U-23 - 8th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Wilhelmshaven
9 February 1940
Wilhelmshaven
25 February 1940
17

 

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
18 Feb 40
09.07
55°57'N, 18°55'W
HMS DARING (H 16)
1,375
British
HN-12
19 Feb 40
09.41 - 10.15
55°57'N, 18°55'W
TIBERTON
5,225
British
22 Feb 40
09.07
55°57'N, 18°55'W
LOCH MADDY (torpedoed)
4,996
British
HX-19
     
 Total = 11,596
   
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          
                Unterseeboot    "  U  23  "  
           
                Kommandant:  Kaptlt.    K  r  e  t  s  c  h  m  e  r  
           
           
                                            Beginning:    30. 1.40  
                                            Concluding:    8  2.40  
           
           
           
       
(Excerpt of the logbook, because the Kriegstagebuch for the period from 30.1. to 8.2.40 is not available on board "U 23".)
 
           
           
                                 
           
           
           
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
H  a  r  b  o  r    D  a  y  s  .
 
           
           
           
           
    30.01.40 U-boat Base Torpedo offload.  
    14.00 Wilhelmshaven Shift of the boat to the West-Werft.  
    31.01.40 U-boat Pier Made fast U-boat Pier.  
    01.02.40   Cleaned and overhauls of the boat's equipment.  
    02.02.40      
    13.00 In the dock Shifted into floating dock II.  
        Replaced a cable connection on the forward diving plane linkage.  
    03.02.40   Overhaul of the flood valves.  
        Check of the G.H.G.  The two aft receivers on each side are not operable.  Replacement is anticipated in the next shipyard period, because substitutes cannot be procured in time at the shipyard.  
    11.00   un-docked  Shifted to load oxygen.  
    15.00   Shifted to the Base.  
    05.02.40 Base Torpedo loading.  5 G/7e.  
        Outfitting.  
    06.02.40       - / -    
    07.02.40      
    13.00   Because piping to the forward trim tank is ruptured, shifted to the U-boatswerft for repairs.  
    08.02.40      
    14.00   Shifted from the shipyard to "DONAU".  
        Torpedo No. E 3025 loaded, ventilated.  
           
                     Signed in draft    K  r  e  t  s  c  h  m  e  r  
   
 
For correctness  !
On board, 25 April 1941         
  Korvettenkapitän and
    Flottilleenchef i.V.
 
           
           
           
           
           
 

 
 
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
                                        K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h.    "U  23"  
                                      -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-  
           
           
                                         Kommandant:  Kaptlt.    K  r  e  t  s  c  h  m  e  r  
           
           
                           
           
           
           
                 Beginning:    9. February 1940  
                 Concluding:    28. February 1940  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    09.02.40      
    08.25   Cast off from "DONAU" for transit to Helgoland.  
    08.50   Made fast in the north lock of the 3rd Entrance.  The Sperrbrecher for ice escort is still not in the lock due to a departing destroyer, went out again and into the lock with Sperrbrecher 7.  Made fast to Sperrbrecher 7.  
         
    10.10 Transit to Helgoland  
    12.30 SSE 3, Sea 1, sunny. Vis. good Passed the barrier, detached from Sperrbrecher.  
    13.09   Passed Buoy B.  
    15.00   Passed Elbe I Buoy.  
    17.00   Made fast U-boat harbor Helgoland.  Accommodated the entire crew in the barracks.  Torpedo No. E 2749, E 2953 charged, ventilated.  
                                
    10.02.40 Helgoland    
    10.00   Ice protector handed over.  
    12.15   Departed Helgoland.  
    13.15   Test dive.  
    13.30   Surfaced.  Transit to operations area for operation "Nordmark" by Route "Green".  
    15.00   Ice began.  Drove through the ice behind "U-57".  
    16.00 AN 9535 center-right edge    
    18.00   "U-57" out of sight.  
    20.00 AN 9356 upper-left Occasionally very thick closed ice (up to 13 cm).  
      SSW 2, ice and Sea 2, Swell, overcast, misty, Vis. bad    
    23.30 AN 9390 upper-center edge End of the ice fields.  
                                
    11.02.40      
    00.00 AN 9311 center-right    
    02.00 AN 9174 center New ice fields began, partly loose ice, partly solid.  
    04.00 AN 9144 center    
    07.45   Test dive.  
    08.00 AN 3851 center    
    09.35 AN 3848 lower-right End of the ice fields.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 10.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 11.02.40
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.02.40      
    12.00 AN 3762 lower-edge right Day's run 207 nm.  
    16.00 AN 3479 lower-right corner    
    20.00 AN 4665 upper-left On Radio Message orders due to date shift conserve fuel.  
      NE 3, Sea 2, Swell, overcast, Vis. medium Continued with one diesel LF, one motor KF.  
                              
    12.02.40      
    00.00 AN 4624 upper-right    
    04.00 AN 4374 upper-center    
    07.50   Dived, continued .  
    08.00 AN 4286 upper-left corner Main exhaust gas valve already leaks at depth 10 meters.  Inner exhaust gas valve holds tight.  
    12.00 AN 4264 upper-left Day's run 168 nm, of the 8 nm .  
    16.00 AN 4253 upper-left    
    18.30   Surfaced.  
    20.00 AN 4228 upper-left Torpedo No. E 2749, E 2953 ventilated.  
      NE 2, Sea 1, Swell, overcast, Vis. medium, snow squalls                         
    13.02.40      
    00.00 AN 4213 center    
    01.45 AN 2778 lower-center Swedish passenger steamer course 100°.  
    04.00 AN 2774 lower-center    
    06.20 AN 2693 lower-left Merchant steamer passed course 90°.  All lights set.  
    08.00 AN 2692 upper-center edge Dived, proceeded .  
    12.00 AN 2667 upper-right Day's run 47 nm, 28 nm.  
    16.00 AN 2664 lower-left    
    18.00 AN 2656 upper-center Surfaced.  
    18.10   Crash dive, because 2 small fresh oil traces athwart our course suggested torpedo running tracks.  
    19.30   Surfaced, transit to the SE coast of the Shetland Islands.  
    20.00 AN 2653 lower-left    
      NE 1, Sea 0, Swell, overcast, moon, rain squalls                         
    14.02.40      
    00.00 AN 2616 lower-right    
    00.50 - 02.20      
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 12.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 13.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 14.02.40
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.02.40      
    00.50 - 02.20 East coast of the Shetland Islands Lighthouse Sumburgh Head burns with correct identification.  Headed for Isle of Noss.  
    04.00 AN 2174 center-right    
    07.40 Lax Firth Dived, broke into Lax- and Cat Firth to shorten the waiting time and to shoot warships lying at anchor.  
    08.00 AN 2174 center    
    10.00   Flying boat, old construction, over the coast, northerly course.  
    12.00 AN 2171 center Day's run 57 nm, 23 nm.  
    12.35 Lax Firth Came about at the entrance to Cat Firth.  In all 4 bays no vessels sighted.  3 patrol vessels off it.  
    16.00 AN 2172 center Surfaced to run slowly along the coast to the north and to examine Baltasound beforehand.  
    20.00 AN 2181 upper-left corner Patrol vessel.  Otherwise no vessels.  In Yellsound 2 patrol vessels all with set lights.  Torpedo No. E 2749, 2593 ventilated, charged.  
      The Out Skerries Fetlar  
      NE 1, Sea 1, moon, partial overcast, Vis. good  
                              
    15.02.40      
    00.00 AN 2151 upper-center    
    04.00 AN 2116 center ran in.  No vessels.  Went to position "Harke Nanni"  
      Baltasound    
    08.00 AN 2126 center Dived.  In position submerged.  
    12.00 AN 2134 center Day's run 17.5 nm, 54 nm.  
    16.00 AN 2135 center    
    19.55   Surfaced, with one E-motor KF held the boat in the moon.  
    20.00 AN 2136 center-right Torpedo No. E 3025 charged, ventilated.  
                                
    16.02.40      
    00.00 AN 2133 center    
    00.45   1 Norwegian and 1 Danish steamer.  Did not attack because in accordance with Operations Order only "valuable targets" are allowed.  Proceeded together with lights and illuminated flag.  Course 30°.  
    04.00 AN 2135 center Stopped to save fuel, because the moon has set.  
    08.00 AN 2133 center Dived.  
    12.00 AN 2136 center Day's run 15.5 nm, 16 nm.  
    16.00 AN 2135 center    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 15.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.40
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.02.40      
    19.30   Surfaced.  
    20.00 AN 2134    
      W 1, Sea 0, overcast, at times Vis. medium good                         
    17.02.40      
    00.00 AN 2149 On Radio Message Orders at highest speed to the south to the northern part of the Fair Isle Passage.  
    03.00 Sumburgh Head Lighthouse burns with correct identifier.  Passed to starboard.  
    04.00 AN 2641 On Radio Message orders proceeded to new position square 1660.  
    05.40   Skroo Lighthouse (north tip of Fair Island) abeam to starboard burns with correct identifier.  
    08.00 AN 1635    
    09.27   Dived.  Proceeded at depth 10 meters (periscope antenna)  
    11.15   Heavy English cruiser type Norfolk in sight bearing 140°T, target angle 60°, 6 nm away.  Steers westerly course.  Due to too large target angle and range attack not possible.  
    11.40 and 11.45   Radio Signal sent on periscope antenna:  487/115 enemy in sight, heavy cruiser, square 1668 steers westerly course.  
        Signal was not repeated.  
    12.00 AN 1668 Day's run 16.5 nm, 142.5 nm.  
    12.45 and 12.50   Radio Signal sent 2 times with periscope antenna, once :  168/1215 Enemy heavy cruiser in sight square 1667 center-left, steers westerly course, runs at low speed.  Repetition of the signal neither by Control or a U-boat.  So the Signal was also sent , to report the cruiser,which obviously ran for the Pentland Firth, with certainty to the boats off the east entrance to the Pentland Firth U-19 and U-57.  
    12.56 - 13.02   Surfaced to send Radio Message.  
    13.28   Radio Signal sent then :  353/1245 Enemy out of sight square 1659 upper-center westerly course, medium speed.   
        Again no repetition by Control of a U-boat.  
    16.00 AN 1667    
    18.59   Surfaced.  
    20.00 AN 1694    
    21.30   Dimmed vessel approaching.  Attack broken off because the vessel was recognized as a merchant ship.  Up close  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.40
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.02.40   however the ship was distinguished as a freighter with 5 cargo hatches of type of motor steamer of the Shipping Firm J. and O. Morrison, London, therefore about 5000 tons.  Because it was fully loaded and a stern cannon was recognized, recognized as a "valuable" target in accordance with Operations Order.  Maneuvered ahead for a new attack.  
    23.30 NW 2, Sea 1, overcast, partial moon, Vis. medium shot from 300 meters, failure!  Torpedo No. 3025.  Because in the meantime we have gotten far to the south of the operations area began return transit there.  Torpedo No. E 2656, E 2944 ventilated and charged.  
                                
    18.02.40      
    00.00 AN 1832    
    01.07   2 destroyers sighted on SW course.  Operated on Radio Signal from "U-19" (053/0015/18/1: Enemy Convoy in sight square 1494, enemy steers southerly course.  
    03.05 Convoy came in sight bearing 0°T.  Set off ahead and to the east, to get out of the unfavorable moon side and on the dark horizon.  The convoy containing 20 ships proceeded in 3 subgroups, there was one destroyer with each group and ahead on the wings to starboard and port destroyers proceeding in zigzags.  The astern destroyers followed the ships on a straight course.  
      Behind the center an L-class submarine.  While attempting to get into the convoy from the east and shoot out a large steamer proceeding in the center, I got stuck between the two port destroyers, so I decided to attack the astern destroyer.  
         
      Setting moon  
    03.54 AN 1692 At 03.54 hours shot one torpedo at 800 meters.  Torpedo No. E 2749.  On the destroyer, a second detonation followed the first.  It broke in two parts.  The aftership stood vertically just a little bit out of the water.  The foreship floated keel up.  The convoy drove on, without worrying about the wreck.  
        According to the News Service from 19 February at 20.00 hours it was the destroyer "DARLING" of the D-Class.  (1375 tons).  
    04.00 AN 1692 Immediately thereafter attacked the submarine.  Torpedo No. E 2953.  Miss.  
    05.21   Radio Signal 812/310/1815 sent.  Was repeated by Control.  Enemy convoy in sight square 1692, steers southerly course.  Moved off on course 310°.  A destroyer follows without recognizing the boat.  
        Went to position.  
    07.55 AN 1660 Dived.  5 strong depth charge detonations.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.40
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.02.40      
    08.00 AN 1639    
    12.00 AN 4117 upper-right Day's run 76 nm, 22 nm.  
    12.15 AN 1639 and 41241 5 enemy destroyers back and forth in position.  Stopping to listening speed.  Depth charges at 14.00 hours and 15.00 hours at long range.  U-boat hunt by a flying boat older design.  (2 structural decks).  
         
    15.05    
    16.00 AN 4141 Went to depth 86 meters for a line abreast formation of U-boat hunters of fishing trawler type.  
    16.30 AN 1639 lower-right corner Convoy in sight bearing 250°T, steers northerly course.  The convoy, which was accompanied by fishing trawlers of the Agathe Class, consisted of 22 steamers in double column.  At the convoy in front was a submarine of the S-Class. The escort was then made up of 5 destroyers of the B and E class.  
     
 
       
      Among others the destroyers "BRAZEN H 80" and "ECLIPSE H 08" were recognized. Additionally, 4 aircraft apparently type Avro Anson.  One aircraft flew in circles over the convoy, 3 aircraft in loose flight of three around in train.  The convoy passed out of sight at 18.30 hours.  Was not attacked due to the large target angle and range.  
 
 
18.30
    19.30 Surfaced.  
      Radio Signal repeated by Control:  Enemy convoy in sight, steers northerly course, consists of 22 vessels, was protected by 5 destroyers, 1 submarine, 4 aircraft.  
    19.40 Radio Message 1740/1814 to B.d.U. repeated by Control, With reported convoy submarine S-Class proceeds ahead of destroyers of the B and E Class.  
    19.45 Twice star signals were observed bearing 330°T.  
    20.00 AN 1666    
    22.24   On Radio Message B.d.U.:  Convoy 17.00 hours square 1639 northerly course, 6-8 knots, search for contact, only attack escorted U-boat and cruisers.  
        Came to course 10° and highest speed.  
    23.15   Sighted 3 dimmed vessels (destroyers) on southerly course.  Came to easterly course to determine the type and formation of the vessels.  
    23.43   On Radio Message B.d.U.:  2 cruisers 22.30 hours from Kirkwall 03.00 hours square 1623 lower-center edge.  
        Came to course for this.  
                                
    19.02.40    
    00.00 AN 1636    
    00.02   Sent Radio Message:  3 enemy destroyers square 4114 to 2117, easterly course, high speed, apparently reconnaissance line.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 19.02.40
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.02.40      
    01.30 AN 1623 Back and forth in position waiting for the reported cruisers.  
      W 1, Sea 1, Swell, moon, partial overcast, Vis. good    
    02.35   U-boat in sight bearing 310°T.  Distance approximately 5000 meters against the bright night sky.  
    02.40   Recognition Signals exchanged with "U-19".  Closed to hailing range.  "U-19" also waits for the two cruisers.  
    03.15   A dimmed vessel in sight bearing 0°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  A merchant steamer of 5000 tons of the same type as the night before.  Runs on course 170°.  Due to strong lightness attack.  
    04.00 AN 1634 lower-left    
    04.05   Dived.  
        Shot from 600 meters.  Steamer sank in 30 seconds.  Torpedo No. 2656.  
    04.25   Surfaced.  Came to course for square 1623.  U-19 already in sight at 5000 meters.  
    06.25   U-boat bearing 170°T.  
    06.35   Recognition Signal with U-22.  Went back to position.  
    08.00 AN 1637 lower-right    
    08.05   Dived to depth 10 meters.  Periscope antenna.  
    10.55   1 patrol vessel in sight in 3000-4000 meters on NE course.  
    10.20 and 10.50   Depth charges in close proximity.  
    12.00 AN 1662 Day's run 16.5 nm, 68.5 nm.  
    12.30   Patrol vessel out of sight.  
    16.00 AN 1661    
    19.10   Surfaced.  
    20.00 AN 1661    
    21.30   Star shells bearing 130°T.  
    21.50   Star shells and signal rockets bearing 330°T.  
    22.40   Star shells and signal rockets bearing 280°T.  
    23.45   On Radio Message:  For convoy outbound from Kirkwall on 20 February go to square 1480.  
      Freshening to SSE to SbyE 5, Sea 4, Vis. bad, overcast On Radio Signal from "U-19":  One tanker in square 1497 course 210°, speed 11 knots.  
        Came to course west at highest speed to maneuver ahead.  Tanker did not come in sight,  Continued transit to position.  
                                
    20.02.40      
    00.00 AN 1664    
    04.00 AN 1624 6 illuminated patrol vessels in a large circle around the  
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 20.02.40
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.02.40 East coast of the Orkney islands outer exit of the Stronsay Firth.  
      1 dimmed patrol vessel positioned off the Stronsay Firth back and forth.  
    08.00 AN 1480 Back and forth in position .  
        A convoy does not come in sight.  
    12.00 AN 1480 Day's run 76 nm, 10 nm.  
    16.00        "    
    20.00        "                         
    21.02.40      
    00.00 AN 1480    
    01.30 S abating to 3, Sea 3, Swell, overcast, Vis. bad to medium North Ronaldsay Lighthouse bearing 175°T.  Skadon (South tip of Fair Island) bearing 25°T.  Both burn dimmed with correct identifier.  
    04.00 AN 1480    
    08.00        "    
    08.13   Dived.  Back and forth in position.  
    12.00 AN 1480 Day's run 50 nm, 4 nm.  
    16.00 AN 1480    
    19.09   Surfaced.  Pursued a large illuminated steamer coming out of Kirkwall, course 90°, steamer ran at 11 knots.  
    20.00 AN 1622 On Radio Message Orders:  Square 1643, 19.00 hours drifting large freighter.  Give coup de grâce.  
        Took up pursuit of the steamer.  
    20.30   Came to course for Kirkwall, to be near the shore, to intercept the steamer expected to be towed to Kirkwall.  
    21.30 SbyW 2, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good Copensay Lighthouse in sight bearing 250°T, burns with correct identifier.  Passed a presumed patrol vessel with lights.  
                                
    22.02.40      
    00.00 AN 1616 lower-right    
    00.45   Drifting steamer in sight.  
    00.56   Recognition Signal exchanged with U-57.  Since exposure of the dinghy alongside for demolition is not possible due to the swell, torpedo shot Torpedo No. 2944 on the steamer from 330 meters.  Steamer lays deeper in the center.  Torpedo hit center.  Steamer breaks in two parts.  Bow is straight up and down.  Turns and sinks deeper very slowly.  Stern also sinks deeper very slowly.  The two wreck parts drift apart.  The cannon on the stern is intact.  Steamer was about 7000 tons (6 hatches).  A patrol vessel passing by at 1 nm with lights  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 21.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 22.02.40
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.02.40   on NE course takes no notice of the detonation.  
    01.20   In hailing range of U-57.  
    01.45   Because all torpedoes are expended, began return transit.  Both wreckage parts still float.  
    04.00 AN 1661 lower-right    
    08.00 AN 4155 lower-right    
    12.00 AN 4433 upper-right Day's run 166.5 nm, 10 nm.  
    16.00 AN 4554 lower-right    
    17.10 AN 4582 upper-right Passed a drifting mine.  
    20.00 AN 4832 lower-right    
    20.30 S 4, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium Radio Message to F.d.U. West:  Square 4836 Anton Nanni return transit.  
                                
    23.02.40      
    00.00 AN 4971    
    04.00 AN 6217    
    08.00 AN 6285 Dived.  Proceeded submerged.  
    12.00 AN 6281 Day's run 167 nm, 21 nm.  
    16.00 AN 6285 On Radio Message orders to B.d.U.:  Due to diversion pass through the barrier first 24/25 February.  
    16.45 AN 6285 Put the boat on the bottom depth 36 meters.  Because the outer and inner exhaust gas valve are leaking, in 16 meters water water penetrates into the diesel and bilge.  As a result 4% water in the oil.  
      West edge of the Warning Area off Route II on the bottom  
    20.00 AN 6285    
      West edge of the Warning Area off Route II on the bottom                         
         
    24.02.40      
    00.00 AN 6285    
      West edge of the Warning Area off Route II on the bottom    
    04.00         "        "        "    
    06.23   Surfaced.  
        Port thrust bearing runs hot (100°C).  Port propeller un-clutched.  
    08.00 AN 6297 Dived.  Continued at periscope depth.  
    12.00 AN 6531 Day's run 18.5 nm, 5 nm.  
    11.03 - 11.07   Surfaced to determine ship's position.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 23.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 24.02.40
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.02.40      
    12.25   Due to leaks in all exhaust gas valves, and after determining that the port thrust bearing is out of service, shaft braked and un-clutched.  On one diesel the boat still makes 7 knots through the water.  
    16.00 AN 6645 transit on Route II through the Warning Area.  
    20.00 AN 6684    
      S 3, Sea 3, moon, Vis. good                         
    25.02.40      
    00.00 AN 6934 lower-right    
    04.00 AN 9572 upper-center    
    08.00 AN 9595    
    08.05   Check fired the M.G.C/30 14 shots, weapon in order.  
    08.15   Passed Lightship F to port.  Ran into the Jade sometimes behind patrol vessel, otherwise no ice escort.  Jade is ice free at the moment.  
    11.25 Wilhelmshaven U-boat Base North Lock 3rd Entrance.  
    11.55   Made fast at the Brügge Mole alongside "DONNAU".  
        Day's run 175 nm  
           
    26.02.40      
    09.48 Transit to Kiel Cast off from "DONNAU" for transit to Kiel.  
    10.23 - 11.18   Lock 3rd Entrance.  
        Put to sea on the Jade in tow of Sperrbrecher "G".  
    14.15   Detached from the Sperrbrecher.  
    14.19   Buoy B abeam to starboard.  
    14.43   Lightship D abeam to starboard.  
    18.00   Passed Elbe I.  Buoy was just commissioned.  
    18.50   In tow of Sperrbrecher SP I.  Up the Elbe.  
    20.00   Passed Cuxhaven  
    22.15   Detached from Sperrbrecher in the Brunsbüttel outer harbor.  
    22.45 N 1, Sea 0, Vis. medium Made fast at the outer guide work of the Brunsbüttel Lock.  7 men of the crew were accommodated in the barracks of the Harbor Control.  
                                
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.02.40
Sun and Moon Data 25.02.40
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.02.40      
      Brunsbüttel inland harbor Boat must remain lying in Brunsbüttel until 28 February because Sperrbrecher must first get "U-18".  
    06.06   Shifted from the outer guide work through the lock to the inner guide work.  
    07.06   Made fast.  
    13.30   Shifted to the guide work of the north side.  
    16.30   Tug "NORDER" made fast alongside.  
                                
    28.02.40      
    07.30 Kaiser Wilhelm Canal Cast off from the guide work with the tug "NORDER".  In tow of "NORDER" behind "HESSEN" as ice escort began transit through the Canal.  
    10.30   Stopped, because the uncoupled and braked port shaft slipped out with the removed thrust bearing.  Brake had come undone.  Shaft brought forward again with block and tackle, thrust bearing put in place, brake applied.  
    11.00   Continued transit.  
    17.30   Made fast Holtenau Lock.  
    19.00 Kiel Made fast Deutsche Werke, Kiel.  
                                
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 

 

  Enclosures to U-23's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
   
ChartA Track chart for the entire patrol
   
ChartB Track chart for the period in the operations area 14 February Shetland Islands, southern part
   
ChartC Track chart for the period in the operations area 15 February Shetland Islands, northern part
   
Torpedo Torpedo firing reports


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