U-48 - 7th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Ken Dunn and Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	7 August 1940	Lorient	28 August 1940	22

 

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
16 Aug 40	12.03	57°21'N, 16°36'W	HEDRUN	2,325	Swedish	OB-197
19 Aug 40	00.05 - 01.09	55°57'N, 15°25'W	VILLE DE GAND	7,590	Belgian
24 Aug 40	14.24	57°41'N, 11°04'W	LA BREA	6,665	British	HX-65
25 Aug 40	02.45	58°27'N, 11°00'W	ATHELCREST	6,825	British	HX-65A
25 Aug 40	02.46	58°27'N, 11°00'W	EMPIRE MERLIN	5,763	British	HX-65A
			Total = 29,168
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.

 

This KTB uses the depth notation "depth T = xx meters"  Under this scheme, the actual depth was twice the depth given after T = so for example, if the KTB entry read "depth T = 50 meters, the actual depth was 100 meters.  This was intended to hide the actual depth for security purposes. This notation was used from about January 1940 to December 1941.  In these KTBs, depths written without using "T =", for example "dived to depth 35 meters" were not so disguised.

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			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
			=======================
			of Unterseebootes "U 48"
			Kommandant:  Korvettenkapitän    R  ö  s  i  n  g  .
			Beginning:                  30.6.1940,
			Concluding:               28.8.1940.
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		30.06.40		Sunday duty.
		01.07.40		Cleared the boat.  Torpedo offload.
				Shipyard period from 2.7. - 2.8.40
		02.07.40		Shifted to Germaniawerft!
		- 02.08.40		Shipyard period!
		02.08.40		Sea trial.  Afterwards made fast Germaniawerft.
				Final adjustments and bilge cleaning.
		03.08.40		At noon shifted the boat from the Germaniawerft to the Tirpitz Mole.  Torpedo loading alongside MEMEL.
		04.08.40		Sunday duty.
		05.08.40		Morning G.H.G. testing and radio direction finder calibration.
				Afternoon provisions loading.
		06.08.40		Took over the boat and provisions loading.
				Morning trim test.  Afternoon fuel loading.
				on behalf of the Kmdt.
				Oblt.z.S.  I.W.O.
				7th Patrol.
		07.08.40
		14.00		Cast off Kiel Tirpitz Mole for patrol,
		14.20		Made fast Holtenau Locks.
		15.00		Cast off Hotenau Locks.  Transit through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal
		21.00		Made fast Brunsbüttel harbor.
		08.08.40
		07.15		Cast off Brunsbüttel.
		07.30		Made fast Brunsbüttel Locks.
		07.50		Cast off Brunsbüttel Locks.  Transit to Elbe I under escort by Sperrbrecher 6.
		12.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position:  AN 9671
			WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, misty, Vis. bad	Day's run:  7.8. - 8.8. = 67 nm
		14.00

	Sun and Moon Data 07.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 08.08.40

	- 2 -
		continued
		08.08.40
		14.00		In accordance with Outbound Orders met U-65, M 17 and M 19 in AN 9592.  Transit by Route Blau under escort by M 17
		16.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position:  AN 9582
			WSW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, misty, rain, Vis. bad
		20.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position:  AN 9375
			WSW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, misty, rain, Vis. bad
		21.00		Flag message from U-65:  Starboard diesel out of service.
				Initially continued at KF.
		21.30		Mine detonation about 200 meters next to M 17.  It is probably a mine from our own U.MA. barrier that was cleared by us some time ago.
		24.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position:  AN 6632
			WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		09.08.40
		04.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position:  AN 6338
			WSW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		06.00		M-Boote escort ended.  Detached from U-65, continued transit.
		06.12		Dived.  Proceeded submerged in accordance with Outbound Orders.
		08.00	Deutsche Bucht	Position:  AN 3872
			Weather not observed, because
		12.00	Weather not observed, because	Position:  AN 3848.  Day's run from 9.8. 195 nm
		16.00	Weather not observed, because	Position:  AN 3842
		20.00	Weather not observed, because	Position AN 3815 lower-center
		23.35		Surfaced.
		24.00	Central North Sea	Position:  AN 3575
			WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, misty, Vis. bad

	Sun and Moon Data 08.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 09.08.40

