U-652 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	1 November 1941	Messina	12 December 1941	42

 

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

 

Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
9 Dec 41	14.11	38°21'N, 3°30'E	SAINT DENIS	1,595	French
			Total = 1,595
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.

 

This KTB uses the depth notation "depth T = xx meters"  Under this scheme, the actual depth was twice the depth given after T = so for example, if the KTB entry read "depth T = 50 meters, the actual depth was 100 meters.  This was intended to hide the actual depth for security purposes. This notation was used from about January 1940 to December 1941.  In these KTBs, depths written without using "T =", for example "dived to depth 35 meters" were not so disguised.

 

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				C  o  p  y    N  u  m  b  e  r    - 1 -.
				- 18 Pages -
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h    "  U  6  5  2  ".
				from 18.9.1941. to 14.12.1941.
				Kommandant:  Oblt. z.See  Fraatz
				3rd Patrol from 1.11.1941. to 12.12.1941.
				Enclosures:
				1)  Excerpt of the Radio Log (2)
				2)  Excerpt of the Flag Signal Log
				3)  1 Track chart and 1 Track sketch
				4)  Torpedo firing reports (2)
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 2 -
		18.09.41
		16.15	Lorient	Arrived in Lorient from 2nd patrol.  Made fast Berth A 1.
		18.09. - 26.10.41	Lorient	Shipyard period, crew on leave, also in Carnac-Plage.
		20.09. - 19.10.41	Lorient	Dry-docked on the slip.
		21.08.41		Muster of the crew by B.d.U.
		24.-25.10.41		In the dock.
		26.10.41		Diesel test.
		28.10.41		Began outfitting.
		29.10.41		Shipyard sea trial, trim test, degaussing.
		30.10.41		Dry-docked to change the port propeller.
		31.10.41		Final trim test.
		01.11.41	Ordered away:	Oblt.z.See  R  e  m  u  s
				Fhnrz.See  R  e  h  r  e  n
				"       "    H  e  c  k  e  l
				"       "    S  c  h  o  e  n
				Mtr.Gefr.  B  a  u  e  r
				Mech.Gfr. (T)  S  c  h  o  l  z  e
				Masch.Gfr  J  ü  l  i  c  h
			Ordered in:	Oblt.z.See  G  r  a  e  f
				Mar.Met.Reg.Rat.  Dr.  W  a  l  d  e  n
				Fhrn.z.See  B  a  u  m  b  u  s  c  h
				"       "     A  d  y
				Mtr.Ob.Gfr.  H  e  r  p
				Mtr.Gefr.  P  r  e  u  ß  n  e  r
				Masch.Gfr.  D  e  u  t  s  c  h  e  n
				Mtr.(VII)  K  r  a  u  s
		01.11.41	Lorient, A 2
		16.00		Farewell by Flotillen-Chef and Stab B.d.U.
		16.12		Departed on 3rd Patrol.
		16.35	Abeam Kernaval	Took position in convoy behind " U-561 ".
		17.55	Point Luci 2	Released escort.
		18.00	Course 160°, 2 x HF	Moved off with zigzag course each 20°.
		20.00	BF 6425
			NE 2, Sea 2, Vis. good
		22.37		Detonation far off.
		24.00	BF 6475
			NE 1, Sea 1, Vis. good, bright
		02.11.41	Bay of Biscay
		00.40	BF 6474	Crash dive for training.  Deep dive to depth T = 50 meters [actually depth 100 meters].
				Steel washer in a flange of the main drain pump cracked.  Sealed with a rubber bushing.
		04.02		Surfaced.
		04.05	BF 5599	Course 270°, LF.
			NE 1, Sea, bright night
		08.00	BF 5579
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, heavily cloudy
		12.00	BF 5497	Day's run:  Surfaced      190 nm
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm, heavily cloudy	Submerged    11 nm    201 nm
		13.50 - 14.38	BF 5487	Crash dive for aircraft, sea plane, SW course.
		14.43	BF 5479	Crash dive for Bristol-Blenheim, S-course.  Proceeded submerged.
		16.00	BF 5479	2 detonations, like aircraft bombs.
		19.50		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.11.41

