U-161 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Lorient
24 January 1942
Lorient
2 April 1942
69

 

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
19 Feb 42
05.32
10°36'N, 61°34'W
BRITISH CONSUL (damaged)
6,940
British
19 Feb 42
05.32
10°36'N, 61°34'W
MOKIHANA (damaged)
7,460
American
21 Feb 42
21.13 - 01.42
11°30'N, 62°03'W
CIRCE SHELL
8,207
British
ON-60
23 Feb 42
06.43- 09.29
13°57'N, 64°27'W
LIHUE
7,001
American
7 Mar 42
17.59 - 18.14
13°27'N, 61°33'W
UNIWALECO
9,755
South African
10 Mar 42
04.49
14°01'N, 61°00'W
UMTATA (damaged)
8,141
British
10 Mar 42
04.49
14°01'N, 61°00'W
LADY NELSON (damaged)
7,970
Canadian
14 Mar 42
02.30
12°57'N, 63°51'W
SARNIADOC
1,940
Canadian
15 Mar 42
11.37 - 12.11
16°21'N, 63°33'W
USCG ACADIA    (WAGL 200)
1,130
American
     
 Total = 58,544
   
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.


 
 
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
                K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  
              ========================  
           
                                "  U  161  "  
                             ===========  
           
           
            Kommandant  :  
            Kapitänleutnant  A  c  h  i  l  l  e  s  
           
            Beginning  :    16 January 1942  
            Concluding  :    2 April 1942  
           
           
                       
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
                
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
           
    16.01.42 Lorient Cleared the boat.  
      Dry-docked in Keroman.  
         
    17.01.42 Lorient Boat lay in the dock.  
         
    18.01.42 Lorient Boat lay in the dock.  
         
    19.01.42 Lorient Boat lay in the dock.  
         
    20.01.42 Lorient Un-docked.  Loaded torpedoes.  
         
    21.01.42 Lorient Skorff Bunker.  Provisions loading.  
         
    22.01.42 Lorient Skorff Bunker.  Provisions loading.  
         
    23.01.42 Lorient Trim test.  
           
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.01.42                              2nd Patrol.  
    12.05 Lorient Cast off.  
      Berth A 4 In convoy up to L 2.  
           
    14.42   Dived.  
           
    15.38   Boat put on the bottom.  
           
    16.00 BF 6176    
           
    19.30   Boat raised from the bottom.  
           
    19.57   Surfaced.  
           
    20.00 BF 6176    
           
    24.00 BF 6458    
      W 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
           
    25.01.42 Bay of Biscay    
    04.00 BF 6477 Set course for Sau Miguel (Azores).  
      NW 4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy    
           
    08.00 BF 5828    
      NW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy    
           
    09.30   Dived.  
           
    12.00 BF 5843 Day's run  Surfaced  :     156.4 nm  
                         Submerged:      7.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    15.00   Surfaced.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.01.42      
    15.12   Dived.  
           
    16.00 BF 5845    
      WNW 3, Sea 4, cloudy    
           
    19.40   Surfaced  
           
    20.090 BF 5792    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    24.00 BF 5786    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
           
    26.01.42 Bay of Biscay    
    04.00 BF 8211    
      W 2, Sea 1, misty    
           
    08.00 BF 8137    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, rain    
           
    09.40   Dived.  
           
    12.00 BF 8152 Day's run  Surfaced  :     74.9 nm  
                         Submerged:   32.9 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    15.20   Surfaced.  
           
    15.30   Dived.  
           
    16.00 BF 8146    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.01.42      
    19.59   Surfaced.  
           
    24.00 BF 7386    
      W 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
           
    27.01.42 Bay of Biscay    
    04.00 BF 7613    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 1, misty    
           
    08.00 BF 7538    
      W 2, Sea 1, Swell, cloudy    
           
    09.39   Dived.  
           
    10.12   Surfaced.  
           
    12.00 BF 7469 Day's run  Surfaced  :     92.0 nm  
      SW 3, Sea 2, misty                  Submerged:   14.3 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    15.06   Crash dive for training.  
           
    15.48   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 BF 7494    
      WSW 2-3, Sea 2, misty    
           
    20.00 BF 7487    
      WSW 2-3, Sea 2, misty    
           
    24.00 BF 7714    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.01.42 Northwest of Spain    
    04.00 BE 9938    
      NW 2, Sea 1, rain    
           
    05.13   Passing report to B.d.U.  
           
    08.00 BE 9955    
      W 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    09.50   Dived.  
           
    10.26   Surfaced.  
           
    12.00 CG 1311 Day's run  Surfaced  :     104.6 nm  
                         Submerged:      5.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 CG 1234    
      NW 2, Sea 1, Swell, cloudy    
           
    18.00   Switched to Ireland Circuit.  
           
           
    20.00 CG 1242    
      WNW 2, Swell, cloudy    
           
           
    29.01.42 West of Portugal    
    04.00 CG 1176    
      WNW 1, Swell, cloudy    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.01.42      
    08.00 CF 3632    
      W 0-1, no Seas, cloudy    
           
    09.53   Crash dive for training.  
           
    10.17   Surfaced.  
           
    10.22   Crash dive for training.  
           
    10.30   Surfaced.  
           
    12.00 CF 3628 Day's run  Surfaced  :     154.1 nm  
      SSW 1, Swell, cloudy                  Submerged:      1.9 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 CF 3566    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy    
           
    20.00 CF 3558    
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy    
           
    24.00 CF 3574    
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy    
           
           
    30.01.42 West of Portugal    
    04.00 CF 3723    
      WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    08.00 CF 3719    
      WSW 2, Sea 0-1, overcast    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.01.42      
    09.58   Test dive.  
           
    10.29   Surfaced.  
           
    10.30   Dived.  
           
    10.36   Surfaced.  
           
    12.00 CF 2967 Day's run  Surfaced  :     159.4 nm  
      WSW 2, Sea 0-1, partly cloudy                  Submerged:      2.2 nm  
         
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 CF 2985    
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, partly cloudy    
           
    20.00 CF 5311    
      W 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy    
           
    24.00 CF 5229    
      No wind, no Sea, cloudy    
           
           
    31.01.42 East of the Azores    
    04.00 CF 5249    
      SSW 0-1, Sea 0, partly cloudy    
           
    08.00 CF 5149    
      Wind and Sea 0, partly cloudy    
           
    10.20   Test dive.  
           
    11.05   Surfaced.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.01.42      
    12.00 CF 5421 Day's run  Surfaced  :     170.3 nm  
      S 0-1, Sea 1, overcast                  Submerged:    1.95 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    14.40   Smoke cloud bearing 140°T.  
           
    14.43   2 masts.  Destroyer NE-course.  To port and starboard behind it 2 smoke feathers.  Took destroyer astern and went to HF, to move off and then maneuver ahead.  
           
    14.50   Destroyer turns towards me with target angle 0° and grew larger despite GF.  Must have seen me.  
           
    14.51   Crash dive.  Moved off perpendicular to the previous course, to get ahead on the earlier course of the destroyer.  Nothing seen in the periscope.  Sounds were very loud in the listening gear.  Destroyer stopped a few times.  Bearing shifted ahead strongly.  
           
    15.21   Surfaced.  Destroyer in sight bearing 100°T.  Zigzaged away at hight speed to the east.  Passed out of sight.  Pursued at high speed for one hour, thereafter continued transit in accordance with orders.  
           
    16.00 CF 5415    
      SE 2, Sea 0-1, half cloudy    
           
    17.15   Radio Message to B.d.U.  
        Kr.  Just now destroyer square NK 8415, NE-course, behind it 2 smoke clouds.  Was noticed, crash dive.  After surfacing destroyer out of sight at high speed on easterly course.  Continuing transit.  E 1, 1036 mb, Vis. 12 nm.  Square TB 8414.  
           
    20.00 CF 4638    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, rain showers    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.01.42      
    24.00 CF 4564    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, cloudy    
           
           
    01.02.42 Northeast of the Azores    
    04.00 CF 4585    
      SE 2, Sea 1, misty    
           
    08.00 CF 4815    
      SE 1, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    09.20   Lighthouse at  A r n e l  on Sam Miguel in sight.  At lightness kept away from the island and passed through between San Miguel and Santa Maria.  Thereafter headed for Trinidad on the Great Circle.  
           
