2. U-Flotille “Saltzwedel”.

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On October 31, 1939, U 31 entered port. She found no patrols at Loch Ewe. However, there is a net snag in the bay, in which the submersible was entangled for some time, as she did not see the flat buoys until it was too late. Inside was a hospital ship, but nothing else. As it did not seem possible to enter, the ship placed the mines in front of the entrance of the bay at the minimum safe distance. The position of the mines is excellent. Success seems certain, but it is doubtful that we will hear anything about it.

U 25 reported a convoy northwest of Finisterre. This is the second convoy reported in a few days in this area, quite close to the coast. This one was also sailing north. It is notable that all 4 convoys reported so far have headed north. Southbound traffic apparently stays further west. Unfortunately, the problem of torpedo failures is still far from being solved. U 25 reports 4 misses against a stopped ship, close range shots.

The instructions of the Torpedo Inspection were observed. Therefore, there is no longer any doubt that the Torpedo Inspectorate itself does not understand the matter. Torpedoes cannot currently be fired with non-contact firing units, as this has led to premature detonation. It depth setting has to be 2 meters less than the draft of the target. Its depth cannot be less than 3 meters, otherwise there may be surface runs in which especially the G7a engines may be damaged. Exact instructions to establish the safety range are given and followed. However, at least 30% of torpedoes are misses. Either they don't detonate at all or they detonate in the wrong place. There doesn't seem to be any point in giving the U-boats new instructions, as they never lead to the desired results. The commanding officers must be losing confidence in their torpedoes. In the end, the fighting spirit will suffer. The problem of torpedo failure is currently the most urgent of all problems in submarine warfare.

The German Naval Attaché in MADRID reports that the Spanish government is not willing for the time being to allow the supply of German naval units within its sovereign waters. The BdU will be informed of this.

BdU discussion in the WEST Group in the presence of the B.S.W. (Befehlshaber Sicherung West). Various issues of submarine warfare are discussed, including the prize law system.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 05:03 - Convoy 20-K in sight. Four ships and six to seven destroyers. Approach for surface attack. 05:20 - Launch of two torpedoes on each of the first two steamers (BF 7832). 05:21 - Alarm. Submerged. Two or three minutes later two explosions were heard in the forward compartment. Going away underwater. The French ship BAOULÉ (5874 BRT) was sunk. Three sailors lose their lives on the BAOULE, 33 men are rescued (BF 7832 / 43°48'N - 09°08'W). The BAOULE was loaded with coconuts, cotton, coffee and rubber. 06:05 - Heard a pursuit by destroyers. 09:30 - After 3 1/2 hours, noises are still heard. 11:00 - Intention to surface abandoned. The sounds of the destroyer are louder again. 16:20 - Surface. Navigation over water in the southwest corner of the area of ​​operations. 20:20 - Steamer sighting. 21:16 - Steamer stopped with reflector (BF 7872). A passenger steamer in sight. She was not stopped. The stationary steamer does not have a nationality badge. 21:55: The steamer picks up speed again and tries to flee. Two torpedoes miss. Asked about nationality with focus. The steamer answers Yugoslav. pursued. 22:52 - Third torpedo, misses. Steamer emits SSS and stops. Fourth torpedo on the steamer. Failure. Artillery fire is not possible, the breech plug cannot be moved. The fault cannot be rectified. 23:10 - Attack aborted. PQ: BF7912 → BF7581 → BF7872

U 26 - North Atlantic/Off southern tip of Ireland - 0630 - Steamer sighted with lanterns affixed. No use of artillery due to rough seas (5-6). Cannot be submerged. 10:00 - Steamer in sight. Submerged with the intention of approaching her. Nothing can be seen on the periscope due to rough seas. distance too great. 12:00 - Submerged. Work of torpedoes and machines. 17:05 - Surfaced. No more occurrences. PQ: 41°55' North - 13°00' West

U 31 - North Sea/Wilhelmshaven - 12:15 - Arrived at Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). End of the 3rd Patrol. PQ: AN 9814

