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

16 - 31 July 1942

PG30309b

     
     
 
16.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(AK)
U 154
-
 Op(DB)
U 254
-
 AN 30
U 564
-
 BE 78
 
66
-
 EE 47
155
-
 CF 42
332
-
 CB 86
571
-
 Op(DM)
 
67
-
 DM 51
157
-
 Op(DA)
379
-
 Op(AK)
572
-
 Op(DT)
 
71
-
 Op(AK)
160
-
 Op(ED)
402
-
 Op(DC)
575
-
 Op(ED)
 
84
-
 Op(DM)
161
-
 DP 21
437
-
 Op(DM)
576
-
 Op(CA)
 
86
-
 Op(AK)
162
-
 CE 66
454
-
 Op(AK)
582
-
 Op(DT)
 
89
-
 Op(CA)
166
-
 DM 98
458
-
 CA 95
584
-
 BD 68
 
90
-
 Op(AK)
171
-
 DN 61
459
-
 BE 81
597
-
 Op(AK)
 
98
-
 BF 49
172
-
 CD 99
460
-
 CC 97
598
-
 AL 25
 
108
-
 BE 94
173
-
 DN 62
461
-
 CC 65
600
-
 AN 30
 
116
-
 DT 56
201
-
 Op(DT)
463
-
 AE 92
607
-
 AE 93
 
126
-
 CD 59
202
-
 BD 91
505
-
 Op(EB)
654
-
 BE 72
 
128
-
 CE 23
203
-
 DQ 77
507
-
 Op(DG)
658
-
 AL 23
 
129
-
 Op(EB)
217
-
 AN 30
508
-
 CC 68
704
-
 Op(AK)
 
130
-
 DG 30      
509
-
 CC 97
751
-
 BF 73
 
132
-
 Op(BA)      
510
-
 AL 27
752
-
 Op(DT)
 
134
-
 Op(DA)      
552
-
 Op(AK)
754
-
 Op(CA)
 
  On Return Passage:  U 459 - 203 - 202 - 584 - 332 - 67 - 172 - 161 - 126 - 128.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 511 - 609 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 160 reports sinking of petrol tanker "Gallia" (9,974 BRT) in ED 9946.
    2) U 84 sighted convoy in DM 1896, course 320, speed 8 knots, air patrol 1.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings in CA 56 - CA 52 - DN 84 - DN 91 - DD 85 - DD 18 - DC 15 - DD 78 - BB 79.
    U-boat attack in DM 16/24 - DC 12 - DD 78.
     English aircraft sighted U-boat in BF 75 - 72.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 171 and U 173 proceeding through Windward Passage - DL 60 to DA 80 and 90.  Focal point off Galveston.
    2) U 402 new operational area CA 98 - 99 and DC 31 and 32.
    3) U 129 protracted passage through DL 69 to DM 19 or 43, there to operate on enemy shipping.  Refuelling arranged for.
    4) U 509 ordered to proceed DN 76;  U 508 - DM 31.
       
- 32 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    5) Group "Wolf" received orders to patrol on a line from AK 4375 - AK 8567, lying in wait for an in-coming convoy reported by Radio Intercept Service.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 160 - 1 ship  9,974 GRT.
       
VI. General:
  Increased danger from the air in the Bay of Biscay makes an alteration of orders for procedure on approach routes necessary.  Danger of mines in waters less than 200 meters in depth is to be regarded as greater than danger from the air as before, boats must therefore remain on the surface.  But as the danger of unexpected attack from radar-equipped aircraft is greater by night than by day, in future boats shall proceed by day, and submerged only in the extreme sections when daylight is not sufficient for the whole journey.  Increased danger from submarines must be reduced by steering zigzag course, and on the whole taken into account, as also the growing danger as our routes become known to aircraft and submarine.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
17.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(AK)
U 154
-
 Op(DB)
U 402
-
 Op(CA)
U 572
-
 Op(DT)
 
66
-
 ED 98
155
-
 CE 68
437
-
 Op(DN)
575
-
 Op(ED)
 
67
-
 DM 34
157
-
 Op(DA)
454
-
 Op(AK)
576
-
 Op(CA)
 
71
-
 Op(AK)
160
-
 Op(EE 74)
458
-
 Op(CA)
582
-
 Op(DT)
 
84
-
 Op(DM)
161
-
 DD 79
459
-
 BE 91
584
-
 BE 47
 
86
-
 Op(AK)
162
-
 CE 91
460
-
 CC 97
597
-
 Op(AK)
 
89
-
 Op(CA)
166
-
 DM 85
461
-
 CC 83
598
-
 AL 17
 
90
-
 Op(AK)
171
-
 DN 82
463
-
 AE 82
600
-
 AN 30
 
98
-
 BF 47
172
-
 CE 34
505
-
 Op(EB)
607
-
 AE 83
 
108
-
 CF 23
173
-
 DN 83
507
-
 DG 67
609
-
 AO
 
116
-
 Op(DT)
201
-
 DT 90
508
-
 CC 97
654
-
 BD 96
 
126
-
 CE 17
202
-
 BD 93
509
-
 DE 27
658
-
 AL 17
 
128
-
 BE 82
203
-
 DQ 48
510
-
 AK 63
704
-
 Op(AK)
 
129
-
 Op(DM)
217
-
 AN 30
511
-
 AO
751
-
 BF 71
 
130
-
 DG 68
254
-
 AN 30
552
-
 Op(AK)
752
-
 Op(DT)
 
132
-
 Op(BA)
332
-
 CB 93
564
-
 BD 99
754
-
 Op(CA)
 
134
-
 Op(DA)
379
-
 Op(AK)
571
-
 DM 52      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 459 - 203 - 202 - 584 - 332 - 67 - 172 - 161 - 126 - 128.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 437 sighted convoy in DN 8177 at 1426 consisting of 4 steamers and 3 destroyers with air escort.  Boat was forced to retire by destroyer and flying boa, then went in pursuit.  Last position 1600 hours in DN 8189.
       
- 33 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      Easterly course.
    2) U 161 came on convoy at 1600 while engaged on diving exercises.  Course 1700, speed 10 knots.  Sighted 8 - 10 steamers and 3 destroyers.  Boat attacked and scored 2 hits on 9,000 ton tanker causing heavy explosions.  Sinking probable; further hit was heard on a 2nd freighter.  Finally boat was depth-charged for 9 hours, causing considerable damage.  Return passage continued.
    3) Situation U 154:  Proceeding from DM 18 - DB 81 encountered heavy air patrol, no shipping.
    4) Situation U 89:  CA 6993 - 7225 nothing sighted.  Slight single-ship traffic off New York detected on hydrophones.  Very active sea and air patrol.
    5) U 552 reports of Group "Wolf" area, roughly AK 50, 50% fog over a period of 6 days.
    6) Convoy No. 35 see para IV a).
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:   CA 34 - CA 5380 - DC 11 - DM 26 - DB 62.  Aircraft reported submarine in BE 9328.
    Submarine attack in DM 1639.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 35:
    At 2146 U 202 reported convoy in BD 6979, course 2150, medium speed.  As boat was on return passage and short of fuel, he received orders to shadow.  Refueling to be arranged for.  U 564 and 654 were detailed to operate on convoy.  Later U 162 and 108 reported they were also operating on convoy.  At 2300 convoy steering 2100, and later to the south on 1300.  At 0006 U 202 was forced off by destroyers.  Last position of convoy BD 9327, course 1300, speed 8 knots.  Contact received at 0400 led to conclusion that convoy was again steering on its original course of 2150.  Operation was continued in spite of contact having been broken.  By dawn U 202 had the convoy again in sight, course 2100, position BD 9563.
  b) In order to avoid passage of convoy (reported by radio intercept) during night, Group "Wolf" received orders on 17.7., 2400 to proceed on course 600, speed 7 knots as reconnaissance line, and from 18.7. 0800 patrol between AK 5119 and AK 8632.
  c)  U 508 reported having taken over 25 cbm and 3 week's provisions from U 460.  Tanker reserves:  71 cbm and 20 day's provisions.  Return passage.
  d)  None.
 
 
 
- 34 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 161 1 ship 9,000 BRT torpedoed.
  1 ship torpedoed.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
18.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(AL)
U 154
-
 Op(DA)
U 402
-
 Op(DC)
U 572
-
 Op(EK)
 
66
-
 Op(ED)
155
-
 CE 85
437
-
 Op(DN)
575
-
 Op(ED)
 
67
-
 DC 78
157
-
 DM
454
-
 Op(AL)
576
-
 Op(CA)
 
71
-
 Op(CB)
160
-
 Op(ED)
458
-
 Op(CA)
582
-
 Op(EJ)
 
84
-
 Op(DM)
161
-
 DD 57
459
-
 BF 47
584
-
 BE 57
 
86
-
 Op(AK)
162
-
 CE 84
460
-
 CC 97
597
-
 Op(AK)
 
89
-
 Op(CA)
166
-
 DM 71
461
-
 CC 81
598
-
 AK 65
 
90
-
 Op(AK)
171
-
 DN 78
463
-
 AE 87
600
-
 AF 79
 
98
-
 BE 86
172
-
 CF 12
505
-
 Op(EB)
607
-
 AE 87
 
108
-
 CF 24
173
-
 DN 79
507
-
 DG 97
609
-
 AN 30
 
116
-
 Op(EJ)
201
-
 Op(EJ)
508
-
 DE 21
654
-
 BD 97
 
126
-
 CE 16
202
-
 BD 93
509
-
 DE 42
658
-
 AK 62
 
128
-
 BE 92
203
-
 DQ 51
510
-
 AK 59
704
-
 Op(AK)
 
129
-
 Op(DL)
217
-
 AF 79
511
-
 AN 30
751
-
 BE 92
 
130
-
 DG 98
254
-
 AF 79
552
-
 Op(CB)
752
-
 Op(EK)
 
132
-
 Op(BA)
332
-
 CC 84
564
-
 CE 23
754
-
 Op(CA)
 
134
-
 Op(DB)
379
-
 Op(AK)
571
-
 DM 32      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 459 - 202 - 203 - 584 - 332 - 67 - 172 - 161 - 126 - 128 - 571 - 460 - 157.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 164 - 210 - Kiel;  U 109 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 160 sank freighter of 8,000 GRT in ED 9865 on 18.7.  Westerly course.
    2) Situation U 575:  3 days north of Tobago - no shipping.  On morning of 17.7. 5 single ships seen entering passage, one patrol boat.  Fired 2 misses, one unexplained.  Sunk:  18.7. "San Gaspar" (12,910 GRT) in EE 7778, bound from Trinidad to Freetown.  2 sailing ships "Glacier" and "Comrade" sunk by gun-fire in EE 78 and 75.  Return passage.
    3) Situation U 437:  Hunted small fast freighter from DN 7861 to 7559 without success.  On 17. reported convoy consisted of 3 steamers, 3-4 destroyers escorted by flying boat, course 190, speed 18 knots.  2-spread long range shot with data exact at 2 10,000 ton steamers.  Was finally forced to submerge.  Heard loud explosions.  One steamer probably left sinking but this was not observed.  Lost contact.
    4) U 582 sighted patrol boat in EJ 6363.  Boat was observed and fired on with tracer.
  b)  None.
       
