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

16 - 30 June 1944

PG30349

     
     
 
16.June 1944.
 
 
 
I. Atlantic boats:
 
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AF 73
U 546
-
 BF 55
U 851
-
 Op(LN 40)
 
129
-
 EH 62
477
-
 AL 66
547
-
 Op(EU 80)
853
-
 Op(BD 37)
 
155
-
 CF 64
480
-
 AE 68
548
-
 BE 91
857
-
 Op(AK 75)
 
181
-
 KG 25
490
-
 DF 21
549
-
 EQ 97
858
-
 AN 28
 
183
-
 Op(LC)
505
-
 CF 36
671
-
 BE 32
859
-
 GQ 25
 
190
-
 CF 86
516
-
 Op(ED 25)
673
-
 AL 24
860
-
 GG 27
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
530
-
 DS 51
675
-
 BE 61
861
-
 ER 18
 
198
-
 GR 57
534
-
 Op(AK 37)
678
-
 AE 68
862
-
 AK 49
 
233
-
 AL 23
537
-
 KR 43
715
-
 AE 67
955
-
 BF 57
 
243
-
 AN 24
539
-
 Op(EC 72)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
971
-
 AE 83
 
247
-
 Op(AM 35)
541
-
 BE 67
743
-
 AO 48
998
-
 AN 29
 
292
-
 BE 26
543
-
 EU 74
803
-
 AN 28
1191
-
 BF 14
                   
1222
-
 Op(BB 70)
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 242
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 397
-
 Op(AN 43)
U975
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 999
-
 Op(AN 37)
 
276
-
 Op(AN 43)
677
-
 Op(AN 34)
980
-
 Op(AF 76)
1000
-
 Op(AN 23)
 
290
-
 AN 24
745
-
 Op(AN 35)
982
-
 Op(AN 34)
1001
-
 Op(AN 37)
 
294
-
 Op(AF 81)
958
-
 Op(AF 84)
988
-
 BF 16
1007
-
 Op(AN 35)
                   
1165
-
 Op(AN 46)
 
   
   
   
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 BF 6843
U 275
-
 Op(BF 31)
U 740
-
 Op(BF 25)
U 953
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
441
-
 Op(BF 36)
763
-
 BF 4397
981
-
 BF 6174
 
260
-
 BF 6175
621
-
 Op(BF 32)
764
-
 Op(BF 36)
984
-
 Op(BF 26)
 
269
-
 Op(BF 26)
629
-
 Op(BF 25)
767
-
 BF 2811      
 
270
-
 BF 5521                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 155 - 190 - 505 - 541 - 543 - 548 - 955.
  Entered Port:  U 290 - Bergen (Group "Mitte");  U 260 - Lorient;  U 212 - La Pallice.
  Sailed:  U 214 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Air attacks on Atlantic boats:
      1907  U 998 in AN 2333 attacked with one bomb.
    2) At 2305 in AN 2333 U 804 fought off air attack, a few wounded.
    3) U 1222 sent situation report from Newfoundland.  Boat has commenced return passage from area south of Nova Scotia.  On 8.6. in CB 4379
       
- 369 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      3 spread aimed at west-bound convoy which missed (extreme range).  Convoy traffic confirmed in this area, also sections of convoys south of Halifax D/F'd by hydrophone gear in fog.  Also in CB 56 and CB 55 2 fast troop transports in both directions.  Air patrol by day and night comparatively small.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
19 Group: 1300 submarine, position unspecified, 1315 periscope sighted, course 2400, 3 knots in unspecified position.
18 Group: 1910 surfaced submarine, position unspecified, course 00, speed 8 knots.
  1920 same aircraft reported depth-charge attack, hits observed (U 998 was boat in question).
    2) 3 ASV locations in unspecified positions between 2327 and 0022.
      1 ASV location by aircraft of 16 Group.  Position unspecified.
    3) Enemy units located in:  AL 4820 - AK 4440 - AM 4370 - 5630 - DG 3262 - BE 3284 - BF 1737 - 1835 - 3650 - 3630.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  Boats in West:
    1) U 269 ready to sail from St. Peter Port at 0200/18/6.  According to short report it appeared that boat had spent a good deal of time lying on the bottom and had therefore only averaged a day's journey of 35 miles.  All boats were therefore ordered only to lay on the bottom when counter currents are the same, or nearly the same, as boat's own speed.
    2) U 763 entered port for second time on account of damage to main periscope.
    3) U 228 reported after entering port:  Air attack in position at 0437/11/6.  No location made on account of damage to "Fliege", but aircraft was spotted in time by lookout.
 
 
 
- 370 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      Missed bombs by taking avoiding action.  Aircraft (Stirling) was shot down with second round of fire while flying on parallel course at height of 30 meters.
    4) With the entry of U 981 and U 270 into Lorient all 17 boats without schnorchel which were stationed in the Bay of Biscay are back in port.
  b) Group "Mitte":
     U 290 entered port.
  c) Atlantic boats:
     U 998, Schnorchel boat on passage to Atlantic sent S.O.S. message after air attack in AF 8787 at 2013 "boat badly damaged, sinking".  Nevertheless boat could reach Schären under own steam if escort were provided.  U 804 fought off Mosquito in same area while going to the rescue, aircraft fired German recognition signal.  Boat also making for Bergen on account of 3 seriously and 5 slightly wounded members of the crew.  According to statement of crew of an air/sea rescue plane flying to the rescue (Do 24) Mosquito flew off leaving heavy trail of smoke.  Presumed shot down.
  d) U 988 joined group of boats in West.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 228                1 aircraft.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
17.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 292
-
 BE 61
U 543
-
 ET 93
U 851
-
 Op(LN 10)
 
129
-
 EH 38
423
-
 AF 48
546
-
 BF 55
853
-
 Op(BD 62)
 
155
-
 CF 62
477
-
 AL 93
547
-
 Op(EU 80)
857
-
 Op(BD 78)
 
181
-
 LV 89
480
-
 AE 91
548
-
 BE 68
858
-
 AF 87
 
183
-
 Op(LD)
490
-
 DF 27
549
-
 Op(FB 35)
859
-
 GG 24
 
188
-
 BF 89
505
-
 CG 11
671
-
 BE 36
860
-
 GG 92
 
190
-
 CF 83
516
-
 Op(ED 25)
673
-
 AL 25
861
-
 EG 96
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
530
-
 DS 48
675
-
 BE 65
862
-
 AK 75
 
198
-
 GR 83
534
-
 Op(AK 37)
678
-
 AE 67
955
-
 BF 57
 
233
-
 AK 03
537
-
 KR 27
715
-
 AE 83
971
-
 AL 26
 
243
-
 AF 73
539
-
 Op(EB 35)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
998
-
 AN 23
 
247
-
 Op(AM 35)
541
-
 BE 68
743
-
 AN 36
1191
-
 BF 15
             
804
-
 AF 87
1222
-
 CB 32
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 155 - 188 - 190 - 505 - 541 - 543 - 548 - 955 - 1222.
 
 
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 242
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 677
-
 Op(AN 34)
U 980
-
 Op(AF 76)
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 37)
 
276
-
 Op(AN 43)
745
-
 Op(AN 35)
982
-
 Op(AN 34)
1007
-
 Op(AN 35)
 
294
-
 Op(AF 81)
958
-
 Op(AF 84)
999
-
 Op(AN 37)
1165
-
 Op(AN 46)
 
397
-
 Op(AN 43)
975
-
 Op(AN 28)
1000
-
 Op(AN 23)      
 
   
   
   
   
 
- 371 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
Western Boats:
 
U 214
-
 BF 2794
U 275
-
 Op(BF 33)
U 740
-
 Op(BF 25)
U 953
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
441
-
 Op(BF 36)
763
-
 BF 5185
981
-
 BF 6174
 
269
-
 Op(BF 26)
621
-
 Op(BF 32)
764
-
 Op(BF 36)
984
-
 Op(BF 23)
 
270
-
 BF 5521
629
-
 Op(BF 25)
767
-
 BF 2567
988
-
 BF 2455
 
  On Return Passage:  U 270 - 981 - 763.
  Entered Port:  U 270 - 981 - Lorient;  U 998 - 804 - Bergen.
  Sailed:  U 1225 - 427 - Kiel to Group "Mitte".
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Air attacks on boats in West:
      0050  U 988 in BF 2448
      0427  U 763 in BF 6218.
    2) At 0945/8/6 in BF 2739 U 953 sank 3 H-class destroyers from group of five with aircraft and circular saw (anti-T 5 device).
  b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings in West:
      0345 diving boat in BF 2811, course 1300, speed 4 knots
      0405 submarine in BF 2845.
    2) Sightings of Atlantic boats:
      0926 Colombo repeated submarine sighting report received from American merchant ship "Submarine sighted and fired on in LN 8580".
      1650 surfaced boat in AF 7364, course 3500, speed 12 knots.
    3) 0228 one ASV location in unspecified position.
    4) Enemy units located in:  AL 9720 - 4421 - AM 5370 - 7660 - 5310 - BE 1353.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  Boats in West:
  a) 1) On 8.6. U 953 sank 3 H-class destroyers in BF 2739 (see III a) 2)).  Boat entered Brest.
       
- 372 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      U 953 was not in operations area.  On return passage on account of failure of telemotor.
    2) Land transport situation makes transport of anti-tank ammunition to Cherbourg by submarine necessary.  Therefore the next Schnorchel boats ready to sail U 741 (17.6.), U 309 (18.6.), U 390 (20.6.), U 212 (20.6.), will be equipped for this.  Boats to retain two bow and one stern torpedo.  Duration of passage from Brest at least 6 days, and from La Pallice about 10 days.  Boats can load about 70 - 80 tons.
    3) U 269 did not sail from St. Peter Port as recharging of battery was delayed by air raid warnings and condition of crew's health.
  Boats of Group "Mitte":
  a) U 294 requested to give position report - on 10.6. boat reported 2 air attacks.
  b) Boats in Atlantic:
    1) The next 6 Schnorchel boats reaching Atlantic from Norway (U 971 - 715 - 480 - 678 - 423 - 243) received orders to make for Channel at maximum continuous speed.  Submerged  passage only after reaching square BE.  Experiential messages to follow.
    2) U 861 reported position in ER 2135.  Boat requested and was detailed to operations area off Argentine coast.
  c)  None.
  d) 1) U 233 received orders to execute alternative operation (minelaying off Halifax).  More detailed situation to be radioed.
    2) U 188 reported boat about to enter port.  Declaration of loss on 15.5. therefore invalid.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 953                3 H-class destroyers.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
18.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 292
-
 BE 61
U 543
-
 ET 67
U 851
-
 Op(LC 70)
 
129
-
 EH 32
423
-
 AF 47
546
-
 BF 91
853
-
 Op(BD 50)
 
155
-
 CF 64
477
-
 AL 93
547
-
 Op(EU 80)
857
-
 Op(AK 79)
 
181
-
 LV 92
480
-
 AE 85
548
-
 BE 93
858
-
 AF 84
 
183
-
 Op(LD)
490
-
 DF 54
549
-
 Op(FB 60)
859
-
 GG 29
 
188
-
 BF 97
505
-
 CF 39
671
-
 BF 14
860
-
 GH 77
 
190
-
 CF 86
516
-
 Op(ED)
673
-
 AL 25
861
-
 ER 21
 
       
- 373 -
 
 
     

 

     
 
 
 
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
530
-
 DS 71
675
-
 BE 69
862
-
 BD 15
 
198
-
 GR 92
534
-
 Op(AK 26)
678
-
 AE 83
955
-
 BF 57
 
233
-
 AK 63
537
-
 KR 26
715
-
 AE 85
971
-
 AL 26
 
243
-
 AF 48
539
-
 Op(EB)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
1222
-
 CC 11
 
247
-
 Op(AM 35)
541
-
 BE 69
743
-
 AN 31
1225
-
 AO 48
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 242
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 677
-
 Op(AN 34)
U 980
-
 Op(AF 76)
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 37)
 
276
-
 Op(AN 43)
745
-
 Op(AN 35)
982
-
 Op(AN 34)
1007
-
 Op(AN 35)
 
294
-
 Op(AF 81)
958
-
 Op(AF 84)
999
-
 Op(AN 37)
1165
-
 Op(AN 46)
 
397
-
 Op(AN 43)
975
-
 Op(AN 28)
1000
-
 Op(AN 23)      
 
   
   
   
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 214
-
 BF 2578
U 441
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 763
-
 BF 5185
U 984
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
621
-
 Op(BF 32)
764
-
 Op(BF 36)
988
-
 BF 2542
 
269
-
 Op(BF 26)
629
-
 Op(BF 25)
953
-
 BF 5185
1191
-
 BF 1934
 
275
-
 Op(BF 36)
740
-
 Op(BF 25)
767
-
 BF 2654      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 155 - 188 - 190 - 505 - 541 - 543 - 548 - 955 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 763 - 953 - Brest.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 0005  U 971 reported air attack in AL 9392.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) 72 aircraft of 19 Group confirmed in Bay of Biscay.
    2) U-boat sightings in West by aircraft of 19 Group:
     
0835 surfaced submarine, unspecified position, course 450, 4 knots.
1905 diving submarine, position unspecified, course 450, 4 knots.
1900- 1936  3 submarines in BF 2680 right half to BF 2690 left half.
1930 surfaced submarine in unspecified position.
2255 over 2 submarines in BF 2827.
0045 surfaced submarine, position unspecified, course 1000, speed 15 knots.
0355 surfaced submarine, position unspecified, course (?).
0515 2 diving submarines in unspecified positions, course 1290, 7 knots (probably U 1191 or U 671?).
       
- 374 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
0355 2 diving submarines in unspecified positions, course 1500, speed 15 knots.
    3) 0225      one ASV location in unspecified position.
    4) Enemy units located in:  AK 6968 - AM 6910 - 0340 - 5350 - BF 8385.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    1) According to directions of Group West, Flag Officer Submarines West suggests use of Schnorchel boats U 212 and 390 as ammunition transport boats.  Both boats released for this.  Herewith 4 boats set aside for this operation.
    2) F.O.I.C. Channel Isles observed attack at 1940, made by 2 Liberators, with bombs and guns on indistinguishable target, possibly submarine in BF 2666.  (This could have been U 269, which sailed from St. Peter Port during the night).  Clouds of smoke and occasional bursts of flame observed.  Spot will be searched at dawn.  This report confirms a radio intercept report in which an English aircraft sighted a submarine in 490 47' N.  (longitude unspecified), after having reported seeing the same submarine diving at 1900 hours.
      Group "Mitte":
      U 294 reported position in AF 8156.  U 980 was requested to report position, boat last reported aircraft attack on 11.6. in AF 7622.  U 100 reported picking up crew of 2 from Mosquito aircraft (Norwegians) at 0220 in AF 2358.  Aircraft shot down by U 804 on 16.6.  Boat received orders to put into Bergen to hand over prisoners.
  b) Boats in the Atlantic:
    1) U 673, boat on trials of turret 6, was ordered, contrary to previous instructions to return to Drontheim after execution of trials and consumption of provisions.
    2) U 546, which sailed from Lorient on 15.6. commenced return passage.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 
- 375 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
19.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 292
-
 BE 65
U 543
-
 ET 52
U 851
-
 Op(LC 70)
 
129
-
 DS 95
423
-
 AE 69
546
-
 BF 87
853
-
 Op(BD 50)
 
155
-
 CF 63
477
-
 BE 31
547
-
 BF 87
857
-
 Op(AK 79)
 
181
-
 LW 45
480
-
 AE 87
548
-
 Op(EU)
858
-
 AF 73
 
183
-
 Op(LD)
490
-
 DF 87
549
-
 Op(FB 60)
859
-
 GG 29
 
188
-
 BF 93
505
-
 CG 11
671
-
 BF 15
860
-
 GQ 23
 
190
-
 BF 82
516
-
 Op(ED)
673
-
 AL 25
861
-
 ER 53
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
530
-
 DR 96
675
-
 BF 47
862
-
 BD 17
 
198
-
 GR 93
534
-
 Op(AK 02)
678
-
 AE 85
955
-
 BF 57
 
233
-
 AK 56
537
-
 KR 32
715
-
 AL 32
971
-
 AK 93
 
243
-
 AF 47
539
-
 Op(EB 90)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
1222
-
 CC 13
 
247
-
 Op(AM 35)
541
-
 BF 47
743
-
 AN 29
1225
-
 AN 36
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 242
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 677
-
 Op(AN 34)
U 980
-
 Op(AF 76)
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 27)
 
276
-
 Op(AN 43)
745
-
 Op(AN 35)
982
-
 Op(AN 34)
1007
-
 Op(AN 35)
 
294
-
 Op(AF 81)
958
-
 Op(AF 84)
999
-
 Op(AN 37)
1165
-
 Op(AN 46
 
397
-
 Op(AN 43)
975
-
 Op(AN 28)
1000
-
 AN 2440      
 
   
   
   
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 214
-
 BF 2524
U 275
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 629
-
 Op(BF 25)
U 767
-
 BF 2654
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
441
-
 Op(BF 31)
740
-
 Op(BF 25)
984
-
 BF 2613
 
269
-
 BF 2693
621
-
 Op(BF 32)
764
-
 Op(BF 36)
988
-
 BF 2543
                   
1191
-
 BF 1939
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 155 - 188 - 190 - 505 - 541 - 543 - 546 - 548 - 955 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 188 - Bordeaux;  U 1000 - Bergen (Group "Mitte").
  Sailed:  U 804 - Bergen;  U 1062 - Penang.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) Sightings of boats in West:
     
19 Group: 1504 submarine in unspecified position, 1525 diving boat, latitude 490 35' N., longitude unspecified, course 1500, speed 15 knots (U 971).
  0608 periscope sighted in BF 2817.
    2) Enemy units were located in:  AL 8586 - 9280 - AM 7570 - 5720 - 5526 - BF 4449 - 9430 - 5830.
  d)  None.
       
- 376 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) Boats in the West:
      U 741 sailed from Brest carrying ammunition to Cherbourg.  All boats routed as follows:  Point 342 - BF 5211 to BF 2847, from there to the east and 10 miles north of way "Herz" to BF 2932.  From there through point 332 and along way "Herz" to convoy assembly point 254.
    2) Group "Mitte": 
      U 1000 entered Bergen.
    3) Atlantic boats:
      U 853 southerly weather boat, commenced return passage on account of the large number of the crew unfit for duty.
  b)- c) None.
  d)  U 955 has been lost.  Boat left Bergen on 15.4. and was last stationed as weather boat in area BD 60 and BE 40.  Commenced return passage from here on 28.5.  Last reported air attack on 6.6. in BE 8333.  As no further report has been received and boat should have reported entering port, even with days journey of 25 miles, it is probable boat was lost during this attack.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
20.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AE 67
U 546
-
 BF 85
U 853
-
 BE 74
 
129
-
 DS 68
477
-
 BF 31
547
-
 Op(EU 80)
857
-
 Op(AL 90)
 
155
-
 CG 14
480
-
 AL 35
548
-
 BF 73
858
-
 AF 48
 
181
-
 LW 27
490
-
 DF 87
549
-
 Op(FB 90)
859
-
 GG 65
 
183
-
 Op(LD)
505
-
 BE 99
673
-
 AL 14
860
-
 GQ 34
 
190
-
 BF 61
510
-
 Op(EC 90)
675
-
 BF 48
861
-
 ER 67
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
530
-
 DG 31
678
-
 AL 32
862
-
 BD 44
 
198
-
 KY 68
534
-
 Op(AK 18)
715
-
 AL 37
971
-
 BE 31
 
233
-
 AK 57
537
-
 KG 97
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
1062
-
 LF 51
 
243
-
 AE 69
539
-
 Op(EB 90)
743
-
 AN 29
1222
-
 CC 21
 
247
-
 Op(AM 35)
541
-
 BF 48
804
-
 AN 24
1225
-
 AN 31
 
292
-
 BE 69
543
-
 ET 27
851
-
 Op(LC)      
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 242 
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 677
-
 Op(AN 34)
U 980
-
 AF 7660
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 37)
 
276
-
 Op(AN 43)
745
-
 Op(AN 35)
982
-
 Op(AN 34)
1007
-
 Op(AN 35)
 
294
-
 AF 8150
958
-
 AF 8440
999
-
 Op(AN 37)
1165
-
 Op(AN 46)
 
397
-
 Op(AN 43)
975
-
 Op(AN 28)            
 
   
   
   
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 214
-
 Op(BF 22)
U 441
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 740
-
 Op(BF 25)
U 984
-
 BF 2693
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
621
-
 Op(BF 32)
741
-
 BF 2875
988
-
 BF 2617
 
       
- 377 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
269
-
 Op(BF 31)
629
-
 Op(BF 25)
764
-
 Op(BF 36)
1191
-
 BF 2843
 
275
-
 Op(BF 36)
671
-
 BF 2444
767
-
 Op(BF 26)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 155 - 190 - 505 - 541 - 543 - 546 - 548 - 853 - 955 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 190 - Lorient.
  Sailed:  U 763 - Brest;  U 427 - Kiel (for Group "Mitte");  U 865 - 396 - 478 - Kiel;  U 741 - Brest (West boat);  U 154 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) 2312  U 743 reported:  Liberator attack fought off, damage.  One badly wounded.
    2) U 183 reported situation from Indian Ocean:
      5.6. sank freighter of 5,000 GRT, course south, speed 10 knots in LN 8325.
      7.6. missed shot at fast freighter in LN 4931, course 1200; only two patrol vessels in area LN 2726, no firing possibilities.  Land based location 150 cm.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings in West:
     
19 Group: 0044 by aircraft "MGL 91" in BF 5437
  0215 surfaced boat in BF 2636, course 990, speed 10 knots.
18 Group: 1815 submarine in AF 7962
  1905 same aircraft reported:  Submarine still on surface.  Attacked with depth charges, probably scored hits (see also paragraph III a) 1)).
    2) Unspecified positions:
     
2340 periscope on course 800, speed 6 knots (490 53' N., longitude not given).
2340 surfaced submarine (490 47' N., longitude unspecified).
2357 surfaced submarine, course 900, 15 knots (480 39' N., longitude not given).
0047 surfaced submarine, course 450, speed 8 knots (460 59' N., longitude ?).
0655 aircraft of 19 Group reported:  Am examining suspicious object (patch of oil) in BF 2838.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    1) U 390 and U 309 (second and third ammunition transports) sailed.  Boats proceeding via
       
- 378 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      usual outward route to point "Wasser", point "Eis" to BF 5211.  Route there same as U 741 (see Diary of 19.6.).
    2) 0000 bombing attack on U 984 in St. Peter Port after dropping flares.  Boat undamaged, 0400 sailed for operational area (focal point BF 3610).
    3) Boats coming from Atlantic detailed to following operations areas:
      U 671 - 988 - 767 as U 621 and U 269 in north of enemy supply area.
      U 1191 as U 984 to south of enemy supply traffic with focal point BF 3610.
    4) As up to the present no reports have been received concerning the exact operations area for Schnorchel boats (north of Seine Bay) the 3 boats equipped with rod aerial U 764 - 441 and 621 were requested to give position report.  Boats were specially warned that these reports were of great importance and were to be made under any circumstances.  For this purpose they are left free to move away from operations area.
    Group "Mitte":
    U 294 - 980 - 958 detailed to return to Bergen.  Positions to be taken over by U 1192, 771 and 317.  Boats to sail on 21.6.  Readiness for all Group "Mitte" boats fixed at 5 hours.
    Atlantic boats:
    U 673 (trial boat for turret VI) occupying north half of AK as weather reporting area, U 534 south half of AK, and U 857 BD 50 - 90.
    U 743 making for Bergen on account of damage sustained in air attack and handing over of badly wounded member of crew.
  b) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 183                1 ship                5,000 GRT.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
21.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AE 91
U 546
-
 BF 83
U 857
-
 Op(BD 21)
 
129
-
 DS 63
478
-
 AO 48
547
-
 Op(EU 80)
858
-
 AF 47
 
154
-
 BF 55
480
-
 AL 37
548
-
 BF 81
859
-
 GG 93
 
155
-
 CG 12
490
-
 DR 24
549
-
 Op(FB 50)
860
-
 GQ 63
 
181
-
 LW 22
505
-
 BF 75
673
-
 Op(AL 19)
861
-
 ER 92
 
183
-
 Op(LN 31)
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
678
-
 AL 35
862
-
 BC 95
 
       
- 379 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
530
-
 EG 29
715
-
 AL 39
865
-
 AO 48
 
198
-
 KZ 47
534
-
 Op(AK 01)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
971
-
 BE 35
 
233
-
 AK 75
537
-
 KG 93
743
-
 AN 24
1062
-
 LE 41
 
243
-
 AE 68
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
804
-
 AF 87
1222
-
 CC 23
 
247
-
 Op(AM 35)
541
-
 BF 49
851
-
 Op(LC)
1225
-
 AN 29
 
396
-
 AO 48
543
-
 ET 13
853
-
 BF 72      
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 242
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 441
-
 Op(AN 34)
U 980
-
 Op(AF 76)
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 37)
 
276
-
 Op(AN 43)
621
-
 Op(AN 35)
982
-
 Op(AN 34)
1007
-
 Op(AN 35)
 
294
-
 Op(AF 81)
629
-
 Op(AN 84)
999
-
 Op(AN 37)
1165
-
 Op(AN 46)
 
397
-
 Op(AN 43)
671
-
 Op(AN 28)            
 
   
   
   
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 214
-
 Op(BF 22)
U 441
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 740
-
 Op(BF 25)
U 767
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
621
-
 Op(BF 31)
741
-
 Op(BF 28)
984
-
 BF 2662
 
269
-
 Op(BF 32)
629
-
 Op(BF 25)
763
-
 BF 52
1191
-
 BF 2843
 
275
-
 Op(BF 36)
671
-
 BF 2464
764
-
 Op(BF 36)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 155 - 505 - 541 - 543 - 546 - 548 - 853 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 743 - Bergen.
  Sailed:  U 390 - St. Nazaire;  U 309 - La Pallice;  U 1192 - Bergen
      U 1192 - Bergen      )
      U 317   - Egersund  )  Group "Mitte".
      U 771   - Stavanger )
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings in West:
     
19 Group: 0915 in BF 2568
  1510 submerged boat in 490 36' N., longitude not given.
  1605 submarine in 500 06' N., longitude not given.
  1405 in BF 1683;  1435 in BF 1676; course east, speed 15 knots (this was probably U 971).  Same boat was reported at same time by 2 other aircraft.
    2) Enemy units located in:  AL 3884 - BF 1156.
  d)  None.
       
- 380 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    1) As sea bombardment of besieged fortresses of Cherbourg by heavy units is to be expected, U 269 - 275 - 984 - 988 - 767 were detailed to new operations area north of Cotentin.  Boats must operate regardless of our own mines as operation is of special importance on account of situation on land.
    2) U 218 (mining operation south of Land's End) was bombed while Schnorchel sailing and was finally hunted and depth-charged for 60 hours.  At fresh approach Schnorchel was located and boat submitted to gunfire.   Boat had to move away since 2/3 of crew were poisoned by carbon monoxide.
    3) U 621 reported entering Brest.  Boat lay in operations area south of Portsmouth, and confirmed heavy patrol and traffic in current report.
    Group "Mitte":
    U 294 reported entering Bergen.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) None.
  c) In answer to request U 183 reported fuel reserves 125 cbm. and 12 weeks provisions.  Battery capacity now only 30%.  Boat received orders to suggest time and place for meeting with supply ship U 537 according to defence and weather situation, and afterwards to commence return passage to Penang.
  d)  U 292 - 477 - 675 must be regarded as lost.
     U 675 left Kristiansand on 18.5., U 292 left Bergen on 24.5. and U 477 Kristiansand on 28.5. en route for the Atlantic.  U 675 and U 292 were ordered to steer for west coast of France.  U 477 (Schnorchel boat) was destined for Channel.  In spite of repeated calls no further report was received from any of the 3 boats.  Only available report came from U 675 concerning air attack on 24.5. in AF 8440.  It is therefore presumed that all 3 boats fell victim to the considerably increased air patrol - partly fast land-based planes (Mosquitoes), while on their northward passage along the Norwegian coast.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 
- 381 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
22.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AE 86
U 546
-
 BF 64
U 857
-
 Op(BD 25)
 
129
-
 DS 36
478
-
 AN 36
547
-
 Op(EU 80)
858
-
 AE 69
 
154
-
 BF 54
480
-
 AL 03
548
-
 BF 57
859
-
 GH 78
 
155
-
 BF 58
490
-
 DR 51
549
-
 Op(FB 50)
860
-
 GR 47
 
181
-
 LM 94
505
-
 BF 73
673
-
 Op(AK 03)
861
-
 ER 99
 
183
-
 Op(LN 38)
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
678
-
 AL 66
862
-
 BC 82
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
530
-
 EG 52
715
-
 AL 65
865
-
 AN 36
 
198
-
 KZ 46
534
-
 Op(AK 54)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
971
-
 BE 36
 
233
-
 AK 77
537
-
 KH 47
804
-
 AF 73
1062
-
 LE 68
 
243
-
 AE 91
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
851
-
 Op(LC)
1222
-
 CC 31
 
247
-
 Op(AM 35)
541
-
 BF 61
853
-
 BF 73
1225
-
 AN 24
 
396
-
 AN 36
543
-
 EK 75            
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 242
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 397
-
 Op(AN 43)
U 958
-
 AF 87
U 999
-
 Op(AN 37)
 
276
-
 Op(AN 43)
677
-
 Op(AN 34)
975
-
 Op(AN 28)
1001
-
 Op(AN 37)
 
294
-
 AF 84
745
-
 Op(AN 35)
980
-
 AF 24
1007
-
 Op(AN 35)
 
317
-
 AN 31
771
-
 AN 29
982
-
 Op(AN 34)
1165
-
 Op(AN 46)
 
   
   
   
1192
-
 AF 87
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 214
-
 Op(BF 22)
U 390
-
 Op(BF 58)
U 740
-
 Op(BF 25)
U 767
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
441
-
 Op(BF 36)
741
-
 Op(BF 28)
984
-
 Op(BF 26)
 
269
-
 Op(BF 32)
621
-
 BF 3168
763
-
 Op(BF 27)
988
-
 Op(BF 23)
 
275
-
 Op(BF 36)
629
-
 Op(BF 25)
764
-
 Op(BF 36)
1191
-
 Op(BF 28)
 
309
-
 Op(BF 58)
671
-
 Op(BF 24)            
                         
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 155 - 505 - 541 - 543 - 546 - 548 - 853 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 541 - 546 - Lorient.
  Sailed:  U 802 - Lorient;  U 855 - Kiel;  U 994 - Kiel to Group "Mitte";  U 212 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings in the West:
     
19 Group: 1439 periscope sighted in BF 3527.
  1451 diving boat in BF 2571, course 2630, speed 6 knots.
  1603 periscope sighted in BF 3551, course 900, speed 2 knots.
  1809 submarine in BF 3543.
  1931 periscope sighted in BF 2698, have lost contact.
  2226 diving boat in BF 2597, course 350.
       
- 382 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
  2245 submarine in BF 2833.
  0202 submarine in BF 5439.
  0451 submarine in BF 2522.
  0459 submarine in BF 2585, course 1000, speed 6 knots.
    2) U-boat sightings in the Atlantic:
     
0140 submerged hydrophone bearing in FC 7181 (U 549).
1635 aircraft of 15 Group over submarine in unspecified position, course 1800, speed 10 knots (probably Schnorchel boat on passage to Channel.
    3) One ASV location in Gibraltar area, 050 54' W., latitude not given.
    4) Enemy units located in: AM 6461 - 4985 - AN 1814 - 8713 - BF 6726 - 6454 - 2565.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    1) Group West telegraphs Cherbourg situation very grave, deep penetration into fortress, which can no longer hold out until transport boats arrive.  To continue carrying of supplies therefore senseless.  Chief of Naval Staff ordered continuation of supply as land forces must be supported by every available means, and order for putting-about of boats can always still be given.   U 212 sailed as 4th transport boat.  Average load of boats as follows:
      800 hand grenades,
      135 special cartridges,
      55,500 steel jacketed bullets, in loading strip,
      100,500 steel jacketed bullets,
      800 Q.F. cartridges (separate ammunition),
      322 cartridge receivers,
      100,500 steel jacketed bullets without loading strip,
      100,500 steel jacketed bullets with tracer,
      1,000 7.5 cm. anti-tank shells,
      2,000 7.5 cm. shells,
      5,000 2 cm. anti-tank tracer igniters,
      20 fuse screws.
    2) Recently enemy cruiser and destroyer forces have appeared more frequently off the north Breton coast, especially in the vicinity of the Ile de Bas, for instance 2140 1 cruiser and 5 destroyers and 2200 4 large units, probably cruisers.  Group West requests operation of mine-laying submarine, as there
 
 
 
- 383 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      is no opportunity for operation of surface forces, and the chance of success for submarine with torpedoes very slight on account of strong defence.  It was decided to detail off 2 submarines (U 971 and U 678 returning from Atlantic) with torpedoes.  Reason:
     
a) U 218 the only boat capable of operating with 15 SMA immediately.  This small number of mines would afford little chance of success as routes and anchorages of enemy unknown.
b) Defence in this area in no way stronger than in rest of Channel.  Chance of success with torpedoes therefore certainly exists with the frequent appearance of such targets.
    3) During the course of day 22.6. and night 23.6. 11 submarines or periscopes in unspecified positions were reported by Radio Intercept Service and also 2 further submarines in unspecified positions.  It is presumed that the enemy has considerably increased his anti-submarine forces in the Channel.  Up to date the same number of boats in the Channel has only produced 3-4 sighting reports.
    4) With U 621, U 764 entered Brest without first reporting estimated time of arrival.  Boat was stationed in operations area focal point BF 3610.  According to verbal report the boats sank an L.S.T. of 3,000 GRT and one destroyer.
  b) Group "Mitte":
    U 294 entering port reported passing Hellisoey.  U 958 joined up with convoy U 294.  No report from U 980 yet received.   Boat was attacked by aircraft on 11.6. in waiting area, and did not reply to single request for position on 18.6.
     3 type VIIC boats in home waters ready for the front, U 480 - 1193 - 748 are intended for operations in the Gulf of Finland and put in to Reval on 22.6.  To camouflage berths, boats to proceed at intervals via Helsinki to Kotka with one day's anchorage in each.  Finally to return to Reval.
  Atlantic boats:
  c)  Penang passed on position report from U 537 of 21.6.  According to this boat lay in LN 99 having made passage from GF 34 with average daily journey of 150 miles.  U 183 to carry out refueling of U 537 at 1300/25/6 as proposed by former in LO 4225.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 
- 384 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
23.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AM 11
U 548
-
 BF 55
U 857
-
 Op(BD 27)
 
129
-
 DT 11
478
-
 AN 36
549
-
 Op(FB 50)
858
-
 AE 67
 
154
-
 BF 49
480
-
 AL 66
673
-
 Op(AK 37)
859
-
 GQ 26
 
155
-
 BF 61
490
-
 DR 58
678
-
 AL 69
860
-
 GR 73
 
181
-
 LM 68
505
-
 BF 57
715
-
 AL 65
862
-
 BC 85
 
183
-
 Op(LC 96)
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
865
-
 AN 35
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
530
-
 EG 54
802
-
 BF 55
971
-
 BF 15
 
198
-
 KZ 52
534
-
 Op(AK 55)
804
-
 AF 47
1062
-
 LE 82
 
233
-
 BC 32
537
-
 LN 99
851
-
 Op(LC)
1222
-
 BC 78
 
243
-
 E 86
539
-
 Op(CB 80)
853
-
 BE 81
1225
-
 AF 84
 
247
-
 Op(AM 35)
543
-
 EK 72
855
-
 AO 48
861
-
 FD 14
 
396
-
 AN 35
547
-
 Op(EU 80)            
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 242
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 677
-
 Op(AN 34)
U 980
-
 AF 24
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 37)
 
276
-
 Op(AN 34)
745
-
 Op(AN 35)
982
-
 Op(AN 34)
1007
-
 Op(AN 35)
 
294
-
 AF 84
771
-
 AN 29
994
-
 AN 36
1165
-
 Op(AN 46)
 
317
-
 AN 31
958
-
 AF 87
999
-
 Op(AN 37)
1192
-
 AF 87
 
397
-
 Op(AN 43)
975
-
 Op(AN 28)            
 
   
   
   
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 BF 67
U 309
-
 Op(BF 55)
U 671
-
 Op(BF 24)
U 764
-
 BF 28
 
214
-
 Op(BF 22)
390
-
 Op(BF 58)
740
-
 Op(BF 25)
984
-
 Op(BF 35)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
441
-
 Op(BF 36)
741
-
 Op(BF 29)
988
-
 Op(BF 23)
 
269
-
 Op(BF 35)
621
-
 BF 28
763
-
 Op(BF 26)
1191
-
 Op(BF 26)
 
275
-
 Op(BF 35)
629
-
 Op(BF 25)
767
-
 Op(BF 35)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 505 - 543 - 548 - 853 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 621 - 764 - Brest;  U 155 - Lorient.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings in the West:
     
19 Group: 0845 suspicious object (wake or eddy in BF 1655 - (U 971?).
  1025 in BF 2622
  1530 in BF 2923
  1604 in BF 2686
  1618 in BF 2922 (same aircraft) course 900
  1655 in BF 1386
  0425 in BF 2734
  0612 in BF 3175
  0725 in BF 2872
  0725 in BF 2736 periscope, course 1500, speed 8 knots.
       
- 385 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    2) Sightings of Atlantic boats:
      American steamer sighted periscope in LN 8678 (U 181?).
     
15 Group: 1700 submarine in unspecified position.
  1704 submarine in unspecified position.
    3) Enemy units located in:  AL 9220 - AM 9780 - AM 5360 - AN 4520 - BE 2452 - 2580 - 2530 - 1830.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    1) U 621 and U 764 sent short report:
      Principal experiences:
      Very heavy enemy traffic along given supply lines.  Good chances of success in BF 35 and 36 against targets from battleships to landing craft.  Defence not very strong on account of unfavorable listening and locating conditions.  Approach is extremely difficult, and to remain unnoticed therefore decisive.
      Boats report in detail:
      U 621:  Unsuccessful air attack while putting out in convoy on 10.6.  While on outward passage continuous hydrophone bearings and sightings by destroyers and anti-submarine units, ships of all kinds in operational area from battleships to landing craft, formations and convoys.  In most cases no opportunity to attack on account of broad angle on the bow, too great a range or bad visibility.  As well as various misses and failures while en route for BF 2728 T 5 fired at 2 destroyers with circular saws.  Explosion after 9 minutes 15 seconds, hit possible.  15.6. T 5 fired at laden L.S.T. in BF 3615.  Ship hit and blown to pieces.  On 18.6. at 1030 2 battleships in BF 3613 ("Prince of Wales" class).   4 destroyers on either side with asdic.  Fired bow electric torpedo, range 2,000 meters angle 800 good data, exploded too soon.  2 air driven torpedo misses as formation turned opposite course after explosion of first torpedo.  Then return passage having expended all torpedoes.
      U 764:  Substantially the same experiences.  A great number of sightings and chances to attack as U 621.  0322 2 FAT-torpedoes fired at noises passing overhead.  After 9 minutes
 
 
 
- 386 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      30 seconds 2 loud explosions, presumably end of run detonators.  15.6. in BF 2622 2 spread fired at destroyer "Atherstone".  Hit, bows rent, sunk.  Depth-charges - damage.  Intended to make for St. Peter Port for repairs.  Returned to Brest because of error in calculation of position.  Boat sailed submerged for 18 days using Schnorchel.
      Summary:
      Sunk:  1 destroyer, 1 L.S.T. (3,000 GRT).  1 torpedo hit on destroyer possible.
      A number of unexplained torpedo failures.  Operation of submarines in Seine Bay promises success.  Danger of starvation can be borne.  Approach much more difficult than operation in actual invasion area.  Operations of both these boats lead to satisfactory conclusions concerning battle prospects of the new types XXI and XXIII.
     
aa) With regard to submerged sailing with Schnorchel, and good approach to sighted or located targets at high submerged speed.
bb) Exploitation of firing chances by deep shot with "LUT" up to depth of 50 meters. In this area of heavy traffic both boats were often crossed over by enemy, but were not able to fire as deep shots up till then were not possible.
    2) Channel boats will be informed of these experiences in a number of radio messages.
    3) As Cherbourg situation has become even more grave harbor entrance had to be blockaded.  The 4 transport boats at sea received orders to return to Brest, there to be freshly equipped.
    4) Since U 621 and U 764 reported great possibilities of success under the comparatively moderate defence conditions in the Seine Bay, the operation of U 678 and U 971 north of the "Ile de Bas" is considered less promising, particularly as the defence in this area will become considerably stronger.   Boats will therefore proceed to area originally intended, the Seine Bay.  Focal point BF 3610.
    5) U 971, recently incorporated in Group West sighted 2 destroyers at 0634 in BF 2764.  Boat made passage across Atlantic in comparatively fast time, average day's journey 90 miles.
    6) U 275 reported entering Brest from operations area Seine Bay.
 
 
 
- 387 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  Group "Mitte":
    U 294 and U 958 entered Bergen.  No report yet from U 980, which gives cause for concern.  U 481 sailed from Reval. Air attack on U 397 at 0609 in AN 4338.  Finally boat reported at 0624 that it had not been observed.
  b) Atlantic boats:  None.
  c) U 154 and U 802 sailing from west coast of France for the Atlantic dropped 10 Thetis buoys apiece during passage through Biscay.
  d)  Transmitted to all ships:  Current Orders No. 47 (Appendix).
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 621 1 ship 3,000 GRT.
U 764 1 destroyer  
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 388 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
Current Order No. 27
June 1944 edition
Operation of Tunis installation ("Fleige" and "Mücke")
       
A. Enemy apparatus:
  At the moment enemy is using mainly centimeter waves.
  1) At present concentration is around the 10 centimeter wave area.  Enemy apparatus with stationary, sweep and rotary antennae and continuous radiation and short location transmissions (intermittent transmitter).  So far aircraft only confirmed as using rotary transmission.  Revolutions about 1-4 per second.  Aircraft flying at 1,000 meters must be reckoned to have about a 50 - 100 km. range against submarines.
  2) Also enemy operation in the 3 cm. wave area must be reckoned with.  Location activity in this band so far only confirmed over land, as we have no observation apparatus for observation at sea.  Details concerning range, continuous transmission, short location transmission, etc. not yet available.
       
B. Own installations:
  Tunis-installation consists of a combination of Fliege and Mücke.
  Fliege:  Reflector antenna (developed from Naxos "single finger") with rough direction finder.  Receiving sector about 900; warning range against aircraft flying at altitude of 1,000 meters between 60 and 70 km.
    "Fliege" at present in operation as single apparatus.
  "Mücke":  Cavity aerial (formed like a small megaphone) with direction finder possibility.  Receiving sector about 150. As yet no details with regard to range.  At present operation only in combination with "Fliege" (named Tunis).  Both antennae mounted in same frame.  Connecting cable through turret to two amplifiers.  Tunis can be installed in direction finder frame or on rod.
       
C. Instructions for handling:
    Tunis installation operates with non-radiating detectors.
    To pick up enemy apparatus, continuous rotation through 3600 is necessary.  Break-through of enemy 10 cm. apparatus into "Mücke" wave-band
 
 
 
- 389 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  area, even at close range not yet confirmed.  Examination of both antennae with "Puck" before operation, and hourly during operation necessary.  When own radar in operation take in Fliege and Tunis.  Detectors endangered!  When radar equipped enemy is confirmed in vicinity a sharp silhouette will considerably reduce pick-up range of enemy apparatus.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 390 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
24.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AL 36
U 547
-
 Op(EU 80)
U 855
-
 AN 36
 
129
-
 DG 94
478
-
 AN 36
548
-
 BF 61
857
-
 Op(BD 55)
 
154
-
 BF 48
480
-
 AM 71
549
-
 Op(FB 60)
858
-
 AE 67
 
181
-
 LN 10
490
-
 DR 85
673
-
 Op(AK 37)
859
-
 GQ 66
 
183
-
 Op(LN 33)
505
-
 BF 57
678
-
 AM 74
860
-
 GR 98
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
715
-
 AL 68
861
-
 FD 46
 
198
-
 KZ 36
530
-
 EG 49
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
862
-
 CD 15
 
233
-
 BC 34
534
-
 Op(AK 64)
802
-
 BF 57
865
-
 AN 31
 
243
-
 AE 88
537
-
 LO 71
804
-
 AE 69
1062
-
 LP 12
 
247
-
 Op(AM 35)
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
851
-
 Op(LC)
1222
-
 BC 87
 
396
-
 AN 31
543
-
 EK 44
853
-
 BE 82
1225
-
 AF 73
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 242
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 677
-
 Op(AN 34)
U 980
-
 AN 24
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 37)
 
276
-
 Op(AN 43)
745
-
 Op(AN 35)
982
-
 Op(AN 34)
1007
-
 Op(AN 35)
 
317
-
 Op(AF 76)
771
-
 Op(AF 84)
994
-
 AN 36
1165
-
 Op(AN 46)
 
397
-
 Op(AN 43)
975
-
 Op(AN 28)
999
-
 Op(AN 37)
1192
-
 Op(AF 81)
 
   
   
   
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 Op(BF 91)
U 309
-
 Op(BF 55)
U 740
-
 Op(BF 25)
U 971
-
 Op(BF 24)
 
214
-
 Op(BF 22)
390
-
 Op(BF 48)
741
-
 Op(BF 34)
984
-
 Op(BF 35)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
441
-
 Op(BF 36)
763
-
 Op(BF 26)
988
-
 Op(BF 35)
 
269
-
 Op(BF 35)
629
-
 Op(BF 25)
767
-
 Op(BF 35)
1191
-
 Op(BF 26)
 
275
-
 Op(BF 35)
671
-
 Op(BF 23)            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 505 - 543 - 548 - 853 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 275 - 390 - Brest;  U 548 - Lorient;  U 212 - La Pallice.  
  Sailed:  U 953 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings in West:
     
19 Group: 1143 in BF 2878, course N., speed 2 knots.
  1205 in BF 2619 probable periscope sighted.
  1303 in BF 2796 course 1500, speed 10 knots.
  1314 diving boat in BF 2799, course 1500, speed 12 knots.
  1410 in BF 2799.
  1437 in BF 2712.
  1445 in BF 2735, course 1000, speed 4-5 knots.
       
- 391 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
  2315 in BF 2738.
  0126 in BF 2676.
  0126 periscope sighted in BF 2648, course N., speed 6 knots.
  0145 ASV location in BF 2569.
  0645 long-distance reconnaissance aircraft sighted submarine in BF 2638.
    2) Sightings of boats in Atlantic:
      0944 in BF 1385
      1203 in BF 4311
      0131 in EC 9168.  Submarine attacked (U 516).
    3) Enemy units located in: AM 5310 - 4336 - 4972 - 6410 - AL 5722.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    1) U 390 (ammunition boat), U 275 (from Channel) entered Brest.  U 212 (ammunition boat) entered La Pallice.
    2) Following received orders to commence return passage:  U 629 - 740 (2 boats without Schnorchel in operations area BF 2520/30) and U 441 (Schnorchel boat in operations area BF 3610).  Boats left port on 6.6. and have not yet reported.
    3) Today again heavy anti-submarine patrol by enemy aircraft (13 submarine sightings according to radio intercept reports).
    Group "Mitte":
     Chief of Naval Staff has ordered that only 6 boats shall remain at sea, positions between 570 and 610 N.
     Following positions to be occupied from 27.6.
     
U  745
-
 AN 3111
317
-
 AN 2896
U 1165
-
 AN 3427
771
-
 AN 2834
U 1001
-
 AN 4366
994
-
 AF 8776
    Rest of boats return passage to Bergen or Stavanger.  Group "Mitte" reduced to 25 boats on account of the equipping of new type XXI boats with crews.  8 boats, U 1007 - 999 - 982 - 677 - 276 - 397 - 975 and U 1192 are to be withdrawn and after disembarkation of crews, to be handed over to 24th and 23rd Submarine Flotillas.
 
 
 
- 392 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  b)  U 530 received orders, after execution of special duty (rendezvous with Japanese submarine "Tanne") to make for Trinidad via EP 40.  Operation promises success as there is heavy traffic in that area.  The heavy air patrol is not of such great importance since U 530 is a Schnorchel boat.
  c) While refueling from U 183, U 537 handed over to this boat new cyphers (key word order "Venus"), Borkum and Naxos.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 393 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
Appendix to Diary of 24.6.1944
       
        The question of whether it is better to continue to keep a large number of boats ready in the ports on the west coast of France or to send them into battle in the Atlantic, has once more been tested.
           It concerns 19 type VIIC boats without Schnorchel which were made ready for the event of the invasion and put out into the Biscay only for the first few days.
           It must always be borne in mind before passing judgment that the danger od a landing on the Biscay coast still exists.  Second is the possibility of an enemy attack on Brittany where the French resistance movement is very strong and off the coast of which shipping movements have been repeatedly observed, and the attempt to capture Brest.
            The following results could be expected if boats were sent to do battle in the Atlantic:
           Withdrawal of enemy sea and air forces from invasion area for protection of Atlantic convoys, escorts of which have probably been weakened in favor of the invasion.
           Whether such a withdrawal of forces would actually take place is very doubtful.  The enemy commands sufficient forces to be strong on both fronts.  There is also no evidence to support the fact that other responsibilities have taken a second place for the sake of the invasion.
           Even where the operation of boats in the Atlantic to produce results in this direction the question remains whether the operation and chances of success would justify it.
           The operation would certainly involve heavy losses.  These would have to be reckoned with on the long outward passage of boats without Schnorchel alone, as well as during the necessity waiting period for suitable targets - a more or less coincidental affair on account of lack of information concerning enemy movements.
           Nevertheless this or similar operation would have to be undertaken, if it were not for the question of their operation in possible further landing operations.  This however must be reckoned with.
           In this too, high losses must naturally be expected.  The possibility though, of finding and attacking targets at all, is certainly greater than in the Atlantic and more important still, the targets more worthwhile.  While 2 years ago it was still correct to defend "Norway (or Europe today) in American waters", that is, in the place where the highest tonnage was to be sunk, this phrase no longer applies today, and an L.S.T. sunk in the invasion area is for example more important than a Liberty ship sunk in the Atlantic.
 
 
 
- 394 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
           Summing up one therefore comes to the following conclusion:
           Operation of West boats in Atlantic would mean high losses and little, indirect success, diversionary effect altogether doubtful.
           For the present it is more important to keep the boats ready for the event of further landings in the West, where losses will not be fewer it is true, but chances of success greater, and single successes of more value.
           Boats will therefore continue to remain ready in port.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 395 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
25.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AL 03
U 547
-
 Op(EU 80)
U 857
-
 Op(BD 52)
 
129
-
 DG 67
478
-
 AN 36
549
-
 Op(FB 60)
858
-
 AE 83
 
154
-
 BF 47
480
-
 AM 77
673
-
 Op(AK 37)
859
-
 GR 72
 
181
-
 Op(LN 80)
490
-
 DR 88
678
-
 BE 31
860
-
 KY 94
 
183
-
 LO 18
505
-
 BF 58
715
-
 AL 68
861
-
 FD 81
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
862
-
 CD 41
 
198
-
 JA 12
530
-
 EG 71
802
-
 BF 49
865
-
 AN 24
 
233
-
 BC 29
534
-
 Op(AK 64)
804
-
 AE 68
1062
-
 LO 39
 
243
-
 AL 32
537
-
 LO 45
851
-
 Op(LC)
1222
-
 BC 88
 
247
-
 Op(AM 36)
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
853
-
 BE 83
1225
-
 AF 48
 
396
-
 AN 24
543
-
 EK 17
855
-
 AN 36      
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 242
-
 AN 28
U 677
-
 Op(AN 34)
U 980
-
 AN 24
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 37)
 
218
-
 AN 43
745
-
 Op(AN 35)
982
-
 Op(AN 34)
1007
-
 Op(AN 35)
 
269
-
 Op(AF 76)
771
-
 Op(AF 84)
994
-
 AN 29
1165
-
 Op(AN 46)
 
309
-
 AN 43
975
-
 AN 28
999
-
 Op(AN 37)
1192
-
 AF 81
 
   
   
   
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 214
-
 Op(BF 22)
U 441
-
 BF 36
U 741
-
 BF 2830
U 971
-
 Op(BF 28)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
629
-
 BF 25
763
-
 Op(BF 35)
984
-
 Op(BF 35)
 
269
-
 Op(BF 35)
671
-
 Op(BF 31)
767
-
 Op(BF 35)
988
-
 Op(BF 35)
 
309
-
 BF 52
740
-
 BF 25
953
-
 BF 51
1191
-
 Op(BF 35)
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 505 - 543 - 853 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 309 - Brest;  U 397 - Stavanger (Group "Mitte").  
  Sailed:  U 546 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 719 reports situation:
    14.6.  AM 5257 one destroyer of "Escort" class.
    21.6.  AM 5468 one ferry ship, S. course, medium speed.
    24.6.  AM 5512 homing torpedo miss at patrol vessel class "Agathe".  ("Trier").
    In AM 52 southern third and AM 55 northern third continuous patrol of up to 5 ships.  Up to date boat has reported one sighting during day and one location by aircraft at night.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
0842 submarine in unspecified position.
1838 English steamer sighted surfaced submarine in MS 9780 (U 196?).
       
- 396 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    2) Enemy units located in:  AL 6824 - 9821 - AM 6140 - 6422 - 7464 - BF 5158 - 7560.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    1) U 309 (3rd ammunition transport) entered Brest.
    2) Short report from U 275 contains no fresh information.  Boat attempted to reach operations area 3 times, but had to turn away each time on account of anti-submarine units.  After bombing of Schnorchel and track of oil cause by this, boat commenced return passage.
   Group "Mitte":
    U 397 entered Bergen.  U 771 reported air attack at 0704/26/6.
   Atlantic boats:
  b) None.
  c) After refueling of U 537, U 183 rendezvous 'd with U 1062 in LO 9555 (transport boat on return passage to Penang) for handing over of cyphers.  U 183 reported earliest possible date of arrival.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
26.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AL 63
U 546
-
 BF 55
U 855
-
 AO 44
 
129
-
 DG 64
478
-
 AN 31
547
-
 Op(EU 80)
857
-
 Op(BD 62)
 
154
-
 BE 96
480
-
 BE 31
549
-
 Op(FB 60)
858
-
 AE 85
 
181
-
 Op(LN 80)
490
-
 EG 26
673
-
 Op(AK 24)
859
-
 GR 87
 
183
-
 LO 42
505
-
 BF 82
678
-
 BE 35
860
-
 KY 92
 
196
-
 Op(LC)
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
715
-
 AL 65
861
-
 FD 72
 
198
-
 KQ 27
530
-
 EF 98
719
-
 Op(AM 52)
862
-
 CD 47
 
233
-
 BC 52
534
-
 Op(AK 67)
802
-
 BF 72
865
-
 AF 87
 
243
-
 AL 36
537
-
 LO 15
804
-
 AE 67
1062
-
 LO 66
 
247
-
 Op(AM 36)
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
851
-
 Op(LC)
1222
-
 BC 97
 
396
-
 AF 87
543
-
 EJ 33
853
-
 BE 91
1225
-
 AF 47
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 242
-
 AN 24
U 745
-
 Op(AN 35)
U 982
-
 AN 34
U 1007
-
 AN 35
 
276
-
 AN 31
771
-
 Op(AF 84)
994
-
 AN 23
1165
-
 Op(AN 46)
 
317
-
 Op(AF 76)
975
-
 AN 29
999
-
 AN 35
1192
-
 AF 87
 
677
-
 AN 34
980
-
 AN 24?
1001
-
 Op(AN 37)      
 
       
- 397 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
Western Boats:
 
U 214
-
 Op(BF 22)
U 629
-
 BF 28
U 763
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 984
-
 Op(BF 35)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
671
-
 Op(BF 32)
767
-
 Op(BF 35)
988
-
 Op(BF 35)
 
269
-
 Op(BF 35)
740
-
 BF 28
953
-
 BF 2735
1191
-
 Op(BF 36)
 
441
-
 BF 31
741
-
 BF 28
971
-
 Op(BF 26)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 505 - 543 - 853 - 855 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 242 - Bergen;  U 975 - Stavanger.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1618 air attack on U 999 in AN 3777 (Group "Mitte").
  b)  None.
  c) 1) 54 aircraft of 19 Group were confirmed in the Bay of Biscay.
    2) U-boat sightings:
     
19 Group: 1500 2 periscopes sighted in BF 2825.
  2340 submarine in BF 2423.
  1650 submarine in unspecified position.
18 Group: 2320 surfaced submarine in 020 11' E., latitude not given.
    3) Enemy units located in:  AL 7832 - 3980 - 5250 - 5260 - 5340 - 4660 - 5540.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    U 988 - 767 - 984 - 269 received orders to remove to operations area from north of Cherbourg to the east in accordance with experiences of U 621 and U 764.
     U 988 and U 767 operating north of 500 05' N., U 984 and U 269 to the south of it.
  Group "Mitte":
    U 293 transferred to command of Flag Officer Submarines "Mitte" with immediate effect, as it is without Schnorchel.
       
- 398 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    U 999 reported air attack (see paragraph III a).  U 771 reported shooting down attacking aircraft (Liberator) at 0710.
    On the order of Admiral Commanding Submarines 5 further submarines have been withdrawn for operation in the East (Gulf of Finland).  Boats to commence passage to Kiel with all speed.  8 boats already detailed to put into Bergen before commencing return passage in order to hand over torpedoes and front equipment.
    At present Group "Mitte" consists of 22 boats, of which U 980 must be reckoned as lost.
  Atlantic boats:
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U 183 was ordered to take over Naxos and Borkum from U 537 for own use and for U 1062 (in case of their own installation being unserviceable).  At 1948 boat reported date of arrival at rendezvous with U 1062 as 29.6. and execution of refuel of U 537.
    2) U 715 must be reckoned as lost.  Boat sailed from Stavanger and had orders to make for Channel by shortest route and maximum continuous speed, as far as possible on surface.  In spite of repeated requests boat has not yet reported.
      This is the fifth boat lost in the Iceland Passage this month.  (Second Schnorchel boat).
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 771                1 aircraft.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
27.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AL 66
U 546
-
 BF 57
U 857
-
 Op(BD 63)
 
129
-
 DG 38
478
-
 AN 24
547
-
 Op(EU 80)
858
-
 AE 87
 
154
-
 BE 98
480
-
 BE 35
549
-
 Op(FB 50)
859
-
 GR 89
 
181
-
 Op(LN 50)
490
-
 EG 61
673
-
 Op(AK 28)
860
-
 KZ 72
 
183
-
 LO 54
505
-
 BF 82
678
-
 BE 36
861
-
 FD 77
 
196
-
 Op(MS 97)
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
862
-
 CD 74
 
198
-
 KQ 86
530
-
 EP 31
802
-
 BF 71
865
-
 AF 81
 
233
-
 BC 54
534
-
 Op(AK 60)
804
-
 AE 83
1062
-
 LO 90
 
243
-
 AL 38
537
-
 Op(LD 78)
851
-
 Op(LC)
1222
-
 BC 99
 
247
-
 Op(AM 36
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
853
-
 BE 92
1225
-
 AE 69
 
396
-
 AF 81
543
-
 DT 96
855
-
 AO 74      
 
       
- 399 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 276
-
 AN 31
U 745
-
 Op(AN 38)
U 982
-
 AN 34
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 43)
 
317
-
 Op(AN 28)
771
-
 Op(AN 28)
994
-
 Op(AF 87)
1007
-
 AN 34
 
677
-
 AN 34
980
-
 AF 76
999
-
 AN 34
1165
-
 Op(AN 34)
                   
1192
-
 AF 87
 
   
   
   
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 214
-
 Op(BF 22)
U 629
-
 BF 2790
U 763
-
 Op(BF 36)
U 984
-
 Op(BF 36)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
671
-
 Op(BF 32)
767
-
 Op(BF 32)
988
-
 Op(BF 32)
 
269
-
 Op(BF 36)
740
-
 BF 2790
953
-
 Op(BF 25)
1191
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
441
-
 BF 2590
741
-
 BF 2790
971
-
 Op(BF 26)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 505 - 543 - 853 - 855 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 855 - Kiel;  U 1192 - Bergen;  U 1007 - 999 - Kristiansand.
  Sailed:  U 390 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) 30 aircraft of 19 Group confirmed in Bay of Biscay.
    2) 0118 ASV location in AN 8587.
    3) Enemy units located in: AK 5585 - AL 0381 - AL 2896 - 3785 - AM 6810 - 5450 - 5380 - 0290 - 5393.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    1) U 741 (last ammunition transport) reported entering Brest.
    2) According to captured chart, route from England to mouth of the Orne via BF 3241 upper middle, BF 3244 lower left edge, BF 3271 lower right, BF 3275 lower middle, NF 3613 upper right, BF 3627 upper right to BF 3682 lower middle.  Positions 1 - 5 are marked by light buoys.
  Group "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
  Atlantic boats:
  b) 1) U 490 ordered to make for Penang at high speed.  While on passage there or on return
       
- 400 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      passage boat to refuel probably four type IXC boats on return passage (U 510 - 532 - 183 - 843).  Passage home with cargo of war supplies intended after shortest possible docking time.
    2) On account of fresh losses, boats en route through Iceland Passage again received orders to proceed mainly submerged until entry into AL - as far as possible Schnorchel sailing.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
28.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AL 66
U 546
-
 BF 81
U 857
-
 Op(AK 66)
 
129
-
 DG 33
478
-
 AF 84
547
-
 Op(EU 80)
858
-
 AL 31
 
154
-
 CG 14
480
-
 BE 36
549
-
 Op(FB 50)
859
-
 GR 99
 
181
-
 Op(LN 20)
490
-
 EG 64
673
-
 Op(AK 16)
860
-
 KZ 57
 
183
-
 LO 59
505
-
 BF 82
678
-
 BF 14
861
-
 FK 26
 
196
-
 Op(MS 97)
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
862
-
 DE 33
 
198
-
 KQ 92
530
-
 EP 26
802
-
 BE 96
865
-
 AF 49
 
233
-
 BC 57
534
-
 Op(AK 57)
804
-
 AE 85
1062
-
 LO 90
 
243
-
 AM 41
537
-
 Op(LD 70)
851
-
 Op(LC)
1222
-
 BD 58
 
247
-
 Op(AM 36)
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
853
-
 BE 93
1225
-
 AE 68
 
396
-
 AF 73
543
-
 DT 68            
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group Command "Mitte":
 
U 317
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 771
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 43)      
 
745
-
 Op(AN 38)
994
-
 Op(AF 87)
1165
-
 Op(AN 34)      
 
   
   
   
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 214
-
 Op(BF 22)
U 441
-
 BF 2810
U 741
-
 BF 2870
U 971
-
 Op(BF 31)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
629
-
 BF 2870
763
-
 Op(BF 36)
984
-
 Op(BF 36)
 
269
-
 Op(BF 36)
671
-
 Op(BF 32)
767
-
 Op(BF 32)
988
-
 Op(BF 32)
 
390
-
 Op(BF 28)
740
-
 BF 2870
953
-
 Op(BF 26)
1191
-
 Op(BF 36)
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 505 - 543 - 853 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 741 - Brest.
  Sailed:  U 212 - La Pallice;  U 642 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  2008 air attack on U 396 in AF 7378 (see also paragraph III c).
  b)  None.
       
- 401 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
18 Group: 2000 periscope sighted in AF 7683, course 3500, speed 3 knots.
  2010 surfaced submarine 010 08' E., latitude not given, course 900, speed 16 knots.
  2047 submarine in 010 20' E., latitude not given.
      In all three cases U 396 was concerned (see also paragraph III a).
    2) Enemy units located in: AK 4776 - AM 9770 - 3690.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    U 212 sailed from La Pallice and U 642 St. Nazaire for Channel (Schnorchel boats).  U 741 (last ammunition transport) entered Brest.
  Group "Mitte":   Nothing to report.
  Atlantic boats:
  b) 1) U 537 received freedom of movement around southern tip of India, focal point off Colombo.
    2) U 154 steering for DC 49.  Operation in coastal waters from Cape Hatteras to Florida Straits intended.
    3) U 861 cannot operate in Argentine waters as intended for political reasons.  Boat has been warned that latitude 280 S. and southwards in this area must under no circumstances be crossed.
    4) Because of high unaccountable losses (see also Diary of 27.6.) of boats on passage through the Iceland Straits for Channel or west coast of France, the two boats in southern half of AL U 423 and U 243 received orders to proceed with care and not maximum continuous speed as ordered.
  c) None.
  d)  Following radio message sent to all ships:
    Experimental message No. 132:
     A number of boats have confirmed by observation with radar that on moonless nights, aircraft
 
 
 
- 402 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    having once established position of boat came in, down moon, to attack.  Visual bombing without searchlight is then possible.  Aircraft is difficult to pick out for anti-aircraft guns, therefore open up fire on radar bearing at extreme range, without having actually located target.  In this way aircraft is taken by surprise in most cases and forced to turn away. There is then opportunity to dive dependent on weather conditions, see Current Orders No. 9.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
29.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AL 66
U 546
-
 BF 76
U 857
-
 Op(BD 68)
 
129
-
 CF 79
478
-
 AF 73
547
-
 Op(EU 80)
858
-
 AL 22
 
154
-
 CG 17
480
-
 BF 14
549
-
 Op(FB 50)
859
-
 KY 91
 
181
-
 Op(LN 20)
490
-
 EG 69
673
-
 Op(AK 17)
860
-
 KZ 53
 
183
-
 LO 99
505
-
 BE 82
678
-
 BF 15
861
-
 FK 56
 
196
-
 Op(MS 90)
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
719
-
 Op(AM 15)
862
-
 DE 63
 
198
-
 KR 47
530
-
 EP 52
802
-
 BE 98
865
-
 AF 48
 
233
-
 BC 73
534
-
 Op(AK 50)
804
-
 AE 84
1062
-
 LO 99
 
243
-
 AM 47
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
851
-
 Op(LC)
1222
-
 BD 64
 
247
-
 Op(AM 36)
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
853
-
 BF 72
1225
-
 AE 67
 
396
-
 AF 73
543
-
 ET 65            
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 317
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 771
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 43)      
 
745
-
 Op(AN 38)
994
-
 Op(AF 87)
1165
-
 Op(AN 34)      
 
   
   
   
   
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 BF 9133
U 390
-
 BF 2816
U 672
-
 BF 6493
U 953
-
 Op(BF 62)
 
214
-
 Op(BF 22)
441
-
 BF 2795
740
-
 BF 2798
971
-
 Op(BF 32)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
629
-
 BF 2778
763
-
 Op(BF 36)
984
-
 Op(BF 36)
 
269
-
 Op(BF 36)
671
-
 Op(BF 32)
767
-
 Op(BF 32)
988
-
 Op(BF 32)
                   
1191
-
 Op(BF 36)
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 505 - 543 - 853 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  U 677 - 982 - Bergen.  
  Sailed:  U 309 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 547 reported situation from Ivory Coast. On 14.6. out of small convoy course 3100, speed 11 knots in EU 4987 sank one escort vessel, 1 steamer of 6,000 GRT torpedoed, probably sunk.
       
