2. U-Flotille “Saltzwedel”.

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On October 16, 1939 In the West Group HQ 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. Then the enemy immediately changed the route of the merchant ships and sent anti-submarine forces to this area. Therefore, there is no point in staying in this position for a long time. U-boats will be ordered to the "SCHWARZ" area. Over the past few days, the British news service has stated several times that several German submarines have been sunk, including 2 of the largest and newest type.

Admiral RAEDER receives word that the Soviet Union has provided GERMANY with a well-placed base west of MURMANSK where a repair ship will be stationed.

In a statement to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Naval Warfare General Staff advocates treating armed merchant ships as warships in the future. The department is asked to examine how this can also be transferred to armed merchant ships of neutral countries.

There are no U-boats of the flotilla at sea.

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On October 17, 1939, the German Naval Warfare Staff completely freed the use of weapons against all enemy merchant ships. Passenger liners still cannot be attacked. The same command issues a warning to neutral states not to allow their ships to travel in enemy convoys or to make themselves suspect in any other way.

Meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the planned INTER-AMERICAN SECURITY ZONE. The Naval Warfare Staff opposes the creation of such a zone.

A meeting with the German Naval Attaché in MOSCOW, FrKp. BAUMBACH, is held at the Naval Warfare Staff. The content of the conversation is a German base in the Arctic. It turns out that GERMANY's desire to have a full-fledged base in MURMANSK or VLADIVOSTOK cannot be fulfilled. The TERIBERKA BAY offered by the USSR as a replacement must be considered inadequate. A new offer from the SOVIET UNION, the Bay of SAPADNAYA LIZA, is also being discussed. However, the practical benefit to the Navy is estimated to be low.

The OKM sent the BdU the names of the U 27 and U 39 crews interned in GREAT BRITAIN.

U 34 sailed toward her area of ​​operations.

U 34 - Wilhelmshaven/North Sea - 13:00 - Departed from Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Start of the 2nd Patrol. March along route II to the North Sea. PQ: AN 9814.

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On October 18, 1939, Hitler issues INSTRUCTION No. 7 to the Kriegsmarine which states: Attacks on enemy passenger steamers that are being escorted or that are obscured. The Führer will decide on all other proposed measures to escalate the trade war against England as soon as the OKW has examined their political and economic effects.

Note from the Naval Warfare General Staff regarding the announcement of the name of the commander of U 27, Kplt. FRANZ as a prisoner of war on the London regional channel's evening news in German.

The British destroyer HMS AFRIDI, a freighter and an ANSON from 269 Squadron attack a suspected German submarine at position 55°56'N - 02°03'W / AN 51. According to their own account, the submersible was probably slightly damaged. There is no German confirmation.

U 25 sailed toward her area of ​​operations.

U 25 - Wilhelmshaven/North Sea - 13:20 - left Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Start of the 1st Patrol. 14:25 – Six destroyers passed and U 19 entering Schillig-Reede. 16:29 - Passage by lightship "F" (AN 9596). 19:32 - Departure via route I, then following a radio message, via route 2 to avoid own forces (AN 9573). March to the area of ​​operations. PQ: AN 9814 → AN 9596 → AN 9573

U 34 - North Sea - Underway towards the area of ​​operations. 16:30 - The Estonian steamer LAKE LUCERNE was stopped (AN 4950). 23:00 – The Danish steamer VIOLA was stopped (AN 4680). Both steamers have no contraband on board, released. PQ: AN 4950 - AN 4680.

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On 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 maybe on 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 Canal. But the question will have to be constantly considered.

RAEDER again points out the need for a strong mine offensive against GREAT BRITAIN with light surface and submarine forces.

The Naval Warfare General Staff extends the maritime area in which the unrestricted use of weapons against protected ships is permitted up to 20° West.

The BdU was informed by telex that the name of the commander of U 27 had been announced on British radio the day before.

The Naval Warfare General Staff receives a memorandum from the German naval attaché in SPAIN dealing with the supply of German submarines in Spanish ports. Summarize the previous results.

End of the first German submarine wolf pack tactics operation.