	- 3 -
		10.08.40
		04.00	Central North Sea	Position:  AN 3423
			WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, misty, rain showers, Vis. bad
		04.36		Received Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-65, U-48.
				Up to 10 August at 12.00 hours remain east of 5°E and north of 57°N.  Report feasibility . . . .
		04.55		Sent Short Signal "Yes".
		08.00	Central North Sea	Position:  AN 3422 upper-left corner
			Weather not observed, because submerged
		12.00	Weather not observed, because submerged	Position:  AN 3423
				Day's run:  9.8. - 10.8. = 126 nm
		16.00	Weather not observed	Position:  AN 3188
		20.00	Weather not observed	Position:  AN 3173
		22.03		Surfaced.
		24.00	Central North Sea	Position:  AN 4363
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		11.08.40
		04.00	Central North Sea	Position:  AN 2881
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers, Vis. medium-bad
		04.42		Dived, proceeded submerged.
		08.00	Central North Sea
			Weather not observed, because	Position:  AN 2841
		12.00	Weather not observed, because	Position:  AN 2738
				Day's run:  10.8. - 11.8. = 115 nm
		14.25		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 11.08.40

	- 4 -
		continued
		11.08.40
		14.36		Received Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-65, U-48.
				Halifax convoy located 15 August square AL 0316, head for this point.
		15.31		Aircraft sighted astern.  Did not dive.
		16.00	Northern North Sea	Position:  AN 2732
			N 4, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. good, low clouds
		20.00	Northern North Sea	Position:  AN 2238 center-left edge
			N 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium-bad
		24.00	Northern North Sea	Position:  AL 7983
			N 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium
		12.08.40
		04.00	North of the Shetlands	Position:  AF 7942
			N 4, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. good, low clouds
		08.00	North of the Shetlands	Position AF 7837
			N 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, clear, Vis. good, low clouds
		08.08		Dived for aircraft.
		08.50		Surfaced.
		09.49		Dived for aircraft.
		10.40		Surfaced.
		12.00	North of the Shetlands	Position:  AF 7827
			N 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, clear, Vis. good	Day's run:  11.8. - 12.8. = 186 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 11.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 12.08.40

	- 5 -
		continued
		12.08.40
		16.00	Northwest of the Shetlands	Position:  AF 7738
			SW 3, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		19.56		Dived for aircraft.
		20.00	Northwest of the Shetlands	Position:  AF 7749
			SSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, clear, Vis. very good
		20.20		Surfaced.
		21.30		Dived due to visibility deterioration (fog).
		23.00		Surfaced.
		24.00	Set of the Shetlands	Position: AE 9995
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, fog, Vis. bad
		13.08.40
		04.00	West of the Shetlands	Position:  AM 3227
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, fog, Vis. bad
		08.00	West of the Shetlands	Position:  AM 3183
			SSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. medium
		12.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 3314
			SSW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, misty, Vis. medium-bad	Day's run:  12.8. - 13.8. = 242 nm
		16.00	Northwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2531
			SSW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		16.27		Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-48.
				Immediately give Short Signal weather report.
		17.20		Sent weather report.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 13.08.40

	- 6 -
		continued
		13.08.40
		20.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2545
			SSW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		23.30		Short Signal sent passing 58°30'N to the south.
		24.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 1686
			Sea 4-5, overcast, clear, Vis. good, high Swell
		14.08.40
		04.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 1815
			SWbyW 5, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 1762
			W 4, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		12.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 1597 (navigation fix?)
			W 4, Sea 4, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good	Day's run:  13.8. - 14.8. = 165 nm
		16.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 1724
			SW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		20.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 1744
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		22.23 - 22.50		Test dive.
		24.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 0322
			SW 2, Sea 2, cloudy-overcast, clear, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 13.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 14.08.40

	- 7 -
		15.08.40
		01.00		Reached ordered position AL 0316.
		04.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position AL 0316
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 0316
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, misty, Vis. medium-bad
		12.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 0316
			WSW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, misty, Vis. medium-bad	Day's run:  14.8. - 15.8. = 168 nm
		14.50		Destroyer sighted on easterly course.
				Dived!  Nothing distinguished in the periscope in the misty weather.
		16.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 0316
			WSW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, misty, Vis. bad
		16.50		Surfaced.
		20.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position AL 0316
			WSW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, misty, Vis. medium to bad
		24.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 0316
			WSW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		16.08.40
		04.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 0316
			WSW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, clear, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 15.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 16.08.40

