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

Kapitän · 12-21-22, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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

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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 · 12-22-22, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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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

Kapitän · 12-23-22, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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

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Wednesday, 23 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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Hubert Lanz, commanding officer of the 1. Gebirgs-Division, is awarded with the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

Erich von Manstein's troops begin to withdraw to Kotelnikovo, Russia, where they started their offensive.

Our 10th Panzer Division takes back American and British territorial gains in Tunisia made on the previous day.

Now that the order for permanent operations by 12 boats against reinforcements for North Africa has been cancelled by Naval War Staff, the two boats with the most fuel are to be sent N. They are to approach AL 88 at economical cruising speed. U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) is to operate off Huelva. All other boats of Group "Westwall" will remain in the previous area until fuel is exhausted.

Trinidad boats have been ordered to push closer inshore as soon as possible when the moon begins to wane. No details available about shipping in the area.

U 130 - 103 and U 653 have taken over fuel or radar parts.

As the rendezvous with the homeward bound blockade runner "Rhakotis" has been moved 200 miles farther E., the boats detailed to form the convoy escort - U 410, 621 and 409 - have been ordered to be at the new position - CE 1388 - by 0800 on 26.12.

U 435 (Kptlt. Siegfried Strelow) and U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth) will take part in the Christmas greeting program of the German Radio. Positions: BD 20 and FN. If situation permits, boats will send short non-confidential text.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän · 12-24-22, 04:33 AM

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, 23 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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Hubert Lanz, commanding officer of the 1. Gebirgs-Division, is awarded with the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

Erich von Manstein's troops begin to withdraw to Kotelnikovo, Russia, where they started their offensive.

Our 10th Panzer Division takes back American and British territorial gains in Tunisia made on the previous day.

Now that the order for permanent operations by 12 boats against reinforcements for North Africa has been cancelled by Naval War Staff, the two boats with the most fuel are to be sent N. They are to approach AL 88 at economical cruising speed. U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) is to operate off Huelva. All other boats of Group "Westwall" will remain in the previous area until fuel is exhausted.

Trinidad boats have been ordered to push closer inshore as soon as possible when the moon begins to wane. No details available about shipping in the area.

U 130 - 103 and U 653 have taken over fuel or radar parts.

As the rendezvous with the homeward bound blockade runner "Rhakotis" has been moved 200 miles farther E., the boats detailed to form the convoy escort - U 410, 621 and 409 - have been ordered to be at the new position - CE 1388 - by 0800 on 26.12.

U 435 (Kptlt. Siegfried Strelow) and U 181 (IXD2; Kptlt. Wolfgang Lüth) will take part in the Christmas greeting program of the German Radio. Positions: BD 20 and FN. If situation permits, boats will send short non-confidential text.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) continues the 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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Thursday, 24 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, together with U 648*.

In the evening, celebrating Christmas Eve and listening to the Christmas greeting program on German Radio, together with the crew of U 648.

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French Admiral François Darlan is assassinated in Algiers, French Algeria, by 20- year old monarchist Fernand Bonnier de La Chapelle. He dies from gunshot wounds several hours after the assassination attempt. The assassin will be executed two days later. Admiral François Darlan will be succeeded by General Henri Giraud.

Soviet troops launch an offensive against the Armeegruppe Don near Stalingrad, piercing Romanian 4th Army's lines. Soviet tanks also brake our defensive lines at Tatsinskaya Airfield in Rostov Oblast, in southern Russia, an important airfield flying supplies into Stalingrad; 124 Ju 52/3m aircraft are able to take into the air to escape, but 46 other aircraft are either damaged, destroyed, or abandoned as the Soviets capture Tatsinskaya. Elsewhere in Rostov Oblast, a similar attack is conducted on Morozovsk Airfield, but our troops are able to repulse that attack.

