U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - On outbound transit
 

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


Wednesday, 31 December 1941 - ESE of the Newfoundland Grand Bank -

0840 - Early Morning Dawn.

0959 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 27 Dec., 0400h.

1200 - Qu.4263CD - Days Run: 133.8sm - ↗ 113.6sm (17h 00') - ↘ 20.2sm (7h 00').
192.5cbm (1.8cbm/24h). On course 256°. Battery 6700Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since 27 Dec., 0400h.

1401 - Norddeich Radio sending an O.K.W. report about Kptlt. Eitel-Friedrich Kentrat (U 74, VIIB) and Kptlt. Robert Gysae (U 98, VIIC) being awarded on this day, with the Knights Cross. Also, today, Obtlt. Reinhard "Teddy" Suhren (U 564, VIIC) and Kptlt. Heinrich Lehmann-Willenbrock (U 96, VIIC), were awarded with the Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross.

1800 - Qu.4255CD. On New course 262°.

1919 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 27 Dec., 0400h.

2330 - Diving for submerged cruise at A-20.

2340 - At A-20. 135rpm, 3kn.
Beginning of New Years Celebration.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

U48 vs Convoy – part 1
 

March 20, 1940 AN44


0712 Almost as soon as U48 completed its assigned patrol we got an incoming message from BdU: Enemy convoy in grid AN18 moving slow and heading SSW. U48 is now running on the surface to get ahead of them. We should be able to establish contact in 2 hours.


0942 U48 is now in grid AN01, almost straight east from Aberdeen, and we have them on sonar. They are NNW of us. This convoy is way slower than expected. We will surface again and dash westward to place ourselves in good position.


1003 Ship spotted! A warship...I bet she is the leading escort. Let's report our contact to BdU and dive.


1023 Not a very large convoy, just four columns, but there seem to be some big babies leading the second column from the west: possibly an empire type freighter and another big one in tow.. Three warships spotted so far: frigate in the lead, then what looks like a destroyer west of the convoy and perhaps another frigate to the east. U48 will attack the west side of the convoy.


1053 Convoy is moving at 5 knots...that's slow...but makes me happy. Leading Black Swan is now doing patterns east of us and quite close...but we are crawling at 20 meters and I'm confident she will not detect us. Our targets are an Empire type freighter and the Ore Carrier just behind. On the other side of the convoy there is a Large Cargo sailing behind a Medium Cargo. If we get the chance I'll try to engage those two in the next attack. Time to change course to get into firing position. New course 110 degrees!


1110 U48 is now ready to attack! We will shot each ship with a two torpedo salvo: Tube 1 and 4 at the Ore Carrier, Tube 2 and 3 at the Empire type freighter.
Tube 1 and 4 are G7e set for impact pistol, running depth 4.5 meters, spread 4 degrees.
Tube 2 and 3 are G7a set for magnetic pistol, running depth 7.3 meters, spread 3 degrees, speed setting fast. Range will be about 600m for both targets, speed 5 knots.
We will wait until the Ore Carrier is in a good position and attack her first, then we will go for the freighter. Angles on her will be less than ideal and that's why we will use the magnetic pistol.
Our sonar operator is tracking our targets, we should be able to attack soon.


1112 We should be good...raise periscope!...here is the freighter right in front of us...and here is the Ore Carrier...AoB 75° starboard...let's wait a few seconds more...open tubes 1 and 4...Fire!...Now the freighter..here she is...AoB 100° starboard...range maybe 750m...open tubes 2 and 3...fire!...Lower periscope! Down to 25 meters!


1113 Impact! Two impacts on the Ore Carrier!..Yay!...impact on the Empire-type freighter!...and...a miss?...mmm..torpedo still running...either it missed or the fuse didn't work properly. Anyway, this should be enough to at the very least badly cripple these ships...increase speed to 4 knots. I want to hide between the merchants...Ore Carrier is going down!...good!
Ship sunk! SS Coracero (Ore Carrier), 7744 tons. Cargo: Bauxite. Crew: 85. Crew lost: 28


1122 This convoy is in chaos...ships are maneuvering here and there...warships are amidst the herd right now but I bet they are struggling just to move around. U48 is slipping away at 3 knots and heading NE. My plan is to break contact and re-engage later. Our last torpedo was a miss.


1134 Empire-type freighter is sinking! I guess the reason why these merchants where moving here and there was to avoid collision with the slowing ship. 4 torpedo launched, three hits, two quite big ships sunk...not bad!
Ship sunk! SS Glenfinlas (Empire-type Freighter), 7499 tons. Cargo: Coal. Crew: 58. Crew lost: 31


1159 Convoy is slowly moving away and there are two warships searching the area, some way SW of us. I think we managed to give them the slip.


