U-511 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Lorient
24 October 1942
Lorient
28 November 1942
36

 

Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for this patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here

 

Ships Hit
None
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
                            -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
 
                                                  of the
 
                                  Unterseebootes  "  U  511  "
                                -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-  
           
          Kommandant    :     Kapitänleutnant    S  t  e  i  n  h  o  f  f  .  
           
          Beginning          :     29 September 1942  
           
          Concluding        :     28 November 1942.  
           
        --------  
           
     
Distribution       :    
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 and 2
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote     "      " 3
2. Admiral der Unterseeboote     "      " 4
10. Unterseebootesflottille     "      " 5
27. U.-Flottille for 2. U.L.D. and 25. U.-Flottille     "      " 6
Agru-Front, Kaptlt. Jebsen for 1. U.L.D.,    
                         24. U.-Flottille and 26. U.-Flottille     "      " 7
 
           
           
     
Enclosures       :    
1 Track chart with a combat sketch To Copy No. 1, 3, 4, 5.
3 Torpedo firing reports   "      "      " 3, 4, 5.
1 Excerpt of the Radio Log   "      "      " 3, 4, 5.
6 Barograph strips   "      "      " 3.
 
           
           
           
                                     
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    29.09.42 Lorient Arrived.  Made fast Berth A 4.  
    15.00      
           
    30.09. - 01.10.42 Lorient Torpedo and ammunition offload.  Cleared the boat.  
           
    02.10.42 Lorient Shifted the boat to the slip and onto the slip.  
           
    03. - 15.10.42 Lorient Shipyard work.  
         
    16.10.42 Lorient Off the slip.  Shifted the boat to Berth B 6.  
         
    17.10.42 Lorient Dummy torpedo shooting.  Pier-side testing.  
           
    18.10.42 Lorient Remaining shipyard work.  
         
    19.10.42 Lorient Shipyard trials.  Trim test.  
         
    20.10.42 Lorient Fuel loading.  
         
    21.10.42 Lorient Took over the boat and loaded ammunition.  
         
    22.10.42 Lorient Loaded provisions.  
           
    23.10.42 Lorient Final trim test.  Compass and radio direction finder calibration.  
         
    24.10.42 Lorient Departed in accordance with outbound orders.  
           
                                       
           
           
           
           
           
 

There is no page 2 in the original

 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.10.42 Lorient Departed in convoy in accordance with outbound orders.  
    17.00      
    20.00 Bay of Biscay    
      BF 6173    
      WNW 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, intermittent rain squalls, Vis. changing    
                                       
    25.10.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 5534    
      WNW 4-5, Sea 5, overcast, intermittent rain squalls, Vis. changing    
    00.50      
    and BF 55 Detection (horizontally polarized) no attack.  
    01.05      
    02.10   Horizontally polarized detection, anti-aircraft shooting in 40°T.  No attack.  Both times did not dive.  
    04.00 BF 5571 Released from convoy.  Continued on course 250°.  
    08.00 BF 5487 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BF 5713    
      Lat.    = 46°27'N Day's run:  142 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =   6°37'W                      8  "   Submerged  
    16.00 BF 5712    
    20.00 BF 5714    
    20.10   Surfaced.  
                                       
    26.10.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 4985    
      S 4, Sea 4-5, intermittent rain squalls, Vis. medium    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.10.42
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.10.42 Bay of Biscay    
    02.00   Due to bad weather dived.  
        Fu.M.B. antenna broken.  
    04.00 BF 7333    
    06.10   Surfaced after antenna repair.  
    08.00 BF 7316    
    08.30   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BF 7517    
      Lat.    = 45°24'N Day's run:  97 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =   9°02'W                   31  "   Submerged  
    16.00 BF 7239    
    16.15      
    and   Aircraft bomb detonation heard (far off).  
    18.15      
    20.00 BF 7237    
    20.30   Surfaced.  Proceeded on the surface.  
    21.15 BF 7229 Dived.  Aircraft searchlight bearing 340°T (horizontal).  
                                       
    27.10.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 BF 7244    
      WNW 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, moonshine    
    01.50 BF 7167 Dived.  Detection 171 cm horizontally polarized.  No attack.  3 aircraft bombs heard (far off).  
    03.15 BF 7159 Surfaced.  
    03.45 BF 7182 Dived.  Detection 177 cm steady tone.  No attack.  
    05.22 BF 7182 Surfaced.  
    08.00 BE 9399    
    08.32 BE 9397 Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BE 9389    
      Lat.    = 44°44'N Day's run:  101 nm Surfaced  
      Long. = 12°00'W                    32  "   Submerged  
    13.06   Aircraft bombs heard.  Very close.  
    16.00 BE 9388    
    20.00 BE 9387    
                                       
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.10.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 BE 9297    
      S 3-4, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. changing    
    02.00 BE 9279 Incoming Radio Message:  Steinhoff southern transit via DT 10.  
        Began southern transit on course 240°.  
    04.00 BE 9436    
    08.00 BE 9449    
    08.45   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BE 9474    
      Lat.    = 43°59'N Day's run:  101 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  15°53'W                      7  "   Submerged  
    16.00 BE 8696    
    20.00 BE 8698    
    20.15   Surfaced.  Continued on the surface on course 250°.  
                                       
    29.10.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 BE 8922    
      N 10, Sea 9, overcast, heavy squalls, Vis. changing, steep seas    
    04.00 BE 8915    
    08.00 BE 8863    
    12.00 BE 8856    
      Lat.    = 43°18'N Day's run:  85 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  18°06'W                   17  "   Submerged  
    13.09   Dived.  
    15.00   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BE 8881    
    20.00 CF 2339    
                                       
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.10.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
           
    30.10.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 CF 2391 Sea damage:  
      NW 7-8 in squalls 9, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. changing, medium-high steep Swell Both aft torpedo athwartship transport wagons overboard.  Deck closures at the aft torpedoes hatch smashed.  Canister 7 knocked out of place, canister hangs by the foremost band.  Wood cladding in the canister stowage was torn away, so the tensioning bolts could come loose.  Drainage cock broken off. Canister flooded to avoid further damage.  Boat held on the most favorable course, no work on the over deck possible.  No operation of Streitaxt-convoy in DH 2321.  
         
    04.00 CF 2624  
    08.00 CF 2648  
         
        Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: = 220°T, 33 nm.  
    12.00 CF 2819    
      Lat.    = 40°50'N Day's run:  191 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  20°53'W                      4  "   Submerged  
    13.30   Dived.  
    15.30   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CF 2844 Strong rattle and banging of the displaced over deck canister during submerged cruise (KF).  All closures were checked before departure.  
    20.00 CF 2797    
                                       
    31.10.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 CF 5143    
      NNW 7, squalls to 8, Sea 6-7, overcast, Vis. medium, medium-high Swell, increasing    
        Outgoing Radio Message:  (Short Signal).  Cannot carry out operational orders due to weather conditions for 3 days.  Position naval square CF 5441.  
    04.00 CF 5174  
    08.00 CF 4639  
        Canister 7 works strongly in the seas in the stowage place.  Boat was held on the most favorable course, i.e. 70° before the wind.  
    12.00 CF 4695    
      Lat.    = 38°34'N Day's run:  164 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  22°30'W                      4  "   Submerged  
    14.30   Dived.  
    16.00 CF 4934    
    16.45   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CF 4959    
                                       
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.10.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 CF 7322    
      NNW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good, medium Swell    
    04.00 CF 7354    
    08.00 CF 7613    
    12.00 CF 7645    
      Lat.    = 36°06'N Day's run:  153 nm Surfaced  
      Long. = 23°18'W                      0  "   Submerged  
    16.00 CF 7915    
    16.05   Dived.  
    16.50   Surfaced.  
        Over deck sea damage corrected, canister 7 secured.  The broken drain valve replaced with a wooden plug.  
    20.00 CF 7945    
                                       
    02.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 DG 3335    
      NW 2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, Vis. medium to good, long Swell    
    03.00   Clocks set from D.S.Zt. to D.G.Zt.     [GMT + 2 to GMT +1]
    04.00 DG 3394    
    08.00 DG 3656    
    11.18   Dived.  
    12.00 DG 3689    
      Lat.    = 33°05'N Day's run:  178 nm Surfaced  
      Long. = 23°59'W                      5  "   Submerged  
    12.12   Surfaced.  
    16.00 DG 3954    
    20.00 DG 3979    
                                       
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.11.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    03.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 DG 6345    
      NNW 5, Sea 4-5, few clouds, Vis. good, Swell    
    04.00 DG 6377    
    08.00 DG 6566    
    11.10   Dived.  
    12.00 CG 6598    
      Lat.    = 30°57'N Day's run:  156 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  24°55'W                      3  "   Submerged  
    12.15   Surfaced.  
    16.00 DG 6853 Incoming Radio Message:  Steinhoff  afterwards FC 55 etc.  
    20.00 DG 6885                               [U-511 head for FC 55 after supply]  
                                       
    04.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 DG 9227    
      NW 5, Sea 5, few clouds, Vis. good    
    04.00 DG 9275    
    08.00 DG 9541    
    11.10   Dived.  
    11.45   Surfaced.  
    12.00 DG 9498    
      Lat.    = 27°42'N Day's run:  174 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  26°04'W                      2  "   Submerged  
    16.00 DG 9764    
    20.00 DT 1236    
                                       
    05.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 DT 1297    
      NW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, medium Swell    
    04.00 DT 1555    
    08.00 DT 1821    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.11.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.11.42 Atlantic    
    12.00 DT 1849    
      Lat.    = 24°18'N Day's run:  213 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  26°15'W                      0  "   Submerged  
    16.00 DT 4136    
    20.00 DT 4193    
                                       
    06.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 DT 4438    
      NE 2, Sea 2, few clouds, Vis. good, medium Swell    
    04.00 DT 4494    
    08.00 DT 4756    
    12.00 DT 7122 Dived.  
      Lat.    = 21°14'N Day's run:  189 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  27°34'W                      0  "   Submerged  
    12.25   Surfaced.  
    16.00 DT 7158    
    20.00 DT 7424    
                                       
    07.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 DT 7481    
      NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, light Swell    
    04.00 DT 7719    
    08.00 DT 7775    
    12.00 EJ 1144    
      Lat.    = 18°12'N Day's run:  184 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  27°59'W                      2  "   Submerged  
    16.00 EH 3632    
    20.00 EH 3668    
                                       
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.11.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
           
    08.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 EH 3934    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, few clouds, Vis. good    
    04.00 EH 3983    
    08.00 EH 6352    
    09.10   Incoming Radio Message:  The Americans have landed in a big way in Algiers and Morocco.  Steinhoff etc head for DJ 19.  Day's run 200 nm.  
    12.00 EH 6332 Dived.  
      Lat.    = 15°53'N Day's run:  188 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  28°09'W                      0  "   Submerged  
    12.55   Surfaced.  
    16.00 EJ 1748 Outgoing Radio Message:  My position is EJ 1771.  
        Short Signal on the basis of the sighting report sent from Vowe, because range to Vowe is 150 nm and return transit to the ordered position amounts to 1500 nm.  
    20.00 EJ 1489    
                                       
    09.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 EJ 1463    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, few clouds, Vis. good    
    04.00 EJ 1279    
    08.00 EJ 1253    
    12.00 DT 7899 Dived.  
      Lat.    = 18°40'N Day's run:  198 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  26°13'W                      2  "   Submerged  
    12.45   Surfaced.  
    16.00 DT 7946    
    20.00 DT 7697    
                                       
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.11.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
           
    10.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 DT 8449    
      NE 3, Sea 2, few clouds, Vis. changing, light Swell    
    04.00 DT 8434    
    08.00 DT 8276    
    12.00 DT 8262    
      Lat.    = 20°55'N Day's run:  201 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  23°41'W                      2  "   Submerged  
    12.35   Surfaced.  
    16.00 DT 8314    
    19.25   2 smoke clouds rising in 310°T.  
        Closed at 2 x GF one hour until darkness.  Nothing seen.  
    20.00 DT 5976 Dived.  Nothing heard.  Continued transit.  
    20.32   Dived.  
    20.45   Surfaced.  
                                       
    11.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 DT 5956    
      ENE 4, Sea 3-4, few clouds, Vis. medium, Swell    
    04.00 DT 6715    
    08.00 DT 6486    
    12.00 DT 6545    
      Lat.    = 22°42'N Day's run:  180 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  21°34'W                      1  "   Submerged  
    12.15   Dived.  
    12.45   Surfaced.  
    16.00 DT 6522    
    20.00 DT 6371    
                                       
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.11.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
           
    12.11.42 Atlantic    
    00.00 DT 6353    
      ENE 4, Sea 3-4, few clouds, Vis. good, Swell    
    04.00 DU 4112    
    08.00 DU 1783    
    11.38   Dived.  
    11.58   Surfaced.  
    12.00 DU 1844    
      Lat.    = 24°30'N Day's run:  184 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  18°56'W                      2  "   Submerged  
        Incoming Radio Message:  Steinhoff etc. head for naval square DJ 21.  Highest sustained speed.  
    16.00 DU 1589  
    20.00 DU 1652    
                                       
    13.11.42 Canary Islands    
    00.00 DU 2184    
      ENE 4, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. changing    
    04.00 DU 2219    
    08.00 DH 9795    
    11.05   Dived.  
    11.30   Surfaced.  
    12.00 DH 9852    
      Lat.    = 27°16'N Day's run:  291 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  14°33'W                      1  "   Submerged  
        Incoming Radio Message:  Steinhoff as attack area head off DJ 4685 and DJ 4357.  Report situation immediately.  If no traffic head for DJ 21.  
    16.00 DH 9677    
    20.00 DH 9398    
                                       
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.11.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
           
    14.11.42 West coast of Africa    
    00.00 DJ 7129    
      NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, intermittent rain showers, Vis. changing    
    04.00 DJ 4881    
    08.00 DJ 4927    
    08.35   Dived.  
    12.00 DJ 4924    
      Lat.    = 30°09'N Day's run:  303 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  9°54'W                      7  "   Submerged  
    13.30   Surfaced.  
    13.40   Dived.  
    16.00 DJ 4924    
    19.25   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DJ 4921 Headed for the Roadstead off Agadir.  At darkness and bright moonshine in the middle of the Roadstead.  Came about at water depth 8 meters.  No steamers, no patrol vessels.  Due to strong rain squalls set off from the coast, to see if patrol vessels are stationed there and to take a navigation fix.  
                                       
    15.11.42 West coast of Africa    
    00.00 DJ 4684    
      S 2, Sea 2, overcast, intermittent rain showers, Vis. changing    
    04.00 DJ 4592 My navigation is correct.  So in the previous night the boat was in the center of the Agadir Roadstead.  
    08.00 AJ 4581 Intention:  Night transit off Cape Ghir to Mogador, observe the area off the harbor there.  
    12.00 DJ 4559    
      Lat.    = 30°38'N Day's run:  110 nm Surfaced  
      Long. = 10°46'W                    12  "   Submerged  
    13.05   Dived.  
    16.00 DJ 4568    
    19.20   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DJ 4645 Cape Gihr Lighthouse burns.  Identifier 1 flash.  The beacon was extinguished 1-1/2 hours later after a searchlight had previously been illuminated.  
        Off Mogador nothing seen.  No patrol vessels. [illegible word] is blacked out.  
                                       
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.11.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
           
    16.11.42 West coast of Africa    
    00.00 DJ 4377 Set off, to head for the ordered square DJ 21 without hindrance from sea reconnaissance.  
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, intermittent rain showers, Vis. changing, light Swell  
    04.00 DJ 4269    
    08.00 DJ 4248    
    10.03   Dived.  
    11.45   Surfaced.  Incoming Radio Message:  Steinhoff head for DJ 2482.  Determine traffic situation and report.  
    12.00 DJ 4218    
      Lat.    = 31°51'N Day's run:  173 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  11°19'W                    15  "   Submerged  
        2 trawlers in sight in search formation bearing 60°T.  Fast vessels.  Went around to the west in a rain squall.  Vessels turn towards in a large arc.  Suspect search group.  
    13.08   Dived.  
    16.00 DJ 4211    
    19.20   Surfaced.  Outgoing Radio Message:  Main cable to the small horizontal loop has a small short.  Request spare antenna by next southbound boat and set off operations area.  
    20.00 DJ 1875 Intention:  After Magazan operate so that the traffic situation can be determined by day.  To do this, go south of Mazagan just off the coast (uninhabited) and run to the north along the coast.  Dive at dawn west of Mazagan.  
                                       
    17.11.42 West coast of Africa    
    00.00 DJ 1856 Incoming Radio Message:  Steinhoff occupy DJ 2117 depth 25 nm.  
      E 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, at tomes rain showers, Vis. changing, Swells  
    00.25 DJ 1856 Sighted a Spanish passenger-freighter bearing 25°T, course 230°, speed 8-10 knots.  Nationality markings, illuminated according to regulations, about 6000 GRT.  
    04.00 DJ 1599    
    08.00 DJ 1624    
    08.19   Detection, horizontally polarized 151 cm.  Dived.  No attack.  
                                       
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.11.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.11.42 West coast of Africa    
    12.00 DJ 1622 Day's run:  144 nm Surfaced  
      Lat.    = 33°52'N                    21  "   Submerged  
      Long. =   9°40'W    
    13.45   Surfaced.  
    14.00   Dived.  
    16.00 DJ 1389    
    19.15   Surfaced.  
    20.00 DJ 1391    
    20.35   Sighted a Spanish steamer bearing 100°T, on course 220°.  Properly illuminated, nationality markings.  
    22.00   Incoming Radio Message: Naval square CG 8956, 3 steamers, 2 patrol vessels, course 270°, 14-15 knots.  
        Operated on Fiedler enemy report.  
                                       
    18.11.42 West of Morocco    
    00.00 CG 8895    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, Vis. medium, Swell, moonshine    
    00.08   3 shadows bearing 50°T, 4-5 nm away, 14-16 knots.  
    00.10   Detection, 130 cm, steady tone.  Dived.  
    00.25   Submerged attack in bright moonshine.  1st fan on forward-most passenger steamer (15000 GRT), 2 smokestacks.  Miss.  
    00.27   2nd fan on center passenger steamer (12000 GRT).  1 smokestack.  Miss.  Tube 2 did not fire.  Enemy zigzagged 30° towards.  
    00.32   3rd fan (stern) on foremost steamer in target angle 110°, miss.  New zigzag of the enemy.  
    00.45   Surfaced.  Pursued, because no aft escort distinguished.  Convoy bears 270°T, 3 nm away.  
    00.54 and   Each one strong detonation heard, strong concussion in the boat.  
    00.57    
        From sound bearings all torpedoes passed ahead.  The misses are explained on the basis of the large range and the course changes (zigzags) every 5 minutes.  
                                       
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.11.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.11.42 West of Morocco    
    01.00   Outgoing Radio Message:  Enemy located CG 8895, course 290°, speed 14 knots.  Submerged attack, 2 3-fan miss, explained, in pursuit.  
        Enemy zigzags regularly every 5 minutes, 20-30° around general course west.  Despite AK (15 knots) remain astern.  Exhaust gas temperature and firing pressure are too high.  Exhaust gas piping glows.  
        Outgoing Radio Message:  Enemy located CG 8886, every 5 minutes zigzags 30° around west with speed changes 15-17 knots.  Own highest speed 15 knots.  Settled astern.  During surface attack forced to submerge by destroyer radar 130 cm.  During submerged attack strong zigzags.  
    01.55   Enemy bears 243°T, 6 nm away.  Settle more and more astern, despite pursuing on general course.  
        Outgoing Radio Message:  Enemy located DJ 1313, course 260°, 16 knots.  
    02.32 CG 8884 U-boat abeam to starboard (Fiedler) position comparison.  
        Pursued until 04.00 hours,  No further contact.  
    04.00 DJ 1311 Dived.  No further sound bearings.  
    04.30   Surfaced.  Convoy out of sight DJ 1311.  Continued pursuit.  Unsuccessful.  Dived to listen,  No sound bearings.  
    05.16   Surfaced.  Outgoing Radio Message:  No sound bearings,  Pursuit broken off.  Position CG 8877.  
        Returned to old position.  
    08.00 DJ 1313 In operations area due to unfavorable, very low cloud deck and rain showers submerged by day.  
    08.30   Dived.  
    10.24   Surfaced.  Outgoing Radio Message:  Kommandant bright bloody stool. Shooting pain on the right side of the stomach and next to the lumbar vertebra. Alternating hot and shivering. Languor, dazed. Tension in the neck muscles and scalp. Impairment of visual acuity (red veil).  Question treatment.  
    12.00 DJ 1326    
      Lat.    = 34°41'N Day's run:  143 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =   9°38'W                    25  "   Submerged  
                                       
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.11.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.11.42 West of Morocco    
    16.00 DJ 1223    
    19.06   Surfaced.  
        Incoming Radio Message:  Steinhoff set off to the west.  
    20.00 DJ 1321 Set off to the west to DH 3185.  
        Intend to download torpedoes, to at least have the Atos ready to shoot.  
                                       
    19.11.42 Northeast of Morocco    
    00.00 CG 8797    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, intermittent rain, Vis. changing, moonshine    
    04.00 DJ 1133    
    08.00 DJ 1115    
    09.03   Dived.  
    12.00 DH 3338    
      Lat.    = 34°33'N Day's run:  161 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  12°54'W                    20  "   Submerged  
    14.13   Surfaced.  
    16.00 DH 3328    
    20.00 DH 3262    
                                       
    20.11.42 North of Madeira    
    00.00 DH 3254    
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, intermittent rain showers, Vis. changing, medium Swell, moonshine    
    04.00 DH 3521 Since I do not want to be deposed to the west all the time, an attempt is made to get a medical judgment.  
    08.00 DH 3515 Outgoing Radio Message:  Patient no fever.  Pulse irregular and question if "Cygan" has a Doctor on board.  DH 3515.  Downloading.  
        Incoming Radio Message:  Steinhoff go to Cygan.  Report arrival.  
                                       
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.11.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.11.42 North of Madeira    
    12.00 DH 3195    
      Lat.    = 34°04'N Day's run:  179 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  15°20'W                      5  "   Submerged  
        Outgoing Radio Message:  arrival about lightness.  
    16.00 DH 3175    
    20.00 DH 2622    
    21.00 DH 2621 Downloading ended.  3 Atos downloaded forward and 2 Atos aft.  
                                       
    21.11.42 Northwest of Madeira    
    00.00 DH 2628    
      N 2, Sea 1-2, few clouds, Vis. good, moonshine, light Swell    
    04.00 DH 2562    
    08.00 DH 2463    
    11.20   U-155 sighted bearing 140°T, 8-10 nm away, afterwards in visual range searched for U-118 on northwesterly courses.  
    12.00 DH 2457    
      Lat.    = 33°22'N Day's run:  243 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  19°16'W                      0  "   Submerged  
    12.30 NE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, intermittent rain squalls, Vis. changing U-118 sighted bearing 325°T.  After meeting fuel offload.  Doctor on board.  
       

Incoming Radio Message:  Steinhoff.  If according to Doctor's judgment further operation not possible, offload remaining fuel to Cygan.  Report intentions.

 
        On Doctor's orders the boat should begin return transit due to illness of the Kommandanten.  
    16.00 DH 2455    
    20.00 DH 2481    
    21.00   Fuel offload ended, began return transit on course 5°.  
        Report concerning intentions and fuel offload followed from Cygan.  
                                       
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.11.42
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
           
    22.11.42 North of Madeira    
    00.00 DH 2454 Intention:  delayed return transit, to possibly still operate on an enemy.  1 convoy has left Gibraltar to the west.  
      ENE 3, Sea 3, few clouds, Vis. good, moonshine  
    04.00 DH 2184    
    08.00 DH 2127    
    10.55   Dived.  
    11.16   Surfaced.  
    12.00 CF 8985    
      Lat.    = 34°57'N Day's run:  131 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  19°20'W                      1  "   Submerged  
    16.00 CF 8952    
    20.00 CF 8686    
                                       
    23.11.42 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CF 8653    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, few clouds, Vis. good, moonshine    
    04.00 CF 8386    
    08.00 CF 8361    
    11.30   Dived.  
    11.50   Surfaced.  
    12.00 CF 5995    
      Lat.    = 37°38'N Day's run:  159 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  18°58'W                      1  "   Submerged  
    16.00 CF 6741    
    20.00 CF 6487    
                                       
    24.11.42 West of Portugal    
    00.00 CF 6465    
      ESE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good, moonshine    
    04.00 CF 6279    
    08.00 CF 6265    
    10.56   Dived.  
    11.18   Surfaced.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.11.42
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.11.42 West of Portugal    
    12.00 CF 6312    
      Lat.    = 40°12'N Day's run:  209 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  16°00'W                      1  "   Submerged  
    16.00 CF 3959    
    20.00 CG 1719    
                                       
    25.11.42 Northwest of Portugal    
    00.00 CG 1485    
      E 4, Sea 4, few clouds, Vis. good, moonshine Incoming Radio Message:  Steinhoff, Remus operate on Nölke at highest speed.  Report position immediately.  
    04.00 CG 1558 Outgoing Radio Message:  Position CG 1491.  
        Nölke transit speed is taken as 12 knots, course 30°.  
        Incoming Radio Message: Nölke report position.  Suggest meeting point with Steingoff for together transit of the Bay of Biscay.  2.  Steinhoff afterwards go there and report "Yes", as soon as Nölke is met.  
    09.40   Dived.  
    10.45   Surfaced.  
    11.30 CG 1665 Dived for aircraft, bearing 180°T, type "Consolidated".  
    12.00 CG 1665    
      Lat.    = 41°31'N Day's run:  222 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =  11°39'W                      9  "   Submerged  
    14.07   Surfaced.  
    14.20 CG 1666 Dived for aircraft bearing 40°T, type not recognized.  
    16.00 CG 1663    
    20.00 CG 2417 Surfaced.  
        Port diesel cooling water line to the supercharger cracked.  Exhaust gas temperature and very high firing pressure allow a speed of barely 2 x HF.  At that the boat makes 12.3 knots.  
                                       
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.11.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.11.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 CG 2156 Outgoing Radio Message:  Position CG 2162.  Can only run 12 knots.  
      ENE 6, Sea 4, few clouds, Vis. good, moonshine, heavy NE-Swell  
      Incoming Radio Message:  Nölke head for BF 7961.  
      Because Nölke can be in the ordered square at 07.00 hours, to protect the diesels went to HF.  Despite heavy sea held the old course, to remain in the vicinity of Nölke.  According to Radio Message report Nölke does not run in, instead continues submerged.  
    04.00 BF 7875  
    08.00 BF 7827  
    08.45   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BF 7825    
      Lat.    = 43°38'N Day's run:  133 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =    9°40'W                    24  "   Submerged  
    16.00 BF 7823    
    19.00   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BF 7598 Because by night Nölke runs under the coast at 15 knots and at lightness will be taken in convoy, so I'm hopelessly behind, continued on old course and broke off operation behind Nölke.  Especially since he seems to be clear to dive again.  
        Outgoing Radio Message:  Position 36 hours off meeting point with escort.  
                                       
    27.11.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 7656    
      E 4, Sea 4, few clouds, Vis. good, moonshine    
    02.45 BF 7632 Dived.  Detection on 152 cm horizontally polarized.  No attack.  
    03.55   Surfaced.  
    04.00 BF 7632    
    08.00 BF 8162    
    08.17   Dived.  
    12.00 BF 8139    
      Lat.    = 45°21'N Day's run:  143 nm Surfaced  
      Long. =    6°48'W                    21  "   Submerged  
    16.00 BF 8214    
    18.45   Surfaced.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.11.42 Bay of Biscay    
    20.00 BF 5784 Incoming Radio Message:  Return harbors:  Lorient for Steinhoff.  
    23.00   Outgoing Radio Message:  Request bearing signals from Transmitter 1 Lorient.  Arrival at arranged meeting point 2 hours earlier.  
                                       
    28.11.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 5735 Incoming Radio Message:  Escort already at "Laterne" at 09.30 hours.  Do not cross the 50-meter line without escort.  
      ENE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. changing  
    00.50   Dived.  Detection 152 cm, horizontally polarized.  No attack.
    01.53   Surfaced.  
    01.55   Dived.  Detection 152 cm, horizontally polarized.  No attack.
    03.20   Surfaced.  
    03.40   Dived.  Detection 152 cm, horizontally polarized.  No attack.
    04.00 BF 5574    
    04.24   Surfaced.  
    04.56   Dived.  Detection 152 cm, horizontally polarized.  No attack.
    06.05   Surfaced.  
    07.25   Dived.  Detection 156 cm, horizontally polarized.  No attack.
    08.00 BF 5551    
    09.25   Surfaced.  
    10.00   Outgoing Radio Message:  Am 4 hours later at meeting point.  Strong air surveillance.  
    11.55   Incoming Radio Message:  Escort positioned 13.30 hours at "Laterne".  Do not cross the 50-meter line without escort.  
    12.00 BF 5296    
      Lat.    = 47°32'N    
      Long. =    3°53'W    
    13.25   Sperrbrecher in sight bearing 105°T.  
    13.45   Convoy intake.  
    16.15   Ran into Lorient.  Made fast Berth A 4.  
           
        Total day's run:  = 5970 nm Surfaced  
                                       325  "   Submerged  
           
                                       
                                            Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.11.42

 

  Enclosures to U-511's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
   
Chart Track chart of entire patrol

 

     
     
 

Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
 
on the Kriegstagebuch "U 511" from 29.9. - 28.11.1942
 
 

 

 
  Patrol had to be broken off due to illness of the Kommandanten!  
  To 18.11.:  Attack was made at too great range.  
     
     
   

For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
   
- The Chief of the Operations Department -
 
 
                               
     
 


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