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 26, 1939.

Experience so far has shown that return date calculations are highly unreliable in the end. It is not possible to judge from here how much fuel a U-boat actually uses in the area of ​​operations. It depends on how often and for how long you have to chase the ships. Engine defects slow down and make it necessary to start earlier. The period that a submersible can spend in the area of ​​​​operations ultimately depends on its stock and ammunition consumption.

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 than on the condition of the crew. For operational control, this necessarily means that if full use is made of them, there will be periods during which large numbers of submersibles will be away from the enemy and periods when only a few will be in the area of ​​operations.

Towards noon, the presence of strong English naval forces was reported in the center of the North Sea. Apparently, the submarines did not make contact. Dönitz receives more reconnaissance photos from the British naval base at Scapa Flow. British defense devices are clearly visible on them.

U 53 North Sea - AN 22 - On the way back, no special events.

September 27, 1939.

Several heavy units of the English naval forces that penetrated the central North Sea have been damaged by aircraft bombs. According to reconnaissance and radio intelligence reports, they are returning to their bases. U 32 and U 53, believed to be in waters off the Shetlands, have been ordered to wait off Scapa Flow while fuel reserves allow. U 53 reported that her fuel level would not allow this.

U 53 North Sea - AN 22 - On the way back, no special events.

September 28, 1939.

The Fürhrer visited the Headquarters of the U-Bootwaffe. The BdU gave details, in the presence of the Commander of the Kriegsmarine and General Keitel only, of the operation of the U-boats so far and new perspectives for submarine warfare. The Führer spent an hour with the submarine officers in his club and then left Wilhelmshaven.

U 53 North Sea - AN 34 - On the way back, no special events.

September 29, 1939.

U 53 Baltic Sea - AO 48 / AO 4462 - On the way back, no special events. 00:00 - Skagens-Rev lighthouse by the beam.

September 30, 1939.

U 53 entered Kiel at 06:45 hours, end of first patrol, 33 days at sea. The U-boat managed to sink
S.S. "Cheyenne" 8,825 tons
S.S. "Kafiristan" 5,193 tons
Total 14,018 tons.

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.

October 1, 1939.

The following U-boats (only those of the flotilla are mentioned) will be ready to operate during the first half of October: U 46 on 4.10, U 47 on 4.10, U 48 on 4.10, U 45 on 8.10.
The BdU intended to send them against commercial traffic in the Atlantic. Almost all of them were of great radius of action.

Finally Dönitz decided to operate against the Gibraltar traffic. Execution: Success will depend on the submersibles making a surprise appearance together. They will be ready on different dates. They will therefore sail on different days and occupy an area of ​​operations to the south west of Ireland, whose sinking figures so far have proven to be the best area. When all the submersibles have arrived there, they will receive orders to continue from the central Command. The Krv.Kp. Hartmann will be on U 37 as the on-scene Commander of this Atlantic group and he will, if necessary, take control of counter-convoy operations. If Hartmann finds that things are not promising in Gibraltar, he will be authorized to order a new layout, rather far from the enemy bases, along the west coast of Spain and Portugal. Only north-south bound merchant ships would be sighted here, of course.

Meanwhile, this same day, Sunday, October 1, 1939, after lunch, Karl Dönitz summoned three officers to his office, Krv Kp Ernst Sobe (Flotilla Commander), Kplt. Horst Wellner (U 14) and Kplt. Günther Prien (U 47) to discuss SONDERUNTERNEHMEN „P“, ie the plan about raiding Scapa Flow and attacking the British fleet ships lying at anchor there. The BdU granted Prien an evaluation period of 48 hours.

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.

October 02, 1939.

The Naval Warfare General Staff has authorized an area around England in which ships sailing without lights can be sunk without warning. However, the area is very narrow, so practical results are likely to be few. In Very Secret Message 9212 of 9/30, the Naval High Command ordered a halt to the submarine war against maritime traffic in the North Sea and the Baltic. An additional order of the Naval Warfare General Staff states: ships that, in the opinion of the commander, are equipped to carry more than 120 passengers, must be considered as passenger ships.

On this day Kplt. Prien appeared again before Dönitz and despite having 48 hours to go, he accepted the mission. In another order of things, the second wave of ocean submersibles also set sail for the Atlantic to take part in the first operation that will use the wolf pack tactic (Wolfsrudeltaktik), the first to set sail from Wilhelmshaven on this day was U 42 (Type IX A) on her first operational patrol.

October 03, 1939.

In a meeting at the Naval Warfare General Staff, the BdU presents his operational plans for the upcoming operations in the Atlantic. According to Dönitz's plans, the submersibles are to march one by one into the Atlantic and then meet at the western outlet of the English Channel. There, they are supposed to sail together under the leadership of the Kvr. Kp. Hartmann will operate against the convoys.

U 46 Kiel - AN 77/AN 96 - At 23:00 departed from Kiel. Beginning of the 2nd Patrol under the command of Kplt Herbert Sohler, being the IWO Oblt z. S. Erich Topp. Navigation through the Kaiser Wilhelm Kanal. However this type VII B submersible had problems with her engines (port engine No. 2 cracked rocker arm bridge and broken exhaust valve) and she entered Wilhelmshaven, from where she set sail again on October 07, 1939.

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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 04, 1939.

The following orders on the conduct of the war against maritime traffic were received from the Naval Warfare General Staff:

1) The area within which ships sailing in the dark can be attacked without restriction extends west to 15º W.
2) Submersibles may immediately attack without restriction any enemy merchant ship that appears to be indubitably armed or that the Naval Warfare General Staff announces as armed, on the basis of unequivocal evidence available to them. Steps must be taken to save the crew if circumstances allow, without endangering the submarine. Passenger ships should not be attacked yet, as long as they are not troop carriers, even if they are armed.

U 46 Brunsbüttel - AO 77 / AN 96 - 05:50 - with damage sails to Wilhelmshaven.

U 48 Kiel / North Sea - AO 77 / AN 96 - 01:00 - sailed from Kiel. Beginning of the 2nd Patrol (Kplt Herbert Schulze; IWO Oblt z.S. Reinhard Suhren; WO Lt z.S. Otto Ites). 01:30 - 07:45 Sailing through the Kaiser Wilhelm Kanal to the North Sea.

October 05, 1939.

In the late afternoon, U 45 sailed from Kiel via the Kaiser Wilhelm Kanal. The U-boat was ready earlier than expected. All submersibles in this way will sail through the Bight. Dönitz consider the route through the Baltic approaches to be less safe today. Experience has confirmed that there are too many opportunities here for enemy submersibles to lie in wait for friendly submersibles. Our own defenses have not been able to control this danger. To lessen it, submarines were ordered to proceed submerged during the day when using the approaches to the Baltic between Äbelö and Skagen.

U 45 Kiel / North Sea - AO 77 / AN 96 - sailed from Kiel. Beginning of the 2nd Patrol (Kplt Alexander Gelhaar +; IWO Oblt z. S. Ernst v. Bergen-Windels +; WO Lt z. S Heinz Döring +; LI Oblt Paul Schlicht +; this submersible would be lost along with the entire crew). Sailing on the Kaiser Wilhelm Kanal to the North Sea.

U 46 Wilhelmshaven - AN 96 / AN 98 - 13:57 - at Wilhelmshaven. Rocker arm block and exhaust valve repair.

U 48 North Sea - AN 65 - Sailing to her area of ​​operations, 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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 06, 1939.

By order of the Naval Warfare General Staff, submarines in the future will report:

1) Cases of ships guilty of incorrect behavior, contrary to neutrality and international law, when detained.
2) Cases of armed merchant ships.
3) Incidents involving neutral aircraft and warships.
4) Own violation of neutral territorial waters.
5) Illegal action by neutrals.

U 45 North Sea - AN 95 - En route to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 46 Wilhelmshaven - AN 98 - 07:40 - 14:35 Repair work at the quay.

U 48 North Sea - AN 43 - Marching to area of ​​operations, no special events.

October 07, 1939.

U 46 set sail again with its engines repaired. U 47, which should have set sail for the Atlantic on October 4, has been ordered for a special operation and will not participate in this Atlantic patrol.

