U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Two more steamers fall
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+++++ - continued from 6 February, 1200h - 1300 - Diving for Trial Dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507. 1301 - Incoming F.T.: From U 103: From 2-5 Feb. operated in CA 50 (south of New York) and sank 3 tankers and 1 freighter, totaling 26,539 BRT. 4 unexplained misses. Brisk north-bound traffic in CA 55 to 59. (rest of radio message fragmented, repeat requested by B.d.U.) 1302 - At Reception Depth, Sound Contact with two steamers bearing 148°, E=13000, on course ENE, slow speed. 1312 - Surfaced after 12 min. and 0.8sm. Boat operating on sound contact 1302/06. On new course 159°. Boat moving to the stbd. side of the sound contacts, in order to be able to attack with the sun in back. 1318 - Incoming F.T.: From U 136: On 5 Feb., 2236h, sunk a two-funelled destroyer of convoy ON.63, in Qu. AL 6146. Lost contact. - Zimmermnn - 1322 - Incoming F.T.: From U 105: Rescue attempt "Spreewald" to take over survivor failed. Dornier 24 snapped a wing during landing. Air Crew taken on board. - Schuch - 1405 - Intercepted open F.T. on the 600m-Frequency: SSS SSS SSS Halcyan SSS SSS SSS fired at (in DD 3165) by submarine. Cmdr.: So, the first report from 1106h about an attack by a Merchant Raider was false. The only boat in the vicinity is U-Bleichrodt. 1328 - The sound contact 1302/06 comes into sight: Two U.S.A. steamers in keel line on course 70°, speed 7kn: Forward a Large Tramp-Steamer of 6651ts, draught 8.7m, in back a Large Cargo Steamer of 8656ts, draught 9.0m; Distance between them is about 400m. 1335 - At Target Angle 0° and E=7500, diving for submerged attack. S-Tiefe. 1346 - Turning boat hard to port and to attack course 340°. Boat now has the sun in the back. 1353 - "Battle Stations!". Flooding tubes I & IV for a salvo shot. 1408 - Incoming F.T.: From U 109: Fuel taken over from Kals. 6.2. "Halcyan" sunk in DD 3174 gunfire after 2 misses with torpedoes. Total success 4 steamers totaling 29,330 BRT. On homeward cruise. - Bleichrodt - Cmdr.: As suspected, Bleichrodt also sunk this steamer. Now, it is our turn ... 1410 - Qu.4818CC - Salvo Shot with tubes I&IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 6.5m; Vt40; Salvo Angle 1°. Own heading 340°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST. Target ship: Pos.1 U.S.A. Large Tramp-Steamer of 6651ts, draught 8.7m. Target course 70°; Target distance 944m; Target angle green90°; Target speed 7kn; Firing angle α 010°. Closing tubes I & IV. Flooding tubes II & III. 1411 - Qu.4818CC - Salvo Shot with tubes II&III: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 6.5m; Vt40; Salvo Angle 1°. Own heading 340°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST. Target ship: Pos.2 U.S.A. Large Cargo Steamer of 8656ts, draught 9.0m. Target course 70°; Target distance 944m; Target angle green90°; Target speed 7kn; Firing angle α 342°. Closing tubes II & III. Tube I is a hit midships after 45 Sec. on the Pos.1 U.S.A. Large Tramp-Steamer of 6651ts; Tube IV is a failure, as it hits but fails to detonate! Tube II is a failure as it understeers the Pos.2 U.S.A. Large Cargo Steamer of 8656ts; Tube III is a hit in the forecastle! The forward steamer looses headway and settles with the stern in the water. The back steamer settles in the water by the bow and is loosing speed, as it tries to pass the forward steamer along its stbd.side. Both steamers are armed, the Large Tramp-Steamer with a deck gun on the bow and a Flak gun on the stern, and the Large Cargo Steamer with a deck gun on bow and stern, and two Flak guns on the bridge deck and two behind the funnel. The Large Cargo Steamer has upper deck cargo loaded, barrels in the front and containers in back. 1412 - Turning boat hard to stbd. in order to bring the stern tubes to bear. 1415 - Boat on course 163°, 65rpm/1.6kn. 1422 - Flooding tube V. 1423 - Qu.4818CC - Coup de grâce with tube V: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 6.5m; Vt40. Own heading 163°; Own speed 2kn astern; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST. Target ship: Pos.2 U.S.A. Large Cargo Steamer of 8656ts, draught 9.0m. Target course ~95°; Target distance 727m; Target angle green90°; Target speed 1kn; Firing angle α 010°. Torpedo is a hit amidships after 30 sec.! Closing tube V. The steamer looses headway and settles deeper in the water. After 3 minutes, the steamer sinks by the bow, while capsizing over the stbd.side. One loud underwater explosion. 