Quote:
Originally Posted by Kapitän
Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...
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Tuesday, 3 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):
Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.
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U 440 (Kptlt. Hans Geissler) sighted 2 destroyers on E. course at 1035 in CG 7454 and reported at 0130 a convoy in CF 9595, course E. Operation impossible because of condition of the boat. Looks like the same group that was reported by U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) on 2 November in CF 4399. Operation was not possible since no boats are in the area.
Following orders were given for Special Operation: U 407 and U 617 steer for CG 61. U 662 (KrvKpt. Wolfgang Hermann) make for U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte) in DG 3355 and take on 30 cubic meters of fuel. U 440 is to report as soon as boat is repaired. More to follow.
U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) and U 68 (KrvKpt. Karl-Friedrich Merten) will have freedom of movement in GF, since movements there are favorable from time to time.
After sun down, Allies launch renewed attacks at the weakened Axis defensive positions near El Alamein, Egypt.
British Ventura aircraft fly their first combat mission against a factory in Hengelo in the Netherlands.
The US government demands Finland to cease hostilities against the Soviet Union.
RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115 |
Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...
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Wednesday, 4 November 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft
Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):
Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.
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Due to the increasing acuteness of the
Mediterranean situation, High Command ordered 4 more boats to that area, besides U 755 and U 595. Since breaking through the Straits of Gibraltar should meet with success, U 662 and U 440 both of which have been at sea a long time already, and U 617, U 407 and U 596 will be sent. Captains who have had experience against convoys in the Atlantic are thought best for operations in the Mediterranean by B.d.U.
These boats make up Group "Delphin". In view of the great amount of ships and heavy patrols, breaking through the Straits will evidently be difficult this time. We must count on some losses.
As far as can be determined, operations in the Mediterranean will find large and worthwhile targets. It is imperative to use the
39 H type pistol as soon as it has been properly proved in combat.
In this regard:
Message to: Naval Command
Torpedo Development Division,
and information to: 1st Naval Command
German U-boat Commander Italy.
1. The situation in the Mediterranean makes use of Pistol 39 H extremely important to Mediterranean boats. Reasons:
1.a. Principal targets are battleships, aircraft carriers and large transports. Greatest damage possible is desired from single shots.
1.b. According to air observation the worthwhile targets in the Mediterranean are protected by anti-torpedo nets. The only workable solution is use of the 39 H pistol.
1.c. This would also dispense with premature ignition and faulty shots in an area where not only do we find high seas and heavy swells but also ships of deep draught.
1.d. Operational torpedoes of greater destructive power are more urgent in the Mediterranean than in the Atlantic because of the intense situation in Africa.
2. B.d.U. has ordered the
1st consignment of 50ea. 39 H type pistols for the Mediterranean, also is trying to speed up the delay in their operation in the Atlantic.
B.d.U. Secret 4733 A 4.
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In Egypt, the British 7th Armoured Division catches and encircles the Italian Ariete Division which, against tremendous odds, is fightig to the last tank in a desperate running battle. General Wilhelm von Thoma, Commanding General of the Deutsche Afrika Korps, is taken prisoner in Egypt by British troops.
Axis forces slowly fall back to the west toward Fuka, Egypt, but the rear guard continues to cause heavy casualties against the pursuing Allied troops. Seeing that victory is now impossible,
Rommel disobeys The Führers orders and gives the orders for a general withdraw toward the Egyptian-Libyan border.
All of our offensive operations in the
Caucasus region are suspended.
RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115