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SUBSIM: The Web's #1 resource for all submarine & naval simulations since 1997
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04-19-23, 02:14 AM
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#391 | |
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The Old Man
 Join Date: Mar 2010
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Monday, 19 April 1943 - 12th U.-Flotilla Bordeaux (Korvkpt. Klaus Scholtz; ex U 108) - Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) In Hamburg, Traute Lafrenz was sentenced to a one-year prison term for her involvement with the White Rose resistance group. b) Waffen-SS used tanks and other heavy weapons to counter the uprising in the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw. B.d.U.-Report: a) The boats U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) and U 209 (Kptlt. Heinrich Brodda) detailed for operations on U 732's (Oblt. Claus-Peter Carlsen) report, have received orders at 1129 per F.T.1046/19/103 to continue operations if conditions make surprise enemy attacks appear unlikely and success probable. Up to 1900 all boats including U 954 (Kptlt. Odo Loewe) which also went after the convoy, had broken off operations owing to air activity and unfavorable weather conditions. The operation is therefore broken off. At 2231 U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is ordered per F.T.2148/19/122, to occupy AK 34 as temporary attack area. b) U 217 (VIID; Kptlt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke) has put out on special duties (Minelaying off Lands End). c) U 175 (KrvKpt. Heinrich Bruns) put out of Nazaire on 10.4 and was detailed to operate on Convoy No. 27 (HX.233) immediately on leaving the Biscay area. The boat reported for the last time at 1057 on 17.4 with a short contact signal. Position at this time was about BE 46. As repeated requests have not been answered its loss must be presumed. The convoy was heavily escorted by air and surface forces. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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04-20-23, 01:59 AM
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#392 | |
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The Old Man
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Tuesday, 20 April 1943 (The "GröFaZ's" Birthday) - 12th U.-Flotilla Bordeaux (Korvkpt. Klaus Scholtz; ex U 108) - Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) The British government announced a limited recruitment for women for the Home Guard. b) British troops captured the Enfidaville Airfield in Tunisia. c) Japanese troops under the Commander in Chief of the Combined Fleet, Admiral Mineichi Koga, attacked the British Maungdaw-Buthidaung line in Burma. B.d.U.-Report: a) U 218 (VIID; Kptlt. Richard Becker) has put out for special duties (Minelaying in North Channel). b) U 197 (IXD2; Kptlt. Robert Bartels) is ordered to proceed to the Cape Town area. B-Dienst Report: a) Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) arrived at Argentia, Newfoundland. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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04-21-23, 12:57 AM
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#393 | |
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The Old Man
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Wednesday, 21 April 1943 - 12th U.-Flotilla Bordeaux (Korvkpt. Klaus Scholtz; ex U 108) - Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) New Zealand Maori troops capture Takrouna, Tunisia, while troops of the 48th Battalion of the British Royal Tank Regiment, capture Tiger I tank "131" near Medjez-el-Bab, Tunisia. B.d.U.-Report: a) Convoy No. 28: At 0600 on the morning of the 21st, U 306 (Northern section of Group "Meise") sighted a northeast-bound convoy in AJ 2771. The first message from the convoy was not received until 0930. The boats belonging to the Group "Meise" were detailed to operate on the convoy if they were not more favorably placed to attack the southwestward-bound convoy further to the E. U 306 (Kptlt. Claus von Trotha) continually reported contact with the convoy (at 1614 in AJ 2586, course 90°) up to 0200 in the morning, in AJ 2696. This boat sank a ship of the type "Sibajack" (12.000 GRT) at this time and lost contact. U 598 (Kptlt. Gottfried Holtorf) reported a convoy hydrophone bearing at 0100. Other boats did not come up. 2 boats reported flying boats with the convoy. Visibility deteriorated during the night and fog and snow drifts came with a N.N.E. wind strength 8. Up to now, 7 U-boats are operating on the convoy, U 306, 631, 108, 598, 134, 552 and 189. In addition, a group of 5 more boats in waiting positions further to the E, are detailed for this - U 378, 732, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl), 209 and 934. Operations on the convoy continue: At 1800, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is ordered per F.T. 1713/21/172, to operate at increased cruising speed on the "Trotha"-Convoy (HX.234) and by dead-reckoning, can make contact with the convoy in the morning of 23 April. According to the plot and convoy reckoning this should be the expected HX convoy No. 234. b) U 217 (VIID; Kptlt. Kurt Reichenbach-Klinke) receives freedom of movement in BE. The boat is to withdraw from this area in good time so that the special duty can be carried out when the moon is in a favorable quarter (Minelaying off Lands End). B-Dienst Report: a) An attempt was made to assassinate General Charles de Gaulle when the Wellington bomber flying him to Glasgow, Scotland, was sabotaged at RAF Hendon. The pilot detected the elevator controls had been cut just before take-off and aborted the flight. The incident is hushed up and blamed on our intelligence but de Gaulle will never fly by plane in Britain again. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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04-22-23, 02:41 AM
