Thanks! Merely trying to render some historical perspective/context to our game play ...

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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


Friday, 23 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


Tirpitz departed Bogen near Narvik, Norway for refitting at Fættenfjord/Lofjord near Trondheim.

U 333 (Kptlt. "Ali" Cremer) entered La Pallice.

U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) fired 3 spread which missed at unknown 4,000 tonner in ET 5241, possibly dummy warship, course 100°, low speed. Probable pistol failure.

U D 5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) sighted no traffic in western sector of ET, commenced return passage on account of fuel supply. Reported heavy air patrol by sea planes and land-based aircraft in CF 6181.

U 441 (Kptlt. Klaus Hartmann) sighted independent ship in AK 6577 on 22 Oct. During attack at dusk (or dawn, not indicated) 2 spread fired, which missed also 2 single shots. Another submarine in the vicinity, behaving very suspiciously.

U 129 (Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt) sank American ship "Reuben Tipton" in EE 5627, carrying mixed cargo from Capetown to Trinidad, course 290° degrees. In FE 5654 2 shots missed at ballaster on W. course. U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) lay in the same area as U 129 and also operated on "Reuben Tipton". SOS sent by "Reuben Tipton" (6,870 GRT) in EE 6440.

Situation U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles; ex Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt): On 20 Oct. in FP 2362 nothing sighted. U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) also operating there. On morning of 23 Oct. torpedoed destroyer of "Balch" class, hit below bridge (was actually Dido Class Cruiser HMS Phoebe (43). Nothing further observed on account of defence. Cabinda (Angola) harbor greatly enlarged. At present 5 steamers along jetty. Probable formation of enemy convoy since arrival of 2 destroyers.

U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) on passage through DS 30 for refueling from "Milk Cow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe).

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) picked up returning "Tannenfels" according to plan at arranged meeting place CD 9755 at 1400 on 22 Oct. and sent message from DF 1229 as ordered by German Naval Staff.

Allied convoy UCF 1, containing troops and equipment for the invasion of French North Africa ("Operation Torch"), departed Chesapeake Bay, U.S.A.

RAF bombers attacked Genoa and Turin, Italy.

"Operation Lightfoot" was launched by the British in Egypt, attempting to penetrate the extensive Axis minefield with a major offensive.

Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt arrived in London, for a three-week visit as guest of King George VI.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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


Saturday, 24 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


U 518 (Oblt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) fired 4 spread miss on destroyer, which was probably picked up on hydrophones and out-maneuvered.

U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) sighted 2 single destroyer masts in AK 0377, and presumed an A/S patrol.

U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) during night attack on vessels on course 320 in FH 9593 on 24.10. was forced off by destroyer. Destroyer was apparently operating on 200 meter line, and boat presumed traffic to be proceeding close inshore.

U 132 (Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang) in patrol line of Group "Veilchen" reported bearing increasing in signal strength in BC 2275, and later a number of bearings over whole scale. Boat heard pistons and turbines passing overhead on two occasions. Retired in S.E. direction. As no convoy lay in the vicinity according to own dead reckoning estimations Group "Veilchen" received orders to continue patrol. U 132 was left free to pursue.

Following completed refueling from "Milk Cow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer): U 620 - 382 - 260 and 662.

The British submarine HMS Unique, last heard from on 9 Oct 1942, is posted as missing presumed lost, most probably after detonating a mine west of the Bay of Biscay, on or around 10 Oct 1942.

In Egypt outside of El Alamein, British aircraft dropp 122 tons of bombs on Axis airfields and tank concentrations, as Allied troops continued to engage in heavy combat.

General Georg Stumme, temporarily in command of Panzer Army Afrika in Erwin Rommel's absence, dies from a heart attack after falling from his car while conducting a reconnaissance of British positions at El Alamein, Egypt. His body will not be found until the next day. General Wilhelm von Thoma, commanding the Afrika Korps, takes over pending Rommel's return.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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


Sunday, 25October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


Group "Veilchen" was warned of expected passage of east bound convoy. U 704 (Kptlt. Horst Wilhelm Kessler) sighted sea plane inside patrol area in AJ 8811. U 132 (Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang) reported destroyer in BC 2239, which later turned out to be ship sailing independently on general course 20°.

Group "Streitaxt":
U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) sighted passenger steamer in DH 4573 on northerly course, speed 16 knots ("California" class). Boat pursued steamer as far as DH 1181 without success and then returned to patrol line. U 659 (Kptlt. Hans Stock) was forced to submerge by two destroyers and was depth charged.
At 2115 U 203 (Obtlt. Hermann Kottmann; ex Kptlt. Rolf Mützelburg) reported 3 steamers on easterly course in DH 4788. As the sighting was exactly on a level with patrol line the whole of Group "Streitaxt" was put on to it. U 203 attacked enemy in DH 4791, consisting of one tanker and 2 destroyers, and was forced to submerge by destroyer. Broke off pursuit later on account of damaged diesels. Group was ordered to continue operations as long as possibility of success existed. Boats which broke off pursuit were for the time being to take up 0800 position of reconnaissance line as patrol line.

Following refueled from "Milk Cow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer): U 610 - 442 - 437 and 356.

USS Ranger departs Bermuda as part of Task Force 34 bound for the invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch).

British XXX Corps moves north, with Australian 26th Brigade at the spearhead, attack Point 29 southwest of Tel el Eisa, Egypt. This is meant to draw Axis reserves to the area.

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel visits Rome to press for more supplies for the war in North Africa. He arrives in Egypt to assume command of all Axis units in North Africa by the evening.

General Friedrich Paulus reports to The Führer that Stalingrad will be taken by 10 Nov 1942.

Soviet troops launch the Nalckik-Ordzhonikidze Defensive Operation in the Caucasus region of southern Russia.

Pacific: With discipline declined, equipment abandoned and diarrhea and dysentery reaching epidemic proportions, the 2nd Battalion of US 126th Infantry Regiment arrives at Jaure, Australian Papua along the Kapa Kapa Trail in the Owen Stanley mountain range. The march had been so arduous that some men had wandered into the jungle never to be seen again.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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


Monday, 26 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


Norwegian trawler Arthur, commanded by Norwegian Lieutenant Leif Larsen working for the British Special Operations Executive, enters Trondheimsfjord, Norway, with two Chariot manned torpedoes (Chariot-class Midget Submarine) secreted beneath the vessel. The Chariots are torn off the hull when just 10 miles short of their target, the Tirpitz, and the mission has to be abandoned.

U 260 (Oblt. Hubertus Purkhold) reported armed 2-funneller on course 70° and speed 13 knots in CD 6857 Route A. As some of our own ships lay in the vicinity and there was a possibility of 2-funnel camouflage, order was given to break off pursuit.

In BE 4929, U 608 (Oblt. Rolf Struckmeier) sighted American battleship with destroyer escort course 240°, medium speed. Contact was almost immediately lost apparently.

U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) reports English periscope in AK 4664 (boat operating on Convoy No. 61).

With short signal, U 224 (Oblt. Hans-Carl Kosbadt) reported enemy in sight in AK 3622, was probably forced to submerge at once, since no further message was received.

In BB 6396, U 520 (Kptlt. Volkmar Schwartzkopff) came on brightly illuminated ship sailing independently, course 80°, speed 8 knots. As it could only have been Irish ship boat ordered not to attack if ship could be distinguished as enemy in spite illumination.

In order to provide wing protection for 3 returning ships, which are due to cross line of longitude 22° W. early on the 29th, at one day's distance, following positions are to be temporarily occupied: U 92 - BE 55, U 218 - BE 65, U 752 - BE 87; U 356 and 664 return passage on 44° N.

Allied convoy UCF 1, containing troops and equipment for the invasion of French North Africa (Operation Torch), is met by a covering force of battleships and cruisers, which had sailed from Casco Bay, Maine, U.S.A.

North Africa: In the morning, Rommel committed much of his reserves to the Point 29 region in Egypt. Meanwhile, noting that Rommel had taken the bait, Montgomery planned to pin down Axis troops around Point 29 while launching a new offensive to the southwest.

Eastern Front: In light of the positive report from General Friedrich Paulus from Stalingrad, Adolf Hitler, from his Wehrwolf headquarters near of Vinnytsia in Ukraine, orders some of the German units in that region to prepare to move north, once Stalingrad is conquered.

The Soviet 15th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment is formed in the Moscow Military District from the 137th Tank Brigade. Equipped with Churchill III and IV tanks supplied by the British under Lend-Lease-Act, the Regiment is initially assigned to I Guards Mechanized Corps but will be removed from the Corps in July 1943, to serve as an independent infantry support regiment. It will be disbanded in Feb 1944, to provide manpower for the new heavy assault gun regiments.

Pacific: At the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, US forces achieve victory but see USS Enterprise, USS South Dakota, and USS San Juan damaged. Aircraft carrier USS Hornet (Yorktown-class) is badly damaged from aerial bombs and torpedoes and then finally hit by three Type 93 torpedoes launched from Japanese destroyers Akigumo and Makigumo, which cause her to sink 30 minutes later. On the Japanese side, carriers Shokaku and Zuiho are damaged by dive bombers from USS Hornet and USS Enterprise, respectively.

1st Battalion of US 164th Infantry Division, repulse a Japanese attack on the southern flank of the Lunga Perimeter at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Meanwhile, another attack against Hill 67, initially penetrating into the American line, is eventually driven back by US Marines.

Starting a new career, after so long time, in SH4 Dark Waters mod.
Taking command of IX U-43 in April 1940 as Wilhelm Ambrosius.

Patrol 1

3 April 1940 (Wednesday)
08:04 - Leaving Wilhemshaven for first war patrol. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 1, sea 1.
09:07 - Released from escort.
12:00 - AN9329.
16:00 - AN6894.
17:30 - Conduct mandatory dive test, depth 30m. No troubles to report.
17:48 - Surfaced.
20:00 - AN6854.
20:36 - Message to BDU : "AN6854 X TEST DIVE DONE X EN ROUTE TO OP AREA X U-43"
20:57 - Message from BDU : "TRANSMISSION ACKNOWLEDGED X PROCEED ACCORDING TO ORDERS X BDU"
00:00 - AN6184.


4 April 1940 (Thursday)
04:00 - AN6495. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 1, sea 1.
04:13 - Message from BDU : "B-DIENST REPORTED TASK FORCE AM64, HEADING WNW AT 14KTS X BDU"
06:19 - Dive test, 35m. Conduct torpedoes maintenance. Meeting with the officers to reveal operational orders of the patrol.
06:50 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AN6455.
12:00 - AN6416.
16:00 - AN5393.
20:00 - AN5353.
00:00 - AN5315.


To be continued.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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


Tuesday, 27 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


During attack on freighter of 5,000 GRT course 300°, speed 10 knots, U 67 (Kptlt. Günther Müller-Stöckheim) was rammed. Beforehand boat scored two hits and sank the ship entirely during the night. One pistol failure and one electric torpedo explosion while underway. One sailor killed by explosion caused while opening upper deck container (Matrosenobergefreiter Heinz Hartmann). Moved off in order to repair damage (periscope).

U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) sighted probable enemy submarine in DF 1374 on westerly course (could have been friendly).

U 128 (Kptlt. Ullrich Heyse) sighted nothing in EO 70 and in 73 - 81 over period of several days. Also no traffic sighted by U 160 from EO 25 via EE 68, 59, 55 and 72, and U 590 in sector off Freetown. On return passage on account of fuel supply. Active air patrol in ET 29 upper half.

U 183 (IXC/40; Kptlt. Heinrich Schäfer) reported on emergency transmitter: for 10 days stationed off northern exit to Belle-Isle-Straits - completely dead area. Straits presumably mined.

U 511 (Kptlt. Friedrich Steinhoff) commenced southward passage via D 770. Operation off Brazilian coast in view.

"Milk Cow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) en route for DS 58 as next refueling place. Supplied following boats with fuel: U 459: 26 cbm; U 506: 30 cbm; U 125: 37 cbm. Own reserves 610 cbm fuel oil and 184 days' provisions.

U 216 (VIID; Oblt. Karl-Otto Schultz) has not reported in spite of repeated calls. According to D/R and last position report it should have entered port 2 days ago. According to Radio Intercept report of 20 Oct., an English aircraft attacked a submarine in BE 2797 and scored 6 probable hits. This could only have been U 216 as there was no other boat in the vicinity. Loss must be reckoned with.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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


Wednesday, 28 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


On 23 Oct., U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) sighted Portuguese ship entering port off Banana and on 25 Oct., a 2 funnel steamer close inshore. During the day boat operated within sight of the coast and at night at mouth of estuary.

U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Witte) sighted nothing since 18 Oct. from GQ 60 - JJ 21. Plans passage to KZ 41 and GR 57 by new moon. Heavy north and southwest storms since 13 Oct.

U 552 (Kptlt. Klaus Popp; ex Topp) in previous position of U 107 (Kptlt. Harald Gelhaus) off Freetown (S. sector). U 552 detailed to operation area N. of 41° N. and W. of 59° 30' W focal point off Halifax. Attention drawn to traffic situation.

According to report from Commander of U 217 (Oblt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke; VIID), operations by 1 - 2 boats off Curacao and Aruba during new moon period promise success. U 129 (Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt) will therefore take up position in EC 96 with waning moon, focal points off Curacao. Free to fire on oil installations. If no traffic met with, operation in Aruba area on cargo traffic from Maracaibo. U 154 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Schuch) operating in same area. Route via Mona Passage.

U 599 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Breithaupt) has not yet made message concerning entry into port which is now several days overdue. According to Radio Intercept report of 24 Oct., a submarine was attacked by English aircraft in BE 5965 and bombed. Aircraft presumed 2 hits. According to dead reckoning this must have been U 599. Loss must be reckoned with.

Allied convoy UCF 1, containing troops and equipment for the invasion of French North Africa (Operation Torch), is met by carriers Ranger, Sangamon, Suwannee, Chenango, and Santee, which have sailed from Bermuda. Task Force 34 now contains the full invasion force of 102 ships, carrying 35,000 American troops; the force is sailing for Casablanca.

IX U-43 (Wilhelm Ambrosius)
Patrol 1, continue.


05 April 1940 (Friday)
04:00 - AN2971. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 2, sea 1.
06:42 - Crashdive drill. Practiced fire excercices and conducted torpedoes maintenance.
07:25 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AN2861.
12:00 - AN2822.
16:00 - AN2572.
20:00 - AN2462.
00:00 - AN2189.

06 April 1940 (Satuday)
04:00 - AN2146. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 2, sea 1.
06:26 - Test dive, 35m. Torpedoes maintenance.
07:07 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AN2114.
12:00 - AF7883.
16:00 - AF7854.
16:16 - Crashdive drill.
16:35 - Surfaced.
19:33 - AF7849. Visual contact with british G&H destroyer, bearing 60 at very fast speed. Crashdive. It seems that we remains undetected from her. Proceeding submerged.
20:00 - AF7854.
21:00 - Surfaced.
21:13 - Message to BDU : "AF7872 X CONTACT WITH BRITISH DESTROYER AF7849 AT 1933 x HEADING NW AT FAST SPEED X U-43"
21:42 - Message from BDU : "REPORT ACKNOWLEDGED X CONTINUE ACCORDING TO ORDERS X SWITCH TO IRELAND CIRCUIT X BDU"
21:45 - Radio switched to "Ireland" circuit.
00:00 - AF7877.

07 April 1940 (Sunday)
04:00 - AF1126. Clouds clear, wind N Beaufort 3, sea 2.
06:29 - Dive test, 35m, and torpedoes maintenance.
07:17 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AF1219.
12:00 - AM1116.
16:00 - AM1182.
20:00 - AM1175.
00:00 - AM3631.

Great Job! I like the details of drills and dives, maintenance, changing Radio Frequencies ... Nice :up:

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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


Thursday, 29 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


Destroyers were sighted by: U 752 in BF 87 on course 220°. U 463 in BD 8313 on course 270°, U 624 in AL 5481 on course 90°.

U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) commenced return passage on account of short fuel supply. Sighted dummy warship reported on 28 Oct. again. Nothing in ET 53.

UD-5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) sank British ship "Primrose Hill" 7,600 GRT in DS 9835, course 150°, carrying aircraft from England to Freetown.

U 129 (Kptlt. Hans-Ludwig Witt) sank American ship "Westkebar" 5,620 GRT in ET 6413 carrying Manganese Ore from Tokoradi to New York. According to statement of Captain, 5 - 6 ships leave Tokoradi every day for England or N. America via Freetown. Captain receives no sailing orders.

U 706 (Kptlt. Alexander von Zitzewitz) completed refuel from "Milk Cow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer).

U 621 (Kptlt. Horst Schünemann) took over radar intercept for U 602 (Kptlt. Philipp Schüler).

U 179 (FrgKpt. Ernst Sobe), the first IX D 2 boat, was ordered to operate off Capetown. Last report received from FD 10 on 18 Oct., after which in spite of repeated calls no further report was received. A Radio Intercept report states that on 21 Sept., a German submarine was sighted off Ascension. Boat was probably sunk off Capetown as according to broadcast some of the crew of a German submarine landed there. All other boats operating there have reported up to date so this could only be the crew of U 179. Loss of boat must be reckoned with.

According to a broadcast a German submarine is supposed to have been sunk by gun fire by a Brazilian steamer "Pio Branco" off San-Vicente about 2 months ago. No confirmation of this.

Our troops are now only 50 miles from the oil fields in Grozny, as they capture Nalchik in southern Russia.

Britain advise Italy, that Italy would continue to be bombed by the RAF until they step out of the war.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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


Friday, 30 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


U 161 was sighted by aircraft in FH 9141 and forced to submerge. In doing so heard convoy on course 290°, speed 8 knots. 2 spread which missed at steamer in FH 5826, course 325°. Phosphorescence gave boat away during attack, and it received flares and depth charges.U 518 has sighted nothing off N. exit of Belle Isle Straits up to date.

In reply to question U 402 reported amount of fog in past 6 days as 25%.

U 128 and 552 given freedom of action in waters off Freetown.
U 177 and U 181 - 2 IXD2 boats fresh from home given freedom of action in area off Capetown and eastwards to 17° 30' E.

U 753 completed refuel from U 463.

In answer to question regarding operational readiness and possible operation off Dakar, U 500 reported full mechanical readiness, but provision for only 2 - 3 weeks.
U 87 no longer serviceable and on return voyage.
U 156 has small inaccessible leak in pressure hull in region of battery room. Boat only able to dive to shallow depth. On return passage.

Axis forces at El Alamein, Egypt, are now down to about 320 operational tanks with little fuel, while the Allies have about 800 tanks. After sun down, Montgomery launches a diversionary attack at the Point 29 region to pin down Axis forces before he is ready to launch his main offensive elsewhere.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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


Saturday, 31 October 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


Convoy No. 63:
On morning of 31 Oct., Convoy "Maßmann" lay in CF 96 with NNE course and speed 7 knots. Convoy appeared to pass Gibraltar and continued northwards. With wind dropping from west and sea strength 3 - 4 contact was maintained by U 604 (Kptlt. Höltring) and U 509 Kptlt. Witte). By the afternoon six boats of the group had come up to the convoy. In the morning U 509 and U 604 had reported that all that remained of convoy was 4 - 5 ships. In the afternoon U 604 reported there were certainly 12. It therefore looked as though two groups had joined up in the afternoon while up to date very little had been reported about escort, and also no air patrol seemed to be present, suddenly from 1800 onwards all boats were driven off by heavy air activity and large destroyer escort. A number of boats reported aircraft contacts.
As rest of convoy route lay more and more within range of enemy air support, operation was broken off at daylight on 1 Nov. in CF 69.
In a tough four day battle with convoy under favorable weather conditions and not too strong an escort, 7 boats out of strong groups of 10 attacked successfully and sank a total of 18 ships together 133,131 GRT without a single loss.

U 412 (Kptlt. Walther Jahrmärker) and U 627 (Kptlt. Robert Kindelbacher) were both detailed to operate on Convoy no. 63, but neither made contact. After close of operation no reports were received in spite of many calls. It is possible that U 412 was destroyed by English aircraft on the outward journey, since it had not reported since sailing. Radio intercept report concerning aircraft attack received. On 27 Oct., U 627 reported convoy in AL 2559 at 0325 on easterly course and gave chase after which no further report was received. Loss of both must be reckoned with.

Friendly aircraft sighted 2 aircraft carriers at 1115 with 1 cruiser and 3 destroyers on course 180°.

U 519 (Kptlt. Günther Eppen) completed secondary duty 1 (Met Buoy Rockall). U D 5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) completed refueling from "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe).

Heavy Crusier HMS Cumberland (County-class) sail from Scapa Flow in Scotland, with HMS Norfolk and screen of 5 destroyers. She is nominated for support of planned allied landings in North Africa.

Our 21st Panzer Division launch four successive strikes against Australian troops at Point 29 in Egypt, causing heavy casualties on both sides.

As The Führer is confident that Stalingrad will soon be under our control, he departs the Wehrwolf headquarters near of Vinnytsia, Ukraine and moves to the Wolfsschanze headquarters in Rastenburg, Germany (modern day Ketrzyn, Poland).

IX U-43 (Wilhelm Ambrosius)

Patrol 1 (continue)

08 April 1940(Monday)
04:00 - AM3619.
06:40 - Dive test, 35m. Torpedoes maintenance.
07:26 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AM3563.
12:00 - AM3558.
13:14 - Crashdive drill. Practiced fire exercices.
13:46 - Surfaced.
16:00 - AM3575.
20:00 - AM3497.
00:00 - AM3716.

09 APril 1940 (Tuesday)
04:00 - AM2962.
06:52 - Crashdive drill. Torpedoes maintenance.
07:49 - Surfaced.
08:00 - AM2986.
12:00 - AM5322.
16:00 - AM5387.
19:57 - AM5627. Operation area reached.
20:20 - Kurzsignal to BDU : "AM5627 X U-43"
20:57 - Message from BDU : "KURZSIGNAL ACKNOWLEDGED X CONTINUE OPERATION X BDU"
00:00 - AM5627.

10 April 1940 (Wednesday)
00:10 - Clouds overcast, heavy fog, wind SW Beaufort 4, Sea 3, heavy rain. Dive because of bad visibility, 35m.
04:00 - AM5627.
06:00 - Torpedoes maintenance.
07:17 - Surfaced for batteries and CO2, no weather improvment.
08:00 - AM5627.
09:53 - Dived, 35m.
12:00 - AM5627.
16:00 - AM5627.
16:55 - Surfaced, no improvment.
19:56 - Dived, 35m.
20:00 - AM5627.
00:00 - AM5627.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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


Sunday, 1 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


U 563 (Kptlt. Götz von Hartmann) reports ship traveling alone in BE 2647 on course 0°. Pursuit was broken off because of excessive use of lubricating oil.

U 664 (Oblt. Adolf Graef) was heavily attacked by aircraft in approximately AL 10 and has to return to port. (Possibly air cover for an E. bound convoy).

U 575 (Kptlt. Günther Heydemann) reports in connection with sinking of 29 October that the ship formerly described as a freighter was actually a troop ship transport of the "Abosso" type (11,330 T). At the point where she sank there are about 10 cutters and many rafts full of soldiers. Boat sighted 3 steamers and 1 destroyer at 1329, 1 November in BD 6859, sailing on S. course. She is returning to base.

U 332 (Kptlt. Johannes Liebe) situation: nothing further seen in areas EE 60, EF 80 and EP 20 since 23 January.

U D 5 (ex Dutch submarine O 27; KptzS. Bruno Mahn) sighted destroyer in DG 8143, course 0°.

Aircraft reported convoy in BE 9755 at 1155, consisting of 10 merchant ships, and 3 patrol boats on N. course at low speed. (Evidently the rest of SL 125.

"Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) carried out transfer of supplies and is returning to port. Reports convoy in BD 6815, which steered course 270° at first and then changed to 180°.

U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) took on provisions for 10 days from "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe). Tanker situation: 555 cubic meters fuel oil; 8 cubic meters of motor oil; 169 day supply of provisions and 4 torpedoes.

Rommel begins to devise a plan to withdraw his forces at El Alamein, Egypt westward to Fuka, but will not activate the plan yet.

Our III.Panzer Korps captures Alagir on the Terek River in the Caucasus.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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


Monday, 2 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) reported 7 large ships and a destroyer in CF 4399 on E. course. U 514 was forced to submerge at once by aircraft and lost contact. Since this convoy was possibly a troop or equipment transport group for Gibraltar, orders were given U 130 - U 620 - U 572 and U 103 to operate on supposed course to Gibraltar. Convoy sailed at estimated speed of 10 knots. Of the boats mentioned, U 620 has a damaged rudder, U 103 has difficulty submerging and U 440 needs repairs on her stern tube and operated against single ship on courses in CG 7535 at 1418 hours - no attack because of high speed.
No further reports came in on the enemy.

Operations on carrier force broken off. U 510 and U 134 sailing S. to DT 50. Supply activity by "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) forthcoming.
U 103 and U 440 to meet U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte) on 6 November in DG 3355 to take on about 60 cubic meters of fuel each. Both boats to continue southward.

"Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) took over radar interception escort for U 575 (Kptlt. Günther Heydemann).

"Operation Supercharge" is launched at El Alamein, Egypt, destroying many Axis tanks and guns. Axis tanks counterattack at 1100 hours, which fail to stop the Allied advances. During the night, Rommel requests permission from The Führer to fall back, which will be denied on the next day.

Our 13th Panzer Div. of the III Panzer Korps reaches what will be the farthest point to the southeast reached by the Wehrmacht, when it is halted by Soviet forces, 5 miles outside Ordshonikidze, Azerbaijan.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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Tuesday, 3 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


U 440 (Kptlt. Hans Geissler) sighted 2 destroyers on E. course at 1035 in CG 7454 and reported at 0130 a convoy in CF 9595, course E. Operation impossible because of condition of the boat. Looks like the same group that was reported by U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) on 2 November in CF 4399. Operation was not possible since no boats are in the area.

Following orders were given for Special Operation: U 407 and U 617 steer for CG 61. U 662 (KrvKpt. Wolfgang Hermann) make for U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte) in DG 3355 and take on 30 cubic meters of fuel. U 440 is to report as soon as boat is repaired. More to follow.

U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) and U 68 (KrvKpt. Karl-Friedrich Merten) will have freedom of movement in GF, since movements there are favorable from time to time.

After sun down, Allies launch renewed attacks at the weakened Axis defensive positions near El Alamein, Egypt.

British Ventura aircraft fly their first combat mission against a factory in Hengelo in the Netherlands.

The US government demands Finland to cease hostilities against the Soviet Union.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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Wednesday, 4 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


Due to the increasing acuteness of the Mediterranean situation, High Command ordered 4 more boats to that area, besides U 755 and U 595. Since breaking through the Straits of Gibraltar should meet with success, U 662 and U 440 both of which have been at sea a long time already, and U 617, U 407 and U 596 will be sent. Captains who have had experience against convoys in the Atlantic are thought best for operations in the Mediterranean by B.d.U.
These boats make up Group "Delphin". In view of the great amount of ships and heavy patrols, breaking through the Straits will evidently be difficult this time. We must count on some losses.
As far as can be determined, operations in the Mediterranean will find large and worthwhile targets. It is imperative to use the 39 H type pistol as soon as it has been properly proved in combat.

In this regard:

Message to: Naval Command
Torpedo Development Division,
and information to: 1st Naval Command
German U-boat Commander Italy.

1. The situation in the Mediterranean makes use of Pistol 39 H extremely important to Mediterranean boats. Reasons:
1.a. Principal targets are battleships, aircraft carriers and large transports. Greatest damage possible is desired from single shots.
1.b. According to air observation the worthwhile targets in the Mediterranean are protected by anti-torpedo nets. The only workable solution is use of the 39 H pistol.
1.c. This would also dispense with premature ignition and faulty shots in an area where not only do we find high seas and heavy swells but also ships of deep draught.
1.d. Operational torpedoes of greater destructive power are more urgent in the Mediterranean than in the Atlantic because of the intense situation in Africa.

2. B.d.U. has ordered the 1st consignment of 50ea. 39 H type pistols for the Mediterranean, also is trying to speed up the delay in their operation in the Atlantic.

In Egypt, the British 7th Armoured Division catches and encircles the Italian Ariete Division which, against tremendous odds, is fightig to the last tank in a desperate running battle. General Wilhelm von Thoma, Commanding General of the Deutsche Afrika Korps, is taken prisoner in Egypt by British troops.
Axis forces slowly fall back to the west toward Fuka, Egypt, but the rear guard continues to cause heavy casualties against the pursuing Allied troops. Seeing that victory is now impossible, Rommel disobeys The Führers orders and gives the orders for a general withdraw toward the Egyptian-Libyan border.

All of our offensive operations in the Caucasus region are suspended.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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Thursday, 5 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


Convoy No.64 (SC.107):
U 521 made contact for a short time again at 1000 hours but could not keep it. Due to air patrols over the convoy none of the 7 boats operating against it were able to approach. All other boats were either returning to port or moving toward refueling points. Since visibility was so good during the day and surprise attacks by aircraft were likely, boats were ordered to attack only at night when in favorable positions and to cease the operation at daybreak.
A number of boats reported damage due to aircraft bombs.
No further success reported. Hence the operation will end in the morning of 6 November with the following successes:
23 ships sunk, 136,115 tons.
1 destroyer and 1 corvette torpedoed and 5 other hits scored on ships.
Evidently only U 132 (Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang) was sunk on this entire operation. She operated against Convoy No. 64 and last reported from AJ 91 on 3 November. According to observations of other boats she may have been destroyed when she torpedoed a munitions ship.

U 658 (Kptlt. Hans Senkel) and U 520 (Kptlt. Volkmar Schwartzkopff) also operated against Convoy No. 64. The last reports were 20 October for U 658 and 27 October for U 520. It is believed that both boats were destroyed by aircraft.

U 108 and U 103 took on fuel from U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte) and sailed southward. U 128 and U 511 made for FC 50 after being supplied by "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe). U 462 has supplied: U 156, 107, 590 and U 87.
Tanker situation: 415 cubic meters of fuel oil, provisions for 136 days, and 4 torpedoes.

German intelligence reported that a large Allied fleet had departed Gibraltar.

U 620 (Oblt. Heinz Stein) reports heavy movements in CG 57, neutral insignia shown.

U 440 and 622 were unable to break through Straits of Gibraltar because of engine trouble. U 380 and 259 are considered as substitutes.

British tanks attempt, in failure, to out-flank the retreating Axis forces in Egypt.

Vichy French forces on Madagascar surrender.

U.A.K., 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.) and 22nd U-Flotilla, Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
 

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Friday, 6 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft


U 160 (Kptlt. Georg Lassen) reports eastbound convoy of 8 freighters, 2 destroyers and 2 patrol boats. She attacked and scored hits on freighters of 7,000 and 6,000 tons. Neither ship seen to sink. No contact. So far no single ship movements off Port of Spain. Outbound ships sailing with escort on courses 310° and 90°. Air patrols far and wide. (One of the torpedoed ships sank, according to radio intercepts).

U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) situation: sighted 2 steamers on 5 November in EV 7321 on course 260° and on 6 November 1 steamer course 90. Both put into Takoradi. Because of heavy seas and strong easterly currents, shallow water operations are pointless.

Taking on of supplies will be carried out later for U 161 and U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) in approximate area DS.

U 440 (Kptlt. Hans Geissler) took over radar interception escort for U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe).

U-boats were informed of the sailing of our own ships and instructed regarding the exact limits of operational areas.

Liberty to attack single ships given in area Route Anton between 30° N. and 10° S.

Joseph Stalin speaks to the Congress of Soviet Deputies, warning the US and UK that a failure to open a second front might well end badly for all freedom-loving countries.

Lieutenant General Dwight Eisenhower flies from London to his headquarters in Gibraltar from where he will direct Operation Torch.

Groves and Oppenheimer visit Los Alamos, New Mexico, and agree that it is suitable as the location for Site Y for the Manhattan Project.