U-boat Archive - BDU KTB PG30339

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

16 - 31 January 1944

PG30339

16.January 1944.

I.	U 92	-	BF 49	U 283	-	AN 31	U 516	-	CD 38	U 731	-	Op(AL 02)
	123	-	CF 16	302	-	Op(BE 13)	530	-	DO 80	741	-	Op(AL 28)
	129	-	CD 38	305	-	Op(BE 28)	532	-	Op(LC 50)	758	-	BF 77
	177	-	CF 95	309	-	AL 39	539	-	BD 99	762	-	Op(AL 36)
	178	-	LN 11	311	-	Op(AL 92)	543	-	BD 68	763	-	Op(AK)
	188	-	LN 30	364	-	AL 02	544	-	CD 38	845	-	AE 83
	193	-	DF 12	377	-	BE 51	545	-	Op(AM 13)	846	-	Op(AL 67)
	212	-	BF 73	382	-	BE 19	547	-	Op(AL 33)	953	-	CF 62
	231	-	BE 24	386	-	AM 42	549	-	AF 76	960	-	Op(AK)
	257	-	BD 33	390	-	Op(AL 39)	571	-	BE 55	967	-	BF 58
	260	-	Op(AE 47)	392	-	BE 61	592	-	BF 71	972	-	Op(AL 35)
	267	-	BF 67	406	-	BE 27	621	-	BE 68	976	-	AL 82
	270	-	BF 58	455	-	CG 55	641	-	BE 27	981	-	Op(AL 34)
	271	-	BF 44	471	-	AL 96	650	-	AL 98	984	-	Op(AM 11)
	281	-	BE 28	510	-	JB 34	666	-	Op(AL 61	989	-	AF 76
										1062	-	AL 16

	On Return Passage: U 92 - 129 - 178 - 193 - 170 - 364 - 392 - 516 - 543 - 621 - 741 - 758.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 66 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	U 960 sank a "C2" type steamer in AK 8518, course N.E., speed 10 knots, with 4 hits.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	a) According to Radio Intelligence report, a torpedoed steamer in MT 7320 requests immediate assistance.
			b) American merchant ship reports being torpedoed in AK 8419 (U 960?) at 2248.
		2)	A U-boat sighting in an unspecified position by an aircraft of 15th Group. Patrol vessel 414 was located by radar in CF 5490 - 5570.
		3)	Two ASV (translator's note: Anti-surface vessel) bearings in unspecified position. Enemy units were detected in MR 7620, BF 4760 and BF 2790, AM 57, AM 4120, BD 3490, AL 81.
		4)	English units report: In control of American steamer in AK 8416 (steamer was afterwards sunk by U 960).

- 38 -

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	No report from Group "Ruegen".
	b) -	c)	None.
	d)	1)	U 846 relieves U 960 as weather boat, and will report weather conditions twice a day from 20.1., from an area bounded by the points AK 6441, 9477, AK 9599, 6563.
		2)	U 984 reports all anti-aircraft guns out of action. Undergoing repairs.
		3)	U 382 begins the return voyage with a limited submerging depth, from BE 8555.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 960 1 ship 7,000 GRT.

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

17.January 1944.

I.	U 66	-	BF 57	U 281	-	BE 25	U 510	-	JB 32	U 731	-	Op(AL 02)
	92	-	BF 55	283	-	AN 23	516	-	CD 39	741	-	AL 62
	123	-	CG 18	302	-	Op(BE 13)	530	-	DO 80	758	-	BF 79
	129	-	CD 39	305	-	Op(BE 28)	532	-	Op(LC)	762	-	Op(AL 36)
	177	-	DH 21	309	-	Op(AL 88)	539	-	BD 98	763	-	Op(AK 23)
	178	-	LM 66	311	-	Op(AL 92)	543	-	BE 48	845	-	AE 85
	188	-	LN 29	364	-	AL 61	544	-	CD 36	846	-	Op(AL 67)
	193	-	CD 89	377	-	BE 21	545	-	Op(AM 13)	953	-	CG 47
	212	-	BF 72	382	-	BE 8555	547	-	Op(AL 33)	960	-	Op(AK 8415)
	231	-	AL 97	386	-	Op(AM 43)	549	-	AF 72	967	-	BF 83
	257	-	AK 98	390	-	Op(AL 39)	571	-	BR 28	972	-	Op(AL 35)
	260	-	Op(AE 47)	392	-	BE 62	592	-	BE 69	976	-	Op(AL 88)
	267	-	BF 57	406	-	BE 22	621	-	BE 69	981	-	Op(AL 34)
	270	-	BF 64	455	-	CG 82	641	-	Op(BE 25)	984	-	Op(AM 11)
	271	-	BE 65	471	-	BE 23	650	-	AL 92	989	-	AF 72
							666	-	Op(AL 61)	1062	-	AL 18

	On Return Passage: U 92 - 129 - 178 - 193 - 270 - 364 - 382 - 392 - 516 - 543 - 621 - 741 - 758 - 981.
	Entered Port: U 270 - 267 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 764 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	U 129 reports bombing from carrier-borne aircraft

- 39 -

		in CD 3585, before taking anti-radar device "Naxos" on board from U 544. Destroyers appeared an hour later. Screws made unusual humming noise. Loss of U 544 presumed.
	b)	One of our own meteorological aircraft sighted a convoy consisting of 25 to 30 merchant ships, 6 destroyers, 2 light cruisers on a course of 250⁰ and with a speed of about 10 knots, at 1800 in AM 4336. Liberator escorting convoy.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings: None.
		2)	Enemy units were located by radar in BF 2132, AL 6810, AM 9810, AM 9736, AM 7350, AL 9240, BF 3180, BC 5890, AM 7920.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Boats belonging to Group "Ruegen" which is in a favorable position with regard to the convoy reported by the aircraft (paragraph III b)), received orders to attempt by means of high speed to reach an attacking position for a day attack or for an attack on the night of 19.1. Reciprocal course 250 to 220⁰.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	On receipt of message from U 129 (see paragraph IV a)) U 544 was requested to give her position, and a new assembly point for refueling for U 516 and U 539 in CE 1155 was ordered for 19.1. U 129 set out on the return journey without the "Borkum" apparatus.
		2)	U 257 received orders to deliver charts on 23.1. at 1200 Middle East time in the grid instructed. The boat is then to proceed to AK 64 and report the handing over to, or the non-appearance of, the blockade runner.
	d)	U 530 (Karibik) reported her position from EE 25 after the second request.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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18.January 1944.

I.	U 66	-	BF 57	U 305	-	Op(BE 28)	U 532	-	Op(LC)	U 758	-	BF 87
	92	-	BF 52	309	-	Op(AL 38)	539	-	CE 22	764	-	BF 55
	123	-	CG 42	311	-	Op(AL 92)	543	-	BE 57	762	-	Op(AL 36)
	129	-	CD 3585	364	-	AL 68	544	-	CD 38	763	-	Op(AK 26)
	177	-	DH 16	377	-	Op(AL 97)	545	-	Op(AN 13)	845	-	AE 8754


- 40 -

178	-	LM 96	382	-	BE 86	547	-	Op(AL 33)	846	-	AL 47
188	-	LN 16	386	-	Op(AM 43)	549	-	AF 47	953	-	CG 71
193	-	CD 91	390	-	Op(AL 39)	571	-	AL 9843	960	-	AK 86
212	-	BF 74	392	-	BE 66	592	-	BE 65	967	-	BF 82
231	-	Op(AL 91)	406	-	AL 95	621	-	BE 47	972	-	Op(AL 35)
237	-	AK 86	455	-	CG 83	641	-	Op(BE 25)	976	-	Op(AL 88)
260	-	Op(AE 47)	471	-	BE 34	650	-	Op(AL 65)	981	-	AL 38
271	-	BE 61	510	-	KS 77	666	-	Op(AL 61)	984	-	AL 32
281	-	Op(AL 95)	516	-	CD 38	731	-	Op(AL 02)	989	-	AF 47
283	-	AF 79	530	-	EE 25	741	-	AL 68	1062	-	AL 17
302	-	Op(BE 13)

	On Return Passage: U 92 - 129 - 178 - 193 - 364 - 382 - 392 - 516 - 543 - 621 - 741 - 758 - 976 - 981.
	Entered Port: U 967 - St. Nazaire; U 92 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 969 - Lorient; U 441 - Brest; U 852 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Aerial reconnaissance by 2 Ju 290 in the Group "Ruegen" area.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	A fast small convoy passed over U 571 in AL 9843, westerly course. Contact lost. Acoustic torpedo hit on destroyer, torpedo detonation after 12 minutes.
	b)	At 1800 aircraft intercepted - by means of radar - several ships in AL 6376. No course given. This would appear to be either the convoy sighted yesterday or an east-bound convoy.
	c)	1)	Patrol boat "BEM" was located in BE 26 and "182" in BE 22 at 0900.
		2)	U-boat sightings: None.
		3)	Enemy units were located in AL 6310, BE 8790, AM 5110, BE 3210.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Group "Ruegen":
		a)	Boats in a favorable position operated at night on the ships reported by aircraft, and submerged at dawn.
		b)	An eastward-bound convoy is expected in about AL 60 in the night of 20 to 21.1.

