U-109 - 7th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	28 November 1942	St. Nazaire	23 January 1943	57

 

Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for this patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here

 

Ships Hit

None

Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				Copy No. . . . .1. . . .
			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				of the
			U  n  t  e  r  s  e  e  b  o  o  t  e  s    "U  109"
			Kommandant:    Kapitänleutnant    B  l  e  i  c  h  r  o  d  t  .
			Beginning on:  6 October 1942.
			Concluding on:  23 January 1943.
			Distribution:     Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 + 2 Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote     "      " 3 Kmdr. Admiral der Unterseeboote     "      " 4 Ausbildungsgruppe Front     "      " 5 27. Unterseebootesflottille     "      " 6 2. Unterseebootsflottille     "      " 7
			Enclosures:     Track chart for Copy No. 1 + 4 Barograph strips     "      " 3 Torpedo firing reports     "      " 3 + 7 Excerpt of the General Radio log     "      " 2 - 4 Officer-Only Radio Log
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB

				Kriegstagebuch "U-109".
				Shipyard period
				6.10. - 28.11.1942.
		06.10.42		Berth A 3.  Boat cleared.
		08.10.42		With tugs shifted to Keroman.
		11.10.42		Leave trip to Germany.
		02.11.42 -		Training service.  Return of those on leave.
		17.11.42		"           "
		17.11.42		Un-docked.  Shifted to B 6.
		18.11.42		Berth B 6.  Fuel oil loading.
		19.11.42		Pier-side trial.  Ammunition loading, dummy torpedo shooting.  Shifted to S 1.
		20.11.42		Torpedo loading.
		21.11.42		Sea trial with trim test.  Made fast K 14.
		23.11.42		Degaussing.  Made fast K 14.
		24.11.42		Shifted to S 2.  Gave up 4 torpedoes and took over 4 with new pistols.  Took over the boat with Boatsmann and Maschine sections.
		25.11.42		Provisions loaded.
		26.11.42		Trim test, made fast S 1.
		28.11.42		Shifted to A 2 for departure.  Took over fresh provisions.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.07.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.07.42

				KRIEGSTAGEBUCH
				"  U-109  "
				Patrol from
				28.11.42 -

	- 1 -
		28.11.42
		17.00		Cast off from A 2.  Departed with Sperrbrecher - escort on Route "Kernleder".
		18.05		Passed Point "L 2".
		18.25		Passed Point "Laterne".
				Sperrbrecher escort ended.
				3 U-Jäger escort further.
		18.45		Went to higher speed setting.
				3 U-Jäger remain astern.
		19.13		Passed Point "352".
		21.15		Passed Point "Lade".
		29.11.42	Bay of Biscay
		01.00	E 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, dark night, misty, Vis. medium, strong marine phosphorescence	Passed Point "Kern".
		01.50	BF 5496	Fu.M.B. detection, 169 cm.  Horizontally polarized.
				Dived.
		04.00	BF 5498
		04.50		Surfaced.
		05.17	BF 5497	Fu.M.B. detection, 169 cm.  Horizontally polarized.
				Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BF 5725	While proceeding submerged heard several detonations at long and medium range.
			Day's run: 120 nm/ 27 nm
		16.00	BF 5727
		18.50		Surfaced.
		19.09	BF 5719	Dived.
		20.00	BF 5743
		20.02		Surfaced.
		30.11.42	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 4989
			ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, misty, strong marine phosphorescence
		02.26	BF 7337	Fu.M.B. detection, 169 cm.  Horizontally polarized.  Dived.
		04.00	BF 7329

	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.42

	- 2 -
		continued
		30.11.42
		04.16		Surfaced.
		07.04		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
				During the submerged transit heard continuous detonations, some at great range some at medium range.
		08.00	BF 7265
		12.00	BF 7259
			Day's run: 125 nm/ 40 nm
		16.00	BF 7257
		18.47		Surfaced.
		20.00	BF 7273
			E 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10, hazy horizon, strong marine phosphorescence
		20.13		Incoming Radio Message 2013/30 from B.d.U.:
				Concerning synthetic fuel.
		01.12.42	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7178
			The same, long E-Swell
		04.00	BE 9619
			The same
		07.00		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	BE 9595
		12.00	BE 9558
			Day's run: 154 nm/ 32 nm
		13.17		4 aircraft bombs far off.
		13.25		3      "          "     medium range.
		19.53		Surfaced.
		20.00	BE 9572
			E 4-5, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. medium, strong marine phosphorescence, dark night, medium visibility due to light drizzle, strong marine phosphorescence	It freshens quickly often strong visibility deterioration.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.42

	- 3 -
		continued
		01.12.42
		22.40	Freshening E 5, Sea 4	Shadow astern to port, shifted quickly astern.  Destroyer.
				2 large shadows ahead to starboard.
				Were quickly larger, target angle 70-80°, bow left.
				Turned away hard to port on parallel course
				Shadows were larger and recognized as warship silhouettes.  Probably cruisers.
				Am positioned between the flank escort and the formation.
				Ships wheel and show a small silhouette.
				Turned with to port to 110° and am positioned favorably ahead to port of the ships.
				Port flank escort is out of sight astern.
				Intend to fall back and attack as soon as the torpedo tubes are ready.
		22.47		Destroyer ahead to starboard.  At first showed a broad silhouette bow left target angle 70° to abeam.
				Suddenly turned towards and ran in.  Fu.M.B. detection was not determined.
				Because the destroyer is approaching quickly, I must dive by crash diving.
		22.50		Crash dive before destroyer.
				Went to depth A +60 meters.
				Propeller sounds and Asdic sounds heard clearly (every three seconds a short click).
		22.53		Took destroyer astern and drove Bolde course.
				1st Bolde
				2nd Bolde.
				Propeller sounds were faster and louder.  Destroyer ran in.  Went to AK and turned to port to course 90°.  Have voltage brought down to 90 Volts.

Sun and Moon Data 01.12.42

	- 4 -
		continued
		01.12.42
		23.00		4 series each 3 depth charges.
				Charges lay behind and above the boat.
				The 2nd series lay very close to the boat.
				Torpedo in tube 6 suddenly starts to run
				Cover from the main drain filter jumps off.
				Water from the starboard regulating tank into the control room.  Except for a few burst electric glass bulbs essentially only minor damage was determined.  Boat became strongly down by the stern.  Tuned again on Bolde course via 140°, 160°, 180° to 210° and ejected 4 Bolde.
		23.14		Propeller sounds stronger again in 130°T.
				Asdic easily heard.
		23.19		Destroyer runs off astern above us.
				No depth charges.
		23.32		Propeller sounds and Asdic are still heard clearly once more, then were fainter and shifted astern.
				Passed out of listening range in the NE.
		23.40		Nothing more heard.
				Torpedo tube 6 no longer runs.
				Cover from the main drain filter is replaced and is in operation again.
				Port shaft and clutch bangs strongly.
				Cause cannot be determined.
		02.12.42	Western Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BE 9489
			Wind has freshened to 6-7, Sea 6, rain showers, Vis. bad
		00.51		Surfaced.
		01.17		Incoming Radio Message 1631/1 from B.d.U.:
				Report position.
		04.00	BE 9715

