U-402 - 3rd War Patrol
Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster
Departed |
Date |
Arrived |
Date |
Days
at Sea |
St.
Nazaire |
26
March 1942 |
St.
Nazaire |
20
May 1942 |
56 |
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 |
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Date |
KTB
Time |
Position |
Ship |
Tons |
Nationality |
Convoy |
13
Apr 42 |
23.26
to |
40°39'N,
51°50'W |
EMPIRE
PROGRESS |
5,249 |
British |
ON-80 |
14 Apr
42 |
00.24 |
|||||
30
Apr 42 |
03.36 |
34°09'N,
76°14'W |
ASHKHABAD |
5,284 |
Soviet
Union |
|
2
May 42 |
06.41 |
33°15'N,
75°26'W |
USS CYTHERA
(PY-26) |
602 |
American |
|
Total
= 11,135 |
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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. |
K r i e g s t a g e b u c h | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U n t e r s e e b o o t e s " U 4 0 2 " | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Kommandant: Kaptlt. Baron von Forstner. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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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12.02 - 26.03.42 | St. Nazaire | Shipyard overhaul and outfitting. | |||
26.03.42 | |||||
17.20 | Cast off from the St. Nazaire lock. | ||||
17.50 | Taken in convoy. | ||||
19.55 | Released from convoy at Point Nanni 1. | ||||
20.00 | BF 6439 | Test dive, proceeded submerged until darkness. | |||
21.25 | BF 6463 | Surfaced, proceeded on the surface at HF. | |||
22.00 | SE 1, Sea 0 | ||||
24.00 | BF 6495 | ||||
27.03.42 | |||||
04.00 | BF 6752 | ||||
SE 1, Sea 0, overcast | |||||
07.40 | Crash dive for training, proceeded submerged. | ||||
12.00 | BF 9122 | Day's run: Surfaced 124 nm, Submerged 16.5 nm. | |||
15.00 - 15.08 | Surfaced to ventilate. | ||||
16.00 | BF 9111 | ||||
20.00 | BF 8331 | ||||
21.50 | Surfaced, continued western transit. | ||||
24.00 | BF 8313 | ||||
W 2, Sea 1 | |||||
28.03.42 | |||||
03.42 | Radio Message to all boats east of 29°W: | ||||
Head for BF 6510 at highest speed. English landing at St. Nazaire. | |||||
Heading directly to the ordered square at 2 x GF. | |||||
04.00 | BF 8234 | ||||
WNW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
07.41
08.05 |
Radio Message: English attack at St. Nazaire by destroyer and fast boats finished, is repulsed. Air reconnaissance at dawn. Further orders based on reconnaissance results. Because immediate operations off St. Nazaire are no longer expected, again came to westerly course at LF. Dived at dawn and at periscope depth for long wave reception. | ||||
10.05 | Radio Message: Outbound boats continue westerly transit. Orders to head for BF 6510 are cancelled. | ||||
Continued westerly transit. | |||||
12.00 | BF 5854 | Day's run: Surfaced 114 nm, Submerged 42 nm. | |||
14.15 | Radio Message: . . . . Forstner immediately report position. | ||||
15.05 | To B.d.U.: My position is BF 5846. | ||||
16.00 | BF 5848 | ||||
18.08 | Radio Message: Confirmation of the Short Signal, serves as passing report. | ||||
20.00 | BF 5769 | ||||
21.30 | Surfaced, proceeded on the surface. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 26.03.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 27.03.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 28.03.42 |
- 2 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
28.03.42 | |||||
24.00 | BF 5767 | While proceeding submerged up to 18.50 hours numerous underwater detonations heard, also a few times propeller sounds (turbines), nothing made out in the periscope. | |||
W 1-2, Sea 2 | |||||
29.03.42 | |||||
04.00 | BF 5773 | Switched to Ireland Circuit per Serial No. 187, per Serial No. 44 monitored Coastal Circuit. | |||
W 2, Sea 2, 6/10 | |||||
08.00 | BF 4995 | Crash dive for training. Proceeded submerged. | |||
12.00 | BF 4986 | Day's run: Surfaced 74 nm, Submerged 40.5 nm. | |||
W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
14.10 - 14.20 | BF 4985 | Surfaced to ventilate. | |||
16.00 | BF 4985 | ||||
19.20 - 19.30 | BF 4975 | Ventilated the boat. | |||
21.30 | BF 4978 | Surfaced, proceeded on the surface. | |||
24.00 | BF 4899 | ||||
30.03.42 | |||||
04.00 | BF 7232 | ||||
08.00 | BF 7213 | Crash dive for training, proceeded submerged. | |||
SW 2, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
12.00 | BF 7214 | Day's run: Surfaced 75 nm, Submerged 39.5 nm. | |||
15.15 - 15.30 | BF 7135 | ||||
WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast | Ventilated the boat. | ||||
16.00 | BF 7135 | ||||
20.00 | BF 7126 | ||||
21.30 | BF 7124 | Surfaced, continued westerly transit. | |||
24.00 | BF 7118 | Throughout the day on various occasions distant underwater detonations heard. | |||
WSW 3, Sea 3-4, overcast | |||||
31.03.42 | |||||
04.00 | BE 9337 | ||||
08.00 | BE 9351 | ||||
12.00 | BE 9266 | Day's run: Surfaced 95 nm, Submerged 29.2 nm. | |||
WSW 3, S 3-4, 8/10 | |||||
16.00 | BE 9255 | ||||
20.00 | BE 9248 | ||||
24.00 | BE 9167 | ||||
SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast | |||||
01.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | BE 9181 | ||||
08.00 | BE 9174 | ||||
12.00 | BE 8394 | Day's run: Surfaced 144 nm. | |||
W 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10 | |||||
13.25 - 14.20 | BE 8388 | Crash dive for training, drills. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 28.03.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 29.03.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 30.03.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 31.03.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 01.04.42 |
- 3 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
01.04.42 | |||||
16.00 | BE 8387 | ||||
W 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10 | |||||
20.00 | BE 8299 | ||||
24.00 | BE 8522 | ||||
02.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | BE 8511 | ||||
08.00 | BE 8426 | ||||
12.00 | BE 8418 | Day's run: Surfaced 154.5 nm, Submerged 5.5 nm. | |||
SW 2, Sea 3, 6/10 | |||||
14.00 - 14.15 | BE 8417 | Crash dive for training, torpedoes reloaded. | |||
16.00 | BE 7639 | ||||
SW 4, Sea 4, 8/10 | |||||
20.00 | BE 7629 | ||||
SW 4, Sea 4, 7/10 | |||||
20.20 | BE 7628 | 2 destroyers sighted bearing 170°T on northeasterly course, maneuver ahead failed, bearing shifted ahead, speed was too great, no zig zags. Submerged to let the destroyers pass and determine if a convoy still follows. | |||
20.42 | Crash dive, went to periscope depth,. a destroyer A-I Class passes about 8000 meters distant, except for the destroyer, no other sound bearings. | ||||
