U-586 - 7th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Ken Dunn and Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Bergen	2 March 1943	Narvik	13 March 1943	12

 

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
9 Mar 43	22.00	67°21'N, 8°22.5'W	PUERTO RICAN	6.076	American	RA-53
			Total = 6,076
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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	- B.Nr. Gkdos 130 -
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				"  U  586.  "
				1.12.42 - 13.3.43
				Kommandant:
				Kptlt.  v.der Esch.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
				The last K.T.B. concluded on 1.12.42.
				From 1.12. - 6.12.42 in Bergen.
				6.12. at 12.00 hours ready for sea, began transit to Kiel with escort.
				Arrived in Kiel 10.12.42, continued to Hamburg on 11.12.
				Shipyard period in Hamburg at Blohm und Voß from 12.12.42 - 06.2.43.
				7.2. transfer of the boat to Kiel.
				08.2. to 24.2. in Kiel
				Pressure dock test, overhaul of the exhaust gas distributor and the forward diving plane.
				Outfitting.
				25.2. began transit with escort to Bergen.
				1.3.43 arrived in Bergen at 15.00 hours.
				Made fast Marineholm.
		02.03.43	Bergen
				Morning cleaned ship and work service.  Shifted the boat to the shipyard.
				Officer-Only Radio Message 12.35 hours
				Kr.Kr. 11 Uflottille.
				1.)  U-586, "Esch" depart as soon as ready for sea, head for square AB 55 at day's run 300 nm.
				2.)  Acknowledge F.d.U./M.N.O. Bergen Gkdos 05475 of 2.3.1943.
		18.00		Ready for sea.
		18.15	NNW 5-6, Sea 6, heavy Swell, 10/10, 1026 mb, Vis. up to 3 nm, snow-hail showers, +6°C	Trim test.
		18.55		Final trim test broken off due to too low water density.  Boat has 3 tons negative buoyancy.  After surfacing transit with escort to Hellisøy.
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt

Sun and Moon Data 02.03.43

	- 2 -
		03.03.43	Norwegian Sea
				Course 290°, HF.
		02.00	NW 5, slowly abating, 1029 mb, slightly rising, later falling again, Sea 3-4 initially abating, later 5-6, +6°C, Vis. quickly changing, rain showers with hail	Course 350°, HF.  Can only run at HF due to the Sea State.
		04.00		Square AF 8758.
		06.33		Final trim test repeated in square AF 8725 and afterwards balanced the boat.
		08.00		Surfaced, square AF 8725
		10.00		Course 0°, HF.
		12.00	Vis. quickly changing	Square AF 8454.  Day's run - 158.5 nm.
		13.00	Rain showers with hail	2 x HF.  Sea State has decreased.
		16.00		Square AF 8157.
		18.15		GF.
		18.59		Radio Message 15.22 hours
				Convoy 12.10 hours AC 5542, course 280°.  After sighted by forward destroyer forced to submerge.  Listening pursuit, depth charges, attack canceled.  NbyW 4, Sea 3, Vis. greatly changing, snow showers.
				Göllnitz.
		19.30		2 x HF.  It has freshened again, must go to HF again so that the lookouts are not too hindered.
		20.00		Square AF 5781.
		24.00		"     AF 5484.
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt

Sun and Moon Data 03.03.43

	- 3 -
		04.03.43	Norwegian Sea
			SW 3-4, later shifting to the SE to 4-5, Sea 3-4, Swell, Vis. up to 4 nm, 10/10, snow and hail showers, 1020 mb, falling to 1012 mb, +5°C	Course 0°, 2 x HF.
		04.00		Square AF 5187.
		04.13		Radio Message  03.10 hours
				Kr.Kr.
				from "Queck":
				Convoy square AC 4354.
				Course 280°, speed 8 knots.
				By plotting the convoy should be in about square AB 55 in 48 hours.
				Presumably we will be in AB 55 in 30 hours.
		08.00		Square AF 5121
		10.18		Radio Message  22.20 hours
				Convoy AC 4623, course NW.
				"La Baume".
		11.30		Square AF 2727, test dive.
		12.00		Square AF 2724.  Day's run - 286 nm
		12.24		Surfaced.
		12.26		Course 10°.
		16.00		Square AF 2429.
		17.00		Deep dive test and damage control exercises.
				Square AF 2425.
		18.35		Surfaced.
		18.37		Crash dive for training.
		18.52		Surfaced.
		20.00		Square AF 2166.
		21.30		Course 5°, 2 x HF.
		24.00		Course AB 8795.
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt

Sun and Moon Data 04.03.43

	- 4 -
		05.03.43	Norwegian Sea
		00.55	Wind shifting to E 6-7, later again to the SE 5-6, Sea 6, heavy Swell, Vis. up to 6 nm, 10/10, rain, 1007 mb slowly rising to 1011 mb, +3°C	Reche reports 00.30 hours contact on 2 destroyers in square AB 6556.
		04.00		Square AB 8496, course 5°.
		07.29		Reche reports 06.58 hours convoy AB 6713, course southwest, 8 knots, NE 2, Stratus 1000 meters, Vis. 30 nm.
		07.49		Queck reports 07.22 hours smoke clouds AB 6484.  Vis. 10-12 nm.
				The two positions agree.
		08.00		Square AB 8199.
		11.38		Test dive in square AB 8214.
		12.00		Square AB 8214, day's run = 274 nm.
		12.16		Surfaced.  Went to LF, course 45°, to run against, expect convoy course 240°.
		12.36		Reche reports 11.50 hours:
				09.26 hours AB 5939 each 1 hit on 2 medium freighters.
		13.43		F.d.U. announces:
				Altogether 29 steamers, 8 destroyers, 12 escorts, full screen.
		15.00		Radio bearing sender gives "A" in direction 63°T.
				It reports course 240°, bearing 60°T.
				Distance 20 nm. Wind 90°.
		15.05		Came to course 60°.
		16.00		Square AB 5884
		17.40		Stopped in square AB 5885.  Aft net deflector torn, hangs below the propellers.  Propellers are clear.  Up to darkness retrieval attempts fail due to the seas.  The starboard propeller can be turned in an emergency.  Still a blessing in disguise.
		20.00		Square AB 5883.
		21.57		F.d.U. Orders 21.12 hours:
				If no contact or clues 6 March be in patrol line from square AB 7376 to 7936.  Order:  Bugs, Queck, Reche, Esch, Göllnitz

Sun and Moon Data 05.03.43

	- 5 -
		continued
		05.03.43	Norwegian Sea
		22.00		In Fu.M.B. (combined gear) faint detection impulse on 139 cm bearing 60°T, lower tone.
		23.00		Loud detection impulse, however still searching, bearing 90-100°.  At times turned off for pauses of about 5 minutes.
		23.30		Detection very loud, holds the boat, bearing 95°T, however still switches off.
		23.24		Starboard diesel LF, course 20°.
		23.29		Starboard diesel HF,    "       "
		23.30		From now the boat was continually held by radar.  Bearing in 95°T.  From 60°T suddenly a second radar, very loud.
				Higher tone.
		23.34		Both radars hold the boat, steady tone, very loud.  In my opinion we have been detected.
		23.35		Dived to depth A -30 meters.  A single very faint sound bearing in 34°T, shifts slowly astern and is lost from the gear.  Nothing to starboard, therefore the distance must have been very great.  Initially remained in the cellar, because above I cannot do anything anyway.
		24.00		Square AB 5883.
				Good experience since locating sounds were heard at a distance of 5 meters from the headphones.
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt

Sun and Moon Data 05.03.43

	- 6 -
		06.03.43	Norwegian Sea
		04.00	Wind and sea have increased strongly, have shifted over E to SW 7-8 in squalls 11, Sea 7, long high Swell freshening to 9, snow and rain, barometer falling strongly from 1011 to 989 mb, Vis. up to 6 nm, +2°C	Starboard diesel LF.  Square AB 5859.  Course 20°.
		04.45		Surfaced. .
		04.58		Breakdown report sent.  Control acknowledged
		05.45		"Reche" reported 05.07 hours square AB 8159 sound band around 70°T.
		06.00		Beginning of twilight.  Again attempted to get rid of the net deflector.  The stern is continually submerged, despite a firm grip Masch.Ob.Gfr. Opitz, went overboard three times.  Nevertheless has still worked effectively and threw the "bird" overboard at 07.00 hours.
		06.57		F.d.U. Orders 06.25 hours:
				1.)  Göllnitz occupies Esch position.
				2.)  Queck instead of Esch report weather at 07.00 hours.
				3)  Esch await weather improvement.
		07.02		Both LF, course 240°.
		07.21		Both 2 x HF, course 240°.
		07.46		F.d.U. Orders:  03.19 hours.
				1.)  All from 07.00 hours 60°T, 8 knots for 2 hours.
				2.)  Esch 07.00 hours report weather for the Luftwaffe.
				3.)  Expect interference in short wave propagation in the aurora zone.
		08.00		Square AB 5882.
		08.10		Ready report with weather attached sent 2 times.  Was not understood by Control.
		09.27		Both diesels LF the seas were too heavy.  The next breaker bent the shaft of the Fu.M.G. about 30°, so that it could no longer be retracted.
		09.28		Course 60°.  Catch spring of the conning tower hatch must be replaced.  If this damage from the seas continues there will not be much left of the boat.
		10.11		Back on course 240°, LF, however could not be held because the bathtub [bridge] is continually green. [overrun by green seas]
		10.15		Came to course 270°, LF.  A confused sea is criss-crossed.

Sun and Moon Data 06.03.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		06.03.43	Norwegian Sea
		12.00		Square AB 5872.  Day's run - 64 nm.
				Course 270°, LF.
		12.55		F.d.U. to all 11.59 hours:
				By air convoy located 09.10 hours square AB 7364, course 250°.
		13.04		F.d.U. to all 11.55 hours:
				1.)  If no contact from 15.00 hours set off to be in patrol line from square AB 7711 to square AE 3313 in old order.
				2.)  Bugs ice reconnaissance . . . . . .
		13.40		Changed to course 220°.  Wind WbyS 8-9, Sea 7.
		14.30		Crash dive for aircraft.  Dive square AB 5874.
				Type not recognized.  Boat got under badly with the seas 30° from ahead.  The new conning tower?
		15.15		Surfaced.  Course 220°.
		15.30		Starboard diesel 250 RPM.  We have to tread water.
		15.31		Radio Message:
				Position for 7 March 06.00 hours unreachable.  Square AB 5796.  W 9, Sea 7.
				"Esch".
				Radio Message has incorrect encoding.  Was corrected on request by Control at 16.34 hours.
		16.00		Square AB 5796.
		18.16		All from F.d.U. 17.44 hours:
				1.)  Operation continues.
				2.)  Scattering of steamers is possible due to weather conditions.
				3.)  Continue operation in the direction of the patrol line.
		20.00		Square AB 5799.
		24.00		Square AB 8132.
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt

Sun and Moon Data 06.03.43

	- 8 -
		07.03.43	Norwegian Sea
		04.00	A slow improvement in the weather begins, wind shifting from SW 7-8 to WbyN 5-6, Vis. 4 nm, at times Vis. reduced to 100 meters, 10/10, snow, barometer rising from 985 to 1001 mb, sea very rough and there was a long Swell, -2°C	Square AB 8134.
		08.00		Square AB 8129.
		12.00		Square AB 8154.  Day's run = 58.5 nm.
		13.50		F.d.U. to all 13.04 hours:
				For 17.00 hours report position by Short signal.
		15.16		Short Signal:  AB 8181.
				"U-586"
		15.30		Square AB 8181 bearing 190°T, 6 nm a steamer of about 6000 tons comes in sight.  Steers about 270-280°.
				Turned away to course 300°.
		15.40		Both diesels HF.
		16.00		Square AB 8155.
		16.05		Steamer turned away, however had not seen us.  Turned after to 250°.  Attempt to run at GF is prevented by the Sea State.  The boat submerges for several seconds at a time.
		16.25		Steamer passes out of sight in a snow squall.
		16.35		Turned to close on course 220°.
				Radio Message from Control 15.44 hours:
				Send Short Signal 1516 again.
				Cannot transmit now, so did not send the Short Signal again.
		16.38		Steamer still not in sight again, came to course 180°.
		17.07		Steamer came in sight large out of a snow squall 3 nm away in 130°T.  Steers 230°.  Turned away to course 280°.
		17.14		Turned towards to course 230°.  We areto weather, he cannot see us in this foul weather.
		17.36		Steamer disappeared in a new snow squall.  Ran on course 180°.
		17.45		Ran on course 140°.
		17.48		Steamer came in sight again bearing 70°T, 3nm away, still steers 230°.  Turned away to course 230°.

Sun and Moon Data 07.03.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		07.03.43
		17.48		Visibility deteriorated in snow squalls to 2 nm.  If it clears again I want to attempt to attack him submerged, which will be a tough piece of work for the Chief Engineer. The seas have subsided a bit however we can run in athwart the seas and hopefully the torpedoes will work.
		17.53		Came to course 180° again because the steamer is out of sight.
		18.00		Square AB 8175.
		18.08		Came to course 230°, steamer bears 50°T about 2000-3000 meters away.  The attack doesn't take place because already he can no longer be seen in the periscope.  Therefore night attack.
		18.15		Both diesels LF.  Enemy speed by plotting 8 knots.  Distance remains about 3000 meters.  Steamer is only discernible as a shadow.
		18.30		To starboard it is now quite thick, the sky is blue-black and a heavy squall sweeps in.
		18.40		Steamer disappears at the beginning of the driving snow.  Starboard diesel stopped.
		18.56		Port diesel stopped.  Visibility is still 500 meters.  I want to let him run up.
		19.00		Square AB 8177.
		19.20		Visibility is now 100 meters, came to course 140°.
				He must be in the immediate vicinity.  Nothing in sight.
		19.29		Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.
				Unexplainable, a miserable mess.
		20.00		Square AB 8177.  Surfaced.  It is clear again, however a rough sea and rising mist.
				Course 210° both diesels LF, can only just be maintained.  In any case he will be to starboard in the morning on his course of 230°.
		22.20		Came to course 220°.
		24.00		Square AB 8411
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt

Sun and Moon Data 07.03.43

	- 10 -
		08.03.43	Norwegian Sea
		01.20	The wind remains steady from the SW and decreases to 4-5, Sea 3, by day, around midnight 4-5, Vis. 4-5 nm, at times 2-3 nm, barometers rising again up to 1009 mb, driving snow, -3°C	Did not send my Radio Message, which I had already sent at 22.55 and 24.00 hours:  19.00 hours square AB 8411 single steamer course 230°, 8 knots, after 6-hour hunt lost in snow storm.  In pursuit.  Fu.M.G. bent, out of service.  W 8, Sea 7, 995 mb rising.
				"Esch".
				Control has not been heard since 7 March at 08.00 hours and also another boat has not heard us.
		03.29		On very low frequency F.d.U. 21.27 hours:
				"Esch" report position by Short Signal.
		04.00		Square AB 7638, course 240°.
		04.30		Short Signal:
				My position is square AB 7661.
				"U-586".
				This Short Signal was also not understood, repeat at 05.09 hours also not.
		07.08		Last attempt to send the Short Signal is in vain.  Control is always still not heard, also no Radio Message repeater.
		07.35		Stopped to overhaul the over deck.  The gun shields were ripped off, the starboard forward antenna lead was torn off.  The conning tower is heavily dented.
		07.57		Both diesels LF.
		08.00		Square AB 7655, course 240°.
		08.09		Both diesels GF.  For a couple of hours it has abated, which is accepted as true blessing.  From 10.00 hours the boats went to Group Circuit "Bugs" is in charge. With this too many transmissions.
		11.55		Test dive square AB 7823.
		12.00		Square AB 7823, day's run = 162 nm.
		12.33		Surfaced.  Course 250°, GF.
		12.42		Control is still not heard, however sent the message for other boats ahead of me, which was picked up by a boat, probably "Bugs".

Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		08.03.43		7 March 19.00 hours square AB 8178 independent, course 230°, 8 knots escaped.
		12.42
				"Esch".
		15.05		Square AB 7818.  Smoke cloud in sight bearing 310°T, distance 8 nm, the independent.
				Turned to close on course 280°.  Due to arising driving snow, visibility deteriorated to 2 nm.  Began exactly as yesterday.
		15.55		Turned away hard at AK, steamer came in sight as a large shadow 3000 meters away.  Course 180°.  Covered by own exhaust gas cloud.
		16.00		Square AB 7763.
		16.06		Came to course 250°, steamer steers course 240°, ran at 9-10 knots.
		16.09		New snow squall.  closed on course 280°.  If he comes out again we will shoot.
		16.14		Back to course 230°, HF.  Ship's bearing will now be 30° more aft than beam to starboard.
		16.22		Came to course 250°.  Vis. 1000 meters.
		16.30		"To Action Stations"!  It gets clear slowly.
		16.36		Steamer comes in sight as a faint silhouette at 2000 meters bearing 10°T.
				Settings:
				Depth = 5 meters.
				Torpedo speed = 30 knots.
				Target speed = 9 knots, second tube 10 knots.
				Target angle = 100° bow left.
				Range = 2000 meters.
				Lead angle = red 17° and red 19°.
				Turned to shoot course 330°.
		16.37		Square AB 7765, shot from tube 2,
		16.37 and 20 seconds		"      "       "   3.
				Aimed centered over the bull nose because the Uzo was iced up from the spray.  Turned away hard to starboard.  Shot too late.  Steamer came out clearly, saw us and stopped.  Both torpedoes passed by ahead, but above all, he is now aware.  I should have attacked him submerged, as I first planned.

Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		08.03.43
				Ran off on course 90° and drew myself behind his stern to his starboard side.  He fires one shell from his stern gun however it lies much too short.
		16.58		GF, course 245°.  New maneuver ahead.
		17.00		Square AB 7762.  Enemy bears 230°T.  Distance 6-8 nm.  Up to now he has not transmitted.  It freshens noticeably and the visibility changes constantly which the steamer exploits to zigzag wildly.
		17.25		From "Reche" 16.16 hours:
				1.)  Drift ice up to square 3278.
				2.)  Suspect main course of the convoy or its parts 230°.
				3.)  Until arrival of further orders from F.d.U. form patrol line from AE 3582 - 3677 old order.
		18.00		Square AB 7764.  General course 240°, GF.
				Steamer zigzags between 160° and 310°.
		18.13		He has figured out that he cannot get away from us and is therefore transmitting openly:
				s s s    s s s
				de    w m m s
				lat 69 r 26 north 5 r east being chased by suspicious craft.
				Enemy station G M T received.
				Many thanks for the position, which we can make good use of, because since departing there has been no possibility of a navigation fix.  It agrees with ours to within 10 nm.  After the report he gives up zigzagging and steers 180°, but goes as fast as he can, 11-12 knots.
		18.46		Steamer comes to course 240°.
		19.00		Square AB 7782.  General course 240°, GF.  Enemy bearing 165°T, 4.5 nm.
		19.37		From F.d.U. 19.07 hours:
				1.)  Objective square AE 2370.
				2.)  Give position only if by radio message.
				3.)  Order "Reche" settled.

Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		08.03.43
				Control was heard again from 18.00 hours, Group Circuit settled.
		20.00		Square AB 7787.  General course 240°, HF.  Enemy bears 150°T, 3.5 nm.
				Angled in slowly due to evening twilight.  I want to have him abeam at complete darkness.
		20.15		Steamer again goes to course 180°.  Turned with, distance 3 nm.
		21.00		Square AE 3311, general course 180°, HF.  Enemy bears 90°T.  Distance 3000 meters.
				The thickly ice encased extended Fu.M.G. gives a tremendous silhouette.
				Enemy turns back to course 240°.  11.5 knots by plotting.
		21.07		Steamer runs directly before the bows.  Both LF.
				It is ready.
				"To Action Stations".
				Settings:
				Tube II                                     Tube III
				Depth = 5 meters                    Depth = 5 meters
				Torpedo speed = 30 knots     Torpedo speed = 30 knots
				Target speed = 11.5 knots      Target speed = 11.5 knots
				Target angle = bow right 90°   Target angle = bow right 90°
				Range = 1500 meters               Range = 1500 meters
				Lead angle = green 23°            Lead angle = green 23°
		21.19		Tube 2 and 3 fire!
				Both missed, initially unexplained, because values were correct, enemy must have noticed the shot.  Immediately turned again for the next approach.
		21.22		Course 230°, GF.
		21.18		Kr. report from Flieger Führer Nord (West) from 14.03 hours:
				12.00 hours 17 W.  8166 1 light cruiser. Course 210°, speed up to 10 knots.  Qbb 300 m.  qba 30 Km, suspect convoy.

Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		08.03.43
		21.34		15 minutes after shooting suddenly 2 loud under water detonations.  Because it was 2 T 3, they were end of run detonations, although MZ was switched off.
		21.58		HF, course 200°.
		22.00		Square AE 3317.
		22.02		Course 140° crossed his course and went to the other side.  Ran on the hounds curve.
				Settings:
				Tube I                                     Tube IV
				Depth = 6 meters                    Depth = 4 meters
				Torpedo speed = 30 knots     Torpedo speed = 30 knots
				Target speed = 12 knots         Target speed = 12 knots
				Target angle = bow right 90°   Target angle = bow right 90°
				Range = 800 meters                Range = 800 meters
				Lead angle = red 24°               Lead angle = red 24°
		22.05		Tube 1 and 4 fire!
				The torpedoes are hardly on their way, when it was seen clearly that he has stopped.  So the misses need no further explanation.  The steamer must carry listening gear, otherwise he could not determine the shots so quickly.  I do not believe that he saw us, but this could not be excluded because of the end of run detonators.  I have boundless rage.
				Tube 5 was made ready.
				In the meantime he got underway again.
		22.09		Course 230°, HF.
		22.20		Again after about 15 minutes a clear end of run detonation.  Was also a T 3.  MZ switched off.
		22.26		Course 250°, GF.
		22.43		Course 270°, GF.
		22.51		Course 230°, KF.  I lie exactly ahead of his course.  He bears directly astern about 1500 meters distance.  Came to course 170°, stopped port diesel.

Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		08.03.43		Settings:
				Depth = 5 meters
				Torpedo speed = 30 knots
				Target speed = 7.5 knots
				Target angle = bow right 90°
				Range = 800 meters
				Lead angle - red 14.4°
		22.59		He runs slower now, therefore I set 7.5 knots.
				Square AE 3263 tube 5 fire!
				The situation is so clear that the torpedo cannot go past.  However exactly the same.
				As soon as the torpedo is on its way, he stops.
				Miss.  Reloading on the surface cannot be done because the boat is so heavily iced, that I first have to dive to deice.  Artillery is not in question now because it is completely iced.  I take position in his wake.
		23.00		Square AE 3263, course 240°, KF.
				This is indeed a bit much.
		23.17		Dived, the steamer is not heard in the listening gear, even though he was directly ahead at a distance of 3000 meters when diving.  The boat settles very stern heavy and it takes a long time before it is controlled due to the icing.  When trimmed it looks so skinny.
		24.00		Square AE 3253.  Then reloaded, initially tubes 3, 4 and 5.
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt

Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43

	- 16 -
		09.03.43	N  o  r  w  e  g  i  a  n    S  e  a	Surfaced.  Course 235°, GF.
		02.39	The wind shifts over S to SE, later again back to SW 3-4, Sea quickly increasing from 2 to 5-6, misty, 10/10, snow showers with Vis. deterioration, otherwise Vis. up to 8 nm with torn open cloud deck, barometer strongly falling from 1003 to 982 mb, +1°C	Course 235°, GF.
		03.00		Slowed to LF because we are running against thick ice blocks.  Course 180°.  We must temporarily  turn away on course 130°, in so doing one diesel KF.  I must give up hope of getting our buddy back.
		03.18		F.d.U. Orders from 00.33 hours:
				1.)  If no contact 9 March 07.00 hours patrol line square AE 2341 - 3445 in order:  "Bugs", "Göllnitz", "Reche",   "Queck", "Esch".
				2.)  Report ice encountered in position.
		04.00		Square AE 3268.
				Course 180° LF I do not want to risk more near the ice because the night is not too clear.
		04.25		On very low frequency F.d.U. Orders from 8 March 15.49 hours:
				1.)  Operate on air report.
				2.)  18.00 hours give position by Short Signal.
		04.39		On very low frequency from F.d.U. 14.11 hours 8 March to "Esch":  18.00 hours give Short Signal weather report.
		04.43		On very low frequency F.d.U. 14.07 hours 8 March:
				1.)  Expect enemy speed up to 6 knots.
				2.)  Breaking off operations 11 March at 22°W intended.
		07.45		Sent Short Signal weather report:
				68°20'N, 6°20'W, 1010 falling, -6°C, S 1-2, 10/10, light snowfall, Vis. up to 5 nm, low NW-Swell.
				"U-586"
		08.00		Square AE 3562, course 180°.
		09.30		Came to course 250° to head for the position.
		11.40		Test dive square AE 3583.  Also Vis. range 200 meters due to driving snow.
				Tube 1 and 2 reloaded.
		12.00		Square AE 3584.  Day's run = 231 nm

Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		09.03.43
		15.02		Surfaced.  Course 250°, LF.
		15.27		Crash dive!  Destroyer or corvette directly ahead in target angle 0°, distance 5000 meters.
				Went to depth A +60 meters.  Nothing heard in the listening gear.  Silent running.  He works with Underwater Telegraphy.
				Moved off on course 150°.
		16.00		Square AE 3585.
		17.00		No further Underwater Telegraphy heard.
		17.30		Upward to depth A meters!
		18.12		Surfaced.  Brilliant sunshine, freshening, Vis. up to 20 nm.  Course 250°.  Have one fat steamer each in sight to starboard bearing 320°T and to port bearing 160°T.  Distance 10-12 nm.  That's incredible.  Nothing is heard in the listening gear so it must not be working.
				Initially wanted to steam up between both steamers however that does not work because the steamer to port closes.  Went behind the one on the right and in so doing another quite fat one comes in sight bearing 295°T.  Incredible, about 25000 GRT proceeding without escort through the area. I hold onto the one on the far right, the fattest, because it is already too late to maneuver ahead for a submerged attack.
		18.48		Radio Message:
				Square AE 3581 and 3822 each one steamer course 250°.
				"Esch".
		19.08		Square AE 3584.  Course 250°, HF.
				Steamer comes too high out, get even further astern.
		19.20		On very low frequency from F.d.U. 11.19 hours:
				1.)  13.00 hours set off to patrol line from square AE 2425 - 2762 be there at 05.00 hours.  Order:  "Göllnitz, "Reche", "Queck", "Esch", "Bugs".
				2.)  If there is other information send it in transit.

Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		09.03.43
		09.25		Turned back to course 250°.  Now have the fat one bearing 265°T, distance 8 nm.  However must still avoid further to starboard because the steamer to port moves closer and closer.
		20.00		Square AE 3581.  Course 310°, HF.
				Enemy course 220°, about 8 knots.
		20.45		Turned back to course 240°.  Bearing on the fat one now 220°T and the others 170°T.
				Beginning of twilight.  We are still positioned on the bright horizon, but slowly a great dark wall of clouds rises up to starboard.
		21.00		Square AE 3572.  Course 240°, HF.
		21.17		The fat one still steers 220°.  We come up quickly, came to course 220°.
		21.30		The front bears abeam to port.  The rear 40° aft.
		21.50		To Action Stations!
		21.55		Am exactly ahead of him.
				Tubes 1-5 ready for surface shooting.
				Settings:  2-fan.
				Depth = 5 meters
				Torpedo speed = 30 knots
				Target speed = 8 knots
				Target angle = bow right 80°
				Fan width = 110 meters
				Target bearing = 6.5°, spread angle 5°
				Range = 1000 meters
				Lead angle = green 15°
				Both are T 3 torpedoes.
				Turned on the hounds curve to shoot on course 130°.  A massive morsel of 9000 GRT pushes into the binoculars.
		22.00		Square AE 3574 "Fan fire"!
				After 49 seconds = 750 meters hit in engine room.  Steamer settles 4-5 meters deeper immediately.  I turn on the 2nd fat one.  Shame, the distance between then is too great, so that I must run to meet him first.  He has slowed down.

Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		09.03.43		Settings:  Tube 2
				Depth = 5 meters
				Torpedo speed = 30 knots
				Target speed = 5 knots
				Target angle = bow right 90°
				Range = 1000 meters
				Lead angle = green 10°
		22.09		Square AE 3574.  Tube 2 fire!
				At the same instant apparently he had stopped.  Miss.  Damn bad luck, because he's even bigger.  He turns away and increases speed, and now a great dog fight begins.  He twists and turns back and forth.  I remain always in the lee abeam and get him to turn to the east.
		22.15		In the boat an end of run detonation is heard again.
		22.37		Now he lies on the table again.  Had stopped on course 200°.
				Settings for tube 4:
				Depth = 5 meters
				Torpedo speed = 30 knots
				Target speed = 0 knots
				Target angle = bow right 90°
				Range = 1000 meters
				Lead angle = 0°
		22.39		Square AE 3575 came to course 110°.
				Tube 4 fire!
				And he gets underway.
				Miss.  How in damnation, it is the same as yesterday.  The guy must have listening gear with which he heard the torpedo.  Even if he saw me approaching, he still wouldn't know when I shot.  In the meantime the other put "Fires out".  After standing up steeply, he sank over the stern. But before that he still transmitted:
				S  O  S    S  S  S,  G L V, de wkyl.
				torpedoed 66r 47n 10r 01 W.

Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		09.03.43		Two minutes later he gave an improved position.  Must have been a good radio operator, he keyed up to the last moment.
				Enemy station G.L.V. "Seaforth Radio" repeated the report.
				The game begins anew.  Maneuvered ahead.
		23.00		Square AE 3575.  Enemy zigzags around 120°, at times slow at times fast, occasionally he stops.
		23.04		Again I have him in shooting position.  Tube 5 is ready.  He shows target angle 90° and steams very slowly, at most 3 knots.  I wait 2 minutes, now he turns away and increases speed.  Pursued again.
		23.25		The same maneuver as before.  Target angle 90° stopped.  I want to go so close that the torpedo, if I shoot ahead can no longer be avoided when he gets underway.  Both diesels HF back.
				When I get to 700 meters, he starts again.  All good things come in threes.  Ran ahead, drew to the other side ahead of his bow and slowly turned to shoot.  Now he turns with and continually shows a sharp target angle.
		24.00		Square AE 3579.  General course 120°, LF.
				I turn back 30° , now he turns with over 0° to bow left 20°.  However he comes to target angle 0° again and then suddenly hard away up to target angle 70°.  Makes way ahead, I estimate 7 knots.  Now or never.  Range is 800 meters.
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt

Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43

	- 21 -
		10.03.43	N  o  r  w  e  g  i  a  n    S  e  a
		00.20	After the wind shifted from different direction is settled in the N, quickly increased to strength 7, long lasting snow storm with bad visibility down to 200 meters, misty, Sea 6-7, long Swell, barometer falling to 972 mb, +3°C	Tube 5 fire!  Settings:
				Depth = 5 meters
				Torpedo speed = 30 knots
				Target speed = 7 knots
				Target angle = bow right 70°
				Range = 1000 meters
				Lead angle = red 13°
				But apparently he anticipated it, because he already stopped.  And as a result he drew my last torpedo out of my nose.  Miss.  Artillery operations is not possible in the weather.
				So with a heavy heart I must let him go, because before another boat can approach, he will already have reached the coast.  By the transmitted navigation fix we find ourselves in square AE 3745 and the nearest boat is at least 120 nm away.  The navigation fix should probably be quite accurate, because it was improved once more, we have a navigation error of 50 nm in direction 235°.
				That is a lot but on the other hand bearable because for 9 days there has been no possibility of a navigation fix.
		00.33		F.d.U. orders from 9 March 23.56 hours:
				1.)  Bugs return transit Trondheim.
				2.)  Shift patrol line in accordance with Radio Message 11.19 hours 18 nm in direction 165°T.
		01.20		Course 187°, LF, set off for position.  It is enough to make you weep.
		02.55		Radio Message to F.d.U.:
				1.)  22.00 hours square AE 3574.  9000 GRT sunk.  Course 220°.
				2.)  On 2nd steamer 3 torpedo misses.
				3.)  8 March on reported independent 7 torpedo misses.
				4.)  Suspect independent traffic south around Iceland.
				5.)  Out of torpedoes.  Question return transit.
				"Esch".

Sun and Moon Data 10.03.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		10.03.43		Radio Message was not heard.
		04.00		Square AE 3499.
		05.51		Repeated my report from 01.20 hours with success
		06.25		Course 270°, LF.
		07.15		F.d.U. Orders 06.39 hours:
				1.)  "Esch" return transit Narvik Andfjord.
				2.)  Shift patrol line a further 18 nm to the south.
		07.30		Course 60°, HF.
		08.00		Square AE 3545.
		09.05		Course 75°.
		12.00		Square AE 3617.  Day's run - 167 nm.
		15.44		"      "    3633 test dive.
		16.33		Surfaced.  Course 75°, HF.  Steamer navigation fix agrees, used improved position.
		17.00		Jumped in as radio repeater for "Göllnitz" Radio Message 11.58 hours.
		20.00		Square AE 3656.
		24.00		AE 1451.   [typo AF]
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt

Sun and Moon Data 10.03.43

	- 23 -
		11.03.43	N  o  r  w  e  g  i  a  n    S  e  a
		04.00	Wind NbyE 5-6, abating, Sea 5-6, long heavy Swell, 10/10, 972 mb, Vis. 6-8 nm, heavy snow and rain showers.	Course 75° HF.  Square AE 1436.   [typo AF]
		08.00		Square AE 1289.   [typo AF]
		12.00		"       "  1384.  Day's run = 224.
		12.24		To F.d.U.:
				10.00 hours passed 0° to the east.
				"Esch".
		15.44		Square AF 2147.  Test dive.
		16.00		"      "      ".
		16.33		Surfaced.
		18.35		To F.d.U.:
				Intend 12 March 18.00 hours Schwarz 07.  Request Radio Beacons.
				"Esch".
		20.00		Square AF 2163.
		24.00		"      "    2234.
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt
		12.03.43	N  o  r  w  e  g  i  a  n    S  e  a
		04.00	A significant improvement in the weather conditions has begun.	AF 2331.  Course 75°, 2 x HF.
		08.00		Square AB 8996
		12.00	NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 2-4/10, 1001 mb, +3°C	Day's run = 274 nm.  Square AB 9764.
		10.30		Radio Message 09.48 hours:
				"Esch"
				From F.d.U.:
				12 March transmits:  Andenes 11.00 - 20.05 hours.  A.F.P. 446 Khz.
				Bodö 11.05 - 15.10 hours 214 Khz.  Both half hourly each 5 minutes.
		16.00		Square AB 9864.
		16.55		Andenes Lighthouse abeam.  Distance 2.5 nm.
		19.38		Made fast in Harstad.
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt

	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.43

	- 24 -
		13.03.43	Harstad - Narvik
		09.00	Wind NE 4, driving snow, Vis. at times 100 meters, 1002 mb, +2°C	Ready for sea.
		09.15		Began transit to Narvik.
		15.00		Made fast Narvik.
				Rest of the route 172 nm.
				Kptlt.u.Kmdt
				Total sea miles = 2042 nm
				Of these Submerged 29.5 nm.
				E  x  p  e  r  i  e  n  c  e  s  :
				1.)  The new conning tower only improved the diving time marginally.
				There was more spray from ahead, especially with the seas skewed from ahead.
				2.)  Combined Fu.M.G. shaft was too weak.  The mattress seemed seaworthy because after 10 days in heavy weather the gear still worked.
				Still too little locating experience up to now.
				3.)  G.H.G. entire transducer set to port flooded, to starboard only half.
				4.)  Radio communications were extremely bad, Control Station was heard an average of only 10 hours per day.  Unfavorable wavelengths.
				5.)  Sea damage:
				Combined Fu.M.G., aft net deflector torn off, bracket too weak.
				G.H.G. out of service
				Echolot        "
				Both artillery shields torn away.
				Magnetic compass cracked, heavy sheet metal damage
				All boat hooks, fenders and 2 mooring lines overboard.

Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43

	- 25 -
				6.)  To the end of run detonations it is noted, the possibility that with a large down angle the Pistol rarely causes an initiation at the end of the running track, this should be checked in conjunction with a certain amount of residual magnetism after the switchover and the strong pitching movements of the boat.
				The suspicion that American independents carry a listening gear, is expressed after careful and sober reflection again and in my opinion corroborated by the fact that the shot at steamer ran very slowly during the pursuit and stopped when firing.

 

	Enclosures to U-586's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Sketch	Combat sketch
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

 

	Enclosure to F.d.U. - Norwegen Gkdos 1019
	Comments of the F.d.U. - Norwegen
	on the K.T.B. of "  U  586  " from 1.12.42 - 13.3.1943
	1.) To 6 March 07.27 hours.  In heavy seas the combined Fu.M.G/B must be retracted.  Strengthening of the shaft is sought by F.d.U. - Norwegen.     2.) To 8 March.  The bad radio reception in the area of Jan Mayen is known.  Creation of another remote station south of Narvik is requested.  In addition, in the days in question there was strong interference of radio beacons by aurora phenomena.     3.) To the numerous misses on 8 and 9 March.  The assumption that steamers carry listening gear is not accepted.  Avoidance or suspected stopping is more likely due to visual sighting.  Howerer, the assumption that individual steamers are equipped with listening devices cannont be ruled out.  A hasty firing after the boat is noticed is incorrect in any case.  Before a new attack the enemy that noticed the boat must have lost it from sight again, because otherwise success is questionable due to defensive maneuvers.

		On board 22 April 1943
	To                                 Admiral Nordmeer
	The enclosed K.T.B. of "  U  586  " from 1.12.1942 - 13.3.1943 with comments of the F.d.U. - Norwegen in duplicate is forwarded.

	Admiral Nordmeer                                                                       27 April 1943.
	B.Nr.Gkdos.0528 A1
	To        Marinegruppenkommando Nord/Flottenkommanfo
	The Kriegstagebuch of "U-586" for the period from 1.12.42 to 13.3.43 is forwarded.
	There is nothing to note.
	Signed in draft Klüber

	Marinegruppenkommando Nord
	and Flottenkommando                                               Command Center 12 May 1943.
	B.Nr. Gkdos.2476/43    Aop
	To        Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine - Skl -
	Forwarded.
	Nothing to note.
	On behalf of:

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U 586" (v.d.Esch) from 1.12.42 - 13.3.43
	There is nothing to add to the comments of the F.d.U.s
		For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

---

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