U-435 - 5th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Skjomenfjord	16 September 1942	Skjomenfjord	28 September 1942	13

 

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
20 Sep 42	06.31	76°27'N, 5°30'E	HMS LEDA (J 93)	835	British	QP-14
22 Sep 42	07.18 - 07.24	70°57'N, 11°10'W	BELLINGHAM	5,345	American	QP-14
22 Sep 42	07.18 - 07.24	70°57'N, 11°10'W	GREY RANGER	3,313	British	QP-14
22 Sep 42	07.18 - 07.24	70°57'N, 11°10'W	OCEAN VOICE	7,174	British	QP-14
			Total = 16,667
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

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			K  R  I  E  G  S  T  A  G  E  B  U  C  H  .
			" U 435 "                                                  ________
			Commander:  Kapitänleutnant   S  t  r  e  l  o  w  .
				Beginning:    31 August 1942.
				Ending:          3 October 1942.
				5th War Patrol.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB

	- 1 -
		31.08.42	[Narvik]
		12.12		Made fast "TANGA".
		15.17		Departed "TANGA" through the Skjomenfjord by the instructions of the Kommandant.
		17.43		Made fast alongside "KAMERUN".
		01.09.42 -
		02.09.42		Lay alongside "KAMARUN".
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced 16 nm.
		03.09.42 -
		04.09.42		Torpedo offload alongside "KAMARUN".
		05.09.42 -
		08.09.42		Alongside "KAMARUN".
		09.09.42		Torpedo loading alongside "KAMARUN".
		10.09.42
		08.25		Departed "KAMERUN".
		08.35		Made fast "KÄRNTEN".  Provisions, oil and ammunition loading.
		17.10		Departed KÄRNTEN for the 5th war patrol.
				During the transit to the "TANGA" strong vibrations appeared in the port engine.
		19.10		Made fast alongside "TANGA".
				Port engine examined, nothing discovered.
		21.05		Departed "TANGA", to allow "KAMERUN" to examine the malfunction.
		23.35		Made fast "KAMARUN".
		11.09.42
		08.37		Departed "KAMARUN" for testing by the instructions of the Kommandant. in Skomenfjord.
		09.54		Boat dived for trim test.
		10.28		Boat surfaced.

	- 2 -
		11.09.42
		11.25		Made fast alongside "KAMARUN".  To this point the malfunction is not found even by the special staff of "KAMARUN".
		12.00		Day's run:  50 nm.
		12.09.42 -		Lay alongside "KAMARUN" for repairs to the damaged vibration damper of the port engine.
		14.09.42
		15.09.42		Lay alongside "KAMARUN".
		17.49		Departed "KAMARUN" for sea trials by the instructions of the Kommandant.
		18.33		Boat dived for trim test.
		19.13		Boat surfaced.
		19.53		Made fast alongside "KAMARUN".  Port engine ready except for small repairs.
		16.09.42
		06.02		Departed "KAMARUN".
		06.23		Made fast "KÄRNTEN", oil and drinking water loading.
		07.36		Departed "KÄRNTEN".
		09.21		Made fast alongside "TANGA".
			Outbound orders for U-435. 1.) Depart Narvik 16 September proceeding via Lödingen, Harstad through Andfjord.  Depart Andfjord expecting danger from submarines.   2.) Make for square AC 26 at a transit speed of 12-13 knots; respectively, operate against convoy QP 13 per Radio Messages. 3.) QP 14 position by aircraft reports 15 September 11.00 hours in square AC 9916 course 40.  Speed about 7.5 knots.  Composed of 14 steamers, 8 escorts, 4 destroyers. Last aircraft report 16 September 08.45 hours square AT 4871 course north.  PQ 18 position 16 September 08.00 hours AC 3949 on SE course.  Consisting of about 25 steamers, 1 aircraft carrier, about 15 destroyers and escorts.  It is presumed that the carrier and a part of the escort will shift from PQ 18 to QP 14.

Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42

	- 3 -
			Outbound orders for U-435.   Also at sea a heavy group with 2 battleships farther to the west, finally in the area of Jan Mayen, a cruiser group with about 13 cruisers, 5 destroyers last detected on 13 September NE of Bear Island.
		11.02		Departed "TANGA" for 5th war patrol.
		12.00		Day's run:  44 nm.
		13.33		Boat stopped to embark the pilot.
		14.15		After 3-4 hours of waiting took on the pilot at Lödingen. Pilot was ordered for 13.30 hours.
		15.50		Radio Message:  Very strong air.  Probably QP 17 (14) about AT 7130.  Position 4782 good visibility.
				Teichert.
		16.00	AG 1119
		16.40		In Harstad made fast at the rations office to load fresh provisions.  Disembarked the pilot.
		18.49		Departed Harstad.
		20.00	AF 3333
			NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1009 mb
		20.26		Radio Message:  Both convoys are expected to pass this evening.  Presumably, part of the escort and the carrier will shift to QP 14.  All except Esch, Volger, Strelow, immediately report location and fuel by short signal.  Boats with contact report what is observed.  Fight PQ 18 until to 70°30'N.
				Nordmeerchef.
		20.48		Radio Message:  QP 14 position by aircraft 13.20 hours square AT 4579.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		17.09.42
		00.00	AB 9834
		04.00	AB 9644
		04.40		Radio Message:  Bohnamm, Borm, von Hymmen, Horrer also operate on QP 14, if Teichert has no enemy contact, Grau delayed return transit to Narvik, as far as possible on convoy route.  Strelow make for roughly AC 24.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		04.45		On the basis of these messages came to course 35°T.
		08.00	AB 9346
			NE 4, Sea 3, 6/10, 1009 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.42

