First Round 1939.

[tigre]

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 7, 1939, a dilemma was presented to the U-Bootwaffe, to decide whether the Atlantic U-boats will operate against merchant shipping or against the British naval forces. Real success against naval forces can only be expected if they are brought out of ports into the open sea. Our surface forces are so weak that they can hardly achieve this. It is conceivable that the main body of the English fleet, believed to be in Scapa, could be driven off by airstrikes. But air strikes are not a policy at the moment, so it was decided, in accordance with my proposal, to continue using the U-boats against merchant shipping.

According to what was proposed and according to the radio message transmitted at 7:02 pm, the order was issued to return to their ports of origin to the U-boats of the “Hundius” and “Wegener” flotillas.

U 37 North Atlantic - 8:18 - Torpedo against sighted British steamer DEFENDER fails (CG 1629). Early detonation. 21:41 - The torpedo against the British steamer "TAMAHA" (CG 1385) fails. 21:43 - The second torpedo against "TAMAHA" went out of control. Destroyed.

U 38 North Atlantic: in the area of ​​operations. Radio message received (CG 5210): order to return.

U 39 North Atlantic - In the area of ​​operations, without special occurrences (AM 27). Order to return received.

U 40 North Atlantic: in the area of ​​operations, without special occurrences. 21:00 - Radio message received (CF 9839): start the return journey. Navigation to the base began.

U 41 North Atlantic - 06:30 - The Island of Santa María, of the Azores in sight (CF 8150). 21:30 - Radio message received: start of the sail back to the north of England (CF 7150). Return navigation.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
https://www.germanmilitaria.com/Kriegsm ... 03374.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

Feliz Año Nuevo - Happy New Year - feliz Ano Novo - gluckliches Neues Jahr - Bonne Année - Felice Anno Nuovo - Szczęśliwego nowego roku!!

[tigre]

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 8, 1939, in order to make use of the return passage for reconnaissance purposes of the Iceland-Shetlands-Norway maritime zone, through radio message 1445,theU-boats were ordered to sail the following routes:

- Between the Faroe Islands and the Shetlands:
North third U 37
Central third U 38/41
South Thrd U 39/40

- Between the Shetlands and Norway:
West third U 37, 38, 39, 41
Central third U 40

U 37 North Atlantic - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents. The return navigation began. Bad vision (CG 1320); U 38 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (CG 42); U 39 North Atlantic - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AM 26); U 40 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (CF 38).

U 41 North Atlantic - On the way back (CF 5160). 18:07 - sighting of steamers. 19:32 - Shot in front of the bow (CF 4339). The steamer doesn't stop. Second shot. The steamer stops and starts again after displaying the flag. Third shot. The steamer stops and brings papers. She is the Norwegian NOTOS. No prohibited products. She follows.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 9, 1939, the first convoys of British troops left Southampton for Cherbourg. Submarines operating in the Atlantic will be informed of the content of Instruction No. 3. Consequently, only attacks against convoys, including those with French participation, north of the height of Brest are allowed. Passenger ships, even if they are part of a convoy, still cannot be attacked.

U 37 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (BE 37).

U 38 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (BE 92).

U 39 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (AM 26).

U 40 North Atlantic - On the way back. Torpedo boats and destroyers sighted, not steamers (CF 3867).

U 41 North Atlantic - On the way back. 18:42 - The Swedish steamer CASTOR (BE 7993) was halted. She stopped only after the second warning shot. She has 24 survivors from the GARTAVON sunk by U 47 on board. Otherwise, there are no prohibited products. He went on.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 10, 1939, the Naval High Command (OKM) decided to intensify the mine warfare against the United Kingdom with submarines. In the OKM the first talks are being held on the expansion of Gotenhafen (Gdingen), in Polish Gdynia, to a military port. The relocation of the Submarine School and the Torpedo School to the site is discussed.

U 37 North Atlantic - On the way back. 2:15 p.m. - Steamer in sight (AM 7113). After overcoming she is recognized as neutral.

