SECRET
     
 
                                                                                                            Office of Flag Officer,
  
 
                                                                                                                 Western Germany,
 
 
                                                                                                                     At SENGWARDEN,
  
 
                                                                                                                         Germany
  
     
                                                                                                                23rd June, 1945.  
     
  No.3/3/4/56  
  THE SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY (3).  
     
 
LAST PATROL OF U-BOAT U.979
 
 
 
          The following report on the last patrol of U.979 is forwarded for the information of Their Lordships with reference to Admiralty Messages D.T.G.261315/May and D.T.G.142011/June, and my signal D.T.G.151632/June.  
     
          2.  Since the Commanding Officer of U.979 is awaiting trial for non-compliance with the Surrender Terms, it has not been considered practicable to glean any useful information from him pending his trial.  The First Lieutenant of the U-boat, however, has been questioned and has provided useful information in amplification of the recorded entries in the Deck Log.  
     
          3.  All available information as to the last patrol of U.979 is included in the enclosed translation from the Deck Log for the period, in conjunction with track-charts of the voyage and report on the interrogation of the First Lieutenant.  
     
     
     
 
 
                                                                                                                
                                                                                                       for REAR ADMIRAL.  
     
     
Enclosures.
      1.  Translation of Deck Log from 26th March, 1945 - 12th May, 1945.  
      2.  Interrogation of the First Lieutenant.  
      3.  Chart No.253        )   One copy  
      4.  Chart No.1780 G  )      only.  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 

 

 
 

 
(Enclosure No.1 To Flag Officer, Western Germany, No.3/3/4/56 of 23rd June, 1945)
     
     
 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979
 
 
 
 
(Note:  SN = SCHNORCHELING.)
 
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
26th        March, 1945.
       
2045     Bergen - departure for 3rd patrol.  Fl. leader says goodbye.
2105     Left Marineholm.
2125     Taken over by escort.
2227     Grounded Kalvanes.  Escort followed course 2980 too long and grounded before us.
      Groundfog - wind 0 - sea 0.
      Escort is out of sight.  U 285 does not report.
      We are alongside each other and charge batteries.
      Covered 10 miles.
       
     
27th        March, 1945.
       
0226     Proceeded on with silly escort.  Wind 0 - Sea 0.
0430     13.5 Miles.  Dismissed by escort.
0435     2700 Compass.  Magnetic course 2720.  10.5 Miles.
0523     Dived 3.5 miles.  AN 2415.
0835     Till 1145, SN(250).  Still 2700  AN 2414.  7.5 miles. on surface 34.0., submerged 11. - total 45 miles.
1250     a/c 3150 (3700 mag.) EM1. 2.3 miles.
1600     3150  8.3 miles.  AN 2333.    (3100 Mag. E.M.2)
2000     3150 E.M.2  3100 Mag.        4 miles.
2100     3150
2300     12 miles - 1.8 miles.
2355     To 135    Schnorchelvalve jammed.  We must return again.    AF 8784    covered 29.4 miles.
       
     
28th        March, 1945.
       
0100     Compass course 1350
0504     Surfaced till 0512.  Took down W/T.
0523     Till 0600 (SN 250)    12.5 miles.
0800     1350    AN 2332    4 miles.
1020     900    4.5 miles.
1200     AN 2335    4.5 miles.
1425     Till 1715  (SN250)
1455     1600 comp 1800 mag.    4 miles.
1605       "         "       "      "  8 before Holnegra Bv = 00  12 miles
1620     a/c  1500    4 m.  1 - m - 2.5 m.
1840     a/c    900    2 m.
1937     surfaced S. of Hellisorg 1410
2000     1510    -  1350  -  4 m.
2010   5 At signal station Skelhanger ordered escort.
      We are stopped and wait for escort.
      Mileage covered surfaced 20 - submerged 9.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 2.
     
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
29th        March, 1945.
       
0200     NADG.  Taken over by escort.  18 miles.
0440     Escort left us.
0450     Fl. Nav. P.O. on board.
0515     Made fast Marineholm.
              - - - - - - - -
      Schnorchel repair - Training.  Took over provisions. 
      mileage, surfaced 47 submerged 9.
1905     Trials.
1925     Dived    15    15.
2020     Surfaced 2 m.
2044     Made fast,
2255     Cast loose.
2315     Escort takes over.
       
     
30th       March, 1945.
       
0150     Escort leaves    12    12.
0207     0207 dived - 0210 measured speed 1258.0.
0250-      
0347 270   6.3 SN.    AN 2415.
0800 270 8.2 AN 2336
0915 318 2.3  
1200 318 5 AN 2332.  Mileage covered surfaced 38.5, subm. 22.0.
1300 318    
1513-      
1524     SN(250)  ventilated with Schnorchel.
1600 318 9 AF 8787.
2000 318 7.2 AF 8770.
2025-      
0410     SN(250).
2400 318 15.3 AF 8748.
       
     
31st        March, 1945.
       
0110 318 4  
0400 318 12 AF 7963.
0800 318 8.8 AF 7939
0900 318    
1200 318 7.2 AF 7935.  Mileage covered 63.5.
1300 318    
1430-      
1450 318   SN(250).
1600 318 7.2 AF 7697.
2100 318   from 2020 to 0350 SN(250).
2400 318 15.7 AF 7682 - mileage 31.3.
       
     
1st        April, 1945.
       
0100 318    
0400   " 16 AF 7654.
0500   " 1.1  
0600   " 5.1  
0800   " 3.6 AF 7643.
0900   "    
1200   " 75 AF 7617    Total 64.5 m.
1300   "   1300-1315   SN(250).
1600   " 8 AF 7614.
1700   "    
2000   " 10 AF 7533.
2100   "   from 2025 - 0500 SN(250).
2400   " 15.4 AF 7295    mileage 33.5.
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 3.
     
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
2nd        April, 1945.
       
0100 318    
0200     Watches put ahead D.S.Z. (German Summertime)
0400   " 12 AF 7283.
0500   " 4 0530    measured speed 1438.6.
0600   3  
0800   " 3.6 AF 7255.
0900   "    
1000 270 3.6 a/c 2700.
1200   "                                     AF 7254    Mileage 63.5
1600   " 9 AF 7246.
1700   "    
1900   5.4  
2000   " 1.8 AF 7245.
2100   "   From 2130-0420 SN(250).
2400   " 13.5 AF 7160    mileage 28.7
1300   "   1300-1315 SN(250)
       
     
2rd        April, 1945.
       
0100 270    
0400   " 16. AF 7164.
0500   "    
0800   " 9. AF 7155.
0900   "    
1200   " 7.3. AF 7154    Mileage 62.
1300   "    
1600   " 8.5 AF 7146.
1700   "   1612 - 1626 SN(250).
1800   " 4.5  
2000   " 3.2 AF 7145.
2100   "                                      From 2215-0500 SN(250)
2301     Surfaced 2301-2308.
2400   " 11.5 AE 9366.
       
     
4th        April, 1945.
       
0100 270    
0400   " 16 AE 9364.
0500   "    
0800   " 12.4 AE 9355.
0900   "    
1200   " 7.2 AE 9354    mileage 63.5.
1300   "    
1600   " 9.2 AE 9345.
1700   "   1635-1645  SN(250)
1900   " 6.2  
2000   " 1.8 AE 9344.
2100   "   2211-0345  SN(250)
2400   " 11.2 AE 9266.
       
     
5th        April, 1945.
       
0100 270    
0400   " 15.5 AE 9256.
0500   "    
0800   " 7.5 AE 9253.
1200   " 7.2 AE 9254    mileage 59.
1300   "    
1600   " 7.5 AE 9246.
1700   "   1617 - 1639  SN(250)
2000   " 8.5 AE 9245.
2100   "    
2400   11.6 AE 9166.
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 4.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
0100 270    
0400   " 16. AE 9164.
0500   " 4.  
0600   " 2.  
0800   " 36. AE 9155
0900   "   a/c 2130
1000 213    
1200   " 7.3 AE 9155    mileage 61.
1300   "    
1600   " 8. AE 9157.
1700      
1900   6.2  
2000   "    
2300     From 2232 - 0530 SN(250)
2400   " 123. AE 9412.
       
