U-48 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	4 October 1939	Kiel	25 October 1939	22

 

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
12 Oct 39	18.20	50°13'N, 14°25'W	EMILE MIGUET	14,115	French	KJ-2
13 Oct 39	00.16	50°16'N, 14°53'W	HERONSPOOL	5,202	British	OB-17
13 Oct 39	08.35 - 08.45	49°36'N, 14°28'W	LOUISIANE	6,903	French	OA-17
14 Oct 39	12.33	49°00'N, 13°20'W	SNEATON	3,677	British
17 Oct 39	20.35	45°17'N, 15°04'W	CLAN CHISHOLM	7,256	British	HG-3
			Total = 37,153
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.
			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:	4 October 1939
			Concluding:	25 October 1939.
			Enclosures:  1 Track chart
				Distribution: "U-48" Copy No. 1 7. U-Flottille       -"- 2 B.d.U. Op.       -"- 3 O.K.M.       -"- 4.
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB

	- 1 -
		04.10.39
		01.00	Kiel	Cast off Tirpitz Mole for patrol.
		01.30 - 07.45		Transit through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal.
		12.00	Elbe	Position: Large square AN 9647
			E 1-2, Sea 1, few clouds, Vis. good, clear
		12.20		Incoming Radio Message - Disposition "U 10", "U-18", "U-20", "U-23".
		16.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position: Large square AN 9559 lower-right corner
			E 3-4, Sea 3, few clouds, Vis. good, clear	I decide to come to course 349°, to
				1.)  Remain well clear of the waiting station of the Lohs and Weddigen Boats.
				2.)  In the open sea area possibly to get forward quickly, without diving too often, and so possibly to soon be in the hunting area on the west coast of England.
				3.)  I will not use the Fair Island Passage because I expect heavy air reconnaissance there and the passage at night plus time for the approach plus departure on the surface seems more time consuming to me than the route above, also the navigational difficulty relative to the time saved is not advantageous.
		20.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position: Large square AN 9544
			EbyS 4, Sea 3, few clouds, Vis. good, clear
		05.10.39
		00.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position: Large square AN 6687
			ESE 4, Sea 3-4, few clouds, Vis. good
		04.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position: Large square AN 6641
			ESE 4, Sea 3-4, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position: Large square AN 6537 upper-left
			ESE 4, Sea 3-4, few clouds, clear, Vis. good	(navigation fix!)
		12.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position: Large square AN 6254 (midday navigation fix.)
			EbyS 5, Sea 5, few clouds, clear, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.39

	- 2 -
		continued
		05.10.39
		16.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position: Large square AN 4993
			ESE 6, Sea 5, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		20.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position: Large square AN 4936
			ESE 5-6, Sea 6, cloudy, Vis. good, clear
		06.10.39
		00.00	Central North Sea	Position: Large square AN 4662
			ESE 6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. good, clear
		04.00	Northern North Sea	Position: Large square AN 4391 (navigation fix)
			ESE 5-6, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. good
		08.00	Northern North Sea	Position: Large square AN 4327 lower-left center
			ESE 5-6, Sea 6, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	Northern North Sea	Position: Large square AN 2848 (navigation fix)
			ESE 6, Sea 5-6, cloudy, Vis. good
		16.00	Northern North Sea	Position: Large square AN 2298 lower-right corner (navigation fix)
			SE 5, Sea 4-5, few clouds, Vis. good
		18.45		Dived.  Deep dive to depth 95 meters!
		20.00	Northern North Sea	Position: Large square AN 2265 center-left edge
			SE 4, Sea 4, few clouds, Vis. good
		07.10.39
		00.00	Northern North Sea	Position: Large square AF 7988
			SE 1-2, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		04.00	Shetlands sea area	Position: Large square AF 7919 center-right edge.
			SE 2, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	Shetlands	Position: Large square AF 7835 (navigation fix)
			S 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.39

	- 3 -
		continued
		07.10.39
		11.15 - 12.45		Dived for aircraft!
		12.00	Shetlands sea area	Position: Large square AF 7578 lower-left corner (navigation fix)
			S 2, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good
		16.00	Shetlands	Position: Large square AF 7761 (navigation fix)
			SE 2, Sea 2-3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		15.42 - 16.53		Dived for aircraft!
				This proves the aircraft and air reconnaissance of the Englander north of the Shetlands.
		20.00	Shetlands sea area	Position: Large square AF 7784 canter-right edge
			SSE 2, Sea 2-3, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		08.10.39
		00.00	West of the Shetlands	Position: Large square AN 1153
			S 3, Sea 3, cloudy, partial overcast, Vis. good
		04.00	West of the Shetlands	Position: Large square AN 1174
			S 4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good, clear
		08.00	Northwest of the Orkneys	Position: Large square AM 3428
			S 4, Sea 3, cloudy, to clear, clear, Vis. good
		12.00	West of the Orkneys	Position: Large square AM 3441 (navigation fix)
			SE 4-5, Sea 4-5, cloudy to sunny, clear, Vis. good
		16.00	West of the Orkneys	Position: Large square AM 3382
			SE 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good
		20.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 2633
			SE 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy to sunny, Vis. good
		09.10.39
		00.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 2629

	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.39

	- 4 -
		continued
		09.10.39
		00.00	S 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. medium
		04.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 2592
			S 6, Sea 6, overcast, rain showers, Vis. bad, sometimes misty
		08.00	West of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 2721
			S 6-7, Sea 6-7, overcast, rain showers, misty, Vis. bad
		12.00	West of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 1861
			S 6-7, Sea 6-7, overcast, isolated rain showers, Vis. medium
		16.00	West of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 0135
			S 6-7. Sea 6-7, cloudy to overcast, Vis. medium
		20.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 0159
			S 6-7, Sea 6-7, cloudy, Vis. medium
		10.10.39
		00.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4316
			S 6-7, Sea 6-7, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium
		04.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4371
			S 6-7, Sea 6-7, overcast, rain shower, sometimes misty, Vis. bad
		08.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4536
			SEbyE 5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. medium, weather slowly improving
		10.03 - 14.50		Dived.  During submerged cruise worked on the torpedoes.
		16.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4538 (navigation fix)
			SE 2-3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good
		20.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4595 center-left edge
			SE 2-3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good, Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 10.10.39

	- 5 -
		11.10.39
		00.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4834
			SW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, rain showers, misty, Vis. bad
		04.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4856
			SW 3, Sea 3, cloudy to overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium
		08.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4888 upper-right corner
			SWbyW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
		12.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4888 lower-left corner (navigation fix!)
			WSW 4-5, Sea 4-5, cloudy to overcast, Vis. medium
				From the fact that I have not seen a steamer so far, it may be concluded that my course is too close to the coast, steamers are likely to pass through the 200 nm strip off the coast at night so to see a steamer by day one must be a minimum of 250-300 nm off the coast.
		16.00	West of Ireland, (Porcupine Bank)	Position: Large square AM 7255
			SW 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, Vis. medium, clear
		20.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 7521
			(Porcupine Bank)
			SW 4-5, Sea 4-5, cloudy to overcast, Vis. medium
		12.10.39
		00.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 7575 lower-left corner
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium
		04.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 7854
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium
		07.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position:  ψ = 51° 06' N, γ = 14° 20' W.
			SW 2-3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium to good, clear	Illuminated vessel sighted ahead to starboard.  Took up pursuit.  The steamer runs 14-15 knots directly ahead of us.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.39

	- 6 -
		continued
		12.10.39
				Range is 7000 meters.  During the pursuit second steamer comes in sight.  The pursuit of the steamer sighted first was given up and held onto the second steamer.
		07.34 - 07.50		Dived.  After surfacing steamer halted.  Captain comes aboard with papers.  It is the Norwegian steamer "LIDO" 2000 GRT with wood for Dublin (Ireland).  Papers checked and found in order.
		08.30		Steamer released, continued transit.
		08.00	Southwest Ireland	Position: Large square AM 7888 center-left edge
			SW 2, Sea 2, cloudy to sunny, clear, Vis. good
		12.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3244
			SW 2, Sea 2, a few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		16.00	Southwest Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3198
			WSW 2, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		16.10		Steamer sighted astern to port.  Maneuvered ahead on the surface.
		17.16 - 18.05		Dived to view submerged.  It is a large tanker, neutrality markings are not distinguished, also no weapons.
		18.05		Surfaced.  Shot at steamer with artillery and brought to a stop.  It is the French tanker steamer "EMILE MIGUET" 14115 GRT. Crew goes to the lifeboats.
				The steamer transmitted S.O.S. and position.
		18.20	Position:	Torpedo shot.  Hit center.  After the torpedoing pursed a second steamer sighted during the pursuit of "EMILE MIGUET".  Steamer drives dimmed.
			ψ = 50° 13' N
			γ = 14° 25' W
		20.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3246
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. good
		20.24		1st torpedo shot on the dimmed steamer fired.  Torpedo detonated about 100 meters before own bow.  Steamer became aware of us by this, gives S.O.S. and his name,  It is the English steamer "HERONSPOOL", 5202 GRT.  Steamer was pursued further.

Sun and Moon Data 12.10.39

	- 7 -
		continued
		12.10.39
		20.45		Steamer has seen us and shoots with artillery (2 shots).  5 minutes later a further 2 shots.  Steamer transmits S.O.S. and reports that it is hunted by a U-boat.
		22.15		2nd torpedo fired at the steamer.  No detonation heard.  Steamer was pursued further, maneuvered ahead again.
		23.05		3rd torpedo shot fired at the steamer.  No detonation heard.
		23.12		Steamer shoots with artillery.
		23.50		4th torpedo shot.  No detonation.
		23.52		5th torpedo shot. (stern torpedo), detonated 120 meters behind the stern.
		13.10.39
		00.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3192
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		00.16	Position:	6th torpedo shot at steamer.
			ψ = 50° 16' N	Hit in foreship.  Steamer sinks slowly forward. Crew goes to the boats.
			γ = 14° 53' W
			Large square BE 3194
		01.20		Smoke cloud sighted.  Turned towards the smoke cloud and left the sinking location of the "HERONSPOOL".  Smoke cloud passes out of sight again.  A steamer is not recognized.  We drive back to the sinking location of the "HERONSPOOL".  It now lies up to the bridge in the water.  The foreship is completely overspilled.
		01.45		Left the sinking location of "HERONSPOOL".  Continued transit.
		04.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3431
			SE 1, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		07.00	Operations area	Steamer in sight.
			SE 1, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		07.02 - 08.14		Dived.  After surfacing steamer brought to a stop with artillery.  Steamer did not transmit because with the 1st or 2nd shot the wireless was probably destroyed.  Crew was ordered to go to the boats by flag signal.  We came closer to the steamer.  It is the French "LOUSIANE", 6903 GRT.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.39

	- 8 -
		continued
		13.10.39
		08.35 - 08.45	Position:	Steamer sunk with artillery.
			ψ = 49° 36' N
			γ = 14° 28' W
			Large square BE 3544
		08.55	Position:	Steamer "LOUSIANA" sunk.
			ψ = 49° 36' N
			γ = 14° 28' W
		09.17		Destroyer in sight, covers well with 2-3 salvos.  Crash dive.  At depth 120 meters tested the pressure-proofness of the boat.  Destroyer throws depth charges (about 4-5 detonations heard).  S-gear determined.  No locating.  Metallic impacts on the side of the hull.  4-5 impacts heard, then disappeared and recurred after 2 minutes.
		15.50		Went to depth 16 meters and to periscope depth for Program time.  I suppose that the destroyer was attracted by our cannon fire because "LOUSIANE" did not transmit due to the quickness of the attack.
		16.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position:  Large square BE 3544
			WSW 1-2, Sea 1, clear, few clouds, Vis. good	ψ = 49° 40' N, γ = 14° 20' W
				Tanker sighted.
		16.25		Surfaced and stopped the steamer by flag signal.  Captain ordered on board with papers.  It was the Norwegian tanker "EUROPE" with benzine cargo for Amsterdam.  Papers examined and found in order.
		17.00		Steamer released.  Continued transit.
		19.00 - 20.40		Over deck torpedoes downloaded.  Quick decision and quick faultless execution at night.
		20.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3573
			SW 1, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		14.10.39
		00.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3586
			S 1, Sea 1, cloudy to sunny, clear, Vis. good
		04.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3598
			WNW 1, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 13.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.39

	- 9 -
		continued
		14.10.39
		08.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3914
			NW 1, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good
		09.07 - 09.37		Test dive.
		10.05		Steamer in sight.  Steers zigzag course.  Maneuvered ahead on the surface.
		11.02		Dived to look submerged.
		12.13	Southwest of Ireland	Surface and steamer stopped with artillery.  Crew goes to the boats.  It was the English steamer "SNEATON", 3667 tons, apparently with coal cargo. Steamer gives S.O.S. call, position and reports going into the boats.
			NNW 1, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		12.33	Position:	Steamer sunk with torpedo.
			ψ = 49° 00' N
			γ = 13° 20' W	We drive to the lifeboats.  All is in order.  Transit continued.
			Large square BE 3835 lower-left corner
		12.50		Steamer in sight.  Dived and looked.  Recognised as Belgian.  Did not surface.  We see that he takes over the crew of the "SNEATON" (boats had sails set!).
		15.17		Surfaced.  Continued transit.
		16.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3825
			N 1, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		20.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3574
			NNW 2, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		15.10.39
		00.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3842
			NW 2, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		01.00		I decide to transmit a Radio Message because after the sinking of 4 steamers and stopping of two others I must expect my position is compromised.
				Therefore at night I go the southern limit of my area and still further in the operations are of "U-42" and sent Radio Message No. 2331/14/50 and 2347/14/51.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.39

	- 10 -
		continued
		15.10.39
				After sending ran to my northern limit and hope to find new prey here.
		04.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3578 upper-center.
			NE 2, Sea 1-2, few low rain clouds, Vis. good to medium
		08.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3544
			NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy to overcast, Vis. good
		08.40		Steamer sighted.  Maneuvered ahead on the surface.  While maneuvering ahead determined that it did not shift.
		10.12 - 12.20	Position:	Dived.  Submerged recognized the steamer as the wreck of the tanker "EMILE MIGUET" sunk by us three days earlier.  The 130 meter long part of the foreship still floats.  The aftership had already torn off and sunk.
			ψ = 49° 52' N
			γ = 14° 15' W
			Large square BE 3518
		12.30		15 shells fired at the wreck.  With the last shell a huge jet of flame comes out of the wreck. The remains of  "EMILE MIGUET" burn.
				Extraordinarily heavy smoke development.  We continue the transit through our area.
		16.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3574
			ESE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		20.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3588
			E 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		16.10.39
		00.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3578
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good
		04.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3497
			NE 2, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		06.50	Position:	Illuminated vessel sighted.  Closed the steamer on the surface and stopped by flag signals.  Captain ordered on board with papers.  It was the Dutch steamer "LORDAM" 2800 tons,
			ψ = 49° 18' N
			γ = 15° 30' W

	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.39

	- 11 -
		continued
		16.10.39
				with cotton as main cargo on the way to Rotterdam.
		08.05	Southwest of Ireland	Prize crew sent aboard the steamer to check the cargo.  All is in order.  The behavior of the Dutch Captain and the crew was very courteous and friendly.  At my request the Captain provided fresh meat and 50 eggs.  He refused payment.  I gave the crew of the lifeboat a flask of Cognac and sent the signal:  Bon voyage.
			NE 1-2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		09.05		Prize crew taken back aboard.
		09.20		Transit continued.
		10.45		Position: Large square BE 3473
				Incoming Radio Message No. 0922/16/66 "Position Black" etc.
				Began transit in accordance with Operations Order.
		12.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 3721
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		16.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 3764
			NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy to sunny, clear, Vis. very good
		20.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 6235
			NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		17.10.39
		00.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 6578
			E 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium to good, clear
		04.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 6527
			NE 2-3, Sea 2-3, cloudy to sunny, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 6586
			NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy to sunny, clear, Vis. good
		09.08		Incoming Radio Message No. αα 597/048 from "U-46":
				Enemy convoy large square 6831.
				We steer at GF to the convoy.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 17.10.39

