U-199 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Lost	Date	Days at Sea
K i e l	13 May 1943		31 July 1943	80

 

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
4 Jul 43		22°39'S, 41°39'W	CHANGRI-LÁ	20	Brazilian
24 Jul 43		25°30'S, 44°00'W	HENZADA	4,161	British
			Total = 4,181
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.

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			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h    "  U  -  199  "
			Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant    K  r  a  u  s  .
			________________
		28.11.42
		10.00	Bremen, Deschimag	Commissioning of the boat at the Weser-Werke A.G.
		29.11.42	"             "	Took over the boat and loaded fuel oil.
				Trim test.
		30.11.42	Bremen, Harbor Basin
		11.15
		to
		12.30
		01.12.42	Bremen, Weser
		09.10		Cast off for independent training on the Weser.
		14.05		Made fast Woermann Quay.
				Final adjustments. Day's run: 15 nm.
		02.12.42	Bremen, Weser
		09.21		Departed Bremen for transfer cruise to K i e l.
		15.22	Bremerhaven	Made fast Bremerhaven.
				Day's run Surfaced:  46 nm
		03.12.42	Bremerhaven
			Deutsche Bucht
		07.13	NW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. moderate	Departed Bremerhaven behind Sperrbrecher escort.
		18.43	NW 2, Sea 1-2, snow shower, Vis. bad	Made fast Brunbüttelkoog Inner Harbor.
				Day's run  Surfaced : 95 nm
		04.12.42	Brunbüttel, Elbe
		07.08		Departed Brunbüttelkoog, up the Elbe.
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Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB

	- 2 -
		continued
		04.12.42
		11.14		Made fast Hamburg U-boat Base.
		12.46		Shifted to Oswald Quay.  Balanced the Fu.M.G. [Radar]
				Day's run:  53 nm
		05.12.42	Hamburg, Elbe
		09.00	Departed Hamburg.
		13.25	Brunsbüttel	Through the lock into the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal. Cruise through the Canal.
		20.56	Holtenau	Out through the Holtenau lock..
		22.15	K i e l	Made fast K i e l, Tirpitz Mole.
				Day's run:  Surfaced 101 nm
		06.12.42	K i e l, U-boat Base	Cleared the boat.
		07.12.42	K i e l	Ship construction harbor testing by UAK.
		08.12.42	K i e l	Engine construction harbor testing by UAK.
		09.12.42	K i e l	Testing by UAK and preliminary trim test.
		10.12.42	K i e l	Torpedo loading and dummy torpedo firing.
		11.12.42	K i e l	Pressure dock testing.
		12.12.42	K i e l	Re-ballasting in the Deutschen Werke dry-dock.
		13.12.42	K i e l	Sunday routine.
		14.12.42
		to	K i e l	Independent training and drills in the Strander Bay.
		15.12.42
		16.12.42	K i e l	Mine loading.

	- 3 -
		17.12.42	K i e l	Mine deployment and trim test.
		18.12.42	K i e l	Artillery firing and engine testing from the K i e l Lightship to Schleimünde.
		19.12.42	K i e l	Trim test.  Undercut trial.
		20.12.42	K i e l	Sunday routine.
		21.12.42	K i e l	U.E.K. testing.
				Radio direction finder calibration in Stander Bay.
		22.12.42	K i e l	Fuel oil loading.
		23.12.42	K i e l	Sound trial in the Oberreider.
		24.12.42	K i e l	Towing test at Buoy A 12, oil trace, degaussing and measured mile.
		25.12.42
		to	K i e l	Sunday routine.
		27.12.42
		28.12.42	K i e l	Mounetd the ice protector.
				Submerged sound testing.
		29.12.42	K i e l	Took over the boat.  Balanced the boat.
		30.12.42	K i e l
		07.07	NNE 4, Sea 2-3, cloudy, driving snow, Vis. moderate	Cast off for cruise to the east.
		07.27		Light collision with fishing trawler HEINRICH NIEMITZ (P.G.) 303.
				Own course 40°, 6.5 knots (KF with diesel).
				At the level of Heikendorfer Bucht the fishing trawler above came from 270°T from port astern on course 70-80° speed 9-10 knots.
				Since the fishing trawler had no right of way and also crossed the channel, I gave a long blast with the air whistle, but since the course and speed of the steamer did not change, I had the boat stop, go to reverse HF, hard to starboard, and

	- 4 -
		continued
		30.12.42		when the engines started to reverse to AK. The boat almost stood still when our stem or ice protector grazed the steamer bulwark aft to starboard.
				Very little schock in the boat. Damage to the own boat: minor scratches on the bow.  Continued cruise to the east.
		07.40	ENE 3, Sea 2, overcast, with driving snow	Passed the barrier at Friedrichort outbound.
		08.22		Passed the Kiel Lightship.
		21.43		Made fast Swinemünde Seebahnof
				Day's run  Surfaced: 187 nm
		31.12.42	Swinemünde
		08.29	ENE 2, cloudy, at times driving snow
		11.40		Stettin, Bredower Graben made fast to "USAMBRA".
				Day's run:  Surfaced 33 nm
		01.01.43	Stettin	Sunday routine.
		02.01.43	Stettin
		09.07	E 3, Sea 0, overcast, snow	Departed Stettin for cruise to Danzig.
				Day's run:  Surfaced 168 nm
		03.01.43	E 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, at times fog with driving snow, Vis. moderate
		09.34		Made fast Danzig Holm Basin
				Day's run  Surfaced: 95.78 nm
				Sunday routine.
		04.01.43	D a n z i g	Gave over the ice protector, training duties.
		05.01.43	D a n z i g	Measured mile and calibration of the speed measurement system in Danzig Bay
				Day's run  Surfaced:      50 nm
				Submerged:   7 nm

