Quote:
Originally Posted by Kapitän
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 |
Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...
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Thursday, 5 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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Convoy No.64 (SC.107):
U 521 made contact for a short time again at 1000 hours but could not keep it. Due to
air patrols over the convoy none of the 7 boats operating against it were able to approach. All other boats were either returning to port or moving toward refueling points. Since
visibility was so good during the day and surprise attacks by aircraft were likely, boats were ordered to
attack only at night when in favorable positions and to cease the operation at daybreak.
A number of boats reported
damage due to aircraft bombs.
No further success reported. Hence the operation will end in the morning of 6 November with the following successes:
23 ships sunk, 136,115 tons.
1 destroyer and 1 corvette torpedoed and 5 other hits scored on ships.
Evidently only
U 132 (Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang) was sunk on this entire operation. She operated against Convoy No. 64 and last reported from AJ 91 on 3 November. According to observations of other boats she may have been
destroyed when she torpedoed a munitions ship.
U 658 (Kptlt. Hans Senkel) and
U 520 (Kptlt. Volkmar Schwartzkopff) also operated against Convoy No. 64. The last reports were 20 October for U 658 and 27 October for U 520. It is believed that
both boats were destroyed by aircraft.
U 108 and U 103 took on fuel from
U 509 (IXC; KrvKpt. Werner Witte) and sailed southward. U 128 and U 511 made for FC 50 after being supplied by
"Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe). U 462 has supplied: U 156, 107, 590 and U 87.
Tanker situation: 415 cubic meters of fuel oil, provisions for 136 days, and 4 torpedoes.
German intelligence reported that a
large Allied fleet had departed Gibraltar.
U 620 (Oblt. Heinz Stein) reports
heavy movements in CG 57, neutral insignia shown.
U 440 and 622 were
unable to break through Straits of Gibraltar because of engine trouble. U 380 and 259 are considered as substitutes.
British tanks attempt, in failure, to out-flank the retreating Axis forces in
Egypt.
Vichy French forces on
Madagascar surrender.
RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115