U-69 - 9th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
St. Nazaire
15 August 1942
Lorient
5 November 1942
83

 

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 Oct 42
06.07
48°45'N, 68°15'W
CAROLUS
2,375
Canadian
 
14 Oct 42
08.21
47°27'N, 59°45'W
CARIBOU
2,222
British
 
     
 Total = 4,597
   
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
 
                          Unterseebootes  "U  6 9  ".
                         -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
 
   
 
          Kommandant        :         Oberleutnant z.See    G  r  ä  f  
           
          Beginning              :         15. August 1942.  
           
          Concluding           :         5. November 1942.  
           
           
                                            ---------------  
           
     
Distribution          :    
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 and 2
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote    "       " 3
2. Admiral der Unterseeboote    "       " 4
7.  Unterseebootsflottille    "       " 5
27. U.-Flottille for 2.U.L.D. and 25. U.-Flottille    "       " 6
Agru-Front, Kptlt. Jebsen for 26. U.-Flottille, 1.U.L.D.    
                                        and 24. U.-Flottille    "       " 7
 
           
     
Enclosures          :    
1   Track chart To      "       " 1, 3, 4, 5.
1   Excerpt of the Radio Log   "       "       " 3, 4, 5.
6   Torpedo firing reports   "       "       " 3, 4, 5.
12 Barograph strips   "       "       " 3.
 
           
           
                      
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    29.06. - 11.08.42 St. Nazaire Shipyard period.  
    12.08.42        " Shipyard sea trial and shipyard completion day.  
    13.08. - 14.08.42        " Outfitting.  
                                                               
    15.08.42      
    11.00   Put to sea  
    15.45   Through the lock.  
    15.55   Transit behind mine escort to Nanni 1.  
    16.00 WSW 1-2, Sea 1, 7/10, 1019 mb, Vis. very good    
    18.12   Trim test at Nanni 1.  
    18.33   Released escort.  Route Morgennebel at 2 x HF.  
    20.28   Aircraft in sight bearing 0°T, type "Arado".  
    20.38   Out of sight bearing 190°T.  
    22.15   Test dive.  
                                                                 
    16.08.42 Bay of Biscay    
    02.15   Surfaced.  
    02.20   Crash dive!  Detection on 117 cm.  Depth A -50 meters.  Nothing seen.  Proceeded submerged due to the bright night with marine phosphorescence.  
    05.41   Surfaced.  
    06.56   An inbound German U-boat bearing 230°T.  
        Recognition signals exchanged, recognition signal table for naval forces.  
    08.00 BF 6781    
      SWbyW 1, Sea 0-1, 3/10, 1020 mb, Vis. very good, light W-Swell    
    09.31   Passed Point "Morgen".  
        Course 275°, LF with charging.  
    09.46 BF 6775 Aircraft in sight bearing 110°T, very far off, course south.  
    11.29   Crash dive for training, depth A -20 meters, submerged due to weather situation at KF.  
    12.00 BF 6771 Day's run:  Surfaced:      104 nm  
      WNW 0-1, Sea 0, 6/10, 1020 mb, Vis. good       "          Submerged:    22 nm.  
         
    13.13   6 detonations, very far off.  
    16.00 BF 5893    
    18.12   Surfaced, LF with charging.  
    20.00 BF 5883    
    20.15   Crash dive for training.  Depth A -40 meters, KF.  
    21.45   Surfaced, LF with charging.  
                                                                 
    17.08.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 5848 Course 270°.  
    00.05   Transit speed, 240 RPM diesel-electric.  
    01.22   Crash dive for training, depth A -40 meters, proceeded submerged due to failure of the Fu.M.B.  
    04.00 BF 5769    
    06.16   Surfaced, LF with charging.  
    07.57   Crash dive for training, depth A -40 meters, proceeded submerged due to weather situation, KF.  
    08.00 BF 5767    
    09.56   Under water detonation, very far off.  
    12.00 BF 5758 Day's run:  Surfaced:      68 nm  
              "          Submerged:  28 nm.  
    15.50 NW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, rain, 1018 mb, Vis. good Surfaced.  Ventilated the boat.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.08.42
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.08.42      
    16.00 BF 5757    
    16.40   Crash dive for training, depth A -20 meters,  Proceeded submerged.  
    18.30 - 19.15   Several underwater detonations in the distance.  
    20.00 BF 5749    
    21.16   Surfaced, LF with charging.  
    22.30 BF 5747 Crash dive!  Detection, depth A -10 meters, nothing seen.  
    23.09   Surfaced, LF with charging.  
                                                                 
    18.08.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 4968 Course 270°.  
    00.14   Crash dive for training, depth A -40 meters.  
    04.00 BF 4967    
    05.50   Surfaced, LF with charging.  
    07.50   Crash dive for training, proceeded submerged due to weather situation.  
    08.00 BF 4957    
    12.00 BF 4947 Day's run:  Surfaced:      51 nm  
      WNW 3, Sea 2-3, rain, 1007 mb, Vis. medium to good       "          Submerged:  36 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4867    
    17.25   Surfaced.  Ventilated the boat.  
    17.29 BF 4859 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 180°T.  
    17.47   Crash dive for training, depth A -40 meters.  
    17.56 BF 4859 At periscope depth.  
    19.24   Propeller sounds bearing 50°T, coming closer.  Fishing trawler is in the vicinity of the boat, overran the boat once.  
    19.45 - 21.12   Several underwater detonations, far off.  
    20.00 BF 4858    
    21.45   Surfaced.  
    21.50 BF 4858 3 fishing trawlers in sight bearing 250°T.  Lights set.  
    21.55   Avoided.  
    22.25   Course 270°, LF with charging.  
    22.56   Fishing trawlers out of sight bearing 210°T.  
                                                                 
    19.08.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 4872    
    04.00 BF 4783    
    04.34 BF 4783 Crash dive!  Detection, depth A -30 meters, nothing seen.  
    05.10   Surfaced.  LF, 300 RPM.  
    07.17   Crash dive for training, depth A -40 meters.  Proceeded submerged.  
    08.00 BF 4784    
    12.00 BF 4773 Day's run:  Surfaced:      92 nm  
      W 4, Sea 3, 6/10, 1010 mb, Vis. very good, high NW-swell       "          Submerged:  31 nm.  
    14.15   Incoming Radio Message 1217/19/74:  "Head for naval square BF 19 at highest possible speed.  Orders for Biscay transit are cancelled.  English landing intention possible.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.08.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.08.42      
    15.37   Several underwater detonations.  
    15.55   Surfaced.  HF.  Course 40°.  
    16.00 BF 4771    
    16.21   Incoming Radio Message 1546/19/76:  "To Gräf.  Objective orders to BF 19 cancelled.  Continue outbound transit.  Old orders for Biscay transit are in effect."  
    16.22   Course 270°.  
    16.42 BF 4771 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 140°T.  Course 40°, altitude 4000 meters, range = 7000 meters.  Type "Widley", depth A -30 meters. [presumably Type Whitley is meant]  
    17.10 - 18.45   Several underwater detonations, far off.  
    20.00 BE 6993    
    22.20   Surfaced, LF  
                                                                 
    20.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BE 6983    
    03.41   Course 260°, transit speed.  
    04.00 BE 6972 Headed to fouling point.  
    06.45 BE 6893 Crash dive!  Detection, depth A -30 meters, nothing seen.  
    07.35   Surfaced.  
    08.00 BE 6895    
    12.00 BE 6887 Day's run:  Surfaced:      101 nm  
      SW 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, isolated rain, 1018 mb, short Swell, Vis. medium - good, low clouds       "          Submerged:     24 nm.  
    16.00 BE 6877    
    20.00 BE 9132    
                                                                 
    21.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BE 9112 Course 260°, transit speed.  
    04.00 BE 9116    
    08.00 BE 8336    
    1015   Crash dive for training, depth A -20 meters.  
    10.54   Surfaced.  
    12.00 BE 8337 Day's run:  Surfaced:      106 nm  
      WbyS 3, Sea 3, overcast, fog, isolated rain, 1017 mb, Vis. bad       "          Submerged:      2 nm.  
    16.00 BE 8327    
    17.00      
    20.00 BE 8341    
                                                                 
    22.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BE 8264 Course 260°, transit speed.  
    04.00 BE 8246    
    08.00 BE 8168    
    12.00 BE 8157 Day's run:  Surfaced:      154 nm  
      WSW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, 1018 mb, medium Swell, low clouds, long WNW-Swell       "          Submerged:      - nm.  
    16.00 BE 7369    
    16.57   Crash dive for training, depth A -20 meters.  
    17.50   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BE 7359    
                                                                 
    23.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BE 7373    
    02.20   Incoming Radio Message 0101/23/57/146/256:  Concerning "Declaration of war with Brazil."  
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.08.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.08.42      
    04.00 BE 7296    
    08.00 BE 7286    
    12.00 BE 7277 Day's run:  Surfaced:      144 nm  
      SW 3-4, Sea 3, 1/10, 1016 mb, Vis. medium - good, hazy horizon       "          Submerged:      2 nm.  
    15.29   Crash dive for training, depth A -30 meters.  
    16.00 BE 7432    
    16.16   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BE 7422    
                                                                 
    24.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BE 7414    
    04.00 BD 9629    
    08.00 BD 9643    
    12.00 BD 9567 Day's run:  Surfaced:      160 nm  
      WbyS 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10, 1015 mb, Vis. good       "          Submerged:      2 nm.  
    16.00 BD 9573    
    20.00 BD 9496    
    23.53   Incoming Radio Message 2237/24/96/177/251:  Concerning "State of war with Uruguay".  
                                                                 
    25.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BD 9485 Course 260°, transit speed.  
    01.29   Outgoing Radio Message:  "Short Signal weather report".  
    04.00 BD 9477    
    08.00 BD 8931    
    12.00 BD 8942 Day's run:  Surfaced:      172 nm  
      NW 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10, 1021 mb, Vis. good       "          Submerged:      - nm.  
    15.13   Crash dive for training, depth A -30 meters.  
    16.00 BD 8862    
    16.36   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BD 8855    
                                                                 
    26.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BD 8844 Course 260°, transit speed.  
    04.00 BD 8759    
    08.00 BD 8772    
    12.00 BD 7994 Day's run:  Surfaced:      161 nm  
              "          Submerged:      3 nm.  
    16.00 BD 7979    
    16.58      
    20.00 CD 3332    
                                                                 
    27.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CD 3316 Course 260°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CD 3237    
    08.00 CD 3218    
    12.00 CD 3152 Day's run:  Surfaced: 183 nm.  
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10, 1022 mb, Vis. very good, light Swell    
    14.35   Crash dive for training, depth A -10 meters.  
    15.41   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CD 3144    
    20.00 CD 2358    
                                                                 
    28.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CD 2293 Course 260°, transit speed.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.08.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.08.42      
    04.00 CD 2281    
    08.19 CD 2195 German U-boat in sight bearing 220°T, course 80°.  
    08.00 CD 2195    
    08.27   Out of sight bearing 120°T.  
    12.00 CD 2188 Day's run:  Surfaced:      167 nm  
      SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10, 1021 mb, isolated rain, medium Swell       "          Submerged:      3 nm.  
    16.00 CD 2411    
    20.00 CD 1625    
                                                                 
    29.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CD 1539 Course 260°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CD 1552    
    08.00 CD 1541    
    12.00 CD 1461 Day's run:  Surfaced:      154 nm  
      SbyW 2-3, Sea 1, 9/10, 1016 mb, isolated rain, Vis. good, confused Swell       "          Submerged:      - nm.  
    15.52   Crash dive for training, depth A -60 meters.  
    16.00 CD 1446    
    16.38   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CC 3669    
                                                                 
    30.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CC 3658 Course 260°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CC3671    
    08.00 CC 3586    
    12.00 CC 3578 Day's run:  Surfaced:      138 nm  
      ESE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 6/10, 1011 mb, Vis. good       "          Submerged:      2 nm.  
    16.00 CC 3489    
    20.00 CC 3478    
                                                                 
    31.08.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CC 2697 Course 260°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CC 2913    
    08.00 CC 2835    
    12.00 CC 2824 Day's run:  Surfaced:  146 nm.  
      NW 1-2, Sea 1-2, 8/10, 1010 mb, Vis. good, confused Swell    
    14.58   Crash dive for training, depth A -60 meters.  
    15.46   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CC 2739    
    20.00 CC 2728    
                                                                 
    01.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CC 2717 Course 260°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CC 1952    
    08.00 CC 1944    
    12.00 CC 1858 Day's run:  Surfaced:      157 nm  
      NEbyE 2-3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1012 mb, fog, Vis. bad - medium       "          Submerged:      2 nm.  
    12.15   Course 155°, headed for fouling point.  
    16.00 CC 1871    
    20.00 CC 1786    
                                                                 
    02.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CC 1777 Course 255°, transit speed.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.09.42      
    04.00 CC 1777 Steamer in sight out of a rain squall bearing 200°T.  Very large 2-smokestacker. Course 50°, high speed.  Ran off a bit.  In the course of the twilight attempted to angle in at AK.  Bearing shifts slowly ahead.  Is lost from sigh at darkness.  Held course and speed for 1 hour.   
      NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1012 mb, dark night, Vis. medium, beginning of twilight  
    01.48   Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.   
    02.08   Surfaced.  Course 255, transit speed.  
    02.39   Outgoing Radio Message 0204/2/263:  "20 knot two smokestacker, 01.00 hours naval square CC 1777, course 50°, NE 3, rain showers, 1012 mb, 100 cbm.    -Gräf."  
    04.00 CC 1775    
    08.00 CB 3989    
    12.00 CB 6311 Day's run:  Surfaced:      157 nm  
      NEbyE 2-3, Sea 2, 9/10, fog, 1012 mb, Vis. 1-3 nm, occasional rain       "          Submerged:      2 nm.  
    16.00 CB 6225    
    18.53   Crash dive for training, depth A -60 meters.  
    20.00 CB 6214    
    20.08   Surfaced.  
                                                                 
    03.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CB 6128 Course 255°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CB 5362    
    08.00 CB 5357    
    12.00 CB 5293 Day's run:  Surfaced:      186 nm  
      WNW 1, Sea 1, 6/10, 1009 mb, Vis. good       "          Submerged:      2 nm.  
    16.00 CB 5285    
    20.00 CB 5511    
                                                                 
    04.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CB 5426 Course 255°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CB 5418    
    08.00 CB 4664    
    12.00 CB 4649 Day's run:  Surfaced:  158 nm.  
      WNW 2, Sea 1-2, 4/10, 1010 mb, misty, Vis. medium to good    
    16.00 CB 4592    
    20.00 CB 4558    
    20.23   Crash dive for training, depth A -60 meters.  
    20.53   Surfaced.  
    21.00   Course 252°, headed for fouling point.  
                                                                 
    05.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CB 4574 Course 252°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CB 4723    
    08.00 CB 4175    
    12.00 CA 6938 Day's run:  Surfaced:      146 nm  
      WSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, 1013 mb, rain squalls, low clouds, Vis. good to very good       "          Submerged:      1 nm.  
    15.32   Crash dive!  Approaching land-based aircraft, range = 6000 meters, altitude 300 meters, depth A -10 meters.  
    16.00 CA 6954    
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.09.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.09.42      
    19.00   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CA 6893    
                                                                 
    06.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CA 6885 Course 252°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CA 6877    
    08.00 CA 9126    
    12.00 CA 9118 Day's run:  Surfaced:      159 nm  
      WNW 2, Sea 1-2, 7/10, 1020 mb. Vis. good       "          Submerged:      1 nm.  
    16.00 CA 8338    
    20.00 CA 8351    
    21.44   Course 265°, headed for fouling area.  
                                                                 
    07.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CA 8263 Course 265°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CA 8252    
    08.00 CA 8169    
    12.00 CA 8176 Day's run:  Surfaced:  172 nm.  
      NE 2, Sea 1, 6/10, 1021 mb, Vis. good    
    12.21   Crash dive for training, depth A -60 meters.  
    13.20   Put the boat on the bottom, depth A -10 meters.  Loaded mines.  Preparations made for shallow water operation.  
    16.00 CA 8176    
    20.00 CA 8176                                                          
    08.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CA 8176    
    01.51   Surfaced, course 251°,. ran towards the coast at HF.  
    03.48   Air searchlights on the coast.  Searchlight of a patrol vessel abeam to starboard.  
        Headed for "False Cape 4".  
    04.00 CA 7398 I intend to explore the fouling area and determine traffic today.  
    08.00 CA 7387    
    08.10   Course 355°, transit speed.  
   

                       08.44

The coast is darkened, the cities in the interior are brightly illuminated,                                     abeam to port an unmarked wreck, 2 masts protrude from the water, large oil slick.  - Courses see combat sketch - At the supply place a dimmed watch boat, proceeds with a white light in the foretop and a below it a red light.  
    09.01 Steamer (3-4000 GRT) runs out of the southern sector of the fouling place.  
    11.10 Moved off to the diving location, Cape Henry in 303°T, 23 nm.  Put the boat on the bottom depth A -60 meters.  During the day traffic was not determined in the sound gear or periscope, I mainly suspect it is in the southern sector of the area.  Several detonations, probably bombing training.  
    20.00 CA 7386    
                                                                 
    09.09.42 East coast of North America    
    00.00 CA 7386    
    01.53                                                  Surfaced.  I expect outbound vessels to proceed in the early evening.  - Course see combat sketch- Very active searchlight activity.  4-5 aircraft with lights.  In "Virginia  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.09.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.09.42 Beach" very intense searchlight that illuminates the fouling place about hourly.  In the Fu.M.B. two locating transmitters are heard, alternately slowly increasing then decreasing, scanning the horizon, I suspect the transmitter is on land.  From 03.25 hours the one of the transmitters is no longer heard.  It was probably associated with one of the aircraft exercises that stopped around the same time.  
    03.44 Very intense activity by the air searchlights which search the sky very excitedly.  Ahead to starboard at a distance of 5 nm a patrol vessel searches the water with a searchlight and Morses U twice and V once.  Additionally, the large searchlight barrier is temporarily in action.  I move off, because I do not feel comfortable with this and stop. Search lights finish. Because I am positioned at the diving location intended for the next day, I still charge. While starting the diesel searchlights illuminate, when shutting down "darkening".  This repeats itself one more time.  
    04.00 CA 7358    
    05.16 I dive, in order to remain undetected at all cost.  Put the boat on the bottom, depth A -60 meters.  "Cape Henry" bearing 290°T, 16.5 nm distant.  The boat does not remain statonary with 5 tons of negative buoyancy, it bumps and drifts with surging water, as in a spiral.  In the listening device noises:  
      1)  Chirping sounds, 1 second interval.  
      2)  Depth sounding impulses or similar ticking in the entire sector, 12 impulses, recurrence 4 minutes, also heard in the boat.  
      3)  Short, sharp irregularly sequenced explosive locating sounds.  Heard in the entire boat.  
      4)  Two short sequenced detonations (sounding).   I have heard during depth charge pursuit by English destroyers.  
      5)  Very loud noises that arises from several small vessels (including 1 warship).  Range = 1 nm that were not seen on diving.  
      6)  Several aircraft bombs, medium and long range.  
      I do not believe that this is underwater detection against U-boats, especially not in these large numbers. Rather, I suspect an experimental station on land and I presume the vessels in the vicinity are here in connection with it, either looking for a wreck or the like, or performing exercises.  
      In the periscope and sound gear four outgoing and 1 incoming steamers (mastheads) determined, these are all exactly passing through in the center of the fouling place with courses about 130°, that is passing by buoy C 2B and the flashing red buoys.  All vessels run on the 20 meter line then off to the north.  On the basis of this traffic determination, I decide to carry out the fouling tonight with focal point in the center and deploy some of the mines in the southern sector.  
      Execution intentions:  Surface during aircraft exercises for ventilation and to fill with compressed air.  Battery is still well full.  Listening and direction finding equipment will then be saturated by aircraft.  Proceed submerged to the first deployment location, so that it cannot be determined by bearings or locating, and surface, to deploy with E-motors so as not to excite the seemingly attentive aircraft listener.  Duration of deployment about 3 hours.  With flooded over deck, to present as little to radar instruments as possible.  I need to take into account heavy marine phosphorescence.   The illuminated patrol boats will be blinded by their own lights.  
    08.00 CA 7383    
    12.00 CA 7383 Day's run:  Surfaced:  18 nm.  
    16.00 CA 7383    
    20.00 CA 7383                                                          
         
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.09.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
           
    10.09.42 East coast of North America    
    00.00 CA 7383    
    01.53   Surfaced.  
    02.00   Crash dive for several small vessels, including a warship ahead to starboard.  
    02.23   Surfaced.  Boat ventilated, topped up compressed air.  
    03.37   Dived.  Headed for 1st deployment location at KF.  
    04.00 CA 7394    
    04.51   Surfaced, HF.  
    04.55                                                 1st mine deployed.  Deployment courses in accordance with combat sketch.  Good visibility towards land, starry clear.  Misty to sea.  The horizon can hardly be seen.  Water is mirror flat, heavy marine phosphorescence., Wind 0.  There are now two patrol boats there, the usual illuminated watch boat (corvette), 1 4-stack destroyer  with set steaming lights and 3 white  lights in the masthead. Two steamers well inside near the 9.7-meter point (in accordance with Standing Kriegsmarine Order B.d.U. No. 491, Paragraph 18)  
    06.03 Approaching 2-engine aircraft with set lanterns flies over the bow at 50 meters altitude.  I expect searchlights and bombs, but it hovers above the airport.  Deployment courses according to plan, minimum distance to the watch boat 1200 meters, 2 mines out a little further, since we must angle off a bit from the patrol boat.  Searchlight barrier is not in action, car headlights and individual searching of the watch boats is awkward.  While surfaced, there were 2, at times 3, locating transmitters in operation that searched with rising and falling tones partly heard at volume 5.  Every half  minute 1 maximum of about 15 seconds duration.  Accurate reporting by the radio room suggests that the boat was not detected.  
    06.45 A wreck abeam to starboard, not marked, smokestack protrudes out of the water.  
    07.27   12 mines deployed, ran off with E-motors at 2 x HF.  
    07.46   Diesels LF, course 100°.  
    07.48   Incoming Radio Message 1836/8/212:  "To Gräf:  After executing task free to maneuver, count on supply of 25 cbm on return transit.  
    07.52   HF, course 130°.  
    08.01 CA 8174 HF, course 90°.  
    11.43   Outgoing Short Signal:  "Have executed fouling in accordance with orders."  
    11.49   Crash dive!  Detection on 173 cm, loud, probably an aircraft.  Proceeded submerged depth A -40 meters.  
    12.00 CA 8176 Day's run:  Surfaced:      71 nm  
      N 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, 1013 mb, Vis. good, heavy marine phosphorescence       "          Submerged:     5 nm.  
    16.00 CA 8184    
    17.00   KF, course 180°.  
    20.00 CA 8188                                  Course  - .  I intend to operated in the "Hatteras" sea area focal point DC 12.  I suppose that the traffic runs from the narrow gap in the mine warning area barrier and and then spreads radially.  
                                                                 
    11.09.42 East coast of North America    
    00.00 CA 8422    
    00.11   Surfaced, course 190°, transit speed.  
    00.42   Incoming Radio Message 1201/10/240:  "Gräf reports fouling executed."  
    02.39   Outgoing Radio Message Short Signal:  "I intend naval square DC 12 as my operating area."  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.09.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.09.42      
    02.58 - 03.15                                                  Weak detection, apparently from land or watch vessels; aircraft improbable, because thunderstorms are everywhere.  
    04.00 CA 8473    
    05.38   Crash dive for training, depth A -40 meters.  
    06.08   Surfaced.  
    08.00 CA 8752    
    08.42   Course 220°, 2 diesels LF.  
    12.00 CA 8757 Day's run:  Surfaced:      120 nm  
      W 1, Sea 1, 6/10, 1014 mb, Vis. medium-good, strong and continuous marine phosphorescence       "          Submerged:    22 nm.  
    12.40 CA 8757 Smoke cloud bearing 305°T.  Convoy running straight out of the mine barrier, course 240°, AK.  
    12.47   Aircraft over the convoy, 2-engined land-based aircraft.  
    13.03   Crash dive!  Aircraft banked towards, approaching, range = 7500 meters.  Periscope depth.  
    13.40   Aircraft out of sight, surfaced.  Enemy course 210°, 10 knots.  I get ahead quickly.  
    14.24   Outgoing Radio Message 1401/11:  "Convoy naval square CA 7996, course under the coast., 12 knots."  
    14.30   Crash dive before warship mastheads.  I am positioned exactly between the patrol vessel and the convoy, bearing 170°T, bow left 10°, crow's nest.  At periscope depth.  The patrol vessel passed at range = 500 meters (M-boat type).  
    15.38   Patrol vessel out of sight, surfaced.  
    15.41   Crash dive!  Airship.  Bow left 30°, range = 9000 meters,  At periscope depth.   
    15.53   Airship out of sight, surfaced.  
    15.55                                                  Crash dive! Airship.  Difficult to see in the periscope, because it is the same size as the clouds.  Target angle 0°.  It appears to search for the convoy, which now bears 240°T.  At Periscope depth.  It passes at 800 meters.  Pasewalk-Airship, Marking:  "M.S. Navy".  Gondola only below, and on both sides 2 bombs hang, on the stern apparently a machine gun.  I estimate a speed of 15-17 knots.  
    16.00 CA 8777    
    18.14   Out of sight, surfaced.  
    18.16 Crash dive!  Airship flies towards again.  It flies very wide circles between "Cape Hatteras" and the convoy.  At periscope depth.  
    19.19 Consolidated flying boat in the periscope, in addition the airship continually pumps water.  I run towards the convoy at LF in the hope that this fellow leaves.  
    20.00 DC 1314    
    2001 DC 1314                                  Smoke clouds in sight bearing 170°.  A northeast-bound convoy.  I am positioned between the convoy and the barrier gap.  Course 30, 2 x HF.  
    21.45 Consolidated flying boat in the periscope, the airship is now positioned over the new convoy.  Convoy strikes out strongly to the east and then goes on course 310° to the barrier gap.  The last steamer passes me at a distance of 3 nm. The laughter first triggered by the airship has given way to a certain degree of respect.  
    23.52 Convoy out of sight.  About 18 steamers, of these 5 tankers, double line ahead, 4 destroyers.  
                                                                 
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.09.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
           
    12.09.42 East coast of North America    
    00.00 CA 8778    
    02.03 Surfaced.  Airship out of sight.  Pursuit hopeless because the convoy has a lead of 50 nm.  Battery is nearly flat.  During the night back and forth on changing courses off the barrier gap.  
    04.00 CA 8776    
    08.00 DC 1236    
    12.00 CA 8725 Day's run:  Surfaced:      95 nm  
      N 1, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. medium to good, marine phosphorescence and summer lightening       "          Submerged:    44 nm.  
      Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 40-50 nm  
    12.18 - 12.20   Detection at 170 cm, fluctuating, up to medium volume.  Suspect aircraft.  
    12.32   Crash dive!  Proceeded submerged at depth 30 meters due to weather situation.  
    16.00 CA 8724 Course 30°, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
    17.25   Surfaced.  
    19.05 Hazy horizon Mastheads bearing 180°T, target angle 0°, enemy speed 5.5 knots, course 60°.  Patrol vessel (sailing vessel 2 masts).  
    20.00 CA 8719    
    21.08 Crash dive!  Biplane, bow left 30°, range = 5000 meters.  Comes quickly out of the haze.  Depth A -20 meters.  Proceeded submerged.  
      Because both north and southbound convoys pass "Cape Henry-Hatteras" by night, I intend to operate north of the barrier in this area.  
                                                                 
    13.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CA 8713    
    01.43   Surfaced.  Passed the net barrier.  Headed for Buoy 10 off "Wimble Shoals".  
    01.44   Detection on 172 cm, faint.  
    02.45 - 11.09 Steamed back and forth at transit speed or E-motors KF on steamer route between Buoy 10 and 8  
    11.09 Crash dive!  Detection on 172 cm, fluctuating, growing louder.  Opinion of the Radio Mate:  Enemy was indecisive.  Tone pitch changing.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -60 meters.  After a short time propeller sounds bearing 100°T, nothing seen.  Back and forth on course 45° and 225° north of Buoy 10.  Hourly at periscope depth.  
    04.00 CA 8477    
    08.00 CA 7695    
    12.00 CA 7698 Day's run:  Surfaced:       86 nm  
      N 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, 1014 mb, Vis. bad due to haze       "          Submerged:    22 nm.  
    16.00 CA 7699    
    20.00 CA 8477    
                                                                 
    14.09.42 East coast of North America    
    00.00 CA 7698    
    01.23                                                  Surfaced.  Steamed back and forth ar E-motors KF across the steamer route up to the coast and 10 nm east of the steamer route.  
    04.00 CA 7698    
    08.00 CA 7932    
    11.55 Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -60 meters.  Hourly at periscope depth.  Back and forth on the steamer route running on courses 53° and 233°.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.09.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.09.42      
    12.00 CA 7932 Day's run:  Surfaced:       54 nm  
      SbyW 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1014 mb, Vis. medium to good       "          Submerged:    15 nm.  
    16.00 CA 7931    
    20.00 CA 7932    
                                                                 
    15.09.42 East coast of North America    
    00.00 CA 7933    
    01.23   Surfaced.  Back and forth on changing courses under the coast.  
    04.00 CA 7699 Transit speed.  
    08.00 CA 7699    
    12.00 CA 7932 Day's run:  Surfaced:       58 nm  
      SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1017 mb, Vis. bad to medium, hazy horizon       "          Submerged:    14 nm.  
    12.13                                                   Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -60 meters.  Half hourly at periscope depth.  Back and forth on courses 250° and 120° in the steamer route.  
    16.00 CA 7931    
    20.00 CA 7931    
    23.20   Single-engined high-winged aircraft over the boat, course 270°.  
                                                                 
    16.09.42 East coast of North America    
    00.00 CA 7931    
    01.15   Surfaced.  Back and forth on changing courses under the coast.  
    04.00 CA 7932 Transit speed.  
    08.00 CA 7699    
    12.00 CA 7933 Day's run:  Surfaced:       64 nm  
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, 7/10, 1015 mb, low confused Swell, Vis. good       "          Submerged:    16 nm.  
      Dived.  Proceeded submerged due to heavy ground sea, set off to 40 meters water depth, KF.  Hourly at periscope depth.  
    16.00 CA 7699    
    20.00 CA 8477    
                                                                 
    17.09.42 East coast of North America    
    00.00 CA 8474    
    01.23                                                  Surfaced.  Course 90°.  Already a very bright moonlit night.  Intentions:  Operate south of "Hatteras", where I have seen convoys.  
    04.00 CA 8479    
    08.00 CA 8751    
    12.00 CA 8772 Day's run:  Surfaced:       58 nm  
      SbyW 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, 1019 mb, Vis. medium to good, NE-Swell       "          Submerged:    17 nm.  
    12.50   Crash dive!  Depth A -20 meters.  Approaching 3-engined land-based aircraft, range = 7000 meters, altitude = 400 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -55 meters.  Half hourly at periscope depth.  
    16.00 CA 8773    
    20.00 CA 8757    
                                                                 
    18.09.42 East coast of North America    
    00.00 CA 8751    
    00.31   Surfaced, course 90°.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.09.42      
    04.00 CA 8727    
    06.35 SW 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, 1018 mb, Vis. medium Crash dive!  Detection on 142 cm.  First rising and falling, then steady tone.  
    07.08   Surfaced.  
    07.17                                                  Crash dive!  Detection on 142 cm.  Loud steady tone.  It gives the impression that I was detected, because the transmitter does not search.  Aircraft unlikely.  I believe a watch boat.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -55 meters, half hourly at periscope depth, course 90°, KF.  
    08.00 CA 8721    
    12.00 CA 8479 Day's run:  Surfaced:       49 nm  
              "          Submerged:    20 nm.  
    16.00 CA 8476    
    20.00 CA 8726    
                                                                 
    19.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CA 8765    
    00.18                                                  Surfaced, course 180°, ran at transit speed.  I intend to get about 200 nm to the south and then run to the NE.  
    04.00 CA 8871    
    08.00 DC 2113    
    11.15   Incoming Radio Message 1017/19/27/217:  "1) Gräf and Müller as attack area head for naval square BB 18.  For particulars Hartwig situation report of 18 September is referenced.  2)  Gräf depart from new attack area headed to with 20 cbm."  
    12.00 DC 2152 Course 50°, transit speed.  Headed for BB 58.  
      E 1-2, Sea 1, 1013 mb, 4/10, E-Swell, Vis. good Day's run:  Surfaced:       79 nm  
            "          Submerged:    14 nm.  
    14.35 DC 2156 Crash dive!  "Consolidated" flying boat, bow right 30°, range = 3000-4000 meters.  Lookout failure with clear visibility.  At depth A -10 meters, 9 aircraft bombs far off.  
    15.43   Surfaced.  
    15.46   Crash dive!  Flying boat.  Flies in the clouds.  Depth A -10 meters.  
    16.00 DC 2164    
    17.20 NE 2, Sea 2, 3/10, 1011 mb, Vis. good Surfaced.  
    17.43   3 smoke feathers bearing 310°T, apparently 3 warship masts.  Ran off on course 130° at 2 x HF.  
    18.05   Smoke feathers out of sight.  
    20.00 DC 2278 Course 90°.  
    21.00   Dived.  Heavy visibility deterioration.  
        Course 50°, KF, depth A -40 meters.  
                                                                 
    20.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 DC 2281    
    01.00   Surfaced, course 50°, transit speed.  
    04.00 DC 2261    
    08.00 DC 2314    
    12.00 CA 9776 Day's run:  Surfaced:       118 nm  
      NNE 3-6, Sea 3-4, 3-8/10, 1006 mb, NE-Swell, Vis. good, rain squalls       "          Submerged:    15 nm.  
    12.50   Dived.  Repairs to the diesels, compressor and GHG.  
    16.00 CA 9782    
    20.00 CA 9759    
                                                                 
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    21.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CA 9756    
    00.12   Surfaced.  Courses between 50° and 90° due to heavy seas.  Transit speed.  
    04.00 CA 9762    
    08.00 CA 9814    
    12.00 CA 9813 Day's run:  Surfaced:       34 nm  
      N 9-12, hurricane, Sea 9-11, overcast, rain squalls, 987 mb, Vis. 200-3000 meters, very high NE-Swell       "          Submerged:    19 nm.  
    15.42   Incoming Radio Message 1014/21/257:  "Spare parts transfer to Gräf not possible.  By order continue operations without Junkers compressor.  
    16.00 CA 9588    
    20.00 CA 9586    
                                                                 
    22.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CA 9591 Course 50°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CA 9569    
    08.00 CA 9644    
    12.00 CA 9645 Day's run:  Surfaced:  63 nm.  
      NNE 3-4, Sea 3, 7/10, 1004 mb, occasional rain, Vis. good, medium NNW-Swell    
    16.00 CA 9628    
    20.00 CA 9632    
                                                                 
    23.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CB 7174 Course 50°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CB 7157    
    08.00 CB 7138    
    12.00 CB 7212 Day's run:  Surfaced:       139 nm  
      NW 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1010 mb, medium NW-Swell, Vis. very good       "          Submerged:       - nm.  
    14.12   Crash dive for training, depth A -30 meters.  
    15.20   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CB 4882    
    20.00 CB 4862    
                                                                 
    24.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CB 4913 Course 50°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CB 4667    
    08.00 CB 5417    
    12.00 CB 5386 Day's run:  Surfaced:       179 nm  
      NW 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10, 1012 mb, Vis. very good, snort N-Swell       "          Submerged:      2 nm.  
    16.00 CB 5247    
    20.00 CB 5251    
                                                                 
    25.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CB 5234 Course 50°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CB 2977    
    08.00 CB 2981    
    12.00 CB 2956 Day's run:  Surfaced:  134 nm.  
      NE 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10, 1019 mb, Vis. very good    
    14.30   Crash dive for training, depth A -20 meters.  
    15.12   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CB 3714    
    20.00 CB 3485    
                                                                 
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CB 3466 Course 50°, transit speed.  
    04.00 CB 3527    
    08.00 CB 3298    
    12.00 CB 3348 Day's run:  Surfaced:       171 nm  
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10, 1025 mb, Vis. very good       "          Submerged:      2 nm.  
      Course 10°.  
    16.00 CB 3316    
    18.35 NE 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10, 1025 mb, Vis. very good Flying boat bearing 60°T, range = 10000 meters.  
    18.37   Crash dive!  Flying boat banks towards, approached, range = 7000 meters.  Depth A -20 meters.  
    18.46   In the periscope 3 smoke feathers bearing 50°T.  Course 300°.  
    18.49   Surfaced.  8 smoke feathers, 3 groups, 1 straggler.  
    18.52   Crash dive!  Approaching land-based aircraft, bearing 50°, range = 7000 meters.  Depth A -20 meters.  
    19.10   Surfaced.  Widely scattered convoy distinguished.  
    19.27   Crash dive!  Approaching 2-engined land-based aircraft, range = 6500 meters.  Depth A -10 meters.  Proceeded submerged at periscope depth.  
        Convoy in periscope.  
    20.00 BB 8971    
    22.20   Surfaced.  
    22.24   Crash dive!  Approaching 2-engined land-based aircraft.  Positioned over convoy, range = 6000 meters, altitude 150 meters, depth A -20 meters.  
    23.43   Surfaced.  Forward steamer far ahead.  Straggler bearing 0°T, smokes heavily.  
                                                                 
    27.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BB 8869 Angled in to the straggler, straight course, 9 knots.  Very bright full moon night, few clouds.  
      N 3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1028 mb, bright moonlit night, Vis. very good  
    00.07   Outgoing Radio Message 2215/26/203:  "Convoy naval square BB 8868, 290°, 7 knots."  
    01.26   Outgoing Radio Message 0103/27/207:  "Contact on straggler naval square BB 8861, 260°, 7 knots.  -Gräf."  
    02.36   Surfaced fan I-IV, range = 1300 meters, left 90°, speed 10 knots, spread angle 4°, depth 3 meters.  
      Shortly before the shot moon comes clear.  Steamer backsdown, beats heavily with the propellers.  About 3000 GRT, straight forestem, steamer stern, 2 slender masts, partially loaded.  New approach.  
    04.00 BB 8844    
    04.37   Dived for submerged attack.  
    05.16 Very bright moonlit night, Vis. very good Submerged two-fan, sparse periscope extension to prevent being sighted at all cost in the bright night.  Range = 600 meters, left 90°, speed 10.5 knots, 2 fan V- VI, spread angle 2°, depth 2.5 meters.  Steamer turns away hard shortly after the shot.  Miss.  In the sound gear both torpedoes are heard easily.  The steamer is not.  Suspect now that the straggler is a torpedo trap with very good sound gear.  
    05.32   Surfaced.  Closed the convoy at AK.  
        Courses between 260° and 330°.  
    08.00 BB 8746    
    09.23 N 2-3, Sea 1-2, 5/10, 1030 mb, Vis. very good 1 destroyer bearing 24°T.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.09.42      
    10.41                                                  2 steamers bearing 130°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  At the beginning of dawn I am ahead of the convoy.  Convoy proceeds at 9.5 knots, straight course.  
    11.36                                                  Dived for submerged attack.  2 steamers in line ahead, no escort.  Ran to meet.  At range = 4000 meters, target angle right 10°, both zig zag away 40°.  
    12.00 BB 7928 Day's run:  Surfaced:       234 nm  
      W 2-3, Sea 1-2, 8/10, 1030 mb, Vis. medium, hazy, short SE-Swell       "          Submerged:     19 nm.  
    13.38   Surfaced, pursued at GF.  
    14.55 Vis, 50-400 meters Steamers are lost from sight in the fog.  Operated on general course 265°.  
    15.15 It clears up, Vis. 8-10 nm Nothing seen.  Pursued on course 240°.  
    15.57                                                  Broke off pursuit.  Ran on course 90° opposite convoy course at transit speed because I had been plotting the foremost steamer.  
    16.00 BB 7956    
    20.00 BB 8744    
                                                                 
    28.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BB 8752 Course 70°, transit speed.  
    04.00 BB 8739    
    08.00 BB 8813    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, 5/10, 1020 mb, misty, Vis. medium, light ground fog    
    12.00 BB 8589 Day's run:  Surfaced:       151 nm  
              "          Submerged:      3 nm.  
    16.00 BB 8593    
    20.00 BB 8646    
                                                                 
    29.09.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BB 8387 Course 10°, transit speed.  
    01.00   Established buoyancy condition A.  
    04.00 BB 8354    
    08.00 BB 8322    
    12.00 BB 5956 Day's run:  Surfaced:       159 nm  
      NW 4, Sea 3, 9/10, 1014 mb, Vis. good, medium NW-Swell       "          Submerged:      2 nm.  
      Course 310°.  
    16.00 BB 5927    
    20.00 BB 5911 Course 280°.  
    22.50   Aircraft bearing 260°T.  Beneath, mastheads, target angle 0°.  
    22.57   Dived for submerged attack.  
      2 mast gaff-rigged schooner.  Due to weather situation no artillery use possible; only patrol vessel, not a torpedo target.  Later determined to be a stationary patrol vessel.  
    23.37   Surfaced.  
                                                                 
    30.09.42 Cabot Strait    
    00.00 BB 5598    
    04.00 BB 5582    
    08.00 BB 5544    
    08.50   Land in sight bearing 200°T.  "Cape Breton" peninsula. "Saint Paul's Island" lighthouse bearing 230°T as in peacetime.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.09.42      
    11.08   Dived due to nearness to land, proceeded submerged depth A -50 meters.  Hourly at periscope depth, KF.  
    12.00 BB 5426 Day's run:  Surfaced:       137 nm  
      NW 0-1, Sea 0-1, 5/10, 1028 mb, Vis. good       "          Submerged:      4 nm.  
    16.00 BB 5423    
    16.05   Land-based aircraft in sight bearing 330°T.  
    16.10   Out of sight bearing 255°T.  
    20.00 BB 5189    
    23.54   Surfaced.  
    23.59   Crash dive!  Approaching land-based aircraft bearing 90°T, range = 4500 meters, low.  Depth A -20 meters.  
                                                                 
    01.10.42 Cabot Strait    
    00.00 BB 5185    
    00.10                                                 Surfaced.  Steamed back and forth at transit speed with changing courses in the Strait.  In the good visibility one can see Newfoundland as well as "Cape Breton".  
    04.00 BB 5157    
    07.30 Shadow bearing 80°T.  A small patrol vessel on course 350°.  Avoided.   
    11.10   Crash dive for training.  Depth A -50 meters.  Proceeded submerged.  Hourly at periscope depth, KF, courses 130° and 310°.  
    12.00 BB 5189 Day's run:  Surfaced:       82 nm  
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, 1020 mb, Vis. good, slight W-Swell       "          Submerged:   26 nm.  
    16.00 BB 5431    
    17.35                                                  Deep dive to depth A +30 meters to determine sea water density.  From depth A +0 constantly 1.025 grams/milliliter.  Up to depth A +0 heavily layered.  
    19.25 Four long lasting detonations in the same interval of about 2 seconds.  
    20.00 BB 5431    
                                                                 
    02.10.42 Cabot Strait    
    00.00 BB 5198                                   Steamed back and forth on changing courses in square 5430.  Transit speed.  
    04.00 BB 5184    
    08.00 BB 5431    
    08.25 BB 5437                                   Shadow in sight bearing 160°T.  Enemy course 210°.  A convoy departing out of the Gulf:  3 steamers, 2 destroyers.  Maneuvered ahead.  Enemy course 180°, 7 knots.  
    10.07   Outgoing Radio Message 0945/2/269/304:  "KR KR Convoy naval square BB 5437, course 210°, slow speed.  -Gräf."  
      Not acknowledged.  First acknowledged with the second transmission at 11.00 hours.  
    11.24 I must dive at target angle 40° due to greatly increasing brightness.  Operates from bow right, enemy course 180°.  
    11.32 Convoy has zig zagged towards.  Target angle 0°.  Widely separated line ahead of 1 modern freighter (6000 GRT) to starboard and 2 ore steamers (LORENZ type), ahead with a gap 2 4-smokestack destroyers.  Enemy course 210°.  
    12.00 BB 5491 Day's run:  Surfaced:       100 nm  
      S 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, 1016 mb, Vis. good, very low clouds       "          Submerged:     28 nm.  
    12.30      
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.10.42 Another zig zag of 40° to 250°, towards the coast so that the left outermost ore steamer passes with bow left, range 4000 meters.  6 minutes closing at AK does not improve my situation.  Assumption:  Convoy steers directly under land at "Cape Breton".  Intention:  Maneuver ahead far offset to avoid the air escort.  To meet the convoy in the evening twilight southeast of the "Cape Breton" peninsula.  
    14.22   Surfaced.  Course 150°, GF.  
    14.40   Course 120°.  
    14.45 BE 5495                                   Land based aircraft passes by, 2-engines, double tail.  Flies very high in the clouds, but in the rain probably can not see much.  At range = 6000 meters turns to target angle 20°.  
    14.47 Crash dive!  Depth A -20 meters.  To periscope depth.  
    15.04 Surfaced,  Course 120°, GF.  
    15.30                                                 Outgoing Radio Message 1445/2:  (not acknowledged)  "Two ore ships, 1 freighter naval square BB 5486, southerly course under the coast, 7 knots, zig zagged during submerged attack.  -Gräf."  
    15.43 BB 5499                                   Land-based aircraft bearing 220°T, range = 8000 meters, bow left 60°, [boat] turned away, KF, at range = 4000 meters.  Crash dive!  Aircraft is too fast.  Depth A -10 meters.  Periscope depth.  
    16.00 BB 5499    
      SE 3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1017 mb, Vis. very good, low clouds, occasional rain squalls    
    16.15   Out of sight in the periscope  
    16.18 Surfaced.  Course 100°.  GF.  Angled away 20°.   Visibility is noticeably better.  Smoke clouds of the convoy are easily seen.  
    16.45 Crash dive!  "Consolidated" flying boat, range = 5000 meters, depth A -10 meters.  Periscope depth.  
    17.03   Surfaced.  Course 100°, GF.  
    17.11   Outgoing Radio Message 1540/2/122/274:  "2 ore vessels, 1 freighter naval square BB 5497, southerly course under the coast, 7 knots.  Zig zagged during submerged attack.  -Gräf."  
    17.23 BB 5574 Single-engine land-based aircraft, range = 7000 meters.  
    17.24   Crash dive!  Flies very high.  Depth A -10 meters.  Periscope depth.  
    17.30   Flying boat in the periscope.  
    17.50   Nothing to see.  Surfaced.  
      BB 5574 Sailing vessel (2 masted gaff rigged schooner) bow right, target angle 70°.  
      BB 5574 Fishing trawler bearing 120°T.  Sailing vessel is a stationary patrol vessel.  (see 29 September).  The vessels are positioned such that I must move away from the convoy.  Pursuing between land and the trawler, would bring me too close to the convoy.  Getting further to the east, would get me hopelessly behind in relation to the convoy.  Pursuit broken off.  
    17.57   Crash dive for training.  Proceeded submerged.  Depth A -50 meters, KF, course 280°, hourly at periscope depth.  
    19.25   Patrol vessel in periscope.  Enemy course 270°, (2 mast gaff rigged schooner).  
    20.00 BB 5577    
                                                                 
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
           
    03.10.42 Cabot Strait/Gulf of St. Lawrence    
    00.00 BB 5574 Surfaced.  LF, pure charging.  Course 330°.  Passed through the Cabot Strait.  
    03.20   Transit speed.  I intend to operate in BA 3830.  
    04.00 BB 5461    
    08.00 BB 5188    
    11.11   Crash dive!  Detection on 173 cm.  Initially faint then gradually louder up to volume 3.  Suspect aircraft.  Depth A -20 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters.  Hourly at periscope depth, course 330°, KF.  
    12.00 BB 5157 Day's run:  Surfaced:       96 nm  
      NEbyN 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1016 mb, medium E-Swell, Vis. good       "          Submerged:   21 nm.  
    16.00 BB 5143    
    20.00 BB 5118    
    20.03   Surfaced!  Visibility very good, course 285°, transit speed.  
    20.13 BB 5118 Outbound single-engine, land-based aircraft bearing 110°T, altitude 3-4000 meters.  
    21.28   Crash dive for training!  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters due to weather situation.  Misty, broken cloud deck, course 285°.  
                                                                 
    04.10.42 Gulf of St. Lawrence    
    00.00 BB 4331 Surfaced, course 285°, pure charging, LF.  
    04.00 BB 1988    
    06.45 - 06.50)   Detection on 175 cm, fluctuating up to volume 2.  
    06.52 - 06.53) Detection
) It is on 2 frequencies, likely vessels which try to get a cross bearing.
)
)
 
    06.55 - 06.56)  
    06.58 - 06.59)    
        With hard turning of the boat the reception was weaker.  With the good visibility (6-8 nm) nothing is seen (aircraft).  
    08.00 BB 1971    
      NW 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10, 1025 mb, heavy Northern Lights and marine phosphorescence, Vis. good, flat NE-Swell    
    11.43   Dived!  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters, course 285°, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
    12.00 BB 1867 Day's run:  Surfaced:       94 nm  
              "          Submerged:   21 nm.  
    16.00 BB 1856    
    20.00 BB 1855    
                                                                 
    05.10.42      
    00.00 BB 1843    
    00.15 W 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, 1008 mb, Northern Lights, Vis. good Surfaced!  Course 325°, pure charging, LF.  
    04.00 BB 1736    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.10.42 Gulf of St. Lawrence    
    08.00 BB 1485    
    11.50   Crash dive for training!  Depth A -20 meters, proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters.  Course 250°, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
    12.00 BB 1471 Day's run:  Surfaced:       84 nm  
              "          Submerged:   26 nm.  
    13.35 BB 1471 Propeller sounds bearing 295°T.  At periscope depth convoy distinguished, bow right 50°, range = 7000 meters,.  Closed on course 340°.  One 4-engined flying boat and 1 single-engined land-based aircraft escort flying low.  The water is oily flat.  Have slight shooting opportunity on the starboard side escort.  Escort vessel 1 smokestack, on the bow "J 226", white paint.  Bow sea is painted on.  Positioned very far off, however zig zags to target angle 50° again close to the convoy.  
        Convoy consists of 2 columns, 1st column:  7 freighters 5-6000 GRT, 2nd column 3 ore steamers.  At the convoy 8 escort vessels.  Ahead 3 escort vessels , centered in echelon, on both sides zig zagging escort (each 1 escort vessel), astern on both sides each 1 "PC-boat", in the center 1 patrol vessel.  
    16.00 BB 1447 Did not pursue due to very unfavorable cloud deck (mountain ranges shrouded)  
    18.32   Surfaced to send Radio Message on America I and II Circuit.  Was not acknowledged.  
        Outgoing Radio Message 1631/5:  Convoy 16.00 hours naval square BB 1447, course 105°, low speed.  -Gräf."  
    18.51   Dived.  Proceeded submerged.  
    20.00 BB 1447    
    20.29   Surfaced to send Radio Message on Group Short Wave.  Not heard.  
    20.47   Dived.  Proceeded submerged depth A -50 meters, course 180°, KF.  Hourly at periscope depth.  
                                                                 
    06.10.42      
    00.00 BB 1474    
    00.28   Surfaced.  Closed the coast, in order not to be detected by radar.  
    00.37   Outgoing Radio Message - Group Circuit:  1911/5/122/206: not acknowledged.  "16.00 hours convoy located BB 1447 course 105°, low speed.  Going stationary on reaching naval square BA 3830.  -Gräf."  
    01.38 - 04.28 BB 1477 Forward torpedo downloaded [from the over deck].  Medium traffic on the coastal highway.  
    04.00 BB 1477    
    04.53 NE 0-1, Sea 0-1, overcast, 1005 mb, Vis. good, marine phosphorescence    
    05.20   Course 270°, pure charging, LF.  
    08.00 BA 3692    
    10.32   Transit speed.  
    11.10   Course 230°.  
    12.00 BA 3674 Day's run:  Surfaced:       75 nm  
      ENE 1, Sea 1, 7/10, 1007 mb, Vis. medium, moonlit       "          Submerged:   25 nm.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.10.42 Gulf of St. Lawrence    
    12.05   Crash dive for training, depth A -20 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters, course 230°, KF, hourly at periscope.  
    16.00 BA 3677    
    20.00 BA 3813    
                                                                 
    07.10.42 Gulf of St. Lawrence    
    00.00 BA 3836    
    00.27   Surfaced!  Back and forth on northerly and southerly courses in the Strait.  
    04.00 BA 3832 Transit speed.  
    08.00 BA 3911    
    12.00 BA 3677 Day's run:  Surfaced:       81 nm  
              "          Submerged:   22 nm.  
    12.02 SW 2-3, Sea 2-3, 9/10, 1003 mb, Vis. medium Crash dive for training depth A -20 meters.  Proceeded submerged depth A -50 meters, back and forth with changing courses, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
    13.15   Incoming Radio Message 1114/7/235:  
        Concerning:  1.  Passing report outbound,  
                            2.  Inbound report.  
    16.00 BA 3833    
    20.00 BA 3832    
                                                                 
    08.10.42      
    00.00 BA 3826    
    00.27   Surfaced.  Back and forth on northerly and southerly courses in the Strait.  
    03.50   Transit speed.  
    04.00 BA 3823    
    08.00 BA 3826    
    12.00 BA 3834 Day's run:  Surfaced:       81 nm  
      SW 2, Sea 2, 4/10, 1010 mb, Vis. good       "          Submerged:   24 nm.  
    12.01   Crash dive for training!  Depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters, back and forth on courses 60° and 240°, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
    16.00 BA 3831    
    20.00 BA 3832    
    20.20 BA 3832 Outbound patrol vessel bearing 200°T.  
                                                                 
    09.10.42      
    00.00 BA 3834    
    00.31 NE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, 1011 mb, dark night, occasional rain Surfaced!  Course 65°, pure charging, LF.  
    01.38   Suddenly occurring detection on 137 cm, medium volume, growing louder, not fluctuating.  
    01.40                  Crash dive!  Depth A -50 meters.   
    01.45   In sound gear bearing shifting astern (sound bearing).  
    02.10   A second sound bearing.  
    02.18   Surfaced.  Pursued on course 250° 2 x HF.  
    02.40 BA 3826 Several shadows bearing 220°.  Convoy, 7 vessels, maneuvered ahead.  Enemy course 245°, 7 knots, vessels are very difficult to make out against the dark land.  Water is mirror flat, heavy marine phosphorescence, faint Northern Lights.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.10.42
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.10.42 Gulf of St. Lawrence    
    04.00 BA 3827    
    04.51 BA 3827    
    05.53   1st attack.  Too far away.  Approached again.  
        2nd attack.  2 columns each of 3 freighters (of these 3 ore steamers) in starboard echelon 30°.  On the flank of each column 1 destroyer escort on forward bearing.  Ran towards the 1st column, must however shoot at long range because the flank escort of the 2nd column is bow right 10°, 800 meters.  Two fan from tubes I and IV, speed 9 knots, bow right 90°, range = 2000 meters on three overlapping freighters.  Turned hard to starboard.  Shot tube V, bow right 90°, range = 2000 meters.  Ran off at LF, course 50°.  After 4 minutes detonation heard.  After one further minute hit on 4000 GRT freighter, high dark explosion column with high coils of fire, enemy scatters.  Enemy breaks apart.   
    06.09 BA 3845 Fire goes out abruptly after 2 minutes.  (enemy sunk).  
        After 3 minutes 15-20 flares, that lie close abeam, at intervals of 5 minutes 4 depth charge series.  Ran off at AK, course 65°.  
    07.04   New star shell firing far astern.  
    08.06   While maneuvering ahead and during the attack the enemy located on 137 cm (500 Hz) with only brief interruptions. Generally locating reception fluctuated in volume (scanning the horizon) with uniform volume increase to volume 5 (impression that the boat is detected) turned away hard. Only turned back when reception was quiet and wavering.  Distance to escort vessels during the maneuver ahead was 5-6000 meters.  Volume increased during the approach, but ceased abruptly from full volume. The radar operator had practically been sleeping.  
    08.00 BA 3828    
      NE 1-2, Sea 0-1, overcast, 1011 mb, Vis. medium - good, dark night    
    11.30   Several smoke clouds bearing 270°T (patrol vessels)  
    11.45   Crash dive for training, depth A -40 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters, course 40°, LF.  Brief sound bearing in 250°T.  Nothing seen in the periscope.  Hourly at periscope depth.  
    12.00 BA 3676 Day's run:  Surfaced:       111 nm  
              "          Submerged:      28 nm.  
    13.54   Several depth charges far off.  
    16.00 BA 3681    
    17.46   Depth charges far off.  
    20.00 BA 3658    
                                                                 
    10.10.42      
    00.00 BA 3655    
    00.15   Surfaced, course 120°, pure charging, LF.  Intend to operate in BA 3690.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.10.42
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.10.42 Gulf of St. Lawrence    
    02.02   Outgoing Radio Message: 0013/10/257:  
        1)  Yesterday BA 3845 torpedoed 4000 GRT freighter broken apart.  Left burning due to defenses, sinking certain, one further hit probable.  
        2)  27 September BB 88 on reported convoy straggler 3000 BRT half loaded, night on each surface and submerged two-miss, data good, slows shortly after the shot and turned away hard.  Suspect torpedo trap.  
        3)  BA 3670, forward out of torpedoes, astern 1 plus 1 [in the over deck], 35 cbm, WSW 2, clear, 1017 mb rising, +4°C.  -Gräf."  
    03.20 - 03.56   Detection on 173 cm.  Suddenly began, steadily growing louder, by changing course only fainter for a short time.  
    04.00 BA 3692    
    04.06   Crash dive!  Detection was steadily very loud.  Depth A -20 meters.  In sound gear very brief sound bearing (interference noise).  Suspect aircraft, the approach speed was too fast for a vessel.  
    04.34   Surfaced, course 40°, LF.  
    05.05   Detection on 174 cm.  fluctuating volume, slowly growing louder.  
    05.14   Detection very loud, ceases abruptly, was again very loud.  
    05.17   Crash dive!  Depth A -10 meters.  
    05.50   Surfaced, course 40°, transit speed.  
    05.59 - 06.01   Detection on 174 cm.  Fluctuating volume, was steadily growing louder.  
    06.02   Crash dive!  With the very good visibility nothing is seen, therefore aircraft.  
    08.02   Surfaced.  
    08.00 BA 3666    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, 1/10, 1015 mb, faint Northern Lights, Vis. very good    
    08.03   Detection on 174 cm.  Steadily strengthening fluctuated during course changes and fainter.  
    08.32 BA 3666 Parachute flares bearing 225°T.  Range = 6000 meters.  Ran off on zig zag courses on general course 40°, HF.  
    10.02   Detection on 171 cm.  Medium volume, steadily growing louder.  
    10.05   Crash dive depth A -10 meters, very loud detection.  Have only 85 kg compressed air remaining.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters, course 90°, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
        Intention:  Shift operations area to BB 18.  
    12.00 BB 1418 Day's run:  Surfaced:       50 nm  
              "          Submerged:   36 nm.  
    16.00 BB 1418    
    20.00 BB 1419    
                                                                 
    11.10.42 Gulf of St. Lawrence    
    00.00 BB 1427    
    00.23   Surfaced.  Course 125°, transit speed.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.10.42
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.10.42 Gulf of St. Lawrence    
    01.12 - 01.21   Detection on 171 cm, slight to medium volume.  With course change steadily louder detection fluctuated and was fainter.  
    02.50 - 03.23   Continuous detection.  Course changes to 60° continue to have success.  
    04.00 BB 1571    
    06.05   Over "Fox River" a bright light glow.  (several searchlights).  
    06.18   2 patrol vessels bearing 220°T (PC-boats).  Avoided.  
    08.00 BB 1816    
    09.31 - 09.58 SSE 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10, 1018 mb, faint Northern Lights, Vis. very good Detection on 171 cm.  Faint to medium volume, 1 time very loud.  Continuous heavy course changes.  
    10.12 - 10.18   Detection on 172 cm medium - high volume.  
    10.18 - 10.34   2 locating transmitters on the same frequency, various tone pitches, faint to medium volume.  Heavy course changes.  There is nothing to see.  I believe it is an aircraft.  I believe that further operation in this sea area with only the E-compressor is inadvisable.   Will shift to BB 50.  
    10.38   Searchlights over land bearing 270°T.  
    11.44   Crash dive for training, depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters.  
    12.00 BB 1855 Day's run:  Surfaced:       97 nm  
              "          Submerged:   25 nm.  
    16.00 BB 1859    
    20.00 BB 1867    
                                                                 
    12.10.42      
    00.00 BB 1892    
    00.15   Surfaced, course 120°, transit speed.  
    04.00 BB 1979    
    08.00 BB 4334    
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10, 1010 mb, Vis. good    
    11.51   Crash dive for training, depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters, course 160°, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
    12.00 BB 5146 Day's run:  Surfaced:       94 nm  
              "          Submerged:   25 nm.  
    16.00 BB 5173    
    20.00 BB 5176    
    23.30   Surfaced, course 150°, transit speed.  
    23.31 - 23.38 BE 5187 Land-based aircraft bearing 110-190°, range = 9000 meters, bow right 60°, high.  
                                                                 
    13.10.42      
    00.00 BB 5187    
    00.30   Incoming Radio Message 2053/12/289:  Grain ships "FORMOSA", "CAMELIA" and "EROS" located about BB 90 destination Montreal.  
    00.40   Steamed back and forth on various courses between "CAPE North" and "St. Paul" Island.  
    04.00 BB 5428    
    08.00 BB 5456    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 2-3, 1/10, 1028 mb, Northern Lights, Vis. very good    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.10.42
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.10.42 Gulf of St. Lawrence    
    11.16   Crash dive for training!  Depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded at depth A -50 meters, course 140°, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
    12.00 BB 5451    
    13.18 BB 5451 Sound bearing 192°T, 3 reported Swedes:  "EROS", "FORMOSA" and "CAMELIA" passing the peninsula.  Perfectly marked.  
    16.00 BB 5452    
    20.00 BB 5458    
    23.57   Surfaced, steamed back and forth on courses 295° and 115°, transit speed.  
                                                                 
    14.10.42 Cabot Strait    
    00.00 BB 5459    
    04.00 BB 5464    
    05.34 BB 5456 Shadow in sight bearing 300°T, behind it a second smaller shadow.  Enemy course 40°, speed 10.5 knots.  Heavily smoking freight passenger steamer of about 6500 GRT.  Astern to starboard a 2 smokestack destroyer as escort.  Maneuvered ahead.  
      W 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10, 1026 mb, Vis. very good, faint Northern Lights  
    08.00 BB 5198    
    08.21 BB 5198 Shot from tube V, bow right 90°, speed 12 knots, range = 650 meters.  Hit forward 10 meters.  High dark explosion column, shortly thereafter 2 explosions (boiler).  Steamer settled immediately almost up to the railing and takes a list to port.  I shot from the favorable side, but [also the side] protected by the destroyer which now goes at 900-1000 meters at target angle 10°.  He turned initially towards the steamer, then apparently has me, turns towards and rushes up.  
    08.25   Running off is not possible due to the good visibility.  
        Crash dive!  Quickly went deep.  At AK turned in the vicinity of the sinking ship, there he would not throw.  Loud bulkhead breaking heard in the entire boat.  
    08.27 - 08.53   1 depth charge to starboard over the boat at A +60 meters.  12 further depth charges.  30 minutes of Asdic (ticking) not detected by the destroyer.  Apparently no effect with operation of the flooding mechanism.  1 cartridge ejected, apparently the mechanism is out of service.  
    09.37   2nd sound bearing.  Vessel remains in the vicinity until twilight.  Depth A -20 meters.  At periscope depth 1 "PC-boat" and 1 sailing vessel with motor is seen, additionally heavy air.  
    12.00 BB 5198 Day's run:  Surfaced:       80 nm  
              "          Submerged:   32 nm.  
    16.00 BB 5432    
    20.00 BB 5433    
                                                                 
    15.10.42      
    00.00 BB 5278    
    00.15   Surfaced.  Detection on 175 cm, initially medium strength, then growing very loud, LF heavy course changes, general course 140°.  
    00.15 - 04.32   Continuous detection on 175 cm, at times very loud.  No visual indication that the boat was detected.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.10.42 Cabot Strait    
    06.00   Transit speed.  Intend to operate initially in the sea area BB 57, there there are slight opportunities because all convoys steer close under the coast.  There are no torpedoes in the boat.  Intend to download under the coast.  
    08.00 BB 5832    
    11.38   Crash dive for training.  Depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters, course 215°, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
    12.00 BB 5853 Day's run:  Surfaced:      107 nm  
      W 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10, 1018 mb, Northern Lights, Vis. very good       "          Submerged:    26 nm.  
    14.49   Course 265°.  
    16.00 BB 5855    
    16.55   Patrol boat (stationary) 2 mast gaff-rigged schooner in the periscope, course 110°.  
    20.00 BB 5854    
    21.15   Surfaced, to reach the coast in the early evening, navigation uncertain.  
    21.20 BB 5849 Crash dive depth A -40 meters.  Flying boat bearing 30°T, range = 9000 meters, bow right 20°, medium altitude.  
    23.36   Surfaced.  
    23.38 BB 5849 Single-engine aircraft with floats bearing 300°T, range = 9000 meters, low altitude.  In Fu.M.B. weak detection on 175 cm heard.  Aircraft flies low, flies figure eights and circles, frequently disappears below the horizon.  On approach range = 7000 meters in Fu.M.B. steadily growing louder up to volume 3.  Slowly departs on course 250°.  Except for the aircraft nothing is seen.  Ob.Strm. briefly sees a bright green light on the aircraft (probably sunlight reflection).  
                                                                 
    16.10.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BB 5849    
    00.12 BB 5849 Crash dive!  Depth A -10 meters.  Flying boat bearing 260°T, bow right 20°, range = 5000 meters, low altitude, (no detection).  Night flyer.  
    01.05   Surfaced, course 260°, transit speed.  
    02.50 BB 5849 2 red lights one above the other bearing 280°T, a small shadow (patrol vessel).  
    02.55 BB 5849 Vessel with white top light, bearing 250°T, avoided.  
    03.37 - 04.02   Detection on 175 cm, faint and fluctuating, continuous course changes.  Believe down loading under the coast is not possible due to defenses.  
    04.00 BB 5849    
    04.20                                                 Outgoing Radio Message 0014/16/218:  "1.  14 October sank 5190 a destroyer escorted 6500 GRT passenger freighter, course 40°.  2.  Situation like Hartwig.  Suspect convoy route via 49.  Another small convoy route 5450 to 5130.  3.  In 31, 14, 18 and southern passage, after success heavy and continual locating air.  Just now in 59 on 175 cm locating sea reconnaissance observed.  Submerged for night air without locating.  4.  Square 5840, [all squares] BA and BB, 24 cbm, NW 2, 1017 mb, steady, and attempting to download aft.  -Gräf."  
    06.12   Apparent torpedo detonation bearing 290°T (fiery glow) far off.  
    06.47   Bearing 290°T apparently a torpedo detonation.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.10.42 North Atlantic    
    08.00 BB 5837    
      NW 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10, 1017 mb, Vis. very good    
    10.35 - 11.27   Detection on 172 cm, continuous course changes.  
    11.33   Crash dive for training!  Depth A -30 meters, course 60°, KF.  
        Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters, hourly at periscope depth.  
    12.00 BB 5914 Day's run:  Surfaced:        75 nm  
              "          Submerged:    25 nm.  
    16.00 BB 5915    
    20.00 BB 5913    
    23.34 - 23.59 Surfaced!  Detection on 172 cm strongly fluctuating, at times very loud and rhythmically getting louder.  Probably the aircraft flies above the very low cloud deck, otherwise is must be seen.  During detection steered in legs around general course 60° with ruder angle 15° to 20° to each side.  As soon as I put the boat on straight course, the detector seemed to notice (tracking evenly louder) it seemed as soon as I turned, detection was again strongly fluctuating and quieter.  
                                                                 
    17.10.42 North Atlantic, south coast of Newfoundland    
    00.00 BB 5687    
    01.49 BB 5686 Several shadows bearing 60°T.  5 steamers, 3 escort vessels, low speed, course 305° (widely separated line ahead).  
    02.45 NW 2, Sea 2, 9/10, 1015 mb, Vis. good, moonlit night, at times brief rain Convoy out of sight bearing 305°T.  
    02.47   A escort vessel proceeding independently in sight bearing 120°T.  
    02.55   Land in sight ("Miquelon" Island).  
    03.05   Outgoing Radio Message 0240/17/251:  "Naval square BB 5686 convoy 5 steamers, light escort, low speed, course 310°.  Loading.  -Gräf."  
    04.00 BB 5699    
    05.45 BB 6476 Patrol vessel off the "La Baie" Passage.  In the Passage a 2nd destroyer silhouette.  Reloading is only possible in the prevailing NW wind in the Passage.  Turned away, course 160°.  
    08.00 BB 6479 Course 90°, intend to reload off the Newfoundland coast.  
    09.40   Patrol vessel.  
    11.28   Crash dive for training!  Depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded submerged depth A -50 meters, course 90°, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
    12.00 BB 6722 Day's run:  Surfaced:        98 nm  
              "          Submerged:    24 nm.  
    13.20   Course 20°.  
    16.00 BB 6489    
    20.00 BB 6486    
    23.20   Surfaced, course 20°, transit speed.  
                                                                 
    18.10.42      
    00.00 BB 6491    
    00.15   Incoming Radio Message 2016/17/266:  Report weather between 03.00 -06.00 hours.  For Gräf begin the download in the entrance to "Little Harbor".  
    02.46   Downloading ended.  
        Intention:  Operate on the last observed convoy course in BB 5686.  Course 220°, transit speed.  
    03.55   Outgoing Radio Message:  Short Signal weather report.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.10.42 North Atlantic, south coast of Newfoundland    
    04.00 BB 6482    
    05.50 BB 6487 Patrol vessel,  avoided, bearing 250°T.  
    08.00 BB 6719    
      NW 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, 1015 mb, Vis. very good    
    10.49 - 11.18   Detection on 175 cm.  Fluctuating, medium volume, heavy course changes, proceeded in legs.  
    11.35   Crash dive for training, Depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded submerged depth A -50 meters, course 280°, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
    12.00 BB 5936 Day's run:  Surfaced:        76 nm  
              "          Submerged:    21 nm.  
    16.00 BB 5935    
    20.00 BB 5926    
    23.46   Surfaced, course xx°, transit speed.  
                                                                 
    19.10.42      
    00.00 BB 5923    
    01.13 BB 5686 Patrol vessel. avoided, bearing xx.  
    03.04 BB 5655 Patrol vessel. avoided, bearing xx.  
    04.00 BB 5655    
    04.30   Outgoing Radio Message:  Short Signal. weather report.  
    04.38 BB 5652 Patrol vessel. avoided, bearing xx.  
    07.18   Course 160°.  
    08.00 BB 5643    
    11.36 E 7-9, Sea 7, overcast, rain and hail squalls, 987 mb, Vis. medium - bad Crash dive for training.  Depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters, course 160°, KF, hourly at periscope depth.  
    12.00 BB 5676 Day's run:  Surfaced:        xx nm  
              "          Submerged:    xx nm.  
    12.30   Course 100°.  
    16.00 BB 5682    
    20.00 BB 5691    
    23.22   Surfaced, course 100°, transit speed.  
                                                                 
    20.10.42      
    00.00 BB 5692    
    01.40   Incoming Radio Message 1319/19/203:  "To Gräf, depart in time for supply in R.L. 70.  
    04.00 BB 6476    
    05.30 BB 6488 Steamer bearing 270°T, comes briefly out of sight due to weather conditions.  Enemy course 100°, 10 knots.  Maneuvered ahead.  
      WSW 6, Sea 5, 7/10, 992 mb, Vis. medium - good, short high SW-Swell  
    08.00 BB 6497    
    08.54 BB 6498 Shot from tube V, bow left 90°, speed 11, range = 600 meters.  Miss.  Steamer yaws heavily.  Despite up to 20° wrong target angle a hit should have resulted.  Steamer howls 1 min after shot with steam whistle, stops, puts himself abeam to the seas and burns emergency lighting.   Assume pistol failure.  Artillery use not possible due to weather conditions.  
    After 20 minutes steamer continues transit.  Emergency call on 600 meters:  "ROSE CASTLE" (7800 GRT)  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    20.10.42 North Atlantic, south coast of Newfoundland    
    from 08.54   with position (foreign bearing).  
    09.38   Out of torpedoes, return transit, 18 cbm, course 100°, transit speed.  
    11.42   Crash dive for training, depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -50 meters, course 100°, KF, due to expected defenses.  While proceeding submerged several fast propellers heard.  In the periscope very intense air.  
    12.00 BB 6733 Day's run:  Surfaced:        87 nm  
              "          Submerged:    24 nm.  
    16.00 BB 6811    
    20.00 BB 6815    
    23.15   Surfaced, course 100°, transit speed.  
                                                                 
    21.10.42      
    00.00 BB 6821    
    01.56                                                  Outgoing Radio Message 0107/21/235:  1.  Yesterday BB 6497 stern miss on "ROSE CASTLE", course 95°, strongly suspect pistol failure.  2.  Regarding detection:  a) held aircraft, b) held U-boat, c) detection in sea area BB.  3.  Return transit, 18 cbm, BB 68 naval squares.  W 5, 5/10, Cumulonimbus, high W-Swell, Vis. good, 1005 mb rising.  -Gräf.  
    02.30   Lighthouse "Cape Pine" bearing 230°T.  
    04.00 BB 6838    
    08.00 BB 6946    
    09.10   Lighthouse "Cape Race" bearing 240°T.  
    12.00 BB 6967 Day's run:  Surfaced:        90 nm  
      W 1-2, Sea 1-2, 5/10, 1011 mb, Vis. very good       "          Submerged:    28 nm.  
        Course 88°, Headed for supply square BD 5555.  
    13.36 BB 6969 Crash dive!  Depth A -30 meters.  1-engined land-based aircraft, range = 8000 meters, bow right 80°, very high, flies in the clouds.  
    14.20   Surfaced.  
    15.25   Outgoing Radio Message:  Short Signal weather report.  
    16.00 BC 4748    
    16.05   Single-engine land-based aircraft bearing 210°, briefly in sight, range = 10000 meters, flies high in the clouds.  
    16.13   Crash dive!  The same aircraft approaching out of the clouds, range 8000 meters, depth A -10 meters.  
    16.45   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BC 4759    
    20.58 BC 4767 Crash dive!  Depth A -10 meters, flying boat bearing 40°T, range = 8000 meters, bow left 50°, in the clouds.  
    21.20   Surfaced.  
    21.50 BC 4768                                  Crash dive, depth A -10 meters.  A single-eninged land-based aircraft flies out of a nearby cloud, range = 5000 meters, turned away when he sees us, used the opportunity to dive.  The aircraft was very fast.  Turned hard at AK to get athwart the probable approach course.  At depth A -30 meters 2 aircraft bombs astern over the boat.  No damage.  
    23.17   Surfaced.  It is possible that the flying boat has reported us.  
    23.27   Detection on 175 cm, medium volume.  Shuts off after 1 minute.  
                                                                 
    22.10.42 North Atlantic Both LF with charging, to be in deep water at twilight.  
    00.00 BC 4769    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.10.42
 
- 32 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.10.42 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BC 4858    
    05.00 - 05.59   Detection on 175 cm, medium-high constant volume, that grow fainter and fluctuate with change in course, general course 130°, then again course 88°.  Also enemy flies with location in a very bright moonlit night, proceed in legs.  
    05.31   Outgoing Radio Message:  Short Signal weather report.  
    08.00 BC 4972    
    12.00 BC 4991 Day's run:  Surfaced:       170 nm  
      ENE 1, Sea 1, 2/10, 1028 mb, Vis. very good       "          Submerged:     xx nm.  
    13.39 - 14.00 BC 4993 Flying boat bearing 350°T, range = 10000 meters, very high, showed stern, out of sight bearing 80°.  
    14.42 BC 4993 Crash dive!  Depth A -10 meters, bearing 270°T, in the wake low flying 1-engine, [illegible few words], range = 7500 meters.  
    15.40   Surfaced.  
    15.45 BC 5771 Crash dive depth A -10 meters, very high flying flying boat, bearing 30°T, bow right 10°, range = xx00 meters.  
    16.00 BC 5771    
    16.10   Surfaced.  
    18.51   Flying boat bearing 10°T, very high, range 10000 meters, showed stern.  
    19.10   [Illegible aircraft type] bearing 350°T.  
    20.00 BC 57x2    
                                                                 
    23.10.42      
    00.00 BC 5793 Course 88°, transit speed.  
    04.00 BC 5882    
    04.48   Outgoing Radio Message:  Short Signal weather report.  
    08.00 BC 5893    
      ENE 0-1, Sea 1, 5/10, 1034 mb, Vis. very good    
    11.29   Outgoing Radio Message:  Short Signal weather report.  
    12.00 BC 5958 Day's run:  Surfaced:       17x nm  
              "          Submerged:     xx nm.  
    16.00 BC 6747    
    20.00 BC 6755    
                                                                 
    24.10.42   Course 88°, transit speed.  
    00.00 BC 6844    
    03.33   Outgoing Radio Message:  Short Signal weather report.  
    04.00 BC 6856    
    08.00 BC 6945    
      SW 1-2, Sea 0-1, overcast, 1034 mb, hazy, Vis. good    
    12.00 BC 6953 Day's run:  Surfaced:  196 nm.  
        Course 93°, headed for BD 5755.  
    16.00 BD 4745    
    17.30   Course 80°, according to the Freyberg-report I suspect the supply boat is more to the north.  
    19.37   Incoming Radio Message:  1731/24/134:  Expect meeting "U-69" about in the evening of 25 October.  If supply point IS 7755 is inappropriate, announce new point possibly through another boat.  Gräf supply for economical return transit.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.10.42
 
- 33 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.10.42 North Atlantic    
    20.00 BD 4764    
    21.05   Crash dive for training, depth A -30 meters.  
    21.32   Surfaced.  
                                                                 
    25.10.42   Course 80°, transit speed.  
    00.00 BD 4843    
    04.00 BD 4861    
    08.00 BD 4946    
      W 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, 1024 mb, Vis. good    
    12.00 BD 4767 Day's run:  Surfaced:       194 nm  
              "          Submerged:       2 nm.  
        Course 83, headed for BD 5755.  
    16.00 BD 5745    
    18.09   U-boat bearing 60°T, recognition signals exchanged (naval forces table)  "Wolfbauer".  
    19.00 BD 5756 Towing connection established.  
        Begin fuel oil and provisions transfer (rubber boat).  Due to Swell hoses are driven into a loop, am not towed.  
    20.00 BD 5756    
    21.25   Towing connection released.  12 cbm fuel oil, 350 liters lubricating oil, 10 days' provisions taken over.  
    22.15   Supply boat out of sight bearing 260°T  
    23.29   Test dive.  
    23.58   Surfaced.  
                                                                 
    26.10.42   Course 90°, transit speed.  
    00.00 BD 5765    
    04.00 BD 5854    
    08.00 BD 5865    
    12.00 BD 5946 Day's run:  Surfaced:       164 nm  
      NW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, 1015 mb, hazy, Vis. good       "          Submerged:       1 nm.  
    16.00 BD 5965    
    20.00 BD 6749    
                                                                 
    27.10.42   Course 90°, transit speed.  
    00.00 BD 6783    
    02.00   Course 105°.  
    04.00 BD 6874    
    08.00 BD 6888    
    12.00 BD 9232 Day's run:  Surfaced:  166 nm.  
      NNW 6-7, Sea 5, 5/10, 1006 mb, Vis. good    
    12.50   Incoming Radio Message:  1107/27/180:  Return harbors  . . . . . . . . Nazaire for Gräf.  
    16.00 BD 9316    
    20.00 BD 9337    
                                                                 
    28.10.42   Course 105°, transit speed.  
    00.00 BE 7151    
    04.00 BE 7xxx    
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42
 
- 34 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.10.42 North Atlantic    
    08.00 BE 7272    
    08.50   Incoming Radio Message:  [illegible date time group]  
        With announcement for arrival at convoy intake point . . . . . . . .  [illegible few words] conditions.  
    09.38   Crash dive for training, depth A -30 meters.  
    10.05   Surfaced.  
    12.00 BE 7285 Day's run:  Surfaced:  1xx nm.  
      NbyE 7, Sea 6-7, 9/10, 1003 mb, rain squall, otherwise Vis. good    
    16.00 BE 7298    
    20.00 BE 7612 Course 90°.  
                                                                 
    29.10.42   Course 90°, transit speed.  
    00.00 BE 7622    
    04.00 BE 7632    
    08.00 BE 8412    
    12.00 BE 8422 Day's run:  Surfaced:  1xx nm.  
      NNE 4, Sea 4-5, 5/10, 1003 mb, Vis. very good    
    16.00 BE 8432    
    20.00 BE 8513    
    20.55   Incoming Radio Message:  [illegible date time group]  
        [message concerns Gräf arrival time]  
                                                                 
    30.10.42   Course 90°, transit speed.  
    00.00 BE 8531    
    04.00 BE 8611    
    08.00 BE 8622    
    09.20   Crash dive for training.  
    09.46   Surfaced.  
    12.00 BE 8634 Day's run:  Surfaced:       1xx nm  
      NNE 6, Sea 5, 7/10, 1003 mb, Vis. medium       "          Submerged:       x nm.  
    16.00 BE 9414    
    20.00 BE 9426    
    23.51 Incoming Radio Message:  2309/30/16:  Return harbors  . . . . . . . .  due to overcrowding Brest Shipyard and Nazaire go  . . . . . . . . Gräf  to Lorient.  
                                                                 
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.10.42
 
- 35 -
 
           
           
           
           
    31.10.42 North Atlantic    
    00.00 BE 9514    
    04.00 BE 9526    
    08.00 BE 9615    
    09.44 NE 2, Sea 2, 5/10, 1003 mb, Vis. good Crash dive for training, depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -30 meters, course 90°, KF.  
    12.00 BE 9626 Day's run:  Surfaced:       177 nm  
              "          Submerged:       4 nm.  
    14.41   Incoming Radio Message:  1343/31/34:  Condor made emergency landing 13.00 hours in naval square BE 9482, all boats located in the vicinity execute search.  Beware of enemy air.  
    16.00 BE 9626    
    19.28   Incoming Radio Message:  1541/31/36:  To boats in Bay of Biscay 2 Condor take off to search for emergency landing Condor.  From 18.30 hours stand by for bearing signals on 443 khz.  Call sign HFD.  Corrected position of emergency landing is naval square BE 9492.  
    19.55   Surfaced, course 257°, LF operating on Condor emergency landing.  Will be in square at dawn.  
    20.00 BE 9634    
                                                                 
    01.11.42   Course 256°, both LF.  
    00.00 BE 9642    
    04.00 BE 9555    
    08.00 BE 9493    
    09.00 - 21.00   Steered search courses, transit speed.  
    11.15 BE 9498 Exchanged recognition signals with Condor (cartridge).  
    12.00 BE 9489 Day's run:  Surfaced:       149 nm  
      ENE 0-1, Sea 0-1, 7/10, 1010 mb, Vis. very good, medium NNE-Swell       "          Submerged:      14 nm.  
    12.31 BE 9499 Mastheads bearing 10°T, steamer, course 90°, probably "U-908".  
    13.22   "U-908" out of sight bearing 10°T, steers north of the emergency landing square.  
    16.00 BE 9733    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.11.42
 
- 36 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.11.42 North Atlantic    
    19.04   With the very good visibility search is unfortunately without results.  Course 60°, transit speed, began return transit.  
    20.00 BE 9469    
    21.49   Outgoing Radio Message:  2107/1/70:  Searched naval square BE 9490 for 12 hours without results.  Return transit.  From escort nothing.  -Gräf.  
                                                                 
    02.11.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BE 9557    
    04.00 BE 9535    
    08.00 BE 9613    
    09.05 BE 9385 Crash dive!  Depth A -10 meters.  2-engined land-based aircraft.  Bristol-Beaufort.  Course 260°, range = 8000 meters, low.  
        Proceeded submerged at depth A -30 meters, course 66, KF.  
    12.00 BE 9535 Day's run:  Surfaced:       155 nm  
              "          Submerged:      4 nm.  
    16.00 BE 9388    
    19.21   Incoming Radio Message 1347/2/91:  Concerning heightened attention against enemy aircraft and U-boats.  
    18.50   Surfaced, course 66°, LF.  A sailing vessel bearing 160°T.  
    20.00 BE 9394    
                                                                 
    03.11.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 7149 Course 66°, LF.  
    04.00 - 04.02 BF 7139 Detection on 173 cm, medium volume, fluctuating.  Aircraft switches briefly off and comes on again at higher volume.  
    04.03   Crash dive!  Depth A -10 meters.  
    04.13   Surfaced.  
    04.16   Detection on 173 cm, medium volume, slight fluctuation.  
    04.20   Crash dive!  Depth A -30 meters.  
    04.40   Surfaced.  Course 66°, LF.  
    08.00 BF 7223    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 8/10, 1009 mb, Vis. very good    
    10.04   Crash dive for training.  Depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -30 meters, course 66°, LF.  
    12.00 BF 4888 Day's run:  Surfaced:       137 nm  
              "          Submerged:     15 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4889    
    18.12   Surfaced.  Course 66°, LF.  
    20.00 BF 4896    
    20.05   Outgoing Radio Message  Short Signal:  "Position 36 hours off meeting point with escort.  -Gräf."  
                                                                 
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.11.42
 
- 37 -
 
           
           
           
           
    03.11.42      
    21.17   Incoming Radio Message 2021/3/32:  "1)  . . . . . . . .  2)  "U-69" positioned 5 November at 08.00 hours at escort meeting point, Lorient."  
                                                                 
    04.11.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 4958    
    04.00 BF 5741    
    08.00 BF 5726    
      ENE 3, Sea 3, overcast, 1008 mb, Vis. good    
    08.03   Crash dive for training, depth A -30 meters.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -30 meters, course 55°, KF.  
    12.00 BF 5711 Day's run:  Surfaced:       128 nm  
              "          Submerged:     17 nm.  
    14.17   Incoming Radio Message: 1247/4/55:  "Escort for U-69 positioned on 5 November 09.00 hours at Point "Laterne" for intake to Lorient.  Do not cross the 50-meter line without escort.        -10.U.-Flottille."  
    14.26   Incoming Radio Message 1146/4/53:  "To boats in naval square BF due to the unusually high number of inbound boats intensified enemy air operations are probable.  Special caution also for enemy U-boats."  
    16.00 BF 5498 after navigation fix    
      BF 5575    
    18.25   Surfaced.  Course 55°, LF.  
    19.15   Passed Point "Kern".  
    20.00 BF 5582 Passed the 200-meter line.  
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, 1005 mb, Vis. medium-good, hazy    
    20.10   Outgoing Radio Message 1959/4/72:  "Arrived "Kernleder", position "Kernbeisser" not known.  Request Transmitter Group 2 and Bearing Transmitter 1.  -Gräf."  
    21.55   Incoming Radio Message 2052/4/91:  "For Gräf and Höltring Beacon Group 2 and Bearing Transmitter 1 from now to lightness."  
    22.25   Course 25°.  
    22.30 - 23.30   Several lights (fishing vessels).  
                                                                 
    05.11.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 - 05.00 ENE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, 1004 mb, Vis. bad to medium, misty, occasional rain Course 25°, LF.  
      Several lights (fishing vessels).  
    07.57   Escort in sight, bearing 150°T.  
        Transit behind mine escort.  
    08.44 - 08.46   Fluctuating detection on 168 cm.  
    10.15 Lorient Made fast Lorient.  
                                                                 
                                                        Oblt.z.S. and Kommandant  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.11.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.11.42
 
- 38 -
 
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
                                   G e n e r a l    R e m a r k s .  
                                   -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  
           
     
1. Duration of patrol: 83 days.
   
2. Consumption: Weapons:      9 torpedoes ( 7 E, 2 A )
                     12 TMB  ( 6 red, 6 blue )
  Engines:      146.3 cbm fuel oil
                       5.25 cbm lubricating oil
   
3. Sinkings: 1 x 4000 GRT
  1 x 6500 GRT    Total:  10.500 GRT
   
4. Total: Surfaced:      9837 nm
    Submerged:  1036 nm   Total:  10873 nm
 
           
        -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 
 
 
- 39 -
 
           
           
           
           
           
                                            N a v i g a t i o n .  
                                           -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  
           
     
Off "Chesapeake Bay":    
Peacetime Buoys a. "Cape Charles"  as in peacetime unlit from 10 hours
  b. "Cape Henry"                   "          "      "      "     "
  c. "Cape Currituck Beach     "          "      "      "     "
  d. Whistle Buoy 2
  e. Whistle Buoy 2 CB
  f. Whistle Buoy"False Cape 4"
  g. Buoy in accordance with Kriegsmarine Order B.d.U. No. 495, Paragraph 4, not burning.
  h. Buoy in accordance with Kriegsmarine Excerpt 26, Paragraph 862a, not burning.
  i Buoy in accordance with Kriegsmarine Excerpt 26, Paragraph 862b, burning.
  j. An unmarked wreck lies at 36°45.5'N - 75°46.2'W.  Masts protruding from the water.
  k. An unmarked wreck lies at 36°53'N - 75°53'W.  Smokestack protruding from the water.
  l. Searchlight barrage located in "Virginia Beach".
  m. A watch boat (corvette) located NW 9.7 meters location at 45° and 225° illuminated.  In top 1 red, there under 1 white.
    One four-stack destroyer was observed at the same location, illuminated, steaming lights set.  3 white in the top.
     
"Hatteras Coast":   Lighthouse north of "Hatteras as in peacetime.
   
"Sea Area BB":   Lighthouses as in peacetime except for French Island "Miguelon" and "St. Pierre".
 
           
           
                                                                 
                                                        Oblt.z.S. and Kommandant  
           
           
           
           
 
 

Enclosures to U-69's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart Track chart covering entire war patrol
Radio Excerpt of the Radio Log from U-69's 6th war patrol 30 October - 8 December 1941
SketchA Combat sketch
   
SketchB Combat sketch

     
     
 

                       Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
 
                       on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-69" from 15.8. - 5.11. 1942.
 
 

 

 
 
                1.)  A good and well thought out execution of the mine deployment.
                2.)  During further operations several success opportunities were thwarted by heavy air and zig zagging.  However the Kommandant was again tenacious and ready for action to achieve success.  In waters where the boat must remain submerged because of the proximity of land and surveillance, achieving favorable shot positions is very dependent on luck.
 
 
 
   

Signed in draft: D ö  n  i  t  z  .

 
 
For correctness:  
      
  Oberleutnant (MA) and Adjutant  
     
     
     
 


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