U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Continuing outbound voyage
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++++++ Friday, 17 April 1942 - Atlantic Ocean -0015 - Reducing speed and commencing torpedo reloading. 0050 - Bow tubes loaded: Tubes I&IV with Eto, K-b; Tubes II&III with Ato, K-a; both with Pi-1/G7H/AZ. Continuing outbound voyage at 325RPM/11kn. 0200 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: On 5 April, 2305h, sank tanker 19023ts and freighter 7571ts, both english and in Qu.3275DQ. 1 Eto pistol failure. Still have 6 Eto and 12 Ato, and 154cbm. WNW1/1, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb. Going to supply ship. - RST - 0216 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Very good results! Report in when 12h from supply ship. - B.d.U. - 0442 - Qu.3455DQ - 0720 - Morning Dawn. 0823 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, 16 April. 1200 - Qu.2955DQ - Days Run: 260.3sm - (↗ 24h). 152cbm (8cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6Eto+12Ato. On course 225°. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, 16 April. 1917 - Qu.5255DQ - 2055 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged for 24h. Continuing outbound transit acc. Op.-Orders. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Heading toward supply ship
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++++++ Saturday, 18 April 1942 - Atlantic Ocean -0034 - Incoming F.T.: From U 571: Situation off Hatteras as before. Saw air ships twice. On 14.4 sank a freighter of 8000ts in CA 8757. Starting return passage. - Möhlmann - 0056 - Incoming F.T.: From U 459: Supply of U-Scholtz cannot yet be carried out owing to weather conditions. - von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf - 0235 - Qu.5455DQ - 0740 - Morning Dawn. 0839 - Sunrise. NNE1/1, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb. 0955 - Qu.4955DQ - 1200 - Qu.4975DQ - Days Run: 270.9sm - (↗ 24h). 146cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6Eto+12Ato. 10.5cm: 138xSpG, 29xLkG. On course 225°. NE1/1, clear, very good visibility, >1000mb. 1210 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: Will be at supply ship on 19 April, 0000h. - RST - 1222 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Short Message Signal received. Send next status and weather report 24h after leaving supply ship. - B.d.U. - 1717 - Qu.7255DQ - On new course 180°. 2101 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal. 2230 - Qu.7555DQ - On new course 176°. 2343 - Supply ship in sight, straight ahead, E=9000 (sighted by seawatch at E=4000, at x64TC!). RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - At the supply ship
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++++++ Sunday, 19 April 1942 - Northeast of Lesser Antilles -- Second week at sea completed - 0010 - Exchanging Recognition Signal and running to the Leeward (Stbd.)-Side of the Supply Ship. 0020 - Qu.7585DQ - Making fast at Supply Ship. 143cbm (3cbm/12h). Battery 10000Ah. 6Eto+12Ato. 10.5cm: 138xSpG, 29xLkG. NE1/1, clear, very good visibility (8-9sm), >1000mb. Taking over from Supply Ship: - 71cbm Fuel => Now have 214cbm. - 2 Ato => Now have 6 Eto and 14 Ato. Also, loaded 2 external Ato under deck. - Provisions and Fresh Water for 14 days (1100kg). Crew going aboard Supply Ship in shifts, for a hot shower, a warm meal, washing laundry and a doctors visit. 0740 - Morning Dawn. 0800 - Casting off Supply Ship and running off at high speed on a westerly heading. (Note: Acc. h.sie-patch, next time re-supply can be done, is in 2 weeks time.) 0843 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since Etmal, 18 April. Distance to Supply Ship is 9sm. Reducing speed to 325RPM/11kn (1/3-Ahead). 0940 - On new course 225°. 1200 - Qu.7735DQ - Days Run: 183.1sm - (↗ 24h). 213cbm (1cbm/4h => 4cbm/24h). Battery 10000Ah. 6Eto+14Ato. 10.5cm: 138xSpG, 29xLkG. On course 225°. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h. 1441 - Qu.7755DQ - On new course 270°. 1850 - Weather and Sea is deteriorating: NNE6/5, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb. 1946 - Qu.9955DP - "ALARM!". Crash diving from a pair of Catalina, direct approach from 225°true, E=6000. At T=30, 7 well placed bombs, strong concussions. At A-Meter, 3 and another 2 bombs. In total, 12 bombs in 3 attack runs. Suspecting that each Catalina can carry at least 6 bombs. Cmdr.: The airplanes came from the general direction of Trinidad, distance is about 790sm, which is about the same distance our last airplane sighting was from England, in the Bay of Biscay. This would mean, that the Supply Ship is positioned outside the range of land-based enemy aircraft. 2015 - T=48. Commencing of torpedo maintenance. 135rpm/3kn. 2039 - Qu.9955DP - 2106 - Sundown. 2143 - O₂ = 20%. 2315 - Bow tubes serviced. Break until 2330h. Continuing outbound transit acc. Op.-Orders. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Approaching ordered Op.-Area
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++++++ Monday, 20 April 1942 - East of Puerto Rico -0100 - Stern tubes serviced. 0105 - A-20. Lights-Out for the crew, Silent Running. 0123 - O₂ = 19%. 0545 - Dismissed from Silent Running. 0623 - O₂ = 18%. 0700 - Beginning of Trial Dive acc. B.d.U. Standing Order No.507, 135rpm/3kn. 0717 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. 0720 - Setting for Reception Depth. 0736 - At Reception Depth. 0738 - At S-Tiefe, it is still dark out, weather and sea conditions seem unchanged. Going back to Reception Depth. 0803 - Back to S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. 0806 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: To all boats: When reporting sinkings, give exact details of the tonnage, postion, course and speed of the ship sunk. - B.d.U. - 0806 - Surfaced after 12h and 35.9sm. NW7/6, overcast, light haze, medium visibility, ~1000mb. 0813 - Compressed Air Supply filled and boat ventilated. Battery 7600Ah. Cmdr.: The Flak took some minor damage during the last A/C attack, which is quickly repaired. The light damage to the forward upper deck will be repaired as soon as the sea conditions allow. 0815 - 2x1/3-Ahead. 0849 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since surfacing. 0900 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: Re-supply completed. Have taken over 71cbm, 2 Ato and provisions for 2 weeks. On 19 April, 1946h, attacked by a pair of Catalina in Qu.9955DP. Direct approach from direction of Trinidad, 12 bombs, only minor damages. Continue outbound voyage. Still have 211 cbm and 20 eels. NW7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility 3sm, ~1000mb. - RST - 0903 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: To all boats: As the northern approach routes to Lorient Jugendliebe and Bogenlampe have been closed owing to enemy mines laid closer to the coast, all U-boat traffic has been crowded onto the 2 routes Tannennadel and Uhunest, which lie close together and lead to the center of the Biscay coast. These two routes have been relieved by route Burggraf, which is in use as of today. - B.d.U. - 0911 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 506 and U 507: Würdemann and Schacht: Steer for BA 90 (Gulf of Mexico). - B.d.U. - 0934 - Incoming F.T.: From U 459: Supply of U-Scholtz carried out. 40 cbm in 10 minutes. Own stocks: 460 cbm, provisions for 60 days. U-Schulze and U-Cremer are lying off the tanker for the next supply. - von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf - 1001 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Message received. Continue acc. Op.-Orders. - B.d.U. - 1113 - Qu.9855DP - 1200 - Qu.9854DP - Days Run: 153.4sm - ↗ 117.5sm (11h 40') - ↘ 35.9sm (12h 20'). 210cbm (3cbm/24h). Battery 7600Ah. 6Eto+14Ato. 10.5cm: 138xSpG, 29xLkG. On course 270°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0800h. 1205 - Incoming F.T.: From U 654: Sank "Arga", 4569ts, in CA 9892, course 150°. - Forster - 1213 - Incomig F.T.: From U 86: U-boat decoy in CA 9913. Looks like a whale-catcher. Making a lot of smoke. Works together with a launched motor boat. - Schug - 1236 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: To all boats: In area BE 3 boats (Cmdr.: U 82 - 587 - 252) have been lost during the last three weeks while attacking south-bound convoys. During the same period heavily escorted convoys in the area AM and AL have been successfully attacked by single boats, and losses have only occurred at convoys sighted in BE. It is suspected that the English sail especially well-escorted convoys, perhaps even a kind of U-boat decoy convoy, along the routes which he knows to be used by U-boats on their way out and back. All boats are therefore ordered not to attack when they sight a convoy in BE, but to move off and then report. - B.d.U. - 1417 - Qu.9844DP - "ALARM"!. A single Catalina in 230°true, on course NE, E=6000. At A-20 no bombs. Cmdr.: The airplane is flying right over our position twice (can be heard in the boat) but does not drop any bombs. 1432 - At Reception Depth. 1437 - Surfaced after 20 min. and 1.1sm. Weather and Sea unchanged. 1509 - Compressed Air Supply Filled. 2x325RPM/9kn. 1806 - Qu.9755DP - 2112 - Sundown. SSW7/6, overcast, light haze, visibility 3sm, ~1000mb. 2215 - Diving for submerged cruise. 2222 - At A-20, 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running. Continuing outbound transit acc. Op.-Orders. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Approaching ordered Op.-Area
