U-156 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Lorient
22 April 1942
Lorient
7 July 1942
77

 

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
13 May 42
03.58
15°33'N, 52°39'W
KOENJIT
4,551
Netherlands
13 May 42
22.05
15°57'N, 54°21'W
CITY OF MELBOURNE
6,630
British
15 May 42
02.54
15°27'N, 52°45'W
SILJESTAD
4,301
Norwegian
15 May 42
20.59
14°57'N, 52°51'W
KUPA
4,382
Yugoslavia
17 May 42
21.04
15°03'N, 53°09'W
BARRDALE
5,072
British
18 May 42
10.18
15°51'N, 53°27'W
QUAKER CITY
4,961
American
18 May 42
18.32
15°27'N, 54°15'W
SAN ELISEO  (damaged)
8,042
British
19 May 42
04.39 - 07.39
14°27'N, 55°45'W
     
21 May 42
18.29
14°36'N, 61°09'W
PRESIDENTE TRUJILLO
1,668
Dominican
25 May 42
15.42
14°36'N, 61°11'W
USS BLAKELEY (DD 150)
1,190
American
29 May 42
01.03 - 01.37
14°21'N, 62°33'W
NORMAN PRINCE
1,913
British
1 Jun 42
23.51 - 02.44
13°45'N, 61°51'W
ALEGRETE
5,970
Brazilian
3 Jun 42
09.26
12°45'N, 60°09'W
LILLIAN
80
British
24 Jun 42
09.04 - 10.51
25°57'N, 51°57'W
WILLIMANTIC
4,857
British
     
 Total = 53,617
   
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  
                 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =  
           
                           Of Unterseebootes "U-156"  
           
                                    3rd War Patrol.  
           
        Beginning:   17.3.42  
        Ending:         7.7.1942  
           
           
           
                                     Time:         D.G.Z.  
                                     All Naval Squares.  
           
                                
                     
           
                         Kommandant:        Korvettenkapitän Hartenstein.  
           
           
           
                         Distribution: 2 x O.K.M.  
        1 x B.d.U.  
        1 x 2.A.d.Uboote.  
        1 x 2.Uflottille.  
           
                                      
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    17.03. - 22.04.42 Lorient Upkeep, maintenance and equipping.  
    22.04.42      
    20.08 Lorient A 3 Cast off for war patrol.  
        In convoy with U-502 and Sperrbrecher to Point L 2.  
    21.56 Point L 2 Escort ended.  Departed on Route Uhunest.  
                                                         
    23.04.42      
    00.00 E 0, Sea 0, cloudless, lightly hazy, bright moonshine    
    01.40   4 auxiliary mine search vessels bearing 230°T.  
        Numerous fishing vessels with white lights passed at long range.  
    02.45   Two dimmed vessels bearing 280°T on course 080°.  Apparently sailing vessels.  
    03.34 SbyE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, hazy, dark Turned off 60° for a stopped motor fishing vessel, the light display with the top lanterns gave (Morse letters individually:  V, S, L)  
    03.37   Came to old course 209°.  
        This gathering of fishermen doesn't seem right to me.  The door is open to cooperation with the enemy.  
    05.10 Point Uns Headed for northwest Spain at 25 nm.  
    06.17 Morning twilight Fishing trawler bearing 150°T extinguishes lanterns and sets them again on approach.  
    06.35   Passed the 200-meter line.  
    06.55 45° 50.5'N Dived to proceed submerged in accordance with Standing Kriegsmarine Orders  
        3° 48.5'W  
    08.88 45° 48.5'N    
        3° 53'W    
    11.34   Incoming Radio Message (submerged reception on long wave)
        "Hartenstein and Rosenstiel mine detonation naval square BF 5831.  In no case deviate to the north of the route.  Immediately report position."  
    12.00 BF 6774 Day's run:  Surfaced 156 nm  Submerged 16 nm = 172 nm.  
    16.00 BF 8333    
    20.00 BF 8331    
    21.56 BF 8334 Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  
    22.39   Short Signal sent on Coastal Circuit:  
        "My position is square BF 83.       U-156."  
    23.03   Incoming Radio Message:  To Piening and Hartenstein:  
      [objective is EB 8989] "Head for naval square 8989 of the large square west of disguised square UY.  Attack area is the entire sea area off the point, the focal point lies 65 nm south of the objective point."        Means:  Panama Canal.  
                                                         
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.04.42
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.04.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 8343    
      E 2, Sea 1-2, ENE-swell 1, overcast, hazy, light rain, bright night    
    04.00 BF 8285    
    07.08 BF 8433 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    08.00 BF 8437    
    12.00 BF 8426 Day's run:  Surfaced 112.5 nm  Submerged 43.5 nm = 156 nm.
    14.03 ENE 3, nearly overcast, Sea 3, Vis. 5 nm Brief surfacing for sun position line, at the same time ventilate the boat.  Did not blow.  
        Dived.  
    15.00 BF 8452 Deep dive test.  Steered slowly to depth A +80 meters and again went to transit depth.  Results:  Insignificant leaks in some steel bushings.  
    16.00 BF 8452    
    20.00 BF 8446    
    21.52 BF 8445 Surfaced.  
    22.06 BF 8445 Evening navigation fix:  44° 14'N 7° 38'W.  
    23.26 BF 8477 White light of Cape Prior lighthouse in sight bearing 208°T.  
                                                         
    25.04.42      
    00.00 BF 7668    
      SWbyS 2, Sea 1, light swell, heavily changing cloudiness and visibility, bright moonshine, lightly hazy    
    04.00 BF 7678    
    06.24   Avoided 2 illuminated fishermen to the SSW.  
    07.18 BF 7829 Dived.  
    08.00 BF 7828    
    12.00 BF 7851 Day's run:  Surfaced 97.6 nm  Submerged 43.5 nm = 141 nm.
    15.04 BF 7844 Brief surfacing to ventilate the boat.  Did not blow.  
      SbyW 3, Sea 2, overcast, lightly hazy, Vis. 10 nm    
    15.16   Dived.  
    16.00 BF 7844 Steering on the Great Circle clear of Santa Maria by 40 nm to starboard.  
    20.00 BF 7839    
    21.58 BF 7838 Surfaced.  Transit continued.  
    22.10 BF 7792 Evening navigation fix:  43° 12.5'N 10° 34'W.  
                                                         
    26.04.42 Northwest corner of Spain    
    00.00 BF 7780    
      SbyE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, heavy rain, Vis. changing 2-5 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.04.42
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.04.42      
    04.00 CG 1330    
    04.10   A supposed returning Italian U-boat bearing 320°T.  
    07.00   Went to diesel-electric drive.  
        One diesel 250 RPM with charging, the other E-motor 150 RPM.  
    08.00 CG 1340    
    12.00 CG 1290 Day's run:  Surfaced 115 nm  Submerged 43 nm = 158 nm.  
    16.00 CG 1290    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, hazy, murky, nearly overcast    
    20.00 CB 1520    
    21.55   Short Signal sent on Coastal Circuit:  
        "My position is square CG 15.        - U-156 -"  
        (understood and confirmed)  
    22.15 CG 1430 Evening navigation fix:  41° 39'N 14° 02'W.  
                                                         
    27.04.42 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CG 1430    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, partial overcast, SW-swell 2, Vis. 5 nm, bright night    
    04.00 CG 1450    
    07.53 CG 1470 Morning navigation fix:  41° 09'N 15° 11'W.  
    08.00 CF 3690    
    10.00   Switched to Ireland Circuit.  
    12.00 CF 3920 Day's run:  Surfaced 155 nm.  
      NNW 5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 CF 3940    
    20.00 CF 3880    
    22.25 CF 3880 Evening navigation fix:  40° 16'N 17° 01'W.  
                                                         
    28.04.42 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CF 6210    
      NWbyN 4, Sea 3-4, NW-swell 3, cloudy to overcast (light rain showers, bright night, Vis. 4-5 nm)    
    04.00 CF 6130    
    08.00 CF 6150    
    08.04 CF 6150 Crash dive for training.  Dived.  
    08.20   Surfaced.  Continued transit.  
    12.00 CF 5390 Day's run:  Surfaced 170.5 nm  Submerged 1.5 nm = 172 nm.
      NW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 11 nm    
    13.00 CF 5390 Noon navigation fix:  39° 22'N 18° 56'W.  
    16.00 CF 5620    
    20.00 CF 5610    
                                                         
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.04.42
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
           
    29.04.42 East of the Azores    
    00.00 CF 5550    
      SWbyS 3, Sea 2, overcast, hazy, occasional light rain, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    04.00 CF 5580    
    08.00 CF 5810    
    12.00 CF 5750 Day's run:  Surfaced 162 nm.  
      WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, occasional fog, Vis. heavily changing    
    16.00 CF 5770    
    20.00 CF 4990 Navigation fix:  37° 14'N 22° 43'W.  
                                                         
    30.04.42      
    00.00 CF 7340    
      NW 2, Sea 1, overcast, hazy, Vis. 4-5 nm, bright moon    
    04.00 CF 7290    
    08.00 CF 7590    
    09.15 CF 7520 Crash dive for training.  
    09.38   Surfaced.  Continued transit.  
    12.00 CE 9660 Day's run:  Surfaced 193 nm  Submerged 2 nm = 195 nm.  
      WNW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy to overcast, Vis. 11-12 nm    
    12.40   Passed 25°W 40 nm south of Santa Maria (covered by rain clouds).  Headed for the eastern edge of Puerto Rico on course 244°.  
    16.00 CE 9650 Intention:  
        Advance to Panama through the Mona Passage, in so doing graze the northern coast of Puerto Rico, where I suspect traffic from the Panama Canal for St. Thomas and San Juan.  
    20.00 CE 9590 Navigation fix:  35° 55'N 26° 10'W.  
                                                         
    01.05.42      
    00.00 CE 9570    
      ESE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, occasional light dust rain, NW-swell 1, Vis. 5 nm, bright night (full moon)    
    04.00 CE 9730    
    08.00 CE 9750    
    12.00 CE 8990 Day's run:  Surfaced 183 nm.  
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, dust rain, Vis. 10-12 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.05.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.05.42      
    16.00 CE 8980    
    20.00 DG 2210    
                                                         
    02.05.42      
    00.00 DG 2150    
      WbyN 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, light swell, full moon, Vis 5 nm    
    04.00 DG 2170    
    08.00 DG 1380    
    12.00 DG 1610 Day's run:  Surfaced 188 nm.  
      SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast, light rain, Vis. 11 nm    
    12.36 DG 1610 Crash dive for training.  
    12.57   Surfaced.  
    13.09   Crash dive for training.  
    13.25   Surfaced.  Continued transit in the surface.  
    16.00 DG 1550    
    16.10 DG 1550 Navigation fix:  33° 15'N 32° 27'W.  
    20.00 DG 1730    
                                                         
    03.05.42      
    00.00 DG 1750    
      SSE 4, constant rain, overcast, dark, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    04.00 DG 1740    
    08.00 DF 3980    
    12.00 DF 3970 Day's run:  Surfaced 192 nm  Submerged 3 nm = 195 nm.  
      WSW 4-5, Sea 4, heavily cloudy to overcast, Vis. 11 nm    
    16.00 DF 6230    
    20.00 DF 6250    
    23.25 DF 6250 Evening navigation fix:  31° 37'N 36° 04'W.  
                                                         
    04.05.42      
    00.00 DF 6240    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, cloudless to partial overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    04.00 DF 6270    
    08.00 DF 6190 Switched to Greenland Circuit (ordered by Radio Message).  
    09.15 DF 6420 Morning navigation fix:  31° 04'N 37° 14'W.  
    12.00 DF 6450 Day's run:  Surfaced 152 nm.  
      WNW 4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 12 nm    
    15.00 DF 6470 Navigation fix:  30° 29'N 37° 27'W.  
    16.00 DF 6470    
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.05.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.05.42      
    20.00 DF 6740    
    23.25 DF 5990 Evening navigation fix:  29° 42'N 38° 06'W.  
                                                         
    05.05.42      
    00.00 DF 5990    
      NbyW 3-4, Sea 2-3, partial overcast, dark, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    04.00 DF 8310    
    08.00 DF 8230    
    09.30 DF 8260 Morning navigation fix:  29° 01'N 39° 13'W.  
    09.35   Dived.  Crash dive for training.  
    10.10   Surfaced.  Continued transit.  
    12.00 DF 8250 Day's run:  Surfaced 165 nm  Submerged 1.5 nm = 167 nm.  
      NbyE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, NNW-swell 2, Vis. 12 nm    
    14.40   Incoming Radio Message:  To Piening, Hartenstein, Rosenstiel:  1.)  Attack areas:  Piening, Hartenstein sea area within a circle of 300 nm around naval square ED 99, Rosenstiel sea area within a circle of 300 nm around naval square EC 96.  2.)  Previous orders for Piening and Hartenstein cancelled, because of the unfavorable moon period and air surveillance in the operations area.  
    16.00 DF 8270 Headed on course 233° for the northern edge of Barbados.  Intend the first part of the operation there, because of the Bridgetown anchorage and because Zapp reported medium traffic outside the Antilles chain.  
    20.00 DF 8430    
    23.30 DF 8450 Evening navigation fix:  28° 05'N 40° 38'W.  
                                                         
    06.05.42      
    00.00 DF 8450    
      NbyE 2-3, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4 nm    
    04.00 DF 8710 Diesel compressor out of service.  Two toothed racks and a bushing lost.  
    08.00 DF 7960    
    09.40 DF 7960 Morning navigation fix:  27° 17'N 41° 41'W.  
    12.00 DF 7980 Day's run:  Surfaced 172 nm.   
    16.00 DR 1230    
    20.00 DR 1250    
    22.17   Radio Message sent on Norddeich alternate frequency:  For Zapp from Hartenstein:  Request transfer of two toothed racks with a control bushing for the diesel compressor.  Paula Toni 6196 course 231°.  194 cbm.  Day's run 174 nm.  
    23.45 DR 1160 Evening navigation fix:  26° 10'N 43° 13'W.  
                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.05.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    07.05.42      
    00.00 DR 1160    
      NNE 2, cloudy, Vis. 4 nm, light swell    
    00.56   On request sent Radio Message again.  (confirmed).  
    04.00 DM 1180    
    08.00 DR 1140    
    09.15   Incoming Radio Message:  To Hartenstein from Zapp:    
        Toothed racks ready to transfer, removal of the bushing undamaged is not certain.  Position 10 May 1500 hours naval square DQ 7937, course 55° 5 knots.  On not meeting Zapp sends bearing signals.  No fuel reserve, transfer of 5 cbm desired.  
    10.00 DQ 3630 Morning navigation fix:  25° 18'N 44° 28'W.  
    12.00 DQ 3670 Day's run:  Surfaced 192 nm.  
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. 12 nm, light swell Heading for meeting point suggested by Zapp.  
    16.00 DQ 3830    
    20.00 DQ 3880 Passed the Great Circle from New York to Cape Town.  Nothing sighted.  
    20.01 DQ 3880 Dived.  Crash dive for training.  Nothing heard.  
    20.20   Surfaced.  Transit to DQ 7937 continued.  
    23.50 DQ 6210 Evening navigation fix:  23° 51'N 45° 40'W.  
                                                         
    08.05.42      
    00.00 DQ 6210    
      ENE 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, occasional rain, lightly hazy, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    04.00 DQ 6160    
    08.00 DQ 6420    
    10.05 DQ 6410 Morning navigation fix:  22° 52'N 46° 31'W.  
    12.00 DQ 6440 Day's run:  Surfaced 187.3 nm  Submerged 1.7 nm = 189 nm.
    16.00 DQ 5690    
    20.00 DQ 5940 Passed the Great Circle from Halifax to South America.  Nothing sighted.  
                                                         
    09.05.42      
    00.00 DQ 5890 Evening navigation fix:  21° 30'N 47° 43'W.  
      ESE 2-3, lightly cloudy, Sea 2, occasional light rain and haze, Vis. 3-5 nm    
    04.00 DQ 8220    
    08.00 DQ 8270    
    10.25 DQ 8190 Morning navigation fix:  20° 29'N 48° 40'W.  
    12.00 DQ 8430 Day's run:  Surfaced 187 nm.  
      NEbyE 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy to overcast, occasional rain clouds, Vis. 11 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.05.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.05.42      
    16.00 DQ 8450    
    19.15 DQ 8470 Dived.  Crash dive for training.  
        Passed the Great Circle from Boston to South America.  Nothing sighted.  
    20.30   Surfaced.  
    23.40 DQ 7937 Reached meeting point.  At slowest speed setting (1 E-motor 60 RPM) against the wind and current at the position.  
                                                         
    10.05.42      
    00.00 DQ 7937    
      E 2, Sea 2, lightly hazy, occasional light rain, Vis. 3 nm    
    11.35   Headed for meeting point again after morning navigation fix. (7 nm away).  
    12.00 DQ 7937 Day's run:  Surfaced 73.5 nm  Submerged 5.5 nm = 79 nm.  
      E 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 11 knots    
    12.40   Ran opposite to U-66 from the meeting point.  Nothing sighted.  
    13.40   Came to opposite course back to the center of the square.  
    14.06   U-66 sighted with the forward periscope bearing 90°T.   
    15.16   Went on E-motor, on parallel course to Zapp.  Abeam distance 50-25 meters.  Two toothed racks taken over with the assistance of buoys.  Thereafter fuel transfer (5 cbm in 26 minutes).  
    17.00   Transfer ended.  
        Zapp reports:  In EE 36 and 39 a steamer sighted each night on southerly course, furthermore in EF 1190 a steamer on SW course.  This seems to be the mother lode New York to Cape São Roque.  Headed for.  
    20.00 DQ 7950    
                                                         
    11.05.42      
    00.00 DQ 7970 Evening navigation fix:  18° 46'N 50° 21'W.  
      E 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 8 nm    
    04.00 EF 1150    
    08.00 EF 1170    
    12.00 EF 1430 Day's run:  Surfaced 144 nm.  
      ESE 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy to overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 EF 1460    
    19.00 EF 1470 Stopped in the sea area EE 36 specified by Zapp.  Proceeded before the wind, with speed 0.9 knots.  Boat is capable of being steered.  
    20.00 EE 3696 Crash dive for training.  Depth keeping training with combat failures.   
    21.20   Surfaced.  
                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
           
    12.05.42      
    00.00 EE 3696    
      ESE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, hazy, Vis. 8 nm    
    04.00 EE 3695    
    08.00 EE 3697    
    10.35 EE 3697 Morning navigation fix:  16° 54.1'N 52° 22'W.  
    12.00 EE 3697 Day's run:  Surfaced 71.9 nm  Submerged 4.3 nm = 76.2 nm.
    13.15   Search area 22 nm (double visibility range) shifted to the south.  
        Stopped in new search area.  Sailed before the wind.  
    16.01 EE 3943    
    20.05 EE 3918 Steamer sighted with the periscope on SW course bearing 17°T.
      SE 2, swell 2, Vis. 15 nm Maneuvered ahead.  Zig zags on long legs between 120° to 170°.  Speed plotted at 12.5 knots, general course 155°  
        Drives completely smokeless.  
                                                         
    13.05.42      
    00.04 Beginning of twilight Closed for surface attack.  
        Steamer now steers a straight course.  
    01.20 EE 3985 Two single shots from tubes I and II.  
      Moonless, starry clear night,  few clouds Target speed = 13 knots, depth = 2.5 meters, target angle = 80°, (110°).  Both miss. (Etos).  
    01.26 EE 3985 Got in the wake to observe the course.  Steers 168°, runs at less than 12 knots.  
    01.52 EE 3988 Sheared away to maneuver ahead.  Enemy speed is 10.3 knots.  Therefore miss is explained.  
        Reloaded.  
    03.51 EE 6353 New approach.  
    03.58   Shot from tube I.  Target speed = 10.5 knots, depth = 2 meters, target angle = 80°, range = 1500 meters.  Torpedo breaks the surface several times. (Eto).  
    04.00   Hit in the engine room, steamer sets out boats.  Steamer sinks over the stern post.  Appearance:  2 masts, smokestack very far aft, however ahead of the 2nd mast.  Large space between the bridge and smokestack.  Size estimated at 6000 GRT.  Asked the name of the boats.  Dutch "OUNEY" (?).  Not found in register.  Appearance somewhat like "DREGE" however straighter bow.  Ran off to the sea area southeast of Barbados.  
    04.45 EE 6353    
    08.00 EE 6345    
    10.50 EE 6373 Morning navigation fix:  15° 13.5'N 53° 04.3'W.  
    12.00 EE 6295 Day's run:  Surfaced 169 nm.  
      SE 3-4, nearly overcast, Vis. 11 nm    
    15.31 EE 6289 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 103°T.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.05.42      
        Maneuvered ahead.  Enemy zig zags on general course 321°.Normal freighter.  
    17.43   Am positioned ahead on the general course.  Ran along with.  Observed zig zag scheme.  Zig zags 35° and 70° in 4.8 and infrequently 12 minute intervals.  
    21.14 EE 3797 Dived for submerged attack.  Ran on opposite course.  Size estimated at 4000 GRT.  Apparently empty.  2 masts, 4 hatches, light gray paint  
      ESE 3-4, Sea 3, swell 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 12 nm  
    22.05   Shot from tube 5.  Target speed = 12 knots, target angle = 110°, depth = 2.5 meters, range = 450 meters. (Eto).  Hit at the forward edge of the bridge.  
        Stopped.  Set out boats, was 2° down by the bow.  
        Circled around submerged.  Is named "CITY OF MELBOURNE" from Liverpool, 6630 GRT.  Stern cannon.  2 light machine guns on the bridge deck.  Large hole in cargo hold 2.  Bow down angle does not increase.  Will not sink.  
    23.04   Surfaced to fire artillery.  With 24 shots 10.5 cm in the fore ship.  Stern is elevated.  Foreship with bridge breaks off.  Steamer still does not sink.  5 shots fired in the engine room and cargo hold 3.  Sinks slowly.  Performance of the 10.5 cm ammunition is unsatisfactory.  The "sensitive" nose fuse are sometimes not sensitive enough, so that the shells fly out on the other side of the ship  
                                                         
    14.05.42      
    00.00 EE 3797    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy to overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    00.26 EE 3797 Steamer sunk.  
    00.26 EE 3797 Evening navigation fix:  15° 57'N 54° 05.8'W.  
    00.42   On course 236° continued heading for Barbados.  
    02.22   Radio Message sent on Norddeich alternate frequency:  
        "Sank:  13 May naval square EE 63 freighter 6000 GRY, 168°, EE 37 CITY OF MELBOURNE, 321°.  From Hartenstein."  
        (was confirmed at 03.34 hours).  
    02.28 EE 6131 From the last Radio Messages Wattenberg is already in the sea area southeast of Barbados to Trinidad.  Piening is positioned off Trinidad.  Therefore intend to remain in the sea area of EE 30 recognized as rewarding in the recent days.  
    03.32 EE 3799 Came to course 50°.  
        Many faint white lights sighted bearing 70°T.  Boats of the "CITY OF MELBOURNE" on southwesterly course.  Passed at 2 nm distance.  
    04.00 EE 3798 Drifting wreckage sighted.  
    08.00 EE 3875    
    10.50 EE 3852 Morning navigation fix:  16° 30.2'N 53° 34.7'W.  
    12.00 EE 3829 Day's run:  Surfaced 178.0 nm  Submerged 3.6 nm = 181.6 nm.
      EbyS 3, Sea 2-3, swell 2, heavily cloudy, Vis. 11 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.05.42      
    13.58 EE 3831 Stopped.  Sailed with the wind.  
    17.20 EE 3831 Steamer sighted on course SSE bearing 32°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  Steers straight course 157°, runs at 11.5 knots.  Smokeless.  
    19.46 EE 3947 Dived for submerged attack.  
      SE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, swell 2, Vis. 12 nm Steamer estimated at 5000 GRT, apparently in ballast.  Propeller does not however beat out of the water.  Armed with 10.5 cm stern cannon.  
    20.45 EE 3866 Shot from tube 2.  Target speed = 12, target angle = 90°, (very precise!) range = 500 meters, depth = 2.5 meters. (Eto).  Textbook calm attack on straight course (shooting angle 1°), despite this an unexplained miss with exact shooting data.  Probably under steered.  Steamer did not notice.  Moved off ahead and laterally submerged.   
      Vis clear, few clouds, SW-swell 2  
    22.00   Surfaced at the limit of visibility.  Maneuvered ahead again.  Intention:  surface night attack.  
                                                         
    15.05.42      
    00.00 EE 3987 Closed considering the decreasing visibility.  Steamer steers constant course of 157°, 11.5 knots.  
    00.05   Oil trace from NW to SE sighted.  
    01.47 EE 6351 Approached on target angle 60°.  
      SE 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4 nm, light swell    
    01.55 EE 6351 Shot from tube 2.  Target speed = 11.5 knots, depth = 2 meters, target angle = 90°, range = 1200 meters. (Eto).  Again exact text book attack with best shooting data.  Unexplained miss.  Fire control system is in order.  Steamer has not noticed despite passing at the closest range.  
      Medium-dark night, moonless, starry clear, few clouds  
        Fell back into the wake to check the course.  Precisely 159°.  
        Again maneuvered ahead.  
    02.48 EE 6355 Ran in at target angle 50°.  
      SE 2, Sea 2, light swell, Vis. 10 nm, heavily cloudy    
    02.54 EE 6355 Shot from tube 3.  Target angle = 80°, target speed = 11.5 knots, depth = 2 meters, range = 1000 meters. (Eto).  Torpedo broke through the surface several times.  Hit amidships.  20 meter high, dark explosion column.  Set out boats, settles by the bow.  
    03.31 EE 6355 Steamer sunk.  Name asked:  Norwegian SILJESTAD from Oslo.  4301 GRT.  
    04.25 EE 6354 Begin torpedo download.  4 Atos to the bow room, for this purpose bow and stern blown, regulating and negative buoyancy tanks pumped.  Trim water to the stern.  Sailed before the wind.  
      Trade Wind 2-3, Sea 3, swell 2  
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.05.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.05.42   Forward torpedo hatch remains clear of the seas.   
    08.25 EE 6354 Transfer ended.  Test dive.  
    09.00   Surfaced.  Sailed on course 290° before the wind.  
    10.30 EE 6354 Morning navigation fix:  15° 30.1'N 52° 42'W.  
    12.00 EE 6351 Day's run:  Surfaced 131.1 nm  Submerged 8.1 nm = 139.2 nm.
      SEbyS 3, Sea 2, clear to lightly cloudy, Vis. 12 nm    
    14.26 EE 6351 Steamer on SE course sighted bearing 235°T.  Began maneuver ahead.  
        Steamer stops, blows steam off, apparently (judging by the chart) takes [illegible hand written word perhaps a ship's pilot] on board.  They'll be surprised..  
        Steamer gets underway.  Vigorous zig zag from 195° to  The zig zag scheme,cannot be discerned despite several hours of observation.  
    18.45 EE 6625 Dived for submerged attack.  Initiated attack three times.  Steamer zig zags [illegible hand written word].  
    20.59 EE 6621 Shot from tube I.  Target speed = 10 knots, target angle = 80°, depth = 2 meters, range = 1200 meters. (Eto).  
      SE 3, Sea 2, light swell, few clouds, Vis. clear  
      Hit at the forward edge of the bridge in cargo hold 2.  
        was down by the bow 2 and listing to port.  Sets boats out.  Runs in circles abandoned.  Large wooden boxes on deck.  
    21.13 EE 6621 Steamer sunk.  Surfaced.  Asked name.  "Yugoslavian" KUPA 4382 GRT with piece goods and automobiles for South Africa.  14 automobile inner tubes fished out.  Ran off to the north.   
    23.02   Stopped.  Sailed.  
    22.56   Radio Message sent on alternate frequency:  
        "EE 63 sunk:  "SILJESTAD" course 157°, EE 66 "KUPA" course 146°.        Hartenstein.  15 torpedoes."  
                                                         
    16.05.42      
    00.00 EE 6388    
      SEbyE 2, Sea 1, few clouds, moonless, light haze, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    00.06 EE 6388 Evening navigation fix:  15° 13.1'N 52° 03.2'W.  
    02.35   Radio Message sent again on request due to interference was not understood.  
    04.00 EE 6388    
    06.22   Radio Message again not understood.  On request sent yet again.  (was confirmed at 07.55 hours).  
    08.00 EE 6384    
    10.35 EE 6384 Morning navigation fix:  15° 09.8'N 52° 44.1'W.  
    12.00 EE 6384 Day's run:  Surfaced 70.2 nm  Submerged 4.3 nm = 74.5 nm.
      ESE 3, Sea 2, light swell, Vis. 12 nm, lightly cloudy    
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.05.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.05.42      
    16.00 EE 6373 By day sailed before the wind.  
    20.00 EE 6348 Nothing sighted.  
                                                         
    17.05.42      
    00.00 EE 6347 Evening navigation fix:  15° 23.9'N 52° 58.5'W.  
      ENE 2, Sea 1, light swell, moonless, few clouds, Vis. 2 nm    
    00.51   Crash dive for training, from sailing cruise 56 seconds to passing the 11-meter line.  
        Submerged cruise to inspect the gyros in the Atos, because Schacht had reported several circular runs of Atos.  Results:  1 torpedo would certainly have become a circle runner if it were not adjusted.  
    02.25 EE 6345 Surfaced.  Sailing cruise continued.  
    04.00 EE 6344 .  
    08.00 EE 6266    
    08.20   Incoming Radio Message:  To Piening, Hartenstein, Wattenberg, Rosenstiel, Gräf:  Immediately report if special chart of area naval square ED 66 is on board.  
    08.40   Short Signal sent on "America II" Circuit:  "Yes" Hartenstein" (was understood and confirmed).  
    10.45 EE 6266 Morning navigation fix:  15° 21.8'N 53° 07'W.  
    12.00 EE 6266 Day's run:  Surfaced 23.9 nm  Submerged 3.8 nm = 27.7 nm.
      EbyN 2-3, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, brief heavy rain, otherwise Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 EE 6265    
    17.22 EE 6265 Steamer on southerly course in sight bearing 352°T.  Began maneuver ahead.  
        Speed plotted at 10 knots.  Course 165°.  
    20.00 EE 6611 Dived to attack submerged.  
        Steamer armed with 2 raised stern cannons.  On deck large wooden boxes, apparently autos or aircraft.  
    21.04 EE 6377 Shot from tube V.  Target angle = 90°, target speed = 10.5 knots, depth = 2 meters, range = 500 meters.  Running time 25 seconds. (Eto).  
      ENE 3, Sea 2, swell 2-3, cloudy, Vis, 12 nm  
      Hit at the forward edge of the smokestack.  40 meter high black and brown explosion column.  
    21.14 EE 6377 Steamer sunk.  
    21.22   Surfaced.  One man fished out.  Questioned "BARR-DALE" 5072 GRT, with aircraft, fuel tanks, auto tires, piece goods from New York for Basra.  Man put on a lifeboat.  10 tires fished out as trophies.  
    22.36   Ran off on course 30°.  
                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.05.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
           
    18.05.42      
    00.00 EE 6266 Stopped.  Sailing.  
      ENE 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, swell 2, Vis. 8-10 nm Evening navigation fix:  15° 39.0'N 53° 06.9'W.  
    01.16   Radio Message sent on Norddeich alternate frequency:  
        "Sunk by Hartenstein EE 63 BARRDALE course 165°, aircraft, piece goods, New York - Basra.  161 cbm.  (Was not heard).  
    04.00 EE 6265    
    04.07   Radio Message sent anew.  (Was confirmed).  
    08.00 EE 6262    
    09.39 EE 6238 Steamer on NW course in sight bearing 240°T.  
      Dark, moonless night, occasionally bad visibility in showers and rain clouds Passed through the wake to check the course, 300° - 310°.  Steamer put on the brightening eastern horizon.  Diminishing darkness will just be sufficient to reach position for surface attack.  
    10.18 EE 6238 Shot from tube III.  Target angle = 80°, target speed = 10 knots, depth = 2 meters, range = 1500 meters, running time 1 minute 22 seconds.  (Ato, 40 knots).  
      E 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, beginning of twilight  
        Hit at the forward edge of the stern superstructure.  40 meter high black explosion column.  
    10.31 EE 6237 Steamer sunk.  Ran to sinking location.  Questioned the boats.  "QUAKER CITY" with ore from South Africa.  
    10.49   Ran off on course 30°.  
    11.32 EE 6237 Stopped, sailed.  
    12.00 EE 6237 Day's run:  Surfaced 77.3 nm  Submerged 4.2 nm = 81.5 nm.
      EByN 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, fine dust rain, otherwise Vis. clear    
    14.07 EE 6237 Steamer on SW course in sight bearing 4°T.  
        Maneuvered ahead.  Is a tanker.  Steering zig zag around 337°, ran nearly 13 knots.  Observed zig zags and determined clearly.  
    18.07 EE 6164 Dived to attack submerged.  
        Tanker, estimated 8000 GRT, type "CARELIA" however after mast is further astern, 2 king posts, stern cannon.  
    18.32 EE 6165 Aimed double shot with same shooting data from tube I and IV.
      E 3, Sea 2, cloudy, swell 2, Vis. clear Target angle = 90°, target speed = 13 knots, depth = 2 meters, range = 1000 meters, running time 1 minute 8 seconds.  (Eto).  
        Hit under the bridge.  2nd hit amidships.  
        Tanker takes a list to port, pumps, equalizes list. Artillery defense manned very quickly, but haphazard in direction. Continues to run at 11 knots.  Followed submerged.  Hope he will still stop or show some sign of weakness.  Does not.  
    20.27 EE 6164 Surfaced.  Maneuvered ahead anew.  Intention:  night submerged attack.  
    23.18   Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message:  
        To Hartenstein:  Immediately go to naval square ED 66.  Task:  1.)  Attack against American warships suspected to be off the harbor.  2.)  Investigation, occupancy of harbor and anchorages in bays, if this can be done inconspicuously.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.05.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.05.42      
        3.)  Destruction of French warships and merchant ships running out from the harbor so that these do not fall into American hands.   "BEARN" is particularly important.  4.)  If in special cases protection of French ships running out with the intention of escaping from the Americans is required, special instruction will be given.  5.)  According to French report monitoring at the moment by 1 cruiser, 4 torpedo boats and air.  
                                                         
    19.05.42      
    00.00 EE 6418 Only first the tanker must go.  Can not leave half of the work unfinished.  Besides for now the course is to Martinique.  
        Closed with decreasing visibility.  Continues zig zagging around old general course, speed plotted at 11.5 knots.  
    04.39 EE 5645 Shot from tube III.  Target angle = right 80°, target speed = 11.5 knots, depth = 2 meters, range running time 57 seconds.  (Ato, 40 knots).  
      EbyS 2-3, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, occasional light dust rain, Vis. 3-5 nm, moonless, dark, heavy marine phosphorescence  
      Hit at the after edge of the bridge.  20 meter high dark explosion column.  Tanker continues to run at 7 knots.  In the meantime annoying marine phosphorescence has come up.  Reloaded.  
    07.39 EE 5648 Shot from tube IV.  Target angle = left 70, target speed = 7, knots, depth = 3 meters, range = 1500 meters, running time 1 minute 16 seconds.  (Eto).  
      Lightly cloudy, otherwise as at the 1st shot  
        Hit at the forward edge of the engine room.  Tanker continues to run at 7 knots.  
        The tanker now has 4 hits on the starboard side, he will get the next in the port side, then break apart. No more checked/adjusted bow torpedoes are ready.  Want to fall back from a sharp target angle on the tanker for a stern shot.  
    09.17 EE 5647 Shot from tube V.  Target angle left 90°, target speed 7 knots, depth = 4.5 meters, range = 1300 meters, miss.  (Eto).  
        Due to turn of the enemy.  Apparently he had seen the brightly illuminated bubbles.  Ran off astern.  
      Beginning of twilight Maneuvered ahead again.  Tanker now takes the boat ahead.  Zig zags wildly from 120° over south and west to 330°.  Did not approach.  
    10.15 EE 5566 Attack broken off, because new orders read head for Martinique immediately and shooting position (shooting prospects) is hopeless.  Ran off on W-course.  Headed for Martinique.  
      Dawn  
    10.55 EE 5566 Morning navigation fix:  14° 35.9'N 55° 59.3'W.  
    11.45   Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message:  To Hartenstein:  
        Net barrage between "Pointe des Nègres" and Ilet a Ramiers" harbor barrier "Fort St. Louis" to the east.  
    12.00 EE 5561 Day's run:  Surfaced 234 nm  Submerged 4 nm = 238 nm.  
      ESE 3, Sea 2, light swell, lightly cloudy, Vis. 12 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.05.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.05.42      
    14.06   Incoming Radio Message:  Hartenstein immediately report torpedo inventory by Short Signal.  
    15.25 EE 5543 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 270°T on course 0°.  
    15.27   Aircraft bomb at depth 8 meters.  Temporary damage:  both diving plane motors, rudder motor, daughter gyro compasses, lights, starboard E-motor.  Permanent damage:  main ballast tank 1 torn, 2 battery cells torn and slowly leaking.  Depth sounder.  
        2 further aircraft bombs at depth A -50 meters and A -30 meters.  
        Went to depth A +0 meters,  Repaired damage.  
    18.30 EE 5516 Surfaced.  
    18.44 EE 5516 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 240°T on NE course.  
    18.10   Made all around sweep.  Sighted flying boat bearing 270°T on NE course.  Thereafter continued W-transit at depth A -30 meters to darkness to repair damage in peace.  
                                                         
    20.05.42      
    00.00 EE 5514    
      EbyS 2, Sea 1-2, clear, moonshine, Vis. 5 nm    
    01.00 EE 5436 Surfaced.  Transit continued heading for Martinique.  
    01.45   Reported on Norddeich by Short Signal on alternate frequency:  8,  U-156."  (was confirmed).  
    04.00 EE 5425    
    04.10   Torpedo downloaded from overdeck at moonset.  4 Atos loaded in the bow room.  
    05.10   Radio Message sent on Norddeich:  "QUAKER CITY" course about 310°, sunk by Hartenstein in 62.  Tanker hunted 3897 to 5647.  Four hits, still runs at 7 knots.  Today "aircraft bombs" 151 cbm, 6 Atos plus 2 stern Etos.  5418.  All naval square EE.  
    07.30   Overdeck work ended.  
    08.00 EE 4639    
    10.55 EE 4651 Morning navigation fix:  14° 33.7'N 55° 7.2'W.  
    11.01 EE 4651 Test dive.  Gyro check (for 4 Atos).  
    12.00 EE 4643 Day's run:  Surfaced 113 nm  Submerged 24 nm = 137 nm.  
    14.25   Surfaced.  Transit continued.  
    16.00 EE 4565    
    20.00 EE 4469    
    21.25 EE 4459 Passed an oil trace, the direction cannot be determined.  Ran with.  
    21.50   [illegible hand written entry]  
    22.23 EE 4458 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 0°T, course W.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.05.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.05.42      
    21.40   Before another approach continued transit at depth A -30 meters until twilight.  
                                                         
    21.05.42      
    00.00 EE 4457 Surfaced.  Continued heading for the south edge of Martinique.  
      ESE 2, Sea 1, light swell, moonlit, cloudy, Vis. 5 nm  
    03.40 Caravelle bearing 324°T. Martinique in sight.  
    03.56 Îlet Cabrits bearing 275°T    
    05.06 Îlet Cabrits abeam 1.5 nm away    
        Entire west coast searched close under land for enemy warships.  Except for harmless small fishermen nothing seen.  
        Inner roads off Fort de France well dimmed nothing distinguished.  Advanced the north up to Le Prêcheur.  Nothing sighted.  
        Rock "Ilet la Perle" taken as a vessel at sharp target angle by mistake.  
    09.36   Radio Message sent on Norddeich:  "West bay to Le Prêcheur empty from Hartenstein.  Main harbor inner roads well dimmed.  Nothing distinguished.  Submerged off main harbor northern sector."  
    10.43 Pointe des Nègres bearing 110°T, 4.4 nm Dived to survey the situation.  
    12.00 Pointe des Nègres bearing 62.5°T, 2 nm Day's run:  Surfaced 200 nm  Submerged 9.5 nm = 209.3 nm.
    21.15   Off Fort de France.  In harbor to now recognize 5 tankers, "BEARN".  At Flamands roadstead 1 modern passenger freighter "SAGITTAIRE" 7706 GRT.  In dry dock 1 two smokestack passenger vessel, 1 one smokestack [illegible word] older construction. (red smokestack), further a warship in target angle 0°, possibly "EMILE BARTIN".  
    12.20   Flying boat comes out of the harbor, passes astern of the boat.  
    13.37   Flying boat bearing 350°T.  
    18.06   A steamer sighted running out of the harbor "PRESIDENTE TRUJILLO (Domingo) 1668 GRT.  Name on a large board on the bridge.  Dominican flag, therefore enemy.  
    18.29 Pointe des Nègres bearing 94°T, 3.7 nm Shot from tube 2.  Target angle = left 90°, target speed = 8 knots, depth = 2 meters, range = xxx meters [about 500 meters], running time 29 seconds.  (Ato, 40 knots).  
        Hit in aftership.  30 meter high black explosion column.  Sank after 1 minute.  
    18.32   Ran off on course 270° at depth A -30 meters.  
                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.05.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
           
    22.05.42      
    00.00 Pointe des Nègres bearing 90°T, 14.9 nm    
    02.00 Pointe des Nègres bearing 90°T, 18 nm Surfaced.  Because nothing is seen of U.S.A. ships close to land, advanced seaward.  
      SE 2, Sea 1, bright moon, clear to lightly cloudy    
    03.45   Radio Message sent on America I Circuit:  In harbor BEARN, 5 tankers, 3 passenger-freighters, sunk:  PRESIDENTE TRUJILLO, course 310° off entrance.  From Hartenstein.  No USA ships sighted.   
    04.00   Again closed the coast.  
        Back and forth in position on various courses off Fort de France.  
    10.35 Pointe des Nègres bearing 61°T, 3.5 nm Dived, to monitor the situation.  
    12.00 Pointe des Nègres bearing 61°T, 3 nm Day's run:  Surfaced 61 nm  Submerged 23.4 nm = 84.4 nm.  
      Off the main harbor on 300° back and forth in position.  Went to periscope depth to observe every half hour.  
        Names of the tankers determined:  LIMOUSIN 7615 GRT", "KOBAD 7329".  6th tanker detected as well as another freighter.   
                                                         
    23.05.42      
    00.00   Submerged observation until moonset.  
    06.21 Pointe des Nègres bearing 110°T Surfaced after moonset.  
      SE 0-1, Sea 0, lightly cloudy, light haze, dark    
    08.32   Oil patch passed (PRESIDENT TRUJILLO).  
    10.39 Pointe des Nègres bearing 96°T, 3.7 nm Dived in morning twilight.  
    12.00 Pointe des Nègres bearing 94°T, 2.7 nm Day's run:  Surfaced 27 nm  Submerged 32.5 nm = 59.5 nm.  
      Monitored submerged by day.  Off the harbor back and forth.  Half hourly all around sweeps taken.  Otherwise depth A -50 meters.  
        During the bright moonlit night proceeded at periscope depth.  
                                                         
    24.05.42      
    00.00 Pointe des Nègres bearing 103°T, 5.3 nm    
    04.55 Pointe des Nègres bearing 111°T. Surfaced at moonset.  
      Wind calm, light haze, moonless, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    10.45 Pointe des Nègres bearing 104°T, 5.7 nm Dived in the morning twilight.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.05.42
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.05.42      
    12.00 Pointe des Nègres bearing 103°T, 1.7 nm Day's run:  Surfaced 22 nm  Submerged 48 nm = 70 nm.  
    22.00   Headed parallel to (net barrage not established) Cape Solomon.  
                                                         
    25.05.42      
    00.14 150 meters north of Cape Solomon Surfaced.  50 meters from land in a small unwatched bay, which just has a view, until Fort de France opens up.  
      SE 0-1, heavy rain fall, summer lightening    
    01.17   Moved off to the west, because in the bay use of the diesels for charging is not possible.  Came to northeasterly course.  
    02.46 Pointe des Nègres bearing 89.5°T, 8 nm U-97 [actually U-69] sighted bearing 295°T.  
    03.10 Pointe des Nègres bearing 85°T, 9 nm Meeting with U-97.  U-97 takes over the southern sector by day.  
    03.20 Moved off on northerly course    
    03.47   Lying stopped 11 nm from land.  Waiting for moonset.  
    07.12   Incoming Radio Message:  To Hartenstein and Gräf:  
        1.)  Danger exists, that ships in the harbor will transfer to the USA.  Main task therefore, attack on USA warships and departing ships.  
        2.)  Only sink entering ships when recognized as enemy.  
    10.30 Pointe des Nègres bearing 108°T, 7.1 nm Dived to observe by day.  
    12.00 Pointe des Nègres bearing 96°T, 3.5 nm Day's run:  Surfaced 24 nm  Submerged 28 nm = 52 nm.  
    13.43   Propeller sounds bearing 235°T.  Went to periscope depth.  An American 4-smokestack destroyer.  Far beyond shooting range northerly course.  Perhaps he will come again.  
    15.43   Destroyer sighted bearing 330°T.  Range = 2000 meters,  Attacked.  
    15.42 Pointe des Nègres bearing 96°T, 5.1 nm Fan from tubes I and III.  Target angle = left 90°, target speed = 17 knots, depth = 2 meters, range = 800 meters, running time 25 seconds. (Ato, 40 knots).  Shooting angle 7°.  Hit in the foreship.  High explosion column.  Forecastle torn off.  The second torpedo hit.  No defense.  Runs into Fort de France.  
      E 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. clear  
        Continued back and forth in position on east west courses.  
                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.05.42
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.05.42      
    00.55 100 meters south of Cape Solomon Put the boat on the bottom.  Water depth 13 meters.  Awaited darkness.  
      ESE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, bright moonshine, Vis. clear  
    01.10   Surfaced.  Moved off to the NE.  
    02.00   Shadow sighted bearing 260°T.  Apparently U-97.  
    02.12   Radio Message sent on Greenland Circuit:  
        "From Hartenstein old U.S.A. destroyer torpedoed.  Forecastle torn off.  Entered the inner harbor.  Net barrage not determined. Advance to the main target possible in the bright night.  3 Atos, 2 Etos, 141 cbm.  
    02.37 Pointe des Nègres bearing 83°T, 7 nm Lying stopped to observe.  
    03.00   Over flown several times by a flying boat.  
        Flies sector reconnaissance off Fort de France.  
    04.16   Dived, because the boat seems to have been noticed by the flying boat.  Headed for the main harbor at periscope depth.  
    05.57   Far distant depth charge detonations.  
    08.33 Pointe des Nègres bearing 93°T, 4.3 nm Surfaced at moonset.  
      EbyN 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy dark Back and forth in position.  
    10.25   Incoming Radio Message:  To Hartenstein and Gräf.  
        No attack on ships in the harbor.  
    10.30 Pointe des Nègres bearing 92.5°T, 5.9 nm Dived in the morning twilight.  
      Continued observing.  
    12.00 Pointe des Nègres bearing 90°T Day's run:  Surfaced 14 nm  Submerged 33 nm = 47 nm.  
    16.55              "        77°T, 2.5 nm 2 aircraft bombs far distant.  
    20.40              "        82°T, 4.8 nm From the harbor a departing destroyer with aircraft escort, 3 flying boats in sight.  Depth charges far off.  Attempt attack.  Destroyer runs off to Cape Solomon.  Attack given up.  
    21.30              "        80°T, 6.2 nm Depth charges at long range.  
        Set off to the NW.  
                                                         
    27.05.42      
    01.38 Pointe des Nègres bearing 90°T, 14.5 nm Surfaced.  Lying stopped to observe.  
      Over flown several times by flying boats.  
      SEbyE 1-2, Sea 1, clear to lightly cloudy, light swell, moonlit night    
    02.09   Dived.  Set off further.  
    03.05   Propeller sounds bearing 75°T.  Apparently a destroyer.  Zig zagged back and forth positioned parallel.  
    04.03 Pointe des Nègres bearing 103°T, 19 nm Surfaced.  Stopped to charge.  
    05.42   Crash dive for flying boat from 250° relative.  Comes at 30 to 50 meters altitude from the moon sector.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.05.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.05.42   Over flies the boat behind the stern.  1 bomb 40 meters to starboard astern.  2 other bombs at depth 10 and 20 meters.  Went to depth A -10 meters.  
        Destroyer sounds bearing 60°T.  Went to silent running.  Destroyer apparently passes the diving location.  Sounds fade away.  
    09.18 Le Prêcheur bearing 81°T, 19.5 nm Surfaced.  
    09.55   Crash dive for flying boat bearing 160°T.  
        Again set off further to the west at depth A -50 meters.  
    12.00 Le Prêcheur bearing 82.5°T, 23.5 nm Day's run:  Surfaced 2 nm  Submerged 36 nm = 38 nm.  
    16.00 ED 6528 2 further battery cells failed through short circuit.  
    20.00 ED 6519 Both sound gear out of service.  
                                                         
    28.05.42      
    00.00 ED 6518    
    01.24 ED 6518 Surfaced.  Continued to move off to the west.  
      E 3-4, Sea 3, E-swell 2-3, cloudless, moonlit, Vis. clear    
    04.00 ED 6434    
    07.50   Stopped to weld the starboard inner exhaust valve.  
    08.00 ED 6415    
    08.54   Continued on.  
    09.58   Short Signal sent on Norddeich alternate frequency:  
        Heavy air monitoring.  Evading to the SW. (was not heard).  
                                                                U-156.  
    11.20 ED 5386 Morning navigation fix:  15° 13'N 63° 25.5'W.  
    11.23   Came to course 180°.  
    12.00 ED 5389 Day's run:  Surfaced 78 nm  Submerged 25 nm = 103 nm.  
      E 4, Sea 3-4, clear to lightly cloudy    
    16.00 ED 5653    
    17.02 ED 5658 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 280°T.  Freighter on course 105°.  
    17.03   Dived for submered attack.  
    17.57   Ready to shoot.  
        Did not shoot due to too small shooting range.  
    18.26 ED 5697 Surfaced.  Began maneuver ahead.  
      E 4, Sea 3-4, light haze, medium cloudy    
    20.10   Incoming Radio Message:  To Hartenstein and Gräf:  
        Report position tonight by Short Signal.  
    21.35 ED 6475 Evaded four-masted freighter bearing 93°T on WNW course to the south.  Lost in the haze.  Continued hunt on the 1st freighter.  Steering 105°, 7.3 knots.  
                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.05.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
           
    29.05.42      
    00.07 ED 6486 Dived for submerged attack.  
    01.03 ED 6483 Shot from tube IV.  Target angle = right 90°, target speed = 8 knots, depth = 1 meter, range = 700 meters, running time 30 seconds.  (Ato, 40 knots).  
      E 3-4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, light swell  
        Hit amidships, settled by the stern.  Lists to starboard, does not sink.  
    01.37   Coup de grace from tube II.  Target angle = left 90°, target speed = 3 knots, depth = 1 meter, range = 600 meters, running time 45 seconds.  (Ato, 40 knots).  
        Hit at the forward hatch.  Steamer manned cannon on the stern until sinking.  After sinking detonations, probably depth charges.  
    01.40 ED 6483 Freighter sunk.  Ran off on course 285°.  
        Intention:  search for further traffic on the observed opposite course of the steamer.  
    04.00 ED 6482    
    08.00 ED 6481    
    11.55 ED 6473 Surfaced.  Continued on course 285°.  
    12.00 ED 6473 Day's run:  Surfaced 99 nm  Submerged 27 nm = 126 nm.  
      EbyN 3-4, Sea 3, medium cloudy, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 ED 5651    
    20.00 ED 5651    
                                                         
    30.05.42      
    00.00 ED 5564    
      E 3-4, Sea 3, E-swell 2-3, medium cloudy, Vis. good    
    00.20   Radio Message sent on America I Circuit:  Hartenstein reports:  Off the harbor day and night two flying boats, destroyer.  Cloudless, moonlit, marine phosphorescence.  Aircraft bombs even at night with stopped boat.  Main ballast tank one, three battery cells torn.  Both sound gear out of service.  Set off.  Sank today Karl Dora 1483 freighter 5000 GRT, course 105°, 1 Ato, 2 Etos.  133 cbm.  In 7 tropical days 121 hours dived.  Limit of efficiency.  Request freedom to maneuver.  Am missing Serial No. 234 to 36 and 239 of 25 May.  
    01.00 EB 5556 Evening navigation fix:  14° 33'N 64° 10.5'W.  
    01.52   Incoming Radio Message:  To Hartenstein:  The missing Serial Nos. reported are settled and will not be repeated.  
    03.00   Incoming Radio Message:  1)  Hartenstein free to maneuver.  2)  Gräf remain in position.  Relief is intended.  
    04.00 ED 5551    
    04.15   Incoming Radio Message:  To Wattenberg and Hartenstein.
        Report position by Short Signal.  
        (Sent this Radio Message at 15.39 hours on 29 May)  
        Was sent in own Radio Message.  Settled.  
    08.00 ED 5436    
    11.20 ED 5191 Morning navigation fix:  15° 14'N 64° 58'W.  
    12.00 ED 5191 Day's run:  Surfaced 123 nm.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.05.42
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.05.42      
    16.00 ED 5149    
    18.00 ED 5147 Came about.  On course 110° headed for the St. Lucia to St. Vincent Passage.  
    20.00 ED 5181    
                                                         
    31.05.42      
    00.00 ED 5183    
      EbyS 3, Sea 3, hazy, overcast, occasional rain clouds and rain, Vis. medium    
    01.05 ED 5183 Evening navigation fix:  15° 12'N 65° 01'W.  
    04.00 ED 5196    
    08.00 ED 5513    
    09.54   Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message:  To Hartenstein.  
        "Immediately report, if torpedoing of the U.S.A. destroyer took place within territorial waters."  
    11.25 ED 5529 Morning navigation fix:  14° 45'N 64° 12'W.  
    11.34      
    11.34   Officer-Only Radio Message sent on America II Circuit:  
[The message is not clear - presumably within one cable (about 1/10 nm) of the limit of territorial waters] From Hartnstein.  About one cable length in doubt.  
    12.00 BE 5529 Day's run:  Surfaced 132 nm.  
      ENE 3-4, Sea 3, swell 3, somewhat hazy, overcast, Vis. good    
    14.26 ED 5562 Crash dive for flying boat bearing 60°T.  Course west.  
    15.53 ED 5565 Surfaced.  Continued transit.  Search course shifted about 25 to the south of the Jamaica - Barbados line because of previous failure.  
    16.00 ED 5565    
    20.00 ED 5915    
    22.14 ED 5928 Steamer in sight bearing 270°T on course 86°.  
    22.53 ED 5928 Dived to attack submerged.  
    23.48   Attack broken off, because neutrality markings recognized.  Tanker "CAMPAS" (Spanish, Barcelona) loaded.  
        No Prize Regulations search in accordance with Standing Order 101 Paragraph 11.  
                                                         
    01.06.42      
    00.00 ED 5929    
      E 3, Sea 2-3, swell 2, nearly overcast, rain clouds, Vis. good    
    00.40 ED 5929 Surfaced.  Transit continued.  
    04.00 ED 5962    
    08.06 ED 6742    
    11.20 ED 6755 Morning navigation fix:  13° 39.8'N 62° 32'W.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.06.42
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.06.42      
    12.00 ED 6756 Day's run:  Surfaced 124 nm  Submerged 7 nm = 131 nm.  
      E 4, Sea 3-4, nearly overcast, Vis. good    
    16.00 ED 6766    
    20.00 ED 6846    
    21.43 ED 6854 Smoke cloud bearing 72°T.  Steamer on course W, later during maneuver ahead determined to be 275°.  
    23.05 ED 6851 Dived for submerged attack.  
    23.48   Freighter with gun platform  without cannon.  Shows unrecognizable flag.  Name painted over.  No neutrality markings.  Painted gray all over.  Attacked in accordance with Standing Kriegsmarine Order 105 c.  
    23.51 ED 6851 Shot from tube V.  Target angle = left 90°, target speed = 9.5 knots, depth = 1 meter, range = 500 meters, running time 22 seconds.  (Eto).  
      E 3, Sea 3, light swell, Vis. good, medium cloudy  
        Hit after mast.  
        Settled astern somewhat deeper.  
        Circled submerged.  Painted over name is determined.  "ALEGRETE from Rio de Janeiro.  
        Brazilian stern flag was first recognized at 6X magnification at 300 meters.  5970 GRT.  
                                                         
    02.06.42      
    01.36 ED 6851 Steamer is abandoned, will not sink.  
      E 3, Sea 3, swell 1-2, heavily cloudy, dark night Surfaced to shoot with artillery.  
    02.12   Opened fire.  Fired 20 10.5 cm explosive shells into the waterline amidships and stern.  Takes a list to starboard, settles somewhat deeper.  Stern engine superstructure set afire.  
    02.44   Moved off on old course, because steamer is now apparently sinking.  
    02.55   Came about because steamer still does not want to sink.  
    03.00 ED 6851 Steamer slowly rises up, bow out of the water, sinks slowly.  
        Headed for the St. Vincent Passage at high speed.  
        At moonrise on diesel-electric.  Went to 2 x HF, because otherwise there is a strong wake.  
    03.59 ED 6853 Over flown by an aircraft (two-engined land-based aircraft coming from the north).  Bright moonlit night.  Aircraft turns after flying over and approaches the boat.  Crash dive!  
    05.32 ED 6853 Surfaced.  Continued on.  
    07.00   Cap Moule à Chique lighthouse in sight bearing 86°T.  (St. Lucia)  
    09.31 Bright moon bearing 140°T A dimmed vessel bearing 128°T target angle 0°, apparently on opposite course.  Range decreasing.  
    09.39 Cap Moule à Chique  41.5°T, 11 nm away Dived for submerged attack.  
      Vessel not found in night targeting periscope.   
        Explanation:  either ran past while controlling the boat [delay between submerging and getting to periscope depth] or a sailing vessel under sail (probably the latter).  
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.06.42
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.06.42      
    10.25 Center of the St. Vincent Passage Dismissed from Action Stations.  Due to closeness of land remained submerged.  
    12.00 Cap Moule à Chique  26°T, 11.5 nm away Day's run:  Surfaced 112 nm  Submerged 10 nm = 122 nm.  
        Positioned in the center of the Passage on one E-motor KF against the current.  
                                                         
    03.06.42      
    01.18 Cap Moule à Chique  19°T, 7 nm away Surfaced.  With 2 x HF diesel-electric.  Headed for square EE 7146.  
      ENE 2, Sea 1, low long swell, occasional rain clouds and rain showers, otherwise Vis. good At moonrise went to HF diesel-electric.  
    02.16   Radio Message sent on Norddeich alternate frequency:   
        2 June sunk by Hartenstein:  "ALEGRETE" course 275°, Emil Doris 68. (was not confirmed).  
    04.00 ED 6994    
    08.00 EE 7142    
    08.40 EE 7146 A dimmed two-masted schooner in sight, course south, bearing 100°T.  Went within hailing distance.  Ordered to stop multiple times.  Sailed on.  Fired a 2 cm shot over the rigging.  Sets a boat out with 18 men, sails on.  At the boat determined:  
        Venezuelan schooner "LILIAN" with rum for Trinidad.  Size estimated at 150 GRT.  Ran after the schooner, within earshot again ordered to stop several times.  The Captain and 3 men are still aboard.  
    09.26   Opened fire due to resistance against Prize Regulations examination and attempt to escape.  52 shots of 3.7 cm, 270 shots of 2 cm.  Fired at the foreship waterline,sinking slowly.  
        Vessel with low silhouette and apparently without smokestack bearing 135°T.  Bow left, target angle 40°.  Does not come closer, does not run off.  Bearing steady for almost an hour.  
    10.29 Dawn Patrol vessel suspected, which did not dare to approach.  Moved off towards the dark SW horizon, thereafter on old course.  Sinking of the sailing vessel is certain.  
    11.00 EE 7172 Morning navigation fix:  12° 34.6'N 60° 0x.x'W.  
    11.06   Came to course 90°.  Sailing vessel apparently sunk.  
    11.57 EE 7173 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 325°T on SW course.  
    12.00 EE 7173 Day's run:  Surfaced 89.7 nm  Submerged 5.3 nm = 93 nm.  
    13.26 EE 7181 Surfaced.  Transit continued.  
      EbyS 2-3, Sea 1-2, light long swell, lightly cloudy, Vis. clear    
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.06.42
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.06.42      
    15.44 EE 7191 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 270°T on N course.  
    16.43   Aircraft bearing 270°T flying off to the N.  
    17.02 EE 7192 Surfaced.  Transit continued.  2 x HF diesel-electric.  
        Barbados in sight.  
    20.00 EE 7281    
    21.38 EE 7283 On course 57° headed for square EE 30 lower edge.  
                                                         
    04.06.42      
    00.00 EE 7265    
    00.37 EE 7265 Evening navigation fix:  12° 43.5'N 58° 36.5'W.  
      ESE 3-4, Sea 3, short swell 3, rain clouds, brief rain showers, Vis. medium    
    00.40   Continued to run on diesel-electric 230 RPM.   
    04.00 EE 7318    
    08.00 EE 7323    
    11.00 EE 4996 Morning navigation fix:  13° 20'N 57° 39.5'W.  
    11.56   Oxyhydrogen gas explosion in a withdrawn torpedo in the stern room.  Cause:  Torpedo was only ventilated for 10 minutes before charging.  Torpedo out of service, otherwise no damage.  An attempt was made to repair the torpedo.  
    12.00 EE 5774 Day's run:  Surfaced 152.5 nm  Submerged 5.5 nm = 158 nm.
      ESE 4, Sea 3-4, swell 3, nearly overcast, hazy, Vis. sometimes bad    
    16.00 EE 5729    
    20.00 EE 5739    
                                                         
    05.06.42      
    00.00 EE 5821    
      EbyS 3, Sea 3, swell 2-3, heavily cloudy, Vis. good    
    04.00 EE 5592    
    08.00 EE 5645    
    10.50 EE 5635 Morning navigation fix:  14° 49'N 55° 12'W.  
    12.00 EE 5636 Day's run:  Surfaced 171 nm.  
      E 3, Sea 3, short swell 2-3, partial overcast, hazy, Vis. medium    
    16.00 EE 6184    
    20.00 EE 6167    
                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.06.42
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
           
    06.06.42      
    00.00 EE 6242    
    01.00 EE 6219 Lying stopped, sailed.  
      ESE 2, Sea 2-3, swell 2-3, heavily cloudy to overcast, Vis. moderate    
    04.00 EE 6218    
    08.00 EE 6217    
    10.40 EE 6217 Morning navigation fix:  15° 40.1'N 54° 01'W.  
    12.00 EE 6217 Day's run:  Surfaced 102 nm.  
      E 4, Sea 3-4, short swells 3, cloudy, Vis. clear    
    12.07   On 1 diesel 2 x HF continued on course 63°.  
    16.00 EE 3888    
    19.00 EE 3895 Lying stopped, sailed.  
                                                         
    07.06.42      
    00.00 EE 3891    
      E 3, Sea 3, short swell, occasional rain and Vis. bad, nearly overcast    
    00.23 EE 3891 Evening navigation fix:  16° 07.8'N 53° 26.x'W.  
    04.00 EE 3891    
      Heavy summer lightening    
    08.00 EE 3883    
    10.33 EE 3882 Morning navigation fix:  16° 07.1'N 53° 40'W.  
    12.00 EE 3882 Day's run:  Surfaced 62.5 nm.  
      E 4, Sea 3, swell 3, partly cloudy, occasional light rain and bad visibility    
    16.00 EE 3881    
    20.00 EE 3873    
    23.34   Incoming Radio Message:  Hartenstein send short situation report tonight.  
                                                         
    08.06.42      
    00.00 EE 3872    
      E 3, Sea 3, short steep seas, clear to lightly cloudy, Vis. good    
    00.30 EE 3872 Evening navigation fix:  16° 09.2'N 55° 55.1'W.  
    04.00 EE 3871    
    08.00 EE 3783    
    10.42 EE 3768 Morning navigation fix:  16° 15.0'N 54° 15.x'W.  
    12.00 EE 3768 Day's run:  Surfaced 35.7 nm.  
      E 3-4, Sea 3, swell 2-3, Vis. clear, lightly cloudy    
    16.00 EE 3767    
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.06.42
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.06.42      
    20.00 EE 3756    
    22.50 EE 3755 Headed for square DQ 74 on diesel-electric 2 x HF.  
    23.36   Incoming Radio Message:  Poske and Hartenstein report situation tonight.  
                                                         
    09.06.42      
    00.00 EE 3753    
      E 3-4, Sea 3, swell 3, rain showers, Vis. moderate, nearly dark, overcast    
    00.12   Radio Message sent on America II Circuit:  
        "From Hartenstein.  West of Lucia medium traffic.  Sank:  2 June ALEGRETE, course 275°, Emil Dora 68.  Off Vincent via Emil Emil 71, 72 to 38 no traffic.  In 71 medium air.  There sank sailing vessel 150 GRT with rum for Trinidad.  Mother lode.  Suspect escorted and unescorted Cape Town route via Dora Quatsch 26.  Brazilian route Dora Quatsch 77 or along the Antilles.  Going to 77.  Provisions 50 days.  1 Ato.  117 shells.  108 cbm.  Trade Wind 4 Emil Emil 37.  All naval squares."  
    00.30 EE 3739 Evening navigation fix:  16° 30.9'N 54° 26'W.  
    04.00 EE 3499    
    08.00 EE 3545    
    10.36 EE 3527 Morning navigation fix:  17° 27.5'N 53° 43.2'W.  
    12.00 EE 3525 Day's run:  Surfaced 103.5 nm.  
      EbyN 3-4, Sea 3, short swell, brief light dust rain, otherwise Vis. clear, lightly cloudy    
    16.00 EE 3292    
    20.00 EE 3317    
                                                         
    10.06.42      
    00.00 DP 9985    
      EbyS 4, Sea 3-4, swell 3, nearly overcast, occasional rain, Vis. moderate    
    00.35 DP 9985 Stopped, sailed.  
    04.00 DP 9981    
    08.00 DP 9976    
    10.40 DP 9972 Morning navigation fix:  18° 53'N 53° 59.9'W.  
    10.42   Continued heading for DQ 74.  
    12.00 DP 9954 Day's run:  Surfaced 119 nm.  
      ENE 4, Sea 4, short steep seas, nearly overcast, light rain, Vis. moderate    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.06.42
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.06.42      
    16.00 DP 9934    
    20.00 DQ 7475    
                                                         
    11.06.42      
    00.01 DQ 7456 Stopped sailed.  
      ENE 3, Sea 2-3, swell 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. clear    
    00.30 DQ 7456 Evening navigation fix:  19° 57'N 51° 47.4'W.  
    04.00 DQ 7455    
    08.00 DQ 7455    
    10.30 DQ 7446 Morning navigation fix:  19° 58'N 523° 05.6'W.  
    11.04 DQ 7446 Crash dive for training.  
    11.19   Surfaced.  
    12.00 DQ 7445 Day's run:  Surfaced 91 nm  Submerged 1 nm = 92 nm.  
      ENE 3, Sea 2-3, light swell, Vis. clear, partly cloudy    
    16.00 DQ 7444    
    20.00 DP 9666    
                                                         
    12.06.42      
    00.00 DP 9665    
      EbyN 3, Sea 2-3, light swell, partly cloudy, Vis. clear    
    00.30 DP 9665 Evening navigation fix:  19° 57.4'N 52° 29.5'W.  
    04.00 DP 9664    
    08.00 DP 9656    
    10.30 DP 9655 Morning navigation fix:  19° 56.1'N 52° 48'W.  
    12.00 DP 9654 Day's run:  Surfaced 41 nm.  
      EbyN 2-3, Sea 1-2, light swell, few clouds and veil of clouds, Vis. clear    
    16.00 DP 9646    
    20.00 DP 9645    
    23.57 DP 9644 Headed for square DQ 43 on diesel-electric 2 x LF.  
                                                         
    13.06.42      
    00.00 DP 9644    
      E 1, Sea 0-1, few clouds, Vis. clear, long swells    
    04.00 DP 9622    
    08.00 DP 9392    
    10.25 DQ 7142 Morning navigation fix:  20° 57'N 52° 12'W.  
    10.36 DQ 7142 Passed an oil slick, direction 100°.  
    12.00 DQ 7116 Day's run:  Surfaced 109 nm.  
      ESE 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. very good, few clouds, long swell    
    16.00 DQ 4786    
    20.00 DQ 4841    
                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.06.42
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
           
    14.06.42      
    00.00 DQ 4585    
      Wind calm, hazy, few clouds    
    00.30 DQ 4585 Lying stopped.  
      Wind and Sea 0, Vis, very bad, nearly overcast Evening navigation fix:  22° 23.4'N 51° 04.6'W.  
    11.00 DQ 4585 Headed for square DQ 43 at transit speed I.  
    12.00 DQ 4583 Day's run:  Surfaced 108 nm.  
      NbyW 1, Sea 0-1, few clouds, Vis. very good    
    16.00 DQ 4536    
    20.00 DQ 4358    
    22.00 DQ 4361 Lying stopped, sailed.  
                                                         
    15.06.42      
    00.31 DQ 4361 Evening navigation fix:  23° 39'N 49° 51.2'W.  
      SWbyW 2, Sea 1, overcast, heavy rain, later cloudless and Vis. clear    
    04.00 DQ 4362    
    08.00 DQ 4338    
    10.30 DQ 4335 Morning navigation fix:  23° 48'N 49° 45'W.  
    12.00 DQ 4335 Day's run:  Surfaced 102 nm.  
      SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. very good, nearly overcast    
    13.30   Incoming Radio Message:  Poske and Hartenstein start return transit without supply.  
        Meaning unclear. Possibility:  
        a)  Order to begin return transit immediately.  
        b)  Order to begin return transit such that homeland can be reached without supply.  
    15.15 DQ 4336 Headed for square DQ 4377 at transit speed I.  
    16.00 DQ 4335    
    20.00 DQ 4357    
    22.43   Short Signal sent on Norddeich alternate frequency:  
        "The following is a request.  I extend patrol by one week.  U-156."  
        (was not confirmed).  
                                                         
    16.06.42      
    00.09 DQ 4377    
      SW 1, Sea 0-1, nearly overcast, Vis. medium    
    03.24   Short Signal sent anew on Norddeich alternate frequency.  (was confirmed).  
    04.00 DQ 4377    
    04.58   Short Signal sent on Norddeich alternate frequency:  
        My position is naval square DQ 43.  U-156.  (was confirmed).
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.06.42
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.06.42      
    10.15 DQ 4377 Morning navigation fix:  23° 07.8'N 50° 26'W.  
      SSW 1, Sea 0-1, heavily cloudy, Vis. clear, light long swell Day's run:  Surfaced 73.5 nm.  
    20.00 DQ 4377    
                                                         
    17.06.42      
    00.03 DQ 4378 Evening navigation fix:  23° 07.9'N 50° 20'W.  
      Nearly calm, S 0, few clouds, long swells, Vis. good    
    04.00 DQ 4378    
      Heavily hazy, overcast, Vis. very bad    
    12.00 DQ 4378 Day's run:  Surfaced 8 nm.  
      SWbyS 1, Sea 0-1, heavily cloudy, Vis. good, light swell    
    20.00 DQ 4379    
                                                         
    18.06.42      
    00.00 DQ 4379 Befehlshaber has not responded to the request to extend the patrol by one week.  Assume silent approval.  
      SbyE 1, Sea 0-1, nearly overcast, Vis. good, long low swells  
    10.48 DQ 4379 Continued on course 225° on 1 diesel 2 x LF diesel-electric.  
    12.00 DQ 4615 Day's run:  Surfaced 17 nm.  
      SE 2, Sea 1, hazy, overcast, Vis. good, swell 1-2    
    15.30 DQ 4564 Came to course 35°.  
    16.00 DQ 4534    
    20.00 DQ 4347    
    23.45 DQ 4324 Lying stopped.  
                                                         
    19.06.42      
    00.00 DQ 4324    
    00.30 DQ 4324 Evening navigation fix:  23° 049.5'N 50° 10'W.  
      SE 0-1, Sea 0-1, cloudless, long flat swells, Vis. good    
    08.00 DQ 4324    
    11.12 DQ 4324 Crash dive for training.  
    11.40   Surfaced.  
    11.59   Continued on course 69° at 1 diesel 2 x HF diesel-electric  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.06.42
 
- 32 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.06.42   heading for square DQ 2748.  
    12.00 DQ 4324 Day's run:  Surfaced 95 nm  Submerged 1.2 nm = 96.2 nm.  
      Nearly calm, long light swell, overcast, hazy, Vis. bad    
    14.00 DQ 4331 Continued at transit speed I.  
    16.00 DQ 1999    
    19.15 DQ 2781

In quick succession fished out two crates, a drifting tin.

 
    20.00 DQ 2782    
    22.30 DQ 2768 Lying stopped.  
                                                         
    20.06.42      
    00.30 DQ 2768 Evening navigation fix:  24° 23.4'N 48° 48.9'W.  
      Wind calm, light swell, Vis. good, cloudless    
    08.00 DQ 2765    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, partly cloudy, heavy summer lightening    
    10.00 DQ 2764 Morning navigation fix:  24° 25.2'N 48° 54.0'W.  
    12.00 DQ 2764 Day's run:  Surfaced 88 nm.  
      NE 2, Sea 1, light swell, sustained light rain, nearly overcast, Vis. moderate to bad    
    13.00   Headed for square DQ 2853 at transit speed I.  
    16.00 DQ 2755    
    19.06 DQ 2853 Came to course 46°.  
    20.48   Transit speed II (Diesel 2 x HF, E-motor 2 x HF)  
    21.13   Transit speed III (Diesel HF, E-motor GF).  
                                                         
    21.06.42      
    00.00 DQ 2911    
      Nearly calm, lightly cloudy, light swell, Vis. good    
    00.14   Came to course 0°.  
    00.20 DQ 2912 Evening navigation fix:  24° 53'N 47° 37.5'W.  
    00.32 DQ 2912 Lying stopped.  
    09.53 DQ 2912 Morning navigation fix:  24° 51'N 47° 36.5'W.  
    12.00 DQ 2912 Day's run:  Surfaced 99.7 nm.  
      S 0-1, Sea 0, lightly cloudy, Vis. clear    
    12.40   Headed for square 2784 on course 246° at transit speed II.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.06.42
 
- 33 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.06.42      
    16.00 DQ 2829    
    20.00 DQ 2844    
                                                         
    22.06.42      
    00.00 DQ 2784 Lying stopped.  
      S 1, Sea 0-1, few clouds, Vis. clear    
    00.25 DQ 2784 Evening navigation fix:  24° 12.2'N 49° 13.5'W.  
    02.18   Radio Message sent on Norddeich alternate frequency:  
        From Hartenstein.  Search to Dora Quatsch two nine unsuccessful.  Searching to Dora Emil 69.  There 1 July return transit.  Nine zero cbm.  Can provide [fuel].  (was understood and confirmed).  
    10.05 DQ 2787 Morning navigation fix:  24° 02.5'N 49° 15'W.  
    11.25   Incoming Radio Message:  To Hartenstein.  Immediately suggest point for supply of RosenstielRosenstiel located at 08.00 hours about square DQ 49.  Afterwards begin direct fast return transit.  Report completion by Short Signal.  
    11.46   Headed for naval square 5177 at transit speed II.  
    11.52   Radio Message sent on Norddeich:  
        Meeting point today from 18.00 hours naval square DQ 5177 from Hartenstein.  (was understood).  
    12.00 DQ 2787 Day's run:  Surfaced 105.2 nm.  
      SSE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. clear    
    16.00 DQ 5171    
    16.57 DQ 5171 U-502 in sight bearing 276°T.  
    17.25   Ran on course 50° on 1 E-motor 60 RPM.  For fuel oil transfer 30 meters abeam Rosenstiel.  U-502 has sighted no traffic since leaving Trinidad.  
    17.45   Begin fuel oil transfer.  
        Agreed with Rosenstiel:  U-502 will give Radio Message with steamer direction Kr-report.  
    20.17   Transfer of 20 cbm finished.  
    20.20 DQ 5171 Began return transit at transit speed III.  
                                                         
    23.06.42      
    00.00 DQ 5137    
      Nearly calm, Vis. good, mirror flat sea, lightly cloudy    
    00.25 DQ 5137 Evening navigation fix:  23° 42.5'N 48° 59.3'W.  
    04.00 DQ 2876    
    10.00 DQ 2911 Morning navigation fix:  24° 50.8'N 47° 42.9'W.  
    10.17   Incoming Radio Message:  Kr Kr steamer naval square 2873 course about 310°, 10 knots.  From Rosenstiel.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.06.42
 
- 34 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.06.42      
    10.30 DQ 2678 Came to intercept course with reported steamer.  
    10.47   Incoming Radio Message:  Rosenstiel is holding contact for Hartenstein.  
    11.34   Incoming Radio Message:  Steamer naval square 2844, course 310°, 11 knots.  from Rosenstiel.  
    12.00 DQ 2823 Day's run:  Surfaced 204.3 nm.  
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, Vis. clear, cloudy    
    12.42   Incoming Radio Message:  From RosenstielHartenstein send bearing signals.  Steamer square DQ 2738, course 310°, 11 knots.  
        I will not do this, there is already a tough radio battle going on through the participation of U-153.  
    14.30   Incoming Radio Message:  Hartenstein from Rosenstiel.  No bearing signals heard.  Square DQ 2725.  
    15.28 DQ 2485 U-502 in sight bearing 249°.  Range = 9 nm.  
    16.00   Incoming Radio Message:  Enemy bears 170°T.        from Rosenstiel.  
    16.04 DQ 2475 Steamer in sight bearing 173°T.  
        Intention:  To avoid unnecessary contact holding:  
    16.10   Short Signal sent on America II Circuit:  
        "Enemy in sight.  U-boat do not attack.        U-156."  
                 (was confirmed).  
        Steering zig zag courses around 309°, course changes every 15 to 60 minutes.  
    18.20   Steamer begins wild zig zags between 240° to 330°.  This may be a result of the radio battle.  
    18.39   Incoming Radio Message:  Hartenstein from Reichmann.  
        If there is still fuel to transfer, request meeting point after attack, bearing signals immediately.  
        Due to the proximity of the steamer, maintained radio silence.  Steamer has already become nervous, has changed general course from 309° to 292°.  
    19.20   Incoming Radio Message:  Hartenstein from Reichmann, send bearing signals.  
    20.00 DQ 1658    
    20.30   Steamer lies again on course 309°, he now appears to hold on again.  
    20.49 DQ 1657 Dived to attack submerged.  Steamer still steers 309°.  
      Nearly calm, mirror flat sea, lightly cloudy, hazy Steamer again zig zags around general course 290°.  
   

 

22.22

  Due to the mirror flat sea can only run at slow speed in the vicinity of the steamer.  In target angle 90° range is still 1600 meters,  Target is 3-1/2 wide.  That is too unsure for my last torpedo.  
    23.55 DQ 1646 Surfaced.  Ran behind the steamer at the limit of visibility.  Intention:  Surface attack after moonset.  Steamer has a stern cannon.  
                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.06.42
 
- 35 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.06.42      
    00.00 DQ 1646    
      E 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. clear    
    00.52 DQ 1645 Evening navigation fix:  25° 23'N 50° 20'W.  
      Bright moon    
    05.45   Began maneuver ahead.  Enemy steers 285°, runs at 9.5 knots.  
    07.34 DQ 1188 Closed.  
    07.46 Starry clear moonless night, Vis. good Approach broken off, because by several bearings determined that the enemy has stopped for a long time and now goes again initially at an unknown speed.  
    08.03 DQ 1188 New approach.  
    08.10   Shot from tube I.  Tube runner.  
        Ejected with mine ejection.  Bubble track goes behind the steamer.  Despite passing (range 400 meters) the steamer has not noticed.  Prepared artillery.  
    08.59 Mirror flat sea, wind calm, light long swell, few clouds Approached for artillery combat.  
    09.04   Opened fire.  Expended ammunition:  61 shots of 10.5 cm incendiary shells.  4 10.5 cm explosive shells, 23 3.7 cm explosive shells, 179 2 cm explosive shells.  
        Steamer transmits on short wave 32 meters:  
        "sss 25 r 40n 51 r 52 (25?) w WILLIMANTIC shelled".  
    09.46 Dawn Firing secured, to take Captain aboard.  Freighter "WILLIAMANTIC" U.S.A. 4857 GRT from Cape Town in ballast for Charleston.  
        Had stopped shortly before moonset due to engine damage.  
    10.51   Firing continued.  8 10.5 cm explosive shells in aftership.  Waterline.  
        Steamer was slowly settling aft with a list to starboard.  
    11.45 DQ 1187 Steamer is sunk.  Continued return transit at transit speed II.  
    12.00 DQ 1185 Day's run:  Surfaced 214.7 nm  Submerged 9.3 nm = 224 nm.
      EbyN Sea 1, few clouds, Vis. sight    
    16.00 DQ 1166    
    18.29   Incoming Radio Message:  To Hartenstein and Reichmann.  What of the steamer?  
    20.00 DQ 1225    
    23.13

 

Rod antenna failed to extend.  In the top third1 meter long tear

Radio Message sent on America II Circuit:  Sunk by Hartenstein DQ 1187 WILLIMANTIC, course 309° later 286°.  In ballast Cape Town - Charleston.  Total 10 freighters, 1 sailing vessel, 48991 GRT, torpedoed 1 destroyer once, 1 tanker 8000 GRT four times.  Return transit 56 cbm,  No transfer to Reichmann.  44 shells.  (was understood).  
                                                         
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.06.42
 
- 36 -
 
           
           
           
           
    25.06.42      
    00.00 DE 8859    
      NE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good    
    00.40 DE 8856 Evening navigation fix:  27° 07'N 50° 16'W.  
    04.00 DE 8839    
      Very bright night    
    08.00 DE 8685    
    09.55 DE 8661 Morning navigation fix:  28° 3.7'N 49° 5.5'W.  
    12.00 DE 8639 Day's run:  Surfaced 223.6 nm.  
      NE 3, Sea 2, few clouds, Vis. clear    
    16.00 DE 9179    
    20.00 DE 9165    
                                                         
    26.06.42      
    00.00 DE 9213    
      NE 3, Sea 2, few clouds, Vis. good    
    00.33 DE 6278 Evening navigation fix:  29° 32'N 47° 08'W.  
    04.00 DE 6882    
      Bright as day night    
    08.00 DE 6863    
    11.53 DE 6688 Crash dive for training.  
    12.00 DE 6688 Day's run:  Surfaced 197.5 nm  Submerged 0.5 nm = 198 nm.
      NE 3, Sea , lightly cloudy, Vis. good    
    12.23   Surfaced.  Transit continued.  
    15.05   Drifting barrels sighted.  
    16.00 DE 6892    
    20.00 DF 4126    
    23.15   Incoming Radio Message:  Return harbors are:  Lorient for Hartenstein.  
                                                         
    27.06.42      
    00.00 DF 4418    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, few clouds, Vis. good    
    00.30 DF 4194 Evening navigation fix:  31° 22'N 44° 12'W.  
    04.00 DF 4245    
    08.00 DF 4234    
    09.25 DF 4231 Morning navigation fix:  28° 3.7'N 49° 5.5'W.  
    12.00 DF 1771 Day's run:  Surfaced 200.8 nm.  
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. clear    
    16.00 DF 1952    
    20.00 DF 1933    
                                                         
    28.06.42      
    00.00 DF 2781    
      NEbyE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. good, light short swell    
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.06.42
 
- 37 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.06.42      
    00.20 DF 2458 Evening navigation fix:  33° 10'N 40° 55'W.  
    04.00 DF 2438    
      Full moon, very bright night    
    08.00 DF 2279    
    09.10 DF 2284 Morning navigation fix:  34° 01.5'N 39° 42.5'W.  
    12.00 DF 2267 Day's run:  Surfaced 203.8 nm.  
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, shot swell, Vis. good, lightly cloudy    
    16.00 DF 2318    
    20.00 CD 9788    
                                                         
    29.06.42      
    00.00 CD 9793    
      NEbyE 1-2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good, short swell Continued on at transit speed III.  
    00.12 CD 9871 Evening navigation fix:  35° 04'N 37° 39.5'W.  
    04.00 CD 9829    
    08.00 CD 9675 Changed to Ireland Circuit as ordered by Radio Message.  
    08.40 CD 9681 Morning navigation fix:  35° 52.5'N 36° 11.5'W.  
    12.00 CD 9663 Day's run:  Surfaced 217 nm.  
      ENE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudless, Vis. clear, swell 1-2    
    16.00 CE 7422    
    20.00 CE 7272    
                                                         
    30.06.42      
    00.00 CE 7229    
      ENE 0-1, Sea 0-1, cloudless, Vis. clear, swell 1-2    
    00.05 CE 7237 Evening navigation fix:  37° 12'N 33° 30'W.  
    04.00 CE 4979    
    08.00 CE 4964    
    08.20 CE 4966 Morning navigation fix:  37° 59'N 32° 04'W.  
    08.39 CE 4966 Crash dive for training.  
    09.08   Surfaced.  Continued transit.  
    12.00 CE 5728 Day's run:  Surfaced 239.7 nm  Submerged 1.3 nm = 241 nm.
      ENE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudless, Vis. clear, swell 1    
    13.27   Flores in sight bearing 0T.  Distance 58 nm.  
    16.00 Flores 336, 49 nm    
    19.16   Flores out of sight.  
    20.00 CE 5561    
    23.58 CE 5373 Evening navigation fix:  39° 30'N 29° 15.7'W.  
                                                         
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.06.42
 
- 38 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.07.42      
    00.00 CE 5373    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. good, swell x    
    04.00 CE 5362    
    08.00 CE 3787 Morning navigation fix:  40° 15'N 27° 46'W.  
    12.00 CE 3845 Day's run:  Surfaced 252 nm.  
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, partly cloudy, swell 1-2, lightly hazy, Vis. medium    
    16.00 CE 3834    
    20.00 CE 3685    
    23.45 CF 1573 Evening navigation fix:  41° 24'N 24° 20'W.  
                                                         
    02.07.42      
    00.00 CF 1557    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, nearly overcast, swell 2, Vis. medium    
    04.00 CF 1617    
    07.42 CF 1397 Morning navigation fix:  42° 06'N 22° 38'W.  
    08.00 CF 1397    
    12.00 CF 2155 Day's run:  Surfaced 267.6 nm.  
      SW 3, Sea 3, swell 2-3, lightly hazy, Vis. medium, cloudy    
    16.00 CF 2216    
    17.26 CF 2223 Passed empty lifeboat to port.  
    20.00 BE 8781    
                                                         
    03.07.42      
    00.00 BE 8763    
      SWbyW 4-5, Sea 4, swell 3-4, overcast, very dark, hazy, Vis. bad    
    04.00 BE 8822    
    08.00 BE 8673    
    12.00 BE 8638 Day's run:  Surfaced 267.2 nm.  
      SW 5, Sea 4, Vis. bad, swell 4    
    16.00 BE 9188    
    20.00 BE 9245    
    22.20   Incoming Radio Message:  Hartenstein report weather.  
                                                         
    04.07.42      
    00.00 BE 9235    
      SWbyS 4-5, Sea 4, swell 3-4, overcast, heavily hazy, Vis. bad, very dark, steady rain.    
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.07.42
 
- 39 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.07.42      
    01.18   Short Signal weather report sent on Norddeich alternate frequency.  
    04.00 BE 6992    
    05.49 BF 4747 Dived to proceed submerged in accordance with Standing B.d.U. Order 13.        Depth A -30 meters.  
    08.00 BF 4747    
    12.00 BF 4748 Day's run:  Surfaced 234 nm  Submerged 6.1 nm = 240.1 nm.
    14.66 BF 4745 Surfaced to shoot the sun and ventilate the boat.  
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2-3, swell 3, fair, Vis. good    
    15.00 BF 4745 Dived, continued transit submerged.  
    17.52 BF 4746 Surfaced.  Navigation fix:  46° 04.5'N 11° 06.2'W.  
    17.55   Dived.  Continued transit submerged.  
    20.00 BF 4754    
    23.16 BF 4755 Surfaced at twilight.  
      SWbyW 2-3, Sea 2, light swell, few clouds, Vis. clear Evening navigation fix:  46° 05'N 11° 05'W.  
                                                         
    05.07.42      
    00.00 BF 4756    
    02.43 Cloudless, moonless, however bright night, Vis. clear Two white lights bearing 125°T, suspect fishing vessels.  
    04.00 BF 4829    
    04.31 BF 4837 Dived due to the bright moonshine, Cumulus.  
    08.00 BF 4833    
    12.00 BF 4836 Day's run:  Surfaced 163 nm  Submerged 20 nm = 183 nm.  
    13.11   Surfaced to shoot the sun and ventilate.  
    13.25 SW 3, Sea 3, swell 2, fair Dived.  Continued transit submerged.  
    16.25 BF 4914 Surfaced.  
    16.32   Dived.  
    20.00 BF 4915    
    23.19 BF 4916 Surfaced at darkness.  
      SWbyS 2, Sea 1-2, swell 2, medium cloudy, Vis. good    
    23.25 BF 4924 Evening navigation fix:  46° 25.2'N 8° 00.5'W.  
                                                         
    06.07.42      
    00.00 BF 4915    
    00.35 BF 4931 Two strongly flickering lights bearing 10°T.   
    00.57   An aircraft approaching from 10°T.  Searches with searchlight at 50-80 meters altitude.  This is not directable side to side.  Fired with 2 cm.  Failed at the 3rd shot.  Aircraft flies over the boat and illuminates it.   
        Crash dive!  No bombs.  
    04.00 BF 4932    
    08.00 BF 4932    
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.07.42
 
- 40 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.07.42      
    08.20   An aircraft on westerly course bearing 80°T, land-based aircraft, two-engined.  Probably a Bristol Blenheim.  
    09.11 BF 4933 Surfaced.  
    09.38 BF 4932 Sent Radio Message on Norddeich alternate frequency:  
        "From 7 July 05.00 at Lucie Two.  Hartenstein."  
        Switched to Coastal Circuit.  
    09.49 BF 5711 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 100°T, course west.  
    12.00 BF 5478 Day's run:  Surfaced 39.9 nm  Submerged 37 nm = 76.9 nm.  
    12.14 SbyW 3, Sea 3, swell 2, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. medium Surfaced.  
    12.40   Incoming Radio Message:  For Hartenstein escort positioned on 7 July 06.30 hours Lucie Two.    2.U.Flottille.  
    12.59   Incoming Radio Message:  Entry routes are:  Kernleder for Hartenstein.  
    13.17 BF 5487 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 110°T, course 0°.  
    14.42 BF 5488 Evaded sailing vessel.  Name:  CM 27.  
    17.16 BF 5488 Aircraft sighted bearing 160°T, course xxx.  
    18.15   Surfaced.  
    18.48 BF 5486 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 230°T, course xxx.  
    23.35 BF 5492 Surfaced.  Headed for Point Kern.  
      SSW 1, Sea 1, cloudy, light swell, Vis. good    
                                                         
    07.07.42      
    00.00 BF 5493    
    02.32 BF 5552 Penmarch lighthouse in sight bearing 21°T.  
    04.00 BF 5535    
    04.27 BF 5533 Dimmed sailing vessel bearing 340°T range = 500 meters  
    04.46 BF 5299 Dimmed small vessel bearing 340°T.   
    04.50   From ahead to abeam to starboard 3 dimmed small vessels.  
        U-boat in sight bearing 70°T.  
    05.20   U-504 overtaken.  
    06.04   Reached Point L2.  Joined Sperrbrecher.  
    08.06 Lorient Made fast A 2.  
        Day's run:  Surfaced 149 nm  Submerged 15 nm = 164 nm.  
           
        Total distance covered:  10465.4 nm of these xxx.x submerged.
           
           
           
                                                    
                                                 Korv.Kapt. and Kommandant  
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.07.42

 

Enclosures to U-156's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the documents
   
ChartA Track chart covering transit to operations area and back
   
ChartB Track chart covering period in operations area
   
ChartC Track chart covering search of the west coast of Martinique    21 May     05.06 to 10.43
   
Report Report on experiences

 

 
 
     
 

                       Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
                         on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-156" from 17.3 to 7.7.1942  
     
                   The commander took advantage of the very many good opportunities and scored a very wonderful success.  The special toughness in completing the special task off Martinique was particularly noteworthy.  
     
    Signed in draft:  D  ö  n  i  t  z  .  
                                     For correctness  
                         
    Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant  
     
     
 


 

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