U-552 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Helgoland	18 February 1941	St. Nazaire	16 March 1941	27

 

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
1 Mar 41	23.54	60°097'N, 11°48'W	CADILLAC	12,062	British	HX-109
10 Mar 41	23.14 - 23.47	58°27'N, 10°36'W	REYKJABORG	687	Icelandic
			Total = 12,749
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				Copy No. . . . . 1 . . .
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				Kommandant:  Oberleutnant zur See  T o p p
				Beginning on:         4.12.1940
				Concluding on:      16. 3.1941
				Distribution:     U-552 Copy No. 1 7.U-Flottille        " 2 B.d.U.-Op.-        " 3 B.d.U.-Org.-        " 4 O.K.M.        " 5 + 6
				Enclosures: 1.) 1  Track chart for Copy No. 1-5 2.) 8  Torpedo firing reports for Copy No. 1-5 3.) 1  Excerpt of the Radio Log for Copy No. 1-5 4.) 1  Convoy sketch for Copy No. 1-6
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		04.12.40	Hamburg
		10.00	Blohm und Voss	Commissioning by Oblt.z.S. Topp.
		05.12.40
		14.00	Blohm und Voss	Cast off, transit to Kiel.
		06.12.40
		15.00	Kiel	Arrived.
			Blücherbrücke	Made fast.
		07. - 29.12.40	Kiel	Testing in accordance with days orders U.A.K. Kiel.
		30.12.40	Kiel
			Tirpitz Mole	Cast off.  Transit to the east under escort by the tug "HARZBURG".
		31.12.40
		12.58	Buoy Grün 03	Released from convoy, continued transit.
		01.01.41	Gotenhafen
		16.15	Harbor Basin V	Made fast.
		02. - 05.01.41		Testing in accordance with T.E.K. orders.
		06.01.41	Gotenhafen	Departed, Transit to Kahlberg for sound trials in accordance with orders U.A.G. Danzig.
		07.01.41		Measured mile in accordance with orders U.A.G. Danzig.
		08. - 12.01.41	Gotenhafen	Testing in accordance with T.E.K. orders.
		13.01.41		Transfer cruise to Danzig.

	- 2 -
		14. - 28.01.41	Danzig Neufahrwasser	Torpedo shooting and independent training in accordance with shooting orders 25. U.-Flottille.
		29.01. - 02.02.41		Transit to Kiel.  Ice escort by "STRAHL" and "SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN".  Boat incurred heavy damage from ice pressure.  Ice protector lost.
		16.14		Made fast Tirpitz Mole.
		03. - 10.02.41	Kiel construction shipyard	Shortened final adjustments and overhaul.
		11. - 12.-2.41	Kiel Arsenal/Tirpitz Mole	Outfitting for remote patrol.
		13.02.41	Kiel
		08.00	Tirpitz Mole	Cast off.  In tow by "PASSAT" departed for transit to Helgoland.
		08.45 - 09.35	Holtenau Lock	Afterwards canal cruise.
		18.23	Brunsbüttel
			Harbor Basin	Made fast.
		14.02.41
		07.00	Brunsbüttel	Cast off.
		08.30 - 15.05	Lock	Made fast due to fog.  Afterwards in tow by "PASSAT" to the Elbe.
		17.18	Cuxhaven
			Amerika Harbor	Made fast alongside "U-46".
		15.02.41	Cuxhaven
			Akerika Harbor	Departed in tow by "PASSAT".  "U-46" behind HEROS".  When casting off "U-46" I lay with my port side to his port side.  "PASSAT" pulled his stern outboard to starboard suddenly and without orders so strongly - the lines were still attached - that an impact of my bow to the stern of "U-46" could not be avoided despite using two boat hooks.

	- 3 -
		continued
		15.02.41
				I hooked my port forward diving plane behind the port propeller of "U-46" and tore it.
				The afternoon was used for independent training.
		16.00	Helgoland
			U-boat Harbor	Arrived.  Gave over the ice protector.
		16. - 17.02.41	Helgoland	Piston shots, listener testing, radio direction finder calibration, completion of remaining issues, minor work, fuel loading and provisions supply.
		18.02.41	Helgoland
			E 2, Sea 2, rain, misty	Oxygen loading, remaining ship construction work.  Departed for final trim test.  Discovered an oil trace at the level of external fuel tank IV port.  Either the check piping leaks or the port external fuel tank leaks.
		16.30		Departed behind Flak-jäger 26 to Point A, from there independently according to instructions of B.S.N.  Proceeded at GF by night.
		19.02.41	Southern North Sea
			NE 2, Sea 3, fog
		04.00	AN 6386
		08.00	AN 3767	After a part of the fuel was removed from all fuel tanks, test piping was turned on again briefly and closed again to remove residual oil.  Oil trace remained.  Dived.
		12.00	AN 3759
			NE 4-5, Sea 4, gloomy, overcast
		16.00	AN 3751	Surfaced.  Still always an oil trace.  Decided to carry external fuel tank 4 port empty.  Remained on the surface.  Proceeded at 2 x HF by night.
		20.00	AN 3444
		21.12		Radio Message Short Signal:  Passed 57°30'N outbound.
		24.00	AN 4368	Day's run:  259 nm Surfaced
				13 nm Submerged.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.41