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++++++ Tuesday, 21 April 1942 - East of Puerto Rico -0043 - O₂ = 20%. 0553 - Qu.8955DP - O₂ = 19%. 0700 - Secured from Silent Running. 0810 - S-Tiefe. Morning Dawn. Weather and Sea appear unchanged. 0815 - Surfaced after 10h an 29.2sm. Weather unchanged since Sundown, 20 April. 0832 - Boat ventilated and Compressd Air Supply filled. Battery 5500Ah. 2x325RPM/9kn. 0856 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since Sundown, 20 April. 0907 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: To all boats: Milk Cow U 459 has reached Op.-area in Qu.74BC, 270sm southeast of Newfoundland. Supply period is from 21 April until 12 June. - B.d.U. - 1200 - Qu.8865DP - Days Run: 150.2sm - ↗ 119.9sm (13h 40') - ↘ 30.3sm (10h 20'). 207cbm (3cbm/24h). Battery 5500Ah. 6Eto+14Ato. 10.5cm: 138xSpG, 29xLkG. On course 270°. Weather and Sea unchanged since Sundown, 20 April. 1229 - Incoming F.T.: From U 507: Sighted 2 Zeppelins in DE 2942 course 65°. - Schacht - 1252 - Incoming F.T.: From U 154: Fired a miss at a freighter on 16.4 in DC 7987. Pistol failed. Sank a freighter 3500ts, course 130°, in DN 5816 on 20.4. Medium amount of traffic between San Juan and DN 50. - Kölle - 1308 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 459: von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf: Remain at rendezvous with U 582 in CC 7555 until improvement of weather. There supply U 98 - 333 - 582 - 352 - 564 - 571 - in succession. Boats which are not supplying should move off to the limit of signal range and act as outer defense. - B.d.U. - 1400 - Qu.8855DP - 1801 - Charging batteries (5500Ah): Port-Diesel Propulsion 396RPM/9kn; Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM. 2022 - Qu.8755DP - 2120 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged in 24h. 2131 - Batteries charged => 3.5h for 4500Ah. 2x325RPM/9kn. 2220 - Diving for submerge cruise at A-20. 2227 - A-20. 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running. Continuing outbound transit acc. Op.-Orders. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Approaching ordered Op.-Area
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++++++ Wednesday, 22 April 1942 - ENE of Barbuda -0044 - O₂ = 20%. 0603 - O₂ = 19%. 0827 - At Reception Depth. 0828 - S-Tiefe. Wind and Sea appear to be unchanged. However, it is now also raining. 0830 - Surfaced after 10h 10min. and 29.6sm. N7/6, overcast, drizzle, hazy, poor visibility, <1000mb. 0835 - Boat ventilated. 2x1/3-Ahead. 0842 - Compressed Air Supply filled. Battery 7900Ah. 2x325RPM/9kn. 0902 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: For Commanders eyes only! Ensure assignment to 11th U-Flotilla Drontheim as of 12 June, in support of Op. in the northern waters. If needed, cancel current patrol and apply for transfer upon arrival in base. - B.d.U. - 0903 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0830h. 1200 - Qu.7945DP - Days Run: 155.4sm - ↗ 125.8sm (13h 50') - ↘ 29.6sm (10h 10'). 204cbm (3cbm/24h). Battery 7900Ah. 6Eto+14Ato. 10.5cm: 138xSpG, 29xLkG. On course 270°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0830h, 22 April. 1611 - Qu.7855DP - 2125 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 0830h. 2220 - Diving for submerged cruise at A-20. 2227 - A-20. 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running. 2332 - Qu.7755DP - Continuing outbound transit acc. Op.-Orders. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - New Op.-Orders and a Convoy Report
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++++++ Thursday, 23 April 1942 - NE of Barbuda -0052 - O₂ = 20%. 0603 - O₂ = 19%. 0820 - At Reception Depth. 0822 - S-Tiefe. Weather and Sea appear to be unchanged. 0830 - Incoming ship contact report of a neutral ship in Qu.9947DO, on course NW, medium speed. Surfaced after 10h 10min. and 29.7sm. N7/6, overcast, drizzle, hazy, poor visibility, <1000mb. 0833 - Boat ventilated. 0843 - Compressed Air Supply filled. Battery 6000Ah. 2x325RPM/9kn. 0903 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 22 April, 0830h. 0907 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: For Commanders eyes only! To all boats of 2nd/12th U-Flotilla: If still possible, enter the fuel point Port-of-Spain and sink tankers. ACHTUNG: Do NOT enter via the south entrance as it is mined. Enter through the north entrance. Beware of the coastal batteries. - B.d.U. - 1025 - It is stopping to rain and clearing up somewhat. Wind and Sea are decreasing, as they shift West. 1200 - Qu.9955DP - Days Run: 154.4sm - ↗ 124.7sm (13h 50') - ↘ 29.7sm (10h 10'). 201cbm (3cbm/24h). Battery 6000Ah. 6Eto+14Ato. 10.5cm: 138xSpG, 29xLkG. On course 270°. NNW4/3, partly cloudy, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 1207 - Light damage to forward upper deck repaired. 1300 - NNW1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 1401 - Norddeich Radio sending O.K.W. report, that on this day, Kptlt. Richard Zapp is being awarded with the Knights Cross and Kptlt. Reinhard Hardegen with the Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross. Cmdr.: U-Zapp is also currently operating in our area. 1713 - Qu.9855DO - On new course 252°. 1805 - Charging batteries (6000Ah): Port-Diesel Propulsion 396RPM/9kn; Stbd.-Diesel Charging 496RPM. 2115 - Batteries charged => 3h 10min. for 4000Ah. 2x325RPM/11kn. 2133 - Sundown. Wind and Sea unchanged since 1300h. 2348 - Incoming F.T.2340/23: From B.d.U.: B-Dienst reporting a small enemy convoy in Qu.8945DO, on course East, speed 7k. - B.d.U. - 2357 - On new course 298°. Full Ahead, 16.5kn. Boat operating on convoy report 2340/23. "On Maneuver Stations!". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Engaging a Coastal Convoy
