U-87 - 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
St. Nazaire
19 May 1942
St. Nazaire
8 July 1942
51

 

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
16 Jun 42
04.17 - 04.18
42°21'N, 69°18'W
PORT NICHOLSON
8,402
British
XB-25
16 Jun 42
04.21
42°21'N, 69°18'W
CHEROKEE
5,896
American
XB-25
     
 Total = 14,298
   
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.


 
 
           
           
           
           
      III. War Patrol                                                 Copy No. . . . 4. . . . .  
           
         
           
           
           
           
                                            K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  
           
              "  U-87  "  
           
           
     
  Beginning:           27.  3.  42    
  Ending:                 8.7.42    
       
  Kommandant:     Kaptlt.  B  e  r  g  e  r    
       
       
  Distribution:    
  6. U-Flottille
Copy No.
1
  B.d.U.
"
2
  2. A.d.U.-Boote
"
3
  O.K.M.
"
4 and 5
       
  Enclosures:    
  1 track chart For Copy No. 1-4
  3 Firing reports   "          " 1-4
  1 Radio Message Excerpt   "          " 1-4
 
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
                                          
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
           
           
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.03.42 -   Shipyard period St. Nazaire.  Diesel overhaul.  
    22.04.42      
    11.04.42   Fuel oil in the forward battery bilge.  
    19.04.42   Again oil in the same bilge. Both times the welds were rither welded from the outside or sealed provisionally.  
    22.04.42   Oil in the battery bilge for the third time.  
    23.04.42 -   Additional shipyard period.  Now, at last, the fault locations can be welded from both sides. Therefore removal of the forward battery.  
    18.05.42    
                                                                    
        3rd War patrol.  
    19.05.42      
    19.12   Departed Atlantic Pier.  1/2 hour delay because "Löser" has a rope end in his propeller.  
    19.55   Departed the St. Nazaire Lock.  
    20.00   Taken under escort together with "Löser".  
    22.08 SW 1, 2/10, 1009 mb, faint moonshine Escort released.  Proceed on Route "Uhunest".  
    23.24   Patrol boat group abeam to starboard 4000 meters not identified.  
    24.00 Vis. good On Route "Uhunest".  
                                                                    
    20.05.42 Bay of Biscay    
    02.00   German U-boat on opposite course 3000 meters off on the starboard side.  Did not answer recognition signal call with signal light.  Positioned off lighted fishing trawler.  1-1/2 hours long heavy anti-aircraft fire over St. Nazaire.  
        "Löser" overhauled me slowly zig zagging in long legs.  
    04.00 BF 6755    
      SW 1, 4/10, light swell    
    05.30   Large fishing trawler gathering on the 150-meter line.  
    06.05   Dived to proceed submerged.  
        Deep diving test depth A +60 meters.  All watertight.  
    08.00 BF 6774    
    12.00 BF 5895 Day's run surfaced    106 nm  
                       submerged   24 nm  
        Total                         130 nm.  
    13.15 WNW 4, Sea 2-3, 7/10 Surfaced.  
    13.39   Dived.  
    16.00 BF 5894    
    20.00 BF 5885    
    21.48   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BF 5874    
                                                                    
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.05.42
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
           
    21.05.42      
    04.00 BF 5785    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, 2-8/10    
    05.57   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    08.00 BF 5774    
    12.00 BF 4996 Day's run surfaced      72 nm  
                       submerged   48 nm  
        Total                         120 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4994    
    20.00 BF 4985    
    21.43   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BF 4975    
      W 2, Sea 2, 6/10, rain showers    
                                                                    
    22.05.42      
    04.00 BF 4894    
      WbyS 3, Sea 2, Vis. medium, rain showers    
    08.00 BF 4876    
    12.00 BF 4874 Day's run surfaced      91 nm  
      W 1, Sea 2, 1/10                submerged   24 nm  
        Total                         115 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4786    
      SSW 2, Sea 1    
    20.00 BF 4775    
    24.00 BE 6995    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast    
                                                                    
    23.05.42      
    04.00 BE 6985    
      SW 4, Sea 3, Vis. moderate    
    06.52   Test dive  
    07.55   Surfaced.  
    08.00 BE 6975    
      WbyN 4, Sea 3, 4/10    
    12.00 BE 6895 Day's run surfaced     137 nm  
                       submerged     3 nm  
        Total                         140 nm.  
    15.50   Dived to proceed submerged.  The boat pitches strongly in the short sea and makes headway submerged at HF faster and more economically.  
    16.00 BE 6886    
    20.00 BE 6875    
    22.13 Vis. medium Surfaced.  
    22.51   Sent position report.  
    23.25   Acknowledgement message from B.d.U.  
    24.00 BE 6796    
      NW 2-3, Sea 3, 7/10    
                                                                    
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.05.42
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.05.42 Eastern North Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 6785    
      NW 1, Sea 2, 6/10    
    08.00 BE 6774    
      NW 2, long swells    
    11.25   Switched to Ireland Circuit.  
    12.00 BE 5986 Day's run surfaced     95 nm  
      W 3, Sea 3, 2/10                submerged  43 nm  
        Total                         138 nm.  
        Difference between actual and dead reckoning Position 201°T, 18.2 nm  
    16.00 BE 8316    
      W 4, Sea 3, 9/10    
    20.00 BE 8236    
    24.00 BE 8226    
                                                                    
    25.05.42      
    04.00 BE 8216    
      SW 4, Sea 4, overcast    
    08.00 BE 8136    
      Rain showers    
    12.00 BE 8126 Day's run surfaced     125 nm  
                       submerged     0 nm  
        Total                         125 nm.  
    12.13   Test dive.  
    15.04   Surfaced.  Submerged heavy knocking sounds at the position of the port forward diving plane.  
    16.00 BE 8116    
      W 4-5, Sea 4, rain    
    20.00 BE 7336    
           
    24.00 BE 7326    
                                                                    
    26.05.42      
    02.20   Radio Message 01.52 hours from B.d.U.:  "Report weather."  
    03.22   Short Weather Signal sent:  "45°N, 21°W, 1002 mb, falling, 14°C, W 3-4, cumulous clouds, light rain showers, Vis. 5 nm, medium-high swells from the west."  
    02.30   Radio Message 01.55 hours from B.d.U.:  "Via buoy off New York at 40°13.5'N and 73°47'W."  
    04.00 BE 7324    
    08.00 BE 7314    
    09.55   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BE 7235 Day's run surfaced     103 nm  
                       submerged   13 nm  
        Total                         116 nm.  
    16.00 BE 7225    
    20.00 BE 7215    
      W 5, Sea 4-5, 0/10    
    22.40   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BE 7136    
                                                                    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.05.42
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.05.42      
    04.00 BE 7126    
      Vis, medium, 999 mb, WNW 5, Sea 5    
    08.00 BE 7116    
    10.01   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BE 7114 Day's run surfaced      57.6 nm  
                       submerged   54.4 nm  
        Total                         112.0 nm.  
    14.15 WbyN 6-7, Sea 5, 5/10, high swell Surfaced.  
    16.00 BD 9334    
    20.00 BD 9324    
      WNW 4-5, Sea 4, 7/10    
    24.00 BD 9314    
                                                                    