U 25 - North Sea - 11:50 - Steamer sighted. It is the Finnish steamer HILDEGAARD. 12:00 - The Finnish ship and a Danish steamer are released (AN 6435). In navigation many small commercial steamers with flags and lanterns were sighted. PQ: AN 6435

U 34 - North Sea - No special incidents. PQ: AN.

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On October 20, 1939 the German TI (torpedo inspection?) admits to the Submarine Force Command another defect of German torpedoes that has been known for a long time. In fact, they would run two meters below the established limit. DÖNITZ has not yet been informed of this, as it was assumed that this would not be a factor in the use of MAGNETIC FUZZES. On the same day, all submarine commanders are informed of this by the BdU.

The Führer Directive No. 7 of October 18, 1939 is being discussed in the Naval Warfare General Staff. In the event that the current conflict spreads to BELGIUM, this command orders the immediate and energetic mining of Belgian ports by submarines . The BdU's request that submarines currently stationed in the NORTH SEA be allowed to wage war in accordance with the Prize Law is rejected. The main tasks of these submersibles remain initially the mining of British ports and the surveillance of Scottish ports.

The Naval Warfare General Staff requests the BdU by telex to submit an assessment of the British radio reports on captured submarine crews, as well as a new list of current submarine commanders.

U 32's engines are so badly damaged that they will have to be replaced. The submersible should have set sail in the next few days. She will now be out of action for several weeks. She was about to load the mines. This will have far-reaching consequences.

U 31 will have to take over her operation and therefore she will not be able to sail until 3 days later. The operation originally assigned to this submersible will have to be postponed. This is an excellent example of what happens almost all the time. Time and time again the plans are reversed because the completion dates of the ships are postponed. One thing is for sure: M.A.N. they have not proven their worth because their casing is too light. Presumably, things won't get better until all submersibles have been outfitted with the new covers.

U 25 - North Sea - 00:00 - In order not to be stopped by enemy planes too close to the English coast, 3 1/2 hours of navigation in inmersion (AN 4668). 08:30 - Sighting of several small trawlers. 12:30 - March to the north pass of the Fair Isle Passage (AN 4564). 13:45 - Alarm dive in front of planes. 14:58 - Surfaced. 15:35 - Third air attack (AN 4525). Another ship in sight at the same time. submerged. Seven to eight aerial bombs in the immediate vicinity. Boat perched on the bottom and everything went out. 16:50 - Surface. Trawlers evaded on the surface. No more incidents. PQ: AN 4668 → AN 4564 → AN 4525 → AN 4287

U 34 - North Sea - 06:00 a.m. - The Swedish steamer GUSTAF ADOLF detained with prohibited goods on board. 07:32 – Steamer sunk by artillery (AF 7975). The entire crew survived the sinking of the GUSTAV ADOLF loaded with paper and wood pulp. U 34 tows the steamer's lifeboats closer to the SHETLANDS. 10:30 the Norwegian steamer BISCAYA in sight, is stopped to take on board the crew of the GUSTAV ADOLF. 10:58 - Steamer stopped with artillery (AN 2131). Strike back. 11:23 - Steamer launches lifeboats. torpedo fired. Impact. The British ship SEA VENTURE was sunk with 3,000 tons of coal. PQ: AF 7975 → AN 2131

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30250.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On October 21, 1939, the Naval Warfare General Staff orders an immediate review of the possibility of German submarines operating off the north coast of Norway. The aim is to prevent deliveries of ore and timber to the UK. In addition, it should be checked whether a cooperation with the Pocket Battleship DEUTSCHLAND is possible to achieve this goal.

The listening service records two reports from British destroyers about U-boats. HMS FORBIN reports a sighting off Cape Saint Vincent, another report says that a destroyer attacked and probably sank a submarine at the western end of the English Channel.

U 31 and U 53 set sail for their areas of operations. U 31 to mine Loch Ewe with TMB mines in accordance with Operations Order No. 9 (the operation originally intended for the U 32).

U 53 must first proceed to an area in the south-west of Ireland. She will operate there against maritime traffic until U 26, which will set sail on 22.10, has had time to carry out her mine-laying operation.

