7 U-Boat Flotilla

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

November 20, 1939.

U 53 lost the convoy when she changed course. However, U 41 was still there and made beacon signals. It is strange that there is still no news of sinking after such a long chase. U 53 attacked and heard 2 explosions. It can be assumed that U 41 also attacked. No failures have been reported. Probably the U-boats have not been able to observe results after firing. So far nothing is known about U 49. According to a French report, a German submarine is said to have been sunk. Submersibles have been ordered to report their positions and intentions.

U 47 North Sea - AN 2161 - 04:45 - Shetland Islands coast in sight. 07:29 - submerged. The aircraft carrier reported in Blue Mull Sound is not there. AN 1261 - 14:00 - Yell Sound (strait) is visualized. Fishing boats only.

U 48 Kiel / Brunsbüttel - AO 7725 / AN 96 - 22:00 - Departure from Kiel (AO 7725). Start of the 3rd Patrol. 22:30 - 05:00 Navigation on the Kaiser Wilhelm canal to Brunsbüttel (AN 96).

U 49 North Atlantic - BE 6696 - 01:20 - After depth charge pursuit by destroyers, surfaced to charge batteries. The submersible is damaged and can no longer be considered operational. BE 6997 - 22:17 - destroyer in sight. Dive without being detected.

U 53 North Atlantic - BF 49 - Search for the convoy lost the day before. Unsuccessfully. BF 5489 - 20:00 - start of the return march.

November 21, 1939.

U 49 did not report until much later that she had been damaged by depth charges and her forward torpedo tubes were rendered useless. As she only has one aft tube left in service, she has been ordered back. The attack on the convoy must be considered over. The originally planned disposition cannot be carried out now as U 49 has to return home and the other U-boats have only a limited amount of fuel left.

U 53 reported that she was beginning her return passage. U 48 sailed, for the first time with an anti-mine escort, through the declared area. In connection with a large-scale operation of our own battleships, U 47 has been held in the area west of Orkney.

End of the second tactical wolf pack operation of the German U-boats. In the so-called VERSUCHSFALL B, have taken part U 41, U 43 and U 53.

U 47 North Atlantic - AM 3534 - 10:53 - alarm dive in front of aircraft and then maintained by a fishing boat. 14:02 - Surface. 20:01 - Diving alarm in front of a destroyer. Immersion to 93 m. No depth charges. 20:40 - Surface and pursuit of the destroyer. Sea 8. Lots of waves. hunt cancelled. Submerged.

U 48 Brunsbüttel / North Sea - AN 9685 / AN 9592 / AN 9582 / AN 6983 / AN 6834. 06:50 - Set sail from Brunsbüttel / Schleuse. 16:30 - midnight - Navigation with anti-mining escort of the 2nd Minesweeper Flotilla (until AN 6834).

U 49 North Atlantic - BE 6993 - 00:00 - The intention to carry a torpedo from the upper deck container to the stern tube was abandoned, since a lot of water enters the interior due to the swell. BF 7459 - 08:00 - 09:45 -A forced dive by an aircraft.

U 53 North Atlantic - BF 51 - Return sailing, without special incidents.

U 55 Commissioning under the command of the Kplt. WERNER HEIDEL at the U-Flotille Wegener in Kiel.

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

November 22, 1939.

The Naval Warfare General Staff received a message from the Romanian Naval Attaché in London. This shows that the British government allows neutral ships to travel in a convoy if the following conditions are met:

1. The UK Admiralty is not responsible for the loss of the ship in question.
2. The ships in question must trade with or for the UK or allied countries.
3. The entry of neutral ships into a convoy does not exclude the presence of British ships.

U 47 North Atlantic - AM 36 - In the area of operations, without special incidents.

U 48 North Sea - AN 6549 / AN 6199 / AN 6167 / AN 4974 / AN 4835 / AN 4549 - Towards the area of operations, without special incidents.

U 49 North Atlantic - BF 7185 / BF 4749 / BF 4718 / BE 6669 / BE 6398 / BE 6361 - Marching back, without special incidents.

U 53 North Atlantic - BF 11 - Marching back, without special incidents.

