U-177 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Kiel
17 September 1942
Bordeaux
22 January 1943
128

 

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
2 Nov 42
21.59
31°57'S, 11°30'E
AEGEUS
4,538
Greek
TRIN-16
9 Nov 42
21.13
35°33'S, 26°48'E
CERION (damaged)
2,588
British
19 Nov 42
23.07
30°57'S, 34°24'E
SCOTTISH CHIEF
7,006
British
PA-85
20 Nov 42
11.40
30°15'S, 36°24'E
PIERCE BUTLER
7,191
American
28 Nov 42
07.15
28°26'S, 33°12'E
NOVA SCOTIA
6,796
British
30 Nov 42
17.29 - 18.09
27°33'S, 33°12'E
LLANDAFF CASTLE
10,799
British
7 Dec 42
17.20
26°30'S, 34°24'E
SARONIKOS
3,548
Greek
12 Dec 42
09.41 - 10.15
26°09'S, 34°40'E
EMPIRE GULL
6,408
British
14 Dec 42
16.30
30°51'S, 33°36'E
SAWAHLOENTO
3,085
Netherlander
     
 Total = 51,959
   
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 177"  
           
           
           
           
            Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant    G  y  s  a  e  
           
           
            Beginning:    14 March 1942  
            Ending:         15 September 1942.  
           
           
           
           
           
    14.3.42   Commissioning "U-177"  
        to      
    15.9.42   Training.  
           
                                 +  
                              1st War Patrol  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
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                               K  R  I  E  G  S  T  A  G  E  B  U  C  H  -  "  U  177  "  
                              xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  
           
    14.03.42 Bremen Commissioning.  
    15. - 17.03.42 Bremen, commissioning pier Took over provisions, remaining boat outfitting and galley.  
    18.03.42 Bremen Shifted through the lock to the grain traffic facility, outer pier.  
    19. - 29.03.42 Bremen, Grain Fac., outer pier Training duties.  
    21.03.42 Bremen,          "              " Farewell muster of Kmdt.Kptlt. Schulze.  
    30.03.42 Bremen Dry-docked in Dock 5.  
    31.03.42 Bremen Un-docked, training duties.  
    19.03. - 18.04.42 Bremen U.A.K.-Representative on board.  Engine and ship construction testing.  
    08.04.42 Bremen Kapitänleutnant  G  y  s  a  e   took command of " U  177 ".
    18.04.42 Wesermünde Shipyard acceptance cruise with Representatives of the U.A.K., Deschimag and Warship Construction Department.  
    19. - 21.04.42 Bremen Training duties.  
    22. - 23.04.42 North Sea Transfer under escort to Kiel.  
    24.04. - 04.05.42 Kiel U.A.K. testing.  
    24.04.42 Kiel Dummy torpedo shooting in Arsenal.  
    25.04.42 Kiel Dummy torpedo shooting, degaussing, radio direction finder calibration.  
    26.04.42 Kiel Preparations for mine loading gear.  
    27.04.42 Kiel Mine loading in Arsenal.  
    28.04.42 Kiel Mine deployment, radio direction finder calibration, balancing the boat.  
    29.04.42 Kiel Special coordination, pressure dock.  
    30.04.42 Kiel U.A.K. testing.  
    01.05.42 Kiel Final trim test.  
    02.05.42 Kiel Sunday duties.  
    04.05.42 Kiel, Kiel Bay Test dive, artillery shooting, ruder- and engine maneuvers, anchor maneuvers, testing of the towing mechanism.  
    05.05.42 Kiel Ready for sea.  Transfer speed cruise to Danzig.  
    06.05.42 Danzig Made fast UAG I.  
    07.05.42 Danzig Cast off UAG I.  Transit to Gotenhafen for the TEK.  
           
           
           
           
 
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
           
    07.05.42 Gotenhafen Made fast at TEK, test dive, independent training.  
    08. - 10.05.42 Gotenhafen, Eastern Baltic TEK testing.  
    11. - 13.05.42 U-boat Base Danzig Independent training, combat duties.  
    14.05.42 Eastern Baltic Dive training, independent training.  
    15.05.42 Eastern Baltic Dive training, independent training.  
    16. - 17.05.42 U-boat Base Danzig Periscope repairs in the Danziger Werft.  
    18.05.42 Danzig At Schicau Werft dry-docked to correct damage to hull valves.  
    19.05.42 At sea off Hela Series testing by UAG I.  
      Measured mile at various speed settings, anchoring maneuvers, submerged measured mile cruise, fuel measurement.  
    20. - 22.05.42 Danzig Bay off Hela Type testing.  Measured mile and fuel measurement.  
    23. - 24.05.42 Danzig, U-boat harbor Independent training.  
    25. - 31.05.42 Danzig, Hela Testing by the Agru-Front, oil trace diving, independent training.  
    01.06.42 Danzig, U-boat Harbor Independent training.  
    02.06.42 Danzig Bay, Artillery shooting.  
    03.06.42 Neufahrwasser Torpedo loading afterwards departed in the Danzig Bay for torpedo shooting.  
    03. - 07.06.42 Danzig Bay Torpedo shooting with the Schießflottille.  
    08. - 10.06.42 Danzig, U-boat Harbor Work duties, clearing the baggage from the ship, torpedo loading.  
    10. - 18.06.42 Eastern and Central Baltic   T  a  c  t  i  c  a  l    T  r  a  i  n  i  n  g  .  
    19.06.42 Gotenhafen Torpedo offload, Kmdt. muster.  
    20.06.42 Danzig, U-boat Harbor Measured mile, transit to Bornholm.  
    21.06.42 Bornholm Testing by UAG Schall. [sound trials]  
    22. - 23.06.42 Kiel Canal, North Sea Transit to Bremen.  
    24.06. - 19.08.42 Bremen Shipyard period, final adjustments.  
    19. - 23.08.42 Bremen Trim test, sea trial, took over the boat.  
           
           
           
           
 
 
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    24. - 25.08.42 North Sea, Kiel Canal Transit to Kiel with mine escort.  
      Outfitting the boat.  
    26.08. - 19.09.42 Kiel Outfitting the boat.  
    27.08.42 Kiel Fuel loading, final adjustments.  
    01.09. - 05.09.42 Kiel Dry-docked at D.W.Kiel to check the rudder installation.  
    07.09.42 Kiel, U-boat Base Torpedo loading.  
    09. - 10.09.42 Kiel Degaussing, provisions loading.  
    12.09.42 Kiel Bay Radio Direction finder calibration, degaussing.  
    14.09.42 Kiel, U-boat Base Damage control and combat role exercises, medical examinations.  
    15.09.42 Kiel Took over the boat, final trim test.  
           
           
                                                   
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 

 

 
 
           
           
           
           
           
                            K  R  I  E  G  S  T  A  G  E  B  U  C  H  -  "  U  1  7  7  "  .  
                            ========================================  
                             from 17.9.42 - 22.1.43  
    17.09.42      
    07.00 Kiel Put to sea.  
    08.00 Western Baltic    
      WSW 2, Sea 3, overcast, rain    
    10.00 Western Baltic, Point: "Rot 15" Taken in convoy:  Transit through the Great Belt and Kattegat.  
    11.00   Switched from wavelength "Nanni Bruno".   Switched to U-boat Coastal Circuit:  "Karl Otto".  
    12.00 Great Belt D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 54 nm  
      WSW 2, Sea 2, Vis. 8 nm, overcast, rain    
    16.00 Great Belt     
      WSW 2, Sea 2, overcast, rain, Vis. 8 nm  
    20.00 Great Belt  
      WSW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis, 8 nm  
    24.00 Great Belt  
      WNW 2, Sea 3, overcast, rain  
           
    18.09.42      
    04.00 Great Belt    
      WNW 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 8 nm    
    08.00 Kattegat    
      N 2, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Kattegat D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 183 nm  
      NNW 1, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 Kattegat    
      W 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 12 nm    
    18.15 Kattegat Ship's Doctor transferred to steamer "ELMARIFF" to treat a patient with severe middle ear infection.  
      W 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. 10 nm  
    18.30 Kattegat Continued transit.  
    20.00 Kattegat, Skagerrak    
      NNW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 Skagerrak  
      NNW 2, Sea 2-3, overcast, rain, Vis. 4 nm  
                         
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
           
    19.09.42      
    04.00 Skagerrak    
      W 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain    
    06.55 Kristiansand South Made fast.  Took over fuel, water and provisions.  
    08.00 Kristiansand South    
      W 3, overcast    
    12.00 Kristiansand South D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 143 nm  
      W 3, overcast    
    13.00 Kristiansand South Put to sea.  Escort by 2 U-boat hunters.  
    16.00 AN 3618    
      W 2, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    19.30 AN 3825 Test dive and deep dive to depth A +30 meters.  
    20.00 AN 3825    
    20.20 AN 3228 Surfaced.  Continued transit alone.  
      W 2, Sea 2-3, overcast    
    24.00 AN 3198    
      W 2, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm, overcast    
                                                    
    20.09.42      
    04.00 AN 3181    
      NW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    07.55 AN 4363 Passed a drifting mine.  
    08.00 AN 4363    
      NW 2, Sea 2, light NW-Swell, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    11.00 AN 4332 Crash dive for training as test dive.  
    12.00 AN 2898    
      NNW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 AN 2861    
      NNE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 AN 2394    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    23.00   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        1.  Hellriegel, Sturm, Markworth . . .  etc.  
        2.  Oelrich, Gysae from 21 September at 08.00 hours "Ireland" Circuit, Essenberg and Liebe "America II" Circuit.  
    24.00 AN 2329    
      NE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, strong marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    21.09.42      
    04.00 AF 8775    
      NE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 AF 8719 Switched to "Ireland" Circuit.  
      NE 1, Sea 1, overcast, rain squalls from the NW, Vis. 7 nm    
    12.00 AF 8474 Passed a drifting mine.  
      NE 1, Sea 1, overcast, rain, Vis. 5 nm D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 172 nm  
    12.55 AF 8474 Test dive.  
    13.29 AF 8474 Surfaced.  
    16.00 AF 7663    
      NE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 AF 7395    
      NNE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    21.00 AF 7395 Came to course 310°.  
    24.00 AF 7352    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    22.09.42      
    03.00 AF 7315 Came to course 295°.  
    04.00 AF 7311    
      E 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm, strong marine phosphorescence    
    08.00 AF 4886    
      NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.00 AF 4844 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 189 nm  
      E 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 10 nm                                =     2 nm  
    16.00 AF 4417 Passed a drifting mine.  
      NE 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 3 nm Came to course 240°.  
    20.00 AE 6623    
      NE 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, rain, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 AE 6842    
      ENE 6, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    23.09.42      
    04.00 AE 6887    
      NE 6-7, Sea 5, overcast, rain, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    05.45 AE 6880 Test dive.  
      NE 6-7, Sea 7, overcast, rain, Vis. 2-3 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.09.42      
    06.05 AE 6880 Surfaced.  
        While blowing the foreship did not come out of the water correctly.  Apparently Vent 8 does did not hold tight.  While blowing [with engine exhaust] main ballast tank 8 was re-blown with compressed air.  Boat holds itself to some extent.  The Kommandant went to the control room to discuss the defect with the Chief Engineer and have the emergency vent flap valve closed as a precaution. At suggestion of the Chief Engineer re-diving is intended.  
        Meanwhile, a heavy cross-sea from behind ran over the bridge, so that large amounts of water could enter through the only ajar conning tower hatch.  For safety purposes the control room hatch was closed and all [ballast tanks] were re-blown with compressed air.  
        According to the statement of the First Watch Officer due to an unexpected overrunning sea from behind, the port forward lookout, Bootsmaat H  e n  n  i  n  g  s  Erwin, UO 2700/38 was knocked out [overboard].  Hennings was wearing a safety belt, however probably did not clip in again after surfacing.  Rescue attempts were hopeless in the prevailing conditions (very dark night, Sea State 7, drizzle, enemies in the vicinity and delay in notification of the Kommandant).  
    08.00 AE 9211    
      NE 8-9, Sea 7, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    10.00 AE 92 Passed a drifting mine.  
    12.00 AE 9146 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 235 nm  
      NE 7-8, Sea 7, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 6-7 nm                                =     2 nm  
    13.3x AE 9149 A 2-engined land-based aircraft approached from 200°T, low altitude.  
        Crash dive.  While getting inside a bridge watch stander remained hung up on the conning tower hatch by the safety belt.  Crash dive was delayed.  The first bomb had already fallen when the boat was breaking through the water surface.  No failures.  A few more aircraft bombs fell far off.  
        Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.  
        Until darkness distant detonation of depth charges was heard.  After evening twilight surfaced and brought out the Fu.M.B.  
    16.00 AE 9172 Proceeded submerged.  
    20.00 AE 9175    
    21.00 AE 9174 Surfaced.  
    24.00 AE 8325    
      NNE 6-7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm                                                        
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42
 
