UA - 6th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Robert Derencin and Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	21 October 1941	Lorient	25 December 1941	66

 

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Ships Attacked

None

Note:  The positions in the Google Earth patrol chart are derived from the KTB.

 

This KTB uses the depth notation "depth T = xx meters"  Under this scheme, the actual depth was twice the depth given after T = so for example, if the KTB entry read "depth T = 50 meters, the actual depth was 100 meters.  This was intended to hide the actual depth for security purposes. This notation was used from about January 1940 to December 1941.  In these KTBs, depths written without using "T =", for example "dived to depth 35 meters" were not so disguised.

---

				Copy No.:  .  . .  .  .
				= = = = = = = = = = =
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
				of the Unterseebootes    "U A"
				= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
				War Patrol.
				Beginning:        31.7.1941.
				Ending:            25.12.1941.
			Kommandant:	Korvettenkapitän  Eckermann.
			Distribution:	2 x O.K.M. Skl.U.       Copy No. 1 and 2,
				1 x B.d.U.                            "           3,
				1 x 2.Adm.d.Uboote            "           4,
				1 x 2.Unterseebootsfl.          "           5,
		Drafted 30.12.41
		2.Ufl.    Scha.
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
			Kriegstagebuch "UA"
			from 31.7.41 to 25.12.41.
		31.07. -06.10.41	Lorient	Shipyard period.  Shipyard overhaul.  Equipping.
		07.10.41	Lorient
		18.30		Cast off from Flottilla area.  Put to sea in convoy.
		20.00	SW 2, 10/10, Swell, Vis. good
		20.38		Released from convoy at Point L 2.
		20.52		Test dive.
		21.10		Surfaced.  Departed to the south on Routes Rosabella and Rosa.
		08.10.41
		00.00	BF 6451	2 mine search boats to port 1000 meters away.  Our recognition signal was not answered.  From 00.00 hours zig zag course.
			SW 2, swell, 5/10, Vis. medium, very bright moonlit night
		01.19	Point Ceder	Course 239°, zig zagging.
		01.40		Aircraft in sight close by, possibly a Sunderland, comes from the south, flies over forward of the bow, turns up, is then no longer seen.  Because the engine sounds remain in the vicinity and are loud,
		01.43		dived.
		02.19		Surfaced.  No further aircraft or sounds in the vicinity.
		03.53	Point Tanne	UA seems to have a broad oil trace.
		07.26		Twilight.  Dived, because [the boat is] in a U-boat and aircraft danger area.
		08.00	BF 5589 lower-left
			SW 2, swell 2, 5/10, Vis. very good
		12.00	BF 5821	Day's run:  Surfaced     120.4 nm
				Submerged    14.3 nm = 134.7 nm.
		13.00		Surfaced for long wave program time.  At the same time examined the boat for an oil trace.  After surfacing, the entire boat is covered in a heavy, smelly oil film.  Forward at the level of main ballast tank 9 oil wells from both sides to the surface, that quickly spreads.  In the wake is a highly visible oil track.
				Decision:  Return to repair the malfunction.  Boat is not ready for the Front.
		13.07		On opposite course.
		14.40		Sent Radio Message to B.d.U.:  Heavy oil trace.  Suspect buoyancy bulkhead between 8 and 9.  Position 9 October 07.00 hours Point L 2.        UA.
		15.00		Crash dive for training.  Tightness test at depth T = 40 meters.  [actual depth was 80 meters] Afterwards proceeded submerged

	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.41

	- 2 -
		continued
		08.10.41		because we are in the air and U-boat danger area.
				Depth control and fire control training.
		20.00	BF 6474
		20.30		Surfaced.  Return transit to Lorient on Route Tannennadel.
		09.10.41
		00.00	BF 6427 lower right	Radio Message to UA:  Escort positioned 9 October at 07.00 Point L 2.                                           B.d.U.
			S 1, Swell, 3/10, misty, Vis. medium
				Radio Message:  Escort for UA position not at 07.00 hours, but not until 9 October at 09.00 hours at Point L 2.
				B.d.U.
		00.30		Dived.  Proceeded submerged.
		06.15		Surfaced.  Headed for Point L 2.
		08.00	BF 6184
			Calm, light Swell, fog, Vis. 300 meters
		09.30	Point L 2	Escorted by 2 fishing trawlers in fog.
		10.40		Anchored in the protection of the Isle de Groix, because of fog and harbor area boats not on station.
		12.00	At Isle de Groix	Day's run:  Surfaced     112.3 nm
				Submerged    40.5 nm = 152.8 nm.
		16.12		Anchor aweigh.
		18.10		Made fast Lorient.  Afterwards dry docked, Dock II.
		10.10.-14.10.41		Shipyard work in Lorient.  Removal of the fuel bunker leak.
		15.10.41
		13.30	Lorient	Departed U-boat base for sea trial.  Ran out in convoy.
		16.00	BF 6176	Test dive at Point L 2, until 16.18 hours.
			WbyS 2, Sea W 1, 4/10, Vis. very good
		16.36		Crash dive for training.
		17.01		Deep diving test to depth T = 35 meters [75 meters] .  Forward periscope (LZSR) [air search periscope] out of service.  Full of water.  Surfaced.
				Ran back to the Isle de Groix.  From L 2 escorted by Sperrbrecher.
		18.27		Anchored off St. Tudy (Isle de Groix), because entering at low water is not possible.
		16.10.41
			Entered Lorient	Waited for high water behind the Isle de Groix

	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.41

	- 3 -
		continued
		16.10.41
				to raise the anchor and for escort.
		09.35 - 10.13	WbyS 3, Sea W 1, 9/10, Vis. good	Trim test at anchor to check on oil trace and air blowing.
		12.20		Anchor aweigh.  Entered in convoy together with U-67.
		14.30	Lorient	Made fast Lorient U-boat Base.
				Day's run:  Surfaced     41.7 nm
				Submerged    3.8 nm = 45.5 nm.
		18.10.-20.10	Lorient	Repair of the periscope packing and the leaking emergency shutoff valve of main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank VIII.  Equipping of the boat.
		21.10.41
		15.00	Lorient	Cast off from the U-boat Base.  Put to sea together with U-106 in convoy.  Harbor protection vessel and Sperrbrecher.
		16.00	Entrance Lorient	From Point L 2 escorted by M 9 and 12 on Route Rosabella and Rosa to the south, speed 10 knots.
			NW 1, Sea NW 0-1, 7/10, Vis. very good
		20.00	BF 6425 center-left	Aircraft in sight to starboard.  Own aircraft, because sea plane.
			N 1, Sea N 1, 8/10, Vis. good
		22.10.41
		00.00	BF 6492 center-right
			ENE 3-4, Sea NE 3, 3/10, dark clear night, Vis. good, +15°C	Transit to the south on Route Rosa under escort by M 9 and M 12.
		08.00	BF 6886 right edge upper
			E 3-4, Sea E 3, clear, cloudless, Vis. very good
		08.05	Mouth of the Gironde	Point 36.  Escort taken over by Sperrbrecher.  Entered the mouth of the Gironde.
		10.45		Made fast to a buoy at Le Verdon Roadstead.
		12.00	Le Verdon Roadstead	Day's run:  Surfaced     185.2 nm
			ENE 3-4, Sea NE 3, Vis. very good, +17°C, clear, cloudless	Submerged    0.7 nm = 185.9 nm.
				In the afternoon discussed the task of escorting "PUMA".
		20.00	Le Verdon Roadstead	[PUMA was the blockade runner PORTLAND]
		20.30	NE 2-3, Sea NE 1, 1/10, Vis. good, +18°C	Put to sea behind "PUMA" under escort by 4 new M-boats via Point 36 and Route Burggraf.
		23.10.41
		00.00	BF 9314 center
			NE 4, Sea NE 3, 1/10, bright, light misty night, Vis. medium, +16°C

	Sun and Moon Data 16.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.41

	- 4 -
		continued
		23.10.41
		00.00		Route "Burggraf".
		03.00		Point "Burg".  Came to course 270°.
		08.00	BF 9148 lower-right	Escort by M-boats ended.
			NE 4, Sea NE 3, 4/10, Vis. medium, +16°C	2 He 115 take over close escort.  1 Condor aircraft passed for reconnaissance sweep.
		08.34 - 09.00		Test dive up to 09.00 hours.
		10.00		A third He 115 appears as relief.
		12.00	BF 8349 lower-right	Day's run:  Surfaced     192.2 nm
			EbyS 4-5, Sea E 4, 4/10, Vis. very good, +17°C	Submerged    1.5 nm = 193.7 nm.
		12.30		From Radio Message U-boat situation:
				2.)  Convoy detected departing Gibraltar yesterday evening.  Operation continues.
				As can be seen from the above, we must get well clear of the convoy.
		16.00	BF 8248 center
			E 5, Sea E 4, 4/10, Vis. good, +17°C
		18.00		Clocks set back 1 hour to M.E.Z. [Mitteleuropäische Zeit = GMT +1]
		21.00	BF 8147 upper-right	Escort aircraft broke off close escort at 17.45 hours.
			ESE 5-6, Sea ESE 5, 8/10, Vis. medium, +17°C
		24.10.41
		01.00	BF 7349	Steered west behind "PUMA".
			E 6, Sea E 5, 4/10, medium bright night, Vis. moderate, +15°C
		09.00	BF 7158	Test dive until 08.32 hours.  Weather is favorable for transfer.  Seas may not increase much but because then driving at higher speed into the seas will be in question.
			EbyS 7, Sea E 5-6, 3/10, misty, Vis. medium
		11.50		Radio Message to UA for PUMA:  Today air reconnaissance with 4 Condors between 43°N and 47°N to 19°W 14.00 hours in the west.  Repeat tomorrow with up to 2 aircraft anticipated.        B.d.U.
				I believe the address of this Radio Message = To PUMA - is dangerous.  According to Operations Order I re-transmitted it to PUMA.
				The Radio Message gives, if the enemy is reading our general traffic - and I take that as likely - great insight into the type and area of operations.
		13.00	BE 9367	Day's run:  Surfaced     288.5 nm
			E 7, Sea E 6, 5/10, misty, Vis. medium, +14°C	Submerged      1.8 nm = 290.3 nm.
		17.00	BE 9347 lower-left corner	The lubricating oil consumption is unusually high, especially for the port diesel.  Attempted to find the leaks and remove.
			E 7-8, Sea E 6, 4/10, misty, Vis. medium, +14°C
		19.00		Set clocks back 1 hour to M.G.Z.
				[Mittlere Greenwich-Zeit = GMT]

	Sun and Moon Data 23.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.10.41

	- 5 -
		continued
		24.10.41
		19.41	BE 9259 center-left edge	"PUMA" reports vessel in sight ahead.  Initially PUMA continues on old course and goes on course 300°, when by turning away UA suggests to him the possibility changing course. "PUMA" makes the basic error, with "UA" standing before him, therefore directly towards the enemy, of sending Morse with his very bright searchlight.
			Evening twilight
				(The signal service on PUMA is actually extremely clumsy. There is nothing to be said of the naval signal personnel.   Most cases confirm that one of the ship's officers is signaling, the normal merchant ship signal procedure.
				Each message must be given 3 to 5 times.  It takes a long time for urgent quick signaling, it is insufficient)
				The reported vessel was not sighted by "UA". It remains questionable whether or not it is an illusion.
		22.15		PUMA again goes to course 270°.
		22.30		Supercharger out of service.  Bearings damaged.  Repair by onboard means is questionable. (The work order of the boat to check the supercharger during the shipyard period was dropped by the Flotilla.)
		25.10.41
		08.00	BE 9118 upper-right	Radio Message to UA for PUMA:
			E 5-6, Sea E 4, 9/10, bright night, Vis. medium	Today's remote reconnaissance without sighting the enemy.  25 October reconnaissance between 43°30'N and 47°30'N up to 22°W with 3 Condors at 14.00 hours to the west.
		10.00	BE 8237 upper-right
			EbyS 6, Sea E 5, 10/10, Vis. medium, +15°C
		11.13		Test dive and servicing of the torpedoes until 11.42 hours.
				Up to this morning 30 cbm of fuel oil have been consumed.  Because "PUMA" has only 35 cbm for us on board, meaning this supply cannot extend operational range.
				Because "PUMA" does not run at 12 knots but between 13 and 14 knots, UA can just keep up at GF = 15 knots at 13.1 cbm of fuel per day.
				The equipping of PUMA with fuel for us proves to be too low by half.
		14.00	BE 8217 upper-right	Day's run:  Surfaced     299.7 nm
			E 5-6, Sea E 4-5, 10/10, cloudy, Vis. medium, +16°C	Submerged      2.3 nm = 302.0 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.10.41

	- 6 -
		continued
		25.10.41
		18.00	BE 8113
			EbyS 5, Sea E 4-5, 9/10, Vis. medium, +16°C
		26.10.41
		02.00	BE 7223 center	In work worthy of recognition the control room personnel have succeeded in getting the supercharger operable again.  (Masch.Mt. Kregeloh, Masch.Gefr. Grossmann).
			EbyS 3-4, Sea E 4, 10/10, Vis. medium, +17°C
		10.00	BE 7114 upper-left
			E 4-5, Sea E 4, Vis. very good, +17°C
		14.00	BD 9315 center-right	Day's run:  Surfaced     318.2 nm
			ESE 4, Sea ESE 4, 3/10, Vis. very good, +18°C	Submerged     - - nm = 318.2 nm.
		18.00	BD
		27.10.41
		02.00	BD 8365 center-right edge
			SE 5, Sea ESE 4-5, 5/10, Vis. medium
		10.00	BD 8247
			SSE 5, Sea SE 3-4, 2/10, Vis. medium, +17°C
		11.07		Test dive until 11.55 hours together with torpedo servicing.
		14.00	BD 8181	"PUMA" came to course 230°.
			ESE 5, Sea ESE 4, 6/10, Vis. moderate, +18°C	Day's run:  Surfaced     301.2 nm
				Submerged    3.7 nm = 304.9 nm.
		18.00	BD 7636
			SE 4, Sea ESE 3, 6/10, Vis. moderate, +17°C
		28.10.41
		02.00	BD 7866
			SE 3-4, Sea SE 3-4, 6/10, Vis. medium
		05.00	CD 3421 upper-right	"PUMA" on course 230°.
		10.00	CD 3621
			SE 3, Sea SE 2-3, 3/10, Vis. very good, +18°C
		12.45	CD 3673	Began fuel transfer from "PUMA".
				The taking over of the gear is very difficult in the considerable swell; PUMA also has difficulty. The people on deck are up the neck in the water many times. Naturally a midshipman falls overboard, but is quickly fished out again.
		14.00	CD 3673	Day's run:  Surfaced     270 nm
			SE 3, Sea SE 3, increasing Swell, Vis, medium, +21°C	Submerged   -.- nm = 270 nm.
		18.00	CD 3673
			SE 1-2, Swell 3, rain squalls, Vis. very good to moderate, +22°C

	Sun and Moon Data 25.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.10.41

	- 7 -
		continued
		28.10.41
		18.05		Fuel transfer from PUMA ended.
				Taken over:  35 cbm.
				Consumption to now:  70 cbm, therefore exactly double.
				PUMA gives an inventory, with the result that 46 cbm were taken over.
				Transit continued, PUMA has instructions direct from SKL to steer course 205°.  Reason unknown here.
		29.10.41
		02.00	CD 3889
			SSW 1-2, Swell 1, misty, thunderstorms, Vis. moderate to medium, +19°C
		10.00	CD 6541
			SE 2, Swell 3, 5/10, Vis. very good, +20°C
		14.00	CD 6736	PUMA goes to course 192°.
			ESE 2, Swell 2, 5/10, Vis. medium, +20°C	Day's run:  Surfaced     199.6 nm
				Submerged  1.6 nm = 201.2 nm.
		15.00	CD 6739	Released by "PUMA".  Great farewell.  Initially continued on PUMA course diesel-electric.  PUMA drew ahead only gradually.
		17.00		Officer-Only Radio Message to UA:
				1.)  For U-boat attack the currently released area includes the following areas.
				1.)  Between the latitudes from square CF 2522 and square ES 4888 the area east of the longitude of square Dora Gustav 2455.
				2.)  South there from up to the latitude of square 2757 of the large square that lies south of square ES, the area east of the longitude of square ES 8721.
				2.)  Outside these area must expect several own ships, therefore released case by case depending on the situation.
				B.d.U.
		18.00	CD 6797
			E 3, Sea E 2-3, 5/10, Vis. medium, +23°C
		18.40		Crash dive for training up to 19.10 hours.
		19.00	CD 9131	"PUMA" out of sight ahead.
				Continued to run on the same course until the beginning of twilight.
		22.00	CD 9153	Came to course 140°.  This is not the shortest course to the attack free area, this would mean too great a detour on the way to the designated operations area.  Therefore I decide to steer the more southern, somewhat longer, course of 140°.
			E 2-3. Sea E 3, 2/10, Vis. good, +22°C

	Sun and Moon Data 28.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.10.41

	- 8 -
		30.10.41
		02.00	CD 9511	Course 140°, diesel-electric = 9 knots.
			E 3, Sea E 2, 2/10, Vis. good, +22°C
		10.00	CD 9594
			E 3, Sea E 1-2, 4/10, Vis. very good, +22°C
		11.30		Crash dive for training.  Followed by depth control and fire control training until 13.00 hours.
		14.00	CD 9914	Day's run:  Surfaced     198.2 nm
			SE 3, Sea SE 2-3, 3/10, Vis. very good, +23°C	Submerged      3.9 nm = 202.1 nm.
		18.00	CD 9981
			SE 2-3, Sea SE 2, 3/10, Vis. very good, +24°C
		31.10.41
		02.00	DF 3373	Course 140°, diesel-electric, 9 knots.
			ENE 3, Sea E 2-3, 9/10, Vis. medium, +21°C
		10.00	DF 3693
			E 2-3, Sea E 2, 9/10, Vis. very good, +23°C
		12.15		Test dive and depth control training until 13.00 hours.
		14.00	DG 1716	Day's run:  Surfaced     207.3 nm
			E 3, Sea E 2, 6/10, Vis. very good, +22°C	Submerged      2.0 nm = 209.3 nm.
		18.00	DG 1759
			ESE 3-4, Sea ESE 2-3, 10/10, rain squall, Vis. changing, +23°C
		01.11.41
		02.00	DG 4258
			SE 3, Sea SE 2-3, 10/10, rain showers, Vis. changing, +23°C
		10.00	DG 4645
			SE 3-4, Sea SE 3, squalls, 10/10, Vis. medium changing, +24°C
		14.00	DG 4688	Day's run:  Surfaced     191.0 nm
			SSE 4, Sea SSE 3, 10/10, rain squalls, Vis. changing, +24°C	Submerged      3.0 nm = 194 nm.
		16.50	DG 4934	Steamer in sight about 110°T.  Bow left, target angle 90°.  Turned away, showed the stern and ran off until just the masts and smokestack are seen.
		16.56		The steamer now bears 85°T, has 2 slanted masts, 1 broad smokestack, before that a high freestanding bridge, gray paint.  Apparently a passenger steamer or auxiliary cruiser.  About 10-12000 tons.
				Target angle 90°.  Steamer shifts quickly out, apparently runs at high speed.
		17.05		Turned to a parallel course (0°).  At the moment, UA can only run at 11 knots, because when the steamer came in sight a cooling water pipe of the starboard engine had just been dismantled and was being welded in the conning tower.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 31.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.11.41

	- 9 -
		continued
		01.11.41		The engine was operable after one hour, a job that would normally have taken 2-3 hours.
		17.14	DG 4931	A rain squall moves over the boat and then towards the steamer, as a result, is lost from sight.
		17.16		Angled in on course 30°.
		17.23		Came to course 45°.
		17.51	DG 4697	Steamer in sight ahead (30°T).
				It is again transverse, bow left, and is moved well ahead.
		17.55		Because it is quite well out, must move off on opposite course (210°T).
		18.00	DG 4923	Came to course 25°.
			SSE 4, Sea SSE 4, 5/10, rain squalls, Vis. changing, +24°C	Steamer quickly passes out of sight.
		18.16	DG 4694	Pursued on the probable general course of the steamer (10°) and ran at highest continuous speed.  Starboard diesel is again in service.
		19.57	DG 4656	Came to course 340°, because up to now the steamer is not in sight again and to make a leg across his suspected general course.
		21.30	DG 4624	Beginning of twilight.  Pursuit is broken off as hopeless.  Steamer is too fast.
				Course 140°, diesel-electric, 9 knots.
		02.11.41
		02.00	DG 4692
			SE 5, Sea SE 4, 10/10, squalls, rain showers, Vis. moderate, +25°C
		02.05		Short Signal sent:  Have completed auxiliary task I.    UA
				Was in fact acknowledged, however, not repeated.
				Since the Operational Order had already been destroyed and I neglected to see the groups provided for the message,  I had to use the group above from the U-boat Short Signal book.
		10.00	DG 5754
			SW 5, Sea SW 4-5, 10/10, squalls, rain and thunderstorms, +23°C
		14.00	DG 5797	Day's run:  Surfaced     198.8 nm
			SW 5, Sea SW 4-5, 10/10, squalls, rain and thunderstorms, Vis. medium, +24°C	Submerged      2.7 nm = 201.5 nm.
		18.00	DG 8165
			SW 6, Sea SW 5, 10/10, rain squalls, Vis. medium

	Sun and Moon Data 01.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.11.41

	- 10 -
		03.11.41
		02.00	DG 8544
			SSW 4, Sea SW 3, 8/10, thunder squalls, Vis. medium
		08.00		Short Signal from yesterday sent anew, because up to now not repeated.  This time understood and confirmed.
		10.00	DG 8849
			SSW 4-5, Sea SW 5, 5/10, rain squalls, Vis. medium, +25°C
		12.45		Test dive until 13.07 hours.
		14.00	DS 3341	Day's run:  Surfaced     187 nm
			SW 3-4, Sea SW 3-4, 6/10, squalls, Vis. medium, +24°C	Submerged   1.6 nm = 188.6 nm.
		18.00	DS 3376
			SW 3, Sea SW 2-3, 8/10, Vis. medium, +25°C
		04.11.41
		02.00	DS 3698
			SSW 3, Sea SSW 2-3, 8/10, rain squalls, Vis. medium, +25°C
		10.00	DT 4115 lower-right corner
			SW 3-4, Sea SW 3-4, 8/10, Vis. medium, +26°C
		11.50		Test dive until 12.33 hours.
		14.00	DT 4184	Day's run:  Surfaced     200.6 nm
			SW 3, Sea SW 3, 6/10, squalls, Vis. medium	Submerged   2.2 nm = 202.8 nm.
		18.00	DT 4456	We have managed to reduce the lubricating oil losses.  However, lubricating oil consumption is still too high and is 4% of fuel consumption.
			SSW 3-4, Sea SW 3, 5/10, light rain squalls, Vis. medium changing, +26°C
		05.11.41
		02.00	DT 4798
			SSW 2, Sea SSW 2, 8/10, rain squalls, Vis. medium, +23°C
		10.00	DT 7551
			S 1, Sea S 1, 5/10, summer lightening, Vis. very good, +27°C
		14.00	DT 7822	Day's run:  Surfaced     240.6 nm
			SSW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 3/10, Vis. very good, +27°C	Submerged     -.-  nm.
		18.00	DT 7867
			SSW 0-1, Swell, 2/10, Vis. very good, +30°C
		19.00		Stopped for preservation work below deck until 20.45 hours.
		06.11.41
		02.00	EJ 1296
			SSW 1, Swell, 6/10, Vis. medium, +28°C
		10.00	EJ 1916	Course 150°.  Passed Cape Verde Island Antao at a distance of 40 nm.
			SE 2, Sea SE 1, 3/10, Vis. good, +27°C

	Sun and Moon Data 03.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.11.41

	- 11 -
		continued
		06.11.41
		12.00		Test dive until 13.00 hours.
		14.00	EJ 1982	Day's run:  Surfaced     199.7 nm
			E 2, Sea E 1, 2/10, Vis. very good, +28°C	Submerged     3.2  nm = 202.9 nm.
		18.00	EJ 4338
			NNE 2, Sea NE 1-2, 4/10, Vis. very good, +30°C
		19.00		Radio Message to Southern Boats:  (Officer-Only)
				Make no attacks in the U-boat free area southwest of the line ES 15 to ES 55 from now until 11 November.
				B.d.U.
		07.11.41
		02.00	EJ 5459
			E 2, Sea E 2, 2/10, Vis. good, +28°C
		10.00	EJ 5876
			E 2-3, Sea E 2, 3/10, Vis. very good, +29°C
		12.30		Test dive until 11.00 hours.
		14.00	EJ 8228	Day's run:  Surfaced     222.5 nm
			NNE 2-3, Sea NE 2, 4/10, Vis. very good, +29°C	Submerged     2.8  nm = 225.3 nm.
		18.00	EJ 8298
			NE 1-2, Sea NE 1, 4/10, Vis. very good, +30°C
		08.11.41
		02.00	EJ 8929
			NE 1, Swell, 1/10, Vis. good, +29°C
		10.00	ES 3146
			E 1-2, Swell, 4/10, Vis. very good, +29°C
			Situation Considerations.
			After passing the Cape Verdes the boat entered the actual operations area of the Southern Boats.  Further instructions for UA were not yet available at the time. The area off Freetown still appears to be sparsely traveled. U-107, U-125 and apparently U-103 remain here without success.  U-126 has, as far as is known, reported traffic, however neutral.
			In the South Atlantic at the latitude off German Southwest Africa U-68 had few but beautiful successes, off Walvis Bay however no traffic met.
			Due to the high fuel consumption for the PUMA escort task, only half of which was supplied, the action radius of UA extends to Walvis Bay.  There is no attack reserve. So going there would only be worthwhile if heavy traffic was expected, or if prior supply was possible.
			Unfortunately other areas that in my opinion appear worthwhile, St. Paul's Rocks, Ascension and St. Helena are not currently released. The delimitation  of attack areas here in the south, which directs the U-boats in poor ship traveled areas in order to keep the rest of the Ocean

	Sun and Moon Data 06.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.41

	- 12 -
		continued
		08.11.41
				for sporadic own independents turns out to be a great hindrance for the U-boats, even the western boundary at 30°W is annoying. (See the large steamer on 31°W on 1 November.)
				I intend to proceed further in the general direction of Ascension and Walvis Bay.  I expect to get further orders now and retain most of my fuel for long range operations.
		11.30		Radio Message:  Eckermann is reminded of report concerning special task.
			It was arranged that:
			a)  A Short Signal in B.d.U. Orders.  This was sent on 2 November and again on 3 November.
			b)  In the Group West Orders: a report concerning
			1.)  Further intentions of the Kapitän if deviating from previous orders (with supplement if necessary)
			2.)  Sighting of the enemy.
			3.)  Special events, combat operations.
			To all points there was nothing to report.  Therefore only a Short Signal was sent.  A message beyond the Short Signal, if nothing special was to be reported was not ordered from the wording of the order, however, apparently was intended.
			Therefore	Radio Message:  task completed 29 October square CD 91 without special occurrences.  ES 34, 185 cbm.        UA.
			The delivery of this Radio Message is very awkward, since the boat is about 500 nm from Freetown, also possibly in the U-126 operations area.  Furthermore, by using Bathurst there are good bearing possibilities and angles.  The radio message is superfluous, but unfortunately now regarded as ordered.  It is also not advisable to delay delivery, because I think it is better to transmit north of Freetown, not south closer to the subsequent operations area. One advantage lies in the fact that the B.d.U. is made aware of the unfavorable evolution of the fuel situation.
		11.45		Test dive until 12.15 hours.
		14.00	ES 3431	Day's run:  Surfaced     232 nm
			NE 1-2, Swell, 3/10, Vis. very good, +31°C	Submerged  1.6  nm = 233.6 nm.
		18.00	ES 3547
			NE 1-2, Sea NE 1, 2/10, Vis. very good, +33°C
		09.11.41
		02.00	ES 3895
			NE 1-2, Sea NE 1, 4/10, Vis. good, +29°C
		10.00	ES 6623
			E 1, Swell, 4/10, Vis. very good, +29°C

	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.11.41

	- 13 -
		continued
		09.11.41
		11.50		Test dive until 12.25 hours.
		14.00	ES 6669	Day's run:  Surfaced     221.6 nm
			ESE 2, Sea SE 1-2, 4/10, Vis. very good, +32°C	Submerged    2.2  nm = 223.8 nm.
		18.00	ET 4716
			SSE 3, Sea SE 3, 3/10, Vis. very good, +31°C
		10.11.41
		02.00	ET 7139
			SSE 2-3, Sea SE 2, 4/10, Vis. good, +29°C
		10.00	ET 7564
			SSE 2-3, Sea SE 2, 3/10, Vis. good, +28°C
		14.00	ET 7911	Day's run:  Surfaced     219.5 nm
			SSE 2, Sea SE 1, 4/10, Vis. good, +30°C	Submerged     - -  nm.
		18.00	ET 7981 center
			SSE 2, Sea SSE 1, 2/10, Vis. very good, +29°C
		11.11.41
		02.00	FE 1396
			SE 2, Sea SE 1, 5/10, Vis. good, +28°C
		10.00	FE 2725
			SE 3, Sea SE 2, 4/10, Vis. very good, +27.5°C
		12.00		Test dive until 12.15 hours.
		14.00	FE 2792	Day's run:  Surfaced     209.7 nm
			SE 3-4, Sea SE 3, 4/10, Vis. very good, +27°C	Submerged    1.1  nm = 210.8 nm.
				Crossed the Equator to the south.
		18.00	FE 5211
			SSE 2-3, Sea SSE 3, 3/10, Vis. very good, +27°C
		12.11.41
		02.00	FE 5248
			SSE 3, Sea SE 2-3, 3/10, Vis. medium, +26°C
		10.00	FE 5591
			SE 4, Sea SE 3, 5/10, Vis. good, +25°C
		11.50		Test dive until 13.00 hours.
		14.00	FE 5917	Day's run:  Surfaced     181.2 nm
			SSE 3-4, Sea SE 3, 8/10, Vis. good, +29°C	Submerged    3.0  nm = 184.2 nm.
		18.00	FE 5987	Radio Message Officer Only to UA:
			SE 4, Sea SE 3, 5/10, Vis. good, +28°C	1.)  Traffic situation in square ET 38 is not yet clear after the return of several boats. Boats did not close within 1100 ? (or 110) nm.  B.d.U. recommends approaching closer to shore and possibly also search along the coast to the southeast and east.
				2)  Supply is intended in the first week of December about in the current Merten supply area. Then operation with

	Sun and Moon Data 09.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.41

	- 14 -
		continued
		12.11.41
				other boats is planned to the south near the coast.
			Situation:
			"UA" is positioned in square FE 83 already south of the Equator.  The fuel supply is still sufficient for 7700 nm.  The route "via Liberia coast - supply place - homeland is 8000 nm.  So due to fuel it is no longer possible, as recommended by the B.d.U., to search in Freetown and the coast to the east, time would be available for 3 days.
			I intend therefore to go to the area freed by U-68 to operate there and then to be at the supply place at the beginning of December, the boat has just enough fuel for the return transit.
		13.11.41
		02.00	FE 8392
			ESE 2-3, Sea ESE 3, 7/10, Vis. medium, +24°C
		10.00	FE 9713
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 2-3, 2/10, Vis. very good, +24°C
		11.50		Test dive until 12.10 hours.
		12.15		Course 140°.
		14.00	FE 9752	Day's run:  Surfaced     184 nm
			SE 3, Sea SE 3, 1/10, Vis. very food, +25°C	Submerged    1.1  nm = 185.1 nm.
		15.00		Radio Message (Officer Only):
				To Eckermann and Bauer:
				Transmitting and attack are forbidden within 300 nm of the supply point anticipated for Bauer.
		18.00	FE 9799
			ESE 3-4, Sea ESE 3, 5/10, Vis. very good, +25°C
		14.11.41
		02.00	FM 2289
			ESE 3-4, Sea ESE 3, 3/10, Vis. medium, +24°C
		10.00	FM 2687
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 2-3, cloudless, Vis. very good, +24°C
		12.10		Test dive until 12.30 hours.
		14.00	FM 2961	Day's run:  Surfaced     196.5 nm
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 2-3, 5/10, Vis. very good, +26°C	Submerged    1.2  nm = 197.7 nm.
		18.00	FM 3777
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 3, 3/10, Vis. very good, +29°C
		15.11.41
		02.00	FM 6197
			ESE 3-4, Sea ESE 3, 7/10, Vis. medium, +23°C
		10.00	FM 6823
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 2-3, 10/10, Vis. very good, +22°C

	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.41

	- 15 -
		continued
		15.11.41
		11.50		Test dive until 12.20 hours.
		14.00	FM 6863	Day's run:  Surfaced     190.8 nm
			ESE 2-3, Sea ESE 2, 9/10, Vis. very good, +22°C	Submerged    1.3  nm = 192.1 nm.
		18.00	FM 6976
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 2-3, 5/10, Vis. very good, +24°C
		16.11.41
		02.00	FM 9366
			ESE 2-3, Sea ESE 1-2, 9/10, Vis. medium, +23°C
		10.00	FN 7428	Course 170°.
			SSE 3, Sea SSE 2, 9/10, Vis. medium, +23°C
		11.55		Test dive until 12.10 hours.
		14.00	FN 7495	Day's run:  Surfaced     166.0 nm
			SSE 3, Sea SSE 2, 8/10, Vis. medium, +23°C	Submerged    1.2  nm = 167.2 nm.
		18.00	FN 7765
			SE 3, Sea SE 3, 8/10, Vis. medium, +22°C
		20.00		Radio Message to Southern Boats:  Up to 22 November attack forbidden against independents south of the line ER 6155 to Point 140 nm south of ES 9799
		17.11.41
		02.00	FU 1165
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 2-3, 10/10, rain squalls, Vis. good, +20°C
		10.00	FU 1547
			SE 3, Sea SE 3, 10/10, Vis. moderate, +22°C
		11.50		Test dive until 13.00 hours.
		14.00	FU 1811	Day's run:  Surfaced     171.5 nm
			SE 3-4, Sea SE 3, 8/10, Vis. medium, +22°C	Submerged    2.9  nm = 174.4 nm.
		18.00	FU 1844
			SE 4, Sea SE 3-4, 3/10, Vis. medium, +22°C
		18.11.41
		02.00	FU 4219
			SE 4, Sea SE 3-4, 10/10, rain, Vis. low, +20°C
		10.00	FU 4528	Course 160°.
			SE 4-5, Sea SE 4, 10/10, Vis. medium, +22°C
		11.50		Test dive until 13.00 hours.
		14.00	FU 4559	Day's run:  Surfaced     138.5 nm
			SE 4, Sea SE 3-4, 9/10, Vis. medium, +22°C	Submerged     3.8  nm = 142.3 nm.
		18.00	FU 4589
			SE 4-5, SE 4, 10/10, Vis. medium, +24°C

	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.41

	- 16 -
		continued
		18.11.41
		20.30	FU 4838	Stopped to conserve fuel.
		19.11.41
		02.00	FU 4838
			ESE 2-3, Sea ESE 3, 10/10, Vis. medium, +23°C
		10.00	FU 4838	Course 160°, 7 knots.
			SE 3-4, Sea SE 3, 9/10, Vis. medium. +21°C
		14.00	FU 4824	Day's run:  Surfaced     52.4 nm
			ESE 3-4, Sea SE 4, 10/10, Vis. medium, +21°C	Submerged    -.-  nm.
		16.00	FU 4851	Stopped to save fuel.
		18.00	FU 4851
			SE 3, Sea SE 2-3, 9/10, Vis. medium, +22°C
		20.11.41
		02.00	FU 4851
			SE 3, Sea SE 2-3, 9/10, Vis. moderate, +22°C
		10.00	FU 4851	Boat lies stopped to conserve fuel.  The fuel situation does not permit going further south, before supply is somewhat reasonably assured.
			SE 2-3, Sea SE 3, 10/10, Vis. good, +21°C
		11.50		Test dive until 12.10 hours.
		14.00	FU 4845	Day's run:  Surfaced     10.7 nm
			SE 3, Sea SE 2-3, 7/10, Vis. good, +22°C	Submerged   1.6 nm.
		18.00	FU 4845
			SE 3, Sea SE 2, 9/10, Vis. good, +23°C
		21.11.41
		02.00	FU 4844
			SE 2, Sea SE 2, 9/10, Vis. moderate, +23°C
		10.00	FU 4841	Boat lies stopped to conserve fuel.
			SE 2, Sea SE 1-2, 10/10, Vis. very good, +22°C
		14.00	FU 4817	Day's run:  -.-
			SE 2, Sea SE 1, 5/10, Vis. very good, +23°C
		18.00	FU 4817
			SE 1-2, Sea SE 1, cloudless, Vis. very good, +25°C
		22.11.41
		02.00	FU 4738
			ESE 1-2, Sea ESE 1, 1/10, Vis. good, +23°C
		10.00	FU 4737	Boat lies stopped to conserve fuel.
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 1, 2/10, Vis. very good, +25°C
		11.50		Test dive until 12.10 hours.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.41

	- 17 -
		continued
		22.11.41
		14.00	FU 4737	Day's run:  Surfaced      0.2 nm
			ESE 1-2, Sea ESE 1, 3/10, Vis. very good, +23°C	Submerged  1.0  nm = 1.2 nm.
		18.00	FU 4737
			ESE 0-1, Swell, 3/10, Vis. very good, +22°C
		23.11.41
		02.00	FU 4728
			SSE 1, Swell, 2/10, Vis. good, +23°C
		10.00	FU 4728	Boat lies stopped to save fuel.
			ENE 1, Sea ENE 1, 6/10, Vis. very good, +23°C
		11.00		Bauer reports sinking of the supply ship at the meeting point.  Clausen and Mohr were ordered there.
				UA is 1000 nm away, too far to go on our own initiative.
		14.00	FU 4722	Day's run:  Surfaced      2.5 nm
			ESE 1-2, Sea ESE 1, 7/10, Vis. very good, +25°C	Submerged   0.0  nm = 2.5 nm.
		15.00		Radio Message Officer-Only:
				1.)  Bauer report position, course and anticipated speed of advance.
				2.)  Mohr and Clausen go to Bauer.
				3.)  UA report position and fuel.
			At the moment sending a Radio Message is not possible because there is no reception on any of the available frequencies. The possible candidate Daytime Remote Service below 20 meters is not manned in the homeland on the reception-side.  Also "UA" cannot switch to it.
				On a hunch came to course 320°, 10 knots, to be closer, if the boat is tasked to take over survivors.
		18.00	FU 4448
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 1, 5/10, Vis. very good, +25°C
		22.00		Sent Short Signal:  Position naval square FU 43.  Attempt was not acknowledged.  Control transmited in between, therefore . . .
		24.00		Sent Radio Message:  135 cbm, naval square FU 44.
				"UA"
		24.11.41
		00.30	FT 6348	From Radio Message traffic learn that Supply Ship "PYTHON" is to take over all the crew of the auxiliary cruiser and that it is intended that the approaching Mohr and Clausen will remain in the south.
				Therefore stopped, boat again allowed to drift to save fuel.
		01.35	FT 6348	Watch believes they saw a light bearing 260°T.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.41

	- 18 -
		continued
		24.11.41
				Illusion by a setting star is possible.  Ran towards for 1 hour.  Does not come in sight again.
		02.00	FT 6347	Lying stopped to conserve fuel.
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 1, 5/10, Vis. medium, +23°C
		10.00	FT 6293
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 3, 5/10, Vis. very good, +22°C
		10.50		Test dive until 12.05 hours.
		14.00	FT 6269	Day's run:  Surfaced      106.3 nm
			ESE 4, Sea ESE 4, squalls, 7/10, Vis. good, +21°C	Submerged      1.2  nm = 107.5 nm.
		18.00	FT 6269
			ENE 6, Sea E 5, 8/10, Vis. good, +22°C
		25.11.41
		02.00	FT 6292
			ESE 4, Sea ESE 4, 4/10, summer lightening, Vis. medium, +21°C
		10.00	FT 6293	Lying stopped to conserve fuel.
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 3, 2/10, Vis. good, +23°C
		14.00	FT 6293	Day's run:  Surfaced   -.-
			ESE 4-5, Sea ESE 4, 4/10, Vis. good, +26°C
		18.00	FT 6293
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 3, 6/10, squalls, Vis. good, +24°C	Radio Message:
				1.)  Bauer reports transfer completed and returning.
				2.)  Mohr, Clausen head for Kleiderstoffe area as ordered.
				B.d.U.
		26.11.41
		02.00	FT 6284
			ESE 4, Sea ESE 3, 5/10, squalls, Vis. good, +23°C
		10.00	FT 6246	Course 160°, 7 knots.  Intention:
			ESE 4, Sea SES 3-4, 10/10, squalls, Vis. good, +23°C	Delayed transit to the anticipated supply area.  The proposed area is now far south so that in case of failure return transit from there to the western France is not guaranteed with the remaining fuel supply.  B.d.U. must be aware of this since location and fuel was reported.  It is therefore accepted.
		11.45		Test dive until 12.30 hours.
		14.00	FT 6285	Day's run:  Surfaced      17.2 nm
			ESE 4, Sea ESE 4, 3/10, Vis. good, +22°C	Submerged     2.5  nm = 19.7 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.41

	- 19 -
		continued
		26.11.41
		18.00	FT 6529
			ESE 4, Sea ESE 3, 2/10, Vis. good, +22°C
		27.11.41
		02.00	FT 6834	Radio Message:
			E 3, Sea ESE 3, 9/10, Vis. medium, +21°C	1.)  Supply from "PYTHON" takes place in square 9634, of the third large square west of large square GJ.  Additionally for Merten:  supply point bears Point Bruno in 353°T, 755 nm.
				2.)  Strive for the following supply time points:
				Eckermann on 30 Nov.
				Merten on 1 December
				Mohr and Clausen on 5 December
				Supply must be completed by 8 December.
				3.)  Within a circle of 400 nm supply point of the completion of the last supply radio transmitting and attack are forbidden.
				4.)  "PYTHON" will be at the supply point daily at 08.00 and 16.00 local mean time.
		04.00		Went to diesel-electric = 10 knots.
		10.00	FT 9318
			SE 3-4, Sea SE 3, 8/10, squalls, Vis. good, +22°C
		14.00	FT 9384	Day's run:  Surfaced      165.0 nm
			SE 3, Sea SE 2, 2/10, Vis. good, +22°C	Submerged      -.-  nm = 165.0 nm.
		18.00	FT 9637
			ESE 4, Sea ESE 3, 9/10, Vis. good, +23°C
		28.11.41
		02.00	FU 7718
			SE 4, Sea SE 3, 6/10, squalls, rain showers, Vis. good, +19°C
		10.00	GF 2244
			ESE 4, Sea ESE 3, 8/10, Vis. good, +20°C
		14.00	GF 2522	Day's run:  Surfaced      204.3 nm
			ESE 4, Sea ESE 3, 6/10, Vis. very good, +22°C	Submerged     0.0  nm = 204.3 nm.
		18.00	GF 2596
			ESE 4, Sea ESE 3, 6/10, Vis. very good, +20°C
		23.08	GF 2953	Faint light glow in sight to port bearing 30°T below the horizon.
		23.11		Turned towards and ran towards.  A steamer gradually comes out, steers a straight course of about 290° and is moderately lighted.  Does not seem to have illuminated nationality markings.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.41

	- 20 -
		continued
		28.11.41
				Although UA stands inside the 400 nm circles around the supply point and therefore attack is prohibited, I decide to have a closer look at the steamer.  I consider it quite possible that in this remote area the British steamer plays innocent and proceeds with set lights.
		23.42		Came to parallel course (around 300°) and maneuvered ahead at 2 x GF.
		29.11.41
				Because it is a bright moonlit night, UA cannot go near enough on the surface.
		01.39		UA is positioned ahead of the steamer.
		01.48	GF 2832	Dived.  Steamer comes on and passes at a distance of about 600 meters.  He runs a forward steamer light, side lights, a few and faint lights on deck.  About 3 to 5 illuminated side windows.  Absolutely no illuminated neutrality markings.  The after ship is completely darkened.  Flag neither set or illuminated.
				The character of the ship remains unclear.
		02.00	GF 2832
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 2, 5/10, Vis. good, +20°C	From 02.23 hours ran off submerged.
		02.35	GF 2831	Surfaced.
				I decide to run ahead one more time, to look at the steamer after dawn.  Because the boat will then be located just within 400 nm of the supply location, I can shoot is he proves to be enemy.  I accept that the supply point will not be reached at the anticipated time, but rather 1 day later.
				Moved off on the starboard side of the steamer (moon lee) at 3000 meters cross distance and maneuvered ahead at GF.
		06.00	GF 2548	Angled in and maneuvered ahead.
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 1-2, 7/10, Vis. good, +21°C
		07.27	GF 2468	It is bright.  Boat stands about 6 nm exactly ahead of the steamer and dived.
				Steamer comes on and passes at a distance of 500 meters.  A large American flag is painted on the side of the hull amidships.  There are no further neutrality markings, additionally flies no flag.  Medium sized normal freight steamer about 5000 GRT, 5 hatches, unarmed.  Boats all swung in, stowed and covered.  Name not legible, home port New York.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.41

	- 21 -
		continued
		29.11.41
				According to Merchant Ships it may be a steamer of the City-Isthmian Steamship Co., New York.
				According to regulations he can neither be stopped and examined nor sunk.
		08.52	GF 2454	Turned away and ran off submerged.
		09.38		Surfaced.  Continued transit to supply place.
		10.00	GF 2458
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 1-2, 8/10, Vis. very good, +21°C
		14.00	GF 2735	Day's run:  Surfaced      221.3 nm
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 2, 9/10, Vis. very good, +22°C	Submerged     11.7  nm = 233.0 nm.
		18.00	GF 2873
			ESE 1-2, Sea ESE 1, 3/10, Vis. very good, +23°C
		30.11.41
		02.00	GF 5373
			W 1, Sea W 1, 3/10, Vis. very good, +19°C
		10.00	GF 6482
			SSE 1, Sea SSE 1, 8/10, Vis. very good, +20°C
		12.00		Test dive until 12.20 hours.
		14.00	GF 6738	Day's run:  Surfaced      225.7 nm
			WSW 2, Sea WSW 1, 1/10, Vis. very good, +23°C	Submerged     1.1  nm = 226.8 nm.
				Radio Message (Officer Only):  Eckermann, Mohr, Clausen, Merten.
				After completing supply set off to the east, so not cross the latitude of the supply point of UA to the south.
				B.d.U.
				Radio Message (Officer Only):
				There is nothing wrong with taking individual members of the crew of SHIP 16 on board, as long as operational capability is not affected.
				B.d.U.
		18.00	GF 6681
			WSW 1-2, Sea WSW 1, cloudless, Vis. very good, +24°C
		01.12.41
		02.00	GF 9373
			WSW 3, Sea WSW 2, 6/10, Vis. good, +21°C
		05.00	GF 9631	Shadow in sight bearing 100°T.  Turned towards.
		05.45		Shadow is Supply Ship "PYTHON" - U-68 lies at the stern and is taking over fuel oil.  Held in the vicinity of PYTHON.  Kmdt. U-68 (Merten) comes on board for discussion.
		10.00	GF 9388
			SSW 2, Sea SSW 1, 1/10, Vis. very good, +22°C	Went to the stern of PYTHON and began fuel oil transfer.
				U-68 made fast to PYTHON with a bow line for torpedo transfer.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41

	- 22 -
		continued
		01.12.41
				In the course of the morning fuel oil transfer and beginning of lubricating oil transfer.
		14.00	GF 9388	Day's run:  Surfaced  123 nm.
			SSW 1, Swell, 1/10, Vis. very good, +25°C	Continued fuel and lubricating oil transfer, along with it provisions transfer.
				The British cruiser DORSETSHIRE arrives punctually at the ordered time at the supply point (meeting point).
		17.25		Alarm on PYTHON.  2 masts and brown oil smoke cloud in sight bearing 210°T.
				Chopping of the oil hose and the towing connection happens very quickly.
		17.35		PYTHON goes on course 40° at AK.  The enemy quickly comes closer, directly at PYTHON.  As if by a miracle one succeeded in getting all of the crew on board at the last minute.
				Out of caution communications with PYTHON were however extremely restricted.
			[V-boat = Verkehrsboot - a picket boat, ship's boat]	The V-boats from PYTHON had in the mean time gathered the people from the hose and transport boats and come alongside.  27 men were taken over.
				UA was during this time made ready to dive in a hurry.  Most of the provisions which were on deck were taken into the boat.
		17.40		Course 210°, to run towards the enemy since that is the only chance of getting close.  When he sees the drifting boats, he realizes what was going on and turns off.
				Enemy comes out quickly.  Warship masts target angle 0°.
		17.54	GF 9384	Dived, ran further towards the enemy, then came to port on course 140°, to gain distance abeam.  The Engineering Officer Lt.Ing. Trieps has the boat well in hand.
		18.08	SSW 1, Swell, 1/10, Vis. very good, +26°C	Suddenly the enemy starts to zig zag and is identified as a cruiser of 10000 tons London Class (DORSETSHIRE).  At first bow right, then bow left. Enemy turns off until it is almost transverse and visibly reduces speed.  Additionally I think I see a signal.  Range about 3000 meters.  I suppose that he has seen the boats, observed the situation and must make a great circle around the dive location and shoot at PYTHON from

Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41

	- 23 -
		continued
		01.12.41
				long range.  Despite the great range I decide to shoot a bow three fan from tubes 1, II, IV.
		18.18	GF 9381	3-fan from tubes I. II, IV,
				G7e, target speed = 12 knots, torpedo speed = 30 knots, target angle 90°, bow left, depth 3 meters, range = 3000 meters, spread width 180 meters.
				Fan misses.
				Apparently the enemy increased speed again.  (Later comparison with the sketch of PYTHON, showed that the occasionally slow speed of the enemy had also been observed from there.) Moreover about 1 minute after the shot the enemy turns to target angle 45°.
		18.19		Quickly comes closer such that I decide on a stern-fan.  Speed was initially set at 20 knots.  Despite the ongoing combat the shift takes place so slowly that I again reduce the enemy speed setting to 12 knots.
		18.21	GF 9381	2-fan from tubes V and VI.
				G 7e, torpedo speed 30 knots, enemy speed 12 knots, target angle 90°, bow left, depth 3 meters, range = 2500 meters, spread width 180 meters.
				Tube VI is a tube runner, which leaves the tube after some time by itself.  The other shot also misses
				"PYTHON" is running off in about 30°T.  "DORSETSHIRE" pursues to the east.
		19.00	GF 9358	Surfaced.  PYTHON is in sight ahead in a large smoke cloud, was previously hit.  The enemy can still be seen faintly in the east. At 18.35 hours "PYTHON" received a stopping volley from long range, about 18000 meters.  He then turned to starboard, stopped, and at 18.45 hours put out his boats.  At the same time he was blown up and set on fire, and sank at 19.32 hours.
		19.20		Ran to the sinking location.  On the way to the shipwrecked the last V-boat was met.  The boat's crew was put aboard and instructed also to go with the rafts to sinking location.  Lines and buoys were prepared as rescue gear.  The mess was set up as a dressing station.   Hot coffee was prepared.
		19.30		Aircraft in sight to starboard.
		19.32		Aircraft again out of sight.
		20.25	GF 9364	Reached PYTHON's sinking location.
				The complete and unwounded crew including the crew of Ship 16 drifts in boats and rubber dinghies.

Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41

	- 24 -
		continued
		01.12.41
				Began taking over the crews.  In the mean time U-68, which had previously dived before the aircraft, approached.
		20.50		Among the first taken over, was the previously wounded Kaptlt. Kühn (First Officer Ship 16).  He hangs in his transport hammock just in the conning tower hatch when an aircraft flies from the south.  At the same moment, the "DORSETSHIRE" comes in sight again with its cloud of smoke bearing 220°T.
				Apparently he has not noticed the presence of the U-boats and wants to take over the crew of the PYTHON.
		20.52		"U-68" and somewhat delayed "UA" dived.  However because the aircraft must have seen us the cruiser does not come closer.  According to English information the presence of U-boats was "suspected".
		21.41	GF 9391	Surfaced.  Cruiser no longer seen.  Went to the boats.  The people on the rubber rafts were taken on board on deck.  There are now 104 men on each submarine, in the cutters still about 200 men.  The cutters (5 each) are taken in tow by both U-boats.
			SSW 1,Sea SSW 1, 1/10, Vis. very good, +23°C, twilight
		23.50		Redistribution is completed.  For this the V-boats which approached in the meantime gave good service.  Came to course 330°, speed 5 knots.  Intention is, to run towards the boats U-124 and U-129 and get as much distance from the sinking point as possible.
				Crew is stowed away in the boat, initially up to 24 men must remain on deck in rubber boats.  In case of a crash dive the rubber rafts will be put off and remain with the released cutters.
				In the boat room for all must be created slowly at first. The Artillery ammunition is thrown overboard to get the magazine free, torpedoes were reloaded.  Provisions stowed.  There is a huge rummaging in the boat.
				The following Radio Messages were sent on several frequencies:
				1)  19.00 hours,  PYTHON sunk by heavy cruiser at the supply point.  "UA"
				2)  00.30 hours, With Merten square 9364, course 330°, 5 knots towing.  No losses.  "UA"

Sun and Moon Data 01.12.41

	- 25 -
		02.12.41
		02.00	CF 9352	Together with "U-68" continued transit on course 330°.
			SSW 1, Swell, 1/10, Vis. very good, +20°C	Radio Message Officer Only from Merten:
				PYTHON sunk at the meeting point by heavy English cruiser.  Secret things destroyed. All rescued. Both towing.  Course 330°, 5 knots.  Position 2 December square GF 9367 at 00.15 hours.  UA and U-68 both have fuel for return transit.
		10.00	GF 6893
			NNW 1, Sea NW 1, 1/10, Vis. very good, +23°C
		11.00	GF 6868	The mast and smokestack, occasionally also the bridge, of an eastbound tanker in sight bearing 210°T. Turned away temporarily, so as not to affect the rescue.
				Radio Message:
				Mohr and Clausen.
				Request position, own position 11.00 hours naval square GF 6893, course 330°.  Keep Africa Circuit monitored.
				Eckermann.
		14.00	GF 6938	Day's run:  Surfaced      108.7 nm
			NNE 1, Swell, overcast, Vis. very good, +24°C	Submerged      7.2  nm = 115.9 nm.
		17.00		The following Radio Message not heard by UA comes over from Merten:
				To Southern boats:
				Eckermann immediately report:
				1.)  Fuel inventory of both boats,
				2.)  Length of time both boats may remain at sea with lifeboats considering provisions.
				Mohr and Clausen operate on UA and immediately report provisions inventory.
				B.d.U.
				Answer:  (Can send this not earlier than tonight)
				1.)  Fuel both each 210 cbm.
				2.)  With 11 lifeboats and 2 U-boats 14 days.  With 4 U-boats 104 men each also to Spanish port, if necessary home port.  With this prolonged diving impossible due to air supply. With lifeboats not sea capable and too slow.  Kmdt. Bruno asks return transit as soon as possible with four submarines without towing.        "UA".
		18.00	GF 6581
			NE 2, Sea NE 1, 6/10, Vis. very good, +24°C
		23.30		Radio Message:  Request Clausen, Mohr position, own position naval square GF 6549.  "UA".
		23.50		Radio Message to Southern boats:
				After meeting with "UA", Clausen and Mohr take shipwrecked on board and with highest possible speed head for home port.  Intend to send other boats to relieve.

Sun and Moon Data 02.12.41

	- 26 -
		03.12.41		Radio Message:  Mohr position 2 December 06.00 hours naval square FT 83.  Clausen naval square 9614.  Boats do not report again.  Orders follow.
		02.00	GF 6439
			NE 2, Sea NE 1, 9/10, Vis. good, +21°C
				Continued transit.  5 boats in tow, additionally 75 men below deck.  25 men on deck.  Sleeping under tarpaulins in the inflatables.  While cruising supplied the V-boats with coffee and food, so this does not cause any delay.
		10.00	GF 6127
			WNW 2, Sea WNW 1, 3/10, Vis. very good, +23°C
		12.37	GF 6124	2 masts in sight bearing 137°T, coming higher out.  Target angle 0°, soon 90°.  Enemy bow right.
		12.50		I decide to attack.  Let the boats go.  Rubber boats with 70 men put overboard.  (Were taken in tow and on deck by U-68.)
		12.55		Set off, cannot maneuver ahead for a long time because I cannot leave the boats too long with Merten.
				The enemy seems to approach quite favorably on general course 300°.
		13.07	GF 6112	Dived.  Closed the enemy on about course 145°.
		13.28		As the enemy comes in sight in the periscope it was determined that the general course is westerly after all.  About 270°.
		13.30		Ran towards the enemy on course 210° and later further up to 250°.  In so doing ran a total of 24 minutes at AK.
				Enemy zig zags between 330° and 210°.  Therefore UA only gets closer slowly.
				The steamer comes closest on his course of 300°.
				Range however was not under 3000 meters.
				Also the target angle on this course is as much as 90°.
		14.00	GF 6115	Day's run:  Surfaced      143.5 nm
			WNW 2, Sea WNW 1, 3/10, Vis. very good, +23°C	Submerged      3.0  nm = 146.5 nm.
				Steered course 270°.  Attempted to get ahead at AK on the general course while the enemy zig zags.  Gained little.  Indeed, while the target angle is sharp again the range threatens to increase.   Therefore when the enemy again came to course 330°, tried to get even closer on course 250°.
		14.59	GF 6111	3-fan from tube I. II, IV.
				Torpedo speed = 30 knots, target speed = 9 knots, target angle = 90°, spread width 100 meters, range = 3000 meters, depth 2.5 meters, 2 G 7e, 1 G 7a.
				Due to the long range I had decided

Sun and Moon Data 03.12.41

	- 27 -
		continued
		03.12.41
				to shoot a 3-fan, although a G 7 a had to be included.
				Enemy held his course until 6 minutes after the shot, only then turns within the framework of his zig zagging to course 250°.
				No hit!  Miss!
				Almost unexplainable.  Torpedoes were recharged the day before, must therefore reach despite the high shooting distance of 3200 meters.  The spread width covers a target from 7.6 knots to 10.3 knots, without consideration of the target length.  Target angle was exact.
				The steamer sighted the G 7a, then he sent an SSS-report with position (received by U-68).  Apparently he did not evade.  When he turned the torpedo was at 5500 meters, however the shooting range was only 3200 meters.
				Believe it was English "CLAN MACMAH or CLAN MACMAN, 6076 tons out of Glasgow.
		15.18		Came to course 45°.
				A new attack must be cancelled, because the shipwrecked cannot be left alone any longer.
		15.50	GF 6111	Surfaced.  Via the departure location steered behind Merten on pre arranged courses.
		18.00	GF 3772
			NE 1, Sea NE 1, 9/10, Vis. good, +22°C	Merten (U-68) with the boats in sight.  Also U-129 which had arrived in the mean time.
				Further distribution of the shipwrecked and the rubber rafts.  There are now 104 additional men on board.
				To bring up U-124 and U-129 the following were carried out:

Sun and Moon Data 03.12.41

	- 28 -
		03.12.41
				1.)  11.25 hours Radio Message on Africa Circuit:  To Mohr and Clausen:
				Send bearing signals from 13.15 hours in accordance with Standing Kriegsmarine Order 211.
				Eckermann.
				2.)  From 13.15 hours bearing signals by U-68 and from 17.45 hours by UA.
				According to his statement Clausen had passed by astern and had only found the formation by bearing signals.
				The crew was distributed such that the "Ship 16" people are stowed on the submarines in the final form. "PYTHON" crewmen were put into the cutters.  They will later be placed aboard Mohr.
				About 19.00 hours transfer of the shipwrecked and corresponding provisions is ended.  Continued to advance with U-68 and U-129.
				UA and U-68 still have 2 cutters in tow each with the people for U-124.

Sun and Moon Data 03.12.41

	- 29 -
		04.12.41
		02.00	GF 2699	Radio Message Mohr reports:  American SAGADAHOC from New York to Durban sunk.  Naval square FU 7887.  Dimmed steaming lights.  No neutrality markings.
			NNE 1, Sea NNE 1, 9/10, Vis. very good, +22°C
				From that Mohr is located at 00.00 hours about 100 nm away. The meeting can therefore take place about 07.00 hours.
		10.00	GF 2628
			ENE 2, light Swell, 8/10, Vis. very good, +22°C
		14.00	GF 2292	Day's run:  Surfaced      151.0 nm
			ENE 1, light Swell, Vis. very good, +26°C	Submerged      9.0  nm = 160.0 nm.
		16.30		Mohr is not still there. He seems to have passed by, although from here everything has been done to facilitate his finding the formation. In a hardly prudent manor bearing signals have been sent since yesterday at noon and, from time to time position, course and speed on shortwave and request to give bearings.
		17.00		Radio Message on Africa Circuit:
				To Mohr from Eckermann.
				Immediately report position.  Own position 15.00 hours DGZ naval square GF 2265, course 330°, speed 7 knots.  Stand by for bearing signals.
		18.00	GF 2237
			ENE 1, Sea ENE 1, 4/10, Vis. very good, +20°C
		20.00		Mohr is still neither heard nor seen. Although he has the order to operate on us, he has so far done nothing to clarify the situation.
		22.00		Radio Message 2155 from B.d.U.:
				Eckermann or Merten send bearing signals for Mohr in accordance with Standing Kriegsmarine Order 211 on 781 meters.  Mohr is located in square 2689.
			By this Mohr has passed by and is 120 nm behind us.  The time of the position is not clear.
				Came to 2 knots, to let Mohr overtake.
		22.30		Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				Position 22.30 DGZ naval square FU 7881, speed 2 knots, course 330°.  Bearing signals were sent for 24 hours.  Now pausing.  New bearing signals from 10.00 hours.  Request Mohr begin continuous monitoring of Africa Circuit for direct traffic.
				Eckermann.
				A lookout believed he saw a red-green light in 270°T, although the observation does not seem confirmed, evaded by steering 7 knots on course 0° for 1 hour, then on course 300°, to 2 knots back to the old course line.

Sun and Moon Data 04.12.41

	- 30 -
		05.12.41
		02.00	FU 7848
			NE 0-1, Sea NE 0-1, 9/10, Vis. very good, +25°C
		05.20		Radio Message 0410 from B.d.U.:
				If meeting has still not taken place, Eckermann send further bearing signals as ordered.  All involved boats continuously monitor Africa Circuit.
				B.d.U.
				Bearing signals were taken from "U-129".
		08.00		Radio Message to Mohr (on Africa Circuit).
				Request position.  Own 08.00 DGZ naval square FU 7844.
				Eckermann.
				This radio message was sent once again at 08.00 hours after changing frequency, was however not answered by "U-124".
		10.00	FU 7841
			NNE 3, NE 2, 9/10, Vis. very good, +22°C
		14.00	FU 7736	Day's run:  Surfaced  91 nm.
			ESE 2-3, Sea ESE 2, 9/10, Vis. very good, +24°C	Because Mohr has still not been sighted, at 13.0x the Radio Message with position request was sent once again on Africa Circuit.
			The behavior of Mohr is completely incomprehensible to me.  He brings the entire rescue operation in danger, first by the fact that food and water rapidly decrease with the useless waiting and now that the 48 hour-long bearing signal sending in this wide sea area must bring the enemy.  A position message from him would clarify the situation immediately and allow appropriate measures to be taken.  It almost seems as if he has not manned his radio station for days.
			It is with this operation further disadvantage, that the messages given on the various frequencies of the boats by the B.d.U. are not all repeated on any area frequency.  So there is no overview of what happens to all the individual boats, how much fuel they have, where they are etc.
		18.00	FU 7498	Radio Message Officer-Only:
			ESE 1, Sea ESE 1, 7/10, Vis. very good, +25°C	From 6 December 00.00 hours address Heinrich Krause, Holstenstraße 25 takes effect.  In parenthesis note after keyword Holstenstraße page 5 and for example page 6, paragraph 2 is emphasized.
		22.10		Bearing signals heard bearing 199°T.  Apparently "U-124".
		22.30		"U-129" exchanges recognition signals with a vessel in about 210°T.  It is "U-124" At last!
				Bearing signals were sent for 55 hours for him!
				The cutters were towed by the V-boat to "U-124".  The people were taken over.  "U-124" went

Sun and Moon Data 05.12.41

	- 31 -
		continued
		05.12.41		alongside U-68, to transfer 50 cbm fuel oil.
		22.45		U-129 was released.  He has 123 cbm fuel oil and can run to Lima at HF.  Therefore has enough fuel to get home at the most economical transit speed.
		06.12.41
		01.05		"UA" set off.  Because the fuel oil transfer "U-68"/"U-124" has still not ended, Merten was instructed to send a fueling group report after completion.
				Course 340°, speed 14 knots.
		02.00	FU 7491	Return transit to the home port with 105 men of the crew of Ship 16, speed 14 knots.
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 2, 7/10, Vis. medium, +22°C
		07.00		Radio Message from Merten.
				Mohr 23.00 hours.  Eckermann 190 cbm, Clausen 125 cbm.  Return transit.  After giving 50 cbm, Mohr inventory 140 cbm, own 160 cbm.  Position square 7486.  Both return transit.  Each boat 104 survivors.
		10.00	FT 6999
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 2-3, 9/10, Vis. good, +22°C
		10.38		Test dive until 13.16 hours
		14.00	FT 6937	Day's run:  Surfaced     180.0 nm
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 3, 7/10, Vis. very good, +23°C	Submerged     2.5 nm
				182.5 nm.
		18.00	FT 6618	Course 325°, to pass west of Ascension.
			SSE 3-4, Sea SE 3, 6/10, Vis. very good, +24°C
		07.12.41
		00.00	FT 3847	Radio Message:
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 2, 9/10, Vis. medium, +22°C	1.)  Transfer of a total of 260 shipwrecked to 4 Italian U-boats intended.
				2.)  Debarkation in the period from 15 - 17 December in the area of the western third of square EJ anticipated.  Therefore head for the middle of the western half.  Supply for Merten:  head for RS 40
				3.)  Transfer of 900 day's provisions to each German U-boat anticipated.
				4.)  B.d.U. expects day's run of 230 nm.
		06.00		Radio Message (Officer Only) to B.d.U. from Merten.
				Transfer unnecessary, fully ready to dive.  Provisions up to base.  Only time lost.
				2.  Rogge requests common harbor due to secrecy and transportation home.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.41

	- 32 -
		continued
		07.12.41
		10.00	FT 2633
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 3, 9/10, Vis. good, +21°C
		11.30		Radio Message (Officer Only) from B.d.U. to Merten.
				Intention to transfer to an Italian remains.  Boats must be ready to submerge for long duration, especially in the Bay of Biscay.
				To further clarify the situation the following Radio Message was sent.
				From "UA"
				1.)  Arrival in EJ 40 as early as 13 December in the evening. Have big inflatable raft.  Transfer in low sea state possible.
				2.)  Clausen has only "PYTHON" people
				3.)  Merten has Heinrich Krause, Holstenstraße.
		14.00	FT 2325	Day's run:  Surfaced     313.2 nm
			SSE 3, Sea SSE 3, 8/10, Vis. very good, +24°C	Submerged   - - -  nm
				313.2 nm.
		18.00	FM 8866	The mood with the shipwrecked has warmed up very well.
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 3, 5/10, Vis. very good, +24°C	The bearing of people from "Ship 16" is exemplary.  The rooms in the boat are occupied as follows:
				UA Ship 16 Total Bow room: 16 47 63 Officer's mess:   9   5 14 Ammunition magazine: --   9   9 Control room:   5 --   5 Petty Officers room: 10 15 25 Stern room: 15 29 44   55 105  160    = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
				The air is satisfactory with the diesel during surface cruise.  Even just before awakening CO² was not measurable in the rooms. When diving, the CO² content increased rapidly and after 1 hour reached 1.8% in the bow.
		23.20		Came to course 315°, to pass Ascension at an adequate distance.
		08.12.41
		02.00	FM 8198
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 3, 9/10, Vis. good, +24°C
		06.00		Radio Message:  From the evening of 7 December a state of war exists between Japan and the U.S.A.
		10.00	FM 4955
			SE 3, Sea SE 2, 10/10, Vis. good, +24°C
		11.50		Test dive until 12.25 hours.
		14.00	FM 4833	Day's run:  Surfaced     291.2 nm
			SE 3, Sea SE 2, 8/10, Vis. very good, +25°C	Submerged     2.2  nm
				293.4 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.41

	- 33 -
		continued
		08.12.41
		18.00	FM 4519
			E 2, Sea E 2, 6/10, Vis. very good, +26°C
		22.00	FM 4156	Course 336°.
		09.12.41
		02.00	FM 1772
			E 3, Sea E 2, 2/10, Vis. very good, +24°C
		10.00	FL 3382
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 1-2, 9/10, Vis. very good, +26°C
		14.00	FE 7977	Day's run:  Surfaced     310.5 nm
			E 3, Sea E 2, 2/10, Vis. very good, +29°C	Submerged     --- nm
				310.5 nm.
		18.00	FE 7823
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 1, 2/10, Vis. very good, +29°C
		20.30	FE 7500	Passed the sinking location of "Ship 16".  Brief remembrance.
		10.12.41
		02.00	FE 7135
			E 2, Sea E 1-2, 4/10, Vis. good, +24°C
		06.00		Radio Message to Southern Boats:
				English gave U-boat warning today for area of naval square FM 19 at 19.19 hours.
				Assuming the time of the sighting was 16.00 hours, "UA" was located 280 nm north-west, so it is hardly in question.
		10.00	FE 4441	Radio Message concerning Standing Order No. 14.
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 1, 8/10, Vis. very good, +23°C
		12.00		Test dive until 12.45 hours.
		14.00	FD 6367	Day's run:  Surfaced     308.5 nm
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 2, 5/10, Vis. very good, +27°C	Submerged     2.4 nm
				310.9 nm.
		17.45	FD 3988	Mastheads of a southbound steamer in sight bearing 87°T.
		18.00	FD 3987
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 2, 4/10, Vis. very good
		19.33	FD 6319	Steamer steers on a straight course of 215°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  Boat is positioned ahead of the steamer.  Dived, ran towards him.  Again a neutral!  It is thought to be the 2900 ton Spanish "MONTE ALBERTIA" from Bilbao.  Well marked.  In accordance with orders did not stop.  Ran off submerged.
		20.32		Surfaced.  Continued transit.
		23.14		Passed the Equator to the north.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.41

	- 34 -
		11.12.41
		02.00	FD 3831
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 2, 5/10, Vis. good, +27°C
		10.00	FD 3135
			SE 3, Sea SE 2, 6/10, Vis. very good, +27°C
		14.00	ES 9728	Day's run:  Surfaced     297.0 nm
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 1, 9/10, Vis. very good, +29°C	Submerged     2.4 nm
				299.4 nm.
		18.00	ES 9441
			ESE 2, Sea ESE 2, 7/10, Vis. good, +28°C
		21.30		Radio Message to Eckermann.
				1.)  Report position, day's run, arrival in objective square.
				2.)  Report if 4 boats are proceeding together and information about last position, day's run and arrival of the boats in the same square for transfer.
			This Radio Message almost gives the impression that B.d.U. has not received our message of 7 December.  The Radio Message was acknowledged and repeated 2 times correctly.
				Radio Message to B.d.U. from Eckermann:
				Independent transit square ES 83, day's run 300, arrival 14 December 00.00 hours.  Last common position 6 December 00.00 hours naval square FU 7498.  Other day's runs unknown.  Estimate 260 nm.
		12.12.41
		02.00	ES 5954
			NNE 4, Sea NNE 4, 9/10, Vis. medium, +26°C
		10.00	ES 5291
			NE 3, Sea NE 2, 9/10, Vis. good, +27°C
		14.00	ES 2881	Day's run:  Surfaced     316.6 nm
			NE 3, Sea NE 2, 9/10, Vis. good, +26°C	Submerged      --- nm
				316.6 nm.
		18.00	NE 4, Sea NE 3, 6/10, Vis. good, +28°C
		13.12.41
		02.00	ES 2151	Radio Message (Officer Only) to Southern Boats.
			NE 4, Sea NE 3, 6/10, squalls, rain showers, Vis. medium, +26°C	1.)  Meeting point Eckermann with "TORELLI" on 14 December from 14.00 in EJ 14.
				2.)  Following meeting points intended.  Clausen with "FINZI" on 15 mid day on the latitude of EJ 14.  Merten with "TAZZOLI" morning 16 December on the latitude of DT 78.  Mohr with "CALVI" morning 16 December on the latitude of DT 16.  Details follow.
				3.)  Transfer:  Eckermann 50 men.  Remaining boats 70 men.
				4.)  Report completion by Short Signal after passing the latitude of DT 25.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.41

	- 35 -
		continued
		13.12.41		5.)  Orders concerning behavior at the meeting point follow.
		10.00	EJ 7695
			NE 4, Sea NE 3, 5/10, Vis. medium, +27°C
		14.00	EJ 7385	Day's run:  Surfaced       292 nm
			NE 5, Sea NE 4, 2/10, Vis. moderate, +26°C	Submerged     --- nm
				292 nm.
				Radio Message to Southern Boats.
				Regarding recognition signal change as early as 12.00 D.G.Z.
		18.00	EJ 7315	Radio Message (Officer Only) to Southern Boats.
			NE 5, Sea NE 4, 4/10, Vis. moderate, +25°C	If not together at meeting point place 48 hours after given time point, Southern boats send bearing signals for Italian U-boats on allocated frequency from 30 to 35 minutes each hour five figure letter group with interspersed five figure arbitrary number group, which adds up to the allocated reference number, UA frequency 852 meters, reference number 21, U-68 frequency 756 meters, reference number 26, U-124 frequency 686 meters, reference number 29, U-129 frequency 647 meters, reference number 31.  If after a further 24 hours meeting is not successful, report by Short Signal.
				B.d.U.
		14.12.41
		02.00	EJ 4583
			NE 5, Sea NE 4, 5/10, Vis. low, +24°C
		10.00	EJ 1877
			NE 4, Sea NE 4, 10/10, Vis. good, +22°C
		14.00	EJ 1739	Day's run:  Surfaced       264.6 nm
			NE 4, Sea NE 4, 5/10, Vis. 5/10, Vis. good, +23°C	Submerged     --- nm
				264.6 nm.
				Due to the heavy Trade Wind and own damage in the engines the boat has been delayed a bit.
		17.20	EJ 1455	U-boat in sight 30 mils to port.  Turned towards.  Recognition signals exchanged.  Italian.  Large rubber boat launched.  55 men transferred to the Italian U-boat "TORELLI" (Kommandant: Korv.Kapt. de Giacomo).  Provisions and lubricating oil taken over.
		18.00	EJ 1455
			NE 3, Sea NE 4, 7/10, Vis. good, +24°C
				The Italians are extremely accommodating and warm. The big rubber boat proves itself extremely well.
		21.40	EJ 1446	Transfer ended.
				Large rubber boat recovered.
		23.00		Course 20°.  Began return transit.
				There are still 50 men of the crew of "Ship 16" on board.  The distribution

	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.41

	- 36 -
		continued
		14.12.41		in the boat is:
				UA Ship 16 Total Bow room: 16 24 40 Officer's mess:   7   3 10 Ammunition magazine:   4   2   6 Petty Officers room: 11   8 19 Engineering Officer's locker: 2 - 2 Stern room: 15 13 28   55 50  105
		15.12.41
		02.00	EJ 1188
			NE 3, Sea NE 3, 8/10, Vis. moderate, +23°C
		10.00	DT 7841
			NE 3, Sea NE 2, 5/10, Vis. good, +21°C	Speed diesel-electric 9 knots due to work on the engines.
		11.50		Test dive until 12.15 hours.
		14.00	DT 7557	Day's run:  Surfaced      235.1 nm
			NE 3, Sea NE 2. 4/10, Vis. very good, +24°C	Submerged      0.6 nm
				235.7 nm.
		18.00	DT 7289	A piston in the port engine is damaged.  Apparently burned through.  Was switched off and run idle.
			NE 3, Sea NE 2, 2/10, Vis. very good, +24°C
		16.12.41
		02.00	DT 4944
			NE 2, Sea NE 1, 1/10, Vis. medium, +22°C
		10.00	DT 4631
			NE 2, Sea NE 1, 3/10, Vis. very good, +23°C
		14.00	DT 4363	Day's run:  Surfaced      248.7 nm
			NE 2, Swell 1, 3/10, Vis. very good, +22°C	Submerged      --- nm
				248.7 nm.
		18.00	DT 2743
			ESE 1, Swell 1, 2/10, Vis. very good, +25°C
		17.12.41
		02.00	DT 2169	Radio Message Short Signal:  Have completed additional task II.
			NW 1, Sea NW 2, squalls, 9/10, rain showers, Vis. moderate, +21°C
				"UA".
		08.00		Radio Message  Ulli Anton reports:  Additional task completed.  In area DH 40 expect the presence of Italian U-boats.
		10.00	DG 9694
			SSE 2, Sea SSE 1, 10/10, rain squalls, Vis. medium, +16.5°C

	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.41

	- 37 -
		continued
		17.12.41
		14.00	DH 7177	Day's run:  Surfaced      301.1 nm
			NW 1-2, Sea NW 1, 2/10, Vis. very good, +19°C	Submerged      --- nm
				301.1 nm.
		18.00	DH 7116	Lubricating oil consumption is concerning.  The boat still has 3500 liters, this is enough for 6-7 days at current consumption.
			SE 1, Sea SE 1, 3/10, Vis. very good, +21°C
		18.12.41
		02.00	DH 4438
			SE 1, Sea SE 1, 2/10, Vis. medium, +21°C
		10.00	DH 1854
			NE 2-3, Sea NE 2, 9/10, squalls, rain, Vis. medium, +18°C
		11.50		Test dive until 12.20 hours.  Thereafter, course 30°.
		14.00	DH 1595	Day's run:  Surfaced      292.2 nm
			SE 3, Sea SE 3, 8/10, rain squalls, Vis. medium, +18°C	Submerged     1.1 nm
				293.3 nm.
		18.00	DH 1612
			ENE 3, Sea ENE 2-3, 7/10, Vis. moderate, +17°C
		20.25	DH 1355 lower-left	Smoke cloud in sight bearing 330°T.  Turned towards.  Came to course 280° and closed.  On approaching the bright steaming lights of the ship shine on the evening horizon, then numerous other lights.  Ship has smokestack aft.  Target angle about 220-240°.  Steamer is tuning on 600 meters.  However, it is excluded that he has seen "UA" against the dark rain shrouded evening sky.  "UA" settles slowly astern.  Can only run at 2 x HF due to lubricating oil.
		xx.24	DH 1351	Pursuit broken off due to lubricating oil situation.  Continued return transit.
		19.12.41
		02.00	CF 8864
			ESE 3, Sea ESE 2, 8/10, Vis. moderate, rain squalls
		10.00	CF 8622
			SE 3, Sea SE 2, 8/10, Vis. medium, +15°C
		14.00	CF 8363
			ENE 4, Sea ENE 3, 7/10, Vis. good, +14°C
		15.30		Radio Message:  On outbound and return transit avoid naval squares BF 74 to 78 because of heavy U-boat danger.
				B.d.U.
		18.00	CF 6749
			ENE 3-4, Sea ENE 3, 4/10, Vis. very good, +16°C

	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.41

	- 38 -
		20.12.41
		02.00	CF 6511
			ENE 2-3, Sea ENE 2, 4/10, Vis. good, +14°C
		10.00	CF 3869
			E 3, Sea E 2, 8/10, Vis. very good, +12°C
		12.00		Radio Message to Eckermann and Merten.
				1.)  Today at 20.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.
				2.)  In naval square CF 50 one north and one southbound convoy each were sighted.  Do not operate on them.
		14.00	CF 3679	Day's run:  Surfaced      273.5 nm
			E 3, Sea E 2, 7/10, Vis. very good, +14°C	Submerged       --- nm
				273.5 nm.
		18.00	CF 3634
			E 3, Sea E 2, 9/10, Vis. very good, +12°C
		21.12.41
		02.00	BE 9874
			E 3, Sea E 3, 9/10, Vis. low, +12°C
		10.00	BE 9561
			ENE 4, Sea ENE 3, 9/10, Vis. good, +11°C
		10.40		Test dive until 11.10 hours.
		11.30		Radio Message to Eckermann, Merten, Mohr and Clausen:
				1.)  Return harbor is St. Nazaire.
				2.)  Eckermann and Merten report anticipated arrival date by Flottilla Short Signal.
		14.00	BE 9371	Day's run:  Surfaced      261.3 nm
			ENE 4, Sea ENE 3, 9/10, Vis. good, +11°C	Submerged     1.7 nm
				263.0 nm.
		15.00		Course change to 73°.
		17.00		Advanced clocks by 1 hour to M.E.Z.
		17.00	BE 9354	Dived.  Proceeded submerged because we have crossed 12°W to the east.
			ENE 4, Sea ENE 3, 9/10, Vis. good, +11°C
		19.15		Surfaced.
		22.18		Short Signal:  On the morning of the 24 day of the current month.
				"UA".
		22.12.41
		01.00	BF 7126
			E 4, Sea E 3, 10/10, Vis. low, +9°C
		09.00	BF 4869
			E 3, Sea E 3, 7/10, Vis. medium, +9°C
		09.20		Twilight.  Dived to proceed submerged.
		13.00	BF 4947	Day's run:  Surfaced      186.7 nm
				Submerged    15.8 nm
				202.5 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.41

	- 39 -
		continued
		22.12.41
		13.30		Radio Message:  Eckermann and Merten.
				Announcement in accordance with operations Order 45 V a 9 is reminded.
		16.00
		19.30		Surfaced.
		20.00	BF 4958	Short Signal:  Position in 36 hours off return harbor.
			E 3, Sea E 2, 8/10, Vis. good, +10°C	"UA".
		21.00		Radio Message:   Eckermann be off return harbor at 07.00 hours on 24 December.
				B.d.U.
		23.12.41
		00.00	BF 4963
			E 3, Sea E 3, 7/10, Vis. medium, +9°C
		08.00	BF 5815	Radio Message:  Escort for "UA" positioned on 24 December at 08.00 hours at Point N 1.
			ESE 1-2, Sea ESE 1, 8/10, rain showers, misty, Vis. medium, +7°C
		09.30		Twilight.  Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	BF 5835	Day's run:  Surfaced      128.0 nm
				Submerged    21.5 nm
				149.5 nm.
		12.25		Surfaced to observe and to ventilate until 12.45 hours.
		16.00	BF 5831 lower left edge	Several detonations at long range.
			E 1, Sea E 1, 8/10, Vis. very good, +10°C
		17.15		Radio Message (Officer Only).  A suspected mined area exists in naval square BF 5519 and 5527.  Avoid area by a circle of 10 nm.
		19.30	BF 6477	Surfaced.
		20.00		U-boat in sight ahead.  Recognition signals exchanged.
		21.00		Short Signal:  Request Radio Beacon Group 6.
				"UA".
		21.50		Radio Message:  Radio Beacon Belle Ile and Ile de Yen operate for Eckermann from 24.00 hours.
		24.12.41
		00.00	BF 6458	Radio Message:  Eckermann and Merten 24 December at 09.00 hours be at Point N 1 for convoy intake.  From St. Nazaire immediate further movement anticipated.
			E 1, Sea E 1, 4/10, Vis. medium, +9°C
				Radio Message:  To 7. U-Flottille.  Need 0.9 cbm lubricating oil.
				"UA".
		00.00		Passed Point Ceder.
		03.00		Reached Point N 1.  Back and forth in position.  The Radio Beacon Belle Ile and Ile de Yen are very unfavorable for navigation off St. Nazaire.
		08.00	BF 6462
			Calm, Sea calm, 6/10, Vis. moderate, +6°C
		09.30		Escort vessels in sight.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.41

	- 40 -
		continued
		24.12.41
		12.00	St. Nazaire	Day's run:  Surfaced      123.3 nm
			E 1, Sea -/-, 6/10, Vis. medium, +7°C	Submerged    19.8 nm
				143.1 nm.
		12.20		Together with "U-68" and "U-581" entered St. Nazaire.  Made fast in the Bassin de Penhoet.  Transferred the rescued of "Ship 16".
				Welcome by Admiral Lindau.
				Lubricating oil and provisions supply.
		17.45		Ran out of St. Nazaire in convoy together with "U-68"
				Ran to the north on the Coastal Route, Rosa, Rosabella.
		20.00	BF 6439
			WNW 2, NW 1, 9/10, Vis. medium, +14°C
		25.12.41
		00.00	BF 6184
			NW 2, Sea NW 1, 9/10, Vis. medium, +10°C
		01.50	BF 6176 center-right	Dived.  Put the boat on the bottom.  Depth T = 35 meters. [70 meters]
		06.30		Surfaced.
		08.00	BF 61	Anchored Point L 1.
			NW 1, Sea NW 1, 9/10, Vis. medium, +10°C
		09.00		Raised anchor.  Ran in convoy.
		10.45		Made fast Lorient.
				Remaining day's run:  Surfaced      106.5 nm
				Submerged      2.6 nm
				109.1 nm.
			Completed, 25 December 1941.
				Korvettenkapitän
				and Kommandant.
			Sea days:	66
			Total distance covered:       12648.1 nm Surfaced
				163.3 nm Submerged
				12811.4 nm
				= = = = = =

	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.41

	- 41 -
			General Experiences:                                   = = = = = = = = = =     1.) The Southern area at and west of Cape Town appear very promising. 2.) In the Southern area U-boats operating together or positioned together must ensure reception by day on one shortwave receiver even if Control is not heard so that a quick message exchange in urgent cases (for example KR messages) is ensured.  The use of all suitable frequencies for communication with the B.d.U. remains unaffected. Though the B.d.U. Radio Center repeated all appropriate Radio Messages from the Southern area on the area frequency. For the U-boats, it is always beneficial, and in my opinion, also important to be well informed as possible about the other boats in the area. 3.) Supply Ship.  The outfitting was advantageously carried out by a B.d.U. service center, and not by the Supply Ship Organization. Despite best intentions this is too rigid. (For example, "PYTHON", although coming from southern France and equipped with refrigeration, had no fruit on board.  The Captain complained about lack of information before the trip. Supply and meeting place must be far apart to avoid surprise in case of compromise.  For this purpose, the individual supply operations must be well separated.           The hoses etc. still have to fit better and be provided with quick release fittings. Currently the making and breaking of the seals takes much too long.   Important for surprises! 4.) Inflatable boat.  The large supply rubber boat of "PYTHON" was taken and proved itself excellently. It is proposed to equip all U-boats and store the boat in a quick-to-use canister on deck.

	Enclosures to UA's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Sketch1	Sketch of action on 28 November 1941
Sketch2	Sketch of action on 1 December1941
Sketch3	Sketch of action on 3 December 1941

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U A" from 31.7. - 25.12.1941.
	-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
	The Kommandant had shown little luck and skillon his previous patrol, which in part explains the failures.
	- Sustained bad luck with all offensive operations is improbable. - If for example on this patrol, the Kommandant decides to attack a steamer sighted during the rescue operation, then it is obvious that this attack is only undertaken if the situation is favorable for it.  Not however, to refrain from maneuvering ahead so as not to leave the boats alone so long.  At sea state 1 to shoot a 3-fan in which 1 Ato is included, plus a 3000 meter range where the enemy is certain to see the bubble track, is seen from the beginning as having little chance of success.
		Signed in draft    Dönitz
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		The Chief of the Operations Department

---

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