November 23, 1939.

German submarines are ordered not to take crews from merchant ships on board, except those who may be taken to Germany as prisoners of war.

Second day of operation of the German surface units, to support them several submarines have taken up holding positions to the west and east of the Orkneys.

U 47 North Atlantic - AM 4645-04:28 - light shells at 70°. Approach in that direction. AM 4373-11:39 - Destroyer appears from a sheet of rain. emergency dive.

U 48 North Sea - AN 4435 / AN 4191 / AN 4121 / AN 1499 / AN 1632 / AN 2678 - Marching to the area of operations. No special incidents.

U 49 North Atlantic - BF - In the area of operations. No special incidents.

U 53 North Atlantic - AM 7654 - Sighting of the Norwegian steamer STROMBOLI. She was not stopped as this seemed useless to the commanding officer.

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

November 24, 1939.

Third day of operations of the German surface fleet in the northern North Sea, running with submarine support. Due to the current confusion of the situation, Dönitz decided to leave the submarines in the Orkneys and Shetlands area in his position. The worsening weather, however, significantly limits the use of weapons by submersibles.

The Wehrmacht Communiqué announces the following report: ...The New York Times reported heavy damage to the British cruiser BELFAST confirmed by a submarine report that a SOUTHAMPTON-class cruiser has been torpedoed in the FIRTH OF FORTH.

U 47 North Atlantic - AM 36 - In the area of operations, without special incidents.

U 48 North Sea - AN 2675 / AN 2674 / AN 1633 / AN 1623 / AN 1497 / AN 1495 / AN 1493 - 05:15 - Destroyer in sight. She followed her course (AN 2674). 15:27 - Submerged in front of 2 aircraft (AN 1497).

U 49 North Atlantic - AM 7387 / AM 7324 / AM 4954 / AM 4681 / AM 4623 / AM 5144 - On return march, no special incidents.

U 53 North Atlantic - AM 46 - Return march, no particular incident.

November 25, 1939.

There is still no indication what steps the British High Command is taking. Weather conditions prevent aerial reconnaissance. However, as the British fleet can no longer be assumed to be in the Clyde, the 2 western submersibles, U 47 and U 35, were ordered to move further north-east, off the Pentland Firth and Fair Island Passage. Here too they will be in a better position to cut off the fleet east of Shetlands if this were necessary.

U 47 North Atlantic - In the area of operations, without special incidents (AM 36).

U 48 North Sea - 05:30 - Sighting of destroyers (AN 1495). Dodged. 20:15 - Tanker in sight (AN 2655). Attack. 23:32 - First torpedo shot. Failure. Rejected by a destroyer. (AN 1495 - AN 1497 - AN 1622 - AN 2677 - AN 2655 - AN 1461)

U 49 North Atlantic: On return march, without special incidents. (AM 2994 - AM 0213 - AM 2861 - AM 3549 - AM 3534 - AM 3448)

U 53 North Atlantic - On return march, without special incidents (AM 27).

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

November 26, 1939.

The bad weather continues. It is highly doubtful that there are still light forces at sea; They have probably sought refuge on the coast. It is also possible that they have had to stop at protected places to refuel, since they have been at sea for some time. Therefore, the 4 submersibles were ordered to search the eastern coasts of the Shetlands and Orkneys, especially Lerwik. Another good reason for giving this order was the fact that, in this weather at sea, submersibles would probably not be able to attack, while on the leeward coast, this might still be possible.

U 47 North Atlantic - 02:26 - Bad weather. Submerged (AN 1544). Sea 6, rain. The sea can still be felt at 30 m, submerged at 40 m.

U 48 North Sea - 00:30 - Second launch against the steamer of the previous day (AN 1452). Impact. The Swedish GUSTAF E. REUTER was sunk. One man from the crew loses his life on the tanker, which breaks into two parts and sinks after the torpedo hit (AN 1452). 20:35 - After the radio message, stationed in Lervik Bay for reconnaissance. (AN 1452 - AN 2619 - AN 2644 - AN 2647 - AN 1493)

U 49 North Atlantic / North Sea - 00:00 - Two destroyers evaded (AM 3423). Full moon, bright as day. There is no possibility of an attack. (AM 3423 - AN 1145 - AN 1131 - AF 7842 - AF 7853 - AF 7978)

U 53 North Atlantic - Return march, without special incidents (AM 32).