U 45 North Sea - AN 46 - En route to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 46 Wilhelmshaven/North Sea-AN 98 - After two days of repair work, at 11:00 hours she sailed from Wilhelmshaven. Continuation of the 2nd patrol. In navigation towards the North Sea.

U 48 North Sea - AF 7750 - 15:42 hours - Submerged due to the presence of a British reconnaissance aircraft.

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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 08, 1939.

Reconnaissance results. The following is important for Atlantic U-boats:

1) Channel patrolled, including Dover-Calais line, weak, average bad weather. The patrol boat listening equipment was ineffective and inaccurate.

2) Precise navigation targeting was possible everywhere.

3) No blockages were observed, but several buoys appeared to be related to defensive obstacles.

It is clear that, at least for the moment, it is possible to move through the channel. This means a considerable shortening of the approach path for the Atlantic submersibles. It remains to be decided whether the additional risk is justified by the expected success of using the Canal route and thus they can stay longer in their area of ​​operations.

The following order was received from the Naval Warfare General Staff: Since the British have so far not confiscated German exports on neutral ships, we must not confiscate enemy exports on neutral ships bound for neutral ports either.

U 45 North Sea - AN 32 - En route to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 46 North Sea - AN 6281 - AN 4945 - En route towards the area of ​​operations. 08:00 - drift mine. Failed launch. 20:00 - Three steamers avoided, under North Sea trade war forbiddance.

U 47 Kiel / North Sea - AO 77 / AN 96 - 11:00 hours - Departure from Kiel. Start of the 2nd Patrol (Kplt. Günther Prien, IWO Oblt.z.S. Engelbert Endrass, IIWO Lt.z.S. Amelung v. Varendorff). Navigation on the Kaiser Wilhelm Kanal, then on Route I to the North Sea. Exact location information can no longer be provided because, in accordance with a special order, all secret items were destroyed prior to executing the order, SONDERUNTERNEHMEN “P” (force entry to Scapa Flow naval base).

U 48 North Sea - AM 34 - Sailing to area of ​​operations, 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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 09, 1939.

The following are expected to be ready, as the next wave of Atlantic U-boats: U 25 17.10; U 26 20 or 22.10; U 31 19.10; U 32 19.10 and U 53 21.10 (of the Wegener flotilla). Three with large and two with small radius of action. I intend (Dönitz) to use the large submersibles in the Mediterranean, roughly between Gibraltar and Oran.

U 45 North Sea - AF 77 - Marching to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 46 North Sea - AN 43 - Marching to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 47 North Sea - AN 63 - Marching to Scapa Flow, no special events.

U 48 North Atlantic - AM 27 - Marching to area of ​​operations, no special events.

October 10, 1939.

Start of VERSUCHSFALL A, the first operation of the German submarine force using the wolf pack tactic. Five boats (U 37; U 42; U 45; U 46 and U 48) would take part in the operation; the operational command was held by Krv. Kp Werner Hartmann aboard U 37. The objective of the operation was the allied convoy HG-3 and the area where the operations would take place was called Position Yellow (Gelb).

On this day another type IX A set sail, she was U 40 (Kplt. Wolfgang Barten +; IWO Oblt. z. S. Karl-August Moll +; WO Oblt.z.S. Friedrich Meschenmoser +; LI Kplt. Hubert Wollersheim +) which would be lost with most of its crew trying to cross the English Channel to make up for lost time.

U 45 North Atlantic - AM 22 - In the area of ​​operations, there are no special events.

U 46 North Sea - AF 79 - Marching to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 47 North Sea - AN 48 - Marching to Scapa Flow, no special events.

U-48 North Atlantic - AM 48 - Marching to area of ​​operations, 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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 11, 1939.

The question of creating bases comes to mind again and again when considering the long approach routes of the U-boats to their areas of operations during which they are in constant danger, but have little opportunity to take action on their own. There are 2 possibilities:

1) Fixed bases in friendly neutral countries.
2) Floating bases.

