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

1 - 15 May 1942

PG30307a

     
     
 
1.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Karib. Meer)
U 126
- BE 77
U 213
- BE 46
U 564
- DC 81
 
69
 - CC 73
128
 - BE 88
333
 - DC 85
566
 - CB 73
 
84
 - CC 41
130
 - Op(Karib. Meer)
352
 - Op(DC)
571
 - CE 24
 
86
 - Op(CA)
135
 - BE 68
402
 - Op(CA)
572
 - CC 73
 
96
 - BD 94
136
 - Op(CA)
432
 - BF 58
575
 - CB 63
 
98
 - DC 43
154
 - CD 74
437
 - BF 49
576
 - CA 33-Op
 
103
 - CC 91
155
 - CE 96
455
 - CC 31
582
 - Op(CA)
 
106
 - CC 58
156
 - CE 92
459
 - CC 73
588
 - CD 13
 
107
 - BD 87
157
 - AO
502
 - CE 68
593
 - BC 91
 
108
 - Op(DN)
159
 - BF 40
505
 - CF 68
594
 - CB 98
 
109
 - Op(DB 60)
161
 - BF 47
506
 - DN 51
653
 - BE 91
 
116
 - AL 92
162
 - Op(EO)
507
 - DM 36
654
 - CA 96
 
123
 - BF 48
172
 - BF 23
553
 - CD 27
751
 - CC 81
 
125
 - DN 81
201
 - Op(DC)
558
 - CC 73
752
 - CA 56-Op
 
   
   
   
753
 - CE 24
 
  On Return Passage:  U 116 - 159 - 172 - 575 - 654 - 84 - 572 - 154 - 571 - 123 - 505.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 162 sank "Athel Empress" (8,941 BRT) on 30.4 in EE 8226, course 2450, on 1.5 the Brazilian "Parnahyba" (6,692 BRT) in EO 2121.  Ship was armed, painted grey-green, no flag, no neutral markings.  After she had been torpedoed her name and home port "Rio" were distinguished in small letters on bows and stern.  Course 3320 no zigzags.
    2) U 575 reports several steamers on a W. course in CB 1143.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat attack in DB 94 - EO 21 (U 162) - DN 2120.  SSS in DN 7778 - CA 98 - CA - 3250 - DB 67 - DM 6292 - DC 22 - CA 61 - DM 65.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  U 576 reported at 2130 7 troop transports, strongly escorted, in CB 1155, course 800, medium speed.  The boat reported further:  convoy consists of 1 a/c carrier, 1 battleship, many destroyers, 7 large passenger steamers.  Boat was in firing position without torpedoes.  Could not shadow, as one Diesel was defective.  Further reports from CB 1156 and a hydrophone bearing in CB 1270.  Strong air patrol.  The following boats are in favorable positions to operate against the unit:  U 553 - 588 - 593 - 455 at a distance of 600 to 1000 sea miles east of the convoy.
       
- 44 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    An operation at this distance, with quite indefinite data and without shadowing does not give much hope of success, especially as the patrol line will have to be formed in an area where fog conditions are very unfavorable, on Newfoundland Bank, in shallow water.
    But in view of the valuable targets, the operation will have to be carried out.  Boats have been ordered to form a patrol line at 2100/3/5 from BB 6981 to BB 9695 in the order:U 455 - 593 - 533 and 588.  This patrol line should still be able to pick up the unit if its speed of advance is 14 knots.  U 576 is to try all means for regaining contact.
  b) None.
  c) U 751 has taken over 30 cbm and provisions for 5 days from U-tanker.
    Supply is intended for U 108 on 2.5.
  d) U 333 reports:  after repairs boat is fit for attack depth and up to 100 meters diving depth for a short time.  Bottoming not possible, 3 tubes serviceable.  Boat has been given freedom of action according to what she is capable of diving.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 162 2 ships 15,633 BRT.
 
 
 
U-boats as of 1 May 1942
 
(excluding foreign boats and after UA has been withdrawn from active service).
       
I. Total in commission:
    
at 1.4.42
284
  
commissioned in April
16
  
 
300
  
 
 
Losses in April*
5
  
 
295
  
Paid off
3
   type II for Black Sea.
as of 1.5.1942
292
  
       
  *Losses in April: 5, of which 3 in the Northern Area.
    U 85, Greger, experienced boat, last report 8.4 from the West Atlantic, no clue as to cause of loss.  
    U 252, Lerchen, first patrol.  Last report 14.4 at a convoy west of Biscay.  It is suspected that decoy convoys sail in this area.  of. loss of U 82 in February.  
    U 585, Lohse, on Kirkenes on 29.3.  Non clue as to cause of loss.
    U 655, Dumrese, first patrol, last report 21.3 when passing 670 north.  Possible destroyed in attack on a Murmansk convoy.
  U 702, von Rabenau, first patrol.  31.3 parted from escort off Heligoland.  Possible a mine or action with a formation of English warships west of Norway.
       
- 45 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Boats are distributed as follows:
Type
II
VIIa
VIIb/c
VIId
IXb/c
IXD
Xb
XIV
  
Front-line:
-
-
89
1
32
-
1
1
 124
Trials:
-
-
76
5
22
3
3
5
 114
Training:
37
4
11
-
2
-
-
-
 54
 
37
4
176
6
56
3
4
6
 292
       
III. During April:
 
The total number of boats increased by 8  
The number of front-line boats    " 4  
The number of boats on trials       " 7  
The number of training boats decreased by 3  
       
IV. Front-line boats were distributed as follows at 1.5.1942:
 
Atlantic 85 boats
Mediterranean 20     "
Norway Area 19     "
       
V. In the Atlantic during April:
 
Daily average of boats at sea
48.8
  
of which in operations areas
9.87
  
On outward passage
38.47
  
On return passage
9.43
  
       
VI. The following sailed during April:
 
From home
9
   boats
From western France
32
   boats
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
2.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
 - Op(Karib. Meer)
U 128
- CF 21
U 333
- DG 71
U 566
- CB 71
 
69
 - DD 23
130
 - Op(Karib. Meer)
352
 - Op(DC)
571
 - CE 31
 
84
 - CC 27
135
 - BE 59
402
 - DC 15
572
 - CC 64
 
86
 - Op(CA)
136
 - Op(CA)
432
 - BF 49
575
 - CC 19
 
96
 - BD 88
154
 - CD 92
437
 - BF 47
576
 - BB 77
 
98
 - Op(DB 60)
155
 - DF 33
455
 - CC 22
582
 - Op(CA)
 
103
 - CC 81
156
 - CE 85
459
 - CC 81
588
 - CD 11
 
106
 - CB 93
157
 - AN 36
502
 - CE 82
593
 - BC 82
 
107
 - CD 33
159
 - BF 58
505
 - CF 39
594
 - DD 22
 
108
 - Op(DN)
161
 - CG 11
506
 - DN 41
653
 - BE 82
 
109
 - Op(DB 60)
162
 - EO 22(Op)
507
 - DM 34
654
 - CB 49
 
116
 - BE 23
172
 - BF 58
553
 - CD 18
751
 - CC 72
 
123
 - CE 33
201
 - Op(DC)
558
 - CB 91
752
 - Op(CA)
 
125
 - DN 78
213
 - BD 68
564
 - DC 75
753
 - CE 18
 
126
 - CE 33
   
   
   
     
 
- 46 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
  On Return Passage:  U 116 - 159 - 172 - 575 - 654 - 84 - 572 - 154 - 571 - 123 - 505 - 402 - 576.
  Sailed:  U 504 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  U 123 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 116 reported the position of the convoy, which U 126 sighted at 0145/1/5 in BE 78, in BE 57 at 1600.  According to this report, the convoy must have made straight for St. Georges Channel at a speed of about 6 knots.  Boat heard Asdic noises.
    2) U 402 sank patrol yacht "Cythera" in DC 1591.  Starting return passage with 2 prisoners, owing to fuel.
    3) U 86 situation:  Report does not add anything to information on the traffic situation north and south of Hatteras.  Boat will operate against NW-bound traffic to Hatteras and later in Onslow and Long Bay.  9 torpedoes, 67 cbm left.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat sightings in CA 5223 - DC 14; further from a/c in BF 5411 and BE 9311.
     American S.S. "Alcoa Skipper" (5,491 BRT) sighted U-boat in ED 53.
     Torpedo report from tanker British Workman (6,994 BRT) in BC 7440.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) U 576 had hydrophone bearings of the unit of 200 true from BB 1321 at 0905 and 50 at 1220 from BB 7769.  Estimated enemy speed 12 knots, course NE.  Boat had contact with rear air escort and reported at 1847 that she was forced to submerge for half hour or an hour at a time by strong air patrol.  She suspects the convoy's route lies along the coast.  She has been ordered to do her utmost to get contact and keep it.
  b)  U 751 has been allocated an attack area the sea area around Cape Hatteras, concentrating there.
  c) 1) U 96's escort duty probably according to plan.
    2) U 103 has taken over 30 cbm from U-tanker.  Tanker can still deliver 20 cbm and some provisions.  Starting return passage.
      A last supply from U-tanker is intended for U 753 at 1000/5/5 in CD 4635.
 
 
 
- 47 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 402 1 ship 830 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
3.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Karib. Meer)
U 128
- CF 15
U 333
- Op(DB 90)
U 564
- Op(DB)
 
69
 - DD 29
130
 - Op(Karib. Meer)
352
 - Op(DC)
566
 - Op(CA)
 
84
 - CC 37
135
 - BE 57
402
 - DC 22
571
 - BE 77
 
86
 - DC 21-Op
136
 - Op(CA)
432
 - BE 68
572
 - CD 41
 
96
 - CE 12
154
 - CE 45
437
 - BE 91
575
 - CC 29
 
98
 - Op(DB 60)
155
 - DF 26
455
 - BB 96
576
 - BB 77
 
103
 - CC 72
156
 - DG 12
459
 - CC 82
582
 - Op(CA 79)
 
106
 - CB 83
157
 - AN 28
502
 - CE 79
588
 - BC 79
 
107
 - CD 31
159
 - BF 60
504
 - BF 58
593
 - BC 72
 
108
 - Op(DN)
161
 - CG 11
505
 - CG 14
594
 - DD 27
 
109
 - Op(DB 60)
162
 - Op(EO 22)
506
 - DM 61
653
 - BE 73
 
116
 - BF 40
172
 - BF 60
507
 - DM 27
654
 - CB 83
 
125
 - DM 98
201
 - Op(DC)
553
 - CC 32
751
 - CB 93
 
126
 - CE 34
213
 - BD 59
558
 - CB 82
752
 - Op(CA)
 
   
   
   
753
 - CD 38
 
  On Return Passage:  U 172 - 159 - 116 - 575 - 654 - 459 - 84 - 572 - 154 - 571 - 505 - 402 - 576.
  Sailed:  U 590 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  U 172 - 159 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 109's situation report:  Submerged by day.  Reception only on Afrika from 0300-1100.  Am in DB 92.  Successes:  on 1.5 off Canaveral inside 20 meter line "Lapaz" (6,548 BRT), sinking not observed, stern probably aground.
      Motor lighter "Worden" (433 BRT) sunk.  3.5 fast freighter type "City of Manchester" (9,050 BRT) sunk.  All ships course S.
    2) U 594 sighted a motor vessel of 3-4,000 BRT in CB 7882, 3300, 15 knots.  Enemy speed too high.  Boat continued on passage.
    3) U 654 reported submerged enemy S/M in CB 6799.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boats sighted:  EB 2765 - DM 2560 - CA 8470 - BB 93.
     Sighted further by a/c:  BE 5869 and BB 6980.
     U-boat attacks in ED 98 - DB 94 - DM 52.
  d)  None.
       
- 48 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  According to reports received so far from U 576 the unit appears to intend to break through as close as possible under the coast, especially as it must know of the presence of the U-boats from attack and sighting reports.  Orders to the boats:  Transfer the patrol line in its present direction30 sea miles to the north.  Make absolutely certain that the area is patrolled.
  b) U 103's operations area has been extended to the Florida Straits.
  c)  U 96's convoy duty probably according to plan.  U 437 on her way to rendezvous.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 109  3 ships  15,981 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
4.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- Op(Karib. Meer)
U 128
- CE 38
U 402
 - CA 99
U 572
- CD 28
 
69
 - DD 55
130
 - Op(Karib. Meer)
432
 - BE 59
575
 - CD 14
 
84
 - CD 14
135
 - BE 48
437
 - BE 85
576
 - BB 68
 
86
 - Op(CA)
154
 - CE 19
455
 - BB 69
582
 - Op(CA)
 
96
 - CE 12
155
 - DF 27
459
 - CD 47
588
 - BB 96
 
98
 - Op(DB 60)
156
 - DF 36
502
 - DG 14
590
 - BF 58
 
103
 - CB 96
157
 - AF 77
504
 - BF 49
593
 - BB 69
 
106
 - CB 86
161
 - CF 29
505
 - BE 98
594
 - DC 36
 
107
 - CD 25
162
 - Op(EO)
506
 - DM 27
653
 - BE 71
 
108
 - Op(DN)
201
 - Op(DC)
507
 - DM 14
654
 - CC 47
 
109
 - Op(DB 60)
213
 - BD 57
553
 - BB 93
751
 - CB 91
 
116
 - BF 58
333
 - Op(DB 90)
558
 - CB 73
752
 - Op(CA)
 
125
 - DM 85
352
 - Op(DC)
564
 - Op(DB)
753
 - CD 53
 
126
 - CE 37
   
566
 - Op(CA)
   
 
   
   
571
 - BE 84
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 590 - 116 - 576 - 575 - 402 - 654 - 459 - 84 - 572 - 154 - 571 - 505.
  Sailed:  U 158 - 124 - Lorient; U 94 - St. Nazaire; U 569 - La Pallice.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 66's situation and success report:
      Heavy traffic along the 200 meter line in the sea area west of Trinidad.  Slight NS traffic in the islands.  No sea patrol outside.  Many fast tankers.
      Sunk:  14.4 ED 9619 "Corinthian" (3,122 BRT), course 100.  16.4 in ED 9454 tanker (8,000 BRT) 1200.
       
- 49 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      17.4 in ED 8617 "Heinrich Riedemann" (11,000 BRT), 2850.  26.4 in ED 4793 ship type "Gleniffer" (9,560 BRT) 3000.  2.5 ED 9645 "Sandan" (7,624 BRT) 700.  Torpedoed and damaged on 3.5.  "Geo. W. McKnight" (12,500 BRT) 2050.
      Sighted in addition:  8.4 DR 4231 freighter 3400.  14.4 ED 9619 tanker 1900.  28.4 in ED 8694 tanker 2700.  4.5 2 tankers in EE 72.  Course 3200 and 3400.
    2) U 130 situation:
      No traffic off St. Juan since 2.5.  Operating further through DN 52 - DO 20 - 30 - 70 - 80.
    3) U 455 sank tanker "British Workman" (6,499 BRT) on 3.5 in BB 9663.  Course 2100.
    4) U 136 has seen no air patrol in CA 50, much fog.  Torpedoed "Schodack" (5,041 BRT) on 1.5 in CA 5364.  Starting return passage.
    5) U 432 sighted a convoy on a northerly course on 3.5 in BE 5931.  While skirting it, bombs from a Sunderland.  Slight casualties.  A/c bombs on 2 May in BE 6399.
  b) None.
  c) Sighting reports in CA 87.  Attack in DM 25.  "Mokihana" (6,460 BRT) torpedoed in ED 27.  Ship abandoned, sinking.  "Joseph M. Cudahy" (6,950 BRT) in DM 15.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) U 576 in waiting position in BB 6850, reported search in vain.  Boats have been ordered to continue passage west at 2200.  By this time the unit, at a speed of 9 knots, should have passed the patrol line.
  b) 1) U 126 - 128 - 161 have been ordered to steer for CF 70.  Boats are to proceed south along 25-280 W. and cross route A at shortest distance.  Permission to attack has been requested.
    2) U 553 will be given freedom of action from Nova Scotia to New York.
       
  c) U 96's escort duty probably according to plan.  U 437 on her way to rendezvous.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 66   3 ships    27,537 BRT
                1 ship    12,502 BRT torpedoed
    U 136    1 ship    5,040 BRT torpedoed.
       
VI. General:  None.
 
 
- 50 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
5.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- EE 73
U 126
- CE 55
U 352
- Op(DC)
U 569
- BF 58
 
69
 - DD 81
128
 - CE 68
402
 - CB 73
571
 - BE 88
 
84
 - CD 21
130
 - DO 74-Op
432
 - BE 46
572
 - CD 35
 
86
 - Op(CA)
135
 - BD 69
437
 - BE 78
575
 - CD 21
 
94
 - BF 81
136
 - CA 93
455
 - BB 68
576
 - BB 69
 
96
 - CE 11
154
 - CE 29
459
 - CD 46
582
 - Op(CA 79)
 
98
 - Op(DB 60)
155
 - DE 69
502
 - DF 37
588
 - BB 95
 
103
 - CB 97
156
 - DF 61
504
 - BF 47
593
 - BB 92
 
106
 - CB 76
157
 - AM 33
505
 - BF 75
594
 - DC 63
 
107
 - CD 18
158
 - BF 58
506
 - DM 14
653
 - BD 92
 
108
 - Op(DN)
161
 - CF 54
507
 - DL 32
654
 - CC 54
 
109
 - Op(DB 60)
162
 - Op(EO-EE)
553
 - BB 95
751
 - CB 81
 
116
 - BF 60
201
 - Op(DC)
558
 - BB 95
752
 - Op(CA)
 
124
 - BF 58
213
 - BC 98
564
 - Op(DB 90)
753
 - CD 46
 
125
 - Op(DL-DM)
333
 - Op(DB 90)
566
 - Op(CA)
590
 - BD 60
 
  On Return Passage:  U 590 - 116 - 576 - 402 - 130 - 575 - 136 - 654 - 459 - 84 - 572 - 154 - 571 - 505.
  Sailed:  U 590 - 406 - St. Nazaire;  U 584 - Kiel.
  Entered Port:  U 590 - St. Nazaire; U 116 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) U-boat attacks in DB 97 - DL 3660 - DL 3620 - EO 4394 .
    American S.S. "Afoundria" (5,010 BRT) torpedoed in EC 12.
     English a/c reported enemy U-boat in BF 7293.
    U-boats sighted in:  DB 9119 - DC 14 - CA 8144.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 124 and U 107 have been ordered to steer for CA 79.
    2) Operation off Panama Canal is to be postponed, because of unfavorable moon period and good prospects in other areas.  Boats intended for this have been allotted new operations areas as follows:  U 155 and 156 sea area within a range of 300 sea miles from Trinidad.  U 502 same area around Curacao.
  c) 1) U 753 has taken over 20 cbm and 2 tons provisions from U-tanker.  The tanker has now sold out and is starting a rapid return passage to Lorient.
    2) U 437 has been given further details as to route and escort home of blockade-breaker "Muensterland".
  d)  None.
       
- 51 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
6.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- EE 56
U 128
- CE 98
U 402
- CB 86
U 569
- BF 81
 
69
 - DO 23
130
 - Op(Karib. Meer)
406
 - BF 56
571
 - BF 82
 
84
 - BD 74
135
 - BD 67
432
 - BE 44
572
 - CD 12
 
86
 - Op(CA)
136
 - CB 57
437
 - BD 98
575
 - BC 96
 
94
 - BF 49
154
 - CF 12
455
 - BE 83
576
 - BC 49
 
96
 - BE 55
155
 - DE 91
459
 - CD 55
582
 - Op(CA)
 
98
 - Op(DB 60)
156
 - DF 55
502
 - DF 56
584
 - AO 47
 
103
 - DD 13
157
 - AM 16
504
 - BE 94
588
 - BB 86
 
106
 - CB 74
158
 - BF 49
505
 - BF 82
590
 - BF 58
 
107
 - CC 63
161
 - CF 75
506
 - DL 31
593
 - BB 86
 
108
 - Op(DN)
162
 - Op(EO-EE)
507
 - DA 99
594
 - DC 68
 
109
 - Op(DB 60)
201
 - DC 21
553
 - BB 89
653
 - BD 83
 
124
 - BF 49
213
 - BC 89
558
 - CA 94
654
 - CC 61
 
125
 - Op(Karib. Meer)
333
 - Op(DB)
564
 - Op(DB)
751
 - CB 72
 
126
 - CE 86
352
 - Op(DC)
566
 - Op(CA)
752
 - Op(CA)
 
   
   
   
753
 - CD 45
 
  On Return Passage:  U 157 - 576 - 402 - 130 - 575 - 136 - 201 - 654 - 459 - 66 - 84 - 572 - 154 - 571 - 505.
  Sailed:  U 404 - Brest.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 103 sank "Stanbank" (8,000 BRT), 1500, in DD 2265 on 5.5.
    2) U 108 sank an American freighter of 5,500 BRT in DN 8440 on 5.5, and on 6.5 in DN 8430 a freighter of 5,000 BRT, course 400.
    3) U 106 sank "Lady Drake" (7,985 BRT) in CB 7922, course 0000.
    4) U 752 stopped an armed motor vessel (7,000 BRT) in flames on 23.4.  CA 5394.  Driven off by group of destroyers.  Total loss possible.  1.5 sank "Bidewind" (4,956 BRT) in CA 5265.  Both ships course 3000.  Approach route to New York course 3000 via CA 5380.  Line of buoys from CA 7877 to Ambrose lightship.
    5) U 564 sank a freighter of 600 BRT, course 3500 on 3.5 in DB 9434.  4.5 DM 2318 tanker of 7,000 BRT, course 1800.  5.5 in DB 9762 freighter of 4,000 BRT.  Course 1600.  Heavy S-bound traffic on the west side of Florida Straits along 20 meter line.  No traffic on the east side.  Strong air slight sea patrol.
  b)  None.
       
- 52 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) U-boat sightings:  DC 7669 - CA 4980 - CA 73 - CA 76 - DB 94.
    U-boat attack:  DM 7950 - DA 93 - DB 97 - DN 84.
    Torpedoed:  "Empire Buffalo" (6,404 BRT) in DM 75.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) 1) U 98 and U 109 are being given freedom of action to the south.
    2) Radio intelligence reports of the last months show that the convoys proceed mainly along the great circle between the Northern Channel and Newfoundland.  So far these convoys have not been attacked, because operation in the American area was more worthwhile.  As at present 8 boats have sailed within 5 days, of which 3 C.O.'s are experienced in convoy operation, it is intended to rake the North American convoy route with these boats, in patrol line from AK 60 to BB 90.  If this yields no results, it is intended to supply the boats in CB from U 116 and operate them in the American area.  Boats will be ordered to keep radio silence north of 490 N.
  c) U 96's escort duty probably according to plan.
    U 437 on her way to rendezvous.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 103 1 ship    8,000 BRT
        108 - 2 ships    10,500 BRT
        752 - 2 ships    11,956 BRT
        100 - 1 ship    7,958 BRT
        564 - 3 ships    17,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
7.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
 - BE 34
U 128
- DG 34
U 402
- CB 92
U 566
- Op(CA)
 
69
 - DO 28
130
 - Op(Karib. Meer)
404
 - BF 58
569
 - BF 48
 
84
 - BD 84
135
 - BD 58
406
 - BF 49
571
 - BF 60
 
86
 - Op(CA)
136
 - CB 66
432
 - BD 65
572
 - BD 89
 
94
 - BF 44
154
 - BF 40
437
 - CE 21
575
 - BD 57
 
96
 - BE 93
155
 - DE 89
455
 - BB 84
576
 - BC 58
 
98
 - Op(DB 60)
156
 - DQ 38
459
 - CD 63
582
 - Op(CA)
 
103
 - DC 35
157
 - AM 41
502
 - DE 93
584
 - AN 36
 
106
 - CA 89-Op
158
 - BF 47
504
 - BF 89
588
 - Op(BB)
 
107
 - CC 64
161
 - DG 32
505
 - BF 60
590
 - BF 49
 
108
 - DN 80-Op
162
 - Op(EO/EE)
506
 - Op(Golf)
593
 - BB 84
 
109
 - Op(DB)
201
 - CA 31
507
 - Op(Golf)
594
 - DC 94
 
124
 - BF 45
213
 - BC 87
553
 - BB 87
653
 - BD 84
 
125
 - Op(DL/DM)
333
 - Op(DB 90)
558
 - Op(CA)
654
 - CD 17
 
126
 - DG 22
352
 - Op(DC)
564
 - Op(DB)
751
 - CA 93
 
   
   
   
752
 - CB 19
                   
753
 - CC 66
     
 
- 53 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
  On Return Passage:  U 157 - 576 - 752 - 402 - 130 - 575 - 136 - 201 - 654 - 459 - 66 - 84 - 572 - 154 - 571 - 505.
  Sailed:  U 578 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  U 505 - Lorient;  U 571 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 98 situation:  Nothing seen from 1st - 4th in area DB 67 - 64 - 61 and on the line joining Savannah and the Bermuda Is.  Moonlight nights as bright as day.  5.5 DB 9111 four-fan miss at destroyer.  Heavy D/C's at 18 meters without Asdic.  Enemy did not stick it.  Am again conditionally fit for service.
    2) U 507 situation:  No traffic as far as Caicos Passage.  Live traffic of small steamers in the old Bahama Channel and Nicolas Channel.  Strong air patrol by day, no air patrol at night, and in the Florida Straits none by day on Sundays.  Heavy steamer and tanker traffic west of Tortuga, course 1350.  Sunk:  30.4 DM 1731 "Federad" (2,900 BRT).  4.5 DM 1739 freighter "Olanehe" (2,600 BRT).  5.5 DM 1467 large tanker 9,900 BRT, probably Sun type, DM 1453 "Joseph M. Cudahy" 6,950 BRT.  7.5 DB 7426 "Antonaio" (5,225 BRT) by gunfire.  Misses at ships in DM 6413 - 5222 - 5249 - 4329.
    3) U 162 situation:  No bauxite or coal traffic observed either off the coast of Guiana or within the 200 meter line.  Apparently nothing entering or leaving bauxite ports.  Lights out.
      Sunk:  7.5 "Runciman" (7,000 BRT) in EO 5668, bound for Trinidad with bauxite.  4.5 in EO 4391 freighter of 3,000 BRT.  EO 1999 three-masted, schooner "Florence M. Douglas Demarara".
    4) U 582 fired a triple miss on 28.4 in DD 19 at a fast passenger steamer.  No traffic off Boddy Island up to 7.5.  One hydrophone and radar hunt.  Starting return passage, on account of provisions and engines.
    5) Submerged S/M fired a four-fan at U 157 in BE 3424.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat sightings in CA 7380 - DN 8476 - CB 3159.  Attack in DM 1497.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U 96's escort duty probably according to plan.
    2) U 437 on her way to rendezvous.
  d)  None.
       
- 54 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
V. Reports of Success:
    U 507    6 ships    34,344 BRT
    U 162    3 ships    10,500 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
8.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- EE 36
U 128
- DG 64
U 402
- CC 48
U 569
- BE 61
 
69
 - DO 58
130
 - Op(Karib. Meer)
404
 - BF 58
572
 - BD 99
 
84
 - BD 94
135
 - BD 74
406
 - BF 44
575
 - BD 59
 
86
 - Op(CA)
136
 - CC 42
432
 - BD 56
576
 - BC 68
 
94
 - BE 37
154
 - BF 81
437
 - CE 14
578
 - BF 58
 
96
 - BE 93
155
 - DQ 15
455
 - BE 78
582
 - Op(CA)
 
98
 - Op(DB 60)
156
 - DQ 56
459
 - CE 27
584
 - AN 31
 
103
 - DC 35
157
 - AM 71
502
 - DE 97
588
 - Op(BB)
 
106
 - Op(DC)
158
 - BE 86
504
 - BE 78
590
 - BF 44
 
107
 - CC 58
161
 - DG 38
506
 - Op(Golf)
593
 - CB 21
 
108
 - Op(DN)
162
 - Op(EO)
507
 - Op(Golf)
594
 - Op(DN)
 
109
 - Op(DB 60)
201
 - CB 78
553
 - Op(BB)
653
 - CD 32
 
124
 - BE 64
213
 - BC 78
558
 - Op(Hatteras)
654
 - CD 24
 
125
 - Op(DL)
332
 - Op(DB)
564
 - Op(DB)
751
 - Op(Hatteras)
 
126
 - DG 52
352
 - Op(DC)
566
 - Op(CA)
752
 - CB 25
 
   
   
   
753
 - CC 64
 
  On Return Passage:  U 157 - 576 - 752 - 402 - 130 - 575 - 136 - 201 - 654 - 459 - 66 - 84 - 572 - 154 - 582.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 507 sank "Torny" (2,424 BRT) in DB 7885 on 8.5.
    2) U 86 chased a steamer, course 3200, in vain in DC 1661 on 4.5.  6.5 no traffic in Cape Fear.  7th and 8th no traffic in Lookout.
    3) U 566 saw nothing up to 7.5 in CA 69-53.
    4) U 69 sighted a Coast Guard cruiser in ED 1816, course 1650.
    5) U 103 chased a fast motor vessel in vain in DC 64, course 3000.
    6) U 162 sank "Mont Louis" (1,905 BRT) on 8.5 in EO 1973.
    7) U 125 reports heavy NW and SE-bound traffic in the Yucatan Straits.
    8) U 333 heavy NS and SN traffic along the east coast of Florida.  6.5 in the morning sank tanker type "Gulfpride" (12,500 BRT), freighter of 6,000 BRT and tanker type "W.B. Walker" (10,468 BRT) D/C's for 6 hours at 20-30 meters from 3 destroyers with location gear.  Ability to dive reduced.  Protracted return passage.
       
- 55 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    9) U 352 in DC 23-26-29 and patrolling as far as the coast.  Medium air patrol.  6-8.5 saw a freighter in Onslow Bay along the 25 meter line.  Carefully escorted by S/M chaser(s) and destroyer(s).  9.5 fired a single and a double miss at a Coast Guard cruiser.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sighting DB 9436 - CA 8476 - DB 9847 - CA 2699 - DB 97.
    SSS from "Greylock" (7,460 BRT).  Attack report from same position.
    A/c attacked U-boat in BF 4159.  Believes a hit scored.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 590 - 569 - 406 - 94 - 124 - 578 - 404 are to form group Hecht.  Boats have been ordered to form a patrol line in that order on 14.5 from AK 6155 to 9311.  Course 2400, speed of advance 5 knots.  (See War Log of 6.5)  U 96 will join them as a new boat and take up position AK 6112.
  c) U 96 reports S.S. "Portland" not found.  This makes the sixth time that a homeward-bound steamer has been missed at the rendezvous, whereas the encounter has only succeeded 3 times altogether.  It is very difficult to find them, because:
    1) Weather conditions are nearly always very unfavorable (in this case NW 6).
    2) Ships have orders not to search, but just to cross the rendezvous and proceed at once if they miss.
    3) It is forbidden to use beacon signals to facilitate meeting.  In practice, boats which are detached for these duties, are out of operations.  For instance, U 382 (escort boat for Rio Grande) had to leave her operations area on the American coast after only 8 days, although she had afterward supplied from U 459, because the condition of her engines and her provision made it necessary for her to return.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 507    1 ship    2,424 BRT
    U 162    1 ship    1,905 BRT
    U 333    3 ships    28,500 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
 
 
- 56 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
9.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
 - BF 12
U 128
- DG 97
U 402
- CC 62
U 569
- BE 16
 
69
 - ED 18
130
 - Op(DC)
404
 - BF 47
572
 - BE 85
 
84
 - BE 75
135
 - BC 86
406
 - BE 37
575
 - BE 48
 
86
 - DC 81
136
 - CC 38
432
 - BD 47
576
 - BD 68
 
94
 - BE 13
154
 - BF 60
437
 - CD 36
578
 - BF 47
 
96
 - CD 37
155
 - DP 59
455
 - CA 39
582
 - CB 43
 
98
 - Op(DB)
156
 - DP 96
459
 - CE 32
584
 - AF 76
 
103
 - DC 52
157
 - BF 40
502
 - DP 39
588
 - Op(BB 70)
 
106
 - Op(Hatteras)
158
 - CF 13
504
 - CE 26
590
 - BE 65
 
107
 - CB 87
161
 - DG 98
506
 - Op(Golf)
593
 - CA 39
 
108
 - Op(DN)
162
 - EO 19-Op
507
 - Op(Golf)
594
 - Op(DN)
 
109
 - Op(DB)
201
 - CB 91
553
 - Op(CA)
653
 - CD 13
 
124
 - BE 13
213
 - BB 97
558
 - Op(Hatteras)
654
 - BD 79
 
125
 - DM 70-Op
333
 - DC 47
564
 - Op(DB)
751
 - Op(Hatteras)
 
126
 - DG 88
352
 - DC 14-Op
566
 - Op(CA 50)
752
 - CC 12
 
   
   
   
753
 - CC 48
 
  On Return Passage:  U 157 - 576 - 752 - 402 - 86 - 130 - 575 - 136 - 201 - 654 - 459 - 66 - 582 - 84 - 572 - 154.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 154 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 558 sighted a convoy in CA 7978 (Cape Hatteras 20 meter line), consisting of a Coast Guard cruiser, 2 gunboats, 4 tankers, 3 steamers, course 2200, 8 knots.  Boat lost contact in the fog.  This is the first convoy to be sighted on the American coast.  These are probably convoys which only round the dangerous area around Hatteras and then dispense again.
    2) U 125 sank a freighter of 4,000 BRT on 23.4 in DD 9589, course 3100.  3.5 DM 8998 "San Rafael" (1,973 BRT), course 1150.  4.5 in EB 2128 "Tuscaloosa City" (5,687 BRT), course 3100.  6.5 DM 8797 freighter of 1,200 BRT, course 1350.  6.5 DM 7937 "Empire Buffalo" (6,404 BRT) 3150.  9.5 "Calgarolite" (11,941 BRT), course 1300 in DM 7919.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat sightings CA 7961 - DB 94 - CA 3470 - CA 2690.
     Attack in DM 23 and DB 94.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b)  U 69 has been given freedom of action in EC according to fuel situation.
       
- 57 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) U 437, contrary to orders, reported that she had taken blockade runner "Muensterland" under escort.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 125    6 ships    31,205 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
10.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
 - EF 12
U 128
- DG 97
U 404
- BF 47
U 572
- BE 86
 
69
 - Op(DO)
130
 - Op(DO)
406
 - BE 24
575
 - BE 48
 
84
 - BE 75
135
 - BC 86
432
 - BD 47
576
 - BD 68
 
86
 - CA 56
136
 - CC 38
437
 - CD 36
578
 - BF 47
 
94
 - BE 13
155
 - DP 59
455
 - CA 39
582
 - CB 45
 
96
 - BD 77
156
 - DP 96
459
 - BE 79
584
 - AM 33
 
98
 - Op(DB)
157
 - BF 57
502
 - DP 39
588
 - Op(BB)
 
103
 - DC 81
158
 - CF 13
504
 - CE 26
590
 - BE 28
 
106
 - Op(DC)
161
 - DG 98
506
 - Golf-Op
593
 - CA 39
 
107
 - CB 67
162
 - Op(EE)
507
 - Golf-Op
594
 - Op(DN)
 
108
 - Op(DN)
201
 - CB 91
553
 - Op(DB)
653
 - CD 13
 
109
 - Op(DB)
213
 - BB 97
558
 - CA 79
654
 - BD 79
 
124
 - BE 13
333
 - DC 49
564
 - Op(DB)
751
 - Op(DC)
 
125
 - DM 80
352
 - Op(DC)
566
 - Op(CA)
752
 - CC 12
 
126
 - DG 88
402
 - CC 62
569
 - BE 16
753
 - CC 48
 
  On Return Passage:  U 157 - 576 - 752 - 402 - 86 - 130 - 575 - 136 - 201 - 654 - 459 - 582 - 66 - 84 - 572.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 157 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 333 sank a freighter of 6,000 BRT on 10.5 in DC 6111.
    2) U 109 situation report:  On the coast of Florida further NS traffic in spurts, little SN traffic.  Strong air patrol.
    3) U 108 situation:  Medium traffic in Windward Passage since 5.5 by day close under Cape Dumole from and to Caicos Passage.  7.5 unsuccessful attack on passenger freighter.  No traffic since then.
    4) U 506 has seen nothing in the Gulf of Mexico.  Sunk:  DM 2650freighter of 3,500 BRT, course 3450.  10.5 "Aurora" (7,050 BRT) in DA 9288 course 2700.
    5) U 69 sank "James E. Newson" by gunfire on 1.5 in CB 94.  Course 50.
      No traffic in Mona Passage.  Misses on 9.5 at Coast Guard cruiser, on 11.5 at freighter in EC 6337.  Intends to operate in area around Trinidad.
       
- 58 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings DB 47 - DC 1160 - CA 5470 - DC 1741 - EB 8997 - BB 1852.
    U-boat attack in DC 11 and DA 9280.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 558 and 106 have been given freedom of action from Hatteras south.
    U 753 not Hatteras area, but Florida Straits.
  c) U 437's escort duty according to plan.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 333    1 ship    6,000 BRT
  U 506    2 ships    10,500 BRT
  U 69    1 ship    671 BRT
       
       
                                                             Draft signed:  Dönitz
                                                             (Signature illegible)
                                                             Sub-Lieut. and Adjutant
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
11.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DQ 79
U 128
- DT 18
U 406
- BE 13
U 575
- BE 58
 
69
 - OP(EC 63)
130
 - DO 10
432
 - BC 68
576
 - BE 48
 
84
 - BE 82
135
 - BC 84
437
 - BD 86
578
 - BE 29
 
86
 - CB 72
136
 - CD 15
455
 - CA 61
582
 - CB 52
 
94
 - AL 87
155
 - DP 84
459
 - BE 91
584
 - AM 27
 
96
 - BD 48
156
 - DQ 79
502
 - DP 56
588
 - Op(BB)
 
98
 - Op(DB)
158
 - CE 35
504
 - CE 19
590
 - BE 13
 
103
 - DC 78
161
 - DT 24
506
 - DB 77(Op)
593
 - CA 63
 
106
 - Op(DC)
162
 - Op(EO)
507
 - Op(Golf)
594
 - BE 91
 
107
 - CB 82
201
 - CC 47
553
 - CA 30-Op
653
 - CC 33
 
108
 - DN 80(Op)
213
 - CB 26
558
 - DB 36-Op
654
 - BD 82
 
109
 - DB 93
333
 - DC 52
564
 - Op(DB)
751
 - Op(DC)
 
124
 - Op(DN)
352
 - Op(DC)
566
 - Op(CA)
752
 - BC 77
 
125
 - Op(DL)
402
 - CD 18
569
 - AL 87
753
 - CB 91
 
126
 - DS 36
404
 - BE 61
572
 - BE 93
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 752 - 402 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 575 - 136 - 201 - 654 - 459 - 66 - 582 - 84 - 572.
  Sailed:  U 172 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
- 59 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) For convoy No. 22 see IVa.
    2) U 128 sighted convoy No. 23 at 1930 in DT 7821, NW course.  Boat driven off by 2 escort vessels, and reported last position as DT 7544.  There was no contact up to 0800/12/5 (convoy No. 23).
    3) U 136 fired a miss at a 3 masted schooner on 8.5 in CC 4227, afterwards sank ship by gunfire.
    4) U 66 sighted a steamer on 8.5 in EE 3925 and 3695 on a SE course, in EF 1434 on a SW course.
    5) U 566 reported a fast multi-propeller ship in CA 5370 course 1200, strong air escort with air ship.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sighting in CA 5197, DC 1110, DB 74 left center.
    Torpedoed:  "Cape of Good Hope" (4,950 BRT) in DP 46, "Nicoya" (5,364 BRT) in BB 1416.  St. Lawrence River??
  d) None.
       
IV. Convoy Operations:
  a)  Convoy No. 22.
     U 569, a boat belonging to Group Hecht, on its way to patrol line in AK, sighted a convoy at 1149 in AK 9334, course 2700, 8 knots.  U 124 and U 94 gained contact at 1259 and 1758 respectively.  Contact was maintained uninterruptedly until 0430, when it was lost.  Up to then the following were sunk from the convoy:
     
By
U 124
  5 steamers 19,000 BRT
 
  1 steamer               torpedoed
 
94
   1 steamer   7,000 BRT
 
569
   1 steamer   5,000 BRT
    Escort does not seem to be very strong.
     Apart from the boats mentioned, U 406, 590 and 96 are operating against the convoy.  U 578, 404, also Group Hecht boats, have been ordered to proceed west at most economical speed, as they are too far off to attack.
  b)  None.
  c)  U 437's escort duty according to plan.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 136    3 masted schooner    500 BRT assumed
    124    5 steamers    19,000 BRT
    124    1 steamer    3,000 BRT torpedoed
    94    1 steamer    7,000 BRT sunk
    569    1 steamer    5,000 BRT sunk.
 
 
- 60 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
12.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
 - DQ 56
U 128
- EJ 70
U 404
- BE 24
U 572
- BF 73
 
69
 - Op(ED)
130
 - DO 28
406
 - AK 97
575
 - BE 68
 
84
 - BE 92
135
 - BC 78
432
 - BC 76
576
 - BE 58
 
86
 - CB 55
136
 - CD 22
437
 - BD 47
578
 - BE 24
 
94
 - AK 90
155
 - EE 12
455
 - Op(CA)
582
 - CB 38
 
96
 - BD 13
156
 - EE 38
459
 - BF 48
584
 - AM 43
 
98
 - Op(DB)
158
 - CE 52
502
 - DP 82
588
 - Op(BB)
 
103
 - Op(DM)
161
 - EJ 70
504
 - CD 66
590
 - AK 97
 
106
 - Op(DB)
162
 - Op(EO)
506
 - Op(DA)
593
 - Op(CA)
 
107
 - CB 73
172
 - BF 58
507
 - Op(DA)
594
 - Op(DN)
 
108
 - Op(DN)
201
 - CC 43
553
 - Op(BB)
653
 - CC 31
 
109
 - DB 93
213
 - CB 24
558
 - Op(CA)
654
 - BD 92
 
124
 - AK 90
333
 - DC 37
564
 - Op(DM)
751
 - Op(DC)
 
125
 - Op(DL)
352
 - Op(DB)
566
 - Op(CA)
752
 - BC 84
 
126
 - EJ 70
402
 - CD 24
569
 - AK 90
753
 - CB 88
 
  On Return Passage:  U 576 - 752 - 402 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 575 - 136 - 201 - 654 - 459 - 66 - 582 - 84 - 572.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 22 and convoy No. 23 see under para IVa.
    2) U 106 reports:  From 8.5 from Lookout to Charleston approach buoy at 20 meters only 2 destroyers seen.  Lights burning.  Am steering for square DB 91.
    3) U 751 reports:  From 8 May Cape Fear, Lookout, Hatteras and coastal area N of this to close under land no traffic except patrol vessels.  Strong air patrol also at night.  Bottomed by day.  Bombed twice during this, subsequently D/C hunt until darkness.  No location.  10 May off Lookout single miss at patrol vessel.
    4) U 507 reports:  off South Pass (Mississippi Delta) 1500-1700 3 small steamers along 30 meter line, course 500 and 2300.  East of this along the 200 meter line no traffic, 1 steamer along 50 meter line.   Mississippi lights as in peacetime.  Frequent mist off Mississippi.  Dirty water gives good cover at periscope depth, but bad listening conditions.  Off South West Pass boat difficult to handle because of unaccountable drifts and very variable density of water.  No traffic at night.  Patrol by 2 PC-boats.  At dawn large number of inward and outward bound tankers and steamers of considerable tonnage.  Single steamers the whole day long.  Air patrol along main shipping routes.  12.5 DA 9347 sank large loaded tanker of 10,000 BRT.
    5) U 594 reports:  7-10.5 DN 21-19 nothing seen.  11-13.5 from DN 1991 via 7210 to 7620, no traffic even by day
       
- 61 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      under the coast.  Lights as in peacetime.Am proceeding to DN 30 and eastwards.
  b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:  ED 98, ED 7375, Mississippi Delta, ED 35, CA 64.
    2) U-boat attacks:  Da 93, BB 1458, DC 1192, BB 75, BB 8426.
    3) Torpedoing:  BB 7551, DO 55, 1 torpedo report without position.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 22:
      U 124 reported 0850 that she had no contact with the convoy, but with an independently routed ship in square 8636.  Boat and independent steamer regained contact with convoy at 1545.  Individual boats lost contact for a while, but convoy is shadowed until 0620.  Then no further contact.  All boats (U 94 - 96 - 124 - 406 - 569 - 590) have had contact with the convoy and must be in the immediate vicinity.  Bad visibility varying from 2 to 4 sea miles, showers, sea ESE 4.
      U 94 sank another 2 steamers of 5,000 BRT and 6,000 BRT.  Convoy therefore still consists of about 13 steamers and 4-6 escort vessels, proceeding in line ahead according to last reconnaissance report.
    2) Convoy No. 23:
      U 126 - 128 - 161 had been ordered to continue their passage south if no contact is made by 1200.  Ar 1303 however, contact was regained by U 126 in square DS 4364 and operation against the convoy was continued.  U 161 also gained contact in square DS 6958, after U 126 had lost the convoy again.  U 128 gained contact with with the enemy at 2300 in DT 4714.  Boats were repeatedly driven off.  Only reports received were of hydrophone bearings and distant flares sighted.  Boats were ordered to continue searching to the north, from west to east in the order U 126 - 128 - 161.  So far U 128 has scored 3 hits on the convoy.  Convoy consists of about 10 steamers and 3 corvettes.
  b)  U 455 and 593 have been given freedom of action in CA, concentrating off New York.
  c)  U 437's escort duty according to plan.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 507    1 tanker    10,000 BRT
          94    2 steamers    11,000 BRT
        128    3 hits.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
 
 
- 62 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
13.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DQ 62
U 128
- DT 44
U 404
- BE 15
U 572
- BF 86
 
69
 - Op(ED)
130
 - DO 37
406
 - BD 24
575
 - BF 83
 
84
 - BF 54
135
 - CC 21
432
 - BC 77
576
 - BE 68
 
86
 - CB 62
136
 - BD 73
437
 - BE 83
578
 - BE 15
 
94
 - AK 81
155
 - Op(EE)
455
 - Op(CA)
582
 - CC 15
 
96
 - AK 81
156
 - Op(EE)
459
 - BF 73
584
 - AM 77
 
98
 - Op(DB)
158
 - CE 46
502
 - Op(DO)
588
 - CB 21
 
103
 - Op(DM)
161
 - DS 66
504
 - CD 67
590
 - BD 22
 
106
 - Op(DB)
162
 - Op(EO)
506
 - Op(DA)
593
 - Op(CA)
 
107
 - CA 96
172
 - BF 55
507
 - Op(DA)
594
 - Op(DN)
 
108
 - Op(DN)
201
 - CC 29
553
 - Op(BB)
653
 - CC 51
 
109
 - DC 51
213
 - CB 12
558
 - Op(CA)
654
 - BE 48
 
124
 - BD 21
333
 - DC 36
564
 - Op(DM)
751
 - Op(DC)
 
125
 - Op(DL)
352
 - Op(DB)
566
 - Op(CA)
752
 - BC 86
 
126
 - DS 69
402
 - CE 17
569
 - AK 81
753
 - DD 12
 
  On Return Passage:  U 576 - 752 - 402 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 575 - 136 - 201 - 201 - 654 - 459 - 66 - 582 - 84 - 572.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 575 - St. Nazaire;  U 572 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 22 and convoy No. 23 see para. IVa.
    2) Situation reports:  U 125:  From 4-9.5 very heavy tanker and freighter traffic through the Yucatan Channel in both directions.  Nothing has been seen since 10 May.  Boat suspects traffic has been diverted.  Requests freedom of action in area Cuba-Jamaica.
    3) U 98:  No traffic from May 8 along the 20 meter line in the coastal area DB 90 and DM 20 E third.  Destroyers, patrol vessels and S/M chasers with flat silhouettes only.  Strong air patrol, also at night, with lights as in peacetime.  12 MAy off Bethel Shoal unnoticed triple miss at destroyer.  Boat now operating along the line joining Florida and Cape Fear.
    4) U 558:  7-12.5 no traffic CA 79-DC 36 except for a bunch of convoys reported.  Patrol between 20 meter and 200 meter lines only by single destroyers with Asdic.  One patrol vessel sunk.  Boat intends to proceed to DN 70 via DC 60.
    5) U 566:  In coastal area CA 50, inside the 200 meter line, strong air patrol and many fishing vessels.  No patrol further out to sea.  Boat cruising in the coastal area off Boston.
    6) U 155:  sighted 3 large passenger steamers leaving Trinidad at 1700, course 3300, 12 knots.  2 destroyers with them and air escort.
       
- 63 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    7) U 108 sighted a large steamer with destroyer in DN 5214, main course 650, high speed.
    8) U 432 sighted 3 funneled passenger steamer at 1000 in CC 2326, course 650, high speed.
    9) U 69 sank a tanker type "Victolite" on 12.5 in ED 47, course 2450 and freighter "Blachtern" on 13.5 in ED 73.
    10) U 156 sank a 6,000 ton freighter on 13.5 in EE 63 and in EE 37 "City of Melbourne" (6,630 BRT), course 3210.
    11) U 564 sank a 5,000 ton freighter on 8.5 in DM 2316, course 00 and on 9.5 in DM 2343 8,000 ton tanker, course 00.  No traffic via DM 2995 to 6833.
    12) U 162 sank "Esso Houston" (7,699 BRT), proceeding from Aruba to Montevideo, in EE 8465.
  b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sighting in DC 1142.
    2) U-boat attacks in DB 94, DA 9285.
    3) Torpedoings in ED 47.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 22:  After all boats had reported their positions, as ordered, they received orders to search on in a sector of 2700 - 2000 starting from the last enemy position 8734, in the order of U 569 - 124 - 590 - 96 - 406 - 94.  Enemy speed 7-9 knots.  If no contact had been made by dark, boats are to form a patrol line, in order named, from 0800/14/5 from square 3298 to 4118.
    2) Convoy No. 23:  U 161 regained contact at 1030 in DT 4465, course of convoy 3300, speed 7 knots.  The other boats (U 126 and U 128) also sighted the convoy during the course of the day.  All boats were driven off from time to time and forced to submerge.  The impression created at 1700 was that the convoy had divided, as U 126 only reported 5 steamers and 2-3 escort vessels.  At 0205 it was seen that the convoy was sailing in 2 columns.  Attacks made came to nothing, because a surface runner was noticed and boats were seen too soon and subsequently numerous flares were used.  Convoy's last position was DS 3934 on a NW course.  Since then no further contact.
  b)  None.
  c)  U 437's escort duty according to plan.
  d)  None.
 
 
- 64 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
V. Reports of Success:
  U 588    1 patrol vessel
  U 69    2 ships    16,442 BRT
  U 156    2 ships    12,630 BRT
  U 564    2 ships    13,000 BRT
    U 162    1 ship    7,699 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
14.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
 - DR 14
U 128
- DT 54
U 402
- CD 24
U 566
- Op(CA)
 
69
 - Op(ED)
130
 - DO 37
404
 - BD 36
569
 - AK 81
 
84
 - v. Brest
135
 - CC 12
406
 - BD 24
576
 - BF 45
 
86
 - CC 18
136
 - BD 83
432
 - CC 21
578
 - BD 39
 
94
 - AK 81
155
 - Op(ED)
437
 - BF 75
582
 - BC 76
 
96
 - AK 81
156
 - Op(EB)
455
 - Op(CA)
584
 - BF 40
 
98
 - Op(DB)
158
 - CE 71
459
 - BF
588
 - CB 21
 
103
 - Op(DM)
161
 - DS 66
502
 - Op(ED)
590
 - BD 21
 
106
 - Op(DB)
162
 - Op(EE)
504
 - CD 85
593
 - Op(CA)
 
107
 - CA 89
172
 - BF 48
506
 - Op(DA)
594
 - Op(DN)
 
108
 - Op(DN)
201
 - CC 36
507
 - Op(DA)
653
 - CC 41
 
109
 - DC 29
213
 - BB 99
553
 - Op(BB)
654
 - BE 54
 
124
 - BD 21
333
 - CB 87
558
 - Op(DC)
751
 - Op(CA)
 
125
 - Op(DL)
352
 - Op(DC)
564
 - Op(DM)
752
 - CD 36
 
126
 - DS 69
   
   
753
 - DC 39
 
  On Return Passage:  U 576 - 752 - 402 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 136 - 201 - 654 - 66 - 582 - 584 - 459.
  Sailed:  U 89 - Kiel;  U 68 - 159 - Lorient
  Entered Port:  U 84 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 22 and convoy No. 23 see under para. IVa.
    2) U 162 sank "British Colony" (6,917 BRT) on 14.5 in EE 7331.  Course 650 from Trinidad to Gibraltar.
    3) U 564 sank a tanker of 5,000 BRT in DM 2643.  Course 00.  Side-lights darkened. When the tanker was on fire, green-white-red colors were distinguished on the flag marking painted on the ship's side.  Escort vessels of the Argo class in the vicinity.
    4) U 593.  14.5 CA 5344 2 hits on a Swiss ship zig-zagging, course 3100, neutral markings not distinguishable at 500 meters.  (Probably the Greek "Staroos").
    5) U 588.  Halifax-Cape Sable traffic along the 90 meter line.  Steamers are off Halifax at twilight.  Weather very misty and foggy.
      9.5 and 13.5 misses.  10.5 sank freighter of 8,000 BRT (military cargo) in BB 77 center.
       
- 65 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    6) U 507.  13 and 14.5 6 misses, of which 1 torpedo ran under, one was a surface-runner and one a gyro-failure.
      Off Ship Shoal lively traffic by day along the 20-30 meter line, so far 8 ships totaling 45,854 BRT.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sighting in BB 57, DA 9180.
    U-boat attack:  DA 9297, DL 46, DA 9523, DM 2642, DM 2670, DA 83.
    Torpedoing:  in ED 4727, CA 53 (Staroos).
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)

Convoy No. 22:  In the morning group Hecht was ordered from 1300 to proceed, from the patrol line, as a reconnaissance line, 500, 5 knots, so that, in the event of the convoy not being picked up again, the area to the NE would be reached and the HX-convoy picked up by radio intelligence at 1600/13/5 in BC 2744, could still be intercepted.  As the W-bound convoy would have passed by 2100, boats were then to change to 00 and 10 knots.  U 124 reported however, that this was impossible owing to heavy weather from the north.  Boats were turned away to 350.  Speed 7 knots.  After a further report from U 124, boats were ordered to proceed to the NE at whatever speed the weather would permit.  Meanwhile the W-bound convoy had passed through a gap in the reconnaissance line, which had cruised through U 406 lagging badly behind.  U 406 sighted the convoy at 2200 in DB 1747 on a course of 2300, but was forced to submerge.  Report therefore only reached here at 0120.  As contact was lost, the center of the reconnaissance line was already 70 sea miles behind the convoy and further operation against it would lead into the Newfoundland area, with its bad visibility, operation against this convoy was broken off.  Boats of group Hecht received orders to proceed on to the NE.
     Convoy No. 23:  Boats were told at midday to report their intentions for searching.  After the reports had been received the following was ordered, there being no more information on the convoy:
    U 161 to search along the NW, U 128 along the N, and U 126 along the NE convoy courses, starting from the position, obtained by hydrophone at 0830 in DS 3923.  No contact was made.  In the evening boats were ordered to break off the search and continue their passage south, if no contact had been made by 2100.  When ordered, U 161 reported stocks of fuel 168 cbm, U 128 - 173 cbm, U 126 160 cbm.  U 128 still has 19 torpedoes, all other boats have all torpedoes.
  b) As at present on the one hand there is doubt as to shipping routes on the North American coast but on the other traffic must go to the large ports, U 593 has been stationed off New York, U 455 off Delaware Bay and U 107 off Chesapeake Bay.
 
 
- 66 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
    U 558 has been allocated Windward Passage as attack area.
    U 352 is to operate against traffic approaching Cape Hatteras on NW courses.
    U 106's attack area is the Florida Straits, U 98 N of this, U 566 sea area off Boston.
  c) U 437's escort duty probably according to plan.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 162    1 tanker    6,917 BRT
        564    1 tanker    5,000 BRT
        593    2 hits
        588    1 ship    8,000 BRT
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
15.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DF 75
U 125
 - Op(DL)
U 213
 - BA 90
U 558
- Op(DN)
 
68
 - BF 58
126
 - DT 14
333
 - CB 83
564
 - Op(DB)
 
69
 - Op(ED)
130
 - DS 36
352
 - Op(DC)
566
 - Op(CA)
 
86
 - CC 25
135
 - CB 63
402
 - BD 96
569
 - AK 77
 
89
 - AO
136
 - BD 93
404
 - BD 28
576
 - BF 83
 
94
 - BD 14
155
 - Op(ED)
406
 - BD 14
578
 - BD 53
 
96
 - BC 33
156
 - Op(EE)
432
 - CC 12
582
 - BC 86
 
98
 - Op(DC)
158
 - CD 94
437
 - BF 97
584
 - BF 50
 
103
 - Op(Florida Str.)
159
 - BF 58
455
 - Op(CA)
588
 - BB 77
 
106
 - Op(DM)
161
 - DS 35
459
 - v. Lorient
590
 - BC 33
 
107
 - CA 73-Op
162
 - Op(EO)
502
 - Op(EC)
593
 - Op(CA)
 
108
 - Op(DN)
172
 - BE 69
504
 - CD 78
594
 - Op(DN)
 
109
 - DC 32
201
 - CD 21
506
 - Op(Golf)
653
 - CB 62
 
124
 - BC 33
   
507
 - Op(Golf)
654
 - BE 64
 
   
   
553
 - Op(CA/BB)
751
 - Op(DC)
                   
752
 - CE 21
                   
753
 - DC 62
 
  On Return Passage:  U 576 - 437 - 584 - 654 - 136 - 402 - 752 - 201 - 582 - 86 - 333 - 109 - 66.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 459 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  U 582 sighted a convoy, course 2350, in BC 6526 and was forced to submerge by a/c.  Could not attack owing to weather.This is convoy No. 22.  Boat has been ordered to continue on her homeward passage.
     U 507 stopped "Amapala", 4,148 BRT, on 16.5 in DL 2211 with light machine guns and sank her by opening her bottom valves.  Starting return passage.  Altogether 50,000 BRT.
       
- 67 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    U 506 sank a tanker (6,000 BRT) on 13.5 in DA 9536.  14.5 left a tanker (7,000 BRT) burning in 9534.  Sinking certain.  Both tankers full, course E.
    U 156 sank "Siljestad", 4,301 BRT, in EE 63, course 1500 and "Cupa" in EE 66, 1460.
    U 593.  No traffic off Ambrose light ship from 11/14/5.  13.5 2 steamers arriving from the south.  Strong air patrol.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sighting in DM 19 - DB 91 - DB 94 - CA 8724 - EC 1150.
    U-boat attack in CA 99 and DL 2211.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Group Hecht has been ordered to be in patrol line from AK 7181 to BD 1215 at 1600/16/5 in the order U 569 - 124 - 590 - 96 - 406 - 94.  Depth 20 sea miles.  It is intended to rake the convoy routes in a SW direction with these boats.  It is hoped to supply the boats from U 116.
  b) U 161 - 128 - 126 have been ordered to make straight for FC 70.  Attack on single ships is permitted in the area of Route A between 150 N and 50 S until 2400/26/5.  The eastern limit of the permitted area between 00 and 50 S is 200 W.  U 404 - 578 to steer for CA 50.
  c) "Munsterland", using the call-sign of the English S.S. "Arabistan", reported that she had been bombed in BF 7587.  U 437 was also bombed from the air and lost contact with the steamer.  Search for the steamer has been fruitless.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 507    1 freighter    4,148 BRT
      506    2 tankers    13,000 BRT
      156    2 freighters    8,683 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
       
       
       
       
       
                                                         (signed): JODL(?)
                                                         Chief of Operations Department for B.d.U.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
- 68 -