U-boat Archive - U-boat KTB - U-618 6th War Patrol

U-618 - 6th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	23 February 1944	St. Nazaire	8 April 1944	46

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.

Copy No. . . . 2. . . .

K r i e g s t a g e b u c h

U n t e r s e e b o o t e s " U 618 " .

Kommandant: Kapitänleutnant B a b e r g

Beginning on: 4.1.44

Ending on: 8.4.44

Distribution:
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine	Copy No.	1 + 2
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine
2 Skl BdU Op.	"	3
Kommandierenden Admiral der Unterseeboote	"	4
Führer der Unterseeboote West	"	5
Führer der Unterseebootesausbildung	"	6
27. Unterseebootsflottille	"	7
7. Unterseebootsflottille	"	8.

Enclosures
Short Report	Copy No.	3 + 5 + 8
Track Chart	"	2 - 8
Excerpt of the General Radio Log	"	2 - 8
K.T.B. Maschine	"	3.

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









	S h i p y a r d P e r i o d


04.01.44	Lorient	Entered.
07.01.44		Began shipyard period.
10.01.44		Dry-docked
10.02.44		Un-docked.
12.02.44		Pier side trial.
15.02.44		Sea trial.

- 1 -




	23.02.44	Lorient
	18.36		Departed Lorient for 6th war patrol.
	19.00		Taken in convoy by 3 U-boat hunters, UJ 1401 / 12 / 16.
	20.00	BF 6173 lower-center
	24.00	BF 5532 lower-right
		ENE 4-5, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. good

	24.02.44	Bay of Biscay
	04.00	BF 5551 lower-right	Passed several illuminated fishing trawlers.
		ENE 5, Sea 4, 10/10
	06.35		Passed the 200-meter line.
	06.45		Test deep dive. Depth 2 A +10 meters.
			All in order. No issues.
	08.00	BF 5548 upper-right
	09.07	NE 7-8, Sea 7	Surfaced.
	09.50		Released from convoy. Objective in accordance with Outbound Orders BF 78.
	10.03		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	12.00	BF 5571 right edge upper	Day's run: Surfaced = 107.5 nm; Submerged = 9.7 nm
			= 117.2 nm
	16.00	BF 5574 center-left
	20.00	BF 5799 lower-center
	24.00	BF 5733 lower-left

	25.02.44	Bay of Biscay
	00.35	NE 6, Sea 5, high Swell	Surfaced.
	03.07		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	04.00	BF 5759 center-right
	08.00	BF 5783 center
	12.00	BF 5785 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 29.7 nm; Submerged = 40.5 nm
			= 70.2 nm
	16.00	BF 5758 center
	20.00	BF 5213 center
	24.090	BF 8216 lower edge left

	26.02.44
	00.34	NE 4, Sea 3-4, light Swell	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.44
	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.44
	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.44

- 2 -



	continued
	26.02.44
	04.00	BF 8511 upper-right corner
		NE 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. good
	04.04		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	08.00	BF 8514 upper-right
	12.00	BF 8517 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced = 42.3 nm; Submerged = 37.7 nm
			= 80 nm
	16.00	BF 8541 center
	20.00	BF 8466 upper-center
	24.00	BF 8465 center

	27.02.44
	00.33	W 4, Sea 3, light Swell, rain showers, misty, St. Elmo's fire, 7-10/10	Surfaced.
	02.51		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	04.00	BF 8472 center-left
	08.00	BF 8471 center-left
	12.00	BF 7693 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced = 31.5 nm; Submerged = 39.5 nm
			= 71 nm
	16.00	BF 7694 upper-left corner
	20.00	BF 7686 upper-right
	24.00	BF 7685 center

	28.02.44
	00.32	W 7-8, Sea 7, rain and hail showers, summer lightening, St. Elmo's fire, medium-high Swell	Surfaced.
	02.55		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	04.00	BF 7836 upper-center
	08.00	BF 7838 upper edge right
	12.00	BF 7858 lower-left corner	Day's run: Surfaced = 30 nm; Submerged = 38 nm
			= 68 nm
	16.00	BF 8761 lower-left
	20.00	BF 7856 lower-center
	24.00	BF 7858 lower-right

	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.44
	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.44
	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.44

- 3 -




	29.02.44
		NbyE 5, Sea 4-5, high Swell, 6/10, Vis. good	Surfaced.
	03.22		Outgoing Passage report Bay of Biscay
			Short Signal 0322/29/249
			Latitude 43°N
			U-618.
	03.25		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	04.00	CG 2252 lower edge right
	08.00	CG 2258 upper-right
	12.00	CG 2282 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 41.5 nm; Submerged = 37 nm
			= 78.5 nm
	16.00	CG 2285 center right
	19.49		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 2288 lower-right
		NW 2, Sea 1-2, light Swell, 2/10, Vis. good, 1016 mb
	20.10		Evening twilight.
	21.30		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	24.00	CG 2552 center-right

	01.03.44
	03.02		Surfaced.
	04.00	CG 2582 center-right
		NW 3-4, Sea 3, rain showers, 4-6/10, Vis. good, 1018 mb
	04.42		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	08.00	CG 2822 upper-right
	12.00	CG 2825 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 39 nm; Submerged = 37.5 nm
			= 76.5 nm
	16.00	CG 2828 lower-right
	20.00	CG 2852 lower-right
	24.00	CG 2858 upper edge right
		Believe breakthrough in the current moon phase with very bright nights is difficult to carry out.
		Therefore intend to pause in the reached area.

	02.03.44
	00.25	W 2, Sea 1-2, 1/10, Vis. very good, 1022 mb	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.02.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.44

- 4 -



	continued
	02.03.44
	03.35		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	04.00	CG 5232 upper-right
		At 03.10 hours "Kolbus" was attacked by an aircraft in naval square CG 5586. One more reason for me to mark time and wait.
	08.00	CG 5232 center
	12.00	CG 5131 center-left	Day's run: Surfaced = 38 nm; Submerged = 36.7 nm
			= 74.7 nm
	16.00	CG 5223 center-left
	20.00	CG 5222 center-left
	24.00	CG 5213 center-right edge

	03.03.44
	00.29	W 5, Sea 4-5, medium-high Swell, 10/10, Vis. bad, 1012 mb	Surfaced.
	02.37		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	04.00	CG 2849 lower edge right
	08.00	CG 2873 lower edge right
	12.00	CG 2879 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 25.6 nm; Submerged = 38.2 nm
			= 63.8 nm
	16.00	CG 5213 upper-right
	20.00	CG 5216 center-right
	20.29	W 2, Sea 1-2, 10/10	Surfaced.
	21.37		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 2876 upper-right

	04.03.44
	04.00	CG 2849 lower edge right
	05.02	NNW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. bad, 1010 mb	Surfaced.
	06.51		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 2843 lower-right
	12.00	CG 2846 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 31.4 nm; Submerged = 38.6 nm
			= 70 nm
	16.00	CG 2849 lower edge right
	19.49		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.44

- 5 -



	continued
	04.03.44
	20.00	CG 2876 upper edge right	Evening twilight.
		W 1, Sea 0-1, 10/10, long Swell, Vis. good	The fully automatic cartridge feed of the 3.7 cm cannon fails. 3 shots is the most we can hope for. Cover removed.
			The weapon is clear for semi-automatic operation.
	21.12		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 2879 lower edge right

	05.03.44
	04.00	CG 2876 lower-right
	04.58	NW 2, Sea 1-2, misty, Vis. bad	Surfaced.
	06.38		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 2846 lower-right
	12.00	CG 2849 lower edge right	Day's run: Surfaced = 33 nm; Submerged = 37.5 nm
			= 70.5 nm
	16.00	CG 2876 upper edge right
	20.00	CG 2879 upper-right	Evening twilight.
		SbyW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, misty
	21.00		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 5213 center-right

	06.03.44
	04.00	CG 2879 center-right
	05.00		Surfaced.
	06.17		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 2879 upper-right
	12.00	CG 5213 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 28 nm; Submerged = 37.5 nm
			= 65.5 nm
	16.00	CG 5216 lower-right
	19.54		Surfaced.
	20.00	CG 5216 center-right	Evening twilight.
		NNW 3-4, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good, 1025 mb	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 224°T, 11.8 nm.
	21.14		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 5225 lower-center

	07.03.44
	04.00	CG 5225 upper-right corner
	04.57		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.44

- 6 -



	continued
	07.03.44
	06.15		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 2882 lower-right corner
	12.00	CG 2859 lower-center edge	Day's run: Surfaced = 40.9 nm; Submerged = 37.2 nm
			= 78.1 nm
	16.00	CG 2867 upper-left corner
	20.00	CG 2861 left edge lower
	20.44	Very bright moonlit night	Surfaced.
	21.10	CG 2863 lower-center edge	Two brightly illuminated, suspect Portuguese patrol vessels, marking time. The same vessels already sighted here on the 2nd day of the month.
	22.00		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 2867 lower-left corner

	08.03.44
	04.00	CG 2883 center-left
	05.27		Surfaced.
	06.40		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 5222 upper-right
	12.00	CG 5221 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 28.5 nm; Submerged = 37 nm
			= 59.2 nm
	16.00	CG 2884 lower edge right
	20.00	CG 2884 upper-center edge	Surfaced.
		NE 2, Sea 1, Vis. very good, 1/10
	20.10		Evening twilight. Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 0°T, 5 nm.
	21.12	Very bright moonlit night	Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 5213 upper edge left

	09.03.44
	04.00	CG 2879 upper edge left
	05.30	ENE 4, Sea 3, 1/10, very bright moonlit night	Surfaced.
	06.46		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 5216 upper edge left
	12.00	CG 2879 lower edge left	Day's run: Surfaced = 31.4 nm; Submerged = 37.6 nm
			= 69.0 nm
	16.00	CG 2876 lower-left
	19.57		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.44

- 7 -



	continued
	09.03.44
	20.00	CG 2873 lower-left
		NE 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. very good
	20.05		Evening twilight.
			Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 214°T, 6 nm.
	21.25		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 5212 lower-right

	10.03.44
	04.00	CG 2878 center-right
	05.29	W 5, Sea 3-4, 0-1/10, 1013 mb, very bright moonlit night	Surfaced.
	06.41		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 5211 center-left
	12.00	CG 2877 center-right edge	Day's run: Surfaced = 35.8 nm; Submerged = 36.5 nm
			= 72.3 nm
	16.00	CG 2875 lower-right
	20.00	CG 2873 lower-center
	20.26	NNE 2, Sea 0-1, 0-1/10, very bright night	Surfaced.
	21.46		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 2879 lower-center

	11.03.44
	04.00	CG 2876 center
	05.30	W 2, Sea 1-2, 1/10	Surfaced.
	07.00		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 2887 upper-center edge
	12.00	CG 2884 center	Day's run: Surfaced = 31.7 nm; Submerged = 37.2 nm
			= 69 nm
	16.00	CG 2881 upper-center
	19.55		Surfaced.
			"Wanze G II" failed. "Borkum" and "Naxos" switched on.
	20.00	CG 2881 upper-center
		N 1, Sea 1, 0-1/10, 1020 mb, Vis. good
	20.05		Evening twilight
			Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 285°T, 3 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 10.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.44

- 8 -



	continued
	11.03.44
	21.27		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 2879 right edge upper

	12.03.44
	04.00	CG 2873 lower-right corner
	06.35		Surfaced.
	07.03		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 2875 upper-left
	12.00	CG 2874 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced = 25.2 nm; Submerged = 38.8 nm
			= 64 nm
	16.00	CG 2875 upper-center
	19.55		Surfaced. Continued transit to operations area.
	20.00	CG 2876 upper-right
		N 2, Sea 2, 1-2/10, Vis. very good
	21.11		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 5243 upper edge left

	13.03.44
	04.00	CG 5264 upper-left
	06.12		Surfaced.
	06.43		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 5273 upper-left
	12.00	CG 5276 upper-left	Day's run: Surfaced = 30.5 nm; Submerged = 37.5 nm
			= 68 nm
	16.00	CG 5279 center-left
	20.00	CG 5513 lower-left
	20.30		Surfaced.
	22.30		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 5549 upper-left

	14.03.44	At the level of Lisbon
	04.00	CG 5573 center-left
	06.19		Surfaced.
	06.43		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 5579 upper edge left
	12.00	CG 5813 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 28.2 nm; Submerged = 37.5 nm
			= 68.1 nm
	16.00	CG 5816 center-right
	20.00	CG 5819 center-right

	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.44

- 9 -



	continued
	14.03.44
	20.20	SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. good, 1019 mb	Surfaced.
	22.28		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 5884 upper edge right

	15.03.44
	04.00	CG 5887 right edge upper
	06.15	NE 1, Sea 0-1, 6/10	Surfaced.
	06.39		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 8225 upper edge left
	12.00	CG 8228 upper-center edge	Day's run: Surfaced = 28.3 nm; Submerged = 38 nm
			= 66.3 nm
		During the entire day very strong depth charge detonations. About hourly series of 6-12 charges. Unfortunately a boat was seen again on the southern Spanish coast. Therefore made a wide arc to the SE.
	16.00	CG 8253 upper-left
	20.00	CG 8256 upper-center
	20.55	NW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 8/10, Vis. moderate	Surfaced.
	22.56		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 8532 lower edge left

	16.03.44	Southwest of Portugal
	04.00	CG 8538 upper-left
	08.00	CG 8562 upper left
	12.00	CG 8565 center-left	Day's run: Surfaced = 31.7 nm; Submerged = 39.3 nm
			= 71 nm
	16.00	CG 8568 lower-left
	20.00	CG 8592 lower-left
	20.10	CG 8595	Search group of three vessels from east to west. Widely spaced working with S-gear.
		Out maneuvered at depth A +0 meters. At depth A -10 meters sound bearings suddenly cut out, when going higher again old Volume.
	21.52	SSE 0-1, Sea 0-1, 10/10, Vis. moderate, strong marine phosphorescence	Surfaced.
	23.54		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 8836 lower-right

	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.44

- 10 -




	17.03.44	West of Gibraltar
	04.00	CG 8914 lower center edge
	08.00	CG 8915 lower-center edge
	12.00	CG 8916 lower edge right	Day's run: Surfaced = 23.8 nm; Submerged = 38.7 nm
			= 62.5 nm
	16.00	CG 8924 lower edge right
	20.00	CG 8925 lower edge right
	20.55	NE 1, Sea 0-1, 0-1/10, misty, Vis. moderate, marine phosphorescence	Surfaced.
	22.59		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 9714 lower-right corner

	18.03.44
	00.33		Sound bearing in 85°T directly ahead.
			2 destroyers with search gear (humming pitched noise).
		Attempted to avoid on a northerly course at depth A +0 meters. Destroyers run on westerly courses with heavy zig zags.
	01.00		The destroyer furthest to the north passed close by to starboard, then turns and overruns the boat from astern.
	01.07	CG 9714	3 depth charges, no damage. Depth A +0 meters.
	01.22		Flooding mechanism set in operation and moved off on southwesterly course.
		A total of three vessels now search around wildly. At depth 2 A +10 meters the boat was no longer be detected.
	01.25		Broad sound band from 60°T to 150°T. Individual piston engines are heard.
	02.05	CG 9714 lower-left	Was overrun by a convoy. Convoy steered a westerly course, widely separated.
	03.10		Two destroyers, again with S-gear, apparently the astern screen.
			Remained unnoticed.
	03.25		An individual steamer (piston engine) bearing 150°T, runs past ahead.
			Bearing remains steady in 270°T, shifts back and forth, changing Volume. Always with 60 RPM.
			S-gear is heard in the same direction.
		Suspect a decoy moving back and forth in position with a destroyer lying stopped. Moved off to the SW because I was detected by the convoy screen by locating and an undetected approach is no longer possible.
	04.00	CG 9717 center-left
	04.45		Always still the same sound bearing. Ran off further, Depth A +0 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.44

- 11 -



	continued
	18.03.44
	06.40		Last faint sound bearing from the same vessel.
	08.00	CG 9741 center-right
	12.00	CG 9744 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 24.4 nm; Submerged = 40.5 nm
			= 64.9 nm
	13.05	CG 8566	1 destroyer, high speed, southerly course.
	16.00	CG 9747 center
	20.00	CG 9771 lower edge right
	21.08	NNE 3-4, Sea 3, 1/10, light Swell, Vis. good	Surfaced.
	23.28		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
		Listening gear is no longer completely in order. Strong self noise beneath the over deck. It must be all sorts of things knocked loose again. Diving plane motors make loud noises.
	24.00	CG 8986 upper-left

	19.03.44
	03.00		Continual depth charge series of 4-5 charges. Apparently a boat was noticed again.
	04.00	CG 8985 upper-left	Incoming Short Signal, by which U-421 at 23.45 hours in CG 9555 was attacked by aircraft.
		Unfortunately the Englander is now warned. In my opinion it is very disadvantageous that six boats are attempting a breakthrough at the moment. It is inevitable that one of them will be noticed now and then. The next boat which passes through the sea area on the following day will then be detected by the strengthened defenses. An endless chain.
		For now I remain set off and intend in 3-4 days top proceed under the coast in CG 98 and later to break through coming from the south.
	07.01	NE 3-4, Sea 3, 2/10	Surfaced. Morning twilight.
			An illuminated steamer abeam to port bearing 170° with SW course, distance 4-5 nm. In the listening gear no sound bearing.
	07.05		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 135°T, 14.5 nm.
	07.08		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 8988 lower-right	Also after diving no sound bearings from the steamer.
	12.00	CG 8987 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 43.6 nm; Submerged = 38.1 nm
			= 81.7 nm
	16.00	CG 8979 lower-center edge
	20.00	CG 8978 lower-center edge
	21.10	NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 1/10	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.44

- 12 -



	continued
	19.03.44
	23.12		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 8897 lower edge right

	20.03.44
	04.00	CG 8898 center-right
	08.00	CG 8899 right edge upper
	12.00	CG 8977 upper-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced = 24 nm; Submerged = 39 nm
			= 63 nm
	16.00	CG 8976 lower-left corner
	20.00	CG 8984 left edge lower
	20.10	NNE 2, Sea 1-2, 7/10, misty, Vis. bad	Surfaced. Evening twilight.
	20.15		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 198°T, 12.5 nm.
	20.28	DJ 2113 lower-left	Naxos detection, Volume 2-3.
			(First detection since departing)
	20.29		Dived. Depth A -30 meters
	24.00	CG 8979 lower-left

	21.03.44	West of Gibraltar
	00.29	NE 1, Sea 0-1, 7/10, Vis. up to 1 nm, very misty, strong marine phosphorescence	Surfaced.
	01.06	CG 8987 upper-left	Naxos detection, Volume 2-3, quickly growing louder.
	01.07		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	04.00	CG 8984 upper left	Surfaced.
		NE 0-1, Sea 0, strong marine phosphorescence, no horizon, Vis. 1 nm, 8-9/10, 1014 mb
	05.35		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 8958 upper-right corner
	12.00	CG 8959 upper-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced = 42 nm; Submerged = 38 nm
			= 80 nm
	16.00	CG 8968 upper-left corner
	20.00	CG 8969 lower edge left
	20.57	NE 1-2, Sea 1, 6-9/10, strong marine phosphorescence, Vis. moderate	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 21.03.44

- 13 -



	continued
	21.03.44
			During the entire surfaced cruise from 150°T to 160°T flashes well below the horizon. Suspect training shooting of the antiaircraft weapons on land in DJ 22 and 25.
	22.47		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	24.00	CG 9749 upper-right corner

	22.03.44
	00.56		Sound bearing ahead in 110°T.
	01.15		A total of 3 vessels with S-gear, widely spaced in 50°T, 80°T and 150°T. Suspect on SW course.
		On the basis of the bad experience with the convoy forward escort on 18 March immediately went to depth A +60 meters, continued on course 90°, silent running.
			The sound bearings were fainter with increasing depth, S-gear still heard clearly.
	01.45		Last sound bearing of the search group in 240°T.
	04.00	CG 9757 upper-right corner
	08.00	CG 9758 upper-right corner
	12.00	CG 9767 upper edge left	Day's run: Surfaced = 21.5 nm; Submerged = 39 nm
			= 60.5 nm
	12.35		Sound bearing, turbine in 20°T, quickly grew fainter.
	16.00	CG 9768 upper edge left
	20.00	CG 9769 upper-center edge	Faint sound bearing in 20°T to 50°T.
	20.55	NE 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10, marine phosphorescence, Vis. good	Surfaced.
			In 10°T on the horizon an illuminated warship. In 50°T and 70°T further illuminated vessels.
	20.59	CG 9769 upper edge right	Naxos detection, Volume 2, steady.
			Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
		The sighted vessels are probably patrol craft along the 200-meter line. The detections certainly arise from one of these boats.
	21.20		All 3 vessels close at high speed.
			Two diesel and one piston engine.
			Went to depth A -50 meters.
	22.08		All sound bearings break off suddenly at nearly the same time.
			Only the S-gear is heard.
		Moved off on SE courses and silent running.
		Intend to put the boat on the bottom in CG 9881, tomorrow evening will charge the battery close off the coast.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.44

- 14 -



	continued
	22.03.44
	24.00	CG 9848 left edge upper

	23.03.44
			On and within the 200-meter line continual patrol vessels, at times with S-gear.
	04.00	CG 9846 left edge lower
	04.25		Was overrun by a destroyer. Depth A -20 meters.
	08.00	CG 9857 lower-center edge
	08.15	CG 9857 lower-center edge	Boat put on the bottom in 40 meters water. Despite 5 tons negative buoyancy lies very unsteady.
	12.00	CG 9857 lower-center edge	Day's run: Surfaced = 21 nm; Submerged = 29 nm
			= 50 nm
			During the entire day strong patrol operations in the direct vicinity.
	16.00	CG 9857 lower center edge
	20.00	CG 9857 lower-center edge
	20.52		Boat raised from the bottom.
	21.11	Wind calm, Vis. moderate, strong marine phosphorescence	Surfaced. Distance from land 1 nm.
		Wind calm, Vis. moderate, strong marine phosphorescence	Along the 100-meter line fishing vessels.
			Between in sector from 200°T to 350°T 4 patrol vessels.
			The nearest moves back and forth in position bearing 290°T, distance 1000 meters.
		Remained lying stopped. Did not blow. Boat ventilated and bilges pumped.
		The patrol vessels remain in their stations moving back and forth, battery charging under these conditions is impossible. The existing current [battery charge] is sufficient until tomorrow evening at economical speed.
	21.51		Dived. Depth A -50 meters.
			Moved off on course 250°.
			There is still 3200 Amp hours in the battery.
	22.15		In the entire forward sector there are sound bearings, strong speed and course changes, often stopped. Faint S-gear.
	22.50		Sound bearing were louder and suddenly break off.
	24.00	CG 9873 upper-right

	24.03.44
	00.15		Abrupt onset S-gear locating from 3-4 vessels, roaring Volume.
			Depth A -10 meters.
		Apparently the boat was not yet detected. Ran on on course 270°, to reach deeper water as soon as possible.
		Attribute not being detected to running back just above the bottom.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 23.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.44

- 15 -



	continued
	24.03.44
	01.20		Again turbine sound bearings in 355°T and 110°T.
	01.37		The destroyer coming from 355°T comes closer quickly, and runs past close behind the stern.
	02.45		All sound bearings are now astern, presumably we broke through the patrol vessel cordon on the 100-meter line.
			Depth A +10 meters.
	04.00	CG 9872 upper-right
	08.00	CG 9871 upper-right
	08.20		In 300°T and 350°T turbine vessels with S-gear. Bearings shift slowly astern.
	12.00	CG 9793 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 1 nm; Submerged = 25.1 nm
			= 26.1 nm
	15.25		Ahead bearing 250°T to 290°T sounds of S-gear, growing louder.
	15.50		Beating and ticking in the entire sector. Sounds are heard with the naked ear.
	15.55		At depth A -50 meters. Locating sounds were fainter.
	16.00	CG 9792 right edge upper	Multiple strong detonations in series of up to 12 charges.
	16.35		S-gear still heard faintly in the sector from 50°T to 80°T.
	20.00	CG 9791 right edge upper
	20.51	NNE 5, Sea 4-5, starry clear, medium Swell	Surfaced. Battery still 200 Amp hours.
	22.33	CG 9781 upper-center	Naxos detection. Starts at Volume 2 very quickly grew louder to Volume 4.
	22.35		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	24.00	CG 9781 center-left

	25.03.44
	04.00	CG 9773 upper edge left	Surfaced.
		NNE 4, Sea 3-4, 1/10, strong marine phosphorescence
	06.21		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 8967 lower-center
	12.00	CG 8959 center	Day's run: Surfaced = 48.7 nm; Submerged = 33.5 nm
			= 82.2 nm
	16.00	CG 8958 center
	20.00	CG 8957 upper-center

	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.44

- 16 -



	continued
	25.03.44
	20.55	NE 3, Sea 2-3, 1/10, Vis. moderate, misty, marine phosphorescence	Surfaced.
	22.56		Dived. Depth A -30 meters
		While crash diving the starboard exhaust gas valve linkage broke in the open position. The inner valve holds tight. The outer valve can no longer be closed.
		I decide to return to Western France, especially as the boat has strong self noise, the starboard shaft bangs and the forward diving plane is very loud. The auxiliary drain pump which has been out of service for eight days is now again in operation.
	24.00	CG 8866 center

	26.03.44
	03.50		Surfaced.
	04.00	CG 8862 center
		NE 3-4, Sea 3, misty, Vis. bad, strong marine phosphorescence
	05.58		Dived. Depth A -30 meters.
	08.00	CG 8826 upper-center
	12.00	CG 8823 upper-center	Day's run: Surfaced = 36.8 nm; Submerged = 37 nm
			= 73.8 nm
	16.00	CG 8589 upper-right corner
	20.00	CG 8582 lower edge right
	21.26	ENE 3-4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. bad, misty, marine phosphorescence	Surfaced.
	22.57	CG 8551 center-right	Borkum detection, Volume 2. Search tone.
	22.58		Dived. Depth A -10 meters.
	24.00	CG 8551 8551 center-right

	27.03.44	Southwest of Portugal
	04.00	CG 8527 upper-center
	08.00	CG 8521 lower edge left
	12.00	CG 8287 lower-left corner	Day's run: Surfaced = 17.8 nm; Submerged = 39.7 nm
			= 57.5 nm
	16.00	CG 8276 lower-right
	20.00	CG 8273 center
	20.55	NW 3, Sea 2-3, 1/10, Vis. good, bright moonlit night, 1019 mb	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.44

- 17 -



	continued
	27.03.44
	23.07		Outgoing Radio Message 2237/27/4
			From "Baberg" naval square CG 8216.
			Return transit due to boat condition, clear to dive to A +20 meters. Am missing from 21 March Serial No 78, 79, 91, 98 to 2, 4 to 8, 12 to 17.
	23.08		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	24.00	CG 8116 upper-venter edge

	28.03.44
	04.00	CG 8211 right edge lower
	08.00	CG 5877 lower-right
	12.00	CG 5874 center	Day's run: Surfaced = 26 nm; Submerged = 38 nm
			= 64 nm
	16.00	CG 5871 center-left
	20.00	CG 5769 center-right edge
	21.55	WNW 2, Sea 1-2, medium Swell, 8/10, Vis. good, 1013 mb	Surfaced.
			A fishing vessel with red top light bearing 30°T, distance 6-8 nm.
	23.54		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	24.00	CG 5735 center-left

	29.03.44	West of Portugal
	04.00	CG 5732 upper-left
	08.00	CG 5492 upper edge left
	12.00	CG 5492 upper edge left	Day's run: Surfaced = 24 nm; Submerged = 39 nm
			= 63 nm
	16.00	CG 5468 center-left
	20.00	CG 5465 center-left
	21.23	WSW 6, Sea 5, 3-5/10, medium Swell, misty, Vis. moderate, 1003 mb	Surfaced.
	23.37		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	24.00	CG 5196 lower edge left

	30.03.44
	04.00	CG 51x4 upper-left
	04.53	WSW 5, Sea 4, 2/10, Vis. good, 1005 mb	Surfaced.
	06.30		Morning twilight.
	06.43		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 291°T, 24.8 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.44

- 18 -



	continued
	30.03.44
	06.50		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	08.00	CG 5163 center-right
	12.00	CG 5165 lower-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 34.5 nm; Submerged = 36 nm
			[typo probably 70.5 nm] = 115.5 nm
	14.24		Incoming Radio Message 0718/30/39
			Return harbor for "Harms" Nazaire, "Baberg" Pallice. "Baberg" free to enter on Piening Route.
			from F.d.U. West
	16.00	CG 5139 lower edge right
	20.00	CG 27xx lower edge right
	24.00	CG 27xx lower-right

	31.03.43
	00.51	NW 3, Sea 2, 2/10, medium Swell, Vis. good	Surfaced.
	02.46	After moonset Vis. deterioration, [remainder illegible]
	03.05	Very cloudy, Vis. below 1000 meters, strong marine phosphoresence, [illegible word]
	03.11		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	04.00	CG 2818 lower-edge left
	08.00	CG 2815 lower-left
	12.00	CG 2812 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced = 27.2 nm; Submerged = 37.7 nm
			= 64.9 nm
	16.00	CG 2578 center-left
	20.00	CG 2575 center-left
	24.00	CG 2572 upper-right

	01.04.44
	00.47	[wind illegible], Sea 3-4, 9/10, misty, Vis. 3-4 nm, strong marine phosphoresence	Surfaced
	03.15		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	04.00	CG 2513 lower left corner

	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.04.44

- 19 -



	continued
	01.04.44
	08.00	CG 2297 lower edge left
	12.00	CG 2276 lower-left	Day's run: Surfaced = 28.3 nm; Submerged = 38 nm
			= 66.3 nm
	16.00	CG 2273 center-left
	20.00	CG 2249 center-left
	24.00	CG 2246 upper-left

	02.04.44	West of Cape Finisterre
	00.48	SSW 5, Sea 4, 9/10, thin high cloud deck, bright night, Vis. bad, long medium-high Swell, marine phosphorescence, misty	Surfaced.
	03.00		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	04.00	BF 7879 center
	08.00	BF 7884 center-left
	12.00	BF 7881 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 25 nm; Submerged = 39 nm
			= 64 nm
	16.00	BF 7858 center
	20.00	BF 7856 center-left edge
	24.00	BF 7853 upper-right

	03.04.44
	00.51	SW 6, Sea 5-6, medium-high Swell, completely overcast, misty, Vis. bad	Surfaced.
	02.00		Clocks set forward 1 hour to D.S.Z.
	03.37		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	04.00	BF 7911 lower-left
	08.00	BF 7912 center
	12.00	BF 7913 upper-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 24.3 nm; Submerged = 36.7 nm
			= 61 nm
	16.00	BF 7921 upper-right corner
	20.00	BF 7689 lower-left corner
	24.00	BF 7697 lower-left

	04.04.44	Bay of Biscay
	00.50	SW 4, Sea 3-4, thin broken cloud deck, very	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.04.44

- 20 -



	continued
	04.04.44
		bright moonlit night, Vis. very good, 1008 mb
		On surfacing lighthouse in sight. Boat is a great deal further to the northeast.
			Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix by running bearings is 51°T, 21 nm
	03.00		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	04.00	BF 8483 center-left edge
	08.00	BF 8491 center
	12.00	BF 8492 center	Day's run: Surfaced = 44 nm; Submerged = 38 nm
			= 82 nm
	16.00	BF 8493 center-right
	19.12		Incoming Radio Message 1547/4/27
			F.d.U. West to "Baberg":
			Contrary to precious orders return harbor is "Nazaire".
	20.00	BF 8572 center-left edge
	24.00	BF 8573 lower-left

	05.04.44
	00.50	SSW 3, Sea 2-3, 1-2/10, very bright moonlit night, misty horizon, Vis. moderate	Surfaced.
	03.10	Fog, Vis. up to 1 nm
	03.23		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	04.00	BF 8598 upper-right
	08.00	BF 8599 lower-right
	12.00	BF 8911 upper-right corner	Day's run: Surfaced = 31.7 nm; Submerged = 37.3 nm
			= 69 nm
	16.00	BF 8913 center-left
	20.00	BF 8921 lower-left
	21.52	NE 5, Sea 4, starry clear full moon night, misty horizon, Vis. good	Surfaced.
	24.00	BF 8697 lower-right
		NE 5, Sea 4, very bright night, light Swell, 1019 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 04.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.04.44

- 21 -




	06.04.44	Bay of Biscay
	00.19		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	04.00	BF 8692 lower-center edge
	05.45		During a check "Naxos" failure was discovered.
	06.43	NE 6, Sea 5, short Swell, 2/10, Vis. good, 1014 mb	Surfaced.
	07.00		Morning twilight.
	07.12		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix: 0°T, 12 nm.
	07.20		Dived after shooting the anti-aircraft weapons. Depth A -20 meters.
	08.00	BF 8639 lower-right
	12.00	BF 9414 center-right	Day's run: Surfaced = 36.2 nm; Submerged = 39.6 nm
			Navigation fix correction 12 nm = 88 nm
	16.00	BF 9412 center
	20.00	BF 9179 lower-center
	22.51	ENE 4, Sea 3, strongly changing cloudiness, very bright night, 1009 mb, Vis. moderate to good	Surfaced.
	23.33	BF 9181 lower-center	Aircraft with searchlight from 330°T, abeam to port, range 1.5 nm.
			Out maneuvered with AK and hard rudder.
			Two-engined aircraft flew past behind the boat at about 50 meters altitude and threw 2 flares.
			Neither aircraft bombs or machine gun fire.
			Defended with 3.7 cm and twin 2 cm.
	23.37		Outgoing Short Signal 2337/6/54
			Was attacked by aircraft. BF 9157.
			U-618
			Departing aircraft, held course about 120°, was easily observed.
		ENE 4	1 Aphrodite deployed.
		Due to the thrown flares I do not intend to surface again today and therefore send the arrival report.
	23.38		Outgoing Short Signal 2338/6/55
			Position 30 hours off meeting point with escort.
			U-618

- 22 -



	continued
	06.04.44
	23.40		Dived. Depth A -20 meters.
	24.00	BF 9181 center

	07.04.44
	01.24		Several loud detonations in the immediate vicinity. Suspect aircraft attack on "Aphrodite".
	04.00	BF 9158 left edge upper
	08.00	BF 9152 lower edge right
	12.00	BF 9129 lower-center	Day's run: Surfaced = 8.1 nm; Submerged = 46.7 nm
			= 54.8 nm
	14.35		Incoming Radio Message 0752/7/59
			U-618 from 7. U.-Flottille.
			Escort positioned on 8 April at 06.00 hours Herz 439.
	16.00	BF 9134 left edge lower
	19.20		Passed the 200-meter line. Depth A -50 meters.
	20.00	BF 9131 center-right
	24.00	BF 6788 left edge upper

	08.04.44
	00.45		Incoming Radio Message 1943/7/67
			"Baberg" from F.d.U. West:
			1) 8 April a squadron of Ju 88 flies close escort arriving at about 08.00 hours.
			2) At intake the convoy leader briefly sets red with top lantern or night signaling apparatus. In low visibility weather, if U-boat is not at the convoy intake point, star signal cartridge fired. Repeat half hourly on non-arrival. In fog bearing signals in accordance with Standing Order 30.
	01.55	NE 3, Sea 2-3, light Swell, rain, completely overcast, Vis. moderate	Surfaced.
	04.00	BF 6937 center
		NE 3, Sea 2, misty
	05.25	Misty, Vis. bad	At convoy intake point.
		Because the escort is still not seen, back and forth in position at HF.
	06.10		Taken in convoy.
	07.40		12 Ju 88 in place.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 07.04.44
	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.44

- 23 -



	continued
	08.04.44
	08.00	BF 6439 upper-left
		NE 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. moderate to good
	11.30		Made fast St. Nazaire Lock.

	- 24 -





			Task was to breakthrough at CG 9593 [Gibraltar]. In my opinion, execution was complicated by the simultaneous attempt of six boats. It was inevitable that one of the boats be detected from time to time by the enemy. Thus boats were repeatedly detected by aircraft off the Spanish and Portuguese coast. For this reason, and perhaps the unfavorable moon phase, all boats delayed the outbound transit in order to advance again at the beginning of the moon dark nights.
			During the entire outbound transit I kept outside the 200-meter line and also in the period from 23 February to 20 March did not have a single detection. I attribute this in part to the brief surface traveling periods of at most 3 hours charging transit.
			The first attempt to break through was made from the open sea area coming from the west. During this while proceeding submerged the boat encountered a westbound convoy and was detected by the forward escort at depth A +0 meters (silent running). Suspect on the basis of listening. The usual S-gear sounds, as was also later determined several times, were not perceived, instead just a constant humming sound like a droning gyro compass repeater. The bearing of these sounds lay apart from the accompanying destroyer propeller bearing.
			Because by this the presence of a U-boat was known, initially I set off to the southwest. In the night of 19 March a U-boat was detected by enemy aircraft in CG 9555. On 20 March the first Naxos detection. From this day in the area each night detections.
			On 22 March again under the coast to try a second time. This time intended to approach directly off the coast coming from the south. On the evening of 22 March in CG 9769 when surfacing on the 200-meter line several illuminated warships. Immediate onset of Naxos detection. No charging transit possible. Ran submerged to CG 9857 and put the boat on the bottom in 40 meters water. During the approach heaviest patrol activity. On the evening of 23 March surfaced 1 nm from the coast to charge the battery. Impossible due to a patrol vessel positioned in the immediate vicinity. Wind calm, strong marine phosphorescence Submerged again to set off to the west. Again the heaviest patrol activity. On the evening of 24 March surface with a completely empty battery. After 1 1/2 hours

- 25 -





	charging transit again Naxos detection. On 25 March while crash diving the linkage of the starboard outer exhaust gas valve broke. Valve was completely open. Decided on return transit to Western France because additionally the boat makes strong self noise, the starboard shaft beats from trim angles of 2° or more, the diving plane makes noise and also the listening gear is not completely operational.
	In my opinion the strong sea surveillance along the 200 and 100-meter lines in CG 98 was brought about on the basis of the multiple U-boat sightings. Otherwise it would be inconceivable that so many patrol vessels would be deployed in a small area.




		Kapitänleutnant
		and Kommandant.

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

Radio	Track chart

Chart	Track chart

                       Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

on the K.T.B. of "U 618" (Baberg) from 4.1. - 8.4.1944.

      The Kommandant tried to break through the Gibraltar Strait with toughness and determination. The decision to break off the patrol is accepted. It shows again that the approach from the African side is very difficult.

For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

- The Chief of the Operations Department.-

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	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U 618" (Baberg) from 4.1. - 8.4.1944.

	The Kommandant tried to break through the Gibraltar Strait with toughness and determination. The decision to break off the patrol is accepted. It shows again that the approach from the African side is very difficult.

		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department.-