U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Being hunted by air and sea patrols
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Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ... ++++++ - continued from 29 April, 0545h - 0650 - Qu.9855ED - On new course 45°. 0741 - Qu.9853ED - Morning Dawn. Two coastal freighters in keel line, bearing 309°, on course SW, E=3000. In front a Panamanian of 1050ts and in back an Englishman of 1120ts. 0742 - Turning toward the steamers on course 270°. Speed 1kn. "Manning Deck Gun!". 0745 - Speed 1kn. "Battle Stations!". 0747 - E=2400. "Weapons Free!". Firing at the front Panamanian steamer and incinerating the middle upper deck cargo with the second shot and hit. 0748 - After 3 shots at the Panamanian steamer, the Englishmen in back is firing with a deck gun, which is mounted amidhsips. Boat has to re-direct its fire onto the English steamer. Boat scores a direct hit after for shots and hits on the enemy deck gun, the steamer has fired 3 shots in total, which were either too short or way over the boat. 0749 - After 3 more shots, the boat is out of ammunition. Both steamers are burning, but continue on. "Secure Weapons!". 0750 - Turning boat hard to port and running off at high speed, on an easterly heading. 0805 - On new course 40°. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". 0834 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h, visibility ~4.6sm. 0913 - Qu.9835ED - "ALARM!". Crash-diving from at least 4 pair of Catalinas, direct approach from 180°true, E=8500. At T=25 the first well-placed bombs, very strong concussions. 0915 - Regained trim at A-Meter, Small-Ahead. In due course, several more bombs at and around our diving position. 0923 - Boat remains submerged at A-20, 135rpm/3kn. 0932 - Sound contact with warship bearing 143°, medium speed on course north, E=20000, seems to be heading straight for our diving position. 1000 - At S-Tiefe, the distance to the ASW sound contact is now about 10000m. The I.W.O. is scanning the skies for A/C with the B-Sehrohr. 1002 - In the A-Sehrohr, a destroyer is emerging through the haze, bearing 160°, E=8500, medium speed, course north. 1010 - At E=6200, Silent Running. The periscopes are sticking about 1m out of the water. 1012 - At E=6000, the destroyer is positivly identified as a Clemson type Destroyer, is sniffing around for us at the diving position. 1033 - The Destroyer is running off on course south. Secured from Silent Running. Boat is staying submerged, setting for A-20. Cmdr.: It is quite surprising to me, that the destroyer approached our position only at medium speed. However, since she did, we were able to gain the necessary safe distance without straining the batteries too much. 1104 - O₂ = 20%. 1200 - Qu.9833ED - Days Run: 158.8sm - ↗ 129.1sm (14h) - ↘ 29.7sm (10h). 168cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 9300Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 40°. T=60. O₂ = 20%. 1230 - Surfaced after 30min. and 1.5sm since Etmal, and 3h 17min. and 9.7sm in total. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h. Flak and Forward Upper Deck took some damage at the last A/C attack. 1233 - Compressed Air Supply filled and Flak repaired. 1234 - Boat ventilated and Forward Upper Deck repaired. 1/3-Ahead. 1240 - On new course 45°. 2xH.F.-Ahead. 1535 - Qu.9655ED - 1556 - Qu.9653ED - "ALARM!". Crash-diving from at least 3 pair of Catalinas, direct approach from 225°true, E=6500. At T=40 the first bombs, medium concussions. 1557 - At A-Meter and in due course, min. of 48 bombs are dropped at and around our diving position. 1615 - Boat remains submerged at A-20, 135rpm/3kn. Cmdr.: Clearly, the enemy has organized a concerted hunt for us. 1744 - O₂ = 20%. 1911 - Surfaced after 3h 15min. and 9.7sm. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h. 1915 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries: Port-Diesel, Propulsion, 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging, 496RPM. 2032 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0545h. 2040 - Batteries charged => 1h 25min. for 1500Ah. 2100 - Diving for submerged cruise. 2108 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running. 2324 - O₂ = 20%. Boat heading toward supply ship. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - The diesels are giving us some trouble
