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As recorded in "Michel's" story, she met "Stier" on the 28th. of July, Ruckteschell came on board, they quickly decided there was little point in staying in their present area. They sailed Northwards, in a few days time, keeping about 20 miles apart, to widen the ocean area they could scan. During this quiet period, "Stier's" Captain, made his gun crews practise constantly, his reserve crews could manage 14 rounds a minute, and the best crew achieved 18 rounds a minute, during one spell.

Still no action by the 9th. of August- and the two Raiders parted, within 6 hours, a one funnel ship with 3 masts was sighted, steering a parallel course. "Stier" gradually worked her way ahead, and then coming closer to her, at 17,000 yards he opened fire, and the QQQ alarm was read. This ship was soon set on fire, and stopped, it was "Daihousie" 7,250 tons in ballast, a torpedo was used to sink her quickly. Gerlach was eager to quit the area, but another ship came in sight, after some doubt, she was recognised as "Michel," who had turned back to ascertain what was going on.

"Stier" now covered the Cape/River Plate route. Gerlach wanted to round Cape Horn and work West of South America, but SKL chose to ignore any of his requests- bad weather prevailed, although revolutions were recorded for 10 knots, his ship, only made good 3 knots. In his diary, Gerlach grizzled about the lack of ships in the area to which he had been sent, he noted:- "Despite sinking 3 ships that he had found, and 2 tough Channel actions, only 20 Iron Crosses, and second class at that, had been awarded to his ship after 100 days sea time."

On the 20th. of August, he heard that from "Michel's" action with "Arabstan," 10 survivors had been rescued. His diary notes:- "The auxiliary Cruiser must in every case make sure that no men of a crew prematurely escapes to friendly territory- otherwise the enemy will get substantially accurate, if exaggerated, details of the auxiliary Cruiser."

He inspected Gough Island, deciding it was suitable for a self refit, and "Charlotte Schliemann," supplied enough oil to last until almost the end of November, by which time he must have arrived at Gironde.

The 1st. of September was the 3rd. anniversary of war's commencement, again, Gerlach was complaining in his diary, this time:- "On the lack of a message from the Fatherland, to keep them in touch with home." he also reiterated his charge about "The lack of decorations for his ship- this was a suitable date for awards, it would assist his task of Command." Nothing of importance from SKL, it would seem that Gerlach did not, perhaps, have sufficient on his hands to fully occupy his mind.

In the early morning of the 4th. of September, the lookout reported a ship, in sight, into the sun, she was fast, about 21 knots, then from 12 miles away, she was identified as the 29,000 ton French liner, "Pasteur" operating under Allied control, she was much too fast for "Stier" who hoped he had not been spotted.

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