F.d.U./B.d.U.'S War Log

1 - 15 June 1942

PG30308a

     
     
 
1.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- CD 93
U 126
- Op(FC)
U 202
- BE 67
U 564
- BD 76
 
68
 - DP 24
128
 - Op(FC)
213
 - Op(CA)
566
 - Op(CB)
 
69
 - Op(ED)
129
 - DF 23
214
 - BE 38
569
 - BC 86(Op)
 
87
 - BC 92
130
 - BE 74
332
 - CE 32
578
 - Op(CA)
 
94
 - BC 82(Op)
134
 - BF 60
373
 - BC 68
584
 - BE 54
 
96
 - BC 85(Op)
135
 - Op(DC)
404
 - CA 89
588
 - BD 84
 
98
 - BE 71
155
 - DQ 71
406
 - BC 57(Op)
590
 - BC 82(Op)
 
103
 - DN 57
156
 - Op(EE)
432
 - Op(CB)
593
 - Op(CB)
 
106
 - Op(DA)
157
 - DE 36
455
 - CB 65
594
 - Op(DL)
 
107
 - Op(DM)
158
 - DM 15
502
 - Op(ED)
653
 - Op(CA)
 
108
 - BF 60
159
 - DP 28
504
 - DL 53
701
 - BC 91
 
109
 - BF 49
161
 - Op(FB)
506
 - DD 38
751
 - DP 23
 
116
 - CE 11
162
 - DF 39
507
 - BE 59
753
 - DC 75
 
124
 - BC 85(Op)
166
 - AN 30
553
 - Op(CA)
   
 
125
 - DE 36
172
 - DP 84
558
 - DO 61
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 753 - 593 - 155 - 588 - 455 - 103 - 130 - 751 - 558 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 108 - 109 - 214 - 134 - 116.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 108 - Lorient;  U 134 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy:  See under IVa.
    2) U 753 sighted in DM 6866 convoy of 7 freighters, 1 destroyer, 3 S/M chasers, course 1100, 6 knots.  This is the first convoy to be sighted N. of Cuba.
    3) U 751 examined the Swedish ship Etna, with a cargo for Brazil and the Argentine.  Etna was dismissed.
    4) U 553 sank "Mattawin", 6,916 BRT, course 1100, in CB 1885.
    5) U 566 sank "Westmoreland", 8,967 BRT, 00, on 1.6 in CB 8466.  CB 7390 sighted freighter, 1500.
    6) U 213 reported a triple miss at a destroyer and 5 single misses at a fast freighter in CA 6649, course 3000.
    7) U 558 sank "Triton" 2,078 BRT in DP 1430, course 00, cargo of aluminum.
    8) U 578 sighted a zig-zagging freighter on 2.6 in CA 6553, course 3300.
    9) U 594 did not manage to fire at a steamer, course 900 in CB 2113 on 27.5.  29.5 EB 3754 a fan miss and 2 single misses at a passenger steamer.
    10) U 432 fired a triple miss at a sighted passenger freighter on 30.5 in BA 9996.  1.6 CA 3261 escorted steamer, 800, 18 knots.
       
- 101 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      Sunk:  31.5 BA 9978 "Liverpool Racker", about 3,000 BRT.
    11) U 332 sighted a fast freighter in CE 2697, course N.
  b) Attack report:  DA 92, CB 84, DL 6651.
    Torpedoed:  "Knoxville City", 5,686 BRT in DM 47, unidentified unit in ED 68.
    SSS:  "Mattarin" CB 1888.
    Sightings:  DL 5660, DB 45, DC 11, DM 64, DM 88.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 24:
    U 590 gained contact, was driven off twice and depth charged.
    At 1735 U 590 reported:  sea 6, visibility 7-8.  No offensive action.  As the weather is likely to get worse, an above-water night attack is not possible because of the moon, and on 2.6 the convoy will already be on the Newfoundland Bank in a heavy swell with strong air patrol, Group Hecht has been ordered, to break off the operation and to be in reconnaissance line from BC 5783 to 8675 at 1600/2/6, course 50 deg., day's run 120 miles.  U 590's last report:  Weather and visibility getting worse, sea 7, maximum speed 7 knots.
  b)- c) None.
  d) Boats have been informed of Mexico's entry into the war.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 566  1 ship 8,967 BRT
      432  1 ship 3,000 BRT
      558  1 ship 2,078 BRT
      553  1 ship 6,916 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
U-boats as of 1.6.1942
(without foreign boats)
       
I. Total in Commission:
 
at 1.5.42
292
  
commissioned in May*
21
  
 
313
  
 
 
Losses in May**
2
  
 
311
  
  *  Including U 579's second commissioning after repairing fire damage.
  **  Losses in May:  2, of which 1 in the Mediterranean.  U U74, Friedrich, experienced boat with new C.O., W. Mediterranean no clue.  U 352, Rathke, on active service since 15.1.1942.  Off the American coast, presumably near Hatteras.  No clue.
 
 
- 102 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
II. Boats are distributed as follows:
Type
II
VIIa
VIIb/c
VIId
IXb/c
IXD
Xb
XIV
  
Frontline
-
-
90
2
34
-
1
1
 128
Trials
-
-
84
4
23
1
3
5
 124
Training
37
4
16*
-
2
-
-
-
 59
 
37
4
190
6
59
1
4
6
 311
*  of which 4 temporarily detached.
       
III. During May:
 
The total number of boats increased by
19
  
The number of front-line boats increased by
4
  
The number of boats on trials increased by
14
  
The number of training boats increased by
1
  
       
IV. Front-line boats were distributed as follows on 1.6.1942:
    
Atlantic 88 boats
Mediterranean 19 boats
Norway Area 21 boats
       
V. During May in the Atlantic there were:
    A daily average of 61.1 boats at sea of which 18 were in operations areas
    42 on the way out
    14.8 on the way back
       
VI. Sailings in May:
    
From home
4
   boats
From western France
24
   boats
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
2.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- CD 85
U 126
- EQ 76(Op)
U 202
- BE 57
U 558
- DP 12
 
68
 - DP 17
128
 - FA 33(Op)
213
 - Op(CA)
564
 - BD 86
 
69
 - Op(ED)
129
 - DF 16
214
 - BF 61
566
 - Op(CB)
 
87
 - BC 83
130
 - BE 57
332
 - CE 25
569
 - BC 80(Op)
 
94
 - BC 80(Op)
135
 - Op(DC)
373
 - BC 59
578
 - Op(CA)
 
96
 - BC 80(Op)
155
 - DQ 46
404
 - DC 24
584
 - BE 45
 
98
 - BE 87
156
 - Op(EE)
406
 - BC 80(Op)
588
 - BD 86
 
103
 - DN 53
157
 - DE 53
432
 - Op(CB)
590
 - Op(CA)
 
106
 - Op(DA)
158
 - DL 33
455
 - CC 42
593
 - CB 59
 
107
 - Op(DM)
159
 - DP 45
502
 - Op(ED)
594
 - Op(EC)
 
109
 - BF 50
161
 - FA 26(Op)
504
 - Op(DA)
653
 - Op(CA)
 
116
 - BD 89
162
 - DG 12
506
 - DE 11
701
 - BC 80(Op)
 
124
 - BC 80(Op)
166
 - AF 71
507
 - BE 69
751
 - DE 75
 
125
 - CD 85
172
 - EE 11
553
 - Op(CA)
753
 - DN 41
 
  On Return Passage:  U 753 - 593 - 155 - 588 - 455 - 103 - 751 - 558 - 594 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 109 - 214 - 116 - 130.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 214 - Lorient.
       
- 103 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 404 fired on "Westnotus", 5,492 BRT, 3300, with guns on 1.6 in DC 3212.  Burnt out.  Left ship after the demolition charge fixed had exploded, as "Anna" 1,345 BRT was in sight, 1250.  After 2 unexplained misses, fired at her with guns and set her on fire, then identified neutral markings.  Ship was darkened and was zig-zagging.
    2) U 578 sank "Bergenger", 6,826 BRT, 3000, in CB 1287 on 2.6.  Carrying cotton from Santos to Boston.
    3) U 159 sank a freighter of 6,200 BRT, 3100 on 2.6 in DO 63.
    4) U 69 sighted 1 freighter, 1 tanker, S-bound, in ED 66 on 31.5.  Intends to operate in EE 20 and 30 with last fuel.
    5) U 558 2.6 sighted a freighter, course SSE, DP 1268.  (Boat has no torpedoes left).
  b) U-boat attack:  CA 62 (U 578), DM 69.
    Sighting:  DN 47, DC 22, DB 7239, DC 41, BB 65, BA 9971.
  c) - d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) 1) So far U 128, U 126, U 161, in line along the N. coast of Brazil, have reported no traffic.  There seems no point in their going on.  Collected recent sighting reports show that traffic is particularly dense in an area EE and ED.  The following disposition has been ordered:  U 128, U 126 to occupy the area between a line joining EE 29 via EE 92, EF 52, DQ 79, U 126 the E., U 128 the W. half.  U 161 Trinidad sea area.  Boats will reach their operations areas with fuel stocks of about 100-105 cbm.  If they refuel, as planned, in CC, they can remain in their operations area for about another 20 days.
    2) U 594 has been ordered to return at once.  No supply.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 404  2 ships 6,837 BRT
        578  1 ship 6,826 BRT
        159  1 ship 6,200 BRT
        502  1 ship 6,750 BRT
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- 104 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
3.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- Op(ED)
U 126
- EQ 44
U 202
- BE 48
U 558
 - DD 56
 
68
 - DO 65
128
 - EP 91
213
 - Op(CA)
564
 - BD 93
 
69
 - Op(ED)
129
 - CD 16
332
 - CE 16
566
 - Op(CB)
 
87
 - BC 81
130
 - BE 59
373
 - BC 57
569
 - BC 80(Op)
 
94
 - BC 50(Op)
135
 - Op(DC)
404
 - DC 28
578
 - Op(CB)
 
96
 - BC 80
155
 - DQ 27
406
 - BC 50(Op)
584
 - BD 91
 
98
 - BE 83
156
 - Op(EE)
432
 - Op(CB)
588
 - BD 96
 
103
 - DN 36
157
 - DE 48
455
 - CC 28
590
 - Op(CA)
 
106
 - Op(DA)
158
 - Op(DA)
502
 - Op(ED)
593
 - CB 66
 
107
 - Op(DM)
159
 - DO 59
504
 - Op(DA)
594
 - DN 82
 
109
 - BF 60
161
 - EP 85
506
 - CC 87
653
 - Op(CA)
 
116
 - BD 90
162
 - CE 85
507
 - BF 50
701
 - BC 80(Op)
 
124
 - BC 80(Op)
166
 - AF 71
553
 - Op(CA)
751
 - DE 57
 
125
 - CD 91
172
 - DO 79
   
753
 - DM 69
 
  On Return Passage:  U 753 - 593 - 155 - 588 - 455 - 103 - 751 - 558 - 594 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 109 - 116 - 130.
  Sailed:  U 203 - Brest.
  Entered Port:  U 109 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 172 sighted:  28.5 DQ 25 1 fast freighter, course 700.  2.6 DO 96 steamer, 3450.  Sunk:  3.6 DO 6724, freighter, 5,000 BRT, 3350.  One definite pistol failure.
    2) U 432 sighted:  In BA 9976 convoy of 4 ships, 2900, making long legs.  Chased it in vain.  Driven off by strong air escort.  A/c bombs.  In 9896 sank 2 fishing smacks by gunfire.
    3) U 126 sank Norwegian tanker "Hoeggiant", 10,999 BRT in EP 6343.
    4) U 106 reports small fast convoys between Key West and San Antonio.  Medium amount of single-ship traffic from DL 20 to 68.  30.5 in 4411 one freighter, one tanker, one destroyer, 2400.  1.6 in 6371 fast freighter 600.  Center of Florida Straits only air activity and 1 destroyer.  1.6 sank S.S. "Hampton Roads", 2,698 BRT in DL 6538.  Starting return passage.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:CA 6990, ED 6744, DC 2262, EC 7633, DC 41, CA 6968.
     U-boat attack:  In ED 86.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
       
- 105 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  b) 1) U 502 has been ordered to go close up to the coast of Trinidad during the new moon period.
    2) U 67 has been allocated operations area off New Orleans, passing through the Florida Straits.
    3) U 129 to steer for Windward Passage.
    4) U 653 has been given freedom of action in the area of traffic from and to New York, on the basis of situation report for the last few days.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 166  1 ship 2,689 BRT
      432  2 fishing smacks
      172  1 ship 5,000 BRT
      126  1 ship 10,999 BRT.
       
VI. General:
         A)  Reports from boats in the last days show that the traffic situation in the area CA has changed and become more favorable again.  The disposition ordered on 27.5, based on the assumption that there was a focal point of traffic in CB 72, 73, 81, has proved right.  Boat's reports indicate clearly a line of traffic from New York via CB 71 to EE 50, though mainly fast ships are involved.  Traffic in both directions between Boston and Halifax, also traffic approaching Halifax from the S.  General traffic situation is set out in Appendix 1.
 
         B)  As has already been shown in the War Log on 17.5, sinking rates for the month of June cannot be as great as those for the month of May.  It now turns out that the figures for supplies of boats previously estimated for May and June, after ice has stopped, cannot after all be adhered to.  The reason for this however, is the dockyard bottleneck which has arisen owing to a sudden rush of boats after final training.
          From the meager supply of 7 boats type VIIC from home altogether 5 boats should be sent to Northern Waters between 5.4 and 5.6.  There is a possibility that more and more boats will have to be sent there to bring up the numbers and this fact has given me occasion to submit my views on the operation of U-boats in the Northern area to Naval War Staff as follows:
    The task of U-boats in the Northern area is:
    a) Operation against the England-Murmansk convoy traffic.
    b) Immediate action in the event of an enemy landing.
       
I. to a) My opinion as to the small chances of success for U-boats against convoys during the Northern Summer, which I have already explained by T/P, has been confirmed by experience with PQ 16.  Owing to the difficult conditions for attack (constant light, very variable weather and visibility, abnormally strong convoy escort, clever handling of the convoy, appearance of Russian a/c, forcing the U-boats to dive on sighting our own a/c as well) the result, in spite of shadowing and a determined set-to by the boats, has been 1 steamer sunk and 4 probable hits.  This must be accounted
 
 
- 106 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
    a failure when compared with the results of the anti-S/M activity for the boats operating.
    According to reports from boats:  U 436, U 703 have D/C damage, unfit to dive to greater depths.  Three more boats have slight D/C damage the effects of which, from experience, will probably mean some considerable time in the dockyard.
       
II.   This success of the anti-S/M forces is the more serious in the light of the bad dockyard situation in Norway and at home and it will probably mean that ordinarily far more than 50% of all the boats detached to the Northern area will be unfit for service if further operation against PQ convoys is undertaken.  This however, implies a restriction for b) "Readiness for immediate action against enemy landings", which cannot be accepted.
       
III.   If the requirements, i.e.
    a) continued operation against convoys as hitherto
    b) a sufficient number of boats ready to defend an enemy landing.
    are to be fulfilled, it will mean:
    Constantly sending boats from home, as they are ready, to the Northern area, more and more overcrowding of the Norway and home dockyards.  Altogether a cost to U-boat warfare in the Atlantic as a whole, which cannot be justified even if the tonnage sunk from PQ convoys is valued at a maximum.  In support of this, it is submitted:
    1) in the first place, owing to bottlenecks, only 6 boats became operational in May instead of 10 and it is expected that in June there will be only 11 instead of 22.
    2) During the period 5.4 to 5.6 of the 7 boats type VIIC which became operational, 5 had to be sent to the Northern area.
    3) that the Atlantic war has so far lost 26 boats (23 to Northern waters, 3 lost in the Northern area).
       
IV.   The successes of the boats in Northern waters will not increase as experience is gained, but losses are rather to be expected in further convoy operations. Altering the attacking tactics, and operating in 2 groups, one shadowing while the other hauls ahead out of sight, promises only slightly more success and would require considerably more boats.
     Apart from a large number of boats, these tactics would depend on:
    a) exact fixes, which can never be counted on in this area, because there are no fixes by the stars, the height of the sun is extremely low, visibility is variable and there is mist over the surface.
    b) no major avoiding action by the enemy.  Even if these conditions are fulfilled, in practice it would be
 
 
- 107 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
      necessary to set up patrol lines repeatedly ahead of the enemy's course, which would have to dive in time for the boats not to be seen by the enemy even if visibility suddenly improved and therefore before they themselves had sighted the enemy.
      At the best perhaps 2 boats out of such a patrol line would reach a position enabling them to attack.  Then however both these boats have to deal with the actual difficulties of an attack, which have been shown to be particularly great in this area and in most cases frustrate the success of the attack.
      The improvement in the chances of successes would therefore, in B.d.U.'s opinion, not stand in any acceptable relation to the number of boats required.
       
V.   The G.A.F. would seem to be a better means of attacking convoys in the north in the summer.  As there is constant light, there would be no need of support from shadowing U-boats.  B.d.U. therefore suggests that these facts be taken into account rather more than they have been hitherto when U-boat operations in the north are planned.
       
        C)  The possibility that Brazil may soon enter the war requires that a quick and effective operation of U-boats against and off Brazilian ports be considered in advance.
  1) I consider that a quick operation off Brazilian ports would have a good chance of success, because,
    a) Heavy traffic and very slight anti-S/M activity is to be expected off the ports of Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Bahia Natal.
    b) the type of coastline permits operation close inshore.
  2)  I don't think that the operation would be worthwhile as long as Brazil is neutral for the following reasons:  As long as there is no U-tanker in the south, the amount of fuel which type IXc boats have to use in their operations area is very small, because outward passages are so long.  THey would have to use all their torpedoes in the shortest possible space of time, which is not possible because:
    a) there are limits to unrestricted attack on ships
    b) they are not permitted to operate in territorial waters and immediately off the ports, i.e. in areas where there is allot of traffic.  Their fighting power cannot therefore be used to the full.
  3) It would be ill-advised to make for Brazil before war is declared because, if it is not declared while boats are on their way,
    a) it would not be worthwhile to divert them to another operations area, the approach routes to these areas being too long.
 
 
- 108 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
    b) Operation in the strip where attack is allowed and in the open sea area does not promise much success, as U 126, U 128 and U 161's operation showed.
  4) The first operation should be a torpedo operation, because it can be expected that anti-S/M activity will permit boats to penetrate the bays and harbors and a torpedo operation has a greater surprise value than a combined torpedo-mining operation.  Mine-laying will certainly be possible in later undertakings and promises good success.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    
   
 
Most Secret
 
Appendix to B.d.U.'s Most Secret 2253
 
of 6.6.42
       
Traffic situation in the American Area, according to U-boats' Reports
(New supplementary order 7 to Ops. Order No. 50)
       
           Apart from the traffic lines mentioned, there is slight dispersed traffic over the whole area.
    
           BB 40, BB 60, 80, 90 no fresh reports because of fog.  Convoy traffic.
       
           Halifax is approached from the south and Boston via Cape Sable.  Halifax is a convoy assembly point.
       
           Little traffic from New York to Nantucket.  Situation along the coastal route to Hatteras at present not clear, but heavy spasmodic traffic is suspected.  Heavy traffic in both directions along the line New York CB 72, 73, 81.  From square 72 via DD 50, DP 10, EE 60, EF 40.  This line of traffic crosses ships approaching Halifax in the south in CB 72, 73, 81.  Direction of traffic in DO 60 and EE 60 points to the conclusion that a few ships still approach Hatteras from the SE.  Situation on the coast between Hatteras and the Florida Straits not clear.
       
           No traffic reported, seems improbable.  So far 2 convoys sighted in the Florida Straits.  Traffic on the W. side of the Florida Straits hugs the coast.
       
  4)  From Florida Straits to DA 92, 83.  From square 92 south via DL 21, 65, DM 70.  From Key West to Antonio small fast convoys.
       
  6)  From DM 70 to Colon, also N. and S. of Jamaica to Windward or via ED 10, ED 60 to 98.  Traffic situation off Curacao at present not clear.  Traffic between Curacao and Trinidad close inshore.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
4.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- DF 11
U 126
- EP 63
U 202
 - BD 69
U 558
 - DE 72
 
68
 - DO 59
128
 - EP 55
203
 - Brest
564
 - BE 58
 
69
 - Op(ED)
129
 - DE 33
213
 - Op(CA)
566
 - Op(CB)
 
- 109 -
   
     

 

     
     
 
 
87
 - CC 31
130
 - BE 69
332
 - CD 36
569
 - BC 90(Op)
 
94
 - BC 60(Op)
135
 - Op(DC)
373
 - BC 78
578
 - Op(CA)
 
96
 - BC 60(Op)
155
 - DQ 31
404
 - DC 46
584
 - BD 82
 
98
 - BE 93
156
 - Op(EE)
406
 - BC 60
588
 - BE 67
 
103
 - DD 77
157
 - DD 96
432
 - Op(CB)
590
 - BC 60(Op)
 
106
 - Op(DB)
158
 - Op(DA)
455
 - CC 35
593
 - CC 43
 
107
 - Op(DM)
159
 - DO 81
502
 - Op(ED)
594
 - DN 65
 
116
 - BE 84
161
 - EP 48
504
 - Op(DA)
653
 - Op(CA)
 
124
 - BC 60(Op)
162
 - CE 91
506
 - DE 42
701
 - CC 22
 
125
 - CE 42
166
 - AE 94
507
 - BF 60
751
 - DE 53
 
   
172
 - DO 84
553
 - Op(CA)
753
 - DN 43
 
  On Return Passage:  U 753 - 593 - 155 - 588 - 455 - 103 - 751 - 558 - 594 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 116 - 130 - 106.
  Sailed:  U 507 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  U 154 - Lorient;  U 71 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 751 reported a submerged submarine in DE 3361.
    2) U 569 sighted a large freighter, course 3000, in CB 5782.
    3) U 653 saw nothing from 31.5 - 3.6 from CA 55 - 5490 to 82 - 8150.  Hydrophones picked up a steamer once in 82.  Strong patrol there by day, with Asdic.  PC-boats three times during the night.
    4) U 213:  traffic proceeding from CB 4730 via 4470 to CA 6640.  Making for Ambrose.  Fast ships.  Careless patrol here from 31.5 by destroyers and a/c.  In CB 4730 hydrophones picked up a steamer with destroyer, W. course, high speed.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat sightings:  in BA 9584, CA 3125, CA 58.
     U-boat attacks in ES 7855, DO 4586.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  Group Hecht still in patrol line cruising NE along the Great Circle.
  b) On the basis of her situation report, U 404 has been given freedom of action in the traffic area reported (DC 30, CA 90, CB 70).
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- 110 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
5.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- DE 34
U 126
- EP 34
U 172
- ED 11
U 558
- DE 57
 
68
 - DO 84
128
 - EP 24
202
 - BD 67
564
 - BF 60
 
69
 - Op(ED)
129
 - DE 26
203
 - BF 58
569
 - BC 60(Op)
 
71
 - BF 50
130
 - BF 50
213
 - Op(CB)
566
 - Op(CB)
 
87
 - CC 24
135
 - Op(DC)
332
 - CD 34
578
 - Op(CA)
 
94
 - BC 60(Op)
154
 - BF 50
373
 - CC 21
584
 - BD 83
 
96
 - BC 60(Op)
155
 - DE 96
404
 - DC 32
588
 - BF 50
 
98
 - BF 50
156
 - Op(EE)
406
 - BC 37(Op)
590
 - BC 60(Op)
 
103
 - DD 81
157
 - DD 97
432
 - Op(CB)
593
 - CC 29
 
106
 - DC 75
158
 - Op(CA)
455
 - CD 12
594
 - DO 17
 
107
 - Op(DM)
159
 - DO 78
502
 - Op(ED)
653
 - Op(CA)
 
116
 - BE 91
161
 - EO 66
504
 - Op(DL)
701
 - CC 15
 
124
 - BC 60(Op)
162
 - CE 66
506
 - DF 22
751
 - DF 11
 
125
 - CE 26
166
 - AM 11
553
 - Op(CA)
753
   DN 26
 
  On Return Passage:  U 213 - 753 - 593 - 155 - 588 - 455 - 103 - 106 - 751 - 558 - 594 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 130 - 116.
  Sailed:  U 564 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:
  Reconnaissance for U 71, damaged.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 159:  EC 3811 4 passenger steamers, 2 destroyers, 1200, 12 knots, no contact because of Diesel defect.
    2) U 553:  Stood on and off at the fog boundary.  4.6 CA 6191 destroyer, 600, high speed, otherwise nothing seen.  6 and 7.5 D/C's and a/c bombs, severe casualties.  Starting return passage because of provisions.
    3) U 158:  Strong air activity in Windward Passage, also at night.  A/c bombs.  Medium traffic and air activity in Yucatan.  Sunk:  2.6 DM 7132 freighter, 6,000 BRT, 1000.  4.6 DL 9331 freighter 4,000 BRT, 1900.  5.6 DL 6796 freighter, 4,000 BRT, 1550.  Sighted:  DL 6560 fast passenger freighter, 2400.
    4) U 107:  sighted 4 passenger freighters, 2 destroyers, flying boat, 1200, 14 knots in EB 2113.  4.6 DM 7141 passenger ship, 3250, 16 knots.  Sunk:  1.6 EB 2119 passenger freighter, 7,000 BRT, 3200.  2 flying boats daily.
    5) U 68:  No air activity off Anegada.  Sunk:  ED 1749 petrol tanker, 8,000 BRT, 190, tanker 12,000 BRT, 100, later 2700, in ED 1414.
    6) U 135 reported 15 ships, 2 destroyers, 2200, 8 knots in DC 1433, (see para. IVa).
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat sightings:  CA 8741, BF 5760 (see para. IVa), CA 86, CA 6637.  U-boat warnings:  DO 7522 (U 68).
       
- 111 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) U 135's convoy:  Boat was ordered to attack.  No shadower's reports, as there were no other boats in the vicinity.  Situation report was asked for and showed:  Contact lost after a 7 hour hunt by a/c and S/M chasers.  Convoy was steering exactly along the 200 meter line.
  b) U 135 was ordered to make sweeps in shallow water (Hatteras-Lookout).  Her attention was called to heavy traffic inside the 200 meter line.  Situation report showed no traffic, no patrol, no air activity on 4 and 5.6, off Lookout and Onslow Bay to close inshore.
  c) None.
  d) 1) U 71 reported at 1601 that she was in BF 9442, unable to dive after an attack by a/c.  She was immediately asked for course and speed and told that there would be a Condor a/c in the area from 1930.  Enemy Sunderland was shadowing the boat.  From 1636 boat was fit to dive to a certain extent.  2 M-boats left Royan at 1930 on a course for 9442, 14 knots, to pick her up.  U 71 could be expected to be at point 36 at 0700/6/6.  M-boats were directed accordingly.  They picked her up at 0325.  Additional:  An FW-200 involved the enemy Sunderland in an air action lasting 3/4 hour and scored hits in the starboard outer engine and the fuselage.  Sunderland turned away to the north.  Losses 1 N.C.O.
    2) Instruction to all boats:  Captains of all ships sunk are to be taken on board as prisoners, with the ship's papers, provided getting them aboard does not endanger the boat or reduce her fighting power by raising the consumption of provisions.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 67  1 ship 7,000 BRT
        158  3 ships 14,000 BRT
        68  2 ships 21,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
6.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- DE 42
U 126
- EF 89
U 172
- EC 35
U 558
- DE 61
 
68
 - DO 78
128
 - EP 12
202
 - BD 58
566
 - Op(CB)
 
69
 - EE 51
129
 - DE 27
203
 - BF 49
569
 - DD 40(Op)
 
71
 - BF 93
130
 - v. Lorient
213
 - CB 61
578
 - Op(CA)
 
87
 - CC 18
154
 - BF 49
332
 - CD 42
584
 - BD 81
 
94
 - BC 30(Op)
135
 - Op(DC)
373
 - CC 15
588
 - BF 58
 
96
 - BD 19(Op)
155
 - CE 68
404
 - Op(DM)
590
 - BC 30(Op)
 
98
 - v. Nazaire
156
 - Op(EE)
406
 - BC 30(Op)
593
 - CC 36
 
103
 - DD 91
157
 - DO 32
432
 - Op(CB)
594
 - DO 16
 
106
 - CC 57
158
 - Op(DL)
455
 - BC 98
653
 - Op(CA)
 
107
 - Op(DM)
159
 - EC 29
502
 - Op(ED)
701
 - CB 36
 
116
 - BF 71
161
 - EO 53
504
 - Op(DA)
751
 - CD 87
 
124
 - BD 10(Op)
162
 - BF 84
506
 - CE 17
753
 - DN 32
 
125
 - CE 33
166
 - AL 39
553
 - Op(CB)
   
     
 
- 112 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
  On Return Passage:  U 213 - 753 - 593 - 155 - 588 - 455 - 103 - 106 - 751 - 558 - 594 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 507 - 98 - 130 - 116.
  Sailed:  U 98 - St. Nazaire;  U 130 - Lorient;  U 71 - La Pallice.
  Entered Port:  U 459 - 437 - St. Nazaire;  U 153 - Lorient;  U 89 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 172 reported a convoy in ED 1423 at 1032, M. course, high speed.
    2) U 502:  Sunk:  3.6 "Elliott" (6,940 BRT) in DE 8642, course 1100.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:  BB 4629, EC 9613, BF 8248.
    2) U-boat attacks:  DB 36, CA 99.
    3) Torpedoings:  FS 3615.
    4) 2 passenger steamers, sinking, sighted by enemy a/c in DC 62.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  c)  U 135 has been given freedom of action in the sea area off New York where inward and outward bound traffic is to be found.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 502  1 ship 6,940 BRT.
       
VI. General:
         I.   Preliminary consideration of a sudden operation of 10-15 boats off Brazilian ports, planned by Naval War Staff, led to the following conclusions which have been reported to Naval War Staff:
    The execution of the operation depends on:
    a) the presence of a U-tanker in the southern area
    b) a number of U-boats sailing at approximately the same time.
       
    1) to a)
                  At present there is no U-tanker available.  U 459 is sailing on 6.6, 80% of her stocks are already allocated to boats in operations area, some of which cannot reach W. France unless they are supplied.  U 460 leaving Kiel on 7.6, will be off Biscay 18.6; it would be inadvisable for her to put into St. Nazaire as,
       
- 113 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
apart from the danger from a/c in Biscay, it would entail a delay of 12-14 days.  She will be in the equator area 8-10.7 and will have stocks for at most 10 boats owing to the long outward passage.
    2) to a)
                U-boat situation in W. France is as follows:
                Ready to sail during the period 6-16.6:  11 type VIIc, 3 type IXc, 1 type IXb.  Boats cannot be considered for the operation, as it is not certain that the tanker from home will reach her operations area.
                During the period 22.6 - 4.7 2 type IX, 8 type VIIc will be ready to sail.  Boats can be considered for the operation as soon as the tanker has reached the open Atlantic.
       
        II.  Execution:
                Boats which sail first will operate first in the area between 9 and 100 S and will refuel if possible.  All boats to operate sometime between 3 and 8.8 at a given time against shipping targets in and immediately off the ports, if possible bombarding likely targets on shore at the same time.  Only particularly valuable targets to be attacked after leaving the waiting area until coming off the ports.  It would seem possible to mine the harbors with 2-3 mines each.
       
           III.  If the task is carried out as suggested it will be at considerable cost to the rest of the Atlantic warfare, because:
    a) the lack of about 10 boats will make itself particularly felt with the fewer boats sailing from W. France in June and only 8-10 type VIIc and 5-7 type IXc boats can be counted on in the rest of the Atlantic area between 8th and 25th July.
    b) the plan to send boats which sail from home during June straight to the American operations area and thus make good the small number of boats in the operations area by the beginning or middle of July, will probably have to be abandoned, as these boats will not be able to supply from U-tanker U 460 as intended.
      If U 460 is not available for this latter task, the arrival of 12 home-based boats in the American operations area will be delayed by at least 3 weeks (transfer to W. France 12 days plus at least 8 days in port).
       
           IV.  If it is politically possible, it would be desirable to carry out the operation at a later date.  U-tanker U 461 will be operational on 21.6 and there will be a constant flow of new boats from home 25.7, so that it would then have no unfavorable effect on the Atlantic war.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
7.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- DD 66
U 128
- EF 71
U 202
- BD 49
U 553
- CB 22
 
68
 - Op(EL)
129
 - DE 45
203
 - BF 47
558
 - DE 39
 
69
 - Op(EE)
135
 - DC 21
213
 - CC 41
566
 - Op(CB)
 
87
 - CB 62
153
 - BF 50
332
 - CC 62
569
 - BD 10(Op)
 
89
 - Lorient
154
 - BF 74
373
 - CB 35
578
 - Op(CA)
     
 
- 114 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
94
 - BD 10(Op)
155
 - CC 62
404
 - Op(DM)
584
 - BD 72
 
96
 - BD 10(Op)
156
 - Op(EE)
406
 - AK 78(Op)
588
 - BF 60
 
103
 - DD 66
157
 - DO 29
432
 - Op(CB)
590
 - BD 10(Op)
 
106
 - DC 67
158
 - Op(DA)
437
 - BF 50
593
 - CD 13
 
107
 - Op(DM)
159
 - EC 54
455
 - BD 78
594
 - DD 79
 
116
 - BF 40
161
 - EO 24
459
 - BF 50
653
 - Op(CA)
 
124
 - BD 10(Op)
162
 - BF 58
502
 - ED 86
701
 - CB 55
 
125
 - CF 22
166
 - AL 68
504
 - Op(DA)
751
 - CD 63
 
126
 - EF 58
172
 - EC 25
506
 - CA 24
753
 - DC 99
 
  On Return Passage:  U 213 - 753 - 593 - 155 - 553 - 588 - 455 - 103 - 106 - 751 - 69 - 558 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 116 - 166.
  Sailed:  U 508 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  U 105 - 505 - Lorient;  U 460 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 701 sighted a fast freighter in CB 4931, main course 600, 18 knots.
    2) U 653 sank a Naval tanker of 3,000 BRT in CB 7970, course S., escort by a destroyer and escort vessel.  2 misses at the escort vessel.
    3) U 135 sank "Pleasantville" 4,590 BRT, in DC 3164, 1200, from New York to Capetown.
    4) U 404 sighted a fast passenger freighter on 6.6 in DC 3330, course 1250.  Driven off by destroyer, D/C's.
  b) 1) U-boat sightings:  DD 11, CA 61, CB 2416, CH 34.
  c) None.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 653  1 ship 3,000 BRT
      135  1 ship 4,549 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
8.June 1942.
 
