Radio Messages from boats on the Ireland Circuit
 
                           =================================  
     
 
                                                               Month of September
26.09.42    14.15    
Short Signal:  "Yes".    
     
26.09.42    21.07    
Short Signal:  Shifting my operations area to the southwest part of AK.
     
26.09.42    16.16    
Short Signal:  AF 47 (Atzinger?)
     
  19.19/26/112 20.52
From Hellriegel Starboard Diesel out of service.  Cylinder block.  Stopped bolts again sheared off after 36 hours of high load.  Operating on "Brandi" convoy today without success.
     
  17.18/26/115 21/18
From Kapitzki Position AK 6346 54 cbm, operating southwest, NW 4, 5/10, Sea 4, Vis. 6 nm, 10 mb, steady.
     
  21.30/26/120 22.31
From Heydemann 1)  BF 49 and BE 53 at night 16° horizontal polarization.
  26 10.00 hours BE 52 "Boeing" 2900 without radar detection.
  26 02.00 hours, BE 53 destroyer various courses and speeds.
  3)  Tannenbaum repeatedly broken off, shortens.
  4)  Serial numbers 6, 7 from 21. missing +17, Be 27 all large .
     
  20.45/26/121 22.42
From Köpke 1)  Started return transit.  Large AL 4531, 37 cbm.
  2)  WNW 2, long swell, 14 mb, steady, rain showers changing visibility.
     
  21.07/26/123 23.13
From Walkerling Position after hunting in vain large AL 6286, 30 cbm, only stern torpedo, request orders.  At 20.00 hours Ireland Circuit serial number 202, 07 from 25th, 274, 75, 76 from 26th missing.
     
  21.13/26/118 22.04
From Grimme Enemy radar detection in large BF on 168 cm 23rd in 55 05.00 hours 2 times, 24th in 46 03.00 hours to 05.00 hours 1 time.  25th in 47 from 01.30 hours to 07.00 hours 3 times.  25th in BE 68 from 03.30 hours to 06.00 hours 2 times no attacks dived.  Position 28 September 09.00 hours at meeting point.
  Position large BE 6871.
     
  17.02/27/156 17.19
From Makowaki Per Radio Message 01.36/27/210 reporting: information Type "FLORIDA" a version, something like "DERBYCHIRE" without mast.  NW 5, 05 mb, falling.  Large AL 5563, 72 cbm, still +4°C
     
 
     
 
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
 
 
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  22.47/27/163 23.19
From Popp 1)  EX 78 several escorts, partially lit like neutrals.  At night continuous horizontally polarized enemy radar detections at 158 - 160 cm from 3 locations.
  2)  98 cbm  HG 3965.
     
  23.03/27/164 23.24
From Bobst Large AK 8634 NW 9, Sea 7, very high swells, 20 mb steady, changing visibility in rain showers 5 nm.
     
  11.00/28/175 11.44
From Hesse Position large AL 2795, 91 cbm, NW 4, high swell from the west, 01 mb steady, Vis. moderate to good.
     
  14.19/28/187 15.11
From Quät 1)  Large AK 8654.  Return transit.
  2)  Behind the auxiliary bilge pump a brazed location.  Ballast tank 7 diameter 35 mm, depth 12 mm. 
  2 power supply cables for the main E-motor and 5 others cooked.  Wiring to main E-motor only from Battery I.  Suppose sabotage.
  3)  Fu.M.B. examined per serial number 144/27.  Reception exists.  Strong humming from the anode.  Question interference range.
  4)  NW 6, long swell, Vis. good
     
  16.45/28/197 17.07
From Purkhold 14.30 hours large AK 9519 from ? berator.
     
  20.01/28/109 21.27
From Lassen Position in 4 hours at approach point.  Request orders.  All wave receiver out of service, receiving with long wave and Radione, attempting repairs.
     
  02.00/30/151 03.58
From Hellriegel Except for already reported observations no details because of weather and defence.
     
  02.58/30/152 04.15
From Bülow 1)  18.28 hours AL 7186 flying boat circling was not noticed.  Later depth charge pursuit at this location.
  2)  SW 3, Sea 2, light swell, overcast, drizzle, 16 mb falling, +15°.
   
  04.49/30/153 05.52
From Quät 1)  19.38 hours destroyer, course 45°, medium speed in 3543.
  2)  Position 3672.
  3)  SbyW 2, shifting to the right, Sea 1-2, light swell. Vis. 6 nm good for days, 10/10, stratus, 20 mb, falling slowly.
  4)  All large BD.
 