November 27, 1939.

Aerial reconnaissance identified several groups of light and heavy naval forces at noon in the Shetland-Norway Strait, on different courses. Contact was lost after 2 hours, due to the lack of fuel of the following aircraft. However, it is clear that the enemy intends to take a cutting position here. The search along the leeward coast was apparently unsuccessful. A slight temporary improvement in the weather is expected. I decided to let the 3 submersibles off the Shetland coast do a reconnaissance east to the Norwegian coast.

Reasons:
1) Searching the coast did not lead to anything; apparently there is nothing there.
2) The enemy was in the Shetlands-Norway Strait. Since the situation as a whole has not changed, it can be expected that it will still be there tomorrow (our own battleships have not returned yet).
3) The improvement in the weather forecast should mean that the boats will be able to attack.

Our own battleships have returned from the operation; his return passage apparently went unnoticed.

U 47 North Atlantic - 11:00 - Alarm dive in front of a destroyer (AN 1350). Attack. The destroyer moves quickly. 18:20 - Foula Island in sight (AN 1417). March through the gap.

U 48 North Sea – 12:15 – Submerged due to aircraft 13:54 – Submerged due destroyer (AN 2613). 24:00 - There are no steamers, escorts or barriers at Lerwick Bay (AN 2174). (AN 2647 - AN 2645 - AN 2616 - AN 2613 - AN 2178 - AN 2174)

U 49 North Sea - 17:43 - The Norwegian steamer RUTH I was stopped (AN 4670). She sails in ballast. Continued.

U 53 North Sea - AN 27 - On the way back, without special incidents (AN 27).

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

November 28, 1939.

Aerial reconnaissance again identified enemy forces in the Strait. Shortly thereafter, U 35 reported a London-class cruiser and then U 47 reported a hit on another London-class cruiser. Therefore, the decision to send the submersibles into the strait was correct.

Since there is no indication that the enemy knows that the Surface Fleet has returned home, it is to be expected that it will remain in its blocking position again tomorrow. I have decided to let the U-boats stay in the same area.

U 47 North Atlantic - 12:49 - Cruiser in sight (AN 2250). Attack. 13:34 - Torpedo against the cruiser. Impact. (not confirmed, could have been HMS NORFOLK according to Ritschel). There is no confirmation from allied sources, the British account speaks of the torpedo detonated in the keel of the cruiser (AN 2250).

U 48 North Sea - 01:50 - cruiser on course opposite to sight (AN 2185). It is not possible to attack or keep in touch due to the hurricane. The submersible returns to Lerwick Bay. 12:00 - Only 2 fishing steamers in the bay (AN 2174). 23:05 - 1 destroyer and 1 steamer in sight (AN 2273). Attack. 23:32 - Missed first torpedo shot. 23:55 - The second torpedo detonated early. 23:56 - Emergency dive due a destroyer. No depth charges. (AN 2185 - AN 2184 - AN 2174 - AN 2178 - AN 2195 - AN 2273).

U 49 North Sea / Brunsbüttel - On return march. No dead reckoning for three days. 23:45 - Moored in Brunsbüttel (AN 9694). AN 3758 - AN 6632 - AN 9694. The submersible was at sea for 20 days and sank an allied merchant ship with a total of 4,258 GRT.

U 53 North Sea - On return march, without special incidents (AN 6635).

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

November 29, 1939.

Again, aerial reconnaissance identified light naval forces and a convoy northeast of them in the same area. The weather is still very stormy. Apparently, the U-boats have not been able to attack. Since it must now be taken that the return of the German Surface Fleet cannot remain unknown to the enemy for much longer, it makes no sense for the submersibles to remain in the Shetland-Norway Strait for another day, especially since it is believed that there are many destroyers nearby.