    12.00 CF 4871 Day's run  Surfaced  :     173.6 nm  
      SE 1, Sea 1, cloudy                  Submerged:   1.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 CE 6997    
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy    
           
    20.00 CE 9318    
      SE 2, Sea 1, cloudy    
           
    20.14   Test dive.  
           
    20.45   Surfaced.  
           
    24.00 CE 9265    
      SE 2, Sea 1, partly cloudy    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
           
    02.02.42 Azores    
    04.00 CE 9257    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, cloudy    
           
    08.00 CE 9116    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    10.29   Test dive.  
           
    10.51   Surfaced.  
           
    12.00 CE 9423 Day's run  Surfaced  :    148.2 nm  
      SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast                  Submerged:     1.7nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 CE 9416    
      SSW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    20.00 CE 9417    
      SSE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    24.00 CE 8668    
      SSW 1, Sea 1, partly cloudy    
           
           
    03.02.42 South of the Azores    
    04.00 CE 8683    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, partly cloudy    
           
    08.00 CE 8684    
      SW 2, Sea 1, rain showers    
           
    10.31   Test dive.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.02.42      
    11.28   Surfaced.  
           
    12.00 CE 9878 Day's run  Surfaced  :     91.6 nm  
      W 2, Sea 1, overcast                  Submerged:    3.2 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 CE 8835    
      W 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy    
           
    20.00 CE 8853    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy    
           
    23.30   Passed a Swiss steamer, course for Lisbon.  
           
    24.00 CE 8819    
      W 2, Sea 1, partly cloudy    
           
           
    04.02.42 South of the Azores    
    04.00 CE 8766    
      W 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy    
           
    08.00 CE 8786    
      W 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy    
           
    09.59   Test dive.  
           
    10.23   Surfaced.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.02.42      
    12.00 DG 1316 Day's run  Surfaced  :     126.6 nm  
      W 2, Sea 1-2, rain                  Submerged:      1.6 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 DG 1235    
      W 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy    
           
    17.36   Radio Message from B.d.U.  
        Switch to Greenland Circuit.  
           
    20.00 DG 1282    
      W 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy    
           
    24.00 DG 1284    
      W 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy    
           
           
    05.02.42 Southwest of the Azores    
    04.00 DG 1436    
      WNW 0-1, no Seas, overcast    
           
    08.00 DG 1436    
      W 1, no Seas, overcast    
           
    12.00 DG 1478 Day's run  Surfaced  :     134.4 nm  
      SW 1, Sea 0-1, overcast                  Submerged:     0.0 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    13.56   Dived.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.02.42      
    14.28   Surfaced.  
           
    14.46   Crash dive for training.  
           
    14.54   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 DF 3938    
      S 2, Sea 0-1, cloudy    
           
    20.00 DF 3956    
      S 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    24.00 DF 3973    
      S 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
           
    06.02.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 DF 3974    
      S 3, Sea 2, rain    
           
    08.00 DF 6232    
      WNW 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    10.52   Dived.  
           
    11.21   Surfaced.  
           
    12.00 DF 6229 Day's run  Surfaced  :     109.7 nm  
      NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy                  Submerged:      3.9 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.02.42      
    16.00 DF 6271    
      N 2, Sea 1, cloudy    
           
    20.00 DF 6431    
      N 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy    
           
    24.00 DF 6427    
      NE 1, Swell, lightly cloudy    
           
           
    07.02.42 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 DF 6447    
      NE 1, no Sea, misty    
           
    08.00 DF 5689    
      NE 2, no Seas, lightly cloudy    
           
    11.26   Dived.  
           
    11.35   Surfaced.  
           
    12.00 DF 5921 Day's run  Surfaced  :     157.3 nm  
      N 1-2, Sea 1, rain                  Submerged:      1.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 DF 5941    
      N 2, Sea 1-2, rain    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.02.42      
    20.00 DF 5883    
      N 3, Sea 2, rain    
           
    24.00 DF 8213    
      NNE 2-3, Sea 2, rain    
           
           
    08.02.42 Atlantic    
    03.06   Short Signal to B.d.U.  
        Still have 190 cbm fuel.  
           
    04.00 DF 8163    
      NE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    05.48   Short Signal to B.d.U. My own position is square DF 82.  
           
    08.00 DF 8183    
      NE 3, lightly cloudy    
           
    11.15   Dived.  
           
    11.33   Surfaced.  
           
    12.00 Central Atlantic Day's run  Surfaced  :     169.7 nm  
      DF 76                  Submerged:     1.0 nm  
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy    
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.47   Radio Message from B.d.U.  
                [GV 88 =CE 88  and typo 55 = 15]] Poske, Claußen, Achilles from now attack forbidden on independents between the longitude of square GV 88 and the 55° longitude west therefrom.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.02.42      
    16.00 DF 76    
      NNE 3-4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy    
           
    20.00 DF 76    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy    
           
    24.00 DF 79    
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy    
           
           
    09.02.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 DF 78    
      NE 2, Sea 1, cloudy    
           
    08.00 DF 78    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy    
           
    11.18   Dived.  
           
    11.44   Surfaced.  
           
    12.00 DR 11 Day's run  Surfaced  :     165.0 nm  
      NNE 0-1, no Seas, overcast                  Submerged:      1.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 DQ 33    
      NE 1, no Seas, clear    
           
    20.00 DQ 33    
      NE 1, no Seas, lightly cloudy    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.02.42      
    24.00 DQ 35    
      W 1, Sea 0, cloudy    
           
           
    10.02.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 DQ 35    
      W 0-1, Sea 0, lightly cloudy    
           
    08.00 DQ 37    
      S 0-1, Sea 0, cloudy    
           
    11.36   Dived.  
           
    12.00 DQ 37 Day's run  Surfaced  :     176 nm  
                         Submerged:   2.2 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.12   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 DQ 29    
      SSW 1-2, Sea 0, half cloudy    
           
    20.00 DQ 29    
      SSW Sea 0-1, half overcast    
           
    24.00 DQ 53    
      S 2, Sea 0-1, clear    
           
           
    11.02.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 DQ 52    
      S 0-1, Sea 0, lightly cloudy    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.02.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.02.42      
    08.00 DQ 52    
      SSW 1, Sea 0, cloudy    
           
    11.30   Test dive.  
           
    11.55   Surfaced.  
           
    12.00 DQ 54 Day's run  Surfaced  :     169.0 nm  
      WNW 1, Sea 0, clear                  Submerged:     1.4 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 DQ 54    
      WNW 1, Sea 0, clear    
           
    20.00 DQ 49    
      WNW 1-2, Sea 0-1, clear    
           
    24.00 DQ 49    
      WNW 2, Sea 0, clear    
           
           
    12.02.42      
    04.00 DQ 72    
      SSW 0-1, Sea 0, clear    
           
    08.00 DQ 72    
      S 0-1, Sea 0, clear    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.02.42
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.02.42      
    12.00 DQ 71 Day's run  Surfaced  :     177 nm  
      S 0-1, Sea 0, clear    
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.53   Test dive.  
           
    13.22   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 DQ 74    
      SE 2, Sea 0-1, clear    
           
    20.00 DQ 74    
      SbyE 1, Sea 0-1, clear    
           
    24.00 DP 96    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy    
           
           
    13.02.42 Northeast of Barbados    
    04.00 DP 99    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, clear    
           
    08.00 DP 98    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, clear    
           
    12.00 DF 32  [typo EE 32] Day's run  Surfaced  :     173.2 nm  
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear                  Submerged:      1.3 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.02.42
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.02.42      
    12.57   Test dive.  
           
    13.32   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 EE 32    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    20.00 EE 31    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, clear    
           
    24.00 EE 31    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, clear    
           
           
    14.02.42 East of the Antilles    
    04.00 EE 26    
      SE 0-1, Sea 0, clear    
           
    08.00 EE 29    
      NE 0-1, Sea 0, lightly cloudy    
           
    10.36   Radio Message from B.d.U.  
        Clausen "Klagenfurt"  
        Achilles "Graz"  
           
    12.00 EE 28 Day's run  Surfaced  :     166.4 nm  
      SE 0-1, Sea 0-1, clear                  Submerged:      1.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.02.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.02.42      
    12.00   Manned the 600-meter wave.  
           
    13.02   Test dive.  
           
    13.26   Surfaced.  
           
    15.50   Radio Message from Tobago on the 600-meter band:  
        The harbors of Scarborough and San Fernando Brighton are closed and all Trinidad and Tobago bound ships must arrive in Port of Spain.  The lighthouse of "Dredged Channel" in Port of Spain are extinguished except for the outer beacon.  The other beacons in Trinidad and Tobago are reduced one light strength.  
           
    16.00 EE 28    
      SE 1, Sea 0, clear, perpetual clear visibility    
           
    20.00 EE 52    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, clear    
           
    24.00 EE 51    
      E 1, Sea 0-1, clear    
           
           
    15.02.42 Northeast of Barbados    
    04.00 EE 54    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy    
           
    08.00 EE 46    
      NE 2, Sea 1, at times rain    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.02.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.02.42      
    12.00 EE 46 Day's run  Surfaced  :     175.5 nm  
      ENE 3, Sea 2, overcast                  Submerged:       1.0 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    13.09   Test dive.  
           
    14.00   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 EE 49    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 2-3, half overcast    
           
    20.00 EE 48    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 2-3, cloudy, rain squalls    
           
    20.58   Barbados in sight bearing 250°T.  Identifiers of the lighthouses:  
        1.)  South Point, red  
              Shine:  7 sec  
              Pause:  53 seconds  
        2.)  Recurrance, 1 minute  
               Ragged Point, white  
               Shine:  8 seconds  
               Pause:  1 minute 52 seconds.  
               Repeat:  2 minutes  
           
    24.00 EE 72 Passed the island to the south at the limit of visibility  
      ENE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
           
    16.02.42      
    00.23   Barbados out of sight.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.42
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.02.42      
    04.00 EE 7165    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, rain showers    
           
    08.00 EE 7185    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers    
           
    12.00 EE 7417 Day's run  Surfaced  :     172.4 nm  
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast                  Submerged:   2.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.02   Test dive.  
           
    12.30   Surfaced.  
           
    13.28   Radio Message from B.d.U.  
        Achilles, Clausen attack free immediately.  
           
    16.00 ED 9667    
      E 4, Sea 3, clear    
           
    16.44   Crash dive for aircraft, unnoticed.  
           
    17.32   Surfaced.  
           
    20.00 ED 9652    
      E 4, Sea 3, clear    
           
    20.26   Tobago in sight bearing 206°T.  
           
    23.02   Crash dive for aircraft, unnoticed.  
           
    23.23   Surfaced.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.42
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.02.42      
    24.00 ED 9596    
      E 3, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. clear    
           
    24.00   Trinidad in sight.  
           
           
    17.02.42 Northeast of Trinidad    
    02.26   Vessel with set lights in sight. in 240°T Morse traffic between 2 vessels.  
        Ran toward the first vessel, vessel shifts strongly, despite high speed do not get ahead.  Vessel seems to be a patrol vessel, red side light is also seen astern.  Vessel puts out lights and passes out of sight under the dark coast.  Is probably a patrol between Trinidad and Tobago. Continued on easterly course close off the north coast of Trinidad.  
           
    04.00 ED 9863    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    04.45   Evaded before a patrol vessel.  Off Trinidad apparently a patrol line from north to east (4 vessels distinguished).  On Chacachacare searchlights in the vicinity of the lighthouse, which at irregular intervals illuminate the east and west entrances to Port of Spain.  
           
    08.00 ED 9828 Headed for Los Testigos.  
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.42
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.02.42      
    12.00 ED 9734 Day's run  Surfaced  :    169.9 nm  
      NE 3, Sea 2-3. partly cloudy                  Submerged:      6.0 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.16   Test dive.  
           
    12.56   Surfaced.  
           
    13.08   Aircraft bearing 175°T, remained submerged.  
           
    16.00 ED 9735    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 2, clear    
           
    19.25   From the Testigos ran to Trinidad.  Nothing seen.  
           
    20.00 ED 9711    
      E 2-3, Sea 2, clear    
           
    23.02   Crash dive for aircraft at low altitude bearing 130°T, unnoticed.  
           
    24.00 ED 9719 Intention:  Before operating in the entire area penetration into the main harbor because up to now am unnoticed and surveillance has hardly been established.  
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast  
        Headed for the coast of Venezuela to run to the entrance on the surface under the protection of land.  
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.42
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
           
    18.02.42      
    04.00 ED 9756    
      North coast of Venezuela    
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
    08.00 ED 9767    
      E 2, Sea 1-2, partial overcast    
           
    09.00 [Boca Grande = Bocas del Dragón] Dived due to searchlight from the Island of Chacachacare.  Steered through Boca Grande with the assistance of land and searchlight bearings and soundings.  Strong counter current, had to run at HF.  Steamer observed running into Boca Navios.  In the Gulf small patrol vessels or sailing vessels.  Steamer observed running into Chaguaramos Bay from the west.  Continual air surveillance.  
    12.00 ED 9881 Day's run  Surfaced  :    113.4 nm  
                         Submerged:      8.3 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 ED 9881    
           
    16.34   Put the boat on the bottom.  
           
        Intention:  Surface at darkness.  Move off in the Gulf to charge the battery, afterwards attack steamers lying at anchor.  
           
    20.00 ED 9884    
      On the bottom    
           
    24.00 ED 9884    
      On the bottom    
           
    19.02.42      
    01.32   Surfaced.  
        Moved off to the south, charged the battery.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.02.42      
    02.31   Crash dive for low flying aircraft.  
           
    02.50   Surfaced, headed for the Roadstead.  
        Due to the depth steering of the torpedoes cannot go closer to land than depth 15 meters.  Steamers stand out well from the bright city Port of Spain.  Automobiles drive on land.  The nearest steamer lies at the 10-meter line, the others even closer to the city.  Before shooting must avoid small dimmed vessels.  Several fishermen in the vicinity.  
    04.00 ED 9889  
           
    05.32   Shot from tubes V and VI on the ship lying closest, a freighter (6000 GRT) and a tanker half covered by it.  Ships are illuminated, however without neutrality markings.  
                Range = 3000 meters  
                Bow right 71°  
                Target speed = 1 knot (current)  
                Shooting angle = 187.8°  
                                          190.6°  
                Torpedo speed = 30 knots.  
                Depth 2 meters  
        After 4 minutes (= 3700 meters) hit center freighter, 20-meter high explosion column, thereafter thick dark smoke cloud.  
        After 4 minutes 28 seconds (= 4000 meters) hit center tanker, very high pillar of fire, parts of the superstructure tumble through the air.  The tanker is no longer observed.  Of the freighter in the fiery glow the bow is observed jutting out of the water, seems to have broken apart amidships.  After shooting ran off immediately at GF to be able to crash dive in deeper water.  
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.02.42      
    05.38   Crash dive to depth 15 meters.  Bay is brightly illuminated from the fiery glow of the tanker, want to remain unseen.  
           
    05.42   Surfaced.  
           
    05.53   Crash dive for shadow ahead.  Sounds shift astern in the listening gear.  
           
    06.07   Surfaced.  Ran off at GF on the surface up to the searchlight sector south of Chacachacare.  The lights of the city were abruptly dark.  Dived, afterwards ran on the 20-meter line by soundings.  Due to propeller sounds went to periscope depth several times.  There are continuous parachute flares at the southern limit of the entrance.  
           
    08.00 ED 9881 Observed a dimmed steamer entering.  Attack not possible.  At times the current was very strong.  Sets to the NNE.  Despite hard rudder at GF cannot come to a westerly course.  Depth control is complicated by strong water layers.  
           
    10.28   That is why I surfaced and moved off at HF to the west, to have the protection of the north Venezuelan coast from searchlights.  
           
    12.00 ED 9872 Day's run  Surfaced  :     34.3 nm  
                         Submerged:   39.3 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.02.42      
    12.15   Crash dive for sea-based aircraft bearing 80°T, was unnoticed.  
        Aircraft flew along the coast of Venezuela.  Moved off from the coast submerged, to remove the safety valve of the cooling water pump because there is continual water entry into the bilge.  
           
    16.00 ED 9769    
           
    19.50   Surfaced, to move off to send a Radio Message.  
           
    19.59   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 45°T, was unnoticed.  
        Remained submerged until darkness.  
           
    20.00 ED 9764    
           
    24.00 ED 9752    
           
           
    20.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    00.43   Surfaced.  Kept close off the coast of Venezuela to catch traffic running east-west.  
           
    01.37   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1.)  At the Roadstead off the main harbor in the Gulf in 11 meter water: 1 tanker, 4000 GRT flew into the air.  1 freighter, 6000 GRT broke apart.  
        2.)  Under the protection of the coast strong west-east traffic.  Strong air.  Entrances into the Gulf protected by searchlight on westernmost island and patrol vessels.  Lighthouses burn with educed intensity.  
        3.)  13 + 4 torpedoes, 150 cbm fuel oil.  
        4.)  Serial Nos. 230-33, 340-43, 45 from 18 February missing.  
        5.)  Reception due to air only certain between 01.00 and 11.00 hours DGZ.  
                                                             Achilles  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.02.42
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.02.42      
    04.00 ED 9767    
      E 1-2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    08.00 ED 9891 Positioned back and forth at the territorial limit of Venezuela, approximately 10 nm off the entrance to Port of Spain.  No traffic.  
      SSE 1, Sea 1, clear  
           
    11.43   Dived, to remain unnoticed by air surveillance.  
           
    12.00 ED 9872 Day's run  Surfaced  :     67.0 nm  
                         Submerged:   41.4 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 ED 9793 Occasionally went to periscope depth.  Sounds in the listening gear arise from fisherman.  No traffic.  
           
    20.00 ED 9847    
           
    24.00 ED 9792    
           
           
    21.02.42 Gulf of Paria    
    01.20   Surfaced. Filled the battery and moved back and forth at LF under the protection of the coast at the territorial limit at the entrance.  
           
    04.00 ED 9793    
      E 1, Sea 0-1, clear    
           
    08.00 ED 9872    
      E 1, Sea 0, misty    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.02.42
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.02.42   At dawn air surveillance deployed, up to now no traffic.  
        Intention: Stay submerged off the entrance, to be sure to detect traffic.  
           
    11.36   Dived.  
           
    12.00 ED 9873 Day's run  Surfaced  :     47.0 nm  
                         Submerged:   42.9 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
        Depth control is complicated by the current.  Due to the strong current can only steer a northerly course.  
           
    13.20   Propeller sounds bearing 330°T.  Tanker, 3000 GRT, bow left, target angle 40°.  
        Came to attack course for a stern shot.  
           
    13.37   Shot from tube V  
                Range = 1500 meters  
                Bow left 75°  
                Target speed = 8 knots  
                Shooting angle = 197°  
                Torpedo speed = 30 knots.  
                Depth 2 meters  
        Miss, probably too high estimated enemy speed and too low estimated range.  
           
    13.44   After run off the the torpedo track shot tube VI.  
                Range = 2000 meters  
                Bow left 91°  
                Target speed = 6 knots  
                Shooting angle = 174°  
                Torpedo speed = 30 knots.  
                Depth 2 meters  
        Miss, after the shot went the steamer  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.02.42
 
- 32 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.02.42   turned 40° to port.  
        Torpedo probably passed ahead.  
        Set up for a bow shot.  Boat turned with difficulty in the current.  At shooting position the steamer had target angle 120°, range 3000 meters. Because this was not promising, did not take the shot.  
           
    14.10   Two fast patrol vessels target angle 0° (Mosquito boats), high speed, range 3000 meters.  Went to depth 50 meters.  Boats were probably escorts for the steamer.  Aircraft were in the air the entire time.  
           
    14.15   At periscope depth.  Patrol vessels run in with the steamer to Boca de Navios.  
        Proceed to the north submerged.  
           
    16.00 ED 9849    
           
    20.00 ED 9842 Transit at depth 20 meters.  
           
    21.05   Sound bearing in 345°T.  Went to periscope depth.  Tanker, 5000 GRT no neutrality markings.  Flag very small, difficult to make out, probably American.  
           
    21.13   Multiple shot from tubes I and II.  
                Range = 900 meters  
                Bow left 90°  
                Target speed = 10 knots  
                Shooting angle = 41.6°  
                                          41.7°  
                Torpedo speed = 30 knots.  
                Depth 2 meters  
        After 59 seconds (910 meters) hit center.  High water column up to the hight of the masts.  After 65 seconds hit forward edge of the smokestack.  Equally high water column.  
        Tanker takes a strong list to starboard, settles deeper at the stern.  Crew goes  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.02.42
 
- 33 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.02.42      
        into the boats.  Tanker does not sink, by counter flooding lies on an even keel again, moves at very low speed through the water.  
           
    21.45   Set up for a coup de grâce.  Tanker no longer makes way.  Because this was noticed too late did not reach attack position,  
           
    22.14   Aircraft bomb.  Boat went quickly to depth 50 meters.  No failures.  Steamer had probably received aircraft protection from Port of Spain.  
           
    22.23   Because nothing more follows, went to periscope depth.  
           
        Initiated new attack.  
           
        Steamer swings continually so that I must start a new attack again and again, because I want to have shooting angle = 0°.  Additionally the sun is exactly over the steamer.  3 aircraft are at the steamer.  
           
    24.00 ED 9842    
           
           
    22.02.42 Submerged    
    00.31 Caribbean Sea Aircraft bomb, boat went to depth 50 meters.  No damage.  
           
    00.49   At periscope depth. Tanker should sink in any case.  Therefore want to wait till darkness because of the aircraft.  
           
    01.41   Shot from tube IV.  
                Range = 500 meters  
                Bow left 100°  
                Target speed = 1 knots  
                Shooting angle = 8.7°  
                Torpedo speed = 30 knots.  
                Depth 4 meters  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.02.42
 
- 34 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.02.42      
        After 24 seconds (370 meters) hit at the smokestack.  Tanker settled deeper very quickly by the stern.  Boat cut under.  Went to periscope depth.  Tanker had turned towards the boat.  Bow jutted high out of the water before the periscope. Went to depth 15 meters turned away hard.  After coming up except for only a few lights (from lifeboats) nothing is seen.  Ran off 1 hour submerged.  
           
    02.56   Surfaced.  
        Ran off at HF to the northwest.  
           
        Intention:  Wanted to pick up traffic for a few days in the north between Mona Passage and Trinidad.  Additionally must charge the battery because it is nearly empty from being submerged continually.  
           
    04.00 ED 9739    
      E 2, Sea 1, clear Drove through heating oil for an hour (at GF), tanker had apparently lost a lot of heating oil from the first hit.  
           
    08.00 ED 9446    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    12.00 ED 8389 Day's run  Surfaced  :     109.5 nm  
      NE 2, Sea 1, partial overcast                  Submerged:     45.2 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.22   Test dive.  
           
    13.37   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 ED 8347    
      ENE 2, Sea 2, clear    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.02.42
 
- 35 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.02.42      
    20.00 ED 5886    
      E 2-3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
    24.00 ED 5853    
      E 3, Sea 2-3, partial overcast    
           
           
    23.02.42      
    04.00 ED 5887    
      E 0-1, Sea 0, clear    
           
    05.34   Steamer bearing 280°T, course 130°.  
        Attacked on the surface.  
           
    06.43   Shot from tube III.  
                Range = 800 meters  
                Bow left 97°  
                Target speed = 8 knots  
                Shooting angle = 346°  
                Torpedo speed = 40 knots.  
                Depth 3 meters  
        After 2 minutes 6 seconds (2600 meters) hit in the foreship.  Steamer stopped, settled deeper forward.  Steamer "LIHUÉ" transmits U-boat warning, afterwards sends S O S, I am hit sinking.  Because it takes too long I want to sink him with the cannon.  
           
    06.59   Opened fire.  
        Steamer shoots back immediately with cannon and machine guns.  Tracers are right at the boat.  
           
    07.01   Crash dive.  Moved off submerged, steamer gets under way again.  
           
    07.24   Surfaced.  Initiated surface attack.  Steamer zigzags.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.02.42
 
- 36 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.02.42      
    08.00 ED 5825    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    08.57   Steamer turns towards the boat on course 70° shortly before the shot, target angle 0°, range 1500 meters.  
           
    08.59   Crash dive. Initially the bearing is steady in the listening gear, then shifts out suddenly.  Went to periscope depth however shooting angle was already over 90°.  
           
        Steamer stopped.  Moved off submerged because the visibility is good.  
           
    10.10   Surfaced.  Nothing is seen of the steamer.  Pursued.  
           
    11.28   Steamer in sight again, attempted 3rd surface attack, however soon had to move off to the limit of visibility due to twilight.  Maneuvered ahead for a submerged attack at the limit of visibility.  Steamer zigzags 20-30° around his general course 140°.  Speed unchanged 8 knots.  
           
    12.00 ED 5861 Day's run  Surfaced  :     135.5 nm  
      SE 2, Sea 2, clear                  Submerged:      7.3 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    15.45   Steamer changes general course to 100° (for St. Lucia) and thereafter sent off an encoded radio message.  
           
    16.00 ED 5982    
           
    16.52   Reached position ahead.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.02.42
 
- 37 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.02.42      
        Steamer requests "Coast Guard" by Radio Message.  
           
        Dived for submerged attack.  At 5000-4000 meters the steamer reduces speed strongly.  Steamer changes course from 70° to 160°.  Boats are lowered to 3 meters above the water, steamer lies about 3 meters deeper forward.  
           
    18.39   Shot from tube IV.
                Range = 600 meters  
                Bow left 80°  
                Target speed = 10 knots  
                Shooting angle = 186.2°  
                Torpedo speed = 40 knots.  
                Depth 3 meters  
        Miss.  Steamer turned after the shot went to the torpedo track. Crew goes to the boats.  (three fully occupied boats seen in the periscope).  Upper deck and bridge are empty, also the 3 cannons on the stern (suspect 7.5 cm) are unmanned, also the machine guns on the bridge.  
           
        Steamer seems abandoned.  However I do not trust them.  Approached submerged again.  
           
    18.54   Multiple shot from tubes I and II.  
                Range = 900 meters  
                Bow right 60°  
                Target speed = 4 knots  
                Shooting angle = 299.9°  
                                          303.5°  
                Torpedo speed = 30 knots.  
                Depth 3 meters  
        Steamer stopped after the shot went.  
        Miss.  
        Steamer must have heard the torpedoes.  Therefore the steamer is still occupied.  Initiated a 4th submerged attack.  At first the steamer  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.02.42
 
- 38 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.02.42   lies stopped, shortly before reaching shooting position the steamer gets underway and turns hard towards the boat.  Shot attempts always fail because I want shoot with an absolutely certain opportunity.  Steamer must hear the approach of the boat, although the last two shots were made at great range and at lower speed.  
           
    20.00 ED 5983    
           
    20.37   Aircraft approaching the boat.  
        Went to depth A -20 meters, moved off submerged.  
           
    22.20   Went to periscope depth, because a loud sounds was heard from ahead in the listening gear on the starboard side.  On the starboard side nothing is seen.  Astern to starboard "LIHUÉ", above it 2 aircraft circle.  Astern to port a small tanker passes at a distance of 5000 meters.  
           
    22.25   Again at 30 meters, sound to starboard is still always heard, shifts from ahead to astern and comes back again.  
           
    22.40   Weak detonation with following echo.  Sounded as if a metal object fell on the external bunkers and ran along the boat.  Boat went to depth A -30 meters.  
           
    22.45   Similar detonation.  
        Boat went to depth A -20 meters.  
           
    22.50   Third detonation, is weaker and lies higher.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.02.42
 
- 39 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.02.42   Believe that the steamer is a U-boat trap.  It wants to hold the boat until defenses arrive.  Therefore probably also the radio message.  Otherwise [the steamer] could have evaded the submerged boat much better on the surface, apparently the boat was being sighted and sensed continuously by mast lookouts.  Steamer has thick, stub masts without top masts.  Behavior prior to the first submerged attack suggests that he had also seen the diving location.  
        Because I cannot approach submerged, however on the surface I am seen due to the bright moon I let the steamer go, because otherwise another opportunity could not be utilized.  
        Absolutely must charge the battery.  
           
           
    24.02.42      
    00.00 ED 5955    
           
    02.22   Surfaced, went to the northwest.  
           
    04.00 ED 5869    
      E 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    08.00 ED 5846    
      E 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    12.00 ED 5473 Day's run  Surfaced  :     172.5 nm  
      E 2, Sea 1, clear                  Submerged:    29.1 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    13.21   Test dive.  
           
    14.10   Surfaced.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.02.42
 
- 40 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.02.42      
    16.00 ED 5419    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    17.52   Steamer bearing 230°T, course 140°, speed 11 knots.  
        Maneuvered ahead for submerged attack, contact keeping complicated by mist.  
           
    20.00 ED 5456    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, partial overcast, misty    
           
    20.57   Suddenly a 2nd steamer comes out of the mist ahead on the opposite course.  
        Crash dive.  
        Attempted submerged attack on the 2nd steamer.  Both steamers were heard in the listening gear.  Second steamer turned towards the 1st steamer.  
           
    21.45   Second steamer comes about.  Steamers are still visible n the periscope.  
           
    22.30   Sound bearings are weaker.  
           
    22.43   Surfaced.  Pursued until darkness.  Moved off to the northwest.  
           
    24.00 ED 5577    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
           
    25.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 5493    
      SE 2, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.02.42
 
- 41 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.02.42      
    05.35   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1.)  On 21 February two miss on tanker 3000 GRT close off main harbor.  Tanker 5000 GRT sunk in square 9739.  On 23 February "LIHUÉ" torpedoed.  Suspect trap.  Three cannons.  Steamer out maneuvered all attacks and 3 torpedoes by sound and sight.  Square 5955.  After aircraft encounter moved off to the NW.  On 24 February square 5491 while maneuvering ahead noticed by 2nd steamer.  Pursued without results.  
        2.)  Temporarily still strong inbound traffic from the NW to the main harbor.  Departures to the Gulf were suspected by the southern entrance.  
        3.)  Positioned on the arrival route 300 nm from the main harbor, up to now no air.  Off the main harbor heavy air.  Still 4 + 4 torpedoes, 135 cbm fuel oil, medium Trade Wind weather, good visibility, bright moonlit nights.  
                                                             Achilles  
        Positioned athwart the course line Mona Passage - Trinidad.  
           
    08.00 ED 5493    
      EbyE 2, Sea 2, partial overcast, misty    
           
    12.00 ED 5493 Day's run  Surfaced  :     129.3 nm  
      SE 3, Sea 2, partial overcast, misty                  Submerged:   38.3 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.40   Test dive.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.02.42
 
- 42 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.02.42      
    13.42   Surfaced.  
           
    14.30   Steamer bearing 270°T, course 100°.  
           
    14.39   Dived for submerged attack.  
           
    15.58   Shot from tube I and II with air search periscope.  
        (mirror of the fixed eye periscope damaged)  
        Range = 900 meters  
        Bow left 90°  
        Target speed = 10 knots  
        Shooting angle 347.4°  
        Torpedo speed = 30 knots  
        Depth 3 meters  
        Steamer was 500-6000 GRT, half loaded.  
        Miss.  Torpedoes probably under steered the steamer, because up to 58 seconds (running time of the torpedoes at 900 meters) in the listening gear the sounds of the steamer and the torpedoes came together.  The set depth of 3 meters was too great.  
        After the shot proceeded in the wake of the steamer to attack again at night.  
           
    16.00 ED 5493    
      SSE 3, Sea 3, overcast, misty    
           
    17.34   Surfaced.  Steamer is still seen with the bridge, masts and smokestack, steers old course.  
           
    17.43   Starboard after lookout reports 3 times periscope at 800 meters distance.  Because due to the steamer I cannot run off submerged, Crash dive.  
        In the listening gear nothing definite determined,  May have been U-156.  
        Call by Underwater Telegraphy was not answered.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.02.42
 
- 43 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.02.42      
        Moved off at GF submerged.  
           
    19.30   Surfaced.  
        Pursuit behind the steamer remained without results.  
           
    20.00 ED 5493    
      SSE 3, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    24.00 ED 5822 On approximate steamer course to Point 2 in accordance with Radio Message (Officer-Only).  
      SE 3, Sea 3, partial overcast  
        After passing "Mona Passage" course via Point:  
                             65° 21' W  
                             16° (minutes missing) N  
        and                62° 42' W  
                             13° 20' M,. then as ordered.  
           
           
    26.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 5926    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, partial overcast    
           
    12.00 ED 5966 Day's run  Surfaced  :     142.4 nm  
      ESE 2, Sea 2, partial overcast                  Submerged:   17.1 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.02.42
 
- 44 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.02.42      
    12.34   Test dive.  
           
    13.18   Surfaced.  
           
    14.52   Crash dive for aircraft, bearing 37°T, range 7000 meters, low altitude, flying towards the boat.  3 detonations (probably depth charges).  Boat was at A -30 meters.  
    14.55    
        Last detonation heavy.  Boat whips in the middle strongly, depth meters fail except for the spare manometers and Papenberg.  All water level glass cracked.  In various rooms the lights go out.  Oil level glass in the fuel oil high reservoir cracked,  By this fuel oil in the lubricating oil tank.  
        The crew behaved well.  Failures were corrected quickly.  
           
    16.00 ED 6747 Boat moved off to the west submerged, because reloading at Grenada is not possible due to air surveillance.  
           
    20.00   Reloading at Branquilla intended.  
           
    24.00 ED 5964    
           
           
    27.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    00.40   Surfaced.  
           
    04.00 ED 8313    
      E 3, Sea 3, clear    
           
    08.00 ED 8292    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.02.42
 
- 45 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.02.42      
    12.00 ED 8525 Day's run  Surfaced  :     113 nm  
      ESE 3, Sea 3, partial overcast                  Submerged:   31.1 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.19   Test dive.  
           
    12.57   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 ED 8542    
      ENE 3, Sea 3, partial overcast Blanquilla in sight bearing 130°T.  
           
    17.30   2 vessels at the southern coast of Blanquilla.  Moved off.  
           
    20.00 ED 8462    
      E 3, Sea 3, misty    
           
    24.00 ED 8453    
      E 3, Sea 3, overcast    
           
           
    28.02.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 8462    
      E 3, Sea 3, misty    
           
    08.00 ED 8542 Torpedo download not possible due to seas.  
      ESE 3, Sea 3, misty    
           
    12.00 ED 8465 Day's run  Surfaced  :     138.8 nm  
      E 3, Sea 3, partial overcast                  Submerged:       1.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.02.42
 
- 46 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.02.42      
    12.22   Test dive.  
           
    13.18   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 ED 8455    
      E 3, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
    20.00 ED 8464    
      E 3, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
    24.00 ED 8466    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
           
    01.03.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 8545    
      ENE 2, Sea 2, misty    
           
    08.00 ED 8546    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    09.00 - 12.00   4 torpedoes downloaded from over deck canisters.  
           
    12.00 ED 8546 Day's run  Surfaced  :     111.4 nm  
      ENE 2, Sea 1, clear                  Submerged:      3.1 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.03.42
 
- 47 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.03.42      
    12.31   Test dive.  
           
    13.30   Went on the old steamer route again.  Mona - Trinidad.  
           
    16.00 ED 8463    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, clear    
           
    20.00 ED 8199    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    24.00 ED 8244    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
           
    02.03.42 Eastern Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 8211    
      E 2, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
    08.00 ED 5873    
      E 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    12.00 ED 5964 Day's run  Surfaced  :     129.5 nm  
      E 2, Sea 2, clear                  Submerged:         3 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.03.42
 
- 48 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.03.42      
    12.24   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 ED 5852    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    20.00 ED 5829    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, partial overcast Positioned athwart the suspected steamer course.  
           
    24.00 ED 5852    
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
           
    03.03.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 5826    
      E 2, Sea 2, clear    
           
    08.00 ED 5838    
      E 2, Sea 2, clear    
           
    10.47   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        Müller and Achilles report situation and successes.  
           
    12.00 ED 5941 Day's run  Surfaced  :      93 nm  
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast                  Submerged:   2.9 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.03.42
 
- 49 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.03.42      
    12.26   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 ED 5892    
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast.    
           
    20.00 ED 5899    
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
    21.26   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        25 February  two-miss on freighter.  Aircraft bombs, minor damage. Due to weather set off to reload.  Since 1 March again in area 200 nm NW main harbor.  Operation in the vicinity of the main harbor not possible at the moment and east of the island group due to the moon.  Waiting for darkness.  Traffic now seems to be more to the east.  6 + 0, 115 cbm, stiff Trade Winds.  
                                                             Achilles  
           
    24.00 ED 8315    
      E 4, Sea 4    
           
           
    04.03.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 8316    
      E 3, Sea 3, clear    
           
    08.00 ED 8324    
      E 3, Sea 3, clear Going to the east again.  
           
    12.00 ED 8324 Day's run  Surfaced  :     68.8 nm  
      E 4, Sea 3, clear                  Submerged:     1.2 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.03.42
 
- 50 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.03.42      
    12.10   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 ED 5999    
      E 3, Sea 3, clear    
           
    20.00 ED 6776    
      E 4, Sea 3, clear    
           
    24.00 ED 6782    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 2, clear    
           
           
    05.03.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 6786    
      E 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    08.00 ED 6785    
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    12.00 ED 6776 Day's run  Surfaced  :     82.5 nm  
      E 3, Sea 2, intermittent rain, overcast                  Submerged:    1.6 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.03.42
 
- 51 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.03.42      
    12.17   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 ED 5995    
      E 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    20.00 ED 6774    
      E 3-4, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
    24.00 ED 6774    
      E 3, Sea 2, rain    
           
           
    06.03.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 6776    
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers    
           
    08.00 ED 6784    
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain showers    
           
    12.00 ED 6784 Day's run  Surfaced  :     65.3 nm  
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast                  Submerged:    1.8 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.03.42
 
- 52 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.03.42      
    16.00 ED 6791    
      E 4, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
    20.00 ED 6793 Going to the east, to catch traffic diverted below the Antilles chain.  
      E 4, Sea 3, clear  
           
    22.14   Crash dive for aircraft, was unnoticed.  
           
    22.43   Surfaced.  
           
    24.00 ED 6881    
      E 4, Sea 3, clear    
           
           
    07.03.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 6856    
      E 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    08.00 ED 6856    
      E 2, Sea 1, partial overcast    
           
    11.47   Vessel bearing 70°T.  
        Dived.  
           
    12.00 ED 6861 Day's run  Surfaced  :    61.5 nm  
                         Submerged:    3.8 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.03.42
 
- 53 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.03.42      
    13.03   Surfaced.  Sailing vessel bearing 40°T.  
        Moved off.  
           
    15.13   Steamer bearing 248°T.  Maneuvered ahead for submerged attack.  
           
    16.00 ED 6882    
      E 3, Sea 3, squalls, overcast    
           
    16.15   Sailing vessel bearing 90°T.  
           
    16.35   Dived.  
           
    17.59   Shot from tubes I and II.  
                Range = 900 meters  
                Bow left 94/95°  
                Target speed = 8 knots  
                Shooting angle = 357.5°  
                                           356.5°  
                Torpedo speed = 40 knots.  
                Depth = 2 meters  
        After 73 seconds (range = 1500 meters) detonation.  Boat undercut.  
        After 88 seconds (range = 1500 meters) 2nd detonation.  Hit aft 30 meters.  High explosion column with a few smaller detonations.  
        Steamer settles deeper at the stern, in the aftership something seems to burn.  Steamer drives in circles, engines still run.  Boats are set out however only partially manned.  Shot from tube III, coup de grâce.  
         
    18.14    
                Range = 900 meters  
                Bow left 71°  
                Target speed = 1 knot  
                Shooting angle = 23.7°  
                Torpedo velocity = 40 knots  
                Depth = 3 meters  
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.03.42
 
- 54 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.03.42      
        After 34 seconds (range = 700 meters) hit after edge of the smokestack.  High explosion column.  
        Several heavy detonations follow.  Steamer sinks after 3 minutes over the stern post.  Steamer was armed, 1 cannon minimum 10.5 cm.  No flag, no other markings.  
        Initially saw 4 lifeboats, after the sinking of the steamer only 1 lifeboat was seen.  
        Estimated size:  6000 GRT.  
        (4 masts, among them 2 goal post masts)  
           
    20.00 ED 6885 Due to air reconnaissance and the proximity of St. Vincent remained submerged.  
           
    24.00 ED 6882    
           
           
    08.03.42      
    04.00 ED 6863 Lighthouses on Santa Lucia are extinguished.  Ran close under the coast.  
      E 2, Sea 2, partial overcast, rain showers  
        Avoided small vessels.  
           
    07.00   Steamer, probably moving back and forth off the entrance to Fort Casteries, due to the moon cannot approach.  
        Intention:  Move off by day, close St. Lucia by night again and if possible, penetrate Castries harbor.   
           
    08.00 ED 6915    
      E 2, Sea 2, rain showers    
           
    12.00 ED 6586 Day's run  Surfaced  :    116.6 nm  
      E 2, Sea 2, overcast                  Submerged:   17.9 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.03.42
 
- 55 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.03.42      
    16.00 ED 6549    
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    20.00 ED 6586    
      E 4, Sea 3, clear    
           
    20.15   Smoke cloud bearing 30°T.  
        Large steamer, course at first 100°, then in the vicinity of Martinique, course 140°, 14 knots.  
        Maneuvered ahead for surface attack.  
        Steamer initially had course for Port Castries.  Could not get further ahead due to the proximity of land.  With the onset of dusk the steamer was smaller [was further away] may have passed through the St. Lucia Passage.  
    24.00 ED 6835 By night ran off Port Castries, to see if the steamer lay in the harbor.  
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast  
           
           
    09.03.42 Caribbean Sea    
    03.45   Am positioned 2 nm off the Castries harbor entrance.  Beacons are extinguished.  On the wharfs individual lights, before them a shadow, probably the steamer.  Move back and forth, at morning twilight close the harbor entrance submerged.  
           
    04.00 ED 6913    
      E 3, Sea 2-3, clear    
           
    08.00 ED 6911    
      E 3-4, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
    11.12   Dived.  
           
    12.00 ED 6913 Day's run  Surfaced  :     161.2 nm  
                         Submerged:      5.2 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.03.42
 
- 56 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.03.42      
        Closed the Castries entrance with continuous soundings.  Exact charts not at hand, supported myself with the Sailing Handbook and the knowledge of the Second Watch Officer who was here with "GORCH FOCK" in 1939.  3 steamers lie in the inner harbor with their sterns towards the entrance.  The harbor can be seen clearly in all details.  There is lively traffic of small boats and vessels between land and the steamers.  Patroling not detected.  Suspect only machine guns on both sides of the entrance.  When positioned off the entrance touched bottom lightly.  An hour after lightness air surveillance began by  several "Consolidated" and "Martin" flying boats.  Off the harbor many small sailing vessels.  Moved off submerged, to penetrate the harbor submerged in evening twilight or if that is not possible, [on the surface] in darkness.  
    15.32   At periscope depth in the harbor entry of small warships observed.  
           
    16.00 ED 6912    
           
    20.00 ED 6913    
           
    24.00 ED 6913    
           
           
    10.03.42 Off Castries Penetration at periscope depth in the evening twilight is not possible due to water depth (soundings in the channel 15-17 meters).  
    02.03   Surfaced.  
        Went slowly to the harbor entrance.  
           
    04.00 EC 9813 Visibility is good, bright starry clear night.  Went close under Vigie to get to a relatively good shooting position because the steamers lie with target angle 150° to the harbor entrance   
      E 2-3, Sea 2  
        There is great tension in the boat because everything happens so close to land. (distance to the Vigie peninsula about 200 meters) sounding 9 meters.  
        Am positioned north of the channel in order to be sure to be  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.03.42
 
- 57 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.03.42   able to turn to the opposite course off Tapion Rock Shoal after the shot.  
           
    04.49   Shot from tubes III and IV one on each steamer.  
                Range = 3000 meters  
                Bow left 128°  
                Target speed = 0 knots  
                Shooting angle = 327.8°  
                                            330°  
                Torpedo speed = 30 knots  
                Depth = 2 meters  
        Shots went in 10 meters water.  After the fall of the shots hard to starboard with both diesels to head for the exit.  
        After 96 seconds (1490 meters) hit on the passenger-freighter lying to the left, 8000 GRT, high gray-white explosion column, stern is no longer seen, only the foreship and superstructure jut out of the water.  Foreship begins to burn.  After 105 seconds (1500 meters) hit on the freighter lying to the right, 5000 GRT, bright high fiery glow, with three subsequent detonations.  Over the steamer there is a large black smoke cloud.  The stern is under water.  
           
    05.54   In the entrance steady machine gun fire from the Signal Station, Vigie and Tapion Rock.  Tracers lie generally behind the boat.  Bridge cleared.  Moved off on the surface at GF.  While continuing to run off fiery glow and strong smoke development observed at the passenger-freighter.  
           
    06.05   On 600-meter wavelength radio message from St. Lucia:  
        sss sss sss de vqh  
        submarine castries harbor attacked shipping 0240 gmt/10.  
        Intention:  Set off to the west, due to the now especially  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.03.42
 
- 58 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.03.42   strong air surveillance expected.  Thereafter transit into the are north of Trinidad.  
           
    08.00 ED 6824    
      ENE 1, Sea 1, clear    
           
    10.47   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1.)  On 7 March sank freighter with ammunition, 6000 GRT square 6891, course 85°.  
        Just now Port Castries inner harbor a passenger-freighter 8000 GRT, a freighter 5000 GRT torpedoed.  Steamers lay before the pier  in 9-10 meters water.  First:  stern under water, foreship burning.  Second:  bright fiery glow, secondary detonations, probably ammunition, stern under water.  Due to machine gun fire shots nothing more observed, both steamers total loss likely.  
        2.)  From 2 March to 6 March course Mona - Trinidad no traffic.  Suspect traffic shifted under protection of the Antilles chain.  Traffic St. Lucia apparently base construction.  Continuous air there by day.  
        3.)  Initially going 150 nm west then in the direction of the main harbor.  Intend 14 March delayed return transit.  Still 1 stern torpedo, 100 cbm, day strong Trade Winds.  
                                                           Achilles  
           
    12.00 ED 6716    
      ENE 1, Sea 1, clear Day's run  Surfaced  :    113.8 nm  
                         Submerged:   32.8 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.03.42
 
- 59 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.03.42      
    16.00 ED 5922    
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    20.00 ED 5823    
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    23.15   Masthead bearing 95°T.  
        Course of the vessel 315°.  
        Maneuvered ahead, to possibly attack at night on the surface.  
           
    24.00 ED 5812    
      ENE 2, Sea 2, clear    
           
           
    11.03.42      
    02.00   Came about.  Vessel was about 600 tons, approaching was complicated by the bright night, let it go.  
           
    04.00 ED 5575    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
    08.00 ED 5575    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
    12.00 ED 5813    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, partial overcast Day's run  Surfaced  :     142.2 nm  
                         Submerged:      ---  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.03.42
 
- 60 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.03.42      
    12.50   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 ED 5827    
      E 3, Sea 2, cloudy    
           
    20.00 ED 5829    
      E 3, Sea 3, strong rain squalls    
           
    24.00 ED 5865    
      E 3, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
           
    12.03.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 5892    
      E 3, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
    08.00 ED 5899    
      E 3-4, Sea 3, rain    
           
    12.00 ED 8315 Day's run  Surfaced  :     85.7 nm  
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast                  Submerged:   2.6 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.19   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 ED 8382    
      E 4, Sea 3-4, overcast    
           
    20.00 ED 8395    
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.03.42
 
- 61 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.03.42      
    24.00 ED 9415    
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
           
    13.03.42      
    04.00 ED 9419    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    05.17   Steamer bearing 228°T, course for Mona.  Maneuver ahead not possible because the steamer runs too fast (plotted speed 16 knots).  
        Steamer passes out of sight.  
           
    08.00 ED 9419    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
    11.38   Steamer bearing 0°T, course 0°.  Maneuvered ahead for day attack.  
           
    12.00 ED 9451 Day's run  Surfaced  :     128.7 nm  
      E 2, Sea 1-2, clear                  Submerged:      4.1 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 ED 9173    
      NE 3, Sea 2, rain showers    
           
    17.48   Tanker bearing 20°T, course 260°.  Let freighter go to attack the tanker by day.  Maneuvered ahead.  
           
    20.00 ED 8366    
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.03.42
 
- 62 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.03.42      
    22.34   New tanker bearing 252°T, course 0°.  
        Must go on a parallel course to the new tanker, because he grew larger quickly.  Must let the previous tanker go, even though it is larger because the new tanker is between us and the passage and pursuit in the already gathering darkness is only conditionally promising.  
        Maneuvered ahead for night attack.  Tanker has set no lights.  
           
    24.00 ED 8351    
      ENE 3, Sea 2-3, clear    
           
           
    14.03.42      
           
    02.30   Shot from tube VI.  
                Range = 1000 meters  
                Bow right 75.5°  
                Target speed 6 knots  
                Shooting angle = 181.4°  
           
        Torpedo speed = 40 knots  
        Depth = 3 meters  
        After 28 seconds (= 580 meters) hit just before the smokestack, high water column with small fiery glow, apparently a boiler explosion.  After 29 seconds tanker has sunk over the stern.  Estimated size (tanker had 4 masts) 5000 GRT.  Name not determined because the tanker sank immediately after the hit.  
        No lifeboats.  
        Except for a very large fuel oil slick nothing is observed.  
           
    04.00 ED 8318    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.03.42
 
- 63 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.03.42      
    06.39   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1)  14 March square 8318 with last torpedo sank tanker 5000 GRT.  
        2)  Very heavy traffic ares "Graz" abruptly started again since 13 March, 4 steamers among them 2 tankers 150 nm in direction 320° from main harbor with various courses.  
        Courses:  first tanker Lucia-Vincent-Curacao.  Second 0°, third steamer (16 knots) main harbor-Mona, fourth:  main harbor-Anegada.  
        Area "Graz" promising as standing operations area for one boat 500 nm around main harbor.  
        3)  For shipyard:  provide one battery cell, two fuel oil supply pumps, two complete cooling water pump drives.  
        4)  Still 80 cbm.  Return transit via ED 25 and CE 50.  All naval squares.  
                                                           Achilles  
           
    08.00 ED 5975    
      ENE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    12.00 ED 5942 Day's run  Surfaced  :     197.8 nm  
      E 3, Sea 2-3, partial overcast                  Submerged:       ---  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 ED 5677    
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.03.42
 
- 64 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.03.42      
    20.00 ED 5644    
      E 3-4, Sea 3, clear    
           
    22.35   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 220°T.  
        Course 110°, was unnoticed.  
           
    23.18   Surfaced.  
           
    24.00 ED 5614    
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
           
    15.03.42 Caribbean Sea    
    04.00 ED 5319    
      E 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
    08.00 ED 2974    
      E 2, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
    10.42   Dimmed vessel bearing 256°T, course 75°.  
           
    11.37   Opened fire with artillery.  
        (10.5 cm, 2 cm, later 3.7 nm)  
        Shortly thereafter the steamer transmits on 600-meter wavelength;  
        "ACADIA" (call sign NEWP), position, artillery fire and that the ship was being abandoned.  
        Shot:  68 shots 10.5 cm incendiary and explosive ammunition.  
                 92 shots 3.7 cm ammunition.  
                   70 shots 2 cm  
        The tracer ammunition of the 10.5 cm cannon was advantageous.  By this perfect observation of the location of the shots during twilight.  Approximately 30 hits 10.5 cm.  Three certain fires observed from incendiary ammunition.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.03.42
 
- 65 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.03.42      
        For the results of the 3.7 cm shots partial outfitting of the 3.7 cm with tracer ammunition would be favorable.  
           
    12.00 ED 2955    
      E 2, Sea 2, partial overcast Day's run  Surfaced  :     143 nm  
                         Submerged:    3.8 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.11   Ceased fire because the steamer has a list and burns brightly.  
           
    12.25   Steamer sunk.  
        Steamer has a USA flag in the forward mast.  2 lifeboats seen.  Moved off at high speed because aircraft are expected from the radio report.  
           
    14.47   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 275°T.  
        Was unnoticed.  
           
    16.00 ED 2965 Because we are close to the Guadeloupe Passage, did not pass through Anegada as reported, but instead between Guadeloupe and Antigua.  
      E 2, Sea 1, clear  
           
    16.08   Surfaced.  
           
    17.05   Island of Montserrat in sight bearing 60°T (visibility 60 nm).  
           
    20.00 ED 3766    
      E 2, Sea 1, partial overcast    
           
    23.43   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 55°T, southerly course.  Was unnoticed.  
           
    24.00 ED 3848    
      NE 4, Sea 3, clear    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.03.42
 
- 66 -
 
           
           
           
           
    16.03.42 Antigua Passage    
    01.50   Surfaced.  
           
    01.10   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        15 March USA steamer "ACACIA" call-sigh NRWP square 2955 sunk with artillery.  
                                                           Achilles  
           
        Guadalupe:  beacons burn as in peacetime.  
        Antigua: beacons extinguished.  
           
    04.00 ED 3837    
      ENE 1, Sea 1, clear    
           
    08.00 ED 3677    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    12.00 EE 1411    
      E 2-3, Sea 2, overcast Day's run  Surfaced  :     227 nm  
                         Submerged:   7.4 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 EE 1159    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, clear    
           
    20.00 EE 1214    
      E 3, Sea 2, clear    
           
    22.20   Smoke cloud bearing 130°T.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.03.42
 
- 67 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.03.42      
        Held onto it until twilight.  Nothing more seen.  Continued transit.  
           
    24.00 DP 7888    
      E 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
           
    17.03.42 East of the Antilles    
    04.00 DP 7943    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    08.00 DP 7697    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    12.00 DP 7693    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, clear Day's run  Surfaced  :     190.6 nm  
                         Submerged:      ---  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 DP 8446    
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, long Swell, clear    
           
    20.00 DP 8434    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    24.00 DP 8272    
      NE 1-2, Sea 1, clear    
           
           
    18.03.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 DP 8256    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.03.42
 
- 68 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.03.42      
    08.00 DP 8311    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    12.00 DP 5985    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear Day's run  Surfaced  :     164.2 nm  
                         Submerged:     2.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 DP 5962    
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, partial overcast    
           
    20.00 DP 6715    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    24.00 DP 6483    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
           
    19.03.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 DP 6541    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear    
           
    08.00 DP 6524    
      E 2, Sea 1, partial overcast    
           
    12.00 DP 6291 Day's run  Surfaced  :     169.6 nm  
      ENE 1, Sea 1, clear                  Submerged:     1.4 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.03.42
 
- 69 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.03.42      
    16.00 DP 6346    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    20.00 DP 6331    
      E 2-3, Sea 1, partial overcast    
           
    24.00 DQ 1771    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
           
    20.03.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 DQ 1755    
      E 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    08.00 DQ 1814    
      E 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    12.00 DQ 1583    
      SE 1, Sea 1, clear Day's run  Surfaced  :     167 nm  
                         Submerged:    1.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 DQ 1563    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    20.00 DQ 1388    
      S 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    24.00 DQ 1369    
      S 2, Sea 1, partial overcast    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.03.42
 
- 70 -
 
           
           
           
           
    21.03.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 DQ 2124    
      S 1, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    08.00 DE 8999    
      SSW 1, Sea 1, partial overcast    
           
    10.16 DE 9772 Tanker bearing 30°T, course 305°.  
        Maneuvered ahead for artillery attack.  Cannot get too close because it is already slowly getting light.  
           
    10.38   Opened fire.  
        Range 3500 meters  
        3.7 cm, 2 cm, MG 34 fail due to malfunction.  Initially shots lie short, steamer shows its stern, runs at high speed.  
           
    10.42   Tanker "EMPIRE GOLD" gives its name on 600-meter wavelength, position, artillery fire, later U-boat warning.  
        Tanker returns fire with stern cannon, initially shoots with time fusing.  (No impacts observed, however explosion point in front the boat at an altitude of 150 meters, 600 meters away).   
        Two hits observed, one center , one stern.  Last range = 6500 meters.  
        Due to low salvo rate, forced by the swell, no hits.  Steamer turns again to old course, throws three smoke buoys one after another.  Steamer zigzags after each throw and runs further away (irregular course).  
        Shots now lie in the vicinity of the tanker.  
        Range 5000 meters.  
        Due to strong binding in altitude after 30 shots and firing by lanyard inaccurate shooting.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.03.42
 
- 71 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.03.42      
        Because shots from the tanker now lie in the vicinity of the boat, turned away and broke off artillery combat.  
           
    11.33   Dived, so as not to run off too much.  
        Tanker shifts out slightly, apparently drives in circles.  
           
    12.00 DE 9772    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, partial overcast Day's run  Surfaced  :     128.6 nm  
                         Submerged:      2.9 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.11   Surfaced, under the assumption that a hit in the stern damaged the rudder.  
        Tanker drives in circles and was larger.  Moved off a bit, then turned towards in a rain squall.  Tanker is lost in the rain.  
           
    16.00 DE 9773    
      NW 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain    
           
    16.55   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        Naval square DE 9772 armed tanker "EMPIRE GOLD", course 305°, unsuccessfully attacked with artillery.  63 cbm, 1015 mb rising, +34°C, WNW 2, Vis. 2 nm, rain showers.  
                                                             Achilles  
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.03.42
 
- 72 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.03.42      
    20.00 DE 9722    
      N 4, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
    24.00 DE 9495    
      NNW 4, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
           
    22.03.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 DE 9553    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, clear    
           
    08.00 DE 9532    
      WNW 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    12.00 DE 9373    
      NW 4, Sea 3, partial overcast Day's run  Surfaced  :     162.8 nm  
                         Submerged:      0.4 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 DE 9353    
      N 3, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    20.00 DE 9336    
      NW 3, Sea 3, high Swell, overcast    
           
    24.00 DF 7124    
      NW 3, Sea 3, overcast    
           
           
    23.03.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 DF 4786    
      NNW 3, Sea 4, high Swell, overcast    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.03.42
 
- 73 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.03.42      
    08.00 DF 4766    
      NNW 3, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
    12.00 DF 4843 Day's run  Surfaced  :     151 nm  
      NNW 3, Sea 3, overcast                  Submerged:    1.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 DF 4822    
      N 3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
    20.00 DF 4522    
      N 2, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    24.00 DF 4641    
      N 2, Sea 2, overcast    
           
           
    24.03.42 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 DF 4625    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    08.00 DF 4397    
      N 2, Sea 2. overcast    
           
    12.00 DF 5147 Day's run  Surfaced  :     142 nm  
      N 3, Sea 2, overcast                  Submerged:      1 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.03.42
 
- 74 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.03.42      
    16.00 DF 5128    
      N 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    20.00 DF 2799    
      N 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    24.00 DF 2857    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
           
    25.03.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 DF 2839    
      N 2, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    08.00 DF 2684    
      N 2, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
    12.00 DF 2666 Day's run  Surfaced  :     195 nm  
      N 3, Sea 2-3, partial overcast                  Submerged:   1.7 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 DF 3425    
      N 3, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    20.00 DF 3271    
      N 2, Sea 3, partial overcast    
           
    24.00 DF 3229    
      NE 1, Sea 2, clear    
           
           
    26.03.42      
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.03.42
 
- 75 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.03.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 CE 7778    
      N 2, Sea 1, partial overcast    
           
    08.00 CE 7764    
      N 1, Sea 1, clear    
           
    12.00 CE 7824 Day's run  Surfaced  :    225.5 nm  
      ENE 1, Sea 1, clear                  Submerged:        1 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    12.04   Crash dive for training.  
           
    16.00 CE 7674    
      ENE 1, Sea 0, clear    
           
    20.00 CE 7661    
      ESE 1, Sea 0, clear    
           
    24.00 CE 8424    
      SE 1, Sea 0, cloudy    
           
           
    27.03.42 Atlantic    
    04.00 CE 8274    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, partial overcast    
           
    08.00 CE 8264    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, clear    
           
    12.00 CE 8322 Day's run  Surfaced  :    252.0 nm  
      SW 2, Sea 1, half overcast                  Submerged:      1.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.03.42
 
- 76 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.03.42      
    14.17   Pico, Azores in sight bearing 358°T.  
           
    16.00 CE 6777    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
    17.55   Pico out of sight.  
    20.00 CE 6739    
      SW 3, Sea 2, half overcast    
           
    24.00 CE 6589    
      SW 3-4, Sea 3, clear    
           
           
    28.03.42 Azores    
    04.00 CB 6649    
      SW 2, Sea 2, clear    
           
    04.20   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        To all boats east of 29°W.  Head for naval square BF 6510 at highest speed.  
           
        Continued transit due to fuel inventory.  
           
    08.00 CF 4514    
      SW 3, Sea 2, clear    
           
    12.00 CF 4294 Day's run  Surfaced  :     260.3 nm  
      SW 3-4, Sea 3, clear                  Submerged:      1.2 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 CF 4354    
      SW 3-4, Sea 3, clear    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.03.42
 
- 77 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.03.42      
    20.00 CF 5115    
      SW 3-4, Sea 3, clear    
           
    24.00 CF 2799    
      WSW 2, Sea 3, overcast    
           
           
    29.03.42 East of the Azores    
    04.00 CF 2859    
      SW 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    08.00 CF 2925    
      SW 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    12.00 CF 3475 Day's run  Surfaced  :     267.4 nm  
      SW 2, Sea 2, partial overcast                  Submerged:      2.0 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 CF 3466    
      SW 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    20.00 CF 3531    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    24.00 CF 3379    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, partial overcast    
           
           
    30.03.42 West of Portugal    
    04.00 CG 1144    
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast    
           
    08.00 CG 1135    
      S 1-2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.03.42
 
- 78 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.03.42      
    09.30   Crash dive for training.  
           
    12.00 BE 9895 Day's run  Surfaced  :     258.7 nm  
      S 2-3, Sea 2, overcast                  Submerged:     1.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 BE 9952    
      S 4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy    
           
    20.00 BF 7721    
      S 3-4, Sea 3, nearly overcast    
           
    24.00 BF 7546    
      S 3, Sea 2-3    
           
           
    31.03.42 Northwest of Cape Finisterre    
    04.00 BF 7615    
      S 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    08.00 BF 7393    
      S 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    08.43   Dived.  
           
    12.00 BF 8146 Day's run  Surfaced  :     243.1 nm  
                         Submerged:    12.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.03.42
 
- 79 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.03.42      
    16.00 BF 8152    
           
    20.00 BF 8129    
           
    24.00 BF 5785    
      SW 2, Sea 2, rain    
           
           
    01.04.42 Bay of Biscay    
    04.00 BF 5825    
      W 3, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    08.00 BF 5832 Dived.  
      SW 3, Sea 2-3, half overcast    
           
    12.00 BF 5833 Day's run  Surfaced  :     146 nm  
                         Submerged:   37.5 nm  
           
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
    16.00 BF 5834    
           
    18.58   Surfaced.  
           
    20.00 BF 6481    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, clear    
           
    24.00 BF 6497    
      WNW 3, Sea 2, clear    
           
           
    02.04.42 Bay of Biscay    
    04.00 BF 6429    
      WNW 2, Sea 1-2, clear    
           
    08.00 BF 6173    
      NW 2, Sea 1, clear    
           
    10.30   Made fast Lorient.  
        Day's run  Surfaced  :     163 nm  
                         Submerged:   21.3 nm  
                                                 
                                           Kaptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.03.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.04.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.04.42

 

  Enclosures to U-161's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
   
ChartA Track chart covering the outbound and inbound transit
   
ChartB1 Track chart covering the period 17 to 21 February
   
ChartB2 Track chart covering 19 February - 2 sinkings
   
ChartC Track chart covering the period 22 February to 2 March
   
ChartD1 Track chart covering the period 3 to 10 March
   
ChartD2 Track chart covering the period 9 to 10 March - Santa Lucia

 

 
 
     
 
Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
 
 
on the Kriegstagebuch of "U 161" from 16.1. - 2.3.1942.
 
 

 

 
                  Excellent patrol, first patrol of the young Kommandanten with a new boat.  
                  Especially noteworthy were the penetrations in the Gulf of Paria and the harbor of Port Castries carried out with courage and commitment.  
     
     
 
Signed in draft:  D  ö  n  i  t  z  .  
            for correctness:  
            
  Leutnant zur See and Adjutant.  
     
     
 


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