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.

September 3, 1939.

On September 3, 1939 at 12:56 p.m., the Naval High Command transmitted the following radio message to the forces operating in the Atlantic: hostilities with England, effective immediately. In order to avoid confusion with the radio message of August 31, the BdU sent the message TOO 1550: "start hostilities against England immediately, without waiting to be attacked first. In the radio message TOO 1400 the OKM ordered:"U-boats must carry out the war against the merchant marine, in accordance with the order of operations. "This should exclude any misunderstandings, since the order of operations expressly indicated to develop the actions against the merchant marine, in accordance with the current legislation.

The Naval High Command transmitted the following message to ships in the Atlantic at 5:52 p.m.: "France is considered at war with Germany from 5:00 p.m. Do not take any hostile action against merchant ships for the present, except in self-defense."

Despite these messages, Kplt. Fritz-Julius Lemp, Commander of U 30, patrolling to the northeast of U 45 (the northernmost U-boat of the Unterseebootsflottille 'Wegener'), and to the west of Ireland, torpedoed and sank during the afternoon of this day the passenger ship Athenia (13,581 t), carrying 1,103 civilians to Canada (112 lives were lost, including 28 Americans). By the time the signal reached Gelhaar (U 45), Sohler (U 46), Prien (U 47) and Barten (U 52), their boats were in position on a reverse L-shaped line, watching over the approach routes to the British Isles. To the north and south, submersibles from other flotillas completed the blockade of the Atlantic, which stretched from Gibraltar to the north of Scotland.

U-45 North Atlantic - AL 85 - In the area of ​​operations. 12:26 - Radio message: "Beginning of hostilities." (Declaration of war of England). War according to current legislation. U 46 North Atlantic - BE 2450 - In the area of ​​operations. 13:10 - Radio message (BE 2450): "Beginning of hostilities". (Declaration of war of England). U 47 North Atlantic - BF 4942 - In the area of ​​operations. 13:20 - Radio message (BF 4942): "Beginning of hostilities." (Declaration of war of England). U 48 North Atlantic - BE 5930 - In the operations area, without special incidents. 17:17 - Radio message: "Declaration of war of the United Kingdom to Germany" (BE 5930). U 52 North Atlantic - BE 4632 - In the operations area, without special incidents. 12:28 - Radio message (BE 4632): "Hostilities against England begin". 17:38 - Radio message: "War between Germany and France". With no traffic, march to the northeast corner of the area of ​​operations. U 53 North Atlantic - AM 3191 - On the way to the operations area, without special incidents. 13:04 - radio message (AM 3191): "Start of hostilities." (England's declaration of war).

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)
https://www.ebay.de/itm/U-BOOT-KRIEG-FO ... 1a342f2721

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.

September 4, 1939.

Admiral Karl Dönitz told his collaborators: this war is very serious and you must bear in mind that it will be very long, maybe seven years and in the end we should be grateful if we at least get a draw! ... The Atlantic U-boats are informed of reported forces in their areas as they emerge. But the information is so inaccurate that it will have no practical use. Following the sinking of the passenger ship Athenia, OKM radio message to all submarines: "By order of the Führer, no hostile action should be taken for the time being against passenger ships, even if it is a convoy" .

U 45 North Atlantic - AL 88 - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents. U 46 North Atlantic - BE 2450 - In the operations area, without special incidents. U 47 North Atlantic - BF 7318 / BF 7260 - 07:15 - The Greek steamer "MALIAKOS" stopped (BF 7318). No contraband. released. 13:30 - 18:10 - Two steamers chased to no avail (BF 7260). U 48 North Atlantic - BE 3760 - 14:22 - Immersion alarm. tanker in sight. 15:05 - to the surface. The ship is Swedish, the tanker "ABADAN". 3:50 pm - released. BE 6733 - 18:02 - Another tanker in sight. It wasn't stopped, too much swell. U 52 North Atlantic - BE 51 - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents. U 53 North Atlantic - AL 3870 - On the way to the area of ​​operations. 10:03 PM - Submerged for 12 hours. Rest for the crew. 23:53 - Radio message: by order of the Führer, at the beginning, there are no offensive actions against passenger ships, even if sailing under escort.

