U-boat Archive - BDU KTB PG32014

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

16 - 30 September 1942

PG32014

16.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	CE 74	U 179	-	Op(FD)	U 407	-	BC 92	U 569	-	Op(AJ)
	68	-	FN 17	181	-	AF 79	410	-	AJ 91	582	-	CF 46
	69	-	Op(DC)	201	-	DF 23	411	-	BC 93	584	-	BC 92
	86	-	BE 93	202	-	DF 23	432	-	Op(AJ)	590	-	Op(DT)
	87	-	Op(DT)	203	-	BE 96	440	-	AL 75	594	-	BC 93
	91	-	BC 93	211	-	BC 93	455	-	CA 85	595	-	Op(AL)
	92	-	BC 92	214	-	Op(DT)	459	-	FM 69	596	-	Op(AJ)
	96	-	BC 93	216	-	Op(AL)	460	-	DF 27	599	-	Op(AJ)
	98	-	BF 60	217	-	Op(EE)	461	-	BC 93	600	-	BE 79
	107	-	Op(DT)	218	-	BC 93	462	-	CF 31	607	-	BD 36
	109	-	EJ 18	221	-	Op(AK)	504	-	FM 92	608	-	BD 41
	125	-	Op(FG)	253	-	AF 79	506	-	FE 71	610	-	AF 79
	128	-	BE 48	257	-	AO	507	-	FF 71	615	-	Op(AL)
	135	-	Op(AJ)	258	-	Op(AL)	511	-	DF 43	617	-	Op(AL)
	156	-	FE 74	259	-	Op(AJ)	512	-	EE 35	618	-	Op(AL)
	159	-	FD 23	260	-	AE 69	513	-	Op(BB)	619	-	AE 69
	163	-	BF 50	261	-	AM 15	514	-	Op(EE)	620	-	AF 79
	164	-	EE 66	332	-	CD 99	515	-	Op(EE)	659	-	BF 50
	165	-	Op(BB)	333	-	Op(DT)	516	-	DP 89	661	-	Op(AL)
	171	-	DO 27	356	-	Op(AL)	517	-	Op(BB)	755	-	Op(AJ)
	172	-	FM 93	373	-	Op(AJ)	552	-	Op(CG)	757	-	AO
	173	-	BE 89	380	-	BC 93	553	-	BE 96	D 5	-	CF 48
	175	-	Op(ED)	382	-	AF 87	558	-	Op(ED)
	176	-	Op(AJ)	404	-	BC 93	564	-	BE 86
	178	-	AM 15	406	-	Op(DT)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 92 - 98 - 109 - 163 - 171 - 173 - 203 - 218 - 411 - 511 - 553 - 564 - 594 - 600 - 608 - 659 - 440 - 462.
	Entered Port: U 659 - Brest; U 163 - Lorient; U 98 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 67 - Lorient; U 597 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 53 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 171 report on situation: No shipping anywhere on route DK 52 - DL 29 - EB 37 - EC 39 via Mona Passage. Only air patrolling.
		3)	U 558 sank coastal freighter (2,000 GRT) in ED 9995, course 270⁰.
		4)	U 165 attacked westbound convoy in BA 3833 and sank freighter (6,000 GRT) by underwater attack. Boat has fired all torpedoes and is returning.
		5)	U 553 sighted 4 darkened steam trawlers on a changing course in BF 6775, when proceeding through Biscay. Three recognition signal challenges met with no response.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: CA 5458, CA 37, CB 11, ED 69, BE 76, BB 14, EE 77, EL 22?, DN 7495.
		U-boat attacks: BC 41, EE 77.
		An unidentified ship reported that she had been torpedoed in BA 3836. Steamer "Alexander Stephan" reported torpedo track in FS 1970.
		English plane was ordered to attack a submarine in AF 7245.
	d)	None.

- 177 -

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 53:

U 221 sighted the convoy again at 0851 in AK 6938. Shortly afterwards U 356 also sighted it in AL 4714. The two boats had slight variations in their fix. About 1100 U 221 was forced to move away to the north by "Q" ship and lost contact. Visibility cleared temporarily and U 356 kept with the convoy. At 1047 she reported it in AL 4741, course southwest, low speed. Boat then lost contact because she had to dive as there were patrols on a course of 230⁰. She sighted nothing further excepting a thick cloud of smoke at 1300 in AK 6991, course south. This was probably made by vessels who had been given the task of drawing submarines away from the convoy. U 216 and U 615 requested beacon signals at 1256 and 1715 respectively. At 1500 U 617 reported a corvette in AK 6947 and destroyers in AK 9313 on a southerly course. From dead reckoning, the patrols produced the smoke reported by U 356. During the afternoon and night, visibility worsened to 2 miles.

At 2030 U 615 sighted large smoke plume in AK 6920 steering varied courses. No other sighting during the night. Group "Pfeil" was ordered to assume that the position of the convoy at 0851 in AK 6938 was correct and to continue to search on a mean course of 240⁰ at 7 1/2 knots.

After carrying out a special task U 455 has been given a free hand in the American area.

New approach point for U 261 is AL 72.

From 2400 on 17.9. Group "Iltis" will cruise in the patrol strip with a southerly course with speed 7 knots.

None.

Despite large Red Cross flag U 156 was bombed five times by an American "Liberator" type plane while towing 4 full life boats. Both periscopes temporarily out of order. Submarine stopped rescue work and transferred all survivors to the boats. She was ordered to render no further assistance in any rescue attempts. Once again all submarines have been told that the safety of our own boats must not be endangered in any circumstances. If necessary, take any steps, even breaking off all rescue work. Only Italians are to be taken on board and they are to be handed over to the French at a pre-arranged rendezvous. As shown by the report from U 156, the Commanding Officer did not believe that the enemy would attack when he saw the Red Cross flag and the rescue attempts. This opinion is hard to understand. It must be assumed that he was influenced by seeing hundreds of survivors fighting for their lives.

Reports of Success:

U 558	1 ship	2,000 GRT
U 165	1 ship	6,000 GRT.

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









- 178 -

17.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	CE 73	U 179	-	FD 29	U 406	-	Op(DT)	U 564	-	BE 96
	67	-	BF 50	181	-	AF 77	407	-	BC 93	569	-	OP(AJ)
	68	-	FN 48	201	-	DF 27	410	-	OP(AJ)	582	-	BF 47
	69	-	Op(DC)	202	-	DF 27	411	-	BC 93	584	-	BC 93
	86	-	BF 73	203	-	BF 58	432	-	Op(AJ)	590	-	Op(DT)
	87	-	Op(DT)	211	-	BC 93	440	-	BE 17	594	-	BC 93
	91	-	BC 93	214	-	Op(DT)	455	-	Op(CA)	595	-	Op(PK)
	92	-	BC 93	216	-	Op(AK)	459	-	FN 77	596	-	Op(AJ)
	96	-	BC 93	217	-	Op(EE)	460	-	DF 27	597	-	BF 50
	107	-	Op(DT)	218	-	BC 93	461	-	BC 93	599	-	Op(AJ)
	109	-	EH 36	221	-	Op(AK)	462	-	BE 98	600	-	BE 89
	125	-	Op(FG)	253	-	AF 72	504	-	FN 77	607	-	Op(AK)
	128	-	BF 71	257	-	AN 36	506	-	FF 74	608	-	BD 54
	135	-	Op(AJ)	258	-	Op(AK)	507	-	FE 95	610	-	AF 72
	156	-	FE 96	259	-	Op(AJ)	511	-	DF 27	615	-	Op(AK)
	159	-	FL 32	260	-	AE 91	512	-	Op(EE)	617	-	Op(AK)
	164	-	EF 14	261	-	AL 37	513	-	Op(BC)	618	-	Op(AK)
	165	-	Op(BA)	332	-	DF 27	514	-	Op(EE)	619	-	AE 91
	171	-	DO 34	333	-	Op(DT)	515	-	Op(FE)	620	-	AF 72
	172	-	FN 78	356	-	Op(AK)	516	-	EE 25	661	-	AL
	173	-	BE 95	373	-	OP(AJ)	517	-	Op(BB)	755	-	Op(AJ)
	175	-	Op(ED)	380	-	BC 93	552	-	Op(CG)	757	-	AN 36
	176	-	Op(AJ)	382	-	v. Bergen	553	-	BF 67	D 5	-	CF 78
	178	-	AL 37	404	-	BC 93	558	-	Op(ED)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 92 - 109 - 171 - 173 - 203 - 208 - 411 - 440 - 462 - 511 - 553 - 564 - 594 - 600 - 608.
	Entered Port: U 553 - St. Nazaire; U 382 - Bergen.
	Sailed: U 437 - St. Nazaire; U 177 - 441 - 442 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 53 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 515 sank freighter "Mary" (7,000 GRT) in EO 4326, course 140⁰, 11 knots. Fast land-based planes in EO 1552.
		3)	U 87 examined the Portuguese vessel "Lobito - Loanda" in DT 6233, she was enroute to Lisbon from Angola.
		4)	U 109 sank British vessel "Peterten" (5,221 GRT) in EH 5258. She was carrying coal from Hull to Buenos Aires.
		5)	U 165 situation report. Irregular convoys along the coast from BB 1485 to BA 3835. Difficult to contact them in BB 18 and 19 because of air patrols. Position in BA 3835 favorable, submerged during the day. Patrolling only before convoy passed.
		6)	U 517 sank an English auxiliary war ship (3,500 GRT) on 11.9. in BA 3911. On 15.9. in BB 1763 a steamer (5,500 GRT) was sunk of a convoy of 21 steamers and 7 escorts. One hit was also probable. Regular convoys via BB 1840 to 1730 and 1470, BA 368 to 3910, outward bound only via BB 20 and AH 9580. At present the use of two submarines when weather is favorable should bring successes.
		7)	U 179 sighted no shipping in DF 10 and 20.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: Ca 29, Ca 51, BB 63, BB 34, EE 7480 (depth-charges dropped in this position) and FC 74.
		U-boat attack in EO 43.
		English planes sighted submarines in BE 8690, BE 9185, BF 4698, BE 3762, BE 6129.
	d)	None.

- 179 -

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 53:

Although visibility improved to about 15 miles the convoy was not sighted again. Operational Control decided to break off the operation if contact was not established by dusk. As there was no further contact, Group "Pfeil" was ordered to take up station in the patrol strip from AK 5966 to 9814 by 18.9. at 2000. Boats were to be in the following order: U 216 - 615 - 356 - 618 - 607 - 258 - 595 - 221 - 617, course 65⁰, speed 6 knots. At 0900 on 19.9. boats are expected to remain stationary in the patrol strip from AK 6589 to 9654. A west-bound convoy is expected here on 19.9. This completes the operation.

The patrol strip for Group "Loss" is being moved to the east, because a convoy was reported by Radio Intercept Service on 16.9. in BC 3819. At 1000 on 18.9. boats will be on station in the new strip from AJ 9125 to 9975.

Because of poor visibility the spacing between boats of Group "Iltis" has again been reduced. At 2400 Group was in its new strip from DT 5619 to 6619.

The following refueled from U 460: U 201 - U 511 - U 332.

Stocks on tanker: 477 cbm fuel, 158 provisions.

U 506 and U 507 transferred survivors to the French vessel "Annamite". U 507 is returning on 17.9. U 506 was bombed at mid-day by a heavy seaplane. Boat is operationally serviceable and is continuing to operate in the same area.

All Commanding Officers are again reminded that attempts to rescue the crews of ships sunk are in direct contradiction to the most primitive rules of warfare after sinking enemy ships and their crews. Orders dealing with bringing captains and chief engineers back remain unchanged.

Reports of Success:

U 515	1 ship	7,000 GRT
U 109	1 ship	5,221 GRT
U 517	2 ships	9,000 GRT	and 1 probable hit.

VI.

General:

Operations against convoy No. 53 were unsuccessful because of unusually unfavorable visibility.

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

18.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	CE 55	U 178	-	AL 92	U 406	-	Op(DT)	U 552	-	Op(CG)
	67	-	BF 49	179	-	FD 86	407	-	BC 90	558	-	Op(ED)
	68	-	FN 79	181	-	AM 32	410	-	Op(AJ)	564	-	BF 73
	69	-	Op(DC)	201	-	DF 40	411	-	BC 90	569	-	Op(AJ)
	86	-	BF 50	202	-	DF 40	432	-	Op(AJ)	582	-	BE 64
	87	-	Op(DT)	203	-	BF 50	437	-	BF 67	584	-	BC 90
	91	-	BC 90	211	-	BC 90	440	-	BE 64	590	-	Op(DT)
	92	-	BC 90	214	-	Op(DT)	441	-	AO	594	-	BC 90
	96	-	BC 90	216	-	AK 80	442	-	AO	595	-	AK 86
	107	-	Op(DT)	217	-	Op(EE)	455	-	Op(CA)	596	-	Op(AJ)
	109	-	DS 95	218	-	BC 90	459	-	FU 19	597	-	BF 49
	125	-	Op(FF)	221	-	AK 80	460	-	DF 52	599	-	Op(AJ)
	128	-	BE 95	253	-	AE 66	461	-	BC 90	600	-	BE 95
	135	-	Op(AJ)	257	-	AN 31	462	-	BF 74	607	-	AK 94


- 180 -

156	-	FE	258	-	AK 80	504	-	FU 18	608	-	BD 53
159	-	FM 41	259	-	Op(AJ)	506	-	FE 96	610	-	AE 66
164	-	DQ 75	260	-	AE 85	507	-	FE 90	615	-	AK 80
165	-	BB 19	261	-	AK 30	511	-	DF 20	617	-	AK 80
171	-	DO 58	332	-	DF 20	512	-	Op(EE)	618	-	AK 80
172	-	FU 27	333	-	Op(DT)	513	-	Op(BB)	619	-	AE 85
173	-	BF 75	356	-	AK 80	514	-	Op(EE)	620	-	AE 66
175	-	Op(ED)	373	-	Op(AJ)	515	-	Op(EO)	661	-	Op(AL)
176	-	Op(AJ)	380	-	BC 90	516	-	Op(EE)	755	-	Op(AJ)
177	-	AO	404	-	BC 90	517	-	Op(BB)	757	-	AN 28
									D 5	-	DG 91

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 86 - 92 - 109 - 165 - 171 - 173 - 203 - 218 - 411 - 507 - 511 - 564 - 594 - 600 - 608 - 440 - 462.
	Entered Port: U 203 - 86 - 564 - Brest; U 257 - 757 - Bergen.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 54 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 462 reported definite sighting of a thick periscope in BE 9895.
		3)	U 619 met neither air nor sea patrol while proceeding through the Iceland Passage.
		4)	U 69 situation report: Apart from convoys reported in CA 7690 and 7990, no shipping. Boat suspected that convoys sail via DC 40 and CA 7990 on the coastal route to CA 7340, then proceed from there singly on the 20 meter line. Much air patrolling, little sea. Constant location, probably from shore stations.
		5)	U 516 reported convoy in ED 9398, course southwest. Forced to submerge by land plane. Contact lost.
		6)	U 175 attacked a suspicious looking steamer in EO 1816. ("Q"-ship). Low flying planes flew round the ship. When submarine made underwater attack the ship remained at an angle of 0⁰ on the bow. In EO 1815 boat sank tanker of 3,000 GRT, course 300⁰.
		7)	U 514 was forced by a flying boat to submerge on 16.9. in EE 7715, bombs were dropped. Boat was stalking a fast transport on a westerly course. Later a destroyer dropped depth-charges. 17.9. fruitless chase of a ship on a westerly course in EE 7759. Boat moved away to make repairs.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BB 3423, ED 93, EO 27, EE 71.
		U-boat attack in EC 17.
		English planes reported submarines in BF 4588, BF 7373, AN 1172, AM 3160. Another plane suspected scoring a hit with a depth-charge in an unspecified position.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 54
		1751 U 599 reported convoy "SC 100" in AJ 9187 as had been expected. Composed of about 10 steamers, course 40⁰, speed 7-8 knots. Group "Loss" was ordered to attack. At 1945 convoy was in AJ 9159, at 2345 in AJ 9217 and at 0145 in AJ 9221. Course 50⁰. At 0430 U 599 reported contact lost, last hydrophone bearing true course 21 in AJ 6876.

- 181 -

At 2235 U 373 made contact in AJ 9184, at 2141 U 410 in AJ 9156. There were slight differences in the fixes of the individual boats. At dusk both boats lost sight of the convoy. Contact was not reestablished by the morning. Weather: Wind West 2, some showers, otherwise good visibility. Enemy must have shaken off the boats by making a cleaver alteration of course after dusk.

The following temporary attack areas have been allotted: U 620 - AE 12, U 253 - AE 14, U 610 - AE 13.

New approach point for U 582, U 597, U 437 = AL 71.

At 1400 Group "Loss" cruised in the patrol strip, course 290⁰, speed 7 knots. (expected convoy was contacted by U 599, see paragraph IVa.

None.

The following additional area has been sanctioned at request of Naval War Staff for attacks on single ships by submarines operating in the Freetown area. For the present the eastern boundary of Route "Anton" is: The Spanish coast as far as the coast of Africa. From there in 300 mile wide strips to the south.

Reports of Success:

U 175

1 ship

3,000 GRT

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

19.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	CE 38	U 179	-	FE 47	U 411	-	BC 90	U 582	-	BE 51
	67	-	BF 47	181	-	AM 24	432	-	Op(AJ)	584	-	BC 60
	68	-	FU 28	201	-	DE 95	437	-	BF 57	590	-	Op(DT)
	69	-	Op(CA)	202	-	DE 92	440	-	BF 44	594	-	BC 90
	87	-	Op(DT)	211	-	BC 60	441	-	AN 35	595	-	Op(AK)
	91	-	BC 60	214	-	Op(DT)	442	-	AN 35	596	-	Op(AJ)
	92	-	BC 90	216	-	Op(AK)	455	-	Op(CA)	597	-	BF 44
	96	-	BC 60	217	-	Op(EE)	459	-	FU 55	599	-	Op(AJ)
	107	-	Op(DT)	218	-	BC 90	460	-	DF 83	600	-	BF 74
	109	-	DS 83	221	-	Op(AK)	461	-	BC 90	607	-	Op(AJ)
	125	-	Op(FF)	253	-	AE 61	462	-	BF 74	608	-	BD 63
	128	-	CF 33	258	-	Op(AK)	504	-	FU 54	610	-	AE 61
	135	-	Op(AJ)	259	-	Op(AJ)	506	-	Op(FE)	615	-	Op(AK)
	156	-	FE 73	260	-	AL 32	507	-	FE 59	617	-	Op(AK)
	159	-	FM 57	261	-	AL	511	-	CD 99	618	-	Op(AK)
	164	-	DQ 46	332	-	DF 47	512	-	Op(EE)	619	-	AL 31
	165	-	BB 55	333	-	Op(DT)	513	-	Op(BB)	620	-	AE 61
	171	-	DO 62	356	-	Op(AK)	514	-	Op(FE)	661	-	Op(AK)
	172	-	FU 55	373	-	Op(AJ)	515	-	Op(EE)	755	-	Op(AJ)
	173	-	BF 81	380	-	BC 60	516	-	Op(EE)	D 5	-	DT 11
	175	-	Op(EO)	404	-	BC 60	517	-	Op(BB)
	176	-	Op(AJ)	406	-	Op(DT)	552	-	Op(CG)
	177	-	AN 35	407	-	BC 60	558	-	Op(ED)
	178	-	BE 24	410	-	Op(AJ)	569	-	Op(AJ)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 92 - 109 - 164 - 165 - 171 - 173 - 218 - 411 - 440 - 462 - 507 - 511 - 594 - 600 - 608.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 382 - Bergen; U 161 - 126 - Lorient; U 575 - St. Nazaire; U 183 - 118 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

- 182 -

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 54 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 87 reported the Swedish vessel "Colombia" from DT 6428. Ship was on a course from Lisbon to Buenos Aries. In reply to enquiry, boat was ordered not to sink the vessel. This order was given after discussion with Naval War Staff in order to avoid possible diplomatic difficulties with Argentina.
		3)	U 516 was again bombed by fast land-based plane when moving away in EE 7176. She reported further details on situation, saying that convoys ran on the Atlantic side of Trinidad too strong air patrols. In EE 7544 boat sank single ship (6,000 GRT) course 220⁰, 12 knots.
		4)	U 217 has achieved no more successes and has turned back to the refueling area.
		5)	U 156 sank British ship "Quebec City" (4,745 GRT) in FE 49.
		6)	U 513 situation report: Movement of escorted ore-steamers from Wabana (Belle ISle) to St. Johns. From here single ships and small convoys to the south and 2 miles from the coast.
		7)	U 109 found confidential instructions giving details of the route from Freetown to Lagos and Tacoradi on board the steamer "Peterton". According to this information, ships set course from ET 6165 via 6411 - 9963 - FF 2231 - EV 7634.
		8)	U 552 has so far observed only neutral shipping in the operational area off Lisbon. No definite patrolling. 19.9. patrol vessel sunk in CG 5832 (according to Radio Intercept Service it was an English corvette).
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DB 56, DC 21, CA 2987, AJ 6912.
		SOS by an unidentified ship in CD 8780.
		Planes reported submarines in BF 2296 and a suspicious patch of oil in AM 5562.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 54:
		At 0705 U 599 sighted the convoy in AJ 6855 on a course of 60⁰. U 96, U 755 and U 259 also made contact. All except U 755 immediately lost contact in fog. When making an underwater attack U 259 was rammed. Slight damage. U 176, U 259 and U 596 were caught unawares in the fog by a destroyer who dropped depth charges. During the afternoon U 569 and U 373 contacted, but lost it finally about 2300 in high seas during a storm from northwest. At 2300 U 373 sighted a second convoy on a westerly course. Boats were instructed to continue operating against the eastbound convoy. As an improvement can be expected in the weather, there is a good chance of finding the convoy again during the day.
	b)	1)	AL 71 is the new approach point for U 619, 260, 382, and 261.
		2)	U 128 is proceeding south via CF 20, 40, DG 90, EH 90, ES 50 to ET.
		3)	It is intended that U 610, 620, 253 shall operate later somewhere about AE 1737 and AD 29 against the south-bound Murmansk convoy that is expected around 22.9.
		4)	U 69 and U 67 are making for BB 18 as their attack area.
			Attention is drawn to the detailed situation reports made by U 517 and U 165.
		5)	Group "Pfeil" has been ordered to steer a course of 245⁰, speed 7 knots from 2300.

- 183 -

On 20.9. at 100 they are to turn back on a course of 65⁰, speed 6 knots.

U 594 refueled from U 461.

U 261 left Kiel on 8.9. on her first operational trip. Since then she has not replied to repeated calls. Several reports of attacks by English planes in AN, AF and AM make it appear that the boat has been sunk by them. No details are known, the boat must be considered lost.

Reports of Success:

U 516	1 ship	6,000 GRT
I 156	1 ship	4,745 GRT
U 552	1 patrol ship
U 98	1 ship	5,000 GRT)	assumed to be mines.
U 69	1 ship	5,000 GRT)	assumed to be mines.

VI.

General:

The following plans for the use of SMA (submarine-laid shaft mines) have been submitted to Naval War Staff.

The size and cruising range of the minelaying submarines suitable for carrying submarine-laid shaft mines make them well-adapted in the main for operations in remote areas - thus, the chances of operating off the coasts of America and Africa must be considered first. Apart from mining activity in these waters, mines could also be laid on occasion in the areas round Iceland and England without wasting much time. An opinion on the conditions in Northern Waters can best be given by the authorities responsible for this area.

II.

Suitable areas for laying SMA (submarine-laid shaft mines) are:

Off the coasts of America:

1)	Areas between Boston and Cape Sable, off Halifax, off Sydney, off Cape Race as far as St. Johns. Depths of water, shipping movements and distance from the coast of the areas of a suitable depth are all equally favorable in these places, whilst the mine barrages or mines can be so laid everywhere that the use of Torpedo carrying submarines need not be affected.
2)	The Mississippi Delta, but as so close inshore and under constant patrol, a more powerful attack would be necessary.
3)	Cabot Straits, St. Lawrence, Belle Isle Straits, Old Bahama Channel, area round Trinidad. However, these areas will be reserved for torpedo carrying submarines as long as there are opportunities for them there.