     
7th        April, 1945.
       
0100 213   0145 a/c 2700
0200 270    
0400   " 19.5 AE 8636.
0500   " 5.  
0800   " 7.3 AE 8634.
0900   "    
1200   " 7.2 AE 8623.
1300   "    
1600   " 7.6 AE 8625.
1700   "   1645-1700 SN(250)
2000   "    
2200     2225-0515 SN(250)
2400   "   AE 8615.
       
     
8th        April, 1945.
       
0100 270    
0400   " 20. AE 8535.
0500   " 5. 1717.3 " F/M
0800   " 5.7 AE 8534.
1200   " 8. AE 8525    mileage 66.
1600   " 7.2 AE 8524.
1700   "   1633-1647  SN(250)
1800   4.7  
2000   " 4. AE 8616.
2200     From 2226-0145 SN(230)    0290-0500  SN(290)
       
     
9th        April, 1945.
       
0100 270    
0400   " 18.5 AE 8434.
0500   " 5.  
0800   " 6.3 AE 8426.
1200   " 7.5 AE 8425    mileage 66
1600   " 7.5 AE 8424.
1700   "   1645-1658  SN(250)
1800   4.5  
2000   " 3.6 AE 8415.
2200     2253-2302  SN(290)
2300   6. 2300  Water entered in bearing instrument.
2400   " 4. 2330-0000 on surface AE 8426.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 5.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
10th        April, 1945.
       
0100 270   0120-0600 SN(290)
      Took starsight Bv=1000 35sm.
0400   " 15.2  
0500   " 5.  
0800   "   0820 small steamer on opposite course
      100T E-2000
1200   " 8.7 AE 8414    mileage 63.5
1600   " 7.3 AE 7636.
1700   "   1710-1721 B    SN(250)
2000   " 9.1 AE 7635.
2100 230   1958 a/c 2300  Tick tick from 2250-0615 SN(290)
2300     a/c 2700
2400 270 11. AE 7626
       
     
11th        April, 1945.
       
0100 270    
0400   " 20 AE 7616.
0500   "    
0700   11.5 0630  11.5.
0800   " 3. AE 7614.
0900 308   0815 a/c 3080
1200   " 7.5 AE 7536    Mileage 69.5
1300   "    
1600   " 7.8 AE 7532
1700   "   1743-1750  SN(250)
2000   " 8.2 AE 7298.
2300   "   from 2315-0500 SN(290)
2400   " 10.8 AE 7294.
       
     
12th        April, 1945.
       
0100 308    
0400   " 19.5 AE 7257.
0500   "   0500-0515 surfaced.
0800   " 11.1 AE 7246.
0900   "    
1200   " 8.1 AE 7242    Mileage 65.5.
1300   "    
1500   4.4  
1600   " 1.8 AE 7217.
1700   "   1735-1750    SN(250)
1800   5.3 BY=2390, 8 m.
2000   " 3.6 AE 7138.
2200     2323-0410  SN(290)
2300   7.5 2320 a/c 2700
2400 270 2.5 AE 7137.    Mileage 25.2.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 6.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
13th        April, 1945.
       
0100 270    
0300     0340 went to 00
0400 0 20 AE 7124.
0500 45 2.7 0410 a/c 450 - 0440 a/c 2700.
  270    
0800   " 4.8 AE 7113.
0900      
1100   5.5  
1200   " 3.25 AE 7112.    Mileage 61.
1300 0    
1600 0 7.5  
1700 0    
1800 0 5.  
2000 0 3.8 AE 4775.
2200 0   2230 a/c 900.
2400 90 8.2 AE 4773.
       
     
14th        April, 1945.
       