	- 4 -
		20.02.41	E 1, Sea 2, overcast
		04.00	AN 2883
			ENE 2, Sea 3, few clouds, medium Swell
		08.00	AN 2378
		09.04		Dived before low flier, was unseen.
		09.30		Surfaced.  Brief oil trace.  Assumption:  At strong down angles oil gets into the check piping.
		12.00	AN 2261
			Rain showers
		14.28		Dived before bi-plane, was unseen.
		15.30		Surfaced.
		16.00	AF 7978	Avoided a low flier.
		18.45		Shetlands in sight bearing 234°T, about 25 nm.
		19.00	AF 7889	Passed a drifting mine.
		24.00	AF 7793	Day's run:  257 nm Surfaced
				7 nm Submerged.
		21.02.41
		04.00	AN 1133
		08.00	AN 1142	Outmaneuvered an illuminated vessel.  Dived before a dimmed vessel (patrol vessel).  Assume that they were working together.
		09.14		Surfaced.
		11.45	AM 3259	Passed a drifting mine.
		14.06		Dived before aircraft.  Range = 3000 meters.  Was probably seen.  (confirmed by B-Dienst report).
		15.20		Surfaced.
		16.00	AM 3278
			Sea 4, medium Swell
		16.15		Dived before aircraft, range = 6000 meters, was unseen.
		17.30		Detonation sounds, probably a torpedo.
		18.00		2 depth charges at medium range.
		19.00		Heavy detonation (aircraft bomb) in the immediate vicinity of the boat.  Boat was at depth 40 meters.  Strongly suspect oil trace during submerged cruise, because the boat was at depth 40 meters for three hours in Sea State 4.  Went to depth 90 meters. Several depth gages and fuses fail.  At the same time the magnetic compass, forward periscope head failed, aft periscope became very bad,

	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.41

	- 5 -
		continued
		21.03.41		graticule wobbles strongly, out of focus.
		20.35	AM 3333	Surfaced.  Moved off to the west, to get out of the vicinity of the coast. There is a sense of insecurity due to the oil trace.
		21.15		Radio Message Short Signal:  Position between Shetlands and Hebrides sent because up to now no square instructions follow.
		22.20		Radio Message from B.d.U.:  Short Signal confirmed.
				Attack area initially square AM 20.  More to follow.
		23.15		Radio Message to B.d.U.:  Square AM 20 unclear.
		23.50		Radio Message from B.d.U.:  AM 20 means area from AM 21-29.
		24.00	AM 3325	Day's run:  175 nm Surfaced
				20 nm Submerged.
		22.02.41	ENE 1, rain, Sea 1
		04.00	AM 3372
		07.27		Officer-Only Radio Message.  21 February a damaged tanker was in square AL 3494.
				Changed course, ran on the assumption that the shortest route taken by the tanker is north of the Hebrides.
		08.00	AM 2635
		09.45		Crash dive for aircraft.  Unseen.  Shortly thereafter detonation at great range.
		11.x8		Surfaced.
		11.25		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Own aircraft report 09.30 hours convoy square AN 1346, course 260°, medium speed.
				Course changed for the convoy.  Adjusted speed so that we should meet in the early hours of the next day just off the mine barrier.
		12.03	AM 2625	Crash dive for aircraft.  Was unseen.
		13.18		Surfaced.
		14.30		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Convoy 09.30 hours not square AN 1436, instead square AM 2321, westerly course, 7 knots.  Search for contact.
				Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"U-46" remain in attack area.  "U-552" pursue convoy, if favorable otherwise occupy ordered attack area.  No reports.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.41

	- 6 -
		continued
		22.02.41		Pursuit is not favorable, because the convoy has a 1 day head start.
				Resumed the attempt to find the wounded tanker.
		15.38		Dived for aircraft.
		16.11		1 depth charge at medium range.
		16.24	AM 2499	Surfaced.
		17.00		Aircraft on opposite course at the limit of visibility.
		18.25		Dived before aircraft.  Range = 5000 meters.  6 detonations at medium range.
		19.00	AM 2477	Surfaced.
		21.12	Dark night, obscured horizon	Submerged to pull torpedoes.  Shortly thereafter 8 depth charges at medium range.  Destroyer heard in the wake at high speed, did not shift out.  To the north also propeller sounds, either diesel or turbine, very loud.
		22.20		Surfaced, advanced to the north at 2 x HF, without success.
		23.00		Dived, heard:  Same propeller sounds, louder.  Continued on.
				Day's run:  142 nm Surfaced
				18 nm Submerged.
		23.02.41
		00.00	AM 2446	Dived.  Nothing more heard in the GHG.  Began transit into the assigned square.
			NNE 3, at times cloudy, Sea 2, rain showers
		04.00	AM 2333
		08.00	AM 2193
		10.00	AM 2163	Steamer sighted.  Suddenly came out of the mist.  Turned away, ran off at high speed to the limit of visibility.  Steamer zigzagged up to 120° (steamer transmits excitedly).
		11.15		Dived before 2 aircraft.  Steamer came towards the boat.  Prepared to attack.  Steamer zigzagged at range = 5000 meters to a broad position.  GHG reports powerful sounds.
				In the periscope at the limit of visibility a passenger steamer (20000 GRT) moving back and forth.
				Attempted to close submerged.
				Gave up, moved off, attempted to get to the limit of visibility to surface.
				Steamer turned away, direction 120°T.
		13.27		Surfaced.  Steamer still in the vicinity.  Periscope is bad.
		13.29		Dived, moved off further.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.41