	- 4 -
		17.09.42
		10.00		One mine each passed abeam to port.  Distance 500 meters.
		10.22
		12.00	AC 7111	Day's run:  257 nm.
		16.00	AC 4752
		20.00	AC 4547
			NNE 3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1013 mb
		18.09.42
		00.00	AC 4289
		00.00		Radio Message SSD:
				Boats able to be in patrol line roughly from square AC 2171 to 2444, on 18 September 17.00 hours, report position by short signal and [if so] yes.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		00.42		Short signal sent:
				Yes, position square AC 4522.
				U-435.
		01.15		Short signal confirmed.
		04.00	AC 4315
		05.19		Boat dived for trim and deep dive test.  Depth A +40 meters.
		06.36		Boat surfaced.  After surfacing it was discovered that the hull valve for blowing main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank II starboard was not operable.  At the front three bolts had broken off, while only one held.  During the repairs the boat was not clear to dive.
		07.43		Came to course 0° so as not to approach any closer to the convoy during the time the boat was not clear to dive.
		08.00	AC 1983
			N 2, Sea 2, 8/10, 1008 mb	Visibility 20 nm.
		10.16		Aircraft danger.  One BV-138 bearing 210°T in sight in square AC 1928.  Exchanged Recognition Signals.
		10.20		Aircraft danger ended.
		11.50		Aircraft danger.  One BV-138 bearing 310°T in sight.  Distance 9000 meters from square AC 1922.
		11.55		Aircraft danger ended.
		12.00	AC 1922	Day's run:  257 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42

	- 5 -
		18.09.42
		12.00		Radio Message:  If by then there is no contact, from 18 September at 17.00 hours
				1.  Clausen square 1380
				Strelow square 1620
				Timm    square 1630
				2.  Bielfeld, Jopmann, von Hymmen, Borm, Zetzsche patrol line from square 2171 to square 2444.
				3.  All AC
				Nordmeerbefehlshaber.
		13.57		Aircraft danger.  Aircraft bearing 60°T in sight.
				Carrier-based aircraft, square AC 1691.
		14.02		Aircraft danger ended.
		14.10		Aircraft danger.  Aircraft bearing 340°T.
		14.12		Repairs to the main blow valves ended.  Boat again clear to dive.
		14.15		Boat dived for enemy flying boat in square AC 1691.  Aircraft was a "Consolidated" bearing xx0°
		14.16		Radio Message Kr Kr:
				"C" reports 10.57 hours convoy 27°E  8785.
				Aircraft Commander Lofoten
		14.21		Detonation heard in sound gear.
		15.10		Propeller sounds heard bearing 338°T.
		15.20		Boat surfaced.  Boat again clear to dive and maneuver after 7.5 hours near the convoy without being clear to dive.
		16.00	AC 1653
		16.00		Radio Message:  Position since 11.00 hours AC 1380, dived unril 12.00 hours.  Searching courses until 15.00 hours within sight of Hoffnungs Island. Visibility 20 nm, no convoy.  Steering west.
				Clausen.
		16.55		Aircraft danger.  Aircraft bearing 240°T.  Distance 6000 meters.  Probably own aircraft in square AC 1625.
		16.59		Aircraft danger ended.
		17.05		Aircraft danger.  Flying boat bearing 340°T.  Distance 4000 meters.  Consolidated.
		17.07		Boat dived for flying boat.
		17.35		Boat surfaced.
		18.00		Boat dived for flying boat bearing 20°T 1000 meters distant in square AC 1616.  Biplane [illegible word]

Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42

	- 6 -
		18.09.42		coming out of the clouds.
		18.05		One depth charge far off.
		18.47		Boat surfaced.
		19.04		2 bomb impacts seen bearing 120°T.  Distance 15000 meters.
		20.00	AC 1614	Visibility 15 nm.  Boat must be in the vicinity of the convoy.
			N 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1005 mb
		20.29		A U-boat in sight bearing 40°T.
		20.30		Radio Message:  Proceed at highest sustained speed to the west in the ordered positions in the patrol line.  Strelow and Esch search for contact based on aircraft message 10.57 hours convoy square AC 1673.  Watch for aircraft bearing signal "A".
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		20.30		Short signal:  1 destroyer square AC 1377.
				Hymmen.
		20.30		Short signal:  Destroyer in square AC 1532, flying boat.
				Zetzsche.
		21.16		U-boat out of sight bearing 140°T.
		21.30		Radio Message:  18.00 hours dived for Consolidated, sound pursuit by destroyers.  From sound bearings suspect convoy square 1530 course 280°.
				Hopmann.
		23.50		Radio Message:  QP 14 is less valuable than PQ 18, focal point lies primarily with contact keeping for the Luftwaffe and finishing off disabled vessels.  Boats that are not fully operable only hold contact.  Hopmann return port Narvik.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		2352		Radio Message:  At 00.00 hours suspect convoy at about 23°E, calculating at 8 knots.  Boats located west of 22°E report position by short signal.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		19.09.42
		00.00	AC 1435
		00.12		A shadow bearing 279°T.
		00.18		The shadow is a destroyer, shortly thereafter two other destroyers on parallel course
		00.49		Short signal: Square AC 1432 destroyer.
				U-435.
		01.32		Short signal:  Convoy AC 1429 course west.
				Strelow.
			I am positioned on the left side behind the convoy maintaining contact. [2 illegible words] lateral position.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42

	- 7 -
		19.09.42
		01.40		12 vessels abeam to starboard.
		01.42		Smoking time for the convoy.
		02.08		Short signal:  Convoy square AC 1438.
				Timm.
		02.10		18 vessels in sight.
		02.14	[220°T is the reciprocal of the bearing to the convoy from the chart]	A destroyer zigzagging strongly to the south in sight.  Convoy bears 220°T.  Distance 8000 meters.
		02.30		Radio Message  Kr. Kr.:  Convoy course 280°.  Heavy port screen.
				Strelow.
		03.00		Short signal:  Convoy square AC 1418, course 280°, 9 knots.
				Strelow.
		03.05		Convoy making Morse traffic.
		03.20		Radio Message:  1)  Strelow.  Bearing signals "D" as contact keeper twice hourly each 3 minutes long at 5 and 35 minutes.
				2)  Vogler operate on QP 14.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		03.35 -
		06.05		Sent bearing signals.
		03.40-
		03.50		Smoking time for the convoy.
		03.55		Radio Message:  From aircraft reports composition is: about 15 steamers, about 20 destroyers and corvettes in a complete belt, carrier in the center.
				Nordmeerchef.
		04.00	AB 3339 [AB 3639]
		04.00		10 smoke feathers in sight bearing 190°T.
				Spitzbergen in sight bearing 335°T.  Distance 50 nm.
		05.09		Radio Message:  Convoy square AC 3663 [AB 3663], course 260°, 9 knots, N 3, stratocumulus, ceiling 800 meters.
				Strelow.
		05.52		Radio Message:  Was forced off.  Holding contact on port forward destroyer escort, 04.46 hours convoy square AC 3662 [AB 3662].
				Strelow.
		05.32		Aircraft danger.  Aircraft in sight bearing 50°T.  Distance 5000 meters in square AB 3655.
		05.40		Aircraft danger ended.
		06.15		Boat dived for carrier aircraft in AB 3627.

Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42

	- 8 -
		19.09.42
		06.17		Two aircraft bombs far away.
			Suppose that the boat was located from the convoy as a result of the bearing signals and was forced to submerge by destroyers and carrier aircraft.  I believe that at this convoy the danger is very great that a contact keeper gives itself away by sending bearing signals and is then forced to submerge.  I take the view, that it is more correct, to let no bearing marks be sent from the real contact keeper, because, otherwise, the danger insists that contact is completely broken off.  Bearing signals would have to be given by the next boat to approach the convoy.
		06.20		Propeller sounds bearing 160°T.
		06.22		Propeller sounds bearing 155°T, slow ones too.  Probably the convoy.
		06.30		Propeller sounds bearing 190°T.
		06.42		One depth charge far away.
		08.00	AB 3651
			NW 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1008 mb, Vis. 25-30 nm
		09.11		Boat surfaced.
		09.16		Aircraft danger.  Carrier aircraft, high.
		09.28		Carrier aircraft high.
		09.39		Aircraft danger ended.
		09.54		Radio Message:  Convoy 06.00 hours square AB 3628, course 285°, forced to submerge by carrier aircraft.
				Strelow.
		09.55		Aircraft danger.  Probably carrier aircraft, in square AB 3539.
		10.00		Aircraft danger ended.
		10.01		Passed large oil slick.
		10.31		A U-boat bearing 310°T, distance 5 nm "U-703".
		10.32		A minesweeping paravane abeam to port.
		10.33		2 detonations observed ahead to starboard.
		10.50		Morse message to U-703:
				K. to K.  Please, go out of sight on course 290° and then again to 270° I will go on course 250° and then also to 270°.
		11.30		Morse message to U-435.
				K. to K. I am off on course 290°.
		12.00	AB 3543 [AB 3643]	Day's run:  220 nm.

Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42

	- 9 -
		19.09.42
		13.36		Radio Message:  Because of weather conditions at own airfields no air attempts.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		13.40		Radio Message:  Aircraft report 06.27 hours QP 14 in square AC 3643 course about 300°.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		15.32		U-boat in sight bearing 190°T in square AB 3425.  U-212 Vogler, distance 14000 meters.  Boat does not respond to 3 recognition signals.
		16.00	AB 3425
			Because from 11.00-16.00 hours no communications with the boats was forthcoming from Control, no Radio Message received a serial number, I decided, as the senior commander, to take over the leadership particularly as I had come to the conclusion that independent search would not lead to success.  The following Radio Message was prepared:
			"All Nordmeer boats:  As long as there is no Radio Message communication with Admiral Nordmeer, am taking over leadership.  All boats report location by short signal and, if in contact, "yes".
			Upon receipt of the messages I intend to establish a patrol line.  After the message was enciphered at 17.00 communications with admiral Nordmeer were restored, so the reason for my intervention was nullified.
		17.20		Radio Message:  Strelow, Zetzsche:  Where is convoy suspected?  Up to now search was unsuccessful from AB 3539 in direction 270°. Position 3413
				Esch.
		18.17		Radio Message:  Esch:
				Vogler search from square 3422 to the N.
				Bielfeld    "       "          "    3516 to the W.
				I from       "       "          "    3456 to the NW.
				Suspect convoy square 23 all AB.
				Strelow.
		19.42		Radio Message:  To Strelow:
				Search from 18.00 hours square AB 2622 to the North to 21.00 hours square AB 2328.
				Esch.
		20.00	AB 2363
			N 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1005mb , 5 mb, Vis. 8-10 nm
		20.17		Radio Message:  Search independently until the beginning of twilight.  At 21.00 hours all boats in the vicinity of the convoy report position by short signal.
				Adm. Nordmeer.
		20.30		Short signal:  Position of the enemy is square AB 2365.  Enemy steers 315°.
				Esch.

Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42

	- 10 -
		19.09.42
		20.33		Radio Message:  Admiral Nordmeer:
				If there is no contact by 21.00, believe previous independent searches were unsuccessful.
				Strelow.
			Radio message crossed with of the Admiral Nordmeer.
		20.16		Short signal sent:
				Square AB 2338
				Strelow.
		20.20		Radio Message:  Convoy square AB 2363, course 315°, Esch bearing signals "E" each 5 minutes on the half and full hour.  Strelow, Volger search for contact.
		23.05	Convoy in sight bearing 40°T, distance 5000 meters.  The boat is positioned ahead of the convoy,  which had apparently just zagged from 340° to 240°.  Will spend the night ahead of the convoy holding contact.
		23.15		Short signal:  Convoy square AB 2324, SW-course.
				Strelow.
		23.37		Counted over 30 vessels.
		20.09.42
		00.00	AB 2318
		00.05		Convoy bearing 60°T, distance 6000 meters.
		00.22		Convoy bearing 60°T, distance 8000 meters.
		00.40		Radio Message:  Convoy square AB 2319, course 250°, 9 knots, at least 29 vessels, broad formation.
				Strelow.
		01.07		Convoy bearing 80°T, distance 10000 meters.
		01.30		Convoy bearing 95°T, distance 10000 meters.
		01.40		Short signal:  Convoy speed 8-10 knots, steering course 260°, square AB 2317.
				- U-435 -
		01.45		Convoy zigs to 230°, distance 8000 meters.
		02.01		Convoy bearing 80°T, distance 8000 meters.
		02.20		Short signal:  Convoy AB 2261, course 230.
				Strelow.
		02.28		Convoy bearing 80°T, distance 8000 meters.
		02.39		Convoy bearing 65°T, distance 8000 meters.
		03.05		Convoy bearing 50°T, distance 9000 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42

	- 11 -
		20.09.42
		03.21		Short signal:  Enemy position AB 2264
				-  U-435 -
		03.26		Short signal:  Convoy AB 2262 230° was confirmed.  Strelow provide bearing signals "E" for 5 minutes on the half and full hour.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		03.30		Convoy bearing 65°T, distance 9000 meters.
		04.00	AB 2258
		04.05		Convoy bearing 60°T, distance 10000 meters.
		04.15		Short signal:  Square AB 2256.
				-  U-435 -
		04.30		Convoy bearing 60°T, distance 15000 meters.
		05.00		Convoy bearing 60°T, distance 15000 meters.
		05.15		Short signal:  Convoy over 30 steamers square AB 2282.
				-  U-435 -
		05.25		Boat dived to break into the convoy.
			While contact keeping during the previous night I had come to the conviction that due to the comparatively bright night (contact was maintained at an average distance of 10000 meters) and the very strong flank and forward screen surface attack is not possible.  On the other hand, by day, a maneuver ahead was hardly possible due to the very far set off screen and because of the strong airborne reconnaissance, particularly since contact was extremely difficult to maintain.  So I decided to position for an attack by maneuvering ahead during the night to initiate a daylight underwater attack at first light.  The very strong forward screen which consisted at the head of three destroyers three destroyers working with Asdic, behind them two destroyers very strongly zig zagging at high speed was broken through on a reciprocal heading at depth 20 meters.  The boat stood between 2 columns in the middle of the convoy.  Because I wanted to attack the aircraft carrier which I had not yet seen, I let the first big ships pass which were in the most favorable shooting position.  When I noted that the carrier was not positioned within range, I shot at a steamer of 6000 GRT target angle 80 at 800 meters and at the 2 next steamers astern.  Because the third torpedo was a surface runner, I shot another torpedo at the same steamer, because the surface runner had run past astern.  Only now I saw the carrier, which was stationed astern of the port columns very far off.  After turning the boat I shot the stern torpedo at a destroyer moving behind the convoy and sank him (Perhaps Jervis class, on the hull in big black letters J 93)
		06.25	Tube 1:  target angle green 80°, speed 9 knots, leading angle green 17°, range - 800 meters
			Hit after 46 seconds on steamer 6000 GRT.
		06.26	Tube 2:  target angle green 100°, speed 9 knots, leading angle green 16.5°, range - 900 meters.
			Detonation after 4 minutes 10 seconds.

Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42

	- 12 -
		20.09.42
		06.28	Tube 3:  target angle green 120°, speed 9 knots, leading angle green 14°, range - 1200 meters.
			Surface runner.
		06.29	Tube 4:  target angle green 125°, speed 9 knots, leading angle green 13°, range - 1200 metres.
			Detonation after 4 minutes 30 seconds.
		06.31	Tube 5:  target angle green 130°, speed 9 knots, leading angle green 13°, range - 1200 meters.
			Hit after 1 minute 25 seconds.  Destroyer sunk.
		07.53		Boat surfaced, after only a few scare depth charges were thrown.
		08.00	AB 2271
			N 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1013 mb, Vis. 10-15 nm
		08.30 -		Wreck of the destroyer sighted whose bow still stood out from the water.  Searched some wreckage from the sinking of the destroyer to determine the name and size.
		09.45
		09.58		Radio Message:  Strelow:
				Send bearing signals "F" as contact keeper for inbound BV-138.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		10.08		Short signal:  Convoy AB 2189.  Watch for bearing signals.
				Strelow.
		10.00 -
		10.50		Sent bearing signals.
		10.37		Convoy occasionally out of sight in snow showers bearing 241°T, distance 10 nm.
		10.47		Convoy bears 235°T.
		10.50		Course of the convoy 220°.
		11.00		Alarm.  Dived for aircraft.  Carrier aircraft.
		11.20		Several detonations heard.
		11.45		Boat surfaced.
		11.56		Convoy again in sight.  Chased after.
		12.00	AB 2421	Day's run:  242 nm.
		12.00		A U-boat in sight bearing 40°T, distance 3 nm.
		12.01		A BV-138 bearing 275°T, 3000 meters off.
		12.04		Radio Message:
				Attack free.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		12.25		2 BV-138 course 340°.
		12.26		An explosion cloud observed bearing 231°T
		12.30		An explosion cloud bearing 150°T.
		12.32		A destroyer in sight.

Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42

	- 13 -
		20.09.42
		12.37		Boat dived for destroyer.
		14.19		Boat surfaced.
		14.27		At diving stations.  Boat dived for 3 destroyers (a search group attacking another boat with depth charges).
		14.42		Several distant depth charges.
		14.53		2 distant detonations.
		15.09		3 distant depth charges.
		15.10		Sound bearing 210°T, another U-boat depth charge pursuit.
		15.12		One distant depth charge bearing 210°T.
		15.16		One depth charge bearing 270°T further away.
		15.47		Boat surfaced.
		15.51		Short signal:  Convoy square AB 1683.
				Borm.
		16.00	AB 2415
		16.19		Short signal:  Enemy steers 200°.
				Borm.
		16.23		Radio Message:  Kr Kr to all:
				07.30 hours at 17E 4829 to 6852, 2 destroyers and 2 merchant ships each 10000 GRT; weather 4-10 nm, 1500 meters, Visibility 50 km.
				Aircraft Commander North (East).
		16.32		Radio Message:  Kr Kr to all:
				G/3/406 reports:  10.36 hours square 5757 destroyer sunk.  To Radio Message 1102.  Convoy course 250°.
				Aircraft Commander Lofoten.
		17.00		Short signal:  Convoy square AB 1686.
				Borm.
		16.00		Radio Message:  Have lost contact.  Forced to submerge by carrier aircraft and search group.  Square AB 2415.  In pursuit in direction 220.
				Strelow.
		16.45		Radio Message:  Kr Kr to Radio Message 1102.  The reported enemy forces consist of 20 merchant ships, 1 aircraft carrier, escort vessels, complete screen.
				Aircraft Commander Lofoten.
		18.58		Radio Message:  Aircraft contact broken off about 14.30.  Convoy in square AB 1646 at 11.31 hours.
				Nordmeerbefehlshaber.
		19.17		Radio Message:  All at convoy report position at 21.00 hours by short signal.
				Admiral Nordmeer.

Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42

	- 14 -
		20.09.42
		19.21		A U-boat in sight bearing 357°T distance 7 nm.
		19.50		Radio Message:  Admiral Nordmeer:
				5 single shots on three steamers and 1 destroyer, 1 surface runner, 1 steamer 6000 GRT was probably sunk.  Hit after 46 seconds.  1 destroyer sunk.  2 other steamers probably hit.  Detonations after 4 minutes 10 seconds and 4 minutes 30 seconds.  06.27 hours, square AB 2272.
				Strelow.
		20.00	AB 1923
			NW 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1013 mb, Vis. 8-10 nm
		20.05		Short signal:  Convoy square AB 1914.
				Borm.
		21.26		Short signal:  Square AB 1927.
				- U-435 -
		22.50		Radio Message:  From aircraft report 16.20 2 probable cruisers, 2 destroyers, 2 steamers, 2 escorts, in square AG 7868 on course 250°.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		23.56		Radio Message:  Convoy consists of over 20 steamers, destroyer protection, complete screen, Aircraft carrier probably "FURIOUS" in the center.
				Biefeld.
		23.59		Radio Message:  Kr Kr:  Square AA 4148 "Consolidated" flying boat fired upon forced to make an emergency landing.  Convoy AA 4115.
				Esch.
		21.09.42
		00.00	AB 1858
		02.39		A U-boat in sight to port.
		02.45		Recognition signals exchanged with U-212.
		04.00	AB 4211
		04.30		Radio Message:  Boat gaining contact from 08.00 send bearing signals "F" for inbound aircraft air reconnaissance as contact keeper.
				Nordmeerbefehlshaber.
		05.00		Patrol line reached.  Back and forth in position on course 223° and 43°.
		06.25		Short signal:  1 destroyer square AB 1779.
				Hymmen.
		08.00	AB 4132
			NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1002 mb, 5 mb, Vis. 10-15 nm.
		08.20		Short signal:  Convoy square AA 6330.
				Reche.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42

	- 15 -
		21.09.42
		09.26		Radio Message:  Watch for my bearing signals.
				Reche.
		09.38		1 destroyer in sight bearing 238°T.
		09.39		Convoy in sight.
		09.40		Convoy bears 223°T, distance 20 nm.
		09.45		A BV-138 distance 12000 meters.
		09.48		An aircraft in sight bearing 220°T.  Distance 15000 meters.
		10.03		A destroyer bearing 253°T.
		10.15		Radio Message:  09.20 smoke clouds square AB 4150.
				Bielfeld.
		10.18		Radio Message:  Patrol line and Esch, Beilfeld with immediate effect course 230°, speed 14 knots.
				Nordmeerbefehlshaber.
		10.25		Radio Message:  Convoy AA 6353, SW-course.  Visibility 8-25 nm.  DO-24 at convoy.  Send bearing signals "F".
				No signature.
		10.45		Aircraft danger.
		10.46		Boat dived for aircraft bearing 140°T, distance 8000 meters.
		11.30		Boat surfaced.
		12.00	AA 4146	Day's run:  242 nm.
		12.05		U-boat in sight 170°T.
		12.28		Aircraft danger.  A flying boat course 30° bearing 260°T.
		12.31		Aircraft danger ended.
		12.35		Meeting with U-408 of Hymmen.
		12.42		Aircraft danger.  2 aircraft bearing 290°T.
		12.44		Boat dived for 2 aircraft.
		12.50		Convoy by sound bearing 247°T.
		13.00		Propeller sounds of the convoy become weaker.
		13.03		No further sound bearings.
		13.07		Boat surfaced.
		13.30		09.45 hours square AB 4128 convoy course 240°.  Air contact keeper bearing signals "Anton".
				Nordmeerbefehlshaber.
		13.52		Air contact keeper bears 237.6°T.  Own course 250° p 240. d 240.
		14.30		Smoke clouds in sight 220°T.

Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42

	- 16 -
		21.09.42
		11.48		Radio Message:  Kr Kr to all:
				Radio Message 12.20 hours from 13.00 hours course 180°.
				Aircraft Commander Lofoten.
		15.53		Many explosion and smoke clouds bearing 210T.
		16.00	AA 6388
		16.28		A smoke feather bearing 120°T.
		17.35		Boat was sent Morse by a destroyer U K (..- -.-).
		17.34		Dived for destroyer.
		18.12		Short signal:  Convoy square AA 6651, course 200° ( Sent with Asta)
				Strelow.
		18.16		Boat surfaced.
		19.04		Boat dived for destroyer.
		19.36		Boat surfaced.
		20.00	AA 6646
			SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1011 mb, Vis. 25-30 nm
		20.03		Short signal:  Convoy square AA 6672.
				Strelow.
		22.34		Boat dived for destroyer, that should force the standing contact keeper positioned behind to submerge before the beginning of the darkness.
		22.55		Boat surfaced.
		23.50		Radio Message:  Kr Kr to all.
				To Radio Message 11.10 hours, contact broken at 14.20 due to fuel.  Last position 27°W, 1440 mb.
				Aircraft Commander Lofoten.
		22.09.42
		00.00	AA 6866
		00.07		Short signal:  Convoy AA 6869.
				Strelow.
		00.57		1 destroyer in sight bearing 140°T distance 14000 meters.  Have contact on the convoy and began to maneuver ahead to the starboard side of the convoy because the moon is positioned to the SE.
		01.54		1 destroyer in sight bearing 120°T, 7000 meters.
		02.23		Destroyer bearing 90°T, 7000 meters.
		02.36		Convoy bearing 100°T, 9000 meters.
		03.09		Convoy bearing 80°T, 8000 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42

	- 17 -
		22.09.42
		03.15		Convoy bearing 50°T, 9000 meters.
		03.52		Convoy bearing 40°T, 8000 meters.
		04.00	AA 9261
		04.09		Short signal:  Convoy square AA 9261, course 180°.
				Strelow.
				The visibility was changing very rapidly in snow showers and occasionally by moonlight shining through.
		04.10		Convoy bearing 20°T, distance 10000 meters.
		04.27		Convoy bearing 10°T, distance 8000 meters.
		04.41		Convoy bearing 0°T, distance 10000 meters.
		05.40		Convoy bearing 0°T, distance 10000 meters.
		06.16		Convoy bearing 20°T, distance 12000 meters.
		06.19		Boat dived, to break into the convoy like the day before yesterday.  Only instead of on a reciprocal heading this time running along to have more time to deliver the shot.
		06.20		At torpedo action stations.
		06.22		Sound bearing 118°T, a fast runner.  Destroyer, zig zagging at high speed ahead of the convoy.
		07.18	Tube I:  target angle green 70°, target speed 9 knots, lead angle green 16°, range - 220 meters.
			Hit after 2 minutes 55 seconds on 8000 GRT steamer.
		07.18.5	Tube 2:  target angle 75°, target speed 9 knots, lead angle green 16°, range - 2000 meters.
			Hit after 3 minutes 0 seconds on 8000 GRT steamer.
			Tube 3:  target angle green 85°, target speed 9 knots, lead angle green 17°, range - 2800 meters.
			Hit after 3 minutes 30 seconds on 8000 GRT steamer.
			Tube 4:  target angle green 90°, target speed 9 knots, lead angle green 17°, range - 1200 meters.
			Hit after 1 minute 15 seconds on 12000 GRT auxiliary cruiser.
			Tube 5:  target angle green 122°, target speed 9 knots, lead angle green 14.5°, range - 1200 meters
			Hit after 2 minutes 5 seconds on same 12000 GRT auxiliary cruiser, because the ship continued on after the first hit which was beneath the bridge.
				Went deep, ran off at silent speed.
				19 depth charges far off.
				1 depth charge close.
		08.00	AA 9286
			SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1012 mb, Vis. 20 nm

Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42

	- 18 -
		22.09.42
		10.07		Boat surfaced.  Came to course 0°, ran off.  A high smoke feather stood at the shoting location at which several destroyers and an aircraft were seen.  4 explosions from sinking steamer (probably the auxiliary cruiser) seen and heard.
		10.30		Came to course 183°.  Four sinking locations sighted.  Looked through pieces of wreckage to determine the name and nationality of the torpedoed ships.  But in vain.  Some of the cutters were very well equipped naval cutters.
		11.21 -
		11.28		Aircraft danger.
		11.59		A smoke feather in sight bearing 290°T.
		12.00	AA 9267	Day's run:  190 nm.
		12.40		A cutter with the notation "401 UC. FT" tied to the boat and examined.  Boat had stopped.
		14.46		Made for the south cape of Jan Mayen, to transfer the over deck torpedoe there just off the coast, as there are only two Etos in the boat.
		15.35		Radio Message:  From aircraft report QP 14 is located in square AA 9551 at 11.45 hours.  Contact keeper "A".
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		16.30 -
		19.00		Close offshore (1500 meters) transferred over deck torpedoes.
		17.38		Radio Message:  07.19 hours AA 9286, 5 single shots, 2 hits on auxiliary cruiser 12000 GRT, 3 others on 3 steamers each 8000 GRT.  Sinking of auxiliary cruiser observed after 3 hours (away).
		17.50		Radio Message:  1 steamer (away) 11.16 hours sinking observed in listening gear.  After surfacing encountered 4 sinking locations.  2 plus 2 [torpedoes]. 75 cbm.
				Strelow.
		18.45		Radio Message:  1.)  Positions U-620 (Stein) square 12, U-252 (Friedrichs) square 14, U-610 (Freiberg) square 15.  All AE.
				2.)  Operation of these B.d.U-boats against QP 14 is designated.
				3.)  U-382 (Juli), U-441 (Hartmann), U-442 (Hesse) position in area sqaure AE 56.
				Admiral Nordmeer.

Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42

	- 19 -
		22.09.42
		18.52		Short signal:  Convoy square AA 9854.  Course 200°.
				Volger.
		19.01		Proceeding on course 206°, to get back in touch with the convoy.
		20.00	AA 8315
		21.09		Short signal:  AA 9618, have transfered from the over deck.  Operating to get to the south of the convoy.
				Strelow.
		23.09.42
		00.00	AA 9598
		01.48		Radio Message:  Aircraft contact keeper reports:
				1)  Composition 10.28 hours 18 steamers, 3 cruisers, 4 destroyers, 10 escorts.
				2)  10.28 hours square AA 9299 4 steamers were torpedoed and sank after 10 minutes.
				3)  12.20 hours square AA 9531 a destroyer with a smoke trail and an oil slick remained behind.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		02.50		Radio Message:  1)  Presume the convoy will pass through the Denmark Strait.
				2)  All send 03.00 hours position by short signal.
				3)  Stein, Friedrichs, Freiberg, switch now to Northern Waters Circuit.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		03.50		Short signal:  Square 9832.
				Strelow.
		04.00	AA 9885
		04.45		Radio Message:  Reche reports:  03.09 convoy square AE 2374.
				Nordmeerchef.
		05.20		Radio Message:  Reche:  send bearing signals immediately, on 527 Khz.  On 25 and 55 minutes hourly each for 3 minutes.
				Nordmeeradm.
		05.36		Short signal:  Convoy square AR 2297 course 180°.
				Reche.
		07.00		Radio Message:  1)  Reche reports 05.33 hours convoy square AE 2297 course 180°.
				2)  All operate on Reche report.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		08.00	AE 2377
		08.40		Came to course 189° on the basis of these radio messages.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42

	- 20 -
		23.09.42
		09.45		Short signal:  09.15 hours 1 destroyer AE 2555.
				Bielfeld.
		12.00	AE 2597	Day's run:  267 nm.
		12.52		Aircraft danger, aircraft bearing 240°T.
		13.00		Aircraft danger ended.
		13.00		Came to course 210°.
		13.13		"Alarm".  Boat dived for aircraft.
		13.44		Boat surfaced.
		13.45		Radio Message:  Admiral Nordmeer:
				From aircraft escort suspect convoy 13.00 hours square AE 2527.
				Strelow.
		14.29		Aircraft danger.
		14.34		Aircraft danger ended.
		14.45		Radio Message:  From 11.00 hours 3 FW-200 in the area.  If in contact bearing signals as contact keeper "Anton" in accordance with NBLM.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		15.13		Land-based aircraft in sight bearing 290°T.
		15.19		Aircraft danger.
		15.22		Aircraft denger ended.
		15.38		Destroyer in sight bearing 160°T.
		15.40		Aircraft danger.
		15.49		Aircraft danger ended.
		15.50		A destroyer bearing 240°T distance 14000 meters.
		15.54		Boat dived for destroyer and aircraft.
		16.00	AE 2815
		16.20		Boat surfaced.
		17.30		Radio Message:  Break off operation at 67°N, 22°W.  Breaking off early is optional if defenses require.  Report beginning return transit.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -.
		18.00		Radio Message:  Aircraft report 13.15 hours convoy in square AE 2674, course 200°, contact broken.
				Nordmeerbefehlshaber.
		18.07		Radio Message:  In Radio Message 13.30 hours must mean sqaure AE 2827.
				Strelow.
		20.00	AE 2751
			NNW 3, Sea 3, 1/10, 1016 mb	Visibility 15 nm.
		21.10		Radio Message:  All boats in Iceland area report position by short signal.
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		21.28		Short signal:  Square AE 2743
				- U-435 -
		22.07		A U-boat sighted bearing 220°T.

Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42

	- 21 -
		23.09.42
		22.28		U-boat out of sight bearing 270°T.
		24.09.42
		00.00	AE 2717
		02.40		Radio Message:  Strelow.
				Report about position 21.28 hours in square AE 2743 received 01.50 hours.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -.
		04.00	AE 1927
		08.00		Radio Message:  Admiral Nordmeer.
				In spite of very good visibility convoy not found.  My location at 08.00 hours AE1828.  Starting return transit.  4 plus 0, 60 cbm.  1019 mb, N 4, Sea 2, clear.
				- Strelow -.
		08.00	AE 1828	Visibility 10 nm.
			NNW 3, Sea 3, 2/10, 1020 mb, 5 mb
		08.25		Began return transit.  Came to course 87°.
		12.00	AE 1917	Day's run:  262 nm.
		12.10		Radio Message:  Your toughness and success against QP 14 is recognized.
				Proceed to Narvik Westfjord:
				Zetsche, Hymmen, Borm, Strelow, Timm, Bielfeld, Volger.
				Proceed to Bergen:  Reche, Esch.
				- Admiral Nordmeer -.
		16.00	AE 1923
		17.57		Boat dived for an aircraft bearing 330°T.
		19.03		Boat surfaced.
		19.30		Aircraft danger.  Aircraft in sight bearing 290°T.  Distance 20000 meters.
		19.36		Aircraft danger ended.
		20.00	AE 2715
			N 3, Sea 3, 4/10, 0 mb	Visibility 8 nm.
		25.09.42
		00.00	AE 2734
		04.00	AE 2875
		08.00	AE 2912
			N 2, Sea 2, 9/10, 1014 mb	Visibility 10 nm.
		12.00	AE 3711	Day's run:  205 nm.
		16.00	AE 3723

	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42

	- 22 -
		25.09.42
		18.12		Passed a floating mine bearing 180°T.  (English type)
		20.00	AE 3813
			S 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1011 mb	Visibility 10 nm.
		26.09.42
		00.00	AE 3694
		04.00	AF 1485
		08.00	AF 1576
			S 2, Sea 2, 7/10, 1005 mb, 5 mb	Visibility 10 nm.
		19.15		A Ju-88 in sight bearing 0°T.  Distance 12000 meters.
		11.47		Short signal:  Positioned to enter port in 36 hours.
				- U-435 -
		12.00	AF 1591	Day's run:  251 nm.
		13.24		Radio Message:  Strelow.
				Short signal position 28 September 00.00 hours Point V 1 is confirmed.  To be alongside "TANGA" at 14.00 hours .
				Admiral Nordmeer.
		16.00	AF 1657
		20.00	AF 2471
			S 3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1006 mb	Visibility 7-10 nm.
		27.09.42
		00.00	AF 2483
		04.00	AF 2573
		08.00	AF 2593
			SSE 4, Sea 3, 3/10, 1006 mb, 5 mb	Visibility 15 nm.
		12.00	AF 2682	Day's run:  190 nm.
		12.50		Passed a mine bearing 0°T.  Distance 2000 meters.
		16.00	AF 2695
		17.44		Boat dived, test dive.
		19.16		Boat surfaced.
		20.00	AF 3476
			S 3, Sea 4, 9/10, 1003 mb, 5 mb	Visibility 7 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42

	- 23 -
		27.09.42
		21.35		Lighthouse "Skomvär in sight.
		28.09.42
		00.00		Positioned at the entrance of Vestfjord.  Taken through the Westfjord by the instructions of the Kommandant.
		04.00	In Vestfjord
		07.50		Recognoition signal was not answered by a patrol vessel.
				To aa he replied WQV.
				Morse message to patrol vessel:
				K. to K. Why didn't you respond to my recognition signal?
				Morse message to us:
				K. to K. That was a mistake by me - WQV -.
				Morse message to us:
				K. to K. Your recognition signal is incorrect - WQV -.
				Checked our recognition signal and found it to be correct.
		12.00	In Otofjord	Day's run:  185 nm.
		14.00		Made fast "TANGA".
		16.10		Departed "TANGA" with Admiral Nordmeer on board.  Taken through the Skjomenfjord by the instructions of the Kommandant.
		17.53		Made fast "STELLA POLARIS"
		29.09.42		Lay alongside "STELLA POLARIS".
		09.10		Departed "STELLA POLARIS".
		09.30		Made fast alongside "BLACK WATCH".
		12.00		Day's run:  39 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42

	- 24 -
		30.09.42
		09.00		Departed "BLACK WATCH".
		09.20		Made fast alongside "STELLA POLARIS".
		09.40		"Departed "STELLA POLARIS" taken through the Skjomenfjord by the instructions of the Kommandant.
		11.07		Made fast alongside "TANGA".
		12.00		Day's run:  16 nm.
		13.05		Departed "TANGA" to proceed to Bergen M.G. C 30 out of service.
				During test firing 80% of all cartridges for the 2 cm anti-aircraft failed.  In spite of maintenance of the M.G. C 30 in accordance with 2.A.d.U. G 7659 A. 3, the M.G. is so unreliable that it is not justfiable to try and repel an aircraft attack to avoid diving at the convoy.  Because, after the failure during the last war patrol, the M.G. C 30 has been inspected and overhauled by specialists, the failure would seem to lie with sabotage in the manufacturing of the ammunition.
		20.00		In Westfjord.
		20.16		Boat dived.  Test dive.
		21.04		Boat surfaced.
		01.10.42
		00.00	AF 3573
		04.00	AF 3753
		08.00	AF 6118
			S 3, Sea 2, 8/10, 1013 mb, 5 mb	Visibility 15-20 nm.
		10.14		Boat dived, test dive, depth keeping training.
		11.31		Boat surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42
	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42

	- 25 -
		01.10.42
		12.00	AF 5399	Day's run:  265 nm.
		13.32		Passed a min bearing 114°T.  Distance 300 meters.
		14.52		Boat dived.  (Crash dive for training.)
		15.35		Boat surfaced.
		15.36		Boat dived.  (Crash dive for training.)
				Depth keeping training with failures.
		15.52		Boat surfaced.
		16.00	AF 5665
		17.00		Passed a mine bearing 294°T.  Distance 300 meters.
		20.00	AF 5915
			S 2, Sea 2, overcast (drizzle), 1008 mb
		02.10.42
		00.00	AF 5891
		04.00	AF 8219
		08.00	AF 8168
			SSW 4, Sea 3, 4/10, 1012 mb	Visibility 10-15 nm.
		09.46		Boat dived (for training).  Depth keeping training.
		10.56		Boat surfaced.
		11.01		Crash dive for training.  Depth leeping training with damage control exercises.
		11.28		Boat surfaced.
		12.00	AF 8189	Day's run:  225 nm.
		15.44		Boat dived.  Depth keeping training.
		16.00	AF 8416
		16.44		Boat surfaced.
		20.00	AF 8721
			WSW 5, Sea 4, 6/10, 1014 mb	Visibility 5-10 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42

	- 26 -
		03.10.42
		00.00	AF 8781
		04.00	AN 2336
		07.10		At the entrance of Hellisøy.
		07.14		In the wake of escort vessel "UNITAS" to Bergen.
		07.35		Escort officer on board.
		08.00		In Hjeltefjord.
		09.30		Made fast Bergen.

Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42

	Enclosures to U-435's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart A	Track chart covering entire war patrol                16-28 September 1942
Chart 1	Track Chart for the period       19 September 00.12 - 05.58
Chart 2	Track Chart for the period       19 September 23.05 - 20 September 08.30
Chart 3	Track Chart for the period       22 September 00.34 - 12.28
Torpedo	Torpedo firing reports and combat sketches
Radio	Excerpt of Radio Log

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	to the K.T.B. of "U-435" (Strelow) from 31.08.42 - 03.10.42.
	Nothing to note.
		For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of Operations -

---

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