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

16 - 31 July 1944

PG30351

     
     
 
16.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 BE 81
U 300
-
 AO 16
U 543
-
 CF 14
U 858
-
 Op(AK 25)
 
129
-
 BE 81
490
-
 FT 15
546
-
 DH 16
859
-
 KF 58
 
154
-
 CC 65
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
547
-
 DT 64
860
-
 KG 98
 
181
-
 Op(LC 80)
518
-
 BF 55
549
-
 Op(EO 51)
861
-
 Op(GA)
 
196
-
 Op(MS 80)
530
-
 Op(EN 33)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
862
-
 ER 97
 
198
-
 Op(KZ 16)
534
-
 Op(AK 67)
804
-
 AK 73
1062
-
 LF 51
 
233
-
 Op(BB 75)
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
855
-
 AE 59
1229
-
 AN 31
 
247
-
 AL 39
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
857
-
 Op(BD 86)      
                         
 
Group Command "Mitte":
 
U 286
-
 Op(AN 37)
U 299
-
 Op(AN 31)
U 319
-
 Op(AN 34)
U 1163
-
 Op(AN 28)
 
295
-
 Op(AN 23)
317
-
 AN 31
994
-
 Op(AF 87)      
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 621
-
 BF 5121
U 767
-
 BF 2790
U 988
-
 BF 6173
 
309
-
 Op(BF 25)
672
-
 Op(BF 26)
953
-
 Op(BF 32)
1191
-
 BF 2790
 
390
-
 Op(BF 32)
678
-
 BF 2790            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 107 - 129 - 247 - 543 - 547.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 257 - Brest;  U 802 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1508  U 1229 air attack without result in AN 2953
     2324  U 286 aircraft attack in AN 3814.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) No U-boat sightings.
    2) Enemy units located in:  AM 5230 - 5360 - 2268 - 7469 - BF 1930.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) After putting to Le Harve U 741 made a report on the situation and her experiences in her operations area.  3 hours after sailing the boat crash-dived and received a 5 cm. hit in the forward periscope (can no longer be extended).  The boat proceeded on via 2798 - 2498 - 2564 - 2562 - 2625 - 2631 - 3176.  At 1428/12/7 she
       
- 467 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      became entangled in some English minesweeping gear and lost her starboard after and forward jumping wire.  The Commanding Officer observed through the periscope that the English minesweeper was trying to haul in the paravanes.  During the night the boat surfaced in BF 3185 and threw the gear overboard.  At 0126/14/7 she was rammed in BF 3191 while using Schnorchel.  Main periscope and Schnorchel damaged.  She put into Le Harve for repairs and made fast there on 16.7.  
      Experiences:  No opposition worth mentioning on the way out.  This confirms the view that the route in the north sector of the Channel is better than the south route.  Anti-submarine activity particularly strong in operations area (constant Asdic and explosive soundings, series of depth-charges and numerous patrol vessels which often stopped for all-round listening).
      Slight anti-submarine activity close to the Isle of Wight coast.  Convoys observed here by their barrage balloons.  Use of Schnorchel very difficult owing to constant traffic of all kinds of vessels.
    2) In view of the favorable situation close to the Isle of Wight coast (convoys, little anti-submarine activity) one boat has been directed to this operations area.
    3) U 275 left Brest for Seine Bay.
    Group Command "Mitte":
    On the orders of C-in-C Navy boats at sea are being withdrawn to readiness harbors, as they are constantly being attacked by aircraft while charging, owing to continuous daylight.  U 286 reported an aircraft attack in AN 3814 at 2324/16/7.  U 299 drove off an attacking Liberator at 0025/16/7.
     Of the returning boats 3 have so far reported.  U 317 has not reported, although ordered to do so.  She reported on 21.6. that she was being attacked by an aircraft.
    Group Command Baltic:
     Both positions occupied again from 17.7.  "Trinidad" (AO 3355 right top) by U 481, "Bengal" (AO 3373 - 3381 - 3385) by U 1193.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) - c) None.
 
 
 
- 468 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d) 1) U 505 must be presumed lost.  This boat was operating off the coast of Liberia and made a situation report on 15.5. which was received very corrupt.  No successes could be deduced from it.  According to her fuel stocks, she should have started on her return passage at about this time.  She has not reported again up to today.  An order to report her position remained unanswered.  Nothing is known of date or cause of loss.
    2) U 1222 must also be regarded as lost.  This boat sailed from Kiel on 13.4. for her first patrol and operated off Nova Scotia until the end of MAy.  On 11.7. she reported 48 hours off Lorient rendezvous, but she did not arrive there.  She was probably sunk by aircraft on 11.7., as, according to a Radio Intelligence report, an English aircraft attacked a U-boat at 1350 in BF 5547.
       
V.   Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
17.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 BE 82
U 300
-
 AO 16
U 543
-
 CG 11
U 857
-
 Op(BD 86)
 
129
-
 BF 55
490
-
 FT 51
546
-
 DH 43
858
-
 Op(AK 23)
 
154
-
 CC 59
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
547
-
 DT 61
859
-
 KF 29
 
181
-
 Op(LC 80)
518
-
 BF 57
549
-
 Op(EO 51)
860
-
 KR 71
 
196
-
 Op(MS 80)
530
-
 Op(EN 33)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
861
-
 Op(GA)
 
198
-
 Op(KZ 16)
534
-
 Op(AK 59)
802
-
 BF 55
862
-
 FC 35
 
233
-
 Op(BB 75)
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
804
-
 AK 57
1062
-
 LF 42
 
247
-
 AL 62
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
855
-
 AE 82
1229
-
 AN 29
                         
 
Group Command "Mitte":
 
U 286
-
 AN 37
U 299
-
 AN 31
U 319
-
 AN 34
U 1163
-
 AN 28
 
295
-
 AN 23
317
-
 AN 31
994
-
 AF 87      
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 309
-
 Op(BF 26)
U 621
-
 BF 2727
U 953
-
 Op(BF 32)
 
275
-
 BF 2713
390
-
 Op(BF 32)
672
-
 Op(BF 26)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 107 - 129 - 247 - 543 - 547 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 963 - 993 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
- 469 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1606  U 994 aircraft attack in AN 2481.
    Enemy sightings:
    0306  in BF 2874 several ships, course 1400.
    0415  in BF 2878 center, course 1550, speed 7 knots.
    0502  in BF 5212 upper center edge.
  b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
No. 18 Group:
1645
 U-boat in unresolved position, 2700, speed 8 knots.
 
2050
 surfaced U-boat in unresolved position, course 1200, speed 2 knots.
 
2057
 U-boat in unresolved position.
    2) English steamer made the following to Colombo at 0648:  Was attacked by U-boat at 0646 in LK 1450 (possibly U 860 or U 196).
    3) Enemy units were located in:  AM 5780 - 3613 - 5710 - 2780 - 4395.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 672 has been allocated BF 3160 as attack area (see War Log of 16.7. paragraph IV a) 1) and 2)).
    2) U 763 reported further experiences, which have been radioed to Channel boats:  Bottoming found very successful when being hunted.  To change position, leave bottom silently without using engines and drift in the current.  By this means boats had no near depth-charges during a depth-charge hunt lasting 30 hours.  When Schnorchel was extended 3 - 4 meters, accurately-placed depth-charges, but with Schnorchel extended to normal distance numerous runs-in by aircraft with inaccurately-placed bombs, no searchlights.
    3) U 963 and U 993 left Brest as Group "Flibustier".  Boats will be in BF 5211 left edge center and BF 5216 center until 19.7. to attack enemy units off Brest.  Procedure as for Groups "Räuber" and "Pirat".  At 0351 boats were
       
- 470 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      ordered to surface because several surface targets had been located in BF 2874, course 1400, BF 2878, course 1550 at 0415 and BF 5212 at 0502.  No sighting reports received from boats.
    4) Group West reports that the outer U-boat routes N. of La Pallice cannot be check-swept any longer owing to the situation off the N. coast of Brittany.  This means that the danger from mines to boats entering and leaving is considerably increased.
    5) The following boats must be presumed lost:  U 678, 767, 988, 1191.
      U 678:  Left Kristiansand on 8.6, passage report on 22.6. from AL 66.  24.6. ordered to steer for BF 3184, on 2.7. boat was to break off and put into Brest.  She has not arrived so far.  According to dead reckoning she was at the W. approach to the Channel on that day.  Nothing known of the cause of loss and date.  Loss occurred in N. Biscay between AL 66 and western approach to Channel.
      U 767:  Left Narvik 22.5.  Passage report 4.6. from AL 16.  8.6. ordered to proceed to W. France at maximum continuous speed and on 14.6. to go to BF 2680.  21. and 22.6. ordered to occupy operations area Seine Bay and Cherbourg.  3.7. ordered to return and report situation.  So far she has not entered port.  Cause and date of loss not known.  Probably in Channel area.
      U 988:  23.5. left Bergen, passage report on 5.6. from AL 36.  6.6., and 8.6., 14.6., 21. and 22.6. orders as for U 767.  18.6. boat was attacked by aircraft in BF 2448.  3.7. ordered to return to Lorient, so far she has not arrived.  Nothing certain known of cause, place and date of loss, but presumably it was due to aircraft attack.
      U 1191:  22.5. left Stavanger, passage report 9.6. from AL 27.  6.6., 8.6., 14.6. and 21.6. orders as for U 767.  3.7. ordered to return, has not arrived so far.  No clue as to cause, date or place of loss.  Presumably in the Channel.
    Group Command "Mitte":
     U 317 and 319 have not yet reported their return.  Both reported aircraft attacks on 21.6. and 15.7. respectively.
     U 994 was attacked by an aircraft with 2 bombs off Bergen at 1606/17/7.  Boat not damaged, 5 wounded.
 
 
 
- 471 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    Group Command Baltic:
     2 boats in operations area (U 479 "Trinidad" and U 370 "Bengal", positions given in War Log of 16.7.).
     U 250 entered Gdynia to fit a direction finder rod aerial.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) As there has been no report on U-boat activity in the Caribbean for some time and U 516 and U 539 should already be on return passage if they are to reach Bergen with their remaining fuel; both these boats have been ordered to report situation and fuel stocks by 22.7.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
18.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 BE 83
U 300
-
 AO 16
U 543
-
 CG 12
U 857
-
 Op(BD 91)
 
129
-
 BF 61
490
-
 FT 83
546
-
 DH 49
858
-
 Op(AK 21)
 
154
-
 CC 81
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
547
-
 DT 34
859
-
 KF 23
 
181
-
 Op(LC 80)
518
-
 BF 49
549
-
 Op(EO 43)
860
-
 JA 35
 
196
-
 Op(MS 80)
530
-
 Op(EN 30)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
861
-
 Op(GA)
 
198
-
 Op(KZ 10)
534
-
 Op(AK 58)
802
-
 BF 54
862
-
 FC 63
 
233
-
 Op(BB 75)
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
804
-
 AK 57
1062
-
 LE 69
 
247
-
 AL 68
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
855
-
 AE 84
1229
-
 AF 67
                         
 
Group Command "Mitte":
 
U 317
-
 AN 28
U 319
-
 AN 34
U 286
-
 AN 35      
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 390
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 672
-
 Op(BF 31)
U 963
-
 Op(BF 52)
 
275
-
 BF 2758
621
-
 BF 2491
953
-
 Op(BF 32)
993
-
 Op(BF 52)
 
309
-
 Op(BF 23)                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 107 - 129 - 247 - 543 - 547 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 962 - 993 - Brest;  U 1229 - Trondheim;  U 129 - Lorient;  U 286 - Kristiansand.
  Sailed:  U 244 - Kiel;  U 300 - Horten;  U 396 - Trondheim.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  At 1204 U 286 reported an attack by a Stirling in AN 3526, which had taken place earlier.
       
- 472 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    0238  U 129 reported a shadowing aircraft in BF 6170 (rendezvous).
  b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
No. 18 Group:
1115
 U-boat 020 55' E., latitude not resolved.
 
1202
 U-boat 030 50' E., latitude not resolved.
 
1302
 U-boat unresolved position, course N.E., speed 2 knots.
 
1412
 U-boat, unresolved position, cancelled at 1424.
(Northern Waters boats)
1450
 U-boat 690 32' N., longitude not resolved.
 
1837
 U-boat in unresolved position course 2700, speed 5 - 7 knots.
 
2009
 U-boat in AF 2394.
    2) 1512 U-boat wake in DN 7684 (Windward Passage).  Probably U 539 on her return passage.
    3) Enemy units were located in:  BF 2620 - 1630.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    U 963 and U 993 (Group "Flibustier") entered Brest.
    Group Command "Mitte":
    U 286 reported an attack by a "Short Stirling" at 1204/18/7 in AN 3528, on her return passage, beaten off, 1 man killed, 7 wounded, including the C.O.  Boat attacked with 2 bombs, no other damage.
    Group Command Baltic:
     U 250 has reported that she is entering Reval, coming from Gdynia.  U 2424 has occupied operations area "Bengal" and U 475 operations area "Trinidad".
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  As U 719 should, according to her fuel stocks, already be on her way back, she has been ordered to switch to coastal radio service at 0800/19/7.
     U 1229 is returning to Trondheim, as her Schnorchel is out of order.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
       
       
 
 
 
- 473 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
19.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 BE 91
U 300
-
 AN 31
U 539
-
 Op(EB 80)
U 855
-
 AE 79
 
154
-
 CC 81
396
-
 AF 56
543
-
 BE 99
857
-
 Op(BD 64)
 
181
-
 Op(LC 80)
490
-
 FT 98
546
-
 DH 73
858
-
 Op(AK 21)
 
196
-
 Op(MS 80)
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
547
-
 DT 31
859
-
 LU 83
 
198
-
 Op(KZ 10)
518
-
 BF 73
549
-
 Op(EO 10)
860
-
 JB 14
 
233
-
 Op(BB 75)
530
-
 Op(EU 30)
719
-
 BE 23
861
-
 Op(GA)
 
244
-
 AO 44
534
-
 Op(AK 85)
802
-
 BF 49
862
-
 FD 47
 
247
-
 AL 92
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
804
-
 AK 57
1062
-
 LE 88
                         
 
Group Command "Mitte":  None.
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 309
-
 Op(BF 31)
U 621
-
 BF 2551
U 953
-
 BF 3248
 
275
-
 BF 2722
390
-
 Op(BF 36)
672
-
 Op(BF 31)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 107 - 247 - 543 - 547 - 719 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 637 - Kristiansand to Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
No. 18 Group:
1902
 surfaced U-boat, no position given, course 300, 10 knots.
 
1912
 surfaced U-boat, 060 50' E., latitude not resolved.
 
1935
 surfaced U-boat, no position given.
 
2102
 U-boat diving in 060 54' E., latitude not resolved, course 1600, 10 knots.
 
2115
 U-boat in 06 30' E., latitude not resolved.
 
2332
 surfaced U-boat in AF 2344, course 1800, 10 knots
 
0311
 surfaced U-boat in 070 15' E., latitude not resolved, course 1800, 10 knots.
    2) Enemy units located in:  AM 7223 - BF 2550.
  d)  None.
       
- 474 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 953 reported 48 hours off Brest.  Boat is coming from the Seine operations area and reported the sinking of 1 destroyer and 20,000 GRT by short signal groups.
    2) U 963 and U 993 made short reports, stating that they had neither seen nor fired on any targets.  U 963 had one hydrophone bearing which corresponded to the positions of radar targets given.
    3) Flag Officer U-boats West reports that the U-boat escort situation has now become the same off Lorient as off Brest.
      U 129 was to have been picked up by escort at point "Leben" on 19.7.  At 0431 3rd S-boat Division telephoned Flag Officer U-boats West to say that the escort had been ordered to put into port, as enemy units had been located in the vicinity of point "Leben".  U 129 had already been picked up.  The enemy units were bombarded by coastal batteries between 0400 and 0500.  Further light enemy craft are to be expected, meaning that U-boat escorts are endangered.
    Group Command "Mitte":
     U 317 and U 319 were ordered to report their position.
    Group Command Baltic:
     U 431 in operations area "Bengal" and U 370 in operations area "Trinidad".
    Atlantic boats:
  b) 1) U 539 reported situation from operations area Caribbean:  5.6. in ED 1224 freighter of 3,000 GRT, course 2100, sunk.  In ED 2394 5 tankers totaling 35,000 GRT torpedoed, of which 9,000 tons in ballast abandoned by crew, probably sunk.  17.7. auxiliary carrier, 6 escorting destroyers 350, in ED 1247.
      Traffic:  Heavy single-ship traffic via ED 1119 and 1244.  Heavy single-ship traffic and small convoys via EC 9535 and between EL 2395 to 3154.  Air and sea patrol in parts only, unpracticed and un persevering.  EL 23 airship by day, after boat had been seen strong air activity by land and seaplanes within a radius of 100 miles.  Aircraft with radar picked up in Naxos.
 
 
 
- 475 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      According to press report the ship-wrecked crew of the freighter "Hollywood" converted to a tanker, landed in Barranquilla.  Ship was sunk by U-boat.  It is presumed that the success is U 539's.  As the 9,000 GRT tanker probably sunk, was torpedoed in EL 2394, and it is also unlikely that she should be mistaken for "Hollywood", it is presumed that this is another sinking by this boat.
      On account of U 539's successes, U 530 and U 549 have been given freedom of action to go further west if fuel stocks permit.  U 518 is to make for EB 90.
    2) U 154 has been allocated the E. coast of N. America as operations area, concentrating off Cape Hatteras.  If it is not possible to remain submerged for any length of time in this area, on account of the high water temperature, she is free to move N.E.
    3) New approach route to Djakarta was radioed to Monsoon boats, Penang base and flotillas.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 539 3 ships 19,000 GRT  
  3 ships 19,000 GRT torpedoed
U 953 1 destroyer    
  3 ships 20,000 GRT.  
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
20.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 BE 92
U 300
-
 AN 31
U 539
-
 DO 49
U 855
-
 AL 22
 
154
-
 CB 96
396
-
 AF 59
543
-
 BF 77
857
-
 Op(BD 61)
 
181
-
 Op(LC 80)
490
-
 GF 22
546
-
 DT 32
858
-
 Op(AK 21)
 
196
-
 Op(MS 80)
516
-
 EC 69
547
-
 DH 74
859
-
 LU 52
 
198
-
 Op(KZ 10)
518
-
 BF 75
549
-
 Op(EO 10)
860
-
 JB 14
 
233
-
 Op(BB 75)
530
-
 Op(EN 30)
719
-
 BE 23
861
-
 Op(GA)
 
244
-
 AO 16
534
-
 AK 50
802
-
 BF 48
862
-
 FD 75
 
247
-
 AL 95
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
804
-
 Op(AK 57)
1062
-
 LP 13
                         
 
Group Command "Mitte":  None.
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 309
-
 Op(BF 31)
U 621
-
 Op(BF 26)
U 953
-
 BF 2760
 
275
-
 Op(BF 24)
390
-
 Op(BF 36)
672
-
 Op(BF 31)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 107 - 247 - 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 719 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 396 - Bergen
  Sailed:  U 863 - Bergen
       
- 476 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) 1723  U 863 aircraft attack in AN 2418.
    2) 0700  8 miles N. Quessant several vessels, presumably destroyers, course S.W.
      2100  aircraft sighted 2 Dido-class cruisers in BF 5118 and 2 destroyers.  1 destroyer sunk and 1 cruiser damaged.
  b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
No. 10 Group:
1305
 U-boat diving 050 20' E., latitude unresolved, 1200, 8 knots.
 
0015
 U-boat in in 09 09' E., latitude not resolved, course 1200.
No. 19 Group:
0750
 periscope in BF 3571 (improbable).
    2) Enemy unit in AL 6353 fixed by radio direction finder.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:  Nothing to report.
    Group Command "Mitte":
    U 317 and U 319 have not yet reported, it is assumed that they were lost by air attack.
    Group Command Baltic:
    Position "Bengal" occupied by U 769 and position "Trinidad" by U 479.
    U 370 reported that she was fired on by shore batteries at 0110/20/7 at the escort dispersal point.
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  U 802 is to make for BB 85.  It is intended to send the boat into the St. Lawrence River.
  c) None.
       
- 477 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d)  U 673 reported that she was about to enter Lorient.  She had been ordered to go to Trondheim, as she is a Northern Waters boat.  Presumably she did not receive the radio message.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
21.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 BF 49
U 490
-
 GF 38
U 546
-
 DT 38
U 857
-
 Op(BD 62)
 
154
-
 CB 94
516
-
 EC 39
547
-
 DH 71
858
-
 Op(AK 24)
 
181
-
 Op(LC 80)
518
-
 BF 77
549
-
 Op(EO 15)
859
-
 LU 25
 
196
-
 Op(MS 80)
530
-
 Op(ED 97)
673
-
 BF 83
860
-
 EB 14
 
198
-
 Op(KZ 10)
534
-
 AK 94
719
-
 BE 26
861
-
 Op(GA)
 
233
-
 Op(BB 75)
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
802
-
 BF 47
862
-
 FL 11
 
244
-
 AO 16
539
-
 DO 52
804
-
 Op(AK 86)
863
-
 AN 24
 
275
-
 BE 29
543
-
 BF 75
855
-
 AL 26
1062
-
 LO 39
 
300
-
 AN 24                  
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 309
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 621
-
 Op(BF 23)
U 953
-
 BF 2759
 
275
-
 Op(BF 25)
390
-
 Op(BF 36)
672
-
 Op(BF 31)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 107 - 247 - 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 673 - 719 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 863 - Trondheim;  U 953 - Brest;  U 637 - Kiel (Group "Mitte").
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  1400  1 enemy cruiser with escorting forces sighted in BF 2877 by our own aircraft.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:  
     
No. 18 Group:
0330
 U-boat in unresolved position.
 
0335
 periscope in 13 25' E., latitude unresolved, course 1200.
    2) Annapolis broadcast at 1315:  deserted schooner, partially under water, in CB 2854.
       
- 478 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 275 will occupy the area Lizard Head and Start Point as attack area.  She has been ordered to proceed to the Seine area if there are no possibilities of attacking here.
    2) Operation of Fliegerkorps 10 against enemy ships off Brest:
      2100/20/7  1 destroyer sunk and one cruiser damaged, both belonging to a formation of cruisers of the Dido class and 2 destroyers.
      On the afternoon of 21.7. operation against enemy cruisers and escort forces.  Results not yet known.  There is however a Radio Intelligence report according to which an English ship reported a bombing attack in BF 5133.
    3) U 953 entered Brest after her Channel patrol.
    Group Command "Mitte":
    U 637 entered Kiel (change of crew necessary).
    Group Command Baltic:
    Operations area "Bengal" occupied by U 242 and operations area "Trinidad" by U 475.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) 1) U 863 is proceeding to Trondheim after an air attack on 20.7. as she has 3 men seriously wounded.
    2) U 862 is now to steer for KZ 77.  She is free to proceed there direct or along the African coast.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
22.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 BF 57
U 300
-
 AF 85
U 543
-
 BF 76
U 855
-
 AL 25
 
154
-
 CB 85
490
-
 GF 66
546
-
 DT 62
857
-
 Op(BD 37)
 
181
-
 Op(LC 80)
516
-
 EC 36
547
-
 DH 34
858
-
 Op(AK 26)
 
196
-
 Op(MS 80)
518
-
 BE 99
549
-
 Op(EE 77)
859
-
 LK 84
 
198
-
 Op(KZ 10)
530
-
 Op(ED 98)
673
-
 BF 91
860
-
 JB 14
 
233
-
 Op(BB 75)
534
-
 BD 32
719
-
 BE 26
861
-
 Op(GA)
 
244
-
 AO 16
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
802
-
 BE 69
862
-
 FL 15
 
247
-
 BE 37
539
-
 DO 37
804
-
 Op(AK 59)
1062
-
 LO 67
 
       
- 479 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 309
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 621
-
 Op(BF 31)      
 
275
-
 Op(BF 25)
390
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 672
-
 Op(BF 31)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 107 - 247 - 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 673 - 719 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 107 - Lorient.
  Sailed:  U 248 - Kiel;  U 260 - 608 - Lorient;  U 214 - Brest;  U 667 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 107 reported an attack by aircraft at 0357 in BF 6175.  Boat afterwards entered port.
    2) 0500  2 enemy shipping targets located in BF 6176.
  b) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
No. 19 Group:
0350
 2 surfaced U-boats in 470 29' N., longitude not resolved.
 
0420
 U-boat in 470 35' N., longitude not resolved.
    2) ASV locations:
     
No. 19 Group:
0557
 in 480 N., longitude not resolved.
 
2228
 ASV location in 040 52' W., latitude not resolved, afterwards unresolved report of ASV location (presumably U-boat).
Gibraltar
0105
 ASV location 050 38' W., subsequently cancelled.
 
0123
 ASV location 470 23 N., longitude not resolved.
    3) English unit located in BF 2390 at 0148.
  c) - d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 953 made the following short report after entering port after entering port:  No opposition on way out in about the center of the Channel.  Bottomed in a counter-current and when a hydrophone bearing was obtained.  Day's run under favorable conditions 40 miles.  Arrived in operations area with battery fully charged.  Many sightings in operations area.
       
- 480 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      0730/5/7 3 convoys identified in BF 3193 totaling about 50 ships.
      1 returning landing craft convoy, 1 convoy of freighters of 3-5,000 tons, both with barrage balloons, to the west troop transport convoy of 8 ships, 7 of them with 2 funnels.  Dropped astern and sank a transport of 7,000 GRT and a freighter of 4,000 GRT with 2 LUT shots and 1 TV.  Sinking observed.  Destroyers searched, but did not find the boat and dropped no depth-charges.  Further sightings of destroyers and convoys, at which boat could not fire as range was too great.  1050/11/7 in BF 3246 large convoy of freighters with 12 9-11,000 GRT ships.  1 destroyer and one ship of about 9,000 GRT sunk with a LUT triple fan and 2 TV.
      Sinking not seen, as periscope dimmed, but according to hydrophones the destroyer sank quickly and the freighter slowly.  Both ships hit the bottom with a wallop.
      No depth-charges.  Started return passage.
      During this submarine chaser groups were twice shaken off by bottoming.
      0405/22/7 enemy destroyer in BF 5226.  Avoided fire by evasive maneuvering.  The boat gained the following new experiences:
     
a) On the bottom the boat is outside listening range with a counter-current and hydrophone bearing up to signal strength 3.
b) Barrage balloons are only used with slow convoys.
c) Schnorchelling up to sea 4, always a reserve of at least 4,000 amps.
d) Transmitting from operations area not heard.
e) Aim at easy conditions for firing LUT so that time can be taken over setting.  In changing conditions TV is better.
f) Keep the hydrophone operator constantly informed of the situation.
    2) U 608 and U 260 left Lorient to attack enemy ships off Lorient.  Boats form Group "Marder" and will be in BF 6175 until 0400/24/7.
      Operation, procedure in operations area, diving and surfacing orders as for groups off Brest.
 
 
 
- 481 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    3) U 214 sailed for minelaying operations S. of Start Point, U 667 for operations area AM 98, BF 22.
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:
    Position "Bengal" occupied by U 679 and position "Trinidad" by U 479.
    Atlantic boats:
     U 516 has started on her return passage from the from the Caribbean and reports the situation:  18.6. ED 86 constant intercepts in Naxos, W-bound convoy heavily escorted, TV miss at escort vessel, explosion after 7 minutes 30 seconds.  No sinking noises.  7.7. tanker of 8,000 GRT sunk in EC 67, 450, 18 knots.  8.7. 5 misses at tanker in EC 82.
    No anti-submarine activity, very slight night air activity, unpracticed.
  b) - c) None.
  d) 1) Reuters reports the sinking of the Brazilian auxiliary ship "Vital de Oliveira" by a U-boat.  Most of crew rescued and in Rio de Janeiro.  According to a Radio Intelligence report all navigational lights in the Bahia and Espirito Santo area have been extinguished since 21.7. (U 861 is in this area).
    2) Experimental Radio Message No. 136 and additional note to Serial Order No. 20 were radioed to all boats.  (Enclosures).
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 516 - 1 ship  8,000 GRT.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
- 482 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
Appendix 1 to War Log of 22.7.44.
Experimental Radio Message No. 136.
       
On Channel patrols, when boats only surface in cases of extreme necessity, the question of the disposal of garbage has become acute.  The following methods used by various boats have been found satisfactory.
       
1) Make a bundle of the refuse and discharge it through No. VI tube.
       
2) Stow refuse in any empty torpedo tube and discharge when full (garbage shot).
       
3) If new type of W.C. is fitted, break refuse up small and throw it in.
       
4) Rinse tin cans out with sea water, hammer them flat and stow them in the boat.
       
Use as few fresh provisions as possible so that there will be little evil-smelling waste.  Take few cases of provisions on board.
       
It is therefore no longer necessary to surface to dispose of garbage and another possibility of being surprised by aircraft is ruled out.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
- 483 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
Appendix 2 to War Log of 22.7.1944.
Additional note to Serial Order No. 20.
       
The experience of one Channel boat indicate that it is better to ventilate the boat with 1 Diesel engine running for 3-5 minutes rather than by equalizing pressure through Schnorchel, having first produced pressure below atmosphere by means of the electric compressor.  Boats are to note their experiences on this subject in their War Logs.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 484 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
23.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
 CB 87
U 300
-
 AF 85
U 543
-
 BF 81
U 855
-
 AL 25
 
181
-
 Op(LC 80)
490
-
 GF 45
546
-
 DT 69
857
-
 Op(BD 37)
 
196
-
 Op(MS 80)
516
-
 DP 45
547
-
 DH 18
858
-
 Op(AK 28)
 
198
-
 Op(KZ 10)
518
-
 CG 12
549
-
 Op(ED 90)
859
-
 LK 57
 
233
-
 Op(BB 75)
530
-
 Op(ED 80)
673
-
 BF 57
860
-
 JB 14
 
244
-
 AO 16
534
-
 BD 36
719
-
 BE 67
861
-
 Op(GA)
 
247
-
 BE 62
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
802
-
 BE 68
862
-
 FL 51
 
248
-
 AO 44
539
-
 DO 33
804
-
 Op(AK 67)
1062
-
 LO 82
                         
 
Group Command "Mitte":  None.
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 275
-
 Op(BF 22)
U 608
-
 BF 6175
U 667
-
 BF 6753
 
214
-
 BF 2759
309
-
 Op(BF 32)
621
-
 Op(BF 31)
672
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
260
-
 BF 6175
390
-
 Op(BF 36)            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 247 - 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 673 - 719 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 673 - St. Nazaire;  U 260 - 608 - Brest.
  Sailed:  U 333 Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  2110  8 enemy destroyers with air escort sighted in BF 2875, course S.E.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
No. 18 Group:
1120
 U-boat in 080 53' E., latitude not resolved.
(Northern Waters)
1137
 surfaced U-boat in AF 2385, course 900, speed 2 knots.
No. 19 Group:
0311
 one surfaced U-boat with 3 escort vessels in BF 6466, course 900, speed 10 knots.
 
0350
 2 U-boats in BF 6719
 
0155
 5 escort vessels were sighted in BF 6185.  This is U 333's escort.
    2) ASV Locations:
     
0242 in unresolved position.
0320 probably surface vessel in BF 9162 (U 667).
0437 in BF 5844.  Cancelled at 0448.
       
- 485 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    3) Enemy units located in:  AL 9690 - 6420 - AM 4530.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 260 and U 608 (Group "Marder") entered Lorient.
    2) U 333 left Lorient.  Boat has been given an operations area between the Scilly Islands and Lizard Head, so that the new Commanding Officer will be able to gain experience on his first patrol in a less dangerous area.
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:
     Operations area "Trinidad" occupied by U 679 and "Bengal" by U 479.
    Atlantic boat:  Nothing to report.
  b) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
24.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
 CB 79
U 300
-
 AF 85
U 543
-
 BF 81
U 857
-
 Op(BD 38)
 
181
-
 Op(LC 80)
490
-
 CG 45
546
-
 DH 76
858
-
 Op(AK 50)
 
196
-
 Op(MS 80)
516
-
 DP 19
547
-
 DH 15
859
-
 Op(LK 28)
 
198
-
 Op(KZ 10)
518
-
 CG 14
549
-
 Op(ED 90)
860
-
 JB 14
 
233
-
 Op(BB 70)
530
-
 Op(ED 80)
719
-
 BE 61
861
-
 Op(GA)
 
244
-
 AO 16
534
-
 BE 14
802
-
 BE 67
862
-
 FL 59
 
247
-
 BE 63
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
804
-
 Op(AK 67)
1062
-
 LO 78
 
248
-
 AO 16
539
-
 DO 86
855
-
 AL 14      
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 309
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 333
-
 BF 6449
U 667
-
 BF 6787
 
214
-
 BF 2755
390
-
 Op(BF 31)
621
-
 Op(BF 31)
672
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
275
-
 Op(BF 22)                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 247 - 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 719 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  - . -
       
- 486 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) 0212  U 862 reported that she had sunk a freighter of 7,000 GRT in FT 8461, course 2900, 11 knots
    2) 1529  1 enemy cruiser and 3 destroyers sighted in BF 2848, course 2200, medium speed.
  b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
No. 18 Group:
2103
 U-boat in unresolved position, cancelled at 2240.
No. 16 Group:
1323
 periscope in BF 3542, attacked with depth-charges at 1340, results not observed.
    2) Enemy units were located in:  AL 9699 - AM 6590 - AN 1823 - BE 5261 - DH 3784.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:  Nothing to report.
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:
    1) Operations area "Trinidad" occupied by U 242.  Operations area "Bengal" unoccupied.
    2) U 475 has been ordered to go to the southern approach to Björkösund.
    3) As further duties have devolved on U-boats in the Gulf of Finland (patrol of Narva Bay and the "Seeigel" minefield) 3 boats are being withdrawn from Group "Mitte" to this area.  It is intended to occupy the positions from 26.7.  From tonight the S. approach to Björkösund will be occupied by 1 boat.  U 479 reported 2 misses at 2 patrol vessels 1 mile E. of Narvi, then depth-charges, no damage.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) 1) U 861 is making for the Cape Town area (afterwards to the Far East).  She reports the situation:  12 - 20.7. in area GB 1624, transmissions from
       
- 487 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      land-based radar picked up in NAxos.  Neutral ships proceed via GB 2442 - 2169 (5 observed).  One Liberty ship in GB 1669, course 2800.
      Slight air activity day and night, blimps with radar.
      Sunk:  0454/20/7 Brazilian auxiliary ship "Vital de Oliveira" in GB 2154, course 230 (also TV miss at escort vessel).  0324/24/7 "Liberty" type freighter in GA 6843, course 300.
    2) As the southern weather boat (857) is starting her return passage on 29.7., the northern and center weather boats (U 858 and U 804) will each move one area further south.
      U 855, coming straight from home, will occupy the northern weather reporting area (AK northern half).
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 862 - 1 ship  7,000 GRT
    U 861 - 1 ship  7,000 GRT.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
25.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
 CB 78
U 300
-
 AF 85
U 543
-
 BF 81
U 857
-
 Op(BD 29)
 
181
-
 Op(LC 80)
490
-
 GG 45
546
-
 DT 33
858
-
 Op(AK 29)
 
196
-
 Op(MS 80)
516
-
 DP 21
547
-
 DH 12
859
-
 Op(MZ 80)
 
198
-
 Op(KZ 10)
518
-
 BE 85
549
-
 Op(ED 60)
860
-
 JB 14
 
233
-
 Op(BB 70)
530
-
 Op(ED 70)
719
-
 BE 62
861
-
 Op(GA 83)
 
244
-
 AO 16
534
-
 BE 18
802
-
 BE 58
862
-
 FT 84
 
247
-
 BF 44
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
804
-
 Op(AK 83)
1062
-
 LY 14
 
248
-
 AO 16
539
-
 DD 91
855
-
 Op(AL 15)      
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 309
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 390
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 667
-
 BF 9113
 
214
-
 Op(BF 27)
333
-
 BF 5548
621
-
 Op(BF 31)
672
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
275
-
 Op(BF 22)                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 247 - 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 719 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
- 488 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1325  U 244 aircraft attack in AN 3617.
  b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
No. 18 Group:
1330
 in AN 3539, course S., speed 10 knots (U 244?).
 
0050
 in AF 4973 U-boat diving, course 2700, 10 knots.
 
0452
 in unresolved position, course N.
      At 0014 an American steamer made a U-boat sighting:  Am being chased, position not known (Indian Ocean, Colombo).
    2) Enemy units located in:  AL 9887 - 9270 - AN 6626 - AM 5390 - CF 5270.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 618 and U 766 entered St. Nazaire for transfer to Brest.  Boats are being moved there as there is no longer a single operationally effective VIIC boat in Brest and thus operations such as "Räuber" and "Pirat" can no longer be carried out.
    2) U 390, which has been longest in the Seine area (sailed 27.6.), has been ordered to return.
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:
    U 475 has occupied "Trinidad" and U 242 "Bengal".
    Atlantic boats:
  b) 1) After leaving Kristiansand, U 244 was attacked by aircraft at 1335, while under escort.  The boat is returning to Kristiansand because of slight damage and 6 wounded, some seriously.
    2) U 859's attack area has been extended to the Gulf of Aden, as she is a Schnorchel boat.
  c)  None.
  d) U 247 situation:
    1) No convoys sighted or heard in hydrophones.  A few small independent ships.
       
- 489 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    2) AM 3680 and 50 southern half "Agathe" to 6.
    3) Land-based radar.  Continuous location transmissions.  Air:  3 sightings by day, 2 locations by night.
    4) Drift mines.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
26.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
 CA 99
U 300
-
 AF 86
U 543
-
 BF 82
U 857
-
 Op(BD 63)
 
181
-
 Op(LN 21)
490
-
 GG 45
546
-
 DT 39
858
-
 Op(AK 29)
 
196
-
 Op(MS 13)
516
-
 DP 23
547
-
 CF 87
859
-
 Op(MZ 94)
 
198
-
 Op(KZ)
518
-
 BE 84
549
-
 Op(ED 59)
860
-
 JB 14
 
233
-
 Op(BB 70)
530
-
 Op(ED 70)
719
-
 BE 62
861
-
 GB 73
 
244
-
 AN 36
534
-
 BE 19
802
-
 BE 57
862
-
 FT 89
 
247
-
 BF 44
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
804
-
 Op(AK 86)
1062
-
 LX 62
 
248
-
 AO 16
539
-
 DD 65
855
-
 Op(AK 36)      
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 309
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 390
-
 BF 3616
U 667
-
 BF 5859
 
214
-
 Op(BF 25)
333
-
 BF 5456
621
-
 Op(BF 36)
672
-
 Op(BF 61)
 
275
-
 Op(BF 22)                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 247 - 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 719 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 618 - 766 - St. Nazaire for transfer to Brest;  U 984 - Brest;  U 671 - Boulogne ;  U 863 - 1229 - Trondheim.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  1140  5 destroyers on a S. course reported in BF 2664.
     1930  U 348 fired a miss at a patrol vessel in AO 3376.  Subsequently depth-charge hunt by 4 V.M.V.s.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
      2018  conning tower sighted in MO 6960 (U 196, 181?).
       
- 490 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
   

2.)

 Enemy units were located in:  AK 6720 - BE 3320.
    3) According to Radio Intelligence an American steamer made the following radio message to Aden:  2315 "Robert HS Hoke" sinking in CR 7537 (position corrupt).  (Red Sea).  Request instructions.  (Possibly connected with sighting report in MO 6960, as same area).
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 618 and 766 left St. Nazaire to transfer to Brest.  The boats are being sent there because there is no VIIC boat ready in Brest and operations such as "Räuber" and Pirat" cannot be carried out any longer.
    2) According to the B.B.C., U 390 has been sunk in the Seine area.  One man a prisoner-of-war.
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:
    Operations area "Bengal" occupied by U 250 and "Trinidad" by U 370.
    U 348 reported that she was depth-charged after firing a miss at a patrol vessel.  Slight damage.
    Atlantic boats:  Nothing to report.
  b) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
27.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
 CA 98
U 490
-
 GG 45
U 546
-
 DT 63
U 858
-
 Op(AK 54)
 
181
-
 Op(LN 21)
516
-
 DE 74
547
-
 CF 81
859
-
 Op(MZ 90)
 