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/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/ind ... ot-Krieges

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.

September 5, 1939.

The convoy rally points in the Bristol Channel are still being broadcast to the submersibles. The radio intelligence service reports that the S.S. "Bosnia" and "Browning" (see below) have been sunk - probably by U 48 or U 47. A radio intelligence report mentions mines in the Strait of Dover for the first time.

U 45 North Atlantic - BE 2157 - Radio reports about the sinking of "ATHENIA". Radio message received: By order of the Führer initially not to carry out attacks against passenger steamers, not even when they are escorted. U 46 North Atlantic - BE 2450 - In the operations area, without special incidents. Storm. Damage in the closing hatch of tube I. U 47 North Atlantic - BF 7225 / BF 4790 - 07:12 - Zigzag heading steamer (BF 7225). 08:15 - Shot in front of the bow. Steamer emits SOS. Two more warning shots. Nothing. Four aimed shots, three hits. The crew enters the lifeboats. 09:38 - Torpedo over the steamer. Impact. The British steamer BOSNIA sunk. 12:15 - Emergency Dive due plane. While under the surface, the noise of the propellers of a destroyer (BF 4790) was heard. Submersible to 120 m, without depth charges. This ship was the first Allied merchant ship sunk in WWII. As a result of the sinking a sailor of the crew lost his life. The Norwegian tanker Eidanger rescued 32 crew from the Bosnia and landed them in Lisbon the following day. U 48 North Atlantic - BE 6473 - 11:28 - Ship in sight. 12:00 - Submersible to the surface. Steamer set flag and radioed SOS. Opened fire with deck gun. The ship continues to broadcast. 13:38 - Torpedo fire. The "ROYAL SCEPTRE" is sinking. 15:05 - The British steamer "BROWNING" was stopped. The crew leaves the ship in a panic. The Commander of U 48 ordered to return on board and sent the survivors of the "ROYAL SCEPTRE". U 52 North Atlantic - BE 54 - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents. U 53 North Atlantic - AL 36 - In navigation to the operations area, without special incidents.

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/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/ind ... ot-Krieges
Revista LIFE 02 Oct 1939.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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

[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.

September 06, 1939.

Naval Operations Command issued the following radio message T.O.O. 1748: "The situation with France is still unclear. Hostile action must not be taken against French units, including merchant ships, except in self-defense. Merchant ships identified as French must not be detained. Avoid incidents with France at all costs." There are several radio intelligence reports that point to the introduction of the convoy system. Assembling's ports Milford and Plymouth.

The radio intelligence service has collected numerous submarine positions, mainly in the Bay of Biscay (U 47). Many of these are probably duplicates. If the war against merchant shipping is waged according to prize law, it is inevitable that the positions of the ships will be revealed. Obviously, there are many false reports showing that there is a widespread fear of U-boats.

U 45 North Atlantic - AL 97 - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents.
U 46 North Atlantic - BE 31 - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents.
U 47 North Atlantic - BE 6689 - 13:00 - Sighting of a steamer (BE 6689). 14:18 - I try to stop the steamer with the flag signal. Steamer transmits. Shot off the bow. Steamer continues to emit. Three shots on the bridge. The steamer stops. The crew enters the boats. 14:40 - Torpedo against steamer. Results. The British ship RIO CLARO was sunk.
U 48 North Atlantic - BE 56 - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents.
U 52 North Atlantic - BE 81 - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents.
U 53 North Atlantic - AL 2942 - 17:30 - 18:30 - Deep dive test. Immersion at 100 m. All good.

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/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/ind ... ot-Krieges

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.

September 7, 1939.

Withdrawal of the Atlantic U-boats: The first thing to decide is whether the Atlantic Submersibles will operate against merchant shipping or against English naval forces. True success against naval forces can only be expected by luring ships from harbors out into the open sea. Our surface forces are so weak that they can barely accomplish this. Therefore, it was decided, in accordance with my proposal, to continue to use the submersibles against commercial traffic.

