Tell us what you're up to in current campaign (lets get this one going lol)

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Tuesday, 15 December 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 D 3 (ex Dutch submarine O 25; Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele) hunted strongly zig-zagging tanker on a general course of 140° speed 12 knots, from EH 9984 to EH 3681. Contact lost after triple miss.

U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte) sank "Star of Suez" of 4,999 GRT course 120° in FC 3725. Carrying motorcars and aircraft parts from New York to Alexandria. This confirms the supposition that the traffic at the moment runs, greatly spread out over the area between St. Paul's Rocks and the Brazilian coast.

As there is no possibility of our own traffic being encountered in the northern section of "Route Anton" permission for attacks on isolated vessels N. of 30° N. is given, until 0000 on 19.12.

The supply situation is at the moment very tense, owing to the scarcity of tankers and the bad weather conditions. Boats are warned that supplies can only be expected on the express orders of the Command.

The outward bound steamer "Germania" escorted by 4 U-boats ran into a northward bound convoy towards 1400 in about BE 9166. As escape was not possible, the ship was scuttled by the crew of the escorting boats. U 706 was in contact last. Measures for the rescue of the crew are ordered. Success, however, is questionable, owing to the weather predominating at the moment. 5 boats are searching the place of sinking for survivors.

Of the boats detailed for the protection of the "Germania" one was near the ship. The sinking though, as anticipated, could not be prevented. How the other 3 ships were placed in relation to the ship is not known. In any case they were useless. A real support for a blockade runner could only be formed by an all round screen at a distance of 50 - 60 sea miles from the ship. With a range of visibility of 10 sea miles - a favorable supposition - 15 boats would be needed during the day, a number by no means available. But even this protection is theoretical, as, owing to the necessity of submerging in the event of aircraft, differences in fixes, deterioration of visibility, the possibility of not being able to report the sighted enemy before submerging, and other incidents, the position could be changed entirely.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.G. in Danzig.

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, 16 December 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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Soviet troops launch an offensive towards Rostov-on-Don, defeating Italian units on the Don River, with the aim to cut off our troops in the Caucasus.

Overnight and into the next morning, the US 1st Infantry Division raids Maknassy, Tunisia, taking 21 of our troops prisoners.

Following order was given to Group "Westwall", which is calculated to be E. of the Azores:
U 103 - 653 - 91 - 92 - 130 to proceed to CE 6355 to take over radar interception gear or fuel from U 463. U 155 and U 91 were to meet in CF 2711 to transfer fuel.
The other boats of the group were ordered to new attack areas:
U 106 to CF 35 and 36; U 183 to CF 37 and 38; U 155 to CF 53 and 61; U 519 to CF 62 and 63; U 564 to CG 14 and 15; U 515 to CF 39 and CG 17; U 86 to CF 66 and CG 44.

Luftwaffe sighted a convoy with aircraft carrier at 1415 in BE 8368, course 210°, high speed, while searching for survivors of the tanker "Germania". Search for "Germania" was immediately broken off, as there was no prospect of success. The boats that had been told off for this task - U 514 - 125 - 563 - 706 were instructed to attack the convoy. U 563 reported that weather prevented his carrying out the order. No further message was received by the morning. Operation was continued.

Operations against convoys No. 69-70 were badly affected by bad weather. The weather alone made very heavy demands on the boats. As successes were scored despite this weather, the crews are to be highly commended. The strength of the defenses cannot be judged in the prevailing conditions.

Boats in the area of Route "Anton" have again been informed that it is restricted, as the blockade runner "Rhakotis" was expected to pass the Equator about 16.12., on its way to the North.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) concludes Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.G. in Danzig.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

Wednesday, 16 December 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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Soviet troops launch an offensive towards Rostov-on-Don, defeating Italian units on the Don River, with the aim to cut off our troops in the Caucasus.

Overnight and into the next morning, the US 1st Infantry Division raids Maknassy, Tunisia, taking 21 of our troops prisoners.

