U-968 - 6th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

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
14 Feb 45	12.47 - 13.04	69°21'N, 33°45'E	NORFJELL (damaged)	8,129	Norwegian	BK-3
14 Feb 45	12.47 - 13.04	69°21'N, 33°45'E	HORACE GRAY (torpedoed)	7,200	American	BK-3
17 Feb 45	10.15	69°27'N, 34°30'E	HMS LARK (U 11) (torpedoed)	1,350	British	RA-64
17 Feb 45	11.48	69°27'N, 34°28'E	THOMAS SCOTT	7,176	American	RA-64
			Total = 23,855
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.

			G  e  h  e  i  m  e  -  K  o  m  m  a  n  d  o  s  a  c  h  e
			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
			"U  968"
			Kommandant:    Oberleutnant z.See  W  e  s  t  p  h  a  l  e  n
			6th Patrol.                    Beginning on :              13.  11.  1944                Ending on  :                  20.    3.  1945
			D  i  s  t  r  i  b  u  t  i  o  n  !
			1st Copy B.d.U. for O.K.M. Copy No. 1 2nd    " B.d.U. for O.K.M.         " 2 3rd    " B.d.U.         " 3 4th     " Kom.Adm. U.-Boote         " 4 5th     " F.d.U. Nordmeer         " 5 6th     " 27. U.Flottille         " 6 7th     " F.d.U. Ausbildung         " 7 8th     " 13. U.-Flottille         " 8
				1        Enclosure.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		13.11.44
		11.30	Ramsund	Cast off.                                 25.0 nm
		13.45	U-boat Base Narvik	Made fast.        Day's run  :      - . -  nm
		18.17	"	Cast off for transit to Trondheim.
		14.11.44
		05.07	Bodø	Made fast.
		05.37	"	Cast off.
		07.25	Marsdal Roadstead	Made fast steamer RABOD.  [probably Morsdalsfjord]
			AF 3915	138.0 nm
				Day's run  :      - . -  nm
		16.35	"	Cast off, taken in convoy by escort boat.
		15.11.44
		10.00	Fiskerosen	Due to air danger during lightness made fast to the escort boat.
			AF 6516
				164 nm
				Day's run  :       0.0  nm
		15.25	"	Cast off.
		19.45	Rørvik	Made fast.
		22.05	"	Cast off.  Took the lead because beacons do not burn and the escort boat has only a magnetic compass.
		16.11.44
		13.30	U-boat Base Trondheim	Made fast.
				1280 nm
				Day's run  :        0.0  nm
		14.45	"	Cast off (shifted to Lo Fjord).
		16.45	Lo Fjord	Made fast.
		to	(Evasion camp)
		19.11.44
		20.11.44	Shifted to Trondheim	U-boat Bunker and shipyard acceptance trial.
		21.11.44	Shipyard period Trondheim Bunker
		16.01.45
		13.01.45		Sea trial and deep dive test.
		17.01.45		Torpedo and ammunition loading.
		18.01.45		Degaussing and sound trial.
		19.01.45		Provisions loading.
		21.01.45
		and		Training at sea.
		22.01.45
		23.01.45	Trondheim
		20.45	Berth II	Cast off.  Departed for transfer to Narvik, archipelago transit with "U-711".
		21.15		Taken in convoy by "V 5906".

	- 2 -
		24.01.45
		11.40	Rörvik	Made fast.
		14.45	"	Cast off (continued transit).
		25.01.45
		09.30	Bodø	Released from convoy.
		10.05		Taken in convoy by "V 6103".
		18.00		Released from convoy.
		19.50	U-boat Base Narvik	Made fast.
		26.01.45	Narvik U-boat Base
		27.01.45
		to
		31.01.45	Ofotenfjord	Snorkel training.
		01.02.45
		16.25	Narvik U-boat Base	Cast off (transfer to Harstad).
		22.25	Harstad	Made fast for provisions loading.
		02.02.45
		02.35	Harstad	Cast off.
		03.33	Harstad U-boat Base	Made fast.
		03.02.45
		to
		06.02.45	Harstad U-boat Base
		07.02.45
		00.15	Harstad U-boat Base	Cast off (departure for 6th patrol).
		01.20		Incoming Radio Message 0046/701:
				1. Convoy in consists of at least 10 merchant ships, auxiliary carier and screen, 10 knots.
				2.  In patrol line from AB 6873 to 9292 new order:  Krüger, Greus, Lange, Bentzien, Westphalen, Klingspor,   Mangold, Mohs.
				3.  Boats form Group "Rasmus".
				- F.d.U. -
		04.00	Point "S 25"
		06.18	AB 9834	Dived.
		12.00	Latitude:     70°N	Day's run  :  Surfaced  :       46.0 nm
			Longitude:  16°20.0'E	Submerged  :  10.0 nm
			AB 9594
		16.05		Snorkel charging.
		20.00	AB 9564
		21.44		Incoming Radio Message 2129/798 kr kr:
				Group "Rasmus":  Shift patrol line 60 nm in 250°T.
				- F.d.U. -

Sun and Moon Data 07.02.45

	- 3 -
		continued
		07.02.45
		22.51		Incoming Radio Message 0946/703:
				1.  Air reconnaissance located convoy 06.55 hours in AF 1996.
				2.  . . . . . .                                         - F.d.U. -
		22.53	AB 9552	Surfaced, HF with charging and to reach position.
			SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Swell Vis. 2-3 nm
		08.02.45
		00.00	AB 9528
		00.46		Incoming Radio Message 1711/705:
				Group "Rasmus":
				1.  Occupy patrol line by 8 February 12.00 hours.
				2.  . . . .
				3.  . . . .
				- F.d.U. -
		04.07	AB 9195	Dived.
			ESE 2, Sea 1, Swell, 8/10, Vis. 2 nm
		12.00	Latitude:     71°05'N	Day's run  :  Surfaced  :        50.5 nm
			Longitude:  12°45.0'E	Snorkeled  :     32.0 nm
			AB 9183	Submerged  :    21.5 nm
		17.09	AB 9159	Surfaced to observe [convoy] voice wavelength.
		17.41		Incoming Radio Message 1721/8/719 Kr Kr:
				"Rasmus" immediately set off submerged 3 knots, course 0°.
				- F.d.U. -
		19.00		Incoming Radio Message 1737/8/720:
				1.  . . . .
				2.  Westphalen, Lange from 22.00 hours report bearings, attempt eavesdropping.
				- F.d.U. -
				Traffic on voice wavelength is very unclear and short, probably only heard on skywave.
		20.27		Incoming Radio Message 2016/8/723:
				"Rasmus"
				Air located several ships in AB 8319 at 18.17 hours.
				- F.d.U. -
		22.00		Incoming Radio Message 2136/725 kr kr:
				"Rasmus":  At 01.00 hours the convoy will go into the northern part of the line on course 50°.  Boats surface at 24.00 hours.  Group Circuit.  Leadership Lange by impression in operations area.
				- F.d.U. -

	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.45

	- 4 -
		09.02.45
		00.00	AB 9131
			E 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm
		04.47		Incoming Radio Message 0353/9/729:
				"Rasmus":
				Report indications, if with northerly course there is no contact by 06.00 hours, set off to AC 82 increased speed.
				- F.d.U. -
				Course 90°, HF.  Visibility reduced by the seas.
		08.00	AB 6885
		10.57		Incoming Radio Message 1039/9/753 kr kr:
				Air reports convoy 09.43 hours AB 6453, course 60°.  Boats positioned favorable try to attack.
				- F.d.U. -
				In the hope of further air reconnaissance operated on the convoy at GF, course 25°.
		12.00	AB 6971	Day's run  :  Surfaced  :       120.0 nm
			Latitude:     71°57'N	Submerged  :         9 nm
			Longitude:  17°05.0'E
			ENE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 4 nm
		16.00	AB 6682
		20.00	AB 6395
		22.00	AB 6363	Because without air reconnaissance and without evaluable bearing results from Presskohle [convoy voice intercept gear], additionally search course not possible due to Sea State, went back on course 140° LF on probable intercept course.
			E 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 300 meters
		23.30		Incoming Radio Message 2056/9/740:
				Try to arrive in objective area 11 February 00.00 hours.
				- F.d.U. -
		10.02.45
		00.00	AC 4172
			ESE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 500 meters
		01.27		Incoming Radio Message 0013/10/745:
				1.  . . . .
				2.  As focal point if possible occupy by 11 February before lightness:  . . . . Westphalen AC 8862 . . . .  In any case, remain unnoticed south of 8580 until the convoy arrives.
				- F.d.U. -

	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 10.02.45

	- 5 -
		continued
		09.02.45		[this section from 9 February is a repeat from above -  a typo]
		00.00	AB 9131
			E 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm
		04.47		Incoming Radio Message 0353/9/729:
				"Rasmus:
				Report indications, if with northerly course by
		___________________________________________________________________________________
		10.02.45
		04.00	AC 4426
		08.00	AC 4469	Surfaced  :      241.0 nm
		12.00	AC 4813	Day's run  :   Submerged  :     0.0 nm
			Latitude:     72°33'N
			Longitude:  23°50.0'E
			ESE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 6 nm
		16.00	AC 4852
		20.00	AC 7311
		21.25	Vis. 500 meters	North Cape picked up on Hohentwiel and at 10 nm from the coast went up to Vardø because there was no navigation fix and in the hope of a coastal convoy.
		11.02.45
		00.00	AC 7356
			ESE 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 500 meters.
		04.00	AC 8422
		07.42	AC 8547	Dived.  Headed for the Fischer Peninsula.
		12.00	AC 8571
			Latitude:     70°10'N	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 320°T, 18 nm.
			Longitude:  32°15'E
		16.32	AC 8572	Surfaced went around the Fischer Peninsula at a distance of 200 meters from the coast to counter land-based radar ands not to have S-Boote and patrol vessels between me and the coast.
				Intention:  Head directly for the Kola Bay because it is very late for our own focal point.
		16.59		Incoming Radio Message 1336/11/772:
				"Rasmus":
				1.  Yesterday's air attack was about 11.00 hours in AC 5420.  Convoy still not detected today.  Hauling out to the east is possible.  Plot at 8-9 knots.
				2.  . . . .
				- F.d.U. -
				With timely transmission operating on the convoy would have been very promising for me.
		19.20	AC 8824	Detection (Borkum) is transmitter type Navolok (Identifier DD--dash) which breaks through.
		20.00	AC 8827
		22.00	AC 8845	Continued to the east at 200 meters off the Murmansk coast, Signal Station Wyje Huk called with signal light.  Ran further on E-motors.
		23.23	AC 8854 [typo AC 8845]	Shadow abeam to port, (probably patrol vessel) ran off on E-motors KF.
				Intention:  At lightness round Sjet Huk.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 11.02.45

	- 6 -
		12.02.45
		00.00	AC 8854	The snowy coast is very difficult to distinguish, even though the night is very bright.
			SE 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. 500 meters
		02.59	AC 8855	Crash dive for searchlight, Vori Point illuminates just past the stern, the boat is probably not suspected so close to land, previously unclear detection, which was thought to be interference.  After diving [the searchlight] continued to search the water surface.  Course 60°, LF.
		08.00	AC 8858
		12.00	AC 8856	Day's run  :  Surfaced  :       53.0 nm
			Latitude:     69°25'N	Submerged  :  54.0 nm
			Longitude:  33°42'E
				Advanced to the entrance to the Kildin Strait.
				Intention:  Move off, charging under land given up due to surveillance and coastal fortifications
		17.15		Snorkel charging.
		20.00	AC 8852
		23.24		Incoming Radio Message 2124/12/782:
				"Rasmus"
				Indicators for arrival of the convoy tonight.  Evening 2 carriers off Kola Bay.  Highest readiness, do not let yourself be baffled.
				- F.d.U. -
		13.02.45
		00.00	AC 8828
		02.40		Charging discontinued.
		02.55		8 depth charge were thrown in series.
				No sound bearings.
		04.00	AC 8856	Scare depth charges.
		08.45	AC 8856	Intention:  Reconnaissance off Kola Inlet.  Given up because of strong patrol activity circular saw destroyers departing, took position on suspected entry route.
		12.00	AC 8859	Surfaced  :     - 0 - nm
			Latitude:     69°23'N	Day's run  :  Snorkeled  :    22.8 nm
			Longitude:  33°50'E	Submerged  :  28.0 nm
		14.24	AC 8856	Incoming Radio Message 1002/795
				"Rasmus"
				Convoy after hauling out to the east suspected still at sea.  Arriving on coastal route from the east is possible  . . . .
				- F.d.U. -
		15.10	Twilight	Sound bearing with circular saw very loud.  Destroyer out of the twilight target angle 0°, range = 1000 meters, is close in a moment and drives past 50 meters before the bow, as far as recognizable, type similar to "GROSNY", very strong armament on the side deck.  Prepared for Lut shot from target angle 180°.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.45

	- 7 -
		continued
		13.02.45
		15.22		Second destroyer runs parallel to the first range 1000 meters, zigzagging strongly.
				Listening gear reports on request additional sound bearings astern, I give up on the shot in the assumption that it is a forward sweeper of the convoy.
		15.15	AC 8864	Destroyer out of sight.  Despite running against the additional sound bearings were not louder, one recognized as a destroyer with strong shift.  Secured from Action Stations.
		16.00	AC 8869
		18.00		Snorkel charging.
				Port super charger clutch out of service.  Snorkeled with only the starboard diesel with attached charging, very slow, so surfaced to charge.
		22.16	AC 8861
			ESE 3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. 2 nm
				Shooting angle linkage for the fixed periscope to the torpedo lead angle calculator failed.  Limit switch failed because of bad shipyard work in Trondheim.
		14.02.45
		00.00	AC 8856
		03.10	AC 8856	Dived. Intention:  Lie on the bottom at the meeting point of the entry route from sea and through the Kildin Strait off Kola Bay until the convoy is picked up in the listening gear.  Setting off to charge after failure of the port diesel is too time consuming, therefore conserve the battery.  Put the boat on the bottom in depth A meters.
		10.27	AC 8859
		11.15		Sound bearings, weak sound band in 45°T.  Nothing seen at periscope depth, operated on sea route 50-230°.
		12.00	AC 8859	Surfaced  :     28.5 nm
			Latitude:     69°21'N	Day's run  :  Snorkeled  :    26.0 nm
			Longitude:  33°46'E	Submerged  :  15.0 nm
		12.15		2 Catalinas watch the bay continuously.  To Action Stations.  2 blurred silhouettes on the horizon.  200 meters behind the stern an armed fishing trawler passed under a red flag towards Kildin.
		12.30		Convoy.  8 steamers in line ahead widely spaced from one another in 230°T, 10 nm, ahead 2 sweepers, to port one outer destroyer, which proceeds back and forth at a distance of 4000 meters in the wake, 2 strongly zigzagging inner destroyers, further aft still one destroyer.
				Due to the large distance in the line ahead I must shoot quite early, to catch several steamers.  First drives a tanker 7000-8000 GRT, then 2 liberty ships follow then a large tanker behind it another Liberty.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.45

	- 8 -
		continued
		14.02.45		Due to an avoidance maneuver before the double flank escort the first tanker gets by.
		12.37	AC 8859	2-fan tubes I and IV on Liberty:
			Sea 1, sunshine, Vis. good	Target angle = red 100°           Legs:  long
				Target speed: = 10 knots         Lut speed of advance:  16 knots
				Range = 2500 meters              Impact angle: red 80°
				Depth = 7, 6 meters                 Lead angle 25, 30°.
		12.50		Single shot tube II on Liberty:
				Target angle = red 20°             Legs:  long
				Target speed: = 10 knots         Lut speed of advance:  16 knots
				Range = 1500 meters              Impact angle: red 80°
				Depth = 7 meters                     Lead angle 25°
		12.52		Hit on 2nd Liberty, high dark smoke column 2000 meters high, sheers out to starboard, strong port list, stopped, settled deeper astern.
		12.53		Flank destroyer "URITSKY" target angle 0°, range 500 meters.  Tube III ready for near shot if the boat is noticed.
		12.53		Torpedo detonation from fan, apparently 2nd ship due to situation not observed more closely.
		12.54		Destroyer passed 100 meters ahead of the bow.  Operated on the next ship in the line.  Single shot from tube III T V on tanker "NORNESS".
		[probably a shot without homing enabled]		Target angle = red 90° quick shot
				Target speed = 15 knots
				Range = 500 meters
				Depth = 7 meters
		13.03		Tube runner, with immediate second ejection ran with correct settings, immediately thereafter strong detonation, boat cut under, hard to port because distance was at most 400 meters, and to shoot with tube V on the following steamer.  "NORNESS" (name) located as a large banner on the bridge was hit aft 20 meters.  Aftership is settled up to the smokestack, large smoke mushroom over the jutting out bow, listening gear still only hears sinking sounds.  "URIRZKY" has come about .  Port outer escort sharp target angle, range = 1000 meters, aft flank destroyer the same.
		13.04		Single shot tube V T V on Liberty:
				Target angle = red 10°
				Target speed = 10 knots     Far shot
				Range = 500 meters           Depth = 4 meters
				Boat cut under briefly, 1 depth charge, "NORNESS" nothing more seen, went quickly to depth 2 A meters.
				Torpedo detonation, assume hit on Liberty after 2 minutes 36 seconds, passed under the line ahead and moved off on course 50°.  Ejected Bolde.
		13.10		Listening pursuit began, 4 destroyers, initially apparently random according to the listening gear, later by two in a carousel procedure.
				Depth 2 A +40 meters, silent running.

Sun and Moon Data 14.02.45

	- 9 -
		continued
		14.02.45		Single depth charges, series of at most 5 units.  Headed for the Bank off Kildin  Depth charges consistently cover but are set for depth 2A +20 meters and 2A +10 meters, in-between apparently explosive locating, only 2 times Asdic.  No particular failures.
		15.50	AO 8856	Boat put on the bottom in depth 2A +25 meters, everything shut down.  The next series still lie well, only still 2 destroyers.
		17.00		Depth charges lay randomly, some very far away.
		17.30		Sound bearings were fainter, boat was still overrun once, no depth charges.  Despite strongest concussions the boat is surprisingly tight, in all 272 depth charges.
		18.11		Raised the boat from the bottom, moved off at depth A -40 meters, reloaded tube V.
				I did not realize which of the two first ships were hit by the Lut-fan because of the ongoing firing, both overlapped, above that the detonation column,
		21.31	AC 8853	Surfaced (charging).
			SSE 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. 1-2 nm	Reloaded torpedoes.
		22.58		Outgoing Radio Message 2212/14/716:
				12.30 hours 8 steamers entered "Kola" on course 230°.  8859 sank "NORNESS".  Probably "Liberty".  Hits on 2 Liberty.  270 depth charges only by listening.  Put the boat on the bottom.  2 Lut plus three AC 8822.
				- Westphalen -
		23.16		Incoming Radio Message 2226/
				1.  Apparently Russian shuttle convoy, 5 steamers 12.30 hours, 8858, course 190°, 12 knots, 7000 ton tanker sunk.
				2.  . . . .
				- Falke -
				Radio Message was not heard by Control, therefore 3 steamers were sunk, if 5 nm later still only 5 arrived.
		15.02.45
		00.00	AC 8822
		01.13		Shadow approaching in 230°T, it is rocks at Lausch Bay.  By this the Hohentwiel gear is out of service because the E-motor switchboard did not self-regulate properly and so created an over-voltage.
		05.33	AC 8829	Dived, depth A -40 meters.
		12.00	AC 8861	Day's run  :  Surfaced  :       49.0 nm
			Latitude:     69°34'N	Submerged  :  22.0 nm
			Longitude:  34°07'E

	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.45

	- 10 -
		continued
		15.02.45
		20.01	AC 8866	Surfaced.
		16.02.45
		00.00		Falke reports return transit.
				Intention:  Occupy AC 8858, monitor the entrance.  Once the convoy is through, shot restriction to steamers is no longer necessary.
		04.00	SSW 0-1, Sea 0
		04.30	E 2, ground fog, very cold	Dived.
		07.30	AC 8858	Destroyer sound bearing Volume 4, still thick fog, nothing seen.
		08.00		3 further bearings, apparently a search group, Asdic sounds, closed, Visibility between 100 and 500 meters.
				Intention:  Shoot suddenly appearing destroyer with T V, then go deep.  Despite Volume 5 and depth charges nearby, however that fall randomly, nothing seen.
		09.30		Sound bearings were fainter, outer tube doors closed.
		10.00		The same game with 2 destroyers departing from Kola.  Despite transverse position no Asdic was not detected.  Ran to sea on course 50° on the outbound course in hope of better visibility.  Individual depth charges.  Continual sound bearings.
		to
		11.00
		12.00	AC 5856	Day's run  :  Surfaced  :       51.0 nm
			Latitude:     69°28'N	Submerged  :  26.0 nm
			Longitude:  33°50'E
		15.00		2 sound bearings Volume 5.  Boat is positioned at the mist limit against land but is not seen.
		15.05		2 destroyer masts out of the mist, apparently the same group, which passed over the boat on the same course on 13 February.  Angled in at GF, from range = 4000 meters distance was greater again, A T V shot seems too uncertain, in this area it gives better chances.  Secured from Action Stations.
		19.54	AC 8861	Surfaced.
			WSW 1, Sea 0-1, 7/10, Vis. 1-2 nm	Detection, Volume 5 is land-based radar on Kildin, beacons burn on Kildin, Sjet Huk. Taribarsky and Zyp Wavolok.  No solid steady detection, remained on the surface, after all the boat's presence is known to the enemy, possibly a search group will come.  Charges.  After the strong U-boat hut of the last days, the beacons lead on to conclude a departing convoy, assume morning twilight.
				Because is constantly cold and the wind is calm I decide in the next day not to go in the certainly equally misty Kola Bay, instead to haul out further to the east, where it should be if the convoy departs in the dawn . . .

	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.45

	- 11 -
		continued
		16.02.45		to approach Kildin on the suspected outbound course (50°) until the mist limit.  Possibly the same search group will pass there one more time.
		20.00	AC 8829
		17.02.45
		00.00	AC 8823	Course 90°, HF.
			SSW 1, Sea 0, Vis. greatly changing, 4/10, very cold
		04.00	AC 8913	Course 230°, HF.
		05.20		Dived.
		08.00	AC 8865	Boat is in thick fog again, which came with the sun.
		08.10		The first sound bearing in 250°, destroyer with circular saw.
		09.30		Closed on course 265°.
		10.02		To Action Stations, destroyer mast in the mist.
				Intention:  because of the circular saw let it drive past, T V from target angle 180°.
		10.10		Destroyer passed zigzagging strongly, the ordered tube cannot be set for a near shot.  Intention:  Lut-shot.  The values continually changes due to the zigzagging.
				Failure of the shooting angle transmitter causes delay as well as the limitedly operable periscope.
		10.11		2nd destroyer bearing 270°T passes behind the stern at 600 meters and throws individual depth charges.
		10.15		Lut-shot from tube II on type "GROSNY" however tripod or lattice mast, heavy pole.
				Target speed = 15 knots   Legs long (due to the zigzags)
				Range = 1500 meters        Lut speed of advance 11 knots
				Target angle = 180°          Impact angle 0°.
				Depth = 4 meters              Fore-run 4000 meters.
				Destroyer should run into the lut from astern.
		10.22		After 6.5 minutes bright sheet of flame, dark brown smoke mushroom, of the destroyer, which zigzagged two times in the meantime, only the top is seen, this tilts strongly astern.  No sinking sounds due to circular saw and depth charges from the 2nd destroyer.
		10.25		3rd destroyer advances from 180°T towards the sinking destroyer.
				Moved off on course 260°, because the 2nd destroyer target angle 0°, is recognized very unclearly.
		10.30		Single shot from tube V on 2nd destroyer.
				Target angle = red 10°        Far shot
				Range = 1000 meters        Depth = 4 meters
				Target speed = 15 knots.
				Destroyer continually throws depth charges, closes to 400 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.45

	- 12 -
		continued
		17.02.45		Perfect torpedo detonation possibly on 3rd destroyer which dissappeared behind the 2nd in the mist.  Not observed.
				2nd destroyer zigzags away hard, due to the poor visibility and the blocking of the listening gear the situation is unclear.
		10.45		All destroyers out of sight.  Hard to starboard pursued on course 90°, in the G.H.G. only circular saw Volume 5.
		11.15		2 Martlets bearing 6°T.
		11.18		2nd destroyer in sight again, still throws depth charges zigzagging strongly, 3 smokestacks of the first with white dashes.
		11.25		Single shot from tube I on destroyer.
				Target speed = 15 knots         Near shot
				Target angle = 180°.               Depth = 4 meters.
				Range = 1000 meters
		11.27		Bright sheet of flame after 2 minutes 22 seconds, dark mushroom cloud.
				All around sweep Liberty bearing 150°T, bow left target angle 50°, behind it a second shadow, therefore it is no search group, instead have caught the convoy.
		11.28	Hard to starboard.	Course 180°, HF, I still have one T V, my Lut is out of service, because the opening lever was applied during reloading.  Battery switch was burned out, soldered again, delays because per regulations the starter battery was disabled, and so no regulating was possible.
				I count 12 ships while closing, however suspect there are more behind in fog, double line ahead distance 600 meters abeam distance of the lines about 1500 meters.
				Listening gear is still blocked by the depth charges and circular saw, also the 2nd ship of the line passed at 800 meters, the piston sounds do not get through.
		11.33		3 Martlets over the convoy
		11.35		Flank destroyer passed at 300 meters.
				Astern a further 2 destroyer masts seen in the fog, no interference.
				To get close I let the first two steamers pass.
		11.48		Single shot from tube IV on Liberty.
				Target angle = red 50°    Quick shot  [Schnellschuss]
				Range = 500 meters      Depth = 7 meters
				Target speed = 10 knots

Sun and Moon Data 17.02.45

	- 13 -
		continued
		17.02.45		The expected immediate bang did not happen, apparently the shooting range was even less that the set range, I went past behind the ship between the lines ahead, because ships overlapped on the other side.
		11.51		Detonation after 3 minutes 2 seconds on Liberty.  Range = 2000 meters center high explosion column, ship smoked white from a wide tear in the port side of the hull.  Foreship began to burn, aftership lay very deep.  The masts which stand out very clearly above the fog tilt towards each other.
				The next ship passed 400 meters behind the stern, astern came a destroyer mast came up between the lines.
		12.00	AC 8865	Day's run  :  Surfaced  :       100.5 nm
				Submerged  :    30.0 nm
		12.25		The sinking can be taken as certain and I am out of torpedoes, went deep and on course 300°, to possibly report the convoy as soon as possible without a listening pursuit.
				Went to depth A +40 meters, 10 meters above the bottom, set off.  Single depth charges, not very close.  From the convoy only circular saw heard.
				The aft sweepers stay with me, but without turning off the circular saws, constant volume 5 and single depth charges.
		12.58		Periscope depth, one destroyer mast bearing 150°T.  2 Martlets bearing 0°T.  To sea clear visibility, in the direction of the convoy and Kola mist.
		13.15		Sound bearing in 235°T, no saw, from the direction of the Kola Bay, Volume 5, nothing seen.
		13.45	Bright sun, E 1-2, Vis. good	Surfaced, anti-aircraft stations ready, Radio Message ready to send.
				Ran off at 2 x HF with charging.
				On the 4th attempt:
		14.05		Outgoing Radio Message 1145/17/764 kr kr:
				Convoy AC 8865 easterly course 10 knots.
				- Westphalen -
			[Bärenenge = waters between Bear Island and the North Cape]	Loud detection from Kildin radar, showed a sharp angle [small silhouette].  After 1/2 hour the detection was fainter.  Because I have no contact at the moment and am out of torpedoes, however the other boats are at least as favorably positioned with regards to the convoy than me, will begin return transit immediately without pursuit, to possibly be in the Bärenenge again.
		15.51		Outgoing Radio Message 1435/765:
				About 12 ships 12.00 hours AC 8866, course 90°, 10 knots.  Destroyer and Martlets, circular saw tones block piston sounds.  No contact.
				- Westphalen -

Sun and Moon Data 17.02.45

	- 14 -
		continued
		17.02.45
		16.00	AC 8821
			W 2-3, Sea 2, twilight
				Incoming Radio Message 1510/766:
				Westphalen-convoy is possibly hauled out the east QP.  Intention:  Pick up in Bärenenge.  Westphalen report exact findings.
				Incoming Radio Messages 2 Officer-Only messages and B-Dienst report concerning use of Schnellbooten and fighter aircraft in our shooting square from U-boat search.
		16.40		Outgoing Radio Message 1544/768:
				1.  Suspect QP, because only large ships and Martlet escort, double line ahead.  Numbers in heavy fog not clearly recognized.
				2. Sank AC 8865 one Liberty, one GROSNY, probably one destroyer.
				3.  At sea good visibility, W 2, 2/10.
				4.  All destroyers deaf from circular saw.  Asdic ineffective at periscope depth.
				5.  Out of torpedoes, return transit to supply.  AC 8821.
				- Westphalen -
		20.00	AC 8465	Course 300°, GF.
		18.02.45
		00.00	AC 8181
		04.00	AC 7353
		08.00	AC 7235
				Outgoing Radio Message 0922/18/780:
				Tomorrow 08.00 hours Schwarz 25.  Supply.  Pleasae have port supercharger clutch ready.  Offload an out of service Lut.
				- Westphalen -
		12.00	AC 7213	Radio Circuit "Anton".
		16.00	AC 7156
		20.00		Seas increase.
		21.00	AB 9622	Boat must heave to at KF - pumps no longer keep up with the water.  From heavy rolling oil drips from the cylinder heads onto the uncooled exhaust gas piping, as a result frequent fires in the diesel room, a cable fire in the control room.  Battery cable I auxiliary switchboard I then shorts, foam fire extinguisher does not work,due to the stern down angle overrunning of bilge water takes care of it after 20 minutes.
			SSW 8, Sea 7, overcast, no Vis.
		22.00		E-motor cruise, to pump the diesel bilge.  The filter clogs due to leaked oil.
		22.30		Starboard twin 20 mm gun overboard, torn from its mount.
				Bridge crew, two broken arms, 2 sprains.  Only due to awkwardness.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.45

	- 15 -
		19.02.45
		00.00	AB 6932
		02.00		Outgoing Radio Message ßß:  Position 12 hours later at objective point.
				- U-968 -
				Despite sending twice was not heard.  Antenna continually under water.
		02.15		Dived.  Boat squared away.
		10.00		Could not receive Program Time, periscope extension mechanism failed for good, all pennants jammed, cannot be fixed submerged.
		12.00	AB 9637	Day's run  :  Surfaced  :       86.0 nm
			Latitude:     76°33'N	Submerged  :  17.0 nm
			Longitude:  19°05'E
		14.10	AB 9653	Surfaced, 1 diesel LF, course 225°.
			WSW 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 7 nm
		16.00	AB 9643
		20.00	AB 9675
				Outgoing Radio Message ßß:   Position 10 hours off objective point.
				- U-968 -
		20.02.45
		00.00	AB 9837	Navigation by Sonne 20, Radio Beacon Tromsoe, and depth sounder is perfect.
			WSW 5, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
		04.00	Schwarz 25	Zigzag course 1 diesel HF, because 2nd diesel bearing still out of service.
		07.00	Made fast Harstad	Patients taken to the hospital.
		08.30	Kilbotn	Arrived Kilbotn U-boat base.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.45

	- 16 -
			F  i  n  a  l    C  o  n  s i  d  e  r  a  t  i  o  n  s.
			===============================
		1.)         Due to the many failures, supercharger, Hohentwiel, periscope, fire control system, the patrol was made without use of innovations, which was aggravating, however not disabling.  Enemy defenses now seem to be built on fear.  At periscope depth, the initiative lies with the U-boat.  Close to the shore, Asdic seems to be largely eliminated.     2.)         Luts and T V all ran well, fire control speech cannot be practiced enough.  More than ever, all of U-boat driving hangs on the transmission of orders.  Anti-aircraft weapons were not used, the mount did not hold the twin 2 cm gun, the gun must also be lashed down. Similarly the latching mechanism is too weak for the extended shields.  Shields fold up and become blocked in the end position.  As a result of such an enlarged surface area a twin was lost overboard in Sea State 6-7.     3.)         In operations area Radio communications in the night are inadequate, very low frequency is good.  Preßkohle gave no evaluable results despite the proximity to the convoy and manned B-Dienst personnel.  Did not get one page.  Voice traffic is mostly very brief.     4.)         Technically, conditions were very unfavorable due to the failure of the supercharger, the Ju-compressor, the periscope, the starboard E-motor cooling, and partially the pumps; the technical personnel worked well under the leadership of the Chief Engineer, (Ltn.(Ing.) H  i  n  r  s  c  h  b  r  i  c  h.     5.)         The Murmansk coast is well watched during convoy passage, Fisher Peninsula very little.  Radar gear Kildin, Fliege range [8-10 cm], high up on the northwest corner.  Several batteries at Ljetinsky Huk.  Inner lighthouses:  Gorodetzky white flash, Pikschujew nearly white, Wladimirhaven red and green burn continually as in peacetime.  Outer beacons:  Lauschbucht red white mixed beacon, Sjethuk white flash every 7 seconds, Kilding as in peacetime, Teriberski red flash only rarely.       I believe further operations in this area are even more promising on the basis of growing experience.           On board 20 February 1945
				Oblt. z. See and Kommandant.

	Enclosure 1 to F.d.U. Nordm. Gkdos - 1022 -
	Comments of the "F.d.U. Nordmeer"
	on the K.T.B. of "U-968" from 13.11.44 - 20.02.45
	1) The patrol was run in a superior fashion, cold-bloodedly and skillfully, with excellent shooting performance. Successes:  Sank:  1 tanker 9577 GRT, 1 "Liberty", 1 GROSNY"-destroyer.  Sinkings accepted:  1 "Liberty", 1 destroyer.  Torpedoed:  2 "Liberty" (of these one probably sunk by report of "U-992"), Torpedoed accepted:  1 destroyer. 2) To 11 February 16.59 hours:  Convoy report even with combat aircraft directly at U-boat is agreed for the future.  (Nordmeer Order No. 8). 3) To 14 February 12.30 hours:  Especially beautiful attack with most effective use of all tubes and torpedoes. 4) Good final considerations.  Lut fire control is now very simplified by tables.

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