U-48 - 6th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Ken Dunn and Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Kiel
26 May 1940
Kiel
29 June 1940
35

 

Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for this patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here

 

Ships Hit
Date
KTB Time
Position
Ship
Tons
Nationality
Convoy
5 Jun 40
22.55 - 23.55
59°09'N, 7°36'W
STANCOR
798
British
7 Jun 40
02.13
55°33'N, 8°35'W
FRANCES MASSEY
4,212
British
7 Jun 40
03.22
55°39'N, 8°35'W
EROS (damaged)
5,888
British
11 Jun 40
01.10
44°45'N, 11°55'W  
VIOLANDO N. GOULANDRIS
3,598
Greek
19 Jun 40
14.40
46°33'N, 11°55'W
TUDOR
6,607
Norwegian
HG-34F
19 Jun 40
18.40
48°03'N, 11°15'W
BARON LOUDOUN
3,164
British
HG-34F
19 Jun 40
07.32
45°27'N, 9°42'W  
BRITISH MONARCH
5,661
British
HG-34F
20 Jun 40
14.40
46°33'N, 11°55'W
MOORDRECHT
7,493
Netherlands
HX-49
     
 Total = 37,421
   
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.

 

This KTB uses the depth notation "depth T = xx meters"  Under this scheme, the actual depth was twice the depth given after T = so for example, if the KTB entry read "depth T = 50 meters, the actual depth was 100 meters.  This was intended to hide the actual depth for security purposes. This notation was used from about January 1940 to December 1941.  In these KTBs, depths written without using "T =", for example "dived to depth 35 meters" were not so disguised.

 


 
 
           
           
           
           
           
                                                            Copy No.  
           
           
                          
           
            K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  
           
                  Unterseeboot    "U-48"  
           
            Kommandant:  Korv.Kapt.  R  ö  s  i  n  g  
           
     
 
 
 
     Beginning:      22.4.40.
     Ending:          29.6.40.
 
 
 
           
       
  Distribution:    
  "U-48" Copy No 1
  7. U-Flottille     "      " 2
  B.d.U. -Op.-     "      " 3
  O.K.M.     "      " 4+5
  B.d.U. -Org.-     "      " 6
 
           
           
       
Enclosures:
1) 1 Track chart (for Copy No. 1-4)
2) 9 Torpedo firing reports (only for Copy No. 1-3)
3) Radio Message General and Officer-Only (only for Copy No. 1)
 
           
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
        Shipyard period from 22.04. to 19.05.40.  
    22.04.40   Cleared the boat in the morning.  
    14.00   Sailed to Germaniawerft.  
                                                                         
    23.04. - 19.05.40   Germaniawerft.  Overhaul of the boat.  
                                                                       
    20.05.40      
    08.00   Cast off from Germaniawerft for sea trial.  Prior to that took over oxygen.  
    15.45   Made fast Germaniawerft.  Final overhaul.  
                                                                         
    21.05.40   Germaniawerft, final overhaul.  
         
    22.05.40   Testing in Heikendorfer Bay G.H.G. in the morning.  Followed by torpedo loading.  
                                                                         
    23.05.40   Provisions loading.  
                                                                       
    24.05.40   Morning trim test.  Took over the boat.  
                                                                       
    25.05.40   Exchanged the combat pistols.  Took over the boat.  Free time in the afternoon.  
                                                                         
                              6th War Patrol from 26.05.40 to 29.06.40.  
    26.05.40      
    00.03   Cast off Tirpitz Mole, Kiel for 6th war patrol.  
    00.15   Made fast Holtenauer Lock.  
    00.45   Cast off Holtenau.  Transit through Kaiser Wilhelm Canal.  
    02.50   Made fast in the turn off at Audorf due to danger from aircraft.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.05.40
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.05.40      
    04.16   Cast off from Audorf turnout.  Continued transit.  
    05.50   Made fast at kilometer 40 due to mine danger.  
    14.00   Continued transit of Kaiser Wilhelm Canal.  
    17.25   Made fast Brunsbüttel Lock.  
    17.55   Cast off Brunsbüttel.  Up to Elbe I under escort by Speerbrecher 9.  
    20.00 AN 9672 upper-center Released by sperrbrecher.  GF zig zag course.  
      Deutsche Bucht    
      S 2, Sea 0-1, overcast, thunderstorms, rain, Vis. medium    
    20.30   A formation (7) He 111 coming from Helgoland in sight.  Made out perfectly, visual recognition signal not answered.  A flight of three flies exactly at the boat.  No weapons use, because they were recognized as German type.  
    22.30 AN 6996 upper-center Straight course.  
    24.00 Deutsche Bucht    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 0-1, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium to bad    
                                                                         
    27.05.40      
    00.56   Started transit through Route I.  
    04.00 AN 6839 upper-left corner    
      Deutsche Bucht    
      WSW 1, Sea 0, overcast, mist, Vis. bad    
    03.58   Dived at the beginning of twilight on Route I.  Proceeding submerged.  
    08.00 AN 6834    
      Deutsche Bucht    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    12.00 AN 6822 lower-center Day's run from 26.05. 12.00 hours to 27.05. 12.00 hours.  
      Deutsche Bucht 201 nm.  
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    13.05 AN 6584 center-left edge Put the boat on the bottom at depth T =26 meters. [actual depth 52 meters]  
        Small assembly hatch leaks!  Sealing attempts with lead wire!  
    16.00 AN 6587 lower-right corner    
      Deutsche Bucht    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    18.50   Boat raised from the bottom.  Proceeding submerged.  
    20.00 AN 6579 center-right edge    
      Deutsche Bucht    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.05.40
Sun and Moon Data 27.05.40
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.05.40      
    22.53   Surfaced.  
    24.00 AN 6545    
      Deutsche Bucht    
      NW 1, Sea 0, cloudy-overcast, clear. Vis. medium    
                                                                         
    28.05.40      
    03.47   Dived at the beginning of dawn.  Assembly hatch still leaks, however, it has gotten better.  Should be sealed at the next opportunity from outside with lead wire seal.  
    04.00 AN 6184    
      Deutsche Bucht    
      NW 1-2, Sea 0, overcast, mist, Vis. medium - bad    
    06.35   Surfaced.  
    06.50   Sighted drifting mine.  
    07.17   Sighted drifting mine.  
    08.00 AN 6145 Attempted to tighten the assembly hatch from the over deck.  
      Central North Sea    
      W 2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 AN 4885 Day's run from 27.05. to 28.05. = 156 nm.  
      Central North Sea    
      W 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
    16.00 AN 4821    
      Central North Sea    
      W 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
    20.00 AN 4525    
      Central North Sea    
      SE 2, Sea 2, heavy fog, Vis. bad    
    24.00 AN 4228    
      Central North Sea    
      SE 2, Sea 1, heavy fog, Vis. bad    
                                                                         
    29.05.40      
    03.40   Dived, due to unfavorable visibility conditions. (Vis. 500-1000 meters)  
    04.00 AN 2755    
      Northern North Sea    
      SE 2, Sea 1, heavy fog, Vis. bad    
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.05.40
Sun and Moon Data 28.05.40
Sun and Moon Data 29.05.40
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.05.40      
    06.25   Surfaced.  Continued transit on the surface.  Still bad visibility.  
    08.00 AN 2722 Short Signal to B.d.U.  passed 59°N.  
      Northern North Sea    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    09.32   Dived, because visibility is again unfavorable.  
    10.37   Surfaced, continued transit.  
    11.10   Dived, because visibility is again unfavorable.  
    12.00 AN 2258 center-right edge Day's run from 28.05. to 29.05. = 210 nm.  
      Northern North Sea    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    16.00 AN 2253 center-left edge    
      Northern North Sea    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    17.15   Surfaced.  The wind has shifted to the NE, very good visibility.  
    18.40   Drifting mine about 1000 meters abeam.  
    20.00 AN 2212    
      Northern North Sea    
      NE 2, Sea 0, overcast, clear, Vis. very good    
    24.00 AN 7867    
      North of the Shetlands    
      SW 1-2, Sea 0, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
                                                                         
    30.05.40      
    03.00   Dived due to fog.  The assembly hatch leaks from the outside which was not sealed yesterday.  G.H.G. out of service.  All cable connections full, water is up to the display unit.  
    04.00 AF 7873    
      North of the Shetlands    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    06.40   Surfaced.  Port side of the assembly hatch tightened from the outside.  
    07.41   Deep dive depth T = 50 meters [100 meters].  Assembly hatch leaking from depth T = 25 meters [50 meters]even more than before.  Now leaking location is not accessible.   Every hour approximately 1.5 tons of water in the boat.  Water splashes over the motors. Patrol must be broken off.  
    08.00 AF 7871    
      North of the Shetlands    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.05.40
Sun and Moon Data 30.05.40
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.05.40      
    08.45   Surfaced.  Began transit in the direction of Bergen.  
    08.46   Radio Message to B.d.U.  
        Position AF 7871.  Bolted assembly hatch leaks heavily at depth 50 meters.  Can not be corrected with on board means.  Request maintenance in Bergen.  
    10.41   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.  
        Accelerate going to Trondheim.  Maintenance, top up supplies.  Mine and U-boat danger present in Trondheim enter via Frohavet.  
    10.45   Began transit to Trondheim.  
    12.00 AF 7837 Day's run from 29.05. to 30.05. = 177 nm.  
      North of the Shetlands    
      SE 2, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
    16.00 AF 7646    
      Northeast of the Shetlands    
      SE 2, Sea 0, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
    16.07   Crash dive for flying boat.  
    16.32   Surfaced.  Continued transit.  
    20.00 AF 7369 lower-center    
      West coast of Norway    
      SE 2, Sea 0, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
    24.00 AF 8133    
      West coast of Norway    
      NE 1, Sea 0, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
                                                                         
    31.05.40      
    03.30   Crash dive for aircraft.  
    03.43   Surfaced.  Transit continued.  
    04.00 AF 5863    
      West coast of Norway    
      ENE 1, Sea 0, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    07.00   From 07.00 hours steered zig zag course.  
    08.00 AF 5682 A wake is sighted, this may be an English dummy periscope.  
      Halten Bank    
      ENE 1, Sea 0, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
    12.00 Frohavet Position:  Frohavet, west of Husøya  
      ENE 1, Sea 0, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good Day's run from 30.05. to 31.05. = 353 nm.  
    16.00 Trondheim Fjord Position:  Trondheim Fjord.  
      ENE 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.05.40
Sun and Moon Data 31.05.40
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.05.40      
    16.30   Made fast Trondheim.  
                                                                         
    01.06.40      
        In Trondheim the assembly hatch was put on anew and sealed. The G.H.G. distribution boxes were dried. (3 distribution boxes were filled with water) the seals had not held tight.  In the morning half of the crew went on an excursion to the waterfalls.  The Kommandant reported to Seekommandant Kapt. z. S. Thiele.  Some of the people were accommodated on land with difficulty.  Trondheim can become an excellent U-boat base with appropriate development.  For now, however, still everything is still lacking.  
                                                                         
    02.06.40   Final overhaul of the assembly hatch and G.H.G.  2nd half of the crew went on an excursion to the water falls.  
    14.30   Departed to deep dive.  
    14.57   Dived.  Assembly hatch is still leaking, already from depth T = 10 meters [20 meters].  The leaks, however, are smaller than before.  
    16.00   Made fast Trondheim.  Fuel oil loading.  Assembly hatch bolts are reapplied.  
    20.00   Departed Trondheim to deep dive.  
    22.56   Dived.  Went to depth = 60 meters [120 meters].  The assembly hatch still had small leaks.  300 liters of water per hour.  
        The reason for the leakage of the G.H.G. was evidently in careless shipyard work, while the cause of the leaking of the assembly hatch seem to be from a distortion of the pressure hull.  However, both errors could have been discovered in a pressure dock and repaired at home.  
                                                                         
    03.06.40      
    00.07   Surfaced.  Shipyard workers put off.   
    01.20   Put to sea from Trondheim.  
    02.41   Radio Message to B.d.U.  
        Put to sea from Trondheim today at 01.00 hours.  
    04.00 Trondheim Fjord Position Trondheim Fjord, Smellingen Beacon.  
      SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.05.40
Sun and Moon Data 01.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 02.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 03.06.40
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.06.40      
    05.00   Zig zag course steered through Frohavet.  Frohavet was reconnoitered by aircraft of the Trondheim Coastal Aviation Group for U-48, aircraft remained with the boat up to the Halten Lighthouse  
    08.00 AF 6714    
      Northwest of Trondheim    
      SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, mist, Vis. medium    
    12.00 AF 5924 Day's run from 03.06. 12.00 hours = 118 nm.  
      Northwest of Trondheim    
      WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, mist, Vis. medium    
    14.37   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.  
        Report passing 1°W by Short Signal!  
    16.00 AF 5864    
      Northern North Sea    
      NW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    20.00 AF 5876    
      Northern North Sea    
      WNW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    24.00 AF 8134    
      Northern North Sea    
      W 3, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
                                                                         
    04.06.40      
    04.00 AF 8148    
      Northern North Sea    
      SSW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    08.00 AF 7397    
      Northeast of the Shetlands    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    09.04   Dived.  
    09.28   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AF 7619 Day's run from 03.06. to 04.06. = 211 nm.  
      Northeast of the Shetlands    
      SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    16.00 AF 7564    
      Northeast of the Shetlands    
      SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, mist, Vis. medium to bad    
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 04.06.40
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.06.40      
    20.00 AF 7585    
      Northeast of the Shetlands    
      SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, mist, Vis. medium    
    23.44   Radio Message to B.d.U.  
        Crossed 1°W.  
    24.00 AF 7814    
      North of the Shetlands    
      SWbyW 2, Sea 2, overcast, fog, Vis. bad    
                                                                         
    05.06.40      
    04.00 AF 7756    
      North of the Shetlands    
      SWbyW 2, Sea 2, overcast fog, Vis. bad    
    08.00 AF 7779    
      West of the Shetlands    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, overcast, fog, Vis. bad    
    08.02   Test dive.  
    08.13   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AN 1145 Day's run from 04.06. to 05.06. = 220 nm.  
      West of the Shetlands    
      W 1, Sea 1, overcast, mist, Vis. medium    
    16.00 AM 3431    
      Southwest of the Shetlands    
      W 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
    20.00 AM 3448    
      North of the Herbrides    
      W 1-2, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
    22.15 AM 3388 Steamer sighted.  It suddenly emerged full sized from the haze.   Size first estimated at approximately 3000 tons.  Lies with course 125° toward us.  Dived.  Submerged attack. Steamer has no markings or flag.   On it an object can be seen on the stern superstructure which may be a light anti-aircraft gun.  Steamer is smaller than previously estimated, new estimate of approximately 1200 tons.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 05.06.40
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.06.40      
    22.55   Stern torpedo fired.  No result, probably a miss;  either speed over estimated or under ran at depth setting 4 meters.  At the shot ship covered about 2/3 of the visual field at 1.5 x magnification.  Let go.  
    23.18   Surfaced.  Fired with artillery at about 5000 meters range.  Steamer soon stops, launches 2 boats, catches fire a short time later.  From the boats it is learned:  English steamer "STANCORNA" (798 tons).  Ship shot on fire and holed with 77 shots of artillery.  Departed.  Soon lost from sight in the fog.  
    23.55   Continued transit.  
    24.00 AM 3388    
      Northwest of the Herbrides    
      SSW 1, Sea 0, overcast, fog, medium swell    
                                                                         
    06.06.40      
    04.00 AM 3547    
      Northwest of the Herbrides    
      SSW 1, Sea 0. overcast, fog, slowly clearing    
    08.00 AM 2837    
      West of the Herbrides    
      SbyW 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 AM 2888 Day's run from 05.06. to 06.06. = 232 nm.  
      West of the Herbrides    
      SbyW 1, Sea 0, few clouds, mist, Vis. medium to good    
    16.00 AM 0282    
      North of Ireland    
      SbyW 1, Sea 0, few clouds, mist, Vis. medium to good    
    20.00 AM 5227    
      North of Ireland    
      ESE 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. good    
    20.15   Crash dive for flying boat!  
    22.10   Surfaced.  
    23.00   Steamer in sight.  
    23.02   Dived.  Attacked.  Steamer runs at slow speed, heavy zig zags.  Steering for the North Channel.  Heavily loaded.  Cannon on the stern.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 06.06.40
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.06.40      
    24.00 AM 5288    
      North of Ireland    
      ESE 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, mist, Vis. medium, slight swell    
                                                                         
    07.06.40      
    00.07   Torpedo shot from tube IV!  Range = about 300 meters.  Set target speed = 6 knots.  Recognized the range was too short before the shot, therefore, aimed off at the forward mast.  Would have had to hit at the range.   Explain miss by deep fluctuation of G 7a at the short range.  Torpedo was heard in the sound locator, therefore no pistol failure, but under steered.  
    00.25   Surfaced.  Maneuvered ahead on the surface.  
    02.13 AM 5299 lower-center 2 torpedoes shot at the steamer.  Running time 52 seconds.  Range = about 1100 meters.  Hit forward 20 meters.  Bow sinks immediately at the hit!  Steamer sinks within 20 seconds.  Size 4500 tons.  Ran off to the west.  
    02.45   Steamer in sight!  Attempt to get ahead and close.  Steamer is running at high speed, 10 minutes steaming  results in approximately 14 knots.  Attacked.  Getting ahead is not possible because of high enemy speed, shot must be taken at long range.  Target angle about 105°.  Slight chance of success.  
    03.22 AM 5296 Torpedo shot from tube I.  Range estimated at 3000 meters.  Running time 274 seconds.  Torpedo speed 30 knots.  Hit about forward 30 meters.  Crew goes to the boats.  Foreship burns and settles slowly.   
      North of Ireland  
      ESE 1, Sea 0, overcast, mist, Vis. medium - good, slight swell  
    03.50   Ran off to the west at GF.  
    04.03   Steamer transmits SOS sinking and position.  It is the English steamer "EROS" 5900 tons.  Steamer still gives SOS up to 05.20 hours, is then quiet.  
    08.00 AM 5199 center-right edge    
      West of Ireland    
      Wind calm, Sea 0, few clouds, mist, Vis. medium    
    08.15   Dived for flying boat!  
    08.42   Surfaced.  
    09.43   Dived for flying boat!  
    10.15   Surfaced.  
    10.28   Dived for flying boat!  
    10.50   Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 07.06.40
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.06.40      
    10.55   Again dived for flying boat.  
        Apparently searching for us. Therefore proceeded submerged for 2 hours.  
    12.00 AM 5428 Day's run from 06.06. to 07.06. = 233 nm.  
      West of Ireland    
      Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, fog, Vis. bad    
    13.20   Surfaced.  
    15.07   Dived, because visibility 500-1500 meters (changing).  Cloud height 200 meters.  
    16.00 AM 5444    
      West of Ireland    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    17.20   Surfaced.  
    20.00 AM 4694    
      West of Ireland    
      SE 1, Sea 0, overcast, mist, Vis. medium to bad    
    24.00 AM 4915    
      West of Ireland    
      Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, mist, Vis. bad    
                                                                         
    08.06.40      
    00.30 - 01.50   Over deck torpedoes transferred!  
    02.05 - 02.23   Test dive.  
    03.40   Radio Message to B.d.U.  
        2 steamers sunk off the North Channel.  Today heavy air patrol.  Short weather report, wind 0, Sea 0, mist, square AM 4941.  
    04.00 AM 4941    
      West of Ireland    
      Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, mist, Vis. medium    
    08.00 AM 7261    
      West of Ireland    
      S 2, Sea 1, cloudy, mist, Vis. good    
    12.00 AM 7534 upper-center Day's run from 07.06. to 08.06. = 191 nm.  
      West of Ireland    
      S 2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 08.06.40
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.06.40      
    16.00 AM 7594    
      West of Ireland    
      S 2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, clear, Vis. good    
    20.00 AM 7855    
      West of Ireland    
      S 3, Sea 2-3, few clouds, clear, Vis. good    
    20.40   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.  
        Occupy the following operations areas. . . . U-48 BE93, BF 71.  
    24.00 BE 3229    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      S 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium    
                                                                         
    09.06.40      
    04.00 BE 3289    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      S 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, clear, Vis. medium    
    08.00 BE 3591    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      SW 3, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. good    
    09.00 - 09.04   Test dive.  
    09.22   Steamer sighted.  Maneuvered ahead.  Steamer runs on a westerly course.  
    10.35   Dived.  Recognized as Swedish steamer "O.A. BRODIN".  Let go unchecked.  
    12.00 BE 5941 Day's run from 08.06. to 09.06. = 213 nm.  
      Southwest of Ireland    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. good    
    12.20   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BE 3862    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      WSW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, rain showers, Vis. good    
   

17.35

  Smoke cloud in sight.  Tried to hold on the bearing at GF which shifts slowly ahead.  Maneuvering ahead not possible.  Steamer steers an easterly course and runs at high speed.   
    18.40   Continued transit.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 09.06.40
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.06.40      
    20.00 BE 3975    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      WSW 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    24.00 BE 6319    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
                                                                         
    10.06.40      
    04.00 BE 6379    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      WSW 1, Sea 0, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    08.00 BE 6654    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      WSW 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
    12.00 BE 6929 Day's run from 09.06. to 10.06. = 110 nm.  
      Southwest of Ireland    
      W 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
    16.00 BE 6994    
      Northwest of Spain    
      WNW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
    16.50   Reached the north edge of the operations area.  
    20.00 BE 9365    
      Northwest of Spain    
      WNW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
    23.52   Illuminated vessel sighted.  Held on to it.  
    24.00 BE 9397 Vessel made out as a steamer.  Running on a northeasterly course, running lights set, directional lights very poor.  Very unclear to the side and Greek neutrality markings only recognizable close by.  
      Northwest of Spain  
      NW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, medium swell  
                                                                         
    11.06.40      
    01.10 BE 9397 Torpedo shot from tube III at the steamer.  Range about 600 meters.  Hit aft 30 meters.  Running time 39 seconds.  Size about 5500 tons.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 10.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 11.06.40
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.06.40      
        Steamer sinks over the stern 15 minutes after the hit.  Ran off.  
    04.00 BE 9389    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    08.00 BE 9378    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NW 3, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
    08.00 - 08.15   Test dive.  
    08.23   Incoming ßß from U-43.  
        Convoy in sight square CG 2123, northerly course, slow speed  
        Operating on convoy.  Course 112° at HF.  
        The course leads about 10 nm north of the likely meeting place.  
    08.29   Incoming ßß from U-25?  [actually U-29]  
        Enemy convoy in sight, square BF 7462  
        Because U-25 is northeast of the Shetlands, an error seems to be present.   Also the location does not correlate with that reported by U-43. Message not [illegible word].  
    09.36   Incoming ßß from U-29.  
        The reported enemy warships run 230°, slow speed.  My own position is square BF 7437.  
    09.31 date/time group 06.10 Incoming ßß from U-29.  
        Enemy convoy in sight, square BF 7515, SW course.   
        Apparently U-43 and U-29 have each sighted a north and a south bound convoy.  
    10.24   Incoming ßß from U-43.  
        Enemy convoy in sight square BF 7758.  My own position is square BF 7754.   
        There is no doubt the convoy moves to the north.  I continue to operate on it, because I can probably reach him better from my northern position.  
    12.00 BE 9623 Day's run from 10.06. to 11.06. = 253 nm.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      SW 3, Sea 3, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
    12.28   Incoming Radio Message 1154 from B.d.U.  
        Likely escort change in BF 7480.  This encourages the belief that there is a convoy running north and a convoy running south in the sea area.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.06.40
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.06.40      
        I continue to run toward the northern one.  
    14.12   ßß from U-29.  
        Have lost contact with reported enemy warships.  Last observed position is BF 7463.  Enemy steers 210°.  
    14.18   ßß from U-43.  
        Escort change square BF 7731.  Enemy steers 20°, 10 knots and southerly course. (?)  
        The course change to 20° was anticipated.  I come to course 77°, maneuvered ahead on the new enemy course with 10 nm reserved to the north.  The last group of the Signal was not unintelligible.  Probably drafted incorrectly.  Therefore I do not take it into account.  But rather want to first wait for other reports.  
    16.00 BF 7424    
    16.31   ßß from U-29.  
        Enemy convoy in sight square BF 7499.  Own position is square BF 7493.   
        Signal without course and speed.  This can apply to the north as well as to the south steering convoy.  However, this message seems to confirm the northerly course reported by U-43, I stay the course.  
    17.21   ßß from unknown boat.  
        Enemy convoy in sight square BF 7752.  Enemy steers southerly course.  
        This might be the convoy reported by U-29.  However, the message completely contradicts the previous messages from U-43 as well as from U-29, so that with it alone nothing can be done.  Therefore, I continue to run to the east.  
    17.35   Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-29, 43, 46, 48, 101.  
        Operate on targets reported by boats of this group.  Tactical Command by Commander U-48.  If this does not interfere with and approach required by contact keeper.  
        No instructions are given. I must suppose that each of the boats operates on one of the convoys since the first reports this morning. However, I do not know on which one and where the boats are now, in the mean time, the boats positioned to the south of me must already be off or have found nothing.  A coordinated convoy operations is no longer possible.  
    20.00 BF 7288 Reached the plotted convoy intercept point.  Nothing seen.  Went on southerly course (203°) to run towards.  
      Northwest of Spain  
      NW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
    20.15   Incoming Radio Message from U-43  
        Had transmitter failure!  Contact lost.  Last  
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.06.40
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.06.40      
        convoy position 17.30 hours BF 7755.  Course West.  
        After that the convoy apparently observed and took bearings on the strong radio traffic in his sea area and determined that contact was held on him, and evaded by quite energetic changes of course to the west.  It is likely that during the night he returns to a northeasterly course.   One would have to shorten the reconnaissance radio traffic to a type of short signal to complicate the taking of bearings, otherwise the approach of groups is always disrupted.  If the enemy knows there is a contact keeper somewhere, he will usually be be able to force  it to submerge and shake it off. The change of course will not be reported, the other boats will push past.  
    22.00   Because nothing is sighted, running further to the southwest is hopeless.  Therefore came to course 300° and ran across the estimated course the enemy will come to at darkness.  
    24.00 BF 7433    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
                                                                         