Following order was given to Group "Westwall", which is calculated to be E. of the Azores:
U 103 - 653 - 91 - 92 - 130 to proceed to CE 6355 to take over radar interception gear or fuel from U 463. U 155 and U 91 were to meet in CF 2711 to transfer fuel.
The other boats of the group were ordered to new attack areas:
U 106 to CF 35 and 36; U 183 to CF 37 and 38; U 155 to CF 53 and 61; U 519 to CF 62 and 63; U 564 to CG 14 and 15; U 515 to CF 39 and CG 17; U 86 to CF 66 and CG 44.

Luftwaffe sighted a convoy with aircraft carrier at 1415 in BE 8368, course 210°, high speed, while searching for survivors of the tanker "Germania". Search for "Germania" was immediately broken off, as there was no prospect of success. The boats that had been told off for this task - U 514 - 125 - 563 - 706 were instructed to attack the convoy. U 563 reported that weather prevented his carrying out the order. No further message was received by the morning. Operation was continued.

Operations against convoys No. 69-70 were badly affected by bad weather. The weather alone made very heavy demands on the boats. As successes were scored despite this weather, the crews are to be highly commended. The strength of the defenses cannot be judged in the prevailing conditions.

Boats in the area of Route "Anton" have again been informed that it is restricted, as the blockade runner "Rhakotis" was expected to pass the Equator about 16.12., on its way to the North.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) concludes Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.G. in Danzig.

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, 17 December 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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Axis forces largely completed their evacuation from the Marsa Brega and El Agheila region in Libya.

After U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte) returns to base, its position on the patrol strip N.E. Natal, which was fixed on 14.12., is to be taken by U 507 (KrvKpt. Harro Schacht). To date U 128 (Kptlt. Ullrich Heyse) has seen nothing in that part of the patrol strip. U 164 (KrvKpt. Otto Fechner) is to extend the strip to the coast on the S.W.
So far the attack positions in this area have been very profitable, thus, it seems right to use new boats there. A group of 6 medium-sized boats with one tanker are shortly to leave port for this purpose.

Boats have been informed that the enemy uses his location gear very cautiously and when he picks up a target he gradually reduces his signal strength to mask his approach.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) commences Torpedo Trials at the T.E.K. Gotenhafen.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

Thursday, 17 December 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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Axis forces largely completed their evacuation from the Marsa Brega and El Agheila region in Libya.

After U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte) returns to base, its position on the patrol strip N.E. Natal, which was fixed on 14.12., is to be taken by U 507 (KrvKpt. Harro Schacht). To date U 128 (Kptlt. Ullrich Heyse) has seen nothing in that part of the patrol strip. U 164 (KrvKpt. Otto Fechner) is to extend the strip to the coast on the S.W.
So far the attack positions in this area have been very profitable, thus, it seems right to use new boats there. A group of 6 medium-sized boats with one tanker are shortly to leave port for this purpose.

Boats have been informed that the enemy uses his location gear very cautiously and when he picks up a target he gradually reduces his signal strength to mask his approach.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) commences Torpedo Trials at the T.E.K. Gotenhafen.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Friday, 18 December 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.

Conducting Torpedo Trials at the T.E.K. Gotenhafen.*

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Axis and Allied forces engage in brief but fierce combat at Nofilia, Libya.

U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) situation report: No shipping in DJ 20 Roadstead and harbor of Casablanca, Mehdia and Fedala empty. No signs of landing of troops or material. Busy neutral traffic between CG 9591 and DJ 1630. Sunk: steam trawler (500 GRT). Boat requested a freehand to the W.

Convoy No. 71:
At 1326 U 441 (Kptlt. Klaus Hartmann), which was on its outward journey, reported a convoy of 6 - 10 steamers in BE 5613, southerly course. Boats in CF, CG and BE were ordered to stalk it. But as no further shadower reports were received by 2000, the boats of Group "Westwall" which were in CF and U 514 - 125 - 563 - 766, were told to continue to operate, but the boats that are en route for AL to form a patrol strip there, continued to that area. The operation was continued with 10 boats. At 2200 U 441 reported that he had been forced to submerge from 1400 until dark. No contact existed. U 432 was directed to follow up from DJ 20, and therefore set course for CG 47.

U 563 (Kptlt. Götz von Hartmann) sank a single ship "Cape St. Andrew" class (5,094 GRT) in BE 8691, course 20°. Subsequently submerged because of destroyer. Several unaccountable misses at different depths. Probably "Pi 39" pistol duds.