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++++++ Thursday, 30 April 1942 - Southwest of Barbados - 0444 - O₂ = 19%. 0600 - Secured from Silent Running. 0751 - T=20. 0753 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged. 0800 - Surfaced after 11h and 32.1sm. NNW1/1, clear light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 0805 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 7900Ah. 1/3-Ahead. 0810 - 2xH.F.-Ahead. 0818 - Sunrise. 0925 - Qu.7155EE - On new course 63°. Testing Diesel Engines: 2xHalf-Ahead: 12.5kn; Full-Ahead: 14kn; A.K.: 16kn. Cmdr.: In the upper speed settings, we seem to be about 1-2kn short. 1200 - Qu.7139EE - Days Run: 159.0sm - ↗ 115.7sm (9h 15') - ↘ 43.3sm (14h 45'). 165cbm (3cbm/24h). Battery 7900Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 63°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0800h. 5sm south of Barbados, southern tip is visible in the haze. Water depth is 210m. Taking navigational land fix. 1955 - Qu.4955EE - 2020 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0800h. 2045 - Diving for submerged cruise. 2100 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running. 2314 - O₂ = 20%. Boat heading toward supply ship. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Heading toward the supply ship
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++++++ Friday, 1 May 1942 - ENE of Barbados - 0434 - O₂ = 19%. 0600 - Secured from Silent Running. 0735 - T=20. 0737 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged. 0745 - Surfaced after 11h and 32.1sm. SE1/1, clear light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 0755 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 5700Ah. 2xH.F.-Ahead. 0802 - Sunrise. 1200 - Qu.5493EE - Days Run: 192.3sm - ↗ 160.2sm (13h) - ↘ 32.1sm (11h). 160cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 5700Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 63°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0745h. 1455 - Qu.5555EE - On new course 45°. 2008 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0745h. 2030 - Diving for submerged cruise. 2100 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running. 2249 - O₂ = 20%. 2314 - Batteries 5000Ah. Boat heading towards supply ship. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Still within reach of enemy A/C
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++++++ Saturday, 2 May 1942 - East of the Lesser Antilles - 0110 - Qu.5355EE - 0404 - O₂ = 19%. 0600 - Secured from Silent Running. 0720 - T=20. 0722 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged. Cmdr.: Three minutes before the boat is to surface, 2 pair of Catalina's are visible in the B-Periscope. E=6000. Approaching from 225°true on course Northeast and right over the position of the boat, turn back on course 225°. 4 bombs each under each wing can clearly be made out in the periscope. 0740 - Surfaced after 11h 10min. and 32.6sm. NNW1/1, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb. 0745 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 3500Ah. 1/3-Ahead. 0748 - Sunrise. 0800 - 2xH.F. 0845 - Charging batteries: Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM; Port Diesel Propulsion 405RPM/11kn. 0933 - Batteries 5000Ah. 1102 - Batteries 7500Ah. 1155 - Interrupted Battery Charging at 8700Ah. 2xH.F. 1200 - Qu.3773EE - Days Run: 186.6sm - ↗ 154.0sm (12h 50') - ↘ 32.6sm (11h 10'). 155cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 8700Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0740h. 1300 - Continued with battery charging: Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM; Port Diesel Propulsion 405RPM/11kn. 1313 - Qu.3755EE - 1415 - Batteries charged: 4h 25min. for 6500Ah. 2xH.F./12kn. 1957 - Qu.3555ED - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0740h. 2020 - Diving for submerged cruise. 2100 - A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running. 2234 - O₂ = 20%. Boat heading towards supply ship. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Heading toward the supply ship
