U-117 - 4th War Patrol
Translation by Jerry Mason with the help Andi Forster
Departed |
Date |
Arrived |
Date |
Days at Sea |
Brest |
31 March 1943 |
Bordeaux |
13 May 1943 |
44 |
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 |
||||||
Date |
KTB Time |
Position |
Ship |
Tons |
Nationality |
Convoy |
11 Apr 43 |
09.07 |
55°57'N,
18°55'W |
MATT W. RANSOM (damaged - mine) |
7,177 |
American |
UGS-6A |
25 Apr 43
|
09.41 - 10.15 |
55°57'N,
18°55'W |
EMPIRE MORN (totaled - mine) |
7.092 |
British |
|
Total = 22,989 |
||||||
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. |
K r i e g s t a g e b u c h | |||||
" U - 117 " | |||||
Kommandant: Korv.Kapt. N e u m a n n | |||||
Beginning: on 8.2.1943. | |||||
Concluding: on 14.5.1943. | |||||
Enclosures: | |||||
© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved | |||||
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB |
- 2 - |
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08.02.43 | Lorient | ||||
to | Boat cleared. | ||||
12.02.43 | Lorient | ||||
13.02.43 | Lorient | Began shipyard period. | |||
03.03.43 | Lorient | Shipyard trim test. | |||
05.03.43 | Lorient | Shipyard period ended. | |||
to | |||||
06.03.43 | Lorient | ||||
07.03.43 | Lorient | ||||
17.00 | Put to sea. | ||||
Transit in convoy to Brest. | |||||
08.03.43 | Brest | ||||
04.40 | Entered | ||||
to | Boat dry-docked and cleared. | ||||
10.03.43 | Brest | ||||
11.03.43 | Brest | Began shipyard period. | |||
20.03.43 | Brest | Boat un-docked. | |||
21.03.43 | Brest | Shipyard trim test. | |||
23.03.43 | Brest | Boat dry-docked. | |||
27.03.43 | Brest | Un-docked | |||
Shipyard period ended. | |||||
28.03.43 | Brest | ||||
to | Boat outfitted for Front patrol. | ||||
30.03.43 | Brest | ||||
31.03.43 | Brest | ||||
17.15 | Put to sea with escort. | ||||
- 3 - |
|||||
31.03.43 | West coast of France | ||||
20.00 | WNW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium, 1033 mb | ||||
22.08 | Released escort. | ||||
23.30 | Dived. | ||||
01.04.43 | West coast of France | ||||
00.15 | Surfaced. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
04.00 | W 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. moderate-medium, 1036 mb | ||||
04.47 | Began transit to the west. | ||||
07.32 | Dived. | ||||
Submerged transit. | |||||
08.00 | BF 5489 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 46°32.5'N | Day's run: Surfaced 145.5 nm | |||
Long: 6°21'W | Submerged 11.4 nm | ||||
16.00 | BF 5721 | ||||
20.00 | BF 5713 | ||||
NW 2, Sea 2-3, half overcast, Vis. medium, 1040 mb | |||||
21.34 | Surfaced. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
23.25 | BF 4936 | Overflown by aircraft on northerly course, altitude 100 meters no attack. | |||
(Was probably not seen.) | |||||
23.39 | Aircraft out of sight. | ||||
Dived. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 31.03.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 01.04.43 |
- 4 - | |||||
02.04.43 | Bay of Biscay | ||||
00.00 | BF 4935 | ||||
02.05 | Surfaced. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
04.00 | BF 4952 | ||||
NNW 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good, 1042 mb | |||||
07.30 | Dived. | ||||
Submerged transit. | |||||
08.00 | BF 4947 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 45°56'N | Day's run: Surfaced 68.8 nm | |||
Long: 8°41'W | Submerged 35.5 nm | ||||
16.00 | BF 4891 | ||||
20.00 | BF 8483 | ||||
21.57 | Surfaced. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
03.04.43 | Western Bay of Biscay | ||||
00.00 | BF 4884 | ||||
NE 2, Sea 2, half overcast, Vis. medium, 1039 mb | |||||
02.28 | BF 7212 | Three white lights in sight bearing 280°T. Made out as an illuminated steamer with a patrol vessel, course for the Spanish coast, medium speed, range 8.0 nm. | |||
(Suspect Spanish or Portuguese). | |||||
04.00 | BF 7139 | ||||
07.51 | Dived. Submerged transit. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 02.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 03.04.43 |
- 5 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
03.04.43 | Western Bay of Biscay | ||||
08.00 | BE 9369 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 44°58.3'N | Day's run: Surfaced 108.8 nm | |||
Long: 11°45'W | Submerged 26.3 nm | ||||
16.00 | BE 9394 | ||||
20.00 | BE 9397 | ||||
21.55 | Surfaced. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
04.04.43 | West coast of Spain | ||||
00.00 | BE 9625 | ||||
SEbyE 2, Sea 3-4, Vis. medium, 1025 mb | |||||
04.00 | BE 9674 | ||||
04.55 | Sent Short Signal: My position is naval square BE 9833. | ||||
06.28 | Incoming Radio Message: (Confirmation of the Short Signal) Departing Neumann reports his position in naval square BE 9833. | ||||
08.00 | BE 9858 | ||||
11.00 | Incoming Radio Message: To "U-117" Carry out task in accordance with special order. Head for area at increased speed. | ||||
Transit into operations area. | |||||
11.53 | CG 1128 | Aircraft sighted bearing 120°T, parallel flight, altitude 200 meters, range 8000 to 10000 meters, southerly course. | |||
11.54 | Crash dive. (unseen) | ||||
5 times at intervals of about 10 minutes 3 and 4 detonations (scare bombs) far off. | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 42°37'N | Day's run: Surfaced 165.0 nm | |||
Long: 14°29.5'W | Submerged 20.5 nm | ||||
15.35 | Surfaced. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
16.00 | CG 1146 | ||||
20.00 | CG 1443 | ||||
21.45 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 18°T, 24.7 nm. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 03.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 04.04.43 |
- 6 - | |||||
05.04.43 | |||||
00.00 | CG 1724 | ||||
S 2, Sea 1-2, half overcast, Vis. medium, 1024 mb | |||||
04.00 | CG 1787 | ||||
08.00 | CG 4187 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 38°25'N | Day's run: Surfaced 272.5 nm | |||
Long: 14°35.5'W | Submerged 6.4 nm | ||||
13.01 | Dived. | ||||
16.00 | CG 4727 | ||||
16.14 | Surfaced. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
20.00 | CG 5127 | ||||
21.35 | CG 7154 | Smoke cloud in sight bearing 150°T | |||
21.48 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 339°T, 12.0 nm. | ||||
22.20 | Neutral steamer (Portuguese) with set lights and illuminated neutrality markings in sight, southerly course, medium speed. Range 8-10 nm. | ||||
06.04.43 | West of Gibraltar | ||||
00.00 | CG 7167 | ||||
SSE 2, Sea 1, (Swell), Vis. medium, overcast, 1027 mb | |||||
01.02 | Incoming Radio Message: Wißmann head for DH. About in area of named square from 15 April supply from "U-117". | ||||
04.00 | CG 7521 | ||||
08.00 | CG 7644 | ||||
08.13 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 279°T, 1.3 nm. | ||||
08.54 | Dived. | ||||
Submerged transit. | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 36°01'N | Day's run: Surfaced 204.0 nm | |||
Long: 12°17.5'W | Submerged 14.0 nm | ||||
16.00 | CG 7682 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 05.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 06.04.43 |
- 7 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
06.04.43 | West of Gibraltar | ||||
16.27 | Surfaced. | ||||
to | |||||
16.37 | |||||
20.00 | CG 7686 | ||||
21.47 | Surfaced. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
07.04.43 | West of Gibraltar | ||||
00.00 | CG 7933 | ||||
NEbyE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium, 1029 mb | |||||
04.00 | CG 8764 | ||||
06.20 | CG 8847 | White light in sight bearing 30°T, was made out as a neutral steamer (Portuguese), range 8-10 nm, southerly course, low speed. | |||
07.50 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 275°T, 12.4 nm. | ||||
07.55 | Dived. | ||||
Submerged transit. | |||||
08.00 | CG 8876 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 34°54'N | Day's run: Surfaced 122.0 nm | |||
Long: 9°50'W | Submerged 29.0 nm | ||||
16.00 | CG 8888 | ||||
28.00 | CG 8889 | ||||
21.46 | DI 1331 | Surfaced. Surface transit. | |||
Illuminated steamer in sight bearing 275°T, range 3.0 nm, southerly course, low speed. | |||||
08.04.43 | West of Gibraltar | ||||
00.00 | DI 1336 | ||||
00.05 | DI 1336 | Fu.M.B. horizontal detection, land site (searcher). | |||
00.56 | DI 2142 | Fu.M.B. horizontal detection, land site (steady tone Volume 4). | |||
00.57 | Crash dive. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 06.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 07.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 08.04.43 |
- 8 - | |||||
continued | |||||
08.04.43 | West of Gibraltar | ||||
Moved off submerged to the south, to get out of the bearings. | |||||
02.25 | Surfaced. | ||||
02.32 | DI 2145 | Fu.M.B. horizontal detection, land site (searcher). Moved off further. | |||
02.47 | DI 2145 | Fu.M.B. horizontal detection, (searcher) second land station. | |||
03.19 | DI 2118 | Fu.M.B. horizontal detection, steady tone, (sea reconnaissance). | |||
Crash dive. Casablanca seems to have become suspicious. | |||||
04.00 | DI 2115 | ||||
07.15 | |||||
to | |||||
0731 | Surfaced. (Ventilated the boat). | ||||
08.00 | DI 2113 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 34°52'N | Day's run: Surfaced 37.0 nm | |||
Long: 8°39.6'W | Submerged 38.5 nm | ||||
16.00 | CG 8988 | ||||
20.00 | CG 8986 | ||||
21.52 | Surfaced. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
09.04.43 | African coast | ||||
00.00 | CG 8986 | ||||
NW 1, Sea 1, barely overcast, Vis. good, 1022 mb | |||||
00.45 | CG 8938 | A yellow-red light bearing 35°T, close over the water, range 5.0 nm. | |||
Crash dive, Watch Officer suspects the searchlight of an aircraft. | |||||
01.30 | Surfaced. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 08.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 09.04.43 |
- 9 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
09.04.43 | African coast | ||||
Continual Fu.M.B. detection, with small silhouette searcher, with broad silhouette steady tone. After several bearings perfectly distinguished as a land station at Casablanca. | |||||
An unnoticed approach to Casablanca on a direct course is not possible due to continual detections, therefore decided to reach my operations area on the periphery of the search circle around Casablanca (about 100 nm). Head for the coast north of the harbor from there in the midst of the fishermen suspected off the coast, and make it very difficult for the land station to locate. I must accept the time loss and the unfavorable illumination conditions from the moon. | |||||
04.00 | CG 9754 | At time intervals of about an hour red stars seen in northerly direction. (suspect sea emergency). | |||
NbyW 1, Sea 1, light overcast, Vis. medium, light haze, 1021 mb | |||||
06.24 | CG 9765 | Several fishing trawlers and fishing vessels with set working lights in sight (fog banks). | |||
07.10 | Dived. | ||||
Submerged transit. | |||||
08.00 | CG 9841 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 35°01.6'N | Day's run: Surfaced 96.0 nm | |||
Long: 6°42.4'W | Submerged 33.0 nm | ||||
16.00 | CG 9874 | ||||
20.00 | DI 2232 | ||||
22.04 | Surfaced. | ||||
Transit on the surface. | |||||
The Casablanca searcher is not continually in the gear. | |||||
22.40 | DI 2263 | Fu.M.B. horizontal detection, steady tone (sea reconnaissance). | |||
Crash dive despite the fishermen, | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 09.04.43 |
- 10 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
09.10.43 | African coast | ||||
to avoid any sighting. | |||||
23.52 | Surfaced. | ||||
10.04.43 | West coast of Africa. | ||||
00.00 | DI 2263 | ||||
01.08 | DI 2266 | Fu.M.B. horizontal detection, steady tone (sea reconnaissance). | |||
Crash dive. | |||||
02.00 | Surfaced. | ||||
02.51 | DI 2292 | Fu.M.B. horizontal detection, steady tone (sea reconnaissance). | |||
Crash dive. | |||||
03.47 | Surfaced. | ||||
Steady tone still heard, however was fainter, sea reconnaissance transmits with full power. No use of tactical localization subtleties. | |||||
04.00 | DI 2292 | ||||
04.20 | DI 2291 [presumably NAS Port Layautey] |
Overflown by illuminated aircraft on westerly course, altitude 200 meters (no attack). Shortly afterwards an air beacon from "Si Djemil" burns for about 5 minutes. Probably a returning sea reconnaissance aircraft, that must land in fog. Otherwise the entire coast is dark. Outer beacons do not burn, except for the fishery beacon "Mehdia". Both beacons confirm my exact ship's position. | |||
On the route along the entire coast at about 8-10 nm intervals (200-meter line) fishing trawlers and fishing vessels, also between the coast and the 100-meter line, were avoided submerged. In the morning when diving to depth = A meters, the towline of a trawl net struck a glancing blow. The forward net deflector was slightly displaced, the rod antenna was bent, the top of the UZO demolished. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 09.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43 |
- 11 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
10.04.43 | West coast of Africa | ||||
Fishing trawler had not been seen in the mist. Noticed scraping on the side of the hull in the boat. At night just off the coast. Crossed between vessels and the coast on the surface so as not to be seen in the bright moon track, leaden sea and complete calm. | |||||
The battery is now fully charged despite the starts and stops of preparatory work. | |||||
06.17 | NE 2, Sea 2 (swell), lightly overcast, Vis. medium, coastal haze, 1023 mb | Began to deploy mines on the surface. | |||
Because carrying out the task on the surface, due to a moonless night that was too short (moon set: 03.09 hours, twilight begins: 07.23 hours) and complication due to radar is likely, I have planned a submerged fouling based on the capacity of my battery and the track that can traveled with it. At the same time, I take into account the many fishermen that I have seen so far between the coast and the 100-meter line. A third of the battery capacity still remains after completing the anticipated track as reserve for pursuit. Then after deployment I will be south of Casablanca, at the beginning of darkness again close under the coast, can surface unnoticed and move off. | |||||
07.11 | DI 2287 | Fu.M.B. horizontal detection (sea reconnaissance). | |||
Crash dive. | |||||
Mine deployment continued submerged, according to the plan anticipated in this case. | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 33°52'N | Day's run: Surfaced 45.0 nm | |||
Long: 7°36.5'W | Submerged 56.0 nm | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43 |
- 12 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
10.04.43 | West coast of Africa | ||||
At periscope depth continually checked the outer Roadstead, strong coastal haze, the coast can only be distinguished sometimes shadowy, no patrol vessels or vessels were seen. | |||||
19.31 | Mine deployment ended. | ||||
Ran towards the coast. | |||||
21.47 | Surfaced. | ||||
Proceeded on the surface, fishing vessels in sight under the coast. Land detection heard clearly from Casablanca again, disappeared slowly in the course of the night. | |||||
11.04.43 | West coast of Africa | ||||
00.00 | DI 2453 | ||||
NE 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. moderate, hazy, 1024 mb | |||||
04.00 | DI 2471 | ||||
08.00 | DI 1684 | ||||
08.02 | Dived. | ||||
Submerged transit. | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 33°01'N | Day's run: Surfaced 97.5 nm | |||
Long: 10°00.5'W | Submerged 38.0 nm | ||||
16.00 | DI 1912 | ||||
16.22 | Surfaced. | ||||
to | |||||
16.31 | |||||
20.00 | DI 1833 | ||||
21.35 | Surfaced. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
12.04.43 | West coat of Africa | ||||
00.00 | DI 1834 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 12.04.43 |
- 13 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
12.04.43 | West coast of Africa | ||||
04.00 | DI 1737 | Sent Short Signal: Have completed task. | |||
NNE 3, Sea 3-4, barely overcast, Vis. good, moonshine, 1029 mb | |||||
04.58 | Incoming Radio Message: (Confirmation of Short Signal) | ||||
Neumann has completed task. Volume 3. | |||||
06.12 | Incoming Radio Message: 1.) "Neumann" Leadership assumes the task is completed. Report position. | ||||
08.00 | DI 1745 | ||||
08.14 | Dived. | ||||
Surface transit. | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 32°31.5'N | Day's run: Surfaced 114.3 nm | |||
Long: 12°44.5'W | Submerged 27.3 nm | ||||
13.30 | Each two consecutive heavy detonations with strong reverberation (far off). | ||||
and | |||||
14.00 | My distance from the barrier 260.0 nm, there is the possibility that in each case the second detonation (7-8 seconds) is a sound reflection from the coast. | ||||
16.27 | Surfaced. Ventilated the boat. | ||||
to | |||||
16.50 | |||||
20.00 | DI 3964 | ||||
21.32 | Surfaced. Surface transit. | ||||
21.35 | Sent Short Signal: My position is naval square DH 3968. | ||||
22.21 | Incoming Radio Message: (confirmation of Short Signal) | ||||
Neumann is in naval square DH 3968. | |||||
22.41 | Incoming Radio Message: To Neumann: Report arrival in square DH 4455. There supply "Wißmann" for economical return transit plus cable. After completion Neumann go to square DG 8555, report fuel and arrival there. | ||||
Transit to ordered meeting point. | |||||
23.22 | Incoming Radio Message: To Neumann: "Good" Ob.Befehlshaber der Kriegsmarine and B.d.U. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 12.04.43 |
- 14 - |
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13.04.43 | South of Madeira | ||||
00.00 | DI 3957 | ||||
Sea 2-3, N 3, 7/10, Vis. medium, moonshine, 1029 mb | |||||
02.50 | Incoming Radio Message: 2.) Circuit from 13 April 08.00 hours Broda, Carlsen, Löwe, Ireland, Neumann, America 2, Holtorf, Hubertus. | ||||
04.00 | DI 3886 | ||||
04.27 | Sent Short Signal: Expect to be at meeting point 16th day of the current month at 09.00 hours. | ||||
04.53 | Incoming Radio Message: (Confirmation of Short Signal) | ||||
Neumann excepts on 16 April 09.00 hours at meeting point. Short Signal heard at Volume 5. | |||||
08.00 | DI 6122 | ||||
09.00 | Dived. Submerged transit. | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 31°57'N | Day's run: Surfaced 152 nm | |||
Long: 16°08'W | Submerged 21 nm | ||||
16.00 | DI 6144 | ||||
16.10 | Surfaced. | ||||
to | |||||
16.26 | |||||
20.00 | DI 5338 | ||||
21.05 | Surfaced. Surface transit. | ||||
21.50 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 69°T, 25.7 nm. | ||||
22.36 | Sent Short Signal: "No" (Answer to Officer-Only "Toni" of 13 April 1943 02.17 hours) | ||||
23.17 | Incoming Radio Message: (confirmation of the Short Signal) | ||||
Neumann had not heard, Volume 5. | |||||
14.04.43 | Southwest of Madeira | ||||
00.00 | DH 5335 | ||||
NNW 3, Sea 3-4, overcast, hazy, moonshine, Vis. medium, 1025 mb | |||||
04.00 | DH 5327 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 13.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 14.04.43 |
- 15 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
14.04.43 | Southwest of Madeira | ||||
08.00 | DH 5263 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 220.0°T, 3.0 nm. | |||
12.00 | Lat.: 31°36.3'N | Day's run: Surfaced 108.5 nm | |||
Long: 18°10.3'W | Submerged 24.0 nm | ||||
14.58 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
16.08 | |||||
16.00 | DH 5248 | ||||
20.00 | DH 5168 | ||||
22.10 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 75°T, 2.3 nm. | ||||
15.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DH 5175 | ||||
NbyW 4-5, Sea 3-4, barely overcast, Vis. good, 1024 mb | |||||
04.00 | DH 4394 | ||||
08.00 | DH 4379 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 31°08'N | Day's run: Surfaced 167.7 nm | |||
Long: 21°24'W | Submerged 2.5 nm | ||||
14.57 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
17.00 | |||||
16.00 | DH 4524 | ||||
20.00 | DH 4463 | ||||
22.09 | Incoming Radio Message: 2.) Supply square for Lauzemis square DG 8555. | ||||
22.15 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 113°T, 12.0 nm. | ||||
16.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DH 4468 | ||||
NW 2, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good, 1023 mb | |||||
04.00 | DH 4456 | ||||
04.30 | "U-159" in sight. | ||||
04.40 | Am at meeting point. | ||||
08.00 | DH 4454 | ||||
08.43 | "U-518" in sight. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 14.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 15.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 16.04.43 |
- 16 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
16.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
09.48 | N 1-2, Sea 1-2, Swell, overcast, Vis. medium-moderate, 1022 mb | Gave 35 tons of fuel oil to "U-518". | |||
to | |||||
12.13 | |||||
09.13 | "U-455" in sight. | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 30°49'N | Day's run: Surfaced 124.4 nm | |||
Long: 22°45'W | Submerged 7.8 nm | ||||
15.04 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
16.20 | |||||
16.00 | DH 4457 | ||||
19.55 | Sent Radio Message: Arrival 18 April 17.00 hours, total 303 cbm. Wißmann 35 cbm, NE 2, Sea 2, light overcast, Vis. good, 1012 mb, falling. | ||||
Neumann. | |||||
20.00 | DH 6696 | ||||
17.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | NNE 1, Sea 1, light Swell, 3/10, moonshine, 1022 mb | ||||
04.00 | DH 6866 | ||||
08.00 | DH 6882 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 29°221.5'N | Day's run: Surfaced 191.4 nm | |||
Long: 22°45'W | Submerged 2.6 nm | ||||
16.00 | DH 9128 | ||||
20.00 | DH 9145 | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 2209/17/387: | |||||
1.) To Neumann: Fuel consumption seemed high with a total inventory of 435 cbm. Take exact measurements and have the next supplied boat report. From 24 April supply for economical return transit: Wiebe plus cable, Lauzemis plus Metox, Würdemann plus cable, Schäfer and Maus carry out in accordance with Standing War Order No. 180 Paragraph 22 c. Afterwards wait. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 16.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43 |
- 17 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
17.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
( Radio Message continued) Also give Type Roman Numeral IIV [typo VII] cable. Boats will have to make do | |||||
18.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DH 8386 | ||||
W 1, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good, 1019 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 8612 | ||||
08.00 | DG 8614 | ||||
09.10 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 43°T, 11.0 nm. | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°13.5'N | Day's run: Surfaced 164.1 nm | |||
Long: 28°38'W | Submerged 2.8 nm | ||||
14.58 | Boat is at meeting point. | ||||
15.03 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
16.06 | Stopped and let drift. | ||||
16.00 | DG 8555 | ||||
20.00 | DG 8582 | ||||
22.40 | Displaced 160°T, 10.2 nm. | ||||
19.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8582 | ||||
WNW 4, Sea 2-3, 5/10, Vis. good, moonshine, 1018 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 8585 | ||||
08.00 | DG 8589 | ||||
09.15 | Displaced 163°T, 10.5 nm. | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 27°49'N | Day's run: Surfaced 17.5 nm | |||
Long: 28°50'W | Submerged 2.8 nm | ||||
12.15 | Displaced 160°T, 3.0 nm. | ||||
Went back to the meeting place. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 18.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 19.04.43 |
- 18 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
19.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
14.59 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
16.08 | |||||
16.00 | DG 8558 | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 1748/19/315. Expect arrival of Lassen in DG 8555 on 28 April. In named square Neumann give 2nd transcript of the encoding data for May or copy of same to Lassen, if still possible also fuel for economical return transit, as well as provisions and cable. Lassen after setting off, if further supply is necessary. | |||||
20.00 | DG 8528 | ||||
20.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8525 | ||||
WNW 3-4, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. good, at times moonshine, 1023 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 8266 | ||||
08.00 | DG 8262 | Boat stopped and let drift. | |||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°39'N | Day's run: Surfaced 35.1 nm | |||
Long: 29°01'W | Submerged 2.6 nm | ||||
14.43 | Displaced 180°T, 5.7 nm. | ||||
15.04 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
16.11 | Boat stopped and let drift. | ||||
16.00 | DG 8287 | ||||
20.00 | DG 8521 | ||||
22.50 | Displaced 267°T, 13.9 nm. | ||||
21.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8512 | ||||
N 2, Sea 1-2, (Swell), Vis. good, 3/10, 1028 mb | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 19.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 20.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43 |
- 19 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
21.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
04.00 | DG 8515 | ||||
08.00 | DG 8518 | ||||
09.10 | Displaced 202°T, 11.0 nm. | ||||
11.51 | Back to the meeting place. | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°12.5'N | Day's run: Surfaced 2.4 nm | |||
Long: 29°21'W | Submerged 2.6 nm | ||||
15.00 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
16.08 | |||||
16.00 | DG 8551 | ||||
17.45 | Boat stopped and let drift. | ||||
20.00 | DG 8552 | ||||
22.15 | Displaced 180°T, 4.5 nm. | ||||
22.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8555 | ||||
NbyW 2, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good, 1030 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 8558 | ||||
08.00 | DG 8558 | ||||
09.05 | Displaced 177°T, 7.5 nm. | ||||
Back to the meeting point. | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°8.5'N | Day's run: Surfaced 29.9 nm | |||
Long: 28°54'W | Submerged 2.6 nm | ||||
14.57 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
15.50 | |||||
16.00 | DG 8552 | ||||
16.13 | Boat stopped and let drift. | ||||
20.00 | DG 8552 | ||||
22.42 | Displaced 247°T, 3.3 nm. | ||||
23.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8552 | ||||
N 1, Sea 1, Swell, Vis. medium, 2/10, 1032 mb | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43 |
- 20 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
23.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
04.00 | DG 8555 | Boat is at the meeting point. | |||
08.00 | DG 8555 | ||||
08.52 | "U-516" in sight. | ||||
09.00 | Displaced 180°T, 5.0 nm. | ||||
09.02 | "U-185" in sight. | ||||
09.37 | |||||
to | Gave 20 tons of fuel oil to U-516. | ||||
11.21 | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°09'N | Day's run: Surfaced 13.5 nm | |||
Long: 28°57'W | Submerged 2.7 nm | ||||
N 1, Sea 1, (Swell), Vis. very good, 2/10, 1031 mb | |||||
12.03 | |||||
to | Gave 35 tons fuel oil to U-185. | ||||
15.32 | |||||
15.40 | |||||
to | Gave 2 weeks provisions to U-516. | ||||
17.30 | |||||
17.45 | |||||
to | Gave one weeks provisions to U-185. | ||||
19.10 | |||||
17.45 | |||||
to | Ship's doctor on board U-185 for medical assistance. | ||||
18.20 | |||||
16.00 | DG 8528 | ||||
20.00 | DG 8552 | ||||
20.20 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
20.32 | |||||
21.45 | Boat stopped and let drift. | ||||
22.39 | Displaced 290°T, 1.2 nm. | ||||
24.04.43 | |||||
00.00 | DG 8555 | ||||
NbyW 1, Sea 1, Swell, 2/10, Vis. good, 1032 mb | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43 |
- 21 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
24.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
04.00 | DG 8555 | ||||
08.00 | DG 8558 | Displaced 190°T, 6.0 nm. | |||
09.00 | "U-506" in sight. | ||||
09.10 | "U-68" in sight. | ||||
09.52 | |||||
to | Gave 25 tons fuel oil to U-506. | ||||
11.56 | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°11'N | Day's run: Surfaced 25.9 nm | |||
Long: 28°49.5'W | Submerged 0.8 nm | ||||
NE 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. good, 1033 mb | |||||
12.45 | |||||
to | Gave 20 tons of fuel oil to U-68. | ||||
14.32 | |||||
14.50 | |||||
to | Gave two weeks provisions to U-506. | ||||
17.20 | |||||
16.00 | DG 8564 | ||||
NE 2-3, Sea 2, (Swell), overcast, Vis. good, 1033 mb | |||||
16.02 | Light blow from "U-506" on the port side at the level of the forward diving plane. | ||||
Lay stopped athwart the seas, U-506 came slowly to the port side, to receive my rubber boat with provisions. U-506 had not taken my strong drift in to account and so could no longer get clear forward. Diving plane has no damage. | |||||
17.30 | |||||
to | Ship's Doctor on board U-506 for medical assistance. | ||||
18.20 | |||||
17.40 | |||||
to | Gave one weeks provisions to U-68. | ||||
20.10 | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43 |
- 22 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
24.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 1943/24/375: "Neumann" capacity 426, remaining 237, "Wiebe: total 40, Maus total 40. Position naval square DG 6113, NE 1, Vis. good, 1031 mb. | |||||
Wiebe. | |||||
20.00 | DG 8564 | ||||
21.29 | Boat stopped and let drift. | ||||
25.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8556 | ||||
NNE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1032 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 8556 | ||||
08.00 | DG 8556 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°01.5'N | Day's run: Surfaced 9.7 nm | |||
Long: 28°49.7'W | Submerged -.- nm | ||||
14.52 | Displaced 250°T, 16.5 nm. | ||||
Back to the meeting point. | |||||
14.56 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
16.03 | |||||
16.00 | DG 8556 | ||||
19.00 | Boat stopped and let drift. | ||||
20.00 | DG 8552 | ||||
26.04.43 | |||||
00.00 | DG 8555 | ||||
EbyN 2, Sea 2-3, Vis. medium, overcast, rain showers, 1030 mb | |||||
Incoming Radio Message: 0030/26/387: "Neumann" remaining inventory 187 cbm. Würdemann total 39 cbm, Lauzemis total 36 cbm. Position DG 5620. Received bearing shells from Lauzemis. ENE 3, Sea 2, 1030 mb. | |||||
Würdemann. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43 |
- 23 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
26.04.43 | |||||
04.00 | DG 8554 | ||||
08.00 | DG 8554 | Displaced 245°T, 13.0 nm. | |||
Back to the meeting point. | |||||
10.45 | Boat stopped and let drift. | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°03'N | Day's run: Surfaced 28.8 nm | |||
Long: 28°46'W | Submerged 2.6 nm | ||||
16.00 | DG 8555 | ||||
20.00 | DG 8555 | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 2113/26/393: 1.) Further supply from Neumann: U-509 for economical return transit, Italian U.-"ARCHIMEDE" remaining inventory. Latter arrives about 28 April. Neumann after completion return transit and give amount of fuel to the Italian. | |||||
2.) Neumann from 29 April send bearing signals P P on 352 Khz for Italian transmit 15 and 45 minutes each hour 3 minutes long. Latest 30 April midday report situation and wait, if Italian not met. | |||||
27.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8554 | ||||
E 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1027 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 8549 | ||||
07.00 | Displaced 250°T, 23.5 nm. | ||||
Back to the meeting point. | |||||
08.00 | DG 8549 | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 0847/27/302: Supply Schäfer as ordered, "Neumann" wait and have 25 cbm ready. | |||||
11.00 | Boat stopped and let drift. | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°06'N | Day's run: Surfaced 28.8 nm | |||
Long: 28°47'W | Submerged -.- nm | ||||
14.50 | Displaced 240°T, 2.8 nm. | ||||
Back to the meeting point. | |||||
14.55 | |||||
to | Dived. | ||||
16.14 | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43 |
- 24 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
27.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
16.00 | DG 8553 | ||||
16.30 | Boat stopped and let drift. | ||||
20.00 | DG 8553 | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 2108/27/312: 3.) U-509 continue transit to Neumann. | |||||
28.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8555 | ||||
E 2, Sea 2, long Swell, overcast, Vis. bad, 1027 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 8554 | ||||
06.41 | "U-509" in sight. | ||||
08.00 | DG 8546 | Displaced 245°T, 7.0 nm. | |||
09.58 | |||||
to | Gave 21 tons of fuel oil to "U-509". | ||||
12.08 | |||||
10.20 | U-160 in sight. | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°03'N | Day's run: Surfaced 10.6 nm | |||
Long: 28°58.5'W | Submerged 4.2 nm | ||||
ENE 2, Sea 2, Swell, overcast, Vis. good, 1028 mb | |||||
11.24 | |||||
to | Gave 16 tons fuel oil to U-160. | ||||
14.28 | |||||
15.05 | |||||
to | Gave one weeks provisions each to U-509 and U-160. | ||||
17.45 | |||||
16.00 | DG 8553 | ||||
18.13 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
18.33 | |||||
20.00 | DG 8555 | Boat is at meeting point, stopped and let drift. | |||
29.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8558 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43 |
- 25 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
29.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | EbyS 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1028 mb | ||||
04.00 | DG 8557 | ||||
07.15 | Displaced 252°T, 12.7 nm. | ||||
Back to meeting point. | |||||
08.00 | DG 8557 | ||||
08.59 | Boat is at the meeting point, stopped and let drift. | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°01.4'N | Day's run: Surfaced 23.1 nm | |||
Long: 28°58'W | Submerged 1.0 nm | ||||
12.15 | Gave bearing signals as ordered. | ||||
14.52 | DG 8554 | Smoke feather in sight bearing 280T. | |||
14.58 | Steamer with one smokestack and two masts comes in sight, range 13 nm, northeasterly course, medium speed. | ||||
16.00 | DG 8552 | ||||
Maneuvered ahead. | |||||
16.53 | Dived for submerged attack. | ||||
18.15 | Steamer is a Spaniard (EL CONADO, Bilbao) 3472 tons, course 65°, speed 8 knots, no zigzags, heavy smoke development. | ||||
19.11 | Out of sight, surfaced, back to the meeting point. | ||||
20.00 | DG 8552 | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 1656/29/334: To Neumann: From B-Diesnt report 27 April about 40 nm NW of Casablanca square DI 2196 a ship ran on a mine. | |||||
20.41 | Boat is at the meeting point, stopped and let drift. | ||||
22.45 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 192°T, 2.4 nm. | ||||
30.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8557 | ||||
NE 2, Sea 2-3, 6/10, Vis. medium, 1029 mb | |||||
Incoming Radio Message: 0311/30/343: Lassen transmitted with Volume three on 36 meters: Neumann remaining inventory 148 cbm, no further provisions. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43 |
- 26 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
30.04.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
Continued Radio Message: Witte total 30 cbm plus cable, Lassen total 40 cbm plus cable and encoding material. Naval square DG 6428, NE 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, 1028 mb. | |||||
04.00 | DG 8557 | ||||
07.00 | Displaced 250°T, 10.3 nm. | ||||
Back to the meeting point. | |||||
08.00 | DG 8557 | ||||
09.15 | Boat is at the meeting point, stopped and let drift. | ||||
Sent bearing signals as ordered. | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°01'N | Day's run: Surfaced 46.5 nm | |||
Long: 28°58'W | Submerged 6.75 nm | ||||
13.42 | Sent Short Signal: Am at meeting point U-boat not met. | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 1402/30/347: Neumann positioned at meeting point and has not met U-boat. | |||||
14.55 | |||||
to | Dived. | ||||
16.12 | |||||
16.00 | DG 8554 | ||||
16.12 | Boat stopped and let drift. | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 1714/30/348: 1.) Neumann from 2 May 12.00 hours until darkness once again send bearing signals for Italian on 352 Khz at 15 and 45 minutes each 3 minutes long. After supply Schäfer evening return transit. | |||||
20.00 | DG 8554 | ||||
01.05.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8549 | ||||
NE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1028 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 8548 | ||||
07.00 | Displaced 240°T, 18.3 nm. | ||||
Back to the meeting point. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43 |
- 27 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
01.05.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
08.59 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 130°T, 8.6 nm. | ||||
08.00 | DG 8549 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°06'N | Day's run: Surfaced 45.1 nm | |||
Long: 28°58'W | Submerged 4.4 nm | ||||
Boat is at the meeting point. | |||||
13.01 | U-183 in sight. | ||||
13.40 | |||||
to | |||||
15.39 | Gave 25 tons fuel oil to U-183. | ||||
16.00 | DG 8564 | ||||
16.07 | Boat stopped and let drift. | ||||
20.00 | DG 8556 | ||||
02.05.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8558 | ||||
04.00 | DG 8582 | ||||
07.00 | Displaced 225°T, 23.1 nm. | ||||
Back to the meeting point. | |||||
08.00 | DG 8558 | ||||
09.05 | Boat is at meeting point. | ||||
Stopped and let drift. | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 28°00'N | Day's run: Surfaced 29.1 nm | |||
Long: 28°57'W | Submerged -.- nm | ||||
12.15 | Sent bearing signals as ordered. | ||||
14.55 | |||||
to | Dived. | ||||
15.47 | |||||
16.07 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 250°T, 10.1 nm. | ||||
17.57 | Boat is at the meeting point, stopped and let drift. | ||||
16.00 | DG 8554 | ||||
20.00 | DG 8555 | ||||
22.43 | Boat is at the meeting point. Italian U-boat not in sight, began return transit. | ||||
23.07 | Sent Short Signal: Am at meeting point, have not met U-boat, have begun return transit | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43 |
- 28 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
02.05.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 2155/2/377: Yesterday fuel supplied. Neumann remaining inventory 119 cbm. Suggests meeting Schnoor 3 May 18.00 hours 3813. Position 6415 with 39 cbm. | |||||
Schäfer. | |||||
Incoming Radio Message: 2317/2/378: Neumann is at ordered meeting point, has not met Italian U-boat and has begun return transit. | |||||
03.05.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8553 | ||||
NE 2, Sea 2, Swell, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1028 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 8298 | ||||
08.00 | DG 8344 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 29°15.3'N | Day's run: Surfaced 102.8 nm | |||
Long: 27°55'W | Submerged 1.9 nm | ||||
12.25 | DG 8624 | Steamer in sight bearing 350°T, 2 masts and one smokestack, course 220°, range 15.0 nm, speed 15-16 knots. | |||
[position in error probably 8324] | |||||
Steamer makes irregular, large and small zigzags around 220°. Was made out as a 10000-20000 ton tanker. Maneuvered ahead for submerged attack at AK. | |||||
Incoming Radio Message: 1350/3/386: 1) Neumann give remaining fuel to Schnoor on 4 May midday in DG 6425. | |||||
14.53 | DG 8345 | Patrol vessel in sight bearing 27°T with a thick mast and large crow's nest, range 12.0 nm, course 190°. | |||
15.02 | Crash dive, because patrol vessel comes closer quickly at target angle 0°. Was probably seen by tanker, the patrol vessel was called. Maneuver ahead was very difficult with the high enemy speed. | ||||
16.00 | DG 8347 | ||||
16.18 | Went to periscope depth. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43 |
- 29 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
03.05.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
Tanker in sight bearing 67°T, range 8000 meters, course 200°. Range and target angle are too great to attack (target angle 70°). Shifts quickly. After the tanker had already shifted past (target angle 120°) he zigzags hard and comes towards me at high speed and target angle 0°. Assume that I was seen or heard, because the tanker turned with each course change. Range was quickly smaller, last range 300 meters. In order not to be rammed went to depth A -30 meters. In the listening gear it can be heard when the tanker stops and gets under way again. Patrol vessel not seen, it probably stopped near me. | |||||
18.31 | Went to periscope depth (no sound bearings). Stopped patrol vessel bearing 190°T, range 4000 meters, bow left target angle 70°. | ||||
Went to depth A +20 meters and moved off. By sound bearings the patrol vessel runs and stops again. Tanker is also heard, apparently runs off. | |||||
19.53 | DG 8347 | At depth A +20 meters one explosive sounding and shortly thereafter depth charges, exactly over the boat. No damage, only a few fuses. Went to depth A +80 meters and moved off to the north. | |||
20.00 | DG 8347 | ||||
20.50 | Tanker is no longer heard. | ||||
Patrol vessel moves back and forth bearing 220°T (the direction the tanker ran off) stops and then goes again. No further attack. | |||||
Outgoing Radio Message: 2230/3/390: Tanker naval square DG 8298, southerly course, 16 knots. Forced to submerge by patrol vessel, depth charges. Going to meeting point. NE 2, Sea 2, half overcast, Vis. good, 1024 mb. | |||||
Neumann. | |||||
The patrol vessel is heard up to the end of twilight (23.08 hours). Apparently wants to hinder pursuit. | |||||
23.18 | DG 8341 | Surfaced. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43 |
- 30 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
03.05.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
A faint shadow seen bearing 200°T. Patrol vessel slowly passes out of sight. | |||||
The tanker ran at least 15-16 knots and in the meantime has run off several hours, I believe finding again and closing is pointless in the darkness (new moon). | |||||
Incoming Radio Message: 2340/3/389: American tanker sighted surfaced U-boat on 3 May 15.25 hours naval square DG 8265. | |||||
Proceeded to the meeting point with U-460. | |||||
04.05.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 8317 | ||||
NE 2, Sea 2, 8/10. Vis. moderate, 1024 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 5981 | ||||
08.00 | DG 5928 | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 0_25/4/393: Meeting point Neumann with Schnoor in accordance with orders naval square DG 6425. | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 30°30'N | Day's run: Surfaced 142.4 nm | |||
Long: 27°00'W | Submerged 29.7 nm | ||||
14.56 | DG 6428 | Smoke cloud in sight bearing 0°T. Because no zigzags are observed, and heavy smoke development, assume a fast neutral, course 60°, high speed (15-16 knots), range 17-18 nm, positioned below the horizon, even in the periscope no mastheads seen. | |||
Despite own high speed out of sight quickly. | |||||
16.00 | DG 6425 | ||||
17.42 | DG 6425 | Boat is at meeting point. | |||
20.00 | DG 6425 | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 2117/4/398: "Neumann" switch to America A, "Schnoor" America B as radio repeater for convoy operation in the North Atlantic. If possible switch to both A and B, because communications are crucial for successful convoy operation. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43 |
- 31 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
04.05.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
22.53 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 222°T, 16.8 nm. | ||||
05.05.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 6443 | ||||
NE 2, Sea 2, Swell, 6/10, Vis. moderate, 1025 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 6427 | ||||
08.00 | DG 6422 | ||||
08.46 | "U-460" in sight. | ||||
09.37 | |||||
to | Gave 56 tons of fuel oil to "U-460", took over 430 kg of frozen meat and gave 150 kg of tinned meat. | ||||
12.32 | |||||
Continued return transit. | |||||
12.00 | Lat.: 31°12'N | Day's run: Surfaced 113.2 nm | |||
Long: 26°22'W | Submerged -.- nm | ||||
16.00 | DG 6195 | ||||
Incoming Radio Message 1731/5/305: | |||||
Filled from Neumann, Deep Freezer failed, gave frozen meat to Neumann. Will be at next meeting point 17 May. | |||||
Schnoor. | |||||
20.00 | DG 6215 | ||||
22.40 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 252°T, 3.5 nm. | ||||
06.05.43 | South of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | DG 3855 | ||||
NEbyN 2-3, Sea 2-3, Swell, 8/10, Vis. good, 1027 mb | |||||
04.00 | DG 3598 | ||||
08.00 | DG 3618 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 34°09'N | Day's run: Surfaced 218.3 nm | |||
Long: 23°58'W | Submerged -.- nm | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43 |
- 32 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
06.05.43 | Southeast of the Azores | ||||
15.01 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
15.38 | |||||
16.00 | DG 3336 | ||||
20.00 | DG 7949 | ||||
22.40 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 208°T, 6.0 nm. | ||||
07.05.43 | East of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | CF 7931 | ||||
NE 3-4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. medium, 1033 mb | |||||
04.00 | CF 8444 | ||||
08.00 | CF 8185 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 37°10.7'N | Day's run: Surfaced 220.6 nm | |||
Long: 21°21.2'W | Submerged 2.3 nm | ||||
16.00 | CF 5872 | ||||
20.00 | CF 5829 | ||||
Outgoing Radio Message: 2300/7/318: Anticipate replacement of the battery is necessary, 10 cells bridged over, 32 further show bad values. Naval square CF 5569, NW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, falling. | |||||
Neumann. | |||||
08.05.43 | East of the Azores | ||||
00.00 | CF 5644 | ||||
NWbyN 2, Sea 2, Vis. moderate, 6/10, 1032 mb | |||||
04.00 | CF 5621 | ||||
08.00 | CF 5362 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 08.05.43 |
- 33 - |
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continued | |||||
08.05.43 | East of the Azores | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 40°24'N | Day's run: Surfaced 235.5 nm | |||
Long: 18°28'W | Submerged -.- nm | ||||
15.02 | Dived. | ||||
to | |||||
15.43 | |||||
16.00 | CF 3728 | ||||
20.00 | CF 3587 | Incoming Radio Message 2140/8/201: 2.) On 9 May 08.00 Otto, Carlsen, Rabenau, Neumann switch to Coastal Circuit, Stiebler switch to America 2 Circuit. | |||
09.05.43 | West coast of Spain | ||||
00.00 | CF 3647 | ||||
NW 4-5, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. medium, 1026 mb | |||||
04.00 | CF 3662 | ||||
07.21 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 224°T, 12.8 nm. | ||||
08.00 | CG 1424 | ||||
09.06 | Dived. Submerged transit. | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 41°52.5'N | Day's run: Surfaced 207.5 nm | |||
Long: 14°27.4'W | Submerged 7.7 nm | ||||
16.00 | CG 1423 | ||||
20.00 | CG 4131 | ||||
21.11 | Surfaced. Surface transit. | ||||
10.05.43 | West coast of Spain | ||||
00.00 | CG 1275 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 08.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43 |
- 34 - |
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continued | |||||
10.05.43 | West coast of Spain | ||||
00.00 | NE 2, Sea 2, long Swell, 4/10, Vis. moderate, 1023 mb | ||||
04.00 | CG 1341 | ||||
07.38 | Dived. Submerged transit. | ||||
08.00 | CG 1332 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 42°53'N | Day's run: Surfaced 119.5 nm | |||
Long: 11°28.8'W | Submerged 23.5 nm | ||||
16.00 | BF 7778 | ||||
20.00 | BF 7779 | ||||
21.47 | Surfaced. Submerged transit. | ||||
11.05.43 | West coast of Spain | ||||
00.00 | BF 7782 | ||||
SW 5, Sea 4, overcast, hazy, Vis. moderate, 1020 mb | |||||
04.00 | BF 7854 | ||||
07.52 | Dived. Submerged transit. | ||||
08.00 | BF 7678 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 43°45.5'N | Day's run: Surfaced 110.0 nm | |||
Long: 8°37'W | Submerged 25.6 nm | ||||
16.00 | BF 7688 | ||||
Incoming Radio Message: 1836/11/83: Return harbors: Nazaire for Purkhold, U-662, Manke, Jessen, Borchers. Bordeaux for Neumann and Nico Clausen. Lorient for Pich. Brest for Stahl, Brodda, Hasenschar, Carlsen. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43 |
- 35 - |
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continued | |||||
11.05.43 | West coast of Spain | ||||
20.00 | BF 9697 | ||||
21.46 | Surfaced. Surface transit. | ||||
Spanish coast in sight. All beacons burn as in peacetime. Within territorial waters regular steamer traffic. | |||||
22.26 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 193°T, 7.7 nm. | ||||
12.05.43 | North coast of Spain | ||||
00.00 | BF 8478 | ||||
ESE 1, Sea 0-1, 7/10, moonshine, Vis. moderate, coastal haze, 1029 mb | |||||
04.00 | BF 8499 | ||||
07.11 | Dived. Submerged transit. | ||||
08.00 | BF 8599 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 43°52.2'N | Day's run: Surfaced 108.3 nm | |||
Long: 5°22.8'W | Submerged 28.3 nm | ||||
16.00 | BF 8678 | ||||
20.00 | BF 8679 | ||||
21.39 | Surfaced. Surface transit. | ||||
Outgoing Radio Message 2226/12/240: Will be at Point Gabel 14 May 10.00 hours, main transmitter out of service. | |||||
Neumann. | |||||
13.05.43 | North coast of Spain | ||||
00.00 | BF 8933 | ||||
ENE 1, Sea 0-1, light Swell, overcast, Vis. moderate, 1031 mb | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43 |
- 36 - |
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continued | |||||
13.05.43 | North coast of Spain | ||||
04.00 | BF 9497 | ||||
06.30 | Dived. Submerged transit. | ||||
08.00 | BF 9467 | ||||
12.00 | Lat.: 44°28.2'N | Day's run: Surfaced 102.87 nm | |||
Long: 2°54.3'W | Submerged 29.99 nm | ||||
Along the entire north Spanish coast to the 200-meter line fishing trawlers and fishing vessels. | |||||
15.45 | Nights with set working lights. | ||||
16.00 | BF 9463 | Be at Point Gabel at 10.00 hours. | |||
20.00 | BF 9512 | 12.U.-Flottille | |||
21.55 | Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 41°T, 8.0 nm. | ||||
14.05.43 | |||||
00.00 | NEbyE 1, Sea 0, cloudless, Vis. good, moonshine, 1029 mb | ||||
08.00 | Surfaced. Surface transit. | ||||
Ran in with escort. | |||||
Made fast Bordeaux. | |||||
Signed in draft N e u m a n n | |||||
Korvettenkapitän and Kommandant. | |||||
Oblt.z.S. and Administrative Officer. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43 |
Enclosures to U-117's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document | |
ChartA | Track chart of period in operations area 8-10 April |
ChartB | Sketch of minefield laid 10 April |
Radio | Excerpt of the Radio Log |
Comments of the Befehlshaberes der Unterseeboote |
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on the K.T.B. of "U-117" from 8.2.43 - 14.5.43 (Neumann) |
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The mine deployment was considered and carried out without any particular incident. The location of the contamination units is not very fortunate. According to the original intent, the mines were drawn more apart and deployed closer to the coast. | |||
The supply task was well executed and strengthened the sea endurance of 9 boats. | |||
For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote |
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- The Chief of the Operations Department - |
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Click the icons to view the associated records |
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Return to the U-boat KTB page | ||