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

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Thursday, 10 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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Italian Submarine Ambra launched three manned torpedoes and ten frogmen against Algiers, French Algeria in Operation NA 1, sinking one cargo ship and damaging two other cargo ships; all Italian torpedo crew members and frogmen are captured at the end of the operation.

U 618 (Oblt. Kurt Baberg) situation report: Very heavy air activity in DH 30. Auxiliary cruisers (Bewacher) and patrol groups off Casablanca - no traffic. Mehdia Roads empty. Continual air activity during the day by Catalina, ineffective vertical Radar at night. In view of its presence being known and the defence situation operations did not promise much success. U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) was asked for report on situation. This boat has the same assignments as U 618.

U 301 (Kptlt. Willy-Roderich Körner) has passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and is therefore under F.O. U-boats, Mediterranean.

New position for "Milkcow" U 463 (KrvKpt. Leo Wolfbauer) is CD 90.

B.d.U. stated the following in his report at the Naval High Command on 8.12. in Berlin:
From 1.1 to 30.11.1942, the boats in action in the North Sea have sunk altogether 262,614 GRT. These boats could certainly have sunk about 910,000 GRT in the Atlantic in the same period. The grounds for the assumption are: The number of boats assigned to the North Sea the degree of effectiveness in the individual months for the boats in the Atlantic, a proportion of 50:50 time in port to time at sea which is in fact more favorable to time at sea. Use of the North Sea boats in the Atlantic then could have brought an increase in tonnage sunk to 650,000 GRT, an amount that would have weighed heavily against the enemy.

B.d.U. again expressed the view that the tonnage war must be considered the main task of the U-boats, but that this tonnage war suffers heavy losses with the deployment of boats in the Mediterranean, the North Sea and attacks on the Gibraltar supply route (Group "Westwall") as the North Sea example shows. The Naval High Command has already ordered the examination of the question of the North Sea boats and states that he will order a detachment of the North Sea boats for the prosecution of the war in the Atlantic.

In an order issued by the Naval War Staff Iu 2636/42 of 9.12.:
1) Concerning: U-boats for the North Sea. As the time of year makes expectations of successes slight, further, ice conditions caused the increased narrowing of the navigatable area Spitzbergen - North Cape and reports indicate the possible curtailment of enemy supplies to Russia as a result of the Africa operations, easing up of the deployment of U-boats in the North Sea is permissible. Conditions for convoy warfare in the North Atlantic are at the moment particularly favorable, as convoy protection is weaker following withdrawal of forces for the African undertaking. There are not enough U-boats available, however, to exploit this position. On the other hand, dislocation of enemy supplies to Russia can be achieved directly by attacking convoys in the North Atlantic.
2) The following orders are therefore given:
As previously, Group "Nord" will be designated 23 boats. Of these boats, until further notice, 11 will be released for use by B.d.U. in the North Atlantic with these measures, that
2.A) Of the remaining 12 boats, 6 are to be ready for action and available (in the operational area) at any given time for Group "Nord".
2.B) That the control in the North Atlantic is carried out in such a way as to assure deployment in the Norway Area if necessary, as the task of U-boats in this area also consists of coastal protection against enemy operations. Interchange of boats, in some cases substitution by boats from home is left to B.d.U.
3) The Naval War Staff (message also to Group "Nord") are to be continually notified in detail according to 2.) b) of the permanent numbers and alterations of the 11 U-boats held in readiness.

Naval War Staff Operations. Iu 2636/42 Most Secret. S.O. Only.

Suggested by Group "Nord" for operations in the North Atlantic:
U 209, 334, 355, 376, 377, 403, 405, 456, 586, 601 which will be ready for deployment on 25.12. B.d.U. is in agreement but proposes 592 instead of 355, as this boat has been deployed in the North Sea considerably longer than U 355.

Naval War Staff Communications concurs.

U 648 (Oblt.z.S.d.R. Peter-Arthur Stahl) conducts Silent Running Tests off Rönne, Bornholm; Departs at 1400h for Danzig.

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Friday, 11 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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The Cockleshell Heroes Raid: Ten British Commandos in five two-man canoes are launched from a submarine to attack our shipping in the port of Bordeaux. Three canoes are lost but two paddle 70 miles up-river to plant limpet mines on ships in the harbour. Six vessels are disabled. Two Commandos are drowned en route, six are captured and executed and two will make it back to England.

The Allies launch a new offensive toward Marsa Brega and El Agheila in Libya.

As, apart from the three ships previously sunk in the patrol channel of Group "Westwall", no further contact with enemy has taken place, and the boats are so low on fuel that they must begin the return voyage in the next few days, the Group has received orders to proceed in lines of reconnaissance on an easterly course, days reckoning 140 miles at 2400 from 11.12. A later deployment of the boats still fit for action in the north half of CF and for operations on the England - Gibraltar traffic is intended. Further refueling is not possible owing to the shortage of tankers.

"Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) has delivered the last of her fuel to U 67 and U 183 and begins her return voyage.
Supplied from "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler): U 126 - 174 - 128 - 134 and U 176. Tanker homeward bound.

The following waiting positions are to be occupied with a depth of 4 sea miles for protection and area reconnaissance for the tanker "Germania" putting out on 12.12.: U 514 - BE 9326; U 125 - BE 9629; U 563 - BF 7116; U 706 - BF 7442.

U 553 (KrvKpt. Karl Thurmann) reports strong spray formation and difficulty in depth maintenance as a result of the construction of the new 2 cm Flak Crew Protection "Wanne". The boat was seen continually during an attack on a convoy and thereby deprived of success. U 553 has been ordered to return at maximum speed and the adaptation of further boats discontinued in all shipyards.

The deployment of the Group "Westwall" has not led to satisfactory results, as the sinking of 4 ships cannot be regarded as such. As warfare directly west of Gibraltar was no longer promising, there were no possibilities of intercepting English - American supplies to Gibraltar and morocco.
a) Deployment W. of Portugal: Successful convoy warfare could not be expected here, as the entire area in question lies within range of enemy air activity. Isolated successes remained possible but depend a great deal on luck and opportunity.
b) Operations moved to area free of air activity against American supplies, which is presumed to be on the Great Circle America - Gibraltar. B.d.U. is in favor of the second possibility. This deployment could be quite successful even if only one convoy was intercepted. That did not in fact happen. Radio Intelligence reports show rather that the enemy has used a route far more to the S., whereby it is difficult to see whether he uses it principally or exploits it in order to spread out as much as possible. The former is possible. The available "Westwall" boats cannot, however be used anymore on the southerly route, owing to insufficient fuel supply, and they are numerically too weak to be used for a search in other areas. It therefore only remains to test the possibilities given under a) and to use the "Westwall" boats for this. They are unequipped for cold areas which cuts out the possibility of sending these boats to the Newfoundland area and putting boats from Western France in the area W. of Portugal.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Friday, 11 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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The Cockleshell Heroes Raid: Ten British Commandos in five two-man canoes are launched from a submarine to attack our shipping in the port of Bordeaux. Three canoes are lost but two paddle 70 miles up-river to plant limpet mines on ships in the harbour. Six vessels are disabled. Two Commandos are drowned en route, six are captured and executed and two will make it back to England.

The Allies launch a new offensive toward Marsa Brega and El Agheila in Libya.

As, apart from the three ships previously sunk in the patrol channel of Group "Westwall", no further contact with enemy has taken place, and the boats are so low on fuel that they must begin the return voyage in the next few days, the Group has received orders to proceed in lines of reconnaissance on an easterly course, days reckoning 140 miles at 2400 from 11.12. A later deployment of the boats still fit for action in the north half of CF and for operations on the England - Gibraltar traffic is intended. Further refueling is not possible owing to the shortage of tankers.

"Milkcow" U 460 (Kptlt. Ebe Schnoor) has delivered the last of her fuel to U 67 and U 183 and begins her return voyage.
Supplied from "Milkcow" U 461 (Kptlt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler): U 126 - 174 - 128 - 134 and U 176. Tanker homeward bound.

The following waiting positions are to be occupied with a depth of 4 sea miles for protection and area reconnaissance for the tanker "Germania" putting out on 12.12.: U 514 - BE 9326; U 125 - BE 9629; U 563 - BF 7116; U 706 - BF 7442.

U 553 (KrvKpt. Karl Thurmann) reports strong spray formation and difficulty in depth maintenance as a result of the construction of the new 2 cm Flak Crew Protection "Wanne". The boat was seen continually during an attack on a convoy and thereby deprived of success. U 553 has been ordered to return at maximum speed and the adaptation of further boats discontinued in all shipyards.

The deployment of the Group "Westwall" has not led to satisfactory results, as the sinking of 4 ships cannot be regarded as such. As warfare directly west of Gibraltar was no longer promising, there were no possibilities of intercepting English - American supplies to Gibraltar and morocco.
a) Deployment W. of Portugal: Successful convoy warfare could not be expected here, as the entire area in question lies within range of enemy air activity. Isolated successes remained possible but depend a great deal on luck and opportunity.
b) Operations moved to area free of air activity against American supplies, which is presumed to be on the Great Circle America - Gibraltar. B.d.U. is in favor of the second possibility. This deployment could be quite successful even if only one convoy was intercepted. That did not in fact happen. Radio Intelligence reports show rather that the enemy has used a route far more to the S., whereby it is difficult to see whether he uses it principally or exploits it in order to spread out as much as possible. The former is possible. The available "Westwall" boats cannot, however be used anymore on the southerly route, owing to insufficient fuel supply, and they are numerically too weak to be used for a search in other areas. It therefore only remains to test the possibilities given under a) and to use the "Westwall" boats for this. They are unequipped for cold areas which cuts out the possibility of sending these boats to the Newfoundland area and putting boats from Western France in the area W. of Portugal.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Saturday, 12 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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Operation Winter Tempest is launched towards Stalingrad, with 3 Panzer Divisions and 10 other divisions.

Axis rear guards engage the Allied forces near Marsa Brega and El Agheila in Libya as the main Axis force evacuate to the west.

U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) like U 618 (Oblt. Kurt Baberg) sighted nothing off Mehdia. She has moved off and is exploring new areas for reconnaissance off Casablanca.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) requests freedom of movement in DG owing to adequate fuel supply and the breakdown of the "Q" tank. She has received orders to remain in the reconnaissance channels of Group "Westwall" as 1) As nothing has been experienced in this area and 2) The operations of an isolated boat does not promise success.

The following protection is ordered for the outward bound tanker "Germania": U 514 and U 125 are to take up a position at dawn on the 14th, 30 seamiles ahead to port and starboard of the position of the tanker by dead reckoning in DF 71. U 563 and U 706 close up at dawn and proceed ahead during the day, at night astern at the limit of certain visual signaling contact. Task for U-boats on passing 30 W. cancelled. Finally, U 125 and U 514 are to proceed to DG 80, U 563 and U 706 to BD 20.

Owing to the imminent closing of "Route Anton" in order to pass the area as soon as possible, U 507 and U 164 are making for grid FC 70 via ES 50. U 175 received further orders for operations in the waters off Dakar. As until now, no U-boats have approached this area and the boat has permission to attack French merchant and warships, there is possibility of initial success.

U 257 (Kptlt. Heinz Rahe) has entered on the return voyage owing to the illness of the Engineer Officer (Ob.Ltnt.-Ing. Reimer Höhne) and the leakage of the stuffing box. The boat was destined for the Mediterranean area. Deployment and breakthrough by a substitute boat is not possible until the next new moon period.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

Saturday, 12 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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Operation Winter Tempest is launched towards Stalingrad, with 3 Panzer Divisions and 10 other divisions.

Axis rear guards engage the Allied forces near Marsa Brega and El Agheila in Libya as the main Axis force evacuate to the west.

U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) like U 618 (Oblt. Kurt Baberg) sighted nothing off Mehdia. She has moved off and is exploring new areas for reconnaissance off Casablanca.

U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening) requests freedom of movement in DG owing to adequate fuel supply and the breakdown of the "Q" tank. She has received orders to remain in the reconnaissance channels of Group "Westwall" as 1) As nothing has been experienced in this area and 2) The operations of an isolated boat does not promise success.

The following protection is ordered for the outward bound tanker "Germania": U 514 and U 125 are to take up a position at dawn on the 14th, 30 seamiles ahead to port and starboard of the position of the tanker by dead reckoning in DF 71. U 563 and U 706 close up at dawn and proceed ahead during the day, at night astern at the limit of certain visual signaling contact. Task for U-boats on passing 30 W. cancelled. Finally, U 125 and U 514 are to proceed to DG 80, U 563 and U 706 to BD 20.

Owing to the imminent closing of "Route Anton" in order to pass the area as soon as possible, U 507 and U 164 are making for grid FC 70 via ES 50. U 175 received further orders for operations in the waters off Dakar. As until now, no U-boats have approached this area and the boat has permission to attack French merchant and warships, there is possibility of initial success.

U 257 (Kptlt. Heinz Rahe) has entered on the return voyage owing to the illness of the Engineer Officer (Ob.Ltnt.-Ing. Reimer Höhne) and the leakage of the stuffing box. The boat was destined for the Mediterranean area. Deployment and breakthrough by a substitute boat is not possible until the next new moon period.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Sunday, 13 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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Italian troops fight off an attack by British troops north of El Agheila, Libya in a rear guard action.

U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) requests permission to attack large tanker with navigation light but without neutral identification in CG 8871. Course 75°. As according to report the Spanish tanker "Campoamor" is in this area, U 432 was forbidden to attack. The Naval War Staff is requested to be circumspect owing to visible identity of Spanish ships.

Owing to the continually bad weather conditions (wind strength 9 to 10) the ordered supplying of U 91, 183 and U 758 is momentarily impracticable. The boats have received instructions to remain stationary using the smallest possible amount of fuel in its present position. The supplying of several boats in the Trinidad area and on the return voyage in ED 90 is therefore delayed for several days.

Attacks on isolated vessels in the northern section of "Route Anton" will not be permitted in the following sections at 0000: from 14.12. E of 30° W.; from 17.12. N. of 35° N.; from 19.12. complete closing of "Route Anton".

The Enigma codebooks captured by HMS Petard from the sinking German submarine U-559 (Kptlt. Hans Heidtmann) arrive at Bletchley Park's Hut 8 and within one hour intercepts of German submarine signals allow the British Admiralty to instantly pinpoint the location of fifteen U-Boats.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

Sunday, 13 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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Italian troops fight off an attack by British troops north of El Agheila, Libya in a rear guard action.

U 432 (Kptlt. Heinz-Otto Schultze) requests permission to attack large tanker with navigation light but without neutral identification in CG 8871. Course 75°. As according to report the Spanish tanker "Campoamor" is in this area, U 432 was forbidden to attack. The Naval War Staff is requested to be circumspect owing to visible identity of Spanish ships.

Owing to the continually bad weather conditions (wind strength 9 to 10) the ordered supplying of U 91, 183 and U 758 is momentarily impracticable. The boats have received instructions to remain stationary using the smallest possible amount of fuel in its present position. The supplying of several boats in the Trinidad area and on the return voyage in ED 90 is therefore delayed for several days.

Attacks on isolated vessels in the northern section of "Route Anton" will not be permitted in the following sections at 0000: from 14.12. E of 30° W.; from 17.12. N. of 35° N.; from 19.12. complete closing of "Route Anton".

The Enigma codebooks captured by HMS Petard from the sinking German submarine U-559 (Kptlt. Hans Heidtmann) arrive at Bletchley Park's Hut 8 and within one hour intercepts of German submarine signals allow the British Admiralty to instantly pinpoint the location of fifteen U-Boats.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Monday, 14 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) is stationed in CF 2167 and owing to damage incurred earlier and the momentary bad weather conditions and is greatly endangered when submerging. She is making for CE 63 for repairs and refueling from U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening).

Of the first of 4 U-boats of type IXc intended for renewed activity in the Cape Town area, U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) has put out, under Operational Order "Seehund".

The adaptation of the first 10 boats for the use of the "F.A.T." torpedo also equipped with combined Radar/Radar detector has been proceeding since the middle of November. For the most part there have been numerous unsupportable postponements in fitting the boats for action resulting from inadequate supply of constructional parts, so that the final completion of all 10 boats is not yet in sight.

With reference to this question B.d.U. Most Secret 5552 to OKM Head of K and OKM.

Head of MND reports:
1) The fitting out of 10 U-boats with Radar/Radar detector was requested in writing after a previous discussion with the Head of MND on 19.10.
2) Although the time limit for construction was fixed for 14 days during the verbal discussion and the shipyard limit at the time of the constructional agreement lay between the 11th and 20th of November, the shipyard limit was fixed for up to 14 days later owing to the installation of the Radar/Radar detector apparatus. At the time B.d.U. concurred with this delay.
3) Owing to the delay in the supply of structural parts, above all and the knock out blow, the electrical parts, the completion of the boats was delayed for a further 10 - 20 days. The delay lasted then for only a few days and B.d.U. was only informed at short notice through the shipyard and flotilla reports. These postponements are operationally insupportable and the disposition of the command impossible. Difficulties in the disposal of the crew and completion of other boats are other accompanying results.
4) Inquiries into this matter can only lead to partial and unsatisfactory revelations, as there is no actual department absolutely responsible for the execution of these measures. The results of the telephone and written inquires were for this reason worthless to the practical administration.
5) B.d.U. requests a single department and a single person to be responsible for the execution of this fitting out, concerned with all isolated details including ship construction, Radar and the supplying of individual ports and the name of the person concerned is to be made known to them.
6) As a result of these arrangements not being kept, U-boats ready for action have been frozen and our Naval Command thereby caused painful losses in the sinking of enemy tonnage. This is, from this stand point, irresponsible and insufferable.

C-in-C U-boats Most Secret 5552.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

Monday, 14 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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U 91 (Kptlt. Heinz Walkerling) is stationed in CF 2167 and owing to damage incurred earlier and the momentary bad weather conditions and is greatly endangered when submerging. She is making for CE 63 for repairs and refueling from U 155 (Kptlt. Adolf Cornelius Piening).

Of the first of 4 U-boats of type IXc intended for renewed activity in the Cape Town area, U 506 (Kptlt. Erich Würdemann) has put out, under Operational Order "Seehund".

The adaptation of the first 10 boats for the use of the "F.A.T." torpedo also equipped with combined Radar/Radar detector has been proceeding since the middle of November. For the most part there have been numerous unsupportable postponements in fitting the boats for action resulting from inadequate supply of constructional parts, so that the final completion of all 10 boats is not yet in sight.

With reference to this question B.d.U. Most Secret 5552 to OKM Head of K and OKM.

Head of MND reports:
1) The fitting out of 10 U-boats with Radar/Radar detector was requested in writing after a previous discussion with the Head of MND on 19.10.
2) Although the time limit for construction was fixed for 14 days during the verbal discussion and the shipyard limit at the time of the constructional agreement lay between the 11th and 20th of November, the shipyard limit was fixed for up to 14 days later owing to the installation of the Radar/Radar detector apparatus. At the time B.d.U. concurred with this delay.
3) Owing to the delay in the supply of structural parts, above all and the knock out blow, the electrical parts, the completion of the boats was delayed for a further 10 - 20 days. The delay lasted then for only a few days and B.d.U. was only informed at short notice through the shipyard and flotilla reports. These postponements are operationally insupportable and the disposition of the command impossible. Difficulties in the disposal of the crew and completion of other boats are other accompanying results.
4) Inquiries into this matter can only lead to partial and unsatisfactory revelations, as there is no actual department absolutely responsible for the execution of these measures. The results of the telephone and written inquires were for this reason worthless to the practical administration.
5) B.d.U. requests a single department and a single person to be responsible for the execution of this fitting out, concerned with all isolated details including ship construction, Radar and the supplying of individual ports and the name of the person concerned is to be made known to them.
6) As a result of these arrangements not being kept, U-boats ready for action have been frozen and our Naval Command thereby caused painful losses in the sinking of enemy tonnage. This is, from this stand point, irresponsible and insufferable.

C-in-C U-boats Most Secret 5552.

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Tuesday, 15 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

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Tuesday, 15 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

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Wednesday, 16 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Kapitän

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

+++++++

Wednesday, 16 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

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

+++++++

Thursday, 17 December 1942 - Gotenhafen-Oxhöft

Work-up's and Trials with the U.A.K. (Kpt.z.S.R. BRÄUTIGAM), the 2nd Training Division (U.L.D.; Freg.Kpt.d.R. Ernst HASSHAGEN) and 22nd U-Flotilla (Korvkpt. Wilhelm Ambrosius):

Dry-Run Exercises with Machinery/Mechanics; Weapons; Torpedoes.

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

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

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

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

RST
KorvKpt.& Cmdr. U 115

[Schizo]

well.. certainly some well written after action reports here. i'm just going to give it to you straight and simple.

just got done transporting an american spy into japan proper. now im assigned to patrol ewintok in the marianas for five days and recon the waves there. i'll report any enemy vessels damaged/sunk or the lack thereof in my follow up post.

[Kapitän]

Originally Posted by Schizo

well.. certainly some well written after action reports here.

Just trying to stay up to date with the B.d.U. Briefings and current events in the war