U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Receiving News about the war in Asia-Pacific
Quote:
+++++ - Ninth 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. 0639 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 16 Feb., 1640h. 0700 - Qu.7455BE - Swab-the-decks for the Off-Watch. 0845 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch. 1200 - Qu.7463BE - Days Run: 173.7sm (↗24h). 75.6cbm (2.6cbm/24h). On course 78°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea unchanged since 16 Feb., 1640h. - Lunch - 1216 - Incoming F.T.: From U 108: Traffic to America stopped excepting close inshore. Moderate northeast traffic in DC 12-21 and south of it. (English) Night route for traffic to America via shallow water. Sunk: 4 freighters totaling 22,000 BRT. Protracted return voyage. 3 torpedoes, 65cbm. - Scholtz - 1228 - Incoming F.T.: From U 502 (Neuland boat): On 16 Feb., sank 2 tankers totaling 3,300 tons off the northwest coast of Paraguana, and scored 2 hits on a 1500 ton tanker. On 17th Nicolaashaven (Aruba) was completely blacked out, 3 patrol boats, no traffic. Air patrol by day. Impossible to use ship's guns. 145cbm. - von Rosenstiel - 1300 - Diving for torpedo maintenance and trial dive. 135rpm/3kn. Daily work routine for the Off-Watch. 1310 - T=50. Beginning of torpedo maintenance. 1440 - Tubes I&IV serviced. 1445 - Beginning of Trial Dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507. 135rpm/3kn. O₂ = 20%. 1448 - A-Meter. 1505 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. Testing E-Motors: 135rpm=3kn 185rpm=4kn 250rpm=6kn 296rpm=7kn 305rpm=7.5kn 1527 - Sundown. At Reception depth. 1530 - Surfaced after 2h 30min. and 7.0sm. Weather and Sea unchanged since 16 Feb., 1640h. 1600 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (9300Ah): Port-Diesel Propulsion, 285RPM/7kn; Stbd.-Diesel Charging, 496RPM. 1640 - Batteries charged (40 min. for 700Ah). 2x235RPM/7kn. 1715 - Dinner for the crew. 1801 - Norddeich Radio sending report about the war in Asia-Pacific: Dutch-East-India: While Allied planes were attacking Japanese shipping on 13 February, Kawasaki Ki-56 transport planes of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Chutai, Imperial Japanese Army Air Force (IJAAF), dropped 460 Teishin Shudan (Raiding Group) paratroopers over Pangkalan Benteng airfield on Sumatra. At the same time Mitsubishi Ki-21 bombers from the 98th Sentai dropped supplies for paratroopers. As many as 180 men from the Japanese 2nd Parachute Regiment, under Colonel Seiichi Kume, dropped between Palembang and Pangkalan Benteng, and more than 90 men came down west of the refineries at Plaju. Although the Japanese paratroopers failed to capture the Pangkalan Benteng airfield, at the Plaju oil refinery they managed to gain possession of the entire complex, which was undamaged. However, the second oil refinery in Sungai Gerong was successfully demolished by the Allies. A makeshift counter-attack by Landstorm troops and anti-aircraft gunners from Prabumulih managed to retake the complex but took heavy losses. The planned demolition failed to do any serious damage to the refinery, but the oil stores were set ablaze. Two hours after the first drop, another 60 Japanese paratroopers were dropped near Pangkalan Benteng airfield. As the Japanese landing force approached Sumatra, the remaining Allied aircraft attacked it, and the Japanese transport ship Otawa Maru was sunk. Hurricanes flew up the rivers, machine-gunning Japanese landing craft. However, on the afternoon of 15 February, all Allied aircraft were ordered to Java, where a major Japanese attack was anticipated, and the Allied air units had withdrawn from southern Sumatra by the evening of 16 February 1942. Other personnel were evacuated via Oosthaven (now Bandar Lampung) by ships to Java or India. 2100 - Lights-Out for the Off-Watch. 2340 - Wake-Up for the 1st Sea Watch and the 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 - Continuing homebound voyage