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    24.09.42      
    03.50 AE 8585 Horizontally polarized detection on 1.5 meters.  Dived for an hour.  
      NW 5, Sea 5, lightly cloudy, Vis. 6 nm  
    04.39 AE 8595 Surfaced.  
    08.00 AE 8842    
      NE 5, Sea 5, light overcast, Vis. 7 nm    
    08.10 AE 8842 In the morning twilight a shadow sighted bearing 75°T.  Turned away because it was very close.  It was a three-masted sailing vessel,  The vessel furled his sails away and turned with engines to a sharp target angle.  Evaded on the surface.  
    12.00 AM 1114 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 164 nm  
      NNE 5, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 7 nm                                =   22 nm  
    13.45 AL 3236 7 land-based aircraft in formations of 4 and 3 sighted on easterly course.  Medium altitude, turned away.  Aircraft passed out of sight on an easterly course.  
      NNE 5, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 7 nm  
    16.00 AL 3267    
      W 2, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    20.00 AL 3413    
      NW 7, Sea 5, light overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    24.00 AL 3287    
      NW 7, Sea 6, light overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    25.09.42      
    04.00 AL 3454    
      NNW 5, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 AL 3487    
      S 3, Sea 2, Swell, Vis. 5 nm    
    10.37 AL 3542 Test dive.  
    10.35 AL 3542 Surfaced.  
    12.00 AL 3641 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 166 nm  
      SW 2-3, long Swell, Vis. 7 nm                                =   1 nm  
    16.00 AL 3677    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, Vis. 7 nm    
    20.00 AL 3738    
      SSW 6-7, Sea 7, long Swell, Vis. 5 nm    
    21.36   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        1.  Becker, Lüth, Gysae report weather 26 September between 04.00-07.00 hours.  
        2.  Ibbeken  . . .  etc.  
        3.  Schacht  . . . etc.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.09.42      
    24.00 AL 3734    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, light rain squalls, Vis. 2-4 nm    
                                                               
    26.09.42      
    04.00 AL 3929    
      SW 3, Sea 1, overcast, rain, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    05.21   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1.  23 September Bootsmaat Hennings over board.  Noon naval square 9194 aircraft bombs.  [position in error 9149]  
        2.  Naval square 85 by night horizontally polarized detection 154 cm.  
        3.  With current ballast tank distribution strong tendency to undercut before the sea.  
        4.  SW 3, 1009 mb, +8°C, overcast, naval square 3929.  
                                                                          = Gysae =  
    08.00 AL 3985    
      SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    12.00 AL 2625 [typo AL 5225] D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 170 nm  
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    16.00 AL 6278    
      SW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    20.00 AL 6540    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    21.25 AL 6545 Shadow in sight 40° to starboard astern (bearing 300°T) out of a fog bank.  Turned away to take the steamer astern.  After 5 minutes a second vessel in sight and soon afterwards recognized perfectly as a destroyer.  
      NW 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, fog banks  
        During twilight maneuvered ahead to attack.  The steamer steered about 50°.  Steamer zigzagged to 160° and reduced speed.  The vessel had an implausibly high superstructure up to the upper edge of the bridge, probably a dummy, to increase the size of the silhouette and to make it more difficult to fix the bow and the target angle, in relation to the ship's size a very thin long smokestack.  The destroyer came over to our size.  Both vessels stop repeatedly to listen or locate.  In the course of this occasionally a flashing red light detected at the bow of the steamer.  Radar of the destroyer observed perfectly at 139 cm (horizontally polarized).  By radar the destroyer takes us ahead, comes closer.  Moved off at high speed .  The destroyer loses us.  
        In the meantime the steamer has zigzagged to a N-course.  Maneuvered ahead once again.  To starboard the destroyer is again positioned on our side.  Attempted to get ahead of the steamer on the other side,  
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.09.42      
        While so doing, it [the steamer] deviates to the east to keep us between itself and the destroyer.  The destroyer passes out of sight.  Then suddenly an unexpected approach from directly ahead (about 300°T) with radar.  Because the destroyer is very close, dived to depth A +30 meters.  
         
         
    22.47 AL 6545  
        The destroyer runs in, however throws no depth charges.  Sounds disappeared in southeasterly direction.  
    23.45 AL 6545 Went to depth A -40 meters.  Surfaced.  
        Came to old course 195°.  Both vessels out of sight no detection.  
    23.50 AL 6545 Two shadows directly ahead.  At low speed U-boat hunting group in sight again on northerly course.  Moved off on westerly course and low speed, so as not to be detected with listening gear. In the beginning search locating determined repeatedly.  
    24.00 AL 6545    
      SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, fog banks in places, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    27.09.42      
    02.00   Came to old course 195°.  
        Believe the entire thing was a U-hunting group, especially since the vessels were practically in the same location for 3.5 hours.  
    04.00 AL 6480    
      NE 1-6, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 AL 6570    
      NW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.00 AL 6814 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 156 nm  
      SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, clear, Vis. 6-7 nm                                =   2.5 nm  
    16.00 AL 6895    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, light overcast, Vis. 6-7 nm    
    18.20   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1.  26 September 21.30 hours naval square AL 6540 U-boat hunting group from fast independent with high dummy superstructure and destroyer set out laterally.  Both with changing course and speed back and forth in position.  Steamer zigzagged with attack each time so that the U-boat was between it and the destroyer.  This located on 139 cm horizontally polarized and then ran to the fire lee [between the boat and the steamer].  When approaching the steamer a red light occasionally observed.  
                                                                          = Gysae =  
    20.00 AL 9134    
      WSW 5, Sea 2-3, light overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    20.20 AL 9134 Test dive.  
    20.40 AL 9134 Surfaced.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.09.42      
    24.00 AL 9185    
      WSW 5, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
                                                               
    28.09.42      
    04.00 AL 9421    
      W 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 AL 9448    
      NW 7, Sea 5, overcast, squalls, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    12.00 AL 9411 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 171 nm  
      WNW 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm                                =    1 nm  
    16.00 AL 8363    
      W 7, Sea 7-8, rain, squalls, Vis. 3-5 nm    
    20.00 BE 1331    
      W 7, Sea 7, overcast-clear, Vis. 6 nm    
    21.18   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        1.  Trojer, Friedrichs, Gysae tomorrow between 04.00 - 07.00 hours report weather.  
        2.  Litterscheid . . . etc,  
        3.  Schwandke . . .  etc.  
    24.00 BE 1350    
      NNW 6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
                                                               
    29.09.42      
    04.00 BE 1387    
      NNW 3, Sea 3, Swell, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    06.22   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        Short Signal weather report:  50°N, 21°W, rising 1012 mb, +14°C, NW 5-6, overcast, Vis. up to 5 nm, high W-Swell.  
    08.00 BE 1642 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 179 nm  
      NNW 2, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 5 nm  
    12.00 BE 1580    
      NW 3, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    15.35   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        Lüth and Gysae proceed via DG 90, EH 90, ES 50, GR 80.  All naval squares.  
    16.00 BE 4843    
      NW 3, Sea 4-5, cloudy, Vis. 7 nm    
    18.26 BE 4870 Test dive.  
    18.47 BE 4870 Surfaced.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.09.42      
    20.00 BE 4887    
      NNW 5, Sea 3, Swell, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    24.00 BE 4245    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
                                                               
    30.09.42      
    04.00 BE 4512    
      NNW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 BE 4548    
      NW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    12.00 BE 4811 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 228 nm  
      NNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm                                =     1 nm  
    16.00 BE 4872    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    20.00 BE 7218    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    24.00 BE 7275    
      NNW 1, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42

Page 10 is missing but no time is missing from the KTB

 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.10.42      
    04.00 BE 7542    
      NNW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    07.00 BE 7572 Came to course 187.  
    08.00 BE 7811    
      N 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.00 BE 7847 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 182 nm  
      NNW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    16.00 CF 1236    
      NNW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy to clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    17.38 CF 1263 Crash dive for training, afterwards test dive.  
    17.58 CF 1263 Surfaced.  
    20.00 CF 1293    
      NNW 5, Sea 3, Swell, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    24.00 CF 1562    
      N 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    02.10.42      
    04.00 CF 1597    
      NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 2-5 nm    
    08.00 CF 1861    
      NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    12.00 CF 4234 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 195 nm  
      NE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm                                =     1 nm  
    16.00 CF 4261    
      NE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 CF 4295    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 CF 4526    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, light overcast, Vis. 5-6 nm    
                                                               
    03.10.42      
    04.00 CF 4556    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 CF 4586    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 7 nm    
    12.00 CF 4822 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 104 nm  
      NNW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast to clear,    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.10.42      
      Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 CF 4828    
      NNW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast to clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 CF 4882    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 CF 7257    
      NNW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    04.10.42      
    04.00 CF 7279    
      N 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 CF 7546    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    11.00 CF 7549 Went before the sea due to work on the over deck.  
    12.00 CF 7572 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 148 nm  
      NE 0-1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 8 nm    
    13.28 CF 7575 Test dive.  
    13.35 CF 7575 Surfaced.  
    16.00 CF 7841    
      WNW 1, Sea 0-1, overcast to clear, Vis. 8 nm    
    20.00 CF 7877    
      WNW 1, Sea 1, overcast to clear, Vis. 8 nm    
    24.00 CF 7998    
      NNW 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 6 nm    
                                                               
    05.10.42      
    01.45 DG 3268 A neutral steamer in sight bearing 154°T with illuminated neutrality markings.  Steered westerly course.  
      NNW 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 6 nm  
    04.00 DG 3297    
      SW 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    08.00 DG 3565    
      WNW 3, Sea 1, overcast to clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.00 DG 3826 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 181 nm  
      W 3, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm                                =     1 nm  
    16.00 DG 3883    
      W 3, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, rain squalls, Vis. 2-8 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.10.42      
    19.16 DG 6225 Crash dive for training, afterwards test dive.  
    19.35 DG 6225 Surfaced.  
    20.00 DG 6252    
      WNW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast to clear, brief rain squalls, Vis. 2-8 nm    
    24.00 DG 6287    
      N 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    06.10.42      
    04.00 DG 6546    
      N 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 DG 6815    
      W 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.00 DG 6875 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 203 nm  
      W 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm                                =     1 nm  
    16.00 DG 9244    
      W 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 DG 9469    
      NbyE 1, Sea 1, overcast to clear, Vis. 6 nm    
    24.00 DG 9638    
      NbyE 1, Sea 1-2, overcast to clear, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    07.10.42      
    04.00 DG 9735    
      N 1, Sea 1, overcast to clear, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 DG 9767    
      N 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 4 nm    
    12.00 DT 1267 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 204 nm  
      NbyE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 6 nm    
    16.00 DT 1526    
      E 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    17.05 DT 1529 Crash dive for training, afterwards test dive.  
    17.25 DT 1529 Surfaced.  
    20.00 DT 1582    
      E 1, Sea 0-1,m clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.10.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.10.42      
    20.44   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        1.  Rasch, Mengersen . . .  etc.  
        2.  On 8 October at 08.00 hours switch Schwartzkopf . . .etc.  "Gysae" switch to "Africa" Circuit.  
        3.  "Löwe"  . . . etc.  
    24.00 DT 1843    
      E 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 5-6 nm    
                                                               
    08.10.42      
    04.00 DT 1878    
      NW 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    08.00 DT 4244 Switched to Africa Circuit.  
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 DT 4433 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 193 nm  
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm                                =     1 nm  
    16.00 DT 4492    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 DT 4761    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    24.00 DT 4788    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
                                                               