     
 
 
 
 
- 3 -
 
     
 
                                                         Month of October 1942
  15.55/1/187 15.47
From Bobst Four-masted gaff-rigged schooner.  Large AK 5741, course 140°, question attack.
     
  20.00/2/127 20.19
From Hackländer Large BE 4635.  Request orders for further advance.
     
  21.00/2/129 21.27
From Fechner Position large CF 1364, in the mean time dockyard help, require 7 tanks and 2 diesel engine cooling water pumps.
     
  21.24/2/130  115 22.26
From Lassen Junkers air compressor Type 4 FK 115 Manufacturer's No. 31007 out of service.  Piston rod Item Roman Numeral 5.36 table 6 required.
     
  02.40/3/153 03.03
From Hellriegel Position 5 October 08.00 hours N 1.
     
  00.03/3/134 03.08
From Kapitsky

Flooded G 7 E 44503 depth apparatus completely flooded.  Reason chamber sealing ring too large, buckled.  Three screws loose.  Oscillating pin in guidance cable not engaged.  Pre-serviced by Meussen Tollerort, Hamburg.  Position large BD 1260 ENE 4, Sea 4, Vis. medium, 21 mb slowly falling.
     
  15.05/3/147 19.08
From Göing Position 5 October 16.00 hours Point 346.
     
  10.59/4/162 11.45
From Wolfbauer 1)  Aircraft sighted 30 September 07.50 hours in BF 49 (radar) not heard.  (Radar) Heard 1 October 03.00 hours and 05.00 hours.  At 15.15 hours without radar detection bombed in BF 47 (Fortress).  On 2 October 04.00 hours (radar) heard.
     
  18.52/4/170 19.15
From Grimme Set off "Bäberg" 83 cbm, 6 weeks (provisions), 1, 2+2, "Mässenhäusen" 80 cbm, 7, 10.  "Wallas" 80 cbm, 5, 6+2, "Trojer" 70 cbm, 4, 10+2.  Started return transit.  BD 7196, NW 4 to 5, See 4, medium swell, 24 mb steady, +2, Vis. very good.  Missing serial number 4 from the 23rd,  47 from the 25th, 68 from the 26th.
     
                  A  f  r  i  c  a                                           October 1942
     
  02.11/7/446 04.15
From Gelhaus 1)  2 steamers hunted from large ET 8179 to 5730 to 5560 during which "ANDALUCIA STAR" sunk.
  2)  4 Eto, 3 Ato + 6 Atos 92 cbm.
     
  13.27/10/401 20.40
From Folkers Meeting point 11 October 10.00 hours.
     
  19.00/10/402 21.11
From Ibbeken Have sunk 08.30 hours in large FM 574 "DUTCHESS OF ATHALL" from Cape Town for England.
 
     
 
 
 
 
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  21.17/10/406 22.13
From Ibbeken Large FT in Serial Number 402 must mean FM 3734.
     
  21.12/10/407 22.47
From Bauer Convoy sets lights at darkness.  Advance continued.  Large EU 7444.  Convoy course 300°, 6 knots.
     
  21.52/10/408 23.00
From Würdemann In the evening of 9 October large ET 7519 freighter course 50° lost in rain squall.  In the morning of 10 October 4876 sighted passenger steamer, likely"MENHELLAS" with destroyer course 50° high speed.
     
  01.06/11/410 04.06
From Edzards Hunted 3000 GRT freighter from large ET 5777 - 5812, there lost contact course 40°.  Unusual behavior when coming into sight at dawn by making course changes of 20 - 160°.  In addition, occasionally stopped for long periods.  Submerged from 17.00 to 20.00 hours by tough air, steamer, at the same time at low speed.  With nightfall on opposite heading.
     
  22.16/11/421 22.39
From Wilamowitz 20 cbm remaining.  Total 46 cbm.
  Count on another supply in large DS 60 "Folkers".
     
  11.43/13/435 20.45
From Bauer While maneuvering ahead of 2 freighters protected by destroyers forced to submerge by aircraft.  While attacking submerged sighted by destroyer.  Heavy depth charges from 2 destroyers.  Escaped with darkness.  Damage sustained: starboard thrust bearing out of service.  Port only serviceable for slow speed.  Starboard negative buoyancy tank leaking.  Sound locator conditionally serviceable.  Meanwhile other Radio Message damage repaired. All upper deck torpedo storage containers damaged. Torpedoes probably unserviceable.  Set off for repairs.  Convoy course 270°, 10 knots.
     
  23.50/14/450 00.37
From Müller-Edwards Large ET 7354 sound pursuit by single wandering escort.  All torpedoes, 75 cbm.  Request supply.
     
  19.13/18/472 20.55
From Emmermann 1)  14 October 4899 double shot on freighter, general course 90.  Air escort.
  2)  Nothing in 40, 72, 89.  Bad weather, poor visibility.  Suppose traffic stopped, incoming air escort.
  3)  Unloaded 9 torpedoes, 163 cbm, 8938 high swell, very hazy.  All large GR
 
     
 
 
 
 
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  18.02/18/473 21.10
From Witte 1)  Nothing sighted since 13 October.
  2)  Radio Message Serial Number 436 on 13 October weather must mean "Northwest - hurricane".
  3)  Matr.Ob.Gefr. Hirschler heavy inflammation in the penis for 3 weeks, suspect syphilis.  Request doctor's boat.
  4)  Unloaded, 173 cbm, high pressure (weather), large GQ 9537.
     
  20.30/19/485 21.20
From Ibbeken To Witte  
  Supply meeting point 22 October 15.00 hours large GQ 6834.
     
  07.10/20/488 07.46
From Ibbeken Bread delivery from "Witten" agreed.
     
  08.21/28/438 08.36
From Müller-Edwards Started return transit, large ET 2721.  No traffic.  On 27 October in ET 28 upper half active air.
     
                                                                   November
  05.22/5/413 06.35
From Heyse Nothing in south, southwest and west sectors.  Now large ES 62.  Ballast tank 8 leaks, attempting repairs.  88 cbm.  Trade wind weather.  Can continue operations with supply.
     
  22.15/6/433 22,52
From Achilles 5 November 7321 2 incoming steamers on the 20-meter line 260°.  6 November 1 steamer, in 7296, 90° afterwards 25 inbound.  Operations in the shallow water area ineffective because of active sea patrol and strong east current, going to the west.  Light air 104 cbm, large EV 7272.
     
  16.40/7/441 17.31
From Bauer Because the area is alerted request operations area extension including large EW 86.  Yesterday strong air.  Off Lagos regular sea patrol on the 200-meter line
     
    06.36
Short signal FT 23 (ps)
     
  22.44/9/485 23.35
From Schendler 12 November 16.00 positioned at meeting point, 84 cbm, NE 2, overcast, 20 mb.
     
  23.02/9/486 23.44
From Achilles At night large 7278 2 steamers from convoy, 5000 and 7000 GRT, departed after 2 torpedoes hit and burning because of defense.  Convoy consisted of 3 steamers, 1 destroyer, course 70°, 9 knots, additionally, air escort.  In the area now moderate air escort by day.  Torpedoes with membrane performed perfectly 14 torpedoes, 93 cbm.
  Africa Circuit good outside IPS heavy strange interference.  By day 19-meter frequency good, above 19 meters not good.  Long wave like Poske.
 
     
 
 
 
 
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  23.52/9/487 00.22
From Vowe Enemy position large EJ 7118 speed, course undetermined.
     
  17.50/10/497 18.17
From Heyse Request 2 torpedoes from Vowe.  Inventory 7 A, 4 E.
     
  18.44/10/498 18.52
From Heyse Am at supply.  
     
  19.57/10/402 20.45
From Vowe Position for meeting point "Liebe" 270 nm.  Supplying "Heyse" at the moment.  Question should "Heyse" supply be interrupted.
     
  19.45/10/406 23.02
From Ibbecken 1)  Sunk 4 November KP 53 4000 GRT British Passenger freighter and "TREKIVE".
  2)  From 7 - 10 November in KQ 50 nothing seen except wind and sea going to KP 80.
  3)  After inspecting photo on the 1st November in KP 8530 not "LAURENTIC" but "TALMAKLASSE" probably coal fired, air escort.
  4)  Low acid level in cells under battery [forten?] determined.  Some mold on the cover plate.  Acid level of the torpedoes very much below normal.  In 3 single shots on the same target with the same good (days) firing data 2 misses.
  5)  Frequencies on other circuits not useful.  Good reception from 20 - 04 hours.  No reception with antenna amplifier, as receiver tube noise is too strong.  Low frequencies disturbed on the Ireland Circuit
  6)  Position KQ 55, 4 - 9 torpedoes, 195 cbm.  All large .
     
