U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - On return voyage to new base
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+++++ Monday, 1 September 1941 - South of Rockall Bank - - Fifth week at sea completed - 0130 - SSW3/2, partly cloudy, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 0250 - Qu.4155AM - New course 180°. SE2/2, partly cloudy, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 0509 - Sunrise. ENE2/2, partly cloudy, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 0700 - Stopping boat to bring external stern torpedo under deck. Both Flak Guns manned. 0755 - External stern torpedo stowed under deck. K.F.-Ahead. 1101 - The 29th Flotilla in La Spezia has been opened. 1150 - Incoming F.T.: From U 73: "Gustav Gelb!" Inward bound convoy in BD 3945. 20 steamers 3 escorts, course 40°, speed 7 knots. - Rosenbaum - Boats of the group "Bosemüller" are ordered by B.d.U. to operate on this convoy "Rosenbaum", which is maintaining contact. 1200 - Qu.4455AM - Days Run: 175.5sm - (↗ 24h). 70.3cbm (1.8cbm/24h) +1.3 Reserve. 14 internal torpedoes. 10.5cm: 81xSpG+28xLkG; M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7820. Weather unchanged since sunrise. 2030 - Qu.4755AM. New course 240°. 2056 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since sunrise. Boat operating acc. Op.-Orders as per B.d.U.-F.T.0216/31. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - Operating on convoy "Rosenbaum"
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+++++ Tuesday, 2 September 1941 - Northwest of Porcupine Bank - 0016 - Incoming F.T.: From U 73: Lost contact in thick fog. Last convoy position BD 3661. - Rosenbaum - 0525 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged in 24h. 0700 - Diving for torpedo maintenance at T=50 and trial dive. 65rpm, 1.6kn. 0851 - O₂=20%. 1007 - Bow torpedoes serviced. Break until 1027h. 1157 - Stern torpedoes serviced. Lunch Break. 1200 - Qu.9353AL - Days Run: 165.2sm - ↗ 156.8 (19h) - ↘ 8.4sm (5h). 66.8cbm (3.5cbm/24h) +1.3 Reserve. 14 internal torpedoes. 10.5cm: 81xSpG+28xLkG; M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7820. T=50. 9400Ah. O₂=20%. 1251 - O₂=19%. 1300 - Trial dive according to Standing Order 507. 1319 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter and reacts well at 135rpm, 3kn. 1339 - S-Tiefe. Received F.T.1143/2 from U 557: Suddenly came upon convoy in fog and rain. BE 1159, course 40°. - Paulssen - Cmdr.: "Shortly afterwards U 83 reported a corvette in the same grid square. Hence, both of these boats must have been very close to the convoy. Apparently the thick weather prevented further shadowing." 1345 - Surfaced after 6h 45' and 12sm. 1410 - Qu.9355AL - Boat ventilated. 1501 - Norddeich Radio sending O.K.W. report about successes of the Kriegsmarine during the month of August 1941. Air reconnaissance has reported convoy "Rosenbaum" in AL 9289. As the convoy is not detected by evening, B.d.U. directs both groups "Bosemüller" and "Kurfürst" to operate on this convoy and combines both groups to form Wolfpack "Seewolf". Cmdr.: "All the while, we are in close proximity to these operations and are unable to establish contact to convoy 'Rosenbaum'. It is as if the convoy has vanished into thin air." 2104 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since sunrise, 1.9. Boat operating acc. Op.-Orders as per B.d.U.-F.T.0216/31. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - Boat operating on convoy "Gysae"
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+++++ Wednesday, 3 September 1941 - West of Ireland - 0125 - Qu.9555AL - 0542 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged in 48h. 1200 - Qu.9753AL - Days Run: 226.2sm - (↗ 24h). 63.3cbm (3.5cbm/24h) +1.3 Reserve. 14 internal torpedoes. 10.5cm: 81xSpG+28xLkG; M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7820. 9100Ah. 1245 - Qu.9755AL - NNE5/4, partly cloudy, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 1600 - NW7/6, partly cloudy, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 1640 - The "Rosenbaum" convoy has not been found. However, outward bound U 98 (Gysae), contacted an outward bound convoy in AL 9656. Course 240°. It is probably the "OG" convoy that was inadequately reported by Air reconnaissance on 2.9. Group "Seewolf" should be about 100 to 180 miles W.S.W. of the convoy and we are also in position to intercept. Gysae was only able to distinguish a cruiser and 8 steamers. However, we have at least an exact enemy position to work on again. Data on inward convoys are old (in BD 3661 at 0016 on 2.9.). Even if we still succeed in picking up the "Rosenbaum" convoy, little time will remain for attacking, as it is already in the rendezvous area. Weather and especially visibility, is expected to be more favorable in the south than in the north during the next few days. B.d.U. therefore, decides to give up all idea of attacking the inward bound convoy and to commit all boats in an operation against the outward convoy. 2107 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 1600h. Boat operating on convoy "Gysae". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - U-Fraatz attacked by US-Destroyer