	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42

	- 5 -
		continued
		02.12.42
		04.00	E 7, Sea 6-7, rain, overcast, Vis. bad, long high E-Swell
		07.22		Outgoing Radio Message 0407/3:
				22.40 hours BE 9489 during attack on enemy warship formation forced to submerge by destroyers.  Asdic and depth charge pursuit.  Tube runner Eto Pi 2.  E 7, freshening, Sea 7, rain showers, at times bad visibility.
		07.40		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	BE 8937
		11.00		At Very Low Frequency reception depth.
		11.28		Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Continue outbound transit, do not participate in search action. [for Italian blockade runner]
		11.50		Again to depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 8953	Tube 6 leaks.  The tube is at outboard pressure.  However, the outer tube door can be opened and closed.  Water runs via the tube into torpedo compensating tank 2.  So the boat was quickly down by the stern.
			Day's run: 97 nm/ 40 nm
		14.48	BE 8955	Propeller sounds in 90°T.
				Moved off to port on course 140° and 110°.
				Sounds shift ahead to starboard, were fainter and passed out of listening range.
		16.00	BE 8955	No further sound bearings.
		16.05		Came to old course.
		16.30		Propeller sounds were clearly noticeable again in 340°T.  Coming closer.  Asdic impulse, easily heard exactly as yesterday. Went to depth A +20 meters.
				Sounds shift slowly astern.
		17.10		New propeller sounds from several fast vessels ahead to port.  Came closer quickly and overran the

Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42

	- 6 -
		continued
		02.12.42		boat from ahead to port to astern to starboard.  Asdic impulses were easily heard.  Sounds shifted astern quickly and were fainter.
		18.30		From 18.30 hours were louder astern to port and came closer.
				Asdic impulses.
				Vessel ran past astern, again slowly ahead to port.
				Sound bearing are now in 240°R.
				Sound bearing is steady, sounds still easily heard.
				From 18.56 hours every 8 minutes 1 depth charge thrown.
				Suspect search group, because from 14.07 to 19.30 hours the formation overran the boat 3 x in direction SE-N-SE.
		20.00	BE 8946
		20.07		Surfaced.
		20.23		Incoming Radio Message 1841/1 from B.d.U.:
				Head for square ED 99.
		21.54		Incoming Radio Message 2113/2 from B.d.U.:
				Course of the sighted warships is missing.  Report again.
		03.12.42	West of Cape Finisterre
		00.00	BE 8859
			SW 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. good, long SW-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		03.04		Outgoing Radio Message 0233/3
				Formation ran off to the NE at high speed.
		04.00	BE 8793
			SW 2, Sea 2, 3/10
		08.00	BE 8778
			The same
		08.45		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
				While proceeding submerged several detonations during the morning, far off.
				Damage control exercises for the new personnel.
		12.00	CF 2221
			Day's run: 145 nm/ 33 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.42

	- 7 -
		continued
		03.12.42
		14.00		At reception depth.
		14.45		To depth A -2- meters.
		16.00	CF 2213
		19.45		Surfaced.
		19.51		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Have passed 20°W to the west.
		20.00	CF 2211
			NWbyW 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10
		20.29		Confirmation of the Short Signal and orders:
				Switch to Ireland Circuit immediately.
				Switched to Ireland Circuit in accordance with orders.
		04.12.42	Northeast of the Azores
		00.00	CF 2125
			NNW 3, Sea 2, 2/10, bright night, Vis. good, short NNW-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		03.20		Periscope abeam to starboard.
				Turned away hard to starboard and took the sighted periscope astern, moved off at high speed.
		04.00	CF 1338	Again on old course and speed.
		08.00	CF 1342
		08.59		Test dive.
		11.00		Continued transit at depth A -40 meters.
		11.30		To reception depth.
		"		Incoming Radio Message 1829/3:
				Tonight report position and afterwards switch to Ireland Circuit.
		12.00	CF 1523
			Day's run: 109 nm/ 40 nm
		13.29		Surfaced.
		16.00	CF 1512	Attack periscope out of service.
			NNW 3, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. good, long NNW-Swell	Flooded.  Leaks at the cover plate.
				Suspect damaged from depth charges from 1 December.
		20.00	CE 3626

	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.42

	- 8 -
		continued
		04.12.42
		20.00	NNW 2, Sea 2, 3/10
		05.12.42	North of the Azores
		00.00	CE 3617
			NNW 2-3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. good, bright night, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	CE 3528	Like each of the previous departures, if main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7 is not yet blown, the boat lies very badly in the sea and already pounds losing way now in Sea State 3-4 and takes over much water.  Because the boat only makes a little way ahead, I decide to proceed submerged.
			WSW 2-3, Sea 2, 5/10
		08.00	CE 3517
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast
		09.00		Dived to depth A -40 meters.
				Damage control exercises and instruction of the new men.
		12.00	CE 3461
			Day's run: 142 nm/ 11 nm
		16.00	CE 3453	Fire control training.
		20.00	CE 3451
		20.04		Surfaced.
		20.19		Incoming Radio Message 1723/5 from B.d.U.:
				Instructions for Pi 2.
		20.46		Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U. 1851/5:
				On 7 December at 08.00 hours switch to America 2 circuit.
		06.12.42	North of the Azores
		00.00	CE 2639
			SSW 5, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. medium, no marine phosphorescence	Boat pounds losing way in the short high W-Swell.
		04.00	CE 2629	Wind freshens quickly.  Boat lies very badly, takes much water over and makes little way ahead.  Fuel consumption is too high.
			SSW 7, Sea 6, passing showers, overcast
		08.00	CE 2615
			The same, Vis. medium, partly bad
		10.00		Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -40 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.42

	- 9 -
		continued
		06.12.42
		12.00	CE 2536
			Day's run: 73 nm/ 27 nm	Damage control exercises.
		16.00	CE 2538
		19.20		Surfaced.
		20.00	CE 2529	Weather still always bad. Athwartship transport knocked overboard by the seas.
			SW 7, Sea 6, 4/10, Vis. good
		07.12.42	North of the Azores
		00.00	CE 2519
			SW 7, Sea 7, 6/10, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	CE 2514
			SW 5, Sea 4-5. 4/10
		08.00	CE 2534	Switched to America 2 Circuit as ordered.
			WSW 3, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. medium, high SW-Swell
		10.00		Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -40 meters.
		12.00	CE 2425	Damage control exercises.
			Day's run: 60 nm/ 22 nm
		16.00	CE 2419
		19.28		Surfaced.
		20.00	CE 2442	Hove to to charge.
			SW 8, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence	By high seas overrunning the boat water was forced via the exhaust gas piping into the running diesel.  Diesel stopped.  Diesel room can only be entered with Tauchretter because the of the diesel exhaust in the diesel and E-motor rooms.
		21.30		After the gas was forced out of the boat, can run again at higher RPM.
		23.53		Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.42

	- 10 -
		08.12.42	North of the Azores
		00.00	CE 2442
			SW 9, Sea 8, passing showers, overcast, Vis. bad to medium
		04.00	CE 2444
		08.00	CE 1669
		10.15		Surfaced to ventilate and charge.  Charged with 1 diesel.  Watch strapped in.
		12.00	CE 1695
			WNW 7/8. Sea 7, passing showers, 6/10, Vis. medium	Came to WSW course seas came from abeam to port.
			Day's run: 7 nm/ 45 nm
		16.00	CE 1929
			W 7, Sea 6-7, passing showers, overcast, Vis. good
		20.00	CE 1981
			W 7-8, Sea 7, 4/10, squalls with strength over 10
		09.12.42	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CE 4312	The high Swell continually rolls over the bridge.  Watch strapped in.  Boat stays in position.
			W 7-8, Sea 7, 6/10, Vis. good, Summer lightening, squalls up to strength 10, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	CE 4263
			SW 8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. changing, high WSW-Swell
		04.31		Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -30 meters.
		08.00	CE 4267
		12.00	CE 4283
			Day's run: 97 nm/ 21 nm
		14.51		Surfaced.  Weather has not improved.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42

	- 11 -
		continued
		09.12.42
		16.00	CE 4288
			NW 6, Sea 6, 6/10, Vis. good, high WNW-Swell
		20.00	CE 4519	Wind freshens.  Watch strapped in.
			WbyN 7, Sea 6, passing showers, 5/10, no marine phosphorescence
		22.51	NW 10, Sea 7-8, passing showers, 5/10, hurricane-like squalls	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		10.12.42	West of the Azores
		00.00	CE 4548	Even at depth A -20 meters the boat lurches noticeably.
		04.00	CE 4574
		08.00	CE 4733
		11.06		Surfaced.
		11.39		Incoming Radio Message 0956/10 from B.d.U.:
		12.00	CE 4737	Extension of the operations area to the west in accordance with situation report from Staats.
			NW 6, Sea 6, 4/10, Vis. good, long high W-Swell
			Day's run: 48 nm/ 45 nm
		14.52		Incoming Radio Message 1741/9 from B.d.U.:
		16.00	CE 4758	In the full moon period initially operate on traffic in accordance with Officer-Only Radio Message in strip south of the upper edge of square EE 90 and EF 70 up to the coast.  With increasing moon go closer to ED 99. [Trinidad]
			WSW 6, Sea 5, 8/10
		20.00	CE 7116
			SW 3-4, Sea 4, passing showers, overcast
		11.12.42	Southwest of the Azores
		00.00	CE 7147
			S 5-6, Sea 5, (rain), overcast, Vis. medium, long WSW-Swell, no marine phosphorescence	The Swells continually roll over from ahead.  Bridge watch strapped in.
		04.00	CD 9632	The wind deflector on the forward bridge cladding has come loose and turned up.
			SSE shifting to SW 7, Sea 5-6, rain, Vis. bad, very high WSW-Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42

	- 12 -
		continued
		11.12.42
		04.58		Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	CD 9637
		12.00	CD 9656
			Day's run: 122 nm/ 22 nm	Went to depth A -45 meters, to ventilate and recharge 4 torpedoes forward.
		16.00	CD 9657
		18.34		Surfaced.  Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7 blown and converted for use as a ballast tank.
		20.00	CD 9672	As bridge watch Watch Officer and Petty Officer, strapped in.
			W 9, Sea 9, passing showers, 6/10, Vis. good, hurricane-like squalls, no marine phosphorescence
		22.51		Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.
				Port negative buoyancy tank floods on its own.
		12.12.42	Southwest of the Azores
		00.00	CD 9598	Surfaced.  Negative buoyancy tank flooded once more and was blown.
		00.11		Dived again.  At depth A -40 meters began the port negative buoyancy tank floods again.  Suspect packing from the port flood valve has fallen out and it leaks.
		04.00	CD 9834
		08.00	CD 9829
		11.16		Surfaced.
		11.24		Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message to Trinidad boats:
				Concerning Emmermann-convoy.
		12.00	CD 9854
			NW 4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good, high NW-Swell
			Day's run: 20 nm/ 63 nm
		16.00	CD 9878
			WNW 3, Sea 3-4, 4/10
		20.00	DF 2622
			WSW 4, Sea 3, 4/10

	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.42

	- 13 -
		continued
		12.12.42
		20.00	Medium short Swell
		13.12.42	Southwest of the Azores
		00.00	DF 2674
			W 4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DF 2838
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10
		08.00	DF 2883
			WSW 5, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. medium
		12.00	DF 5225
			WSW 4, Sea 4, squalls, 7/10
			Day's run: 165 nm/ 0 nm
		13.25		Dived.  Worked on the torpedoes.  Examined the attached cooling water pump of the starboard diesel.
		16.00	DF 5255
		18.42		Surfaced.
		20.00	DF 5284
			WSW 3, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good
		14.12.42	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DF 5545
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, 2/10, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DF 5812
			WSW 2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good, long W-Swell
		08.00	DF 5871
			Overcast, Vis. medium
		12.00	DF 7139	While cruising submerged tube 6 was only slightly re-flooded, tube 6 was pulled and the Pi 2 removed.  Eto is completely flooded.  Water intake was through the flooding and drain piping forward.  Tube was reloaded with the flooded Eto.
			Day's run: 147 nm/ 20 nm
		16.00	DF 8196
			Vis. good, light NW-Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42

	- 14 -
		continued
		14.12.42
		20.00	DF 8463
			SW 2, Sea 1, overcast
		15.12.42	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DF 8498
			No marine phosphorescence, bright night
		03.05		Outgoing Radio Message 0155/15 to B.d.U.:
				Un-repairable depth charge damage from 1 December:
				Attack periscope out of service.  Tube 6 leaks.  Suspect flooding and drain piping torn outside the pressure hull.  Port negative buoyancy tank floods on its own.
		03.56		(continued) Radio Message 0234/15:
				Can flooded Eto - tube runner tube 6 - be ejected and can Pi 2 Etos despite strong concussion still be shot with MZ?  WSW 2, long W-Swell, overcast, bright night, 1030 mb, 125 cbm. Square DR 21.
		04.00	DF 8767
			W 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium, long W-Swell
		08.00	DR 2135
			S 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	DR 2192
			WSW 1-2, Sea 1, 6/10, light cross Swell
			Day's run: 186 nm/ 0 nm
		12.53		Incoming Radio Message 1211/15 from B.d.U.:
				1.)  With clear outer tube door eject tube runner.
				2.)  Pi 2 can no longer be shot with MZ in accordance with Pi 2 Instruction, Appendix Paragraph c, 6.
		16.00	DR 2437	First work on the over deck.  Passed an aft athwartship transport forward.
		20.00	DR 2734
			SE 1, Sea 0-1, 8/10

	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.42

	- 15 -
		16.12.42	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DR 2783
			SE 1. Sea 0, 2/10, bright night, Vis. good, light cross Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DR 5116
			4/10, Vis. medium
		08.00	DR 4393
			8/10, Vis. good
		12.00	DR 4629
			E 3, Sea 2, overcast
			Day's run: 191 nm/ 0 nm
		13.25		Crash dive for training.  Depth control training and fire control training.  Flooded Eto tube 6 ejected.
		14.09		Surfaced.
		16.00	DR 4648
			5/10, Vis. good, light ESE-Swell
		20.00	DR 4832
			8/10, passing showers, Vis. good
		17.12.42	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DR 4855
			E 3, Sea 2, 2/10, bright moonlit night, Vis. good, long NE-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DR 4793
			8/10
		08.00	DR 7113
			E 3, Sea 3, 7/10, passing showers
		12.00	DQ 9362	Forward entrance hole for the flooding and drain piping of tube 6 sealed tight with a wood plug and wedged.
			6/10, Vis. good
			Day's run: 183 nm/ 2 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		17.12.42
		16.00	DQ 9373
			EbyN 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10
		20.00	DQ 9297
			E 4, Sea 3, 7/10
		18.12.42	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DQ 9515
			E 4, Sea 3, 8/10, bright moonlit night, Vis. good, short E-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DQ 9571
			5/10
		08.00	DQ 9763
			6/10, Vis. medium
		11.12		Crash dive for training.
		11.34		Surfaced.
		12.00	DQ 9797
			E 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. medium
			Day's run: 185 nm/ 3 nm
		16.00	EF 3153
			4/10, Vis. good, short E-Swell
		20.00	EF 3188
			The same
		19.12.42	Central Atlantic
		00.00	EF 3455
			E 4, Sea 3, 0/10, Vis. good, bright moonlit night, short E-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	EF 3722
			E 4, Sea 3-4, 4/10
		08.00	EF 3758
			NE 3, Sea 3-4, passing showers, 8/10

	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.42

	- 17 -
		continued
		19.12.42
		12.00	EF 6124	Ran on south course to square EP 2996 in accordance with orders of 9 December to operate on reported steamer.
			7/10, ENE cross Swell
			Day's run: 179 nm/ 0 nm	[Presumably steamer KORBRYN from Officer-Only Radio Message - mentioned in U-217 and U-105 KTBs]
		16.00	EF 6181
			NE 4, Sea 3-4, passing showers, 3/10
		19.40		Crash dive for training.
		19.58		Surfaced.
		20.00	EF 6427
			Medium E-Swell
		20.12.42	Northeast of Guyana
		00.00	EF 6473
			NE 3, Sea 3, 2/10, bright moonlit night, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	EF 6719
			E 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10	Exhaust valve cylinder 7 port is broken, intake valve stem bent and broke the fuel nozzle.  Suspect material failure.  Valve and nozzle were replaced.
		08.00	EF 6775
			4/10
		12.00	EF 9114
			Vis. good, 6/10
			Day's run: 159 nm/ 3 nm
		16.00	EF 9147
			ENE 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10
		19.54		Crash dive for training.  Went to depth A -20 meters to check the leak in tube 6.  Tube still leaks lightly.
		20.00	EF 9424
		21.12.42	Northeast of Guyana
		00.00	EF 9473
			ENE 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good, bright moonlit night, medium E-Swell,

	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.42

	- 18 -
		continued
		21.12.42
		00.00	no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	EF 9743
			4/10, the same
		08.00	EP 3121
			Vis. medium, 6/10
		12.00	EP 3181
			E 4-5. Sea 3-4, 5/10, Vis. medium-good	Wooden wedge in tube 6 driven in once more.
			Day's run: 184 nm/ 3 nm
		16.00	EP 3452
			Vis. good	Boat yaws strongly in the sustained E-Sea and takes over much spray so that the lookout is very difficult.
		20.00	EP 3713
			8/10, Vis. medium-bad
		22.12.42	Northeast of Guyana
		00.00	EP 3771
			E 4-5, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. good, bright moonlit night, short E-Swell, no marine phosphorescence	Reached objective point.
				Ran to meet the reported steamer on opposite course on connecting line square EP 2996, square FB 5691.
				From 00.00 Fu.M.B. was set out for detection in accordance with Reichenbach Radio Message.  There were no detections observed from 00.00-10.00 hours.
		04.00	EP 6113
			ENE 4-5, Sea 3-4, passing showers, 7/10, Vis. medium
		08.00	EP 6156
			ENE 4-5, Sea 7, passing showers, 8/10
		10.23		Test dive.
		10.42		Surfaced.
		12.00	EP 6191
			Passing showers, 6/10	Lookout is difficult from stray and rain showers.
			Day's run: 186 nm/ 2 nm
		16.00	EP 6128
			Passing showers, Vis. medium
		20.00	EP 3778

	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42

	- 19 -
		continued
		22.12.42
		20.00	ENE 4-5, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. good
		23.12.42	Northeast of Guyana
		00.00	EP 6115	Back and forth between EP 2996 and EP 6191.
			ENE 4, Sea 4, (passing showers), 4/10, bright moonlit night, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	EP 6112
			ENE 4, Sea 4, passing showers, 6/10, Vis. medium, hazy horizon, bridge takes over much spray
		08.00	EP 6111
			4/10
		11.23		Dived.  Test dive.
		11.36		Surfaced.
		12.00	EP 6114
			ENE 4-5, Sea 4, 2/10, Vis. good
			Day's run: 154 nm/ 1 nm
		16.00	EP 2992
			ENE 5, Sea 4-5, 4/10	Search for the reported steamer broken off, because now the steamer has already passed, if it is to arrive at the main harbor on 26 December.
		20.00	EP 2921
			ENE 5-6, Sea 5, 4/10, Vis. medium, hazy horizon
		24.12.42	North of Guyana
		00.00	EP 2674
			The same, passing showers, 5/10, bridge continually takes over spray, no marine phosphorescence	Intend, during the full moon night to search to the NW in legs in square EP 20 because the course of steamers reported in the last period goes through this square and later with decreasing moon to go under the Guyana coast, and from there with decreasing moon continue to advance along the 200-meter limit to ED 99.  [Trinidad]
		04.00	EP 2562
			The same, 3/10
		08.00	EP 2522
			6/10
		12.00	EP 2281	Converted main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2, blew and

	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.42

	- 20 -
		continued
		24.12.42
		12.00	ENE 4, Sea 4, 2/10, Vis. good	carried as a ballast tank.
			Day's run: 166 nm/ 0 nm
		15.05		Dived.  Test dive.
		16.00	EP 2242
		16.43		Surfaced.
		20.00	EP 2133
			ENE 3, Sea 3, 4/10, long ENE-Swell
		25.12.42	North of Guyana
		00.00	EF 8794
			ENE 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. good, long ENE-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	EP 2162
			ENE 4, Sea 3-4, 6/10
		08.00	EP 2198
			ENE 3, Sea 3, 5/10
		12.00	EP 2465
			6/10, Vis. medium, hazy horizon
			Day's run: 153 nm/ 4 nm
		16.00	EP 2499
			7/10
		19.28	EP 2763	Mastheads abeam to starboard.
		20.00	EP 2762	To run with turned to course 315° and maneuvered ahead.  Zigzagging was not observed.  Steamer steered 310-320°, 13.5 knots.
			ENE 3, Sea 2-3, 7/10, Vis. medium, hazy, long ENE-Swell
		22.15		At the beginning of darkness closed energetically and afterwards determined enemy values once more.
				Steamer stubbornly holds course and speed.
		23.35	EP 2476	Two-multiple shots from tubes 3 and 4.
				Set values:
				Enemy speed : 13.5 knots
				Target angle:  bow right 111°.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.42

	- 21 -
		continued
		25.12.42		Range:  1200 meters
				Depth was set at 4 meters, because I estimated the steamer at 7000-8000 GRT.  Both torpedoes missed.
		26.12.42	North of French Guiana
		00.00	EP 2476	About 10-12 minutes after ejection, 2 dull detonations were heard in the boat, which at first I did not attach any special importance.
			ENE 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10, Vis. good-medium, starry clear night, long ENE-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
				Maneuvered ahead again.  Once more exactly matched enemy speed 13 knots, the steamer lay very high out of the water.  It was a freighter of about 5000 GRT with clipper stem, 2 masts, pole masts forward and cruiser stern.  Smokestack and bridge in the middle.  Because the moon has risen I decided on a submerged attack.
				About 01.30 hours the steamer suddenly began to zigzag.  Initially to 20°, later 40° to each side around 310°.
		02.45		Am position exactly ahead of the steamer.
		02.52		Dived for submerged attack.
				Steamer silhouette was soon picked up in the periscope.  Steamer zigzags steadily on.  Must moved off to the west at GF, because the steamer ran quickly towards the diving location at target angle 0°.
		03.12		Steamer zigzagged again to starboard and showed target angle 60-70°.  Because I cannot turn the boat quickly enough for a bow attack I must shoot a single shot from tube 5.  Unfortunately tube 6 is out of service.
		03.17	EP 1665	Single shot from tube 5 Eto.
				Set values:
				Enemy speed: 13.5 knots
				Enemy target angle: bow left 86°.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42

	- 22 -
		continued
		26.12.42
				Depth: 3 meters
				Range: 2500 meters.
				Range was deliberately set so high because from experience by moonlight the range was always underestimated.
				This shot also missed.
				10 minutes after ejection 2 loud detonations were heard clearly in the entire boat.  Initially suspected a torpedo hit by another boat.  But the steamer runs on without the hit effect being observed.  After torpedo ejection in the listening gear only 80-90 propeller RPM of the steamer was determined.
		03.44		Surfaced.
				Maneuvered ahead again.  In so doing the old enemy speed of 13 knots was determined.
				Reloaded.
		04.00	EP 1665	Enemy turned to course 245° and zigzags around general course 30° to each side.  Because I suspect that the steamer has noticed me, now I stay ahead of the enemy continually and intend to make a new submerged attack first in the morning twilight.
			The same
		08.00	EP 1567
			ENE 4, Sea 3-4, 6/10, Vis. medium partly bad
		08.45		Sky heavily cloudy, so that the moon is mostly covered.  I believe a repeat submerged attack is favorable.
		09.02		Steamer now steer general course 220°.
		09.02		Submerged attack.
				Three fan from tubes 1, 3 and 4 Etos.
				Set values:
				Enemy speed:  11 knots
				Enemy target angle: bow left 85°
				Depth:  tubes 1 and 4 3 meters
				:  tube 3 2 meters

Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42

	- 23 -
		continued
		26.12.42
				Range:  set 1500 meters.
				During the approach the enemy's lower speed was determined.  Therefore enemy speed was reduced from 13 to 11 knots.  After ejecting the fan, stopping of the enemy was detected perfectly.  The moon broke through, and it may well be that the enemy noticed me.  Cannon on the stern superstructure was seen clearly.  Again about 10-12 minutes after torpedo ejection 3 detonations were heard in the boat and on the bridge.  The enemy remained lying stopped for a long time.
				Had to move off at high speed, to be at the limit of visibility again at dawn.
		10.00		Steamer steered about 220° and at the break of dawn was no longer in sight.
				The following is reported to summarize the 3 misses and the defensive maneuvers of this steamer.
				1.) A "sighting" of the boat while maneuvering ahead was not possible, because the maneuver ahead was carried out in old, traditional form just at the limit of visibility.  Nor can the boat have been seen during the first surface attack, which took place in the dark, or during the submerged attack on the 2nd moon night.
				2.)  When the steamer suddenly began to zigzag at about 01.30 hours, after he had steered straight for six hours, I assumed the boat had been detected and had the Fu.M.B. set out. However, no locating was detected.
				3.)  Transmitting was not observed on the 600 and 36 meter wavelengths, which were constantly manned.

Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42

	- 24 -
		continued
		26.12.42
				4.)  The enemy never turned away after an attack.  Even after the 3rd attack,when the boat approached the steamer to 800-1000 meters, and being illuminated brightly by the moonlight breaking through, absolutely must have been seen, the enemy did not turn away, but remained lying stopped for about 3 to 4 minutes.
				5.)  Asdic impulses were not heard during submerged attack.
				Nevertheless, the following observations suggest that the enemy must have noticed the proximity of the boat and each attack:
				1.)  Changing the speed setting, and stopping completely after torpedo ejection.
				2.)  Throwing of bombs about 10 minutes after each torpedo ejection.
				I suspect that the steamer heard ejection and propeller sounds with listening gear and reduced speed based on that.
				By the throwing of bombs the enemy wanted to feign enemy torpedo hits in order to provoke the boat to ever new attacks and to let [the boat] use up [torpedoes], to bring boat so close to itself to effectively fight it with artillery.  From experience a harmless independent with a speed of 13-14 knots on sighting the boat would immediately shown the stern, run off at high speed and would have transmitted a U-boat warning.
				From these considerations, I refrained from a new pursuit and attack.
		11.38		Dived to proceed submerged because I must expect strengthened air reconnaissance in the course of the day.
		12.00	EP 1593	Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.

Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42

	- 25 -
		continued
		26.12.42
		12.00	Day's run: 222 nm/ 4 nm
		16.00	EP 1672	There is a stifling heat in the boat.  With water temperature of 29°C, 35°C was measured in the boat.
		20.00	EP 1684
		20.30	ENE 4, Sea 3, high Swell	Surfaced.  Course 140°.
		27.12.42	North of Guyana
		00.00	EP 2742
			ENE 3, Sea 2-3, 1/10, Vis. good, starry clear night, long ENE-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		01.03		Outgoing Officer-Only Radio Message "Gustav".
				0012/27 to B.d.U.:  The Kommandant has suffered from nervous weakness and lack of energy for about 10 days, combined with states of severe mental depression.  Request return transit.
		01.32		Outgoing Radio Message 2141/26 to B.d.U.:
				From 25 December 19.30 hours - 26 December 10.00 hours in 2476 double, 1665 submerged single, 1559 three-miss on armed independent 4000-5000 GRT.  Course 320°, 245° and out of sight on 220°, 13 knots.  About 10 minutes after each torpedo ejection steamer threw 1-3 depth charges.  After ejection of torpedoes on the 3rd attack temporarily stop observed perfectly.  Suspect trap, ENE 4, high Swell, 1020 mb, water temperature 29°C, bright moonlit night, 8 plus 6 torpedoes, 75 cbm, position 1685.  All EP.
		02.42		Incoming Radio Message 1305/26 from B.d.U.:
				To boats in EE:
				1.)  In sector between the lines ED 9855 to DP 9855 and ED 9955 to EP 1755 occupy . . .

	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42

	- 26 -
		continued
		27.12.42
				Nissen northern sub-sector, Reeder southern sub-sector, sector NW of the first named line occupied by Bleichrodt.  In the ordered sector advance as close as possible to the center point of the sector.  Report immediately if traffic is observed.
				Came to northwesterly course, to go into the ordered sector between Barbados and Tobago.
		04.00	EP 2785
			ENE 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10
		08.00	EP 2745
			4/10, bright moonlit night
		12.00	EP 2745
			Vis. medium, hazy
			Day's run: 117 nm/ 24 nm
		14.40		Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message 1157/27 from B.d.U.:
				Patrol must be completed under all circumstances.
		16.00	EP 1935
			Vis. medium, long ENE-Swell	Because of favorable weather, torpedo downloading is anticipated for the coming night.
		20.00	EP 1682
			ENE 2, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good, long ENE-Swell	Aft athwartship transport was made suitable for downloading "forward".
		22.20		Began downloading.
		23.30	EP 1673	Illuminated vessel abeam to port.
				Closed at both LF.  In addition to steaming lights there is a bright glow as with illumination of the side of the hull or banner for neutrals was noted. However, national colors could no longer be determined,

Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42

	- 27 -
		continued
		27.12.42		because on southern course the vessel shifts too quickly astern, soon shows a broad target angle and I can not run at higher speed with downloading gear set up.
		28.12.42	North of Guyana
		00.00	EP 1649	Turned again on a westerly course before the seas.
			ENE 2, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good, starry night, no marine phosphorescence	Continued downloading.
				5 G7a torpedoes were taken below forward.  One torpedo had to remain in the over deck because downloading aft is no longer possible because the athwartship gear went overboard from the seas and a replacement cannot be arranged with on board means.
		04.00	EP 1671
			The same, 4/10
		05.30		Downloading ended.
				Again came to NW-course.
		08.00	EP 1564
			Bright moonlit night
		10.16		Dived for test dive.
		12.00	EP 1672
			Day's run: 79 nm/ 6 nm
		14.00		Surfaced.
		16.00	EP 1563
			The same, 4/10
		20.00	EP 1522
			The same
		29.12.42	North of Guyana
		00.00	EP 1281
			ENE 2, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good, starry clear night, long ENE-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	EP 1217
			2/10
		08.00	EF 7797
			Bright moonlit night, 4/10
		11.17		Dived, test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42

	- 28 -
		continued
		29.12.42
		12.00	EF 7741
			Day's run: 160 nm/ 8 nm
		12.15		Surfaced.
		16.00	EE 9689
			ENE 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good
		20.00	EE 9648
			4/10
		30.12.42	North of Guyana
		00.00	EE 9526
			NE 3, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good, starry clear night, long ENE-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	EE 9541
			3/10
		08.00	EE 9189	Incoming Radio Message from Mohr, whereby a tanker convoy headed 70° from ED 9694.
			NE 3-4, Sea 3, 2/10, bright moonlit night
		12.00	EE 9148	If this convoy held course and speed, I am 60 nm southeast of it. Operated on this convoy at both LF.
			NE 4, Sea 3-4, (passing showers), 6/10, Vis. good, long
				At 21.00 hours I should be on the course line of the convoy.
			Day's run: 184 nm/ 2 nm
		16.00	EE 6787
			NE 4, 7/10, Sea 4, Vis. medium-good, much spray comes over, NNE-Swell
		20.00	EE 6752
			NNE 4, Sea3-4, 7/10, the same

	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42

	- 29 -
		continued
		30.12.42
		21.00		Am positioned on the convoy course line.  Ran on the convoy course line until the break of dawn.
		31.12.42	North of Guyana
		00.00	EE 6739
			NNE 4, Sea 3-4, 7/10, Vis. medium, long NNE-Swell, no marine phosphorescence	Search broken off.
		04.00	EE 6759	Intend to head for the ordered sector in light legs around 270°.
			NE 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10
		06.32		Outgoing Officer-Only Radio Message 0443/31 to B.d.U.:
				Currently I am not fully fit.  Request medical advice.
		08.00	EE 9112
			NE 3, 7/10, Vis. medium-good
		11.06		Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -30 meters.
		12.00	EE 5994
			Day's run: 172 nm/ 3 nm
		16.00	EE 5988
		20.00	EE 5979
		21.00		Surfaced.  Course 210°.
		23.42		Incoming Radio Message 0950/31 from B.d.U.:
				No supply.
		01.01.43	East of Barbados
		00.00	EE 8318
			NE 3, Sea 3, 8/10, dark night, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence
		00.24		Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message 1131/31 from B.d.U.:
[Luminalette = phenobarbital - a barbiturate sedative]				Continue operation, however no supply anticipated.  If necessary, give full responsibility for boat leadership to First Watch Officer.  Medical advice:  3 times daily one Luminalette.  Easy food.
		04.00	BE 8316
			ENE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, long NE-Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.43

	- 30 -
		continued
		01.01.43
		04.00	Light Summer lightening
		08.00	EE 5991
			The same
		12.00	EE 5963
			NE 4, Sea 4, 4/10, Vis. good
			Day's run: 103 nm/ 27 nm
		16.00	EE 6479
			ENE 4, Sea 4, 5/10
		20.00	EE 6456
			The same, 7/10
		02.01.43	East of the Small Antilles
		00.00	EE 6198
			ENE 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, starry clear, cross Swell, light marine phosphorescence
		01.49		Outgoing Short Signal:
				Have begun return transit due to fuel inventory.
		04.00	EE 6245
		08.00	EE 6225
			ENE 5, Sea 4-5, rain, Vis. medium-bad	Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 4 blown and carried as a ballast tank, to make the boat as light as possible and run at higher speed.
		12.00	EE 3894
			Spray comes over
			Day's run: 160 nm/ 0 nm
		13.51		Test dive.
		14.07		Surfaced.
		16.00	EE 3863
			The same
		20.00	EE 3913
			ENE 4, Sea 4, passing showers, 8/10

	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.43

	- 31 -
		continued
		02.01.43
		20.00	Vis. medium
		03.01.43	Central Atlantic
		00.00	EE 3659
			ENE 4, Seas 4, passing showers, overcast, Vis. medium, dark night, light marine phosphorescence
		04.00	EE 3639
			In rain squalls Vis. bad
		08.00	EF 1175
			The same
		12.00	EF 1146
			NE 4, Sea 4, passing showers, 6/10, Vis. good
			Day's run: 149 nm/ 2 nm
		16.00	EF 1123
			The same
		20.00	DQ 7769
			The same
		04.01.43	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DQ 7815
			NE 4, Sea 3-4, passing showers, 5/10, starry clear, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DQ 7585
			ENE 4, Sea 3-4, passing showers, 4/10
		08.00	DQ 7565
		12.00	DQ 7612
			Day's run: 163 nm/ 0 nm
		16.00	DQ 7382
			ENE 4, Sea 3-4, passing showers, overcast, at times Vis. bad in squalls
		20.00	DQ 7336
			Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.01.43

	- 32 -
		05.01.43	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DQ 5776
			ENE 4, Sea 3-4, 4/10, starry clear, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence
		01.19	DQ 5753	Outgoing Radio Message to B.d.U.:
		04.00	ENE 3, Sea 3, 4/10	Request 10 cbm supply.  Up to now daily consumption 3.3 cbm with day's run 160 nm.  Stiff NE 4, 1032 mb, rising, Vis. good, 50 cbm, square DQ 5770.
		08.00	DQ 5733
			Strong Summer lightening
		11.26		Incoming Radio Message 1026/5 from B.d.U.:
				Transit via DG 50.  Run at most economical transit speed.  160 nm day's run against Trade Winds is too much.
		12.00	DQ 5558
			EbyN 3, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. good, medium ENE-Swell	Already at the beginning of the journey it was observed that the boat with the seashell propellers at diesel-electric cruise, even at most economical transit speed, consumes about 0.4 cbm more, however also runs at about 0.5-1 knot faster.  Because of that it seems day's run of 160 nm is too high.  However it was determined that diesel-electric cruise is most economical.
			Day's run: 174 nm/ 0 nm
		14.12		Test dive.
		15.11		Surfaced.
		16.00	DQ 5538
			3/10
		20.00	DQ 5379
			E 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10
		06.01.43	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DQ 5369
			E 3, Sea 3, 3/10, starry clear, Vis. good, cross Swell
		01.38		Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U.:

	Sun and Moon Data 05.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.01.43

	- 33 -
		continued
		06.01.43		Return harbor is Lorient.
		04.00	DQ 6151
			Passing showers, 4/10
		08.00	DQ 6136
			E 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10, light E-Swell
		12.00	DQ 3884
			4/10
			Day's run: 176 nm/ 2 nm
		16.00	DQ 3866
		20.00	DQ 3927
			ESE 3, Sea 2, 4/10
		07.01.43	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DR 1477
			ESE 3, Sea 2, 2/10
			Starry clear, Vis. good, light ESE-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DR 1459
			EbyS 3, Sea 2, 2/10
		08.00	DR 1542
		12.00	DR 1532
			2/10
			Day's run: 190 nm/ 0 nm
		16.00	DR 1384
			ESE 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. good, long SE-Swell
		20.00	DR 1369
			4/10
		08.01.43	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DR 2124
			ESE 3, Sea 2, passing showers, 2/10, Vis. good, dark night, long SE-Swell, no marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 06.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.01.43

	- 34 -
		continued
		08.01.43
		04.00	DF 8797
			3/10
		08.00	DF 8871
			Passing showers, 5/10, Vis. medium
		12.00	DF 8855
			NE-ESE 2, 1/2 overcast, (rain), overcast, Vis. medium-good, cross Swell
			Day's run: 180 nm/ 0 nm
		14.51		Test dive.  Deep dive to depth A +20 meters.
		16.00	DF 8835	Tightness test.
		16.16		Surfaced.
		20.00	DF 8679
			ENE 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good
		09.01.43	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DF 8691
			NNW 1, Sea 1, (rain), 7/10, Vis. medium, dark night, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DF 9445
			E 2, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. good
		08.00	DF 9421
			At times Vis. bad
		11.31		Sent position Short Signal.
		12.00	DF 9433
			Vis. good, E-Swell
			Day's run: 170 nm/ 4 nm
		14.21		Incoming Radio Message 1319/9 from B.d.U.:
		16.00	DF 9276	From Wolfbauer 10 cbm supply on 12 January from 11.00 hours in square DG 5464.  After completion Wolfbauer report inventory.
			The same
		20.00	DF 9267
			The same

	Sun and Moon Data 08.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.01.43

	- 35 -
		10.01.43	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DF 9345	Stopped because otherwise we will be to early at the meeting point.
			E 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10, starry clear night, Vis. good, long E-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DF 9345
			2/10
		08.00	DF 9345
			Blue sky
		09.30		Diesel-electric.
		12.00	DF 9361
			4/10
			Day's run: 117 nm/ 0 nm
		16.00	DG 7114
			S 1, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. very good, light NW-Swell
		20.00	DG 4788
			2/10
		22.41		Incoming Radio message from B.d.U.:
				Intention:  Torpedo delivery to Group Delphin in square DG 5464.  Avoid transmitting within 150 nm of the supply square as much as possible.
		11.01.43	Central Atlantic
		00.00	DG 4796
			S 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, Vis. good, light NW-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		01.00		Stopped as on 10 January.
		04.00	DG 4796
			The same
		08.00	DG 4796
			The same
		09.30		Diesel-electric.
		12.00	DG 4846

	Sun and Moon Data 10.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.01.43

	- 36 -
		continued
		11.01.43
		12.00	5/10
			Day's run: 108 nm/ 0 nm
		16.00	DG 4861
			8/10
		18.49		Incoming Radio Message 1726/11/from B.d.U.:
		20.00	DG 4915	Supply from Wolfbauer at most 15 cbm.  To Heydemann and Seibicke each 3 Atos, if by rubber boat from Wolfbauer is possible, further 1-2 Etos to Seibicke, Heydemann and Stein.
		12.01.43	South of the Azores
		00.00	DG 4695
			S 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, bright night, long NW-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DG 5481
			Vis. medium	Stopped to not arrive ahead of time at the meeting point.
		08.00	DG 5481
			Vis. medium - partly bad, long WNW-Swell
		10.38		U-boat ahead to starboard.  Recognition Signals exchanged.  Ran within signal range in the middle of the square.
		12.00	DG 5464	"U-436" - Seibicke.
			SSW 2-3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. medium-good, long WNW-Swell
			Day's run: 164 nm/ 0 nm
		12.43		U-boat in sight ahead to port.  Recognition Signals exchanged.  "U-463"  - Wolfbauer.  Ran towards him.
		13.12		U-boat ahead to port.  "U-175" -  Heydemann.
		13.30		Began oil transfer.
				Drove in port echelon without tow connection next to the supplier.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.01.43

	- 37 -
		continued
		12.01.43
		16.00	DG 5453	14.6 cbm fuel oil taken over.
			SSW 3, 2-3, 6/10, Vis. good, long WNW-Swell	Mar. Ass. Arzt. Dr. Hoch from U-Wolfbauer on board.
				Set off to port of the supply boat.
				Kept the rubber boat on board, to attempt Eto transport.
		17.45		U-boat abeam to port.
				U-442 - Hesse.
		19.00		Began torpedo delivery to Seibicke.
				Ato was wrapped with 18 life jackets.
				Went smoothly into the water and drifted astern.
		20.00	DG 5437	U-436 has great difficulty getting the torpedo on deck in the high swell.
		22.00		At the beginning of darkness Kommandant of U-436 asks to break off transfer and continue the next morning.
				Ran around the middle of the square on various courses on one diesel LF to charge the battery.
		13.01.43	South of the Azores
		00.00	DG 5461
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium, long WNW-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DG 5461
			Vis. good
		04.21		[illegible one sentence entry]
		08.00	DG 5461
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. goos sometimes bad, long WNW-Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 12.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.01.43

	- 38 -
		continued
		13.01.43
		08.32		In morning twilight boats come in sight again.
		10.52		Incoming Radio Message 1030/13:
				Tomorrow at 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.
		09.30		Torpedo transfer continued as before.
				When taking over a torpedo on the over deck the torpedo loading gear breaks on U-436.  As a result transfer to U-436 is no longer possible.
		12.00	DG 5438	U-436 lets the torpedo drift astern.  Torpedo was fished out by me again and put on the over deck.
			6/10, otherwise the same.
			No day's run during supply	From 13.00-15.00 hours 0.8 cbm lubricating oil was transferred to U-436 .  Oil was forced from U-109 to U-436 in fire hose.
				Because Heydemann has no torpedo loading gear on board,  further torpedo transfer must be awaited until Heydemann has assembled a complete torpedo loading device from Hesse and Seibicke.
		16.00	DG 5462	Began torpedo transfer to U-575. (Heydemann).
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, blue sky, overcast, Vis. good, long WNW-Swell	From 16.00 hours to the beginning of darkness 4 Atos were transferred to Heydemann.
		16.30		U-boat ahead to starboard on NW-course.
				Passed out of sight again abeam.
				No Recognition Signal exchange.
		20.00	DC 5463
			The same
		21.00		U-boat directly astern.  U-571 (Möhlmann).
		22.00		Torpedo transfer ended.
				On request by Kptlt. Heydemann took the old Chief Engineer, Oblt. Ing. Meyer, on board for transport home.
				Transfer of Etos  is not possible in the Sea State and in the long Swell without a special transport boat.

Sun and Moon Data 13.01.43

	- 39 -
		continued
		13.01.43
				Gave rubber boat from Wolfbauer to Heydemann and continued return transit.
		14.01.43	South of the Azores
		00.00	DG 5515
			SW 2, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good, WNW-Swell, bright night, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	DG 5257
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10
		08.00	DG 5225	Switched to Ireland Circuit as ordered.
			4/10
		12.00	DG 2883
			SW 4, Sea 3-4, 7/10
			Day's run: 102 nm/ 2 nm
		12.33	DG 2867	U-boat abeam to starboard on N-course.  Closed.  Recognition Signal exchange.  "U-125" - Folkers.
				After short exchange of views again turned for return transit.
		16.00	DG 2835
			SSW 2-3, Sea 2, passing showers, 5/10, Vis. partly bad
		20.00	DG 2641
			SSW 2, Sea 2, 7/10
		15.01.43	South of the Azores
		00.00	DG 2376
			SSW 3, Sea 2-3, 8/10, bright night, Vis. medium, misty, no marine phosphorescence, long W-Swell
		04.00	DG 3228
			Passing showers
		08.00	CE 9783

	Sun and Moon Data 13.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.43

	- 40 -
		continued
		15.01.43
		08.00	Passing showers, at timed Vis. bad
		11.11		Test dive.
		11.36		Surfaced.
		12.00	CE 9736	2 x HF, to pass between São Miguel and Terceira by night.
			WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast
			Day's run: 206 nm/ 2 nm
		16.00	CE 9545
			Rain
		20.00	CE 9255
			SW 5, Sea 4, rain, Vis. bad
		16.01.43	Azores
		00.00	CE 6891
			WNW 9, Sea 7, rain, bright night, Vis. medium, no marine phosphorescence
		02.00		Came to course 35° again.
		04.00	CE 6833
			NW 7-8, Sea 6-7, passing showers, 7/10
		05.27		Outgoing Radio Message 0456/16 to B.d.U.:
				To Seibicke 1, Heydemann 4 Atos.  WNW 7, Sea 6, 1-20 mb, steady, at times rain showers, square CE 68.
		08.00	CE 6654
			8/10, passing showers	Diesel-electric.
		12.00	CE 6629
			NWbyN 6, Sea 6, passing showers, 5/10, Vis. good, squalls
			Day's run: 238 nm/ 0 nm
		16.00	CE 6399
			NWbyN 5, Sea 5, 6/10
		17.25		Incoming Radio Message 1634/16 from B.d.U.:
		20.00	CF 4255	Krech report position.  Bleichrodt thereafter suggest meeting point to take over Obersteuermann.
			NWbyW 4, Sea 4, 4/10
		22.02		Outgoing Radio Message 2141/16 to Krech:
				Meeting point 18 January 10.00 hours square CF 2863.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.01.43

	- 41 -
		17.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CF 4232
			NWbyN 3, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. good, bright night, long WNW-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	CF 1987
			Overcast
		08.00	CF 1996
			WSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, passing showers, Vis. medium, light marine phosphorescence
		12.00	CF 2782
			WSW 6, Sea 4-5, passing showers, overcast, Vis. good
			Day's run: 184 nm/ 0 nm
		14.13		Dived.  Proceeded submerged because otherwise I will be too early at the meeting point.
		16.00	CF 2769
		19.58		Surfaced, to possibly take a navigation fix.
		20.00	CF 2847	However completely overcast, rain.  Ventilated the boat.
			SSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. medium
		20.15		Dived again to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		18.01.43	Northeast of the Azores
		00.00	CF 2845
		04.00	CF 2854
		04.01		Surfaced.
		08.00	CF 2862
			WSW 4, Sea 3, passing showers, overcast, Vis. sometimes bad from hail and rain showers
		10.35		U-boat ahead to starboard.
				Recognition Signals exchanged.  U-528 [typo U-558] Krech.
		12.00	CF 2839
			W 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.01.43

	- 42 -
		continued
		18.01.43
		12.00	Vis. good
			Day's run: 93 nm/ 29 nm
		16.00	CF 2676
			SSW 5, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. medium
		19.52		Incoming Radio Message 1906/18 from B.d.U.:
				Report completion of the meeting by Short Signal "Yes".
		20.00	CF 2653
			SSE 8, Sea 6, passing showers, overcast, Vis. bad, strong lightening, hurricane-like squalls
		19.01.43	West of Cape Finisterre
		00.00	CF 3187
			SW 8, Sea 6, passing showers, 8/10, bright night, strong lightening, Vis. medium, no marine phosphorescence	It freshens strongly.  The seas grow to strength 8.  Can no longer continue on return transit course before the seas.
		02.40	SSW 10, Sea 8, passing showers, 8/10	Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		04.00	CF 3192
		08.00	CF 3169
		12.00	CF 3244
			Day's run: 132 nm/ 20 nm	At periscope depth (receiving depth).  Weather somewhat calmer, however still strong from the SW.
		12.19		Incoming Radio Message 0823/19 from B.d.U.:
				Return harbor is St. Nazaire.
		12.30		Again to depth A -20 meters.
		16.00	CF 3242
		19.29		Surfaced.  Seas have abated somewhat.
		20.00	CF 3225	Can run at both HF.
			SSW 6, Sea 4-5, passing showers, 4/10, Vis. medium-good, long SW-Swell
		20.01.43	West of Cape Finisterre
		00.00	CF 3313

	Sun and Moon Data 18.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.01.43

	- 43 -
		continued
		20.01.43
		00.00	SSW 5-6, Sea 4-5, passing showers, 4/10, Vis. medium-good, bright night, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	BE 9786
			SW 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good, high WSW-Swell
		04.44		Short Signal:  "Yes: sent.
				(Meeting with Krech).
		08.00	BE 9873
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast (rain)
		08.32		Dived to proceed submerged A -10 meters.
		12.00	BE 9854
			Day's run: 133 nm/ 27 nm
		16.00	BE 9828
		19.19		Surfaced.
		20.00	BE 9831
			SW 3, Sea 2, passing showers, 4/10, Vis. medium
		22.00		Dived.  Mechanical interference in the Fu.M.B.
		22.50		Surfaced.  Mechanical interference fixed.
		23.21		Incoming Radio Message 2016/20 from B.d.U.:
				From 21 January 08.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.
		21.01.43	Northwest of Cape Finisterre
		00.00	BE 9676
			SW 3, Sea 2, passing showers, 5/10, bright night, Vis. good, Summer lightening, long SSW-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	BF 7444
			S 2, Sea 2, overcast
		08.00	BF 7436	Switched to Coastal Circuit in accordance with orders.
			SE 4, snow, rain, Vis. medium
		08.25		Dived to proceed submerged A -10 meters.
		12.00	BF 7516
			Day's run: 147 nm/ 38 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 20.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.01.43

	- 44 -
		continued
		21.01.43
		16.00	BF 7522	It was determined that the horizontal cable of the Fu.M.B. is broken in 4 places.  Externally no breaks or nicks were determined.
		20.00	BF 7297	Breaking points repaired, cable soldered again.
		23.33		Unfortunately can first surface now.
		22.01.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7299
			NW 2, Sea 1, overcast, bright night, Vis. good, light SW-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		04.00	BF 8174
			The same
		07.43		Outgoing Short Signal:  Position 24 hours off return harbor.
		08.00	BF 8273
			NNW 2, Sea 2, passing showers, 8/10
		08.13		Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -10 meters.
		12.00	BF 8282
			Day's run: 128 nm/ 40 nm
		14.00		At receiving depth.
		14.23		Incoming Radio Message 1027/22:
				On 23 January at 07.00 hours escort will be at "Herz" 438.  Report convoy intake with time.
		15.00		Again to depth A -10 meters.
		16.00	BF 8282
		18.56		Surfaced.
		20.00	BF 8262
		20.50		Outgoing Short Signal: Request Radio Beacon Group 2.
		22.15		Incoming Radio Message 2152/22:
				Radio Beacon Group 2 runs from now to 07.30 hours.
		23.01.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5898
			W 2, Sea 2, 2/10, bright night, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 21.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.01.43

	- 45 -
		continued
		23.01.43
		00.00	Light WNW-Swell, no marine phosphorescence
		01.40		Passed Point "Morgen".
				On the route multiple fishing trawlers and sailing vessels.
		06.00		Passed Point "Film".
		06.50		Sperrbrecher ahead to starboard.
		07.15		Taken in convoy at Point 438.
		07.48		Outgoing Radio Message 0721/23:
				To 7. U.-Flottille 07.15 hours taken in convoy.
				Entered via Nanni 1, 2, 3 in convoy.
		11.15		Made fast in the lock.
		12.15		Passed through.  Ran to the Bunker berth and made fast there.

Sun and Moon Data 23.01.43

 

	Enclosures to U-109's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
ChartA	Track chart covering the entire patrol (small scale)
ChartB	Track chart covering the entire patrol
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

 

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-109" from 6.10.42 - 23.01.43.
	The patrol was granted no success due to the health of the Kommandant.  Command was relinquished after returning.
	To 26 December:  The conclusions put too much thought into the enemy.  The suspected depth charges are undoubtedly end of run or sinking detonations of own torpedoes.
		For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

---

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