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John Pancoast 12-06-21 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pikke (Post 2781644)
1944...:Kaleun_Applaud:
I wonder if I will ever survive that long...


Wasn't one career. The previous one was sunk in late 1943, so I just started another one a month or so after that which was actually my third of this stretch.
I.e., I'll go the entire war but if I'm sunk, I just start another new career a month or two after that with another commander, crew, etc. acting as a "replacement" in the flotilla for the lost boat.

Kapitän 12-07-21 03:54 AM

Japan attacks the U.S.A.!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän (Post 2781410)
Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

Thursday, 4 December 1941 - On leave

Dangerous Mine-Situation outside the Naval Bases in France, after the loss of U 206 (Opitz) - missing since 29 November (probably sunk on or about 30 November south-west of St. Nazaire, in approx. position 47.05N, 02.40W, by an air-laid mine in the British minefield "Beech", 46 dead, all hands lost)!

Boats must stay on the ordered approach paths and follow escorts in and out of the Western Naval Bases!


Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

3rd War Patrol

Sunday, 7 December 1941 - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient (Qu.6157BF)

Japan attacks the U.S.A. Naval Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii!
The crew is being put on alert and on standby duty!

Crew changes during the shipyard time:
The XO, Ltnt.z.S. Udo HARTENSTEIN, was transferred to another boat, and replaced by the newly assigned Ltnt.z.S. Rainer SCHEUFLER (Flak & Watch). The No.1, Coxwain Adolf CONRAD, was also transferred to another boat, and was replaced by the Leading Seaman Leo ALBRECHT, who has completed one patrol on another boat.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.

pikke 12-08-21 04:17 AM

January 28, 1940 Kiel


1537 U48 is now leaving Kiel dock for a new mission, our orders are to patrol area BF44...we will sail through the Channel, there will be plenty targets there...and warships too. Weather is overcast but not so windy. That helps because it's already cold enough as it is. On the way out we will run some drills and check that everything on the boat is working as it should, hopefully we will find only minor issues. On we go!

pikke 12-08-21 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Pancoast (Post 2781650)
Wasn't one career. The previous one was sunk in late 1943, so I just started another one a month or so after that which was actually my third of this stretch.
I.e., I'll go the entire war but if I'm sunk, I just start another new career a month or two after that with another commander, crew, etc. acting as a "replacement" in the flotilla for the lost boat.


My plan is to try to go through it all in one go...but in my previous "experimenting" careers I found out that the allies has no intentions to let me do so...I guess I may end up doing the same as you sooner or later too or else I'll never see the end of the war :oops::haha:

Kapitän 12-08-21 04:43 AM

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Pre-War Patrol Preparations
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän (Post 2781762)
Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

3rd War Patrol

Sunday, 7 December 1941 - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient (Qu.6157BF)

Japan attacks the U.S.A. Naval Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii!
The crew is being put on alert and on standby duty!

Crew changes during the shipyard time:
The XO, Ltnt.z.S. Udo HARTENSTEIN, was transferred to another boat, and replaced by the newly assigned Ltnt.z.S. Rainer SCHEUFLER (Flak & Watch). The No.1, Coxwain Adolf CONRAD, was also transferred to another boat, and was replaced by the Leading Seaman Leo ALBRECHT, who has completed one patrol on another boat.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

Monday, 8 December 1941 - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient (Qu.6157BF)

Taking boat out of dry dock and putting on charging station.

During the shipyard time, new batteries type AFA-44-MAL-740 were installed (1500 Honor Points and 3 days installation time).

Provisionally commencing expedited pre-war patrol preparation.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.


Kapitän 12-09-21 05:26 AM

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Pre-War Patrol Preparations
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän (Post 2781891)
Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

Monday, 8 December 1941 - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient (Qu.6157BF)

Taking boat out of dry dock and putting on charging station.

During the shipyard time, new batteries type AFA-44-MAL-740 were installed (1500 Honor Points and 3 days installation time).

Provisionally commencing expedited pre-war patrol preparation.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.


Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

Tuesday, 9 December 1941- 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient (Qu.6157BF)

Taking on of Fuel Oil (240cbm at 850kg/m³) and Lubricating Oil.

