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Just found a REAL GEM!
The F.d.U./B.d.U.’S War Log !!

German Naval War Log Entries For 15 September, 1939

U 31 reported in radio message 0700: “Convoy in square 1253, main course 2400, speed 10 knots.” That is off the Bristol Channel. This is the first clear report of a convoy. The boats in the neighboring areas U 34, 29, 53, should now operate against the convoy - they may have luck. I have dinned it into the C.O.s again and again that they must not let such chances go by. It is not possible to do anything from this end.

In any case the boats must now be nearly at the end of their fuel. If only there were more boats at sea now! Nevertheless I still think it was right to recall the boats - without then there would be a complete lack of U-boats by the beginning of October, and by then there should be more traffic.

So U 31 got through the Channel and had different experiences than U 35. This shows that it is possible to pass through the Channel, even if not in all circumstances as is shown in the case of U 35. I do not intend to use the Channel as the normal route.

In the course of the day U 46, 47 put into Kiel, U 37 into Wilhelmshaven.

U-47 Reports that she has sunk:

S.S. Bosnia 2407 BRT 3200 tons Sulphur
Rio Claro 4086 BRT 4777 tons mixed cargo
Gartavon 1777 BRT 2900 tons ore

The boat was in her operations area for 4 days (3 - 7.9) after the outbreak of war. A very nice beginning. U 37 and 46 no success - bad luck. Further details will have to be gathered from the C.O.’s reports. The disposition of the next series of boats is under constant consideration; they must destroy a convoy.

The Belgian S.S. Alex von Opstal is said to have been torpedoed by a U-boat near the Shambles. Her position is within the area fouled by U 26. Numerous radio intelligence reports received point to an increase in convoy traffic. Since 13.9 no more steamer rendezvous have been published in the Bristol Channel. This also points to the convoy system being perfected.

Towards evening U 45 entered Kiel. No success, as her position seems to have been outside the areas frequented by shipping.

(signed): Dönitz
Captain
B.d.U