U-995 - 7th 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
21 Dec 44	06.00 - 06.40	68°27'N, 38°37.5'E	RESHITEL'NYJ	20	Soviet
26 Dec 44	18.33	69°39'N, 39°07.5'E	RT-52-SOM	417	Soviet
29 Dec 44	15.15	68°09'N, 40°22.5'E	T-883 (No 37)	633	Soviet	KB-37
			Total = 1,070
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				======================
				"  U  9  9  5  "
				5th Operation.
				Kommandant:  Oberleutnant zur See  H  e  s  s  .
				Beginning:    10.12.44.
				Ending    :      6.  1.45.
			Distribution:   Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 2 Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine 2 Skl.B.d.U.-Op- Copy No. 3 Kommandierenden Admiral der Unterseeboote Copy No. 4 Führer der Unterseeboote Nordmeer Copy No. 5 Führer der Unterseeboote Ausbildung Copy No. 6 Kommando der 27. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 7 Kommando der 13. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 8
			Enclosures:   1 Track chart to copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 1 [2 illegible words]          "          3, 5, 8 4 Attack sketches          "          3, 5, 8
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 3 -
		10. - 11.12.44	[probably 10. - 12.11.44]	Lay time Narvik.
		14.10		Narvik (Bogenbucht, STELLA POLARIS) out for 5th operation.
		16.00 - 18.52		Ramsund, torpedo loading
		19.26 - 19.48		Trim test.
		20.00	AF 3339
		21.15		Lödingen, embarked pilot.
		23.56		Harstad, disembarked pilot.
				3.7 cm only ready for semi-automatic
		13.12.44
		00.00	AG 1115
		02.30		Passed Schwarz 25.
		03.00		Radio Message 0144/798:
				Stier:  1.  Convoy plotted 13 December 08.00 in 9410.  If no other indications, boats pass line between 8350 and 9450.  All AB.
				2.  Mohs and Hess join Group Stier.
				- F.d.U. -
		03.30		Radio Message 0155/799:
				Air reconnaissance anticipated from 06.30 hours . . . .
				Then once again boats pay attention on bearing wavelength O
				- F.d.U. -
		03.45		Operated on course 295° and highest speed on PQ-convoy  towards AB 9450.
		04.00	AB 9862	2 times each for 2 hours starboard diesel out of service.  (exhaust valve).
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, 8/10 (mist), Vis. 2000-3000 meters, 1010 mb
		08.00	AB 9577
		11.00		Since I am the closest of all the boats to the coast, and the convoy has still not been reported in the strip NW of me, I came to 180° and 2 x HF, in order to pick up the convoy on any course closer to the coast than assumed.
				Radio Message 1001/712:
				. . . .  Convoy formation 20-30 ships, 1 large carrier, 1 auxiliary carrier, 2 destroyers recognized.  . . . .
				- F.d.U. -
		12.00	AB 9487	Day's run:    Surfaced      243.0 nm
			WNW 1, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. 6 nm	Submerged       1.2 nm
				244.2 nm
		14.11 - 15.05		Dived to listen.  Because the convoy is no longer expected in the vicinity of the coast, came to course 270° and AK.
		16.00	AB 9745

Sun and Moon Data 12.12.44

	- 4 -
		continued
		13.12.44	Norwegian Sea
		16.00	AB 9745	Radio Message 1238/718:
				1.  Stier:  Reconnaissance detected convoy incompletely, no observation.  Convoy suspected more to the north.  New reconnaissance anticipated.
				2.  Large carrier located at 11.30 hours approximately in AB 94.  Since 11.30 hours numerous aircraft observed.  Undetected boats get ahead faster . . . .
				3.  . . . . Report aircraft type, especially if 4-engined.
				- F.d.U. -
		17.15		Radio Message 1603/721:
				1.  Convoy suspected between AB 5795 and 8848 at 24.00.  Group Stier strive for this as position line for 23.00 hours.  Order Eikstedt to Hess.  Emde as rear guard.  Report any sure indication.
				2.  If detection in this night by aircraft and U-boats is not successful, 14 December at lightness breaking off intended.  Until then, however, success seems to be within reach. Go!
				- F.d.U. -
				Course remains fixed for me.
		18.00 - 20.00	AB 8958	Loud convoy voice traffic on 2410 kHz.  2nd receiver greatly missed for continuous observation.  Because bearings are not possible correct operation is a matter of luck.  Lack of a rod antenna and Hohentwiel radar make themselves unpleasantly noticeable.  Held course and speed for now.
		18.43		Outgoing ßß 1843/722:
				Loud voice traffic on convoy voice wavelength.  Suspect convoy in the vicinity.  AB 8958.
				- U-995 -
		19.30		Radio Message 1913/723:
				KR KR  Stier at highest speed operate on Hess report of convoy voice traffic in the vicinity of AB 8950.
				- F.d.U. -
		20.00	AB 8949	Dived to listen to depth A -50 meters.
		20.07	WSW 1-2, Sea 1, 6/10, 3000-6000 meters, Northern Lights, 1025 mb	Saw sounds bearing 310°T.
		20.41		Surfaced.  Pursued because this was the only positive indication of the enemy.
		23.02		Dived to depth A -50 meters to listen.  Saw in 285°T, Volume 3-4.
		23.16		Surfaced.  Followed.
		14.12.44
		00.00	AB 8829	Radio Message 2341/730:
				Aircraft located convoy 22.41 hours AB 8894.  Stier operate on it.                                  - F.d.U. -

	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.44

	- 5 -
		continued
		14.12.44	Norwegian Sea
		16.00		Radio Message 1303/743:
				Group Stier:  Position line 1 14 December 24.00 hours from AB 8858 to AF 2354.
				- F.d.U. -
				Headed for AF 2354.
		18.33		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		19.00 - 22.30		Medium loud convoy voice traffic.  No report made, because boats must be in our vicinity from the disposition in patrol line.
		20.00	AF 2286
			S 4-5, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. 4000 meters, 1026 mb
		22.25		Radio Message 2128/748:
				Group Stier:  Position line 2 16 December 04.00 from AB 6776 - 9519.  Afterwards . . . .
				- F.d.U. -
		23.07		Dived to depth A -50 meters at position AF 2354 in first position line.
		15.12.44
		00.00	AF 2354	Surfaced to proceed to AB 9519.
		04.00	AF 2113
			SbyE 4-5, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. 3500 meters, 1025 mb
		08.00	AB 9772	Dived to depth A -40 meters to proceed submerged by day.
		12.00	AB 9749	Day's run:    Surfaced      139 nm
				Submerged     22 nm
				161 nm
		16.00	AB 9754
		19.03		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		20.00	AB 9752
			S 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 3000 meters, 1000 mb
		21.08		Radio Message 2041/768:
				Group Stier position line 3 17 December from AC 4567 - 4864 order:  Eickstedt . . . . . Hess.
				- F.d.U. -
		16.12.44
		00.00	AB 9493
		03.45	AB 9519	passed 2nd line in the direction of new position AC 4864.
		04.00	AB 9524
			SSW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 2000-3000 meters, 1025 mb
		08.00	AB 9374
		12.00	AB 9374	Day's run:    Surfaced      129 nm
				Submerged     19 nm
				148 nm
		16.00	AB 9372
		17.00		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		20.00	AB 9364
			SW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. 4000 meters, 1025 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.44

	- 6 -
		17.12.44	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AC 7124
		02.00		Incoming Radio Message 0125/786:
				Position line 4 for Group Stier 18 December 06.00 hours AC 5578 to 5783.
		04.00	AC 4796
		06.15		U-boat (Lehmann) bearing 40°T, 5000 meters,  Exchanged Recognition Signals.  Navigation comparison.
		07.50		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	AC 4883
		11.00		E-motor sounds with enemy course,  Exchanged Recognition Signals, name unclear.
		12.00	AC 4864	Passed 3rd position line, Continued to AC 5783.
				Day's run:    Surfaced      138.2 nm
				Submerged     16.3 nm
				154.5 nm
		16.00	AC 4911	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 14°T, 33.6 nm.
		18.56		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		20.00	AC 4919
			SbyE 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 3000-4000 meters, 1017 mb
		18.12.44
		00.00	AC 4966	Radio Message 2145/702:
				1.  . . . . . . . . 2.  Group Stier occupy attack areas.  . . . .  further Mohs 21, Hess 22, all AW.  Attack free against all ships and warships.  Remain unnoticed if possible until the first sure shot.  Pay attention to Standing Order . . . .  3.  Avoid . . . . . . .
				- F.d.U. -
		04.00	AC 5782
		05.30		Passed 4th position line.
		08.00	AC 8214
			SWbyW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, snow, Vis. 500-1000 meters, 1013 mb
		11.00		Dived to depth A -40 meters to proceed submerged by day.
		12.00	AC 8257	Day's run:    Surfaced        149 nm
				Submerged     14.3 nm
				163.3 nm
		16.00	AC 8282	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		20.00	AC 8535
			S 3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. 2000-3000 meters, 1014 mb
		19.12.44
		00.00	AC 8684
		04.00	AC 8937
			SSW 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, snow, Vis. 500-1000 meters, 1011 mb
		07.25		Dived to depth A -40 meters to proceed submerged.
		08.00	AC 9771
		12.00	AC 9775	Day's run:    Surfaced        108.0 nm
				Submerged     23.6 nm
				131.6 nm
		16.00	AC 9786
		16.43		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.44

	- 7 -
		continued
		19.12.44
		20.00	AW 2217	Reached attack area.
			WbyN 4-3, Sea 3-2, 4/10, Vis. 6000-7000 meters, 1020 mb	Because the area off the coast in AW 22 is to be avoided.  Headed to the coast from AW 21 to determine the location and orientation of traffic near the coast.
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 100°T, 5 nm.
		22.17		Dived to depth A -50 meters in the immediate vicinity of the coast.
		20.12.44
		00.00	AW 2164
		04.00	AW 2153	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		04.25	AW 2129	Detection Fliege bearing 235°T, Volume 2,  Short whistle tone.
				Dived to depth A -40 meters.
		08.00	AW 2137
		12.00	AW 2161	Day's run:    Surfaced        60.7 nm
				Submerged     31.0 nm
				91.7 nm
		16.00	AW 2137
		17.03		Surfaced to charge.
		17.30		Radio Message 1531/735:
				Mohs occupy attack are AW 2120 and Hess 2160.
				- F.d.U. -
		20.00	AW 2165
			NW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast snow, 400-1000 meters, 1024 mb, -2°C
		20.42		Dived off Nokujew, put the boat on the bottom in depth A -10 meters.
		21.12.44
		00.00	AW 2169
		04.00	AW 2169
		04.50		Faint, fast propeller sounds coming out of the Bay.
		05.06		Surfaced.  Slow small vessel bearing 330°T, target angle 180°, range 4000 meters.
			Since it cannot be made out whether it is a fisherman or a local coastal sailor, maneuvered ahead and closed on the hound's curve.  The vessel hardly stands out from the coast and seems larger  than later determined at range 500-500 meters and E-motor drive.  Because the vessel is a fishing cutter (15-30 GRT) I refrain from attacking, and turn to run off course.  At this moment the cutter stopped and then drove at AK towards land.  Because I am recognized, I decide to sink with artillery, to not betray my presence.  I believe observing the surprise attack from land is unlikely, because the coast is hardly inhabited.  Otherwise, the area can regarded as suspicious for U-boats at most. The whole thing is a not very sporting, but absolutely necessary measure in order not to be recognized prematurely.
		06.00 - 06.40	AW 2168	3.7 and 2 cm fired, hand grenades (full charge), ramming by which the cutter was forced under water.  1 man climbed on the forecastle and was taken as prisoner, in order to get any useful information about ship traffic, ice conditions etc.
			SW 2, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis 2000-7000 meters

	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.44

	- 8 -
		continued
		21.12.44
		06.40		The interrogation, which was made very difficult by ignorance of the language, shows: from Murmansk up to Swatel Noss only docks for fishing cutters that fish there under the coast. In his opinion, traffic to the White Sea ports no longer exists due to ice.  According to his observation, large convoys often went to Murmansk from the east (Kanin Noss).
				The rest of the crew (5 men) were seen immediately after the ramming impact on the foredeck, which had not been shot at less, but can no longer be made out after capsizing. Since it is not possible to swim to land due to the cold water, I ran off briefly and dove, as it has become alarmingly light, near the island of Nakujew, as the enemy will may take defensive measures if a boat is suspected in the area.
		06.49		Dived to depth A -50 meters, later put the boat on the bottom in depth A +10 meters.
		08.00	AW 2169	Boat went to periscope depth.
		11.15 - 14.30	AW 2168	3 S- or Motor Boats coming from 340°T and 140°T throwing depth charges and small explosive bodies (similar to explosive locating), each 2-3 at the same time.  Disappeared in 190°T in the Bay off Nokujew.  Good listening conditions.
		11.40	AW 2168	Aircraft, MBR 2 possible, in 325°T, medium altitude, various courses, range - 8000 meters.
				Surveillance is not associated with the cutter sinking because aircraft bombs were already heard yesterday.
		12.00	AW 2168	Day's run:    Surfaced       51.8 nm
				Submerged    13.2 nm
				65 nm
		16.00	AW 2168	Put the boat on the bottom in depth A +30 meters.
		20.00	AW 2168
		22.12.44
		00.00	AW 2168	Reappearance of the S-Boot sound bearings emerging from Nokujew Bay.
		00.49	SW 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. 2000-7000 meters	Surfaced with fading sound bearings to charge.
		02.50	AW 2128	Dived to depth A -40 meters with Fliege detection bearing 175°T, Volume 1-2, brief tone.
				S-Boot sound bearings like yesterday in the same direction,  Scare depth charges.
		04.00	AW 2129
		05.20		Sounds disappear in 200°T and 340°T.  Put the boat on the bottom north of Litzki Island at depth A -30 meters, which seems to me to be the most favorable position for monitoring coastal traffic.
		08.00	AW 2129
		12.00	AW 2129	Day's run:    Surfaced       30.0 nm
				Submerged    12.9 nm
				42.9 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.44

	- 9 -
		continued
		22.12.44
		16.00	AW 2129
		17.58		Surfaced to charge.  Ran along the entire coast of the attack area at a distance of 2 nm offshore.
		20.00	AW 2164
		23.12.44
		00.00	AW 2129
			SbyE 3, Sea 1-2, 8/10, Vis. 2000-4000 meters, 1011 mb
		00.39		Dived and put the boat on the bottom in depth A -40 meters. On the inside of the large Litzki Island.
		04.00	AW 2129	Surfaced.
		06.13		First Watch Officer and seamanship Petty Officer disembarked on large Litzki Island to determine traffic, air surveillance and collect navigational indications.  Navigation information is very poor and imprecise.
		06.22		Dived and put the boat on the bottom in depth A -45 meters.
		08.00	AW 2129
		12.00	AW 2129	Day's run:    Surfaced       59.8 nm
				Submerged     3.5 nm
				63.3 nm
		14.44		Surfaced.
		15.10		Observation team returned the island is uninhabited.  One empty fishing hut. The island offers an excellent overview (height about 60 meters) from Swjatoi Noß up to about Cape Teriberski.  No sea and air.  Litzki Island is well suited for setting up a B-Dienst station. Boats can  lie on the bottom off the island unnoticed to operate and wait for the opportunity to operate.
		16.00	AW 2161
			SW 3-4, Sea 2, 2.10, 7000-8000 meters, moonlit
		20.00	AW 2129
		20.15		Dived on the north side of large Litzki Island and put the boat on the bottom in depth A -20 meters.
		24.12.44
		00.00	AW 2129
		04.00	AW 2129
		05.00		Surfaced for Program Time and to ventilate the boat.
		06.03		Dived at the old point.
		08.00	AW 2129
		12.00	AW 2129	Day's run:    Surfaced       68.1 nm
				Submerged     1.0 nm
				69.1 nm
		15.03		Surfaced to charge.
		16.00	AW 2161
			WSW 5-6, Sea 4, 3/10, Vis. 3000-4000 meters, 990 mb, moonlit
		16.22		Dived at the old position.
		20.00	AW 2129
		21.01		Surfaced to charge and ventilate the boat.
		22.23		Dive at the old position.
		25.12.44
		00.00	AW 2129
		04.00	AW 2129
		05.00		Surfaced to renew the air.
		05.17		Dived at the old position.  Fixed periscope out of service.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.44

	- 10 -
		continued
		25.12.44	Murman Sea [Barents Sea]
		08.00	AW 2129
		12.00	AW 2129	Day's run:    Surfaced       26.7 nm
				Submerged     2.9 nm
				29.6 nm
		16.00	AW 2129
		18.01		Surfaced to charge.  Course perpendicular to the coastal route.
		2.00	AW 2129
			NWbyW 2-3, Sea 4, overcast, squalls snow, Vis. 1000-6000 meters changing, moonlit
		26.12.44
		00.00	AW 2129
		01.35		Radio Message 2341/709:
				. . . . Hess free to maneuver off Gorlo Strait and Kola Bay.  Combat enemy traffic to and from Murmansk
				- F.d.U. -
		02.21		Dived to depth  A -60 meters to finish periscope repairs (only limitedly operable.
		03.43		Put the boat on the bottom in the old position.
		04.00	AW 2129
		08.00	AW 2129
		12.00	AW 2129	Day's run:    Surfaced       80.0 nm
				Submerged     2.7 nm
				82.7 nm
		12.35	AW 2129	Sound bearing in 60°T shifting to 110°T, Volume 1-2.  In the periscope vessel outside torpedo range.  Ran towards submerged until the beginning of twilight.
		13.40		Surfaced, shadows bearing 120°T.
		14.15		Enemy lost in snow squalls.
		14.44		Dived to depth A -50 meters to listen.  Sound bearing in 130°T. Volume 2-3.
		14.51		Surfaced, pursued.
		15.36		Enemy in sight bearing 62°T, range 5500 meters, very broad target angle.  Ran from astern for a reversal shot from tube II, because it is a very bright moonlit night and by plotting the enemy runs at least 12 knots.  Enemy course 75°, large 2-masted fishing trawler.
		16.00	AW 2242
			NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 7/10, 6000-8000 meters, moonlit, 995 mb
		16.19	AW 2242	Reversal shot from tube II, depth 4 meters, target speed 12 knots, target angle 180°, range - 1200 meters, steering NNN S tube runner, ejected after 5 seconds by mine ejection gear.  No detonation.  Failure.  Probably a dead man, because apparently the release lever was not completely set and the stop bolt abutment was broken.
				Maneuvered ahead.  Enemy holds course and speed.
		18.33	AW 2261	Single shot from tube I. depth 2.5 meters, torpedo speed 40 knots, enemy speed 12 knots, bow left, target angle 75°, range 700 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.44

	- 11 -
		continued
		26.12.44
		18.34		After 30 seconds strong detonation, high explosive column, steamer breaks apart and sinks within one minute.  One prisoner fished out.
				By own observation and prisoner statements the steamer was armed with:  1 45 mm canon on the forecastle, 1-2 cm Oerlikon astern.  2 American machine guns on the bridge, depth charges astern.
				Interrogation yields:  steamer "SOM" 417 GRT from Murmansk.  In addition to fishing to the north of Novaya Somlja, the steamer was in service as a patrol vessel.  32 man crew.  The U-boat was only noticed when it was shot, whereupon steamer gave the alarm by howling with a steam whistle.  Set off before the Gorlo Strait, because we have gotten very far to the east by the pursuit.
		20.00	AW 2238
		20.11		Radio Message 1833/719:
				At Tscherny armed fishing trawler, on 21 December armed fishing cutter sunk.  Each 1 prisoner.    - Hess -
		27.12.44
		00.00	AW 2611	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 170°T, 4 nm.
			NE 2, Sea 1-2, 8/10, 6000-8000 meters, 995 mb
		00.29		Dived to depth A -50 meters in the area off the Gorlo Strait.  2 faint, light listening sounds in 295° and 212°.
		01.06		Surfaced and searched in vain for vessels up to the vicinity of the coast.
		01.44		Dived.  Sound bearing, barely shifts, still between the boat and the coast.  Assume fishing cutter, because ships can no longer proceed there due to low water depth.
				Put the boat on the bottom in depth A -30 meters off Lumbowski Island.
		04.00	AW 2335
		08.00	AW 2535
		12.00	AW 2535	Day's run:    Surfaced      133.0 nm
				Submerged       5.5 nm
				138.5 nm
				Outer tube door of tube III cannot be opened.
		15.47		Surfaced to move back and forth in position off the Gorlo Strait.
		16.00	AW 2535
		17.23 - 18.16		Submerged to de-ice the weapons.
		20.00	AW 2641
		28.12.44
		00.00	AW 2641	Dived to depth A -30 meters.
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, 6000 meters, 997 mb, -7°C
		00.35		Surfaced.  Set off to the north for diesel repairs (replacing the sealing ring between the liner and cylinder head on the port diesel), because the current is too strong here for long submerged stays.
		04.00	AW 2371
		06.17		Dived and put the boat on the bottom in depth A -10 meters.  In the vicinity according to prisoner statements

	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.44

	- 12 -
		continued
		28.12.44
		06.17		many traveled steamer routes Kanin Noß - Tscherny - Murmansk.
		08.00	AW 2246
		12.00	AW 2246	Day's run:    Surfaced       107 nm
				Submerged        3 nm
				110 nm
		16.00	AW 2246
		20.00	AW 2246
		21.08		Surfaced and temporarily set off from the coast to de-ice the anti-aircraft weapons.
		29.12.44
		00.00	AC 9797	The 3.7 cm is ready for full automatic operation again.
			SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast, 6000 meters, 995 mb
		00.33		Dived to depth A -50 meters.
		04.00	AC 9786
		04.33		Surfaced to ventilate.
		06.58		Dived to depth A -50 meters.
		08.00	AW 2217
		09.10	AW 2217	Sound bearing in 247°T, Volume 0-1.
		10.03		Surfaced after the port diesel was ready again.
				(In addition, intake valve replaced, cooling water piping repaired.)
				Pursued.
		10.34	ESE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast (snow), Vis. 4-12 nm, changing, 998 mb	Smoke feather in 182°T, range - 15 nm.  Formation and size of the convoy not exactly distinguished, however at least 3 ships, course SE, speed 10 knots.
		11.45		While going around the mine area out of sight.
		12.00	AW 2258	Day's run:    Surfaced       91.1 nm
				Submerged     12.1 nm
				103.2 nm
				Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 332°T, 14 nm.
		14.07	SSW 3, Sea 2, overcast (snow), 8/10, Vis. 3000-4000 meters, greatly changing, moonlit, 998 mb	Enemy in sight again in the evening twilight bearing 206°T, range - 8000 meters, course SE, speed 10 knots.
				1 steamer (2000 GRT), 2 escort vessels (1 Torpedo boat of the "BURJA-Class", 1 armed fishing trawler.)
				Maneuvered ahead.
		14.45		Enemy disappeared in driving snow.  Pursued by plotting.
		15.00		Convoy in sight.  T-Boat bearing 330°T, range - 3000 meters, as forward outer escort, strong zigzags.  Steamer in 295°T, range - 4000 meters, bow left, target angle 20°.  2nd escort bearing 270°, range - 3800 meters as starboard outer escort.
				Left the T-Boat on the starboard side and targeted the freighter to be able to fire at the T-Boat while turning away with tube V.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.44

	- 13 -
		continued
		29.12.44	Murman Sea
		15.09	AW 2297	Single shot from tube I (Fat I) depth 2.5 meters, torpedo speed - 30 knots, target speed - 10 knots, bow left, target angle 80°, range = 500 meters, loops left long, fore-run 2000 meters, miss. Steamer turned to port at the shot towards us (ramming attempt), before Morse traffic between the steamer and starboard escort.  Turned away to starboard at AK.  Steamer passed at a distance of 200 meters.  Anti-aircraft weapons manned.  Steamer turned into my wake.
		15.15	AW 2297	Having enough distance, reversal shot from tube V.  Depth 4 meters, target speed - 10 knots, target angle 0°, range - 1200 meters, steering WWW S.
				Steamer began to shoot with artillery and anti-aircraft weapons, but is too far to starboard.
		15.17		After 2 minutes 40 seconds extremely powerful detonation, 50-80 meters high and wide smoke and fire column.  Accept that the cargo was explosives. Aftership torn apart by the detonation.  The side of the hull of the overturned foredeck lost from sight in a snow squall (visibility 300 meters).  Many depth charges.  Refrained from further prosecution given the prevailing visibility.
				The escort vessels could no longer be seen there after the visibility improved.
		16.00	AW 2294	Dived to depth A -50 meters to listen and replace the exhaust valves of the port diesel.
		16.50		Sound bearing in the direction of Cape Gorodeski, Volume 0-1.
		16.54		Surfaced, set off to the north, because since an operation beyond Gorodeski to the south does not seem advisable to me.
		17.09		Radio Message 1517/748:
				At Swjatoi Noß a well-guarded 2000 GRT Christmas roast sunk full of explosives.  SE, 10 nm, 70 cbm, 2 + 4 torpedoes.    - Hess -
		17.18 - 17.30	AW 2291	Searchlight search out from land, AW 2288 (68°06.5'N, 39°52'E).
		20.00	AW 2227	Dived to depth A -40 meters on steamer route Kanin Noß - Tescherny.
		30.12.44
		00.00	AW 2219
		04.00	AW 2218
		04.40	AW 2218	Surfaced to charge.
		06.17		Dived to depth A -40 meters, proceeded submerged by day.
		08.00	AW 2139
		12.00	AW 2139	Day's run:    Surfaced      115.5 nm
				Submerged     16.6 nm
				132.l nm
		16.00	AW 2139
		17.00		Surfaced to charge.  Back and forth off the Litzki Island
		20.00	AW 2129
			SW 5-6, Sea 3-4, 4/10, 8000-10000 meters, moonlit, 980 mb
		23.01		Dived to depth A -40 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.44

	- 14 -
		31.12.44	Exit of the Gorlo Strait
		00.00	AW 2129
		04.00	AW 2129
		04.55	WSW 7, Sea 4-5, 3/10, Vis. 7000-8000 meters, moonlit, 983 mb	Surfaced.
		06.34		Dived to depth A -40 meters to move back and forth by day.
		08.00	AW 2129
		12.00	AW 2153	Day's run:    Surfaced        75.3 nm
				Submerged     26.4 nm
				101.7 nm
		16.00	AW 2129
		17.59		Surfaced to charge.
		18.53		Outgoing ßß 1854/774:
				Yes.        - U-995 -
				(Answer to question from F.d.U. concerning prisoner statements).
		20.00	AW 2129
			WSW 5-6, Sea 4, 3/10, (snow), 10000-12000 meters, Vis. in snow showers 500 meters, 1002 mb, St. Elmo's fire, -5°C
		21.19		Dived to depth A -40 meters to de-ice the weapons.
		23.45		Surfaced.
		01.01.45
		00.00	AW 2129
		01.52		Dived to depth A -40 meters.
		04.00	AW 2129
		06.00		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		06.52		Dived to depth A -30 meters.
		08.00	AW 2129
		12.00	AW 2129	Day's run:    Surfaced       61.2 nm
				Submerged     23.0 nm
				84.2 nm
		13.10	AW 2129	One, later another two sound bearings coming from the west, Volume 1-3.  No periscope bearings because it is twilight.
		13.53		Surfaced, pursued.
		15.02	AW 2165	Dived to depth A -40 meters to listen.  2 sound bearings 150 - 170°T, 1 sound bearing 305°T. Volume xx.
		15.17		Surfaced to pursue the 2 bearings.
		16.00	AW 2169
			NW 4-5, Sea 4-5, 4/10, 2000-3000 meters, 1007 mb
		16.18	AW 2247	Dived to listen to depth A -50 meters, because I must go around the mine area.  Enemy bears 175°T, Volume 0-1, towards Swjatoi Noß and not Tscherny-Kanin Noß for which we would now be favorably positions.  Assume speed 10-12 nm.
		16.31		Surfaced to continue the hunt at AK.
		19.12		Dived to depth A -30 meters to listen.  No sound bearings.
		20.00	AW 2297
			In SE fog banks, assume drifting ice to the north

	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.45

	- 15 -
		continued
		01.01.45	Exit of the Gorlo Strait
		22.00		Pursuit broken off at Gorodeski.  Because the enemy would have been met on course for Kanin Noß and also to Gorodeski, I assume that they are fishermen who have stayed between Techerny and Swjatoi Noß.
				The assumption is confirmed by the fact that the Swjatoi Noß lighthouse does not burn like it did during the last convoy passage.
		22.18		Radio Message 2011/787
				1.  . . . . . . . . 2.  Hess go to Point "Hans" Tromsö via Lopphavet at increased transit speed.  Disembark the prisoners . . . .  Afterwards lay at Harstad.     - F.d.U.-
		22.30	AW 2539	Return transit.  Intend to run in the vicinity of the coast up to the NW corner of the Fischer peninsula to exercise expected attack opportunities.
		22.38		Dived to depth A -40 meters to de-ice the weapons.
		23.15		Surfaced.
		02.01.45
		00.00	AW 2534
			WSW 4, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. 6000-8000 meters, 1007 mb, -3°C
		02.02		Dived to depth A -50 meters to de-ice the weapons.
		02.15		Surfaced.
		04.00	AW 2257	Dived to depth A -50 meters to de-ice the weapons.
		04.10	AW 2257	Surfaced.
		06.48		Dived to depth A -50 meters to proceed submerged by day.
		08.00	AW 2128
		12.00	AW 2127	Day's run:    Surfaced      229.2 nm
				Submerged     16.8 nm
				246.0 nm
		14.18		Surfaced.
		16.00	AC 8985	The starboard diesel was out of service for 2 hours 45 minutes (exhaust valve)
		18.29		Call from a signal station.  Moved off to the NE, before course change to the NW launched Aphrodite.  Ran further to Rybatschy, any defense that is approaching will continue to search out at sea.
		20.00	AC 8991
			SW 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10, 4000-6000 meters, moonlit, 996 mb
		20.38	AC 8949	Vessel, later recognized as a patrol vessel (fishing trawler type) in 20°T, target angle 0°, range 6000 meters with two patrol vessels zigzagging around course 200°.
				Established abeam distance for a fan.  Enemy speed:  10.5 knots determined exactly by shift.
		20.52	AC 8949	2-fan from tubes I-II (Fat I - T IIIa Fat 2) depth 2.5 - 4 meters, torpedo speed - 30 knots, enemy speed - 10.5 knots, bow right target angle 67, range - 1000 meters, enemy length 50 meters, spread angle 3, legs right long, fore-run 1000 meters.
				Unexplained miss.  After 17 minutes torpedo detonation, assume T I with impact on the bottom.
			Patrol vessels run on a straight course (210°) wit apparently higher speed towards land.  Pursued.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.45
	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.45

	- 16 -
		continued
		02.01.45
		21.13	AC 8973	Reversal shot from tube II, depth 4 meters, target speed - 10 knots, target angle 180°, range - 1500 meters,m steering NNN S.  tube runner, ejected with mine ejection gear.  Gyro failure, circle runner.  After 11 minutes 6 seconds end of run detonator.
				The enemy steered close under the coast around 280°.  By plotting enemy speed amounted to 10 knots.  However I accept that the enemy - as observed before the first shot zigzags in large legs even under the coast, which I can not see exactly when maneuvering ahead and therefore shot with enemy speed 11.5 knots.
		23.07	AC 8971	Single shot from tube IV (Fat II) depth 3 meters, enemy speed - 11.5 knots, bow right target angle 87, range - 1000 meters, legs right long, fore-run 1500 meters.  Remained unnoticed, first after the end of run detonation after 8 minutes 6 seconds the patrol vessel turned into Teriberski Bay.  Later apparently a course change to the Kildin Strait.  Continued return transit.
		03.01.45
		00.00	AC 8865
		04.00	AC 8821
		06.00		Dived to depth A -50 meters to proceed submerged by day.
		08.00	AC 8574	Day's run:    Surfaced       183.0 nm
				Submerged     16.0 nm
				199.0 nm
		14.28		Forward diving plane jams in the hard up position.
				Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		16.00	AC 8574	Starboard diesel out of service for 1 hour.
		20.00	AC 8244
		20.35		Radio Message 1858/720:
				Yesterday off Teriberski reversal shot circle runner, 3 Fat unexplained miss on patrol vessels.  Am 36 hours off Point "Hans".    - Hess -
		04.01.45
		00.00	AC 5787
			SSE 2, Sea 1-2, 1/10, 7000-8000 meters, moonlit, 1000 mb
		04.00	AC 4982
		08.00	AC 4882	Dived to depth A -50 meters to proceed submerged by day.
		12.00	AC 4876	Day's run:    Surfaced       241.2 nm
				Submerged       9.7 nm
				250.9 nm
		13.47		Surfaced for a navigation fix.
		14.08		Dived to depth A -30 meters.
		16.00	AC 4875
		19.27		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		20.00	AC 7213

	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.45
	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.45
	Sun and Moon Data 04.01.45

	- 17 -
		05.01.45
		00.00	AC 7127
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, Sea 0, Vis. 2000-5000 meters, 1000 mb
		04.00	AB 9397
		07.00	Point "Hans"	Taken in convoy.
		12.10		Arrived in Tromsö, interrogation of prisoners after disembarking to Front Reconnaissance Troop Tromsö.
				Day's run:    Surfaced      235.6 nm
				Submerged     13.6 nm
				249.2 nm
		06.01.45
		07.00		Departed Tromsö.
		12.00	AB 9929	Day's run:    Surfaced       56 nm
				Submerged     0 nm
				56 nm
		14.15		Made fast Harstad "BLACK WATCH".
				Day's run:    Surfaced       28 nm
				Submerged     0 nm
				28 nm
				Total Day's run:    Surfaced      3055.4 nm
				Submerged    322.1 nm
				3377.5 nm
				F  i  n  a  l    C  o  n  c  l  u  s  i  o  n  s  .
				===========================
			The operational readiness and behavior of the crew fully met the expectations one must have when a boat is offered several attack opportunities.  The renewed operation under the coast increased the feeling of security and inner calm of the crew and encouraged the belief in the superiority of our old type boats still existing in most of the crew.
			On board 6 January 1945
				Oberleutnant zur See and
				Kommandant U-995

	Sun and Moon Data 05.01.45
	Sun and Moon Data 06.01.45

	Enclosure 1 to F.d.U. Norm. Gkdos - 150 -
	Comments of the F.d.U. Nordmeer
	on the K.T.B. "U-995" from 10.12.1944 to 6.1.1945.
	1) An excellent operation by the young Kommandanten, apparently called to be a U-boat driver, who in every situation acted with cold-blooded correct consideration, but quickly and with aplomb. 2) To 29 December:  dashing attack on an ammunition steamer. 3) Successes:  1 fishing cutter sunk, 1 prisoner.                      Armed motor fishing vessel "SOM" 417 GRT sunk, 1 prisoner.                      1 ammunition steamer 2000 GRT sunk.

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