U-99 - 4th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

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
11 Sep 40	07.16	56°42'N, 13°24'W	ALBIONIC	2,468	British
15 Sep 40	12.16 - 12.24	57°47'N, 14°54'W	KENORDOC	1,780	Canadian	SC-3
16 Sep 40	02.41	58°12'N, 14°18'W	LOTOS	1,327	Norwegian	SC-3
17 Sep 40	08.32 - 10.33	55°57'N, 18°55'W	CROWN ARUN	2,372	British	HX-71
21 Sep 40	03.12 & 11.42	55°25'N, 22°15'W	INVERSHANNON	9,154	British	HK72
21 Sep 40	04.19	55°21'N, 22°17'W	BARON BLYTHSWOOD	3,668	British	HX-72
21 Sep 40	04.47 - 05.50 & 16.07	55°11'N, 22°17'W	ELMBANK	5,156	British	HX-72
			Total = 25,925
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.

			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
			=========================
			of the Unterseebootes    "  U  99  "
			=========================
			Beginning:	6.8.1940.
			Ending:	25.9.1940
			Kommandant:	Kapitänleutnant  Kretschmer
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		06.08.40	Lorient	Shipyard.
		07.08.40	"	Shipyard.
		08.08.40	"	"
		17.30		Muster by Ob.d.M.
		09.08.40		Shipyard.
				1st leave trip to Germany.
		10.08.40 -	"	Shipyard.
		15.08.40
		16.08.40
		15.00		Shipyard, dry-docked in Basin 2.
		17.08.40		Dock.
		18.08.40	"	1st leave trip back, 2nd leave trip to the homeland.
		19.08.40 -
		24.08.30		Dock.
		25.08.40
		09.00	"	Un-docked, shifted to the charging station.
		26.08.40 -	"
		28.08.40		Shipyard.
				2nd leave trip back.
		29.08.40 -
		30.08.40	"	Shipyard.
				The Italian Fregattenkapitän Langobardo was embarked for the coming war patrol on "U-99".
		31.08.40
		08.20	"	Cast off for sea trial, departed with mine escort by the 2. M.Flottille to Point 5.
		09.45 -		Sea trial between Point 5 and Point 2, for that U-boat escort by 2 boats of the 2. R.Flottille.
		12.00
				Afterwards waited at Point 5 for "U-100".
		18.00		Returned with escort because the arrival of "U-100" was postponed to the next day.
		19.50	"	Made fast at the charging station.
		01.09.40	"	Shipyard, final adjustments.
		02.09.40	"	Shipyard, final adjustments.
		03.09.40	"	Shipyard, final adjustments.
		00.00 -		British air attack on Lorient.  4 demolition bombs of small caliber fell in the immediate vicinity of the boat (70-150 meters), without damage.
		01.30

	- 2 -
		04.09.40
		09.00	Lorient	Put to sea with mine and U-boat escort by 2. R.Flottille to Point 2 for trim test, afterwards returned.
		14.05	Lorient	Made fast at the oil pier.
				Installation of the magnetic compass from "U-38".  Icebox was not repaired during the 4-week shipyard lay time for some incomprehensible reason.
		20.00	Lorient	Cast off.  Put to sea for war patrol.  Escort by 2.R.Flottlle to Point 2.
		21.57 - 22.08	West of Isle de Groix	Test dive at Point 2.
				Afterwards tactical advance.
		24.00	BF 6418 lower-center	Transit speed GF = 16 knots, to reach the reported Canada-convoy off the North Channel.
			NW 2, Sea 1, blue sky
		05.09.40
		04.00	BF 6589 center	Transit via square BE 32, from there on the steamer route to the North Channel intended.
			NW 2, Sea 2, 2/10
		08.00	BF 5485 lower-center
		12.00	BF 4656 upper-center	Day's run:  since leaving Lorient:  224 nm
			N 2, Sea 2, 4/10, NW-Swell
		16.00	BF 4533 lower-right	Numerous French fishermen in this sea area.  Remaining unseen is not possible.
			N 2, Sea 2, 8/10 (rain), NW-Swell
		20.00	BF 4232 lower-left	If these fishermen have a radio on board they could provide the enemy excellent reconnaissance.
			NW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast (rain)
		24.00	BF 1871 upper-left corner
			NNW 4-5, Sea 4, 4/10
		06.09.40
		04.00	BF 1722 center-right
			N 4, Sea 3, 2/10
		08.00	BE 3669 lower-right
			N 3, Sea 3, 4/10
		09.20		Passed the last French fisherman.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 05.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.40

