U-402 - 2nd War Patrol
Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster
Departed |
Date |
Arrived |
Date |
Days
at Sea |
St.
Nazaire |
11
January 1942 |
St.
Nazaire |
11
February 1942 |
32 |
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
Attacked |
||||||
Date |
KTB
Time |
Position |
Ship |
Tons |
Nationality |
Convoy |
16
Jan 42 |
11.15 |
46°04'N,
19°06'W |
LLANGIBBY
CASTLE (damaged) |
11,951 |
British |
WS-15 |
Total
= 11,951 |
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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. |
Copy No. 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
K r i e g s t a g e b u c h | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
U n t e r s e b o o t e s - " U 4 0 2 " | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kapitänleutnant | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kommandant: Baron v. Forstner | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning: 10. December 1941 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending : 11. February 1942. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distribution: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Enclosures: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB |
- 1 - |
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10.12.41 to | St Nazaire Shipyard | Shipyard overhaul, docking period, sea trial and equipping. | |||
10.01.42 | |||||
Sunday | |||||
11.01.42 | |||||
14.45 | Bay of Biscay | Cast off from the St. Nazaire lock. | |||
W 1, Sea few clouds | In convoy with Speerbrecher and 2 Vp.-boats with "U-581" to Point Nanni 1. | ||||
16.30 | BF 6465 | Released from convoy at Nanni 1, trim test. During daylight proceeded submerged, course 240°. | |||
20.00 | BF 6467 | Surfaced. Proceeding on the surface at 2 x HF. | |||
24.00 | BF 6477 | ||||
Monday | |||||
12.01.42 | |||||
01.56 | BF 5834 | Came to westerly course after passing the 200-meter line. | |||
SE 2, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | |||||
04.00 | BF 5825 | ||||
08.27 | BF 5735 | German U-boat abeam to starboard. | |||
09.25 | BF 5725 | Dived to proceed submerged. | |||
12.00 | BF 5716 | Day's run: Surfaced 178 nm, Submerged 24 nm. | |||
16.00 | BF 5715 | ||||
20.00 | BF 4936 | Surfaced. continued transit at HF. | |||
24.00 | BF 4916 | ||||
Tuesday | North Atlantic | ||||
13.01.42 | |||||
04.00 | BF 4826 | ||||
SE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast | |||||
08.00 | BF 4814 | ||||
09.25 | BF 4735 | Crash dive for training, drills. | |||
10.00 | Surfaced. | ||||
12.00 | BF 4725 | Day's run: Surfaced 146 nm, Submerged 26 nm. | |||
Se 3, Sea 1-2, overcast | |||||
16.00 | BF 4715 | Continued transit into the operations area, 1 diesel 220 RPM. | |||
20.00 | BE 6935 | ||||
24.00 | BE 6925 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 11.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 12.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 13.01.42 |
- 2 - |
|||||
Wednesday | North Atlantic | ||||
14.01.42 | |||||
04.00 | BE 6916 | ||||
NW 5, Sea 5, overcast | |||||
08.00 | BE 6914 | ||||
09.45 | BE 6836 | Crash dive for training, drills, torpedoes ventilated. | |||
11.15 | Surfaced, continued transit into the operations area. | ||||
12.00 | BE 6834 | Day's run: Surfaced 105 nm, Submerged 4.5 nm. | |||
NW 2, Sea 2, cloudy | |||||
16.00 | BE 6825 | ||||
19.57 | Short Signal on Radio Circuit Bruno 3, strength 8: | ||||
"My position is square BE 68 Forstner". Was not confirmed. (outside the zero beat gap). | |||||
20.00 | BE 6816 | ||||
SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
23.53 | Short Signal sent on Coastal Circuit: "My position is square BE 67. U-402". | ||||
24.00 | BE 6814 | ||||
SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, rain shower | |||||
15.01.42 | |||||
00.37 | With date/time group 0008/15/53 the Short Signal of 23.53 hours was confirmed. | ||||
04.00 | BE 6734 | ||||
08.00 | BE 6725 | ||||
10.05 | BE 6724 | Crash dive for training, drills. | |||
10.55 | Surfaced, continued transit to operations area. | ||||
12.00 | BE 6716 | Day's run: Surfaced 93 nm, Submerged 2 nm. | |||
12.08 | Switched to "Ireland" Circuit per Serial No. 1105/15/136 at Coastal Circuit Serial No. 1326/15/63. | ||||
16.00 | BE 5934 | ||||
SW 4, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
20.00 | BE 5916 | ||||
24.00 | BE 5834 | ||||
SW 7-8, Sea 6, overcast | |||||
16.01.42 | North Atlantic | ||||
04.00 | BE 5816 | ||||
08.00 | BE 5734 | ||||
NW 3-4, Sea 4, overcast, rain shower, Vis. moderate to good | |||||
10.20 | BE 5736 | Crash dive for training, drills. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 14.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 15.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42 |
- 3 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
16.01.42 | |||||
11.05 | BE 5716 | During all around sweep prior to surfacing sighted a large two-stack passenger ship, target angle 80°, bow right, range about 1000 meters. It is inexplicable that nothing was heard. Sound man indicates that he heard something, but identified it as self noise because it was in the stern sector. Make tubes ready and set Action Stations. With a new all around sweep a second similar ship is made out, this gives me certainty that they are not own, because I am still on Route "Anton". Recognize stern armament. | |||
11.15 |
BE 5716 |
Two-fan from tube II and IV. Fan readiness not acknowledged, report: fan from tube II and IV not ready, can not shoot at this steamer, target angle already strongly aft, orders: three-fan from tube I, III, and IV. Tube IV is reported unready. At 11.15 hours shoot a two-fan from tube I and III on a large 2-stack passenger steamer of approximately 8-10000 GRT, cruiser stern (like the sketch in Groener: LLANGIBBY CASTLE of the Union Castle Mail 11951 GRT). | |||
(depth 3 meters, target speed 10 knots, bow left, target angle 120°, range = 1200 meters) | |||||
After 84 seconds 2 detonations in succession (1260 meters), somewhat later 2 weaker, probably depth charge detonations, do not apply to us. | |||||
The boat, running against the sea, cuts under after the shot. Success, unfortunately, not observed. | |||||
Also the all around sweep taken before the shot did not give an overview of the convoy. In order not to broach, proceeded at depth 14 meters, the periscope is mostly overwashed, only very low visibility | |||||
Again at periscope depth I can no longer make out the steamer I torpedoed, it must have continued on. A small steamer with Maier bow [outward curve] (probably a patrol vessel) comes towards me bow right about target angle 10°. Range very low about 300 meters. I go ahead at AK, maneuver for a stern shot, I am fired upon with machine gun fire. | |||||
11.23 | BE 5719 | Shot from tube V. (depth 3 meters, target speed 6 knots, bow right, target angle 90°, range = 300 meters). | |||
Miss, probably passed under, because range was probably under 300 meters, additionally a heavy swell. | |||||