U 25 - North Sea - 00:00 - Two steamers passed with lights on. 07:50 - Sumbourg Head in sight (AN 2617). Submerged to pass Fair Island Hole (AN 2617). 10:10 - Three guard ships in sight. Immersion to 60m and everything went off. Immersion to 104 m Star bearings make water. The submersible is too heavy. 11:30 - Blown and released from the bottom. 11:47 - Surface (AN 2641). Patrol ships are no longer seen. 14:08 - Steamer sighted. Immersion in alarm. Underwater approach. Norwegian steamer. She's too close to shore to stop him. 15:30 - Excess water drained (AN 1461). 15:50 - Submerged (AN 1461). Two patrol ships in sight. First avoidance course, then perched on the bottom at 106 m. Everything went dark. Two depth charges. The patrol ships carry out search courses. 18:38 - 2 t of water in diesel bilge, surfaced. Surface navigation under cover of darkness. PQ: AN 4135 → AN 2617 → AN 2641 → AN 1461

U 26 - KoKp. KLAUS EWERTH takes command again.

U 31 - Wilhelmshaven/North Sea - 12:40 - Departed from Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Beginning of the 3rd Patrol. PQ: AN 9814

U 34 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ: AN

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30250.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On October 22, 1939, a memorandum entitled “SKL Preliminary Considerations on the Problems of Economic Warfare and the Creation of a Centralized Lead Agency” is discussed at the Naval War General Staff (SKL). The approaches developed there will be presented to the OKW later the same day at a further meeting. The OKW only accepts the creation of a weakened form of the leadership position proposed by the SKL.

The German embassy in Riga reports that Norwegian companies are carrying out increased food shipments from the Baltic states via neutral Sweden to the UK on behalf of the British government, leading to a noticeable reduction in food deliveries to Germany from the area in question.

U 26 set sail for Gibraltar. After mine laying (Operations Order No. 6), it is intended to be sent to the western Mediterranean along with U 25 and U 53. As she must first carry out a mining operation, only absolutely essential confidential books and encrypted material can be delivered to the boat. (Standing War Order No. 17). The consequent disadvantages and difficulties when working together with other submersibles must be accepted, as the risk of confidential books and encrypted material falling into enemy hands if the vessel is lost in shallow water is too great. This point must be taken into account in all shallow water operations.

U 25 - North Atlantic - En route to the theater of operations. 07:30 - Conning tower hatch closed due to heavy seas. 08:30 - Several trawlers avoided. Navigation only LF due to heavy seas. 12:00 - The U-boat works hard. Weapons may not be used (AM 3451). Trawler dodged. No more incidents. PQ: AN 1365 → AM 3451

U 26 - Wilhelmshaven/North Sea-22:00 - She left Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Beginning of the 2nd Patrol. 22:30 - In the III. Access removal of a fuel spill. 23:30 - Departure of the III. Access. Jade navigation below. No more incidents. PQ: AN 9814

U 31 - North Sea - Underway to theater of operations. 05:00 - Submerged. calm sea. PQ:AN

U 34 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ: AM

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30250.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On October 23, 1939 The BdU states in its KTB: It is true that the use of the torpedo is extremely limited, there is a risk of control with the impact fuse and of premature explosion with the magnetic fuse. Furthermore, after assessing submarine losses to date, he concluded that the issue of the English Channel as an area of ​​operations and as a shipping lane should be reassessed.

The first supply experiment will be carried out with a submersible which, in any case, is stationed near the agreed supply points and does not depend on resupply for its operation. This could be done with U 25, U 26 or U 53 when leaving or returning (Mediterranean area of ​​operations). Fuel must be ordered 10 days in advance and must be requested by November 1st.

The Naval Warfare General Staff begins with the first plans to equip an oil tanker to supply a pocket battleship and submarines at sea. The ship should resemble neutral tankers as much as possible and should serve to create supply options in a "NORD BASE".

The U 34, which sailed on 17.10, has been ordered to take up position within the "SCHWARZ" disposition. As events have made this provision superfluous, it makes no sense to send her there now, not only because she would be there alone, but because her fuel supply would only allow her to operate there for a short time.

