U-boat Archive - BDU KTB PG30317

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

1 - 15 February 1943

PG30317

1. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 90)	U 214	-	Op(DR 40)	U 413	-	AK 81	U 525	-	Op(AJ 60)
	66	-	Op(DH 90)	217	-	DQ 94	414	-	Op(AJ 20)	529	-	AN 36
	69	-	Op(AJ 20)	218	-	Op(DH 90)	436	-	Op(DH 12)	553	-	BD 22
	71	-	AL 87	223	-	Op(AJ 20)	438	-	Op(AJ 60)	558	-	Op(DH 45)
	87	-	Op(DH 42)	226	-	Op(AJ 60)	439	-	BF 54	571	-	Op(DH 18)
	89	-	BD 37	257	-	Op(AL 71)	442	-	Op(CF 87)	572	-	AL 87
	96	-	AN 20	258	-	Op(DH 48)	444	-	BF 45	575	-	Op(DH 15)
	105	-	DF 63	260	-	BF 49	448	-	AN 36	584	-	BE 33
	107	-	BF 48	262	-	BD 31	454	-	BD 23	590	-	BF 58
	108	-	DT 33	264	-	Op(DH 45)	456	-	AK 79	594	-	Op(AK 49)
	117	-	BE 72	265	-	AE 82	459	-	GG 17	598	-	AK 99
	118	-	CG 89	266	-	AK 85	460	-	BF 58	606	-	Op(AJ 60)
	123	-	BE 24	267	-	AK 76	465	-	AK 89	607	-	AJ 60
	124	-	DF 37	268	-	Op(AJ 20)	466	-	AK 88	608	-	BD 11
	125	-	Op(CF 73)	303	-	Op(AJ 60)	468	-	AN 20	609	-	BD 22
	135	-	BE 42	332	-	BE 93	504	-	DF 38	613	-	Op(AK 40)
	156	-	DT 52	333	-	BE 26	506	-	GG 97	614	-	AK 85
	160	-	FM 84	358	-	Op(AJ 20)	509	-	GG 95	620	-	Op(DH 18)
	175	-	DU 44	376	-	AF 74	510	-	DT 52	624	-	Op(AJ 60)
	176	-	DT 75	377	-	AN 40	511	-	Op(CF 87)	631	-	BE 38
	182	-	GG 55	381	-	DH 15	514	-	Op(CE 69)	632	-	Op(AL 47)
	183	-	BE 48	383	-	Op(AJ 60)	516	-	GG 92	653	-	BE 64
	186	-	Op(AJ 20)	384	-	BF 45	518	-	EJ 64	662	-	BE 71
	187	-	AK 85	402	-	AK 89	519	-	BF 49	704	-	Op(AK 40)
	201	-	Op(AJ 60)	403	-	Op(AJ 60)	521	-	Op(DH 90)	706	-	BD 67
	202	-	Op(DH 42)	404	-	BE 31	522	-	CF 76	707	-	Op(AJ 20)
										752	-	Op(AK 70)
										753	-	BE 92

	On Return Passage: U 105 - 117 - 123 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 217 - 260 - 266 - 333 - 384 - 413 - 439 - 444 - 466 - 584 - 594 - 598 - 631 - 662 - 706.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 621 - 628 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 4 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 175 heavily depth-charged by aircraft in EJ 9677 on 30.1. Heavy loss of fuel, ability to dive restricted. Early refuelling from U 118 planed.
		3)	U 377 is on her way to Peterhead and reports constant unmistakable radar location transmission from shore (AN 1616). She is moving away to the E.Boat has been informed that she is unlikely to be picked up by shore radar at such long range.
	b)	None.
	c)	Torpedo report from DH 4218 (Group "Delphin").
	d)	None.

- 56 -

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 4:

At 1231/1/2 U 456 reported a convoy on a N. course in AK 9117. The former "Landsknecht" boats proceeding W. should already have been a long way astern of the convoy and all "Landsknecht" boats were therefore ordered to report by short signal if they were operating against convoy Teichert. 3 boats reported and of these only U 614 was detailed. The 2 others were hopelessly far astern and will join Group "Pfeil", which is being disposed along the course of this convoy, as it is believed that this is the HX and that the SC convoy may be astern of the HX on the same route. Besides U 615, U 632 and U 257 were also detailed against the convoy.

U 456 shadowed constantly until morning. The convoy was steering a main course of 10 to 15⁰ and was making about 8 knots. At 0344 U 456 reported that she has sunk an 8,000 GRT freighter. The convoy was in AK 6271 at 0200/2 and the operation continues.

U 584 reported that she was still fit for operations and was allocated square AL 84 as temporary attack area.

It is intended to operate against an HG convoy expected on about 6.2, with 6 boats coming from W. France. Until a patrol line is formed, boats will occupy the following areas:

U 653	:	BE 54		U 753	:	BE 55		U 332	:	BE 56
U 183	:	BE 59		U 519	:	BE 67		U 107	:	BE 58

Group "Haudegen" will proceed as patrol line from 1200 at a speed of advance of 3 knots and will pass the position line from AJ 1956 to 9633 on 2.2 and the position line from AJ 4381 to AJ 911 on 3.2. If the expected convoys are not intercepted, it is intended to form a patrol line as close as possible to the Newfoundland Bank to cover all convoy courses from north to east.

It is expected that the SG convoy will take approximately the same route as the HX reported by U 456; as soon as he notices U-boats shadowing the convoy, the enemy will assume, with some justification, that the convoy route astern of the convoy is free of U-boats. A new patrol line is therefore being formed in this area with the former "Landsknecht" boats proceeding west. Order: U 594, 413, 267, 187, 465, 402, 609, 262, 454 and 89 to form Group "Pfeil" and form a patrol line at maximum speed from AK 8421 to BD 2316.

According to agent's and Radio Intelligence reports, a convoy passed Group "Rochen" on 31.1 and another one on 1.2 on N. and S. courses respectively. Boats have once more been reminded to keep a sharp lookout.

U 518 is to be detailed against the Brazilian coastal traffic.New approach point is FJ 30.

c) -

None.

Reports of Success:

U 456 - 1 ship 8,000 GRT.

- 56a -

B.d.U.

Reg. No. Most Secret 53/43 S.O. only.

4 February 1943.

U-boats as at 1 February 1943.

In commission on 1.1.43:		393
Commissioned in January		21
		414
Lost during January		5
		409
Plus foreign submarines		7
		416

Losses in January (those not underlined have not yet been declared missing).

VIIc	U 224	-	Kosbadt	-	second patrol. Succeeded in passing Gibraltar Straits.Did not report again from the W. Mediterranean.
	337	-	Ruwiedel	-	First patrol. Did not report after end of January. Presumably convoy N. of Newfoundland.
	553	-	Thurmann	-	experienced boat. Did not report end of January from N. Atlantic . Loss not yet certain.
IXc	U 164	-	Fechner	-	experienced boat. Has not reported since 2.1 operations area off Brazilian coast. Presumably by air attack.
	507	-	Schacht	-	experienced boat. Did not report after middle of January. Presumably convoy off Brazilian coast.

II.

Distribution:

	II	VIIa	VIIb/c	VIId	IXb/c	IXD1	IXD2	XB	XIV	Total

Operational	3	-	153	3	52	-	4	2	5	222
Trials	-	-	93	-	21	2	6	2	1	125
Training	35	4	21**	-	2	-	-	-	-	62

	38*	4	267	3	75	2	10	4	6	409
Also 7 foreign boats										7
										416
* 2 temporarily paid off for Black Sea
** 9 temporarily detached.

III.

In January:

Became operational		15
Total number increased by	+	16
Number of operational boats increased by	+	10
Number of boats on trials increased by	+	6
Number of school boats unchanged	+	0

- 57 -

IV.

Distribution of operational boats on 1.2.1943:

Atlantic	178
Mediterranean	23
North Sea	18
Black Sea	3

In the Atlantic in January:

Daily average at sea	91.5	boats
of which in operations area	42.3	boats
on passage	49.02	boats
of these on return passage	16.4	boats

VI.

Sailed during January:

From home ports	14	boats
From W. France	45	boats

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 90)	U 217	-	DQ 68	U 436	-	Op(DH 10)	U 558	-	Op(DH 50)
	66	-	Op(DH 90)	218	-	Op(DH 90)	438	-	Op(AJ 90)	571	-	Op(DH 10)
	69	-	Op(AJ 50)	223	-	Op(AJ 10)	439	-	BF 52	572	-	Op(AL 87)
	71	-	BE 13	226	-	Op(AJ 60)	442	-	Op(CF 80)	575	-	Op(DH 10)
	87	-	Op(DH 50)	257	-	AK 66	444	-	BF 40	584	-	AL 84
	89	-	Op(BD 34)	258	-	Op(DH 50)	448	-	AN 30	590	-	BF 57
	96	-	AN 40	260	-	BF 40	454	-	Op(AK 98)	594	-	AK 81
	105	-	DF 37	262	-	Op(BD 23)	456	-	AK 62	598	-	BE 13
	107	-	BE 93	264	-	Op(DH 50)	459	-	FU 32	606	-	Op(AJ 60)
	108	-	Op(DJ 90)	265	-	AE 76	460	-	BF 49	607	-	Op(AJ 60)
	117	-	BE 81	266	-	BE 22	465	-	Op(AK 88)	608	-	Op(AK 84)
	118	-	DH 20	267	-	Op(AK 85)	466	-	BD 22	609	-	Op(AK 89)
	123	-	BE 29	268	-	Op(AJ 50)	468	-	AN 31	613	-	Op(AK 70)
	124	-	DF 37	303	-	Op(AJ 60)	504	-	DF 37	614	-	Op(AK 65)
	125	-	Op(CF 73)	332	-	BE 67	506	-	GQ 21	620	-	Op(DH 20)
	135	-	BD 63	333	-	BE 62	509	-	GH 78	621	-	BF 54
	156	-	DT 58	358	-	Op(AJ 10)	510	-	DT 57	624	-	Op(AJ 90)
	160	-	FM 89	376	-	AF 75	511	-	Op(CF 80)	628	-	BF 54
	175	-	EJ 38	377	-	Op(AN 16)	514	-	Op(CE 69)	631	-	BF 44
	176	-	DT 48	381	-	Op(DH 10)	516	-	GQ 22	632	-	Op(AK 60)
	182	-	GG 91	383	-	Op(AJ 60)	518	-	EJ 82	653	-	BE 55
	183	-	BF 47	384	-	BF 40	519	-	BF 71	662	-	BE 57
	186	-	Op(AJ 20)	402	-	Op(AK 88)	521	-	Op(DH 90)	704	-	Op(AJ 90)
	187	-	AK 88	403	-	Op(AJ 50)	522	-	Op(CF 80)	706	-	BD 60
	201	-	Op(AJ 50)	404	-	BE 33	525	-	Op(AJ 60)	707	-	Op(AJ 20)
	202	-	Op(DH 50)	413	-	Op(AK 84)	529	-	AN 30	752	-	Op(AJ 70)
	214	-	Op(DK 50)	414	-	Op(AJ 50)				753	-	BE 59

	On Return Passage: U 105 - 117 - 123 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 217 - 260 - 266 - 333 - 384 - 413 - 439 - 466 - 444 - 584 - 594 - 598 - 631 - 662 - 706.
	Entered Port: U 439 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 225 - Brest; U 623 - Nazaire; U 759 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

- 58 -

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 4 and 5 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 514 was off Ponte Delgada and sighted a tanker with destroyers in territorial waters, outward bound on an E. course. She could not give chase owing to damage to a flange which was causing a leak.
		3)	U 404 situation: 1 steamer, 2 small craft on a S.E. course heard in hydrophones P.M. 2.1 in BF 2432. Did not manage to attack. No convoy seen. After simultaneous location by 8 shore stations, 3 aircraft searched with searchlights. Radar range as far as BF 2425. Return passage, as forward hydroplane out of action due to striking a rock.
	b)	None.
	c)	Torpedo report from unidentified position, possibly AL 19. (U 456)
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 4:
		In heavy weather. W 8, sea 7 and variable visibility the boats continued to operate against the convoy which was in AK 6271 at 0800/2/2. The convoy was making nearly 9 knots, which confirms that it is the HX. It maintained its NNE course on the 2nd, and then changed to an E. course during the night and made for the direction of the North Channel. The convoy was shadowed continuously by U 456, except for short intervals. A.M. on the 2nd U 632 made contact and remained in the vicinity of the convoy until A.M. on the 3rd. She then had to break off owing to lack of fuel. U 257 also reported that she was starting on her return passage. She was informed of the possibility of refueling. U 265, coming from home, was detailed against the convoy. 4 boats are therefore still operating: U 456, 265, 614 and 257.
		U 456 reported sinking a 7,000 GRT tanker. The convoy was in AL 0189 at 0700/3/2.

		Convoy No. 5:
		At 1408/2/2 U 223, the most northerly boat of Group "Haudegen", sighted a convoy, course 10⁰. A further 9 boats, the northern half of Group "Haudegen", were detailed to operate against it and U 223 was ordered to report strength of the convoy, as it may be a Greenland convoy. She reported 5 steamers, which fact made it clear that it was the suspected Greenland convoy. Only 5 boats were therefore operated against it: U 223, 358, 707, 268 and 186.
		U 223 shadowed until AM 3/2 and was then driven off by escort vessels. U 358 was also shadowing. At 0600/3 U 223 reported that she had fired 5 single shots at 0452, scored 3 hits and sunk a 6-7,000 GRT ship for certain. The convoy was in AA 3852 at 0500/3 and the operation continues.


- 59 -

	b)	1)	As, according to an agent's report, the HG convoy may arrive earlier than expected, the boats detailed for this will form a patrol line immediately. U 584, 572, 653, 753, 332, 107, 183, 519, 590, 621 and 628 will form Group "Hartherz" and set up a patrol line at high cruising speed from BE 5813 - BE 6822.
		2)	Group "Pfeil" will proceed in patrol line from 1200 on a course of 215⁰ and with a speed of advance of 3 knots. U 89 is still too far off and will therefore make for BC 29 at most economical speed with U 135.
		3)	Group "Haudegen", now consisting of U 69, 414, 201, 403, 525, 606, 607, 226, 383, 303, 438, 624, 704, 613 and 752, is continuing passage in patrol line and will pass the position line from AJ 5774 to 9879 at 1200/4/2. Boats which had previously been operating against Convoy No. 5, and were then ordered back, will join the patrol line at economical cruising speed.
		4)	The German Consul has reported that a convoy on a N. course was sighted in the area of Group "Rochen" off Santa Cruz and the following new attack areas have therefore been ordered: U 218 : DH 9445, U 66 : DH 9548, depth 30 miles. U 43 : DH 9684, U 521 : DH 9672, U 108 : DH 9644, depth 15 miles.
		5)	The special operation (off Peterhead) ordered for U 377 has been transferred to U 376. The boat has been informed by radio. U 377 is proceeding to the Atlantic.
	c)	1)	The following have refueled: U 125 from U 504, U 266 from U 466.
		2)	U 118 reported the Straits of Gibraltar fouled as ordered on 2.2.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 456 - 1 ship 7,000 GRT
	U 223 - 1 ship 6,000 GRT, 1 ship torpedoed.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

3. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 90)	U 217	-	DQ 63	U 436	-	Op(DH 10)	U 571	-	Op(DH 10)
	66	-	Op(DH 90)	218	-	Op(DH 90)	438	-	Op(AJ 92)	572	-	BE 24
	69	-	Op(AJ 54)	223	-	Op(AA 33)	442	-	Op(CF 70)	575	-	Op(DH 10)
	71	-	BE 13	225	-	BF 54	444	-	BF 68	584	-	BE 24
	87	-	Op(DH 50)	226	-	Op(AJ 91)	448	-	AN 30	590	-	BF 47
	89	-	BD 25	257	-	Op(AL 10)	454	-	Op(BD 20)	594	-	Op(AK 70)
	96	-	AN 30	258	-	Op(DH 50)	456	-	Op(AL 01)	598	-	AE 13
	105	-	DF 37	260	-	BF 64	459	-	FU 76	606	-	Op(AJ 59)
	107	-	BE 68	262	-	Op(BD 20)	460	-	BF 47	607	-	Op(AJ 59)
	108	-	Op(DH 90)	264	-	Op(DH 50)	465	-	Op(BD 20)	608	-	Op(AK 80)
	117	-	BE 91	265	-	AL 27	466	-	BD 23	609	-	Op(BD 20)
	118	-	DJ 10	266	-	BD 22	468	-	AN 20	613	-	Op(AJ 95)
	123	-	BE 61	267	-	Op(AK 80)	504	-	DF 37	614	-	Op(AL 10)
	124	-	DF 37	268	-	Op(AJ 13)	506	-	GQ 24	620	-	Op(DH 10)
	125	-	Op(CF 70)	303	-	Op(AJ 91)	509	-	GQ 31	621	-	BF 45


- 60 -

135	-	BD 37	332	-	Op(BE 59)	510	-	DT 79	623	-	BF 58
156	-	DT 87	333	-	BF 44	511	-	Op(CF 70)	624	-	Op(AJ 95
160	-	FT 38	358	-	Op(AA 33)	514	-	Op(CE 69)	628	-	BF 49
175	-	DT 98	376	-	AF 76	516	-	GQ 34	631	-	BF 40
176	-	DT 19	381	-	AN 27	518	-	ES 21	632	-	Op(AL 42)
182	-	GH 77	383	-	Op(DH 10)	519	-	BE 68	653	-	Op(BE 53)
183	-	BE 68	384	-	Op(AJ 91)	521	-	Op(DH 90)	662	-	BE 67
186	-	Op(AJ 13)	402	-	BF 68	522	-	CF 70	704	-	Op(AJ 95)
187	-	Op(AK 80)	403	-	Op(AJ 56)	525	-	Op(AJ 56)	706	-	BD 60
201	-	Op(AJ 52)	404	-	BF 15	529	-	AN 43	707	-	Op(AJ 13)
202	-	Op(DH 50)	413	-	Op(AK 80)	558	-	Op(DH 50)	752	-	Op(AJ 90)
214	-	Op(DR 50)	414	-	Op(AJ 52)				753	-	Op(BE 59)
									759	-	AO
									377	-	Op(AN 10)

	On Return Passage: U 96 - 105 - 117 - 123 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 217 - 260 - 226 - 333 - 384 - 404 - 413 - 444 - 466 - 584 - 594 - 598 - 631 - 632 - 662 - 706.
	Entered Port: U 260 - St. Nazaire; U 384 - 444 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 68 - Lorient; U 437 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: For an expected HG convoy in the area of Group "Hartherz".

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 4 and 5 paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 214 encountered no traffic on her way to DQ 50 via DQ 70.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BE 5693, BF 4567, BB 6376, BB 6376, AL 2974 and 2 more in unidentified positions, including one depth-charge attack by aircraft.
		U-boat attack: AA 3930, AA 0382.
		Torpedo report from DR 1713.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 4:
		The remaining 4 boats continued the operation in favorable, calm S.W. weather. The convoy was clearly making for the North Channel at 9 knots. U 456 and U 614 continued to shadow. Towards midnight contact was lost, after U 456 had last reported the convoy in AL 6133 at 2030. Contact was not regained.
		U 632 reported at 1400 that she was chasing an independent tanker on an E. course, 12 knots, in AL 59. At 2200 she reported the tanker Cordelia, 8,190 GRT, sunk.

- 61 -

		U 257 reported that she was returning owing to lack of fuel. A.M. on the 4th operations against the convoy were broken off. There was no boat shadowing and U 456 reported that she was 30 miles astern. The remaining 3 boats were therefore directed against a NE-bound convoy picked up A.M. on 4/2 in BD 10. In conclusion: It is thanks to U 456's excellent shadowing from midday on the 1st until the 3rd that such a small group of boats were able to operate against the convoy over this long stretch. Of 5 boats, 3 made contact. Unfortunately only U 456 was able to fire.
		Altogether 2 tankers and a freighter, totaling 23,190 GRT were sunk. U 265 was probably lost in this operation. There is a report of an attack by an English aircraft with bombs on a U-boat N. of the convoy. Otherwise no losses or damage.

		Convoy No. 5:
		No further reports were received of the convoy, and it can be assumed that the boats have not been able to get their radio messages through owing to the well-known difficulties arising off Greenland. According to dead reckoning the convoy should reach a port on the SW coast of Greenland on the 3rd. Boats were therefore ordered to press on to the coast and, if conditions were favorable, to penetrate into the fjord. Operations control does not know if boats are even in contact. The convoy cannot be discussed further until reports have been received from Group "Nordsturm".
	b)	1)	In order to close the wide gap between Group "Haudegen" and Group "Pfeil", Group "Pfeil" is now proceeding on a course of 250⁰, speed 5 knots. It is intended to form an extensive patrol line with both Groups off the Newfoundland Bank.
		2)	Following U 404's report of 3.2, the special operation ordered for U 71 has been broken off. U 71 will join Group "Hartherz" and will occupy U 107's position in the patrol line (BE 5933), making a day's run of 180 miles. U 107 will extend the patrol line to the E. as far as BE 6832.
		3)	U 156 and U 510 are proceeding to ED 90 via EG 30. Operation here must be attempted at all costs, as there has ben no boat there for a fortnight and the area was always a good hunting ground so far.
	c)	1)	U 105 has supplied from U 504.
		2)	Boats have again been reminded of the closing of Route A in stages. The homeward bound ship is the tanker "Hohenfriedber" ex-"Herburg".
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 632 - 1 ship 8,190 GRT.

- 62 -

4. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 90)	U 214	-	DR 61	U 436	-	Op(DH 12)	U 572	-	Op(BE 59)
	66	-	Op(DH 90)	217	-	DR 14	437	-	BF 58	575	-	Op(DH 15)
	68	-	BF 54	218	-	Op(DH 90)	438	-	Op(AJ 94)	584	-	Op(BE 58)
	69	-	Op(AJ 57)	223	-	Op(AA 33)	442	-	Op(CF 87)	590	-	BE 68
	71	-	BE 61	225	-	BF 45	448	-	AN 30	594	-	BD 21
	87	-	Op(DH 51)	226	-	Op(AJ 83)	454	-	Op(BD 10)	598	-	BE 29
	89	-	BD 27	257	-	Op(AL 39)	456	-	Op(AL 39)	606	-	Op(AJ 82)
	96	-	AO	258	-	Op(DH 58)	459	-	FU 44	607	-	Op(AJ 83)
	105	-	DF 37	262	-	Op(BD 10)	460	-	BE 68	608	-	Op(BD 10)
	107	-	BF 71	264	-	Op(DH 54)	465	-	Op(BD 10)	609	-	Op(BD 10)
	108	-	Op(DH 90)	265	-	Op(AL 39)	466	-	BD 36	613	-	Op(AJ 98)
	117	-	BE 93	266	-	BD 36	468	-	AF 87	614	-	Op(AL 39)
	118	-	DH 33	267	-	Op(BD 10)	504	-	DF 37	620	-	Op(DH 19)
	123	-	BE 66	268	-	Op(AA 33)	506	-	GQ 38	621	-	BE 66
	124	-	CE 78	303	-	Op(AJ 94)	509	-	GQ 36	623	-	BF 49
	125	-	Op(CF 73)	332	-	Op(BE 59)	510	-	EJ 11	624	-	Op(AJ 94)
	135	-	BD 28	333	-	BF 40	511	-	Op(CF 87)	628	-	BE 68
	156	-	EJ 12	358	-	Op(AA 33)	514	-	Op(CE 69)	632	-	AL 40
	160	-	FU 44	376	-	AN 27	516	-	GQ 63	653	-	Op(BE 58)
	175	-	DT 91	377	-	AF 79	518	-	ES 19	662	-	BE 69
	176	-	DT 21	381	-	Op(DH 16)	519	-	Op(BE 67)	704	-	Op(AJ 97)
	182	-	GQ 26	383	-	Op(AJ 86)	521	-	Op(DH 90)	706	-	BD 65
	183	-	Op(BE 64)	402	-	Op(BD 10)	522	-	Op(CF 84)	707	-	Op(AA 33)
	186	-	Op(AA 33)	403	-	Op(AJ 58)	525	-	Op(AJ 58)	752	-	Op(AJ 98)
	187	-	Op(BD 10)	404	-	BF 41	529	-	AF 87	753	-	Op(BE 59)
	201	-	Op(AJ 58)	413	-	BD 22	558	-	Op(DH 57)	759	-	AN 36
	202	-	Op(DH 54)	414	-	Op(AJ 57)	571	-	Op(DH 19)	631	-	BF 60

	On Return Passage: U 96 - 105 - 117 - 123 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 217 - 257 - 266 - 333 - 404 - 413 - 448 - 466 - 584 - 594 - 598 - 632 - 662 - 706.
	Entered Port: U 631 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 230 - 359 - 638 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	By 5 aircraft in the area between 13⁰ to 19⁰ W and 47⁰ to 49⁰ N

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 5 and 6 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 217 sank the British "Rhexenor", 7,957 GRT, from Freetown to St. Johns, on 3.2 in DR 14. One officer taken on board.
		3)	U 414 was attacked by seaplanes and slightly damaged on her way to Group "Haudegen" 's patrol line.
		4)	U 632 reports, that according to statements by a prisoner, that Convoy No. 4 is to be followed by another large convoy from Halifax, making 6 knots, on the same route. Destination North Channel. Traffic from Curacao via New York to Halifax is to follow the shortest route.
		5)	From Group "Haudegen" 's patrol line U 753 reported a corvette and an aircraft in BE 5915, on a S. course and U 575 a single corvette in BE 5825 at 1630, course SW. Air reconnaissance reported a steamer in BE 6432 and another in BE 2955, both also on a S. course. Boats operated against these sightings without intercepting the expected convoy or scoring successes against the independently-routed ships.

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	b)	The expected convoy was not found. Individual sighting see paragraph a) 5).
	c)	U-boat sightings: BC 19, AJ 49, AJ 73, BE 9316.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 5:
			No further reports were received.As the convoy must by now have reached its port of destination, the operation is regarded as concluded. U 268, 707, 223 and 186 have moved away, as ordered, and are making for AJ 56. U 186 sighted a Q-ship of 200 GRT in AA 3861, camouflaged as a Danish fishing smack. She fired on her without hitting. There is no report from U 358 yet.
		2)	Convoy No. 6:
			At 1108/4/2 U 187, of Group "Pfeil", sighted a large convoy on a NE course in broad formation in BD 1199. Operations Control was therefore right in disposing a group on the route of the HX convoy on the assumption that the SC convoy would follow the same course. As U 187 reported that the convoy was very large, it was assumed that it was the one reported by Radio Intelligence Service which left New York on 24.1. U 632, which sank a tanker from the preceding HX convoy, reported that an officer of this tanker had said that a large convoy was to follow. It is an important convoy, part of which, according to Radio Intelligence, is destined for Murmansk. As many boats as possible were therefore detailed against it. First of all, all boats of Group "Pfeil" and other boats in the vicinity. These were the following 13: U 187, 402, 262, 609, 454, 135, 413, 266, 594, 608, 267, 465, 98. Then also 5 boats from group "Haudegen", U 438, 624, 704, 613 and 752. Operations against the "Teichers" convoy were broken off and the boats U 614 and U 456 were also sent to meet the convoy. Altogether 20 boats were therefore operating against this convoy.
			In the course of the afternoon U 402, U 608 and U 267 made contact, and U 609 during the night. U 608 and U 609 both reported flares over the convoy. From the beginning individual boats only shadowed for short periods at a time, as they were constantly driven off and depth-charged by escort forces. At 0736/5 U 262 reported the convoy in 8442.
			According to shadowers' reports the convoy was making about 7 knots. At first it steered 40 degrees along the route followed by its predecessor and in the course of the afternoon altered to 10⁰ probably by way of evasive action.
			The fact that the boats were constantly driven off can only be explained by unfavorable weather. The escort forces probably had good Asdic results in the calm west weather conditions and therefore had the advantage over the U-boats.
	b)	1)	As Group "Delphin" has found nothing in its present patrol line, the boats are being disposed in an angular formation

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			to intercept traffic approaching from the N. and W. The large distances apart of about 35 miles, which are necessary for this, will have to be accepted. The new line runs in the same order from CG 4655 via CF 9264 to DH 2556.
		2)	After the boats best off for fuel have been detailed against Convoy No. 6, the remaining 10 boats of Group "Haudegen" have been ordered to occupy the following attack areas a economical cruising speed: U 69 : 1189, U 414 : 1444, U 403 : 1737, U 201 : 1548, U 525 : 1883, U 606 : 1598, U 607 : 4347, U 226 : 1982, U 383 : 4682, U 303 : 4399. All BC.
	c) -	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 217 - 1 ship 7,957 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

5. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 90)	U 214	-	DS 17	U 413	-	Op(AK 88)	U 558	-	Op(DH)
	66	-	Op(DH 90)	217	-	DF 81	414	-	Op(AJ 76)	571	-	DH 25
	68	-	BF 49	218	-	Op(DH 90)	436	-	CF 89	572	-	Op(BE 58)
	69	-	AJ 76	223	-	Op(AA 30)	437	-	BF 57	575	-	DH 21
	71	-	Op(BE 59)	225	-	BE 66	438	-	Op(AK 86)	584	-	Op(BE 59)
	87	-	DH 25	226	-	Op(AJ 88)	442	-	CF 88	590	-	Op(BE 67
	89	-	Op(AK 88)	230	-	AO	448	-	AN 24	594	-	Op(AK 88)
	96	-	AO	257	-	AL 71	454	-	Op(AK 88)	598	-	BE 66
	105	-	CE 78	258	-	DH 55	456	-	AL 45	606	-	Op(AJ 87)
	107	-	Op(BE 68	262	-	Op(AK 84)	459	-	FU 44	607	-	Op(AJ 88)
	108	-	Op(DH 99)	264	-	DH 28	460	-	BE 64	608	-	Op(AK 81)
	117	-	BF 48	265	-	AL 45	465	-	Op(AK 84)	609	-	Op(AK 85)
	118	-	DH 26	266	-	Op(AK 89)	466	-	BE 18	613	-	Op(AK 76)
	123	-	BF 58	267	-	Op(AK 85)	468	-	AF 47	614	-	Op(AL 44)
	124	-	CE 84	268	-	Op(AA 30)	504	-	DF 82	620	-	DH 25
	125	-	CF 82	303	-	Op(BC 22)	506	-	Op(GR 40)	621	-	Op(BE 67)
	135	-	Op(AK 86)	332	-	Op(BE 89)	509	-	Op(GR 40)	623	-	BF 47
	156	-	EH 34	333	-	BF 93	510	-	EH 31	624	-	Op(AK 76)
	160	-	FU 44	358	-	Op(AA 30)	511	-	CF 85	628	-	Op(BE 67)
	175	-	DT 91	359	-	AO	514	-	CE 98	632	-	AL 81
	176	-	DG 99	376	-	AN 40	516	-	Op(GR 40)	638	-	AO
	182	-	GQ 62	377	-	AF 72	518	-	ER 69	653	-	Op(BE 59)
	183	-	Op(BE 67)	381	-	DH 21	519	-	Op(BE 67)	662	-	BF 48
	186	-	Op(AA 21)	383	-	Op(AJ 83)	521	-	Op(DH 90)	704	-	Op(AK 70)
	187	-	Op(AK 82)	402	-	Op(AK 85)	522	-	CF 85	706	-	BD 63
	201	-	Op(AJ 84)	403	-	Op(AJ 84)	525	-	Op(AJ 87)	707	-	Op(AJ 24)
	202	-	DH 28	404	-	BF 40	529	-	AF 75	752	-	Op(AK 82)
										753	-	Op(BE 59)
										759	-	AN 30

	On Return Passage: U 105 - 117 - 123 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 217 - 257 - 266 - 404 - 413 - 448 - 466 - 514 - 584 - 594 - 598 - 632 - 662 - 706.
	Entered Port: U 333 - La Pallice; U 96 - Kiel.
	Sailed: - . -

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II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	In the same area as yesterday for the expected HG convoy.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 6 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 66 sank a coastal steamer of 500 GRT by gunfire on 1.2 in DH 9665. So far only neutral shipping sighted. Medium enemy and neutral air activity. Machine gun C/38 proved satisfactory.
		3)	U 590 has been ordered to return, as both her Diesels were out of action owing to corrosion of 4 fuel pumps. After repairs 1 Diesel with 5 cylinders was serviceable again. The cause of corrosion cannot be discovered until tests have been made on the test bench.
	b)	No sightings.
	c)	U-boat attack on unidentified American steamer in AK 8291, further attack doubtful in FJ 6285.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 6:
		Weather conditions A.M. on the 5th were reported as west 2-3, sea 2, visibility good. Wind freshened to W. 8. in the afternoon, heavy seas, snow and hail. Weather in the afternoon made it very difficult to find the convoy, and weather conditions were also largely responsible for the fact that the convoy was not attacked during the night 5/6.
		At 1025 U 609 reported a steamer and a corvette in AK 8425. The same boat then found the convoy again at 1245 in 8193. She reported later that it consisted of 8 steamers, in wide formation. At 1423 she reported contact lost. As, according to 3 reports from this boat, the convoy was making 12 knots. Operations Control assumed that a small group of a few ships had succeeded in attracting the boats to itself while the large, slow section turned E.S. of this. U 609 reported only 8 ships and it was known from Radio Intelligence that the convoy was to proceed at 7.5 knots. At 2018 U 609 found the larger, slow section of the convoy in AK 8261, which had, as suspected, apparently turned E and was now going back to the convoy route proper. The boat reported 28 ships. She was seen while making an unsuccessful submerged attack. She shadowed until 0400. During the night she had contact only by hydrophone bearing. According to reports the convoy was making nearly 8 knots and steering 30 - 40⁰. Operations Control failed to understand why no other boats reached the convoy. It is true that various boats reported that they had been driven off by destroyers and depth-charged, but of the 16 boats which should have been in the vicinity, others should at least have sighted the convoy, especially as there was no air escort as yet.

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		U 262 reported that she had sunk a 12,000 - GRT tanker with 3 hits at 0655/5. U 413 reported that she had sunk a straggling 5000 GRT steamer at 1707/5. The convoy was in AK 6488 at 1100/6 and the operation continues.
	b)	1)	After all boats of Group "Nordsturm" had reported their fuel a new disposition was ordered for Group "Haudegen". The following squares are to be occupied as attack areas:
			U 358 : AJ 58, U 186 : AJ 59, U 223 : AJ 83, U 707 : AJ 81, U 268 : AJ 95. From here the boats can operate as an attacking group against convoys which may be reported by "Haudegen" or against SW-bound convoys for another 2 days.
		2)	U 623, 225 and 437 have been ordered to steer for AK 68.
		3)	U 529, 759 and 638 will proceed via squares AE 65 - 67 and 69 to reconnoiter the sea area between Iceland and the Faroes.
		4)	U 518 has been give freedom of action from Cape St. Roque south along the Brazilian coast to Bahia. She is free to enter territorial waters, but forbidden to penetrate into harbors or bombard them.
	c)	1)	U 460 has made her passage report and it is intended to supply U 706 and U 632, from 7.2 in BD 6325. Subsequently boats of Group "Pfeil" which are short of fuel are to replenish in AK 89.
		2)	UU 459 has supplied U 160, the last boat intended for the Africa operation, and is starting her return passage.
	d)	U 96 entered Kiel and will now be used as a training boat.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 66 - 1 ship 500 GRT
	U 262 - 1 ship 12,000 GRT
	U 413 - 1 ship 5,000 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

6. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 90)	U 217	-	DF 81	U 436	-	Op(CF 95)	U 572	-	Op(BE 59
	66	-	Op(DH 90)	218	-	Op(DH 90)	437	-	BF 48	575	-	Op(CF 94)
	68	-	BE 93	223	-	AJ 52	438	-	Op(AK 56)	584	-	Op(BE 59)
	69	-	Op(BC 11)	225	-	BE 56	442	-	Op(CF 94)	590	-	Op(BE 67)
	71	-	Op(BE 59)	226	-	Op(BC 19)	448	-	AN 24	594	-	Op(AK 56)
	87	-	Op(CF 97)	230	-	AN 30	454	-	Op(AK 56)	598	-	BF 45
	89	-	Op(AK 56)	257	-	BE 25	456	-	Op(AK 60)	606	-	Op(BC 16)
	105	-	CE 81	258	-	Op(DH 25)	459	-	FU 44	607	-	Op(BC 16)
	107	-	Op(BE 68)	262	-	Op(AK 56)	460	-	BE 51	608	-	Op(AK 56)
	108	-	Op(DH 90)	264	-	Op(DH 22)	465	-	Op(AK 56)	609	-	Op(AK 53)
	117	-	BF 40	265	-	Op(AK 60)	466	-	BE 54	613	-	Op(AK 56)
	118	-	DH 51	266	-	Op(AK 56)	468	-	AE 68	614	-	Op(AK 60)
	123	-	BF 61	267	-	Op(AK 56)	504	-	DF 81	620	-	Op(CF 97)
	124	-	CE 59	268	-	AJ 56	506	-	Op(GR 50)	621	-	Op(BE 67)
	125	-	Op(CF 67)	303	-	Op(BC 27)	509	-	Op(GR 50)	623	-	BE 68
	135	-	Op(AK 56)	332	-	Op(BE 59)	510	-	EH 16	624	-	Op(AK 56)
	156	-	EH 24	358	-	AA 30	511	-	Op(CF 91)	628	-	Op(BE 67)
	160	-	FU 44	359	-	AN 30	514	-	CF 52	632	-	AL 78


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175	-	DT 61	376	-	Op(AN)	516	-	Op(GR 50)	638	-	AN 30
176	-	DH 74	377	-	AE 69	518	-	ER 94	653	-	Op(BE 59)
182	-	GR 44	381	-	Op(CF 95)	519	-	Op(BE 67)	662	-	BF 40
183	-	Op(BE 67)	383	-	Op(BC 27)	521	-	Op(DH 90)	704	-	Op(AK 91)
186	-	AJ 52	402	-	Op(AK 56)	522	-	Op(CF 91)	706	-	BD 63
187	-	Op(AK 60)	403	-	Op(BC 12)	525	-	Op(BC 15)	707	-	AJ 52
201	-	Op(BC 12)	404	-	BF 64	529	-	AF 47	752	-	Op(AK 56)
202	-	Op(CF 98)	413	-	Op(AK 56)	558	-	DH 22	753	-	Op(BE 59)
214	-	DS 18	414	-	Op(BC 11)	571	-	Op(CF 95)	759	-	AN 23

	On Return Passage: U 105 - 117 - 123 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 217 - 257 - 266 - 404 - 413 - 448 - 466 - 514 - 584 - 594 - 598 - 632 - 662 - 706.
	Entered Port: U 123 - Lorient; U 404 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 92 - 566 - Brest; U 119 - 228 - 616 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 6 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 71 fired a triple fan at an independent corvette, course 180 degrees in BE 5963. Corvette evaded the fan, contact lost. Expected convoy not found.
		3)	There is strong air activity with Radar at present in Group "Haudegen" 's area. U 414 is returning owing to considerable bomb damage. U 403 was also bombed and pursued by a searching group.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: AK 6581, BE 5655, BE 8317, BE 5675, AK 6483, BE 5233, BE 5960, AK 5986, AK 5995.
		U-boats were attacked in FJ 6285, BC 1811, and BC 1571.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 6:
		Weather conditions were calm, visibility, good again on the 6th. At 1146 U 609 reported the convoy in AK 6488. The boat shadowed until 1445, lost contact for a time and found the convoy again towards 1900. Three other boats then came up to the convoy before dark, U 438, U 262 and U 456. U 262 acted as shadower for the night.At 0230 U 402 also made contact.
		The convoy was steering a main course of 70 and making a bare 8 knots. Conditions were easy again for the anti-submarine forces. Several boats were driven off by destroyers. U 262 and U 267 were damaged by depth charges and had to move off for repairs.But the particularly strong air escort was far more unpleasant for the boats. 11 boats reported aircraft. 4 were bombed and U 465 had to move off owing to considerable damage.

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U 454, 438 and 135 were driven off when starting to attack and afterwards did not manage to fire again.

The following successes were reported:

U 266	straggler Polyktor	4,077 GRT	sunk
U 402	2 large tankers and 4 freighters totaling:	45,000 GRT	sunk
U 262	1 large tanker of	9,000 GRT	sunk
	and a freighter of	6,000 GRT	sunk
U 614	1 large tanker, estimated	8,000 GRT	sunk

Operation against the convoy is continuing. It was in AL 4416 at 0700/7.

Of the boats detailed only 11 are left fit to operate against the convoy, U 454, 613, 402, 135, 614, 438, 608, 624, 456, 609 and 89. Several of these have only few torpedoes left.

6 boats have started their return passage or are proceeding to supply: U 262, 266, 752, 413, 594 and 704. 2 boats, U 465 and 267 have moved away because of damage. U 187 has not reported since she made her first report of the convoy. U 265, which was previously operating against the "Teichert" convoy, has also not reported again and did not reach this convoy.

Group "Hartherz" is remaining in its present patrol line.

None.

Changes in closing of Route A. Attack on independently-routed ships is forbidden: between 5⁰ S and 10⁰ N up to 10.2. From 10⁰ N to 35⁰ N from 7 - 23.2. From 35⁰ N, up to the north and east from 19.2 until further notice. Present conditions do not justify allowing all independent ships in Route A to pass unhindered and boas have therefore been ordered to stick to any ships which from its type and course is probably enemy, to report and to wait for permission to attack.

U 265, on her first patrol, last made a short weather report on 2.2 from AL 26. As she was in a favorable position she was ordered to operate against Convoy No. 4. On her way there she was attacked by an aircraft, probably in AL 29. She has not replied to several orders to report her position. Her loss must be presumed.

Reports of Success:

U 266 - 1 ship 4,077 GRT

U 402 - 6 ships 45,000 GRT

U 262 - 2 ships 15,000 GRT

U 614 - 1 ship 8,000 GRT

VI.

General:

Situation in the N. Atlantic:

In a few days time the number of boats operating in the North Atlantic will be considerably reduced. An attempt was made to facilitate the finding of convoys by having as many boats as

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possible and boats were therefore ordered to defer their return passage until they had only the minimum possible fuel left or to remain in their operations area and refuel on the way back. These boats will now shortly be forced to return owing to lack of fuel.

Then Group "Pfeil" 's operation is ended there will only be a few boats left with enough fuel for further operations.

The situation is:

Group "Haudegen"	:	9 boats very short of fuel.
Group "Nordsturm"	:	4 boats with medium stocks 1 short
Group "Pfeil"	:	3 - 4 boats with medium stocks (after completion of the operation).

This means that, in a few days, group operation against convoys will in practice no longer be possible unless a corresponding number of fresh boats are sent out from home and Western France. It will therefore be necessary to send all Type VIIc boats sailing in the near future to the North Atlantic, as well as the boats from Group "Hartherz", so that there will be at least 1 or 2 strong groups. Reinforcement of Group "Delphin" (operating against African supply) will have to be cancelled for the present. In this area (sea area between 43 to 28⁰ N and 30⁰ W to the African coast) the enemy has great opportunities to take avoiding action. In order to have an effective disposition to intercept convoys a lot of boats are required. U-boat operations on a large scale both in the North Atlantic against America - England traffic and in the area of the Azores against America - Africa traffic are not possible.

When considering the advantages of one area over the other, it must be remembered that there is much more traffic in the area of England - America shipping. There are for certain about 16 convoys per month here, while in the Azores area only 3 per month may be expected. Chances of intercepting convoys are also better in the N. Atlantic N of 43 N as the area is smaller. Seen as a whole therefore the prospects of picking up convoys are much better in the sea area of the England - America convoys and the aim of sinking as much enemy tonnage as possible much more likely to be achieved. On the other hand our own situation in North Africa is dangerous, it is particularly important to take action against the African supply traffic and it is necessary to have the boats ready for quick operation in case of an enemy attack in the Iberian Peninsular. It is therefore intended to refuel U-boats in the Africa Azores are with the next U-tanker to sail and so extend their operational endurance for as long as possible and, after forming 2 strong groups in Northern Waters, to send further boats to the Azores area to relieve "Delphin" boats which have to return owing to lack of fuel.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


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7. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 90)	U 217	-	DF 80	U 437	-	BE 68	U 575	-	Op(CF 69)
	66	-	Op(DH 90)	218	-	Op(DH 90)	438	-	Op(AL 40)	584	-	BE 59
	68	-	BE 95	223	-	Op(AJ 83)	442	-	Op(CG 47)	590	-	BE 69
	69	-	Op(BC 11)	225	-	BE 27	448	-	AF 79	594	-	AK 85
	71	-	Op(BE 59)	226	-	BC 19	454	-	Op(AL 40)	598	-	BF 40
	87	-	CF 95	228	-	AO	456	-	Op(AL 40)	606	-	Op(BC 15)
	89	-	Op(AL 40)	230	-	AN 30	459	-	FT 31	607	-	BC 43
	92	-	BF 54	257	-	BE 61	460	-	BD 63	608	-	Op(AL 40)
	105	-	CE 67	258	-	Op(DH 25)	465	-	Op(AL 40)	609	-	Op(AL 40)
	107	-	BE 67	262	-	Op(AL 40)	466	-	BE 56	613	-	Op(AL 40)
	108	-	Op(DH 90)	264	-	Op(DH 22)	468	-	AE 83	614	-	Op(AL 40)
	117	-	BF 61	265	-	Op(AL 40)	504	-	DF 80	616	-	AO
	118	-	DH 47	266	-	AK 86	506	-	Op(GR 50)	620	-	Op(CF 95)
	119	-	AO	267	-	Op(AL 40)	509	-	Op(GR 50)	621	-	BE 64
	124	-	CE 65	268	-	Op(AJ 95)	510	-	FG 36	623	-	BE 56
	125	-	Op(CG 47)	303	-	Op(BC 43)	511	-	Op(CG 47)	624	-	Op(AL 40)
	135	-	Op(AL 40)	332	-	BE 55	514	-	CF 31	628	-	BE 64
	156	-	EH 14	358	-	Op(AJ 58)	516	-	Op(GR 40)	632	-	BD 65
	160	-	FU 85	359	-	AN 30	518	-	FC 23	638	-	AN 30
	175	-	DT 34	376	-	Op(AN 18)	519	-	BE 59	653	-	BE 55
	176	-	DH 47	377	-	AE 67	521	-	Op(DH 90)	662	-	BF 65
	182	-	Op(GR 50)	381	-	Op(CF 93)	522	-	Op(CG 47)	704	-	AK 96
	183	-	BE 59	383	-	Op(BC 46)	525	-	Op(BC 18)	706	-	BD 63
	186	-	AJ 59	402	-	Op(AL 40)	529	-	AE 65	707	-	Op(AJ 91)
	187	-	Op(AL 40)	403	-	Op(BC 15)	558	-	Op(DH 22)	752	-	AK 68
	201	-	Op(BC 15)	413	-	AK 67	566	-	BF 54	753	-	BE 55
	202	-	Op(CF 98)	414	-	BC 13	571	-	Op(CF 92)	759	-	AF 76
	214	-	DS 96	436	-	Op(CF 69)	572	-	BE 59

	On Return Passage: U 71 - 105 - 117 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 217 - 257 - 266 - 413 - 414 - 448 - 459 - 466 - 514 - 572 - 584 - 590 - 594 - 598 - 632 - 704 - 706 - 752.
	Entered Port: U 117 - Lorient; U 662 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 603 - Brest; U 103 - Lorient; U 445 - St. Nazaire; U 405 - Bergen.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 6 and 7 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 628 sighted the hospital ship "New Foundland" in BE 6588, course S., 13 knots. Boat continued on her outward passage.
		3)	U 511 reported 2 escort vessels on a main course of 120⁰ in CG 4826. U 202 also sighted a corvette, 95⁰, in DH 3146.
		4)	U 183 heard weak sounds bearing 60⁰ from BE 6712. Noise at first approached, then hydrophone bearing lost. Constant air patrol.
	b)	None.

- 71 -

	c)	U-boat sightings: BE 4563 - BC 1514 - AK 6295 - BE 5655 - AM 1710.
		Several SSS and torpedo reports from an unidentified position. Probably from Convoy No. 6.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 6:
			Weather in the convoy area on the 7th was reported as WSW 4 - 5, good visibility deteriorating at times owing to showers. According to boats' reports the convoy was making 7.5 knots, and changing course more and more to the E. in the direction of the North Channel. Contact with the convoy was not regained until 1544 in AL 4273 by U 456. She lost contact an hour later and U 402 found the convoy again at 1730. She too lost contact at 1900 shortly before dark. U 456 and U 402 both regained contact at 2310 and 0215 respectively. The convoy was held until 0700, when it was reported in AL 5221. Besides these 2 boats only U 608 came up to the convoy. U 456 was picked up by the escort twice before attacking and did not manage to fire.
			U 402 reported an 8,000 GRT freighter sunk with her last electric torpedo.
			U 605 reported a 12,000 GRT tanker sunk.
			The enemy's air escort did not appear until towards evening on the 7th, whereas on the previous day there had been far more aircraft with the convoy. Although the boats must be exhausted after 4 days, the operation is being continued as 8 boats still have torpedoes left and U 402 can still give valuable service as shadower. U 456 has broken off owing to lack of fuel, and U 438 owing to damage, apparently not due to enemy action. U 454, 613, 402, 135, 614, 608, 624, 609, and 89 are still operating.
		2)	Convoy No. 7:
			U 218 sighted a small convoy in DH 9473 at 0820, consisting of about 3 steamers and 3 escort vessels, course N, speed 10 knots. The first report of this was not received by control until 1230. The convoy was then on a NE course.
			Group "Rochen" and 5 boats of Group "Delphin", which are well off for fuel (U 87 - 202 - 264 - 558 - 258) were ordered to operate against the reported enemy. The 5 "Delphin" boats could arrive by 8.2. Owing to strong air patrol U 218 was constantly forced to dive and lost contact at 1523 in DH 9188 main course 45⁰, speed 8 knots. The following were identified 2 freighters, 1 tanker, 1 destroyer and 2 corvettes. The boats then continued to search independently along an enemy course of 45 - 55⁰. At 2130 U 66 located the convoy in DH 9244. Towards 0200 U 43 took over a shadower and shadowed until morning. Convoy's last position at 0643 was DH 6885. No successes were scored. The operation is continuing.

- 72 -

	b)	As the expected Gibraltar convoy has not turned up and air reconnaissance on previous days was without result, group "Hartherz" is being dissolved. U 753, 653, 628, 621 and 332 are making for AK 92 and will operate against convoys from there. U 183, 590 and 107 are to make for CF 73. U 572, 71 and 584 are short of fuel and starting on their return passage.
	c)	U 465 and U 262 have had to break off pursuit of the convoy owing to damage and return. As both have fuel to spare they have been ordered to rendezvous with U 413, U 266 and U 594 in AK 9442.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 402 - 1 ship 8,000 GRT
	U 608 - 1 ship 12,000 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

8. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 68)	U 217	-	DF 81	U 437	-	BE 59	U 571	-	Op(CF 92)
	66	-	Op(DH 68)	218	-	Op(DH 68)	438	-	Op(AL 52)	572	-	BE 68
	68	-	CF 32	223	-	Op(AJ 83)	442	-	Op(CG 47)	575	-	Op(CF 69)
	69	-	Op(BC 11)	225	-	BE 15	445	-	BF 58	584	-	BE 67
	71	-	BE 68	226	-	Op(BC 19)	448	-	AF 72	590	-	BF 48
	87	-	Op(DH 60)	228	-	AN 36	454	-	Op(AL 52)	594	-	AK 94
	89	-	Op(AL 52)	230	-	AN 31	456	-	Op(AL 02)	598	-	BF 64
	92	-	BF 45	257	-	BE 66	459	-	FM 82	603	-	BF 54
	103	-	BF 54	258	-	Op(DH 60)	460	-	BD 63	606	-	Op(BC 15)
	105	-	CF 48	262	-	AK 94	465	-	AK 94	607	-	Op(BC 43)
	107	-	BE 91	264	-	Op(DH 60)	466	-	BE 69	608	-	Op(AL 50)
	108	-	Op(DH 68)	266	-	AK 94	468	-	AE 84	609	-	Op(AL 54)
	118	-	DH 47	267	-	AK 63	504	-	DF 81	613	-	Op(AL 52)
	119	-	AN 36	268	-	Op(AJ 95)	506	-	Op(GR 19)	614	-	Op(AL 50)
	124	-	CF 54	303	-	Op(BC 43)	509	-	Op(GR 90)	616	-	AN 36
	125	-	Op(CG 47)	332	-	BE 54	510	-	EG 29	620	-	Op(CF 95)
	135	-	Op(AL 52)	358	-	Op(AJ 58)	511	-	Op(CG 45)	621	-	BE 56
	156	-	EG 34	359	-	AN 31	514	-	BF 97	623	-	BE 51
	160	-	GG 14	376	-	Op(AN 18)	516	-	Op(GR 90)	624	-	Op(AL 52)
	175	-	DT 31	377	-	AE 85	518	-	FC 51	628	-	BE 64
	176	-	DH 47	381	-	Op(CF 93)	519	-	BE 83	632	-	BD 63
	182	-	Op(GR 83)	383	-	Op(BC 46)	521	-	Op(DH 68	638	-	AN 31
	183	-	BE 83	402	-	Op(AL 61)	522	-	Op(CG 47)	653	-	BE 51
	186	-	Op(AJ 59)	403	-	Op(BC 17)	525	-	Op(BC 18)	704	-	AL 78
	187	-	Op(AL 52)	405	-	AF 79	529	-	AE 83	706	-	BD 93
	201	-	Op(BC 15)	413	-	AK 94	558	-	Op(DH 60)	707	-	Op(AJ 91)
	202	-	Op(DH 60)	414	-	BC 21	566	-	BF 45	752	-	AL 75
	214	-	DG 79	436	-	Op(CF 69)	569	-	BF 91	753	-	BE 51
										759	-	AF 47

	On Return Passage: U 71 - 105 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 214 - 217 - 257 - 266 - 413 - 414 - 448 - 459 - 466 - 514 - 572 - 584 - 590 - 594 - 598 - 632 - 704 - 706 - 752.
	Entered Port: U 598 - St. Nazaire.

- 73 -

	Sailed: U 604 - 659 - Brest; U 185 - 155 - Lorient; U 382 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 6 and 7 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 69 has probably been observed.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: AL 3975.
		An enemy aircraft attacked a U-boat with depth-charges in an unidentified position, probably however with Convoy No. 7.
	d)	Reports have been received from Ceuta and Tarifa of the sailing of a Gibraltar convoy. Further details see paragraph IV.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 7:
			Strong air activity continued. Ar 0800 U 108 believed the convoy to be in DH 6864 according to hydrophone bearing. Contact was then lost and reestablished by U 202 at 1745 in DH 6667. Convoy was zig-zagging around 50⁰. Close escort of 2 aircraft.
			Boats were ordered to haul as far ahead as possible during the day so as to be able to attack at night. Boats which could not reach the convoy before first light were to break off then and move away to the W. At 1902 the convoy was in DH 6666. Visibility deteriorated badly and contact was lost, and was only regained for a short time by U 87 in DJ 4446 and at 0625 by U 264 in DJ 4194. U 264 fired 3 single misses at a corvette and was then driven off. According to reports received later U 43 fired a double miss at 800 meters with good data. U 521 attacked before first light on the 8th and sank a tanker of 10,000 GRT and a corvette in DH 6863 also torpedoed a freighter of 8,000 GRT, probably sunk. The operation was broken off at dawn as intended.By then all boats had reported and moved away to the W. No boat was lost, damage was slight, so that all boats are still fit for operations.
			2 ships totaling 18,000 GRT and a corvette were sunk. The operation has shown that extensive action in the area N. of the Canary Islands is no longer possible owing to strong air patrol by land-based aircraft (altogether 44 planes, according to radio interception).
		2)	Convoy No. 6:
			The last report of this convoy was from U 402 at 1100/8 in AL 5236. After that it was not sighted again. Boats were constantly forced to dive by strong air activity by land-based planes, and could not get ahead. The operation was

- 74 -

			nevertheless continued during the night 8/9, as there was a chance that the boats might come upon the convoy in the dark. But as it was not sighted again and no boat appeared to be in the vicinity, the boats were ordered to move away from the convoy by first light on the 9th, as air activity by land-based planes was likely to be very strong off the North Channel.
			U 135 reported that she had been surprised by an aircraft that had 22 bombs. She reported further damage and broke off on the evening of the 8th. U 402 also had to break off prematurely owing to lack of fuel.
			Conclusion:
			Operations Control knew that this was a particularly important convoy, a part of which was destined for Murmansk. There are said to have been 56 ships, almost all above normal size, including 12 tankers. A captured ship's officer from the HX convoy which crossed some days before this one had stated, that this convoy was to follow the same route as the preceding one. Operations Control had already suspected this and Group "Pfeil" had been disposed along the route of the HX convoy. This group picked up the convoy, 2 days behind schedule, but it was known afterwards from Radio Intelligence that this actually was the scheduled SC.
			Because of the size and importance of the convoy all possible boats were operated against it, altogether 21. Due to this large number, contact was maintained from the start of the operation on the 4th until midday on the 8th, although during the first night the enemy succeeded in turning the boats away from the slow main body of the convoy by branching off a fast group. The boats operated against this fast group which had diverted them to the N. during the 5th, but in the evening of that day they found the slow main section again which, after steering and E. course at first, soon changed to the northeast. After that the slow section was not lost again until midday on the 8th.
			The escort was unusually strong, in accordance with the importance of the convoy. During the first 2 days the boats had a difficult task with the destroyers, which were giving close and long range escort. Only a few boats got anywhere near the convoy. The unusually calm weather certainly made things easy for the enemy vessels, as it favored surface and underwater location. By the 6th the convoy had a strong air escort. Several boats were attacked and damaged by bombs. Above all, the boats could not get ahead as they constantly had to dive. On the 7th there were fewer aircraft with the convoy and only towards evening were planes reported in any numbers. But boats' reports showed that the air escort had given them a lot of trouble. On the 8th land-based aircraft picked up the convoy and finally drove the boats off. These difficult conditions account for the fact that so many boats achieved such little success, and always the same ones.
			Only experienced boats could succeed against this convoy. There were U 402 and 268 in the first place. U 609 also shadowed excellently and thus played a large part towards the total success.

- 75 -

Total Successes:	14 ships totaling 109,077 GRT.
Losses:	3 boats, U 187, U 609 and U 624.
Heavily damaged:	2 boats by depth charges, U 267 and U 262
	2 boats by bombs, U 465 and U 135.

In order to reinforce Group "Haudegen", which is in about BC 10, Group "Nordsturm" will leave its present position on a course of 225⁰ at economical speed.

According to observations from Ceuta and Tangier a convoy started to put to sea during the night as there are about 20 loaded ships with the convoy, this section may be destined for Casablanca. But there are also ships coming from Spain assembling there, which are presumably destined for England. On the assumption that at least a large section is going to England, Group "Delphin" has been ordered to form a new patrol line from CG 4652 to CF 9665. Order: U 125, 522, 511, 436, 442, 575, 381, 571, 620. The convoy is expected to arrive in the course of February 10th. Owing to low fuel stocks, this will probably be the Group's last operation, which they could only carry out on a homeward course.

U 706 has supplied from U 460 and is starting her return passage.

U 217's supply from U 504 has so far been interrupted twice owing to bad weather. Both boats are now in DF 6456 with course 65⁰.

U 176 has been ordered to take over 2 Metox (Trans: radar interception) sets from U 118 and deliver them to U 571 and U 620 on her return passage.

U 187, on her first enemy patrol, sighted a large convoy (No. 6) at 1108/4/2 in BD 1199 and reported it again at 1144. Since then the boat has not replied to several signals. She may have been sunk by escort forces.

Reports of Success:

U 571 - 2 ships 18,000 GRT - 1 corvette

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


- 76 -

9. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DJ 17)	U 202	-	Op(DJ 17)	U 405	-	AE 72	U 525	-	Op(BC 18)
	66	-	Op(DJ 17)	114	-	DG 84	413	-	AK 94	529	-	AE 87
	68	-	CF 30	117	-	DF 81	414	-	BC 32	558	-	Op(DJ 17)
	69	-	Op(BC 11)	118	-	Op(DJ 17)	436	-	Op(CF 69)	566	-	BE 66
	71	-	BF 47	123	-	Op(AJ 85)	437	-	BE 73	569	-	BF 82
	87	-	Op(DJ 17)	225	-	AL 77	438	-	AL 64	571	-	Op(CF 92)
	89	-	AL 61	226	-	Op(BC 19)	442	-	Op(CG 47)	572	-	BF 72
	92	-	BE 66	228	-	Op(AJ 97)	445	-	BF 81	752	-	BE 16
	103	-	BF 48	230	-	AF 87	448	-	AE 69	575	-	Op(CF 69)
	105	-	CF 23	257	-	BF 45	454	-	Op(AL 61)	584	-	BE 69
	107	-	BE 88	258	-	Op(DJ 17)	456	-	AL 37	590	-	BF 57
	108	-	Op(DJ 17)	262	-	AK 94	459	-	FM 54	594	-	AK 94
	118	-	DH 47	264	-	Op(DJ 17)	460	-	BD 63	603	-	BF 45
	119	-	AN 36	266	-	AK 94	707	-	Op(AJ 86)	604	-	BF 59
	124	-	CF 29	267	-	AL 77	465	-	AK 94	606	-	Op(BC 15)
	125	-	Op(CG 47)	268	-	Op(AJ 97)	466	-	BF 48	607	-	Op(BC 43)
	135	-	AL 29	303	-	Op(BC 43)	468	-	AL 22	608	-	AL 42
	155	-	BF 54	332	-	BE 18	504	-	DF 64	609	-	Op(AL 60)
	156	-	EG 24	706	-	BE 42	506	-	Op(GR 50)	613	-	AL 64
	160	-	GG 43	358	-	Op(AJ 81)	509	-	Op(GR 50)	614	-	Op(AL 29)
	175	-	BD 77	359	-	AF 87	510	-	EG 19	616	-	AN 31
	176	-	DH 47	376	-	Op(AN 18)	511	-	Op(CG 47)	620	-	Op(CF 95)
	704	-	BE 21	377	-	AE 87	514	-	BE 71	621	-	BE 27
	182	-	GR 90	381	-	Op(CF 93)	516	-	Op(GR 90)	623	-	BE 16
	183	-	CF 23	382	-	BF 58	518	-	FG 73	624	-	Op(AL 60)
	185	-	BF 54	383	-	Op(BC 46)	519	-	BE 88	628	-	BE 52
	186	-	Op(AJ 82)	402	-	AL 55	521	-	Op(DJ 17)	632	-	BD 63
	201	-	Op(BC 15)	403	-	Op(BC 24)	522	-	Op(CG 47)	638	-	AF 87
	659	-	BF 54	753	-	BE 18	759	-	AE 65	653	-	BE 18

	On Return Passage: U 71 - 105 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 114 - 117 - 257 - 262 - 266 - 267 - 402 - 413 - 414 - 438 - 456 - 459 - 465 - 466 - 514 - 572 - 584 - 590 - 594 - 613 - 632 - 704 - 706 - 752.
	Entered Port: U 230 - Bergen.
	Sailed: U 527 - 180 - 523 - 634 - Kiel; U 410 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 614 was attacked by aircraft in AL 5293 when surfacing and received 4 well-placed bombs. Considerable damage, ability to dive restricted. Return necessary after refueling from U-tanker.
		2)	U 752 reported a large independently-routed ship in BE 1685, course 45⁰, speed 12 knots. Boat was ordered to attack.
		3)	U 442 sighted a solitary destroyer in CG 4861. No further contact was made with the enemy. According to our reckoning no convoy is expected at the moment.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: AJ 4869, AL 5237, BE 5412, BE 5291, AF 4712.
		Aircraft attacks on U-boats in DJ 4416, DH 3861, AL 5237 (U 614).
	d)	None.

- 77 -

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	Group "Nordsturm" is being dissolved. These boats will reinforce Group "Haudegen" and occupy the following positions, depth 40 miles: U 358 : AJ 78, U 186 : AJ 7972, U 223 : BC 1255, U 707 : BC 1384. U 268 is returning owing to lack of fuel. According to a report from U 607 there has been fog in this sea area for 3 days. As a depression is passing and visibility may be expected to improve, the boats have been left in their positions. A convoy can be expected to pass any time after today.
		2)	After operations against Convoy No. 7 had been broken off Group "Rochen" received orders to be in patrol line from DH 2333 to DH 5639, course 270, speed of advance 6 knots at 1200/11/2. Order: U 66 - 521 - 108 - 218 - 43 - 264 - 258 - 558 - 202 and 87.
			The latter 5 boats are to supply from U 118 in about DH 45. Subsequently all boats will operate against America - North Africa convoy traffic.
		3)	U 68 and U 183 are to operate in the Windward Passage sea area. There have been no boats there for some time. They are to make for DN 60.
		4)	U 92 and U 566 are proceeding to AK 96.
	c)	1)	U 632 has supplied from U 460 and is returning.
		2)	A Chief Engineer has transshipped from U 183 to U 105.
	d)	U 609 and U 624 both operated against Convoy No. 6 and made contact. They last reported on 6.2. from AK 65 and on 7.2. from AK 66 respectively. It can therefore be assumed for certain that they were lost due to convoy escort or aircraft.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

10. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 61)	U 214	-	DG 91	U 436	-	Op(CG 48)	U 566	-	BE 64
	66	-	Op(DH 61)	217	-	DF 60	437	-	BE 71	569	-	BF 72
	68	-	CF 87	218	-	Op(DH 61)	438	-	AL 85	571	-	Op(CG 74)
	69	-	Op(BC 11)	223	-	Op(BC 12)	442	-	Op(CG 48)	572	-	BF 40
	71	-	BF 40	225	-	AK 93	445	-	BF 72	575	-	Op(CG 71)
	87	-	Op(DH 65)	226	-	Op(BC 19)	448	-	AE 59	584	-	BF 55
	89	-	AL 45	228	-	AN 20	454	-	AL 51	590	-	BF 67
	92	-	BE 64	257	-	BF 40	456	-	AM 15	594	-	AK 94
	103	-	BF 74	258	-	Op(DH 61)	459	-	FM 16	603	-	BE 66
	105	-	CF 23	262	-	AK 94	460	-	BD 23	604	-	BF 54
	107	-	CF 26	264	-	Op(DH 61)	465	-	AK 94	606	-	Op(BC 15)
	108	-	DH 37	266	-	AK 94	466	-	BF 40	607	-	Op(BC 43)
	118	-	Op(DH 47)	267	-	BF 14	468	-	AL 33	608	-	AL 44
	119	-	AN 20	268	-	Op(BC 24)	504	-	DG 41	613	-	AL 92
	124	-	BE 97	303	-	Op(BC 43)	506	-	Op(GR 50)	614	-	AL 54


- 78 -

125	-	Op(CG 46)	332	-	BD 33	509	-	Op(GR 50)	616	-	AN 29
135	-	AL 45	358	-	Op(AJ 78)	510	-	EF 39	620	-	Op(CF 96)
155	-	BF 48	359	-	AF 75	511	-	Op(CG 48)	621	-	BE 15
156	-	EG 14	376	-	AN 18	514	-	BF 70	623	-	BE 13
160	-	GG 59	377	-	AL 22	516	-	Op(GR 60)	628	-	BE 16
175	-	Op(DH 71)	381	-	Op(CG 71)	518	-	Op(FC 70)	632	-	BE 51
176	-	Op(DH 40)	382	-	BF 81	519	-	CF 24	634	-	AO
180	-	AO	383	-	Op(BC 46)	521	-	Op(DH 37)	638	-	AF 72
182	-	Op(KY 90)	402	-	AL 48	522	-	Op(CG 46)	653	-	BD 33
183	-	CF 23	403	-	Op(BC 17)	523	-	AO	659	-	BF 45
185	-	BF 48	405	-	AE 69	525	-	Op(BC 18)	704	-	BE 26
186	-	Op(AJ 49)	410	-	BF 58	527	-	AO	706	-	BE 52
201	-	Op(BC 15)	413	-	AK 94	529	-	AE 84	707	-	Op(BC 13)
202	-	Op(DH 27)	414	-	BD 21	558	-	Op(DH 61)	752	-	BE 16
									753	-	BE 14
									759	-	AE 59

	On Return Passage: U 71 - 105 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 214 - 217 - 257 - 262 - 266 - 267 - 402 - 413 - 414 - 438 - 456 - 459 - 465 - 466 - 514 - 572 - 584 - 590 - 594 - 613 - 632 - 704 - 706 - 752.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U D 3 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	For reports from "Rochen" and "Haudegen" boats see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 376 tried several times to reach Peterhead in bad weather. There were constant location transmissions from AN 1633 onwards. Doubtful whether she was picked up. From 7.2. heard several explosions in the area by day.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: Be 5543 - BE 6164.
		Depth charge attack by aircraft in DJ 3748.
		Torpedo report from an unidentified steamer from an area 10 miles S. of Cape Francis (Capetown).
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Group "Haudegen":
			The group proceeded at economical speed, course 70⁰ from 1030, in order to get away from the prevailing fog and prevent the expected convoy passing unnoticed. Towards 1100 U 606 sighted a destroyer, course 240⁰ (40⁰ according to a later report) in BC 1912. U 707, which was nearby, was ordered to take action. The remaining boats were now steering the convoy's expected course 45⁰, speed 7 knots.At 1907 U 707 also sighted a destroyer in BC 2145. Course at first 170⁰, then N.E. It seemed more and more likely that the

- 79 -

			forces reported were only carrying out a local reconnaissance. As both boats lost contact and no other sighting reports were received from the others, Group "Haudegen" was ordered to proceed at economical cruising speed. At 1200/11/2 the group remained in the area then reached. Nothing was seen of the convoy. Radio Intelligence (X) reports and bearings from the G.A.F. D/F Station confirm that the schedule of HX convoys is as hitherto assumed; the next one may therefore be expected to appear in about 3 days' time.
		2)	Group "Rochen":
			At 0930 U 108 sighted smoke clouds and the mast-heads of a large steamer with air escort in DH 3748, course believed E. Group "Rochen" boats which could reach this ship during the night were ordered to operate at maximum speed. U 66, 202, 558, 258, 264, 521 and 43 were in favorable positions. U 176, on her return passage, also endeavored to make contact. At 1430 U 108 reported the enemy in DH 3747 on a N.W. course. The boat was then apparently forced to dive and did not report until 2245 from DH 3747 that she had sighted 8 smoke clouds on a N.W. course at 1430 and had been driven off by a corvette. Shortly before U 43 encountered a searching group. This boat also sighted a small vessel with high masts in DH 3775 and 2 escort vessels making smoke. Contact was lost and the boats continued to search in a N.W. direction. Nothing further was found. This appears to confirm U 43's assumption that is was a group of escort vessels. It was intended to break off the operation by midday if by then no further contact was made with the enemy.
	b)	So that there will be U-boats in the vicinity in case of an American and English invasion of Portugal, Group "Delphin" has been ordered to take up a new disposition W. of Lisbon. Attack areas, depth 60 miles: U 575 : CF 6626, U 571 : CF 6862, U 620 : CF 9345, U 436 : CG 4515, U 125 : CG 4624, U 5522 : CG 4718, U 511 : CG 4829, U 381 : CG 7165, U 422 : CG 7354. Several of these boats are already so short of fuel that they will have to return very soon and U 107, 103, 445, 569, 382 and 410 are intended to replace them and have been directed to CG 44.
	c)	U 465 has refueled U 266 and 413.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


- 80-

11. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 20)	U 217	-	DG 17	U 438	-	BE 21	U 572	-	BF 93
	66	-	Op(DH 20)	218	-	Op(DH 20)	442	-	Op(CG 73)	575	-	Op(CF 66)
	68	-	CF 78	223	-	Op(AJ 87)	445	-	BE 96	584	-	BF 52
	69	-	Op(AJ 87)	225	-	Op(AK 68)	448	-	AE 82	590	-	BF 64
	71	-	BF 40	226	-	Op(BC 25)	454	-	AL 44	594	-	AK 89
	87	-	Op(DH 20)	228	-	AF 79	456	-	AL 29	603	-	BE 64
	89	-	AK 89	257	-	BF 92	459	-	FE 87	604	-	BE 66
	92	-	BE 28	258	-	Op(DH 20)	460	-	AK 89	606	-	Op(BC 21)
	103	-	CG 11	262	-	BD 36	465	-	AK 94	607	-	Op(BC 27)
	105	-	BE 95	264	-	Op(DH 20)	466	-	BF 93	608	-	AK 92
	107	-	CF 29	266	-	AK 94	468	-	AL 25	613	-	BE 12
	108	-	Op(DH 20)	267	-	BD 36	504	-	EG 18	614	-	AL 47
	118	-	Op(DH 20)	268	-	BC 36	506	-	Op(GR 50)	616	-	AF 79
	119	-	AF 79	303	-	Op(BC 23)	509	-	Op(GR 50)	620	-	Op(CF 93)
	124	-	BE 96	332	-	BE 14	510	-	AF 53	621	-	BE 11
	125	-	Op(CG 46)	358	-	Op(AJ 76)	511	-	Op(CG 48)	623	-	AL 78
	135	-	AK 69	359	-	AF 47	514	-	BF 55	628	-	AL 87
	155	-	BE 93	376	-	AF 75	516	-	Op(GR 60)	632	-	BE 56
	156	-	EF 61	377	-	AL 25	518	-	Op(FJ 30)	634	-	AN 35
	160	-	GG 95	381	-	Op(CG 71)	519	-	CF 20	638	-	AF 47
	175	-	DH 47	382	-	BE 72	521	-	Op(DH 20)	653	-	AK 99
	176	-	Op(DH 20)	383	-	Op(BC 51)	522	-	Op(CG 44)	659	-	BE 66
	180	-	AN 30	402	-	AK 93	523	-	AN 30	704	-	BE 61
	182	-	Op(KY 90)	403	-	Op(BC 13)	525	-	Op(BC 24)	706	-	BE 64
	183	-	CF 16	405	-	AE 67	527	-	AN 35	707	-	Op(BC 88)
	185	-	BE 93	410	-	BF 73	529	-	AE 79	752	-	BE 67
	186	-	Op(AJ 84)	413	-	AK 94	558	-	Op(DH 20)	753	-	BE 14
	201	-	Op(BC 13)	414	-	AK 89	566	-	BE 53	759	-	AE 82
	202	-	Op(DH 20)	436	-	Op(CG 45)	569	-	BE 96	D 3	-	BF 54
	214	-	DG 93	437	-	BD 66	571	-	Op(CF 68)

	On Return Passage: U 71 - 105 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 214 - 217 - 257 - 262 - 266 - 267 - 268 - 402 - 413 - 414 - 438 - 456 - 459 - 465 - 466 - 514 - 572 - 584 - 590 - 594 - 613 - 614 - 632 - 704 - 705 - 752.
	Entered Port: U 584 - Brest; U 590 - St. Nazaire; U 572 - 466 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 600 - Brest; U 91 - St. Nazaire; U 526 - 230 - Bergen.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 155, on her way out, sighted several destroyers and small vessels in BE 9945. According to our reckoning, they probably belonged to a N-bound Gibraltar convoy and boats in favorable positions were ordered to make use of opportunities to attack. For reasons unknown, U 155 continued on her outward passage as soon as she had made her report. There is therefore no contact. As visibility is poor and there is strong air reconnaissance in this area a controlled operation of several boats does not seem promising, especially as there is at most one night left for attack.

- 81 -

U 223 was observed in AJ 8489 by an independent destroyer, course 220⁰, high speed.She lost contact after surfacing.

