Operation: Jagd auf die Jäger (warning:many images)

[Threadfin]

This was originally posted in another forum, but I'll put it up here, mostly for the wealth and fame I got the idea one day to attempt a career where I would only attack warships. And here's what happened. (Career played at 88%, externals off, manual targeting, only map contact update enabled)

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August 25th, 1939, Kiel, Germany

There is a knock at the bedroom door, shaking me out of my sleep.

"Herr Leutnant, Admiral Raeder wants to see you at once in his office"

I stumble to get dressed and follow the messenger to the Admiral's office, where he is seated behind his desk. He looks up and returns my salute.

"Hofmann", he says to me, "with the state of affairs as they are, war appears inevitable, wouldn't you agree?"

I did not answer.

"I've come from a meeting with the Fuhrer", he continued, not waiting for a reply, "and the subject of our discussion is the reason I've called you here."

"Jawohl, Herr Admiral"

"Our discussion was focused on the proper utilization of the ubootwaffe in the coming war. After much persuasion, we were succesful in convincing him of the necessity for our submarines to focus on the enemy's merchant fleet. That by depriving him of the means to wage war and to subsist, we will score a decisive strategic victory. To attempt to engage the enemy fleet, while perhaps achieving great tactical successes, would no doubt be less preferrable in the balance."

"However, the Fuhrer was not entirely accepting of our proposals, and has made one demand. He has insisted, and we have relented, that six boats, under command of our most capable officers, will be tasked with engagement of enemy warships as their sole duty. 'It is not possible', the Fuhrer told me, 'that we can permit the enemy fleet to go unchallenged'.

"I am not convinced," the Admiral continued, "that this is the best use of our proud boats and crews, but be that as it may, here are your orders. Any questions?"

"No sir."

The Admiral extended his hand and I took it with my right, the orders with my left. With a smart salute I made leave of those uncomfortable surroundings, and returned to my room where I opened the envelope containing the orders, which read:

"When in all respects ready for sea on or about September 2, 1939, U-49 will depart Kiel to conduct unrestricted warfare against enemy warships. Tactical considerations are left to the discretion of the Commanding Officer."

My mind was racing, who are the enemy? We are not at war. What is to happen? Surely the Admiral knows, and the tone of our conversation left little doubt in my mind that these questions would soon be answered.

On the morning of September 2nd, with crew aboard and U-49 ready, we left Kiel for our first patrol.

As the familiar port that has been our home for the past 4 months faded into the distance, I was uncertain of what lay ahead, but determined that U-49 would do her duty.

[Threadfin]

Patrol 1, September 2 - October 17, 1939
U-49 Type VIIB
7th Flotilla, Kiel, Germany


Compliment 51 men

Officers:
Leutnant z. S. Wilhelm Hofmann, Captain
Oberleutnant z. S. Siegfried Rosing, Chief Engineer
Leutnant z. S. Karl Petersen, Watch Officer
Oberfähnrich z. S. Johannes Schaefer, Navigator
Oberfähnrich z. S. Gottfried Ackermann, Weapons
Oberfähnrich z. S. Carl Rahn, Torpedos/Motormac

Weapons:

(14) G7a steam torpedos
8.8cm SK C/35 deck gun
2cm FK C/30 flak gun aft

Sept 2
U-49 sets sail from Kiel.

Sept 3
Recieved radio message from BdU. Germany is at war with Britain. Turned southwest upon exiting the Skagerrat and set course for the eastern entrance to the English Channel. Our orders are to engage warships, and where better?

Sept 5
Weather closed in as we approached the Channel. Heavy rain, winds and heavy fog. Very limited visibility. Would be madness to enage warships in this weather. Will avoid or evade until weather breaks.

Sept 10
Weather unchanged. Our course has taken us well west of the Channel into the Celtic Sea. The heavy sea state and limited visibility continue to dictate our course of action, and we will continue to avoid or evade until weather breaks.

Sept 19
Weather still heavy, no sign of abating. U-49 has returned through the English Channel to the North Sea. A remarkable achievement by Johan, with no chance for stars or sunlines in two weeks. We will patrol north along the English coast in search of better conditions in which to carry out our orders. The morale of the men is still high, but the lack of action or success and the beating the boat is taking are beginning to tell.

Sept 21
U-49 north of Orkneys. If weather breaks will attempt to penetrate enemy naval base at Loch Ewe.

Sept 23
Weather broke at 7 AM. Clear skies, moderate winds and light fog.

Sept 25
Enroute southwest of Scapa Flow to Loch Ewe. At 1528 lookouts spot the first ship we have seen since Dutch tug on Sept 4. Ship is British Hunt class destroyer. Submerged attack, normal approach course. Single G7a impact pistol set to run fast at 1.5 meters on 080 port track, range 700. Impact forward of bridge after run of 33 seconds, DD explodes and sinks bow first. Gotz timed the sinking at 20 seconds.



Sept 27
U-49 penetrated naval base at Loch Ewe. Harbor entrance screens were avoided so as not to betray our presence. Observed coastal gun emplacements lining north side of inlet. Mines observed along northern side of entrance. At least 2 DD docked at port. Inner waters otherwise unpatrolled. No major ships found. Retired from base undetected.

Oct 1
U-49 patrolling waters west of main entrance to Scapa Flow. We hope to find a task force. 0530, hydrophone contact of warship screws. Observed C class DD with 20 degree port angle. Submerged attack, normal approach course. Single G7a from stern tube, depth 2, fast. Fired on 080 port track, range 400. Impact below stack after run of 18 seconds, DD exploded, caught fire from bow to bridge and sank in less than one minute.



Oct 2
2330 Lookouts spot smoke from a DD with sharp starboard angle. Submerge to close. 2355. Obtained firing position, 80 degree starboard track. Single G7a from bow. DD now identified as V&W class struck between stacks, sinks on even keel in 2 minutes.