U 47 and U 48 will continue their passage towards the North Atlantic. U 49 entered port. She only managed to fire one torpedo during the short time she was in the Atlantic, at an escorted steamer that probably sank. The ship sustained considerable damage from depth charges. There are no more details. The propaganda organization has exaggerated the impact of U 47 on a cruiser to the point of sinking. From the military's point of view, these inaccuracies and exaggerations are undesirable.

U 47 North Atlantic - 08:54 - Submerged due to aircraft (AN 23). Four depth charges nearby. No damage 11:41 - 15 depth charges at long range and close. No damage (AN 2326). U 47 was attacked by three British warships.

U 48 North Sea - 02:05 - As the day before, steamer with a destroyer escort in sight (AN 2250). U-boat trap? 07:00 - 1 steamer and 4 - 5 destroyers in sight (AN 2264). 07:13 - Discovered. Emergency dive. Until 12:30 - 19 depth charges very close. No major damage. (AN 2250 - AN 2258 - AN 2264 - AN 2293 - AN 2376 - AN 2396)

U 49 Brunsbüttel / Kiel - 00:20 - Set sail from Brunsbüttel (AN 9694). Navigation through the Kaiser Wilhelm canal (AN 96 - AO 77) to Kiel. 05:30 - Stranded on embankment after command system failure. The submersible was able to free itself. 06:45 - Moored in Kiel (AO 7727). End of the 1st Patrol. Review in the shipyard.

U 53 North Sea - AN 93 - On return way, without special incidents (AN 93).

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

November 30, 1939.

U 53 entered port. This is the submersible that was in the shadow of the convoy to the west of Portugal and Vizcaya from the 17th to the 19th and whose operational orders specified penetrating the Mediterranean. She didn't sink anything on this patrol. The Commanding Officer's report shows that she had many chances to attack but didn't take advantage of them. The U-boat did not show enough fighting spirit. Therefore, I have decided to relieve the Commanding Officer.

The B.d.U. informed the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy in Berlin about the results of the mine warfare and his further intentions. For later actions Dönitz thought of Falmouth, Plymouth, St. Albans Head, St. Catherines Deep, Royal Sovereign and Dungeness as objectives. Higher Command agreed with the proposals and also gave instructions to organize the laying of mines in Halifax and Blyth.

U 47 North Sea - in the area of operations, without special incidents (AF 78).

U 48 North Sea - 00:18 - FT Entry: "U 47 and U 48 continue to operate in the Atlantic." Navigation to new area of operations, without special incidents. (AN 2386 - AN 2295 - AN 2285 - AN 2276 - AN 2277 - AN 2179)

U 53 North Sea / Kiel - On return. 06:25-In the march along the blue route, she passed the green flashing buoy. The submersible was located 10 nautical miles too far to the west due to incorrect location of the radio direction and she was probably already in the minefield. 12:25 - 19:15 - March through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal (AN 96 - AO 77). 19:55 - Arrival in Kiel (AO 7727). Completion of the 2nd Patrol. U 53 was at sea for 40 days. After returning, the CO, Kplt. Ernst-Günther HEINICKE was relieved of his command because, from the point of view of his superiors, he did not have the courage to run a submarine and had not taken advantage of his opportunities to sink ships. HEINICKE transferred to auxiliary cruiser WIDDER as I WO.

December 1, 1939.

The SACHSENWALD meteorological observation ship and the CORDILLERA accommodation ship arrive at SAPADNAJA-LIZA Bay. They reinforce the so-called BASIS NORD.

U 47 North Atlantic - 07:49 - Sighting of a steamer (AN 1173). It is the Norwegian TRONDHEIM. He was not stopped.

U 48 North Sea / North Atlantic - 09:46 - 11:12 submerged in front of an escort (AN 1419). Barely busy passage. The submersible will attempt to pass it at night. Bad weather. Immersion navigation to the south. (AN 2617 - AN 1419 - AN 1332 - AN 1318 - AM 3455 - AM 3393).

U 49 Beginning of the stay at the DEUTSCHE WERKE shipyard in KIEL.

U 51 in formation.

U 53 the I WO, Olt. Heinrich SCHONDER assumes command of the U-boat.

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

December 2, 1939.

U 47 and U 48 were also ordered to report their fuel stocks. It is necessary to find out how far south they could still operate, since the weather conditions outside the Canal seem very unfavorable.