Quote:
+++++ 0629 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 16 Feb., 1640h. 1200 - Qu.7385BE - Days Run: 159.4sm - ↗ 152.4sm (21h 30') - ↘ 7.0sm (2h 30'). 75.6cbm (2.6cbm/24h). On course 79°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea unchanged since 16 Feb., 1640h. 1510 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 16 Feb., 1640h. 1651 - Incoming F.T.: From U 108: Have sunk from dispersed convoy ON.62, the British Somme, 5265ts, northeast of Bermuda, in Qu.CB8926. - Scholtz - Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Continuing homebound voyage
Quote:
+++++ 0000 - WSW7/6, clear light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 0310 - Qu.8155BE - 0401 - Incoming F.T.: From U 128: Have sunk the US-Tanker Pan Massachusetts, 8201ts, 20sm off Cape Canaveral, in Qu.DB9546. - Heyse - Cmdr.: U-Heyse belongs to the boats of the second "Paukenschlag"-Wave. 0621 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 19 Feb., 0000h. 1200 - Qu.8218BE - Days Run: 158.5sm - (↗ 24h). 70.3cbm (2.7cbm/24h). On course 78°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea unchanged since 19 Feb., 0000h. 1458 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 19 Feb., 0000h. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
Keep your dogs on a leash !!
January 1944. Bad enough I suffer major hull damage exiting the Bay of Biscay and have to return to base due to a FIDO hit.................but then to have another dropped on me only 75 kms from base !:haha:
Fortunately this one missed. What's the saying about aircraft; if it's silver it's American, if it's black it's British, and if it's invisible it's the Luftwaffe ! :har: |
Quote:
Gallows Laughter |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - In the lonely wastes of the Atlantic
Quote:
+++++ 0613 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 19 Feb., 0000h. 1200 - Qu.5986BE - Days Run: 154.7sm - (↗ 24h). 67.7cbm (2.6cbm/24h). On course 79°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea unchanged since 19 Feb., 0000h. 1446 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 19 Feb., 0000h. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Approaching the Bay of Biscay
Quote:
+++++ 0120 - Qu.6755BE - 0414 - Incoming F.T.: From U 564: Tanker on course 280° in CC 2543 and another Tanker in CC 2526, course southwest. - Suhren - 0426 - Incoming F.T.: From U 107: 5 Tankers in CC 2490, widely scattered, on southwest course. - Gelhaus - Cmdr.: The tankers must belong to a dispersed convoy, probably ONS. Very regrettable that two submarines that have fired all torpedoes should happen to come upon this convoy. The nearest boat is on its homeward way - some 200 miles northwest of the position reported. 0500 - Swell is increasing. Diving due to the sea continuously washing over the bridge. 0545 - At A-20 submerged cruise, 135rpm/3kn. 0605 - Sunrise. 0646 - O₂ = 20%. 0700 - T=50 Beginning of torpedo maintenance. 0830 - Tubes I&IV serviced. Beginning of trial dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507. 135rpm/3kn. 0835 - A-Meter. 0850 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. Setting for Reception Depth. 0910 - T=20. No radio messages received. Still heavy swell. Continuing submerged cruise at A-20. 0912 - Crossed 15°W. 1026 - O₂ = 19%. 1200 - Qu.6763BE - Days Run: 128.5sm - ↗ 108.5sm (17h) - ↘ 20.0sm (7h). 65.9cbm (1.8cbm/24h). On course 78°. O₂ = 19%. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. 1310 - Surfaced after 1h 10min and 3.5sm since Etmal, and 8h 10min. and 23.5sm in total. Battery 8700Ah. Weather and Sea unchanged since 19 Feb., 0000h, heavy swell. 1347 - Compressed Air Supply filled. 1416 - Boat ventilated. 1420 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: Crossed 15°W. Switching to circuit "Ireland". 2 internal Ato. 65cbm. WSW7/6, heavy swell, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. - RST - Diving for submerged cruise at A-20. 1439 - Sundown. 1616 - O₂ = 20%. 1956 - O₂ = 19% (after 3h 40' w/o Silent Running). 2100 - Silent Running, 65rpm/1.6kn. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Battling yet another storm