Due to the fire I order depth 20 meters, boat was initially caught at 35 meters, asdic locating. | |||||
12.00 | BE 5719 | Day's run: Surfaced 187 nm, Submerged 7 nm. | |||
Intention: Because I believe that I have no further tubes ready - later it is reported that only tube IV was not ready, leak in the safety valve of the ejection cartridge - I want to reload a tube quickly while the convoy runs off a bit, surface, and pursue for a new day attack. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42 |
- 4 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
16.01.42 | |||||
12.25 | BE 5719 | Tube III reloaded, surfaced. A 2-stack steamer and a destroyer can be made out bearing 300°T, in 250°T and 230°T one steamer each. I can no longer make out the other 2-stack steamer. | |||
12.29 | To B.d.U.: Convoy in sight square BE 5924, southerly course. Forstner. | ||||
12.35 |
BE 5727 | Crash dive for destroyer, approaching us at sharp target angle. Used the time to reload tube I, then surfaced, one steamer can still be made out clearly, pursued at high speed. | |||
13.15 |
BE 5727 | ||||
From B.d.U.: | |||||
1) Forstner, Pfeifer operate on convoy. Forstner give accurate observations if possible. | |||||
2) Greger and Rollmann operate on convoy. Report position. | |||||
3) Scholz and remaining boats continue outbound transit. | |||||
14.10 | BE 5743 | Crash dive for aircraft in approach. May have been own, because on diving it is reported to me that own airborne reconnaissance is laid on (r r on short wave). | |||
14.15 | Two distant detonations heard. | ||||
14.20 | Surfaced. Steamer has disappeared in a rain squall, pursued at high speed. | ||||
14.31 | Radio Message: "Position in Bruno Emil 5924, pursuing, 5 steamers, 1 destroyer distinguished. Southwesterly course. Forstner. | ||||
14.32 | On the 600-meter wave, among other things: Very loud: "LLANGIBBY CASTLE bombed", was from enemy location at volume 3 repeated 3 times. | ||||
14.33 | Radio Message: "Stand-by for bearing signals. U-402". | ||||
14.52 | BE 5745 | Crash dive for approaching aircraft, low-wing, retractable undercarriage, possibly a Condor, flying very low, seen late. | |||
15.10 | Surfaced, pursued. | ||||
15.30 | Radio Message: Forced to submerge by aircraft, contact lost. | ||||
16.00 | BE 5748 | ||||
SW 3, Sea 3, few clouds | |||||
16.37 | Radio Message: Two hits on two-stack passenger steamer probable, convoy steers at very great distances initially south, then westerly course. Forstner. | ||||
18.10 |
Plotting with new navigation fix results in large error in reported position of the convoy, therefore, Radio Message: "Correct position of convoy at 14.00 hours square Bruno Emil 5716. Pursuing to the west. U-402". | ||||
18.32 | From B.d.U.: Message 16.20 hours Serial No. 178 Check groups 35 and 36, believe that western is meant, Radio Center B.d.U. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42 |
- 5 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
16.01.42 | |||||
18.48 | From B.d.U.: "To Forstner. Check position sent in Radio Message 17.53 hours and resend". | ||||
19.35 | To B.d.U.: "From last navigation fix position of the convoy at 14.00 hours Bruno Emil 5716, westerly course. Forstner. | ||||
19.50 | BE 4958 | By repeatedly decreasing speed for all around sweep from periscope sheers at 19.50 a destroyer is sighted bearing 338°T, course east, about 6 nm distant. Because I believe that it is a deceptive course shortly before darkness, I continue to run to the west. | |||
20.00 | BE 4958 | Destroyer out of sight at the beginning of darkness. | |||
20.20 | Radio Signal: "Destroyer in sight Bruno Emil 4955". | ||||
20.41 | Radio Message: "Destroyer easterly course, suspect deceptive course. In pursuit to the west. Forstner". | ||||
21.40 | From B.d.U.: "General course of the Forstner-convoy probably initially to the southwest, because presumably a Gibraltar convoy, later turning to the south possible. Boats continue to operate on the convoy independently, expect enemy speed 8.5 knots. Own air reconnaissance in the area in the morning. | ||||
21.43 | BE 4946 | Dived to listen, no results. | |||
22.20 | BE 4946 | Surfaced, continued search on southerly course. | |||
24.00 | BE 4976 | ||||
17.01.42 | North Atlantic | ||||
04.00 | BE 7349 | ||||
SW 3, Sea 3, partial overcast | |||||
08.00 | BE 7654 | ||||
09.20 | Radio Message from B.d.U.: "Own air today from 11.00 hours in area of the Forstner-convoy, bearing frequency 443 khz, alternate 367 khz. Report bearing signals immediately. | ||||
12.00 | BE 7934 | Day's run: Surfaced 211 nm, Submerged 10.6 nm. | |||
SW 3, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
12.53 | Crash dive for aircraft in approach on southwesterly course, possibly own reconnaissance. | ||||
13.15 | Surfaced. | ||||
16.00 | BE 7994 | ||||
SW 2, Sea 2, partial overcast | |||||
18.53 | BE 7937 | Radio Message from B.d.U.: "If there is no contact by darkness, Greger and Rollmann continue westerly transit. Forstner and Pfeifer head for square CF 92. Flachsenberg return transit.". | |||
20.00 | CF 2248 | Air reconnaissance has unfortunately not brought results, set course to square CF 92, transit speed. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42 |
- 6 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
17.01.42 | |||||
24.00 | CF 2656 | ||||
SW 2, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
18.01.42 | |||||
04.00 | CF 2553 | ||||
08.00 | CF 2595 | ||||
10.00 - 10.30 | CF 2914 | Test dive. | |||
12.00 | CF 2941 | Day's run: Surfaced 188 nm, Submerged 3 nm. | |||
16.00 | CF 2984 | Continued transit to ordered square. | |||
S 2, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
20.00 | CF 5337 | ||||
24.00 | CF 5393 | ||||
19.01.42 | North Atlantic | ||||
04.00 | CF 6415 | ||||
SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. very good | |||||
08.00 | CF 6458 | Continued transit to square CF 92. | |||
12.00 | CF 6734 | Day's run: Surfaced 174 nm. | |||
SSW 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
16.00 | CF 6766 | ||||
18.26 | Radio Message from B.d.U.: | ||||
[typo CF = CE in the squares at right] |
1.) Deployment in long northwest-southeast lines. Forstner between line Anton and Bruno, Pfeifer north there from Möhlmann south there from in equally wide strips. Line Anton from square CF 5671 to square CG 9563, line Bravo from square CF 5941 to square CG 9833. | ||||
18.39 | 2.) Relocate within these strips to the east according to moon and defensive situation and occasionally advance to CG 98. | ||||
Continue transit to ordered patrol between lines Anton and Bruno. | |||||
20.00 | CF 6875 | ||||
24.00 | CF 9521 | ||||
S 2, Sea 1, clear | |||||
20.01.42 | |||||
01.00 | CF 9255 | Reached ordered line, continued advance in strip course 97°, transit speed. | |||
04.00 | CF 9265 | ||||
08.00 | CF 9357 | ||||
SW 1, Sea 1, cloudy | |||||
10.00 - 10.30 | Test dive, drills. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 20.01.42 |
- 7 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
20.01.42 | |||||
12.00 | CF 9393 | Day's run: Surfaced 161 nm, Submerged 2 nm. | |||
16.00 | CG 7182 | ||||
18.58 | CG 7174 | Sailing vessel or smoke cloud sighted bearing 158°T, closed at high speed, was just a cloud. | |||
19.25 | CG 7177 | Came to old course 97°, transit speed. | |||
20.00 | CG 7178 | ||||
24.00 | CG 7531 | ||||
21.01.42 | |||||
04.00 | CG 7613 | ||||
SW 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
08.00 | CG 7635 | Economical speed, course 97°. | |||
SW 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
09.45 - 10.05 | Crash dive for training. | ||||
12.00 | CG 8427 | Day's run: Surfaced 207 nm, Submerged 1.2 nm. | |||
Continued transit in ordered strip to the east. | |||||
16.00 | CG 8437 | ||||
WSW 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
20.00 | CG 8542 | ||||
24.00 | CG 8553 | The Cape St. Vincent lighthouse is in sight. By doubling the angle on the bow new ship's position somewhat north of the course line, continued on course 120°. | |||
22.01.42 | |||||
04.00 | CG 8569 | ||||
04.30 | Again came to course 97°. | ||||
08.00 | CG 8673 | ||||
SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
12.00 | CG 8696 | Day's run: Surfaced 146 nm. | |||
Because the cloud deck is torn, low hanging clouds call timely recognition of aircraft into question. | |||||
12.20 | CG 8696 | I decide to transit submerged. | |||
14.45 | CG 9475 | On surfacing sweep of the horizon a smoke cloud bearing 3°T, held onto it, | |||
15.01 | dived. Identified as wooden fishing trawler 100-200 GRT, fish boxes on the stern, black smokestack with yellow ring and star, no flag made out. | ||||
15.39 | CG 9471 | Since hostile character not likely and identification not required, ran off. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 20.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 21.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.42 |
- 8 - |
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continued | |||||
22.01.42 | |||||
16.00 | CG 9475 | ||||
17.15 | CG 9476 | Clouds are higher, scattered, surfaced. | |||
Continued transit on course 97°. | |||||
20.00 | CG 9485 | Came to northerly course. | |||
24.00 | CG 9452 | ||||
23.01.42 | North Atlantic | ||||
02.00 | CG 9425 | Took bearings on the lighthouses on Cape St. Vincent, St. Maria and Vila Real de Santo António. St. Vincent is 93 nm away. (specified visibility range is 22/58 nm) | |||
04.00 | CG 9452 | Came to southerly course to the center of my strip, then along on course 277°. | |||
06.00 | CG 9458 | ||||
10.28 | CG 9444 | Crash dive for aircraft on northwesterly course, double empennage, 2 engines, thick fuselage "Lockheed Hudson". | |||
10.57 | CG 9444 | Surfaced, continued transit. | |||
12.00 | CG 8666 | Day's run: Surfaced 114 nm, Submerged 14.6 nm. | |||
NNE 1, Sea 1 | |||||
15.55 | CG 8651 | Remarkably heavy smoke cloud in sight bearing 330°T, held on, a little later 2 masts and a smokestack are recognized, shortly thereafter bearing 310°T over the horizon still somewhat white, currently no masts or smokestack seen. | |||
16.14 | CG 8651 | Aircraft bearing 41°T, again a Lockheed, I hesitate with the crash dive a bit, hope to remain undetected and quickly approach my steamer. | |||
16.15 | Approaching, crash dive, in so doing turned 90° submerged, at depth A -20 meters 2 aircraft bombs, no damage. | ||||
16.16 | at depth A -20 meters 2 aircraft bombs, no damage. | ||||
17.00 | CG 8651 | Again came to periscope depth, a destroyer bearing 105°T is made out clearly. (V+W-class), about 4000 meters away, coming closer in sharp zig zags, a small insignificant steamer, about 1000 GRT range 3000 meters, prepare a fan for the destroyer. | |||
With a new all around sweep I see the Lockheed again, now it is obvious that the destroyer, steamer and aircraft are working together, I happened to look at the destroyer and saw him Morse in the direction of the steamer. | |||||
17.23
19.17 and 19.30 |
Aircraft heads for me, I go deep, sound man distinguishes 3 different sound bearings, probably 2 destroyers with turbines, a piston engine, probably the steamer. I steer evasion courses in a westerly direction, 11 depth charges, no damage. The last two series only 2 charges are so far off that they can not apply to me. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42 |
- 9 - |
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continued | |||||
23.01.42 | |||||
20.13 | CG 8646 | No further sound bearings. I decide to surface after darkness. | |||
21.59 | CG 6645 | Surfaced, continued transit at economical speed. | |||
Intention: Initially set off a bit to the west, however, remain in the operations area, because traffic to and from Gibraltar must pass through here after all. | |||||
22.13 | From B.d.U.: English aircraft reports 15.20 hours U-boat square CG 8628. | ||||
We were there, only the time does not agree by one hour. | |||||
24.00 | North Atlantic | ||||
CG 8563 | |||||
SE 1-2, Sea 1, few clouds | |||||
24.01.42 | |||||
00.22 | CG 8563 | Illuminated steamer on northerly course in sight, I find myself in the lane for French independent traffic from Casablanca to Portuguese territorial waters, nothing suspicious noted, continued transit. | |||
04.00 | CG 8552 | ||||
08.00 | CG 8514 | ||||
11.22 | Radio Message from B.d.U.: | ||||
"To Hirsacker, Forstner, Pfeifer. At 01.34 hours Spanish steamer "NAVAMAR" sunk in square CF 9273. Immediately report, on the basis of what observations and situation sinking took place." | |||||
The specified square lies in my strip. I was in CG at the time. | |||||
12.00 | CG 8429 | Day's run: Surfaced 142 nm, Submerged 18 nm. | |||
NW 2, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
12.59 | Radio Message from B.d.U.: | ||||
Forstner immediately go to square CE 5694. "LLANGIBBY CASTLE" lies there probably damaged by your 2 torpedoes. Another transport is expected for the purpose of transferring 2000 soldiers on board. Observe territorial waters during attack." Set course for CE 56. | |||||
14.09 | Sent Short Signal: "My position is square CG84. Forstner. | ||||
14.55 hours confirmation takes place. | |||||
16.12 | CG 8415 | Tanker in sight 320°T, course 200°. It is Spanish tanker "CAMPOMANES" from Cadis, course for the Canary Islands. | |||
NW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
17.05 | CG 8441 | Continue transit at GF. | |||
20.00 | CG 7612 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42 |
- 10 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
24.01.42 | |||||
21.23 - 21.53 | CC 7533 | Test dive after converting main ballast and reserved fuel oil tank 4. | |||
24.00 | CG 7279 | ||||
25.01.42 | |||||
