August, 1st 1939
Received command of Uboat type VIIB U-52
U-Flotilla Saltzwedel


August, 2nd 1939
Ordered to patrol grid BF19
We are advised to do a five day shakedown patrol and come back to base.
Departing from 8.06E 53.30N (Willemshaven)


U-52
Our boat was ordered May, 15th 1937. She was finished constructing and laid down on March, 9th 1937. After tests, she was ready for patrols on February, 4th 1939. she was under command of Oberleutnant Wolfgang Barten from February 4th 1939 to August, 1st 1939 when she was moved to my command. Wolfgang is now in command of U-40, a type IX for long-range missions.

1116Z (local time 1216)
We are departing for shakedown patrol. Ordered to grid patrol area BF19 for 24 hours.
The KM Tirpitz is currently docked at Willemshaven.
I had installed the new hydrophones, the KDB model over the GHB. It offers twenty degrees on each side of the sub but since it's mounted over the submarine it is much more exposed to depth charges. We have heard of new batteries being worked on and they also are designing a new Uboat model based on our type VIIB.

070839 2057Z
Reached patrol grid. Spotted large merchant, Netherlands.
Patrolling for 24 hours and setting course back to Wilhelmshaven.

130839 1927Z (local time 1827)
Reached Wilhelmshaven. Ending first patrol.