Oct 5
Weather closes in again. No rain, but thick fog limits visibility to no more than 2500 meters. Weather should not hamper attacks, but will make spotting more difficult. Prudent to conduct submerged patrol in these conditions for increased probable range of detection by hydrophone. Have maneuvered or dived to avoid several merchant ships over course of past week.

Oct 7
1330 Hydrophone contact with destroyer. Obtained firing position, single G7a from bow fired on 090 port track impacts below bridge, C class DD immediately takes a severe down angle and goes under while still making more than 10 knots.

Oct 8
Recieve radio message from BdU. U-49 is informed that a special mission intended for Prien's U-47 is to be undertaken by U-49 due to mechanical difficulties aboard Prien's boat. We are ordered to penetrate the naval base at Scapa Flow sometime on October 13 or 14. Intelligence indicates presence of major warships at anchor. In the wardroom it is decided to use western passage for submerged attack at dawn on the 13th. Set course for western entrance to Scapa Flow.

Oct 11
Weather has turned clear and calm. It is fortunate as we did not enjoy the prospects of feeling our way around Scapa in the soup. Dove to escape air attack by 4 Hurricanes just after daybreak. Bombs landed close aboard, but U-49 suffered no damage as a result. Several new hands were rather shaken, and rightly so.

1540 Approaching western entrance. Our route is patrolled by two Hunt class DDs. We submerge and at 1559 attack the first DD. A bow fired G7a from 080 port track impacts under front turret causing DD to sink quickly with her stern in the air. The other Hunt came to investigate and at

1619 we maneuvered to fire the stern tube. 090 starboard track, range 300. Impact below bridge after run of just 16 seconds. DD immediately goes up in a flash and burns brightly from bow to stern, sinking quickly with a slight down angle in a flaming sea.



Oct 12
2300 U-49 enters western passage to Scapa Flow. A patrolling coastal vessel forces U-49 to submerge to remain undetected and we follow her in.



When the vessel turns away we surface until the coastal battery comes into view and we submerge again. Once clear of the guns we surface into a still night on a tranquil sea. Air is exchanged and batteries recharged before first light. Submerge once secured from recharge and approach the anchorage. All preparations are made to forward torpedo tubes and the boat is rigged for silent running.

Oct 13
0501 Battleship visible through attack periscope several thousand meters west of the port. U-49 continues to close 090 starboard track for shot. In the early morning light the details of the ship can be seen. It is a Royal Sovereign class battleship, with a Tribal class destroyer anchored some 800 meters astern. Several thousand meters to the east lie two Hunt DDs at anchor, and the whole area is patrolled by 3 destroyers and either a corvette or trawler, the distance and low light prevent identification.



0548 Three-shot G7a salvo fired from 092 starboard track, range 2600 meters at stationary battleship. Torpedo setting fast, depth 4 meters. Zero degree deflection on spread, all torpedos aimed at forward turret as measure against possible movement should she spot tracks and get underway at last moment. Fourth torpedo fired at stationary Tribal astern. Same considerations undertaken and the forward turret is used for aimpoint. U-49 begins reload and makes for western exit.

0549 First three torpedos impact aimpoint on BB after run of one minute and 54 seconds. At once, explosions leap from the forward part of the ship as the magazines below numbers one and two turret detonate.



The Tribal is seen to get underway, but the torpedo impacts on her stern, and she too explodes.



As U-49 continues to egress to the west, we are overtaken by an echo-ranging Hunt who is surely doing just that. We took two shots at this DD at minimal range, and both torpedos missed or failed to detonate. As the DD maneuvered to avoid our second shot she ran aground, caught fire and exploded, breaking in two on the beach.



Upon reaching the exit to the open Atlantic the men were permitted to empty several pans of 20mm into the vessel which had been our escort on the way in. It was thought this was a suitable target for training. Minus most of her rigging and with no stack, she was allowed to waddle on her way.

Oct 14
U-49 is north of Scapa and making course for the North Sea. Siggi has reminded me again of our fuel situation, and it's best we work our way homeward while looking to rid ourselves of the final two torpedos.

Oct 16
0618 U-49 lookouts spot smoke on the horizon east of Hartlepool. Submerge to close and investigate what becomes a C class DD with sharp AoB. Conduct U-49's standard normal approach, fast steamer with shallow run, 080 starboard track, 600 meters. Single torpedo impacts below stack after 22 second run and DD goes up in a fantastic flash, momentarily blinding me in the dim dawn light.



The mangled wreck of the DD slips below the sea still burning brightly one minute after being struck.



With one torpedo remaining, and with just enough fuel to make it back to Kiel, U-49 begins the journey home. The men have earned it.

Oct 17
Make patrol report and recieve receipt with orders to Wilhelmshaven. No doubt our sinking of the battleship has raised a ruckus. 1907 U-49 ties up at Wilhelmshaven.

[Threadfin]

U-49 approaches Wilhelmshaven on the evening of October 17th 1939 after 46 days at sea.





We learn at Wilhelmshaven that the battleship sunk in Scapa was HMS Ramillies. In three days time we will sail on to Kiel for refit before our next patrol.




Patrol 2, November 26 ,1939 - January 19, 1940
U-49 Type VIIB
Wilhelmshaven, Germany

No personel transfers, nor additions or installations to U-49. U-49 remained in Wilhelmshaven for duration of refit. It was intended to return to Kiel, however after a decoration ceremony on October 21st, the entire boat's company was sent on a skiing holiday in Austria, the crew were considered the guests of the entire village, and by all accounts it was a grand time indeed. The Captain remained at Wilhelmshaven to oversee the refit of U-49.

In ceremony on Oct. 21, all hands were awarded U-Boots-Kriegsabzeichen and Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse, and Siggi, Johan, Gotz and Carl were presented with Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse. Several men were put in for promotion, but these did not come through by the time of sailing for patrol 2.

U-49 was, in every respect, provisioned as detailed in report for patrol 1.