  21.45/14/443 22.42
From Schendel 1)  Sank today "SCAPA FLOW" from statement 7000 GRT with rubber, machinery, wool, Freetown to Trinidad 290°, 8 knots, 9464 EH, trade wind weather, 11 mb steady.
  2)  Vowe reports "Heyse" 80 + 3 cbm 20 day's provisions 4 torpedoes "Liebe" 55 + 1 cbm 20 days provisions "Schendel" 70 cbm 15 day's provisions.  Tanker inventory 190 + 3.5 cbm 75 day's provisions.
     
  22.58/14/444 23.18
From Vowe Supply carried out.  To "Heyse" 80 cbm 4 torpedoes "Liebe" 55 cbm "Schendler" 70 cbm Tanker inventory 187 cbm fuel oil 3.5 cbm motor oil 71 day's provisions.
     
  19.23/16/453 20.11
From Vowe Supply of "Popp" carried out.  Inventory "Popp" 79 cbm 35 days.  Tanker inventory 140 + 3 cbm, 44 day's provisions.  ENE 3, overcast, 11 mb.  Request orders.
 
     
 
 
 
 
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  22.32/17/466 23.15
From Achilles 12 November inbound convoy 3 steamers, 2 escort vessels, EV 7832 90°, then to a northerly course 12 knots.  Air escort by day.  Arriving to date in the morning.  17 November EV 7779 passenger freighter 260°, 15 knots  6+7 68 cbm.  Medium air.  Under the Ivory Coast no traffic.  Rainy period beginning.  EU 9965 large .
     
  1954/20/488 20.34
KR KR    
From Popp Large EJ 7323 attacked by a submarine.  Avoided surface runner.
     
  21.45/20/489 22.24
From Vowe "Riegele" supplied with 55 + 2 cbm, 15 days provisions.  When will Zschech arrive?  NE 2-3, 14 mb steady.
     
Short Signal   23.05
(us) 22 day of the current month with the beginning of brightness.
     
  22.18/20/491 23.35
From Gysae 1)  Sank:  yesterday large 9780 large tanker 10000 GRT with benzine, 270°, no survivors.  Today large 9910 American "PIERCEBUTLER" 60 Capetown-Aden with general cargo. 7191 GRT.
  2)  220 cbm, 90.  All large KP.
     
  21.53/22/420 22.40
From Poske 1.)  Large FD 9455, 81 cbm, 15 days.
  2.)  Require all engine consumables, lubricating oil, fresh water, fresh provisions, pharmaceuticals, soap, cigarettes, Christmas tree.
     
  9.21/23/424 21.50
From Emmermann 1)  Today sank 1138 "BENLOMOND" general course 275°, from Bombay via Cape Town in ballast, hunted from 1314.
  2)  Nothing in 35 to 17.  Request 21 to 36.  Previously "ALDINGTON COURT" had passed a point 30 nm north of St. Pauls Cliffs.
  3)  Position 12, 4 torpedoes, 63 cbm.  All large FC.
     
    20.10
Short Signal    
(ps) Intend attack on steamer in ER 88.
     
  19.31/25/442 20.57
From Müller 24 November Dane "AFRICA", empty EP 1332 to EE 9993.  Double miss from 500 meters pistol failure No. 21938 assumed.  In turning away noted.  Afterwards no attack opportunity because of wild movements.  This morning EE 9959 broke off.
  7711 EF.  55 cbm 1 stern torpedo.
  Request supply.
 
     
 
 
 
 
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  18.42/26/455 20.12
From Riegele Large 9833 Norwegian "INDRA" Capetown - New York in ballast 310°, sank.  SE trade winds.
     
  18.58/26/456 20.21
From Dierksen Hunted, since yesterday at 05.00 hours Dutch steamer "POLYDORIUS" of EH 97 via ER 38, ES 17 3 fan noted marked by early detonation after 28 seconds.  Pistol Nos. 28341, 27683, 34461 hunt continues.
     
