U-594 - 4th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
St. Nazaire
30 December 1942
St. Nazaire
18 February 1943
51

 

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
Date
KTB Time
Position
Ship
Tons
Nationality
Convoy
26 Jan 43
16.21
58°21'N, 40°12'W
KOLLBJØRG
8,259
Norwegian
HX-223
     
 Total = 8,259
   
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. . . . . . . . . . .  
           
           
                                             K r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u c  h  
                   of the  
                                     U  n  t  e  r  s  e  e  b  o  o  t  e  s    "U  594"  
           
           
                            Kommandant:    Kapitänleutnant    M  u  m  m  .  
           
           
                            Beginning on:    29 September 1942.  
                            Concluding on:    18 February 1943.  
           
           
     
Distribution:    
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No 1 + 2
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote      "     " 3
Kom. Admiral der Unterseeboote      "     " 4
Führer der Unterseebootes West      "     " 5
Ausbildungsgruppe Front      "     " 6
27. Unterseebootsflottille      "     " 7
7.  Unterseebootsflottille      "     " 8
 
                           Enclosures:        
     
Track chart Copy No 2-5+8
Combat sketches      "     " 2-5+8
Barograph strips      "     " 3
Excerpt of the General Radio Log      "     " 2-5
General Radio Log      "     " 8
Officer-Only Radio Log      "     " 8
 
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    29.09. - 26.12.42 St. Nazaire Shipyard period.  
        Major shipbuilding upgrades:  
        1.)  Conning tower (anti-aircraft bridge).  
        2.)   Fu.M.G. installation.  
    24.12.42   Sea trial.  
    25.12.42   Shipyard final adjustments.  
    26.12.42   Put to sea for Fu.M.G. testing.  
    26. - 29.12.42   Outfitting.  
    30.12.42      
    13.30   Cast off Bunker 11B.  
    13.45   Made fast in the lock.  
    14.35   Cast off from the lock.  
    15.00   Taken in convoy.  
    17.15   Passed  "N 1" outbound.  
    19.24 - 19.35   Dived for final trim test.  
    20.00 WNW 3, Sea 3, 4/10, +8°C, 1024 mb, Vis. good Released from convoy.  
           
    31.12.42      
    04.00 BF 5894    
    08.00 BF 5792    
      NW 5, Sea 4, 1024 mb, +9°C, overcast, Vis. good    
    08.25   Test dive, afterwards proceeded submerged.  
    12.00 BF 5769 Day's run:  Surfaced: 187 nm, Submerged: 7 nm  
    16.00 BF 5758    
    18.41   Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  
    20.00 BF 5745    
      NW 4, Sea 3, 6/10, +9°C, 1023 mb, Vis. good    
    24.00 BF 4952    
      NW 5, Sea 4, 3/10, +9°C. 1023 mb, Vis. good, medium marine phosphorescence    
           
    01.01.43      
    04.00 BF 4837    
    05.45 BF 4825 Horizontally polarized detection on 1.71 meters.  Crash dive.  
    06.20   Surfaced.  
    08.00 BF 4811    
    08.42   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BF 4733 Day's run:  Surfaced: 150 nm, Submerged: 32 nm  
    16.00 BF 4731    
    18.22   Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  
    20.00 BF 4487    
    24.00 BE 6695    
      NW 7, Sea 6, 6/10, +13°C, 1029 mb, Vis. good, light marine phosphorescence    
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.12.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.01.43
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
           
    02.01.43      
    04.00 BR 6681    
    07.25 BE 6647 Vertically polarized detection on 2.55 meters.  
        Crash dive, afterwards proceeded submerged.  
    08.00 BE 6569    
    12.00 BE 6568 Day's run:  Surfaced: 101 nm, Submerged: 30 nm  
    16.00 BE 6559    
    17.50   Incoming Radio Message (Very Low Frequency) 1532/2/14:
        To all boats at search action in naval square BF 70.  
        1.)  About 18.00 hours Spanish units put to sea, probably a destroyer to search distress scene.  Do not attack.  
        2.)  Schneider, Schneewind, outbound transit through sinking location, Mumm proceed via naval square BF 7120, search briefly.  
        Orders were superseded by the Radio Message set forth below.  
    18.28   Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  
    19.25   Incoming Radio Message 1855/2/20:  
        1.)  Kruschka, Stock, Sturm, continue search based on Kruschka report.  
        2.)  Schneider, Schneewind, Mumm continue outbound transit without supply.  
    20.00 BE 6556    
    24.00 BE 6462    
      N 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 1024 mb, +12°C, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    03.01.43      
    04.00 BE 6419    
    08.00 BE 5635    
    09.48 - 10.36   Test dive (Crash dive for training), afterwards proceeded on the surface.  
    12.00 BE 5625 Day's run:  Surfaced: 123 nm, Submerged: 23 nm  
      WSW 3, Sea 2, +12°C, 1023 mb, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 6 nm    
    16.00 BE 5613    
    18.59   Incoming Radio Message 1754/3/46:  
        2.)  Mumm head for naval square AJ 99.  
    19.15   Outgoing Short Signal:  
        My position is BE 53.  
    19.15   Diced on the basis of detection reports from inexperienced Radiomen caused by the transmisstion of their own Short Signal.  
    19.35   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BE 5377    
    20.34   Incoming Radio Message 1934/3/48:  
        (Confirmation of passing report).  
    24.00 BE 5295    
      SW 3, Sea 3, 1012 mb, +14°C, overcast, hazy, marine phosphorescence    
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.01.43
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.01.43      
    04.00 BE 5282    
    07.30   Switched to "Ireland" Circuit.  
    08.00 BE 5248    
    12.00 BE 5165 Day's run:  Surfaced: 107 nm, Submerged: 1 nm  
      WNW 3, Sea 3, 9/10, 1017 mb, +13°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 BE 5115    
    21.37   Incoming Radio Message 2018/4/162:  
        2.)  Tomorrow 08.00 hours Kapitzky, Achilles, Bauer, Henke switch to "Coastal" Circuit.  
        Hellriegel, Ruwiedel, Mumm switch to "Hubertus" Circuit.  
    24.00 BE 4331    
      SW 5, Sea 4, 1011 mb, +14°C, overcast, Vis. medium, dark, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    05.01.43      
    04.00 BE 1987    
    08.00 BE 1896 Switched to "Hubertus" Circuit.  
    08.57 - 10.00   Test dive.  
    12.00 BE 1891 Day's run:  Surfaced: 133 nm, Submerged: 3 nm  
      SW 8, Sea 6, 8/10, +13°C, 1006 mb, rain showers, Vis. 5 nm    
    16.00 BE 1857    
    20.00 BE 1845    
    24.00 BE 1762    
      SW 5, Sea 4, 1009 mb, 5/10, +10°C, dark, Vis. medium, medium marine phosphorescence    
           
    06.01.43      
    04.00 BE 1727    
    08.00 BE 1714    
    12.00 BD 3923    
      SW 5, Sea 3, 1012 mb, +14°C, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    16.00 BD 3679    
    19.16   Incoming Radio Message 1834/6/842:  
        1.)  Tomorrow between 03.00 and 06.00 hours report weather:  Mumm, U-664 and Döhler.  
    20.00 BD 3592    
    24.00 BD 3558    
      SW 4, Sea 3, 1007 mb, +13°C, overcast, dark, Vis. low, rain showers, light marine phosphorescence    
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.01.43
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
           
    07.01.43      
    03.11   Outgoing Short Signal weather report:  
        49°N, 28°W, 1005 mb, falling, +12°C, SW 1-2, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. up to 5 nm, low SW-Swell.  
    04.00 BD 3544    
    08.00 BD 3453    
    09.40 - 10.30   Test dive.  
    12.00 BD 3427 Day's run:  Surfaced: 108 nm, Submerged: 3 nm  
      SSW 11, Sea 8, 5/10, 990 mb, +11°C, Vis. 1 nm    
    12.41 - 16.05   Due to weather conditions dived to shift torpedoes.  
    16.00 BD 3415    
    16.52   Late due to diving.  
        Incoming Radio Message 1405/7/850:  
        Tomorrow, Mumm if possible send weather report by 17.00 hours.  
    20.00 BD 3174    
    20.55   Outgoing Radio Message:  1907/7/858  
        SW 12, Sea 8, 994 mb, steady, Vis. 2 nm.  Sending delayed, because dived.  Naval square BD 3410.  
    21.15   Due to weather conditions dived to proceed submerged.  
    24.00 BD 2392    
           
    08.01.43      
    04.00 BD 2391    
    08.00 BD 2383    
    10.53   Surfaced to proceed on the surfaced.  
    12.00 BD 2358 Day's run:  Surfaced: 34 nm, Submerged: 36 nm  
      WSW 7, Sea 6, 7/10, 994 mb, +8°C, Vis. medium    
    16.00 BD 2348    
    20.00 BD 2256    
    24.00 BD 2246    
      S 4, Sea 4, 7/10, +9°C, 993 mb, Vis. medium, dark, light marine phosphorescence    
           
    09.01.43      
    04.00 BD 2162    
    08.00 BD 2127    
    10.10 - 12.36   Test dive and torpedo shifting.  
    12.00 BD 2117 Day's run:  Surfaced: 138 nm, Submerged: 7 nm  
    14.50   Incoming Radio Message 1434/9/865:  
        Mumm, Schendel, Mengersen, Heydemann report weather immediately, Mengersen add tendencies.  
    16.00 BD 1354    
    16.06   Outgoing Short Signal weather report:  
        51°N, 34°W, abating, 998 mb, steady, light rain showers, Vis. 5 nm, [illegible Swell]  
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.01.43
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.01.43      
    20.00 BD 1321    
    24.00 BD 1233    
      WSW 2, Sea 2, 3/10, 987 mb, +5°C, Vis. good, at times hail showers, light marine phosphorescence    
           
    10.01.43      
    04.00 AK 7988    
    08.00 AK 7974    
    11.20 - 12.50   Test dive.  
    12.00 AK 7924 Day's run:  Surfaced: 114 nm, Submerged: 2 nm  
    15.32   Incoming Radio Message 1449/10/871:  
        Ruwiedel, Mumm, Poel, Hellriegel, Holtorf, Jessen, at transit speed occupy patrol line from naval square AJ 8799 to BC 2541.  Boats form Group "Jaguar".  Northeast steering convoy is expected about evening 12 January.  Radio silence except for tactically important reports remains in effect.  
    16.00 AK 7839    
    20.00 AK 7829    
    24.00 AK 7842    
      W 3, Sea 2, 988 mb, 5/10, +9°C, Vis. medium, dark, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    11.01.43      
    04.00 AK 7756    
    08.00 AK 7748    
    12.00 AJ 9983    
      W 4, Sea 3, 992 mb, +8C, overcast, hail showers, Vis. 6 nm    
    16.00 AJ 9974    
    20.00 AJ 9889    
    24.00 AJ 9879    
      S 7, Sea 6, +6°C, 995 mb, overcast, hail showers, Vis. low, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    12.01.43      
    04.00 BC 2335    
    08.00 BC 2327    
    11.18   Incoming Radio Message 1107/12/887:  
        Group "Jaguar" 12.00 hours reconnaissance line course 200°, 6 knots.  
        The ordered position cannot be reached by 12.00 hours.  However, since it is possible to blend into the strip with increased speed during the day, there was no corresponding notification to Leadership  
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.01.43
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.01.43      
    12.00 BC 2345 Day's run:  Surfaced: 143 nm, Submerged: -- nm  
      NW 5, Sea 4, 1003 mb, +8°C, overcast, hail showers, Vis. changing    
    16.00 BC 2282    
      NW 4, Sea 4, 4/10, 1006 mb, +7°C, Vis. good    
    17.04   Incoming Radio Message 1635/12/892:  
        1.)  Group Jaguar come about 21.00 hours, course 50°, 9 knots, on 13 January 12.00 hours in position line from AJ 8927 to BC 2382 come about, course 230°, speed of advance 4 knots.  
        2.)  Hermann lead corresponding to enemy course on northeasterly courses.  
    20.00 BC 2432    
      N 4, Sea 3, 5/10, 1010 mb, +6°C, Vis. good    
    24.00 BC 2456    
      N 2, Se 2, 6/10, 1013 mb, +4°C, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    13.01.43      
    04.00 BC 2511    
      N 2, Sea 2, 1013 mb, +4°C, overcast, Vis. good    
    08.00 BC 2259    
      N 2, Sea 2, 1013 mb, +3°C, overcast, Vis. good    
    11.20   Incoming Radio Message 1032/13/900:  
        1.)  Hermann joins group "Jaguar" and occupies the next position to the southeast.  Interval 20 nm,  Blend into reconnaissance line.  
    12.00 BC 2312 Day's run:  Surfaced: 220 nm, Submerged: -- nm  
      N 2, Sea 2, 9/10, 1011 mb, +5°C, Vis. good, 10 nm    
    16.00 BC 2236    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, +4°C, 8/10, 1007 mb, Vis. 6 nm    
    17.20   Incoming Radio Message 1624/13/803:  
        1.)  Group "Jaguar" today at 20.30 hours stop and occupy reached position line including Hermann from AJ 8893 to AJ 2643 [typo BC] as patrol line.  Passage of the announced convoy is to be expected.  Delay due to weather conditions is likely.  
        2.)  If there is no contact tonight, tomorrow at 12.00 hours in reconnaissance line course 230°, speed of advance 4 knots.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.01.43
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.01.43      
    19.50   Incoming Radio Message 1901/13/806:  
        To Group "Jaguar".  
      [BC 2531?  30 nm NW would be BC 2299] From 20.30 hours move position in the direction of the patrol strip 30 miles to the NW and occupy the newly reached position line from AJ 8829 to BC 2531 as a patrol line in accordance with Paragraph 2 in Serial No. 803.  
    20.00 BC 2264    
      S 8, Sea 6, +6°C, 996 mb, overcast, Vis. 6 nm    
    24.00 BC 2224 Reached new position.  
      S 9, Sea 7, +6C, 987 mb, rain, Vis. bad, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    14.01.43      
    02.39   Dived with transit against the seas.  (Listening range greater than visual range.)  
    04.00 BC 2212    
    07.05   Surfaced.  
    08.00 BC 2216    
      S 10, Sea 7, 979 mb, +3°C, overcast, Vis. low    
    12.00 BC 2216    
      SW 10, Sea 8, +3°C, driving snow, 978 mb, Vis. 1 nm    
    16.00 BC 2218    
      W 10, Sea 8, 984 mb, +4°C, overcast, Vis. 1 nm    
    16.25   Incoming Radio Message 1558/14/812:  
        1.)  Group "Jaguar" stop at 20.30 hours.  Remain in position as patrol line.  
        2.)  Von Schroeter joins Group "Jaguar" and occupies one position southwest of Hermann, interval 20 nm.  
    20.00 BC 2217    
      WSW 11, Sea 8, +4°C, 986 mb, overcast, Vis. low    
    20.45   Dived due to weather conditions.  
    24.00 BC 2163    
           
    15.01.43      
    04.00 BC 2166    
    10.30   Surfaced.  
    12.00 BC 2169 Day's run:  Surfaced: 50 nm, Submerged: 22 nm  
      WNW 7, Sea 6, +0°C, 1000 mb, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    12.25   Incoming Radio Message 1132/15/822:  
        To Group "Jaguar".  
        Continue radio silence except for tactically important reports.  If U-123 is low on fuel, supply anticipated as for Hermann.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.01.43
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.01.43      
    16.00 BC 2165    
      W 7, Sea 6, 1003 mb, +2°C, overcast, Vis. 1 nm    
    20.00 BC 2193    
      W 6, Sea 6, 1005 mb, +1°C, driving Snow, Vis. low    
    24.00 BC 2161    
      W 6, Sea 5, 1005 mb, +3°C, overcast, Vis. low, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    16.01.43      
    04.00 BC 2193    
      SW 4, Sea 4, 1005 mb, +3°C, overcast, Vis. low    
    08.00 BC 2161    
      SW 3, Sea 3, 999 mb, +2°C, overcast, Vis. low    
    11.25 - 12.40   Test dive.  
    12.00 BC 2169 Day's run:  Surfaced: 120 nm, Submerged: 1 nm  
    14.00 NE 4, Sea 3, 990 mb, +3°C, driving snow, Vis. 2 nm    
    16.00 BC 2165    
      E 4, Sea 3, 985 mb, +3°C, driving snow, Vis. changing    
    17.18   Incoming Radio Message 1618/16/833:  
        Patrol line Group "Jaguar" dissolved.  
        Occupy temporary attack areas with depth 40 nm in naval square AJ:  
        Ruwiedel 7655, Poel 7963, Holtorf 8491, Mumm 8792, Hellriegel 8837, von Schroeter 8982, in naval square BC: Jessen 2126, Hermann 2257.  
    20.00 BC 2164    
    24.00 BC 2128    
      N 6, Sea 5, 990 mb, +4°C, snow, Vis. low, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    17.01.43      
    04.00 BC 2113    
    08.00 AJ 8877    
    12.00 AJ 8796 Day's run:  Surfaced: 125 nm, Submerged: 1 nm  
      NW 5, Sea 4, 998 mb, +2°C, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    16.00 AJ 8769    
    17.46   Incoming Radio Message 1729/17/844:  
        "Jaguar" most economical fuel consumption.  In 3-4 days operation on convoy intended.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.01.43
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.01.43      
    20.00 AJ 8783    
    24.00 AJ 8759    
      NW 5, Sea 3, 996 mb, +2°C, 7/10, Vis. good, bright moon    
           
