First Round 1939.

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 1, 1939 The following U-Flotille submersibles will be ready to operate during the first half of October:

U-42 on October 2;
U-37 on October 5;
U-40 on October 16 (doubtful)

I intend to operate with them against merchant shipping in the Atlantic. They are all U-boats with a great radius of action.

Gibraltar has the disadvantage of a long one way passage, but as the outbound route traverses the merchant shipping lanes, successes can be expected here, there is also a large concentration of maritime traffic around Gibraltar. Weather conditions can be expected to be more favorable than in the north. Therefore I have 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. Therefore, they will sail on different days and occupy an area of ​​operations in the southwest of Ireland, which so far the sinking figures have proven to be the best area. When all units have arrived there, they will receive orders to move on; They will be ordered to sail sooner or later depending on the situation. The Korvettenkapitän WERNER HARTMANN will be in U-37 as commander on scene of this Atlantic group and, if necessary, will assume control of operations against convoys. If he finds that the situation is not promising off Gibraltar, he will be authorized to order a new arrangement, somewhat further away from enemy bases, along the west coast of Spain and Portugal. Of course, only merchant ships bound for north to south would be intercepted here.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 2, 1939 The Naval Warfare General Staff has authorized an area around England where obscured ships can be sunk without warning. It will be a great relief for the U-boats. However, the area is very narrow, so the practical results will probably be few. In Germany English merchant ships are known to have repeatedly attacked submarines that had detained them in accordance with the prey law. It was announced that if such cases were repeated, the German submarines would have to take the corresponding measures. In response, the Admiralty issued an instruction to all English merchant ships to heave and ram any German submarines sighted.

In a very secret message 9212 of Sep 30 the Naval Warfare General Staff has ordered that the submarine war against merchant ships in the North Sea and the Baltic be stopped. Another order from the Naval Warfare General Staff reads: Ships that, in the opinion of the commanding officer, are equipped to carry more than 120 passengers, should be considered passenger ships.

The main points to take into account are the number of life boats: 4 or more to each side of the ship, the length and number of promenade decks, the portholes. The U-boats received instructions on these orders. The term "passenger ship" is very broad, and its final definition was left to the impressions of the commanding officer.

The BdU, Karl DÖNITZ, orders that due to frequent torpedo failures, only those with an impact fuze can be used.

U 42 ​​(Kplt. Rolf Dau; Kplt. Julius v. Gosen; WO Oblt z. S. Herward Engelsmann +; LI Oblt Max Dünnebier; StOStrm Hans Schrabel) is the first of a new wave of submersibles to set sail from GERMANY to the Atlantic.

U 42 Wilhelmshaven / North Sea: set sail from Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Start of the 1st patrol. The U 42, along with the U 37, U 45, U 46 and U 48, will make the first attempt to attack an Allied convoy using the wolf pack tactic. On the same day, U 42 ​​was granted operational submersible status on the U-FLOTTILLE HUNDIUS.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 3, 1939, at a meeting in the Naval War Staff, the BdU presented its operational plans for the next operations in the Atlantic. According to DÖNITZ's plans, the U-boats were to individually march into the area and then assemble at the western exit of the English Channel. There the submersibles are supposed to work together under the leadership of the KvKp. HARTMANN against convoys. The BdU considers a trade war based on the Prey Act near the British coast to be desperate and too dangerous. Furthermore, the few submarine units available would go to waste.

DÖNITZ also raised concerns about submarine strength in 1940. In addition to the 28 oceanic submersibles currently available, only nine more would be added by April 1940. However, a loss rate of at least two units per month should be expected. Consequently, in 1940 there would be fewer submersibles available than today.

U 42 - North Sea - underway towards the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AN 63).

On October 4, 1939, the following orders were received from the Naval War Office on the conduct of the war against maritime transport:

1) The area within which darkened ships can be attacked without restriction extends westward up to 15 ° Long. W.
2) U-boats can attack immediately and without restriction enemy merchant ships that are unequivocally armed or that the Naval War Staff announce as armed, on the basis of unmistakable evidence at their disposal. Steps should be taken to save the crew if circumstances permit, without endangering the submarine. Passenger ships are still not to be attacked as long as they are not troop carriers, even if they are armed.

Both orders signify a good step forward for the conduct of the war. They are better suited to the nature of a submarine attack and increase the chances of success.