It should be assumed that the traffic will increase again in early October. Therefore, it was proposed to bring back the "Hundius" and "Wegener" U-Flotillas and the proposal was approved by the Naval Warfare Staff. The order was given in the radio message 1902/7/9.

U 45 North Atlantic - AL 97 - In the area of ​​operations. Received radio message: Return at the highest speed possible. Return sail started.
U 46 North Atlantic - BE 2410 - In the area of ​​operations. Received radio message: Return at the highest speed possible. Return sail started.
U 47 North Atlantic - BF 4118 / BE 6688 - 16:57 - Steamship sighted (BF 4118). Approach to the target. 17:47 - Surfaced. The steamer emitting SOS. After three shots the ship stops. The crew enters the boats. The steamer is still halfway through. Several shots above the waterline. 18:15 - Torpedo against steamer. It doesn't detonate. Second torpedo, running. 18:30 - Steamer sunk with artillery. The British ship GARTAVON (*) was sunk. 21:30 - Radio message received: starting return march (BE 6688). The return march began.
U 48 North Atlantic - BE 52 - 20:55 - Radio message received: initiate return march. The return march began.
U 52 North Atlantic - BE 7395 - 22:00 - Radio message received: initiate return march. The return march began.
U 53 North Atlantic - AL 54 - Navigating towards the area of ​​operations, without special incidents.

(*) The British ore freighter GARTAVON (1,777 TPB) was sunk by artillery fire. The entire crew of the steamer, which was loaded with 1,600 tons of iron ore and 500 tons of asphalt and general cargo, survived the sinking.

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/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/ind ... ot-Krieges

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.

September 8, 1939.

In order to make use of the return passage for reconnaissance purposes of the Iceland-Shetlands-Norway maritime zone, the U-boats were ordered, via radio message 1445, to follow the following routes:

a) Between Iceland and the Faroe Islands:
North Third U 45
Central Third U 46
South Third U 48/52
b) Between the Faroe Islands and the Shetland Islands:
Northern third U 47/37
c) Between the Shetland Islands and Norway:
Western third U 37, 38, 39, 41
Central third U 40, 45, 46
Eastern third U 47, 48, 52.

Therefore, new positions will have to be assigned for U 26 and 32, and U 53, 27 and 30 that remain at sea.

U 45 North Atlantic - AN 4758 - On the way back. 13:00 - steamer sighted. It is the Danish BRAZILIAN REEFER. Stopped. There is no contraband. Released.
U 46 North Atlantic - BE 2197 - On the way back. 16:35 - Immersion. Underwater signal exchange with U 53.
U 47 North Atlantic - BE 3670 - Radio message received: Send weather report.
U 48 North Atlantic - BE 5222 - 06:00 - Sighting of a steamer. Approach maneuver. 06:32 - Shot ahead of the bow. The steamer stops and brings the papers. Contraband on board. The WINKLEIGH sunk with a torpedo.
U 52 North Atlantic - BE 5218 - On the way back. 11:00 - Tanker sighted. Approach maneuver. 18:15 - Torpedo against the tanker. explosion heard after 2 minutes 57 seconds. However, the torpedo explodes too soon. This torpedo failure is the first in a long list of incidents of this type, all of which are reported to the BdU by leading submersibles (BE 5218).
U 53 North Atlantic - AL 9810 - Arrived in the ordered area of ​​operations. BE 2197 - 17:30 - U 46 meet. underwater connection. Strong sea state. Damaged machine gun. Dented dip tank 2. The pressure-resistant container for machine gun ammunition is leaking water.

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/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/ind ... ot-Krieges

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.

September 9, 1939.

The submarines operating in the Atlantic became aware of Directive No. 3. Consequently, attacks on convoys, even with French participation, north of Brest were authorized. Passenger steamers were excluded, even if they are part of a convoy.