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#394 | |
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The Old Man
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Thursday, 22 April 1943 - 12th U.-Flotilla Bordeaux (Korvkpt. Klaus Scholtz; ex U 108) - Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) South African and British fighters intercepted an Italian air convoy off Tunisia, and claimed to have shot down 12 transport aircraft and 7 escorts. On the ground, the final Allied assault began against the remaining Axis forces in North Africa with armoured thrusts from Sidi Nsir, Medjez, and Pont du Fahs. Only at Enfidaville was there a halt. Resistance remained fierce, however, and was professionally handled by the Axis troops, allowing Luftwaffe units to be evacuated from the shrinking perimeter. B.d.U.-Report: a) Convoy No. 28 (HX.234): Weather conditions in the convoy area are reported as wind N.W. 5, visibility 10 seamiles on 22nd. Contact, which was broken off at 2000, was not reestablished during the day. Only 2 steamers on a course of 60, a destroyer and an aircraft were reported by U 413 (Kptlt. Gustav Poel) in the evening. U 306 (Kptlt. Claus von Trotha) resumed contact with the convoy, lost it again and then reported the convoy in AJ 3361 at 0800. This boat also reported aircraft with the convoy. At 2350, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is ordered per F.T. 2345/22/117, if no further contact, occupy until 1400, assigned position in patrol line AJ 2526 to 2959. U-Stahl is running a highest speed to assigend position. U 134 (Oblt. Hans-Günther Brosin) began the return passage owing to heavy damage to engine, not caused by enemy activity. 18 boats are now operating on the convoy. B-Dienst Report: a) British Mosquito reconnaissance aircraft photographed on of our rockets at Peenemünde, but intelligence analysts can not be certain of the object photographed. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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04-23-23, 02:13 AM
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#395 | |
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The Old Man
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Friday, 23 April 1943 (Good Friday) - 12th U.-Flotilla Bordeaux (Korvkpt. Klaus Scholtz; ex U 108) - Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) Our 17.Armee abandoned the attempt to dislodge the Soviet bridgehead at Novorossisk in southern Russia. B.d.U.-Report: a) Convoy No. 28 (HX.234): Weather conditions in the convoy area were reported as wind W.N.W. 5, visibility 15 sea miles at 1700 on 23rd. A boat reported wind N.W. 2, seaway 1 at 0200. U 306 (Kptlt. Claus von Trotha) reported the convoy on the 23rd at 0247 per F.T.0212/22/119 in AJ 3377, on northerly course and at 0807 per ßß-Signal in AJ 3361, course 60°, speed 8kn. Contact was reported throughout the day in such an exemplary fashion that 11 more boats were able to approach during the day and night owing to the good messages, e.g., beacon locator signal at 0909 which is heard by U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) in 350°true, being positoned south of the convoy. At 1210, U-Stahl sights smoke plumes of 3-5 steamers and 2 masts, apparently in keel-line in, in 18°true, AK 1513, the ßß-Signals sent by U-Stahl and again at 1350 are not heard by command. At 1633, U-Stahl sends ßß-Signal: Enemy position AK 1533, 105°, which is immediately acknowledged by command. At 1928, U-Stahl has to crash-dive from a 4-engine land based A/C and has to evade an escort, ejecting a Bold. At 2120, U-Stahl surfaces but has lost its forward position to the convoy. At 2230, the weather rapidly starts to deteriorate. At 2346 in AK 1379, U-Stahl is at "Battle Stations", as the Commander wants to attack using the approaching rain and hail squalls from the West as cover. On 24 April, 0010, U-Stahl dismisses from Battle Stations as the hail squall is over and the boat losses its cover by the clouds lifting again for a surface attack and the distance is too great for a submerged attack. As the convoy cannot be seen, U-Stahl dives at 0138 for a listening check and obtains a good contact in 330°true, and surfaces again at 0153. U 306 reported the convoy in AK 2443 at 0700 on the morning of the 24th. Various boats again lost contact. In spite of this 7 boats were in the convoy area in the night. Not until 1900 was the convoy escorted by aircraft. The Command found it difficult to form a clear picture of the surface defence as only a few boats reported depth charge attacks. 4 boats were attacked with depth charges, one sustained considerable damage. One boat was attacked by aerial bombs. The mass attack on the convoy did not have the desired results. U 306 sank a steamer of 7,000 GRT at 1500 in an underwater attack. U 954 (Kptlt. Odo Loewe) also scored a hit in a daylight attack on a large steamer at 1600. U 610 Kptlt. Walter Freiherr von Freyberg-Eisenberg-Allmendingen) scored a "FAT" hit at 0635 on the 24th. 15 boats are now operating on the convoy, as 3 boats are attacking the recently intercepted S.W.-bound convoy. B-Dienst Report: a) Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) and her task group departed Argentia, Newfoundland, bound for mid-Atlantic rendezvous with eastbound Convoy HX-235. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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04-24-23, 02:37 AM