Off the coasts of Africa:

1)	Outside the South African ports, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, Capetown.
2)	In the Gulf of Guinea off the Congo, Point Noire, Libreville, Lagos and Tacoradi.
3)	Bathurst, Freetown, Monrovia, Duala, Port Harcourt and Calabar are less favorable. In the last three places, Spanish traffic to Fernando Po must be allowed for.

III.

Apart from purely geographical possibilities, shipping, and the anti-submarine defences influence. The use of submarine-laid shaft mines.

Shipping:

1)	The greatest amount of shipping may be expected in American waters, this traffic is also the most important, as it consists of supplies for the European out-posts of our enemy, England. Important supplies for Russia via Iceland also commence their voyage here.

- 184 -

2)	The strategically important traffic round the Cape (of Good Hope) to the African Theater of war is probably considerably less.
3)	Although the shipping in Freetown is important it is less accessible to minelaying than the areas given in paragraphs 1 and 2 because of the depth of water.
4)	Ports in the Gulf of Guinea are less important.
5)	There is little chance of observing the exact traffic lanes before laying S.M.A. mines, because the areas of suitable depth are mostly too far from the coast in an area where shipping can scatter.

Anti-submarine Defences:

1)	It is possible to carry out mining in all the areas named, so far as anti-submarine defences are concerned.
2)	It will be far easier for the enemy to take measures against mine-laying in the American area than in the African.
3)	Further strengthening of general anti-submarine defences must be expected in the American zone. This may well make it more difficult and risky to carry out mine-laying at a later date.

IV.

After due consideration, B.d.U. suggests that once submarine laid shaft mines have been released, the first shall be laid off the coasts of America, because:

There are many opportunities there in important areas with busy shipping where torpedo-carrying submarines have little chance of success.

The general anti-submarine defences will render mine-laying increasingly difficult.

The sewing of submarine mines in American waters will probably have no immediate effect on anti-submarine measures in the important African zones which lie much farther from submarine jumping-off bases. On the other hand, the enemy must always be prepared for submarine-laid mines off the coast of America once he knows they have been laid off South African ports.

Finally, B.d.U. considers the most important argument in favor of minelaying is the chance of gaining immediate successes, by not only causing sinkings but also probably closing harbors, even though this may be only temporary. The prospect of splitting up defence forces and causing alarm in other areas is of only secondary importance.

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









- 185 -

20.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	CF 15	U 177	-	AN 28	U 406	-	Op(DT)	U 558	-	Op(ED)
	67	-	BE 68	178	-	BE 43	407	-	BC 60	569	-	Op(AK)
	68	-	FU 79	179	-	FE 79	410	-	Op(AK)	582	-	BE 15
	69	-	Op(CA)	181	-	AM 15	411	-	BC 90	584	-	BC 93
	87	-	Op(DT)	183	-	AO	432	-	Op(AK)	590	-	Op(DT)
	91	-	BC 60	201	-	DE 89	437	-	BF 48	594	-	BD 67
	92	-	BC 90	202	-	DE 89	440	-	Op(AK)	595	-	Op(AK)
	96	-	BC 60	211	-	BC 60	441	-	AN 28	596	-	Op(AK)
	107	-	Op(DT)	214	-	Op(DT)	442	-	AN 28	597	-	BE 65
	109	-	DS 58	216	-	Op(AK)	455	-	Op(DC)	599	-	Op(AK)
	118	-	AO	217	-	Op(EE)	459	-	FU 86	600	-	BF 81
	125	-	Op(FF)	218	-	BC 90	460	-	DS 11	607	-	Op(AK)
	126	-	BF 50	221	-	Op(AK)	461	-	BC 90	608	-	BE 42
	128	-	CF 34	253	-	AE 27	462	-	BF 50	610	-	BE 24
	135	-	Op(AJ)	258	-	Op(AK)	504	-	FU 95	615	-	Op(AK)
	156	-	Op(EE)	259	-	Op(AK)	506	-	Op(FE 52)	617	-	Op(AK)
	159	-	FM 97	260	-	AL 29	507	-	FE 27	618	-	Op(AK)
	161	-	BF 50	332	-	DE 95	511	-	CE 72	619	-	AL 51
	164	-	DO 27	333	-	Op(DT)	512	-	Op(EE)	620	-	AE 25
	165	-	BC 57	356	-	Op(AK)	513	-	Op(BB)	661	-	Op(AK)
	171	-	DP 15	373	-	Op(AK)	514	-	Op(EE)	755	-	Op(AK)
	172	-	FU 94	380	-	BC 60	515	-	Op(EE)	D 5	-	DS 62
	173	-	BF 80	382	-	AF 87	516	-	Op(EE)	575	-	BF 60
	175	-	BF 80	404	-	BC 93	517	-	Op(BB)
	176	-	Op(AK)				552	-	Op(CG)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 92 - 109 - 164 - 165 - 171 - 173 - 218 - 411 - 440 - 462 - 507 - 511 - 594 - 600 - 608.
	Entered Port: U 173 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 753 - La Pallice.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 54 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 514, after making repairs she moved away to operate against northwest traffic between EO 65 and 15.
		3)	U 202 chased a large single ship in DE 9271, course 80⁰, speed 15 knots. Boat gave up the chase because starboard blower broke down.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BB 1763, EE 8810, EE 87, DM 26, CA 52.
		U-boat attack: AJ 3989.
		S.O.S. sent by unidentified steamer in DF 13.
		American steamer "Petrofuel" reported that it had been torpedoed in CA 8153. (probably mine).
		English plane reported submarine in BE 6190.
	d)	None.

- 186 -

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 54:
		At 1107 U 596 again picked up the convoy in AK 4168. Enemy was on a course of 50⁰. In reply to question whether there was any likelihood that the second convoy sighted was the same as the one first trailed, U 373 replied that she did not think it probable. About 1400, Operational Control decided to direct the 9 boats of Group "Pfeil", which were stationed in AL 40 - 70, to attack this convoy too.
		Proceeding at full speed they should reach the convoy within 20 - 40 hours. The decision to throw in this group was taken because: 1) the convoy for which this group was waiting must have passed the patrol strip already, 2) the only contact we have with the enemy at the moment must be followed up.
		At 1230 U 373 sighted the convoy in AK 4217. U 259 an hour later in AK 4166. U 176 also made contact, but was soon forced to move away. In a day attack U 596 scored 2 hits on 2 freighters. She was hunted with depth-charges. At 1356 U 373 was forced to submerge because of bad visibility caused by rain and fog. At 1510 she fired a spread of three in AK 4215, she heard a hit and then a steamer sinking. At 1800, U 432 reported convoy in AJ 3991, course 50⁰, speed 7 knots, long range escort a long way off. About 3 miles ahead of the convoy a search group of 4 corvettes and destroyers in line abreast; listening sweep! At 1530 U 410 also came up on the convoy in AK 4216 and was forced to submerge by a destroyer dropping depth-charges. Boat sighted several patches of wreckage in AK 4218. Judging by reports from different boats it was assumed for a time that the convoy had divided into one fast and one slow group.
		However, after several boats had completed their fixes, it was discovered that the convoy was still sailing in the same close order. During the afternoon visibility worsened through rain and fog. After dusk the boats all lost contact one by one. The last contact with the enemy was at 0520 in AK 1874, where U 561 sighted a destroyer. The operation is being continued. U 260 and U 619 are also proceeding at full speed towards the convoy.
	b)	1)	U 382, 641 and 442 have been ordered to go via AE 9635 to AE 76 at highest possible cruising speed. The heavy naval escorts of a Murmansk convoy are expected on the homeward voyage.
		2)	From today an "SL" convoy is expected to pass through the strip where Group "Iltis" is stationed. If no contact is established by 2100 on 21.9. the boats are to cruise in the patrol strip on a northerly course, speed 7 knots. At 0900 on 22.9. they will remain in the patrol strip reached and each boat will patrol her own reconnaissance area by steaming to and fro.
	c)	1)	U 594, 92, 411, 218, 96, 380, 91, 211, 407 and 584 refueled from U 461. Tanker still has 267 cbm of fuel and 90 day's provisions.
		2)	U 109 refueled for her return voyage from U 460.


- 187 -

U 68 is taking over from U 156 in Group "Eisbär". U 68 will be replaced by U 159, a new boat joining the group! The boats have been informed.

Reports of Success:

U 596

2 ships

10,000 GRT.

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

21.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	BE 79	U 178	-	BE 76	U 407	-	BC 60	U 569	-	Op(AK)
	67	-	BE 59	179	-	FM 15	410	-	Op(AK)	575	-	BF 82
	68	-	FU 98	181	-	AL 28	411	-	BC 90	582	-	AL 78
	69	-	CA 95	183	-	AN 36	432	-	Op(AK)	584	-	BC 60
	87	-	Op(DT)	201	-	DQ 14	437	-	BE 64	590	-	Op(DT)
	91	-	BC 60	202	-	DE 89	440	-	BF 50	594	-	BE 47
	92	-	BE 81	211	-	BC 69	441	-	AF 79	595	-	Op(AK)
	96	-	BD 17	214	-	Op(DT)	442	-	AF 79	596	-	Op(AK)
	107	-	Op(DT)	216	-	Op(AK)	455	-	Op(DC)	597	-	BE 53
	109	-	DS 13	217	-	EE 62	459	-	CG 12	599	-	Op(AK)
	118	-	AN 36	218	-	BC 90	460	-	DS 54	600	-	BF 80
	125	-	Op(FF)	221	-	Op(AK)	461	-	BC 99	607	-	Op(AK)
	126	-	BF 49	253	-	Op(AE 14)	462	-	BF 60	608	-	BE 55
	128	-	CF 52	258	-	Op(AK)	504	-	CG 13	610	-	Op(AE 15)
	135	-	AK 73	259	-	Op(AK)	506	-	FE 43	615	-	Op(AK)
	156	-	FE 43	260	-	AK 30	507	-	FE 11	617	-	Op(AK)
	159	-	FU 14	332	-	DQ 21	511	-	CE 52	618	-	Op(AK)
	161	-	BF 49	333	-	Op(DT)	512	-	Op(EO)	619	-	AK 30
	164	-	DE 94	356	-	Op(AK)	513	-	Op(BB)	620	-	Op(AE 12)
	165	-	BC 68	373	-	Op(AK)	514	-	EO 34	661	-	Op(AK)
	171	-	DD 99	380	-	BC 60	515	-	Op(EO)	753	-	BF 91
	172	-	CG 12	382	-	AF 75	516	-	Op(EE)	755	-	Op(AK)
	175	-	Op(EO)	404	-	BC 60	517	-	Op(BB)	D 5	-	DS 91
	176	-	Op(AJ)	406	-	Op(DT)	552	-	Op(CG)
	177	-	AF 79				558	-	Op(ED)

	On Return Passage:
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 54 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 175 sank a freighter (6,000 GRT) in EO 1865, course 188⁰, speed 8 knots.
		3)	U 608 was bombed by a "Catalina" when on her return voyage in BE 6617, no damage.