1332 Convoy is still quite close, they are moving at 3 or 4 knots and ships in there are either zigzagging or rearranging their disposition. One warship left this area to go back to the convoy, the other is still sniffing around and came close enough to ping us a couple of time but not enough to get a proper fix.


1532 Convoy is now quite far away and much closer to the coast than I would have liked. The warship searching for us is now leaving. She did her job, forced us to stay here while the convoy sailed away. I'll wait until she is duly gone before surfacing.


1615 U48 is on the surface, recharging batteries and ventilating the boat. I'm pondering our choices. There is a chance that this convoy is hugging the coast all the way to Dover. I may be able to cut south and re-engage them near Dundee...yes, we will do that.



Edit: A wonderful 2022 to you all, fellow Kaleuns!

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
 

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


Thursday, 1 January 1942 - Southeast of the Newfoundland Grand Bank -

0000 - Qu.4247CD - "HAPPY NEW YEAR!".

0145 - At Reception Depth.

0150 - Surfaced after 2h 20min. and 6.8sm.
Weather unchanged since 27 Dec., 0400h.
Battery: 6100Ah. 2x235RPM, 6-7kn.

0200 - Boat ventilated and Compressed Air Supply filled.

0501 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Paukenschlag Boats: Attack date has been set for 14 January 1942. Continue acc. Op.-Order.

Cmdr.: The original attack date has been pushed-out by 1 day.

0845 - Early Morning Dawn.

1004 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 27 Dec., 0400h.

1102 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
As of today, the Uboat base in Bergen (11th Flotilla) is operational.

1200 - Qu.4172CD - Days Run: 142.6sm - ↗ 135.8sm (21h 40') - ↘ 6.8sm (2h 20').
190.8cbm (1.7cbm/24h). On course 256°. Battery 6700Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since 27 Dec., 0400h.

1201 - Incoming F.T.: From 11th Flotilla:
As of today, the Uboat base in Bergen is operational.
- FregKpt. Hans Cohausz, Flotilla Commander -
(historically, as of 05.42)

1207 - Incoming F.T.: From 12th Flotilla:
As of today, the Uboat base in Bordeuax is operational.
- FregKpt. Klaus Scholtz, Flotilla Commander -
(historically, as of 10.42)

Also, Incoming F.T.: From O.K.M.:
The harbor of Riga is operational again.

1802 - Norddeich Radio sending a report of Radio Berlin, that 26 countries of the "United Nations" have signed a pact, that they would not enter a separate peace treaty with Germany or Japan.

1927 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 27 Dec., 0400h.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Continuing outbound voyage
 

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


Friday, 2 January 1942 - SSE of the Newfoundland Grand Bank -

0215 - Qu.6377CC - On new course 251°.

0850 - Early Morning Dawn.

1013 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 27 Dec., 0400h.

1200 - Qu.6518CC - Days Run: 158.8sm - (↗ 24h).
186.4cbm (4.4cbm/24h). On course 251°. Battery 6100Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since 27 Dec., 0400h.

1501 - Norddeich Radio sending a O.K.W. report about the successes of the Kriegsmarine:
In December 1941, 285 ships sunk for 583,706ts, of that by Uboats, 26 ships sunk for 124,070ts.
For the year 1941, 1,329 ships sunk for 4,328,558ts, of that by Uboats, 432 ships for 2,171,754ts.

1821 - Wind and Sea are increasing shifting south and in due course to southeast. Visibility becoming worse as well.

1938 - Sundown. SSW7/6, overcast, hazy, limited visibility, ~1000mb.

2030 - Qu.6455CC - On new course 262°.

2400 - SE7/6, overcast, hazy, limited visibility, ~1000mb, aft lake.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Engulfed by a North Atlantic Storm
 

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


Saturday, 3 January 1942 - South of the Newfoundland Grand Bank -

0015 - The sea is continuously washing over the bridge. Running athwart on course 215° doesn't help.

0500 - Diving for torpedo maintenance and trial dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507.

0510 - At A-20. On new course 270°. 135rpm, 3kn.

0545 - Breakfast for the Port Machine Watch.

0600 - Port Machine Watch on duty. Wake-up and Morning Wash for the remaining crew.

0630 - Breakfast for the remaining crew.

0700 - T=50. O₂ = 20%. Commencing of torpedo maintenance.

1000 - Bow torpedoes serviced. Battery power 5000Ah (50%). Break until 1020h.

1017 - Sunrise.

1039 - O₂ = 19%.

1150 - Stern torpedoes serviced.