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+++++ Thursday, 4 September 1941 - West of The Channel - 0145 - Qu.1355BE - New course 180°. 0600 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 3.9., 1600h. 0601 - Neither Air reconnaissance nor other boats succeeded in finding the "Gysae" convoy. The search is being continued in the sector from 180° to 220° based on the last known enemy position. Two boats are being allocated to each sector. 0835 - Qu.1655BE - 0903 - L.I. reporting that we have 60cbm fuel left (25%). 1200 - Qu.1922BE - Days Run: 208.4sm - (↗ 24h). 57.1cbm (7.5cbm/24h). 9100Ah. 14 internal torpedoes. 10.5cm: 81xSpG+28xLkG; M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7820. 1520 - Qu.1955BE - 1837 - The U.S.A. destroyer "Greer" reports that she was unsuccessfully attacked with torpedoes by a submarine at noon today. A query put to the most likely submarines showed that U 652 (Fraatz) had encountered the destroyer and had been attacked with 3 depth charges. She reported that she had been forced to sheer of. Double miss observed. Moderate depth charge pursuit. Further investigation will reveal that a British bomber had signaled the American destroyer USS Greer (DD 145) that U-Fraatz (part of Group "Markgraf") was in the vicinity (Qu. AD 8550, Southwest of Icland). "Greer" picked up a sonar contact at close range and started to track the boat. The aircraft dropped four depth charges and then left the scene. Shortly afterwards, Fraatz fired a torpedo at Greer, believing she was responsible. Greer then went on the attack and a two hour battle followed, during which she dropped 19 depth charges and Fraatz fired another torpedo - no damage to either side. US President Roosevelt will use this event in his campaign to convince the US to go to war against Germany and the "undeclared war" between German U-boats and US escorts will escalate dramatically from this point onward. 2058 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 3.9., 1600h. 2210 - Qu.4355BE - Boat operating on convoy "Gysae". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - Boat searching for convoy "Gysae"
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+++++ Friday, 5 September 1941 - North Atlantic - 0455 - Qu.4655BE. New course 90°. NNW7/6, clear, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 0510 - Diving to T=50 due to high swell continually washing over the bridge. 65rpm, 1.6kn. 0608 - Sunrise. Breakfast. 0701 - O₂=20%. Beginning of torpedo maintenance. 1001 - Bow torpedoes serviced. Break until 1016h. 1101- O₂=19%. 1146 - Stern torpedoes serviced. Lunch break. 1200 - Qu.4656BE - Days Run: 157.1sm - ↗ 147.3 (17h 10') - ↘ 9.8sm (6h 50'). 54.5cbm (2.6cbm/24h). 8800Ah. T=50. O₂=19%. 14 internal torpedoes.10.5cm: 81xSpG+28xLkG; M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7820. 1300 - Beginning of trial dive according to Standing Order 507. 1319 - Boat is safe and secure at 2A-Meter and reacts well at 135rpm, 3kn. 1339 - S-Tiefe. Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: Search for the "Gysae" convoy is continuing. Boats receive orders to continue operations in the north to south patrol line between 15° and 23° West. 1340 - Surfaced after 8.5h and 13sm. Weather and sea are unchanged. 1345 - New course 49°. Boat has to run athwart. 1403 - Boat ventilated and compressed air supply filled. 1406 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: Group "Markgraf" is given new attack areas, embracing the zone between Greenland and Iceland as far as about 400 miles south of the Islands. 1420 - Wind and Sea are dying down and turning to East. NNE5/4, clear, good visibility, >1000mb. 1505 - New course 90°. 1601 - NE3/2, clear, good visibility, >1000mb. Incoming F.T.: From U 501: Have sunk English Merchant "Python" 4500ts, - Förster - Charging batteries at 8400Ah: Port diesel propulsion 396RPM, 11kn; Stbd. diesel charging 495RPM. 1715 - E1/1, clear, good visibility, >1000mb. Batteries charged: 1h 15' for 1600Ah. 1801 - Norddeich Radio reporting about the Soviet Cruiser "Komintern" firing at coastal batteries at Fontanka, Romania, Black Sea. 2055 - Sundown. SE1/1, clear, good visibility, >1000mb. Boat operating on convoy "Gysae". RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - On return voyage
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+++++ Saturday, 6 September 1941 - West of Brest - 0151 - Incoming F.T.: From U 141: Have sunk the British Patrol Boat "King Erik" 228ts off the coast of Iceland. - Schüler - 0600 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since Sundown, 5.9. 1200 - Qu.5563BE - Days Run: 218.1sm - ↗ 214.9 (22h 20') - ↘ 3.2sm (1h 40'). 49.2cbm (5.3cbm/24h). Weather unchanged since Sundown, 5.9. 14 internal torpedoes. 10.5cm: 81xSpG+28xLkG. M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7820. 1600 - New course 68°. 2038 - Sundown. Weather unchanged in 24h. B.d.U. canceled the operation against convoy "Gysae". Group "Seewolf" is ordered to move to the north. Boat operating again acc. Op.-Orders as per B.d.U.-F.T.0216/31. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - Steamer sunk
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+++++ Sunday, 7 September 1941 - Western Approaches - 0001 - New course 90°. In accordance with orders from Naval War Staff (Skl.), preparations are to be made immediately to send German submarines into the Mediterranean. 6 boats are envisaged for a start. They are to operate from the base at Salamis against enemy supply lines, especially those to the coast of North Africa. Operational control is to be in the hands of Naval Group Command South. 0545 - Sunrise. NW1/1, clear, good visibility, >1000mb. 1150 - Boat is operating on Ship Contact Report 1140/7: Position in Qu.6296BE, on course ENE, medium speed. Cmdr.: Estimating that the speed of target ship is 9kn, we might be able to catch it in about 10h, before it reaches the enemy air cover zone. New course 81°, 2xH.F. 1200 - Qu.6276BE - Days Run: 239.2sm - (↗ 24h). 44cbm (5.2cbm/24h). Weather unchanged since Sunrise. 14 internal torpedoes. 10.5cm: 81xSpG+28xLkG. M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7820. 1635 - Speed is increased to Full Ahead. New course 70°. 1806 - Norddeich Radio reporting about the Soviet Cruiser "Maxim Gorkij" and the Soviet Battleship "Marat", firing at the advancing German 18th Army, from the Leningrad harbor and sea channel. 2010 - Smoke plume bearing 342, E=16000. Cmdr.: It is the ship contact report 1140/7, running on course 67°, speed 8kn and has a field of view of 11000m. We caught up with it as calculated, even a bit ahead of schedule. We are positioned against the dark horizon with the half moon off to our stbd stern and the setting sun off to our port stern. 2021 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since Sunrise. 2030 - Reached the field of view of the merchant. New course 82°. Speed is still Full Ahead. 2050 - The radio operator is reporting a ship contact report in Qu.6316BE, course SSE, slow speed. 2100 - E=8500. New course 67°. The vessel is identified as a Refrigeration Ship of 4185ts, draught 5.8m. As can be ascertained at this distance and in the evening twilight, it seems to have one deck gun mounted on the stern and one on the bow. 2115 - E=9000. New course 53°. The whole of Group "Seewolf" (U 206, 563, 568 and 77) have reported that they are returning to base. 2137 - Norddeich Radio sending O.K.W. report that the operations on the Eastern Front are progressing as planned. The RAF has flown air raids on northwestern Germany and the Norwegian coast. Dortmun-Beckum has civilian casualties. Night fighters and Flak shot down 11 enemy bombers. 2143 - Boat has reached forward stbd. position. E=7500. Slow Ahead. 2152 - Turned boat around hard to port. New course 156°. 50RPM, 1.5kn. 2155 - "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube V. 2208 - Qu.6334BE - Shot with tube V: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.5m; Vt44. Own course 156°; Own speed 1.5kn; Shooter: OFähn.z.S & I.W.O. Udo HARTENSTEIN. Target ship: Refrigeration Ship of 4185ts, draught 5.8m. Target course 67°; Target distance 3400m; Target angle green70°; Target speed 8kn; Firing angle α 350°. Torpedo is a hit after 140 sec.! The steamer immediately loses headway, fires a star shell that lies short to stbd. and radios that it has been torpedoed (English steamer). 2214 - Shot with tube VI: G7a/G7H (K-a/AZ); Running depth 3.5m; Vt30. Own course 156°; Own speed 1.5kn; Shooter: OFähn.z.S & I.W.O. Udo HARTENSTEIN. Target ship: Refrigeration Ship of 4185ts, draught 5.8m. Target course 67°; Target distance 3600m; Target angle green68°; Target speed 4kn; Firing angle α 10°. The torpedo is a hit after 3min. 45sec.! The steamer stops with a list to stbd. Continues to radio "SSS". 2222 - Turning boat around hard to port. New course 0°. Manning deck gun. 2228 - "Weapons Free"!. Fired a couple of star shells over the steamer. No return fire. 2230 - After firing 9 rounds with the deck gun at the stern of the steamer, she radios the she is sinking, capsizes to stbd. and sinks. 2250 - Running to sinking position. Questioned 8 survivors in 2 boats. Steamer is of 4342ts. Took 2 Sea Officers prisoner of war and supplied the remaining 6 with provisions, first aid material and navigational information. 2300 - Ran off on southwesterly course and high speed. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". Boat operating on ship contact report 2050/7. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - Another steamer sunk
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+++++ Monday, 8 September 1941 - Western Approaches - - Sixth week at sea completed - 0050 - Reached calculated interception point of ship contact report 2050/7 - nothing found. 0105 - Dived for sound check. At T=20 sound contact bearing 287°, E=12000, running away. 0110 - Surfaced after 5min. and 0.3sm and chased after sound contact running 2xH.F. and on course 155°. 0118 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: To all boats operating in the northern area: Little sightings in area of operations. The general impression obtained is, that there are no longer any independents other than a few, very fast large steamers. The enemy appears to have gathered all shipping together in convoys. - to be continued - 0133 - "Shadow Ahead"!. E=10000. Altering course to 180°. It is ship contact report 2050/7. 0145 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: Continued from F.T.0118/8: In addition to close escort with the convoys, long-range escorts or hunter groups are observed, which render shadowing or undetected approach extremely difficult. In addition, the long-range escort appear to carry out decoy maneuvers by firing star shells and using search-lights etc. - to be continued - 0159 - On new course 155°. Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: Continued from F.T.0145/8: Boat are ordered to fire at long range at the very first opportunity. - End - 0220 - Boat is 4500m to the stbd. beam of the steamer, which runs with 7kn on course 155° and is identified as English merchant of 2935ts. Boat is moving ahead of steamer to set-up for an ambush with the deck gun. 0250 - Qu.6385BE - On course 110°, speed 1.6kn. Distance to steamer is 2600m. "Battle Stations!". Manning deck gun. "Weapons Free!". Fired two star shells over the steamer. She radios that it is being shelled and returns fire with a deck gun mounted on the forecastle and on the stern. However, the shots are being fired intermittently and lie either too short or too long. After 17 shots with the deck gun aiming at the enemy deck guns, internal explosions are observed on the steamer, in the general area of the deck guns. The steamer breaks in two and sinks. Running to the sinking position and questioned 3 survivors in 1 boat. Steamer is English and of 3049ts. Supplied the survivors with provisions, first aid material and navigational information. 0315 - Running off on easterly course and high speed. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". 0509 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged in 24h. 0750 - New course 90°. 1200 - Qu.4187BF - Days Run: 300.5sm - ↗ 300.2 (23h 55') - ↘ 0.3sm (5'). 34.3cbm (9.7cbm/24h). Weather unchanged since Sunrise, 7.9. 12 internal torpedoes. 10.5cm: 55xSpG+24xLkG. M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7820. 1400 - Wind and sea are increasing and shifting to West. It's becoming partially cloudy. 1540 - SW5/4, partly cloudy. light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. 1930 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: On 7 Sep., 2230h, Refrigeration Ship of 4342ts sunk in Qu.6334BE. Have taken 2 Sea Officers as prisoner of war. On 8 Sep., 0255h, Merchant of 3049ts sunk in Qu.6385BE. Have 32cbm and 12 internal eels. Will be at Point Lore in 24h. SW5/4, partly cloudy, light haze, good visibility, >1000mb. - RST - 1947 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Enter Lorient as of Point Lore without escort on Path Herz to Point Luci2. Report when 24h from Point Luci2. 1952 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 1540h. Cmdr.: Apparently, there are not sufficient escorts available for the leaving and returning boats. We need to enter Lorient with great caution! Boat operating acc. Op.-Orders as per B.d.U.-F.T.1947/8. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - Last steamer sunk on this patrol
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+++++ Tuesday, 9 September 1941 - Bay of Biscay - 0030 - Reached enemy air cover zone. Cmdr.: As of now, the entire crew has to be on the qui vive! 0033 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: New attack areas are ordered for the boats belonging to Group "Seewolf". They lie west of Iceland between 51° and 55° N, and between 15° and 20° W. The change has been made to enable co-operation with air reconnaissance from this area. 0215 - Boat is operating on ship contact report 0200/9, positioned in Qu.4532BF, on course SW, slow speed. New course 185°, 2xH.F. 0320 - Morning Dawn. On new course 198°. "Surface Vessel!". Steamer bearing 321°, E=5000, on course 230°, speed 5kn. Cargo ship of 2750ts, draught 5.0m. It is ship contact report 0200/9. Overtaking cargo ship along its stbd. beam. 0400 - On course 140°, slow ahead. Diving for submerged attack. 0403 - S-Tiefe. "Battle Stations!". Flooding tube I. Due to the lighting conditions, the attack is being run with the B-Sehrohr. It cannot be ascertain, which nationality the steamer has. 0410 - 0415 - The steamer is being attacked by four pairs of Blohm & Voss Bv138 - apparently from the 1./K.Fl.Group 406 in Brest - approaching from 90°true. The bombs from the airplanes knock off the aft mast and leave the steamer continuing on with a fire in the aft section. The steamer is trying to fend off the attacking airplanes with her deck gun and actually manages to set one of them ablaze. The airplanes fly off on an easterly heading. 0422 - Qu.4537BF - Shot with tube I: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30. Own course 140°; Own speed 2kn. Target ship: General Cargo Ship of 2750ts, draught 5.0m. Target course 230°; Target distance 1315m; Target angle green90°; Target speed 5kn; Firing angle α 351°. Torpedo is a failure - understeers! 0422 - Shot with tube II: G7e/G7H (K-b/AZ); Running depth 3.0m; Vt30. Own course 140°; Own speed 2kn. Target ship: General Cargo Ship of 2750ts, draught 5.0m. Target course 230°; Target distance 976m; Target angle green90°; Target speed 5kn; Firing angle α 004°. The torpedo is a hit midships, after 60sec.! The steamer explodes and sinks with further internal explosions over the stern, within 30sec. 0430 - Surfaced after 30min. and 1sm. Running to the sinking position. Nothing found but picked up life belt from the water. Apparently ship is from the "Lykes Lines" (Lykes Brothers Steamship Company). 0439 - Running off on easterly course and high speed. "Dismissed from Battle Stations!". 0457 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 8 Sep., 1540h. 0522 - 9sm from sinking position. 1/3-Ahead. 0853 - Qu.4618BF - Diving from Spanish Colonial Steamer bearing 338°. Sighted at E=9000, diving at E=8000. Boat remains submerged for torpedo loading and maintenance, and for trial dive. 0920 - T=50. 65rpm, 1.6kn. Starting torpedo works. 0937 - Tubes I & II reloaded with G7a, K-a. 1110 - O₂=20%. Tubes III & IV (G7e, K-b) serviced. 1130 - Both stern tubes reloaded with G7a, K-a. 1200 - Qu.4618BF - Days Run: 197.4sm - ↗ 191.3 (20h 23') - ↘ 6.1sm (3h 37'). 27.3cbm (7.0cbm/24h). 9500Ah. T=50. O₂=20%. 10 internal torpedoes. 10.5cm: 55xSpG+24xLkG. M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7820. 1300 - Beginning trial dive. 135rpm, 3kn. 1320 - Boat is safe and secure on 2A-Meter. Reacts well at 135rpm. 1345 - Surfaced after 5h and 8.5sm. Weather unchanged since 22h. O₂=20%. Battery=9400Ah. 1351 - Boat ventilated. 1430 - Incoming F.T.: From U 85: "Gustav Gelb!". Convoy in AD 9259. On a northerly course, proceeding at 7 knots. - Greger - Group "Markgraf" (14 boats) is instructed by B.d.U., to operate on this convoy. 1730 - Incoming F.T.: From U 85: Convoy now in AD 9262. - Greger - 1943 - Sundown. Weather unchanged in 28h. 2235 - New course 78°. 2357 - Incoming F.T.: From U 85: Convoy now in AD 6881. - Greger - Boat operating acc. Op.-Orders as per B.d.U.-F.T.1947/8. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - Crossing the Bay of Biscay
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+++++ Wednesday, 10 September 1941 - Bay of Biscay - 0102 - Incoming F.T.: From U 207: Group "Markgraf": Torpedo failure against Troop Transport. Pursue not possible due to high speed. - Meyer - 0200 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: On 9 Sept., at 0425h, sunk Cargo Ship of 2872ts, in Qu.4537BF. Still have 10 internal eels and 25.5cbm. Will be Point Luci2 on 11 Sept., 0430h. SW5/4, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 5sm, >1000mb. - RST - 0214 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: RST: Escort will be Point Luci2 on 11 Sept., 0500h. 0222 - Point Lore. New course 90°. 0447 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged in 35h. 0501 - Incoming F.T.: From U 81: Group "Markgraf": On 9 Sept., at 0655h, sunk SS Empire Springbuck 5591ts from Convoy "Greger", in Qu.6886AD. Was straggler from convoy SC.42, is running along the Greenland east coast on a northerly course. Current position of convoy is AD 6835. - Guggenberger - 0920 - Qu.5196BF - ALARM! Diving from one twin engine airplane approaching from 345°true on course SSW. Sighted at E=7000, diving at E=6000. Bridge watch says that airplanes turned toward boat just as they closed the conning tower hatch. At T=40, 4 bombs, light vibrations, no damages. 0925 - A-Meter, 135rpm, 3kn. Boat remains submerged. 1058 - Reception Depth. 1100 - Surfaced after 1h 40' and 5sm. Battery 8900Ah. SSW6/5, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 4sm, >1000mb. 1200 - Qu.5278BF - Days Run: 193.9sm - ↗ 185.4 (20h 35') - ↘ 8.5sm (3h 25'). 24.6cbm (2.7cbm/24h). 8900Ah. 10 internal torpedoes (2xEto, 8xAto). 10.5cm: 55xSpG+24xLkG. M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7820. 1201 - First status request for U 501 (Förster). 1312 - Qu.5279BF - ALARM! Diving from two pair of twin engine airplanes approaching from 005°true on course south. Sighted at E=6000, diving at E=5000. At T=25, four and at T=30, another four well placed bombs, strong vibrations, no damages. Cmdr.: This shows that, 1. the Bay of Biscay has the expected strong enemy air cover, 2. the decision to travel surfaced by day was the right one and 3. that the boat should dive at minimum at E=6000 to approaching aircraft, in order to reach a relatively safe depth from bombs (~40m). 1320 - A-Meter, 135rpm, 3kn. Boat remains submerged. 1347 - Surfaced after 35' and 2sm. Battery 8800Ah. ESE7/6, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 4sm, >1000mb. 1356 - Reducing speed due to the swell continually washing over the bridge. 1401 - Second status request for U 501 (Förster). 1422 - Incoming F.T.: From U 81: Group "Markgraf": Convoy "Greger"/SC.42: In second attack run, sunk Sally Maersk, 3252ts. - Guggenberger - 1436 - Incoming F.T.: From U 82: Group "Markgraf": Convoy "Greger"/SC.42: Sunk Catapult Ship Empire Hudson, 7465ts. Miss on Skeena. - Rollmann - 1453 - Incoming F.T.: From U 432: Group "Markgraf": Convoy "Greger"/SC.42: Sunk 2 ships with 4318ts. - Schultze - 1502 - Incoming F.T.: From U 111: Southern Boats: Sunk 1 ship of 5719ts northeast of Brazil. - Kleinschmidt - 1604 - F.T.1600/10: From B.d.U.: B-Dienst reporting a neutral convoy southwest of Pen March, on course ESE, speed 5kn. 1801 - Norddeich Radio sending report about first advances of the XIX. Mountain Troop Corps against strong Soviet resistance at Liza, Karelia. Also, the German Blockade Runner "Annelise Essberger" arrived in Bordeaux from Dairen, China. 1934 - Sundown. ENE7/6, partly cloudy, light haze, visibility 4sm, >1000mb. 1955 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.: Was bombed twice by aircraft on Path Herz - no damages. Diving for submerged cruise. Will be at Point Luci2 on Sept.11, 1200h. - RST - 2000 - Diving for submerged cruise at T=50, 105rpm, 2kn, silent running. 2231 - O₂=20%. Boat operating acc. Op.-Orders as per B.d.U.-F.T.0214/10. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - Arriving at the new base in Lorient
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+++++ Thursday, 11 September 1941 - Bay of Biscay - Throughout the night sound contact with convoy 1600/10. 0411 - O₂=19%. 0436 - Sunrise. 0450 - At reception depth. 0500 - Surfaced after 9h and 21sm. Battery 7400Ah. Weather unchanged since Sundown Sept.9. 0501 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: B.d.U. announcing the additional cyphering of the grid indicators, in order to ensure that the enemy is unable to gain any information on U-boat dispositions from the Communications Service, especially, the enemy air reconnaissance. 0505 - F.T.2103/10: From U 432: Group "Markgraf": Convoy "Greger"/SC.42 now in AD 6624, changed course to NE. Have sunk one ship of 1231ts. Taking over as contact keeper. - Schultze - Incoming F.T.: From U 82: Group "Markgraf": Convoy "Greger"/SC.42: Two ships torpedoed: Empire Crossbill, 5463ts, sinking. Scania, sinking not observed but falling behind convoy. - Rollmann - 0513 - Incoming F.T.: From U 207: Group "Markgraf": Convoy "Greger"/SC.42: Sunk two ships with 9727ts. - Meyer - 0521 - Boat ventilated. 0549 - Incoming F.T.: From U 82: Group "Markgraf": Convoy "Greger"/SC.42: Sunk two ships with 12434ts. - Rollmann - 0555 - L.I. reporting fuel reserve of 24cbm (10%). Clouds rolling in, the barometer is falling, wind and sea are becoming less: East6/5, overcast, hazy, limited visibility, ~1000mb. 0800 - SE6/5, overcast, hazy, limited visibility, ~1000mb. 0900 - New course 42°. First beacon light of Lorient coming into sight. 0908 - Incoming F.T.: From U 433: Group "Markgraf": Convoy "Greger"/SC.42: "Q" ship in the convoy, fired 3 misses, depth charged. Air patrols also at night. - Ey - Incoming F.T.: From U 432: Group "Markgraf": Convoy "Greger"/SC.42: Still 25 ships in convoy, 2 destroyers, 5 corvettes astern. Flying boats. - Schultze - 0930 - New course 20°. Three German Mine Sweepers to our port beam on opposite course. 