The lifting of all restrictions regarding U.S.A. ships and the so-called Pan-American safety zone has been ordered by the Führer. Therefore, the whole area of the American coasts will become open for operations by U-boats, an area in which the assembly of ships takes place in single traffic at the few points of departure of Atlantic convoys.

B.d.U. has requested from the Naval War Staff release of 12 boats type IX for such undertakings, since these boats are anyway not so suited for the Mediterranean, Gibraltar area and also for attacking the Gibraltar convoys, which are the most strongly escorted, and since for this purpose a considerable number of medium-sized boats will be ready for operations shortly.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.


Kapitän 12-10-21 04:52 AM

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Pre-War Patrol Preparations
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän (Post 2782018)
Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

Tuesday, 9 December 1941- 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient (Qu.6157BF)

Taking on of Fuel Oil (240cbm at 850kg/m³) and Lubricating Oil.

The lifting of all restrictions regarding U.S.A. ships and the so-called Pan-American safety zone has been ordered by the Führer. Therefore, the whole area of the American coasts will become open for operations by U-boats, an area in which the assembly of ships takes place in single traffic at the few points of departure of Atlantic convoys.

B.d.U. has requested from the Naval War Staff release of 12 boats type IX for such undertakings, since these boats are anyway not so suited for the Mediterranean, Gibraltar area and also for attacking the Gibraltar convoys, which are the most strongly escorted, and since for this purpose a considerable number of medium-sized boats will be ready for operations shortly.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.


Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

Wednesday, 10 December 1941 - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient -

Trimming trials and test cruise at Lorient roadstead. Testing of Navigational and Radio Equipment.

The Naval War Staff has released for operations off the American coasts only 6 large boats - since reduction in the Mediterranean and Gibraltar area in spite of only limited suitability of the large boats for this, does not appear to be advisable to the Naval War Staff.

The boats will be ready for operations between 16th and 27th December in France.

U-113 (RST) will sail first on 16 Dec.!
U-125 (Folkers) will sail on 18 Dec., followed by U-123 (Hardegen) on 23 Dec., and U-66 (Zapp) on 24 December. U-130 (Kals) and U-109 (Bleichrodt) will sail together on 27 Dec.

The object must be to intercept single vessels and to make use of the enemy's inexperience and the fact that they are not used to operations by U-boats.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.


pikke 12-10-21 05:11 AM

February 2, 1940 AN81


0303 On the way here we spotted a couple of neutrals and not much else but right now U48 is diving since we just spotted a warship SW of us.
We will crawl closer to check if it's alone or escorting something.


0342 The warships turns out to be an ASW Trawler and it's not alone, a merchant ship is tailing it. They are sailing NNW so we must change course slightly and increase speed to get in a good position.
Weather is not that good, overcast and windy, so we must be careful not to broach the surface with our turret.
It should be dark enough to hide our periscope.


0434 Merchant is a medium cargo. They are going 4 knots and the Trawler just went back in the lead after making a search pattern...which make it possible to attack both ships... we are about 1200m off to the starboard, so not as close as I'd like, but the angles seems good enough.
Will shot one torpedo each, impact pistols...opening tube 1...aiming at the trawler...fire!...opening tube 2...aiming at the merchant forward mast...fire!...lower the scope...time to wait and cross our fingers.


0435 Impact on the Trawler! Raise periscope! Let's check...Huge explosion! It's sinking..Impact on the medium cargo! Small fire on the bow deck! Nice! Let's change course to shadow this limping ship and see if it goes down...
Ship sunk! HMS Fifeshire (ASW Trawler), 1100 tons. Crew: 50. Crew lost: 16


0501 After slowing down to a crawl this medium cargo is going down! Which is perfect since we have another sound contact further West and we are going to investigate that now.
Ship sunk! SS Trade Wind (Medium Cargo), 4682 tons. Cargo: Timber. Crew: 40. Crew lost: 3


0655 Spotted her at last! Merchant...not so big...north of us...will get ahead of her and close in submerged...wind changed direction to 95° but still 13 m/s so we cannot use our deck gun...maybe we will use our stern tube.