1200 - Qu.5695CC - Days Run: 119.3sm - ↗ 99.0sm (17h 00') - ↘ 20.3sm (7h 00').
184.6cbm (1.8cbm/24h). On course 270°. Battery 4900Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. T=60. O₂=19%. Lunch Break until 1300h.

1300 - Commencing of trial dive.

1320 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meters.
(Critical depth begins at 158m)
135rpm. Setting reception depth.

1339 - At reception depth. On new course 215°.

1340 - Surfaced after 1h 40min. and 4.9sm since Etmal, and total 8h 40min. and 25.2sm.
Weather unchanged since 2 Jan., 2030h.
Battery: 4400Ah. 2x235RPM, 3-6kn.

1423 - Boat ventilated and Compressed Air Supply filled.

1425 - Sea still continuously washing over the bridge. Going on course 260° doesn't help.

1445 - Running athwart on course 215° again, seems to be better.

1946 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 2 Jan., 2030h.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

U48 vs Convoy – part 2
 

March 20, 1940 grid AN01
1918 U48 is now east of Dundee and there is no sign of that convoy. Instead we have a sound contact from the other side. Merchant, medium speed, moving away, bearing 268, long range. It seems to be moving north...I'll try to intercept and then come back searching for the convoy.


1938 Sound contact is now ESE of us but does not sound much closer...perhaps it's not going North but north-east? Let's change our course to ENE.


2012 U48 is now in grid AN47 and diving. If I guessed right our friend should be somewhere south of us...yes! Sonar just got contact: south of us and much closer. I think we will stay submerged and use sonar to get close.


2027 Target is a British Coastal Tanker. We spotted her through our periscope a couple of minutes ago and have changed course accordingly. She is going 9 knots and heading about 020. We are going to use our stern tube, a single torpedo should be more than enough for a small vessel like this. Pity the wind is too strong to use our deck gun. Tube five is ready: Eto, impact pistol, depth 3 meters. Open tube 5...let's raise our scope to get final range...about 500m...and AoB...about 80° red...fire!...torpedo away and running...lower periscope...5...4...raise periscope...2....1...Impact! Right in the middle!...no visible fire but scorch marks clearly visible on her lower hull...let's shadow her.


2048 She is down to 2 knots and very low on the water...I'd love for the wind to drop so I could use our deck gun...


2053 She is going down! Took a bit longer than expected. I'm glad I did not have to use another torpedo. No other contacts on sonar. Let's move away and go back searching for that convoy.
Ship sunk! MV Hilda (Coastal Tanker), 1343 tons. Cargo: Gasoline. Crew: 21. Crew lost: 3


2149 I think we may have found that convoy again. We dived for a sonar check and got a warship sound contact West of us. At first I thought she was coming our way to investigate our last attack but she is moving southward. U48 will surface and dash SW to try to get ahead of her.


2233 Yes, it's a convoy and I believe it's the one we attacked before. U48 is now in front of them. They are moving slow. Frigate in the lead. I think they rearranged ship disposition because I remember the large cargo being on the eastern side while now the biggest ship I can spot is right behind the leading escort. Weather unchanged, the waves should help us close in undetected. Rig for silent running! New heading 340! ahead slow!


2249 We are now past the leading escort and changing our course to get into firing position. I searched for the medium cargo but she is now last place of the westernmost column. Other targets around here are tramp steamers and small merchants. I may end up firing a torpedo to the closest small merchant if we remain undetected.


2257 It's time to attack. Tubes 2 and 3 ready: Ato running fast, impact pistol, depth 5 meters, spread 5 degrees...open tubes 2 and 3...raise periscope....must be quick, there is a tramp steamer closing on us and they may spot us...here she is...range about 400 meters...AoB...80 degrees green...fire!...both torpedoes away...Searchlights!...Lower periscope! Dive to 25 meters! Impact!...Again!...let's move inside the herd and sneak away. Ahead standard!


2306 There is chaos above...at least two warships came very close...but I bet the traffic out there is a mess...we are crawling east at 2 knots and will try to break away.


2321 Convoy is slowly moving away and perhaps there is a ship slower than the others. We have two warships sniffing around. U48 changed course slightly NE.


2351 Large cargo goes to the bottom! Warships have left the area and are now returning to convoy. We now just have to wait it out until these warships are gone.
Ship sunk! SS Breton (Large Cargo), 9217 tons. Cargo: Coal. Crew: 51. Crew lost: 19


2359 U48 is back at periscope depth and will surface in a short while. I think we will break contact with this convoy, we sunk all the big preys and the only worthwhile ship remaining is that medium cargo. We also need to move in our external reserves, we have no torpedo in our stern tube right now. We did a good job today: four ship sunk for about 26000grt. Crew earned some rest and a good beer!

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - The bridge watch better fasten their seat belts
 

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


Sunday, 4 January 1942 - South of the Newfoundland Grand Bank -

0900 - Early Morning Dawn.

1019 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 2 Jan., 2020h.

1200 - Qu.8269CC - Days Run: 124.9sm - ↗ 119.9sm (22h 20') - ↘ 4.9sm (1h 40').
182.9cbm (1.7cbm/24h). On course 215°. Battery 4400Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since 2 Jan., 2030h.

1956 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 2 Jan., 2030h.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - The storm rages on
 

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


Monday, 5 January 1942 - SSW of the Newfoundland Grand Bank -

0501 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
For Commanders eyes only:
Paukenschlag Boats: No fuel supply available for return cruise, include in operational planning. Only in absolute emergency, boats can supply out of supply ship "Max Albrecht" in El Ferrol. Still no attacks granted until further orders.

0900 - Early Morning Dawn.

1019 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 2 Jan., 2020h.

1200 - Qu.8768CC - Days Run: 141.3sm (↗ 24h).
180.2cbm (2.7cbm/24h). On course 215°. Battery 5100Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since 2 Jan., 2030h.

(Note: Propulsion keeps switching to "battery charging" without prompting by Commander. Assuming, that when boat cuts under in high swell, it runs on electric engines for a short while and when "resurfacing", it automatically switches to "battery charging". Have then manually, switch back to "2x-Ahead").

2005 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 2 Jan., 2030h.

2039 - It's beginning to rain, wind is shifting to East and in due process to NNW. Poor visibility.

2330 - On new course 270°.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Third week at sea completed
 

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


Tuesday, 6 January 1942 - East of Bermuda -


0702 - Incoming F.T.: From U 701:
Have sunk the British Baron Erskine, 3657ts, SSE of Cape Farewell, Greenland. Was straggler from convoy SC.62. Also, lost man over board on 2 Jan., II.W.O. Ltnt.z.S. Bernhard Weinitschke. - Degen -

Cmdr.: The entire North-Atlantic seems to be in an uproar.

0905 - Early Morning Dawn.

1022 - Sunrise. NNW7/6, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb.

1130 - Diving for torpedo maintenance and trial dive.

1200 - Qu.1255DE - Days Run: 129.6sm - ↗ 128.3sm (23h 30') - ↘ 1.3sm (30').
177.6cbm (2.6cbm/24h). On course 270°. Battery 7300Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. T=60. Lunch.

1209 - O₂ = 20%.

1300 - T=50. Commencing of torpedo maintenance.

1549 - O₂ = 19%.

1605 - Bow tubes serviced. Break until 1625h.

1755 - Stern tubes serviced. Dinner until 1835h.

1845 - Beginning of trial dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507. 135rpm, 3kn.

1905 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. Setting Reception Depth.

1922 - At Reception Depth.

1929 - S-Tiefe. O₂ = 18%. Battery: 5900Ah.

1930 - Surfaced after 7h 30' and 21.7sm since Etmal, and 8h and 23sm total. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sunrise.

1939 - Boat ventilated.

1959 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since Sunrise.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - The storm continues
 

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


Wednesday, 7 January 1942 - East of Bermuda -

0705 - Qu.1155DE -

0905 - Early Morning Dawn.

1018 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 6 Jan.

1200 - Qu.1145DE - Days Run: 108.5sm - ↗ 86.8sm (16h 30') - ↘ 21.7sm (7h 30').
175.8cbm (1.8cbm/24h). On course 270°. Battery 5900Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 6 Jan.

2007 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 6 Jan.

2121 - Qu.3355DD -

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

Springtime - part 1
 

March 21, 1940


0722 It's springtime and weather is now really nice: almost no wind, light fog and smooth sea. In the last few hours crew has managed to move the external reserves and load our tubes. They are pretty tired so I think for today we will laze around here and spend most of our time submerged. U48 is now slowly cruising eastward and will soon reach grid AN47.


1055 We have been following a very faint sound contact north of us for the last 10 minutes or so. Seems like we have a merchant going toward the coast at medium speed. Let's surface and go get a closer look. So much for letting the crew rest...


1145 Ship spotted! Far on the northern horizon, she is sailing WSW. We will break visual contact and try to get ahead of her.


1215 Warship spotted straight ahead! Dive!


1217 U48 managed to dive before being spotted. There is an ASW Trawler in front of us and two other sound contacts. I cannot spot them so I guess they may be Torpedo boats. We are trying to intercept that cargo while submerged, it won't be easy.


1231 Ok, I think we may get into a good firing position. Target is closing but so is that Trawler, I'll take a risk and stay on this course. We are draining our batteries quite fast. Target is nothing big. We made it back to grid AN1.