 
   
I.
U 67
- DD 67
U 128
- Op(EF)
U 203
- BE 83
U 506
- CE 34
 
68
 - Op(EL)
129
 - DD 69
213
 - CC 27
553
 - CB 32
 
69
 - OP(EE)
135
 - DC 31
332
 - CC 53
558
 - CD 75
 
87
 - CB 54
153
 - BF 49
373
 - CB 27
566
 - Op(CB)
 
89
 - BF 50
154
 - BE 98
404
 - Op(DM)
569
 - BD 21(Op)
     
 
- 115 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
94
 - AK 80(Op)
155
 - CE 34
406
 - Op(CA)
578
 - Op(CA)
 
96
 - AK(Op)
156
 - Op(EE)
432
 - AK 80(Op)
584
 - BC 93
 
103
 - AK(Op)
157
 - DO 43
437
 - BF 49
590
 - AK 80(Op)
 
105
 - BF 50
158
 - Op(DA)
455
 - BD 85
593
 - BC 99
 
106
 - DC 69
159
 - EC 47
459
 - BF 49
594
 - DD 85
 
107
 - Op(DM)
161
 - Op(ED)
460
 - AO 70
653
 - CB 84
 
116
 - BF 50
162
 - BF 60
502
 - Op(ED)
701
 - CB 46
 
124
 - BD 21(Op)
166
 - BF 50
504
 - Op(DA)
751
 - CE 24
 
125
 - BE 89
172
 - EG 12
505
 - BF 50
753
 - DD 72
 
126
 - Op(EF)
202
 - BD 71
   
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 213 - 753 - 593 - 155 - 553 - 455 - 103 - 106 - 751 - 69 - 558 - 594 - 162 - 125 - 506 - 166 - 116.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 584:  sighted large fast steamer in CC 5256, course 800.
    2) U 128:  sank motor tanker "South Africa" 9,234 BRT in EF 73, 1200.
    3) U 156:  sank "Allegrete" 5,970 BRT, on 2.6 in ED 68, course 2750.  In EE 71 sailing vessel, 150 BRT course for Trinidad.  Medium traffic W. of Lucia.
    4) U 653:  sighted a Naval tanker on 6.6 in CB 4,880, one destroyer and one large escort vessel, deceptive courses.  In 7970 sank a tender (3,000 BRT).  One hit on patrol vessel.
    5) U 161:  7.6 freighter sighted zig-zagging in EO 1984 1500, 8.6 freighter in EO 1466, about 1500.  Regular air patrol off the coast of Guiana.
    6) U 578:  Much fog in attack area, spasmodic air activity.
    7) U 504:  Heavy single-ship traffic from DL 91 to EB 14, no sea patrol, isolated air patrol.  Sunk:  8.6 passenger freighter EA 3320, 8,000 BRT, 1400, DL 9980 freighter, 3,000 BRT, course 3300.
  b) 1) U-boat sightings:  BA 9576, DD 48, CA 51, CA 61, BC 4891, BB 46, DB 61.
    2) U-boat attacks: ED 84, DD 48, 56, DL 99.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 27:  U 124, belonging to Group Hecht, made contact at 2157 with a convoy in AK 9424, course WSW, slow speed.  Group Hecht was ordered to operate against this convoy.  U 569 made contact at 0050.  After requesting beacon-signals, U 94 sighted the convoy at 0720 in 8913.  U 569 lost contact for a time.  U 124 reported at 0415 one 2 funneled destroyer sunk.
      Convoy's main course about 2450.  7.5 knots.
       
- 116 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  b) 1) U 578 and U 432 have been given freedom of action (SE traffic to New York).
  c) U 373, 87, 701 have been ordered to carry out their mining operation at earliest during the night 10/11.6.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 128  1 ship 9,234 BRT
      156  2 ships 6,120 BRT
      653  1 patrol vessel torpedoed
      504  2 ships 11,000 BRT
      124  1 destroyer.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
9.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- DD 86
U 128
- Op(EF)
U 213
- CC 34
U 553
- CC 12
 
68
 - Op(EC)
129
 - DD 94
332
 - CC 43
558
 - CD 82
 
69
 - Op(EP)
135
 - Op(DC)
373
 - CB 45
566
 - Op(CB)
 
87
 - CA 36
153
 - BF 47
404
 - Op(DD)
569
 - AK 80(Op)
 
89
 - BF 49
154
 - CF 32
406
 - AK 80(op)
578
 - Op(CB)
 
94
 - AK 80(Op)
155
 - CE 36
432
 - Op(CB)
584
 - CC 42
 
96
 - AK 80(Op)
156
 - Op(EE)
437
 - BF 71
590
 - AK 80(Op)
 
103
 - DE 25
157
 - DN 66
455
 - BD 94
593
 - BD 79
 
105
 - BF 73
158
 - Op(DL)
459
 - BE 68
594
 - DD 67
 
106
 - DD 46
159
 - EB 95
460
 - AN 36
653
 - Op(CB)
 
107
 - Op(DM)
161
 - Op(ED)
502
 - Op(ED)
701
 - CA 65
 
116
 - BF 64
166
 - BF 57
504
 - Op(DM)
751
 - CE 31
 
124
 - AK 80(Op)
172
 - DM 97
505
 - BF 49
753
 - DD 57
 
125
 - BE 95
202
 - BC 92
506
 - CE 33
   
 
126
 - Op(EF)
203
   BE 81
   
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 213 - 753 - 593 - 155 - 553 - 455 - 103 - 106 - 751 - 69 - 558 - 594 - 506 - 125 - 126 - 116.
  Sailed:  U 116 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  U 215 - Kiel;  U 552 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 27 see para. IVa.
    2) U 502:  ED 8499 2 freighters, 1 tanker, 1 destroyer, course 2600.  Another convoy of the same size, which she attacked by day.  Hits on a freighter of 7,000 BRT and a tanker of 6,000 BRT.  Both ships presumably sank.  Well-placed D/C's (Asdic).
    3) U 69:  Nothing seen in EE 20-30, DP 90 since 3.6.  5.6 sank a small abandoned tug.
  b)  U-boat sightings:  AM 5521, BA 97, CA 26, DM 1977, ED 1578, DN 58, EB 86.
       
- 117 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    U-boat attacks:  DL 95, CA 33, EB 84.
  c) - d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) All 6 boats made contact with the convoy in the course of the day.  Individual boats lost the convoy for a time.  U 96 and 406 were unable to follow the convoy for several hours on account of repairs to Diesels.  Weather SE 3-4, visibility 10 sea miles.  Rain towards evening.  As there was reason to suppose that the U-boat beacon wave had been discovered by the enemy, it was changed at 0200/10/6 and a further change planned.  After dark visibility deteriorated badly (3,000 meters) because of rain and fog gradually coming up.  U 590 had to abandon shadowing because of repairs to Diesels.  Towards 0300 no boat was in contact with the convoy.  U 94 sank 2 ships, totaling 11,000 BRT.  Very thick fog at dawn.
      The busy sea area off the Mississippi Delta is unoccupied, owing to the transfer of U 504 and U 158 south to the Yucatan Straits, which had not previously been intended.  U 157 and U 129 have therefore been allocated DA 90 as their new operations area.
      Mining operation off New York cannot be carried out, as diplomatic ships, which have not yet sailed, have to be considered. U 87 has been ordered to lay mines close off Boston harbor.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 502  2 ships 13,000 BRT
        94  2 ships 11,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
10.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- DD 79
U 129
- DD 88
U 332
- CB 62
U 553
- BB 95
 
68
 - Op(EC)
135
 - Op(DC)
373
 - CA 60
558
 - CD 61
 
69
 - DP 62
153
 - CF 36
404
 - Op(DC)
566
 - Op(CB)
 
87
 - CA 37
154
 - CF 51
406
 - BD 10(Op)
569
 - BD 10(Op)
 
89
 - BE 65
155
 - CF 22
432
 - Op(CB)
578
 - Op(CB)
 
94
 - AK 70(Op)
156
 - Op(EE)
437
 - BE 94
584
 - CB 62
 
96
 - AK 70(Op)
157
 - DN 48
455
 - BE 74
590
 - BD 10(Op)
 
103
 - CD 99
158
 - Op(DL)
459
 - BE 95
593
 - BD 85
 
105
 - BF 77
159
 - Op(EL)
460
 - AN 30
594
 - DE 41
 
106
 - DD 73
161
 - Op(ED)
502
 - Op(ED)
653
 - Op(CB)
 
107
 - Op(DM)
166
 - BF 60
504
 - Op(DM)
701
 - CA 56
 
124
 - AK 70(Op)
172
 - Op(ED)
505
 - BF 74
751
 - CF 12
 
125
 - BF 73
202
 - CB 29
506
 - BE 79
753
 - DD 61
 
126
 - Op(EF)
203
 - BE 72
552
 - BF 50
   
 
128
 - Op(EF)
213
 - CC 65
   
   
 
   
215
 - AO 40
   
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 213 - 753 - 593 - 155 - 553 - 588 - 455 - 103 - 106 - 751 - 69 - 558 - 594 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 166.
  Sailed:  U 166 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  U 84 - Brest;  U 132 - La Pallice;  U 575 - St. Nazaire.
       
- 118 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 27 see para. IVa.
    2) U 68:  Sunk: "Surrey", 8,581 BRT in EB 8294 and "Ardenrohr" 5,095 BRT in EB 8294 and "Port Montreal", 5,882 BRT in EB 8526.  Cargo:  tanks, guns, ammunition, a/c. Damage by underwater explosion of first ship.
    3) U 578:  sighted armed freighter in CB 7344, chased her in vain to 4543.  6 misses, presumably some anti-torpedo device.
    4) U 504 sank "Van Dyek" 13,000 BRT, 3400.
  b) U-boat sightings:  EC 31, AF 87
    Torpedoed:  Dutch motor vessel "Alioth" in FM 47 (Italian U-boat).  American tanker "Hagen" in DM 68-69 (U 157?).
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) The operation against the convoy was continued, as an improvement in visibility was to be expected during the day. U 590 reported Diesel damage, thus at present only 3 boats with serviceable engines (U 124, 94, 569).  Boats were instructed to steer searching courses from their own data, counting on a speed of advance of 8 knots.  Towards 1800 visibility was 6 NM, improving steadily.  After the U-boats' positions for 2000 had been received, searching sectors were ordered from 270-2400 in the order U 569 - 96 - 590 - 406.  U 94 and U 124 south of this, as the convoy might make an evasive, leg to the south.  During the night visibility deteriorated again to 3 miles owing to constant rain.  0400 order to Group Hecht:
      1)  Defective boats to stop
      2)  Remaining boats to continue searching.  If no contact before first light, break off and proceed E at cruising speed.
  b) 1) U 558 ordered to supply from U 459 at 1200/13/6 in BD 8942.  U 459 will make for CD 45 when this is completed.
    2) U 203 and 552 to make for DE 10.  It is intended to operate these boats in the Caribbean.  Supply intended.
    3) In reply to a query, U 455 was given permission to attack an enemy tanker in BE 4546 (Route A), 1900, 9 knots.  At 0550 the boat reported the tanker sunk.
  c)  None.
  d) 1) With immediate independently routed ships may for the present be attacked in Route A N. of 350 N and W. of 100 W.  Instructions for operation outside the blockade area apply.
    2) Instruction:
       
- 119 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      1)  Never undertake angled-shot settings with the gyro started up. If there is the slightest movement of the setting gear, the setting spindle will not reengage after the gyroscope air has been turned off.
      2)  Every time the gyroscope has been started up, see whether the gyro righting gear has righted completely.  If 1. and 2. are disregarded there will be serious gyroscope failure.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 68  3 ships 19,263 BRT
        455  1 ship 8,670 BRT
        504  1 ship 13,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
11.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- DO 21
U 128
- Op(EE)
U 213
- CD 27
U 552
- BF 49
 
68
 - EB 82
129
 - DO 23
215
 - AN 30
553
 - BC 75
 
69
 - DQ 15
132
 - BF 58
332
 - CB 52
558
 - CD 39
 
84
 - Lorient
135
 - Op(DC)
373
 - CA 55
566
 - CB 91
 
87
 - Op(CA)
153
 - CF 37
404
 - Op(DD)
569
 - BC 30(Op)
 
89
 - BE 56
154
 - CF 45
406
 - BC 30(Op)
575
 - BF 58
 
94
 - BC 30(Op)
155
 - BE 89
432
 - Op(CB)
578
 - Op(CB)
 
96
 - BC 30(Op)
156
 - DQ 70
437
 - BE 85
584
 - CB 53
 
103
 - CD 72
157
 - DM 69
455
 - BE 46
590
 - BC 30(Op)
 
105
 - BE 99
158
 - Op(DA)
459
 - BE 88
593
 - BD 98
 
106
 - DD 38
159
 - Op(EB)
460
 - AF 72
594
 - DE 13
 
107
 - Op
161
 - Op(ED)
502
 - Op(ED)
653
 - Op(CB)
 
124
 - BC 30(Op)
172
 - Op(DM)
504
 - Op(EB)
701
 - Op(CA)
 
125
 - BF 50
202
 - CB 27
505
 - BE 95
751
 - BE 87
 
126
 - Op(EF)
203
 - BD 96
506
 - BE 94
753
 - DD 39
 
  On Return Passage:  U 213 - 753 - 593 - 155 - 553 - 455 - 103 - 106 - 751 - 69 - 558 - 594 - 566 - 506 - 125.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 134 - 71 - 571 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 27 see para. IVa.
    2) U 159 sank a cargo sailing vessel, 300 BRT, in EC 3593 a cargo sailing vessel, 150 BRT, in EC 3811 on 5.6.  7.6 "Edith", 3,382 BRT in EC 4644, 900.  11.6 2 steamers, escorted by destroyer(s), totaling 17,000 BRT in EL 2262, 3100.  Sighted:  2 steamers, 1 gunboat, 1900 in EB 9448 and EL 2326.  Increased air activity in Mona Passage.
    3) U 432:  9.6 convoy of 12 ships, 2 destroyers, 2 corvettes, airship in CB 1122, 800.  Two hits on 8,000 BRT freighter.  12.6 convoy of 30 ships in CB 1331, 2600, thick fog.  Only 1 independently routed ship in the area west and north of CB 2199.  Since 17.5 nothing seen
       
- 120 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      right up to the coast.  Heavy convoy traffic between BA 9990, CA 3150, very strong air activity.
    4) U 161:  Suspects traffic close inshore along the coast of Guiana.
    5) U 172:  5.6 strong air activity in Mona.  Sunk:  5.6 "Delfina", 3,480 BRT in DO 7436, 3300.  8.6 "Sichlien"  1,654 BRT, 750 in EC 3198.
    6) U 504:  11.6 "American", 4,846 BRT, 2900 sunk on 11.6 in EB 1140.
    7) U 459 reported at 0630/12/6 convoy of 10 steamers, course S., in BE 7744.
  b) U-boat sightings:  BF 49, BB 53, BB 73, EC 31, CA 54, EB 11, EC 44, BC 49.
    U-boat attacks:  EB 16, EL 23, CA 79.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  Convoy No. 27:
    U 96 reported at 0730 convoy in BC 3288, course WSW, 7 knots.  On the basis of this report all boats, including those with defective Diesels, were ordered to press on.  U 94 sighted a ship alone in BC 3199, course 2800.  Both boats first attacked these two steamers, which had probably got detached from the convoy in the fog, and later reported them sunk.  U 96, which could only make 9.5 knots, maintained intermittent contact and sent beacon signals currently to bring up other boats.  It must be remembered here that the boats had had no exact fix for 3 days owing to poor visibility.
    While pressing on, U 590 was fired upon by a corvette at great range, forced to dive and depth-charged.  U 94 gained contact for a short time at 0245 and U 406 at 0255.  Shortly afterwards U 94 reported that she had been driven off.
     0552 U 124 reported that she had made contact and sunk a freighter of 7,000 BRT.  Boat was driven off again, owing to changing visibility.  In the course of the morning the weather deteriorated again badly.  NW 7, rain, visibility 1-2 miles.  As the boats have already reached the area of constant Newfoundland fog and visibility is not therefore likely to improve, and, with their low fuel stocks, they cannot give further chase to the west, the order was given:  break off operation, course E.  Results of this convoy operation, affected particularly by bad visibility conditions:  sunk:  1 destroyer, 5 steamers, no loss.
  b) 1) U 161 and U 172 have been allocated an operations area in the sea area off Panama.
    2) U 126 and U 128 freedom of action in the sea area around Trinidad, their attention being called to situation reports from U 502, 156, 68, return passages to be started with 40 cbm, as they will be supplied.
 
 
- 121 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
    3) When they have completed their mining operations, U 373 and 701 will both be given freedom of action off Hatteras and NW of this.  Important to establish the traffic situation, especially close inshore.
  c) 1) See para. IV b 3).
  d) 1) Permission to attack on Route A has been extended to 300 N, W of 100 W.
    2) Strip for attack on the Brazilian coast has been widened to 600 miles, N of 180 S.
    3) Swedish ships which have not been notified are almost without exception in enemy service.  It is desirable that they be stopped if this is possible without danger (to the boat).  If the ships definitely behave in a suspicious manner, are obviously zig-zagging etc., they are to be sunk without warning.  Report if the ships have an English or American escort officer (or) "Ships Warrant" on board.
      It is very desirable to examine Portuguese ships in accordance with prize law.  They are to be sunk only if prize law warrants it without any doubt whatsoever.
    4) U 105 reported that she had been attacked by enemy a/c and was unable to dive.  Position at 0935 DE 9945.  Boat leaking badly.  She was ordered to make for El Ferrol.  Towards 1130 U 105 reported that she was being shadowed by an enemy a/c and requested fighter protection, which could not however be provided.  As she had not reported again by 2400, U 506, U 155, U 505, U 751 were ordered to make for BE 9945 and search for her as soon as it was light.  After U 105 had reported that she was immediately off the coast, the other boats were ordered to continue on their passage. U 105 put into El Ferrol in the morning of 12.6
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 159  5 ships 20,832 BRT
        432  1 ship 8,000 BRT
        172  2 ships 5,134 BRT
        504  1 ship 4,846 BRT
        124  1 ship  7,000 BRT
        94  1 ship 4,458 BRT
        569  1 ship 6,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:
            The attack on U 105 has shown once more the great dangers to which U-boats are exposed on their passage through Biscay.  As there is no defense against Sunderlands and heavy bombers, Biscay has become the playground of English a/c, where, according to G.O.C. Atlantic Air Forces, even the most ancient types of Sunderland can be used.  As the English a/c Radar set is developed further, the boats will be more and more endangered, damage will be on a larger scale and the result will be total losses of boats.  It is sad and very depressing for the U-boat crews that there are no forces whatever available to protect a U-boat, which is unable to dive owing to a/c bombs and therefore
 
 
- 122 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
  a few long-range destroyers or modern bombers would be sufficient to drive off the sea patrol a/c, which at present fly right up to the French Biscay coast without fighter escort, or at least these a/c could escort a damaged U-boat until she has reached the area patrolled by M/S and patrol vessels.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
12.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- DN 13
U 128
- EE 59
U 213
- CD 35
U 553
- BC 84
 
68
 - Op(EB)
129
 - DN 24
215
 - AN 30
558
 - CF 13
 
69
 - DE 89
132
 - BF 49
332
 - CB 43
566
 - CB 93
 
71
 - BF 80
134
 - BF 80
373
 - Op(CA)
569
 - CB 29(Op)
 
84
 - BF 50
135
 - Op(CA)
404
 - Op(DD)
571
 - BF 91
 
87
 - Op(CA)
153
 - CF 55
406
 - BC 30(Op)
575
 - BF 49
 
89
 - BE 54
154
 - CE 92
432
 - Op(CB)
578
 - Op(CB)
 
94
 - BC 53(Op)
155
 - BF 77
437
 - BE 76
584
 - CB 54
 
96
 - BC 30(Op)
156
 - Op(DQ)
455
 - BE 56
590
 - BC 39(Op)
 
103
 - CD 58
157
 - DM 52
459
 - BE 77
593
 - BE 75
 
105
 - BF 78
158
 - Op(DA)
460
 - AE 92
594
 - DE 97
 
106
 - DE 14
159
 - Op(EB)
502
 - Op(ED)
653
 - Op(CB)
 
107
 - Op(DM)
161
 - Op(EN)
504
 - Op(EB)
701
 - Op(CA)
 
124
 - BC 53(Op)
172
 - Op(EB)
505
 - BF 77
751
 - BE 96
 
125
 - BF 50
202
 - CB 18
506
 - BF 77
753
 - CC 91
 
126
 - EF 41
203
 - BD 94
552
 - BF 47
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 213 - 753 - 593 - 155 - 553 - 455 - 103 - 106 - 751 - 69 - 558 - 594 - 566 - 506 - 125 - 432.
  Sailed:  U 105 - El Ferrol.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 129:  sighted 8.6 fast freighter in DD 9128, 3100, 11 knots.  Sunk:  10.6 DD 8754 "L.A. Christensen" 4,362 BRT, 2900, 10 knots.  12.6 DD 2713 "Hardwicke Grange", 9,005 BRT, 1200, 14 knots.
    2) U 107:  sighted 8.6 DL 9552, freighter, 2250.  Driven off by corvette and flying boats.  Sunk:  7.6 DL 7287 "Gastille", 3,910 BRT, 1250.  8.6 DL 9635 "Surid", 3,249 BRT, 3000, 10 knots.  10.6 DL 9567 freighter (U.Y.R.), ? BRT, 1800.
    3) U 159:  sunk:  13.6 EL 2184 "Sixaola", 4,693 BRT, 2700.
  b)  U-boat sightings:  CA 87.
     U-boat warnings:  EB 6673.
     Torpedoed:  BB 16-24 Dutch steamer 4,282 BRT.
  c) - d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) Group Hecht, U 404, 569, 96, 590, 124, 94 were ordered to be in reconnaissance line from square BC 2383 to 3882,
       
- 123 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      course 550, day's run 130 miles, from 2400/13/6 in the order named.  Intention:  to sweep as far as AK 65 to search for enemy convoy traffic along the great circle route and, if necessary, to operate, according to stocks of fuel and torpedoes. From there, return to W. France.
    2) An operation is planned against a convoy which, according to a G.I.S. report, left Gibraltar 9.6, and was picked up by an air reconnaissance on 11.6.  U 89, 437, 552, 132, 575 have been ordered to be in patrol line from CF 3184 to CF 3394, depth 20 miles, at 0800/14/6.
  c) U 87 reported N. approach to Boston fouled with mines.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 129  2 ships 13,362 BRT
      107  3 ships 10,159 BRT
      159  1 ship 4,693 BRT.
       
VI. General:
            The following considerations have led to the operation against the Gibraltar convoy:
    1) Agent's reports during the last few weeks all agree that Gibraltar convoys have only weak escorts, as these convoys have not been attacked for months.  These reports were confirmed, as far as this convoy is concerned, by G.I.S. and a/c reports.
    2) It is possible to use a lot of boats, without reducing their fighting power to any extent by high consumption of fuel on a long outward passage.  Even if this operation fails, it will still be quite possible to use them on the England-America convoy route.
    3) It is necessary to attack enemy convoys on all sea routes, so as not to allow the enemy to concentrate his anti-S/M and escort forces only in the areas which at present represent the main centers of U-boat attack.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
13.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- DN 17
U 129
- DN 39
U 215
- AN
U 553
- BC 55
 
68
 - Op(EL)
132
 - BF 74
332
 - CA 63
558
 - BD 89
 
69
 - DE 91
134
 - BF 75
373
 - Op(CA)
566
 - CC 48
 
71
 - BF 73
135
 - Op(DC)
404
 - Op(DD)
569
 - BC 37
 
84
 - BF 73
153
 - CF 48
406
 - BC 34
571
 - BF 76
 
87
 - Op(CA)
154
 - CE 85
432
 - CB 25
575
 - BF 74
 
89
 - BE 81
155
 - BF 58
437
 - BF 87
578
 - Op(CB)
 
94
 - BC 30
156
 - OP(DQ)
455
 - BE 66
584
 - CB 44
 
96
 - BC 35
157
 - DM 19
459
 - BD 89
590
 - BC 37
 
103
 - CD 61
158
 - Op(DA)
460
 - AM 11
593
 - BE 83
 
106
 - CC 88
159
 - Op
502
 - Op(ED)
594
 - CC 69
 
107
 - Op(DM)
161
 - ED 95
504
 - Op(DL)
653
 - Op(CA)
 
124
 - BC 38
172
 - Op(ED)
505
 - CG 14
701
 - Op(CA)
 
125
 - v. Lorient
202
 - CA 38
506
 - BF 81
751
 - BF 73
     
 
- 124 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
 
 
126
 - EE 65
203
 - CD 63
552
 - BE 92
753
 - CC 69
 
128
 - EE 81
213
 - CE 12
   
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 432 - 213 - 753 - 593 - 155 - 553 - 455 - 103 - 106 - 751 - 69 - 558 - 594 - 566 - 506.
  Sailed:  U 125 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  U 214 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 159:  Colon is approached and left on N-S courses.  11.6 irregular evasive courses to the west through the Mosquite Gulf.  Traffic by day up to 100 miles off Colon with air escort.  From 13.6 increased air activity (unpracticed), one destroyer had good Asdic contact.  11.6 sighted steamer, 1600, in EB 8973.  Sunk:  13.6 EL 2264 "Solon Turman", 1600, 14 knots.  Total:  52,725 BRT.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  EC 96 - DM 5111 - DM 2775 - ED 13 - ED 7552 - AF 7532.
    U-boat attack:  DDC 46
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Operation of Group "ENDRASS" against convoy No. 28 is in progress.
  b) 1) Group Hecht has been ordered to be in position line at 0800/14/6 from BC 3123 to 3882, course 700, day's run 130 miles.
      Reason:  to pick up the E-bound convoy traffic which, according to enemy situation reports, lies S. of this.
    2) U 87 has been allocated an attack area in the sea area S. and W. of Nova Scotia as far as Boston.
  c) U 202 reports special operation completed (landing agents).
  d) Radio message to all boats:  the following areas are banned owing to own mines:
    1) Boston Bay W. of 700  40' W.
    2) Delaware Bay within a radius of 10 miles of the Overfall lightship peacetime position.
    3) Chesapeake Bay within a radius of 15 miles of Cape Henry.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 159  1 ship 7,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- 125 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
14.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- DM 61
U 134
- BE 95
U 332
- CA 64
U 558
- BD 89
 
68
 - Op(EL)
135
 - Op(DC)
373
 - Op(CA)
566
 - CC 56
 
69
 - DE 69
153
 - CE 92
404
 - Op(DD)
569
 - Op(CF)
 