	- 7 -
		continued
		23.02.41
		13.49		Surfaced.
		13.50		Dived before aircraft which passed over.  When out of sight in the periscope . . .
		14.18		surfaced.  Pursued at high speed.
		15.35	AM 2251	Convoy sighted bearing 90°T, another large passenger liner proceeding independently bearing 230°T.
		15.36		Dived before an aircraft circling the convoy.  Closed the convoy.  Seen:  convoy, about 50 vessels, 3 destroyers, ahead of the convoy 2 aircraft.  Destroyers are equipped with S-gear, locate loudly.
				5 columns of 10 vessels each, which proceed in line abreast.  Hold a destroyer ahead of the port column.  Turns towards me several times, however turns away again.  Continuous all around sweeps due to aircraft.  1 aircraft comes low at the periscope.  Retracted it.  No bombs.
				Closed to attack between the 1st and 2nd columns.
		17.11		Tube V at the first steamer of the port column. (see sketch!)  Tube runner.  Makes a tremendous noise.  Very unpleasant in the vicinity of the destroyers.  After 2 minutes the torpedo was ejected.  Bow shot aimed ay the 2nd steamer in the next column.  Certain shooting data, range = 600 meters.  No detonation.  Boat cut under momentarily.  Before the 3rd steamer of the 2nd column went to depth 20 meters.  Bow shot on about the 5th steamer of the 3rd column from 400-500 meters, certain shooting data.  No detonation.
				Turned away a little and back again and waited to shoot a bow shot from 300 meters at the 8th steamer in the 3rd column.  Waited to shoot until steamers in the 4th and 5th column overlapped.  A steamer in the 2nd column, "HELENUS" passed over my stern and probably noticed the boat, then set a signal.  No detonation.  All Etos in the tubes are shot, let myself fall back.
				G.H.G. reports approaching, locating destroyers, four in number.
		18.15		At short intervals three aft lying depth charges at 80-90° meters depth, changed course 2 times, destroyers were fainter.
		20.00	AM 2228	Surfaced.  Convoy out of sight.
				Radio Message to B.d.U. Radio Signal:
				Convoy in sight square AM 2214, steers 300°, low speed.
				Pursued at high speed.  Three torpedoes reloaded.
		20.16	Vis. good, but now and then rain showers	Three smokestack steamer (ILE DE FRANCE), zigzagging heavily, came in sight ahead between me and the convoy.  It is still too bright to attack.  Ran ahead of him on his general course 125°, until it was dark enough for a safe attack.

Sun and Moon Data 23.02.41

	- 8 -
		continue
		23.02.41
		22.02	AM 2228	Zigzag at the end was unfavorable.  Three-fan from at most 1500 meters.  The shadow was so large that the UZO binoculars just showed the area between the masts.  Target speed = 20 knots, target angle = 80°, intentional small spread order of 30 meters, 1200 meters range.  No detonations.
		22.16		Pursued at 3 x AK and after his next zigzag shot at about 3000 meters, target angle 110 - 120°, G 7a with torpedo speed 40 knots.  Miss likely.
				No more torpedoes in the tubes.  Came about and operated on the convoy again at high speed.
				Have the torpedoes below deck reloaded.
				Day's run:  151 nm Surfaced
				32 nm Submerged.
		24.02.41
		00.00	AM 2218
			NNE 3, at times overcast, Sea 2, clear, yet still rain showers
		02.25		Large series of star shells ahead to starboard.
				Turned towards it.  Convoy shoots star shells prophylactically.  Star shells were shot in a sector of over 90°.
		03.47	Vis. very good	Dived to listen.  Convoy heard.  Surfaced and pursued.  As it turned out later, the port part of the star shell sector was denied by a detached destroyer.
		05.48	AE 8989	Attacked three shadows under a chain of star shells.  The night is very clear and bright.  At about 2000 meters one shadow became sharp and quickly larger.  A destroyer.
				Escaped at AK under furious star-shells.  In the boat continuous depth charge detonations were heard.
		06.40		Second attack attempted from another side.  Before a ship's shadow is even seen, I am caught by star shells. I believe the lighting effect from star shells means little when it comes to U-boats.  Between a short shadow abeam to starboard, two destroyers astern to port.
				Barely escaped on the surface at AK.  Due to the great visibility and breaking dawn broke off surface attack.  Maneuvered ahead at high speed for day attack.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.41

	- 9 -
		continued
		24.02.41
		10.00	AE 8892	Convoy in sight, distance 15 nm, target angle 50°.
				Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Enemy convoy square AE 8892, course 300°, speed 7 knots.
				Continued to maneuver ahead.
		12.26		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Report every 2 hours, do not attack by day.
				Convoy comes to a westerly course.
		12.52		Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Convoy located square AE 8888, course 270°, speed 7 knots.
			Vis. very good	Am exactly ahead of the convoy, that like yesterday proceeds in 5 columns.  Tempting attack position.
		13.56		Smoke cloud ahead, fishing trawler, additionally mastheads bearing 30°T.  Continued to hold contact.
		14.56		Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Convoy located square AE 8879, course 270°, 7 knots.
		16.00	AE 8797	Aircraft over the convoy.  Move off further, so as not to be forced to dive.
		17.23	Vis. very good	Crash dive for Sunderland, which flies reconnaissance ahead of the convoy.
		17.43		Surfaced.  Maneuvered even further ahead.  Smoke clouds are still recognized faintly.
		19.00		As soon as the aircraft disappeared, ran to meet the convoy.  Destroyer comes out to meet.
				Again at highest speed on course 270°.
		19.45		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"U-552" first attack on orders.
		20.12	AE 8787	Destroyer comes about, smoke feather again in 30°T.
		20.22		Dived to listen.  Destroyer and steamer sounds bearing 30°T.
				So Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Enemy has changed course to NW.  Cause attack of "U-97".
				Pursued in direction 30°.
			Sudden weather deterioration, strong visibility reduction, rain, hail
		21.37		Dived to listen.  Destroyer sounds on all sides.  Could not be exploited.
			Vis. at times below 100 meters	Pursued again in old direction. Passed destroyers with set lights.
		22.10		Another dive to listen.  Destroyer sounds in 10°T.  Pursued in direction 10°.
		23.15		Bearing signals on order of B.d.U.

Sun and Moon Data 24.02.41

	- 10 -
		continued
		24.02.41
				Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Enemy out of sight square 8783.
				After an hour dove again to listen, nothing more heard.
		24.00	AE 8752	Day's run:  268 nm Surfaced
				7 nm Submerged.
		25.02.41	NNE 7, Vis. bad, rain and hail
		00.25		Surfaced.
				For now further searching with such bad visibility is pointless.
				Came to course 270° at HF under the presumption that the rest of the convoy, which in the meantime had been successfully attacked by "U-97", had probably dispersed and taken general course west.
		00.33		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Pursue. Establish contact again by all means.
		02.20		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Attack free.  Thereafter hold contact, even if out of torpedoes.
		04.00	AE 8752
		08.00	AE 7961
		09.50		Came to course 0° at LF to catch it at the beginning of lightness.
		11.30	Vis. bad, hail squalls, Sea 5-6	Dived to listen in a hail squall.  Propeller sounds to port and starboard.  Nothing seen in the periscope.
		11.58	AE 7924	Surfaced.  With improved visibility 4 steamers each of about 5000 GRT, course 260°.  Am forced to dive again. Target angle hopeless for submerged attack.
		13.10	For the entire day Vis. changing from 50 meters up to 10000 meters, Sea 6-7	Surfaced at the limit of visibility.  A short time later driving snow sets in.  Pursued at higher speed, so as not to lose contact.
		13.37		Crash dive for a large tanker, which suddenly appeared to starboard at a distance of 1000 meters with a temporary pause in the driving show.  Estimated at 10000-14000 tons.
		13.54		As soon as it was no longer distinguished in the periscope, surfaced.  Tanker runs at least 14 knots.  Disappeared in driving snow, which sets in again.  Followed at higher speed.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.41

	- 11 -
		continued
		25.02.41
		14.22		Dived before a steamer which came up from astern due to a sudden clearing.  It turned out to be about 2000 tons in ballast. Due to the heavy Sea State did not shoot.  Steamer yawed up to 50°.
		15.07		Surfaced.  I came to the conviction that we are dealing with parts of the dispersed convoy.
			From 15.30 - 18.30 hours heaviest driving snow, Vis. less than 50 meters
		16.00	AE 7917	Radio Message to B.d.U.:  Have contact on small parts of the Convoy AE 7915, Sea 6-7, driving snow.
				Ran in the heaviest driving snow at higher speed to the west, to catch them one more time.
		18.24		Radio Message to B.d.U.:  Have lost contact.
		18.28		Crash dive for steamer which emerged during a brief improvement in visibility.  Target angle 160°.
		18.58		Surfaced.  Followed.  To see the steamer above.
		19.05	Vis. continually changing in show and hail showers, Sea 6	Out of the driving snow comes a new steamer to port on a parallel course.  Was forced to turn away to starboard into a band of snow.
				In so doing the 1st steamer passes out of sight.  Attempted to attack the 2nd steamer on the surface in a new heavy snowfall.  At that moment it cleared again, ran off with a small silhouette.  The watch on the steamer did not see us.  Additionally determined that the steamer was only of 2000 tons.  Did not attack in this Sea State, the target had too little draft.
		20.00	AE 7828	It clears up to the west. With visibility of 10 nm nothing is seen.
		20.53		Came to an easterly course, to catch stragglers.  Until the beginning of darkness on the surface.
		22.00	AE 7837	Dived to listen.
			The weather is against us	Remained submerged for two hours, nothing more heard.
				The last two steamers probably couldn't keep up with the rest of the convoy.
				Day's run:  151 nm Surfaced
				17 nm Submerged.
		26.02.41
		00.00	NE 4, overcast, Sea 4, rain clouds at times minimal Vis.
		00.08		Surfaced.
				Another 4 hours at low speed on easterly course.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.41

	- 12 -
		continued
		26.02.41
		02.08		Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Convoy dispersed.  No contact.  Weapons use limited due to weather conditions.
		03.41		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				If no contact, occupy the following attack areas:
				Between 17°30'W and 14°00'W
				U-108 between 61°00 and 60°20N
				U-552       "       south therefrom to 59°40'N
				U-95         "       south therefrom to 59°00'N
		04.00	AE 7918	Course changed to 130°.
				Transit into the new attack area.
		08.00	AE 7958
			After temporary weather improvement strong weather deterioration, NW 7, Sea 7
		12.00	AL 3133	Weapons use no longer possible.
		16.00	AL 3254
		20.00	AL 3291
		22.00	Driving snow	Dived with Sea 7-8 and Vis. 10-50 meters.
				Day's run:  171 nm Surfaced
				13 nm Submerged.
		27.02.41
		04.00	NNE 9, Sea 8, hail and snow squalls, weather conditions continually bad	Surfaced.  With 1 diesel LF continued to run in a favorable angle to the seas, otherwise there is danger to the bridge watch.
		08.00	AM 1174
		12.00	AM 1178
		16.00	AM 1313
		20.00	AM 1328
		22.30		Dived due to low visibility and for long duration work on the diesels.  Cleaned the oil strainer.
		24.00	AM 1328	Day's run:  46 nm Surfaced
				8 nm Submerged.
		28.02.41
		04.00	NNE 9, Sea 7
			AM 1324
		05.00	Wind jumping to SE strength 5	Surfaced.  Weather is somewhat better, however still no weapons use possible.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.41

	- 13 -
		continued
		28.02.41
		08.00	AM 1316
			SE 5, Sea 6
		12.00	AM 1324
		16.00	AM 1335
		20.00	AL 3469
		21.00	After celestial navigation fix in 4 days bad weather difference between dead reckoning and actual position of 65 nm in 240°T
			AM 1344 lower-right
		22.40		Dived due to bad visibility.
				Day's run:  94 nm Surfaced
				6 nm Submerged.
		01.03.41
		05.00	AM 1335	Surfaced.
			E 4, cloudy, Sea 3, clear except for snow squalls
		07.26		2 times flashing searchlight.  Closed at high speed.  Nothing more seen.
		08.00	AM 1284
		08.30		Dived to listen.  Nothing heard.
		08.42		Surfaced.
		10.23	E 3	Two smoke clouds in sight.  Closed at high speed.  One smoke cloud disappeared slowly.  The other was an enormous tanker, proceeding at high speed on a NNE course, target angle 110°.  Attempted to maneuver ahead at the limit of visibility.
		11.23		Was forced to submerged by an aircraft which protected the tanker.
		12.00	AM 1254
		12.13		Surfaced.
		12.35		A 2nd cloud in sight bearing 340°T.  Over both vessels a flying boat circles (Sunderland), strikes out in all sectors.  Was often forced to turn away and to go to low speed settings, so as not to show myself by my wake.
		15.11	E 2, clear, Vis. good, fair weather	Crash dive for aircraft.  Could not be avoided.  With the strong nose down angle the safety straps of the aft torpedo broke.  The torpedo rushed forward.  Diving plane was bent.  Torpedo later secured again by on board means.
		15.44		Surfaced.
		16.00	AN 1235

	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.03.41

	- 14 -
		continued
		01.03.41
		17.55		Tanker is moving back and forth.  Held the boat at the limit of visibility to the east of the tanker.
		18.30		Dived for a destroyer which came over the horizon to the east of me, so that I am between the tanker and the destroyer.
				Suspect:  Convoy assembly point.
				Sounds of the tanker shift out to the south.  Of the destroyer only S-gear is heard.
		20.00	AN 1232	Surfaced.
				Tanker is still in sight, moved off to the SSE.  Next to it two small smoke feathers.
		23.30	Very good visibility night	Pursued at to the limit of visibility 3 1/2 hours until the tanker was in target angle 80°, 5000 meters range, easily seen.  Waited for dark clouds, from these ran towards the tanker at high speed.  On coming closer recognized:  tanker is the port outer ship of a line abreast of 6-8 medium or small steamers.  Ahead a destroyer.  Destroyer turned towards and away again.  Slowed down to avoid a high bow sea.  The approach takes a long time because the tanker is very large and range was overestimated.
			[probaly a typo for underestimated]
				This results in target angle 100°.
		23.54	AM 2175	With depth = 2 meters, target speed = 8 knots, a multiple shot from an estimated range of 2000 meters.  One torpedo broached briefly, otherwise normal run in the medium swell.  Two detonations after 2 minutes 58 seconds, therefore 2700 meters.  Gigantic sheet of flame and enormous smoke development. The surroundings were brightly illuminated.  Moved off with a small silhouette.  Tanker estimated at 12000-14000 GRT.
			Very good visibility, Sea 4
				According to Gröner's pocketbook silhouettes come in question:
				"CADILLAC"       12062 BRT
				"SARANAC"        12049   "
				"SAN MELITE"    12286  "
				For propulsion piston engine was heard.  Tanker just fit in the binoculars at 2700 meters.  Tanker was fully loaded and the oil burned in a large patch for several hours.
				Day's run:  225 nm Surfaced
				9 nm Submerged.
		02.03.41
		00.12	S 2, at times overcast, Sea 2, clear except for isolated show clouds	As soon as I am out of the direct fiery glow, again operated on the convoy.  10 depth charges heard.
				Radio Signal:  Enemy convoy in sight, AM 2175, runs at low speed.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.41

	- 15 -
		continued
		02.03.41		Was not picked up by Control.  Let the crew come up individually to have a part in the grandiose spectacle.  The convoy is behind the torch.  Maneuvered ahead at first to the south, then turned to the west.  Was forced off by a destroyer.  Cannot pursue.  The destroyer is positioned in a black cloud while the boat is before the bright horizon.
		02.20	Clouds increased, Vis. decreased	Repeated the radio signal.  Again Control did not receive.  Another boat, probably U-108, repeated.
		02.24		Dived to listen.  Heard 2 destroyers, one to the north, one to the west, both in the immediate vicinity.
		02.36		Surfaced.  Given sectors are completely black, partly from oil smoke.  Very unfavorable for the boat.  Moved off further to the south, then to the east, direction of the convoy.
		04.00	AM 2346
			SW 3, overcast, Sea 3
		04.32		Dived to listen.  Nothing further heard.
		04.55		Surfaced.  Continued to the SE in the general direction of the convoy.
		07.31		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"U-108" asks by Short Signal for bearings from the contact keeper.  A report was not received here.
				Because there is no further contact, gave no bearing signals.
		08.00	AM 2367
		09.38		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Reconnaissance reports apparently given this evening have not yet been received by B.d.U.  If delivery is still essential try again on circuit in accordance with War Order 201 s.
				Gave up the convoy, which was insignificant anyway after lighting off the tanker, because there is no contact.  Began transit to the last ordered square.
		11.30		Crash dive for aircraft.  Very close.
		12.35	AM 2365	Aircraft in the periscope.
			W 3
		13.10		Another aircraft on the horizon to the east.  Showed a small silhouette.
		14.15		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Northern Boats U-70, U-108, U-552, U-95, U-99, U-47 course south.
		13.45		Aircraft on the horizon to the east.  Showed a small silhouette.
		14.15		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Convoy by air report 10.30 hours square AN

Sun and Moon Data 02.03.41

	- 16 -
		continued
		02.03.41		2991, course west.  Northern boats form a reconnaissance line from AL 3794 to 6259.  From 10.00 hours course east, 7 knots.  Italians lengthen the wings.
		14.30		Came to course 235°, 2 x HF.
		16.00	AM 2382
		17.30		One after another 2 small steamers avoided.
		18.31		Radio Message:
				Northern Boats from B.d.U.
				1.  From 09.30 hours stand by for aircraft bearing reception on 670 meter wavelength.
				2.  On receipt of bearing signals immediately report position by square and bearing direction by Short Signal.
				3.  Await operational orders.
				B.d.U.
		20.00	AM 1631
			W 3, Sea 4
		20.55		Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Heavy traffic square AM 12 and 21.  1 tube, 6 torpedo failures, 1 miss, 2 hits 12000 ton tanker square AM 1623.
		23.42		Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Position square AN 1565.  At highest speed 10.00 hours square AL 3939.  Cannot reach position in reconnaissance line.
				Day's run:  238 nm Surfaced
				6 nm Submerged.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 9 nm.
		03.03.41
		00.00	AM 1567
			W 3, misty, hail, Sea 3-4
		04.00	AM 1714
		04.36		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				U-99 cannot reach position in reconnaissance line.  Remaining boats redistribute accordingly.
				New position for us:  square 3991.
		08.00	AL 3885	Because this position cannot be reached at 10.00 hours headed for square 3993.
				Arrival there 12.00 hours the time for this plotted position in the reconnaissance line.
		10.33		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				With enemy contact, contact keeper do not attack by day, only report.  Remaining boats

	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.03.41

	- 17 -
		continued
		03.03.41
				Short Signal "Yes" if at convoy and attacking.
		11.00		Bearing signal from aircraft.  Quite broad minimum.
		11.09		Radio Signal:
				Square 0344 upper-center edge, 95°T.
		12.00	AL 0344	Kr. from B.d.U.:
			Freshening W 3, Sea 4	U-70 - U-47 course north 7 knots.
		17.08		After receiving bearing signals from aircraft.
				Radio Signal:
				Square 0349 center right edge, 85°T.
				Was not heard by Control.  Repeated three times by U-boats, always still not acknowledged.
		18.06		Radio Message:
				Give same Signal on new wavelength.
		18.19		Understood by Control Station.
		19.25	NW 4	Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Bearing signal were not given by aircraft.  Position and Short Signals were superfluous and misleading.
				To that: "Anton" was heard clearly  by my Radiomaaten several times and in fact was from an aircraft transmitter.
		20.00	AL 0316	Strong weather deterioration.  Watch strapped in.
			NNE 7, overcast, hail, Sea 5
		20.37		Radio Message to U-70 - U-47:
				Continue on until 24.00 hours, then form patrol line from square AL 3627 - AL 0321.
				Not understood because there is still 60 nm to the position in patrol line.
			Due to hail and show squalls often minimal Vis.	Was cleared up by an outstanding Radio Message with time group 16.53, not heard due to poor receiving conditions, and first received at 21.30 hours.
		21.30		Radio Message U-70 - U-47:
				Speed 10 knots.
				In the mean time it has freshened, so that LF, 6 knots against the sea is prudent.
				Sea also Radio Message U-47:
				Speed 10 knots cannot be maintained due to weather.
				and Radio Message U-108:
				Speed due to weather 3 knots, Vis. at times less than 100 meters.
		24.00		Day's run:  232 nm Surfaced

Sun and Moon Data 03.03.41

	- 18 -
		04.03.41	N 5, clear, Sea 3, moonshine
		04.00	AL 3816
		05.00	AL 3813	Reached position in patrol line.
		08.00	AL 3813
			NW 3
		11.48		Radio message from B.d.U.:
				Northern Boats and U-99"  Course N, transit speed.
		12.00	AL 3821
		12.29		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Condor reports 09.00 hours outbound convoy, 40 ships, 6 destroyers square AM 2554.  UA, U-70, U-47, U-99, U-95, U-108, U-552 on 5 March 10.00 hours form patrol line from square AL 3213 to square AL 3676.  Italian U-boats on the southern wing. . .
		16.00	AL 3676
		16.29	Driving snow, Vis. 1000 meters	Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				UA - U-552 from 10.00 hours be in patrol line from square AL 3122 - square 3585, not from square AL 3213 - 3676.
		20.00	AL 3677
		22.10		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				UA - U-552 from patrol line from 10.00 hours course 115°, 10 knots.  Contact keeper do not attack by day.  Report hourly.  Remaining boats Short Signal "Yes" if at convoy.
		24.00	AL 3595	Day's run:  113 nm Surfaced
				10 nm Submerged.
		05.03.41
		04.00	AL 3585
			NNE 3, clear, Sea 2, moonshine
		08.00	AL 3585
			Rain shower, Vis. clear
		10.00		Began transit 115°, 10 knots.
		12.00	AL 3589
		16.00	AL 3815	Speed 10 knots is quite high in the prevailing weather conditions to maintain a proper lookout.
		20.00	AL 3861
		21.19	Bright night, moonshine	Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Maintain reconnaissance line.
		21.49		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Reconnaissance line settled.  U-95 begin return transit.  Attach areas occupy. . . . .
				U-552 area west of Rockall Bank.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.41

	- 19 -
		continued
		05.03.41
		24.00	AL 3868	Day's run:  168 nm Surfaced
				14 nm Submerged.
		06.03.41	N 5, Sea 5, clear except for a few low hanging rain clouds
		04.00	AM 1771
		08.00	AM 1776	Carried out test dive.
		12.00	AM 1951
		16.00	AM 1984
		20.00	AM 4131	No traffic southwest of Rockall Bank.
		22.00	AM 4131	Dived due to weather conditions.  Vis. bad.  Listened submerged.
				Day's run:  117 nm Surfaced
				3 nm Submerged.
		07.03.41
		00.00	AM 4131
			N 4, clear, Sea 3, moonshine, Vis. clear
		04.00		Surfaced.
		08.00	AM 1984
			Cloudy
		12.00	AM 1928
		16.00	AM 1922
		20.00	AM 1794
		24.00	AM 1766	Day's run:  82 nm Surfaced
				8 nm Submerged.
		08.03.41
		00.00	N 2, clear, Sea 1, moonshine, Vis. clear	Dived to listen.
		00.30		Surfaced.
		02.30		Dived to listen.
		03.00		Surfaced.
		04.00	AM 1818	Switched over to buoyancy condition A.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.41

	- 20 -
		continued
		08.03.41
				Determined:  Emergency vent valve for main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank II is out of service.
		08.00	AM 1822
		12.00	AM 1851
			ENE 2
		12.30		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				U-95, U-552 from tomorrow to 20 March each give two weather reports daily between 01.00 hours and 05.00 hours and between 10.00 hours and 12.00 hours.  U-95 from square AL 60 lower half, U-552 from line from square AL 36 to square AM 16.  Report necessary return transit 48 hours before setting off by Short Signal zzz.
		12.30		Rockall Rock abeam.
				Began transit into weather reporting area.
		16.00	AM 1873
		19.15		Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Request signature for Short Signal weather report.
		20.00	AM 1829
		21.50		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				The code letter for Short Signal weather reports from U-552 is eq.
		24.00	AM 1692	Day's run:  163 nm Surfaced
				3 nm Submerged.
		09.03.41	NE 1, clear, Sea 1, moonshine, misty
		02.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	AM 1655
		08.00	AM 1614
		10.33		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		10.44	Fog	Dived due to fog.
		12.36	AM 1389
			Fog breaking up	Surfaced.
		16.00	AM 1529
		20.00	AM 1592	Downloaded forward over deck torpedo.  Aft no longer possible, because the weather freshens.
		24.00	AM 1814	Day's run:  160 nm Surfaced
				4 nm Submerged.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.41

	- 21 -
		10.03.41	NE 2, misty, Sea 1, cloudy
		00.20		Test dive and listened.
		11.10		Surfaced.
		02.05		Sent weather report.
		04.00	AM 1676
		07.11		Dived due to fog.
		09.32	AM 1652	Surfaced.
		10.18	Fog, Vis. up to about 200 meters	Sent weather report.  Was not received from Control.  11.52 hours sent anew.  Again not received.  Set at 17.06 hours.  Was understood by Control via radio repeater at 17.12 hours.
		12.00	AM 1626
			NE 4, fog, cleared up, a few low hanging rain clouds remained
		13.18		Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-95, U-552:
				Only one weather report each daily between 10.00 and 12.00 hours.
		15.17		Passed a drifting mine.
		16.00	AM 1493
		16.17		2 masts sighted.
				Closed them.  Seems to be a patrol vessel on course 140-150°.  Sighted in target angle 100-110°.  Intention:  Maneuver ahead at the limit of visibility.  View submerged.
				Maneuver ahead is complicated by occasional arising lines of fog.
				Patrol vessel runs at 8-9 knots.  Often changes course 10-20° to port and starboard.  General course 145°.
		20.05	AM 2528	Dived in target angle 10°.
				Small steamer with short barreled cannon on the stern, about 1000 GRT.
		20.52		From 400 meters, target angle 80°, speed 8 knots, bow shot, depth 1.5 meters, certain shooting data.  Torpedo was heard in the G.H.G.  Sounds on collision course.  After 20 seconds torpedo sounds break off abruptly, no detonation.  Steamer sets lights, was dimmed.
		21.15		Surfaced.  Remained in the wake at the limit of visibility.  Now the cannon should speak.  Despite the cloudiness it is quite bright.  2 days before full moon.  Temporarily the moon comes out of the clouds.  Unfavorable for stalking.
				Waited until 23.00 hours.  Target speed = 8 knots is confirmed.

Sun and Moon Data 10.03.41

	- 22 -
		continued
		10.03.41
				Cannon and M.G. C 30 ready.
				Ran in at high speed.
		23.14		Began by shooting the 8.8 cm at 800 meters.  Shortly before came to LF, set off a bit to windward, Sea State 3, shooting direction 30°.  The 2nd shot hit in the rigging and probably destroyed the antenna.  After the 3rd shot the cannon malfunctioned.  MG C 30 opened fire, so that they do not regain their courage over there.  Steamer was covered with 2 cm fire.  Firing mechanism of the 8.8 cm is out of service. Continued firing with a lanyard.  This makes aiming uncertain.  Additionally the boat lurches heavily.
				After about 10 shots the steamer burns in the bridge superstructure, turned away, turned towards.  Range decreases to 300 meters.  Turned away for a new approach.  While turning away continually raked with the M.G. C 30.
				During the new approach a boiler hit.  Steamer remains maneuverable, however does not sink.  His stern cannon did not come into play.  Continued shooting, until both cannons were out of service.
				Total ammunition consumed:
				103 rounds of 8.8 cm,
				592         "         2 cm.
				8.8 cannon has a cracked shell, shell cannot be ejected.
				2 cm has a shell in the barrel, cannot be ejected.
				Moved off.
		23.47		Steamer sank after 5 minutes.  Probably no survivors.  Lifeboats were already shot up in the first salvos.  Moved off to the west.
		24.00	AM 2592	Day's run:  210 nm Surfaced
				4 nm Submerged.
		11.03.41	SE 2, at times cloudy, Sea 2, from time to time bright moonshine
		00.22		Radio Message to B.d.U. Short Signal:
				Return transit necessary in 48 hours.  Still 38 tons of fuel.
		00.48		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				U-552 begins return transit in 48 hours.
		01.16		Test dive to balance the boat for the expended ammunition.  Listened.
		01.26		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.41

	- 23 -
		continued
		11.03.41
		04.00	AM 1665
		08.00	AM 1646
		11.06	Rain showers	Sent weather report.
		12.00	AM 1565	Both cannons are in service again.
			SSW 2
		16.00	AM 1531
		20.00	AM 1564
		24.00	AM 1596	Day's run:  173 nm Surfaced
				1 nm Submerged.
		12.03.41	SE 4, few clouds, Sea 4, misty
		03.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	AM 1618
		08.00	AM 1681
		08.37		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				U-552 after weather report midday 12 March begin return transit.
		12.10	AM 1851	Sent Short Signal weather report.  Began return transit.
			ESE 5, Sea 5
		16.00	AM 0124	Passed an air balloon medium size, altitude 500-800 meters.  Beneath the balloon parachutes, including a four-sided object.  Looked like a runaway observation station.  Did not shoot due to ground fog.
		20.00	AM 0187	With the rising Sea State strong banging on the starboard side at the level of the control room.
			ESE 6, long Swell, moonshine
				Flood valve of main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank IV starboard apparently torn loose.
		24.00	AM 4612	Day's run:  243 nm Surfaced
		13.03.41	SE 5, overcast, Sea 4
		04.00	AM 4672
			SE 4
		08.00	AM 4945
		10.00	Sea 3	Test dive.
		12.00	AM 7315
		14.10		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				U-552 go to St. Nazaire.
		16.00	AM 7375

	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.41

	- 24 -
		continued
		13.03.41
		20.00	AM 7615
			Moonshine
		24.00	AM 7678	Day's run:  220 nm Surfaced
		14.03.41	E 2, misty, still bright night
		04.00	AM 7978
			NE 2
		08.00	BE 3378
			NW 2, clear sky
		12.00	BE 3675
			Vis. very good
		16.00	BE 6361
		20.00	BF 4176
		21.00		Short Signal:
				Position 36 hours off return harbor.
		24.00	BF 4439	Day's run:  330 nm Surfaced
		15.03.41	NE 2, clear starry sky, Sea 1, high Swell
		04.00	BF 4561
		08.00	BF 4655
		11.15		Test dive.
		12.00	BF 5448
		1419		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				For U-552 escort positioned N 1 on 16 Mar 15.00 hours.
		16.00	BF 5467
		20.00	BF 5573
		24.00	BF 5596
		16.03.41
		04.00	BF 6456
		05.30		Put the boat on the bottom
		13.00		Surfaced.
		14.20		Taken in convoy at N 1.
		18.10		Entered the St. Nazaire Normandie lock.
		18.30		Made fast St. Nazaire.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.41

 

	Enclosures to U-552's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Sketch	Combat sketch
Torpedo	Torpedo firing reports

 

	"U-552"
	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote.
	The very well executed patrol deserved better success than resulted due to torpedo failures.  Especially noteworthy was the first attack of the Kommandanten on a convoy on 23 February.
		Signed in draft:  D  ö  n  i  t  z  .
		For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote.
		The Chief of the Operations Department.
		Signed in draft:  G  o  d  e  .

---

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