	- 12 -
		continue
		17.10.39
		12.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 6944
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, few clouds, Vis. goos to very good, clear
		16.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 9212
			NE 2, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		19.30		Incoming Radio Message from "U-37":  Convoy dispersed. We come to course 77° to possibly catch steamers breaking through to the north.
		20.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 9153
			Sea 2, NE 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good
		20.14		Position:  Large square BE 9153
				ψ = 45° 17' N, γ = 15° 04' W
				Two dimmed steamers in sight.
		20.32		1st torpedo shot on one of the steamers.  No detonation heard.
		20.35	Position:	2nd torpedo shot on the same steamer.
			Large square BE 9153	Hit at the level of the after mast.  The steamer sinks slowly.  It was 5000-6000 GRT.  The crew of the steamer goes to the boats.  Undertook pursuit of the 2nd steamer.
		21.00		Destroyer in sight 300-400 meters to port, which runs to the sinking location of the 1st steamer at high speed.
		21.03		Torpedo shot from tube V on the destroyer.  Miss.  Destroyer did not notice us.  We continue to follow the 2nd steamer.
		23.10		Position: Large square BE 9231
				1st torpedo shot on the 2nd steamer.  Range = 150 meters.  Very low range.  No detonation heard.  Torpedo probably had not steered so that the steamer was underrun.  Steamer noticed us.  He transmits S.O.S. and reports position and U-boat.  It is the English steamer "SAGAING", 7968 tons.
		23.20		2nd torpedo shot on the steamer "SAGAING".  Miss!  All torpedoes are shot.  If possible, I want to sink the steamer with artillery in the morning.
				Now I hold contact on the steamer, because I believe that the convoy will assemble again tomorrow early in the course of the day.  Sent contact keeping report in accordance with Radio Message Log.

Sun and Moon Data 17.10.39

	- 13 -
		18.10.39	North Atlantic
		00.00	NNE 2-3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good, clear	Position: Large square BE 6789
				Steamer "SAGAING" followed further.
				He steers general course NE, 13 knots.
		03.45		Incoming Radio Message No. 0223/18/41 from B.d.U. to "U-48":  begin return transit.
		04.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 6859
			NNE 2-3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good	We follow the steamer "SAGAING" further.
		06.55	Beginning of morning twilight	Position: Large square BE 6914
				Steamer "SAGAING" transmits position and reports that he is hunted by U-boat.  A second steamer comes in sight.
		07.15		Several enemy steamers in sight on easterly course.  We report by Radio Signal:
				Enemy convoy in sight in large square . . . . .BE . . . .
		07.32		Destroyer in sight.  Runs at high speed towards us and shoots.  We dive and go to depth 120 meters (greatest depth 132 meters), the destroyer throws depth charges.  31 depth charge detonations were counted.  S-gear or locating was not determined.  I assume that by my contact keeper report "U-37" and "U-46" have found the convoy at daybreak and will attack.  Therefore remained submerged a bit longer than necessary, to give the crew some peace.
		16.45	North Atlantic	Surfaced.
			NNE 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. very good	Position: Large square BE 6911
				Began return transit.
				Radio Message sent to B.d.U.
		20.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 6533
			NNE 2-3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. very good, moonlit
		19.10.39
		00.00	North Atlantic	Position: Large square BE 6222
			NNE 2, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. medium
		04.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3854
			NNE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. medium to bad, murky

	Sun and Moon Data 18.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 19.10.39

	- 14 -
		continued
		19.10.39
		08.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3544
			NNE 1, Sea 0-1, sunny, clear, Vis. good
		12.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3194
			NNE 1, Sea 0-1, sunny, clear, Vis. very good
		12.15		Position:  Large square BE 3194
				ψ = 51° 02' N, γ = 14° 57' W
				Steamer sighted.  Maneuvered ahead on the surface.
		12.40 - 13.32		Dived.  After surfacing steamer, which was identified as enemy, shot at with artillery.  It is the English steamer "ROCKEPOOL", 4892 GRT.
		13.38		The steamer maned his two stern cannons and shot back.
				Crash dive.  In the meantime the steamer transmitted S.O.S. and position.
		14.12		Surfaced, again opened fire, to chase the steamer.  Destroyer comes in sight, that runs towards us at high speed.  Dove again and let the steamer go.
		15.42		Surfaced.  Radio Message report sent to B.d.U.  Continued return transit.
		16.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3185
			NNE 1, Sea 0-1, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		20.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position: Large square BE 3115
			NNE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		20.10.39
		00.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 7485
			N 1-2, Sea 1-2, cloudy to overcast, clear, Vis. good, wind slowly freshening
		04.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 7431
			WNW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 19.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.39

