U-boat Archive - BDU KTB PG30313B

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

16 - 30 November 1942

PG30313b

16.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	Op(BC)	U 155	-	Op(CG 90)	U 383	-	Op(AK 60)	U 524	-	AF 87
	67	-	Op(EE)	156	-	BF 50	402	-	BE 65	552	-	EH 60
	68	-	FL 14	159	-	FU 84	411	-	Op(CG 90)	564	-	Op(CG 20)
	71	-	BF 50	160	-	Op(EO)	413	-	Op(CG 80)	566	-	Op(CG 80)
	84	-	Op(AK 60)	161	-	Op(EV)	438	-	BE 56	572	-	Op(DJ 20)
	86	-	Op(CG 80)	163	-	Op(ED)	439	-	AF 87	590	-	BF 76
	87	-	BF 76	172	-	FC 98	442	-	BF 64	603	-	AF 24
	89	-	BE 64	173	-	Op(DJ 22)	445	-	AL 23	606	-	Op(AK 60)
	91	-	Op(DJ 20)	174	-	Op(EC)	454	-	Op(AK 60)	608	-	Op(BB)
	92	-	Op(CG 90)	176	-	CF 87	460	-	BE 49	611	-	Op(AK 30)
	98	-	Op(CG 80)	177	-	Op(KP)	462	-	EH 60	613	-	Op(CG 80)
	103	-	Op(DJ 10)	178	-	Op(KP)	465	-	AO	623	-	AL 31
	106	-	Op(BB)	181	-	Op(KZ)	504	-	FU 49	624	-	Op(AK 60)
	107	-	BF 81	183	-	Op(BB)	505	-	EG 54	653	-	Op(CG 80)
	108	-	DH 26	184	-	Op(AK 60)	508	-	Op(ED)	662	-	BF 81
	117	-	BE 43	185	-	Op(DJ 20)	509	-	Op(CG 20)	663	-	Op(AK 20)
	118	-	BE 95	218	-	CG 49	510	-	Op(DJ)	704	-	BE 67
	126	-	Op(EW)	224	-	Op(AK 60)	511	-	Op(DJ 40)	752	-	Op(DJ 20)
	128	-	Op(EH)	262	-	Op(AK 20)	515	-	Op(CG 90)	753	-	Op(AK 60)
	129	-	Op(ED)	263	-	Op(DJ 20)	518	-	Op(BB)	758	-	AN 36
	130	-	Op(DJ 20)	264	-	Op(AK 30)	519	-	Op(CG 20)	D 3	-	DT 16
	134	-	Op(EH)	332	-	Op(EH)	521	-	Op(AK)
	154	-	Op(EE)	381	-	BE 67	522	-	Op(AK 30)

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 71 - 87 - 89 - 107 - 117 - 156 - 159 - 172 - 218 - 332 - 381 - 402 - 438 - 442 - 460 - 504 - 509 - 590 - 662 - 704.
	Entered Port: U 156 - Lorient; U 442 - St. Nazaire; U 603 - Bergen.
	Sailed: U 211 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 66, see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 381 dived in BE 5966 as approached by fast 2 stack steamer with patrol boat escort. Patrol boat had camouflage sail (this is unlikely) course W. No attack.
		3)	U 43 forced to veer off by plane in BC 4434 as she was attacking 2 steamers, course 220. Plane came directly out of clouds and was not picked up by anti-Radar gear. Gear is in order.
		4)	According to damage report U 505, further operation is impossible. After refueling from tanker, boat will return.
		5)	U 92 sank ship sailing alone, 12,000 tons, course 300⁰, speed 11 knots.
		6)	U 103 saw nothing in DJ 1997 to 67 or the area off Safi. Numerous contacts with destroyer groups. Light air patrols.
		7)	U 130 reports: Fedala Roads empty except for patrol boats. Heavy day air patrols. No coastal movements.
		8)	U 515 reports enemy convoy in CG 9440, course 100⁰, speed 9 knots. No further enemy reports. Boat was evidently forced under while sending message.

- 124 -

U 566 forced to submerge by aircraft and was followed by a search group of 2 Jervis destroyers. Air and surface craft bombs.

10)

U 91 No movements from DJ 2310 to 2290. Harbor and roads of Mehdia and Rabat empty. Heavy air patrols.

11)

U 108 has damage partly repaired. Boat ordered back due to diving delay, and possible diving misfortunes.

None.

U-boat sightings: CG 8645, CG 9474, CG 8922, CG 9444.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 66:

U 521 held contact on convoy in AK 6132 until morning of 16 November. She sighted this convoy on 15 November. Since only the emergency transmitter was in order, bearing signals could not be given to summon other boats to the spot. On the morning of 16 November, contact was lost because of fog. Visibility was 2 - 4 miles all day. Short contact was made at 1952 by U 611 but no further report was made on the convoy. Contact had not been reestablished up until the morning of 17 November.

U 521 reports 1 medium freighter sunk and 2 hits on 2 steamers. These two ships are considered sunk in view of the heavy seas. Total 15,000 tons for the 3 ships.

U 445 and 623 steered for AK 66 for the setting up of the next patrol strip, planned for 8 boats, U 623 is some distance astern the convoy of Group "Kreuzotter" and operated in AK 63. She did not receive orders to join Group "Kreuzotter" because she was switched to wrong band

U 462 waited to meet U 505 and U D 3 in supply area.

U 511 occupied DJ 2117 as attack area. U 103 goes first to Mazagan and then to DJ 2168 in case there is no activity.

U 128 had seen nothing in 3 days in EH and is moving to FC.

U 462 has supplied U 552. Tanker situation 140 cubic meters, provisions for 44 days.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 92	1 ship	12,000 T.
U 521	3 ships	15,000 T.

VI.

General:

Coast of Morocco:

Boats operated first off Fedala, Casablanca and Fedala, the principle enemy landing place. Boats ordered to make for shallow waters just off the coast and attack shipping entering the harbors. The attack

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		conditions (shallow water, heavy air and sea patrols with destroyer and land detection gear) made stationary positions just off the harbor untenable. Only quick thrusts by day or night were possible, followed by a quick withdrawal to deeper water. On 11 November U 173 attacked a heavily guarded convoy off Casablanca harbor and scored 3 hits. On 12 November U 130 sank 3 freighters in Fedala Roads and reported about 20 freighters near the harbor. While operating in shallow water near Casablanca during the night of 13 November U 509 reported a mine explosion. Since a minefield N. of Casablanca is unlikely and since good opportunities were available only just off Casablanca boats received orders to operate in their designated positions. At the time of the next strike on 13 November no movements were seen off Casablanca and Fedala up to the 100 meter line and no ships were to be found in the Roads. Survey of the harbor of Safi on 12 November revealed no ships either in harbor or in the Roads, although there was a strong destroyer screen round the harbor.
		On 15 November U 173 reported an outgoing group consisting of 1 carrier, 2 battleships and transports in DJ 2273 on course 300 high speed. Adir - Mogador and Mehdia Roads were proved to be empty offering no chance of success.
		Overall situation on 16 November:
		Landing operations finished in the West between 11 and 13 November. Attacks possible on 11 and 12 November only on ships at anchor in Fedala Roads. After the harbor of Casablanca and other small harbors were taken, only incoming and outgoing convoys offered targets. Attacks on these convoys would necessitate operations of boats in less than 50 meters of water. It is impossible to stay in this depth for any length of time because of the heavy destroyer and air patrols.
		Purpose: Placement of boats somewhat removed from land in deep water. As far as possible according to numbers to join boats to Gibraltar area patrols so that a virtual blockade of the harbor of Casablanca is imposed. Strikes were possible near land in order to control harbors and roads.
	B.	Gibraltar area:
		Due to heavy air and sea patrols in the sector west of Gibraltar we can reckon on no daylight attacks and only small night attacks. Placement must therefore be made in deepest water possible (depending on the number of boats). Boats will be placed in checkerboard fashion completely plastering the area, so that at least one boat will be in firing position either by day or by night. The 16 boats so disposed will be insufficient for the accomplishment of this task since the area between the boats are so great that convoys can move to and fro without being sighted by the boats.
		Successes:
		12 November - 1 Birmingham class cruiser and 1 destroyer sunk.
		14 November - 3 torpedo hits on 3 large transports in CG 8665, course W.
		16 November - ship sailing alone sunk (12,000 T) in CG 9457 course 300⁰.
		Therefore no success against supply convoys.
	C.	In the same area from 12 - 16 November 11 attacks by English aircraft in the Gibraltar and Morocco area. U-boat reported "Very heavy air and destroyer patrols, aircraft and surface vessels depth charges". A number of boats report damage by aircraft (U 509 - 752 - 218 - 108).

- 126 -

		U 218 returning to port since operations of boats close to land will become increasingly more dangerous. With the brightening of the moon a move to the west is imperative.

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17.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	Op(BB)	U 154	-	Op(EE)	U 332	-	Op(EJ)	U 521	-	Op(AK 40)
	67	-	Op(EF)	155	-	Op(CG 90)	381	-	BE 69	522	-	Op(AK)
	68	-	FD 78	159	-	FU 45	383	-	Op(AK 50)	524	-	AF 73
	71	-	BF 64	160	-	Op(EO)	402	-	BF 45	552	-	EH 60
	84	-	Op(AK 50)	161	-	Op(EV)	411	-	Op(CG 90)	564	-	Op(CG 80)
	86	-	Op(CG 80)	163	-	Op(ED)	413	-	Op(CG)	566	-	Op(CG)
	87	-	BF 80	172	-	FC 80	438	-	BE 66	572	-	Op(DJ)
	89	-	BF 66	173	-	Op(DJ)	439	-	AF 73	590	-	BF 80
	91	-	Op(DJ)	174	-	Op(FC)	445	-	AL 24	606	-	Op(AK 50)
	92	-	Op(CG 90)	176	-	DH 17	454	-	Op(AK 50)	608	-	Op(BB)
	98	-	Op(CG 80)	177	-	Op(KP)	460	-	BD 65	611	-	Op(AK 50)
	103	-	Op(DJ)	178	-	Op(KP)	462	-	EH 60	613	-	Op(CG 80)
	106	-	Op(BB)	181	-	Op(KZ)	465	-	AO	623	-	AL 25
	107	-	BF 50	183	-	Op(BB)	504	-	FU 48	624	-	Op(AK 50)
	108	-	DH 35	184	-	Op(AK 50)	505	-	EG 46	653	-	Op(CG 80)
	117	-	BE 33	185	-	Op(DJ 20)	508	-	Op(ED)	662	-	BF 80
	118	-	CF 61	211	-	BF 55	509	-	Op(CG)	663	-	Op(AK 60)
	126	-	Op(EW)	218	-	CG 18	510	-	Op(DJ)	704	-	BE 69
	128	-	ER 65	224	-	Op(AK 50)	511	-	Op(DJ)	752	-	Op(DJ 20)
	129	-	Op(ED)	262	-	Op(AK 40)	515	-	Op(CG)	753	-	Op(AK 50)
	130	-	Op(DJ)	263	-	Op(DJ 20)	518	-	Op(BB)	758	-	AN 31
	134	-	Op(EJ)	264	-	Op(AK 50)	519	-	Op(CG 80)	D 3	-	DS 69

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 71 - 89 - 107 - 117 - 159 - 172 - 218 - 332 - 381 - 402 - 438 - 504 - 505 - 509 - 572 - 590 - 662 - 704 - 87.
	Entered Port: U 71 - St Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 517 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 66, see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 752 has repaired her damage and has taken up position as ordered.
			U 566 has been bombed repeatedly because of oil leaks. She is moving on according to orders.
		3)	U 86 reports enemy convoy at 1817 on W. course, high speed. Contact lost immediately. This is possibly the convoy which was left after having been sighted off Gibraltar at 0300 by our boats.
		4)	U 564 sighted a second convoy at 2115 in CG 8966, course W. speed up to 14 knots, 3 steamers and 2 patrol boats were seen. Boats in the Gibraltar area are to operate against this convoy during the night or early in the morning if they can get into position. U 86 and 155 - 511 reported on the convoy. U 413 requested bearing signal. Besides U 155 and 511 both of which fired double shot misses, no other boat has approached because of high speed of the convoy. Pursuit was given up and boats returned to their area.

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			Last convoy position was DJ 1311 at 0325, speed 16 knots, general course 260⁰. At 0407, U 86 sighted a pair of destroyers on course 90⁰ in CG 8570.
		5)	U 103 and 108 encountered only a patrol boat in DJ 2163, off Mazagan.
		6)	U 155 situation: Strong air patrols of all types in Gibraltar area. Single destroyers and trawlers. During the night heavy air and surface bearing searches with D/C's dropped at random. Small prospects for attacks, ships well protected at night. Boat requests freedom of movements in CG 80.
		7)	U 43 reports convoy in BC 1964 at 1230 and in BC 2714 at 1800. Forced to veer off by constant air patrols. According to our own data this is convoy HX 215. Boat carries on pursuit.
		8)	U 518 completed operation (putting spy ashore) on 9 November. She has operated in BB 17 - 18 since the operation and has seen only occasional single ships sailing close to land. Slight surface patrols, no night air patrols. Meager prospects of success. According to previous orders boat is operating further in BB 70 (Halifax).
		9)	U 178 sank "Louise Moller" (3,674 tons) on 13 November in KP 9885 and torpedoed a 6,000 ton freighter in KZ 2628 on 15 november. After she was hit twice amidships the crew abandoned her. Sinking not observed because of air patrols. Heavy air activities in KP 80 and KZ 20. Many D/C's heard on 15 November at some distance. East west shipping "Durban" via KP 97.
		10)	U 161 reports on 12 November convoy putting in EV 7832, 3 steamers and 2 patrol craft. First on course 90⁰ then N. speed 12 knots. Air cover during the day. Ships enter Takoradi only by day. A passenger steamer sighted on 17 November in EV 7775, course 260⁰, speed 15 knots. No activity along the Ivory Coast.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BB 6457, BC 4343, CB 2453, BC 1919, DJ 2221, CG 7921, ED 6940, EE 4422.
		Aircraft D/C attacks in CG 8777 and DJ 2281.
		U-boat warning in KZ 83.
		U-boat attack in ED 9947, SSS message in DJ 2281.
	d)	none.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 66:
		Towards noon on 17 November the weather improved in the neighborhood of the convoy. S.W. wind of force 2 - 4 and good visibility reported. At 1130 the convoy seen in AK 4695 by U 521, somewhat later sighted by U 184. The latter boat can summon about 6 more U-boats to the scene by using her bearing signals. The convoy steered S.W. course at 7 knots. Contact was not lost again, thanks to good visibility. In the course of the night all boats of the Group came on the scene, except U 383 which last reported on 7 November. U 521 - 224 and 454 broke off operations against the convoy because torpedoes were used up and fuel was low. Reports of success up to 18 November as follows:
		1)	U 264 3 hits on 2 overlapping freighters, 4,000 and 6,000 tons.

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Sank 1 ship of 4,000 tons and torpedoed 1 of 6,000 tons.

U 184 - sank a freighter of 5,000 tons

Evidently sank 2 freighters of 5 and 8,000 tons.

18,000 tons.

Total 4 ships of 22,000 tons sunk 1 ship of 6,000 tons torpedoed.

The operation against the convoy continues.

Definite attack sectors were ordered for boats in the Casablanca area. See War Diary of 16 November, VIa.

U 130 - DJ 2254; U 510 - DJ 2419; U 130 - 103 - 263 and 510 making sorties of opportunity on Casablanca and near coast. U 752 and U 173 occupying CG 8585 and CG 9719 respectively for repairs.

U 118 is waiting to refuel Morocco boats in DH 10.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 178	2 ships	10,112 tons.
264	1 ship	4,000 tons.
	1 ship	torpedoed.
U 184	3 ships	18,000 tons.

VI.

General:

The opinion as set forth in War Diary of 16 November, that an operation just W. of Gibraltar would be impossible in a few days was confirmed by report from U 155. Boat was forced to stay submerged 20 hours per day due to heavy air, destroyer and patrol craft activity, so that recharging of batteries was virtually impossible.

It is more evident that possibilities of success are even more meager. Lowest speed so far of the convoy is between 10 and 12 knots. The screening craft are destroyers of special skill, and experience so that the boats cannot get near enough for firing. The report of U 155 (experienced, bold Captain with Knight's Cross) is: small possibilities of attack, due to night shipping being screened by sonic gear.

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18.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	Op(BC 20)	U 181	-	Op(KZ)	U 510	-	Op(DJ 20)
	67	-	Op(EE)	183	-	Op(BB)	511	-	Op(DJ)
	68	-	FC 90	184	-	Op(AK 40)	515	-	Op(CG)
	84	-	Op(AK 40)	185	-	Op(DJ)	517	-	BF 54
	86	-	Op(CG)	211	-	BF 48	518	-	Op(BB)
	87	-	BF 83	218	-	CG 13	519	-	Op(CG 80)
	89	-	BF 48	224	-	Op(AK 40)	521	-	Op(AK 40)
	91	-	Op(DJ 20)	262	-	Op(AK 40)	522	-	Op(AK 40)


- 129 -

92	-	Op(CG 90)	263	-	Op(DJ 20)	524	-	AF 47
98	-	Op(CG 80)	264	-	Op(AK 40)	552	-	Op(EH)
103	-	Op(DJ)	332	-	OP(EH)	564	-	Op(DJ)
106	-	Op(BB)	381	-	BF 48	566	-	Op(CG)
107	-	BF 61	383	-	Op(AK 40)	572	-	CG 71
108	-	CG 74	402	-	BF 49	590	-	BF 83
117	-	BE 65	411	-	Op(AK 40)	606	-	Op(AK 40)
118	-	CF 58	413	-	BF 49	608	-	CC 42
126	-	Op(EW)	438	-	Op(CG 90)	611	-	Op(AK 40)
128	-	ER 95	439	-	AF 47	613	-	OP(CG 80)
129	-	Op(ED)	445	-	AL 18	623	-	AL 25
130	-	Op(DJ 20)	454	-	Op(AK 40)	624	-	Op(AK 40)
134	-	Op(EH)	460	-	BD 55	653	-	Op(CG 80)
154	-	Op(EO)	462	-	EH 65	662	-	BF 50
155	-	Op(CG)	465	-	AN 31	663	-	Op(AK 60)
159	-	FT 39	504	-	FT 62	704	-	BF 48
160	-	Op(EO)	505	-	EG 56	752	-	CG 12
161	-	Op(EU)	508	-	Op(ED)	753	-	Op(AK 40)
163	-	Op(ED)	509	-	Op(DJ 20)	758	-	AN 31
172	-	FC 56				D 3	-	DS 99
173	-	Op(DJ 20)
174	-	Op(EC)
176	-	DG 69
177	-	Op(KP)
178	-	Op(KZ)

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 87 - 89 - 107 - 108 - 117 - 159 - 172 - 218 - 332 - 381 - 402 - 438 - 504 - 505 - 509 - 572 - 590 - 704.
	Entered Port: U 107 - 662 - Lorient.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 752 operated against the same convoy as U 564 and presumably scored a hit in CG 8879. Contact then lost.
		2)	U 511 had to sail westward due to illness of the Captain.
		3)	U 613 reported from CG 8764 at 1159 hours. Unable to dive, hunted by aircraft U 413 - 564 - 566 - and 509, boats in the neighborhood tried to help U 613 but ceased their attempts when U 613 reported she had started return cruise at 2300.
		4)	U 566 established the fact that the convoy of U 86 had been considered Spanish, ships on course 260⁰, speed 14.
		5)	U 91 was followed and heavily damaged in DJ 2216 by a search group. Heavy oil leaks. Withdrew for repairs.
		6)	U 515 missed two shots on a "Dido" class cruiser, torpedoes arched. Machine gun fire observed in CG 7990, 1 cruiser 2 destroyers seen.
		7)	U 566 observed a destroyer in CG 7963 at 2320. Destroyer fired green flares.
		8)	U 510 situation: Nothing seen off Casablanca except single

- 130 -

and grouped patrol craft. Forced to submerge by search signals. Heavy air patrols up to 100 miles from the coast.

U 413 heard 6 bomb explosions on her hydrophones at 1300 in S. part of CG 8751.

10)

U 183 has seen nothing in BB 75 - 74 and 77 since 10 November.

11)

U 43 made new contact on the convoy and sank a munitions ship and a freighter (total 10,000 tons) as well as a tanker torpedoed. Was finally forced to submerge. Convoy position was BC 2214 at 1000, course 35⁰, speed 7 knots. Pursuit taken up by the U-boat.

12)

U 67 sighted the Argentine "Rio Dallegos" on 16 November in EE 8844 and sank the Norwegian "Tortugas" 4,697 tons in EE 6722. Course 300⁰, loaded with sand, underway from Capetown to Trinidad.

13)

U 172 sighted a flight of 6 bombers on E. course in FK 26 on 15 November. Presumed underway to Africa via Ascension. A similar group was sighted on 12 September. 2 patrol craft sighted in FK 12 on 17 November, course N.

14)

U 118 In CF 5787 a single stack steamer was established as Portuguese while under attack. Other Portuguese ships unmolested.

15)

Convoy No. 66 see IV a.

None.

U-boat sightings: BB 6380, EE 4248, DJ 22 (attack), EE 15.

Sightings by planes in CH 5995, CG 7969 (heavy D/C attacks on U 613).

SOS messages without further details.

Done.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 66:

Contact was kept due to favorable weather conditions and convoy is now in AK 4870. In spite of numerous attacks during the previous night the convoy kept on course 225⁰ at barely 7 knots. U 184 took up contact again at noon on 18 November and directed 2 more boats to the convoy in the course of the day. On the morning of 18 November most of the boats were forced to submerge by destroyers. A number of boats were attacked by D/C's and gun fire but the screen was unable to keep the U-boats from following.

During the day the following reports were sent regarding sinkings during the night of 17 - 18 November:

U 554	1 ship	5,000 tons	sunk
U 521	1 ship	6,000 tons	sunk 2 more hits
U 262	2 destroyers sunk		1 hit on 7,000 ton
U 624	freighter "Yanka"	5,432 tons	sunk; corvette sunk, 1 ship torpedoed
U 522	1 ship	4,500 tons	sunk and 1 ship 6,00 tons
U 264	1 ship	4,000 tons	sunk
Sunk	6 ships	30,932 tons	sunk

- 131 -

5 ships torpedoed.

The convoy operation continues with 4 boats, U 264 - U 184 - U 262 and U 611. The other boats either because of lack of torpedoes or fuel have either begun to return to port, or to rendezvous with supply boats.

Contact is still held on the convoy.

U 161 and U 126, both boats off the Guinea Coast, were given freedom of movement according to their own judgment and fuel situation. The shipping situation in this area is not at all clear at this time and can be determined neither by intelligence nor deciphering. Redistribution of attack areas is impossible because of fuel situation.

Before setting up the next patrol band the boats have the following temporary attack areas: U 445 - AK 66 and U 623 - AK 69.

Two boats of the Gibraltar Group which have been requested to report positions have not reported (U 98 - U 411). U 613 was heavily damaged by plane attack U 91 damaged by D/C attack. Boats operating off Gibraltar and Morocco have met with no special success so far, rather they have met with misfortune for the most part. The boats have been assigned new operational areas for that reason. The new placement in a semi-circle running from Cape Vincent to Safi closes Casablanca Bay to some degree. It is yet to be seen whether this will be successful and thereby less dangerous for the boats. The following are occupying attack area as shown, the depth of the area being 25 miles:

U 653 - 8255; U 613 - 8295; U 509 - 8287; U 411 - 8433; U 263 - 8452; U 92 - 8556;

U 185 - 8485; U 519 - 8571; U 515 - 8823; U 86 - 8817; U 511 - 8752; U 566 - 8872;

U 98 - 8859; U 155 - 8788. All areas above in square CG

U 413 - 1324; U 564 - 1235; U 752 - 1269; U 102 - 1367; U 91 - 2175; U 130 - 1387;

U 173 - 2416; U 510 - 1662. All above in square DH.

U 151 returning to port via BD 45 yo transfer remaining fuel to U-tanker.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 752	1 ship	torpedoed
43	2 ships	10,000 tons
	1 ship	torpedoed
67	1 ship	4,967 tons
454	1 ship	5,000 tons
521	1 ship	6,000 tons
		2 other hits
262	2 destroyers sunk
	1 ship	torpedoed
624	1 ship	5,432 tons
	1 corvette	sunk
	1 ship	torpedoed
522	2 ships	10,500 tons
264	1 ship	4,000 tons.

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VI.	General:
	The order was given (2412 Secret) to bring number of boats in the Mediterranean to 24 (at least 4 more boats) and to keep the strength in the Gibraltar-Morocco area at 20. Since this mode of action has considerable meaning to the overall war in the Atlantic, I have reported my criticisms as follows: See U-boat situation of 18 November. B.d.U. Secret 508 of 18 November 1942 should be shown with War Diary of B.d.U. 1 - 15 November 1942.

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19.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	Op(BC)	U 155	-	Op(CG 80)	U 381	-	BF 50	U 521	-	AK 75
	67	-	Op(EE)	159	-	FM 97	383	-	Op(AJ 90)	522	-	Op(AJ 90)
	68	-	ES 91	160	-	Op(EO)	402	-	BF 92	524	-	AE 68
	84	-	Op(BC 31)	161	-	Op(EU)	411	-	Op(CG 80)	552	-	Op(EJ 78)
	86	-	Op(CG 80)	163	-	Op(ED)	413	-	Op(DJ 10)	564	-	Op(DJ)
	87	-	BF 60	172	-	FC 59	438	-	BF 62	566	-	Op(CG)
	89	-	BF 62	173	-	Op(DJ 10)	439	-	AE 68	572	-	CG 42
	91	-	Op(DJ 10)	174	-	Op(EC 15)	445	-	AL 19	590	-	BF 80
	92	-	Op(CG 80)	176	-	DG 98	454	-	Op(AK 74)	606	-	Op(AK 74)
	98	-	Op(CG 80)	177	-	Op(KZ)	460	-	BD 45	608	-	CC 25
	103	-	Op(DC 10)	178	-	Op(KP)	462	-	EH 64	611	-	Op(AJ 90)
	106	-	Op(BB)	181	-	Op(KZ)	465	-	AF 87	613	-	Op(CG 73)
	108	-	CG 48	183	-	Op(CB 24)	504	-	FT 26	623	-	AL 17
	117	-	BF 44	184	-	Op(AJ 90)	505	-	EH 44	624	-	Op(AK 77)
	118	-	CF 84	185	-	Op(CG 80)	508	-	Op(ED)	653	-	Op(CG)
	126	-	Op(EV)	211	-	BE 69	509	-	Op(CG 72)	663	-	Op(AK 60)
	128	-	Op(ER 63)	218	-	BF 49	510	-	Op(DJ)	704	-	BF 50
	129	-	Op(EE)	224	-	AK 76	511	-	Op(CG)	752	-	Op(DJ 10)
	130	-	Op(DJ 10)	262	-	Op(AJ 90)	515	-	Op(CG)	753	-	Op(AJ 98)
	134	-	Op(EH 69)	263	-	Op(CJ)	517	-	BF 48	758	-	AF 87
	154	-	Op(EO)	264	-	Op(AJ 90)	518	-	Op(BB)	D 3	-	EH 35
				332	-	Op(EH 67)	519	-	Op(CG 80)

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 87 - 108 - 117 - 159 - 172 - 218 - 224 - 332 - 381 - 383 - 402 - 454 - 504 - 505 - 509 - 521 - 572 - 590 - 606 - 624 - 704.
	Entered Port: U 438 - 89 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 461 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 66 and 67, see IVa.
			U 413 was on return voyage because of periscope damage due to aircraft bombs when she sighted a convoy in CG 8454, course S.E. speed 15 knots. She followed until 0715 reaching CG 8843, about 15 ships. Shortly after U 413 reported, U 519 likewise reported convoy of about 6 - 10 steamers in CG 7682, course 110⁰. Boats of the Gibraltar Group received orders to attack either of the two convoys. U 519 was forced to submerge by destroyers in CG 8447 at 0727. Last course 100⁰, speed 12 knots. None of the boats which set out to attack the convoy has contacted it so far. Evidently boats have been

- 133 -

hindered by being forced to cruise submerged due to continuous air activity (see C). The operation continues.

U 91 has only one torpedo in firing condition due to aircraft bombs.

U 518 sighted a brightly lighted steamer on 19 November in BB 8827. Her lights could be seen at a great distance. When approached lights were extinguished suddenly and horizontal search signals were given out (radar). Evidently a trap.

U 608 and 106 reported operationally ready after being supplied. Operations against convoy movements are foreseen.

None.

U-boat sightings: CG 7925, DB 3795, DN 8231, ED 5275, DB 3879, CG 7931, KP 97.

Gibraltar planes reported many U-boats after dark in CG 7873 and CG 8725.

U-boat warnings for KP 97 and KP 37. Greek "Corinthiakos" reported she was torpedoed - position unknown (3,562 tons).

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 66:

The convoy action continues in good visibility, N.E. wind 4 - 5 and medium swells. At 0800 this morning the convoy was in AJ 9839. Contact was kept by U 184 and U 753 to 1430. She was then picked up again at 0300 by U 184 and contact was kept by U 184 and U 264. U 753 reported that the convoy consisted of 6 - 10 steamers, a number of boats reported gun fire and depth charges upon attempting to attack.

Success reports:

U 184	3 double shots on 3 6 - 8,000 ton steamers, 1 7,000 tons sunk
	2 hits observed, 3 heard. Due to counter activities 1 7,000 ton torpedoed.
U 753	One ship damaged by the sea sunk (3,000 ton) 1 3,000 ton sunk.
	2 ships 10,000 ton sunk.
	1 ship 7,000 ton torpedoed.

Convoy No. 67:

U 43 is still operating against the convoy. She picked up contact again in the morning of 19 November only to lose it again at 2200 in AJ 6490. Next morning she reported fog and visibility 1 mile. She is continuing operations and U 522 has been ordered to move against the convoy and to take over the contact. From the east U 663, 623 and U 545 are moving toward the convoy at cruising speed.

New courses: U 518 - BC 22; U 517 - ED 99; U 211 - AK 69; U 106 and 608 are steering from BD 4555 to be refueled and supplied.

- 134 -

In order to clarify amount of ship movements between Freetown and Trinidad the following attack areas were ordered:

U 332 - EH 66, 69 and 93, also EJ 4447 and 71; U 552 - EJ 72, 73, 75, 76, 78 and 79; U 134 - ES 20.

U 174, U 128 and U 172 operating in the meantime N. of 3⁰ S. Limits to the N. and E. is route "Anton". After release from route "Anton" (about 24 November) occupation of this area is foreseen.

U D 3 sailed from Vowe (U 462) via ES 55 and FC 26 refueling operation - same area as 3.

U 509 took over anti-radar escort for U 613.

First refueling and supply of U 460 is foreseen on 21 November in the afternoon.

None.

IV.

Reports of Success:

U 184	1 ship	7,000 tons	sunk
	1 ship	torpedoed
U 753	1 ship	3,300 tons	sunk.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

20.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	AJ 67	U 159	-	FM 59	U 381	-	BF 67	U 519	-	Op(CG 70)
	67	-	Op(EE)	160	-	Op(EO)	383	-	BD 79	521	-	BD 15
	68	-	ES 55	161	-	Op(EN)	402	-	BF 68	522	-	AJ 63
	84	-	BC 36	163	-	Op(ED)	411	-	Op(CG 80)	524	-	AE 83
	86	-	Op(CG 80)	172	-	FC 53	413	-	CG 88	552	-	Op(EJ)
	87	-	BF 52	173	-	Op(DJ 10)	439	-	AE 83	564	-	Op(DJ 10)
	91	-	Op(DJ)	174	-	Op(FC)	445	-	Op(AK 60)	566	-	Op(CG 80)
	92	-	Op(CG 80)	176	-	DT 17	454	-	BD 14	572	-	CG 15
	98	-	Op(CG 80)	177	-	Op(KZ)	460	-	BD 45	590	-	BE 93
	103	-	Op(DJ 10)	178	-	Op(KP)	461	-	BF 67	606	-	BD 14
	106	-	CB 35	181	-	Op(KZ)	462	-	EH 60	608	-	BC 92
	108	-	CC 18	183	-	CC 14	465	-	AF 76	611	-	BC 20
	117	-	BF 46	184	-	Op(BC 20)	504	-	FM 85	613	-	CG 45
	118	-	DH 10	185	-	Op(CG 80)	505	-	EH 46	623	-	Op(AK 60)
	126	-	Op(EW)	211	-	BE 64	508	-	Op(ED)	624	-	BD 14
	128	-	Op(ER 95)	218	-	BF 55	509	-	CG 45	653	-	Op(CG 80)
	129	-	Op(EE)	224	-	BD 15	510	-	Op(DJ 10)	663	-	Op(AK 50)
	130	-	Op(DJ 10)	262	-	BC 20	511	-	Op(CG 80)	704	-	BF 80
	134	-	Op(EH)	263	-	Op(CG 80)	515	-	Op(CG 80)	752	-	Op(DJ 10)
	154	-	Op(EO)	264	-	Op(AJ 20)	517	-	BE 93	753	-	AJ 35
	155	-	Op(DJ)	332	-	Op(EH)	518	-	BD 91	758	-	AF 76
										D 3	-	EH 60

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 87 - 108 - 117 - 159 - 218 - 224 - 332 - 381 - 383 - 402 - 454 - 504 - 505 - 509 - 521 - 572 - 590 - 606 - 624 - 704.
	Entered Port: U 87 - Brest; U 402 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: - . -

- 135 -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 66 and 67, see IVa.
		2)	U 177 sank a tanker of 10,000 tons in KP 978 on 19 November, course 270⁰ and on 20 November in KP 0910 sank the American "Pierce Butler" 7,191 tons course 60⁰, loaded with piece goods from Capetown to Aden.
		3)	U 154 situation: Heavy single ship movements in EP 50 and 20, sailing W. and N.W. After a 24 hour pursuit on 18 November in EP 5423 an 8,000 ton fast freighter was sunk, course 270⁰. On 19 November an unsuccessful attack was made on a ship of 5,000 tons course 260⁰.
		4)	U 552 was attacked by a submarine in EJ 7323 and avoided a surface runner (torpedo). Another submarine was reported by U D 3 in EH 6941.
		5)	U 518 reports enemy in sight in BB 9519 at 0355, course 300⁰, speed 8 knots. Boat received orders to attack.
		6)	U 183 reports she is not in a condition for convoy operations because of excessive mechanical noises of her own, making her sound gear ineffective.
		7)	U 263 attacked the convoy which was reported yesterday by U 519 and has sunk 2 ships of 5,000 tons each in CG 8731. Another steamer of the same size in a sinking condition and on fire and a medium sized steamer torpedoed. She was later picked up by enemy sound gear, and radar and attacked by 119 D/C's. Considerable damage. Ships all had war materials and landing craft on board. U 103 likewise made contact but was forced to submerge by aircraft.
		8)	U 86 was forced to veer off from U 413's convoy by A/C and search groups, just before attacking. She was hunted for 7 hours. No damage. U 413 likewise attacked but had no success. After 7 hour pursuit she began return cruise.
		9)	U 92 sighted 2 smoke plumes at 1650 hours in CG 8586 on E. course. She broke off pursuit after losing contact at 0215.
		10)	U 519 and U 185 were hunted by search group and attacked by D/C's. U 185 observed A/C shot down after scoring a hit on a steamer in convoy.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BC 25, BC 2810, CG 7873, CA 76.
		U-boat attacks: CC 5130 on an unknown American steamer.
		SSS reports: "Pierce Butler" KP 9670.
		U-boat warnings: for KP 98 and KZ 18.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 66:

- 136 -

Contact on the convoy, which was in AJ 2586 at 0800 was kept by U 184 until noon. Contact was then lost and none of the last 4 boats of the Group picked it up again. All boats reported that they were forced to veer off by destroyers and corvettes and as they were about to attack on the night of 19/20 November the sea was flat, highly phosphorescent and the moon was shining brightly. The operation was nevertheless continued in the hope that the night of 20/21 November would be more favorable. Contact was not established again however, and the operation was broken off, on the morning of 21 November. Our own losses were nil. The enemy losses as follows:

Sunk:	15 ships total 77,932 tons.
	2 destroyers and 1 corvette.

Torpedoed: 6 ships.

Of the 13 boats in the group, 8 boats met with success, 3 boats fired torpedoes and missed, whereas 2 boats did not come within firing range of the convoy.

Convoy No. 67:

Contact was not reestablished with this convoy. Since the chance of finding the convoy was small due to fog, boats received the orders to discontinue the search unless they happened to pick up the convoy on the course they were following.

Next patrol line for picking up the SC convoy expected on morning of 24 November was approximately BC 24. U 518 and 623 were already underway for this area. U 184 and 262 would be after breaking off convoy action and U 611 and 608 after being supplied.

U 462 transferred 55 cubic meters of fuel to U D 3.

U 155 sailed for meeting point of U 118 to repair oil pump on her Junkers compressor. U 551 needs doctor's help for her Captain.

Boats were instructed that application of Prize Law was permissible in the case of French Merchant Ships sailing in the service of the enemy without sanction of the German and Italian Government.

Reports of Success:

U 177	2 ships	17,191 tons	sunk
U 154	1 ship	8,000 tons	sunk
U 263	3 ships	15,000 tons	sunk
	1 ship	torpedoed.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

21.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	AK 44	U 160	-	Op(EO)	U 383	-	BD 18	U 522	-	AK 51
	67	-	Op(EE)	161	-	Op(EU)	411	-	Op(CG 80)	524	-	AE 83
	68	-	ES 21	163	-	Op(EE)	413	-	CG 57	552	-	Op(EJ)
	84	-	BD 41	172	-	Op(FC)	439	-	AE 87	564	-	Op(DJ 10)
	86	-	Op(CG)	173	-	Op(DJ 10)	445	-	AK 19	566	-	Op(CG 80)
	91	-	Op(DJ)	174	-	Op(FC)	454	-	BD 45	572	-	BE 74
	92	-	Op(CG)	176	-	DT 47	460	-	BD 45	590	-	BF 73
	98	-	Op(CG 80)	177	-	Op(KP)	461	-	BF 82	606	-	BD 42


- 137 -

103	-	Op(DJ 10)	178	-	Op(KZ)	462	-	EH 60	608	-	BD 45
106	-	CC 13	181	-	Op(KZ)	465	-	AF 47	611	-	BC 51
108	-	CG 13	183	-	CG 13	504	-	FM 53	613	-	CG 18
117	-	BF 55	184	-	BC 14	505	-	EH 56	623	-	Op(AK 44)
118	-	DH 24	185	-	Op(CG 80)	508	-	Op(ED)	624	-	Op(AK 40)
126	-	Op(EU)	211	-	BE 52	509	-	CG 18	653	-	Op(CG 80)
128	-	Op(ER)	218	-	BF 52	510	-	Op(DJ 10)	663	-	AK 40
129	-	Op(EE)	224	-	BD 42	511	-	DH 24	704	-	BF 80
130	-	Op(DJ 10)	262	-	BC 27	515	-	Op(CG 80)	752	-	Op(DJ 10)
134	-	Op(EJ)	263	-	Op(CG)	517	-	BE 97	753	-	BD 17
154	-	Op(EP 32)	264	-	BC 53	518	-	BB 95	758	-	AF 47
155	-	Op(DJ)	332	-	Op(EH)	519	-	Op(CF 98)	D 3	-	EH 68
159	-	FM 51	381	-	BF 64	521	-	BD 40

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 108 - 117 - 159 - 218 - 224 - 332 - 381 - 383 - 413 - 454 - 504 - 505 - 509 - 521 - 572 - 590 - 606 - 613 - 624 - 704 - 753.
	Entered Port: U 381 - St. Nazaire; U 218 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 254 - Brest; U 513 - Lorient; U 1325 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 67, see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 508 sank a freighter of 5,500 tons in ED 9949 on 17 November course 260⁰. Fired 3 shots spread which missed "Raley" type ship on course 310⁰.
		3)	U 174 has seen nothing so far in areas FB and FC.
		4)	U 160 sank a freighter of 5,000 tons in EO 3364 on 21 November general course 245⁰. In EF 7715 she fired too low in a freighter on course 320⁰. On return cruise.
		5)	U 163 pursued a tanker unsuccessfully in EE 4423, course N.E. She sank "Empire Starling" 6,060 tons in EE 8229, loaded with piece goods from Buenos Aires to Trinidad.
		6)	U 518 attacked convoy reported yesterday in BB 9515 at 0415 and sank a special ship of 10,000 tons as well as a tanker of 8,000 tons which evidently sank. Subsequently forced to submerge by gun fire then attacked by D/C's. Boat is scarcely able to dive and requests permission to return to port gradually. She received orders to return via BC 80 and BD 30.
		7)	Boats of Gibraltar Group reporting damage due to enemy countermeasures are: U 263, 91, 752 and 510. U 566 as well as U 519 was heavily damaged by an air attack on a convoy, she remained however, as did the boats named above, after damage had been partly repaired. Shortly before firing at convoy of U 519, U 564 was sighted by a 4 stack destroyer which dropped D/C's (1210 in CG 8758). Convoy composed of about 30 freighters of 5 - 6,000 GRT. U 515 picked up airplane radar bearing 500 miles W. of Gibraltar.

- 138 -

None.

U-boat sightings: DJ 16, DT 2299.

Sightings by aircraft: In BF 5775.

U-boat attacks: In BB 94.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 67:

Boats have seen nothing on search course and are sailing for BC 24 for new patrol positions. U 522 returning to port.

Trinidad boats ordered to operate according to situation as reported by U 154.

On 25 November at 0000 boats will be free to attack single ships for a period of 3 weeks in the area along "Anton" route between 25⁰ and 5⁰ S. U 174 and 128 176 - 332 - 552 - 134 - U D 3 - 161 and 126 are considered for action against ships sailing from America and England to Capetown. U 161 and 126 are on corresponding courses.

The heavy countermeasures against boats of the Gibraltar Group even in seaward areas necessitates a move even further westward. Placement from England and America. Boats in attack area of 25 miles depth:

U 92 - 495?; U 752 - 7311; U 653 - 4891; U 185 - 4796; U 86 - 7243; U 515 - 7291;

U 510 - 7551; U 173 - 7199; U 103 - 7179; U 564 - 7465; U 263 - 7499; U 130 - 7444;

U 566 - 7716; U 91 - 7758; U 519 - 7153. All of the above in CG. Boats will make up the Group "Westwall".

U 511 on return voyage. Further operation impossible according to the doctor's opinion.

U 155 took spare parts on board from U 118.

U 517 bombed and heavily damaged by aircraft in BE 5945. At 1135 hours she reported in open text: Vent knocked out and boat is sinking rapidly. U 211 which was near by, given orders to make for the spot and expects to be there about 1900. 2 FW 200 type planes from the Air-Sea Rescue Group were sent out and will be at the attack area by dawn on 22 November.

Reports of Success:

U 508	1 ship	5,500 tons	sunk
U 160	1 ship	5,000 tons	sunk
U 163	1 ship	6,060 tons	sunk
U 518	2 ships	18,000 tons	sunk

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -




- 139 -

22.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	AK 75	U 159	-	FM 15	U 383	-	BD 45	U 521	-	BD 45
	67	-	Op(EE)	160	-	EF 72	411	-	CG 80	522	-	AK 53
	68	-	EJ 84	161	-	Op(EU)	413	-	CG 54	524	-	AE 85
	84	-	BD 45	163	-	Op(EE)	439	-	AE 85	552	-	Op(EJ)
	86	-	Op(CG 70)	172	-	Op(FC)	445	-	AJ 69	564	-	Op(CG 70)
	91	-	Op(CG 70)	173	-	Op(CG 70)	454	-	BD 45	566	-	Op(CG 70)
	92	-	Op(CG 40)	174	-	Op(FC)	460	-	BD 45	572	-	BF 68
	98	-	Op(CG 80)	176	-	EH 99	461	-	BF 71	590	-	BF 82
	103	-	Op(CG 70)	177	-	Op(KZ)	462	-	EH 60	606	-	BD 45
	106	-	BC 77	178	-	Op(KZ)	465	-	AE 69	608	-	BD 72
	108	-	BF 75	181	-	Op(KZ)	504	-	FM 15	611	-	Op(BC 24)
	117	-	BF 61	183	-	Op(DB)	505	-	EH 60	613	-	BF 77
	118	-	DH 15	184	-	BC 10	508	-	Op(EO)	623	-	AJ 92
	126	-	Op(EU)	185	-	Op(CG 40)	509	-	BF 77	624	-	BD 34
	128	-	Op(FC)	211	-	BE 59	510	-	Op(CG 70)	653	-	Op(CG 40)
	129	-	Op(EE)	224	-	BD 45	511	-	DH 20	663	-	AJ 68
	130	-	Op(CG 70)	254	-	BF 55	513	-	BF 54	704	-	BF 18
	134	-	Op(ES)	262	-	Op(BC 24)	515	-	Op(CG 70)	752	-	Op(CG 70)
	135	-	BF 91	263	-	Op(CG 70)	517	-	BE 59	753	-	BD 45
	154	-	Op(EP)	264	-	BC 37	518	-	BB 99	758	-	AE 69
	155	-	DH 20	332	-	Op(EH)	519	-	Op(CG 70)	D 3	-	ES

	On Return Passage: U 68 - 84 - 108 - 117 - 159 - 224 - 332 - 383 - 413 - 454 - 504 - 505 - 509 - 521 - 572 - 590 - 606 - 613 - 624 - 704 - 753.
	Entered Port: U 117 - Lorient; U 572 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 610 - St. Nazaire; U 373 - 600 - La Pallice.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 611 and U 262 were forced to submerge by remote screening ships, i.e. sub-chasers in BC 24 (top of the patrol line). Since knowledge of these boats may lead to rerouting the convoy, it is proposed to delay commitment of the boats until 23 November.
		2)	U 624 sighted 3 destroyers on S.W. course at 1000 in BD 2269. Since this course leads across the refueling point in BD 45 boats standing by tanker are ordered to take a turn in semi-circle from 0⁰ to 180⁰ along the vision boundary of the area and to report on enemy sightings by short signal. Destroyers evidently belong to an "ON" convoy in BD 30 according to own data.
		3)	Upon asking returning "Polar Bear Boats" whether they had enough fuel and torpedoes and whether personnel and machinery were in condition for further operations, U 159 and U 504 reported they would be ready after taking on fuel provisions and torpedoes. U 159 was ordered to take on torpedoes and fuel from U D 3 in ES 75. U 504 is returning to port since she has only enough provisions for 15 days and she cannot be re-supplied in so short a time.
		4)	U 92 was depth charged by a search group in CG 8287. U 566 cannot repair oil leaks and is returning.
	b)	1)	Search without success.
		2)	In BF 9573 2 U-boats were sighted at 1630. Presumed to be English.

- 140 -

	c)	U-boat sightings: BC 2716, KY 62, BF 5775 (aircraft attack).
		U-boat attack: DJ 2126.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	In order to intercept SL convoys of 25 November, the patrol line from AJ 8789 to BC 2571 was ordered to set up in the following order:
			U 663 - 445 - 623 - 262 - 611 and 184. Boats to comprise Group "Drachen".
		2)	Since ship movements supposed to be active in FB 91 (according to intercept reports) U 174 ordered to operate closer to land.
		3)	U 155 took up position of U 91 - CG 7758. U 91 operating in N.W. group of "Westwall".
		4)	U 118 is in DH 10 for the purpose of refueling members of Group "Westwall".
	c)	1)	U 608 is to look for rendezvous point where air torpedoes can be taken from boats returning to port.
		2)	U 462 completed re-supply of U 505 and is returning because her stocks are used up.
		3)	U 454 has taken on provisions from U 460. Oil transfer impossible at the time because of heavy seas.
	d)	1)	U 211 has had no success so far in her search for U 517. The 3 "FW 200" airplanes have likewise seen nothing. We must consider the boat lost. Another airplane is scheduled for 23 November to exhaust all possibilities.
		2)	U 98 and U 411 must be considered lost in the area W. of Gibraltar. Both boats last reported on 10 November farther N.W. their meeting in CG is regarded with greatest skepticism. They are considered to have been sunk by aircraft.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

23.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 14	U 161	-	Op(EU 77)	U 413	-	BF 54	U 552	-	Op(EJ)
	67	-	Op(EE)	163	-	Op(EE)	439	-	AL 33	564	-	Op(CG 70)
	68	-	EJ 65	172	-	Op(FC)	445	-	AJ 94	566	-	Op(CG 47)
	84	-	BD 42	173	-	Op(CG 70)	454	-	BD 45	590	-	BF 67
	86	-	Op(CG 70)	174	-	Op(FC)	460	-	BD 45	600	-	BF 91
	91	-	Op(CG 70)	176	-	EH 38	461	-	BE 11	606	-	BD 45
	92	-	Op(CG 40)	177	-	Op(KZ)	462	-	EH 60	608	-	BD 45
	103	-	Op(CG 70)	178	-	Op(KP)	465	-	AE 67	610	-	BF 58
	106	-	BC 76	181	-	Op(KZ)	504	-	FD 83	611	-	Op(BC 24)
	108	-	BF 84	183	-	Op(BB)	505	-	EH 60	613	-	BF 76
	118	-	DH 15	184	-	BC 40	508	-	Op(EE)	623	-	AJ 89
	126	-	Op(EV 79)	185	-	Op(CG 40)	509	-	BF 76	624	-	BD 38


- 141 -

128	-	Op(FC)	211	-	BE 59	510	-	Op(CG 70)	653	-	CG 40
129	-	Op(EE)	224	-	BD 45	511	-	CF 65	663	-	AF 94
130	-	Op(CG 70)	254	-	BF 49	513	-	BF 48	704	-	BF 93
134	-	Op(ES)	262	-	Op(BC 20)	515	-	Op(CG 70)	752	-	Op(CG 70)
135	-	BF 81	263	-	Op(CG 70)	518	-	BC 78	753	-	BD 45
154	-	Op(EP)	264	-	BD 45	519	-	Op(CG 70)	759	-	AE 67
155	-	Op(CG 70)	332	-	Op(EH)	521	-	BD 45	D 3	-	ES 16
159	-	FD 89	373	-	BF 91	522	-	AE 19
160	-	EF 58	383	-	BD 42	524	-	AE 79

	On Return Passage: U 43 - 68 - 84 - 108 - 159 - 224 - 264 - 332 - 383 - 413 - 454 - 504 - 505 - 509 - 511 - 518 - 521 - 522 - 566 - 590 - 606 - 613 - 624 - 704 - 752 - 753 - 160.
	Entered Port: U 704 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 603 - Bergen; U 552 - St Nazaire; U 105 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 183 sighted warship group at 0248 in CB 2245 on 23 November course 280⁰.
		2)	U 552 was attacked in ES 1221 by an enemy U-boat.
		3)	U 332 returning to port because of fuel supply.
		4)	U 172 sank "Benlomend" 6,630 tons in FC 1138. General course 275⁰ in ballast from Bombay to Capetown. Boat saw nothing in EC 3517 and requested EC 21 - 36 as operational area.
		5)	U 518 sank tanker "Caddo" on 23 November in CC 3215 (10,172 tons) course 30⁰ speed 15 knots. Captain and 1st Officer taken on board, "Caddo" was first commissioned 5 months ago.
		6)	U 519 reports brightly lighted steamer in CG 7111 and requests permission to attack. Since there is heavy neutral ship movements in this area orders were given to break off pursuit. It does not seem likely that the enemy would illuminate single ships for the purpose of avoiding direct attack.
		7)	U 752 requested more remote area due to oil leaks resulting from aircraft attacks.
	b)	Nothing seen.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DP 46, CG 7142.
		A Dutch steamer "Kota Tjandi" reports being attacked in EH 1617.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	Proposed delay in establishing patrol line of Group "Drachen" accomplished on 24 November at 0800 the group was in the old position from AJ 8845 to BC 2529.

- 142 -

Regarding IV b of 21 November the following attack areas were occupied in order to intercept the convoy in route "Anton" on 25 November:

U 174 - FB 60 and S. to the coast; U 128 - FC 41 and 46: in case there is no activity she is to take the same area as U 172 - FC 21 and 36.

U 159 - FC 23 and 31; U 176 - ER 97 and 98; U 134 - 95 and 96.

U D 3 - ER 93 and ES 71; U 552 - ER 37 and 38.

For U 161 and 126 areas will be assigned later.

In order to intercept the ON convoy expected on 29 November, U 135, 254, 610, 373, 600, 523 and 221 are ordered to AK 69 and U 758 and 465 to AK 81. Boats are to be in their designated areas at 1400 on 29 November. Until contact is made U 524 is to occupy AK 61 and U 439 AK 65 as provisional areas. Group "Westwall".

By waning moon and more hours of darkness the boats have an opportunity to push E. The following boats to occupy these areas:

U 263 - CG 8140; U 564 - 8170; U 103 - 8410; U 92 and 515 - 8440; U 653 and 155 - 8479; U 185 - 8710; U 519 - 8740; U 510 - 8770. All in CG.

U 86 and 130 are operating in top sections of DJ 12 1510 and 1540. They are to approach the harbors as closely as possible according to shipping and defence measures. U 752 moved westward because of the conditions of the boat.

U 211 has broken off search for the crew of U 517. In BE 5839 she sighted an empty, overturned rubber boat with German identification marks. The "FW 200" planes have likewise seen nothing. It cannot be established whether the crew was lost or picked up by English patrol boat.

Reports of Success:

U 172	1 ship	6,630 tons	sunk
U 518	1 ship	10,272 tons	sunk.

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24.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 42	U 160	-	EF 62	U 373	-	BF 82	U 522	-	AL 54
	67	-	Op(EE)	161	-	ET 86	383	-	BD 45	524	-	AL 26
	68	-	EJ 35	163	-	Op(EE)	413	-	BF 52	552	-	ES 12
	84	-	BD 45	172	-	Op(FC)	439	-	AL 27	553	-	BF 58
	86	-	Op(CG 80)	173	-	Op(CG 70)	445	-	Op(BC 10)	564	-	Op(CG 80)
	91	-	Op(CG 70)	174	-	Op(FB)	454	-	BD 56	566	-	CG 80
	92	-	Op(CG 80)	176	-	EH 67	460	-	BD 45	590	-	BF 64
	103	-	Op(CG 80)	177	-	Op(KP)	461	-	CF 39	600	-	BF 82
	105	-	BF 54	178	-	Op(KP)	462	-	EH 31	606	-	BD 45
	106	-	BC 85	181	-	Op(KZ)	465	-	AE 87	608	-	BD 45
	108	-	BF 57	183	-	Op(BB)	504	-	FD 29	610	-	BF 49
	118	-	DH 10	184	-	BC 20	505	-	EH 38	611	-	Op(BC 20)
	126	-	EU 99	185	-	Op(CG 80)	508	-	Op(EE)	613	-	BF 76
	128	-	Op(FC)	211	-	BE 50	509	-	BF 76	623	-	Op(BC 20)
	129	-	Op(EE)	221	-	BF 67	510	-	Op(CG 80)	624	-	BE 14
	130	-	Op(CG 80)	224	-	BD 45	511	-	CG 14	653	-	Op(CG 80)
	134	-	Op(ES)	254	-	BF 47	513	-	BE 93	663	-	Op(AJ 80)
	135	-	BF 48	262	-	Op(BC 20)	515	-	Op(CG 80)	752	-	Op(CG 80)
	154	-	Op(EP)	263	-	Op(CG 80)	518	-	BC 85	753	-	BD 45
	155	-	Op(CG 80)	264	-	BD 45	519	-	CG 80	758	-	AE 83
	159	-	FD 58	332	-	Op(EH)	521	-	BD 45	D 3	-	Op(ES)


- 143 -

	On Return Passage: U 43 - 68 - 84 - 108 - 159 - 160 - 224 - 264 - 332 - 383 - 413 - 454 - 504 - 505 - 509 - 511 - 518 - 521 - 522 - 566 - 590 - 606 - 613 - 624 - 753.
	Entered Port: U 590 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 217 - Brest; U 455 - St. Nazaire; U 626 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 504 sighted a freighter in FD 2733 on S.E. course, likewise U 462 sighted a steamer in DT 7138 with running lights, course S.
		2)	U 505 attacked a fast freighter in EH 3773 on 24 November and in DT 9787 and 9785 on 25 November, course S.E. Impossible to close with her because of speed limitations due to faulty diesel. Ship was evidently a member of convoy which had broken up.
		3)	U 611 was seen by enemy aircraft in BC 2279 (patrol line of Group "Drachen").
		4)	The request for situation reports of attack possibilities and countermeasures in the Gibraltar area reveals the following:
			U 130: No possibility of attack near the coast because of constant air patrols. Contact on convoys impossible to keep due to screening vessels by night and heavy air patrols by day. Boat believes it best to stay outside the area of air patrols in order to attack convoys reported from other sources.
		5)	U 155 has established nothing outside presence of patrol craft and radar. Strong air and sea patrols up to 500 miles from the coast. In the present position she has been forced to submerge by day and has been subject to Radar by night. This boat also considers operation outside air patrol area as essential for successful attacks.
		6)	U 185 is sailing W. because of heavy damage and is ordered to go to U-tanker to carry out repairs.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DQ 7171, EH 8954, ED 99, DO 9560, CB 2160, EE 9916, EE 9960.
		Reports by aircraft: CG 8521, CG 7389, CG 7623 (D/C attack). Plane reports row boat with survivors in CG 8522.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	U 118 designated as tanker for Group "Westwall" received orders to take operational areas CF 70 and 80 and DH 10 and 40. As her first supply operation boat is to operate with Gibraltar area craft.
	c)	1)	U 263 a boat of Group "Westwall" was bombed by a plane in CG 7294 at 1145 and is unable to dive. Boats nearby ordered to go to her assistance.

- 144 -

			About 0200 she was bombed again and was unable to fight the plane off without damage to herself. After the boat had been made dive worthy the others were ordered back to their sectors. Joint return through Bay of Biscay was agreed upon with U 511.
		2)	According to previous Radio Intercept an enemy plane scored a bomb hit on a U-boat in BF 5282. It was believed to be U 413 and a light sweeper flotilla was sent at high speed toward the point. Of the boats in question, U 413 - 507 - 217, U 217 has not yet reported. We await further reports. U 413 and 507 are moving on.
	d)	1)	U 173 belongs to Group "Westwall" and last reported on 16 October from about DJ 2284. Further radio messages have not been received in spite of repeated requests to do so. According to Radio Intercepts a U-boat was attacked in DJ 22 on 18 November and believed destroyed. Possibly U 173 was sunk in this engagement. We must consider her lost.
		2)	U 184 was operating against Convoy No. 66 and on 20 November in BC 28 she was forced to veer off by far ranging screening vessels. Boats involved were ordered to the attack. U 184 has not reported since. Her loss is probable.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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25.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 45	U 161	-	ET 79	U 439	-	AL 19	U 553	-	BF 49
	67	-	Op(EE)	163	-	Op(EE)	445	-	Op(AJ 80)	564	-	Op(CG 80)
	68	-	DT 92	172	-	Op(FC)	454	-	BD 65	566	-	BE 99
	84	-	BD 45	174	-	Op(FB)	455	-	BF 69	600	-	BF 72
	86	-	Op(CG 80)	176	-	EH 97	460	-	BD 48	603	-	AF 72
	91	-	Op(CG 70)	177	-	Op(KP)	461	-	CF 67	606	-	BD 45
	92	-	Op(CG 80)	178	-	Op(KP)	462	-	DS 92	608	-	BD 45
	103	-	Op(CG 80)	181	-	Op(KZ)	465	-	AL 87	610	-	BF 47
	105	-	BF 48	183	-	Op(BB)	504	-	FD 22	611	-	Op(BC 20)
	106	-	BC 68	185	-	Op(CG 80)	505	-	DS 98	613	-	BF 82
	108	-	BF 50	211	-	BE 43	508	-	Op(EE)	623	-	Op(BC 20)
	118	-	DH 10	217	-	BF 54	509	-	BF 57	624	-	BE 19
	126	-	EU 89	221	-	BF 81	510	-	Op(CG 80)	626	-	AO
	128	-	Op(FC)	224	-	BD 45	511	-	BF 77	653	-	Op(CG 80)
	129	-	Op(EE)	254	-	BE 64	513	-	BE 97	663	-	Op(AJ 80)
	130	-	Op(CG 80)	262	-	Op(BC 20)	515	-	CF 92	752	-	Op(CG 70)
	134	-	Op(ER)	263	-	Op(CG 80)	518	-	BC 91	753	-	BD 45
	135	-	BE 68	264	-	BD 45	519	-	CF 92	758	-	AE 87
	154	-	Op(EP)	332	-	EH 39	521	-	BD 45	D 3	-	Op(ES)
	155	-	Op(CG 80)	373	-	BF 72	522	-	AL 91
	159	-	FD 19	383	-	BD 45	524	-	AL 18
	160	-	EG 15	413	-	BF 52	552	-	Op(ER)

	On Return Passage: U 43 - 68 - 84 - 108 - 159 - 160 - 224 - 264 - 332 - 383 - 413 - 454 - 462 - 504 - 505 - 509 - 511 - 521 - 522 - 566 - 606 - 613 - 624 - 753.
	Entered Port: U 413 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 124 - Lorient; U 618 - St. Nazaire; U 569 - 615 - La Pallice.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

- 145 -

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 159 sighted a freighter in FD 1613 on course 305⁰. Although she was shot up she is keeping contact for D 3 who is in position to the north. At 0509 the freighter was in FD 1134 speed about 9 knots. Further reports on ships sailing along U 172 in ED 88. U 61 in ET 7679, on course 0⁰ speed 16 knots escorted by single motored seaplanes, U 126 in BD 2999 course 40⁰, speed 12 knots.
		2)	U 67 followed the Danish ship "Abwina" from EP 1332 to EE 9993 missed a double shot at 500 meters. Believed to be one pistol failure. There after no possibility of attacking because of sharp zig-zagging. Boat has only one torpedo (aft) and was ordered to return.
		3)	U 128 has seen nothing in her area so far and is operating farther in FC 21 - 26.
			U 126 considers further operations out of the question unless they are of prime importance since her sound gear is broken down completely. It is observed that operations in open sea areas are quite possible without sound gear.
		4)	U 510 reports: heavy air patrols in attack area during the day, radar at night. Boat has serious oil track due to plane bombs and requests permission to return without being re-supplied.
		5)	U 92 was bombed by a "Catalina" in CG 8455, no damage. Boat has seen 4 unsuspected neutral ships.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DB 64, BB 61, DJ 24, CG 7379, CG 8438, CG 1679, DJ 2461, AL 1823 (D/C attack by plane).
		Attack report: Dutch "Polydorus" 5,922 tons in ES 1874. Small freighter reported she was torpedoed in CA 29 (None of our own boats in the neighborhood).
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	U 332 was given clearance to operate against shipping as reported by U 505. She now requests permission to return.
		2)	New course for U 126 is ES 40.
		3)	Operation for Group "Westwall" contemplated in patrol lines west of CE 29 (see IV) U 103 - 130 - 515 - 155 - 91 and 185 comprise patrol line from CF 6518 to 9189 and are sailing on 27 November at 2000 as observation line course 295⁰ speed 150 miles every 24 hours.
			U 91 is only partly seaworthy as is to be used only for observation. The rest of the "Westwall" boats U 564 - 653 - 86 - 92 and 519 are to take on 90 to 100 cbm fuel from U 118 on 28 November at 1000 in DH 144 sailing finally to CE 19. From this point all boats will sail together toward the west in line for observation purposes. U 510 will not be re-supplied because of heavy oil leaks. She is to operate in the Gibraltar area until her fuel is used up and then return to port.

- 146 -

	c)	U 213 can no longer sail submerged. She was ordered to sail for El Ferrol and send distress signals since the boat can cruise at 14.5 knots and will be fairly dive-worthy later, her captain is attempting to reach La Pallice, by sailing at high speed along Spanish territorial waters. U 511 is to remain near to her as possible in order to give aid if she needs it. Western Security Section and Air Corps command expect to pick her up for escort at about noon on 27 November in position 03⁰ 25' West. More follows.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

VI.	General:
	Gibraltar situation - Morocco area:
	1)	In an effort to completely intercept the stream of shipping to Gibraltar from England and America as well as the southwest, the first placements of boats in areas CG 90, 80, DJ 10 and 20 was made close to the coast. On 18 November heavy defences and countermeasures close to the coast made it necessary to move farther from shore in area CG 80. On 20 November the limit had to be extended to CG 70. As a result a wide gap was made west of Cape Vincent, through which shipping from England could pass without being attacked. Similarly shipping from the S.W. would not be apprehended.
		Since this disposition brought no success, placements along an E-W line was ordered on 23 November. In this way a final attempt was made to intercept traffic through the "Hole". On the other hand, boats were given the option of operating freely in case of countermeasures became to strong close to Gibraltar and Morocco. This new disposition of craft brought no success. Whether because of intercepts, or reports, from Gibraltar many convoys must have passed through this area and not one was seen, an indication that countermeasures were successful in keeping boats submerged day and night at some distance.
	2)	For the purpose of clearing up the situation, 2 well known captains (U 155 - U 130) were requested to give their opinions of the possibilities for success and the anti-submarine situation in the last operational area. According to the reports of the two captains and previous reports of other boats, the following situation is presented:
		Since the enemy has gained a foothold in Morocco his anti-submarine measures have strengthened greatly. Heavy air patrols day and night ranging 300 miles from land, patrol craft and destroyer search groups divided among the area, make even one's presence in these areas difficult and dangerous. With one exception (ship alone sunk by U 92) convoys are strongly protected and air patrols are rapidly making attack area untenable. The U-boat should not be committed in areas close to land since it is not able to take evasive measures.
		Example: Attacks on convoys in the North Channel have been considered impossible for the past 1 1/2 years, and in this connection it is worthy of notice that defences in that area were never so strong as those of Gibraltar are today, surface and aircraft radar and patrols not considered.
	3)	Since 20 November there has been no further success reported,

- 147 -

so that the total in the Gibraltar - Morocco area remains at the following level:

Date	Place	Ship	Boat
12 Nov.	DJ 2519	3 explosions, 1 hit seen on freighter.	U 173
13 Nov.	CG 8830	4 hits on Birmingham type cruiser, 1 DD probably sunk.	U 515
14 Nov.	Fedala Roads	2 transports sunk, 1 probably sunk. Total 22,500 tons.	U 130
14 Nov.	CG 4556	"Warwick Castle".	U 413
15 Nov	CG 8665	3 hits on 3 large transports.	U 155
16 Nov	DJ 2284	Hit on 6,000 tonner.	U 173
16 Nov	CG 9457	Ship 12,000 tons sunk.	U 92
20 Nov.	CG 8731	3 steamers 15,000 tons sunk, 1 steamer torpedo.	U 263

The transport "Warwick Castle" was sunk W. of Lisbon by a boat returning to port.

Therefore in the last 5 days: 1 cruiser, 1 destroyer and 5 ships were sunk 7 ships torpedoed.

In the next 4 days: 3 ships sunk, 1 ship torpedoed and no further sinkings since 21 November.

Against this we suffered the following losses and damage out of total of 23 boats.

Total loss: 3 boats U 411 - 98 - 173.

Badly damaged so that immediate return was ordered: U 218 - 613 - 413 - 566 - 263.

A number of boats suffered minor damage from plane bombs of D/C's.

Deductions: Attack of supply shipping in the usual stationary manner no longer possible within 500 miles of Gibraltar. Further delay does not indicate losses. Without corresponding compensating possibilities of success.

Conclusions: Attacks on supply shipping must be carried out beyond the range of enemy air patrols, since it then can be treated as a pure convoy action this must be begun on the "Starting side of the Atlantic" so far from Gibraltar that attack is possible for several days.

From the data at hand (U-boat sightings intercepts, intelligence reports) is is decided that evidently a larger part of ships used in the African landing, especially troop transports from England and a few convoys from America came from the N.W.

There are only small prospects of success in operations against shipping from England since there are constant English air patrols in the area. Running attack is therefore impossible and the prospects for stationary attacks are bad since the area to be occupied between 11 and 24⁰ is too large. Convoys can be cut up by incoming and outgoing boats and short operations are possible by these boats and can be carried out if the convoys are sighted.

- 148 -

		b)	Attack on the America - Gibraltar supply traffic: Only 2 reports given along the enemy route: Convoy in CF 4399, course E. on 2 November (sighting report of U 514) convoy N. of Azores course E. on 16 November (Spy). The entire Great Circle route between Norfolk and Boston on one side and Gibraltar on the other side lies N. of the Azores between 39 and 42 N. and this offers promise for a fair amount of success to operations in that area.
	Aims: Boats of Group "Westwall" which have sufficient fuel are to take position in observation line from CF 6518 to 9189 and sail westward toward the presumed convoy route. Boats which are low on fuel are to refuel at once and join the group in order to broaden the observation strip. Boats to sail together westward to about CD 20. From here attacks can be carried out without the presence of enemy aircraft from the east. If no convoys are sighted this operation will be considered a failure. On the other hand, interception of only one convoy will result in greater success than Group "Westwall" has had thus far.

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26.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 45	U 160	-	DR 87	U 439	-	AK 65	U 553	-	BF 44
	67	-	Op(EF 75)	161	-	ET 96	445	-	Op(AJ 80)	564	-	Op(CG 70)
	68	-	DT 61	163	-	Op(EE)	454	-	BD 45	566	-	BE 98
	84	-	BD 45	172	-	Op(FC)	455	-	BF 81	569	-	BF 91
	86	-	Op(DH 32)	174	-	Op(FB)	460	-	BD 45	600	-	BE 65
	91	-	Op(CG 70)	176	-	Op(ER)	461	-	CF 91	603	-	AF 47
	92	-	Op(CG 77)	177	-	Op(KB)	462	-	DS 63	606	-	BD 45
	103	-	Op(CG 72)	178	-	Op(KP)	465	-	AL 21	608	-	BD 45
	105	-	BE 69	181	-	Op(KZ)	504	-	ES 57	610	-	BE 65
	106	-	BC 65	183	-	Op(BB)	505	-	DS 68	611	-	Op(BC 20)
	108	-	BF 61	185	-	CF 91	508	-	Op(EE)	613	-	BF 80
	118	-	DH 10	211	-	BE 14	509	-	CF 83	615	-	BF 91
	124	-	BE 55	217	-	BF 46	510	-	DH 32	618	-	BF 58
	126	-	FF 16	221	-	BF 47	511	-	BF 78	623	-	Op(BC 20)
	128	-	Op(FC)	224	-	BD 45	513	-	CF 32	624	-	BE 53
	129	-	Op(EP)	254	-	BE 24	515	-	CF 91	626	-	AN 36
	130	-	Op(CG 70)	262	-	Op(BC 20)	518	-	BC 65	653	-	Op(CG 78)
	134	-	Op(ES)	263	-	BF 76	519	-	CF 31	663	-	Op(AJ 88)
	135	-	BE 43	264	-	BD 38	521	-	BD 45	752	-	CG 70
	154	-	Op(EP)	332	-	EH 30	522	-	BE 22	753	-	BD 45
	155	-	Op(CG 70)	373	-	BE 65	524	-	AL 15	758	-	AL 22
	159	-	FD 11	383	-	BD 45	552	-	Op(ER)	D 3	-	ES 75

	On Return Passage: U 43 - 67 - 68 - 84 - 108 - 160 - 224 - 263 - 264 - 332 - 338 - 454 - 462 - 504 - 505 - 510 - 509 - 511 - 518 - 521 - 522 - 566 - 606 - 613 - 624 - 752 - 753.
	Entered Port: U 108 - 509 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 604 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

- 149 -

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 445 and U 611, in patrol line of Group "Drachen" report numerous corvettes and destroyers in AJ 8887 as well as BC 2279. U 262 sank a ship of 6,000 tons in BC 7217, course 200⁰.
		2)	U 134 stalked a motorship without success in ER 9894 on course 90⁰. U 67 missed a single shot at the British "Wanderer" in EF 7544.
		3)	U 176 followed Dutch ship "Polydorus" 5,922 tons for over 50 hours, from EH 97 via ER 38 and finally sank her in ES 1659. One premature explosion from a spread shot of 3 torpedoes.
		4)	After joint pursuit with U 159, U D 3 sank Norwegian ship "India" 5,041 tons in ER 9833, course 310⁰.
		5)	U 178 has seen nothing since 26 November in area KY 95 to JJ 15. Fired a 2 shot spread which missed a freighter on 21 November in KY 9693, course 70⁰. Boat on return cruise.
		6)	U 181 sank a freighter of 2,000 tons in KP 53, also the steamer "Corinthiakos" (3,562 tons) as well as the "Alcoa Pathfinder", 6,900 tons. No ships have left Lourenco Marques since 20 November. Shipping from the N.E. very hard to intercept because the N.E. border of the area is too near. Further sinkings were: "Mounthelmos" 6,481 tons in KP 6465, enroute Suez to Capetown and "Dorington Court" (5,281 tons) in KP 6158, course 290⁰.
		7)	U 608 one of the boats short of fuel near U 460, sighted a steamer in BD 7590 on course 190⁰ and 2 hours later 3 smoke plumes on estimated N. course. Pursuit impossible because of lack of fuel.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BB 6458, EE 7131, BC 4433, CA 54, BC 22.
		U-boat attack in ES 1790 (Freighter "Polydorus") also in BC 22.
		English aircraft attacked U-boat with D/C's in BC 1871.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	U 161 is occupying ES 40 as attack area. U 461 is designated as refueling boat for other boats in this area. Rendezvous is planned for 9 days hence.
		2)	On the basis of apparent stationary counter patrols, Group "Drachen" received orders to sail on course 160⁰, covering 120 miles in a 24 hour period. Placement between BC 86 and CD 21 is in view for the purpose of intercepting single ships en route to England. After being supplied, boats in the same area are contemplated being sent against convoys enroute from America to Gibraltar. U 262 has fired all her torpedoes and is returning to port.

- 150 -

Since the weather has improved, re-supplying will begin today by Schnorr. Heavy weather has prevented this operation up to date. The boats have been cruising about for 6 days near the tanker and some have no fuel at all. This is even more unpleasant since a number of ships and destroyers have been encountered nearby, which must have come from convoys which have been broken up. Warning has been issued to these boats to give assistance to each other.

U 461 gave anti-radar gear cables to U 519 and U 515 as well as Junkers spare parts to U 185. U 461 is moving southward.

U 263 is sailing through Bay of Biscay according to plan and was in position BF 9716 at 0900 on 27 November.

A number of attack reports from ships as well as sighting reports by aircraft gives indication of the presence of a U-boat in BC and CC. It is possible that this boat is U 520 which is believed lost but which may be unable to report because of breakdown of her radio gear. We must await further developments.

According to the proposal of B.d.U., boats are free to attack single ships in the area of route "Anton", N. of 25⁰ N. and W. of 20⁰ W., effective at once.

Reports of Success:

U 262	1 ship	6,000 tons	sunk
U 176	1 ship	5,922 tons	sunk
U D 3	1 ship	5,041 tons	sunk
U 181	5 ships	24,224 tons	sunk.

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27.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 45	U 161	-	ES 83	U 445	-	Op(AJ)	U 566	-	BF 74
	67	-	EF 73	163	-	Op(EE)	454	-	BD 45	569	-	BF 82
	68	-	DT 31	172	-	Op(FC)	455	-	BF 71	600	-	BE 52
	84	-	BD 45	174	-	Op(FB)	460	-	BD 45	603	-	AE 68
	86	-	DH 26	176	-	Op(ER)	461	-	CF 80	604	-	BF 55
	91	-	Op(CF 90)	177	-	Op(KP)	462	-	DT 11	606	-	BD 45
	92	-	DH 16	178	-	Op(KY)	465	-	AL 14	608	-	BD 75
	103	-	CF 66	181	-	Op(KZ)	504	-	ES 27	610	-	BE 27
	105	-	BE 94	183	-	Op(BB)	505	-	DS 66	611	-	Op(BC)
	106	-	BD 45	185	-	Op(CF 90)	508	-	Op(EO)	613	-	BF 68
	118	-	DH 10	211	-	AK 96	510	-	Op(CG 70)	615	-	BF 82
	124	-	BF 45	217	-	BF 47	511	-	BF 81	618	-	BF 81
	126	-	FE 33	221	-	BE 65	513	-	CF 34	623	-	Op(BC 20)
	128	-	Op(FC)	224	-	BD 45	515	-	CF 60	624	-	BE 65
	129	-	Op(EP)	254	-	AL 75	518	-	CD 15	626	-	AN 31
	130	-	CF 69	262	-	Op(BC)	519	-	CF 80	653	-	DH 23
	134	-	Op(ER 99)	263	-	BF 98	521	-	BD 75	663	-	Op(AJ 80)
	135	-	BE 11	264	-	BE 41	522	-	AL 98	752	-	CG 45
	154	-	Op(EP)	332	-	DT 77	524	-	AK 03	753	-	BD 45
	155	-	CF 92	373	-	BE 52	552	-	Op(ER)	758	-	AL 38
	159	-	ES 74	383	-	BD 45	553	-	BE 65	D 3	-	Op(ER)
	160	-	DR 91	439	-	Op(AK 66)	564	-	DH 22


- 151 -

	On Return Passage: U 43 - 67 - 68 - 84 - 160 - 178 - 224 - 262 - 263 - 264 - 332 - 383 - 454 - 462 - 504 - 505 - 510 - 511 - 518 - 521 - 522 - 566 - 606 - 624 - 752 - 753.
	Entered Port: U 613 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Sighting reports:
			U 176: Spanish tanker type "Campas" in DG 3378 on course 65⁰, sighted on 17 November.
			U 172 stalked steamer on course 300⁰, speed 14 knots. Another steamer on S.E. course. Both were in ER 9159.
			U 43 saw large two stacker in BD 4514, course S.W., high speed.
			U 623 destroyer sighted hove to here and there in BC 2464.
		2)	U 663 sank a steamer in AJ 8844, type "Clan Maquarry" (6,000 tons). Deck load consisted of aircraft and landing barges.
		3)	U 129 has seen nothing since 25 November in EP 24 - 34 and 37.
		4)	U 174 situation: Inner roads of "Fortaleza" empty. Lights extinguished along harbor but city was lit up. Shelling possible, no air patrols. Nothing seen in FB 60 and 91. Boat received FB 21 - 36 as new operational area since attacks on the harbor have not yet been authorized.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: CA 55, BF 2477, EO 1836 and BF 9818.
		Unknown steamer reports being torpedoed in JJ 2810.
		SOS from British steamer "Blairatholl" 3,319 tons in AJ 8754. (Possibly identical with U 663 sinking report).
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	U 465 - 758 - 524 439 - 211 - 254and 135 ordered to take up patrol positions on 29 November at 0800, from AK 0263 to AK 6813 in order to intercept convoy ONS. Boats U 610 - 373 and 600 are sailing 180 miles per day toward AK 65 to operate later against the convoy.
		2)	Additional routings: U 553 - 221 - 569 - 455 - 618 and 615 to AK 92. It is planned to place these boats in about AK 90 as patrol line for action against ON convoy. U 217 is considered for operations in the Trinidad area.
		3)	Numerous sighting reports for the past 2 days indicates heaviest

- 152 -

shipping in approximate area BC 20. On the basis of this, orders sending boats of Group "Drachen" have been lifted. Boats given freedom of action in above named areas. In case nothing is seen after 3 to 4 days operations according to War Diary 26 November figure IV b is foreseen.

So far U 461 has supplied U 84 - 753 and 606. U 608 which was drifting and entirely out of fuel, was picked up by U 521 and will be refueled when the weather permits.

The former Spanish route was abolished because of the U.S. port of Baltimore and Norfolk are closed to neutral shipping. Ships now sail from entrance point CE 4956 to 38⁰ N. westwards to the coast. Only goal is Philadelphia.

Attack area in the Mozambique route will immediately be broadened to 20⁰ S.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 663

1 ship

6,000 tons sunk.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

28.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 45	U 160	-	DS 44	U 383	-	BD 45	U 553	-	BE 16
	67	-	EF 82	161	-	Op(ES)	439	-	Op(AK 60)	564	-	DH 15
	68	-	DG 53	163	-	Op(EE)	445	-	Op(BC 20)	566	-	BF 73
	84	-	BC 70	172	-	Op(ER 83)	454	-	BD 45	569	-	BF 72
	86	-	DH 15	174	-	Op(FB 63)	455	-	BE 65	600	-	BE 13
	91	-	Op(CF 50)	176	-	Op(ES 17)	460	-	BD 45	603	-	AL 22
	92	-	DH 14	177	-	Op(KP)	461	-	DH 15	604	-	BF 46
	103	-	Op(CF 50)	178	-	CR 82	462	-	DG 92	606	-	BD 56
	105	-	BE 87	181	-	Op(KZ)	465	-	AK 38	608	-	BD 70
	106	-	BD 45	183	-	Op(BB)	504	-	EJ 89	610	-	BE 11
	118	-	DH 14	185	-	Op(CF 80)	505	-	DT 15	611	-	Op(BC 37)
	124	-	BE 93	211	-	Op(AK 60)	508	-	Op(EO)	615	-	BF 72
	126	-	ET 89	217	-	BE 28	510	-	Op(CG 70)	618	-	BF 47
	128	-	Op(FC)	221	-	BE 52	511	-	BF 61	623	-	Op(BC 24)
	129	-	Op(EP 28)	224	-	BD 45	513	-	CE 38	624	-	BF 44
	130	-	Op(CF 50)	254	-	AK 69	515	-	Op(CF 50)	626	-	AN 23
	134	-	Op(ER)	262	-	BC 32	518	-	BC 98	653	-	DH 16
	135	-	AK 93	263	-	BF 90	519	-	DH 14	663	-	Op(AJ 88)
	154	-	Op(EP)	264	-	BE 51	521	-	BD 75	752	-	CG 18
	155	-	Op(CF 50)	332	-	DT 47	522	-	BE 26	753	-	BD 57
	159	-	Op(ES)	373	-	BE 14	524	-	Op(AK 60)	758	-	Op(AK 30)
							552	-	Op(ER)	D 3	-	Op(ER 96)

	On Return Passage: U 43 - 67 - 84 - 160 - 178 - 224 - 262 - 263 - 264 - 332 - 383 - 454 - 462 - 504 - 505 - 510 - 511 - 518 - 521 - 522 - 566 - 603 - 624 - 606 - 752 - 753.
	Entered Port: U 511 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 109 - 507 - Lorient; U 628 - 336 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 167 sighted "Empire Glade" in EF 2463 course 310. U-boat scored a number of hits during an artillery engagement but stopped pursuit at dawn.

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		2)	Sinkings:
			U 172 sank American ship "Alaskan" in ER 9427 course 315 enroute Capetown to New York via Trinidad.
			U 163 sank a Brazilian freighter of about 4,000 T. on 22 November loaded with coffee from Para to Trinidad. According to the crew, the name possibly was Atlanta 5555 tons. Nothing seen since in EP 12, 28 or 56. It is proposed to have U 163 operate in EP 26, EF 70 and EE 60.
			U 161 sank Dutch "Tojileboot", 5,760 T. in ES 7633 on 29 November. She blew up as she was torpedoed - no survivors.
			U 177 sank English auxiliary "Nova Scotia" cruiser (6,796 tons) in KP 8325, carrying over 1000 Italian internees from Massana. Two survivors taken on board and about 400 in lifeboats and rafts. Had to leave because of air patrols. Rescue activities impossible by U-boat traveling alone. Request orders regarding operations.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: ED 96, DN 7556, ED 9928, EF 2463, ES 5751 (U 161) and EF 2540 (U 67).
		U-boat attack in EG 3444.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	Single ships on the S. African - W. Indies route sometimes follow a course 75 miles wide from Capetown along the coast to 20⁰ S., then spread out toward St. Helena - Ascension St. Paul Rocks. U 178 ordered to intercept this activity on her return cruise.
		2)	U 552 is to operate off Dakar as fuel permits since Free French merchant and warships are believed to be operating with the enemy in that area, receiving information from the Guallists. U 552 reports however that neither the fuel supply or the condition of the crew permits any further operation. U 552 is returning to port.
		3)	U 106 is free to move about in BD 45 after being refueled. This is according to last sighting reports.
		4)	New course for U 604 is AK 92.
		5)	Because of especially heavy supply shipping and presence of 30 - 40 ships in Fedala and Casablanca (spy reports) U 618 ordered there at high speed.
	c)	1)	U 224 has been re-supplied by U 460.
		2)	U D 3 has transferred a total of 8 air torpedoes to U 159.
	d)	U-boats were informed of the departure of the Italian blockade runner "Cortellazzo".

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Reports of Success:

U 67	1 ship	hit by gunfire
U 172	1 ship	5,364 GRT
U 163	1 ship	5,555 GRT
U 161	1 ship	5,760 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

29.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 45	U 160	-	DS 15	U 383	-	BD 45	U 553	-	BE 12
	67	-	DQ 89	161	-	Op(ES 73)	439	-	Op(AK)	564	-	DH 14
	68	-	DG 26	163	-	Op(EP 53)	445	-	Op(BC 20)	566	-	BF 57
	84	-	BD 59	172	-	Op(ER)	454	-	BD 45	569	-	BE 69
	86	-	DH 14	174	-	Op(FB)	455	-	BE 27	600	-	AL 77
	91	-	Op(CF)	176	-	Op(ES)	460	-	BD 45	603	-	AL 55
	92	-	DH 14	177	-	Op(KP)	461	-	DH 41	604	-	BF 47
	103	-	Op(CF 50)	178	-	GR 76	462	-	DG 66	606	-	BD 66
	105	-	CF 24	181	-	Op(KZ)	465	-	Op(AK)	608	-	BD 70
	106	-	BD 45	183	-	Op(BB)	504	-	EJ 57	610	-	AL 96
	109	-	BF 54	185	-	CF 50-Op	505	-	DG 94	611	-	BC 30
	118	-	DH 14	211	-	Op(AK)	507	-	BF 54	615	-	BE 93
	124	-	BE 97	217	-	BE 82	508	-	Op(EO)	618	-	BE 99
	126	-	ET 76	221	-	BE 16	510	-	CG	623	-	Op(BC 20)
	128	-	Op(FC)	224	-	BD 59	513	-	CE 65	624	-	BF 49
	129	-	Op(EP)	254	-	Op(AK)	515	-	Op(CF 50)	626	-	AF 79
	130	-	Op(CF 50)	262	-	BD 15	518	-	BD 77	628	-	AO
	134	-	Op(ER)	263	-	BF 93	519	-	DH 14	653	-	DH 14
	135	-	Op(AK)	264	-	BE 56	521	-	BD 70	663	-	Op(BC 20)
	154	-	Op(EP)	332	-	DT 18	522	-	BE 63	752	-	CG 42
	155	-	Op(CF)	336	-	AO	524	-	Op(AK)	753	-	BD 59
	159	-	Op(ER)	373	-	BE 55	552	-	Op(EH 83)	758	-	Op(AK)
										D 3	-	Op(ER 94)

	On Return Passage: U 43 - 67 - 68 - 84 - 160 - 178 - 224 - 262 - 263 - 264 - 332 - 383 - 454 - 462 - 504 - 505 - 510 - 518 - 521 - 522 - 566 - 603 - 606 - 624 - 752 - 753.
	Entered Port: U 263 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 443 - Brest; U 164 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	For report of U 603 and Group "Panzer" see section IV a.
		2)	U 172 stalked a new type C2 ship for 8 hours, speed 17 knots, course 260⁰. She later pursued a steamer in FC 3136 on course E. Ship was later established as being Spanish.
		3)	U 604 reported (0216) Dutch cruiser "De Ruyter" in BE 6745 on N.E. course. U 615 reported a warship group in BE 5920 at 0500, course 30⁰, speed 15 knots. Both reports possibly identical.
		4)	Sinkings:
			U 181 sank a freighter (4,500 tons) on 28 November in KP 3742 with torpedoes and gun fire. Portuguese "Inharrime" sighted in the same area, her

- 155 -

			flag and insignia were not illuminated.
			U 178 on 27 November sank American new ship "Jeremia Wadsworth" 8,000 tons in JJ 2557 course 0⁰. Allegedly enroute from New Orleans to Bombay.
			U 508 on 27 November in EO 1431 sank armed freighter of 6,000 tons course 320⁰. On 28 November in EO 1596 sank "Empire Cromwell" 7090 course 310⁰ loaded with ore from Capetown to New York via Port of Spain.
			U 177 situation since the last sinking the E. sector off Durban has been quiet for 5 days. Great deal of shipping seen from 30 - 50⁰ over RP 8530. Standing sea patrols. Raider sunk on 28 November was steering 210 at 14 knots. According to statement of the crew voyage from Aden to Durban lasted 9 1/2 days. Medium enemy activity under way.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: CA 84, AL 4867.
		U-boat in EP 11 according to D/F unknown ship saw explosion in ES 7563.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	U 603 dived at 1033 in AL 8133 because of sea-plane and picked up numerous screw noises to the S. and S.W. She immediately followed to make contact. Since, according to our own data, ON 151 must be in this area and since an operation against this convoy was not planned with too few boats, U 610 - 600 - 373 - 553 - 221 and 445 of Group "Draufgänger" received orders on 30 November at 0800 to take up patrol strip from AK 4866 to BD 3397. At a speed of 9 knots, the convoy must pass the strip about 1000.
		2)	Group "Panzer": Since the expected convoy was not intercepted during the day, boats set off in observation formation at 2000 on course 260⁰, speed 7 knots. Object is to move against the convoy again on 30 November at 1200 in order to hinder them passing during the night. About 0500 a message was received from U 465 that she had picked up noises at 1800 in AK 3941, bearing 350⁰, without making contact, however. U 465 is in the farthest N. position of the patrol strip. At 0545, U 455 picked up a Dete-bearing in AK 6724 and heard single screw noises in bearing 245⁰. Group "Panzer" received orders to steer course 250 at 10 knots because of poor visibility in order to be in position ahead of the expected convoy when visibility improved.
	b)	U 126 was given freedom of action in ES 45.
	c)	U 608 had taken on 7 cubic meters from U 521 and is sailing for U 460. U 460 has supplied U 43 and U 106.

- 156 -

Due to departure of the Italian blockade runner, the N. section of route "Anton" was closed by order and on 30 November at 1200 the following limitations lifted: area to E. from 30⁰ West and on 2 December to N. of 35⁰ North.

French merchant and warships are to be sunk at once unless they have been especially reported as such. All Swedish ships not in Goeteborge traffic which are inside blockade area are to be sunk, after being stopped and after the crew has abandoned ship.

U 553 is the first boat to put out equipped with F.A.T. torpedoes. Boats at sea were instructed to act accordingly during combined attacks. Further equipping of boats follows according to yard capabilities.

Reports of Success:

U 181	1 ship	4,500 tons	sunk
U 178	1 ship	8,000 tons	sunk
U 508	2 ships	13,090 tons	sunk.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

30.November 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 45	U 160	-	DG 75	U 383	-	BD 45	U 553	-	Op(BD 30)
	67	-	DQ 67	161	-	Op(ES)	439	-	Op(AK 60)	564	-	DH 14
	68	-	CE 95	163	-	Op(ER)	443	-	BF 55	566	-	BF 54
	84	-	BD 69	164	-	BF 54	445	-	Op(BC 20)	569	-	BE 52
	86	-	DH 14	172	-	Op(ER)	454	-	BD 56	600	-	Op(AK 99)
	91	-	Op(CF 40)	174	-	Op(FC)	455	-	Op(BD 33)	603	-	AL 84
	92	-	DH 14	176	-	Op(ER)	460	-	BD 45	604	-	BE 59
	103	-	Op(CF 10)	177	-	Op(KP)	461	-	DG 68	606	-	BD 45
	105	-	CF 46	178	-	GR 84	462	-	DH 14	608	-	BD 45
	106	-	BD 45	181	-	Op(KP)	465	-	Op(AK 02)	610	-	Op(AK 99)
	109	-	BF 45	183	-	Op(BB)	504	-	EJ 18	611	-	Op(BD 42)
	118	-	DH 14	185	-	Op(CF 40)	505	-	DG 68	615	-	Op(BE 59)
	124	-	CF 36	211	-	Op(AK 60)	507	-	BF 49	618	-	CF 38
	126	-	ES 92	217	-	BE 79	508	-	Op(EO 13)	623	-	Op(BC 20)
	128	-	Op(FC)	221	-	Op(BD 30)	510	-	CG 70	624	-	BF 50
	129	-	Op(EP)	224	-	BD 69	513	-	CE 92	626	-	AF 79
	130	-	Op(CF 40)	254	-	Op(AK 60)	515	-	Op(CF 40)	628	-	AN 36
	134	-	Op(ER)	262	-	BD 24	518	-	BD 53	653	-	DH 14
	135	-	Op(AK 60)	264	-	BE 66	519	-	DH 14	663	-	BD 16
	154	-	Op(EP)	332	-	DG 98	521	-	BD 58	752	-	CG 13
	155	-	Op(CF 40)	336	-	AN 36	522	-	BF 45	753	-	BD 68
	159	-	Op(ER)	373	-	Op(BD 30)	524	-	Op(AK 60)	758	-	Op(AK 30)
							552	-	EH 61	D 3	-	Op(ER)

	On Return Passage: U 43 - 67 - 68 - 84 - 160 - 178 - 224 - 262 - 264 - 332 - 383 - 454 - 462 - 504 - 505 - 510 - 518 - 521 - 522 - 566 - 603 - 606 - 608 - 624 - 752 - 753.
	Entered Port: U 626 - Bergen.
	Sailed: U 214 - Brest; U 609 - St. Nazaire; U 432 - La Pallice; U 435 - Bergen.

- 157 -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	See IV a for reports of Group "Draufgänger" and "Panzer".
		2)	Sightings:
			U 214 6 small screened vessels off Penmarch, course E. (Our own patrol craft).
			U 211 followed a 4 master on N.E. course in BD 3342. Later she was found to be Irish.
			U 663: Nothing seen in area N. of Newfoundland Bank from 27 to 30 November.
			U 174 missed two shots on the C2 type ship as reported by U 172 course 260⁰, speed 17 knots, heavily armed. Possible pistol failure.
		3)	Sinkings:
			U 177 sank English "Llandaff Castle" 10,786 tons in KP 5925, course 205⁰.
			U 181 sank Greek "Cleathis" 4,153 tons in KP 3525 with gunfire, ship was armed.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DM 9270, BF 5447, ED 69, EN 33, B? 4653
		U-boat attack: ED 6979.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Group "Draufgänger":
			At 1401 U 603 reported convoy in AL 7725 on S.W. course. The boat observed 4 craft in this group at 1230 and is keeping contact through hydrophones. Group "Draufgänger" received orders to make every effort to establish contact. U 603 has made no instrument observations since leaving Bergen. After losing contact, the convoy was picked up anew on the hydrophones at about 2200. Bearing signals were not picked up by any of the boats so that only general position of the boat must be reckoned with. Direct contact had not been established up until morning. It is not definite, that U 603 saw a patrol group rather than the convoy. Nevertheless "Draufgänger" boats received orders to search farther on general course 220⁰, considering enemy speed at 6 - 9 knots. It is proposed to break off the operation by darkness in case nothing further is found.
		2)	Group "Panzer":
			Since nothing developed from further pursuit and bad visibility (fog) held little promise, the operation was broken off. In order to intercept a north bound convoy on 4 December the group sailed on in observation formation and on 1 December passed base line from AK 4295 to AK 2362, on 2 December the base line AJ 6679 to AK 7457, on 3 December base line 8338 to AJ 9799 and on 4 December are

- 158 -

in patrol position from AJ 8482 to BC 2432.

Group "Westwall" set off on westward course at 2000 in CE 36 - 62 making 150 miles per day.

Course for U 435 (former Arctic boat) is AK 60.

U 663 - 623 - 445 are sailing to be supplied by Schnoor in BD 7415. Combined activity is proposed with Group "Westwall" on the American - Gibraltar convoy routes.

U 618 and U 432 are underway to DJ 20. Boats have orders to carry out short surprise attacks against harbors of Mehdia, Casablanca, and Mazagan and to act according to enemy counter attacks. These harbors, according to most recent information are debarkation ports for troops and material.

U 513 has taken on pumps and nozzles from U 68.

U 118 has supplied U 564 - 519 - 86 - 92 and 653.

U 461 and U 505 have met in DG 92 for transfer of anti-radar gear cable and a sick man.

Attack on single ships along route "Anton" has been further prohibited as follows: From 2 December at 0000 N. of 35⁰ N. from 4 December 0000 N. of 15⁰ N. Complete prohibition is planned by about 8 December.

Reports of Success:

U 177	1 ship	10,786 tons
U 181	1 ship	4,153 tons.

VI.

General:

The verbal reports of the Captains of U 263 and U 613 completely back up the accuracy of the resolution to move westward from the Gibraltar area. Both Captains' reports are in agreement regarding the very strong and dangerous air patrols which forced boats to remain submerged for excessive lengths of time. The fact that both boats returned to W. France in spite of heavy damage is on the one side, due to the outstanding quality of German U-boats, on the other side, due to the aggressive and unshakeable character of the crews, especially the Captains. As long as such crews (both boats on 1st war cruise) come from the homeland, one need have no misgivings regarding the future of the U-boat war. Also if the war becomes more difficult, these men will meet it with still greater fortitude.

In spite of these difficult circumstances which made the operations of larger numbers of U-boats W. of Gibraltar useless, 2 have closed the Moroccan harbors, through use of U 618 and U 432. The possibility to gain something by sending single boats close to the coast must at least be attempted.

(Signed): DÖNITZ.

- 159 -

U-boat Success in November 1942.

1)	U-boat success in November reached a new high and will probably mount to 900,000 T. The time has come to regard these results in a true light and to give propaganda proper guidance in this connection.

2)	Merchant ship sinkings, losses and serious damage to U-boats, which will not be changed appreciably amount to: in N. Atlantic: 300,000 T. 5 lost, 1 badly damaged. Remainder of the Atlantic except Gibraltar area: 360,000 T. none lost, one heavily damaged. Gibraltar - Morocco area: 70,000 T., 3 lost, 5 badly damaged. Mediterranean: 100,000 T., 5 lost, 8 badly damaged. Arctic: 35,000 T. none lost or damaged.

3)	The evaluation of these figures is as follows:
	a)	A good three quarters of the sinkings were in the open Atlantic a great preponderance at the beginning of the month, before the beginning of the African operation. Success fell off appreciably after withdrawal of boats for the Gibraltar area. As already reported in the opinion of B.d.U. the initial success in the Atlantic was conditioned by lack of counter measures in connection with the African landings.
		Losses in the Atlantic maintained themselves in normal times, namely one boat for each 130,000 tons.
	b)	The success in operations against the enemy in the approaches to Africa west of Gibraltar-Morocco and in the Mediterranean comprise only one fifth of the total results. It must be pointed out that the firm position of the enemy at the time of the landing resulted in the heaviest losses, namely 1 boat for every 20,000 tons sunk and in addition a much higher percentage of boats heavily damaged. The losses in this area are therefore percentage wise more than six times as high as those in the entire Atlantic, about the North Atlantic. The average operational time of the 19 boats was only 8 days and of these boats none was in action 13 days after the beginning of the operation.
	c)	Results in the Arctic are of no numerical importance.

4)	The outlook for December is unfavorable. According to the record month of November the smallest results are to be expected because:
	a)	The favorable conditions in the Atlantic cannot be taken advantage of because of withdrawal of boats to the Mediterranean and the Gibraltar-Morocco area.
	b)	In the Capetown area there are only 2 boats, which will probably have fired all their torpedoes in the course of the month.
	c)	The counter measures off Gibraltar in spite of aggressive operations, have succeeded and attacks in this area can expect only losses without the corresponding possibilities of success. That prospects in intercepting the enemy in the approaches are smaller, has already been reported.

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	d)	Fewer targets can be expected in the Mediterranean after the first stream of shipping has ceased, the number of boats was raised 50% more during November and the defences remained the same.

5)	Conclusions in brief:
	a)	Success in November have no connection with operations against African shipping. The prospects of these operations are meager. The opposition propaganda in the press will make false reports and will wreck damage in the long run.
	b)	After the record month of November, December must fall off perceptibly.

6)	U-boat command and U-boats are ready and willing to fight under most difficult conditions. B.d.U. however, is of the opinion that the command must make a clear picture so that the relationship between losses and success is factual. The foregoing situation report alone serves this point.
	The U-boat arm will also fight in the future under the most difficult conditions wherever they may be committed.

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