On the subject of submarine losses: Of the Atlantic and North Sea U-boats, U 27, U 39, and U 12 are definitely lost, U 42 ​​and U 45 probably, U 40 possibly. The following is known about the U-Flotille ship: U 27 reported on 19.9 that she was leaving her area of ​​operations. A significant part of her crew are now prisoners of war. This means that the submersible was probably surprised on the surface and attacked with gunfire and possibly aircraft as well.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 10:40 - Submerged (AM 2631). Works on the torpedoes. 10:54 - Submerged, aircraft passed at about 2000 m, not sighted. Sea 5-6. To surface for navigation on the water. No more incidents. PQ: AM 3393 → AM 2631

U 26 - North Sea - 02:20 - Lightship "F" (AN 9596) was left behind. 06:00 - Immersion test. 06:50 - Surface. 07:45 - ES exchange with Vp.-Boot 128 (advance ship). 11:30 - ES exchange with Vp. Boot 409. 17:30 - Emergency dive, exercise. To surface. 19:50 - Blue route 12 reached. 24:00 - Mine warning area to the left (AN 3878). PQ: AN

U 31 - North Sea - No special incidents. PQ:AN

U 34 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ:AM

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30250.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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October 24, 1939 The Naval War General Staff is considering extending the trade war to the Gulf of Finland to stop the ever-increasing number of food shipments from the BALTIC STATES to SWEDEN and thence to the UK. This will happen after an announcement to the German and Soviet Military Attachés.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 12:00 - Review of machines in immersion (AM 4337). The boat can be kept well at periscope depth. No more incidents. PQ: AM 2738 → AM 4337

U 26 - North Sea - Great Fisher Bank - 06:32 - Submerged under underwater marching. 17:10 - Several fishermen in sight. 19:00 - To the surface for navigation on the water. No more incidents. PQ: 57°54' North - 03°04' East

U 31 - North Sea - 21:30 - Passed the hole without obstacles (AN 1462). PQ: AN 1462

U 34 - North Atlantic - In the area of operations, nothing special. PQ:AM

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30250.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On October 25, 1939 After evaluating the reports of the B-Dienst, the Naval War General Staff determined that FREETOWN had been established as one of the main bases in the British convoy system. Other news about the purchase of neutral coastal shipping and the takeover of smaller civilian vessels by the British government is interpreted by the Command as a generous expansion of British anti-submarine warfare. For convoys coming from the WEST, subsequent evaluations result in an approach point with a width corresponding to BREST. Major ships would be brought in by warships from 30° West and submarine cover.

Expansion of the trade war zone by Germany. Now this area in the EASTERN BALTIC extends north to 56° and to the longitude of REVAL. However, the neutral zones of the AALAND ISLANDS must continue to be respected, and the area of ​​operation must not be extended beyond MOONSUND and IRBENSTRASSE.

U 46 sighted a convoy from her position 60 miles northwest of Lisbon. U 25, which was supposed to be off the south-west corner of Ireland, was ordered to take action. As long as contact is maintained, she could reach the convoy, since at the moment the enemy's course is restricted by the coastline. This is an experiment to find out if it's good to have a few submersibles working together in a large area. Contact was lost after 4 hours.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 15:11 - Message from U 46: "Enemy in sight grid 5271 CG." 16:12 - Signal from U 46 received: "Enemy in sight grid 5244 CG." The opponent is 80 MN away. Before the submersible could get there, the enemy would be on Quessant. 17:20 - Radio message 1642/25/95 received: "Operate on enemy reported by U 46 at 16:00 on Grid 5244 CG heading north, cruise 12 am." The Commander: "I intend to proceed to Grid 5123 BF first, keep shortwave listening and wait for further signs of contact." No more incidents. PQ: AM 5447 → AM 7386

U 26 - North Sea - off Utsire - 07:00 - Submerged due sailing ships. underwater navigation. 14:00 - Surface. 21:00 - 60° north latitude sailing north. No more incidents. PQ:AN

U 31 - North Atlantic - No special incidents. PQ:AN

U 34 - North Atlantic - No special incidents. PQ:AM

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30250.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On October 26, 1939, the Naval Warfare General Staff (SKL) discovered that there was a radio direction-finding network that worked very well on the French Atlantic coast, which located German submarines based on radio messages and could determine their location with fairly well precision. After localization, all maritime traffic is diverted and countermeasures are taken.