U 176 (Kptlt. Reiner Dierksen) was bombed by a Consolidated when it surfaced in FJ 3632. Boat was temporarily unable to dive because of empty batteries, and moved away from land at full speed. Boat would soon be ready again for operations outside coastal waters. Moderate seas in area and land-based plane reconnaissance to 150 miles from the mainland.

U 183 (Korvkpt. Heinrich Schäfer) took over fuel from "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) and continued homeward journey. U 463 proceeded to CF 5121 to hand over radar intercept cable.

Italian's minister of press and propaganda, Galeazzo Ciano, arrives at the Wolfschanze in East Prussia.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Trials at the T.E.K. Gotenhafen.*

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

Friday, 18 December 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.

Conducting Torpedo Trials at the T.E.K. Gotenhafen.*

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Axis and Allied forces engage in brief but fierce combat at Nofilia, Libya.

U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) situation report: No shipping in DJ 20 Roadstead and harbor of Casablanca, Mehdia and Fedala empty. No signs of landing of troops or material. Busy neutral traffic between CG 9591 and DJ 1630. Sunk: steam trawler (500 GRT). Boat requested a freehand to the W.

Convoy No. 71:
At 1326 U 441 (Kptlt. Klaus Hartmann), which was on its outward journey, reported a convoy of 6 - 10 steamers in BE 5613, southerly course. Boats in CF, CG and BE were ordered to stalk it. But as no further shadower reports were received by 2000, the boats of Group "Westwall" which were in CF and U 514 - 125 - 563 - 766, were told to continue to operate, but the boats that are en route for AL to form a patrol strip there, continued to that area. The operation was continued with 10 boats. At 2200 U 441 reported that he had been forced to submerge from 1400 until dark. No contact existed. U 432 was directed to follow up from DJ 20, and therefore set course for CG 47.

U 563 (Kptlt. Götz von Hartmann) sank a single ship "Cape St. Andrew" class (5,094 GRT) in BE 8691, course 20°. Subsequently submerged because of destroyer. Several unaccountable misses at different depths. Probably "Pi 39" pistol duds.

U 176 (Kptlt. Reiner Dierksen) was bombed by a Consolidated when it surfaced in FJ 3632. Boat was temporarily unable to dive because of empty batteries, and moved away from land at full speed. Boat would soon be ready again for operations outside coastal waters. Moderate seas in area and land-based plane reconnaissance to 150 miles from the mainland.

U 183 (Korvkpt. Heinrich Schäfer) took over fuel from "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) and continued homeward journey. U 463 proceeded to CF 5121 to hand over radar intercept cable.

Italian's minister of press and propaganda, Galeazzo Ciano, arrives at the Wolfschanze in East Prussia.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Trials at the T.E.K. Gotenhafen.*

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Saturday, 19 December 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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Erich von Manstein's units aiming to relieve the 6th Army, reached a point 30 miles south of Stalingrad, which will turn out to be the extent of their advance.

Captured French sloops La Batailleuse and Commandant Rivière depart Bizerte, Tunisia with an Italian crew for La Spezia.

Flower Corvette HMS Snapdragon (K 10) is bombed and sunk by our Luftwaffe northwest of Benghazi, Libya.

Convoy No. 71:
About 2000 U 106 (Kptlt. Hermann Rasch; ex Oesten) heard rapid screw noises in CF 3619, in a direction of 340°. Boat followed up, but did not establish contact. If convoy was traveling at 10.5 knots, it might be the one that was reported on 19.12. by U 441 (Kptlt. Klaus Hartmann). But as this speed was unlikely in bad weather, the position could not be used as a basis for a directed operation. The boats continued to search.

U 182 (IXD2; Kptlt. Nicolai Clausen) was proceeding to the S. outside the enemy air patrol area via CF 40, EJ 40, FM 20. Operations in Capetown area were intended.

U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) reported when asked that he had encountered no shipping since 16.12. in squares EJ 6560, 6950, 9670, 9690, 6990 and 6530. He intended to operate closer to the coast when the moon is waning. As the squares named were some 200 miles W. of Dakar, the boat was instructed to search nearer in-shore at once. Boat had not operated as ordered.

