U-48 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	20 November 1939	Kiel	20 December 1939	31

 

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
26 Nov 39	00.30	59°39'N, 2°12'W	GUSTAF E. REUTER	6,336	Swedish
8 Dec 39	11.55	50°01'N, 8°45'W	BRANDON	6,668	British	OB-48
9 Dec 39	07.10	49°07'N, 11°35'W	SAN ALBERTO	7,397	British	OB-48
15 Dec 39	17.40	50°54'N, 12°00'W	GERMAINE	5,217	Greek
			Total = 25,618
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				Copy No.     1
			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e b  u  c  h
			======================
			of                                      Unterseebootes  "U  48  "                                   ==================
			Kommandant:  Kaptlt. Schultze, Herbert                          Beginning:                  26 October 1939                    Concluding:               20 December 1939.
			Enclosures:  2 (for B.d.U. 4).
				Distribution: "  U  48  " Copy No. 1 7. U-Flottille     -"-        2 B.d.U. Op.     -"-        3 O.K.M.     -"-        4
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
			Shipyard period from 26.10. - 20.11.39.
		26.10.39		Boat shifted to Germania Werft for repairs.
		27.10.39		Germania Werft.  Overhaul.  Muster by B.d.U.
		28.10. - 15.11.39		Germania Werft.  Overhaul.
		16.11.39
		08.15 - 13.00		Shipyard sea trial.  After the sea trial made fast alongside "MEMEL" for torpedo loading.
		17.11.39		Tirpitz Mole.  Provisions loading and took over the boat.
		18.11.39		Tirpitz Mole.  Morning for an hour put to sea for trim test.
		19.11.39		Tirpitz Mole.  Sunday service.
			3rd Remote Patrol from 20.11.39 - 20.12.39.
			All times are M.G.Z.   [GMT]
		20.11.39		Morning final outfitting of the boat.  Afternoon free time.
		22.00		Cast off Tirpitz Mole for 3rd remote patrol.
		22.30  - 05.00		Canal cruise through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal.
		21.11.39
		06.50		Cast off the Brunsbüttel lock.
		08.00	AN 9685 upper-center
			Elbe
			SSE 1, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. medium, murky

	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.39
	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.39

	- 2 -
		continued
		21.11.39
		12.00	AN 9592
			Deutsche Bucht south of Helgoland
			SSW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium-good
		12.20		Incoming Radio Message 1214/21/40 from B.d.U. be in square 9592 center at 17.30 MEZ.  2. Minensuchflottille . . .
		16.00	AN 9582	I am in position waiting for the 2. Minensuchflottille back and forth on changing courses and 2 x HF.  Transit through the Warning Area under mine escort by the 2. Minensuchflottille.
			Deutsche Bucht
			SSW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. good
		20.00	AN 6983 upper-center
			Deutsche Bucht
			SSW 2, Sea 1, cloudy-overcast, Vis. medium, clear
		24.00	AN 6834	Mine escort ended, again we proceed alone.  Transit speed in the direction of Fair Isle Passage.
			Deutsche Bucht
			SSW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium
		22.11.39
		04.00	AN 6549
			Deutsche Bucht
			SSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, partly bad, at times misty
		08.00	AN 6199
			Deutsche Bucht
			SW 2, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. bad, misty
		12.00	AN 6167
			Deutsche Bucht
			WSW 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. bad, misty
		16.00	AN 4974
			Deutsche Bucht
			WSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. bad, misty
		17.50		Incoming Radio Message 1659/22/56 from B.d.U. attack disposition "U-47", "U-35", "U-31", "U-48".

	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.39
	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.39

	- 3 -
		continued
		22.11.39
		20.00	AN 4835
			Central North Sea
			WSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. bad, at times misty
		24.00	AN 4549	Up to 22 November total distance covered: 236 nm.
			Northern North Sea
			WSW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, at times misty
		23.11.39
		04.00	AN 4435
			Northern North Sea
			WSW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium, clear
		08.00	AN 4191
			Northern North Sea
			SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, clear
		12.00	AN 4121
			Northern North Sea
			SSW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy-overcast, Vis. good, clear
		16.00	AN 1499
			East of Orkney
			SW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		20.00	AN 1632
			East of Orkney
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, a few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		24.00	AN 2678	Total distance covered 23 November: 164 nm.
			East of Orkney
			SW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium, at times misty
		24.11.39
		04.00	AN 2675
			East of Orkney
			SW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, at times overcast, Vis. medium, rain showers

	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.39
	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.39
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.39

