U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - U-615 3rd War Patrol

Excerpt of the Radio Log "U-615"

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21.02.43
14.50	My position is BE 68.
	- U-615 -

22.02.43
11.00	Operating on Gräf-convoy BE 5699.
	Kapitzky

22.02.43
11.00	Breaking off operations.
	- U-615 -

22.02.43
13.30	1.) Uhlig radiosonde up to 17.00 hours. Pietsch report weather by Short Signal.
	2.) Kapitzky do not operate on convoy, head for square JO 66. Strelow same objective.

23.02.43
09.00	Previous Burggraf operation broken off. Christophersen, Uhlig, Siegmann, Pietsch, Möglich, Keutschka, Strelow, Kapitzky in this named order on 25 February 08.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from YN 6289 to 8398, course 240°, day's run 90 nm. Early arriving boats do not wait in position. Free to maneuver outside the line up to departure time. Kapitzky will not arrive until the course of the 25th due to the great distance away. Boats form Group Burggraf.

24.02.43
19.45	1.) Kapitzky, Dahlhaus, report weather by Short Signal today. Rüggeberg at economical transit speed occupy temporary attack area BX 61, 64 and 67.
	3.) Wintermeier, Lange, Rentel and Brünning from 25 February at 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.

25.02.43
05.20	51°N, 24°W, rising 1030 mb, +9°C, Vis. 5 nm, NW 5-6, light rain showers, medium-high W-Swell.
	- U-615 -

25.02.43
05.20	To Burggraf: Departure of the group as reconnaissance line shifted due to late arrival of Siegmann on 26 February 08.00 hours.

27.02.43
17.05	Group Burggraf adjust course and speed so as to reach the position line from CQ 5855 to 8965 on 28 February at 08.00 hours, then proceed as before.

01.03.43
09.10	Wildfang and Burggraf boats absolute radio silence. Remain undetected. On detecting location [radar] dive immediately, so as not to reveal advance or position.

01.03.43
18.00	1.) Kapitzky, Dietrichs, Lange, tomorrow between 03.00 and 06.00 hours give weather.
	2.) On 2 March at 08.00 hours Olrich, Mengersen, Höltring, Hackländer, Manke, Gretschel, Heine, switch Coastal Circuit, Johannsen, switch Ireland Circuit. Boats of Group Burggraf switch to Hubertus Circuit.

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

- 2 -

	3) Wissmann and Würdemann report situation.

02.03.43
03.20	51°N, 36°W, 1032 mb, unchanged, +7°C, Vis. up to 5 nm, N 1-2, 1/10 overcast, Stratus, confused Swell.
	Kapitzky

04.03.43
17.00	To Group Wildfang and Burggraf: In the area of the patrol line on the evening of 4 March there will be northeast bound convoy, speed of advance 7 knots expected. Monitor area perfectly.

05.03.43
19.45	Group Wildfang and Burggraf from 23.00 hours course 45° speed 6 knots over ground. On 6 March in the morning at 10.00 come about and in the evening at 23.00 hours remain stopped in old patrol line.

06.03.43
13.45	1.) Wildfang and Burggraf including from Maßmann to Strelow and boats north of the line operate at highest speed on Hopmann-convoy also with northeast course.
	2.) Hopmann maintain contact, do not attack.

06.03.43
17.05	Bernbeck, Lohmann, Fraatz, Eckhard, Manseck, Gräf, Uphoff, Kapitzky, Hüttemann, Bertelsmann, Walkerling, Feiler, Kruschka, Zurmühlen, Schamong, occupy patrol line from square FS 7445 to GA 9275 at economical transit speed. These boats form new Group Raubgraf.

07.03.43
11.35	1.) Bernbeck, Lohmann, Fraatz shift position in patrol line to the southeast.
	2.) Expect northeast bound convoy from this morning. Raubgraf be sharp.

09.03.43
19.46	Group Raubgraf today 19.00 hours in reconnaissance line course 345°, speed of advance 6 knots. Boats low on fuel break off so as to reach square FM 39 with 5 cbm. Radio silence except for tactical reports, southwest bound convoy expected from tomorrow.

10.03.43
12.35	Group Raubgraf this evening remain in position line from IR 6768 to 0883 as patrol line. Expect delay of the convoy due to the weather situation.

11.03.43
09.40	Group Raubgraf from 10.00 hours in reconnaissance line course 270°, 5 knots.

11.03.43
21.00	Group Raubgraf at 22.00 remain in position line from MY 6659 to 0782 as patrol line. Due to weather situation suspect later arrival of the awaited convoy.

12.03.43
01.00	VW 8215 from 15.00 to 20.00 hours forced to submerge by stationary patrol vessel, W 6, Sea 5, 1028 mb steady, snow showers.
	Kapitzky (not acknowledged)

12.03.43
10.10	VW 8215 stationary patrol vessel from 15.00 to 20.00 hours.

- 3 -

	Square 8241, 21.00 hours destroyer, southerly course, high speed, no convoy found, going to position, W 7, S 6, medium swell, Vis. 100 - 5000 meters, snow showers, 1029 mb, steady, radio connection intermittent from 20.00 hours.
	- Kapitzky -

13.03.43
11.50	Naval square 6744 several smoke clouds and 1 destroyer, southerly course.
	- Bertelsmann -

13.03.43
12.30	Convoy AJ 6747, southwest.
	- NF -

13.03.43
13.15	To Group Raubgraf: Operate on convoy reported by Bertelsmann. Supply position ready.

13.03.43
19.13	Request bearing signals in accordance with Kriegsmarine Orders.
	- Kapitzky -

13.03.43
21.55	Convoy located naval square AJ 8357 Zurmühlen send bearing signals in accordance with Kriegsmarine Orders, Kapitzky stand by for bearing signals.

14.03.43
00.30	Naval square AJ 8349 one bearing 130°T, position 8613, no bearings. SW 3, Sea 3, Vis. 2 nm, rain, fog, 1002 mb steady.
	- Kapitzky -

14.03.43
00.30	Group Raubgraf: Continue operation on SSW courses.

14.03.43
13.30	1) Group Raubgraf search on more southerly courses. If no contact tomorrow intend patrol line from square OP 2816 to 4018, against northeast bound convoy.
	2) Lohmann, Gräf, Manseck before 17.00 hours report position and fuel.
	3) Feiler report as soon as ready.

14.03.43
13.30	13.25 hours naval square AJ 8845 aircraft bombs. Liberator, 65 cbm. Serial No. 881 from 11 March missing.
	- Kapitzky -

14.03.43
17.30	Group Raubgraf: In named order Bertelsmann, Kapitzky, Zurmühlen, Schamong, Strelow, Walkerling, Manseck, Gräf, Uphoff on 15 March 12.00 hours be in patrol line located from DJ 1385 to KR 5081. Objective: catching an eastbound convoy, still other boats can be set on the next [convoy].

15.03.43
06.10	To Raubgraf: Break off operation, head for square UT 49. High speed.

15.03.43
06.10	To Group Raubgraf: In named order Schamog, Strelow, Bertelsmann, Kapitzky, Zurmühlen, Manseck, Gräf, Uphoff, Walkerling at 16.00 hours in new patrol line from square FS 1445 to GV 5066. Additionally, lame boats by all means

- 4 -

	attempt to reach position. Convoy must be found. Serial No. 858 is settled.

15.03.43
11.25	Raubgraf: Shift ordered patrol line in direction of the position line at 15 nm to the south.

15.03.43
22.05	Group Raubgraf: If there is no contact, tonight 22.00 hours in reconnaissance line, course 73°, 6 knots. 16 March 10.00 hours come about course 253°, 4 knots.

15.03.43
23.00	To Raubgraf: Manseck, Gräf, Uphoff, operate on Walkerling-report. Remaining boats from immediately course 0°, speed 7 knots.

15.03.43
23.30	To Raubgraf: If there is no contact during the night by separated 4 boats, the same group on 16 March at 10.00 hours be in new patrol line located from square BP 9291 to KJ 2985. Old order.

16.03.43
09.20	Feiler reports 08.25 hours convoy naval square BD 1491, course 70°.

16.03.43
10.20	1.) Group Raubgraf: Go on Feiler report.
	2.) Feiler maintain contact until other boats are there.

16.03.43
18.15	BD 1519 destroyer and smoke clouds.
	- Kapitzky -

16.03.43
18.15	Have contact on convoy BD 1521.

16.03.43
18.15	Convoy square BD 1525 course east, speed 7 knots.
	- Kapitzky -

16.03.43
18.15	To Raubgraf: 1.) Good navigation in this area is of paramount importance because of strong irregular currents at the intersection of the Gulf Stream and Labrador Currents. Always new navigation fixes when reporting.
	2.) Based on individual situation operate at highest speed on the convoy.
	3.) Seahmong return transit over the convoy route without supply. Feiler go to Wolfbauer.

17.03.43
10.30	Convoy position BD 1538, 100°, 8 knots.
	- Kapitzky -

17.03.43
10.30	Sending bearing signals in accordance with Kriegsmarine Orders.
	- U-615 -

- 5 -

17.03.43
10.30	Enemy located BD 1618 course 90°, Speed 8 knots.
	- U-615 -

17.03.43
10.30	Bearing signals 180°T, 8 nm away.

17.03.43
10.30	Sending bearing signals in accordance with Kriegsmarine Orders
	- U-615 -

17.03.43
10.30	Bearing 180°T, 5 nm

17.03.43
10.30	Convoy BD 1612, course 30°, 8 knots, about 20 steamers, 3 columns, N 4, Sea 2, high swell, Vis. 4 nm.
	- U-615 -

17.03.43
10.30	Position BD 2118 going to Walkerling, request bearing signals.
	- U-615 - (not acknowledged)

17.03.43
09.00	Naval square BD 1334, 3 hits on 2 damaged vessels, still 3 heavily damaged request boat, no more torpedoes.
	- Walkerling -

17.03.43
14.00	Raubgraf convoy: 1.) The beginning was superb, contact must not be lost. Anyone with observations about the composition and size of the convoy report. Approximately 50 ships probably run in the convoy.
	2.) Kinzel report, if stated square was correct.
	3.) Uphoff, Gräf report position, Kapitzky weather.
	4.) Bartelsmann return transit.

17.03.43
14.00	1.) Boats that are located near the ships damaged by Walkerling, immediately go there and finish them off. Report "Yes" by Short Signal.
	2.) From each ship take a minimum of one prisoner, Captain or Engineering Officer if possible.

17.03.43
17.40	BD 1363 damaged Walkerling ships not found without bearing signals. Searching for convoy. N 3, Sea 3, high swell, Vis. 3 nm, heavy snow showers, 1012 mb steady.
	- Kapitzky -

17.03.43
22.30	1.) Assessment: 2 different convoys, Raubgraf convoy 17.30 hours in naval square AK 8943 reported from Zumühlen. Stürmer convoy 18.44 hours in naval square AK 9462 reported from Bahr.
	2.) For the information of the other boats report contact frequently.

18.03.43
01.30	AK 8932 23.30 hours propeller sounds bearing 40°T.
	- Kapitzky -

18.03.43
04.30	02.15 AK 9472 propeller sounds bearing 310°T.
	- Kapitzky -

18.03.43
06.00	To Raubgraf and Stürmer convoys: Where are the contact keeper reports. With the large number of boats contact must not be broken. Continue searching at highest speed. To Raubgraf convoy for course from 40 - 80°. To Stürmer convoy for courses from 50 - 100°, speed for both between 7 and 9 knots.

- 6 -

18.03.43
10.30	Convoy in sight naval square AK 9165.
	- Freyberg -

18.03.43
14.45	Convoy by perfect sound bearing in naval square AK 9225. Visibility changing, 200 meters - 5 nm.
	- Freyberg -

18.03.43
14.45	KR KR boats at Raubgraf convoy go on Freyberg report.

18.03.43
21.00	17.40 hours AK 6821 Liberator, N 6, Sea 6, Vis. 5 nm, 10/10 Stratus, 1006 mb, falling, still 24 cbm, request bearing signals.
	- Kapitzky -

18.03.43
21.00	Boats at Raubgraf and Stürmer convoys. Immediately report each indication or if holding contact.

19.03.43
00.45	Request bearing signals from Brosin, even if no contact. All torpedoes, question supply.
	- Kapitzky -

19.03.43
00.45	Boats at Raubgraf and Stürmer convoys: Each boat is expected to reach the convoy by advancing at highest speed. When searching in large seas make corresponding large legs. With the large number of boats more must get close. The convoy must be wiped out.

19.03.43
05.20	Boats at Raubgraf and Stürmer convoys: Wolfbauer is positioned in ZM 4228. Boats continue operation as long as the tanker can be reached with 5 cbm. Boats that are very low on fuel in especially favorable attack position utilize opportunities. In emergency meeting point will be arrange to the north and/or other boats will transfer fuel.

19.03.43
17.30	Hartmann reports attacking with FAT 04.33 hours.

19.03.43
17.30	05.15 hours AL 4765 detected during attack by destroyer. 5 hour depth charging. Asdic. Explosive location. 18 ships, 5 columns, course 45°, 5 knots. After surfacing forced to submerge by patrol vessel and biplane. SE 2, Sea 2, 4/10, showers, Vis. 15 nm, 1000 mb steady, 22 cbm.
	- Kapitzky -

19.03.43
17.30	In Radio Message 1128/19/833 must mean: naval square AL 4747
	- Kapitzky -

19.03.43
23.05	1.) If possible still exploit dive at dawn for day attack on the morning of 20 March. Afterwards break off and search for independents on the convoy route in large legs to the southwest.

20.03.43
07.50	Position AL 4567 going to Wolfbauer. 17 cbm, SE 3, Sea 3, medium Swell, 6/10, Cumulus, Vis. good, 1006 mb rising.
	- Kapitzky -

20.03.43
00.00	All torpedoes, boat is ready for further operations except for fixed periscope and minor over deck damage. Repairs in calm

- 7 -

	weather. AK 9346, SE 4, freshening, S 4, medium Swell, 6/10, Altofractus, Stratus, 1006 mb falling.
	- Kapitzky -

23.03.43
20.45	Supply completed, request orders.
	- U-615 -

24.03.43
04.00	To Kapitzky: Set off in northerly direction, further orders to follow.

24.03.43
11.50	Uphoff and Kapitzky join group Seewolf and occupy squares VQ 2879 and 3128 respectively to lengthen the patrol line. With this from 25 March at 08.00 the group consists of 19 boats in line from NC 5928 to VQ 3128. All boats switch to Hubertus Circuit today at 20.00 hours.

25.03.43
10.00	Group Seawolf from 10.00 hours course 150°, speed 5 knots, Northeast bound convoy is expected today.

25.03.43
19.10	To Seawolf: At 22.00 hours remain in position line as patrol line from naval square 4736 to naval square 2714.

26.03.43
19.45	To Group Seawolf: From 20.00 hours course 340°, 7 knots.

27.03.43
08.55	Group Seawolf: After dropping out of Brünning today with 18 boats at 11.00 hours remain in reached position line as patrol line from VW 5357 to PX 0214.

27.03.43
17.45	1.) Group Seeteufel break off operation on southwest bound convoy.
	2.) Seeteufel and Seawolf from Bahr up to and including Lange operate at highest speed on eastbound convoy that at 14.56 hours was reported in naval square AJ 3873.
	3.) Suspect northeast course, speed up to 9 knots.

28.03.43
19.45	1.) Uhlig, Löser, Rentel and Schmidt return transit, immediately switch to Diana Circuit.
	2.) Rahe, Uphoff, and Kapitzky head for NF 78. Economical fuel consumption.

29.03.43
13.10	As temporary attack area occupy: Lüdden square 73, Rahe square 74, Uphoff square 06, Kapitzky square 07 all squares RO.

05.04.43
1945	Lüdden, Rahe, Uphoff, Kapitzky, Tinschert, Bülow, Müller, Möhlmann and Köppe as Group Adler on 7 April at 08.00 hours in reconnaissance line fromIR 7193 to QE 8674, course 210°, day's run 100 nm. Northeast bound convoy expected from 7 April. From 6 April at 08.00 hours switch to Hubertus Circuit.

07.04.43
16.50	To Group Adler: Lüdden, Rahe, Uphoff operate on Rahe report of destroyer. Suspect convoy escort. Remaining boats course north, speed 8 knots.

- 8 -

07.04.43
23.30	If there is no contact before, group Adler in previous order on 8 April at 10.00 hours in patrol line located from GS 4473 to QE 5915. Each boat ensure his area is monitored.

08.04.43
22.15	1.) As new Group Adler are Lüdden, Rahe, Uphoff, Kapitzky, Tinschert, Bülow, Müller, Möhlmann, Köppe, Rodler, Wolfram, Mässenhausen, Pöhl, Heinsohn, Pückler and Baberg on 11 April at 08.00 in reconnaissance line from EM 8757 to OO 3459, course 225°, day's run 100 nm.
	2.) If Pöhl, Heinsohn and Pückler supply can not be completed in time continue on without these. Baberg attempt to finish on time.
	No reports. Neide after replenishment occupy square EM 02.
	3.) Northeast bound convoy is expected in the morning of 11 April.
	4.) Therefore paragraph 4 of Serial No. 102 of 8 April is settled.

09.04.43
20.10	1.) Meeting point for Freyberg and Metz is PC 6685. Supply begins 11 April, 10.00 hours.
	2.) For boats low in fuel, supply of Adler boats is possible later from Metz in mentioned square.

10.04.43
18.00	1.) Group Adler: From Adler up to and including Rodler operate on Bülow convoy.
	2.) Rodler immediately switch to Hubertus Circuit.

10.04.43
14.29	AK 4840 4-fan on independent. 10000 GRT. Apparently an auxiliary warship, 1 hit, after repairs runs on, heavy zig zags to the northeast, 12 knots, in pursuit.
	- Kapitzky -

11.04.43
14.30	Naval square AK 5415 at 05.17 hours 12000 tonner after 3rd overnight hit flew into the air. Starboard aft net deflector torn, steamer was presumably an auxiliary warship. Kommandant bruised shoulder. 26 cbm, request orders. NNW 3, Sea 1, 996 mb falling, cloudy 10/10, Vis. 4 nm, rain.
	- Kapitzky -

11.04.43
14.30	Kapitzky operate on Deecke convoy, located at 11.00 hours in naval square AK 8213, general course 60°, 9-10 knots. Immediately switch to Ireland Circuit. Supply in square CM 25 anticipated.

11.04.43
14.30	Position naval square AK 5740, Kommandant right shoulder and upper arm possible collarbone fracture from blast fragment, still not fit for duty. Request return transit.
	- Kapitzky -

11.04.43
17.45	To Kapitzky: Return transit. With "Yes" report if doctor's assistance or fuel is necessary from Metz in square CH 6685. Circuit is Ireland.

13.04.43
17.15

- 9 -

13.04.43
17.45	Return harbors are Bordeaux for Wolfbauer, St. Nazaire, for Borm and Schetelig, La Pallice for Kapitzky.
	F.d.U. West.

18.04.43
01.10	Positioned 36 hours off meeting point with escort.
	- U-615 -

19.04.43
23.43	U-615 escort positioned on 20.04.43 at 10.30 hours at Point Pilz.
	- 3.U-Flottille -

19.03.43	[typo should be 19.04.43]
10.25	Arrival at agreed meeting point anticipated 2 hours early.
	- Kapitzky -

19.04.43
22.02	To Kapitzky: U-468 and U-569 are departing La Pallice on 19 April
	F.d.U. West.