Excerpt from the Radio Log " U 978 "
from 09.12.44
for the 3rd copy
 
     
 
War patrol "U 978" from 9 October to 16.12.44
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13.10.44  
09.26                                                                        "Coastal Circuit"
  "Voigt" "Pulst"
  13 October 08.00 hours switch "Diana Circuit"
                                                                         F.d.U. West
   
15.10.44  
22.24                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  New objectives:
  1)  "Hein" square green Jota Sophie 85, situation follows.
  2)  "Raabe", "Mangels", "Pulst", "Voigt" square green Fritz Xant 08.
   
19.10.44  
20.48                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  "Raabe", "Pulst", "Voigt"
  Report in accordance with Operations Order Channel No. 2, Serial No. 36 (IV), prepare to send at the latitude of green Gustav Otto 13.
   
23.10.44  
06.02                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  "Raabe", "Pulst", "Voigt".
  From Förster's reports in naval squares 3160 to 3650 of the large square east of square green Xant Ysop strong defense, but outstanding possibilities for success.  Defense has decreased after departure of the boats from this sea area; however, traffic density has remained the same.  Great possibilities for success.  Consider this report and be mindful of Serial No. 888 of 19 October.
   
26.10.44  
03.52                                                                        Near and Far Service Norddeich
  Am ready for action.
                                                                         "Pulst".
 
     
 
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- 2 -
 
 
26.10.44  
05.48                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  Norddeich from 0349 on 54 meter radio message from "Puilst":  Am ready for action.
   
26.10.44  
22.25                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  "Pulst"
  Make for disguised square 7330 in the large square east of Green Wilhelm Ida.  More to follow.
   
31.10.44  
21.10                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  "Pulst"
  As operational area occupy the sea area between longitude of naval square 2610 and 3610, both left edge, large square east of green Otto Anton.
   
31.10.44  
23.37                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  Situation Cherbourg:
  1)  By day about 8 "Liberty" and 8-10 tank landing ships enter; same number departing.  Crossing the Channel by day.
  2)  Traffic goes from naval square Bruno Fritz 3147 on SE-course for Bruno Fritz 3552.
   
02.11.44  
23.37                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  1)  "Pulst"
  If the situation is favorable, eastward limitation of operations area may be crossed.
  2) "Voigt"
  If operations area of "Pulst" is occupied, same limitation.
   
02.11.44  
22.19                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  "Pulst" and "Voigt": 
  Aircraft of 19 Group reported 1507 diving U-boat on easterly course at 15.07 hours. Avoid surfacing at all cost.  You make life difficult for yourself
 
     
 
     
     
 
- 3 -
 
 
  if you are seen.  Expect reinforced air operations, carry out evasive movements.
   
21.11.44  
16.43                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  All boats in the operations area, particularly "Kneip" and "Pulst": 
  Once on return transit in a clear sea area situation report is required.
   
22.11.44  
22.17                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
22.23 Channel boats:
  Channel Islands report traffic observed on 21 November:
  Bruno Fritz 3528:
  11.00 hours 1 passenger ship, small freighter, 1 escort destroyer, all course south.
  12.00 hours 5 Liberty, course north.
  14.00 hours 1 passenger ship 12000 GRT course south.
  17.00 hours 2 LST course south.
  Bruno Fritz 3552:
  12.00 hours 2 SBT, 3 LST course south.
  12.35 hours 3 LST course north.
  15.50 hours 1 auxiliary aircraft carrier, 5 Liberty, course south .
  18.30 hours 1 hospital ship course north.
   
02.12.44  
02.26                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  Position AM 8140, 1 T V, 80 cbm.
  Traffic Cherbourg:  Independents or up to 4 steamers and 2 escorts with sound buoys from the north via 3539 off the coast to "Cherbourg".  Return convoy via 3537 30°.  Traffic from 3147 for 3552 not observed.  Defense:  Search groups on the route with scare depth charges, explosive location, saws and clanging chains.  Off approach points presumably noise buoys.  Snorkeling at night undisturbed.  Little location.
  Sank:  3 steamers 22000.  Missing:  838/15, 837/19.
 

All naval squares Bruno Fritz.
                                   " Pulst "
   
02.12.44  
13.38                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  Radio message 0038/2 from " Pulst " received with strength 2-3.  Serial number 839 settled.  Accepted content:
  Position AM 8140, 1 T V, 80 cbm.
  Traffic Cherbourg:  Independents or up to 4 steamers and 2 escorts with sound buoys from the north via 3539 off the coast to "Cherbourg".  Return convoy via 3537
  Independents or up to 4 steamers and 2 escorts with sound buoys from the north via 3539 off the coast to "Cherbourg".  Return convoy via 3537 30°.  Traffic from 3147 for 3552 not observed.
 
     
 
     
     
 
- 4 -
 
 
  30°.  Traffic from 3147 for 3552 not observed.  Defense:  Search groups on the routes with scare depth charges, explosive location, saws and clanging chains.  Off approach points presumably noise buoys.  Snorkeling at night undisturbed.  Little location.
  Sank:  3 steamers 22000.  Missing:  838/15, 837/19.  All naval squares Bruno Fritz.
 

 
02.12.44  
13.26                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  "Pulst":
  Well done.
                                                                         Your O.K.M. and B.d.U.
   
10.12.44  
22.27                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  "Pulst"
  12 December 08.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.
   
11.12.44  
22.06                                                                        "Diana Circuit"
  Return harbour for "Unterhorst" is Trondheim, for "Pulst" Bergen.
   
14.12.44  
23.53                                                                        "Coastal Circuit"
  Position 36 hours off designated meeting point with escort.
                                                                         U - 978
   
15.12.44  
06.19                                                                        "Coastal Circuit"
  U 978 (Pulst):
  Escort positioned at "Hellisøy" 16 December 12.00 hours.
                                                                         11. U-Flottille
   
16.12.44  
00.46                                                                        "Coastal Circuit"
  "Pulst"
  1)  Radio Beacon Group Bergen North and South operating 16 December 09.00 hours to 12.00 hours.
  2)  Holmengraa still out of service.
                                                                        F.d.U. West