U 33 - North Sea - Submerged (AN 4290). 11:18 - 17:17 - 21 aircraft bombs in the vicinity. No damage. PQ: AN 4290

U 34 - North Atlantic - 08:40 - Steamer sighted (BE 3392). The boat let her go. No more torpedoes and only five artillery shells. PQ: BE 3392

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 November 1, 1939, B-Dienst reported extensive French aerial reconnaissance activity over the Bay of Biscay, during which several U-boat sightings were reported. The Naval Warfare General Staff released a compilation of ship losses of enemy and neutral countries accumulated to date. 93 ships totaling 383,569 GRT are assumed to have been sunk, another 33 ships totaling 130,070 GRT probably have been sunk. Together they make 126 ships with a total of 513,639 GRT. Of these, 56 ships are assigned to the submarine Branch with a total of 238,810 GRT and four as prey with 6,766 GRT.

The Naval Warfare General Staff informed the BdU that the U 25 could not be supplied off the Spanish coast, since Spain had recently had political difficulties. The supply could only be arranged in El Ferrol in case of extreme need. Dönitz decided not to send the submersible there, in order to have this possibility at hand for really urgent cases and expressed: I am not surprised by this development; I always considered this matter very uncertain.

The OKM receives more details from the OKW about the POW officers of the U 27 crew.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 07:00 - After 2 hours and a half of work, gun ready again (BF 7756). 15:00 - Bad weather. Weapons can no longer be used. No more incidents. PQ: BF7857 → BF7756 → BF7737 → BF7468

U 26 - North Atlantic - Off Isles of Scilly - 02:00 - Illuminated steamer in sight. He was not stopped, too dark for artillery use. 18:30 - Test dive. 19:00 - Surface. No more incidents. PQ: 48°25' North - 13°25' West

U 33 - North Sea - 10:00 - Alarm dive in front of an aircraft (AN 2210). Without bombs. PQ: AN 2210

U 34 - North Atlantic - Under way, 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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On November 2, 1939 The BdU is of the opinion that there is a choice between letting the U-boats sail alone at long intervals or retaining the former until they can all operate together. I have decided on this last course, because I would like for once to have several submersibles in navigation and operating outside of Gibraltar. So far such an operation has been planned but never carried out as events took a different turn.

U 26 reported that she had passed 45° north. The other 2 submersibles in this wave (U 25 and U 53) will remain in their areas of operations for about 3 more days so that U 26 has enough time available to carry out its operation.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 00:00 - No traffic west of the area of ​​operation. She returned to the steamer route (BF 7165). 08:00 - The use of weapons is possible again. Patrolling in the area of ​​operations. Nothing sighted from what was reported by other submersibles. Even aerial surveillance didn't spot anything. 14:00 - Patrolling the vapor route (BF 7364). 14:20 - Two steamers in sight. A Dutch and a Belgian. The Dutch ship AMTELKAK was not stopped, too far away. The Belgian steamer BURGES was stopped and inspected. No contraband, released. 20:30 - A very large Japanese liner passed by. No more incidents. PQ: BF7165 → BF7364 → BF7366

U 26 - North Atlantic - Vizcaya - 18:10 - Test dive. 18:50 - Surface. 20:12 - Broadcast of radio message 1315/2/80: "Crossed 45° north to 13° west. Broadcast position: 44° 10' north-13° 20' west." No more incidents. PQ: 45°07' North - 13°17' West

U 33 - North Sea - 08:50 - Dive of alarm due to an aircraft. PQ: FA

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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On November 3, 1939, the Naval Warfare General Staff asked the BdU to address the issue of attacking England's timber imports from northern Russian ports. These imports are considered of great importance. Regarding timber shipments from the northern Russian ports to GREAT BRITAIN, DÖNITZ believes that the problem will be resolved at the political level. In any event, Dönitz had planned to operate with U 36 against these timber transports in the area east of the North Cape. He believed that the chances of success are good in this area, but he could not decide further until he had information on the status of this operation.

