U-48 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	19 August 1939	Kiel	17 September 1939	30

 

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
5 Sep 39	11.28 - 12.00	46°27'N, 15°05'W	ROYAL SCEPTRE	4,853	British
8 Sep 39	06.32 - 08.30	48°17'N, 18°11'W	WINKLEIGH	5,055	British
11 Sep 39	13.35 - 15.40	59°33'N, 13°44'W	FIRBY	4,869	British
			Total = 14,777
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				Copy No.    4
			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
			======================
				of
			Unterseebootes  "  U  48  "
			==================
			Kommandant:    Kapitänleutnant    S  c  h  u  l  t  z  e  .
			Beginning:                       25 August 1939.
			Concluding:                     17 September 1939.
				Distribution:
				"U  48" Copy No. 1 7. U-Flottille     -"-        2 F.d.U. (Skl.)     -"-        3 O.K.M.     -"-        4
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Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB

	- 1 -
		25.08.39
			North Atlantic	Position:  ψ = 57° 31' N, γ = 11° 50' W.
			SbyW 2, few clouds, Sea 2, Vis. medium
		17.15		Incoming Radio Message No. 1623/25/56:  1.  xxx-day is 26.08.39 for Navy. . . .
		26.08.39	North Atlantic
		00.00	SSE 2, few clouds, Sea 1, Vis. medium, Vis. all day 3 nm, afternoon slowly clearing.  After sunset again overcast. [Nauen and Zeesen were HF transmitters which broadcast the news]	Position:  ψ = 56° 36' N, γ = 12° 02' W.
				1st  xxxx-day tactical advance to operations area.
				The news supply from the homeland seems very meager.  The picture of the political situation is unclear.  I try to get a rough impression by picking up the Nauen Press and listening to the news services of Zeesen and London and other stations.  I anticipate very strongly the likelihood of the outbreak of war or the commencement of hostilities with England and France in the course of the next week since England's attitude is apparently set.  The news of the mobilization preparations in European countries make it appear more strained than in September 1938.  On the other hand, there still seems to be negotiating and our political leadership, by the previously proven principle "who has the better nerves", drives things up to a knife edge, then gives in.
		20.25 - 20.30		Position:  ψ = 53° 46' N, γ = 13° 38' W.
				Test dive.
		22.00		Vessel abeam to starboard at the limit of visibility, probably a fisherman.
			I am convinced that we were able to escape unseen from the North Sea.  My course 193° at the closest approach to the Irish coast still keeps well clear by about 120 nm. Vessels etc. are hardly seen, only fishermen on the Bailey Bank.  Anyway, the North Sea is an inland sea with correspondingly reduced possibilities of remaining undetected compared to the area of the Atlantic.  Apparently air reconnaissance is used too late by the English (Radio report that Utsire was overflown by two English seaplanes - aircraft carrier and two submarines in Norwegian territorial waters).
		27.08.39	North Atlantic
		about 01.15	ESE 3-4, overcast, Sea 3, Vis. medium to good, Vis. good all day	Position:  ψ = 52° 59' N, γ = 14° 04' W.
				Passed the southern limit of the Porcupine Bank. (200-meter line).

	Sun and Moon Data 25.08.39
	Sun and Moon Data 26.08.39
	Sun and Moon Data 27.08.39

