F.d.U./B.d.U.'S War Log

1 - 15 April 1942

PG30306a

     
     
 
1.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DG 16
U 124
- CD 81
U 252
- AN 23
U 571
- Op(CA 50)
 
68
- ET 82
129
- BE 94
332
- CD 23
572
- CB 66
 
71
- Op(am. Küste)
130
- CF 73
333
- BF 57
575
- BE 76
 
84
- CC 58
135
- BF 54
373
- BC 44
576
- BF 48
 
85
- BC 97
136
- BE 51
402
- BE 59
582
- CE 17
 
86
- BE 49
154
- DP 34
404
- BF 44
654
- CD 31
 
94
- BF 54
160
- Op(am. Küste)
459
- AN 28
701
- BF 60
 
98
- BF 67
161
- BF 54
504
- BF 64
752
- DE 69
 
105
- CB 89
201
- BE 45
505
- Op(Freetown)
754
- Op(CA 50)
 
108
- BF 57
202
- CB 65
552
- Op(CA 50)
A
- CC 48
 
109
- BE 73
203
- CB 15
553
- BF 64
   
 
123
- Op(am. Küste
   
569
- BF 57
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 94 - 105 - 124 - 129 - 135 - 161 - 332 - 373 - 404 - 504 - 553 - 569 - 701.
  Sailed:  U 701 - Brest;  U 553 - St. Nazaire;  U 504 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) Position of tanker "Ocama" (6,256 BRT) in CB 1699.  S.S. "Goderich" searching in the same area.  Ship is to be towed to "Shelburne".
    2) Torpedo report from "Loch Don" (5,400 BRT) in CB 8345.
    3) SSS reports in CA 8148 and CA 7698 (tanker "Albert E. Watts" (7,138 BRT).  Tanker "Liebre" fired on by U-boat in DC 1130.
    4) Warning to shipping:  There are obstructions at the entrances to St. Thomas.  Ships are to enter only by day.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 154 operations area:  St. Thomas - Mona - Windwards Passage.
  c) U 582 at rendezvous for convoy duty.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General Situation:
    
U-boats as of 1.4.1942
       
- 1 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
I. Total number in commission (excluding foreign boats):
   
On 1.3.1942
271
   
Commissioned in March
17
   
 
288
   
Losses in March
4
   
 
284
   
*Losses in March:
   
U 133
Mohr,
  experienced boat with new C.O.  Hit own minefield off Salmis.  Total loss.
U 656
Kroening,
  new boat, last report 24.2 west Atlantic, nothing known of cause of loss.
U 587
Borcherdt,
  lost presumably at the end of March in the central Atlantic during a convoy attack.
U 503
Gericke,
  last report 10.3 from central Atlantic (damage to upper deck), nothing known of cause of loss.
     
II. Boats are distributed as follows: (boats in Heligoland counted as front-line):
 
II
VIIa
VIIb/c
VIId
IXb/c
IXD
Xb
XIV
 
Front-line:
-
-
89
1
29
-
-
1
120 plus UA
Trials:
-
-
70
5
23
1
3
3
107
Training:
40
4
11
-
2
-
-
-
57
 
40
4
170
6
54
1
3
4
284
     
III. During March:
 
total number of boats increased by
13
  boats
number of front-line boats increased by
9
      "
Number of boats on trials increased by
4
      "
The number of training boats etc. has remained the same.
       
IV. The front-line boats were distributed as follows on 1.4.42:
    
Atlantic 80
Mediterranean 20
Norway area 20
       
V. During March in the Atlantic:
    There was a daily average of 47.7 boats at sea, of which 9 were operational in operations areas.
    34.7 on their way out .
    20.3 on return passage.
       
VI. During March the following boats put to sea:
    
From home:
14
boats
From western France
28
boats
 
 
- 2 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
2.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DG 42
U 124
- CD 83
U 332
- CD 32
U 576
- BE 69
 
68
- ET 51
129
- BF 71
333
- BF 48
582
- CD 68
 
71
- Op(am. Küste)
130
- CF 78
373
- CC 54
654
- CD 22
 
84
- CC 48
135
- BF 50
402
- BE 81
752
- BE 67
 
85
- CD 21
136
- BE 42
404
- BF 49
754
- Op(CA 50)
 
86
- BE 47
154
- DP 52
459
- AF 79
A
- CC 48
 
94
- BF 50
160
- Op(am. Küste)
505
- Op(Freetown)
   
 
98
- BF 49
161
- BF 50
552
- Op(CA 50)
   
 
105
- CB 99
201
- BD 66
569
- BF 50
   
 
108
- BF 48
202
- CB 58
571
- Op(CA 50)
   
 
109
- BE 71
203
- CA 39
572
- CB 91
   
 
123
- Op(am. Küste)
252
- AF 71
575
- BD 83
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 373 - 161 - 129 - 68 - 94 - 404 - 332 - 124 - 135 - 105 - 569.
  Sailed:  - . -  
  Entered Port:  U 161 - Lorient;  U 94 - St. Nazaire;  U 569 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 402 reported at 2130 2 destroyers on a NE course at high speed in BE 7652.
  b) None.
  c) 1) SSS from British S.S. "Foundation Aranmore" from CB 12, from S.S. "Brilliant" (9,132 BRT) in CA 7985, "Esso Augusta"  (11,650 BRT) in CA 79, "Walter Jennings" (9,564 BRT) in CA 8173, "Atwater" (2,438 BRT) off Cape Henery, "Nevada" (1,685 BRT) in CA 7349 (being fired on).
    2) Admiralty warning for CB 8343.  A/c attacked U-boat with D/C's at 1640.  No exact position.  SSS from S.S. David in CA 5564.  Being attacked by U-boat.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c) U 582's convoy operation probably according to plan.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success: None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- 3 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
3.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DF 69
U 124
- CD 93
U 333
- BE 92
U 582
- CD 65
 
68
- ET 15
129
- BF 57
373
- CC 54
654
- CD 15
 
71
- Op(CA)
130
- DG 34
402
- BE 76
752
- BE 58
 
84
- CC 84
135
- BF 60
404
- BF 64
754
- Op(CA 50)
 
85
- CD 14
136
- BD 63
459
- AF 78
A
- CC 48
 
86
- BD 68
154
- DP 49
505
- Op(Freetown)
   
 
98
- BF 48
160
- Op(am. Küste)
552
- Op(CA 50)
   
 
105
- CC 76
201
- BD 64
571
- Op(CA 50)
   
 
108
- BF 92
202
- CB 79
572
- CB 81
   
 
109
- BD 99
203
- Op(CA 50)
575
- BD 84
   
 
123
- Op(am. Küste)
252
- AE 69
576
- BE 64
   
 
   
332
- CE 12
   
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 373 - 105 - 124 - 332 - 404 - 68 - 129.
  Sailed:  - . -  
  Entered Port:  U 135 - Brest;  U 404 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 108 sighted a light cruiser at 1738 in BE 94, course 00, high speed.
    2) Situation report from U 552:
      No traffic for 3 days off Cape Cod.  Very heavy traffic by day between Cape May and Cape Henery along the buoys, stopped at night.  Effective sea and air patrol.  High pressure weather conditions for 8 days.  25.3 "Ocana" (6,256 BRT) torpedoed in CB 1363.  Ship burnt out.  3.4 sank "Atwater" (2,438 BRT) in CA 5714 by gunfire.
      U 71 sank a tanker of 8,000 BRT 31.3 in CA 6995 and a freighter of 6,000 BRT in CA 6997.  Total sunk: 35,200 BRT.
      U 373 reported an unsuccessful attack on a tanker in CC 6229.
  b)  None.
  c)  Admiralty warning for CE 4784.
     SSS: Motor tanker "Ensis" (6,207 BRT) in CB 7588, S.S. "Delsud" (4,982 BRT) in CA 7625.  SOS from S.S. "Otho" (4,839 BRT).  Torpedoed in CA 8619.  Warning for this square.  "Esso Augusta" (11,237 BRT) attacked by U-boat in CA 76.  SSS: tanker "Ohio" (9,625 BRT) in CA 5747, "Craiglea" (?) in CB 75.
     English a/c attacked a U-boat with D/C's in BF 57 (U 129).
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c)  U 582's convoy operation probably according to plan.
       
- 4 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d) 1) U 252 on a special operation (Landing and agent in Iceland).  Has been ordered to proceed through Denmark Straits afterwards.
    2) UA has delivered 20 cbm. fuel to U 84 and is starting on a protracted return passage to Bergen.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 552 - 1 ship - 6,256 BRT - burnt out
    U 552 - 1 ship - 2,438 BRT - sunk
    U 71 - 2 ships - 14,000 BRT - sunk.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
4.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DF 91
U 123
- Op(am. Küste)
U 252
- AF 47
U 575
- BD 72
 
68
- EK 71
124
- CE 73
332
- CE 22
576
- BE 55
 
71
- CA 99
129
- BE 50
333
- BE 83
582
- CD 65
 
84
- CC 48
130
- DG 29
373
- CC 38
654
- CC 39
 
85
- CC 34
136
- BD 61
402
- BE 74
752
- BE 49
 
86
- BD 59
154
- DP 74
459
- AM 32
754
- Op(CA 50)
 
98
- BE 67
160
- Op(am. Küste)
505
- Op(Freetown)
A
- CC 48
 
105
- CC 86
201
- BE 58
552
- CA 73(Op)
   
 
108
- BE 86
202
- CA 99
571
- Op(CA 50)
   
 
109
- BD 97
203
- Op(CA 50)
572
- CB 72
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U A - 373 - 129 - 105 - 71 - 124 - 332 - 68.
  Sailed:  U 125 - 507 - Lorient;  U 406 - 437 - 590 - Kiel;  U 564 - Brest.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  Situation from U 571:
     Multi-unit hydrophones bad, strong spontaneous noises.  Operation therefore difficult in shallow water.  Requests attacking area CA 98-99 and DC 31-32.
     Sunk:  "Hertford", 11,800 BRT, in CB 2753, cargo of meat and butter.
  b)  None.
  c)  "Ensis" fired on by U-boat in CB 7985.  "Argen", 6,952 BRT, chased by U-boat in DC 1251.  SSS from "Chester Sun", 9,097 BRT, in DC 1253.  "Maunacca", 6,064 BRT, CA 5191, "Rhode Island", 8,562 BRT, in DC 1528.  
    Torpedoed:  "Evelyn", 3,141 BRT, in CA 7653, "Westermore", 5,775 BRT, in FF 3150.  
     SSS: U-boat warnings for CA 51 - CA 76 - DC 12.
  d)  None.
       
- 5 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b)  U 572 given freedom of action.
  c)  U 582's convoy operation probably according to plan.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 571 - 1 ship - 11,800 BRT - sunk.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
5.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DF 85
U 123
- Op(am. Küste)
U 203
- Op(CA 50)
U 507
- BF 60
 
68
- EJ 63
124
- CE 55
252
- AE 29
552
- Op(CA 50)
 
71
- CB 79
125
- BF 50
332
- CE 32
564
- off Lorient
 
84
- CB 67
129
- BF 60
333
- BE 81
571
- Op(CA 50)
 
85
- CC 25
130
- DG 51
373
- CD 17
572
- Op(CA)
 
86
- BD 58
136
- BD 52
402
- BD 95
575
- BC 96
 
98
- BE 58
154
- ED 32
406
- Br'buttel
576
- BE 46
 
105
- BC 73
160
- Op(am. Küste)
437
-         "
582
- CE 15
 
108
- BE 84
201
- BD 57
459
- AM 24
590
- Br'buttel
 
109
- BD 88
202
- Op(am. Küste)
505
- Op(Freetown)
654
- CC 39
 
-  
752
- BE 47
754
- Op(CA 50)
U A
- CC 51
 
  On Return Passage:  U A - 373 - 129 - 105 - 71 - 124 - 332 - 68.
  Sailed:  - . -  
  Entered Port:  U 129 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  U 505 reports situation:
    Medium amount of traffic from and to east and south round Cape Palmas, much dispersed, at a distance of 150 sea miles on 28.3.  A/c bombs in ET 9152.  D/C hunt on 29.3.
     Successes:  3.4 in EU 9781 2 hits on escorted freighter "Westermore", 5,775 BRT.  Probably sunk.  4.4 in FF 2245 "Alpacca", 5,759 BRT.  Total:  25,454 BRT.
    U 123 situation report (badly distorted W/T message):
    In CB 60 and 80, CA 90 medium amount of single ship traffic, course NE and SW.  CA 79 - 88 single ship traffic in a westerly direction.  Operation difficult owing to bright moonlight nights.  After torpedoing her, surprised by U-boat decoy ship in CA 9578 with D/C's and gunfire.  Decoy ship sank after second hit.  Midshipman Holza dead.
  b) A/c sighted 3 English torpedo boats and 4 lighters in BF 8699, course 3100, 15 knots.
       
- 6 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c)  "Catahoula", 5,030 BRT, torpedoed in DC 7470.  Torpedoed ship in CA 7653. 
     SSS: from unidentified unit in CA 9599, CA 6472, DC 1253, "Phoenix", 5,731 BRT in CA 7582.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c)  U 582's convoy operation probably according to plan.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 505 - 2 ships of 11,534 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
6.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DR 21
U 124
- CE 63
U 333
- BE 72
U 572
- Op(CA)
 
68
- EK 11
125
- BF 49
373
- CD 17
575
- BC 97
 
71
- DB 86
130
- DG 48
402
- BD 86
576
- BE 44
 
84
- CB 58
136
- BC 92
406
- Helgoland
582
- BD 97
 
85
- CB 38
154
- DG 32
437
- Helgoland
590
- AN 91
 
86
- BD 73
160
- Op(am. Küste)
459
- AM 16
654
- CC 38
 
98
- BE 49
201
- BD 48
505
- Op(Freetown)
752
- BD 68
 
105
- BC 73
202
- Op(am. Küste)
507
- BF 49
754
- Op(CA 50)
 
108
- CF 21
203
- Op(CA 50)
552
- Op(CA 50)
A
- CC 51
 
109
- BD 79
252
- AE 27
564
- BF 50
-  
 
123
- Op(am. Küste)
332
- CF 13
571
- Op(CA 50)
-  
 
  On Return Passage:  U A - 373 - 105 - 71 - 124 - 332 - 68.
  Sailed:  U 506 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 108 reported 2 steamships, 1 destroyer at 1557 CF 1398, convoy of several steamships and destroyers at 1843 in CF 1392, northerly course, speed 6 knots.  Did not attack because of weather.  There are about 3 boats in favorable positions for an attack on this convoy.  As experience has shown that operations with small numbers of boats are impractical, uneconomical and dangerous for individual attacking boats, U 108 and nearby boats were ordered to proceed on their westward passage.
    2) Situation report from U 754:
      Conditions S. of New York unfavorable for operations owing to windless bright full-moon nights.  Further successes:
       
- 7 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      31.3 CA 4997 tug with 3 lighters.  1.4 CA 7381 freighter of 7,000 BRT.  3.4 CA 6818 freighter 5,000 BRT.  6.4 large tanker (call-sign BMFW), estimated 10,000 BRT.
    3) U 202 reported submerged submarine in CA 98.  Did not behave like one of our own.  Triple miss at tanker.  Pistol failed.
  b)  None.
  c) SSS: in CA 5741, DC 1253, CA 5741.  S.S. "Cripnessen" in DC 1232.  Unidentified steamship fired on with M/G by U-boat in CB 9567.  "Delwalle" 5,032 BRT torpedoed in CA 9984.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c)  U 582's convoy operation probably according to plan.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 754: 1 tug with 3 lighters sunk
                 3 ships 22,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
7.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DQ 53
U 124
- CE 63
U 333
- BD 93
U 571
- Op(CA 50)
 
68
- EK 11
125
- BF 71
373
- CD 28
572
- Op(CA)
 
71
- CB 96
130
- BF 96
402
- BD 84
575
- BC 88
 
84
- CB 72
136
- BC 92
406
- AN 91
576
- BD 65
 
85
- CB 28
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
437
- AN 91
582
- BE 48
 
86
- BD 84
160
- Op(am. Küste)
459
- AM 17
590
- AN 34
 
98
- BE 47
201
- BC 69
505
- Op(Freetown)
654
- CC 28
 
105
- BC 73
202
- CA 98
506
- BF 60
752
- BD 59
 
108
- CF 13
203
- Op(CA 50)
507
- BF 71
754
- CA 98(Op)
 
109
- CD 32
252
- AE 27
552
- Op(CA 50)
UA
- CC 37
 
123
- DB 64(Op)
332
- CF 22
564
- BF 57
-  
 
  On Return Passage:  U A - 373 - 105 - 71 - 124 - 332 - 68.
  Sailed:  U 162 - Lorient;  U 352 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 571 sank tanker "Koll", 10,044 BRT, on 6.4 in CA 9992.  Medium air in that area.
    U 123 sank "Muskogee", 7,034 BRT, tanker "Empire Steel", 8,150 BRT.  "Libere", 7,000 BRT, heavily
       
- 8 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    damaged by gunfire.  Foredeck on fire.  No further observation made on account of D/C's from S/M chaser.
    U 84 sank "Nemanja", 5,226 BRT, in CB 43 on 8.4.  
    U 202 sank a freighter of 6,000 BRT on 1.4 in CB 93.  Probably "Lochden", 5,400 BRT.
  b) None.
  c) SSS: for CA 9967.  From "Steel Worker", 5,687 BRT in CA 2934.
    Admiralty warning for CA 7932, DC 3226, CA 9987.
    Tanker torpedoed in CA 7930.
    "St. Zeno", 608 BRT, attacking U-boat.
    All U.S.A. war ships in the vicinity are to support the attack.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 66 allocated attacking area ED, eastern third, and EE, western third and an area ranging 200 sea miles around Port of Spain.
    U 130 the area ranging 200 sea miles around Curacao.  Tank installations are to be bombarded as soon as possible.
  c) U 582's convoy operation probably according to plan.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 571 1 ship
10,0044
  BRT sunk
U 123 2 ships
15,184
  BRT sunk, 1 tanker damaged.
U 202 1 ship
5,249
  BRT sunk
U 84 1 ship
5,226
  BRT sunk
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
8.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DO 54
U 125
- BE 95
U 352
- BF 50
U 572
- Op(CB)
 
68
- DT 69
130
- DF 97
373
- CD 38
575
- CC 31
 
71
- CC 76
136
- BC 83
402
- BD 75
576
- BD 56
 
84
- CB 43
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
406
- AN 31
582
- BE 86
 
85
- CB 52
160
- Op(am. Küste)
437
- AN 31
590
- AN 22
 
86
- BD 75
162
- BF 50
459
- AL 39
654
- CC 19
 
98
- BD 68
201
- BC 67
505
- Op(Freetown)
752
- BD 87
 
105
- BC 82
202
- DC 32 Op
506
- BF 54
754
- Op(CA 50)
 
108
- CE 32
203
- Op(CA 50)
507
- BE 95
A
- CD 14
 
109
- CD 23
252
- AD 29
552
- Op(CA 50)
   
 
123
- Op(am. Küste)
332
- BF 44
564
- BF 45
   
 
124
- CE 63
333
- BD 94
571
- Op(CB 77)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U A - 373 - 105 - 71 - 124 - 332 - 68.
  Sailed:  U 566 - Brest.
       
- 9 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 202 reported miss on a tanker in DC 23.  Starting return passage.
    2) U 154 sank a 4,000 tonner in DO 72 on 4.4, a 6,000 tonner in DO 74 on 5.4 (Catokula, 5,030 BRT).  Both auxiliary war ships or transports.  Strong air patrol in Mona Passage.  Intends to operate in Windward Passage.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat warning for CB 41.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) Square of approach for U 507 and U 125 is DD 85.  It is intended to operate these boats from the Florida Straits north of Cuba to Windward Passage.  On their way there, boats are to observe density of traffic in DD and DC.
    2) Boats in the American coast area are to have freedom of action according to fuel and state of defense.
      In order to make full use of the present favorable conditions for attack (new moon) they are ordered to start their return passage without fuel reserves.  In emergency they can be supplied from tanker - 459.
  c)  U 582 reported from CD 57:  Rio Grande not encountered.  Am proceeding westward.
     This is the third time that a U-boat has failed to contact a blockade breaker.  This is the more regrettable as the fighting power of the boat for further operations has been weakened considerably, and in most cases completely reduced owing to consumption of fuel and provision.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 154 - 2 ships - 10,000 BRT
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
9.April 1942.
 
 
   
I.
U 66
- DQ 47
U 125
- CG 14
U 352
- BF 57
U 571
- Op(CA 50)
 
68
- DT 39
130
- DR 22
373
- CE 18
572
- Op(CA)
 
71
- CC 83
136
- BC 84
402
- BC 96
575
- CC 24
 
84
- Op(CA)
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
406
- AN 28
576
- BD 85
 
85
- CB 42
160
- Op(am. Küste)
437
- AN 23
582
- CD 48
 
86
- BC 99
162
- BF 54
459
- AL 57
590
- AF 77
 
98
- BD 59
201
- BC 58
505
- Op(Freetown)
654
- CB 63
 
105
- BC 91
   
506
- BF 72
752
- BD 78
 
108
- BE 97
   
   
754
- Op(CA 50)
     
 
- 10 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
109
- CD 11
202
- DC 31
507
- BE 95
A
- BC 89
 
123
- Op(am. Küste)
203
- Op(am. Küste)
552
- Op(CA 50)
   
 
124
- BF 50
252
- AD 82
564
- BE 67
   
 
   
332
- BF 50
566
- v. Lorient
   
       
333
- BD 85            
 
  On Return Passage:  U A - 202 - 373 - 105 - 71 - 124 - 332 - 68.
  Sailed:  - . -  
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 754 encountered strong opposition from the air in CA 99 on 7.4.  A/c bombs.  Total:  35,000 BRT.  Starting return passage.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat warnings:  CA 9399 - DB 56 - DB 6467 - CB 4141 - DC 1211 - CB 7177.
    "Esparta", 3,365 BRT, torpedoed in DB 64.  "Albert E. Watts", 7,138 BRT, DC 1214.  Ship on fire.  
    SSS:  "Carcabulle", 5,030 BRT, in DB 5665.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 564 - 566 - 352 - are to supply.  Boats to steer for CB 99.
    2) U 582 given attack area CB 80-90.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
10.April 1942.
 
 
   
I.
U 66
- DP 91
U 125
- CF 37
U 352
- BF 48
U 571
- CB 74
 
68
- DH 76
130
- DR 15
373
- CE 27
572
- Op(CA)
 
71
- CC 93
136
- BB 97
402
- BC 94
575
- CC 15
 
84
- Op(CA)
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
406
- AF 75
576
- BD 76
 
85
- Op(CA)
160
- DC 12
437
- AF 76
582
- CC 93
 
86
- BC 97
162
- BF 48
459
- AK 93
590
- AF 75
 
98
- BD 94
201
- BC 73
505
- Op(Freetown)
654
- CB 61
 
105
- BC 93
202
- DD 11
506
- BE 93
752
- BC 99
 
108
- BD 87
203
- Op(am. Küste)
507
- BE 89
754
- CB 69
 
109
- CC 31
252
- AL 13
552
- Op(CA)
A
- AK 49
 
123
- Op(am. Küste)
332
- BF 60
564
- BE 82
   
 
124
- BF 60
333
- BD 76
566
- BF 55
   
     
 
- 11 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
  On Return Passage:  U A - 754 - 202 - 373 - 105 - 71 - 124 - 332 - 68.
  Sailed:  - . -  
  Entered Port:  U 124 - Lorient;  U 332 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 552 situation:  Heavy traffic from Cape Henery to Lookout.  Branching off from Hatteras from SE to SSE.  Favorable attacking position:  "Wimbel Shoals" and "Raleigh Bay".  Important coastal traffic escorted by escort vessels (without Asdic).
      Further successes:  5.4 CA 7652 tanker 10,000 BRT, full.  7.4 CA 7959 "British Splendor", 7,138 BRT, 9.4 DC 1163 tanker 8,000 BRT, full.  10.4 DC 1245 tanker 10,000 BRT full.  7.4 CA 7991 freighter 14,000 BRT torpedoed, inside explosion heard soon after.  Sinking not observed.  All ships escorted.
      Total:  43,832 BRT sunk, plus 14,000 BRT torpedoed.
    2) U 160 situation:  Little different from U 552.  
      Further successes:  14.3 CA 8781 freighter 4,500 BRT.  1.4 CA 8776 freighter 6,000 BRT.  6.4 DC 1246 petrol tanker type "Gulf Pride", 12,510 BRT, blew up.  9.4 DC 1227 freighter 6,000 BRT
  b) None.
  c) SSS:  in BB 79 - BB 76 - CA 76 - CA 3244 - CA 31 - DB 9140 - DB 4995 - DB 9182 - DC 1214 - CA 7931 (Garnet-Hulling 7,030 BRT)
    Attack report CA 7933 - DC 1243.  Burning ships sighted DC 11-12.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c)  It is intended to supply U 108 - 98 with fuel from U 459 in CB 90 about 20.4.  U 459 has reported stocks of fuel to be delivered at this time: 500 cbm., own fuel stocks: 140 cbm.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 552 - 4 ships - 35,138 BRT sunk, 1 ship - 14,000 BRT torpedoed.
  U 160 - 4 ships - 29,010 BRT sunk.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- 12 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
11.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DP 85
U 130
- DP 52
U 402
- BC 88
U 575
- CB 38
 
68
- DH 57
136
- CB 32
406
- AN 11
576
- BD 77
 
71
- CD 49
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
437
- AN 11
582
- CC 83
 