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#396 | |
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The Old Man
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Saturday, 24 April 1943 - 12th U.-Flotilla Bordeaux (Korvkpt. Klaus Scholtz; ex U 108) - Taking boat out of dry dock and putting on charging station. During the shipyard time in Bordeaux, the pressure hull, torpedo tube no.6 and the flak guns were repaired. Several crew members had to disembark and were replaced, due to injuries sustained in the air attacks during the outbound transit. Beginning of pre-war patrol preparation. +++++++ Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) In the Mediterranean Sea, British submarine HMS Sahib (P 212; Lieutenant J. H. Bromage) was scuttled and abandoned by her crew to avoid capture after being seriously damaged by the Italian torpedo boat Climene and Ju88 aircraft off Cape Milazzo. All her crew was saved except for one who was wounded and will die on 3 May 1943. Her loss will be officially announced by the Admiralty on 6 May 1943. O.K.M.-Report: a) U 180 (IXD1; Fregkpt. Werner Musenberg) reported: Met at 0620 on 23.4. Exchange has so far been impossible owing to weather conditions. Boat accompanying until improvement in weather. (U 180 and the Japanese U-boat I-29 were ordered to meet at 0600 on 23.4 in JA 2432. After execution of special duties - transfer of two Indian Nationalist agents, to be put ashore by I-29 at Sumatra - U 180 is to operate in the lower third of KP and KQ and the upper third of KZ and JA, with central point off Durban. E.W. traffic is presumed in the vicinity of this port). B.d.U.-Report: a) Convoy No. 28 (HX.234): At 0200, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is back o Battle Stations but is kept at bay by convoy escorts and is attacked with escort surface weapons at 0315 and has to crash-dive at 0328 and turns toward the convoy. At 130m, U-Stahl receives the first Wabos and dives deeper to 140-150m, and is now positioned right under the convoy; ASDIC pings continue until 0600 in Qu.AK 2336. At 0625 U-Stahl surfaces and has to crash-dive 5 times due to airplanes until 1912 (at 1000 U-Stahl briefly sights the convoy in 46°true and a VIIC type boat 2nm abeam to port). At 1953, U-Stahl surfaces in Qu. AK 3354, Wind and Sea have increased and the boat can not go faster than 2xH.F., as the sea is continually washing over the Conning Tower. At 2300, U 267 (Kptlt. Otto Tinschert) reports contact in AK 3493, and again at 2330. At 2342, the wolfpack receives F.T. 2325/24/131 from HQ: To Trotha-Convoy: If during the night no attack opportunity, operate in such a way that by daybreak boat is positioned in front of the convoy. In spite of the fact that altogether 12 boats were operating on the convoy on the night of 24th, and that at dawn several boats were still in contact, this could not be maintained during the day. The reason for this was the appearance of strong air escort with the beginning of daylight. B-Dienst Report: a) In the Pacific, after repeated failures, Admiral Nimitz discontinues the use of magnetic pistols on torpedoes for his theater of operation. Submarines under General MacArthur's command, however, continue to use them. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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04-25-23, 02:47 AM
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#397 | |
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The Old Man
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux - Pre-War Patrol Preparation
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Sunday, 25 April 1943 - Bordeaux - (Easter Sunday) Pre-war patrol preparation: - Taking on of Fuel Oil (510cbm at 865kg/m³) and Lubricating Oil. +++++++ Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.M.-Report: a) U 119 (XB; Kptlt. Horst-Tessen von Kameke) has put out for special duties (Mining Op. Halifax). b) U 177 (IXD2; Kptlt. Robert Gysae) reported experiences with "Bachstelze". c) Italian submarine Leonardo da Vinci hit British tanker Doryssa, en route from Cape Town, to Abadan, Iran, with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean at 1726 hours. At 1845 hours, a second torpedo hit her. Shortly after, Leonardo da Vinci closed in and sank the tanker with gunfire. 53 were killed, and the 11 survivors were picked up by British whaler HMSAS Southern Barrier five days later. Having expended all torpedoes, Leonardo da Vinci began her journey back to Bordeaux. B.d.U.-Report: a) Convoy No. 28 (HX.234): At 0130, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) sends F.T.0128/25/138: Due to A/C positioned 60nm behind Trotha-Convoy. Due to weather max. speed 11kn. Question continue Op. At 0200, another boat reports wind N.N.E. 9, seaway 8, visibility 500 meters. At 0900, U-Stahl is diving for torpedo maintenance and at 1218, receives F.T.1050/25/151 from HQ: Break off Op., proceed to SW. At 1554, U-Stahl receives F.T.1249/25/153 from HQ: Group "Meise" in new order Junker, Mäder ..., proceed at cruisng speed to position in patrol line from AK 2386 to 0347. Slow NE convoy will pass the area of the patrol line tomorrow. At 1718, U-Stahl surfaces and is in AK 3451 at 2400h, wind and sea have subsided considerably. The main reason for the failure of the operation can be attributed to the extremely changeable visibility experienced during the night, and very unfavorable weather, hail, fog, rain, snow squalls. The convoy exploited this very cleverly for his zig zags. The enemy sailed in line ahead with about 10 ships, and destroyers or escort vessels were disposed in the gaps (later it is determined, that convoy HX.234 consisted of 46 ships and 21 escorts). The Commanders, for the most part inexperienced and fresh from home waters, were unable to cope with these conditions. Air activity was so intense on the 24th, that all boats were beaten off and lost the convoy. As intensified air activity is anticipated in the vicinity of Iceland on the 25th, the operations were broken off on the morning of that day. Altogether 2 ships of 19,500 GRT were sunk and 2 ships torpedoed. b) The loss of U 191 (Kptlt. Helmut Fiehn; Convoy No. 30/ON.178) and U 189 (KrvKpt. Hellmut Kurrer; Convoy No. 28/HX.234) must be presumed. The boats reported for the last time on 23.4 from AK 01 and AK 15 respectively. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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04-26-23, 01:45 AM
