O.K.M. - 1.SKL

Daily Situation Report

1-31 January 1945

PG31752

These records were made available by Aaron S. Hamilton

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   01.01.45       Delay note                                                         1.)  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                   2.)  Führer Main Headquarters - Kapt.z.S. Junge                                   3.)                - " -                     - Ob.d.M. to present.
	1.) Atlantic:  Nothing to report.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  U-310 (Ley) return transit due to damage by grounding in operations area off Petsamo.  Boat reported on 30 December T 5 hit on patrol vessel possible.  U-995 (Heß) return transit due to give over prisoners of the sinking 26 December.  Boat reported that prisoners can make statements concerning ship movements and patrols Kola and Waenga Bay. Information is important for intended operations of small combat units in this area.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  U-290 (Herglotz) reported enemy U-boat in vicinity of the convoy intake point for Libau.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       727
	- 1 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   02.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-1202 (Thompsen, coming from the Irish Sea) arrived, from new report sank: 4 steamers of 26000 GRT, not 22600 GRT.   b) U-1009 (Zehe, northern weather boat) gave passing report.  Weather reports sent in vain on stern net deflector, because the forward net deflector was out of service.  Until now of major concern.   c) U-1235 (Barsch, IX C boat) departed Kristiansand for patrol.   d) From agent deep lying minefield 30 nm southwest of "Fasnet Rock" (south Ireland).  All boats were warned.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  U-956 (Moß) reported from operations area north of Fischer Peninsula sank from convoy:  30 December 1 steamer, 20 December 1 steamer probable and another steamer 1 hit achieved.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.     4.) Preliminary damage report U-boat force Hamburg.   a) Tollerort:  Accommodation ship "VEENDAM".  31. U.-Flottilla 1 hit astern, superstructure burned out, fire extinguished.  1 hit engine room, flooded.  "VEENDAM" sits on the bottom, light list. U-2515 (Linder) at Helling bow room hit, bow room burned out.  U-2520 (Schubart) splinter damage ballast tanks.  U-2530 (Bokelberg) direct hit after ship, completely flooded.  At the moment burned out.  Casualties, among them the Chief Engineer.   Water in the boat up to the galley, bow out of the water.  U-2525 (Otto) and U-1002 light splinter damage.  U-2532 total loss, sunk.  U-2537 heavy damage, after ship sunk, lies on the bottom.  U-2525 (Ketels) 3 ballast tanks leaking.   b) Finkenwäder:  No damage.   c) Shipyards:  Blom und Voss.  60 to 70 heavy explosive bombs.  Howaldt hardly damaged.  Stülkenwerft struck heavily.                                                                                                B.d.U. Situation Report       728
	- 2 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   03.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-1004 (Hiintz) departed Bergen for patrol, U-1235 (Barsch) arrived Stavanger due to damage .   b) From short report U-1202 (Thomsen) Irish Sea, St. George's Channel very favorable operations area, heavy convoy traffic, continual arrivals.  Medium sea defense, continual air day and night.  Despite this the boat snorkeled undisturbed close under land.   c) December losses:     U-877 (Findeisen) on return transit in Iceland Passage,     U-1209 (Hülsenbeck) by enemy press report stranded at the entrance to the Channel,     U-196 (Striegler) suspected off Jakarta by enemy U-boat,     U-735 (Boerner) on 28 December by aircraft attack in Horten (homeland boat) and 3 Norwegian Sea boats, 1 Gulf of Finland boat and homeland 1 VII-C-boat (rammed) and 1 XXIII boat (mine).       2.) Norwegian Sea:      U-956 (Mohs) return transit for torpedo supply.  U-293 (Klingspor) occupies attack area north of Petsamo.       3.) Gulf of Finland:   U-296 (Herglotz) operations area south of Hangö,  U-348 (Schunk) (first snorkel boat in the Gulf of Finland) departed Danzig, boat proceeds via Libau into operations area.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       729
	- 3 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   04.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   U-1230 gave situation report:  Only operated in BA 95 and 96, began return transit prematurely because limited ability do dive.  Sank:  3 December independent 5500 GRT in BA 9572.  Only light coastal traffic.  Boat is located in BA 9572.  Again fully clear to dive after welding tight assembly hatch and twin armor plate, was to continue return transit via North Channel as no further operations possible.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    U-286 return transit due to fuel supply.  U-995 reports 1 January T V circle runner and 3 Fat unexplained miss on patrol vessel east of Kildin Island.   U-636 received freedom to maneuver between Kola Bay and Gorlow Strait apart from him only U-293 still in operations area north of Petsamo.  3 boats ready to depart for Biber operation in Kola estuary about 6 January depending on weather.       4.) Gulf of Finland:   U-745 received orders, if no earlier survey of the situation east of the Nashorn barrier is gained, to remain in the area up to 7 January, then break back through to the west and report the situation.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       729
	- 4 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   05.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-868 (transport for St. Nazaire) departed Kiel via Horten for patrol.   b) U-1231 reported return transit from operations area Gulf of St. Lawrence/Halifax.  Position BC 82.   c) U-1009 (up to now northern weather boat) goes into the operations area North Channel/Irish Sea.  Boat can operate here about 14 days.  New weather boat U-1230.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    No further indications concerning PQ-convoy.  Both U-boats in the operations area were ordered directly off the Kola Bay.  For now very bad visibility conditions (around 1-2 nm, snow showers) in operations area.       4.) Gulf of Finland:   U-348 occupies attack area north of Baltisch-Port.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       731
	- 5 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   06.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-907 departed Bergen for patrol.     U-315 reported arrival Trondheim, patrol broken off due to engine damage.     U-312 arrived Trondheim again,during attempt to penetrate Hoxa Sound set on rock by eddy current, main rudder failed.   b) U-680 (operations area Channel) gave situation report from AM 19.  Radio message garbled, apparently no successes.   c) Off Channel Islands recovered drifting lifeboat from steamer "DUMFRIES" from Newcastle (5149 GRT), U-boat success assumed.       2.) Norwegian Sea:      From B-Diesnt report, long message from the British Admiral Norwegian Sea convoy (PQ 36) in the sea area Bären Island to North Cape in the evening of 4 January.       4.) Gulf of Finland:   U-370 departed Danzig, transit via Libau into the operations area.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       730
	- 6 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   07.01.45       Delay note                                                         1.) OKW/WFSt/Op/M Teletype from..................................................................................................                                   2.)  Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-869 gave passing report from AK 63.  There was already concern for the boat.   b) U-486 had begun return transit from the Channel.  Position AM 46, sank:  1 motorship 6000 GRT in BF 2516, 3 escort destroyers and probably 1 corvette in BF 3516/28/29.  Torpedoed on 24 December passenger ship 11000 GRT in BF 3553, sinking not observed due to darkness.  Possibly "LEOPPLDVILLE (11509 GRT), because on 26 December lifeboats and rafts of this ship were recovered on the Channel Islands.  Boat had snorkeled day and night north of "Bar Fleur".       2.) Norwegian Sea and Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       732
	- 7 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   08.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-480 on 6 January departed Bergen for patrol.   b) U-1230 (northern weather boat) reported return transit date 26 January.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    U-956 departed Harstadt, transit into operations area Kola Bay.   U-716, U-318 and U-295 departed Harstadt each with 2 Biber on deck.  Boats proceed to the Kola Estuary to drop off small warfare units for operation against ships in the inner Kola Estuary.  Outbound transit to operations are about 3 days.       3.) Gulf of Finland:   U-745 has orders from central Gulf of Finland again to break through again to the west and report situation.  U-370 occupies attack area southeast of Hangö.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       733
	- 8 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   09.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:  Nothing to report.       2.) Norwegian Sea:   From statements of prisoners (captured by U-995 from the sinking of a patrol vessel on 26 December off Gorlow Strait) PQ convoy steered by Kanin - Noss, went then partly via Swjatai - Noss under the coast for Murmansk, partly in the Gorlow Strait.       3.) Gulf of Finland:   a) U-745 reports concerning reconnaissance east of the Nashorn barrier.  On the Estonia coast to AO 3617 slight traffic, small vessels, lighthouses burn.  In Narvabucht no traffic, lighthouses extinguished.  North of highlands due to weather area not seen.  In entire area no ice, water temperature between +2 to +3°C.  Reconnaissance heavily influenced due to weather conditions (strong southerly wind, Vis. moderate).   b) U-745 goes again into this area and occupies attack area north of Kala Wiek and Papon Wiek with focal point Kap Juminda.     U-679 return transit for supply.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       734
	- 9 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   10.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:  U-244 departed Bergen, U-1014 Kristiansand for patrol.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  Nothing to report.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  U-370 occupies as attack are northwest of Hogland.  U-637 reported 3 January and 9 January misses on group of patrol boats and R-boats.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       735
	- 10 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   11.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-1004 reports arival again in Bergen due to snorkel breakdown.   b) U-248 was detected by a search group on 7 and 8 January in BD 52.  Reversal shot on corvette, detonation after 12 minutes 14 seconds.  Nothing further observed.   c) U-869 is in transit to Gibraltar operations area.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    From Radio observation continued numerous English warships east of 25°E, possibly already proceeding west again.  Off Kola outfall there are 3 boats positioned between Gorlow Strait and the area north of Petsamo,   U-956 reports noon 10 January U-boat hunt by 5 S-boats in AC 8859.  Intended operation of 3 U-boats each with 2 Biber in Kola outfall broken off because Biber cannot handle the continual stress from the vibration of the U-boats.  After 1 transit day 4 Biber fuel lines broken.       3.) Gulf of Finland:   Operation of U-370 northwest of Hogland is dispensed with, therefore 3 boats are in attack areas between Hangö and Baltisch Port, 1 boat east of the Nashorn barrier, focal point Kap Juminda.  U-242 departed Danzig, transit via Libau into operations area.  [illegible hand written note concerning U-637]                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       736
	- 11 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   12.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) From B-Diesnt report yesterday afternoon unknown ship in AM 9252 sunk (U-boat success likely)   b) On 10 January drifting wreck reported in Milford area.   c) Canadian passenger ship took two artillery ships in tow on 31 December in BB 7990.   d) U-880 and U-927 departed Kiel via Horten for patrol.       2.) Norwegian Sea:    U-739 departed Trondheim, transit into operations area.       3.) Escort boats southwest Norway:   During attack by enemy surface craft on German convoy in the night of 11/12 January the attached U-427 shot a three-fan miss on destroyer formation, 1/2 and 1 hour later each 1 T V on sound bearings.  Detonation and sinking sounds after 10.5 and 11.5 minutes.  Sinking of 2 vessels was assumed.       4.) Gulf of Finland:   From B-Diesnt report on 11 January at 09.45 hours in AO 3528 a steamer was torpedoed by a U-boat, that subsequently sank.  Russian S-boat were sent to the sinking location.  Success of U-745 possible.  U-348 reported on 10 January morning T V miss on patrol vessel with northwesterly course, afterwards from 09.45 hours active depth charge activity in the direction of the sinking location [remainder of sentence illegible].                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       737
	- 12 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   13.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-1014 ran into Bergen due to snorkel failure.   b) U-1231 reported from sea an addition to situation report 1 each reversal shot on destroyers in BB 1486 and BA 3832, afterwards detonation and "reverberations" like sinking sounds.  Assessment only possible after return.   c) From B-Dienst report it is suspected that on the basis of yesterday's sinking shipping routes are shifted in the Irish Sea from coastal area to the center of the Sea.  Positions known, boats informed.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  Nothing to report.       3.) Escort boats southwest Norway:   From short report of U-427 it is clear that in yesterday's reported situation report of the sinking of 2 destroyers, 1 destroyer by observed hit and afterwards sinking sounds is sunk with certainty, a further destroyer was torpedoed at a minimum.       4.) Gulf of Finland:   U-370 reports 12 January morning at 02.53 hours on patrol vessel group and a single large patrol vessel each 1 T V miss.  U-679 has still not reported despite request to return and two requests for position.       5.)  12 January 13.00 air attack on Bergen by about 40 4-engined aircraft, on the U-boat bunker (mostly suspected 5-ton bombs).  2 severe hits on 3.5 meter ceiling.  Ceiling penetrated twice.  1st penetration left the 4-meter below ceiling of the workshop undamaged.  2nd hit penetrated the upper ceiling [illegible handwritten i sentence inserted here].  Slight damage in the shipyard.  U-boats undamaged.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       738
	- 13 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   14.01.45       Delay note                         Teletype from..................................................................................................                    Teletype   OKW/WFSt/Op/M - Kapt.z.See Junge to present.                                    Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voß to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-275 departed Bergen for patrol.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  "U-286" departed Harstadt, transit to operations area Murmansk coast.       3.) Escort boats south Norway:  To further strengthen escort by U-boats on the south Norwegian coast 2 additional snorkel U-boats were assigned by F.d.U. Nordmeer.  Thus 5 boats are assigned to protect own convoys       4.) Gulf of Finland:  "U-348" and "U-370" shifted attack area to the east.  Attack areas are in the northern part of the Gulf of Finland are from 25°40'E to the longitude of Hogland.  After arrival "U-637" reports that on 3 January in the morning a single heavy detonation was heard, the possibility exists that "U-679" (Aöst) ran upon a mine at this time.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       739
	- 14 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   15.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-278 shifted operations area due to heavy current, strong U-boat hunt and self-noise from Pentland Firth to Stromsay Firth.  Boat received freedom to maneuver on the east coast likewise U-313.  More effective combating of carriers can no longer be expected   b) U-486 reported arrival Bergen.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  U-295 departed Harstadt, transit into operations area Murmansk coast.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       740
	- 15 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   16.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) Arrival Stavanger reported:  U-979 (operations area Reykjavik).  U-963 departed Bergen, U-1058 Kristiansand for patrol.   b) Tanker "SPINANGER" (7429 GRT) reported at 13.00 hours: "torpedoed, abeam Clyde Lightship.  Ship still floats needs towing assistance immediately (own U-boat).   c) Unknown ship reports:  Submarine/mine hit in AM 9212.  With certainty also torpedoing by own U-boat.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  Nothing to report.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  U-290 reports each 1 T V miss on small steamer and on a group of 9 R-boats in AO 3548.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       741
	- 16 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   17.01.45       Delay note                         Teletype from..................................................................................................                Teletype        OKW/WFSt/Op/M - Kapt.z.See Aßmann to present.                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-979 reports after arrival:  Off Reykjavik medium traffic, 1 miss on convoy, could not reach shooting position on other targets.  Light sea and air danger.   b) U-1203 departed Kristiansand for patrol.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  U-992 departed Harstadt, boat supplied weather troops on Bare Island, afterwards went to Murmansk coast.  U-739 initially went to AB 6454 to intercept and protect trawler "WUPPERTAL", the weather mission "Zugvogel" must be broken off due to severe engine damage.  Afterwards the boat proceeds to the operations area.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       742
	- 17 -

 

	17.1.45.         Distribution: M for Ob.d.M.   Chef Seekrisgeleitung   Chef 1/Skl.       Ia   I b   I L     Concerning: Aircraft for U-boat Reconnaissance.               I L meeting with the Technical Department with Major Fischer, Technical Ref. Gemballe, and, subsequently at Chef Technical Air defense, Major General. Diesing, revealed:     a) Coastal maneuvering area English east coast from the area Gen. d. Aufkl.Flieger [General in charge of Aerial Reconnaissance] with Ar 234 guaranteed.     b) Bridging period until the operational capability of the Do 335 twin (Do 635) by "Do 335 single" (Night Fighter) not guaranteed, because "Do 335 Illing" still has severe difficulty with landing gear and aft engine. Therefore reconnaissance on the west coast of England is no longer possible.     c) U-boat reconnaissance over the Atlantic is planned to be provided by DO 635 (therefore the Do 335 -zwilling) in 4 preliminary designs in construction and with a total of 20 aircraft.  Completion depends on solving technical propulsion issues of the Do 335.                                                                                                           - 2 -

 

	Major General. Diesing (Chef Technical Air defense) does not expect that the first aircraft will be ready for operation before June/July.  He considers it appropriate and expedient that the Grand Admiral Reichsmarschall stresses other requirements for aircraft type Do 635 that Reichsminister Speer also speaks of.               At the same time has Gen.Maj. Diesing pointed out the greatest difficulties in the air defense field and stressed that the required construction for Reich Defense of new aircraft types Me 262, Ta 152, Me 162 is still totally unsatisfactory and has not reached planning figures for deployment in any way.                                                                                         I L u.

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   18.01.45       Delay note                                                            1.)  OKW/WFST/OP/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                      2.)  Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:  U-680 reported arrival Bergen.  U-510 departed Jakarta on 11 January for the homeland.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  From short report and report of the Kommandant U-997 had sunk a patrol vessel from a U-boat hunting group in AW 2220 and on 9 December in AC 8864 torpedoed a destroyer. not reported by radio because  due to depth charge no effect was observed, except for hearing detonations.  Hit effect on the patrol vessel was perfectly observed from another boat.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       743
	- 18 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   19.01.45       Delay note                                                            1.)  OKW/WFSt/OP/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                      2.)  Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-2324 (Type XXIII) departed Kiel for Horten, U-1276, 1014 departed Bergen for patrol.  U-532 departed Jakarta on 13 January, U-861 on 14 January, return transit to the homeland.   b) U-806 reported position from BD 12 (return transit from Halifax).   c) U-871 and 863 in Bengal Gulf and U-537 and U-862 at SE Australia received orders for return transit  to Jakarta.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  Russian flying boat received orders twice in the morning 18 January to search for enemy U-boat in the area east of Kilden Strait.  Flying boat reported bad weather and broke off search.  U-992 and U-739 at meeting point with weather trawler in AB 6454. Nothing found up to now.  Delay by engine damage and bad weather possible.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  U-745 reported on 11 January two-fan on two tugs with cranes in AO 3528, course 195°, two detonations.  Following groups missing, Radio Message very garbled.  From B-Dienst on the same day in the area a ship was torpedoed by a U-boat and afterwards sunk.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       744
	- 19 -

 

	Copy!
	MBBS 01772
	Received 10.1.01.55                                                                                                        Lz 12
	619
	1 Skl. 1609/45 gKdos                                                                                      Berlin, 19 January 1945
	Teletype to 1.)  MOK Ostsee, Führstab
	- gKdos - Concerning:  Operation of Mine U-boats -
	Skl. considers proposed mining task for "U-218" in the current enemy situation as not very promising and in no relation to existing substantial risk.  Because BdU Op. has other highly urgent and promising tasks for mine boats agreed to take U-218 from the Baltic region to BdU Op.  B.d.U.has been notified.
	Seekriegsleitung
	1/Skl. I E 1609/45 gKdos
	1/Skl. I E 1609/45 gKdos
	Distribution:  Copy No. 1 = 2 Skl: B.d.U. Op.
	2 = I u
	3 = I b
	Original to I E

