U64 IXB. Patrol 8 completed.
Homeport: Lorient (2. Flotilla)
Patrol Dates: 17.JAN.42 - 3.APR.42
Proceeded southward along the african coast, thence westward into The Carribean Sea.
2 merchants sunk for 15.147 GRT.
Encounter much naval activity in the area north of Port Of Spain.
Operated submerged by day, and surfaced by night.
On 25.FEB42 in ED94 a destroyer responded to our attack on a T2 Tanker. Thereafter aircraft were seen through the observation scope.
On 26.FEB.42 we were forced to dive by a destroyer, who followed up with several DC attacks. Some minor damage was taken, and repairs were conducted.
On 3.MAR.42 during our return trip we were surprised on the the surface, at night, by aircraft. We took no damage, but a change in our routine became neccesary. (This is not a good thing). It was also decided to return to Lorient by a much more northerly route.
On 30.MAR.42 we encountered and came under attack by a lone destroyer. He inflicted damage during his attacks, including the destruction of our starboard diesel, and radio antenna. Upon surfacing, hours llater, in heavy fog, we discovered that we could recharge what little energy had been consumed by the batteries, but it took 4½ hours.
Full ahead for Lorient at 11 knots, hoping the weather would hold and protect us.
We were forced to dive one more time before reaching Lorient, but our destination was near.
Patrol Results: 2 tankers sunk for 15.147 GRT
Hull Integrity: 89%
U64 record to date:
8 war patrols (29.MAR.40 - 3.APR.42).
22 merchants sunk for 121.466 GRT.
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