00.20 | CG 7274 | Shadow to port bearing 230°T in sight, Watch Officer immediately turned away 90° to port, assuming that it was a submarine. Because shadow turns toward, he must have seen me, I must accept the possibility that I have an own U-boat before me, I decide to exchange recognition signals before attacking. Recognition signal remains unanswered. This turn towards represents an act of war and gives me the right to attack without previous determination of nationality. | |||
NE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, bright night | |||||
The shadow seems too large for a submarine to me, at the ready report of the tubes set up and turned for surface attack. Shortly before the shot clearly recognized as a destroyer. | |||||
00.49 | CG 7199 | 3-fan from tube I, III and IV. (depth 2 meters, target bearing 359°, bow left, target angle 82°, target speed 12 knots, range = 1000 meters). Unfortunately no success, enemy turns toward, runs off at high speed, destroyer is lost from sight at 00.56 hours. | |||
01.01 | Again came to old course. | ||||
04.00 | CG 7175 | ||||
05.15 | Evaded illuminated steamer on opposite course. | ||||
08.00 | CF 9381 | ||||
12.00 | CF 9259 | Day's run: Surfaced 316 nm, Submerged 3.5 nm. | |||
NNW 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
16.00 | CF 9164 | Continued transit to ordered square. | |||
W 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
20.00 | CF 8329 | ||||
24.00 | CF 8225 | ||||
26.01.42 | North Atlantic | ||||
(Azores) | |||||
04.00 | CF 8121 | ||||
08.00 | CF 4979 | ||||
NW 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
10.30 - 11.02 | CF 4886 | Test dive. | |||
Junkers compressor out of service, casing top stage 3 is torn. | |||||
Sao Miguel Island (Azores) ahead in sight. | |||||
11.42 | Pass to the north at the limit of visibility. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42 |
- 11 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
26.01.42 | |||||
12.00 | CF 4884 | Day's run: Surfaced 348 nm, Submerged 3 nm. | |||
16.00 | CE 6926 | ||||
NW 2, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
18.19 | Radio Message from B.d.U.: | ||||
Departure of the troopship damaged by torpedo hit it is expected in approximately 6 days. There are no reports concerning arrival of transport intended for taking over the troops. | |||||
Headed for Pico Island, ran along to the south of the island at the limit of visibility. | |||||
20.00 | CE6825 | ||||
24.00 | CE 6734 | ||||
27.01.42 | |||||
02.00 | Junkers compressor again conditionally in service. | ||||
04.00 | CE 6744 | ||||
SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, very bright despite cloud deck | |||||
05.45 | CE 5935 | Headed for the Faial Channel at low speed from the south. | |||
Intention: Do not want to enter territorial waters without a compelling reason. If LLANGIBBY CASTLE or English destroyers lie beyond the territorial waters, which is hardly likely due to water depths, attack immediately. | |||||
Search waters as far as visibility permits without, however, being seen. If by night without success, continue search during the day submerged. Because in accordance with Radio Message departure is not yet expected, I want to continue to look from the north during the following night and/or during the day. | |||||
06.20 | CE 5697 | Search up to darkness without success, departed to the south, will turn back so as to be positioned off the coast again at dawn. | |||
08.15 | CE 5937 | ||||
SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. changing | |||||
09.45 | Small illuminated steamer runs in from the west. | ||||
10.06 | CE 5697 | Dived, once again carefully searched the coast, Pico Bay and the southern part of the Faial Channel submerged, I can examine the harbor off Horta, with poor visibility no transport is made out. There is still the possibility that the ship lies to the north of Faial, to the east of Faial behind Ponta Espalamaca, Ponta Jose Diaz or behind Madalena Rock, all hiding places which I can see from the north. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42 |
- 12 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
27.01.42 | |||||
In the harbor off Horta two grey painted smokestacks are made out, well set off from the white pier, suppose that it is a Portuguese destroyer. | |||||
12.00 | CE 5697 | Day's run: Surfaced 267 nm, Submerged 6.5 nm. | |||
Because the visibility does not improve, ran off to the south submerged. | |||||
20.30 | CE 5637 | Briefly surfaced 15 nm from land, it has become very clear again, had to dive again. | |||
20.55 | CE 5637 | Surfaced, surface transit and charging around Faial to the north of the Faial Channel. | |||
24.00 | CE 5925 | ||||
SW 1, Sea 2, few clouds | |||||
28.01.42 | |||||
04.00 | CE 5689 | ||||
05.18 | Headed for north of the Faial Channel, also here outside the territorial waters no vessels. | ||||
06.05 | At the beginning of dawn steered various courses, dived again positioned off the north entrance of the Channel. | ||||
08.00 | CE 5664 | ||||
SE 1, Sea 1, few clouds | |||||
08.47 | Radio Message from Hirsacker: | ||||
"00.01 hours square CF 7357 troop transport, course west, 16 knots, during attack fired upon by artillery, depth charges." | |||||
Intention: Proceed through the Faial Channel submerged, search carefully once again for the "LLANGIBBY CASTLE". | |||||
If the troop transport reported by Hirsacker is definitely to take over the troops from "LLANGIBBY CASTLE", he must arrive in the course of the next night and can make for the Faial Channel from the north or south. I must expect from general direction east. Since he expects the presence of German submarines, he will go into territorial waters as soon as possible. | |||||
I decide to await him east of Pico Island which has the following advantage. With the prevailing very good visibility as a result of the moonlight at night I must detect him there visually immediately whether he wants to remain to the south or to the north of Pico, I have the island behind me and can still attack him before reaching territorial waters. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42 |
- 13 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
28.01.42 | |||||
10.25 | Dived to proceed submerged through the Faial Channel. | ||||
12.00 | CE 5694 | Day's run: Surfaced 81 nm, Submerged 34 nm. | |||
14.56 | CE 5697 | Abeam the harbor off Horta. The LLANGIBBY CASTLE lies at the mole after all. By her camouflage she differs so little from the background that I could recognize her only later as the previously mentioned destroyer smokestacks. LLANGIBBY CASTLE lies with bow quite right at the northern end of the mole, the British merchant flag is easily recognized, no list. | |||
South of her also at the mole lies a grey steamer with large gap between the smokestack and the bridge, 2 masts, high ventilators at the smokestack, could be the Portuguese transport "GIL-KANNES" , farther south two identical, somewhat angled destroyer smokestacks with black cap are made out, before them a part of the bridge, the remaining part is covered by the mole, believe that it is a Portuguese destroyer of the "LIMA-Class". Additionally, a merchant steamer with red chimney ring is distinguished further into the harbor. | |||||
Continued transit on southerly course out of the Faial Channel. | |||||
16.00 | CE 5697 | ||||
20.00 | CE 5938 | ||||
SE 1, Sea 2 | |||||
20.27 | CE 5938 | Surfaced, coast lies in the haze, up to the beginning of darkness still somewhat set off, then headed for the east coast of the Pico Island. | |||
24.00 | CE 6713 | ||||
29.01.42 | |||||
01.00 | CE 6487 | On easterly course off Pico, back and forth in position. | |||
04.00 | CE 6479 | ||||
08.25 | CE 6479 | It is hazy, bad visibility, so that the transport can run by undetected, therefore return transit south of the Faial Channel. | |||
SE 1-2, Sea 2, overcast, hazy, Vis. bad | |||||
10.40 | CE 5953 | Dived at dawn, monitoring the approach to Horta. | |||
12.00 | CE 5932 | Day's run: Surfaced 112 nm, Submerged 42 nm. | |||
With a short advance in the direction of Horta determined that a new transport has not entered, "LLANGGIBBY CASTLE" lies in the same position. Must therefore wait further and monitor departure | |||||
16.00 | CE 5697 | ||||
20.00 | CE 5697 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.42 |
- 14 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
29.01.42 | |||||
21.55 | CE 5931 | Surfaced, charged, distance from the coast according to visibility, back and forth in position. | |||
SE 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
24.00 | CE 5931 | ||||
30.01.42 | |||||
04.00 | CE 5931 | ||||
SE 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
10.20 | CE 5931 | Dived, on changing courses monitoed the southern entrance of the Faial Channel, no changes in the harbor. | |||
12.00 | CE 5697 | Day's run: Surfaced 73 nm, Submerged 35 nm. | |||
16.00 | CE 5694 | ||||
21.55 | CE 5694 | Surfaced, on changing courses monitoring the southern entrance of the Faial Channel. | |||
SE 1-2, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
24.00 | CE 5697 | ||||
31.01.42 | |||||
04.00 | CE 5697 | ||||
08.00 | CE 5697 | ||||
ESE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast | |||||
10.10 | CE 5931 | Dived, proceeding submerged through the Faial Channel, will transfer the overdeck torpedoes in the calm sea north of the island. | |||
12.00 | CE 5697 | Day's run: Surfaced 73 nm, Submerged 35 nm. | |||
ESE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast | |||||
16.00 | CE 5694 | ||||
20.00 | CE 5692 | ||||
21.58 | CE 5692 | Surfaced, due to the good visibility I can not be closer to the coast, must postpone transfer the overdeck torpedoes due to the seas. | |||
Partly ESE 3, overcast, Vis. good, moonlight | |||||
24.00 | CE 5692 | ||||
01.02.42 | |||||
04.00 | CE 5693 | Back and forth in position to the north of the Faial Channel. | |||
08.00 | CE 5693 | ||||
10.20 | CE 5693 | Dived to monitor the southern entrance of the Faial Channel. | |||
12.00 | CE 5693 | Day's run: Surfaced 74 nm, Submerged 34 nm. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.42 |
- 15 - |
|||||
continue | |||||
01.02.42 | |||||
13.41 | Radio Message from B.d.U.: | ||||
The departure of the damaged troop transport is expected on 2 February. Other inbound transports for the purpose of taking over troops it is expected. | |||||
I decide to pass through the Channel again to the south, because from there I can also monitor departure to the north. | |||||
15.05 | CE 5694 | Light grounding, immediately come free again. | |||
16.00 | CE 5694 | In the harbor no changes noted. | |||
21.55 | CE 5932 | Surfaced, on various courses back and forth in position. | |||
22.05 | CE 5932 | Small illuminated steamer runs into Horta, is probably coming from Madelena (Pico). | |||
24.00 | CE 5697 | ||||
02.02.42 | |||||
00.10 | CE 5697 | Exchanged recognition signals with "U-581", came within hailing distance. Pfeifer assumed Officer-Only 686-018 of 28 January concerning torpedo failure (Forster) was from me and that I had no more torpedoes. Arranged that Pfeifer monitor the south exit, I the north exit of the Faial Channel. As soon as possible after "LLANGGIBBY CASTLE" departs send Radio Message, so that the other can also operate immediately on the convoy. | |||
ESE 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | |||||
01.05 | Transit to the west of Faial to the northern exit of the Channel. | ||||
04.02 | CE 5682 | Darkened vessel 20° to starboard (90°T), assume a destroyer, briefly maneuvered ahead, because it is too bright for a surface attack, dived. Identified as an English destroyer of the V+W-Class, steering approximately 150°. | |||
SSE 2-3, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
04.29 | CE 5682 | 3-fan from tubes I, II and IV. (bow right, target angle 115°, target speed 12 knots, range = 1000 meters, depth 2 meters). Missed. | |||
After about 65 and 66 seconds two impacts were heard, no detonation. | |||||
Boat broached briefly after the fan with the conning tower. Destroyer still turned away during the running time of the torpedoes on an eastern course. | |||||
04.55 | Destroyer out of sight. | ||||
05.05 | CE 5682 | Surfaced, continued transit, went close to the coast to be able to reload there if at all possible. | |||
05.15 |
Because I assume that the destroyer is heading for the southern exit of the Faial Channel, where Pfeifer is located, I send a Radio Message: Miss 3-fan on destroyer V+W-Class, square CE 5682, SSE 2, 1035 mb, Vis. 6 nm. | ||||
Forstner. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42 |
- 16 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
02.02.42 | |||||
06.45 | CE 5691 | Destroyer 30° to port ahead in sight, about 6 nm distant. | |||
06.47 | Crash dive, came to attack course, position unfortunately still in territorial waters, destroyer of the J-Class, passes on straight course in about 350 meters distance, then takes position off the Faial Channel back and forth within territorial waters. | ||||
08.50 | Destroyer in the Faial Channel out of sight. | ||||
09.15 | CE 5691 | Surfaced, steered various courses. | |||
09.29 | CE 5691 | Crash dive, destroyer astern 40° to port (220°T), came to attack course, destroyer passed at about 1200 meters. Did not shoot because from my experience a 2-fan offers no prospect of success at that distance, besides, I have only 2 torpedoes forward and one astern. | |||
It is again a destroyer of the J-Class, 2 black rings on the smokestack are easily distinguished, again steering various courses off the Faial Channel. | |||||
11.01 | CE 5691 | New attack attempt, due to large range (2000 meters) did not shoot. | |||
11.45 | Destroyer reverses course and comes at sharp target angle towards me, identification "LOB" is made out. I had determined the speed before while passing through the "Ribeirinha" lighthouse at 18 knots and checked the associated RPM, because the destroyer has to pass close by now and I believed I had completely sure shooting data, however, to hold back one bow torpedo, I fired a single shot. | ||||
