Patrol 7 (14FEB40 - 21FEB40)

= Patrol 7 =

January, 25th 1940

Bootsmann Werner Wagner (Torpedoman) has been transfered
to another Uboat. We welcome Josef Lorentz on its first post-training assigmnent.

Boat is going for maintenance and preparations for
next patrol.

--

February, 14th 1940

07:01 - We are ordered to patrol area AN55.

10:14 - The trees are all white and covered with snow.
Reminds me of home. If it was not for the rough sea
and the height of waves, I would gladly admit that
winter is my favorite season for going at sea.

17:27 - Out of the Kanal. About 1000 Km before we
reach our patrol zone, in about 50 hours.

20:11 - Orders for U-26 and U-53.

--

February, 15th 1940

00:16 - Received new orders : we are to move off to
operations area in accordance with operation order
IV, b.

16:59 - Received message from SS Sleipner. Sinking
at coordinates 58.18N 01.46W

--

February, 17th 1940

12:02 - Patrolling AN52. Received orders from BdU.
All ships in the USA zone without illuminated flags
are to be regarded as hostile.

12:17 - SS Oraniepolden reports picking survivors
from SS Kvernaas.

--

February, 18th 1940

09:43 - Intercepted large merchant in patrol
grid after plotting interception course, sighting
by plane. Getting closer for nationality ID.
Setting torpedoes to Impact, 8 meters for 8.9 meters
deep Keel.

9:52 - English ship. Sending two torpedoes.

9:57 - Torpedoes 1 and 2 hit at the bow. Getting
closer.

9:58 - Ship has no weapons. She is dead stopped,
no fire. Sending killing shot with torpedoe tube
3 at 1 meter deep. Waiting for survivors to finish
getting out of boat before shooting her.

10:03 - Getting closer to interrogate survivors,
and get name of ship. Ship identified as SS City of
Bristol, Large marchant of 10615 tons. Was
carrying Coal to England. There are 43 survivors
out of 55 crewman.


12:00 - U-50 reporting low on provisions.
U-48 has no torpedoes left, getting low on
provisions too.

14:04 - Small torpedo boat has stopped us. Coming
very fast. Depth under keel close to 100 meters.
Ordering crash dive!

14:08 - Took damage to Bow Quarters. Some flooding,
repair crew taking care of it. Diving to 90 meters
and going slow.

22:26 - A good day. Spotted a medium cargo going
all lights off. Going to give her our last two
torpedoes and go back to Kiel.
Setting decks awash for surface night attack.

22:33 - One of the torpedoes exploded while going
to target. We're left with only one torpedo now.

22:36 - Second torpedo is a dud. We're out of
ammo. Setting course back to Kiel.

--

February, 20th 1940

14:31 - BdU reports U-54 has failed to report or
return to base for too long. Suspect enemy mine,
and that Uboat is lost.

--

February, 20th 1940

12:15 - Reached Kiel. Ending patrol 7.