- 35 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) U-boat sightings:  BA 93 - ED 9947 - DB 9532 - DM 2759 - DL 6674 - DN 8639 - DD 57 - CA 34 - BB 55 - CA 86 - DN 95 - DB 94 - DB 6282.
    Aircraft reported submarine in BE 41 - 42.
    Submarine attack in ED 99.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 35:
    Contact was maintained.  Apart from U 162, which lay too far off, all boats made contact with convoy.  At 1157 U 126 reported same in BD 9591.  Boat was on return passage, short of fuel and all torpedoes expended.  He received orders to shadow convoy without consideration for fuel supply.  Convoy position report from U 126 at 1355:  BD 9831, course 1300, speed 7 knots.  Convoy then zigzagged sharply to the S. east.  Further shadowing reports received:  1520 from U 564 BD 9839, 1835 from U 108 BD 9942.  U 654 made contact at about 1900.  U 202 was attacked by corvette with gun fire and lay 30 miles astern of the convoy.  Boat received orders for return passage, as this was possible without refueling.  According to reports at 2135 convoy was steering 1600 and finally on southerly course.  Flying boats and sometimes night bombers often forced the boats to submerge and withdraw from the convoy.  But they always managed to regain contact.  At 0017 U 564 reported convoy in CE 3343; attacked at 0230, torpedoed 4 ships and was then forced off.  Messages received later, at 0352 from U 654 in CE 3375 and at 0500 from U 126 in CE 3391, led to the conclusion that the convoy separated.  It is more probable though that there was a large error in estimated position between the two boats.  In that case convoy would have taken up S. easterly course once more.  One after another all boats were forced to retire.  Contact was finally lost.  Boats continued to search on probable courses.  Towards morning U 108 reported having fired one 4-spread and one 2-spread and hearing 5 explosions.  No further observations.  Finally hunted by destroyers.  Operation continues.   
  b) 1) Group "Wolf" received orders at 1200 to proceed on reconnaissance strip course 2400, speed 7 knots, and to patrol between AK 4532 and AK 8585 at 2400, so as not to miss the expected convoy (reported by radio intercept) during night.
    2) U 89 operating on shipping proceeding from Boston via CB 1110 - BB 7770 and BB 7760.  Mainly convoys.
  c)  U 161 and U 508 scheduled to meet for handing over of torpedoes in DD 3385 on 21.7.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 160
 
1 ship
8,000 GRT
 
575
  
1    "
12,910    "     
 2 sailing ships
437
  
1    "
10,000    "     
  
564
  
4    " 's
23,000    "     
  
108
  
3    "
15,000    "     
 presumed.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    
 
 
 
- 36 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
19.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(AL)
U 154
-
 Op(DA)
U 379
-
 Op(AK)
U 572
-
 Op(EK)
 
66
-
 Op(ED)
155
-
 CD 89
402
-
 Op(CA)
575
-
 EE 76
 
67
-
 DC 85
157
-
 DM 32
437
-
 Op(DN)
576
-
 Op(CA)
 
71
-
 Op(CB)
160
-
 Op(ED)
454
-
 Op(AL)
582
-
 Op(EJ)
 
84
-
 Op(DM)
161
-
 DD 53
458
-
 Op(CA)
584
-
 BE 59
 
86
-
 Op(AK)
162
-
 CE 20
459
-
 BF
597
-
 Op(AK)
 
89
-
 Op(CA)
164
-
 AO
460
-
 CD 74
598
-
 AK 83
 
90
-
 Op(AK)
166
-
 DL 65
461
-
 CC 84
600
-
 AF 47
 
98
-
 BE 92
171
-
 DM 97
463
-
 AL 26
607
-
 AL 35
 
108
-
 CE 30
172
-
 BE 79
505
-
 Op(EB)
609
-
 AN 28
 
109
-
 BF 50
173
-
 DM 99
507
-
 DT 15
654
-
 CE 30
 
116
-
 Op(EJ)
201
-
 Op(EJ)
508
-
 DE 12
658
-
 AK 50
 
126
-
 CE 30
202
-
 CE 30
509
-
 DD 68
704
-
 Op(AK)
 
128
-
 BF 40
203
-
 DQ 26
510
-
 AK 84
751
-
 BE 83
 
129
-
 Op(DL)
210
-
 AO
511
-
 AN 20
752
-
 Op(EK)
 
130
-
 DT 16
217
-
 AF 47
552
-
 Op(CB)
754
-
 Op(CA)
 
132
-
 Op(BA)
254
-
 AE 93
564
-
 CE 30      
 
134
-
 Op(DA)
332
-
 CC 84
571
-
 DC 78      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 571 - 460 - 459 - 203 - 202 - 584 - 332 - 67 - 172 - 161 - 126 - 128 - 157.
  Entered Port:  U 459 - St. Nazaire.
  Sailed:  U 588 - 553 - St. Nazaire;  U 213 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 203 reports one vessel and 2 escorts in DF 8942, northerly course, medium speed.
    2) U 607 sighted trawler while en route for AE 8769, otherwise no patrol.  Considers operation on convoy reported by Radio Intercept Service at 0400 in AL 6318 on course for North Channel hopeless on account of bad visibility and insufficient data.
    3) U 332 sighted Portuguese ship "San Miguel" in CC 8210 on course 2400.  Received orders to let ship proceed.  On 19.7. sank "Leonidas" (4,573 GRT) while on course 3100.  Took captain and engineer officer on board.
    4) U 461 outward bound on 28.6. sighted only one patrol ship on a S.W. course.
    5) U 402 started return passage on account of heavy damage to batteries.
    6) Situation U 84:  Heavy traffic from DM 1919 over 16 and 13 along 20 meter line.  Mainly during day.  Strong air, medium sea patrol.  Sank freighter of 6,500 tons on 19.7. on course 1850, position DM 1651.
    7) U 154 cannot remove oil track, and requests permission to operate in DO on that account.  Present position DK 6878, no traffic.
  b)  None.
       
- 37 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) U-boat sightings:  ED 8780 - CA 8748 - DM 2384 - DM 19 - DM 9587 - DM 98.
    Aircraft sighted submarine in BF 4591.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 35:
    U 108 and 564 searched sectors between 210 - 1400 without success.  As it was probable that the convoy was continuing on a S.E. course and boats lay in a favorable position for combined attack they received orders to operate from their own positions on convoy courses between S. and S.E. commencing from convoy position CE 3354 at 0200.  At 1257 U 126 sighted a mast for a short time in CE 3639, but could distinguish nothing further on account of bad visibility.  At 1335 U 108 sighted convoy in CF 1529 on S.E. course, but was seen by 2 corvettes and forced to retire.  U 126 commenced return passage towards evening as this was still possible without refueling.  U 564 reported, on demand, formation of convoy during previous night.  3 columns in line ahead, tightly formed, no long-range, and only slight close escort.  No organized patrol for the night was ordered.  Boats merely received orders to continue search in sectors between 180 - 1500, commencing from convoy position CE 1561 at 1430.  Only after U 654 and 564 had reported, asking for permission to continue search on 170 or 2100 according to circumstances, was the following distribution decided upon.  U 564 - 162 and 654 were to operate in succession from west to east in a given sector with enemy speed 7.5 - 9 knots.  U 108 was given freedom of movement.  Reasons for orders to continue search were as follows:
    1) Favorable positions of the boats.
    2) Presumption that convoy was not making for Gibraltar and would proceed on southerly course, as position at the time was well off the Azores.  Operation continues.  U 108 was subjected to long and heavy depth charging.
  b) U 509 was detailed to new position ED 11, and U 463 and 607 to CC 80.  U 154 to operational area ED 90.
    U 437 operating between DN 95 and 47, focal point off Windward Passage.
    At 1130 Group "Wolf" received orders to take up new patrol position between AK 5792 and AK 8997.  From 0800/20. to proceed on reconnaissance strip course 500, speed 6 knots in order to pick up westbound convoy reported by Radio Intercept Service.
  c) 1) U 66 reported special duty completed (minelaying off Castries, St. Lucia).
    2) U 332 refueled from U 461.  Took over 35 cbm and 14 day's provisions.
      Tanker reserves:  628 cbm.  1653 sets of provisions.
  d) None.
 
 
 
- 38 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
V. Reports of Success:
    U 84   - 1 ship  6,500 GRT
    U 332 - 1 ship 4,573     "
       
VI. General:
  a)  Operations of Group "Wolf" are heavily dependent on weather situation (continuous bad visibility).  After experiences of Group "Hecht" in June, and radio intercept reports, according to which the main route of convoys on the whole still seems to follow the Great Circle path, it can be presumed that had the weather been more favorable, the group would have found targets for attack.
     A change in the general weather situation with promise of better visibility cannot yet be foreseen.  I therefore intend if the present operation on convoy reported by Radio Intercept Service comes to nothing, to draw the boats across the convoy route off to the south, to re-fuel, and afterwards, according to weather conditions, to place them either in area northeast of the Antilles and Caribbean Sea as far as that is possible, or back in the Northern area.  In any case the result will be a fairly long operation.
  b)  Situation reports from boats in the American area show the following:
    1) In the sea area off Hatteras successes have dropped considerably.  This is due to a drop in the traffic (formation of convoys) and increased defence measures.  Of the boats stationed there in the recent period only two, U 754 and U 701 have had successes.  On the other hand U 701 and U 215 have apparently been lost, and U 402 and 576 badly damaged by depth charges or bombs.  This state of things is not justified by the amount of success achieved.  The two remaining boats (U 754 and 458) will therefore be removed.  With this development has set in which might have been expected earlier.
      For occasional operations by single boats and minelaying operations in harbor entrances, areas along the east coast of America will come under consideration as before.
    2) Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea:
      Along the Antilles from Key West to Trinidad the formation of smaller convoys has been confirmed, as also in the Yucatan Straits.  These observations are confirmed by the announcement of the American Secretary of the Navy that the convoy system has been introduced in the Caribbean Sea but not in the Gulf.  Single ship traffic was observed in July off the Mississippi, western entrance to the Florida Straits and around Trinidad, while U 505 reported scarcely any traffic off the Panama Canal.  
      On the whole therefore traffic seems to have decreased, though for the time being this must be considered as temporary.  Explanation as follows:
     
a) by the formation of convoys
b) possibly by the taking off non-vital, internal American traffic, which must also have felt the effects of the loss of 500 ships since January and
c) possibly by the removal of traffic routes further cut to sea under convoy.  The sighting of a convoy in DD 78
 
 
 
- 39 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
  on course 170 might be an indication of this.  The focal points of attack in this area for the time being are the points where the heaviest single-ship traffic has been observed and can continue to be expected, that is, north of the Gulf ports and off Trinidad.
  Operations in the Gulf itself and in the Caribbean Sea must also be taken into consideration, since single-ship traffic is still to be expected there, especially at the exits to the Caribbean Sea.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
20.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(AK)
U 154
-
 Op(DK)
U 332
-
 CC 59
U 571
-
 DC 85
 
66
-
 Op(ED)
155
-
 DE 16
379
-
 Op(AK)
572
-
 Op(ET)
 
67
-
 DC 67
157
-
 DC 78
402
-
 Op(CA)
575
-
 EE 55
 
71
-
 AK 85
160
-
 Op(ED)
437
-
 Op(DN)
576
-
 Op(CA)
 
84
-
 Op(DM)
161
-
 DD 38
454
-
 Op(AK)
582
-
 Op(EK)
 
86
-
 Op(BD)
162
-
 CE 30
458
-
 Op(CA)
584
-
 BE 68
 
89
-
 Op(CA)
164
-
 AN 30
460
-
 CD 81
588
-
 BF 50
 
90
-
 Op(AK)
166
-
 DL 26
461
-
 CC 84
597
-
 Op(AK)
 
98
-
 BE 82
171
-
 DM 84
463
-
 AL 01
598
-
 AK 87
 
108
-
 CE 30
172
-
 BE 86
505
-
 Op(EB)
600
-
 AE 68
 
109
-
 BF 40
173
-
 DM 86
507
-
 DT 45
607
-
 AL 25
 
116
-
 Op(CE)
201
-
 Op(EJ)
508
-
 DD 11
609
-
 AF 76
 
126
-
 Op(CE)
202
-
 BE 76
509
-
 DD 86
654
-
 Op(CE)
 
128
-
 BF 40
203
-
 DF 94
510
-
 BD 14
658
-
 AK 87
 
129
-
 Op(DM)
210
-
 AN 30
511
-
 AF 76
704
-
 Op(AK)
 
130
-
 DT 46
213
-
 Lorient
552
-
 Op(AK)
751
-
 BE 90
 
132
-
 Op(BA)
217
-
 AE 92
553
-
 BF 50
752
-
 (EK)
 
134
-
 Op(DA)
254
-
 AE 91
564
-
 Op(CF)
754
-
 Op(CA)
 
  On Return Passage:  U 402 - 571 - 575 - 460 - 437 - 203 - 202 - 584 - 332 - 67 - 172 - 161 - 126 - 128.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 126 sighted heavily smoking convoy in BE 7924, northerly course.  Boat withdrew according to orders.
    2) U 571 reported large 2-funnel passenger ship in DO 4295, course NNW.  No contact was made on account of her fast speed.
    3) Situation U 67:  From DA 98 via DL 61 - 63, nothing sighted of Bahamas and Caicos Passage.  DM 41 - 51 strong air patrol during day, weaker at night.
    4) U 173 was bombed by aircraft in DM 87.  Both periscopes put out of order.  Repair improbable.  Nothing observed while proceeding to Caicos and Windward Passage.  Boat received orders to take up position in Attack area DO 30 and DP 10 if periscope could not be repaired.
       
- 40 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    5) Situation U 437:  On 20.7 dived to avoid flying boat in DN 8199, and contacted 15,000 ton freighter (President class) while so doing.  Fired 3-spread and heard hits, and finally observed ship with a list to port.  4 single shots in DN 9439, all misses.  Torpedoes ran in the opposite direction.  
    6) Situation U 132:  Since 3.7 in the mouth of the St. Lawrence.  Heavy in-and -out-going traffic, partly made up of smaller convoys consisting of 5-12 ships.  Medium sea and air patrol.  Some of the convoys were probably proceeding through the Belle Isle Straits.
      On 6.7. in BA 3587 torpedoed 3 steamers in convoy, another explosion heard, and two single shots missed.  Was finally accurately depth charged by 2 escort vessels which resulted in considerable damage.
      On 20.7. in BB 1475 torpedoed 4,500 ton freighter in another convoy.  Ship was towed ashore.  Impossible to approach by day on account of aircraft and vicinity of coast.  Withdrawal at the full moon.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  EO 8790 - BB 4333 - EC 93 - CA 54 - DL 69 - BB 1998 - DM 8791 - CA 5191 - DL 6928 - DM 87 - AE 9977.  
     Submarine attack in BB 1470.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 35:
    As search for convoy proved unsuccessful the operation was broken off.  U 162 and U 108 were detailed to new operational area ED 81.  U 564 and U 654 were to operate for the present around the Azores until further orders.  Refueling from "Lima" has been arranged for both boats.  U 564 reports sinking of 4 ships he torpedoed.  Total about 23,000 GRT.  At 0834 on 21. U 654 sighted convoy in his sector CF 8272, on southerly course and medium speed.  According to dead reckoning this could have been the one we had lost, U 564 and U 162 received orders to operate on it.  U 108 continued passage for op. area.  Operation continues.
  b) 1) Group "Wolf" received orders to proceed immediately on course 320 speed 7 knots.  Aim was to contact a westbound convoy which according to radio intercept report lay in position AK 6455 at 2200/19/7. speed 6.5 - 7 knots.  At 0100 on 21.7. Group proceeded from reconnaissance strip AK 5415 - AK 8641 on course 2500 and speed 7 knots, in order to patrol between AK 4645 - 8573 from 0800 onwards.  Fog conditions in this area persist.
 
 
 
- 41 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    2) U 754 and U 458 detailed to Op. area CA 97 - 99 and DC 23 - 32 (754 west half - U 458 east half).
    3) U 154 received orders to proceed via DM 70 to DO 60 and DP 40.
    4) U 66 Op. area ED 90 according to earlier report.
    5) Group "Hai":
      Reconnaissance strip completed 0800/21/7.  (U 582 see para?)
      Operational areas:  U 201 waters off Freetown.  U 572 circle with 90 mile radius around ET 5711.  U 752 similar circle around ET 8611.  In the case of U 752 and 572 finding no shipping in attacking area, freedom of action in direction of Freetown.
  c)  1300/23/7 U 582 and 116 to complete refueling in ES 5855.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success: 
    
U 132 3 ships
15,000 GRT
probable
  1 ship
4,500 GRT
 torpedoed.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
21.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(AK)
U 154
-
 Op(DL)
U 379
-
 Op(AK)
U 572
-
 Op(ET)
 
66
-
 Op(ED)
155
-
 DF 44
402
-
 CB 74
575
-
 EE 37
 
67
-
 DO 43
157
-
 DC 82
437
-
 Op(DN)
576
-
 Op(CA)
 
71
-
 Op(AK)
160
-
 Op(EE)
454
-
 Op(AK)
582
-
 Op(ET)
 
84
-
 Op(DM)
161
-
 DD 33
458
-
 Op(CA)
584
-
 BF 40
 
86
-
 Op(AK)
162
-
 CF 84
460
-
 CD 59
588
-
 BF 40
 
89
-
 Op(CA)
164
-
 AN 28
461
-
 CC 84
597
-
 Op(AK)
 
90
-
 Op(AK)
166
-
 DA 96
463
-
 AK 66
598
-
 BD 14
 
98
-
 BE 76
171
-
 DM 71
505
-
 Op(EB)
600
-
 AE 86
 
108
-
 CF 49
172
-
 off Lorient
507
-
 DT 75
607
-
 AL 19
 
109
-
 CE 38
173
-
 DM 88
508
-
 DD 33
609
-
 AF 71
 
116
-
 Op(ES)
201
-
 Op(ET)
509
-
 DO 32
654
-
 CF 84
 
126
-
 BE 85
202
-
 BE 86
510
-
 BC 63
658
-
 BD 14
 
128
-
 BF 50
203
-
 DF 69
511
-
 AF 71
704
-
 Op(AK)
 
129
-
 Op(DM)
210
-
 AN 23
552
-
 Op(AK)
751
-
 BE 80
 
130
-
 DT 76
213
-
 Lorient
553
-
 BF 80
752
-
 ET 16
 
132
-
 Op(BB)
217
-
 AE 86
564
-
 CF 48
754
-
 Op(DC)
 
134
-
 Op(DA)
254
-
 AE 85
571
-
 DO 42      
       
332
-
 CC 69            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 402 - 571 - 575 - 460 - 437 - 203 - 202 - 584 - 332 - 67 - 161 - 126 - 128.
  Entered Port:  U 172 - Lorient.
  Sailed:  U 163 - 176 - Kiel.
       
- 42 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 458 reports fast convoy in CA 8773, southerly course, sharp zigzags to starboard, no contact.
    Situation U 505:  Hunted traffic EB 70 - 86 - 99 - 88 - 89 - EL 32 - 22, nothing sighted.  Strong patrol by land-based aircraft in EL 22 and EB 85 - 86.
    Situation U 160:  In and out-going traffic Port of Spain only during day.  Ships clear Tobago Passage 2 hours before dawn, and are then taken under sea or air escort.  21.7. heavy inward bound traffic, sank:  21.7. ED 9945 tanker "Donovania" (8,150 GRT), west course.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  ED 98 - DM 28 - DB 77 - EC 9385 - CA 5431 - BA 93.96 - DN 72.
     Aircraft attacked sub without success in AF 8454.
     Sub. attack in ED 99 - DM 1985 - DT 2980 - DN 94.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 35:
     At 1350 U 654 reported that sighting was not convoy but 3 heavily smoking vessels (trawler type) and one destroyer, on easterly course.  Operations finally broken off.
    As proposed refueling from Lima could no longer take place, U 654 and 564 ordered to DD 90.  Here refueling was arranged from U 463.  U 162 received Op. areas EE and EO.
  b) 1) Group "Wolf" received orders to leave patrol position at 0100 22.7. and proceed on reconnaissance strip 2350, days journey 150 miles.  Refueling provided for.
    2) U 463 - 510 - 607 - 598 - 658 - 217 - 254 - 600 received new positions in DD 90 for purpose of refueling.
  c) U 161 handed over one torpedo to U 508 in DD 3385.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  
    U 160 - 1 ship  8,150 GRT.
       
VI. General:
  a)  Operation on Convoy No. 35, with 4 ships sunk and 5 hits, was crowned with success.  The successes were scored by the veteran boats as in the North Atlantic.  Of the others, 2
       
- 43 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     (U 126 and U 202) were on return passage and therefore no longer fully prepared for attack.  U 162 not able to get within range of convoy from such a great distance, and U 654 got no chance to attack.  Operation was effected from time to time by rapidly altering visibility.
  b) According to orders of OKM-K in a number of IXc boats centrifugal blowers have been fitted instead of the 9 cylinder MAN motors made by Bueschi, because the Bueschi installations at first caused trouble in the workings.
    B.d.U. for his part tried as soon as possible to break off this replacement as soon as the cause had been removed, in order to keep the Bueschi blowers, whose working was certainly more dependable.  As the discontinuation of this arrangement was not effected, or could not be in the opinion of OKM-K, considerable misgiving was expressed with regard to the reliable working of these machines, especially in view of disorders caused by the new centrifugal blowers.  Danger exists that the operational efficiency of the boats will be impaired.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
22.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(AK)
U 154
-
 DL 56
U 254
-
 AL 31
U 564
-
 CF 95
 
66
-
 Op(ED 90)
155
-
 DE 92
332
-
 CD 65
571
-
 DO 27
 
67
-
 DO 29
157
-
 DC 67
379
-
 Op(AK 84)
572
-
 Op(ET)
 
71
-
 Op(AK)
160
-
 Op(ED 80)
402
-
 CB 81
575
-
 EE 33
 
84
-
 DM 47-Op
161
-
 DD 33
437
-
 DN 65
576
-
 Op(CA)
 
86
-
 AK-Op
162
-
 CE 95
454
-
 Op(AK)
582
-
 ES 62
 
89
-
 Op(CA)
163
-
 AO 40
458
-
 CA-Op
584
-
 off Brest
 
90
-
 AK 94-Op
164
-
 AF 75
460
-
 CD 63
588
-
 BF 40
 
98
-
 BE 74
166
-
 Op(DA)
461
-
 CC 84
597
-
 AK 73-Op
 
108
-
 CE 55
171
-
 DL 65
463
-
 AK 91
598
-
 BC 63
 
109
-
 BE 68
173
-
 DM 98
505
-
 Op(EB 90)
600
-
 AL 32
 
116
-
 ES 61
176
-
 AO 40
507
-
 EJ 15
607
-
 AK 65
 
126
-
 BE 94
201
-
 Op(Freetown)
508
-
 DD 33
609
-
 AE 91
 
128
-
 off Lorient
202
-
 BE 92
509
-
 DO 29
654
-
 CF 79
 
129
-
 Op(DM)
203
-
 DG 42
510
-
 BC 91
658
-
 BC 62
 
130
-
 EJ 16
210
-
 AF 75
511
-
 AE 91
704
-
 AK 48-Op
 
132
-
 Op(BA)
213
-
 Lorient
552
-
 Op(AK 76)
751
-
 BE
 
134
-
 Op(DA 90)
217
-
 AM 11
553
-
 BF 70
752
-
 ET 50-Op
                   
754
-
 Op(CA/DC)
 
  On Return Passage:  U 402 - 571 - 575 - 460 - 437 - 203 - 202 - 332 - 161- 126 - 128 - 584.
  Entered Port:  U 128 - Lorient;  U 584 - Brest.
  Sailed:  U 593 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Report from U 564 see para. IV a).
       
- 44 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    2) U 509 sighted sub. conning tower in DO 6416 (possibly one of our own).
    3) U 582 sank American ship "Honolulan" (7,493 GRT) in ES 3457.  Course 3200, speed 8 knots.
    4) U 609 reports convoy in AE 8812 at 0656, consisting of about 5 steamers (No. 36).
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  BB 4581 - CA 7988 - DA 93 - BB 4576 - DC 12 - DM 51 - EO 1271 - DO 7889 - DB 7747 - DM 2873 - DM 7228 - ED 9829 - DC 11.
    Submarine was attacked by army aircraft in DO 78.   SSS report from ED 98.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  U 564 sighted 2 battleships at 0932 in CF 7875, course 3250, speed 17 knots.  Boat was ordered to give shadowing reports for benefit of other boats in the vicinity.  According to dead reckoning U 162 ought to have been in position suitable for operating but after position report lay in fact too far off.  U 654 in CE 9889 attempted to reach the enemy.  U 564 reported enemy in CF 7844 at 1115, course 00, speed 15 knots, and in CF 7577 at 1254, main course north, speed 15.5 knots.  3 destroyers formed part of the force.  Boat dropped astern.  When U 654 also reported having no extra speed, he received orders to continue passage, as also U 564, if no contact was made.  Formation disappeared from sight at 1346.  Battleships were "Ramilles" class.  
  b Group "Wolf" received orders to proceed in search of traffic from EL 25, close in shore eastwards to ED 90.  Operate there according to previous situation reports.
  c)  None.
  d) 1) On 14.7. U 751 sailed from St. Nazaire, and up till now has made neither "passing" report nor answered numerous calls.  A number of sighting and attacking reports from English aircraft lead to conclusion that boat was destroyed by them.  The loss cannot be attributed to a mine since the route in question was run over on 10.7. and 15.7. without result.  Loss of boat must be reckoned with.
    2) U 576 reported bomb damage to shutter of main ballast tank on 13.5.  According to a further report from CA 8836 on 14.5. repair is impossible.  Boat proceeding with ballast tank 5 flooded.  Since then no reply has been received from U 576 in spite of numerous calls.  No attack reports from American aircraft or surface forces have been received, so no grounds exist for considering it lost.  There is always the possibility that the boat with flooded main ballast tank cut under at high speed (while being hunted by fast ship for instance).
 
 
 
- 45 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
V. Reports of Success:
    U 582 - 1 ship  7,493 GRT.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
23.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(AK)
U 155
-
 DE 89
U 332
-
 CD 29
U 571
-
 DO 37
 
66
-
 Op(ED 90)
157
-
 DC 66
379
-
 Op(AK)
572
-
 Op(ET)
 
67
-
 DO 36
160
-
 Op(ED 80)
402
-
 CB 65
575
-
 DQ 75
 
71
-
 Op(AK)
161
-
 CC 84
437
-
 DO 49
582
-
 ES 58
 
84
-
 Op(DM)
162
-
 DG 37
454
-
 Op(AK)
588
-
 BE 93
 
86
-
 Op(AK)
163
-
 AN 30
458
-
 Op(CA)
593
-
 BF 50
 
89
-
 Op(CA)
164
-
 AE 93
460
-
 CE 19
597
-
 AK-Op
 
90
-
 Op(AK)
166
-
 Op(DA)
461
-
 CC 84
598
-
 BC 92
 
98
-
 BD 86
171
-
 DL 28
463
-
 AK 88
600
-
 AL 18
 
108
-
 CE 73
173
-
 DN 75
505
-
 Op(EL 30)
607
-
 AK 83
 
109
-
 BE 83
176
-
 AN 30
507
-
 EJ 45
609
-
 AL 84
 
116
-
 ES 58
201
-
 Op(off Freetown)
508
-
 DD 29
654
-
 DG 25
 
126
-
 BF 71
202
-
 BF 40
509
-
 DO 58
658
-
 BC 67
 
129
-
 Op(DM)
203
-
 DG 26
510
-
 BC 89
704
-
 AK-Op
 
130
-
 EJ 46
210
-
 AE 93
511
-
 AE 88
752
-
 Op(ET)
 
132
-
 Op(BA)
213
-
 Lorient
552
-
 Op(AK)
754
-
 Op(CA)
 
134
-
 Op(DA 90)
217
-
 AL 35
553
-
 BE 91      
 
154
-
 DL 69
254
-
 AL 25
564
-
 DG 34      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 402 - 571 -575 - 460 - 437 - 203 - 202 - 332 - 67 - 161 - 126.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 462 - 595 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 36 and 37 see para. IV a).
    2) Situation U 84:  DM 1919 - junction for heavy convoy and single ship traffic to north, south and east.  On 21.7. in DM 1994 one freighter of 12,000 GRT torpedoed, out of a convoy on 3200, speed 8 knots.  Was forced off.  Protracted return passage.
    3) U 508 reported from DD 3799, having fired 3 spread miss at tanker on easterly course.  While continuing hunt, ship was seen to switch on navigation lights at dusk.  It was probably a neutral ship already reported.  Boat was referred to previous orders.
    4) U 510 reported freighter in CD 16, southerly course, high speed, contact lost.  Patrol boat sighted while proceeding through Iceland Passage, and 2 enemy submarines in AF 49.
    5) Situation U 89:  Hunted convoy on hydrophones from CB 1234 - 1723, consisting of 3-5 steamers, course 2100, speed 12 knots.  In thick fog attack on large tanker was ruined by a destroyer, 2 spread then fired on latter.  While diving 2 loud explosions were heard.  Gunfire before-hand
       
- 46 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      at 200 meter range.  No contact.  
    6) U 129 sank "Port Antonio" (1,266 GRT) on 19.7. in DM 4152, course 550.  On 24.7. sank freighter of 4,000 GRT in DM 6464, course 3000.  Otherwise situation as reported.  Protracted return passage via DN 80 and DO 20.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) English aircraft attacked submarine in AE 8712 and reported 1 hit (U 609).
    2) U-boat sightings:  BB 52 - DB 5669 - AH 9819 - EB 25 - AK 7519 - DC 5532 - CB 17 - CG 85 - DA 9344.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 36:
     0900 U 600 reported operation on convoy in progress.  As boat lay 350 miles to the southwest of it, was ordered to continue passage.  A short while after U 254 asked for bearings and sighted convoy in AE 76 at 1507.  U 609 was bombed and forced to submerge.  U 254 continued to shadow.  Convoy then steered on general course 2950, speed 9 - 10 knots, consisted of at least 8-10 steamers, air escort provided by 2 Catalinas.  U 511 requested permission to operate at 1949 from AL 33, but was ordered to continue passage.  U 609 attempted to approach again from favorable position.  At 2230 convoy position AE 7294.  U 254 continued to report shadowing every 2 hours, but could not get in an attack.  Towards 0900/24 convoy in AE 7294 disappeared from sight.  Boat presumed destination of convoy to be Reykjavik.  Operation was therefore over.  Not a single boat made an attack.  The conduct of the boats will be examined on return.
    Convoy No. 37:
    U 552 a member of Group "Wolf", sighted convoy at 2106 in AE 7831 on course 2400.  Almost immediately U 379 reported convoy in AK 7823, medium speed.  Group "Wolf" received orders to attack, as also U 609 if position was favorable.  U 90 made contact with destroyer in AK 7585 at 2120.  Further shadowing reports from U 597 at 2320 in AK 7854, and U 379 at 2330 in AK 7819.  U 552 reported convoy in AK 7827 at 2225, course 2300, long range escort.  Boat's port engine out of order, and could only do 9 - 10 knots.  This was especially regrettable since it was the only boat with convoy experience.  Soon afterwards contact was lost.  As all the boats must have been in the vicinity, idea of combined attack was given up.  U 704 and U 379 reported search in directions 2350 and 2400 respectively.  Nevertheless convoy remained unsighted until morning.
  b) 1) U 132 requested protracted return passage via CE 55; received orders to operate in BB.  It was impressed upon him to keep away from the coast.
    2) U 173 operating in DO 30 and DP 10 on account of damaged periscope.
 
 
 
- 47 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    3) U 509 proceeding via Mona Passage and DL 60 to DM 10 and 20.
    4) U 507 and 130 after refueling took up position in Op. area FC upper and middle third, or ES lower and FD upper third.
    5) Operation is planned for U 553 - 588 - and 593 in Belle Isle Straits.  For this new position AH 98.
  c) 1) U 203 took over invalid from U 564.
    2) U 161 completed refueling from U 462.
      Tanker reserves:  558 cubic m. 153 days' provisions.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 84 1 ship
9,000 GRT
 
  1 ship
12,000 GRT
  torpedoed
U 129 2 ships
4,266 GRT
 
U 89 1 destroyer
torpedoed.
  
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
24.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 AK-Op
U 154
-
 DM 72
U 254
-
 AE 71
U 553
-
 BE 83
 
66
-
 ED-Op
155
-
 DQ 13
332
-
 CD 38
564
-
 DG 24
 
67
-
 DP 12
157
-
 DD 45
379
-
 AK-Op
571
-
 DO 36
 
71
-
 AK-Op
160
-
 ED-Op
402
-
 CC 49
572
-
 ES-Op
 
84
-
 DB 96-Op
161
-
 CC 91
437
-
 DO 58
575
-
 DQ 81
 
86
-
 BC 50-Op
162
-
 DG 28
454
-
 AK-Op
582
-
 ES 58
 
89
-
 CB 17
163
-
 AN 23
458
-
 CA-Op
588
-
 BE 86
 
90
-
 AK 90
164
-
 AE 91
460
-
 CE 26
593
-
 BF 49
 
98
-
 BD 84
166
-
 DA-Op
461
-
 CC 83
595
-
 AO
 
108
-
 CE 75
171
-
 DL 24
462
-
 AO
597
-
 AK-Op
 
109
-
 BE 84
173
-
 DM 99
463
-
 BD 14
598
-
 BC 86
 
116
-
 ES 58
176
-
 AN 23
505
-
 EL 31-Op
600
-
 AK 63
 
126
-
 BF 57
201
-
 ES-Op
507
-
 EJ 48
607
-
 AK 88
 
129
-
 DM 65-Op
202
-
 BF 57
508
-
 BE 83
609
-
 AE 72
 
130
-
 EJ 49
203
-
 CF 75
509
-
 DO 81
654
-
 DG 16
 
132
-
 BB 58-Op
210
-
 AE 91
510
-
 CD 17
658
-
 BC 86
 
134
-
 DB-Op
213
-
 BF 54
511
-
 AL 31
704
-
 AK-Op
 
   
217
-
 AL 27
552
-
 AK-Op
752
-
 ES-Op
                   
754
-
 CA-Op
 
  On Return Passage:  U 67 - 126 - 161 - 302 - 203 - 402 - 437 - 460 - 571.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 658 sighted patrol vessel while proceeding through Iceland Passage AE 8735, course southeast, as well as (English submarine in AF 4991 on southwest course).
       
- 48 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    2) U 510 fired 4 torpedoes at supposed sub. decoy ship which probably ran underneath.  Reliable data.  Position CC 6662, east course.
    3) Situation U 134:  Sea and air patrol along east and south coast of Florida as reported earlier.  On 19.7. in DM 2770 one destroyer and a number of patrol vessels patrolling up and down.  Between 21 and 24.7. in DA 93 and DB 47, great air activity, no shipping.  Withdrew on account bright moonlit nights.  Plan to proceed via DM 65 to DO 20.
    4) Situation U 754:  Shot which missed at 4,000 ton freighter in CA 9482, course 3500, speed 18 knots.  Probably a new ship camouflaged.  Otherwise no traffic.  Small to medium air activity.
  b) U-boat sightings:  CC 66 - BC 38 - EQ 21 - CC 6929 - BC 6283 - CA 32 - CA 94 - DB 59 - EE 72 - CA 3974 - CB 15.
     Submarine attack on American steamer in CC 6652.  
    Submarine fired on patrol boats off Hatteras.
  c) - d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 37:
     Since none of the boats had made contact Group "Wolf" received orders to take up patrol position at 1700 between AJ 9882 and BC 3597 in previous order of succession.  Convoy courses between 270 and 210 would pass through this line.  Enemy speed assumed to be 8 knots.  Before this order could be carried out convoy was again sighted by U 552 in BC 3387 at 1057/24.  Weather:  Slight cloud, visibility over 10 miles, slight swell from the northwest.  U 552 shadowed and reported position of convoy every hour.  Position at 2100 BC 3872.  After this general course southwest speed 10 - 12 knots.  One after another 6 further boats reported contact with convoy, i.e., U 71 at 1707; U 704 at 1722; U 454 at 1747; U 86 at 1800; U 597 at 2232; and U 379 at 2236.  Current convoy position reports gave no clear indication of what further course was to be.  Boats' dead reckoning estimations differed up to 30 miles.
     At 2357 U 552 reported that convoy in gusts of rain had zig-zagged and was now on a northerly course in BC 3841.  Further reports (one from U 379 that convoy disappeared from view at 0001 on course 1500, and U 454 which reported convoy on westerly course at 0048 in BC 3813) suggest that convoy divided during the gusts of rain.  At 0340 U 552 reported convoy position BC 3828, course 1600, speed 9 knots.  The convoy had therefore first steered a northerly and then an easterly course, and it is impossible that a part of the same had remained on a westerly course.
     U 552 attacked and sank 2 ships, total tonnage 16,000 GRT.  Was forced to submerge by gunfire during attack and lost contact.  Rising sea (6.7) as well as bad visibility made pursuit seem hopeless.  Boat reported last position of convoy as BC 3853 at 0500, course south.  None of the other
 
 
 
- 49 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     boats were successful.  Operation continues.  Convoy was still uncontacted by morning.
  b)  U 754 and 458 received orders to operate on traffic running from Boston through CB 1110, BB 7770 and 7760.  Mainly convoys.
    U 254 and U 609 received waters off Reykjavik as attacking area.  Shipping expected from SE, S and SW.  Attention is drawn to barrage.  U 511 new position DD 90.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 522 - 2 ships  16,000 GRT.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
25.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 BC 50-Op
U 155
-
 DP 63
U 332
-
 CE 15
U 564
-
 DG 18
 
66
-
 ED-Op
157
-
 DD 52
379
-
 BC 50-Op
571
-
 DD 98
 
67
-
 DD 99
160
-
 ED-Op
402
-
 CC 55
572
-
 ES-Op
 
71
-
 BC 50-Op
161
-
 CD 44
437
-
 DO 62
575
-
 DQ 64
 
84
-
 DC 70
162
-
 DC 46
454
-
 BC 50-Op
582
-
 ES 65
 
86
-
 BC 50
163
-
 AF 75
458
-
 CA 93
588
-
 BE 81
 
89
-
 CD 52
164
-
 AE 88
460
-
 CE 32
593
-
 BF 40
 
90
-
 BC 50-Op
166
-
 DA-Op
461
-
 CC 60
595
-
 AN 35
 
98
-
 BD 78
171
-
 DL 11
462
-
 AN 36
597
-
 BC 50-Op
 
108
-
 DF 32
173
-
 DN 76
463
-
 BC 63
598
-
 CD 14
 
109
-
 CF 15
176
-
 Bergen
505
-
 EC-Op
600
-
 AK 67
 
116
-
 ES 50
201
-
 ES-Op
507
-
 ES-Op
607
-
 BD 15
 
126
-
 BF 40
202
-
 BF 50
508
-
 DC 49
609
-
 AE-Op
 
129
-
 DN 48
203
-
 CF 57
509
-
 DO 78
654
-
 DF 39
 
130
-
 ES-Op
210
-
 AE 88
510
-
 CC 86
658
-
 CC 86
 
132
-
 BB-Op
213
-
 BF 46
511
-
 AL 19
704
-
 BC 50-Op
 
134
-
 DB 72
217
-
 AL 41
552
-
 BC 50-Op
752
-
 ES-Op
 
154
-
 DM 85
254
-
 Op
553
-
 BE 48
754
-
 CA 91-Op
 
  On Return Passage:  U 67 - 126 - 161 - 202 - 203 - 402 - 437 - 460 - 571.
  Entered Port:  U 126 - Lorient;  U 202 - Brest.
  Sailed:  U 596 - 660 - Kiel;  U 106 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 37 see para. IV a).
    2) U 160 sank freighter of 7,500 GRT out of bunch of steamers in ED 1424 on course 3100 (submerged attack by moonlight).
    3) U 129 sighted 11 ships on westerly course in DN 4754, low speed.  No contact.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  BC 62 - CA 54 - BB 63 - CC 6685 - CD 42 - BC 38.
     Submarine attack in AJ 5550 - BC 3838;  SSS from ES 3219.
    Aircraft sighted submarines in AD 85/86 and AL 3150 respectively, and attacked.  Latter presumed 2 hits with depth charges.
       
- 50 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 37:
     Group "Wolf" proceeded on general course 2100, with the object of winning as much ground to the south as possible.  A more detailed plan was not possible under the prevailing weather conditions.  An encyphered exchange of signals between Command and C.O. of U 552 showed that attack would be very difficult on account of strong defense measures, and that the convoy was making full use of the sudden bad weather for alterations of course.  This would probably cause a number of the boats to lose contact.  U 86 while proceeding on southerly course as ordered sighted destroyer at 1346 in BC 6213 on course 1800, and convoy itself at 1754 in BC 6259, course 2200, speed 8 knots.
     Weather:  Wind SW 5-6, medium swell from the west.  
     Shadowing was continued until next morning without a break, the following position reports being made:  U 451 at 2108 in BC 6288;  U 86 at 2304 in BC 6513;  U 379 at 0343/26 in BC 6423;  U 71 at 0415 in 6425 and U 379 once again at 0652 in BC 6417.  At 2115 U 704 sighted 2 freighters on SW course in 6436, but soon lost contact.  U 454 was forced off after shadowing report at 2108, and came across single ship at 0103 in BC 6561 which he recognized later as a neutral.  U 607 commenced operations immediately after first contact report from U 86, and sighted convoy at 2333 in BC 6517.  At the same time U 597 came upon convoy in same grid position.  Differences in position estimations from the other boats ranged up to 12 miles.  U 597 reported convoy proceeding in 2 columns, consisting of 12-14 steamers, and 1 corvette to starboard.  Submerged attack unsuccessful.  U 552 asked for bearings several times during the night, but did not make contact with the convoy.  U 43 attacked at 0300, but was forced off by destroyers and depth charged.  U 607 attacked at 0757 in BC 5693 and scored 2 hits on 8,000 GRT freighter as well as one hit on unknown target; was finally forced to withdraw.  Convoy last reported steering 2300 degrees, speed according to dead reckoning 10-12 knots.
     Operation continues.
     The interchange of cypher messages between 1145 and 1300 has again proved an excellent medium for detailed information, and established clarity conditions on the spot.
    Under difficult conditions it was again only the veteran boats that managed a successful attack.  Nevertheless the carrying out of convoy operations without the help of inexperienced boats is unavoidable.  We cannot alter the fact that the difficult school of convoy attack cannot be completed at home, but first of all when in direct contact with the enemy.
  b)  U 134 received orders to proceed via DM 52 to DN 70 and 80.
     U 132 was informed of convoy traffic south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
  c) - d) None.
 