- 188 -

		4)	U 211 reported tanker with flag in BC 6539, course 20⁰. She was ordered to sink the vessel unless it was recognized as Irish.
		5)	U 87, belonging to Group "Iltis", sighted 4 silhouettes in DT 6159 at 0300. Boat was chased away by a destroyer and lost contact. Has been searching since then on northerly courses without success. According to own dead reckoning "SL 122" must be in the vicinity, so Group "Iltis" has been ordered to operate in accordance with report from U 87. So far contact has not been re-established.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: CA 33, ED 94, BD 61, FM 2471, DO 79, ED 13, AK 16.
		U-boat attack: BB 78.
		English planes reported submarines in AB 4174, AE 1569, BE 3787.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 54:
		In the past night U 599 was shelled in AK 1794. It was foggy. Boat assumed radar location. At 1338 U 596 again made contact in AK 1843, course 50⁰. At 1412 it picked up a destroyer in AK 1823 and at 1837 was chased away by her. Contact was lost in rain and poor visibility. U 755 sighted a destroyer for a short time, U 615 was passed over in succession by two when in AK 1668. The weather had meantime grown so bad that the boats had to cruise and it was impossible to use any weapons. Southwest - west storm or hurricane was reported. During the day, U 373, U 176 and U 569 turned back because of lack of fuel. At 1615, U 259 reported 3 "Consolidated" in AK 2711, which was some 34⁰ West. During the afternoon U 432 and U 595 also reported flying boats. By morning no other contact with the enemy had been made. It is intended to ride out the storm and then continue operations against the convoy.
	b)	1)	U 178 is cruising farther via CF 70, DG 95, EH 90, to GH 80.
		2)	U 514 is only partly serviceable and is operating east of the left edge of EP.
		3)	Group "Vorwärts" has refueled and is manning a patrol strip from BC 3143 to 3851 in the following order: U 96, 380, 91, 404, 211, 407, 594. An east-bound convoy is expected.
		4)	New approach points have been allotted for the following boats: U 575, 753, 254 = AL 91; U 106 - BB 18; U 161 and 126 = FP 23.
			Temporary attack area for U 582 = AL 71. Depth 100 miles.
		5)	U 201, 202 and 332 have been given a free hand off Trinidad and east of it. Boats have been informed of previous situation report.
			According to U 564 the position is as follows.

- 189 -

I.	In the area 180 miles round ED 98 dived during the day as a matter of principle. Danger from small, fast, land-based bombers. If submarine is sighted shipping takes a different course.
II.	The shipping discovered generally runs for 5 days on a narrow route. Other boats will only be successful if they arrive very quickly.
III.	So far no night air patrols excepting when escorting a convoy. No location noticed.

U 506 took over 30 cbm from U 156.

The number of cases of boats leaving home ports and having to put in to Bergen for repairs has increased recently. This means that these boats do not reach the operational area for 3 or 4 days. Yards in the home area have had this unsatisfactory state of affairs pointed out to them.

Reports of Success:

U 175

1 ship

6,000 GRT

VI.

General:

The following report has been made to Naval War Staff on the operational use of submarine type IX D2 and the Italian submarine-cruiser "Cagni":

En route to the operations area U 179 is about at the Equator, U 178 west of Biscay, U 181 west of Scotland.

B.d.U. intends to use the boats in the area off Cape Town and off the coast of East Africa up to the Madagascar area. They will attack shipping sailing to and from Eastern Asia and North Africa, and if the occasion arises, against supplies from Madagascar.

The Italian F.d.U. at Bordeaux informed us that the Italian submarine "Cagni" should pass Gibraltar about 15:10, and is to operate in that area. Boat has a cruising range of 25,000 miles and caries 42 torpedoes. B.d.U. has no objection to the Italian plan. The Italians have not been informed of the plan set out in B.d.U. communication, S.O. only No. 372 of 20.9.

It is assumed that in accordance with the German-Japanese OPerational boundary 70⁰ East, no Japanese forces are in the area mentioned.

It must, however, be stated that according to information from the Italian F.d.U., the Italians have approached the Japanese about using the cruiser "Eritrea", now in Japan, as a supply ship for "Cagni". Apparently the Japanese are not at all inclined to do this and stated that they intended operating very shortly in the East Africa-Madagascar area with 40 to 50 submarines. It is requested that this point shall be cleared up. However, the Italian B.d.U. requested that no mention should be made of Italian - Japanese negotiations when so doing.

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

- 190 -

22.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	BE 92	U 178	-	CF 24	U 406	-	Op(DT)	U 575	-	BF 48
	67	-	BE 67	179	-	FM 53	407	-	Op(BC)	582	-	AL 70
	68	-	CG 16	181	-	AL 55	410	-	Op(AK)	584	-	Op(BC)
	69	-	CB 44	183	-	AN 29	411	-	BE 47	590	-	Op(DT)
	87	-	DT 38	201	-	DQ 35	432	-	Op(AK)	594	-	BE 49
	91	-	Op(BC)	202	-	DQ 15	437	-	BE 52	595	-	Op(AK)
	92	-	BE 58	211	-	BC 38	441	-	AE 96	596	-	Op(AK)
	96	-	Op(BC)	214	-	Op(DT)	442	-	AE 96	597	-	BE 55
	107	-	Op(DT)	216	-	Op(AK)	455	-	Op(DC)	599	-	Op(AK)
	109	-	DG 76	217	-	EE 38	459	-	CG 19	607	-	Op(AK)
	118	-	AN 28	218	-	BD 68	460	-	DS 82	608	-	BE 65
	125	-	Op(FF)	221	-	Op(AK)	461	-	CD 25	610	-	Op(AE 15)
	126	-	BE 71	253	-	Op(AE 14)	504	-	CG 19	615	-	Op(AK)
	128	-	CF 49	254	-	BF 54	506	-	Op(FE 50)	617	-	Op(AK)
	135	-	AK 85	257	-	AF 76	507	-	ES 94	618	-	Op(AK)
	156	-	Op(FE 50)	258	-	Op(AK)	511	-	CE 38	619	-	Op(AK)
	159	-	FU 51	259	-	Op(AK)	512	-	Op(EE)	620	-	Op(AE 12)
	161	-	BF 71	260	-	Op(AK)	513	-	Op(BB)	661	-	Op(AK)
	164	-	DE 65	332	-	DQ 15	514	-	Op(EP)	753	-	BF 82
	165	-	BD 43	333	-	Op(DT)	515	-	Op(EE)	755	-	Op(AK)
	171	-	DE 72	356	-	Op(AK)	516	-	Op(EE)	D 5	-	DS 86
	172	-	CG 19	373	-	AK 58	517	-	Op(BB)	600	-	v. La Pallice
	175	-	Op(EO)	380	-	Op(BC)	552	-	Op(CG)
	176	-	AK 56	382	-	AE 93	558	-	Op(ED)
	177	-	AF 71	404	-	Op(BC)	569	-	Op(AK)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 92 - 109 - 164 - 165 - 171 - 176 - 217 - 218 - 373 - 411 - 507 - 511 - 569 - 594 - 608.
	Entered Port: U 256 transferred to Brest from Lorient; U 600 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 116 - Lorient; U 662, 353, 706 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 54 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 600 reported damage from mine explosion in BF 9321 (Route "Herz"). Boat was escorted to La Pallice by 2 patrol vessels. Probably ground-mine with acoustic firing laid by plane.
		3)	U 211 scored 2 hits on a fast tanker (10,000 GRT) when she fired a spread of 2 in AK 7712. Boat continued the chase and sank the tanker at 0030 in AK 7114.
		4)	U 582 sank the Norwegian vessel "Vibran" (2,993 GRT?) in BD 5959, course 260⁰, speed 16 knots.
		5)	U 380 chased a single ship in BC 3145 without success. It was not possible to use guns because of heavy swell. While still stalking, the boat came upon a destroyer and was forced to move away. Contact was lost. The vessel stalked was "Mathilda". On 18.9. the boat sank the Norwegian vessel "Olaf Fostenes" (2,994 GRT?) in BC 9277, course 280⁰, speed 16 knots, from Liverpool to Halifax.

- 191 -

		6)	No further reports have been received from U 87 (Group "Iltis". (See paragraph IVb).
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DC 21, DM 43, BB 1810, EO 1610.
		U-boat attack: AK 25 and AJ 97 (Norwegian "Mathilda").
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 54:
		The requested weather reports show that the storm has not abated. It was not possible to use weapons today again. During the day several flying boats were reported by the submarines. As the storm center is also slowly moving east, the boats have not yet been able to attack, and as they are probably already far astern of the convoy, Operational Control has decided to break off the operation. Boats have been ordered to leave the area so that they are stationed in the new patrol strip (see paragraph IV 6) by 2400 on 25.9. While enroute U 617 sighted the convoy at 2400 in AK 3955 on easterly course, speed 8 knots. Boat attacked and torpedoed a tanker of 9 - 10,000 GRT. It was definitely heard to sink on the hydrophones. Then the boat was forced to dive by a destroyer. When boat surfaced again, she sank a straggler (5,500 GRT). Contact was lost and not established again by morning. The report made by the boat was not at first heard by Control and was not received here until 1230 on 23rd. Further operations by the boats at this stage and with present weather conditions are not worth while. The order to man the patrol strip still stands.
	b)	1)	New approach points have been allocated: U 67 = EE 70; U 569 homeward bound = BE 40.
		2)	U 552 has left operational area off Lisbon and is proceeding via DG 90 to DS 90.
		3)	In order to pick up the supposed convoy reported by U 87, Group "Iltis" has been ordered to be in the patrol strip from DH 7484 to 7694 by 0900 on 23.9. They are to maintain previous sequence. Then they are to proceed towards the convoy on a southerly course with a speed of 6 knots. If the convoy is not found, Group "Iltis" is to refuel and then operate in ET.
		4)	U 404 is taking over U 211's position in the patrol strip manned by Group "Vorwärts". All boats stationed north of U 404 are to move down. U 211 will later man the most northerly position.
		5)	U 382 will take AE 5610 as attack area; U 441 = AE 5310; U 442 - AE 5640. Heavy naval forces which until now have been escorting the "QP 18" convoy must be expected to pass; they may enter Seydis or Reyda Fjord. From 000 on 25.9. boats are to be south of an area which is closed because of our own minefields, this is bounded by the horizontals of squares AE 5350 upper edge and AE 5680 lower edge, as well as west of the horizontal of AE 5680 right edge.

- 192 -

In order to pick up the Murmansk - Reykjavik Convoy "QP 18" which was in AA 9685 at 1300 on 22.9., the following attack areas have been occupied: U 253 = AD 2960; U 620 = AE 1740; U 610 = AE 1770. About 2400 these boats were ordered to operate against the convoy as submarines in Northern Waters had established contact. While the convoy hunt lasts U 253, 610 and 620 are operationally attached to "Group North".

When the hunt for Convoy No. 54 was broken off, those boats that still had sufficient fuel to operate were combined to form Group "Blitz". They were ordered to be on station from AK 0317 to AL 7559 by 2400 on 25.9. in the following sequence: U 259 - 599 - 410 - 216 - 595 - 260 - 617 - 258 - 607 - 619 - 356 - 618 - 221 - 615 - 582 - 437 - 597. U 661 and 755 were to take up their position west of the center of the patrol strip.

c) -

None.

Reports of Success:

U 211	1 ship	10,000 GRT
U 582	1 ship	2,993 GRT
U 380	1 ship	2,994 GRT
U 617	2 ships	14,500 GRT

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

23.September 1942.

I.	U 66	-	BF 70	U 177	-	AE 68	U 404	-	Op(BC)	U 569	-	AK 61
	67	-	BE 82	178	-	CF 46	406	-	Op(DH)	575	-	BE 60
	68	-	CG 20	179	-	FM 91	407	-	Op(BC)	582	-	AL 70
	69	-	CB 43	181	-	AL 84	410	-	Op(AK)	584	-	Op(BC)
	87	-	Op(DH)	183	-	AN 24	411	-	BE 49	590	-	Op(DH)
	91	-	Op(BC)	201	-	DP 56	432	-	Op(AK)	594	-	BE 59
	92	-	BE 67	202	-	DQ 41	437	-	BE 16	595	-	Op(AK)
	96	-	Op(BC)	211	-	Op(AK 70)	441	-	BE 49	596	-	AK 02
	107	-	Op(DH)	214	-	Op(DH)	442	-	AE 64	597	-	BE 19
	109	-	DG 57	216	-	Op(AK)	455	-	AE 64	599	-	Op(AK)
	116	-	BF 50	217	-	DQ 71	459	-	CG 20	607	-	Op(AK)
	118	-	AF 80	218	-	BE 48	460	-	DS 86	608	-	BF 50
	125	-	Op(FF)	221	-	Op(AK)	461	-	CD 46	610	-	Op(AE 15)
	126	-	BE 90	253	-	Op(AE 14)	504	-	CG 20	615	-	Op(AK)
	128	-	CF 78	254	-	BF 40	506	-	Op(FE)	617	-	Op(AK)
	135	-	BD 23	257	-	AE 47	507	-	ES 58	618	-	Op(AK)
	156	-	Op(FE)	258	-	Op(AK)	511	-	CF 13	619	-	Op(AK)
	159	-	FU 83	259	-	Op(AK)	512	-	Op(EE)	620	-	Op(AE 12)
	161	-	BE 90	260	-	Op(AK)	513	-	Op(BB 30)	661	-	Op(AK)
	164	-	DE 35	332	-	DP 66	514	-	Op(EP)	662	-	AO 40
	165	-	BD 55	333	-	Op(DH)	515	-	Op(EE)	706	-	AO 40
	171	-	DE 83	353	-	AO 40	516	-	Op(EE)	753	-	BF 70
	172	-	CG 20	356	-	Op(AK)	517	-	Op(BB 10)	755	-	Op(AK)
	175	-	Op(EO)	373	-	AK 94	552	-	CG 84	D 5	-	DS 86
	176	-	AK 92	380	-	Op(BC)	558	-	Op(ED)
				382	-	AE 56


- 193 -

	On Return Passage: U 66, 92, 109, 164, 165, 171, 176, 217, 218, 373, 411, 507, 511, 569, 594, 596, 608.
	Entered Port: U 183 - Bergen.
	Sailed: U 43 - 160 - 106 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 54 and 55 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 407 had trouble with both compressors, moved away to southeast to make repairs.
		3)	U 455 reported completion of secondary task (Minelaying off Charleston). 19.9. steamer sighted in DB 38, course north.
		4)	U 515 reported busy traffic in both directions in EO 1440 and 1490.
		5)	U 125 reported she had sunk "Bruyere" (5,335 GRT) on course 20⁰ in ET 7333.
		6)	U 512 sank ship of 7,500 GRT on 19.9. in EE 4423. Searched Spanish vessel "Campuzano" in EE 4284. Electric compressor out of order.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: AE 9162, AN 1316, BA 9719, AK 2592, BD 9793, DE 3823, ET 7336, AJ 3173.
		U-boat attacks: EO 14, AK 2592.
		Torpedoings: AK 1820 (Pennmar).
	d)	See appendix on operations off the coast of Brazil.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 54:
			The boats of Group "Blitz" which were enroute to the patrol strip, were informed at 1830 that the order to man the strip was cancelled. They were then ordered to operate at cruising speed against a convoy sighted by U 380 in square BC 3421. But at 2212 U 258 again sighted Convoy No. 54 in AK 3555, course 70⁰. According to this, the convoy must have hove to for a long time during the heavy storm. U 258 scored 3 hits on a group of steamers, then lost contact. During the night U 221 and U 755 maintained contact. The latter fired 4 misses at first light. Boats, which can manage to reach convoy by the evening of 24.9. are to continue the operation.
		2)	Convoy No. 55:
			U 380, a boat belonging to Group "Vorwärts", sighted a fast convoy at 1146 in BC 3421, mean course 60⁰, 10 to 11 knots. Two two-funneled steamers were distinguished in the convoy. It is probably a special troop transport convoy. U 91 also made contact. But both boats lost it again at 0100 and 0230 respectively. On account of the great value of such a convoy, the boats of Group "Blitz" which were over 700 miles northeast

- 194 -

were ordered to cruise in search of it, although a normal attack is extremely difficult against such a very fast convoy.

U 382 - 441 - 442 were informed of the latest position of the Murmansk - Iceland convoy at 1351 in AE 2674, course 200. Boats were ordered to remain in the attack area.

The patrol strop of Group "Iltis" was dissolved at dusk. U 406 turned back to refuel, U 87 - 333 - 107 - 590 are to operate in the Freetown area after they have refueled. U 214 has been ordered to return and is to operate off Lisbon if her fuel stocks permit.

c) -

None.

Reports of Success:

U 125	1 ship	5,335 GRT
U 512	1 ship	7,500 GRT
U 258	1 ship	5,000 GRT)	assumed torpedoed by B.d.U.
U 258	1 ship	)	assumed torpedoed by B.d.U.

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

24.September 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BF 50	U 176	-	BD 32	U 404	-	Op(BC)	U 575	-	BE 60
	66	-	BF 70	177	-	AE 83	406	-	DT 23	582	-	Op(AL)
	67	-	BE 79	178	-	CF 75	407	-	BC 60	584	-	Op(BC)
	68	-	GG 10	179	-	FN 77	410	-	Op(AK)	590	-	Op(DH 70)
	69	-	CB 25	181	-	BE 16	411	-	BE 58	594	-	BE 68
	87	-	Op(DH 70)	201	-	DP 91	432	-	AK 61	595	-	Op(AK)
	91	-	Op(AK)	202	-	DP 93	437	-	AL 87	596	-	AK 68
	92	-	BE 69	211	-	Op(BC)	441	-	Op(AE)	597	-	BE 12
	96	-	Op(BC)	214	-	Op(DH 70)	442	-	Op(AE)	599	-	Op(AK)
	107	-	Op(DT)	216	-	Op(AK)	455	-	Op(DC)	607	-	Op(AK)
	109	-	DG 55	217	-	EE 32	459	-	GG 10	608	-	BF 60
	116	-	BF 40	218	-	BE 57	460	-	DS 80	610	-	Op(AE 10)
	118	-	AF 72	221	-	Op(AK)	461	-	CD 75	615	-	Op(AL)
	125	-	ET 81	253	-	Op(AE 15)	504	-	GG 10	617	-	Op(AK)
	126	-	CG 11	254	-	BE 60	506	-	Op(FE)	618	-	Op(AK)
	128	-	DG 39	257	-	AE 92	507	-	ES 27	619	-	Op(AK)
	135	-	BD 35	258	-	Op(AK)	511	-	BE 32	620	-	Op(AE 19)
	156	-	Op(FE)	259	-	Op(AK)	512	-	Op(EE)	661	-	Op(AK)
	159	-	GG 12	260	-	Op(AK)	513	-	Op(BB 60)	662	-	AN 30
	160	-	BF 50	332	-	DP 92	514	-	Op(EP)	706	-	AN 30
	161	-	CG 11	333	-	Op(DH 70)	515	-	Op(EO)	753	-	BF 40
	164	-	DE 33	353	-	AN 30	516	-	Op(EE)	755	-	Op(AK)
	165	-	BD 65	356	-	Op(AK)	517	-	Op(BB 10)	D 5	-	DS 80
	171	-	DE 35	373	-	BD 32	552	-	DH 33	106	-	BF 50
	172	-	GG 10	380	-	Op(AJ)	558	-	Op(EE)
	175	-	Op(EO)	382	-	Op(AE)	569	-	AK 92

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 92 - 109 - 164 - 165 - 171 - 176 - 214 - 217 - 218 - 373 - 411 - 432 - 507 - 511 - 569 - 594 - 596 - 608.
	Entered Port: U 608 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 262 - Bergen.

- 195 -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 54 and 55 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 617 sank "Roumanie" (3,563 GRT), course 30⁰, speed 8 knots in AK 2251. Engineer officer taken on board. Plane in AK 2271.
		3)	U 356 sank single ship in AK 2864. Operated against convoy being hunted by Group "Vorwärts".
		4)	U 128 chased ship with 2 funnels, speed 18 knots, zigs of 20⁰, as far as DG 6536 without success.
		5)	U 610 reported 4 steamers at 2100 on easterly course in AE 1718.
		6)	U 512 sank a vessel of 8,000 GRT, course 335⁰, in EO 1419.
		7)	U 515 sank "Redpool" (4,838 GRT), course 310⁰, in EO 2470 on 21.9. 23.9. sank "Lindvangen" (2,412 GRT), course 300⁰, in EO 1440. American fruit steamer (4,500 GRT) course 130⁰, speed 13 knots, left sinking in EO 1496.
		8)	U 619 attacked single ship in AK 6224. Westerly course, 8,000 GRT, equipped with torpedo nets. After 5 hits broke in two in 6119. Remains destroyed by cannon fire.
		9a)	U 559 sighted 2 single ships in AK 0244 and 2977, one course west, the other east.
		9b)	At 2305 came upon convoy in AK 5537, course 250⁰, speed 10 knots. 12 steamers, 8 escorts. Forced to retire after a triple miss. Contact lost.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: AK 36, AK 53, CA 6531, AL 2649, AL 2477, AK 3478, AK 5623, BA 3641, AK 3624, AJ 3173, BF 5470, BA 6534.
		U-boat attacks: EO 4310, EO 1410.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 54:
			U 755 reported the convoy at 1200. Formation of 3 columns in line abreast with several close and remote escorts ahead and on each side. Later, flying boats and anti-submarine groups appeared near the convoy and by good cooperation forced the boats to submerge. U 755 had to dive at 1618 and was pursued with depth charges and hydrophones by the destroyer formation for 9 hours. As contact was broken and constant air patrol prevented the submarine hauling ahead, the operation is to be broken off at mid-day on 25.9.

- 196 -

Convoy No. 55:

During the day the following established contact with the convoy: U 96, U 584, U 404, U 260, U 607, U 407, U 211, U 410.

U 91 was forced to submerge and lost contact. U 96 and U 380 were not able to haul ahead of the fast convoy because of engine trouble.

U 584 was forced away by a destroyer. U 260 lost contact after an unsuccessful attack.

U 211 fired a double miss at a 2-funneled steamer.

U 410 was forced away by destroyer.

U 607 made an underwater attack and was picked up and rammed by a destroyer. Depth charges were dropped.

These reports show how very difficult it is to get ahead because of the enemy's high speed. When submarines are forced to submerge by destroyers, contact is lost for a long time. Only the large number of boats attacking the convoy prevented the contact being definitely lost. Boats formerly belonging to Group "Blitz" and "Pfeil" which are stalking the convoy from N.E. have no speed restriction after the morning of 24.9.

U 620 and 253 have been ordered to operate against the ships reported by U 610 (see paragraph IIIa) 5)).

U 455 is to operate in the sea area off Cape Race, approach point BB 69.

U 217 took over sick man from U 201.

U 171 and U 164 refueled from U 461.

U 441 has been ordered to enter Drontheim because a member of the crew is seriously ill.

See enclosure for submarine position and intended operations.

Reports of Success:

U 617	1 ship	3,563 GRT
U 356	1 ship	5,000 GRT	(tonnage assumed by B.d.U.)
U 512	2 ships	8,000 GRT
U 515	3 ships	11,750 GRT
U 619	1 ship	8,000 GRT

VI.

General:

The operation against the "SC" convoy contacted by Group "Loss" was hampered from the very beginning by bad visibility and changeable weather.

However, weather reports gave no reason to suppose that conditions would deteriorate still further. Thus, on 20.9. the order was given to Group "Pfeil" to operate. This group was in patrol strips AL 40 to 70. When the storm rose - which for some hours actually reached hurricane force - a promising operation with a maximum of 23 boats was broken up. It later transpired that the convoy hove to for some time in square AJ 30. Thus, the submarines passed by the convoy during the storm when visibility was bad, as they expected it to be farther to the east.

- 197 -

While en route to the new patrol strip in square AL 40 on 22.9. , U 617 picked up the convoy for a time and sank 2 ships. However, atmospherics prevented her radioing the position report. On 23.9. when the weather improved U 258 suddenly came upon the convoy again and was able to score 3 hits. Boats were again instructed to continue stalking the convoy, but could only hope for slight success as the convoy had already reached the area where air patrolling was concentrated and convoys had air escorts. These air escorts caused contact to be lost on 24.9. and so the operation was broken off.

Results:	4 ships sunk
	3 ships torpedoed.

No losses, 1 boat was damaged by bombs on 24.9. and forced to return.

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

25.September 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BF40	U 176	-	BD 38	U 382	-	Op(AE 50)	U 569	-	BD 33
	66	-	BF 78	177	-	AL 32	404	-	Op(AK)	575	-	BE 61
	67	-	CF 15	178	-	DG 36	406	-	DT 17	582	-	Op(AL 47)
	68	-	GG 20	179	-	FU 19	407	-	Op(AK)	584	-	Op(AK)
	69	-	BB 87	181	-	BE 15	410	-	Op(AK)	590	-	Op(DT 20)
	87	-	Op(DT 20)	201	-	DP 95	411	-	BE 68	594	-	BF 40
	91	-	Op(AK)	202	-	EE 32	432	-	BD 69	595	-	Op(AK)
	92	-	BF 50	211	-	Op(AK)	437	-	Op(AL 71)	597	-	Op(AL 74)
	96	-	Op(AK)	214	-	DH 55	441	-	Op(AL)	599	-	Op(AK)
	107	-	Op(DT 20)	216	-	Op(AL)	442	-	Op(AE)	607	-	Op(AK)
	109	-	DG 29	217	-	DP 95	455	-	DC 16	610	-	AE 14
	116	-	BE 60	218	-	BE 67	459	-	GG 20	615	-	Op(AL)
	118	-	AE 69	221	-	Op(AL)	460	-	DT 43	617	-	Op(AK)
	125	-	Op(ET)	253	-	AD 26	461	-	DE 36	618	-	Op(AK)
	126	-	CG 48	254	-	BE 67	504	-	GG 20	619	-	Op(AK)
	128	-	DG 63	257	-	AE 85	506	-	Op(FE)	620	-	AD 26
	135	-	BD 64	258	-	Op(AL)	507	-	ES 13	661	-	Op(AK)
	156	-	Op(FE)	259	-	Op(AL)	511	-	BE 98	662	-	AN 20
	159	-	GG 20	260	-	Op(AK)	512	-	Op(EO)	706	-	AN 20
	160	-	BF 40	262	-	AF 70	513	-	Op(BB 60)	753	-	BE 92
	161	-	BE 97	332	-	EE 23	514	-	Op(EP)	755	-	Op(AL)
	164	-	DE 33	333	-	DT 27	515	-	Op(EO)	D 5	-	EH 38
	165	-	BE 44	353	-	AN 20	516	-	Op(EE)	106	-	BF 41
	171	-	DE 33	356	-	Op(AK)	517	-	Op(BB 10)	596	-	AK
	172	-	GG 20	373	-	BD 38	552	-	DH 23
	175	-	Op(EO)	380	-	Op(AK)	558	-	Op(EE)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 92 - 109 - 164 - 165 - 171 - 176 - 214 - 217 - 218 - 373 - 411 - 432 - 507 - 511 - 569 - 594 - 596.
	Entered Port: U 92 - Brest.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 54 and 55 see paragraph IVa.

- 198 -

		2)	U 662 requested permission to enter Stavanger because of damage; was ordered to go to Bergen.
		3)	U 181 sighted convoy ("OS" ?) in BE 1861, course 220⁰. Moved away as ordered.
		4)	U 432 sank "Penmar" (5,868 GRT) in AL 2721.
		5)	U 259 carried out temporary repairs and is continuing to stalk Convoy No. 55.
		6)	U 177 on 23.9. 1 P.O. overboard. The present distribution of the main ballast tanks causes the boat to have a decided tendency to dip into the swell.
		7)	U 513 reported convoy at 0535 in BC 4414, course N., slow speed. Boat was alone in the area attack sanctioned.
		8)	U 517 reported from BB 10 - 40 one convoy in each direction every week. Permanent air patrol constantly strengthened.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BB 4253, BB 1455, AK 57, BB 1794, BD 6376, CA 59, AM 2333.
		U-boat attacks: AK 69, AL 48, AE 2192.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 55:
		During the day the following reported contact: U 211, U 595, U 356, U 96, U 216, U 619, U 607, U 410, U 91, U 260, U 582, U 407, U 584, U 618. Contact was maintained until 0158, when the wind freshened and visibility worsened (1 - 2 miles) it was interrupted and not established again.
		Individual reports from the boats:
		U 404 made an underwater attack at night without success.
		U 607, U 584, U 618, U 407, U 595, U 91 did not manage to fire when making an underwater attack because the convoy made a wide zig.
		U 356 was about to fire when a destroyer dropped depth charges.
		U 216 sank a 2-funneled vessel of the "Viceroy of India" class at 1636 in square AK 6656 with three hits out of a spread of four.
		At 2357 U 96 sank a steamer of "Reina del Pacifico" class with 2 hits in AL 4479. Ship exploded. Probably carrying a cargo of ammunition.
		In AL 4710 U 410 fired a triple and a single miss at a steamer with a strikingly high, thick funnel, who sailed at night at a distance from the convoy. Steamer out maneuvered torpedoes. U 91 scored a hit on a steamer (5,000 GRT) at 0125 in AL 4499. U 356 fired a triple miss at a fast single ship near the convoy.
	b)	1)	U D5 was allocated ES 10 and 50 as her operational area. She is to operate against east - west and NW - SE traffic between ER 36 and ES 55.

- 199 -

U 599 was to occupy AK 91 as temporary attack area if she had not established contact with the SW convoy by 2000.

U 617 was given AK 63 as attack area for the time being.

U 253, 610, 620 who were returning from Northern Iceland were given AK 30 as approach point. It is intended to form a new group with these boats.

None.

U 512 reported that "Monte Gorbea" was recognized as a neutral vessel before she was torpedoed. Reasons for suspecting that she was a camouflaged English vessel were insufficient to warrant sinking. The Commanding Officer will have to face a court martial. All boats at sea have been informed.

Reports of Success:

U 432	1 ship	5,868 GRT
U 216	1 ship	19,000 GRT
U 96	1 ship	17,000 GRT
U 91	1 ship	5,000 GRT	torpedoed.

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

26.September 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BF 70	U 176	-	BD 65	U 380	-	Op(AK)	U 552	-	DH 16
	66	-	BF 77	177	-	AL 39	382	-	AE 87	558	-	EE 84
	67	-	CE 38	178	-	DG 65	404	-	Op(AL 40)	569	-	BE 17
	68	-	GG 64	179	-	FU 55	406	-	DT 27	575	-	BE 26
	69	-	BB 82	181	-	BE 46	407	-	Op(AL 40)	582	-	Op(AL)
	87	-	DT 27	201	-	Op(EE)	410	-	Op(AL)	584	-	Op(AL)
	91	-	Op(AL)	202	-	Op(EE)	411	-	BF 47	590	-	DT 27
	96	-	Op(AL)	211	-	Op(AL)	432	-	BE 13	594	-	BF 48
	106	-	BF 70	214	-	DH 61	437	-	Op(AL 40)	595	-	Op(AL)
	107	-	DT 27	216	-	Op(AL 40)	441	-	AE 60	596	-	BE 15
	109	-	DG 32	217	-	DQ 18	442	-	AE 79	597	-	Op(AL 74)
	116	-	BE 90	218	-	BF 69	455	-	CA 98	599	-	Op(AK 50)
	118	-	AE 91	221	-	Op(AL)	459	-	GG	607	-	Op(AL)
	125	-	Op(ET)	253	-	AD 55	460	-	DT 27	610	-	AD 58
	126	-	CF 96	254	-	BE 29	461	-	DE 64	615	-	AL 19
	128	-	DG 92	257	-	AL 32	504	-	DG 59	617	-	Op(AK)
	135	-	BD 65	258	-	AK 41	506	-	Op(EE)	618	-	Op(AL)
	156	-	Op(FD)	259	-	Op(AL)	507	-	EJ 72	619	-	Op(AL)
	159	-	GG 61	260	-	Op(AL)	511	-	BF 75	620	-	AD 55
	160	-	BF 70	262	-	AF 75	512	-	Op(EO)	681	-	Op(AL)
	161	-	CF 37	332	-	Op(EE)	513	-	Op(BC)	662	-	AN 20
	164	-	CD 82	333	-	DT 27	515	-	EE 88	706	-	AN 20
	165	-	BE 54	353	-	AN 20	514	-	Op(EP)	753	-	EE 59
	171	-	CD 84	356	-	Op(AL)	516	-	Op(EE)	755	-	AL 42
	172	-	GG 55	373	-	BD 64	517	-	Op(BB 10)	D 5	-	EH 69
	175	-	Op(EO)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 109 - 164 - 165 - 171 - 176 - 214 - 217 - 218 - 373 - 380 - 411 - 432 - 507 - 511 - 515 - 558 - 569 - 594 - 596 - 755.
	Entered Port: U 662 - Bergen.
	Sailed: U 454 - St. Nazaire; U 518 - 602 - Kiel; U 757 - 183 - Bergen.

- 200 -

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

Convoy No. 56 see paragraph IVa.

U 516 reported damage repaired, intended to operate against coastal shipping in EO.

U 442 sank an unidentified steamer on 25.9. in AE 8519. Steamer was one of a convoy of 3, course 300⁰, 9 knots.

U 596 gave unsuccessful chase to a single ship on a course of 10⁰ in BE 1379.

U 69 sighted a convoy in BB 8868, course 290⁰, 7 knots. Boat was alone in the area. Attack sanctioned.

None.

U-boat sightings: AE 8823, CF 8872, AF 7366, AF 5754, AF 4960, CA 5211, EE 1860, DN 7550, AK 6639, BB 6381, BB 52, DN 75, EE 18, AF 4862.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 55:

As further pursuit of the fast convoy when contact had been broken and the weather was deteriorating promised little chance of success, the order was given that all boats who were not in a favorable position should break off the pursuit.

At 1036 U 404 came upon a convoy group of 3 steamers and 1 destroyer in AL 5473. U 404 sank the destroyer with 2 hits, scored other hits on large freighter, which from hydrophone observation probably sank.

U 619 sank a passenger steamer (about 10,000 GRT) of the "Derbyshire" class at 2325 in AL 6527, probably a straggler from a convoy.

This completed the convoy operation.

This unscheduled convoy again shows how difficult it is to attack a fast formation. Our boats have a maximum continuous speed of about 14 knots., but this does not often give them sufficient superiority to get ahead of the enemy and take up an attack position.

Underwater attack is also very difficult as it is only rarely possible to get into a favorable position for firing at a target that keeps making wide zigs, especially as the destroyer escort and its location gear force the submarines to take avoiding action underwater.

Despite the lack of success during the first 2 days, the operation was continued without considering the large consumption of fuel, and finally a real success was achieved. In all, the following were sunk:

	1 steamer of "Reina del Pacifico" class	17,702 GRT
	1 steamer of "Viceroy of India" class	19,627 GRT
	1 steamer of "Derbyshire" class	11,660 GRT.
	1 steamer (5,000 GRT) and 1 other steamer were torpedoed.

- 201 -

No losses, no major damage. On 27.9. planes were busy seeking survivors and this suggests that the steamers sunk were troop transports.

Convoy No. 56:

U 617, a boat that was cruising S. after operating against Convoy No. 54, sighted a convoy at 1354 in AK 6382, course 230. This was probably the "ONS" convoy which it was expected to catch on 26.9. by Group "Blitz" in the new position intended for it.

Those boats of Group "Vorwärts" and "Blitz" who had remained behind began to stalk the convoy.

At 1516 U 617 torpedoed a steamer of 5,000 GRT and another of 3,000 GRT in AK 6388. Defences prevented boat observing any sinking.

A strong westerly wind then sprang up, at time reaching gale force, and contact was lost. The boats operating against this convoy form Group "Tiger". They are: U 410, U 617, U 515, U 597, U 407, U 599, U 618, U 615, U 260, U 434, U 221, U 356, U 582, U 607, U 258.

U 333, 590, 107, 87 were ordered to continue to cruise to the S. after refueling. It is intended that these boats shall operate in the Freetown area.

U 257, 382, 442, 620, 610, 253 have been given AL 47 as their new approach point (New convoy group).

U 216 has approach point AL 44.

As no reports have been received from U 615, 619, 404, 258, 661, these boats have been ordered to make for AK 60 if they are not operating against Convoy No. 55. (Group "Tiger").

None.

U 107, 333, 406, 87, 590 have refueled from U 460.

Reports of Success:

U 404	1 destroyer	sunk
U 404	1 ship	torpedoed
U 619	1 ship	11,000 GRT
U 442	1 ship	5,000 GRT
U 617	2 ships	8,000 GRT	torpedoed.

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

- 202 -

27.September 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BE 90	U 177	-	AL 67	U 382	-	AL 24	U 552	-	DG 68
	66	-	BF 70	178	-	DG 94	404	-	Op(AL)	558	-	EE 53
	67	-	CE 52	179	-	FU 94	406	-	DT 20	569	-	BE 48
	68	-	GG 90	181	-	BE 73	407	-	Op(AK)	575	-	BE 16
	69	-	BB 88	183	-	?	410	-	Op(AL)	582	-	Op(AK)
	87	-	DT 20	201	-	Op(EE)	411	-	BF 40	584	-	Op(AK)
	91	-	Op(AL)	202	-	Op(EE)	432	-	BE 27	590	-	DT 20
	96	-	Op(AL)	211	-	Op(AL)	437	-	Op(AK)	594	-	BF 40
	106	-	BE 92	214	-	DH 32	441	-	AF 80	595	-	Op(AK)
	107	-	DT 54	216	-	Op(AK)	442	-	AL 24	596	-	BE 27
	109	-	CF 76	217	-	DE 86	454	-	BF 50	597	-	Op(AK 40)
	116	-	BE 83	218	-	BF 40	455	-	CB 71	599	-	Op(AK)
	118	-	AE 85	221	-	Op(AK)	459	-	FU 54	602	-	AO 40
	125	-	Op(EE)	253	-	AD 85	460	-	DT 43	607	-	Op(AK)
	126	-	CF 91	254	-	BE 48	461	-	DE 89	610	-	AD 85
	128	-	DT 13	257	-	AL 37	504	-	CQ 22	615	-	Op(AK)
	135	-	BE 47	258	-	AK 66	506	-	Op(FE)	617	-	Op(AK)
	156	-	Op(FE)	259	-	Op(AL)	507	-	DT 74	618	-	Op(AK)
	159	-	GG 60	260	-	Op(AK)	511	-	BF 40	619	-	Op(AL)
	160	-	BE 92	262	-	AE 69	512	-	Op(EE)	620	-	AD 85
	161	-	CF 59	332	-	Op(EE)	513	-	Op(BB)	661	-	Op(AL)
	164	-	CD 64	333	-	DT 81	514	-	Op(EO)	706	-	AE 70
	165	-	BE 56	353	-	AE 70	515	-	EF 19	753	-	BE 51
	171	-	CD 67	356	-	Op(AK)	516	-	Op(EO)	755	-	AL 75
	172	-	GG 90	373	-	BE 44	517	-	Op(BB 40)	757	-	AF 70
	175	-	Op(EO)	380	-	AL 78	518	-	AN 30	D 5	-	EJ 78
	176	-	BE 45

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 91 - 96 - 109 - 135 - 164 - 165 - 171 - 176 - 211 - 214 - 217 - 218 - 259 - 262 - 373 - 380 - 406 - 411 - 432 - 507 - 511 - 515 - 558 - 569 - 594 - 596 - 755.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 662 - Bergen.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 56 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 262 bombs dropped in AF 4799. Proceeding to Bergen because of damage.
		3)	U 513: Convoy reported consisted of about 61 (doubtful) steamers, 6 destroyers; it made zigs between 25 and 85⁰, speed 7 knots. Air escort while making a daylight attack in BC 4128 submarine was picked up; depth charges were dropped.
		4)	U 177: 26.9. anti-submarine group in AL 6540, fast single ship, camouflaged super-structure, destroyers in quarter-line on either side. Ships were well handled, no chance to attack.
		5)	U 552 reported several patrol vessels in CG 58, some showing lights like neutrals. At night continuous horizontal locating (horizontally polarized radar transmissions).
		6)	U 514 sighted convoy at 0010 in FA 2948, 4 vessels on a northerly course. Submarine sank 2 freighters of 4,000 and 6,000 tons. Forced to move away.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat attack: GD 6160, FC 71, ED 78.
	d)	None.

- 203 -

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 56:

In a stormy westerly wind the boats looked for the convoy on its mean course of 240⁰. A systematic search was not possible because of the bad weather which caused unreliable fixes. No contact. U 221 sighted a seaplane in AK 6758.

U 253 - 620 - 610 - 442 - 619 - 382 - 404 - 257 - 216 - 575 - 584 - 753 - 254 have been combined to form Group "Luchs". The group is to make a patrol strip from AK 6653 to AL 7894 in the above order. U 661 (unable to transmit radio signals) has been given a waiting position W. of the strip, if not with Group "Tiger". Intended operation: To pick up the "ON" convoy about 30.9.

None.

Radio message to all boats:

C-in-C Navy has again issued a personal and definite order that all submarine commanders are to conform most carefully with the orders for the treatment of neutral ships. Infringement of these orders will lead to unforeseeable political repercussions. This order is to be brought immediately to the notice of each and every Commander.

Reports of Success:

U 514

2 ships

10,000 GRT.

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

28.September 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BE 94	U 178	-	DT 14	U 406	-	DH 71	U 575	-	AL 78
	66	-	BF 80	179	-	GG 16	407	-	AK 80	582	-	AK 80
	67	-	CE 49	181	-	BE 73	410	-	AK 80	584	-	AL 47
	68	-	GH 78	183	-	AF 72	411	-	BF 40	590	-	DF 86
	69	-	Op(BB)	201	-	Op(EE)	432	-	BE 64	594	-	BF 60
	87	-	DT 79	202	-	Op(EE)	437	-	AK 94	595	-	AK 80
	91	-	AL 95	211	-	AL 88	441	-	Drontheim	596	-	BE 56
	96	-	AL 67	214	-	GG 76	442	-	AL 27	597	-	AK 86
	106	-	BE 58	216	-	AL 44	454	-	BE 40	599	-	AK 80
	107	-	DT 89	217	-	DE 94	455	-	CB 57	602	-	AN 30
	109	-	CF 51	218	-	BF 40	459	-	FU 54	607	-	AK 82
	116	-	BE 73	221	-	AK 82	460	-	DT 72	610	-	AK 34
	118	-	AL 32	253	-	AK 32	461	-	DE 89	615	-	AK 80
	125	-	Op(FE)	254	-	BE 17	504	-	CQ 22	617	-	AK 80
	126	-	CF 89	257	-	AL 51	506	-	Op(FE)	618	-	AK 80
	128	-	DT 42	258	-	AK 18	507	-	DT 74	619	-	AL 47
	135	-	BE 58	259	-	AL 88	511	-	BF 57	620	-	AK 32
	156	-	Op(FE)	260	-	AK 80	512	-	Op(EE)	661	-	AK 60
	159	-	GH 72	262	-	AN 28	513	-	Op(BB)	662	-	AF 79
	160	-	BE 85	332	-	Op(EE)	514	-	Op(FA)	706	-	AF 72
	161	-	CF 88	333	-	EJ 12	515	-	EF 19	753	-	BE 13
	164	-	CD 68	353	-	AF 72	516	-	Op(EO)	755	-	BE 12
	171	-	CD 66	356	-	AK 80	517	-	Op(BB 40)	757	-	AF 72
	172	-	GH 74	373	-	BE 49	518	-	AN 30	D 5	-	Op(ES)
	175	-	Op(EO)	380	-	BE 18	552	-	DG 68	165	-	BF
	176	-	BE 54	382	-	AL 27	558	-	EE 34
	177	-	AE 13	404	-	AK 60	569	-	BE 73


- 204 -

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 91 - 96 - 109 - 135 - 164 - 171 - 176 - 211 - 214 - 217 - 218 - 259 - 262 - 373 - 380 - 406 - 411 - 432 - 507 - 511 - 515 - 558 - 569 - 594 - 596 - 617 - 755.
	Entered Port: U 594 - St. Nazaire; U 262 - Bergen.
	Sailed: U 129 - Lorient; U 463 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 56 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 404 sighted flying boat on westerly course in AK 6692.
		3)	U 216 reported 2 destroyers in AK 9238, course W. Pursued with depth charges, break-downs of moderate nature.
		4)	U 259 sighted destroyer on easterly course in AL 7567.
		5)	U 407: Both Diesels again in order. 1 destroyer, 3 patrol vessels on easterly course in AK 9237. Boat was ordered to return because fuel and in unfavorable position to convoy.
		6)	U 512 intended operating at some distance from land because she was not completely serviceable.
		7)	U 175 had slight damage. Sank: 24.9. in EO 1396 ship of 6,000 GRT, course 100⁰; 26.9. in EO 1497 ship of 3,500 GRT, course 290⁰; 28.9. in EO 1416 ship of 4,500 GRT, course 130⁰.
		8)	U 332: 29.9. sank "Registan" (5,886 GRT) in EE 8184, course 280⁰.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: AK 9443, BB 6355.
		U-boat attacks: EO 14, FA 29.
		S.O.S. messages: AE 7582, DG 1714.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 56:
		Still no contact, wind strong westerly, visibility poor. In the evening, boats were ordered to continue to stalk as far as AK 70 at low speed and to remain there cruising at the lowest possible speed. It is assumed that the convoy is still to the E.
		U 260 was bombed by a Liberator in AK 9519.
		U 595 sighted a destroyer and detected location by means of her radar interception gear.
	b)	1)	U 410: According to latest position report this boat is still astern of the convoy. She has therefore been given AK 93 as attack area and attached to Group "Luchs".

- 205 -

U 160 has been given ED 98 as approach point. It is intended that she shall operate in the area round Trinidad.

c) -

None.

Reports of Success:

U 175	3 ships	14,000 GRT
U 332	1 ship	5,886 GRT

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

29.September 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BE 84	U 175	-	Op(EO)	U 380	-	BE 46	U 517	-	Op(BB 40)
	66	-	BF 50	176	-	BE 65	382	-	AL 45	518	-	AN 30
	67	-	CE 74	177	-	BE 16	404	-	Op(AL 70)	552	-	DG 66
	68	-	CQ 31	178	-	DS 66	406	-	DH 46	558	-	DQ 47
	69	-	BB 82	179	-	CG 56	407	-	Op(AK)	569	-	BE 73
	87	-	EJ 15	181	-	BE 73	410	-	Op(AK)	575	-	Op(AL 70)
	91	-	BE 26	183	-	AE 68	411	-	BF 40	582	-	Op(AK 70)
	96	-	BE 37	201	-	Op(EE)	432	-	BE 69	584	-	Op(AL 70)
	106	-	BE 48	202	-	Op(EE)	437	-	Op(AK 70)	590	-	EJ 26
	107	-	EJ 37	211	-	BE 24	441	-	Drontheim	595	-	BD 23
	109	-	CF 26	214	-	Op(CG 50)	442	-	AL 45	596	-	BE 68
	116	-	BE 73	216	-	Op(AL)	454	-	BF 47	597	-	Op(AK 70)
	118	-	AL 26	217	-	DE 80	455	-	CB 53	599	-	Op(AK)
	125	-	Op(ET)	218	-	BF 50	459	-	FU 15	602	-	AN 30
	126	-	DH 19	221	-	Op(AK)	460	-	DT 70	607	-	Op(AK 70)
	128	-	DT 71	253	-	AK 03	461	-	DE 80	610	-	AK 03
	129	-	BF 50	254	-	Op(AL 70)	463	-	BF 50	615	-	Op(AK)
	135	-	BE 67	257	-	AL 78	504	-	CQ 34	617	-	AK 94
	156	-	Op(FE)	258	-	Op(AK 70)	506	-	Op(FE)	618	-	Op(AK 70)
	159	-	CH 88	259	-	BE 19	507	-	DT 70	619	-	Op(AL 40)
	160	-	BE 76	260	-	Op(AK)	511	-	BF 50	620	-	AK 38
	161	-	DH 15	332	-	Op(EE)	512	-	Op(EE)	661	-	Op(AK-AL)
	164	-	CE 41	333	-	EJ 41	513	-	Op(BB 60)	662	-	AF 72
	165	-	BF	353	-	AE 69	514	-	Op(FA)	706	-	AE 69
	171	-	CE 42	356	-	Op(AK 70	515	-	EF 22	753	-	Op(AL 70)
	172	-	GQ 23	373	-	BE 59	516	-	Op(EO)	755	-	BE 27
							D 5	-	Op(ES)	757	-	AE 69

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 91 - 96 - 109 - 135 - 164 - 171 - 176 - 211 - 214 - 217 - 218 - 259 - 373 - 380 - 406 - 407 - 411 - 432 - 507 - 511 - 515 - 558 - 569 - 595 - 596 - 617 - 755 - 165.
	Entered Port: U 218 - Brest; U 511 - 66 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 84 - Brest; U 621 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.
	a)	In the area round Route "Kernleder". Searching for missing men from U 165.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 57 see paragraph IVa.

- 206 -

		2)	U 202: Spread missed a large tanker in ED 9839. Detonation against own side, probably an explosive float. At night bombs were dropped, cooperation suspected, moderate damage.
		3)	U 442: Destroyer on easterly course in AL 4544.
		4)	U 610 freighter (4,000 GRT) sunk in AL 4240, course 75⁰, speed 9 knots.
		5)	U 125 sank "Baron Ogiloy" (3,391 GRT) in ET 8986 and "Cotati" (5,963 GRT) in ET 9439, 45⁰.
		6)	U D5 fast modern passenger ship with 3 funnels, speed 19 knots, 25⁰ in ES 5192, contact lost. 28.9. neutral steamer in ES 4322.
		7)	U 595 destroyer in BD 3543, course 45⁰.
		8)	U 516 27.9. sank a freighter (1,500 GRT) in EO 6595, course 320⁰, 8 knots; 30.9. sank a freighter (5,000 GRT) in EO 5367, course 270⁰, changing speed, 8 - 13 knots.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BE 6956, AL 2613, EE 77, AL 2564, BB 18, ER 4310, ED 9670, EE 7760, BB 1844, EP 16, DN 84.
		U-boat attacks: EO 14, BB 66.
		Torpedo attack: ET 6890.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 57:
		U 118 while approaching BD 7355 sighted a convoy on westerly course in AL 2641 at 1900. As it was probably the "ON" convoy expected by Group "Luchs", the group was ordered to man the patrol strip from square AK 2449 to 3959 on 1.10. U 410, U 404, U 216, U 584 who have not sufficient fuel to move to this patrol area are to remain in the patrol strip from square AL 7157 to 7468 under the name of Group "Letzte Ritter".
		If the convoy sighted by U 118 really turns out to be the "ON" convoy, the English have taken a fresh route much farther N. for the first time in six months.
	b)	1)	U 356, 221, 258, 618 no longer belong to Group "Tiger" (607, 599, 615, 260, 597, 437, 582) are searching independently for the convoy in AK 70 until they receive orders to leave the area. It is supposed that the convoy is sailing at only 5 knots because of the weather.
		2)	U 177 and 181 have been given GR 80 as approach point. It is intended that they shall operate in the area E. of the Cape of Good Hope.
		3)	Distribution of attack areas for new boats arriving in the Freetown area is as follows:
			Sectors with reference point Freetown: U 87, 145 - 80⁰; U 333 80 - 30⁰; U 107 30 - 330⁰. U 590 in

- 207 -

ET 7235 to a depth of 400 miles.

U 217 refueled in DE 8299 sufficiently to return at economy speed.

U 507 did likewise in DT 74.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 610	1 ship	4,000 GRT
U 125	2 ships	9,354 GRT
U 516	2 ships	6,500 GRT

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

30.September 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BE 75	U 176	-	BF 40	U 404	-	Op(AL)	U 558	-	DQ 18
	67	-	CD 91	177	-	BE 45	406	-	DH 24	569	-	BE 73
	68	-	GQ 36	178	-	DS 95	407	-	BE 11	575	-	Op(AL 75)
	69	-	BB 55	179	-	GG 95	410	-	Op(AK 93)	582	-	Op(AK 70)
	84	-	BF 50	181	-	CF 16	411	-	BF 50	584	-	Op(AL 75)
	87	-	EJ 44	183	-	AE 83	432	-	BF 40	590	-	EJ 62
	91	-	BE 61	201	-	Op(EE)	437	-	AK 70	595	-	BD 36
	96	-	BE 63	202	-	Op(EE)	441	-	Drontheim	596	-	BF 40
	106	-	BE 48	211	-	BE 53	442	-	Op(AL)	597	-	Op(AK 70)
	107	-	EJ 68	214	-	CG 50	454	-	BE 64	599	-	Op(AK 70)
	109	-	CF 32	216	-	Op(AL 74)	455	-	CB 35	602	-	AL 77
	116	-	BD 93	217	-	DE 80	459	-	FN 77	607	-	Op(AK)
	118	-	AL 18	221	-	Op(AK 70)	460	-	DT 70	610	-	Op(AK)
	125	-	Op(ET)	253	-	Op(AK 66)	461	-	DE 89	615	-	Op(AK 70)
	126	-	DH 49	254	-	Op(AL 78)	463	-	BF 40	617	-	AL 77
	128	-	EH 33	257	-	Op(AL 71)	504	-	GQ 63	618	-	Op(AK 70)
	129	-	BF 40	258	-	Op(AK 70)	506	-	Op(FE)	619	-	Op(AL 47)
	135	-	BE 69	259	-	BE 52	507	-	DT 70	620	-	Op(AK 66)
	156	-	Op(ET)	260	-	Op(AK 70)	512	-	Op(EE)	621	-	AO 48
	159	-	GQ 33	332	-	Op(EE)	513	-	Op(BB 60)	661	-	Op(AK 60-90)
	160	-	BE 77	333	-	EJ 71	514	-	Op(EP)	662	-	AE 68
	161	-	DH 45	353	-	AE 83	515	-	DQ 95	706	-	AE 91
	164	-	CE 27	356	-	Op(AK 70)	516	-	Op(EO)	753	-	Op(AL 78)
	171	-	CE 25	373	-	BF 47	517	-	Op(BB 40)	755	-	BE 53
	172	-	GQ 35	380	-	BE 73	518	-	AF 87	757	-	AE 83
	175	-	Op(EO)	382	-	Op(AL 71)	552	-	DG 92	D 5	-	Op(ES)

	On Return Passage: U 91 - 96 - 109 - 135 - 164 - 171 - 176 - 211 - 217 - 259 - 373 - 380 - 406 - 432 - 459 - 460 - 507 - 515 - 558 - 569 - 595 - 596 - 617 - 755.
	Entered Port: U 411 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	No report on Convoy No. 57:

- 208 -

		2)	U 513 sank an ore steamer (6,000 GRT) in BB 6386, course 270⁰.
		3)	U 382 fired a miss at a single ship in AK 6345 on westerly course.
		4)	U 506 sank "Siam" (6,637 GRT) in ET 8831, course 280⁰.
		5)	U 513: Report from BB 6381 Wabana - (Conception Bay) to St. Johns, escorted single ore ship by day. Patrolling by 1-2 vessels. Mines suspected off St. Johns as inward course is always 10 miles 270⁰ from sea. 12 foggy days. Only limited chances for an isolated boat.
		6)	U 582 chased "Oregon Express" in AJ 9983, course 240⁰, 15 knots. Forced to sheer off by 2 destroyers that met the steamer.
		7)	U 454 sighted an anti-submarine group in BE 5572, 4 units with changing course.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BF 4819, BE 9922, AK 7480, BF 4557, ET 8837, AJ 99, EO 2219.
		Torpedo attack: "Siam" in ET 8580 (U 506).
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	Group "Tiger" has been disbanded. U 597, 260, 437, 582 have been ordered to make for AK 18 at economical cruising speed. Attacks on convoys intended. U 615, 599, 607 are to remain in AK 70 until refueling begins.
		2)	U 202 has been ordered to operate E. of 52⁰ W. off Trinidad, as electric compressor has broken down.
		3)	U 455 has been allocated the sea area round St. Johns, with instructions to look out for coastal traffic in BB 63 and 66.
		4)	Group "Eisbär" (U 68, 172, 159, 504) U 179 and U 178 have been given operational freedom in the area bounded as follows, once the first surprise attack has been carried out:
			FE 9179 - GZ 1599 - coast of Africa. Southern boundary 40⁰ S. U 179 has been ordered to wait in left half of GR 40 until attack is sanctioned.
	c)	U 558 refueled from U 461.
	d)	Although U 165 announced that she was entering on 28.9., she has not yet arrived. Air reconnaissance yielded no information. The loss of the boat must be assumed, probably through bombing attack. There was a reliable sounding radio announcement of submarine sinking by the R.A.F. in the Bay of Biscay.

- 209 -

Reports of Success:

U 513	1 ship	6,000 GRT
U 506	1 ship	6,637 GRT

(Signed): DÖNITZ.

- 210 -

Submarine situation and intended operations.

Note: Submarine situation reports will be sent to Naval War Staff at intervals of about --- (unreadable). They will set out a summarized assessment of the situation and the intentions of B.d.U.

	1)	Convoy situation in the North Atlantic:
		Contrary to convoy methods during the first six months of 1942, convoys are no scattered over a wider area. Even so, the spacing out is not nearly so great as in Autumn 1941, and remain within certain limits on either side of the Great Circle. Information gathered through Radio Intercept Intelligence and experienced gained on the timing of convoys have made it possible to track down convoys, especially when westbound. Prospects are still considered favorable on this respect. The successes scored against the convoy from 9-13.9. and the failure from 20-22.9. clearly show the decisive role played by the weather. When operating against North Atlantic convoys the medium sized submarines have the advantage.

	2)	St. Lawrence and Belle Isle Straits:
		The operations carried out by 3 boats have been very successful. Defences proved comparatively weak and were limited to direct convoy escorts. Further boats are to be sent out to make the most of this situation.

	3)	East coast of North America:
		OPerations --- (unreadable) --- for some time --- busy shipping well defended convoys close inshore in shallow water --- successes, but also caused several losses. Air patrolling is particularly strong.
		But when occasion arises it is planned that single boats shall lay mines.

	4)	Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea:
		--- (unreadable photo copy) --- comparatively high losses have been suffered, probably through air attacks.
		Radar interception gear can certainly protect the boats at night, but it cannot facilitate attack. Thus it is intended to station at most single boats in this area if the occasion offers. The area concerned is that of Old Bahama Channel - Windward Passage - Jamaica, where the majority of convoys pass through. Climatic conditions and the necessity for lengthy submersion result in strain for the crew, so that a lengthy stay offers little chance of success.

	5)	Area round Trinidad:
		West of Trinidad the conditions are rather similar to the above. The likelihood of contacting convoys is of course, greater near the port of departure.
		On the other hand, the area E. of Trinidad has proved exceptionally favorable. Convoys have not yet been observed here, air patrolling is less, naval anti-submarine measures (destroyers) have been observed for the first time recently. The difficulty lies in

- 211 -

		picking up the obviously frequently varied approach courses of the single ships, and this accounts for the patchy nature of successes.
		It is striking that so far only a little eastbound shipping has been contacted. It is possible that this is only exceptionally routed via Trinidad.
		With the Freetown area, the area E. of Trinidad will continue to be the focal point for large submarines. Medium sized boats can and will be employed there, provided previous refueling from submarine tankers is possible.

	6)	North - South Convoy Route: ("SL" and "OS" convoys)
		It has been repeatedly possible to pick up "SL" convoys according to plan, though admittedly so far north pursuit could not be continued very long because of the appearance of air escorts. The drawback of operating against these convoys is that when a convoy has been missed the next one does not pass for about 10 days.
		Thus these operations are worth while only when carried out by submarines en route for the Freetown area, i.e. for medium sized boats only if they can be refueled.
		Accordingly Group "Iltis", which is at present operating here, is to proceed farther into the Freetown area after refueling.

	7)	Freetown area:
		has again proved very fruitful. Despite numerous successes, a major change of the shipping route or a soft-laid reaction by the enemy in reply to the sinkings has not been noticed. A major change of route would not be possible either here or in Trinidad.
		It is intended that Group "Iltis" shall operate after refueling with other large boats.

	8)	Harbors in the Gulf of Guinea:
		No experience is yet available for these harbors. 2 large boats have left for this area, two Italian boats will also operate.

	9)	Intended operations for Cape Town and East Africa:
		are given separately, also opinion on sanctioning attacks on the coast of Brazil.

	10)	Off Iceland:
		at present the first attempt to operate with submarines against Murmansk convoys. Light nights and powerful air patrolling prevent successful operations here during the summer. Despite this, it has been possible for single ships to remain off Reykjavik for a long time.
		It is intended to send out single boats here when there is an opportunity during the new moon period. When more reliable news that a "PQ" convoy will shortly leave port, several boats should also be available, providing they put out from home waters.

	11)	The situation in Coastal Waters and in the Bay of Biscay, is governed as before by the danger of air attacks and mines. The repeated requests regarding the air forces and the naval forces under Admiral Western Defences can merely be emphasized once again.

- 212 -