The Naval Warfare General Staff also informed the BdU at the same time that there was a possibility of establishing a "Northern Base". Dönitz thought that everything possible should be done to clarify this matter. The base would also have to have reliable radio communication with the submersibles and with the Motherland. Since a large-scale operation could not be kept secret for long, there would have to be military protection from the start to prevent surprise raids by the enemy.

In the Naval Warfare General Staff, the use of the Navy as a support measure in the event of a Western campaign is discussed as part of a conference. Depending on weather conditions, submarines will be used as mine and torpedo carriers. For the deployment of submarines, an advance announcement with keywords of at least five days is required.

The German Naval Attaché in WASHINGTON announces the establishment of regular British convoys in the Caribbean. Kingston in Jamaica is named as the assembly point for general cargo, and Trinidad as the departure point for oil transportation. The name of the convoy is given with the letters KJ and numbers.

The listening service, the B-Dienst intercepts a report of a British aircraft attacking a submarine north of the HEBRIDES at 10:50. The U-boat escaped by going into a dive. The attack was directed at U 37.

The BdU received from the OKM the names of the officers of U 27 prisoners of war and was ordered to inform the relatives.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 02:05 - Greek steamer KORTHION HELLA stopped and inspected (BF 7655). Released. 08:00 - Navigation in zigzag general course (BF 7655). 11:55 - Submerged. 15:10 - Surface. The Danish steamer DAGMAR stopped and checked. Released. 16:20 - The Belgian steamer GIRONDE was stopped and searched (BF 7671). Released. All ships do not have contraband on board. When the warning shot was fired in front of the GIRONDE's bow, the airlock of the forward torpedo tube broke due to the strong vibration. Limited diving capacity. Non-operational gun. The commanding officer: "Because the boat is only partially ready to submerge when there is strong enemy resistance, the gun is no longer operational and other failures that have occurred before (bow dive plane failure, periscope unit failure , strong formation of oil smoke when navigating on the surface) seriously impair the combat readiness of the submersible, I decide to start the return march". PQ: BF 7655 → BF 7671

U 26 - North Atlantic - Cape Finisterre - 10:20 - Approach to the Spanish coast. 13:30 - Submerged. Works on the torpedoes. 17:00 - Surface. Navigation on the water. No more occurrences. PQ: 41°55' North - 13°00' West

U 33 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ: AM

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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On November 4, 1939 the Naval Warfare General Staff informed the BdU that 10 German merchant ships would be ready to sail from Vigo in mid-November and requested that they be given submarine protection on their way home for as long as possible. This is a task for which submersibles are not suited. While the value of the escort is doubtful, the downside to submarine warfare as a whole would be considerable. Therefore, a close escort is discouraged. Remote protection will be available if the steamers sail at times when there are submersibles in the vicinity ("ROT" position) in accordance with Plan of Operations No. 11.

The Naval Warfare General Staff urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make a presentation to the Spanish government to allow German units to supply in SPAIN.

November 18-23 have been presented to the Naval Warfare General Staff as target dates for the first supply at the north base for the U 36.

U 25 reported that she was returning because the crossbar of her forward torpedo tube hatch had broken. She may not be able to dive with depth charges. Therefore, the commanding officer has acted correctly. Her position is northwest of Cape Finisterre.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 12:00 - Gale. Weapons cannot be used. No more occurrences. PQ: BF 7347 → BF 4854

U 26 - North Atlantic - Upper Berlenga Islands - 09:30 - Tanker in sight. 09:45 - Submerged. 11:00 - Surface. The Norwegian steamer STORANGER was stopped. Released. going ahead. No more occurrences. PQ: 39°15' North - 11°35' West

U 33 - North Atlantic - 15:20 - Two torpedoes against sighted steamer are miss (AM 2991). Sea 7. PQ: AM 2991

U 34 - North Atlantic - Receives the order to participate in the search for the American steamer CITY OF FLINT, which is located in BERGEN, so that this ship, which was taken as prize, reaches GERMANY. 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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On November 5, 1939 The ship "City of Flint", once captured as prey by the pocket battleship "Deutschland", has been stopped in Bergen. The German crew is said to have been interned there and the ship to have been liberated. Since the Naval Warfare General Staff attaches great importance to her recovery, U 34, U 37 and U 46 have been ordered, on their return voyage, to take such measures to recapture her as their fuel stocks allow.

