[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

- continued from 30 October 1941, 1338h -

1340 - Running off at high speed on course 245°. The Clemson/Town destroyer comes back into sight, bearing 113°. Running at high speed toward the position from where we sent the contact report but then turn toward the boat and approaches with zero angle and high bow wave.

1341 - Diving at E=3600.

1349 - At A-Meter, ASDIC but no detection. Silent Running and diving deeper.

1351 - AT A+20, Wabos at our diving position. In all, 45 Wabos are being dropped on the boat. No damages.

1414 - Back at A-Meter. Setting for reception depth.

1422 - T=20.

1423 - S-Tiefe. The Clemson/Town destroyer is sniffing around for us 4500m astern.

1438 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
RST: Convoy is OG.76. Attack independently if possible. Send report after attack.

Cmdr.: This means, that there are no boats available, that could be guided towards this convoy. I therefore decide, to run-off and continue with the delayed return cruise to base.

1507 - Incoming F.T.: From U 106:
U-Rasch reporting that it also sank a single ship, altogether 13000ts.

1520 - Surfaced after 39min. and 4.9sm. Weather unchanged. On course 290°.

1525 - Compressed air supply filled.

1535 - Outgoing F.T.: To B.d.U.:
According to sound contact, convoy OG.76 positioned at 1520h, in Qu.5633BE bottom middle, on course 200°, speed 6kn. Had to dive twice from directly approaching HuntI and Clemson/Town destroyer. Came with zero angle at high speed out of the haze, visibility 5500m. Suspect radar range of 7000m. Attack on convoy not possible due to no internal eels and weather. Running off and setting for delayed return voyage. 8 external Ato. 117cbm. ENE6/5, overcast, hazy visibility 3sm, ~1000mb. - RST -

1537 - Boat is running off in a circle to stbd. and astern of the convoy. After 5.5h, "Dismissed from Maneuver Stations!".

1554 - Incoming F.T.: From B.d.U.:
RST: Load external torpedoes under deck at first possible opportunity.

1601 - Incoming F.T.1559/30: From U 81:
"FL, FL, FL, BF 1887, U-81"! U-Guggenberger reporting that it is unable to dive and that it was attacked by a British Flying boat, American type Martin PBM 1. "From U-81 request fighters!".

1806 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 29 Oct., 2400h.

Boat operating acc. Op.-Orders as per F.T.0601/27.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.

Started new career in August 2019 to commemorate the beginning of WWII, 80 years before ...

+++++

Friday, 31 October 1941 - West of St.Nazaire -

- 4th week at sea completed -

0130 - Qu.6455BE. New course 90°.

0515 - Morning Dawn.

0602 - Incoming F.T.: From U 374:
Sunk single ship Rose Schiaffino 3349ts. - von Fischel -

0628 - Sunrise. Weather unchanged since 29 Oct., 2400h.

0802 - Incoming F.T.: From U 552:
Gustav Gelb! Sighted convoy HX.156. About 44 ships and 5 U.S.A. escorts. Immediately attacked and sunk the destroyer Reuben James (DD 245). - Topp -

1200 - Qu.6554BE - Days Run: 190.3sm - ↗ 181.5 (22h 02') - ↘ 8.8sm (1h 58').
113.4cbm (4.4cbm/24h)+2cbm Reserve. On course 90°. 8100Ah. 8 external Ato. Weather unchanged since 29 Oct., 2400h (36h).

1305 - Qu.6555BE -

1322 - Incoming F.T.: From U 96:
Sunk a ship of 5998ts out of unknown convoy. - Lehmann-Willenbrock -

Cmdr.: It will be established later, that it was the Dutch steamer Bennekom, from convoy OS.10.

1755 - Sundown. Weather unchanged since 29 Oct., 2400h.

1801 - Norddeich Radio sending report about German forces breaking through to the Crimea at Ishun on 26 Oct. The Russian defenders are being pushed back to Sevastopol, the Kerch peninsular and the Jaila mountains.

Boat operating acc. Op.-Orders as per F.T.0601/27.

RST

Kptlt.&Cmdr.