1433 - Maneuvering boat into position for a Coup de grâce. Small-Astern, 2kn. 1440 - Flooding tube VI. 1444 - Qu.4818CC - Coup de grâce with tube VI: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 6.0m; Vt30. Own heading 152°; Own speed 2kn astern; Shooter: Kptlt. & Cmdr. RST. Target ship: Pos.1 U.S.A. Large Tramp-Steamer of 6651ts, draught 8.7m. Target course 63°; Target distance 500m; Target angle green90°; Target speed 0kn; Firing angle α 000°. Torpedo is a hit amidships after 30 sec.! The steamer sinks immediately after the hit by the stern. Closing tube VI. 1452 - Surfaced after 1h 17 min. and 2.2sm. Running toward the sinking positions. Questioning and supplying 12 survivors in 3 boats of the Large Cargo Steamer and 3 survivors in 1 boat of the Large Tramp-Steamer - the crew was trying to save the ship, when the second torpedo hit, and trapped everyone beneath deck, when the ship sank so quickly. 1540 - Loaded tubes I & IV. Running off on general course, 2x235RPM/8kn. 1754 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 5 Feb., 0151h. 1900 - Incoming F.T.: From U 107: Sunk the U.S.A. Steamer Major Wheeler, 3431ts, ESE of Cape Hatteras in Qu.DC 2134. - Gelhaus - Cmdr.: U-Gelhaus is also part of the second "Paukenschlag"-wave. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Setting course for home
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+++++ 0005 - On new course 81°. 0200 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: On 5 Feb., 0832h and 1030h, each time attacked by two pairs of twin engine airplanes, about 580sm southeast of Nova Scotia. During attack at 1038h, shot down 1 Bristol Beaufort, Qu.6981CB, no survivors. By 6 Feb., 1100h, have loaded all external torpedoes under deck. During trial dive preparation, sonar contact with two steamers. At 1426h, sunk in submergd attack, a Large Cargo Steamer, 8656ts and at 1444h, a Large Tramp-Steamer, 6651ts, both in Qu.4818CC. 1 Ato was a dud and 1 Ato understeered. Have 2 internal Ato and 106cbm. Current position Qu.4678CC. Continue homeward cruise. ESE1/1, clear, light haze, visibility 5-6sm, >1000mb. - RST - 0237 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Congratulations! Excellent Results! Continue return cruise acc. Op.-Orders. 0700 - Diving for trial dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507. 135rpm/3kn. 0725 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meters. Setting Reception Depth. 0742 - At Reception Depth. 0745 - Surfaced after 45min. and 1.9sm. 0750 - Charging Batteries (9100Ah): - Port Engine Propulsion 285RPM/8kn; - Stbd.Engine Charging, 496RPM. 0823 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 5 Feb., 0151h. 0840 - Batteries charged (50' for 900Ah). 2x235RPM/8kn. 1101 - Incoming F.T.: From U 751: Have sunk the CAM Ship Empire Sun, 6952ts, off Nova Scotia, Qu.BB7494. - Bigalk - 1132 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 591 and U 352: Zetsche and Rathke: Until rescinded, make short weather report three times daily. Begin at 0200h on 9 Feb., change position within designated attack. 1137 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 125: Folkers: Report position and amount of fuel. 1149 - F.T. from U 125: To B.d.U.: In CD 48 and have 56 cbm. Intending to transfer fuel to U-Zahn. - Folkers - 1200 - Qu.5472CC - Days Run: 179.0sm - ↗ 174.1sm (21h 46') - ↘ 4.9sm (2h 14'). 104.6cbm (2.7cbm/24h). On course 81°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather unchanged since 5 Feb., 0151h. 1200 - Second Position and Status Request for U 82 (Rollmann). 1201 - From B.d.U.: To U 103 and U 564: Fuel transfer from Winter to Suhren fixed for 8 Feb., because of present favorable weather. 1742 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 5 Feb., 0151h. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Commencing Return Cruise