As U 46 did not regain contact, but reported that she was leaving her area of ​​operations due to lack of fuel, it was no longer possible for U 25 to operate against the convoy. In the meantime, this submersible had traveled a long way to the south. She was assigned a new area of ​​operations northwest of Cape Finisterre.

The following U-Flotille submersibles will be available to operate next:

U 33 as of October 29
U 28 from November 08
U 29 from November 11
U 35 from November 13

I consider the detailed mine laying operations to be of the following importance:

1) within the Bristol Channel, north of the Foreland
2) outside of Swansea
3) across from Milford Haven.

Available information suggests that they would be very successful. But since it involves entering an area that is likely to be heavily patrolled, they must be carried out as soon as possible, before the anti-submarine defenses reach their maximum extent. The submarines of the U-Flotilla "Saltzwedel" should be considered for this, due to their range: U 33, U 28 and U 29. Therefore, the U-boats that are ready to operate will have to be divided into a mining group and an operational group.

I intend (BdU) to assemble the latter, up to 4 submersibles, in the South West of Ireland. They will then arrange to attack south and west of Portugal in order to intercept northbound traffic from Gibraltar.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 11:20 - Radio message received: "New operational area Qu. 7000 BF". Navigation to Quessant abandoned. 19:30 - Submerged. Troubleshooting on the machine. 22:30 - Port diesel with problems. Replacement of an exhaust valve. No more incidents. PQ: AM 8749

U 26 - North Sea/Shetland Heights/North Sea - 11:00 - Test dive. 13:00 - Surface. The clocks went back an hour. No more incidents. PQ: 61°47' North - 10°44' West

U 31 - North Atlantic - 16:00 - Submerged (AM 3812). She could not stay on the bottom at 50 m. current too strong. 19:05 - Surfaced. Up and down opposite Loch Ewe. PQ: AM 3812

U 34 - North Atlantic - 16:00 - Steamer sighted. She is Italian (BF 3330). PQ: BF3330

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30250.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On October 27, 1939 and in order to reduce our losses and based on the reflections established in the War Register of October 23, I have decided (Dönitz - BdU) to issue the following orders:

1) U-boats must not board ships that have been detained for examination.
2) Ships must be sunk with torpedoes only, even when they are only attacked after examination (which may now only consist of looking at documents) or after resistance has been put down with gunfire.

Admiral RAEDER orders the publication of the successes and losses of German submarines. In the opinion of the Naval Warfare General Staff (SKL), it is unacceptable to hide one's losses, especially if the war lasts longer, since they are natural. Concealment would only result in a loss of confidence in the leadership among the people. However, own losses should only be announced if the loss has been clearly established and the opponent is also aware of it with certainty. In any case, the percentage of own losses should seem small. The loss of the submersibles U 12, U 27 and U 39 is released for publication.

After British radio reported that a German submarine had run aground on GOODWIN SANDS (U 16), the Luftwaffe was ordered to discontinue the salvage and diving work initiated by the British.

U 25 - North Atlantic - In the Theater of Operations. 00:00 - Port diesel engine in service again (BF 1895). 12:00 - Vapor traffic is not observed (BF 4572). No more incidents. PQ: BF 1895 → BF 4572

U 26 - North Sea/North of Shetland - 06:15 - Submerged in front of a vessel. Navigation to the west. 13:00 - Surface. 14:10 - Immersion in front of a boat. 17:10 - Surface. Navigation on the water. No more incidents. PQ: 60°30' North - 04°56' West

U 31 - North Atlantic - 07:26 - Submerged. Mines ready to be launched. Due to net barriers, the sub cannot penetrate far into the LOCH and has to lay mines on the outer lane. 18:10 - Caught in a net, but can be freed again (AM 3826). 18:55 - 19:25 - 9 TMB mines placed at Loch Ewe (AM 3826). Sailing in immersion. 20:35 - Marching back. PQ: AM 3826

U 34 - North Atlantic - 18:40 - Convoy OB-25 in sight. Tracing. 19:30 - Submerged. 20:47 - torpedo against steamer (BF 1452). Impact. The British Freighter BRONTE (5317 BRT) was sunk. The entire crew survived the attack on the ship (BE 1452 / 49°30'N - 12°15'W). The BRONTE is eventually sunk later by two British destroyers. The British freighter was loaded with general cargo and chemicals. 20:56 - Torpedo against another steamer fails. 21:01 - torpedo on freighter. Impact (Unconfirmed). Destroyers attack. depth charges. No damage. PQ: BF 1452

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30250.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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War with Great Britain and France!