	- 3 -
		continued
		06.09.40
		11.34		Dived for an approaching aircraft (similar to He 111) from 150°T.
		12.00	BE 3627	Day's run:  288 nm
				2 nm    Total 290 nm
		12.30		Surfaced.
		15.35		Dived for Short "Sunderland" bearing 330°T, SW-course.
		16.00	BE 3293 center
		16.31		Surfaced.
		20.00	AM 7899 center
			NbyW 3, Sea 3, overcast
		24.00	AM 7916 center
		07.09.40
		04.00	AM 7658 center
			W 5, Sea 4, 8/10
		08.00	AM 7631 upper-left
			W 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. medium
		12.00	AM 7366 center-left edge	Day's run:  210 nm
			W 6, Sea 5, overcast	3 nm    Total 213 nm
		16.00	AM 4999 upper-right corner
			WbyN 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, mist, rain
		20.00	AM 5717 center-left
			WNW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, rain
		24.00	AM 5473 upper-left
			WNW 6, Sea 5-6, 7/10
		08.09.40
		04.00	AM 5422 center
			WNW 7, Sea 6-7, 8/10 (rain)
		08.00	AM 5167 upper-left corner
			NW 7, Sea 6, 6/10
		12.00	AM 0277 center-right edge	Day's run:  200 nm
			NbyW 7, Sea 6, 5/10
		16.00	AM 0273 lower-left
		18.25		Dived for aircraft bearing 220°T on opposite course, apparently belonged to the screen of the Canada-convoy.
		20.00	AM 0271 center-left	Convoy heard.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 07.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.40

	- 4 -
		continued
		08.09.40
		21.48		Surfaced, convoy in sight bearing 350°T (smoke feathers), afterwards closed and maneuvered ahead.
		24.00	AM 0248	Convoy steers 130°T, runs at 7 knots.
			WNW 5-6, Sea 5-6, 6.10
		09.09.40		The escort is positioned ahead of the convoy.  Attempted to make out the position of the screen.  Was recognized by a destroyer, apparently by the strong and conspicuous marine phosphorescence.
		01.20		The attempt to run off at AK fails, because the destroyer follows all course changes and comes up very quickly, therefore dived.
				The destroyer throws a well-placed depth charge.
				Ran out of the convoy to port and
		02.44		Surfaced.  While blowing, the again strong marine phosphorescence causes the "sweeper" to close at high speed.
				Therefore . . .
		02.48		dived.
		03.14		Surfaced, maneuvered ahead on the port side of the convoy.  Although at night I have often noticed the influence of heavy swells on the depth running of the torpedo, I attack a fine, large, deeply-loaded freighter, which no torpedo can pass despite the Sea State.
		04.00	AM 0282 upper-center
			NW 5-6, Sea 5-6, overcast
		04.43		Single shot:  G 7e from About 750 meters
				Miss.  Torpedo broke through the surface and had an irregular running depth.
		04.55		2nd single shot: G 7e from about 650 meters.
				Miss.
		05.35		3rd single shot:  G 7e from about 450 meters.
				Miss.  Torpedo broke through the surface for a long time.
				Before the running time after the 1st and 3rd shot, detonation noticed in the convoy.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 09.09.40