For 1. The supply to some extent has been arranged in remote bays of northwestern Spain. Fixed several supply ship encounters. The actual feasibility of the scheme can only be tested in practice.

For 2. The S.S. Ammerland is turning into a supply ship. She is meant to be stationed in a suitable bay in Iceland, camouflaged as a ship with engine trouble.

The BdU is informed that Irish neutrality must be strictly observed. If this is not observed, there would be fear that the British will not respect it either.

U 45 North Atlantic - AM 01 - En route to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 46 North Atlantic - AM 32 - Marching to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 47 North Sea - AN 41 - Marching to Scapa Flow, no special events.

U 48 North Atlantic - AM 48 - Going to area of ​​operations, no special events.

October 12, 1939.

The Naval High Command is first considering how freight traffic from the Baltic States through Sweden and Norway to the UK can be contained. The Allied SL-4F convoy set sail from FREETOWN. The convoy consists of 2 merchant ships. Allied convoy OB-17 broke up, its merchant ships continuing the march to their assigned ports of call alone.

U 45 North Atlantic - AM 48 - Marching to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 46 North Atlantic - AM 25 - Marching to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 47 North Sea - AN 1620 - Marching towards Scapa Flow. The U-boat is located east of the Orkney Islands. From 10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. headlights on.

U 48 North Atlantic - AM 7877 - 07:00 - Illuminated steamer sighted. Approach. 07:30 - Second steamer in sight. Approach. 07:50 - The Norwegian steamer LIDO was stopped. 8:30 - Released. In the early afternoon, U 48 spotted the Norwegian tanker EUROPE. After reviewing the cargo, the ship was able to continue sailing (BE 3198). BE 3274 - 16:10 - tanker in sight. 18:05 - surfaced and artillery fire was opened (one shot severing the bow). The tanker stops. The tanker EMILE MIGUET (14115 BRT) part of the KJ-2 convoy, sunk. 18:25 - steamer in sight (SS HERONSPOOL). Approach. 20:24 - first torpedo launch fails. 20:45 steamer fires with artillery. 21:15 - second launch fails. 23:05 - third launch fails. 23:12 - steamer fires again with artillery. 23:50 - fourth launch fails. 23:52 - the fifth torpedo also missed.

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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 13, 1939.

The B-Dienst records an increase in Allied reports of sightings and combat measures against German submarines in the Atlantic. This is seen as the first sign of activity from the new wave of German U-boats at sea in the area. Meanwhile, on October 13, 1939, the convoy HG-3 made up of 25 ships sailed from Gibraltar.

U 45 North Atlantic - AM 78 - In the area of ​​operations, there are no special events.

U 46 North Atlantic - AM 43 - Underway to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 47 North Sea - AN 1616 - 04:37 - 19:15 before entering Scapa Flow, at the bottom 90 m. Rest. Prepared explosive charges. The mood is good. 19:15 - surfaced. Until 23:07 sailing to Holm Sund. Submerged before a vapor. 23:31 - surfaced. Follow the navigation through Holm and Kirk Sund. Poor visibility, all dark on the coastline. Northern lights in the sky, thus illuminating the bay.

U 48 North Atlantic - BE 3194 - 01:16 - Sixth torpedo launch hitting previous day's steamer. 5,202-ton steamer HERONSPOOL (from Allied convoy OB-17, which broke up 12 Oct 1939) sunk BE 3544; the entire crew of the steamer survived the sinking. 07:00 - steamer in sight. Approach. 08:14 - Ship stopped by artillery fire. After the crew abandoned her, the 6,903 ton LOUISIANE (from convoy OA-17 which broke up the day before) was sunk by artillery. One crew member lost his life. 09:17 - Destroyers in sight. They fire with artillery. Emergency dive. At 120 m 4-5 depth charges. No damage BE 3544 - 16:00 - tanker in sight. 16:25 stopped the Norwegian tanker EUROPE. There is no contraband. Go on. 19:00 - 20:40 Torpedoes transhipped from the upper deck.

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.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 14, 1939.

The B-Dienst continues to receive Allied reports about submarines in the Atlantic. They give the impression of a very promising surprise in the area planned for the operation.