1239 Our target is a Coal Freighter moving at 8 knots. We are now on silent running and slowly turning around. We will shot from tube 5. Torpedo is ready: high speed, impact pistol, depth 2,5 meters. ASW Trawler is now at about 3000m. As I suspected there are two Torpedo boats with her.


1243 It's about time...Raise periscope!...Where is the Trawler? There...good, she is moving away now. Back to our Coal freighter...here she is...British flag, no visible weapons...pity we cannot use our deck gun...range 800m...AoB 75° port side...open tube 5...fire! Lower periscope! Set speed 4 knots! Dive to 25m!


1244 ...it's about time...raise periscope!...Impact!...got her right in the middle, small fire burning...lower periscope. Let's do a 90° change of course. Hard to port!


1248 Warships coming this way. The first to arrive will be the torpedo boats since they are faster. We will slow down only when the ASW Trawler gets closer. Target is slowing down.


1254 ASW Trawler in now in the area but not close to us. U48 is crawling away at 2 knots. Torpedo boats are all over the place but they are not that big of a threat....She is going down! That Coal freighter was dead on the water and she could not hold on any longer. We will slowly slip away.
Ship sunk! SS Star of Cairo (Coal Freighter), 2506 tons. Cargo: Coal. Crew: 33. Crew lost: 29

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - In the lonely wastes of the Atlantic
 

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


Thursday, 8 January 1942 - East of Bermuda -

0910 - Early Morning Dawn.

1025 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 6 Jan.

1200 - Qu.3255DD - Days Run: 124.5sm (↗ 24h).
173.2cbm (1.4cbm/24h). On course 270°. Battery 6900Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 6 Jan.

2016 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 6 Jan.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

Springtime - part 2
 

March 21, 1940 Grid AN51


1342 No warship around, time to surface again. U48 will now leave this area and move south. I think we may go patrol the area off Hartlepool for a while. We have five torpedo left, all bow tubes ready and one reserve.


1421 Warship spotted! Long range! Let's take a look...she is very far away and sailing north...I think we need no dive. Seems alone...


1426 She is most likely the ASW Trawler that came to investigate earlier. Most likely this is her patrol area.


1529 Warship spotted, closing fast! Let's dive!


1533 A torpedo boat...two of them...Perhaps we are a bit too close to the coast. U48 will move east for a while.


1604 On the surface again. I think we may move away from the coast for the day and close in at night.


2021 We are diving. U48 was getting closer to the coast when our lookouts spotted a warship NW of us. We will use our sonar to check if she is alone or escorting something.


2024 By the sound of it seems we may have an ASW Trawler and perhaps something else. We will close the gap and see what's out there.


2027 There is a bigger shadow behind the leading escort. I believe we have an escort-cargo duo sailing SE at medium speed. We will intercept them.


2154 ASW Trawler in the lead keeps breaking off and doing patterns ahead of the cargo. We will get tube 1 ready for the Trawler and tubes 2 and 3 ready for the big cargo, which may be an Empire-Type freighter. We are in a good position and crawling at two knots.


2201 ASW Trawler is doing patterns again so I will not fire on her. Cargo is indeed an Empire-type freighter, British flag, she is going 8 knots. We will attack her port side. Tube 2 and 3 are set for high speed, impact pistol, depth 3 meters.


2203 Trawler is about 1000 ahead of target...time to fire...open tubes 2 and 3...range 800m...AoB 80° port side...spread 2,5°...fire!...torpedoes away and running...change course to 000! set speed 4 knots! Lower periscope!...I'll try to place the cargo between us and the Trawler...Impact!..Two impacts! Let's raise the periscope and a take a peek...there is a small fire on her forward deck...too dark to spot marks on the hull...Lower periscope.


2209 ASW Trawler is coming back but we are now north of the cargo and crawling at two knots. Empire-type freighter slowed down and started to zigzag, or at least trying to.


2214 Our target is almost stationary, U48 is now west of her while that ASW Trawler is on the other side. I'm increasing the gap so that there are less chances our periscope would be spotted when we raise it.


2239 Stubborn ship is still afloat. ASW Trawler still sniffing around in the wrong place. We are now about 1000m away from her. She is still burning and seems a bit lower than before.

2301 ASW Trawler is slowly leaving the area...weird! Empire-type freighter much lower on the water now. Once this warship is truly gone we may raise and use our deck gun to finish her off.

2331 We where getting ready to surface when she began to slip under the sea. Very slowly, but she is going down at last!. The only sonar contact we have right now is from that ASW Trawler, and it's quite faint. We will surface in a while and resume our plotted course.
Ship sunk! SS Corinaldo (Empire-type Freighter), 7235 tons. Cargo: Paper Products. Crew: 58. Crew lost: 26

You got me curious about Uboat KTB reports and I searched for some on the net.
They are very interesting to read.
Also, I'm not going to complain about bad weather in SH3, ever!
First one I read reported ice forming on the boat and visibility 30m!!!
I knew it happened but still... :o

Yes, the original KTBs are quite interesting to read ... also, the Interigation Reports of captured Uboat crews.

The weather conditions in Sh3, seem to change every 3 days or so (with h.sie-patch).

I noticed that when loading a game save with the same weather conditions, that the swell is higher or lower than when having saved and exited the game (one can always tell when the L.I. reports "Depth 10m", or not) ;-)

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - B.d.U. sending further Op.-Paukenschlag Orders & Intel
 

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


Friday, 9 January 1942 - ENE of Bermuda -

0420 - Qu.3155DD -

0747 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
For Commanders eyes only:
Paukenschlag Boats: Distribution of attack areas off the American coast:
U 66 (Zapp) - CA 79, 97, DC 12-13
U 123 (Hardegen) - CA 28, 29, 52, 53
U 125 (Folkers) - CA 38, 59, 62, 63
U 109 (Bleichrodt) - area between points BA 9633 - CB 1577 - BB 7355 - BB 8575.
U 130 (Kals) - BB 51, 52, 54, 55, 57, 58. This boat will be assumed to be in her area on 13 January.
U 113 (RST) - area between DC 16 - CA 54 - BB 58. This boat will be assumed to be in her area on 14 January.

0920 - Early Morning Dawn.

1033 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 6 Jan.

1200 - Qu.2366DD - Days Run: 120.9sm (↗ 24h).
169.7cbm (3.5cbm/24h). On course 270°. Battery 7600Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 6 Jan.

1215 - Diving for torpedo maintenance and trial dive.

1220 - A-20. Lunch until 1250h. 135rpm, 3kn.

1300 - T=50. Commencing of torpedo maintenance.

1410 - O₂ = 20%.

1538 - QU.2365DD - Listening contact with steamer bearing 0°, E=19000, on course East, medium speed.

1600 - Bow tubes serviced. Break until 1620h.

1620 - Steamer passing the boat 800m to our port beam, on opposite course. Commencing torpedo maintenance of stern tubes.

1750 - O₂ = 19%. Stern tubes serviced.

1800 - At A-20. Dinner until 1845h.

1900 - Beginning of trial dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507.

1920 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. Setting Reception Depth.

1936 - T=20.

1940 - Surfaced after 7h 25' and 21.3sm. Battery: 6000Ah.
Weather: NNW6/5, partly cloudy, light haze, medium visibility, >1000mb. Wind and Sea decreasing and shifting North.

2001 - Boat ventilated and Pressurized Air Supply filled.

2007 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
For Commanders eyes only:
Paukenschlag Boats: Entrances to Portland and Boston have been mined. 13 U.S.A. harbors have been designated as defense areas, among which are New York, San Francisco, Boston and Norfolk.

2012 - Sundown. NNE5/4, partly cloudy, light haze, medium visibility, >1000mb.

2210 - Qu.2355DD - NE5/4, partly cloudy, light haze, medium visibility, >1000mb.

Cmdr.: Finally, the weather and sea conditions have improved.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - With improved weather come the airplanes
 

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


Saturday, 10 January 1942 - Northeast of Bermuda -

0915 - Qu.2255DD - Early Morning Dawn.

1031 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h.

1200 - Qu.2246DD - Days Run: 135.9sm - ↗ 114.6sm (16h 35') - ↘ 21.3sm (7h 25').
168.8cbm (0.9cbm/24h). On course 270°. Battery 6000Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h.

1201 - Incoming F.T.: From Yugoslav steamer "Nikolina Matkovic":
Urgently requesting help due to loss of her rudder. Qu.AJ 92.

Cmdr.: The steamer is probably in the same storm that we were in for this past week, and which has now shifted northward. A ship in this kind of storm without a rudder is lost. "God save their souls!".

1245 - Qu.2245DD - "ALARM!". Diving from airplane in 200°true, on course ENE, sighted at 6000m.

1247 - At A-20, no bombs.

Cmdr.: We are about 245sm Northeast of Bermuda. Visibility is about 5.5sm.

1300 - At Reception Depth.

1305 - Surfaced after 20min. and 1.1sm.
Battery: 5900Ah. 2x235RPM.

1316 - Pressurized Air Supply filled.

1425 - Qu.2244DD - "ALARM!". Diving from a pair of single engine airplanes in 240°true, approaching from the general direction of Bermuda, sighted at 6000m.

1426 - At A-20, no bombs.

1449 - At Reception Depth.

