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02-25-23, 08:38 AM | #11 | |
The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Thursday, 25 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
Battle for Kasserine Pass in Tunisia closes with the Americans, inexperienced and poorly led, suffering a major defeat. Nevertheless, the Americans will regain the pass at the end of the battle as overall strategy dictate the Axis forces to withdraw back into northern Tunisia. U 410 (Oblt. Horst-Arno Fenski) lost contact, after a 12-hour chase, of a large vessel with two funnels when the weather suddenly deteriorated. The steamer was proceeding on a course of 15°, speed 16 knots. Last position CF 3549. Situation of U 509 (Kptlt. Werner Witte): Only one steamer with course 160° sighted from 15/21 February in area GR 2948 - 5358. Moderate sea patrol. In view of own minefield, a nearer approach to the harbor to determine number of ships and their courses was not possible. Further operations intended in GR 6477 to 6763. Convoy No. 10 (ON.166): Weather situation in the area of the convoy was extremely unfavorable for operations on the 25th and in the night of the 26th. The visibility was generally less than 300 meters owing to thick fog, sea calm, it only freshened towards evening to wind S.E. 5. At 1127 on the morning of the 25th U 468 (Oblt. Klemens Schamong) contacted the convoy in BC 8239 and reported on it continually until 2130. It was also possible to maintain contact by hydrophone fix, when darkness fell, however, contact was lost in view of an especially dark night. U 600 (Kptlt. Bernhard Zurmühlen) and U 621 (Oblt. Max Kruschka) also came up to the convoy for a short time. U 468 reported on the morning of the 25th that the convoy still consisted of 26 large steamers and tankers, while U 600 reported 4 more steamers. Possibly this was a new convoy which had joined the one already attacked. U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) - U 225 (Oblt. Wolfgang Leimkühler) and U 623 (Oblt. Hermann Schröder) were operating against Convoy 10 and have not reported up to now in spite of repeated orders to do so. While U 606 certainly reached the convoy and, according to a report from U 92 (Kptlt. Adolf Oelrich), at 2222 on the 22nd February after successfully attacking, was probably machine-gunned and subsequently pursued and depth-charged, it is not certain that the other two boats contacted the convoy at all. They were ordered to report on the weather for the first time on the 22nd but did not reply. Since boats generally report on contacts at once, their loss must have occurred earlier unless the circumstances are exceptional. 3 boats are considered lost. Convoy No. 11 (ON.167): Apart from destroyers reported by U 664 (Oblt. Adolf Graef) and U 607 (Kptlt. Ernst Mengersen) nothing was sighted in the patrol line. On the 26th February at 1034 Group "Sturmbock" was dispersed. Convoy operation concluded. Convoy No. 12 (UC.1; aka 'Greyhound' convoys): Contact was again made by U 202 (Kptlt. Günter Poser) in DF 7134 at 0912, which was maintained until 2118 by U 202, 66, 558, and 504. Convoy route DF 7121, 9345, 9264. At 0430 the convoy was again detected in DF 9124 by U 558 (Kptlt. Günther Krech), and reported on until 0820. Position of convoy at 0820 by U 558, DF 8365. The following broke off operations: U 218 (VIID; Kptlt. Richard Becker) owing to rudder damage, U 382 (Kptlt. Herbert Juli) owing to heavy damage from depth-charges. U 202 (Kptlt. Günter Poser), U 43 (Oblt. Hans-Joachim Schwantke) owing to fuel shortage. The question of approach is becoming increasingly difficult in view of very watchful, numerous and scattered escorts. U 522 (Kptlt. Herbert Schneider) was operating against Convoy No. 12 and reported it last at 1536 on the 23rd February as being in DG 6158. The boat then dived for daylight attack. She has not reported again although repeatedly ordered to do so. Loss is probable. U 68 (Oblt. Albert Lauzemis; ex Merten) was withdrawn, in view of faulty radar intercept gear, from the Windward Passage area where the air cover is very strong, and will proceed to DN 30 and DO, upper third, as a temporary operational area. Later operations with additional boats in the outer area of the American coast are intended. U 185 (Kptlt. August Maus), which was originally to have operated off Hatteras, will be ordered to the Windward Passage in place of U 68 in order to keep the former operational area clear before the arrival of a group of U-boats. U 119 (XB; Kptlt. Alois Zech) carried out special task of laying a minefield off Reykjavik and will now proceed to BD 42 to give up her remaining fuel. "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) has supplied U 223 (Oblt. Karl-Jürgen Wächter) and U 186 (Kptlt. Siegfried Hesemann) the last boats, and will now return. The whole conduct of supply operations by U 460 was excellent. In view of strong pressure by the Americans on the commander of the Vichy-controlled Islands in the Caribbean, boats are instructed not to approach these in cases of emergency owing to danger of internment. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) is on transit to Kiel. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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