The BdU informs the OKM of planned measures against British imports of timber from northern Russian ports in the sea area east of North Cape (North Cape is a cape on the north coast of the island of Magerøya in the north of Norway).

U 25 reported a convoy apparently heading northeast for the Canal. There were no further reports from the observer. U 53 was ordered to continue her traverse south, as U 26 had to be far enough ahead to carry out her mine-laying operation.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 00:00 - No traffic observed (BF 4542). 03:20 - Shadow sighted. stopped. 03:22 - Several destroyers overtake the submersible at a distance of 7 - 800 m (BF 4195). The use of torpedoes is not possible. Storm. 3 - 4000 m cloud of smoke from a convoy. 03:58 - Destroyer out of sight. Follow up to get an idea of ​​the convoy. 12:06 - A large wave rips the captain, 1 non-commissioned officer and 3 crew members over the bridge bulwark. The commanding officer and three men were rescued near the gun. Petty Officer Wilhelm Lützeler falls overboard. He is sighted two more times and then disappears (BF 4233). The search went for another hour. He was not found again. Due to the weather, the attack on the convoy was abandoned and the return continued. PQ: BF4542 → BF4195 → BF4258 → BF4233

U 26 - North Atlantic - off Lisbon - 10:20 - Submerged due steamer. Due to the proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar, no further tracking of the steamer. 13:30 - To surface and immediately to immersion in front of a steamer. 17:00 - Surface. Navigation on the surface. 19:00 - San Vicente lighthouse sighted and passed. Heavy and active steamer traffic on St. Vincent. No more occurrences. PQ: 36°53' North - 10°30' West

U 33 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ: AM

U 34 - North Sea - Search ordered for steamer CITY OF FLINT. She will be taken to Germany as prey. PQ: FA

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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On November 06, 1939 It is not yet known which bases the British fleet is currently using. The prohibition of anchoring within certain limits in the Firth of Clyde makes it probable that it is intended to base in these ports. Lough Swilly would make a good sheltered wharf. According to the information available to the BdU It is a base used by the British fleet. However, operations planned here some time ago were vetoed by the Naval Warfare General Staff on the grounds that they extended into parts of Irish territory and that Irish neutrality must not be violated at any cost.

After renewed pressure, the Naval Warfare General Staff has promised to obtain information on the political aspect of this area through our Ambassador to Ireland.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 12:00 - Gale. The use of weapons is not yet possible. 16:15 - Submerged. Overhaul of engines and work on the torpedoes. 18:20 - Surface. Navigation on the water. without further incident. PQ: BF 1854 → BF 1798

U 26 - North Atlantic - Cadiz Latitude - 06:30 - Submerged in front of a steamer. She stayed underwater so as not to be detected. 18:40 - Surface. Navigation on the water. No more incidents. PQ: 36°25' North - 07°35' West.

U 33 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ:AM

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

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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On November 7, 1939 The Naval Warfare General Staff welcomes the creation and enactment of the US COMBAT ZONE as it sees the possibility of an escalation of the trade war.

The BdU is informed by the Naval Warfare General Staff that the supply of the U 36 in BASIS NORD scheduled for November is once again in question.

U 25 - North Atlantic - No incidents. SW wind 6-7, heavy seas, high swell. PQ: BF 1114 → AM 7388

U 26 - Bahía de Cádiz - Trafalgar - Strait of Gibraltar - On the way to the theater of operations. 05:30 - Submerged in front of a steamer. 06:30 - Landfall north of Cape Trafalgar. loaded mines. 18:30 - Surface. 18:30 - We make landfall just below the Spanish coast of Tarifa. 22:45 - We pass Tarifa on the surface. 23:00 - Alert dive in front of a small illuminated boat. Various illuminated incoming and outgoing steamers on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar. The current sets to the east, diving. No more occurrences. PQ: 36°14.7' North - 06°09.7' West

U 33 - North Atlantic - 08:00 - Steamer sighted. too far away PQ: AM

U 34 - North Sea - Marching back. 06:30 – British cruiser sighted (AF 8789). Out of range PQ: AF 8789

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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On November 08, 1939 Admiral Raeder orders the greatest confidentiality regarding the number of German submarines. The numbers of launched submersibles must be stated in such a way that no conclusions can be drawn from the total number.

In future, all submersibles sailing to the Atlantic will have to reach this area through the sea space between the Orkneys and the Hebrides. The possible delay in reaching the area of ​​operations is compensated by the possibility of finding British naval units in the sea area in question.

U 28 set sail for her area of ​​operations (Operations Order No. 10). In addition to six torpedoes, the U 28 also carries twelve TMB mines.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 00:00 - No ship sighted for three days. Use of weapons almost impossible (AM 4685). 14:00 - The use of weapons can be expected again. No more occurrences. PQ: AM 4685 → AM 4321

U 26 - Strait of Gibraltar - 03:00 - At periscope depth. 03:30 - Surfaced (CG 9675). Sailing to Carnero with electric motors. The beacons go off. The steamers in the port of Gibraltar are not blocked. 03:55 - Submerged in front of a destroyer. Not detected. 09:00 - Perched on the bottom at 12 m. The port of Gibraltar was observed. 3-4 destroyers constantly on guard. Three cruisers in port. About 30 steamers in the roadstead. No network block during the day. 21:40 - Surface. It is not possible to place mines. The sea is too calm and the port is well lit. leave the bay again. Irruption in the Mediterranean. 22:00 - Submerged. Maintaining a southerly course just below the Spanish coast. Located vehicle with side lights. It constantly sends location signals. Navigation to Ensenada de Getares and stranded among fishermen. PQ: GC

U 28 - Wilhelmshaven/North Sea - 14:00 - Departed from Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Start of the 2nd Patrol. PQ: AN 9814

U 33 - North Atlantic - 06:30 - Submerged for submarine navigation. 18:00 - Surface. 23:00 - Several small steamers sighted. Q: FB

U 34 - North Sea - Heading back, nothing special. The CITY OF FLINT unloaded her cargo at Bergen. The boat continued sailing back. 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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On November 09, 1939 the DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS is urging the Naval Warfare General Staff to respect US ships at this time to avoid any further tension with the US.

Memorandum of the Naval Warfare General Staff on BASIS NORD. A tour of the area on November 1, 1939 served as the basis for the considerations.

The operational readiness of U 36 was postponed for another 8 days.

U 25 - North Atlantic - 02:00 - Trawler avoided. No more occurrences. PQ: AM 2795 → AM 3515

U 26 - Gibraltar/Ensenada de Getares Bay/Mediterranean Sea - In the area of ​​operations. 01:00 - Ship aground. All auxiliary machines are turned off. Until 12:00 hydrophone guard. 14:30 - Released from the bottom. At periscope depth. 21:45 - Surface at the Ceuta lighthouse. March to Cape Tres Forcas. PQ: GC

U 28 - North Sea - No special incidents. PQ:AN

U 33 - Bristol Channel - In the area of ​​operations. 00:00 - Overpass Lundy (AM 9887). Approach to the mining area via Bull Point and Foreland. Vessel ready for shipwreck and disembarkation of the crew. 03:15 - 04:28 - 12 mines laid in Swansea Bay (AM 9947). Finalized. Aground in Lundy. 18:00 - Surface and leave the area. PQ: AM 9947

U 34 - North Sea - 19:00 - Norwegian steamer SNAR (AN 4355) stopped. State of the sea high waves. Released. PQ: AN 4355

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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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On November 10, 1939 RAEDER report to Hitler. In addition, Generaloberst KEITL and the KoKp. von PUTTKAMER were present. RAEDER gives a new situation report on submarine warfare. He also addresses the rate of loss of six submarines, which has already reached the rate of increase expected by 1939. To minimize further losses, RAEDER proposes a further intensification of submarine warfare.

Freight rates and insurance premiums in the Mediterranean have been reduced, therefore presumably there is believed to be less danger from submarines. The appearance of a submersible there should cause great alarm. This will be demonstrated in the next few days.

The BdU expects the U 26 to reach the MEDITERRANEAN by this day. He expects the presence of German submarines to cause considerable uncertainty among the Allies.

The operational availability of the U 36 and U 38 is postponed several days.

U 25 - North Atlantic/North Sea - 00:00 - Missed two trawlers (AM 3295). 10:30 - Submerged (AF 7794). Work on machines and torpedoes. Guns cannot be used in heavy seas. 1200: Several attempts to surface failed due to aerial hazard (AF 7792). 17:10 - Surface (AF 7847). Navigation on the surface. No more occurrences. PQ: AM 3295 → AF 7794 → AF 7792 → AF 7847

U 26 - Mediterranean/Kap Tres Forcas - 09:00 - Submerged in front of a small steamer. 15:30 - Surface. 16:40 - Dive in front of a ship. Since it cannot be heard on the hydrophone, it could also be the island of Alborán. 17:45 - Surface. No traffic observed. Advance to Oran to reconnoiter escort traffic. No more occurrences. PQ:CH

U 28 - North Sea - March to the area of ​​operations. Strong traffic of neutral steamers during the night. We chose the route around the Shetland Islands due to a severe storm (AN 4640). PQ: AN 4640

U 33 - North Atlantic - 1720 - The Danish ship HANS BROGE sighted. Not controlled. PQ: FB

U 34 - North Sea - Marching back. 09:00 - Danish steamer N.J. OHLSEN stopped. 12:00 - The Norwegian steamer GIMLE stopped (AN 3467). Both ships have no contraband on board. Released. 14:00 - SNAR stopped again (AN 3723). After being searched, confiscated as prize and sent to Kiel. 15:30 - Alarm dive in front of the aircraft. Two aerial bombs. No damage. PQ: AN 3467 → AN 3723

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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

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War with Great Britain and France!

On November 11, 1939, an analysis of information on the whereabouts of the British battle fleet shows that it was probably distributed in various locations outside the North Sea. Therefore, the possibilities of mining these places with TMB should be considered. The main difficulties will probably be navigation. Information received so far on the effects of minefields laid by submersibles shows that not all ships that sailed into the fields were sunk. Therefore, one should try to place mines in shallow water and reduce their sensitivity so that they are only detonated by large ships. The first area to consider is Oban Bay. The battleship Rodney lay there some time ago.

Dönitz gave a presentation at the Naval High Command on sending a new wave of submarines into the Atlantic and using other submersibles against the British timber supply from Norway and the Soviet Union.

The Naval War General Staff receives instructions from the OKW for the use of the Navy in the event of a western campaign. Consequently, all combat operations of the Navy can only begin with the entry of the Wehrmacht. Submarine operations against Belgian ports can only take place the night before army operations.

At a meeting of the Naval War General Staff (SKL) accelerated measures are decided to intensify the trade war. The basis is a meeting of Raeder with Hitler the day before. After that, the sinking of enemy passenger steamers without warning must be released as quickly as possible. Allied press releases about the arming of the passenger ships and their partial use as auxiliary cruisers are used as the basis for this decision. The hardening must take place without public announcement and in agreement with the Führer. The SKL also proposes to attack all tankers entering and leaving the UK without warning. However, this approach remains limited to the US war zones around GREAT BRITAIN and FRANCE. Furthermore, Hitler's approval must first be obtained.

U 25 - North Sea - 00:00 - Navigation on the surface. 14:00 - Utsire in sight (AN 2843). Patrolling off Skudesnes Fjord and only continued the march after dark. 17:00 - No traffic seen. March with L.F. (AN2977). No more occurrences. PQ: AN 2213 → AN 2843 → AN 2977

U 26 - Mediterranean/Cape Falcon - 05:30 - Submerged. Slow sailing to the east in the Gulf of Oran. There is no traffic, just a guard with a cannon. 18:07 - Surface. Heading north to watch the traffic off the Spanish coast. 22:45 - Departure to Almería. Dim steamer in sight. The torpedo shot location is already too large. On the surface trying to advance. PQ: CH

U 28 - North Sea - No special incidents. PQ:AN

U 33 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ:AM

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.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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War with Great Britain and France!

On November 12, 1939, U 36 will not be ready for another week and operations against timber transports will become more difficult as it gets dark (advance of winter), therefore Dönitz decided to send U 38 over there. This sub was to have operated alongside U 41, U 43 and U 49, but her navigation has been so delayed that only partial cooperation would now be possible. Then U 36 should go north as the second submersible. The chances of success will be greatly improved if the subs are arranged quarter of a line in the direction of traffic, 100 to 120 miles apart, as then there would always be at least one of them in the steamer's path during the day.

Naval Warfare General Staff receives Hitler's blanket approval of sinking without warning all tankers sailing to or coming from Britain.

U 34 entered port. The submersible sank:

1) SS Gustav Adolf 935 tons Swedish contraband
2) British Sperrbrecher 1,200 tons British
3) SS Malabar 7,976 tons British
4) Cairnona type steamer 4,666 tons British
5) SS Bronte 5,317 tons
6) Tanker 6-7,000 tons

Total 26,094 tons

She also brought the Norwegian "Snar", 3,176 tons, timber, as prize.

U 25 - North Sea - 11:09 - Alarm dive in front of an aircraft (AN 3572). Three aerial bombs, no damage. 13:24 - Surface. Navigation on the water along the Blue Route 12. PQ: AN 3182 → AN 3572

U 26 - Mediterranean Line/Oran - Almería - In the theater of operations. 00:15 - Torpedo against steamer sighted the day before misses (CH 7350). Followed and surpassed again. 01:50 - The second torpedo misses. Bad appreciation. The chase has been abandoned because the sea is getting rougher. 08:00 - Submerged. Six mines drawn and torpedoes loaded. 21:00 - Surface. Course set for Cabo Tres Forces. PQ:CH

U 28 - North Sea - No special incidents. PQ:AN

U 33 - North Atlantic - 12:50 - Steamer sighted (AM 5195). Followed until 16:30. Steamer was the WEST IMBODEN, American. No attack. PQ: AM 5195

U 34 - North Sea/Wilhelmshaven - 10:00 - Arrival in Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). End of the 2nd Patrol. PQ: AN 9814. The submersible was at sea for 27 days and sank four ships for a total of 16,546 GRT and brought a 3,176 GRT merchant ship as prey.

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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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

War with Great Britain and France!

On November 13, 1939, U 40 is officially declared missing. After several names of the crew of the U 42 were mentioned on British radio, the loss of this ship with partial rescue of the crew is now also expected. Furthermore, the losses of U 27 and U 39 are also clearer from British press releases. DÖNITZ orders to carry out some maintenance work after an operation regarding the watertightness of the submarines. This includes changing the STEVENS BUSHINGS and EXHAUST COVER SEALS.

The letters from the prisoners, whose names have gradually become known on English radio, show about U 27:

Commander and crew all prisoners. The submersible was pursued by destroyers and was ultimately unable to do anything else. The commanding officer writes: "It was only by lucky chance that we were able to get out of the sinking boat, after we managed to bring her to the surface with our last resources and a lot of luck." So it must have taken on so much water through pressurized hull damage or leaking stern tube packers or exhaust valves, that it could no longer be controlled, or its battery must have been empty, in any case they had to surface and surrender to the enemy. The depth of the water at this point was 1,500 meters, so it was presumably west of the North Channel.

Meeting at the Naval War General Staff on the supply of German submarines in SPAIN.

U 25 entered port. The submersible was not very lucky. The Commander's task was not easy. There were torpedo failures, the guns failed at a decisive moment, and this ship, whose parts are still quite outdated, is not easy to handle. She scored one hit on each of the 2 ships, but did not observe the results due to anti-submarine activity. As the ships were of medium size, it can be assumed that they were so damaged that they could not be brought into a port. Therefore, they can be assumed sunk.

U 25 - North Sea/Wilhelmshaven - 07:10 - ES - Exchange with He-111. 08:00 - Two trawlers sighted (AN 9557). 12:05 - Lightship "F" (AN 9596) passed. 13:32 - Wilhelmshaven I. The entrance has reached. 14:20 - Arrival at the Wilhelmshaven/U base (AN 9814). End of the 1st Patrol. U 25 was at sea for 27 days and sank a 5,874 GRT merchant ship. PQ: AN 9557 → AN 9814

U 26 - Mediterranean/ Line Almería - Tres Forces - 03:00 - Ship dimmed in sight. scheduled attack. 03:34 - The first torpedo against the steamer misses. Gun failure 03:40 - Second torpedo against steamer. Front impact. The submersible sinks the French steamer LOIRE (4,285 GRT) in the MEDITERRANEAN. The steamer takes all her crew to the bottom because she sinks in just 30 seconds after two torpedo hits, the ship's cargo consisted of minerals (CH 7561). Sailing in a southerly direction. 06:00 - Submerged. steamer in sight. Identified as Greek by periscope. Not examined so as not to give away the submersible. 13:40 - Surface. 15:10 - Submerged due to a steamer. Confirmation of origin. Identified as Norwegian by periscope. Not investigated. 19:10 - Surface. During the night patrolling the Cap Tres Forces sector. Without traffic. PQ: 36°16' North - 02°13.55' West

U 28 - North Sea - No special incidents. PQ:FA

U 33 - 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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

Feliz Navidad - Feliz Natal - Frohe Weihnachten - Joyeux Noël - Merry Christmas - Wesołych Świąt!

[tigre]

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

War with Great Britain and France!

On November 14, 1939, Professor Cornelius visited the BdU. He was nominated "Torpedo Dictator" a few days ago, with wide powers, giving him a wide scope to reorganize and develop torpedoes. His duties are of great importance to the U-Boat Branch. It is to be hoped that he will be completely successful. His duties cover 3 main fields:

1) eliminate the faults in the fuzes
2) ensure that the torpedoes will maintain a perfect depth
3) ensure adequate production.

While the torpedo can by no means be considered a useful front-line weapon at present, the TMB mine has proven to be a very effective weapon for submarines. However, it has been found:

1) that large ships do not sink safely at depths of about 30 meters
2) that the mines are fired by smaller ships than anticipated.

The practical conclusions to be drawn are:

1) TMBs can only be placed at depths not exceeding 25 meters.
2) It should be aimed at even shallower depths. For shallow water, mines should be set according to the type of ship they are primarily intended to react against.

The Naval War General Staff prepares a memorandum on the situation of the supply of German submersibles in Spanish ports.

U 29 sailed for her area of operations. Minelaying off Milford Haven. (Order of Operations 12).

U 26 - Mediterranean/North Cape Tres Forcas - In the theater of operations. 06:18 - Submerged. All day in front of Cabo Tres Forcas, except Spanish fishermen, without traffic. 19:00 - Surface. Navigation to the north to return to the steamers route north of Alborán. No more occurrences. PQ:CH

U 28 - North Sea - No special incidents. Storm (AE 9978). PQ: AE 9978

U 29 - Wilhelmshaven/North Sea - 10:30 - Sailed from Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Beginning of the 2nd Patrol. On board the U 29 there are also 12 TMB mines that the submersible will deploy off MILFORD HAVEN. PQ: AN 9814

U 33 - 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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

Feliz Navidad - Feliz Natal - Frohe Weihnachten - Joyeux Noël - Merry Christmas - Wesołych Świąt!