U 47 North Atlantic - 07:26 - Sighting of a steamer (AM 2626). Neutral.

U 48 North Atlantic - Marching towards the area of operations, without special incidents. (AM 3379 - AM 2623 - AM 2616 - AM 2563 - AM 2583 - AM 2724).

December 3, 1939.

According to the reports received (U 47 and U 48), they could still operate south of Finisterre for a few days. No decision can be made until we see what the weather is like when they arrive out of the Channel, not before 05/12. In itself it would be better to have them outside the Channel, since they could operate there for longer.

U 46 will be ready to operate in the next few days. The boat will operate on the west coast of Portugal. Currently, this is the best area for submarines operating against merchant shipping, since winter conditions are better.

U 47 North Atlantic - In the area of operations, without special incidents (AM 51).

U 48 North Atlantic - Marching towards the new area of operations, without special incidents. 21:20 - Sending of the weather report. (AM 2748 - AM 2911 - AM 0165 - AM 0168 - AM 4321).

December 4, 1939.

A south-westerly gale was battering the Irish Sea. U 47 and U 48, which will arrive soon, will hardly be able to do anything in such weather conditions. U 47 was ordered to report if weather made action impossible. In this case, BdU intends to send the submersibles to the south of Finisterre despite the short time they will be able to stay there.

At 18:18 all German submarines are informed by FdU WEST about an enemy submarine at position 54°30'N - 5°E.

U 47 North Atlantic - In the area of operations, without special incidents (AM 81).

U 48 North Atlantic - Marching towards the new area of operations, without special incidents. Under water due bad weather. (AM 4373 - AM 4619 - AM 4679 - AM 4943 - AM 4949).

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

December 5, 1939.

It was a mistake to send U 25, U 26 and U 53 to the Mediterranean. U 25 had to turn back before getting there, U 53 was unable to get through, and U 26 encountered almost no traffic worth noting. This patrol shows all the disadvantages of a long outward voyage. The U-boats can only operate for a few days and the operation is unsuccessful if it finds no traffic in those few days.

The Kriegsmarine Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Erich Raeder visits the BdU Headquarters (Dönitz).

U 47 North Atlantic - 14:15 - Convoy OB-46, nine large steamers and destroyers, sighted (BF 1125). Stroke. BF 1128 - 14:40 - Torpedo on one of the steamers. Impact. The British ship NAVASOTA was sunk. The destroyers are coming. Launch two well-aimed depth charges. The ship plunges to 133 m. Unclear surface situation, attacks do not continue. In the NAVASOTA sailing with ballast, 37 men lost their lives, another 45 crew members were rescued (BF 1128/50°43' N - 10°16' W). After her attack, U 47 is in turn attacked with two depth charges and lightly damaged.

U 48 North Atlantic - Marching towards the new area of operations, without special incidents. (AM 4973 - AM 7312 - AM 7623 - AM 7682 - AM 7932 - AM 8779).

December 6, 1939.

The BdU requested the Naval Warfare General Staff to extend the limits within which darkened ships can be attacked without warning. This is desirable:

1) in view of the current operation of U 38 in the Westfjord. The English ships are most likely obscured. Almost all of them are painted gray, to make them less conspicuous, and they are armed.
2) for submarine operations in the Mediterranean and off the Portuguese coast. Returning U-boats say they sighted obscured ships there and were never sure what to do. The action according to the prize law is very difficult and dangerous for the submarine, especially near Gibraltar.

The Naval War General Staff would not give its approval, since there could be German ships off the Norwegian and Spanish coasts.

The German Naval Attaché in Rome, Kapitänz.S. Löwisch, in a meeting with the Naval War General Staff, received the order to clarify several questions about the future behavior of ITALY. Among other things, what possibilities are there really for the supply of submarines in Italian ports and bases?

The BdU reports that four submersibles are not operational due to sand being found in the engine oil. Two ships of the Flotilla, U 51 and U 52 were affected. Submarines are out of action for a week. Background investigations are already underway.