U 45 North Atlantic - AM 1398 - Sailing Back. 15:45 - Steamer sighted. Three warning shots were fired. Ship did not stop. She escaped.
U 46 North Atlantic - AL 03 - Sailing Back, no special incidents.
U 47 North Atlantic - AM 72 - Sailing Back, no special incidents.
U 48 North Atlantic - AL 99 - 07:00 - Steamer on zigzag course in sight. AL 9913 - 08:18 - shot off the bow. The steamer does not stop. 08:25 - Open fire with artillery. No results. 09:00 - The steamer JAMAICA PROGRESS escapes.
U 52 North Atlantic - BE 22 - Sailing Back, no special incidents.
U 53 North Atlantic - BE 22 - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents.

September 10, 1939.

In the OKM, the first discussions were held on the development of GOTENHAFEN, the former Polish port of GDINGEN, as a war port. The relocation of the submarine school and the Torpedo school there will be further discussed.

U 45 North Sea - AE 97 - On her way back, no special incidents.
U 46 North Atlantic - AM 12 - On her way back, no special incidents.
U 47 North Atlantic - AM 2655 - On her way back. Good visibility, no traffic.
U 48 North Atlantic - AL 6625 - 05:30 - Submarine identification light signal. Wrong code alarm. 05:54 - recognized as U 30. 06:16 - 15 loaves, butter and bacon delivered to U 30. AL 0369 - 17:00 - Signal exchange with U 52.
U 52 North Atlantic - AL 0369 - On her way back, without special incidents. 17:00 – U 48 reached. Signal exchange.
U 53 North Atlantic - BE 32 - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents.

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/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/ind ... ot-Krieges

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.

September 11, 1939.

Radio intelligence report stated 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, since no submarines have appeared in this area so far (victim of U 48). Radio intelligence reports about convoys are coming in in ever-increasing numbers. The assembly area in the Bristol Channel is still being broadcast to the U-boats. Otherwise, there is no clear image.

U 45 North Sea - AE 6799 - On her way back. 07:40 - Tanker sighted. Warning shot. The tanker stops. It is the Norwegian "BRAZIL". No contraband. Go on.
U 46 North Sea - AE 9158 - On her way back. 05:35 - Steamer sighted. 06:48 - Shot ahead of the bow. The Norwegian steamer "AUGUST" has no contraband on board. Go on. 12:30 - Destroyer in sight. Submerged to attack. The destroyer advances. Submerged at 60 m. No depth charges. out of touch.
U 47 North Atlantic - AM 32 - On her way back, no special events.
U 48 North Atlantic - AM 44 - 13:30 - English steamer in sight. AM 1366 - 14:50 - Fired with artillery. After 5 shots the steamer stops. 15:40 - SS FIRBY sunk by torpedo. Rescue boats provided with bandages and 10 loaves (*).
U 52 North Atlantic - AM 14 - On her way back, no special events.
U 53 North Atlantic - BE 2270 - 18:55 - Westbound steamer sighted. She is sailing at 18 knots and it is not possible to catch up with her because of the fog.

(*) The 34 men of the crew of the sunken ship are rescued after U 48 broadcast a radio message asking the British Admiralty to rescue the castaways. U 48 provided the men with food and bandages. «cq - cq - cq - Nachricht für Mr. Churchill. Ich habe den britischen Dampfer "Firby" versenkt. Position 59.40°N and 13.50°W. Bitte retten Sie die Mannschaft. Deutsches U-Boat. («Cq - cq - cq - Message to Mr. Churchill. I sunk the British steamship "Firby". Position 59.40°N and 13.50°W. Please rescue the crew. German submarine».)

September 12, 1939.

U-boats in the Atlantic were ordered during the return passage to report when they were off Norderney or Abelö. Submersibles should not go near the Shetlands-Iceland line. The returning boats received instructions on the approach routes to Kiel and Wilhelmshaven.

U 45 North Sea - AF 78 - On her way back, no special events.
U 46 North Sea - AE 93 - On her way back, no special events.
U 47 North Sea - AN 2294 - On her way back. 07:00 - Diving due to a submarine. It was only briefly visible.
U 48 North Sea - AE 94 - In the area of operations, there are no special events.
U 52 North Sea - AE 95 - On her way back, no special events.
U 53 North Atlantic - BE 24 - In the area of operations, there are no special events

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/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/ind ... ot-Krieges

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.