U 45 - North Atlantic - BE 3311 - The U-boat hit convoy KJF-3, sinking the British steamer LOCHAVON (9,205 GRT) and the French steamer BRETAGNE (10,108 GRT). On the LOCHAVON, which was loaded with 31,000 crates of dried fruit, general cargo, and passengers, the entire crew survived the sinking (BE 3366/50°25'N – 13°10'W). On the BRETAGNE, which was sailing in the dark, seven people lost their lives, the slowly sinking ship saved about 300 passengers (BE 3366/50°20'N - 12°45'W). There was no confirmation regarding the impact on a third steamer claimed by the U 45, the British steamer KARAMEA, which was not hit and was able to continue its journey. Shortly after her attack on the KJF-3 convoy, U 45 was discovered by the destroyer escorts HMS INGLEFIELD, HMS INTREPID, HMS ICARUS and HMS IVANHOE and sunk with depth charges. The crew of U 45 perished in its entirety. At this point, the submersible was at sea for 10 days and sank two Allied ships totaling 19,313 GRT.

U 46 - North Atlantic - AM 75 - Underway to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 47 - Scapa Flow - AN 1610 - 00:27 - the U-boat is in Scapa Flow. Quiet, good view on the bay. There is nothing south of Cava. Movement to the north. There are two battleships at anchor (HMS ROYAL OAK and the seaplane mothership HMS PEGASUS, erroneously named HMS REPULSE). 1:16 - Three torpedoes hit the battleships, one to the north and two to the south (missed). 1:21 - stern launch. Nothing happens. Reloaded bow tubes. 1:25 - Three torpedoes hit the nearby ship. Impacts. Columns of water, then fire, chunks fly through the air. The British battleship HMS ROYAL OAK was sunk (all three torpedoes fired on the third try hit HMS ROYAL OAK and sank the battleship in 13 minutes. 883 crew lost their lives). All tubes empty. 1:25 - withdrawal course. 02:15 - Outside Scapa Flow. 06:30 to 19:35 perched on the bottom, then heading 180°.

U 48 - North Atlantic - BE 3914 - 10:05 - Steamer with a zig-zag course in sight. BE 3834 - 12:13 - Steamer stopped with artillery. BE 3836 - 12:33 - British steamer SNEATON (3,677 GRT) sunk by torpedo hit and artillery fire, one man of crew lost his life (BE 3836/ 49°05'N - 13°05'W). Loaded with 4,300 tons of coal.

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.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 15, 1939.

Radio intelligence reports from the Atlantic have almost completely subsided. Only the S.S. "Stonepool" in contact with a submarine. The U 48 reported her sinkings, 4 ships with a total of 29,000 tons, and made a brief situation report. She reported good weather (she was even able to reload torpedoes from the upper deck), whereas in the information here the weather conditions in the area of ​​operations were supposed to be very bad. It is clear how valuable such situation reports are for the control of operations. As the weather was believed to be definitely bad, the Commander on scene on the 13th was advised to abandon position "GELB" and move to position "SCHWARZE" (Operations Order No. 7). Towards the afternoon reports were received showing that there had apparently been a large-scale anti-submarine hunt in the "GELB" area.

To the west of the UK, increased British anti-submarine activity was detected in the reports of the 3rd and 12th destroyer flotillas. This is concentrated in the GELB operational area, in which German submarines have been conducting VERSUCHSFALL A since October 10, 1939.

The Bulletin of the WEHRMACHT (Wehrmachtsbericht) announced the following message: ... As the British Admiralty announced by radio, the battleship ROYAL OAK was sunk by a German submarine. So far, the British Admiralty has only announced the number of about 370 survivors.

U 46 North Atlantic - BE 36 - Sailing to area of ​​operations, no special events.

U 47 North Sea - AN 5212 - On her way back. 06:00 - perched at 72 m. 18:21 - surfaced.

U 48 North Atlantic - BE 3518 - 12:20 - bow sector of EMIL MIGUET sunk on October 12, 1939 in sight. 12:30 - wreckage sunk after 15 artillery shells.

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.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 16, 1939.