1455 - Surfaced after 30min. and 1.6sm.
Battery: 5900Ah. 2x235RPM.

1515 - Pressurized Air Supply filled.

1613 - Qu.2166DD - "ALARM!". Diving from a pair of single engine in 210°true, approaching from the general direction of Bermuda, on course ENE, sighted at 6000m. No direct approach! Turning away again in 180°true on course WSW, towards Bermuda. At A-20, no bombs.

1629 - At Reception Depth.

1633 - Surfaced after 20min. and 1.1sm.
Battery: 5800Ah. 2x235RPM.

1738 - Qu.2165DD - Single engine airplane in 195°true, on course 60. Sighted at 6000m. Flying until reaching 130°true and flying off again on course 240° in the general direction of Bermuda. Never got closer than 5000m, no direct approach. Boat remains surfaced.

Cmdr.: It is now clear, that as the storm has forced us south, we have now entered the enemy air cover zone of Bermuda.

2023 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h.

2049 - Qu.2155DD - "ALARM!". Diving from single engine airplane in 230°true, on course ENE, sighted at 5000m. At A-20, no bombs.

(Note: In the external view, 2 pair of airplanes can be seen)

2101 - At Reception Depth.

2104 - Surfaced after 15min. and 0.8sm.
Battery: 5800Ah. 2x235RPM.

2126 - Pressurized Air Supply filled.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - In the enemy air cover zone of Bermuda
 

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


Sunday, 11 January 1942 - NNE of Bermuda -

0600 - Charging batteries at 5800Ah:
Stbd.Diesel Charging: 496RPM; Port Diesel Propulsion: 285RPM, 7kn.

0820 - Qu.1355DD -

0925 - Early Morning Dawn.
Batteries Charged => 3h 25' for 4200Ah. 2x235RPM, 7kn.

1041 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h.

1037 - Qu.1346DD - "ALARM!". Diving from two pair of single engine airplanes in 170°true, on northerly heading, sighted at 8000m.

1039 - At A-20, no bombs.

1050 - At Reception Depth.

1052 - Surfaced after 15min. and 0.9sm.
Battery: 9800Ah. 2x235RPM.

1056 - Immediately after surfacing, again, "ALARM!". Diving from a twin engine airplanes in 205°true, on northerly heading, is already verily close, about 5500m.

1058 - At A-20, no bombs.

1105 - At Reception Depth.

1111 - Surfaced after 15min. and 0.9sm.
Battery: 9700Ah. 2x235RPM.

1200 - Qu.1345DD - Days Run: 159.6sm - ↗ 153.2sm (22h 05') - ↘ 6.4sm (1h 55').
165.3cbm (3.5cbm/24h). On course 270°. Battery 9700Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h. Pressurized Air Supply filled.

1202 - Incoming F.T.: From SS Cyclops (9076ts):
Have been torpedoed in 41° 51'N, 63° 48'W (CB 2424).

Cmdr.: Do we have a trigger-happy "Paukenschläger"?

1301 - Qu.1344DD - "ALARM!". Diving from a twin engine airplane, identified as a Catalina, in 205°true, on northerly heading, direct approach, E=5000. At T=20, two bombs abeam to stbd. and in further course more bombs at the diving position, 500m astern. At A-20, no damages.

Cmdr.: It seems that the enemy air patrol behavior has become more deliberate. I wonder if the sinking of the steamer east of Boston has anything to do with this. In any case, the enemy is now aware of our presence in the area.

1326 - At Reception Depth.

1327 - At S-Tiefe, a twin engine double-decker airplanes in 190°true, flying off on southerly heading, E=5000.

1331 - Surfaced after 30 min. and 1.6sm. Battery 9500Ah.

1344 - Qu.1344DD - "ALARM!". Diving from a pair of twin engine double-decker airplanes in 165°true, E=8000, on course NNE but at E=5000, turned towards the boat. At first one airplane was sighted and only then, the second airplane came into sight, as they approached out of the sun.
The airplanes are identified as type DeHaviland DH Dragon.

1345 - During the diving process, to well placed bombs. At T=30, two more bombs and strong concussions.

1346 - At A-20 no damages. Boat remains submerged for submerged cruise at A-20, 105rpm, 2kn, Silent Running.

1400 - More Wabos at the diving position, 1700m astern.

Cmdr.: The element of surprise is now clearly gone. Also, we will now very likely not reach the ordered patrol area at the designated time either. If we can manage to make the enemy believe that we have been sunk, we might gain some valuable time. In any case, the enemy does not appear to have any shortages of airplanes and aircrews.

1608 - O₂ = 20%.

1715 - Stopped Silent Running. Battery 9100Ah (2h 15' at 105rpm/2kn => 400Ah). Dinner until 1800h.

1800 - Back to Silent Running, 135rpm, 3kn.

1840 - Qu.1266DD - The whole time, Wabos in various distances, no damages.

2030 - Sundown.

2058 - O₂ = 19%.

2150 - At Reception Depth.

2154 - Surfaced after 8h 10min. and 21.9sm.
Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h.
Battery 8200Ah (4h at 135rpm/3kn => 900Ah). 2x285rpm, 7kn.
The Flak was slightly damages during the last air attack and is quickly repaired.

2218 - Boat ventilated and Compressed Air Supply filled.

2220 - Charging Batteries: Port-Diesel Propulsion, 285RPM, 7kn; Stbd.-Diesel Charging, 496RPM.

2400 - Batteries Charged: 1h 40min., for 1800Ah. 2xH.F.-Ahead, 12kn.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Being hunted by airplanes
 

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


Monday, 12 January 1942 - North of Bermuda -

0040 - Qu.1255DD -

0210 - Qu.1246DD - Boat is being attacked by a pair of DH Dragons from 130°true, direct approach, E=4500. The bombs are off the stbd. beam, no damages. After the attack, the airplanes fly off initially on course East at a distance of 4500m astern of the boat, continue on course South.

Cmdr.: It is quite concerning, that the airplanes managed to detect the boat in the dark! Also, the plan to suggest to the enemy that we have been sunk, has not worked.

0715 - Qu.1155DD -

0935 - Early Morning Dawn. 2x285RPM, 7kn.

1051 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h.

1057 - Qu.3366DC - A pair of single engine airplanes in 135°true on course NW. At a distance of 4500m, turn back and fly off on course SE. Must have reached their maximum range, about 180sm from Bermuda. The airplanes are identified as type Seversky P-35.

1102 - Incoming F.T.: From U 43 (IX):
Have sunk the Swedish Yngaren, 5246ts, straggler from convoy HX.168. - Lüth -

1137 - Qu.3366DC - "ALARM!". Diving from a twin engine airplane in 155°true, on course WNW, E=6000.

1138 - At A-20, no bombs. Boat remains submerged. 135rpm, 3kn.

1200 - Qu.3366DC - Days Run: 177.7sm - ↗ 154.2sm (15h 20') - ↘ 23.5sm (8h 40').
160.0cbm (5.3cbm/24h). On course 270°. Battery 9800Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. T=60. Lunch Break.

1305 - At Reception Depth. No F.T.s received.

1320 - At A-20. Submerged cruise, 135rpm, 3kn, Silent Running.

1328 - O₂ = 20%.

1347 - The whole time, Wabos in various distances, no damages.

1715 - Interrupted Silent Running for Dinner until 1800h.

1820 - O₂ = 19%. At Reception Depth. No F.T.s received.

1825 - At A-20. Submerged cruise, 135rpm, 3kn.

2150 - At Reception Depth.

2152 - S-Tiefe. Darkness.

2200 - Surfaced after 10h and 29sm since Etmal (Total: 10h 23min. and 30.3sm).
Battery 7900Ah => 10h at 135rpm/3kn => 1900Ah. 2x285RPM, 1/3-Ahead,

2209 - Boat ventilated and Compressed Air Supply filled.

2225 - Qu.3355DC - Charging batteries: Port-Diesel Propulsion, 396RPM, 9kn; Stbd.-Diesel Charging, 496RPM.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Received new Op.-Orders
 

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


Tuesday, 13 January 1942 - Northwest of Bermuda -


0020 - Batteries Charged: 1h 55min., for 2100Ah. 2xH.F.-Ahead, 12kn.

0502 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
For Commanders eyes only:
RST: After reaching ordered patrol grid, your attack area is from Qu.BB58 to CA54. Wait for attack order!

0525 - Qu.3255DC - 2x235RPM/7kn.

0935 - Early Morning Dawn.

1051 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h.

1200 - Qu.3166DC - Days Run: 155.9sm - ↗ 126.9sm (15h 00') - ↘ 29.0sm (10h 00').
153.9cbm (6.1cbm/24h). On course 270°. Battery 10000Ah. 14 internal and 8 external torpedoes. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h.

1202 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
Second position and status request for U 374 (von Fischel).

1301 - Incoming F.T.: From U 552:
Sank the British steamer Dayrose off Cape Race, 4113 BRT. - Topp -

1305 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
For Commanders eyes only:
RST: Regarding F.T.: 0502/13:
Once attack order is given, free hunting in ordered attack area. When out of torpedoes, send status report. Conserve fuel for return voyage!

1635 - Qu.3155DC - On new course 264°.

2043 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 9 Jan., 2210h.

Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag".