U-188 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Lorient
30 June 1943
Penang
30 October 1943
123

 

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
21 Sep 43
06.53 - 07.52
2°09'N, 50°15'E
CORNELJA P. SPENCER
7,176
American
 
5 Oct 43
23.30
24°27'N, 58°15'E
BRITANNIA (damaged)
9,977
Norwegian
 
     
 Total = 17,153
   
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  188"  
           
           
           
           
                                             2nd Patrol  
           
                                Kommandant Kapitänleutnant Lüdden.  
           
           
           
           
                                       Beginning:        5 May 1943  
                                       Concluding:    30 Oct. 1943.  
           
                      
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.05. - 29.06.43 Lorient Shipyard overhaul, outfitting.  
    30.06.43      
    14.45   Put to sea - transit in convoy to outer point.  
           
    01.07.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.55   Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -10 meters.  
    06.10   Surfaced.  Group transit with Piening.  
    06.25   Crash dive.  Detection from Piening.  
    07.38   Surfaced.  
    09.53   Dived.  
    12.00 BF 5769 Day's run:    132 nm,    18 nm  
      45°59'N, 5°38.5'W    
    13.02   Surfaced.  
    14.00 BF 5795 Crash dive.  Detection from Piening.  
    16.00 BF 5798    
    16.03   Surfaced.  
    17.xx   Dived.  
    20.00 BF 8237    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 2, clear, Vis. good    
    20.05   Surfaced.  
    21.45 BF 8283 Crash dive.  Detection from Piening.  
           
    02.07.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 8283    
    04.00 BF 8286    
    06.21   Surfaced.  
    06.25 BF 8289 Crash dive. Aircraft far astern to starboard.  
    07.32   Surfaced.  
    07.58 BF 8526 Crash dive.  Detection from Piening.  
    08.00 BF 8526    
    xx.15   Surfaced.  
    xx.14   Dived  
    12.00 BF 8581 Day's run:    81 nm,    35 nm  
      44°`10'N, 6°10'W    
    1x.x1   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BF 8495    
      NEbyN 2, Sea 1/4, overcast, Vis. good    
    1x.x2   Dived.  
    20.00 BF 8484    
    2x.x4   Surfaced.  
    2x.x0   Dived.  
    2x.x4   Surfaced.  
    2x.x3   Dived.  
           
    03.07.43 Cape Ortegal    
    00.00 BF 8474    
    04.00 BF 7694    
    xx.41   Surfaced.  
    0x.12 BF 7689 Crash dive.  Aircraft far off abeam to starboard.  
    08.00 BF 7689    
    xx.49   Surfaced.  
    xx.12   Dived.  
    12.00 BF 7921 Day's run:    71 nm,    40 nm  
      43°43'N, 8°35'W    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.07.43
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.07.43      
    13.53   Surfaced.  
    15.02 BF 7919 Crash dive.  Detection 171 cm.  
    16.00 BF 7916    
    16.18   Surfaced.  
    17.41   Dived.  
    20.00 BF 7868    
    22.02   Surfaced.  
    22.20   Dived.  
           
    04.07.43 Cape Finisterre    
    00.00 BF 7897    
    04.00 CG 2231    
    07.00   Surfaced.  
    07.29   Dived.  
    08.00 CG 2239    
    12.00 CG 2253 Day's run:    40 nm,    51 nm  
      42°33'N, 9°38'W    
    12.02 NNE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. good Surfaced.  
    15.29   Dived.  
    16.00 CG 2194    
    18.02   Surfaced.  
    18.19   Dived.  
    20.00 CG 2189    
    22.01   Surfaced.  
    22.23   Dived.  
           
    05.07.43 West of Spain    
    00.00 CG 2413    
    04.00 CG 2412    
    07.06 NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 1/4 overcast Surfaced.  
    07.31   Dived.  
    08.00 CG 1636    
    12.00 CG 1635 Day's run:    61 nm,    36 nm  
      41°51'N, 11°35'W    
    14.03   Surfaced.  
    14.56   Dived.  
    16.00 CG 1625    
    20.00 CG 1628    
    22.31   Surfaced.  
           
    06.07.43 West of Spain    
    00.00 CG 1642    
    00.40   Dived.  
    04.00 CG 1643    
    07.04   Surfaced.  
    08.00 CG 1567    
    09.56   Dived.  
    12.00 CG 1581 Day's run:    55 nm,    28 nm  
      41°22'N, 13°22'W    
    15.00   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CG 1575    
      NNW 3, Sea 2-3, 3/4 overcast    
    16.43   Dived.  
    20.00 CG 1498    
    21.48   Surfaced.  
    22.57   Dived.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.07.43
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    07.07.43 Portugal - Azores    
    00.00 CG 1488    
    04.00 CG 1487    
    07.09   Surfaced.  
    08.00 CG 1711    
      NNW 3, Sea 2-3, clear, Vis. good    
    08.50   Dived.  
    12.00 CF 3931 Day's run:    59 nm,    40 nm  
      41°00.1'N, 15°24'W    
    13.48   Surfaced.  
    14.49 CF 3925 Crash dive.  Detection 171 cm.  
    16.00 CF 3925    
    16.56   Surfaced.  
    19.33   Dived.  
    20.00 CF 3838    
    21.00   Surfaced.  
    22.54   Dived.  
           
    08.07.43 Portugal - Azores    
    00.00 CF 3827    
    04.00 CF 3843    
    07.38   Surfaced.  
    08.00 CF 3841    
      NNW 3, Sea 1-2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 14 nm    
    09.04   Dived.  
    10.31   Surfaced.  
    10.37 CF 3761 Crash dive.  Detection from Piening.  
    12.00 CF 3761 Day's run:    81 nm,    34 nm  
      40°44'N, 17°43'W Switched to Ireland Circuit.  
    12.39   Surfaced.  
    13.33 CF 3754 Crash dive.  Detection 241 cm.  
    16.00 CF 3754    
    20.00 CF 3745    
    21.30   Surfaced.  
    23.08   Dived.  
           
    09.07.43 Portugal - Azores    
    00.00 CF 2968    
    04.00 CF 2959    
    07.35   Surfaced.  
    08.00 CF 2981    
    12.00 CF 2889 Day's run:    79 nm,    39 nm  
      1/4 overcast, Vis. good, NbyW 1, Sea 1    
      40°18'N, 20°24'W    
    12.17 CF 2827 Crash dive.  Detection 241 cm.  
    14.36   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CF 5211    
    19.09 CF 5125 Dived after Piening.  Mastheads bearing 295°T, sharp target angle.  Red Cross ship, course 90°, 12 knots.  
    20.00 CF 5125    
    20.42   Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.07.43
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
           
    10.07.43 Portugal - Azores    
    00.00 CF 5149    
    01.00   Dived.  
    04.00 CF 5147    
    08.00 CF 4393 Surfaced.  
      N 1, Sea 0, 3/4 overcast    
    12.00 CF 4375 Day's run:    133 nm,    23 nm  
      39°23'N, 23°46'W [Lat./Long. does not agree with square]  
    16.00 CF 4523    
      Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  245°T, 3.2 nm.  
    20.00 CF 4513    
           
    11.07.43 Northeast of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 6658    
    04.00 CE 6675    
    08.00 CE 6825 Switched to America II Circuit.  
      WSW 3, Sea 2, clear Vis. good    
    08.59   Dived.  
    09.29   Surfaced.  
    12.00 CE 6848 Day's run:    185 nm,    1 nm  
      37°53'N, 26°51'W    
    16.00 CE 9132    
    17.27 CE 9135 Crash dive.  Detection 224 cm.  
    19.03   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CE 9154    
           
    12.07.43 South of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 9177    
      Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  90°T, 3.2 nm  
    04.00 CE 8661    
    08.00 CE 8687    
      S 1, Sea 0, clear, Vis. good    
    08.58   Dived.  
    09.28   Surfaced.  
    10.00 CE 8915 Set off from Piening for independent transit.  
    12.00 CE 8863 Day's run:    198 nm,    5 nm  
      35°43'N, 49°30'W [Lat./Long. does not agree with square 35°23'N, 29°30'W]  
    16.00 CE 8894    
    17.52 DG 2122 Crash dive.  Detection 284 cm.  
    19.12   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DG 2124    
           
    13.07.43 Southwest of the Azores    
    00.00 DG 1369    
    04.00 DG 1626    
    08.00 DG 1649    
      SbyW 2, Sea 1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    12.00 DG 1835 Day's run:    182 nm,    3 nm  
      32°52'N, 32°03'W    
    13.43   Incoming Radio Message:  1245/13/304  
        Contents:  Supply from Metz in DG 7754.  
    15.45   Dived.  
    16.00 DG 1859    
    1x.01   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DG 4221    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.07.43
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
           
    14.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DG 4219    
      Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  20°T, 12 nm.  
    04.00 DG 4578    
    08.00 DG 4466    
      Wind calm, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 DG 4731 Day's run:    184 nm,    4 nm  
      30°15'N, 33°27'W    
    16.00 DG 6x67 [probably DF 6667]  
    20.00 DG 7129    
           
    15.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DG 7158    
      Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  354°T, 11 nm.  
    04.00 DG 7425    
    08.00 DG 7481    
      E 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 DG 7727 Day's run:    181 nm  
      27°24'N, 33°49'W    
    13.30 DG 7754                                   At meeting point for supply. With "Stahl" drove search lines 10 nm around the supply point.  
      Drove  
    16.00 DG 7742    
    20.00 DG 7755    
    23.50   Dived.  
           
    16.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DG 7755    
    04.00 DG 7754    
    08.00 DG 7754    
    08.48 NE 1, Sea 0, 3/4 overcast Surfaced.  
    12.00 DG 7727 Day's run:    122 nm,    19 nm  
      27°22'N, 33°49'W    
    15.25   2 U-boats in sight bearing 0°T and 12°T.  "Schäfer" and "Uhlig".  
    16.00 DG 7743                                  With 4 boats - 3 nm spacing - drove in search lines 3 nm apart up to 20 to the west and east around the meeting point.  
    20.00 DG 7749    
           
    17.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DG 7782    
    04.00 DG 7791    
    08.00 DG 7782    
      NE 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 DG 7746 Day's run:    134 nm  
      27°07'N, 33°57'W According to Radio Message:  From Schäfer.  Break off search for Metz.  
    16.00 DG 7775    
    20.00 DS 1263    
           
    18.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DS 1289    
      Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  72°T, 4.8 nm.  
    04.00 DS 1554    
    08.00 DS 1576    
      E 3, Sea 2-3, clear    
    12.00 DS 1769 Day's run:    194 nm  
      24°22'N, 35°17'W    
    13.35   Incoming Radio Message:  1252/18/389  
        Contents:  Supply from Piening intended 21 July in DS 8385.  
    16.00 xx.xx    
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.07.43
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.07.43      
    19.02   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DS 4277    
           
    19.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DS 4258    
      Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  90°T, 4.2 nm.  
    04.00 DS 4296    
    08.00 DS 4676    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 DS 4661 Day's run:    135 nm  
      22°43'N, 33°41'W    
    16.00 DS 5471    
    20.00 DS 5721    
           
    20.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 DS 5738    
    04.00 DS 5848    
    08.00 DS 5888    
      ESE 2, Sea 1-2, 1/2 overcast    
    12.00 DS 8239 Day's run:    145 nm  
      21°03'N, 31°42'W    
    16.00 DS 8572    
    20.00 DS 8385 Positioned at Piening (U-155) supply place.  
           
    21.07.43 Northwest of Cape Verde    
    00.00 DS 8385    
    04.00 DS 8385    
    08.00 DS 8385    
      NEbyE 2, Sea 1, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 DS 8385 Day's run:    103 nm  
      20°31'N, 31°09'W    
    12.08   U-boat bearing 305°T - "Schäfer".  With Schäfer search lines in 270°.  
    13.25   U-boat bearing 258°T - "Piening".  During Schäfer supply - set off 8 nm as screen.  
    16.00 DS 8385    
    18.55   U-boat bearing 340°T - "Pich".  
    20.00 DS 8381    
           
    22.07.43 Northwest of Cape Verde    
    00.00 DS 8372    
    00.37   Dived.  
    04.00 DS 8293    
    08.00 DS 8267    
    08.50   Surfaced.  
    09.50   Began supply.  
    12.00 DS 8294 Day's run:    43 nm,    14 nm  
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good    
      20°34'N, 31°48'W    
    16.00 DS 8283    
    19.15   35 cbm fuel and provisions for 3 1/2 weeks taken over from Piening.  Continued southerly transit.  
    20.00 DS 8283    
    21.29   Dived.  
    22.38   Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.07.43
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    23.07.43 Northwest of Cape Verde    
    00.00 DS 8528    
    04.00 DS 8582    
    08.00 DS 8828    
      ENE 2, Vis. goos, Sea 2, clear    
    12.00 DS 8885 Day's run:   128 nm,    4 nm  
      18°44'N, 32°04'W    
    12.19   Dived.  
    12.59   Surfaced.  
    16.00 EH 2228    
    20.00 EH 2285    
           
    24.07.43 West of Cape Verde    
    00.00 EH 2528    
    04.00 EH 2822    
    08.00 EH 2855    
      E 2, Sea 1-2, 1/2 overcast, rain showers    
    12.00 EH 2888 Day's run:   165 nm,    2 nm  
      15°46'N, 32°04'W    
    16.00 EH 5252 Proceeding on the steamer route to the south.  
    20.00 EH 5289    
           
    25.07.43 Southwest of Cape Verde    
    00.00 EH 5527    
    04.00 EH 5581    
    08.00 EH 5827    
      EbyS 2, Sea 1, overcast, rain showers    
    12.00 EH 5884 Day's run:   158 nm  
      13°23'N, 32°06'W    
    12.43   Dived.  
    16.00 EH 8221    
    16.33   Surfaced.  
    20.00 EH 8255    
           
    26.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 EH 8287    
    04.00 EH 8554    
    08.00 EH 8587    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
      Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  41°T, 14 nm.  
    12.00 EH 8829 Day's run:   125 nm,    5.7 nm  
      11°08'N, 31°57'W    
    16.00 EH 8886    
    20.00 ER 2239    
           
    27.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 ER 2375    
    04.00 ER 2619    
    08.00 ER 2682    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 3/4 overcast    
    12.00 ER 2961 Day's run:   175 nm  
      8°23'N, 30°58'W    
    16.00 ER 2995    
    20.00 ER 6141    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.07.43
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 ER 6182    
    04.00 ER 6434    
    08.00 ER 6469    
      SSE 4, Sea 3-4, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    11.40   Dived.  
    12.00 ER 6816 Day's run:   172 nm,    1 nm  
      5°54'N, 29°34'W    
    12.51   Surfaced.  
    16.00 ER 6852    
    20.00 ER 6891    
           
    29.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 ER 9315    
    04.00 ER 9355    
    08.00 ER 9395    
      SE 2, Sea 1, clear    
    12.00 ES 7455 Day's run:   160 nm,    2 nm  
      4°05'N, 27°49'W    
    16.00 ES 7455    
    20.00 ES 7495    
           
    30.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 ES 7814    
    04.00 ES 7854    
    08.00 ES 7886    
      SE 2, Sea 1, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    11.50   Dived.  
    12.00 FD 1236 Day's run:   143 nm,    0.3 nm  
      2°18'N, 26°15'W    
    13.18   Surfaced.  
    16.00 FD 1346    
    20.00 FD 1385    
           
    31.07.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 FD 1635    
    04.00 FD 2441    
    08.00 FD 2449    
      SEbyE 2, Sea 1-2, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 FD 2488 Day's run:   115 nm,    3 nm  
      0°41'N, 24°32'W    
    16.00 FD 2762    
    1x.48   Dived.  
    20.00 FD 2871    
    2x.12   Surfaced.  
    2x.15 Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 237°T, 11 nm.  
           
    01.08.43 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 FD 5212    
    04.00 FD 5251    
    08.00 FD 5252    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, 1/1 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 FD 5526 Day's run:   136 nm,    4 nm  
      1°22'S, 23°52'W    
    16.00 FD 5565    
    20.00 FD 5596    
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 31.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.08.43
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
           
    02.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 FD 5839    
    04.00 FD 5976    
    08.00 FD 8325    
      SEbyE 3-4, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 FD 8355 Day's run:   136 nm  
      3°28'S, 23°01'W    
    16.00 FD 8389    
    20.00 FD 8661    
           
    03.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 FD 8691    
    04.00 FD 8935    
    08.00 FD 8969    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 FD 8991 Day's run:   122.6 nm  
      5°28'S, 22°51'W    
    12.05   Crash dive for training.  
    13.12   Surfaced.  
    16.00 FL 1334    
    20.00 FL 1364    
           
    04.08.43 West of Ascension    
    00.00 FL 1394    
    04.00 FL 1661    
    08.00 FL 1694    
      E 1, Sea 1, 1/4 overcast, rain showers    
    12.00 FL 1961 Day's run:   123.2 nm,    2.2 nm  
      7°48'S, 22°54'W    
    16.00 FL 1991    
    20.00 FL 4335    
           
    05.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 FL 4369    
    04.00 FL 4633    
    08.00 FL 5444    
      SEbyE 2, Sea 1, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 FL 5478 Day's run:   143.4 nm  
      10°09'S, 22°29'W    
    16.00 FL 5742    
    16.54   Dived.  
    18.58   Surfaced.  
    20.00 FL 5773    
           
    06.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 FL 8122    
    04.00 FL 8161    
    08.00 FL 8196    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. changing    
    12.00 FL 8514 Day's run:   127 nm,    4.5 nm  
      12°08'S, 21°38'W    
    16.00 FL 8551    
    20.00 FL 8594    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.08.43
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
           
    07.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 FL 8836    
    04.00 FL 8946    
    08.00 FL 8985    
      E 2-3, Sea 2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. changing    
    12.00 FL 2332 [typo FS] Day's run:   138 nm  
      13°52'S, 19°59'W    
    17.00 FL 3141 [typo FS]    
    20.00 FL 3181 [typo FS]    
           
    08.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 FL 3431 [typo FS]    
    04.00 FL 3463 [typo FS]    
    08.00 FL 3573 [typo FS]    
      E 3, Sea 2, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 FS 3834 Day's run:   145 nm  
      15°49'S, 12°28'W    
    16.00 FS 3866    
    19.16   Dived.  
    20.00 FS 3976    
    21.11   Surfaced.  
           
    09.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 FS 6326    
    04.00 FS 6365    
    08.00 FT 4175    
      SE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 FT 4425 Day's run:   137 nm,    4 nm  
      17°32'S, 16°49'W    
    16.00 FT 4464    
    20.00 FT 4577    
           
    10.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 FT 4813    
    04.00 FT 4828    
    08.00 FT 4864    
      EbyS 4, Sea 3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 FT 4974 Day's run:   120 nm  
      19°02'S, 15°25'W    
    16.00 FT 7324    
    20.00 FT 7356    
           
    11.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 FT 7393    
    04.00 FT 8412    
    08.00 FT 8427    
      EbyS 3, Sea 3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 FT 8456 Day's run:   125 nm  
      20°34'S, 13°55'W    
    15.03   Dived.  
    16.00 FT 8493    
    16.34   Surfaced.  
    20.00 FT 8812    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.08.43
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
           
    12.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 FT 8827    
    04.00 FT 8867    
    08.00 FT 8896    
      SbyE 2, Sea 1, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 GE 3319 Day's run:   122 nm,    3 nm  
      22°08'S, 12°29'W    
    16.00 CE 3359    
    20.00 CE 3395    
           
    13.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 GF 1415    
    04.00 GF 1451    
    08.00 GF 1491    
      EbyS 1-2, Sea 1, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 GF 1733 Day's run:   127 nm  
      23°42'S, 10°57'W    
    16.00 GF 1819    
    20.00 GF 1858    
           
    14.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 GF 1897    
    04.00 GF 4317    
    08.00 GF 4357    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 2, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 GF 4397 Day's run:   137 nm  
      25°25'S, 9°20'W    
    16.00 GF 5442    
    20.00 GF 5482    
           
    15.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 GF 5814    
    04.00 GF 5855    
    08.00 GF 5895    
      NEbyE 1, overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 GF 8315 Day's run:   159 nm  
      27°27'S, 7°07'W    
    16.00 GF 8356    
    20.00 GF 8396    
           
    16.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 GF 9427    
    04.00 GF 9487    
    08.00 GF 9578    
      NbyW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 GF 9827 Day's run:   158 nm  
      29°23'S, 5°06'W    
    13.47   Dived.  
    16.00 GF 9864    
    17.41   Surfaced.  
    20.00 GF 9893 High frequency part of the Fu.M.B. put under lock and key.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.08.43
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
           
    17.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 GP 2317    
    04.00 GP 2349    
    08.00 GP 2389    
      NNW 3, Sea 2-3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 GP 3417 Day's run:   142 nm,    8 nm  
      31°12'S, 3°05'W    
    16.00 GP 3449    
    20.00 GP 3723    
           
    18.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 GP 3766    
    04.00 GP 3876    
    08.00 GP 8226    
      NWbyW 4, Sea 3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 GP 6269 Day's run:   167 nm  
      33°13'S, 0°49'W    
    16.00 GP 6375    
    20.00 GP 6621    
           
    19.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 GP 6653    
    04.00 GP 6668    
    08.00 GQ 4477    
      SbyE 4-5, Sea 4, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    11.19   Dived.  
    12.00 GQ 4716 Day's run:   117 nm,    1 nm  
      34°35'S, 0°46'E    
    13.06   Surfaced.  
    16.00 GQ 4728    
    20.00 GQ 4765    
           
    20.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 GQ 4874    
    04.00 GQ 7221    
    08.00 GQ 7252    
      SE 3, Sea 2, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 GQ 7267 Day's run:   122 nm,   3 nm  
      35°57'S, 2°39'E    
    16.00 GQ 7374    
    20.00 GQ 7625    
           
    21.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 GQ 7662    
    04.00 GQ 8449    
    08.00 GQ 8486    
      SWbyS 2, Sea 1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 GQ 8832 Day's run:   142 nm  
      37°15'S, 5°08'E    
    1x.xx   Dived.  
    1x.xx   Surfaced.  
    16.00 GQ 8818    
    20.00 GQ 8859    
           
    22.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 GQ 8896    
    04.00 GZ 1124    
    08.00 GZ 1164    
      SbyE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, [illegible line]    
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.08.43
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.08.43      
    12.00 GZ 1284 Day's run:   168 nm,    2 nm  
      38°52'S, 8°06'E    
    16.00 GZ 1559    
    20.00 GZ 1654    
           
    23.08.43 South Atlantic    
    00.00 GZ 1691    
    04.00 GZ 2478    
    08.00 GZ 2729    
      N 1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. good    
    11.07   Dived.  
    11.45   Surfaced.  
    12.00 GZ 2847 Day's run:   175 nm,    2 nm  
      40°25'S, 11°22'E    
    16.00 GZ 2889    
    20.00 GZ 5315    
           
    24.08.43 Southwest of Cape Town    
    00.00 GZ 5329    
    04.00 GZ 6144    
    08.00 GZ 6181    
      NNW 2, Sea 1-2, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    12.00 GZ 6199 Day's run:   172 nm  
      41°37'S, 14°15'E    
    16.00 GZ 6522    
    20.00 GZ 6617    
           
    25.08.43 South of Cape Town    
    00.00 GZ 6662    
    04.00 JJ 4443    
    08.00 JJ 6465    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, 3/4, Vis. good    
    11.26   Dived.  
    12.00 JJ 4554 Day's run:   186 nm,    2 nm  
      42°12'S, 18°48'E    
    13.01   Surfaced.  
    16.00 JJ 4648    
    20.00 JJ 4667    
           
    26.08.43 South of Cape Town    
    00.00 JJ 5449    
    04.00 JJ 5468    
    08.00 JJ 5581    
      WbyN 4, Sea 4-5, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 5-10 nm, rain showers    
    12.00 JJ 5593 Day's run:   187 nm  
      42°21'S, 23°13'E    
    16.00 JJ 5682    
           
    20.00 JK 5245 [in the original KTB square JK is written as IK, JL as IL and so forth - the letter J is not used]  
         
    27.08.43 South Indian Ocean    
    00.00 JK 5256    
    04.00 JK 5341    
    08.00 JK 5328    
      SbyE 3, Sea 2, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    12.00 JK 5335 Day's run:   184 nm  
      41°57'S, 27°13'E    
    16.00 JK 6113    
    20.00 JK 3789    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.08.43
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.08.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 JK 3874    
    04.00 JK 3881    
    08.00 JK 3862    
      S 1, Sea 1-2, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 JK 3919 Day's run:   176 nm  
      41°07'S, 30°59'E    
    16.00 JK 3931    
    20.00 JL 4478    
           
    29.09.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 JL 1489    
    04.00 JL 1493    
    08.00 JL 1554    
      SbyE 1, Sea 0, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 JL 1538 Day's run:   187 nm  
      40°17'S, 34°43'E    
    16.00 JL 1616    
    20.00 JL 1397    
           
    30.08.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 JL 2172    
    04.00 JL 2156    
    08.00 JL 2139    
      SE 1, Sea 0, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 JL 2224 Day's run:   192 nm  
      39°13'S, 43°36'E    
    16.00 JA 7878    
    20.00 JA 7971    
           
    31.08.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 JA 7953    
    04.00 JA 8714    
    08.00 JA 8489    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    09.03   Dived.  
    10.31   Surfaced.  
    12.00 JA 8574 Day's run:   173 nm,    4 nm  
      38°00'S, 42°11'E    
    16.00 JA 8558    
    20.00 JA 8644    
           
    01.09.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 JA 8628    
    04.00 JA 9411    
    08.00 JA 9181    
      WNW 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 JA 9162 Day's run:   188 nm  
      36°47'S, 45°48'E    
    16.00 JA 9224    
    20.00 JA 6899    
           
    02.09.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 JA 6981    
    04.00 JA 6952    
    08.00 JB 4724    
      WSW 3, Sea 2-3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 31.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.43
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.09.43      
    12.00 JB 4494 Day's run:   184 nm  
      35°22'S, 49°07'E    
    16.00 JB 4545    
    20.00 JB 4526    
           
    03.09.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 JB 4296    
    04.00 JB 4354    
    08.00 JB 1985    
    12.00 JB 1966 Day's run:   170 nm  
      33°22'S, 51°32'E    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    16.00 JB 2716    
    20.00 JB 2498    
           
    04.09.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 JB 2468    
    04.00 JB 2519    
    08.00 JB 2288    
      SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 JB 2269 Day's run:   168 nm  
      31°36'S, 54°06'E    
    16.00 JB 2343    
    20.00 JB 2332    
           
    05.09.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 KR 9772    
    04.00 KR 9753    
    08.00 KR 5733    
      ENE 2, Sea 1-2, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 KR 9584 Day's run:   179 nm  
      29°57'S, 56°59'E    
    16.00 KR 9564    
    20.00 KR 9614    
           
    06.09.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 KR 9387    
    04.00 KR 9394    
    08.00 KR 9369    
      NEbyE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 KS 7119 Day's run:   147 nm  
      28°36'S, 59°18'E    
    16.00 KS 7122    
    20.00 KS 4794    
    23.38   Dived.  Filled the battery.  
           
    07.09.43 Indian Ocean    
    00.00 KS 4792    
    03.37   Surfaced.  
    04.00 KS 4792    
    08.00 KS 4792    
      EbyN 2, Sea 1-2, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 KS 4792 Day's run:   100 nm,    9 nm  
      28°03'S, 60°00'E    
    16.00 KS 4792    
    20.00 KS 4792    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.09.43
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    08.09.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 KS 4792    
    04.00 KS 4793    
    05.05   U-boat bearing 240°T - "Hennig".  
    08.00 KS 4793    
      WbyS 2, Sea 1-2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    08.50   U-boat bearing 265°T - "Junker".  
    10.36   U-boat bearing 200°T - "Schäfer".  
    10.50   Mastheads bearing 130°T - "BRAKE".  
        To screen the supplier set off 1000 meters ahead to starboard.  
    12.00 KS 4796    
      28°06'S, 60°08'E    
    16.00 KS 4796    
    20.00 KS 4793    
    21.15   Took over provisions.  
           
    09.09.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 KS 4792    
    04.00 KS 4769    
    04.50   Began fuel transfer.  
    08.00 KS 4765    
      SSE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 KS 4765    
      27°40'S, 59°59'E    
    16.00 KS 4762    
    20.00 KS 4737    
           
    10.09.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 KS 4737    
    04.00 ES 4737    
    04.55   Supply ended - moved off to the north.  Execution of supply was good.  The total absence of consumables - above all [illegible word possibly grease] is an incomprehensible short-sightedness of the outfitting station in the East.  
    08.00 KS 4464  
      E 3-4, Sea 3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good  
    12.00 KS 4423    
      26°31'S, 59°42'E    
    16.00 KS 4152    
    20.00 KS 1761    
           
    11.09.43 Southern Indian Ocean    
    00.00 KS 1713    
    04.00 KS 1442    
    08.00 KS 1175    
      E 2-3, Sea 2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    08.19   Dived.  
    09.24   Surfaced.  
    12.00 KS 1141 Day's run:   217 nm,    3 nm  
      23°22'S, 59°03'E    
    16.00 KG 8998    
    20.00 KG 8953    
           
    12.09.43 South of Mauritius    
    00.00 KG 8687    
    04.00 KG 8645    
      EbyS 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good    
    0x.41   Crash dive for training.  
    08.00 KG 8533    
    xx.xx   Surfaced.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.09.43
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.09.43 KG 8524 Day's run:   167.5 nm,    4.4 nm  
    12.00 21°07'S, 57°32'E While working through the arrival routes for "Port Louis" (Mauritius) found that there was a difference of 23.5° between the indicated objective points given in the Enemy Situation "Indian Ocean" and the arrival courses.  Connecting line between points is 327-147° instead of 303 1/2°.  Distance is 1.8 nm instead of 1 1/4 nm  
    16.00 KG 8199  
    20.00 KG 8132  
    22.00 KG 5679                                  Positioned about 2000 meters off the harbor of Port Louis, no steamers and the island is dark except for a few lights in the mountains.  Nothing is seen of buoys on the mine free route despite a bright moonlit night.  
    23.05                                                  While moving off from the island searchlight bearing 88°T.  Searched in our sector for about 3 minutes, without reaching us.  After about 5 minutes the search was repeated.  Had the Fu.M.B. readied and  observed for 20 seconds.  No detection - searchlight was position on the NW headland of the island.  
           
    13.09.43 Mauritius    
    00.00 KG 5793    
    04.00 KG 5723    
    08.00 KG 5482    
      E 3, Sea 2-3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    08.13   Dived.  
    08.58   Surfaced.  
    12.00 KG 5427 Day's run:   207.5 nm,    1.7 nm  
      18°45'S, 56°37'E    
    16.00 KG 5175    
    20.00 KG 4362    
           
    14.09.43 East of Madagascar    
    00.00 KG 1997    
    04.00 KG 1953    
    08.00 KG 1687    
      SEbyE 3-4, Sea 3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 KG 1643 Day's run:   165.6 nm  
      16°06'S, 55°40'E    
    16.00 KG 1381    
    20.00 KG 1354    
           
    15.09.43 East of Madagascar    
    00.00 KG 1322    
    04.00 LV 7957    
    06.00 LV 7925    
      ESE 4, Sea 4, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    12.00 LV 7689 Day's run:   148.2 nm  
      13°40'S, 55°54'E    
    16.00 LV 7653    
    20.00 LV 7397    
           
    16.09.43 East of Madagascar    
    00.00 LV 7365    
    04.00 LV 7332    
    07.47   Dived.  
    08.00 LV 496x    
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.09.43
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.09.43      
    12.00 LV 4936 Day's run:   150 nm,    1 nm  
      11°21'S, 56°15'E    
    16.00 LV 5447    
    20.00 LV 4599    
           
    17.09.43 Agalaga Island    
    00.00 LV 4329    
    04.00 LV 1976    
    08.00 LV 1917    
      EbyS 2-3, Sea 2, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 LV 1595 Day's run:   184 nm  
      8°24'S, 55°15'E    
    16.00 LV 1529    
    20.00 LV 1284    
           
    18.09.43 South of the Seychells    
    00.00 LV 1242    
    04.00 LL 7999    
    08.00 LL 7761    
      E 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, rain showers    
    11.58   Desroches (Amiranten) in sight.  
    12.00 LL 7485 Day's run:   184 nm  
      5°37'S, 54°00'E    
    16.00 LL 7415    
    20.00 LL 7147    
           
    19.09.43 North of Amiranten    
    00.00 LK 6998    
    04.00 LK 6986    
    08.00 LK 6951    
      SSE 3, Sea 2-3, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 LK 6675 Day's run:   177 nm  
      2°59'S, 52°48'E    
    16.00 LK 6566    
    20.00 LK 6257    
           
    20.09.43 Central Indian Ocean    
    00.00 LK 3877    
    04.00 LK 3765    
    08.00 LK 3489    
      SSW 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. good    
    09.40   Dived.  
    10.13   Surfaced.  
    12.00 LK 3454 Day's run:   204 nm,    2 nm  
      0°04'N, 51°12'E    
    16.00 LK 3174    
    20.00 LK 2362    
           
    21.09.43 Central Indian Ocean    
    00.00 MZ 8986    
    04.00 MZ 8951    
    05.30 MZ 8916 Mastheads bearing 355°T, 11 nm away, bow left, target angle 5° - course 180° - speed 12.5 knots, because the distance does not change noticeably at 2 x HF.  
    05.54   Dived.  Ran on a northerly course to meet the steamer.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.09.43
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.09.43      
    06.53 MZ 8916 2-multiple shot with hit point shifted forward mast-after mast.  
      SSW 3, Sea 2-3, 1/4 overcast, strong haze curtain on the horizon  
      Bearing            = 286°T  
      Target angle     = 72°, 73°  
        Lead angle        = 23°  
        Target speed    = 12.5 knots, actual target speed 13.5-14 knots
        Range               = 800 meters  
        Running time      = 68 seconds, 73 seconds = 1028 meters  
      Hit behind the bridge, 2nd hit under the stern, steamer stopped and settled astern about 3-4 meters deeper.  During the run of the torpedoes boat broached with the conning tower out briefly.  The result was heavy artillery fire from 2 cannons and several anti-aircraft weapons. Through attack periscope extended just above top edge of the conning tower, I saw water columns rising next to the boat.  Apart from a short sharp bang, there was no effect on the boat.  After catching the boat at depth 15 meters I ran behind the steamer at GF.  When again extend the periscope after running for 10 minutes, the steamer is still shooting. Close observation gave the impression of wild fear shooting in all directions.  Because the position of the steamer did not change over 3/4 hour,  
    07.15 Coup de grâce aimed at the bridge, hit under the after mast.  Impact point shift unexplained because 42 minutes after the first hit by listening gear and bearing of the ship it could not have been underway.  The effect of this T 3 was disappointing to me.  My suspicion of torpedo nets proves unfounded after a careful examination.  Steamer crew shoots continuously randomly in all directions.  Ran around the steamer.  Position was unchanged, heavy artillery fire.  An occupied lifeboat hangs in the davits.  
    07.52 Coup de grâce aimed at the forward mast.  Hit under the smokestack, entire ship is engulfed in steam.  Bow rises up quickly.  
    07.53 Steamer sank.  Modern USA standard freighter, C3 class, 8000 GRT.  Cruiser stern, heavy cargo mast between the forward mast and bridge, crow's nest on either side of the masts.  Bright gray paint, 4 lifeboats, bow and stern cannon, numerous anti-aircraft weapons, 70 RPM at 13.5 to 14 knots true speed.  To prevent giving away the presence of German U boats in this sea area prematurely moved off submerged.  
    08.00 MZ 8916    
    10.43   Surfaced.  
    12.00 MZ 8675 Day's run:   152 nm,    14 nm  
      2°28'N, 50°06'E    
    13.20   Crash dive for aircraft out of the haze, abeam to starboard in passing flight about 7000 meters range, on course for sinking location, suspect flying boat from sea rescue service.  Arrival time and course matched a 5-hour flying time from Aden.  
    16.00 MZ 8563    
    16.34   Surfaced.  
    20.00 MZ 8286    
    23.40 MZ 8286 Dived.  Filled the battery  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.09.43
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
           