September 13, 1939.

Radio message to submarines in the Atlantic, informing them of warning of traffic along the Dungeness - Downs line and mines in the vicinity of the lightship St. Catherine. Now that the Hundius and Wegener U flotillas have departed, U 53 will operate in Area B. Revised smuggling list received in secret message 6035 from Naval Operations Command Staff. An excerpt was transmitted to submersibles in the Atlantic.

U 45 North Sea - AN 27 - On the way back, no special events.
U 46 North Sea - AN 43 - On the way back, no special events.
U 47 North Sea - AN 35 - On the way back, no special events.
U 48 North Sea - AF 7830 - 18:50 - Neutral steamer in sight. She was not stop.
U 52 North Sea - AF 79 - On the way back, no special events.
U 53 North Atlantic - BE 2280 - 18:20 - Large passenger ship sighted. She sails at high speed to be intercepted. BE 3267 - 23:55 - steamer with position lights sighted. The chase begins.

September 14, 1939.

Analysis of the known sinkings through radio intelligence shows that most of them were in the area of ​​U 29. Therefore, a radio message was sent at 09:30 hours to U 55 (Note: ¿U 53?): "The extension to the area of ​​operations seems promising and is recommended."

Conference with the Admiral Superintendent of Maintenance on the situation of the torpedoes. The department had stated that all G7e's delivered were adapted for angled firing. The U-boats were informed accordingly on Sep 7. Then, on the afternoon of the 13th, maintenance informed us that gyroscopic equipment had been installed, but the queues had not adapted. These errors should not occur. Whether this has caused glitches remains to be seen.

U 45 Baltic Sea - AO 4445 - On her way back. Steamer sighted and stopped. She is the Swedish HOLLANDIA. No contraband. Released. AO 4418 - The Norwegian steamer SKUM stopped. Released.
U 46 North Sea / Baltic Sea - AN 36 - On her way back. AO 7185 - 23:10 - Encounter with U 19. Signal change detection.
U 47 Baltic Sea - AO 7168 - On her way back. 05:05 - 15:04 - According to orders, sailing in immersion.
U 48 North Sea - AN 31 - On her way back. She received a radio message of arrival.
U 52 North Sea - AN 31 - On the way back, no special events.
U 53 North Atlantic - BE 3245 - 06:15 - The steamer sighted the previous day is the neutral Dutch ZONNEWIJK. BE 3511 - 22:55 - Steamer sighted. She disappeared in a rain storm.

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/BDUKTB30247.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.

September 15, 1939.

U 31 reported by radio message at 07:00 about a convoy out of the Bristol Channel. This is the first clear report of a convoy. U-boats in neighboring areas U 34, 29, 53, should now operate against it, they may be lucky.

Over the course of the day U 46, 47 entered Kiel. U 47 reports that she has sunk:
H.H. Bosnia 2407 BRT 3,200 tons of sulfur
Rio Claro 4086 BRT 4,777 tons of mixed cargo
Gartavon 1777 BRT 2,900 tons of ore

The submersible was in her area of ​​operations for 4 days (3-7.9) after the outbreak of the war. A very good start. U 46 unsuccessful - bad luck. Towards evening, U 45 entered Kiel. Unsuccessful, as her position appears to have been outside of areas frequented by shipping traffic.

