U-618 - 5th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
St. Nazaire	11 November 1943	Lorient	4 January 1944	55

 

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

Ships Hit

None

Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				of
			U  n  t  e  r  s  e  e  b  o  o  t  e  s    "U  618"  .
			Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant  Baberg
			Beginning:        6 September 1943       )
			Concluding:    11 November 1943      )           Shipyard period
			Distribution:     Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 and 2 O.K.M., 2.Skl./B.d.U. Op.        " 3 Komm. Admiral der Unterseeboote        " 4 Führer der Unterseeboote        " 5 Führer der Unterseebootsausbildung        " 6 27. Unterseebootsflottille        " 7 7. Unterseebootesflottille        " 8
				-------------------
		05.09.43	St. Nazaire	Arrived.
		07.09.43		To the shipyard.
		11.09.43		Dry docked in Box I.
		09.10.43		Conning tower completed.
		12.10.43		Pier side trials.
		14.10.43		Sea trial.
		16.10.43		Shipyard completed.
		11.11.43		Departed on 5th war patrol.
				Certified to be correct:
				Korv.Kapt and Flottille Chef.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				of the Unterseebootes  -U  618-
				5th Patrol
			Beginning;	11 November 1943
			Ending:	4 January      1944
			Kommandant:	Kapitänleutnant Baberg
			Patrol under Operations Order No. 56
			All D.G.Z and naval squares.
			Distribution:	2 x O.K.M.
				1 x B.d.U.
				1 x Kom.Adm.Uboote
				1 x F.d.U. West
				1 x F.d.U. Ausbildung
				1 x 27. U.-Flottille
				1 x   7. U.-Flottille

	- 1 -
		11.11.43
		17.20		Departed the St. Nazaire Lock on 5th war patrol.
				The Flottille Engineering Officer and 5 men of the Shipyard aboard for the deep diving test.
		17.40		Taken in convoy.
		20.00	BF 6466 upper edge left
			NW 5, Sea 4, 3/10, Vis. good
		24.00	BF 6734 lower-center
			NW 5, Sea 4, 3/10, bright moonlit night
		12.11.43
		04.00	BF 6785 center-left
			NW 4, Sea 3, 5/10, 1027 mb
		05.40		Passed the 200-meter line.
		05.54 - 09.06		Test dive and deep dive to depth 2 A +5 meters.
		08.00	BF 1926 center-right edge	[typo BF 9126]
		09.30		Flottille Engineer and shipyard personnel debarked.  Released from convoy.  Objective BD 52 in accordance with Outbound Orders.
		11.15		Dived.   Depth A -30 meters.
		12.00	BF 1916 center-right edge	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 141 nm
			[typo BF 9116]	Submerged =   7.1 nm
		16.00	BF 9115 center-right
		20.00	BF 9114 center-right edge
		24.00	BF 8336 center-right edge
		13.11.43
		02.14		Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 5888 lower-left
			NW 5, Sea 4-5, medium NW-Swell, 9/10, bright night
		05.45		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
		08.00	BF 5875 upper-left
		12.00	BF 5874 upper-left	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 40.2 nm
				Submerged =  30.5 nm
		16.00	BF 5796 upper-center
		20.00	BF 5795 upper-center
		24.00	BF 5794 upper-center

	Sun and Moon Data 11.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.43

	- 2 -
		14.11.43
		02.10		Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 5784 center-right edge
			NW 8, Sea 7, strong squalls, rain showers, high NW-Swell
		05.33		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
		08.00	BF 5778 upper-right
		12.00	BF 5774 right edge lower	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 33.3 nm
				Submerged = 28.9 nm
		16.00	BF 5774 upper-left	Very bad very low frequency reception submerged. Due to Sea State strong interference and crackling noises.
		20.00	BF 4993 center
		24.00	BF 4992 upper-right
		15.11.43
		02.05		Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 4982 lower edge left
			NNW 9, Sea 8, strong squalls, rain and hail showers, Vis. strongly changing, 1007 mb
			Anti-aircraft weapons use impossible due to Sea State.  Due to the new conning tower the boats takes over substantially more water then before.
		05.40		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
		08.00	BF 4975 center
		12.00	BF 4974 upper-right	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 38 nm
				Submerged = 31.4 nm
		16.00	BF 4971 left edge lower
		20.00	BF 4893 upper-left corner
		24.00	BF 4868 center-left
		16.11.43
		01.30		Incoming Radio Message 1812/13/91
				To Hepp, Baberg and Schug:
				On 18 of 19 November evening about at the level of CF 21 operation on a northbound convoy together with own air reconnaissance is intended.  Boats that with careful transit in the inner Bay and high speed in the outer Bay which can be there at the named time point give passing report between the longitudes of BE 6760 and 6960.
			Radio message first received today due to the bad receiving conditions.  Can no longer reach the area on time.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		16.11.43
		02.08		Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 4881 upper-center
			NbyW 5, Sea 4-5, high Swell, Vis. good
		04.35	BF 4873	Naxos detection, medium Volume (chirping tone like a cricket).
		04.35		Dived.   Depth A -30 meters.
		04.40		Incoming Radio Message 1624/15/22
				1.)  Stuckmeier, Manke, Hause, Cremer, Nesch [Reich], Franke, Christophersen, Zurmühlen today in CF 24 - 29 wait on further orders.  Disposition in patrol line on 18 November .  Remain unnoticed.
				2.)  Zurmühlen and Nesch [Reich] give ordered passing report tonight
				3)  If Hepp, Schug and Baberg cannot reach objective on time, these boats be either on 19 November at the level of square 47 or on 20 November at the level of square 57, both BE.  When giving passing report message add date.
			Will attempt to reach position for 20 November.
		08.00	BF 4873 center-left
		12.00	BF 4872 upper-center edge	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 28.8 nm
				Submerged = 36.1 nm
		16.00	BF 4847 right edge lower
		20.00	BF 4847 upper-edge left
		24.00	BF 4766 lower-right
		17.11.43
		0x.58		Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 4781 right edge upper
			NW 6-7, Sea 5-6, squalls, rain showers, otherwise Vis. good, bright night
		04.15		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
		08.00	BF 4781 upper-right corner
		12.00	BF 4749 center-left	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 35.7 nm
				Submerged = 27.7 nm
		16.00	BF 4745 lower-center edge
		20.00	BF 4744 center
		24.00	BE 6963 lower-right
		18.11.43
		0x.09	NNW 5, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. good	Surfaced.
		01.30	BE 6862 lower-center	Detection Naxos, medium Volume.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.43

	- 4 -
		continued
		18.11.43
		01.31		Dived.
		02.50		Surfaced.
		02.53	BE    upper-right corner	Detection Naxos, Volume 2, growing louder very quickly.
				Dived.   Depth A -30 meters.
			Did not surface anymore tonight because there seems to be continual air surveilance and with the diving and surfacing maneuvers I lose too much air and current.  Again very bad very low frequency reception.
		04.00	BE 6964 upper edge right
		08.00	BE 6961 lower center
		12.00	BE 6953 upper-right	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 7.6 nm
				Submerged = 35.9 nm
		15.00		Incoming Radio Message 1214/18/61
				Contents garbled, not clear:
				But can see by it that I am assigned to Group Schill II, which on 19 November at 18.00 hours should be in new patrol line from CF 2218 to square 30 (unclear). [CF 3127]
			I cannot carry out these operational orders  due to too great distance, will go to Group "Schill III".
			Due to the bad very low frequency reception on "Coastal" Circuit, I am already missing many radio messages, suspect also an operational order and the orders for "Ireland" Circuit.
		16.00	BE 6928 right edge lower
		20.00	BE 6928 upper-left
		24.00	BE 6924 lower edge right
		19.11.43
		01.10		Surfaced.
		01.12	BE 6855 lower edge left	Immediately again Naxos detection, medium Volume.  Remained on the surface, all weapons manned, no attack.
				Detection recurs several times in the course of the night with Volume 1-2.
		01.30		Incoming Radio Message 0045/19/68
				To Hepp, Schug, Baberg:
				Immediately report position.
			Waited to send the Radio Message for morning twilight due to the continuous Naxos detections.
		04.00	BE 6863 left edge lower
			NbyE 5-6, Sea 4-5, 7/10, Vis. greatly changing, showers
		08.00	BE 6745 lower-center edge
			NbyE 5-6, Sea 4-5, 7/10, Vis. greatly changing, showers
		08.15		Morning twilight.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.43

 

	BdU KTB		As planned, a second patrol line will be set up one day's run to the north of the first.
	17 Nov IV) a) 2)		U 709 - 969 - 343 - 586 - 648 - 238 - 618 - 86 will form Group "Schill 2" and be in patrol line from CF 1338 to CF 2238 at 1800/19/11.
			U 426 will also join this group and have freedom of action according to her fuel stocks.
			As U 608 cannot reach her position with Group "Schill 1" in time, she will join Group "Schill 2" and extend the patrol line by one position to the west.
	18 Nov IV) a) 2)		After the first aircraft report had been received a new patrol line was ordered for Group "Schill 3" (U 608 - 709 - 969 - 343 - 586 - 648 - 238 - 618 - 86) further east.  As U 515 gave the convoy's position much further north than expected, the line was moved 60 miles to the north in the evening and was thus from BE 7934 to BE 8825 at 1800/19/11.

 

	- 5 -
		continued
		19.11.43
		08.20		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 263°T, 60.2 nm (1st navigation fix since departing).
		08.25		Outgoing Radio Message 0533/19
				From Baberg naval square BE 68.  Orders can not be carried out due to range.  Am missing Serial No. 89, 90, 94, 96, 100, 10, 33, 47-49.  Question "Ireland".
			Radio Message was not acknowledged by Control, however suspect that it was heard because immediately after ending Control resumed sending radio messages.
		08.37		Dived.  Depth A -30 meters.
		12.00	BE 6744 lower-left	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 146.8 nm
				Submerged = 22.3 nm
		16.00	BE 5962 lower-center edge
		19.07		Surfaced.  Evening twilight.
		19.42		Outgoing Radio Message 1842/19/853
				From Baberg.  BE 5960.
				Up to now not heard by Control.  Due to range am going to "Schill III" still "Coastal" Circuit, request new frequency "Ireland" Circuit. Am missing Serial No. 89, 90, 94, 96, 100, 10, 33, 47-49.
			Radio Message sent on "Hubertus" Circuit, because Coastal has no communications with the homeland.
		20.00	BE 5961 lower-left
			NNE 4, Sea 3-4, 10/10, misty
		21.32		Incoming Radio Message 2112/19/86
				To "Baberg".
				1)  Extend patrol line "Schill III one position to the east.
				2)  From 03.00 hours switch to "Ireland" Circuit.
		24.00	BE 5839 upper-left
			NE 3-4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. 5 nm, marine phosphorescence
		20.11.43
		02.47	BE 5822 center	In position in patrol line.
		03.32		Dived to recharge the torpedoes (forward 1 T 5 and Eto - three-fan).
		04.00	BE 5588 upper-center
		04.30		6 detonations, great Volume (probably aircraft bombs on a boat in the patrol line).
		08.00	BE 5585 lower-center
		08.35		Surfaced.  Morning twilight.
		08.45		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 258°T, 6 nm
		08.50		Dived.  Depth A -30 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		20.11.43
		09.20		Incoming Radio Message 0423/20/131
				Group "Schill III" including Baberg:
				1)  Today at 18.00 hours be in new patrol line from naval square 4919 to 5837.  At 18.30 surface for bearing reception.  Report bearings immediately.
				2)  Air reconnaissance in the morning.  From 18.30 hours bearing signals as contact keeper Bruno.
		12.00	BE 5822 lower-left	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 93.8 nm
				Submerged = 27 nm
		16.00	BE 5826 lower edge left	In the course of the morning several detonations in southerly direction.
		18.00	BE 5837 upper-left	In position in new patrol line.
		18.25		Surfaced.
				Stood by for bearing signal reception.
				All anti-aircraft weapons fired.  After 10 days without being fired failures on every one.
		19.18	BE 5865 left edge upper	Naxos detection, changing Volume.
		19.25	BE 5865 center-left edge	Aircraft with searchlight from port abeam bearing 150°T, range = 800 meters, altitude 100 meters.  Before searchlight one minute steady tone.
			Immediately opened fire with quad 20 mm and with both twin 20 mm.  Despite well-placed impacts 4-engined aircraft flies stubbornly on and fires with heavy on board weapons close over the conning tower.  No bombs.
			After overflying the aircraft turned a wide circle to starboard.  Interior illuminated by fire and flies inbound once again from astern.  Again well-placed fire from quad 20 mm.  Aircraft falls into the sea 1000 metere behind the boat, burns for about 5 minutes, then is no longer seen.
				In accordance with Standing Order No. 29:
				First Naxos detection, growing louder.  Then searchlight from port abeam range about 800 meters, altitude 70 meters, approach at low altitude.  Boat condition before attack:  Both diesels HF with charging, Main Receiver, "Wanze II" and "Naxos" switched on.
		20.00	BE 5861 lower right
			NE 5, Sea 4-5, showers, Vis. changing, 7-10/10
		20.30		Outgoing Radio Message 1930/20/151
				From Baberg.  Just now in position shortly after Naxos detection aircraft attack.  Four-engine, burning into the sea.  Believe line has been recognized.
			Suspect line has been recognized, already in the last night several close detonations heard, probably related to nearby boats.
			Again ran back and forth in line.

Sun and Moon Data 20.11.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		20.11.43
		21.22		Incoming Radio Message 2108/20/153
				Group "Schill II" monitor area well.  Baberg "Bravo" on shoot down.
				Oberbefehlshaber
		24.00	BE 5829 upper-center
			NbyE 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10, misty
		21.11.43
		00.20		Incoming Radio Message 2340/20/159
				Group "Schill III" if there is no contact on the convoy before, from 24.00 hours course 155°, speed 7 knots over ground.  At 05.00 hours remain in reached position as position line.  Monitor the area well in transit.
			Ran to position on changing courses.  Visibility changes greatly, mostly clear horizon.
		02.15	BE 5864 upper-right	Naxos detection, Volume 4 then fainter and again growing louder.
				Aphrodite deployed.  No attack.
		03.23		Outgoing Radio Message 0245/21/169
				From Baberg.  02.30 Naxos detection.  Deployed Aphrodite.  No attack.
			Suspect that the convoy leader tasks aircraft only with finding the disposition of the boats and gives permission to attack only in certain cases.
		03.25		Incoming Radio Message 0244/21/168
				To Group "Schill III".  If there is no contact on the convoy before, from 05.00 hours course south, speed 5 knots over ground.
		03.50	BE 5892 lower-right	Naxos detection, changing Volume, Deployed Aphrodite.  No attack.
		04.00	BE 5892 lower edge right
			NE 3, Sea 2-3, starry clear, Vis. very good
		05.07	BE 5899 center	Naxos detection, Volume 3.  Deployed Aphrodite.  No attack.
		05.09		Outgoing Radio Message 0450/21/174
				From Baberg.  Continuous detections.  Suspect only locating the boats.  Starry clear.  Vis. very good.  NE 3.
		05.10		Dived.  Depth A -30 meters.
			Dived, because the night is so bright that aircraft can probably fly against the boat against the low hanging moon without illumination.  Ran submerged in position until twilight.
		07.00		8 detonations.
		08.00	BE 8233 upper-left

	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		21.11.43
		12.00	BE 8236 center	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 100.9 nm
				Submerged = 26.7 nm
		16.00	BE 8239 center-left	In the course of the day continuous detonations in series from 2 to 12 bombs.
			Up to now have had no very low frequency reception on "Ireland" Circuit despite positioning the boat for reception every 2 hours no "Ireland" Circuit radio messages.
		18.50		At periscope depth.
				Flying boat (Sunderland?) bearing 240°T.  Northerly course, very low flying.
		20.00	BE 8239 upper-left
		24.00	BE 8263 upper-left
		22.11.43
		00.04	NE 3, Vis. 4-5 nm	Surfaced.
		00.23	BE 8263 center	Naxos detection, first 2 then 5 Aphrodite.  Strong course change.  No attack.
		01.09	BE 8266 center-right edge	Naxos detection.  Volume 1-2.
		02.20		Incoming Radio Message 1201/21/184 (Excerpt)
				Group "Schill"
				1)  Operation ended.  New operation entire group intended during the nights of approximately 24 to 25 November in area CF 20.  Move off there, as far as possible remain submerged.
		03.44		Outgoing Radio Message 0315/22/195
				From Baberg.
				BE 85.  Again continuous Naxos detections.  Submerged no very low frequency reception on "Ireland", heard only "Goliath".  Going to new objective.
		03.50		Dived.  Depth A -30 meters.
		04.00	BE 8299 center
		08.00	BE 8533 upper-left
		12.00	BE 8535 upper-right corner	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 33.5 nm
				Submerged = 28.1 nm
		16.00	BE 8538 upper edge right
		20.00	BE 8562 upper edge left
		23.00		Surfaced.
		24.00	BE 8567 center	Today surfaced and submerged no very low frequency reception on "Ireland" Circuit.  Very low frequency "Goliath" Circuit heard very well.
			NbyW 2, Sea 1-2, 10/10, Vis. 6 nm
		23.11.43
		01.10		Incoming Radio Message 1658/22/110 (Excerpt)
				1)  For operation on a southbound convoy deployment of a patrol line is intended from BE 7869 to 8768.  Boats must reach assigned position in the night of 23 to 24 November.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		23.11.43		Order:  Lüders, Herwartz, Baberg, Henke, Manke, Cöster, Götze, Franke, Bremen, Schug, Hepp, Stahl, Christophersen, Dobbert, Gossler, Dültgen.
				3) Named boats form Group "Weddigen".
		02.01		Dived.  Depth A -30 meters
		04.00	BE 8821 center
		06.00		Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 8736 center-right
			WNW 4-5, Sea 4, showers, Vis. 2-5 nm
		08.30		Morning twilight. Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 205°T, 14.5 nm
		08.49		Dived.  A -30 meters.
		12.00	BE 8756 upper-right	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 81.9 nm
				Submerged = 39.5 nm
		16.00	BE 8755 upper-right
		19.10		Surfaced.
		19.30		Twilight.
		20.00	BE 8748 right edge upper
			W 4, Sea 3-4, 7/10, Vis. 4 nm
		21.00		Incoming Radio Message 1959/22/127
				To "Weddigen"
				1)  Today's air reconnaissance without results.  Convoy suspected further to the west.
				2)  Shift ordered patrol line tonight at highest speed with regard to weather 90 nm in direction 230°.  Dive in morning twilight.  No reports for late arrival.
		21.30	I am 120 nm away from the new position, will continue at 16 knots.
		23.23	BE 7986	Naxos detection, Volume 2 growing louder very quickly.
				Cannot count on time for diving maneuver.  Aphrodite deployed.
				Detection slowly grew fainter.
		23.29	BE 7985	Detection was louder again.  Continuous new Aphrodite and course changes.
		23.58	BE 7988	Detection at the moment Volume 1-2.  Dived.
			Boat is precisely in the area where of this morning's "Schwebcke" and yesterday's "Lüder" depth charge pursuit by search group and where yesterday and this evening both gave long Radio Messages.
			It's no wonder the area is searched now.
			Therefore remained submerged tonight until it has calmed down above and initially ran off at 3 knots submerged.

Sun and Moon Data 23.11.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		23.11.43
		24.00	BE 7988 center
			W 5-6, Sea 4, 7/10, misty
		24.11.43
		01.58		2 detonations close by, suspect on Aphrodite.
		02.10		Continuous multiple dull bangs.
		04.00	CF 2131 upper-left
		08.00	CF 2122 lower-right corner
		12.00	CF 2124 center	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 69.7 nm
				Submerged = 42.6 nm
		16.00	CF 2119 upper-left
		19.32		Surfaced.
		19.40		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 94°T, 9.3 nm
		19.45		Evening twilight.
		20.00	CF 2143 left edge upper
			WSW 5, Sea 4-5, 1028 mb
		22.00		Incoming Radio Message 2006/24/152 (excerpt)
				To "Weddigen"
				1)  There are no indications of the southbound convoy.  Had probably passed the line further to the west.
				2) This evening proceed from reached position.  On course and speed so that new patrol line from CF 8350 to 8850 [typo 6850] can be reached on the evening of 27 November.
				Order: Lüders, Baberg, Herwartz, Zurmühlen, Cöster, Manke, Götze, Franke, Bremen, Hepp, Schug, Gossler, Christophersen, Dültgen, Simmermacher, Stahl,   Dobbert, operation intended on next northbound convoy.
				5)  Boats submerged by day.  Radio silence except for tactically important message.
		22.15	CF 1356 center-right edge	On course to new patrol line.
			W 6, Sea 5
		24.00	CF 1396 lower-left
			SW 4-5, Sea 4, 4/10, Vis. 7 nm
		25.11.43
		01.25	CF 2415	U-boat bearing 130°T, range 4 nm.
		01.45		Dived.  Depth A -30 meters.
		04.00	CF 2417 lower-center
		08.00	CF 2444 center-right
		12.00	CF 2448 lower-center	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 68.7 nm
				Submerged = 39.5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		25.11.43
		16.00	CF 2472 lower-right corner
		19.30		Surfaced.
		19.33		Evening twilight.
		20.00	CF 2479 lower-right
		19.50 - 21.00	CF 2479	Naxos detection with changing Volume.
			CF 2721	Aphrodite.  No attack.
			CF 2724	Diving not possible due to the many missing Radio Messages  (submerged there is still no very low frequency reception),
		24.00	CF 2791 lower edge left
			SW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. 7 nm, 1030 mb
		26.11.43
		01.19	CF 5132	Naxos detection.  A little later a second occurs.  1st Volume 4-5, 2nd Volume 2-3.  Aphrodite.  Strong course changes.
		01.45	CF 5132 lower edge right	Aircraft with searchlight from 90°T, port abeam.
				Aircraft extinguished the searchlight immediately and turns away when shot at.
				During the attack only one detection.  This was thought to be sea locating.
				In accordance with Standing Order No. 29.
				2 Naxos detections with various impulses and frequencies.  Then searchlight port abeam, range 1000 meters, altitude 60-80 meters.  Approaching at low altitude.  Turned away from defensive fire.  Boat condition:  both diesels LF, Main receiver, "Borkum" and "Naxos" switched on.
		01.50		Outgoing Short Signal 0151/26/189
				Was attacked by aircraft square CF 5136.    U-618.
		02.00		Dived.  Depth A +0 meters.
		02.14		Two faint sound bearings in 240°T and 40°T, growing louder very quickly.  2 destroyers on search courses, boat overrun several times without being attacked.
		03.22		4 depth charges, badly placed.  Depth A +70 meters.
		04.00	CF 5135 upper edge right	Now and then double bangs, all possible Asdic sounds (beeping, squeaking, tapping).
		05.33		1 depth charge far off.
		05.58		8 well-placed depth charges.  Depth 2 A +10 meters.
				Afterwards about every half hour depth charges in series of 4 to 12 charges, mostly very well-placed.
				Only minor damage (fuses and glass).
			Can only move off on one motor because the starboard shaft makes loud noise at all RPM.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		26.11.43
		08.00	CF 5136 center-left
		09.46		The depth charge series all lay further away, was no longer overrun (flooding mechanism [main drain pump operated]).
		12.00	CF 5138 upper-right	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 78.2 nm
				Submerged = 35.5 nm
				Continuous sound bearings and double bangs.  Wild searching of the destroyer
			I can no longer drain.  Am floating on Main Ballast Tank III.  Stern tubes leak heavily, also the hull valves in the Control Room.  In order to hold the boat I must go higher and drain using the pump.
		13.50		At depth A +0 meters.
			As soon as the main drain pump starts, the sound bearings quickly come closer.  Continual double bangs and Asdic sounds.
		16.00	CF 5161 upper edge right
		20.00	CF 5153 lower-center edge
			I decide not to surface tonight, because the destroyers still search nearby and will probably be working with aircraft again.
			Due to the continual blowing of Main Ballast Tank III I only have a little compressed air remaining which is insufficient for repeated immediate diving.
		21.28		Short screeching whistle tone (Asdic).  Repeats every 8-12 seconds with the fainter sound bearing, after about 3 seconds.  However the boat was not detected.
		22.15		About every half hour again badly placed depth charges in series of 7-10 charges.
		24.00	CF 5155 center-right edge
		27.11.43
				Again wild searching of the destroyers.  Vessels often come close, however apparently do not detect the boat despite all the Asdic searching.
		04.00	CF 5158 upper-left
		04.46		Was overrun by a vessel.  No depth charges.  Sound bearings are fainter.  Vessel turns and goes past again to starboard.
		08.00	CF 5157 lower-center edge	Always still sound bearings from several vessels (turbine).
				Increasing and decreasing in Volume whistle tone (heard like a singing saw), with these further sound bearings and Asdic sounds.
		11.12		Was overrun from astern.  Depth A +x meters [probably 0]
				Strongest singing whistle, when exactly over the boat a well-placed depth charge.
				Water intake through the bridge ruder angle indicator.  Failure of the forward diving planes, rudder, both compasses (magnetic flooded).

	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		27.11.43
			Suspect a towed depth charge with remote detonation or similar.
			Can no longer go deep because there is no possibility to drain.
		11.17		7 depth charges, not so well-placed.
				Continual increasing and decreasing in Volume whistle tone.
			Turned in alternating port and starboard circles because there is still no operable compass.
		11.51		5 well-placed depth charges.  Depth A +0 meters.
		12.00	CF 5818 lower-center edge	Day's run:  Submerged = 48 nm
		12.40		Gyro compass is again in operation.  Flooding mechanism [main drain pump] put in operation, then moved off on course 130°.
		16.00	CF 5184 lower-center edge	Gradually the sound bearings are left astern.
		17.40		No further sound bearings.  Apparently I have lost the group.
			Moved off further, without using the pump again.  Compensated for the heaviness of the boat by going higher.  From 4 stern down the bulkheads of the Control Room must be closed, because otherwise the standing water in the Control Room will run over the floor plates and into the battery.
		20.00	CF 5188 lower-left
		20.35	8/10, NW 1-2	Surfaced.
			Damage can still not be determined. For the moment not clear to dive.  Cannot operate on the convoy that is located 150 nm to the east.
			Moved off on SE course.  Batter and air empty, at the moment not clear to dive.
		23.00		Again limitedly clear to dive.
		24.00	CF 5455 left edge lower
			NW 1, Sea 0-1, Vis. very bad
		28.11.43
		00.20		Dived to repair the damage to the electrical system.  Depth A -30 meters.
		04.00	CF 5458 left edge lower
		06.32	SW 2, 6/10, misty	Surfaced.
		07.47		Outgoing Radio Message 0710/28/725
				From "Baberg".  Reported aircraft forced off and dived.  Then detected by search group.  38-hour depth charge - Asdic - Listening pursuit.  Repairing, not ready for convoy at the moment.  Position CF 54.  Missing from 22 November 197, 98, 200, 106, 13, 17, 36, 37, 39, 42, 43, 61, 63, 65, 66, from 187, all before 777 and 79.  No very low frequency reception.
		07.48		Dived.  Depth A -10 meters.
		08.00	CF 5486 lower-left
		12.00	CF 5494 lower edge left	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 59.2 nm
				Submerged = 24.9 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		28.11.43
		16.00	CF 5498 upper-left
		20.00	CF 5498 center-right
			As far as possible damage repaired.  Must still dive to fill the battery with water.
			Permanent failures:  magnetic compass, vent for Main Ballast Tank III port, fan for the starboard E-motor broken (strong whistling sound).  Strong noise from the forward diving plane.
		21.30		Incoming Radio Message 1019/28/728
				Repeat:  Baberg sometime send a Radio Message with details of the attack, especially if before or during the attack locating was detected.
			Heard very low frequency again for the first time in days.  Received the requested missing radio messages.
		24.00	CF 5499 center-right
		29.11.43
		01.02	NW 1, Vis. bad	Surfaced.
		04.00	CF 5587 left edge lower	Dived.  Depth A -30 meters.
			NW 1, Sea 0-1, 3/10, Vis. 6 nm, 1029 mb
		05.40		Sound bearing of a destroyer ahead bearing 60°T.  With it Asdic sounds (short screeching whistle tone).  Destroyer runs on changing courses, often stopping.  While stopped no Asdic, probably only listening then.
			Avoided to the SW.  The intention to surface to give radio message concerning aircraft attack must be put off.
		08.00	CF 5587 lower-right	Destroyer runs on greatly changing courses.  At times propeller sounds heard in the boat with the naked ear.
		08.40		Sound bearing was gradually fainter in 350°T.
		09.20		No further sound bearings.
		12.00	CF 5822 lower-center	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 30.8 nm
				Submerged = 34 nm
		16.00	CF 5823	In the course of the afternoon continual depth charge detonations.
		19.31		Surfaced.
		19.40		Evening twilight.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 95°T, 14 nm.
		20.00	CF 5599 right edge lower
			Wind calm, Vis. very bad, 1-2/10, strong marine phosphorescence
		22.26		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		29.11.43
				Dead calm.  No horizon distinguishable.  Very bad visibility  Starry clear.  Misty.  Around the boat strong marine phosphorescence.
			Dived because an approaching destroyer cannot be seen until less than 500 meters in the low visibility weather.
				Again continual depth charges.
		24.00	CF 5642 center-left edge
		30.11.43
		02.25		Incoming Radio Message 2227/29/757
				Group "Weddigen" including Baberg move off to BE 47.  Operation on southbound convoy intended.
		04.00	CF 5618 upper edge left
		06.32		Surfaced.
		07.44		Outgoing Short Signal 0742/30/762
				Am fully operational.  My position is CF 5378.
				U-618
		07.47		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters
		08.00	CF 5375 lower-right
		12.00	CF 5372 center-right	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 63.4 nm
				Submerged = 31.1 nm
		16.00	CF 5345 lower edge right
		19.30		Surfaced.  Evening twilight.
		19.31	CF 5342 lower-right	Naxos detection immediately on surfacing.
				Volume fluctuating around 3 and 5.  Aphrodite
		19.44		Dived.  Depth A -10 meters.
		20.00	CF 5342 center
		20.15		Sound bearing turbine in 15°T, getting louder quickly.
			Obviously the detection came from a destroyer that lay on the horizon.
		20.40		A second sound bearing in 320°T.
			Attempted to move off through the middle.  Again continuous Asdic sounds like the last search group (screeching, a kind of cat cry, chirping).
		21.35		No further sound bearings (these suddenly stopped at medium to high Volume).  On the other hand astern from time to time Asdic sounds at medium Volume.
			Suspect the destroyers may run at silent speed, which was not perceived in the listening gear.  (As was already determined during the last depth charge pursuit.)
		24.00	CF 5318 left edge upper

	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.43

	- 16 -
		01.12.43
		04.00	CF 5314 upper edge left
		05.30		Surfaced.
		05.49	CF 5233 upper-right	Naxos detection, Volume 3.
		05.50		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	CF 2899 lower-center edge	Again no very low frequency reception submerged.
		12.00	CF 2895 right edge lower	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 5.4 nm
				Submerged = 45.2 nm
		16.00	CF 2892 lower-center
		18.30		Incoming Radio Message 1908/30/769 (Excerpt)
				1.)  Group Weddigen in order Baberg, Hepp, Dültgen, Simmermacher, Manke, Christophersen, Schug, Lüders, Herwarz on 1 December 20.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from CF 2581 to 3513, course 310°, day's run 80 nm.  Proceed submerged by day.
		19.20		Surfaced.
		19.35		Evening twilight.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 33°T, 4.8 nm.
		20.00	CF 2864 upper-center	Quad 20 mm out of service at the moment, because both balancing springs are broken.  Installation of a spare spring in this assembly is very difficult.
			NW 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. 7 nm, light NE-Swell
		23.29	9/10, Vis. bad, strong marine phosphorescence	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		24.00	CF 2584 upper-left corner
		02.12.43
		03.12	CF 2549	2 sound bearings turbine ahead to starboard in 330°T and 350°T, slowly growing louder shifting to starboard.
				Asdic (cat screeching).
		03.45		No sound bearings, only still Asdic sounds.  (Lies in an unclear sector in the listening gear 130-180°).
		04.00	CF 2549 lower-edge left
		07.00		Surfaced.
		08.00	CF 2463 lower-right corner
			NNW 2, Sea 1-2, 0/10, Vis. 7 nm
		08.35		Morning twilight.  Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	CF 2438 center-left	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 70.8 nm
				Submerged = 33.7 nm
		12.15		Incoming Radio Message 1025/2/795
				Group "Weddigen" from 20.00 hours course 335°, day's run 100 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		02.12.43
		16.00	CF 2434 center-left
		19.25		Surfaced.
		19.30		Evening twilight.
		20.00	CF 2422 upper-center
			NW 3, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. 6 nm
		24.00	CF 1336 center-right
			NW 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 7 nm, 1029 mb
		03.12.43
		01.00		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		04.00	BE 7886 center-right
		07.00		Surfaced.
		07.22	BE 7859 left edge lower	Naxos detection, Volume 1-3.
		07.24		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	BE 7858 right edge lower
		12.00	BE 7855 center	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 80.8 nm
				Submerged = 36 nm
		15.25		Incoming Radio Message 1130/3/708
				Group "Weddigen"
				New day's run 130 nm.  Despite proceeding submerged by day.
		16.00	BE 7852 upper-left corner
		19.25		Surfaced.
		19.40		Evening twilight.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 281°T, 17.5 nm.
		20.00	BE 7811 lower-right
			N 5, Sea 4-5, medium Swell, 7/10, Vis. 6 nm
		24.00	BE 7437 upper edge right
			N 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. 6 nm
		04.12.43
		00.19	BE 7434 upper-center	Detection, Volume 2-3.
				(Naxos and Borukm switched on, because Wanze II out of service).
		00.20		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		04.00	BE 7197 lower-center edge
		07.00		Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 7159 lower-right corner
			N 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 2-5 nm, rain showers, 1025 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		04.12.43
		08.45		Morning twilight.  Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE          left edge upper	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 95.9 nm
				Submerged = 36.8 nm
		16.00	BE 7129 left edge upper
		19.21		Surfaced.
		19.40		Evening twilight.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 148°T, 10 nm.
		19.50		Incoming Radio Message 1054/4/726
				Group "Weddigen" in order Baberg, Simmermacher, Dültgen, Manke, Christophersen, Schug, Herwarz, Lüders on 6 December 19.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from BD 3946 to BE 4415, course 340°, speed 10 knots.
		20.00	BE 7125 right edge upper
			N 1-2, Sea 1, confused medium Swell, 4/10, Vis. good
		24.00	BE 4719 lower edge left	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			NNE 0-1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, misty
		05.12 43
		04.00	BE 4715 center-right
		07.00		Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 4474 lower-center edge
			NNE 1, Sea 0-1, 5/10, Vis. 2-5 nm
		08.27		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BD 6693 lower-right corner	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 64.5 nm
				Submerged = 36.1 nm
		16.00	BD 6666 center
		19.20		Surfaced.
		19.40		Evening twilight.
		20.00	BD 6638 center-right
			Wind calm, light Swell, 9/10, Vis. 6 nm
		24.00	BD 6356 left edge upper	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			Wind calm, 5/10, Vis. 4-6 nm, misty horizon
		06.12.43
		04.00	BD 6352 upper-center edge
		08.00	BD 6325 lower-left	Surfaced.
			Sea 0-1, 7/10, Vis. 3-4 nm, misty horizon

	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		06.12.43
		09.30	Ground fog, Vis. 1-2 nm	Morning twilight.  Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BD 3976 lower-right	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 62.2 nm
				Submerged = 37.8 nm
		16.00	BD 3973 lower-right
		19.00		Incoming Radio Message 1520/6/757
				Group "Weddigen" at 16.00 hours course east, 8 knots.  At 19.00 hours surface.  Course 110°, high speed.
		19.15		Surfaced.
		19.40		Evening twilight.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 350°T, 6 nm.
		20.00	BD 3949 center-right edge
			SE 1, Sea 0-1, fog, Vis. up to 3 nm, 1026 mb
		22.15		Incoming Radio Message 2129/6/762
				Group "Weddigen".  If further reports from Harlfinger make no changes necessary, at 24.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from BE 1779 to 4549, course east, speed 8 knots.
		24.00	BE 1778 center-left
			SE 1, Sea 0-1, fog, Vis. up to 2 nm, drizzle, 1027 mb
		07.12.43
		00.20		In position in reconnaissance line.
		03.00		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			Dived because of fog visibility is continually under 2 nm.  Only occasional breaks in the fog patches.  In my opinion, listening conditions are better than visual conditions.
		04.00	BE 1798 center-right
		07.40		Incoming Radio Message 0123/7/767 by which Harlfinger reported the convoy at 19.35 hours in BE 1676, course south.
		07.45		Incoming Radio Message 0530/7/769
				Group "Weddigen".  To Serial No. 767 at high speed attempt to get ahead for night or day attacks.  Dive at dawn.  Utilize each attack opportunity.
		08.00	BE 1799 right edge lower	Surfaced.
			SE 2-3, Sea 2, fog, rain, 10/10, Vis. up to 1 nm
			Believe further searching is hopeless due to the inexact information and the current weather conditions.  Visibility is mostly under one nautical mile from rain and fog.  Boat is not ready for day attack due to the failure of both periscopes.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		07.12.43
		08.35		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 1878 right edge lower	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 107.9 nm
				Submerged = 31.3 nm
		12.10		Incoming Short Signal 0855/7/771
				Convoy square BE 4671.
				U-424.
			If the position given by Harlfinger is correct, the convoy has a speed of advance of over 11 knots.
		16.00	BE 1887 lower-left
			Because also in the last Radio Message Program time at 18.00 hours there were still no new operational orders for Group "Weddigen", I remain dived at the current position until the next Program time, so I will not give up too much ground on the surface.
		20.00	BE 1888 lower-center	Still no orders.
		20.24	S 6-7, Sea 6, starry clear, Vis. good	Surfaced.
			Because there are still no new operational orders, proceeded on course west to the position of the old reconnaissance line (ordered for 6 December).
		22.45		Incoming Radio Message 2208/7/783 (Excerpt)
				1)  If boats are not in a favorable position to the convoy, break off operation.
				2)  Group "Weddigen" is dissolved.
				3)  Baberg, Simmermacher, and Schug join Group "Coronel" and head for AL 48.
		23.00		Came to course for new objective.
		24.00	BE 1769 lower-right	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			S 6-7, Sea 6, medium Swell, 10/10, Vis. 5-6 nm, 1017 mb
		08.12.43
		04.00	BE 1766 center
		07.00		Surfaced.
		07.45		Outgoing Radio Message 0705/8/792
				From "Baberg"
				1) Detections attack 20 November before searchlight 1 minute steady tone.  26 November before 2 during attack one Naxos detection.  Various impulses and frequencies.  Suspct one aircraft and one surface ship detection
				2)  Failure of the quad 20 mm due to broken balancing spring shaft. Both periscopes out of service.
				3)  BE 1763, 65 cbm.  Going to "Coronel".  Missing 766 from 30 November.  SW 4, 1018 mb, rising.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.43

	- 21 -
		continued
		08.12.43
		08.00	BE 1735 center-right edge
			SW 5, Sea 4, increasing, 7/10, Vis. 4-5 nm, 1019 mb
		08.05		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 1498 lower edge right	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 55.2 nm
				Submerged = 38.8 nm
		16.00	BE 1495
		19.15		Surfaced.
		19.30		Evening twilight.
		20.00	BE 1464 upper edge right
			W 4-5, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1019 mb
		21.00		Incoming Radio Message 1755/8/798
				To "Coronel"
				1)  Expected convoy has probably passed the line to the north.  Previous patrol line dissolved.
				2)  On 11 December 00.00 hours boats will be in the following new patrol lines:
				As Group "Coronel I" Zander, Bugs, Geider, Queck, Lawätz, Mattke, Benker, Kandler, Kolbus, from square 2286 to square 2831.
				As Group "Coronel II" Blauert, Schröteler, Petersen, Liesberg, Neide, Hellriegel, Brans, Baberg, Simmermacher, Schug from square 6815 to square 9569.  All AK.
				3)  New convoy operation  expected on 13 December.  For this shifting of the groups according to the situation is intended.
		21.30		On course for position in new patrol line.
		24.00	BE 1173 center-right edge	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			WNW 4, Sea 3-4, 3/10, Vis. very good, high Swell, 1020 mb
		09.12.43
		04.00	BE 1148 center-right edge
		08.00	BE 1145 center-left edge	Surfaced.
			WNW 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10, Vis. good, 1016 mb
		08.15		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BD 3335 lower edge right	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 76.8 nm
				Submerged = 39.7 nm
		16.00	BD 3331 lower edge right
		19.00		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		09.12.43
		19.20		Evening twilight.
		20.00	AL 7785 lower edge right
			S 5, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. 3-4 nm, light rain, 1001 mb
		24.00	AK 9939 upper-left	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			SW 6, Sea 5, 10/10, Vis. 4-6 nm, 995 mb
		10.12.43
		04.00	AK 9935 upper-left
		08.00	AK 9931 upper-left
		08.30	WNW 7-8, Sea 7, high Swell, 6/10, Vis. up to 4 nm	Surfaced.
		09.30		Morning twilight.
		09.45		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 171°T, 9 nm.
		09.56		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AK 96__ lower-center edge	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 66.2 nm
				Submerged = 36.3 nm
		16.00	AK 9684 lower-edge right
		19.00		Surfaced.
		19.20		Evening twilight.
		20.00	AK 9673 upper edge left
			NW 5, Sea 4-5, high Swell, 1007 mb, 10/10, Vis. 3-4 nm
		21.10		Incoming Radio Message 1159/10/728
				To "Coronel I and II".
				1)  In bad weather conditions continue at most economical fuel consumption.  Late arrival in the ordered line is accepted.  No report.
				2)  From 10 December 20.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.
		24.00	AK 9535
			NW 3, Sea 2, 3/10, 1007 mb
		11.12.43
		00.50	AK 9531	In position in patrol line.
		01.08		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		04.00	AK 9531 center-right edge
		08.00	AK 9531 center-right edge	Surfaced.
			SE 8, Sea 7, high Swell, 10/10, rain, Vis. up to 2 nm, 991 mb, falling

	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.43

	- 23 -
		continued
		11.12.43
		09.39	SE 9, Sea 8, high Swell, rain, Vis. 1 nm, 989 mb	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AK 9531 center-right edge	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 67.7 nm
				Submerged = 32.7 nm
		14.00		Again no very low frequency reception on "Ireland" Circuit.
				Other transmitters are heard well.
		16.00	AK 9531 center-right
		19.00		Surfaced.
		19.25		Evening twilight.
		19.40		Incoming Radio Message 1624/11/122
				To "Coronel I and II".
				1)  From 20.00 hours both patrol lines at economical transit speed shift 80 nm to the east.
				2)  Radio silence except for tactically important reports.
		20.00	AK 9531 center-right	On course 90° to the new patrol line.
			S 6-7, Sea 6, 10/10, Vis. up to 2 nm, rain, 989 mb
		24.00	AK 9621 center
			SW 5, Sea 4-5, 5/10, Vis. 4 nm, 997 mb
		12.12.43
		04.00	AK 9633 center-left
			SW 6, Sea 5, fog, rain, 8/10, Vis. up to 2 nm
		06.25	AL 7412 center-right	Detection,various Volumes.
		06.32	10/10, low cloud deck	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	AL 7413 center-left
		12.00	AL 7413 center-left edge	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 88.5 nm
				Submerged = 25 nm
		16.00	AL 7412 lower-left
		19.00	S 8-9, Sea 7-8, high Swell, 10/10, rain, Vis. up to 500 meters, fog	Surfaced.
		19.15		Evening twilight.
		19.45		Incoming Radio Message 1757/12/138
				To Group Coronel I and II.
				The passing of 2 eastbound convoys must be expected from today.  On convoy sighting within the Group operate on it even without orders.
		20.00	AL 7412 center-right edge
			S 9, Sea 8, high Swell, 10/10, rain, fog, Vis. 200 meters
		21.05	S 9, Sea 7-8, 10/10, rain showers, Vis. 200 meters to 1 nm	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			Dived because listening conditions are better than visibility conditions.  On the surface by rain and continuously overcoming seas visibility is mostly below 500 meters. (After the conning tower modification the boat is very unstable.)
		24.00	AL 7413 center-left
		13.12.43
		03.00	S 8-9, Sea 8, 10/10, Vis. up to 1 nm, fog and rain	Surfaced for Radio Message Program time.
		04.00	AL 7412 upper-right
			Weather as at 03.00 hours
		0x.10		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters  (all radio messages picked up).

	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.43

	- 24 -
		continued
		13.12.43
		05.40		Incoming Radio Message 0325/13/149
				"Coronel"
				1)  At 19.00 hours be in following patrol lines:  Group I from 3696 to 6323.  Both AK.  Group II from AK 6329 to AL 4773.
				2)  Klöverkorn, Schulz, Gießler join Group "Coronel I" and occupy in this order patrol line at 19.00 hours from AL 1524 to 1547.
				3)  Presumably convoy is located in AL 3950 on 12 December at 14.00 hours.
				4)  Ensure very low frequency reception by day.
				5)  No reports for late arrival.
		05.55		Surfaced.  Proceeded to new position.
		08.00	AL 7145 center
			SW 8, Sea 7-8, 7/10, Vis. 2-3 nm
		09.30		Morning twilight. Navigation fix too inexact and unusable due to strong Swell.
		09.56		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AL 7115	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 76.2 nm
				Submerged = 32.1 nm
		16.00	AL 7112 upper-center edge	Again no very low frequency reception.
		19.00		Surfaced.
		19.25		Evening twilight.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 90°T, 23 nm.
		19.50		Incoming Radio Message 1548/13/161  "Coronel"
				No new reports.  18.30 hours surface as ordered.
		20.00	AL 4752 center-left
			SW 6-7, Sea 6, high Swell, 6/10, Vis. up to 3 nm, 1024 mb
		22.30	AL 4718	In correct position in patrol line.
		22.45		Incoming Radio Message 1402/13/159
				Group "Coronel"
				1)  Again ensure radio reception from 16.00 to 16.30 hours (for this Program time very low frequency Goliath 16.2 kHz).
				2)  Surface at 18.30 hours, stand by for bearing signals.  Air sends bearing signals as contact keeper B.  Report bearing signals immediately.
		23.35		Incoming Radio Message 2242/13/169
				To Coronel
				1)  Bearing signals no longer expected.  Convoy suspected to have passed south of the line.  However an eastbound convoy is expected.
				2)  Southern bound boats Baberg to Blauert course 240°, high speed according to weather conditions.
				3)  Baberg and Blauert immediately report weather and what speed is possible keeping an adequate lookout.
		23.40		Came to course 210°, both diesels LF.  Despite this still heavy overcoming seas.  Strong visibility limitation.
		24.00	AL 4718 center-left
			SSW 7, Sea 6, steep SW-Swell, 3/10, Vis. good, 1024 mb
		14.12.43
		01.40		Outgoing Radio Message 2358/13/171
				From Baberg.  SSW 7, Sea 6, steep SW-Swell,

	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.43

	- 25 -
		continued
		14.12.43
				1024 mb, rising, +11°C, Vis. good.  Also LF possible (7 knots through the water).  Though visibility strongly hindered by spray.
			On first sending at 0051 hours was not understood by Control, after frequency change sent again at 01.31 hours.
		02.30		Incoming Radio Message 0211/14/173
				To southern bound boats of Group "Coronel" speed 8 knots.
		04.00	AK 6992 lower-right corner
			Sea 4-5, high Swell, 10/10, Vis. good, 1027 mb
		08.00	AK 9352 upper-right corner
			SW 6, Sea 5-6, high Swell, 10/10, Vis. 1-3 nm, 1028 mb
		09.35		Morning twilight
		09.42	SSW 7-8, Sea 7, 10/10	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AK 9357 lower-center	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 138.8 nm
				Submerged =   18.6 nm
		16.00	AK 9373 lower-right	No very low frequency reception.
		19.00		Surfaced.
		19.15		Evening twilight.
		20.00	AK 9376 center-left	Boat cannot steam against the sea.
			S 10, Sea 9-10, high Swell, 10/10, rain, spray water, 1016 mb, misty
		20.45		Incoming Radio Message 1725/14/187
				To "Coronel" III"
				1)  On 15 December 19.00 hours be in patrol line from BD 3195 to 3878 in order:  Schröteler, Petersen, Liesberg, Neide, Hellriegel, Brans, Baberg, Simmermacher, Ferro.
				2)  Run at high speed at night, on 15 December possibly proceed submerged by day.  Surface at 19.00 hours.
				3)  Own air reconnaissance tomorrow in the area east of the line, no bearing signals. Convoy located on 12 December 18.00 hours in naval square AL 9942, course west.
				4)  On 14 December 24.00 hours switch to Diana Circuit.  Shug, Blauert released from the Group.  Circuit remains Ireland.
		20.55		Incoming Radio Message 1238/14/181
				To Group "Coronel III"
				From 14.00 hours course 180°.
			Operational orders cannot be carried out due to Sea State.  Ran on courses athwart the sea because steaming against them is impossible.
		21.30		Incoming Radio Message 0950/14/180
				To boats of Group "Coronel" proceeding south
				1)  By day attempt at highest possible speed to gain ground in direction 210°.  As soon as air appears report and dive until darkness and continue to the south.
				2)  Boats belong to new designation "Coronel III".
			Cruised at 110° and 250° against the sea.  Boat takes over much water despite the relatively favorable courses.  Storm from the south increases strength further.
		23.00	"Brans" and "Neide" transmit weather conditions.  Both boats are positioned nearby.  As a result I consider sending my own message superfluous.

Sun and Moon Data 14.12.43

	- 26 -
		continued
		14.12.43
		24.00	AK 9387 lower-center
			SSW 10, Sea 9-9. steep Swell, 10/10, rain Vis. up to 1 nm, 1013 mb
		15.12.43
		00.18		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters because submerged one can go as fast as on the surface (3-4 knots).
		04.00	AK 9624 upper-right corner
		06.55	SSW 7, Sea 6-7, high steep Swell, 10/10, Vis. 3-5 nm	Surfaced.  Possible surfaced speed now on course 180°, 5 knots.
		07.35		Incoming Radio Message 0030/15/781
				"Coronel" III
				Despite weather conditions advance as far as is possible to the south in the direction of the ordered position.  "Schröteler" between 06.00 and 07.00 hours report weather.  Order for day transit follows after weather report is received.
		08.00	AK 9627 right edge lower	Speed now 6-7 knots at LF.
			SW 7, Sea 6, high steep Swell, 10/10, Vis. good, 1016 mb
		09.30		Incoming Radio Message 0843/15/788
				To "Coronel III"
				Today proceed on the surface by day .  On arrival of air dive, report and continue submerged until 19.00 hours.
			Intend to dive because after continuing failure of the quad 20 mm and at times not ready twin 20 mm there remained only one twin MG.C/30 ready to shoot.  (both M.G. 81 out of service and unusable.
		09.35		Morning twilight.
		10.05		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters
		12.00	AK 9681 right edge upper	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 61.3 nm
				Submerged = 33.2 nm
		16.00	AK 9687 center-right edge
		18.55		Surfaced.
		19.30		Evening twilight.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 26°T, 27 nm.
		20.00	AK 9694 left edge upper
			SW 7, Sea 6, high SW-Swell, 5/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1018 mb
		24.00	AK 9967 center-left edge
			S 5-6, Sea 5, 3/10, Vis. 3-4 nm, steep SSW-Swell
		16.12.43
		00.35		Incoming Radio Message 2335/15/795
				To "Coronel III"
				1)  Expected westbound convoy steered from naval square 9940 a more southerly course then expected 224°.
				2)  Patrol line ordered in Radio Message 1725 of 14 December is settled.  At high speed gain ground to the south.  Lookout must remain ensured.
				3)  Also by day initially remain on the surface.  On arrival of air report immediately, dive and proceed submerged.
		04.00	BD 3255 center-right
			SbyE 6, Sea 5-6, rain, Vis. bad, 9/10, 1009 mb
		08.00	BD 3521 right edge upper	From 03.00 hours increasing wind and sea.  From xx.00 hours highest possible speed against the sea 3-4 knots.  With this strong overcoming seas, lookout impossible.
			SSE 8, Sea 7, steep SSW-Swell, 10/10, Vis. 2 nm, rain, 1001 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.43

	- 27 -
		continued
		16.12.43
		09.35		Morning twilight
		10.10		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			Believe that diving is necessary.  Lookout on the surface cannot be ensured due to much overcoming water.  Highest possible speed against the sea 3-4 knots.
			In addition, only one twin 20 mm is clear. (At the second machine gun the shoulder brace was broken by sea impact.)
		12.00	BD 3527	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 130.2 nm
				Submerged = 18 nm
		16.00	BD 3554 upper-left
		19.00		Surfaced.
		19.35		Evening twilight.
			Now also the last M.G. C/38 has failed due to sea impact.  Repair not possible because at the moment welding work is not possible.
		20.00	BD 3576 upper-right	On course 190° at the moment LF is possible (7-8 knots).  Lookout is not ensured due to strong overtaking, high wave crests and overcoming water.
			WSW 8-9, Sea 8, highest SW-Swell, 7/10, Vis. good however practical only until the next wave crest comes
		20.45		Incoming Radio Message 1937/16/704
				1)  Group "Coronel III" southern advance ended.  Proceed in direction of BE 52.  Speed so that the named square can be reached  at morning twilight on 20 December.  By day as possible, from 18 December definitely proceed submerged.
				2)  During easterly transit pay attention.  Up to now expected convoy could still be met.  Strong delay due to weather conditions is accepted.
				3)  Petersen, Hellriegel, report position and fuel inventory and if operationally limited, add weather to these reports.
		24.00	BD 3853 upper-right
			WNW 10, Sea 8-9, high steep SW-Swell, 4/10, Vis. 3 nm, 1012 mb
		17.12.43
		04.00	BD 6311 upper-edge right
			S 4, high SW-Swell, 7/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1014 mb
		07.00		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		08.00	BD 6355 lower-left
		12.00	BD 6358 right edge lower	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 124.8 nm
				Submerged = 31 nm
		16.00	BD 6383 lower-right
		19.10		Surfaced.
		19.20		Evening twilight.
		20.00	BD 6395 lower-center edge
			SbyW 6, Sea 5-6, high SSW-Swell, 10/10, fog, rain, Vis. 1000 meters, 997 mb
		24.00	BE 4424 upper-center
			WSW 7, Sea 5, high WSW-Swell, 10.10, Vis. 200-500 meters, misty, 1000 mb
		18.12.43
		00.02		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		04.00	BE 4425 lower-right
		06.56		Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 4437 center-right
			W 6-7, Sea 6, high SW-Swell, 3/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1006 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.43

	- 28 -
		continued
		18.12.43
		09.10		Morning twilight.
		09.30		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 45°T, 12 nm.
		09.40		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 4516 lower-center	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 81.8 nm
				Submerged = 33.2 nm
		16.00	BE 4527 center
		19.10		Surfaced.  Evening twilight.
		20.00	BE 4553 upper-center
			WSW 4, Sea 3-4, medium-high SW-Swell, 10/10, Vis. bad, misty, 1003 mb
		21.15		Incoming Radio Message 1411/18/727 (excerpt)
				1)  Brans, Simmermacher, Schröteler, Baberg, Otto, Petersen, Ferro, Liesberg, Neide, Bahr, Bork, Zorn, Rendtel, form group "Borkum" and will be in this order on 20 December at 10.00 hours in patrol line from BE 4691 to 5652.  On 20 December proceed submerged by day.  Surface at 18.30 hours.  Northbound convoy was expected from evening 20 December.
				2)  Own air reconnaissance on 19 December and probably in the evening 20 December in the area south of the line.
		21.40	10/10, Vis. bad	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		24.00	BE 4565 upper-center
		19.12.43
		03.55		Surfaced.
		04.00	BE 4564 upper-left
			NW 6, Sea 5-6, high Swell, 7/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1012 mb
		08.00	BE 4644 lower-left
			WNW 5, Sea 4, high Swell, 4/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1015 mb
		09.05		Morning twilight.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 325°T, 3.5 nm.
				Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 4646 upper-center	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 73.2 nm
				Submerged = 32.2 nm
		15.25		Incoming Radio Message 1132/19/737
				To Group "Borkum"
				1)  Change to Serial No. Diana 727, Ireland 160 Coastal 21 from 18 December new patrol line from square BE 5471 to 5622.  All else remains.
				2)  Today no own air reconnaissance.  Scheduled for 20 December.
		16.00	BE 4654 upper-right
		19.00		Surfaced.
		19.15		Evening twilight.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 108°T, 8 nm.
		20.00	BE 4665 center
			WbyS 5, Sea 4, medium-high W-Swell, 4/10, Vis. 3-4 nm, 1019 mb
		21.00	10/10, rain, Vis. up to 1000 meters, misty	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters
		24.00	BE 5444 center-right edge
		20.12.43
		02.30		Incoming Radio Message 2139/19/741
				To Group "Borkum"
				Own air reconnaissance tomorrow in the area south of the line.  Absolutely ensure very low frequency reception during Program time.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.43

- 29 -
		continued
		20.12.43
		04.00	BE 5446 center
			WbyS 4-5, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. 4 nm, rain showers, 1018 mb
		08.00	BE 5456 center-right	In position in patrol line.
			WSW 5, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1016 mb
		08.50		Morning twilight.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 303°T, 11 nm.
		09.14		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 5455 lower-edge right	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 71.3 nm
				Submerged = 37.2 nm
		16.00	BE 5456 lower-right corner
		18.25		Incoming Radio Message 1639/20/747
				To Group "Borkum".
				1)  Morning reconnaissance without results, gear failure.  BV 222 from 23.00 hours in area south of the line.  Sends bearing signals as contact keeper A.  Report bearings immediately.  Announcement of the bearing signals by R - R in Diana Circuit.
				2)  After surfacing remain in patrol line,  Monitor area well.
		18.30	SW 6, Sea 5, 6/10	Surfaced.
		19.00		Evening twilight.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 93°T, 5.5 nm.
		20.00	BE 5464 center-right
			SW 6, Sea 5-6, medium high Swell, 10/10, Vis. 1 nm, 1008 mb
		22.45		Hurricane -like rain squall from the SSW with visibility below 100 meters.
		24.00	BE 5466 center-right
			WNW 8, Sea 6, high SW-Swell, strong summer lightening, rain showers, 10/10, Vis. up to 1 nm, 1007 mb
		21.12.43
		02.00	Vis. 3 nm, 8/10
		04.00	BE 5456 right edge lower
			WNW 4, Sea 3-4, high Swell, 5/10, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1008 mb
		08.00	BE 5456 center-right
			WNW 6, Sea 5, 3/10, Vis. 3 nm, rain, 1010 mb
		08.35		Incoming Radio Message 0829/21/761
				Group "Borkum"
				1)  Air reconnaissance without results.
				2)  Dive at lightness.  Course 210°. speed 2 knots.  Surface at 19.00 hours.
		08.50		Morning twilight.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 166°T, 10 nm.
		09.14		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 5486 center-right edge	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 137 nm
				Submerged =   19 nm
		16.00	BE 5486 center-right edge
		18.50		Incoming Radio Message 1606/21/766
				1)  After surfacing at 19.00 shift disposition to the SW and on 22 December at 10.00 hours be in reconnaissance line submerged from BE 7231 to 5846, course 230°, speed 2 knots.
				2)  New order:  Brans, Simmermacher, Schröteler, Otto, Petersen, Ferro, Neide, Bahr, Bork, Zorn, Rendtel, Baberg, Liesberg.
				3)  Monitor well by night.  In addition to the expected convoy a southbound convoy may be expected.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.43

	- 30 -
		continued
		21.12.43
				4)  Attention is called to exact compliance with Officer-Only 21 December Serial No. Diana 764
				5)  Baberg, Liesberg do not report if beginning return transit due to fuel inventory.
		19.04	NW 2-3, 10/10	Surfaced.
		19.15		Evening twilight.
		20.00	BE 5725 lower-center
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, light W-Swell, 10/10, Vis. 2-3 nm
		22.00	SSE 4, Sea 3-4, 8/10, Vis. 3-4 nm
		24.00	BE 5788 center
			SSE 4, Sea 3-4, 8/10, Vis. 2 nm, 1013 mb
		22.12.43
		04.00	BE 8136 upper-center
			SSE 3-4, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. 3-4 nm, misty, 1011 mb
		08.00	BE 5847 right edge upper
			SSE 4-5, Sea 3-4, drizzle, Vis. 3-4 nm, 1009 mb
		08.50		Morning twilight.
		09.00	10/10, light rain	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		10.00	BE 5847 upper-right corner	In position in reconnaissance line.
		12.00	BE 5847 upper-center	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 137 nm
				Submerged =  22.5 nm
		16.00	BE 5793 upper edge right
		18.50	WNW 7, Sea 6, 5/10, high Swell, Vis. good	Surfaced.
		19.06	BE 5796 upper-left corner	Detection, Volume 3 increasing.
		19.08		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		19.35		Incoming Radio Message 11523/22/781 (Excerpt)
				1)  Group "Borkum" after surfacing at 19.00 hours shift disposition to the SW.  From 23 December 10.00 hours be in patrol line from BE 7426 to 8411.  Submerged by day, surface at 19.00 hours.
		20.00	BE 5795 upper-right
		24.00	BE 5797 right edge upper
		23.12.43
		00.25	WSW 8, Sea 7, 6/10, high Swell, Vis. 2 nm	Surfaced.
		04.00	BE 8154 center
			NW 7, Sea 7, high Swell, 4/10, Vis. 2-3 nm
		08.00	BE 8178 lower-left corner
			NW 7, Sea 6, 2/10, Vis. 3 nm, 1029 mb
		08.50		Morning twilight.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 354°T, 9.7 nm.
		09.25		Dived.  Depth A -10 meters.
		12.00	BE 7399 right edge lower	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 74.5 nm
				Submerged =  30.9 nm
		16.00	BE 8411 center
		19.00		Surfaced.
		19.20		Evening twilight.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 60°T, 5 nm.
		19.50		Incoming Radio Message 1749/23/798
				1)  Aircraft carrier and cruiser located 14.25 hours naval square BE 5483, course 235°, speed 17 knots.
				2)  Group "Borkum" today after surfacing course 30°.  Highest possible speed in accordance with weather conditions.  Good lookout must be ensured.  Utilize attack opportunities determinedly.
				3)  Dive at lightness.  Continue on course.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.43

	- 31 -
		continued
		23.12.43
		20.00	BE 8415 lower-left	Came to course 30°.
			NNW 4, Sea 3-4, high Swell, 3/10, Vis. good, 1037 mb
		22.50		White light bearing 50°T, range = 6-7 nm.
		23.20	BE 8176	Irish freighter "IRISH IPLAR", course 225°, low speed.  Many lights on the over deck.  Easily recognized Irish neutrality markings.
		24.00	BE 8181 upper-center
			NNE 4, Sea 3, high NW-Swell, 1038 mb, 10/10
		24.12.43
		00.56		Incoming Short Signal 0049/24/704
				Enemy aircraft carrier BE 7325, southwesterly course.
				U-305 (Bahr)
		01.00	BE 8155 lower-left corner	Came to westerly course, 12 knots.  At higher speed settings visibility degraded due to overcoming breakers.
		01.14
		02.05		A second boat, Neide, gives Fat-warning.
				Incoming Radio Message 0131/24/706
				1)  Group "Borkum" go at highest speed on "Bahr" report.  Knock them off.
				2)  Bahr check square, new report.
				Bahr reported:  Forced off by cruiser.  Enemy course 250°, high speed.
		04.00	BE 7393 upper edge left
			NW 2-3, Sea 2-3, medium-high WNW-Swell, 5/10, Vis. 3-4 nm
		08.00	BE 7372 upper-right corner	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			NW 3-4, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. 203 n,. misty, light rain
		12.00	BE 7345 right edge lower	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 129.5 nm
				Submerged =  22.3 nm
		16.00	BE 7342 center-right edge
		19.20	BE 7318 upper-right corner	Surfaced.  Began return transit.
		19.30		Evening twilight.
		20.00	BE 7316 lower-right
			SbyW 5, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. 3 nm, 1038 mb
		23.00	10/10, Vis. 2 nm	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		24.00	BE 4998 right edge lower
		25.12.43
		04.00	BE 5777 left edge upper
		06.00	SSW 4, 10.10, Vis. 2 nm	Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 5785 lower-left corner
			SbyW 3, Sea 2, 10/10, Vis. 2 nm, 1039 mb
		08.55		Morning twilight.
		09.21		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 5795 lower-left corner	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 83.2 nm
				Submerged =  34.5 nm
		16.00	BE 5796 lower edge left
		19.00	10.10, SbyW 2-3	Surfaced.
		19.15		Evening twilight.
		20.00	BE 5875 lower edge right
			S 4, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. bad, 1040 mb
		23.00		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		24.00	BE 5895 lower edge left
		26.12.43
		03.25		Incoming Radio Message 2259/25/747
				To "Baberg"
				On 26 December at 08.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.
		04.00	BE 5896 lower-center edge

	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.43

	- 32 -
		continued
		26.12.43
		06.00		Surfaced.
		07.52		Outgoing Radio Message 0650/26/757
				BE 5975 from Baberg.  Return transit.  Question Radio Message Serial No. 789 from 22 December rescinded?
		08.00	BE 5984 lower-center edge	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			SSE 4, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. 2 nm, 1039 mb
		11.50		Incoming Radio Message 0758/26/52
				Return harbor for Baberg, Mattke, Lorient, Bugs Brest.  Return to Brest on Route "Eisbar".        from F.d.U. West
		12.00	BE 5985 lower-center edge	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 72    nm
				Submerged =  36.5 nm
		16.00	BE 5986 lower-center edge
		18.50	10/10, EbyS 3-4	Surfaced.
		19.05		Evening twilight.
		20.00	BE 5996 upper-left
			EbyS 4, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. up to 1 nm, 1038 mb
		23.00	5/10, Vis. 3 nm	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		24.00	BE 6755 lower-center edge
		27.12.43
		01.00	BE 6755	Previous intention to go around the area barred to U-boats east of 14°W between the latitudes of 44°10'N and 46°30'N to the north is not feasible because the new prohibition from 27 December 08.00 hours goes up to the latitude of 47°30'N.
			Came to course 160°, intend to proceed now on the Piening Route.
		04.00	BE 6758 lower-right
		07.00	10/10, Vis. 1-2 nm, ESE 4-5, rain	Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 6789 center right
			E 5, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1036 mb
		08.40		Morning twilight.
		08.49		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 9137 upper-center	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 62.4 nm
				Submerged =  43.8 nm
		16.00	BE 9161 center-right
		18.50	E 6, 10/10	Surfaced.
		19.10		Evening twilight.
		20.00	BE 9192 center-right
			E 6, Sea 5-6, medium-high Swell, 10/10, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1032 mb
		23.00	E 6, Sea 5, 10/10, Vis. up to 1 nm, 1031 mb, high Swell	Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		24.00	BE 9541 upper-center edge
		28.12.43
		04.00	BE 9545 left edge upper
		07.00		Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 9573 center-left
		08.21		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	BE 9581 lower-center edge	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 60.6 nm
				Submerged =  37.7 nm
		16.00	BE 9582 lower-center edge	From 15.00 hours continuous detonations like artillery impacts.  Between them individual loud depth charge or aircraft bomb detonations.
		18.45	ENE 7, Sea 6, high Swell	Surfaced.
		19.00		Evening twilight.
		19.27	BE 9586 right edge lower	Detection.  Steady tone with short overtones.
				Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.43

	- 33 -
		continued
		28.12.43
		19.32		Incoming Radio Message 1712/28/96
				Kolbus, Baberg, Lange, Wilberg at highest speed head for BE 6938.  Boats form group "Hela"
			Detection which must be from aircraft because of the same persistent steady tone with short discrete overtones.  Was not consistent with sea locating in my opinion due to the high wave crests.
		20.00	BE 9594 center-left edge
		22.55		Incoming Radio Message 1733/28/98
				Group "Hela"
				1) at 15.00 hours destroyer and torpedo boats in combat in 6930.  Z27 un-maneuverable in 6938.  6 own torpedo boats setting off to the east, 4 own destroyers in combat with a cruiser set off to the west.  All naval square BE.
				2)  In this area there may be enemy transports with escorts.
				4)  Attack free if at least 2 transports are together with or without escort.  Attack prohibited  on independent merchant ships with or without escort as well as on destroyers etc., not in close escort of at least two transports.
				5)  Own destroyers etc. are forbidden to attack U-boats.
		23.15	NE 7, Sea 6, 10/10, high Swell	Surfaced.
		24.00	BE 9568 upper-left	Because the main transmitter was out of service attempted to send a Radio Message with the 40-Watt transmitter concerning position 23.00 hours, BE 9591, weather conditions NE, Sea 6, high Swell and highest possible speed of 8 knots on Coastal Circuit.
			NE 7, Sea 6, high Swell, 10/10, Vis. bad, 1027 mb
				Was not heard on "Coastal", "Ireland" and "America I".
		29.12.43
		0x.30		Incoming Radio Message 2208/28/6
				To Group "Hela"
				1)  Combat at 15.00 hours involved enemy cruiser, destroyers and aircraft.  Otherwise no picture concerning enemy situation.
				2)  Own destroyers and torpedo boats attempting to return in groups and independently.  No indication concerning U 1534.
				3)  Search for survivors according to wind and weather starting from combat area Z 27 in naval square BE 6938, beware of enemy air.  Continue search after daybreak. In case of enemy aircraft report and continue to search submerged.
				4)  If "Wilberg" and "Lange" cannot reach combat area by 12.00 hours continue outbound transit.
		04.00	BE 9533 center
			NE 7, Sea 6, high Swell, 10/10, Vis. up to 2 nm, 1028 mb
		0x.35	BE 9377 left edge lower	3 large oil slicks passed.  (Otherwise nothing seen on the water).
		08.00	BE 9345 center-right edge
			NE 5-6, Sea 5, high Swell, 10/10, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1030 mb
		08.35		Morning twilight.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.43

	- 34 -
		continued
		29.12.43
		09.08	BE 9343 upper-center	Crash dive for "Sunderland" bearing 110°T, low over the horizon.  Target angle about 30 with course 270°, range 5-6 nm.  Own course 28°.
			Apparently was unnoticed.  Aircraft had not located on "Naxos" or "Borkum".  No bombs.  Due to transmitter failure aircraft direction cannot be reported, remained submerged because have only one twin 20 mm ready.
		09.20		2 detonations.
		12.00	BE 9319 center-right	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 87.1 nm
				Submerged =  28.8 nm
		16.00	BE 9324 upper-center	Very low frequency reception heavily distorted, garbled reception possible.  Received Radio Messages not clear.
		18.30	10/10, Vis. 6 nm, misty horizon, E 4-5	Surfaced.
		18.42	BE 6984 center	Land-based aircraft (possibly a Ju 88) bearing 40°T, on course about 290° close over the horizon.  Aircraft flies past ahead.  Own course 350°.
		19.00		Evening twilight.
		19.45		Incoming Radio Message 1527/29/21
				Group "Hela"
				Own rubber boats drift in position naval square BE 6921, 6965, 6933.  At first named position at the moment an Irish steamer searches, therefore search in the other two squares.  Make allowance for drifting of the rubber boats in the wind and Sea State.
		20.00	BE 6981 center-left
			E 5, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. 1000 meters, misty, 1032 mb
		20.05		Ruder failure due to a broken contractor in the remote rudder controller.  Steered from emergency rudder position from 20.05 to 20.25 hours.
		21.30	10/10, Vis. 1-2 nm	Somewhat bright horizon.  Vessels against the horizon would be distinguished at 1-2 nm.
				Otherwise a very dark night.
		22.50	BE 6928 lower-right	In approximately 70°T a reddish-white star signal.
				Advanced in 70°, 7 knots.
		23.30	BE 6929	Continued to search the area.
		24.00	BE 6953 center	Further red and white flares, still over the horizon.  About hourly further light markers.  Course corrected accordingly.
			E 4, Sea 3-4, 10/10, Vis. up to 2 nm, 1036 mb
		30.12.43
		02.16	BE 6939 center-right	Group of several joined life rafts 500 meters abeam to port.
				16 men from Z 27 taken over.
		02.50	BE 6939 center-right	Search detection with changing Volume (short tone).  The last 3 men taken over.
		02.53		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		04.00	BE 6939 lower-right
		04.55	ENE 5, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. 2 nm	Surfaced.  Search continued.
		05.35	BE 6963 center	Red flare bearing 315°T close over the horizon.  Advance in that direction, no further star signals until diving.
		06.43	BE 6938 upper-left corner	Detection, Volume 3 (Rotterdam gear).
		06.44		Dived.
		08.00	BE 6934 lower-right

	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.43

	- 35 -
		continued
		30.12.43
		08.15		Surfaced.  Beginning of twilight.
		08.16	BE 6934 lower-right	Naxos detection, Volume 3.  At the same moment from aster a low flying aircraft with searchlight in approach with about target angle 30°.
				Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
			Now remained submerged by day.  Intend in the coming night to continue the search.
		12.00	BE 6937 lower-center edge	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 94.7 nm
				Submerged =  28.5 nm
		16.00	BE 6962 lower-center
		18.17	NE 4-5, 5/10, Vis. good	Surfaced.  Continued searching.  Continual empty life rafts encountered.
		18.45		Red flare bearing 335°T.  Advanced in that direction at GF.
		19.00		Evening twilight.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 270°T, 38.9 nm.
				(first navigation fix since evening 23 December)
		19.20	BE 6935 center-left	Motor launch and a rubber boat.  5 more soldiers from Z 27 taken over.  In 100°T from this location on the water a bright light buoy.  No boats or rafts in the vicinity.
			(after correcting navigation position is BE 6915 center)
			The last taken over tell us that enemy planes held contact on them the entire day.  Morning 4 Halifax, afternoon 2 Halifax and a Sunderland.  Last threw provisions and flares and attempted several times to land on the water.  Until twilight 4 two-engined aircraft circled the boat and threw when flying off in the vicinity floating light buoy (all recognized as enemy aircraft).
			Noteworthy was the statement that the two cruisers after sinking of Z 27 continued to shoot among the life rafts.
		20.00	BE 6916 lower left	Red flare or something similar bearing 170°T close over the horizon.  Shortly thereafter bearing 175°T a searchlight illuminated.
			NE 4-5, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, 6/10, Vis. good, 1039 mb
				Advanced 20 nm in the exact direction, without finding anything.  No further emergency markers seen.  Suspect the people were taken over by another vessel.
		22.00	BE 6949 upper-right	Detection, Volume 2-3.  Dived.
				Continued transit to the east.
		24.00	BE 6957 center
		31.12.43
		04.00	BE 6958 lower-right
		06.00	10/10, Vis. moderate	Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 6969 center-right
			NE 4-5, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1040 mb
		08.05		Outgoing Radio Message 0612/31
				Transmitter failure.  Request radio repeater. From Baberg yesterday 02.00 hours in square 6920 rescued 16 men, evening in square 15 another 5.  All from Z 27.  From statements most were rescued yesterday by steamer.  Return transit.
		12.00	BF 4748 upper-left	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 65 nm
				Submerged =  37 nm
		16.00	BF 4746 lower-left
		20.00	BF 4754 center-left	Surfaced.
			NE 3-4, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. good
		20.50	BF 4745 lower edge right	Detection, Volume 3.  Dived.
		24.00	BF 4756 lower right
		01.01.44
		04.00	BF 4764 center-right

	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.44

	- 36 -
		continued
		01.01.44
		06.00		Surfaced.
		08.00	BF 4845 upper-right	New attempt to send a radio message.  Unsuccessful, was not heard.
			NNE 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good, 1038 mb
		08.04	BF 4845 upper-right	Detection, Volume 2-3.  Dived.
		12.00	BF 4851 lower-left	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 34.8 nm
				Submerged =  47 nm
		16.00		Surfaced.
		20.00	BF 4861 lower-left
			N 2-3, Sea 2, light NE-Swell, 10/10, Vis. good
		20.50	BF 4862 center	Detection, Volume 2, (search tone).  Dived.
		24.00	BF 4863 upper-center
		02.01.44
		00.56		Surfaced.
		00.57	BF 4863 upper-right	Detection, Volume 2-3 increasing.  Dived.
		04.00	BF 4917 lower-right
		05.30		Surfaced.
		06.10	BF 4943 upper edge left	Naxos detection.  Volume 1-2.  Dived.
		08.00	BF 4919 lower-right corner
		12.00	BF 4928 lower-left	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 21.9 nm
				Submerged =  46.3 nm
		16.00	BF 4929 center
		19.00	10/10, N 1, Sea 0-1, Vis. very good	Surfaced.
		19.15	BF 4937 center-right edge	Detection.  Volume 2.  Dived.
		20.00	BF 4938 center-left
		24.00	BF 4939 upper-center
		03.01.44
		03.30		Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 5715 lower-center
			N 1, Sea 0-1, 5-10/10, very misty, Vis. moderate
		04.44	BF 5724 center-left edge	Detection, Volume 2 increasing.  Dived.
		08.00	BF 5725 upper-left
		12.00	BF 5726 upper-center	Day's run:  Surfaced      = 17.4 nm
				Submerged =  45.8 nm
		16.00	BF 5731 lower-right
		19.00		Surfaced.
		19.09		Outgoing Short Signal 1909/3/173
				Main transmitter out of service. Working with emergency operation.  Position off return harbor in12 hours.  Request Lorient Bearing Transmitter I.        U-618
		20.00	BF 5511 upper-left
			NNE 4, Sea 3-4, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good
		20.56		Dived.  Depth A -20 meters.
		24.00	BF 5587 center-left
		04.01.44
		01.04		Surfaced.
		02.14	BF 5587 center-right edge	Detection, Volume 2-3.  3 Aphrodite, waining.  No attack.
		04.00	BF 5567 upper-center edge	Passed several illuminated fishing trawlers.
			NNW 5, Sea 4-5, 10/10, Vis. good, medium Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.01.44

	- 37 -
		continued
		04.01.44
		06.17	BF 5539 center	Detection, Volume 1-2, growing louder.
				Aphrodite.  Fainter.  No attack.
		08.00	BF 6176 upper-left	Taken in convoy.
			NNW 5, Sea 3-4, 10/10, Vis. good
		10.15		Made fast Lorient.
				Kapitänleutnant and
				Kommandant

Sun and Moon Data 04.01.44

 

	Enclosures to U-618's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U 618" (Baberg) from 11.11.43 - 4.1.44.
	The boat under an experienced Kommandanten on the Gibraltar-England Route fought hard and tenaciously in various dispositions and held steadfast with exquisite skill during the long prosecution.
	Especially noteworthy were the prudent handling of the Naxos gear and the rescue of the shipwrecked of "Z 27" despite heavy air threat.
	Accredited success:  1 aircraft shot down.
	On 30.12.43   21 men from "Z 27" rescued.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department.-

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