    18.01.43      
    04.00 AJ 8756    
    08.00 AJ 8792 Reached attack area.  
    12.00 AJ 8799 Day's run:  Surfaced: 120 nm, Submerged: 0 nm  
      N 6, Sea 5, +2°C, 995 mb, overcast, rain showers    
    16.00 AJ 8792    
    16.14 AJ 8795 Crash dive for "Consolidated" bearing 320°T, course 50°.  
    17.05   Surfaced.  
    17.38   Outgoing Radio Message 1615/18/370:  
        Naval square AJ 8795 "Consolidated" course 50°.  NW 9, Sea 5, 996 mb steady, showers.  
    20.00 AJ 8768    
    21.35   Incoming Radio Message 1836/18/854:  
        To Group "Jaguar".  
      [typo AJ 2135 is BC 2135] In order Ruwiedel, Poel, Mumm, Holtorf, Hellriegel, Jessen, Schroeter, Zitzewitz and Normann on 19 January 20.00 hours be in patrol line from naval square AJ 7915 to AJ 2135.  NE steering convoy is expected from 20 January morning, another convoy from 21 January.  
    21.25   Incoming Radio Message 1836/18/854:  
        To Group "Jaguar".  
        Radio silence except for important reports remains in effect.  Only report aircraft sightings if seen with certainty and if behavior suggests close-range escort for convoy.  
    23.51   Due to greater speed of advanced dived to proceed submerged.  
    24.00 AJ 8767    
      NW 11, Sea 9, +3°C, 1000 mb, overcast, Vis. low, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    19.01.43      
    04.00 AJ 8759    
    08.00 AJ 8758    
    10.45   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AJ 8782 Day's run:  Surfaced: 43 nm, Submerged: 16 nm  
      NW 11, Sea 8, +0°C, 7/10, 1004 mb, Vis. 8 nm    
    13.00   Incoming Radio Message 1225/19/864:  
        Group "Jaguar" on 20 January at 00.00 hours be in new patrol line from AJ 7561 to 8827.  From 20 January 12.00 hours course 200°, speed of advance 4 knots.  
    14.15 AJ 8781 Crash dive for "Consolidated" bearing 260°T, course 50° (like yesterday).  
        Afterwards proceeded submerged due to weather conditions.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.43
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.01.43      
    16.00 AJ 8749    
    17.00   Surfaced.  
    20.00 AJ 8745    
    22.55 NW 11, Sea 8, +2°C, 1005 mb, overcast, Vis. good Due to weather conditions dived to proceed submerged.  
    24.00 AJ 8717    
           
    20.01.43      
    04.00 AJ 7933    
    08.00 AJ 7695    
    09.00   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AJ 7691 Day's run:  Surfaced: 35 nm, Submerged: 40 nm  
      S 2, Sea 2, 992 mb, +1°C, medium-long NW-Swell, Vis. 10 nm Reached position.  
    14.10   Incoming Radio Message 0601/20/873:  
        1.)  After Hellriegel fell out narrow the line.  New reconnaissance line from naval square 7565 to naval square 8816.  
        2)  Hellriegel report by Short Signal as soon as ready again.  
    16.00 AJ 7931    
      SE 6, Sea 4, 981 mb, +0°C, overcast, snow showers, Vis. changing    
    16.47   Incoming Radio Message 1628/20/875:  
        To Group "Jaguar".  
        Today at 21.00 hours remain in position in reached position line as patrol line.  Each boat absolutely ensure own area is monitored.  
    16.10 AJ 7931 U-boat in sight bearing 70°T.  
    20.00 AJ 7937    
      SSE 10, Sea 7, +3°C, 967 mb, driving snow, Vis. low    
    22.37 - 23.00   Dived to listen.  
        On the basis of the weather condition limited speed settings, significant navigation differences and bad visibility conditions certain monitoring of the entire line is not guaranteed..  
    24.00 AJ 7956    
      SSE 8, Sea 6, +2°C, 8/10, 964, Vis. changing from snow showers, no marine phosphorescence    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.01.43
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
           
    21.01.43      
    01.21 - 01.40   Dived to listen.  
    04.00 AJ 7964    
      SW 9, Sea 6, +2°C, 966 mb, overcast, bright moon, Vis. changing in snow showers    
    08.00 AJ 7952    
      SW 8, Sea 6, 966 mb, +5°C, overcast, snow showers, Vis. changing    
    09.05 - 09.55   Dived to listen.  
    12.00 AJ 7956 Day's run:  Surfaced: 82 nm, Submerged: 6 nm  
      SW 9, Sea 7, 967 mb, +3°C, overcast, Vis. bad    
    16.00 AJ 7955    
      SW7, Sea 5, 968 mb, +4°C, Vis. changing    
    20.00 AJ 7952    
      SW 6, Sea 5, 969 mb, +4°C, overcast, snow showers, Vis. changing    
    23.03 - 23.33   Dived to listen.  
    24.00 AJ 7955    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, 9/10, 969 mb, +2°C, high Swell, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    22.01.43      
    04.00 AJ 7964    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 8/10, +4°C, 968 mb, Vis. good, bright moon, long Swell    
    08.00 AJ 7855    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, +6°C, Vis. good, bright moon, long Swell    
    11.36 - 12.20   Test dive (deicing).  
    12.00 AJ 7952 Day's run:  Surfaced: 160 nm, Submerged: 3 nm  
      SW 2, Sea 2, 970 mb, +4°C, overcast, long Swell, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 AJ 7955    
      SW 2, Sea 2, 6/10, 971 mb, +4°C, Vis. 10 nm, long Swell    
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.43
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.01.43      
    18.55   Incoming Radio Message 1701/22/    :  
        From Holtorf.  
        Suspicious independent 7972, course 200°, smoke cloud 7944, All naval square Anton Jota, forced to submerged by aircraft 70 cbm.  
    19.09   In accordance reports of both boats [U-598 & U-706] operated at highest speed, course 350°.  
        The convoy, which was delayed due to the weather, appears to have been picked up by the northern boats of the line.  
        For the first time, noticeable weather improvement with good visibility in the operating area.  
        Returned to patrol line.  
    24.00 AJ 7648    
      SW 1, Sea 1, 5/10, 975 mb, +5°C, Vis. very good, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    23.01.43      
    00.20 - 01.05   By plotting I am in the area of the convoy.  
        Dived to listen.  
    02.11 0 02.41 AJ 7569 Dived to listen.   
        Faint sound bearing in 220°T, probably a destroyer.  
    03.15 AJ 7569 Shadow bearing 190°T.  
        Destroyer with strongly changing courses.  Suspect forward escort, because I am to the north.  
        While attempting to let myself settle back and get to the convoy, the destroyer passes out of sight in suddenly arising driving snow. The weather deteriorates very quickly, visibility at times below 100 meters. Despite energetic pursuit in the direction of the last bearing no contact.  
    04.29 - 05.05   Dived to listen.  Nothing!  
        Afterwards again searched on northerly to northeasterly courses.  
        In accordance with later reports from Poel the location of the destroyer sighting coincides with the sinking square of the straggler.  So it is was a set off destroyer, presumably going out for the shipwrecked.  
    04.00 AJ 7566    
      NW 3, Sea 2, 975 mb, +3°C, overcast, freshening, driving snow, Vis. low    
    04.05   Outgoing Short Signal (not heard from Control).  
        One destroyer in 7568.  
    04.27   Several detonations heard.  
        Further detonations in the course of the night.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.43
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.01.43      
    06.00 NW 10, Sea 6, Vis. good    
    06.29   Incoming Radio Message 0545/23/    :  
        From Poel.  
        Convoy by sound bearings naval square Anton Jota 7291.  Snow squalls.  
        (first new contact keeper report since 1900).  
    08.00 E 1, Sea 1, 9/10, 976 mb, +0°C, Vis. good    
        Later Radio Message 1830/23/830 from "Holtorf" reported two further contact keeper reports from Poel that were probably not picked up due to being submerged.  
    07.55 - 08.24   Dived to listen.  
    10.00 NE8, Sea 6, Vis. bad    
    10.07   Incoming Radio Message 0850/23/    :  
        From Poel.  
        Contact on screen naval square Anton Jota 7267.  
    11.35   Incoming Radio Message 1000/23/    :  
        From Zitzewitz.  
        Convoy was in Anton Jota 7198, course 350°, 8 knots.  
    11.49 - 12.54   Dived to listen.  
        Suspected significant navigation differences were confirmed by the above reports.  
        Deterioration of the weather conditions makes any planned search action at higher speed levels impossible.  Operated further on northerly to northeasterly courses.  
    12.00 AJ 7384 Day's run:  Surfaced: 225 nm, Submerged: 15 nm  
      NE 10, Sea 7, +3°C, 974, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    13.40   Incoming Radio Message 1026/23/815:  
        1.)  Group "Jaguar" as temporary attack areas occupy with depth 40 nm the following naval squares:  
        Ruwiedel 7882, Poel 7923, Holtorf 7997, Mumm 8753, all Anton Jota.  
        U-123 naval square 2137, Jessen 1364, Zitzewitz 2428.  All Bruno Cäsar.  
        2.)  Most economical fuel consumption.  
        (Over come by convoy operation, of which the Leadership had no knowledge.)  
    13.55   Incoming Radio Message 1212/23/820:  
        1.)  Poel report immediately, what was observed and course.  
        2.)  Group "Jaguar" operate on Poel report.  
        3.)  Poel check square.  
    15.00   Incoming Radio Message 1402/23/822:  
        From Holtorf.  
        Position naval square Anton Jota 4971.  
        Still no contact.  Weather conditions very bad.  NNW 10, heavy Swell, 974 mb, 65 cbm.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.43
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.01.43      
    14.44 AJ 7346 U-boat in sight bearing 320°T.  
        Meeting with Poel.  
    16.27   Poel out of sight bearing 110°T  
    16.00 AJ 7357    
      NW 10, Sea 7, 974 mb, 9/10, +4°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.25   Incoming Radio Message 1600/23/823:  
        "Jaguar".  
        Here up to now only Holtorf  Radio Message of 14.02 hours and Poel report of 08.50 hours have been received.  Important for Leadership due to possible approach of Group "Haudegen".  Holtorf or other boats immediately give short summary of situation, if there are multiple reports.  
    19.15   Attempt to send summary report 1749/23:  
        (Only partly picked up)  
        (Summary of enemy reports picked up and still not known by Leadership.)  
        From Mumm.  
        Enemy reports "Jaguar" on 22 and 23 January:  
        1.)  Zitzewitz with emergency transmitter:  
        1714 hours convoy 7855, course 20°.  
        19.03 hours no contact, 35 cbm.  
        10.00 hours convoy 7198, course 350°, 4-miss on destroyer, after 8 minutes 3 detonations, nothing seen, going to Bruno Dora 40 for supply.  
        2.)  Holtorf:  
        1701 hours suspicious independent 7972 course 200°, smoke cloud in 7944.  
        3.)  Poel:  
        05.45 hours convoy by sound bearing 7291.  
        4.)  Mumm:  
        04.05 hours destroyer 7568  
        All naval square Anton Jota.  
    20.00 AJ 7523    
      NW 10, Sea 7, 976 mb, +4°C, overcast, Vis. medium    
    21.20   Repeated sending summary report.  
        (Not picked up.)  
    22.00   Incoming Radio Message 2003/23/826:  
        Group "Jaguar" continued on.  The enemy is moving more slowly than you.  Attempt, by all means to get a situation report through.  
    22.05   Incoming Radio Message 1825/23/825:  
        1.)  Report weather tonight by Short signal:  
        Thäter, Gretschel, U-69, Mumm and Hermann.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.43
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.01.43      
    22.45   Incoming Radio Message 1830/23/830:  
        Von Holtorf.  
        1.)  Poel-convoy reported:  22 January 22.40 hours 7592, 23 January 02.15 hours 7535, 05.45 hours 7291, northerly course, 10 knots.  All naval square AJ.  
        2.)  From 10.00 hours bad weather, now NNW 11, falling, further operation on convoy pointless.  
    24.00 AJ 7332    
      NW 9, Sea 7, 976 mb, +5°C, overcast, Vis. low, no marine phosphorescence    
    22.59   Incoming Radio Message 2233/23/835  
        To Group "Jaguar"  
        Continue tenaciously as long as fuel allows, it is your only chance.  B.d.U. suspects England convoy with strong northerly course.  
        According to the assumption by Leadership of a more northerly course operated with changing speed settings depending on the weather and visibility conditions.  
           
    24.01.43      
    01.45   Incoming Radio Message 2050/23/827:  
        1.)  Mumm complete Radio Message 1749 on another circuit, 1st quarter picked up, Volume 4-0.  
    02.28   Incoming Radio Message 1602/23/839:  
        From Poel.  
        Convoy yesterday 20.00 hours naval square Anton Jota 7831, northerly course, 9 knots.  
        Today 09.00 hours lost.  Naval square 7267 with northeast course, questionable, widely separated, about 20 ships.  Hubertus contact keeper reports no homeland.  
        Sank naval square 7592 00.00 hours straggler 5000 GRT.  Visibility greatly changing, NNW freshening 10, 73 cbm.  
        Zitzewitz only emergency transmitter, reports 35 cbm.  
    04.00 AJ 5775    
      NNW 6, Sea 5, 7/10, 978 mb, +3°C, Vis. 3 nm    
    08.00 AJ 5752    
      WNW 7, Sea 6, 977 mb, +5°C, overcast, Vis. medium    
    11.25   Finally sent summary report, picked up by Control 1749/23/320:  
        (See 23 January 19.15 hours.)  
        After repeated unsuccessful attempts, it was delayed.  
    11.37   Outgoing Short Signal weather report:  
        54°N, 48°W, rising 983 mb, +4°C, NW 6, Altostratus 8/10, Vis. 2 nm, medium NW-Swell.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.43
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.01.43      
    12.00 AJ 5731 Day's run:  Surfaced: 142 nm, Submerged: 3 nm  
      NW 4, Sea 4, 5/10, 985 mb, Vis. 5 nm    
        From 15.00 hours searched at GF on courses 335°, 280°, 350°.  
    16.00 AJ 5465    
      N 3, Sea 2, 3/10, 989 mb, +4°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    17.02   Incoming Radio Message 1645/24/854:  
        To Group "Jaguar".  
        Continue searching for speed levels between 5-8 knots.  
    20.00 AJ 5451    
      NW 1, Sea 1, 2/10, 987 mb, +4°C, Vis. good    
    24.00 AJ 5445    
      NNW 4, Sea 2, 992 mb, +1°C, overcast, Vis. medium, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    25.01.43      
    02.14   Incoming Radio Message 0130/25/862:  
        Kr  
        From Jessen.  
        Position naval square AJ 2745.  Broad sound bearing in 80°T.  Pursuing at highest speed.  
        Operated in accordance with Jessen report at GF, course 55°.  
    03.43   Incoming Radio Message 0312/25/863:  
        Position naval square AJ 2746.  
        Strong sound band from 210-265°T.  Perfect.  
    04.00 AJ 1993    
      NW 3, Sea 2, 6/10, 994 mb, +2°C, Vis. good    
    08.00 AJ 2729    
      NW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 994 mb, +2°C, Vis. good    
    07.46 - 08.36   Dived to listen.  
    09.15   Incoming Radio Message 0813/25/864:  
        Group "Jaguar" Drewitz and U-201 operate on report concerning sound bearing of Jessen.  
    08.55   Own U-boat in sight at high speed out of the north (dark sector, I am positioned in the moon)  
        Passed 200 meters before the bow and was first distinguished by the wake.  Recognition Signal call not answered.  Suspect deception from own silhouette (conning tower construction).  
        Afterwards quickly out of sight again on changing courses.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.43
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.01.43      
    11.32 - 12.24 AJ 2547 Dived to listen.  
        Faint sound band from 280-320°.  Not reported because not perfect.  
        Operated on it at increased speed without success.  
    12.00 AJ 2547 Day's run:  Surfaced: 250 nm, Submerged: 6 nm  
      NW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 996 mb, +3°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    14.07 - 14.58   Dived to listen.  
        Operated on course 70° in accordance with Jessen sound bearing.  
    16.00 AJ 2515    
      WNW 4, Sea 3, +4°C, 998 mb, overcast, Vis. good    
    16.02   Incoming Radio Message 1504/25/875:  
        From Jessen.  
        Square given in Radio Message 0312/25 and 0725/25 must mean: AJ 2755.  
    20.00 AJ 2537    
      NW 4, Sea 3, 9/10, 999 mb, +3°C, Vis. good    
    24.00 AJ 2387    
      WNW 3, Sea 2, 999 mb, +4°C, overcast, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    26.01.43      
    04.00 AJ 3171    
      NW 3, Sea 2, 1000 mb, +4°C, Vis. medium    
    08.00 AJ 3194    
      NW 1, Sea 1, 7/10, 1002 mb, +3°C, Vis. good    
    11.10 - 11.44   Dived to listen.  
    11.45 AJ 3279 On surfacing Crash dive before an escort vessel silhouette bearing 20°T.  No sound bearing.  Nothing distinguished in the periscope.  
    12.00 AJ 3279 Day's run:  Surfaced: 270 nm, Submerged: 6 nm  
    12.35 - 12.36   Blew.  Escort vessel with sharp target angle in sight on the same bearing.  Dove again and thought it to be an escort vessel lying stopped.  Suspect connected with convoy.  Behavior unclear.  Attempted at soundless speed to get into attack position, identified as a damaged tanker with an overspilled forecastle.  
    16.09 AJ 3284 Single shot ordered from about 500 meters. (However range inexact due to unclear optics of the attack periscope and failure of the small magnification.)  
    16.00 AJ 3284    
      NW 1, Sea 1, +3°C, 998 mb, overcast, Vis. over 10 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.43
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.01.43      
    16.21 AJ 3284 Ship seems abandoned, therefore surfaced and sank with artillery.  Weather conditions and visibility are favorable, so that surprise by aircraft is not possible.  
        It turned out to be the loaded tanker KOLLBJØRG 8259 GRT (fished out life buoy), the foreship had broken off.  The clean break suggests sea damage.  
        (Explanation for miss.)  
    17.18   Incoming Radio Message 1147/46/887:  
        2.)  Group "Jaguar" continue operation, orders concerning return transit, or supply will follow this evening.  
    18.00 AJ 3284 Crash dive for two-engined land-based aircraft approaching from 140°T, suspect attracted by oil fire, and high black smoke pillar over the sinking location (type not recognized).  
    18.35   Surfaced.  
    18.49   Incoming Short Signal:  
        1 destroyer naval square 3438, course 110°.  
    19.37   Incoming Radio Message 1814/26x:  
        KR From Jessen.  
        Naval square AJ 3443 noticed by destroyer dived.  No Asdic.  Destroyer ran on easterly course.  
    20.00 AJ 3288    
      NW 1, Sea 1, 998 mb, +3°C, overcast, Vis. good In the course of the night there were two additional destroyer sightings (from Kremser 1800 hours in AJ 3453, from Borchers 21 45 hours in AJ 3195, easterly course) and 7 sound bearings (partly broad bands) reported in area AJ 34/35.  
        By these I am in the immediate vicinity of the convoy and searched accordingly at higher speed settings.  
        On the basis of the many fruitless sound bearings I suspect as sound source in most cases either own boats or swarms of dolphins and whales.   
        (See also Rosenberg Radio Message: 1931/27/821.)  
    21.55   Incoming Radio Message 1927/26/889:  
        To Group Jaguar.  
        If by darkness there is no contact, break off operation and occupy the following attack areas at economical transit speed.  
        Poel naval square 57, Mumm 58, Holtorf  82, Jessen, Ruwiedel 86, all naval square AK.  
        Supply each according to situation, for Jessen already anticipated.  
        (Overcome by enemy report)  
    22.20 - 23.19   Dived to listen.  
    24.00 AJ 3546    
      NW 1, Sea 1, 995 mb, +2°C, overcast, Vis, changing mostly low, no marine phosphorescence    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.43
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.01.43      
    01.57 - 02.21   Dived to listen.  
    04.00 AJ 3532    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 993 mb, +5°C, Vis. 6 nm    
    05.50 - 06.07   Dived to listen.  
    08.00 AJ 3574    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, +6°C, 988 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    09.56   Incoming Radio Message 0919/27/806:  
        To Jaguar boats.  
        Operate on the convoy as long as possible.  Boats low in fuel break off so that naval square Bruno Dora 30 can be reached with 10 cbm remaining.  
        By day continue search between 70° and 90°.  
    11.58   Incoming Radio Message 1058/27/808:  
        1.)  Mumm and Holtorf at next opportunity report experience concerning conning tower construction.  
    12.00 AJ 3384 Day's run:  Surfaced: 172 nm, Submerged: 16 nm  
      NE 4, Sea 3, +5°C, 984 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    15.25   Incoming Radio Message 1335/27/810:  
        From Thäter.  
        Last sound bearing 08.16 hours from naval square AJ 3512 bearing 30-60°T.  General course 45°.  Position now 3259.  No further bearings.  In pursuit in 50°T.  
    16.00 AJ 3363    
      NE 7, Sea 5, +5°C, 981 mb, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.00 AK 1587    
      NNE 5, Sea 4, +5°C, 978 mb, overcast, rain showers, Vis. 5 nm    
    21.35   Outgoing Radio Message 1821/27/819:  
        Experience concerning conning tower:  
        Depth control not impacted, longer diving time in heavy Sea State, increased breaker effect (marine phosphorescence), as anti-aircraft platform is already unusable in medium Sea State.  Overall disapprove.  
    22.00   Incoming Radio Message 2031 27/820:  
        If no contact, break off operation.  
        1.)  Group "Jaguar" at economical transit speed begin transit to naval square BD 60.  When passing the latitude of naval square AK 72 report fuel by Short Signal.  
    22.34 - 22.57   Dived to listen.  
        Afterwards proceeded to BD 60.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.43
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.01.43      
    24.00 AK 1764    
      N 1, Sea 1, 976 mb, +5°C, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    28.01.43      
    04.00 AK 1797    
      W 4, Sea 3, 8974 mb, +6°C, rain, Vis. 5 nm    
    08.00 AK 1937    
      W 7, Sea 6, 975 mb, +5°C, overcast, rain , Vis. 2 nm    
    12.00 AK 1983 Day's run:  Surfaced: 178 nm, Submerged: 4 nm  
      W 5, Sea 5, 975 mb, +4°C, overcast, Vis. 1000 meters    
    11.24 - 13.15   Dived to shift torpedoes.  
    16.00 AK 1989    
      W 9, Sea 7, 975 mb, +2°C, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 6 nm    
    24.00 AK 4356    
      W 9, Sea 7, 969 mb, +5°C, overcast, snow showers, Vis. low, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    29.01.43      
    01.48   Due to weather conditions dived to proceed submerged.  
    04.00 AK 4383    
    08.00 AK 4389    
    12.00 AK 4626 Day's run:  Surfaced: 53 nm, Submerged: 32 nm  
    13.15   Surfaced.  
    13.22   Incoming Radio Message 1117/29/845:  
        Poel, Zitzewitz and Mumm report fuel, add weather.  U-123 in the coming night sent Radiosonde report.  
    16.00 AK 4683    
    18.44   Outgoing Radio Message 1649/29/852:  
        AK 4659, 57 cbm, W 9, Sea 7, 72 cbm, steady, +3°C, showers.  Periscope optics out of service.  
    20.00 AK 4923 Incoming Radio Message 2134/29/856:  
        As temporary attack area occupy: Mumm naval square 49, Poel naval square 81, all AK.  
        Both boats begin return transit as soon as this is necessary at economical transit speed without supply.  
    23.56   Dived due to weather conditions.  
        Am in the ordered attack area.  
    24.00 AK 4964    
      W 10, Sea 8, +5°C, 971 mb, overcast, Vis. 1000 meters, no marine phosphorescence    
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.43
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
           
    30.01.43      
    04.00 AK 4956    
    08.00 AK 4955    
    10.35   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AK 4955 Day's run:  Surfaced: 70 nm, Submerged: 18 nm  
      WNW 7, Sea 6, 7/10, 971 mb, +4°C, Vis. 8 nm    
    16.00 AK 4954    
    20.00 AK 4982    
    22.00 NW 10, Sea 7, +5°C, 975 mb, overcast, rain showers, Vis. low, no marine phosphorescence    
    22.40   Dived due to weather conditions.  
    24.00 AK 4988    
           
    31.01.43      
    04.00 AK 4987    
    08.00 AK 4984    
    10.40   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AK 4981 Day's run:  Surfaced: 65 nm, Submerged: 18 nm  
      NW 5, Sea 5, 7/10, 981 mb, +5°C, Vis. 8 nm    
    16.00 AK 4957    
    20.00 AK 4927    
    24.00 AK 4924    
      NW 7, Sea 6, 7/10, +4°C, 985 mb, Vis. medium, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    01.02.43      
    04.00 AK 4951    
    05.34 NW 10, Sea 7, +2C, 986 mb, +2°C, overcast, Vis. low Dived due to weather conditions.  
    08.00 AK 4958    
    12.00 AK 4985 Day's run:  Surfaced: 90 nm, Submerged: 18 nm  
    12.45 NW 7, Sea 6, 8/10, 997 mb, +1°C, rain showers, Vis. 5 nm    
    16.00 AK 4991    
    16.16   Incoming Radio Message 1450/1/899:  
        Return harbors are:  
        Pallice for Schwaff, Nazaire for Jessen, Mumm, Holtorf, etc.  
    17.50   Incoming Radio Message 1732/1/805:  
        1.)  Mumm, Poel, Teichert, Struckmeier, Münnich, Wolf, Forstner, Rudloff, Franke, Hackländer, Lohmann form Group "Pfeil" and occupy at highest speed patrol line from Anton Karl 8421 to Bruno Dora 2316.  
    20.00 AK 8114    
    20.05   Incoming Radio Message 1924/1/807:  
        1.)  Mumm, Rahe, Schütt, Zitzewitz report weather by Short Signal tonight.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.43
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.02.43      
    22.36   Incoming Radio Message 2131/1/815:  
        To Group "Pfeil".  
        1.)  Disposition serves to detect a northeast-bound convoy, which is suspected about on the same route as the Teichert-convoy.  As soon as positions are taken up, further transit in reconnaissance line is intended.  
    24.00 AK 8421 Reached position.  
      WNW, Sea 5, 7/10, 1008 mb, +3°C, hail showers, Vis. changing High speed transit was incomprehensible with regard to own fuel situation (32 cbm on arrival), especially since other boats of the strip arrived later.  
           
    02.02.43      
    00.25   Outgoing Short Signal weather report:  
        53°N, 35°W, rising, 1009 mb, +3°C, N5-6, light rain showers, Vis. up to 2 nm, high NW-Swell.  
    01.50   Dived due to fuel situation and low visibility.  
    04.00 AK 8425    
    08.00 AK 8421    
    10.40   Surfaced.  
    11.52   Incoming Radio Message 0912/2/824:  
        1.)  Group "Pfeil" without Lohmann today at 12.00 hours proceed as reconnaissance line course 215° and speed of advance 5 knots.  
    12.00 AK 8421    
      W 4, Sea 3, 5/10, 1015 mb, +3°C, Vis. 7 nm    
    16.00 AK 8719    
      W 5, Sea 5, 9/10, 1015 mb, +5°C, Vis. 8 nm    
    20.00 AK 8444    
      WNW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1017 mb, +4°C, [illegible term]    
    24.00 AK 7668    
      W 1, Sea 1, 8/10, 1019 mb, +6°C, Vis. 5 nm, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    03.02.43      
    04.00 AK 7695    
      SE 4, Sea 2, 7/10, 1017 mb, +6°C, light rain showers, Vis, medium    
    08.00 AK 7657    
      S 5, Sea 2, 101x mb, 8/10, [illegible term], Vis. low    
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.43
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.02.43      
    09.56   Incoming Radio Message 0938/3/857:  
        To Group "Pfeil".  
        From 12.00 hours course 250°, speed 5 knots.   Mumm, Poel return transit without supply.  
    16.00 AK 8717    
      SW 6, Sea 4, +8°C, 1005 mb, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    20.00 AK 8753    
    21.20   Incoming Radio Message 2049/3/863:  
        1.)  RaheClausen, Mumm and Gretschel tonight Short Signal weather report.  
    24.00 AK 8845    
      SW 5, Sea 3, 9/10, 1010 mb, +6°C, Vis. low, marine phosphorescence    
           
    04.02.43      
    01.12   Sent Short Signal weather report:  
        51°N, 35°W, steady, 1010 mb, +6°C, SW 3-4, Vis. 10 nm, medium-high Swell.  
    04.00 AK 8891    
    08.00 AK 8975    
    11.25 - 12.37   Test dive.  
    12.00 AK 8989 Day's run:  Surfaced: 170 nm, Submerged: 1 nm  
    12.53   Incoming Radio Message 1129/4/874:  
        Enemy in sight naval square BD 1199.  
        Garbled report from Münnich 11.10 hours.  
    13.55   Incoming Radio Message 1048/4/872:  
        From Münnich.  
        Very large convoy, broad formation, northeasterly course, 8-10 knots.  
    14.23   Incoming Radio Message 1212/4/875:  
        1.)  Jessen, Poel, Mumm, Franzius, Soden, Kessler, Köppe and Schroeter operate on Münnich-report.  
        3.)  Convoy is probably destined for Murmansk.  Go! ruthless effort to relieve the Eastern Front.  
        Operated on Münnich-report at GF, course 290° fuel inventory still 24 cbm.  
        Further enemy reports:  
        12.10 from Forstner:  Convoy BD 1258, northeasterly course.  
        13.30 from Forstner:  Convoy BD 1256.  
        15.02 from Forstner: Convoy BD 1261, course 45°.  
        16.35 from Struckmeier: Convoy BD 1261.  
        16.53 from Struckmeier: Convoy BD 1235.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.43
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.02.43      
    16.00 AK 8986    
      W 3, Sea 3, +9°C, 1010 mb, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
    15.55   Incoming Radio Message 1539/4/880:  
        All at "Münnich and Forstner convoy " and tasked boats belong to Group "Pfeil" and switch to "Diana" Circuit on 4 February at 20.00 hours.  
    20.00 AK 8856    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 1009 mb, +7°C, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
        Further enemy reports:  
        17.40 from Forstner:  3-master AK 7999.  
        20.00 from Forstner: Escort vessel AK 7991.  
        20.00 from Struckmeier:  Convoy AK 7969.  
        20.26 from Forstner:  Masts of suspected convoy AK 7967.
        23.30 from Rudloff:  Star shells over convoy in AK 7961.  
    20.00   Switched to "Diana" Circuit.  
    22.19   Incoming Radio Message 2122/4/777:  
        To "Pfeil".  
        1.)  Tinschert immediately report enemy position.  
        2.)  Frequent contact keeper reports are especially important.  
        3.)  Boats, that see star shells over the convoy report immediately.  
    23.30   Incoming Radio Message 2240/4/780:  
        To "Pfeil".  
        1.)  If transmitting, absolutely add fuel once per day.  
        2.)  Fuel supply for return transit anticipated in BD 20.  Break off so that square is reached with 10 cbm.  
    24.00 AK 8734    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 1009 mb, +6°C, overcast, rain showers, Vis. low, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    05.02.43      
    01.03   Outgoing Short Signal:  
        Request bearing signals from contact keeper.  
    01.54 - 02.07   Dived to listen.  
        Am positioned at convoy by plotting, initially searched in 300°.  
    03.08   Outgoing Short Signal:  
        Up to now no bearing signals heard.  
    03.11   Incoming Radio Message 0156/5/971:  
        From Tinschert.  
        Forced off.  Depth charges.  Lost contact.  Last convoy position 22.52 hours AK 7969, easterly course, low speed.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.43
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.02.43      
    04.00 AK 7695    
      W 3, Sea 3, 8/10, 1008 mb, +6°C, medium-high Swell, Vis, medium    
    04.35 - 04.45   Dived to listen.  
        Afterwards continued to operate at higher speed and legs of 80° and 315°.  
    05.05   Incoming Radio Message 0447/5/795:  
        To "Pfeil".  
        1.)  Report better.  Note Standing Order No. 2.   
        2.)  Struckmeier and Rudloff report immediately if there is actually a convoy.  
        3.  Search further from 15° to 80°, speed 6 to 8 knots.  
    05.35   Incoming Radio Message 0510/5/797:  
        From Rudloff.  
        04.10 hours convoy AK 7664.  Noticed by destroyer during attack, depth charges.  Sending bearing signals.  
        Bearing signals too weak, could not take bearings.  
    07.36   Incoming Short Signal:  
        From Franke.  
        Have contact on convoy AK 8442.  
    07.57   New outgoing Short Signal:  
        Request bearing signals from contact keeper.  
    08.00 AK 7661    
      WNW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1010 mb, +5°C, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence    
    08.10   Incoming Radio Message 0755/5/702:  
        Franke send bearing signals immediately.  All go.  
        Operated on bearing signals from Franke until dawn, no contact.  
        Celestial navigation fix gives a likely offset of 29 nm to the east, therefore initially continued to the northwest, afterwards searched on northerly and northeasterly courses.  
        Intend with economical fuel consumption to search for contact by day, and attack at night with the last fuel reserve (still 15 cbm).  Day attack was not sought due to failure of the attack periscope.  
    11.02   Incoming Radio Message 1025/5/707:  
        Von Rudloff.  
        A steamer, 1 corvette AK 8425, 45°.  
    11.45   Incoming Radio Message 1133/5/708:  
        Wolf sighted 11.30 hours 1 destroyer in AK 8181.  
    12.00 AK 7399 Day's run:  Surfaced: 242 nm, Submerged: 3 nm  
      WNW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, 1013 mb, +4°C, Vis. 8 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.43
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.02.43      
    12.55   Incoming Radio Message 1245/5/714:  
        From Rudloff.  
        Convoy AK 8193, course 45°, 8 knots.  Very widely separated.  Am behind.  
    13.40   Incoming Radio Message 1322/5/715:  
        Entire Group "Pfeil" operate on Rudloff report.  
    14.42   Came to higher speed.  
        Incoming Radio Message 1430/5/717:  
        From Rudloff.  
        Contact lost due to rain and snow, last convoy position (up to 8 steamers distinguished) 13.30 hours AK 8245.  
    16.00 AK 8156    
      WSW 5, Sea 4, 6/10, 1013 mb, +4°C, Vis. 8 nm    
    18.42   Incoming Radio Message 1819/5/719  
        Franke report immediately how many ships seen.  All boats report position except for "Sträter" and "Teichert", if not reported after 10.00 hours.  
    19.16 AK 8225 U-boat bearing 75°T, in sight briefly, course north.  
    20.00 AK 8226    
      SW 6, Sea 4, 8/10, 1018 mb, +3°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    20.05   Outgoing Short Signal (up to now not heard by Control)  
        My position is AK 8225.  
        Still 12 cbm fuel.  
    20.46   Incoming Radio Message 2010/5/727:  
        From Rudloff.  
        Submerged attack spoiled by zigzag away, 28 steamers.  Convoy position 20.00 hours AK 8261, course 30°, 7 knots.  
    21.27   Incoming Radio Message 2114/5/731:  
        Rudloff report 21.08 hours convoy AK 8235, course 40°.  
        By plotting (good navigation fix) I am in the area of the convoy.  Search courses.  
    22.00   Outgoing Short Signal:  
        Request bearing signals from contact keeper.  
    21.52   Incoming Radio Message 2141/5/732  
        "Pfeil" go on Rudloff-report.  Rudloff send bearing signals.  
    22.35   Incoming Radio Message 2153/5/735:  
        From B.d.U.  
        Rudloff 21.49 hours lost contact.  
    from 22.20   Operated on bearing signals from Rudloff in 74°T.  
        Despite energetic search in this direction no contact.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.43
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.02.43      
    00.32 - 00.59   Dived to listen.  Nothing.  
        Afterwards legs of 50°, 90°, 350°.  
    24.00 AK 5313    
      SW 4, Sea 3, 7/10, 1021 mb, +6°C, no marine phosphorescence    
    2x.45   Incoming Radio Message 1806/5/724:  
        1.)  Report weather:  
        Mumm and Hackländer between 22.00 and 01.00 hours, Münnich and Lohmann between 03.00 and 06.00 hours.  
    22.40   Incoming Radio Message (Officer-Only) 2202/5/754:  
        To Group "Pfeil" and Schnoor.  
        Supply is anticipated in AK 89.  Arrival of Schnoor expected about 11 February.  
           
    06.02.43      
    00.28   Outgoing Short Signal:  
        54°N, 32°W, 1021 mb, rising, +6°C, W 3-4, light rain showers, Vis, up to 2 nm, medium W-Swell.  
    02.25   Incoming Radio Message 2300/5/742:  
        From Rudloff.  
        Convoy by sound bearings AK 5977.  
    01.32   Incoming Radio Message 0108/6/747:  
        From Rudloff.  
        Also by sound bearings no contact.  
    03.28   Incoming Radio Message 0310/6/749:  
        Convoy by good sound bearing AK 5957, 03.00 hours.  
    04.00 AK 5956    
      W 4, Sea 2, 4/10, 1023 mb, +7°C, Vis. good    
    04.34   Incoming Radio Message 0410/6/752:  
        From Rudloff.  
        Convoy 04.00 hours by sound bearings AK 5955.  
    04.55 - 05.13   Dived to listen.  Nothing, although by contact keeper reports and sound bearings have been in the area of the convoy since the beginning of darkness (perfect navigation).  
    08.00 AK 6755    
      NW 3, Sea 2, 8/10, 1025 mb, +7°C, Vis. good    
    08.30 - 08.50   Dived to listen.  
    09.15   Incoming Radio Message 0745/6/755:  
        From Lohmann.  
        Dived before aircraft AK 5937, 05.22 hours.  By sound bearings at convoy.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.43
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.02.43      
    09.42   Outgoing Radio Message 0955/6/756  
        Position 6751.  Breaking off in accordance with orders.  8 cbm.  NW 2, 1026 mb, rising, Vis. good  
        Transit to supply square.  
    10.2x   Incoming Radio Message 0946/6/767:  
        To "Pfeil"  
        With reports from Rudloff more boats should have come.  When searching run at high speed, make legs, listen, use all opportunities to the most.  
        I believe despite the many boats and the good visibility and listening conditions that no contact was gained this night because the Rudloff positions obviously showed a significant navigation error to the east, which can be seen from the direction of the bearing signals.  
    12.00 AK 6757 Day's run:  Surfaced: 268 nm, Submerged: 2 nm  
      W 3, Sea 3, 8/10, 1028 mb, +7°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    15.56 AK 6779 Smoke cloud in 185°T.  
        Independent, course 70°, about 8 knots, suspect straggler.  Maneuvered ahead to attack  
    16.00 AK 6779    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 8/10, 1028 mb, +5°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    19.17   Three high explosion columns observed at long intervals over the steamer.  Nothing heard.  
    19.34 AK 9134 Steamer sank after the third detonation.  
    19.56   A U-boat moving off in 210°T.   
        Afterwards passed the sinking location, sighted loaded lifeboats.  
        The sunken ship was the straggler "POLYKTOR" reported by Jessen.  
        Continued transit to supply place.  
    19.54   Incoming Radio Message 1856/6/781:  
        2.)  U-732, Poel, Jessen, Mumm, Kessler on 7 February at 08.00 hours switch to "Ireland" Circuit.  
    20.00 AK 9151    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, 9/10, 1026 mb, +6°C, Vis. 5 nm    
    24.00 AK 9157    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, +6°C, 1023 mb, overcast, Vis. medium, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    07.02.43      
    04.00 AK 9175    
    08.00 AK 8599 Switched to Ireland Circuit.  
    12.00 AK 8639 Day's run:  Surfaced: 124 nm, Submerged: -- nm  
      WSW 4, Sea 3, 7/10, +7°C, 1016 mb, Vis., 10 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.02.43      
    15.38   Incoming Radio Message 1520/7/158 (Officer-Only):  
        Supply orders:  
        On 8 February from 12.00 hours supply in AK 9442 Poel and Jessen from Wolf, Mumm from Franke.  Afterwards all boats return transit.  As little transmitting as possible.  Wolf and Franke set off after completion.  Report execution.  Both boats switch to Ireland Circuit  today from 20.00 hours.  
    16.00 AK 8666    
    20.00 AK 8693    
    24.00 AK 9474    
      W 3, Sea 2, 1015 mb, +2°C, overcast, Vis. changing, light marine phosphorescence    
           
    08.02.43      
    04.00 AK 9418    
    08.00 AK 9442    
    10.42   U-boat in sight bearing 90°T, meeting with Wolf.  
    12.00 AK 9442 Day's run:  Surfaced: 105 nm, Submerged: -- nm  
      W 7, Sea 5, 8/10, 1015 mb, +4°C, Vis. 6 nm    
    14.52 AK 9442 Two U-boats in sight bearing 0°T.  
        Meeting with Poel and Wolf.  
        Intend to lay stopped until the arrival of the other boats at the ordered meeting point and send bearing signals.  For the time being, supply is not possible due to weather conditions.  
    17.20   Poel sent bearing signals on request from Jessen  
        Assume that Franke also operated on these.  
    16.00 AK 9442    
      NW 4, Sea 5, 8/10, 1015 mb, +9°C, hight Swell, Vis. 6 nm    
    20.00 AK 9442    
      NW 5, Sea 4, 8/10, 1017 mb, +6°C, Vis. 6 nm    
    24.00 AK 9442    
      W 1, Sea 2, +10°C, 1020 mb, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence    
           
           
    09.02.43      
    04.00 AK 9442    
      W 3, Sea 3, 1019 mb, overcast, rain showers, Vis. low    
    08.00 AK 9942    
      W 3, Sea 3, 1010 mb, +12°C, overcast, Vis. low    
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.43
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.02.43      
    10.50   Jessen arrived.  
    11.50   Franke arrived, could not reach meeting point earlier.  
        Attempted fuel take over with coupled fuel and fire hose, which were connected by life jackets to a manila and steel line.  
        Weather conditions continue to be difficult, freshening after temporarily abating.  The quantities taken over are only small, the loss through leaks in the hoses are considerable.  Attempting to tighten a major leak broke the connection and apparently caught in Franke's propellers or rudders.  After unsuccessful attempts to get free until dark, Franke slips the entire connection and begins return transit.  
        Amount taken over:  2 cbm.  
    12.00 AK 9442 Day's run:  Surfaced: 10 nm  
      W 5, Sea 4, 1016 mb, +11°C, overcast, Vis. 5 nm    
    16.00 AK 9445    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, +11°C, 1015 mb, overcast, Vis. 2 nm    
    20.00 AK 9445    
      SW 4, Sea 3, +11°C, 1016 mb, overcast, Vis. 1 nm    
    21.15 - 21.50   Test dive.  
    22.47   Incoming Radio Message 2224/9/121:  
        From Franke.  
        After transfer of 2 cbm to Mumm oil transfer gear overboard.  
        Mumm requests supply from supplier.  Still has 4 cbm.  Have begun return transit.  
    24.00 AK 9443    
      SW 4, Sea 3, +13°C, overcast, Vis. low, no marine phosphorescence    
           
    10.02.43      
    02.25   Incoming Radio Message 2353/9/124:  
        1.)  Mumm supply 11 February from Schnoor at supply place for Huth for economical return transit.  
        2.)  Completion report supply Mumm and Huth by last supplied boat after moving off sufficiently by Short Signal "Yes".  
    04.00 AK 9445    
    08.00 AK 9443    
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.02.43
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.02.43      
    12.00 AK 9427 Day's run:  Surfaced: 18 nm, Submerged: 2 nm  
      SW 5, Sea 4, +10°C, 1012 mb, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
    16.00 AK 9446    
    20.00 AK 9472    
    24.00 AK 9457    
      SW 7, Sea 5, +12°C, 1003 mb, overcast, light marine phosphorescence    
    23.55   Due to weather and fuel situation dived to proceed submerged.  
           
    11.02.43      
    04.00 AK 9473    
    06.55   Surfaced.  
    08.00 AK 9711    
    12.00 AK 8967 Day's run:  Surfaced: 99 nm, Submerged: 21 nm  
      SW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1007 mb, +10°C, Vis. 4 nm    
    13.00   Reached supply point.  
    14.x1   Outgoing Radio Message 1350/11/162:  
        Request bearing signals from Schnoor.  
    15.20   Schnoor sends bearing signals.  
        Operated on bearing signals at only low speed due to fuel situation.  
    16.00 AK 8985    
      W 5, Sea 3, 1009 mb, +10°C, overcast, high Swell, Vis. 6 nm    
    18.30   Meeting with Schnoor (Fuel inventory below 1 cbm)  
    21.30   Carried out supply:  
        Fuel for return transit (28 cbm) and some fresh provisions.  
        Afterwards return transit.  
    20.00 AK 8985    
      W 4, Sea 3, 6/10, 1009 mb, Vis. 6 nm    
    22.03 - 22.40   Test dive.  
    24.00 AK 8986    
      W 4, Sea 3, 5/10, 1020 mb, Vis. good    
           
    12.02.43      
    04.00 BD 2312    
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.02.43
 
- 32 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.02.43      
    08.00 BD 2326    
    12.00 BD 3143 Day's run:  Surfaced: 148 nm, Submerged: 2 nm  
      W 1, Sea 1, 3/10, 1030 mb, +11°C, Vis. 10 nm    
    16.00 BD 3164    
    20.00 BD 3282    
    20.22   Outgoing Radio Message 1950/12/191:  
        11 February as planned, tanker inventory 600 cbm. 125 days.  
        Completion report with added tanker inventory contrary to orders and on request by Schnoor after setting off sufficiently.  
    24.00 BF 3375    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 1033 mb, +12°C, very clear, Vis. very good    
           
    13.02.43      
    04.00 BD 3388    
    08.00 BE 1414    
    12.00 BD 1428 Day's run:  Surfaced: 202 nm  
      S 3, Sea 2, +14°C, 1032 mb, foggy    
    12.00 - 13.00   Test dive.  
    16.00 BE 1463    
    20.00 BE 1555    
    20.42   Incoming Radio Message 1909/13/126:  
        1.)  . . . .  
        2.)  Circuits from 14 February at 08.00:  Mumm, Huth, U-575 and Seibicke - Coastal . . . .
    24.00 BE 1593    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 1032 mb, +14°C, overcast, light marine phosphorescence    
           
    14.02.43      
    04.00 BE 1684    
    08.00 BE 1699    
    12.00 BE 2721 Day's run:  Surfaced: 175 nm, Submerged: 1 nm  
      SW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1029 mb, +12°C, Vis. 4 nm    
    16.00 BE 2818    
    20.00 BE 2869    
    24.00 BE 2994    
      W 4, Sea 3, +13°C, 1029 mb, overcast, Vis. good    
           
    15.02.43      
    04.00 BE 6122    
    08.00 BE 6219    
    08.45   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BE 6228 Day's run:  Surfaced: 293 nm, Submerged: 10 nm  
    16.00 BE 6261    
    20.00 BE 6263    
    20.10   Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  
    24.00 BE 6391    
      NW 5, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good    
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.02.43
 
- 33 -
 
           
           
           
           
    16.02.43      
    02.00 - 02.39 BF 4175 Crash dive for horizontally polarized detection, 1.66 meters.  
    04.00 BF 4188    
    07.49   Outgoing Short Signal:  
        Position 48 hours off meeting point with escort.  
    08.00 BF 4519    
    08.28   Incoming confirmation Short Signal: 0751/16/52:  
    08.42   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BF 4553 Day's run:  Surfaced: 171 nm, Submerged: 35 nm  
    16.00 BF 4562    
    17.31   Incoming Radio Message 0921/16/56:  
        To U-594, U-465.  
        From 7. U-Flottille.  Escort positioned 18 February at 07.00 hours Herz 438.  Report escort intake with time.  
    20.00 BF 4565    
    19.30 NNW 4, Sea 4, 7/10, 1041 mb, +11°C, Vis. good, bright moon, light marine phosphorescence Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  
    22.11 - 22.37 BF 4657 Crash dive for horizontally polarized detection, 1.66 meters.  
    24.00 BF 4682    
      NNW 4, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. very good, very bright moon, light marine phosphorescence    
           
    17.02.43      
    04.00 BF 5725    
    04.33 - 04.53 BF 5726 Crash dive for horizontally polarized detection, 1.66 meters.  
    04.57 - 05.45 BF 5725 Crash dive for horizontally polarized detection, 1.68 meters.  
    07.39   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    08.00 BF 5738    
    12.00 BF 5763 Day's run:  Surfaced: 119 nm, Submerged: 37 nm  
    16.00 BF 5842    
    19.00   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BF 5882    
    23.05   Passed Point "Morgen".  
    24.00 BF 6779    
      NE 3, Sea 3, 5/10, 1035 mb, +9°C, very bright moon, Vis. very good    
           
    18.02.43      
    04.17   U-boat in sight bearing 340°T, Recognition Signals exchanged.  
    05.08   U-boat in sight bearing 285°T, Recognition Signals exchanged.  
    06.24   Together with Sperrbrecher, taken in convoy with U-575 and U-267.  
        Waiting for U-465.  
    08.00 NE 2, Sea 1, 3/10, +7°C, Vis. very good    
    10.04   Incoming Radio Message 0946/18/7:  
        Urgent to U-594.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.43
 
- 34 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.02.43   From 7. U-Flottille question convoy intake.  Report situation.  
    10.30   "U-465" arrives.  
    10.42   Outgoing Radio Message 1030/18/8:  
        From Mumm.  
        Boats all present taken in convoy.  Wolf was late.  
      St. Nazaire Made fast in the lock  
           
           
                                  E  x  p  e  r  i  e  n c  e  s !  
           
     
1.) The continual bad weather made increased demands of the crew and material. 
  The crew's morale and mood were consistently good, the only difficulty was getting the newly embarked soldiers into it.  Outfitting of the bridge watch with durable, weatherproof suits (rain gear) is inadequate and did not meet the weather conditions for this patrol.
  Due to constant inflow of seawater, the attack periscope failed in both the optics and the movable part.  On and below the upper deck, the majority of all stowage gratings and a series of upper deck covers loosened, which caused piping damage to some extent (for example failure of a bottle group) and almost all cordage was lost. All new shipbuilding work in connection with tower construction and installation of the Fu.M.G. prove to be the least resilient.
2.) Improvements:
  a.) Experiences concerning the conning tower construction (anti-aircraft bridge) were reported in Radio Message 1821/27/819.
    It is added that the longer diving times (especially when the seas are from ahead at low speed) represent the main shortcoming of the bridge, which is not compensated for by the small advantage of the weapons, which are considerably restricted in their use (Sea State). By reducing the size of the upper platform, this weapon can only be swung up by shooters when it is extended and is therefore also largely unsuccessful when it comes to firing at surface targets and low-flying aircraft.
  b.) There were no experiences concerning Fu.M.G., FAT and Pi2.
  c.) The wooden structure of the Fu.M.B. (Metox) frame antenna does not meet the simplest requirements in terms of weather and has already broken due to the slight effect of breakers..
3.) Convoy operations:
  a.) During this time of year, I believe surveillance of a patrol line in the sea area of the North Atlantic is not guaranteed.  Navigation differences caused by the mostly persistent bad weather, poor visibility and low speed levels allow even large convoys to pass unnoticed. It is noticeable that sightings took place when there was temporary weather improvement.
 
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.43
 
- 35 -
 
           
           
           
           
     
  b.) Frequently reported unsuccessful sound bearings when searching for contact (Groups "Jaguar"-"Haudegen") leave either own boats or schools of dolphins and whales as the sound source in many cases.
  c.) In heavy weather conditions, in any case, the bearing signal transmission without orders or request should be one of the tasks of the actual contact holder, as long as only a few boats in the assigned group have contact.
  d.) Information-wise, the breaking of communications with the homeland at the moment of the start of the convoy Operation of Group "Jaguar" was particularly detrimental.  After the first two enemy reports, which were picked up before dark, the next, presumably due to listening by day, were only picked up about 12 hours later; although, as it turned out, there was at least intermittent contact during the night.
    It is generally stated that the handling and discipline of the radio traffic on the part of land radio stations did not always correspond to the given instructions, and that the often difficult conditions on board were repeatedly not taken into account. See Communications Section for details.
 
                                    
     

 

 

On board 18 February 1943

 
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 

 

  Enclosures to U-594's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
   
Chart Track chart of entire patrol
   
Sketch Combat sketch  - Group Pfeil Convoy Operation 4 -6 February
   
Radio Excerpt of the Radio Log

 

     
     
 

Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
 
on the Kriegstagebuch "U-594" from 29.9.42 - 18.2.43.
 
 

 

 
                  Second patrol of the Kommendanten.  
                  The operation on the "Poel and Jessen"-convoy was complicated by weather, navigation and Radio Message difficulties and only led to a consolation success against a tanker wreck.  The low-fuel situation of the boats and the failed attack periscope during the operation on the "Münnich"-convoy from 4 February initially caused the Kommandanten a certain reluctance to look for contact during the day. As a result, weather difficulties and apparently faulty navigation by Rudloff were the reason for unsuccessful continued operation.  
                  For the rest, the Kommandant prudently and correctly led his boat.  
  Accredited success:  Wounded 1/2 = 4000 GRT sunk by artillery.  
     
     
     
   

For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

 
   
- The Chief of the Operations Department -
 
 
 
     
 


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