  19.21/28/487 20.05
From Emmermann 1)  Today sank:  Large ER 9427 American "ALASKAN" 315°, 15 knots from Cape Town via Trinidad to New York.  Cars - General cargo.
  2)  2 torpedoes, 50 cbm.
  3)  In Radio Message Serial No. 473 must mean: 9459
     
  20.01/28/488 20.54
From Riegele Large ER 6767 to "Witte" another 4 Atos.  132 + 7 cbm.  10 weeks  ESE 2.
     
  20.42/28/489 21.43
From Popp Fuel oil inventory 45 cbm.  Starting return transit.  For operating in EK 46 supply necessary, in addition all machine-consumables, especially urgently soap.  Crew condition reasonable, not suitable for longer operation.  Up to now nothing sighted.  Large EH 8949.
     
  00.37/29/492 01.58
From Achilles Sank 29 November ES 7693 "TJILEBSET" with ammunition flying through the air, no survivors.  To ES 5752 course 80°, afterwards hunted on southerly course.  31 cbm 2 + 7.
     
  19.04/29/405 20.34
From Gysae 1)  Traffic situation Durban: east sector after the last sinkings 5-day traffic stoppage. Heavier traffic north-east sector 30-50° more than 8550 observed.  There constant sea. Steamers in groups sighted off and on.
  2)  Auxiliary cruiser 210, 14 knots, zigzagging crew 200 British and 80 South Africans mostly dead.
  3)  From statement: journey duration Aden - Durban 9-1/2 days, on the way average enemy traffic.  Steamers and protected groups.  No coast or beacons seen
  4)  67 All large KP 195.5 cbm.
  5)  Good reception:  IW 00-03, 05-06 IX 10-20 CB 03-05, 20-24 hours.  Transmit days 15-18 hours IX.
  6)  Officer-only Radio Message Z from 24 November missing.
     
  19.15/29/406 20.43
From Ibbecken 1)  Sank 27 November ("JEREMIAH"), "WADSWORTH" 8000 GRT American new construction.  GJ 2557, course 0°, supposedly from New Orleans to Bombay.
  2)  Fuel oil 131 cbm, is enough for return transit at economical speed.  Still 1 + 1 torpedoes.  Position GR 8846.
  3)  Low frequency 15.22 KHZ with all program times no reception.  All large .
 
     
 
 
 
 
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  23.04/29/410 00.08
From Emmermann Unfortunately Spanish "AXYLO" tobacco from Bahia - Tenerife.
  2)  Large ER 9846, 42 cbm.
     
  19.30/30/417 20.06
From Stiebler Delivery of (Biscay) cross and injured person from "Zschech" executed.  Meeting with "Poske" agreed.  SW 4, 11 (cbm), mb steady.
     
  15.33/30/419 20.55
From Thilo FC 1379 2 fan miss on C 2 Type "EMMERMANN" 260°, 17 knots zigzagging, heavily armed.  Good firing data.  Pistol failure possible, the torpedo sounds in listening gear suddenly stopped.  Pistol No. 26688, 31975.  No pursuit.  6 + 8, 38 cbm, SE trade winds.
     
                                                            December 1942
  19.52/4/443 20.39
From Riegele 12.00 hours large ES 7187 Spanish "MONTENEGRO" 220, 9 knots.
     
  19.04/4/441 20.12
From Gysae 1)  Yesterday sighted 5960 Cruiser 220°, high speed.
  2)  Today steamer hunted in 8310.  Set navigation lights at darkness.  Swedish "GLIMAREN" 220°.
  3)  179 cbm, 2 + 4 torpedoes, All large KP.
     
  17.26/14/431 20.09
From Thilo Just sank:  8185 Type BARON BELHAVEN 6500 GRT.  Estimated 120°, cargo probably partly munitions.  After torpedoing immediate many aircraft bombs.  Night air.  14 December by day 7635 to 7362 heavy air, flying boat aircraft bombs, light damage.  97 cbm, 3 + 4, southeast trade winds.
     
    Ireland Circuit                                January 1943
Short Signal:

  DF 6166, have about 80 cbm fuel oil.

    (to)    
     
  01.05/6/328 03.47
From Auffermann Convoy in double line ahead about 8 ships, apparently only tankers.  Protection by side sweeper, enemy radar detection not observed.
  2)  Torpedo tube outer door fairing inoperative.  Main transmitter out of service, missing E.W. in transmitter station selector board.  Since 4 December because of tear in oil cooler highest speed 13 knots, repairs underway.
  3)  Position large DR 7351.  Expecting to arrive in ordered patrol line on 8 January.
 
     
 
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