Patrol 8 (30MAR40 - 09APR40)

= Patrol 8 =

February, 21th 1940

Been awarded the Uboat badge.
Matrosengefreiter Rudolf Ganzer is transfered to
another Uboat and is replaced by Matrosenobergefreiter
Otto Batsch.

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March, 30th 1940

11:27 - Boat is ready. We have a whole new set of
batteries. There are new models available but none
are available so our boat just got a standard
exchange for the basic model. We have a full load
of type II torpedoes, with new magnetic pistols.
We have been asked to test them at sea.

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April, 1st 1940

We are patrolling in ordered grid area. Some clouds,
and moderate visibility with no rain. Wind speed is
moderate at 8 meters per second.

22:30 - Weather is getting bad.

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April, 2th 1940

00:40 - U-38 reports having sunk one steamer in
small convoy, 1 torpedo. AN 2671.

09:26 - Spotted a ship far away.
It's an English A&B Class in transit.
Diving.

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April, 5th 1940

Attacked and sunk Coastal Tanker. Tubes 1 and 2
type-II did hit using magnetic pistols. They seem
to work better than previous models. Sending patrol
report and surfacing to check for survivors.
Strong winds, ship is burning badly and escape
boats are located under heavy fire. If there are
any survivors, they won't make it with this sea.

17:23 - Attacked Granville-type Freighter.
Last three torpedoes are duds. Ship escaped.
Out of torpedoes : heading back to base.

18:12 - Attacked by plane! Bomb exploded
behind boat, we have heavily damaged bulkhead
at the rear.

19:00 - The rear of the boat is black, burned
and heavily damaged. It's like it has been crushed,
but we got lucky since the properllers are still
working. We are going full ahead but getting only
half speed as a result and the boat is doing strange
noises at the back.

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April, 6th 1940

03:31 - U-59 reports sinking one steamer at
grid AN 1537.

06:01 - Received radio message : Operation
Hartmut is beginning. Ordered Uboats should soon
receive orders.

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April, 9th 1940

07:02 - Our forces have invaded Denmark.

11:33 - Reached Kiel. Ending patrol.