0734 Target is a coastal freighter...not a big target but still a target...we are passing in front of her right now and will use our stern tube.


0740 Opening tube 5...target speed 9 knots...AOB 85° green...impact pistol...fire!...less than 30 seconds...tic tac tic tac...Impact! Right on her nose...either I miscalculated the angle or the waves are slowing her down somewhat...let's see if it is enough...


0846 She is barely crawling and her nose is often submerged by the waves...We reloaded our stern tube...Battery still good, no other sound contact


0913 She is sinking at last...I'm glad I didn't have to use another torpedo on such a small vessel....we are close to the coast and about 50km NNW of Lowestoft yet no warship came to help this poor freighter...weird, but I'm not complaining.... time to resume our patrol.
Ship sunk! SS Birgitte (Coastal Freighter), 1870 tons. Cargo: Steel. Crew: 23. Crew lost: 0

Kapitän 12-11-21 04:59 AM

We are at war with the U.S.A.!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän (Post 2782110)
Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

Wednesday, 10 December 1941 - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient -

Trimming trials and test cruise at Lorient roadstead. Testing of Navigational and Radio Equipment.

The Naval War Staff has released for operations off the American coasts only 6 large boats - since reduction in the Mediterranean and Gibraltar area in spite of only limited suitability of the large boats for this, does not appear to be advisable to the Naval War Staff.

The boats will be ready for operations between 16th and 27th December in France.

U-113 (RST) will sail first on 16 Dec.!
U-125 (Folkers) will sail on 18 Dec., followed by U-123 (Hardegen) on 23 Dec., and U-66 (Zapp) on 24 December. U-130 (Kals) and U-109 (Bleichrodt) will sail together on 27 Dec.

The object must be to intercept single vessels and to make use of the enemy's inexperience and the fact that they are not used to operations by U-boats.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.


Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

Thursday, 11 December - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient -

Germany declares war on the U.S.A.!

Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions and Torpedoes.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.


From the Deep 12-12-21 02:01 AM

Third Patrol out of Bergen, 11th Flotilla
 
So I recently started a career mid 1942 out of Bergen, Norway. I'm a bit tired of thrashing through the early years and wanted a bit of spice in my patrols hoping for some arctic convoy attacks bound for Murmansk. Unfortunately, BdU has been assigning me to some strange locations so arctic convoys haven't really been a possibility thus far. Perhaps this is historically accurate, I'm not sure when the majority of the convoys sailed from the UK to the USSR.

Anyway, my third patrol assigned me to grid CG87! This is way down South where all the Mediterranean-bound convoys funnel in toward Gibraltar for those who might be unaware. This is also pushing the range limits of my VIIC so I figured I'd be relying on milk cows to get back to base. Surely this would be a job for a Flotilla based out of France though?

I make my way to the assigned grid area. After a couple days of creeping along the grid, I'm just on the brink of leaving the square in search of "safer" waters further West, when suddenly my game chugs a bit and SO reports enemy warships closing fast relative bearing 160! I'm pretty sure my hydrophones' blindspot is something like +/-20 degrees so I'm worried that a hunter-killer group might have snuck up on me in my baffles. I take a quick listen and I hear several destroyers pretty far off but I also hear the unmistakable whine of something huge. :Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:

Since many of my playthroughs involve starting fresh from August, 1939, I'm no stranger to the distinctive hum of capital ships on the hydrophones, but I've never known to see many capitals sailing around any time after Bismarck has been sunk, keep in mind we're in late 1942 now. I get a bit giddy at the thought of coming across a British fleet carrier. Normally I'd run silent and deep when faced with an enemy task force, but now my curiosity has gotten the better of me. We climb to periscope depth for a peek. I've been somewhat keeping tabs on the task force via hydrophones and I have a very rough estimate on their course, they should come pretty close by us around dawn, sea state is moderate.

When I finally make visual contact I'm pretty shocked to see HMS Nelson AND HMS Rodney au paire with about 6 escorts blazing toward my position. I turn the boat to get my best estimate of a 90 degree AoB based on my hydrophone plot but a lot of factors are working against me: they're flying (I eventually estimate their speed to be about 21 knots going off the length of the Nelson Class BBs in the recognition manual), also it's going to be a long shot with slow torpedoes (somewhere around 5km and I don't dare get any closer to their path).