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			Aerial reconnaissance is planned in this area for 19 and 20.1. The boats belonging to this group will independently of the orders under a), assemble between the latitudes from AL 3625 and 97, in order to form the thickest possible screen for the operations. Several boats are forced to return owing to fuel shortage.
	b)	None.
	c)	No report from supply group U 544 and 539.
	d)	1)	As there seems to be some doubt as to whether the steamer sunk by U 960 on 17.1. was the "Rio Grande", the boat was asked for details. Answers received make it fairly obvious that it was an American "C2" steamer.
		2)	For "Rio Grande", the area between the points AJ 8922, AK 9577, AK 3233, AD 5266 - 3383, 8525 is a closed area for attacks on isolated craft.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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19.January 1944.

I.	U 66	-	BF 49	U 309	-	Op(AL 38)	U 539	-	CE 11	U 762	-	Op(AL 38)
	123	-	CF 44	311	-	Op(AL 92)	543	-	BE 55	763	-	Op(AK 24)
	129	-	CE 12	364	-	AL 96	544	-	CD 36	764	-	BF 57
	177	-	DH 42	377	-	Op(AL 95)	545	-	Op(AM 17)	845	-	AL 22
	178	-	LW 36	382	-	BE 95	547	-	Op(AL 36)	846	-	Op(AK 60/90)
	188	-	LM 33	386	-	Op(AM 51)	549	-	AE 66	852	-	AO 47
	193	-	CD 69	390	-	Op(AL 3984)	571	-	AL 95	953	-	CC 77
	212	-	BF 9241	392	-	BF 49	592	-	BE 61	960	-	AK 97
	231	-	Op(AL 91)	406	-	Op(AL 69)	621	-	BF 49	969	-	BF 55
	257	-	AK 84	441	-	BF 54	641	-	Op(BE 25)	972	-	Op(AL 37)
	260	-	Op(AE 47)	455	-	CG 94	650	-	Op(AL 65)	976	-	AL 85
	21	-	BF 34	471	-	Op(AL 67)	666	-	Op(AL 61)	981	-	AL 41
	281	-	Op(AL 95)	510	-	KS 75	731	-	Op(AL 02)	984	-	Op(AL 36)
	283	-	AF 76	516	-	CE 11	741	-	AL 96	989	-	AE 66
	302	-	Op(AL 94)	530	-	EE 30	758	-	BF 83	1062	-	AL 24
	305	-	Op(BE 28)	532	-	Op(LC)

	On Return Passage: U 129 - 178 - 193 - 311 - 364 - 382 - 392 - 516 - 543 - 621 - 741 - 758 - 976 - 981.
	Entered Port: U 969 - Lorient; U 441 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 263 - La Pallice; U JT 22 - Bordeaux; U 985 - Bergen.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: No reconnaissance owing to report on weather conditions in the reconnaissance area.

- 42 -

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

U 530 gives the following situation report from the Caribbean: Attacked 10,000 GRT tanker in EB 97 on 26.12. Probably sunk. Double miss on tanker, rammed beneath the surface. External hull ripped off, bow tubes and diving tank 8 developed leak. Tube 3 jammed open, pistols not yet removed. 15 isolated vessels in EC, course 125 and 210⁰. Busy isolated traffic in EL 23 and 31, course 30 and 70⁰. Day patrol by Lerwicks, at night by inexperienced aircraft with searchlight. Still two torpedoes in action, 80 cubic meters fuel left. Return voyage.

U 390 encountered 4 steamers, medium speed, course 270⁰ at 0830 in AL 3984. Triple miss, detonation after 12 minutes. T 5 on C3 steamer, hit, perfect detonation. One T 5 detonated after 7 minutes. T 5 detonated with a muffled roar after 92 seconds in an underwater attack. Pistol failure presumed. Naxos (anti-radar device). The boat had evidently scored a hit. Final explanation after return of the commander.

U 212 reports an aircraft attack in the Biscay area on 14.1. Two low-level flights with searchlights. Depth-charges were dropped during the second flight.

None.

U-boat sighting in MF 86 and 3 "ASV" (anti-surface vessel) locations in unspecified position.

Wireless patrol vessel "BEZ" was located by radar in BE 3163 at 1009.

Convoy escort aircraft ("Sheik") located by radar in AM 7710/20.

Enemy units located in BF 1570 - AM 39 - AM 42/45 - BE 3150 - BE 3210 - AM 54 - BE 82 - AL 9710 - AL 3960 - BE 2630 - AM 8890.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Group "Ruegen" is to occupy the following attack areas until 20.1., depth 20 sea miles:

U 547	-	AM 1727	281	-	AM 7129
U 309	-	AM 1958	377	-	AM 4777
U 762	-	AM 2116	545	-	AL 3899
U 650	-	AM 4426	731	-	AL 0354
U 238	-	AM 4477	666	-	AL 7382
U 571	-	AM 4761	406	-	AL 6649

- 43 -

U 984 and boats short of fuel are to receive permission to move freely in the entire area.

A westbound convoy is expected on the evening of 20.1. in the following positions: AM 0113, 4251, 4838. Operations are planned for the evening of the 20th. In the event of the convoy being sighted by aerial reconnaissance much further to the rear, operations will take place on the following night, and the attack area will be transferred to the west.

Convoy routes, positions, and experiences of other boats, will be transmitted to U 953 occupying the area off Casablanca.

c) -

None.

Reports of Success:

U 530	1 tanker	10,000 GRT
U 390	2 ships torpedoed.

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20.January 1944.

I.	U JT 22	-	BF 91	U 283	-	AF 72	U 530	-	DQ 45	U 758	-	BF 64
	66	-	BF 48	302	-	Op(AL 93)	532	-	Op(MS)	762	-	Op(AM 41)
	123	-	CF 69	305	-	BE 61	539	-	CE 1155	763	-	Op(AK 20)
	129	-	BD 85	309	-	Op(AM 19)	543	-	BE 64	764	-	BF 49
	177	-	DG 65	311	-	BE 2663	544	-	CD 30	845	-	AL 14
	178	-	LW 66	364	-	BE 31	545	-	Op(AL 38)	846	-	Op(AK 60/90)
	188	-	LB 83	377	-	Op(AM 47)	547	-	Op(AM 17)	852	-	AN 35
	193	-	CD 18	382	-	BE 96	549	-	AE 67	953	-	DH 33
	212	-	BE 68	386	-	Op(AM 52)	571	-	Op(AM 47)	960	-	Op(BD 34)
	231	-	Op(AL 69)	390	-	Op(AL 63)	592	-	BE 34	972	-	Op(AL 62)
	257	-	AK 76	392	-	BF 28	621	-	BF 57	976	-	AL 98
	260	-	Op(AE 47)	406	-	Op(AL 66)	641	-	BE 26	981	-	AL 69
	263	-	BF 67	455	-	CG 90	650	-	Op(AM 44)	984	-	Op(AL 03)
	271	-	BE 23	471	-	Op(AL 69)	666	-	Op(AL 63)	985	-	AF 85
	281	-	Op(AM 71)	510	-	KS 73	731	-	Op(AL 03)	989	-	AE 67
				516	-	CE 1155	741	-	BE 23	1062	-	AL 2655

	On Return Passage: U 129 - 178 - 193 - 305 - 311 - 364 - 382 - 392 - 516 - 530 - 543 - 621 - 641 - 741 - 758 - 976 - 981.
	Entered Port: U 758 - St. NAzaire; U 392 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 967 - 267 - 437 - St. Nazaire. U 441 - Brest; U 714 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Air reconnaissance west of the North English Channel by 2 Ju 290 and a HE 177.

- 44 -

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 516 sighted an aircraft and destroyer at her meeting point with U 539.
		2)	U 1062 reported position from AL 2655 after second request. Boat sighted search patrols consisting of 4 and 6 destroyers in AF 44 and AE 85.
	b)	Aerial reconnaissance without results.
	c)	1)	2 U-boat sightings in unspecified position, by aircraft.
		2)	Enemy units detected by radar in AM 5421, AM 5156, AL 51, BE 1644, BE 2960, AK 63, BE 24/25, AL 0350, AM 7550, BE 3280.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	As the aerial reconnaissance yielded no results there is to be another search on 21.1. in the same area. Operation planned for the evening of the 21st.
	b)	None.
	c)	At 2357 U 516 reported non-appearance of U 539 at assembly point and an hour later U 539 reported similarly of U 516. As a result of U 516's report (see paragraph III a) 1) of 22.1., new meeting point is ordered in BD 8731 one hour before sunset.
	d)	U 263 reports: External fuel tank 2 on the port side has caved in during a deep dive. Unable to submerge. Reason not known. Return voyage to La Pallice. 2 fast minesweepers and 2 patrol boats have been sent to meet her, also 4 Ju 88s as aerial protection.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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21.January 1944.

I.	U JT 22	-	BF 97	U 283	-	AF 47	U 516	-	CE 12	U 741	-	BE 34
	66	-	BF 47	302	-	Op(AL 69)	530	-	DQ 84	762	-	Op(AM 41)
	123	-	DH 20	305	-	BE 62	532	-	Op(MS)	763	-	Op(AK 23)
	129	-	BD 94	309	-	Op(AM 19)	539	-	CD 36	764	-	BF 47
	177	-	DG 83	311	-	BE 31	543	-	BE 65	845	-	AL 17
	178	-	LW 95	364	-	BE 35	545	-	Op(AL 38)	846	-	Op(AK 60/90)
	188	-	LB 46	377	-	Op(AM 47)	547	-	Op(AM 17)	852	-	AN 29


- 45 -

I.	U 193	-	CE 24	U 382	-	BF 74	U 549	-	AE 83	U 953	-	DJ 12
	212	-	BE 64	386	-	Op(AM 53)	571	-	Op(AM 47)	960	-	Op(BD 60)
	231	-	Op(AM 44)	390	-	Op(AL 63)	592	-	BE 56	967	-	BF 58
	257	-	AK 72	406	-	Op(AL 66)	621	-	BF 57	972	-	Op(AL 63)
	260	-	Op(AE 47)	437	-	BF 58	641	-	BE 37	976	-	BF 23
	267	-	BF 58	441	-	BF 55	650	-	Op(AM 44)	981	-	AL 96
	271	-	BE 55	455	-	CG 90	666	-	Op(AL 63)	984	-	Op(AL 03)
	281	-	Op(AM 71)	471	-	Op(AL 69)	714	-	BF 52	985	-	AF 73
				510	-	KS 57	731	-	Op(AL 03)	989	-	AE 83
										1062	-	AL 28

	On Return Passage: U 129 - 178 - 193 - 305 - 311 - 364 - 382 - 516 - 530 - 543 - 621 - 641 - 976 - 981 - 263.
	Entered Port: U JT 22 - Bordeaux.
	Sailed: - . -
	.
II.	Air Reconnaissance: Reconnaissance for Group "Ruegen" by 2 Ju 290 west of the North Channel.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	U 592 reports apropos of aerial attack on 14.1. Three minutes after using "Naxos" (anti-radar device) Lancasters dropped flares and 4 bombs in a dive-bombing attack from astern. Radar search of 190 to 210 cm. Flew off after second attempt. 3.7 cm. gun out of action due to premature detonation of ammunition in barrel.
	b)	The convoy was not found. 5 destroyers were sighted by an aircraft at 1020 proceeding in line abreast, course 60⁰, in AM 7167.
	c)	1)	The Spanish Intelligence Service reports from Cape Spartel: 3 destroyers cruising in about CG 9590 since 0830 on 21.1. Two Catalina flying boats flying at a low level, several smoke trails. A destroyer dropped depth-charges at 1115 (U 455?).
		2)	American steamer sent S.O.S. at 2230 from AL 5485. Near hatch 4, burst on both sides.
		3)	U-boat sighting in unspecified position (possibly S.W. of Gibraltar).
		4)	Enemy units were located by radar in the following positions: AM 4370, AM 4660, BE 2930, BE 6440, AM 1320, BD 9280, CG 4130, AL 4490.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	U 271 and 592 join Group "Ruegen" and occupy

- 46 -

		AL 9368 and AM 7188 as action areas. Depth 20 sea miles. Group "Ruegen" consists therefore of 18 boats. If the previously expected "ON" convoy has already passed the group, an "ONS" (date of sailing North Channel 21.1. according to dead reckoning) and an "SC" convoy may be expected.
	b)	None.
	c)	After the lifting of the ban on the area south of the line EF 6378, the following area is newly closed for attacks on isolated traffic for the homeward-bound blockade runner "Weserland" somewhere in GG: BF 6378 - EH 6357 - ET 9155 - FO 9655 - FN 7955 - FD 9555.
	d)	1)	The loss of U 544 must be presumed. The boat reported weather conditions for the last time on 12.1. from BD 29, finally she proceeded to CD 3859 to hand over the anti-radar device )"Borkum" apparatus) to U 129 and to supply U 516, on 16.1. U 129 reported an attack by carrier-borne aircraft and destroyers on the supply group and presumed the loss of U 544. According to this report U 544 appears to have been at the assembly point. A request for position on 17.1. was not answered. Loss as a result of aircraft attack is presumed.
		2)	U 263 is to be considered lost. Boat reported, "Damaged external fuel tank 2 on the port side, after attempt to submerge on 20.1. Unable to submerge. Reason not yet known. Returning to La Pallice. Request escort, am in position. . . ". The remaining groups of the wireless telegraphy message were not picked up. The boat was at once requested for position - but did not reply. A search by several Ju 88s and 5 fast motor minesweepers lasting two days, was unsuccessful. There is no evidence of enemy activity. The cause of the loss was probably breakdown of submerging apparatus.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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22.January 1944.

I.	U 66	-	BE 93	U 302	-	Op(AL 69)	U 530	-	DQ 91	U 762	-	Op(AM 41)
	123	-	CF 94	305	-	BE 63	532	-	Op(MS)	763	-	Op(AK 28)
	129	-	BD 93	309	-	Op(AM 19)	539	-	BD 87	764	-	BE 69
	177	-	DS 32	311	-	BE 38	543	-	BF 44	845	-	AK 03
	178	-	KH 32	364	-	BE 39	545	-	Op(AL 38)	846	-	Op(AK 60/90)
	188	-	LA 39	377	-	Op(AM 47)	547	-	Op(AM 17)	852	-	AN 23
	193	-	BD 97	382	-	BF 76	549	-	AE 85	953	-	DJ 21


- 47 -

212	-	BE 37	386	-	Op(AM 53)	571	-	Op(AM 47)	960	-	Op(BD 30/90)
231	-	Op(AM 44)	390	-	Op(AL 03)	592	-	Op(AL 71)	967	-	BF 91
257	-	AK 76	406	-	Op(AL 66)	621	-	BF 56	972	-	Op(AL 63)
260	-	Op(AE 47)	437	-	BF 91	641	-	BE 63	976	-	BE 34
267	-	BF 58	441	-	BF 54	650	-	Op(AM 44)	981	-	BE 31
271	-	Op(AL 93)	455	-	CG 90	666	-	Op(AL 63)	984	-	Op(AL 03)
281	-	Op(AM 71)	471	-	AL 69	714	-	BF 54	985	-	AF 48
283	-	AE 66	510	-	KS 58	731	-	Op(AL 03)	989	-	AE 85
			516	-	BD 87	741	-	BE 38	1062	-	AL 29

	On Return Passage: U 129 - 178 - 193 - 263 - 305 - 311 - 364 - 382 - 471 - 516 - 530 - 543 - 621 - 641 - 741 - 976 - 981.
	Entered Port: U 267 - 437 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 546 - 990 - 973 - Kiel to Northern Waters.

II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	Reconnaissance carried out for Group "Ruegen" by 2 Ju 290, 1 HE 177, 1Ju 88 in North Channel and area to the west. Reconnaissance not thorough as a Ju 290 was not in the area owing to faulty compass, and an HE 177 had wireless telegraphy breakdown.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	None.
	b)	Aircraft intercepted a merchant ship with destroyers and escort vessels, course 110⁰, at 1710 in AM 7112.
	c)	1)	A sighting report and 3 ASV (anti-surface vessel) locations in unspecified position.
		2)	Enemy units were located by radar in AM 5347 - AL 6430 - AL 5860 - BF 2216 - AL 2980 - 90 - AL 9589 - AL 5590.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	U 390 (Group "Ruegen") received section of AL 6321 as action area. Otherwise nothing to report.
	b)	U 510 and 178 are forbidden to attack isolated shipping until supplying has been carried out.
	c)	None.
	d)	Standing Orders No. 48 and 49: (in appendix).
		Transmitted to all boats.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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- 48 -

Standing Order No. 48
given January 1944

The following methods of sending beacon signals are to be observed by aircraft, instead of according to operational order 211 Anton:

1)	In order to send beacon signals the aircraft is to fly in circles on varying bearings and at varying distances from the convoy, for example, after interception, 2 circles at an interval of approximately 15 minutes, then 2 more circles after about 30 minutes. Then withdrawal from the enemy after about an hour - another transmission of beacon signals if there is sufficient flying time.