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#398 | |
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The Old Man
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux - Pre-War Patrol Preparation
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Monday, 26 April 1943 - Bordeaux - Pre-war patrol preparation: - Trimming trials at Bordeaux roadstead and Test cruise at Gironde Estuary. +++++++ Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) RAF bombers conducted a raid against Duisburg. B.d.U.-Report: a) U 566 (Kptlt. Hans Hornkohl) experienced a severe a/c depth charge attack at 2325 in BF 4599 (outbound from Brest). Unable to submerge, return passage. Close escort by 4 Ju 88's from daylight, also escort by F.O.I.C. Western Defences. b) Final summary on Convoy No. 28 (HX.234): The slight success achieved, in an operation lasting four days and with a fairly large numbers of boats, may be explained as follows: The conditions of convoy warfare are becoming increasingly difficult, above all the case of convoys in the N., where the nights are especially short, and the enemy is able to provide protection with strong air forces from Greenland, and to an even greater extent from Iceland. Boats usually choose a night when a large number of boats are in contact with the convoy, and the not disproportionately strong defence makes success appear likely. The night of 23/24 in this case. Before this, only one boat was in contact and afterwards the air protection was too strong. This night was the only chance. It could not be exploited owing to the very unfavorable weather conditions in conjunction with the inexperience of the large number of new Commanders who were not equal to the situation. On the next to last day the convoy air escort was particularly strong and all hopes of success had to be abandoned. Surface protection was of normal strength. 4 boats were attacked by depth charges by the convoy. One boat U 189 (KrvKpt. Hellmut Kurrer), was sunk by the convoy escorts after reporting contact for the last time on the afternoon of the 23rd. c) U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is standing up and down in ordered position of new patrol line. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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04-27-23, 02:32 AM
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#399 | |
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The Old Man
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux - Pre-War Patrol Preparation
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Tuesday, 27 April 1943 - Bordeaux - Pre-war patrol preparation: - Testing of Navigational and Radio Equipment. +++++++ Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.M.-Report: a) Torpedo boats Jaguar and Greif, and Destroyer Z4 Richard Beitzen, escorted light cruiser Nürnberg out of Harstad, Norway, toward Kiel. b) U 180 (IXD1; Fregkpt. Werner Musenberg) has taken on the anticipated apparatus from the Japanese U-boat (I-29). It is operating as ordered in the area off Durban. B.d.U.-Report: a) For quite some time it has been possible to dispose a patrol line with boats from home waters and Western France, between Iceland and Greenland. The object of this is the interception of the next ONS convoy at present proceeding in the N. The following boats form the new Group "Star": U 710 - 650 - 533 - 386 - 528 - 231 - 532 - 378 - 381 - 192 - 258 - 552 - 954 - U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) - 209 - 413. At 1119, they are ordered per F.T.1038/27/191, to take up position in patrol lines from AD 8731 via AK 3523 to AK 0329 at 0900 on 28.4. A slower S.W. bound convoy is expected here from 28.4. U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl), is proceeding with diesel/electric propulsion to the new position, and dives from 0930-0956 for trimming exercises. At 1214, U-Stahl has has to crash dive from A/C. At 1235 the Attack Periscope is steamed over, which is fixed by wiping down the mirror. U-Stahl surfaces at 1304 and is in Qu.AK3847 at 2400h. B-Dienst Report: a) According to a special Radio Intelligence report the SC 127 convoy should have been in BC 5447 at 2100 on 20.4, from there to a point BC 5278 and then on a course of 35° degrees. According to a new decoded report, the convoy was actually in BC 4372 on the evening of 21.4. It therefore curved prematurely to the N., probably to avoid a suspected U-boat disposition. At this time Group "Meise" with 19 boats, was in patrol line from AJ 1690 to AJ 6980. b) According to an American U-boat situation report the enemy suspected 15 boats in the area 50 - 55° N and 39 - 45° W on 25.4. Actually Group "Specht" had 16 boats in this area. In spite of the fact that on the previous days numerous wireless messages were sent and U-boats sighted, the very exact dividing line of this patrol line is significant, especially, as up to then Group "Specht" was on the move and took up the present disposition from the south, only shortly beforehand. This confirms, more than ever, the suspicion that the enemy has at his disposal a radar device, especially, effective for aircraft, which our boats are powerless to intercept. c) Further, 5 boats were reported within 150 seamile circumference of 50° N, 34° W. Supplies have taken place here for a long time. Unfortunately, the boats have often inaugurated radio concerts here and this had led to the interception of the supply point. It is, however, significant that this was suspected in the area where there has been no wireless activity for several days. d) Radar jamming devices began operations in eastern England. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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04-28-23, 01:23 AM