0938 - Incoming F.T.: From U 569: Group "Markgraf": Convoy "Greger"/SC.42: Requesting beacon signals from shadower. - Hinsch - 0952 - Three Ju87-Stuka to our port beam on course SW. 1002 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: To U 575: Heydemann: Join Group "Markgraf" and operate on Convoy "Greger"/SC.42! 1008 - Incoming F.T.'s: From Group "Markgraf: Further success reports from boats operating on Convoy "Greger"/SC.42. 1016 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.: To Group "Seewolf": U 69, 94, 557, 561, 565, 95, and 98: Attack area is extended to the North and Northeast, as according to several aircraft sighting reports, the enemy is aware of the patrol line and can avoid it. The boats are now between Ireland and 20° West from 53° to 56° North. 1023 - Two Hospital Ships to our port beam on opposite course. 1040 - Point Luci2 - Wind and Sea dying down somewhat, turning to South. Entering port together with U 106 (Oesten). Passed many burning ships and ship wrecks along the way. Harbor is protected by a pair of Me110. Cmdr.: There seems to have been an enemy air raid on Lorient harbor! 1052 - A single Fw200 Condor is crossing our bows on course East. 1145 - Lorient - SSE4/3, overcast, hazy, visibility 3sm, ~1000mb. Making fast and mooring boat at Isère. Handing over of two prisoners of war to the Military Police. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - In the new base in Lorient
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+++++ Friday, 12 September 1941 - Lorient Clearing out of boat: Fuel 22cbm; Battery 7400Ah; 10 internal torpedoes (2xEto & 8xAto); 10.5cm: 55xSpG & 24xLkG; M.G.-C/30-2cm: 7820xPbG. Placing boat in dry dock for Shipyard Overhaul. Routine work by the crew throughout. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - Submitting patrol report to B.d.U.
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+++++ Saturday, 13 September 1941 - Lorient The totals of this 1st war patrol with U 113 and 13th war patrol overall are: Traveled surfaced: 9103,2sm - 41 days, 6h, 36min. Traveled submerged: 187,5sm - 3 days, 21h, 09min. Traveled total: 9290,7sm - 45 days, 3h, 45min. Total of 1 Tanker, 1 Troop Transport and 9 merchants for 44230ts sunk! Of that from Op. against convoys 2350/6 (most likely rompers from convoy SC-38): - 1 Tanker of 8006ts and 3 Merchants of 12364ts sunk. Independently travelling ships: 1 Troop Transport of 6619ts and 6 Merchants of 17241ts sunk. Torpedo hits: 9 (5 ships sunk by torpedo, 4 ships sunk by deck gun and 1 ship sunk by combined torpedo/deck gun action). Torpedo misses: 0 Torpedo failures: - 1 Eto (Pi-G7H) hit but failed to ignite, - 1 Eto understeered in medium sea and - 1 Ato understeered in high sea. Crash Dives: 5 - All from airplanes, 2 of which in the Bay of Biscay. Depth Charges: 0 Pressure hull: 100% (Accumulated: 0%) Lost two crew members from aircraft attack: Coxwain(AA), Wilhelm BARSCH and Coxwain & No.3, Konrad SCHMIDT Took two enemy Sea Officers prisoner of war. Honour points: 2433.83 (Accumulated: 25545.05) RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - B.d.U. Assessment
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+++++ Sunday, 14 September 1941 - Lorient B.d.U. Assessment: A solid war patrol by this highly decorated commander with a new boat and crew, returning to active duty after having served in a training flotilla and encountering a changed situation at the front. The boat encountered heavy enemy air cover in the area between the Hebrides and Iceland, as well as the Bay of Biscay. The loss of two crew members on 6 August, is to be attested to this new situation. Furthermore, the enemy now has the possibility of avoiding the Uboat positions, which caused the boat to encounter only independently traveling ships, with the exception of the small convoy eliminated on 7 August. For this reason, B.d.U. has given the directive of cyphering of the grid indicators and the limiting of knowledge of the key to departments to which this knowledge is indispensable, to prevent the enemy being unable to gain any information on U-boat dispositions from the Communications Service. The loss of life at the sinking of the passenger ships on August 5 and August 17, have to be blamed on the captains of the sunken ships, as the commander took every precaution in both cases, to limit the number of civilian casualties. Karl Dönitz Vizeadmiral & B.d.U. +++++ RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
Lost Boat
It is with great sadness that I report the loss of U-125, Kapt.Warner Janz and a crew of 49 on February 8, 1943 in grid DT56. This was their 5th patrol out of Lorient to grid EC69. On day 88 of this patrol.