When the optimal moment finally arrives, I fire two G7es at each BB. The spread angles are pretty wide (0.5 deg at 5km) because I'm certain that my torpedo solution is off, so on the lead Nelson Class I fire two toward her main battery spaced out, then toward the second Nelson (Rodney) I fire two toward the aft spaced out again. Now we wait. About 5 minutes later the lead Nelson is struck by two hits! one landed under her superstructure and the other hit her right in the screws, very lucky! In fact, that was the Nelson I was aiming for the forward batteries on, but I'll take what I can get. My other two shots missed Rodney. I do a crit dive and stay quiet, we go undetected and eventually the task force leaves HMS Nelson all by herself as she's immobilized, but still afloat.

Now it's fish in a barrel, I fire two more at her to send her down and my god the thing LIT UP. I've taken down ammunition ships that didn't make as much BOOM as that thing. I wish I would have remembered to screenshot it after those final impacts, man it was impressve! Sorry!, all I've got is the post-patrol report below...

Eventually I work my way back to Northern waters and at this point I'm just looking to get rid of my last eels and return home for some medals and brewskis with the boys. So when we pick up yet another task force on the hydrophones, I'm more eager than usual to engage them. I distinctly hear an escort carrier among them. I figure we'll spend the rest of our eels on the escort carrier and set course for home. The difference between this task force and the last one is that this is a proper hunter-killer group. These destroyers will presumably be better equipped than the last ones and I can almost guarantee there are active aircraft in the vicinity, all using radar. I fire a spread of three at the escort carrier and since it's dark I fire a single G7a on fast setting skimming the surface at the lead Clemson Class since she's not zigzagging and keeping pace with the carrier.

The Clemson actually ends up getting hit before the salvo arrives at the carrier, oops! But two out of three hit the Bogue as well. Extremely low on fuel, we make course for Bergen.

This was a totally unorthodox patrol as we didn't engage ANY merchant shipping and went after TWO Allied task forces, but you can't argue with those results! I definitely won't continue this sort of behaviour in the future as it's a great way to end a career. When you dangle a couple BBs in front of me like that though...:Kaleun_Cheers:

Also can anyone tell me how to post images instead of just links?

https://imgur.com/a/As4Iyuk

Kapitän 12-12-21 03:14 AM

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Pre-War Patrol Preparations
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän (Post 2782233)
Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

Thursday, 11 December - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient -

Germany declares war on the U.S.A.!

Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions and Torpedoes.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.


Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

Friday, 12 December - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient -

Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions and Torpedoes:

Ari and A/A ammunition:
- SK-C/32, 10.5cm: 150 x SpG; 30 x LkG
- 2 x M.G.-2cm-C/30: 8000 x PbG (1 x M.G.-2cm-C/30 instead of 1 x 3.7cm-SK-C/30U

Holding Op.-Briefings with B.d.U.:
Since there are only 6 boats available, all places mentioned cannot be patrolled in any case. If the first operations by these boats are made only in the North, i.e. from Halifax to New York, there is a prospect that in the area in the South, i.e. Aruba-Trinidad the conditions will remain unaltered and will promise success at a later date.
The decision must, therefore, be made in favor of operations in the northern area, where 3 boats can be sent in, both off Halifax and New York. It is only regrettable that there are not sufficient boats available to strike a truly "spectacular blow".

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.


pikke 12-12-21 05:47 AM

A busy day – part 1
 
February 3, 1940 AN79


1013 U48 is now in grid AN79 and we just spotted a merchant ship on the horizon...seems a small vessel...weather is not perfect but good enough for a deck gun attack...we'll see once we identify her


1022 Target is sailing NE at about 7 knots...it's a small cargo, possibly a small merchant or a passenger/cargo...we will dive now and close in submerged...Periscope depth!


1052 We are running parallel about 500m off to the starboard...target is british small merchant...there seems to be a warship, possibly a torpedo boat, somewhere SW of us but should be too far to be an hindrance...we'll pop up and use our deck gun to sink this ship...Surface the boat! Man the guns!


