U-99 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Wilhelmshaven	27 June 1940	Lorient	21 July 1940	25

 

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 Jul 40	13.13 - 15.05	50°36'N, 11°15'W	MAGOG	2,053	Canadian	HX-52
7 Jul 40	00.55	49°39'N, 10°35'W	SEA GLORY	1,964	British
7 Jul 40	23.12	50°15'N, 10°05'W	BISSEN	1,514	Swedish
8 Jul 40	07.52	50°36'N, 9°30'W	HUMBER ARM	5,758	British	HX-53
12 Jul 40	02.06 - 02.48	50°21'N, 14°05'W	IA	4,860	Greek
12 Jul 40	03.40	55°21'N, 17°05'W	MERISAAR (captured)	2,136	Estonian
18 Jul 40	02.03	50°27'N, 12°55'W	WOODBURY	4,434	British
			Total = 22,710
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				Copy No.     4
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				Unterseeboot  "  U  99  "
				Kommandant:  Kaptlt. Kretschmer.
				Beginning:     26.6.1940
				Concluding:   24.7.1940
			Distribution:     "U99" Copy No. 1 7.U-Flottille       " 2 B.d.U.-Op.-       " 3   O.K.M.       " 4 + 5   B.d.U.-Org.-       " 6
				Enclosures:
				Track chart (for Copies No. 1-4)
				Torpedo firing reports were turned in later
				(for Copies 1-3)
				General and Officer-Only radio message
				(only for Copy 1)
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		26.06.40	Wilhelmshaven, Westwerft
		07.30 - 18.45		In floating dock.
		27.06.40
		08.30		Shipyard personnel disembarked.  Muster.  Put to sea
		09.00		Made fast North Lock 3rd Entrance.
		09.30		Sailed, down the Jade in the wake of Sperrbrecher IX.  Tactical movement.
		12.00	AN 9592 lower-left
			NW 1, ground swell, cloudy
		12.10		Passed a completely rusted old drifting mine.
		12.15		In the east 3 M-Boote in search formation, searching route "Blau" and coming up slowly.
		12.40		To the west a water column at a patrol boat, apparently detonated a drifting mine.
		13.38		Port diesel stopped for repairs because there is strong oil loss from the vibration damper.  When dismantling the vibration indicator determined that the seal of the flange is missing.  Additionally the outer sealing ring was twisted 90° so that the drain holes for leak oil lay on the side.  Both the fault of the shipyard.
		14.15		Overtaken by the mine search, got into their wake.
		16.00	AN 9557 upper-left corner
		18.30		Repairs to the starboard diesel ended.
		19.25		2 Vorpostenboote on opposite course bearing 20°T, turned to close.
		19.45		Recognition Signals exchanged and prolonged Morse and flag signals with Vorpostenboot 408.
		20.00	AN 9512 upper-left
			NNW 1, ground swell, cloudy
		24.00	AN 6662 upper-center
			NNW 1, ground swell, 5/10 (rain)
		28.08.40
		04.00	AN 6392 upper-left
			2/10
		08.00	AN 6325 lower-left
		09.50		Aircraft bearing 75°T, Recognition Signals not answered.  Dove, finally recognized as "Do 18".
		11.00		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.06.40
	Sun and Moon Data 28.06.40

	- 2 -
		continued
		28.06.40
		12.00	AN 3782 center	Day's run:  Surfaced      196 nm
			NbyW 1, ground swell, cloudy	Submerged    5.2 nm = 201.2 nm
		13.30		To the NE a "Do 18" flying by on opposite course below the horizon, comes over the horizon from time to time.
		13.58		Drifting mine, newer date.
		14.02 - 15.25		Recognition Signal and dived for aircraft approaching from 270°T.
		15.40		Drifting small black spar buoy.
		16.00	AN 3719 center-left
		17.30		Large red raft.
				In squares 3710 and 4690 drifting mines one after another, all still new, un-rusted and well-painted.
		20.04	AN 4692 lower-center	A German U-boat comes over the horizon bearing 10°T.  Large boat on opposite course, passing distance 5 nm.  "U-25".  From Morse message from this boat, not completely read due to the long range, I learn that there is an enemy U-boat to the NW.
			SbyW 1, Sea 1, cloudy
		2040 - 22.11		Dived for an aircraft approaching out of the sun (bearing 300°T).
		22.40		Radio Message:  17.00 hours U-boat surfacing to port square AN 4373, steered NW course.  Without signature
				Probably came from "U-25" and supplemented the above Morse traffic. An encounter with the reported U-boat is unlikely.
		24.00	AN 4658 upper-left
			SbyW 2, Sea 1, 1/10
		29.06.40
		04.00	AN 4536 center
			SbyW 3, Sea 2, 2/10
		05.17	AN 4531 center-right	Dived for an aircraft approaching out of the sun (bearing 30°T) which had German markings and shot recognition signals while the bridge watch was getting below which is why the recognition signal could no longer be replied to.  3 badly placed bombs detonated when the boat was still at 14.5 meters with 15° bow down with the stern therefore still above the water.  Failures (other than glass and porcelain):  aft antenna shafts flooded, upper isolator burst, after antenna out of service.  Basin of the compressed air "Triton" is chipped.  Electric drive of the aft diving plane is soon in operation again.
				The attack took place in an area which is the actual outbound and inbound route of our U boats, also 43 nm away from the nearest limit of the U-boat hunting area, can therefore

	Sun and Moon Data 28.06.40
	Sun and Moon Data 29.06.40

	- 3 -
		continued
		29.06.40
				could not be excused by faulty navigation of the aircraft.
		05.20		Unintentionally fell to the bottom (81 meters), remained lying there to repair the failures.
		08.50		Boat raised from the bottom.
		10.10	SbyW 5, Sea 4, cloudy	Surfaced.  Increased speed to make up for lost time, to go through the Fair Isle Passage during the ebb current.
		10.40		Compressed air "Triton" is cemented, covered and lashed. Test use is satisfactory.
		10.45		Radio Message "U-99" to B.d.U.:  05.17 hours square 4531 was attacked by aircraft with German markings and German Recognition Signal, while diving 3 bombs.
				Perhaps B.d.U. can restrain the ferocious Luftwaffe a bit and as a result other boats will be treated a bit more nicely.
		12.00	AN 4285 upper-left	Day's run:  Surfaced 145 nm, Submerged 15.2 nm = 160.2 nm
			SbyW 5, Sea 4, overcast
		16.00	AN 4132 lower-right	The gyro compass causes problems, I head directly for the Fair Isle Passage.  For the breakthrough it would be favorable if I have the island in sight about 24.00 hours, then to go through the sea passage in the darkest hours of dawn, and with the ebb current, the illumination is more favorable to pass through close off the island.
			SbyE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium
		20.00	AN 2681 center
			SbyE 4, Sea 4, 8/10 (rain), misty
		21.30		Strong sounds were detected in the vibration damper of the starboard diesel.  Seven of the eight connecting bolts were broken.  This damage was like U-50, therefore apparently a construction error.  Bolts were replaced, starboard diesel out of service for several hours, just off the Fair Isle Passage.
		23.58	AN 1465 center-right edge	Fair Isle in sight directly ahead, already huge in the misty air.  Distance 3 nm.  The high surf is seen clearly.  Went around to the north of the island.  The unfavorable illumination on this side does not matter due to the poor visibility, no patrols.
			SSE 3, Sea 4, 7/10, misty
				At higher speed to the west.
		30.06.40
		04.00	AN 1415 lower-left
			SSW 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. medium
		04.20		Starboard diesel in service again.  All spare bolts

	Sun and Moon Data 29.06.40
	Sun and Moon Data 30.06.40

	- 4 -
		continued
		30.06.40
				are now used up.  With the same malfunction in the port vibration damper only those left from its disassembly remain.
		08.00	AN 1325 upper left edge
			WSW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. medium
		08.50		Patrol vessel bearing 280°T, bow left, was avoided to the north.
		10.10		Patrol vessel bearing 250°T, bow left, was avoided to the north.
		12.00	AN 1171 center	Day's run:  Surfaced 216 nm
			WbyS 5, Sea 4, 4/10, Vis. medium,
		16.00	AM 3422 lower-right	Boat has strong speed reduction because it is proceeding against the seas.
			SW 5, Sea 5, 2/10, Vis. medium
		16.30		Patrol vessel bearing 340°T, target angle 0°, apparently headed into the Minch.  Due to heavy Sea State avoiding or artillery combat is not possible.  Therefore
		16.45 - 19.36		dived.  Magnetic compass floods apparently an after effect of the aircraft bombs from the previous day.  Magnetic compass remains out of service.
		20.00	AM 3419 lower-center edge
			SW 5, Sea 5
		24.00	AM 3392 upper-right
		01.07.40
		04.00	AM 3522 upper-right
		08.00	AM 3516 lower-left
		12.00	AM 3541 lower-left	Day's run:  Surfaced 132 nm, Submerged 8 nm = 140 nm
		16.00	AM 2697 center
			SSW 3, Sea 4-5
		16.30		Ahead to port Boreray Island; the entire St. Kilda Group in sight.
		17.40		Passed through several large oil slicks.
		20.00	AM 2852 upper-center
			SSW 1, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. greatly changing
		21.35		Patrol vessel on opposite course bearing 240°T, avoided to the east.
		24.00	AM 2887 center
			SSW 1, Sea 1, (ground swell), overcast, mist, (rain)

	Sun and Moon Data 30.06.40
	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.40

	- 5 -
		02.07.40
		04.00	AM 0243 lower-center
		08.00	AM 0278 upper-left
		12.00	AM 5162 center	Day's run:  Surfaced 154 nm
		16.00	AM 5197 upper-left
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast mist (rain), Vis. changing from 500 meters - 2 nm
		20.00	AM 5453 upper-center
			WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, mist, (rain), Vis. 1-2 nm
		23.12		Short Signal reply to a message received at 10.15 hours was first sent after crossing the 55th parallel and 1 hour before evening twilight.
		23.16		Short Signal:  Yes.  To request of all boats except Type IX, if torpedo loading gear was on-board.
		24.00	AM 5484 lower-right	Nothing has been seen so far of the expected traffic from the west for the North Channel
			W 4, Sea 3, overcast, mist, (rain), Vis. changing
		03.07.40
		04.00	AM 5743 upper-center
			NW 4, Sea 3, overcast (rain)
		08.00	AM 5775 lower-left
		12.00	AM 7363 center-right edge	Day's run:  Surfaced 168 nm
		16.00	AM 7395 lower-left
			NW 4, Sea 3, 7/10 (rain)
		20.00	AM 7653 upper-center edge
			NW 5, Sea 4, 8/10 (rain)
		24.00	AM 7685 center
		04.07.40
		04.00	AM 7943 lower-right
			NW 4, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. bad
		08.00	AM 7978 center	Boat now enters the assigned operations area.  A strip from the level of square BF 1100 north to the Irish coast.  U-47, who was in this strip 4 days ago, reported the heaviest traffic in square BE 32.
			NW 5, Sea 4, overcast (rain), Vis. bad
		10.28		Dived to maintain the torpedoes.  Shifting the torpedoes in the bow room is not possible in the large seas.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 03.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.40

	- 6 -
		continued
		04.07.40
		12.00	BE 3317 lower-center	Day's run:  Surfaced 167 nm, Submerged 1.5 nm = 168.5 nm
		14.17		Surfaced.
		16.00	BE 3347 center
			WNW 5-6, Sea 5
		20.00	BE 3377 lower-right
			NW 5, Sea 4, overcast (rain)
		24.00	BE 3373 lower-center edge
		05.07.40
		04.00	BE 3558 upper-center
			NW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast
		08.00	BE 3553 center
			WNW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium
		09.25		Smoke cloud bearing 195°T.  Steamer, apparently a tanker on an easterly course.  Maneuvered ahead to attack submerged.
		11.37		Dived.
		12.00	BF 1144 upper-center	Day's run:  Surfaced 125 nm, Submerged 5.5 nm = 130.5 nm
		12.51		Stern shot:  G 7a, MZ, depth 4 meters:  miss; after 13 minutes end of run detonation in the vicinity with louder detonation.
		13.13		Surfaced for artillery combat.  Steamer transmits position and name.
		13.52 - 14.16		After the crew are in the boats dived to a submerged coup de grâce.
		14.20		Surfaced.  Course instructions for the crew.  Canadian steamer "MAGOG" with wood for England, 2500 GRT.
		15.05		3 shots 8.8 cm into the vertically positioned foreship which still floats on an air bubble.
		16.00	BF 1145 upper-center edge
		16.05		Dived before aircraft approaching from 100°T.  Reloaded the torpedoes.
		20.00	BF 1144 center-right edge
		20.20		Surfaced.  Transit to square BF 1823 for the convoy announced by B.d.U.
		24.00	BF 1185 center
		06.07.40
		04.00	BF 1541 upper-left corner
			WNW 3, Sea 3, 5/10, showers,Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 05.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 06.07.40

	- 7 -
		continued
		06.07.40
		08.00	BF 1585 lower-right
		08.20		Freighter bearing 165°T, bow right, broad target angle.  Maneuvered ahead.  Shortly before diving for submerged attack the steamer was torpedoed by another U-boat and sunk soon thereafter by a 2nd torpedo.  So a dirty trick.
		12.00	BF 1846 upper-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 169 nm, Submerged 7 nm = 176 nm
				The convoy should have come in sight 2 hours earlier at the latest.  Its existence has not yet been confirmed by any U-boat, so came to course for Fastnet.
		12.10		German U-boat in sight in the vicinity of the sinking location.  It turns out to be U-34.  Type VIIA, takes over much less water than U-99.
		12.20		Recognition signals exchanged with U-34.
		13.15		Flag signal traffic with U-34.
		15.30		U-34 out of sight bearing 60°T.
		16.00	BF 1817 lower-right
		18.35		Aircraft flying past bearing 10°T on easterly course at the limit of visibility.
		20.00	BF 1574 lower-left
			WNW 4, Sea 3-4, 8/10
		21.11		Freighter on westerly course bearing 20°T.  Maneuvered ahead at GF against the sea.
		24.00	BF 1456	If the after diving plane is set up 5°, the boat rides a bit drier.  Then every sea does not come on the bridge.
		07.07.40
		00.55		Surface attack from the south.  Torpedo shot.  Instead of the intended single shot, due to operational error at the control box of the firing system, also a second torpedo prepared as a coup de grâce.  Both hit.  Shooting range 480 meters.  Steamer sank in 2 minutes.  It was a 5 cargo hold steamer, about 3600 GRT.
		04.00	BF 1464 center
		06.05		Once more to the sinking location to determine the name.  No indications found.  Apparently course for Fastnet.
		08.00	BF 1437 lower-right
		12.00	BF 1198 lower-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 108 nm
			SE 1, Sea 3-4, over to WNW, 8/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 06.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 07.07.40

	- 8 -
		continued
		07.07.40
		12.40		A steamer on an easterly course bearing 260°T, zigzagging.
		13.00		Dived for aircraft bearing 120°T, afterwards submerged attack on the freighter.
		14.01		Torpedo single shot on steamer.  Failure in the fire control system.  Tube was fired a second later by hand.  Miss.  Steamer has a stern cannon.
		14.14   14.25		Surfaced for artillery combat.  Steamer replied from 2 cannons.  Range 8000-7000 meters.  Own fire lies well despite heavy swell.  At first very short, shoots in slowly and finally zeros in.  Impacts 100-200 meters from the boat.  Then turned away and broke off.
				It was the steamer "MANISTOE" shipping company: Elders and Fyffes
		14.28		Dived for aircraft bearing 230°T, in the course of this reloaded torpedoes.
		16.00	BF 1195 center-right
		16.29		Surfaced, aircraft (type Avro Anson) in sight bearing 260°T, initially flies past, turns and flies towards,
		16.33 - 18.12		therefore dived.
		20.00	BF 1191 upper-left corner
		20.33		A smoke cloud in 230°T and an aircraft in 250°T, which move back and forth behind the steamer which steers an easterly course.  Type Harrison freighter "ASTRONOMER", therefore caution, trap!
		21.52		Dived for submerged attack.  Boat is directly ahead of the steamer.  Intention, if it turns out to be a trap, is to shoot a double shot, so that the ship will be critically damaged despite its presumed barrel cargo.  Seen from close up, however, it does not appear to be exactly this type.  Therefore,
		23.12     23.15	BF 1196 center	Single shot.  Hit just forward of the center after a running time of 600 meters; extraordinarily strong detonation.  Steamer breaks apart forward apparently in two, the stern rises vertically out of the water.  So is was not a trap.  The steamer appears to be sinking so no coup de grâce is necessary.  Suddenly a report from the sound room:  Strong propeller sounds, in the periscope:  destroyer with sharp target angle heads towards the shooting location. Distance still about 1000 meters.  I run off at GF.  Destroyer located with S-gear however throws no depth charges.
		24.00	BF 1193 lower-left

	Sun and Moon Data 07.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 08.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 09.07.40

	- 9 -
		08.07.40
		00.13		Surfaced.  Steamer obviously sunk, destroyer is still in sight.  Due to the strong brightness immediately dove again.
		00.57		Surfaced and moved off.  Destroyer is still moving back and forth at the shooting location.
		02.56		A convoy bearing 340°T, about 20 steamers with destroyer escort.  Maneuvered ahead.  Contact keeper signals.
		04.00	BF 1163 lower-center	Convoy steers 90°, zigzags at dawn.  Formation:  line abreast, 2 rows. One destroyer on each wing, one in front.
		06.06		Aircraft approaching from 30°T.
				Dived.  I had expected strong air surveillance and/or aircraft escort after lightness and for this reason maneuvered ahead at AK.  However, this aircraft came a bit too early so I must continue to maneuver ahead submerged at GF, causing the battery to be quite drained.
				I am positioned ahead of the left wing of the convoy and let myself fall back.  Nearly all the steamers have wood cargo on deck.  The destroyers located with S-gear.  The destroyer positioned ahead of the left wing passes at 400 meters with loud S-gear impulses.  He runs directly before my stern tube.  Shortly before firing he turns hard towards me, target angle 0°.  I went to depth 20 meters.  Destroyer runs over me.  Unfortunately the boat settles through, whereby much time was lost.  I turn to convoy course and have the torpedoes prepared for angled shots of 90°.  In so doing the first row of the convoy runs overme.  The boat first comes to periscope depth in the second row.
		07.52		Tube V fire!  Shot does not go because the tube was not ready due to an order relay failure.
		07.53	BF 1251 lower-left	Shot tube I to starboard on the same steamer.  Hit after a run of 300 meters.  Effect on the target a large steamer of about 10000 GRT (shipping company Union Castle Line) not observed because a target is already in position to port.  Shot can not be fired because the angle is still not set.  The culprit is the almost antediluvian, angle adjustment, Hagenuk system.  With it, the shooting angle can only be adjusted up to 68° at the torpedoes.
		08.00	BF 1251 lower-left	I let myself fall astern out of the convoy, in so doing came about to move off.
		08.06		Depth charges close to the boat.  I went to about depth 90 meters and moved off.  There follows a 14 hour depth charge pursuit with S-gear locating.  107 depth charges, 37 counted in close proximity.
		12.00	BF 1243 center-left edge	Day's run:  Surfaced 72.5 nm, Submerged 55 nm = 127.5 nm

Sun and Moon Data 08.07.40

	- 10 -
		continued
		08.07.40
		16.00	BF 1242 lower-center
		20.00	BF 1242 lower-left corner	Because the battery is quite empty, initially I can only run off at LF and must soon go to KF.  Silent running.  Everything shut down except for the G.H.G. with emergency converter and the gyro compass (because the magnetic compass is out of service).  Crew lies with emergency breathing hoses connected with potash cartridges.  Lighting all except for the most necessary lamps.  While I run off a straight course, 2 destroyers remain close on our heels.  Hooking by 90° succeeds in temporarily shaking them off, but after 1 hour they are back again.  Because I have the impression that I am mostly located precisely, now I take each subsequent destroyer astern.  The depth charge series always lie worse.  Once a destroyer over ran the boat however he does not appear to be aware of this.  About 20.30 hours I have the impression that they have lost me.  The large swell determined on surfacing seems to have made their work difficult.
		22.28		107th and last depth charge.
		24.00	BF 1241 lower-left	I run off further, for about 1 hour, to first surface in full darkness.
		09.07.40
		01.02	SW 5-6, Sea 4, cross-swell, overcast, (rain)	Surfaced, enemy is no longer in sight.  Moved off to the NW to charge the battery.  If the torpedoed steamer in the convoy has not already sunk, the now existing large swell will certainly do the rest.
		04.00	BF 1126 center
			SW 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, (rain)
		08.00	AM 8777 center-right edge
			WSW 4-5, Sea 4, cross swell, overcast, (rain)
		12.00	AM 7995 upper-left	Day's run:  Surfaced 84 nm, Submerged 19 nm = 103 nm
			WNW 3, Sea 4, cross swell, 9/10
		14.33 - 15.30		Dived to reload a torpedo.
		16.00	AM 7985 lower-center
			WNW 2-3, Sea 4, cross swell, 6/10
		20.00	NE 3328 upper-left
			WNW 2, Sea 3, ground swell, 4/10
		24.00	BE 3381 center-right edge

	Sun and Moon Data 08.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 09.07.40

	- 11 -
		10.07.40
		04.00	BE 3613 center-right
		06.05		A destroyer bearing 130°T, bow right, target angle 40°, comes quickly over the horizon.
		06.06		Dived, in the G.H.G. several destroyers and depth charge detonations were heard.
		08.00	BE 3377 lower-center
		11.30		Still depth charge detonations in the distance.
		12.00	BE 3374 center	Day's run:  Surfaced 103 nm, Submerged 16.5 nm = 119.5 nm
		13.23		Surfaced.
		16.00	BE 3265 lower-center
			WNW 2-3, Sea 2-3, 5/10, (rain)
		20.00	BE 3228 upper-right
			NW 5, Sea 4, 5/10, (rain)
		21.03		Several high water columns bearing 110°T behind the horizon, no vessels recognized.  Apparently still the U-boat hunt from the morning.  Held to the west.
		24.00	BE 3219 lower left edge
			NW 7, Sea 6, 6/10
		11.07.40
		04.00	BE 3242 center
			NW 7-8, Sea 6, overcast mist, (rain)
		08.00	BE 3163 lower-center
			NW 5, Sea 5-6, 6/10, (rain)
		12.00	BE 3192 upper-center	Day's run:  Surfaced 104 nm, Submerged 2 nm = 106 nm
			NNW 6, Sea 6, 4/10
		16.00	BE 3332 lower-left
			NNW 5, Sea 5, 4/10
		20.00	BE 3199 lower-left
			WNW 4-5, Sea 5, cross sea, 5/10
		23.00		Steamer in sight bearing 190°T, bow left.  Maneuvered ahead.  Steamer sets light, steers 60° therefore bound for Ireland.
		24.00	BE 3274 upper-right
			WNW 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10
		12.07.40
		01.40		Closed the steamer to determine the nationality.  It is a Greek.  Surface attack.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 11.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 12.07.40

	- 12 -
		continued
		12.07.40
		02.06		1 torpedo shot,  Hit aft of center.  Steamer settles deeper astern, however does not sink further.
		02.48		Coup de grâce.  Steamer is sunk after 7 minutes.  Crew is found in the lifeboats.  It was the London home ported Greek steamer  "IA", shipping company P. Hadjilias.  4900 GRT, on the way from La Plata for Cork, Ireland with 8000 tons of wheat.
		04.00	BE 3273 center-right
			WNW 1-2, Sea 2, 4/10
		08.00	BE 3193 center
			NW 3-4, Sea 3, 4/10
		12.00	BE 3167 lower-right	Day's run:  Surfaced 119 nm
			NW 3, Sea 2, 3/10
		12.54		A smoke feather bearing 220°T, turned to hold onto it, 2 masts, 1 smokestack; shifts to the right, therefore westerly course, maneuvered ahead to the west.
		14.15		Steamer with 1 mast and 1 smokestack bearing 205°T on opposite course, avoided, in so doing 1st steamer out of sight.
				Intention:  Attack the westerly steering steamer first, then set off to the east to attack the second steamer.
		15.40		Since the first steamer must have arrived long ago, actually its smoke feather only came over the horizon now and then, it seems the measurement of its shift was wrong and this steamer also goes to the east.
		16.00	BE 3155 lower-center edge	Therefore maneuvered ahead at high speed to the east.
			N 3-4, Sea 3, 3/10
		20.00	BE 3224 lower-center
			N 5-6, Sea 4-5, 4/10
		21.37	N 6-7, Sea 5-6, 6/10	Dived for submerged attack despite the very high seas.  Perfect depth steering and track of the torpedoes is in question.
		22.31		Stern shot from 500 meters.  Miss.  After the shot neutral flag and markings were recognized on the steamer.  It is the Estonian steamer "MERISAAR".
		22.36		Surfaced.  Steamer halted with anti-aircraft gun C/30.  Steamer stops, however sets no boat out, shot.
		23.05		Steamer sets out 2 boats, entire crew abandons ship.  Steamer had not transmitted.  Captain left the papers on board, explained when questioned on the way from New Orleans to Cork.  Cargo wood on order.
		23.50		Surface shot from 600 meters,  Torpedo breaks the water surface several times.  Missed due to several bayonets when breaking the surface.

Sun and Moon Data 12.07.40

	- 13 -
		continued
		12.07.40
				The experience, that with this weather no use of torpedoes is possible, unfortunately cost 2 torpedoes.  Because manning the cannon is also impossible, gave the steamer instructions, to proceed on a direct course for Bordeaux.
		24.00	BE 3235 center	Radio use only in emergency, otherwise will be sunk without warning.
			N 7, Sea 6, 7/10
		13.07.40		Went to the south to get the other steamer.  Unfortunately, because of the great time lost with the first steamer, there is only a slight chance, because in the meantime night is falling. In fact, he was not seen anymore. This was a completely crazy day, which will not happen again.
		04.00	BE 3267 lower-center
			NNW 6, Sea 5-6, 8/10
		08.00	BE 3257 lower-right
			NW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast (rain)
		12.00	BE 3248 lower-left	Day's run:  Surfaced 169 nm, Submerged 3 nm = 172 nm
			NW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast (rain)
		16.00	BE 3515 center
			NW 6, Sea 5-6, 9/10, (rain)
		20.00	BE 3517 center-left edge
			NNW 5-6, Sea 5, 8/10, (rain)
		24.00	BE 3278 lower-left	The entire day no weapons use is possible due to weather conditions.
			NNW 5, Sea 5-4, overcast (rain)
		14.07.40
		04.00	BE 3248 upper-center
			NW 5, Sea 4, overcast (rain)
		08.00	BE 3215 lower-center edge
			NW 4, Sea 4, 6/10
		09.15		Aircraft on westerly course bearing 230°T, flying by.
		10.48		Dived until
		12.00	BE 3213 upper-center	Day's run:  Surfaced 115.5 nm, Submerged 5 nm = 120.5 nm
			NNW 3, Sea 3, 4/10
		16.00	BE 3251 center
			Overcast
		20.00	BE 3284 lower-center
			NbyW 3, Sea 3, overcast, mist, (rain)
		24.00	BE 3527 lower-left
			NbyW 4, Sea 3, overcast, mist

	Sun and Moon Data 12.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 13.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 14.07.40

	- 14 -
		15.07.40
		04.00	BE 3525 upper-left
			NbyW 3, Sea 3, overcast, (rain)
		07.15		Steamer out of the mist bearing 260°T, on the horizon, set off to maneuver ahead at GF.
		08.00	BE 3282 upper-center	Steamer zigzags heavily, runs at high speed, general course about 30°.
			N 3, Sea 2-3, overcast (rain), Vis. greatly changing
		10.15		Steamer enters a rain squall, out of sight for a long time.  Pursued.
		10.50		Steamer in sight again bearing 287°T.  Boat has dropped back considerably.
		10.57		Went to AK.  Steamer run at least 16 knots.  Own speed measurement shows 16 knots.  The bearing slowly decreases.  Apparently the steamer wants to pass through the North Channel or through the Fair Isle Passage for the east coast.
		12.00	AM 7896 lower-left	Day's run:   190 nm
			N 2, Sea 2, overcast (rain), Vis. greatly changing	Steamer makes large legs and at the same time zigzags very heavily.
		16.00	AM 7679 upper-left
			S 1, Sea 2, overcast (rain), Vis. changing
		20.00	AM 7397 upper-left	I am now positioned ahead of the steamer, its general course is 25°.  It is very difficult to find the right position to dive to attack because there is no system to the legs of the steamer.  proceeds in an 8-10 nm wide strip, in which he frequently zigzags up to 90°.
			Overcast, mist, rain, Vis. bad
				Suddenly a rain squall comes up, visibility deteriorates very quickly, the steamer passes out of sight, pursued.  After an hours he is back.  Since he now passes in and out of sight with each zigzag, there is no other option but to take all his courses into account ahead of him, wait for the night and then approach him.
		24.00	AM 7336 upper-left	After the beginning of darkness the steamer, whose speed I now estimate at 17 knots, steers the same legs and zigzags as during the day.    attack from 500 meters.
			Overcast, mist, rain, Vis. 1 nm
		16.07.40
		00.57		Torpedo fire!  Shot does not go.  Immediately maneuvered ahead at AK.  16 knots by speed measurement.  The steamer simply runs away and is out of sight after 1/2 hour.  It was a modern steamer of the Clan Line, type "CLAN MAC ARTHUR"

	Sun and Moon Data 15.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 16.07.40

	- 15 -
		continued
		16.07.40		10400 tons, 17 knots.
				To the failure:
				Firing worked, additionally the tube was fired by the Mech.Maat by hand.  The setting linkage did not retract, remained engaged.
				The torpedo - the last of this load - was unloaded then the tube (IV) was examined, the position of the firing linkage was recorded.  In the course of this work, a great deal of stiffness was found, which was due to poor fitting on the part of the construction yard.  Because the torpedo personnel, maintained the tube well there is no fault.
				A similar problem occurred with the T.E.K. This had already happened once, but apparently was eliminated.
				The tube was made ready again.
		04.00	AM 7333 upper-right	Return transit into the operations area.
			SW 2, Sea 2, overcast, mist, rain
		06.04		A steamer bearing 188°T, zigzags in legs.
		07.53		Dived for attack.  Despite running continuously at GF and AK, didn't get close because the steamer made a long leg to the east and passed at a great distance (5000 meters) and then passed out of sight in a squall.
		08.00	AM 5777 lower-right corner
		09.34		Surfaced to proceed to the south into the operations area.
		12.00	AM 8141 upper-right	Day's run:  310 nm
			NW 6, Sea 6, cross sea, 6/10	10 nm  = 320 nm
		16.00	AM 7632 upper-right
			NW 5-6, Sea 5, 5/10
		20.00	AM 7659 lower-left
			WNW 5-6, Sea 5, 5/10
		24.00	AM 7918 lower-right
			NW 4, Sea 3, overcast, mist (rain)
		17.07.40
		04.00	AM 7947 lower-right
			NW 4, Sea 3, overcast, mist (rain)
		08.00	AM 7899 center
			W 4, Sea 3, overcast, mist rain
		12.00	BE 3238 center	Day's run:  169 nm
		16.00	BE 3268 upper-center
			W 3, Sea 3, 8/10
		20.00	BE 3298 lower-center edge

	Sun and Moon Data 16.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 17.07.40

	- 16 -
		continued
		17.07.40
		21.19		Steamer on NW-course bearing 160°T, zigzagging, maneuvered ahead.
		22.10		Steamer passes out of sight in a rain squall.
				Pursued, however steamer is not found with the visibility about 1500 meters, therefore
		23.03 - 23.15		dived to listen.  Steamer was heard.  After determining the bearing shift steered on intercept course.
		23.48		Steamer in sight again bearing 350°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  Steamer continues to zigzag after the beginning of darkness.
		24.00	BE 3611 upper-left corner
			W 2, Sea 2, overcast, mist, rain
		18.07.40		attack.
		02.03	BE 3347 center	Torpedo shot from 900 meters with bright moon illumination.  Hit aft of center.  Stern settles deeper. Initially the ship continues to float.  Crew goes to the boats.
		02.40		A bulkhead breaks, the stern goes under, further bulkheads break.
		02.50		Steamer sinks.
				It is the steamer "WOODBURY", 4400 tons.
				Shipping company:  Kapgen, Alexander.
				Cargo:  Piece goods on the way from Argentina to London.
		04.00	BE 3371 upper-right
		05.10	BE 3377	Radio Message U-99 to B.d.U.:  Square BE 3377.  31300 tons.  Of these sinking of a 7600 tonner from convoy not observed due to 14-hour U-boat hunt, sinking likely in large seas, as well as "MERISAAR" directed to Bordeaux.  Am going to Lorient on the date for U-56.
				The date is 21 July in the morning.
				All torpedoes below deck have been fired.  The two deck torpedoes cannot be taken below deck due to the weather conditions.
				Transit to the south in the track of convoys coming from the south and southwest, at the same time getting closer to Lorient.
		08.00	BE 3615 lower-left
			W 1-2, Sea 2, 3/10
		12.00	BE 3697 upper-center edge	Day's run:  189.5 nm
			NW 2, Sea 2, 2/10	0.5 nm  = 190 nm
		16.00	BF 1742 lower-center
			NW 2, Sea 2, 2/10
		20.00	BF 1789 lower-right

	Sun and Moon Data 17.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 18.07.40

	- 17 -
		continued
		18.07.40
		22.42		Transit to square BF 1975 on Radio Message from B.d.U.:  Sea emergency!  Rubber boat with our own aircraft crew 18.21 hours square BF 1975.  Boats that are closer than 100 nm be at crash site, carry out search operations.
		23.25		Transit to square BF 4329 on Radio Message from B.d.U.:  Sea emergency not square BF 1975, instead square BF 4329.
		24.00	BF 4218 center-right
			W 2, Sea 2, 3/10
		19.07.40
		04.00	BF 4319 center-left
		05.20	BF 4329 center	At the crash site.  Up to now and also up to dawn no star signals seen from the aircraft crew.
		06.11		A small steamer with set lights sighted bearing 110°T, stopped it, flies Irish flag and neutrality markings, is on the way to Setubal (Portugal).
		07.20		Continued search.  With the up to now prevailing west wind the rubber boat would have drifted to the east.  Additionally it is assumed that it proceeds to the east to reach the British coast.  Initially searched square 4329.
		08.00	BF 4338 lower-center edge
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, 9/10
		08.31 - 09.04		Dived for an approaching aircraft bearing 60°T.
		09.08		U-boat bearing 240°T, own small boat, that shoots Recognition Signals for the aircraft in his vicinity.  Aircraft does not answer.  Boat dived.  Aircraft apparently a He 111, comes closer, flies towards and also does not answer a Recognition Signal, therefore dived.
		09.16 - 09.27		Dived.
				The behavior of this aircraft, whose markings were still not recognized, yet was undoubtedly German and searches for his emergency landing comrades, is very foolish.  By his continual approaches while not answering Recognition Signals he makes the search operations of the U-boats very difficult.  Aircraft remains in sight and circles over the sea area.  When it again comes close I remain on the surface, despite the Recognition Signals being unanswered.  German markings are recognized on the aircraft.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 19.07.40

	- 18 -
		continued
		19.07.40
		10.53		The small U-boat is in sight again to the west.  It searches in the vicinity of the crash site.  Therefore I decide to search an 18 nm wide and 50 nm long strip from the crash site to the east.
		12.00	BF 4336 center-left edge	Day's run:  292.5 nm
			SW 4, Sea 3, 9/10	2.5 nm  = 295 nm
		15.13 - 16.08	BF 5119 lower-left corner	Dived for a new approaching aircraft bearing 60°T, that does not reply to Recognition Signals.
		18.40		After searching the 18 x 50 nm strip without results, came about and searched this strip one again in the direction of the crash site in large legs.
		20.00	BF 5116 center-left edge
			WS 4, Sea 4, 4/10
		22.30 - 22.55		In 300°T Recognition Signals, Morse and flag message traffic with U-56, which moves off to the east.
		24.00	BF 4329 lower-center edge	Proceeded around the crash square in the expectation of star signals on the part of the rubber boat, which however do not take place.
			WS 4-5, Sea 4, 8/10
		20.07.40
		04.00	BF 4326 center-left edge
			WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, mist (rain)
		08.00	BF 4364 upper-center
		10.00		Because further searching seems hopeless, transit to Lorient.
		12.00	BF 5171 lower-left	Day's run:  218 nm
			W 2, Sea 2, 3/10	3 nm  = 221 nm
		16.00	BF 5197 upper-left
			W 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10
		20.00	BF 5513 lower-right
		24.00	BF 5536 center
			W 3, Sea 2, blue sky
		21.07.40
		04.00	BF 6178 upper-right
		04.30		Recognition Signals and signal traffic exchanged with U-52.
		05.00		Isle de Groix in sight.
		06.00		U-52 and U-56 in sight west of Isle de Groix.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 20.07.40
	Sun and Moon Data 21.07.40

	- 19 -
		continued
		21.07.40
		06.45		R-Boote in sight off the coast.
		07.25		Entered Lorient under escort of 3 R-Booten together with U-52 and U-56 through the W-entrance.
		08.45	Lorient Roadstead	Escort ended.
		09.08	Lorient	Made fast alongside the hulk "ISÈRE" in the Arsenal.
				Disguised the boat against being sighted by aircraft.
				Afterwards received French clothing from the uniform store.
				Preservation of the weapons and the boat's hull.
		12.00		Fuel loading.
				Accommodation of the free watch in the Hotel "Pigeon blanc", the Officers in the Hotel "Beau Sèjour".
		22.07.40
			Lorient	Work service.
		23.07.40	Lorient	Work service.
		18.30		Muster by B.d.U.
		24.07.40	Lorient	Work service.
		11.00		Shift to the fishing harbor to take over torpedoes.
		18.00		Shift to the old berth in the Arsonal.
			Tonnage calculation:
		05.07.40 BF 1145 "MAGOG" (Canada) 2053 GRT 07.07.40 BF 1456 Type "PALICARP" 3577 GRT   BF 1196 Type "ASTRONOMER" 8401 GRT 08.07.40 BF 1251 Union Castle Liner 10000 GRT 12.07.40 BE 3274 IA (Greek) 4860 GRT 12.07.40 AM (Prize) "MERISAAR" (Estonia) 2136 GRT 18.07.40 BE 3347 "WOODBURY"     4434 GRT       35461 GRT

Sun and Moon Data 21.07.40

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