U-125 left Lorient on November 14th 1942. The Atlantic crossing was uneventful. So soon as we entered the Caribbean, we were under intense harassment from destroyers and aircraft. I guess once we hit a few tankers early on, they knew we were there. We escaped several depth charge attracts. In the 30 days we spent there we managed to sink 5 tankers for 34,283 tons. Exiting the Caribbean we sailed southeast skirting the South American Coast, following the shipping lanes down, then turning east, still in the shipping lanes, heading to the African coast. We finally turned north for a few days and refueled at U-604 in EH53. We were getting a tad low on fuel (30%) but were ok on torpedoes. we got 3 anyway. After several more days in the shipping lanes north bound, we were in DT56. We received a radio contact of a small enemy convoy. I plotted a intercept coarse and finally got a sound contact. My mistake was, that my intercept point, was at 90 degrees in clear weather, excellent advisability, 0ms and in the middle of the day. In a few hours it would have been dark and we would have been well ahead of them (3 Brazilian Tankers and 1 American destroyer) and in a perfect ambush position. In my hast, we went for it anyway. Big mistake. I've been playing SHIII since 2007 and let impatiens rule. We were detected and on the second or third depth charge dropped we were gone. I was passing through 120meters on my way to 180meters at 3kts, when it hit. I was planing on 50rpms but I needed to get down so I hesitated, probably another mistake. I love this game ! impatiens + perfect daytime weather + 1943, kills. U-125 was expected back at Lorient around February 22, 1943. Jerry Baltimore Maryland (Doolar CA45) |
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Too bad ... Yes, one has to be patient. However, even a surface attack at night can be a challenge in 1943, if the ASW Vessel has radar. I guess, one has to get to a safer depth at full speed, eject some SBTs and worry about silent running later ... |
U 113 (IXC) - 1st War Patrol - Awards & Promotions
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+++++ Monday, 15 September 1941 - Lorient Awards & Promotions: For their valor in battle and the sinking of 4 steamers with the deck gun, the L.I., Ltnt.-Ing. Fritz FRIEDERICHS, the XO, OFähnr.z.S. Udo HARTENSTEIN, the II.W.O., OFähnr.z.S. Jakob APELT, the Quartermaster, OFähnr.z.S. Otto TOTENHAGEN, as well as the 1st and the 3rd Sea Watch, were awarded with the Iron Cross 2nd Class! From the 1st and 3rd Sea Watch, 4 Seamen 3cl., were promoted to Seaman 2cl.! The crew is given leave of 1 week in Quiberon, guarding the boat in shifts. First war patrol with U 113 and 13th war patrol overall completed. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
Currently U-110 a type IXB U-boat is conducting a special operation given by BDU in late April 1940, the mission is to hop between various allied ports and sink any high value targets, large warships or tankers
This is dangerous since the waters are so shallow but worth it in terms of the war effort |
U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - Crew changes in base
Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...
+++++ KTB - U 113 2nd War Patrol Monday, 22 September 1941 - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient (Qu.6157BF) During the shipyard time, the Coxwain(AA) and the Coxwain & No.3 lost during the last patrol were replaced, whereas, the new No.3 has already completed 4 patrols on another boat and the newly assigned Coxwain(AA) is on his first post-training assignment. Also, the Warrant Machinist-D and one of the two Torpedo Mate's were transferred to other boats and have been replaced by an experienced Warrant Machinist-D that has already completed 5 patrols with another boat and a Seaman 2cl.(T) on his first post-training deployment. Furthermore, a Diesel Fireman 1cl. on his first post-training deployment, was newly assigned to our boat. Taking boat out of dry dock and putting on charging station. Beginning of pre-war patrol preparation. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
U 113 (IXC) - 2nd War Patrol - Pre-War Patrol Preparations
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+++++ Taking on of Fuel Oil (240cbm at 850kg/m³) and Lubricating Oil. RST Kptlt.&Cmdr. |
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