The general impression in the Atlantic is as follows: the "GELB" position was a very happy choice. Now that a few more reports of sinking have been received, the total tonnage sunk in the last 3 days has risen to almost 56,000. The enemy immediately changed the route of maritime traffic and sent anti-submarine forces to this area. Therefore, there is no purpose in remaining in this position for a long time. U-Boats will be ordered to proceed to the "SCHWARZ" area.

Despite the many sinkings in the "GELB" area, only U 37 and U 48 have been reported. Therefore, U 42, 45 and 46 were ordered to give their position and situation report. U 46 reported, but U 42 ​​and U 45 did not. Therefore, it can only be taken with certainty that the U 37, U 46 and U 48 are still in operation.

Admiral Raeder gave a presentation to the Führer in Berlin on the operation of the U 47. Prien and Dönitz must go to Berlin.

U 46 North Atlantic - BE 6979 - 23:55 - cruiser sighted 1000 m. The chase begins.

U 47 North Sea - AN 5311 - On her way back. 18:23 - The Norwegian passenger steamer "METEOR" lies in front of the submersible. Shot ahead of the bow. Steamer had already stopped. She has 238 passengers on board. She continues.

U 48 North Atlantic - BE 3473 - 06:50 - Dutch steamer LEERDAM stopped. She continues after the review at 09:20.

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.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 17, 1939.

At 00:55 hours Radio signal from U 46 reporting the sighting of a large cruiser, heading north, 14 knots. It could not be determined if the submersible was tracking or trying to regain contact.

At 08:51 hours U 46 reported a convoy of 20 ships escorted by 12 destroyers, on a main course to the northeast. The submersible was in pursuit, she lost contact for a while, recovered it and followed it until the afternoon. Then the English coastal radio stations received reports about the torpedoing of 2 ships.

The Bulletin of the Armed Forces (WEHRMACHTSBERICHT) reported the following message: ... According to the Commander of the German Submarine Force, the torpedoing of the battleship ROYAL OAK and the battle cruiser REPULSE took place in the bay of SCAPA FLOW. The trade war in the North Sea and the Baltic has had effective results in the last week. In the Atlantic and according to English sources, seven steamers totaling 54,396 GRT were sunk between October 13 and 15 alone, including the large French tanker EMILE MIGUET.

U 46 North Atlantic - BE 6979 - Approach to the cruiser sighted the previous day. 00:30 - Two torpedoes miss on the cruiser. 00:34 - The third torpedo also misses. Cruiser disappears. BE 9373 - 06:00 - Norwegian STROMBOLI was stopped. There is no contraband. BE 9373 - 08:00 - Two hours later, in the morning of the same day, U 46 fired on the British steamer YORKSHIRE (10,184 GRT) with her deck gun, but had to call off the attack due to heavy returned fire from artillery of the steamer and submerged (BE 9373/44°54' N – 12°40' W); this vessel was sunk by U 37. At 0900 hours, U 46 overtook Allied convoy HG-3 and began to follow it. U 46 sank the British steamer CITY OF MANDALAY (7,028 GRT) from convoy HG-3 with torpedo hits. Seven men of the ship's crew lost their lives (BE 9169/44°57'N – 13°36'W). The ship was loaded with rubber, hemp seeds, tea, and other products. On the same day, U 46 rendezvoused with U 37 at Grid BE 9225.

U 47 returned to WILHELMSHAVEN after her second patrol against the enemy. U 47 was at sea for ten days and sank a British battleship with 29,150 GRT. This sinking made U 47 and her commanding officer, Kplt. GÜNTHER PRIEN probably the most famous submarine in the world.

U 48 North Atlantic - BE 9153 - 20:14 - 2 steamers in sight. 20:32 - The first torpedo launch fails. 20:35 - the second shot hit and sank CLAN CHISHOLM (7256 BRT) from convoy HG-3. 41 members of the steamer's crew survive the sinking, four men are killed by torpedo explosions. With CLAN CHISHOLM, the Allies lose 8,500 t of supplies BE 91 - 21:03 - A shot on a destroyer misses. Destroyers out of sight. BE 9231 - , which had been able to reach on the BE 38 network some time before. (BE 9153/45°N - 15°W). Half an hour later, U 48 attacks a convoy escort with a single shot, but this misses the target (BE 91). Another attack on the convoy just ten minutes later also fails. The double launch fired against the American steamer SAGAING also misses its target (BE 9231).