	- 4 -
		continued
		24.11.39
		05.15	AN 2674 center-right edge	One enemy destroyer sighted.
		05.40		Avoided on the surface.
		08.00	AN 1633
			East of Orkney
			SW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy-overcast, Vis. medium, at times misty, rain showers
		12.00	AN 1623
			East of Orkney
			WNW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. medium partly bad, rain showers
		12.30 - 13.00		Dived for aircraft.
		15.27 - 16.10		Dived for 2 aircraft.  The types were not exactly distinguished.  It is not excluded that they were German types, coming back from reconnaissance of the Shetland Islands.
		16.00	AN 1497
			East of Orkney
			WNW 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium partly bad, rain showers, misty
		20.00	AN 1495
			East of Orkney
			WNW 5, Sea 5, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium-bad
		24.00	AN 1493 upper-right corner
			East of Orkney
			WNW 4, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. medium, rain showers
		25.11.39
		04.00	AN 1495
			East of Orkney
			WNW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. medium-good, clear
		05.30	AN 1495 lower-left corner	Enemy destroyer sighted, avoided on the surface.
		08.00	AN 1497
			East of Orkney
			WNW 4, Sea 4, cloudy-overcast, Vis. medium, clear

	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.39
	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.39

	- 5 -
		continued
		25.11.39
		12.00	AN 1622 center-right edge
			East of Orkney
			WSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. bad, misty, rain showers
		16.00	AN 2677
			East of Orkney
			SSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, misty, Vis. bad, rain showers
		20.00	AN 2655
			East of Orkney
			SSW 5, Sea 5, overcast, misty, Vis. bad, rain showers
		20.15		Illuminated vessel ahead to starboard.  Recognized as a tanker.  Followed the vessel and observed.
		23.32	AN 1461 lower-center	1st torpedo shot on the steamer.  Range at the shot estimated: 1000 meters.  No detonation heard.  Continued to follow the steamer and maneuvered ahead again.  Shortly before the 2nd approach I see a destroyer positioned on the opposite course such that the approach had to be skipped and the 2nd shot had to be taken an hour later, to remain unnoticed.
			East of Orkney
			SSW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, misty, Vis. bad, rain showers
		26.11.39
		00.30	AN 1452	2nd torpedo shot on the tanker.  Range estimated:  1500 meters, torpedo running time:  118 seconds, torpedo speed = 30 knots.  Range calculated: 1770 meters.  Hit in the foreship.  It is the Swedish tanker "GUSTAV E REUTER" 6336 tons, gives S O S and transmits:  "Ran on a mine".  After the torpedoing return by northern passage to the old position.  The lighthouse on Fair Isle and Sumburg Head burned from time to time.  Patrols were not found to be bothersome.
			East of Orkney
			SSW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, misty, at times clearing, Vis. bad, rain showers
		04.00	AN 2619 lower-center
			East of Orkney
			SSW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, misty, rain shower, Vis. bad, medium Swell
		08.00	AN 2644
			East of Orkney
			SSW 6, Sea 6, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium
		08.07		Dived to reload the torpedoes.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.39
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.39

	- 6 -
		continued
		26.11.39
		12.00	AN 2644
			East of Orkney
			SW 11, Sea 7-8, overcast, misty, Vis. bad, heavy Swell
		14.30 - 15.50		Surfaced. Dove again on the basis of the weather conditions.
		16.00	AN 2647
			East of Orkney
			Weather etc. not observed
		20.00	AN 2647
			East of Orkney
			Weather etc. not observed
		20.35		Incoming Radio Message 1710/26/93:  "U-48" east of Shetland Islands . . . . reconnoiter Lerwik Bay.
		24.00	AN 1493
			East of Orkney
			Weather not observed
		27.11.39
		04.00	AN 2647
			East of Orkney
			Weather not observed because
		04.20		4 strong depth charge detonations heard.  No S-gear, no locating.
		08.00	AN 2645
			Northeast of Orkney
			NW 4, Sea 3, cloudy-overcast, Vis. medium, clear
		09.42		Surfaced.  Continued transit to ordered operations area.
		12.00	AN center-right edge
			Southeast of the Shetland Islands
			NW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy-overcast, Vis. medium, clear
		12.15		Crash dive for aircraft.
		13.11		Surfaced.  Transit continued.
		13.54	AN 2613 lower-right corner	Dived before destroyer.
		16.00	AN 2613 upper-center
			Southeast of the Shetlands
			NW 4, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. medium
		17.05		Surfaced.  Continued transit into the Lerwik Bay.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.39
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.39