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++++++ Friday, 24 April 1942 - North of Anguilla - 0150 - Incoming F.T.0150/24: From B.d.U.: B-Dienst reporting that convoy 2340/23 is now in Qu.8958DO, on course 98°, speed 7k. - B.d.U. - 0152 - On new course 283°. 2xH.F. 0230 - "Smoke Plume Ahead!". At first it appears that there are 6 steamers in 2 columns, but at a distance of 5000m it can be seen, that there are 6 steamers in keel line. 0238 - Boat on course 0°, in order to reach the luff-side and the side opposite of the moon, which will rise in about 2h. Convoy consist of from front to back: 1. Coastal Steamer, 1174ts, draught 3.8m 2. Granville Freighter, 2010ts, draught 6.1m 3. Patrol Boat, 610ts, draught 2.5m 4. Coastal Tanker, 1250ts, draught 4.6m 5. Side-Wheeler, 2540ts, draught 4.7m 6. Coastal Steamer, 1174ts, draught 3.8m 0245 - Turning boat hard to stbd. and unto attack course 187°. "Battle Stations!". 0250 - Decks awash and preparing boat for surface attack acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 302. 0302 - Flooding tube II. 0305 - Qu.8959DO - Single Shot with tube II: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3m; Vt30; Own course 187°; Own speed 1kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Pos.2 Granville Freighter of 2010ts, draught 6.1m. Target course 98°; Target distance 950m; Target angle red86°; Target speed 7kn; Firing angle α 345°. Closing tubes II. Flooding tube III. 0306 - Qu.8959DO - Single Shot with tube III: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 1m; Vt44; Own course 187°; Own speed 1kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Pos.3 Patrol Boat of 610ts, draught 2.5m. Target course 98°; Target distance 1000m; Target angle red67°; Target speed 7kn; Firing angle α 014°. Closing tubes III. Both torpedoes are hits after 59sec. First on the Granville Freighter midships and second on the Patrol Boat in the stern. The Patrol Boat explodes and sinks by the stern within 1 minute, while the Granville Freighter capzises to port and sinks on an even keel after about 2 minutes. 0308 - Blowing tanks and manning the deck gun. E=800. 0309 - "Weapons Free!". Engaging the Coastal Tanker. After 2 shots and hits (136 remaining) - debries are flying through the air - the Side Wheeler is shining a search light at the boat and is firing with flak guns mounted on the bow, midships and stern. The rear Coastal Freighter is firing with a stern gun. At first the shots are way off but in due course getting closer. 0311 - After 17 shots and 16 hits (119 remaining) on the Side-Wheeler the rear Coastal Freighter scores a close hit. Distance now is 500m. The Flak, the Bow Torpedo Tubes and the Bow Compartment are taking some damage. The pressure hull also seems to have suffered some damage. 0312 - "ALARM!". Crash diving from firing merchants. Regaining trim at 45m and coming back up to T=20. The steamers can be heard above, running right over our position. 0320 - Back at Reception Depth, the damages to the Bow Torpedo Tubes and Bow Compartment are repaired. 135rpm/3kn. 0330 - On course 98°. Commencing loading of tubes II & III with the G7e torpedoes stored above the floor plates. 0352 - Tubes II & III reloaded. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". 0355 - Commenced Trial Dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507. 0420 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. Setting for Reception Depth. 0437 - At Reception Depth. 0439 - S-Tiefe. The Half Moon has risen in the Southeast. The steamers can seen in the glowing light from the burning tanker in relative bearing 347°. - to be continued - |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Coastal Convoy destroyed
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++++++ - continued from 24 April, 0439h - 0442 - Surfaced after 1h 30min. and 4.3sm. Weather and Sea unchanged. The steamers are about 4000m ahead. Boat is moving back to the darker luff side of the convoy. Battery 9500Ah, Compressed Air Supply 5.5Atü. 0446 - On Course 60°. 2x1/3-Ahead. Cmdr.: The plan is to engage the steamers with the deck gun one-by-one from the rear, as they are positioned in front of the halfmoon. 0455 - Light damages to the Flak repaired. The steamers are now back in keel-line, on course 98°. 0515 - Approaching with a narrow angle, first on course 118°, and now on course 96°. Back to "Battle Stations!". "Manning Deck Gun!". 0520 - Qu.8968DO - The steamers are postioned in front of the halfmoon in relative bearing 006°, E=2000. Small-Ahead/7kn. At E=2000, "Weapons Free!". 0523 - After 18 shots and 16 hits (101 remaining), the rear Coastal Freighter sinks, all the while, firing with her stern gun. 1 boat with 3-4 survivors is seen, while chasing after the Side-Wheeler. 0524 - After 5 shots and 4 hits (96 remaining), the Side-Wheeler sinks, also, firing a deck gun during the engagement. In total 22 shots and 20 hits were scored on her. 1 boat with 3-4 survivors is seen. 0530 - "Weapons Free!", on the Coastal Tanker. E=1500. 0532 - After 15 shots and 14 hits (81 remaining), the Coastal Tanker sinks, all the while exploding and burning but sinking only after a total of 16 hits. 1 boat with 3-4 survivors is seen. 0533 - Compressed Air Supply filled. The boat has to chase down the lead Coastal Freighter, that is zig-zagging and senden "SSS". 0540 - "Weapons Free!", on the lead Coastal Freighter. E=2000. 0544 - After 17 shots and hits (64 remaining), the Coastal Freighter sinks under very thick smoke (had heavy smoke all along). Approached the sinking position and questioned and supplied 7 survivors in 2 boats. 0600 - Running off with high speed on southerly heading. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". - to be continued - |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Reached ordered patrol grid
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++++++ - continued from 24 April, 0600h - 0735 - Qu.2332ED - Reached ordered patrol grid! On new course 218°. Small-Ahead, 205RPM. 0835 - Morning Dawn. "All Engines Stop!". 0840 - Commencing of loading 2 external torpedoes under deck. 0900 - Incoming F.T.: From U 154: Sank 3 tankers and 2 freighters in the area of the Greater Antilles, 28715ts. - KKpt. Kölle - 0918 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h. 1000 - 2 Ato loaded in the bow compartment above the floor plates. 6 internal Eto, 8 internal Ato and 4 external Ato. 1015 - Incoming F.T.: From U 459: The following have been supplied: U-Scholtz - 35 cbm and provisions for 12 days. U-Cremer - 40 cbm and provisions for 14 days. U-Suhren approximately 25 cbm and provisions for 10 days. - von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf - 1019 - 2x325RPM/11.5kn(1/3-Ahead). 1030 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: Status report: On 20 April, 1417h, Alarm from single Catalina in 230°true, on course NE, no bombs, Qu.9844DP. On 24 April, from 0307h until 0544h, destroyed coastal convoy 2340/23 on course 98° with 2 Ato and deck gun, Qu.8959DO to Qu.8968DO, 1 patrol boat, 1 tanker, 4 freighters, 8991ts. Reached ordered patrol grid and have taken 2 external Ato under deck. 14 internal and 4 external eels. 192cbm. NNW1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. Continuing acc. Op.-Orders. - RST - 1038 - Incoming F.T.: From U 553: "GUSTAV GELB!". Convoy sighted in BE 7317, on course 20°, 8 knots, 12 ships, so far 2 destroyers distinguished. - Thurmann - 1059 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Sinkings recorded. Report imediately in case of any survivors. - B.d.U. - 1102 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 553: Thurmann: Do not attack and continue outward passage. - B.d.U. - 1111 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: On 24 April, 0545h, questioned and supplied 7 survivors in 2 boats from Small Coastal Steamer Santa Teresa, in Qu.8968DO. - RST - 1200 - Qu.2353ED - Days Run: 241.1sm - ↗ 236.8sm (22h 30') - ↘ 4.3sm (1h 30'). 192cbm (9cbm/24h). Battery 9500Ah. 14+4 Torpedoes. 10.5cm: 64xSpG, 29xLkG. On course 219°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h. 1216 - Small Ahead. 1255 - Qu.2355ED - On new course 135°. 1807 - Norddeich Radio sending report about successes of the 4th Wave of Paukenschlag boats: U 552 (Kptlt.Topp) 7 ships for 45,731ts; U 754 (Kptlt.Oestermann) 4 ships for 29,309ts, and a Canadian convoy of steam tugs for 2,759ts; U 203 (Kptlt.Mützelburg) 2 ships for 14,232ts, plus the tankers Harry F Sinclair and Stanvac Melbourne torpedoed; U 571 (Kptlt.Möhlmann) 3 ships for 24,319ts; and U 572 (Kptlt.Hirsacker 2 ships for 9,532ts, and the British tanker Ensis damaged. 1843 - On newe course 270°. 2134 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h. Boat patrolling ordered patrol grid. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Second convoy battle of this patrol
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++++++ Saturday, 25 April 1942 - East of the American Virgin Islands -0247 - On new course 45°. 0320 - Boat operating on ship contact report 0000/25, in Qu.3712ED, course WNW, medium speed. Altering course to 180°, Full-Ahead. 0530 - At plotted interception point noting found. Reducing speed in order to allow dieel engines to cool down before submerging. 0538 - Shortly before diving, Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: B-Dienst reporting a small enemy convoy in Qu.2655ED, on course north, speed 9kn. 0540 - Diving for sound check. At Reception Depth nothing heard. 