Quote:
+++++ 0036 - O₂ = 18% (after 3h 40' with Silent Running). 0545 - O₂ = 17% (after 5h 10' with Silent Running). 0556 - L.I. is distributing O₂ in the boat. 0605 - Sunrise. 0708 - S-Tiefe. Weather unchanged but the Sea has died down. 0710 - Surfaced after 16h 45min. and 32.8sm. Weather: SSE4/3, medium swell, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 0716 - Boat ventilated. 0720 - Charging Batteries (6700Ah): Port-Diesel, Propulsion 285RPM/7kn; Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM. 0805 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: To all boats: In support of Operation "Sportpalast", the Heavy Cruisers Admiral Scheer and Hipper, are transfered to Drontheim. These units are escorted by three destroyers. 100% identification has to be ensured, when attacking warships in the area! - B.d.U. - 1000 - Batteries charged (2h 40' for 3300Ah). 2x235RPM/7kn. 1200 - Qu.6831BE - Days Run: 75.2sm - ↗ 38.9sm (6h 05') - ↘ 36.3sm (17h 55'). 65.1cbm (0.8cbm/24h). On course 79°. Battery 10000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea unchanged since 22 Feb., 0710h. 1434 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 22 Feb., 0710h. 2211 - Incoming F.T.: From U 128: Have sunk in Straits of Florida a tanker, 3000ts, in DB 9546 on 19 Feb., and a fully loaded tanker, 12000ts, in DB 9439 on 22 Feb. Peacetime lights, no air patrol, only destroyers in DB. - Heyse - Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - England has a new Air Marshall
Quote:
+++++ 0101 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: For Commanders Eyes Only: Take up position at line between Qu.AK37/38 and AK39/03 and seach in direction East-West-East. HX/SC-convoys expected to pass through this area. Achtung: Escorts most likely very experienced! Cmdr.: I continue with home bound transit due to fuel and acc. Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". 0557 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 22 Feb., 0710h. 0700 - Reached Qu.BF40. "All hands on Quivive!". 1200 - Qu.4454BF - Days Run: 168.7sm - (↗ 24h). 62.4cbm (2.7cbm/24h). On course 79°. Battery 1000Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea unchanged since 22 Feb., 0710h. 1335 - Qu.4455BF - 1352 - Incoming F.T.: From U 587: Re-established contact with convoy #12 at 1300h in BD 6859. Convoy most likely ONS.67, consisting of about 4 destroyers and 16 steamers. - Borcherdt - 1404 - Incoming F.T.: From U 587: Achtung! "Q" ship and 2 patrol vessels behind convoy #12 (ONS.67). "Q" ship has cable laying gear and dim side-lights. Last seen in BC 9424. Apparently she is fitted with torpedo nets, as a torpedo hit aft had no effect. - Borcherdt - 1408 - Incoming F.T.: From U 564: Have sunk 3 ships totaling 29356ts. On return voyage - Suhren - 1422 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 22 Feb., 0710h. Incoming F.T.: From U 504: Situation report from operational area in Straits of Florida: Much traffic within the 20 meter line. Hence, no day attacks. Single large ships at night within the 200 meter line. Moderate destroyer and air patrols since first attack. Good chances for attack, but strong patrolling in DB 9790. Sunk: Tanker, 6000ts, gasoline tanker ("Gulfpride" class), 12510ts. Four masted freighter ("Cambridge" class), 10846ts. - Poske - 1423 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 502 and U 67: von Rosenstiel and Müller-Stöckheim: Free hand in the Caribbean. - B.d.U. - 1800 - Norddeich Radio Report: England: Command over the RAF Bomber Forces has been given to Air Marshall Sir Arthur T. Harris. Pacific: General Mac Arthur, Commander over the Philippines, is ordered by Presendent Roosevelt to go to Australia and take over command of the Allied forces in the Pacific. He is being succeeded by General Wainright. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Entering the Bay of Biscay