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   20.01.45       Delay note                         Teletype from..................................................................................................                    Teletype   OKW/WFSt/OP/M - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present.                                    Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-806 reports from AK 84 situation off Halifax:  Successes:  21 December Liberty ship torpedoed in BB 7551.  24 December from convoy in BB 7527 corvette sunk.  Shot at 4000 GRT freighter, hit after 4 minutes heard.   b) From agent report 1 ship and 1 destroyer were sunk with certainty off Gibraltar from 1 to 3 January, 1 ship torpedoes.  On 4 January drove in at Tanger 3 lifeboats (marking "HENRY MEYER"       2.) Norwegian Sea:  Weather trawler "WUPPERTAL" still not met, U-boat reports 19 January Visibility 50 meters, Wind 9-10.  1 BV 138 is participating in the search.  According to B-Dienst report evening 18 January the English turbine ship "CALEDONIA" (17046 GRT) was in the vicinity of Waida Bay (Northwest corner of Fischer Peninsula).  3 Russian flying boats were tasked for reconnaissance of the Barents Sea.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  U-676 departed Danzig, transit via Libau for operations area in central Gulf of Finland.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       738
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	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   21.01.45       Delay note                         Teletype from..................................................................................................                    Teletype   OKW/WFSt/OP/M - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present.                                    Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-870 is on return transit from the Gibraltar operations area.  As far as is currently known, the boat has sunk:  20 December CF 2636 from westbound convoy a corvette plus 2 American LST (US 350 and US 369) (each about 3000 GRT).      Off Gibraltar:  3 January one Liberty ship 7000 GRT, 6 January from westbound convoy 1 tanker 6000 GRT plus a freighter 5500 GRT, 9 January one corvette.     Torpedoed:  10 January from an eastbound convoy troop transporter 6000 GRT.  Therefore the total success of the boat is: 2 corvettes, 2 LST, 3 ships of 18000 GRT sunk, total 5 ships of 24000 GRT sunk, and one of 6000 GRT torpedoed.     Gibraltar situation:  Daily convoys. Despite strong patrols, convoy protection, Asdic, day and night air, blimps, always initially detected after shooting.  Longest pursuit 24 hours, countered by lying on the bottom.   b) U-764 reports position from AL 33, return transit due to failures from old age of the boat.   c) U-907 gave passing report outbound from AL 47.   d) U-300 departed Bergen, U-327, 866, 1279 Kiel for patrol.       2.) Norwegian Sea, Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       746
	- 21 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   22.01.45       Delay note                                                         1.)  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Junge to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                    2.)  Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voß to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-868, U-1018 Kristiansand, U-2322 Kiel via Horten for patrol.  U-1035 arrived Stavanger (from patrol), U-1276 Bergen (snorkel damage).       2.) Norwegian Sea:  U-293 reported 20 January 10.55 hours in AC 8574 1 destroyer type "GROZNY" sunk.   In recent days there was an increase in the number of  destroyers operating in Murmansk area north of Fischer Peninsula to Norway.  On the Norwegian coast to protect supply traffic to Varanger area 3 U-boats received freedom to maneuver from Fischer Peninsula - Varanger Fjord, remaining 2 boats operate east therefrom to the Gorlow Strait.   Search for weather trawler "WUPPERTAL" by U-boats and air so far without results.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       747
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	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   23.01.45       Delay note                         Teletype from..................................................................................................                    Teletype   OKW/WFSt/OP/M - Kapt.z.See Aßmann to present.                                    Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voß to present.
	1.) Atlantic:  U-1232 from 14 January on return transit from Halifax.  Sunk:  6 ships (of these 3 tankers) of 43900 GRT, 1 large destroyer.  1 passenger ship (20000 GRT) probably torpedoed!  +       2.) Norwegian Sea:  Search for weather trawler "WUPPERTAL" broken off without results, boats proceeding into operations area Murmansk coast.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  U-242 reports special task completed, boat had set ashore on the Finish coast in the southern Botten Sea a radioman, radio gear and demolitions.   2 boats in central Gulf of Finland report from operations area no traffic, between Helsinki and Reval day surveillance by R-boats, scare depth charges.         + From decrypted enemy radio message , yesterday afternoon at Landsend a ship was torpedoed.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       748
	- 23 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   24.01.45       Delay note                         Teletype from..................................................................................................                             1.)  OKW/WFSt op. M, Kapt.z.See Aßmann to present.                             2.)  Führer Main Headquarters, Adm. Voß to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-1009 has begun return transit from the North Channel, only 4 days in the operations area.  Situation:  Nights many small convoys off the Irish coast, slight defense,  Boat had misses on a passenger ship and destroyer.   b) U-1232 reports addition to yesterday's situation, that after the last shot was rammed by corvette, attack periscope out of service.  Position CD 14.   c) U-244 and U-480 receive Channel operations area focal point Cherbourg.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  Nothing to report.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Of the 14 boats assigned to operations in the Gulf of Finland were all 5 snorkel boats and 2 other boats withdrawn from Atlantic operations because due to ice and weather conditions success possibilities for winter months are slight.  It was sought to maintain this despite maintaining 2-3 boats in operations area west of Nashorn barrier.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       749
	- 24 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   25.01.45       Delay note                         Teletype from..................................................................................................                             1.)  OKW/WFSt op. M Kapt.z.See Aßmann to present.                             2.)  Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voß to present.
	1.) Atlantic:  U-880 departed Kristiansand for patrol.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  U-295 damaged by mine hit.  Boat reported return transit afterwards from AC 8116, does not need support, was conditionally clear to dive.   On 24 January unknown vessel passed Hopen Island to the south along the ice limit, course southeast, medium speed.  Independent traffic was assumed.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  U-348 (snorkeler) return transit for Atlantic operation.  U-475 occupies operations area between Stenakär and Klein Tütters, U-676 west therefrom.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       750
	- 25 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   26.01.45       Delay note                                                   1.)  OKW/WFSt/op/M., Kapt.z.See Aßmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                             2.)  Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voß to present.
	1.) Atlantic:  Nothing to report.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  U-636 reports 23 January two-fan and T 5 miss on 2 destroyers, otherwise on operations area (Gorlow Strait and west therefrom) no traffic except for the every 2 day U-boat hunts.  Only partial aerial photography off Murmansk and Kola Bay showed no significant deployments of ships.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       738
	- 26 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   27.01.45       Delay note                         Teletype from..................................................................................................
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-806 will began return transit on 1 February.   b) 25 January 21.54 unknown English steamer suspect Bermuda area torpedoes.  Crew abandoned ship 23.30 hours.  Washington gives in reply to the same ship:  Help will arrive within 24 hours.     (U 1233 possible, position about CC 10).       2.) Norwegian Sea:  U-992 reports supply of weather troop on Bären Island completed, boat goes to Murmansk coast operations area.   U-636 reports return transit for torpedo supply.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       752
	- 27 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   28.01.45       Delay note                         Teletype from..................................................................................................
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-1004, U-1276 departed Bergen for patrol.  U-880 ran in to Bergen due to Junkers compressor failure.  All 3 boats receive at 02.17 hours attack orders on enemy group that attacked own destroyer NW Bergen.   b) Decoded B-Dienst report:  26 January between 14.00 and 15.00 hours off Cherbourg unknown ship "PORT DUJAZ" sunk by explosion, no survivors.  B-Dienst report:  On 27 January at 09.20 hours unknown vessel in Portsmouth exploded!  By the type of the report U-boat success assumed.   c) Decoded Admiralty Radio Message to all English and Allied merchant ships from 26 January:  In order to avoid losses increased by submarine attacks, all merchant ship captains to be cautious while proceeding on independent route within English coastal waters in the vicinity of vessels where damage from explosion was observed.       2.) Norwegian Sea:  On 27 January according to B-Dienst several English units were determined in the Barents Sea, suspect U-boat hunt in coastal area.  Indication as before a PQ-convoy.  No intermediate convoy possible.       3.) Gulf of Finland:  U-370 reports from operations area west of Hogland damage by ice floes.  Due to ice intensification ice situation withdrawal and return of all boats east of the Nashorn barrier was ordered.  Therefore only 2 boats still remain in the operations area (west of Reval and south of Hangee).  From operation  in Gulf of Finland 2 further boat were withdrawn, consequently 5 boats remain in the area.  9 withdrawn boats go to Atlantic operations.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       752
	- 28 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   29.01.45       Delay note                         Teletype from..................................................................................................                             1.)  OKW/WFSt/Op/M - Kapt.z.See Aßmann to present.                             2.)  Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voß to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) Passing report outbound U-1014 from AM 42.   b) U-2324 (first type XXIII boat), U-1022 and U-1064 departed Horten today for patrol.       2.) Norwegian Sea, Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       754
	- 29 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   30.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) U-1055 reports position from AF 8775 and sinking of 15000-20000 GRT (Short Signal group apparently 3 ships).  Boat is operating in the Irish Sea.   b) Reported arrival? U-1231.  Scheduled for Kristiansand: U-905.  Returning well before using up inventory: U-285, with failed main rudder and anti-aircraft weapons.  Reason for this still not reported.  Both boats have just or not yet reached operations area Channel and Irish Sea.   c) U-878, 309 departed Kiel, U-1279, 327, 866 Kristiansand for patrol.       2.) Norwegian Sea, Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       755
	- 30 -

 

	Secret Command Document   ................................................................. Naval Intelligence Service Received Next to Day Time Via                           From                Via   31.01.45       Delay note                                             xxx  To:  OKW/WFSt/Op/M. - Kapt.z.See Assmann to present. Teletype from..................................................................................................                                     Führer Main Headquarters - Adm. Voss to present.
	1.) Atlantic:   a) Unknown warship gives SOS about 12.30 hours from CG 9544.   b) New operations areas:  U-1058, U-963 Irish Sea, U-275 Channel, U-1014 coastal area off North Ireland, North Channel, Irish Sea.   c) U-857, U-1278 departed Kiel via Horten for patrol.       2.) Norwegian Sea, Gulf of Finland:  Nothing to report.                                                                                                      B.d.U. Situation Report       756
	- 31 -