    12.06.40      
    00.15   Incoming Radio Message from U-29.  
        Unsuccessful convoy attack.  Contact lost.  Last observed position BF 7548, steering 20°.  
        Therefore at approximately 22.00 hours we must have been about 8nm in 20°, directly ahead of the convoy.  In spite of excellent visibility and complete brightness (sunset 22.30 hours), between 22.00 and 23.00 hours nothing is seen.  Large navigation differences must be present.  Prompted by the report of U-43, again I turned too early on a NW course.  Change of course to 49° to search for contact again.  If information from U-29 is correct and the enemy holds we must intercept him between 05.00 hours and 06.00 hours.  
    02.35   Two illuminated vessels in sight.  Recognized as fishing trawlers (patrol vessels).  Again came to old course.  
    04.00 BF 7251    
      Northwest of Spain    
      WSW 4, Sea 3-4, low rain clouds, Vis. medium    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 12.06.40
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.06.40      
    06.00   Nothing seen before dawn.  After 1 hour continued on course 20°, then came about.  
    08.00 BF 7231 upper-center Sudden visibility deterioration.  Up to now nothing seen of the convoy, therefore came back to westerly course in the operations area.  
      Northwest of Spain  
      WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, mist, Vis. bad  
    09.55   Dived to visibility deteoriation.  
    12.00 BF 7222 Day's run from 11.06. to 12.06. = 266 nm.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    13.10   Surfaced.  Visibility is better.  
    16.00 BF 7249    
      Northwest of Spain    
      WNW 4-5, Sea 4, high swell, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
    16.02   Incoming Radio Message Officer-Only from B.d.U.  
        To U-48, 46, 101, 29, 43.  
        1.)  . . . .  
        2.)  Attack areas to occupy.  
        U-48 BE 83, U-46 BE 88, U-101 CF 32, U-43 BE 97, U-29 BE 92.  
        3.)  . . . .  
        4.)  . . . .  
        Proceeded to ordered position on westerly course at HF.  
    20.00 BF 7158    
      Northwest of Spain    
      WNW 5, Sea 4-5, high swells, cloudy to overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    24.00 BE 9366    
      Northwest of Spain    
      WNW 5, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. medium, high swells    
                                                                         
    13.06.40      
    01.30   Incoming Radio Message from U-46 (date/time group 2230)
        Square BE 9581 strong convoy without troop transports.  Course NE, low speed etc.  . . . .  
        Therefore must be southwest of us and coming towards us.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 13.06.40
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.06.40      
    02.00   Came to course 224° and up to dawn ran towards.  Accept the small time loss for transit to gain possible attack opportunities.  
    07.00   Nothing seen.  Continue on course 280° to the attack disposition.  Overtime, the continual misses are embittering.  
    08.00 BE 9536
 
      Northwest of Spain    
      WNW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy to overcast, clear, Vis. good, high swell    
    12.00 BE 9513 Day's run from 12.06. to 13.06. = 254 nm.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      WNW 3, Sea 3, cloudy to overcast, clear, Vis. good, high swells    
    16.00 BE 9197    
      Northwest of Spain    
      W 3, Sea 3, overcast, mist, Vis. medium to bad, high swell    
    20.00 BE 9175    
      Northwest of Spain    
      W 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, mist, Vis. medium to bad, high swell    
    21.00   Reached the east edge of the ordered attack position.  
    24.00 BE 8300 In square BE 8300 in position on NW and SE courses and 1 diesel LF.  
      Northwest of Spain  
      WNW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, medium swell    
                                                                         
    14.06.40      
    04.00 BE 8300 Back and forth in position in square BE 8300.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      WNW 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    08.00 Northwest of Spain Back and forth in position in square BE 8300.  
      WNW 2, Sea 1, cloudy to overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    08.01 - 08.10   Test dive.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 14.06.40
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.06.40      
    12.00 Northwest of Spain Back and forth in position in square BE 8300.  
      WNW 2, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good Day's run from 13.06. to 14.06. = 159 nm.  
    14.20   Position:  square BE 8347 lower-center.  Vessel in sight directly ahead.  
        Recognized as a heavy cruiser of the London Class.  Running on a southerly course and apparently quite high speed.  Quickly comes closer.  
    14.23   Dived, as the bridge superstructure comes over the horizon.  At periscope depth determined, the enemy has turned to port to course 85°and runs right at us.  After a short time he turns again on a southeast course and moves away.  I observe him through the periscope.  
    14.50   4 light aircraft bombs at periscope depth, one very near by.  In the periscope to starboard close beside the boat an impact location.  No damage in the boat.  Went to depth T = 30 meters. [60 meters]  
    15.10   At periscope depth an aircraft (biplane, float plane, therefore the shipboard aircraft of the cruiser) seen in the periscope.  Went to depth T = 25 meters. [50 meters]  
    16.10 BE 8345    
      Northwest of Spain    
      WNW 2-3, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
    16.15   Surfaced.  
    17.03   Smoke cloud directly ahead.  
    17.23   Dived.  Identified as Greek steamer "ESTERINA" (2900 tons).  Not attacked in accordance with B.d.U. orders.  
    19.20   Surfaced.  
    20.00 Northwest of Spain Back and forth in position in square BE 8300.  
      WNW 1, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    24.00 Northwest of Spain Back and forth in position in square BE 8300.  
      E 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, clear, Vis. bad, low rain clouds    
                                                                         
    15.06.40      
    04.00 Northwest of Spain Back and forth in position in square BE 8300.  
      WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, mist, Vis. bad One diesel KF.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 15.06.40
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.06.40      
    08.00 Northwest of Spain Back and forth in position in square BE 8300.  
      WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, fog, Vis. changing    
    08.05   Steamer sighted.  Did not attack in accordance with orders.  
    12.00 Northwest of Spain Back and forth in position in square BE 8300.  
      WSW 1, Sea 0, mist, Vis. changing Day's run from 14.06. to 15.06. = 106 nm.  
    16.00 Northwest of Spain Back and forth in position in square BE 8300.  
      WSW 1, Sea 0, mist, Vis. changing    
    18.52   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.  
        Target passing through . . . .  
        U-48 at the latitude of BE 8600.  
    20.00 BE 8374    
      Northwest of Spain    
      WSW 1, Sea 0, mist, Vis. changing    
    24.00 BE 8632    
      Northwest of Spain    
      Q 1, Sea 1, mist, Vis. changing    
                                                                         
    16.06.40      
    04.00 BE 9429    
      Northwest of Spain    
      W 2, Sea 1, mist, Vis. changing    
    05.20   Shadow sighted to starboard.  Turned towards.  [next two sentences illegible]  
    08.00 BE 9517    
      Northwest of Spain    
      W 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    08.01 - 08.29   Test dive.  
    12.00 BE 9553 Day's run from 15.06. to 16.06. = 120 nm.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      N 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 16.06.40
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.06.40      
    16.00 BE 9644    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NNE 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy to overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    17.30   Steamer in sight.  Maneuvered ahead.  
    19.09   Dived.  While attacking recognized as American steamer "ARTIGAS".  On the border of the American combat zone and the steamer heads approximately 95° (course to North Spain) did not stop and attack.  
    20.00 BE 9686    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NNE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    20.40   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BE 9693    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NNE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
                                                                         
    17.06.40      
    04.00 BF 7457    
      Northwest of Spain    
      N 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    08.00 BF 7465    
      Northwest of Spain    
      N 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 BF 7527 Day's run from 16.06. to 17.06. = 152 nm.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      N 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. medium to good    
    12.01 - 12.13   Test dive.  
    16.00 BF 7437    
      Northwest of Spain    
      N 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    20.00 BF 7416    
      Northwest of Spain    
      N 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    24.00 BF 7427    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NNE 5, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. medium    
                                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 17.06.40
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
           
    18.06.40      
    04.00 BF 7441    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NNE 5, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    08.00 BE 9665    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NNE 5, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 BE 9656 lower-center Day's run from 17.06. to 18.06. = 145 nm.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      NE 5, Sea 4, cloudy, mist, Vis. medium - good    
    16.00 BE 9657    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NE 5, Sea 4, few clouds, mist, Vis. medium to good    
    17.15 BE 9657 Convoy in sight.  Northeasterly course.  Low speed.  In the haze it is initially recognized as one steamer afterwards several.  Ahead a destroyer-like vessel, that lies on course towards us and is approaching.  
    17.24   Dived.  
        The convoy bears about 300, range 6-7000 meters, target angle between 50 and 90°.  Attack is not possible.  In the convoy about 20 steamers including one tanker are made out.  Proceeding quite widely spread out in 2 columns.  Screen not detected.  Enemy steers zig zag course of about 40° around general course 35°.  Convoy is lost from sight in the haze.  
    19.46   Surfaced.  Convoy out of sight.  Ran on course 35° at GF, to either get enemy in sight again or to maneuver ahead on the base course.  
    20.00 BE 9651    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NE 5, Sea 4-5, mist, Vis. medium to good    
    21.30   Nothing sighted.  Ran across the general course to the NW, as the enemy had probably come to the west by his zigzagging.  
    21.55   Convoy again in sight.  About in the same bearing, range and target angle as in the afternoon.  Ahead of the convoy a gun boat zig zags as a sweeper in long legs.  Gradually run ahead of the convoy to the west to get on the favorable moon side.  With the high standing full moon a surface attack is only possible from here.  Because about 23.00  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.06.40
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.06.40      
        hours the northwest sky is still bright from the twilight, still waited to attack, at the same time stayed ahead of the convoy out of sight of the sweeper.  
                                                                         
    19.06.40      
    00.15 Bright night, NE 4-5, Sea 5, Vis. medium to good Ran toward the first and second steamers in the western column.  Range = 1200 - 1000 meters.  
        Torpedo shot from tube I does not fire.  
        UZO transmitter to fire control computer fails.  Cable flooded.  Shot from tube IV from lead angle table.  Lead angle too great!  Passed ahead!  
        Turned away.  With that, and while waiting to take the shots, approached to approximately 500 meters from the final ship, we hear him howling while moving off.  Laterally and behind the convoy there is no screen.   Morse traffic.  A naval warning of green and white stars observed.   Maneuvered ahead out of sight of the convoy.  The sweeper is still positioned ahead, apparently cannot be disturbed.  
    01.25 BE 9359 upper-center In the mean time the steamers have resumed their position in the formation.  Again approached.  Shot from tube III taken at about 1000 meters.  Turned for a stern shot.  After 114 seconds = 1600 meters the shot from tube III hit an overlapping ship that was further away.  Size about 6500 tons.  Stern shot missed, because in the rush the lead angle not set in the torpedo Gyro Assembly.  Ran off.  Gun boat runs behind us, can evade.  In the convoy green and white stars, turn on southeast course and thereby come again into the moon bearing.  Contact is lost for a short time, found again, ran ahead.  Attack at about 1200 meters.  Shortly before the shot the convoy zigzags toward us with a red star.  
      Northwest of Spain  
      NE 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, very bright full moon night  
    02.56 BE 9369 Torpedo shot from tube I.  
        Hit after 75 seconds running time.  
        Size of the steamer 5000 tons.  Turned away.  
        The accompanying gunboat turns toward us and shoots with artillery.  Ran off with both diesels at 3 x AK and zig zag courses, and again maneuvered ahead.  Convoy now continually turns to starboard and drives in a circle. Because of that 2 unsuccessful approach attempts on a thick steamer.  Attack at about 1000 meters by estimate.  
    03.45 BF 7171 Torpedo shot from tube IV  
        Hit after 122 seconds running time.  Range therefore about 1800 meters.  Size of the steamer 7000 tons.  A shot is taken from one of the steamers.   
        New appraoch on an armed 5000 GRT steamer.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 19.06.40
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.06.40      
    04.47   Torpedo shot from tube I.  
        Steamer sights us shortly after taking the shot.  Turns off and shoots with artillery.  Turned off.  Range = about 800 meters.  Ran off with both diesels 3 x AK and zigzag course.  Commotion in the convoy grows.  An attack can not be made any longer in this confusion.  Moved off and came to course 30° to attack again later on this base course.  
    05.05   3 steamers in sight again to the south of us.  Maneuvered to attack submerged after dawn.  It is already too light for attack on the surface.  Moon is still positioned to the left from the steamers.  Continued to maneuver ahead in the dawn.  Steamers steered zigzags between 50° and 0°.  
    07.00 Northwest of Spain Only still 1 steamer in sight.  It has apparently run ahead, because now all of the ships of the convoy run at highest speed.  
      NE 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, mist, Vis. medium  
    07.33 BF 7153 Gun boat directly ahead on the convoy course.  Is seen suddenly out of the morning mist at approximately 3500 meters.  Dived.  Steamers are no longer seen in the periscope.  By the previously steered courses they must still pass quite far to the west.  Gun boat stays nearby.  The boat is hard to hold in the choppy and confused sea, occasionally broaches in spite of KF.  Went to depth T = 50 meters. [100 meters]  
    12.00 BF 7163 upper-right corner Day's run from 18.06. to 19.06. = 162 nm.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    14.08   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BF 7165 Because this region will be alarmed for the next days, I want to go further west to 15-18°W longitude where I suspect there is traffic.  Because I myself sighted 2 steamers in square 83 (without giving the time) and also from the reports of success of the boats positioned there valuable independent  and convoy traffic is to be expected.  
      Northwest of Spain  
      NNE 3-4, Sea 3, few clouds, clear, Vis. good  
    16.17   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        3 ships sunk.  Convoy scattered.  Position square BF 7165.  
    20.00 BF 7174    
      Northwest of Spain    
      Sea 2-3, few clouds, mist, Vis. good    
    24.00 BE 9664    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NEbyN 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, bright full moon night    
                                                                         
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.06.40
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
           
    20.06.40      
    04.00 BE 9681    
      Northeast of Spain    
      NEbyN 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, clear full moon night    
    08.00 BE 9593    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NEbyN 4-5, Sea 4, few clouds, mist, Vis. good    
    12.00 BE 9582 Day's run from 19.06. to 20.06. = 134 nm.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      NEbyN 4-5, Sea 4, few clouds, mist, Vis. good    
    16.00 BE 9571 lower-center    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NEbyN 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, mist, Vis. good    
    16.40   Steamer in sight.  Course 100-110°.  
    16.45   Dived.  
        Steamer has no flag and no neutrality markings!  On the black smokestack a white ring with a V in it.  
        It is a large tanker.  
    17.30 BE 9574 Torpedo shot from tube I.  Hit after 22 seconds running time, hit just ahead of the smokestack.  Steamer explodes and sinks in about 2 minutes over the sternpost.  
        From the ship owner markings on the smokestack it can only be Dutch.  Probably "MOORDRECHT" 7493 tons.  
    18.30   Surfaced.  I continue to 20°W longitude.  Perhaps to get still more and the appearance of a U-boat here is sometimes quite effective.  
    20.00 BE 9459    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NEbyN 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, mist, Vis. good    
    24.00 BE 9417    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NE 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. good    
                                                                         
    21.06.40      
    04.00 BE 8388    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NE 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. good    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 21.06.40
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.06.40      
    08.00 BE 8267    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NE 5, Sea 4-5, few clouds, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 BE 8243 Day's run from 20.06. to 21.06. = 167 nm.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      NE 5, Sea 4-5, few clouds, clear, Vis. good    
    16.00 BE 8137    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NE 5, Sea 4-5, few clouds, clear, Vis. good    
    20.00 BE 8121 Began return transit.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      NNE 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    21.35   Radio Message to B.d.U. Position square 8121.  Up to not sank 8 steamers of 42680 tons.  Return transit, still 2 torpedoes.  
    23.26   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-48.  
        - Bravo - if success report, sated square BE is correct, Short Signal "Yes". etc.  . . . .  
    24.00 BE 5752    
      Northwest of Spain    
      N 5, Sea 5, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
                                                                         
    22.06.40      
    01.40   Short Signal to B.d.U. Yes!  
    04.00 BE 5483    
      Northwest of Spain    
      N 5, Sea 5, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    08.00 BE 5431    
      Northwest of Spain    
      NNW 5, Sea 5, overcast, clear, Vis. good    
    08.02 - 08.11   Test dive.  
    12.00 BE 5161 Day's run from 21.06. to 22.06. = 210 nm.  
      Northwest of Spain    
      NNW 5, Sea 5, overcast, sometimes mist, Vis. medium to bad    
    13.55   Steamer sighted.  Dived, because the steamer come out of the haze suddenly with the bridge full out.  Steamer lays on northerly course, size 2-3000 tons.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 22.06.40
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.06.40      
    14.25   Surfaced.  Searched for new contact.  However, visibility gets worse so that it is no longer possible to gain contact, due to frequent rain squalls.  The steamer probably sighted us and has changed course.  Search broken off after about an hour, continued transit.  
    16.00 BE 2798    
      Northwest of Spain    
      N 6, Sea 6, overcast, sometimes mist, Vis. medium to bad    
    20.00 BE 2844    
      Northwest of Spain    
      N 6, Sea 6, overcast, sometimes mist, Vis. medium to bad    
    24.00 BE 2575    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      N 5, Sea 5, overcast, clear, Vis. good, medium swell    
                                                                         
    23.06.40      
    04.00 BE 2519    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      N 5, Sea 5, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, medium swell    
    08.00 BE 2257    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      N 5, Sea 5, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, medium swell    
    12.00 BE 2225 Day's run from 22.06. to 23.06. = 192 nm.  
      Southwest of Ireland    
      N 4, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
    16.00 AL 9891    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      N 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
    20.00 AL 9835    
      Southwest of Ireland    
      N 3, Sea 2, overcast, clear, Vis. very good    
    24.00 AL 9645    
      West of Ireland    
      NWbyN 3, Sea 3, overcast, low rain clouds, Vis. medium to bad    
                                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 23.06.40
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.06.40      
    04.00 AL 9621    
      West of Ireland    
      NWbyN 4, Sea 4, overcast, low rain clouds, Vis. medium to bad    
    08.00 AL 9364    
      West of Ireland    
      NWbyN 5, Sea 5, overcast, mist, Vis. medium, high swell    
    11.35   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-48, U-32.  
        Report weather by Short Signal.  
    12.00 AL 6999 Day's run from 23.06. to 24.06. = 192 nm.  
      West of Ireland    
      NWbyN 6, Sea 6, overcast, mist, Vis. medium, high swell    
    16.00 AM 4743    
      West of Ireland    
      NWbyN 7, Sea 7, overcast, mist, Vis. medium, high swell    
    14.41   Weather report sent by Short Signal!  
    20.00 AM 4488    
      West of Ireland    
      NWbyN 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, clear, Vis. medium-good, high swell    
    24.00 AM 4463    
      West of Ireland    
      NWbyN 7, Sea 7, overcast, clear, Vis. good, high swell    
                                                                         
    25.06.40      
    04.00 AM 4278    
      West of Ireland    
      NWbyN 7, Sea 7, overcast, clear, Vis. good, high swell    
    08.00 AM 4263    
      West of Ireland    
      NWbyN 7, Sea 7, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, high swell    
    12.00 AM 0183 Day's run from 24.06. to 25.06. = 198 nm.  
      Northwest of Ireland    
      NWbyN 7, Sea 7, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, high swell    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 25.06.40
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.06.40      
    16.00 AM 0133    
      Northwest of Ireland    
      NW 7, Sea 7, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, high swell    
    20.00 AM 2728    
      West of the Herbrides    
      NW 7, Sea 7, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium, high swell    
    24.00 AM 2672    
      West of the Herbrides    
      NW 7, Sea 7, overcast, clear, Vis. good, high swell    
                                                                         
    26.06.40      
    04.00 AM 2653    
      Northwest of the Herbrides    
      NW 7, Sea 7, overcast, clear, Vis. good, high swell    
    08.00 AM 3377    
      Northwest of the Herbrides    
      NW 7, Sea 7, overcast, clear, Vis. good, high swell    
    12.00 AM 3353 Day's run from 25.06. to 26.06. = 238 nm.  
      Northwest of the Herbrides    
      NW 7, Sea 6-7, few clouds, clear, Vis. good, high swells    
    16.00 AM 3279    
      Northwest of the Herbrides    
      NW 7, Sea 6, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, high swell    
    17.33   Sighted fishing trawler (patrol vessel) to starboard on northerly course.  Avoided on the surface!  Patrol vessel line at 5°W.  
    20.00 AN 1142    
      Northwest of the Shetlands    
      NW 6-7, Sea 6, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, high swell    
    24.00 AF 7785    
      West of the Shetlands    
      NWbyW 6, Sea 6, overcast, clear, Vis. good, medium swell    
                                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 26.06.40
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.06.40      
    04.00 AF 7875    
      North of the Shetlands    
      W 4, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    05.30   Dived for aircraft.  
    06.25   Surfaced.  
    06.41   Dived for aircraft  
    07.13   Surfaced.  
    08.00 AF 7893    
      North of the Shetlands    
      WSW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    09.35   Short Signal to B.d.U.:  
        Have passed 60° 50'N in the North Sea.  
    10.42   Dived for aircraft.  
    11.01   Surfaced.  
    11.45   Dived for aircraft.  
    12.12   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AM 2253 Day's run from 26.06. to 27.06. = 248 nm.  
      East of the Shetlands    
      WSW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    13.18   Dived for aircraft.  
    14.17   Surfaced.  
    16.00 AN 2761    
      Southeast of the Shetlands    
      WSW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    16.20   Dived for aircraft.  
    17.10   Surfaced  
    18.54   Dived for aircraft.  
    19.16   Surfaced.  
    19.52   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        Position square 4234.  Question entrance route.  Manned North Sea Circuit.  
    20.00 AN 4234    
      Central North Sea    
      WSW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good    
    21.02   Dived for aircraft.  
    21.22   Surfaced.  
    21.26   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.  
        All returning boats route Green . . . . . . . .  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.06.40
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.06.40      
    24.00 AN 4615    
      Central North Sea    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
                                                                         
    28.06.40      
    04.00 AN 4696    
      Central North Sea    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
    05.30   Dived at dawn.  Proceeding submerged through square 3700 in accordance with orders.  
    08.00 AN 3719    
      Central North Sea    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    12.00 AN 3719 Day's run from 27.06. to 28.06. = 266 nm.  
      Central North Sea    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    16.00 AN 3759    
      Central North Sea    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    20.00 AN 3791    
      Central North Sea    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
    24.00 AN 3796    
      Central North Sea    
      Weather not observed, because submerged    
                                                                         
    29.06.40      
    04.00 AN 6363    
      Deutsche Bucht    
      EbyS 2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good    
    08.00 AN 9319    
      Deutsche Bucht    
      EbyS 2, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. good    
    10.15   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        Mine escort will be ready at Helgoland for U-48 at 13.00 hours.  Sperrbrecher 9 . . . . . . . .  
    12.00 AN 9516 Day's run from 28.06. to 29.06. = 180 nm.  
      Deutsche Bucht    
      EbyS 2, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 28.06.40
Sun and Moon Data 29.06.40
 
- 32 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.06.40      
    13.17   Taken under escort by Sperrbrecher 9 proceeding from Helgoland to Brunsbüttel.  
    16.00 Elbe III    
      EbyS 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good    
    17.55   Made fast Brunsbüttel Lock.  
    18.25   Departed Brunsbüttel Lock.  Transit through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal.  
    23.20   Made fast Holtenau Lock.  
    23.42   Made fast Tirpitz Mole.  
                                                                         
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.06.40

Enclosures to U-48's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart Track chart covering entire war patrol                26 May to 29 June 1940
   
Torpedo Torpedo firing reports

 
 
     
 
U-48.
 
     
 
Comments of the B.d.U.
 
     
 
1.) An excellent war patrol.  The tenacious attack on the convoy on 19 June was exemplarily.
2.) Being seen by the "LONDON" - cruiser on the 14th of June may have induced the expected troopship from Cape Town to take evasive action.  After the attack of the ship's aircraft, the boat was certainly discovered and this should have been reported.   There was then no reason to forgo the attack on the Greek steamer which appeared soon afterwards.
3.)  The observations on the consequences of Radio Messages - utility in maintaining contact are misguided, since:
  a) without using Radio Messages - which has been executed successfully in many cases with contact keeping reports, the attack of other boats is not possible;
  b) Short Signals cannot have the richness (really just for positions) necessary for maintaining contact.
  c) no case is known in which successful evasion was executed for DF-bearings on U-boats, rather
  d) the acquired bearings were so inaccurate that evasion based on them could just as well have led to failure.  By comparison B.d.U. Secret Order No. 150 of 28 January 1940.
 
                                                      Signed in draft    D  ö  n  i  t  z
                                                   For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote:
                                                   The Chief of the Operations Department.
                                                                
 
     
     


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