2. U-Flotille “Saltzwedel”.

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On November 15, 1939, radio intelligence reports have provided the following information on the whereabouts of the British battle fleet:
1) battleships and battlecruisers and various aircraft carriers are not in territorial waters, but in special operations.
2) Most of the remaining battleships apparently mainly use the Firth of Clyde as anchorage.

The U-boats cannot attack the anchorages themselves, but it would be quite possible for the subs to penetrate the widest part of the Firth, right up to the boom. This operation must be carried out as soon as possible. There is a good chance of catching large warships. However, it will be necessary to use mines with a higher explosive effect than TMBs, as they cannot be guaranteed to sink if placed at this depth.

The operation of many submarines against the Home Fleet in the Firth of Clyde will therefore only be worthwhile if carried out in cooperation with own surface forces.

U 26 - Mediterranean Sea/North of Alborán - In Operations Zone. Submerged at dawn. Port diesel 4 piston removed and replaced. Total duration 25 hours. 18:20 - Surface. Night patrol along the steamer route north of Alborán. No sightings. No more occurrences. PQ:CH

U 28 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ:AM

U 29 - North Sea - Marching towards the area of operations (AN 62). 08:15 - Submerged (AN 6529). U 38 is coming astern. She let her go. PQ: AN 62 → AN 6529

U 33 - North Atlantic - 00:10 - Steamer in sight (AM 5538). Attack. Steamer disappears in a flurry of rain. PQ: AM 5538

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

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On November 16, 1939, the B-Dienst reports the Allied convoy HX-9 underway from HALIFAX to GREAT BRITAIN. According to these reports, the convoy will be taken by British units of WESTERN APPROACHES in the position 48° north – 29° west. In fact, the convoy reported as HX-9 must be the HX-8F fast convoy.

The Naval War General Staff draws up a memorandum on the use of German submarines in the MEDITERRANEAN. The central content is the behavior of TURKEY in the event of such an operation in the EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN. Prospects for success are rated as good, assuming the element of surprise.

The next submersibles in the fleet to be ready to operate will be:
U 31 and U 35 on November 18
U 36 on November 25

The BdU intends to send U 31 and U 35 to the southern Irish sea area and allow them considerable freedom of action there. They must be able to approach shoreline or move out to sea depending on weather conditions and patrol. Initially the U 28 and the U 29 will be in the same area.

U 26 - Mediterráneo/NW Alborán - 06:30 - Submerged. steamer in sight. scheduled attack. 09:50 - Aborted, She is Swedish. 12:15 - Dive in front of a boat. misjudgment. It was the island of Alborán. Low traffic. 13:15 - Surface. Intent: Drop decoy periscopes overnight and then return, otherwise the fuel will run out. PQ:CH

U 28 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ:AM

U 29 - North Sea - No special incidents. PQ:AM

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

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On November 17, 1939, the order from the Naval War General Staff was received to the effect that unrestricted measures may be taken against passenger ships that appear to be armed. Since most passenger ships are already armed, this will be a big step forward. In practice, of course, U-boats will only be able to attack passenger ships that they can recognize as armed.

U 53 reported another convoy off Lisbon, 18 ships in 4 columns, 5 destroyers escorting. Speed 7-8 knots, main heading north. It is clearly the same convoy that the Radio Intelligence Service picked up on November 16 and fixed several times. It is valuable to have the radio intelligence report confirmed by a submarine. If the reports continue to be as accurate and arrive at such good time, they will be of great use in the conduct of the war. U 41 and U 43 are still far to the north. It is known from experience that it is still too early to order them to operate against this convoy; but they are moving south and should be level within 2 days.

The Home Fleet is located in the north and northwest of Scotland. U 29 is roughly north of Shetlands. This U-boat has been informed.

DÖNITZ receives instructions from the Naval War General Staff to test the BASIS NORD with U 36, whose departure is scheduled in the coming days.

U 26 - Mediterranean Sea/East of Ceuta - 08:00 - Submerged. underwater during the day. Without traffic. 19:00 - Surface. Patrolling with a machine. Launch of dummy periscopes. 23:00 - Return through the Strait of Gibraltar. 24:00 - Ceuta Lighthouse through. PQ: GC

U 28 - North Atlantic - 00:20 - The Dutch steamer SLIEDRECHT (5133 BRT) was stopped (AM 5142). The ship was supposed to go to Norway, but the British diverted it to Kirkwall. The crew enters the lifeboats. The steamer was sunk by a torpedo hit after the crew abandoned ship. However, 26 crew members lose their lives, only five make it to land (AM 5142). The SLIEDRECHT was carrying 6,600 t of fuel of different types. PQ: AM 5142

U 29 - North Sea - Marching towards the theater of operations. 04:30 - Defective port diesel (AN 2728). Submerged to repair. There was a screw in the sixth cylinder. Changed intake valve. PQ: AN 2728

U 33 - 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/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M

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On November 18, 1939, the B-Dienst again located the allied convoy HX-8F, referred to here as HX-9. According to these reconnaissance findings, the convoy is 350 nautical miles west of LA ROCHELLE at 10:00 hours and is being covered by the battleship HMS RESOLUTION with a cruiser and destroyer escort. The convoy is expected on November 19 on the BRISTOL Channel. U 53 continued to pursue the convoy.

U 31 and U 35 sailed for their respective areas of operations in accordance with Operations Order No. 13. However, U 31 had to re-enter port due to engine trouble.

U 26 - Strait of Gibraltar - 02:15 - Submerged. Advance through the Strait of Gibraltar towards the North Atlantic. 03:30 - Tarifa across. Outlet of the Strait just below the African coast. 04:10 - Submerged due a destroyer. Submerged for the rest of the day. 19:00 - Surface. March along the steamship route to Cape San Vicente. 20:00 - Three or four shadows sighted. Large ship with multiple destroyers. Too bright for a surface attack. Nothing to see on the periscope, the direction was quickly lost on the listening device. 21:00 - Surface. Navigation on the water. No more occurrences. PQ: GC

U 28 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ:AM

U 29 - North Sea/North Atlantic - 06:10 - Rounding the northern tip of the Shetland Islands (AN 1161). Sea 5. 20:00 - The Swedish steamer PAN GOTHIA was stopped. No contraband. PQ: AF 7850 → AN 1161

U 33 - North Atlantic - No special incidents. PQ:AM

U 35 - Wilhelmshaven/North Sea - Sailed from Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Beginning of the 3rd Patrol. 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.
https://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30251.htm

Cheers. Raúl M

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On November 19, 1939, contact with the convoy was lost after it changed course just before dawn, just at the critical moment. In the afternoon the other submersibles could have been there. However, by 13:30 U 53 had made contact again. The others should have been around. It must be borne in mind that they have been in the northern operational areas for several days in bad weather. Considerable errors in E.P. were to be expected. U 53 was therefore ordered to make beacon signals.

At 18:20 contact was lost again, but only an hour later U 41 sighted the convoy. It had ocurred; a second submersible had been brought up to the convoy. Nothing was heard from U 43, but this does not necessarily mean that she was not there. She had no reason to report, as the enemy was under constant observation.

After a long silence, U 26 reported from the west of Gibraltar. The U-boat had not carried out the mining operation.

U 26 - North Atlantic/Tarifa - San Vicente - Marching back. 08:50 - Submerged. Two steamers in sight. Planned submarine attack. Both steamers have Spanish markings. 11:00 - Steamer in sight. It's Italian 15:00 - American liner in sight. 16:30 - Surface. March along the Portuguese coast. Lots of fishermen. 23:20 - Outgoing radio message 2213/19/67: "Withdrawal started." No more occurrences. PQ: GC

U 28 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ: FB

U 29 - North Atlantic - 14:05 - Alert dive in front of an aircraft (AM 3497). Two aerial bombs, no damage. PQ: AM 3497

U 31 - Wilhelmshaven/North Sea - 15:58 - Sailed from Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Beginning of the 4th Patrol. PQ: AN 9814

U 33 - North Atlantic - 14:30 - Steamer sighted (AM 5531). Dive approach. 17:10 - Surface. Vapor is the neutral Greek MOUNT KASSION. Attack without effect. Purpose of the return march: Destruction of the trawlers in front of the North Channel. PQ: AM 5531

U 35 - 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 .

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On November 20, 1939, According to reports from a German agent in GREAT BRITAIN, the introduction of the convoy system has caused serious problems in the country's rail system. On the one hand, the ships now arrive at unknown ports and, on the other hand, they arrive intermittently in far too large numbers.

U 53 lost the convoy when she changed course. However, U 41 was still there and made beacon signals. It is strange that there is still no news of sinking after such a long follow-up. The convoy is only 200 miles from the French coast. Since it is so close to the coast, it will not be possible to attack it for much longer. According to a French report, a German submarine is said to have sunk. Both submersibles have been ordered to report their positions and intentions (U 43 and 49)

U 26 - North Atlantic/Height of Cape Vincent - Returning. 06:30 - Immersion due to a ship. 10:50 - Surface. 11:10 - Dive in front of a boat. 15:30 - Surface. navigation on the water. PQ: GC

U 28 - North Atlantic - In the area of operations, reconnaissance of VESTFJORDES and ASVAFJORDES (AF 3614) begins. Nothing special to report. PQ: FB

U 29 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ:AM

U 31 - North Sea - Marching towards the theater of operations. 00:24 - The pressure valve of the cooling water pump broke. Return for repairs. 13:59 - Arrival in Wilhelmshaven/Westwerft (AN 9814). PQ: AN 9814

U 33 - North Atlantic - Marching back. 10:30 - 17:05 - Fishing boats sunk with five artillery shells each (AM 5536). The British fishing vessels THOMAS HANKINS (276 GRT)(AM 5536), DELPHINE (250 GRT)(AM 5611) and SEA SWEEPER (329 GRT)(AM 5296) sank; their crews had previously abandoned their ships. PQ: AM 5536

U 35 - 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 .

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On November 21, 1939, the operational orders for the departing U-boats U 31 and U 35 are discussed at a Naval War General Staff situation meeting. Both will operate south of IRELAND and west of the ENGLISH CHANNEL targeting warships and merchant ships.

In connection with a planned operation by German surface units, the advance of U 33, U 35 and U47 is initially halted. The submersibles will remain in the area west of the ORKNEYS as the British fleet is suspected to be in SCAPA FLOW and is expected to leave port if an operation by German battleships is known. U 31 and U 48 will deploy to the east of the ORKNEYS. After the end of their mission against the allied convoy KS-27, U 41 and U 43 were assigned the sea area between 48° and 50° north and east of 12° west.

U 31 set sail, for the first time with an anti-mine escort through the declared area.

U 26 - North Atlantic/Lisbon - 18:10 - Test dive. 18:50 - Surface. Navigation on the water. No more occurrences. PQ: 48°48'N - 10°42'W

U 28 - North Atlantic - No notable incidents. PQ: FB

U 29 - North Atlantic - 08:00 - Gale 8-9, Sea 7-8. submerged. The U-boat has storm damage. The decoy periscopes stored on her upper deck were destroyed (AM 4239). PQ: AM 4239

U 31 - Wilhelmshaven/North Sea - 14:49 - Departed from Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814) after repairs. Patrol continuation. PQ: AN 9814

U 33 - North Atlantic - Marching back. 08:30 - 09:20 - Two more trawlers sunk, each with five artillery shells (AM 5348). The British fishing vessels SULBY (287 GRT) (AM 5348) and WILLIAM HUMPHRIES (276 GRT) (AM 5349) sank. In the WILLIAM HUMPHRIES the 13 crew die, in the SULBY five men lose their lives. Submarine warning over a steamer's radio. 11:00 - Alarm dive in front of an aircraft. PQ: AM 5348

U 35 - North Sea - March to the area of operations, nothing special. 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 22, 1939, the B-Dienst announces several convoy movements. Accordingly, a convoy of 20 ships on 21 November and another of 30 steamers heading west passed GIBRALTAR on 22 November. Another convoy is reported 100 nm south of the CANARY ISLANDS.

First day of operations of the German surface units with support from several submarines to the west and east of the ORKNEYS.

Naval Warfare General Staff receives a message from the Romanian naval attaché in LONDON. This states that the British government allows neutral ships to travel in convoys if the following conditions are met: 1. The British Admiralty bears no responsibility for the loss of the ship in question. 2. The ships in question must trade with or for the BRITISH EMPIRE or allied countries. 3. The entry of neutral ships into a convoy does not exclude the presence of British ships.

U 26 - North Atlantic/Cape Finisterre - In Return. 18:00 - Test dive. 18:30 - Surface. 19:45 - Shadows in sight. Passenger ship without lights. Very strong waves. 19:54 - Three individual torpedoes miss against the steamer. Estimation of the route and course in zigzag. Follow-up and approach to renew the attack. 23:00 - Pursuit abandoned due to lack of fuel. Vapor moved away 16 - 18 nm. No more occurrences. PQ: 42°50' North - 11°50' West. The Greek steamer ELENA R. (4,576 GRT) hits a mine laid by U 26 and sinks. There is no information about casualties among the crew of the steamer (BF 3145). The ELENA R. transported grain.

U 28 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ: FB 12

U 29 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ: AM 73

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

U 33 - North Atlantic - Reconnaissance of St Kilda Bay. 15:00 - Steamer sighting. Too fast. PQ: AM 28

U 35 - North Sea - On the way to the area of operations, nothing special. 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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November 23, 1939, Second day of operations by German surface units in support of which several submarines have taken up holding positions west and east of the ORKNEYS.

German submarines are ordered not to carry crewmen from merchant ships on board under any circumstances, except those who may be taken to GERMANY as prisoners of war.

U 43 made contact with a convoy 60 miles north of Cape Ortegal. Unfortunately there are no other U-boats in the vicinity. U 26 is the closest, approximately at the latitude of Porto. Since she has been in her area of operations for a long time, she is presumably low on fuel. However, cooperation should be attempted. Unfortunately, U 26 only has AFB on board and therefore observer reports will have to be done with this clumsy slow cipher. In the afternoon, U 43 was driven back and contact was lost.

U 26 - North Atlantic / near Vizcaya - 11:00 - U 43 reports a convoy by radio. Unable to operate against it due to fuel shortages. Wind cools considerably at force 10. Weapons cannot be used. 18:00 - Test dive. 19:15 - Surface. Navigation on the water. No more occurrences. PQ: GC

U 28 - North Atlantic - 20:00 - 23:00 - Abandoned pursuit of a steamer. Too fast (BF 1684). PQ: BF 1684

U 29 - North Atlantic - In theater of operations. No special occurrences. PQ:AM

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

U 33 - North Atlantic - 1326 - 16:00 - Three torpedoes fired (AN 1326). Two misses and the third Rohrläufer (If a torpedo about to be launched gets stuck in the tube or cannot be released from the tube for other reasons, it is called a tube runner.) Emersion. Four shots at the waterline with the deck gun. Since a plane was sighted, the sinking was not verified. German BORKUM (British prey) sank, 4 dead*. PQ: AN 1326

U 35 - North Sea - No special incidents. PQ: AN 26

* The BORKUM went with grain, from Rosario (Argentina) to Hamburg. She was captured on November 18, 1939, in the Denmark Strait, by the British auxiliary cruiser CALIFORNIA (F.55) and sent to Kirkwall (Orkney Islands) with a prey's detachment.
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/Borkum

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 24, 1939, Foreign Affairs calls for further action against shipping traffic from the Baltic States that goes beyond the Baltic Sea region. The Naval War General Staff is asked to set criteria on this issue.

The B-Dienst records the report of a French surveillance steamer reporting the sinking of a German submarine in the English Channel. At this time, however, there are no German submarines there.

Third day of the German naval operation in the north of the NORTH SEA, which is carried out with the support of submarines. DÖNITZ decides to leave the submarines in the ORKNEYS and SHETLANDS in their positions due to the current lack of clarity of the situation. However, deteriorating weather considerably limits the possible use of weapons by submarines.

U 33 reported that it had sunk a Q boat. Radio Intelligence reports received this afternoon indicate that an enemy unit may have been sunk in connection with the operation of our surface forces, begun on the 22nd, north of the line Shetlands-Norway. Therefore, the enemy must know that there are German forces in this area. We will have to see what his reaction will be.

U 26 - North Atlantic / off Vizcaya - 00:00 - storm, Mar 10. Conning tower hatch closed. 04:45 - Submerged at 40 m Swell still perceptible at 60 m. 18:15 - Surface. march on the water. Sea state 8. No further incidents. PQ: 45°20' North - 11°40' West

U 28 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ: FB

U 29 - North Atlantic - Start of mining operation. Submerged (AM 8875). 08:15 - Exchange of torpedoes for mines. PQ: AM 8875

U 31 - North Sea - 00:00 - Only fishing boats, nothing else. PQ: AN 1691

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

U 35 - North Sea - No special incidents. PQ: AN 26

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 25, 1939, in an informative session of the Naval War General Staff, the first plans were decided in the event that GREAT BRITAIN could undertake landings on the Norwegian coast as part of a German action against the Netherlands to establish bases there. In addition, the BdU is instructed to focus on more submarine mining operations.

Abwehr reports from Spain that a large escorted convoy arrived in GIBRALTAR the day before. The convoy consisted of 25 ships, including 20 with weapons. Other reports stated that the British no longer assembled their convoys in MALTA, but only in GIBRALTAR. From there to LE HAVRE, the convoys would be escorted by French naval units and then taken over by the British.

Fourth day of the German naval operation in the north of the NORTH SEA, which is carried out with the support of submarines. DÖNITZ displaces the submersibles that are on standby, as the British fleet should be at sea according to all current knowledge. The two western U-boats, U 35 and U 47, receive orders to continue northeast and take up positions in front of the pass between PENTLAND FIRTH and FAIR ISLAND. Here, too, they will be in a better position to isolate the fleet east of Shetlands should this become necessary.

U 26 - North Atlantic / level of Vizcaya - 08:00 - Submerged in front of a steamer. scheduled attack. Aborted steamer attack, it's Swedish. No more occurrences. PQ: 46°39.5' North - 12°08' West.

U 28 - North Atlantic - 13:00 - Convoy (convoy SL-8) in sight (BF 1862). It consists of three steamers and a destroyer. 13:19 - torpedo on a steamer (BF 1825). Impact. The British ship ROYSTON GRANGE (5,144 GRT) was sunk. She was carrying grain and food, her entire crew was able to leave the ship before a torpedo sank her. Destroyer attack. Pursuit with depth charges. 23:00 - Surfaced after 8 hours of pursuit (BF 1828). PQ: BF 1862 → BF 1825 → BF 1828

U 29 - North Atlantic - 08:00 - 18:30 - Lots of fishermen. Submerged (AM 9775). The execution of the mining operation is currently not possible. Swell 7. The swell literally pushes the submersible towards the Milford Inlet. 8:30 p.m. - Hurricane-force storm. The U-boat is literally on the spot. PQ: AM 9775

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

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

U 35 - 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 .

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On November 26, 1939, the fifth day of the German naval operation in the northern NORTH SEA carried out with the support of submarines. Due to persistent bad weather, the four submarines used as support are moving to the eastern side of the SHETLANDS and ORKNEYS (especially Lerwik). The submersibles are there to hunt down light surface units that seek shelter below the shoreline or rush to their bases to refuel. The grouping of German battleships begins its return march.

U 33 entered port; she laid the mines according to plan and was met by a small patrol. She had no traffic in her area of operations off the North Channel and, in the end, she attacked the trawlers before turning back so as not to return home empty-handed. The commander's report shows that this was a well-conducted patrol and it is not the U-boat's fault that it was so unsuccessful.

U 26 - North Atlantic/Quessant Height - No significant incidents. PQ: 48°40' North - 12°05' West

U 28 - North Atlantic - No notable incidents. 03:40 - Port diesel repair. PQ: FB

U 29 - North Atlantic - 02:30 - Ann's Head Lighthouse in sight (AM 9818). Heavy rain. Impossible to land on the bottom, current too strong. No mines were laid on this day either. PQ: AM 9818

U 31 - North Sea - Hurricane. 17:00 - 05:00 Immersion. perched in the background. PQ: AN

U 33 - North Sea/Wilhelmshaven - 09:00 - Arrival in Wilhelmshaven (AN 9814). Completion of the 2nd patrol. The submersible was at sea for 29 days and sank six ships for 5,088 GRT. U 33 will enter the dock for a general overhaul. PQ: AN 9814

U 35 - 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 .

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War with Great Britain and France!

On November 27, 1939, End of the operation of the German battleships in the north of the NORTH SEA. The group arrives in WILHELMSHAVEN. U-boats employed in support are to march in a reconnaissance strip from the above locations towards the Norwegian coast to hunt for British naval formations that had been detected by aerial reconnaissance.

Aerial reconnaissance identified several groups of light and heavy naval forces at noon in the Shetland-Norway Strait, on different courses. Contact was lost after 2 hours, due to the lack of fuel of the following aircraft. However, it is evident that the enemy intends to take up a blocking position here. The search along the leeward coast was apparently unsuccessful. A slight temporary improvement in the weather is forecast. I decided (BdU) to let the 3 submersibles off the Shetland coast reconnoitre east to the Norwegian coast.

The BdU receives instructions to redeploy U 38 operating at MURMANSK to combat British ore transports at NARVIK. According to reports from the German Attaché in MOSCOW, no more timber exports from MURMANSK are expected. U 36 will also be deployed there after she leaves port. A further supply of the U 36 is still planned at BASIS NORD.

The Naval War General Staff receives details of the U 16 casualties from the Swedish Embassy in PARIS.

U 26 - North Atlantic/Western Entrance to the English Channel - On the way back. No special occurrences. Wind 7-10, waves 8-10. PQ: 50°28'N - 12°25'W

U 28 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ: FB

U 29 - North Atlantic - Submerged. Due to the full moon, the laying of mines was not carried out (AM 9790). PQ: AM 9790

U 31 - North Sea - Hurricane. Perched on the bottom until 05:00. 14:50 - Two destroyers sighted (AN 1699). submerged. Too dark to attack. PQ: AN 1699

U 35 - 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]

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

War with Great Britain and France!

On November 28, 1939, DÖNITZ decides to leave the reconnaissance strip between the ORKNEYS and the Norwegian coast in this maritime area after German reconnaissance planes again sighted elements of the British fleet there.

The Naval Warfare General Staff sends the BdU the names of U 40 and U 42 crew members who have been taken prisoner or have died.

U 26 - North Atlantic/off the southern tip of Ireland - Marching back. 09:00 - Steamer in sight. No weapons can be used due to rough seas. 12:30 - An attempt is made to surface. Seaplane in sight. The boat remains under water. 13:50 - Surface. Sailing on the water. No more occurrences. PQ: 52°15' North - 12°45' West

U 28 - North Atlantic - Nothing special to report. PQ: FB

U 29 - North Atlantic - 0800 - 13 m depth, Small's Lighthouse in sight (AM 9817). 14:10 - Destroyer detects periscope (AM 9735). Three depth charges. Submerged to 80m and evades. Mine laying not done. PQ: AM 9817 → AM 9735

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

U 35 - North Sea - Last radio message from U 35 before being sunk: "English cruiser sighted". She was the British heavy cruiser HMS NORFOLK (78). Due to this radio message, U 47 manages to attack and damage the cruiser a little later. 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]

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

War with Great Britain and France!

On November 29, 1939 Again, aerial reconnaissance identified light naval forces and a convoy northeast of them in the same area. The weather is still very stormy. Apparently, the U-boats have not been able to attack. Since it must now be taken that the return of the German Surface Fleet cannot remain unknown to the enemy for much longer, it makes no sense for the submersibles to remain in the Shetland-Norway Strait for another day, especially since it is believed that there are many destroyers nearby.

Hitler issues INSTRUCTION No. 9. Contains GUIDELINES FOR THE WAR AGAINST THE ENEMY ECONOMY. Among other things, it contains precise instructions for the Navy for the time after a successful Western campaign. The OdM is instructed to start preparations and present its operational plans. The above restrictions of previous instructions remain in effect.

According to a report from the German embassy in MADRID, the Spanish government is willing to comply with the planned supply of German U-boats in Spanish ports and bays. Arrangements are made to use a liaison officer referred to as a shop steward.

The Naval Attaché in MADRID reports an increase in allied anti-submarine activity on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar. Frequent underwater reports lead to the halting of some convoys and the installation of underwater listening stations. The increased activities and rumors about the intrusion of German submarines are probably due to the use of dummy periscopes.

At a meeting of the Naval Warfare General Staff, the BdU is instructed to intensify offensive mining operations against GREAT BRITAIN with submarines. In addition to the larger ports, the smaller ports on the British east coast are now also said to be mined.

U 31 and U 35 have been ordered to occupy the areas of operations on the east coast of England. Its radius of action is too small to be worth entering the Atlantic after the operations of the last few days. They must report their fuel stocks when leaving.

A radio message was received from U 29. It does not consider that the minelaying operation off Milford can be carried out under the current circumstances. (He had orders not to carry out the operation if it involved undue risks.) The U-boat was assigned an area of operations in the Bristol Channel.

U 31 fuel report received, but not U 35. This submersible was again ordered to report.

U 31 sighted an ocean-going tug at grid AN 1646, but found no possibility of attack. The submersible begins marching towards the AN 44 Grid the same day.

U 35 is spotted northwest of BERGEN during an attack on a British naval formation and is forced to the surface by the destroyers HMS ICARUS, HMS KINGSTON and HMS KASHMIR during a depth charge hunt. After abandoning ship, the crew scuttles the submarine at position 60°49' N - 02°54' E. The British take all 43 crew members prisoner of war. U 35 was at sea for 12 days at this point.

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 .