On October 28, 1939 the Wehrmacht Bulletin announced the following statement:... The trade war in the North and Baltic seas, as well as in the Atlantic, continued to be successful. In the period between October 12 and 25, 1939, were sank: according to confirmed reports made by own reports, 22 ships with 109,370 GRT, according to foreign press reports, three more ships with 12,606 GRT, a total of 25 ships with 121,976 GRT. With that the total losses since the beginning of the war rises to a total of 115 ships with 475,321 GRT. Since all unconfirmed reports are not taken into account in this compilation, it must be assumed that the actual sinking numbers are significantly higher. Despite these successes of our naval forces in the trade war, our own losses remain within very small limits. So far, the loss of three submarines due to their long absence should be expected.

The Naval Warfare General Staff authorizes the commercial war with submarines in the North Sea. Current restrictions remain in effect only in the maritime area south of 61°N and east of 5°W. This is to counteract the increasing number of transports of timber and minerals from Norway to Great Britain.

The French Admiralty announced the sinking of a German submarine in the Atlantic. The bodies were said to have been salvaged.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 00:00 - No vapor traffic observed (BF 7259). 09:20 - Spanish coast in sight. coastal fisherman. 11:50 - A dive to avoid being seen. 12:00 - No commercial traffic observed at periscope depth (BF 7834). 17:35 - Big steamer in sight. scheduled attack. Nine wabo detonations (depth charges) were heard. There's probably a convoy approaching. The volume of noise increases. Darkness prevents optical observation. It is currently not possible to emerge. 18:50 - When the situation calms down, emerge. 18:57 - During the emersion, a torpedo-boat is seen. Immediately to dive again. The ships overtook the boat. 21:15 - Surface. Persecution. 23:30 – Seven small torpedo boats and one destroyer sailing in formation. No convoy. No attack. PQ: BF 7259 → BF 7834

U 26 - North Atlantic/Orkney Islands - 10:00 - Steamer in sight. Approaching under water to stop it. Danish flag sighted as we approached. abort, was not stopped. Vapor is not following a suspicious course. 13:00 - Surface. No more incidents. PQ: 59°29' North - 09°50' West

U 31 - North Atlantic - Heading back, nothing special to report. PQ:AM

U 34 - North Atlantic - 23:50 - Destroyer and two steamers sighted (BF 1385). Tracing. PQ:BF 1385

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30250.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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War with Great Britain and France!

On October 29, 1939 the Naval Warfare General Staff has ordered that passenger ships in enemy convoy be attacked. After re-addressing the issue of keeping losses down, the BdU decided to only order submersibles to keep a sufficient distance in artillery actions, and not to go all out. He did not think it necessary or justifiable to further restrict the use of the cannons.

a) order the submersibles to avoid all artillery actions, i.e. to flee from combat as soon as they encounter opposition, or
b) completely give up the use of artillery.

Commanding officers should be required not to engage decisively with the enemy, but to keep a distance that makes it impossible for the enemy to use their weapons effectively, or may disrupt the action if confronted with superior weapons.

The experience report of the U 37 off Gibraltar was received:

1) Patrolling by Q boats, motor ships and aircraft. cooperation between these.
2) Air patrol in the area of ​​Cape Spartel, Trafalgar, St. Vincent Larache. It hunts apparently only with hydrophones, with no location.
3) Traffic: Ships making 9 knots or more have independent routes, more than 10 miles south of the usual steamer routes.

This report provides valuable information for the operation of the U-boats that will cross the Strait of Gibraltar to the Mediterranean (U 25, U 26 and U 53).

A conference was held between the BdU and the Luftwaffe General Staff on the problem of getting more information on the Channel. The Luftwaffe agreed to carry out an extensive photographic reconnaissance of the entire Dover-Calais area. It remains to be seen whether images taken of the sea surface from such a height can provide practical clues about mines and net barriers and other details of navigational importance. The only experiences are from much smaller marine areas. However, the BdU was of the opinion that all means of reconnaissance should be used. Even if the results cannot be accurately analyzed from a navigation point of view, they will still be of great value.