	- 2 -
		continued
		27.08.39
			The nightly news supply is still transparent, notably from German broadcasting with its all too transparent mongering polemic of Polish atrocities (the familiar saying "How many chopped off hands of children are there today? " comes aboard) which are repulsive to all, as un-soldierly and beneath our dignity.
		2004 - 20.08	North Atlantic	Position:  ψ = 50° 08' N, γ = 14° 50' W.
			S 3, overcast, Sea 2-3, Vis. good	Test dive.
				No vessels sighted today.
		28.08.39
		05.42 - 11.10	North Atlantic	Dived before sailing vessels, apparently a large sailing yacht.
			S 5, Sea 4, cloudy
		14.10		Reached the northern limit of the operations area.
		15.22 - 17.09	North Atlantic	Vessel sighted ahead to starboard.  Large merchant steamer.
			S 4-5, changing cloudiness, clear, Vis. good	Crash dive.
			To save fuel I run with only 1 diesel "LF", because reaching the assigned operations area justifies this measure.  Temporarily I head to the center of my assigned area.  Letter from the Führer in response to Daladier [Prime Minister of France].  This very cleaver letter contains the clear core of the German demand.  Hence also clear understanding for us.  The political situation now seems to be the following:
			Both parties have conducted open or disguised mobilization.  Both parties are animated by the desire to still negotiate, and everyone wants to push to make the other responsible in time before war (Message from Hitler to England, letter from Daladier to Hitler).
			Mediterranean shipping interrupted!  This is like a lost war for Britain's prestige.  Only our Atlantic situation and possibilities still appear in question.  From intercepted radio traffic I know that the English Admiralty has given instructions for English shipping for alteration of steamer routes, confirmation follows from home by B-Dienst report.
			There were no steamers on our present day's run, despite the fact that we crossed the major steamer route.
			Considerations for fuel oil supply etc.:  To date have consumed a quarter of the inventory on the outbound transit. Even now, supply in Spain or from steamers seems to be the most important thing. Because with a full torpedo inventory (with regard to the up to now not sighted steamers) return transit due to fuel shortage would mean an awful decision for me.  Also I believe that the possibility of attacks near the coast is greater. (Finisterre, Ferrol.)
			Night wind freshening to 6-7, Sea 6, very heavy Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 27.08.39
	Sun and Moon Data 28.08.39

	- 3 -
		29.08.39
		06.01 - 09.07	Operations area	Position:  ψ = 46° 38' N, γ = 15° 55' W.
			SSE 4-5, Sea 4, few low clouds, strong Swell, wind shifts to the west	Crash five before merchant ship.
				The weather conditions are highly variable.  So far Sea and Swell are always such that use of the cannon is impossible, additionally war according to the Prize Regulation seems inconceivable.
				The uncertain political situation and the scant supply of news creates a certain overall tension. The well-being and mood of the crew are good.
		18.05 - 19.58	WSW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good	Crash dive for merchant ship.
			I heard the London, Straßburger and Luxenburger transmitters.  Compared with the German news British propaganda is excellent.  I have the impression that our propaganda believes it can achieve something today with English methods that were effective and successful 25 years ago and they have forgotten that today all the world is enlightened differently than 25 years ago. "Chopped off hands of children" and "insurgent mob", "poor whipped, tortured compatriots", "ravished women" etc. have no effect, other than to unveil their own meager level of education!  More effective, in my opinion:
			1.)  a very clear objective demand with justification,
			2.)  the depiction by objective form (without obvious baiting) of the history of English colonial methods and the true basics of English world domination.
			3.)  the German claim to its old territories must always be justified! - because England is throwing obstacles in the way everywhere - so it proves in deeds its hostility which is always denied by hypocritical and twisted words!
		30.08.39		Position:  ψ = 47° 00' N, γ = 15° 52' W.
		02.35 - 07.07	WSW 3, Sea 2-3, few clouds, Vis. medium	Dived before steamer.
		08.12 - 10.40		Freshening wind.  Dived before large merchant ship.
		15.30 - 18.30	S 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, wind freshening further	Position:  ψ = 46° 24' N, γ = 14° 08' W.
				Dived before large merchant ship.
				The operations area seems quite profitable.  Two steamers per day - if it remains so after the outbreak of hostilities, big prey there!
		16.29		Incoming Radio Message No. 1305/30/80 F.d.U. to all U-boats:
				English merchant shipping has instructions to proceed with dimmed position lights by night etc.
				The letter groups were received, therefore

	Sun and Moon Data 29.08.39
	Sun and Moon Data 30.08.39

	- 4 -
		continued
		30.08.39		clear text!  Gravest violation - thus there is a 90% chance that if our presence was not known to the Englishman, he has now realized by our clumsy hand that "German submarines" are lurking for prey.  Anger and outrage at this negligent treason (even if it was not deliberate!).  Who is the officer in charge?! - To the gallows!
		31.08.39
		09.50 - 12.36	WSW 4-5, Sea 3, cloudy to fair, clear, Vis. goods, very heavy Swell	Position:  ψ = 46° 23' N, γ = 16° 20' W.
				Dived before merchant steamer.
				Received Radio Message on deterioration of the situation due to lack of willingness to negotiate on Poland and concerning behavior of Atlantic boats at the onset of war with the Western powers.
			I believe that constraint of the conflict in the east is increasingly improbable because England's language to the public is too certain and resolute!  I expect an English - French ultimatum to Germany!  On the other hand, the immediate military possibilities of the Western Powers opposite the Siegfried Line seem rather meager and, therefore, the idea of an attack also rather open.  Perhaps England and France will announce a blockade?  The hesitation of Italy appears to all as a betrayal and at first seems exceptionally disappointing.
		01.09.39
		15.57 - 17.17	WbyS 3, Sea 2-3, strong Swell, cloudy, Vis. medium, rain showers, most of the night moonlit	Position:  ψ = 46° 20' N, γ = 16° 30' W.
				Dived before steamer.
				Radio Message about beginning hostilities against Poland. Führer speech to the Reichstag. We feel strong skepticism in view of the scarcely probable non-interference of England and France. We view the situation in Germany from the Atlantic and perhaps pushed by England's intervention or major conflict building up our naval power postponed for years to decades and thus more successful and promising battle for smashing England, returning colonies etc. We wonder why there are not 5 or 6 battleships with us now at "Attention zero!" lurking for prey!?  We have already had 4 years to build U-boats as well as the proven battleship types at a greater pace.  We now say something like this,

	Sun and Moon Data 30.08.39
	Sun and Moon Data 31.08.39
	Sun and Moon Data 01.09.39

	- 5 -
		continue
		01.09.39
			and at the same time have the feeling of being poor people.  The words "Atlantic forces" sound so strong and yet there are not enough at the British lion to pluck more than perhaps ten to twenty hairs from his thickened hide.  What is the attitude of the German people today? I wonder if the same flaming rush of enthusiasm goes through people as in 1914?  Probably not, more probably a dogged resolve, acquiescence to the inevitable and obedience to the Führer. We are at waiting station.  The 2-3 steamers in service appear daily.  Beautiful large tankers and freighters, a passenger steamer.  All pass through!
		02.09.39
		19.07 - 19.54	WbyS 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, rain showers, Vis. goos, freshening wind, most of the night moonlit	Position:  ψ = 46° 37' N, γ = 15° 48' W.
				Dived before steamer.
		22.40 - 23.40	WbyS 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. good, moonlit	Position:  ψ = 46° 37' N, γ = 15° 48' W.
				Vessel sighted.  While avoiding on the surface 2 further vessels sighted.
			The stance of the Western powers, despite mobilization of England and France is unclear: whether they are still not ready and want to gain time?  Or whether both have really no desire and again are only waiting for a "fait accompli", and then finally to say yes?   Poor Poland probably hasn't gotten any Western soldiers or Western aircraft to help, despite resounding speeches and "firm determination"!  The reports from the advance of German troops in sober clear command style seemed exciting.  In England and France, constituted Chambers Cabinets, Parliaments, and Crown Council advise, explain and are outraged - but no aid to Poland!  We are at waiting station.  Long and partly high Swell and Sea State.  The boat lies splendidly with one E-motor "KF" against the sea or before the sea.  Charged by night.  Maintenance of the torpedoes goes well.  Crew morale and behavior is good.  Ob.Masch.Mt. Krinitzki is very ill!  My diagnosis gastric ulcer possibly broken through? or appendicitis.  Since Monday taken no food, high fever, 39.2°C. Disembarkation or handover to steamer as he asked me of course not possible. Treatment with opium tablets, rest - covers, still no morphine despite severe cramps! Speech is fine, and lets comrades encourage, thereby visible mood elevation and temporarily improvement.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 02.09.39

	- 6 -
		continued
		03.09.39
		12.20		Daily 2-3 steamers, courses alternate 240-235° or inbound course 55-60°.  I remain in this area because apparently it is favorable for both inbound and outbound steamers.  Political situation:  Incoming Radio Message state of war with England.  I am now in my operations area moving back and forth on north and south courses.  War according to the Prize Regulations.
				From the homeland tonight or yesterday the Imminent threat of war etc. was transmitted, it would have been possible to stop 1-2 steamers.
		22.43 - 22.50	WNW 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy to clear, Vis. good, moonlit	Test dive.
		04.09.39
		14.22 - 15.01	WbyS 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. good, clear	Tanker sighted.  Crash dive.  Surfaced 3000-4000 meters from the steamer.  Steamer stopped by shots before the bow, Captain ordered on board with papers by flag signal.  It was the Swedish tanker "ABARDAN" on the way from Le Harve to Mexico.  62300 tons in ballast of the shipping line "A/B Concordia" (managed by Waller).  Home port Gotenburg.  The papers are in order.  A check on board the ship was waived.
		15.50		Steamer released.  Disappointment is great.  Lesson: I will no longer stop steamers on a westerly course, since the probability of his innocence is too big and my grounds too slight.
		18.02 - 19.56	WbyS, Sea 3, Swell, Vis. good	Again a tanker is sighted.  Crash dive.  Steamer was not stopped, because it is also likely to be neutral and the course is to the west!  Stopping examining etc. is too dangerous to operate the cannon and for the ammunition men on deck with the Sea State.  3 men were washed overboard, and were only held by the safety belts.  To speed up the search and handling, the Shipping Company Directory, Steamer Look-up List, and Merchant Ship Silhouettes are indispensable and well proven.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 04.09.39

	- 7 -
		05.09.39		Position:  ψ = 46° 27' N, γ = 15° 05' W.
		11.28 - 12.00	WSW 4, Sea 4, heavy long Swell, overcast, Vis. good	Steamer sighted, dived.  After surfacing steamer shot at with artillery because it transmitted continuously.  It was the English steamer "ROYAL SEPTRE" on course 20°, home port Newcastle.  Range about 4000 meters.  Steamer sets English flag, transmits S.O.S. "Submarine" and position on long and short wavelength.  I opened fire and the crew went to the boats, steamer continued to transmit, the radioman, with outstanding courage, remained on board.  With the Sea State, long Swell and abating wind the crew is safe in the boats.  My signal: "Captain should come on board with papers" and "Stop immediately" was not answered with flags.  I considered the often transmitted "Submarine and position, S.O.S." a hostile act.  The radio transmission was not silenced by my cannon fire.  There fore I decide to sink by torpedo for the following reasons.
				1.)  Enemy steamer with enemy cargo and English destination, (ended on course 20°, for North Scotland)
				2.)  Crew had apparently abandoned the vessel due to a guilty conscience, Capitan in lifeboat makes no preparations to come aboard.  Swell complicates attempt by me to go in the vicinity of the boats.
			[OLINDA was a German merchant sunk by the English cruiser AJAX on 4 September 1939]	3.) Understanding the English is very difficult because all are totally crazy.  Waving, laughing and shouting thanks as I ask them if provisions and water are on board.  "I send help you".
		13.38		Revenge for the steamer "OLINDA"
				Steamer sunk with a torpedo.
		13.47		Left the shooting position.
		13.47		Position:  ψ = 46° 42' N, γ = 15° 05' W.
			Weather and visibility unchanged	English steamer "BROWNING" in sight.
		15.05		English steamer "BROWNING" ordered to rescue the crew of the "ROYAL SCEPTRE".  Steamer 5800 tons.  I decide to let the steamer "BROWNING" go:
			1.)  To safeguard the crew of the "ROYAL SCEPTRE" in accordance with the Prize Regulations.
			2.)  Because women and children were in the boats and for them accommodation in the boats was not assured in accordance with the Prize Regulations!
			3.)  Because no enemy action and contraband was proven.  In addition to the announcement of the position by Radio Message, I could accept for the purposes of the Prize Regulations as safeguarding the crew of the "ROYAL SCEPTRE", I have the steamer "BROWNING"

Sun and Moon Data 05.09.39

	- 8 -
		continued
		05.09.39
			stopped and give him instructions, to take over the crew of the "ROYAL SCEPTRE" ("BROWNING" is on the way to Central America).  When stopping the "BROWNING" the crew went to the boats in a panic on only the international call pennants without my signal "Turn on course 180°, 13 nm.  Save the crew of the steamer "ROYAL SCEPTRE"!" being read or answered.  Finally I manage to induce the English to board their ship again by acclamation after prolonged maneuvering.  The Captain was told by shouting "Go on course 180°, about 13 nm to the sinking location of the "ROYAL SCEPTRE"!" and rescue the crew."
		17.29		Incoming Radio Message with B-Dienst report that my position was announced to the French Admiralty!
		06.09.39
		07.25 - 07.30	WSW 2, Sea 1-2, long Swell, clear, Vis. good	Position:  ψ = 46° 53' N, γ = 17° 25' W.
				Vessel sighted.  Because while diving the boat was strongly down by the bow, surfaced again and avoided on the surface.  Vessel had course about 90° for the French coast.  Therefore did not stop, in accordance with the Radio Message instructions that French ships were not to be stopped.
		08.26 - 10.53		Trim test.
		["c q" is a radio call for any station to respond]	I expect my position is compromised, because 3 steamers were stopped by me and during the sinking of the "ROYAL SCEPTRE" "c q" was transmitted [by U-48 and answered] by the South Irish Radio Station Valentia.  Therefore I will leave the previously identified as very productive center track of my operations area and move to the northern track.  The gun crew was fully committed during the two attempts, and only a good guardian angel let me keep the men on board. Injuries, bruises, and risk of loss, etc. are the inevitable consequences of the requirement to use the gun, nevertheless it is not really responsible to order "Prepare the cannon". Even when attacking "ROYAL SCEPTRE" 3 man hung overboard held only in the belts, their hooks partly bent under the stress. Approximately 4 hits on the steamer was an excellent result in the heavy swell!  Range was 3000-4000 meters.
		07.09.39
		20.55	SW 1-2, Sea 1, Swell, Vis. very good	Incoming Radio Message concerning recall of the 6. and 7. U-Flottille.
		20.59 - 22.19		Deep dive to depth 100 meters.
				No vessels were sighted today.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.39

	- 9 -
		continued
		07.09.39
			To the recall:  13 ready torpedoes, 1 promising steamer track  - and still enough supplies to remain in the operations are 12 days - these are the considerations. At first the notion arises, that we run [home] very slowly - of course military impossible - but of course there is the own desire and urge to get rid of more torpedoes.
			Then: Reasin for new operations! I think this means we are now to focus on mine warfare and attempt to blockade England with mines.  But that would probably be a fundamental decision which should have been made in advance, if one now breaks off an operation that is currently in progress and seems to be successful in order to try and attempt another.  So it's either brilliant - or not determined in time.  In my humble opinion, also as we discussed, to achieve the full operational effect:  Immediately at the outbreak of war seal the Bristol - Storhnoway - North Channels by deploying mines, then take torpedoes and carry out a trade war behind the protection of own minefields - in fact unrestricted always under the motto "Mine Warning Area" - but where are the torpedoes? - we just lack the base for it!
		08.09.39
		06.00	WSW 1-2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. good, shortly after the beginning of dawn	Position:  ψ = 48° 17' N, γ = 18° 11' W.
				Steamer sighted abeam to port, steering zig zag course.  Darkened.  Ran for one half hour to get ahead.  Dived.
		06.32 - 07.38		After surfacing the steamer initially tried to escape.  Stopped with a shot over the bow.  Steamer gave his position and reported by Radio Message that it was being shot at by a U-boat and the crew was abandoning ship.  It is the English steamer "WINKLEIGH", 5055 tons, from the "Tatem Steam Navigation Co., London".  The steamer a large wooden cargo on deck.  The captain came aboard with papers.
		08.30		The Captain is aboard.  I gave him 4 loaves of bread in his boat.  The man is quite broken over the war "White man kills white man."  Steamer "WINKLEIGH" sunk by torpedo shot.  Continued return transit.  Did not wait for the sinking because the steamer still floated from the deck cargo.  The Radio Message from the steamer "WINKLEIGH" was understood by the steamer "CITY OF BARONA" and repeated several times by the English land station "Land's end Radio".  Steamer "WINKLEIGH" was sunk without examination  because use of the Radio Message "submarine gun fired and position" was an obvious enemy action.  Thus capture and confiscation is justified.  The crew's safety is assured with the good weather and with the corresponding Radio Message report.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.39

	- 10 -
		continued
		08.09.39
		12.15 - 13.21	WNW 1-2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. very good	Large passenger steamer (3 smoke stacks) sighted.  Dived, did not attack.  Probably an "EMPRESS" or "EMPEROER" steamer.
		14.28 - 15.36		Test dive.
				Starboard exhaust gas valve did not hold tight.
				Now a lot of failures have occurred:
				1.) Forward periscope unusable.
				2.)  Conning tower hatch leaks!  Begins at depth 12 meters.
				3.)  Exhaust gas valves leak
				4.)  Attack periscope must be constantly cleaned and the mirror wiped dry.  There was a malfunction in the extension drive that was fixed with available materials.
				5.)  The compressed air installation blows strongly so that after one half hour diving today there was 25 mb over pressure. [pressure inside the boat]
		09.09.39
		07.00	W 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. good, dawn	Position:  ψ = 51° 54' N, γ = 17° 06' W.
				Steamer sighted.  Steamer steers zigzag course.
		07.14 - 08.18		Dived.  After surfacing requested the steamer to stop by a shot across the bow.  Steamer turned to an easterly course and ran off at highest speed.  Gives position and name by Radio Message.  It is the English steamer "JAMAICA PROGRESS".  His Radio Message was understood by an American steamer.
		08.25		Artillery fire opened on the fleeing steamer.  No hits because of the heavy Swell and the range is too great.
		09.00		Steamer is outside of artillery range.  It escaped.  It had about a 2 knot speed advantage.
			He went through the lens, because in the dawn because of the bad periscope, the mirror was constantly fogged, no clear picture of the steamer formed.  Looked like a battleship - at least an auxiliary warship - gray on gray - so I surfaced at about 5000-6000 meters range and unfortunately it was no longer susceptible to an artillery attack.
		10.09.39		Position:  ψ = 55° 18' N, γ = 16° 49' W.
		05.30	NW 3, Sea 2-3	Recognition Signal exchange by searchlight from a U-boat.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 09.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.39

	- 11 -
		continued
		10.09.39
		05.30	NW 3, Sea 2-3, Swell, Vis. medium, dawn	Crash dive, because of an incorrect reply.
		05.34 - 06.16		Dived.  U-boat was recognized as German.  After surfacing went to within hailing range.  It was "U-30".  15 loaves of bread, butter and bacon given to "U-30".
		07.30		Continued transit.
		17.00	N 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium, heavy Swell, wind freshening	Position:  ψ = 56° 43' N, γ = 15° 49' W.
				"U-52" sighted astern.  Recognition signals exchanged at 3000 meters.
		11.09.39		Position:  ψ = 59° 33' N, γ = 13° 44' W.
		13.30	NNE 2, Sea 1, overcast, clear, Vis. good, Swell	Steamer sighted ahead to starboard.
		13.35 - 14.50		Dived.  After surfacing brought the steamer to a halt with cannon fire (5 hits).  Steamer transmitted and reported, that is was being shot by a U-boat.  Again and Englander!  In fact the 4869 ton steamer "FIRBY" from Hartlepool.  Shipping line "Ropner Shipping Co. Ltd.".
		15.20 - 15.25		Captain on board.  10 loaves of bread were given to the lifeboats, additionally gave the Captain course to the coast and once again a "c q" Radio Message with position of the steamer:  "Transmit to Mr. Churchill . . . "  (see Radio Log).
				In addition to bread gauze bandages for 2 lightly wounded were given.
		15.40		Steamer was sunk by torpedo.  Continued transit.
		12.09.39
		12.00	SSE 5, Sea 5, very heavy Swell, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium, wind abating and weather slowly improving	Continued return transit.
				A 15.10 hours sighted a steamer.  Did not stop because probably a neutral, course from Iceland to Norway.
		21.20 - 22.22	SSW 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy to clear, Vis. good	Trim test.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 11.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.39

	- 12 -
		13.09.39
		12.00	S 2-3, Sea 3, clear, few clouds, Vis. good	Position:  ψ = 61° 44' N, γ = 0° 28' E.
				Return transit at "GF".
		18.50		Illuminated vessel abeam to starboard.  Did not stop, because on a neutral course.
		14.09.39
		07.22 - 13.07	S 2-3, Sea 3, clear, Vis. very good	Position:  ψ = 58° 54' N, γ = 4° 20' E.
				One vessel each ahead to starboard and port.  Neutral course.  Abeam to port for about 20 minutes at short intervals high water fountains, apparently depth charges.  However no vessel is seen in this direction.  Dived until 13.07 hours.  Proceeded submerged due to apparent surveillance.  Several small steamers on changing courses.
		16.29 - 18.50	S 2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good	Aircraft sighted astern to port.  (Dornier-Wal?).  Dived.  After surfacing continued at AK.
			Incoming Radio Message concerning arrival of U-47, which had 500 nm less to cover than us.  The instructions and regulations for carrying out the trade war are extremely difficult and require an ability to grasp the policy intentions and realities of the Seekriegsleitung [(Skl) Kriegsmarine Maritime Warfare Command] instinctively. So tonight the steamers flock out of the Skagerrak without our moving a hair.
		15.09.39
		04.04	SSW 1, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. good, wind freshening a bit	Position:  ψ = 57° 51' N, γ = 10° 37' E.
				Submerged from the beginning of dawn to 16.08 hours.
		16.34		Dove again because several sailing vessels are in sight and it is still too bright.
		18.32		Surfaced.  Began return transit through the Kattegat.
		22.55	SSW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good	Position:  Anholt Knob Lightship bearing 161°T, 21.5 nm.
				English U-boat of the "CLYDE" class ahead to port sighted at about 500 meters.  I turn away and shoot from the stern tube.  22.58 hours shot from tube V.
				Torpedo passed ahead or undershot (depth 6 meters).  After turning towards the U-boat had dive so that I could no longer fire my three-fan.
		23.00		U-boat out of sight.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.39

	- 13 -
		16.09.39
		03.30 [typo 00.30?]	SSW 1-2, Sea 1-2, clear night, Vis. good	Position:  Anholt Knob Lightship bearing 166°T, 7 nm.  At about 800 meters U-boat sighted.  Small conning tower, apparently a small U-boat ("U-18"?).  I turn towards, whereupon the boat ran off and passed out of sight, apparently dove.
		01.48		Position:  ψ = 56° 54.5' N, γ = 11° 56' E.
				U-boat sighted ahead to port.  Range about 1000 meters.  Probably a German U-boat ("U-52").  Turned towards - dove and passed out of sight.
		02.04	SSW 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. good	A U-boat running with astern to port.  Apparently the same as at 01.48 hours.
		04.28 - 16.15		Dove at the beginning of dawn.  Afterwards surfaced and continued transit on the surface.
		16.32		Aircraft sighted.  Apparently German ("HE 60").  Recognition Signal call with recognition signal flares was not answered.
		18.55		Arrival report sent passing Æbelø.
		19.20 - 23.00		Speed through the Small Belt A.K.
		23.50		Position:  ψ = 54° 55.6 N, γ = 10° 08' E.
				Reached Süderau pilot vessel.  Until 01.10 hours lay stopped at "Süderau".  Pilot on board, to get arrival instructions.
		01.15		Continued return transit to Kiel.  Passed the net barrier south of the Small Belt, in so doing a slight vibration was felt, apparently the net was still too high.
			According to Radio Message - Information concerning Baltic-Arrivals - I did not follow the Pilot's instructions, and went over the net barrier on the surface.
		17.09.39		Arrival in Kiel in accordance with barrier orders.
		05.50		Kiel.  Made fast at the Tirpitz Mole.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.39
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.39

			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				"U 48"
		17.09.39 -	Kiel	Prepared for shipyard period.
		18.09.39
		19.09.39 -
		30.09.39	Kiel	Germaniawerft, shipyard period.
		01.10.30 -
		03.10.39	Kiel	Outfitting.
		04.10.39		Departed on patrol.
				For correctness:

	Enclosures to U-48's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart covering entire war patrol
Photos	Photos of torpedoed ships

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