U 38 North Atlantic - On the way back. 21:15 - The French steamer "JUTLAND" is stopped (BE 6812). No prohibited products. She went on.

U 39 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (AM 27).

U 40 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (BE 86).

U 41 North Atlantic - On the way back. 03:50 - The American steamer "HYBERT" stopped (BE 8194). No prohibited products. She went on.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 11, 1939, an intelligence report (radio listening) was received reporting on the sinking of the S.S. Firby (4683 TPB) on Grid 1366 AM west of the Faroe Islands. This success should have a very strong effect, as so far no submarines have appeared in this area (victim of U 48). Intelligence reports via radio listening on convoys are coming in in increasing numbers. The assembly area in the Bristol Channel is still being broadcast to U-boats. Otherwise, there is no clear image.

The FdU received the directive that all ships with cargo for Great Britain or destination ports in countries that declared war on Germany or severed relations must be stopped and investigated. For the Atlantic, all the previous provisions remain in force. In the afternoon of the same day this instruction is revoked.

U 37 North Atlantic - On the way back. Six empty ATHENIA's lifeboats (AM 1870) were sighted.

U 38 North Atlantic - On the way back. 12:35 - The American steamer STEWARD (BE 6232) stopped. No prohibited products. 13:50 - The British steamer INVERLIFFEY (BE 6337) stopped. The ship sails to London. Crew delivered to STEWARD. Ship sunk by torpedo. The entire crew of the INVERLIFFEY survived the sinking (48 ° 14 'N - 11 ° 48' W) of the tanker loaded with 13,000 t of fuel. The ship was flying the Irish flag at the time of being stopped.

U 39 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (AM 20).

U 40 North Atlantic - On the way back. Immersion alarm for rapidly disappearing steamer (BE 2614).

U 41 North Atlantic - On the way back. 13:29 - Submerged in front of the Norwegian steamer DAGMARHOLM (BE 3771). Nothing suspicious. However, she was actually the British steamer DAGMAR.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 12, 1939, it were ordered to the the Atlantic U-boats in return passage to report when they left Norderney or Abelö. The U-boats should not approach the Shetlands-Iceland line. Returning units were instructed on the approach routes to Kiel and Wilhelmshaven.

U 37 North Atlantic - On the way back. Airstrike by unidentified aircraft, two bombs. No damage (AM 31).
U 38 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (BE 36).
U 39 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (AM 25).
U 40 North Atlantic - AM 75 - On the way back, without special incidents (AM 75).
U 41 North Atlantic - On the way back. 08:30 - Sighting of a steamer (AM 7971). She is the Danish EMANUEL. Nothing suspicious, she was not stopped due to bad weather.

On September 13, 1939 a radio message was sent to the Atlantic U-boats, informing them of the warning to ships along the Dungeness - Downs line and mines in front of the St. Catherine lighthouse. Revised list of contraband received according to secret message 6035 from the Naval Warfare Staff. An extract was transmitted to the submersibles of the Atlantic.

The German naval attaché in WASHINGTON will make oral and written presentations to the US DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY and comment there on allegations that GERMANY is waging UNLIMITED SUBMARINE WARFARE. These accusations were made by the US after the sinking of the ATHENIA.

U 37 North Sea - On the way back. Either north or west of the Shetland Islands without protection (AF 7910 - AN 22).
U 38 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (AM 81).
U 39 North Atlantic - On the way back, no special incidents (AM 25).
U 40 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (AM 43).
U 41 North Atlantic - On the way back. 08:37 - Sighting of the British fishing steamer FD 150 (AM 2969). It was not stopped due to rough seas.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 14, 1939, a conference was held with the Admiral Superintendent of Maintenance about the torpedo situation. Maintenance had stated that all delivered G7es were adapted for shooting at an angle. Consequently, the submarines were informed on September 7. Then, on the afternoon of the 13th, he reported that a gyro-angle equipment had been installed, but the queues had not been adapted. These errors must not occur. It remains to be seen if this has caused errors. 90 degree angle shots canceled.

The Radio Intelligence Service reports that the Vancouver City, British Influence and Fanad Head steamers have been sunk; the sunk tonnage has thus passed the mark of 100,000 t.

U 37 North Sea - AN 34 - On the way back, without special incidents.

U 38 North Atlantic - AM 2942 - On the way back. 04:40 - three British destroyers spotted. Useless attack.

U 39 North Atlantic - AM 2548 - 15:46 - The U-boat was sunk by escort destroyers after a failed attack with two torpedoes against the aircraft carrier ARK ROYAL. After a failed attack on the British aircraft carrier HMS ARK ROYAL, U 39 was attacked with depth charges and sunk by the British destroyers HMS FAULKNER, HMS FIREDRAKE and HMS FOXHOUND. Since U 39 was still able to emerge, there were no casualties among the crew, all 44 men were taken prisoner by the British. The U 39 was the first German submarine lost in World War II. At this point, she was at sea for 27 days.

U 40 North Atlantic - AM 2640 - On the way back, without special incidents. Sea 5-6, wind 6-7.

U 41 North Atlantic - AM 24 - On the way back, without special incidents.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 15, 1939 and during the course of the day, U 37 entered Wilhelmshaven, without success, bad luck. Numerous radio intelligence reports received point to an increase in convoy traffic. Since September 13, no more steamers gatherings have been posted in the Bristol Channel. This also points to the convoy system being refined.

U 37 North Sea / Wilhelmshaven - 13:17 - arrived at Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). End of the 1st Patrol. The U-boat was at sea for 28 days.

U 38 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (AM 24).

U 40 North Atlantic - On the way back, without special incidents (AM 31).

U 41 North Sea - On the way back. 05:40 - Sighting of a Danish steamer (AF 7820). She was not stopped, heavy seas. 21:40 - The Danish steamer TEXAS (AN 2750) was stopped. No prohibited products. Released.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more..................................

The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 16, 1939 in order to obtain more information on the English trade routes, the amount of merchant maritime traffic and the convoy system, a collection of investigation questions was sent to the intelligence service.

By secret message 6559 from the Supreme Command of the Navy, Naval General Staff (1st Division), control of the submarines in the Baltic has been transferred to the FdU / West. The U-boats employed to monitor the KATTEGAT are withdrawn from the F.d.OST area of ​​responsibility and subordinated to the FdU. The submarines employed in the BALTIC SEA will be retired, as their subsequent use cannot be justified due to the lack of targets. The five U-boats of the U-FLOTTILLE EMSMANN are subordinate to the Fd WEST

Successes: U 41 brought in 2 Finnish ships from the North Sea as prey. No sinking.

U 38 North Sea - On the way back through the SHETLAND-FAROE PASSAGE. On the Shetland and Faroe Islands, there are no escorts (AF 77 - AN 14).

U 40 North Sea - On the way back, without special incidents (AN 43).

U 41 North Sea - On the way back. 05:05 - Finnish steamer VEGA (AN 4639) stopped. Goods prohibited on board. Sent to Wilhelmshaven with a group of prey. 06:30 - The Finnish steamer SOUMEN POIKA stopped. She also had prohibited merchandise on board. Sent to Wilhelmshaven together with VEGA. 11:25 - Danish steamer stopped. Plane in sight. Immersion. Steamer continued after 15 minutes. The U-boat remained submerged.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more..................................

The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 17, 1939, the Naval Operations Department decided to force an investigation into the causes of the frequent failure of submarine torpedoes of the G7e and G7a types. In addition to the military disadvantages, attention is also drawn to the psychological stress of the submarine crew.

U 38 North Sea - On the way back. 09:48 - Finnish steamer ODWAR II (AN 3818) stopped. 11:08 - Finnish steamer ELISABETH (AN 3819) stopped. They did not transport prohibited products, released. 18:30 - Meeting with U 40 (AN 3857).

U 40 North Sea - On the way back. 09:48 - The stop of a steamer by U 38 (AN 3818) was observed. 18:30 - U 38 emerged to port (AN 3857).

U 41 North Sea / Wilhelmshaven - On the way back. 04:00 - the two Finnish steamers captured the day before came forward. 13:10 - German guards took the two seized ships. 15:54 - Arrival in Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). End of the 1st Patrol. The U-boat was at sea for 30 days and captured two ships with a total of 2,172 GRT. U 41 will be docked at WILHELMSHAVEN for overhaul and modernization.

On September 18, 1939 U 38 and U 40 entered the port.

Successes:
U 38 sank Manaar 7,200 tons and Inverliffey 9,445 tons. Total 14,645 tons
U 40 without sinkings.

Various radio intelligence reports received during the last week clearly show that the enemy is introducing convoy systems into the Mediterranean. Inappropriate launching of torpedoes is of great concern. The G7a and G7e torpedoes have repeatedly detonated after a run of about 250 meters, before hitting the target. The Torpedo Inspection does not know why at this time. Every effort is being made to remedy the defect.

Around noon, the OKM arrived at Group Headquarters. He asked about the submarine warfare process and raised the question of sending submarines to the Mediterranean to withdraw light naval forces from the North Sea. In my opinion, it would not be good, with the few submarines available today, to divide them into too many theaters of war.

U 38 North Sea / Wilhelmshaven - 14:00 - Arrival in Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). End of the 1st Patrol. The U-boat was at sea for 31 days and sank two Allied merchant ships.

U 40 North Sea / Wilhelmshaven - 10:00 - Arrival in Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). End of the 1st Patrol. The U-boat was at sea for 31 days. The U 40 will be overhauled and optimized.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 19, 1939, Admiral RAEDER ordered the creation of a submarine insignia, which will be delivered in the future after three long-range operational patrols.

The former designation FdU is replaced by BdU. The tasks of the FdU and the FdU WEST will initially remain together in DÖNITZ. The newly created office is called BdU-OPERATIONSABTEILUNG and is based in KIEL. The U-SCHULE and the U-BOOTABWEHRSCHULE are subordinate to the BdU. The submarine tasks in the BALTIC SEA will be declared finished, the post of the FdU OST will be dissolved, and the safeguarding of the approaches to the Baltic Sea will in the future be in charge of surface forces.

All U-Flotille submersibles were in port, except for U 39, which would never return.

On September 20, 1939 radio intelligence reports give the impression that England is now using its air force on a large scale against submarines. The operation is favored by the calm weather conditions.

Still no news from U 39. The boat should have been home a few days ago, but there are many possible reasons for the delay. It is not intended to order her to establish her position, as this would not be helpful to the submersible and may make it difficult to get back from her.

GDINGEN will become a pure naval (military) port by order of Hitler. Initially, the port facilities will continue to be used for the export of coal. The entire civilian population must evacuate the city. GDINGEN is now officially called GOTENHAFEN.

A British SUNDERLAND reports an attack on a suspected German submarine. According to his own account, the target is badly damaged (49 ° 42'N-07 ° 25'W / BF 24). There is no German confirmation (this day the U-27 was sunk, but by surface naval forces).

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

FELICES PASCUAS - HAPPY EASTER - FROHE OSTERN - JOYEUSES PÂQUES - FELIZ PÁSCOA - BUONA PASQUA!

[tigre]

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 21, 1939, the long-awaited report from U 30 was received. Now it is essential to hear from the U 39. In radio message 0837 she was ordered for the first time to report her position.

A message was received from the Naval Warfare General Staff, ordering that all attacks on French ships be avoided at all costs. This means that submarines cannot operate in the Canal against troop transports. Therefore, I informed the Naval Warfare General Staff that, if this order is upheld, I cannot allow the submersibles to operate in the Canal. At first, the Naval Warfare General Staff did not make a final decision on conduct towards France, but then Captain Fricke informed me by phone that today's order was canceled and that things were as before, that is, the French ships could be sunk without warning if they were sailing in convoys north of the latitude of Brest.

Kplt. WOLFGANG BARTEN takes command of U 40 because Kplt. VON SCHMIDT has to abandon the boat due to illness.

On September 22, 1939, the BdU specified that it did not seem necessary or desirable to establish defined limits of areas of operations for the 4 U-boats that remain in the maritime zone SW of England. There is hardly any information available here regarding the escort of the navigation, the main direction of the traffic of the maritime patrol, etc.

The BdU drafted a memorandum for the Naval War Department with demands for the use of submarines without warnings against ships with blackout. Another requirement is to be able to sink halted merchant ships using their transmitters without prior notice. First of all, this is essential to protect the submersibles themselves.

U 39 was again ordered to report her position. The signal was made several times during the night on the waves of the North Sea and the Atlantic.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 23, 1939 the U 39 was not yet reported. Her radio may not work, but even at low speed she should have gotten home by now. It must be assumed that she is lost. A British broadcast reports the arrival of captured U-boat crews in England.

Returning U-boats say that in a great many cases ships use their radio when ordered to stop, with the result that in several cases aircraft have appeared over reported positions. In this way, the ships aid enemy anti-submarine activity. I consider it necessary to take measures against these ships to prevent them from participating in anti-submarine operations in this way, and I have asked the Naval War Department for a decision. The question of the treatment of French ships is increasingly urgent with current developments (troop transport, convoys).

RAEDER came to ZOPPOT in DANZIG for a meeting with Hitler and Generaloberst KEITEL. Fundamental issues are discussed. After a detailed conference on the current situation of the submarines, RAEDER obtained Hitler's promise to break the link with regard to the acts of attack against the French ships. Also, stopped ships using the radio equipment can be sunk immediately. Cargo ships, which have been identified as hostile, may be attacked in the future without warning due to their increasing armament. Only passenger ships are excluded from this. In addition, a broad expansion of the submarine construction program is discussed. The Naval War Command considers necessary an increase of 20 to 30 ships per month.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On September 24, 1939, through the very secret message 8027, the Naval War Staff dictates the following rule: French ships must be treated in the same way as English ships. For passenger ships, the orders issued so far remain in effect. Merchant ships that use their radio when stopped must be seized or sunk. Mines can be laid on the French coast. The submersibles were ordered accordingly via radio message 1641.

September 25, 1939 the Korvettenkapitän WERNER HARTMANN takes over U 37 and becomes the new commander of the U-boat.

September 26, 1939 The condition of the U-boats when they return varies greatly from case to case. The periods required for repairs differ greatly and the next operation often depends more on this situation than on the condition of the crew. This means that, necessarily, if full use is made of the submersibles, there will be periods during which a large number of them will engage the enemy and periods when there will be only a few in the area of ​​operations.

On September 27, 1939, several heavy units of the English naval forces that penetrated to the center of the North Sea have been damaged by aviation bombs. According to reconnaissance and radio intelligence reports, they are returning to their bases.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

September 28, 1939 The Fürhrer visited the Submarine Force Command and his CO gave details, in the presence of the Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine and General Keitel only, of the operation of the submarines so far and the prospects for a submarine war. After explaining the individual operating problems for the Atlantic and the North Sea, Dönitz summarized his views on the subject. The Führer spent an hour with the submarine officers at the club and then left Wilhelmshaven.

September 29, 1939 RAEDER speaks to Hitler against facilitating the trade war against Scandinavian shipping. The concessions, particularly to DENMARK, would only lead to "piercing the blockade of England". Considerations of this kind became necessary in the political leadership after the massive protests from the neutral Scandinavian countries.

September 30, 1939 Almost all U-boats are at home now. Dönitz will use this opportunity to address the submarine commanders in Wilhelmshaven and then in Kiel, giving them instructions once more and explaining the mistakes they made before they set sail again.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .