**Pretty boring patrol, but fun nonetheless - the air attack by the British when I was departing was an interesting experience. I enjoy the challenge of the IIA boat, but obviously the torpedo performance and quantity is a pain in the ass.**
**Also, all status reports are presumed to be done at 24-hour intervals after leaving dock (i.e., at 0500) unless of special note.**
**Finally, I hope you enjoy this as much as I do - what a great gaming experience!**
10 OCT 1939 1900
Patrol Report
U-16 (Type IIA)
2nd Flotilla, Wilhelmshaven
Walter Frönlich, Oberleutnant z.S.
Second war patrol commenced 08 OCT 1939, departing Wilhelmshaven at 0500
Initial Armament
Torpedoes: (5) Type-I torpedoes
AA gun: 4000 rounds 20mm AP
Immediately while leaving dock, a raid by British bombers (type Blenheim) attacked the base. U-16 manned its flak gun but did not expend any rounds. No official word on any friendly or enemy casualties, but it appeared that at least two enemy bombers were shot down. Things quieted down by 0505. No damage to U-16.
Cleared north lock (east channel) at 0551. Proceeded north to Helgoland Hafen point to open orders. Opened orders at 0800 - proceed to grid AN36 and patrol there for 24 hours.
09 OCT 1939 0806
Proceeding north to AN36 at 9 kts.
09 OCT 1939 1110
Reached AN36
09 OCT 1939 1150
B-dienst radio msg: enemy small convoy AN36 heading ENE speed 7 kts **how convenient - thank you intel peeps**
Adjusted heading to possibly intercept enemy
09 OCT 1939 1258
Ships sighted! AN36 Four enemy ships (type (2x) catapult ship; (1) coal bulker; (1) East India-type freighter)
**what is a catapult ship? I couldn't tell what tonnage each ship was, even after doing some online searches**
Submerged to 25m and set heading to intercept (weather perfect) - ordered submerged attack battle stations at 1315
09 OCT 1939 1335
Launched one torpedo each at coal bulker, freighter and trailing catapult ship (other catapult was leading convoy) (range of about 800m-1000m)
Coal bulker set on fire after hit.
Trailing catapult ship listing after hit.
Torpedo aimed at freighter detonated early.
Submerged to 25m to reload, following convoy.
09 OCT 1939 1346
Launched torpedo at trailing catapult ship, with a hit recorded. Enemy ship stops. Other three ships continue on, including coal bulker which is still on fire.
09 OCT 1939 1405
Launched last (fifth) torpedo at catapult ship, breaking its keel. Confirmed kill. No other enemy activity in the area, other than three enemy who continue away, and so U-16 surfaces, reports to BdU, and ordered to RTB at 1617.
10 OCT 1939 1516
Reached north lock Wilhelmshaven; cleared lock at 1524
10 OCT 1939 1610
Docked at Wilhelmshaven
Patrol Results
Crew losses: 0
U-Boat damage: None
Torpedoes expended: Five Type-I torpedoes (one premature detonation, four hits)
Deck gun ammunition expended: None
Enemy ships sunk: One
Total tonnage: 4269 GRT
(1) "Har Zion" - British flag - 4269 GRT (catapult ship) Grid AN36 - 49 crew, 11 lost (iron ore)
Promotions/Awards/Qualifications
Oberfähnrich z.S. (Watchman) Adolf Karlewitz awarded U-Boat War Badge
Bootsman (Torpedoman) Hasso Balke earned Torpedoman qualification.
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