U 47 North Atlantic - 19:58 - Sighting of an oil tanker (BF 2473). Attack. 20:19 - Torpedo against the tanker (BF 2449). Impact. The Norwegian BRITTA was sunk. Six men from the crew of the tanker, which was sailing in ballast, lost their lives (BF 2449). 22:30 - Ship of around 1,000 t sighted (BF 2495). Attack. 23:02 - Torpedo misses. 23:14 - The second torpedo passed under the hull of the ship. Probably underestimated. The ship had a maximum of 400 t.

U 48 North Atlantic - March towards the new area of operations. 03:25 - 2 destroyers sighted heading west (BF 1134). Dodged. (BF 1134 - BF 1222 - BF 1312 - AM 8978 - AM 8966 - AM 9716).

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

December 7, 1939.

The BdU received a negative order from the Naval Warfare General Staff the day before regarding its request to expand attack zones for submarines, which again essentially refers to the return of camouflaged German merchant ships from Norwegian and Spanish ports.

14:54 hours, all submarines receive a warning from FdU WEST about an obstacle to navigation at position 55°52'N - 00°37'W, which is probably a drifting wreck.

U 47 North Atlantic -The U-boat is located off the western outlet of the English Channel (BF 28). Animated neutral traffic from the English Channel. 05:20 - Sighting of one ship. Stroke. 05:24 - Torpedo against the vessel (BF 2819). Impact. The Dutch TAJANDOEN (8159 BRT) was sunk. In the sinking six crew members lost their lives (BF 2819/49°09' N - 04°51' W). The motorship TAJANDOEN carried general cargo, including cement, iron and glassware, also 14 passengers.

U 48 North Atlantic - On the way to the new area of operations, without special incidents. (AM 9716 - AM 9762 - AM 9729 - AM 9776 - BF 2118 - BF 1393).

December 8, 1939.

The B-Dienst presents the situation in the HOLLAND-GREAT BRITAIN traffic as follows: Cargo ships assemble at NORDHINDER between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. and are then taken under escort there by the British naval forces between 23:00 and 02:00.

An indication of the presence of the U-boats U 47 and U 48 off the Channel and south of Ireland is given in the first reports of shipwrecks.

U 47 North Atlantic - 12:24 - light sighting (BF 2646). Approach. Two fishing steamers. 23:25 - Surveillance sighted (BF 2761). Targets too small.

U 48 North Atlantic - 09:00 - Two steamers in sight of St. Georg Channel. 11:55 - torpedo fired at the first (BF 1532). Impact. The British steamer BRANDON sinks after 10 minutes. BRANDON (6668 GRT) was part of convoy OB-48 and was sailing in ballast, nine people lost their lives from the torpedo hit (BF 1532/50°28' N - 08°28' W). 13:33 - Convoy in sight and passes ahead (BF 1531). 14:48 - Submerged to attack. Severe vibrations from 4 aerial bombs at 15m. 14:52 - Detected by destroyer. Submerged to 90 m. 15:10 - At 110 m 2 depth charges directly on the boat. 15:35 - At 135 m 3 more charges (Wabos). The U-boat is aground and receives 10 more wabos. Serious damage to control elements, external valves and vents (BF 1524). 18:45 - Surface and escape. (BF 1389 - BF 1379 - BF 1532 - BF 1531 - BF 1524 - BF 1466).

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

December 9, 1939.

The B-Dienst reports the departure of a convoy of 50 ships with a security of two British destroyers and two French destroyers, as well as four other escorts on December 8, 1939 from Gibraltar.

The WEHRMACHTSBERICHT announces the following message: ... The British Admiralty confirms that the destroyer HMS JERSEY was torpedoed on December 07 by a German submarine.

U 47 North Atlantic - In the area of operations, without special incidents (BF 27).

U 48 North Atlantic - 04:00 Convoy in sight (BF 1479) - 06:30 - Tanker in sight (BE 3933). Approach. 06:44 - The first torpedo shot misses. 06:46 - The second shot misses. 07:10 - The third is made. The British ship SAN ALBERTO breaks apart and sinks. (BF 1479 - BE 3933 - BF 1715 - BF 1449 - BF 1424 - BF 1184 - BF 1146). A crew member lost his life on the tanker, which broke in two after being torpedoed. While the bow was sunk immediately, the stern part will be sunk by HMS MACKAY on December 11.

December 10, 1939.

The Naval Warfare General Staff begins preparations to supply food and fuel to the Soviet submarines. These submarines are supposed to blockade FINLAND. In return, the Soviets will supply German units at any desired location. Preparations begin after Hitler's approval. Since normal steamers do not have fuel supply facilities, a ship must first be converted accordingly, the German Attaché in MOSCOW is instructed to obtain more detailed requests from the Soviet government.

U 47 North Atlantic - 21:37 - Destroyers sighted (BF 2717). Attack. 21:47 - Torpedo on destroyer misses.

U 48 North Atlantic - In the area of operations, without special incidents (BF 11).

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

December 11, 1939.

U 47 reported that she is beginning her return passage. This boat has also had several failed electric torpedoes, although the nature of the failure is not mentioned in the report. However, one thing is certain now; the steps that the Torpedo Inspectorate undertook itself to eliminate the cause of these failures have not yielded the desired results.

All submersibles operating in the northern North Sea are prohibited from attacking steamers sailing without lights by FdU WEST. The background is the attempt by BREMEN, which is trying to reach Germany from Murmansk.

U 47 North Atlantic - 00:00 - Sighting of a steamer (BF 2758). 00:24 - Misses the torpedo against the steamer. 00:55 - The second torpedo misses. 01:26 - The third torpedo also misses. 18:25 - Another steamer sighted (BF 1980). 18:24 - Torpedo misses over steamer. 19:05 - The second torpedo on the steamer misses. Prien: "I shouldn't be mad here! In the future I'll manage without these fucking Etos (electric torpedoes)." 19:15 - the return march began.

U 48 North Atlantic - In the area of operations, without special incidents (BE 35).

December 12, 1939.

The German Naval Attaché in MOSCOW informed the Naval Warfare General Staff by telephone that the SOVIET UNION would not be able to supply its submarines with German merchant ships. Then all measures initiated in this regard will be stopped. The High Command regrets this development given the future possibility of supplying its own units.

U 47 reported that she was beginning the return passage. She has had 6 torpedo misses. U 48 is now the only ship left in the Atlantic area of operations.

U 47 North Atlantic - Return marching. 08:29 - Torpedo reloaded from the upper deck. 11:40 - U 48 sighted within calling range (BF 1541). 14:20 - Another torpedo reloaded from the upper deck. 16:32 - sighting of a steamer (BF 1189). Stroke. 18:56 - Torpedo over steam misses. Approach. 19:28 - Second torpedo against the steamer. It impacts, but does not detonate. Exhausted.

U 48 North Atlantic - 11:40 - U 47 within calling range, marching back (BF 1541). The submersible decides to operate between the Isles of Scilly and Quessant.

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

December 13, 1939.

At a meeting of the Naval Warfare General Staff, the annexes to the Führer's Directive No. 8 will be discussed. As before, the time limit for ground operations of surface and submarine forces remains in effect for Case Yellow (Fall Gelb).

An English submersible successfully attacked some of our light surface forces in the North Sea. So that as extensive an anti-submarine search as possible can be organized, all submersibles in the North Sea were ordered to report positions. All Atlantic units reported except U 38. However, there is some clue to its position, due to a report of a sinking off the west coast of Norway.

U 47 North Atlantic - On return march, without special incidents (AM 84).

U 48 North Atlantic – 07:55 – Zigzag steamer in sight (BF 1878). 08:38 - Torpedo shot misses. The steamer escapes at high speed.

December 14, 1939.

Torpedo failure has had a very negative effect on submarine operations. The material weaknesses of the submersibles are no less important and seem to have become more apparent since the motor casings were changed. Even if this matter is resolved, the fact remains that the shipyard periods are very long compared to the number and duration of the patrols and that this situation cannot continue.

1) One of the reasons for long shipyard periods is defects in submersibles that are only coming to light now in the war and can lead to losses.
2) Long yard periods mean there are many submersibles in the yard at once, leading to a shortage of skilled labor and supervisors. Personnel not trained in submarine work cannot replace skilled workers. Therefore, skilled workers are overworked or untrained men make mistakes that mean an even longer period in the shipyard.
3) Shipyard periods must be shortened through a rigid organization of work.

On December 5th I had a conference with the Admiral Superintendent of the Shipyard to discuss these matters. The following was established:
a) that short shipyard periods of 3-4 weeks are necessary after the patrols, in addition to changing engines and making other alterations.
b) that the number of trained shipyard personnel must be increased to meet the increased demands.
c) The work elements must be organized by the shipyard quickly and efficiently. The length of shipyard periods for operational submersibles must be reduced at all costs.

U 47 North Atlantic - On return march, without special incidents (AM 51).

U 48 North Atlantic - In the area of operations, without special incidents (BF 41).

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

December 15, 1939.

The "Graf Spee" is damaged and has entered Montevideo after her action in the South Atlantic. The Naval Warfare General Staff has asked the BdU what support the submarines could give to the pocket battleship off the mouth of the Plata. I have (Dönitz) assured the Naval War General Staff that I will do everything I can and I am determined to try everything possible, despite the great difficulties involved in such an operation with submarines.

Two submarines (U 44 and U 46) can be prepared in time to arrive at Plata River in early February. The operation mainly depends on the supply issue. It will be necessary to refuel on departure, on return and in the area of operations. The Naval War General Staff promises supplies in the Canary Islands and in front of La Plata from the "Altmark". This means that the operation can be attempted. It means going to the tropics and there is no submarine experience in these areas. Preparations must be made accordingly.

Special attention should be paid to food, clothing and medical matters in view of climate changes, high temperatures and strong sun. Torpedo fuzes, electric torpedo batteries, and ammunition are also likely to be affected. The necessary measures are being taken immediately.

The German Attaché in WASHINGTON reports that a convoy left HALIFAX on December 12, 1939. The mail steamers EMPRESS OF BRITAIN and EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA will also travel on this convoy. The convoy will carry 10,000 troops and 700 aircraft and will be secured by two cruisers and five destroyers.

U 47 North Atlantic - On march return, without special incidents (AN 13).

U 48 North Atlantic - 12:10 - steamer in sight (BE 3334). Approach. 16:11 - The steamer is stopped by a shot off the bow. The captain brings papers. Prohibited goods. 17:40 - Torpedo over the steamer. Impact. The Greek ship GERMAINE sunk. The entire crew survived attack against the steamer (BE 3334/51°00' N - 12°18' W). 20:00 - start of the return march.

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the early history of the Seventh.................................

U-Boot Type VII B of the U-Flotille Wegener.

War against the Western Allies. 1939.

December 16, 1939.

The BdU receives the message that the use of submarines to support the GRAF SPEE in MONTEVIDEO will be cancelled. Political events leave no more time for an operation of this type.

U 47 North Sea - On return march, without special incidents (AN 42).

U 48 North Atlantic - On return march, without special incidents (AM 72).

December 17, 1939.

U 47 entered port (Brunsbüttel), the submersible sank:
1) An unidentified steamer of around 12,000 t. (12/05/1939 - the NAVASOTA 8,795 GRT - British)
2) An oil tanker (Norway) of around 10,000 t. (06/12/1939 - the BRITTA 6,214 GRT - Norwegian)
3) An oil tanker (Holland) of around 9,000 t. (07.12.1939 - the TAJANDOEN 8,159 GRT - Dutch)
A total of about 31,000 t.

She also scored a sure hit over a London-class cruiser east of the Shetlands on 28 November. However, apparently the cruiser did not sink. This was a good patrol. There is nothing in particular to say about it.

U 47 North Sea / Brunsbüttel - On return march. 16:55 - Passage of the Elbe I (AN 9671). She arrived in Brunsbüttel at 18:28 (AN 9694). She marches on the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal (AN 96-AO 77) to Kiel.

U 48 North Atlantic - AM 43 - On return march, without special incidents (AM 43).

Sources: 7 U boat Fotilla. Dönitz's Atlantic Wolves.
http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/bau/werften/index-w.html
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30252.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .