U-boat Archive - Auxiliary Cruiser KTB

Auxiliary Cruiser Pinguin (Ship 33 - HSK 5)

Part 6

24 January to 16 February 1941

Translation by Jerry Mason

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	24.01.41	Captain Kristian E v e n s e n of the Norwegian whale cooking plant "OLE WEGGER" said the following when questioned by the Prisoner Officer:


		The "OLE WEGGER" whaling expedition he commanded left Halifax on 10 October 1940, bunkered oil in Curacao, and then continued its journey to the Antarctic whaling grounds via Rio de Janeiro. Two whaling boats, which had been stationed in Montevideo during the summer, rendezvoused with them in the whaling grounds, and the remaining five boats joined from Rio.
		The "OLE WEGGER" cooking plant, formerly owned by A/S Theo Dahl in Sandefjord, has been confiscated by the Royal Norwegian Government and now operates on their behalf. The previous insurance contract for the ship and cargo was invalid. He was required to undertake to the representative of the Royal Norwegian Government to comply with the secret instructions for merchant ships issued by the English Admiralty, since payment of the insured sum in the event of an accident, etc., was dependent on them.
		The previous catch of 7700 tons of whale oil (= 514 whales) was described by Evensen as average.
		When they were intercepted by the German warship, they were in the process of delivering whale oil to the Norwegian transport ship "SOLGLIMT." The cruiser's approach went unnoticed. No distress signals or other telegrams were sent. The ship was unarmed. The all-Norwegian crew consists of 188 men on the "OLE WEGGER," plus 13 men on each fishing boat.
		To his knowledge, English whale cooking plants are armed. He was unable to say whether the catching boats are also armed. He was not aware of the English catching area; he presumes it is west of his location. He was unable to provide information about warship movements in the North and South Atlantic or in the Antarctic.

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	24.01.41
		He agreed without hesitation to comply with the cruiser Kommandanten wishes, since as a prisoner of war he had little choice and, moreover, he wanted to keep the ship because this seemed to him to be far more advantageous for himself and his men. "SOLGLIMT" brought him mail from Norway dated October 1940. His relatives had not raised any complaints. The issue of food shortages in Norway, so casually discussed abroad, did not seem to apply to Sandefjord.
		When accused during a later interrogation of having been dishonest about his armament, since a cannon packed in a crate had been found on deck, he replied that the crate had come aboard a few hours before the ship was taken into custody and that he had forgotten about it in the excitement of the initial interrogation. He later learned that these crates, containing cannons and accessories, had arrived on the "SOLGLIMT" in New York, who expected him to be able to set up and operate such a thing. None of his men had ever been instructed in the operation of a cannon.




		When questioned by the Prisoner Officer, Captain Norman A n d e r s e n of the Norwegian whale cooker "SOLGLIMT" said the following:

		He only served as Captain of the "SOLGLIMT" since the end of October 1940. As Second Officer with the whale-cooking ship "THORSHAMMER," he set sail from Norway to Antarctica for whaling at the end of September 1939. After the end of the catching season in April 1940, they were ordered to the Mississippi. They replenished bunker fuel in Port of Spain and then unloaded their whale oil in New Orleans. They went

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	24.01.41
		to Mobile for repairs, then on to Carapita (Venezuela) in ballast. As a tanker, they were carrying a cargo of oil to Montevideo. After discharging the cargo in ballast, they left the port with the intention of sailing to Halifax. "THORSHAMMER" remained there until the start of the catching season.
		In Halifax, Andersen became captain of the "SOLGLIMT"; his predecessor had to leave the ship due to illness. Currently, only one auxiliary cruiser, a passenger steamer of approximately 15,000 tons, and approximately five smaller units, probably minesweepers or gun boats, are berthed in Halifax. He could not provide details, as their berth was further away. Before his arrival, the "SOLGLIMT" was to be loaded with whale oil from the "PALAGOS" for transport to Curacao. Three days after leaving Halifax, he received orders by telegraph to dock in New York, where he would load four guns (American 4" guns, built in 1918) and 200 shells. One gun and 50 shells each were intended for the ships. "SOLGLIMT," "THORSHAMMER," "OLE WEGGER," and "PELAGOS." After a mere 14-hour stopover, they continued on to their destination port of Curacao. After unloading their cargo of whale oil, they took on 5,800 tons of fuel oil for the "THORSHAMMER," "OLE WEGGER," and "PELAGOS" cooking plants, as well as 3,700 tons of bunker fuel. When cargo loading operations were completed, he was instructed to first stop in Montevideo to take over a motorboat. He didn't take over a motorboat, but instead, workers immediately came on board to build the pivot and stiffeners for the gun. After eight days, this work was suddenly canceled without being fully completed. When he asked his agent what this meant, he was told that the work had to be stopped by order of the Government of Uruguay because they did not allow the gun to be installed in the harbor. They worked for another eight days to repair the deck that had been torn during installation. Even with this work unfinished (the wooden deck had not been completed), they left Montevideo on 28 December. The guns, except for two that had already been delivered to "THORSHAMMER"

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	24.01.41
		and "OLE WEGGER," were stored in the forward cargo hold.
		Upon arrival at Montevideo on 13 December, he found a large, modern English cruiser, whose name was unknown to him, which had sailed on the 16th or 17th. He was unable to provide any more precise details about the departure. Shortly before Christmas, two English passenger steamers, one of approximately 15,000 GRT and the other of approximately 20,000 GRT, arrived and left the port the next day. From his berth, he could make out two guns aft and one along the side. He thought he recognized the smaller one as a Castle Liner and identified both as auxiliary cruisers. A main representative of the Norwegian Shipping and Trade Mission, Room 1400, 80 Broad Street, New York City, informed him through the Montevideo office that he had to select eight men from the crew to be trained as gun crew. All eight men he selected agreed to operate the guns.
		From the departure from Montevideo until the capture on 14 January 1941, he did not see any ships until the encounter with the "THORSHAMMER" and "OLE WEGGER." Radio communications were not used. A secret key from the British Admiralty was not on board. In each port he received papers with course instructions from the Naval Officer at the British Consulate, where every Captain must appear on arrival and on departure, which he had to hand over again upon arrival at the next port.



		Captain Fritz B. G ö t h e s e n of the Norwegian whale cooker "PELAGOS" said the following when questioned by the Prisoner Officer:

		The "PELAGOS" sails on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Government. Its main representatives are based in London and are called Lorentzen and Ohlsen. The 9,500 tons of whale oil on board belong to the expedition's client, the Royal Norwegian Government. The name of the old shipping company is "Bruno von der Lippe."

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	24.01.41
		During the summer months, the "PELAGOS" is based in Halifax, while the catching boats stay in South Africa (Walfish Bay and Simonstown). The "PELAGOS" voyage went from Halifax via Curacao, where they took on oil, and Montevideo to the Antarctic catching grounds. They left Montevideo on November 10, 1940. The departure of the three Norwegian catching expeditions, "PELAGOS", "OLE WEGGER," and "THORSHAMMER," from Halifax had been announced on the local radio.
		"PELAGOS" was unarmed. When intercepted by the German warship, no radio communication were made. The warship was reported to the Captain a quarter of an hour before the Morse call as a dimmed vessel. He was in bed at the time. He was aware that it could only be an English or German warship. When he saw the outline of a cargo steamer, he was convinced it was a German auxiliary cruiser.
		When asked about other whaling fleets hunting nearby, Göthesen refused to comment. He claimed not to have had any contact with English whalers. He was convinced that the English were all armed, but he was unaware of the type of weaponry.
		With the exception of three Swedes, his crew of 300 men (including 91 men from seven fishing boats) consists of Norwegians, most of whom were already on board "PELAGOS" last year. None of them have been to Norway since the occupation. He had no previous experience of war. The instructions issued by the British Admiralty had to be followed, otherwise the insurance sum would not be paid out in the event of total loss or accident.
		They were forced to conduct telephone communications with the seven catching boats, as they had to travel a wide area to find favorable catching grounds. He estimated the hearing range of the voice communications traffic to be about 1,000 nautical miles.
		The catching expedition he lead moved from the 10°W to the 10°E and back, always close to the pack ice.

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24.01.41

limit. The previous catch results (9500 tons whale oil in half season 564 whales) could be described as pretty good. He killed the most whales in the area where he was captured. They intend to sell their whale oil to tankers, and Göthesen agreed to continue processing the whales and bring the ship home in exchange for payment.

About warship movements, troop shipments from Canada to the USA, deserted Göthesen allegedly has nothing to say.

As it turns out, "SOLGLIMT" can can only travel at 9 knots. Its fuel capacity is therefore increased to 2,500 tons. After refilling the prizes, "OLE WEGGER" is left with 5,300 tons of fuel oil and 1,200 tons of whale oil.

Just before releasing the prizes, received the following radio messages from Skl.:

1) To Ship 33 (96,97), SCHEER, Ship 10, NORDMARK. 1254, 1334.

Due to whaling being alerted:

1)	Ship 33 will act at its own discretion. Depending on the location, the Skl. deems it appropriate: to proceed with prizes northwest to the area west of Tristan da Cunha or temporarily to the east or into the ice. Radio silence, except if the release of prizes is required and if instructions from are required, then report the probable location of the prizes by short signal.

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24.01.41

2)	SCHEER not Antarctica. Choice of operating area at your own discretion.
3)	Handover of prize crews by SCHEER, Ship 10 to NORDMARK has been carried out.

2) To Ship 33 (98, 99), SCHEER.

1)	To Radio Message 1837/23: Skl. suspects that OU's return was based on reports from the three catcher boats that had escaped to "THORSHAMMER." The radio orders later advanced on all lines and in the South Atlantic via fake and blind radio.
2)	USA Radio Station Chatham sent the following to Norwegian cookers.
	a)	To "LANCING"" An enemy merchant disrupter is in the South Atlantic, possibly go to the nearest South American harbor.
	b)	To N.T. Nielsen-Allonso: After next harbor go to Pernambuco or Eio.
	c)	To "THORSHAMMER and "PELAGOS": (four code names). Proceed to protection until further orders. Follow only orders from (cover name) through (cover name), do not use radio or telephone. We understand that there is little chance of you obtaining additional fuel for your return journey.
		S.K.L.

The outfitting place, at which I am currently lying with the captured fleet, Lat. = 66°04'S, Long. = 9°38'E, is already so far southeast of the capture site that I feel completely safe here at the moment.

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	24.01.41
		Apparently the capture of "PELAGOS" is not yet known. Warships assigned to protect the cooking plants will have to stay in the vicinity, i.e., at or to the west of the capture site. I consider a search for "OLE WEGGER," "SOLGLIMT," or the auxiliary cruiser that captured them - 10 days after the capture - to be unlikely, given the vastness of the sea area in question.
		In view of the many Norwegians on the ships, I consider it desirable that the ships be separated soon and that they begin their promised journey home as soon as possible. Furthermore, the fuel allocated to the vessels no longer allows for a long wait, unless the possibility of bringing the ships to Norway is to be abandoned.
		A departure to the northwest to the area west of Tristan da Cunha is out of the question given my current location, as I would have to pass through the sea area of the capture, which is best avoided at the moment.
		The prizes will therefore be assigned waiting places located a day's journey apart, well northeast of the outfitting place, from which they will begin their journey home following a prearranged radio Short Signal along the assigned routes. If no signal is received by 9 February, they will begin their journey home independently.

			Waiting place "PELAGOS" Lat. = 57°28'S
			Long. = 30°00'E
			Waiting place "SOLGLIMT" Lat. = 61°30'S
			Long. = 25°00'E

		After taking on provisions, I intend to wait further with "OLE WEGGER" and the boats further east at Lat. = 66°05'S, Long. = 20°00'E.

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	25.01.41
	00.30		Released "PELAGOS" with "three long" blasts.

	04.00		Went alongside "OLE WEGGER".
			The three whales that serve as fenders between the ships are in perfect contact. Without them, mooring alongside and shifting oil at sea would be impossible, even in calm weather. Surplus provisions and other equipment from "PELAGOS" and "SOLGLIMT" have been transferred to them while they were lying at "OLE WEGGER's" so that everything can now be taken over at once. Provisions, primarily potatoes, for about 2-3 months and other equipment supplements were taken over.

	12.00	66°05'S 09°40'E
		NE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good

			When the barometer is falling, the swell slowly increases and decreases,
	15.30		and when the takeover is over, the time has come which required the ships to separate.
			"SOLGLIMT" was released with "three long" blasts.

			With "OLE WEGGER" and the fleet proceeded eastwards to the chosen waiting place.

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continued

25.01.41

Receipt of the message that "ALSTERTOR: Brings supplies of personnel, ammunition, aircraft and provisions for 33 and 36.

26.01.41

66°16'S 12°23'E

No particular events.

12.00

ENE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. moderate, snow

27.01.41

Received the following Radio Message:

To Ship 33 (E 2), info SCHEER, Ship 41, NORDMARK.

1)	For further dissemination, the Seekriegsleitung requires the location of Ship 33 by February 5 at the latest, as well as further reports on prizes, location, and intentions, if possible.
2)	Since Ship 41 and NORDMARK will meet at Point Lübeck on 7 February, it is possible to transfer assembled prize crews from Ship 33 to Ship 41.
3)	Paragraph 2 should only be used to ensure that no further delay is caused by it.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.01.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.01.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.01.41

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	continued
	27.01.41
			"OLE WEGGER and catching boats begin homeward transit.
			S.K.L.


		Nothing has changed in the assessment of the situation in Antarctica. I intend to give up the wait and begin the general advance at the end of the month. A longer wait would significantly upset the fuel calculations.
		We now see that the fuel supply probably no longer allows the prize to reach the coast of Norway via Iceland.



	12.00	66°21'S 15°18'E
		NEbyE 4-5, Sea 3-4, clear, Vis. good, icebergs


	28.01.41	66°11'S 19°25'E	No particular events.
	12.00	NE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium


	29.01.41	66°10'S 18°52'E
	12.00	NbyW 3, Sea 3, overcast, misty, snow, Vis. bad

	Sun and Moon Data 27.01.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.01.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.01.41

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	continued
	29.01.41
		Received the message, that "SCHEER" wants to begin return transit from the Indian Ocean operations area about in the middle of February via the Antarctic. I see only the possibility of success in the Wedell area and consider the SCHEER intention a waste of time and energy. Unfortunately, the current radio silence does not allow me to share this opinion.






	30.01.41	65°47'S 18°25'E
	12.00	NW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium, icebergs

			Order to Prize Nos. 3 and 4 by agreed Short Signal, start the journey home as ordered.


	31.01.41	65°28'S 21°37'E
	12.00	WSW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Snow, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 29.01.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.01.41
	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.41

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continued

31.01.41

Before beginning own transit with "OLE WEGGER" and catching boats, all catching boats restocked provisions and fuel at "OLE WEGGER." 3,600 tons of heating oil remained on board "OLE WEGGER."

Receipt of the radio message that the aircraft carrier "FORMIDABLE" is leaving Cape Town on 30 January for South Georgia, assuming protection for the current English cooking plants.

He will cross the course of the prizes ahead of them. If he searches the capture location by aircraft, it's reassuring that the prizes and the "WEGGER" formation would then be so far east and will begin their advance from here.

During the transit, the boats, especially "OLE WEGGER," should be avoided as far as possible. Therefore, the following orders are issued:

a)	"PINGUIN" leads the way.
b)	The boats follow within masthead sight. The fleet is in a closed up formation. It is divided into three groups, led by Lt.z.S. Hommer, group leader Chief Strm. and Chief Weapons Officer. Radio transmitters have been rendered inoperable, nautical charts, sextants, etc. have been taken away, and the boat leaders transferred to the "OLE WEGGER." Each boat is manned by two men.
c)	Boats follow within masthead sight of "OLE WEGGER", The lead boat and the "OLE WEGGER" are equipped with a Hagenuk. They will be approached in the evening and searched again at daybreak. The fleet's speed is decisive for the advance, with a base speed of 9 knots.
	If "PINGUIN" gets something in sight, it immediately changes course energetically, and then the boats and also "OLE WEGGER" turn around.

Orders and Communications Orders are attached.

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	continued
	31.01.41
		Meeting points on and next to the course line after "URSULA" have been established in case of separation.








	01.02.41	65°38'S 22°02'E
	12.00	NW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium

		After filling the boats "OLE WEGGER" has only 3600 tons of fuel oil, that means that probably only one full boat refueling can be provided to all boats. So for fuel oil supply in "BAYERN" a supply ship is required.

	12.30		Began the advance of the formation.


		Message about setting off and own advance start should be by 3 short signals; if possible with groups following. This requires position reporting by quadrant

	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.02.41

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01.02.41

and not by latitude and longitude.

All three reports will therefore only be sent when the vessel enters the South Atlantic grid chart.

02.02.41

62°41'S 21°59'E

No particular events.

12.00

NW 6, Sea 6, overcast, snow, misty, icebergs

03.02.41

59°14'S 21°23'E

12.00

SW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, snow, misty, icebergs.

18.16

Sent Short Signal:

a)	Have dispatched Prize 3 LCAQ (PELAGOS) 10 knots, good Short Wave transmitter. Square RG 56, 2nd day of the month.
	Ship 33.

b)	My position is square HN 69. Going to meeting with supply ship "NORDMARK" waiting area Andalusia, speed 8 knots.
	Ship 33.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.02.41

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	04.02.41	56°10'S 20°48'E
	12.00	NW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, misty, icebergs

	17.57		Sent Short Signal:
			Have dispatched Prize 4, LDMD (SOLGLIMT), 8 knots, good Short Wave transmitter, large square HG 83, 3rd day of the month.
			Ship 33.



	05.02.41
		Received the message that "STORSTAD" had arrived in the Gironde on 4 February.
		A great joy for the entire crew. The "STORSTAD," formerly "PASSAT," was a part of us for a full two months and provided us with exceptionally valuable service.


	12.00	54°00'S 18°41'E
		W 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. good, icebergs

		Ship 41, which will hand over its on-board U-boat equipment to NORDMARK in Andalusia on February 6th, will have one catching boat available for TMB deployment on the African coast upon request.
		33 should report the arrival of the boats for this purpose

	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.41

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	continued
	05.02.41
		I consider the boats well suited for their intended purpose. Naturally, the number of TMBs that can be carried on board is limited and will have to be adapted to the expected weather.






	06.02.41	51°49'S 15°15'E
	12.00	W 4, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good, iceberg


		Ship 45 reports his position east of New Zealand and his intention to proceed across Antarctica into the eastern Indian Ocean. Here, too - as with "SCHEER" - I no longer consider Antarctica a promising option and suspect only Japanese in Antarctica south of Australia. I have reported this interpretation with the success report. Currently, the required radio silence prohibits me from making any further statements.