0545 - Surfacing directly from Reception Depth, after 5min. and 0.3sm. Boat returning to course 45°. Full-Ahead. Cmdr.: I suspect that the ship contact report 0000/25, actually is this convoy reported by the B-Dienst, and that it has changed its course to north, which is the reason for us not making contact at the plotted interception point. 0704 - "Smoke Plume Ahead Stbd.30!". 3 steamers in keel line, traveling darkened. Escorts cannot be seen. Water depth here is 33m. 0732 - "Maneuver Stations!". 0735 - At E=5000 the ships can be identified: In front in the middle two Small Passenger Ships of 1449ts each, draught 4.6m and in back a Large Ferryship of 6200ts, draught 8.5m. The forward and rear steamers are Panamanian, the steamer in the middle is identified as Mexican. The forward steamer is also painted with camouflage painting. All are traveling darkened. 0745 - 2xH.F. Boat is passing the convoy along its port beam on parallel course 0°, distance 4000m. Speed of the convoy is 9kn. Cmdr.: My plan is to attack the large Ferryship with one torpedo and to fire a star shell in order to observe how the convoy will react. If they will start sending "SSS" and/or act in some kind of hostile manner, I will engage and sink them. 0750 - 1/3-Ahead. 0755 - Turning into the convoy on attack course 91°. Small Ahead. "Battle Stations!". Preparing boat for surface attack according B.d.U.-Standing Order No.302. 0758 - Flooding tube III. 0801 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: Mützelburg: Port of Entry is Brest. Hardegen and Loewe: Port of Entry is Lorient. - B.d.U. - 0802 - Qu.2625ED - Single Shot with tube III: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 5.5m; Vt30; Own course 91°; Own speed 7kn ahead; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Pos.3 Large Ferryship of 6200ts, draught 8.5m. Target course 001°; Target distance 2600m; Target angle red73°; Target speed 9kn; Firing angle α 000°. Closing tubes II. Running off on northerly heading with 1/3-Ahead. Torpedo is a hit midships after 2min. 41Sec.! The steamer explodes in a huge fireball across its entire length, breaks in-two and both halfs sinking in less than 1 minute. Flames linger on the ocean surface for well over 2 minutes after the sinking. Boats cannot be made out. The other two steamers begin zig-zagging and sending "SSS". Now, also a deck gun on the stern can be made out on both steamers. 0812 - Reloading of tube III. Cmdr.: I decide to attack the forward Panamanian steamer with an Ato and to stop the Mexican steamer for investigation, as they clearly are not transporting passengers, but have to hurry, as it is getting light very fast now. - to be continued - |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Second convoy of this patrol destroyed
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++++++ - continued from 25 April, 0812h - 0820 - Morning Dawn. Tube II reloaded with Ato. Turning into the convoy on attack course 92°. Small-Ahead. 0822 - Decks awash, 85RPM/1kn. 0827 - Steamers are traveling only with 2kn and zig-zagging. Flooding tube III. 0902 - Qu.2625ED - Single Shot with tube III: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 2.5m; Vt40; Own course 92°; Own speed 1kn ahead decks awash; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Pos.1 Small Passenger Ship of 1449ts, draught 4.6m. Target course 001° zig-zagging; Target distance 1300m; Target angle red85°; Target speed 2kn; Firing angle α 017°. 0903 - Closing tubes III. The steamer starts to engage the boat with its stern deck gun! The torpedo is a dud, hits the steamer amidships after 1min. 48Sec., but fails to detonate! 0904 - Qu.2625ED - Flooding tube II. Single Shot with tube II: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 2.5m; Vt30; Own course 92°; Own speed 1kn ahead decks awash; Shooter: Ltnt.z.S & I.W.O. Rainer SCHEUFLER. Target ship: Pos.1 Small Passenger Ship of 1449ts, draught 4.6m. Target course 001° zig-zagging; Target distance 1200m; Target angle red82°; Target speed 2kn; Firing angle α 011°. Closing tube II. The torpedo is a hit after 1min 15Sec.! Also, this steamer explodes in a huge fireball and sinks in less than 1 minute, on an even keel, generating a lot of smoke. Boats cannot be made out. 0908 - Blowing tanks and manning deck gun. 0910 - E=900. "Weapons Free!". Shooting a round of the deck gun across the bow of the Mexican steamer. At first no reaction, but then, the steamer returns fire with its stern deck gun and 1-2 Flak guns, however, the shots are way off. 0917 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h. 0913 - After 19 shots and 16 hits (45 remaining) with the deckgun - the 9th hit taking out the steamers stern deck gun - the Mexican steamer sinks on an even keel, also generating a lot of smoke. "Secure Weapons!". Approached the sinking position and questioned and supplied 7 survivors in 2 boats. 0930 - Running off at high speed on northerly heading. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". - to be continued - |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Patroling ordered Marqu.
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++++++ - continued from 25 April, 0930h - 0951 - Compressed Air Supply filled. 1005 - Qu.ED23 - Back in ordered patrol area. Small-Ahead. 1031 - F.T. from B.d.U.: To U 506 and U 507: Würdemann and Schacht: Pay attention to traffic situation in the Gulf of Mexico. - B.d.U. - 1040 - Beginning of torpedo reloading. 1054 - F.T. from U 582: To B.d.U.: Have supplied with provisions for 18 days and 55 cbm fuel from tanker. - Schulte - 1056 - Tubes II & III reloaded with G7a. 1100 - "All Engines Stop!". Beginning of external torpedo loading. 1101 - F.T. from U 582: To B.d.U.: Was in CB 80 and 90 from 14-22 April. No traffic. On 21 April in CB 8252 Portuguese ship, course west. - Schulte - 1140 - Loaded first external Ato in bow compartment. 1200 - Qu.2385ED - Days Run: 200.3sm - ↗ 200.0sm (23h 55') - ↘ 0.3sm (05'). 186cbm (6cbm/24h). Battery 9500Ah. 15+2 Torpedoes. 10.5cm: 45xSpG, 29xLkG. On course 0°. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h. 1230 - Loaded second external Ato in bow compartment. Small-Ahead. 1255 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: Since 20 April, 1417h, no airplanes or ASW vessels. Today from 0805h until 0915h, destroyed convoy 0530/25. Two Panamanian and one Mexican Passenger Ships, loaded with War Materials, incl. Ammunitions, as well as, Military and Civilian Personal, on course 0° in Qu.2625ED, total of 9369ts. 2 Eto hits and 1 Ato a dud. Use of deck gun. Still have 15 internal and 2 external eels, 45 rounds of 10.5 and 186cbm. NNW1/1, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 3-4sm, >1000mb. Continuing acc. Op.-Order. - RST - 1302 - Incoming F.T.: From U 402: No traffic since 19 April in CA 98 and 99 and south of this. Slight air patrol observed. - Freiherr von Forstner - 1305 - Diving for Torpedo Maintenance and Trial Dive. 1306 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Congratulations! Excellent Results! - B.d.U. - 1310 - At T=50. Beginning of Torpedo Maintenance. 1440 - Both bow Eto serviced. 1453 - O₂ = 20%. 1635 - Both stern Eto serviced. 1640 - Beginning of Trial Dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507. 135rpm/3kn. 1700 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter. Setting for Reception Depth. 1719 - At Reception Depth. 1725 - Surfaced after 4h 20min. and 12.4sm. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h. 1730 - Charging batteries (8900Ah): Port Diesel Propulsion 285RPM/8kn; Stbd.Diesel Charging 496RPM. 1740 - Boat ventilated. 1801 - Norddeich Radio sending report about air raid on Lübeck during the night of 24-25 April, 204 dead and many injured. 1845 - Batteries charged => 1h 15' for 1100Ah. 1850 - 1/3-Ahead. On course 138°. 2030 - 325RPM/11.5kn. 2122 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h. 2303 - On new course 180°. Boat operating acc. Op.-Order as per F.T.0907/23. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - The action is heating up ...