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++++++ Sunday, 3 May 1942 - East of the Lesser Antilles - - Fourth week at sea completed - 0354 - O₂ = 19%. 0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch. 0600 - Secured from Silent Running. Port Machine-Watch on duty. Wake-Up and Morning Wash of remaining crew. 0630 - Breakfast for the remaining crew. 0700 - Swap-the-Decks for the Off-Watch. 0705 - T=20. 0707 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea seem to be unchanged. 0710 - Surfaced after 10h 50min. and 31.6sm. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h. 0715 - Boat ventilated. Batteries 7900Ah. 1/3-Ahead. 0738 - Sunrise. 0745 - 2xH.F. 0845 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch. 1105 - Qu.3355EE - 1200 - Qu.3353EE - Days Run: 191.5sm - ↗ 159.9sm (13h 10') - ↘ 31.6sm (10h 50'). 149cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 7900Ah. 2 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 2 May, 0740h. – Lunch Break – 1300 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch. 1430 - Qu.7777DQ - Reached limit of enemy air cover zone. 1715 - Dinner for the crew. 1740 - Qu.7755DQ - 1800 - Port Machine-Watch on duty. 1948 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 2 May, 0740h. 2100 - Lights-Out for the Off-Watch. 2212 - On new course 90°. Darkness. 2305 - 1/3-Ahead. 16km from Supply Ship. 2/3-Moon rising in the East. 2330 - At E=8000, Supply Ship comes into sight (visibility for crew is 6000m). 2340 - Wake-Up for the Stbd.-Machine-Watch and the 1st Sea-Watch. At E=5000, reducing speed. Exchanging Recognition Signal and running to the Leeward (Stbd.) and the moonlit Side of the Supply Ship. 2400 - "Mittelwächter": Mid-Night Coffee for the Watch on Duty. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
Patrol 11:
U64 a type IX sub was leaving Brest 05.11.1940 at 0304. Went to PQ DG81 08.11.1940 BF 77 early morning crew found a small convoy in bad weather. Rain, fog and heavy sea. Started surface attack with torpedos. Sent all 4 ships down within 20 minutes. (coastal freight, passenger and freight, colonial freight and caribou) Back heading wsw towards DG81 11.11.1940 CF 59 in germany they start 5th season - we started submerged attack against big convoy (5 escorts). Shot down another 5 ships in heavy seas. (big freightsteam, big tanker, big tanker, freight M33 and trooper) After silent running for rest of day, we did it out and went back to general direction. After cruising our PQ without any contact, i decided to go towards Rockall Banks. 02.12.1940 BE 36 another convoy was reported and we could go in good position. Again wind with 10m/s and high waves. Again 5 escorts. 6 torps left. Shot 2 again tanker, next 2 for standard freight didn´t hit. So 1 torp to get tanker down and 1 torp for standard freighter. Both hit and both ships went down. Again silent running to get out of convoy. After surfacing we just went home to Brest with 82722 tons. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - At supply ship
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++++++ Monday, 4 May 1942 - Northeast of Caribbean - 0005 - Qu.7585DQ - 19°37'00"N, 050°57'00"W (bottom center) - Making fast at Supply Ship. 145cbm (4cbm/12h). Battery 7900Ah. 2 External Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. NNW1/1, clear, visibility 3.5sm, >1000mb. Taking over from Supply Ship: - 73cbm Fuel => Now have 218cbm. - 4 Ato => Loaded 4 Ato in bow compartment and 2 external Ato in stern compartment. Loaded tubes I-VI. Now have 6 internal Ato. - Provisions and Fresh Water for 14 days (1100kg). - Charged batteries (2h for 2100Ah). Received Mine Situation Report of the Bay of Biscay: Path Tannennadel and Cedernland closed as of 26 April. Inbound Lorient boats to use paths Bogenlampe and Uhunest. Handing over a copy of our KTB since damage to radio system, for reporting to B.d.U. by next boat at supply ship on our behalf. Crew going aboard Supply Ship in shifts, for a hot shower, a warm meal, washing laundry and a doctors visit. 0515 - Completed re-supply and repairs. Radio System could not be repaired with what is available on supply ship. 0630 - Early Morning Dawn. SSW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 0650 - Casting off Supply Ship and running off on an easterly heading. 0728 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0630h. 0745 - At 16km from Supply Ship, 2xH.F. 1153 - Qu.7655DQ - On new course 45°. 1200 - Qu.7655DQ - Days Run: 208.2sm - ↗ (24h). 216cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0630h. 1830 - Qu.8155DQ - 1938 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0630h. Boat on return voyage. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - On return voyage
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++++++ Tuesday, 5 May 1942 - Northeast of Caribbean - 0107 - Qu.5855DQ - 0620 - Morning Dawn. 0711 - Sunrise. W1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 0745 - Qu.5655DQ - 1200 - Qu.6175DQ - Days Run: 299.3sm - ↗ (24h). 208cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 external Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 45°. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sunrise. 1420 - Qu.6155DQ - On new course 0°. 1900 - Qu.3755DQ - 1929 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sunrise. 2343 - Qu.3455DQ - On new course 45°. Boat on return voyage. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - On return voyage
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++++++ Wednesday, 6 May 1942 - Atlantic Ocean - 0300 - Qu.3275DQ - At position from first sinkings of this patrol on 17 April. Cmdr.: Maybe we get lucky again. 0415 - Diving for sound check and trial dive. 0429 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20. 0440 - At T=20. Nothing heard. 0515 - Directly surfacing from T=20, after 1h and 2.9sm. Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9700Ah. 0530 - On new course 90°. 2xH.F. Boat heading toward plotted meeting point with outbound U-Hartenstein. 0610 - Morning Dawn. 0701 - Sunrise. NE1/1, shifting east, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 1200 - Qu.3386DQ - Days Run: 284.8sm - ↗ 281.9sm (23h) - ↘ 2.9sm (1h). 201cbm (7cbm/24h). Battery 9700Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 90°. ESE1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 1915 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal. 2053 - On new course 32°. 2130 - Qu.1282DR - At plotted meeting point with outbound U-Hartenstein. Diving for sound check. T=20. 2324 - O₂ = 20%. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - On return voyage
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++++++ Thursday, 7 May 1942 - Atlantic Ocean - 0030 - Nothing heard of U-Hartenstein. Surfacing directly from T=20, after 3h and 8.8sm. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal. 0033 - Boat ventilated. Battery 9100Ah. 0045 - 2xH.F. Continuing with return voyage. 0355 - On new course 73°. 0600 - Morning Dawn. 0641 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal. 1200 - Qu.8755DF - Days Run: 267.0sm - ↗ 258.2sm (21h) - ↘ 8.8sm (3h). 193cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 9100Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 73°. SW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 1205 - On new course 70°. 1859 - Sundown. WSW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. Boat on return voyage. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - On return voyage
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++++++ Friday, 8 May 1942 - Atlantic Ocean - 0125 - Qu.8655DF - 0545 - Morning Dawn. 0621 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown. 0700 - Diving for Torpedo Maintenance and Trial Dive. 0705 - T=50. Beginning of torpedo maintenance. 0854 - O₂ = 20%. 1006 - Bow tubes serviced - break until 1030h 1200 - Qu.9422DF - Days Run: 248.9sm - ↗ 234.3sm (19h) - ↘ 14.6sm (5h). 185cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 8200Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. T=50. O₂ = 20%. Stern tubes serviced. 1238 - O₂ = 19%. 1300 - Beginning of trial dive, 135rpm/3kn. 1304 - A-Meter. 1310 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20. Setting for Reception Depth. 1320 - T=20. 1325 - Surfaced after 1h 25min. and 4.1sm since Etmal, and 6h 25min. and 18.7sm in total. Weather an Sea unchanged since Sundown, 7 May. 1335 - Boat ventilated. Charging batteries (8000Ah): Port Diesel Propulsion 396RPM/10kn; Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM. 1525 - Batteries charged => 1h 50min. for 2000Ah. 2xH.F., 12.5kn. 1843 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h. 2020 - Qu.9255DF - Boat on return voyage. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - On return voyage
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++++++ Saturday, 9 May 1942 - West of the Canary Islands - 0530 - Morning Dawn. 0607 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged in 36h. 0945 - Qu.4755DG - 1200 - Qu.4762DG - Days Run: 278.2sm - ↗ 274.1sm (22h 35') - ↘ 4.1sm (1h 25'). 177cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. SSE2/2, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 1827 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal. 2325 - Qu.4655DG - Boat on return voyage. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - On return voyage
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++++++ Sunday, 10 May 1942 - South of the Azores - - Fifth week at sea completed - 0510 - Morning Dawn. 0545 - Breakfast for the Port-Machine-Watch. 0547 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal. 0600 - Port Machine-Watch on duty. Wake-Up and Morning Wash of remaining crew. 0630 - Breakfast for the remaining crew. 0700 - Swap-the-Decks for the Off-Watch. 0845 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch. 1200 - Qu.5257DG - Days Run: 290.7sm - ↗ (24h). 169cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h. – Lunch Break – 1300 - Daily work routine for the Off-Watch. 1310 - Qu.5255DG - On new course 53°. 1600 - WNW3/2, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb. 1715 - Dinner for the crew. 1800 - Port Machine-Watch on duty. 1812 - Sundown. NNW3/2, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb 2100 - Lights-Out for the Off-Watch. 2125 - Qu.2955DG - 2340 - Wake-Up for the Stbd.-Machine-Watch and the 1st Sea-Watch. 2400 - "Mittelwächter": Mid-Night Coffee for the Watch on Duty. Boat on return voyage. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Coming across an outbound convoy
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++++++ Monday, 11 May 1942 - South of the Azores - 0450 - Morning Dawn. 0530 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, 10 May. 0545 - Qu.3455DG - 1200 - Qu.3273DG - Days Run: 281.6sm - ↗ (24h). 161cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6 internal Ato. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. On course 70°. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, 10 May. 1316 - Qu.3249DG - "Smoke Plume Ahead Stbd.24!". E=16000. Looks like a destroyer. Does it belong to a task force or a convoy? Running toward on course 90°, Full-Ahead. 1327 - Further smoke plumes come into sight, from what appears to be a south going convoy. Visibility is 8.5-9sm. Altering course to 135°. "Maneuver Stations!". Convoy consists of 14 ships in 5 rows and 3 columns, and 6 escorts: Forward Sweeper and Forward Stbd. are C&D Destroyers, Rear Stbd. is L-Class Destroyer, Back and Rear Port are Flower Corvettes, Forward Port is a Dido-Class Cruiser. None of the escorts seem to have any radar fitted, except for the Cruiser, with a range of 3000m. Boat is positioned to the stbd.-beam of the convoy, which is running with 11kn on course 190°, and keeping a distance of about 8000m on parallel course. Overtaking the convoy is slow, as the boats max speed at Full-Ahead is a mere 12.5kn, wind and sea state is NNW3/2. Cmdr.: A south going convoy in this area must belong to the OS-Convoys, going from Liverpool to Freetown, Sierra Leone. Main concern at this point are the diesel engines and I don't want to risk damaging them further by going A.K. 1345 - The Stbd.-Rear L-Class Destroyer goes on a search pattern of about 6000m to stbd., and returns back to the convoy at 1355h. 1428 - The Stbd.-Rear L-Class Destroyer goes on a search pattern of about 6000m to Stbd., and returns back to the convoy at 1443h. 1500 - The Stbd.-Rear L-Class Destroyer and the Forward Stbd. C&D-Class Destroyer go on a search pattern of about 6000m to Stbd., the L-Class returns back to the convoy at 1515h, and the C&D-Class at 1535h. 1600 - On new course 175°. Both Stbd. Destroyers go on a search pattern until 1623h. 1638 - Back to course 190°. 1655 - Both Stbd. Destroyers and the Forward Sweeper go on a search pattern until 1714h. 1730 - The Forward Sweeper goes on search pattern. 1747 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h. With the setting sun, the Stbd. Forward Destroyer goes on a search pattern until 1800h. Cmdr.: With the current weather and sea state, and due to the fact, that except for the Cruiser, none of the escorts have radar fitted, we can wait until dark for a surface attack. 1753 - The Forward Sweeper goes on search pattern until 1815h. 1824 - The Stbd. Rear Destroyer goes on a search pattern, goes out of sight at 1837h and does not re-appear when back at the convoy at 1857h. 1830 - The Stbd. Forward Destroyer goes on a search pattern until 1849h. 1900 - Darkness. Visibility 10000m. Small-Ahead. 1905 - The Stbd. Rear Destroyer goes on a search pattern until 1915h. 1915 - The Stbd. Forward Destroyer and the Forward Sweeper go on search patterns. - to be continued – |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Convoy battle
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++++++ - continued from 11 May, 1915h - 1928 - Qu.3581DG - Preparing boat for surface attack acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 302. "Battle Stations!". Turning toward convoy on course 100°. Flooding tube I. 1930 - Single Shot with tube I: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 100°; Own speed 6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Light Cruiser Dido Class, 5600ts, draught 6.3m. Target course 190°; Target distance 8000m; Target angle green71°; Target speed 11kn; Firing angle α 002°. Closing tube I. Flooding tube II & III. => Tube I hits last after 8min.26sec., amidhsips! The Cruiser sinks on an even keel within 2-3 minutes. 1931 - Double Shot with tube II & III: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 100°; Own speed 7kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Large empty Tanker, 18192ts, draught 6.0m. Target course 190°; Target distance 6000m; Target angle green66/67°; Target speed 11kn; Firing angle α 356/357°. Closing tube II & III. Flooding tube IV. => Tube II & III are hits amidships! Tube III hits after tube IV hits the Naval Tanker. The Large empty Tanker catches fire but continues on at 7kn. 1931 - Single Shot with tube IV: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30; Own course 100°; Own speed 7kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Navy Supply Tanker, 5922ts, draught 9.0m. Target course 190°; Target distance 5500m; Target angle green65°; Target speed 11kn; Firing angle α 355°. Closing tube IV. => Tube IV hits amidships before tube III hits the Large empty Tanker! The Navy Tanker explodes and sinks within less than a minute. Note: All torpedoes fired were loaded from the supply ship. 1932 - Running off on course 190° and 1/3-Ahead. The convoy is zig-ziggaing around its mean course, at a speed of 7kn. The Stbd. Forward Destroyer runs back to the convoy, while the Forward Sweeper runs through the middle of the convoy towards the back. The Stbd. Rear Destroyer goes on a search pattern, while to two Corvettes are picking up survivors. 1958 - The Stbd.-Rear Destroyer runs back to the convoy, as the Stbd.-Forward Destroyer goes on a search pattern. The Forward Sweeper and the Rear Corvette, are searching behind the convoy, can't tell if for survivors or for us. 2003 - Both Stbd. Destroyers are back on station. 2005 - Small-Ahead. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". 2030 - The convoy is in disarray. Both Stbd. escorts go on search patterns until 2050h. The already torpedoed tanker is being covered on the stbd. side of the convoy, by the forward destroyer, while the forward port side of the convoy is uncovered since the sinking of the Cruiser. Only the port rear side is covered by a Corvette, also, the forward sweeper is still searching behind the convoy. The boat is switching to the port side of the convoy, while keeping a distance of about 5000m. 2130 - On course 100°, Small Ahead. Cmdr.: Very interesting: The rear port Corvette that all the while has not moved from its position and course, now goes on a search pattern to port. 2135 - Preparing boat for surface attack acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 302. "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube I. The forward sweeper is coming back on station, running straight through the convoy. 2149 - Qu.3821DG - Single Shot with tube V: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt40; Own course 100°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Large empty Tanker, 18192ts, draught 6.0m. Target course 190°, zig-zagging and changing speeds; Target distance 5000m; Target angle red43°; Target speed 9kn; Firing angle α 000°. Closing tube V. Flooding tube VI. => Tube V is a miss and understeers the freighter behind the tanker. Cmdr.: Torpedoes from home seem to have issues. The ships turn on their search lights - the torpedo track must have been sighted. The rear port Corvette returns to the convoy and the rear Corvette is searching for usw along the port side. 2155 - Boat running off on course 190° and 2xH.F., and getting ahead of the convoy. Closing tube VI. 2212 - The forward sweeper is on search pattern towards the convoy. The torpedoed tanker is running in disarray at different speeds. 2216 - Back to course 100°. Flooding tube VI. 2220 - Qu.3821DG - Single Shot with tube VI: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt40; Own course 100°; Own speed 1.6kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Large empty Tanker, 18192ts, draught 6.0m. Target course 190°, zig-zagging and changing speeds; Target distance 5000m; Target angle red79°; Target speed 6kn; Firing angle α 000°. Closing tube VI. => Tube VI is a miss. 2232 - 2/3-Moon is rising in the East. Running off on course 67° and medium speed. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". Boat continuing return voyage. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Continuing homebound voyage
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++++++ Tuesday, 12 May 1942 - South of the Azores - 0400 - Morning Dawn. NW5/4 increasing, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb. 0500 - Sunrise. NW6/5 increasing, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb. 0640 - Qu.3655DG - On new course 53°. NW7/6, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb. 1130 - It's beginning to rain. Wind and Sea shifting north, poor visibility. 1200 - Qu.1177DH - Days Run: 255.1sm - ↗ (24h). 151cbm (10cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 8000xPbG. On course 53°. NNW7/6, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb. 1640 - Qu.1155DH - ENE7/6, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb. On new course 35°. 1727 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1640h. Boat continuing return voyage. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Continuing return voyage
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++++++ Wednesday, 13 May 1942 - Southeast of the Azores - 0450 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 12 May, 1640h. 0720 - Qu.8455CF - On new course 53°. 1200 - Qu.8433CF - Days Run: 233.8sm - ↗ (24h). 143cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 8000xPbG. On course 53°. ENE7/6, overcast, rain, poor visibility, <1000mb. 1230 - The rain is stopping and it is clearing up. Wind and Sea are subsiding and shifting to Northwest. 1600 - NW5/4, clear, good visibility, >1000mb. 1700 - Qu.8255CF - 1715 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1600h. Boat continuing return voyage. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Continuing return voyage
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++++++ Thursday, 14 May 1942 - East of the Azores - 0200 - Qu.5955CF - 0400 - Morning Dawn. 0430 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 13 May, 1600h. 0600 - Boat entering area of HG/OG-Convoys and air cover zone of Gibraltar. 1110 - Qu.6455CF - 1200 - Qu.6453CF - Days Run: 253.2sm - ↗ (24h). 134cbm (9cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 8000xPbG. On course 53°. NW5/4, clear, good visibility, >1000mb. 1300 - It is clouding up somewhat, wind and sea are further subsiding and shifting west. 1500 - W1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 5.5sm, >1000mb. 1705 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1500h. 1925 - Qu.6255CF - Boat continuing return voyage. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U-45/U-585 cont'd
Kptlt. Kurt Huter, KC(OL/SW)
7 patrols 01AUG39-12NOV40 34 merchant vessels sunk 5 warships sunk 2 aux cruisers, HMS Derbyshire, Mooltan 2 cruisers, HMS Sheffield, Bonaventure 1 battleship, HMS Ramillies Total tonnage 269,748 Kptlt. Paul Lieb, KC(OL) 6 patrols 01DEC40-14OCT41 30 merchant vessels sunk Total tonnage 169,718 U-45 withdrawn from front line service and transferred to 5th Flotilla as instructional boat. U-585, type VIIC Oblt. Gunter Peschke 3 patrols 01NOV41-09JUN42 14 merchant vessels sunk 1 warship sunk 1 destroyer, HMS Roebuck Total tonnage 77,161 U-585 awaiting arrival of new commander... |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Attacked by carrier-based A/C
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++++++ Friday, 15 May 1942 - West of Portugal - 0315 - Qu.3955CF - Morning Dawn. On new course 33°. 0353 - Qu.3953CF - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from what appears to be a twin-engine airplane, is on southerly heading bearing 190°true, then at a distance o 3000m turns around and approaches the boat. At T=20, 2 bombs at the diving position. At A-10, no damages. Boat remains submerged for trial dive. 0408 - Boat is safe and secure at A+20. 0412 - Sunrise. 0428 - Surfaced after 35min. and 1.8sm. Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9700Ah. 2xH.F./14kn. 0619 - Qu.3931CF - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from what appears to be a single-engine airplane with U.S.A. markings, bearing 000°true, on a southerly heading, E=6000. 0621 - At T=10, no bombs 0639 - Surfaced after 20min. and 1.1sm. Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9600Ah. Right after surfacing the boat, flyover by a single Hurricane on a southerly heading, drops a single bomb, that falls wide to stbd. Must have been just as surprised as we were. Manning Flak guns, the forward gun jams, shooting 6 rounds with the rear gun. The Hurricanes flys off on a northerly heading, boat remains surfaced. 0646 - 2xH.F./14kn. 0807 - Qu.3693CF - Boat is attacked by a pair of U.S.A. TBF Avenger Torpedo Bombers. Were at first on a southerly heading and then turned towards the boat from 270°true. Manning Flak guns and scoring hits on the first bomber, catches fire. The second bomber drops 4 bombs to Stbd. and flys off on a northerly heading. No damages. The already burning bomber, again approaches the boat and is hit by Flak fire in the stbd. wing, and crashes into the sea behind the boat. 222 shots fired, 7772 remaining. Turning boat around and fishing one pilot out of the water. Running off at high speed on northeasterly heading. Supplying and questioning the U.S.A. Pilot and taking him prisoner under deck. Cmdr.: From questioning the prisoner pilot, it has become clear, that the enemy is operating with English and U.S.A. Escort Carriers in the area. The Grumman TBF Avenger we shot down, belongs to USS Long Island (CVE 1). The British Escort Carrier operating in the area, is possibly, HMS Avenger (D 14). 0909 - Qu.3666CF - Boat is attacked by a pair of Hurricanes. Attack takes place analog to the attack at 0807h, dropping 1 bomb each to Stbd. - no damages. 101 shots fired, 7671 remaining. 1012 - Qu.1417CG - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from two pair of Hurricanes, bearing 330° and 000°true, on a southerly heading, one pair crossing our bows and and one pair crossing our stern. 1014 - At A-10, no bombs. 1027 - Surfaced after 15min. and 0.9sm. Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9500Ah. 1054 - Qu.1418CG - "ALARM!". Crash-Diving from two pair of Hurricanes, bearing 330° and 320°true, on a southerly heading, E=7000. 1109 - Surfaced after 15min. and 0.9sm. Weather and Sea unchanged. Battery 9400Ah. 1116 - Qu.1415CG - Boat is attacked by a pair of Hurricanes. Were at first bearing 000°true on a southerly heading and at E=4500, then turned towards the boat. One bomb falls to port and another falls to stbd. - no damages. Manning Flak guns and scoring hits on one of the attackers, which catches fire. Both fly off on a northerly heading. Boat remains surfaced. 131 shots fired, 7540 remaining. 1200 - Qu.1412CG - Days Run: 285.4sm - ↗ 280.7sm (22h 40') - ↘ 4.7sm (1h 20'). 126cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 9400Ah. 10.5cm: 28xLkG. 2xM.G.-2cm-C/30: 7540xPbG On course 33°. W1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 5.5sm, >1000mb. 1230 - Crossed 15° West. Switching to Irleland Circuit just in case. The radio crew is still trying to repair the F.T.-System. 1341 - Qu.1181CG - A single Hurricane or Martlet in 300°true on course SSE, turns toward the boat. A.K., one bomb falls wide to stbd. Manning Flak guns, forward gun jams again. 61 shots fired, 7479 remaining. Airplane flies off on course NNW. 1427 - Qu.1155CG - Boat is attacked by a pair of U.S.A. TBF Avenger. Approach from 300°true, E=7000. Diesels make 18kn at A.K., turning a full circle to stbd. during the attack. Manning Flak guns. The first attacker is shot down - no survivors found. The second Avenger makes a total of 7 attack runs. At the last one, dropping 2 bombs wide to Stbd. - no damages. Boat is taking some damage to the upper deck from strafing fire. 1438 - Remaining airplane flies off on course NNW. 524 shots fired, 6955 remaining. 1445 - Running off at 2xH.F., on course 68°. 1610 - Qu.1161CG - Boat is attacked by a pair of Hurricanes or Martlets, approaching from angle to bow 0°. They first were on course SSE and then turned towards the boat. Each airplane dropped 1 bomb wide to port - no damages. One airplane is taking hits from the Flak, catches fire, both airplanes fly off on course NNW. 1645 - Sundown. W1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 4.8sm, >1000mb. Damages to upper deck repaired. 1652 - Qu.1138CG - Boat is attacked by a Fairey Fulmar. Attack takes place analog to the attack at 1610h. Our flak guns, also set this airplane ablaze, which flys off on course NNW. 304 shots fired in last two attacks, 6651 remaining. 1700 - Diving for submerged cruise at T=19. 135rpm/3kn. 1845 - O₂ = 20%. 2100 - Silent Running. 2254 - O₂ = 19%. Boat continuing return voyage. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
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