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SUBSIM: The Web's #1 resource for all submarine & naval simulations since 1997
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SUBSIM: The Web's #1 resource for all submarine & naval simulations since 1997 |
02-18-23, 05:32 AM
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#331 | |
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The Old Man
 Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Thursday, 18 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
The construction for a large electromagnetic separation plant for enriching uranium, codenamed Y-12, begin construction at Manhattan Project's Oak Ridge site in Tennessee. During a test flight from Renton near Seattle, a serious engine fire develops in the second XB-29 prototype aircraft. Test pilot Eddie Allen tries desperately to get back to the airfield but the huge bomber crashes into a packing plant killing the entire crew and a number of civilian workers in the building. Down to only 13 flyable P-40 fighters, USAAF 33rd Fighter Group is withdrawn from Telepte Airfield in Tunisia. Erwin Rommel submits a plan to Albert Kesselring and the Italian High Command for attacking the Americans guarding the Tunisian-Algerian border. The Light Cruiser 'Jean de Vienne' is raised at Toulon, France and pressed into Italian Navy service under the new name FR.11. U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) situation: Up to 13th nothing found in vicinity of Capetown. Likewise in southern sector of operational area no traffic. U 160 (Kptlt. Georg Lassen) will have freedom of action in the whole Capetown area up to and including KP. Convoy No. 9 (ON.165): The weather situation was particularly unfavorable for operations in the area of the convoy on 18th February. At midday southwest wind 9 with slight visibility, after passing storm depression. At 1716 U 403 (Kptlt. Heinz-Ehlert Clausen) again contacted the convoy in BC 3473. The boats reported continuous contact until the next morning. According to dead reckoning, the enemy was proceeding at less than 5 knots with westerly course. In addition to this boat U 266 (Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen) reported at 0257 on the morning of 19th February contacting the convoy in BC 3794. Since this report differed by 70 miles from the reports of U 403, it is assumed that the boats have very great deviations in fix, which is possible in view of the unfavorable current conditions in this area owing to the meeting of the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current. No further boats encountered the convoy. U 403 reported in BC 2676 an 8,000 ton steamer sunk. U 383, 226, 303, 403 and 607 had to break off operations owing to shortage of fuel. Operations against the convoy were continued with boats U 525, 186, 223, 358 and 707. Position of the convoy at 0953 on the 19th February was BC 2674. U 522 (Kptlt. Herbert Schneider) will rendezvous with "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) in CF 8155 for refueling, thereafter making for: U 461 - DG 23, U 522 CE 92. U 108 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan) supplied U 511 (Oblt. Fritz Schneewind) with fuel. Refueled from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor): U 89 (Kptlt. Dietrich Lohmann) on the 16th February, U 614 (Kptlt. Wolfgang Sträter) on the 17th February. Tanker capacity 364 cbm provisions for 93 days. At the Berlin Sport Palace, Goebbels announces the implementation of total war in Germany, bringing women into the industrial war effort. The Gestapo arrest Hans Scholl and his sister Sophie, members of the "White Rose", for opposing the Nazi German regime. They will be tried for treason by Judge Roland Freisler, found guilty, and executed in Stadelheim Prison in Munich as traitors on 22 Feb 1943. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) Last edited by Kapitän; 02-18-23 at 05:45 AM. |
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02-19-23, 06:45 AM
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#332 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
Downloads: 29
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Friday, 19 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
The Führer departs the headquarters of Army Group South, which begins a counteroffensive toward Kharkov, Ukraine and Belgorod, Russia. Rommel launches a surprise counter-attack at Kasserine Pass, Tunisia, overwhelming the fresh but inexperienced Americans. U 182 (IXD2; Kptlt. Asmus Nicolai Clausen) has been in the Cape Town area for 14 days. She sank the English steamer "Blanashe" 4,836 GRT, on the 17th February in KZ 42, course 285°. No other traffic observed the whole time. Convoy No. 9 (ON.165): On the 19th also the weather situation was extremely unfavorable in the convoy area. Wind was S.E. 7 at midday, with low visibility from 2 - 3 miles. In the afternoon at 1554 U 525 (Kptlt. Hans-Joachim Drewitz) again contacted the convoy. The boat reported up to 5 steamers in BC 2939. According to two later reports of contact it was not 2938 but 2638. U 525 reported at 1950 for the last time the enemy in BC 2652 course 240 speed 4 knots. At the same time the boat fired a three-fan torpedo which missed. U 707 (Oblt. Günther Gretschel) reported two destroyers at 1730 in BC 2595 with course N.E. convoy suspected there. Further reports on the convoy have not been received. Owing to fuel shortage of the boats the operation against the convoy was broken off at dawn on the morning of the 20th. U 525 reported having sunk a single vessel of 6,000 GRT at 0508. This was probably a steamer separated from the convoy, since it was assumed that the convoy could not keep together owing to the continuously bad weather situation. For this reason the boats were to patrol the area astern the convoy again in daylight, on the way to the supply rendezvous, in order to search out further solitary vessels. Final Survey of Convoy No. 9: The operation on the convoy was begun with 12 boats of which half were very low in fuel from the start and not able to carry out a long operation. The area was also unfavorable, in which the convoy was detected. The boats only had a small area for operations. The bad conditions of weather and current in this area did not permit a successful operation. In spite of the fact that there was continuous contact with the convoy by U 525 from the afternoon of the 18th up to the morning of the 19th at 1000, it was not possible to bring up more boats. The reasons were the facilities lacking for fixes by the boats on account of low visibility and a continual heavy sea in an area where unfavorable current conditions must result in great deviation in fixes of the boats. The operation was being carried on in that area in which the Gulf Stream and Labrador Stream meet and, therefore, result in inestimable current conditions. The only possible means of counteracting these differences in fixes, i.e. by sending out beacon signals, was not successful although U 525 continually sent out signals from the convoy location. The signals were probably either not heard or only faintly heard by the other boats on account of the rough weather. Sunk: 2 ships from this convoy, together 14,000 GRT. Out of the 12 boats of this Group, 5 boats were up to the convoy. Two boats attacked the convoy, one boat hit a single vessel separated from the convoy. U 201 (Oblt. Günther Rosenberg; ex U-Schnee) and U 69 (Kptlt. Ulrich Gräf; ex. U-Metzler, "The Laughing Cow") which were both up to the convoy at the beginning of the operation, have not reported any more since then. They may be assumed lost. No damage by enemy action was reported by the boats. U 456 (Kptlt. Max-Martin Teichert) refueled from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor). Tanker will be ready for supplying Group "Taifun" in BC 42 on 21st February at 1100. U 268 (Oblt. Ernst Heydemann) was due to come into Brest on the morning of the 19th February. Boat has not yet arrived; orders to report on position not yet answered. In view of report on sighting by British aircraft from BF 5462 an attack is presumed, sub-chasers sent out to search, air force intends to send out 2 airplanes. No result yet. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) |