U 45 Baltic Sea / Kiel - AO 77 - 17:03 - Arrival in Kiel. Finishing of the 1st Patrol.
U 46 Baltic Sea / Kiel - AO 74 / AO 77 - 08:30 - Arrival in Kiel. Finishing of the 1st Patrol.
U 47 Baltic Sea / Kiel - AO 77 - 00:14 - Arrival in Kiel. Finishing of the 1st Patrol.
U 48 Baltic Sea - AO 4813 - 22:55 - British submarine sighted on the way back. 22:58 - The torpedo shot missed. 23:00 - the submersible went to dive and disappeared.
U 52 North Sea - AN 3538 - On her way back. 12:00 - Sailing the Skagerrak and the Little Belt to Kiel.
U 53 North Atlantic - BE 3261 - 14:20 - Steamer sighted. On parallel course. 14:49 - Vapor tries to be stopped with a shot. Without reaction. 14:59 - Shot off the bow. No reaction, automatic fire. 15:20 - The ship stops. The crew goes to the boats. 15:44 - Torpedo over the ship. Impact, she does not sink. 15:50 - Second torpedo. Impact. She slowly sinks. 18:53 - Three shots on the wreck. The British tanker CHEYENNE was sunk. 18:54 - A destroyer fires twice at the U-boat. 18:55 - Dive alarm. 19:10 - Two - three depth charges at 100 m. No damage. Six men of the crew of the tanker loaded with 12,600 t of fuel lose their lives, 37 men are able to get off the ship without injury and are later rescued (BE 3261/50°20'N – 13°30'W). The wreck of the ship was eventually sunk a little later by a British destroyer. After the sinking, U 53 supplies hot tea to the survivors.

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/BDUKTB30247.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.

September 16, 1939.

September 16, 1939.

U 48 and U 52 entered the port. Successes:

U 48 S.S. Winkleigh 5,055 tons; S.S. Royal Scepter 4,053 tons; S.S. Firby 4,869 tons. Total: 14,977 tons.
U 52 sank an Appalachee type ship, 8,826 tons.

U 48 Baltic Sea - AO 71 - 02:04 - German submarine in sight. 19:20 - sailing through the Kleinen Belt at full speed.
U 52 Baltic Sea - AO 71 - On the way back, no special events.
U 53 North Atlantic - BE 3131 - 12:30 - Steamer sighted. She is the neutral COLD HABOR. 18:45 - Steamer sighted. Seen in immersion. 19:12 - Shot off the bow. The steamer stops, bring papers. She is the Norwegian ÖRNEFJELL. No contraband. She continued.

September 17, 1939.

The Naval Warfare Staff decides to accelerate the investigation of the causes of the increase in the failure of the submarine torpedoes G7e and G7a. In addition to military disadvantages, attention is drawn to the psychological strain on submarine crews. A loss of crew confidence in their weapons is said to be highly undesirable.

U 48 Baltic Sea / Kiel - AO 77 - 05:50 - Arrival in Kiel. Finishing of the 1st patrol. The U-boat spent 30 days at sea and sank three British merchant ships totaling 14,777 GRT. U 48 is docked at KIEL for overhaul.

U 52 Baltic Sea / Kiel - AO 77 - 13:00 - Arrival in Kiel. Finishing of the 1st patrol. Kplt. WOLFGANG BARTEN hands over command of U 52, no word on his successor for the next two months. U 52 returned from her first mission to KIEL. The U-boat was at sea for 30 days. In KIEL it is planned to modernize and repair it. After her stay in the shipyard, sand was detected in the lubricating oil, presumably an act of sabotage, which forced the submersible to return to the dock.

U 53 North Atlantic - BE 2384 - 06:52 - Steamer sighted. sailing to the place. 08:03 - Second steamer sighted. operating. 14:40 - Surfaced at about 5,000 m in front of the steamer. Three warning shots were fired. The steamer emits. She lowers boats. 15:42 - Torpedo against steamer fails. 15:55 - Second torpedo. Impact. Steamer does not sink. 16:14 - shot. Impact. British steamer SS Kafiristan of 5,193 GRT and loaded with 8,870 tons of sugar sunk (8 dead and 29 survivors). 16:26 - Surfaced for rescue. On scene great American steamer. She saves the survivors. 17:00 - Dive by air alarm (4 Swordfish from HMS Courageous). No damage. 19:00 - 19:30 - Two bombs in the wake, far away.

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/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
https://www.shipsnostalgia.com/media/ka ... ne.191627/

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.

September 18, 1939.

British radio announced the sinking of the aircraft carrier Courageous (22,500 tons) by a submarine. A wonderful success. Several radio intelligence reports received during the last week clearly show that the enemy is introducing the convoy systems in the Mediterranean. Reports from agents point to English troop transports leaving for France from Channel ports.

Improper torpedo behavior is causing serious concern. The G7a and G7e torpedoes have repeatedly exploded after a run of about 250 meters, before reaching the target.

Around noon, the Naval High Command arrived at the group's headquarters. He asked about the process of submarine warfare and raised the question of sending submarines to the Mediterranean. In my opinion, it would not be good, with the few submarines currently available, to divide them into too many theaters of war.

U-53 North Atlantic - BE 23 - In the area of ​​operations, there are no special events.

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/BDUKTB30247.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.

September 19, 1939.

Admiral Raeder orders the creation of a submarine badge (U-Bootabzeichens), which in future will be awarded after three operational patrols. Creation of the new service unit Gruppe U-Bootwesen (Group for Submarine Affairs). The old designation FdU (Führer der Unterseeboote) will be replaced by BdU (Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote). The tasks of the FdU and FdU WEST initially remain together in Dönitz.

U 53 North Atlantic - BE 24 - In the area of ​​operations, there are no special events.

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 calm weather conditions.

Now there are only 4 submersibles in the stations. This emptiness cannot be hidden from the enemy; This is demonstrated by the fact that far fewer submarine warnings and sightings are received. Many of them are still fake and cover a wide area, but the total number is smaller.

U 53 North Atlantic - BE 27 - 17:02 - Surfaced near a sailboat. The captain comes aboard and brings her papers. She is the Portuguese SAN JACINTO and brings a shipment of codfish. After verifying that he is not transporting contraband, he will be released. Saying goodbye, from both sides the caps are waved.

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/BDUKTB30247.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.

September 21, 1939.

The Naval Warfare General Staff has sent a message to the Submarine Force, ordering that all attacks on French ships be avoided at all costs. This means that U-boats cannot operate in the Canal against troop carriers.

The Naval Warfare General Staff points out that the enemy cannot determine any abuse against neutral ships.

U 53 North Atlantic - AL 98 - In the area of ​​operations, there are no special events.

Commissioning of U-A/BATIRAY (September 20) by the Kriegsmarine as a training U-boat in the U-Flotille Wegener under command of Kplt. Klaus Cohauz.

September 22, 1939.

The BdU sent a memorandum to the Naval High Command with demands for reasonable use of submarines against ships with navigation lights dimmed/off. Another requirement is detained merchant ships that make use of their transmitters also without prior notice. This is primarily for the protection of the own submersibles. The High Command decides to appeal to Hitler to intensify the submarine war. The prohibition of attack against French ships is no longer tenable from the point of view of naval actions.

In the evening, U 53 and U 32 reported that they were beginning their return passage. This is much sooner than expected and is because they have run out of ammunition. Therefore, there are only 2 submersibles left on station.

U 53 North Atlantic - BE 32 - In the operational area, there are no special events. 20:00 - The return march began.

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/BDUKTB30247.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.

September 23, 1939.

Returned U-boats say that in many cases ships use their radio when ordered to stop, with the result that in several cases aircrafts have appeared over reported positions. In this way, the ships help the enemy anti-submarine activity. I believe (Dönitz) it is necessary to take action against such vessels to prevent them from engaging in such operations in this manner, and have asked the Naval Warfare General Staff for a decision.

U 54 Commissioned under Kplt. Georg-Heinz Michel in the U-Flotille Wegener in Kiel.

U 53 North Atlantic - AM 77 - On the way back, no special events.

September 24, 1939.

In top secret message 8027, the naval warfare General Staff issues the following directive: French ships are to be treated the same 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 placed on the French coast. The U-boats received the corresponding orders in the radio message 1641.

U 53 North Atlantic - AM 5113 - On her way back. The Norwegian steamer FANEFJELD was stopped. Loading timber to Manchester. The ship had sailed before the outbreak of the war. Therefore she was not sunk. She continued.

September 25, 1939.

U 53 North Atlantic - AM 25 - On the way back, no special events.

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/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .