U-boat Archive - BDU KTB PG30359

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

16 - 30 November 1944

PG30359

16.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AE 67	U 486	-	AO 16	U 979	-	AE 69	U 1221	-	AE 94
	181	-	JL 24	537	-	KN 42	991	-	Op(BF 22)	1223	-	Op(BB 15)
	195	-	JA 35	680	-	AF 75	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1226	-	AK 91
	219	-	JA 38	722	-	BF 46	1006	-	Op(BF 31)	1227	-	Op(CB 94)
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	773	-	BF 54	1020	-	AO 44	1228	-	Op(BB 51)
	297	-	AO 41	806	-	AL 25	1053	-	AE 69	1229	-	AN 28
	300	-	Op(AE 47)	863	-	Op(LT 94)	1062	-	AN 28	1230	-	BC 72
	322	-	AO 33	870	-	AF 87	1200	-	Op(BF 35)	1231	-	BC 56
	396	-	Op(AL 52)	871	-	Op(GR 59)	1202	-	AL 38	1232	-	AF 87
	400	-	AO 33	877	-	AO 41	1209	-	AO 44	1276	-	AN 36
	483	-	Op(AM 61)	978	-	Op(BF 31)

On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 1062 - 1221 - 1229.

Entered Port: (U 322 - 400 - 1276 - Kristiansand); (U 1020 - 1209 - Horten).

Sailed: U 322 - 1276 - Kristiansand.

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

a) -

None.

U-boat sightings:

15th Group:	1350	suspicious object spotted by plane "348 W 20", 55⁰ 35' N., longitude unreadable.
	1415	probable submarine location. Both bearings in North Channel area (U 483, 1003?).
	0858	probable submarine location, locating plane seen at the entrance to St. George's Channel.
18th Group:	0230	probable submarine location in 63⁰ 55' N., longitude unreadable.
	2308	probable submarine sighting in Iceland area (U 300?).

Enemy units were located in: AE 8856, 8784, AF 7860, 7862, AM 5470, AN 2211, BE 8195, BF 1480, 1540.

According to agent's report the Icelandic steamer "Godafoss" was torpedoed on the morning of 10.11. near Reykjavik. (Success of U 300).

On 13.11. Colombo sent the following message to ships in the Indian Ocean: Steer a zigzag

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			course and put out nets in the area between 08⁰ and 18⁰ South and east of 75⁰ East (mid-Indian Ocean).

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	At 2148 U 1276 was slightly damaged by a mine explosion in AN 3561 after she had left Kristiansand. The boat returned to Kristiansand.
		2)	Note on Radio Intercept Intelligence paragraph IIIC 0858: It is assumed that the boat is U 991, as she did not send a state of readiness report for the Channel and had been given the option of operating in the Bristol Channel.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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17.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AE 68	U 486	-	AO 16	U 978	-	Op(BF 31)	U 1221	-	AE 85
	181	-	JL 25	537	-	KN 72	979	-	AE 68	1223	-	Op(BB 15)
	195	-	JB 15	680	-	AF 77	991	-	Op(BF 22)	1226	-	AK 91
	219	-	JB 18	722	-	BF 57	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	773	-	BF 58	1020	-	AO 41	1228	-	Op(BB 40)
	297	-	AO 41	806	-	AL 27	1053	-	AE 68	1229	-	AN 31
	300	-	Op(AE 47)	863	-	Op(LT 68)	1062	-	AN 31	1230	-	BC 74
	322	-	AN 36	870	-	AF 76	1200	-	Op(BF 35)	1231	-	BC 57
	396	-	Op(AL 52)	871	-	Op(GR 91)	1202	-	AL 17	1232	-	AF 76
	400	-	AN 36	877	-	AO 41	1209	-	AO 41	1276	-	AN 36
	483	-	Op(AM 61)

On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 1062 - 1221 - 1229.

Entered Port: U 1276 - Kristiansand.

Sailed: U 1009 - (486) - Horten.

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

a) -

None.

U-boat sightings:

1448	probable submarine location by Iceland-based plane, position unreadable.
1456	plane continued patrol.

Enemy units were located in: AF 7860, AN 2120, 6510, BD 3182, 3570, 5547.

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	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	After she had entered port U 1276 reported: Mine explosion 2053 on 16.11. immediately behind the stern, presumably drift mine on convoy route one mile east of X 7 (lower right hand corner AN 3529). Damage: ballast tank I and water tight stern ripped, tube No. 5 and port Diesel unserviceable. Pressure hull undamaged, no casualties. Boat is going to dock at Horten.
		2)	U 246 broke off her Channel operation while still en route to area, because she was damaged by a depth-charge attack in BE 33. Her short report gives the following details: Proceeded from AM 25 to AM 75 ten days, at night charged under way on surface. No naval or air location, little hydrophone location while running submerged. In BE 33 25 minutes after she stopped running on her Schnorchel a hydrophone bearing was obtained strength 2 on a noise like a Diesel with an intermittent rhythm of 10 - 15 minutes.
			It was recognized too late as an enemy location with Asdic or search gear. Depth-charge fell A -30, A and A + 70. Both periscopes, diving tanks 3 and 5 and vents partly unserviceable, turned back. Then lots of noise like Diesel engine, one location and farther off, a sawing noise (picked up while still running on Schnorchel), then another sawing noise. Presumed that the search group had been stationary and picked the boat up while she was running on her Schnorchel. All round hydrophone listening was carried out every 15 - 20 minutes. Depth-charges A + 70 without effect.
			This report confirms the assumption that the greatest danger when running on a Schnorchel is that the boat can be listened to by surface vessels, without being able to listen herself.
			The best counter-measure is to listen round as often as possible without wasting any time between switching off the Diesel and beginning to listen.
	c)	Yesterday no flying by 19th Group could be detected from radio traffic. Favorable for transport boats (U 722, 773) now entering St. Nazaire.

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	d)	According to agent's report U 1006 was lost by striking a mine. The boat left Bergen on 9.10., making for BE 30. While en route, the boat was to make a report whether boat and crew were in state of readiness for Channel operation. As this report was not received, operation was sanctioned in Channel or Bristol Channel (focal point off Milford). On 15.11. an agent's report was received stating that according to one of the crew of an English minelayer, the boat was sunk in the minefield south of Ireland during the last week in October. The boat sank after surfacing again for a short time. 44 survivors were taken prisoner. The same agent's report stated that new minefields have been laid north and south of Ireland to combat submarines operating in coastal waters.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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18.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AE 69	U 486	-	AN 33	U 978	-	Op(BF 31)	U 1209	-	AO 16
	181	-	JL 19	537	-	KN 87	979	-	AE 67	1221	-	AE 83
	195	-	KR 87	680	-	AN 11	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1223	-	Op(BB 15)
	219	-	JB 24	722	-	BF 55	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1226	-	AK 91
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	773	-	BF 64	1009	-	AN 33	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	297	-	AO 16	806	-	AL 42	1020	-	AO 16	1228	-	Op(BB 40)
	300	-	Op(AE 47)	863	-	Op(LT 39)	1053	-	AE 68	1229	-	AN 34
	322	-	AN 35	870	-	AF 73	1062	-	AN 34	1230	-	BB 99
	396	-	Op(AL 69)	871	-	Op(GR 92)	1200	-	Op(BF 35)	1231	-	BC 71
	400	-	AN 36	877	-	AO 16	1202	-	AL 69	1232	-	AF 73
	483	-	Op(AM 61)

On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 1062 - 1221 - 1229.

Entered Port: U 773 - St. Nazaire.

Sailed: U 1233 - Kiel; U 400 - Kristiansand; U 482 - 775 - Bergen; U 862 - Prick (Batavia).

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

a) -

None.

U-boat sightings:

18th Group:

1925

probable submarine location in 63⁰ 15' N., longitude East unreadable (probably the outward-bound U 870, 1232?).

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American steamer (KNCD) made message at 0410: Ship in BF 2643 upper edge right sent out S.O.S. did not reply to call up.

Enemy units were located in: AM 9950, AN 28, BE 3330, 3690, 2224, BF 1430.

Unidentified American steamer off Havanarfjordur 0512 probably in distress.

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

U 483 gave position as AF 87. Boat turned back on 4.11. from operational area in North Channel, as forward hydroplane was out of order.

During the night of 1.11. she fired a spread of two at a small convoy in AM 5397 and sank 1 steamer and probably another vessel. Also, on 23.10. she fired a spread of three at a Monitor of the "Erebus" class in AM 5396. Explosions after 8, 9 and 9.7 minutes. When submarine is back in port it will have to be cleared up whether these explosions were ground runners at the end of the run (depth of water 44 meters).

Convoy for submarine at 0800 on 20.11. off Hellisoey.

None.

It was reported from Reykjavik that the largest Icelandic passenger freighter "Godafoss" (1,542 tons) was sunk by a German torpedo within Icelandic waters.

24 people lost their lives. 14 members of the crew and 10 passengers (of a total of 12 on board) including 4 women and 4 children (19 people were rescued).

When she was torpedoed, the ship was only 2 hours away from Reykjavik. She sank in 4 minutes. (Reuter report at 1800-1803 on 17.11.).

The loss of U 1006 in the newly laid mine barrage south of Ireland made it necessary to inform U 991, who is already in the Bristol Channel, and U 1202, who is en route there, that the boundaries of the declared mined area must be respected, for the latest information shows that it must be assumed that barrages have been laid. Radioed shipping routes are taken as swept channels.

Reports of Success:

U 483	1 ship	5,000 GRT
	1 vessel

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19.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AF 47	U 483	-	AF 87	U 978	-	Op(BF 31)	U 1221	-	AE 67
	181	-	JL 17	486	-	AN 36	979	-	AE 83	1223	-	Op(BB 15)
	195	-	KR 89	537	-	KW 19	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1226	-	AK 91
	219	-	KR 23	680	-	AM 32	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	722	-	BF 64	1009	-	AN 36	1228	-	Op(BB 40)
	297	-	AO 16	775	-	AF 58	1020	-	AO 16	1229	-	AN 34
	300	-	Op(AE 47)	806	-	AL 42	1053	-	AE 91	1230	-	BB 98
	322	-	AN 28	862	-	LR 79	1062	-	AN 34	1231	-	BC 72
	396	-	Op(AL 50)	863	-	Op(LT 33)	1200	-	Op(BF 35)	1232	-	AF 48
	400	-	AN 31	870	-	AF 48	1202	-	AM 44	1233	-	AO 72
	482	-	AF 87	871	-	Op(GR 60)	1209	-	AO 16
				877	-	AO 16

	On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 483 - 1062 - 1221 - 1229.
	Entered Port: (U 486 - 1009 - Kristiansand).
	Sailed: U 772 - Trondheim; (U 486 - 1009 - 1276 - Kristiansand).

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a) -	b)	None.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings:
			At 1718 patrol plane reported (730 W 11) to Liverpool: Wake or eddy in (probably) 07⁰ 55' W., latitude not readable (55⁰ 17' N?). Message may refer to U 1003 (AM 5627). At 2020 ASV location by patrol plane (LBQ 57), position unreadable.
		2)	Enemy units located in: BE 2223, 2340.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	U 1202 took up station in sea area with focal point off Milford (AM 9816). Operational area not limited to north or southeast, declared mined area forms S.W. boundary. Boat has been instructed to enter operational area by swept channel according to standing order 481 C II 2b. Boat is to take a terrestrial fix off the south coast of Ireland beforehand, and is to take the declared mined area into account. Attention was drawn to the situation reports on the Bristol Channel.

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	c)	None.
	d)	U 722(second transport boat for St. Nazaire) did not enter port on 19.11. Boat has been told that escort will be waiting at the rendezvous at the same times on 20 and 21.11.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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20.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AF 48	U 483	-	AF 84	U 877	-	AO 16	U 1209	-	AO 16
	181	-	JK 38	486	-	AN 35	978	-	Op(BF 31)	1221	-	AE 67
	195	-	KR 92	537	-	KW 54	979	-	AE 82	1223	-	Op(BB 15)
	219	-	KR 96	680	-	AM 33	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1226	-	AK 91
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	722	-	BF 64	1003	-	OP(AM 61)	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	297	-	AO 16	772	-	AF 83	1009	-	AN 31	1228	-	Op(BB 40)
	300	-	Op(AE 47)	775	-	AF 76	1020	-	AO 16	1229	-	AN 34
	322	-	AN 23	806	-	AL 44	1053	-	AE 86	1230	-	BB 89
	396	-	Op(AK 68)	862	-	KB 15	1062	-	AN 34	1231	-	BC 74
	400	-	AN 31	863	-	Op(LT 33)	1200	-	Op(BF 35)	1232	-	AF 47
	482	-	AF 79	870	-	AF 47	1202	-	AM 71	1233	-	AO 74
				871	-	Op(KY 56)

On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 483 - 1062 - 1221 - 1229.

Entered Port: U 722 - St. NAzaire; (U 1276 - Farsund).

Sailed: - . -

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

1756 large target, probably aircraft carrier, in AN 2475. Located by plane.

None.

U-boat sightings:

19th Group:

0143

plane reported she was preparing to attack what was probably a submarine, position unreadable. Message was then cancelled and search continued.

At 0519 unidentified unit passed a message from a plane (UMFT) to "Artonshoefdi" saying that she was about to attack what was probably a submarine in 62⁰ 30' N., longitude West not readable. Same plane sent

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		same message at 0735 in 62⁰ 25' N., longitude West not readable.
		Enemy units were located in: AL 9680, AM 8950, BE 3920, BF 1320, CG 8549.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	Second transport submarine (U 722) entered St. Nazaire. Boat will probably remain in harbor a couple of weeks to make small repairs and give the crew a break. Because of shortage of fuel boat will carry a cargo of vital goods in short supply direct to Norway. A few members of the crew may be transferred to U 255 if desired.
		2)	At 1756 plane reported large target in AN 2475, that was recognized as an aircraft carrier. U 483, who was cruising along the coast to rendezvous off Stavanger, was offered the chance to attack, if she were able. Later the G.A.F. gave the target as a cruiser and finally evaluated it as a motor torpedo boat.
		3)	U 870 has been allotted the area off Gibraltar to operate in. She is proceeding via AL 20 and CF 30. As no anti-submarine defences have been seen recently in this area, the submarine will be able to proceed at night at high cruising speed. The boat has been instructed to avoid the sea area BE 20/30 by cruising west (according to a most recent information anti-submarine defences have been strengthened here).
		4)	According to dead reckoning U 396 will have to return in about 10 days, thus, U 1053 has been ordered to make for the same weather report area.
	c)	None.
	d)	The two transport submarines en route to East Asia (U 219, U 195) have been given Djakarta (Batavia) as new port of destination. Further instructions (rendezvous, recognition signals, convoy route, etc.) have been radioed.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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21.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AF 73	U 483	-	AN 24	U 978	-	Op(BF 31)	U 1221	-	AE 68
	181	-	KY 96	486	-	AN 35	979	-	AE 81	1223	-	Op(BB 15)
	195	-	KS 48	537	-	KW 82	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1226	-	AK 91
	219	-	KS 72	680	-	AM 24	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	772	-	AF 82	1009	-	AN 43	1228	-	Op(BB 40)
	297	-	AO 16	775	-	AF 75	1020	-	AO 16	1229	-	AN 34
	300	-	Op(AE 47)	806	-	AK 69	1053	-	AE 89	1230	-	BB 88
	322	-	AF 79	862	-	KB 45	1062	-	AN 34	1231	-	BB 93
	396	-	Op(AK 68)	863	-	Op(LK 41)	1200	-	Op(BF 35)	1232	-	AE 69
	400	-	AN 28	870	-	AE 69	1202	-	AM 74	1233	-	AO 72
	482	-	AF 75	871	-	Op(KY 65)	1209	-	AO 16
				877	-	AO 16

On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 483 - 1062 - 1221 - 1229.

Entered Port: U 483 - Bergen.

Sailed: - . -

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

a) -

None.

U-boat sightings:

18th Group:	2250	probable submarine location, preparations for attack in 64⁰ 05' N., longitude unreadable.
	2309	message cancelled. "Have spotted a suspicious object 64⁰ 10' N.", longitude unreadable.

"Motor Launch 586" made following message to Portsmouth: 1805 am investigating what is probably a submerged submarine in 142⁰, 15 miles off "South Shabill" (translator's note: "Selsey Bill"?). 1809 have dropped two depth-charges, am continuing search.

At 1128 Air-sea rescue plane sighted an aircraft dinghy or raft carrying 7 persons in AM 3995.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

According to dead reckoning, the following must have begun their return journey from the operational area: U 1223 from Gulf of St. Lawrence and U 978 from the Channel. All

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boats in operational areas have been told that when they have moved away sufficiently, they must transmit situation reports.

Following operational area have been allotted to the next four submarines approaching through the Shetland Narrows:

i)	U 680, convoy route N.E. of Land's End. U 262 was in this area and picked up numerous hydrophone bearings, but did not push on so far as the coastal route.
ii)	U 482, North Channel, on her first trip this boat had great successes close inshore in this area. After temporary stoppage of traffic, U 483 sank one ship, and probably sank another in this area on 1.11.
iii)	U 775 is to attack on the convoy route used by "ENWN" convoys in the coastal area between Cape Wrath and Pentland Firth.
iv)	U 772 (second trip, commander favorably assessed) is to operate in the Channel.

None.

Following observations made by Sea Commandant Channel Isles on 21.11. show how brisk the supply traffic is between the south coast of England and Cherbourg. This information has been passed to Channel submarines.

Between 1100 and 1700 in BF 3528. 2 passenger ships, 1 small freighter, 1 destroyer, 2 LSTs, course south, 3 Libertys course north.

Between 1200 and 1830 in BF 3552: 2 MBTs, 5 LSTs and 5 Libertys, 1 auxiliary aircraft carrier, course south, 3 LSTs and 1 hospital ship course north.

Reports of Success: None.

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22.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AF 76	U 486	-	AN 35	U 979	-	AE 76	U 1221	-	AE 69
	181	-	KY 94	537	-	KW 94	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1223	-	BB 67
	195	-	KS 54	680	-	AM 26	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1226	-	AK 91
	219	-	KS 57	772	-	AF 81	1009	-	AN 28	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	775	-	AF 77	1020	-	AO 16	1228	-	Op(BB 10)
	297	-	AO 16	806	-	AK 92	1053	-	AL 11	1229	-	AN 34
	300	-	Op(AE 47)	862	-	KB 75	1062	-	AN 34	1230	-	BB 87
	322	-	AF 79	863	-	Op(LK 45)	1200	-	Op(BF 35)	1231	-	BB 92
	396	-	Op(AK 64)	870	-	AE 68	1202	-	AM 77	1232	-	AE 68
	400	-	AN 23	871	-	Op(KZ 41)	1209	-	AN 33	1233	-	AO 48
	482	-	AF 77	877	-	AO 16
				978	-	BF 26


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	On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 978 - 1062 - 1221 - 1223 - 1229.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: (U 1209 - 1020 - Horten).

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a) -	b)	None.
	c)	Enemy units were located in: BE 2130, BF 2490.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	Extract from short report made by U 483 (first trip):
		Shipping situation: Moderate steamer traffic in North Channel, only single ships and small convoys during the darkest part of the night, making only low speed. Brisk traffic of small naval craft from destroyers downwards.
		Defences: Patrolled by destroyers, corvettes and motor boats. Destroyers carried "Circular saws" (translator's note: Anti-T5 device), often deterrent depth-charges. Very good noise makers. Day and night air patrols. Frequent locations on Schnorchel, but never followed by bombs. Favorable conditions for running on Schnorchel inshore, little interference, even possible during the day. Shallow water, rocky bottom and layering give good protection against being picked up by hydrophone and radar. Slight diving depths (20-25 meters) are especially favorable in cases of overfall. Anti-submarine measures taken after attacks at first slight, about twelve hours later strong defensive reaction in the vicinity of the scene of action. In one case 349 depth-charges were dropped in 18 minutes.
		To sum up, it can be said that it is perfectly feasible to operate inshore by using Schnorchel and the operations carried out by other boats in the Channel, etc., show that this is not an isolated case.
	c)	Because of the fuel situation in St. Nazaire, it is intended to send a IXC boat to St. Nazaire to

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		refuel U 255. The base is not able to provide the boat with fuel for her return trip to Norway.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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23.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AF 87	U 486	-	AN 35	U 978	-	BF 25	U 1209	-	AN 33
	181	-	GR 96	537	-	KW 97	979	-	AE 76	1221	-	AF 47
	195	-	KS 53	680	-	AM 27	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1223	-	BB 92
	219	-	KS 56	772	-	AF 73	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1226	-	AK 91
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	775	-	AF 77	1009	-	AN 23	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	297	-	AO 16	806	-	AK 86	1020	-	AN 33	1228	-	Op(BB 40)
	300	-	Op(AE 47)	862	-	AN 15	1053	-	AM 13	1229	-	AN 34
	322	-	AF 75	863	-	Op(LK 19)	1062	-	AN 34	1230	-	CB 22
	396	-	Op(AK 02)	870	-	AE 67	1200	-	Op(BF 35)	1231	-	Op(BB 67)
	400	-	AF 79	871	-	Op(KZ 18)	1202	-	BE 39	1232	-	AE 68
	482	-	AE 99	877	-	AO 16				1233	-	AO 41

On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 978 - 1062 - 1221 - 1223 - 1229.

