Korvettenkapitän Manfred Buchmann
Patrol # 16

Duration:     10.03.1942 - 29.03.1942, 20 days on sea
Patrol Area:   CA 57
Ship:   U 519, Crossed Swords
Type:   IX C
Flotilla:   9. Flotille, Brest

10 March. 1942, 19:12, Brest
I leave the harbor for CA57.

Lookouts observing the sea

13 Mar, 14:10, BE2725
Small merchant sighted. I sink the 1.000 BRT freighter with only 5 deck gun rounds.

19 Mar, 08:50, BB6896
Sighted large convoy! Hurrah! I radio my results. I have to do some fancy maneuvering, but I am able to get close enough. A quick crash dive, then the torpedos fly. Five ships are sunk for 32.794 BRT. However, one salvo is all I get. During the next 9 hours, I am hunted ruthlessly. The forward bow compartment torpedo tube doors are destroyed and many items are wrecked, including the electric engine. No electric engine, no patrol. When the bombardment ceases, I decide to return to base.

27 Mar, 15:00, BE6128
Sight lone merchant. Two torpedoes dispatch the beautiful 12.000 BRT tanker!

Periscope cleaning

29 Mar, 11:30, Brest
I return to base. I find that I am promoted to Korvettenkapitan!

Personal analysis:
It is nice to be back home again, but I wouldn't mind going on another cruise towards the American coast. There seems to be a lot of action there. During the depth-charge attack I seem to have slammed my jaw into a piece of equipment, I must have it looked at, so please pardon the sparse patrol report. The next patrol report will bring more details, I can assure you. I hear upon my return Wernke has retired! Quite a fellow - I'll never forget his bravery, and I wish him the best of luck.

PATROL RESULTS

Merchants

Escorts

Warships

BRT
Patrol results:

7

0

0

45.794
Total career results:

99

5

0

656.762

DECORATIONS

U-boat badge

1939 Iron Cross
2nd Class

1939 Iron Cross
1st Class

Knights Cross

Knights Cross
with Oak Leaves

Knights Cross with
Oak Leves and Swords

Knights Cross with
Oak Leaves, Swords
and Diamonds

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