71
 - BE 96
154
 - CE 78
406
 - Op(BC)
571
 - BE 96
 
84
 - BE 96
155
 - BF 60
432
 - CB 57
575
 - Op(CF)
 
87
 - Op(CA)
156
 - Op(DQ)
437
 - Op(CF)
578
 - Op(CB)
 
89
 - Op(CF)
157
 - DL 36
455
 - BF 50
584
 - CA 68
 
94
 - Op(BC)
158
 - Op(DA)
459
 - BD 89
590
 - Op(CF)
 
96
 - Op(BC)
159
 - Op(EB)
460
 - AL 34
593
 - BE 91
 
103
 - CE 76
161
 - ED 96
502
 - Op(ED)
594
 - CD 54
 
107
 - Op(DM)
172
 - Op(ED)
504
 - Op(DL)
653
 - Op(CA)
 
124
 - Op(BC)
202
 - CA 50
505
 - CF 38
701
 - Op(CA)
 
126
 - EE 58
203
 - CD 61
506
 - BF 40
751
 - BE 95
 
128
 - EE 71
213
 - CE 26
552
 - BC 56
753
 - CD 46
 
129
 - DN 53
214
   Lorient
553
 - BC 65
   
 
132
 - Op(CF)
215
   AN
   
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 432 - 213 - 753 - 593 - 553 - 455 - 103 - 106 - 751 - 69 - 558 - 594 - 566 - 506.
  Sailed:  U 155 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  
  Reconnaissance of convoy No. 28.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 504:  sunk: freighter 4,500 BRT in EB 1420, 1500.  Traffic has started again in DL 9950 to EB 1450.  Sighted:  1 freighter, 1 fast freighter, no air activity.
    2) U 404:  DD 11 much rain, bad visibility.  Nothing seen except a neutral.  Boat is proceeding to DC 31-23.
    3) U 566:  CC 59-83 suspicious steamer.
    4) U 203:  CD 5824 fast tanker, NE course, lost in the rain.
    5) U 653:  Nothing seen in square 72-81 up to 14.6.  Fast propeller noises once in 73.  Regular air patrol in the morning.
    6) U 373:  CA 8491 double miss at 4,000 BRT ship.  Boat has been ordered to remain in operations area.
    7) U 158:  In operations area since 9.6.  At first heavy traffic between the 20 and 30 meter lines.  Nothing seen for 2 days.  Medium air, little sea patrol.
      Sunk:  7.6 DM 4174, unidentified vessel, 2300.  11.6 DA 9180 tanker, 12,000 BRT, 2650.  12.6 DA 8368 tanker, 7,000 BRT, 110.
  b)  A/c picked up convoy No. 28 at 1337 in CF 3548.
  c)  U-boat sightings:  EO 29 - CA 3456 - EC 96 - ED 13 - EB 81 - BE 89 (convoy 28).  SOS ED 94.
       
- 126 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) G.O.C. Atlantic Air Forces' air reconnaissance picked up the convoy at 1330 in CF 3548.  Course 3150.  Bearings taken by U 552, 575, 437, 132 of the shadowing a/c placed the convoy in CF 3280, S. of the patrol line ordered.  At 1508 U 552 sighted the convoy in CF 3248 and maintained contact until 2236.  U 89 also made contact, but was driven off at 1745 and fired on by an escort vessel.  Further, U 132 made contact, but was forced to dive by an escort vessel and and 106 D/C's in 90 minutes.  Despite leaks in the port compensating tank, she continued to operate against the convoy.  At 2100 U 437 made contact and at 0048 reported the convoy in BE 8978.  This position is 40 miles south of that reported by U 552.  U 437 reported at 0427 that she had been driven off and depth-charged, and was pressing on.  U 552 reported contact at 0345 in BE 8331, convoy's course now 3000.  No further report received by 0800.
    2) U 161 reported at 2005 a convoy in ED 7299, course 1000, speed 8 knots.  Boats which may be in favorable positions, were instructed to ask for shadower's signals.  U 161 had permission to attack.  At 0225 U 161 reported a 4,000 BRT freighter sunk.  Damage from underwater ramming.  Pressing on.  Convoy's last position at 0010 in ED 7388, 850, 8 knots.
  b) U 202 and 332 have been given freedom of action in CA 20-30-50-60.
  c) None.
  d) In reply to a query, U 94 (Group Hecht) reported that she could do a day's run of 100 miles. After a second report from U 94, Group Hecht were ordered to make a day's run of 130 miles from 0800/15/6.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 504  1 ship 4,500 BRT
        158  3 ships 24,000 BRT
        161  1 ship 4,000 BRT
       
VI. General:  None.
       
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15.June 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- DM 51
U 132
- Op(BE)
U 332
- Op(CA)
U 558
- BD 80
 
68
 - Op(EL)
134
 - Op(BE)
373
 - Op(CA)
566
 - CC 66
 
69
 - DF 41
135
 - Op(DC)
404
 - Op(DC)
569
 - Op(BC)
 
71
 - Op(BE)
153
 - CF 86
406
 - Op(BE)
571
 - Op(BE)
 
84
 - Op(BE)
154
 - DF 31
432
 - CB 67
575
 - Op(BE)
 
87
 - Op(CA)
156
 - Op(DQ)
437
 - Op(BE)
578
 - Op(CB)
 
89
 - Op(BE)
157
 - DL 31
455
 - BE 50
584
 - CA 50
 
94
 - Op(BC)
158
 - Op(DA)
459
 - BD 80
590
 - Op(BC)
 
96
 - Op(BC)
159
 - EB 95
460
 - AL 27
593
 - BF 70
 
103
 - CE 83
161
 - ED 73
502
 - Op(ED)
594
 - CD 61
 
106
 - CD 48
172
 - Op(ED)
504
 - Op(DM)
653
 - Op(CA)
 
107
 - Op(DM)
202
 - Op(CA)
505
 - CF 55
701
 - Op(CA)
 
124
 - Op(BC)
203
 - CD 51
506
 - BF 60
751
 - BF 60
     
 
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126
 - EE 71
213
 - CF 12
552
 - Op(BE)
753
 - CD 53
 
128
 - Op(ED)
214
 - BF 58
553
 - BD 45
   
 
129
 - DN 43
215
 - AE 92
   
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 432 - 213 - 753 - 593 - 553 - 455 - 103 - 106 - 751 - 69 - 558 - 594 - 566 - 506.
  Sailed:  U 751 - St. Nazaire;  U 506 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  U 173 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  
  Reconnaissance of convoy No. 28.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 28 and 29 see para. IVa.
    2) U 373:  CA 8544 hit on 5,000 BRT freighter.
    3) U 578:  CB 8120 destroyer 200, 20 knots.
    4) U 135:  stopped a neutral in CA 9680.
    5) U 107:  sighted nothing from EB 3156 to 3654.  A/c once.
    6) U 701:  Situation Hatteras:  traffic only between 1700 and 1900 from Lookout.  Many, well-aimed a/c bombs.  Calm sea.  Submerged only by day.  Sighted:  tanker and freighter in convoy.  Large independently-routed freighter today.
    7) U 67:  16.6 DM 5136 sank "Nicciraua" 3,721 BRT, from Charleston to Havana.  A/c in DN 47 and 69.  Coastal traffic only in Bahama area.  Lights as in peacetime.
  b)  Convoy was picked up at 1330 in 8548.
  c) U-boat sightings:  DM 68 - BF 8213 - ED 74 - DL 6852 - DA 92 - CB 8127.
     U-boat attacks:  ED 69.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 28:
      U 552 gained contact at 0907 in BE 8745, but lost it 2 hours later.  She reported last night's results as 5 freighters, 1 tanker torpedoed.  A/c made contact at 1215 and made beacon-signals.  Bearings received from U 575 and 571 gave a position in 8510 or 8520.  U 84 made contact at 1758 in BE 8259, U 71 in 8282 and U 575 in 8299 at the same time.  Contact was lost however, as the boats were constantly forced to submerge by Boeing bombers.
      U 84 sighted the convoy in BE 5979 at 0220 and brought up U 552 and U 71 by beacon-signals.  As the night was very light, however, none of the boats managed to attack.  U 552 was depth-charged and sighted the convoy again at 0700 in BE 5836.
       
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      U 89, which had not reported since 1830/14/6 was hunted for 31 hours and damaged by D/C's, but hopes to repair the damage with her own resources.
    2) Convoy No. 29:
      U 161 could not regain contact before daylight.  She is therefore continuing on her way to her rendezvous with U 159 (EC 8569).  (U 159 who has used up all her torpedoes very quickly, will supply her with fuel and provisions).
  b) - c) None.
  d)  U 558 reports supply from U 459 completed.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 373  1 freighter 5,000 BRT torpedoed
        67  1 ship 3,721 BRT
        552  6 ships torpedoed (5 ships, 20,000 BRT, assumed sunk).
       
VI. General:  None.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
                                                             (signed):  Dönitz
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
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