German U Boats Type IA.

German Kriegsmarine 1935-1945.
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

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Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

In war operations. Deployment!

At last on August 29 at 11:30 hours, the U 26 (Kptlt Klaus Ewerth, IWO Oblt Ottokar Arnold Paulsen, IIWO Lt Horst Hamm; LI Oblt z. S. Johannes Gottwald; OStrm Max, Henke) sailed from Wilhelmshaven. On August 31, 1939 the OKM sent the radiogram TOO 1743 alerting all submarines at sea, about the beginning of hostilities with Poland.

On September 1st, broke out the war with Poland, U 26 acquired the status of frontboat in the U-Flotille Saltzwedel. On September 03 war against England and France; at 15:13 hours was issued the order for U-26, she was to carry out the mine-laying operation against Portland, regardless of the three-mile limit. On September 4, 1939 by radio message at 09:30 hours was ordered that U 26 was to operate on the new assembling point for merchant ships in the Bristol Channel.

On September 5, 1939 the U 25 had new commander, Krv.Kp. Viktor Schütze; but this submersible was not ready to run operational patrols yet.

Sources: KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
The U-26 sailing at high speed (pre-war photo) .............<br /> Heer, Luftwaffe und Flotte 1936. www.delcampe.net..
The U-26 sailing at high speed (pre-war photo) .............
Heer, Luftwaffe und Flotte 1936. www.delcampe.net..
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

In war operations.

On September 10 the U 26 layed 18 mines near the Light-vessel of Shambles in front of Bristol in grid BF 3145. The task started at 05:23 hours and ended at 06:05 hours; the TMB mines were specially designed to be carried by submarines, were bottom magnetic mines with an explosive load of 567 kg.

On September 13 at 00:07 hours the U 26 reported on the fulfillment of its mission and she was ordered to operate in the F Area with U 34 and U 35.

On September 15, 1939 at 17:55 hours the minefield claimed its first victim east of the Shambles Bank, when a violent explosion rocked the merchant cargo and passenger vessel "Alex Van Opstal" (5,965 TPB) under the hold No. 2 and she rose from the water surface and broke her keel before the bridge. The 49 crew members and eight passengers were rescued by the Greek Steam "Atlanticos".

Sources: KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
First deployment .........................<br />The U-Boat War in the Atlantic: Volume I: 1939- 1941. Editado por Bob Carruthers
First deployment .........................
The U-Boat War in the Atlantic: Volume I: 1939- 1941. Editado por Bob Carruthers
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Embarking one TMB mine in this case in a Type VIIC .....................<br /> U-booty typu Geneza VII, opis konstrukcji, Budowa. Przemysław Federowicz
Embarking one TMB mine in this case in a Type VIIC .....................
U-booty typu Geneza VII, opis konstrukcji, Budowa. Przemysław Federowicz
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

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Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

In war operations.

On September 18, 1939 the U 26 stopped and searched the American steam Eglantine (BE 3642). On this day she started the journey back to Germany, much earlier than expected (possibly due to lack of ammunition, since only 6 torpedoes had been loaded besides the TMB). On September 20 the minefield claimed its second victim when the British corvette HMS Kittiwake was damaged by a mine. Repairs lasted until January 1941 (BF 3145). On September 24, 1939 off the Norwegian coast the U 26 controlled the Estonian steam Otto Esti (AN 3410) and the Hindu steam Justero (AN 3450); both vessels continued journey. On September 26 at 03:00 hours the U 26 arrived in Wilhelmshaven after 27 days, 15 hours and 30 minutes at sea, making a sailing of 5,917 nautical miles. War Log of the BdU stated: the U 26 carried out the difficult operation of laying the mine field with determination and skill. Except for the Belgian merchant SS "Alex Van Opstal", which sank shortly afterwards due to the minefield, had no other success. (Note: also damaged the corvette Kittiwake).

Sources: KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

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Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

In war operations.The failed raid towards the Mediterranean - October 1939.

On October 7, 1939 the Dutch steamer Binnendijk (6873 BRT) was sunk by a mine laid by the U 26 off the coast of Bristol (BF 3145). The ship was carrying general cargo and fuel; 42 crew members were rescued.

On October 9, 1939 the BdU appreciated that both submersibles Type IA would be ready to sail around October 17, the U 25 and between 20 and 22 of that month the U 26. The intention was to employ them in the Mediterranean between Gibraltar and Oran (together with U 53 a Type VIIB).

On October 18, 1939 at 13:20 hours the U 25 (kplt. Viktor Schütze;. IWO Oblt.z.S. Herbert Opitz; LI Oblt.z.S. Rudolf Opelt?; OFähnr Horst Nuschke?; OStrm Paul Sander) sailed from Wilhelmshaven in order to carry out her first operational patrol.

On October 22, 1939 at 22:00 hours U 26 (kplt. Klaus Ewerth, IWO Oblt.z.S. Ottokar Arnold Paulsen, IIWO Lt.z.S. Horst Hamm;. LI Kplt. Johannes Gottwald; OStrm Max, Henke) sailed from Wilhelmshaven in order to fulfill her second operational patrol as stated in Operations Order No. 6 (Mine-laying off Gibraltar and then operate in the western Mediterranean).

On October 25, 1939 U 46 sighted a convoy 60 miles northwest of Lisbon and the BdU ordered the U 25 to intervene, but this was not possible because already next day the U 46 began the return home by lack of fuel and did not regain contact with it.

On October 31, 1939 the U 25 reported a convoy sailing due north, northwest of Finisterre. She also reported on the failure of four torpedoes launched against a stopped vessel at close range.

Sources: KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOT-4-GERMAN-WW ... VY-U-BOATS

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
The U 25 cast off; although I'm not sure if wearing shark teeth on her first patrol ................
The U 25 cast off; although I'm not sure if wearing shark teeth on her first patrol ................
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

In war operations.The failed raid towards the Mediterranean - November 1939.

On November 1, 1939 Naval War Staff informed (the BdU) that U 25 could not be supplied on the Spanish coast, as Spain had recently made political difficulties.

On November 2, 1939 U 26 reported that she had passed 45º north. The other 2 boats of this wave (U 25 and U 53) will be kept in their operations areas for about another 3 days in order to give U 26 enough time in hand to carry out her operation.

On November 4, 1939 U 25 reported that she was returning as the crosspiece of her forward torpedo hatch had broken. She might not be capable of diving if depth charged. Last position northwest of Cape Finisterre.

On November 13, 1939 U 25 entered port. The boat did not have much luck. There were torpedo failures, the guns failed at a decisive moment and this boat, parts of which are still rather antiquated, is not easy to handle.

On November 19, 1939 After a long silence U 26 reported from west of Gibraltar. She has not carried out the minelay.

Sources: KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1923 - 1938. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
One of the first pictures of the brand-new U 25...........................<br />Das interessante Blatt 23. April 1936 seite 4
One of the first pictures of the brand-new U 25...........................
Das interessante Blatt 23. April 1936 seite 4
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

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Hello to all ; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

In war operations.The failed raid towards the Mediterranean - November 1939. The U 26 in the Mediterranean Sea.

On November 8, 1939 at 03:30 hours U-26 reached the harbor entrance to the British port of Gibraltar. The boat is all day on the seabed and monitoring the situation. Late in the evening the U-26 attempted to mine the harbor but failed due to bad weather (CG 9675)

On November 9, 1939 U-26 entered in the Mediterranean Sea as the first German submarine in WWII.

On November 11, 1939 U-26 was in position CH 7696 and did not found traffic in front of the Gulf of Oran. In the late evening saw a steamer traveling alone and started the persecution.

On November 12, 1939 U-26 engaged the steamer shortly after midnight with a single shot. The torpedo missed. An hour later attacked again with a single torpedo. Again, misses the target (CH 7350)

On November 13, 1939 U-26 sank the French steamer LOIRE (4285 GRT) in the Mediterranean Sea. The steamer takes the entire crew down with it, as the sinking only takes 30 seconds after being hit by two torpedo hits, the ship's cargo consisted of minerals (CH 7561)

On November 17, 1939 U-26 throws several periscope dummies in the maritime area before Ceuta (CG 9670)

On November 18, 1939 U-26 leaves the Mediterranean again.

Sources: KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1939-11. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
U-Boot U 25 (mit U-26). 2. Unterseebootflotille Saltzwedel in 1936 Item number: 86953410
U-Boot U 25 (mit U-26). 2. Unterseebootflotille Saltzwedel in 1936 Item number: 86953410
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

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Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

In war operations.The failed raid towards the Mediterranean - December 1939. The End.

On December 5, 1939 at 22:00 hours U 26 entered port. She did not carry out her minelaying operation off Gibraltar as the weather there was too bad. She was afterwards in the Mediterranean, as ordered, but apparently struck a poor time for traffic. The result of her patrol is one steamer sunk. Very little for 44 days.

The Commander cannot be blamed for not carrying out the minelaying operation because he did not consider it possible in view of local conditions. But he should have at least made one more attempt in different weather conditions.

BdU's opinion: It was a mistake to send U 25, U 26 and U 53 into the Mediterranean. U 25 had to return before she ever got there, U 53 did not get through and U 26 hardly encountered any shipping worth mentioning. This patrol shows all the disadvantages of a long outward passage. The boat can only operate for a few days and the operation is without success if she does not come upon any traffic in those few days.

Sources: KTB U-Bootwaffe. 1939-11. Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Postcard Deutsches U Boot, U 26, Unterseeboot, Kriegsmarine, Geschütz<br />http://www.akpool.co.uk/postcards/24972044-postcard-deutsches-u-boot-u-26-unterseeboot-kriegsmarine-geschuetz
Postcard Deutsches U Boot, U 26, Unterseeboot, Kriegsmarine, Geschütz
http://www.akpool.co.uk/postcards/24972044-postcard-deutsches-u-boot-u-26-unterseeboot-kriegsmarine-geschuetz
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

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Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

A successful patrol and resupplying in Spain ("Moro") - January and February 1940.

A first sail failed? since on January 1, 1940 the BdU said: U 25 again reports a trace of oil. She will have to turn back.

Jan 13, 1940 at 01:34 hours U 25 (Korvettenkapitän Viktor Schütze; IWO Kplt. Eitel-Friedrich Kentrat; IIWO ??; LI Kplt Hans Döbereiner; OStrm Paul Sander) sailed in accordance with Operations Order No. 18.

Jan 18, 1940 There is still uncertainty about the actual possibilities of supplying in Spain and a practical experiment is therefore necessary. U 44, at present off the west coast of Spain, can be used for this. Supply has therefore been ordered for 25/26 in Cadiz.

Jan 26, 1940 The supply planned for U 44, under cover name "Moro" has had to be abandoned. U 25 has been ordered to supply instead of U 44.

Jan 31, 1940 News was received overland of supply operation under cover name "Moro". Everything went off according to plan. U 25 has now been ordered to make a surprise attack on French patrol vessels which have recently been reported several times off Vigo, so that the German steamers in Vigo will be able to sail on 6.2 as planned without difficulty.

Feb 19, 1940 at 14:20 hours U 25 entered port. She sank: Jan 17, 1940 - br - Polzella - 4,751 Tons ● Jan 17, 1940 - nw - Enid - 1,140 tons ● Jan 18, 1940 - sw - Pajala - 6,873 tons ● Jan 22, 1940 - nw - Songa - 2,589 tons ● Feb 03, 1940 - br - Armin Istan - 6,805 tons ● Feb 13, 1940 - dä - Chastine Maersk - 5,177 tons.

She was 37 days at sea. The boat was operating in the North Atlantic. On her way back she was to wait in Helgoland (arrival Feb 17, 1940) due to ice. U 25 sunk 6 ships with a total of 27,335 tons. After this trip, the boat was in the shipyard in Wilhelmshaven from Mar 19, 1940 to Mar 31, 1940.

Sources: Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm
Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! Artikelnummer: 390048918974

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
The U 25 in Wilhelmshaven after her successful second patrol, the pennants with the flags of the countries indicate the victories. The emblem on the conning tower is the Fly-Mushroom (Amanita muscaria).................<br /> U Boot in Focus 3/2008
The U 25 in Wilhelmshaven after her successful second patrol, the pennants with the flags of the countries indicate the victories. The emblem on the conning tower is the Fly-Mushroom (Amanita muscaria).................
U Boot in Focus 3/2008
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The victory pennants hanging on the periscope ......................
The victory pennants hanging on the periscope ......................
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

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Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

U 26 in the Operations against "Ark Royal", "Renown" and "Exeter" - February 1940.

Jan 29, 1940 at 08:35 hours U 26 (kplt. Heinz Schering*; IWO Obl z. S. Helmut Franzke**; IIWO Lt. z. S. Horst Hamm;. LI Lt. z. S. Herbert Freund; OStrm Engelbert Job?) sailed from Wilhelmshaven, arriving at Helgoland the same day at 20:00 hours due to failures (change of a piston).

Feb 02, 1940 U 26 and U 37 sailed for operations in accordance with Operations Orders No. 23 and 21.

Feb 07, 1940 a radio intelligence report was received stating that "Ark Royal", "Renown" and "Exeter" had left freetown and that "Ark Royal" would be in a certain indicated position about 200 miles northwest of Madeira at 000/11/2, course 150, speed 22 knots. "Renown" and "Exeter" would be about 180 miles astern of this, making 16 knots.

U 26, 37 and 48 received orders accordingly, although it is not certain that these boats have actually reached this position. It is doubtful if U 26 and U 37 have got so far, and it is not known if U 48 has completed her minelaying operation. It must also be remembered that the C.O. of U 26 has had little experience and ought not, if possible, to be faced with the difficult task of operating against warships on his first patrol (Kapitänleutnant Heinz Scheringer took over on Jan 04, 1940).

A fresh Radio Intelligence report on Ark Royal gives the A/C carrier's exact position for 0900/12/2 with her escort of 4 destroyers. According to this, she has altered course. Assuming that she is still making 22 knots, she can be expected to pass the Channel-approach about the morning of 13.2. It was known that U 48 is west of the Channel again and it could therefore be assumed that U 26 and U 37 will have arrived there by now at the latest. On the morning of 12.2 they were allocated operations areas in the Channel approach. Shortly after this order was given U 48 reported a convoy on a westerly course. Nothing was known of U 26's position. During the night however, she also made a radio message.

On the morning of Feb 13 the situation was: U 37 presumably in position; U 48 also in position, or in the immediate vicinity; U 26 a long way off, making little headway against the sea. At midday a radio message was received from U 48 which, from the position given, showed that she had tried to regain contact with the convoy. This action by the C.O. of U 48 will have to be thoroughly investigated when he gets back.

Feb 15, 1940 "Ark Royal", "Renown" and "Exeter" have arrived at the Channel ports. U 37 was ordered to proceed to the west coast of Spain with U 26 and to act there as tactical leader of the group U 26, U 37, U 50, U 53, U 54 and perhaps later also U 41. According to a radio intelligence report a convoy is to be west of Porto on 17.2 and the nearest boats, U 26, U 37 and U 53 will will first be operated against this.

Feb 18, 1940 There is no information on U 26. She was operating against the same convoy and must therefore be in the same sea area. She was ordered to go to operations area "ROT" and to report.

Feb 19, 1940. U 26 reported. She is returning to her old operations area south of Ireland, as she is short of fuel.

Feb 25, 1940. U 26 reported that she was starting on her return passage.

Mar 01, 1940 at 11:50 hours U 26 entered port. She sank: 12.02.1940 - nw - Nidarholm - 3.482 BRT ● 14.02.1940 - br - Langleeford - 4.622 BRT ● 15.02.1940 - nw - Steinstad - 2.476 BRT.

U 26, was 29 days, 15 hours and 15 minutes at sea and put it back around 3,500 nautical miles. She was operating in the North Atlantic and on this expedition sink 3 ships with a total of 10,580 Tons.

* Born in Buenos Aires - Argentina.
** Expelled from the U Bootwaffe after a court martial due to cowardice.

Sources: Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
HMS Renown, Ark Royal and Sheffield.......................<br />http://www.nickmessinger.co.uk/ark_royal.html
HMS Renown, Ark Royal and Sheffield.......................
http://www.nickmessinger.co.uk/ark_royal.html
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

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Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

U 25's 3rd Patrol. Unternehmen Weserübung.

Apr 03, 1940 at 13:25 hours U 25 (Korvettenkapitän Viktor Schütze; IWO Oblt. z. S. Heinrich-Gebhard Elmenhorst; IIWO Lt. z. S Werner Spälter?; LI Kplt Hans Döbereiner?; OStrm Paul Sander) Put out to take up position.

Apr 06, 1940 U 25 received orders to take up its position.

Apr 11, 1940 T.O.O. 1246........2 destroyers torpedoed on the evening of April 10th. Effect of explosion not observed. U 25. U 48 reported 2 triple spreads in the evening on a large cruiser, no hits scored, 4 self detonators. This report of failure, together with those of U 51 and U 25 give rise to extreme doubts as to the effectiveness of magnetic fuse in Zone O.

Apr 18, 1940 Following Naval War Staff's new instructions 4654, boats are being distributed as follows:

B) Large boats:
1) U 25, 38, 49, 65 will remain in the Lofoten area until they have used all their torpedoes.

Apr 19, 1940 Orders to the boats for re-grouping:

To vaagsfjord boats and U 25: New waiting position west of the Shetlands. Move off in the direction of square 1200 AN. Attack according to Standing War Orders.

Apr 21, 1940 U 25: last report 16.4 Ofotfjord.

Apr 23, 1940 U 25 reported again. (Her transmitter was out of order).

Apr 24, 1940 U 13, 61, 25, 30, 34, 65 west of the Shetlands and Orkneys or on their way there.

Apr 27, 1940 U 13, 61, 25, 30, 34 and 65 are still in the Orkneys-Minch area and west of the Shetlands. These too will have to return soon without being relieved. They too will need some time after their return before they can operate again.

Apr 30, 1940 U 25, U 65 NW and W of the Shetlands.

May 05, 1940 U 25 and U 65, the only boats west of the Shetlands, have been given freedom of action in the whole area.

May 06, 1940 U 25, 24, 57, 59, 61 entered Wilhelmshaven, U 25 unexpectedly. She had trouble with her transmitter during the last few days and could not report. U 25, under Kapitänleutnant Viktor Schütze, was 35 days, 23 hours and 20 minutes at sea. The boat was operating in the North Sea, off Narvik and the Westfjord. On the way back the boat took port in Helgoland on May 06, 1940 due to defective FT-transmitter. U 25 could not sink/damage ships in this enterprise. The boat belonged to Gruppe 1, which should operate in the Westfjord.

Sources: Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm
Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! Artikelnummer: 390048918974

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
U 25 in Wilhelmshaven ready to sail (with new emblem), in the background a Type VII...........................
U 25 in Wilhelmshaven ready to sail (with new emblem), in the background a Type VII...........................
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

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Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

U 26's Patrol in Unternehmen Weserübung (4th).

Apr 12, 1940 The U-boat next available will be detailed to supply troops in Narvik.U 26 and U 29 will also be available in the next few days.

Apr 13, 1940 at 15:00 hours U 26 (kplt. Heinz Schering*; IWO Obl z. S. Helmut Franzke**; IIWO Lt. z. S. Horst Hamm;. LI Lt. z. S. Herbert Freund; OStrm Engelbert Job?) sailed from Wilhelmshaven as a supply boat.

Apr 16, 1940 U 26 and U 43 are to be converted for patrol transport when they get back.

Apr 18, 1940 Following Naval War Staff's new instructions 4654, boats are being distributed as follows:

A) Small boats
B) Large boats:

U 26, 32, 43, 101, 122, UA - 6 boats, are intended for transport to north Norway. Of these only U 26 is at sea, about to enter Trondheim.

At 19:05 hours U 26 arrived in Trondheim.

Apr 19, 1940 at 09:05 hours. Orders to the boats for re-grouping, to U 26 and U 43: Return after delivering supplies. Report when leaving. At 19:55 hours U 26 departed from Trondheim.

Apr 25, 1940 at 17:37 hours U 26 entered Wilhelmshaven, having transported ammunition etc. to Trondheim. She sank a transport. Otherwise the trip was without incident. U 26, under Kapitänleutnant Heinz Scheringer, was 11 days, 1 hours and 47 minutes at sea. On Ap 18,1940 she delivered supplies in Trondheim during Unternehmen Weserübung, ammunition and two 2-cm-AA guns, unloaded. Then the boat was operating in the North Sea off the coast of Norway. In this patrol, U 26 sunk 1 ship with 5,159 tons. Sunk on Apr 21, 1940 - br - Cedar Bank - 5,159 tons.

* Born in Buenos Aires - Argentina.
** Expelled from the U Bootwaffe after a court martial due to cowardice

Sources: Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm
Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! Artikelnummer: 390048918974

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
With U-25 and a Type VIIA boat...................
With U-25 and a Type VIIA boat...................
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

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Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

U 26's Patrol in Unternehmen Weserübung (5th).

May 12, 1940 The Captain of the 2nd U-Flotilla, also took over the U 26 as acting commander.

May 23, 1940 at 17:00 hours U 26 (Krvkp. Heinz, Fischer; IWO Obl z. S. Helmut Franzke; IIWO Lt. z. S. Horst Hamm;. LI Lt. z. S. Herbert Freund; OStrm Engelbert Job?) sailed again for Trondheim with supplies for the Luftwaffe.

May 27, 1940 at 16:50 hours U 26 took port at Trondheim; there were unloaded supplies of goods, including one own MG C/30, and 84 boxes of ore were taken on board.

May 29, 1940 at 12:00 hours U 26 departed from Trondheim.

Jun 05, 1940 at 11:15 hours U 26 entered port in Wilhelmshaven. She had carried supplies to Trondheim. No attacks. U 26, under Korvettenkapitän Heinz Fischer, was 10 days, 23 hours and 35 minutes at sea. On May 27,1940 she unloaded supplies in Trondheim. Then the boat was operating in the North Sea. U 26 could not sink or damage any ships in this patrol.

Jun 08, 1940 Korvettenkapitän Heinz Fischer handed over again U 26 to Kplt. Heinz Scheringer.

Sources: Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm
Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! Artikelnummer: 390048918974

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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U 26 at port; seen here through a porthole..........................<br />http://www.mille-sabords.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=40300&amp;st=25
U 26 at port; seen here through a porthole..........................
http://www.mille-sabords.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=40300&st=25
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Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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tigre
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

U 25's 4th Patrol. New Commander.

May 20, 1940 Kapitänleutnant Heinz Beduhn took over U 25.

Jun 08, 1940 U 25 (Kplt. Heinz Beduhn; IWO Oblt. z. S. Hinrich-Gerhard Elmenhorst; IIWO Lt. z. S Werner Spälter; LI Kplt Johannes Gottwald; OStrm Franz Fedde) sailed from Wilhelmshaven towards the Atlantic.

Jun 09, 1940 According to instructions received from Naval War Staff, U 25, on her outward passage, was ordered to make for the following operation area west of the Shetlands at maximum cruising speed, AM 32. As the English are evacuating Narvik, opportunities to attack warships and transports are to be expected.

Jun 11, 1940 U 25 sighted the convoy expected from Narvik, but lost it again. Bad visibility came to the enemy's assistance.

Jun 12, 1940 A Group "PRIEN" has been formed, comprising U 47 (in tactical command if necessary), U 32, U 28, U 25, U 30 and U 51.

Jun 13, 1940 U 25 sank the English auxiliary cruiser "Scotstown".

Jun 17, 1940 Group "PRIEN" has made no contact with the Halifax convoy.

Jun 18, 1940 U 38 shadowed a convoy for some hours and later apparently U 25 also sighted it.

Jun 19, 1940 U 25 was rammed while making a submerged night attack on a convoy. Periscope and bridge damaged. She tried at first to remain in her operations area, but the damage was so heavy that she had to start her return passage.

Jun 29, 1940 U 25 entered Wilhelmshaven. U 25 missed a battle cruiser (Renown or Repulse) because the firing gear failed in the center shot of a triple fan. She afterwards attacked the convoy which this heavy ship was escorting, but it evaded the attack by making a smoke screen and turning away. U 25 then sank the auxiliary cruiser "Scotstown" off the North Channel and fired on another large steamer with very good firing data. The shot had no effect, clearly because the impact firing unit failed. While making an attack submerged by night she was rammed and the damage to periscope and conning tower forced her to return home. Result: 23.000 tons.

Sources: Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm
Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! Artikelnummer: 390048918974
Nachlass U-Boot Fotos Mailling Wappen Tagebuch Gefangenschaft Orden Briefe WW 2 eBay.

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
The new emblem with Kplt. Heinz Beduhn, two mushrooms fanning out to form a V.......................
The new emblem with Kplt. Heinz Beduhn, two mushrooms fanning out to form a V.......................
image006.jpg (19.26 KiB) Viewed 6956 times
Rammed while making a submerged night attack on a convoy; U 25's conning tower with makeshift reparations..................
Rammed while making a submerged night attack on a convoy; U 25's conning tower with makeshift reparations..................
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Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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tigre
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

U 26's 6th and last Patrol. Loss of the boat.

Jun 20, 1940 U 26 (Kplt. Heinz Scheringer*; IWO Oblt. z. S. Friedrich, Engel; IIWO Lt. z. S Erich Blei; LI Oblt. z. S. Herbert, Freund; OStrm Paul, Mithöfer) sailed from Wilhelmshaven towards the Atlantic.

Jun 28, 1940 U 26 reported one oil cooler out of action, damage cannot be repaired with own resources. The boat's speed is thus reduced. As there are so few Atlantic boats available, she is to continue her patrol even under these difficult conditions.

Jun 30, 1940 U 26 and U 102 also each managed to make contact with a convoy.

Jul 01, 1940 Distribution of U-boats.

In Atlantic operations area: U A, U 26, U 29, U 30, U 34, U 43, U 52, U 102, U 122.
On outward passage: U 47.
On return passage: U 28, U 38, U 47??, U 51, U 65.
Wilhelmshaven dockyard: U 25, U 32, U 37.
Kiel dockyard: U 46, U 48, U 101.

Loss of U 26. Detailed information on the fate:

On Jul 01, 1940 U 26 was sighted in the North Atlantic by the Sunderland H 10 / P 9603, flown by Fl.Lt. W.N. Gibbson of the Australian RAAF Squadron after she torpedoed the British steamer Zarian and together with the British corvette HMS Gladiolus (K.34) sunk by depth charges. The eight depth charge dropped by the aircraft brought the U 26 back to the surface. After the crew had left the boat, she sunk by her stern. The crew was rescued by the British sloop HMS Rochester (U.50) and taken as prisoners of war.

U 26, under Kplt. Heinz Scheringer, was 11 days at sea. The boat was operating in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay. It could sink 3 ships with 11,206 ton and damage 1 ship with 4,871 ton. U 26 itself, was sunk on this patrol by a British aircraft and a warship.

Sunk were: JUn 29, 1940 - gr - Frangoula Goulandris - 6,701 ton ● Jun 30, 1940 - nw - Belmoira - 3,214 ton ● Jun 30, 1940 - it - Mercury - 1,291 ton.

Damaged was: Jul 01, 1940 - br - Zarian - 4,871 ton.

Nevertheless the BdU's War Log stated on Jul 14, 1940: U 26, U 102 and U 122 have not reported again. U 26 last made a short signal on Jul 03??, U 102 made a reconnaissance signal on Jun 30 and was at the time near an enemy convoy in square BF 4131, U 122 last made a weather report at 2300 on Jun 21.

* Born in Buenos Aires - Argentina

Sources: Das Kriegstagebuch der U-Bootwaffe von Roland Berr. http://ktb.ubootwaffe.net/
http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm
Fotoalbum 175 Bilder U-Boot U33 U40 TOP !!! Artikelnummer: 390048918974
Nachlass U-Boot Fotos Mailling Wappen Tagebuch Gefangenschaft Orden Briefe WW 2 eBay.

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
A Sunderland flown by flight lieutenant W. N. Gibson of No. 10 Squadron, RAAF, makes a second attack on U 26, Southwest of the Scilly Isles. The U-Boat scuttled itself soon afterwards<br />http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:U-26_Luftangriff.jpg
A Sunderland flown by flight lieutenant W. N. Gibson of No. 10 Squadron, RAAF, makes a second attack on U 26, Southwest of the Scilly Isles. The U-Boat scuttled itself soon afterwards
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:U-26_Luftangriff.jpg
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Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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Re: German U Boats Type IA.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; more follows...................

The U Boats Type IA of the U Flotille "Saltzwedel".

U 25's 5th and last Patrol. Loss of the boat.

As Jul 01, 1940 U 25 was at Wilhelmshaven dockyard. She was there even as Jul 16, 1940 with U 28, 29, 32, 37, 38, 65.

Jul 23, 1940 The Red Cross telephoned from Berlin that the whole crew of U 26 are prisoners of war in England. This decides the fate of one of the three missing boats.

Aug 01, 1940 U 25, 37, 38 left Wilhelmshaven. U 25 (Kplt. Heinz Beduhn+; IWO Oblt. z. S. Hinrich-Gerhard Elmenhorst+; IIWO Lt. z. S Werner Spälter+; LI Oblt. z. S. Heinrich, Fritsche+; OStrm Franz Fedde+) sailed at 08:00 hours. They have been ordered to use route I for the following reasons:

1) In the area N. of route BLAU and off the Norwegian Coast English ships have repeatedly appeared, attacked our forces ("LUCHS", U 62, transports) and have been attacked by our own patrol forces and a/c. At least U 1 was definitely torpedoed in this area.
2) The danger in this area is the greater because for some time U-boats have entered and left on this route only.
3) In view of these known dangers on the Northerly route, route I appears to be the safer. Is has not been used for some time.

Aug 03, 1940 U 37 and U 38 reported passing through route I, but no such reports have been received from U 25 and U 46 (reported on Aug 04), which sailed later, neither have they replied to radio messages. A/c sent out to search observed one new and one older patch of oil in route I and also reported mine-like objects in the water near the fresh oil patch.

1) 2 patrol boats would immediately search the area around the oil patches.
2) 2 minesweepers were detailed to check the mines.
3) One diving tender from the dockyard, manned by diving personnel from the flotilla and carrying one U-boat officer, proceeded to the suspected scene of loss with flak protection. At the same time further a/c were detailed to search.

Aug 04, 1940 During the search operation for U 25, a S/M chaser struck a mine and sank. She had detected a wreck shortly beforehand with her echo ranging gear. U 25 must be presumed to have been lost in route I.

Detailed information on the fate:

U 25 is lost since Aug 01, 1940, in the North Sea northeast of Terschelling. The boat no longer reported after sailing from Wilhelmshaven. It's probably struck a mine in the minefield No.7. The corpse of Mechanikergefreite Alfred Magermanns was washed ashore at Helgoland on Aug 19, 1940.

Sources: http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDUKTB.htm
"U-Boot im Focus" magazine, edition No.2 - 2007, page 4
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthr ... d&t=149950

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
In port preparing for a new mission, that would be the last ............ ..
In port preparing for a new mission, that would be the last ............ ..
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image025.jpg
image025.jpg (43.84 KiB) Viewed 6810 times
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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