U 33 sailed for a mine-laying operation north of the Foreland. U 25 and U 34 were ordered to make a situation report. The BdU must know if the French Admiralty announcement refers to one of these submersibles. U 31 reported: "Operation accomplished." (Loch Ewe).

U 25 - North Atlantic - 00:00 - Beginning of patrol in Op. area (BF 7825). 01:10 - 02:25 - Several steamers sighted. without stopping due to nearby warships. 05:05 - Suddenly destroyer in sight. submerged. After the disappearance of the noise, to the surface. More patrol. 12:00 - Submerged (BF 7882). Steamers appear. They were not stopped as a convoy was expected. The depth rudder motor fails. The front periscope shows damage to the ball bearings. Not everything can be fixed with the resources on board. 18:10 - Surface (BF 7864). Patrol near trade route. No more incidents. PQ: BF7825 → BF7822 → BF7864 → BF7861

U 26 - North Atlantic / North Entry Height Irish Sea - 18:15 - Test Dive. 18:45 - Surface. No more incidents. PQ: 56°52' North - 12°20' West

U 31 - North Sea - No special incidents. PQ: FA

U 33 - Wilhelmshaven/North Sea - 14:00 - Set sail from Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Start of the 2nd Patrol. PQ: AN 9814

U 34 - North Atlantic - Follow-up on the two steamers from the previous day. 01:50 - Two torpedoes launched (BF 1387). Two hits detected. Sinking not observed. The British ship MALABAR (7976 BRT), from Convoy HX-5, was sunk. Five men lost their lives on the ship loaded with wood, tobacco and other goods. Listening to the pursuit of destroyers. To the ground until 16:00. Many failures in the submersible. Stern tube leaking water, Cracked port internal regulator, Faulty main bilge pump. Marching back. According to her own statements, U 34 sank another ship in the convoy, an oil tanker, of which there is no confirmation (BF 1387/49 ° 57'N-07 ° 37'W) PQ: BF 1387

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30250.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 30, 1939 Situation reports are received from U 25 and U 34, so the French Admiralty's claim can only refer to the U 40, whose radio is apparently out of service. However, it is not entirely impossible that the reports relate to the loss of U 16 off Dover (see FO U/B West's War Log).

DÖNITZ and F.d.WEST receive instructions from the Naval Warfare General Staff on how to behave in the event of war in the west, which the command had drawn up the day before.

The Naval Warfare General Staff is pushing for a review of the use of skilled workers in operations that are less important to warfare so that it can provide more workers for shipyards. In addition, the outsourcing of unallocated orders to external companies is being considered.

U 25 has only observed light neutral traffic from a single ship and torpedo boats or destroyers on patrol. U 34 sank a convoy steamer off the west entrance of the Canal, torpedoed 3 others, but failed to observe results due to anti-submarine activity. She returns due to a crack in the internal trim tank.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 00:00 - Patrol in operative zone with course change (BF 7836). There is no traffic at night or in the morning. 13:00 - Submerged (BF 7831). An Italian steamer was observed heading south. She was not stopped. 15:35 - Surface. On the surface patrolling in a zigzag for the danger of submarines. 21:00 - No traffic. No more incidents. PQ: BF7836 → BF7914 → BF7915 → BF7916 → BF7831

U 26 - North Atlantic/West Coast of Ireland - 18:10 - Test Dive. 18:55 - Surface. surface navigation. No more incidents. PQ: 53°30' North - 13°00' West

U 31 - North Sea - Attacked with bombs by a plane. No damage. PQ:AN

U 33 - North Sea - No special incidents. PQ:AN

U 34 - North Atlantic - 0800 - Four torpedoes against a sighted freighter miss (BF 1435). Two ran on the surface and 2 went to the bottom (Grundgänger). PQ:BF 1435

Sources: Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 09_05_09 162928 MESZ).
Vom Original zum Modell. U-Boot Typ VII.
Die deutschen UBoot-Konstruktionsbüros.Rössler, Eberhard
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30250.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .