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

16 - 31 August 1944

PG30353

     
     
 
16.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
Op(CA 80)
U 398
-
AO 16
U 546
-
Op(EV 70)
U 861
-
GZ 61
 
170
-
CF 38
482
-
AN 36
548
-
BF 92
862
-
Op(KP 94)
 
198
-
LL 37
484
-
AN 31
680
-
AN 36
863
-
AK 18
 
228
-
BF 6780
516
-
BE 73
772
-
AF 46
925
-
AO 47
 
244
-
AF 44
518
-
CB 89
802
-
CC 37
979
-
AN 36
 
245
-
AN 36
530
-
DQ 57
804
-
Op(BD 95)
1062
-
KZ 85
 
285
-
AO 47
539
-
BE 72
855
-
Op(AK 20)
1221
-
AN 31
 
300
-
AF 59
541
-
BE 83
858
-
Op(AK 83)
1229
-
BC 33
 
396
-
AF 59
543
-
BF 82
859
-
Op(MQ)
1223
-
AN 31
                         
 
Western Boats:
  Transfer: Operational:            
 
U 270
-
BF 6850
U 214
-
Op(BF 25)
U 413
-
Op(BF 31)
U 671
-
Op(BF 31)
 
608
-
BF 6850
218
-
Op(BF 25)
445
-
BF 6410
736
-
Op(BF 24)
 
618
-
BF 6470
275
-
Op(BF 32)
480
-
Op(BF 31)
741
-
Op(BF 35)
 
621
-
BF 5530
333
-
Op(BF 31)
650
-
BF 6410
764
-
Op(BF 35)
 
766
-
BF 9310
385
-
BF 5440
667
-
Op(BF 22)
984
-
Op(BF 35)
 
953
-
BF 6850            
989
-
Op(BF 26)
 
963
-
BF 5530                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 198 - 300 - 396 - 516 - 530 - 539 - 543 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 396 - Trondheim;  (U 285 - 925 - Horten).
  Sailed:  U 92 - Brest;  U 107 - Lorient;  U 296 - Bergen;  U 717 - Kiel;  U 745 proceeding to Danzig for operations in the Baltic.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) 43 aircraft of 19 Group confirmed in the Biscay area.
    2) U-boat sightings:
     
19 Group: At 1032 U-boat in BF 2192, course 1500, speed 3 knots ( 667?).
  At 0610 ASV location in BF 5592.
      English steamer "Akaroa" (15,130 GRT) reported sighting U-boat in LD 4610 at 0615 on 16.8.  Possibly U 859 (on return passage from Gulf of Aden).  Colombo broadcast aircraft sighting of U-boat in LK 8210 at 1301 on 10.8.  (Reports only received later (U 198?).
    3) Enemy units were located in:  AM 6120 - 7762 - 6460 - BE 5310 - 2310.
       
- 551 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 92 put out of Brest for the Channel, and U 107 put out of Lorient to transport Schnorchel to La Pallice - return passage to Norway.
    2) As the commander of U 548 (Lieut. Zimmermann) cannot reach the western ports owing to the situation in Western France, U 548 (present Command Lieut. Cdr. Pfeffer) has received orders not to put into Bordeaux but to return to Norway.
    3) U 667, 214, 333, 984, 671 (all operations area Channel and possessing insufficient fuel to make Norway) received orders to return.
    4) U 445 and U 650 (armament transport boats) put into Lorient.  It will be decided whether the boats are to return without Schnorchel.
    5) On 9.8. an urgent request was received from Group West for U-boat transport of anti-tank weapons to the garrisons in Brittany.
      U 445 and U 650 in La Pallice are reported to be ready for this operation.  Boats are in a state of 6 hour readiness.  U 180 and U 195 are also reported ready on 12.8. and 17.8. respectively in Bordeaux.  As according to the garrison commander of St. Malo, unloading there is impossible U 445 and U 650 put out for Lorient on the evening of 12.8.  Cargo consisted of 70 - 80 tons of assorted ammunition and anti-tank weapons.  Both boats put into Lorient on 17.8.  As the cargo reported for U 180 consisted of 15 tons dynamite charges, 7 tons of 2 cm. ammunition, demolition charges and 16 tons of ballast, it is wondered whether this cargo is of any use for St. Malo or Brest.  The sailing of these boats is not justified in the present situation in the Biscay area.  It transpires that there are not nearly enough anti-tank weapons in Bordeaux, also the stores are so low that the ordered delivery has been deflected.  As the transport of the available less important goods is still possible at the moment by coastal vessels as far as Lorient, it it decided to unload U 180 and prepare her for operations as a Monsoon transport.
      Group West is to be informed of this and informed that in future U-boats are only to be used as transport for the most necessary cargo.
    Group Command "Mitte", Group Command Baltic:  Nothing to report.
 
 
 
- 552 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    Atlantic boats:
  b) In order to spread out the 11 boats at present proceeding from Norway to the Atlantic, U 482, 296, 680 are to sail between the Shetlands and Faroes into the North Atlantic.  The boats are intended for operations off North Minch and the North Channel.  The boat received instructions to proceed with caution as according to experience the enemy intensifies his air activity on confirming the presence of U-boats on the Norwegian coast.
  c) U 516 reports that return passage to Norway is impossible without further fuel supplies.  The boat received orders, like U 539 to proceed to the northern half of AK.  Fuel supplies from weather boat.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 196 - 1 ship  6,000 GRT (additional report).
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
17.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
BF 91
U 398
-
AO 16
U 546
-
Op(EV 70)
U 861
-
GH 53
 
154
-
Op(CA 80)
482
-
AN 24
548
-
BF 92
862
-
Op(KP 60)
 
170
-
CG 44
484
-
AN 31
680
-
AN 31
863
-
AK 51
 
198
-
LL 23
516
-
BE 42
772
-
AF 45
925
-
AO 16
 
228
-
BF 58
518
-
CB 87
802
-
CC 28
979
-
AN 24
 
244
-
AE 66
530
-
DQ 53
804
-
Op(BD 83)
1062
-
KZ 78
 
245
-
AN 24
539
-
BE 47
855
-
Op(AK 28)
1221
-
AN 29
 
285
-
AO 16
541
-
BE 84
858
-
Op(AK 58)
1223
-
AN 29
 
296
-
AN 23
543
-
BF 82
859
-
Op(MP)
1229
-
BC 38
 
300
-
AF 67                  
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
Transfer:
Operational:
           
 
U 270
-
BF 6850
U 92
-
BF 5120
U 413
-
Op(BF 31)
U 736
-
Op(BF 25)
 
608
-
BF 6850
214
-
Op(BF 24)
445
-
BF 6140
741
-
Op(BF 35)
 
618
-
BF 6728
218
-
Op(BF 25)
480
-
Op(BF 31)
764
-
Op(BF 35)
 
621
-
BF 6472
275
-
Op(BF 31)
650
-
BF 6140
984
-
BF 3175
 
766
-
BF 9310
333
-
BF 3176
667
-
BF 2135
989
-
Op(BF 26)
 
953
-
BF 6850
385
-
BF 4383
671
-
BF 3176      
 
963
-
BF 6474                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 198 - 300 - 516 - 530 - 539 - 543 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 445 - 650 - Lorient;  U 300 - Trondheim;  U 1223 - Bergen.
  Sailed:  U 190 - Lorient;  U 993 - Brest;  U 248 - Trondheim.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
- 553 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) At 1805 U 745 (Eastern boat) attacked by aircraft in AO 0269.
  b) None.
  c) 1) 48 aircraft of 19 Group confirmed in Biscay area.
    2) U-boat sightings:
     
19 Group:
At 1324
U-boat in 460 45' N., longitude unspecified.
 
1332
U-boat in 460 23' N., longitude unspecified.
    3) Enemy units were located in:  AM 8180 - BF 3240 - BD 1425.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 766 reported putting in to Bordeaux.  Boat took 10 days to get from Brest to Bordeaux.  Of the 8 boats therefore on transfer passage without schnorchel, 3 have put in, one reported putting in, 1 lost on mine, 3 have not yet put in.
    2) U 650 and U 445 send the following short report on the passage from La Pallice to Lorient as armament transport:
      12.8.  Both boats left La Pallice.  One hour after leaving escort flares fired by 3 radar detecting destroyers.
      U 445 was not attacked, U 650 managed to shake destroyers off with "Aphrodite" and by taking evasive action.
      U 650 proceeded without having to resort to counter-measures until an aircraft run-in without bombs being dropped.
      Lay on bottom owing to large number of "Asdic" locating craft.
      U 445 was, however, frequently attacked.  At 2214 on 13.8. in BF 6762 by Halifax with radar, gunfire and flares.
      At 0414 on 14.8. in BF 6721 attack by Beaufighter.  Located by radar, searchlights,
       
- 554 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      aircraft shot down.  At 0543 in BF 6722 machine gun attack by Sunderland.  Bombs jettisoned.  Hydrophone search.  At 1735 in BF 6487 sloop hydrophone search, depth charges.  Otherwise, experience similar to U 650, hydrophone bearing and daytime lying on the bottom.
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:
     U 745 sighted aircraft in AO 0269.
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  Nothing to report.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports off Success:
    U 445 - 1 aircraft.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
18.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
BF 54
U 296
-
AF 79
U 546
-
Op(EU 70)
U 861
-
Op(GR 69)
 
154
-
Op(CA 80)
398
-
AO 16
548
-
BF 91
862
-
Op(KP 63)
 
170
-
CF 69
482
-
AF 79
680
-
AN 24
863
-
AK 54
 
190
-
BF 55
484
-
AN 24
772
-
AF 44
925
-
AO 16
 
198
-
LA 98
516
-
BF 14
802
-
CC 24
979
-
AF 84
 
228
-
BF 57
518
-
CB 79
804
-
Op(BD 59)
993
-
BF 51
 
244
-
AE 65
530
-
DQ 34
855
-
Op(AK 29)
1062
-
KY 99
 
245
-
AF 87
539
-
BD 38
858
-
Op(AK 56)
1221
-
AF 87
 
248
-
AF 58
541
-
BE 75
859
-
MR 90
1229
-
BC 61
 
285
-
AO 16                  
                         
 
Western Boats:
  Transfer: Operational:            
 
U 270
-
BF 6850
U 92
-
BF 2750
U 385
-
BF 4330
U 736
-
Op(BF 25)
 
608
-
BF 6850
214
-
BF 2720
413
-
Op(BF 31)
741
-
Op(BF 35)
 
618
-
BF 6840
218
-
Op(BF 23)
480
-
Op(BF 31)
764
-
Op(BF 35)
 
621
-
BF 6730
275
-
Op(BF 31)
667
-
BF 2180
984
-
BF 2380
 
766
-
BF 9310
333
-
BF 2620
671
-
BF 2620
989
-
Op(BF 31)
 
953
-
BF 6850                  
 
963
-
BF 6720                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 198 - 516 - 530 - 539 - 543 - 859 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 766 - Le Verdon;  U 953 - La Pallice.
  Sailed:  U 1199 - Kiel;  U 743 - Bergen.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
       
- 555/556 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) 1) 48 aircraft of 19 Group were confirmed in the Biscay area.
    2) U-boat sightings:
     
19 Group:
At 1710
U-boat in unspecified position.
 
1730
        "        "        "        "
    3) At 1805 from LC 7123 English steamer reported "torpedo missed".
    4) Enemy units were located in:  AK 6997 - AM 4924 - BF 6810 - 6820 - 5530 - CE 5346.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    U 766 received orders to put into La Pallice instead of Bordeaux, owing to danger of mines at Gironde.  The boat, however, did not intercept this order and put into Le Verdun.
    U 953 has put into La Pallice after an eight-day voyage from Brest, with a torpedo (T5) maintenance unit on board.
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:
     U 475 reported 6 torpedo boats and one steamer "Seivästo" passed to the south.
    Atlantic Vessels:
  b)  The following positions are allocated:  U 224 operations area off Reykjavik, U 296 North Minch, U 482 North Channel, U 680 Moray Firth.
  c)  None.
  d)  U 543 must be presumed lost.  The boat left Lorient on 28.3. and gave passage report from CG 15 on 6.4.  Caribbean was the intended operations area.  Supplying had taken place previously on about 22/23.4. in DR 8446.  On the outward passage the boat received orders to turn back to supply U 188 and to proceed to DR 5897 at maximum cruising speed.  After a 3 day wait at the assembly point (from 11th to 14th 5.) the boat sailed to the operations area off the coast of Guinea.  As, however, the boat must return to Norway instead of Western France, it could, at the most, have remained in the operations area for 3 weeks.  No sightings.  Last message sent on return passage reported schnorchel breakdown.  This was from DT 92 on
 
 
 
- 557 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     30.6.  Since then, in spite of repeated requests there has been no position report.  The boat should have put into Norway in the meantime.  There is no information on the cause of loss or date on which it took place.  Presumably, as a result of air attacks in the Biscay area in July.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
19.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
BF 55
U 296
-
AF 78
U 548
-
BF 83
U 862
-
Op(KE 14)
 
154
-
Op(CA 80)
398
-
AO 16
680
-
AF 79
863
-
AK 81
 
170
-
CF 92
482
-
AF 78
743
-
AF 87
925
-
AO 16
 
190
-
BF 55
484
-
AF 87
772
-
AE 66
979
-
AF 79
 
198
-
LB 75
516
-
BD 33
802
-
CC 12
993
-
BF 51
 
228
-
BF 49
518
-
CB 78
804
-
Op(BD 50)
1062
-
JJ 23
 
244
-
AE 67
530
-
DE 99
855
-
Op(AK 27)
1199
-
AO 47
 
248
-
AF 57
539
-
BD 34
858
-
Op(AK 59)
1221
-
AN 24
 
245
-
AF 76
541
-
BE 71
859
-
LC 24
1229
-
BC 59
 
285
-
AO 16
546
-
Op(EU 70)
861
-
Op(KY 64)      
                         
 
Western Boats:
  Transfer: Operational:            
 
U 270
-
BF 6850
U 92
-
BF 2730
U 385
-
BF 1960
U 736
-
Op(BF 26)
 
608
-
BF 6850
214
-
BF 2780
413
-
Op(BF 31)
741
-
Op(BF 35)
 
618
-
BF 6850
218
-
Op(BF 23)
480
-
Op(BF 31)
764
-
Op(BF 35)
 
621
-
BF 6850
275
-
Op(BF 31)
667
-
BF 1390
984
-
BF 2670
 
963
-
BF 6850
333
-
BF 2610
671
-
BF 2610
989
-
Op(BF 31)
 
  On Return Passage:  U 198 - 516 - 530 - 539 - 539 - 859 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 1199 - Horten.
  Sailed:  U 871 - Kiel;  (U 285 - Horten).
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1)

U-boat sightings:

      American steamer sighted U-boat in MP 48 at 1130.
    2) Contact report from English unit to submarine:  "In landing area at 0752 and 0814".
    3) ASV location by Gibraltar:  In unspecified position at 2050 - subsequent cancellation.
       
- 558 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    4) English units were located in:  AL 9361 - AL 9210 - 4543 - 8580 - AM 5360 - BF 6477 - CG 2150.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) The loss of U 672 has been made known.  According to information received from the Red Cross, 26 of the crew are in English, 26 in American, prison camps.
    2) General summary of the situation in Western bases:
      After the three northerly garrisons, Brest, Lorient and St. Nazaire, were cut off, i.e. no supplies or personnel returning off leave could be brought there, the work on the boats was forced to be completed.  Boats nearly ready were made ready for action, boats capable of navigation but incomplete (Schnorchel being installed) were transferred to the southerly ports La Pallice and Bordeaux, and boats which could not be repaired were paid off.  There has not yet been a direct attack on the garrisons.  Enemy activity is restricted to bombing raids on the bases and shelter berths (for details see KTBs under Western boats), and to blocking the western ports from the sea by heavy air and surface forces.
      La Pallice and Bordeaux were not included in the defence area.  The transfer of boats to these ports was only of use if they were occupied until the completion of the boats and could be defended.
      On 19.8. the Fuehrer ordered the 19th Army Corps to hold these ports.
      U-boat situation on 20.8.
     
a) Garrisons:
  Brest:  U 247 KB on 24.8.  Ready for operations in the Channel.  U 256 KB on 5.9. fitted with temporary Schnorchel ready for transfer to Norway.
  Lorient:  U 445 and U 650 were KB on 22.8.  Transfer to Norway, also the IXC boats U 155 on 10.9. with Schnorchel.  As only relief commander is available, transfer to Norway.  U 853 KB on 24.8. with Schnorchel and relief commander for Norway.  As there is no more fuel in Lorient, this boat will have to put in to Brest for supplies.  (Note:  KB = at war readiness).
  Out of commission:  U 129, U 123.
 
 
 
- 559 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
  Nazaire:
 
U 758
on 23.8.
  KB ready for Channel operations.
U 673
on 13.9.
  KB        "        "        "        "
U 985
on 26.8.
  KB        "        " mining operations in Channel.
Out of commission:  U 255 - 267.
b) Southern bases:
  La Pallice:
  Ready for operations in Channel:
  U 262 KB on 22.8., U 714 KB on 21.8., U 309 and U 953 KB on 31.8.
  U 260 KB on 3.9., U 281 KB on 4.9.
  For transfer to Norway:
  U 763 on 21.8. (with relief commander).
  Out of commission:  U 382.
  Bordeaux:
  Ready for operations in Channel:  U 437 on 3.9.
        "      "   Monsoon operations:  U 180, U 195 on 21.8., U 219 on 22.8.
  Ready for return passage to Norway:  U 547 on 1.9., U 534 on 8.9.., U 857 on 5.9.
  Out of commission owing to faulty battery and shaft:  U 178 and U 188.
  An attempt is being made for all boats to put out before 1.9. as minelayers for the Gironde are needed more urgently every day owing to lack of forces of F.O.I.C. Western Defences.
  Apart from this, 6 boats with and one boat without schnorchel are expected in the southern ports.  These, however, will only undergo essential repairs and refuel for the return passage to Norway.  As many experienced U-boat and specialized shipyard personnel as possible are to be taken on board for Norway, naturally the numbers will be restricted and all other personnel belonging to the base are to be included in the land defence forces.
    Group Command "Mitte" and Baltic:  Nothing of interest.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) U 860 received details of situation for operations area (Moray Firth).
  c)  None.
 
 
 
- 560 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d) 1) U 863 sent passage report from North Atlantic.  The boat passed through the Straits of Denmark and encountered no opposition.  Slight surface and air defences in the western half of AK, numerous noise buoys were confirmed with certainty.
    2) Transmitted to all boats:
      Conduct in case of emergency:
      If fighting strength is exhausted and it is impossible to land crew or weapons to defend our garrisons, so that it is necessary to put into Spanish ports, the boat is to be scuttled off the port concerned.
      On no account are warships to put into Spanish ports.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
20.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
BF 67
U 296
-
AF 75
U 548
-
BF 81
U 862
-
Op(KQ 12)
 
154
-
Op(CA 80)
398
-
AO 16
743
-
AF 84
863
-
AK 85
 
170
-
CF 94
482
-
AF 75
680
-
AN 21
861
-
AO 47
 
190
-
BF 54
484
-
AF 76
772
-
AE 65
925
-
AO 16
 
198
-
LC 49
516
-
AK 99
802
-
BB 97
979
-
AF 48
 
228
-
BF 49
518
-
CA 99
804
-
Op(BD 82)
993
-
BF 43
 
244
-
AE 67
530
-
DF 71
855
-
Op(AK 27)
1062
-
JJ 16
 
245
-
AF 73
539
-
BD 23
858
-
Op(AK 59)
1199
-
AO 16
 
248
-
AF 49
541
-
BD 92
859
-
LC 30
1221
-
AN 24
 
285
-
AN 36
546
-
Op(EV 80)
861
-
Op(KY 66)
1229
-
BC 82
                         
 
Western Boats:
  Transfer: Operational:            
 
U 618
-
BF 68
U 92
-
BF 2572
U 385
-
BF 2716
U 736
-
Op(BF 35)
 
621
-
BF 68
214
-
BF 5154
413
-
Op(BF 31)
741
-
Op(BF 35)
 
963
-
BF 68
218
-
Op(BF 23)
480
-
Op(BF 31)
764
-
Op(BF 35)
       
275
-
Op(BF 31)
667
-
BF 1620
984
-
BF 2552
       
333
-
BF 2555
671
-
BF 2555
989
-
Op(BF 35)
 
  On Return Passage:  U 198 - 516 - 530 - 539 - 859 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 766 - La Pallice.
  Sailed:  U 180 - 195 - Bordeaux;  U 714 La Pallice;  U 766 Le Verdon;  (U 1221 - Bergen).
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 481 (Eastern boat) reported aircraft attack at 1717 in AO 3648.
       
- 561 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    U 963 aircraft attack at 0010 in BF 6855.  U 861 scored two hits on a convoy consisting of 3 ships, 2 corvettes, course 1200, at 1941 in JA 1125 and two hits on a tanker of "British Fidelity" type (8,465 GRT).  Possibly sunk.  A freighter (8,000 GRT) was also sunk at 0038 in JA 1215.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:
    1) 3 boats on surface presumably off La Pallice, course 2900, speed 10 knots at 0015.
    2) At 0629 Trinidad transmitted U-boat sighting report to all stations.  Position CA 8851.  Torpedo miss (U 154?).
    3) Enemy units were located in:  AM 4269 and BE 4653.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 766 has transferred from Le Verdon to La Pallice.
    2) U 270 and U 608 must now be presumed lost.  The boats left Lorient on 7. and 10.8. without schnorchel for La Pallice and have not yet arrived.
    3) The following have not yet put in from transfer passage:  U 618 (without schnorchel), U 963, 621 and U 107 (with schnorchel).  Presumably 3 of these boats are off La Pallice (see paragraph III c)).
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:
     U 481 was attacked by aircraft on the way to Königsberg.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) 1) U 190 has continuously reported to Lorient for no apparent reason.
    2) According to a partial wireless telegraphy message relayed by U 861, U 862 has sunk 2 steamers in KQ 10.
    3) On request, U 680 received route via AN 2360, 2650 and 1650 in operations area Moray Firth - cause of diversion is known enemy and German minefields.
  c)  U 530 reported fuel supply of 85 cubic meters as requested.  As far as can be seen at present the boat will not need further supplies for the return passage to Norway.
 
 
 
- 562 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d)  none.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 861 2 ships 16,465 GRT
U 862 2 ships 12,000 GRT.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
21.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
BF 6850
U 285
-
AN 31
U 548
-
BF 49
U 862
-
Op(KE 76)
 
154
-
Op(CA 80)
296
-
AF 77
680
-
AN 26
863
-
BD 21
 
170
-
CF 89
398
-
AO 16
743
-
AF 73
871
-
AO 16
 
180
-
BF 92
482
-
AF 77
772
-
AE 67
925
-
AO 16
 
190
-
BF 46
484
-
AF 73
802
-
BB 86
979
-
AF 47
 
195
-
BF 92
516
-
AK 95
804
-
Op(BD 54)
993
-
BF 42
 
198
-
LC 55
518
-
CA 98
855
-
Op(AK 19)
1062
-
JJ 14
 
228
-
BF 48
530
-
DF 71
858
-
Op(AK 50)
1199
-
AO 16
 
244
-
AE 83
539
-
AK 89
859
-
LC 30
1221
-
AF 87
 
245
-
AF 72
541
-
BD 91
861
-
Op(JA 11)
1229
-
BC 85
 
248
-
AF 45
546
-
Op(EV 80)            
                         
 
Western Boats:
  Transfer: Operational:            
 
U 618
-
BF 68
U 92
-
BF 2560
U 413
-
Op(BF 31)
U 736
-
Op(BF 35)
 
621
-
BF 68
214
-
BF 8420
480
-
Op(BF 31)
741
-
Op(BF 35)
 
963
-
BF 68
218
-
Op(BF 23)
667
-
BF 1650
764
-
Op(BF 35)
       
275
-
Op(BF 31)
671
-
BF 2490
984
-
BF 2490
       
333
-
BF 2490
714
-
BF 6870
989
-
Op(BF 35)
       
385
-
BF 2460            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 198 - 516 - 530 - 539 - 859 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 190 - Lorient;  U 963 - La Pallice.
  Sailed:  U 743 - Trondheim;  (U 925 - Horten).
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 863 reported convoy in BD 2541, course N, speed 11 - 13 knots.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) Heavy aircraft activity by 19 Group in the Biscay area confirmed (71 aircraft).
    2) San Juan repeated American steamer's U-boat sighting report given at 0735 in CA 8711 (U 154?).
    3) 18 Group:  ASV location at 1639 presumably U-boat in 070 51' East.
       
- 563 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      Latitude unspecified.  (U 743?).
    4) Enemy units were located in:  BF 1360 - CC 5480 - DH 6524.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
     U 963 put into La Pallice, voyage took 9 days.
    Group Commands "Mitte" and Baltic:  Nothing to report.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) 1) U 244 received detailed situation report of area off Reykjavik.
    2) U 285 received orders to proceed between the Shetlands and Faroes to the Atlantic.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
22.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
BF 68
U 296
-
AE 99
U 548
-
BF 48
U 862
-
Op(KE 54)
 
154
-
Op(CA 80)
398
-
AO 16
680
-
AF 79
863
-
BD 25
 
170
-
DH 13
482
-
AN 11
743
-
AF 53
871
-
AO 16
 
180
-
BF 92
484
-
AF 48
772
-
AE 67
925
-
AN 36
 
195
-
BF 92
516
-
AK 91
802
-
BB 83
979
-
AE 66
 
198
-
LC 64
518
-
Op(CA 97)
804
-
Op(BD 43)
993
-
BF 17
 
228
-
BF 45
530
-
DF 44
855
-
Op(AK 17)
1062
-
GR 88
 
244
-
AE 82
539
-
AK 85
858
-
Op(AK 83)
1199
-
AO 16
 
245
-
AF 48
5541
-
BD 83
859
-
LC 20
1221
-
AF 87
 
248
-
AF 44
546
-
Op(EV 80)
861
-
Op(KQ 49)
1229
-
CC 32
 
285
-
AN 31                  
                         
 
Western Boats:
  Transfer: Operational:            
 
U 618
-
BF 68
U 92
-
Op(BF 26)
U 385
-
Op(BF 25)
U 736
-
Op(BF 35)
 
621
-
BF 68
214
-
BF 5490
413
-
Op(BF 31)
764
-
Op(BF 35)
       
218
-
Op(BF 23)
480
-
Op(BF 31)
984
-
BF 2720
       
275
-
Op(BF 31)
667
-
BF 1950
989
-
Op(BF 35)
       
333
-
BF 2720
714
-
BF 9130      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 198 - 516 - 539 - 530 - 859 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 190 - 445 - 650 - Lorient;  U 978 - 1004 - Kiel.
       
- 564 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) 32 aircraft confirmed in the Biscay area.  Concentration between 1900 - 0100.
    2) U-boat sightings:
     
19 Group:
2040
periscope sighted in unspecified position, course 2700, speed 4 knots.
 
1925
U-boat in 450 59' N., latitude unspecified, course 850.
 
1900
same aircraft sighted 3 minelayers in same position.  Possibly convoy for an inward-bound U-boat.
 
2324
American steamer reported:  "U-boat in CA 961.  Have been torpedoed".  (U 154?).
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 667 reported 48 hours before putting in.  According to a short signal the boat has sunk one destroyer and 15,000 GRT in tonnage (2 ships presumed).  As the operations area is the exit of the Bristol Channel the sinkings are presumed to have taken place there.  Intended port La Pallice.
      2 more boats have been sent to the operations area Bristol Channel approaches, as according to U 667 this area is favorable throughout and there has been absolutely no news of the Seine area situation for a long time.
    2) U 714, which put out of La Pallice for operations in the Channel on 20.8. has presumably put in again owing to minor damage.
    3) U 190 (with schnorchel), U 650 and U 445 (both without schnorchel) have put out of Lorient for transfer passage to Norway.
    4) U 671 and U 741 are most probably lost.  News os a P.O.W. from both these ships has been received.  U 671 put out from Boulogne on 26.7. and operated in the Seine area south of 500 10' N. (For report of putting in to Boulogne see KTB of 5.7.).
       
- 565 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      U 741 put out of Le Harve on 3.8. and operated in the Seine area.  (For report of putting into Le Harve see KTB of 15.7.).
    Group Commands "Mitte" and Baltic:  Nothing to report.
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  Nothing to report.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 667 1 destroyer  
  2 ships 15,000 GRT.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
23.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
BF 6820
U 296
-
AM 32
U 540
-
BF 6410
U 863
-
BD 27
 
154
-
Op(CA 82)
398
-
AO 16
680
-
AN 2160
871
-
AO 16
 
170
-
DH 15
445
-
BF 6410
743
-
AF 58
925
-
AN 31
 
180
-
BF 91
482
-
AM 32
772
-
AE 83
978
-
AO 47
 
190
-
BF 6410
484
-
AF 47
802
-
BB 58
979
-
AF 71
 
195
-
BF 91
516
-
AK 56
804
-
Op(BD 51)
993
-
BF 39
 
198
-
LD 44
518
-
Op(CA 80)
855
-
Op(AK 18)
1004
-
AO 47
 
228
-
BE 66
530
-
DF 18
858
-
Op(AK 82)
1062
-
GR 79
 
244
-
AE 84
539
-
AK 83
859
-
LC 20
1199
-
AO 16
 
245
-
AF 44
541
-
BD 81
861
-
Op(KQ 58)
1221
-
AF 76
 
248
-
AE 66
546
-
Op(EV 70)
862
-
Op(KE 28)
1225
-
CC 31
 
285
-
AN 23
548
-
BF 47            
                         
 
Western Boats:
  Transfer: Operational:            
 
U 608
-
BF 6850
U 92
-
Op(BF 23)
U 385
-
Op(BF 25)
U 736
-
Op(BF 35)
 
621
-
BF 6850
214
-
BF 2810
413
-
Op(BE 31)
764
-
Op(BF 35)
       
218
-
Op(BF 23)
480
-
Op(BF 31)
984
-
BF 1930
       
275
-
Op(BF 31)
667
-
BF 1970
989
-
Op(BF 35)
       
333
-
BF 1930
714
-
Op(BF 58)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 198 - 516 - 530 - 539 - 859 - 979 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 262 - 763 - 219 - Bordeaux;  U 758 - St Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:
    1)
18 Group:
1553
U-boat in AE 6997; later same aircraft reported -
       
- 566 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
 
1615
U-boat submerged, course 160 or 2600, speed 10 knots.
    2) Colombo repeated 2 sighting reports made by an American steamer at 0505 in MT 8877 and without T.O.O. in LB 85.
    3) Enemy units were located in:  AL 7259 - 5475 - BF 5130 - DF 4323.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) Situation in the Channel:
      The last message containing information was that received from U 621 on 12.8.44., in which the boat reported intensified defence activity.  In spite of numerous requests to the eight boats (according to dead reckoning in the Seine area) for a situation report, even if this meant leaving the operations area, nothing was received.  Apart from this, with the exception of an ASV report there have been no enemy reports of U-boats recently.  Any information of operational possibilities and their present defence situation, is lacking.  The report of intensified defences from U 621 was further strengthened by the news of the loss of U 671 and U 741 and by an enemy report of the destruction of a boat which according to English information was attempting to pass through the Pas de Calais.  It is possible that this information ties up with the given ASV location and a boat was attempting to put into Boulogne.  To sum up:  Operational possibilities obscure.  Uncertainty concerning the whereabouts of the 7 boats presumed to be in the Seine area; and existence of very strong defence
      A message from U 766 from the approaches to the Bay of Biscay is also recalled, in which the boat lying on the ground at a depth of 130 meters was hit by a towed explosive charge and received heavy damage (leak).
      For these reasons no other boats are to be sent to the Seine area for the time being.  Instead - to the Bristol Channel and Western Channel.
      U 385 - outward bound for the Seine area is given Plymouth Bay as operations area.
    2) No reports have been received from the last 3 boats on transfer passage (U 621, 618, 107).
 
 
 
- 567 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    3) U 763 has put out of La Pallice for transfer passage to Norway and U 262 for the Channel.  U 758 has put out of St. Nazaire for Channel operations.
    4) U 714 has not put in.  The boat should have lain on the bottom today and put in tonight, and, in the event of not reaching the escort meeting place to have reported her position.
    5) U 766 sends the following short report of the transfer passage:  Passage time from Brest to Le Verdon - 11 days.  One T5 miss on infantry landing craft.  6 aircraft attacks - mostly bombing attacks - on 4.8. at 0116 attacked by twin-engined aircraft in BF 5537.  Searchlight run-in, fired at with 2 cm. twin mounted guns.  Attacked with towed explosive charges (see IV a) 1)).
    Group "Mitte", Group East:  Nothing to report:
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  Nothing to report.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
24.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 107
-
BF 68
U 285
-
AN 36
U 548
-
BE 69
U 862
-
Op(LT 89)
 
154
-
Op(BA 99)
296
-
Op(AM 34)
650
-
BF 55
863
-
BD 54
 
170
-
DH 17
398
-
AO 16
680
-
AN 26
871
-
AO 16
 
180
-
BF 83
445
-
BF 55
743
-
AF 57
925
-
AN 36
 
190
-
BF 55
482
-
AM 33
763
-
BF 68
978
-
AN 36
 
195
-
BF 83
484
-
AE 47
772
-
AE 85
979
-
AF 75
 
198
-
LB 97
516
-
AK 53
802
-
Op(BB 55)
993
-
BE 38
 
228
-
BE 59
518
-
Op(CA 87)
804
-
Op(BD 43)
1004
-
AO 16
 
244
-
AE 76
530
-
DF 76
855
-
Op(AK 27)
1062
-
GR 71
 
235
-
AE 66
539
-
AK 59
858
-
Op(AK 82)
1199
-
AN 36
 
248
-
AE 65
541
-
BD 73
859
-
LC 20
1221
-
AF 73
 
219
-
BF 68
546
-
Op(EU 92)
861
-
KQ 34
1229
-
CC 23
                         
 
Western Boats:
  Transfer: Operational:            
 
U 618
-
BF 6820
U 92
-
Op(BF 35)
U 385
-
Op(BF 25)
U 736
-
Op(BF 35)
 
621
-
BF 6820
214
-
BF 5860
413
-
Op(BF 31)
758
-
BF 6480
       
218
-
Op(BF 23)
480
-
Op(BF 31)
764
-
Op(BF 35)
       
262
-
BF 6870
667
-
BF 9230
984
-
BF 1980
       
275
-
Op(BF 31)
714
-
BF 6820
989
-
Op(BF 35)
       
333
-
BF 1980            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 198 - 516 - 530 - 539 - 979 - 1062.
       
- 568 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 547 - 437 - Bordeaux;  U 285 - 871 - 925 - 1199 - Kristiansand.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:
     
19 Group: Suspicious oil patch in BF 5258 at 1215
    2) ASV location:
     
19 Group: At 0139 in 4943' N., longitude unspecified.
    3) Enemy units were located in:  AM 6580 - AM 5230 - 4630 - AF 7990 - BF 1520.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) Owing to the long return passage to Norway for the boats at present in and proceeding to the Seine area, C-in-C has ordered that they are not to remain in the operations area for longer than 3 weeks.  For this reason U 480, 413, 736 and U 764 received orders to return to Norway.
    2) U 547 put out for Norway - also U 437.  This boat is unable to operate in the Channel area as intended as it put out with T5 torpedoes only partially ready for firing.  The torpedoes were last regulated in St. Nazaire.  The boat was attacked with depth-charges near Bordeaux and received hits by mines.  A renewed torpedo adjustment in Bordeaux was not possible owing to the absence of a torpedo (T5) maintenance unit.
    3) U 667 which should have put in to La Pallice early this morning, has reported that she will be at the escort meeting place tomorrow.
    4) U 714 which should have put in early this morning, as it did not give a position report yesterday (see KTB 23.8. IV a)) and the boats expected to arrive after transfer passage (U 621, 618 and 107) have not put in.
       
- 569 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    Group Commands "Mitte" and East:  Nothing to report.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) Nothing to report.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
25.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
Op(BA 90)
U 296
-
Op(AM 36)
U 548
-
BE 67
U 862
-
Op(LT 83)
 
170
-
DG 66
398
-
AN 31
650
-
BF 57
863
-
BD 81
 
180
-
BF 83
445
-
BF 57
680
-
Op(AN 16)
871
-
AN 36
 
190
-
BF 57
482
-
AM 26
743
-
AF 46
925
-
AN 36
 
195
-
BF 83
484
-
AE 66
763
-
BF 67
978
-
AO 16
 
198
-
LB 99
516
-
AK 29
772
-
AE 87
979
-
AF 79
 
219
-
BF 68
518
-
Op(CA 87)
802
-
Op(BD 42)
993
-
BE 26
 
228
-
BE 52
530
-
CD 88
804
-
Op(BD 42
1004
-
AO 16
 
244
-
AE 75
539
-
AK 61
855
-
Op(AK 25)
1062
-
GQ 65
 
245
-
AE 65
541
-
BD 72
858
-
Op(AK 82)
1199
-
AN 36
 
248
-
AE 67
546
-
Op(EU 85)
859
-
LD 23
1221
-
AF 48
 
285
-
AN 36
547
-
BF 92
861
-
KQ 63
1229
-
CC 25
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 92
-
Op(BF 35)
U 333
-
BF 4350
U 480
-
Op(BF 31)
U 758
-
BF 6711
 
214
-
BF 56860
385
-
Op(BF 25)
667
-
BF 6830
764
-
Op(BF 35)
 
218
-
Op(BF 23)
413
-
Op(BF 31)
714
-
BF 6830
984
-
BF 4350
 
262
-
BF 9130
437
-
BF 9510
736
-
Op(BF 35)
989
-
Op(BF 35)
 
275
-
Op(BF 31)                  
 
  On Return Passage:  U 198 - 516 - 530 - 539 - 979 - 859 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 857 - 534 - Bordeaux.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 242 (Eastern boat) sank stopped survey ship of 600 GRT with dinghy alongside on 25.8. in AO 3398.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:  
     
18 Group:
At 0850
U-boat in 630 15' N., longitude unspecified.
 
0903
periscope in 630 55' N., longitude unspecified.
       
- 570 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
 
1803
U-boat in 000 42' E., latitude unspecified.
 
1055
U-boat in BF 5549, course 2100, speed 4 knots.
 
1800
2 surfaced vessels 500 30' N., latitude unspecified, course 1200, 10 and 5 knots.
    2) Enemy units were located in:  AL 6641 - 5240.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 218 carried out mining operations south of Start Point and gives position report from BE 3115 (start of return passage to Norway).
    2) U 963 sent a short report on the transfer passage.  Boat took 8 days from Brest to La Pallice.  No enemy opposition of any importance up to BF 6722, from 6722 to 6764 depth-charge attack lasting 43 hours.  No heavy damage.  Attack by 4-engined aircraft without bombs on the night of 20.8. in BF 6856.  Put into La Pallice without difficulty.
    3) The last two boats U 534 and U 857 have put out of Bordeaux.  There is no further need, therefore to hold the port.  Destruction of the harbor and evacuation of personnel continues.
    4) The following boats on transfer passage must now be considered lost:  
      U 621 (with schnorchel) which put out from Brest on 13.8. for La Pallice.
      U 618 which put out of Brest on 12.8. for La Pallice (without schnorchel).
      U 107 which put out of Lorient for La Pallice on 16.8. (with schnorchel).
      The boats should have already put in.  There is no information as to the cause of loss.  There were heavy enemy air and surface patrols during the southerly passage of the boats.  Loss owing to mines probable.
    Group Commands "Mitte" and Baltic:  Nothing to report.
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  U 858 has carried out the supplying of the homeward bound U 539.
 
 
 
- 571 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 242 - 1 ship  600 GRT.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
26.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
Op(CB 11)
U 296
-
Op(AM 36)
U 547
-
BF 92
U 861
-
KR 17
 
170
-
DG 69
398
-
AN 35
548
-
BE 59
862
-
Op(LT 56
 
180
-
BF 82
437
-
BF 92
650
-
BF 49
863
-
BD 76
 
190
-
BF 46
445
-
BF 49
680
-
Op(AN 16)
871
-
AN 29
 
195
-
BF 85
482
-
AM 26
743
-
AF 45
925
-
AN 43
 
198
-
LC 78
484
-
AE 65
763
-
BF 91
978
-
AO 16
 
218
-
BE 31
516
-
AK 27
772
-
AE 87
979
-
AF 23
 
219
-
BF 92
518
-
Op(CA 80)
802
-
Op(BB 51)
993
-
BE 26
 
228
-
BE 51
530
-
CD 82
804
-
Op(BD 17)
1004
-
AO 16
 
244
-
AE 74
534
-
BF 92
855
-
Op(AK 27)
1062
-
GQ 53
 
245
-
AE 67
539
-
AK 64
857
-
BF 92
1199
-
AN 29
 
248
-
AE 67
541
-
BC 96
858
-
Op(AK 82)
1221
-
AF 47
 
285
-
AF 73
546
-
EU 76
859
-
LD 20
1229
-
CC 16
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 92
-
BF 3530
U 413
-
BF 2380
U 714
-
BF 6830
U 764
-
BF 2380
 
262
-
BF 5890
480
-
BF 2380
736
-
BF 2390
989
-
BF 3530
 
275
-
BF 3190
667
-
BF 6830
758
-
BF 5820      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 190 - 198 - 218 - 228 - 437 - 445 - 516 - 530 - 534 - 539 - 546 - 547 - 548 - 650 - 763 - 853 - 857 - 859 - 979 - 993 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 1199 - Bergen.
  Sailed:  U 714 - La Pallice;  U 247 - Brest;  (U 1004 - Horten);  U 389 - Kristiansand.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:  
     
19 Group:
1135
U-boat sighted, no position given.
 
0242
submerging U-boat in BF 9116, course W., speed 2 knots.
    2) Enemy units were located in:  AM 3960 - 4251 - BF 6790 - DH 5425.
    3) Radio Intelligence report:  English unit "GF 1" to Portsmouth:  0240 one craft burning.
       
- 572 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      0246 exploded.  0300 second craft burning.
  d) None. 
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) C-in-C U-boats tonight at 0300 assumed entire control of western area.  The staff of Captain U-boats West are on their way back to Germany, as their main task, that of fitting the boats up for action, is completed.  The control of all Captain U-boats West's assignments can be taken over by the C-in-C as Captain U-boats West no longer has a comprehensive view of communications and all means of contacting the flotillas.
      The allocation of U-boat escorts is to be carried out from U-boat bases, where a direct contact with the escort groups makes the situation easer to survey.
    2) 12th Flotilla has closed down wireless telegraphy station, personnel who cannot be evacuated to Germany (nucleus) will be incorporated in the infantry.
    3) U 247 has left Brest, U 714 La Pallice.  The boats are bound for the area south of the Scillys.
    4) The following boats must also be presumed lost:  U 385, 333, 984, 214.
      U 385:
      The English radio previously gave the names of 6 P.O.W.s belonging to this boat.  The boat put out of St. Nazaire on 9.8. for operations in the Channel.  As there is news of prisoners so soon after putting out.  Probable cause - strong U-boat chaser patrols or minefields in the Biscay area.
      U 214:
      The boat put out of Brest on 22.7. for mining operations south of the Lizard, and has not since reported.  It received orders to return on 16.8. and should have put in by now.  Place of loss presumably west Channel.  No information as to possible cause.
      U 333:
      The boat put out of Lorient on 23.7. for the operations area Channel.  No news since then.  The boat received orders to return on 16.8. but did not put in.  It is presumed to have been
 
 
 
- 573 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      lost in the Seine operations area.  Cause unknown.
      Apart from this the presumed loss of U 608 was confirmed by the English radio on 19.8. with the P.O.W. report.
    5) As 5 boats in succession have not returned from the Channel it must be presumed that the enemy has considerably intensified his defences.  Whether by means of minefields flanking the convoy routes, or by the use of new anti-U-boat measures (see towed explosive charge, reported by U 766) or only by massing his U-boat chaser groups - is not known.
      For this reason, the boats last reckoned to be in the Channel (U 92, 989, 275) received orders to return and proceed to Norway.
    6) U 667 has not put in to La Pallice.  As the losses off this harbor have up to now been particularly heavy (U 107, 618, 621) 3rd U-boat Flotilla has been ordered to inform the boats with the greatest care of all possible danger from aircraft, surface craft or mines, and to resort to all measures with escort groups in order to attain a sailing free from incident.
    Group Command "Mitte":  Nothing of interest.
    Group Command Baltic:
    U 745 sank an escort vessel in AO 3373.  U 348 and U 370 combined in an artillery fight, with 8.8 cm. guns, against 12 - 15 craft in AO 3741.  U 348 was attacked by aircraft at 1641 in AO 3666.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) Nothing of interest.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 745 - 1 escort vessel.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
27.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
Op(CB 10)
U 296
-
Op(AM 36)
U 547
-
BF 83
U 861
-
KR 12
 
170
-
DG 93
398
-
AN 31
548
-
BE 56
862
-
Op(LT 31)
 
180
-
BF 73
437
-
BF 86
650
-
BF 45
863
-
CE 11
 
190
-
BF 47
445
-
BF 48
680
-
Op(AN 16)
871
-
AN 24
 
195
-
BF 76
482
-
AM 26
743
-
AF 44
925
-
AN 24
 
198
-
LC 87
484
-
AE 67
763
-
BF 82
978
-
AO 16
 
218
-
AL 99
516
-
AK 18
772
-
AL 31
979
-
AN 24
 
219
-
BF 83
518
-
Op(CA 82)
802
-
Op(BB 43)
993
-
BE 25
 
228
-
BE 19
530
-
CD 59
804
-
Op(BD 72)
1004
-
AO 16
 
244
-
AD 86
534
-
BF 83
855
-
Op(AK 25)
1062
-
CQ 24
 
245
-
AE 91
539
-
AK 62
857
-
BF 83
1221
-
AE 66
 
248
-
AE 83
541
-
BC 95
858
-
Op(AK 53)
1229
-
CC 18
 
285
-
AN 23
546
-
EU 74
859
-
LD 37      
 
       
- 574 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
Western Boats:
 
U 92
-
BF 3590
U 247
-
BF 2790
U 714
-
BF 6830
U 764
-
BF 2620
 
262
-
BF 5840
413
-
BF 2620
736
-
BF 2620
989
-
BF 3530
 
275
-
BF 3190
480
-
BF 2620
758
-
BF 5480      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 190 - 198 - 218 - 228 - 437 - 445 - 516 - 530 - 534 - 539 - 546 - 547 - 548 - 650 - 763 - 853 - 857 - 859 - 979 - 993 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  U 979 - Bergen.
  Sailed:  U 853 - Lorient;  (U 714 - La Pallice).
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sighting at 1617 by aircraft of 18 Group in unspecified position.
    2) Enemy units were located in:  AM 1390 - 5710.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    1) U 667 has neither reported its position or again requested escort as it was asked to do yesterday morning.  The loss of the boat must therefore be presumed.  Cause probably mines or aircraft off the port La Pallice, as the boat reported that it would be at the escort assembly point 24 hours afterward which means that it must have been near to it.
    2) The area off the Biscay ports is no longer to be a field of operation owing to lack of counter-measures to the extensive mine and air danger and search groups (see also KTB of 26.8. paragraph IV a) 6)).
    Group Command Baltic:  Nothing to report.
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  Nothing to report.
    Black Sea:
     
27.8. Group South has assumed control of the Black Sea boats.  The wireless telegraphy message from the Group to the boats, ordering them on exhausting their supplies to scuttle themselves off the coast of Turkey and allow the crews to be interned,
       
- 575 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
     
  has been cancelled by C-in-C.  The boats are to be destroyed off the coast of Bulgaria, and the crews are to join up with German troops.  U 23 has recently occupied the operations area off Sevastopol.  As the harbor is unoccupied, this boat is detailed to the operations area east of the Danube delta with U 19 and U 20.
28.8. The wireless telegraphy message to the boats from Group South is not yet cancelled and there is no new order.
29.8. Group South has not yet taken required action.
30.8. Group South again received orders to give the necessary orders from C-in-C.  Constant requests finally produced a cancellation of the old wireless telegraphy message at 2349 and the issuing of C-in-C's order of 0914/31/8.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
28.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
Op(CB 11)
U 296
-
Op(AM 36)
U 547
-
BF 82
U 859
-
LD 38
 
170
-
DT 22
398
-
AN 23
548
-
BE 55
861
-
KF 86
 
180
-
BF 72
437
-
BF 82
650
-
BF 41
863
-
CE 14
 
190
-
BE 69
445
-
BF 44
680
-
Op(AN 16)
862
-
Op(LT 23)
 
195
-
BF 75
482
-
AN 27
743
-
AE 66
871
-
AN 83
 
198
-
LC 88
484
-
AE 83
763
-
BF 49
925
-
AN 24
 
218
-
AL 98
516
-
AK 26
772
-
AL 22
978
-
AO 16
 
219
-
BF 82
518
-
Op(CA 82)
802
-
Op(BB 18)
993
-
BE 21
 
228
-
BE 15
530
-
CD 56
804
-
Op(BD 46)
1004
-
AN 36
 
244
-
AD 83
534
-
BF 82
853
-
BF 55
1062
-
GQ 12
 
245
-
AE 83
539
-
AK 03
855
-
Op(AK 25)
1221
-
AE 65
 
248
-
AE 85
541
-
BC 97
857
-
BF 82
1229
-
CB 39
 
285
-
AN 79
546
-
ET 68
858
-
Op(AK 53)      
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 92
-
BF 3510
U 247
-
BF 2780
U 667
-
BF 6830
U 758
-
BF 2470
 
262
-
BF 5720
413
-
BF 2530
714
-
BF 9130
764
-
BF 2560
 
275
-
BF 3170
486
-
BF 2530
736
-
BF 2560
989
-
BF 3170
 
  On Return Passage:  U 190 - 198 - 218 - 228 - 437 - 445 - 516 - 530 - 534 - 539 - 546 - 547 - 548 - 650 - 763 - 853 - 857 - 859 - 993 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  (U 871 - Trondheim).
  Sailed:  U 1223 - Bergen.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
- 576 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  U 541 was attacked by aircraft at 0205 in BC 8674.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) At 1425 U-boat sighting in 460 42' N., longitude unspecified, possibly 060 05' W., course 1420.
    2) Enemy units located in AL 8777.
    3) Colombo broadcasts sighting of dangerous drifting wreck on 19.8. in LM 1510.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:  Nothing to report.
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  Nothing to report.
  c)  U 1062 reported position on request.  Boats requests 50 cubic meters of fuel, a Junkers compressor cylinder liner, grade 2, a reserve FuMB apparatus (radar) and a gyro-sphere, for return passage to Norway.
  d)  None.
       
       
       
- 577 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  U 541 was attacked by aircraft at 0205 in BC 8674.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) At 1425 U-boat sighting in 460 42' N., longitude unspecified, possibly 060 05' W., course 1420.
    2) Enemy units located in AL 8777.
    3) Colombo broadcasts sighting of dangerous drifting wreck on 19.8. in LM 1510.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:  Nothing to report.
    Group Command Baltic:  Nothing to report.
    Atlantic boats:
  b)  Nothing to report.
  c)  U 1062 reported position on request.  Boats requests 50 cubic meters of fuel, a Junkers compressor cylinder liner, grade 2, a reserve FuMB apparatus (radar) and a gyro-sphere, for return passage to Norway.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
29.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
Op(CB 15)
U 296
-
Op(AM 36)
U 547
-
BE 81
U 859
-
LD 60
 
170
-
DT 28
398
-
AF 79
548
-
BE 51
861
-
KF 59
 
180
-
BF 75
437
-
BF 81
650
-
BE 63
862
-
Op(LT 30)
 
190
-
BE 68
445
-
BE 66
680
-
Op(AN 18)
863
-
CD 63
 
195
-
BF 74
482
-
AM 02
743
-
AE 65
925
-
AF 84
 
198
-
LC 97
484
-
AE 83
763
-
BE 48
871
-
AF 91
 
218
-
AL 94
518
-
Op(CA 59)
772
-
AL 23
978
-
AO 16
 
219
-
BF 84
530
-
CD 37
802
-
Op(BB 17)
993
-
BE 21
 
228
-
BE 12
534
-
BF 49
804
-
Op(BD 41)
1004
-
AN 31
 
244
-
Op(AD 59)
539
-
AL 17
853
-
BF 55
1062
-
GQ 21
 
245
-
AE 82
541
-
BC 8674
855
-
Op(AK 20)
1221
-
AE 67
 
248
-
AE 85
546
-
ET 67
857
-
BF 81
1223
-
AF 87
 
285
-
AF 76
516
-
AK 33
858
-
Op(AK 50)
1229
-
CB 62
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 92
-
BF 2620
U 247
-
BF 2720
U 714
-
BF 2110
U 764
-
BF 2540
 
262
-
BF 5470
413
-
BF 2540
736
-
BF 2540
989
-
BF 2620
 
275
-
BF 2380
480
-
BF 2540
758
-
BF 4650      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 190 - 198 - 218 - 228 - 437 - 445 - 516 - 530 - 534 - 539 - 546 - 547 - 548 - 650 - 763 - 853 - 857 - 859 - 993 - 1062.
       
- 577 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 979 - Bergen;  (U 1004 - Kristiansand);  U 963 - 309 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) Aircraft of 19 Group sighted U-boat at 0015 in 480 16' N., longitude unspecified, course 2700, speed 9 knots.
    2) Enemy units were located in:  AM 4930 - 5780 - BF 5470 - 2640.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    U 309 and U 963 put out of La Pallice.  Boats proceeding to exit of Bristol Channel.
    Group Command Baltic:  Nothing to report.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) 1) Owing to the departure of U 858 (29.8.) and U 804 (1.9.) the northern weather boat U 855 is to occupy the southern, U 772 (from Norway) the northern half of AK.  U 804 will send intermittent weather reports during her passage through BD/AK until further notice.  Later, it is intended that the homeward-bound U 530 (still in CD 30) shall report.  In the future weather boats of type VIIC will be detailed for this as the newly arrived outward bound IXC boats will only be in operation in more distant operations areas, mainly on the east coast of North America.
      Position for U 1221 is BC 75.
    2) Seven new outward-bound VIIC schnorchel boats from Norway are to receive operations areas in English coastal waters:
      U 285 and 296 off North Minch.
      U 482, 484, 248, 398 off North Channel.
      U 680 off Moray Firth.
      U 244 off Reykjavik.
      A surprise appearance of the boats promises success as firstly, the North Channel is
       
- 578 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      thick with traffic bunches, daily convoys putting in and out and numerous isolated vessels and secondly North Minch is the exercise area for the Home Fleet and the route for WN and EN convoys.
      Schnorchel operations appear possible, as this area has for the most part been unoccupied for a long time and patrols encountered should be of medium strength and unobservant.  The boats have received orders to act according to the situation on being detected, that means either to proceed off the coast and lie on the bottom, or if necessary to withdraw temporarily.  Detailed traffic report and instructions will be transmitted.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
30.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
Op(CB 10)
U 296
-
Op(AM 36)
U 547
-
BF 73
U 859
-
LD 65
 
170
-
DT 12
398
-
AF 79
548
-
BE 64
861
-
KF 64
 
180
-
BE 93
437
-
BF 81
650
-
BE 62
862
-
Op(LT 30)
 
190
-
BE 68
445
-
BE 65
680
-
Op(AN 18)
863
-
CD 65
 
195
-
BE 96
482
-
Op(AM 53)
743
-
AE 67
871
-
AF 91
 
198
-
LC 99
484
-
AE 85
763
-
BE 47
925
-
AF 73
 
218
-
AL 82
516
-
AK 34
762
-
AL 23
978
-
AO 13
 
219
-
BF 76
518
-
Op(CA 50)
802
-
Op(BB 14)
979
-
AF 87
 
228
-
AL 87
530
-
CD 35
804
-
Op(BD 40)
993
-
BE 25
 
244
-
Op(AD 59)
534
-
BF 49
853
-
BF 57
1004
-
AN 31
 
245
-
AE 85
539
-
AL 16
855
-
Op(AK 20)
1062
-
GG 98
 
248
-
AE 88
541
-
BC 87
857
-
BF 73
1221
-
AE 59
 
285
-
AF 75
546
-
ET 55
858
-
AK 50
1223
-
AF 84
                   
1229
-
CB 62
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 92
-
BF 2610
U 275
-
BF 2610
U 480
-
BF 2490
U 758
-
BF 4340
 
247
-
Op(BF 24)
309
-
BF 6870
714
-
BF 5880
764
-
BF 2490
 
262
-
BF 4650
413
-
BF 2490
736
-
BF 2490
963
-
BF 9130
                   
989
-
BF 2610
 
  On Return Passage:  U 190 - 198 - 218 - 228 - 437 - 445 - 516 - 530 - 534 - 539 - 546 - 547 - 548 - 650 - 763 - 853 - 857 - 859 - 993 - 858 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 985 - La Pallice;  (U 181 Penang to Shonang).
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None
       
- 579 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:  None.
    2) Radio Intelligence report:  English unit reported tanker torpedoed at 1555 in AM 5623 (U 482).
    3) Enemy units were located in:  AM 5480 - 5550 - AN 1660.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    U 985 put out of St. Nazaire.  Boat proceeding to BE 30 and is to operate off the coast of Norway.
    There are now, therefore, still 7 boats in the western ports.
    Group Command Baltic:  Nothing to report.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) U 859 has entered upon the return passage from Penang via LN.  On 27.8. the boat sank a 10,000 GRT tanker on a course of 2200 and escorted by two corvettes in MQ 41; and on 28.8., a freighter of the type "Clan Macaulay" (10,492 GRT), course 500, in MQ 1891.  The boat was in the Gulf of Aden for 11 days, and sighted nothing apart from a freighter, course 2500, with an aircraft in MP 6129 on 16.8.
  c) U 855 reported that U 516 has not appeared at the supply assembly point.  Examination of wireless telegraphy messages showed that an incorrect setting out of U 516's messages by B.d.U. and that the boat was carrying out the return passage to Norway without supplies.  U 516 has received instructions to report her position at once if supplies are needed.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 859 - 2 ships  20,500 GRT.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
31.August 1944.
 
 
 
I.
U 154
-
Op(CB 10)
U 398
-
AF 75
U 547
-
BF 72
U 858
-
AK 58
 
170
-
DT 59
413
-
BF 24
548
-
BE 53
859
-
MQ 29
 
180
-
BE 92
437
-
BF 81
650
-
BE 38
861
-
KF 37
 
190
-
BE 67
445
-
BE 64
680
-
Op(AN 18)
862
-
Op(LT 30)
 
195
-
BE 95
480
-
BF 24
736
-
BF 24
863
-
CD 92
 
198
-
LD 77
482
-
Op(AM 53)
743
-
AE 67
871
-
AF 91
 
218
-
AL 58
484
-
AE 88
763
-
BE 69
925
-
AF 72
 
       
- 580 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
219
-
BF 75
516
-
AL 13
764
-
BF 24
978
-
AO 16
 
228
-
AL 84
518
-
Op(CA 60)
772
-
AL 16
979
-
AF 84
 
244
-
AE 47
530
-
CD 32
802
-
Op(BB 14)
993
-
BE 22
 
245
-
AE 87
534
-
BF 48
804
-
Op(BD 52)
1004
-
AN 29
 
248
-
AM 11
539
-
AL 25
853
-
BF 49
1062
-
GG 86
 
285
-
AF 77
541
-
CC 33
855
-
Op(AK 16)
1221
-
AE 83
 
296
-
Op(AM 36)
546
-
ET 51
857
-
BF 72
1223
-
AF 73
                   
1229
-
CB 62
                         
 
Western Boats:
 
U 92
-
BF 2550
U 275
-
BF 2550
U 758
-
BF 4220
985
-
BF 6450
 
247
-
Op(BF 24)
309
-
BF 6780
963
-
BF 9110
989
-
BF 2550
 
262
-
BF 4610
714
-
BF 5730            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 190 - 198 - 218 - 228 - 437 - 445 - 516 - 530 - 534 - 539 - 546 - 547 - 548 - 650 - 763 - 853 - 857 - 858 - 859 - 993 - 1062.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 953 - La Pallice;  U 483 - 1227 - Kiel;  (U 871 - Trondheim).
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U-boat sighting at 0236 in BF 9226, course 1670, speed 8 - 9 knots ( 953).
    2) ASV location at 0203 in BF 9231.
    3) Enemy units located in AL 8599.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Western boats:
    U 953 has put out of La Pallice on operations.
    Group Command Baltic:
    U 1000 hit a mine on the way from Pillau to Reval.  Boat put into Pillau again.
    Atlantic boats:
  b) Nothing to report.
  c) As U 516 has not reported (see KTB of 30.8.) it is presumed that the boat does not need supplies.  
    U 855 is to occupy the southern half of AK as weather reporting boat
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
       
                                                                      (signed):  GODT.
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 581 -