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.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 18, 1939.

At 00:29 hours U 48 saw the enemy again. The U-boat reported: "One straggler sunk. A second straggler sailing on a northerly course on Grid 6789 BE. All torpedoes used." The submersible followed this ship. At 0500 hours U 37 gave the order to act on U 48's report, thus canceling the order for a line of reconnaissance. At first light, U 48 again detected the convoy, which had apparently reconvened in the meantime. At 06:30 a second submarine was reported sighting a ship. Therefore, at least one more submersible had reached the enemy according to U 48 report. Around noon air activity appeared, contact was lost. U 37 ordered the submersibles that had been repulsed to position "SCHWARZ".

U 48 was ordered to turn back as she had no more torpedoes. A study of the situation showed the fact that U 37 and U 46 would only have 30 and 5 tons of fuel respectively when they reached the "SCHWARZ" position. U 46, therefore, was assigned a closer area of ​​operations (off the coast of Lisbon).

U 46 North Atlantic - BF 47 - 09:13 - cloud of smoke in sight. keeping in touch. Diving due to aerial activity. BF 4811 - 19:30 hours torpedo on a steamer sighted fails. The second torpedo also misses. Four artillery shots against the steamer, no hits. Vapor turned toward the boat. Submerged by the risk of being rammed.

U 48 North Atlantic-BE 69-06:25-The previous day's ship radioed her location. Second steamer in sight. BE 6914 - 07:32 - destroyer in sight dive alarm. 31 depth charges at 120 m. No damage BE 6911 - 16:45 - going back.

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.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.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. VERSUCHSFALLES A.

October 19, 1939.

U-boats losses so far have been 2 in the Atlantic or North Sea (U 27, U 39), 2 probably in the Atlantic (U 42, U 45), 2 perhaps in the Canal (U 12, U 40). These losses do not impede the passage of the Canal. The danger of a surprise air attack is no greater in the Canal than in the open sea area, since submersibles must remain submerged by day anyway. I (BdU), therefore, am at this point reluctant to give up the enormous advantage of the short approach path across the Channel. But the question will have to be constantly considered.

U 46 found a new convoy of 15 ships, but was soon repulsed by the destroyers and lost contact. By order of the Naval Warfare General Staff, the area in which unrestricted action can be taken against ships sailing without lights has been extended 300 miles to the west.

End of the first German submarine pack tactics operation. In VERSUCHSFALLES A participated U 37, U 42, U 45, U 46 and U 48. The submersibles sank three Allied merchant ships from convoy HG-3, which was the objective of the operation. Two own ships were lost during it.

U 46 North Atlantic - BF 74 - In the area of ​​operations, there are no special events.

U 48 North Atlantic - BE 3194 - 12:15 - Steamer in sight. attacked. 13:32 - Artillery fire on the steamer. The ROCKPOLL tried to ram the U-boat. Emergency dive. 14:12 - Surfaced and fire was opened. 14:16 - Dive alarm, pursued by a destroyer. There were no depth charges. U 48 escaped without damage.

U 55 was launched.

October 20, 1939.

The TI (torpedo inspection?) admitted to the Submarine Force Command another known flaw in German torpedoes. In fact, they would run two meters lower than expected. The BdU had not been informed of this until then, as it was assumed that this would not be a decisive factor when using magnetic fuzes.

U 46 North Atlantic - CG 1952 - 08:00 - Torpedoes transhipped from upper deck. CG 1890 - 10:50 - Nothing seen in the area of operations.

U 47 Wilhelmshaven - AN 98 / AN 96 - 18:30 - Departed from Wilhelmshaven. Sailing through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal, for overhaul work at the shipyard in Kiel (Krupp Germaniawerft).

U 48 North Atlantic - AM 71 - 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)
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939

Cheers. Raúl M .