	- 3 -
		continued
		02.11.41	Bay of Biscay
		20.00	NNE 3-4, Sea 2-3, moonlit, Vis. poor
		20.05		Fishing trawler shadow bearing 90°T, moved off.
		23.06		Position report to B.d.U. in square BF 4600.
		24.00	BF 4688
			N 4-5, Sea 3, moonshine
		03.11.41
		04.00	BF 4598
			N 4-5, Sea 3-4, drizzle, bright
		08.00	BF 4578
			NE 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 6 nm
		11.17		White smoke cloud bearing 20°T, turned towards disappeared in rain.  Possibly U-boat diesel exhaust gas plume.
		12.00	BF 4489	Day's run:  Surfaced      184 nm
			N 4, Sea 3, rain shower	Submerged    16 nm    200 nm
		12.40-13.47	BF 4488	Crash dive for land-based aircraft, probably NE course Blenheim.
		13.52 - 14.32		Crash dive for training while blowing.
		20.00	BE 6688
			NNE 4-5, Sea 3-4, Vis. 5 nm, rain showers	Course 300°.
		24.00	BE 5566
			NNE 4-5, Sea 3, showers
		04.11.41
		04.00	BE 6524
			NNE 4-5, Sea 4, cloudy	1 diesel LF.
		08.00	BE 6195
			NNE 3-4, Sea 3, Vis. 8 nm
		09.20		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 175°T, 28 nm.
		12.00	BE 6422	Day's run:  Surfaced      211 nm
			NNE 3-4, Sea 3, Vis. up to 10 nm	Submerged      5 nm    216 nm
		12.06 - 13.05	BE 6422	Crash dive for aircraft, unknown type.
		13.45 - 14.14	BE 6412	Crash dive for aircraft, land-based, probably the same aircraft as at midday returning from surveillance.
		16.00	BE 6175
			NNE 2-3, Sea 3, Vis. up to 12 nm
		18.58		Radio Message from Rosenstiel concerning convoy in square 4611.  Course SE, 12 knots.
		19.08		Operated on Rosenstiel-convoy at HF.
		20.00	BE 5394
			NNE 3, Sea 3, Vis. up to 5 nm
		23.30		Because Rosenstiel reports lost contact and indicates enemy course SSE, questioned B.d.U. about operating further however Group 10 was requested to be repeated 3 times, (wavelength change).
		24.00	BE 5644
			NNE 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. up to 6 nm
		05.11.41
		01.00		On B.d.U. orders continued transit.  Course 3xx°, 1 diesel LF.
		04.00	BE 5556
			NNE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. up to 8 nm, bright moon

	Sun and Moon Data 02.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.11.41

	- 4 -
		continued
		05.11.41
		08.00	BE 5519
			NE 2, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 8 nm
		11.34 - 12.45	BE 5433	Crash dive for aircraft.
		12.00	BE 5433	Day's run:  Surfaced      200 nm
				Submerged      6 nm    206 nm
		16.00	BE 5188
			NE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 20 nm	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 225°T, 14 nm.
		20.00	BE 4399	On request balloon launch by Meteorologist.  3 attempts failed due to transmitter failures.
			ENE 2, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm
		24.00	BE 4385
			ESE 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. 12 nm, bright moon
		06.11.41
		01.43		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BE 4269
			ESE 1, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm, moonshine
		08.00	BE 4269
			ESE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm
		11.30		Switched to Greenland Circuit.
		12.00	BE 4255	Day's run:  Surfaced      167 nm
			SE 2, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm	Submerged      3 nm    170 nm
		16.00	BE 4217
			SE 1, Sea 1, showers, Vis. 12 nm
		20.00	SSE 2, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 280°T, 54 nm.  Speed over-estimate.
		24.00	BD 3979
			SSE 2, Sea 2, Vis. good, showers
		07.11.41
		04.00	BD 3894
			SSE 2, Sea 1, changing cloudiness
		08.00	BD 3858
			SSE 2, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm, strong showers
		10.32 - 11.14		Test dive.
		12.00	BD 3845	Day's run:  Surfaced      173 nm
			SSE 2, Sea 1, showers	Submerged      2 nm    175 nm
		16.00	BD 3761
			SSE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 10 nm
		20.00	BD 2934
			SSE 2, Sea 1, Vis. up to 8 nm
		24.00	BD 2xxx	On request launched balloon.  2 attempts failed due to transmitter failures.
			SSE 3, Sea 2, Vis. up to x nm, overcast
		08.11.41
		04.00	BD 2xxx
			WNW 3, Sea 2-3, [rest of weather illegible]
		04.06		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		08.00	BD 2xxx	Barometer drop.
			WNW 3, Sea 2-3, [rest of weather illegible]
		12.00	BD 2572	Day's run:  Surfaced      134 nm
			NW 3, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm, overcast	Submerged      3 nm    137 nm
		16.00	BD 2467
			WNW 6, Sea 5, overcast, rain
		20.00	BD 2457
			WNW Sea 5, changing cloudiness

	Sun and Moon Data 05.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.41

	- 5 -
		continued
		08.11.41	North Atlantic
		24.00	BD 2447	On request balloon launch. 1 attempt succeeds.
			WNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, rain showers
		09.11.41
		04.00	BD 1668
			WNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, showers, Vis. up to 3 nm
		03.09		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.36		Short Signal weather report sent on wavelength OD, not acknowledged.  Through a misunderstanding not sent once more.  Dr. Walden was deprived of his most beautiful success
		08.00	BD 1658
			NWE 7, Sea 6, showers, heavily cloudy
		11.00		Course 290°.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 67°T, 20 nm.
		12.00	BD 1651	Day's run:  Surfaced  115 nm
			WNW 7-8, showers, Vis. 5 nm
		16.00	BD 1618
			WNW 8, Sea 6, showers
		20.00	BD 1536	Due to weather condition no balloon launch despite request.
			NW 8-9, Sea 6-7, showers
		24.00	BD 1531
			NW 7-8, Sea 6-7, Vis. up to 5 nm
		10.11.41
		01.07		Short Signal weather report sen on wavelength KZ.
		04.00	BD 1522
			NW 7, Sea 6, Vis. 3 nm, changing cloudiness
		08.00	BD 1287
			NW 8, Sea 6-7, hail, overcast
		12.00	BD 1178	Day's run:  Surfaced  87 nm
			NW 7, Sea 6, Vis. 5 nm, showers
		16.00	BD 1196
			NW 6, Sea 5-6, rain squalls, Vis. up to 6 nm
		20.00	BD 1183
			NW 6, Sea 5-6, cloudy
		24.00	BD 1173
			NW 5, Sea 5, Vis. up to 2 nm
		11.11.41
		04.00	BC 3392	Boat is in operations are square BC 30.
			NW 3-4, Sea 4, high Swell
		08.00	BC 3358
			NW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Swell
		11.15		Course 180°.
		12.00	BC 3377	Day's run:  Surfaced  124 nm
			NW 4, Sea 4, overcast, showers
		16.00	BC 3617
			NW 6, Sea 5, Vis. up to 6 nm
		20.00	BC 3941	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 183°T, 34 nm.
			NW 6-7, Sea 5-6, Vis. up to 5 nm, rain squalls
		24.00	BC 3974	On request balloon launch.
			W 5-6, Sea 4-5, high NW-Swell, very dark
		12.11.41
		01.00		Course 320°.
		02.43		Radiosonde report sent on wavelength OD.
		02.44		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	BC 3892
			NW 5-6, Sea 4, high Swell, overcast,

	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.41

	- 6 -
		continued
		12.11.41	North Atlantic
		08.00	BC 3829
			WSW 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. 1, overcast
		11.05		Test dive.  Torpedoes maintained.
		12.00	BC 3821	Day's run:  Surfaced      171 nm
				Submerged      3 nm    174 nm
		16.00	BC 3579
		17.00		Surfaced.
		20.00	BC 3547
			WNW 3-4, Sea 2-3, long NW-Swell
		24.00	BC 3437
			WNW 4-5, Sea 4, long Swell, Vis. up to 6 nm
		13.11.41
		02.30		Sent Short Signal weather report not picked up on wavelength KZ, although there was reception at Volume 4 and transmitter power was full.
		03.24		Radiosonde report sent on KZ.
		03.25		Short Signal weather report sent on KZ.
		04.00	BC 3422
			NW 3, Sea 3, Vis. up to 2 nm, overcast
		08.00	BC 3181
			W 2, Sea 2, long Swell
		12.00	BC 3145	Day's run:  Surfaced      94 nm
			W 1-2, Sea 2, low Swell, Vis. 3 nm	Submerged   12 nm    106 nm
				Course for special task in accordance with Radio Messages both diesels LF.
		16.00	BC 3418	1100/6/179/-1208/6/214/-1016/8/249/-
			W 3-4, Sea 2, rain showers, Vis. 5 nm	1107/10/288/-1303/12/229/-1441/12/130/-
		20.00	BC 3718
			W 3-4, Sea 3, Vis. up to 7 nm
		24.00	BC 6115
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. 1-2 nm
		14.11.41
		04.00	BC 6176
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast
		08.00	BC 6457
			SW 3, Sea 3, rain
		12.00	BC 6728	Day's run:  Surfaced  216 nm
			W 5, Sea 3-4, showers
		16.00	BC 9123
			WNW 6-7, Sea 5-6, strong hail showers
		18.20		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 22°T, 20 nm.
		20.00	BC 9198
			NW 5-6, Sea 5, squalls, showers, Vis. 2-5 nm
		24.00	BC 9162
			WNW 7, Sea 6, heavily cloudy, Vis. up to x nm
		15.11.41
		04.00	BC 9469
			NW 5-6, Sea 3-4, rain, high Swell
		08.00	BC 9841
			NW 6, Sea 5, heavily cloudy, Vis. 2 nm
		12.00	CD 2133	Day's run:  Surfaced  216 nm
			NW 4-5, Sea 3, long Swell, Vis. 10 nm
		16.00	CD 2271
			NW 3-4, Sea 3, long Swell, Vis. up to 10 nm
		20.00	CD 2542	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 270°T, 16 nm.
			WSW 4, Sea 3, heavily cloudy, Vis. up to 12 nm
		24.00	CD 2813
			NW 4-5, Sea 4, long Swell, Vis. up to 7 nm
		16.11.41
		04.00	CD 2881
			NW 6, Sea 4, heavily cloudy, Vis. up to 3 nm
		08.00	CD 5535
			WSW 5-6, Sea 5, long NW-Swell, HAG 1

	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.41

	- 7 -
		continued
		16.11.41	North Atlantic west of the Azores
		12.00	CD 5535	Day's run:  Surfaced  228 nm
			WSW 5-6, Sea 5, long Swell	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 225°T, 10 nm.
		16.00	CD 5677
			WSW 4-5, Sea 5, lightly cloudy, Vis. up to 12 nm
		20.00	CD 5948
			WSW 3-4, Sea 3, heavily cloudy, Vis. up to 10 nm
		21.50		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 335°T, x nm.
		24.00	CD 5972
			NW 1, Sea 1-2, Vis. up to 3 nm
		17.11.41
		04.00	CD 8345
			SW 1, Sea 1, Vis. up to 4 nm, lightly cloudy
		07.40		Ship 45 in sight bearing 200°T.  Recognition signals fail because merchant ship Recognition Signal was used.
		09.00 - 10.20		Kommandant disembarked by boat for conference with Kommandant of Ship 45.
		10.38 - 11.12		Test dive.
		11.15		Began the escort.
		12.00	CD 8655	Day's run:  Surfaced      213 nm
			Wind calm, Sea 0, light Swell, Vis. bad	Submerged      1 nm    214 nm
				Course 0°, 11 knots.
		16.00	CD 8358	Course 27, 11 knots.
			SE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. up to 20 nm	Formation day:  1 nm ahead of the ship.
				night:  Hang on.
		20.00	CD 5996	Evening navigation fix exchanged.
			SSE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. very good
		24.00	CD 6713
			SSW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, very dark
		18.11.41
		04.00	CD 6437
			SE 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	CD 6241
			SW 4, Sea 3, Vis. up to 4 nm, overcast
		12.00	CD 3861	Day's run:  Surfaced  290 nm
			SW 6-7, Sea 5, long Swell, rain showers
		13.00 - 14.30		Mail exchange with Ship 45:
				a)  Radio news and rolls.
				b)  Written instructions for proceeding further.
				On request received the Junkers compressor plug-in connector on the first attempt.. Since it did not fit, it remains out of service.
		14.30		Transit continued without "U-561" that at 13.00 hours was to be at meeting point.  Ship 45 requested attempt to establish Underwater Telegraphy with U-561, did not execute due to hopelessness of communication.
		about 15.00		U-561 in sight astern.  Continued transit with Bartels.  Formation 40° echelon ahead to both sides 1500 meters away.
		16.00	CD 3838
			SW 5-6, long large Swell, heavy rain showers, Vis. 1-2 nm
		20.00	CD 3697
			SW 4-5, Sea 4, long Swell, Vis. very good
		24.00	CE 1457
			SW 5-6, Sea 5, heavily cloudy

	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.41

	- 8 -
		19.11.41	North Atlantic Azores area
		04.00	CE 1518
			SW 4-5, Sea 4, long Swell, Vis. bad
		08.00	CE 1374
			WSW 5-6, Sea 5, rain shower, squalls, Vis. 4 nm
		12.00	CE 1364	Day's run:  Surfaced  296 nm
			WSW 5-6, Sea 5, showers, Vis. up to 5 nm
		16.00	CE 2125
			W 4, Sea 4, long Swell, Vis. up to 8 nm
		20.00	BD 8987
			WNW 5, Sea 4, light showers, Vis. up to 5 nm
		24.00	BD 9747
			W 4, Sea 3-4, long medium-high Swell
		20.11.41
		04.00	BD 2729
			WNW 6-7, Sea 5, strong showers, hail, very dark
		08.00	BD 9579
			WNW 7, Sea 5-6, rain, lightening, very dark
		12.00	BD 9592	Day's run:  Surfaced  300 nm
			W 4-5, Sea 4, showers, long Swell
		16.00	BD 9633
			WNW 5, Sea 5, strong showers, Vis. up to 12, long Swell
		20.00	BE 7186
			W 4-5, Sea 3, heavily cloudy, long Swell
		24.00	BE 7254
			W 4, Sea 3-4, long WNW-Swell
		21.11.41
		04.00	BE 7317
			W 4-5, Sea 4, long Swell, light showers
		08.00	BE 7332
			W 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium
		12.00	BE 9122	Day's run:  Surfaced  310 nm
			SW 4-5, Sea 4, Swell, rain
		13.43 - 14.05		Crash dive for aircraft alarm on Ship 45.
				At the same time test dive.
		16.00	BE 8219	Aircraft were the announced German air reconnaissance (2 Condors)
			SW 4-5, Sea 4, showers, Vis. up to 5 nm
		20.00	BE 8266
			W 4-5, Sea 3, large W-Swell, overcast
		24.00	BE 8394
			NW 4-5, Sea 4, large Swell, overcast, showers
		22.11.41
		04.00	BE 9188
			SW 4, Sea 3, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. moderate
		08.00	BE 9515
			NW 4-5, Sea 3, long Swell, lightening
		12.00	BE 9562	Day's run:  Surfaced      299 nm
			WNW 5-6, Sea 4, W-Swell, light showers	Submerged       1 nm    300 nm
		16.00	BE 9658
			WNW 6, Sea 5, Vis. up to 10 nm, long Swell
		20.00	BF 7476
			W 6, Sea 4, long Swell, squalls, Vis. 3 nm
		24.00	BF 7576
			WNW 4, Sea 3, Vis. 2 nm, light Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.41

	- 9 -
		23.11.41	Bay of Biscay
		04.00	BF 7675
			WNW 3-4, Sea 2-3, long medium Swell, summer lightening
		07.33	Cape Ortegal	Due to a brief failure of the port diesel moved off to the north.  Report by searchlight to Ship 45 not acknowledged.
		08.00	BF 8474
			WNW 3-4, Sea 3, Vis. 6 nm, showers
		09.04		Dived for repairs.
		12.00	BF 8442	Day's run:  Surfaced      267 nm
				Submerged    4.5 nm    271.5 nm
		16.00	BF 8419
		19.50		Surfaced.
		20.00	BF 8414	B.d.U. order to enter Lorient is withdrawn.
			NW 3, Sea 2, long Swell, showers, overcast, Vis. bad
		24.00	BF 7387
			WNW 2-3, Sea 2, long Swell, overcast	Fraatz
		24.11.41
		00.30		Transit to the south for supply Gata.
		04.00	BF 7624
			WNW 3-4, Sea 2, overcast
		08.00	BF 7647
			W 2, Sea 1, overcast
		12.00	BF 7811	Day's run:  Surfaced      116 nm
			SW 3, Sea 2, heavily cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm	Submerged    14 nm    130 nm
		16.00	BF 7851
			SSW 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 9 nm
		17.35		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 235°T, 11.2 nm.
		20.00	BF 7799
			SSW 3-4, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 15 nm
		24.00	CG 2166
			SSW 3-4, Sea 2-3, Vis. good	Fraatz
		25.11.41
		04.00	CG 2199
			SSW 3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 8 nm
		08.00	CG 2466
			S 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. medium	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 23°T, 3.5 nm.
		12.00	CG 2577	Day's run:  Surfaced   171 nm
			S 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. good
		16.00	CG 2844
			SW 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. very good
		17.46 - 18.31		Crash dive for training!  Test dive and depth control training.
		19.35		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 215°T, 3 nm.
		20.00	CG 5133
		22.30	Wind calm, Sea 0, light NW-Swell	50° to port (130°T) beacon Berlengas at 46 nm on the horizon.
		24.00	CG 5166
			SE 1, Sea 0, Vis. good	Fraatz
		26.11.41
		04.00	CG 5433
			ESE 1, Sea 1, Vis. good, lightly cloudy
		08.00	CG 5469
			ENE 1, Sea 1, Vis. 12 nm, NW-Swell
		12.00	CG 5739	Day's run:  Surfaced      166 nm
			ENE 2, Sea 1, NW-Swell, Vis. very good	Submerged      2 nm    168 nm
		16.00	CG 5872	Fraatz
			E 2, Sea 1, Vis. up to 20 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.41

	- 10 -
		continued
		26.11.41
		20.00	CG 8213	Passed Cape St. Vincent.
			E 2m Sea 1, Swell
		24.00	CG 8264
			E 1, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm	Fraatz
		27.11.41
		04.00	CG 8378
			E 1, Sea 1, Vis. up to 7 nm
		08.00	CG 8622
			Wind calm, light E-Swell
		09.36		Crash dive for land-based aircraft (3-engined?) at high altitude.
		10.40		Surfaced, both diesels GF, course 80°.
		12.00	CG 9421	Day's run:  Surfaced      181 nm
			ENE 2, Sea 1, Vis. up to 15 nm	Submerged      3 nm    184 nm
		12.05	CG 9422	Ahead several smoke feathers.
		13.04		Several fishing trawlers.  Crash dive to proceed submerged.  Trawlers are fairly stationary, turning quite quickly, so it is unlikely they have heavy nets out or proceed with connected nets.  Patrol vessels?
		19.50	CG 9195	Surfaced.
		20.00	CG 9195	Entered through the north channel into Cadiz.  Off the entrance 2 unilluminated fishing trawlers, one of which followed for a long time and kept up at 14 knots.
			ENE 2, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm
		23.15	Cadiz	Made fast alongside "THALIA".  Began loading.
		24.00	Cadiz	2 buoys off the anchorage did not burn, however some beacons in the entrance burned incorrrctly. (fixed instead of flashing and so on)
				Fraatz
		28.11.41
		03.00		Fuel loading ended.  Repairs for the control room.
		04.00	Cadiz
		05.12		Cast off "THALIA" and departed through the main channel.
		08.00	CG 9277
			ESE 1, Sea 1, misty
		08.26	CG 9196	Dived and put the boat on the bottom depth T = 34 meters. [68 meters]
				Bottom: SK.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced      83 nm
				Submerged    11 nm    94 nm
		19.50		Surfaced.  Proceeded at GF emptying the regulating and reserve fuel oil tank to have better pumping possibilities.
		20.00	CG 9196	Transit into the Mediterranean.  Held on to a small steamer, is Spanish with all markings and illumination.
			E 1, Sea 1, Vis. good, bright moonshine
		24.00	CG 9433
			E 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. good, heavily cloudy	Fraatz
		29.11.41
		04.00	CG 9568
			E 2, Sea 1, Vis. good, bright moonshine (3/4)
		03.45		Ahead in the Strait of Gibraltar several patrol boats (3).  Moved off and waited for moonset.  1 patrol line between Trafalger and Cape Spartel.
		03.55		Overflown by a land-based aircraft, altitude 100 meters.  Bi-plane, carrier aircraft (?) of type "Swordfish" or "Albacore".
		04.30		Started at AK.  To starboard off Spartel a fast boat.
				2nd patrol vessel line at Tarifa, 3 units, among them a destroyer, probably gun boats.
				3rd patrol vessel line between Ceuta and Algeciras.
				Fraatz

	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.41

	- 11 -
		continued
		29.11.41	Strait of Gibraltar
		08.00	CG 9682
			E 1-2, Sea 1, changing cloudiness, light mist, Vis. good
		08.10		Ended Strait passage.
		08.20		Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	CG 9686	Day's run:  Surfaced     189 nm
				Submerged     6 nm    195 nm
		16.00	CG 9694
		19.40	CH 7485	Surfaced, moved off to the east into the operations area.
		20.00	CH 7485
			WSW 2, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good
		24.00	CH 7495
			W 2, Sea 1, showers, bright moonlit night	Fraatz
		30.11.41
		04.00	CH 7549
			W 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. good
		08.00	CH 7535
			SW 2, Sea 1, Vis. good
		08.10 - 09.11		Test dive.
				After surfacing steamer in target angle 0° ahead bearing 80°T.
		09.31		Dived.  Closed.  Steamer is the Spanish "DARRO" from Cadiz, prescribed markings.
		10.52		Surfaced.
		12.00	CH 7643	Day's run:  Surfaced     124 nm
			NW 4, Sea 3, Vis. good	Submerged    20 nm    144 nm
		16.00	CH 7692	At the most narrow position in the operations area square CH 75 and 76 between Oran and Cabo di Gata back and forth in position.
			NW 3-4, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm
		19.06	CH 7659
		19.40		Crash dive for flying boat (?) in evening twilight.
				Surfaced.
		20.00	CH 7655
			WNW 4-5, Sea 3, Vis. good	Night between Oran and Cabo di Gata back and forth in position.
		24.00	CH 7641
			WNW 5, Sea 3-4, moonlit night, Vis. good	Fraatz
		01.12.41
		04.00	CH 7536
			NE 2, Sea 2, Vis. good, lightly cloudy
		08.00	CH 7645
			NE 2, Sea 1, Vis. up to 12 nm
		08.07 - 09.04		Test dive.
		12.00	CH 7663	Day's run:  Surfaced     178 nm
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. good	Submerged      5 nm    183 nm
		12.30		Steamer sighted bearing 50°T, steered 200°.  Ran with until close off Mers el Kabir, steamer then went close off the east coast of Oran Bay into the harbor.
		16.00	CH 7668
			WNW 3-4, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	CH 7662
			NW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm
		24.00	CH 7629
			NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, Vis. good	Fraatz
		02.12.41
		04.00	CH 7665
			NNE 2, Sea 1, light showers, Vis. good
		08.00	CJ 7682
			NNE 2, Sea 1, showers	Fraatz

	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.41

	- 12 -
		continued
		02.12.41	South coast of Spain
		08.21 - 08.59		Test dive.
		12.00	CH 7675	Day's run:  Surfaced      144 nm
			NNE 2, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm	Submerged      2 nm    146 nm
		13.40		A boat in the SE.  It is "U-562"  Recognition Signals exchanged.  Went within hailing range.  Exchanged experiences.  Parted after 15 minutes.
		16.00	CH 7565
			NE 2, Sea 2, Vis. good, lightly cloudy
		20.00	CH 7234	Night positioned in Almeria Bay abeam west of Cabo di Gata.  2 Neutral (Spanish) with all markings came from the NE from Almeria very close off the coast.
			NE 2, Sea 2, Vis. good
		24.00	CH 7289	From 2 December operations area off Gibraltar east to CH 76.
			NE 3, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm
				Fraatz
		03.12.41
		04.00	CH 7294
			NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		08.00	CH 7523
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. medium
		08.25 - 09.14		Test dive.
		12.00	CH 7557	Day's run:  Surfaced      176 nm
			NE 3-4, Sea 3, rain showers, Vis. up to 12 nm	Submerged      2 nm    178 nm
		16.00	CH 7578
			ENE 3-4, Sea 2-3, showers
		20.00	CH 7579	Back and forth in position at the northwest edge Cape Tres Forkas.
			ENE 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. good
		21.00		Steamer, Spanish with all markings, illuminated about 3000-4000 GRT, coming out of Melilla, course west.
		24.00	CH 7817	Several fishermen, large Spanish trawler illuminated on westerly course.
			ENE 4-5, Sea 3, Vis. good
				Fraatz
		04.12.41
		04.00	CH 7817
			NE 4, Sea 2-3, heavily cloudy, Vis. good
		04.20		Small Spanish steamer, course west, illuminated.
		06.50		Small  Spanish coastal passenger steamer, course east, turns in towards Melilla.
		08.00	CH 7811
			ENE 4, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm
		12.00	CH 7548	Day's run:  Surfaced  179 nm
			NE 4-5, Sea 3, rain shower, Vis. up to 10 nm
		16.00	CH 7521
			NE 5, Sea 4, heavily cloudy, showers, Vis. changing
		20.00	CH 7521
			NE 3, Sea 2, Vis. good
		22.00		Coming out of Almeria Spaniard, 3000 GRT, illuminated, passes on westerly course.
		24.00	CH 7513	Back and forth in position Adra Bay.
			NE 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, bright, Vis. good	Fraatz
		05.12.41
		04.00	CH 7511
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. good
		03.15		Strongly smoking steamer in sight from the east with all steaming lights and banner at the stern (illuminated) but without flag, cannot read the name anywhere.  Side decks not illuminated.  Westerly course.  Held on due to inadequate markings.  it is the Spanish "MONTE NEGRO" from Alicante bound for Huelva.  Have the papers sent because

	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.41

	- 13 -
		continued
		05.12.41	South coast of Spain	I have shown myself now and have the feeling, I should also check the information he provided by searchlight so as not to make a fool of our methods.  The Captain comes in a boat.  It is bound for Buenos Aires with in-between harbor Huelva in ballast.  Certificate of the British Vice Consul was available.  Let the steamer go.  Dr. Walden served as interpreter.
		05.15		Spaniard had his flag set after stopping.  Moved off.  Still passed 2 Spaniards on westerly courses.
		08.00	CH 7527
			NE 5, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 4 nm
		12.00	CH 7581	Day's run:  Surfaced      165 nm
			NE 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. up to 15 nm	Submerged      2 nm    167 nm
		16.00	CH 7587
			N 3-4, Sea 2, Vis. 12 nm, changing cloudiness, Vis, 12 nm
		20.00	CH 7852	Abeam west of Chafarinas Island, steered north-south course,  No traffic observed.
			NE 2, Sea 1, Vis. 12 nm, changing cloudiness
		24.00	CH 7823
			NE 4, Sea 2, Vis. good, lightening	Fraatz
		06.12.41
		04.00	CH 7846
			NE 2, Sea 2, showers, Vis. good, lightening, bright
		08.00	CH 7815
			NE 1, Sea 1, Vis. up to 12 nm, lightly cloudy
		08.10		Illuminated steamer from the NW for Melilla
		08.12	CH 7817	Dived off Tres Forkas to observe at periscope depth, is the day traffic corresponded to the strong night traffic.  All day no steamers passed.
		12.00	CH 7817	Day's run:  Surfaced      174 nm
		16.00	CH 7817	Submerged     12 nm    186 nm
		20.00	CH 7817	Surfaced.  Back and forth in position between Tres Forkas and Alboran.
		24.00	CH 7815
			NE 3, Sea 2, Vis. good	Fraatz
		07.12.41
		04.00	CH 7814
			NE 3, Sea 2, light Swell, overcast
		08.00	CH 7578
			ENE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 14 nm
		08.40 - 09.15		Test dive.
		11.45		Intended to arch around Alboran to the north and then approach closer to Gibraltar north-south legs.
				Smoke cloud bearing 300°T.  Steamer at a broad target angle.  Maneuvered ahead at GF.
		12.00	CH 7542	Day's run:  Surfaced      156 nm
			NNW 2, Sea 1, Vis. up to 12 nm	Submerged     26 nm    182 nm
		13.48	CH 7462	Crash dive for aircraft bearing 270°T.
		14.18		Surfaced.
				Reported midday position on request.
		16.00	CH 7455	Fraatz
			W 3, Sea 2, heavily cloudy

	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.41

	- 14 -
		continued
		07.12.41	South coast of Spain
		17.12		Dived before the steamer.  Attacked.  It was the Swede "EMBLA" with red cross markings (care package steamer).  Shame.
		19.00		New steamer coming from the west seen before surfacing as a smoke feather, sets lights at sunset and illuminated markings.  Had Spanish markings.
		20.00	CH 7446
		20.05	CH 7446	Surfaced.  Followed after the steamer.  Began transit to the eastern Mediterranean at LF in accordance with Radio Message 1536/7/194.
		24.00	CH 7463
			NNW 3, Sea 1-2, light Swell, Vis. medium
				Fraatz
		08.12.41
		04.00	CH 7537
			W 4-5, Sea 4, Swell, dark
		08.00	CH 7622
			W 5-6, Sea 4, overcast
		10.15 - 11.00		Crash dive for aircraft.
		12.00	CH 7395	Day's run:  Surfaced      222 nm
			W 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. up to 10 nm	Submerged    10 nm    232 nm
		16.00	CH 8164
			WSW 5-6, Sea 4, Swell, Vis. moderate, overcast
		20.00	CH 8242
			WSW 4-5, Sea 4, Vis. up to 4 nm, long W-Swell
		24.00	CH 8231
			N 3-4, Sea 3, W-Swell, Vis. good	Fraatz
		09.12.41
		04.00	CH 5981
			NNE 3, Sea 3, Vis. good
		08.00	CH 9142
			NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm	Boat positioned on the Algier-Marseille track.
		08.29		Smoke cloud bearing 80°T, pursued, steamer steers 10°.  Moved off.
		09.15 - 10.01		Test dive.
		10.02		Crash dive while surfacing.  Flying boat exactly next to the boat, first heard then seen.
		10.39		Surfaced.  Smoke cloud bearing 20°T.  Pursued, closed.
		11.03		Dived.  Ran in to attack.  Neutral French "DUNKERQUE" with all markings except yellow flag under the flag.  Let go because apparently on course for Algier.
		12.00	CH 9116	Day's run:  Surfaced      235 nm
				Submerged      7 nm    242 nm
		12.42		Surfaced.  A small steamer bearing 120°T on the horizon (seen in the periscope), a smoke cloud bearing 110°T.
				To get off the route and not be continually stopped by neutrals steered through the area across the course of the first steamer to get to the east.  Steamer was the French "ST. LUCIEN" under 1000 GRT.  All markings except for the yellow flag under the flag.  It is not clear if the correct flag was set on sighting the U-boat or if it only flew after turning away.
				Fraatz

	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.41

	- 15 -
		09.12.41	Western Mediterranean	Passed and headed for the other steamer, which in the meantime has reached bearing 95°T on a northerly course.  Switched to the 600-meter wavelength.
				Intend to read the name and move off behind the steamer to the east, the steamer transmits with Volume 3 on the 600-meter wavelength.  Position of the latitude is correct the longitude is off by 3°.  Was corrected in a later Radio Message although here the latitude was changed by 3°.  Due to suspicion halted with searchlight.  Forgot to set the war flag.  Steamer is the French ST. DENIS, 1500 GRT (not entered in Gröner).  Steamer sets no flag, flag on the side of the hull is framed in white.  The order to stop sent by international signal flags, was acknowledged by signal flag.  The order to send the papers ("envoiyez votre Papiers") was not carried out or understood.
		13.54		St. DENIS transmitted "arrêté par sous-marine" with position.
				ST. DENIS was to be sunk without warning due to use of the Radio in the course of a Prize Warfare action.  The steamer lies stopped.  Suspect aircraft in the vicinity.  The steamer "ST. DENIS" approached to 3000 meters.
		14.01		Shot from tube I,  G7E, depth 2 meters.
				Hit center.  Boiler blows off.  Torpedo was a failure, ran too slowly.  Instead of depth 2 meters hit at the waterline.
		14.11		Shot from tube II.  G7E.  Depth 2 meters.  Torpedo runs too slowly.  Hit center, steamer sinks immediately.  Crew had abandoned ship in a boat in the lee.  Probably taken over by ST. LUCIEN.
		14.16 - 14.44	CH 9122	Crash dive for aircraft.
		15.07 - 15.44	CH 6785	Crash dive for aircraft (land-based aircraft).
		16.00	CH 9132
			Wind calm, Sea 0, Swell, Vis. very good
		16.35 - 18.10	CH 9133	Crash dive for aircraft.
		19.00		Sent Radio Message:  From Fraatz:  Square CH 9122 as a Frenchman poorly marked "ST. DENIS" stopped 13.45 hours.  Due to U-boat warning on 600-meter wavelength sunk without warning.  Question route from 7611, because Mediterranean Operations Orders are missing.  Position 6793.
		24.00	CH 9223	Fraatz
			ENE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. 10 nm
		10.12.41
		04.00	CH 9321
			NNW 1, Sea 1, light NW-Swell	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 23°T, 3.5 nm.
		08.00	CJ 7411
			NNW 1, Sea 1, light N-Swell, Vis. 12 nm
		09.54	CJ 7411	Crash dive for aircraft.
			Vis. 12 nm
		10.31	CJ 7412	Surfaced.
				Fraatz

	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.41

	- 16 -
		continued
		10.12.41	Central Mediterranean
		12.00	CJ 7431	Day's run:  Surfaced      203 nm
			WNW 1-2, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm	Submerged    12 nm    215 nm
		15.10 - 16.27	CJ 7521	Crash dive for aircraft.
		18.35		Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 7°T, 10.2 nm.
		20.00	CJ 7378
			W 2, Sea 1, changing cloudiness, Vis. 12 nm
		24.00	CJ 7632	Fraatz
			Wind calm, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. moderate
		11.12.41
		04.00	CJ 8723
			NW 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. up to 12 nm
		08.00	CJ 8579
			NW 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	CJ 8677	Day's run:  Surfaced      234 nm
			NE 1, Sea 0, Vis. very good	Submerged      2 nm    236 nm
		14.39	CJ 8654	U-boat avoided a 2-fan, target angle to port 120°.  Periscope seen after the shot, clear bubble tracks and oil smoke.  Range about 1000 meters.  At the end of the running track white smoke of the torpedoes.
		14.46		Detonation (at the end of the running track?).
		15.10	CJ 8656	Call sign signal exchange with international flags (XGI) at Ustica (reported for 17.00 hours).
		15.22		Crash dive for aircraft.
		15.37		Surfaced, moved off on zigzag courses.
				Report to F.d.U. concerning U-boat.
		16.00	CJ 8692
			Wind calm, Sea 0, Vis. very good
		19.00	CJ 9472	Dived to fill the battery.  Dive reported to F.d.U. to be safe from U-boat hunt.
		20.00	CJ 9472	Fraatz
		24.00	CJ 9475
		12.12.41
		00.34		Surfaced.
		04.00	CJ 9725
			ENE 1, Sea 1, lightly cloudy, Vis. up to 5 nm
		07.00		Rounded the Island of Vulcano
		08.00	CJ 9579
			NNE 1, Sea 1, heavily cloudy, Vis. improving
		08.15		Unsuccessful Recognition Signal exchange with Italian pilot boat, because "U-652" warship Recognition Signal was used, patrol vessel Recognition Signal was expected.
		08.30		Took position behind pilot boat and ran into Messina.
		10.10	Entrance Messina	2 Italian Officers on board.
		10.52	Messina	Made fast Italian U-boat Base.  Report to Admiral Sizilien.  Support by Lt. Seguini.
				Day's run:  Surfaced      213 nm
				Submerged    11 nm    224 nm
				Began outfitting.  Intended to depart by night, due to main ruder damage ready for sea delayed to 13 December 1941 (20.00 hours).
		16.00		Reg.Rat. Dr. Walden disembarked and sent on to Rome.
				Fraatz

	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.41

	- 17 -
		13.12.41	Messina
		14.00 - 17.00		Finished outfitting.  Minor repairs.
				Excursion of the crew to Taermina with L.K.W. of the Anti-aircraft
				Did not depart on B.d.U. Orders.
				Fraatz
		14.12.41	Messina	Welcomed incoming boat "U-586".  Intended to depart at 18.15.  Due to compressor breakdown delayed to 20.00 hours.
		11.00
		14.00		Matr.Ob.Gefr. Reppel disembarked into Italian Hospital due to water on the knee.
		18.15		Bid farewell to outbound boat "U-586".
				The care of the boat by the only naval officer in the location, PK Mann Lt. (S) Möhlmann is noteworthy.
				Fraatz
			Results:
			Boat at sea:	40 days, 15 hours.
			Day's run:	Surfaced     7794 nm
				Submerged    214 nm
				Total:          8008 nm
			Sunk:	Steamer "ST. DENIS" about 1500 GRT.
				signed Fraatz
				Oblt.z.See and Kommandant

 

	Enclosures to U-652's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
ChartA	Track chart covering entire war patrol
ChartB	Track chart covering period in Mediterranean operations area 29 November - 7 December

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