2)	From time to time, beacon signals are to be sent for about 5 minutes "Able Able", with an intermittent contact-holding call sign. Report according to paragraph 7 of the Operational Order 211 Anton, at the beginning and end of every transmission of beacon signals. Boats are to add the relevant engine report to the bearing report and the bearing is to be contained in the fourth group, the distance in the fifth group of the short message.

3)	Boats can obtain a very good idea of the position of the convoy, independently of the general evaluation made by the command, by taking bearings on the various transmissions and working geometrically from their own position.


- 49 -

Standing Order No. 49
given January 1944

Extended use of Tritox and Ventox method (TV)

1)	Available experience shows that contrary to the firing method T5 paragraph 6 c, in many cases, the firing of T5s in associated single shots with other T5s and with T3s have produced successful results. Lack of time and the attempt to fully exploit chances of success force the commanders to resort to these measures. Under these circumstances such conduct is justified. Misses due to the deflection of the T5 by the other torpedoes must always be expected.
	But: Better to miss in the attempt to exploit a chance than to achieve nothing by sticking to the letter of the law.
	It is advisable to observe the following directions when firing such shots:
	a)	Torpedoes with a speed of 30 knots should be fired always slightly before the T5, if possible an interval of 2 minutes, for example - electrical torpedo - triple spread, 2 minutes wait, then fire T5
	b)	In the case of associated T5 shots, interval from T5 to T5 also 2 minutes if possible. First firing at the forward target on the enemy course, the second T5 at the target following and so on.
	c)	T5 together with "FAT" or "LUT" torpedoes, in which the loop run is ordered, must only be fired at intervals of about 10 minutes as here there is greater possibility of deflection.

2)	Restriction in the use of T5 in the tropics (see firing method paragraph 6 a) is cancelled owing to the successes achieved by T5 in the tropics. Favorable opportunities are to be exploited in the tropics by all means.

3)	In firing method T5, next to paragraph 6, mark in pencil the fact that attention is to be drawn to Standing Order No. 49.









- 50 -

23.January 1944.

I.	U 66	-	BE 92	U 305	-	BE 41	U 539	-	BD 87	U 763	-	Op(AK 22)
	123	-	DH 15	309	-	Op(AM 19)	543	-	BF 55	764	-	BE 65
	129	-	BE 73	311	-	BE 39	545	-	Op(AL 38)	845	-	AK 56
	177	-	DS 38	364	-	BE 41	546	-	AO 46	846	-	Op(AK 94)
	178	-	KH 62	377	-	Op(AM 47)	547	-	Op(AM 17)	852	-	AF 76
	188	-	LE 31	382	-	BF 81	549	-	AE 84	953	-	Op(DJ 20)
	193	-	BD 96	386	-	Op(AM 61)	571	-	Op(AM 47)	960	-	Op(BD 62)
	212	-	BE 31	390	-	Op(AL 63)	592	-	BE 31	967	-	BF 82
	231	-	Op(AM 44)	406	-	Op(AL 66)	621	-	BF 28	972	-	Op(AL 63)
	257	-	AK 48	441	-	BF 43	641	-	BE 41	976	-	BE 38
	260	-	Op(AE 47)	455	-	CG 90	650	-	Op(AM 44)	981	-	BE 35
	271	-	BE 26	471	-	AL 96	666	-	Op(AL 63)	984	-	Op(AL 03)
	281	-	Op(AM 71)	510	-	KS 56	714	-	BF 45	985	-	AF 47
	283	-	AE 61	516	-	BD 87	731	-	Op(AL 03)	989	-	AE 84
	302	-	Op(AL 69)	530	-	DQ 69	741	-	BE 63	1062	-	AL 45
				532	-	Op(MS)	762	-	Op(AM 41)

	On Return Passage: U 129 - 178 - 193 - 302 - 305 - 311 - 364 - 382 - 471 - 516 - 530 - 543 - 621 - 641 - 741 - 976 - 981.
	Entered Port: U 621 - Brest.
	Sailed: U 963 - 518 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	No reconnaissance owing to bad weather conditions (strong squalls, icing at low altitudes and heavy showers). The lack of reconnaissance is particularly unfortunate as at the moment there is no information on the sailing dates of convoys. A change in convoy timing is possible according to Radio Intelligence.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	U 547 sighted aircraft searchlight in AL 3850 without radar activity, and heard screws revolving at high speed. Northerly course, not visible.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	According to wireless telegraphy bearings several enemy units and a convoy in approximately AM 40-50. One or more outward-bound convoys possible in this area.
		2)	U-boat sightings in DJ 2266, a sighting by a submerged U-boat in unspecified position. Boat was intercepted by 2 units, also 10 convoy escort aircraft belonging to the 15th Group in this area. One ASV (anti-surface vessel) radar detection in AM 7144, one ASV in an unspecified position.

- 51 -

		3)	Enemy units were detected by radar in BF 2736, AL 5710, AM 5430, AM 4460, AM 4845, AK 9580, BF 8650, AM 4290, AM 4610, CN 3910, AL 9320, AL 7460 and convoy escort aircraft in AM 71, AM 48 - 72, AM 67, AM 74, AM 49.
	d)	None,

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Group "Ruegen": U 984's new action area: AM 1821; U 271 - AM 7225; U 212 - AM 7353; U 592 - AM 7297.
	b)	New operational areas: U 66, Guinea coast; Monsoon boat U 178 after taking on supplies until return voyage, Grid KG; U 510 Gulf of Oman; U 168, Grid LC with center point off Colombo with the new moon.
	c)	1)	If U 257 has not encountered the "Rio Grande" up to 23.1. at 1800, the boat is to proceed to a new assembly point 150 sea miles north of the previous assembly point at 1200 Middle East time on 24.1.
		2)	U 549 relieves U 763 as weather reporting boat on 26.1., as 763 begins the homeward voyage.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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

24.January 1944.

I.	U 66	-	BE 94	U 302	-	BE 35	U 532	-	Op(MS)	U 763	-	Op(AK 24)
	123	-	DG 63	309	-	Op(AM 19)	539	-	BD 79	764	-	BE 67
	129	-	BE 81	311	-	BF 41	543	-	BF 55	845	-	AK 58
	177	-	DS 67	364	-	BF 49	545	-	Op(AL 38)	846	-	Op(AK 94)
	178	-	KH 67	377	-	Op(AM 47)	546	-	AN 35	852	-	AF 72
	188	-	MQ 84	382	-	BF 58	547	-	AL 38	953	-	Op(DJ 20)
	193	-	BD 72	386	-	Op(AM 61)	549	-	AE 79	960	-	Op(BD 65)
	212	-	AM 75	390	-	Op(AL 61)	571	-	Op(AM 47)	963	-	BF 55
	231	-	Op(AM 44)	406	-	Op(AL 66)	592	-	AM 78	967	-	BF 81
	257	-	AK 48	441	-	BF 41	641	-	BF 45	972	-	Op(AL 93)
	260	-	Op(AE 47)	455	-	CG 90	650	-	Op(AM 44)	976	-	BE 66
	271	-	AM 77	471	-	BE 31	666	-	Op(AL 63)	981	-	BE 63
	281	-	Op(AM 71)	510	-	KS 61	714	-	BF 44	984	-	Op(AM 18)
	283	-	AE 67	516	-	BD 85	731	-	Op(AL 03)	985	-	AE 68
	305	-	BF 46	518	-	BF 55	741	-	BF 44	989	-	AL 31
				530	-	DR 46	762	-	Op(AM 41)	1062	-	AL 47

	On Return Passage: U 129 - 193 - 302 - 305 - 311 - 364 - 382 - 471 - 516 - 530 - 641 - 741 - 972 - 976 - 981.

- 52 -

	Entered Port: U 543 - 963 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 969 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None, owing to weather conditions.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	U 545 sighted a destroyer in AL 3899.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	2 ASV locations in unspecified positions.
		2)	Enemy units were located in: AM 5170, AM 5360, AM 7720, AM 5821, AM 7860, BF 3138, BE 1320, BD 2460, CG 1940.
		3)	According to Radio Intelligence report English steamer sent S.O.S. Urgently requested help (steamer "Amra", 8,314 GRT).
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a) -	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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25.January 1944.

I.	U 66	-	BE 97	U 305	-	BF 46	U 530	-	DR 53	U 763	-	Op(AK 23)
	123	-	DG 92	309	-	Op(AM 19)	532	-	Op(MS)	764	-	BE 34
	177	-	DS 97	311	-	BF 54	539	-	CD 38	845	-	AK 76
	129	-	BE 67	364	-	BF 46	545	-	Op(AL 38)	846	-	AK 46
	178	-	KH 97	377	-	Op(AM 47)	546	-	AN 28	852	-	AF 47
	188	-	Op(MP)	382	-	BF 58	547	-	Op(AL 38)	953	-	Op(DJ 20)
	193	-	BE 81	386	-	Op(AM 61)	549	-	AL 21	960	-	BD 65
	212	-	Op(AM 73)	390	-	Op(AL 63)	571	-	Op(AM 47)	967	-	BF 72
	231	-	Op(AM 44)	406	-	Op(AL 66)	592	-	Op(AM 72)	969	-	BF 58
	257	-	AK 57	441	-	BE 39	641	-	BF 46	972	-	AL 99
	260	-	Op(AE 47)	455	-	CG 90	650	-	Op(AM 44)	976	-	BF 44
	271	-	Op(AM 72)	471	-	BE 37	666	-	Op(AL 63)	981	-	BF 44
	281	-	Op(AM 71)	510	-	KS 38	714	-	BE 65	984	-	Op(AM 18)
	283	-	AE 83	516	-	BD 86	731	-	Op(AL 03)	985	-	AE 67
	302	-	BE 62	518	-	BF 82	741	-	BF 45	989	-	AL 31
							762	-	Op(AM 41)	1062	-	AK 99

	On Return Passage: U 129 - 193 - 302 - 305 - 311 - 364 - 382 - 471 - 516 - 530 - 641 - 741 - 972 - 976 - 981.

- 53 -

	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 91 - 256 - Brest; U 709 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Reconnaissance off and to the west of the North Channel by a Ju 188 and 2 Ju 290

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 386 (North Channel) situation report: Nothing sighted in AM 5370 and 5610 for two days. On 23.1. at 2115 traffic observed. Suddenly defensive action. Hunted by escort vessels and aircraft. Hit by T5 with run of 1500 yards after 2 minutes 47 seconds. Unit cover name "Horseflesh" presumably sunk. Enemy maneuver and time of aircraft run-in known, owing to watch kept on enemy radio telegraphy. Withdrew in 4511. All in AM.
		2)	U 271 reports fast convoy in AL 9846 at 1230. T5 fired at destroyer, hit after 11 minutes. No observation possible owing to depth-charges (no course given).
		3)	U 731 reports aircraft searchlight in AL 0355 at 0730, at 0935 high speed screw noises. Southerly course.
		4)	U 547 sighted yellowish aircraft searchlight in AL 3327, without radar, passed by. Naxos, Borkum (anti-radar device) in action, no battery charge.
			Sea damage to 3.7 cm. cannon
			a) left sight loose, lost.
			b) spring and bolt on the regulator of the aft cover broken.
	b)	Aerial reconnaissance yielded no results. One Ju 88 broke off operations as a result of wireless telegraphy breakdown.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings: Boat on surface, course 330⁰ degrees, position unspecified. Boat on surface, speed 12 knots, course 90⁰, position unspecified, "ASV" report presumably U-boat, position unspecified.
		2)	Enemy units were located in: BE 2430 (wireless patrol vessel); BF 2365 - BF 1390 - AM 0160 - AL 9930 - AL 9590 - BD 9510 - BD 2310.
	d)	The presence of a convoy in the Irish Sea was confirmed by radio reconnaissance. This convoy

- 54 -

		was addressed as ON 221. If there is no delay owing to adverse weather conditions an alteration in the time-interval (of convoys). According to the system in force until now convoy ON 221 should have put out at 19.1. Wireless observation reports that it was only near Oversay at midday on 25.1.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	U 969 joins Group "Ruegen" and occupies operational area AM 1665 as the 18th boat of the group.
	b) -	c)	None.
	d)	Transmitted to all boats:
		Wireless telegraphy acquaint No. 82:
		An isolated vessel possessing good hydrophone equipment can out maneuver 7 torpedoes fired on the surface or submerged, and escape.
		Owing to weather conditions and dusk falling, torpedoes must be fired at a range of over 1,000 meters.
		Lessons from practical experience:
		It is likely that the enemy possesses good torpedo warning devices. Therefore approach unnoticed as near as possible for the first attack. Advantage: the torpedo cannot miss. The enemy has no more time to take evasive action. For surface attacks, if necessary, man anti-aircraft guns and direct the fire onto the bridge and guns, in order to cut out artillery defence at once.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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26.January 1944.

I.	U 66	-	CF 35	U 302	-	BF 44	U 532	-	Op(MS)	U 764	-	AL 99
	91	-	BF 55	305	-	BF 54	539	-	CD 56	845	-	BC 32
	123	-	DT 21	309	-	Op(AM 19)	545	-	Op(AL 38)	846	-	Op(AK 60/90)
	129	-	BE 68	311	-	BF 28	546	-	AN 23	852	-	AE 69
	177	-	EH 37	364	-	BF 49	547	-	Op(AL 38)	953	-	Op(DJ 20)
	178	-	KS 35	377	-	Op(AM 47)	549	-	AL 12	960	-	BD 63
	188	-	Op(MP)	382	-	BF 65	571	-	Op(AM 47)	967	-	BF 74
	193	-	BD 87	386	-	Op(AM 61)	592	-	Op(AM 72)	969	-	BF 82
	212	-	Op(AM 75)	390	-	Op(AL 63)	641	-	BF 57	972	-	BE 34
	231	-	Op(AM 44)	406	-	Op(AL 66)	650	-	Op(AM 44)	976	-	BF 49
	256	-	BF 55	441	-	BE 35	666	-	Op(AL 63)	981	-	BF 48


- 55 -

257	-	AK 85	455	-	CG 90	709	-	BF 55	984	-	Op(AM 18)
260	-	Op(AE 47)	471	-	BE 63	714	-	BE 62	985	-	AE 83
271	-	Op(AM 72)	510	-	KS 35	731	-	Op(AL 03)	989	-	AM 13
281	-	Op(AM 71)	516	-	BD 95	741	-	BF 54	1062	-	BD 34
283	-	AE 85	518	-	BF 81	762	-	Op(AM 41)
			530	-	DR 39	763	-	AK 26

	On Return Passage: U 129 - 193 - 302 - 305 - 311 - 364 - 382 - 471 - 516 - 530 - 641 - 741 - 763 - 960 - 972 - 976 - 981.
	Entered Port: U 311 - Brest; U 382 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 963 - Lorient; U JT 22 - Bordeaux.

II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	Reconnaissance by 2 Ju 290 in North Channel area. On interception of southbound convoy (see paragraph IIIb) another Ju 290 took off to maintain contact. A continuous reconnaissance report of the convoy and the sending of bearing signals is planned on the 27th.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	U 984 reports aircraft flying over with searchlight and simultaneous "Naxos" activity.
	b)	Ju 290 sighted convoy in AM 5168 at 1220, southerly course. No speed given. The Ju 290 detailed (to shadow convoy) at night reported results for the first time after landing, owing to wireless telegraphy breakdown (see K.T.B. of 27.1.).
	c)	1)	U-boat sighting: Periscope in DJ 2215, course 190⁰.
		2)	Enemy units were located in AM 4450, 7720, 76 and 75. BE 8380, CG 85, AL 9310.
		3)	Allied aircraft received orders to proceed to DJ 2226 and to maintain contact with a dinghy.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	With reference to the south-bound convoy reported by aircraft (see paragraph III b)).
			As, owing to the distance, an operation is not possible for the night passage from the 26th to 27th, a patrol channel will be formed for the night of the 28th. The channel will be in such a position that according to dead reckoning, the convoy will pass it at sunset on the 27th. From 1830 on 27.1. the boats will be disposed as a Group "Hinein", from

- 56 -

AM 7132 to 7628. (Order: U 650, 231, 571, 377, 281, 271, 212, 592). U 764 and U 441 join this group and have orders to take up a position in the center of the channel with the utmost speed.

As, in addition to the intercepted KMS on 24.1., an "ONS" may have also sailed, the remaining boats of the former Group "Ruegen", are ordered to the following new operational area as a new Group "Stuermer":

U 989	-	AM 1496	U 762	-	AM 1731
U 547	-	AM 1487	U 390	-	AM 4131
U 984	-	AM 2571	U 731	-	AM 1757
U 545	-	AM 1682	U 386	-	AM 0414
U 309	-	AM 1861	U 666	-	AM 1944
U 406	-	AL 6362

Boats are to proceed at high speed to these positions. The convoy will probably pass during the night.

U 283 and U 985 receive AM 15 as new position. These boats join Group "Stuermer".

U 845 is allotted Grid BB and BC (western half with central point off St. Johns, Newfoundland) as operational area. As no boat has occupied the area since November 1943 successes due to surprise are possible. The known traffic situation will be transmitted to the boat.

Transmitted to all boats: "On crash-diving after firing an acoustic torpedo from the bow tube, the boat must submerge to a depth of 30 meters - not in 60 seconds, but as quickly as possible".

Reports of Success: None.

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27.January 1944.

I.	U JT 22	-	BF 91	U 283	-	AL 21	U 532	-	Op(MS)	U 763	-	AK 39
	66	-	BF 81	302	-	BF 45	539	-	CD 57	764	-	Op(AM 75)
	91	-	BF 54	305	-	BF 54	545	-	Op(AM 16)	845	-	BC 35
	123	-	DT 52	309	-	Op(AM 18)	546	-	AF 79	846	-	Op(AK 67)
	129	-	BF 47	364	-	BF 54	547	-	Op(AM 14)	852	-	AE 68
	177	-	EH 64	377	-	Op(AM 72)	549	-	AK 32	953	-	Op(DJ 20)
	178	-	KS 35	386	-	Op(AM 01)	552	-	BF 67	960	-	BE 42
	188	-	Op(MP)	406	-	Op(AL 63)	571	-	Op(AM 72)	963	-	BF 55


- 57 -

193	-	BD 88	441	-	Op(BE 33)	592	-	Op(AM 76)	967	-	BE 99
212	-	Op(AM 75)	455	-	CG 90	641	-	BF 58	969	-	BF 85
231	-	Op(AM 71)	471	-	BF 44	650	-	Op(AM 71)	972		BE 38
256	-	BF 46	510	-	KS 35	666	-	Op(AL 19)	976	-	BF 57
257	-	AK 97	516	-	BD 95	709	-	BF 54	981	-	BF 49
260	-	Op(AE 47)	518	-	BE 73	714	-	BE 34	984	-	Op(AM 25)
271	-	Op(AM 77)	530	-	DS 12	731	-	Op(AL 17)	985	-	AE 86
281	-	Op(AM 72)	390	-	Op(AL 41)	741	-	BF 52	989	-	Op(AM 14)
						762	-	Op(AM 17)	1062	-	BD 53

On Return Passage: U 129 - 193 - 302 - 305

Entered Port: - . -

Sailed: - . -

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

U 532 reports situation in operational area: On 10 and 11.1 a fast vessel in both LO 27 and 28, course 150⁰, one miss observed (air driven torpedo). Ballast vessel protected by nets on 12.1. in LO 52, course 160⁰, speed 12 knots. 2 torpedoes detonated in net, 2 misses presumably undershot. Escaped with damage. On 17.1., isolated vessel with 3 escort vessels in LC 95, course N., speed 11 knots. Could not approach owing to radar activity. Sank ship of 7,500 GRT on MS 79 on 26.1., course S.E., speed 12 knots. 1 dud torpedo on 5,000 ton ship in MS 78, 110⁰, speed 11 knots, Japanese. Fuel supply good, slight losses. Return voyage for supplies.

Aerial reconnaissance confirms westbound and northbound convoys in:

1)	Ju 290	04.55	convoy in	AM 4938	course	230	degrees
		09.55	" "	AM 4955	"	230	"
		11.15	" "	AM 7928	"	230	"
2)	Ju 290	15.29	" "	AM 4872	"	230	"
		17.12	" "	AM 7212	"	270	"
		17.50	" "	AM 7346	"	50	"
3)	Ju 290	00.23	" "	AM 7128	"	270	"
		00.46	" "	AM 4917	"	North

U-boat sighting in KP 6195 (not our own boat).

Wireless patrol vessels were located in: AM 4990/5770 and AM 40.

- 58 -

		3)	Enemy units were located in: AL 9740, AL 6250, BE 34/37, AM 52/55, BF 23, BE 2960, BD 9510, BE 1834.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	U 985 and U 283 join Group "Stuermer" and occupy the following operational area: AM 1422 and AM 1537.
		2)	Convoy situation:
			The first report on the convoy came in on 27.1. at 1600 after the landing of the Ju 290 of the night reconnaissance. This aircraft sighted the convoy at 0455 in AM 4938 and at 0955 in AM 4955 on a course of 230⁰. A prompt reception of this report would have resulted in the moving of the patrol line to the west.
			New reports from the next Ju 290 to take off came in simultaneously: "Convoy in AM 4872, time 1529, course 230". At this Group "Hinein" received orders to surface and begin operations on the convoy with the utmost speed. The bearing signals sent by the Ju 290 since 1730, however, were not heard by any of the boats.
			The BV 222 which took off on the morning of the 27th, to maintain contact at dusk, returned at midday owing to engine trouble and was therefore unable to lead the U-boats at dusk. This was particularly unfortunate as after surfacing they had only the position given by the aircraft at 1700.
			The Command estimated the convoy's position to be on the line AM 7110, 7190 on a course between 250 - 210⁰. Boats were ordered to act at once on this information.
			At 0023 another Ju 290 located the convoy in AM 7126, the northward-bound convoy in AM 4917 at 0046. These messages did not reach B.d.U. until 0220, the boats at about 0300. The convoy position in AM 7126 confirmed the Command's view of the position at 2400. The Ju 290 lost contact with the convoy first sighted owing to radar breakdown and as the sending of beacon signals was impossible, broke off operations. In the existing conditions of defence and the necessity of proceeding submerged by day, U-boat operations can only be successful if our aerial reconnaissance is able to maintain continuous contact for at least 8 hours, and

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to lead the boats to the convoy by means of visual and direction finder signals. The available number of 8 Ju 290s and 2 BV 222s is inadequate. At least twice as many is necessary for the execution of a single operation. Independent U-boat operations during the night and bad weather conditions cannot lead to success without bearing signals. The boats were ordered to remain on the surface by day and to continue the search on a southwesterly course, then to report and submerge on the appearance of aircraft.

(In the vicinity of English air bases fast land planes may be used - the prevailing weather conditions are very unfavorable for anti-aircraft weapons). 2 boats, U 592 and U 271, confirmed convoy radio telegraphy about in the area of the aircraft message 0029 on the intermediate wave apparatus. Operations however, remained unsuccessful.

Summary:

1)	The patrol channels ordered on receiving the first aircraft message were correct. The actual course of the convoy would have led through the western section of the patrol channel. Prompt reception of the message giving the convoy's position on 27.1. at 0455 (delayed owing to wireless telegraphy breakdown) could have resulted in the laying of the patrol channel further to the west.
2)	Worst of all was the absence of the BV 222 as contact and sender of bearing signals at dusk. It was not possible for the small number of boats available, to find the convoy without bearing signals in poor visibility and bad weather conditions. The absence of the third Ju 290's bearing signals, after the confirmation of the convoy's position at 0023, had the same effect. Until then the boats were presumably in a particularly favorable position in a narrow area ahead of the convoy. It is possible that the boats ran in front of the convoy.
3)	On the whole, it is obvious that this operation - like most of the combined operations of the last few months - has failed owing to the inadequate number of reconnaissance aircraft and the breakdown of aircraft radar and wireless equipment.

U 257 reports: Have been in position at the assembly point for 4 days, ship not arrived. The boat is occupying U 960's previous area and reports weather conditions twice a day.

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U 764 reports: No operations on the 27th owing to distance. Full automatic 3.7 cm. gun out of action.

None.

No suitable Commander available in Penang for U JT 23. Boat remains in Penang until the arrival of a boat from home that can transfer an officer onto U JT 23 as Commander.

New chart keys will be transmitted to all boats, and these will come into operation at 1200 on 29.1.

Reports of Success:

U 532	1 ship	7,500 GRT
	1 ship	torpedoed.

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

28.January 1944.

I.	U JT 22	-	BF 86	U 281	-	Op(AL 93)	U 530	-	DF 49	U 763	-	AK 46
	66	-	BE 76	283	-	Op(AM 15)	532	-	MS 77	764	-	Op(BE 31)
	91	-	BF 43	302	-	BF 49	539	-	BD 87	845	-	Op(BC 28)
	123	-	DT 67	305	-	BF 57	545	-	Op(AM 16)	846	-	Op(AK 67)
	129	-	BF 47	309	-	Op(AM 18)	546	-	AF 76	852	-	AF 67
	177	-	EH 95	364	-	BF 57	547	-	Op(AM 14)	953	-	Op(DJ 20)
	178	-	KS 31	377	-	Op(AL 93)	549	-	AK 33	960	-	BE 51
	188	-	Op(MP)	386	-	Op(AM 01)	571	-	Op(AL 93)	963	-	BF 54
	193	-	BD 89	390	-	Op(AM 41)	592	-	Op(AL 93)	967	-	CG 21
	212	-	Op(AL 93)	406	-	Op(AL 63)	641	-	BF 54	969	-	BF 88
	231	-	Op(AL 93)	441	-	Op(AM 75)	650	-	Op(AL 93)	972	-	BE 66
	238	-	BF 53	455	-	CG 90	666	-	Op(AL 19)	976	-	BF 58
	256	-	BF 45	471	-	BF 54	709	-	BF 46	981	-	BF 57
	257	-	AK 42	510	-	KH 98	714	-	BE 31	984	-	Op(AM 25)
	260	-	Op(AE 47)	516	-	BD 85	731	-	Op(AL 17)	985	-	AE 88
	271	-	Op(AL 93)	518	-	BF 75	762	-	Op(AM 17)	989	-	Op(AM 14)
										1062	-	BD 63

	On Return Passage: U 129 - 193 - 302 - 305 - 364 - 471 - 516 - 530 - 532 - 641 - 763 - 960 - 972 - 976 - 981.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 168 - Penang.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 212 reports having to submerge owing to presence of aircraft at 1914 at AL 9637.

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		2)	U 764 had to submerge owing to presence of aircraft with position lights in diagonal flight in AM 7770. No radar.
		3)	U 547 heard isolated traffic in AL 2263, course west. No sighting after surfacing and pursuit.
		4)	U 471 was attacked by an aircraft at 0412 in BF 5545 and reported later that she was putting in to port.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings in AL 9256, also 6 sightings in unspecified position, some giving course and speed.
			3 "ASV" locations of U-boats in unspecified positions.
		2)	Annapolis broadcast report of abandoned steamer in flames in BB 9683 on 28.1.
		3)	Wireless patrol ship "ELF" was located in AM 8490.
		4)	Enemy units were located in AM 4430 - 4764 - CG 8460 - AM 4910 - CG 5760 - AL 7750 - BA 9842 - AM 5790 - AM 4940.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Group "Hinein":
			At 0900 U 592 reported having operated on radio telegraphy bearing at constant signal strength and frequency in 0⁰, since 0550. Boat's position, AM 7164.
			U 212 reported operations on a course 210 - 240⁰ 5.5 sea miles from the last position given by aircraft and reported from AM 7177.
			The boat is informed that the Command assumes that after a starting west to southwest course, the convoy will now follow more southerly course with a speed up to 7 knots. Boats are to continue search until arrival of aircraft. If no boat has contacted the convoy at dusk on the 29th it is planned to break off operations. As, during the 28th, only U 212 and U 764 (see paragraph III a)) have reported aircraft it may be presumed that most of the boats continue to operate.

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		2)	Report from Atlantic Air Force Command at 0230, according to which 200 - 300 landing craft were sighted by aircraft in BF 6777. Although the report appears unlikely, the outward-bound Biscay area boats, U 91, 256, 709, 238 and U 963 have been ordered to proceed at high speed to the area. U 302 reported convoy with air escort at 0808, on a north-easterly course in BF 9126. According to this report which confirms the aerial report, an invasion seems likely, although all other circumstances contradict this. (No air attacks on Western France, arrival of landing troops in the early afternoon). In spite of this, all escort operations were broken off and the Group "Hinein" and "Stuermer" ordered to BF 50 at high speed regardless of air activity, details to be reported also to Atlantic Air Force Command. 18 Spanish trawlers on varying course, reported in BF 6742. U 302 reported 25 - 30 smoke trails at 0923 strong enemy escort, zig-zagging eastwards, speed 16 knots, in BF 6788. At 1033 the boat wirelessed that the reported smoke trails originated from river trawlers. The invasion report is thus explained. Group "Hinein" and "Stuermer" submerge, outward-bound boats continue their voyage.
	b)	U 123 is designated the operational area ET and eastwards along the coast.
	c)	U 532 proceeds to KS 60. Taking on of supplies from "Schliemann" is planned in this area in about 14 days' time.
	d)	Information on route and traffic will be sent from U 515 to U 66 (proceeding to operational area on Guinea Coast).

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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

29.January 1944.

I.	U JT 22	-	BF 88	U 271	-	Op(AL 93)	U 518	-	BF 74	U 763	-	AL 71
	66	-	BF 74	281	-	Op(AL 93)	530	-	DF 55	764	-	Op(AM 77)
	91	-	BF 42	283	-	Op(AL 15)	539	-	BD 87	845	-	Op(BC 43)
	123	-	DT 96	302	-	BF 57	532	-	MS 17	846	-	Op(AK 67)
	129	-	BF 54	305	-	BF 57	545	-	Op(AM 16)	852	-	AE 83
	168	-	LF 55	309	-	Op(AM 18)	546	-	AF 72	953	-	Op(DJ 20)
	177	-	ER 35	364	-	BF 57	547	-	Op(AL 31)	960	-	BE 53
	178	-	KH 87	377	-	Op(AL 93)	549	-	Op(AK 20)	963	-	BF 46
	188	-	Op(MP)	386	-	Op(AM 01)	571	-	Op(AK 93)	967	-	CG 18
	193	-	BD 95	390	-	Op(AM 41)	592	-	Op(AK 93)	969	-	CG 29


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212	-	Op(AL 93)	406	-	Op(AL 63)	641	-	BF 57	972	-	BF 47
231	-	Op(AL 93)	441	-	Op(AL 93)	650	-	Op(AL 93)	976	-	BF 58
238	-	BF 54	455	-	CG 99	666	-	Op(AM 19)	981	-	BF 58
256	-	BF 44	471	-	BF 62	709	-	BF 45	984	-	Op(AM 25)
257	-	AK 57	510	-	KH 93	714	-	BE 52	985	-	AL 11
260	-	Op(AE 47)	516	-	BD 87	731	-	Op(AL 17)	989	-	Op(AM 14)
						762	-	Op(AM 17)	1062	-	BD 38

On Return Passage: U 129 - 193 - 302 - 305 - 364 - 471 - 516 - 530 - 532 - 641 - 763 - 960 - 972 - 976 - 981.

Entered Port: U 471 - Brest; U 976 - St. Nazaire.

Sailed: U 413 - 424 - Brest; U 552 - 586 - 608 - 437 - St. Nazaire; U 802 - Kiel.

II.

Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

U 592 was attacked by aircraft at 1333 in AM 7755 and reported aircraft in contact at 1357.

None.

U-boat sightings in BF 5482, course 270⁰, speed 12 knots. BF 5734, BF 5176, course 270⁰, speed 15 knots. BF 8222, course E., speed 12 knots, and 3 sightings in unspecified position.

Enemy units were located: BE 1140 - AN 5290, CG 7650, BE 3790, AM 9130, AM 5610.

English aircraft intercepted our own destroyers in BF 5496, southerly course, speed 15 knots and in BF 9126.

Patrol ship of escort squadron "Silent" was located in AM 44.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Groups "Hinein" and "Stuermer" are to occupy the following operational areas with economical cruising speed, depth 30 miles:

U 271	-	AL 5822	U 592	-	AL 6827
571	-	AL 6789	212	-	AL 9275
650	-	AL 9485	441	-	AL 9831
764	-	AL 9968	281	-	BE 2234
231	-	BE 3157

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U 985	-	AM 1283	U 989	-	AM 2344
283	-	AM 1487	984	-	AM 5242
545	-	AM 1677	731	-	AM 1921
547	-	AL 3863	386	-	AL 0351
390	-	AL 6333	309	-	AL 6263
762	-	AL 3978	666	-	AL 6171
406	-	AL 6463

It is planned to withdraw the boats further off shore during the full moon period.

b) -

None.

U 455 reports passing through the Straits of Gibraltar and is therefore under Flag Officer U-boats, Mediterranean.

Reports of Success: None.

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

30.January 1944.

I.	U JT 22	-	BF 87	U 283	-	Op(AM 14)	U 539	-	BD 87	U 763	-	AL 78
	66	-	CF 21	302	-	BF 68	545	-	Op(AM 16)	764	-	Op(AL 99)
	91	-	BF 46	305	-	BF 54	546	-	AF 47	802	-	AO 47
	123	-	Op(EK 12)	309	-	Op(AL 62)	547	-	AL 36	845	-	Op(BC 42)
	129	-	BF 54	364	-	BF 58	549	-	Op(AK 24)	846	-	Op(AK 67)
	168	-	LF 46	377	-	AL 74	552	-	BF 52	852	-	AE 85
	177	-	ER 63	386	-	Op(AL 03)	571	-	AL 91	953	-	Op(DJ 20)
	178	-	KH 75	390	-	Op(AL 61)	586	-	BF 58	960	-	BE 65
	188	-	Op(MP)	406	-	Op(AL 64)	592	-	AL 93	963	-	BF 49
	193	-	BD 96	413	-	BF 55	608	-	BF 58	967	-	CG 27
	212	-	Op(AL 95)	424	-	BF 55	641	-	BF 57	969	-	CG 52
	231	-	Op(BE 31)	437	-	BF 58	650	-	Op(AL 94)	972	-	BF 48
	238	-	BF 57	441	-	Op(AL 98)	666	-	Op(AL 62)	981	-	BF 64
	256	-	BF 46	510	-	KH 63	709	-	BF 48	984	-	Op(AM 25)
	257	-	AK 85	516	-	BD 87	714	-	BE 25	985	-	Op(AM 12)
	260	-	Op(AE 47)	518	-	BE 99	731	-	Op(AM 19)	989	-	Op(AM 23)
	271	-	Op(AL 92)	530	-	DF 65	762	-	Op(AL 39)	1062	-	BD 64
	281	-	Op(AL 22)	532	-	LB 66

	On Return Passage: U 193 - 302 - 305 - 364 - 471 - 516 - 530 - 532 - 641 - 763 - 960 - 972 - 981.
	Entered Port: U 302 - La Pallice; U 981 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

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III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 178 reported, in addition, the U 510 fired a triple miss on a freighter, course west, in KP 6227 on 13.1.
		2)	U 518 had "Naxos" bearing in BF 4854 on 26.1. One minute's knocking and rustling, finally land location 4 times per second with half a second's pause.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings in MF 85. Anti-surface vessel location in BF 9623; BF 5878 (later attack reported); 3 locations in unidentified position 2 of which were later cancelled (Thetis?).
		2)	Wireless guardship "BIY" (southwest-bound convoy) located in AL 8293.
		3)	Enemy units located in: BE 3260, BC 2616, AM 5164, BE 6810, BF 22.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Groups "Hinein" and Stuermer" are in position in the ordered operational areas.
	b)	None.
	c)	U 178 reported that U 510 and U 178 took supplies on board from the tanker "Schliemann" as anticipated. U 178 took on cipher material, (in operation until June, inclusive), provisions for 90 days, 400 cubic meters of fuel, also 19 tons of rubber. Both boats are operating in the ordered operational area.
	d)	Transmitted to all boats:
		Even when the boats are submerged by day in the operational area, the best possible look-out must be kept. Listening out (hydrophone) and frequent look-out at periscope depth. Experience has shown that if hydrophone watch alone is depended upon, it will nearly always be too late to attack. Exploit every opportunity, and report as quickly as possible by day so that other boats may benefit.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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

- 66 -

31.January 1944.

I.	U JT 22	-	CG 52	U 281	-	Op(BE 22)	U 532	-	LB 96	U 762	-	Op(AL 39)
	66	-	CF 24	283	-	Op(AM 14)	539	-	BD 87	763	-	BE 12
	91	-	BF 46	305	-	BF 54	545	-	Op(AM 16)	764	-	Op(AL 99)
	123	-	Op(EK 19)	309	-	Op(AL 62)	546	-	AE 69	802	-	AN 36
	129	-	BF 64	364	-	BF 64	547	-	Op(AL 38)	845	-	Op(BB)
	168	-	LF 44	377	-	BE 21	549	-	Op(AK 22)	846	-	Op(AK 65)
	177	-	ES 71	386	-	Op(AL 03)	552	-	BF 57	852	-	AE 87
	178	-	KH	390	-	Op(AL 63)	571	-	Op(AL 67)	953	-	Op(DJ 20)
	188	-	Op(MP)	406	-	Op(AL 64)	586	-	BF 57	960	-	BE 69
	193	-	BE 74	413	-	BF 46	592	-	Op(AL 62)	963	-	BF 48
	212	-	Op(AL 92)	424	-	BF 54	608	-	BF 57	967	-	CG 25
	231	-	Op(BE 21)	437	-	BF 57	641	-	BF 57	969	-	CG 55
	238	-	BF 49	441	-	Op(AL 98)	650	-	Op(AL 94)	972	-	BF 49
	256	-	BF 46	510	-	KH	666	-	Op(AL 62)	984	-	Op(AM 25)
	257	-	AK 82	516	-	BD 87	709	-	BF 47	985	-	Op(AM 12)
	260	-	Op(AE 47)	518	-	BE 89	714	-	BE 22	989	-	Op(AM 23)
	271	-	Op(AL 58)	530	-	DF 41	731	-	Op(AN 19)	1062	-	BD 59

	On Return Passage: U 129 - 193 - 305 - 364 - 377 - 516 - 530 - 532 - 592 - 641 - 763 - 960 - 972.
	Entered Port: U 552 - 586 - 437 - St. Nazaire; U 129 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 154 - 734 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	U 592 reports:
		1)	Heavily hit in keel. Abnormal gyro conditions cause restriction in speed and use of armament. Main periscope out of action.
		2)	Aircraft attack on 29.1.: Dive-bombed by Liberator when surfacing. 8 bombs - low-level diagonal attack. Flew off after 30 minutes. Return voyage.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	U-boat sighting in unknown position at 1515, course 300⁰, speed 6 knots, boat submerged. The same aircraft reported at 1710: Attacked with depth-charges, presume 2 hits. At 1806 the aircraft wa asked by Donibristle whether the boat was destroyed and forced to surrender. The aircraft replied "Have lost contact with U-boat" (inexplicable position report).

- 67 -

		2)	American steamer reported sighting U-boat 5 sea miles south of "South Smalls" lightship at 0737. (Light ship not indicated).
		3)	Gibraltar aircraft had anti-surface vessel ("ASV") indication in about CG 9769 (latitude not located exactly).
		4)	Enemy units were located in: BE 2160 - 3884 - BD 6960 - BE 2360 - 2340 - 1950 - AM 4540 - BE 2310 - AL 9950 - AM 39 - BE 31.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	U 714 entered Group "Hinein" and occupied U 592's previous operational area.
	b)	None.
	c)	Assembly point for U 518 and "Kiefer" for transfer of one officer, 2 radio operators, Naxos-Wanze and Borkum equipment is DF 8555 on 13.2., 2 hours before sunset.
	d)	Transmitted to all boats:
		Warning W/T report No. 85:
		A boat received a hydrophone bearing during the day in the operational area. A passenger steamer was 600 meters away when the U-boat reached periscope depth, angle 10, high speed. Boat avoided ramming by going hard astern, dipped under. Opportunity was by then lost.
		Lesson: Hydrophone usually gives warning too late, therefore it is advisable to go to periscope depth at frequent intervals.

V.	Reports of Success: None.


			For B.d.U.
			The Head of Operations Section
			(Signed): GODT.

- 68 -

Enclosures

Survey of personnel losses of U-boats in action

The following periods are under consideration:

From outbreak of war to 1942 inclusive (40 months), the time of "normal" losses.

II.

From January to June 1943 inclusive (6 months) as proportionally separate part of 1943.

III.

July to October 1943 (4 months). More prisoner reports are still expected for this time, so that the figures cannot be considered final.

In the given periods, the U-boats in action have suffered the following losses of personnel:

A. Crews

Period	Boats	Crews	Killed	Prisoners saved	Killed %	Prisoners saved %
I.	148	6,356	4,665	1,691	73.4	26.6
II.	112	5,534	4,956	578	89.4	10.4
III.	85	4,376	3,659	717	83.6	16.4
Total	345	16,266	13,280	2,986	81.7	18.3

B. Commanders

I.	148	106	42	71.6	28.4
II.	112	102	10	91.1	8.9
III.	85	61	24	71.8	28.2
Total	345	269	76	78.0	22.0

Remarks: The number of survivors, i.e. those returning home, equals 10% of the total amount of the survivors.

Until the end of 1942 rather less than 3/4 of the crews of the boats lost have been killed.

II.

In the first half of 1943 this figure increased to 90%. The reason for this is the strong increase in enemy air defence and his efficient radar system. Also to add to the number of losses, many boats

- 69 -

	were bombed while submerging before the strengthening of anti-aircraft armament. It was only rarely possible to resurface.

III.	In the second half of 1943 the number of survivors again increased. The reasons for this are:
	a)	After the introduction of the strengthened anti-aircraft defence, fewer boats sunk while submerging or beneath the surface, but more against enemy aircraft on the surface. More sailors could escape, and were then picked up in favorable conditions by enemy naval forces.
	b)	The losses in the Biscay area, where there are no enemy surface craft to pick up survivors, have decreased sharply since the middle of August.
	c)	In contrast to the first half of 1943, a large number of losses were due to aircraft attacks from carrier-borne aircraft, whose escort destroyers and escort craft have picked up survivors.
	d)	The losses due to depth-charge attacks from convoys and U-boat chaser groups has decreased since the introduction of the acoustic torpedo.

IV.	The number of surviving Commanders exceed the total number of survivors until the first half of 1943. The reason for this is that in surface warfare the Commander is always on the bridge and therefore stands a better chance of being saved than the average member of the crew.











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