		Received radio messages about the distribution of operations areas in the Indian Ocean:
		All 85, 86, 87, 88, 89
		Distribution of operations areas in the Indian Ocean:

	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.41

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06.02.41

1)	Goal just after mid-March: Ship 33 north of 20°S west 80°E. Ship 41 north of 20°S east of 80°E. Ship 36 south of 20°S west of 80°E. Ship 45 south of 20°S east of 80°E and Australian area.

2)	Determination of limits provisionally only in the short term depending on the development of the situation, since the ship is still moving too much.

Skl. imagines movements like:

3)	SHEER goes back into the South Atlantic 15 February.

4)	Ship 16 begins transit into the South Atlantic about 20 February, as soon as ALSTERUFER is released by Ship 10. Report departure with consideration for Ship 41 and 33 by Short Signal.

5)	Ship 41 proceeds to the north under a boundary to be determined in due course with respect to Ship 16 west 80°E, crossing at some point in early March to some point 0°N 80°E to the east.

6)	Ship 33 will release some prizes in Andalusia on February 20, supply at a location of your choice from ALSTERTOR, goes west 80°E into the operational area according to Paragraph 1. Will arrive there probably at the end of March.

7)	Ship 45 remains east of 80°E. For demarcation from Ship 36, possibly also Ship 41, occasional position report for Skl. is of great value.

8)	Ship 36 reports its intended route to the Indian Ocean upon departure from the U-boat base in accordance with the order issued. In accordance with this report, the ship will deploy to the operational area in accordance with Paragraph 1. Isolation from other ships.

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06.02.41

9)	Exploit all operational opportunities within the overall development. When a Q-report is received, or if the enemy knows the location, report the intended location by short signal.
	S K L .

For the supply from "ALSTERTOR" I have the Kerguelen in mind. Here alone the ships could lie longitudinally and thus the take-over in the shortest possible time. Only here would the urgently needed cleaning and painting of the waterline and, as far as accessible by heeling, of the ship’s hull be possible.

After all, according to the experience of Ship 16, water can be filled here and coal can thus be saved, because coal has become scarce, after provisions and multiple oil fillings.

"ALSTERTOR" is to meet ship 36 in waiting area "Sibiren". Therefore Kerguelen means that, in view of the time savings when taking over by side-slide, is not a detour for "ALSTERTOR".

Received a message that Ship 16, among other things, had captured the Norwegian tanker "KOTTY BRÖVIG" with 6,000 tons of fuel oil and 4,000 tons of diesel oil north of Madagascar. Ship 16 proposes that, after delivering oil to several ships in the Indian Ocean, "KOTTY" should only be made available to Ship 33 for mine-laying duties. (This is in recognition of the deployment of "STORSTAD" as an auxiliary mine-laying vessel to the "PASSAT" for Australian mine-laying duties, which was learned by Kommandanten 16 during the meeting.) Skl. requests a Short Signal if "KOTTY" is desired for mine-laying duties.

Since, after the positive experience with the "PASSAT," I 'd hoped for the capture of a tanker for the upcoming mining operations on the west coast of India in this tanker-rich sea area, and since I consider a tanker to be particularly well-suited for a mining operations as the least likely to be suspected, the "KOTTY" is very much desired.

An encrypted radio message from Chatham Radio to "THORSHAMMER" was picked up, signed "Notraship." After several attempts, the message was successfully decrypted using a whaling key found on "PELAGOS." The telegram reads:

- MSG nr 1/4 newyork ods 59 4 2517 -

captain torp thorshammer via chatham radio -

Ditto meeting with crew and riflemen to see if they agree

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	continued
	06.02.41	to continue catching with South Georgia as a base. Also meeting with local authorities to investigate the possibility of receiving linens, informing about the quantity of whale oil, fuel oil on board and whether crews from other cookers are also on board.
			Notraship

		The Norwegians therefore intend to move the remaining cooking plant to South Georgia, where it has escaped capture, and from there to send their catching boats out to catch. These boats will then have to return with their catch. A license for this must be specially issued by the English.


	07.02.41	49°39'S 11°00'E
	12.00	EbyS 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. medium

			Short Signal to Skl:
			1) Catching boats are suitable for TMB operation.
			2) KOTTY desired for mining task.
			Ship 33


		Receipt notification of ship movements and arrival times in Andalusia:

		To Ship 33 (E 11 - 15), Ship 41 (G 42 - 46), NORDMARK (J 74 - 78), info: All 30 - 34.

		1. In Andalusia arrive:

	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.41

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07.02.41

	About 17 February ALSTERTOR at Karin, 18 February PORTLAND at Meise. Ship 33 with OLE WEGGER and catching boats at Point Ursula.

2.	NORDMARK be at Ursula from 14 February for Ship 33.

3.	Bring in, dispatch PORTLAND and ALSTERTOR according to instructions from Ship 33. Avoid assembly at one place.

4.	Seems appropriate:
		a)	Initially NORDMARK will only hand over prize crews to Ship 33. Then go immediately to PORTLAND for fuel and prisoner offload, and take over fresh provisions. Release PORTLAND. A Prisoner Officer and a sufficient prisoner handling party must be on PORTLAND. For this purpose, the Captain or other Merchant Officer will be appointed as Special Commander, and part of the steamer's crew will be exchanged for soldiers.
		b)	Then NORDMARK to ALSTERTOR for fuel and water delivery. Both ships back to Ship 33.
		c)	After fuel oil delivery, NORDMARK go to Ship 33, refueling from "OLE WEGGER." Dismissal of whale catching prizes. Ship 33 continue with ALSTERTOR at own discretion.

5.	Ship 41 takes over a catching boat for mine task. Since the meeting of both auxiliary cruisers before the arrival of Ship 33 at Ursula speeds things up and and requires radio communication, handover at Andalusia. Ship 41 suggests a meeting point in Andalusia via NORDMARK to Ship 33. Until then, Ship 41 will act at its own discretion.

6.	In Andalusia area radio silence as far as possible.

7.	Since the possibility of Ship 41 meeting with ALSTERTOR was not foreseen, unfortunately no mail for Ship 41 was included.
			S K L.

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07.02.41

I intend to sail the last part of the route in order to meet "NORDMARK" at Ursula around 15 February and to arrange the completion of the extensive program, while at the same time taking over and assign the prize crews for the boats and "OLE WEGGER", so that after the arrival of the formation, work can begin without further loss of time.

08.02.41

47°35'S 07°41'E

12.00

NWbtW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, misty, dust rain

Received the following radio messages:

Ship 33 (E 17, 18, 19, 20), Ship 10 (D 71, 72, 73, 70), NORDMARK (J 79, 80, 81, 82).

1.	Carry out the homeward transit by catching boats, as details are not known to Skl., according to instructions from ship 33.

2.	Seems appropriate: In traffic-intensive areas of the North and South Atlantic,proceed in formation with "OLE WEGGER," supplied to about 15°S U-boat Point Krebs in Bavaria or Zander. For passing Bahia - Freetown, and after the last supply, individually or in packs independently.

3.	Since "MUROFELD" still has 1000 tons of fuel oil, the tanker remains at the disposal of Ship 10 and is

	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.41

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continued

08.02.41

	stationed at point Zander as a reserve for "WEGGER" while the catching boats return home.

4.	Boats are not bound to the prize route. If necessary, Las Palmas, Tenerife, Vigo, or El Ferrol can be called upon as supplementary ports. Contact the German consul and supply from the V-ship currently berthed there.

5.	To Paragraph 4) Inform boats about Prize Regulations. Calling at a neutral port is only necessary in the event of an accident, fuel shortage, or replenishment of provisions. The 24-hour rule does not apply. If there is no emergency, anchor in neutral waters for fishing is prohibited, passage allowed.

6.	Outfit boats with Prize Key.
	S K L.

It should be noted in detail:

1.	The homeland transit of the boats - 5 groups, each of 2 boats - (1 boat remains as auxiliary ship for Ship 33) is prepared down to the last detail by "33" since it is not expected that the prize crew given this task are also appropriately equipped. In particular, boat charts, navigation material, prize route, meeting point and other necessary equipment was prepared for the boat leader.
	However, Ship 33 is unable to provide the boats with the prize key. The required copy of the International Signal Book Volume II (F.V.S.) is not available and cannot be reproduced in advance. If no prize key is available on NORDMARK, boats will be equipped with the key: "All HSK and Auxiliary Vessels".

- 321 -

continued

08.02.41

3.	The fuel capacity of even the small boats is sufficient to bridge the gap between Andalusia and Bavaria under normal conditions. After refueling in Andalusia, fuel replenishment is only necessary in Bavaria, and then it is sufficient for the march from Bavaria to the west coast of France. The boats are to march in groups, each consisting of one large boat (fuel capacity 150-180 tons) and one smaller boat (fuel capacity 120 tons). Boats have fuel transfer facilities to give fuel to one another so that even in the event of unexpected incidents, fuel shortages will not occur.

4.	Fuel on "OLE WEGGER" in Andalusia probably only amounts to 3100 tons.
	This eliminates:
	a)	an oil transfer to NORDMARK,
	b)	after filling the boats in Andalusia a second oil filling of the boats in Bavaria.

5.	Therefore "OLE WEGGER" is to start the homeward transit on the Prize Route to France after completion of its outfitting tasks in Andalusia.

6.	Calling at Spanish ports or islands should only be considered in a real emergency and should be avoided if at all possible. In my opinion, the boats are safe at sea and on prize routes, as with a little attention they can see everything without being caught. Entering a neutral harbor will prevent the entire operation and could potentially endanger the "OLE WEGGER" and the other prizes following behind.

- 322 -




	09.02.41
	10.00		Since departure, the ship has traveled 43,200 nautical miles, twice the circumference of the Earth. In the evening, each person receives not two rums, but one bottle of beer.

	12.00	45°21'S 04°13'E
		WNW 7, Sea 6, overcast, misty, rain.


		On the way, the boats' fabulous seaworthiness proves itself time and again in bad weather. Even in rough seas, they maintain a speed of 9 nautical miles.





	10.02.41	43°03'S 01°40'E
	12.00	WNW 4, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. good


		Received the message that Ship 10 considers the return of the tanker "MUROFELD" necessary due to the condition of the ship and that the return transit from Bavaria is intended from 16 February.
		The return transit of this tanker, previously intended as the fuel source for boats in the North Atlantic, has thrown previous plans into disarray.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.02.41

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continued

10.02.41

I see the following possibilities:

1)	Fill the boats in Andalusia with "STORSTAD" oil from NORDMARK. Consumption was about 1000 tons. "NORDMARK" has currently taken over 6000 tons from "STORSTAD". In my opinion this must be possible and viable. "OLE WEGGER will then able to use his fuel oil to carry out the filling in Bavaria.

2)	"OLE WEGGER" carries out boat refilling in Andalusia and then supplies accordingly from "NORDMARK", so that in this case he is also able to carry out the second boat refilling in Bavaria.

Arrangement 2) can probably be implemented more efficiently in view of the "NORDMARK's" other offload, especially since the boats have to moor alongside the "OLE WEGGER" for replenishment. Just in case, provisions should be provided in sufficient quantities to ensure that they last until they reach France.

In both cases, however, the fuel supply in Bavaria stands and falls with the arrival of the filling "OLE WEGGER" to Bavaria.

In my opinion, the provision of a reserve is necessary. This will be reported to the Skl. when notification of the deployment or the subsequent outfitting in Andalusia is received.

The decision on the measures to be taken will be made after consultation with "NORDMARK".

- 324 -




	11.02.41	41°07'S 01°07'W
	12.00	W 7-8, Sea 7, changing cloudiness, Vis. good, rain showers


		Message received that Ship 41 does not wish to have a trawler for TMB operation. This will simplify the outfitting offload in Andalusia. Five groups of two boats each were dispatched, and one boat from " 33 " was commissioned as an auxiliary vessel.


			After dark, set off from the formation for Ursula, to rendezvous with the "NORDMARK" on the morning of 15 February. "OLE WEGGER" has orders to plan his further transit so that he arrives with boat at Ursula on 17 February at daybreak.


	12.02.41	37°54'S 03°40'W	No particular events.
	12.00	SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain, squalls, Vis. good


		Great success of "HIPPER", who sank 13 steamers from Freetown convoy.


	13.02.41	34°14'S 08°18'W
	12.00	NE 4, Sea 3-4, changing cloudiness, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 11.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.41

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continued

13.02.41

Received the following Radio Message from SKL:

[3. Ship 33 Boote dennoch anmeinen, über Zander gehen. unclear word anseinen?]

Ship 33 (E 26,27), Ship 10 (D 77,78), info. All 85,86)
To Radio Message 2058/7:
1)	Because return to the European area is required on 16 February, stationing of tankers as reserve for "WEGGER" at point Zander is omitted.

2)	Ship 33 boats proceed via Zander. Report the likely arrival date after release. If necessary, Skl. will station the approaching fleet tanker or Ship 10 as a reserve for "WEGGER" at Zander in a timely manner. WEGGER must report any incidents that occur.

3.	In the event of an emergency call at Spanish ports, boats will fly the German war flag over the Norwegian merchant flag. The Madrid Attaché is informed of the possibility of entering.
	S K L.

I don't think it's certain that a report from "OLE WEGGER" will be received in the homeland if it is picked up during the day. In any case a reserve for fuel supply must in any case await the boats in Bavaria.

Point Zander is located too far north. Point Jaget in Bavaria is considered the most suitable for a one time supply to Andalusia.

- 326 -




	14.02.41	30°09'S 13°25'W	No particular events.
	12.00	NNW 2-3, Sea 2, changing cloudiness, Vis. good


	15.02.41
	06.00		2 masts come in sight ahead 20° to port. A bit later 2 more steamer masts were distinguished and the first was recognized as a tanker.
			Because I expected "NORDMARK" alone at "Ursula", at first the second ship is unexplained and makes special caution seem advisable.
			The long range signal shape is hoisted in the top as Recognition Signal, but Ship 33 is coming directly out of the still low morning sun, so everything will be difficult to recognize.