	- 7 -
		continued
		27.11.39
		20.00	AN 2178	The lighthouse at Sumburg Head burns continuously!
			Southeast of the Shetland Islands
			WNW 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, Vis. medium, at times misty, rain showers
		24.00	AN 2174	Lerwik Bay.  Entered the Bay and navigated into the Lerwik Roadstead.  No vessels and no patrols or barriers determined.  See track chart!
			Lerwik Bay
			W 5, cloudy, Vis. medium-good, good illumination by the moon
		28.11.39
		00.30		Came about and in accordance with Radio Message 1834/27/48 proceeded on course 90° in our reconnaissance strip.
		01.50	AN 2185	A dimmed warship sighted abeam to port on opposite course by the Watch Officer probably a 10000 ton cruiser.  The shadow disappeared again immediately in a hail squall.  An attack or searching for contact on the surface is not possible due to weather conditions (hurricane - hail squalls). I believe that the cruiser sought protection in the vicinity of the coast and I decide to go back into Lerwik Bay.
			East of the Shetlands
			W 11, Sea 7-8, Vis. bad, overcast, hail showers
		01.57	Weather as above	Dived and began to return to Lerwik Bay.
		04.00	AN 2184
		08.00	AN 2179 upper-left corner
		12.00	AN 2174	Entered the Bay once again submerged.  Penetrated up to the inner harbor.  Except for two small fishing trawlers moving back and forth in position in the Bay, nothing sighted.  Came about at 14.00 hours.
			Lerwik Bay
		14.00		Incoming Radio Message alpha alpha 1325/61 from "U-35".  Returned to our reconnaissance strip.
		15.50		Surfaced.
		16.00	AN 2178
			East of the Shetlands
			NW 4-5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. medium, at times misty
		20.00	AN 2195 upper-center
			East of the Shetlands
			NW 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. medium, rain showers

	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.39
	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.39

	- 8 -
		continued
		28.11.39
		23.05	AN 2273
			East of the Shetland Island	1 destroyer and 1 dimmed steamer in sight.  Maneuvered ahead for attack on the steamer.  It is an extraordinarily bright moonlit night!
			NW 8, Sea 7, cloudy, Vis. very good, bright moonlit night!
		23.32		1st torpedo shot at the steamer.  Miss, because the lead angle was too great.  Range estimated at 1600-1800 meters.  Maneuvered ahead once again.  Both vessels run at only very low speed (5 knots).
		23.55	AN 2273	2nd torpedo shot at the steamer.  Torpedo detonated after 23 seconds running time.  Range approximately 1200 meters.
		23.56		Crash dive.  Judging by the listening sounds, the destroyer does not pursue and search for us.  No depth charges.  The steamer was suspicious to me  1.)  Very low speed.  2.)  No zigzag course.  3.) Nonsensical  course.
		29.11.39
		00.33		Surfaced.  Nothing more is seen of the two vessels.  Searched for new contact on NE-course.
		00.31		Radio Signal sent with report concerning the vessels.
		02.05		Again a destroyer with a dimmed vessel in sight.  Very low speed.  Changing, however not zigzagging course.  Rarely goes smokeless.  I now see these vessels as U-boat traps for the following considerations.  1.)  The enemy cannot afford the luxury of protecting a medium-size steamer with a destroyer.  2.)  These two groups run at too low speed and irregular courses that lead nowhere. 3.)  The destroyer with the steamer undoubtedly suggests a certain value or significance.  I suspect: - U-boat trap - disguised as a neutral working together with set off destroyers by day, protected at night by the same in the immediate vicinity! - I believe it is possible that the steamer carries some search and tracking devices or heavy nets for searching for submarines.
		03.42		Radio Signal sent concerning the 2nd steamer.
		04.00	AN 2258
			Northern North Sea
			NNW 5-6, Sea 5, cloudy, at times overcast, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.39
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.39

	- 9 -
		continued
		29.11.39	AN 2264
		07.00		1 steamer with 4-5 destroyers sighted in the south.  I ran on changing courses ahead of the formation, to recognize its intentions.  Addressed as a U-boat search group.
		07.13		I must dive, since I can no longer manage to get to the dark horizon with the seas coming from the NW and the sun rising in the east leaves me on the clear horizon.
		07.45		4 depth charges.  Very close range.
		09.00		5 depth charges       "       "       "
		11.05		3 depth charges       "       "       "
		11.50		3 depth charges       "       "       "
		12.30		4 depth charges       "       "       "
				Additionally in the G.H.G. 10 further detonations were heard.  I am in doubt, if the last 10 depth charges were intended for me.
		13.30		No further propeller sounds heard.
		13.59		Surfaced.  Continued transit in reconnaissance strip.
		16.00	AN 2293 upper-left corner
			SbyW 5, Sea 5, overcast, misty, rain showers, Vis. bad
		20.00	AN 2376	Received the urgent Radio Messages from B.d.U. concerning convoy reports.  They are worthless for me now and operation is not possible because of their inaccuracy and weather conditions.  I consider the reported hostile light warships to be a strong U-boat hunting group whose activity we had experienced for nearly 7 hours in the most uncomfortable way.  These depth charges were certainly for "U-47" for his cruiser torpedoing.  I consider the fight against convoys in the North Sea in these weather conditions and strong defense to be quite hopeless.  That must be done by surface or air forces.
			Northern North Sea
			SSW 6, overcast, rain showers, Vis. bad
		24.00	Northern North Sea
			SSW 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, at times misty, Vis. bad
			AN 2396
		30.11.39
		00.18		Incoming Radio Message No. 2252/29/95:  "U-47" and "U-48" continue into the Atlantic.
		04.00	AN 2386 center-left edge
			Northern north Sea
			SW 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. bad, misty

	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.39
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.39

	- 10 -
		continued
		30.11.39
		08.00	AN 2295
			Northern North Sea
			W 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. medium, rain showers
		10.12		Dived due to weather conditions.
		12.00	AN 2285
			East of the Shetlands
			W 9, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. bad, rain showers
		12.03		Depth charge detonation aster heard weakly.
		16.00	AN 2276 center-right edge
			East of the Shetland Islands
			W 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. medium, rain showers, at times misty
		16.55		Surfaced.  Continued transit into the operations area.
		20.00	AN 2277
			East of Shetland Islands
			W 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. medium, at times misty
		24.00	AN 2179	Total distance covered 30 November: 142 nm.
			Southeast of the Shetland Islands
			W 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. medium at times bad
		01.12.39
		04.00	AN 2617
			South of the Shetland Islands
			NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. medium, low rain clouds
		05.20		Fair Isle abeam to port.
		08.00	AN 1419
			Southwest of the Shetland Islands
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy-overcast, Vis. medium-good, clear
		09.46 - 11.12		Dived for a fishing trawler.  (Patrol vessel)  Thus, the Fair Passage is, after we have passed twice, in the Northern Passage . . .

	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.39
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.39

	- 11 -
		continued
		01.12.39		very poorly monitored and easy to pass through by night.
		12.00	AN 1332
			Southwest of the Shetland Islands
			S 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy-overcast, Vis. medium, clear
		16.00	AN 1318
			Southwest of the Shetland Islands
			SE 4, Sea 4, overcast, misty, rain showers, Vis. bad
		20.00	AM 3455
			Southwest of the Shetland Islands
			SE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. bad
		24.00	AM 3393	Total distance covered 1 December: 155 nm.
			Southwest of the Shetland Islands	No particular events.
			W 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, misty, Vis. bad
		02.12.39
		04.00	AM 3379
			North of the Hebrides
			WbyN 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, rain showers, Vis. bad
		08.00	AM 2623
			North of the Hebrides
			WbyN 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy-overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	AM 2616
			Northwest of the Hebrides
			W 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy-overcast, Vis. good, rain showers
		16.00	AM 2563
			Northwest of the Hebrides
			W 6, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. good, rain showers
		20.00	AM 2583 upper-right corner
			Northwest of the Hebrides
			W 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy-overcast, Vis. medium, rain showers

	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.39

	- 12 -
		continued
		02.12.39
		23.57		Radio Message to B.d.U. concerning operations duration and fuel inventory.
		24.00	AM 2724	Total distance covered 2 December: 146 nm.
			West of the Hebrides
			SW 5, Sea 5, overcast, rain showers, Vis. bad
		03.12.39
		04.00	AM 2748 center-right edge
			West of the Hebrides
			W 5, Sea 5, overcast, misty, rain showers, Vis. bad
		08.00	AM 2911
			West of the Hebrides
			W 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium
		16.00	AM 0165
			Northwest of Ireland
			SW 7, Sea 6, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium, high Swell
		20.00	AM 0168
			Northwest of Ireland
			SW 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium-good, high Swell
		21.20		Weather report sent by Short Signal.
		24.00	AM 4321	Total distance covered 3 December: 116 nm.
			Northwest of Ireland
			WbyS 8, Sea 7, overcast, rain- and hail showers, Vis. medium, high Swell
		04.12.39
		04.00	AM 4373 upper-right corner
			Northwest of Ireland
			W 8, Sea 7, overcast, hail showers, Vis. medium, high Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.39

	- 13 -
		continued
		04.12.39
		08.00	AM 4619
			West of Ireland
			WNW 8, Sea 7, overcast, rain shower, Vis. medium, high Swell
		11.38		Dived due to weather conditions!
		12.00	AM 4679
			West of Ireland
			NW 8, Sea 7, cloudy, Vis. good, rain showers
		16.00	AM 4916
			West of Ireland
			NW 8, Sea 7, cloudy, at times overcast, Vis. good
		17.30		Dived due to weather conditions.
		20.00	As above
			AM 4943
		24.00	AM 4949	Total distance covered 4 December: 144 nm.
			As above
		05.12.39
		04.00	AM 4973
			As above
		05.30	West of Ireland	Surfaced.
			NW 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good, heavy Swell
		08.00	AM 7312 lower-right corner
			West of Ireland
			NW 4, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. good, medium Swell
		12.00	AM 7623 upper-left corner	(Navigation fix!)
			West of Ireland
			NWbyN 6, Sea 5-6, Vis. good, heavy Swell
		16.00	AM 7682 center-right edge
			NWbyN 6, Sea 5-6, Vis. good, clear, heavy Swell
		20.00	AM 7932
			South of Ireland
			NWbyN 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. good, clear, medium Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.39

	- 14 -
		continued
		05.12.39
		24.00	AM 8779 center-left edge	Total distance covered 5 December: 188 nm.
			Southwest of Ireland
			NWbyN 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. medium, clear, medium Swell
		06.12.39
		03.25		2 destroyers sighted on westerly course, avoided on the surface.
		04.00	BF 1134
			South of Ireland
			NW 3, Sea 2-3, few clouds, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		08.00	BF 1222 lower-left corner
			South of Ireland
			NW 3, Sea 2-3, fair, clear, Vis. very good
		12.00	BF 1312
			South of Ireland
			NW 3, Sea 2, fair, clear, Vis. very good
		16.00	AM 8978
			South of Ireland
			NW 2, Sea 1, fair, clear, Vis. very good
		20.00	AM 8966
			South of Ireland
			NW 2, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. good
		24.00	AM 9716 lower-center
			South of Ireland
			W 2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		07.12.39
		04.00	AM 9716 lower-center
			South of Ireland
			SSW 3, Sea 3, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	AM 9762
			South of Ireland
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, at times overcast, clear, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.39

	- 15 -
		continued
		07.12.39
		12.00	AM 9729
			South of Ireland
			S 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy-overcast, Vis. medium, at times misty
		16.00	AM 9776 lower-right corner
			S 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, misty, rain showers, Vis. bad, medium Swell
		20.00	BF 2118 lower-center
			South of Ireland
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. bad, medium Swell
		24.00	BF 1393 lower-right corner	Total distance covered 7 December: 132 nm.
			South of Ireland
			S 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, misty, rain, Vis. bad, medium Swell
		08.12.39
		04.00	BF 1389
			South of Ireland
			SW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, misty, rain showers, Vis. bad, medium Swell
		08.00	BF 1379 center-right edge
			South of Ireland
			W 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, medium Swell
		07.25 - 08.52		Dived due to fog.
		09.00		2 steamers in sight.  Steering zigzag course.  Maneuvered ahead on the surface.  In so doing avoided several escort vessels, that however must have seen me.
		11.20		Dived to attack.
		11.55	BF 1532	Torpedo shot on the 1st steamer.  Hit.  Steamer sank after about 10 minutes.  Range at the shot about 235 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots, running time 16.5 seconds.  Size:  8800 tons ("NAVASOTA").  The 2nd steamer turned away and can no longer be reached submerged.  I cannot pursue the 2nd steamer any longer and therefore must run off !
			φ = 50°01'N
			λ =   8°45'W
			South of Ireland
			W 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. very good, light Swell
		13.30		Steamer and escort vessel is out of sight.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.39

	- 16 -
		continued
		08.12.39
		13.32		Surfaced.
		13.33	BF 1531	Convoy in  sight abeam to starboard.  Maneuvered ahead.
		14.48		Dived to attack the convoy.  Shortly before closing the conning tower hatch an aircraft was sighted.  at depth 15 meters 4 bomb detonations in the immediate vicinity of the boat.  Severe concussion.
		14.52	[presumably x = 80 meters so x + 10 = 90 meters]	The boat was located by the destroyers of the convoy with S-gear.  The boat was caught exactly.  Went to depth "x + 10 meters"
		15.10		2 depth charge detonations directly over the boat.  Went to depth "x +30 meters".
		15.35		3 depth charge detonations, again directly over the boat.  Down angle indicator broke, several fuses of the fire control system and the electrical system jumped out.  Boat put on the bottom in "x + 55" meters. depth.  All auxiliary machinery etc. shut off.  Up to 18.00 hours exactly detected again and again by the destroyer.  Still 10 depth charges directly over the boat.  Wash basins and toilets crack.  Several glass bulbs burst.  RPM indicator in the conning tower fail etc.
		18.00		Raised the boat from the bottom and proceeded at depth "x +40 meters".  The propeller sounds were weaker.
		18.45	South of Ireland	Surfaced.  Around us lie about 20 patrol vessels.  Apparently in search line.  Moved off on the surface.  Thumbed our nose!  In the process, for long minutes, the diesels were out of service due to damage to the cooling water piping!
			W 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. very good, light Swell
		20.00	BF 1524	The damage in the boat is quite substantial!  Entire command element, gyro- and magnetic compass are out of service.  Electrical bulbs and fuses are kaput.  Outboard valves loosened and vent linkage apparently damaged.  Repairs and checks require the full commitment of the technical personnel.
			South of Ireland
			W 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. good, light Swell
		24.00	BF 1466	Total distance covered 8 December: 134 nm.
			South of Ireland
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium-bad, at times misty, medium Swell

Sun and Moon Data 08.12.39

	- 17 -
		09.12.39
		04.00	BF 1479 center-right edge	An inbound convoy, about 6-7 steamers, which I still cannot attack due to the combat readiness of the boat!
			South of Ireland
			SW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, misty, Vis. very bad, medium Swell, rain showers	2 destroyers, shortly one after another, pass us at just 100 meters.
		06.30	BE 3933 lower-right corner	A dimmed tanker with a vessel in sight.  Maneuvered ahead.  I attack despite the fact that the boat is still not completely ready for combat!
			φ = 49°07'N
			λ = 11°35'W
		06.44		Because the depth charge psychosis must be overcome, 1st torpedo shot at the tanker.  Miss, because the lead angle was too large.  At the moment of the shot the boat broached strongly.
		06.46		2nd torpedo shot from tube V.  Miss.  Lead angle was too great.  Uncertain data limited by the visibility and the failure of the targeting optic.  (T.U.Z.A. kaput.)
		07.10		3rd torpedo shot.  Hit center.  Ship broke apart.  Range estimated at 1000 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, running time 61 seconds.  It is the English tanker "SAN ALBERTO" 7397 tons.  Steamer transmitted SOS and s s s, no position.  S O S call was not repeated.  Continued transit.  This success is our revenge for the evil depth charge battle.
		08.00	BF 1715
			South of Ireland
			SW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, misty, Vis. bad, medium Swell
		12.00	BF 1449 lower-right corner
			SWbyW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, strongly misty, Vis. very bad
		12.55 - 16.03		Dived due to weather conditions.  (Visibility!)
		16.00	BF 1424 lower-left corner
			South of Ireland
			W 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. medium, medium Swell, rain showers
		20.00	BF 1184
			South of Ireland
			W 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium
		24.00	BF 1146	Total distance covered 9 December: 169 nm.
			South of Ireland
			W 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, hail showers, Vis. very bad, medium Swell

Sun and Moon Data 09.12.39

	- 18 -
		10.12.39
		04.00	BF 1147 upper-right corner
			South of Ireland
			W 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, hail showers, Vis. very bad, heavy Swell
		06.52 - 12.25	South of Ireland	Dived due to weather conditions.
			NW 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, misty, rain showers, Vis. very bad, heavy Swell
		12.00	BF 1148 lower-center
		12.50 - 15.32		Dived.  Repairs to a drain valve in the engine room bilge.
		16.00	BF 1173
			South of Ireland
			NW 7, Sea 6, cloudy, Vis. medium-good, clear, heavy Swell
		20.00	BE 3396
			South of Ireland
			NWbyN 6, Sea 5-6, cloudy, Vis. good, clear, medium Swell
		24.00	BE 3623	Total distance covered 10 December: 54 nm!
			South of Ireland
			NNW 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, medium Swell
		11.12.39
		04.00	BE 3619
			South of Iceland
			NWbyW 4-5, Sea 4, few clouds, clear, Vis. good, medium Swell
		08.00	BE 3566 upper-center
			South of Ireland
			WNW 4, Sea 3-4, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good, light Swell
		12.00	BE 3658 lower-left corner	Because "U-47" has begun return transit and the floor has also become a bit hot underfoot, I turn now further south and want to look between Scilly and Quessant.
			South of Ireland
			W 3-4, Sea 3, few clouds, Vis. very good, light Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.39