11.59 | CE 5691 | Single shot from tube I. (bow right, target angle 85°, target speed 18 knots, range = 600 meters, depth 2 meters). Despite the range being even less than 600, actually about 300 meters, again the shot was not a success; the sound man indicates that the destroyer had just reduced speed greatly. | |||
Continued back and forth waiting on the LLANGIBBY CASTLE to depart. | |||||
12.00 | CE 5691 | Day's run: Surfaced 58 nm, Submerged 53 nm. | |||
SSE 2, Sea 2, Vis. good | |||||
13.18 | Radio Message from B.d.U.: | ||||
"Transport should be towed by Netherlands tug "Thames". Will probably put to sea today." | |||||
16.17 | "LLANGIBBY CASTLE: departs, ahead the destroyer of the J-Class, behind the V+W-Class. | ||||
16.21 | CE 5691 | Destroyer of the V+W-Class passes at about 1500 meters, had camouflage, broad black ring on the back, thick smokestack, identifier "47", before it probably an "L" therefore "L 47". | |||
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42 |
- 17 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
02.02.42 | |||||
16.50 | CE 5691 | The convoy initially proceeds within territorial waters close to the coast, "LLANGIBBY CASTLE runs at 9 knots. | |||
Attempt to send Radio Message concerning departure with the rod antenna, because rod antenna does not receive it is useless. | |||||
16.55 | A corvette sighted, proceeds far behind the convoy, in a great arc and heavy zig zags over north gradually to an easterly course. | ||||
18.00 | Attempt with only bow surfaced to transmit with the forward net deflector. Because it was not sent, no coordination was possible again, Radio Message was not sent. | ||||
18.43 19.03 |
CE 5692 | Surfaced, "LLANGIBBY CASTLE" and two destroyers bearing 115 10-12 nm distant, pursued, Radio Message sent: "LLANGBILLY CASTLE with 2 destroyers, 1 corvette 16.15 hours departed on easterly course, from Forstner." | |||
20.00 | CE 6474 | ||||
SSE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. moderate | |||||
20.37 | CE 6475 | To supplement following contact keeping report sent: "LLANGIBBY CASTLE, 2 destroyers, 1 corvette square CE 6474, general course 120°, zig zags 40°, length 9 nm, holding contact, 2 + 2 torpedoes, 37 cbm. SE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, 1027 mb, falling." | |||
20.38 | CE 6475 | 2 detonations bearing 130°T about square 6479 in the vicinity of the J-Class destroyer, were heard clearly in the boat. Believe that Pfeifer had torpedoed the destroyer, but it continued on. | |||
20.52 | Several detonations, probably depth charges heard. | ||||
21.05 | To B.d.U.: "LLANGIBBY general course 120°, 60 zig zags, speed 11 knots, 21.00 hours square CE 6487. | ||||
Forstner. | |||||
21.02 | The large destroyer turns toward us, comes closer at high speed bow right, target angle 20°. | ||||
21.11 | CE 6479 | Crash dive, went to periscope depth, destroyer had turned towards, went to depth A +40 meters, boat caught, then deeper between depth A +60 and A +80 meters, deepest depth A +88 meters. | |||
21.22 | First depth charge series. | ||||
In the sound gear 2 destroyers are distinguished clearly, pursuit by Asdic, stopped to listen and later peculiar sounds as if small stones were thrown on the pressure hull. Sound series of approximately 6 clearly distinguishable single tones, each two closely together in time, | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42 |
- 18 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
02.02.42 | |||||
little pause, then two again. The first tone of the second double sound was usually louder. Sequence of the tones somewhat like . . . . . . when Morseing. Between each series quite different long pauses, from 13 seconds up to a many minutes. Because I believe deep sounding, steers various depths, general course north, zacks and high speed at the approach of the destroyer. | |||||
A total of 41 depth charges, which presumably all detonations above the boat. Concussions very dissimilar. | |||||
Felt very safe at depth, only slight failures which could be quickly repaired. | |||||
23.05 | Destroyer apparently ran off, no further sound bearings, ran off at HF for 15 minutes. | ||||
23.42 | CE 6479 | Surfaced, pursued on course 120°. | |||
23.53 | Radio Message: "Hirsacker operate on Forstner report". | ||||
With three [boats] we must now have complete success. | |||||
Radio Message sent: Forced to submerge, depth charges, pursuing on course 120°, last position "LLANGIBBY" CE 6487 at 21.00 hours, not in tow. | |||||
03.02.42 | |||||
02.17 | CE 6722 | "LLANGIBBY CASTLE and 1 destroyer in sight bearing 350°T, maneuvered ahead, general course is now 90°, sent ongoing contact reports | |||
SE 3, Sea 3, partly overcast, Vis. very good | |||||
03.16 | Radio Signal: "Enemy in sight CE 6498 course east". | ||||
"U-402" | |||||
04.12 | Radio Signal: "Latest observed position of the enemy is square CE 6577 on easterly course, 8 knots, 2 destroyers, 1 transport." | ||||
"U-402" | |||||
05.30 |
[typo CE 6575 = CE6578] |
Radio Message: "Holding LLANGIBBY CASTLE, 2 destroyers, course east, speed 10 knots, heavy zig zags. Square CE 6575, SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, 1033 mb rising. | |||
Forstner. | |||||
06.13 | Radio Message: "One destroyer far ahead and one destroyer far behind "LLANGIBBY". General course east, 10 knots, square CE 6587. Forstner. | ||||
06.36 | Short Signal: "Intend attack on enemy". | ||||
Forstner. | |||||
06.50 | CE 6587 | Dived for submerged attack on the "LLANGIBBY CASTLE". It is too bright for surface attack. Boat can not be held on depth for night targeting periscope, attack periscope must be used, " LLANGIBBY CASTLE " and a destroyer can be made out. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42 |
- 19 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
03.02.42 | |||||
Suddenly "LLANGIBBY" can not be seen any longer, must have zig zagged, do not know to what direction; the destroyer of the V+W-Class runs on, I decide to attack him. | |||||
Change of depth ordered. | |||||
07.30 | CE 6587 | Single shot from tube II. (bow left, target angle 100°, target speed 10 knots, range = 600 meters, depth = 2 meters). | |||
I estimated range at the shot as 400 meters, destroyer must have heard the shot, immediately turns hard towards, again missed. | |||||
Sound pursuit again by two destroyers, go to depth A +60 meters, no depth charges. | |||||
07.41 | Single sharp impact on the boat's hull, at the same time the destroyer turns hard away, nevertheless, only a sound without external cause, tearing of a plate which propagates and is perceived as loud during silent running. | ||||
06.30 | SE 3, Sea 3, overcast | No further sound bearings, surfaced, pursued on course 100°. | |||
08.56 | CE 6588 | ||||
09.19 | Radio Message sent: "After miss on destroyer sound pursuit, 07.30 hours position of "LLANGIBBY CASTLE" square CE 6588, general course 95°, speed 10 knots, pursuing. Serial No. 109 missing. | ||||
Forstner. | |||||
09.37 | Destroyer ahead 40° to port (60°T), because twilight begins soon moved off, with brightness again closed; because I do not gain sight of the convoy again headed for intercept point for general course 100° and 110° for speed 10 knots, leads to success. | ||||
11.30 | My short signal of 06.36 hours was confirmed, Serial No. 109 was settled for me. | ||||
11.55 | 20° to port (40°T) destroyer, shortly thereafter "LLANGIBBY CASTLE" in sight, 10 knots, southeasterly course, by plotting must have continued at 10 knots. | ||||
12.00 | CE 6832 | Day's run: Surfaced 172 nm, Submerged 38 nm. | |||
SE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good | |||||
12.32 | Radio Signal sent: "Enemy in sight square 6599, course southeast, speed 10 knots." | ||||
"U-402" | |||||
To bring up Hirsacker and Pfeifer as soon as possible, I give bearing signals. | |||||
12.46 | Radio Signal: "Stand by for bearing signals". | ||||
13.35 | Destroyer approaching bearing 20°T, ran off at high speed, destroyer soon turns away again, afterwards disappears in a rain squall. Closed to gain contact again. | ||||
13.54 |
|
Radio Message: "Forced off by destroyer, contact lost. Enemy steers easterly course. 6676." Forstner. | |||
[typo CE 6676 = CE 6679] | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42 |
- 20 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
03.02.42 | |||||
14.36 | "LLANGIBBY CASTLE" again in sight bearing 9°T, [illegible two words]. | ||||
Hope that Hirsacker and Pfeifer finally gain contact and that I can attack again, I believe that at the moment my contact keeping is more important than an attack with one stern torpedo, particularly as my fuel inventory prohibits a long pursuit at high speed. | |||||
14.55 | To inform B.d.U. concerning this intention and reconnaissance report I send: | ||||
"Intend to use last torpedo when another boat has contact. LLANGIBBY square 6687, easterly course, 10 knots, sending further bearing signals, E 2, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. changing, rain, 1032 mb, rising." | |||||
Forstner. | |||||
15.26 | CE 6926 | Convoy bearing 354°T, 13 nm distant. | |||
16.00 | CE 6934 | ||||
SE 2, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. changing, rain | |||||
16.45 | Contact keeping report: "LLANGIBBY, 2 destroyers 16.00 square 6689. General course 90°, speed of advance 9.5 knots, heavy zig zags. Fuel inventory 30.2 cbm, 1 stern plus 2 torpedoes. Question bearing signals. | ||||
"U-402" | |||||
17.27 | From B.d.U.: "Hirsacker reports his position square CF 7323." | ||||
That is 116 nm, because I am running towards him at 10 knots, he could still be at the convoy before the beginning of darkness. | |||||
18.00 | CF 4814 | ||||
18.15 | Radio Message: "LLANGIBBY and 1 destroyer each of the J and W.-Class, square CE 6699, course east, speed 10 knots. Corvette no longer sighted. | ||||
"U-402" | |||||
19.18 | Encryption of two radio messages with wrong exchange table it is noticed, for clarification sent: "Serial Nos.156 and 160 were encrypted with the exchange table for 2 February." | ||||
"U-402" | |||||
Because of this error and the initially unclear identity groups are only now deciphered: "To von Forstner. Send bearing signals only on demand by other boats. . . . | |||||
Serial Nos. 156 and 160 are resolved. | |||||
19.46 | Reconnaissance report: New general course LLANGIBBY 140°. Destroyer screen not seen for 2 hours. Square 4815, speed 10 knots, SE 4, 1030 mb. | ||||
Forstner. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42 |
- 21 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
03.02.42 | |||||
20.00 | CF 4842 | Convoy is out of sight in a rain squall, moved closer. | |||
SE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
20.30 | Convoy suddenly appears out of a rain squall bearing 320°T and about 10 nm distant, forward LLANGIBBY CASTLE, aft both destroyers. A destroyer turns towards me, the other follows shortly thereafter. | ||||
20.33 | CF 4846 | Crash dive, went to periscope depth, destroyer approaches at high speed, sharp target angle, turned 90° to starboard and go deep. | |||
Sound pursuit by 2 destroyers, depth between A +60 and A +20 meters, no depth charges. | |||||
22.02 | Apparently destroyers run off. | ||||
22.20 | CF 4842 | Came to periscope depth, sounds reported bearing 320°, because in the periscope nothing is made out, surfaced, pursued, visibility only about 1/2 nm. | |||
22.23 | SE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, very dark night | ||||
22.35 | Radio Message: Forced to submerged by both destroyers, sound pursuit, contact lost. Last position of LLANGIBBY 20.20 hours square 4819, general course 140°, 10 knots, in pursuit, 25 cbm fuel oil. | ||||
Forstner. | |||||
22.45 | Radio Message: "To Hirsacker. Attack as soon as contact is gained." | ||||
Plotted intercept point for enemy speed 10 knots general course 140°, 120° and 100°. Initially headed for intercept point for enemy course 140°. | |||||
24.00 | CF 4881 | ||||
04.02.42 | North Atlantic | The moon has risen at 00.18 hours, brings good visibility. | |||
04.27 | CF 7345 | At intercept point for enemy course 140°. Visibility about 8 nm, nothing seen. | |||
06.37 | CF 7353 | Positioned at meeting point for enemy course 120°, heading for meeting point for 100°. | |||
08.00 | CF 7339 | ||||
SE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good | |||||
10.20 | CF 5797 | LLANGIBBY CASTLE and 1 destroyer in sight 20° to port (10°T). Enemy had continued to steer general course 100°. Continue to hold contact. | |||
10.40 | Convoy bears 6°T, 15 nm off, holding contact on mast heads, Vis, very good. Behind LLANGIBBY one destroyer mast. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42 |
- 22 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
04.02.42 | |||||
10.50 | Radio Signal sent: "Enemy in sight square CF 5791, easterly course, speed 10 knots. | ||||
"U-402" | |||||
11.07 11.15 |
CF 8131 | The destroyer comes further out, ran off at high speed, destroyer takes us ahead, dived to periscope depth, destroyer approaches at high speed and target angle 0°, went deep, sound pursuit, no depth charges, depth A + 50 meters. | |||
12.00 | CF 8131 | Day's run: Surfaced 2xx nm, Submerged 1.5 nm. | |||
12.07 | Destroyer apparently ran off, no sound bearings, while pursuing at periscope depth was sighted by [illegible word] running destroyrer, again went deep. | ||||
13.56 | 2 distant detonations. | ||||
14.10 | No further sound bearings, at silent speed went to periscope depth, surfaced. Pursued on course 95°. | ||||
14.40 | CF 5797 | ||||
15.00 | Radio Message to B.d.U.: "Forced to submerge by destroyer, contact lost. Enemy position 11.00 hours square CF 5791, easterly course, speed 10 knots, steering from 03.20 hours general course 100°, 21 cbm, pursuing. Request return transit due to fuel or resupply. S 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1033 mb, Vis. good | ||||
Forstner. | |||||
16.16 | From B.d.U.: "Forstner begin return transit." | ||||
16.27 | CF 5799 | Set course for western French Reich. | |||
SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good | |||||
20.00 | CF 5857 | ||||
24.00 | CF 5861 | ||||
E 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
05.02.42 | North Atlantic | ||||
04.00 | CF 5912 | Return transit to western French Reich continued. | |||
08.00 | CF 5682 | ||||
ESE 3, Sea 1-2, partial overcast | |||||
12.00 | CF 5683 | Day's run: Surfaced 156 nm, Submerged 9 nm. | |||
ESE 1, Sea 1 | |||||
15.42 | From B.d.U.: . . . . return harbor for Forstner St. Nazaire. | ||||
16.00 | CF 6416 | ||||
21.49 - 22.17 | CF 6192 | Test dive after converting main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2. | |||
22.29 | From B.d.U.: . . . . Forstner report weather by Short Signal cypher between 01.00 and 05.00. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42 |
- 23 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
05.02.42 | |||||
24.00 | CF 6169 | ||||
06.02.42 | |||||
03.08 | Short Signal weather report sent: "47°07'N, 16°40'W, 1032 mb steady, +14°C, at the moment Cumulus clouds but before drizzle, SE 3, Vis. up to 5 nm, no swell. | ||||
Forstner. | |||||
04.00 | CF 6219 | ||||
NE 3, Sea 1, partial overcast | |||||
08.00 | CF 6223 | ||||
NE 3, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
12.00 | CF 3971 | Day's run: Surfaced 152 nm, Submerged 1.4 nm. | |||
16.00 | CF 3929 | ||||
NE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast | |||||
20.00 | CF 3933 | ||||
22.45 | Because I am now outside the operations area and I have still not reported about the Gibraltar area and meeting with destroyer on 25 January I send the following Radio Message: | ||||
1.) On return transit square CG 1456. | |||||
2.) 16 January 11.15 hours BE 5716 2 hits probable "LLANGIBBY CASTLE, 23 January 16.16 hours CG 8651 2 aircraft bombs, depth charge pursuit destroyer and trap 25 January 2 and 3 February misses on destroyers, one pistol failure probable, 2 February pursuit by 2 destroyers 41 depth charges; on 3 and 4 February three sound pursuits without depth charges. | |||||
3.) In area east of CG 85 air surveilance, searchgroup. | |||||
4.) All naval squares. Forstner. | |||||
24.00 | CG 1476 | Radio Message was sent in three parts on various frequencies. | |||
NNE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast | |||||
07.02.42 | |||||
00.25 | Contents confirmed of the first sent second part of my Radio Message. Radio center presumes that the first part of 21.16 hours was received by NORDDEICH garbeled, requests new transmission. | ||||
02.43 | B.d.U. Radio Center has received my entire Radio Message. | ||||
04.00 | CG 1459 | ||||
08.00 | CG 1439 | ||||
NE 3, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
11.25 | Radio Message from B.d.U.: | ||||
"To Forstner report was superfulous had time after return." | |||||
12.00 | CG 1513 | Day's run: Surfaced 134 nm. | |||
NNE 4, Sea 3-4, partial overcast | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42 |
- 24 - |
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continued | |||||
07.02.42 | |||||
16.00 | CG 1283 | ||||
20.00 | CG 1265 | ||||
24.00 | CG 1319 | ||||
08.02.42 | |||||
04.00 | BE 9991 | ||||
08.00 | BE 9993 | ||||
NE 3-4, Sea 4, partial overcast | |||||
12.00 | BF 7748 | Day's run: Surfaced 134 nm. | |||
16.00 | BF 7734 | Continued return transit to western France. | |||
20.00 | BF 7574 | ||||
24.00 | BF 7557 | ||||
NE 5, Sea 4, overcast | |||||
09.02.42 | |||||
02.00 | BF 7556 | Came to course 60°. | |||
04.00 | BF 7538 | ||||
08.00 | BF 7615 | ||||
NE 4, Sea 4, overcast | |||||
09.00 | BF 7621 | Dived to proceed submerged through the Bay of Biscay. | |||
12.00 | BF 7389 | Day's run: Surfaced 147 nm, Submerged 9 nm. | |||
16.00 | BF 7395 | ||||
20.00 | BF 8171 | ||||
21.00 | BF 8147 | Surfaced, proceeding on the surface. | |||
22.04 | Sent Short Signal: Position off return harbor in 36 hours. U-402. Switched to Coastal Circuit. | ||||
22.47 | Contents of Short Signal confirmed. | ||||
23.39 | Radio Message: To "U-402" escort positioned on 11 Feb at 11.00 hours at Nanni 1. | ||||
7. U.-Flottille. | |||||
24.00 | BF 8153 | ||||
NE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
10.02.42 | |||||
04.00 | BF 5788 | ||||
08.00 | BF 5769 | ||||
E 1, Sea 0-1, overcast | |||||
09.00 | BF 5847 | Dived. | |||
12.00 | BF 5845 | Day's run: Surfaced 114 nm, Submerged 36 nm. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 10.02.42 |
- 25 - |
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continued | |||||
10.02.42 | |||||
13.27 | Radio Message: In Radio Message 2229/9/51 must read: Escort positioned on 11.February at 10.00 hours Nanni 1. | ||||
7. U.-Flottille. | |||||
16.00 | BF 5891 | ||||
20.00 | BF 5828 | ||||
20.30 | BF 5826 | Surfaced, proceeded on the surface. | |||
21.00 | BF 5834 | Came to opposite course - 259° -, so as not to arrive at Nanni 1 too early. | |||
22.15 | Again on course 59°, LF. | ||||
24.00 | BF 5899 | Request Radio Beaacon Group 6. | |||
"U-402" | |||||
11.02.42 | |||||
00.40 | Radio Message from B.d.U.: | ||||
"For U-402 from now to dawn on 11 February [radio beacons on] Belle Île, Ville-ès-Martin and Ile d'Yeu will operate. | |||||
04.00 | BF 6458 | ||||
E 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, [illegible two words] | |||||
07.35 - 08.50 | Came to opposite course, - 230° - to be able to head for Nanni 1 at high speed. | ||||
08.50 | BF 6464 | ||||
10.00 | BF 6463 | Taken in convoy - Speerbrecher and 2 Vp.-boats. | |||
12.00 | Day's run: Surfaced 173 nm, Submerged 25.5 nm. | ||||
12.30 | Made fast in the St. Nazaire lock. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 10.02.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 11.02.42 |
Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote |
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-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- | |||
on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-402" from 10.12.41 - 11.2.42 | |||
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- | |||
The commander has shown in completing his task, to attack the transporter torpedoed by him " LLANGIBBY CASTLE ", consideration and toughness. Complete success has remained denied to him on the basis of unfavorable circumstances. The ship took 2 hits and had heavy personnel losses. | |||
On the attack on the destroyer in the night of 25 January it is noted: | |||
It is wrong to exchange recognition signals at night with an unrecognized shadow. To begin exchange of recognition signals gives away own position and thereby consciously gives up the special strength of the submarine which, by its invisibility, allows it the first surprise attack. | |||
Signed in draft: D ö n i t z . | |||
For correctness: | |||
Leutnant z.S and Adjutant | |||
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