	07.00		The ship is placed athwart the approach course. The tanker blows out 2 conspicuous smoke clouds at 1 minute intervals, was recognized as "NORDMARK" and ran towards.

	08.00		At "NORDMARK"

			"MORDMARK" has the "SCHEER" prize "DUQUESA" in tow. Her coal supply has been depleted to 30 tons. Deck planks and derricks are already being used to keep the refrigeration machines running.
			The steamer was loaded with eggs and meat, and ship 33 and the "WEGGER" boats were to be provided with these treasures as well, if possible.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.41

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continued

15.02.41

I acknowledge these efforts of the "NORDMARK" Kommandanten and the prize crew embarked on "DUQUESA" with special thanks. Eggs were unknown to us since the consumption of the home food.

The conference with the "NORDMARK Kommandanten gives:

1)	NORDMARK still has about 6000 tons of fuel oil,
		3000 tons are for "SCHEER",
		2000 tons for own operation and return transit.
		1000 tons for supply of "PORTLAND" and "ALSTERTOR",

2)	There is therefore no question of delivery to Ship 33 or the fueling of boats or "OLE WEGGER". " NORDMARK" has counted on the takeover of "WEGGER" fuel oil.

3)	It was decided:
		a)	Boats refuel after the arrival of "OLE WEGGER". "OLE WEGGER" will be released direct to France.
		b)	For supply of boats in Bavaria a North Atlantic tanker must be requested for 7 March for "JAGET"
		c)	"NORDMARK" supports provisioning "PINGUIN" from "DUQUESA" by boat trestle15 and 16 February. Will be released on 16 February to refuel "ALSTERTOR" at "KARIN", which he should then send to "PINGUIN" at "UESULA". Then "NORDMARK" will go to "PORTLAND" at "BRISE" which will probably have to wait longer.
	The prize crews assigned to "OLE WEGGER" and the boats are well equipped, and the group leader boats are receiving the Prize Key. The crews are currently all stationed on "DUQUESA" and should remain there until "OLE WEGGER" arrives. They were briefed on "PINGUIN" for their tasks and received marching orders, so that after the arrival of "OLE WEGGER" and the boats, they can be taken over immediately by the prize crews.

- 328 -



	continued
	15.02.41	27°12'S 17°09'W	The prize "DUQUESA" is taken on a tow line to facilitate boat traffic and to be able to hold position at "URSULA".
	12.00	ENE 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. very good

		Received the Radio Message by which "SCHEER" intends to extend its stay in the Indian Ocean due to good prospects for success.
		I very much hope that "SCHEER" does not extend its operational area too far north, thereby triggering defense in the Arabian Sea that could be detrimental to my mine-laying mission. Skl. reports further that the "KURMARK" left Chisimaio with only 800 tons of oil and is being diverted to Ship 16, or "KOTTY," for replenishment. After refueling from the "NORDMARK" was waived for the benefit of "SCHEER" in anticipation of the "KOTTY" expected in the Indian Ocean, I now fear that the "KOTTY" will be overtaxed and will later no longer have oil available for me or be able to be used operationally.



	16.02.41	27°05'S 17°23'W
	12.00	ENE 4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. very good

		This view is reinforced by a radio message received today stating that five more steamers will attempt to leave Massawa. However, Skl. initially only intends to refuel "COBURG."
		Since I want to use the catching boats to ship as much of the egg and meat cargo as possible into the "WEGGER" cold storage rooms for transport home before the sinking of the "DUQUESA", which has now become absolutely necessary, a work detail is given to the "DUQUESA" to fill it [WEGGER] with wood and take over the refrigeration system. The English will be taken over on board the "NORDMARK" this afternoon. I hope to maintain steam for the refrigeration machines and winches until February 18.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.41

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continued

16.02.41

All together from "DUQUESA" were taken over:

1200 cases of eggs

23 hindquarters

410 lamb (whole animals).

17 sacks of oxtails

This means that the ship, together with the meat stocks taken over from "OLE WEGGER", has again reached the level of meat it was carrying at the time of departure.

A telegram sent from "Notraship" to "THORSHAMMER" was received again, which was deciphered in Norwegian using the whaling key found on "PELAGOS".

Translated it is:

- MSG newyork 31 cde 13 1955 GMT -

- captain torp thorshammer woc -

- embassy washington has has again sought London lease. London will inform you directly. Get yourself and all catchers ready.

Notraship -

Since this message is received as a radio message, "THORSHAMMER" must still be at sea, then in South Georgia I take cable connection with the Falklands.

Concluded with release of "NORDMARK" to "ALSTERTOR" and "PORTLAND".