Entered Port: (U 802 - Flensburg).

Sailed: U 869 - Kiel.

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

a) -

None.

U-boat sightings:

18th Group:	1600	probable submarine location with preparations for attack, position unreadable.
15th Group:	1650	The patrol plane "348 W 10" located in AM 5296 reported suspicious oil patch in 55⁰ 45' N., longitude West not readable.
	1228	plane reported to "Artonshoefdi": Am investigating suspicious object; wake or eddy in 62⁰ 47' N., longitude West not readable.

Enemy units were located in: AF 4896, AN 1110, BE 5447, BF 1320.

- 741 -

	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	The torpedo short report made by U 483 showed that at least moderate traffic is running in this area (a steamer about every 2 days). Besides the sightings reported yesterday, a steamer was seen on 21.10. in AM 5623. 23.10. a steamer in AM 5391. 1.11. an escort vessel in AM 5397. Boat was also able to fire at all these targets.
		2)	U 775 has been given the coastal area round Cape Wrath as attack station. If conditions prove unfavorable here, the boat is to proceed close inshore farther to the west.
		3)	U 1221 has reported that she is 48 hours off her rendezvous "Krista". The boat must have proceeded at high speed out in the Atlantic, as she was placed in AF 47 by dead reckoning.
	c) -	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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

24.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AN 23	U 486	-	AN 35	U 877	-	AO 16	U 1209	-	AN 36
	181	-	GR 94	537	-	Op(JG 33)	978	-	BF 25	1221	-	AF 72
	195	-	KT 38	680	-	AM 79	979	-	AE 75	1223	-	BB 93
	219	-	KT 62	772	-	AF 75	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1226	-	AK 91
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	775	-	AM 32	1009	-	AN 31	1227	-	Op(CG 90)
	297	-	AO 16	806	-	AK 88	1020	-	AN 36	1228	-	Op(BB 40)
	300	-	Op(AE 47)	862	-	KN 45	1053	-	AL 34	1229	-	AN 34
	322	-	AF 77	863	-	Op(LK 22)	1062	-	AN 34	1230	-	CB 21
	396	-	Op(AK 62)	869	-	AO 48	1200	-	Op(BF 35)	1231	-	Op(BB 59)
	400	-	AF 75	870	-	AE 91	1202	-	BE 39	1232	-	AE 91
	482	-	AM 32	871	-	Op(KZ 21)	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1233	-	AO 16

	On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 978 - 1062 - 1221 - 1223 - 1229.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: (U 1020 - 1209 - Kristiansand).

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a) -	b)	None.

- 742 -

U-boat sightings:

15th Group:	0904	submarine, position unreadable. Plane was located in AM 53/61. (Sea area north of Western Approaches, approach routes to North Channel). Boat was 3 miles off at first sighting, plane had contact with radio beacon buoy (Gonio).
18th Group:	2052	probable submarine location with preparations for attack, position unreadable.
	2300,	0048, 0150 messages with the same text.
All 4 locations were subsequently cancelled.
19 Group :	Patrol plane (JHH 33) reported at 1942, 2030, 2109 and at 2235 probable submarine locations in unreadable positions with preparations for attack (presumably false fixes).

Enemy units were located in: AL 9880, AM 3030, AN 4210, BC 5310, 3331, 7510.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

U 396 (meteorological boat) announced that she would begin homeward voyage on 28.11.

None.

The agent that reported the loss of U 1006, has now reported from England that new minefields, aimed at new types of submarine that do not need to surface, are being scattered in small groups close to the sea bed. As the mines are deep laid they are outside the declared mined zones and in mine-free channels to counteract submarines that are stalking convoys. Minelayers "Plover" and "Apollo: laid over 2,000 mines north of Ireland during September. Information was obtained from a member of the crew of an English minelayer.

A further report showed that the above mentioned minelayers are to lay similar minefields south of Ireland.

Report is considered here as doubtful, as there is no proof that the agent is still reliable. He has already spent 3 years in England. He is suspected of working for the enemy too.

Reports of Success: None.

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


- 743 -

25.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AN 28	U 486	-	AN 35	U 877	-	AO 16	U 1209	-	AN 35
	181	-	GR 86	537	-	Op(JH 10)	978	-	BF 24	1221	-	AN 31
	195	-	KS 39	680	-	AM 43	979	-	AE 74	1223	-	BC 71
	219	-	KT 41	772	-	AF 77	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1226	-	AK 91
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	775	-	Op(AM 34)	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	297	-	AO 16	806	-	AK 94	1009	-	AN 31	1228	-	Op(BB 40)
	300	-	Op(AE 47)	862	-	KN 75	1020	-	AN 35	1229	-	AN 34
	322	-	AN 11	863	-	Op(MZ 86)	1053	-	AL 35	1230	-	CB 13
	396	-	Op(AK 63)	869	-	AO 48	1062	-	AN 34	1231	-	Op(BB 55)
	400	-	AF 77	870	-	AE 83	1200	-	Op(BF 35)	1232	-	AE 83
	482	-	AM 33	871	-	Op(KP 88)	1202	-	BE 33	1233	-	AO 16

On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 978 - 1062 - 1221 - 1223 - 1229.

Entered Port: - . -

Sailed: U 297 - 485 - 877 - Horten.

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

a) -

None.

U-boat sightings:

15th Group:	1145	"Am investigating suspicious object" (wake or eddy in AM 5531 (U 1003?).
18th Group:	1810	Location probably of submarine in 59⁰ 32' N., longitude not readable. At 2014 same plane located a probable submarine in (probably) 08⁰ 28' West, latitude not readable. Both reports were subsequently cancelled.

Enemy units were located in: AK 0290, BF 4180, BC 3296.

According to high priority radio intercept reports the following radio message was sent at 0546 by Portsmouth to different units: "Keep away from submarine chase in area BF 3196. Your position is BF 3194 upper left".

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

U 482 has been given a free hand in North Channel, where she carried out her first operation.

- 744 -

	c)	None.
	d)	In reply to query whether boats operating in the Channel could still use the St. Peter Port roads as alternative for loading battery when running on Schnorchel, Sea Commandant Channel Isles replied: With the present enemy situation conditions in harbor and roads are more favorable than at the beginning of the invasion. However, during the winter months the prevailing wind is S.W. and the roads may be unsuitable because of changing ground conditions.
		If necessary, anti-mine escort can be provided. No provisions can be supplied to the boats because of own food situation.
		At the time suggested approaches and lights in the Channel Isles were given to B.d.U.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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

26.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AN 43	U 486	-	AN 35	U 877	-	AN 33	U 1209	-	AN 35
	181	-	GR 82	537	-	Op(JH 10)	978	-	BF 19	1221	-	AN 35
	195	-	KT 16	680	-	AM 46	979	-	AD 83	1223	-	BC 72
	219	-	KT 19	772	-	AF 77	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1226	-	AK 91
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	775	-	Op(AM 35)	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	297	-	AN 33	806	-	AK 89	1009	-	AN 31	1228	-	Op(BB 10)
	300	-	Op(AE 47)	862	-	KW 15	1020	-	AN 35	1229	-	AN 34
	322	-	AM 32	863	-	Op(MZ 67)	1053	-	AL 28	1230	-	CB 12
	396	-	Op(AL 41)	869	-	AO 44	1062	-	AN 34	1231	-	Op(BB 54)
	400	-	AF 77	870	-	AE 85	1200	-	Op(BF 35)	1232	-	AE 85
	482	-	AM 26	871	-	Op(KP 80)	1202	-	BF 11	1233	-	AO 16

On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 978 - 1062 - 1221 - 1223 - 1229.

Entered Port: U 1221 - Farsund.

Sailed: U 650 - Bergen; U 297 - 877 - Kristiansand; (U 485 - Kristiansand to Stavanger); U 510 sailed from Djakarta.

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

a) -

None.

U-boat sightings:

18th Group:

1701

probable submarine location, preparations for attack and

- 745 -

		subsequent cancellation of message. Position 63⁰ 02' N., longitude West not readable (AF 7148?).
	2110	probable submarine location, preparations for attack followed by cancellation of message, position unreadable.

Enemy units were located in: AM 9740, BE 2360, 5940, 4474, BF 1516.

Commander-in-Chief Portsmouth sent this message at 1834 to 3 V-class destroyers and 1 (probably) frigate: "Assist search in BF 3193. Search area of other anti-submarine group (6 EG) is marked by buoys". (Compare warning of anti-submarine chase in the same area on previous day).

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

U 1223 gave situation report of St. Lawrence River: Westbound convoys escorted via BA 3598 or scattered along south coast. After being detected area was navigated at night, slight defences close to shore, destroyers that remain stationary from time to time and search groups that lack training. Deterrent depth-charges. Up to 30 meters longer range on hydrophone than periscope. Prevented from running on Schnorchel by lighters both darkened and showing lights, although it would have been possible up to (hydrophone) signal strength 3.

Successes: 14.10. fan of two fired at convoy in BA 3589. Sunk: 1 destroyer. On 2.11. freighter (5,000 GRT) in BA 3829, course 40⁰, 8 knots.

U 300 has turned back from Reykjavik Bay. Only small to medium sized single ships and coastwise traffic. Quiet until 10.11., then a great deal of naval and air activity, not very effective.

Sunk: In AE 4753 steamer "Godafoss" (Icelandic) 1,542 GRT and probably another vessel of 4,000 tons.

None.

U 181 (Far East boat on return voyage) had to leave Capetown area to return to Djakarta. She reported badly burnt bearings, 3 already running on the bronze, no replacement left, main bearings peeling more and more. Reason believed to be dirty oil and tired bearing material.

- 746 -

Possibility of making a rendezvous with another boat (U 195) is being considered.

Sunk: 2.11. in KU 49 tanker "Fort Lea", 10,000 GRT, course 130⁰, 15 knots.

Reports of Success:

U 1223	1 destroyer
	1 ship	5,000 GRT
U 300	1 ship	1,542 GRT
	1 ship	4,000 GRT	probably
U 181	1 ship	10,000 GRT.

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

27.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AN 34	U 486	-	AN 35	U 871	-	Op(KP 80)	U 1202	-	BF 12
	181	-	JA 49	510	-	KB 13	877	-	AN 31	1209	-	AN 28
	195	-	KJ 89	537	-	Op(JH 10)	978	-	BF 18	1223	-	AJ 99
	219	-	KT 22	650	-	AF 87	979	-	Op(AD 89)	1226	-	AK 91
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	680	-	AM 48	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	297	-	AN 31	772	-	AM 32	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1228	-	Op(BB 10)
	300	-	AE 92	775	-	Op(AM 36)	1009	-	AN 31	1229	-	AN 34
	322	-	AM 33	806	-	AK 88	1020	-	AN 28	1230	-	CA 33
	396	-	Op(AK 19)	862	-	KW 41	1053	-	AL 35	1231	-	Op(BB 51)
	400	-	AN 11	863	-	Op(MZ 60)	1062	-	AN 34	1232	-	AE 88
	482	-	AM 28	869	-	AO 16	1200	-	BF 26	1233	-	AO 16
				870	-	AE 87

	On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 300 - 978 - 1062 - 1200 - 1223 - 1229.
	Entered Port: U 869 - Horten; (U 486 - 1009 - Bergen).
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a) -	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: None.
		Enemy units were located in: AL 9820, AM 7610, BE 3490, BF 5280.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	U 1223 has been given permission to use the Denmark Straight.

- 747 -

	c)	Because of the report made yesterday by U 181, U 195 (transport boat en route to Far East) has been ordered to report position and fuel reserves, as according to dead reckoning she must be somewhere in the same area as U 181. She has also been asked whether she can give any driving rod bearings to U 181, if so, how many. If she can, she is to suggest a rendezvous immediately. So far, no message has been received.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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

28.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AN 34	U 486	-	AN 24	U 871	-	Op(KP 60)	U 1202	-	Op(AM 89)
	181	-	JL 55	510	-	KA 39	877	-	AN 28	1209	-	AN 23
	195	-	KJ 90	537	-	Op(JH 10)	978	-	BE 17	1223	-	AK 74
	219	-	KT 20	650	-	AF 79	979	-	Op(AE 47)	1226	-	AK 91
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	680	-	AM 72	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	297	-	AN 28	772	-	AM 32	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1228	-	Op(BB 10)
	300	-	AF 74	775	-	Op(AM 36)	1009	-	AN 24	1229	-	AN 34
	322	-	AM 26	806	-	BD 13	1020	-	AN 23	1230	-	Op(CA 32)
	396	-	Op(AL 01)	862	-	KW 49	1053	-	AL 37	1231	-	Op(BB 40)
	400	-	AM 34	863	-	Op(LA 10)	1062	-	AN 34	1232	-	AE 82
	482	-	AM 02	869	-	AO 16	1200	-	BF 24	1233	-	AO 16
				870	-	AM 11

On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 300 - 510 - 978 - 1062 - 1200 - 1233 - 1299.

Entered Port: - . -

Sailed: U 1009 - 486 - Bergen.

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

a) -

None.

U-boat sightings:

15th Group:

0041

probable submarine location with preparations for attack by plane belonging to anti-submarine unit 133 in BF 2247.

Probably U 1202 was the boat in question, as she is proceeding on convoy route to operational area off Milford.

- 748 -

		Enemy units were located in: AM 3823, 7960, AN 1810, BE 6550, 3690, BF 1740.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	U 170 reported that she was making for Kristiansand. She had been operating in sea area off Freetown.
		2)	Until more information is obtained about the situation in the Channel when the reports came in from U 978 and U 1200 fresh boats now moving up from home waters (U 322, 400, 722) are being given an approach point farther south (AM 70). The reports from U 978 and 1200 are expected shortly, as they are now on their return journey.
		3)	As U 396 is returning, U 1053 has been ordered to begin sending weather reports immediately. Last report from U 396 was sent during the evening of 30.11.
	c)	No message has been received from U 195 (with reference to supplies for U 181, see War Diary for 27.11.). As it is possible that radio message from home base was not heard, the boat has been given permission if necessary to transmit direct to Penang to be passed to home base according to cypher instructions "Taifun".
	d)	1)	Short report from U 1221 shows that boat found much shipping off Halifax. Slight naval and air patrols, boat not molested. It is intended to send U 806 to the same area.
		2)	As the enemy has recently become active on our convoy route, every effort must be made to protect our vital Norwegian convoy traffic. In reply to the question whether submarines could be used as additional convoy escort, F.d.U. made the following suggestion:
			Station a submarine to seaward astern well within sight of the escort vessel proceeding to seaward astern. The commander is responsible for deciding behavior in the event of a brush with the enemy, as the escort leader is not to make dispositions. When naval forces (other than MTBs) are encountered, they are to be attacked at once, if submarine is attacked by plane, she is to dive. After an hour at most a good look round through the periscope is to be made, to see whether it is possible to surface, or the boat is to surface when the escort vessel drops 3 hand grenades. It is forbidden to fire

- 749 -

at merchant vessels. If the submarine cannot reach the convoy after a brush with the enemy, she is to proceed alone to port of destination.

B.d.U. is agreed to this proposal. It is pointed out that anti-submarine hunts in connection with such operations in the area navigated will be forbidden.

The following new serial number 30 for Operational Order Channel No. 2 has been radioed to all VIIC boats:

In exceptional cases when unable to run on Schnorchel in operational area because of enemy situation, battery may be charged close inshore to Channel Isles. Close to the south coast of Gurnsey, or if this is impossible, close to the north coast of Alderney. Carry out recharging while running Schnorchel.

No radio arrival report is necessary, shore stations have been informed of the possibility of own submarines being encountered. If, however, it is necessary to charge battery while on the surface, a radio report must be made giving position and probable length of stay.

Advantages:

a)	Coast gives protection against location.
b)	Enemy naval forces hardly likely because of own land defences, but air attacks must always be expected.
c)	Opportunity for making a position check.

Reports of Success: None.

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

29.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AN 34	U 510	-	KA 61	U 871	-	Op(KP 60)	U 1202	-	Op(AM 97)
	181	-	JL 37	537	-	Op(JH 10)	877	-	AN 23	1209	-	AF 79
	195	-	KK 48	650	-	AF 78	978	-	BE 36	1223	-	AK 72
	219	-	KK 75	680	-	AM 75	979	-	Op(AE 47)	1226	-	AK 91
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	772	-	AM 33	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	297	-	AN 23	775	-	Op(AM 36)	1003	-	Op(AM 53)	1228	-	Op(BB 10)
	300	-	AF 75	806	-	BD 15	1009	-	AF 87	1229	-	AN 34
	322	-	AM 26	862	-	Op(KW 80)	1020	-	AF 79	1230	-	Op(CA 34)
	396	-	AL 27	863	-	Op(MQ 80)	1053	-	AL 02	1231	-	Op(BB 10)
	400	-	AM 33	869	-	AO 16	1062	-	AN 34	1232	-	AL 32
	482	-	AM 02	870	-	AL 34	1200	-	BF 19	1233	-	AO 16
	486	-	AF 87


- 750 -

	On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 300 - 396 - 510 - 978 - 1062 - 1200 - 1223 - 1229.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 485 - Bergen.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a) -	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings:
		2350 by plane "348 W 23" in AM 5262 submarine location with preparations for attack. Boat may be U 482, she is just entering the operational area.
		Enemy units were located in: AM 7180, 7560, BF 4270.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	As U 1221 found the operational area off Halifax favorable, U 806 is going to the same area. It is also planned to send U 1232 there.
		2)	On 26.11. U 510 left Djakarta, returning home by direct route. If necessary, she can meet U 181 (see War Diary for 28.11.).
	c) -	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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

30.November 1944.

I.	U 170	-	AN 35	U 486	-	AF 79	U 871	-	Op(KQ 10)	U 1202	-	Op(BF 22)
	181	-	JL 36	510	-	KA 58	877	-	AF 79	1209	-	AF 76
	195	-	KK 50	537	-	Op(JH 10)	978	-	BE 32	1223	-	AK 45
	219	-	KK 57	650	-	AF 74	979	-	Op(AE 47)	1226	-	AK 91
	296	-	Op(AM 36)	680	-	AM 78	991	-	Op(AM 98)	1227	-	Op(CG 94)
	297	-	AF 79	772	-	AM 26	1003	-	Op(AM 61)	1228	-	Op(BB 10)
	300	-	AF 75	775	-	Op(AM 36)	1009	-	AF 79	1229	-	AN 34
	322	-	AM 27	806	-	BD 41	1020	-	AF 79	1230	-	Op(CA 30)
	396	-	AL 27	862	-	Op(KW 89)	1053	-	Op(AL 52)	1231	-	Op(BB 10)
	400	-	AN 26	863	-	Op(MQ 40)	1062	-	AN 34	1232	-	AL 33
	482	-	Op(AM 53	869	-	AO 16	1200	-	BF 18	1233	-	AO 16
	485	-	AF 87	870	-	AL 35

- 751 -

	On Return Passage: U 170 - 181 - 300 - 396 - 510 - 978 - 1062 - 1200 - 1233 - 1229.
	Entered Port: U 170 - Farsund.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a) -	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings:
		At 1552 escort plane (D 8) with convoy "3 S" reported to Nova Scotia base: Probable submarine location with preparations for attack in CC 2200. This may be U 1230, she is carrying out a special task and is probably lying off-shore because of the full moon period.
		Enemy units were located in: AJ 7480, AM 2480, BE 6520, BF 1250, 2110.
	d)	Unidentified unit reported suspicious object today (Wednesday) between Ostend and the Scheldt Estuary. Object appeared to be a half-submerged submarine making for the west. Unit opened fire, object disappeared. (Inserted in ink in original: "Small battle unit")

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	U 1009 is turning back to Bergen because of faulty Schnorchel float.
		2)	U 300 reported that she is making for Stavanger.
		3)	Because of successful operations by U 1221 off Halifax, the operational area for the two boats in the St. Lawrence has been extended.
	c)	None.
	d)	According to calculations based on provisions carried, the two following boats must have started on their return voyage: U 991 from the Bristol Channel or the Channel, U 1003 from the North Channel.

V.	Reports of Success: None.


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

- 752 -