    09.10.42 DT 7156    
    04.00 E 1-2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.00 DT 7421    
      ENE 1, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 DT 7425 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 204 nm  
      ENE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 DT 7741    
      ENE 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    17.10 DT 7745 Crash dive for training.  Afterwards test dive.  
    17.23 DT 7745 Surfaced.  
    20.00 DT 7777    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, light overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    24.00 EH 3368    
      NNE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast to clear, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.10.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.09.42      
    04.00 EH 3634    
      ENE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 EH 3656    
      ENE 2, Sea 1-2, heavily cloudy, Vis. 8 nm    
    12.00 EH 3987 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 195 nm  
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, heavily cloudy, Vis. 8 nm                                =     1 nm  
    16.00 EH 3952    
      NE 2, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    19.45 EH 6364 Mastheads sighted bearing 55°T.  Headed for it.  It is a warship, forward high lattice mast with fighting top, a low smokestack, aft plain pole or tripod mast.  Both masts the same height.  It is an American battleship.  Enemy steers northwesterly course, runs about 16 knots.  Ran along with at the limit of visibility at highest speed, and held contact.  
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, heavily cloudy, Vis. 10 nm  
      Intention:  At darkness close in.  Then surprise night attack.  
    21.40 NNE 3, Sea 2-3, in the west approaching lightening, strong marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm Beginning of twilight.  It gets dark very quickly.  Angled in.  Despite highest speed only get a bit ahead.  At times Fu.M.B. brought out. No detection determined.  While matching speed from the stern sector determined that the battleship is protected by many escort vessels, among them a long flat vessel.  We are now positioned close behind the battleship (target angle 180°).  All tubes are ready, to shoot immediately at the next zigzag.  There is not enough excess speed for a long maneuver ahead at the limit of visibility.  (With full switching [auxiliary diesels powering the electric motors] and AK with open outer tube doors about 16.5 knots).  The enemy does not zigzag, attempted a surprise attack moving out of his wake to the side.  During this attempt I got a destroyer of the starboard flank screen exactly ahead.  Low range.  Tried to get around to starboard.  Does not work because the destroyer runs parallel and due to marine phosphorescence we leave a trail like a comet.  So reduced speed briefly an went to port behind the destroyer back to the battleship.  Visibility has so deteriorated due to storm clouds that the battleship can no longer be distinguished at 2000 meters and occasionally passes out of sight.  While pursuing broke through behind him without finding him.  Afterwards came to the base course of the formation and pursued with full switching and AK.  With that the battleship came in sight again 40° to starboard.  While closing in we passed the destroyer stationed astern to port  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.10.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.10.42      
        at low range.  Destroyer turned after however loses us again.  Continued to pursue in the wake of the battleship. Marine phosphorescence is very strong and dazzling at the high speed.  
      Intention:  Set out to port in-between the battleship and the flat vessel.  
        Starboard 40°, he destroyer of the starboard screen comes in sight again and runs parallel to me.  Unfortunately the battleship still does not zigzag.  We are positioned about 10° to port astern of him.  Distance 600-800 meters and just wanted to move out to the side, when suddenly the boat was illuminated by the searchlight of the battleship.  
                                                               
    11.10.42      
   

00.55

01.40

  Crash dive!  Due to the proximity of the screen went to depth A meters.  No further pursuit.  Sounds disappeared in a northwesterly direction.  Therefore surfaced.  Pursuit broke off due to the low speed excess and being noticed.  
    01.45 EH 3829 Came to southerly course.  
    03.22   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        01.15 hours naval square EH 3820 American battleship with a destroyer screen, course 330°, 16 knots.  After 5 hour hunt shortly before attack detected by searchlight and forced to submerge.  Continuing transit.  
                                                                          = Gysae =  
           
    04.00 EH 3883    
      NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 EH 6229    
      NE 2, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    11.36 EH 6280 Test dive.  
    12.00 EH 6829 [typo 6289] D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 238 nm  
      ENE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 6 nm                                =     1 nm  
    12.02 EH 6289 Surfaced.  
    16.00 EH 6583    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    20.00 EH 6589    
      ENE 2, Sea 2-3, light overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 EH 6251 [incorrect position]    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 3 nm    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.10.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
           
    12.10.42      
    02.00 EH 9229 Came to course 140°.  
    04.00 EH 9265    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 EH 9378    
      E 2, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 4 nm    
    12.00 EH 9324 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 209 nm  
      E 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 6 nm    
    16.00 EH 9653    
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 5-7 nm    
    20.00 EH 9699    
      E 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain, Vis. 5-7 nm    
    24.00 EJ 7727    
      E 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    13.10.42      
    04.00 EJ 8377    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, light overcast to cloudy, Summer lightening and thunderstorms, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 ES 1218    
      E 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.00 ES 1282 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 196 nm  
      E 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 ES 1378    
      E 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    20.00 ES 1652    
      E 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    21.16 ES 1656 Test dive.  
    22.00   Surfaced.  
    24.00 ES 1995    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.10.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
           
    14.10.42      
    04.00 ES 2718    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 ES 2783    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, light overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.00 ES 5156 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 188 nm  
      SSE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm                                =     1 nm  
    16.00 ES 5257    
      SSE 1, Sea x, overcast to clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 ES 5289    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 ES 5644    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    15.10.42      
    04.00 ES 5687    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast to clear, Vis. 6 nm    
    08.00 ES 5962    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, lightening rain, Vis. 7 nm    
    12.00 ES 6770 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 180 nm  
      SSE 2, Sea 1, light overcast, squalls, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 ES 6779    
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, rain, Vis. 5 nm    
    20.00 ES 9110    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, overcast, rain, Vis. 5 nm    
    21.10 ES 9110 Test dive.  
    21.25 ES 9110 Surfaced.  
    24.00 ES 9151    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain, Vis. 3-4 nm    
                                                               
    16.10.42      
    04.00 ES 9156    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 ES 9191    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, rain squalls, Vis. 4 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.10.42      
    12.00 ES 9199 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 80 nm  
      SbyE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, sometimes rain squalls, Vis. 10 nm                                =   1 nm  
    16.00 ES 9411    
      SE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 ES 9518    
      SSE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    24.00 ES 9558    
      SSE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
                                                               
    17.10.42      
    04.00 ES 9832    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 ES 9945    
      SSE 1, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 7 nm    
    12.00 ES 9957 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 119 nm  
      SSE 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 ES 9990    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 FE 1114    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    21.38 FE 1100 Test dive.  
    22.42 FE 1100 Surfaced.  
    24.00 FE 1154    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    18.10.42      
    04.00 FE 1197    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 FE 1541    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 7 nm    
    12.00 FE 1545 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 128 nm  
      SSE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm                                =     1 nm  
    12.55 FE 1540 Unknown U-boat in sight bearing 140°T.  Recognition Signals exchanged.  It is U-156 (Korv.Kapt. Hartenstein).  
    13.30   Experience exchange, as well as taking over various spare parts by rubber boat.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.10.42      
    16.00 FE 1580    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.10 FE 1580 U-156 out of sight in 330°T.  
    18.46 FE 1580 Test dive.  
    19.17 FE 1580 Surfaced.  
    20.00 FE 1588    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    24.00 FE 1837    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 6 nm    
                                                               
    19.10.42      
    04.00 FE 1971    
      SE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 3-6 nm    
    08.00 FE 4324    
      SE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.00 FE 4367 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 139 nm  
      ESE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 5 nm                                =     1 nm  
    16.00 FE 5412    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 FE 5180    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 FE 5430    
      ESE 2-2, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
                                                               
    20.10.42      
    04.00 FE 5548    
      SE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 FE 5822    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 FE 5862 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 154 nm  
      SE 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 FE 5976    
      SSE 3-4, Sea 2-3, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 FE 8327    
      SSE 3, Sea 2-3, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.10.42      
    24.00 FE 8657    
      SSE 2-3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 6 nm    
                                                               
    21.10.42      
    04.00 FE 9448    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 FE 9726    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.00 FE 9723 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 209 nm  
      SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 7-8 nm                                =     0 nm  
    16.00 FM 2213    
      SE 2, Sea 2-3, light overcast, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    20.00 FM 2264    
      SE 3 Sea 2-3, light overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    20.40 FM 2260 Test dive.  
    20.55 FM 2260 Surfaced.  
    24.00 FM 2377    
      SE 2, Sea 2-3, clear, moonshine, Vis. 5-6 nm    
                                                               
    22.10.42      
    04.00 FM 2611    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 FM 2655    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, light overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    12.00 FM 2698 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 160 nm  
      SSE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm                                =     1 nm  
    16.00 FM 3742    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 FM 3782    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 7-10 nm    
    24.00 FM 6153    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 5-6 nm, moonshine    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.10.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
           
    23.10.42      
    04.00 FM 6245    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 FM 6288    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    12.00 FM 6562 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 168 nm  
      SE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 6-7 nm    
    16.00 FM 6672    
      SE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    20.00 FM 6926    
      SE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    24.00 FM 6929    
      SE 4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    24.10.42      
    04.00 FN 7113    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 FN 7156    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 6-7 nm    
    12.00 FM 7277 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 179 nm  
      ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.20 FN 7270 Test dive.  
    12.43 FN 7270 Surfaced.  
    16.00 FN 7527    
      ESE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 7 nm    
    16.25 FN 7520 Dive to calm the boat for a medical treatment.  
    17.46 FN 7520 Surfaced.  
    20.00 FN 7591    
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    24.00 FN 7911    
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    25.10.42      
    04.00 FN 7591 [typo 7951?]    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 2 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.10.42
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.10.42      
    08.00 FN 7990    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.00 FU 1330 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 160 nm  
      E 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm                                =     2 nm  
    16.00 FU 1339    
      ESE 1-2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    20.00 FU 2183    
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    24.00 FU 2435    
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    26.10.42      
    04.00 FU 2548    
      ESE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 FU 2580    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 FU 2862 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 156 nm  
      ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 FU 2972    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    20.00 FU 5322    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    20.00 FU 5322    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    24.00 FU 5365    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, rain, Vis. 3-4 nm    
                                                               
    27.10.42 FU 6178    
    04.00 ESE 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain clouds, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 FU 6428    
      E 3, Sea 3, overcast, squalls, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    12.00 FU 6493 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 169 nm  
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm                                =     0 nm  
    14.34 FU 6570 Crash dive for training.  Afterwards test dive.  
    14.58 FU 6570 Surfaced.  
    16.00 FU 6816    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, cloudy to clear, Vis. 10 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.10.42      
    20.00 FU 6859    
      SE 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 5-7 nm    
    24.00 FU 6899    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 5-7 nm    
                                                               
    28.10.42      
    04.00 FU 9351    
      E 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 FU 9349    
      SE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    12.00 FV 7417 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 173 nm  
      ESE 3, Sea 3, light overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 10 nm                                =     1 nm  
    16.00 FV 7481    
      E 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 9-10 nm    
    20.00 FV 7731    
      SE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    24.00 FV 7845    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    29.10.42      
    04.00 FV 7889    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 GG 2239    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    12.00 GG 2347 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 160 nm  
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    16.00 GG 2631    
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, squall, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 GG 3442    
      SE 2, Sea 2-3, breaking up a bit, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 GG 3485    
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.10.42
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
           
    30.10.42      
    04.00 GG 3776    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 GG 3849    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    11.24 GG 3880 Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        To "Gysae" and "Lüth"  
        Free to maneuver east of the longitude of naval square GR 56 within the entire released area.  Operate close off the important harbors according to the defense situation. The sinking reports of "Poske" and "Witte" are called to your attention.  
    12.00 GG 3897    
      ESE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 GG 6341    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    18.30 GG 6380 Test dive.  
    18.52 GG 6380 Surfaced.  
    20.00 GG 6385    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    24.00 GG 6639    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
                                                               
    31.10.42      
    04.00 GH 4449    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 GH 4731    
      ESE 2, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    12.00 GH 4841 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 171 nm  
      ESE 3, Sea 3, cloudy to clear, Vis. 10-12 nm                                =     1 nm  
    16.00 GH 4872    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, light overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 GH 7226    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 GH 7269    
      ESE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.10.42

Page 26 is missing but no time is missing from the KTB

 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.11.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 7349    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 7385    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 126 nm  
      GH 7659    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 8484    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    1x.45 GH 8720 Test dive.  
    1x.10 GH 8720 Surfaced.  
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 8737    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 8872    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    02.11.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GQ 3126    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    05.34 GQ 3130 Shortly after morning twilight mastheads in sight bearing 17°T.  It a large merchant steamer.  Maneuvered ahead for a day attack.  
      SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 7-8 nm  
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GQ 3160    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    0x.18 GQ 3250 Dived for submerged attack.  
    10.22 GQ 3265 Single shot from tube IV.  
      ESE 1-2, Sea 1-2, long Swell, overcast, Vis. 10 nm (Shot range = about 300 meters, depth = 4 meters)  
      Despite certain data no success.  
      Assumption:  Due to the low shooting range with the long swell when reaching the target the torpedo has still not steered to the correct depth and went past underneath.  (Was later confirmed.)  
    10.26 GQ 3265 To exhaust all possibilities, tried to shoot the not zigzagging steamer in the propellers from behind (target angle 180°) with tube V (with shot range = 900 meters).  No success.  Steamer was type "FORT AUKLAND" and loaded.  Remained submerged until the steamer was at the limit of visibility.  At the same time reloaded tube IV and V.  Steamer had slowed and disappeared very slowly.  Unexplained distant detonation  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.11.42
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.11.42   with other smaller ones.  
      Initial assumption:  Aircraft bombs.  Not confirmed.  Also steamer undamaged.  Probably the detonation of a torpedo when sinking.  
    11.57 GQ 3260 Surfaced.  
        It is too late to maneuver ahead by day because our position is too far astern.  Therefore:  Hang on and took position in the twilight, and also maneuver ahead.  
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 185 nm  
      GQ 3260                                =     7 nm  
      ESE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 GQ 3610    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, Swell, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GQ 3690    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, long Swell, strong marine phosphorescence, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    21.59 GR 1715 Surface attack.  
      ESE 1, Sea 1, Swell, strong marine phosphorescence, Vis. 3-4 nm Two-fan tubes I and IV.  
      (Shot range  = 480 meters, depth = 2 and 3 meters.)  
      1st hit after mast.  
        2nd hit forward edge of the bridge.  
        Instantaneous complete detonation of the entire ship with a very strong fiery glow.  Wreckage of the ship and the ammunition cargo were lifted about 400 meters high in the detonation cloud.  Afterwards splinter rain falls.  
        Therefore . . .  
    22.00 GR 1715 Crash dive.  
        Submerged briefly, to avoid damage to own boat and the bridge watch.  Despite this a lookout was lightly struck by a splinter and after surfacing there were still many splinters on the over deck.  Among them also several cartridge trays.  (Caliber 8.8 cm, manufacturing year 1942.)  Determining the name of the steamer was not possible because there was no transmission on the 600-meter wavelength.  No survivors, no floating wreckage.  It turned out to be a fully loaded ammunition steamer minimum 8000 GRT.  Type corresponds to the observations made during the day.  
    24.00 South Atlantic Continued the transit.  In so doing reloaded.  Detonation cloud lingered a long time in the sky.  
      GR 1742  
      ESE 1, Sea 1, overcast, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 3-4 nm    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.11.42
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
           
    03.11.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 1785    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 7 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 4138    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 218 nm  
      GR 4248    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 4280    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    18.57 - 22.30 GR 4520 Torpedo download from over deck containers.  
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 4-8 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 4530    
      SSE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 4565    
      SE 1, Sea 1, overcast, at times rain squalls from the SE, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 3-5 nm    
                                                               
    04.11.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 4679    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    07.51 GR 4925 Test dive.  
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 4929    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.21 GR 4929 Surfaced.  
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 178 nm  
      GR 4993                                =     1 nm  
      SSE 2, Sea 1, clear to lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 8110    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 8150    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 7 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.11.42
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.11.42      
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 8423    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    05.11.42      
    00.50   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1. Sank 2 November square 1715 ammunition steamer 8000 GRT.  Course 130°, Unnoticed.  No survivors.  
        2.  Otherwise nothing seen.  285 cbm, square 8182, all navel square GR.  
                                                                          = Gysae =  
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 8469    
      SSE 3, Sea 2-3, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 8584    
      SSE 3, Sea 2-3, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 166 nm  
      GR 8831    
      SSE 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 8917    
      SSE 3, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 8954    
      SSE 3, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 GR 8991    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 5 nm, marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    06.11.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 9748    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 9756    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 154 nm  
      GR 9841    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.11.42
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.11.42      
    13.09 GR 9840 Test dive.  
    13.27 GR 9840 Surfaced.  
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 9828    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 9836    
      ENE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 9922    
      E 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    07.11.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 9698    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 6-7 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 8358    
      EbyN 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 146 nm  
      KY 8383                                =     1 nm  
      NE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 9151    
      NE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    18.58 KY 9141 Light in sight bearing 200°T.  It was the Italian hospital ships "SATURNIA" and "VULJANIA".  
      NE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 9129    
      SW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    23.30 KY 9130 Italian hospital ships out of sight bearing 80°T.  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 9132    
      SW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.11.42
 
- 32 -
 
           
           
           
           
    08.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 6876    
      SW 6, Sea 5, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 6856    
      SW 6, Sea 5, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 10 nm    
    10.02 KY 6860 Crash dive.  Aircraft approaching bearing 350°T medium altitude.  Dived, probably unnoticed.  
      SW 6, Sea 6, breaking up, Vis. 8-10 nm  
    10.40 KY 6869 Surfaced.  
    11.37 KY 6859 Crash dive.  Aircraft out of the clouds bearing 120°T.  Altitude 600 meters.  Not approaching.  Was probably unnoticed.  
      SW 6, Sea 6, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 147 nm  
      KY 6839                                =     2 nm  
    12.53 KY 6859 Surfaced.  
      SW 6, Sea 6, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 6687    
      SW 5, Sea 4, rain squalls, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 6667    
      SW 5, Sea 5, rain squalls, cloudy, Vis. 4 nm    
    22.00 Due to the bad weather did not continue running under the coast.  Operated on traffic in the southern part of KZ 40.  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4448    
      SW 5, Sea 5, rain squalls, strong cloud formations, medium-strong marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    09.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4883    
      Sea 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, rain squalls, Vis. 7 nm    
    07.47 Indian Ocean Low tripod mast and smokestack in sight bearing 150°T.  Maneuvered ahead for submerged attack.  
      KZ 4810  
      E 5, Sea 5, long high Swell, cloudy, Vis. 8-9 nm It turned out to be a small tanker, which rolled heavily on the high Swells.  Low speed.  Apparently unloaded.  
    08.12 KZ 4737 Dived to attack.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.11.42
 
- 33 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.11.42      
        Depth keeping is very difficult due to the heavy seas.  Boat broached once, however remained unnoticed.  
    09.12 KZ 4739 Two-fan from tubes I and IV.  
        (Depth = 3 meters, shot range = about 500 meters.)  
        No success.  
      Assumption:  Undershot the target due to the high Swell.  Fire control system was checked.  All in order.  
        Repeatedly matched the speed of the enemy exactly submerged.  Enemy speed is 5 knots.  
        (Against the sea.)  
        Maneuvered ahead submerged.  In so doing moved to the other side of the enemy.  Course and speed were taken exactly.  
    10.42 KZ 4732 Shot from tube III.  
        (Depth = 2 meters, shot range = about 300-400 meters)  
        Certain data.  No success.  Further submerged attack given up as hopeless.  Reloaded submerged.  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 156 nm  
      KZ 4730                                =    18 nm  
    14.30 KZ 4731 Surfaced.  Followed the enemy at the limit of visibility.  
      SSW 6, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
      Intention:  Night attack, because with a surface shot steering curve of the torpedo is shallower and so the danger of undershooting is less.  
        In the twilight move up to the level of the tanker.  Course and speed of the enemy determined repeatedly and checked.  In the meantime it has abated somewhat and the swell is less.  Enemy course is now 240°.  Speed 8 knots.  
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4726    
      SW 5-6, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4719    
      SW 4, Sea 4-5, Swell, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    20.04 KZ 4719 Surface shot from tube IV.  
        (Depth = 3 meters, because G7a, shot range = about 600 meters.)  No success.  
        Bubble track followed for a ling time, because there was strong marine phosphorescence  Seems to have passed beneath the after part of the tanker.  Because the attack was unnoticed, maneuvered ahead again.  Enemy values checked.  Enemy ran 8 knots as before, course 240°.  
    21.00   KZ Shot from tube I.  
        (Depth = 2 meters, shot range = about 500 meters.)  
        Torpedo ran correctly.  Running track went past under the aft part of the tanker.  Shot was noticed by the enemy due to marine phosphorescence  Tanker howled with the siren and steered a zigzag course.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.11.42
 
- 34 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.11.42      
    21.13 KZ 4712 Prepared for artillery combat.  
        When fire was opened determined that the 10.5 cm could not be trained.  The training mechanism is disengaged.  Controlled fire was not possible in the heavy swell.  Tried to get the enemy to give up with 3.7 cm and 2 cm.  No success.  The enemy ran off with strong course changes and shot back.  
    23.08   Tanker sent U-boat Warning on 600-meter wavelength:  ssss ssss de gjje 3558 south 2637 east "CERION" torpedoes and shelled tor 2204 gmt.  
    23.52 KY 6968 Combat broken off and set off to the east.  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 6968    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, cloudy, long Swell, strong marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    10.11.42      
    03.25   U-boat Warning on 600-meter wavelength:  
        sss sss submarine sighted 32438 south 2911 east at 0150 gmt/10.  (Corresponds to naval square KZ 4370.) It was probably "U-181".  
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4740    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 7 nm    
    04.10 KZ 4747 Crash dive for aircraft.  (Bearing 16°T).  Was unnoticed.  
        Reloaded.  
    07.55 KZ 4746 Surfaced.  
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4844    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 174 nm  
      KZ 4892                                =    7 nm  
      SW 2, Sea2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4981    
      SW 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Via. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4930    
      SW 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4690    
      SW 2, Sea 1, clear, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.11.42
 
- 35 -
 
           
           
           
           
    11.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4655    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4388    
      ESE 4, Sea 4, cloudy, breaking up in some places, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.25 KZ 4385 Crash dive!  Aircraft bearing 225°T, medium altitude flying out to sea.  
    08.50 KZ 4385 After blowing crash dive for the same aircraft bearing 55°T flying towards land.  
    10.20 KZ 4389 Surfaced and headed for the 200-meter line off East London.  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 170 nm  
      KZ 4382                                =    5 nm  
      SSE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4314    
      ESE 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 1892    
      ESE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 1852    
      ESE 3, Sea 3-4, overcast, low hanging rain clouds, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 1-3 nm    
                                                               
    12.11.42      
    01.50 Indian Ocean A small tanker in sight bearing 330°T.  Maneuvering ahead is very difficult due to changing visibility and rain squalls.  Therefore hung on.  
      KZ 1824  
      E 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast, fog and rain squalls, Vis. 1-3 nm  
    04.00 KZ 1820    
    05.30   Tanker changed course and ran towards the coast to round the "Bashee" Lighthouse.  It often passed out of sight in rain squalls.  Tanker apparently ran on course 40° on the 200-meter line  
    08.00 Indian Ocean  
      KZ 1591  
      SE 4, Sea 4, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 1-3 nm  
      We are close under the coast, which can be seen in outline at times in breaks in the rain squalls.  
    08.20   A second vessel in sight next to the first.  (Bearing 40°, distance 2-5 nm.) Apparently on  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.11.42
 
- 36 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.11.42   opposite course.  Due to visibility improvement suddenly hight out.  
    10.40 KZ 1560 We must dive.  
        Attempted submerged attack.  Very difficult, because in the periscope almost nothing is seen due to the high swell.  Nevertheless the boat broached several times.  Also in the listening gear no sounds detected.  
        In the direction of the steamers visibility deterioration due to continual rain.  After about 2 hours gave up the attack as hopeless.  
        Surfacing not possible because the coast is visible in breaks in the clouds.  Lighthouse on land is clearly distinguished in detail.  (Range = 1.5 nm, bearing 316°T.)  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 144 nm  
      KZ 1560                               =   10 nm  
    12.35 KZ 1570 Therefore:  Moved off from the coast submerged.  
      Intention:  With weather improvement and bright nights operate under the coast again.  Until then seat off off Durban.  
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 1640    
      SSE 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 2-5 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 1790    
      SSE 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 2710    
      SSE 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    13.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 2740    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, squalls, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 2760    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, squalls, Vis. 7 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 145 nm  
      KZ 2851                                =     6 nm  
      SSE 3, Sea 1-2, cloudy to clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 2839    
      SSE 3, Sea 3    
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.11.42
 
- 37 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.11.42      
    16.00 cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 2910    
      SE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 2690    
      SE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    14.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 2691    
      SSE 3, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 7 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3473    
      SSE 4, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 177 nm  
      KZ 3371    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3167    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 KZ 3322    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 4-6 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9782    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm, marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    15.11.42      
    02.00   U-boat Warning report on 600-meter wavelength:  
        ssss ssss de "ADVISER" 3223 south 3352 east torpedoes tor 0052 gmt/15.  (Corresponds to naval square KZ 2660.)  
        Turned out it was probably U-178 or U-181.  
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9753    
      NE 1, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 8 nm    
    06.48 KP 9480 Mastheads in sight bearing 50°T.  Getting larger quickly.  Despite turning away and high speed the smokestack, both masts and the bridge were already out.  
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm  
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.11.42
 
- 38 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.11.42      
    08.00 KP 9470 Moved off with full switching.  Attempted to maneuver ahead.  Steamer zigzagged lightly around course 270° and ran at about 16 knots.  Nevertheless we do not get ahead.  Engines reach (exactly as with the battleship pursuit on 10.10.42) on average only 460 RPM.  Suspected reason:  quality of the fuel.  
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm  
        While holding contact we ran on course 270° so as not to lose any ground. While so doing on southerly zigzags the steamer occasionally came out up to the bridge.  It had to be accepted, even at the risk of being seen.  
    08.48   During the pursuit the following Radio Message was received on the 600-meter wavelength:  
        ssss ssss 2303 south east approx "ADVISER" still afloat.  No. 1 and 2 holds full of water all lefecoatz afloat and still  
                                                    de "ADVISER"  
        (Corresponds to naval square KZ 2630.)  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 232 nm  
      KP 8690 After an over 5-hour hunt we have still not gotten ahead.  Also night attack is not in question because the steamer will already be off Durban at about 19.00 hours.  Therefore broke off the attack.  
      NE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm  
    13.35   U-boat Warning report on 600-meter wavelength for 10.40 MGZ (1140 MEZ) received:  
        ssss ssss de gdjz 3001 south 3317 east "CALIFORNIA" submarine on surface 1040 gmt/15.  
        (Corresponds to naval square KP 8658.)  
        So the steamer had also seen us.  It was the passenger steamer "CALIFORINA" (16792 GRT).  
        Intention:  Set off in the northern part of KP 90, then operate further on east-west traffic for Durban.  
    12.48 KP 8670 Test dive.  
    13.25 KP 8670 Surfaced.  
    15.10 KP 8678 Dived due to grind in the valves.  
    17.30 KP 8678 Surfaced.  
    19.25   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        1. "Lüth" . . . . etc.  
        2.  "Dirksen" . . . . etc.  
        3.  "Müller, "Bauer" and "Gysae" report situation.  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 8670    
      NE 4, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.11.42
 