U 42 - North Sea - underway towards the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AN 28).

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 5, 1939, U 37 set sail for its area of ​​operations. All U-boats in this way will navigate the cove. I 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 German subs. Our own defenses have not been able to control this danger. To reduce this, submarines have been ordered to proceed submerged during the day when using the Baltic approaches between Äbelö and Skagen. This section cannot be covered in a single night on the surface and therefore this route takes a long time. Conditions are more favorable in the North Sea. There are 3 less restricted routes from a navigation point of view. They are far apart and can each be covered in one night. The defense forces can be concentrated in the area in front of the river mouths and are not restricted by neutral territorial waters.

In a meeting with the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, RAEDER presented his forecasts for the new war against the United Kingdom, assuming that a decisive and lasting effect against the British can only be achieved by the Navy and the Air Force. However, this requires a large and generous submarine construction program. In 1939 only a small increase in the number of submarines was expected; 1940 was also considered inadequate in this respect.

Until 1941 no noticeable increase in force was expected, with the aim of having at least 300 submarines available. The question of whether the army could provide the Navy with a larger submarine staging area through operations in the west was also discussed at this meeting. This is answered with a clear NO. Current material requirements would not allow for a western campaign. This would only be possible after a new update.

U 37 Wilhelmshaven – 08:00 – sailed from Wilhelmshaven/Werft (AN 9814). Navigation tests. 14:00 - anchored in the roadstead. 14:30 - Underway. Start of the 2nd Patrol (Krv Kp Werner Hartmann; IWO Oblt z. S. Asmus-Nicolai Clausen; WO Lt. Z. S. Gustav Poel; LI Oblt Gerd Suhren). The U-boat is to operate alongside U 40, U 42, U 45, U 46 and U 48 in the first German operation using wolf pack tactics.

U 42 North Sea - En route to area of ​​operations near SHETLAND ISLANDS, no special incidents (AF 79).

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 06, 1939 an order was received from the Naval Warfare General Staff, according to which 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.

Witness statements must be obtained in writing and must be signed by them. If possible, witnesses should be brought in person. The reports must be made as soon as possible, so that they can be exploited for political and propaganda purposes in due time. However, they should not be performed if this implies an operational disadvantage for the U-boat.

Kplt. HEINZ FISCHER takes over leadership of the U-Flotilla "Hundius" as deputy.

U 37 Mar del Norte - Underway towards the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AN 65).

U 42 North Atlantic - Underway towards the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AN 11).

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 07, 1939 in a discussion on the construction of warships and the expanded submarine construction program, a production of 20 boats per month is planned after the program has started. However, the solution to the issue of workers must be clarified for it. With a higher steel allocation for the Navy, 28 to 30 ships would be possible under a major submarine construction program from 1942.

U 37 North Sea - Underway towards the area of ​​operations. 00:30 - steamer in sight (AN 4936). She is Danish, she was not attacked. Underway to Fair Island Passage. 20:00 - strong aurora borealis, boat brightly lit.

U 42 North Atlantic - AM 25 - Underway towards the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AM 25).

On October 8, 1939, the Naval War Staff orders stricter controls on Baltic merchant ships, especially those from LATVIA, since there is a suspicion that they have taken the supply of food and other war goods from the United Kingdom.

The period during which U 39 could have returned, or heard from the boat, has expired. She can no longer be expected to return. The crew is to be considered "missing". Inquiries about crew members who may have been taken prisoner must be conducted in such a way that the enemy cannot discover that the boat is missing if he does not already know from other sources.

The U 15 entered port from the Canal and brought valuable reconnaissance results, it is clear that, at least for the time being, it is possible to advance through the Canal. 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 if the submarines use the Canal route and thus can stay longer in their area of ​​operations. (My note, this caused the subsequent loss of U 40 when she tried to shorten the route).

The following order was received from the Naval Warfare Staff: As the English have not hitherto seized German exports on neutral ships, enemy exports on neutral ships bound for neutral ports must not be seized by us either.

U 37 North Sea - underway towards the area of ​​operations. 08:00 - The Norwegian steamer HILDA (AN 2211) stopped. In ballast Released. 09:15 - Immersion in front of an aircraft. Aircraft bombs in the distance. 12:30 - steamer sighting (AF 7974). 13:03 - Submerged. 14:04 - Surfaced. The ship was stopped by being shot through the bow. She carries prohibited goods on board. 15:00 – Steamer sunk by artillery. The Swedish VISTULA (1,018 BRT) sunk. The entire crew can abandon ship. However, due to bad weather, one of the lifeboats is lost and nine men from the VISTULA, which was carrying general cargo, lose their lives.

U 42 North Atlantic - Underway towards the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AM 45).

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 9, 1939 Dönitz expressed his intention to use the large submersibles in the Mediterranean, approximately between Gibraltar and Oran. There are so many convoy reports there that it would be worth sending despite the long approach route and consequent short period in the area of ​​operations. In addition, the long and narrow sea areas make possible some cooperation between them, even though they are so few.

Another report from the WASHINGTON embassy confirms that assembly points have been established on the Canadian coast to assemble convoys. Therefore, the main port of shipment for grain deliveries is MONTREAL.

U 37 North Atlantic - 07:47 - submerged in front of larger ship, ship is a liner (AM 1173). The U-boat cannot be held at periscope depth. Sea 8.

U 42 North Atlantic - Heading towards the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AM 72).

On October 10, 1939, VERSUCHSFALL A began, the first operation of the German submarine force using the wolf pack tactic. Five ships (U 37; U 42; U 45; U 46 and U 48) would take part in the operation; the operational command was held by the 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).

This day U 40 (Kplt Wolfgang Barten +; IWO Oblt z. S. Karl-August Moll +; WO Oblt Friedrich Meschenmoser +; LI Kplt Hubert Wollersheim +) set sail for its area of ​​operations; She would be lost with most of the his crew trying to cross the English Channel to make up for lost time. Kplt. Wolfgang Barten had assumed command of U 40 on September 21, 1939, replacing Kplt. v. Schmidt, who had to leave the submersible due to illness. He had been ordered to try to cross the English Channel, but to take the route around northern England if he meets strong opposition. Dönitz decided to give this order because, as long as the Channel is not definitively known to be impossible, they could not pass up the advantage of this much shorter approach route, which offers much more chance of success even on the way out. Until now it is not known with certainty that the English Channel is impassable.

His decision was also influenced by the fact that the planned layout off Gibraltar can only lead to the expected success if there are enough submersibles there. U 40 was not ready for operations until much later than the others and the only way to make up for this delay is to shorten her outbound leg.

U 37 North Atlantic - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AM 24).

U 40 Wilhelmshaven / North Sea - sailed from Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Start of the 2nd Patrol.

U 42 North Atlantic - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AM 70).

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 11, 1939, the question of creation of bases came 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 measurements by themselves. There are 2 possibilities:

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

For 1. Supply has been agreed to some extent in the remote bays of North West Spain. Fixed various supply ship encounters. The actual feasibility of the plan can only be tested in practice.

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

The German Military Attaché in Moscow is instructed to make inquiries about the possibilities that Teriberka Bay and the port there could be used as a place of repair and equipment for German ships and submarines.

U 37 North Atlantic - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AM 29).

U 40 Mar del Norte - on her rway towards the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AN 82).

U 42 North Atlantic - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (AM 70). GELB patrol zone.

On October 12, 1939 the Naval Warfare General Staff is considering in the first place how the movement of goods from the Baltic States to the United Kingdom through Sweden and Norway can be contained.

U 37 - North Atlantic - 16:38 - Diving approach towards steamer sighted (AM 7217). Greek. This ship is suspect because of the remarkable cleanliness of it. 18:00 - On the surface (AM 7163). Shot through the bow. The steamer does not stop. 18:20 - Shot in the funnel. The crew enters the boats. 19:45 - Torpedo misses the steamer. Shots on the waterline also do not cause the sinking. Second torpedo shot. Impact. The Greek ship ARIS sank. The crew in the lifeboats were towed 80 nautical miles off the Irish coast. PQ: AM 7217 - AM 7163.

U 40 - North Sea / English Channel - on her way towards the area of ​​operations, without special incidents. PQ: AN 87.

U 42 - North Atlantic - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents. PQ: BE 31.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30249.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 12, 1939 the Naval Warfare General Staff is considering in the first place how the movement of goods from the Baltic States to the United Kingdom through SWEDEN and NORWAY can be contained.

U 37 - North Atlantic - 16:38 - Approach under surface towards steamer sighted (AM 7217). Greek. This vapor is suspect because of the remarkable cleanliness of it. 18:00 - On the surface (AM 7163). Shot through the bow. The steamer does not stop. 18:20 - Shot in the boat chimney. The crew enters the boats. 19:45 - Torpedo misses on steamer. Shots on the waterline also do not cause the waterline to sink. Second torpedo shot. Impact. The Greek ship ARIS sank. The crew in the lifeboats were towed 80 nautical miles off the Irish coast. PQ: AM 7217 - AM 7163.

U 40 - North Sea / English Channel - underway towards the area of ​​operations, without special incidents. PQ: AN 87.

U 42 - North Atlantic - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents. PQ: BE 31.

On October 13, 1939, the XB service 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 German submarine new wave activity in the sea zone there. U 37 reported her first sinking.

U 37 - North Atlantic - In the operations area, without special incidents. PQ: AM 76.

U 40 - English Channel - the U-boat was sunk by the impact of a mine (BF 3238). PQ: BF 3238. U 40 hits a British sea mine and sinks to a depth of about 150 feet. Nine survivors make it to the surface of the water. In the ten hours that followed before they were rescued by a British ship, six more died of hypothermia, as the water temperature hovered around six degrees. U 40 traversed the channel so that she could participate in the pack's operation in the ATLANTIC in due course. The submersible was at sea for four days.

U 42 - North Atlantic - Scuttled by a British destroyer (BE 2699). PQ: BE 2699. Early morning U 42 ​​attacks British steamer STONEPOOL (4803 BRT) (BE 3749/48°40'N – 15°30'W) damaging her with artillery fire . However, the armed merchant ship responds and call for support. A little later, U 42 ​​is attacked by the destroyers accompanying convoy OB-17 and forced to the surface with depth charges, then rammed and sunk by the destroyer HMS ILEX. 26 crew can no longer leave the submersible and die. 20-man crew, including Kplt. DAU fall into British captivity. The dead among the crew were caused by constant artillery fire from the destroyers HMS IMOGEN, HMS INGLEFIELD and HMS IVANHOE. U 42 was at sea for twelve days and damaged a merchant ship totaling 4,803 GRT.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)
https://www.todocoleccion.net/militaria ... x148516698

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 14, 1939 Radio intelligence reports on submarines continue to increase. They give the impression of a very promising surprise in the area planned for the operation.

The U 40 that set sail on the 10th has not yet reported its passage through the Canal. She had verbal orders to do this. Therefore, she is not finished yet and must have been delayed.

U 37 - North Atlantic - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents (BE 26). PQ: AE 26.

On October 15, 1939 Radio intelligence reports from the Atlantic have almost completely subsided. Only the SS "Stonepool" in contact with a submarine. As the weather was believed to be definitely bad, the flotilla commander was advised on the 13th to leave position "GELB" and proceed to position "SCHWARZ" (Operations Order no. 7). Towards evening reports were received showing that a large-scale anti-submarine hunt had apparently taken place in the "GELB" zone.

U 37 - North Atlantic - 07:29 - Sighting of a steamer (BE 53). The ship emitted and tried to escape. 08:18 - First shot over the bow. She didn't stop. 08:25 - Second shot over the bow. The steamer shows the French flag. The crew enters the boats. 09:37 - Explosive charges planted (BE 5317). These do not light up. Torpedo shot. Impact. Several more shots from the 10.5 cm gun for faster sinking. The French ship VERMONT sank. PQ: BE 53. Two men from the crew of the ship that was sailing with ballast lost their lives (BE 5349/48°01'N - 17°22'W).

On 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 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. Submersibles will be ordered to the "SCHWARZ" area. Over the past few days, the British news service has stated several times that a number of German submarines had been sunk, including 2 of the largest and newest type. Despite numerous sinkings in the "GELB" area, only U 37 and U 48 had been reported. Therefore, U 42, 45 and 46 were ordered to give their position and situation report. There were no misgivings about this order, as the ships are leaving their areas and their presence has, in any case, been made known through their activities. U 46 reported, but U 42 ​​and U 45 did not. Therefore, it can only be assumed that U 37, U 46 and U 48 continue.

U 37 - North Atlantic - In the area of ​​operations, without special incidents. PQ: BE 53.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 17, 1939 the German Naval war Staff gives full freedom in the use of weapons against all enemy merchant ships. Attacking passenger steamers is not yet allowed. The High Command issues a warning to neutral states not to allow their ships to travel in enemy convoys or otherwise be suspected.

At 00:55 hours Radio signal from U 46 reporting the sighting of a large cruiser, heading north, 14 knots.

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

At 20:00 hours U 37 reported: convoy dispersed, one ship sunk. Therefore, she must have reached the convoy. After the convoy dispersed, contact was lost. In order to recover it, U 37 ordered that a reconnaissance line be formed the next morning with the objective of receiving the convoy from the northeast.

U 37 - North Atlantic - 06:00 - The Danish ship ARGENTINA stopped (BE 9148). There are no prohibited products. Released. 15:30 - Convoy HG-3 in sight. 14 steamers and 4-6 destroyers. 16:31 - Two torpedoes launched (BE 9274). Impact. The British ship YORKSHIRE sunk. The steamer belonged to the allied convoy HG-3, which is the target of the first submarine attack according to pack tactics. 58 people aboard the YORKSHIRE lose their lives, 220 people are rescued (BE 9274/44°52'N - 14°31'W). The YORKSHIRE was carrying general cargo. To immersion. 40-50 depth charges. 18:03-To periscope depth. At the sinking site 3 destroyers and an oil tanker. Attack on the tanker. This one leaves. 18:17 - Big steamer chase. The next of them is an American (*) who rescues the survivors of the YORKSHIRE. 19:35 - Contact with U 46 (BE 9219). Identification and exchange sign by megaphone. PQ: BE 9148 - BE 9274 - BE 9219.

U 44 Shipyard Transfer Navigation.

(*) The ship U.S. Independence Hall received an SSS (attacked by submarine) signal from the British liner ship SS Yorkshire (10,183 tons) carrying convalescent soldiers from Gibraltar to Britain; the ship was 21 miles away. While she was sailing there she received another call from the SS City of Mandalay (7,028 tons) which was also sinking attacked by another submarine (U 46). Five minutes later on approaching the City of Mandalay she split in the middle and her stern almost met the bow and sank; at that moment a submarine (U 46) surfaced and after examining the name of Independence Hall she signaled thank you very much and submerged. After rescuing 73 castaways she continued to the SS Yorkshire whose 227 survivors were in 6 lifeboats. Having collected 300 people from 364 possible survivors, Independence Hall returned to Bordeaux where the castaways were disembarked.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 18, 1939 at 00:29 hours, U 48 sighted the enemy again. The U-boat followed this ship. At 05:00 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 sighted the convoy, which had apparently assembled in the meantime. At 06:30 hours a second submarine was reported to have sighted a ship. Towards noon an aircraft appeared, contact was lost. U 37 ordered the submersibles that had been repulsed to proceed to position "SCHWARZ". Reports received show that 5 ships were sunk for certain, probably 4. But again torpedo failures were reported. 2 explosions at the end of the race, 2 ran on the surface and 2 explosions at the end of the safety range. An investigation turned up the fact that U 37 will only have 30 tons of fuel when she reaches the "SCHWARZ" position.

Hitler issues INSTRUCTION No. 7. To the Kriegsmarine which states: Attacks on enemy passenger steamers being escorted or 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.

U 37 - North Atlantic - North of Cape Finisterre. 03:18 - U 48 is in contact with the previous day's convoy. 07:00 - Clouds of smoke in sight (BE 6839). Scattered vapors from the convoy. 07:45 - Destroyers appear firing artillery (BE 6839). Submerged. Marching slowly. 08:05 - Destroyer overtakes submersible. No depth charges. 10:54 - Emergence. 11:05 - Submerged in front of a plane. 13:00 - Surface. The Convoy can no longer be contacted. Course for "SCHWARZ" position. No more incidents. PQ: BE 9332 → BE 6839 → BE 6883 → BE 9261.

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 19, 1939 there are still no reports of U 40 passing through the Canal. This fact, added to radio intelligence reports on the 14th that 4 submarines had been sunk, one of them by French forces, gives rise to the suspicion that U 40 was lost. According to radio intelligence reports, 2 U-boats were sighted in it west of Dover Strait, so it must be assumed that they passed through the mined Dover-Calais Strait and were lost west of east.

I see the question of the passage of the Canal in the following way:

1) The danger of mines must be considered as the most dangerous aspect of the passage of the Canal. However, in all likelihood, there have been no mine casualties yet.

2) U-boat losses so far have been 2 in the Atlantic or North Sea (U 27, 39), 2 probably in the Atlantic (U 42, 45), 2 perhaps in the Canal. These losses do not exclude the passage of the Canal.

3) The danger of a surprise air attack is no greater in the Canal than in the open sea area, since the submersibles must advance submerged during the day.

4) Therefore, I am currently reluctant to give up the enormous advantage of the short access route through it. But the question will have to arise for constant consideration.

By order of the Naval Warfare Staff, the area in which unrestricted action can be taken against blacked-out ships has been expanded to 300 West.

End of the first tactical pack operation of the German U-boats. VERSUCHSFALL A (EXPERIMENTAL CASE A) involved U 37, U 42, U 45, U 46 and U 48. The submersibles sank three Allied merchant ships from the HG-3 convoy that was the objective of the operation. Two own ships were lost during the operation.

U 37 - North Atlantic - Northeast of Cape Finisterre. No incidents in the area of ​​operations. PQ: BE 9291 → BE 9535 → BE 9565 → BE 9677 → BE 9984 → CG 1358

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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

The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

On October 20, 1939 the German TI (torpedo inspection?) admits to the BdU 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 commanding officers are informed of this by the BdU.

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

U 37 - North Atlantic - West coast of Portugal. 3:30 p.m. - Sailboat in sight. Pursued. Spanish schooner LUISA halted (CG 5124). There are no prohibited products. released. No more incidents. PQ: HQ 1634 → HQ 2474 → HQ 2718 → HQ 5124 → HQ 5185

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 37 - North Atlantic - West coast of Portugal. In the morning the Danish steamer FREDENSBORG (CG 5841) stopped. There are no prohibited products. Released. 13:52 - Emergency dive in front of a destroyer. Too shallow draught for a torpedo shot. No more incidents. PQ: GC 5461 → GC 5495 → GC 5841 → GC 5848 → GC 5975 → GC 8214

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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

The U-Flotille "Hundius" and its oceangoing U-boats.

War with Great Britain and France!

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 37 - North Atlantic - West of the Strait of Gibraltar. 00:00 - San Vicente (CG 8246) is passed. 04:00 - Observation position taken in front of the Strait of Gibraltar (CG 8286). 16:00 - In the north only small neutral steamers (CG 8621). Just a few small coastal steamers in the south. No more incidents. PQ: CG 8246 → CG 8286 → CG 8374 → CG 8378 → CG 8621 → CG 8395

On October 23, 1939 as regards the supply of fuel, the information received in the meantime from the Naval Warfare General Staff shows that considerable difficulties have been encountered and the supply is by no means assured. Therefore, the first supply experiment will be carried out with a submersible that, in any case, is stationed near the agreed supply points and does not depend on supply for its operation.

On the subject of submarine losses: Of the Atlantic and North Sea units, U 39 was definitely lost, U 42 ​​probably, U 40 possibly. There is no information on U 39 since she sailed. Nothing has been heard from U 42 ​​since she sailed. She did not respond to orders to report her position. Enemy broadcasts and enemy press indicate that there was an anti-submarine hunt on October 13 during which 2 large submersibles were sunk. There are still no reports of U 40 passing through the Channel, but a steamer has been torpedoed in the sea area west of the Canal and a U-boat sighted twice. (Radio intelligence reports). There can't be any other submersible there except U 40. So it's possible that she did come through the Canal after all, but her transmitter was down and she couldn't report. Therefore, it is not certain that she is lost.

After assessing previous submersible losses, the BdU concluded that the English Channel issue should be reassessed as an area of ​​operations and transit. In addition, the BdU points out in his KTB: It is true that the use of the torpedo is extremely limited, there is a risk of control with the impact fuse and premature explosion with the magnetic fuse.

U 37 - Strait of Gibraltar - 06:10 - Submerged. Controlled traffic in the Strait of Gibraltar. Only small coastal steamers and two Italians. 12:26 - Alarm dive in front of a steamer. 13:59 - Surface. 14:37 - Submerged in front of a steamer. 18:08 - Surface. 22:16 - Ship obscured in sight. The attack began. PQ: CG9421 → CG9517 → CG9545 → CG9582 → CG9585 → CG9581

Source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/1939
http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/ (off-line)

Cheers. Raúl M .