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#400 | |
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The Old Man
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux - Pre-War Patrol Preparation
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Wednesday, 28 April 1943 - Bordeaux - Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions, Torpedoes: Ari and Flak ammunition: - 10,5cm-SK-C/30: 150 x SpG; 80 x PbG; 20 x LkG - 3.7cm-SK-C/30: 2550 x PbG - Twin-M.G.-2cm-C/30: 2640 (x2=5280) x SpG; 1360 (x2=2720) x PpG (x2 = Total: 8000) +++++++ Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu wrote to Baron Hiroshi Oshima in Berlin, urging the ambassador to exert his influence with our leadership to encourage Germany to make a separate peace with the Soviet Union. b) Otto Skorzeny is promoted to the rank of Hauptsturmführer and was given command of the commandos of the Oranienburg Special Training Unit. B.d.U.-Report: a) At 0400, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is standing up and down in the ordered position Qu.AK 3851 in the patrol line, ESE1/1, good visibility, 1015mb. At 0904, U-Stahl dives for trimming exercise and surfaces at 0930. At 1053, U-Stahl receives F.T.1037/28/120: U-Witzendorff (U 650) has contact to convoy ONS.5 in AD 3738, 8-10kn, 270°, and operates with highest speed on convoy. From 1910-2120, one diesel has to be repaired due to a broken valve spring. b) U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis) was attacked by aircraft without previous radar location in BF 49 after a suspicious looking trawler group had passed. The boat presumes cooperation. c) U 437 (Oblt. Hermann Lamby) was heavily bombed during the night in BF 7281 (outbound). The boat is temporarily out of control and submerging is restricted. Help is urgently needed. All boats in the vicinity are ordered to proceed at high speed to this area to render assistance. Destroyer and fighter protection is requested. The night attacks repeatedly reported recently make it necessary for the boats in the Biscay area to be given permission to proceed on the surface during the day only to recharge batteries, and submerged at night. Every effort is being made to produce apparatus able to intercept the radar equipment presumably used by the enemy. d) U 710 (Oblt. Dietrich von Carlowitz) has not reported since it sailed from Kiel on 15.4. There have been numerous sighting and attack messages recently from the area of the Iceland Passage, so that its loss through aircraft must be presumed. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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04-29-23, 01:36 AM
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#401 | |
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The Old Man
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux - Pre-War Patrol Preparation
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+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Thusday, 29 April 1943 - Bordeaux - Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions, Torpedoes: - Rohr I-II-IV: T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ) - Rohr III: AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ) - Fwd above floor plates: 2 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ) - Fwd below floor plates: 1 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ) and 3 x AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ) +++++++ Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) The Führer met with French Prime Minister Pierre Laval and Italian Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Giuseppe Bastianini, at the Berghof. b) Our troops fell back to Lake Garaet Anchkel west of Bizerte, Tunisia; "Grado" Battalion of the "San Marco" Italian Naval Infantry Regiment, served as rearguard. B.d.U.-Report: a) Convoy No. 33 (ONS.5): At 0400, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) is in Qu.AK 2145. After diving 4 times for sound detection of the convoy, U-Stahl is maneuvering into submerged attack position at 0930; Wabos are being dropped but not close to the boat, light concussions. Upon surfacing, U-Stahl sends at 1019, ßß Enemy steers 220°. U-Stahl is on course 220° and highest speed, as to be in position for a submerged attack, as soon as the weather clears up, which is rapidly deteriorating, visibility up to 2000m, wind and sea increasing heavily, max speed possible is 10kn. There have been no further contact reports since 1100. U-Stahl dives 2 more times for sound detection in the afternoon and evening but has lost contact with the convoy, position at 2400, Qu.AK 1172. The operation on the convoy continues, and the boats are to continue the search assuming the enemy's course to be from 205 - 250° and enemy speed to be 4 - 7 knots according to the weather. b) U 437 (Oblt. Hermann Lamby) able to submerge only with difficulty after bombing attack in BF 7371. Speed 7 knots, course 80°. 2 waves of 4 Ju. 88's. Only aerial protection. U 437 reported at 1450. Speed 14 knots. Boats approaching to render assistance are ordered to proceed on their course, U 571 (Kptlt. Helmut Möhlmann) on the return passage is to follow the damaged U 437 to render assistance if necessary. c) The loss of U 174 (Oblt. Wolfgang Grandefeld) must be presumed, as this boat has not answered numerous requests to report. Last message from convoy area in BB 8689 on 27.4. B-Dienst Report: a) After much experimentation an "Upkeep" bomb drop was successfully carried out at Reculver in southeastern Britain. By this time several of the new Lancaster bombers modified for dam attacks have been delivered to the squadron's base, RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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04-30-23, 03:16 AM
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#402 | |
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The Old Man
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux - Pre-War Patrol Preparation
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+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Friday, 30 April 1943 - Bordeaux - Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions, Torpedoes: - Rohr I-II-IV: T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ) - Rohr III: AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ) - Fwd above floor plates: 2 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ) - Fwd below floor plates: 1 x T-3, Pi-2/39H (MZ/AZ) and 3 x AtoFAT, Pi-1/G7H (AZ) +++++++ Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.M.-Report: a) Italian submarine Leonardo da Vinci transmitted her final signal in the Atlantic Ocean about 600 miles northwest of Cape Town. B.d.U.-Report: a) Convoy No. 33 (ONS.5): The weather conditions in the convoy area were also unfavorable on the 30th. Wind S.W. 7, visibility 4 seamiles high, steep waves running against the boats. At 0447, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) receives F.T.2307/29/183: Stahl: At 0400 switch to circuit Hubertus. At 0908, U-Stahl dives for trimming excerises and surfaces at 0930. U 381 (Kptlt. Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limpurg) reported the convoy in AD 9853, speed 5 knots, course 220° at 1600 according to hydrophone and depth charges. It was able to maintain contact until 1700, but then lost it owing to bad visibility. U-Stahl meets U 209 (Kptlt. Heinrich Brodda) at 2125. Comparison of navigational data reveals the same, U-Brodda will search in SE direction, U-Stahl in SW direction, position of U-Stahl at 2400 is Qu.AJ 3312. There have been no further reports of the convoy. U 386 (Oblt. Hans-Albrecht Kandler) and U 528 (Oblt. Georg von Rabenau) began return passage owing to considerable damage to boats caused by aerial bombs and depth charges. The operation continues. B-Dienst Report: a) After receiving a special Radio Intelligence report according to which the expected convoy in BC 5489 is to alter course to "Unknown" (probably between 0 and 90°) patrol lines are to be transferred as follows: Group "Specht" from AJ 7679 via 8824 to BC 2666, Group "Amsel" from BC 4372 via 3875 to 9264. The entire disposition is therefore transferred to the S. b) Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) and her escorts detached from Convoy HX-235 in the eastern Atlantic and set course toward Belfast. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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05-01-23, 01:37 AM
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#403 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux - Pre-War Patrol Preparation
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Saturday, 1 May 1943 - Bordeaux - Taking on of Provisions, Ammunitions, Torpedoes: - Rohr V: EtoFAT, Pi-2/39H(MZ/AZ) - only as circle runners against escorts. - Rohr VI: T-4 ("Falke"), Pi-4(MZ) - only stern tube; only against merchants due to its slow speed of 20kn. - Aft below floor plates: 2 x EtoFAT, Pi-2/39H(MZ/AZ) and 1 x T-4 ("Falke"), Pi-4(MZ) +++++++ Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) The International Medical Commission completed its investigation on the Katyn Massacre, concluding that the Soviet Union was responsible for the atrocity. b) US troops captured Hill 609 in Tunisia. O.K.M.-Report: a) Seaplane tender Richthofen is commissioned into service. B.d.U.-Report: a) Convoy No. 33 (ONS.5): The continuing bad weather also prevented contact being reestablished on 1st May. At 0428 the I.W.O.(Ltnt.z.S. Gerhard Nolte) of U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) gives ALARM, as he believes to have seen an airplane shining a light on the water in the distance. The latter has been confirmed by U 954 (Kptlt. Odo Loewe) per F.T.1800/1/883. At 1200, position of U-Stahl is Qu.AJ 3247, snow flurries. There is still no sound contact of the convoy and the F.T. reception is very poor, sound volume 1. At 1712, U-Stahl sends a short weather report as ordered with F.T.1253/1/878. At 2143, U-Stahl receives F.T. 2011/1/885: If at dusk no contact, break off operation. Remain in the current position. "Stahl" send position and fuel. At 2400, position of U-Stahl is Qu.AJ 3428. To sum up: The operations against the convoy with 16 boats in all suffered from first to last from very hazy weather and strong S.W. wind, against which the boats had to struggle during their pursuit of the enemy. Lookout, finding and shadowing of the convoy were much hampered thereby. In all, only 5 boats contacted the convoy. After 29th April contact could not be