    28.05.42      
    04.00 BD 9235    
      W 3, Sea 2, 7/10, WNW-swell 3, Vis. medium, rain    
    08.00 BD 9225    
    12.00 BD 9215 Day's run surfaced      94 nm  
                       submerged   19 nm  
        Total                         113 nm.  
    16.00 BD 9126 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 211°T, 35.5 nm.  
      W 2, Sea 2, medium SW-swell 2-3, 8/10, Vis. good  
    20.00 BD 9147    
      SW 2-3, 8/10, Vis. good    
    24.00 BD 8359    
                                                                    
    29.05.42      
    00.00 BD 8348    
      SSW 3, rain    
    08.00 BD 8267    
    12.00 BD 8257 Day's run surfaced     154 nm  
      Vis. medium                submerged     0 nm  
        Total                         154 nm.  
      Western North Atlantic    
    13.45   Test dive.  
    14.27   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BD 8196 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 202°T, 9 nm.  
      SW 2, Sea 1, fog, Vis. 300 meters  
    20.00 BD 8185    
      Fog, rain    
    24.00 BD 8174    
      SW 1, Vis. bad    
                                                                    
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.05.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
           
    30.05.42      
    04.00 BD 7386    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, fog    
    08.00 BD 7376    
      Fog bank    
    12.00 BD 7296 Day's run surfaced     148 nm  
                       submerged     2 nm  
        Total                         150 nm.  
    15.40   Test dive.  
    16.00 BD 7285    
      SW 3, 6/10, 996 mb    
    16.42   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BD 7277    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, 7/10    
    22.12   Radio Message 21.45 hours from B.d.U.:  "Between 01.00 and 05.00 hours report weather.  08.00 hours switch to Greenland Circuit.  
    24.00 BD 7431    
      W 4, Vis. good, rain    
                                                                    
    31.05.42      
    01.09   Short Weather Signal sent:  "45°N, 37°W, 996 mb, rising, 12°C, W 4, squall weather with rain showers, Vis. 5 nm, medium-high swells from the west."  
    04.00 BD 7422    
      WbyS 4, Sea 4, overcast,    
    07.35   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    08.00 BD 7415    
    12.00 BC 9636 Day's run surfaced     67.5 nm  
                       submerged 23.2 nm  
        Total                         90.7 nm.  
    16.00 BC 9634    
    18.10   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BC 9627    
      W 5, Sea 4-5, 5/10, 995 mb, long swells, Vis. medium    
    24.00 BC 9641    
                                                                    
    01.06.42      
    04.00 BC 9661    
      W 4, Sea 3    
    08.00 BC 9555    
    09.00   Radio Message 07.11 hours from Müller-Edzards:  "Convoy in sight square BC 8257."  
        Shortly thereafter B.d.U. prohibits me from operating on it.  
        I am positioned 200 nm behind the convoy.  
    12.00 BC 9545 Day's run surfaced     58 nm  
      WbyS 4-5, Sea 3-4, 8/10                submerged  36 nm  
        Total                         94 nm.  
    16.00 BC 9468    
    20.00 BC 9728 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 201°T, 19 nm.  
    20.30   Test dive.  
    22.26   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BC 9718    
      WbyS 5, Sea 4-5, overcast    
                                                                    
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.05.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.06.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
           
    02.06.42      
    04.00 BC 8959    
      WbyS 6, Sea 5, overcast    
    08.00 BC 8929    
      W 3-4, Sea 4, overcast    
    12.00 BC 8918 Day's run surfaced     107 nm  
      WbyS 1, long high swells                submerged     9 nm  
        Total                         116 nm.  
    18.00 BC 8829    
      Vis. good    
    19.20   Test dive.  
    20.00 BC 8816 Surfaced.  
      W 3, Sea 2, 8/10    
    20.15   Dived.  
    22.55   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BC 8736 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 20°T, 12 nm.  
      NNW 2-3  
                                                                    
    03.06.42      
    04.00 BC 8726    
      WbyS 1, Sea 1, 8/10    
    08.00 BC 8715    
    12.00 BC 7956 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 109°T, 6 nm.  
      Vis. medium  
        Day's run surfaced     144 nm  
                       submerged     4 nm  
        Total                         148 nm.  
    15.55   Drifting rescue raft.  Markings:  HANS EGEDE, Greenland [translator's note:  sunk by U-587 on 6 March]  
    16.00 BC 7925  
      NNE 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10    
    19.12   Test dive.  
    20.00 BC 7914    
      N 3, Sea 2, fog, Vis. 200 meters    
    2x.x5   Surfaced.  
    23.00   Reached the eastern limit of the Newfoundland Bank according to soundings.  
    24.00 BC 7826    
      Fog, no visibility    
                                                                    
    04.06.42      
    04.00 BC 7818    
      Fog    
    08.00 BC 7755    
      Fog    
    09.56   Reached the western limit of the Newfoundland bank according to soundings.  
    12.00 BC 7745 Day's run surfaced     154 nm  
      E 1, overcast, 1022 mb                submerged     4 nm  
        Total                         158 nm.  
      West of the Newfoundland Bank    
    16.00 BB 9987    
      ENE 2, Vis. good    
    18.25   Test dive.  
    19.00   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BB 9976    
    24.00 BB 9698    
      Vis. moderate    
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.06.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    05.06.42      
    04.00 CC 1312    
      SE 2-3, overcast    
    08.00 CC 1226    
    12.00 CC 1217 Day's run surfaced     179 nm  
      Vis. changing greatly                submerged     5 nm  
        Total                         184 nm.  
    16.00 CC 1153    
      ESE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, rain    
    18.55   Test dive.  
    20.00 CC 1146    
      Vis. bad    
    20.45   Surfaced.  
    21.12   Dived.  
    21.50   Surfaced.  
    24.00 CB 3368    
      SE 3, fog, long swells    
                                                                    
    06.06.42      
    04.00 CB 3357    
      Fog 100 meters    
    08.00 CB 3292    
      Wind calm, 990 mb    
    12.00 CB 3276 Day's run surfaced     141 nm  
      NW 3, Sea 2, fog                submerged     7 nm  
        Total                         148 nm.  
    16.00 CB 3198    
      NW 4, Vis. moderate    
    20.00 CB 3421 Test dive.  
    21.05   Surfaced.  
    24.00 CB 3414    
      NW 3, Sea 3, Vis. good    
                                                                    
    07.06.42      
    04.00 CB 2655 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 137°T, 15 nm.  
    08.00 CB 2568    
    12.00 CB 2581 Day's run surfaced     156 nm  
                       submerged     3 nm  
        Total                         159 nm.  
    16.00 CB 2495 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 173°T, 11.5 nm.  
      Wind still, Vis. good  
    18.30   Test dive.  
    19.30   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CB 2728    
    20.40   Smoke clouds bearing 230°T, later recognized as clouds of haze.  
    24.00 CB 1963 A soldier suspected of syphilis.  Still in the initial stage. Isolation measures implemented.  
      SW 2, Sea 1, light swell  
                                                                    
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.06.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    08.06.42      
    02.42   Stopped to outboard work.  The source of trouble for the knocking sounds at the bow is not found.  The sounds can be heard loudly in the bow room, interferes with the GHG very heavily.  
    04.00 CB 1953    
    08.00 CB 1945    
      SW 3, Sea 1, 5/10    
    12.00 CB 1864 Day's run surfaced     155 nm  
                       submerged     3 nm  
        Total                         158 nm.  
    13.50   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  "Berger and Löser report position."  
    14.57   Short Signal sent:  "My position is square CB 18."  
        Was not acknowledged.  
    16.00 CB 1849    
      SW 1, Vis. good Test dive.  
    17.05   Surfaced.  
    17.20   Drifting automobile inner tubes.  
    19.29   Received Position Short Signal:  "CB 18, signed NQ."  Probably radio repeater for me.  
    20.00 CB 1791 False acknowledgement from B.d.U. for Short Signal:  "U-87 reports with 2 Short Signals 19.29 hours with volume 2:  My position is CB 1145."  
    21.47   Radio Message from B.d.U."  "Berger, Degen, Löser Execute task at the earliest in after 11 June, further details follow on 9 June."  
    23.05   Short Signal sent:  "My position is CB 17."  
    24.00 CB 1775    
      WNW 1, fog    
                                                                    
    09.06.42 At Nantucket Island    
    02.46   Mines loaded on the surface.  
        False acknowledgement from B.d.U. for Short Signal:  "U-87 reports by Short Signal at 17.42 hours with volume 2:  My position is square CB 1318.  
        It was not sent by me.  
    04.00 CA 3995    
      Fog    
    08.00 CA 3987    
      Fog, wind calm    
    08.48   Content confirmation of my second Position Short Signal.  
    10.39   Shadow in sight nearly abeam bearing 340°T.  Destroyer of the "DEVEY" class in opposite course of about 90°.  High speed.  At most 5000 meters off.  
    10.40   Crash dive.  Destroyer came out of the thick haze.  I stood before the clear, bright horizon in a glassy calm sea.  Have a blessed sleep!  
    11.02   Surfaced.  Destroyer out of sight.  
    11.04   Crash dive,  Destroyer ran directly out of the rising sun.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.06.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.06.42      
    11.16   Surfaced.  
    12.11 CA 6226 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position     78°T, 34 nm.  
      Wind calm, Vis. very good  
        Day's run surfaced     159 nm  
                       submerged     5 nm  
        Total                         164 nm.  
    16.00 CA 6224 Drifting rescue framework with red flag.  
      E 1, Sea 0, 1/10    
    20.00 CA 6216    
    21.50   Drifting wreckage and rescue rafts.  
    24.00 CA 6138    
                                                                    
    10.06.42      
    00.36   Officer-Only Radio Message from B.d.U.:  "To Berger.  
    01.45   1.)  Do not execute Mining Order New York, but foul area off Boston.  Observe traffic beforehand.  The area NW and SW of the peacetime position of the Boston light ship appears favorable.  See Kriegsmarine Standing War Order 492.  Deploy in 20-30 meters water depth.  
        2.)  If fouling off Boston is not possible, carry out wide range fouling at the Barnegat Lightship between 39°30N and 39°50N up to 20 nm off the coast.  Light ship positioned as in peacetime from U-boat observations.  
        3.)  Report execution from more than 50 nm distance as soon as possible by Officer-Only Message.  
    03.50   Came to opposite course in the direction of Boston.  A special chart of Boston is not on board.  A chart is drawn based on the Sailing Instructions and Light List.  
    04.00 CA 6143    
    08.00 CA 6132    
    12.00 CA 3879 Day's run surfaced     180 nm  
      Wind calm, mirror-flat sea, very heavy distortion on the horizon                submerged     0 nm  
      Total                         180 nm.  
    13.26   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 330°T, course 45°, aircraft altitude 200 meters.  Distance 7000 meters, land-based aircraft.  
    13.58   Surfaced.  
    14.15   Passed Nantucket Whistle Buoy (Lightship substitute) at 60 meters.  Red position buoy is located there.  
    14.37   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 0°T, course 250°, altitude 200 meters, distance 6000 meters.  Land-based aircraft.  
    14.57   Surfaced.  
    15.57   Several fishing vessels ahead.  Dived.  
    16.00 CA 3839 There are always new fishing vessels.  
    19.45 Wind calm Surfaced.  
    20.00 CA 3914    
    24.00 CA 3677    
      WSW 1, Vis. good    
                                                                    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.06.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
           
    11.06.42      
    01.06   Small cargo sailing vessel bearing 320°T, course 60°.  
    01.17   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 115°T, course 270°, altitude 300 meters, distance 5000 meters.  Land-based aircraft.  
        The sailing vessel crosses my course.  
    02.40   Surfaced.  
    04.00 CA 3562    
      W 1, 1/10    
    04.29   Fishing vessel bearing 270°T.  
    04.58   Cape Cod and Nauset Beach lighthouses burning as in peacetime.  
    04.59   Fishing vessel bearing 300°T.  
    08.00 CA 3249    
      Hazy, Vis. moderate    
    09.10   Patrol vessel with faintly set fishing lights in sight ahead.  Comes closer quickly.  
    09.15   Dived.  
        Patrol vessel searches with listening gear.  High whistling sound 96 times/minute.  
    12.00 CA 3163 Day's run surfaced     150 nm  
                       submerged   21 nm  
        Total                         171 nm.  
      Off Boston    
    12.30   Patrol vessel comes very close.  Put the boat on the bottom (depth A -10 meters), because my self noise is very loud.  Patrol vessel stops for a short time and listens with search gear.  
        Runs off slowly after 30 minutes.  
    13.23   Raised the boat from the bottom.  Entered Boston Bay [Massachusetts Bay].  
    16.00 CA 3162    
      Wind calm, Vis. medium    
    17.00   Fast three masted motor sailing vessel runs over the boat course 115°.  
    17.25   3 fast boats, probably U-boat hunters leaving.  Same course as the sailing vessels.  
    18.00   Fast motor launch sounds on opposite course.  Remains close by for 1/2 hour and throws explosive devices.  It sounds as if gravel were thrown against the hull.  
    18.15   Put the boat on the bottom (depth A -40 meters).  
        Boat lies close to the peacetime position of the Boston Lightship.  
        Made all around periscope sweeps several times.  
        Heavy traffic runs past on both sides of the boat on course 310° from Cape Cod running to the north along the 40-meter line.  
        Medium traffic traveling north on course 240° from Cape Ann also heading north along a series of buoys.  There is no traffic in the middle of the bay.  The outer bay is protected by a series of patrol vessels at the level of Cape Ann - Cape Cod and south therefrom, at night with faint set fishing lights.  At least some with listening gear (bright whistling sound 96 times/minute).  
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.06.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11-06.42      
        Only light traffic goes through the southeast entrance of the harbor, small vessels and fishermen.  
    19.10   A fast boat comes back.  Throws explosives again.  Mostly 3-4 in quick succession.  
    20.00 CA 3156    
      SW 1, Sea 0, hazy    
    23.15   Aircraft, course 240° at low altitude over the boat probably a civilian aircraft.  
    24.00 CA 3156    
                                                                    
    12.06.42      
    01.30   The sailing vessel returns in the company of 3 fast boats.   Probably a U-boat hunting group.  The 3 masted schooner gives an outward appearance of being very neglected.  
        Speed about 15 knots.  
    02.15 Last of twilight, bright afterwards, cloudless shy, Vis. good Surfaced.  
      The city of Boston is hardly darkened.  The lighthouses burn as in peacetime.  The buoys are mostly changed in their identification and position.  In place of the Boston Lightship there is an unlighted bell buoy.  
        I intend, to lay 4 mines off the north part of the northeast entrance, 2 mines off the east part.  
    04.00 Wind calm, the sky darkens gradually Waited until 04.00 hours for full darkness.  Then preflooded underway on E-motors at HF.  Light inbound and outbound traffic at night.  
    04.55   1st mine deployed.  
    05.15   Shadow of an anchored fast boat in sight ahead.  
    05.20   Dived.  
    05.50   2nd mine deployed submerged.  
    06.09   3rd and 4th mine deployed shortly after one another.  
        Due to failure of the mine top stop in tube III deployed the 4th mine together.  
    06.11   Surfaced.  
    06.15   Dived, because a pilot vessel approaches from behind a rock directly towards me.  
    06.42   Surfaced.  
    06.49   5th mine deployed.  
    07.10 Wind calm 6th mine deployed.  
        Set off to the east.  
    08.00 CA 3156 Avoided several patrol vessels.  
    10.50 SW 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. bad, ground fog Dived to proceed submerged.  
    11.53   Surfaced.  Still thick fog.  
    11.58   Dived.  
    12.00 CA 3249 Day's run surfaced     41 nm  
                       submerged 29 nm  
        Total                         70 nm.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.06.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.06.42      
    15.55 SW 1, Sea 1, Vis. good Surfaced.  Cape Cod is still in sight.  
    15.57   Dived.  
    16.00 CA 3285    
    17.30   Listening device in the direction of Cape Cod.  
    18.30   The same.  
    18.48 CA 3286 Convoy in sight bearing 45°T, target angle 100°, low speed, 6-7000 meters distant.  15 steamers, 4 destroyers.  Due the strong self noise the convoy was not heard.  I can use only the air search periscope, because the attack periscope has fogged up inside.   Unfortunately, the enemy has already passed by.  No attack can be made with the air search periscope in the glassy sea.  
      Wind calm, flat sea  
        Went deep for a short time (depth A +60 meters), because the flank destroyer seems to have seen me.  Convoy runs lightly zig zagging course of 300° in the direction of Boston.  
    20.00 CA 3283    
    20.54   Convoy is still in sight.  
    23.00 CA 3295 Surfaced.  Battery is nearly empty.  
      S 1, Sea 1, 7/10, fog, Vis, changing heavily    
                                                                    
    13.06.42 Gulf of Maine    
    04.00 CA 3265 I intend to go on the Cape Ann - Cape Sable convoy route.  
      SbyE 1-2, fog, Vis. 100 meters    
    04.28   Officer-Only Radio Message sent:  "Fouling northeast approach to Boston early on 12 June.  74 cbm.  Request important Serial Numbers from 11 June."  
    08.00 CA 3235    
      Fog, Vis. 100 meters    
    10.46   Dived to listen.  
    12.00 BA 9794 Day's run surfaced      77 nm  
                       submerged   34 nm  
        Total                         111 nm.  
    13.06 Fog, Vis. 100 meters Surfaced.  
    14.15   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  "Well done.  Attack area north of the Latitude and west of the Longitude of CB 25."  
    16.00 BA 9792    
      Fog, Vis. 100 meters    
    19.14   Dived to listen.  
    19.32   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BA 9876    
      Fog, Vis. 100 meters    
    20.48   Dived to listen.  
    21.02   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BA 9887    
      Fog, Vis. 100 meters    
                                                                    
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.06.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
           
    14.06.42      
        There seems to be permanent fog here.  Intend to go towards Cap Cod and observe traffic off the coast there, until visibility improves.  
    02.04   Dived to listen.  
    02.15   Surfaced.  
    02.20   Forward torpedo transferred from the overdeck, duration 2 hours.  At the same time diver examines the forward diving plane.   I suspect a knocking zinc protection plate, all are firmly in place.  
    04.00 CA 3332    
      Fog, Vis. 50 meters.    
    08.00 CA 3353    
      Fog, Vis. 100 meters, S 2    
    12.00 CA 3376 Day's run surfaced     101 nm  
      Fog, Vis 100 meters                submerged     3 nm  
        Total                         104 nm.  
    15.13   Dived to listen.  Sounds of listening devices at Cape Cod.  
    15.54   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CA 3536    
      Fog, Vis. 100 meters    
    20.00 CA 3528    
      Fog, Vis. 100 meters    
    21.00   Dived.  Put the boat on the bottom (depth A +0 meters).  
    24.00 CA 3527    
      Fog, Vis. 100 meters    
                                                                    
    15.06.42      
    01.20   Surfaced.  Still foggy.  
    01.35   Dived.  Put the boat on the bottom (depth A -10 meters).  
    04.00 CA 3527    
    08.00 CA 3527    
      Fog, summer lightening    
    08.05   Surfaced.  Remained lying stopped.  
    12.00 CA 3528 Day's run surfaced     58 nm  
      Fog, E 1, Sea 1, 995 mb                submerged    2 nm  
        Total                         60 nm.  
    14.55   Dived.  Put the boat on the bottom (depth A -20 meters).  
    15.40 NbyW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. medium Sound bearing off shore, visibility has gotten better.  A small fisherman just off shore.  
        Set off from land submerged.  
    16.00 CA 3526    
    18.25   2-engined land-based aircraft (double tail) flies long legs from land out over the sea.  Altitude 50 meters, distance 3500 meters.  
    18.33   Surfaced.  Aircraft is still in sight.  
    18.35   Dived.  
    19.40   Surfaced.  Avoided a fishing vessel.  
    20.00 CA 3526    
      Vis. good, 7/10    
    22.51   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 90°T, course 120°.  Altitude 500 meters, distance 9000 meters.  
    23.55   Surfaced.  
    24.00 CA 3297    
      Overcast    
                                                                    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.06.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
           
    16.06.42      
    01.14   Mast heads in sight.  Approached, destroyer of the GLEAVES Class.  High speed.  Course 80°.  
    02.10   Destroyer out of sight.  
    03.35 CA 3268 Convoy in sight bearing 90°T, course 300°, speed 8 knots, light zig zags.  6 large freighters and 4 destroyers.  
        I wait until complete darkness, because I am positioned on the bright horizon.  The sky darkens quickly.  Cape Cod Lighthouse in sight.  
    04.10   Run in the gap between the forward sweeper and the foremost ship.  Steamers proceed quite disorderly in 2 rows. I am positioned in the convoy  
    04.17   Shoot tube I, depth 4 meters, target angle bow right 80°, speed 8 knots, range 1100 meters, hit in the center after 100 seconds.  
        Target deeply laden 7000 GRT freighter.  
        Shoot tube II, depth 4 meters, target angle right 80°, speed 8 knots, range 800 meters, hit aft 40 meters after 110 seconds.  
        Target:  Lightly loaded 4500 GRT freighter, passes at 300 meters.  Miss, likely past behind due to shifting too quickly. However, hits the first steamer after 110 seconds.  After few seconds after ship floods.  Then is no longer seen. Sinking certain.  
    04.21   Shoot tube III and tube IV.  Multiple shot.  Depth 4 meters, target angle left 80°, speed 8 knots, range 600 meters.  Hit center, 2nd hit aft 50 meters after 50 and 90 seconds respectively.  Shortly thereafter an internal explosion in the steamer.  
        Target:  Deeply laden 7000 GRT freighter with high deck cargo.  It began to turn away at the shots because of the first hits.  After 2 minutes with heavy list lightly burning when last seen.  Sinking is certain.  Forward and flank escorts shoot heavily with star shells blocking both sides.  I run the rear of the convoy, because I suppose there is no escort there.  
        Brief blinking ahead. Probably a flashlight.  Shortly after artillery fire at 1000 meters range.  
    04.30   Crash dive.  Boat settles 2 times with a heavy down angle.  Caught with blowing.  Forward they had let the water run into the bilge in order to reload, the destroyer drives closely past the boat.  Once the boat settled to depth (A +104 meters).  
    05.25   Surfaced.  Ran off, because the convoy entered Boston.  
    06.10 Rain, Vis. bad A faint light bearing 220°T.  On approaching very dazzling white light across the entire horizon.  Fishing vessels.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.06.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.06.42      
    08.00 CA 3371    
      NbyW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
    10.45   Drifting net buoy.  
    12.00 CA 3319 Day's run surfaced     108 nm  
      NE 1, Sea 1, Vis. bad                submerged   11 nm  
        Total                         119 nm.  
    12.05   Test dive after reloading.  
    12.50   Surfaced.  With E-motors at KF into the sea.  
    16.00 CA 3327    
      NEbyE, Sea 2    
    20.00 CA 3327    
    24.00 CA 3316    
      E 4, Sea 3-4    
                                                                    
    17.06.42      
    04.00 CA 3234    
    08.00 CA 3246    
      E 1, long swells, Standing in position.  
    12.00 CA 3246 Day's run surfaced     71 nm  
      E 2-3, rain                submerged   2 nm  
        Total                         73 nm.  
    13.26 Vis. bad Three masted schooner under sail bearing 20°T.  It is the same as seen on 12 June off Boston.  Turned away.  
    13.48   Destroyer bearing 90°T, course 200°.  Quickly comes closer out of the haze.  
        Crash dive, by sound bearings the destroyer runs close by ahead of the boat, however, has not seen us.  
        The sailing vessel runs at quite low RPM ahead.  In addition, wild searches often hear several destroyers at the same time. Frequent stops in order to listen or work with locating gear.  Like a startled wasps' nest.  
    15.52   Surfaced.  Going to the east in the direction of Cape Sable.  
    16.00 CA 3246    
      E 2-3, swell, Vis. 1000 meters    
    16.50   Radio Message 10.56 hours B.d.U.:  "For boats in the area of the North American coast no supply possible . . . . "  
    19.20   Radio Message situation report sent:  
        Since 12 June fog except for a few hours.  Square CA 3513 to CA 3519 no traffic.  Convoy course 300° 12 June square CA 3286, 16 June square CA 3268 from the latter two steamers each 7000 GRT sunk.  From today strong sea defense off the main harbor.  Position CA 3246.  Going to the east.  A squares CA.  Fuel inventory 67 cbm.  4 + 2 torpedoes.  E 3, 1008 mb rising, rain, Vis. up to 1000 meters."  
    20.00 CA 3256 By examination identified 5 men with crab lice.  
      EbyN 2, Vis. bad    
    24.00 CA 3266    
      EbyS 3-4, Sea 3, fog    
                                                                    
Sun and Moon Data 16.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.06.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    18.06.42      
    01.05   Small fishing vessels bearing 0°T.  
    04.00 CA 3349 Dived to proceed submerged.  
      Rain fog, Vis. 100 meters    
    08.00 CA 3355    
    12.00 CA 3364 Day's run surfaced     78 nm  
                       submerged  14 nm  
        Total                         92 nm.  
    12.45 ESE 1, long swells Surfaced.  
    16.00 CB 1151    
      Vis. medium    
    16.40   Steamer in sight bearing 100°T, target angle left 90°, course 0°, speed 15 knots, zig zagging.  
        The horizon is very hazy.  
    17.35   Suddenly thick fog, visibility 400 meters.  
        Steering collision course.  
    18.39   Dived to listen.  Propeller sounds bearing 80°T.  
    18.45   Surfaced.  
    18.56 Wind calm, fog Steamer in sight ahead to starboard, 500 meters off.   
    18.57   Shot from tube V.  Depth 4 meters, target angle left 60°, speed 8 knots, range 600 meters, missed.  
        Steamer goes to AK reverse at the moment of the shot.  Apparently had a good fog lookout.  Probably undershot, because the steamer was estimated in the haze to be 6000 GRT.  Actual size about 3000 GRT.  
        New approach for a bow shot.  Immediately after coming in sight the steamer begins artillery fire from a stern cannon of approximately 7.5 cm which was camouflaged before.  
    19.04   Crash dive.  No sound bearings.  
        Steamer lies stopped somewhere.  
    19.32   Surfaced.  Enemy not found again in the fog.  
    20.00 CB 1123 Wind calm, fog, Vis. 300 meters.  
    21.00   Destroyer bearing 135°T on opposite course.  Crash dive.  
    21.18   Surfaced.  
    24.00 CB 1213 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position by sounding 0°T, 8 nm.  
      Fog, rain  
                                                                    
    19.06.42      
    04.00 CB 1213    
      Wind calm, fog    
    04.35   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    08.00 CB 1216    
    08.35   Put the boat on the bottom (depth A +0 meters).  
    10.39   Surfaced to ventilate.  
    10.57   Dived and put the boat on the bottom (depth A -10 meters).  
    12.00 CB 1216 Day's run surfaced      98 nm  
                       submerged   10 nm  
        Total                         108 nm.  
    14.25 Vis. clear, hazy horizon Surfaced.  
    14.31   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 320°T, course 120°, altitude 600 meters, distance 3000 meters.  Flying boat, 2 engines.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.06.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.06.42      
    14.58 Fog, SW 1-2 Surfaced.  
    16.00 CB 1218    
      Fog, Vis. 200 meters    
    18.07 Fog, Vis. 1000 meters Dived to listen.  Sound bearing 30°T.  
    18.44   Surfaced.  
    18.50 Vis. good, to the horizon, wind calm, glassy flat Sea Destroyer ahead to port, course 270°, low speed, distance 5000 meters, target angle 110° (one-stack destroyer).  
        Crash dive.  
        Destroyer increases speed.  I can not attack in the glassy flat sea with the air search periscope.  
    19.45   Surface.  
    20.00 CB 1241    
      SW 1, Sea 0, 4/10, Vis. 5-6000 meters    
    24.00 CB 1217    
      Vis. moderate    
                                                                    
    20.06.42      
    02.15   Dived to listen.  
    02.39   Surfaced.  
    03.12 Light swell Stern torpedo transferred from the overdeck, work duration 2 hours.  
    04.00 CB 1211    
    06.10   Test dive.  
    06.23   Surfaced.  
    08.00 BA 9973    
      SbyE 1, fog, 999 mb    
    12.00 BA 9973 Day's run surfaced     88 nm  
      Fog, rain                submerged   5 nm  
        Total                         93 nm.  
    16.00 CB 1214    
      Vis. heavily changing    
    18.07 Vis. between 100 and 4000 meters Dived to listen.  
    18.20   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BA 9973    
      Bands of haze to the horizon    
    21.46   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 260°T, course 300°, altitude 500 meters, distance 3000 meters.  Land-based aircraft.  
    22.13   Surfaced.  
    23.32   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 220°T, course 240°, altitude 200 meters, distance 3000 meters.  Flying boat.  
    24.00 BA 9979    
      W 1, Vis. good    
                                                                    
    21.06.42      
    00.20   Surfaced.  
        Exceptionally strong mirage.  Mostly three to four horizons on top of each other.  As a result, the rocks and beacons (also the lighted buoys) off Seal Island and Cap Sable come  
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.06.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.06.42      
        in sight at 35 nm.  Can see the brightly-illuminated coast at 30 nm, lighthouses burn as in peacetime  
    04.00 BA 9998    
      W 1, overcast, Vis. good    
    08.15   Patrol vessel with fishing lights ahead in sight.  Quickly comes closer.  Avoided.  
    08.00 CB 1312    
    08.40   Ran away from the rising star.  Because of the heavy layer of dust it looked enlarged like a strong reddish floodlight which quickly got closer.  
    08.59   Crash dive.  2 star shells were fired at a range of about 2000 meters.  Sound bearings not possible due to self noise.  
    10.00   Surfaced.  
    11.50   A vessel in sight bearing 30°T.  Looks like a German U-boat conning tower.  Approached submerged.  It is recognized as a fishing boat.  
    12.00 CB 1351 Day's run surfaced     143 nm  
      WSW 1, 3/10, Vis. good                submerged     6 nm  
        Total                         149 nm.  
      South of Nova Scotia    
    13.57   Surfaced.  
    15.57   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 280°T, course 180°, altitude 200 meters, distance 4000 meters.  Land-based aircraft.  
    16.00 CB 1337    
      S 1, Sea 1, 3/10    
    16.30   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CB 2115    
    20.45   Sailing fishing vessel bearing 130°T.  
    21.10   Dived, for a closer look.  
    21.56   Ran off.  Boat is a fast boat with two short completely unexplicably placed masts.  On the forward mast a small sail (triangular).   The boat turns constantly in a large curve at the position.  Water depth here of 180 meters.  Boat looked like a fishing boat from afar.  
    23.05   Surfaced.  
    23.50   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 100°T, course 290°, altitude 1000 meters, distance 6000 meters.  Land-based aircraft.  
    24.00 BB 7878    
      Wind calm, Vis. medium    
                                                                    
    22.06.42      
    00.25   Surfaced  
    00.45   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 295°T, course 0°, altitude 1000 meters, distance 4000 meters.  Flying boat.  
    02.20   Surfaced.  
        Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks 2 and 4 converted.  Dived several times.  
    04.00 BB 7872    
    05.10   Patrol vessel 240°T, course 100° with a masthead light.  Set a second light later.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.06.42
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.06.42      
    08.00 BB 7855    
      W 1, Sea 0, overcast    
    11.20   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 210°T, course 135°, altitude 500 meters, distance 4000 meters.  Lockheed Hudson.  
    12.00 BB 7827 Day's run surfaced     128 nm  
      SW 1, Sea 1, 5/10                submerged    14 nm  
        Total                         142 nm.  
    12.49   Surfaced.  
    14.09   Drifting net marker.  
    16.00 BB 7733    
      Vis. moderate    
    16.55   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 280°T, course 110°, altitude 200 meters, distance 2000 meters.  Lockheed Hudson.  
        Aircraft came directly out of the clouds.  3 well-placed aircraft bombs at depth A -30 meters.  Bombs fall relatively late.  Probably the 2nd approach of the aircraft.  No significant damage.  
    18.55 Heavy haze layer on the horizon, wind calm Surfaced.  
    19.25   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 60°T, course 330°, altitude 100 meters, distance 2000 meters.  Land-based aircraft.  
    20.00 BB 7736    
      Wind calm, fog    
    20.05   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BB 7827    
                                                                    
    23.06.42      
    03.03   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    04.00 BB 7822    
    08.00 BD 7588    
    12.00 BB 7588 Surfaced.  
      Wind calm, flat glassy Sea, Vis. 2500 meters, heavy haze layer on the horizon Day's run surfaced      96 nm  
                     submerged   17 nm  
      Total                         113 nm.  
    12.02   Crash dive for aircraft bearing 100°T, course 270°, altitude 100 meters, distance 1000 meters.  Lockheed Hudson.  
        Aircraft came directly out of the sun, which at the moment comes exactly over the haze layer and is very dazzling.  
        Dived, because the diesel is not yet ready.  
        After 25 seconds three well-placed aircraft bombs at depth A -70 meters.  Bombs lie aft beneath the boat.  
        Damage:  Entire electrical system, E-motors, order and reporting system, lighting, water level glass, pressure gauges, all rudders, 200-meter depth meter remains operable.  Boat settles quickly with a large down angle.   Is held by blowing main ballast tank 3.  Boat rises up to depth A -65 meters.  The E-motors will not run, because, as we later determined there were several spare parts and tools which had fallen from their mountings into the E-motors.  Due to the down angle the boat is  
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.06.42
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.06.42      
        taken deep.  Went to depth A +0 meters and malfunctions are removed.  Boat remains fairly water tight.  
        Further malfunctions and damage:  
        Both compressor foundations torn;  port compressor bearing plate torn; torpedo tube V leaks; torpedo tube V warped; in the electric torpedo which lay in the tube, the battery shifted aft; bolts in the thrust bearings cracked or loosened; most of the port diesel foundation bolts cracked;  engine moved laterally; E-motors foundation bolts loosened; shaft flange port bolt heads partially torn; 5 cells of the after battery leaked; most spare parts on the ceiling jumped out of their brackets (danger to the crew).  
        Injuries:  Masch.Mt. Haferbier, bruise on the foot.  Fell in the diesel room with the torn out door between the E-motor room and the diesel room.  
        Proceeding submerged.  
    16.00 BB 7832    
      10°C in the boat    
    17.11   3 aircraft bombs far off.  
    20.00 BB 7836    
    22.30   Boat put on the bottom depth A +10 meters.  
    24.00 BB 7839    
                                                                    
    24.06.42      
    02.41 SSE 1, Sea 2, Vis. medium Surfaced.  Port engine remains out of service.  
    03.20   Searchlight blinking in several locations 180°T.  Nearby suddenly a quickly shifting white sight.  Nothing seen.  
    03.27   Dived to listen.  Faint slow propeller sounds.  
    03.56   Surfaced.  
    04.00 BB 7839    
      SSE 3, fog    
    08.00 BB 7976    
      Thick fog, Vis. 50 meters    
    12.00 CB 2263 Day's run surfaced     72 nm  
      [ganze Nach?] thunderstorms                submerged 16 nm  
        Total                         88 nm.  
    16.00 CB 2293    
      S 1-2, rain, fog, thunderstorms    
    18.24   Test dive.  
    19.44   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CB 2616    
      Fog    
    20.07   Radio Message to B.d.U.:  "Greatly changing visibility, a lot of fog.  18 June square CB 1123 single miss in fog on a small fast freighter course 0°.  Otherwise nothing seen.  Square BB 75, 77, 78 heavy air, medium sea surveillance.  Yesterday aircraft bombs at depth A -70 meters.  One engine out of service.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.06.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.06.42      
        Foundation bolts cracked.  Engine moved laterally.  Both compressor foundations torn.  A compressor out of service.  Stern tube out of service.  2 stern torpedoes out of service.  2 E and 1 A torpedo.  49 cbm, 1006 mb, thunderstorms, fog, S 2, Position square CB 22.  Request delayed return transit.  Missing Serial Numbers 275, 276 from 21 June."  
    21.32   Radio Message 21.06 hours from B.d.U.:  The missing Serial Numbers are completed."  
    21.50   Radio Message 21.18 hours from B.d.U.:  Begin return transit."  
    18.07   Radio Message from B.d.U.:  "To Berger, Degen, Löser:  All three harbors are open only with special precautionary measures of the USA for traffic.  Everywhere success is probable.  For . . . . . . . ."  
    24.00 CB 2635    
      Rain, fog, Vis. 100 meters    
                                                                    
    25.06.42      
    01.13   Test dive.  
    13.30   Surfaced.  
    04.00 CB 3414    
    08.00 CB 3426    
      SSW 2, rain, Sea 1-2, fog    
    12.00 CB 3515 Day's run surfaced     131 nm  
                       submerged     7 nm  
        Total                         138 nm.  
      Western North Atlantic    
    16.00 CB 3535    
      W 2, Vis. heavily changing, rain    
    20.00 CB 3624    
    21.35   Radio Message 20.37 hours from B.d.U.:  ". . . . Berger report weather."  
    24.00 CB 3636    
      NE 1, Sea 1, rain showers    
                                                                    
    26.06.42      
    02.31   Short Weather Signal sent:  "42°N, 57°W, 1010 mb steady, +20°C, NE 1-2, 10/10 overcast cloud layer, mist, Vis. 10 nm, low SW-swells."  
    04.00 CC 1452    
      Continuous thunderstorms    
    08.00 CC 1542    
      Heavy rain    
    12.00 CC 1561 Day's run surfaced     192 nm  
      NW 3, Sea 2, Vis. good                submerged     0 nm  
        Total                         192 nm.  
    12.52   Test dive.  
    13.23   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CC 1627    
      NW 1, Sea 1    
    20.00 CC 2414    
    24.00 CC 2432                                                             
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.06.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
           
    27.06.42      
    04.00 CC 2288    
    08.00 CC 2378    
      W 2, Vis. medium    
    12.00 CC 2395 Day's run surfaced     217 nm  
      Hazy horizon                submerged     1 nm  
        Total                         218 nm.  
    16.00 CC 3182    
      W 1, foggy, 1023 mb    
    20.00 CC 3249    
    24.00 CC 3266    
      Rain, fog    
                                                                    
    28.06.42      
    04.00 CC 3353    
    08.00 CD 1143    
      E 1, Vis. medium    
    12.00 CD 1139 Day's run surfaced     224 nm  
      N 1, Vis. good                submerged     0 nm  
        Total                         224 nm.  
    16.00 CD 1236    
    19.10   Test dive.  Work on the diesel.  
    20.00 CD 1321    
      E 1    
    20.34   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BC 9779    
                                                                    
    29.06.42      
    04.00 BC 9795    
      Rain, fog, wind calm    
    08.00 BC 9881    
    12.00 BC 9869 Day's run surfaced     221 nm  
                       submerged     3 nm  
        Total                         224 nm.  
    16.00 BC 9955    
      E 1, Vis. good    
    20.00 BD 7742    
      S 1    
    24.00 BD 7495    
      SSW 2, Sea 1-2 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 325°T, 25 nm.  
                                                                    
    30.06.42      
    04.00 BD 7581    
    08.00 BD 7569    
    12.00 BD 7656 Day's run surfaced     216 nm  
      SSW 3, Sea 2                submerged     0 nm  
        Total                         216 nm.  
    16.00 BD 8441    
    20.00 BD 8429    
      WbyN 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. good    
    24.00 BD 8517    
                                                                    
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.06.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.06.42
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
           
    01.07.42 Eastern North Atlantic    
    04.00 BD 8526    
    08.00 BD 8611    
      W 1, Sea 1    
    12.00 BD 8389 Day's run surfaced     192 nm  
      WSW 2, 7/10                submerged     0 nm  
        Total                         192 nm.  
    12.28   Test dive.  
    13.06   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BD 9174    
      Vis. medium Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 33°T, 17 nm  
    20.00 BD 9166    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, 9/10    
    22.45   Radio Message 21.23 hours from B.d.U.:  "Berger report weather.  On 2 July at 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit . . . . . . . . "  
    24.00 BD 9255    
      WSW 5, Sea 4, overcast    
                                                                    
    02.07.42      
    01.07   Short Weather Signal sent:  "45°N, 27°W, 1007 mb falling, +18C, W 3-4, altostratus 10/10 overcast, Vis. 5 nm, medium-high W-swell."  
        Due to receiver interference the confirmation was not received.  
    04.00 BD 9341    
      Long swells    
    04.04   Short Weather Signal repeated.  
    08.00 BD 9329 Switched to Ireland Circuit.  
    12.00 BE 7114 Day's run surfaced     224 nm  
      Rain showers                submerged     1 nm  
        Total                         225 nm.  
    16.00 BE 7126    
    20.00 BE 7215    
    24.00 BE 7235    
      W 3, Sea 3, overcast    
                                                                    
    03.07.42      
    04.00 BE 7324    
      W 1, Vis, medium    
    08.00 BE 7336    
    12.00 BE 8126 Day's run surfaced     223 nm  
      Light swell                submerged     0 nm  
        Total                         223 nm.  
    12.05   Test dive.  
    14.23   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BE 5876 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 10°T, 17 nm.  
    20.00 BE 5895    
      W 2, Vis. changing    
    24.00 BE 5984    
                                                                    
    04.07.42      
    04.00 BE 5996    
      W 3, Sea 2, 7/10    
    08.00 BE 6785    
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.07.42
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.07.42      
    12.00 BE 6874 Day's run surfaced     199 nm  
      Vis. good, 4/10                submerged   11 nm  
        Total                         210 nm.  
      Bay of Biscay    
    16.00 BE 6886    
    20.00 BE 9313 Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 140°T, 6 nm.  
      WbyS 2-3, rain showers  
    23.00   Sailing vessel (fisherman) bearing 90°T, course NE.  
    24.00 BE 9332    
                                                                    
    05.07.42      
    04.00 BF 7122    
    06.10   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    08.00 BF 7212    
      W 1, 7/10, Vis. good    
    12.00 BF 7222 Day's run surfaced     183 nm  
                       submerged   12 nm  
        Total                         195 nm.  
    16.00 BF 7231    
    20.00 BF 7233    
    23.15   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BF 7312    
      W 1, Sea 1, 5/10    
                                                                    
    06.07.42      
    04.00 BF 7353 Up to now no return harbor has come for me.  Apparently they do not suppose I am so far along.  Therefore, send a position report.  
      WSW 2, 1020 mb  
    04.31   Short Signal sent:  "My position is BF 81."  
    06.22   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    08.00 BF 8111    
    12.00 BF 8113 Day's run surfaced     41 nm  
                       submerged  54 nm  
        Total                         95 nm.  
    14.20   Surfaced.  
    14.55   Dived.  
    16.00 BF 8126    
      W 3, Sea 2, 7/10, swells    
    18.45   My sent Short Signal is understood incorrectly.  Received Radio Message 12.15 hours from B.d.U.:  Concerning position report in the Bay of Biscay."  
    19.30   For that reason went to Coastal Circuit.  
    20.00 BF 8132    
    20.53   Received Radio Message 10.36 and 11.57 hours from B.d.U.:  Entrance route is Morgennebel."  
    22.46   Surfaced.  
    23.37   Sent Radio Message:  "Position 8 July 07.00 hours Nanni 1."  
    24.00 BF 8223    
                                                                    
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.07.42
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
           
    07.07.42      
    00.40 Rain showers Fishing sailing vessel bearing 90°T.  
    00.58   Radio Message 00.24 hours from 6th U-Flottille:  "Escort positioned on 8 July 06.00 hours Nanni 1."  
    01.45   2 fishing trawlers avoided.  
    03.05   Bright glow astern.  Searchlight from aircraft.  
    04.00 BF 5884    
      W 2, Sea 2-3, 5/10 Several times flashes bearing 0°T.  
    05.10   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    08.00 BF 5894    
    12.00 BF 5895 Day's run surfaced      55 nm  
                       submerged   53 nm  
        Total                         108 nm.  
    13.36   Surfaced.  
    13.42   Dived.  Difference between actual and dead reckoning position 285°T, 19 nm.  
    16.00 BF 5894 Surfaced.  
    16.18   Dived.  
    17.06   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BF 6775    
      WbyS 3, Sea 2, Vis. good    
    22.35   Reached Point "Morgen".  
    24.00   Route "Morgennebel".  
                                                                    
    08.07.42      
    04.00   Route "Morgennebel".  
    05.32   Sperrbrecher at N 1 in sight.  Exchanged recognition signals.  
    06.08   Taken under escort.  
        Made fast St. Nazaire Lock.  
        Day's run surfaced      143 nm  
                       submerged    31 nm  
        Total                         174 nm.  
           
     
Final Observations.
 
              After completing the mine task off Boston 2 freighters with a total of 14000 GRT were sunk in subsequent merchant warfare.  Because of damage by aircraft bombs the patrol was broken off early.  The operations area is particularly unfavorable especially during the summer months because prevailing fog or bad visibility.  
              6 mines (TMC) were laid and 5 torpedoes shot.  There were 2 out of service torpedoes on board.  An Eto due to aircraft bombs, an Ato due to leaking overdeck container.  
              Nautical miles covered 6934 sm, of these 6263 sm surfaced and 671 sm submerged.  
              The morale of the crew was good.  The work of the engine personnel during the removal of failures caused by aircraft bombs is especially noteworthy.  
              The state of health was quite good.  All cases could be cured with on board means except for a suspected case of syphilis.  
         
                                                                                                                   
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.07.42

Enclosures to U-87's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart Track chart covering entire war patrol                23 December 1941 to 8 February 1942
Radio Excerpt of the Radio Log

 
 
     
 
                                  Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
 
 

                                  on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-87" from 27.3, to 8.7.1942.

 
     
 

 

 
 
        Mine task and convoy attack were carefully considered and well executed.  Because of heavy depth charge damage premature return transit was required.
 
     
   

Signed in draft: Dönitz

 
    Validized:  
 
          
                                                                              Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant  
     
     
 


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