- 39 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.11.42      
    20.56   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1.  Square KY 6968 empty "CERION" with two day and night approaches undershot.  Course 240°, high swell, depth 3 and 2 meters.  Checked by marine phosphorescence.  Artillery combat broken off after failure of the cannon and defense.  No successes.  
        2.  Today square KP 8699 passenger steamer "CALIFORNIA" hunted unsuccessfully, course 270°, 16 knots.  
        3.  Boat runs with full switching only 16 knots.  Suspect bad fuel.  
        4.  Coastal traffic "East London" - "Durban" on the 200-meter line.  
        5.  Medium air from KY 68 to KZ 43.  
        6.  Square KP 90, all naval squares.  240 cbm.  
                                                                         - Gysae -  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 8640    
      NNE 4, Sea 4, clear, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    16.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9410    
      NNE 4, Sea 5, clear, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9190    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 9 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 176 nm  
      KP 9255                                =     5 nm  
      S 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. 9-10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9286    
      SSW 5, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9520    
      SSW 5, Sea 5, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5567    
      SSW 4, Sea 5, lightly cloudy, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    17.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9911    
      S 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 9-10 nm    
 
Sun and Moon Data 15.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.11.42
 
- 40 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.11.42      
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9955    
      S 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 9-10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 153 nm  
      KP 9980    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3329    
      NE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3355    
      NE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3374    
      SW 2, Sea 2, overcast, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 6 nm    
                                                               
    18.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3260    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3210    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 150 nm  
      KP 9890    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9810    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 9 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9580    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9550    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, clear, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm, moonshine    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.11.42
 
- 41 -
 
           
           
           
           
    19.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9580    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9827    
      NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 8-9 nm    
    09.58 KP 9830 Test dive.  
    10.22 KP 9830 Surfaced.  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 145 nm  
      KP 9842                               =     1 nm  
      NNE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3132    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9798    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    21.15 KP 9798 Shadow sighted bearing 50°T.  It is a  large tanker on westerly course.  Due to the very bright moonlit night . . .  
      NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm  
      Intention:  submerged attack.  
        Maneuvered ahead, in so doing matched speed of the enemy.  Runs at 10 knots.  
    22.45 KP 9788 A second shadow in sight bearing 230°T.  Could not make it out exactly, because we must dive to attack  
    22.50 KP 9788 Dived to attack  
    23.07 KP 9780 Two-fan from tubes I and IV.  
        (Depth = 2 and 3 meters, shot range = 380 meters.  
        Two hits.  Full detonation of the gasoline cargo already after the first hit.  No survivors.  A piece of the foreship floated for about 10 minutes.  Smaller fires on the water.  Tanker was unusually large.  A minimum of 150 meters long (checked by periscope reticle) and fully loaded.  Like type "SAN MELITO" or "CADAILLAC".  Steam propulsion, aft medium long smokestack, normal steamer stern.  Minimum 10000 GRT.  
    23.00 KP 9780 Surfaced.  Above strong gasoline fumes.  A large steamer shadow in sight bearing 80°T, on course for the sinking location.  
        Due to the bright night crash dived, to remain unseen.  
        Intention:  submerged attack.  
        In the process entered the wreckage field with the periscope and dirtied the optics with oil residue.  Nothing seen.  In the listening gear determined that the steamer passed at high speed in an easterly direction.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.11.42
 
- 42 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.11.42   Because the boat was still amidst the wreckage it could not surface immediately.  Went to depth A -50 meters to get clear.  At the same time moved from the location.  
    23.35   Surfaced.  Pursued on course 90°,  
        On the 600-meter wave at 00.42 hours the following Radio Message was received:  
        bams de kbzr - following has been received - 3039 south 3441 east vessel astern blew up 2205 gmt/19.  (Corresponds to naval square KP 9758.)  
      Considerations:  The steamer was very fast (about 12 knots) and had an easterly course.  If the steamer changed course because it saw the sinking of the tanker, then probably to the north because he wants to go there.   
      Therefore intentions:  Pursue up to meeting point for course 90° and 12 knots.  Afterwards search curves for 80° and 70°.  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9790    
      NE 3, Sea 2, clear, moonshine, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    20.11.42      
    02.45   At meeting point for course 90°.  Nothing seen.  
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9847    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 8 knots    
    04.05   At meeting point for course 80°.  Nothing seen.  
    04.33   Mastheads in sight bearing 330°T.  It is a large freighter with 3 masts, capped cargo derricks, a medium-long smokestack with high deck cargo.  
    08.00 Indian Ocean  
      KP 9853  
      NE 1-2m Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 10 nm Speed was matched as 11 knots.  Maneuvered ahead.  
    10.55 KP 9830 Dived for submerged attack.  
    11.40 KP 9910 Two-fan from tubes II and III.  
        (Depth = 2 and 3 meters, shot range = 480 meters.)  
        Two hits in the engine room and foreship.  Steamer swerved strongly to starboard, maintained speed and drove in a large circle to starboard.  The free watch went to the boats.  
        Rod antenna extended.  Steamer transmitted on the 600-meter wavelength:  
        ssss ssss de kfnl - "PEIRCE BUTLER" - 1100 gmt 20.  2953S 3641 east torpedoed.  
        Corresponds to naval square KP 9910.)  
        Steamer had bow and stern cannon manned and fired at the periscope and rod antenna.  After 30 minutes the steamer settled aft deeper and sank 3 minutes later over the stern post.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.11.42
 
- 43 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.11.42 Indian Ocean    
    12.00 KP 9910 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 235 nm  
                                      =    18 nm  
    12.15 KP 9910 Surfaced and went to the lifeboats.   
        Determined the following:  
        American freighter "PIERCE BUTLER" from Baltimore.  With piece goods from Capetown to Aden; 7191 GRT.  
        Moved off to the south on deceptive course.  
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9920    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    18.00 - 23.30   Reloaded and transferred torpedoes from the over deck containers.  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9868    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, moonshine, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    23.32   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1. Sank:  Yesterday square 9780 large tanker 10000 GRT, with gasoline, course 270°, no survivors.  Today square 9910 American "PIERCE BUTLER" course 60° Capetown - Aden with piece goods.  7191 GRT.  
        2.  220 cbm, square 90.  All naval square KP.  
                                                                         - Gysae -  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9890    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, moonshine, no marine phosphorescence, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    21.11.42      
    00.55 KP 9890 Test dive.  
    01.11 KP 9890 Surfaced.  
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3237    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 8 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3254    
      NE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 9-10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 142 nm  
      KZ 3242                               =    1 nm  
      N 3, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.11.42
 
- 44 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.11.42 Indian Ocean    
    16.00 KP 9879    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9848    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9815    
      N 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    22.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9813    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9581    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 156 nm  
      KP 9559    
      N 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9591    
      N 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9918    
      N 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9951    
      N 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, moonshine, no marine phosphorescence, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    23.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9972    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3316    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.11.42
 
- 45 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.11.42 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 127 nm  
    12.00 KZ 3313    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9973    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9942    
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9914    
      SE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, moonshine, no marine phosphorescence, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    24.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9599    
      SE 1, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 2-7 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9559    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 128 nm  
      KP 9593    
      SE 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis., 10-12 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9914    
      NE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9943    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9972    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, no marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    25.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3236    
      SE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.11.42
 
- 46 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.11.42      
    07.55 KZ 3253 Crash dive for aircraft far off bearing 165°T. Was unnoticed.  Aircraft flew in circles.  Suspect search for lifeboats.  
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 3253    
    08.16 KZ 3252 Surfaced.  
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 166 nm  
      KZ 3216                               =    1 nm  
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9793    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 12 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9756    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9722    
      N 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 5 nm, moonshine, light marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    26.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9778    
      NNW 3, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 8995    
      N 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 145 nm  
      KP 8956    
      N 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
      Intention:  Because I suspect that east-west traffic may be halted after the latest sinkings, advance in square KP 85 to catch traffic.  
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 8679    
      N 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 8565    
      N 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 8538    
      N 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.11.42
 
- 47 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.11.42      
    03.15 KP 8523 Patrol vessel in sight bearing 50°T with target angle 0°.  
        Dived, to remain unseen.  Patrol vessel ran off with strong zigzags about course 220°.  
      Intention:  Remain submerged by day because the coast is easily seen.  In so doing moved off to the east at LF.  At least every hour all around sweeps.  
    04.00 KP 8520    
      N 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 1-4 nm    
    04.55 KP 8520 In the listening gear propeller sounds detected bearing 162°T.  To periscope depth.  A medium-sized passenger freighter sighted, which approached at target angle 80° out of a rain squall.  Abeam distance about 4 nm.  In the wake one escort vessel.  No attack possibility.  
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 8530    
      NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 7 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 98 nm  
      KP 8530                               =   19 nm  
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 8530    
      NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    17.26   Surfaced.  
    18.05 KP 8533 2 steamers and 2 patrol vessels sighted bearing 2°T.  Closed at highest speed.  Nevertheless, in the quickly progressing twilight and with very bad visibility (low hanging rain clouds under the coast), the convoy was not found again.   With average course 10° and accepted convoy speed of 12 knots pursued until moonrise.  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 8377    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, overcast, isolated rain squalls, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    21.30   Very bright night and good visibility.  Despite this nothing seen.  
    21.49 KP 8373 Dived to listen.  No bearings.  
    22.25 KP 8373 Surfaced.  
        Advanced at low transit speed and search courses in sector 30-50° out from the apex square KP 8530 because traffic is suspected here.  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5988    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42
 
- 48 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.11.42 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KP 5995    
      W 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 5-10 nm    
    04.12 KP 5990 Smoke cloud sighted bearing 27°T. Enemy comes closer quickly.  Distance is only maintained with full switching.  Ship zigzags strongly around 210°.  Is a medium-size passenger steamer.  Speed about 14 knots.  
    06.31 KP 8320 Dived to attack submerged.  In the periscope strong armament (3 cannons, many automatic weapons, rangefinder, fire control station) and warship-like paint with camouflage recognized.  
    07.15 KP 8325 Three-fan from tubes I, III and IV.  
        (Depth = 3 and 4 meters, shot range = 380 meters.)  
        3 hits observed.  Engine room, bridge and foreship.  Ship center burns immediately.  Then due to the heavy smoke , which blew over the periscope, nothing more observed.  In the listening gear determined that the auxiliary cruiser's engines had stopped.  When the periscope was clear again, the ship had turned, listed strongly to port.  Extended th rod antenna and determined that the steamer was not transmitting on the 600-meter wavelength.  Rod antenna was shot at and so was retracted.  
        The deck swarms with men, some with, some without life jackets.  Ship center with bridge, work area, passenger superstructure and lifeboats are ablaze.  Cannon could no longer be operated due to the strong list.  
    07.22 KP 8325 Surfaced.  While blowing the auxiliary cruiser sinks over the forestem.  In the water hundreds of survivors drift in life jackets, some on rafts and rubber boats.  No adequate rescue equipment was observed.  
        By questioning the shipwrecked attempted to determine the name.  No success because everything is confused screaming.  Determined that only Italians swam in the water.  Already strong signs of panic.  
        To clarify the situation went in the vicinity to a single raft to take over a survivor.  In the process the shipwrecked swam to us from all sides.  Because two men reached the boat at the same time, both were taken on board.  It turned out they were two members of the Italian merchant marine, they gave the following statement:  
        Ship was the English auxiliary cruiser "NOVA SCOTIA" (8796 GRT) with over 1000 Italian civilian prisoners from Massawa via Aden for Durban.  Crew of 200 Englishman and 80 South Africans mostly burned or perished  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.11.42
 
- 49 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.11.42      
    08.00 Indian Ocean Moved off on course 90° due to the air danger and vicinity of the coast.  
      KP 8320  
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    11.47   Attempted to send Officer-Only Radio Message to B.d.U.  Despite radio repeater no success.  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 142 nm  
      KP 5995                               =   16 nm  
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.08 KP 5990 Test dive.  
    12.30 KP 5990 Surfaced.  
    14.43   Sent Officer-Only Radio Message:  
        Urgent.  Just now sank naval square KP 8325 auxiliary cruiser "NOVA SCOTIA" with over 1000 Italian civilian prisoners from Massawa.  2 survivors on board.  Still about 400 on boats and rafts.  Set off due to air.  
                                                                          = Gysae =  
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6740    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    17.37   Officer-Only Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        To Gysae:  
        Continue operation.  Warfare takes precedence.  No rescue attempt.  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6710    
      NE 3, Sea 2, breaking up a bit, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6473    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, breaking up, moonshine, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    29.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6735    
      ENE 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. 8 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6730    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. 12 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.11.42
 
- 50 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.11.42      
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 143 nm  
      KP 6498                               =    1 nm  
      NE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 12 nm    
    14.46   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        To Gysae:  
        Portuguese dispatch boat "ALFONSO DE ALBURQUERQUE" and one Aviso 2 class departed for "NOVA SCOTIA" sinking location.  Do not hinder.  
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6455    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6419    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    20.05   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1.  Traffic situation "Durban" east sector after last sinkings 5-day traffic break.  Strong traffic NE-sector 30-50° via square 8530 observed.  There continuous sea patrol.  Steamers and groups escorted out and in.  
        2.  Auxiliary cruiser course 210°, 14 knots, zigzagging, crew 200 British and 80 South Africans.  Mostly dead.  
        3.  According to statements:  Voyage from Aden to Durban lasted 9 1/2 days.  Underway medium oncoming traffic.  Steamers and escorted groups.  No coast of lighthouses seen.  
        4.  Square 64, all naval square KP, 195 cbm.  
        5.  Used for reception:  
                IW 00.00 - 03.00, 05.00 - 06.00 hours  
                IX 10.00 - 20.00                         hours  
                CB 03.00 - 05.00, 20.00 - 24.00 hours  
        Transmitting by day 15.00 - 18.00 hours IX.  
        6. Officer-Only L from 24 November not solved.  
                                                                          = Gysae =  
    23.15   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        To Gysae:  
        Unclear Radio Message solved in all places.  
        Contents Officer-Only Y etc.  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6442    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, moonshine, no marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.11.42
 
- 51 -
 
           
           
           
           
    30.11.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6440    
      NE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5698    
      S 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 138 nm  
      KP 6480    
      NE 3, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.25 KP 6484 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 335°T.  Closed until the mastheads were over the horizon.  Came to parallel course and matched speed at 11 knots.  Maneuver ahead was difficult because the steamer zigzagged strongly.  An hour before the beginning of twilight the steamer made a large zigzag towards the coast, and then came to the old general course 210°.  
    16.00 Indian Ocean  
      KP 5933  
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm  
    16.50 KP 5935 Dived to attack submerged.  
    17.29 KP 5925 Two-fan from tubes II and III.  
        (Depth = 3 meters, shot range = 520 meters.)  
        Two hits, forward and amidships.  Steamer heeled to starboard and turned away to port.  Steamer stopped.  Probably a hit in the engine room because shortly thereafter a fiery glow rose from the smokestack.  
        Extended the rod antenna.  Steamer did not transmit on the 600-meter wavelength.  
        Because the steamer was armed (stern cannon and automatic weapons on the bridge) did not surface.  Steamer settled a bit deeper aft, however levels itself after a short time and and gives no indication of sinking.  
        Therefore:  
    17.47 KP 5925 Coup de grâce in the engine room from tube II.  
        (Depth = 4 meters, shot range xx0 meters.)  
        Hit not observed due to undercutting of the periscope.  Steamer settled aft deeper, however still does not sink.  
    18.09 KP 5925 Second coup de grâce in the engine room from tube IV.  
        (Depth = 4 meters, shot range = 520 meters.)  
        Mast tips tilt towards the center.  Steamer breaks apart at the hit location and sinks in a few minutes.  
    18.15 KP 5925 Surfaced.  
        Above in the meantime it has grown dark.  A few dark thunder clouds and lightening.  Went to the boats to determine the name.  It turned out to be the passenger freighter "LLANDAFF CASTLE" (10799 GRT).  Refrained from further determinations, since conditions from bad visibility were quite confusing and the possibility, that during the last hour the steamer called for assistance, was likely.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.11.42
 
- 52 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.11.42      
        With certainty a large navy unit with radio and about 8 large lifeboats recognized.  All fully occupied.  
        Due to the proximity of the coast moved off to the northeast.  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5958    
      NE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    20.25   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        Just now square KP 5925 "LLANDAFF CASTLE" course 205° sunk.  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6478    
      NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Summer lightening, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.11.42
 
- 53 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6458    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6461    
      NNE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, rain squalls, Vis. 7-10 nm    
    10.44   Following Radio Message was received on the 600-meter wavelength:  
        ssss ssss "LLANDAFF CASTLE" torpedoed position approximately 60 east O r  . . . . . . . . tor 0013 gmt usd (Control Station "Durban").  
        (Radio Message originated from the lifeboats of the "LLANDAFF CASTLE".  Was sent at 02.13 WEZ corresponds to 03.13 MEZ and was repeated at 10.44 WEZ by the Control Station "Durban".  Ship's position was incorrect.)
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 182 nm  
      KP 6512                               =    6 nm  
      NW 2, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6433    
      SE 2, Sea 1-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6483    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6479    
      SE 1, Sea 1, clear to cloudy, no marine phosphorescence, moonshine, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    02.12.42      
    03.15 KP 6462 Crash dive for flying boat bearing 270°T, medium altitude.  
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6460    
      NNE 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 8 nm    
    04.05 KP 6460 Surfaced.  
    04.15 KP 6460 Crash dive for flying boat bearing 235°T.  Observed further through the periscope.  Approached, medium altitude.  
    05.15 KP 6460 Surfaced.  
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6483    
      NNE 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42
 
- 54 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.12.42      
    11.47 KP 6710 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 200°T.  It is a medium-sized passenger freighter.  Course 30°, no zigzags.  
        Maneuvered ahead.  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 150 nm  
      KP 6715                               =    2 nm  
      NNW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    14.11 KP 6457 Dived for submerged attack.  
        Before the shot recognized as English hospital ship No. 23 ("DORSETSHIRE").  
        Moved off submerged.  
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6450    
      NNW 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.53   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        Just now naval square KP 6450 submerged approach on "DORSETSHIRE" course 30°. Let go because before the shot recognized as a hospital ship.  
                                                                          = Gysae =  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6485    
      NNW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain, lightening, Vis. 1-3 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6727    
      WNW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Summer lightening, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 3-4 nm    
                                                               
    03.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6742    
      S 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, rain, Vis. 3-6 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5948    
      SE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 3-7 nm, rain squalls    
    08.51 KP 5930 Mastheads sighted bearing 340°T.  Vessel steered about 220°.  Comes closer quickly.  Is a warship.  Two smokestacks and two masts clearly recognized.  Like "SOUTHHAMPTON Class".  
    09.00 KP 5930 Dived, because the enemy is faster then we.  Submerged attack very difficult because high swell and long range of the enemy.  No attack possibility.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.12.42
 
- 55 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.12.42      
    09.45 KP 5930 Surfaced, because nothing is seen in the periscope.  
        Enemy is out of sight.  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 138 nm  
      KP 6477                               =    2 nm  
      SSE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, squalls, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6445    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6410    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 1-3 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6413    
      NE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 3-5 nm    
                                                               
    04.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6391    
      NE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    07.48 KP 6450 Mastheads in sight bearing 310°T,  Vessel steered about 220°.  
        It is a medium-sized motorship.  Maneuvered ahead during the day at the limit of visibility.  
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6455    
      NE 2, Sea 2, clear to lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 160 nm  
      KP 6713                               =    0 nm  
      NE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5985    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.54 KP 8310 Dived for submerged attack.  At 2000 meters recognized Swedish neutral markings.  At the beginning of twilight the ship set lights.  Name is easily read.  It was the Swedish, Götaberg ship registered freighter "GLIAMAREN".  
        Broke off the attack.  Moved off submerged until out of sight  
    18.05 KP 8510 Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.12.42
 
- 56 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.12.42      
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 8313    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4 nm    
    20.05   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1. Yesterday square 5960 cruiser, course 220°, high speed.  
        2.  Today steamer hunted up to 8310.  Set lights at twilight.  Swede "GLIAMAREN", course 220°.  
        3.  175 cbm, 2 and 4 torpedoes.  All naval square KP.  
                                                                          = Gysae =  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5987    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, clear, moonshine, marine phosphoresence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    05.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5988    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 8 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5979    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    10.34 KP 6740 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 330°T.  Medium altitude.  Flying direction not exactly distinguished.  
    11.15 KP 6740 Surfaced.  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 138 nm  
      KP 6751                               =    4 nm  
      NNE 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 KP 6712    
      NNE 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6477    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, Summer lightening, overcast, Vis. 1-3 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6458    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Summer lightening, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.12.42
 
- 57 -
 
           
           
           
           
    06.12.42      
      Intentions:  Because in the NE-sector from Durban after the last sinkings apparently traffic is quiet, advance to Lourenço Marques up to the entrance, because there have been no more sinkings there since 20 November.  
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6434    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6189    
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 131 nm  
      KP 6159                                =  
      SE 4, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6115    
      SE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 3766    
      NE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 3844    
      SE 3, Sea 2, clear, moonshine, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    07.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 3843    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 38xx    
      SE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 3789    
      S 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.56   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        "Gysae"  
        On the sinking of "NOVA SCOTIA" report when there is an opportunity:  
        a)  What reason did the U-boat have for regarding the ship as an auxiliary cruiser,  
        b)  What flag did the ship fly.  
        c)  Was the crew recognized as internees or troops before torpedoing.  Information required as documentation for propaganda evaluation.  
    15.31 KP 6121 Mastheads in sight bearing 156°T.  Vessel  
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.12.42
 
- 58 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.12.42   steers about 260-270°.  Maneuvered ahead.  
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5939    
      S 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.19 KP 6150 Dived for submerged attack.  Medium-size freighter. No zigzags.  
      Intention:  Two-fan.  
    17.20 KP 6155 Two-fan from tubes V and VI.  
        (Depth 2 meters, shot range = 440 meters.)  
        Hit engine room.  Second hit heard but not seen.  
        Ship breaks apart and sinks in two minutes.  
        With the rod antenna determined that the steamer did not transmit on the 600-meter wavelength.  
    17.25 KP 6155 Surfaced.  
        Only two shipwrecked on rafts.  
        It was the Greek steamer "SARONIKOS" (3505 GRT) without cargo from "Aden for Lourenço Marques".  
    19.55 KP 6140 Test dive.  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6149    
      S 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    20.10 KP 6140 Surfaced.  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5363    
      S 2, Sea 1, clear, marine phosphorescence, moonshine, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    08.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean "Inhaca" lighthouse at the entrance to "Lourenço Marques" in sight bearing 270°T  
      KP 5357  
      S 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5334    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 12 nm    
    10.33   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        To "U-178" and "U-177":  
        Lüth reports from Sea State 4 along with swells depth keeping is poor.   Larger diving planes are necessary at least for new construction.  Report own experience.  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 162 nm  
      KP 5351                               =    4 nm  
      E 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 12 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.12.42
 
- 59 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.12.42      
    14.25 KP 5359 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 316°T.  Is a motorship on course about 30°.  
        Time is too short to maneuver ahead by day, therefore hung on.  
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5337    
      E 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    18.08 KP 3776 Matched speed during the twilight.  Vessel set lights and illuminated his neutrality markings.  
        Turned away, at transit speed again went off the entrance to "Lourenço Marques".  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6112    
      E 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5374    
      E 1, Sea 1, clear, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    09.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5355    
      SE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5359    
      SE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 148 nm  
      KP 5359    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5355    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5373    
      NE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5366    
      NE 2, Sea 2, clear, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-6 nm    
                                                               
    10.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5355    
      NE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.12.42
 
- 60 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.12.42      
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5359    
      NNE 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 142 nm  
      KP 5355    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 12-14 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5358    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 12 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5366    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5369    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    11.12.42 KP 5353 "Inhaca" lighthouse out of sight bearing 250°T.  
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 5353    
      E 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6114    
      SE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    09.02 KP 6121 Test dive.  
    09.12 KP 6121 Surfaced.  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 179 nm  
      KP 3785                               =    1 nm  
      SSE 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 3769    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.54   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1.  Sank on 7 December square KP 61 "SARONIKOS" empty from Aden westerly course.  
        2.  Situation:  "Lourenço" 4 days off entrance.  Except for neutrals out, nothing seen.  City illuminated.  Beacons darkened.  
        3.  Diving planes like Lüth however retractable.  
        4.  "NOVA SCOTIA":   
        To a) 3 cannons, many automatic weapons, rangefinder, fire control station.  Warship paint with camouflage.  Military crew.  With certainty  
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42
 
- 61 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.12.42      
        auxiliary warship, often related to troop transport.  
        To b)  
        No flag.  In harbor only a designation signal.  
        To c)  
        No.  
        5.  4 Atos, 155 cbm, delayed return transit.  
                                                                          = Gysae =  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 3818    
      SE 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 3816    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear, light marine phosphorescence, Vis, 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    12.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 3851    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 7-10 nm    
    05.29   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        To "Gysae" and "Lüth".  
        Change in Supplemental Operations Order "Eisbar" under mine situation:  
        1)  Paragraph 7E in: 34°15'S, 18°E.  
        2)  Paragraph 10 A in: 35°47S, 19°14'E.  
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 3853    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 7-10 nm    
    10.29 KP 3862 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 130°T.  Is a freighter on course about 200°.  Maneuvered ahead for submerged attack.  In so doing vessel occasionally passed out of sight in rain squalls.  
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 142 nm  
      KP 3886    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 5-8 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6256    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 4-8 nm    
    16.02   Dived to attack submerged.  Difficult depth control due to swells.  
        During the approach the steamer changed course without apparent reason to 270°.  Because of that positioned to the south with target angle 90° at range about 3000 meters.  Success very unlikely.  Despite this.  
    17.02 KP 6257 Shot from tube II.  
        (Depth 3 meters, shot range = about 3000 meters.)  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.12.42
 
- 62 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.12.42   No success.  There was a possibility of undershooting because as was later determined, the steamer was empty.  Surfaced in the twilight and hung on. Accept that during the day approach the steamer made a base course change for "Lourenço Marques" which happened to be at the time of targeting.  Surfaced.  
         
         
         
    18.19 KP 6250  
      Intention:  Night attack. Took position.  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6245    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    21.35   Closed after moonset.  
    21.51 KP 6167 Two-fan from tubes I and IV.  
        (Shot range = 700 meters, depth = 2 meters)  
        After 34 seconds one hit at the level of the forward masts. 2nd bubble track was clearly recognized.  Went past under the aftership.  
        Therefore under steered.  
    21.57   Steamer transmitted the following radio message on the 600-meter wavelength:  
        sss sss 2600 south 3500 east "EMPIRE GULL" torpedoed 2055 gmt/12.  (Corresponds to naval square KP 61).  
        Reception of the radio message by land stations was questionable because at the same time a land station transmitted with greater Volume.  Radio Message was not repeated by anyone.  
        Because the ship shows no effects and gets under way slowly, prepared the cannon.  
    22.03   After the first hits the crew went below without being seen again.  (Armament: one cannon on the stern, several automatic weapons behind the bridge.)  [two illegible words] heavily.  [illegible word] very light. [concerning the effect of the artillery]  Nevertheless the entire ship is on fire and in the course of time about 140 hits were made when the steamer sank after 2 hours 25 minutes.  Ammunition consumption 70 incendiary and 100 explosive shells.  
        Further confirmation concerning the origin and size of the steamer was not possible because the lifeboats passed out of sight during the artillery combat.  
    24.00 Indian Ocean  
      KP 6150  
      ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, marine phosphorescence Name of the ship "EMPIRE GULL".  Proceeded in ballast.  Normal type with very long aftership.  Estimated 6000 GRT.  
                                                               
    13.12.42      
    03.20 KP 6463 Test dive.  
    03.30 KP 6463 Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.12.42
 
- 63 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6483    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6718    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 196 nm  
      KP 6789                               =    1 nm  
      ESE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm  
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 6752    
      NE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    19.20   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        1.  Today square 61 "EMPIRE GULL" sunk with torpedo and artillery.  In ballast to square 6257 course 220° then west.  
        2.  Square 91, 1 Ato, 145 cbm.  All naval square KP.  
        3.  Counting on 25 cbm supply.  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9188    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    21.58   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        Gysae:  
        Return transit possibly without supply.  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9455    
      SE 2, Sea 2, marine phosphorescence, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    14.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9726    
      ESE 1, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 9759    
      NE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 193 nm  
      KY 3116    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 7-10 nm    
    12.45 KY 3118 Mastheads and smoke clouds in sight bearing 162°T.  Is a freighter.  Low speed.  Course about 310°.  
        Maneuvered ahead for submerged attack.  In the process the vessel passed out of sight momentarily in rain squalls.  
    15.30 KP 8990 Dived for submerged attack.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42
 
- 64 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.12.42      
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KP 8990    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.36 KP 8990 Shot from tube III.  
        (Depth = 2 meters because steamer was empty and laid high out, shot range = 510 meters.)  
        Hit at the level of the smokestack.  
        Rod antenna extended, steamer did not transmit on the 600-meter wavelength.  Crew went into the 4 available lifeboats.  Stern cannon remained unmanned.  Steamer settled slowly deeper aft and sank after 7 minutes over the stern.  
    16.43   As a result of the subsequent boiler explosion 3 of the boats nearby capsized.   
        It turned out to be the small Dutch steamer SAWAHLOENTO (3085 GRT).  Ship was unloaded and was on the way from "Beira to Durban".  
        Afterwards continued return transit.  Torpedoes are exhausted.  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 2335    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    20.44   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        Just now sank naval square KP 8990 "SAWAHLOENTO" empty from Beira to Durban, course 310°.  Out of torpedoes.  Return transit.  
                                                                          = Gysae =  
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 2373    
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, light marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    15.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 2617    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 7-10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 2591    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 195 nm  
      KZ 2825                                =    4 nm  
      SSW 3, Sea 3, rain showers, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.12.42
 
- 65 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.12.42      
    16.00 KZ 2872    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8-9 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 5135    
      SSW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 5188    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm, light marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    16.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 5422    
      SE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 5445    
      SE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    10.45 KZ 5447 Test dive.  
    10.59 KZ 5447 Surfaced.  
    12.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4938    
      SE 2, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4953    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    17.20   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        Return harbors are:  
        "Nazaire" . . . . etc.  
        "Bordeaux for "Gysae", "Lüth" . . . . etc.  
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4944    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4887    
      SE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 4 nm, marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.12.42
 
- 66 -
 
           
           
           
           
    17.12.42      
    04.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4873    
      SE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.00 Indian Ocean    
      KZ 4796    
      ENE 4, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Indian Ocean D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 185 nm  
      KZ 4787    
      NE 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    16.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 9335    
      NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 9256    
      NE 5, Sea 3-4, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Indian Ocean    
      KY 9253    
      NE 3, Sea 3-4, clear, Vis. 4-5, no marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    18.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      KY 9247    
      SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      KY 9184    
      SW 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 182 nm  
      KY 8358    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      KY 8621    
      W 5, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 9929    
      W 3, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 9695    
      WSW 3, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm, moonshine, no marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.12.42
 
- 67 -
 
           
           
           
           
    19.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 9854    
      WSW 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 9743    
      WSW 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 181 nm  
      GR 9723    
      SW 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 9449    
      SW 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 8662    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, Swell, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 8388    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, moonshine, no marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    20.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 8349    
      SE 1, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 6-7 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 8235    
      NE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 174 nm  
      GR 5889    
      SE 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 5845    
      S 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 5746    
      SE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 5486    
      SE 1, Sea 1, clear, no marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.12.42
 
- 68 -
 
           
           
           
           
    21.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 5443    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 4633    
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 12 nm    
    09.15 GR 4398 Established buoyancy condition "A".  
    09.26 GR 4395 Test dive.  
    09.55 GR 4395 Surfaced.  
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 179 nm  
      GR 4359                               =    1 nm  
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 4315    
      SW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 1892    
      SW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 5-6 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 1825    
      SW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4 nm, light marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    22.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 1575    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 6-7 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 1462    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 194 nm  
      GR 1188    
      S 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GR 1145    
      S 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 9879    
      SW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 6 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 9769    
      SW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, moonshine, no marine phosphorescence, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42
 
- 69 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.12.42 South Atlantic    
    04.00 GH 9725    
      S 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 9471    
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 203 nm  
      GH 8629    
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 8375    
      SE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 8237    
      SE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 7 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 5875    
      SE 3, Sea 3, cloudy, moonshine, Vis. 4-5 nm, no marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    24.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 5739    
      SE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 6-7 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 5476    
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 202 nm  
      GH 4662    
      SE 3, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.46 GH 4372 Test dive.  
    17.20 GH 4372 Surfaced.  
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 4387    
      SE 3, Sea, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 4266    
      SE 2, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 7 nm    
    24.00 GH 4222    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm, marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.12.42
 
- 70 -
 
           
           
           
           
    25.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 1844    
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      GH 1723    
      SE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 196 nm  
      GH 1449                               =    1 nm  
      SE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      GG 3655    
      SE, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 9 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      GG 3381    
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 7 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      GG 3239    
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, light marine phosphorescence, moonshine, Vis. 5 nm    
                                                               
    26.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      FV 8886    
      Vis. 7-8 nm, SE 2, Sea 2, overcast    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      FV 8842    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 7 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 192 nm  
      FV 8497    
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      FV 8443    
      SE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      FV 7399    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 7 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      FV 7355    
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42
 
- 71 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      FV 7311    
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, squalls, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      FV 4867    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    11.51 FV 4810 Test dive.  
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 192 nm  
      FV 4816    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 FV 4816 Surfaced.  
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      FV 4492    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      FV 4428    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      FV 4174    
      ESE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    28.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      FV 6353 [typo FU]    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      FU 3979    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 8-10 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 192 nm  
      FU 3865    
      ESE 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      FU 3821    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    18.15 FU 3576 Crash dive for training, afterwards test dive.  
    18.34 FU 3576 Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42
 
- 72 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.12.42      
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      FU 3547    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      FU 3423    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm, moonlight, light marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    29.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      FU 3145    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      FU 2335    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 240 nm  
      FN8589                               =    1 nm  
      ENE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      FN 8554    
      ESE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      FN 8433    
      SE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      FN 8159    
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, rain squalls, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    30.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      FN 8115    
      SE 1, Sea 1, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      FN 4994    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 191 nm  
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42
 
- 73 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.12.42      
    12.00 FN 4958    
      ESE 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      FN 4859    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      FN 4813    
      ESE 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      FN 4467    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, clear, moonshine, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    31.12.42      
    04.00 South Atlantic    
      FN 4424    
      ESE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 South Atlantic    
      FN 4171    
      ESE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 South Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 210 nm  
      FM 6329    
      ESE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 South Atlantic    
      FM 3971    
      ESE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 South Atlantic    
      FM 3857    
      SE 0-1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    24.00 South Atlantic    
      FM 3545    
      SE 0-1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.12.42
 
- 74 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.01.43 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 FM 3277    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      FM 3164    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 202 nm  
      FF 7787    
      SE 0-1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      FF 7744    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 FE 9692    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      FE 9652    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    02.01.43      
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      FE 9378    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      FE 9224    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 220 nm  
      FE 6847    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      FE 6751    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      FE 6451    
      ESE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      FE 5397    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.01.43
 
- 75 -
 
           
           
           
           
    03.01.43      
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      FM 5352    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      FE 2948    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 210 nm  
      FE 2832    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      FE 2573    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    19.07 Central Atlantic    
      FE 2519 Crash dive for training, afterwards test dive.  
    19.27 FE 2519 Surfaced.  
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      FE 2511    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      FE 2168    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, marine phosphorescence, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    04.01.43      
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      FE 2122    
      NE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      ET 8744    
      NE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 215 nm  
      ET 7673    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain, Vis. 7-10 nm    
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      ET 7617    
      WSW 1, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      ET 7293    
      NW 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      ET 7212    
      WNW 2, Sea 1, marine phosphorescence, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.01.43
 
- 76 -
 
           
           
           
           
    05.01.43      
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      ET 4768    
      WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, rain, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      ET 4725    
      NW 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 285 nm  
      ET 4473    
      NW 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      ET 4177    
      NW 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      ES 6367    
      N 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      ES 6325    
      NE 3, Sea 2, clear, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    06.01.43      
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      ES 3972    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      ES 3839    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 Central Atlantic    
      ES 3594    
      NE 3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    15.43   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        New Signature Group for Short Signal and Short Signal weather reports for "U-177" from 8 January at 12.00 hours "Cäsar Cäsar".  Old Group out of effect at the same time point.  
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      ES 3552    
      NE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      ES 3281    
      NE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      ES 3221    
      NE 4, Sea 3, clear, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.01.43
 
- 77 -
 
           
           
           
           
    07.01.43      
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 9884    
      NE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 9813    
      NE 4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 162 nm  
      EJ 9549    
      NE 4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 9516    
      NE 4, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 9279    
      N 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    21.59   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        On 8 January at 08.00 hours "Heyse" switch to "Ireland" Circuit, "Gysae" to "America II" Circuit.  
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 9246    
      NE 4, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    08.01.43      
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 9113    
      NE 5, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 Central Atlantic Switched to "America II" Circuit.  
      EJ 6748    
      NE 3, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    08.21 EJ 6743 Crash dive for training, afterwards converted to Buoyancy Condition "B".  
    09.01 EJ 6745 Surfaced.  
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 174 nm  
      EJ 6717                               =    1 nm  
      NE 5, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.41   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        "Gysae" position, approximate day's run and transit route. "Clausen" from that suggest meeting point as soon as that is foreseen and at reported time take over "Eisbar Order".  Experience exchange.  After transaction "Gysae" report "Yes".  
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.01.43
 
- 78 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    08.01.43      
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 6474    
      NE 5, Sea 5, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 6463    
      NE 5, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    21.52   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        Naval square EJ 64.  Day's run 135 nm, 60 cbm.  
                                                                          = Gysae =  
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 6453    
      NE 5, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, light marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    09.01.43      
    03.12   Radio Message from "Clausen":  
        Suggest meeting 11 January 11.00 hours in naval square EJ 4225.  Still 369 cbm.  
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 6169    
      ENE 5, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    04.05   Short Signal sent:  
        Operational orders cannot be carried out due to fuel shortage.  
                                                                         = U-177 =  
    05.23   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        1.  "U-177" reports: meeting not possible due to fuel shortage.  
        2.  "Clausen" suggest new meeting point accordingly.  
    06.47   Radio Message from "Clausen":  
        Meeting 11 January 09.00 hours in naval square EJ 2225.  
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 6136    
      ENE 4, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    11.17   Radio Message sent:  
        From "Gysae".  Meeting only possible on reported return route.  Otherwise tanking necessary.  Suggest radio transmission of mine situation Cape area and previously reported traffic situation.  Then meeting is no longer necessary.  
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 138 nm  
      EJ 3796    
      NE 3, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    15.44   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        Final meeting point "Gysae" - "Clausen" on 11 January from 18.00 hours in square FK 8144.  No further radio traffic.  (Corresponds to naval square EL 3144)  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.01.43
 
- 79 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.01.43      
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3763    
      NE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    19.10 EJ 3790 Established Buoyancy Condition "A".  
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3735    
      NE 4, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    22.14 EJ 3730 Dived to proceed submerged to EJ 3144  
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3497    
                                                               
    10.01.43      
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3483    
    06.07 EJ 3480 Surfaced.  
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3455    
      ESE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 9 nm    
    09.25 EJ 3452 Dived, continued submerged transit.  
    12.00 EJ 3427 D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 43 nm  
                                      =  27 nm  
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3424    
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3179    
      ESE 4, Sea 3-4, high Swell, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    23.04 EJ 3175 Sound bearing in 95°T.  Sounds of a fast runner shifted ahead. Did not surface, because am out of torpedoes and artillery combat is not possible due to weather.  
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3175    
      NE 4, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
    11.01.43      
    00.04   Sound bearing lost in 349°T.  
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3170    
    06.09 EJ 3170 Surfaced and established Buoyancy Condition "B".  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.01.43
 
- 80 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.01.43      
    08.00 EJ 3145    
      NE 4, Sea 3-4, lightly cloudy. Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 26 nm  
      EJ 3141                               =  40 nm  
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 9-10 nm    
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3144    
      NE 4-3, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    18.00 EJ 3144 U-boat in sight bearing 180°T.  Recognition Signals exchanged.  It is "U-182" at meeting point.  
        Handed over:  Orders "Eisbar" and experience report.  
    19.45 EJ 3141 "U-182" out of sight bearing 180°T.  
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3141    
      NE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      EJ 3114    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, clear, Vis. 4-5 nm, light marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    12.01.43      
    01.00   Short Signal Sent:  
        "Yes"  
                "U-177"  
    01.53   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        "Gysae" reports meeting with "Clausen" carried out.  
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 9959    
      NE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 8696    
      NE 4, Sea 4, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 146 nm  
      DT 8659    
      NE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 8393    
      NE 4, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 8393    
      ENE 3, Sea 3, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
                                                               
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.01.43
 
- 81 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.01.43      
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 5993    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, lightly cloudy, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm    
                                                               
    13.01.43      
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 5959    
      NE 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 5636    
      NE 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 8 nm    
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 165 nm  
      DT 5663    
      NE 3, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 5399    
      NE 4, Sea 3, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 6144    
      NE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 8 nm    
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 6111    
      NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, light marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    14.01.43      
    04.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 3771    
      NE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 3745    
      NE 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 7 nm    
    11.06 DT 3470 Crash dive for training, afterwards test dive.  
    11.25 DT 3470 Surfaced.  
    12.00 Central Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 168 nm  
                                      =     1 nm  
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.01.43
 
- 82 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.01.43      
    12.00 DT 3417    
      NE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 3447    
      NE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 3177    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 7-8 nm    
    24.00 Central Atlantic    
      DT 3117    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, light marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    15.01.43      
    04.00 North Atlantic    
      DH 7792    
      E 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4-5 nm    
    08.00 North Atlantic    
      DH 7498    
      E 0-1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.00 North Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 214 nm  
      DH 7462    
      E 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 North Atlantic    
      DH 7525    
      NW 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 North Atlantic    
      DH 7395    
      NW 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 8 nm    
    24.00 North Atlantic    
      NW 1, Sea 0-1, lightly cloudy, no marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.01.43
 
- 83 -
 
           
           
           
           
    16.01.43      
    04.00 North Atlantic    
      DH 4594    
      NW 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 North Atlantic    
      DH 4617    
      NNW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 8 nm    
    12.00 North Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 236 nm  
      DH 4354    
      NNW 4, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 North Atlantic    
      DH 1994    
      NNW 4, Sea 4-3, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 North Atlantic    
      DH 2714    
      NW 4, Sea 3-4, cloudy, Vis. 6 nm    
    24.00 North Atlantic    
      DH 2454    
      NW 2, Sea 2-3, clear, Vis. 4 nm, no marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    17.01.43      
    04.00 Atlantic    
      DH 2194    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 North Atlantic    
      DH 2217    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 8 nm    
    09.00 DH 2715 Crash dive for training.  Afterwards test dive and established Buoyancy Condition "A".  
    09.30 DH 2715 Surfaced.  
    12.00 North Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 190 nm  
      CF 9778    
      SW 2, Sea 2, long Swell, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 North Atlantic    
      CF 9757    
      SW 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.01.43
 
- 83 a -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.01.43      
    20.00 North Atlantic    
      CF 9723    
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 7 nm    
    24.00 North Atlantic    
      CF 9425    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, light overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, no marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    18.01.43      
    04.00 North Atlantic    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.43
 
- 84 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.01.43      
    04.00 CF 9541    
      SSW 5, Sea 4, rain squalls, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 North Atlantic    
      CF 9287    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 5-7 nm    
    12.00 North Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 204 nm  
      CF 9264    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, medium Swell, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 North Atlantic    
      CF 6977    
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    1x.43   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        1.  "Geissler" etc.  
        2.  New objectives:  . . . . etc.  
        3.  Circuits from 19 January 08.00 hours "Clausen"  Africa, "G y s a e" and "Scheibe" Coastal, "Schwandke" America II.  
        4.  "Bleichrodt" . . . etc.  
    20.00 North Atlantic    
      CF 6952    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    24.00 North Atlantic    
      CF 6696    
      SSW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, no marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    19.01.43      
    04.00 North Atlantic    
      CG 4426    
      SSW 5, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 North Atlantic Switched to "Coastal" Circuit.  
      CG 4262    
      SSW 5, Sea 5, lightly cloudy, Vis. 6 nm    
    12.00 North Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 258 nm  
      CG 1873    
      SSW 7, Sea 5, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 North Atlantic    
      CG 1851    
      SW 2-3, Sea 4, overcast, rain squalls, Vis. 6-7 nm    
    20.00 North Atlantic    
      CG 1642    
      SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.43
 
- 85 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.01.43      
    24.00 North Atlantic    
      CG 1386    
      SW 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, no marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    20.01.43      
    02.05 CG 1366 Light in sight bearing 10-20°T.  It is a neutral Spaniard.  Distance 3000-4000 meters.  
    03.07 CG 1363 Neutral Spaniard out of sight bearing 150°T.  
    04.00 North Atlantic    
      CG 2114    
      SSW 4, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 North Atlantic    
      BF 7782    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.00 North Atlantic D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 256 nm  
      BF 7811    
      SW 5, Sea 4, lightly cloudy, Vis. 11 nm    
    16.00 North Atlantic    
      BF 7598    
      SW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    19.08   Short Signal sent:  
        Position 36 hours off meeting point with escort.  
                                                                          - U-177 -  
    19.51   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  
        "U-177" will be at meeting point with escort on 22 January at 07.00 hours.  
    20.00 Bay of Biscay    
      BF 7675    
      SW 4, Sea 3-4, clear, Vis. 5 nm    
    23.00 BF 7692 Unknown U-boat sighted bearing 120°T.  High periscope sheers possible, however not recognized with certainty.  Boat was just surfacing and blowing.  Because there were no more torpedoes and artillery operation was not possible due to Sea State, moved off.  
        Unknown U-boat passed out of sight bearing 190°T.  
    24.00 Bay of Biscay    
      BF 7669    
      S 2, Sea 4, clear, moonshine, Vis. 4-5 nm    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.01.43
 
- 86 -
 
           
           
           
           
    21.01.43      
    04.00 Bay of Biscay    
      BF 8456    
      E 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 Bay of Biscay    
      BF 8543    
      E 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.14   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  
        Unknown U-boat located yesterday 23.00 hours naval square BF 7692.  
                                                                          - Gysae -  
    08.24 BF 8540 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 Bay of Biscay D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 241 nm  
      BF 8614                               =  10 nm  
    14.35   Radio Message from 12. U-Flottille:  
        "U-177"  
        Escort positioned 22 January at 08.00 hours Point "Gabel".  
    16.00 Bay of Biscay    
      BF 8615    
    17.30 BF 8616 Surfaced.  
    19.06   Short Signal sent:  
        Request Radio Beacon Group 3.  
                           - U-177 -  
    20.00 Bay of Biscay    
      BF 8599    
      SE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
    20.02   Radio Message to "Gysae":  
        Radio Beacon Group 3 runs from now until lightness.  
                                                                          - 12. U-Flottille -
    24.00 Bay of Biscay    
      BF 9272    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, no marine phosphorescence    
                                                               
    22.01.43      
    03.25 BF 9264 Light in sight bearing 320T.  Apparently a fishing vessel.  
    04.00 Bay of Biscay    
      BF 9261    
      E 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, moonlit, Vis. 3 nm    
    07.36 BF 9312 At Point "Gabel".  Taken in convoy. (Sperrbrecher 21)  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.43
 
- 87 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.01.43      
    08.00 Entrance to the Gironde    
      SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. 9 nm, overcast    
    12.00 Gironde D  a  y  s    r  u  n:  = 208 nm  
      SE 2-3, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8-9 nm                               =   11 nm  
    16.00 Gironde    
      SE 2-3, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. 8-9 nm    
    17.45 Bordeaux Made fast.  
           
                                                               
           
           
      Generally, the following is noted for the patrol:  
     
  1.) The new U-boat type IX D 2 proved itself well.
    To be improved:
    a)  The depth control characteristics in swells.
    b)  The speed.
  2.) The newly assembled crew showed an excellent attitude and good duty performance.  The young soldiers are on average better, compared to those of a boat commissioned in the year 1940.
  3.) Ordering a watch engineer on board did not work. In the interest of the boat ordering him on board is superfluous.  For his own interest, he would learn more at the Agru-Front or during the workups of a boat.
 
           
                                                               
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.43

 

Enclosures to U-177's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Radio Excerpt of the radio log

 

     
     
 

Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
 
on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-177" from 17.9.42 - 22.1.43.
 
 

 

 
                  A patrol with a new boat (IX B2) and a young crew, the proven Kommandant with prudence and skill led to a gratifying success.  
                  In detail:  
                  To 23 September:  The verbal report of the Kommandanten showed:  The falling overboard of the Bootsmaat happened unnoticed at a moment of serious danger to the boat by an overcoming sea.  
                  The Kommandant and the crew were fully focused on restoring the maneuverability of the boat, which had settled dangerously forward due to the jamming of Vent 8, which prevented turning into the seas and getting underway.  The weather and visibility, taking into account the passage of time from detecting the falling overboard to restoring maneuverability, made a rescue attempt seem like a mere formality with no prospect of success.  The view of the Kommandanter is judged as deliberate and responsible.  
                  To 2 November:  Shots "from behind in the propellers" have always been 100% failures.  
                  To 12 December 21.51 hours:  The reasoning "so undershot" is not obvious, since the factual findings are not sufficient to justify such an assertion.  
     
   

For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

 
   
- The Chief of the Operations Department -
 
                                                   
     
 


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