Of the Natal boats, U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) and U 174 (Fregkpt. Ulrich Thilo) had to turn back because of lack of fuel. 5 boats remained in the area, but 2 had little fuel and another had been damaged.

U 221 (Oblt. Hans-Hartwig Trojer) refueled U 758 (Kptlt. Helmut Manseck). Both boats continued on homeward journey.

POWs Chief Petty Officers Wally Hammond and Don Lister, having previously escaped from the Oflag IV-C at Colditz Castle, Germany, successfully cross the border into Switzerland.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) breaks off Torpedo Trials at the T.E.K. Gotenhafen, due to high congestion of boats.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

Saturday, 19 December 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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Erich von Manstein's units aiming to relieve the 6th Army, reached a point 30 miles south of Stalingrad, which will turn out to be the extent of their advance.

Captured French sloops La Batailleuse and Commandant Rivière depart Bizerte, Tunisia with an Italian crew for La Spezia.

Flower Corvette HMS Snapdragon (K 10) is bombed and sunk by our Luftwaffe northwest of Benghazi, Libya.

Convoy No. 71:
About 2000 U 106 (Kptlt. Hermann Rasch; ex Oesten) heard rapid screw noises in CF 3619, in a direction of 340°. Boat followed up, but did not establish contact. If convoy was traveling at 10.5 knots, it might be the one that was reported on 19.12. by U 441 (Kptlt. Klaus Hartmann). But as this speed was unlikely in bad weather, the position could not be used as a basis for a directed operation. The boats continued to search.

U 182 (IXD2; Kptlt. Nicolai Clausen) was proceeding to the S. outside the enemy air patrol area via CF 40, EJ 40, FM 20. Operations in Capetown area were intended.

U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) reported when asked that he had encountered no shipping since 16.12. in squares EJ 6560, 6950, 9670, 9690, 6990 and 6530. He intended to operate closer to the coast when the moon is waning. As the squares named were some 200 miles W. of Dakar, the boat was instructed to search nearer in-shore at once. Boat had not operated as ordered.

Of the Natal boats, U 126 (Kptlt. Ernst Bauer) and U 174 (Fregkpt. Ulrich Thilo) had to turn back because of lack of fuel. 5 boats remained in the area, but 2 had little fuel and another had been damaged.

U 221 (Oblt. Hans-Hartwig Trojer) refueled U 758 (Kptlt. Helmut Manseck). Both boats continued on homeward journey.

POWs Chief Petty Officers Wally Hammond and Don Lister, having previously escaped from the Oflag IV-C at Colditz Castle, Germany, successfully cross the border into Switzerland.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) breaks off Torpedo Trials at the T.E.K. Gotenhafen, due to high congestion of boats.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Sunday, 20 December 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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The RAF uses "Oboe", an aid to the bombing radar, operationally for the first time.

All of the USAAF 59th Fighter Squadron's P-40F fighters are transferred to a French squadron in North Africa.

U 618 (Oblt. Kurt Baberg) had again made a sortie to Casablanca. No shipping, situation unaltered. Boat was allotted CG 47 as new area. It was intended that he should work with Group "Westwall".

U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) took over fuel from U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) and radar interception cable from "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) and is now continuing his homeward journey.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front, Hela.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

Sunday, 20 December 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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The RAF uses "Oboe", an aid to the bombing radar, operationally for the first time.

All of the USAAF 59th Fighter Squadron's P-40F fighters are transferred to a French squadron in North Africa.

U 618 (Oblt. Kurt Baberg) had again made a sortie to Casablanca. No shipping, situation unaltered. Boat was allotted CG 47 as new area. It was intended that he should work with Group "Westwall".

U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) took over fuel from U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) and radar interception cable from "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) and is now continuing his homeward journey.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front, Hela.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

Monday, 21 December 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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Chief of the OKH General Staff, Kurt Zeitzler, asks The Führer for permission for Friedrich Paulus' 6.Armee, encircled within Stalingrad, to break out to meet Erich von Manstein's relief efforts from the outside. The Führer rejects this, noting that our troops are to hold Stalingrad.

U 176 (Kptlt. Reiner Dierksen) sighted a single destroyer in FK 3146 on 19.12., mean course 2400, speed 12 knots. Boat had repaired the damage caused by bombs and was again serviceable. He was given a free hand in FK as requested.

U 508 (Kptlt. Georg Staats) reported heavily armed freighter on course of 900, speed 12 knots, in DF 2556. Boat had fired all torpedoes and was on its homeward voyage. U 506, U 125 and U 514 which were in CF and making for the southwest, were ordered to stalk the ship that had been reported. They were to proceed at cruising speed without consuming large quantities of fuel.

U 86 (Kptlt. Walter Schug) was ordered to proceed at high cruising speed to CE 5186 and attack a large steamer that had been damaged. According to a radio intercept it was anchored half a mile off Flores. It may be the single ship that was torpedoed by U 103 (Oblt. Gustav-Adolf Janssen) on 13.12. in CE 1521. U 86 is to try to send a dinghy alongside the ship in the dark without being observed, break the anchor chain and sink the ship after it has drifted outside the territorial waters.

It is intended that U 436 - 575 - 381 - 620 and U 442 shall operate N.E. Natal. For the time being they are to make for CF 78. They will be refueled by "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) in the vicinity of ER.

The boats U 164 - 128 - 134 and U 507 at present in patrol area, have a free hand outside Route "Anton" up to the coast of Brazil.

U 626 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Hans-Botho Bade) - a boat on its first operational trip, last reported on 14.12. from AL 26. The boat was then directed to attack a N.E. bound convoy, which, according to calculations it could hardly have reached. The request for a position report on 16.12. remained unanswered, as have all subsequent requests. The possibility of loss through sea damage exists. No details are yet known.

Convoy No. 70 (ON.153):
At 2200 on 21.12. the operation was broken off as there was little chance of picking up the convoy with only 4 submarines. Also these boats were urgently required for operations against the next ON convoy, for which only 8 boats were so far available.
Summing-up:
In all, 13 boats were stalking the convoy. Convoy was contacted according to plan in the center of the patrol strip at the expected time on 15.12. The operation was hampered by the bad weather. The boats had no fixes and finding and directing other boats was therefore considerably more difficult. Contact with the convoy was maintained without a break only during the first two days. After that, the convoy or single ships were reported only for short periods, mainly because of bad visibility.
No new information was gained about the convoy's defences. The naval escort was not able to attack the boats effectively because of the weather. Unfortunately, the submarines could not profit as the seaway was too heavy to permit firing torpedoes.
On 16.12. Consolidated and Catalina flying boats provided a strong air escort for the convoy. The planes could not attack the submarines either, but their presence made shadowing more difficult. 6 of the 14 submarines attacked the convoy and all were able to fire. One boat had no success. 6 ships totaling 35,836 GRT and 1 twin-funneled destroyer were sunk of the convoy which had been reported as consisting of 16 - 20 steamers.
No losses, no damage.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front, Hela.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

Monday, 21 December 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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Chief of the OKH General Staff, Kurt Zeitzler, asks The Führer for permission for Friedrich Paulus' 6.Armee, encircled within Stalingrad, to break out to meet Erich von Manstein's relief efforts from the outside. The Führer rejects this, noting that our troops are to hold Stalingrad.

U 176 (Kptlt. Reiner Dierksen) sighted a single destroyer in FK 3146 on 19.12., mean course 2400, speed 12 knots. Boat had repaired the damage caused by bombs and was again serviceable. He was given a free hand in FK as requested.

U 508 (Kptlt. Georg Staats) reported heavily armed freighter on course of 900, speed 12 knots, in DF 2556. Boat had fired all torpedoes and was on its homeward voyage. U 506, U 125 and U 514 which were in CF and making for the southwest, were ordered to stalk the ship that had been reported. They were to proceed at cruising speed without consuming large quantities of fuel.

U 86 (Kptlt. Walter Schug) was ordered to proceed at high cruising speed to CE 5186 and attack a large steamer that had been damaged. According to a radio intercept it was anchored half a mile off Flores. It may be the single ship that was torpedoed by U 103 (Oblt. Gustav-Adolf Janssen) on 13.12. in CE 1521. U 86 is to try to send a dinghy alongside the ship in the dark without being observed, break the anchor chain and sink the ship after it has drifted outside the territorial waters.