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+++++ 0025 - Qu.5555CC - On new course 75°. 0812 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 5 Feb., 0151h. 1200 - Qu.5631CC - Days Run: 198.9sm (↗24h). 102.0cbm (2.6cbm/24h). On course 75°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather unchanged since 5 Feb., 0151h. 1200 - Third Position and Status Request for U 82 (Rollmann). Boat is presumed lost. (U 82, VIIC, Kptlt. Siegfried Rollmann, was sunk on 6 February 1942 in the North Atlantic north-east of the Azores, in position 44.10N, 23.52W, by depth charges from the British sloop HMS Rochester and the British corvette HMS Tamarisk, 45 dead - all hands lost.) 1728 - Sundown. Weather and Sea shifting northwest: NW1/1, clear, light haze, visibility 5-6sm, >1000mb. 1801 - Norddeich Radio sending report about the war in the Pacific: During the night from 7 to 8 Feb., a task Force of the Japanese Guard Division, made a landing on the Island of Ubin, in the eastern part of the Johore-Strait. Today, Artillery of the 25th Army under the command of General Tomoyuki Yama****a (aka the "Tiger of Malaya", and later "The Beast of Bataan"), began shelling Singapore, while bombers of the 3rd Air Division attacked the British positions. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Something seems to be brewing in the Channel
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+++++ 0540 - Qu.6255CC - On new course 81°. 0802 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 8 Feb., Sundown. 1200 - Qu.6342CC - Days Run: 196.0sm (↗24h). 99.3cbm (2.7cbm/24h). On course 81°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather unchanged since 8 Feb., Sundown. 1201 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: To all Biscay-Boats: Occupy Marqu.BF35 by 12 Feb., 0600h, and clear area of all enemy warships. Cmdr.: This is a repeat of the Op.-Order given on 5 Feb. 1713 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h. 1901 - Incoming F.T.: From U 85: Sunk from dispersed convoy ON.60, the British Empire Fusilier, 5408ts, southeast of Newfoundland, in Qu.BC8179. - Greger - Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Back in the lonely wastes of the Atlantic
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+++++ - Eighth week at sea completed - 0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch. 0600 - Port-Machine-Watch on Duty. Wake-Up and Morning-Wash for the rest of the crew. 0630 - Breakfast for the remaining crew. 0700 - Swab-the-deck for the Off-Watch. 0550 - On new course 75°. 0751 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 8 Feb., Sundown. 0845 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch. 1200 - Qu.1886CD - Days Run: 195.7sm (↗24h). 95.8cbm (3.5cbm/24h). On course 75°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather unchanged since 8 Feb., Sundown. - Lunch Break - 1300 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch. 1659 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged in 48h. 1715 - Dinner for the crew. 2035 - Qu.1955CD - On new course 81°. 2100 - Light-Out for the Off-Watch. 2340 - Wake-Up for the First-Sea-Watch and Stbd.-Machine-Watch. 2400 - "Mittelwächter" - Midnight Coffee for the Watch on duty. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - On inbound transit
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+++++ 0741 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 8 Feb., Sundown. 0901 - Incoming F.T.: From U 564: Sunk the Canadian Tanker Victolite, 11410ts, northwest of Bermuda, in Qu.CB7455. - Suhren - 1200 - Qu.2814CD - Days Run: 195.6sm (↗24h). 93.2cbm (2.6cbm/24h). On course 81°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather unchanged since 8 Feb., Sundown. 1646 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged in 3 days. 2035 - On new course 75°. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - 3 capital ships evacuated from Brest
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+++++ 0151 - Incoming F.T.: From U 108: Sunk the Norwegian Blink, 2701ts, ESE of Cape Hatteras, in Qu.DC2139. - Scholtz - Cmdr.: U-Scholtz belongs to the 2nd "Paukenschlag" Wave. 0731 - Sunrise. The haze has lifted, visibility has improved: NNW1/1, clear, visibility 8-9sm, >1000mb. 1105 - Qu.3455CD - On new course 75°. 1200 - Qu.3456CD - Days Run: 198.3sm (↗24h). 90.6cbm (2.6cbm/24h). On course 75°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather unchanged since 12 Feb., Sunrise. 1632 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 12 Feb., Sunrise. 2002 - Norddeich Radio sending a O.K.W. report about Operation "Cerberus", during which the German Battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, and the Heavy Cruiser Prinz Eugen and their escorts, are evacuated from Brest, leaving yesterday, on 11 Feb., passing through the English Channel today, and arriving in German ports tomorrow, on 13 Feb. The operation is protected by prevailing fog and 6 destroyers, 14 torpedo boats, 26 E-boats, 32 bombers and 252 fighters. Cmdr.: This operation was the reason for the Op.-Order to the Biscay-Boats, to clear the English Channel of any enemy warships. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Uboats still plagued by torpedo failures
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+++++ 0135 - On new course 81°. 0206 - F.T. from U 564: To B.d.U.: Rammed U-Gelhaus in CA 8844, bow tubes out of order. Tubes probably damaged. Nothing else sighted. Necessary to return. 62 cbm. - Suhren - 0207 - F.T. from U 109: To B.d.U.: Very brisk traffic of single ships during the day in CA 7938 and 39, at night no traffic but fishing vessels showing lights. Air and sea patrol only inshore. More traffic in the vicinity of the 200m-Line. On 10 Feb., 3 dud double shots at fast freighter, 12 Feb., a miss fired at a tanker. Still 3 electric torpedoes, 55 cbm. Starboard external fuel tank crushed, fuel had run out. Returning in company with U-Poske. If necessary would take over 10 cbm from him. - Bleichrodt - 0218 - F.T. from B.d.U: To Paukenschlag boats: B-Dienst reporting that an American steamer was instructed to sail 9 miles away from navigational aids when passing through the Straits of Florida. 0718 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h. 1200 - Qu.1174CE - Days Run: 199.0sm (↗24h). 87.9cbm (2.7cbm/24h). On course 81°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea increasing, shifting to ENE. 1430 - ENE1/1, clear, visibility 8-9sm, >1000mb. 1616 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1430h. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Operation "Neuland" is launched
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+++++ 0120 - Qu.1255CE - On new course 75°. 0501 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 161: Achilles: Op.-Order "Neuland": Reach "Area Graz" by 16 Feb., 0000h. Enter the harbor of Port Castries and sink tankers as primary targets. Further orders will follow. - B.d.U. - 0708 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 13 Feb., 1430h. 1200 - Qu.1326CE - Days Run: 199.0sm (↗24h). 85.3cbm (2.6cbm/24h). On course 75°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea unchanged since 13 Feb., 1430h. 1401 - Incoming F.T.: From U 576: Sunk from dispersed convoy ON.63, the British Empire Spring, 6946ts, 50sm southeast of Sable Isalnd, in Qu.BB8851. - Heinicke - 1550 - On new course 81°. 1601 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 13 Feb., 1430h. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Op.-Orders for "Neuland"-Boats
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+++++ 0502 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 129: Clausen: Op.-Order "Neuland": Reach "Area Klagenfurt", acc. Op.-Order No.51, by 16 Feb., 0000h. Patrol the coast of Guayana and sink tankers as primary targets. Further orders will follow. - B.d.U. - 0658 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 13 Feb., 1430h. 0801 - F.T.: From B.d.U.: To Group Neuland: Müller-Stöckheim, Hartenstein, von Rosentiel: You are the first West Indies boats. 1) Primary task is to attack shipping. 2) After such attacks have been carried out, guns may be used against land targets from the morning of "Neuland" day (16 Feb.), if there should be any favorable opportunities. 3) If no shipping targets are encountered, guns may be used against land targets from the evening of "Neuland" day. - B.d.U. - 1200 - Qu.9747BD - Days Run: 198.9sm (↗24h). 81.8cbm (3.5cbm/24h). On course 81°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea unchanged since 13 Feb., 1430h. 1549 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 13 Feb., 1430h. 1645 - Qu.9755BD - On new course 78°. 1701 - Incoming F.T.: From U 566: Sunk the Greek Meropi, 4181ts, straggler from convoy ON.60, 35sm ESE from Sambro Lighthouse, Nova Scotion, in Qu.BB7544. - Borchert - Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Entering the convoy area
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+++++ 0648 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 13 Feb., 1430h. 1200 - Qu.9678BD - Days Run: 199.0sm (↗24h). 78.2cbm (3.6cbm/24h). On course 78°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea increasing, shifting south and then west. 1535 - Sundown. SW4/3, clear, visibility 8-9sm, >1000mb. 1640 - WSW4/3, clear, visibility 8-9sm, >1000mb. Cmdr.: The last 11 days of our Atlantic crossing went without any incident, with calm weather and sea conditions. Now, that we will soon arrive in the convoy and shipping lanes, the wind and sea are increasing again somewhat. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U95 1st War patrol
Under the command of Lt. z.S. Fritz Leiber.
ordered to patrol grid CF49 for 24 hours. Encountered small convoy on 1 day after reaching patrol grid of 7th Sep. 1940. Attacked and sank 2 medium merchantmen; M/V Monarch of the Seas & M/V Egba. Endured depth charge attack by escorting destroyer for 1 hour. Was able to slip out of the warships patrol pattern and slip away. Bad weather prevented U95 from reestablishing contact with convoy. Bearing and speed of convoy reported to Bdu. 19th Sept. U95 makes approach to Gibraltar in hope of richer pickings. Plagued by foul weather that followed the boat to its new hunting ground. 20th Sept. Weather cleared up and allowed U95 to track a lone English merchantment heading towards the straits of Gibraltar. The ship; S.S. Petra, was intercepted and sunk. 21st Sept. Currently tracking a large English Merchantment; Empire Star this time. Heading towards strait. Will attack when in good firing position. Time of contact 19:40pm. Sea too heavy to use deck gun. Attack run made by torpedo, required a 2nd to finish her off. 22nd Sept. At 7:30am Watch officers spotted another lone British trader. A tramp steamer known as the Seagreen. Again sea to heavy to use deck gun. Ship struck by a single torpedo. 23rd Sept 14:20pm Large ore carrier the Empire Ridge spotted heading away from Gibralter. Intercepted and sank with 3 torpedos. With two torpedoes remaining, decided to make return trip to Lorient. Hoping to pick up some enemy traffic on the way. Nothing sighted. U95 returns to Lorient 30th Sept 1940. Total tonnage sank: 29896 Lt. z.S. Fritz Leiber promoted to OberLeutnant Z. S. |
Love this thread. I read it daily to keep apprised of the goings on in the Atalntic :Kaleun_Salute:
I am attempting to get a similar thread going in SH 4 , no luck so far. |
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Look forward to hearing how things go off the US. Was just thinking earlier, today, 80 years ago, 'DRUMBEAT" was happening... |
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Well, I'm on my way back to France already ... but the 2nd Paukenschlag Wave is already hitting the US East Coast hard ... |
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