 
 
- 51 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
V. Reports of Success:
 
U 160
1 ship
7,5000 GRT
 
607
1 ship
8,000 GRT
   1 hit
       
Appendix to 25th July 1942
       
Donitz here, how are weather conditions?  What speed can boats make on general course 2150?
       
Topp here, W.S.W. 8, sea 7, cyclones, visibility about 400, slow speed one engine.  122.
       
What was defense like?  In what other ways was attack on convoy difficult?
       
   Strong escort, attack was rendered more difficult by sudden blowing up of bad weather.  Convoy made most of this in alterations of course up to 3600.  This caused number of boats to lose contact.
       
What is your view on the likelihood of making further contact with convoy, separate single ships for instance?
       
Convoy keeping excellent station even in bad weather, consider possibility of regaining contact under these conditions, that is under the average bad weather conditions in this area, extremely small.
       
   Do you think the boat could proceed on southerly course, and if so would this course bring them nearer to conjectured position of convoy?
       
   Slightly more to the south;  presume convoy will alter course to the S.W. at dawn as on previous day.
       
Well done Topp, the weather at any rate will settle the account of your two steamers, good luck.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
26.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 BC-Op
U 157
-
 DD 37
U 402
-
 CC 42
U 572
-
 ES-Op
 
66
-
 ED-Op
160
-
 ED 12
437
-
 DP 15
575
-
 DQ 39
 
67
-
 DE 72
161
-
 CD 46
454
-
 BC-Op
582
-
 ET 42
 
71
-
 BC-Op
162
-
 DF 69
458
-
 CB 44
588
-
 BE 48
 
84
-
 DC 84
163
-
 AE 93
460
-
 BE 78
593
-
 BE 68
 
86
-
 BC-Op
164
-
 AL 33
461
-
 CD 44
595
-
 AN 30
 
89
-
 CB 10-Op
166
-
 DA 90-Op
462
-
 AN 30
596
-
 AO 72
 
90
-
 BC-Op
171
-
 DA 80-Op
463
-
 DC 68
597
-
 BC-Op
 
98
-
 CD 46
173
-
 DN 83
505
-
 EO 70-Op
598
-
 CC 91
 
106
-
 BF 54
176
-
 AF 72
507
-
 ES-Op
600
-
 AK 85
 
108
-
 DF 29
201
-
 ES-Op
508
-
 DD 71
607
-
 BC 59
 
109
-
 CE 23
203
-
 CF 43
509
-
 EG 95
609
-
 AE 71
 
116
-
 ES 50
210
-
 AL 33
510
-
 CC 94
654
-
 DF 53
 
129
-
 DN 48
213
-
 BF 44
511
-
 AK 65
658
-
 DE 24
 
130
-
 ES-Op
217
-
 AK 68
552
-
 BC-Op
660
-
 AO 72
 
132
-
 BB 60-Op
254
-
 AO 40-Op
553
-
 BC 61
704
-
 BC-Op
 
134
-
 DM 10-Op
332
-
 CE 32
564
-
 DF 62
752
-
 ES-Op
 
154
-
 DM 98
379
-
 BC-Op
571
-
 DE 74
754
-
 CA 63
 
155
-
 DP 64                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 201 - 402 - 571 - 575 - 460 - 437 - 203 - 332 - 67 - 161.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  - . -
       
- 52 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 130 reports:  24.7. spread miss at extreme range at "Empress Canada" in ES 1266, course 2750, speed 18 knots.
      25.7. sank "Tank Express" (10,095 GRT) in ES 1264, course 2730.
    2) U 84:  2 misses at 5,000 GRT freighter, 3200, speed 12 knots.  All torpedoes expended, return passage.
    3) Situation U 129:  DM 61 - 64 - 65 - 69, single patrol vessels, in DM 65 continuous air patrol by night.  Am proceeding DO 20.
    4) U 166 completed special duty on 24. and 25.7. without being sighted.  Mines laid about 600 meters off jetty heads.  (mouth of Mississippi) During 3 days off south and southwest pass 5 ships seen in or outward bound.  This included one convoy of 3 steamers and a number of patrol vessels.  Sea patrol - 3 destroyers.  Medium to strong air activity during day, mostly parallel to the coast inside 200 meter line.
    5) U 201 sank English trawler "T 157" in ET 5962 on 25.7., course 1900.  Slight sea patrol off Freetown, no shipping (No guide, since U 201 has only been in position 2 days).
    6) Situation U 66:  
      ED 69 - 68 - 9770 - 95 - no shipping.  No sea, but strong air patrol.
      27.7. sank ship type "Tjibesar" (10,836 GRT) in ED 9697, course 2300.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  BA 99 - EB 3898 - BC 5648 - CA 8748 - DB 38 - DD 18 - EN 36 - EO 14 - EU 48 - BB 64 - DA 7658 - EB 62 - BC 6417 - BC 6243.
    Submarine attack in BB 6833.
    English aircraft attacked submarines in BE 6874 - AD 85/86.  Aircraft reported 2 probable hits in AL 3150.
    Another aircraft reported patch of oil in AD 8643.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 37:
     U 71 also tracked down convoy by means of destroyer.  He reported last position of convoy 0830 in BC 6447, contact then lost by 200 meter visibility.  U 552 and U 597 made contact again at 1029 and 1107 respectively.  In reply to order to report position, course and speed of convoy U 552 reported one steamer and one corvette in BC 5667, apparently not belonging to convoy.  At 2231 enemy again disappeared from
       
- 53 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     sight.  U 597 had sighted destroyer on westerly course at 1202 in BC 5654 and lost contact again at 1700.  U 607 was chased off to the north by destroyer.  Reported thick damp fog from time to time.   
     U 704 attacked convoy at 0811 and probably scored hit on 5,000 GRT freighter.  Boat established contact with single ship and escort at 1630 in BC 5635, but lost it again at 2115 in BC 5622.  Group "Wolf" received orders to continue search for convoy during night on courses between W. and S.W.  Joint operation was not ordered as patrol line could not be established until directly east of the shallow waters around the Newfoundland Bank, and would not then involve too large a commitment.  Convoy was not contacted again.
  b) 1) U 164 and U 210 received new position DD 90 (Refueling position).
    2) Following attack areas ordered until refueling takes place:  U 658 - DO 20;  U 510 - DD 80;  U 598 - DD 60.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 130
1 ship
10,095 GRT
 
201
trawler
T 137
 
66
1 ship
10,836 GRT
 
704
1 ship
5,000 GRT
  torpedoed.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
27.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 BC 43-Op
U 157
-
 DE 14
U 402
-
 CD 17
U 572
-
 ET 40
 
66
-
 ED 96-Op
160
-
 ED 10-Op
437
-
 DP 22
575
-
 DR 16
 
67
-
 DE 58
161
-
 CD 53
454
-
 BC 82-Op
582
-
 ET 50-Op
 
71
-
 BC 58-Op
162
-
 DF 91
458
-
 CB 15-Op
588
-
 BD 68
 
84
-
 DC 62
163
-
 AE 83
460
-
 BE 86
593
-
 BE 56
 
86
-
 BC 58-Op
164
-
 AL 27
461
-
 CD 40
595
-
 AF 75
 
89
-
 CD 17-Op
166
-
 DA 93-Op
462
-
 AF 79
596
-
 AN 30
 
90
-
 BC 56-Op
171
-
 DA 85-Op
463
-
 BC 89
597
-
 BC 81-Op
 
98
-
 CC 69
173
-
 DN 69
505
-
 EC 77-Op
598
-
 CC 86
 
106
-
 BF 45
176
-
 AF 74
507
-
 ES 40-Op
600
-
 BD 12
 
108
-
 DF 54
201
-
 ET 42-Op
508
-
 DC 97
607
-
 BC 58
 
109
-
 CE 51
203
-
 CF 35
509
-
 EC 25
609
-
 AD 85-Op
 
116
-
 ES 50
210
-
 AL 28
510
-
 DE 21
654
-
 DF 54
 
129
-
 DN 81
213
-
 BE 65
511
-
 AK 83
658
-
 DE 42
 
130
-
 ES 20-Op
217
-
 AK 86
552
-
 BC 57-Op
660
-
 AK 30
 
132
-
 BB 68-Op
254
-
 AE 47-Op
553
-
 BD 28
704
-
 BC 57-Op
 
134
-
 DM 15-Op
332
-
 BF 78
564
-
 DF 56
752
-
 ET 80-Op
 
154
-
 DN 78
379
-
 BC 58-Op
571
-
 DO 63
754
-
 BB(Op)
 
155
-
 DD 84                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 201 - 402 - 571 - 375 - 460 - 437 - 203 - 332 - 67 - 161.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 125 - Lorient.
       
- 54 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 582 on 25.7. single shot missed at small freighter, course 3000, 10 knots in ES 5419.  27.7. sank new ship (8,498) in ES 5555, course 2850, 14 knots.
    2) U 593 sighted convoy at 2243 in BE 5678 on N.E. course.  Received orders to make night attack if given favorable opportunity, otherwise to continue passage.
    3) Situation U 254, penetrated to AE 4753.  Sighted:  One destroyer 2600, 2 single ships strongly escorted, 18 and 10 knots, course 1900.  Small coastal traffic, strong, continuous air activity.
    4) U 600 reported motor vessel in BD 4457, course 2300, speed 15.5 knots.  Lost contact.
    5) Situation U 171:  Op. area DA 9511 patrolled by day to western boundary 30 meter line by night to 16 meter line, nothing sighted.  Traffic presumed close inshore.  26.7. torpedoed freighter of 4,500 GRT in DA 7625, course 2400.  Sinking very probable.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  DB 9761 - DM 23 - Ca 73 - DA 76, from English tanker "Tekoa" (8,695 GRT) in ET 74:  report of torpedoing of American steamer in ES 5444.  English aircraft sighted submarines in AE 8337 (U 163?) and BF 4821 (U 106).
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 37:
     Towards midday Group "Wolf" received orders to break off the, up till then, unsuccessful search for convoy and proceed to CD 4372 at economic speed.  Refueling arranged for.
  b)  U 106 and U 213 ordered to proceed CF 78 at economic speed.  From there a combined operation to the south with U 558 - 125 - 506 in view.
  c)  U 106 attacked by English aircraft in BF 4868 and bombed.  Boat left with limited diving capacity, 1st Watch-keeping Officer killed, Commander wounded.  On return passage to Lorient.  Air escort ordered for 0800/28 by heavy fighter aircraft on relief system.
  d) 1) Boats have been informed of Japanese submarine proceeding towards west coast of France, position at the moment off Cape Verde Is.
    2) U 90, a fresh boat from home, has made no report in spite of repeated calls.  It belonged to Group "Wolf and took part in operations on convoy No. 37.  Last report
       
- 55 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      was on 23.7. at 2138, saying boat had made contact with destroyer.  Loss of boat must be reckoned with.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 582
1 ship
8,489 GRT
171
1 ship
4,500 GRT.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
28.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 BC 89
U 155
-
 EE 12
U 402
-
 CD 24
U 572
-
 ET 44-Op
 
66
-
 ED 96-Op
157
-
 DE 13
437
-
 DE 16
575
-
 DF 88
 
67
-
 DE 61
160
-
 EO 12-Op
454
-
 BC 89
582
-
 ES 52-Op
 
71
-
 BC 88
161
-
 CD 36
458
-
 BB 77-Op
588
-
 BD 56
 
84
-
 DD 18-Op
162
-
 DR 22
460
-
 BE 83
593
-
 BE 54
 
86
-
 BC 89
163
-
 AE 87
461
-
 CD 43
595
-
 AE 93
 
89
-
 CA 36-Op
164
-
 AL 41
462
-
 AF 71
596
-
 AL 24
 
98
-
 CC 62
166
-
 DA 96-Op
463
-
 CD 11
597
-
 BC 88
 
106
-
 BF 49
171
-
 DA 96-Op
505
-
 EC 76-Op
598
-
 DE 21
 
108
-
 DF 48
173
-
 DO 46
507
-
 ES 58-Op
600
-
 BD 44
 
109
-
 CE 44
176
-
 AE 92
508
-
 DN 23
607
-
 BC 85
 
116
-
 ES 58-Op
201
-
 ET 42-Op
509
-
 EC 15
609
-
 AD 85-Op
 
125
-
 BF 54
203
-
 BE 98
510
-
 DE 18
654
-
 DF 47
 
129
-
 DN 59
210
-
 AK 38
511
-
 AK 88
658
-
 DD 89
 
130
-
 ES 58-Op
213
-
 BE 89
552
-
 BC 88
660
-
 AN 23
 
132
-
 BB 68-Op
217
-
 DD 13
553
-
 BD 19
704
-
 BC 86
 
134
-
 DM 27-Op
254
-
 AE 47-Op
564
-
 DF 49
752
-
 ET 82-Op
 
154
-
 DN 81
332
-
 BE 84
571
-
 DP 15
754
-
 BB 77-Op
       
379
-
 BC 89            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 106 - 582 - 201 - 402 - 571 - 575 - 460 - 437 - 203 - 332 - 67 - 161.
  Entered Port:  U 106 - Lorient;  U 596 - Bergen.
  Sailed:  U 506 - Lorient;  U 605 - 256 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  U 593 reported contact by night fighter.  Passage continued (See report on 27.7. para III a) 2))
     Situation U 505.  Along Panama coast as far as EC 84 only one fast freighter sighted in EL 3562 on course 3000, apart from coasters.  To give chase was hopeless.  Small patrol activity.  22.7. Colombian sailing ship "Romar" sunk.  Ship continued passage in spite of warning shots.
     Situation U 89:  CB 1723 - BA 9956 - BB 7826, nothing observed.  Traffic route roughly from CB 1234 via 1723.  25.7. sank Canadian fishing schooner by gunfire in CB 1295.  Finally was contacted without doubt by aircraft while submerged.  Thick fog on 5 days out of 9.  Strong sea, medium air patrol.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  DA 94 - BB 8716 - DD 46 - CA 73 - ED 98 - AJ 93 - DM 95 - BB 4598.
  d)  None.
       
- 56 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) Previous Op. area for U 130 (ES lower third and FD upper third) increased to the north.
    2) Present attack areas:  U 213 - 80 mile circumference around CF 7844;  U 125 - grid CF 79.
    3) U 109 proceeding CF 80 at economic speed.  Attention is drawn to north-south bound traffic west of the Azores and scattered north-west bound traffic south of 300.
    4) U 162 to proceed FC 40 at economic speed making long legs.
  c) - d) None
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 505
   1 sailing ship  
89
   1 sailing ship.  
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
29.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 CD 10
U 162
-
 DQ 18
U 458
-
 BA-BB-Op
U 575
-
 DF 91
 
66
-
 ED 90-Op
163
-
 AL 24
460
-
 DF 48
582
-
 ES 23
 
67
-
 DF 17
164
-
 AK 67
461
-
 CD 42
588
-
 DD 51
 
71
-
 CD 10
166
-
 DA 90-Op
462
-
 AE 91
593
-
 BE 41
 
84
-
 DD 28-Op
171
-
 DA 80-Op
463
-
 CC 61
595
-
 AE 83
 
86
-
 CD 10
173
-
 DO 53
505
-
 EC 83-Op
597
-
 CD 10
 
89
-
 CA-BA-Op
176
-
 AE 80
506
-
 BF 57
598
-
 DE 14
 
98
-
 CC 55
201
-
 ET 11-Op
507
-
 ES-Op
600
-
 BD 92
 
108
-
 DE 96
203
-
 off Brest
508
-
 DN 16
605
-
 AO 47
 
109
-
 CE 47
210
-
 AK 61
509
-
 EB 35
607
-
 CD 10
 
116
-
 ES 50-Op
213
-
 CF 26
510
-
 DD 66
609
-
 AD 85-Op
 
125
-
 BF 49
256
-
 AO 47
511
-
 BD 14
654
-
 DE 92
 
129
-
 DN 66
217
-
 BD 16
552
-
 CD 10
658
-
 DD 91
 
130
-
 ES-Op
254
-
 AE 89
553
-
 DD 36
660
-
 AF 79
 
132
-
 BA-Op
332
-
 BE 96
564
-
 DF 71
704
-
 CD 10
 
134
-
 DM 64
379
-
 CD 10
571
-
 DP 23
752
-
 ET 80-Op
 
154
-
 DN 91
402
-
 CD 32
572
-
 ET-Op
754
-
 BA-BB-Op
 
155
-
 ED 39
437
-
 CC 97            
 
157
-
 CC 97
454
-
 CD 10            
 
160
-
 EO 10-Op
161
-
 CE 12            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 575 - 460 - 437 - 332 - 67 - 161 - 582 - 201 - 402 - 571 - 203.
  Entered Port:  U 558 - Brest.
  Sailed:  U 203 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Fresh contact made with convoy No. 37 (See para. IV a).
    2) Convoy No. 38 (see para. IV a).
    3) U 462 reported 8 drifting mines sighted on way through Iceland Passage.
       
- 57 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    4) Situation U 132:  Wisps of fog in N.W. of BB 51.  In present area (BB 70 - 80) one day of fog.  One destroyer sighted in BB 7843.  Course 400, speed 20 knots.  Slight air patrol.
    5) U 511 proceeding through Iceland Passage picked up by strong air patrol day and night.
      Aircraft probably dropped 1-3 sonic buoys every two hours. 
    6) U 160 sank laden ship of 12,000 GRT type Vestfold on 29.7. in EQ 1576 in submerged moonlight attack.  Medium to heavy traffic along coast, course 310 or 1300.  Strong air activity in EB 11-14 and westwards.  No sea patrol.
    7) On penetrating to E 4750 on 28.7. U 609 sighted battleship of "California" class.  Unsuccessful attack on remote destroyer escort at extreme range.  Bombs by day and night.
    8) U 66 sank freighter of 6,500 GRT in EE 7584 on course 2600.  On 29.7. sighted 2 patrol vessels and Sunderland in EE 8750, course 300.  Plan to proceed to Op. area S.E. Trinidad via ED 9680 - 9950.
    9) U 171 fired 2 spread miss at Esso-Ricamond in DA 9187, course 600, speed 15 knots.  On 29.7. in A 9433 2 silhouettes, course 3000, probably patrol vessels.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  CA 52 - DK 98 - BA 9356.
    Sub. attack in BB 87 - DC 89.  SSS from American steamer "Steel Traveler" (7,056 GRT), position roughly DK 93 (No boat in the vicinity).
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 37:
     At 0110 sighted convoy in BB 8719, course 2700, speed 7 knots, 25 ships.  Scored 2 hits on 8,000 GRT freighter, all torpedoes then expended.  Lost contact.  Boat received orders to follow up.  Other boats in the vicinity, U 458 - 754 - and 89, operating also.
    According to dead reckoning it must be Convoy No. 37 which was operated on by Group "Wolf" between 23.7 -27.7.
    Convoy No. 38:
     At 2309 U 210 reported convoy in AK 5982.  U 164 lay in the vicinity and asked for immediate bearings.  Position at 0018 AK 5975, course 2400, speed 10-11 knots, about 15 ships.  U 210 shadowed until about 0330 in AK 8234, and was then forced to withdraw.  U 164 made contact at 0330 and lost it again at 0430 in AK 8234.  Convoy continued on S.W. course, speed 10-11 knots.
     U 217 - 553 - 511 - 588 all lying about 400 miles S.W. of the convoy received orders at 0100 hours to operate on it.  U 210 and U 164 continued pursuit.  Operation continues.
 
 
 
- 58 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  b) 1) U 505 received orders to proceed Op. area ED 90 without delay.
    2) Present Op. area of U 572 and 752 off Freetown is increased as far as coast to north and east.
    3) U 163 detailed to refuel position DC 90.
    4) Attack area for U 508 DM 10 and 20 and southwards (Florida Straits).
    5) After completing refueling Group "Wolf" to proceed DC 34.  Continuation of operations against convoy in view.
  c)  Rendezvous U 462 and 254 in AL 2155 in order to hand over invalid.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 160
1 ship
12,999 GRT
  
132
1 ship
8,000 GRT
  
66
1 ship
6,500 GRT
 
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
30.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 CD 40
U 160
-
 EO 18
U 454
-
 CD 40
U 575
-
 DE 44
 
66
-
 ED 90-Op
161
-
 CE 21
458
-
 BA-BB-Op
582
-
 EJ 91
 
67
-
 DF 21
162
-
 DR 88
460
-
 BF 40
588
-
 BD 17
 
71
-
 CD 40
163
-
 AL 19
461
-
 CD 40
593
-
 BD 39
 
84
-
 DD 35
164
-
 AK 85
462
-
 AE 87
595
-
 AE 87
 
86
-
 CD 40
166
-
 DA 90-Op
463
-
 CC 58
597
-
 CD 40
 
89
-
 CA-BA-Op
171
-
 DA 90-Op
505
-
 EC 83-Op
598
-
 DD 60
 
98
-
 CC 48
173
-
 DO 30-Op
506
-
 BF 49
600
-
 CD 12
 
108
-
 DQ 22
176
-
 AE 84
507
-
 EO-Op
605
-
 AN 30
 
109
-
 DF 99
201
-
 EJ 93
508
-
 DM 63
607
-
 CD 40
 
116
-
 ES 50-Op
210
-
 AK 58
509
-
 DM 88
609
-
 AK 89
 
125
-
 DF 71
213
-
 CF 52
510
-
 DD 80-Op
654
-
 DE 85
 
129
-
 DO 43
217
-
 BC 67
511
-
 BC 39
658
-
 DD 87
 
130
-
 ES 20-Op
254
-
 AE 40-Op
552
-
 CD 40
660
-
 AF 44
 
132
-
 BB 87-Op
256
-
 AN 30
553
-
 BC 23
704
-
 CD 40
 
134
-
 DN 47
332
-
 DE 93
558
-
 BF 40
752
-
 ET 80-Op
 
154
-
 DO 48
379
-
 CD 40
564
-
 DE 94
754
-
 BA-BB-Op
 
155
-
 ED 68-Op
402
-
 BD 88
571
-
 DE 76      
 
157
-
 CD 71
437
-
 CC 69
572
-
 ET 50-Op      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 575 - 460 - 437 - 332 - 67 - 161 - 582 - 201 - 402 - 571 - 129 - 84.
  Entered Port:  U 174 - 335 - Kiel.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy Nos. 37 and 38 see para. IV a).
    2) Situation:  In Op. area S.W. Freetown slight traffic heavy air activity by day.
      Sank passenger steamer of 5,000 GRT on 23.7. in ET 5967, course 10, 11 knots.  Also on 27.7. ship
       
- 59 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      of 6,000 GRT, course 3000, 12 knots.
    3) U 130 sank "Almreed" (7,357 GRT) on 27.7. in ES 5563 course 1150.  On 30.7. British ship "Denmark" (8,391 GRT) in ES 5185, course 2900.
    4) In 3 days U 155 sank ship type "Barenfels" (7,50 GRT), Brazilian ship "Piave" (2,347 GRT), Norwegian ship "Bill" (2,445 GRT).  All ships in EE 82 and 86 on course 3000.
      Also in EE 86 American ship "Cranford" (6,096 GRT) on westerly course from Cape Town to Trinidad.  According to statement of a Norwegian captain, routes to Trinidad are continually altered, and ships making large detours received sealed routing orders before sailing.  Boat given freedom of action in present Op. area.
    5) U 176 sighted 6 patrol vessels and 2 aircraft in AE 85, on 28.7. and on 29.7. in AL 32 3 patrol vessels and 2 aircraft.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings in DK 22 - CA 5213 - DM 26 - AK 87 - CA 88 - BB 77/78 - DC 1669 - DB 38.
    Sub. sighted by aircraft:  BF 1665 - BF 5714 - CF 3233 - CF 1380 - AE 8832.
    Sub. attack in DA 93.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 37:
    At 1902 U 132 reported no contact, position BB 7876, 13 hours of fog, maximum speed 12 knots.  According to hydrophones sinking of torpedoed steamer probable.  U 132 as well as the other boats concerned received orders to continue search.  Convoy presumably bound for Boston, speed 7-8 knots.
    Convoy No. 38:
     At 1402 U 164 sighted convoy once more in AK 8438, but was forced off at 1600 and forced to submerge by destroyer.  At 1658 U 210 approached and reported convoy position hourly until 0507 in BD 1284.
     Speed 10-11 knots.
     From 2200 U 588 asked for bearings and came in contact at 0037.  Bearings were also requested by U 511 at 0144 and U 553 at 0249.  At 0446 U 511 reported convoy in BD 1254.  U 217 sighted destroyer at 0624 in BD 1258.  At 0644 U 210 was forced to withdraw, but retained contact with destroyer in BD 1513, course 2500, speed 14 knots.  It was finally forced off at 0850.  When U 511 was forced to submerge by destroyer all contact with convoy was lost.  Operation continues.
  b) 1) U 155 and 505 operating in EO 10-20-50 according to report U 160 (29.7.).
    2) Until refueling takes place following attack areas
 
 
 
- 60 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      occupied:  U 654 - DP 20;  U 564 - DE 70;  U 176 and 595 position DD 90.
    3) U 134 requested return passage on account of present fuel supply.  Boat received orders to continue operations in present area (Windward Passage).
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 752
2 ships
11,000 GRT
 
130
2 ships
15,748 GRT
 
155
4 ships
18,388 GRT.
 
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
31.July 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 CD 40
U 160
-
 EO 10-Op
U 454
-
 CD 40
U 572
-
 ET-Op
 
66
-
 ED 90-Op
161
-
 BD 99
458
-
 BA-Op
575
-
 DG 19
 
67
-
 CD 98
162
-
 EG 32
460
-
 BF 58
582
-
 EJ 62
 
71
-
 CD 40
163
-
 AK 65
461
-
 CD 40
588
-
 BD 10
 
84
-
 DE 12
164
-
 AK 80-Op
462
-
 AL 22
593
-
 BD 29
 
86
-
 CD 40
166
-
 DA 90-Op
463
-
 CC 79
595
-
 AL 33
 
89
-
 CD 15
171
-
 DA 90-Op
505
-
 EO-Op
597
-
 CD 40
 
98
-
 CB 96
173
-
 DO 30-Op
506
-
 BF 71
598
-
 DD 60-Op
 
108
-
 DQ 18
176
-
 AL 24
507
-
 EQ-Op
600
-
 CC 39
 
109
-
 DF 38
201
-
 EJ 63
508
-
 DM 70-Op
605
-
 AN 24
 
116
-
 ES 50
210
-
 AK 50-Op
509
-
 SDM 80-Op
607
-
 CD 40
 
125
-
 BE 95
213
-
 CF 49
510
-
 DD 80-Op
609
-
 AE 77
 
129
-
 DO 29
217
-
 BD 10
511
-
 DD 10
654
-
 DE 76
 
130
-
 ES 20-Op
254
-
 AD 83
552
-
 CD 4
658
-
 DD 80
 
132
-
 CB 12
256
-
 AN 23
553
-
 BD 10
660
-
 AE 68
 
134
-
 BB-Op
332
-
 BF 72
558
-
 BF 46
704
-
 CD 40
 
154
-
 DO 58
379
-
 CD 40
564
-
 DE 85
752
-
 ET 51
 
155
-
 EE 84-Op
402
-
 BD 95
571
-
 DE 83
754
-
 CB 12
 
157
-
 ED 49
437
-
 CC 80
174
-
 AO 48
335
-
 AO 48
 
  On Return Passage:  U 575 - 460 - 437 - 332 - 67 - 161 - 582 - 201 - 402 - 571 - 129 - 84.
  Entered Port:  U 460 - St. Nazaire.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 754 sank modern type trawler in BB 7768 by gunfire on 28.7.  Slight sea and air patrol, a lot of fog, no traffic up to the present.
    2) U 213 was hunted by corvettes in CF 7390 for some hours.
    3) U 600 proceeding through Iceland Passage from 19 to 21.7.   Sighted 17 drifting mines and in AE 8736 1 patrol vessel.  28.7. 3 spread miss at motor vessel.
    4) U 162 saw no shipping in EF 62.
    5) U 86, unsuccessful hunting of freighter in CD 18, course 800, 16 knots.
    6) Situation U 171:  On 31.7. in BA 9274 sighted 11
       
- 61 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      vessels close in shore.  Course ENE.  Forced to submerge by aircraft.  Lost contact at evening; probably into Mississippi.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  BC 1852 - DK 57 - BD 1520 - BC 2551 - CA 73 - CB 1169 - CA 2696 - BB 7787 - DN 82 - DA 92.
    Sighted by aircraft:  AE 22 - AE 14.
    SSS from "Presidente Terra" (3,646 GRT) in?  (only sighting).
    American ship "American Builder" sighted suspicious glow in FS 6236.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 37:
     U 132 reported no further contact was made at 1801.  Large periscope sighted in CB 1158.  As a further search during night scarcely held promise of success and the convoy would soon reach coastal waters, operation was broken off.  U 132 on return passage, other boats detailed to new positions.
    Convoy No. 38:
    As convoy was still uncontacted by 1700, and continuation of independent search promised no success patrol line from BC 5395 - BC 6979 was ordered for 0900/1/8/  Order of succession:  U 210 - 217 - 553 - 511 - 164 - 588.  Boats of former Group "Wolf" after completion of refueling, to fill in gaps in patrol line, sequence according to arrival, beginning with U 553 in the S.E.  All boats operating on this convoy from Group "Pirat".  At 1715 U 164 sighted 2 escort vessels in BD 1463 on westerly course.  Contact was lost as boat was running on one Diesel only.  Some boats could not take up station until later on account of increasing bad weather - SW 7 - i.e. U 210 at 1315, U 511 at 1900 and U 217 at 2330.
     Operation continues.
  b) 1) U 752 and 572 had attack area enlarged westwards to ES left edge and U 507 to the N.E. according to circumstances.
    2) New attack areas:
      U 754 - Sea area CA 3146, 100 mile circumference.  Focal point off Boston.
      U 89 to operate on traffic proceeding along following route:  CA 3217 - BA 9821 - 9916 - BB 7774 - 7551.  Both boats free to withdraw to defense position in previous Op. area.
      U 458 to proceed previous Op. area (see KTB for 24.7.).
  c)  Following boats have refueled from U 461 and report fuel reserves:
     U 454 - 89 cubic m; U 43 - 165 cubic m.
     U 607 - 552 - 597 and 71 - 100 cubic m. each
     U 704 - 91 cubic m.;  U 86 - 112 cubic m.
 
 
 
- 62 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d)  U 505 in ED 74 requested return passage as Commanding Officer ill.  Boat received orders to commence same and make for refueling position DD 90.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 754 - 1 modern type trawler.
       
       
                                                             (Signed):  Dönitz.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
- 63 -