	- 15 -
		continued
		20.10.39
		08.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 7138
			WNW 1-2, Sea 1-2, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		12.00	West of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4765
			SSW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy to overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		1600	Northwest of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4493
			SSW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy to overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		20.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4511
			SSW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium
		21.10.42
		00.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 4214
			NW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium
		04.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position: Large square AM 1962
			WNW 4, Sea 3, cloudy to overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium
		08.00	West of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 1847
			WbyS 4, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. medium
		12.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 1692
			WbyS 4, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. medium
		16.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 2527
			WbyS 4, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. medium
		20.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 2474
			WbyS 4, Sea 4, cloudy to overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 20.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.39

	- 16 -
		22.10.39
		00.00	North of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 2461
			WbyS 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium to bad
		04.00	North of the Hebrides	Position: Large square AM 3187
			SSW 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium to bad
		08.00	West of the Shetlands	Position: Large square AM 3264
			WSW 6, Sea 6, cloudy to overcast, Swell, Vis. medium
		09.45		Aircraft astern athwart our course, range = about 3000 meters.  Did not dive, because I did not believe that the aircraft could see us in this Sea State.
		10.15		Position:  Large square AM 3226
				ψ = 60° 42' N, γ = 5° 34' W
				Two destroyers sighted.  Maneuvered between them on the surface.  The destroyers are apparently positioned in a reconnaissance line moving back and forth.  Also these two cannot see us in this large seas.  Range = about 8000-9000 meters.
		12.00	West of the Shetlands	Position: Large square AN 1111
			W 6, Sea 5-6, cloudy, Vis. medium
		16.00	Northwest of the Shetlands	Position: Large square AF 7747
			SWbyW 6, Sea 6, cloudy to overcast, rain and isolated showers, Vis. medium
		20.00	North of the Shetlands	Position: Large square AF 7761
			SWbyW 6, Sea 6, cloudy to overcast, Vis. medium
		23.10.39
		00.00	North of the Shetlands	Position: Large square AF 7851
			WbyS 5, Sea 5, cloudy, clear, Vis. medium
		04.00	North of the Shetlands	Position: Large square AF 7941

	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.39

	- 17 -
		continued
		23.10.39
		04.00	SSW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy to overcast, Vis. medium
		08.00	Northeast of the Shetlands	Position: Large square AN 2222
			WbyS 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, Vis. medium
		12.00	Northern North Sea	Position: Large square AN 2296
			W 4, Sea 4, cloudy to overcast, clear, Vis. medium to good
		16.00	Northern North Sea	Position: Large square AN 2859
			SWbyW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium, clear
		20.00	Northern North Sea	Position: Large square AN 3148
			WbyS 2, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers, Vis. bad
		24.10.39
		00.00	Northern North Sea	Position: Large square AN 3432
			WbyS 3, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		04.00	Entrance to the Skagerrak	Position: Large square AN 3556
			SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	Skagerrak	Position: Large square AN 3653
			SW 1-2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		12.00	Skagerrak	Position: Large square AO 4461
			SbyW 1-2, Sea 2, sunny, clear, Vis. very good
		14.07 - 16.39		Dived.
		16.00	Kattegat	Position: Large square AO 4578
			SbyW 2, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 24.10.39

	- 18 -
		continued
		24.10.39
		20.00	Kattegat	Position: Large square AO 4872
			SSW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		25.10.39	Entrance to the Kleinen Belt
		00.00	SSW 3, Sea 3, few clouds, clear, Vis. good	Position: Large square AO 7185
		01.30		Position: Large square AO 7178 upper-right corner
				German U-boat (250 tons) sighted running out of the  Kleinen Belt.  Recognition Signal call was not answered.
		04.00	Kleiner Belt	Position: Large square AO 7418
			SW 2, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		08.00	Kiel Bucht	Position: Large square AO 7725
			SW 1, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		09.45	Kiel	Made fast Tirpitz Mole

	Sun and Moon Data 24.10.39
	Sun and Moon Data 25.10.39

 

	Enclosures to U-48's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track Chart of entire patrol
Sketch	Combat Sketch 18 and 18 October 1939
Torpedo	Torpedo firing reports

 

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