U 164 (Korvkpt. Otto Fechner) and U 507 (Korvkpt. Harro Schacht) will move closer to the Brazilian coast when the moon wanes, and will search for shipping. At present no details are known of the shipping in the area between Natal and Freetown. Hence, order for all ships still in the area about unrestricted hunting in the new areas.

"Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) reported convoy of about 10 steamers on S.E. course in DG 3677 at 2340. U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) and U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) were in the vicinity and were ordered to attack it. U 461 continued to U 125 (Kptlt. Ulrich Folkers) to hand over engine parts. No further reports were received.

U 86 (Kptlt. Walter Schug) took over radar interception cable from "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer). Afterwards, U 86 is to operate off Ponta Delgada. Although earlier commitment of boats was unsuccessful, another attempt is being made because it is suspected that there is some enemy traffic and that the harbor is being used as base for escort vessels.

U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) was on its way to Huelva and was to attack ore steamer traffic using that port.

U 410 - 621 and U 409 have been issued with more precise instructions for the convoying lane of the blockade runner "Rhakotis".

Now that Route "Anton" is unrestricted, the boats U 128 - 176 and U 134, who have little fuel, have been given a free hand in ER 50 - 80 - 60 - 90 and EC 40 and 70.

Sydney Robey Leibbrandt, a former South African heavyweight boxing champion, who had spent three years in Germany and joined the Wehrmacht, where he had trained as a paratrooper and saboteur by the Brandenburg Regiment, returned home secretly in June 1941. Equipped with a wireless and intending to start a revolt, he is arrested while driving between Johannesburg and Pretoria. His sentence to death on a charge of high treason, will later be commuted by Prime Minister Jan Smuts, because of his fame as a national sporting hero.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Trials at the T.E.K. Gotenhafen, together with U 115*.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän · 12-25-22, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Thursday, 24 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, together with U 648*.

In the evening, celebrating Christmas Eve and listening to the Christmas greeting program on German Radio, together with the crew of U 648.

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French Admiral François Darlan is assassinated in Algiers, French Algeria, by 20- year old monarchist Fernand Bonnier de La Chapelle. He dies from gunshot wounds several hours after the assassination attempt. The assassin will be executed two days later. Admiral François Darlan will be succeeded by General Henri Giraud.

Soviet troops launch an offensive against the Armeegruppe Don near Stalingrad, piercing Romanian 4th Army's lines. Soviet tanks also brake our defensive lines at Tatsinskaya Airfield in Rostov Oblast, in southern Russia, an important airfield flying supplies into Stalingrad; 124 Ju 52/3m aircraft are able to take into the air to escape, but 46 other aircraft are either damaged, destroyed, or abandoned as the Soviets capture Tatsinskaya. Elsewhere in Rostov Oblast, a similar attack is conducted on Morozovsk Airfield, but our troops are able to repulse that attack.

U 164 (Korvkpt. Otto Fechner) and U 507 (Korvkpt. Harro Schacht) will move closer to the Brazilian coast when the moon wanes, and will search for shipping. At present no details are known of the shipping in the area between Natal and Freetown. Hence, order for all ships still in the area about unrestricted hunting in the new areas.

"Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) reported convoy of about 10 steamers on S.E. course in DG 3677 at 2340. U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) and U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) were in the vicinity and were ordered to attack it. U 461 continued to U 125 (Kptlt. Ulrich Folkers) to hand over engine parts. No further reports were received.

U 86 (Kptlt. Walter Schug) took over radar interception cable from "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer). Afterwards, U 86 is to operate off Ponta Delgada. Although earlier commitment of boats was unsuccessful, another attempt is being made because it is suspected that there is some enemy traffic and that the harbor is being used as base for escort vessels.

U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) was on its way to Huelva and was to attack ore steamer traffic using that port.

U 410 - 621 and U 409 have been issued with more precise instructions for the convoying lane of the blockade runner "Rhakotis".

