11.11.1935 18 Miles North of Jan Mayern, 71st day at sea
Schiff 30 continued sailing east, during her eastward passage the F.T. detected a Soviet Research vessel less than 20 miles away heading for Murmansk from Alexandra Land. Freg.Kpt. Hartmann ordered A.K. Voraus (21 knots). The Research Vessel was heard to make now for Archangelsk. Hartmann reduced speed to 16 knots then went back to cruising speed 12 knots (1 engine) after 36 hrs. Another pass with the direction finders resulted in no contacts. However, on 31.10. the British freighter “King” was sighted the British steamer passed at a distance of 4 miles, making no contact with Schiff 30 which was still disguised as a Soviet vessel.
Schiff 30 was once again alone. She arrived off Jan Mayern Island without incident. Hartmann ordered the ship to be camouflaged as an anonymous German Freighter:
Paint and Camouflage:
1.) Outer hull black
2.) Superstructure white
3.) On deck ventilators, hatches, winches, etc. yellow
4.) Smokestack black, length unchanged
5.) Cannons I and X camouflaged, painted grey
6.) 3.7cm guns camouflaged, painted grey
7.) 2 Additional lifeboats on aft boat deck removed.
8.) Awnings with coverings added on the after boat deck
9.) German Merchant Flag hoisted on the mainmast
10.) Added 2 derricks on the after boat deck.
The work will be completed in 2 days and the ship will then set sail for the Denmark Strait and into the North Atlantic.