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02-20-23, 05:55 AM
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#333 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
Downloads: 29
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Saturday, 20 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
Admiral Kurt Fricke steps down as the Chief of the Department of Naval Operations at the Navy High Command. On 21 March, he will be made the commanding officer of Naval Group Command South. German and Italian troops defeat American troops at Kasserine Pass in Tunisia, making the first use of their new 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 rocket launcher; the force attacking Sbiba Pass, is met with stronger resistance. U 516 (Korvkpt. Gerhard Wiebe) sank the American tanker "Deer Lodge" 6,187 GRT course 60°, on the 17th February in KZ 4113. The boat had been patrolling from the 10 - 17 February in KY 6263 - 6566 and KZ 4110 and sighted 3 ships in all. No increased or regular east-west traffic observed. Situation U 518 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann): Has been in the operational area off the Brazilian coast for 8 days. Only single escorted and unescorted vessels sighted along the 200 m. line. Neutral traffic continuing. Modern freighter of 8,000 GRT course 220° speed 13 knots sunk on the 18th February in FJ 8577. Air cover in the area strong, continual in some parts. After the sinking, location of aircraft by night. U 106 (Kptlt. Hermann Rasch; ex Oesten) reported a convoy of over 20 steamers at 2318 in BE 98 course 150°. Since there were no boats in the vicinity U 106 had freedom of action. She was however, forced to dive, owing apparently to the strong defence of the convoy, and lost contact. U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis) dived in DG 1487 in view of single corvette with mean course 50°. Since this was possibly an escort vessel and, in this case, there might be other ships in the vicinity U 504 received orders to pursue. The remaining boats of Group "Rochen" excluding U 258 and 264 proceeded immediately on course 120°, speed 7 knots. No further reports received. Convoy No. 10 (ON.166): On the 20th February, 1055, U 604 (Kptlt. Horst Höltring) reported a hydrophone fix, wide spread. So that it was assumed that this was the expected S.W. bound convoy. When, an hour later, the boat reported a steamer with 3 corvettes it was safe to order further boats to operate against the convoy. Operational orders were given to U 600, 91, 92, 603, 454, 332, 753, 621, 623, 628, 653, 225, 377 and 468 16 boats in all, therefore. At 1347 U 604 reported the convoy in AK 9618. She maintained contact, with two short intervals, until 0324 on the 21st February. She was forced off by destroyers and was depth-charged. The convoy was again reported by U 332 (Oblt. Eberhard Hüttemann), according to hydrophone fix, to be in BD 3172 at 0740. The convoy then proceeded on an initial south-westerly course and later on a straight southerly course and, according to dead reckoning, had a speed of almost 8 knots, which indicates an ON convoy. 16-20 steamers were reported by U 604. On the 20th February no further boats approached the convoy in spite of continuous contact by U 604, probably on account of the fog by day and constantly changing visibility at night. The operation on the convoy is continuing with Groups "Ritter" and "Knappen". U 522 (Kptlt. Herbert Schneider) refueled from "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler). U 211 (Kptlt. Karl Hause) was heavily bombed by aircraft in BE 1658 and is returning in view of reduced diving capacity. There is no further news from U 268 (Oblt. Ernst Heydemann). The boat was not found by air units and sub-chasers and must be assumed lost. U 201 (Oblt. Günther Rosenberg; ex U-Schnee) and U 69 (Kptlt. Ulrich Gräf; ex. U-Metzler, "The Laughing Cow"), last reported on the evening of the 17th February near Convoy No. 9 (ON.165). The boats reported contacts from BC 3136 or BC 3252. Since there are no reports of aircraft, loss by action of escort units probable. American movie studio executives agreed to allow the Office of War Information to censor movies. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) |
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02-21-23, 05:42 AM
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#334 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Sunday, 21 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
The Red Army of the Soviet Union celebrates its 25th Birthday. Axis troops push American troops back toward Thala, Tunisia and threaten to cross the Tunisian-Algerian border. To date, the Americans have lost 100 tanks, 55 heavy guns, and 80 trucks. According to a report from the German Consul in Laurenco Marques, a convoy of 20 - 30 ships is to leave Capetown on its way to India on the 23rd February. New objectives for U 522 (Kptlt. Herbert Schneider) will be DH 96. Operation intended in that area. Latest report from Cape Jubi confirms assumption regarding future traffic; 9 ships were sighted northward bound. U 106 (Kptlt. Hermann Rasch; ex Oesten) was detected in the attack, in spite of minimum use of periscope, and subsequently pursued for a long time. Since there was no contact she proceeded on her outward passage. Convoy No. 10 (ON.166): The weather situation in the area of the convoy was wind W. 3. It moderated further during the course of the day and at 2300 there was dead calm in the area of the convoy. U 332 (Oblt. Eberhard Hüttemann) contacted a tanker in BD 3417 at 1100. U 753 (Korvkpt. Alfred Manhardt von Mannstein) reported a single vessel in ED 2633 probably the same one. At 1408 U 454 (Kptlt. Burckhard Hackländer) then contacted the convoy again in BD 3457. At 1610 she was again driven off. At 2050 U 92 (Kptlt. Adolf Oelrich) again detected the convoy and reported on it continuously until the next morning. At 0800 she was driven off in BD 3285. In addition to these two boats U 753 came up to the convoy in BD 2969 at 2000 but has ceased to report since then. U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) contacted the convoy at 2000 on the 21st February but was driven off by a flying boat and heavily depth-charged. She was forced to leave the convoy for repairs. There have been four reports of aircraft from the boats, apparently only flying boats escorting the convoy. The convoy proceeded on its south to south-easterly course up to the night of 21st then turned to course 250° towards midnight. Speed 8.3 knots according to data. The operation on the convoy which was in BD 5285 at 0740 on the 22nd is being continued. U 377 (Kptlt. Otto Köhler) is not to operate against the convoy as it is too far away. Convoy No. 11 (ON.167): At 1850 on the 21st, U 664 (Oblt. Adolf Graef) sighted a convoy on a southward bound course in BE 1152. 4 boats in the vicinity, U 758 - 591 - 84 and 432 were sent into operation following this report. After taking on supplies U 409 further to the south, was also to operate against the convoy. The convoy was reported by U 664 to consist of 10 steamers. Presumably this was the ONS convoy expected according to dead reckoning, which, however was not confirmed in view of the speed of 9 knots estimated. It might equally well be a small part of a convoy. Contact with the convoy was maintained up to 2135 by U 664 which reported continuously. At 0337 on the 22nd February U 758 (Kptlt. Helmut Manseck) the next boat in line, then contacted the convoy and reported it for the last time at 0510 as being in BD 3654. The operation on the convoy, which was in BD 3568 at 0945 on a S.W. course, is being continued. It is important for control purposes that contact be maintained with the convoy in order that further boats from the Höltring convoy (No. 10; ON.166) may be sent later to operate against it. U 409 (Oblt. Hanns-Ferdinand Massmann) supplied U 437 (Oblt. Hermann Lamby) with spare parts. "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) refueled U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) and U 303 (Kptlt. Karl-Franz Heine; both will operate on Convoy No. 10 (ON.166); U-Schnoor also, reported an enemy U-boat in BD 42; Rendezvous of supply Group "Schnoor" will be therefore, be moved to BD 4595. The patrol lines of Group "Rochen" will be broken up. The boats will refuel as from 23 February "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) in DG 3155. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) |
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02-22-23, 04:31 AM
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#335 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
Downloads: 29
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Monday, 22 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
Winston Churchill is said to be "on the mend" after a severe fever. Air Marshall Sir Arthur Harris is appointed chief of RAF Bomber Command with a new remit: attempting to hit specific military and industrial targets is, in the main, to be abandoned in favour of the most densely built-up areas of German cities. The area bombing directive essentially says that if the RAF cannot destroy the factories it should destroy the homes and the morale of the workforce. German Armeegruppe Mitte launches an offensive between the Dneiper and Donets Rivers in southern Russia. Allied troops pre-emptively strike the Axis attacking forces near Thala, Tunisia. Enemy reports torpedoing of a destroyer in the vicinity of Cape Spartel indicates a new sinking through the mines laid by U 118 (XB; Korvkpt. Werner Czygan), since no German boat was operating in this area at the time. Convoy No. 10 (ON.166): The weather situation in the area of the convoy was wind W. 4, sea 3 and variable visibility at midday on the 22nd February. Towards evening wind was S.W. 7. The contact with the convoy was not broken. At 1025 U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) detected the convoy again in BD 5551. U 603 (Oblt. Hans-Joachim Bertelsmann) also contacted it at 1035 and U 628 (Oblt. Heinrich Hasenschar) at 1601 in BD 5458. In the course of the night U 92, 358, 223 and 186 also came up to the convoy. At 0738 U 628 reported it in BD 4564. According to the reports of the boats it was proceeding at 8 knots and maintaining its mean course of 250 - 260°. Few reports were received regarding enemy escort. No air cover at all was reported. U 753 (Korvkpt. Alfred Manhardt von Mannstein) reported having been depth-charged, one Diesel being out of action for 20 hours and main periscope and stern tube being faulty. She received orders to operate against the subsequent Graef convoy after repairs. 5 boats reported being driven off by destroyers. The operation on the convoy is being continued. 5 boats from the supply group will also operate against the convoy, i.e. U 358, 707, 223, 186 and 403. Convoy No. 11 (ON.167): Last contact report came from U 664 (Oblt. Adolf Graef): 0945 enemy in BD 3568. No further contact. Boats operating in this area will form Group "Sturmbock". Operational orders, course 230 - 250°, enemy speed 7 - 9 knots. Indications of convoy route: U 403 (Kptlt. Heinz-Ehlert Clausen) reported at 0128 on 23rd single destroyer BD 6116, 236°, speed slow. U 753 (Korvkpt. Alfred Manhardt von Mannstein) reported at 0510 destroyer in BD 5238, no hydrophone fix. According to this the convoy is following Convoy No. 11. Convoy No. 12 (UC.1): U 522 (Kptlt. Herbert Schneider) reported at 1413 convoy in DH 1165. The following were sent into operation Group "Rochen" including U 66, 521, 43, 218, 504, 558, 87 and 202. In addition U 107, 382, 569 of Group "Robbe". U 522 reported continuous contact until 2016. Mean course of the convoy 235°, speed 10 knots. After losing contact the boats were ordered to search in the sector from 280 - 230°, 2 boats each in a 10° sector, one boat at enemy speed 11 knots, the other 9 knots. U 107 (Kptlt. Harald Gelhaus) broke off operations as she was too far away. U 522 freedom of action. At 0740 U 522 again contacted the convoy in DG 6239. Group "Rochen" was sent in. Rendezvous of supply Group "Schnoor" ("Milkcow" U 460; Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) will be revised to BD 4355 in view of the direct westerly course of the convoy. The boats there are ordered to operate against Convoy No. 10 or, if refueling later, against Convoy No. 11. Further refueling is permitted. For this reason U 462 (U-tanker; Oblt. Bruno Vowe) is ordered to proceed to BD 81 at high speed. Since Group "Rochen" has been ordered to operate against Convoy No. 12, refueling from "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) has been temporarily suspended. U 461 will, therefore, arrive at 1600 on the 23rd February in CF 7355 with U 511 (Oblt. Fritz Schneewind) to carry out refueling and to supply a Radar intercept antenna. Subsequently U 461 will proceed at slow speed behind the convoy, U 511 will cover the operational area ordered off Gibraltar. U 620 (Kptlt. Heinz Stein) and U 442 (FrgKpt. Hans-Joachim Hesse) have not replied in spite of repeated orders to report. U 442 last reported on the 9th February a destroyer in CG 4861 and U 620 on the 12th February two destroyers in CF 9266. Both boats had been ordered to return, but up to now have not arrived in their port of destination. They were probably lost on operations on the south-bound Gibraltar convoy, sighted by U 569 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Hans Johannsen) on the 12th or 13 February in area CG 40. On the night of the 13th February several U-boats were attacked by aircraft (British Intelligence reports). Hans Scholl and his sister Sophie, members of the White Rose, are executed in Stadelheim Prison in Munich. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) Last edited by Kapitän; 02-22-23 at 08:42 AM. |
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02-23-23, 04:55 AM
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#336 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
Downloads: 29
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Tuesday, 23 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
Erwin Rommel orderes his forces in western Tunisia to move east to avoid being attacked on both sides. Convoy No. 10 (ON.166): The weather situation in the area of the convoy was wind W. 2, sea 3 on the 23rd February midday. Towards evening it freshened to west south west 5, sea 4. At 1030 U 707 (Oblt. Günther Gretschel) contacted the convoy and reported it continuously until 0110 on the 24th. Besides this boat the following also approached the convoy, U 621, 358, 653, 468, 92, 600 and 628. On the morning of the 24th U 628 (Oblt. Heinrich Hasenschar) reported the convoy in BC 9361. According to data, the convoy had maintained its mean course of 250° until 0200 on the 24th. According to the latest report of U 628 it was proceeding at 8 knots. There was no air cover with the convoy on the 23rd. 4 boats reported being depth-charged, U 454 (Kptlt. Burckhard Hackländer) with serious damage, so that the boats had to turn back. U 303, 223, 186 and 358 also broke off the operation in order to refuel. The operation against the convoy is being continued. Convoy No. 11 (ON.167): No contact. According to aircraft locations, the convoy is about in the same latitude. A patrol line has been ordered from BC 3995 to BD 4755. In operation: U 758, 664, 591, 84, 432, 409, 753, 332, 383, 226, 607. The location reports received from the boats show that the majority are probably already behind the convoy. The convoy is awaited towards 1800 on the 25th February in the area of the patrol line. Convoy No. 12 (UC.1): Contact constantly by U 522 (Kptlt. Herbert Schneider), which dived for attack at 1540. Since then contact by U 202 (Kptlt. Günter Poser) until 2220, then by U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) until 0820. Convoy route DG 6239, squares 6191, 5624, 5812. All the boats contacted the convoy which consisted of 16 large ships in two lines abreast, with 2 destroyers each as remote escort fore and aft, two destroyers and two corvettes as close escort. Speed of convoy was 10 knots. Probably convoy bound from Gibraltar to America. Weather: wind S.E. 2-3, sea 1 - 2, 1/10 - 3/10 clouded, good visibility. In the course of night attacks 5 boats were seen by escorts and attacked with depth charges. Sinkings: U 382 ptlt. Herbert Juli): 2214 1 "Falke" on a bunch of steamers, hits not observed, since submerged. 1 single F.A.T. and a two-fan on 2/8,000 tonners, 3 hits heard. Sinkings probable. U 202 (Kptlt. Günter Poser): At 2220 in CG 5624 1 tanker, 1 steamer each 6,000 GRT sunk 2 further hits probable. U 569 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Hans Johannsen): At 2230 3 hits on large tanker, effect not observed, since she dived on account of destroyers. U 180 (IXD1; Fregkpt. Werner Musenberg) will proceed over BD 80 and is to take over there from "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe), 60 cbm. fuel and the casks for special purposes (U-180 to meet I-29 in the Indian Ocean to transfer two Indian Nationalists to the Japanese submarine, one of whom is Subhas Chandra Bose. I-29 to put both men ashore at Sumatra). Rendezvous "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) and U 511 (Oblt. Fritz Schneewind) for handing over Radar interception cables carried out. U 403, 525, 607, 226, 283 refueled from "Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor). U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) |
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02-24-23, 04:27 AM
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#337 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Wednesday, 24 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
Major General Omar Bradley arrives in French Algeria. Aircraft Carrier USS Ranger (CV-4) launches 75 USAAF P-40L fighters off Casablanca, French Morocco, to reinforce Allied forces fighting in North Africa. Ranger begins withdrawing toward Norfolk, Virginia almost immediately. Italian U-boat reported convoy in CG 1778 with course 340°, speed 12 knots. German boats were ordered to operate against it as far as possible but not to pursue it. U 160 (Kptlt. Georg Lassen) has been in the Capetown area since the 14th February and, in this area as well as cruising from GQ 55 over GQ 93 to GR 95, found no traffic. Boat sank the steamer "Roger P. Taney, 6,800 GRT in GF 2224 on the 8th February, course 250° from Capetown to New York. Convoy No. 10 (ON.166): In the area of the convoy on the 24th the weather situation by day was particularly calm, wind N.E. 1, visibility 10 miles. It was particularly dark before the moon rose which made contact with the convoy very difficult, then there was bright moonlight towards 0300. By day, contact was maintained by U 603 (Oblt. Hans-Joachim Bertelsmann) and was reported by this boat, at 2124 for the last time in BC 9186. Before darkness U 621, U 600 and U 628 also came up to the convoy, only U 628 (Oblt. Heinrich Hasenschar) of these being able to maintain contact. At 0639 U 628 reported the convoy in BC 5987. U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) also contacted the convoy at 0414 in 9175. In the first half of the night contact was maintained for the most part only by hydrophone fixes, but after the moon rose the convoy was again sighted. According to reports from U 628, which reported the convoy further to the N.W. than the other boats, it appeared that there were two separate convoy groups. This was confirmed by two reports from U 603 which assumed the convoy to be divided. U 603 reported at midday on the 24th a bunch of 7 steamers while U 92 (Kptlt. Adolf Oelrich) had definitely seen during underwater attack a bunch of 5 steamers. The two groups could not be distinguished exactly according to dead reckoning. On the 24th by day and in the night of the 25th, there were reports of air cover with the convoy. One boat was attacked by aircraft. 4 boats reported being pursued and depth-charged. U 604 (Kptlt. Horst Höltring) being obliged to retire for repairs owing to considerable depth-charge damage. U 603, 628, 468, 600, 653, 621 and U 91 are operating now against the rest of the convoy. The convoy was, at 0639 on the 25th February, in BC 5987. Convoy No. 11 (ON.167): ince it is assumed that the convoy will deviate to the north in order to avoid the area of the boats operating against Convoy No. 10, the patrol line will be moved northward, that is from BC 3685 to BC 6935. The boats will take up positions in the following sequence: U 332, 432, 753, 226, 383, 758, 607, 664, 84, 409, 591. Convoy No. 12 (UC.1; aka 'Greyhound' convoys): In spite of avoiding movements to the south, contact was maintained by U 521, 202, 504, 66 until 0216. Convoy route DG 5812, 5713, 4922, 4892. Mean course of the convoy 250° cruising speed 10 knots. Course leads on to the Windward Passage. U 558 (Kptlt. Günther Krech) reported, in 5389 at 2345 on the 23rd February, a damaged freighter sighted and a stopped tanker sunk, 9,000 GRT. U 87 (Kptlt. Joachim Berger) broke off operations owing to shortage of lubricating oil. U 522 (Kptlt. Herbert Schneider) has not reported since underwater attack, in spite of orders to do so. U 382, 218, 43, 558 were attacked by night, detected by destroyers and attacked with depth-charges. U 382 (Kptlt. Herbert Juli) heavily damaged, withdrew for repairs. Further boats were driven off by destroyers. U 202 (Kptlt. Günter Poser) and U 521 (Kptlt. Klaus Heinrich Bargsten) fired but unsuccessfully. Weather: Wind east southeast 3, sea 2, 3/4 clouded, good visibility. Conditions for detection by destroyers were apparently particularly favorable. Sinkings: U 558 (Kptlt. Günther Krech) reported later: On 23rd February at 2345 a damaged steamer sighted and a stopped tanker of 9,000 GRT sunk. DG 5385. As several boats in the Gibraltar disposition are operating against Convoy No. 12, a new distribution is ordered, as follows: U 107 - CG 81 and 84, U 511 - CG 82 and 85. U 410 - CG 83 and 86. U 103 - CG 89, DJ 21 and 24. U 445 - CG 91, 94, 97, DJ 22 and eastward up to own minefield (Western line of this minefield lies 1.5 miles eastward CG 9585). U 106 (Kptlt. Hermann Rasch; ex Oesten) will proceed to DF 60 at slow speed. After refueling from "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) operations in the American area are intended. In Route A the area between 5° South and 40° North now open for attack on single vessels. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) concludes Torpedo Firing Training with the 25th Flotilla Danzig and Agru.-Front Hela. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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02-25-23, 08:38 AM
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#338 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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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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02-26-23, 10:43 AM
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#339 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Friday, 26 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
USAAF heavy bombers make a daylight attack on Wilhelmshaven. The British government authorizes the use of the new water-skipping "Upkeep" bomb against dams. Final Review on Convoy No. 10 (ON.166): The convoy operation lasted from the 20 - 26 February 1943 over 1,100 miles from AK 96 up to the 100 m. line of the Newfoundland Bank. 19 boats in all were in operation, of which over half only took part in the operation for about 3 days, since part of them had first to come up from the north at the beginning of the operation, and another part only arrived from the west later, coming from supply rendezvous. The boats succeeded in maintaining contact with the convoy from the 20th onwards, in spite of a comparatively high average speed on a mean course of 8.2 knots. The operation was made difficult in the last two days by very poor visibility, with partial fog. During the whole operation the weather was comparatively calm, so that the convoy on one occasion was able to get away and, also, conditions were favorable for locations by the escort. Nothing definite can be stated regarding the size of the convoy. There seems, according to various reports from the boats and also according to various locations at the end of the operation, to have definitely been 2 convoys. The convoy attacked, which must have comprised about 25 - 30 ships, was reported at the end only to consist of 4 steamers. It is particularly pleasing in connection with this convoy operation that 13 of the 19 boats operating fired successfully. Therefore, over half of the boats participated equally in the sinkings. 23 ships in all were sunk, with 132,171 GRT, and a further 7 ships were torpedoed. One boat, the U 606 (Oblt. Hans-Heinrich Döhler) was lost in the operation. At 2000 on the 22nd the boat reported for the last time in BD 5441, no further reports being received. It is to be assumed that the boat attacked and made hits since U 303 (Kptlt. Karl-Franz Heine) reported having sighted a tanker and a freighter, both probably having been fired on, on the morning of the 23rd. Since no other boats had fired or none can have scored hits at this time they must have been steamers fired on by U 606. 10 boats were depth-charged by escorts 4 boats of which had to break off operations on the convoy on account of repairs. Summarizing, it may be said that this convoy operation was particularly successful in view of the participation of 13 boats in the direct success. In spite of normally strong escort and unfavorable conditions for the boats, success was made possible by stubborn shadowing and continued pursuit of the convoy. Demands made on the boats were particularly high. However, the Commanding Officers were for the most part experienced older men. The boats received the following orders upon conclusion of operations against Convoy No. 10: U 468 - 653 - 91 - 600 - 603 - 332 - 753 - 621 - will refuel from "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) and then go into operation again. U 607 - 226 - 382 - 87 - 383 - 358 - 454 and 707 will refuel for economical return speed. U 604 (Kptlt. Horst Höltring) and U 753 (Korvkpt. Alfred Manhardt von Mannstein) will also have to return owing to extensive damage. Group "Sturmbock" has waited in vain for Convoy No. 11 (ON.167) in patrol line. The boats needing fuel will proceed via "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) home, U 432 - 758 - 664 - 84 - 409 and 591 will form Group "Wildfang" and, at economical cruising speed, take up patrol line from AJ 9856 to BC 3562. Convoy No. 12 (UC.1; aka 'Greyhound' convoys): At 1350 U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis) reported in DF 8354 contacting an escort far ahead. At 1625 U 569 (Oblt.z.S.d.R.) Hans Johannsen was driven off by starboard remote escorts and at 1755 reported last enemy position as in DF 8292. U 504 diving for underwater attack, reported at 2032 no intercept. Contact was therefore broken off and not found again. U 569 damaged by depth-charges, broke off operations owing to fuel shortage. The following are now operating: U 66 (Kptlt. Friedrich Markworth; ex.Zapp), U 504, U 521 (Kptlt. Klaus Heinrich Bargsten). At 1731 on the 27th February U 66 reported sinking a single vessel on south-westerly course, in DF 7587. This vessel was apparently separated from the convoy. U 504 reported a destroyer in DR 1111, course 250 at 2028, and at 2121 she was driven off after several hours' pursuit with hydrophone contact. U 66 withdrew to take on torpedoes and for repairs. U 521 reported faulty port Diesel maximum speed 11 knots, U 504 fuel 19 cbm. Convoy operation broken off owing to poor prospects of success. The strong and efficient remote escort of the convoy made operations by the boats difficult. On account of particularly good radar location by destroyers, conditions were most unfavorable. The following report was made by radio "Group Rochen". 1 destroyer and 8 steamers of the convoy were sunk and further hits made on the units in tenacious and difficult attacks - escorts were strong and efficient, stormy conditions favored defense. This success proves that the U-boat can win against all odds when commanded by an efficient officer and a good crew. The fight was hard. This convoy operation is concluded with the order to boats to refuel from "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler). U 513 (KrvKpt. Rolf Rüggeberg) will proceed to CA 50 after rendezvous with "Milkcow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf). Blockade runner "Hohenfriedberg" which was escorted by 3 U-boats was detected by a British aircraft at 0945 in CF 2467, and according to report by U 264 (Oblt. Hartwig Looks), sunk by a heavy cruiser of the "London" class at 1750 in 2433. U 264 had before this attacked the cruiser with a 4-fan torpedo but without success. The boat took on all the crew and is returning. U 258 and 437 will remain in the vicinity on return in order to be able to give help in an emergency. Boats U 172 - 515 and 508, which comprised a wing protection, are now free and will proceed to CA 50. U 508 (Kptlt. Georg Staats) reported towards 1800 having been bombed by a British aircraft and being unable to dive though able to remain afloat. Pressure hull has 3 cracks, apart from much other damage. Boat is proceeding a maximum speed to the west. I 525 - 172 - 406 and 590, as medical boat, have been ordered to go to U 508 to render assistance or to take over the crew. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) arrives in Kiel, after transit from the 25th Flotilla Danzig and Agru.-Front Hela. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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02-27-23, 03:26 AM
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#340 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Saturday, 27 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
Bletchley Park Scientist, Alfred Dillwyn "Dilly" Knox, passes away from lymphoma. U 607 (Kptlt. Ernst Mengersen) reported at 1414, 3 destroyers in BD 4533, 2250 speed slow. At 2100 boat lost contact in BD 4525. U 182 (IXD2; Kptlt. Asmus Nicolai Clausen) reported: for 3 days in KP 53 at night off harbor entrances 5 Portuguese vessels bound to and from the north. Boat operating up to 35 and 38. U 156 (KrvKpt. Werner Hartenstein) did not encounter any traffic. Moving operational area to ED. Convoy No. 13 (HX.227; Group "Neptun"): Information was only received by Control at 1700, owing to radio interference in the Greenland area, through a radio repeat by U 405 (KrvKpt. Rolf-Heinrich Hopman), that U 759 (Kptlt. Rudolf Friedrich) had detected a convoy at 0300, and lost it at 1100 in AJ 2839, 30°, 7 knots. Boats were on the group frequency provided for this contingency, communications within the Group at least being guaranteed by this. In order to clarify the situation, the boats were radioed that Control was assuming that all "Neptun" boats would operate against this convoy. U 529 (Kptlt. Georg-Werner Fraatz) and U 664 (Oblt. Adolf Graef) were detailed to repeat radio messages so that Control might receive information on the course of the operation even, if possible, during combat. At 1740 U 405 reported destroyers in AJ 2650. According to a delayed message from U 759 the convoy consisted of numerous steamers in three wide columns. "Neptun" later received orders that only boats in a favorable position as regards distance were to continue the operation, and were to report on this, giving position. The following will definitely be operating at present: U 759 - 405 - 376 - 608. Probably U 448 - 359 and 135. Owing to unfavorable position, U 638 (Kptlt. Hinrich-Oscar Bernbeck) received orders to break off operations. Last report at 0618 from U 405: 1 steamer, 3 destroyers course 60° in AJ 2057 (?) weather, wind S.E. 5, sea 4, snow showers. After refueling from "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) operations are intended, with Group "Rochen" on the convoy detected by special intercept message. U 513 (KrvKpt. Rolf Rüggeberg) rendezvous with "Milkcow" U 459 (KrvKpt. Georg von Wilamowitz-Möllendorf) carried out. U 508 (Kptlt. Georg Staats) will be in BD 9595 with U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann), as from 1200 on the 28th for rendezvous with U 590 (Kptlt. Heinrich Müller-Edzards). All remaining boats operating under U 508 will be ordered to continue outward passage also U 172 after rendezvous with U 590. General: The importance of the Tunisian campaign makes it imperative to do everything possible to interrupt enemy supplies to North Africa. Operations up to now in the Atlantic to this end have only led initially to satisfactory results. Later operations off Gibraltar west of the Iberian Peninsular and further north and south of the Azores have led only to slight successes. Reasons for this have been set out earlier. On the orders of the Naval High Command attempts are now to be made with large boats to intercept supplies off American harbors i.e. off New York primarily. Prospects of success for this are not particularly favorable in view of the scarcity of the traffic and the vastness of the area not covered by air escort and reconnaissance. In spite of this it also must be attempted. U 106 (Kptlt. Hermann Rasch; ex Oesten) - U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) and U 513 (KrvKpt. Rolf Rüggeberg) will proceed to the area off New York as the first boats on these operations. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) transits the K.W.K. to Hamburg. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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02-28-23, 03:58 AM
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#341 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Sunday, 28 February 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
712 RAF aircraft (457 Lancaster, 252 Halifax, and 3 Mosquito) attack Berlin; 20 terror-bombers are shot down. Admiral Hipper is decommissioned from service and Werner Ehrhardt is named the commanding officer of Cruiser Prinz Eugen. U 757 (Kptlt. Friedrich Deetz) reported a large freighter at 16 knots at 1930 in BE 1991 probable hit by F.A.T. torpedo. U 435 (Kptlt. Siegfried Strelow) starboard thrust bearing burnt out, repairs 48 hours. On the 20th February group of patrol vessels with aircraft in BF 4234. Convoy No. 13 (HX.227; Group "Neptun"): U 566 (Oblt. Hans Hornkohl) reported several hydrophone fixes: 1230 AD 9771 - 3300, 1530 - AD 9751 - 2600, 1815 in 9721 - 0°. At 0130 fix on a underwater telegraphy. Weather sea 5, misty, wind southeast 5-6. U 405 (KrvKpt. Rolf-Heinrich Hopman) contacted 5 steamers in AJ 3341 90°. Control considers that reports from U 566 concern the main convoy and that the 5 steamers reported by U 405 are part of a convoy. At midnight U 405 reported part of a convoy dispersed with course 60°, 11 knots. One steamer was hit twice and left burning. At 1045 on the 1st March U 759 (Kptlt. Rudolf Friedrich) reported unescorted steamer in AK 1132, course northeast probably part of the convoy. U 709 (Oblt. Karl-Otto Weber) and U 634 (Oblt. Eberhard Dahlhaus) were also ordered to operate against the convoy. The following are returning: U 135 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Heinz Schütt) owing to damage and fuel, U 376 (Oblt. Friedrich-Karl Marks) owing to serious defects and fuel. At the present there is only contact with single vessels presumably separated. U 448 - 359 - 638 - 89 - 529 will join Group "WILDFANG" (432 - 758 - 664 - 84 - 409 - 591). The Group is ordered to take up patrol line at 0800 on the 3rd March from AJ 4686 to 9112. If U 448 - 359 - 529 are, however, operating against Convoy No. 13 they should continue the operation. New objective for U 119 (XB; Kptlt. Alois Zech) is BD 36. U 358 - 707 - 303 - 604 - 454 have refueled as ordered for return. Six newly arrived Norwegian agents of the British Special Operations Executive (code named Gunnerside) join the four agents already in place since Oct 1942 (code named Grouse) in sabotaging the Norsk Hydro-Elektrisk Vemork heavy water production plant in Telemark, Norway, thereby depriving our atomic weapons scientists of 500 kilograms of heavy water and near-future heavy water production capability. Meanwhile, construction begins on the first full-scale plutonium production reactor in the world at Hanford, Washington, United States. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) arrives at Blohm & Voss shipyard Hamburg, for Final Repairs. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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KSDII-Ace/GWX 3.0 Gold/CCoM 10.0 + h.sie-patch; Windows 7 (64-bit); NVIDIA GeForce GTX650 (310.90) Last edited by Kapitän; 02-28-23 at 04:10 AM. |
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03-01-23, 03:33 AM
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#342 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Monday, 1 March 1943 - Danzig At Danziger Werft AG, for Repairs and Overhaul. +++++++
Heinz Guderian is appointed Inspector-General of Armoured Troops. Our troops begin falling back from the Rzhev area in Russia. U 510 (Korvkpt. Karl Neitzel) reports absence of traffic from area EO 66 to EP 73, and slight air activity. Owing to the breakdown of "Metox" the intended operations in the lower section of ED are doubtful. The oil track experienced earlier has not yet been eliminated. U 218 (VIID; Kptlt. Richard Becker) - on the return passage owing to rudder breakdown - sighted an eastbound convoy at 1527, speed 8-10 knots in CE 8688. Shortly afterwards the boat was beaten off and at 1800 lost sight of the convoy during a squall. Two steamer masts were sighted, a smoke trail and a light grey two-funnel destroyer. U 513 (KrvKpt. Rolf Rüggeberg) presumably had contact with the same group at 1230 on CE 8989 and also lost it. Both boats continue their passage. Operation was not possible as there were no other boats in the vicinity. U 511 (Kptlt. Fritz Schneewind; ex Steinhoff) reported convoy on a course of 310° in CG 8433 at 2352. Boats of the Group "Robbe" who should have been able to attack the same night were ordered to operate. U 511 was fired at from smoke cover in CG 8433. Contact was lost in the subsequent hydrophone activity. No further reports were received from any of the boats. The operation was broken off. U 406 (Kptlt. Horst Dieterichs) pursued an isolated vessel on a course of 200°, speed 15 knots in BD 3938. Contact was lost after an eight hour chase. Convoy No. 13 (HX.227; Group "Neptun"): Isolated messages: U 405 (KrvKpt. Rolf-Heinrich Hopman) sank a motorship of 9,000 GRT similar to type Perthshire, at 0039 on 1.3 in AK 1385. It subsequently sighted another steamer with destroyers in AK 1383, very low speed, and at 1355 a suspected "Q-boat" on a variable course of 0° - 270°. Further the boat chased 2 large steamers on a course of 250° at 1900 in AK 1442, one of which sank at 2056 suddenly without an explosion. The pursuit of the second ship continues. U 759 (Kptlt. Rudolf Friedrich) chased large steamer on a course of approx. 60° and speed 11 knots at 1150 from AK 1133 to AD 7859. After a single miss is broke off operations owing to Diesel damage. U 634 (Oblt. Eberhard Dahlhaus) operated on this ship from AK 3171 and sank it in AD 8264 after three hits. According to call sign the "Mary Weather Sayis" of 6,800 GRT. U 566 (Oblt. Hans Hornkohl) did not establish contact in spite of the previous hydrophone bearings and continued further operations on presumed convoy course of 90°. At 1321, U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) encountered a westbound convoy in AK 1328. At the same time, U 376 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Karl Marks) chased a tanker on a westerly course in AK 1191 and sighted in the meantime another steamer group in AK 1319. The boat presumes this to be the southerly part of U 608's convoy. The general course is 250, speed 8 knots. The Command conjectures that these are 2 different convoy sections. "Neptun" boats have received orders to operate on the target at the most favorable range. Both boats have apparently great differences in positions. U 608 pursued its group via AK 1347 to AD 9861 and was beaten off by destroyers at 2230 in AD 9852. The last course was west. According to a possible new fix, U 376's convoy was in AK 1324 on a southwesterly course at 2100. This is a fast group of 10 steamers who made a strong deviation to the north as far as AK 1172 at night ad then proceeded to the southwest. The boat was beaten off by the apparent extremely strong and constantly attacking escort. At 0230 contact was finally lost and was not re-established until morning. On the supposition that the replenishing of supplies from "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) was carried out before the evening of 2.3, U 504, 66, 43, 202, 558, 106 and U 521 are incorporated in Group "Tümmler" and disposed in patrol channels from DF 6899 to DS 1125 at 0000 on 3.3. Interception of the convoy made known on 27.2 in a Radio Intelligence report (special). The boat was directed to maintain strict wireless silence, also the Group "Wildfang" and "Burggraf". U 68 (Oblt. Albert Lauzemis; ex Merten) received the ops. area center and eastern third of grid EC after repairs to its "Metox" apparatus have been carried out. U D 3 (Krvkpt. Hermann Rigele; ex Dutch submarine O 25) is detailed as training ship for the home front. Cruiser Köln is taken out of service and will remain so for one year. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) undergoes Final Repairs at Blohm & Voss shipyard Hamburg. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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03-02-23, 04:21 AM
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#343 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Tuesday, 2 March 1943 - Danzig Concluding Repairs and Overhaul at Danziger Werft AG. B.d.U. HQ moves from Paris to Berlin, Hotel am Steinplatz (until 12/43). +++++++
