on 1 November 1942: 368
In service in November: 23
Subtotal1: 391
Lost in November: 15
Temporarily out of order: 1
Subtotal2: 375
Foreign U-boats: 7
Total: 382

Losses in November:
Atlantic 3 (98, 411, 173)
Otherwise in Atlantic 5 (132, 658, 520, 184, 517)
Mediterranean 6 (660, 605, 595, 559, 331, 259)
In Training 1 (272)

Consisting of:
Type VIIC:
U 98 Eichmann. Experienced boat. New Commander. Middle of November W. of Gibraltar. No information.
U 132 Vogelsang. Veteran boat. At the beginning of November in action with a convoy in N. Atlantic.
U 259 Köpke. Second trip. Middle November. Mediterranean.
U 272 Hepp. On 12.11. during training in the Baltic. Rammed and sunk.
U 411 Spindlegger. Second trip. New Commander. In the middle of November W. of Gibraltar.
U 559 Heidtmann. Veteran boat. At the end of October in Eastern Mediterranean. Part of the crew taken prisoner.
U 595 Quaet - Faslem. Second trip. Bombed in the middle of the Mediterranean, later presumably scuttled off the coast of Africa. Part of crew taken prisoner.
U 605 Schutze. Second trip. Middle of November. Mediterranean.
U 658 Senkl. Second trip. Last message 20.11. May have been lost to convoy in North Atlantic.
U 660 Baur. Second trip. Middle of November. In Mediterranean. Crew for the most part taken prisoner.
U 331 von Tiesenhausen. Middle of November. Mediterranean.

Type IXC
U 173 Schweichel. Second Trip. New Commander. Middle of November. West of Gibraltar.
U 184 Dangschat. First trip, experienced Commander. Middle of November to convoy in North Atlantic.
U 517 Hatwig. Second trip. On outward voyage west of Biscay. Air attack.
U 520 Schwarzkopf. First trip. Last message 27.10. E. of Newfoundland.

By far the most sinkings can presumably be attributed to air attacks.

II. Distribution:
In action : 203
On trials: 110
In training: 62
Total: 375

III. In November (without foreign boats):
Total added +7
Number of boats in action deducted -4
Number of trial boats added + 11

IV. Number of boats in action on 1 December 1942:

Atlantic (without foreign boats) 154 plus 2 foreign boats.
Mediterranean (including 4 proceeding from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean 24
the North Sea 23
Black Sea 2

The number of boats in action in the Atlantic has decreased to 6, owing to losses and boats being sent to the Mediterranean.

V. Number of boats in the Atlantic in November:
On an average, at sea during the day 94.9 boats
Of these, in the Op. area 38.2 boats
Of these, outward bound 56.7 boats
Of these, returning to base 24.5 boats

VI. Number of boats which put out in November:
From home bases 11 boats.
From Western France 42 boats.

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U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts an 8h A.K. cruise to Saßnitz. At 1700, the U.A.K. representative disembarks.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Friday, 4 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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B-24 bombers of US 12th Air Force bomb Naples, Italy; They are the first American aircraft to operate against Italy. The Church of Santa Chiara is damaged in the attack, damaging much of the interior decorations put in between 1742 and 1762

British 2nd Parachute Battalion link up with US troops near Medjez-el-Bab in northern Tunisia.

U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) has supplied the boats U 124 - 105 and U 160 (Kptlt. Georg Lassen) and begins the return voyage.

U 611 (Kptlt. Nikolaus von Jacobs) has taken 70 cubic meters of fuel on board from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor).

U 258 (Kptlt. Wilhelm von Mässenhausen) is on the return voyage owing to the illness of the Commander. The boat has been destined for the Mediterranean. U 257 (Kptlt. Heinz Rahe) has been ordered to take her place.

U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth) reports that the hydrophone gear installed in type IXD2 is very bad in seaway 4 in swell. It is suggested that at least in the newly constructed large boats hydrophone deep steering rudders should be fitted.

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt closes down the Works Progress Administration, because of the high levels of wartime employment in the United States.

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U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) cruises to Rönne, Bornholm.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän · 12-05-22, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Friday, 4 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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B-24 bombers of US 12th Air Force bomb Naples, Italy; They are the first American aircraft to operate against Italy. The Church of Santa Chiara is damaged in the attack, damaging much of the interior decorations put in between 1742 and 1762

British 2nd Parachute Battalion link up with US troops near Medjez-el-Bab in northern Tunisia.

U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) has supplied the boats U 124 - 105 and U 160 (Kptlt. Georg Lassen) and begins the return voyage.

U 611 (Kptlt. Nikolaus von Jacobs) has taken 70 cubic meters of fuel on board from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor).

U 258 (Kptlt. Wilhelm von Mässenhausen) is on the return voyage owing to the illness of the Commander. The boat has been destined for the Mediterranean. U 257 (Kptlt. Heinz Rahe) has been ordered to take her place.

U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth) reports that the hydrophone gear installed in type IXD2 is very bad in seaway 4 in swell. It is suggested that at least in the newly constructed large boats hydrophone deep steering rudders should be fitted.

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt closes down the Works Progress Administration, because of the high levels of wartime employment in the United States.

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U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) cruises to Rönne, Bornholm.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Saturday, 5 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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Despite heavy fog, 17 He 111 and about 50 Ju 52/3m aircraft are able to fly 150 tons of supplies into Stalingrad.

Aircraft Carrier Graf Zeppelin is towed to Kiel.

Group "Westwall" remains on patrol from CD 2243 to 5846 from 6 Dec. The point of intersection of the great circle America - Gibraltar and the route for ON convoys lies here.

New position for U 214 (VIID; Kptlt. Günther Reeder) in ED 99.

U 443 (Oblt. Konstantin von Puttkamer) has passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and therefore comes under the F.O. U-boats, Mediterranean.

U 591 (Kptlt. Hans-Jürgen Zetzsche) was bombed in AM 5253 and sustained damage to electrical engine. Boat remains fit for action.

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) has not encountered traffic in EP since 21 Nov.

U 134 (Kptlt. Rudolf Schendel) is ready for 3 more weeks operations after refueling.

Executive Order No. 9-27 is issued in the United States, placing all services under the provisions of the Selective Service Act.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) lies in Rönne, Bornholm, due to bad weather and enemy mines in the silent running testing area.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän · 12-06-22, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Saturday, 5 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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Despite heavy fog, 17 He 111 and about 50 Ju 52/3m aircraft are able to fly 150 tons of supplies into Stalingrad.

Aircraft Carrier Graf Zeppelin is towed to Kiel.

Group "Westwall" remains on patrol from CD 2243 to 5846 from 6 Dec. The point of intersection of the great circle America - Gibraltar and the route for ON convoys lies here.

New position for U 214 (VIID; Kptlt. Günther Reeder) in ED 99.

U 443 (Oblt. Konstantin von Puttkamer) has passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and therefore comes under the F.O. U-boats, Mediterranean.

U 591 (Kptlt. Hans-Jürgen Zetzsche) was bombed in AM 5253 and sustained damage to electrical engine. Boat remains fit for action.

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) has not encountered traffic in EP since 21 Nov.

U 134 (Kptlt. Rudolf Schendel) is ready for 3 more weeks operations after refueling.

Executive Order No. 9-27 is issued in the United States, placing all services under the provisions of the Selective Service Act.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) lies in Rönne, Bornholm, due to bad weather and enemy mines in the silent running testing area.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Sunday, 6 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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In Operation BG 5, Italian auxiliary ship Olterra launches three manned torpedoes against Gibraltar; they fail to cause any damage.

U 301 (Kptlt. Willy-Roderich Körner): Single and double miss on destroyer group using hydrophone and radar. Torpedoes were dodged.

Sinkings:

U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) sank troop transport "Ceramic" (18,713 GRT) in CD 2927. Course 110°, speed 16 knots.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) sank freighter of 7,000 GRT, course 140° in CD 2858.

U 103 (Oblt. Gustav-Adolf Janssen) sank "Henery Stanley" (5,026 GRT) carrying dynamite from Liverpool to Freetown in CD 2611.

All sinkings therefore in patrol channel of Group "Westwall". It is likely that both freighters belonged to an "ON" convoy and were making the attempt to reach Freetown unescorted. This would be a confirmation of the fact that the traffic of SL convoys has been discontinued.

"Operation Frankton" has Royal Navy submarines drop off commandos to raid our shipping up the River Gironde in Bordeaux Harbor.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) lies in Rönne, Bornholm, due to bad weather and enemy mines in the silent running testing area.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän · 12-07-22, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Sunday, 6 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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U 301 (Kptlt. Willy-Roderich Körner): Single and double miss on destroyer group using hydrophone and radar. Torpedoes were dodged.

Sinkings:

U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) sank troop transport "Ceramic" (18,713 GRT) in CD 2927. Course 110°, speed 16 knots.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) sank freighter of 7,000 GRT, course 140° in CD 2858.

U 103 (Oblt. Gustav-Adolf Janssen) sank "Henery Stanley" (5,026 GRT) carrying dynamite from Liverpool to Freetown in CD 2611.

All sinkings therefore in patrol channel of Group "Westwall". It is likely that both freighters belonged to an "ON" convoy and were making the attempt to reach Freetown unescorted. This would be a confirmation of the fact that the traffic of SL convoys has been discontinued.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) lies in Rönne, Bornholm, due to bad weather and enemy mines in the silent running testing area.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Monday, 7 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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"Operation Frankton" has Royal Navy submarines drop off commandos to raid our shipping up the River Gironde in Bordeaux Harbor.

In Operation BG 5, Italian auxiliary ship Olterra launches three manned torpedoes against Gibraltar; they fail to cause any damage.

U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) reports that the sunk transport "Ceramic" was laden with troops.

According to a Radio Intelligence Report (X) proceeding from America to Capetown. Traffic mainly W. and E. of St. Paul's Rocks. After taking on supplies therefore, the following dispositions are ordered: U 174 - 3437; U 128 - 3453; U 161 - 3275; U 126 - 3237. All grids in FC. U 159 - ER 9949 and U 134 - ER 9932. Depth for all boats id 40 sea miles. U 176 occupies waters off Pernambucco. Boats may use territorial waters, but entrance to harbors and roads is forbidden however. U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) operates in area EH 98 and EJ 55. Spasmodic northwest - southeast and east west traffic is expected here.

U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) proceeds southwards to operate for several days in the waters of Dakar. Traffic entering or leaving port is counted on here.

U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) begins her homeward voyage from the patrol channel of Group "Westwall". Boats to the N. of this move in to a southerly position. "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) has put out for CD 30 to refuel this group.

Supplied from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor): U 373, 445 and 663.

According to Radio Intelligence Report (X) the appearance of a former German U-boat type VIIc (570) captured by the British is to be expected any time now. Boats are again warned to be especially careful when meeting and passing other boats.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) lies in Rönne, Bornholm, due to bad weather and enemy mines in the silent running testing area.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän · 12-08-22, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Monday, 7 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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"Operation Frankton" has Royal Navy submarines drop off commandos to raid our shipping up the River Gironde in Bordeaux Harbor.

In Operation BG 5, Italian auxiliary ship Olterra launches three manned torpedoes against Gibraltar; they fail to cause any damage.

U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) reports that the sunk transport "Ceramic" was laden with troops.

According to a Radio Intelligence Report (X) proceeding from America to Capetown. Traffic mainly W. and E. of St. Paul's Rocks. After taking on supplies therefore, the following dispositions are ordered: U 174 - 3437; U 128 - 3453; U 161 - 3275; U 126 - 3237. All grids in FC. U 159 - ER 9949 and U 134 - ER 9932. Depth for all boats id 40 sea miles. U 176 occupies waters off Pernambucco. Boats may use territorial waters, but entrance to harbors and roads is forbidden however. U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) operates in area EH 98 and EJ 55. Spasmodic northwest - southeast and east west traffic is expected here.

U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) proceeds southwards to operate for several days in the waters of Dakar. Traffic entering or leaving port is counted on here.

U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) begins her homeward voyage from the patrol channel of Group "Westwall". Boats to the N. of this move in to a southerly position. "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) has put out for CD 30 to refuel this group.

Supplied from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor): U 373, 445 and 663.

According to Radio Intelligence Report (X) the appearance of a former German U-boat type VIIc (570) captured by the British is to be expected any time now. Boats are again warned to be especially careful when meeting and passing other boats.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) lies in Rönne, Bornholm, due to bad weather and enemy mines in the silent running testing area.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Tuesday, 8 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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After refueling U 373, 445 and 663 steered a course for AJ 90 at economical cruising speed. There, with other boats they plan a patrol to intercept an HX convoy expected on the 12th.

According to a Radio Intelligence report (X), an English unit or convoy is proceeding with an advancing speed of 7.3 to 10 knots via ES 3690, ER 1510, EO 1320 to Trinidad and should arrive there in the afternoon of 19.12. U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) and U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) received orders to operate on the line of route. U D 3 intends to await the reported unit in ER 16.

U 178 (IXD2; Kpt. Hans Ibbeken) had a circle runner and a miss on a freighter of 5,000 GRT, course 60° in CQ 5129 on 4.12.

In connection with the hydrophone gear U 178 had the same experience as U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth). The boat reports the following as the possible causes:
a) Greater length of boat - therefore less favorable reaction to length of seaway;
b) Very sensitive balance results in less transverse stability;
c) Difficulty, above all in banking with and against the sea. An effective solution by an adjustment of the hydroplanes can only be expected, if there is a great enlargement and higher hydroplane speed. Better conditions have been confirmed as a result of increasing attack depth to one meter.

U 224 (Oblt. Hans-Carl Kosbadt) sighted (prematurely) a silhouette in BF 6779 which did not reply to request for recognition signal. U 224 presumed it to be a German low speed U-boat type. According to wireless bearing an English unit - probably a U-boat was in BF 9440 at 1849.

Convoy No.68:
Several boats reported air activity on the convoy on the afternoon of the 8th. Altogether 11 Radio Intelligence reports were received during the night from which it appears that the boats were sighted by aircraft and variously attacked with depth charges and aircraft armament. In addition, 5 boats reported being beaten off by the convoy protection. There were no reports of successes. U 221 (Oblt. Hans-Hartwig Trojer) reported ramming U 254 (Kptlt. Odo Loewe) at 2225 in AK 2551 and having taken survivors on board (4). It continued the search and intended to begin the return voyage after daylight. No more survivors were found. U 221 began her homeward voyage after dawn.

For the first time during a convoy operation a ramming has taken place between two U-boats, and thereby caused the loss of one of them. As far as can be seen here, this accident took place on a dark night and in a rough sea, so that the ramming boat cannot be blamed. The presence of so many U-boats on convoy operations has for a long time made this kind of damage a possibility. Reflection on this matter shows that generally speaking, it is not practicable to have more than 13 to 15 boats on to one convoy. Any tactical limitations in connection with the number of attacking boats, the time of the attack, the disposition for attack, by which such collisions could be avoided will be refused, as it is wrong with the difficulties of convoy warfare to apply even the smallest conditions. With the difficulties of convoy warfare every chance of attack must be exploited to the utmost and the maxim impressed again and again on the boats, "on to the target as quickly as possible, attack as often as possible, utilize every chance of attack at once", may not be repudiated on the grounds of security.

The planned Allied invasion of Burma was called off due to lack of supplies; British and Chinese troops fell back from their forward position

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) lies in Rönne, Bornholm, due to bad weather and enemy mines in the silent running testing area.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän · 12-09-22, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Tuesday, 8 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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After refueling U 373, 445 and 663 steered a course for AJ 90 at economical cruising speed. There, with other boats they plan a patrol to intercept an HX convoy expected on the 12th.

According to a Radio Intelligence report (X), an English unit or convoy is proceeding with an advancing speed of 7.3 to 10 knots via ES 3690, ER 1510, EO 1320 to Trinidad and should arrive there in the afternoon of 19.12. U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) and U D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) received orders to operate on the line of route. U D 3 intends to await the reported unit in ER 16.

U 178 (IXD2; Kpt. Hans Ibbeken) had a circle runner and a miss on a freighter of 5,000 GRT, course 60° in CQ 5129 on 4.12.

In connection with the hydrophone gear U 178 had the same experience as U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth). The boat reports the following as the possible causes:
a) Greater length of boat - therefore less favorable reaction to length of seaway;
b) Very sensitive balance results in less transverse stability;
c) Difficulty, above all in banking with and against the sea. An effective solution by an adjustment of the hydroplanes can only be expected, if there is a great enlargement and higher hydroplane speed. Better conditions have been confirmed as a result of increasing attack depth to one meter.

U 224 (Oblt. Hans-Carl Kosbadt) sighted (prematurely) a silhouette in BF 6779 which did not reply to request for recognition signal. U 224 presumed it to be a German low speed U-boat type. According to wireless bearing an English unit - probably a U-boat was in BF 9440 at 1849.

Convoy No.68:
Several boats reported air activity on the convoy on the afternoon of the 8th. Altogether 11 Radio Intelligence reports were received during the night from which it appears that the boats were sighted by aircraft and variously attacked with depth charges and aircraft armament. In addition, 5 boats reported being beaten off by the convoy protection. There were no reports of successes. U 221 (Oblt. Hans-Hartwig Trojer) reported ramming U 254 (Kptlt. Odo Loewe) at 2225 in AK 2551 and having taken survivors on board (4). It continued the search and intended to begin the return voyage after daylight. No more survivors were found. U 221 began her homeward voyage after dawn.

For the first time during a convoy operation a ramming has taken place between two U-boats, and thereby caused the loss of one of them. As far as can be seen here, this accident took place on a dark night and in a rough sea, so that the ramming boat cannot be blamed. The presence of so many U-boats on convoy operations has for a long time made this kind of damage a possibility. Reflection on this matter shows that generally speaking, it is not practicable to have more than 13 to 15 boats on to one convoy. Any tactical limitations in connection with the number of attacking boats, the time of the attack, the disposition for attack, by which such collisions could be avoided will be refused, as it is wrong with the difficulties of convoy warfare to apply even the smallest conditions. With the difficulties of convoy warfare every chance of attack must be exploited to the utmost and the maxim impressed again and again on the boats, "on to the target as quickly as possible, attack as often as possible, utilize every chance of attack at once", may not be repudiated on the grounds of security.

The planned Allied invasion of Burma was called off due to lack of supplies; British and Chinese troops fell back from their forward position

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) lies in Rönne, Bornholm, due to bad weather and enemy mines in the silent running testing area.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Wednesday, 9 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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Germany agrees to cede to Italy the French warships captured at Bizerte, Tunisia in the previous month. They include sloop La Batailleuse, sloop Commandant Rivière, torpedo boat Bombarde, torpedo boat La Pomone, torpedo boat L'Iphigénie, submarine Phoque, submarine Saphir, submarine Requin, submarine Espadon, submarine Dauphin, submarine Turquoise, submarine Circé, submarine Calypso, and submarine Nautilus.

U 602 (Kptlt. Philipp Schüler) has passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and therefore comes under F.O. U-boats, Mediterranean.

The following have taken on supplies from U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler): U 172 for return voyage, and U 161 and U 159 for continuation of operations.

As side protection for the German tanker "Germania" which is putting out on 11.12., the following waiting areas are ordered:
U 563, in BE 6899 from dawn on 13.12.; U 706 in BE 9596; U 409 in BE 5766 and U 513 in BE 3574 from dawn on the 14th. Depth 40 sea miles.
U 125 and U 514 both of which put out today are to be in BE 9580 and BE 6880 on the morning of 13.12. and to remain there until it is dark.
U 460, 67, 183 and U 91 are returning to support the tanker on 44° 30' N.

Attacks on isolated traffic in the "Route Anton" area from the S. is forbidden as follows:
S. of 0° from 12.12; S. of 10° N. from 14.12; S. of 20° N. from 16.12; S. of 30° N. from 19.12, closed completely from 22.12. In effect from 0000.
Closing of the northerly section of "Route Anton" owing to the putting out of our own tankers is to be expected sooner.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) lies in Rönne, Bornholm, due to bad weather and enemy mines in the silent running testing area.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115