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++++++ Sunday, 26 April 1942 - Lesser Antilles -- Third week at sea completed - 0141 - On new course 153°. 0727 - Qu.3755ED - On new course 180°. 0810 - Morning Dawn. 0846 - Qu.3785ED - A Colombian Colonial Freighter of 2540ts, bearing 22°, on course 350°, 5kn, E=5500. 0850 - Running to, on course 270°. 0855 - At E=3000, own speed 1kn. "Manning Deck Gun!". 0900 - At E=2200, firing a star shell over the steamer. Steamer answers by firing with her stern deck gun and sending "SSS". "Weapons Free!". With her third round, the steamer scores a near hit on the port side in the area of the diesel engines. The port diesel engine is knocked off-line for about 1 minute. After this, the steamer deck gun stops firing for the most part of the engagement but resumes again later on. The final hit scored on the steamer, causes the stern deck gun ammunition to explode, setting the entire ship on fire. After 19 shots and 13 hits (Remaining 26SpG/28LkG), the steamer breaks in-two in a huge explosion and both halfs sinking in flames of fire. The flames linger on the ocean surface for about 3 min. after the steamer has sunk. 0908 - The port diesel is back online. Running to the sinking position - nothing found! 0910 - Sunrise. Weather and Sea unchanged since 23 April, 1300h. 0920 - Running off on southerly heading, 325RPM/11.5kn. 0939 - Qu.3785ED - "ALARM!". 2-3 pair of Catalina's approaching from 140°true, are already fairly close. Machine Gun fire. During the diving process several well placed bombs. Water entry in the Control Room, the Main Bilge Pump and the F.T.-Equipment are damaged. 0943 - Restored trim at A-Meter. The Water Entry in the Control Room is repaired. 0948 - The Main Bilge Pump is repaired. The whole time more bombs are dropped at and around our diving position. 1001 - The F.T.-Equipment is repaired. 1003 - Commencing Trial Dive acc. B.d.U.-Standing Order 507. 1009 - At A+35, the Pressure Hull is cracking. Blowing tanks (0.5 Atü) and setting for Reception Depth. 1018 - Restoring trim at T=50. 1020 - Commencing of Torpedo Maintenance. Cmdr.: I decide to do the required torpedo maintenace now, as it also serves as somewhat of a distraction for the crew. 1113 - O₂ = 20%. 1150 - Stern tubes serviced. 1200 - Qu.3788ED - Days Run: 197.4sm - ↗ 178.2sm (17h 19') - ↘ 19.2sm (6h 41'). 181cbm (5cbm/24h). Battery 9500Ah. 15+2 Torpedoes. 10.5cm: 26xSpG, 28xLkG. On course 178°. T=50. - to be continued - |
U 113 (IXC) - 4th War Patrol - Boat damaged ...
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++++++ - continued from 26 April, 1200h - 1300 - Servicing of the bow tubes until 1600h. 1453 - O₂ = 19%. 1606 - At Reception Depth. Receiving and Sending of F.T. messages seems still to be not possible. 1609 - Surfaced after 4h 09' and 12.2sm since Etmal, and 6h 30' and 19.0sm in total. Weather: SSW1/1, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 1613 - Boat ventilated and damages to Conning Tower repaired. 1636 - Flak2 repaired. 1642 - Qu.6128ED - "ALARM!". Direct approach of a pair of single engine fighters from 215°true, E=6000. Due to the Repair Crew being on top, it takes longer to dive. During the diving process Machine Gun fire and 4 bombs - no damages. 1644 - At A-20, no further bombs. 1702 - Qu.6128ED - Surfaced after 20min and 1.1sm. 1703 - Right after surfacing, again "ALARM!", from a Catalina, direct approach from 175°true, E=7000. Since the tanks haven't been fully blown yet, the diving process is faster than usual. 1704 - At A-20, about 3 bombs, followed by another 2. In further course, about 22-24 bombs are dropped at and around our diving position. Cmdr.: Clearly, the enemy has organized a hunt for us, however, we have still have not encountered any ASW vessels, yet. 1723 - Surfaced after 20min.and 1.0sm. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1609h. 1731 - Flak1 repaired. 1735 - Damaged to the Upper Deck are repaired. The Radio Antenna is destroyed! Boat is not able to receive or send F.T.-Messages! 1802 - 2xH.F. 1835 - Qu.6155ED - On new course 180°. Compressed Air Supply filled. Battery 8500Ah. Cmdr.: The boat is only partially able to dive - max. depth is A+20. We are also unable to send or receive any F.T.-Messages. But still, we were very lucky and count our blessings, as our fate could have been of a much different nature. After deliberation with the Officers onboard, I decide to continue the war patrol. 1840 - Charging Batteries (8500Ah). Port-Diesel, Propulsion 396RPM/11kn; Stbd.-Diesel, Charging 496RPM. 2007 - Batteries charges => 1h 27min. for 1500Ah. 2xH.F.-Ahead/14kn. 2110 - Sundown. Weather and Sea unchanged since 1600h. 2200 - Diving for submerged cruise at A-20. 2207 - A-20; 135rpm/3kn, Silent Running. Cmdr.: Our last outgoing F.T. was sent yesterday, and the one prior to that, the day before yesterday. B.d.U.will anticipate our next report by latest tomorrow. From our inability to send F.T.s and from intercepted enemy F.T.s, B.d.U. will conclude that we might have been sunk and will start sending position and status requests for the next 3 days. The only way for us to give indications to B.d.U., that we are still operational, is by further sinkings over the next few days, until we reach the supply ship again. Boat operating acc. Op.-Order as per F.T.0907/23. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
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