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

16 - 30 April 1942

PG30306b

     
     
 
16.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 125
- CE 77
U 373
- BF 57
UA
- AM 23
 
69
- BE 92
130
- ED 19
402
- CB 65
571
- Op(CA)
 
71
- CF 12
136
- Op(CA)
406
- BE 63
572
- Op(CA)
 
84
- Op(CA)
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
437
- BF 60
575
- Op(CA)
 
85
- Op(CA)
160
- CB 59CE 68
459
- CC 33
576
- CC 26
 
86
- CB 38
162
- CB 55
505
- Op(Freetown)
582
- CB 95
 
98
- CC 33
201
- CD 19
506
- CE 67
590
- BF 60
 
103
- BF 58
202
- CA 97
507
- CE 76
594
- BE 94
 
106
- BF 58
203
- CA 97
552
- CC 28
654
- Op(CA)
 
108
- CD 47
252
- BE 65
558
- BF 57
751
- BF 58
 
109
- CB 95
333
- CC 28
564
- BF 79
752
- CC 28
 
123
- DC 25
352
- BD 67
566
- BE 58
754
- CD 22
 
  On Return Passage:  U 406 - 590 - 437 - 252 - UA - 754 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 373 - 160 - 71.
  Sailed:  U 455 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  U 437 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Situation report U 154:
      Strong air patrol in Mona Passage.  EC 11-13 little traffic, weak air patrol.  Traffic appears to proceed from Jucatan south of Jamaica to Anegada or Trinidad.  Single ships, steering zig-zag courses, without escort.  San Juan lit up.  No traffic at night, single ships by day.  All lights as in peace time.
      Further successes:   12.4 EC 2586 freighter 8,300 BRT (presumably Wel Basil).  13.4 EC 1299 tanker 12,000 BRT 105 cbm. left, 1 plus 6 torpedoes.
    2) U 123 reports heavy intersecting traffic in CA 98-99 and DC 31-32.  (See U 105's report on 30.3).   Sank S.S. "Pointbrava" (4,834 BRT) in DC 31 with last ammunition.  Total success:  11 ships 79,649 BRT.
    3) U 58 avoided a plain four-fan from a S/M in CB 9142 on 16.4.  Saw nothing except a Swiss freighter proceeding east.  All torpedoes.  75 cbm.
    4) U 84 has observed no night traffic for 2 days at buoys off Hatteras to Henry.  Situation otherwise as previously reported.
  b)  None.
  c)  SSS:  S.S. "Graylock" in DC 1368.  "Benjamin (T)? Homson" CA 3473.  U-boat sightings in CA 8431 - DO 7976 - DB 3663 - DB 66 - DC 1392 - DB 64 - DC 27.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
       
- 22 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) It is intended to supply U 98 from U-tanker in CC 70 0n 20.4.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 154 - 2 ships - 20,300 BRT.
    U 123 - 1 ship - 4,834 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
17.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 406
- BF 54
U 575
- Op(CA)
 
69
- BE 86
136
- Op(CA)
455
- BF 58
576
- CB 15
 
71
- BE 76
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
459
- CC 37
582
- Op(CB)
 
84
- Op(CA)
160
- CB 66
505
- Op(Freetown)
590
- BF 60
 
85
- Op(CA)
162
- CE 82
506
- CE 81
594
- BE 85
 
86
- CB 53
201
- CB 49
507
- CD 99
654
- Op(CA)
 
98
- CC 34
202
- CD 39
552
- CC 34
751
- BF 49
 
103
- BF 49
203
- CB 74
558
- BE 91
752
- CB 17
 
106
- BF 49
252
- BF 45
564
- BD 77
754
- BD 77
 
108
- CC 65
333
- CC 54
566
- BE 48
A
- AM 32
 
109
- CB 98
352
- BD 73
571
- Op(CA)
   
 
123
- CA 99
373
- BF 60
572
- Op(CA)
   
 
125
- CD 98
402
- CB 56
   
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 406 - 590 - 252 - UA - 754 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 375 - 160 - 71.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 590 - St. Nazaire;  U 373 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 754 sighted a steamer on a southerly course in BD 7691.  Has been ordered not to attack, as this is route A.
    2) U 201 attacked a 10,000 ton tanker in CA 9375 and scored a hit with 2 underwater shots at twilight.  No effect observed.  Boat suspects that nets were streamed.  After surfacing, blue-white-blue colors on the ship's side were visible in the dark.  She had not previously been recognizable as a neutral.  Course for New York.  Boat ordered not to attack again.  U 203 sighted large freighter with destroyer in CB 5687, southwest course, medium speed (boat has used all her torpedoes).
      U 654 situation:  No traffic, no patrol off Cape Lookout on 17.4.  Strong current, strong ground swell.  Suspects that traffic is being diverted seawards.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sighting reports:  CA 89 - CA 34 - AM 4241 (no boat).
    2) Sighting by a/c:  Oil patch in AM 4211 (no boat).
       
- 23 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    3) Attack report from "Columbus Star" (8,293 BRT) in AL 6341 (not one of our boats).
    4) A/c reported attack on U-boat in about AL 40.
    5) U-boat attacks in CA 7686 - CA 9379 - CA 8966.  S.S. Alcoa Glide" (4,830 BRT) fired on by U-boat in CA 8963.  Crew took to the boats.
    6) Tanker "Heinrich Riedemann" (11,020 BRT) torpedoed in ED 8642.
    7) SSS from CA 34.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
18.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 125
- DF 21
U 402
- CB 49
U 572
- Op(CA)
 
69
- BE 84
130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
406
- BF 60
575
- Op(CA)
 
71
- BE 83
136
- Op(CA)
455
- BF 49
576
- CB 39
 
84
- Op(CA)
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
459
- CC 55
582
- Op(CB)
 
85
- Op(CA)
160
- CC 43
505
- Op(Freetown)
594
- BE 76
 
86
- CB 54
162
- CE 76
506
- CE 78
654
- Op(CA 79)
 
98
- CC 59
201
- CA 93
507
- DF 22
751
- BF 47
 
103
- BE 69
202
- CE 13
552
- CD 11
752
- CB 62
 
106
- BE 69
203
- CB 64
558
- BE 82
754
- BD 85
 
108
- CC 55
252
- BF 50
564
- CD 22
A
- AF 79
 
109
- CB 89
333
- CC 55
566
- BD 92
   
 
123
- CB 76
352
- BC 96
571
- Op(CA)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 406 - 252 - 754 - UA - 552 - 123 - 202 - 160 - 71.
  Sailed:  U 88 - 251 - Kiel.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 66 sank "Corinthian" (3,122 BRT), tanker of 8,000 BRT, "Heinrich Riedemann" (11,020 BRT) in sea area ED.
    2) U 571 reported situation off Hatteras as before.  Saw air ships twice.  14.4 sank a freighter of 8,000 BRT in CA 8757.  Starting return passage.
  b)  None.
       
- 24 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) SSS in CA 7688 - CA 5472 - CA 54 - CA 7347 - DC 1643 - CA 73 - DC 16 - DM 2841 - CA 7923 - CA 9616 - DN 33 - DM 27 - CA 5472.
    U-boat attacks in CA 79 - CA 9379 - CA 7689.
    Underwater shipping obstruction in CA 76.
    A/c attack on U-boat in BF 44 (U 71).
    (X) U.S. Steamer "Merimack" is said to be going to be in position 1830 N and 6120 W on 20.4 at 0900.  Boats will be radioed.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 654 is operating along a line joining Savannah - Bermuda Is.
    Attack area for U 654 and 201 is south of the latitude of Cape Hatteras.
    U 402 is to be given freedom of action and her attention called to focal point of traffic in CA 98-99.
  c) U 459 reports that supply of U 108 cannot yet be carried out owing to weather conditions.
  d)  U 252 has not reported again, despite repeated calls.  She must have been destroyed by anti-S/M activity from the convoy which she reported.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 66 - 3 ships - 22,142 BRT.
    U 571 - 1 ship - 8,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
19.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(ED 43)
U 125
- DF 15
U 402
- CA 69
U 572
- Op(CA)
 
69
- BE 75
130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
406
- BF 65
575
- Op(CA)
 
71
- BF 57
136
- Op(CA)
455
- BF 47
576
- CB 61
 
84
- Op(CA)
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
459
- CC 57
582
- Op(CB)
 
85
- Op(CA)
160
- CC 26
505
- ET 14
594
- BE 74
 
86
- CB 45
162
- CD 99
506
- DF 35
654
- Op(DC 24)
 
88
- AO
201
- Op(DC)
507
- DF 16
751
- BE 83
 
98
- CC 82
202
- CE 34
552
- BD 71
752
- CB 53
 
103
- BE 67
203
- CC 41
558
- BE 73
754
- BD 95
 
106
- BE 91
251
- AO
564
- CD 13
A
- off Bergen
 
108
- CC 57
252
- BF 58
566
- BD 83
   
 
109
- CB 79
333
- CC 55
571
- DC 23
   
 
123
- CB 84
352
- BC 98
   
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 406 - 252 - UA - 754 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 160 - 71.
       
- 25 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
 
  Sailed:  U 588 - 552 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  U 406 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 572 reports a freighter of 5,000 BRT sunk in CA 8915 on 16.4 and freighter of 10,000 BRT in DC 3248 on 20.4.
    2) U 654 sank a large American freighter of 7,000 BRT in DC 26 on 20.4.  General course 1000.
    3) U 109 sank an ammunition freighter of 7,000 BRT in DC 3233 on 20.4.  General course 1000.
    4) U 575 sank a freighter type "Baron Inchape" (7,005 BRT) in CB 44 on 16.4.
    5) U 136 torpedoes a freighter or tanker of 6,000 BRT in CA 79 on 19.4 large fire, total loss probable.
    6) U 130 situation:  Bombarded oil depot in Bullen Bay on Curacao in the morning of 19.4.  Some visible results.  Rapid defense from shore.  Settlement very well camouflaged.  
      Sunk:  11.4 DP 5418 "Grenanger" (5,393 BRT), course 3300.  12.4 DP 4754 "Esso Boston" (7,699 BRT), course 3400.  No traffic from Anegada to Curacao.
  b)  None.
  c)  SSS in CA 7656 - EC 9624 - CA 3756 - DN 1247; further in EC 96 - DB 56.  "Brittannia" (9,967 BRT) in DB 5932.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c) In area BE 3 boats (U 82 - 587 - 252) have been lost during the last three weeks while attacking south-bound convoys.  During the same period heavily escorted convoys in the area AM and AL have been successfully attacked by single boats, and losses have only occurred at convoys sighted in BE.  It is suspected that the English sail especially well-escorted convoys, perhaps even a kind of U-boat decoy convoy, along the routes which he knows to be used by U-boats on their way out and back.
             Boats are therefore ordered not to attack when they sight a convoy in BE, but to move off and then report.  It is wrong to risk boats in side operations where chances of success are doubtful, when at the same time the favorable conditions of the American area give great chances of success at less risk.
       
- 26 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
V. Reports of Success:
    U 572 - 2 ships - 15,000 BRT.
  U 654 - 1 ship - 10,000 BRT.
    U 109 - 1 ship - 7,000 BRT.
    U 575 - 1 ship - 7,005 BRT.
    U 136 - 1 ship - 6,000 BRT.
    U 130 - 2 ships - 13,092 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
20.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 123
- CB 59
U 352
- BC 89
U 571
- CA 96
 
69
- BD 16
125
- DE 68
402
- CA 91
572
- DC 31(Op)
 
71
- BF 60
130
- Op(EC)
455
- BE 91
575
- CA 95(Op)
 
84
- Op(CA)
136
- Op(CA 79)
459
- CC 50
576
- CB 58
 
85
- Op(CA)
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
505
- EK 70
582
- Op(CB)
 
86
- CA 69
160
- BD 74
506
- DF 28
588
- BF 50
 
88
- AN 30
162
- DF 33
507
- DE 35
594
- BD 05
 
98
- CC 50
201
- Op(DC)
552
- BD 57
654
- DC 26(Op)
 
103
- BE 82
202
- BE 77
553
- BF 50
751
- BE 81
 
106
- BE 82
203
- CC 27
558
- BE 71
752
- CB 57
 
108
- CC 50
251
- AN 30
564
- CC 33
754
- BE 75
 
109
- DC 32
333
- CC 50
566
- BD 81
A
- AN 20
 
  On Return Passage:  UA - 203 - 571 - 754 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 160 - 71 - 505.  
  Sailed:  U 155 - Lorient;  U 592 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  U 71 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 654 sank "Arga" (4,569 BRT) in CA 98, course 1500.
    2) U 86 reports U-boat decoy in CA 9913.  Looks like a whale-catcher.  Making a lot of smoke.  Works together with a launched motor boat.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) SSS:  DB 5698 - DB 9730 - CA 3828 - BB 8850 - DB 5399 - CA 3750 - CA 5471 - BA 9866 - DB 5935 - CA 7353.
    2) U-boat attack in CB 1586.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b)  U 506 and 507 have been ordered to steer for BA 90 (Gulf of Mexico).
  c) 1) Supply of U 108 from U 459 has been carried out.
       
- 27 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      40 cbm in 10 minutes.  U-tankers stocks:  460 cbm, provisions for 60 days.  U 98 and U 333 are lying off the tanker for the next supply.
  d) U 251 and U 68 are being subordinated to Group North at once for operation in northern waters to replace U 655 - 585 - 702, which have been lost. 
     U 85 has not replied to repeated calls to report position and situation.  Her loss must be taken into account.  This is the first boat which has probably been lost immediately under the American coast.  There are no clues as to place and circumstances of sinking.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 654 - 1 ship - 4,569 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
21.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 136
- Op(CA)
U 459
- CC 57
U 576
- CB 48
 
69
- BD 94
154
- Op(Kar. Meer)
505
- EJ 81
582
- Op(CB)
 
84
- Op(CA)
155
- BF 58
506
- DE 93
588
- BF 49
 
86
- CA 98(Op)
160
- BD 82
507
- DE 28
593
- BF 58
 
98
- CC 57
162
- DF 16
552
- BD 64
594
- BD 86
 
103
- BE 73
201
- Op(DC)
553
- BF 49
654
- CA 98(Op)
 
106
- BE 73
202
- BE 84
558
- BD 92
751
- BE 72
 
108
- CC 72
203
- CC 34
564
- CC 35
752
- CB 45
 
109
- DC 29
333
- CC 57
566
- BD 72
754
- BE 85
 
123
- CB 66
352
- CC 56
571
- CB 73
A
- AN 31
 
125
- DE 83
402
- Op(CA)
572
- Op(CA)
   
 
130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
455
- BE 82
575
- Op(CA)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  UA - 203 - 571 - 754 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 160 - 505.
  Sailed:  U 107 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 507 sighted 2 Zeppelins in DE 2942 course 6650.
    2) U 86 chased a steamer course 1700 speed 16 knots for 2 hours in vain in DC 3177.
    3) U 154 fired a miss at a freighter on 16.4 in DC 7987.  Pistol failed.  Sank a freighter (3,500 BRT), course 1300, in DN 5816 on 20.4.  Medium amount of traffic between St. Juan and DN 50.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat sightings in CA 87 - ED 22 - CA 7330 - CA 5492.
     "Pipestone County" (5,102 BRT) torpedoed in CB 4881.  A/c sighted suspicious oil patch in BF 4981.
       
- 28 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 552's attack area:  DC 23 - 26 - 29 and sea area west of this as far as the coast.  To concentrate under the coast.
    U 564 attack area:  Florida Straits.
    U 752 and 576 attack area: CA 20 - 30 - 50 - 60.
    U 333 attack area:  Florida Straits.
    U 98 attack area:  DB 60.
  c) U 459 reported refueling was not possible on account of weather.  She has been ordered to remain at rendezvous with U 582 in CC 7555 and there to supply U 98 - 333 - 582 - 352 - 564 - 571 - in succession.  This accumulation of boats could not be foreseen and will be avoided in the future.  Boats which are not supplying should move off to the limit of signal range and act as outer defense.
    U 455 - 553 - 588 - 593 have been informed that they cannot count on being supplied.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 154 - 1 ship - 3,500 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
22.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 455
- BE 73
U 575
- Op(CA)
 
69
- BD 85
136
- Op(CA)
459
- CC 59
576
- CB 47
 
84
- Op(CA)
154
- DN 56(Op)
505
- EJ 51
582
- CC 75
 
86
- DC 34(Op)
155
- BF 49
506
- DE 86
588
- BF 47
 
98
- CC 75
160
- BD 68
507
- DE 46
593
- BF 49
 
103
- BE 71
162
- DF 47
552
- BE 44
594
- CD 33
 
106
- BD 95
201
- Op(DC)
553
- BF 47
654
- Op(DC)
 
107
- BF 58
202
- BE 94
558
- BD 33
751
- BD 93
 
108
- CB 96
203
- CD 32
564
- CC 76
752
- CB 41
 
109
- DC 19
333
- CC 75
566
- BC 93
754
- BE 92
 
123
- CC 43
352
- CC 76
571
- CB 96
A
- AN 35
 
125
- DE 49
402
- Op(CA)
572
- Op(CA)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 154 - A - 203 - 571 - 754 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 160 - 505
  Sailed:  U 172 - 159 - Kiel;  U 753 - La Pallice; U 502 - 156 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  U 201 situation report:  Heavy traffic in CA 90 - DC 20 - 30 - 50 - 60 on 18-22.4.  Freighter of 4,000 BRT sunk on 21.4
       
       
- 29 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    in DC 3452, and a ship of 6,700 BRT, type "Zealandia" on 22.4 in DC 5631.  22.4 DC 6178, 9,500-tonner type "Empire Rowan", course 1300.
    Sighted a 4 funnel ship type "Aquitania" in DC 6155, course north, speed 20 knots.
    U 203 sighted a freighter type "Beaverford" in CE 1122, course 3000, 15 knots.
  b) None.
  c) SSS:  CA 5168 - CA 7689 - CA 8447 - CA 5491 SOS, (probably from Jacinto, 6,069 BRT) in DC 5929.  Lifeboats with women, children and passengers.  English a/c reported suspicious oil patch in BF 4689 and sighted a U-boat in BF 4588.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) Attack areas:
    U 125 Yucatan Straits (Caribbean).
    U 162 area east of Port of Spain and Lesser Antilles, concentrating on traffic to Port of Spain from the southeast.
    U 108 to proceed to sea area of small Bahama Channel via Bermuda Is., Windward Passage, because U 108 is returning.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 201 - 3 ships - 20,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
23.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 136
- Op(CA)
U 402
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 572
- Op(CA)
 
69
- CD 62
154
- DN 38
455
- BE 71
575
- Op(CA)
 
84
- Op(CA)
155
- BF 47
459
- CC 75
576
- Op(CA)
 
86
- Op(CA)
156
- BF 58
502
- BF 58
582
- CC 75
 
98
- CC 75
159
- AO
505
- EJ 24
588
- BE 68
 
103
- BD 97
160
- BE 48
506
- DQ 11
593
- BF 48
 
106
- BD 86
162
- DE 95
507
- DE 47
594
- DC 31
 
107
- BE 57
172
- AO
552
- BE 58
654
- Op(DC)
 
108
- DD 23
201
- Op(DC 61)
553
- BE 67
751
- BD 91
 
109
- DC 19
202
- BF 71
558
- BD 81
752
- Op(CA)
 
123
- CC 33
203
- CE 12
564
- CC 75
753
- BF 58
 
125
- DE 74
333
- CC 75
566
- BC 86
754
- BF 57
 
130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
352
- CC 75
571
- CC 75
A
- AO
 
  On Return Passage:  UA - 203 - 154 - 571 - 754 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 160 - 505.
  Sailed:  U 213 - Brest;  U 96 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
- 30 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) SSS:  DB 9112 - DB 6778 - DD 4741 - DC 33 - CA 53 - DB 97 - CA 8713 - CA 56 - DC 59.
    S.S. Beacon" (10,388 BRT) chased by a U-boat in DC 89.
    "Bradburn" (4,736 BRT) sighted a U-boat in CA 6777.
    "Reinholt" (4,799 BRT) on fire in CA 52.  A blimp has contact.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) U 155 and 156 have been allocated as attacking area the whole sea area off Colon (Panama Canal).
  c)  None.
  d) Attack on single ships will be permitted on route A north of 380 N. and west of 100 W. from 1200/24/4 to 2400/1/5.  Permission to attack as for areas outside blockade area.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
24.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 333
- CC 75
U 566
- CC 62
 
69
- CD 53
136
- Op(CA)
352
- CC 75
571
- CC 75
 
84
- Op(CA)
154
- DC 99
402
- Op(DC)
572
- DC 36
 
86
- Op(CA)
155
- BE 95
455
- BD 97
575
- Op(CA)
 
98
- CC 75
156
- BF 81
459
- CC 75
576
- Op(CA)
 
103
- BD 88
159
- AN 35
502
- BF 81
582
- CC 75
 
106
- BD 84
160
- BE 59
505
- DT 87
588
- BE 55
 
107
- BF 48
162
- DQ 25
506
- DP 31
593
- BE 64
 
108
- DD 28
172
- AN 35
507
- DD 92
594
- CD 22
 
109
- DC 41
201
- Op(DC)
552
- BE 69
654
- Op(DC)
 
123
- BC 97
202
- BF 49
553
- BE 57
751
- BD 82
 
125
- DD 98
203
- BD 94
558
- BD 72
752
- Op(CA)
 
   
213
- BF 60
564
- CC 75
753
- BF 49
 
   
   
   
754
- BF 60
                   
A
- AO
 
  On Return Passage:  U 572 - 203 - 154 - 571 - 754 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 160 - 505 - UA.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  UA - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 553 sighted a convoy (21) at 1817 in BE 7317,
       
- 31 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      course 200, 8 knots, 12 ships, so far 2 destroyers distinguished.  Boat has been ordered not to attack and to continue her outward passage.
    2) Situation report from U 84:
      No traffic off Cape Lookout on 18th and 19th, no patrol.  CA 9506 steamer, 3200, 16 knots.  Sunk:  21.4 in DC 1314 freighter of 4,000 BRT course for Hatteras.
    3) U 575 situation:
      CA 90 slight air and sea patrol.  18.4 fan miss on small freight steamer of 2,000 BRT, 3500, 15-16 knots.  19.4 CA 95 let a steamer type "Hope Castle" go, as she had Swiss markings.
  b) None.
  c) U-boats were sighted in:  CA 3986 - CB 1123 - CB 14 - DB 9726 - CA 3332.
    Radio D/F bearing in CA 8975.
    U-boat warnings for CA 6411 - CA 9928.
    U-boat attack in CA 39.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c)  The following have supplied from U-tanker:  U 108 - 35 cbm and provisions for 12 days.  U 333 - 40 cbm and provisions for 14 days.  U 564 approximately 25 cbm and provisions for 10 days.
       
  d)  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
25.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 333
- BD 98
U 566
- CC 56
 
69
- CD 51
136
- Op(CA)
352
- CC 75
571
- CC 75
 
84
- Op(CA 98)
154
- DD 76
402
- Op(Kar. Meer)
572
- DD 13
 
86
- Op(CA)
155
- CF 33
455
- CE 13
575
- DC 32
 
96
- BF 49
156
- BF 75
459
- CC 75
576
- Op(CA)
 
98
- DD 97
159
- AN 28
502
- BF 75
582
- CC 75
 
103
- CE 11
160
- BE 69
505
- DT 57
588
- BE 45
 
106
- BD 78
162
- DQ 18
506
- DP 21
593
- BE 55
 
107
- BE 69
172
- AN 28
507
- DD 85
594
- CD 12
 
108
- DD 18
201
- Op(DC)
552
- BF 48
654
- Op(DC)
 
109
- Op(DB 60)
202
- BF 50
553
- BE 71
751
- BD 76
 
123
- Op(Kar. Meer)
203
- BE 74
558
- CD 52
752
- Op(CA)
 
125
- DP 11
213
- Lorient
564
- CB 97
753
- BF 48
 
   
   
   
754
- BF 60
 
- 32 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
  On Return Passage:  U 572 - 203 - 154 - 571 - 754 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 160 - 505.
  Sailed:  U 126 - 128 - Lorient;  U 653 - Brest;  U 116 - Bergen.
  Entered Port:  U 754 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 402 has had no traffic since 19.4 in CA 98 and 99 and south of this.  Slight air patrol observed.
    2) U 582 in CB 80 and 90 from 14-22.4.  Non traffic.  21.4 in CB 8252 Portuguese ship, course west.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings in:  CA 7950 - DC 12 - CA 34 - CA 38 - CA 54 - CA 53 - CA 79 - CB 21 - CA 33 - CA 39 - CA 76.
    U-boat attack reported in DC 14.
    A/c attacked U-boat in BE 6512 and probably scored 1 hit.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) Attention of U 506 and U 507 has been called to traffic situation in the Gulf of Mexico.
  c) U 582 has supplied with provisions for 18 days and 55 cbm fuel from tanker.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
26.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 126
- BF 58
U 213
- BF 58
U 566
- CC 81
 
69
- CD 44
128
- BF 58
333
- DD 21
571
- CC 91
 
84
- Op(CA)
130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
352
- CC 75
572
- CB 97
 
86
- Op(CA)
136
- Op(CA)
402
- DC 65
575
- Op(CA)
 
96
- BF 72
154
- DD 82
455
- CF 11
576
- Op(CA)
 
98
- CB 88
155
- CF 34
459
- CC 75
582
- CB 98
 
103
- CD 32
156
- BF 99
502
- BE 99
588
- BD 66
 
106
- CD 31
159
- AN 23
505
- DT 27
593
- BE 46
 
107
- BE 59
160
- BF 48
506
- DP 14
594
- CC 37
 
108
- DD 44
162
- DP 66
507
- DD 76
653
- off Lorient
 
109
- Op(DB 60)
172
- AF 77
552
- BF 60
654
- DC(Op)
 
116
- AN 23
201
- Op(DC)
553
- BD 92
751
- BD 74
 
123
- BD 84
202
- off Brest
558
- CD 45
752
- Op(CA)
 
125
- DO 34
203
- BE 84
564
- DD 21
753
- BE 93
 
- 33 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
  On Return Passage:  U 572 - 203 - 154 - 571 - 552 - 123 - 202 - 160 - 505.  
  Sailed:  U 135 - Brest.
  Entered Port:  U 202 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Situation reports:
      U 109:  23-25.4 between Lookout and Frying Pan no traffic except 2 destroyers and 1 patrol vessel.  25.4 double shot at destroyer type "Flusser"; surface-runner gave us away.  D/C hunt, no Asdic.  Hampered by heavy oil trace.
    2) U 136:  20.4 double fan miss at "Agra",  25.4 in CA 9521, sank new-type Empire freighter, course 1350.
      U 130:  Little traffic in EC 55 - 56 - 64, no air patrol.  No traffic in EC 85.  Intend to operate in DO.  25.4 torpedo shot at freighter, failure of pistol certain. 
      U 86 sighted a tanker in DC 2199 on a main course of 1400, speed 16 knots.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings in:  CA 35 - CA 79 - CA 5139 - CA 51.
    U-boat sighted by a/c in AM 2189 (U 172).
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 582 has been allocated attack area in the sea area around Hatteras, U 588 the sea area off Halifax and Cape Sable.
    If weather conditions are unfavorable freedom of action to the southwest.
  c) The following have supplied :
    U 571 = 20 cbm.  U 352 = 40 cbm.
    Further supplying is intended:  for U 566 on 27.4 in CC 7325.  For U 572 and 594 on 28.4.  For U 69 - 588 - on 29.4.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 136 - 1 ship
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
27.April 1942.
 
 
   
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 126
- BF 81
U 213
- BF 81
U 566
- CC 73
 
69
- CC 68
128
- BF 81
333
- DD 19
571
- CD 47
 
84
- Op(CA)
130
- EC 53(Op)
352
- CB 98
572
- CC 74
 
86
- DC 22(Op)
135
- BF 60
402
- Op(CA)
575
- Op(CA)
 
   
136
- CA 53(Op)
455
- CD 31
576
- Op(CA)
     
 
- 34 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
96
- BE 93
154
- DD 67
459
- CC 73
582
- CB 88
 
98
- DD 12
155
- CF 27
502
- CG 11
588
- BD 67
 
103
- CD 85
156
- CG 14
505
- DT 21
593
- BE 47
 
106
- CD 28
159
- AM 32
506
- DO 24
594
- CC 52
 
107
- BE 81
160
- BF 57
507
- DD 74
653
- BF 58
 
108
- DC 93
162
- DP 92
552
- BF 60
654
- Op(DC)
 
109
- DC 41(Op)
172
- AM 31
553
- BD 85
751
- BC 98
 
116
- AF 77
201
- Op(DC)
558
- CC 69
752
- Op(CA)
 
123
- BD 94
203
- BE 69
564
- DD 15
753
- BE 88
 
125
- DO 27
   
   
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 572 - 203 - 154 - 571 - 552 - 123 - 160 - 505.  
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 552 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U 159 reported special operation No. 1 (laying a weather buoy on Rockall Bank) completed.
    2) U 96 has been ordered to be in DB 79 at 1000/3/5 for a special operation.  
      Operation:  to escort blockade-breaker "Portland" home.
      U 96 has been forbidden to attack within a radius of 200 sea miles of the rendezvous or to radio except for messages important to the blockade-breaker.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
28.April 1942.
 
 
   
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 126
- BF 75
U 213
- BF 72
U 571
- CD 57
 
69
- CC 59
128
- BF 75
333
- DD 41
572
- CC 73
 
84
- Op(CA)
130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
352
- CB 88
575
- Op(CA)
 
86
- Op(CA)
135
- BF 58
402
- Op(CA)
576
- Op(CA)
 
96
- BE 67
136
- Op(CA)
455
- CD 22
582
- CB 79
 
98
- DC 36
154
- CD 22
459
- CC 73
583
- BD 58
 
103
- CD 54
155
- CC 73
502
- CF 26
593
- BD 55
 
106
- CD 18
156
- CF 38
505
- DG 93
594
- CC 73
 
107
- BE 72
159
- AM 01
506
- DO 24
653
- BF 81
 
108
- DC 97
160
- BF 60
507
- DC 95
654
- Op(DC)
 
109
- Op(DB 60)
162
- BE 31
553
- BD 79
751
- CD 13
 
116
- AM 33
172
- AM 16
558
- CC 67
752
- Op(CA)
 
123
- BE 72
201
- Op(DC)
564
- DC 39
753
- BE 79
 
125
- DO 45
203
- BF 50
566
- CC 73
   
     
 
- 35 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
  On Return Passage:  U 572 - 203 - 154 - 571 - 160 - 505.
  Sailed:  U 161 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  U 160 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 201's situation report:  On 28.4 on the coast of Cape Hatteras traffic in spurts along the 40 meter line with destroyer and strong air escort.
      Constant high pressure weather conditions.
    2) Situation U 752:  CA 53 and 64 medium amount of single ship traffic, course 3000, strong air and sea patrol.
      CA 51 and 54 so far no traffic.
    3) U 84 sighted a steamer with illuminated Swiss markings in CB 8165.  Course 100.
  b) None.
  c) U-boats were sighted:  EO 5144 - EE 56.
    SSS: in EC 96.  U-boat warning for BA 9883.
    English a/c reported U-boats in AM 1712 and AM 1727.
    U-boat attack in DO 16 on American tanker "Mobiloil" (9925).
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 130 has been ordered to skirt San Juan (Puerto Rico), as there is possibly a convoy assembly point there.
  c) 1) U 159 reported weather buoy laid on Porcupine Bank.
    2) U 566 has supplied from U-tanker
      Taken over:  36 cbm, provisions for 7 days.
      Tanker's stocks:  To deliver:  205 cbm, provisions for 30 days.
                                     Own:  115 cbm, provisions for 30 days.
    3) U 96 has been given exact rendezvous with "Portland" as square CE 1133.  Boat will remain there from 1200/3/5 to first light on 7.5.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- 36 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
29.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 126
- BE 86
U 213
- BE 93
U 571
- CD 61
 
69
- CC 57
128
- BE 99
333
- DC 65
572
- CC 73
 
84
- CB 82
130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
352
- DD 12
575
- Op(CA)
 
86
- Op(CA)
135
- BF 49
402
- Op(CA)
576
- Op(CA)
 
96
- BE 81
136
- Op(CA)
455
- CD 13
582
- DC 38
 
98
- DC 37
154
- DE 19
459
- CC 73
588
- BD 73
 
103
- CC 45
155
- CE 66
502
- CF 27
593
- BD 49
 
106
- CC 63
156
- CF 52
505
- DG 66
594
- CC 73
 
107
- BE 71
159
- AM 72
506
- DD 14
653
- BF 72
 
108
- DN(Op)
161
- BF 58
507
- DC 89
654
- Op(DC)
 
109
- Op(DB)
162
- Op(EO)
553
- BC 77
751
- CD 44
 
116
- AM 25
172
- AL 03
558
- CC 57
752
- CA 53(Op)
 
123
- BE 82
201
- (CA 79)Op
564
- DC 61
753
- CE 32
 
125
- DN 68
203
- off Lorient
566
- CB 93
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 572 - 203 - 154 - 571 - 123 - 505 - 84.
  Sailed:  U 437 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) Situation reports:
    1) U 136:  Off New York day and night traffic close under land along 10 meter line.  Strong sea patrol, medium air patrol.  28.6 steamers putting to sea on east and southeast courses.  Torpedoed steamer of 5,000 BRT.  Probably sunk.
    2) U 576:  No traffic off Nantucket - Cape Cod - Cape Anne.  
      Sunk:  21.4 in CB 4849 Estone County (5,102 BRT)
                  23.4 in CA 3975 1 5,000 tonner torpedoed, pistol failed.
    3) U 201:  Traffic off Hatteras.  Could not proceed on the surface day or night because of strong air patrol and bright full-moon nights.
    4) U 108:  9.4 in CE 28 unsuccessful attack on 2 small passenger freighters, course 1800.  25.4 sank "Modesta" (3,830 BRT) in DO 13, course 1450.
      No traffic off Bermuda.  Air patrol by shore based a/c.  U 575 sighted an American S/M type R-1 in CB 4975.  S/M dived when approached.
  b)  None.
  c)  SSS:  in DC 1165 - ED 9390 - ED 66.
     U-boat attack in DO 13 (U 108) and in ED 9872.
  d)  None.
       
- 37 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c) Supply of U 594 completed.  35 cbm and provisions for 7 days taken over.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 136 - 1 steamer - 5,000 BRT probably sunk.
  U 576 - 1 ship - 5,102 BRT sunk
                1 ship - 5,000 BRT torpedoed.
  U 108 - 2 ships - 13,755 BRT sunk.
       
VI. General: None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
30.April 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Kar. Meer)
U 126
- BE 87
U 213
- BE 55
U 566
- CB 83
 
69
- CC 49
128
- CF 33
333
- DC 83
571
- CE 17
 
84
- CB 65
130
- Op(Kar. Meer)
352
- DC 32
572
- CC 73
 
86
- Op(CA)
135
- BF 47
402
- Op(CA)
575
- CB 55
 
96
- BD 93
136
- Op(CA)
437
- BF 49
576
- Op(CA)
 
98
- DC 52
154
- DE 23
455
- CC 33
582
- CA 95
 
103
- CC 69
155
- CE 83
459
- CC 73
588
- BC 99
 
106
- CC 64
156
- CF 46
502
- CF 45
593
- BD 47
 
107
- BD 94
159
- BE 35
505
- CF 94
594
- CB 93
 
108
- Op(DN)
161
- BF 49
506
- DN 37
653
- BE 93
 
109
- Op(DB 60)
162
- Op(EO)
507
- DN 21
654
- Op(DC)
 
116
- AL 61
172
- AL 95
553
- BC 98
751
- CC 68
 
123
- BE 68
201
- Op(DC)
558
- CC 73
752
- Op(CA)
 
125
- DN 83
203
- off Brest
564
- DC 56
753
- CE 26
 
  On Return Passage:  U 116 - 159 - 172 - 575 - 84 - 572 - 154 - 571 - 123 - 505.
  Sailed:  U 157 - Kiel;  U 432 - La Pallice.
  Entered Port:  U 203 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 126 reported a convoy at 1915 in BE 76, course 200.  8 steamers and 3 destroyers distinguished.  Moved off as ordered.  At 0145 the same boat sighted a convoy in BE 78, 4 vessels making heavy smoke, course northeast.  The former convoy may possibly be identical with SL 107 (though nevertheless there are remarkably few vessels), but the second cannot be identified on the schedule known the suspicion, already mentioned, that special anti-S/M convoys are being sailed in area BE, is further confirmed by these reports.
    2) U 576 reported a convoy in CA 3354, 10 steamers, course 2700, she probably scored 4 hits.  Boat suspects supply traffic to Boston proceeds via CB 14 - 11 - 12 and CA 33.  Boat intends to operate in BC 10.  30.4 sank freighter of 5,000 BRT in CA 33.
       
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    3) U 654's situation:  since 21.4 no traffic from DC 20 via DD 18 to CA 90.  D/C damage following a hunt in shallow water.  Starting return passage because of provisions.
    4) U 752 sank "West Imboden" (5,750 BRT) in CB 1836 on 21.4, course 3500.
    5) U 402's situation:  Approached Lookout from the southeast.  Traffic in both directions.  30.4 miss at patrol boat and freighter.  According to hydrophone bearings, both torpedoes became ground-runners at 30 meters of water.
      Sunk:  DC 1193 freighter at 19 meters with stern aground.
    6) U 566 chased a fast freighter unsuccessfully for 9 hours in CB 8137, course 3000.
    7) U 333 fired 3 misses at a tanker by day.  Seen and rammed during a night attack.  Ability to dive is impaired.  Bows rammed away.   Conning tower plating, bearing gear of U-boat aiming sight and forward periscope torn away.  Jumping-wire torn away.  Constant inrush of water through conning tower.  After repairs, intends to operate away from the coast.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) SSS:  "Solon Turman" (7,000 BRT) in DM 26, further SSS in DC 1352 - CA 32 - DC 1360.
      U-boat attack in ED 1659 - DN 71 - ED 19 (double attack on one vessel).
    2) American warning to shipping for sea area around Hatteras.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b)  Attack areas allocated:
     U 566 in CA 20 - 30 - 50 - 60.
     U 558 and U 106 sea area around Hatteras.
    U 594 square DN.
    U 69 - DO 70 - 80 - 90 and ED 10 - 20 - 30.
  c) 1) The following have supplied from U-tanker:  U 558 - 35 cbm.  U 69 - 35 cbm.  U 572 - 25 cbm and provisions for 14 days.
      Further supply intended:  U 751 in CC 8155 on 1.5.
    2) U 437 has been ordered to escort S.S. "Munsterland" home.  Rendezvous 9.5 CD 3670.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 576 - 1 ship - 5,000 BRT sunk.
       
VI. General:
  1) Situation in the American Area:
            When sinking declines after 21 April, this at first gave the impression that traffic conditions on the American coast had
 
 
 
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  changed and that the constant stream of independently-routed ships and ships in convoy had ceased.  This impression was confirmed by the decline in the numbers of SSS and attack reports received from the Radio Intelligence Service. But during the last days more frequent reports form boats, which had lain right under the coast despite bright full-moon nights, have shown this view to be false.
            As last month, the decline in sinking figures is attributable to unfavorable conditions for attack during full-moon and high pressure weather.  Boats cannot operate on the traffic routes right under land because they are constantly forced under water by the numerous sea and air patrols and have no chance to operate on the surface and charge their batteries.
            The U-boats fighting superiority over the anti-S/M defenses, which has so far always been proved, cannot be exploited in moon and weather conditions such as this.
            Verbal reports from returned C.O.'s gives the same picture again and again.
            Attacking conditions in the American area continue to be very good.  Anti-S/M activity has increased, but its fighting power, its concentration, its determination to attack and destroy are small.  "Those who fight are not sailors, but people who are being paid for their presence in the area endangered by U-boats."  C.O.'s are all of the same opinion, namely that the American area will remain a highly favorable area for attacks for some months to come and that a high percentage of successes can be scored with very few losses.
            In order to decide whether the battle in the remote American operations area, with the long passages there and back, is still worthwhile (even with total number of successes rising), it is necessary to compare the sinkings per boat per day at sea.
            This gives the following result:
     
Sunk per boat per day at sea in January 1942 209 BRT
  February 378 BRT
  March 409 BRT
  April 412 BRT
            This shows that, in spite of the increased anti-S/M activity and America's greater concentration on the U-boat war, the boat's successes have risen.  Their operation in the American area is therefore further indicated.
    2)  The present large number of boats which are in full fighting trim as far as fuel goes (6 type IXc and 11 fully supplied type VII c) permits the whole coastal area from Cape Sable to Cape West, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean to be occupied.  The enemy will find it impossible to avoid the U-boats by re-routing his traffic.  These boats will reach their operations areas at the most favorable time, on May 8, one week before new moon.
    3)  Supplying from the first U-tanker has gone off excellently.  Altogether 10 boats have supplied on the way out, 2 on the way back, all in 10 days weather conditions admittedly being good.  The value of these supply operations can only be completely assessed when all the boats have completed patrols.
 
 
 
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  Mine Situation in Biscay:
  I. The charts captured in Nazaire in the English destroyer Campbelltown, with the mined areas entered, confirm the necessity of abandoning the approach routes to Brest (Sternbild and Rippenbruch).  This had been done some time before.  The arrangement of the minefields also gives rise to the suspicion that the enemy had begun to cut off the Biscay methodically, starting from the north, by minefields along the 200 meter line.  As the northern approach routes to Lorient (Jugend Liebe and Bogenlampe) had been closed owing to enemy mines laid closer to the coast, the Brest boats had:
    1) to use the south route to Lorient (Cedernland) and then proceed along the coast on route Rosa, i.e. cover a longer distance through inshore waters endangered by mines and S/M's and
    2) to put into Lorient as an intermediate port, so that the additional danger from a/c was eliminated.  During daylight they lay in Lorient and continued their passage to Brest during darkness.  The consequent loss of half a day, outward and inward bound, had to be accepted.
  II. All U-boat traffic was now crowded onto the 2 routes Tannennadol and Uhunest, which lie close together and lead to the center of the Biscay coast, as the routes south of these, leading to Pallice and to the Gironde could not be constantly checked for mines, owing to F.O.I.C. Western Defenses' lack of forces, and were therefore closed.  This restriction to 2 routes means:
    1) A longer passage in inshore waters for all boats which belong to Brest, Pallice and Bordeaux.
    2) Crowding together makes things easer for enemy S/M's and a/c and raises the effectiveness of mining operations there.
    3) The basic principle, to allow only incoming or only outgoing U-boats or only minesweepers along one route at night, has in some cases to be disregarded, which means danger for the U-boats.
    4) If the principle in para. 3) is adhered to, which is essential on dark nights, then F.O.I.C. Western Defenses' few forces are further restricted in their movements, to the disadvantage of the safety of the U-boats.
    5) There is danger that the enemy will lay minefields in inshore waters which are not checked by us without our noticing it.  It is only a short step from there to closing the comparatively narrow checked emergency route in the center and Biscay suddenly being really cut off.
  III.  On 20 April route Burggraf was declared in use, and this meant a certain relief of the 2 central routes, as the italian boats were now given a direct route and Pallice boats could be escorted along this.  They still had to go out of their way slightly compared with the original direct approach route to Pallice
    This relief, which was comparatively slight, was more than cancelled out on 26.4 by the closing of route Tannennadel, which included Cedernland almost all the Atlantic boats, i.e. Brest, Lorient, and Nazaire boats, were now directed to route Uhanenst,
 
 
 
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    which, apart from anything else, is a long way round to Brest and Lorient.  This intolerable state of affairs was considerably eased on 30.4 when route Bogenlampe came into use.
  IV. Present Situation:
    1) There are direct approach routes to: Lorient, Nazaire, Bordeaux.  Boats which are arriving at or leaving Brest go to Lorient as hitherto and leave there on the evening of the day they arrived.  Pallice boats have to be escorted either via Burggraf, 25 sea miles out of their way, or via Uhunest, 50 sea miles out of their way.
    2) Because of the few approach routes traffic along them is very dense, encounters cannot always be avoided.  If one of those routes, which lie far apart, comes into disuse it will mean a very long way around for some of the boats.
    3) F.O.I.C. Western Defenses' forces are at present just adequate to check the 3 routes.  They are not sufficient to clear the minefields already known, nor to search over other routes which may be free of mines, nor to clear the existing routes if these should be closed or fouled by the enemy.  This means that any minelaying by the enemy, which is most likely, would cause a very serious situation in U-boat traffic in inshore waters.
    This lack of forces is the reason why already now U-boats are in many cases forced to remain in inshore waters for a disproportionate length of time, instead of being able to cover this dangerous zone as quickly as possible, at right angles to the coast.  It thus endangers the whole offensive conduct of the U-boat war and can gradually stop it altogether unless assistance is provided.
  V. Attention has again been called to the intolerable state of affairs described above, by telephone from B.d.U. to Naval War Staff and by T/P from Group West.
       
                                                                   (signed):  Dönitz
       
    (MS page).
       
    via lu (one or 2 words and figures illegible)
       
To 19.IV.  para IV.
       
          One of the reasons which led to the U-boats' no longer being operated methodically against convoys, is the fact that it was and is hardly possible to find the convoys with our inadequate means.  When a convoy has been found in my opinion the (one word illegible) should be realized, or it should be decided only from case to case, but not in principle to break off operations.
          Convoy escort is mostly likely to be very strong in BE because this is near to the Mother country and to Gibraltar, and will force breaking-off the attack early on, especially in the case of north-bound convoys.  But we are surely agreed that the sinking of a steamer near English ports is of great importance.  So the expression "side" operation for an attack on a convoy in BE is, in my opinion, ill chosen.
       
                                                                   (initials illegible)
 
 
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    (still MS)
       
          As long as there is any suspicion that anti-S/M convoys may be expected in BE it is undoubtedly right to avoid attacking convoys in this sea area.  I also regard the expression "side operation" as wrong.
       
                                                                   (initials illegible)
       
      S.O. Only                                          Berlin, May 31, '42
      By hand of officer
       
      via Ia
      To be submitted to Head of Naval War Staff (first division).
       
    

(MS note): Nevertheless the expression is open to criticism.

  1) The designation of such attacks as "Side operations" is in my opinion to be interpreted in the sense that in area BE they have no actual connection with the present main U-boat operations (American coast).
       
    2) The greatest difficulty undoubtedly lies in finding the convoys.  When a convoy has been found, an attack is in my opinion worth while, if several boats can be operated at the same time.

(MS note):  The order that single U-boats are not to attack such strongly escorted convoys cannot be questioned, the more so as it is suspected that they are "U-boat decoy" convoys.

(initials illegible)

   

The convoys encountered in BE are known from experience to be strongly escorted and are only found by chance by U-boats on their way out or way home.  So, as long as several boats cannot attack simultaneously, the damage to be expected must be greater than the possible advantages to be gained.  For this reason B.d.U. has ordered all further pursuit of such convoys to be abandoned.  Our experience of these convoys has, in my opinion, proved this order to be right.  Lately we have lost several boats operating singly against such convoys, without the smallest success, even though they went to it with a will.

                                          Iu (initials illegible).

       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
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