	- 5 -
		06.01.43	Danzig	In Danziger Werft E-motor bearing replaced.
		07.01.43	Danzig	Training duties, work duties.
		08.01.43	Danzig
		08.00		Ready for sea for cruise to Gotenhaven.
				Gotenhafen, made fast alongside "PONTES" for T.E.K. shooting.
				Shot 6 torpedoes 2 times.
				Day's run : 24 nm.
		09.01.43	Gotenhafen	T.E.K. shooting, 6 torpedoes.
				Day's run : 6 nm.
		10.01.43	Gotenhafen	Sunday routine.
		11.01.43	Gotenhafen	T.E.K. shooting.  Shot 6 torpedoes surfaced and 6 torpedoes submerged.
				Day's run : 17 nm.
				Day's run :   1 nm.
		12.01.43	Gotenhaven	T.E.K. shooting.  Air shots submerged.
				Day's run : 13 nm.
				Day's run :   2 nm.
		13.01.43	Gotenhaven	Shot 6 torpedoes in harbor basin 9.
		13.20		Cast off for cruise to Danzig and the Danziger Werft took over the ice protector.
		17.53		Departed for cruise to Hela for the Agru-Front.
		21.18		Made fast Hela
				Day's run : 41 nm.
				Day's run : 1.5 nm.
		14.01.43	Hela	Crash dive training in XIV.
			SSE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast	Day's run : 18 nm.
				Day's run : 3.5 nm.

	- 6 -
		15.01.43	Hela	Crash dive training in V.
			SSE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast	Day's run : 22 nm.
				Day's run :   6 nm.
				Up to 08.44 hours watch boat at sea in X, XII, XIV.
		16.01.43	Hela	Day's run : 28 nm.
			SSE 2-3, Sea 1-2, cloudy	Day's run :  27 nm.
				Gave over the ice protector.
				Independent training in V.
				Day's run : 20.5 nm.
				Day's run :   6.5 nm.
		17.01.43	Hela	Drills at the pier due to fog.
			S 1-2, Sea 1, at times heavy fog	Day's run : 6.5 nm.
		18.01.43	Hela	Drills with rudder failure in XIV.
			S 3, Sea 2	Day's run : 10 nm.
				Day's run :   6 nm.
		19.01.43	Hela	Agru-Front, 3rd training in XII.
				Day's run : 12 nm, :   7.5 nm.
		20.01.43	Hela
		06.40	SSE 1, Sea 0, overcast, at times fog	Cast off for cruise to Gotenhafen.
				At T.E.K. took over 6 torpedoes.
		10.05		Cast off to shoot T.E.K.
				Afterwards independent training in XI.
				Day's run : 53 nm.
				Day's run : 6.5 nm.
		21.01.43	Hela	Independent training in IX.
			S 1 Sea 1, overcast, at times rain	Day's run : 38 nm.
				Day's run :   7 nm.
		22.01.43	Hela	Training 4  Training.
			NW 1, Sea 1, cloudy and overcast	Harbor watch boat.
				Day's run : 32 nm, :   6 nm.

	- 7 -
		23.01.43	Hela	Kmdt. ordered to Berlin.
				Training at the pier.
				Shore training at Swakopmund
		24.01.43	Hela	Harbor watch boat.
				Shore training at the Swakomund.
		25.01.43	Hela	Training service, work duties, lessons, sports.
		to
		02.02.43
		03.02.43	Hela
			SSW 1, Sea 1, clear to cloudy	Agru-Front, 5th training in XIV.
				Day's run : 10 nm.
				Day's run : 10.5 nm.
		04.02.43	Hela	Training in V, afterwards ice protector taken on board.
			SW 1, Sea 1
		15.15		Ready for sea for cruise to Danzig.
		17.52		Danzig, made fast 25. U-Flottille.
				Day's run : 60 nm.
				Day's run :    6 nm.
		05.02.43	Danzig
		03.30	SSW 1, Sea 1, overcast	Ready for sea.  Torpedo loading off Memel.
				Depth charge training.  Afterwards shooting in the shooting area, 6 day and 1 night approach.
		22.51		Made fast Holm Basin.
				Day's run : 68 nm.
				Day's run :  5.5 nm.
		06.02.43	Danzig
		05.25	SSW 2, Sea 2-3, cloudy	Ready for sea.  Torpedo loading off Memel.
		22.15		Shooting in 20.  5 day and 2 night approaches.
				Day's run : 81 nm.
				Day's run :  7.5 nm.

	- 8 -
		07.02.43	Danzig
		06.02	W 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy	Ready for sea.  Torpedo loading off Memel
				4 day attacks in 1.  Shooting broken off due to weather conditions.
		17.40		Made fast Holm Basin.
				Day's run : 48 nm.
				Day's run :  3.8 nm.
		08.02.43	Danzig
		05.20	NW 3-4, Sea 3, cloudy	Ready for sea.  Torpedo loading off Memel.
				Shooting in 17.  5 day and 4 night approaches.
		21.16 - 23.15		Aircraft alarm.
		00.08		Made fast Holm Basin.
				Day's run : 68 nm.
				Day's run :    4 nm.
		09.02.43	Danzig
		06.30	SW 3, Sea 2, fair, cloudy	Ready for sea.  Artillery shooting in 15.
				Afterwards torpedo loading off Memel and control point.
		18.03		Made fast Holm Basin
				Day's run : 66 nm.
				Day's run :   0.5 nm.
		10.02.43	Danzig
		09.25	S 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy	Ready for sea.
		11.00		Began shooting, 2 day, 1 night approach.
				Day's run : 76 nm.
				Day's run :    3 nm.
		20.41		Made fast Holm Basin.
		11.02.43	Danzig
		06.25	SSW 2-3, Sea 4, cloudy	Ready for sea for torpedo shooting.
				3 day, 2 night approaches.
		21.30		Made fast Holm Basin
				Day's run : 76.5 nm.
				Day's run :   5.5 nm.

	- 9 -
		12. - 14.02.43	Danzig	Infantry service, sports, cleaned ship, gear service, took over the boat.
		15.02.43	Danzig
		06.40		Ready for sea for cruise to Gotenhafen to the 27. U-Flottille.
		08.30		Made fast Gotenhafen.
				Conference for tactical training.
		10.52		Boat shifted alongside KOPHAMEL for torpedo loading.
		11.55		Made fast Stichbrücke
		13.33		Cast off for fuel loading in Harbor Basin 2.
		18.35		Made fast Stichbrücke   [Oxhöft Basin]
		16.02.43	Gotenhafen	Put to sea.
		03.30		On prescribed route to beginning station for Training 1.
				Test dive.
		08.00	AO 9549
			SW 3-4, rain squalls	Target formation in sight.  On orders moved off to the limit of visibility.  Held contact to the south of the convoy.  Maneuvered ahead.
		08.45	Vis. changing	1st contact keeper report from U-533.
				Convoy AO 9551, course 100°, 10 knots.
		09.25		Own report. Have contact on convoy.
				Contact keeping is extraordinarily difficult due to rain squalls with strong visibility deterioration and then sudden clearing.
		11.20		Enemy zigzags to the southwest.  Am ahead of the convoy.
		11.22		Crash dive!  Initiated attack.  Boat can still only be held at periscope depth in this Sea State at GF.
		11.53 - 11.55		Each one two-fan on KOPHAMEL and SEEBURG.
				Target angle = 67°, range = 1500 meters. target speed = 10 knots, depth 3 meters.
				After the attack surfaced to give the shooting values.
		12.00	AO 9438
		12.09	SW 4, Sea 4, 6/10	Dove again.  Under water moved off to the south.
		13.14		Surfaced.  Convoy in mast sight range
				Day's run : 89.6 nm.
				Day's run :    5.9 nm.

	- 10 -
		continued
		16.02.43		bearing 290°T.  Maneuvered ahead to the south of the convoy.  Only HF, due to overcoming water.
		16.10		Alpha Signal from Leadership:  Training ended.  Convoy is south of me range 14 nm.
			AO 9444	Occupy patrol strip.  On ordered course 334° and 154° back and forth in position.
		18.00		Beginning of Training 2.
		18.49		Alpha Signal U-231 convoy in AO 9417, course 120°, 8 knots.
				Operated on the reported convoy.
		20.14	AO 9442	Convoy in sight to the north.  General course 80°.
			NNW 4, Sea 4, 8/10	Maneuvered ahead to the south.  Moon horizon.
		20.15		Initiated attack on KOPHAMEL.  Approached as close as ordered until reported by the target ship UD.  After giving our Morse call sign turned away to the west and moved off.  After the convoy passed out of sight tried to gain contact again and maneuver ahead on the north side.  Enemy had zigzagged to a northeasterly course.
		23.03		Initiated attack.  Two-fan on KOPHAMEL target angle = 80.5°, range = 2500 meters, target speed = 10 knots, depth 3 meters.
				Moved off on the surface and reloaded.
		17.02.43
		00.00	AO 9414
		00.00	NNW 4, Sea 4	Training ended from Leadership.
		03.30		Occupy patrol strip.  Back and forth in position on course 235° hourly on opposite course.
		09.40	AO 9416
			NNW 2, Sea 2	Own Short Signal:  Enemy in sight bearing 60°T, course 150° zigzagged to 210°.
		09.43		Aircraft Ar 196 bearing 220°T.
		10.15		Crash dive!  Dove unseen, no attack, to Action Stations.  Turned towards to attack.  Convoy has a broad formation.  An aircraft over the convoy.
		10.30	AO 9415	Own Alpha Signal:  Enemy convoy, course 240°, runs at low speed.

	- 11 -
		continued
		17.02.43
		10.57 - 10.59		Three single shots on KOPHAMEL.
				Target angle 51.5°, range 2000 meters, target speed = 8 knots, depth 3 meters.
		11.00		Surfaced to give values.
		11.08		Dived and moved off to the north submerged.  Reloaded.
		12.00	NE 1, Sea 1, 1/10
		12.30		In the periscope an aircraft seen (Ju 88).
		12.39		Surfaced.
		12.45	Day's run  :  184.99	In 140-240°T two aircraft on course 270° and 90°.  Did not dive because was not seen.  Contact keeper report from U-710 convoy in AO 8437, course 270°, 10 knots.
		13.20	"        :   13.94
		13.12		Alpha Signal (U-231) convoy in 8466 course 270°, 8 knots.
		13.26		Own short Signal: Have contact on convoy.  Am north of the convoy.
		14.10		Own Alpha Signal:  Convoy 8426 enemy steers NW course, speed 9 knots.
		14.54		Own Short Signal:  Convoy speed 8-10 knots, course 330°.
				Because all boats have lost contact, I consider myself contact keeper and announce bearing signs with a Short Signal.
		15.46	AO 8282	Own Alpha Signal:  Convoy 8288 lower edge, course 290°.  Enemy runs at low speed.
		16.11	W 2, Sea 1-2, 1/10	Enemy in sight 8287:  Stand by for bearing Signals.
		16.58		Own Short Signal:  Convoy changed course to 230°.  Contact on convoy lost.  Convoy must have zigzagged away.  Pursuing to the south.
		17.04		Radio Message from Leadership:  21.00 hours be at tanker at meeting point 8322.   Attempt fueling.
		19.30		Began transit to 8332.
		20.00	AO 8336	Bearing signals from U-tanker not heard.
			W 2, Sea 1-2, blue sky	In accordance with radio Message began transit to Allinge.
		18.02.43
		00.36	W 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10	Anchored Bornholm Berth 2.  34 meters water, 70 meters chain.
		03.50		Weighed anchor.

	- 12 -
		continued
		18.02.43
				Transit to ordered square and occupy patrol line.
		08.00	AO 8413
		08.35	WSW 4-5, Sea 3-4
		to		Test dive.
		08.50
		09.00		Began the 4th Training.
		11.20		First contact keeper report from U-231.
		12.00	AO 8421	Convoy 8415, course 60°, 9 knots.
			SW 6, Sea 5-6	I operate on the reported convoy without seeing anything.  The visibility is very bad at times.  U-231 reports contact lost.  Other contact keeper reports show that the convoy must have passed by to the south.  To get contact before darkness I request bearing signals from the contact keeper.
		12.26	Day's run : Surfaced 207.4 nm
			: Submerged 3.1 nm
		15.05
		15.32		Convoy in sight bearing 85°T on course 90°.
				Attempted to maneuver ahead to the south of the convoy.
		16.00	AO 9417	Submerged attack with this boat is not possible due to the Sea State.
			W 5, Sea 5, 8/10
		16.15		Own Short Signal to Leadership:  Weapons use not possible due to weather conditions.  Attempting to hold contact until darkness.
		17.45		Convoy changed course to 160° and runs towards us.  Initiated submerged attack.
		17.55
		18.16		Each one two-fan on KOPHAMEL and KURLAND.  Target angle = 60.5°, range = 2500 meters, target speed = 8 knots, depth = 3 meters.
		to
		18.19
				After giving the values moved off to the south and reloaded.  After the convoy was out of sight came to an easterly course.
		18.40		Contact on the convoy again.
		18.50		Own Short Signal:  Enemy changed course to 70°.
				Maneuvered ahead to the south of the convoy.
		19.33		Own Short Signal:  Enemy changed course to 100°.
		20.00	AO 9432	Encoded conference with Chef, U-649, U-710.
		21.09		Own Short Signal:  Enemy changed course to 140°.
				Initiated attack.
		21.15	AO 9542	Each one two-fan on KOPHAMEL and KURLAND target angle = 55°, range = 1200 meters, target speed = 9 knots, depth 3 meters.
		to	WSW 4-5, Sea 5, 1/10
		21.16
				After giving the values moved off to the south.
		21.40		Gained new contact and maneuvered ahead.
		22.45		Started the attack.

	- 13 -
		continued
		18.02.43
		22.58	AO 9673	One two-fan on KOPHAMEL.
				Target angle = 74.5°, target speed = 10 knots, range = 1500 meters, depth 4 meters.
		19.02.43		After giving values moved off to the south gained contact again.
		00.15		Training ended from Leadership.
		03.00		Made fast Gotenhafen Basin 9.
		08.30
		to	Day's run : Surfaced 165.3 nm	Work duties.
		16.30
		21.30		Transit to ordered square and to form patrol line.
		20.02.43	Gotenhafen
		00.00	AO 9575
		03.05		Own Short Signal:  Operation not possible due to weather.
		04.00	AO 9466	The target ship formation can not put to sea due to hurricane.  The boats remain according to orders in the position line from 08.00 hours as patrol line.  Wind and Sea State are constantly increasing.  Boat lies badly in a stern sea.  Several times danger of undercutting.  Bridge watch is belted in.
			NWN 6, Sea 5-6
		06.00	AO 9517	Dived and went to depth 30 meters.
		09.00	AO 9518	Surfaced and moved back and forth in patrol line.  Boats remain in patrol line for training reasons.  The crews should be weather proof.  Every two hours situation report to Chef.
			WNW 10-11, Sea 7
		12.00	AO 9515
		12.30	W 10, Sea 7,	Encrypted conference with all boats with Chef.  Wavelength Karl Willi.
			Day's run: Surfaced 60.95 nm
			Submerged 9.7 nm
		16.00	AO 9516	Wind and Sea State abate slowly.  The visibility is good.
			NW 8, Sea 7, 2/10
		17.24		Target formation out for night training.  I send Short Signal weather report.  Believe radio message in patrol line not advisable.  The position of the boats was recognized too easily.
		20.00	AO 9519
		21.12	NW 4, Sea 4, 1/10	First report concerning the convoy, course 0°, speed 10 knots.  From U-467.
		21.15		Own Short Signal:  Have contact.  I attempt

	- 14 -
		continued
		20.02.43		to maneuver ahead south of the convoy.
		21.19		Initiated attack.
		22.34	AO 9542	Each one two-fan on WOLTA and KOPHAMEL.  Target angle = 56°, target speed = 10 knots, range = 2500 meters, depth 4 meters.
		to
		22.35
				After the attack gave values and turned away to the NE.
				By contact keeper reports the convoy now runs on a northerly course.  I came to a parallel course and attempted to run up in the east.  By contact keeper reports the convoy now runs on a northerly course.
		23.10		Convoy in sight.
		21.02.43	AO 9515
		00.15	NNW 3-4, Sea 3	Convoy changes it course 70-80° to starboard.  That put me in a wonderful position.  I initiate attack and shoot a three-fan on WOLTA.
				Target angle = 47°, target speed = 9 knots, range = 2500 meters depth 4 meters.
				After giving values moved off to the west and reloaded.
		03.00		Gained contact again and initiated attack.  While running in Training ended from Chef.
		04.22	AO 9534	Transit to starting square for the beginning of the next Training.  Disposition in patrol line in accordance with Radio Message orders.
		08.00	AO 9525
			NW 3-4, Sea 4, 4/10
		10.20		Convoy in sight and ran in for attack.
		10.21		Crash dive!  From the Sea State the boat is very difficult to steer at periscope depth.  I accept that the screen saw my periscope and as a consequence the convoy zigzagged 50° to port.
		10.11		Both two-fans were shot with a broad target angle at long range.  Target angle = 120°, target speed = 9 knots, range = 3000 meters, depth = 4 meters.
		to
		10.12
				After the shot surfaced and gave values.
				Set off from the convoy submerged and reloaded.
		11.49		Surfaced.
		11.52		Crash dive! for aircraft.
		12.00	AO 9150

	- 15 -
		continued
		21.03.43
		10.23		Surfaced again.
		12.58		New crash dive for aircraft, no attack.
		13.08		Surfaced.
		14.01		Crash dive for aircraft, no attack.
		15.23		Surfaced!  I have contact on the aft sweeper of the convoy.  Visibility was bad and decreased to 1 nm.  To not lose contact in the twilight I got closer.  Suddenly a destroyer came up about 1 nm away.  I turned towards him to show him a small silhouette.
		17.14		Crash dive! Due to the long diving time of the boat was probably still seen.
		17.20		6 depth charges however apparently for a boat that dived in 240°T.
		17.45		Still once more two depth charges.
		18.10		Surfaced.  The visibility was somewhat better.
		20.00	AO 9418	Convoy has passed out of sight.  I pursued in the suspected advance direction of the convoy and drove in search courses.  I requested bearing signals from the contact keeper, but which could not be received at first.  Later they were interfered with by a jammer and were unsuitable for direction finding.  The boat is probably about 10 nm east of the plotted position.
			NW 4, Sea 4
		23.58		Training ended from Training Leader.
		22.02.43	AO 8427
		00.06	WNW 4, Sea 4, 8/10	Dived to get a bearing on the G.H.G.
				No success.
		00.40		Surfaced, began transit to position for Training 8.
		04.00	AO 8422
			WNW 2, Sea 2, overcast
		08.00	AO 8297
		09.00	WNW 3, Sea 3, overcast	Back and forth in position AO 8297.
				First report from U-232 convoy in square AO 8453 with westerly course and low speed.

	- 16 -
		continued
		22.02.43		I operate at GF on the reported convoy.  Receive bearing signals from aircraft which have contact.
		12.00	AO 8426
			W Sea 2-3
		15.17	Day's run: Surfaced 205.1 nm	Convoy in sight.  Protecting destroyer stays far from the convoy.  I run to the south of the convoy and maneuver ahead.
			Submerged 12.1 nm
		17.14		Am ahead of the convoy and dive to attack.
		17.43	AO 8271	A three-fan on KOPHAMEL and a single shot on WOLTA.  After the shot surfaced to give the values.
				Target angle = 41°, target speed = 10 knots, range = 500 meters, depth 4 meters.
		17.48		Dived and moved off submerged.
		18.08		Convoy out of sight.  Pursued in suspected advance direction.  The convoy is detected again and positioned for a night attack
		19.30
		19.42		Two-fan on SEEBURG.  After the shot gave the values.
				Target angle = 86, target speed = 10 knots, range = 600 meters, depth 4 meters.
		20.00	AO 8195	Convoy passes out of sight again after the shot.
			WNW 2-3, Sea 1-2	Continued to advance in the suspected advance direction.
		21.45		Training ended from Leadership.
				Anchored at Allinge Berth 2.
		23.02.43	Allinge Anchorage
			WNW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, misty horizon
		03.05		Weighed anchor. Began transit to starting position for Training 9.
		08.00	AO 8198
			W 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, misty, Vis. up to 6 nm
		09.00	AO 8199	In position.  Training begins.  Back and forth in position in patrol line.
		09.39	AO 8196	Crash dive for Ju 88 was probably seen.  No attack.  Sound bearing shows strong sound band in 245°T from several merchant ships and fast running engines.  I suspect the awaited convoy is there.

	- 17 -
		continued
		23.02.43
		10.04		Surfaced.
				Radio Message to Chef:  8196 strong sound band in 245°T.
				Searched in the direction of the sound band.
		10.54	AO 8198	Crash dive! for Ju 88.  No attack.  The sound band now bears 0°T.
		11.14		Surfaced.
		11.29		New crash dive for Ju 88.  Again no attack.
				Sound bearing in 20°T.
		11.35		Surfaced.
				Pursued in 20°T after U-189 report by Short Signal convoy in sight course 20°, 8-10 knots.
				So it must be north of me.
		11.37		Destroyer in sight bearing 30°T.  About 5 nm away.  Reported by Short Signal.
		11.40		Crash dive for destroyer.  Was not noticed.  Observed in the periscope, a destroyer held another boat submerged, probably U-189.
		12.00	AO 8195	Surfaced.  Radio Message to Leadership:  8193 destroyer flew into the air, apparently a torpedo hit.
			Day's run: Surfaced 74.8 nm
		12.07	Submerged 3.7 nm	Crash dive for destroyer.  Attacked. Two depth charges.
			Total 78.5 nm	In the periscope several steamers in sight in the mist.
		12.55		Surfaced.  Enemy convoy AO 8271, NE course.
				Held contact to the south of the convoy and tried to move ahead slowly.  Gave hourly contact keeper reports.
		15.20		Convoy zigzags to the east.  In the strong mist contact only still possible on the screen.  About 6 nm ahead of the convoy there is an single light cruiser.
		15.22		Short Signal:  One light cruiser in 8287.
				In the course of the afternoon nearly all the assigned boat held contact on the convoy.
		16.00	AO 8288
			Vis, about 15 nm	Crash dive!
		17.17		Cruiser suddenly comes towards me in target angle 0°.  To Action Stations.  Initiated submerged attack.

	- 18 -
		continued
		23.02.43
		17.29	AO 8294	3-fan on WILHELM BAUER.  After the shot surfaced to give the shooting values.
				Target angle = 52°, target speed = 11 knots, range = 600 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots.
				After the shot moved off submerged and reloaded.
		17.55		Surfaced.  It is twilight.  Am positioned in the middle of the convoy.
		18.05		Crash dive! before an approaching destroyer.
		18.16	AO 8294	Stern approach on steamer.  After the shot surfaced to give the values.
				Target angle = 65°, target speed 9 knots, range = 500 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots.
				Reloaded on the surface and moved off.
				I continue to hold contact.  Convoy zigzags to the south.  Boats set KK Lantern on orders.  Lantern extinguished to attack.
		20.00	AO 8423
			Vis. about 1500 meters
		20.17		Initiated new attack on W. BAUER
				2-fan with target angle = 67°, target speed = 9 knots, range = 600 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots.
				After the shot moved off submerged and reloaded.  I hold contact again.
				After that pursued inside between the columns and shot a 2-fan with tubes 5 and 6 on W. KOPHAMEL.
				Target angle 45°, target speed = 8 knots, range = 800 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots.
		22.00		Convoy comes to an easterly course.  By this I get ahead of the convoy on its starboard side.  Convoy now proceeds in line ahead.
		22.50	AO 8461	Initiated new attack.  Boats extinguish lanterns on AA from Leadership.  On turning to shoot on WOLTA and SALZBURG noticed by destroyer and forced to submerge.
		23.35		Surfaced.  Pursued on old convoy course 90°.
		24.02.43	AO 8462	In the mist bumped in to the screen.  Crash dive!
		00.23	NW 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, misty	Depth charges.
		00.45		Radio Message from Leadership:  Tactical No. 2 and 8 download from the over deck.

	- 19 -
		continued
		24.02.43
		01.05		Surfaced.  Pursued.  After 45 minutes contact again.
		02.00		Radio Message to Chef:  Convoy located square 9441 easterly course.  Setting off to the north to download.
			AO 9418	Moved off in 10°,  Downloaded from the over deck.
		03.40		Short Signal:  Have downloaded from the over deck square 9418.
				Searched again for contact on the convoy.  From contact keeper reports the convoy has turned away to the north.  Requested bearing signals from the contact keeper.
		04.00	AO 8419	Operated on bearing signals from the contact keeper.
				Visibility was getting more and more bad.
		05.00	AO 8416	With help from surface sound bearings about 05.00 hours again contact on the convoy.
				Training was broken off due to visibility deterioration to 200 meters and due to Kr report from U-232 mine hit in square AO 9418.  On orders ran to search in square 9418
		05.18		Radio Message from Chef:  PANTHER is at the scene of the accident.  Search settled.
		06.35		Radio Message from Chef:  All stop until fog passes.
		08.00	AO 9418	Made fast to the stern of W. BAUER.  W. BAUER lies at anchor.
		12.00	AO 9415	Cast off from W. BAUER, and in accordance with Radio Message from Chef headed for WALDEMAR KOPHAMEL.  In the vicinity of W. KOPHAMEL remained lying stopped.  U-649 was sunk after ramming by U-232.  In position for new patrol line.
			Day's run: Surfaced 47.1 nm
			Submerged 2.1 nm
			Total 49.2 nm
		16.00	AO 8432
		16.30	AO 8298	In position.  Back and forth in position on course 310° and 130°.
		17.40		Short Signal from U-630:
				Destroyer square AO 8435, course 315°.
				Operated on this report, pursued to the south.
		18.59		Short Signal from U-231
				Convoy in square 8431, course 315°, 8 knots.
				Searched to the west.
		19.00	AO 8431	Convoy in sight.
		19.08		Own Short Signal:  Have contact on convoy.

	- 20 -
		continued
		24.02.43
		20.00	AO 8423
		20.20		Initiated surface attack.  Because breaking through the screen from ahead does not seem possible, first attack on destroyer.
		20.37	AO 8422	One each two-fan on MYZ. and W. BAUER
		to		After the shots gave the values.
		20.38		Target angle = 90°, target speed = 10 knots, range = 800 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots, depth 1.5 meters.
				Target angle = 62°, range = 800 meters, target speed = 15 knots, torpedo speed = 30 knots, depth 3 meters.
		23.10		Moved off and reloaded.  Got contact again.  Initiated submerged attack.
		23.28	AO 8277	A three-fan on TG.  After giving the values move off submerged and reloaded.
				Target angle = 85°, target speed = 10 knots, range = 800 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots, depth 1.5 meters.
		25.02.43	AO 8277	Hold further contact behind the convoy.
		00.40	W 2, Sea 1-2	Maneuvered ahead for attack, no screen behind.
		00.50-00.51	AO 8198	Each one two-fan on SEEBURG and KURLAND.
				Target angle = 125°, target speed = 8 knots, range = 1000 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots, depth 4 meters.
				After giving the values moved off and reloaded.
				Training ended from Leadership.  Began transit to Allinge.
		03.14	Allinge	Anchored.
			Berth 2
		12.00	Day's run: Surfaced 130.6 nm
		18.00		Interim meeting on WILHELM BAUER.
		26.02.43	Allinge
			Berth 2
			SSW 2, Sea 1-2
		02.00	Overcast, misty	Weighed anchor.  Began transit to beginning place for Training 10.
		04.00	AO 8197
		04.32		Dived for test dive.
		05.05		Surfaced.
		05.10		In position.  Back and forth in position in ordered square.

	- 21 -
		continued
		26.02.43
		08.00	AO 8195	Visibility report was requested from Chef.  Visibility was between 100-2000 meters.
		11.10		Radio Message from Chef:  Convoy on course 130°, speed 8 knots.
		12.00	AO 8196
			SW 4, fog	Radio Message from Chef:  Convoy 13.00 hours AO 8411, low speed.  Operate on this report.
			Day's run: Surfaced 70.39 nm
			Submerged 5.36 nm
			Total 75.75 nm
		14.20		First Short Signal from U-650:
				Convoy located square AO 8414
		14.24	AP 8411	Ju 88 sighted.  Flew past.
		14.30	AO 8411	Direct approach of a Ju 88.  Avoided by AK maneuver.  Dived on second approach.
		15.20	AO 8414	Convoy in sight.
		16.00	AO 8415
			SW 1, Sea 1-2, misty, overcast
		16.27		Own Short Signal:  Have contact on convoy.  Enemy changed course to the east.
		18.30		Convoy passes out of sight.
		20.00	AO 8464	Convoy in sight again.  Convoy has westerly course.
			Vis. clear
		21.00		Convoy comes to northerly course. I am to starboard of the convoy and initiate attack.
		22.03	AO 8455	Three-fan on KURLAND.  After giving shooting values moved off on the surface.
				Target angle = 112°, target speed = 9 knots, range = 600 meters, depth 3.5 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots.

	- 22 -
		27.02.43	AO 8413
		00.05	NW 4, Sea 4, Vis. good, bright moon	Initiated a new attack and shot a three-fan on SEEBURG.  After giving the values moved off on the surface and reloaded.
		00.09
				Target angle = 90°, target speed = 9 knots, range = 1000 meters, depth = 3.5 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots.
		01.00		Enemy now steers easterly course.  The night is very bright.  The steamers are easily distinguished in the bright moonshine.  I can stay with the convoy and approach for a new attack.
		01.59	AO 8286	Each one two-fan on SEEBURG and KURLAND.
				Target angle = 110,
				Target angle = 86°, target speed = 9, range = 2000 meters, depth = 3.5 meters, torpedo velocity = 30 knots.
				After giving the values moved off on the surface and reloaded.
		04.00	AO 9177	I attempt to get into the convoy from ahead.
		06.23		Short Signal from U-650:
				Convoy changed course to 135°.
				I am ahead of the convoy and by this zigzag and quite far off.
		08.00	AO 9452
		08.30 09.50	AO 9452	I gain contact and am again ahead of the convoy.  I initiate submerged attack.  However the convoy zigzags away after my shot announcement.  However I still get to shoot at SEEBURG and KURLAND, each one two-fan.
				Target angle = 88°, target speed = 9 knots, range = 2000 meters, depth = 3.5 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots
				Target angle = 80°, target speed = 9 knots, range = 2500 meters.