	- 8 -
		continued
		16.08.40
		08.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 0316
			WSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, misty, Vis. medium-bed
		08.35		Received Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-30, U-38, U-46.
				Expected convoy located 07.00 hours AL 5677, speed 8 knots.
		09.45		Came to course 46°.  Searched for contact!
		10.10		Convoy in sight on westerly course.
		10.51		Maneuvered ahead.  In mist about 8-10 ships recognized in line ahead.  No escort seen.  Dived.
				While running in recognized that the convoy consisted of 40-50 steamers in 5 columns with a spacing of 500-600 meters.  Got between the center columns at HF.  A few tankers were in the center.  No escort seen.  Due to the low distance between columns it is difficult to reach shooting position, because we must continually avoid steamers that approach us.  Depth control is very difficult.
		11.50	Southwest of the Hebrides	Torpedo shot from tube I.  Estimated range - 1000 meters.
			WbyS 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, misty, Vis. medium	After 70 seconds running time impact of the torpedo clearly heard in the boat.  No detonation.  Pistol failure.
		12.03		Day's run:  15.8. - 16.8. = 187 nm
				Position:  AL 3888
				Continued to run between the columns with continual avoidance maneuvers sometimes swimming only about 100 meters next to the ships of the southern column.  In the convoy there are a lot of neutral Greeks and Swedes.
				Attempted a stern shot, did not work, because there was no covering by the fire control system.  The fire control system could not keep up with the quickly changing target angle

Sun and Moon Data 16.08.40

	- 9 -
		continued
		16.08.40		Torpedo shot from tube II.  Range = estimate 600 meters.  40 second running time.  Hit center.  It was a Swedish steamer size 4000 tons.  Steamer sank shortly after the hit.
		12.09		Torpedo shot from tube III.
				Miss, because the speed was estimated too high.
				The convoy had probably stopped after the torpedoing of the 1st steamer.
		12.15		Shot from tube IV.  Again a miss, because speed was overestimated.
				Now we came out behind the convoy.  A steamer obviously remained back, stopped, gets underway again and steers changing courses, while the convoy gradually passed out of sight on course 260°.
				I ran off from the obvious U-boat trap so I could surface as soon as possible.  Suddenly I see a small tanker coming from the east that I approach.  In coming closer I notice that the vessel is very small and makes flag signals.  Turned away.  He turns after, so that I continually see him in 40°.  Showed him the stern and moved off.  The vessel, probably a U-boat hunter, remained in place.  The trap continues to turn, after a while a gunboat joins the other two.  All three search and make flag signals.  We run off undisturbed at HF.  When we are far enough away that they have lost us ran at depth 30 meters for half an hours at GF, to surface out of sight as soon as possible.
		15.22	Southwest of the Hebrides	Surfaced.  I followed the convoy on his general course of 250° and expect to be positioned ahead when it gets dark.
			WbyS 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, clear, Vis. good

Sun and Moon Data 16.08.40

	- 10 -
		continued
		16.08.40
		16.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 3849
			WbyS 6, Sea 5-6, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		17.00		Steamer in sight abeam.  Course west.  Recognize the trap.  Avoided to the north to continue operating on the convoy.
		17.25		Steamer in sight on easterly course.  Seems to be a large vessel.  An independent.  Gave up pursuit of the convoy and initiated attack on the steamer.
		17.38		The U-boat trap is in sight again.  It forces us to haul out further, so that the fat steamer is seen very faintly.  It steers a zigzag course.
		18.25		Steamer lost from sight, turned to the south and attempted to gain contact again.  This does not work, because visibility has deteriorated.  Probably the steamer was warned about this area by radio or the U-boat trap and had turned away, ran off to the south, to leave the area.
		20.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 0321
			WbyS 6, Sea 5, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium-good
		24.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 0382
			W 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, misty at times, Vis. medium

Sun and Moon Data 16.08.40

	- 11 -
		17.08.40
		04.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 0334
			W 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium
		07.10		Dived due to visibility deterioration.
		08.00	Weather not observed, because	Position:  AM 1774
		12.00	Weather not observed, because	Position:  AM 1772
				Day's run:  16.8. - 17.8. = 208 nm
		13.55		Surfaced.
		14.30		Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-48.
				On 18 August at 04.00 hours send Short Signal weather report.
		16.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 1751
			W 6, Sea 6, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		20.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AL 3693 center-right edge
			W 6, Sea 6, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		20.40		Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				U-48 occupy area "Ida".
		24.00	Northwest of Ireland	AL 1579
			W 4, Sea 3, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		18.08.40
		04.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position:  AM 1755
			W 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, clear, Vis. good	Sent Short Signal weather report.
		08.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position:  AM 1935
			W 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good
		10.00		German U-boat sighted abeam to port.
				No Recognition Signals exchange.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 18.08.40

	- 12 -
		continued
		18.08.40
		12.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position:  AM 0185
			WNW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good	Day's run:  17.8. - 18.8. = 228 nm
		16.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position:  AM 4329
			Cloudy, clear, Vis. very good	Reached ordered operations area.
		16.35		Steamer on course 260° sighted.  Speed 15 knots.  Maneuvered ahead.  Bearing steady for 2 hours and then shifted quite slowly.  We can probably reach him by night.
		20.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position:  AM 4282
			WNW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, at times a bit misty
		24.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position:  AM 4424
			WNW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, in placed misty, Vis. medium-good
		19.08.40
		00.05		Position:  AM 4424
				Double shot from tubes I and II.
				(10 second interval)
				1 hit aft 40 meters.  Running time 42 seconds.
				Steamer settled aft very slowly.
			Crew goes into the boats.  He transmits S.O.S. position and name.  It is the Belgian steamer "VILLE DE GAND".  Size 10000-11000 tons.
		01.09		Coup de grâce from tube V.  Steamer sinks 2 minutes after the hit by the stern.
		03.00		Sent weather report and Radio Message concerning success to B.d.U.
		04.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position:  AM 4542
			WNW 3, Sea 3, cloudy, overcast, clear, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 18.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 19.08.40

	- 13 -
		continued
		19.08.40
		07.15		Steamer sighted, maneuvered ahead.
		08.00	Northwest of Ireland	Position:  AM 4565
			WNW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		08.38		U-57 sighted while maneuvering ahead.
				Recognition Signals exchanged.
		11.03		Dived!  Steamer zigzags between 50° and 80°.  Maneuvered on general course 65°.
				During the approach he changed his course to about 90° and ran past at about 4000 meters.
				Attack failed.  There is not enough space to maneuver ahead once again so moved off.
		12.00	Weather not observed, because	Position:  AM 4661
				Day's run:  18.8. - 19.8. = 292 nm
		19.00		Surfaced.
		16.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 4691
			NW 3, Sea 3, overcast, clear, Vis. very good
		17.50		Dived due to visibility deterioration (fog).
		19.11		Surfaced.
		20.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 4946
			NW 3, Sea 2, overcast, clear, Vis. very good, light Swell
		23.05 - 00.20		Downloaded over deck torpedoes.
		24.00	West of Ireland	AM 4972
			NW 2, Sea 2, overcast, clear, Vis. good

Sun and Moon Data 19.08.40

	- 14 -
		20.08.40
		00.35 - 00.39		Test dive.
		04.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 4951
			WbyS 4, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 4684
			WbyS 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, at times misty, Vis. medium
		11.02		Dived due to fog.
		12.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 4628
			Weather not observed, because	Day's run:  19.8. - 20.8. = 259 nm
		16.00	Weather not observed, because	Position:  AM 4626
		19.30		Surfaced.
		19.31		Steamer in sight!  Dived!.
		20.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 4389  Due to the sea state nothing is seen in the periscope.  I believe that the steamer has moved off, therefore surfaced.
			WbyN 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, clear, Vis. good, high Swell
		20.15		Sighted steamer is positioned in a convoy ahead to starboard about 4000 meters away.
				At the convoy 1 destroyer and 1 gunboat distinguished as screen on the starboard side.
				Dived.  Apparently not noticed, because nothing happens.
				Due to the high sea state a submerged attack can not be carried out, the boat could be held relatively well at periscope depth athwart the seas.
		21.35		Convoy ran past at about 4000 meters.
				Surfaced.  Final steamer of the convoy is still in sight.  Held contact north of the convoy.  We can run against the sea at HF and from that got ahead nicely.
				Awaited darkness on a parallel course.

Sun and Moon Data 20.08.40

	- 15 -
		continued
		20.08.40
		24.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 4621
			WbyN 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, clear, Vis. good, high Swell	Closed.  At first went around the destroyer positioned ahead to starboard of the convoy, then the gunboat positioned about abeam to starboard, went into the convoy behind the gunboat.
		21.08.40
		00.26		Shot from tube I, on a steamer of the last column.  Hit aft 10 meters, after 70 seconds running time.  Size of the steamer 5000 GRT.
		00.27		Shot from tube II on a 2nd steamer.  Hit!  Sinking of the steamer not observed.  Size of the steamer 4000 GRT.
				Moved off to the south, by this with the dark night and high seas the convoy, which had turned away, passed out of sight.  Contact could not be established again.
		04.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 4645
			WbyN 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, clear, Vis. good, high Swell
		07.35		Dived due to weather conditions.
		08.00	Weather not observed, because	Position:  AM 4831
		12.00	Weather not observed, because	Position:  AM 4588
				Day's run:  20.8. - 21.8. = 262 nm
		14.15 - 14.17	Weather as in the morning	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		16.00	Weather not observed, because	Position: AM 4549
		20.00	Weather not observed, because	Position: AM 4545
		21.56		Surfaced.
		21.39		Received Radio Message from B.d.U. 1819/29/184.
				According to my findings . . . . .
				New disposition.  Occupy in line . . . . . U-48 square 2700 . . . . All squares AM.  Squares are focal points within the line!

	Sun and Moon Data 20.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 21.08.40

	- 16 -
		continued
		21.08.40
		24.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 4514
			WNW 6-7, Sea 6, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		22.08.40
		04.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 4286
			WNW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	Southwest of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 4235
			WNW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		10.19		Dived due to fog.  Proceeded submerged.
		12.00	Weather as before diving	Position AM 0183
				Day's run:  21.8. - 22.8. = 123 nm
		13.00		Surfaced.
		15.42		Again dived due to fog.
		16.00	Weather as before	Position:  AM 0138
		16.51		Surfaced.
		17.28		Again dived due to fog.
		18.36		Surfaced.
		20.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2911
		20.35	NW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, at times fog, Vis. medium	Reached the southern edge of the operations area!
		20.40		Again dived due to fog.
		22.09		Surfaced for Very Low Frequency Program Time.
		22.15		Dived and proceeded submerged at periscope depth.
		22.55		Surfaced.
		24.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2776
			NW 4, Sea 4, overcast, at times fog, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 21.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 22.08.40

	- 17 -
		23.08.40
		04.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2728
			NW 3, Sea 2-3. cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2728
			NW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy to overcast, clear, Vis. good
		08.40		Crash dive for aircraft.
				(Biplane, land-based aircraft!)
		09.10		Surfaced.
		09.10		Again Crash dive.  Because a convoy is in sight target angle 0° astern to starboard.
				Nothing was seen in the periscope, no sound bearings before surfacing.  In the short time before diving I recognize a fat vessel, several smal ones on both sides.  Apparently the boat was not seen, the ships are still on course for us.
				After some time a destroyer and a large vessel are clearly recognized.  They make flag signals.  Indistinctly a further small vessel is seen to the right of the large one and later far to the left a steamer.
				During an all around sweep I see the aircraft, a single-engine land-based bi-plane, which circles ahead of the convoy.  Because he lies athwart and flies further ahead, remained at periscope depth.  After a while he is there again.  He comes towards from starboard athwart the boat.  Because he does not turn away, went to depth T =15 meters.  [30 meters]
				During this the propeller sounds of the destroyers were quickly louder, additionally S-gear was heard.  Therefore straight to depth T = 60 meters. [120 meters]
				Boat went slowly at LF to depth T = 75 meters [150 meters]was held at HF.  The destroyer comes closer locating, changes speed on several occasions, runs at high speed from starboard and ultimately passes the boat close to starboard and runs off.

Sun and Moon Data 23.08.40

	- 18 -
		continued
		23.08.40
		11.05		Surfaced, only faint propeller sounds are heard.  New contact sighted.  Sent contact keeper report.
		11.50		Crash dive for 3 aircraft and 1 destroyer, which ran at high speed directly towards us.
		12.10		Surfaced, because propeller sounds were fainter again.  Again searched for contact.
		12.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2781
			NW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, at times fog, Vis. medium	Day's run:  22.8. - 23.8. = 168 nm
				Report:  Contact lost.
		13.25		Dived due to fog!
		14.45		Surfaced.  Searched for contact again.
				Because we do not have the convoy in sight after running for 2 hours despite at first having good visibility, instead after 3/4 hours still far ahead a destroyer probably stationed behind the convoy, I believe that it was a very fast convoy, possibly warships.
		16.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2926
			NW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, fog, Vis. medium
		17.53		Again dived due to fog!
		20.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2778
			Weather not observed, because
		20.45	Fog
		22.00	Vis. bad
		22.54		Surfaced!
		24.00	West of the Hebrides	Back and forth in position in square AM 2700.
			WbyS 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, clear, Vis. medium

Sun and Moon Data 23.08.40

	- 19 -
		24.08.40
		04.00	West of the Hebrides	Back and forth in position in square AM 2700!
			WbyS 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	West of the Hebrides	Back and forth in position in square AM 2701. [typo 2700]
			WbyS 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, clear, misty at times, Vis. medium
		11.45		Steamer (tanker) in sight on course about 120°.  Maneuvered ahead.
		13.20		Dived!
		14.24		Torpedo shot from tube I.  G 7a torpedo speed = 40 knots.
				Surface runner!  Despite this hit aft 40 meters after 34 seconds running time.  Steamer sank after 20 minutes over the stern.  Hit located in the waterline forward of the engine room.  Strong smoke development, fire, which however was quickly extinguished by inflowing water.
		12.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2743
			WbyS 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, clear, Vis. good	Day's run:  23.8. - 24.8. = 148 nm
		14.47		Surfaced.  Steamer had transmitted S.O.S., name and position.  It was the English tanker "LACKLEN" 8670 tons (3 masts).
				Moved off to the north.
		15.26		U-38 sighted abeam to U-38.  Recognition Signals exchanged.  Closed and after 5 minutes flag signal traffic separated again.
		16.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2783
			WbyS 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, misty at times, Vis. medium
		16.50		Dived due to fog!
		19.50		Surfaced.
		19.51		Dived again due to fog.
		20.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2729
			Fog

Sun and Moon Data 24.08.40

	- 20 -
		continued
		24.08.40
		21.25	Fog, Vis. bad
		22.00		Surfaced.
		24.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 2576
			WSW 9, Sea 2-3, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		25.08.40
		02.07		Convoy in sight abeam to port on easterly course, speed 7-8 knots.  At the convoy ahead to port a gunboat.  The starboard side was not observed.  The moon is positioned in the east, so that one can see the parts of the convoy that have already passed against it.  We run on the opposite course along the port side of the convoy.  Turned around at the end, matched speed at about 7 knots and then ran past.  The two bow tubes were to be fired at a forward and distant positioned tanker and a freight steamer positioned behind.  The tanker had target angle 100° and range about 1800 meters.
		02.45		Position:  AM 2583
				Torpedo shot from tube II on a tanker, size 8000 GRT.
		02.46		While turning away shot from tube III on a 6000 ton freight steamer.
				Shot from tube III hit after 133 seconds running time.  Tube II hit after 182 seconds running time.  Both steamers exploded after the torpedo detonation with strong fiery glow, the steamer especially striking.  The steamer sank very quickly, the tanker took a bit longer.
				After the shot turned away and ran off.  Next to the steamer on the starboard side another gunboat came in sight.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 25.08.40

	- 21 -
		continued
		25.08.40		The two gunboats and a third vessel, gunboat or destroyer run to the sinking location and search there.  After a bit, two vessels run back to the convoy, which had turned to the south.  One gunboat remained at the location and always ran directly towards us, apparently had a sound bearing.  When changing course it turns with, after a while 10 depth charges were heard in the boat..  So the gunboat supposed a submerged attack and took our distant diesel sounds for nearby underwater sounds.
		03.16		Sent a contact keeper report by Radio Signal.
		05.00		Went around the gunboat, because of that contact on the convoy was lost.  Searched for new contact on SE-course.  About at 04.00 hours we believed we saw a detonation to starboard at great range.  Ran for a while on a southern course, then continued searching on a SE course.
		05.38	West of the Hebrides	Convoy in sight again.  Sent a new contact keeper report.  In the northeast it is slowly starting to get light.  Still attempted to reach shooting position before lightness on a steamer positioned behind, it turned away.  Due to the progressing lightness we had to break off, in so doing 2 gunboats turn towards us, so that we run off at highest speed and so lose contact.
			WSW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good, morning twilight
		06.05		Contact lost.
		06.45
		06.41		Sent Radio Signal:  Have lost contact square AM 2598.  Was forced off.
		08.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AN 2752
			WSW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good