Quote:
+++++ - Tenth week at sea completed - 0435 - Early Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea unchanged since 22 Feb., 0710h. Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: Will be at point Lore on 25 Feb., 0430h. - RST - 0505 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Proceed without escort on path Heart. Report when 12h from point Luci-2. - B.d.U. - 0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch. 0548 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea becoming worse, shifting SW: SSW6/5, overcast, hazy, poor visibility, >1000mb. 0600 - Port-Machine-Watch on duty. Wake-Up and Morning Wash for the remaining crew. 0605 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: Diving due to poor airplane visibility. SSW7/6, overcast, hazy, >1000mb. - RST - 0630 - Breakfast for the remaining crew. 0700 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running. Swab-the-decks for the Off-Watch. 0806 - O₂ = 20%. 0845 - Daily Work Routine for the Off-Watch. 1200 - Qu.4532BF - Days Run: 146.7sm - ↗ 129.5sm (18h 05') - ↘ 17.2sm (5h 55'). 59.8cbm (2.6cbm/24h). On course 77°. Battery 8900Ah. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. T=60. O₂ = 20%. - Lunch Break - 1300 - Daily Work Routine for the Off-Watch. 1306 - O₂ = 19%. 1420 - Sundown. 1626 - New course 85°. 1715 - Dinner for the crew. 1746 - O₂ = 18%. 2100 - Lights out for the Off-Watch. 2256 - O₂ = 17%. 2306 - L.I. distributing O₂ in the boat. 2340 - Wake-Up for the Stbd.-Machine-Watch and the 1st Seawatch. 2400 - "Mittelwächter" - Midnight Coffee for the Watch-on-Duty. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Order per F.T.0505/24. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Reached escort point Lore
Quote:
+++++ 0545 - Sunrise. 0650 - At Reception Depth. Battery 5000Ah. 0652 - S-Tiefe. Weather and Sea appear to be unchanged. 0655 - Surfaced after 18h 55min. and 55.2sm since Etmal, and 24h 50min. and 72.4sm in total. Weather: SW7/6, overcast, hazy, poor visibility, >1000mb. 0656 - Boat ventilated. O₂ supply is 95%. 0703 - Compresses Air Supply filled. Charging batteries: Port-Diesel, Propulsion, 285RPM/6kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging, 496RPM. 1119 - Batteries charged: 4h 16min. for 5000Ah. 2x235RPM/6-7kn. 1200 - Qu.4397BF - Days Run: 85.9sm - ↗ 30.7sm (5h 05') - ↘ 55.2sm (18h 55'). 58.9cbm (0.9cbm/24h). On course 85°. Battery 10000Ah. O₂-Supply 95%. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea unchanged since 24 Feb., Sunrise. 1231 - Incoming F.T.: From U-DaVinci (I-8): Have sunk the Brazilian Cabedello, 3557ts, in pos. 15° 15'N, 52° 40'W. - Capitano di Corvetta Longanesi Cattani - Cmdr.: The position given corresponds with Marqu.EE6383, which is East of Fort-de-France, in the Carribean. The Marconi-Class, U-DaVinci, is the most successful submarine of the Regia Marina. 1407 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 24 Feb., Sunrise. 1515 - New course 90°. 1630 - Fuel 60cbm (25%/+1cbm Reserve). 2000 - Point Lore - Nothing noticed. Cmdr.: Apparently, the weather is also preventing the enemy from operating its aircraft over the Bay of Biscay. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Order per F.T.0505/24. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - On Approach Path Heart
Quote:
+++++ 0415 - Early Morning Dawn. 0538 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged in 48h. 1200 - Qu.5288BF - Days Run: 169.6sm - (↗ 24h). 56.4cbm (2.5cbm/24h). On course 90°. Battery 10000Ah. O₂-Supply 95%. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. Weather and Sea unchanged since 24 Feb., Sunrise. 1356 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 24 Feb., Sunrise. 1420 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: Will be at point Luci-2 on 27 Feb., 0200h. - RST - 1455 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Message received. Send next message from point Luci-2 over LW 20.4kHz. - B.d.U. - 2340 - Weather is clearing up, shifting to SSW. On new course 45°. Leaving path Heart. Approaching Lorient. Boat operating acc. to Op.-Order per F.T.1455/26. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Arrived in Lorient
Quote:
+++++ 0005 - German tanker escorted by a destroyer bearing 270°, at medium speed on easterly course, E=5000. 0016 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 155 (IXC): Piening: Allotted attack area off coast north of Cape Hatteras. - B.d.U. - 0017 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 162 (IXC) and U 158 (IXC): Wattenberg and Rostin: Allotted attack area off coast south of Cape Hatteras. - B.d.U. - 0046 - Incoming F.T.: From U 558: On protracted return trip from CC 29 via BC 35. Still 55cbm. - Krech - 0058 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: To all boats: ACHTUNG! Three-masted sailing ship, that has already appeared several times in BE, has camouflage and powerful A/A armament. As reported by rescued air crew, apparently is a aircraft and submarine decoy. - B.d.U. - 0105 - On new course 002°. Wind and Sea subsiding. 0120 - VIIC boat 500m to our stbd. beam, on opposite course. 0135 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: On Point Luci-2. - RST - 0210 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Enter port without escort at Sunrise. - B.d.U. - 0400 - Early Morning Dawn. SW4/3, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 0530 - Sunrise. Wind and Sea unchanged since 0400h. Entering Lorient. Additional Flak Batteries have been installed. 2 Fighter planes are patroling the area north of Ìle de Groix. 0635 - All available hands on deck for greeting in the harbour. Making fast. Mooring boat at Isère. Lorient - Qu.6157BF - Days Run: 107.5sm - (↗ 18h 35') - since Etmal. 54.0cbm (2.4cbm/18h 35'). Battery 10000Ah. O₂-Supply 95%. 2 internal Ato. 136x10.5cm-SpG. 7676xM.G.-2cm-C/30-PbG. SW4/3, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. Clearing out of boat: 54cbm; 2 internal Ato; 10.5cm: 136xSpG+30xLkG; M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7676PbG. Discharging of batteries (10000Ah). Placing boat in dry dock for Shipyard Overhaul. Routine work by the crew throughout. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - B.d.U. Debriefing & Assessment
Quote:
+++++ The totals of this 3rd war patrol with U 113 and 15th war patrol overall are: Traveled surfaced: 9840.7sm - 57 days, 0h, 58min. Traveled submerged: 814.3sm - 15 days, 16h, 22min. Traveled total: 10655.0sm - 72 days, 17h, 20min. Total of 8 merchants for 30757ts and 2 tankers for 21689ts (Total of 52446ts) sunk and 1 airplane "Beaufort" shot down. All sunk ships were independently travelling acc. Op.-Order "Paukenschlag". Torpedo hits: 14 (7 Eto and 7 Ato). Torpedo misses: None. Torpedo failures: - 1 Ato was a dud. - 2 Eto ignited prematuraly. - 2 Ato and 1 Eto understeered. Note: All torpedoes with Pi-G7H. Crash Dives: 15 from airplanes: - 5 Bay of Biscay during outbound transit; - 9 North of Bermuda - 1 U.S.A. East Coast Depth Charges: 15 (all from airplanes) - some damage. Pressure hull: 99.50% (Accumulated: 0.50%) Honour points: 2508.43 (Accumulated: 28075.31) B.d.U. Assessment This was the third war patrol of this boat and crew, and was performed under special Op.-Orders "Paukenschlag". The outbound cruise was hampered by bad weather and and strong enemy air patrols north of Bermuda, which caused the outbound voyage to take longer than anticipated. The return voyage went according to plan, with no enemy airplanes encountered during transit and in the Bay of Biscay. The weather improved just long enough, for the external torpedoes to be loaded under deck, and enabling the boat to finish the patrol with the most ships sunk and the second highest tonnage of the first wave of 6 Paukenschlag boats, as well as 1 enemy airplane shot down. It is with great honor and respect, that the Commander is being awarded after the Oak Leaves, with Crossed Swords to the Knights Cross! Karl Dönitz Vizeadmiral & B.d.U. |
Quote:
Launched from Lorient on 12th Oct. 1940 Ordered to grid BE61 and patrol for 24 hours Sea state 2, wind 7.5 knots Arrived 15th Oct. 1940. Sea state 5, wind 17 Knots. Patrol as per orders. No contacts. Decision to move to area of high traffic, grid AL99. Encountered merchant ship "S.S. Dalblair" around 4am on 17th Oct. sea to heavy to use deck gun. Ship sank with single torpedo. Patrolled the area for 3 days before heading east to grid BF13. Arrived BF13 on 22nd Oct. 1940 Sea state 2, wind 4 to 6 knots. U95 patrolled into shallow waters off Irish coast for a time. Located small but well defended convoy. Kept in front until reached safety of deeper waters. Notified Bdu of convoy status and launched attack at 3am 29th Oct. Able to penetrate destroyer screen. Launched attack on Large tanker "M/V E.J. Henry". Hit with two torpedoes. u95 attacked by 3 V&W destroyers. U95 sustained repeated depth charge attacks for 3 & a half hours. U95 tracked west and located the tanker dead in the water. Decision taken to use aft torpedo. Torpedo was a dud. Boat brought round and bow torpedo used. Tanker sunk. Surfaced 2 hours later to recharge batteries and replenish air. Convoy was lost. Decision to move to new area AM55 and patrol for enemy shipping. Encountered a number of American ships making there way along the west coast of Ireland. No attacks made. Arrived late in the evening of 4th November. 5th November. Grid AM55 Sea state 2 wind: 6 knots. Located Merchantman "Empire Fairway" Attacked at 2:28 am sunk with two torpedoes. Located Merchantment "M/V Bournville" at 13:52pm attacked at 13:10 sunk with one Torpedo. Decided to relocate boat to AM54 and patrol there. Arrived early hours of 6th Nov. 7th Nov. Grid AM54 sea state 1, wind: 3 knots Located two vessels M/V Empire Tern & M/V Sutton. Both identified as American. Attack cancelled. Hydrophone operator picked up third vessel decided to intercept and identify it. Located the coastal tanker S.S. Maroussio Logotheti. Identified as British. Ship attacked and sunk with single torpedo at 0700 hours 11th November. Fuel levels now at 50% - decision to begin return to Lorient. 11th Nov. Grid AM73 sea state 5, wind: 30knots Located cargo ship M/V New Brooklyn struggling in heavy sea. Decision made to attack at 20:46. 1st torpedo launched at ship malfunctioned, running too deep. A 2nd torpedo was a dud. Reluctantly a third was fired. Ship broke in two after tremendous explosion recked the vessel. Ship sank in less than 30 seconds. 13th Nov. Grid BF13 sea state 4, wind: 15 knots Enounter with loan British destroyer. Decided to avoid contact and slipped past the British vessel. 15th Nov Sea of Biscay. Sea state 3, wind: 9 knots. Encountered 2 V&W class destroyers on their own steaming west out of the channel. Not sure if we had been spotted on the surface by a plane, I ordered the boat down. Ships went on their way. Range too far to attack. Continued voyage to Lorient. 16th Nov. Lorient. Sea state 1, wind 2 knots. Returned to base, 06:34 hours. Total tonnage of patrol 27170 grt. superficial damage to boat no casualties. |
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:53 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 1995- 2024 Subsim®
"Subsim" is a registered trademark, all rights reserved.