    22.09.43 Italian Somaliland    
    00.00 MZ 8219    
    0x.xx   Surfaced.  
    04.00 MZ 8216    
    08.00 MZ 5851    
      SW 3, Sea 2-3, 1/2 overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    xx.xx   Dived.  
    xx.xx   Surfaced.  
    12.00 MZ 5584 Day's run:   150 nm,    25 nm  
      5°06'N, 49°28'E    
    16.00 MZ 5516    
    20.00 MZ 5239    
           
    23.09.43 Italian Somaliland    
    00.00 MZ 2958    
    04.00 MZ 3477    
    0x.xx   Dived.  
    0x.xx   Surfaced.  
    08.00 MZ 3435    
      SW 3-4, Sea 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 MZ 3193 Day's run:   290 nm,    3 nm  
      8°52'N, 51°46'E    
    16.00 MP 9825    
    20.00 MP 9911    
           
    24.09.43 Southeast of Cape Guardafui    
    00.00 MP 9673    
    04.00 MP 9637    
    0x.xx   Dived.  
    08.00 MQ 7173    
      SWbyS 5-6, Sea 5, 1/4 overcast, hazy, Vis. 8 nm    
    xx.xx   Surfaced.  
    12.00 MQ 7163 Day's run:   240 nm,    2 nm  
      11°52'N, 54°27'E    
    16.00 MQ 4677    
    20.00 MQ 4624    
           
    25.09.43 Gulf of Aden    
    00.00 MQ 4677    
    04.00 MQ 4624    
    0x.xx   Dived.  
    0x.xx   Surfaced.  
    08.00 MQ 4387    
      NW 2, Sea 2, clear, Vis. 8-10 nm, hazy    
    12.00 MQ 4361 Day's run:   193 nm,    1 nm  
      14°31'N, 56°02'E                      The transit through the Gulf of Aden brought us no action.  I had expected more from this "main artery of traffic"  
    16.00 MQ 1969    
    20.00 MQ 2715    
           
    26.09.43 Southeast Arabian Coast    
    00.00 MQ 2457    
    0x.xx   Dived.  
    04.00 MQ 2428    
    0x.xx   Surfaced.  
    08.00 MQ 2192 Sailing vessel bearing 334°T.  Fishing vessel.  Showed the stern, moved off.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.09.43
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.09.43      
    08.00 MQ 2192    
      NE 1-2, Sea 1, 1/2 overcast, haze    
    08.49   Sailing vessel out of sight.  
    12.00 MQ 2212 Day's run:   214 nm,    2 nm  
      17°32'N, 57°22'E    
    16.00 MF 8859    
    20.00 MF 8835    
           
    27.09.43 Arab Coast Clurja Munja Bay [Kuria Muria Bay]  
    00.00 MF 8672    
    04.00 MF 8629    
    04.52 MF 8626 Convoy bearing 70T°.  
    08.00 MF 8684 Matched speed course 215°, 10 knots, maneuvered ahead.  Finally we have something before the tubes.  
      NE 0-1, Sea 0, clear, Vis. 10-12 nm, light haze  
    09.54 MF 8679                                  Crash dive.   2-engined land-based aircraft approaching from the direction of the convoy, range about 7000 meters.  Convoy draws past at a distance of 6 nm.  In the periscope made out a modern destroyer, 3 steamers, 7 tankers.  
    11.10 MF 8921 Aircraft now positioned ahead of the convoy.  
    12.00 MF 8913 Day's run:   169 nm,    10 nm  
      18°25'N, 58°22'E    
    14.31   Surfaced.  
    15.15 MF 8918                                  Crash dive.  Aircraft at great range in targeting approach from the direction of the convoy.  2 direct approaches lead to the conclusion there was locating.  
    16.00 MF 8966    
    16.15   Surfaced.  pursued at 2 x GF behind the convoy.  
    18.40 Chief Engineer stopped the starboard diesel.  Lubricating oil pressure fell so far that continuing operation endangered the diesel.  Because the duration of repairs is not known and we have already settled astern so far that we can be at the convoy at the earlies at dawn, I decide to continue the northerly transit.  
    20.00 MF 8941    
           
    28.09.43 Arab Coast    
    00.00 MF 8913    
    03.40 MF 8659 In morning twilight bumped into a northbound convoy.  
    04.00 MF 8667 Convoy steered 35°, speed 10 knots.  
    06.00   Dived.  Am positioned at target angle 0° ahead of the convoy.  Ran against with the intention of advancing between the middle and the starboard column.  The convoy proceeds in three columns.  Starboard a large passenger freighter and a tanker, middle a freighter American standard class and another freighter, to the right [from ahead the port column] two tankers.  An escort zigzags ahead of the center column.  I decide to go outside to starboard.  Ran to starboard at GF ahead of the convoy.  When extending the periscope the passenger freighter has about target angle 40°, when I look further to the left I see a Flotilla Leader running towards me in target angle 0° range 600-700 meters.  Went to depth 20 meters, the fully expected depth charges didn't happen.  Destroyer passed behind us.  When we are at periscope depth again the convoy had passed by.  
    08.10 MF 9442                                  I see the aircraft circling in the direction of the convoy.  Because the convoy holds course, I decide to gain ground beyond the air escort  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.09.43
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.09.43      
    08.38   Surfaced.  Maneuvered ahead at 2 x GF.  
    12.00 MF 9433 Day's run:   195 nm,    18 nm  
      19°18'N, 59°50'E The Chief Engineer reports that 2 exhaust gas valve plungers are broken on the starboard diesel.  In order not to lose the convoy, we let it come up and continue to pursue.  
    16.00 MF 6879    
    16.12 MF 6879 Shortly after sunset the convoy is in sight bearing 284°T exactly as plotted.   
      Because the twilight is advancing quickly, I ran to the convoy at GF.  Course 35°, speed 10 knots is confirmed exactly.  To be certain we match the speed once more exactly.  10 knots.  The weather conditions are like every evening.  Mirror flat sea, phosphorescence which we do not know in such strength from home waters.  Heavy haze by which the horizon is so milky that the transition from water to air is barely noticeable.  These unique lighting conditions lead initially to an incorrect estimate.  Therefore broke off the approach.  Matched speed once again for a new attack from ahead.  This time the distance is correct.  The tried and tested binoculars measurement gives us an accurate range.   
    20.00 MF 6855    
      SW 1, Sea 0-1, 1/4 overcast, strong haze, milky horizon, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    21.44   Turned to attack.  Destroyer which already had target angle 40° taken ahead.  Range 1000 meters.  
    21.50 MF 6826 Single shots from tubes I - IV on the partially overlapping steamers.  
      Wind calm, flat sea, heavy haze, extraordinarily strong phosphorescence  
      Bearing            = 296°T, 297°T, 295°T, 288°T  
      Target angle     = 81°, 82.5°, 79.5°, 72.5°  
        Lead angle        = 19°, -  , -  , 18.5°.  
        Target speed     = 10 knots  
        Range               = 1500 meters  
    21.53 MF 6826 Turned for stern shots.  Tubes V and VI with impact point shift on stern of the tanker.  
        Bearing            = 291°T, 291.5°T  
        Target angle     = 76°  
        Lead angle        = 19°  
        Target speed     = 10 knots  
        Range               = 1500 meters  
                                                       Ran with the convoy on course 35° to observe the hit effects.  After 8 and 9.5 and 10 minutes 6 detonations.  With the reliable range from the binoculars it seems to me the running time is too great even for the vessels of the further off columns.  
      Report from the Second Watch Officer of a destroyer ahead to port at a sharp target angle.  Turned away hard and broke through behind the convoy.  Searched the shooting location, except for 2 large oil fields nothing found.  Because necessary diesel repairs make further pursuit impossible, I remained at the location and have all torpedoes on board checked.  Rotating through all values does not yield an error source.  Course and speed were checked by day and night, as well as the far off set maneuver-ahead which matched exactly to the minute.  Believe the 6 detonations were end of run detonations.  
           
    29.09.43 Southeast Arabian Coast    
    00.00 MF 6822 A further search at the beginning of day brings no results.  
    04.00 [line of text is cut off]    
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.09.43
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.09.43      
    08.00 MF 6566    
    12.00 MF 6566 Day's run:   195 nm,    15 nm  
      21°36'N, 60°39'E    
    13.44   Surfaced.  
    16.00 MF 6562    
    16.45 SWbyS 1, Sea 1, 1/4 overcast, Vis. 3 nm, hazy, strong marine phosphorescence Torpedoes downloaded from the over deck, in so doing determined that in 4 torpedoes the apparatus chamber was full of water.  
    20.00 MF 6539    
    23.50   Downloading ended.  
           
    30.09.43 East of Ras el Hadd    
    00.00 MF 6619    
    03.32   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    04.00 MF 6365    
    08.00 MF 6356    
    12.00 MF 6352 Day's run:   102 nm,    19 nm  
      22°39'N, 61°17'E    
    15.46 WSW 1, Sea 0, clear, hazy, strong marine phosphorescence Surfaced.  
    16.00 MF 6325    
    20.00 MF 3868    
           
    01.10.43 Exit of the Gulf of Oman    
    00.00 MF 3841    
    03.38   Dived.  2 hourly all around periscope sweeps.  
    04.00 MF 3716    
    06.33                                                  Propeller sounds bearing 146°T, a tanker zigzagging 40° around course 300° in about 3 minute legs, bow right, target angle 5°.  Waited until the next zigzag away, operated on course 300°, speed 11.5 knots.  
    06.41 MF 3716 Single shot from tube VI.  
      WbyS 2, Sea 1, clear, Vis. 2-3 nm, hazy, strong marine phosphorescence Bearing            = 224°T  
      Range               = 800 meters  
      Target angle      = 92.5° (right)  
        Target speed     = 11.5 knots  
      After about 8 minutes 20 seconds a heavy detonation, tanker runs on peacefully.  Therefore again an end of run detonator.  Observed the tanker until it disappeared in the periscope.  
    08.00 MF 3724    
    08.22   Surfaced.  
    08.23 MF 3724                                  Crash dive.  In the haze 20° to port our tanker with 3 escorts with bow right, target angle 70°.  At periscope depth I see that the escorts have maintained course.  Avoided to the west, later to the northwest.  Suspect that the escorts came from Muscat, because they were at the location 1 1/2 hours after the detonation.  
    12.00 MF 3713 Day's run:   136 nm,    22 nm  
      23°50'N, 59°14'E    
    16.00 MF 3478    
           
    02.10.43 Gulf of Oman    
    00.00 MF 2537    
    03.39   Dived, hourly all around periscope sweeps.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.10.43
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.10.43      
    06.46 MF 2272 Aircraft course about 230° observed for a long time, seemed to be watching the Strait of Hormuz.  
    08.00 MF 2248    
    12.00 MF 2245 Day's run:   115 nm,    25 nm  
      25°14'N, 57°20'E    
    15.58 Wind calm, clear, hazy, strong marine phosphorescence Surfaced.  
    16.00 MF 2241    
    20.00 MF 2161    
    23.43   Dived to listen, Vis. 500-2000 meters.  
           
    03.10.43 Gulf of Oman    
    00.00 MF 2162    
    03.42   Dived.  
    04.00 MF 2193    
    08.00 MF 2274    
    12.00 MF 2271 Day's run:   100 nm,    24.2 nm  
      25°00'N, 57°12'E    
    15.56 Wind calm, clear, Vis. 1000 meters, strong marine phosphorescence Surfaced.  
    16.00 MF 2169    
    18.13 MF 2127 Passed a sailing vessel at 2000 meters.  
    20.00 MB 9879    
           
    04.10.43 Strait of Hormuz    
    00.00 MF 2126    
    02.05 MF 2153 Passed a sailing vessel at 1000 meters.  
    02.32 Wind calm, clear, hazy, Vis. 1-3 nm, strong marine phosphorescence Dived.  
      Set clocks back 1 hour.  
    04.00 MF 2181    
    08.00 MF 2186    
    12.00 MF 2191 Day's run:   91 nm,    25 nm  
      25°00'N, 56°56'E    
    15.08   Surfaced.  
    16.00 MF 2191    
    16.40 MF 2168 Sailing vessel  
    17.26 MF 2169 Sailing vessel.  
    20.00 MF 2227                                   For days the Gulf is deserted.  Not even in the Strait of Hormuz was there traffic.  Suspect that traffic in the Gulf is stopped after our splendid end of run detonators.  
           
    05.10.43 Strait of Hormuz    
    00.00 MF 2283    
    02.32   Dived.  
    04.00 MF 2526    
    08.00 MF 2537    
    12.00 MF 2538 Day's run:  109 nm,    24 nm  
      24°31'N, 57°58'E    
    14.51   Surfaced.  
    16.00 MF 2646    
    19.36 MF 2696 Shadow bearing 74°T - tanker on WNW course.  
    20.00 MF 2696    
    20.15                                                  Behind the tanker quite far off a new shadow in sight.  High bow sea, suspect patrol vessel.  Because it remains the same size I ran through between the tanker and the patrol vessel.  At target angle 180° enemy course was 310°.  Matched speed 10.5 knots.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.10.43
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.10.43      
    23.30 MF 2642 Single shot from tube II (Ato)  
      Wind 0, mirror flat sea, hazy, strong marine phosphorescence Bearing            = 204°T  
      Target angle      = 74° (right)  
        Lead angle        = 17°  
        Target speed     = 12 knots  
        Range               = 1000 meters  
        Running time      =88 seconds  
        Depth                 = 4 meters  
        Hit in the engine room - beneath the smokestack - Tanker buckles aft.  
        On the 600- meter wavelength - SSS - De - BRITANNIA - lat 24 r 24 - long 58 rt 2 east.  
                                                       While turning away we receive well-placed artillery fire from the tanker.  Evasion to  starboard hindered by the patrol vessel.  Attempted to get away astern.  Because of the strong marine phosphorescence we are seen like a silver arrow, we offer the enemy a good target.  When several shells go over the conning tower with a loud howl  I give up the attempt to run off on the surface.  
        Crash dive.  
           
    06.10.43 Gulf of Oman    
    00.00 MF 2642    
    0x.xx   Sinking sounds bearing 206°T.  
    0x.xx   Surfaced.  Ran to the sinking location.  
                                                       Occupied lifeboat abeam to starboard gave blinking light.  At the sinking location a large oil slick, amongst other things a large life raft and a deck house.  
        Dived.  
    04.00 MF 2643    
    08.00 MF 2654    
    12.00 MF 2654 Day's run:  127 nm,    22 nm  
      24°21'N, 58°25'E    
        Surfaced.  
    16.00 MF 2646    
    1x.xx MF 2694 Shadow bearing 160°T - matched speed - course 310° - 12 knots - large tanker type [illegible word] CANADOLITE.  
    20.00 MF 2683    
    2x.xx MF 2657 Single shots with impact point shift from tubes II and IV.  
      W 0-1, Sea 0, starry clear, mist, strong phosphorescence Bearing            = 204°T  
      Target angle      = 74° (right)  
        Lead angle        = 17°  
        Target speed     = 12 knots  
        Range               = 800 meters  
                                                        The Atos leave the tube with a bright glow so that the bow lights up brightly, ran like a training torpedo with a head lamp.  The tanker turned hard inside the bubble track immediately after the shot, the torpedoes ran past ahead.  
    2x.xx MF 2657 While turning away sighted a new shadow.  Matched speed 310° - 12 knots.  Tanker type ANDELUSIN.  
                                                       To eliminate as many sources of error as possible I tried to get the boat as close as possible.  In the binoculars there was only the black side of the hull.  
    2x.xx MF 2654 Single shots with impact point shift forward mast after mast (Etos).  
      W 1, Sea 0-1, clear, light haze, strong marine phosphorescence  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.10.43
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.10.43   Bearing            = 79°T  
        Target angle      = 90.5° (left)  
        Lead angle        = 23.5°  
      Target speed     = 12 knots  
      Range               = 700 meters  
                                                                                  After about 10 minutes 2 detonations.  Again and again end of run detonators and a peaceful  moment for a condemned man we thought sure to be hit.  Again and again we have checked all possible sources of error in the torpedo systems.  All is in order - slowly we get the impression that the torpedoes have flaws which we cannot recognize with the examination possibilities at hand.  
           
    07.10.43 Gulf of Oman    
    00.00 MF 2659    
    02.30   Dived.  
    04.00 MF 3472    
    08.00 MF 3481    
    12.00 MF 3482 Day's run:  117 nm,    23 nm  
      24°08'N, 59°26'E    
    15.00   Surfaced.  
    16.00 MF 3492    
    19.42   Outgoing Radio Message 1942 1645/7/597 Africa II  
                                                2130 1858/7/599       "  
                                                        Situation Sea:  Convoy traffic on course 35° and 215° 8635 to 8665 further 30 nm distance off the 200-meter line.  Surface escort untrained.  By day by 2-engined land-based aircraft.  Convoy assembly point and dispersal point believed to be in MF 2929  Spasmodic heavy single ship traffic at night from there to the inner Gulf, on course 310°.  Inner gulf numerous sailing vessels.  
      Air:  Except for convoys only determined in 2272.  There numerous aircraft, suspect locating.  No night air.  3 patrol vessels off Maskat.  Between monsoons steady mirror flat sea.  At night extraordinarily strong marine phosphorescence  
      Radio Communications:  Africa II all wavelengths and Goliath very low frequency very good reception.  Fuel good.  
      Since 25 August Eto acid level around 0 millimeters.  10 unexplained end of run detonators after 8-9 minutes.  As a rule, shooting data by matching speed.  
      Sunk:  21 Sep MZ 8916 American Cäsar 3 class 8000 GRT.  5 October MF 2642 tanker "BRITANNIA" course 310 12 knots.  Engine room hit, sinking sounds, occupied lifeboat.  Shot with artillery.  6826 at convoy 6 detonations.  Still 2 Etos and 3 remaining Ato with flooded apparatus chambers.  Intentions:  overhaul remaining torpedoes at base and new operation.  153 cbm.  
                                                                      "Lüdden"  
    20.00 MF 3554    
      W 0-1, Sea 0, starry clear, haze, strong marine phosphorescence    
    21.30   Outgoing Radio Message:  0150    0121/8/502  
                                                       Convoy in broad formation, data matched by day and night.  Running time between 8-10 minutes.  Hit in column beyond is possible.  Except for sizes no observations.  End of run detonators accepted in this case due to later Etos on independents with good data.  
                                                                      "Lüdden"  
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.10.43
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
           
    08.10.43      
    03.55   Dived - filled the battery with distilled water.  
    04.00 MF 3671    
    04.45   Surfaced.  
    05.44 MF 3675 Crash dive.  Aircraft great range, altitude about 1500 meters.  Apparently reaction to our Radio Messages.  
    08.00 MF 3915    
    12.00 MF 3918 Day's run:  140 nm,    27 nm  
      23°35'N, 60°59'E    
    14.42   Surfaced.  
    16.00 MF 3972    
    17.19   Incoming Radio Message:  1016/8/503  
        Contents:  Lüdden return transit to Penang.  
    20.00 MF 6351    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, haze    
           
    09.10.43 Southeast of the Arab coast    
    00.00 MF 6636    
    04.00 MG 4472    
    05.xx   Dived.  
    05.41   Surfaced.  
    08.00 MG 4753    
      W 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 MG 4799 Day's run:  103 nm,    10 nm  
      20°16'N, 62°38'E    
    16.00 MG 7282    
    20.00 MG 7566    
           
    10.10.43 Arabian Sea    
    00.00 MG 7951    
    04.00 MR 1322    
    08.00 MR 1392    
      NW 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. good    
    12.00 MR 2443 Day's run:  270 nm  
      16°15'N, 64°39'E    
    16.00 MR 2737    
    20.00 MR 5215    
           
    11.10.43 Arabian Sea    
    00.00 MR 5991    
    04.00 MR 5536    
    05.39   Dived, propulsion system checks.  
    08.00 MR 5687    
    09.40   Surfaced.  
    12.00 MR 5964 Day's run:  234 nm,    12 nm  
      12°44'N, 66°47'E    
      NNW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 MR 9188    
    20.22   Incoming Radio Message:  1811/11/545  
                                                       1)  Very close under the Indian coast lively independent and convoy traffic, once day air.  Light sea surveillance, radar not determined, nearly exclusively mirror flat sea.  
        2)  Fast independent traffic in the 8° and 9° channels.  
                                                       3)  Africa II short wave good, very low frequency quite good.
                                                                      "Junker"  
    12.10.43 Arabian Sea    
    00.00 MR 9469    
    04.00 MR 9812    
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.10.43
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.10.43      
    08.00 MR 9855    
      W 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    12.00 MR 9297 Day's run:  217 nm  
      9°35'N, 68°37'E    
    13.30 MR 9898 Boxes and empty containers sighted.  
    16.00 LB 3341    
    19.42   Incoming Radio Message:  1826/12/563  
        2)  Lüdden expend remaining torpedoes in Junkers area.  
                                                       After re-testing the torpedoes I have little faith in their operation but the area and situation from Junkers lures me strongly.  
    20.00 LB 3373    
           
    13.10.43 West of Lakkadiven    
    00.00 LB 3395    
    02.54   Dived.  Refilled with distilled water.  
    04.00 LC 1177    
    07.54   Surfaced.  
    08.00 LC 1187    
      W 3, Sea 3, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 LC 1278 Day's run:  150 nm,    10 nm  
      8°42'N, 70°50'E    
    16.00 LC 1534    
    20.00 LC 1618    
           
    14.10.43 Eight Degree Channel    
    00.00 LC 1652    
    03.32   Dived.  
    04.00 LC 1665    
    04.17   Surfaced.  
    08.00 LC 2446    
      WbyS 3-4, Sea 3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
    09.43   Minicoy Island Lighthouse in sight.  
    12.00 LC 2464 Day's run:  152 nm,    2 nm  
      8°02'N, 73°10'E    
    16.00 LC 2545    
    20.00 LC 2578    
           
    15.10.43 Eight Degree Channel    
    00.00 LC 2579    
    04.00 LC 2568    
    04.20   Dived.  
    04.51   Surfaced.  
    08.00 LC 2564    
      NW 3, Sea 2-3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 LC 6576 Day's run:  167 nm,    2 nm  
      7°40'N, 73°32'E    
    14.52   Minicoy Island Lighthouse identifier as in peacetime.  
    16.00 LC 2465    
    20.00 LC 2543    
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.10.43
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
           
    16.10.43 Nine Degree Channel    
    00.00 LC 2279    
    03.43   Dived.  
    04.00 LC 2252    
    04.11   Surfaced.  
    08.00 LC 2215    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 MS 8793 Day's run:  166 nm,    1 nm  
      9°42'N, 73°12'E    
    16.00 LC 2211    
    20.00 MS 8982    
           
    17.10.43 West of the Indian coast    
    00.00 MS 8862    
    03.12   Dived.  
    03.40   Surfaced.  
    04.00 MS 8945    
    08.00 MS 8968    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 MS 9725 Day's run:  181 nm,    2 nm  
      10°13'N, 75°36'E    
    16.00 MS 9844 Am close off Cochin [Kochi] - Roadstead - nothing seen.  Beacons and the harbor are dimmed.  
    16.01 MS 9844 Cone buoy 9°58'N, 76°06'E  
    20.00 MS 9799    
    21.23 MS 9797 2 buoys.  Appearance like net barrier buoys 9°30'N, 75°57'E. Distance 200 meters.  Direction parallel to the coast.  
           
    18.10.43 Coast at Cochin    
    00.00 MS 9791    
    01.56   Dived.  
    04.00 MS 9753    
    08.00 MS 9728    
    12.00 MS 9725 Day's run:  103 nm,    21 nm  
      10°16'N, 75°36'E    
    13.27   Surfaced.  
    16.00 MS 9449    
      WNW 2, Sea 1, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good.    
    20.00 MS 9178 Am off the Calicut [Kozhikode] Roadstead, nothing is seen.  Probably due to the sinkings by Junker.  
           