196
-
 Op(MS 13)
518
-
 BE 75
549
-
 Op(ED 50)
860
-
 JB 14
 
198
-
 Op(KZ)
530
-
 Op(ED 70)
719
-
 BE 66
861
-
 GB 86
 
233
-
 Op(BB 70)
534
-
 BE 51
802
-
 BE 58
862
-
 GF 15
 
244
-
 AN 31
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
804
-
 Op(AK 30)
863
-
 AF 56
 
247
-
 BF 55
539
-
 DD 39
855
-
 Op(AK 36)
1062
-
 LX 82
 
248
-
 AO 16
543
-
 BF 82
857
-
 Op(BD 66)
1229
-
 AF 56
 
300
-
 AF 15                  
 
       
- 491 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
 
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 309
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 621
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 672
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
214
-
 Op(BF 24)
333
-
 BF 5417
667
-
 BF 5841
766
-
 BF 6754
 
275
-
 Op(BF 22)
618
-
 BF 6754
671
-
 Op(BF 33)
984
-
 BF 2514
 
  On Return Passage:  U 247 - 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 719 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 247 - Brest.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) 1908  aircraft attack on U 865 in AF 5933.
      1958        "        "        "    U 865     "     5693.
      0008       "        "        "    U 481 (Baltic boat) in AO 3666 without result.
    2) At 0126 U 479 reported:  Am being attacked by surface forces.
    3) 1805  3 enemy destroyers sighted in BF 5242.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
No. 18 Group:
0810
 U-boat diving in AF 7213, course 3200, 8 knots.
 
2015
 U-boat in AF 5660, course 1500, 8 knots (this is U 865, on her return passage, see paragraph III a) 1).
    2) An American steamer sighted a U-boat at 0913 in LD 4230 and fired on her.  At 0920 Colombo radioed the steamer that one of their own submarines was in the vicinity.
    3) Enemy unit fixed by radio direction finder in BE 1457.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
     U 212 has been ordered to return.  She sailed 5.7. from Brest and according to dead reckoning has been in her operations area since 14.7.
       
- 492 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    Group Command "Mitte":
     3 boats of Group "Mitte" (U 958 - 745 - 1001) have been withdrawn for operation in the Baltic.
    Group Command Baltic:
     U 481 reported that she had been attacked by fighter bombers with aircraft armament, without result.  U 479 reported an attack by surface forces (see also paragraph III a)).
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  U 865 was attacked twice by a Liberator flying low, with 6 bombs and aircraft armament.  Boat is returning to Trondheim because of slight damage.  It is not understood why U 865 was not proceeding submerged.  Enquiry is being made.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
28.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
 Op(CA 97)
U 516
-
 DE 73
U 547
-
 CF 58
U 859
-
 Op(LA 40)
 
181
-
 Op(MQ)
518
-
 BE 77
549
-
 Op(ED 50)
860
-
 JB 14
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
530
-
 Op(ED 70)
719
-
 BF 44
861
-
 GB 99
 
198
-
 Op(KZ)
534
-
 BE 52
802
-
 BE 57
862
-
 GF 51
 
233
-
 Op(BB 70)
537
-
 Op(LD)
804
-
 Op(BD 13)
863
-
 AF 52
 
244
-
 AN 24
539
-
 DE 15
855
-
 Op(AK 26)
865
-
 AF 56
 
248
-
 AO 16
543
-
 BF 82
857
-
 Op(BD 44)
1062
-
 LX 76
 
300
-
 AF 14
546
-
 DT 69
858
-
 Op(AK 57)
1229
-
 AF 52
 
490
-
 GG 45                  
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 BF 3272
U 309
-
 Op(BF 32)
621
-
 Op(BF 36)
672
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
214
-
 Op(BF 25)
333
-
 BF 4382
667
-
 BF 5722
766
-
 BF 6771
 
275
-
 Op(BF 22)
618
-
 BF 6771
671
-
 Op(BF 32)
984
-
 BF 2796
 
  On Return Passage:  U 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 719 - 865 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 865 - Trondheim.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  1510  Group of destroyers sighted in BF 2810
     1555        "        "        "        "        "        BF 5182
       
- 493 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    U 475 (Baltic boat) reported that she had torpedoed a V.M.V. (type of motor vessel used as submarine chaser) at 0318/28/7 in AO 3381.
  b) None.
  c) 1) Aircraft of No. 19 Group reported at 1304:  Am investigating patch of oil in BF 2446.
    2) Enemy units were located in:  AM 4881 - BF 2530.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:  Nothing to report.
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:
    1) U 475 reported that she was starting on her return passage.  In area "Bengal" she sank a minesweeper of the V.M.V. II class (see also paragraph III a)).
    2) Both boats which were attacked yesterday have reported.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) U 857 (southern weather boat) has started on her return passage.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 475 - 1 minesweeper.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
29.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
 Op(CA 89)
U 490
-
 GG 45
U 546
-
 DT 93
U 858
-
 Op(AK 81)
 
181
-
 Op(MQ)
516
-
 DE 54
547
-
 CF 55
859
-
 Op(LA)
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
518
-
 BD 98
549
-
 Op(BD 50)
860
-
 JB 14
 
198
-
 Op(KZ)
530
-
 Op(ED 70)
719
-
 BF 44
861
-
 GM 31
 
233
-
 Op(BB 70)
534
-
 BE 56
802
-
 BE 48
862
-
 GF 56
 
244
-
 AN 36
537
-
 Op(LD)
804
-
 Op(BD 16)
863
-
 AF 28
 
248
-
 AO 16
539
-
 DE 13
855
-
 Op(AK 37)
1062
-
 LX 77
 
300
-
 AF 11
543
-
 BF 82
857
-
 BE 72
1229
-
 AF 28
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 BF 3176
U 309
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 621
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 672
-
 Op(BF 32)
 
214
-
 Op(BF 25)
333
-
 BF 1870
667
-
 BF 4693
766
-
 BF 5821
 
275
-
 Op(BF 22)
618
-
 BF 5387
671
-
 Op(BF 32)
984
-
 BF 2762
 
  On Return Passage:  U 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 719 - 857 - 1062.
       
- 494 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  Entered Port:  U 766 - Brest.
  Sailed:  U 296 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 0647  air attack on U 481 in AO 3747.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:
   
No. 18 Group:
1206
 surfaced U-boat in AE 9636, course 100, 10 knots.
    An American steamer sighted a U-boat at 0405 in MQ 2420.  At 2005 an American ship reported:  Am shadowing surfaced U-boat in LN 6330.  At 2035 the same ship made:  Do not require assistance.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    Alderney Flak observed a Liberator flying low at 1430 in BF 3518 left top.  Dropped depth-charges fired aircraft armament and circled round.  Nothing else observed.  This may concern U 212.
    Group Command "Mitte":
    The three boats withdrawn from Group "Mitte" for the Gulf of Finland (U 745 - 958 - 1001) left Kristiansand for Kiel.
    Group Command Baltic:
    1) The following attack areas are occupied:
      "Trinidad" by U 250
      "Bengal" by U 348
      Southern approach to Koivisto by U 370
      Patrol off Narva by U 481.
    2) At readiness:  U 242 - 479 - 679.  U 475 on her way to Helsinki.
    3) U 481 sighted 2 minesweepers between 0600 and 0630 in the south of Narva Bay, and a further 7 unidentified vessels (presumably German).  At 0640 the boat was attacked in AO 3747 by an aircraft (see paragraph III a)).
    Atlantic boats:  Nothing to report.
       
- 495 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  b) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
30.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
 Op(CA 87)
U 490
-
 GG 45
U 546
-
 DU 77
U 858
-
 Op(AK 84)
 
181
-
 Op(MQ)
516
-
 DE 28
547
-
 CF 53
859
-
 Op(LA)
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
518
-
 BD 97
549
-
 Op(ED 50)
860
-
 JB 14
 
198
-
 Op(KZ)
530
-
 Op(ED 70)
719
-
 BF 48
861
-
 GM 33
 
233
-
 Op(BB 70)
534
-
 BE 64
802
-
 BE 71
862
-
 GF 93
 
244
-
 AN 36
537
-
 Op(LD)
804
-
 Op(BD 19)
863
-
 AF 21
 
248
-
 AN 16
539
-
 CC 36
855
-
 Op(AK 28)
1062
-
 KH 35
 
296
-
 AO 45
543
-
 BF 82
857
-
 BE 73
1229
-
 AF 25
 
300
-
 AF 33                  
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 BF 2631
U 309
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 621
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 672
-
 Op(BF 32)
 
214
-
 Op(BF 25)
333
-
 BF 1935
667
-
 BF 4625
984
-
 Op(BF 25
 
275
-
 Op(BF 22)
618
-
 BF 5512
671
-
 Op(BF 32)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 719 - 857 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 618 - Brest.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) 1736  U 481 sank an enemy minesweeper in AO 3666, with TV.
      2030  U 481 (Baltic boat) attacked by aircraft in AO 3666 without result.
    2) 0057  U 348 (Baltic boat) attacked by an M.T.B. in AO 3383, without result.
    3) 0125  aircraft attack on U 618 in BF 5242.  Boat reported at 0340 that she would reach the escort rendezvous 2 hours later.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
No. 19 Group:
1850
 U-boat in BF 2631
 
2018
 suspicious object (oil patch) in BF 2514.
 
0120
 surfaced U-boat in BF 5241, course 3000, 10 knots.  (This is U 618, see also paragraph III a)).
       
- 496 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    2) An American steamer reported a surfaced U-boat at 2115 in MP 47.
    3) According to Radio Intelligence a steamer in convoy was torpedoed at 0135.  Position believed to be in a landing area (possibly U-boat).
      0006 a station in the Azores received an ASV location from an aircraft in an unresolved position.
       
IV. Current Operation:
  a) Western boats:
    U 766 and U 618 entered Brest.  Boats have transferred from St. Nazaire to Brest.  Thus there are once more 2 boats without Schnorchel at 6 hours' readiness in Brest.  U 618 shot down an aircraft on 30.7. in BF 5542.
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:
    In attack areas:
    U 250 in "Trinidad", U 370 S. approach to Koivisto.  U 481 Narva patrol.
    U 481 sank a minesweeper in AO 3666 with TV.  Probable hit on another vessel.  Subsequently boat beat off an air attack (see paragraph III a) 1)).  U 348 was attacked by a motor torpedo boat in AO 3383 without result.  
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  The Japanese U-boat "Föhre" reported 36 hours off rendezvous, entering Lorient.  She will be picked up at 0430/1/8 at point "Leben" by 5 M-boats and 1 T-boat.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 481 - 2 minesweepers
    U 618 - 1 aircraft.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
31.July 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
 Op(CA 87)
U 490
-
 GG 45
U 546
-
 EK 14
U 858
-
 Op(AK 87)
 
181
-
 Op(MQ)
516
-
 DE 26
547
-
 CF 29
859
-
 Op(LA)
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
518
-
 BD 89
549
-
 Op(ED 50)
860
-
 JB 14
 
198
-
 Op(LZ)
530
-
 Op(ED 70)
719
-
 BF 41
861
-
 GN 15
 
233
-
 Op(BB 87)
534
-
 BF 68
802
-
 BD 93
862
-
 GG 78
 
244
-
 AN 31
537
-
 Op(LD)
804
-
 Op(BD 42)
863
-
 AF 13
 
248
-
 AO 16
539
-
 CC 91
855
-
 Op(AK 20)
1062
-
 KH 53
 
296
-
 AO 16
543
-
 BF 82
857
-
 BE 81
1229
-
 AF 13
 
300
-
 AE 35                  
 
       
- 497 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 BF 2618
U 309
-
 Op(BF 32)
U 667
-
 BF 4342
U 672
-
 Op(BF 32)
 
214
-
 Op(BF 25)
333
-
 Op(BF 24)
671
-
 Op(BF 32)
984
-
 Op(BF 25)
 
275
-
 Op(BF 26)
621
-
 Op(BF 36)            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 516 - 534 - 539 - 543 - 547 - 719 - 857 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  0843  U 370 (Baltic boat) sank one V.M.V. II (minesweeper) in AO 3391.
  b)  None.
  c)  Enemy units fixed by radio direction finder in AL 6350 and AM 4520.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
     U 275 reported from BF 3357 that she was unable to dive and was proceeding to Boulogne.  Reason not given.  Boat should have been picked up by escort at 0520.  So far no report has been received.
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:
    U 481 reported, after she had seen extensive wreckage, that 2 R-boats could be taken as sunk for certain on 30.7.
     One other vessel was towed away damaged (see also War Log of 30.7. paragraph IV a 3)).
     This boat also exploded 3 drifting mines in AO 3666 by gunfire.
    U 370 sank a minesweeper type V.M.V. II at 0843 in AO 3391.  Subsequently depth-charged, no damage.
    After an enemy minesweeping formation got through "Seeigel" on 30.7., a second boat has been sent on Narva patrol.
       
- 498 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     Attack areas:  Operations area "Trinidad" is not occupied.  U 479 in "Bengal", U 370 S. approach to Koivisto, U 481 Narva patrol.
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  2 reports were received again yesterday from the Japanese U-boat "Föhre".  It is not clear whether these are new reports or repeats.  "Föhre" was not at the rendezvous tonight.  New time set for 0430/2/8.
     The boat has 14 passengers.  Cargo:  Wolfram, Molybdenum and tin totaling 230 tons, 54 tons rubber, 3 tons quinine.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 370 - 1 minesweeper.
       
       
                                                       (Signed):  GODT.
                                                           Chief of Operations Department
                                                                       for B.d.U.
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 499 -