U 510 has requested squares EO and EP as attack area, because of an oil trace.

None.

U-boat sightings: BE 5345.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

As no further reports were received from Group "Rochen", the operation was broken off at 1200. U 87, 202, 264, 558 and 258 are proceeding to DH 4755 to supply from U 118. The remaining boats will occupy the following attack areas for the time being: U 521 squares CF 76 and 84, U 108 : CF 79 and 87, U 66 : DH 11 and 12, U 218 : DH 14 and 15, U 43 : DH 17 and 18.

Group "Haudegen" is now in the following positions:

U 358	:	AJ 7574,	U 223	:	AJ 7685	U 186	:	AJ 7838,
U 69	:	AJ 7985,	U 201	:	AJ 8764	U 403	:	BC 1356,
U 707	:	BC 2156,	U 606	:	BC 2419	U 226	:	BC 2549,
U 525	:	BC 2725,	U 303	:	BC 2848	U 607	:	BC 5152,
U 383	:	BC 5514,

U 103 will occupy position CG 4624, U 107 CG 4515, depth 60 miles, as reliefs for U 125 and U 436 which are short of fuel. These boats will join Group "Delphin".

In order to intercept convoy traffic to and from England on the southern route a patrol line has been ordered which will leave AK 3784 for AL 4711 at 1200/14/2, course 235⁰, speed 5 knots. Order U 529 - 468 - 377 - 225 - 653 - 628 - 623 - 621 - 753 - 332 and 92.

These boats will form Group "Ritter"

U 460 will start to supply in AK 8985 from today. 5 boats will refuel for return passage at economical speed, 4 boats for further operation on the northerly convoy route.

U 519 has not reported since she sailed on 30.1. There have been several attack reports in BF and BE during the last few days and she may have been sunk by English aircraft. Her loss must be presumed.

Reports of Success: None.

- 82 -

12. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	DH 27	U 214	-	DH 47	U 437	-	BD 39	U 575	-	Op(CF 66)
	66	-	DH 24	217	-	CE 88	438	-	BE 28	594	-	AK 89
	68	-	DG 23	218	-	DH 54	442	-	Op(CG 73	600	-	BF 54
	69	-	Op(AJ 79)	223	-	Op(AJ 76)	445	-	BE 98	603	-	BE 61
	71	-	BF 64	225	-	AK 62	448	-	AE 84	604	-	BE 64
	87	-	DH 51	226	-	Op(BC 25)	454	-	AK 93	606	-	Op(BC 24)
	89	-	AK 95	228	-	AF 72	456	-	AL 44	607	-	Op(BC 51)
	91	-	BF 58	257	-	BF 93	459	-	FE 72	608	-	AK 94
	92	-	BE 13	258	-	DH 51	460	-	AK 89	613	-	BE 12
	103	-	CG 17	262	-	BE 19	465	-	BE 11	614	-	AK 92
	105	-	BF 48	264	-	DH 51	468	-	AL 18	616	-	AF 72
	107	-	CF 62	266	-	BE 11	504	-	DG 19	620	-	Op(CF 93)
	108	-	DH 21	267	-	BD 36	506	-	Op(GR 50)	621	-	AL 74
	118	-	DH 47	268	-	BD 16	509	-	Op(GR 50)	623	-	AL 71
	119	-	AF 72	303	-	Op(BC 28)	510	-	EF 46	628	-	AL 71
	124	-	BF 55	332	-	BE 14	511	-	Op(CG 48)	632	-	BE 65
	125	-	Op(CG 46)	358	-	Op(AJ 75)	514	-	BF 61	634	-	AN 31
	135	-	AK 94	359	-	AE 65	516	-	Op(GR 90)	638	-	AE 65
	155	-	BE 95	376	-	AF 47	518	-	Op(FJ)	653	-	AK 93
	156	-	EF 51	377	-	AL 17	521	-	DH 21	659	-	BE 61
	160	-	GQ 22	381	-	Op(CG 71)	522	-	Op(CG 47)	704	-	BF 64
	175	-	DH 47	382	-	BE 96	523	-	AN 31	706	-	BF 64
	176	-	CF 93	383	-	Op(BC 54)	525	-	Op(BC 27)	707	-	Op(BC 21)
	180	-	AN 31	402	-	AK 97	526	-	AF 79	752	-	BF 47
	182	-	Op(KZ 40)	403	-	Op(BC 13)	527	-	AN 31	753	-	BE 14
	183	-	CE 35	405	-	AE 82	529	-	AL 21	759	-	AE 79
	185	-	BE 94	410	-	BE 96	558	-	DH 51	D 3	-	BF 48
	186	-	Op(AJ 78)	413	-	BE 12	566	-	BE 28	230	-	AF 79
	210	-	Op(AJ 87)	414	-	AK 89	569	-	BE 98
	202	-	DH 54	436	-	Op(CG 45)	571	-	Op(CF 68)

	On Return Passage: U 71 - 105 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 114 - 117 - 257 - 262 - 266 - 267 - 268 - 402 - 413 - 414 - 438 - 456 - 459 - 465 - 514 - 594 - 613 - 614 - 632 - 704 - 706 - 752.
	Entered Port: U 71 - 704 - St. Nazaire; U 257 - 514 - Lorient.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 8 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 603 has broken off her search for the convoy reported yesterday by U 155. This operation is thus ended.
		3)	U 436 reported strong air activity in CG 45, bombs; no damage, returning because of fuel.
		4)	U 620 sighted 2 destroyers, course 225⁰, in CF 9266. No further contact with the enemy.

- 83 -

		5)	U 108 was bombed on 10.2 at great depth. Bow tubes probably out of action.She is testing her operational fitness.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BF 4981, CG 4989 (Depth charge attack), CG 4545, CF 7153.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 8:
		U 569 sighted several smoke clouds at 1323 in BE 9815 disappearing S. According to our reckoning there should be a Gibraltar-bound convoy in this area. Group "Delphin", including U 107 and U 103 and U 410, 382, 445, 155 and 185, on outward passage, were ordered to operate on U 569's report. At 1600 the enemy was in BE 9873. Towards 2000 U 185 reported that she had sighted 5 steamers, 3 of them passenger ships, on a main course of 160⁰, speed 16 knots, in CG 1559 and had fired a miss at an "Arundel Castle" type. She was then driven off by aircraft and destroyers.It appeared therefore that there was a fast and slow section of the convoy. This was quite possible, as radio intelligence (X) and agent's reports had stated that material and personnel were often convoyed to Gibraltar in separate groups. The boats were ordered to operate against one of these 2 convoys on a main course of 160 - 180⁰, according to the situation. Meanwhile U 569 had also been forced to dive and contact was lost. Convoy's last position at 1730 was in CG 9892. The boat sighted several single destroyers during the night, but was constantly driven off in varying visibility, as was U 185, which also sighted destroyers several times in CG 1537. Contact had not been regained by morning. The fast group must have got through and can probably no longer be reached. Operation continues against the slow section.
	b)	1)	Attack areas: U 510 : EO 60, evading N and E. U 156 : EO 50 and 20 westwards to Georgetown. Both boats are to operate as close to the coast as possible. Freedom of action as far as the sea area off Trinidad during the next new moon period.
		2)	U 566, 659, 604 and 603 are to steer for AK 65, U 638 and U 359 for AK 32. These boats are to operate against convoy traffic
	c)	U 594 and 414 have supplied from U 460.
	d)	Boats in the Capetown area have been informed that Saldanhab Bay is probably an assembly point for convoys and is mainly approached by independent ships from Capetown.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

- 84 -

13. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 48)	U 202	-	DH 47	U 414	-	AK 89	U 566	-	BE 12
	66	-	DH 12	214	-	DH 47	436	-	Op(CG 17)	569	-	CG 11
	68	-	DG 13	217	-	CE 94	437	-	BD 59	571	-	CF 93
	69	-	Op(AJ 79)	218	-	Op(DH 15)	438	-	BE 61	575	-	Op(CG 17)
	87	-	DH 47	223	-	AJ 76	442	-	Op(CG 17)	594	-	AK 89
	89	-	AK 61	225	-	Op(AK 39)	445	-	Op(BE 94)	600	-	BF 45
	91	-	BF 81	226	-	Op(BC 25)	448	-	AE 78	603	-	BE 28
	92	-	AL 78	228	-	AF 72	454	-	AK 94	604	-	BE 55
	103	-	Op(CG 17)	258	-	DH 47	456	-	AK 68	606	-	Op(BC 24)
	105	-	BF 40	262	-	BE 52	459	-	FE 44	607	-	Op(BC 51)
	107	-	Op(CG 17)	264	-	DH 47	460	-	AK 89	608	-	AK 89
	108	-	Op(CF 87)	266	-	BE 19	465	-	BE 19	613	-	BE 27
	118	-	DH 44	267	-	BE 18	468	-	Op(AK 38)	614	-	AK 86
	119	-	AF 72	268	-	BD 25	504	-	DG 53	616	-	AF 72
	124	-	BF 61	303	-	Op(BC 28)	506	-	Op(GR 50)	620	-	CF 69
	125	-	Op(CG 17)	332	-	AK 93	509	-	GR 50	621	-	AK 69
	135	-	AK 89	358	-	Op(AJ 75)	510	-	EF 40	623	-	AK 66
	155	-	Op(CG 17)	359	-	AE 59	511	-	Op(CG 17)	628	-	AK 66
	156	-	Op(EF 40)	376	-	AE 65	516	-	Op(GR 90)	632	-	BF 55
	160	-	GQ 37	377	-	Op(AK 39)	518	-	Op(FJ 30)	634	-	AN 23
	175	-	DH 48	381	-	Op(CF 63)	521	-	Op(CF 84)	638	-	AE 59
	176	-	CF 93	382	-	Op(CG 16)	522	-	Op(CG 17)	653	-	AK 94
	180	-	AN 23	383	-	Op(BC 54)	523	-	AN 23	659	-	BE 27
	182	-	Op(KZ)	402	-	AK 89	525	-	Op(BC 27)	707	-	Op(BC 21)
	183	-	CE 28	403	-	Op(BC 13)	526	-	AF 72	752	-	BF 40
	185	-	Op(CG 16)	405	-	AE 84	527	-	AN 23	753	-	AL 77
	186	-	Op(AJ 78)	410	-	Op(CG 17)	529	-	AL 13	759	-	AE 76
	201	-	AJ 87	413	-	BE 19	558	-	DH 47	D 3	-	BE 69
		-		230	-	AF 72		-		706	-	BE 64

	On Return Passage: U 105 - 124 - 175 - 176 - 214 - 217 - 262 - 266 - 267 - 268 - 402 - 413 - 414 - 438 - 456 - 459 - 465 - 594 - 613 - 614 - 632 - 706 - 752.
	Entered Port: U 124 - Lorient; U 706 - La Pallice; U 634 - Bergen.
	Sailed: U 211 - Brest; U 709 - Kiel; U 461 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 8 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 108 is starting on her return passage. All her bow tubes are unserviceable. It is intended for her to deliver fuel to U 511.
		3)	U 437 discovered another large crack in the flange when trying to repair her exhaust conduit. Repairs cannot be carried out. Further operation only possible in a less endangered area.
		4)	U 606 sighted a destroyer with high speed, zig-zagging around a course of 225⁰ in BC 2433. No contact.
		5)	U 516 is the first of the African boats to score a success. She sank a ship of 6,000 GRT, course 265⁰, speed 10 knots in KY 6267. No zig-zags. Much air activity day and night, with

- 85 -

			lights, in KY 6310. Probably training.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: CG 5416, depth charge attack by aircraft in CG 4396 and CG 5178. U-boat attacking in DM 2890. No boat of ours in the vicinity.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 8:
		U 185 sighted smoke clouds at 1005 in CG 1911 and shortly afterwards made contact with a steamer and a destroyer. The enemy was only in sight intermittently owing to bad visibility. U 511 reported the same forces at 1615 in CG 1968, was soon forced to dive by an escort vessel and depth charged. Aircraft were located constantly and no further direct contact was made. Boats were ordered to continue provided positions for attack could be reached by first light. During the night U 569 and U 511 broke off and proceeded W. U 511 had some depth charge damage. U 381 started on her return passage because of lack of fuel and bomb damage.
	b)	1)	The following temporary attack areas will be occupied until a patrol line is formed: U 448 : AK 34, U 759 : AK 31, U 405 : AK 32.
		2)	According to recent reckoning, a NE-bound convoy is expected in Group "Haudegen" 's area from 15.2. The group's disposition has therefore been narrowed. Boats are now in the following position, depth 30 miles: U 358 : AJ 7574, U 186 : AJ 7595, U 223 : AJ 7685, U 69 : AJ 8715, U 201 : AJ 8764, U 403 : AJ 8887, U 707 : BC 2156, U 606 : BC 2199, U 226 : BC 2549, U 525 : BC 2813, U 303 : BC 2848, U 607 : BC 5218, U 383 : BC 5514.
		3)	A convoy coming from America may be expected in the Azores area on about 17.2 and Group "Rochen" has therefore been ordered to proceed W. immediately, making a day's run of 140 miles. U 108 has been ordered to return. "Rochen" boats now supplying will join the most southerly boat of the N. group at economical cruising speed in the order in which they leave. It is intended to form a patrol line with all boats from CE 8380 to DG 2820.
	c)	1)	The following have supplied: U 175 from U 118, U 608 and 135 from U 460.
		2)	U 175 has delivered a METOX set each to U 571 and U 620.
	d)	Boat's attention has again been called to the closing of Route A.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 516 - 1 ship 6,000 GRT.

- 86 -

VI.	General:
	Concluding remarks on Convoy No. 8:
	The convoy operation showed again that flexible operation against a convoy in an area close to the coast and covered by air forces is no longer possible with the present state of enemy aircraft and surface radar.
	The operation was ill-fated from the beginning. The boats which were well off for fuel were astern of the convoy, on their way out, submerged and received their orders so late that it was hopeless for them to operate. Particularly bad visibility with fog in parts made it difficult for the boats approaching from the south, with little fuel, to find the convoy. Strong enemy air activity ahead of the convoy, and later close air escort forced the boats to submerge constantly and made it impossible for them to get close up. In less than 3 hours, 3 attacks were made on U-boats, as is shown in radio intelligence reports of aircraft.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

14. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	Op(DH 77)	U 211	-	BF 54	U 436	-	CG 12	U 566	-	AL 78
	66	-	Op(DH 77)	214	-	DH 47	437	-	BD 91	569	-	Op(CG 43)
	68	-	DG 11	217	-	CE 93	438	-	BF 44	571	-	CG 45
	69	-	Op(AJ 79)	218	-	Op(DH 15)	442	-	Op(CG 40)	575	-	BE 99
	87	-	DH 47	223	-	Op(AJ 76)	445	-	Op(CG 14)	594	-	BE 16
	89	-	AK 83	225	-	Op(AK 38)	448	-	AL 23	600	-	BF 72
	91	-	BF 44	226	-	Op(BC 25)	454	-	AK 98	603	-	BE 24
	92	-	Op(AL 47)	228	-	AE 69	456	-	AK 89	604	-	BE 53
	103	-	Op(CG 40)	258	-	DH 47	459	-	FD 36	606	-	Op(BC 22)
	105	-	BF 61	262	-	BF 91	460	-	AK 89	607	-	Op(BC 51)
	107	-	Op(CG 40)	264	-	DH 47	461	-	BF 58	608	-	AK 89
	108	-	CF 81	266	-	BE 53	465	-	BE 52	613	-	BE 61
	118	-	DH 47	267	-	BE 61	468	-	Op(AK 38)	614	-	AK 89
	119	-	AE 66	268	-	BD 63	504	-	DG 65	616	-	AE 69
	125	-	Op(CG 40)	303	-	Op(BC 28)	506	-	Op(GR 59)	620	-	CG 45
	135	-	AK 89	332	-	Op(AK 66)	509	-	Op(GR 59)	621	-	Op(AK 63)
	155	-	CF 52	358	-	Op(AJ 75)	510	-	Op(EE 99)	623	-	Op(AK 63)
	156	-	Op(EE 91)	359	-	AE 84	511	-	Op(CG 42)	628	-	Op(AK 63)
	160	-	Op(GR 44)	376	-	AE 59	516	-	Op(KY 65)	632	-	BF 52
	175	-	CF 97	377	-	Op(AK 38)	518	-	Op(FJ 30)	638	-	AE 84
	176	-	CG 14	381	-	Op(CG 27)	521	-	Op(CF 84)	654	-	Op(AK 62)
	180	-	AF 76	382	-	Op(CG 18)	522	-	Op(KG 54)	659	-	BE 13
	182	-	Op(KP)	383	-	Op(BC 54)	523	-	AF 76	707	-	Op(BC 21)
	183	-	CE 19	402	-	AK 89	525	-	Op(BC 27)	709	-	AO
	185	-	Op(CG 43)	403	-	Op(BC 13)	526	-	AE 69	752	-	BF 50
	186	-	Op(AJ 78)	405	-	AE 78	527	-	AF 76	753	-	Op(AK 66)
	201	-	Op(AJ 87)	410	-	Op(CG 40)	529	-	Op(AK 37)	759	-	AE 78
	202	-	DH 47	413	-	BE 38	558	-	DH 47	D 3	-	BE 64
				414	-	BE 27				230	-	AE 69

	On Return Passage: U 105 - 108 - 125 - 175 - 176 - 214 - 217 - 262 - 266 - 267 - 268 - 381 - 402 - 413 - 414 - 436 - 438 - 442 - 456 - 459 - 465 - 571 - 575 - 594 - 613 - 614 - 620 - 632 - 752.
	Entered Port: U 632 - Brest; U 105 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 758 - St Nazaire; U 432 - 664 - La Pallice; U 409 - Brest.

- 87 -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	Convoy No. 8 see paragraph IVa.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BF 7224, BE 3587, FJ 68.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Operation against Convoy No. 8 was broken off. U 620, 571, 125 and 442, which are short of fuel, are returning, U 103, 107, 185, 382, 410 and 445 are moving away to the west. U 522 is waiting in CF 50 to supply from U 161. The last hydrophone bearing of the convoy was from CG 5473 bearing 210⁰ at 0800.
	b)	1)	After the "Rochen" boats had supplied from U 118, the group will receive orders to be in patrol line from CE 8285 to DG 2785 at 1200/16/2. Course 285, day's run 150 miles. Order: U 521 - 66 - 218 - 43 - 218 - 43 - 558 - 258 - 202 - 87 - 267 and 504. A convoy from America is expected on 17.2. As there is no information on the convoy's probable course, it is intended to form an extended line N. of the Azores. U 410, 445, 382, 569, 107 and 103 are to make for CE 39, U 437 for CE 32.
		2)	Because of bad weather (west 9) a day's run of 60 miles has been ordered for Group "Ritter".
		3)	It is intended to operate one boat in the Hatteras sea area and one in the Florida Straits area, as there have been no U-boats there for some time. Heavy traffic may be expected and success is likely if the U-boats appear suddenly and the Commanding Officers make intelligent use of their opportunities. U 155 is making for DN 30. She is free to proceed via Windward Passage. U 185 will go to CA 87 and have freedom of action to the N. and S.
		4)	Group "Seehund" has been given freedom of action to the S. as far as the boundary of the operations area if no traffic is found inshore.
	c)	The following have supplied from U 118: U 214 on 12.2, U 558, 258, 202 on 13.2, U 82, 264 and 514 on 14.2. The tanker is now sold out and returning.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- 88 -

15. February 1943.

I.	U 43	-	DG 31	U 217	-	CF 48	U 436	-	BF 74	U 569	-	CF 63
	66	-	CE 98	218	-	CE 98	437	-	BD 92	571	-	CG 18
	68	-	DF 34	223	-	Op(AJ 76)	438	-	BF 55	575	-	BF 71
	69	-	Op(AJ 87)	225	-	Op(AK 61)	442	-	CG 18	594	-	BE 28
	87	-	DG 65	226	-	Op(BC 25)	445	-	CF 35	600	-	BE 93
	89	-	AK 83	228	-	AE 67	448	-	Op(AK 34)	603	-	BE 10
	91	-	BE 65	258	-	DG 64	454	-	AK 98	604	-	BE 43
	92	-	Op(AK 69)	262	-	BF 68	456	-	AK 94	606	-	Op(BC 21)
	103	-	CF 65	264	-	DG 61	459	-	ES 97	607	-	Op(BC 52)
	107	-	CG 44	266	-	BE 65	460	-	AK 89	608	-	AK 62
	108	-	CF 55	267	-	BF 44	461	-	BF 73	613	-	BE 66
	118	-	DH 42	268	-	BE 15	465	-	BE 61	614	-	AK 89
	119	-	AE 60	303	-	Op(BC 28)	468	-	Op(AK 02)	616	-	AE 64
	125	-	CG 19	332	-	Op(AK 66)	504	-	DG 64	620	-	CG 19
	135	-	AK 62	358	-	Op(AJ 75)	506	-	Op(GR 99)	621	-	Op(AK 65)
	155	-	CF 46	359	-	AE 76	509	-	Op(CR)	623	-	Op(AK 65)
	156	-	Op(CE 89)	376	-	AE 84	510	-	Op(EO 30)	628	-	Op(AK 65)
	160	-	Op(GR 49)	377	-	Op(AK 39)	511	-	CF 62	638	-	AE 75
	175	-	CF 68	381	-	CG 13	516	-	Op(KY 65)	653	-	Op(AK 62)
	176	-	BF 99	382	-	CF 38	518	-	Op(FJ 30)	659	-	AL 78
	180	-	AF 72	383	-	Op(BC 55)	521	-	CE 95	664	-	BF 91
	182	-	Op(KP)	402	-	AK 89	522	-	CG 45	707	-	Op(BC 21)
	183	-	CD 63	403	-	Op(AJ 88)	523	-	AF 72	709	-	AN 36
	185	-	CG 41	405	-	AL 12	525	-	Op(BC 28)	752	-	BF 64
	186	-	Op(AJ 78)	409	-	BF 54	526	-	AE 64	753	-	Op(AK 60
	201	-	Op(AJ 87)	410	-	CF 32	527	-	AF 72	758	-	BF 58
	202	-	DG 64	413	-	BF 44	529	-	Op(AK 02)	759	-	AL 11
	211	-	BF 45	414	-	BE 53	558	-	DH 64	D 3	-	BE 51
	214	-	DH 16	432	-	BF 91	566	-	AK 93	230	-	AE 67

	On Return Passage: U 108 - 125 - 175 - 176 - 214 - 217 - 262 - 266 - 267 - 268 - 381 - 402 - 413 - 414 - 436 - 438 - 442 - 456 - 459 - 465 - 571 - 575 - 613 - 614 - 620 - 752.
	Entered Port: U 752 - St. Nazaire; U 262 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 607 sank "Atlantic Sun", 11,355 GRT in BC 5163, course 220⁰, 16 knots. According to statements made by prisoners the ship belonged to a convoy which it lost a few nights earlier in a fog. Presumably this was a extra-schedule fast convoy.
		2)	U 509 encountered spasmodic traffic off Capetown, partly strongly escorted, leaving and entering the harbor on the 100 meter line. No night air activity. Good cooperation between land-based radar and sea patrol. Boat sank a 5,000 GRT ship on 10.2 in GR 6844.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BE 7285, BE 6353, AK 91.
	d)	According to an agent's report an American convoy of 27 steamers

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		is said to be leaving Capetown for Australia on 15.2.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	Following the new disposition of Group "Rochen" (see War Log 14.2 paragraph IVb1) U 437, 410, 445, 382, 511, 569, 107 and 103 are being formed into Group "Robbe". They have been ordered to be in reconnaissance line at 1200/17/2 from CF 1671 to CF 4575, course 290⁰, day's run 140 miles.
		2)	Except for 5, all the Group "Haudegen" boats must now have less than 30 cbm fuel. This means that they could not operate even if a convoy is intercepted. Group "Haudegen" is therefore being dissolved. U 606, 69, 201, 226, 525, 303, 383 and 607 have been ordered to return. If these boats require to refuel this can be done in BD 51 from U 460. The remaining boats will stay in the sea area around Newfoundland and occupy the following attack areas: U 358 : AJ 87, U 186 : AJ 88, U 223 : BC 21, U 403 : BC 22, U 707 : BC 25. The Group will be called "Taifun".
		3)	At present there is no information as to what convoy routes are being used and several radio intelligence (X) reports show that the enemy is dispersed over the whole N. Atlantic and several patrol lines are being formed to pick up the convoys.
			In addition to Group "Ritter", which proceeded as reconnaissance line from AK 3784 to AL 4711 at 1200/14/2, course 235⁰, day's run 60 miles, U 759, 405, 448, 638, 359, 135, 608, 376, 566 and 659 have been ordered to form a new reconnaissance line from AD 3718 to AK 3497 at 2000/18/2, course 235⁰, day's run 100 miles. These boats will form Group "Neptun". U 659 will not take up her position until 19 or 20/2, as she is too far away. These 2 lines overlap and should rake an area of about 450 miles. The disposition has the further advantage that it is unlikely to be detected by enemy aircraft.
	c)	1)	U 155 had delivered a METOX set to U 217.
		2)	The rendezvous of U 511 and U 108 in CF 5275 will have to be transferred to CF 5171 owing to strong air activity in the former area.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 607 - 1 ship 11,355 GRT
	U 509 - 1 ship 5,000 GRT




			(Signed): GODT
			Chief of Operations Department
			for B.d.U.


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