    19.19.43 Coast at Calicut    
    00.00 MS 8399    
    01.53   Dived.  
    04.00 MS 8837    
    08.00 MS 8838    
    12.00 MS 8637 Day's run:  115 nm,  22 nm  
      11°04'N, 74°56'E    
    13.32   Surfaced.  
    16.00 MS 8393    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, 1/2 overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 MS 9187    
           
    20.10.43 Coast at Calicut    
    00.00 MS 9457    
    01.49   Dived.  
    04.00 MS 9473    
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.10.43
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.10.43      
    08.00 MS 9484    
    08.09 MS 9484 During an all around periscope sweep patrol vessel bearing 168°T, sharp target angle, light legs around 350°.  Range 5000-6000 meters.  
    08.29 MS 9484 Single shots from tubes I and II with impact point shift forward and after mast.  
      SWbyW 1, Sea 0-1, 3/4 overcast  
      Bearing            = 86.5°T  
        Target angle      = 83.5° (left)  
        Lead angle        = 14°  
        Target speed     = 10 knots  
        Range               = 700 meters  
                                                       Shortly after the shot the patrol vessel turned hard and ran towards me.  Bubble tracks were probably seen in the mirror flat sea.  However, because the two remaining Etos are out of service and one is forward and one astern there was no other option but to use the Atos.  
      When we are at depth 30-40 meters, the patrol vessel rushed over us but nothing happens.  Apparently his depth charge throwers were rusty or the "PROTEKTOR" (net layer) had none.  Went to depth A +50 meters.  Above the patrol vessel drove in wild search curves, S-gear alternated with 5 and 3 second impulses.  Ran off at various speed settings and light legs around 250°.   
    11.40 Propeller sounds no longer heard.  S-gear beats every now and then while running off in 250°.  
    12.00 MS 9478 Day's run:  122 nm,    24 nm  
      10°26'N, 75°17'E    
    14.03   Surfaced.  
    14.47 - 16.24   Incoming Radio Message:  0116/20/553 to 556  
        Contents:  Instructions concerning entering Penang.  
    16.00 ES 8931 I decide to report the condition of my remaining Etos and begin the transit to Penang.  
    18.31   Outgoing Radio Message:  1712/20/561  
                                                       7 days MS 90 and LC 2- no traffic.  Today MS 9484 2-miss on large patrol vessel.  Type PROTEKTOR.  3-hour unmethodical S-gear pursuit.  MS 9847 cone buoy, 9797 2 further buoys like net barrier buoys.   
      Repeated engine checks of the 2 remaining Etos shows in one 138, with the other 187 RPM.  Brush holder adjustment device without seal.    Believe Eto-use under the existing conditions promises little success.  Transit to U-boat base via steamer route.  93 cbm.  
                                                                      "Lüdden"  
    20.00 MS 8891    
    23.27   Incoming Radio Message:  2230/20/565  
    23.48   Incoming Radio Message:  2311/20/566  
        Contents:  Instructions for entering Penang.  
           
    21.10.43 West of India    
    00.00 MS 8889    
    02.55   Dived.  
    03.28   Surfaced.  
    04.00 LC 2212    
    08.00 LC 2278    
      W 1-2, Sea 1, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    10.16   Incoming Radio Message:  0949/21/571  
        To Lüdden:  1)  Concur with intentions.  2)  Shoot the remaining Etos only in favorable opportunities from short range.  If not shot, examine thoroughly in U-boat Base.  Report results.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.10.43
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.10.43      
    12.00 LC 2558 Day's run:  215 nm,  1 nm  
      7°56'N, 75°44'E    
    16.00 LC 2831    
    20.00 LC 2972    
    23.25   Incoming Radio Message:  1423/21/577  
        1)  Boundary naval square MS 91 Ato 3-miss due to avoidance maneuver, type "PROTEKTOR".  
        2)  20 October naval square MS 8330 2 single misses on convoy of 10 ships, 4 escorts.  From 2-fan 1 hit on 6000-tonner.  Sinking likely.  3)  2 days continual air observed.  
        4)  Unfavorable attack conditions due to strong marine phosphorescence and continual mirror flat sea.  
        5)  Ato-use in this weather impractical.  
                                                                      "Junker"  
           
    22.10.43 East of the Maldives    
    00.00 LC 5361    
    04.00 LC 5633    
    08.00 LC 6445    
      WSW 2-3, Sea 2, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 LC 6722 Day's run:  210 nm  
      4°576'N, 75°354'E    
    16.00 LC 6763    
    20.00 LC 6884    
           
    23.10.43 South of India    
    00.00 LC 9314    
    02.37   Dived.  
    03.50   Surfaced.  
    04.00 LC 9395    
    08.00 LD 7417    
      WbyS 2-3, Sea 3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 LD 7468 Day's run:  232 nm,  3 nm  
      2°32'N, 78°38'E    
    16.00 ED 7583    
    20.00 ED 7688    
           
    24.10.43 Southeast of Ceylon    
    00.00 LD 8713    
    02.39   Dived.  
    04.00 LD 8739    
    04.18   Surfaced.  
    08.00 LD 8828    
      W 3, Sea 2-3, 1/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    12.00 LD 8912 Day's run:  234 nm,  4 nm  
      2°10'N, 82°33'E    
    16.00 LD 8693    
    20.00 LD 9458    
           
    25.10.43 Southeast of Ceylon [Sri Lanka]  
    00.00 LD 9545    
    03.21   Dived.  Propulsion system checks.  
    04.00 LD 9554    
    08.00 LD 9553    
    09.20   Surfaced.  
    12.00 LD 9616 Day's run:  173 nm,  11 nm  
      2°59'N, 85°19'E    
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.10.43
 
- 32 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.10.43      
    15.09   Short Signal on 24-meter wavelength not heard in the homeland.  
    16.00 LE 7177    
    18.07 W 3, Sea 2-3, 3/4 overcast, rain showers Outgoing Short Signal:  1807/25/531  
      Meeting point on 28th of the current month.  
                                                                      "Lüdden"  
    20.00 LE 7169    
           
    26.10.43 Southeast of Ceylon    
    00.00 LE 7239    
    04.00 LE 7835    
      SW 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain    
    06.06   Dived.  Filled the battery.  
    08.00 LE 5758    
    08.03   Surfaced.  
    12.00 LE 5792 Day's run:  250 nm,  5 nm  
      4°14'N, 89°24'E    
    12.31   Incoming Radio Message:  1215/26/540  
        Contents:  Lüdden" first be at meeting point on 29 October.  
    16.00 LE 5849    
    20.00 LE 5856    
           
    27.10.43 West of Sumatra    
    00.00 LE 5941    
    01.33   Dived.  
    04.00 LE 5952    
    08.00 LE 5929    
    11.36   Surfaced.  
    12.00 LE 5932 Day's run:  88 nm,  18 nm  
      4°45'N, 91°05'E    
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    16.00 LE 6712    
    20.00 LE 6494    
           
    28.10.43 West of Sumatra    
    00.00 LE 6549    
    02.05   Dived.  
    04.00 LE 6554    
    08.00 LE 6557    
    11.50   Surfaced.  
    12.00 LE 6555 Day's run:  106 nm,  20 nm  
      5°14.5'N, 92°46'E    
      WbyS 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 LE 6644    
    20.00 LE 6638    
           
    29.10.43      
    00.00 LF 4421    
    00.25 LF 4422 Small Japanese patrol vessel in sight.  Responded to recognition signal.  Because two other boats are in sight, I turn in circles at the meeting point.  
    01.45 LF 4422 Patrol vessel comes in my vicinity.  Recognition Signal exchange difficulties were made up for by mutual friendly waving.  Despite all the friendly demonstrations an agreement is reached.  
        Aircraft ahead to port did not respond to Recognition Signals.  Have machine guns manned.  Aircraft turned when nationality markings were recognized.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.10.43
 
- 33 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.10.43      
    01.50   U-boat in sight (Junker).  
    02.30   U-boat in sight (Schäfer)  
        Because the patrol vessels run in the direction of Sabang we hang on.  
    03.40 LF 4199 Torpedo boat approaches at high speed and makes the international signal:  Escort you to Penang.  
    04.00 LF 4196    
    08.00 LF 4268    
      SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 3/4 overcast, Vis. good    
    10.20 LF 4382 Japanese U-boat abeam.  Runs with at the limit of visibility.  
    12.00 LF 4392 Day's run:  244 nm  
      6°10'N, 96°35'E    
    16.00 LF 5191    
    20.00 LF 5297    
           
    30.10.43 Halakkn Strait  [Strait of Malacca]  
    00.00 LF 5631    
    04.00 LF 6439    
    06.10   Ran into Penang.  Made fast Swettenham Pier.  
        Reception by the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote for the Indian Ocean.  
      Summary:  The patrol made demands of the entire crew which went far beyond the usual.  Especially remaining submerged with the heat, stifling air in the Gulf of Oman (highest temperature in the diesel room after convoy hunt 73°C) required hard and tough endurance.  Due to the high temperature diesel had to bear such stress that frequent failures occurred and with respect to the long return transit, operational limitations were necessary.  The unexplained behavior and detonation of all the Etos at the end of the running track - according to the situation of the approaches - reduced certain chances for success to a minimum.  The frequent need to work at to the limit of performance, which inevitably took place without regard to health requirements, and the excellent attitude of the crew, despite the hardships and disappointments make the lack of successes particularly hard.  Based on the experience gained, entering Penang briefly to overhaul the torpedoes and machinery before the transit into the area of operation promises better operational conditions.  An operation in this form allows for the possibility of acclimatizing the crew and exchanging experiences with the Japanese Submarine Operations Division for boats coming from home.  
         
                                 Total distance covered:  1  9  3  3  1  nm  
                                  Sank:  Tanker "BRITANNIA" 9977 GRT  
                                             American "C 3"             8000   "  
           
        On board, 9 November 1943  
             signed in draft  L  ü  d  d  e  n  
        Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant.  
                  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.10.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.10.43

 

Enclosure to U-188's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Maschine KTB Maschine

 


Click the icons to view the associated records

Return to the U-boat KTB page