It is intended that U 436 - 575 - 381 - 620 and U 442 shall operate N.E. Natal. For the time being they are to make for CF 78. They will be refueled by "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) in the vicinity of ER.

The boats U 164 - 128 - 134 and U 507 at present in patrol area, have a free hand outside Route "Anton" up to the coast of Brazil.

U 626 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Hans-Botho Bade) - a boat on its first operational trip, last reported on 14.12. from AL 26. The boat was then directed to attack a N.E. bound convoy, which, according to calculations it could hardly have reached. The request for a position report on 16.12. remained unanswered, as have all subsequent requests. The possibility of loss through sea damage exists. No details are yet known.

Convoy No. 70 (ON.153):
At 2200 on 21.12. the operation was broken off as there was little chance of picking up the convoy with only 4 submarines. Also these boats were urgently required for operations against the next ON convoy, for which only 8 boats were so far available.
Summing-up:
In all, 13 boats were stalking the convoy. Convoy was contacted according to plan in the center of the patrol strip at the expected time on 15.12. The operation was hampered by the bad weather. The boats had no fixes and finding and directing other boats was therefore considerably more difficult. Contact with the convoy was maintained without a break only during the first two days. After that, the convoy or single ships were reported only for short periods, mainly because of bad visibility.
No new information was gained about the convoy's defences. The naval escort was not able to attack the boats effectively because of the weather. Unfortunately, the submarines could not profit as the seaway was too heavy to permit firing torpedoes.
On 16.12. Consolidated and Catalina flying boats provided a strong air escort for the convoy. The planes could not attack the submarines either, but their presence made shadowing more difficult. 6 of the 14 submarines attacked the convoy and all were able to fire. One boat had no success. 6 ships totaling 35,836 GRT and 1 twin-funneled destroyer were sunk of the convoy which had been reported as consisting of 16 - 20 steamers.
No losses, no damage.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front, Hela.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Tuesday, 22 December 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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Our troops in the Caucasus region begin to fall back northwestward.

Chief of the OKH General Staff, Kurt Zeitzler, once again asks The Führer to allow the 6.Armee to break out from Stalingrad, to avoid the remnants of the army from being totally wiped out. The Führer again refuses.

Elements of US 1st Infantry Division and British 78th Division launch an offensive in Tunisia.

Captured French torpedo boats Bombarde, La Pomone, and L'Iphigénie depart Bizerte, Tunisia, with Italian crews for Palermo, Sicily.

U 618 (Oblt. Kurt Baberg) was operating against enemy traffic in sea area off Lisbon. Boat is being kept informed of the present situation and attention drawn to neutral shipping.

Because of possible diplomatic repercussions Naval War Staff has forbidden U 86 (Kptlt. Walter Schug) to penetrate the territorial waters of the Portuguese Island of "Flores". If the ship is observed and shows signs of preparing to leave port, the boat is to wait outside the 3 -mile limit and close with the ship after she has left the restricted area.

U 161 (Kptlt. Albrecht Achilles) - homeward bound, in EH 9654 - reported at 1344 convoy with westerly course. Because of considerable damage from bombs, the boat was ordered to attack according to capability and if possible to ascertain the rate of progress of the convoy as a guide in directing the boats of the Trinidad area.
U 161 attacked at dusk and fired a single miss at a destroyer. Convoy consisted of about 6 steamers and 2 escorts. After dark, course N.W., speed 8 - 5 knots. Submarine was continuing on its homeward voyage.
As the convoy reported by U 161 is the second westbound one in this area, it must be investigated whether the single ships coming from the S. assemble in Freetown and continue in convoy to Trinidad. This arrangement would have a bad effect on future successes in comparison with former high sinkings in the Trinidad area.
Further details must however be awaited.

U 92 (Kptlt. Adolf Oelrich) has taken over radar interception parts from "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) and has commenced homeward voyage.

The Führer signes the decree drafted by Albert Speer for the mass production of the A-4 rocket once the final design is completed.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts exercises with the AGRU-Front, Hela.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115