Sun and Moon Data 25.08.40

	- 22 -
		continued
		25.08.40	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 1898
		12.00	WSW 4, Sea 4, cloudy, clear, Vis. good	Day's run:  24.8. - 25.8. = 203 nm
		16.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 0155
			WSW 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		19.50		Dived due to fog.
		20.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 4213
			WSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, clear, Vis. good
		21.55		Surfaced!
		22.24		Radio Message sent to B.d.U.:
				46170 tons sunk.  Still 2 stern torpedoes.  Going to Lorient for supply.  Square AM 4216.
				Afterwards weather report sent by Short Signal.
		24.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 4275
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, fog at times, Vis. medium
		26.08.40
		00.40		Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-48:
				Excellent.  Report number of sunken ships.
		01.24		Radio Message sent to B.d.U.:
				- 7 - of these 2 tankers.  5 ships from convoy.
		04.00	West of the Hebrides	Position:  AM 4572
			SW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, clear, Vis. good
		08.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 4874
			SW 2, Sea 1, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 25.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 26.08.40

	- 23 -
		continue
		26.08.40	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 7195
		12.00	SW 2, Sea 1, cloudy, at times fog, Vis. changing	Day's run:  25.8. - 26.8. = 324 nm
		16.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 7496
			SW 2, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		20.00	West of Ireland	Position:  AM 7883
		22.42	SW 2, Sea 1, few clouds, Vis. very good	Radio Message sent to B.d.U.:  Will be at Lorient objective point on 28 August at 07.00 hours.
				Afterwards sent Short Signal weather report.
		24.00	West of Ireland	Position:  BF 3358
			W 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		27.08.40
		04.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position:  BF 1419
			NNW 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		08.00	Southwest of Ireland	Position:  BF 1814
			NNW 1, Sea 0, cloudy, clear, Vis. very good
		12.00	South of Ireland	Position:  BF 4226
			NNW 1, Sea 0. few clouds, clear, Vis. very good	Day's run:  26.8. - 27.8. = 360 nm
		16.00	South of Ireland	Position:  BF 4269
		17.56	NNW 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good	Aircraft sighted astern to starboard.  Did not dive.
		20.00	South of Ireland	Position:  BF 4632
			NNW 1, Sea 0, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 26.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 27.08.40

	- 24 -
		continued
		27.08.40
		20.14		Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-48:
				Escort of 2 R.-Booten positioned 28 August at 11.00 hours.
		24.00	South of Ireland	Position:  BF 5421
			NE 2, Sea 2, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		28.08.40	West of Lorient	Position:  BF 5289
		04.00	NE 2, Sea 1, few clouds, clear, Vis. very good
		06.50		Dived.
		08.00		Position:  BF 6176
			West of Lorient
			Weather not observed because submerged
		08.08		Surfaced.
		08.58		Dived again.
		09.40		Escort (2 R.-Boote in sight).
		09.55		Surfaced.  Under escort by 2 R.-Booten proceeded to Lorient.
		10.10		Received Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-48:
				Air mine danger.  Meeting point tomorrow at 12.00 hours.
		12.15		Due to air mine danger anchored off Port Tudy.
				After conversation with the Lorient U-boat Base director running in should be about 21.00 hours.
		21.00		Weighed anchor.  Ran into Lorient under escort by 3 R.-Booten and a Sperrbrechers.
		22.45		Made fast in Lorient off the Kaserne

	Sun and Moon Data 27.08.40
	Sun and Moon Data 28.08.40

 

	Enclosures to U-48's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart of the entire patrol
Torpedo	Torpedo firing reports

 

	U-48
	Comments of the B.d.U.
	Short patrol carried out with tenacity, courage and tactical excellence.
		Signed in draft:  Dönitz.
		For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
		The Chief of the Operations Department.

---

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