1056 Did not take long....couple of shells and she was burning like hell...lots of secondary explosions too...sinking now...we changed course to the east, will put some distance from this spot then dive and check for warships tha may come investigating.
Ship sunk! SS City of Lichfield (Small Merchant), 1732 tons. Cargo: Explosives. Crew: 47. Crew lost: 14


1532 We were once again closing to the british coast when our lookouts spotted a warship closing on us at quite close range...we are now at periscope depth and trying to move out of the way since this ASW Trawler is coming straight to us...I don't think they spotted us, they did not increase speed or change course...I'll get ready our stern tube, if it comes too close we will be ready to defend ourselves


1555 This ASW Trawler is going to be in a perfect position...shall I attack or not?....


1559 I've decided, we are gonna sink this one...open tube 5...Ato running fast at 4 meters...impact pistol...aiming for mid ship....fire!...running time about 1 minute...


1600 Impact! Right in the middle! That should be enough...let's move away...


1601 ASW Trawler did not sink but it's coming our way! But it's very slow...let's lower our scope...


1604 ASW Trawler is stationary now but there are a couple of what sounds like torpedo boats rushing in...U48 is still moving away at 3 knots...


1617 Torpedo boats arrived just in time to rescue the crew from the Trawler...she got lower and lower on the water and is now finally sinking...what resilience though...we'll keep moving away and surface later.
Ship sunk! HMS Northern Dawn (ASW Trawler), 1100 tons. Crew: 38. Crew lost: 25

Kapitän 12-13-21 04:49 AM

U 113 (IXC) - 3rd War Patrol - Pre-War Patrol Preparations
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän (Post 2782357)
Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

Friday, 12 December - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient -

Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions and Torpedoes:

Ari and A/A ammunition:
- SK-C/32, 10.5cm: 150 x SpG; 30 x LkG
- 2 x M.G.-2cm-C/30: 8000 x PbG (1 x M.G.-2cm-C/30 instead of 1 x 3.7cm-SK-C/30U

Holding Op.-Briefings with B.d.U.:
Since there are only 6 boats available, all places mentioned cannot be patrolled in any case. If the first operations by these boats are made only in the North, i.e. from Halifax to New York, there is a prospect that in the area in the South, i.e. Aruba-Trinidad the conditions will remain unaltered and will promise success at a later date.
The decision must, therefore, be made in favor of operations in the northern area, where 3 boats can be sent in, both off Halifax and New York. It is only regrettable that there are not sufficient boats available to strike a truly "spectacular blow".

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.


Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

KTB - U 113

Saturday, 13 December - 2nd U.-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Heinz Fischer, 08.41 - 01.43) - Lorient -

Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions and Torpedoes:

Taking on of torpedoes:
- Tubes I-VI: G7e, K-b
- Bow above floor plates: 2 x G7e, K-b
- Bow under floor plates: 2x G7e, K-b & 2 x G7a, K-a
- Aft under floor plate: 2 x G7a, K-a
- Upper deck containers: 8 x G7a, K-a
All with fuse Pi-G7H (only AZ / Pi-1 without MZ)

Holding Op.-Briefings with B.d.U.:
Our own situation is marked by removal of bases and rich reserves of boats for operations:
a) Type VIIc boats in Scotland area.
b) Type IXb boats in Straits of Florida.
c) Type IXc boats from Trinidad to Aruba.
We must take advantage of the situation before changes are made. Principal attacks must be on single ships so that no mass movements will be possible: North Carolina/Cape Hatteras, Hampton Roads/Entrance Chesapeake Bay. Expect best results on 20m-Line from CA 39 to DB 61.

RST
Kptlt.&Cmdr.


pikke 12-13-21 05:11 AM

@Kapitän: I do love all this details in your storytelling, it makes for a more immersive reading :up:

Kapitän 12-14-21 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pikke (Post 2782612)
@Kapitän: I do love all this details in your storytelling, it makes for a more immersive reading :up:


I appreciate it. I chose to write KTB-style, as I can incorporate some historical data from 80 years ago.

I also like your way of narrative reporting. Very nice, thanks!


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