	- 23 -
		continued
		27.02.43
		12.00	AO 9428
			Day's run: Surfaced 197.5 nm	After the shot moved off submerged and reloaded.
			Submerged 15.7 nm
			Total 213.2 nm	On surfacing the convoy is out of sight.
		12.03		Dived to listen.  No bearing.
		13.52		Surfaced.  Pursued in the suspected advance direction of the convoy.
		14.10		Convoy in sight.
		14.14		Dived before destroyer.  Closed submerged.  Convoy turns away and passes out of sight.
		16.00	AO 9462
		16.15		Surfaced and operated on U-650 contact keeper report.
		18.40		Own Radio Message:  Visibility in square AO 9554 1000 meters deteriorating.
		18.54		Own Short Signal:
				Have contact on convoy.
		19.49		From Leadership:  Training ended.
		20.00	AO 9518	Began transit to Gotenhafen.
		28.02.433
		00.15	Gotenhafen	Made fast.
			Basin IX
		08.00		Shifted to offload torpedoes to W. KOPHAMEL.
		01.03.43	Gotenhafen
		13.00		Cast off Stichbrücke for transit to K i e l.
		02.03.43	Central Baltic
			Day's run: Surfaced 247.3 nm
			Long.: 13°13'E
			Lat.:    54°44.5N

	- 24 -
		continued
		02.03.43	Kiel Wik	Made fast Berth 18.
		03.03.43	Kiel
		12.00	Day's run: Surfaced 112 nm
		12.30		Cast off for cruise into dry-dock.
		14.30		Deutsche Werke, dry-docked in Dock 9.
		04.03.43	Kiel
		10.05		Un-docked.
		10.35		Made fast Blücherbrücke.  Afterwards fuel oil offload.
		05.03.43	Kiel
		08.40		Cast off Blücherbrücke.
		09.00 - 10.45		Final trim test.  Afterwards cruise to Sonderburg.  Could not carry out sound trial.
		18.00	Kiel Wik	Made fast Berth 11.
			Day's run: Surfaced 84 nm
			Submerged 0.5 nm
			Total 84.5 nm
		06.03.43	Kiel
		11.00		Cast off Berth 11.
		11.45 - 12.35		Passed through the Holtenau Lock.
		18.30	Brunsbüttel Koog	Made fast inner harbor.
			Day's run: Surfaced 55 nm
		07.03.43	Brunsbüttel Koog	Cast off inner harbor.
		05.35
		05.55 - 06.30		Passed through the Brunsbüttel Koog Lock.
				Taken in convoy for the transit to Bremen.
		13.50		Released from convoy at the Weser mouth.
		17.30 - 17.50	Bremen	Passed through the Bremen Industrial Harbor Lock.
		18.30	Day's run: Surfaced 130 nm	Made fast Bremen Industrial Harbor at the Bollwerk.
		08.03. - 20.04.43		Final adjustments in the Deschimag Werft in Bremen.

	- 25 -
		20.03.43
		11.30		Shifted off Dock 3.
		15.00		Dry-docked.
		26.03.43
		15.45		Un-docked.  Made fast Woermann Pier.
		14.04.43
		08.00		Engine pier-side trials.
		14.00
		15.04.43
		08.30		Cast off for sea trial on the Weser.
		15.20		Made fast Woermann Pier.
		19.04.43
		08.30		Final trim test.
		12.10
		21.04.43
		16.00	Bremen	Cast off Woermann Pier for cruise to Kiel.
		19.55	Bremerhaven	Made fast.
			Day's run: 38 nm
		22.04.43
		06.00	Bremerhaven	Cast off.  Taken under Sperrbrecher escort.
		12.00	Day's run: 88 nm
		13.55	Brunsbüttel Koog	Made fast in the lock.
		14.15		Cast off from the lock.
		20.15 - 20.35	Kiel	Passed through the Holtenau Lock.
		21.00	Kiel Wik	Made fast Berth 16.
		23.04.43	Kiel
		12.00	Day's run: 65 nm
		12.35		Shifted to Berth 19.
				Cleared the boat and fuel oil loading.
		24.04.43	Kiel
		07.30		Cast off.
		09.50 - 10.50		Final trim test by UAK.
		11.35		Made fast Berth 19.

	- 26 -
		25.04.43	Kiel Wik	Sunday routine.
		26.04.43	Kiel Wik
		07.30		Cast off Berth 19.  Transit to Sonderburg.  Sound trial impossible due to bad weather.
		11.30	Sonderburg	Made fast.
		15.15		Cast off.
		18.20	Kiel Wik	Made fast Berth 1.
			Day's run: 90 nm
		27.04.43	Kiel Wik
		09.35		Cast off Berth 1 for radio testing.
		14.15	Day's run: 38.5 nm	Made fast berth 8.
		28.04.43	Kiel Wik
		07.05		Cast off berth 8 for transit to Swinemünde.
		12.00	Day's run: 74 nm
		12.20		Passed the Gjedser Barrier.
		20.15	Swinemünde	Made fast at Eichstaden alongside GENERAL OSORIO.
			Day's run: 111 nm
		29.04.43	Swinemünde	Cannon training by the Light Anti-Arcraft School - Division.
		30.04.43	Swinemünde	Cannon training.
		14.15	Day's run: 25 nm	Cast off Eichstaden for anti-aircraft shooting.
		18.30		Made fast alongside AMMON.
		01.05.43	Swinemünde
		08.20		Cast off Eichstaden for anti-aircraft shooting.
		12.00	Day's run: 30 nm
		14.10		Made fast Eichstaden.
		14.50		Cast off Eichstaden for transit to Rönne.
				Independent training in the area of the tactical flotilla.
		02.05.43
		06.00		Boat positioned off Rönne.
		07.40 - 09.25		Sound trials in buoy field Hasle.
		12.00	Day's run : 171.3 nm.
			:   16.5 nm.
			Total day's run 187.8 nm	Transit to Kiel.  Interrupted by independent training in the area of the tactical flotilla.
			AO 8381

	- 27 -
		continued
		02.05.43
		13.20		Crash dive for training.
		13.50		Surfaced.
		14.52		Crash dive for training.
		15.00		Surfaced.
		15.33		Crash dive for training.
		15.58		To Action Stations.
		16.13		4-fan on merchant steamer.
		16.17		Surfaced.
		17.28		Crash dive for training.
		18.04		Surfaced.
		20.00		Crash dive for training.
		20.16		Surfaced.
		21.28		Crash dive for training.
		22.10		Surfaced.
		03.05.43
			AO 8368
		12.00	Day's run Surfaced 147.8 nm
		12.50	Kiel Wik	Made fast Berth 19.
		17.15		Shifted to Berth 4.
		04.05.43	Kiel Wik	Outfitting for the Front.
				Torpedoes, fuel oil, and ammunitions loading.
		05.05.43	Kiel Wik	Provisions loading.
		06.05.43	Kiel Wik	Provisions loading.
		07.05.43	Kiel Wik	Provisions loading.
		08.05.43	Kiel Wik	Radio direction finder calibration and degaussing.
		09.05.43		Sunday routine.
		10.05.43	Kiel Wik	Final trim test in the Strander Bucht.
		11.05.43
		06.50	Kiel	Re-balasted in Deutsche Werke 9.
		18.00	Kiel Wik	Made fast Berth 16.
		12.05.43	Kiel Wik	Fresh provisions loading
				Kaptlt. and Kommdt.

 

			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h    "  U  199  "
			Kommandant:  Kaptlt.    K  r  a  u  s
			(prepared by 2.Skl./B.d.U.Op.)
		19.43
		13.05.43	K i e l	Departed with orders, to head for AL 13.
		14.05.43
		12.28		From B.d.U.:
				Enter Bergen to take over Metox.
		15.05.43
		01.30
		- 07.00	Kristiansand South
		16.05.43
		04.00
		- 20.00	Bergen
		18.05.43
		17.30		From B.d.U.:
				From 19 May 08,00 hours switch to "Ireland" Circuit.
		22.05.43
		18.11		From U-199:
				Have passed 60°N to the south.
		23.05.43
		22.01		From B.d.U.:
				Head for GR.
		22.24		From U-199:
				Where is my operations area?
		25.05.43
		23.02	AK 64	Weather report
		01.06.43
		13.57		From B.d.U.:
				Today 20.00 hours switch to "America II" Circuit.
		08.06.43
		16.36		From B.d.U.:
				New objective is GB 20.
		26.06.43
		03.25	GB 21	U-199 reported position.
		18.35		From B.d.U.:
				To U-513, U-199:
				From now attack free in GA 60, GB 40-60,  South of GA 29 do not cross a 30 nm wide coastal strip towards land.
				2) Initially no special demarcation of the attack areas. U-513 on the occasion of radio message delivery suggest appropriate attack space division.
		03.07.43
		16.40		From U-199:
	[VP-74 PBM which crashed during the night attack] [Liberty SCHJAL actually SS CHARLES WILLSON PEALE]			GB 1815 bombed.  Strong day air, sea and land.  Night attack fended off, aircraft shot down.  27 June 2 hits on Liberty SCHJAL, strong artillery defense.  South and east of GA 37 no traffic observed.  285 cbm.  22 torpedoes.

	- 2 -
		06.07.43
		02.02		From U-199:
			[CHANGRI-LÁ]	Have sunk freight sailing vessel with artillery.  Shifting my operations area into the southern part of the ordered attack area.
		11.07.43
		15.04		From B.d.U.:
				According to B-Dienst report on 7 July a wreck in 00°23'S, 47°33'W and in the same area several undetonated depth charges reported.  Further wreck in 24°55'S, 47°08'W.
		14.07.43
		00.46		From U-199:
				GA 91 to GB 22 and back daily several neutral steamers.  Picked up enemy traffic only under the coast or in GK 93. Question attack permission there.  Believe new moon experience exchange with U-513 useful.
		12.48		From B.d.U.:
				1)  U-199 operations area in GK 93 is not possible.  South of the ordered southern limit attack is forbidden.
				2)  U-513 suggest meeting place for the exchange of experience with U-199.
		15.07.43		U-513 suggests meeting on 22 July in GA 6699.
		23.07.43
		00.46		From U-199:
				Am at ordered meeting point 6699, have not met U-boat.  At the beginning of lightness, course 0°, 18 knots.
		23.07.43
		10.16		From B.d.U.:
				Kraus for U-513 on 24 July at 12.00 hours once more be at agreed meeting point.
		24.07.43
		14.20		From U-199:
			[HENZADA]	1)  Modern 10000 GRT passenger freighter sunk, GA 4191, northwest course.
				2)  To U-513:  Position GA 45 alerted (?), question meeting.  220 cbm, 8 + 9 torpedoes.
		25.07.43
		00.47		From U-199:
				Square in last Radio Message are GB
		10.54		From B.d.U.:
				If U-513 has not suggested a meeting point by morning, it is accepted that it is in a favorable position under the coast and will continue to operate there.  Meeting then settled.
		28.07.43
		21.59		From B.d.U.:
				U-513 after new moon supply from U-199. For both boats no further supply anticipated.
			No reports whatsoever were received, orders to report situation- and position on 7, 10, and 12 August remained without answer.
			No details concerning loss are known.  There is the possibility in connection with an American Radio Report, by which the Brazilian steamer "BAGE" 8,235 GRT was sunk on 31 July at the level of the Brazilian coast
				[BAGÉ was sunk by U-185 on 1 AUG 1943]

	- 3 -
			and the attacking U-boat was destroyed in the process.
			"U-199" was declared missing on start on 27 August 1943 with effect from 7 August 1943.  On 30 June 1944 with effect from 31 July 1943 missing two stars was declared.
			On this day, according to the notification of the protecting power 12 men of the crew, among them the Kommandant, were taken in captivity.  49 soldiers remain.
			For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
			- The Chief of the Operations Department -

 

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