	- 19 -
		continued
		11.12.39
		16.00	BE 3934
			South of Ireland
			W 3, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good, light Swell
		20.00	BF 1716
			South of Ireland
			W 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		24.00	BF 1486	Total distance covered 11 December: 162 nm!
			South of Ireland
			W 1-2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		12.12.39
		04.00	BF 1465
			South of Ireland
			W 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		08.00	BF 1433 center-left edge
			W 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		10.20		U-boat in sight over the horizon!
		10.24		Dived before U-boat.  Recognized as German submerged.
				Underwater Telegraph Recognition Signal given, was not answered.
		11.40		Surfaced. It is U-47.  Went within hailing range, and continued transit.
		12.00	BF 1541 upper-center
			South of Ireland
			W 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		16.00	BF 1579
			South of Ireland
			W 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good, light Swell
		18.20		Incoming Radio Message 1728/12/95:  To U-48.  Operations area extended to the sea area west of the channel.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.39

	- 20 -
		continued
		12.12.39
		20.00	BF 1856	B.d.U. sanctioned what I have done on my own initiative.  Good thought connection between leader and follower.
			South of Ireland
			W 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. good, Vis. low
		20.50	BF 1859	Destroyer sighted on N-course, avoided on the surface.
		24.00	BF 1857 lower-left corner	Total distance covered 12 December: 70 nm.
			W 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, overcast, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		13.12.39
		04.00	BF 1884 upper-left corner
			South of Ireland
			W 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, overcast, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		07.55	BF 1878 lower-center	Steamer sighted.  Steers zigzag course.
			South of Ireland
			W 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		07.58		Dived.
		08.38		Torpedo shot on the steamer.  Miss.  (Lead angle 17° was probably too great)  After 8 minutes running time detonation heard.  The steamer had 2 stern cannons.  Moved off submerged.  Due to the detonation after runoff of the running track and the steamer running at high speed with zigzags, I refrain from further pursuit.
		09.20		Surfaced.  Continued transit.
		11.50		Incoming Radio Message to "U-48".  Enemy convoy located 14 December . . . .
		12.00	BF 1873	I take course for square 4125 to attack the important convoy.
			South of Ireland
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good, light Swell
		16.00	BF 1738 lower-left corner
			South of Ireland
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good, light Swell
		20.00	BF 1781
			South of Ireland
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, clear, Vis. medium, light Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.39

	- 21 -
		continued
		13.12.39
		24.00	BF 1777	Total distance covered 13 December: 155 nm.
			South of Ireland
			W 4, Sea 3, overcast, clear, Vis. medium, medium Swell
		14.12.39
		04.00	BE 6336	I am positioned here moving back and forth to meet the reported convoy if possible at night and run on changing courses, so that I will reach him at 08.00 hours.
			South of Ireland
			W 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, medium Swell
		08.00	BF 4125	Nothing seen of the convoy.
			South of Ireland
			NW 6-7, Sea 6, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, heavy Swell
		12.00	BF 1789 lower-left corner
			South of Ireland
			NW 6-7, Sea 6, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, heavy Swell
		16.00	BF 1782
			South of Ireland
			NW 6, Sea 5-6, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, heavy Swell
		20.00	BF 1751
			South of Ireland
			NW 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, heavy Swell
		24.00	BF 1713	Total distance covered 14 December: 138 nm.
			South of Ireland
			NW 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy-overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium
		15.12.39
		04.00	BF 1444 lower-left corner
			South of Ireland
			NW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, medium Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.39

	- 22 -
		continued
		15.12.39
		08.00	BE 3395
			South of Ireland
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, light Swell
		12.00	BE 3326
			South of Ireland
			SW 4, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. medium-good, medium Swell
		12.10		Steamer sighted, maneuvered ahead.
		14.45		Dived.  Recognized as Greek.
		16.10		Surfaced.
		16.11	BE 3334 upper-right corner	Steamer stopped by a shot before the bow.  It is the Greek steamer "GERMAINE" (5217 tons).
		16.45		Captain with papers on board.  Steamer allegedly had grain cargo for Cork.  I decide to sink because:
				1.)  While observed for 3 hours the steamer had a course of 85° (the Captain gave 82°) for the Bristol Channel.
				2.)  Taking grain to Cork - like carrying owls to Athens, is pointless.
				Signal:  "Go to the boats!"
		17.40	BE 3334	Steamer sunk.  Afterwards continued transit.  The radio message, which was sent by the steamer with my permission, ("Collision position etc. sinking!") was repeated by Land End Radio.  The Norwegian ship "VENLAND" will go to the specified position.
		20.00	AM 7983 upper-right corner	Began return transit with 1 ready Eto.  Radio Message to B.d.U. 38 cbm . . . sent.
			South of Ireland
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		24.00	AM 7921 lower-right corner	Total distance covered 15 December: 162 nm.
			Southwest of Ireland
			S 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, clear, Vis. medium, light Swell
		16.12.39
		04.00	AM 7642
			Southwest of Ireland
			SSE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, clear, Vis. medium, rain showers, light Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.39

	- 23 -
		continued
		16.12.39
		08.00	AM 7252	Through intercepted messages, I learn that the "GERMAINE" crew has been picked up. Nothing is known of the cause of the GERMAINE'S collision.
			West of Ireland
			SSE 2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		12.00	AM 4891
			West of Ireland
			SSE 2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		16.00	AM 4911
			West of Ireland
			SSE 3, Sea 2-3, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good, light Swell
		20.00	AM 4643
			SSE 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, light Swell
		24.00	AM 4388	Total distance covered 16 December: 276 nm.
			West of Ireland
			SSE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, clear, Vis. medium, light Swell
		17.12.39
		04.00	AM 4364
			West of Ireland
			S 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, clear, Vis. medium, medium Swell
		08.00	AM 4332
			Northwest of Ireland
			SSW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, misty, Vis. medium
		12.00	AM 2957
			Northwest of Ireland
			SSW 7, Sea 6-7, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		16.00	AM 2923 lower-center
			Northwest of the Hebrides
			SSW 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, clear, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.39

	- 24 -
		continued
		17.12.39
		20.00	AM 2498
			Northwest of the Hebrides
			SSW 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, misty, Vis. medium at times bad
		24.00	AM 3359 lower-left corner	Total distance covered 17 December: 275 nm.
			North of the Hebrides
			SSW 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, misty, Vis. medium
		18.12.39
		04.00	AM 3454 lower-center
			West of Orkney
			SSW 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, misty, Vis. medium
		08.00	AN 1319
			West of Orkney
			SSW 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, misty, Vis. medium
		12.00	AN 1339
			West of Orkney
			SSW 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, misty, Vis. medium
		16.00	AN 1456
			West of Orkney
			SWbyW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, misty, Vis. medium partly bad
		17.00		Went through the Fair Isle Passage.  I had the last reliable navigation fix on the 16th.  By soundings carried out hourly-half hourly, at the end every 5 minutes, I found such an excellent result of the sounding series that despite strongly changing visibility, I passed through the Northern Fair Isle Passage without hesitation (since it is familiar to me from the previous 3 passages and one would rather do the familiar rather then the unproven, and also sounding profile is more prominent here) without the beacons of Sumbug Head or Fair Isle burning this time around.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.39

	- 25 -
		continued
		18.12.39
		18.30		Radio message to B.d.U. request for entry route and situation report.  As response radio message comes old type route instructions. To new request the radio message comes with new route instructions.
		20.00	AN 2684	By continual fuel measurements the fuel inventory allows the possibility of proceeding at GF and this speed setting is held up to the Canal cruise!  Thus, I can pass the restricted area - Deutsche Bucht - during darkness, without being forced to dive in the daylight, and incurring time loss while waiting off the warning area.
			Northern North Sea
			W 4, Sea 3, overcast, misty, Vis. medium
		22.50		Incoming Radio Message 2331/18/73 to "U-48" concerning entry route.
		24.00	AN 4271	Total distance covered 18 December: 277 nm.
			Northern North Sea
			W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, misty, Vis. medium-bad
		19.12.39
		04.00	AN 4563
			Central North Sea
			W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, misty, Vis. medium-bad, at times clearing
		08.00	AN 4923 lower-center
			Central North Sea
			W 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		12.00	AN 3782
			Deutsche Bucht
			W 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		16.00	AN 3786
			Deutsche Bucht
			NW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, misty, Vis. medium
		20.00	AN 6386
			Deutsche Bucht
			NW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, fog, Vis. medium partly bad

	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.39

	- 26 -
		continued
		19.12.39
		24.00	AN 6663	Total distance covered 19 December: 303 nm.
			Deutsche Bucht
			NW 3-4, Sea 3, fog, Vis. medium, partly bad
		20.12.39
		04.00	AN 9581
			Deutsche Bucht
			NW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, fog, Vis. medium-bad, slowly clearing
		04.05		Radio Message sent to B.d.U.:  Passed Norderney inbound.
		08.00	AN 9681
			Elbe
			NW 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, misty, Vis. medium
		10.05		Brunsbüttel Locks:  Canal cruise.
				Total distance covered 20 December: 174 nm.
		17.30		Made fast Kiel, Tirpitz Mole.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.39
	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.39

 

	Enclosures to U-48's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Report	Experiences and thoughts after 3 war patrols
Torpedo	Torpedo firing reports
Chart	Track chart covering the entire patrol

---

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