September 21, 1939
After some time in the yards to add GHG hydrophones, we head off again. Our grid is BE61; a 4,000 km distance.
September 24, 1939
1403 Hours:
Message from BDU
NAVAL OPERATIONS AGAINST FRANCE ARE NOW TO BE CARRIED OUT AS AGAINST BRIAIN, FRENCH SHIPS ARE TO BE TREATED IN THE SAME WAY AS BRITISH SHIPS.
1527 Hours:
Message from BdU:
BY ORDER OF THE FÜHRER, ALL MERCHANT SHIPS MAKING USE OF RADIO ON BEING STOPPED ARE TO BE EITHER SUNK OR TAKEN IN PRIZE. EFFORTS ARE TO BE MADE TO SAVE THE CREWS.
September 25, 1939
1355 Hours:
Ship spotted; upon inspection it's a norwegian ship. Cursed Neutrals.
September 26, 1939
1726 Hours:
Left the North Sea.
September 28, 1939
0307 Hours:
Spotted a british merchantman. Not a very large target. Rough seas prevent use of deck gun; so will use torpedo shot.
0310 Hours:
Stern shot fired; scored a hit.
0321 Hours:
Bow Shot, missed
0323 Hours:
Bow Shot, Hit; breaking up.
1058 Hours:
Mr Bean has RDFed a ship. Set intercept Course.
1436 Hours:
Lookout spots ship
1456 Hours:
We're spotted. Ship begins zig-zagging. Increase to flank speed.
1502 Hours:
Bow Shot
1503 Hours:
Hit, another bow shot
1504 Hours:
Hit, breaking up
1506 Hours:
Patrol Report sent to BdU, 2 ships sunk for 3,987 tons and 9 torpedoes remaining.
September 29, 1939
1914 Hours:
RDFed another ship
2327 Hours:
Search for ship futile. Returning to normal course.
October 4, 1939
1036 Hours:
Reached BE62; 75% fuel remaining.
October 6, 1939
1036 Hours:
Ship found thanks to location provided by BdU
1039 Hours:
Submerged for approach run.
1051 Hours:
Stern magnetic shot; hit and blew up instantly.
October 8, 1939
1247 Hours:
Began downloading topside torpedoes.
1434 Hours:
Recieved report of convoy just 44 km east of location. Set off at flank speed.
1522 Hours:
Convoy spotted; submerged for attack; at 6 knot speed.
1538 Hours:
All four bow tubes fired at a freighter in the middle of the convoy in 10 degree spread pattern.
1539 Hours:
Ordered dive to 100+ meters and rig for silent running.
1543 Hours:
All torpedoes apparently mised. Called off silent running.
1544 Hours:
A HIT! We have breaking up noises; called off reloading and went back to silent running.
1702 Hours:
All three bow tubes have been reloaded with torpedoes; am surfacing to give chase to convoy.
October 9, 1939
0039 Hours:
Decided to give up the chase. Fuel down to 50% percent. Return course plotted in.
October 12, 1939
0003 Hours:
Spotted Enemy Merchant.
0024 Hours:
Enemy Merchant Spotted us, began evasive action; decided at this point to man the deck gun. Mr. Bean, MrDod, and Losoth Takoth were selected to form the deck gun crew.
0026 Hours:
Deck Gun Opened Fire
0028 Hours:
Order given to target waterline.
0033 Hours:
Target begins sinking; Main gun locker down to 33 HE shells in first locker.
October 16, 1939
0003Hours:
Docked at Wilhelmshaven
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Patrol Roundup
We were out for 23 days, and sank five ships for 10,385 tons, for a two patrol total of 12,377 tons.
I recieved the Iron Cross, 1st Class and was promoted to Lt. Jg.
Mr Bean and Mr Anders both recieved the Iron Cross, 2nd Class. Everyone on board recieved the U-Boat War Badge for two completed War Patrols.
BdU Suggested that I release Mr Anders;
"It may be time to replace this officer so that he can gain command of his own U-Boat."
I of course vehemenently refused.
Patrol Logbook for SDN Crew