reestablished. The only success was scored by U 258 (Kptlt. Wilhelm von Mässenhausen), who probably sank 2 ships and torpedoed a third. Naval defences were not reported as very strong. No reports were received about them. There was some air activity on the first day, but only seaplanes. During the last night a boat reported continuous air patrol, probably based on Greenland. The same boat observed what was probably a new type of location gear. The Commander repeatedly noticed planes approaching at great height and carrying a light like a planet that went on and off. No location was heard at the time. Two boats had to give up the chase because of enemy counter-measures. They were bombed and depth-charged and badly damaged. No boats were lost while attacking the convoy. The whole operation was hampered by heavy atmospherics, so that Operational Control had no definite information on the course of the operation from midnight until noon the next day. It can therefore be said that this attack failed only because of the bad weather, not because of the enemy's defences. As there was little prospect of picking the convoy up again while weather remained hazy, the boats were ordered to break off the operation at dusk on 1st May. b) "Milkcow" U 487 (Oblt.d.R. Helmut Metz) has given her remaining fuel to "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler), has taken over Engineer Officer from U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis) and is continuing her homeward voyage. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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05-02-23, 01:59 AM
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#404 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux - Pre-War Patrol Preparation
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Sunday, 2 May 1943 - Bordeaux - Loading of Cargo for transport to Penang in upper deck containers. - Final Repairs and Adjustments. Basin Trials. +++++++ Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) Japanese aircraft conducted a raid on Darwin, Australia. O.K.M.-Report: a) Order: In future do not report when Iceland-Faroes have been passed. Report by short signal when passing 61° North to the south. b) U 183 (Kptlt. Heinrich Schäfer) has refueled from U 117 (XB; Korvkpt. Hans-Werner Neumann) and is returning. c) As the Italian submarine (Leonardo da Vinci) did not keep her rendezvous for refueling, U 117 has turned back. B.d.U.-Report: a) Convoy No. 34: At 0012, U 648 (Oblt.d.R. Peter Arthur Stahl) reports via ßß-Signal: "My position is AJ 3429, 41cbm.". Is not received by HQ, in general very poor signal volumes. At 0430, U-Stahl is passing a big Iceberg to Stbd. At 0600, U-Stahl repeats F.T. from 0012, is again not received by HQ. At 0815, in Qu.AJ 3497, U-Stahl crash-dives for training and remains submerged for torpedo maintenance until 1316. During the morning of 2nd May weather was reported from the convoy area as wind south 5, visibility 6 miles. Towards evening the wind freshened to south 9, stormy, visibility up to 3 miles. One boat reported fog. The only news of the convoy came from U 628 (Kptlt. Heinrich Hasenschar), who reported at 0956 from AJ 8695 a wide band, probably a convoy, on a true bearing of 300°. Only at 1720, U-Stahl receives F.T.1035/2/895: To Stahl: "Operate on Hasenschar-Convoy. Switch to Amerika-I circuit immediately.". This important F.T. was not received for the first time by U-Stahl until 1347, which is now operating on course 260° and 2xH.F. If the convoy steers North, U-Stahl should be positioned in front of the convoy at noon tomorrow. At 2000, U-Stahl position is Qu.AJ 3769, Wind South to West 7, Sea 7, visibility 2nm, 1003mb, the boat is shipping much water. U 358 (Kptlt. Rolf Manke) reported that she had searched on a northerly course without success. U 260 (Kptlt. Hubertus Purkhold), who had sighted a star shell during the night of 1/2 May, searched from 30 to 40°, also without success. According to the report from U 628, the convoy has probably steered a course of 20-25° and speed of 7.7 knots by dead reckoning. This information was radioed to the boats as a clue. Boats were also informed that enemy courses of 10-50° and 6.8 knots might be reckoned on for further hunting of the convoy. U 92 (Kptlt. Adolf Oelrich) had to move away as her Diesel coupling and thrust bearing were faulty, 2 cylinder heads had cracked. The operation is being continued with 29 boats. B-Dienst Report: a) Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) and her task group arrived at Banghor Bay, Belfast Harbor, where Bogue will have HF/DF radio detection gear installed (Huff-Duff). b) The RAF Bomber Command reported to the British Air Ministry that it currently has 725 ready crews for operations; the number included 129 crews of Wellington bombers and 250 crews for Lancaster bombers. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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05-03-23, 02:01 AM
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#405 | |
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The Old Man
Join Date: Mar 2010
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12. Unterseebootsflottille - Bordeaux - Pre-War Patrol Preparation
Quote:
+++++++ U 115 - KTB - First War Patrol (17th war patrol overall) Monday, 3 May 1943 - Bordeaux - Taking on of fresh food and water supply. +++++++ Daily F.d.U. Briefing O.K.W.-Report: a) 487 Squadron of the New Zealand Air Force attacked a power station in Amsterdam. All 10 bombers dispatched were lost to Luftwaffe fighters. b) US troops captured Mateur, Tunisia. O.K.M.-Report: a) Light cruiser Nürnberg arrived at Kiel; Torpedo Boats Jaguar and Greif, and Z4 Richard Beitzen had escorted her to Kiel from Norway. Later that day, Jaguar, Greif, and Möwe escorted minelayers out of Kiel for the North Sea. b) Royal Navy began bombarding Pantelleria Island near Sicily. B.d.U.-Report: a) After the following boats have passed the approach points ordered on 16.4., they are to occupy the attack areas shown: U 181 (IXD2; KrvKpt. Wolfgang Lüth) - KP 30, 50, 60 and KQ 10, 40. Focal point Lourenzo Marques. According to reliable reports there is brisk outward and inward traffic. U 198 (IXD2; Kpt.z.S. Werner Hartmann) and U 196 (IXD2; KrvKpt. Eitel-Friedrich Kentrat) - KP 80, 90 and KZ 10 to 30. U 198 is to steer N.E. and U 196 S.W. of the line running from KP 8480 to KZ 3990. Focal point off Durban. Italian submarine sank several ships in this area. +++++++ Pre-War Patrol Briefing: a) Since 11.42: Deckgun also as Flak. b) Since End1942: A/C with Rockets RP-3. c) Since 8 Jan.1943: B.d.U.-Standing Order No. 307: Inspection/Replacement of Pistol G7H after Wabo Attack. d) Since 8 Jan.1943: B.d.U.-Standing Order No. 308: Closing of Torpedo Tubes during Deep Dive. e) Since 30 Jan.1943: B.d.U.-Standing Order No. 510: Test Run of Main Diesels at AK for 30min., every 4 days. f) Since March 1943: 1) Forward Projectile "Hedgehog": Range/Distance 230-260m; Effective Range/Radius 30m; Sinking Speed 13m/s. 2) Mark24 Mine "Fido" (Homing) Torpedo: Depth 15-45m; Speed 12 kn for 10 min; Range 3700m. g) Since 1 April 1943: B.d.U-Standing Order No.309: Depth Setting of Pi-2/39H at MZ-Setting. h) Since 14 Apr.1943: 1) New Allied Radar 271-Mark-III (9.7cm Range), can detect Uboats a distance of 12nm. 2) Submerge for about 30 minutes on confirmation of a/c radar (also, Magic Eye). 3) A/C equipped with Leigh Lights for night attacks. i) Since 1 May 1943: B.d.U-Standing Order No.306: Op.-Order for use of FAT-Torpedoes. j) As of 3 May 1943: B.d.U-Standing Order No.305: Op.-Order on loading of Upper Deck Containers. k) Report on enemy a/c A/S activity: 1) On 28 April, U 504 (Kptlt. Wilhelm Luis) was attacked by aircraft without previous radar location in BF 49 after a suspicious looking trawler group had passed. The boat presumes cooperation. Also, U 437 (Oblt. Hermann Lamby) was heavily bombed during the night in BF 7281 (outbound). The boat was temporarily out of control and submerging was restricted. Help was urgently needed and all boats in the vicinity were ordered to proceed at high speed to the area to render assistance. Destroyer and fighter protection was also requested. Today, U 415 (Oblt. Kurt Neide) was bombed 3 times by a plane in BF 74 while homeward bound. Despite much damage she was still able to dive. Boat has requested escort from outer point "KERN". During the period November 1942 to January 1943 enemy a/c A/S activity had little result, but since February its effect has increased to an alarming extent. It is not known whether this is due to improved location gear or to the use of more suitable types of a/c. The fact is that during the last two months there have been more U-boat sighting by English aircraft, and more U-boats have been attacked. The night attacks repeatedly reported recently make it necessary for the boats in the Biscay area to be given permission to proceed on the surface during the day only to recharge batteries, and submerged at night. Every effort is being made to produce apparatus able to intercept the radar equipment presumably used by the enemy. 2) G.O.C. Atlantic Air Forces gives the following information on English air operations in his Reg. No. Most Secret 853/43: "Average sortie of enemy sea reconnaissance during the last 3 months was 35 - 40 planes daily from the following bases: - Beaulieu (near Southampton) - unknown number of Halifaxes and Liberators - Talbenny (near Milford Haven) - 23 Beaufighters - Chivenor (Cornwall) - 36 Whitleys and Wellingtons - St. Eval, Trevose Head - 73 Wellingtons - Mount Batten - 14 Sunderlands - Pembroke Dock - 12 Sunderlands - Poole - 12 Sunderlands Concentration by day W. of 10° W, by night in inner Biscay. Largest number of aircraft during the afternoon. When convoys were sailing N. and S. between Gibraltar and England reconnaissance was reinforced to about 50 aircraft daily. English reconnaissance aircraft keep radio silence S. of 49° N., so that it is not possible to discover in what areas they are concentrating. Ther is no particular increase in activity observed during the last few weeks." 3) It should be noted here that when convoys are going through it is almost impossible for U-boats to operate on the surface owing to constant air activity. Experience shows that aircraft A/S activity increases when there are a number of U-boats on return passage through Biscay after major convoy operations. Action by Ju 88's type C6, available to G.O.C. Atlantic Air Forces, against A/S aircraft is possible only to a restricted extent. 4) G.O.C. Atlantic Air Forces states in his Reg. No. 853/43, para. 4): "The Ju 88 C6 is inferior to the Beaufighter (a further 2 Ju88's lost on 22 on U-boat escort off the Spanish coast) and no longer superior to modern A/S aircraft Boeings and Fortress II. Reasons: too slow, unsuitable armament, water-cooled engines sensitive to gunfire". 5) It is clear from G.O.C. Atlantic Air Forces' report that no improvement can be expected in the near future in countermeasures to the ever increasing enemy aircraft anti-submarine hunts, which are now making themselves felt immediately off our own bases. There will be further losses. Cmdr.: When we arrived in Bordeuax 3 weeks ago, the escort path was patrolled by Bf110's. RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115
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