Now that Route "Anton" is unrestricted, the boats U 128 - 176 and U 134, who have little fuel, have been given a free hand in ER 50 - 80 - 60 - 90 and EC 40 and 70.

Sydney Robey Leibbrandt, a former South African heavyweight boxing champion, who had spent three years in Germany and joined the Wehrmacht, where he had trained as a paratrooper and saboteur by the Brandenburg Regiment, returned home secretly in June 1941. Equipped with a wireless and intending to start a revolt, he is arrested while driving between Johannesburg and Pretoria. His sentence to death on a charge of high treason, will later be commuted by Prime Minister Jan Smuts, because of his fame as a national sporting hero.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Trials at the T.E.K. Gotenhafen, together with U 115*.

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, 25 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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With the slaughter of over 12,000 horses, the 6. Armee in Stalingrad, receives their last meat rations.

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) and U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann), who were set onto a convoy reported by "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler), found nothing despite careful search on different courses. They continued to the approach points as ordered.

U 125 (Kptlt. Ulrich Folkers) transferred supernumerary Engineer Officer to "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler).

U 92 (Kptlt. Adolf Oelrich) sighted a destroyer and steamer on southerly course at high speed in BE 9738. Boat was homeward bound.

U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) requested a free hand in area CG 88 to DH 34. As commitment further afield was not possible because of lack of fuel, boat was given a free hand for the area requested. U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) was given the same permission.

U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) found no shipping off Dakar, moderate air patrolling, location observed once at night.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän · 12-26-22, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Friday, 25 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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With the slaughter of over 12,000 horses, the 6. Armee in Stalingrad, receives their last meat rations.

U 514 (Kptlt. Hans Jürgen Auffermann) and U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann), who were set onto a convoy reported by "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler), found nothing despite careful search on different courses. They continued to the approach points as ordered.

U 125 (Kptlt. Ulrich Folkers) transferred supernumerary Engineer Officer to "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler).

U 92 (Kptlt. Adolf Oelrich) sighted a destroyer and steamer on southerly course at high speed in BE 9738. Boat was homeward bound.

U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) requested a free hand in area CG 88 to DH 34. As commitment further afield was not possible because of lack of fuel, boat was given a free hand for the area requested. U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) was given the same permission.

U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) found no shipping off Dakar, moderate air patrolling, location observed once at night.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) completes 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, 26 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 Soviet law punishing those who are late to work for more than 20 minutes is made even harsher: Those who violate this law, are now subject to prison terms between two to five years.

U 109 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bleichrodt): Between 1930 on 25.12. until 1000 on 26.12. U 109 fired double miss, single miss and triple miss in EP 2476 and EP 1559 at an armed independent ship (4 - 5,000 GRT). About 10 minutes after each torpedo attack vessel dropped 1 to 3 depth charges. Boat suspected "Q" ship. Commander requested permission to return home because of his own nervous state. Was ordered to carry out operation whatever happened.

"Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) sighted convoy of about 5 steamers in CE 7154, course 45°. As no attack-boats were in the vicinity, boat was ordered to proceed to ordered supply point.

U 357 (Kptlt. Adolf Kellner) outward bound from home, reported poorly defended convoy on easterly course in AL 3874. U 384 (Oblt. Hans-Achim von Rosenberg-Gruszcynski) and U 525 (Kptlt. Hans-Joachim Drewitz), who were near, were stalking the convoy off their own bat. All boats were given a free hand.

As U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) had sighted nothing off Dakar, he was ordered to proceed S. and search the sea area off Freetown for shipping.

The submarines U 381 - 571 - 442 - 620 - 575 - 436, en route to the S. to undertake operations close inshore along the coast of Brazil, have been given the title Group "Delphin" and ordered to remain in square DH 10. They have been ordered to be in the patrol strip from CF 7958 to DH 1755 by 1200 on 29.12., course 280°, speed 7 knots. They are being committed in this area because traffic on the Great Circle between New York and the Canaries is suspected, this supposition is also supported by high-grade radio intercept intelligence.

U 564 (Oblt. Hans Fiedler; ex Suhren) took over radar interception spare parts from "Milkcow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf).

Naval War Staff agreed in the main with the opinion of B.d.U. on the subject of convoys for blockade runners (see War Diary of 12.12.). Naval War Staff has therefore ordered that in future escort shall be carried out merely by having two boats available on each side of Route "Anton". This will avoid the scattering of submarines which would have occurred if the far more extensive wishes of Group West had been complied with.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

Kapitän · 12-27-22, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Saturday, 26 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 Soviet law punishing those who are late to work for more than 20 minutes is made even harsher: Those who violate this law, are now subject to prison terms between two to five years.

U 109 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bleichrodt): Between 1930 on 25.12. until 1000 on 26.12. U 109 fired double miss, single miss and triple miss in EP 2476 and EP 1559 at an armed independent ship (4 - 5,000 GRT). About 10 minutes after each torpedo attack vessel dropped 1 to 3 depth charges. Boat suspected "Q" ship. Commander requested permission to return home because of his own nervous state. Was ordered to carry out operation whatever happened.

"Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) sighted convoy of about 5 steamers in CE 7154, course 45°. As no attack-boats were in the vicinity, boat was ordered to proceed to ordered supply point.

U 357 (Kptlt. Adolf Kellner) outward bound from home, reported poorly defended convoy on easterly course in AL 3874. U 384 (Oblt. Hans-Achim von Rosenberg-Gruszcynski) and U 525 (Kptlt. Hans-Joachim Drewitz), who were near, were stalking the convoy off their own bat. All boats were given a free hand.

As U 175 (Kptlt. Heinrich Bruns) had sighted nothing off Dakar, he was ordered to proceed S. and search the sea area off Freetown for shipping.

The submarines U 381 - 571 - 442 - 620 - 575 - 436, en route to the S. to undertake operations close inshore along the coast of Brazil, have been given the title Group "Delphin" and ordered to remain in square DH 10. They have been ordered to be in the patrol strip from CF 7958 to DH 1755 by 1200 on 29.12., course 280°, speed 7 knots. They are being committed in this area because traffic on the Great Circle between New York and the Canaries is suspected, this supposition is also supported by high-grade radio intercept intelligence.

U 564 (Oblt. Hans Fiedler; ex Suhren) took over radar interception spare parts from "Milkcow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf).

Naval War Staff agreed in the main with the opinion of B.d.U. on the subject of convoys for blockade runners (see War Diary of 12.12.). Naval War Staff has therefore ordered that in future escort shall be carried out merely by having two boats available on each side of Route "Anton". This will avoid the scattering of submarines which would have occurred if the far more extensive wishes of Group West had been complied with.

U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) commences 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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Sunday, 27 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 Führer is authorizing Armeegruppe A and Armeegruppe Don to withdraw 150 miles to a new defensive line in southern Russia.

U 164 (Korvkpt. Otto Fechner) observed a leak in the pressure hull under battery I, probably caused by corrosion. Battery bilge made 1 1/2 tons water in 24 hours. It was not possible to repair the damage with materials available on board, boat was no longer capable of deep diving. Boat was ordered to operate in remote areas, if capable of so doing, U 134 (Kptlt. Rudolf Schendel) was given the same orders.

U 384 (Oblt. Hans-Achim von Rosenberg-Gruszcynski) and U 525 (Kptlt. Hans-Joachim Drewitz), which had been stalking the convoy reported by U 357 (Kptlt. Adolf Kellner) did not sight it and proceeded to the approach point ordered. So far, no further reports have been received from U 357.

"Milkcow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf) handed over radar interception spare parts to U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus).

U 159 (Kptlt. Helmut Friedrich Witte) and U 125 (Kptlt. Ulrich Folkers) carried out their rendezvous to take over oil filter parts.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115