Nov 26
1702 U-49 sets sail from Wilhelmshaven. Intend to patrol western, Ocean side approaches to Royal Navy bases at Scapa Flow and Loch Ewe. It is thought that the RN will not venture it's major ships into the North sea, so we will concentrate our efforts to the west. If weather and enemy permit, will attempt dawn periscope searches of anchorages at both bases. Routine patrol will be surfaced, with lookouts posted, with submerged sound sweeps every 30 minutes, weather permitting. In conditions of low visibility, a standard submerged patrol routine will be observed.

Siggi with Bootsman Karl Wiebe and Matrosengefreiter Günther Krey



Gotz and Johan




1733 Made rendezvous with escort, Zerstörer 1934 Z6 Theodor Riedel.



Dec 27
0440 Sent Theodor Riedel our 'Well done' by signal light and recieved her 'Godspeed' in return.

Nov 29
Weather clear and calm. Enroute Orkneys in North Sea.

Nov 31
Rounding Orkneys. 1134 Lookouts spot smoke on horizon. Close to investigate and submerge to avoid estimated 7000 ton British freighter.

Dec 1
Storm. Heavy winds, rain and fog. Will continue west to deeper water to avoid or evade until weather breaks.

Dec 4
Weather breaks to clear skies and light winds from the north. Enroute south to Loch Ewe. Will attempt dawn periscope search of harbor on December 7th. Intend daylight recon of port screens on December 6th.

Dec 5
1255 U-49 west of Durness. Area is heavily travelled merchant route. Must maneuver or dive to avoid numerous ships of all types and tonnage.

2147 Fritz on the hydrophones reports warship screws closing from north during routine sound sweep. Grid AM36, we are postioned in the bottleneck between the Highlands and Western Islands. Number of screws suggests task force. Boat lies to, while course of enemy is determined. Screws seem to be drawing to the west and at 2151 U-49 surfaces to execute surface dash to get ahead.

2203 Pull plug after 15 km surface run for sound bearing check. Screw bearings now more constant. We seem to be positoned ahead on the enemy's base course.

2205 Lead escort visible through persicope. Hunt class DD.

2207 Two battleships visible through persiscope. Lead ship appears to be Royal Sovereign class, second ship identified as Nelson class. U-49 rigged for silent, and continues to close enemy base course for normal approach torpedo attack. Further observations reveal five escorting destroyers in total, one leading, two trailing and one on either flank. For a reason known only to the Royal Navy, the flank screens are positioned on the Nelson's quarters instead of ahead where a torpedo attack is likely to occur.

2210 Range to base course 2000 meters. Setup looking good for 1500 meter port track salvo at Nelson class BB. Enemy speed determined to be 21 kts on base course of 205 true. Made preparations to all tubes.

2216 Lead escort seen to zig to suddenly. Assumed we were detected and made preparations for deep submergence and rigged boat for depth charge.

2217 Task Force observed to heel in line. It is evident we are not detected, enemy has changed course to 170 true apparently intent on heading to Loch Ewe. Course will take task force astern of U-49. Rang up ahead one-third and left full rudder in attempt to bring foreward tubes to bear against battleship.

2219 Range to task force less than 1200 meters. Due to sudden change in setup, it is decided to switch target to Royal Sovereign in order to begin deep evasion at earliest. Three-shot G7a salvo fired when gyros show 000, range 1000, AoB 80 starboard. Torpedo depth 4 meters, impact pistol, 44 kt speed. Zero degrees on spread, speed of target should spread impacts over 100 meters of length. Shudder, zing and momentary pressure on our ears from the impulse air bleedback. Fritz whispered 'all hot, straight and normal'. Fourth torpedo retained in the event it is needed for defense should we be caught before reaching depth. Began corkscrew descent to 100 meters to avoid depth charges.



2220 After run of 45 seconds, three detonations are heard as U-49 passes through 40 meters.

2224 Breaking up noises heard by all aboard. Noises followed by several thunderous detonations that thoroughly shook U-49. It is believed the battleship's magazines detonated at depth.

2226 Corkscrew continues, with rudder changes intended to put screws further astern. At 100 meters, rudder amidship and U-49 traces the reciprocal of the task force's course to maximize separation.

2357 Screws lost on bearing 170. The escorts apparently searched for one and a half hours, but to no avail.

Dec 6
0020 U-49 Surfaced to renew and recharge, and to bring the fore external into the reserve.

1239 U-49 closes entrance to Loch Ewe for daylight observation of port screens. Is it desired to determine strength, route and timing of all patrols for intended penetration of harbor dawn, Dec 7.

1550 Observations show port more heavily defended than during previous visit in September. Approach is patrolled by 3 DD, two Hunt class and one V&W. A corvette or trawler patrols south, and one or more PT boats crisscross the area. Another V&W patrols the inlet on an east-west route. Planes are observed twice during the recon. A formidable array, no doubt. U-49 withdraws to west for renew and recharge. There is a chance that the Nelson battleship that got by yesterday is in Loch Ewe. We intend to find out.

Dec 7
0200 Aided by our afternoon recon, U-49 slips through a gap in the patrols and enters passage to Loch Ewe. 0204 Dive to avoid detection by inlet V&W. More warship screws detected in harbor. Continue submerged to close port and anchorage area.

0500 U-49 deep in harbor, no signs of being suspected. U-49 lays to submerged in empty anchorage south of main port facility. Waiting for daylight for proper look around. The port is screened by a C class DD, and 4 or more DD docked at port. A major ship is barely visible some 4000 meters toward the northern anchorage. More light will permit look into far reach of northern achorage.

0703 C class destoyer route plotted. Still unable to see farthest part of anchorage, but major ship has developed into Nelson class battleship. Plan to attack this ship when C class has reached the furthest point on her route to assist in evading her. Our close observations of this DD as she's passed our scope several times over the past two hours have shown she has no apparent depth charge racks.

0800 C class has crossed in front on the closest point it's route will take to U-49, some 350 meters ahead. Rang up ahead slow and proceeded to point we have selected for shot. It is decided to use magnetic pistols intended to detonate under the ship's keel, fired from a zero degree AoB, range 2800 meters. To attempt to shoot from starboard side of ship would place U-49 in area determined to be mined on previous visit. To attempt shot from port would take U-49 deep into the northern anchorage, lengthening and complicating exit and evasion, and causing us to cross several times the route being patrolled by the C class DD. The docked DDs cause us concern should they be manned and get underway. We will use the slowest torpedo speed to maximize the distance U-49 can move from the tracks before the fish detonate. Should the battleship spot the tracks, the zero angle should guarantee she runs over regardless of which way she might turn. To charge ahead would only hasten the meeting.



0816 C class at furthest point of route. Three-shot G7a salvo with zero degree fan angle fired from zero angle, range 2800 meters. Depth 12 meters, magnetic pistol, 30-knot speed. One torpedo retained fore and aft for defense as there is no place for deep evasion in Loch Ewe. U-49 begins reload and makes for exit at ahead standard drawing to southern side to avoid expected approach by inlet V&W as she investigates explosions.

0818 Battleship making smoke and bow wake forming. Her lookouts have spotted the tracks or soundmen have detected the torpedo props.

0819 After run of 3 minutes 4 seconds, magnetic pistol functions as designed, and water plumes observed on either side of hull. Location of plumes indicate detonations below number two turret. Battleship seems to be lifted out of the water as explosions rip the forward part of the ship. Battleship settles quickly on an even keel, grounding in the shallow water with her tops visible above.



0820 Torpedo end-run detonation on beach. Evidently only two of our torpedos were needed. U-49 continues to make for exit. No evidence the docked DDs are getting underway. The C class DD is seen to trace the reciprocal of our torpedo tracks, but that is now far astern. Investigating V&W passes 300 meters to starboard and continues to scene of sinking. U-49 slips past, leaving Loch Ewe, the V&W and the smoke from the burning battleship in the distance.



0923 U-49 avoids port entrance screens and makes for open Atlantic to northwest.

1649 Surface.

[Threadfin]

Jan 15
0440 U-49 attacks lone J class DD and sinks it with single fish fired from tube two, range 750 meters.

Jan 16
0119 Contact with C class DD. Normal approach course. With two torpedos remaining, Gotz requests we fire a spread, to check the accuracy of our angle solver and deflection of the TDC. It had not occurred to me that we have yet, in two patrols, to fire any salvos with any deflection. Permission was granted and a two-shot G7a spread was fired from tubes one and three with a deflection of 5 degrees. It was unlikely this would cause both fish to hit, but virtually assured one or the other, would. It was tube one's fish that hit, right on the aim point and the DD blew up, took a severe down angle and dissapeared beneath the sea. Now having expended all torpedos, U-49 surfaced for our return to Kiel.

Jan 17
Made patrol report. Recieved reciept with no further instructions.

Jan 19
1730 U-49 ties up at Kiel after 55 days at sea.







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Patrol 3, March 9 - April 18, 1940
U-49 Type VIIB
Kiel, Germany

Refit carried out in Kiel. No personel changes, nor additions or installations to U-49. Gotz and Carl awarded Ritterkreuz for the performance of their torpedos in sinking three enemy capital ships on U-49s first two patrols. I recieved Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse and Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse, along with promotion to Oberleutnant. Several petty officers advanced one rating prior to departure.

U-49 was, in all respects, provisioned as detailed in report for patrol 1, except:

When making way down gangway on morning of departure I noticed U-49s conning tower adorned with artwork which certainly had not been there on final inspection day before. As I stepped onto the boat I looked at Karl, then back at the tower to the four aces painted there. Karl met my eyes and grinned "The crew says they are for the four enemy capital ships sunk by U-49." I thought for a moment, then noticed Karl's widening smile. The Captain had the message.

Mar 9
1615 U-49 sets sail from Kiel

1718 Made rendezvous with escort, Zerstörer Z2 Georg Thiele.



Mar 10
0700 Sent Georg Thiele our "Well done" and recieved her "Godspeed" in return.

Mar 11
Enroute Orkneys in North Sea. Patrol routine will be surfaced with sounds sweeps every 30 minutes, except in limited visibility conditions and in areas covered by air patrols. In such conditions a routine submerged patrol will be observed.

Mar 13
Barometer dropping, winds picking up and dark clouds on horizon.

Mar 15
Storm closes in. Thick fog, heavy rain, wind and sea state.

Mar 20
Northwest Scapa Flow. Light screws picked up on hydrophones at various times and bearings. None determined to be warship, so avoided. Weather still heavy.

Mar 25 Weather unchanged. Will attempt dawn periscope search of anchorage at Scapa Flow if and when weather cooperates.

Mar 30
Weather broke to clear skies, light fog and light breeze.

1800 Karl's crew spots smoke on horizon. Close submerged for look. Contact is V&W DD with sharp angle. Normal approach course for beam torpedo attack. Single G7a, set shallow at 44 kt speed impacts destroyer between stacks, causing DD to explode, burn and sink in less than two minutes.

Mar 31
Closing Scapa for daylight recon of western entrance screens for possible dawn attack in Scapa Flow. Recon again shows disposition of screens identical to previous visits in October and January.

2300 U-49 enters western passage. Our timing was not as good as previous visits. Were forced down by approaching Hunt, but were able to slip past.

April 1

0330 Surface east of coastal battery.

0535 Recharge secured, U-49 dives to close anchorage for first light look around.

0610 Large ship visible some distance west of location where Ramillies was anchored on Oct 13. Continue to close for closer look, rigged for silent running. Fritz reports minimum 4 distinct DD screws in harbor. None are in sight through scope.

0615 Ship appears to be large, 10,000 ton freighter or transport.

0618 At least seven small caliber (3-5 inch) gun emplacements visible on decks. Likely she is auxilliary cruiser, armed merchant raider or convoy escort. Certainly she has a military purpose, perhaps a Q-ship. Her north-south orientation suggests a zero angle shot as done on Nelson in Loch Ewe Dec 7. To attempt beam shot would put U-49 much closer to shoreline, confining evasion to one direction should it become necessary. Continue to close for bow shot.

0640 Roughly 2000 meters to east of this ship another major ship is visible through scope. Close to investigate.

0651 Second ship identified as fleet carrier moored east-west presenting beam to our position. Decide to attack this ship first, then auxilliary if enemy and time permit.

0700 In growing light, details confirm earlier identifications. Carrier identified as HMS Indefatigable, second ship looks in all respects as freighter or transport, but presence of guns betray her true role.



0712 U-49 in position on starboard beam of carrier. Prepared three-shot salvo, with considerations similar to previous when attacking stationary ship. Torpedo speed 44 kts, depth 5 meters, zero deflection with aimpoint 1/3 of distance from bow to stern. Fourth torpedo retained for defense, or for auxilliary should she get underway.

Patrols, though increased in strength since last visit, are surprisingly not covering the water where these valuable ships are moored. Evidently the western passage is not thought to navigable by submarine, and the disposition of these forces seem to be focused on southern or eastern passages. In any event, we should be able to get a good run back toward the exit before patrols can close scene.

0714 Carrier underway, but too late. All three torpedos impact near her stern. The first two detonations have little apparent effect, but when the third strikes she explodes, with flames visible from bridge to stern. She starts to capsize to starboard, but the roll is caught as she grounds in the shallow water. Begin reload and make for exit. Will deal with auxilliary on way.



0820 Reload completed. Auxilliary has not moved, and patrols have closed general area of firing on previous attack. While they are occupied near the burning carrier, U-49 postions for starboard beam attack on auxilliary cruiser.

0838 Two-shot G7a salvo, 44 kt speed, 5 meter depth, zero deflection, aimed midway between foremast and bridge. In final moments of run, ship gets underway but she does not gather speed quickly. First torpedo strikes forward of bridge, second below the stack. Ship ablaze at once and U-49 turns 180 for exit.



0901 Two DD have closed scene of latest sinking. Both lay to, perhaps assisting survivors. Setup to closest DD is too good to pass up and at

0904 Single G7a shallow runner fired from stern tube at stationary DD directly astern, range 3800 meters. DD spots track and makes steam. Torpedo assumed to miss astern.

1510 U-49 exits western passage to Scapa Flow. Guarding the exit is another of our Hunts, likely the one that forced us down on the way in. Obtain fring position for 080 starboard track range 700 meters. Again, midway through run DD executes sharp turn to port and torpedo assumed to deflect and not detonate due to insuficient angle at impact. Detonation at depth 16 seconds later suggests this theory is correct. DD swings lazily to the right and does not start echo ranging. As she crosses astern, tube five is fired and DD continues on course making 12 kts. She was a dead duck on this shot and it is unknown whether torpedo missed or failed to detonate. Lack of end-run detonation suggests dud.

DD continues on in straight line seemingly oblivious to the torpedos that just clanged off her hull. Commence reload of tube five and continue to egress west. If this DD is willing to let matters stand, then so are we.

1623 Our Hunt is back. Her course is dead on. Prepare tubes forward and aft. We plan to hit her before she can hit us. Though she still seems oblivious, torpedo fired from after tube on 080 starboard track from 400 meters. This torpedo also fails to detonate. Siggi suggests, and I agree, to get the hell out of here and call it a draw.

April 2
Enroute north of Orkneys to north sea. Intend to patrol Hartlepool Hole to expend remaining torpedos then home.

April 3
1734 Soon after surfacing from routine sound sweep, U-49 is attacked by 2 British Hurricanes. Flak gun is manned by Hartmann, who shoots one into the sea. By time second Hurricane had come around for bomb run U-49 was at 50 meters, and the explosion came well astern.

April 8-9
U-49 in Hartlepool Hole 50 km off English coast. As on previous patrol, area is heavy merchant route, both north-south along coast, and east west from port to Norway and Denmark.

2041 U-49 attacks and sinks V&W DD with single G7a

0110 U-49 sinks V&W DD with single G7a. Close scene upon surfacing and recover life ring with "HMS Wanderer" in block lettering.

April 10
1200 U-49 closes coast in search of target. Water very shallow, 20 meters at most. Make contact with screws of apparent merchant. Smoke soon in view, close to look her over. Trawler observed to have gun on fore deck and flying ensign of Royal Navy. Single G7a fired on 080 starboard track from 500 meters with magnetic pistol. Short length makes her a difficult target. After run of 19 seconds torpedo detonates under her bow and she is virtually lifted out of the sea.




She crashes down onto her bow and keeps right on going as though nothing had happened. Since her only apparent weapons were the single gun foreward, we fell in line and prepared to battle surface astern and attack with 8.8cm gun.

1205 Just as the order was about to be given to surface, trawler is seen to capsize suddenly to port and sink.



April 12
Weather closes in with low visibility, overcast and high winds.

April 13
Patrolling eastern entrance to English channel in search of target for final two torpedos.

April 14
2300 Hyrdrophone contact of destroyer screws closing near Dover strait. V&W DD with sharp angle, normal approach for beam attack with both torpedos. As with final firing on previous patrol, a spread is used, this time 1 degree deflection in attempt to hit with both fish. 080 port track from 850 meters. First torpedo impacts below bridge, second below after turret. DD is seen to explode, catch fire and sink in short order within sight of city of Dover. Surface and set course for Kiel

April 15
Make patrol report and recieve no further instructions. Enroute Kiel.

April 18
0746 U-49 ties up at Kiel in driving rainstorm after 41 days at sea.

[Threadfin]

Kiel, Germany
June 1940

Captain's notes.

U-49 is undergoing refit in Kiel. New installations include AFA27 MAK 800 batteries for shorter recharge times and a new mechanical supercharger for marginal increase in surfaced speed. We should expect a reduction in range and endurance to a similar degree.

During this time I have had the opportunity to visit Krupp's yard in Kiel and look over the new fleet boats being built and nearing completion. The first of these are to be commisioned in the coming weeks. The new boats will be designated VIIC. An extra frame was added to the central control room providing an additional 30cm to either side of the periscope housing. This increased space is intended for the new echo-ranging equipment called S-Gerat. This also allows the conning tower to be enlarged 30cm in length and 6cm in width. Two pressure-tight negative buoyancy tanks (Untertriebzelle), one on either side, are included within the saddle tanks to enable improved diving time in combat by remaining partially flooded. The engines are also upgraded, with an oil filtration system introduced to prolong the life of diesel lubricants and increase engine reliability. Also the starboard electrical compressor is replaced by a diesel-powered Junkers model, reducing the strain on the densely packed batteries. Finally, improved AEG-designed knob-switch electrical control system is introduced to replace the archaic BBC knife-switch system used on the VIIB. Performance should be roughly the same as with the VIIB, but perhaps a bit less submerged range, endurance and speed due to the additional submerged displacement.

I've had the opportunity over the course of our stay in Kiel to speak with other Captains returning from war patrols. I find these informal discussions to be very educational. It is in general agreement that the enemy, while mostly disorganized and understrength at the outset of war, is quickly increasing the strength of the forces opposing us, and improving their antisubmarine tactics. It is evident that an increasing number of destroyers are being outfitted with radar to improve detection of our boats while surfaced, and the enemy's echo-ranging equipment is able to hold our boats at deeper depths Boats are failing to return in ever increasing numbers. Three jadgbooten are presumed lost. Schmidtke in U-45 failed to return from a patrol west of the Irish Channel. Wittmann in U-51 is overdue from a patrol near Gibraltar, and Ruppert in U-54 was most likely sunk by a combination of aircraft and escort vessels north of the Azores. Despite these losses, the Jadgbooten are judged to be a great success and the force has been been doubled to 12 boats.

In a conference of JU-boot officers at Kiel, the subject of boats for our force came up. The type VII is seen by many to be most suitable among our choices. The relatively small size of 750 tons aids in remaining undetected, both on the surface and when submerged. Maneuverability is superior to the larger long range boats, and most importantly in my view, a shorter time is require to submerge. It is evident that the type IX boat is being considered for long-range J-boot patrols, but in my view, aside from the additional torpedo tube astern, the IX boat is ill-suited for action against warships, area of operations notwitstanding. Word is the VIIC will become the primary boat of the Unterseejadgbootwaffe.

On the warfront, Chamberlain is out, Churchill is in. Our ground forces have invaded Belgium, Luxembourg and France. If the French campaign is successful in reaching the coast, it will be an enormous benefit to the ubootwaffe. Bases along the French Biscay Bay coast would allow our boats open access to the Atlantic, and reduce by at least a fortnight the time necessary to sail around the British Isles on the outbound and return trips combined.

A slight modification to J-boot orders is now included. In addtition to our duties as warship hunters, ocean liners are now a permitted target. These liners are assuredly used as troop transports, and any J-boot encountering one should consider it a valuable target. American ships remain untouchable, a subject that causes some consternation in our circle. Despite their neutrality, it is widely believed their ships are carrying war-goods to the British Isles.

We leave for our fourth war patrol in a few days.

[Threadfin]

Patrol 4, June 7 - August 7, 1940
Kiel, Germany
U-49 Type VIIB

Refit carried out in Kiel. No personel transfers. New installations, supercharger and MAK 800 battery type.

Aside from new installations, U-49 was, in every respect, provisioned as detailed in previous reports.

Jun 7
0700 U-49 sets sail from Kiel. Patrol routine as described in previous reports, with provision for submerged patrol when within 400 km of enemy territory as precaution against air attack and radar equipped patrols.

1020 Made rendezvous with escort, Z1 Leberecht Maas.

1105 As arranged with Captain of Leberecht Maas prior to departure, U-49 dives with both scopes raised to PD.

1107 Recieved string of 6 indoctrinational depth charges. They were tooth shakers, but of course not close enough to damage our boat. U-49 has not been subjected to depth charging yet in the war, and I wanted to be sure those who had heard them before would remember, and those who hadn't, would not soon forget.

Jun 8
0100 Sent Leberecht Maas our "Well Done" by signal light and recieved her "Godspeed" in return.

Jun 10
Enroute Orkneys through North Sea. Weather now stormy, heavy fog, rain, wind and sea state.

Jun 13
West of Scapa Flow enroute area west of Irish Channel. Discussions with other Captains during refit have revealed increasing strength of convoy escort. Will attempt interception to learn more of convoys, escorts, their makeup, actions and disposition. Weather still heavy.

Jun15
Weather unchanged. West of Irish Channel in grid AM02.

Jun17
Weather broke to clear skies. Winds and sea state remain unchanged.

Jun 18
0645 Recieved radio message indicating position, course and speed of enemy convoy. Position shows they had snuck past last night. Relative positions prove chase not prudent, as it would put U-49 close to enemy coast, and in shallow water.

1135 Lookouts spot smoke coming over horizon. Close surfaced for better look.

1146 Contact is C Class DD with sharp angle. Pulled plug for submerged attack.

1200 Single G7a fired on 075 port track, range 900 at fast moving DD. Clocked speed as 24 kts. Torpedo impacts DD aft of stacks, she was ablaze at once and sank quickly with a moderate down angle.

Jun 20
0101 Made contact with certain convoy during routine hydrophone sweep. Fritz reports many merchant screws with at least one ship's warscrews mixed in. Definitely a convoy with escort. Plot course and conn boat for intercept.

0320 Convoy in sight. Many ships, 20+. Lead escort is DD. Close to identify and possible attack.

0346 Convoy consists of 6 colums of 3 or 4 ships each, with V&W destroyer at van.

Single G7a fired on 080 starboard track at lead escort making 9 kts when leading stack touched the wire. No evidence through reaction that torpedo was sighted, and impact amidship. DD continued on, slowing, then took slight down angle and slipped below the sea.

0415 Convoy, now zigging mildly, but still on base course. Convoy consists of 3 tankers, one ocean liner, and remainder of small, medium and large freighters. As ocean liners are now viable targets for J-boats, close to identify and set up possible attack.

0423 Liner indentified as American, flying Stars and Stripes. Her sailing in convoy should negate her neutrality, but the orders restricting this target are clear. Dove to avoid getting run over by convoy.



0440 Continued dive to test valves and watertight intergrity as this is first time we have been in deep water with good weather.

0450 U-49 reached 160 meters with no apparent problems. Order surface to report now-unescorted convoy for possible attack by other boats or Luftwaffe.

0509 Made contact report. Enroute Loch Ewe.

Jun 22
2100 Closing Loch Ewe for recon of port screen for possible attack inside anchorage and harbor. As on previous visits, several DD, corvettes and PT boats guarding approach.

2130 Hunt DD getting too close for comfort, and at

2135 Single G7a fired on 080 port track from tube one range 900. No detonation either on ship, or end run. Likely dud.

2137 Single G7a fired on 090 starboard track, range 650 meters from stern tube impacts DD just aft of bridge. DD takes severe down angle and goes under without appearing to lose speed.

2200 Remaining area patrols have closed scene. They have congregated at exact spot from which we fired at Hunt. How they were able to determine this position is unknown, and this is the subject of most conversation in the wardroom for the rest of the day. U-49 withdraws to west for renew and recharge.

Jun 23
0150 U-49 has entered main inlet by passing through gap in screen, which may have been partially our doing. Submerged to avoid detection by inlet V&W patrol. At this latitude and time of year the nights never become truely dark. Due to this U-49 will attempt to make attack before dawn, as light will be sufficient for proper look around harbor throughout the night.

0202 At exit to inlet as it opens into Loch Ewe, a warship that looks in all respects as DD is moored. 180 AoB prevents identification. Continue to close for better look.

0215 Contact has airplane on deck. She is not a DD but a cruiser. U-49 positioning for beam shot.

0226 Two-shot G7a salvo fired at front turrets from 090 port track at stationary Fiji class CL. With three tubes still loaded, reload can wait, maintain silent running and make for exit.

0227 Impact on aimpoint by both fish causes cruiser to catch fire and repeated explosions are observed from bow to stern.



She is certainly finished. Continue to make for exit. V&W showing zero angle. Getting by will prove a challenge and there is nowhere to evade either vertically or horizontally.

0229 Just as we are about to be forced to attack the V&W as she still closes with a zero angle, a quick sweep on the scope to assess the situation shows what appears to be the enemy depth charging their port. Through the high power scope I can see spouts of water, exactly as those that might come from a depth charge. I can see boats that must be dropping them. However, these are PT boats, and I know of none that carry DCs. Is this a new innovation for the British? As these thoughts and the closing V&W swirl around in my head, I can see tracer fire climbing into the sky. Sweep the scope up and see several twin engine bombers, what appear to be Junkers-88s. Those were not DCs, but the Luftwaffe, who attacked almost to the instant when the Fiji blew up. Perhaps the enemy will assume the cruiser was a target of the bombers now overhead. Perhaps they will not suspect a submarine and we can use this to our advantage. It's true! The V&W sails right on by and does not use echo ranging or a zigging search pattern. At least one of the attacking planes is shot down, and another flys off to the east, trailing smoke and fire. U-49 makes for exit.



01723 U-49 surfaces well west of Loch Ewe. On the way out of the inlet, the V&W returned, and was echo ranging which caused for some tense moments. But our 180 angle likely prevented returns and the rate of echo did not increase at any time during U-49s exit.

Jun 25
U-49 patrolling area where convoy was encountered several days previous.

1546 Storm appears suddenly. Heavy fog, wind, rain and sea state. U-49 turns south for seas less patrolled. This fog, and the enemy's increasingly effective use of radar, cause us to wait out the storm before resuming any more attacks. We have no way to detect these ships when surfaced aside from sight, and by then it would be too late, as visbility is less than 400 meters.

Jun 29
Recieved radio message that u-boat base in Bordeaux now open for business.

Jul 1
Well west in BE grid. Weather unchanged. Avoid or evade until weather breaks.

Jul 5
Weather unchanged. Routine unchanged. Riding out storm submerged except for recharge, with comfort of crew, increased range of search by hydrophone, and precaution against collisions and radar equipped warships dictating our actions.

Jul 6
Weather breaks to a beautiful day.

0410 With never-dark conditions it is apparent the enemy can keep his air forces up around the clock. The storm that has just cleared lasted two weeks, and I'm sure the enemy is glad to be flying again. Increasing contacts with Hurricanes carrying single bomb on centerline.

0502 Alarm! Soon after surfacing from a sound sweep U-49 is attacked by Hurricanes. Flakgun had been manned and enemy taken under fire. Both planes released their bombs. One bomb landed uncomfortably close aboard port. No damage to either side and we sought safety in the deep Atlantic.



0610 Back at PD. Hydrophone contact with DD. Closing on a constant bearing. Up scope and sweep to see smoke from what becomes an old four-pipe flushdecker.

0629 Slow moving four-piper fired on with single G7a from bow tube on 080 starboard track, range 1000. At the exact moment of expected impact, Fritz reports sound of dud impact. DD immediately makes steam for all she's worth and comes right at us. U-49 had been turning for stern shot if necessary since firing first shot.

0631 Tube five fired at fast moving and wildly zigging DD. Her erratic course made targeting difficult, and a mag pistol with underkeel depth setting was used as a result. After 30 seconds, DD was almost on us, and with no detonation we were sure we had missed. Deep submergence ordered along with right full rudder to begin corkscrew and U-49 started down.

0633 First of string of 6 depth charges shook U-49 and caused minor damage to the upper decking. Continue to dive to 150 meters.

0636 Second string of DCs. These were not as close. End-run detonation of 0631 torpedo.

0639 Third string of DCs further away.

0642 Fourth and last string. U-49 escapes to the southwest.

Jul 6

2056 Contact on hydrophone with fast closing DD screw on constant bearing. Normal approach course for beam attack. Speed determined to be 24 knots. Tribal DD was moving so quickly she was by before I was prepared, and the single G7a was fired from 600 meters on a 105 track, and already the gyros read 020. The short range should ensure a square enough impact provided we had her AoB, speed and range correct.



After run of 26 seconds impact below front turret. Shot almost missed because by the time the shot was taken the AoB had increased far beyond the 77 we had set for the when the shot was intended to be taken. No measures were undertaken to reset the AoB as should have been done, and we are lucky this torpedo hit and detonated. Tribal destroyers are very capable, and we do not wish to give them a second chance if we can prevent it. If this torpedo had missed, it would certainly have been preventable, and I would be the only one to blame for the error.



Tribal DD immediately started to slow and take a down angle as her foreward compartments flooded. The flooding soon overcame her bouyancy, and she stood on her bow before slipping below the sea.



Jul 9
Weather closes in. Heavy rain, fog, wind and sea state.

Jul 13 Weather unchanged. Routine submerged patrol . Recieved radio message that u-boat base in Lorient is now open for business.

Jul 17
Weather unchanged. Routine submegred patrol. Screws heard since storm began. Boat conned to avoid.

Jul 22
Weather unchanged.

Jul 27
Weather unchanged.

Jul 31
Damn the cursed weather!

Aug 2
Weather unchanged. This storm has raged for 3 weeks. Fuel is now a concern. Will attempt to extend patrol as long as possible to expend remaining ordnance. Biscay bases give option to put in there. Supercharger has apparently caused minimum two-week reduction in endurance while gaining 1-2 knots at all engine speeds.

0610 While surfaced in fog and rain recharging batteries, U-49 is attacked by sudden gunfire from charging corvette. U-49 is struck 3 times by glancing gunfire before able to submerge. Siggi goes forward and comes back to report damage relatively minor. We've sprung a few leaks, and it is certain the hull has taken damage. Leveled off at 70 meters to not put too much strain on hull until damage can be properly assesed.

0612 First of 3 strings of innaccurate DCs fall astern.

0630 U-49 clear of corvette screws.

Aug 4
Weather breaks to the finest day any on board can recall. Damage from corvette determined to be minor. The sharp angle we presented while under fire caused the rounds thats struck us to hit at such an angle they did not penetrate, or HE ammunition was used, preventing penetration of our pressure hull. In any case, will limit depth to maximum 100 meters to be certain until she can be inspected at base.

0655 U-49 attacks and sinks V&W class DD with two shot spread, range 1000. Spread was fired as insurance against dud.

Aug 5
1259 Radio report of lone, fast enemy ship heading NE through BF grid toward Bristol channel. This is just southeast of U-49. Plot course and go to ahead flank to see if we can close for attack before she gets by.

1350 Barely visible through the mist is a huge, two stack transport. Due to the separation on her stacks, we believe she is already abreast. Speed clocks at 21 kts. At ahead flank, U-49 is barely holding 18 knots, so the shot had to happen now if we were to take it. Her flag was not visible at this distance, but certainly this ship was the subject of the 1259 report, and was classified in that report as enemy.

1351 With 5 foreward, and one after torpedo remaining, and not enough fuel for more than 4 days, all foreward tubes were quickly prepared for a four-shot G7a spread, 30 knot speed with 5 degrees deflection. Some quick calculation invloving the current range, bearing and AoB meant that these torpedos, if they were to have any chance of hitting her, would have to travel a very long way indeed, likely in excess of 10,000 meters if our current range info of 7400 meters were accurate. G7a's with 44 or 40 knot setting cannot travel in excess of 10,000 meters before they end-run detonate, so that left only the 30 knot speed. With the target's speed of 21 kts, that would mean an overtake of only 9 kts. It would be quite some time before we knew if we had hit her, and certainly this point, if the highly unlikely interception occurred, would be out of our visual range. We would dive immediately upon firing, as aircraft had been sighted almost continuously since weather broke yesterday.



1352 With virtually no chance of success, a four shot G7a spread with 5 degrees deflection from 7400 meters, AoB 90, 30 knot speed, depth 8 was fired at this ship estimated to be 40,000 tons.

Almost at the instant the last torpedo was fired U-49 attacked by Hurricanes out of the sun. First bomb missed, but the second landed close enough to cover the bridge with water and knock some hull plates loose. Damage assesed as moderate and we dove as planned, but with with a bit more urgency than I would have liked.

1452 Ten minutes after firing the torpedos an impact is heard through the hydrophones. Fritz is grinning ear to ear. She is slowing. U-49 closes area liner expected to be if she has slowed drastically or come to a stop.

1501 Screws have stopped. She's dead in the water or sinking. Continue to close scene on last sound bearing.

1505 Liner in sight, smoking near rear stack, with small fire visible, but other wise appearing high and level. Single remaining foreward G7a fired on 090 port track, range 2100. Impact below front stack. Ship apparently unaffected, assumes no noticable angle or list. Swing for remaining stern fish.



1508 Final torpedo fired on 090 port track, range 2300 at back stack. Impact and ship aparently unaffected, assumes no noticable angle or list.

1630 U-49 lays to, submerged, watching liner. She does not appear to be sinking. Many aircraft overhead. When first warscrews heard closing the scene, U-49, out of torpedos, turns and sets course for Lorient. I believe a mistake was made in regards to the final firing. Evidence showed that the first spread's impact likely hit in region of back stack, as the fire and smoke were visible in that area. Second torpedo aimpoint of front stack is logical, to spread the flooding, and potentially explode fuel bunker. However, firing the third and final torpedo again at the back stack, while likely adding significantly to the damage, probably did not contribute to the flooding, having hit the same space as the first torpedo.

Aug 7
0638 U-49 ties up at Lorient after 62 days at sea.