- 403 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      Slight day and night air patrol confirmed.  On 29.6. in EU 99 hunted steamer which made off on course 800.
    2) 0111 air attack on U 396 in AF 7341.  Boat reported at 0108 that it remained on surface to fight it out with anti-aircraft armament.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
19 Group: 0804 surfaced submarine in BF 3534.
  0115 (30.6) periscope sighted in BF 2534, course 2200, speed 4 knots.  This was U 214 which sent out signal saying mining task executed at 0000 hours. Boat now on return passage.
18 Group: 1055 submarine in AF 7631.
  1100 submarine in AF 7634.
  1315 periscope sighted in AF 7346, course 2000 (?), speed 5 knots.
    2) Enemy units located in:  AL 0288 - AM 6890 - 9858 - 5510 - BF 3160.
    3) According to radio intercept report unknown ship was torpedoed in convoy by submarine (hit astern).  Sea area not known (Channel possible).
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    1) U 672 again entering port. Boat was to have continued passage after Schnorchel trials, if serviceable. Entering port signal therefore means Schnorchel unserviceable.
    2) U 309 put out to operations area north of Seine Bay.
    3) U 214 has executed mining task off Plymouth (15 SMA) and is on return passage to Brest.
    4) Apart from short reports from U 621 and U 764 no other information has been received from boats north of Seine Bay concerning operational possibilities in this area.  Some knowledge is extremely important, especially in view of the boats proceeding there fresh from the Atlantic.  Radio messages can scarcely be hoped for, as only 2 boats coming from Western France are equipped with rod aerial, and cannot yet
 
 
 
- 404 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      have reached this area.  A report cannot be made until the arrival of further boats.  As boats ordered to make return passage, U 629, U 740 (without Schnorchel from operations area Plymouth Sound) and U 441 (operations area north of Seine Bay) have not yet entered port, U 269 and U 984 received instructions to commence return passage as soon as condition of boat and crew make this necessary.  On the reports of these boats will depend the decision as to whether Schnorchel boats returning from the Atlantic will continue to be sent to this area.
  Group "Mitte":
  U 242 - 348 - 370 - 479 and U 679 are at present on passage from Kristiansand to Gulf of Finland via Kiel.
  Atlantic boats:
  b) 1) On account of report from U 547 (see III a) 1)) U 546 at present outward-bound, was ordered to same area.
    2) U 543 reported Schnorchel out of order on return passage.  Boat made no enemy sightings in operational area (Gold Coast).
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 547 1 patrol vessel  
  1 ship 6,000 GRT.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
30.June 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
 Op(BB 70)
U 423
-
 AL 66
U 546
-
 BF 78
U 857
-
 Op(BD 64)
 
129
-
 CF 76
478
-
 AF 48
547
-
 EU 99
858
-
 AL 23
 
154
-
 CF 63
480
-
 BF 15
549
-
 Op(FB 50)
859
-
 KY 93
 
181
-
 Op(LN 20)
490
-
 EH 74
673
-
 Op(AK 18)
860
-
 KZ 38
 
183
-
 LD 74
505
-
 BF 82
678
-
 BF 16
861
-
 FK 91
 
196
-
 Op(MS 90)
516
-
 Op(EC 90)
719
-
 Op(AM 50)
862
-
 DF 47
 
198
-
 KR 42
530
-
 EP 46
802
-
 CG 11
865
-
 AF 47
 
233
-
 BC 75
534
-
 Op(AK 72)
804
-
 AE 79
1062
-
 LY 32
 
243
-
 AM 71
537
-
 Op(LD 40)
851
-
 Op(LC)
1222
-
 BD 65
 
247
-
 Op(AM 36)
539
-
 Op(EB 80)
853
-
 BF 73
1225
-
 AE 83
 
396
-
 AF 73
543
-
 DT 92            
 
   
   
   
   
 
Group "Mitte":
 
U 317
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 771
-
 Op(AN 28)
U 1001
-
 Op(AN 43)      
 
745
-
 Op(AN 38)
994
-
 Op(AF 87)
1165
-
 Op(AN 34)      
 
- 405 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
Western Boats:
 
U 212
-
 BF 5869
U 390
-
 Op(BF 25)
U 740
-
 BF 2798
U 971
-
 Op(BF 32)
 
214
-
 BF 2557
441
-
 BF 2795
763
-
 Op(BF 36)
984
-
 Op(BF 36)
 
218
-
 Op(BF 24)
629
-
 BF 2778
767
-
 Op(BF 32)
988
-
 Op(BF 32)
 
269
-
 Op(BF 36)
671
-
 Op(BF 32)
953
-
 Op(BF 31)
1191
-
 Op(BF 36)
 
309
-
 BF 2799
672
-
 BF 6734            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 129 - 505 - 543 - 547 - 853 - 1222.
  Entered Port:  - . -  
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) 2059 air attack on U 478 in AF 4852.
    2) U 107 reported situation:
      Only hydrophone bearings on account of persistent fog.  During day south of Halifax a total of 3 single freighters on northerly course and one destroyer on westerly course.  At night no traffic, Naxos twice.
      13.6. in BB 7758 motor sailer on westerly course, shot underneath.  Probably sank her with gunfire.
      19.6. fired T 5 at destroyer in BB 7751, explosion after 16 minutes.  (Addition:  probably end of run detonator).  Finally a few depth charges from 5 destroyers and bombs from twin-engined aircraft.  Otherwise neither air nor sea activity.  Boat has commenced return passage.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
18 Group: 1750 in AF 7238 by aircraft "LGFA".
  1805 surfaced submarine in AF 7238.
  2035 over submarine in AF 7238.
  2105 same aircraft reported submarine still on surface.  Aircraft damaged by gunfire; attacked with depth-charges then gave up hunt.  (This was U 478).
  2120 aircraft "SHCE" sighted submarine in AF 7224.
       
- 406 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
19 Group: 1255 submarine in BF 2525, course 1000, speed 4 knots.
  1312 over submarine in BF 2529.
    2) Enemy units located in:  AL 8722 - AM 5710 - 5530 - 1666 - BE 1229 - DG 6955.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in West:
    1) U 214 reported entering Brest.
    2) Loss of U 629 must be reckoned with.  Boat sailed from Brest on 6.6. with rest of West boats and was detailed to Plymouth Sound as operations area.  No report received since boat left port.  Boat was probably lost in air attack on 7.6. as 2 bodies were washed ashore at Quessant on 19.6.  A number of attack reports made by aircraft on submarines in same area during this night have been received through Intercept Service (see Diary of 7.6. paragraph III c)).
  Group "Mitte":
  5 boats removing from Norway to Reval entered Kiel (U 242 - 370 - 479 - 679 - 348).  Will continue passage eastwards after installation of 8.8 cm. gun and equipment.
  Atlantic boats:
  b) 1) U 802 reported Schnorchel out of order in sending "passing report".
    2) After yesterday's air attack U 396 commenced return passage to Bergen with slight damage.  Anti-submarine activity restricted in this area.
  c) 1) U 1062 reported damage to Junkers - compressor and torn spark trap:  Rendezvous with U 183 therefore cancelled.  Both boats returning to Penang.
    2) U 858, on passage from Norway sent "passing report" from AL 23.   Boat to occupy northern half of AK as attack and weather reporting area, as U 673 to commence return passage to Drontheim on 3.7.
  d) 1) On account of high losses among boats in Iceland Straits on passage from Norway to Atlantic (see d) 2)) following has been ordered:
 
 
 
- 407 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      Outward-bound boats to put about if Schnorchel is unserviceable, and passage only to be continued if boat is already west of longitude AE 91, condition of Schnorchel then to be reported with "passing report"; steer for west coast of France.  Boats were again ordered to proceed submerged in this area using Schnorchel since defence inadequate against strengthened forces of Mosquito aircraft.
    2) U 423 (Schnorchel boat) must be reckoned lost.  Boat sailed from Bergen on 14.6. and was to have made for Channel.  No report received since.  Cause of loss is not known, but loss probably occurred while on passage through Iceland Straits between 16. and 19.6.  (Sixth loss in Iceland Straits from 15 outward-bound type VIIC boats in June, third Schnorchel boat).
    3) Loss of U 851 must also be reckoned with. Boat left Kiel for Indian Ocean on 26.2.  Last report was weather report on 27.3. from CC 33.  Since then no report in spite of repeated requests for same.  Cause, place and date of loss unknown.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 107                1 motor sailer.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 408 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
TITLES OF CHARTS
       
1) (Versenkte Handelsschiffsram).
  Merchant ship tonnage sunk.
       
2) (Ubersicht über die monatlich ausgelaufenen U-Boots und deren Verluste).
  Survey of monthly submarine sailings and losses.
       
3) (Verlorene Boote je 100,000 versenkte Brt Handelsschiffsraum).
  Boats lost for every 100,000 GRT of merchant shipping.
   
  (Versenkte Tonnage in 100,000 Brt).
  Tonnage sunk in 100,000 GRT.
       
4) (Geleitzugangriffe).
  Convoy attacks.
       
  Zerstörer = destroyer
  Bewacher = patrol or escort ship
  Beschädigte Schiffe = ships damaged
  Versenkte Schiffe = ships sunk
  Verlorene U-boote = submarines lost
  Anzahl der Schiffe = No. of ships
  Anzahl der beteiligte U-boote = No. of submarines taking part.
       
  N = North Atlantic
  S = South Atlantic
  G = Gibraltar convoy
       
5)   See 3).
       
  Insgesamt = total.
    Je cm 100,000 Brt = Every centimeter = 100,000 GRT.
       
6)   See 3).
       
7) Merchant ship tonnage sunk by submarines (Von U-Booten versenkte Handelsschiffstonnage).
       
    (Translation of small print on left).
 
I.
  Tonnage sunk according to boats' reports.
 
II.
  Tonnage sunk according to ships known by name.
 
III.
  Tonnage recognized by S.O. Submarines as actually sunk.
       
  Explanation:  Curve III was obtained by multiplying number of ships sunk reported by submarines with average tonnage of ships known by name to have been sunk.
 
 
 
- 409 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  Example:  Up to May 1942 number of ships reported as sunk = 1538 ships.
       
  Average tonnage of ships known by name to have been sunk 5,150 GRT.
       
  Recognized as actually sunk:  1538 X 5150 = 7,920,000 GRT.
       
8) (Durchschnittliche Zahl der monatlich auf Feindfahrt Befindlichen U-Boote (Insgesamt).
  Average number of submarines on enemy patrol per month (total).
       
  Verluste = losses.
       
  In See Befindlichen U-Boote = Submarines at sea.
       
9) Frontboote = Front boats.
  Erprobungsboote = Boats on trials.
  Schulboote = boats in training.
       
10) (Durchschittliche Zahl der monatlich auf Feindfahrt befindlichen U-Boote).
  Monthly average of submarines on enemy patrol.
       
    rot Verluste = red, losses.
    In See befindlichen Boote = submarines at sea.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
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