Ob.lt.z.s Walter Zantow
U-46, VIIB
7. Flottille, St. Nazaire
Patrol 3: 20.9.1940 St.Nazaire - 29.9.1940 St.Nazaire
On the 26th of September, a convoy heard on the hydrophone, grid BE35. Listened for one and half hours while making 2 knots, course 301. Estimated convoy's course as 250 degrees, 8 knots. The weather was miserable, heavy rain, visibility under 1000 meters. Attacked submerged in order to have even some situational awareness. Three G7e's shot inside the convoy, sinking a 6800 BRT Erzfrachter and a 1800 BRT Kleiner frachter. Both ships were darkened and the smaller one was carrying panzers on the deck. Afterwards Radio intelligence reported a neutral ship sunk.
Evaded first at 30 meters to avoid being rammed. After the merchants had passed, to PD and then surfaced. The convoy had probably two escorts, which were easily evaded, as they used their search lights and they were visible from a long way. It is possible that the escorts can hear the U-boat's engine, so a cautious speed might be advisable, even in a storm.
After the attack disaster struck as a command from the bridge was misinterpreted as an order to crash dive and unfortunately Stabsoberbootsmann Johannes Fehr and Matrosenobergefreiter Fritz Frankhoff were swept to the sea from the brigde during the dive. The hydrophone was also damaged useless and unrepairable and we had to abort patrol. Now returned to St.Nazaire and refitting the boat.
Zantow
This patrol followed the dates and routes of the real U-46 on it's fifth patrol commanded by Engelbert Endrass. Endrass had to abort the mission because of jamming of the hydrophones. Two crewmen were also swept to the sea during an unintentional dive.