84
- Op(CA)
160
- DC 13
459
- BD 97
590
- AE 99
 
85
- Op(CA)
162
- BE 93
505
- Op(Freetown)
654
- CB 54
 
86
- CD 11
201
- BC 74
506
- BE 94
752
- CD 21
 
98
- BD 85
202
- CB 88
507
- CF 23
754
- CC 45
 
105
- BD 73
203
- Op(am. Küste)
552
- DC 13
A
- AK 58
 
108
- CE 18
252
- AL 16
564
- BE 81
   
 
109
- CD 48
333
- BD 74
566
- BF 50
   
 
123
- Op(am. Küste)
352
- BE 65
571
- Op(CA)
   
 
125
- CF 52
373
- BE 48
572
- Op(CA)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U A - 754 - 552 - 202 - 373 - 105 - 71 - 68.
  Sailed:  U 594 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 160 situation:  Passenger freighter type "Antinore" 11,370 BRT sunk.  Left sinking after 3 hits, owing to a/c.  (Probably "Ulysses", 14,400 BRT).  Starting return passage.
      U 252 reported operation "Dana" (landing an agent in Iceland) carried out.  North coast of Iceland free of ice, ice boundary in AD 2911.  Freighter 2,000 BRT sunk in AE 4112.
      UA has steered searching courses through CC 60 - BC 50 - AK 71.  Nothing seen.  Returning to Bergen.
      U 571 has had no traffic since 6.4 in CA 90 and CB 70.  Intend to supply with 25 cbm. and provisions for 2 weeks.
  b)  None.
  c)  SSS:  in CA 34 - CA 79 - DC 22 - DC 1256 - EC 2588 - EC 24 - DB 67 - DB 36.
     Tanker on fire in DC 1217.  Sinking report from Dutch steamer "Hebe" in DB 3681, unidentified ship in about EU 40, American tanker "Teimuse", 6,403 BRT, in DC 1162 (blew up).  Torpedo report from "Ulysses", 14,647 BRT in DC 1256.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b)  U 333 is given new approach square CB 90.  It is intended to supply her from tanker.
       
- 13 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 160 - 1 ship - 14,647 BRT sunk.
    U 252 - 1 ship - 2,000 BRT sunk.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
12.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 130
- DP 56
U 402
- CC 32
U 575
- CB 54
 
68
- BF 82
136
- CB 26
406
- AM 33
576
- CD 22
 
71
- CD 56
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
437
- AM 33
582
- CC 81
 
84
- Op(CA)
160
- DC 13
459
- BD 21
590
- AM 27
 
85
- Op(CA)
162
- CG 11
505
- Op(Freetown)
594
- BF 60
 
86
- CC 31
201
- BC 74
506
- BE 89
654
- CB 48
 
98
- BD 78
202
- CB 94
507
- CF 24
752
- CC 11
 
105
- BD 58
203
- Op(am. Küste)
552
- DC 31
754
- CC 43
 
108
- CD 38
252
- AK 62
564
- BE 72
A
- AK 69
 
109
- CC 68
333
- BC 98
566
- BF 47
   
 
123
- Op(am. Küste)
352
- BE 59
571
- CB 71
   
 
125
- CF 49
373
- BE 57
572
- Op(CA)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U A - 754 - 552 - 202 - 373 - 105 - 160 - 71 - 68.
  Sailed:  U 558 - Brest, U 69 - St. Nazaire.  
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 203 situation:  Off Hatteras heavy traffic, strong air patrol, medium sea patrol. 
      Sunk:  3 tankers, 1 freighter - 36,000 BRT.
    2) U 437 has observed destroyers patrolling in AE 9992.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) SSS: DB 3652 - CB 17 - DB 97 - EC 2589 - CA 2699 - FB 58 - EC 25 - EC 24.
      U-boat attack in DP 47 and FB 5865.  "Stanvac-Melbourne" 10,444 BRT torpedoed (mine hit?) near DB 6361.
    2) Attention of boats has been called to loading of troop transports and war material in St. Juan and St. Thomas.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 203 - 4 ships - 36,000 BRT sunk.
       
- 14 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
VI. General:
            The following situation in the American area emerges from U-boat W/T messages and reports from C.O.'s who have returned:
            Anti-S/M activity immediately under the coast has increased.  Destroyers, Coast Guard ships and escort vessels are patrolling the steamer routes, sometimes ships are escorted by escort vessels in particularly endangered areas (Hatteras).  In spite of these measures, the successes of U-boats have so far remained at the same level.  Before the U-boat attack on America was begun it was suspected that American anti-S/M activity would be weak and inexperienced; this conjecture has been fully confirmed.  Anti-S/M vessels have no Asdic, some are equipped with hydrophones.  The crews are careless, inexperienced and little persevering in a hunt.  In several cases escort vessels, Coast Guard ships and destroyers, having established the presence of a U-boat, made off instead of attacking her.  This can only be the only explanation of the fact that so far no losses have occurred from D/C hunts in shallow water (20 meters).
            Air activity has also increased considerably.  Boats are forced by it to remain submerged by day near the coast.  On full-moon nights it is dangerous owing to the numbers of aircraft involved and boats are forced to transfer their attacking areas further out to sea.
            On the whole however, the boat's successes are so great, that their operation near the coast is further justified and will continue.
            With regard to disposition on the coast, so far the boats have been given freedom of action in all areas which their fuel stocks will allow them to reach.  With the appearance of the first U-tanker (U 459) the range and operational endurance of the boats will be extended when they have been supplied and the number of boats in operational areas will increase.  This will inevitably mean new allocation of attacking areas.  If the stretches of coast which the Americans have to defend are extended, they will need to increase the number of anti-S/M vessels considerably.  These anti-S/M vessels cannot be raised as fast as all that, there will continue to be particularly favorable points for attack and from time to time anti-S/M vessels will of necessity have to be withdrawn from coastal stretches which are specially defended.  At least anti-S/M activity will not be increased in the latter areas.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
13.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 125
- CE 93
U 373
- BE 65
U 571
- Op(CA)
 
68
- BF 60
130
- DP 81
402
- CC 22
572
- Op(CA)
 
69
- BF 58
136
- CB 43
406
- AM 42
575
- CB 48
 
71
- CD 62
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
437
- AM 17
576
- CD 13
 
84
- Op(CA)
160
- CA 97
459
- BD 18
582
- CC 72
 
85
- CA
162
- CF 34
505
- Op(Freetown)
590
- AM 48
 
86
- CC 25
201
- CC 24
506
- CF 26
594
- BF 57
 
98
- CD 31
202
- CC 58
507
- CF 42
654
- CA 19
 
105
- BD 68
203
- CA 88
552
- CB 75
752
- CC 35
 
108
- CD 61
252
- AL 48
558
- off Lorient
754
- CC 29
 
109
- CC 83
333
- BC 89
564
- BD 92
A
- AL 51
 
123
- Op(am. Küste)
352
- BE 57
566
- BE 68
   
     
 
- 15 -
 
     
     

 

     
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 406 - 590 - 437 - 252 - UA - 754 - 552 - 202 - 373 - 105 - 160 - 71 - 68.
  Sailed:  - . -  
  Entered Port:  U 68 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 123's situation report:
    Form "Canaveral" to "Hatteras" all lights as in peace-time.  Heavy traffic in spurts.  South-going traffic close under land inside the 20 meter line, following the bays south of Cape Fear.  North-bound traffic proceeds 5 sea miles east of a line Hetzel Shoals - St. John's lightship - Savannah lightship and Frying Pan Shoals direct.  There is an airfield near the south mole of St. John's River.  A lot of air activity here, with and without lights.  At night flares along steamer routes, good cooperation with destroyers by means of searchlights.  During a D/C hunt by destroyers, the enemy did not stick with it and made off too soon.  No Asdic, good listening conditions. Boat is conditionally fit for return passage.
    Further successes:
    Off Jacksonville Beach full tanker"Schehezerade", 12,500 BRT, off Brunswick buoy tanker type "Esso Balboa", 9,554 BRT, tanker type "W.B. Walker", 10,468 BRT, off Hetzel Shoals buoy tanker 8,000 BRT.  All tankers full.  As we were in shallow water, parts sticking up out of the water were destroyed by gunfire.  In addition, "Esparta" 3,365 BRT and a passenger freighter 5,500 BRT.  Total:  74,837 BRT sunk.
  b) A/c sighted convoy consisting of 17 merchant ships and 2 destroyers in AM 4965, course 600, medium speed.
  c) SSS:  "Christobal", 10,021 BRT, in CA 9787 - DB 6747 further in CB 1735 - CA 6634.
    Torpedo report:  "Empire Progress", 5,249 BRT in CD 4320; "Zoeller Lykes", 6,870 BRT in DP 47, ship on fire; "Delewalle" 5,032 BRT in EC 22, needs immediate assistance.
    U-boat attack in DB 94 and DP 7147.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 123 - 6 ships - 49,387 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- 16 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
14.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 130
- DO 99
U 402
- CC 16
U 572
- Op(CA)
 
69
- BF 49
136
- CB 44
406
- AM 72
575
- CA 69
 
71
- CE 27
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
437
- AM 44
576
- CD 11
 
84
- Op(CA)
160
- CB 77
459
- BC 69
582
- CB 95
 
85
- Op(CA)
162
- CF 51
505
- Op(Freetown)
590
- BE 39
 
86
- CC 16
201
- CC 14
506
- CF 19
594
- BF 48
 
98
- CD 22
202
- CC 67
507
- CE 67
654
- Op(CA)
 
105
- BF 40
203
- CA 98
552
- CB 66
752
- CC 26
 
108
- CD 52
252
- AL 85
558
- BF 58
754
- CC 39
 
109
- CC 81
333
- CC 33
564
- BD 83
A
- AL 02
 
123
- DB 66
352
- BD 48
566
- BE 5
   
 
125
- CE 83
373
- BF 44
571
- Op(CA)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 406 - 590 - 437 - 252 - UA - 754 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 373 - 105 - 160 - 71.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 402 sank "Empire Progress" 5,249 BRT on 14.4 in square CC 2834.
    2) U 505 situation:  No traffic since 6.4 in EU and under the coast.  Neutrals only.  Slow progress back to the north.
    3) U 123 sighted several large tankers in DB 6336 with destroyer escort, course 400, 12 knots.
    4) U 572 fired 3 misses on 4.4 at tanker "Ensis".  Tanker slightly damaged in gun action.  Boat driven off by air escort.  Intends to operate off Hatteras if it is possible to supply.
    5) U 203 reported positions of sinkings:
      10.4 CA 2938 tanker type "Schehezerade" 8,482 BRT with petrol.
      11.4 DC 1175 "Delwalle" 5,032 BRT, DC 1177 "Stalvac-Melbourne" 10,440 BRT.
      Fresh success 14.4 freighter of 5,000 BRT in CA 7968.
    6) U 252 sighted convoy of 5-10 vessels in BE 5584, 2 escort vessels observed; course south, speed 10 knots.  Boat was given freedom of action for attack if conditions are favorable and is to move off before first light.  It is not intended to operate other boats against the convoy.
  b)  None.
       
- 17 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) SSS: in DB 9186 - CB 4414, DC 6212 - DB 6774 - DC 1138 - BA 9733.
    Attack in about CA 79.
    A/c attacks on U-boat in BE 3923 (U 590).
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 109 in DB 60.  U 108 in Florida Straits area after supplying.
  c) 1) First supply from U-tanker:  U 108 on 18.4 in CC 5555.  Second with U 333 on 19.4 in CC 5743.
    2) U 116 reported operation (laying experimental minefield in the Skagerrak) carried out.  Boat will proceed into the Atlantic after supplying at Bergen, to deliver 200 cbm as tanker.
  d) U 590 reported fairly heavy damage from a/c bomb hits in BE 3953.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 402 - 1 ship - 5,249 BRT.
    U 203 - freighter - 5,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
15.April 1942.
       
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 130
- ED 22
U 402
- CC 41
U 572
- CA 99(Op)
 
69
- BF 47
136
- CA 68
406
- BE 32
575
- Op(CA)
 
71
- CE 34
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
437
- BF 40
576
- CC 35
 
85
- Op(CA)
160
- Cb 76
459
- BC 94
582
- Op(CB)
 
86
- CC 17
162
- CF 45
505
- Op(ET 58)
590
- BF 40
 
98
- CD 13
201
- CB 38
506
- CE 63
594
- BE 69
 
105
- BF 60
202
- CD 44
507
- CE 82
654
- Op(CA)
 
108
- CD 46
203
- CA 87
552
- CC 42
752
- CC 38
 
109
- CC 75
252
- BF 50
558
- BF 57
754
- CD 15
 
123
- DC 41
333
- CC 31
564
- BD 81
A
- AM 17
 
125
- CE 84
352
- BD 69
566
- BE 59
-  
 
84
- Op(CA)
373
- BF 40
571
- Op(CA)
-  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 406 - 590 - 437 - 252 - UA - 754 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 373 - 105 - 160 - 71.
  Sailed:  U 103 - 106 - Lorient; U 751 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  U 105 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  Situation report U 203 off Hatteras:
       
- 18 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    Heavy traffic, mostly making for the bays, behind the 25 meter line.  Usually pass the Capes in daylight.  Approach buoys lit up, guarded by anti-S/M vessels.  Diamond Buoy is rounded very closely or passed on the inside.  Patrol numerically strong but entirely unpracticed.  No (radar) location observed.  A/c day and night, destroyers, fishing smacks.  S/M chaser type PC 451 has an unpleasant, flat silhouette.  Valuable targets have air escort.  Deterrent D/C's and a/c bombs, on one occasion flares.  Listening conditions very variable, but always greater range than through periscope.  On account of murky water, a/c can hardly be seen at periscope depth.
    Situation report U 654:
    Net barrage off Hatteras along 100 meter line from 35 degree north to 30 sea miles to the north.  An extension to the south seems intended.  Black buoys and barrels.  D/C's from escort vessel while submerging.  Empire Lightening 7,000 BRT sunk.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  S.S. Greylock, 7,460 BRT in DC 27; further in DB 61 - CA 81 - DB 91 - CA 73 - DC 12 - CA 81 - DB 36 - ED 62.
    SSS report:  S.S. "Jean" 4,902 BRT in DB 91 further from DC 12 - BA 97.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - c) None.
  d) U 252 has been ordered to make a situation report, has not replied.  It is feared that the boat may have been lost at the convoy in BE 55.  Circumstances here were similar to these in the loss of U 82:  the same sea area, a south-bound convoy with apparently weak escort (5-10 vessels, 2 escort vessels identified), favorable weather conditions (new moon).  Boat was on return passage, this time with ample supplies of fuel and torpedoes. She had permission to attack only if conditions favorable, (to move off before first light), and yet another boat is lost.  I think it is possible that, in this area, trough which a stream of west-bound U-boats passes, the English sail a dummy convoy of special anti-S/M vessels.  I have therefore forbidden attacks on convoys in this area for the present.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 654 - 1 ship - 7,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:
            On 15.4 3 months have elapsed since U-boats made their first appearance on the east coast of America and since the weight of all U-boat activity was transferred to that area.
            During this time 229 ships of 1,521,000 BRT have been reported sunk and 23 ships of 82,506 BRT damaged in the NOrth Atlantic alone, i.e. excluding sinkings in northern waters, in the Mediterranean and on
 
 
 
- 19 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
       
       
       
     

                        

       
       
Missing Page
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
- 20 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
  c) that U-boat warfare must continue to be concentrated on the east coast of America as long as conditions of anti-S/M activity and possibilities of successes remain at all the same as they are at present.
       
       
       
                                                                       (signed):  Dönitz
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
- 21 -