Our troops destroy the Soviet 3rd Tank Army near Kharkov, Ukraine, which had only just been recaptured by the Soviets two weeks prior. U 518 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Wilhelm Wissmann) sighted a convoy on an easterly course, speed 8 knots in FJ 8719 at 1400 on 28.2. All together 18 empty steamers, 5 escort vessels. The boat attacked and sank a freighter of 7,000 GRT in FJ 9411. In other attacks with 14 electrical torpedoes, under good firing conditions there were 8 failures owing to erratic depth keeping. Set depth 2 and 3 inches, seaway 1, slight swell. In the course of 2.3. U 518 was continually forced to submerge by non-stop air activity, and broke off the pursuit owing to the hopeless position. Situation: No traffic was confirmed apart from the reported convoy during a 7 day search in FJ 80. There was a slight surface but strong systematic air patrol. Radar activity off Bahia. Further operations are intended in FJ 30. Convoy No. 13 (HX.227; Group "Neptun"): In order to obtain a clear picture of the intentions of the boats, they were requested to send a situation report. Subsequently they received the following orders: U 634 (Oblt. Eberhard Dahlhaus) and U 566 (Oblt. Hans Hornkohl) were to make for AJ 69 at economical cruising speed. Both boats are so far astern that pursuit of the convoy was pointless. U 448 (Oblt. Helmut Dauter), U 359 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Heinz Förster), and U 659 (Kptlt. Hans Stock) continued to operate on a convoy course of 230° and 250° with a passage speed of 7 to 10 knots. U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier) and U 377 (Kptlt. Otto Köhler) broke off ops owing to fuel shortage, without having established contact, and are proceeding to supply point, U 376 (Kptlt. Friedrich-Karl Marks) to Western France without replenishment. U 405 (KrvKpt. Rolf-Heinrich Hopman) also had no contact. A clear report of the numbers and size of the ships sunk is requested. Search for the convoy continues. No new sightings up to morning. U 709's (Oblt. Karl-Otto Weber) wireless transmitter has broken down and it operates independently from now on (confirmed subsequently from report of 5.3.). New position for boats supplied by "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler) for further operations is BC 33. Reinforcing of Group "Burggraf" is proposed. The following have taken on supplies from "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe), U 332, 603, U 628 (Fu.M.B.) on 28.2., U 383, 753, 226 and 91 on 1.3. Amount in tanker 384 cubic meters, provisions for 102 days, 4 torpedoes. U 590 (Kptlt. Heinrich Müller-Edzards) is near U 508 (Kptlt. Georg Staats) and remains there to assist until it has decided whether the boat is able to submerge or not. U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) has filled up and is now proceeding to the ordered position = CA 50. U 525 (Kptlt. Hans-Joachim Drewitz) was bombed by an a/c in BF 5546 and is unable to submerge. It proceeded at a speed of 9 knots on the approach to Lorient. 3 fishing steamers and 2 Junkers 88 were sent to render assistance. The boat put in to Lorient without further incident. On Aircraft Carrier USS Ranger’s (CV-4) return voyage from North Africa to Norfolk, one of her patrol planes observes two life boats adrift. One of Ranger’s escorts, destroyer USS Hobson, picks up 46 survivors from the British merchant ship St. Margaret, torpedoed by U-66 (Kptlt. Friedrich Markworth; ex Zapp) three days earlier on 27 Feb 1943. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) undergoes Final Repairs at Blohm & Voss shipyard Hamburg. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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03-03-23, 02:51 AM
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#344 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 1,580
Downloads: 29
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Danziger Werft AG, Danzig
Quote:
+++++++ Wednesday, 3 March 1943 - Danzig During the shipyard time, Short Range Radar FMG 41G (gU) FuMO 29 Seetakt equipment; FuMB-1/Metox600A; and Bold-2, were installed. 1600 - Casting off. Leaving Danzig for transfer to Kiel. +++++++
B.d.U. HQ moves from Paris to Berlin, Hotel am Steinplatz (until 12/43). Soviet troops recapture Rzhev, Russia. Convoy No. 13 (HX.227; Group "Neptun"): As contact was not reestablished before nightfall the boats discontinued the pursuit and were assigned to new operations areas. A new patrol lie is to be disposed, composed of boats from home and Western France, to intercept other ON, HX and SC convoys. U 447, 229, 665, 633, 641, 190, 530, 642, 439, 618, 757, 406, 86, 373, 441, 440 and 221 form Group "Neuland" and are to take up position at 1200 on 7.3. from AK 6685 to BE 1521, course 240°, speed 5 knots. Boats able to reach their position sooner, have freedom of movement outside the position. U 119 (XB; Kptlt. Alois Zech) is proceeding to BD 29 for the proposed supplying of U 377 (Kptlt. Otto Köhler) and U 608 (Kptlt. Rolf Struckmeier). The following have taken on supplies for further ops. from "Milkcow" U 462 (Oblt. Bruno Vowe) = U 653, 621, 600 and 468. U 182 (IXD2; Kptlt. Nicolai Clausen) took fuel and trunks on board for execution of special duties. In order to obtain a survey of defence and mining conditions in the Iceland Passage, the 10 last boats from home to arrive in this area were requested to send a situation report. From this it can be seen that aerial reconnaissance is to be expected in the entire area; although some boats have made no mention of the fact. Mines and surface patrols were only occasionally encountered. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) undergoes Final Repairs at Blohm & Voss shipyard Hamburg. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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03-04-23, 02:54 AM
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#345 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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Bornholm
Quote:
+++++++ Thursday, 4 March 1943 - Bornholm/Rönne Silent Running Test at Rönne. During transit, testing of Short Range Radar FMG 41G (gU) FuMO 29 Seetakt equipment and FuMB-1/Metox600A. +++++++
B.d.U. HQ moves from Paris to Berlin, Hotel am Steinplatz (until 12/43). While proceeding to American coast, U 515 (Kptlt. Werner Henke) sunk the British ship "California Star" on a course of 45, speed 15 knots in CD 3245, carry butter and meat from New Zealand to England, and U 172 (Kptlt. Carl Emmermann) sunk a steamer of 9,000 GRT carrying ammunition on a course of 100, speed 16 knots in CD 3239. U 160 (Kptlt. Georg Lassen) sighted a convoy on the night of 3.3. composed of 10 steamers and three escort vessels on a southeast course. The boat pursued it from KZ 1336 to 2442 and sank a tanker and 4 freighters of 32,000 GRT. Two freighters were left sinking. All the ships were fully laden. Situation: There has been daylight traffic by fast isolated vessels and small escort vessels south of Durban since 1.3. The traffic puts in with surface and air escort from the 200 meter line, and on the outward passage as far as KZ 1336, then it spreads out to sea. There is strong aerial activity by day and land radar off the harbor. U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) reports approx. 4 freighters with destroyer and air escort at 0800 in KY 5640, on a westerly course. Otherwise nothing was sighted from GR 80 via 90 to KY 53. An American convoy is expected to put out of Cape Town for the Persian Gulf on about 5.3. The ops. area near Cape Town is to be extended immediately to the south as far as the latitude 45° S. The eastern and western boundaries are as formerly - 5° and 40° E. The new southerly boundaries may on no account be passed owing to the presence of our own ships. If possible without danger to ourselves, U-boats are to stop Portuguese ships, and search for members of enemy states of military age. If these are particularly suitable they are to be taken on board. U 648 (Ltnt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) undergoes Final Repairs at Blohm & Voss shipyard Hamburg. +++++++ KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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