21.17 | BE 7634 | Surfaced. Destroyer passes out of sight with stern target angle bearing 40°T, no further traffic seen. | |||
21.35 | Went to old course, continued westerly transit. | ||||
Outgoing Radio Message: 2 destroyers, high speed, northeast course, naval square BE 7652, SW 4, Sea 4, overcast, 1027 mb falling. | |||||
24.00 | BE 7628 | ||||
SW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast | |||||
03.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | BE 7619 | ||||
08.00 | BE 7563 | ||||
12.00 | BE 7553 | Day's run: Surfaced 102.9 nm, Submerged 10 nm. | |||
SW 2, Sea 2, 5/10 | |||||
15.05 - 15.30 | BE 7546 | Crash dive for training, test dive. | |||
16.00 | BE 7546 | ||||
20.00 | BE 7466 | ||||
SW 4, Sea 4, overcast | |||||
24.00 | BE 7459 | ||||
SSW 6, Sea 4, overcast | |||||
04.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | BE 7449 | ||||
08.00 | BD 9693 | ||||
W 4, Sea 3-4, overcast | |||||
12.00 | BD 9683 | Day's run: Surfaced 129.3 nm, Submerged 2 nm. | |||
W 3, Sea 4, 4/10 | |||||
14.00 | Crash dive for training, drills. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 01.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 02.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 03.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 04.04.42 |
- 4 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
04.04.42 | |||||
16.00 | BD 9676 | ||||
W 5, Sea 3-4, 5/10 | |||||
16.50 | BD 9679 | Signal traffic with "U-332". | |||
20.00 | BD 9596 | ||||
24.00 | BD 9589 | ||||
W 2, Sea 3, 5/10 | |||||
05.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | BD 9812 | ||||
08.00 | BD 9733 | ||||
SW 4-5, Sea 3, 5/10 | |||||
12.00 | BD 9725 | Day's run: Surfaced 143.8 nm, Submerged 5.5 nm. | |||
16.00 | BD 9715 | ||||
W 6, Sea 5-6, 7/10 | |||||
20.00 | BD 8936 | ||||
24.00 | BD 8929 | ||||
W 4, Sea 4, 6/10 | |||||
06.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | BD 8919 | ||||
08.00 | BD 8941 | ||||
SW 4-5, Sea 5, 4/10 | |||||
12.00 | BD 8861 | Day's run: Surfaced 108 nm. | |||
SW 3, Sea 3, 5/10 | |||||
13.30 - | BD8855 | Crash dive for training, torpedoes ventilated. | |||
15.00 | BD8854 | ||||
16.00 | BD 8854 | ||||
NW 4, Sea 3, 3/10 | |||||
20.00 | BD 8769 | ||||
24.00 | BD 8782 | ||||
07.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | BD 8774 | ||||
08.00 | BD 7997 | ||||
W 2-3, Sea 2, 5/10 | |||||
12.00 | BD 7987 | Day's run: Surfaced 158.5 nm, Submerged 6.5 nm. | |||
14.20 - 15.10 | CE 1112 | Crash dive for training, drills. | |||
16.00 | CE 1111 | ||||
SW 2, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
20.00 | CD 3325 | ||||
24.00 | CD 3315 | ||||
W 4, Sea 4, 8/10 | |||||
08.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | CD 3234 | ||||
08.00 | CD 3227 | ||||
W 3-4, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
12.00 | CD 3163 | Day's run: Surfaced 129 nm, Submerged 4 nm. | |||
14.20 - 15.30 | CD 3153 | Crash dive for training, drills. | |||
16.00 | CD 3152 | ||||
W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 04.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 05.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 06.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 07.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 08.04.42 |
- 5 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
08.04.42 | |||||
20.00 | CD 2366 | ||||
24.00 | CD 2354 | ||||
W 0-1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
09.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | CD 2269 | ||||
08.00 | CD 2259 | ||||
SW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast | |||||
12.00 | CD 2273 | Day's run: Surfaced 123.4 nm, Submerged 6 nm. | |||
13.00 - 17.30 | CD 2271 | Crash dive for training, regulating the torpedoes. | |||
W 7, Sea 6, overcast | |||||
20.20 | CD 2195 | Boat can barely make way, dived to proceed submerged. | |||
24.00 - 00.15 | CD 2186 | Surfaced to ventilate. | |||
10.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | CD 2104 | ||||
04.55 - | CD 2184 | Surfaced for long wave program time, still no improvement in the weather. | |||
06.20 | CD 2176 | ||||
W 9, Sea 7, overcast | |||||
12.00 - | CD 2177 | Day's run: Surfaced 15.7 nm, Submerged 56.2 nm. | |||
13.40 | CD 1399 | Surfaced for long wave program time, compressor employed. | |||
16.00 | CD 1398 | ||||
19.30 - 20.45 | CD 1389 | Surfaced to ventilate and charge. | |||
W 8, Sea 7, overcast | Dived for repairs due to diesel breakdown. | ||||
22.10 | CD 1388 | Surfaced after diesel repairs, charging continued. | |||
11.04.42 | |||||
01.00 | CD 1627 | Dived to proceed submerged. | |||
NW 9, Sea 8, overcast | |||||
04.00 | CD 1615 | ||||
08.25 - 08.45 | CD 1611 | Surfaced to ventilate, wind has abated somewhat, hope we can continue on the surface at noon. | |||
12.00 | CD 1538 | Day's run: Surfaced 18 nm, Submerged 54.4 nm. | |||
13.00 | W 4, Sea 3-4, overcast | Surfaced, proceeded on the surface. | |||
16.00 | CD 1524 | ||||
20.00 | CD 1459 | ||||
24.00 | CD 1451 | ||||
E 2-3, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
12.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | CC 3663 | ||||
08.00 | CC 3654 | ||||
SW 3, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
12.00 | CC 3566 | Day's run: Surfaced 154 nm, Submerged 3 nm. | |||
SW 3-4, Sea 4, overcast | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 08.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 09.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 10.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 11.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 12.04.42 |
- 6 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
12.04.42 | |||||
16.00 | CC 3559 | ||||
20.00 | CC 3549 | ||||
24.00 | CC 3492 | ||||
WSW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast | |||||
13.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | CC 3481 | ||||
08.00 | CC 3474 | ||||
SW 3, Sea 2-3, 8/10 | |||||
12.00 | CC 2686 | Day's run: Surfaced 128 nm. | |||
13.17 - 14.50 | Crash dive for training, drills. | ||||
16.00 | CC 2921 | ||||
SW 2, Sea 2, 6/10 | |||||
20.00 | CC 2834 | ||||
22.30 | Radio Message: . . . . "U-402" report weather tomorrow between 01.00 and 05.00 hours. | ||||
20.50 | CC 2825 | Smoke cloud in sight briefly bearing 80°T, turned towards, recognized mast. Determined shift, began maneuver ahead. During temporary loss of power and stopping of both diesels turned away, steamer was lost from sight in a rain squall, from plotted information enemy's course 225°, 9 knots, ran ahead to calculated position and dived, nothing head, surfaced after all around sweep. Steamer comes out of a rain squall at very sharp target angle distance 4 nm. Investigation of the sound gear results in a malfunction, which can be repaired. | |||
|
NW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. heavily changing, rain showers |
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22.40 | CC 2828 | ||||
23.07 | CC 2855 | ||||
23.08 | CC 2855 | Crash dive, initiated attack. Steamer zig zags away before the shot, therefore decided on a two-fan. | |||
Normal freight steamer, 2 masts, 1 smokestack, armament astern, no markings or flag, estimated at 5000 GRT. | |||||
23.26 | CC 2855 | 2 fan from tube I and III, depth 4 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, bow left target angle 90°, speed 9 knots, range = 800 meters, enemy length 100 meters. | |||
After 57 seconds an impact, shortly thereafter a somewhat faint crack, no detonation. Initially nothing to note on the steamer then, however, stops, blows off steam and stops crosswise to the sea, must be damaged. Pistol failure. | |||||
14.04.42 | |||||
While comparing before the coup de grace a difference of 13° was determined between fire control computer and the boat-fixed setting circle in the attack periscope, I decide on a zero angle shot, also set the periscope to zero. | |||||
00.17 | CC 2854 | Single shot without fire control computer from tube II, depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, lead angle 0°, miss. Torpedo Officer sees the periscope did not stay on 0°. Investigation showed, that the | |||
Sun and Moon Data 08.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 09.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 10.04.42 |
- 7 - |
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continued | |||||
14.04.42 | |||||
boat-fixed setting circle was not screwed down, while moving the retaining ring the setting circle unintentionally turned. Material technical report submitted. Because angle settings from the periscope to the fire control computer are perfect, I shoot with the fire control computer. | |||||
00.24 | CC 2854 | Single shot from tube IV. Depth 2 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, lead angle 0°. | |||
00.32 |
CC 2854 |
After 55 seconds a detonation. Hit at the after mast, heavy black detonation cloud. Steamer quickly settles deeper astern, at the end the forestem rises almost vertically into the air, after 7 minutes a boiler explosion, 7-1/2 minutes after the hit the steamer is sunk. | |||
00.35 | CC 2854 | Surfaced, went to the boats, name and tonnage asked, understood: "EMPIRE PROGRESS" with 5249 GRT. | |||
00.50 | Continued westerly transit. | ||||
04.00 | CC 2765 | ||||
E 2-3, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
04.25 | Outgoing Radio Message attempted on Norddeich alternate frequency: "Today 01.00 hours naval square 2834 "EMPIRE PROGRESS" sunk. E 3, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. 4 nm, +16.5°C, 1012 mb steady, 92 cbm. U-402. | ||||
Radio message was not confirmed. | |||||
08.00 | CC 2761 | Evening navigation fix gives sinking square CC 2854. | |||
NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain showers | |||||
09.15 | CC 2772 | A white light comes in sight bearing 210°T, I believe that it is a neutral, because we are in the vicinity of the Swedish route. Pursued, large 3-masted motor freighter, about 10000 GRT. Center mast rises from the superstructure behind it a noticeably low and slim smokestack. Ship is well lighted Swiss neutrality markings, steers about 60°. Type not found in "Gröner" and "Merchant Ships". | |||
10.15 | CC 5113 | Continued westerly transit. | |||
11.58 | Radio Message: sent from 04.23 hours with the 40 KW transmitter on Africa Circuit, was repeated by Communications Center. | ||||
12.00 | CC 5111 | Day's run: Surfaced 165 nm, Submerged 13.6 nm. | |||
NE 3, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
16.00 | CC 4325 | ||||
17.00 - 18.25 | CC 4327 | Crash dive for training, drills. | |||
20.00 | CC 4318 | ||||
24.00 | CC 4253 | ||||
NW 4, Sea 3, 7/10 | |||||
15.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | CC 4245 | ||||
08.00 | CC 4159 | ||||
NW 2, Sea 3, 7/10 | |||||
12.00 | CC 4171 | Day's run: Surfaced 158.1 nm, Submerged 6.4 nm. | |||
NW 1, Sea 1, 4/10 | |||||
14.25 | CB 6394 | Course 200° to download over deck torpedo. | |||
17.10 | CB 6397 | ||||
NW 1, Sea 1, 4/10 | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 14.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 15.04.42 |
- 8 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
15.04.42 | |||||
19.21 - | CB 6579 | Test dive after converting main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 4. | |||
19.37 | CB 6378 | ||||
20.00 | CB 6378 | ||||
24.00 | CB 6523 | ||||
SW 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10 | |||||
16.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | CB 6515 | ||||
08.00 | CB 6437 | ||||
SW 2-3, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
12.00 | CB 6419 | Day's run: Surfaced 154 nm, Submerged 1.2 nm. | |||
SW 4, Sea 4, overcast | |||||
16.00 | CB 5862 | ||||
20.00 | CB 5652 | ||||
24.00 | CB 5852 | ||||
17.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | CB 5556 | ||||
08.00 | CB 5548 | ||||
NW 5, Sea 4, 4/10 | |||||
12.00 | CB 5491 | Day's run: Surfaced 146 nm. | |||
16.00 | CB 5472 | ||||
18.54 - 19.10 | CB 4695 | Test dive. | |||
20.00 | CB 4694 | ||||
23.42 | Because I still have no orders to go to Greenland Circuit, I send off a Radio Message on Africa Circuit: | ||||
Naval square CB 4686, request Greenland Circuit, 80 cbm, W 2, Sea 2, cloudless, 1023 mb steady. U-402. | |||||
24.00 | CB 4676 | ||||
SW 2, Sea 2, cloudless | |||||
18.04.42 | |||||
My radio message is heard with volume 1-2 however not deciphered. | |||||
03.06 | Resent my radio message, was acknowledged. | ||||
04.00 | CB 4823 | ||||
07.20 | From B.d.U.: "To U-402. Switch to Greenland Circuit on 18 April at 10.00 hours if this has not yet been done despite Radio Message Orders of 2 April." | ||||
A Radio Message Order was received on 2 April, the name was repeatedly decrypted as "Forster". [not Forstner] | |||||
08.00 | CB 4733 | ||||
SW 3, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
10.00 | Switched to Greenland Circuit, first Serial No. on Greenland Circuit 255, last on Ireland Circuit 156. | ||||
12.00 | CB 4725 | Day's run: Surfaced 182 nm, Submerged 1 nm. | |||
12.40 | Radio Message: " . . . . 2) U-402 free to maneuver on traffic in operations area naval square CA 98 and 99 and south there from in accordance with referenced "Schuch" situation report. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 15.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 16.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 17.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 18.04.42 |
- 9 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
18.04.42 | |||||
15.45 | CB 4717 | Headed for ordered area (course 197°). | |||
16.00 | CB 4717 | ||||
SW 3, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
18.15 - 18.35 | CA 6969 | Test dive. | |||
20.00 | CA 6995 | ||||
20.15 | CA 6995 | Crash dive for aircraft bearing 230°T about 6000 meters off, course about north. | |||
Float plane probably: "Vought-Sikorsky OS2U-1" | |||||
20.41 | CA 6995 | Surfaced. | |||
SW 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10 | |||||
24.00 | CA 9337 | ||||
19.04.42 | |||||
02.43 | CA 9359 | Crash dive for aircraft, suddenly starting red lights bearing 250°T, course about 160°. | |||
03.05 | CA 9359 | ||||
04.00 | CA 9383 | ||||
08.00 | CA 9628 | ||||
NW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
12.00 | CA 9676 | Day's run: Surfaced 161 nm, Submerged 5.3 nm. | |||
16.00 | CA 9942 | ||||
20.00 | CA 9899 | Reached operations area, 1 diesel 220 RPM, came to westerly course. | |||
23.10 | CA 9888 | Signal traffic with "U-571" (return transit) and "U-572". | |||
24.00 | CA 9889 | ||||
W 2, Sea 1, x/10 | |||||
20.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | CA 9877 | Came to southerly course. | |||
Occasionally stopped or dived to listen. | |||||
08.00 | DC 3144 | ||||
W 2, Sea 1, very dark night, intermittent rain showers | |||||
09.45 | CA 3171 | Doubtful sound bearing, ran towards, nothing seen, | |||
10.30 | CA 2369 | dove again, no more sound bearings. | |||
12.00 | DC 2365 | Day's run: Surfaced 174.2 nm, Submerged 1.6 nm. | |||
Came to easterly course. | |||||
16.00 | DC 3146 | ||||
NW 2, Sea 1, overcast, intermittent rain | |||||
19.17 | DC 3156 | 3 lifeboats with sails sighted bearing 60°T, 4 nm off. Departed on course 200°. | |||
20.00 | DC 3159 | Came to easterly course. | |||
24.00 | DC 3271 | ||||
N 1-2, Sea 3, clear | |||||
21.04.42 | |||||
03.45 - 04.15 | DC 3259 | Due to temporary visibility deterioration dived to listen, no sound bearings. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 18.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 19.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 20.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 21.04.42 |
- 10 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
21.04.42 | |||||
00.00 | DC 3347 | ||||
NW 2, Sea 2, 4/10 | |||||
12.00 | DC 3358 | Day's run: Surfaced 164.4 nm, Submerged 2.2 nm. | |||
WNW 4, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
16.00 | DC 3368 | ||||
20.00 | DC 3359 | ||||
22.25 - 22.40 |
Crash dive for single-engined float plane on southerly course about 1000 meters distant, type probably: "Vought-Sikorsky OS2U-1". Surfaced. | ||||
24.00 | DC 3354 | ||||
W 4, Sea 3, 4/10 | |||||
22.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | DC 3342 | ||||
08.00 | DC 3238 | ||||
W 3, Sea 3, 6/10 | |||||
12.00 | DC 3225 | Day's run: Surfaced 108.5 nm, Submerged 1 nm. | |||
Came to westerly course. | |||||
14.24 | DC 3216 | Radio Signal from Schnee with date/time group 13.00 hours, 33: "Naval square DC 6155 four-stack steamer "AQUITANIA" course north, 20 knots. | |||
Operated on "AQUITANIA" without success. | |||||
16.00 | DC 3215 | ||||
W 1-2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. very good | |||||
20.00 | DC 3125 | ||||
24.00 | DC 3185 | ||||
W 1, Sea 1, 4/10 | |||||
23.04.42 | |||||
02.00 | DC 2422 | Came to northerly course. | |||
04.00 | DC 3186 | ||||
08.00 | DC 3166 | ||||
NE 1, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good | |||||
12.00 | DC 3216 | Day's run: Surfaced 179 nm. | |||
12.40 | DC 3216 | Crash dive for very high flying land-based aircraft bearing 110°T at about 5000 meters distant, altitude about 300 meters, on westerly course. Type like "North American "B-25". | |||
13.00 | DC 3216 | Surfaced. | |||
14.30 | CA 9988 | Came to westerly course. | |||
16.00 | CA 9979 | ||||
NE 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
20.00 | CA 9898 | ||||
24.00 | CA 9887 | ||||
NE 3, Sea 3, 9/10 | |||||
24.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | CA 9877 | Reached the western edge of the attack area, came to course 150°. | |||
08.00 | DC 3118 | ||||
ENE 5, Sea 4, overcast, (rain) | |||||
12.00 | DC 3181 | Day's run: Surfaced 146 nm, Submerged 1.5 nm. | |||
E 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 21.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 22.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 23.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 24.04.42 |
- 11 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
24.04.42 | |||||
16.00 | DC 3425 | ||||
NE 6, Sea 5, 9/10 | |||||
20.00 | DC 3464 | ||||
24.00 | DC 3499 | ||||
NE 5, Sea 5, 9/10 | |||||
25.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | DC 3842 | ||||
08.00 | DC 3876 | ||||
NE 3-4, Sea 3-4, overcast | |||||
12.00 | DC 6225 | Day's run: Surfaced 150 nm. | |||
NE 3, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good | |||||
16.00 | DC 6267 | ||||
20.00 | DC 6553 | ||||
24.00 | DC 6645 | ||||
NNE 5, Sea 4, 6/10 | |||||
26.04.42 | |||||
01.00 | DC 6649 | Came to westerly course and during the night requested freedom to maneuver on the coast, because since 19 April I have not sighted anything in the ordered operations area. | |||
02.40 | Following receipt of radio message that boats should operate under the coast due to the fuel situation, the radio message directed to me on 18 April was checked concerning attack area and it is determined that if after the sentence: "U-402 free to maneuver:" a period has stood, there arises a completely different meaning than I had taken from the radio message. I would have had freedom to maneuver without limitations, the second sentence: on traffic in CA98 and 99 . . . was only a traffic advisory. | ||||
04.00 | DC 6569 | I sent a situation report to clarify the matter: | |||
"Located since 19 April in ordered operations area CA 98, 99 and south there from. No traffic, light air, no sea patrols observed. Request freedom to maneuver along the coast and supply for return transit. Position DC 65, all naval squares, 56 cbm, 10 torpedoes, NW 3, Sea 3, 1013 mb rising, Vis. good." U-402. | |||||
"AC" was sent in error. | |||||
08.00 | DC 6556 | ||||
NNW 4, Sea 3, 2/10 | |||||
11.28 | From B.d.U.: "To Forstner.
In accordance with Radio Message you had freedom to maneuver from 18 April.
Traffic note means no obligation. Do not think too rigidly. 20 cbm without provisions intended as supply. |
||||
Lost 8 days are very disappointing, especially as now the bright nights arrive; but nevertheless, some time can still be spent with an additional 20 cbm. | |||||
12.00 | DC 6543 | Day's run: Surfaced 153 nm. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 24.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 25.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 26.04.42 |
- 12 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
26.04.42 | |||||
12.25 | Continued westerly advance to the coast. | ||||
From B.d.U.: The following set of boats are still to supply . . . On return transit: Hirsacker, Schnee, von Forstner. Additions are no longer possible. Despite supply all boats run at economical cruise. Expect U-boat danger in the supply area. | |||||
16.00 | DC 6439 | ||||
NW 2-3, Sea 3, 8/10, rain showers | |||||
Intention: Head for the coast at Cape Fear, then on NE-course to Hatteras to detect traffic in Onslow and Raleigh Bays. If favorable, remain there, otherwise continue north at Hatteras or Wimble Shoals to operate on traffic there. | |||||
20.00 | DC 6422 | ||||
24.00 | DC 6177 | ||||
NW 2, Sea 2, 4/10 | |||||
27.04.42 | |||||
04.00 | DC 5382 | ||||
08.00 | DC 5347 | ||||
NW 2, Sea 1, 2/10 | |||||
12.00 | DC 5253 | Day's run: Surfaced 178 nm. | |||
16.00 | DC 5214 | ||||
20.00 | DC 5123 | ||||
24.00 | DC 2774 | ||||
NNW 2. Sea 1, 2/10 | |||||
28.04.42 | |||||
02.50 - 02.56 | DC 1991 | Test dive after converting main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2. | |||
04.00 | DC 1983 | ||||
08.00 | DC 1945 | ||||
N 2, Sea 1-2, 5/10 | |||||
12.00 | DC 1961 | Day's run: Surfaced 185 nm, Submerged 2 nm. | |||
16.00 | DC 1817 | ||||
20.00 | DC 1728 | Continued advance to the coast. | |||
24.00 | DB 3936 | ||||
SE 3, Sea 2, 8/10 | |||||
29.04.42 | |||||
00.45 | DB 3936 | A small fishing cutter with a sail sighted, avoided. | |||
Headed for Cape Fear by depth sounding. | |||||
03.45 | DB 3691 | U-boat hunter Type "PC 450" bearing 260°T about 4 nm distant, evaded. | |||
05.30 | DB 3693 | ||||
SE 2, Sea 1, 1/10 | Frying Pan Lightship is presumably missing from DE 3693, there is a light with identification: occulting light groups 3,3,2, between the groups a short pause, after the last a long pause, repetition 34 seconds. | ||||
08.00 | DC 1444 | ||||
SE 2, Sea 1, 1/10 | |||||
11.48 | DC 1424 | Dived at the beginning of dawn. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 26.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 27.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 28.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 29.04.42 |
- 13 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
29.04.42 | |||||
12.00 | DC 1424 | Day's run: Surfaced 184.5 nm. | |||
misty, Vis. very bad, Sea completely flat | |||||
16.00 | DC 1423 | Proceeding submerged at periscope depth on NE-course in Onslow Bay at about the 30-meter line. | |||
misty, Vis. very bad, Sea completely flat | |||||
20.40 | DC 1194 | Surfaced to ventilate and for all around sweep. | |||
20.50 | DC 1194 | Ahead still in the haze a small vessel in sight about 4 nm off, possibly a patrol vessel, dived. | |||
22.00 | DC 1195 | 2 freighters at the limit of visibility bearing 10°T, target angle about 60°, heading for Cape Lookout on course about 315°. | |||
22.18 | DC 1192 | Large tanker, about 10000 GRT, in sight on same course, shortly thereafter 4 stack destroyer of the BARNEY Class, proceeding as U-boat screen. Tanker has 2 masts, smoke stack at after edge of the stern superstructure like "NORTH ATLANTIC". | |||
22.35 | DC 1192 | On surfacing sighted vessel is a patrol craft very much like our steam trawlers used as patrol vessels, run to meet the sighted steamer on course 135°. | |||
I can not operate on intersection point with the convoy because of the water depth (Lookout Shoals), also it promises no success because of the target angle, therefore I head for the sighting point in the hope that even more steamers will come on the same course, otherwise I want to attack patrol vessels. | |||||
22.42 | DC 1192 | 2-engined land based aircraft, type: "North American" B-25 circles over the convoy. | |||
23.00 | Convoy out of sight, destroyer last. | ||||
23.15 | Very fat 2-engined flying boat with split tail empennage in sight, type: Martin "PBM-2". | ||||
23.30 | DC 1193 | Tanker in sight bearing 59°T, about 4 nm off, heading for Cape Lookout on course 270°. 2 masts, topmast aft of the smokestack, its forward edge intersects the forward edge of the aft superstructure, normal bow and stern, similar to "BRITISH CONFIDENCE", estimated at 8000 GRT. | |||
23.46 | DC 1193 | Tanker out of sight. | |||
24.00 | DC 1193 | ||||
30.04.42 | |||||
00.32 | Unfortunately, initially no more freighters come, however, the patrol vessel has turned back, I decide to attack him. | ||||
01.22 | DC 1193 | Single shot from tube V: depth 2 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, enemy speed 9 knots, bow left, target angle 90°, range = 400 meters. Miss, probably went to the bottom, because the sound room heard a dull impact after about 15 seconds, thereafter no more torpedo sounds. | |||
SE 1, Sea 0-1, Vis. 5 nm | |||||
Boat was at depth 14.5 meters, 16 meters under the keel. The patrol vessel appears not to have noticed, runs along calmly. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 29.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.42 |
- 14 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
30.04.42 | |||||
02.28 | DC1193 | Surfaced at the beginning of darkness. | |||
Very bright moonlit night, Sea almost completely flat, Vis. about 5 nm, SE 1 | A shadow bearing 250°T about 3-1/2 nm distant, attempt to move off and maneuver ahead, a freighter runs at about 14 knots, I was seen, steamer turns away, shoots at me and transmits: "S S S S Cape Lookout". Freighter steers about 225°, I am unfortunately before the bright horizon. | ||||
02.56 | Under the given situation I believe that a new maneuver ahead at the limit of visibility with a large fuel oil consumption holds little promise, particularly as I must assume that the steamer is protected immediately, still hope for another steamer to come for an undetected attack. | ||||
Run towards land so as to start on the dark horizon. | |||||
Shadow in sight bearing 60°T, about 4 nm distant, sharp target angle. I decide on a surface attack due to the shallow water depth from 17-19 meters. | |||||
03.30 | Towards land at about 300°T, a new shadow comes into view, which is roughly the same distance as the other shadow. I expect one of the two shadows to be a patrol vessel. As it soon turns out, is the escort of the port shadow of mine. The shadow to starboard is clearly recognizable as a freighter. | ||||
Due to the patrol vessel I can not move out further to port, I turn at target angle 20° towards the freighter, hold him at low speed, even without binoculars he is easy to make out, I decide to shoot as soon as possible at all costs, because at small abeam distance at target angle 70 to 50° he has to see me. | |||||
Freighter has 2 masts, 1 smoke stack, at least 4 cargo hatches, a longer bridge superstructure than with typical freighters, at the shot filled the binoculars, estimated at over 6000 GRT, had a cannon astern. | |||||
03.36
03.40 |
DC 1271 | Single shot from tube II, depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, enemy speed 8 knots, bow right, target angle 43°, range = 1400 meters. After 1 minute 33 seconds = 1400 meters a hit at the after mast, high explosion column, stern settles quickly deeper, in 4 minutes disappeared up to the smoke stack. Boiler explosion, freighter lies with stern on the bottom at 19 meters. | |||
SE 1, Sea 0-1, bright clear moonlit night, Vis. 5 nm | |||||
The beginning of the torpedo track (G7e) could easily be made out in the flat water, I remained for about 1 minute at low speed on attack course to continue to present a sharp silhouette, then after the hit turned off and went to GF because of the patrol vessel approaching in the mean time. | |||||
Freighter transmits "SOS KAPELNOS". | |||||
From 03.40 - 03.47 various depth charge detonations in the direction of the patrol vessel, he probably supposes that I attacked submerged. Because, unfortunately, the patrol vessel remains in the vicinity of the freighter, it is not possible to bring the rest under water with artillery, but I believe that the total loss | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.42 |
- 15 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
30.04.42 | of the steamer is certain from my observations. | ||||
04.05 04.06 |
DC 1271 | Crash dive for approaching 2-engined land-based aircraft, coming from the direction of the steamer. Heavy concussion by aircraft bombs, am in 20 meters water, still have 10 meters below the keel. Only slight damage. | |||
05.08 | DC 1271 | Surfaced. | |||
05.48 | DC 1242 | Continued advance in the direction of Cape Hatteras. | |||
Lighthouse at Cpae Lookout burns as in peacetime. However, repeats every 13 seconds (Lightship previously 15 seconds). | |||||
07.00 | DC 1241 | ||||
09.00 | DC 1243 | ||||
11.00 | DC 1225 | Lighthouse at Cape Hatteras burning as in peacetime. | |||
12.00 | DC 12.22 | Day's run: Surfaced 76.5 nm, Submerged 42 nm. | |||
SE 1, Sea 0, very misty | Dived at the beginning of dawn. | ||||
16.30 | DC 1223 | Small airship in sight bearing 235° on SW-course, altitude about 500 meters, 8000 meters distant. | |||
17.04 | DC 1223 | 3 very distant detonation. | |||
17.52 | DC 1223 | Sound bearing 270°T. | |||
17.54 | DC 1223 | 3 freighters, 1 destroyer (4-stack class), 1 airship in sight bearing 50°T, about 4 nm distant, unfortunately this time I am positioned too far seaward to get into good shooting position, however I go at GF to the observed steamer course, to at least be able to operate on following traffic. | |||
18.34 | DC 1223 | Now 2 large freighters overlap so favorably, that I decide to shot torpedoes despite the great range, I estimate the speed by sound observation at 8 knots, unfortunately, the target angle is already almost 90°. | |||
18.35 | DC 1223 | Single shot from tube III, depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, enemy speed 8 knots, bow right, target angle 88°, range = 1800 meters. | |||
SE 1, Sea 0, very misty, Vis. 4 nm | |||||
During the long running time of the torpedo the overlapping ceased, I aimed 30 meters aft of the first steamer, so the torpedo probably passed behind. | |||||
18.42 | I do not have a further shooting opportunity. Because of the approaching airship and the very smooth water I go to depth 30 meters. | ||||
19.00 | Came to periscope depth. Back and forth in position on the observed traffic route. | ||||
20.45 | DC 1223 | I'm lucky, another freighter comes in sight bearing 15°T with sharp target angle, it is not so misty, steamer drives on a straight course 220°, I have ample time to determine shooting data and to get into favorable shooting position. Normal freighter about 6000 GRT. | |||
21.27 | DC 1225 | Single shot from tube I, depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, enemy speed 8 knots, bow left, target angle 90°, range = 500 meters. | |||
SE 1, Sea 0, very misty, Vis. 5 nm | |||||
Miss, I think that a passed shot can be ruled out under the existing favorable shooting conditions. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.42 |
- 16 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
30.04.42 | |||||
In the boat after about 5 seconds a light impact was heard. but afterwards torpedo sounds continued to be heard until overcome by steamer sound, from about 30 seconds after the shot no further torpedo sounds. I believe another bottom runner, propeller sounds continued covering up the torpedo sounds in the listening gear. The boat was at depth 14 meters, with 16 meters under the keel. | |||||
24.00 | DC 1223 | ||||
01.05.42 | |||||
02.40 | DC 1251 | Surfaced at the beginning of darkness, bright moonlit night. | |||
SE 2, Sea 1, blue sky | |||||
04.47 and | Situation report sent: | ||||
05.20 | 1.) 29 April Cape Fear, Onslow Bay no traffic. Frying Pan Shoals Lightship missing. Headed for Cape Lookout from the SE, traffic in both directions like Schnee. | ||||
2.) 30 April. Miss on patrol boat in 31 meters, on freighter in 50 meters water, sound findings both ground runners. On the surface sank freighter "KAPELNOS" lying in 19 meters with the stern on the bottom square 1193. Scare depth charges. | |||||
3.) Position square 120. All naval square Dora Cäsar. 47 cbm plus 4 torpedoes. Continuing high-pressure weather. Am missing Serial Nos. 234-256, 265 and 65. U-402. | |||||
With these failures with submerged attacks in shalow water I decide during the bright nights to proceed on the NW approach to Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout and to operate in the slightly more favorable nights again on the identified route close off the coast | |||||
06.00 | DC 1236 | ||||
NE 2, Sea 1 | |||||
08.00 | DC 1341 | ||||
12.00 | DC 1376 | Day's run: Surfaced 66 nm, Submerged 37 nm. | |||
NE 2, Sea 1, 5/10 | |||||
16.00 | DC 1653 | ||||
NE 2, Sea 1-2, 4/10 | |||||
16.40 | Radio Message: to Schnee and "U-402". | ||||
Contrary to previous commitment no fuel supplement. Time delay of 10 days for U-tanker is not supportable. | |||||
Additional guidance: | |||||
Serial No. 254 was repeated, all other missing unimportant for "U-402". | |||||
In spite of very limited fuel oil inventory I decide to operate at least one more day under the coast, besides, perhaps I will have more luck. | |||||
20.00 | DC 1683 | ||||
NE 2, Sea 1, blue sky | |||||
24.00 | DC 1645 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 01.05.42 |
- 17 - |
|||||
02.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | DC 1537 | ||||
04.25 | DC 1537 | Shadow bearing 320°T about 4 nm distant, matched course and speed, maneuvered ahead. Warship silhouette, further details are not distinguished. | |||
General course of the enemy is 180°, speed 13 knots, zig zags. | |||||
06.17 | Dived for submerged attack, for a long time can still not make out the enemy in the control room periscope, after sighting improved shooting position at AK, enemy appears smaller than first thought. | ||||
06.41 | DC 1591 | Three-fan from tube I, II and IV, depth 2 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, enemy speed 14 knots, bow right, target angle 98°, range 2000 meters. | |||
W 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. good, moonshine | |||||
After 2 minutes 9 seconds - 1850 meters - detonation, high black explosion column amidships, shortly thereafter various smaller detonations, probably depth charges. | |||||
06.44 |
DC 1591 |
The bow rises high out of the water briefly, 1 minute after detonation with the dissipation of the smoke it is no longer seen. | |||
06.48 | Surfaced; ran to sinking location, which is marked by a large oil slick. | ||||
While searching for clues for identification we see a raft with 2 men whom we get aboard, it is unlikely that many more survivors exist. | |||||
Statements of the prisoners: | |||||
Patrol Yacht PY-26 (Patrol Yacht) "CYTHERA" of 850 tons, 73 meters long (241 feet), crew 5 officers, 66 men, 2 cannon, anti-aircraft weapons, 60 depth charges fused up to 150 feet (45.72 meters) depth setting, on the way from Norfolk for the Panama Canal. | |||||
08.00 | DC 1592 | Must unfortunately now begin return transit due to fuel inventory. 1 diesel 220 RPM. | |||
Sent Radio Message concerning beginning return transit: | |||||
Just now naval square DC 1591 sank Patrol Yacht "CYTHERA" 850 tons, course 180°, speed 13 knots, took 2 prisoners. Return transit due to fuel 44 cbm, 2 plus 1 torpedo, continuous high pressure weather. Request Pallice. | |||||
U-402. | |||||
12.00 | DC 1646 | Day's run: Surfaced 183.4 nm, Submerged 3.2 nm. | |||
W 2, Sea 2, 2/10 | |||||
16.00 | DC 1661 | ||||
20.12 | DC 2419 | Signal traffic with "U-86". | |||
24.00 | DC 2431 | ||||
03.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | DC 2279 | Continued return transit, 1 diesel, 220 RPM. | |||
08.00 | DC 2294 | ||||
SE 1, Sea 1-2, 4/10 | |||||
12.00 | DC 2349 | Day's run: Surfaced 180 nm. | |||
13.00 | DC 2357 | Empty lifeboat sighted. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.42 |
- 18 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
03.05.42 | |||||
16.00 | DC 2365 | ||||
20.00 | DC 3145 | ||||
24.00 | DC 3135 | ||||
SE 1, Sea 1, 2/10 | |||||
04.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | DC 33213 | ||||
08.00 | CA 9997 | ||||
E 1, Sea 1, 4/10 | |||||
12.00 | CB 7775 | Day's run: Surfaced 180 nm. | |||
SE 1, Sea 1, 3/10 | |||||
16.00 | CB 7783 | ||||
20.00 | CB 7847 | ||||
22.23 | Radio Message: From B.d.U.: "U-432, 402 and Varendorff report weather tomorrow between 01.00 and 05.00 hours. | ||||
24.00 | CB 7855 | ||||
SE 1, Sea 1, 6/10 | |||||
05.05.42 | |||||
00.58 | Short Signal weather report sent: "35°26'N, 66°08'W, 1028 mb steady, +22°C, S 2, sunshine weather, Vis. 3 nm, E-swell. U-402. | ||||
02.19 | From Communications Center: . . . . Short Signal weather report 00.58 on 36 meters strength 2, incomplete, Transmit again. | ||||
03.57 | New transmission of the Short Signal weather report, was confirmed at 04.58 hours. | ||||
04.00 | CB 7863 | ||||
08.00 | CB 7927 | ||||
SE 2, S 1-2, 5/10 | |||||
12.00 | CB 7935 | Day's run: Surfaced 156 nm. | |||
16.00 | CB 8713 | ||||
19.02 | CB 8573 | Empty lifeboat sighted. | |||
20.00 | CB 8495 | ||||
20.37 | From B.d.U.: | ||||
1.) On 6 May between 01.00 and 05.00 send weather report by Weather Short Signal cipher U-402, U 437 and Uphoff. | |||||
2.) . . . | |||||
24.00 | CB 8581 | ||||
06.05.42 | |||||
01.18 | On alternate frequency sent: Latitude 36°, Longitude 63°10', pressure change steady 1027 mb, +35°C, SW 1, Cirrus and Cumulus, Vis. 9 nm, low SW-swell. | ||||
U-402. | |||||
01.40 | Short Signal weather report from Forstner on 36 meters received with strength 4. | ||||
04.00 | CB 8569 | ||||
08.00 | CB 5655 | ||||
SW 2, Sea 1, 3/10 | |||||
12.00 | CB 9441 | Day's run: Surfaced 192 nm. | |||
W 2, Sea 2, 7/10 | |||||
16.00 | CB 9428 | ||||
SW 2, Sea 1, 7/10 | |||||
20.00 | CB 9436 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 04.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 05.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 06.05.42 |
- 19 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
06.05.42 | |||||
24.00 | CB 9513 | ||||
WSW 2, Sea 1, 8/10 | |||||
07.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | CB 9297 | ||||
08.00 | CB 9375 | ||||
N 2, Sea 2, 7/10 | |||||
12.00 | CB 9383 | Day's run: Surfaced 156 nm. | |||
16.00 | CC 7147 | ||||
20.00 | CC 7155 | Measuring speed with diesel-electric. | |||
24.00 | CC 7162 | ||||
ENE 1, Sea 1, 4/10 | |||||
08.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | CC 7227 | ||||
08.00 | CC 7235 | ||||
12.00 | CC 7313 | Day's run: Surfaced 156 nm. | |||
SE 1, Sea 0-1, 3/10 | |||||
16.00 | CC 4998 | ||||
20.00 | CC 5784 | ||||
24.00 | CC 5792 | ||||
SW 2, Sea 2, 3/10 | |||||
09.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | CC 5857 | ||||
08.00 | CC 5866 | ||||
08.01 | CC 5866 | Shadow bearing 100°T, 4 nm distant, matched course and speed, heavy zig zags, general course 350°, speed 9 knots, maneuvered ahead for surface attack. | |||
SW 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10, clear, Vis. 4 nm, moonlit | |||||
09.15 | CC 5862 | Single shot from tube III, depth 3, torpedo speed 40 knots, enemy speed 9, bow left, target angle 60°, range = 1000 meters. | |||
Remained initially on attack course, when I recognized that I had missed, turned for a stern shot, because no more tubes are ready forward, slow speed set. | |||||
09.22 | CC 5862 | Single shot from tube 5, depth 3 meters, torpedo speed 30 knots, enemy speed 5 knots, bow left, target angle 70°, range = 800 yards. Miss. | |||
Enemy gave the appearance of having slowed even more slowly than after the shot with tube III. | |||||
Had to quickly decide on the shot from tube V, because it was already getting light, however, maneuvering ahead for submerged attack is prohibited for me now due to my low fuel oil inventory. | |||||
Concerning the character of the steamer it has not become clear to me, estimated him at 3000- 4000 GRT. Had a smoke stack midships, 3 masts of which the center rose out of the superstructure and was higher than both the other normally standing ones. | |||||
Except for 2 visible cannon on forecastle and poop deck stand a conspicuous thick | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 06.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 07.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 08.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 09.05.42 |
- 20 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
09.05.42 | |||||
object stood like a second smoke stack seen in silhouette. | |||||
Markings were not make out. | |||||
The behavior of the steamer was unusual, if he had sighted me why didn'the turn away and man the cannon, or was he approaching me even closer? | |||||
Under the existing conditions, the breaking dawn and the armament of the steamer as well as elimination of the element of surprise that I foresaw with the use of artillery, because I had no more tubes ready and my fuel oil inventory prevented maneuvering ahead during the day, I had to let him go. | |||||
09.53 | CC 5862 | Because it is getting light dived, continued to observe the steamer, runs at slow speed off to the north. | |||
10.48 | CC 5863 | Surfaced, continued return transit to western French Reich. | |||
12.00 | CC 5941 | Day's run: Surfaced 169.2 nm, Submerged 2.7 nm. | |||
16.00 | CC 5929 | ||||
WSW 4, Sea 3, 8/10 | |||||
20.00 | CC 6714 | ||||
24.00 | CC 6722 | ||||
WSW 5, Sea 4, 9/10 | |||||
10.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | CC 6577 | ||||
08.00 | CC 6585 | ||||
WSW 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10 | |||||
12.00 | CC 6671 | Day's run: Surfaced 176 nm. | |||
W 4, Sea 3, rain | |||||
16.00 | CC 6659 | ||||
20.00 | CD 4445 | ||||
24.00 | CD 4462 | ||||
WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast | |||||
11.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | CD 4524 | ||||
08.00 | CD 4611 | ||||
12.00 | CD 4389 | Day's run: Surfaced 210 nm. | |||
SW 3, Sea 3, 6/10 | |||||
16.00 | CD 5172 | ||||
20.00 | CD 5167 | ||||
24.00 | CD 5246 | ||||
SW 4-5, Sea 4, 7/10 | |||||
12.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | CD 5262 | ||||
08.00 | CD 5327 | ||||
09.53 | SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, (rain) | From B.d.U.: "return harbors are: ". . . . Pallice for "U-402. . . . | |||
12.00 | CD 5336 | Day's run: Surfaced 180 nm. | |||
16.00 | CD 6121 | ||||
19.33 | From B.d.U.: "Schug, Schnee, U-402 and Dieterichs tomorrow between 01.00 and 05.00 send weather report." | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 09.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 10.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 11.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 12.05.42 |
- 21 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
12.02.42 | |||||
20.00 | CD 3799 | ||||
24.00 | CD 3885 | ||||
NW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast | |||||
13.05.42 | |||||
01.58 | On Norddeich alternate frequency sent: | ||||
"40°20'N, 37°W, 1014 mb rising, +13°C, N 4, 10/10 overcast Stratus, Vis. 2 nm, W-swell 4. U-402. | |||||
02.41 | From Communications Center: | ||||
"Norddeich heard Short Signal weather report from Forstner with strength 3-4, exactly on 36 meters. | |||||
04.00 | CD 3947 | ||||
08.00 | CD 3956 | ||||
NNW 3, Sea 3, 8/10 | |||||
12.00 | CE 1742 | Day's run: Surfaced 180 nm. | |||
16.00 | CE 1729 | ||||
W 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10 | |||||
20.00 | CE 1815 | ||||
24.00 | CE 1831 | ||||
SW 3, Sea 2-3, 5/10 | |||||
14.05.42 | |||||
00.35 | A contact keeping report sent by Heyse, that was not heard by the Communications Center, was relayed by the boat and acknowledged. | ||||
04.00 | CE 1679 | ||||
08.00 | CE 1695 | ||||
WSW 5, Sea 4, overcast | |||||
12.00 | CE 2481 | Day's run: Surfaced 180 nm. | |||
16.00 | CE 2548 | ||||
SW 7, Sea 6, 5/10 | |||||
19.45 | CE 2564 | Steamer bearing 50°T about 7 nm distant, course 320°, because it was seen out when sighted, dived. Position on the edge of Route "Anton", due to weather situation no use of weapons possible. | |||
20.00 | CE 2564 | Surfaced. | |||
23.30 | From B.d.U.: "Schröter and "U-402" switch to Ireland Circuit tomorrow at 09.00 hours. | ||||
24.00 | CE 2651 | ||||
W 6, Sea 5, 6/10 | |||||
15.05.42 | |||||
00.10 | Radio Message from B.d.U.: | ||||
1.) . . . . | |||||
2.) Tomorrow between 01.00 and 05.00 hours report weather, Bülow, Prätorius and "U-402". | |||||
01.59 | Short Signal weather report sent on Norddeich alternate frequency: "42°N, 28°W, 1013 mb, rising, +14°C, W 5, Cumulus clouds with rain in showers, Vis. 2 nm, high W-swell. U-402." | ||||
02.58 | From Communications Center: | ||||
"On 54 meters Short Signal weather report from U-402 received, strength 2, heavily distorted. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 15.05.42 |
- 22 - |
|||||
continued | |||||
15.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | CE 3445 | ||||
08.00 | CE 3432 | Switched to Ireland Circuit. | |||
SW 4-5, Sea 4-5, 2/10 | First Serial No. on Ireland: 0945/15/112. | ||||
Last Serial No. on Greenland: 0945/15/274. | |||||
10.30 | To B.d.U.: | ||||
1.) Contrary to previous orders return harbor for "U-402" is St. Nazaire. | |||||
2.) . . . . | |||||
12.00 | CE 3288 | Day's run: Surfaced 221.5 nm. | |||
SW 4-5, Sea 4, 6/10 | |||||
16.00 | CE 3373 | ||||
W 5, Sea 5, 6/10 | |||||
20.00 | CF 1247 | ||||
21.20 | From B.d.U.: "Rehwinkel, von Forstner and Schug tomorrow between 01.00 and 05.00 hours send weather report. | ||||
24.00 | CF 1262 | ||||
W 6, Sea 3, 7/10 | |||||
16.05.42 | |||||
01.37 | On Norddeich alternate frequency Short Signal weather report sent: "42°N, 24°W, 1012 mb, steady, +16°C, W 3, Stratocumulus, Vis. 2 nm, W-swell, medium high. | ||||
U-402. | |||||
01.58 | From Communications Center: "Short Signal weather report received from Forstner on exactly 36 meters with strength 5." | ||||
04.00 | CF 1329 | ||||
08.00 | CF 1324 | ||||
SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
09.55 | From B.d.U.: | ||||
1.) Forstner immediately report position. | |||||
2.) . . . . | |||||
10.51 | Short Signal sent on Ireland Circuit: "My position is naval square Cäsar Fritz 2133. U-402." | ||||
11.22 | From Communications Center: "U-402 repots his position from naval square Cäsar Fritz 2133 with strength 3". | ||||
12.00 | BE 7997 | Day's run: Surfaced 258 nm. | |||
WSW 2, Sea 2, 9/10 | |||||
16.00 | BE 8785 | ||||
SW 2, Sea 2, 8/10 | |||||
16.30 | From B.d.U.: To Forstner. Weather report of 13 and 16 May contained completely wrong Latitude specification, report of 15 May incorrect Longitude. More diligence". | ||||
Longitude and Latitude, corresponding letters from the table in the "Weather Short Signal Cipher" and encryption was checked again for all three weather reports, no mistakes were found. | |||||
20.00 | BE 8847 | ||||
21.50 - 21.50 | BE 8849 | Test dive. | |||
24.00 | BE 8856 | ||||
S 2, Sea 2, overcast | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 15.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 16.05.42 |
- 23 - |
|||||
17.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | BE 8943 | ||||
08.00 | BE 8935 | ||||
SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, (rain) | |||||
12.00 | BE 9722 | Day's run: Surfaced 248.9 nm, Submerged 1 nm. | |||
SE 1, Sea 1, overcast, (rain) | |||||
16.00 | BE 9578 | ||||
20.00 | BE 9595 | ||||
24.00 | BE 9682 | ||||
NE 1, Sea 2, 8/10 | |||||
18.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | BF 7446 | ||||
06.07 | Sent Short Signal: "Position 48 hours off meeting point with escort.". | ||||
06.25 | From B.d.U.: "Zimmermann, Forstner on 20 May at 06.00 hours be off Nazaire." | ||||
08.00 | BF 7465 | ||||
NE 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, (rain) | |||||
11.07 | From B.d.U.: "Return routes are Bogenlampe for Schnee. Uhunest for U-402 and U-136." | ||||
11.12 | From 6. U.-Flottille: "Escort for U-136 and U-402 positioned on 20 May at 06.00 at Point Nanni 1." | ||||
12.00 | BF 7341 | Day's run: Surfaced 204 nm, Submerged 16.2 nm. | |||
16.00 | BF 7543 | ||||
17.11 | [typo U-773 = U-373] | "U-752, U-402 from 3. U.-Flottille: U-773 will be at Point Nanni 1 on 19 May at 06.30 hours." | |||
20.00 | BF 7553 | ||||
22.45 | BF 7561 | Surfaced, proceeded on the surface. | |||
24.00 | BF 7617 | ||||
SE 1, Sea 1, overcast | |||||
19.05.42 | |||||
01.00 | Heavy production of smoke from the starboard E-motor | ||||
Inspection results, the shunt field of a motor cable is shorted. | |||||
04.00 | BF 8177 | ||||
SE 1, Sea 1, 4/10 | |||||
06.10 | BF 8191 | ||||
08.00 | BF 8192 | ||||
12.00 | BF 8247 | Day's run: Surfaced 104 nm, Submerged 50 nm. | |||
16.00 | BF 8246 | ||||
ESE 1, Sea 1, 8/10 | |||||
20.00 | BF 8512 | ||||
24.00 | BF 5868 | ||||
E 1, Sea 1, 9/10 | |||||
20.05.42 | |||||
04.00 | BF 6731 | ||||
06.15 | Taken in convoy. | ||||
06.30 | Buoy "Nanni 1" abeam 150 meters to port. | ||||
Made fast in the St. Nazaire lock. | |||||
Total 8912 nm. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 17.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 18.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 19.05.42 | |
Sun and Moon Data 20.05.42 |
Enclosures to U-402's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document | |
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