	- 5 -
		continued
		09.09.40		It is possible that this is from our own torpedoes, which still hit a ship of the convoy which consists of many columns.  However, the four detonations noticed may have been from torpedo shots of other boats located at the convoy.
				Because they were shot with the correct lead angle, only the influence of the large Sea State remains as explanation for the missed shots,
				a) aiming was more difficult
				b) the depth and angle run of the torpedoes was unfavorably influenced.
				Although there was still the possibility of further attacks, I decide to sacrifice no more torpedoes, because despite correct shooting data, success would continue to be doubtful.
				So jumped in as contact keeper after the previous contact keeper "U-47" had lost contact.  Was forced off by a destroyer in the morning gray (sweeper), contact was lost directly off the North Channel.
		08.00	AM 0283 upper-left corner
			W 4-5, NW 5, overcast
		08.02		Dived to reload the torpedoes.
		12.00	AM 0253 center-right	Day's run:  102 nm
				20 nm    Total 122 nm
		13.20		Surfaced.
		16.00	AM 0243 upper-left	Due to weather conditions no weapons use possible.
			SSW 7, Sea 6-7, overcast, mist, rain, cross sea, Vis. 500 meters	Lookout is also hindered here.
		16.15		Dived.
		20.00	AM 0242 upper-center
		21.36		Surfaced.
		24.00	AM 0244 lower-right
			W 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, (rain)

Sun and Moon Data 09.09.40

	- 6 -
		10.09.40
		00.07		A dimmed large fast running freighter in sight, steers 120°, runs at 16 knots.
				Maneuver ahead to attack had to be broken off because the port diesel failed.  The rear cover of the diesel engine clutch is torn off, as a result the diesel and electric motor are out of service for 3 hours.
		04.00	AM 2965 lower-center	Large legs through the newly assigned operations area, northwest part of the strip between square AL 3670 and AM 5530.  On orders sent Short Signal weather report for 03.00 hours MGZ. [GMT]
			N 7, Sea 6, overcast
		06.40
		08.00	AM 2958 upper-left corner
			NW 7, Sea 6, 5/10
		12.00	AM 2949 upper-center	Day's run:  71.5 nm
				8.5 nm    Total 80 nm
		13.30		Sent Short Signal weather observation for 11.00 hours MGZ.
		16.00	AM 2947 center
		20.00	AM 0167 center-right	No weapons use possible all day due to Sea State.
			NW 6, Sea 5, 5/10
		21.58		Smoke cloud bearing 240°T in sight for a short time.  The investigation showed 2 armed fishing trawlers (only one mast, cannon on the forecastle in line abreast with low speed (5-3 knots).  Distance 4000 meters, course 120°.
		24.00	AM 0185 upper-right
			NW 4, Sea 4, 3/10
		11.09.40
		04.00	AM 0175 upper-right
			NW 2, Sea 3, 2/10
		05.55		A dimmed steamer bearing 40°T, course 70°, 7 knots.  Type "VIRGINIA", Greek 2041 GRT.
		07.16	AM 0173 upper-center	Single shot (G 7e) due to twilight from 1200 meters.  Hit forward edge of the bridge.  Steamer sank in 20 seconds.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 11.09.40

	- 7 -
		continued
		11.09.40
		08.00	AM 0149 lower-center
			NW 2, Sea 3, overcast
		09.08 - 09.53		Dived to reload a torpedo.
		12.00	AM 0143 upper-center	Day's run:  121.3 nm
			SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, cross sea	1.2 nm    Total 122.5 nm
		13.48 - 14.07		Dived for flying boat (Short Sunderland) bearing 90°T.
		14.36		Sent Short Signal weather report for 11.00 hours MGZ.
		14.44		Dived for flying boat (Short Sunderland).
				Until surfacing the aircraft threw 45 bombs without any indication.
		16.00	AM 0116 upper-left
		20.00	AM 0111 center-right	Surfaced.
			SW 4, Sea 4, overcast, mist, rain, Vis. 500 meters
		20.32 - 21.59		Dived due to the bad visibility.
		24.00	AM 1799 lower-left
			SW 5, Sea 4, overcast
		12.09.40
		04.00	AM 1789 right edge lower
			SW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast
		05.14		Sent Short Signal weather observation for 02.00 hours MGZ.
		08.00	AM 1783 right edge lower	Weapons use greatly limited.
			SW 7, Sea 6, 9/10, Vis. changing
		08.51		Apparent warship bearing 210°T coming out of the haze quickly.
		08.53		Dived.  There is nothing to detect submerged.
		09.11		Surfaced.  Vessel is no longer seen.
		11.30		A steamer bearing 305°T, suddenly appears out of a rain squall, it is already before the horizon.  The attempt to run off unseen to maneuver ahead fails, then the steamer immediately turned away hard to the south and transmitted, that he has sighted a U-boat.  It is the British steamer "WAIPAWA" 10800 GRT, speed 17 knots.
		12.00	AM 1762 lower-center	Day's run:  69.6 nm
			SW 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, rain, Vis. greatly changing	18.9 nm    Total 88.5 nm
				Holding contact at the limit of visibility is now possible, steamer turned back to the old course (about 90°).  Maneuvering ahead is not possible, because by the speed measurement system, the boat running at AK in the prevailing Sea State makes only 14.5 knots through the water

	Sun and Moon Data 11.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.40

	- 8 -
		continued
		12.09.40		and the steamer comes up steadily.  There is still one possibility to get into a favorable position, namely, when the steamer, having passed to the north of Rockall, comes to a SE course for the North Channel.  Additionally the weather must be significantly better, to enable the use of weapons.
		14.33		Gave up pursuit, because the boat has settled so far astern that even the awaited course change of the steamer would not improve own position far enough that an attack could be initiated.
		14.37		Sent Short Signal weather observation for 11.00 hours MGZ.
		14.53		Dived for approaching flying boat ("Short Sunderland") bearing 70°T.
		16.00	AM 1855 center	The afternoon bombing by the "service".
		20.00	AM 1864 center-left
		21.00		Surfaced.  No weapons use possible.
		24.00	AM 1861 upper-left
			W 8, Sea 7, 7/10
		13.09.40
		02.40		Sent Short Signal weather observation for 00.00 hours MGZ.
		04.00	AM 1826 upper-center
			W 10, Sea 8, overcast (rain)	Hove to, no weapons use possible.
		08.00	AM 1688 center-right
			W 10, Sea 8, 6/10
		12.00	AM 1682 center-right	Day's run:  103 nm
			WNW 10, Sea 8, 5/10 (rain), Vis. changing	16.5 nm    Total 119.5 nm
		14.10		Sent Short Signal weather observation for 10.00 hours MGZ.
		14.30		Dived to recharge the Eto batteries.  Until evening bombs from the Service in the sea area.
		16.00	AM 1681 lower-right
		20.00	AM 1676 center-right
		22.11		Surfaced, no weapons use possible.
		24.00	AM 1678 center
			WNW 7, Sea 6, overcast
		14.09.40
		04.00	AM 1731 lower-left
			WNW 7, Sea 6, overcast (rain)
		04.45		Sent Short Signal weather observation for 00.00 hours MGZ.
		08.00	AM 1735 lower-left
			NW 6, Sea 6, 5/10
		11.02		Dived for aircraft flying past (land-based aircraft from carrier) bearing 70°T.
		12.00	AM 1753 lower-left	Day's run:  66.5 nm
				14.0 nm    Total 80.5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 13.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.40

	- 9 -
		continued
		14.09.40
		13.01		Surfaced.
		14.20		Sent Short Signal weather observation for 12.00 hours MGZ.
		16.00	AM 1746 lower-right
			NW 5, Sea 5, 5/10 (rain)
		16.34		Dived for passing aircraft (from carrier) bearing 40°T.
		17.24		Surfaced.
		17.34		Dived for approaching carrier-aircraft (single-engine low-wing) out of a rain squall (bearing 280°T).
		19.35		Surfaced.
		20.00	AM 1748 center
			W 5, Sea 5, 4/10
		24.00	AL 3896 upper-left
			NbyW 4, Sea 4, overcast
		15.09.40
		00.25		On Signal from U-48: 22.46 hours enemy convoy square AM 1955, course 90°, 8 knots.
				came to the ESE at high speed to get contact, which is expected in the course of the coming afternoon.
				On report from "U-48" that the convoy has dispersed and contact was lost, broke off pursuit because am still 70 nm behind.
		04.00	AM 1784 center-left edge
			NbyW 3, Sea 3, overcast
		04.52 )
		06.06 )		Sent Short Signal weather observation for 02.00 hours MGZ.
		07.25 )
		08.00	AM 1754 upper-right corner
			N 2-3, Sea 3, overcast
		09.47		Smoke feather bearing 220°T, shifted to the east.
		10.21		Dived for approaching flying boat in 265°T.
		10.52		Surfaced.
		10.58		Dived for submerged attack on the steamer, which apparently had target angle = 0°T.
		11.40		Surfaced for artillery attack because the steamer had too great a target angle and apparently was unarmed.  Steamer tried to escape.
		12.00	AM 1751 upper-left	Day's run:  148.6 nm
			W 2, Sea 2, 9/10 (rain)	8.5 nm    Total 157.1 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.40

	- 10 -
		continued
		15.09.40
		12.16 - 12.24	AM 1751 lower-right	With 49 shots of 8.8 cm, of which already the second shot and in total about 40 shots were hits, the steamer was wrecked, the foreship burned, the engine room aft blew off steam and flooded.  Moved off when the fire spread to the entire ship.  It was the Canadian steamer "KENORDOC" 1789 GRT with wood cargo on the way to the Clyde.
			"KENORDOC"
			Canada
		14.09		Dived for an approaching flying boat bearing 270°T.
		15.07		Surfaced.
		15.36		Closed a smoke feather beating 150°T.
				2 patrol vessels come in sight,which also noticed the boat and immediately took up pursuit at AK.  Own speed was greatly reduced by running against the Swell.  Speed measurement system shows 15 knots at AK.  Because the patrol vessels come up quickly and there is no rain squall in the vicinity,
		15.50		dived, to shake them off submerged.
		16.00	AM 1781 center
		19.01		Surfaced after the propeller sounds disappear in a northerly direction.
		20.00	AM 1775 lower-right	Headed for the wreck of the "KENORDOC".
			S 3, Sea 3, 8/10
		24.00	AM 1746 lower-right
			SSE 3, Sea 3, overcast
		16.09.40
		01.00		At the wreck of the "KENORDOC" the ship hangs vertically on an air bubble in the foreship, a few meters still juts above the water's surface smoking.
		01.45		A steamer bearing 270°T.  Surface attack.
		02.41		Torpedo shot from 580 meters.  Hit bridge.
		03.10	AM 1731 upper-right	Steamer sank.  It was the Norwegian steamer "LOTUS" with its cargo of wood from Canada for England, 1327 GRT.
			"LOTOS" Norwegian
		04.00	AM 1727 lower-left
			SE 5, Sea 4, overcast
		08.00	AM 1578 lower-right
			SSE 6, Sea 5, overcast, mist, rain
		09.42		Dived to reload a torpedo.
		12.00	AM 1573 upper-left	Day's run:  92.7 nm
				18.8 nm    Total 113.5 nm
		13.37		Surfaced.
		16.00	AM 1547 lower-left
			SW 5, Sea 5, 6/10 (rain)
		20.00	AL 3662 upper-right
			WSW 6, Sea 5, 8/10 (rain)
		21.10	Full moon	Steamer bearing 330°T, zigzagging, maneuvered ahead.
				Waited to attack, until a cloud covered the full moon.
		23.44		Stern shot from 450 meters, miss ahead due to overestimating the speed.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.40

	- 11 -
		continued
		16.09.40
		24.00	AM 1541 upper-left	2nd attack.  Due to the very bright night from the cloudless sky and full moon, already at about 2000 meters the boat was recognized by the steamer, which turned away and transmitted.
			W 4, Sea 4, blue sky, full moon
				The boat maneuvered ahead again at the limit of visibility for a further torpedo attack.  Due to the heavy Swell artillery combat seems unsuitable, plus the cargo of the steamer is wood and at the stern he is equipped with 2 cannons.
		17.09.40
		04.00	AM 1576 lower-left	Dived for submerged attack.  The depth control at 11 meters is very difficult due to the still running Swell.  Visibility through the night targeting periscope is very good with the full moon.  The conning tower periscope cannot be used because it is so moist inside and damaged that not even drying and heating make it more usable.
			W 2, Sea 3, 1/10, full moon
				While running in the boat broached several times, similarly just after the shot.
		04.44		Single shot at 500 meters.  Miss because the steamer turned hard away.  He probably noticed the conning tower broaching or the torpedo in the bright night.
		04.57		Surfaced, maneuvered ahead for submerged day attack.
		07.42	AM 1734 upper-center	Dived for submerged attack.
			W 2, Sea 2, 2/10
		08.00	AM 1734 upper-center
		08.32	"CROWN ARUN"	Single shot from 650 meters.  Hit in the forward cargo hold.  Steamer, loaded with wood, settles forward a bit deeper, however does not sink.
			ex "HANNAH BÖGE"
			2372 GRT
				Waited, at the same time loaded a G 7a in tube V.
		09.44		Surfaced, to sink the steamer with artillery.
		10.01 - 10.23		102 shots 8.8 cm, of these 30 hits.
				At range = 3500-2100 meters.  Steamer capsized.
		10.33		Shot 6 vent holes (8 shots) in the part of the stern still sticking out above the water's surface.
		10.36		While so doing crash dive for an English flying boat in 150°T.
		10.46		Surfaced, went to the nearest of the two lifeboats, now 11 or 15 nm away to determine the name.  It was the steamer "CROWN ARUN", belonging to the British Shipping Administration, formerly the German steamer "HANNAH BÖGE", shipping firm Blumenthal, brought into war service of the British as a prize, confiscated and placed in service again.  2372 GRT on the way from Canada to Hull.
		12.00	AM 1735 lower-left	Day's run:  128.3 nm
			NW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast (rain)	8.2 nm    Total 136.5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.40

	- 12 -
		continued
		17.09.40
		14.45		Patrol vessel bearing 345°T with sharp target angle coming over the horizon quickly.
		14.51		Dived.
		16.00	AM 1762 lower-center
		16.30 - 20.20		U-boat hunt in the west.
		20.00	AM 1765 center-right
		21.52		Surfaced.
		24.00	AM 1768 upper-center
			NW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, (rain)
		18.09.40
		00.15		On signal 22.46 hours from "U-65".
		04.00	AM 1858 upper-center	16.00 hours enemy convoy square AM 1574, SE-course, 8 knots, contact lost.
			NW 5, Sea 5, 8/10 (rain)
		08.00	AM 2916 upper-center	Searched for the convoy at high speed north and east of the Rockall Bank on its suspected course for the north Channel.
			WNW 5, Sea 5, 8/10 (rain)
		12.00	AM 2948 center	Day's run:  162 nm
			SW 5, Sea 5, 7/10 (rain)	17 nm    Total 179 nm
		16.00	AM 0196 lower-left	Broke off searching for contact due to low visibility (1000 meters).
			SSW 6, Sea 5, 9/10 (rain), Vis. bad
		20.00	AM 4312 lower-right
			SSW 6, Sea 6, overcast, mist, rain
		24.00	AM 4233 upper-center
			SSW 6, Sea 6, overcast
		19.09.40
		04.00	AM 0171 lower-center
			WSW 3, Sea 3, 3/10
		08.00	AM 1968 center
			WSW 2, Sea 2, 6/10
		12.00	AM 1955 center-right	Day's run:  116.5 nm
			W 2, Sea 2, 2/10
		13.26		Avoided 2 patrol vessels on easterly course bearing 200°T to the north.
		16.00	AM 1915 lower-right
			W 2, Sea 2, 5/10
		20.00	AL 0332 lower-right
			NW 3, Sea 3, 8/10 (rain)
		24.00	AL 3889 lower-center edge
			N 6, Sea 5-6, overcast (rain)
		20.09.40
		04.00	AL 3887 upper-center
			NNW 4, Sea 3, overcast (rain)
		08.00	AL 3872 center-right
			N 4, Sea 3, 6/10
		12.00	AL 3845 center-left	Day's run:  113.5 nm
			NE 2, Sea 2, 5/10

	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.40

	- 13 -
		continued
		20.09.40
		12.00		On Radio Signal from "U-47":
				Enemy convoy in sight square AL 1968, easterly course, low speed.
				At high speed to the SE to close, and still get contact before the beginning of darkness.
		16.00	AL 3913 upper right
			Wind calm, light NE-Swell, 3/10
		20.00	AL 0257 center-left	Because by the report from "U-47" the convoy has changed course to the SE, contact is first expected after midnight.
			SW 1, Sea 1, 5/10 (rain)
		24.00	AL 5218 lower-left
			SW 1, Sea 1, 8/10 (rain), very bright night, moon from the east
		21.09.40
		02.25		Convoy in sight bearing 210°T, came out of a squall.
				Boat is positioned on the unfavorable moon side.  When the moon is covered by a dark cloud, attacked the largest ship, a tanker.  During the attack the moon showed again, so that I had to shoot at long range.
		03.12	AL 5432 lower-center	Single shot G 7e, range = 1350 meters, hit forward, tanker sheers out, remains lying, settled forward with the forecastle up to the water level, crew abandons ship.  Later there will probably have to be a coup de grâce.  It is the British "INVERSHANNON" 9154 GRT.
			"INVERSHANNON"
			British
			9154 GRT
				While getting around to the favorable moon lee side sighted the contact keeping "U-47" behind the convoy.
		03.50		Recognition Signals exchanged with "U-47".
		04.00	AL 5435 upper-left	The remaining steamers are not all large, about 6000 GRT and under.
			W 3, Sea 2, 5/10 (rain), rain (hail), bright moonlit night
		04.19	AL 5438 center-left	Single shot G 7e on a heavily loaded freighter, range = 580 meters.  Hit center.  Steamer breaks apart and sinks in 40 seconds.  It is the British steamer "BARON BLYTHWOOD" 3668 GRT, cargo iron ore, as later determined.
			"BARON BLYTHWOOD"
			British 3668 GRT
		04.47	AL 5462 upper-left	Single shot G 7e on the largest freighter of the convoy, range = 1000 meters.  Hit center.  Steamer sheered out, remained with a strong list to starboard, transmitted name and position.  It is the British steamer "ELMBANK" 5156 GRT, cargo wood.
			"ELMBANK"
			British
			5156 GRT
			Total 25498 GRT
		05.34 - 05.50		41 shots of 8.8 cm at close range, supported by the fire of the now-approaching "U-47" destroyed the ship,

	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.40

	- 14 -
		continued
		21.09.40		however did not cause it to sink.  It floats on its wood cargo.
		06.56		Coup de grâce, G 7a, the last torpedo below deck.  Early detonator.  Apparently the torpedo with its irregular depth run the torpedo struck a drifting piece of wreckage.
		07.00 - 09.00		Took both deck torpedoes below deck, afterwards ran back to "INVERSHANNON" to give him the rest.
		08.00	AL 5465 upper-right
			W 3, Sea 2, 6/10 (rain)
		10.06		The tanker lies with the forecastle under water.  The overdeck is nearly overwashed up to the aft superstructure.  The stern is out of the water.  Because all 8.8 cm ammunition is expended, attempted to shoot holes in the aftership with the 2 cm anti-aircraft gun.  However the shots ricochet off without effect.
		11.00		Dinghy with the First Watch Officer with a Petty Officer for the demolition of the ship.  Soon after setting off the dinghy pounds full and sinks quickly.  The two occupants were fished out.
		11.42		Torpedo coup de grâce from 500 meters, G 7a, had a very irregular running depth.  Broached several times before striking and hit the tanker at the forward engine room bulkhead in the waterline, despite depth setting 2 meters.  The detonation immediately follows a strong explosion of the oil gases.  A high black smoke cloud stands at the ship and drifts slowly away.  Smoke issues from the struck hold even after a long time.  The ship has now settled deeper even astern, however still floats.  A clearly audible crackling in the boat reveals that the cross bracing of the ship is breaking.  It can be seen clearly that the tanker is breaking up behind the bridge.  The overdeck shows a strong buckling, the masts tilt towards one another.  Because the ship will undoubtedly break apart in a short time, I do not wait for the sinking, instead go back to "ELMBANK".
		12.00	AL 5435 center	Day's run:  244.5 nm
			SW 2, Sea 2, 6/10
		14.20 - 14.42		Boat rebalanced due to downloading the deck torpedoes.
		16.00	AL 5462 upper-center
			SW 2, Sea 2, 6/10 (rain)
		16.07		Torpedo coup de grâce on "ELMBANK", which still floated on her cargo.  Ship sank by the stern, until it was vertical and only the bow stuck a few meters out of the water.
		16.10		Because all torpedoes were expended, began return transit to Lorient.
		17.55		Radio Message "U-99" to B.d.U.:  16.10 hours return transit.

Sun and Moon Data 21.09.40

	- 15 -
		continued
		21.09.40
		17.35		7 steamers of 25498 GRT, if these 1 tanker and 2 freighter today from convoy.  In operations area lightest traffic and smallest steamers.
				In addition Short Signal weather report for 14.00 hours MGZ.
		20.00	AL 5587 upper-left
			SW 3, Sea 2, 4/10 (rain)
		24.00	AL 5869 upper-right
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, 2/10 (rain)
		22.09.40
		04.00	AL 9126 lower-right
			SW 5, Sea 4, 5/10 (rain)
		08.00	AL 9521 lower-right
			W 5, Sea 4, 7/10 (rain)
		12.00	AL 9674 center	Day's run:  287 nm
			W 5-6, Sea 4-5, 5/10 (rain)	0.5 nm    Total 287.50 nm
		16.00	AL 9967 lower-left
			W 5-6, Sea 5, 5/10
		20.00	BE 2335 lower-right
			W 4, Sea 3-4, 3/10
		24.00	BE 3187 center
			W 3, Sea 3, 2/10
		23.09.40
		04.00	BE 3493 lower-left
			W 2, Sea 2, 3/10
		08.00	BE 3854 upper-left
			NW 1-2, Sea 1-2, 2/10
		12.00	BE 6341 center	Day's run:  305 nm
			NbyE 1, Sea 1, 1/10
		14.20		Going to square BF 17 on orders from B.d.U. Urgent.  Sea emergency He 111 area square BF 1718 to square 1720 and square 1741 to 1746.
		16.00	BE 6356 upper-left
			NE 1, Sea 1, 1/10
		17.30		The first French fisherman in sight.
		19.20	BF 1740	Searched from west to east.
		20.00	BF 1744 upper-center
		21.24		Surfaced U-boat in sight bearing 45°T.
		21.30		Recognition signals exchanged with "U-48".
				Morse message from "U-48":  In 100°T dived U-boat.  Caution.
		21.50		Broke off search.  In hailing distance from "U-48".
				Afterwards transit to Lorient.
		24.00	BF 1776 upper-left
		24.09.40
		04.00	BF 4191
			NE 1, Sea 1, overcast

	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.40

	- 16 -
		continued
		24.09.40
		08.00	BF 4557 lower-right corner
		12.00	BF 4679 lower-right corner	Day's run:  367 nm
			ENE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast
		13.33 - 14.33		Dived for aircraft bearing 300°T.
				In so doing the boat takes a bow down angle of about 40°, because the aft torpedo over deck canister, which is empty for weight reasons had to be carried open, vented too slowly.  The boat was caught at depth 50 meters by blowing ballast tank 5.  After surfacing the canister was moved [rotated] in its upper position.
		16.00	BF 5477 lower-left corner
		20.00	BF 5499 lower-center edge
			EbyN 3, Sea 2, 8/10
		22.00		Transit through the coastal waters at highest speed using the night and the high water.
		24.00	BF 5562 lower-center
			NE 3, Sea 2, 8/10
		25.09.40
		02.58		Isle de Groix in sight bearing 10°T.
		03.29		Isle de Groix Point 2.
		04.35		Anchored at Point 3.
		09.09		Weighed anchor.  Ran in with mine escort.
		09.43		Escort ended.
		10.09	Lorient	Made fast at the oil pier.
				Kapitänleutnant

	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.40
	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.40

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseebootes.
	1.) A tenaciously carried out patrol, nothing to note on execution.     2.) The success is indeed satisfying, but it could have been bigger if we had a torpedo which could be used in rough seas.
		Signed in draft.    D  ö  n  i  t  z  .
		For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

Click the icons to view the associated records
	Return to the U-boat KTB page