0100 30   0014 a/c 300.  0025 a/c 00.  0200 a/c 900.
  0    
0200 90 8.3 from 0035-0600  SN(290).
0300   " 5.  
0400   " 5. AE 4757.
0500   "    
0600 180 10. 0600 a/c 1800.
0800 90 4.5 AE 4755.
0900   "    
1200 0 5. AN 4755  mileage 60.3.
1300 0    
1400 180 3.2  
1600   " 2 AE 4755.
1700 30   1720 action stations
  90   1745 evasion - 3 guardships.
  65    
1800 90 3.3  
  0    
2000 0 2.3 AE 4753.
2100 270   2122-2134  SN(250)
2200   1.8  
2400   " 3.7 AE 4752.
       
     
15th        April, 1945.
       
0100 270 0.5 0010-0135  SN(250).    0152-0215  SN(250).   
    2. 0540-0743   SN(250)
0200   1.7  
0400 290    
  270 7.7 AE 4727.
0500 290    
0600 220    
  150 4.5  
0700 150 1.5  
  110 1.5  
0800 110 1.8  
    0.8 AE 4752
0900 125 2.5 Bearing Bv.=300  8m.
1000   " 1.3  
1100   " 2.7  
1200   " 0.8 AE 4729 - mileage 46.
1300   " 1.3 1400 - 3 guardships
1400 30 3.7 1415 action stations.  1430 action stations over.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 7.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
15th        April, 1945   (Continued) .
       
1500 90 1.3  
  180    
1600 180 1.1 AE 4753.
1700 0   1646-1654  SN(250)
2000 0 9.3 AE 4729.
2100 180 2.4  
2200 0    
2400 0 2.1  
  0 0.4 AE 4729.
       
     
16th        April, 1945.
       
0100 0   0032 - 0540  SN(250).
0200 230    
0400 50 18.3 AE4728.
0500 50 3.5  
0600 165 1.3 Bv=1520   1.75 sm.
    1.2  
0800 180 6.8 AE 4729.
0900 219    
1100 180 3.9  
1200   " 1.3 AE 4753.    Mileage 55.
1300 0    
1400 300    
1500 0 3.2  
1600   1.2 AE 4753.
1700 0    
1800   3. 1806 1 4-engined plane - double Leitwerk.
1900 270 1.2 1940  Action Stations - 3 craft  2800  1900  1100
2000 280 0.7        1.2 AE 4752
    0.9 2015  fired torpedo tube V  T.5.
2100 220 2.4 2025     "        "          "    II  T.3.
2300 270    
2400   9. AE 4751.
       
     
17th        April, 1945.    S.W. ICELAND.
       
0100 0   0042-0549  SN(290)
0200 270 7.2  
0400   10. AE 4755.
0500 180 1.7  
0600 270 2.5  
  180 1.4  
0800 180 39. AE 4755.
0900 0   0803-0815  SN(250)
1200 0 5. AE 4752    mileage 55.
1300 160    
1600 160 4.5 AE 4753
1700 160 0.7  
1800 160    
1900 0   1830    3 Explosions.       1845    5 Explosions.
2000 0 4.3 AE 4753
2300 0 3.5  
2400 0 2.2 AE 4729.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 8.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
15th        April, 1945.        S.W. ICELAND.
       
0100 0   0003-0345  SN(290)        0708-0722  SN(250)
0200 200    
0300 40    
0400 180 18.7 AE 4725.
0500   "    
0800   "    
0900 150    
1000   " 3.  
1200   " 2. AE 4752    mileage 47.
1300   "    
1600   " 4.9 AE 4756.
1700 180   1634  4-engined aircraft double.
1800 180 3.5 1805  "Uberlaufer" Fischer.
1900 340 0.6  
  0    
2000 0 2.4 AE 4756.
2100 0   2108-2115  SN(290)
2300 0 5.  
2400 0 1.5 AE 4753.
       
     
19th        April, 1945.
       
0100 315   0020-0433  SN(290)
0400 135 19.2 AE 4725.
0500 135 2.5  
    0.8  
0700 135   Located enemy, submerged.  0708-0717  SN(250)
0800 180 1.5 AE 4728.
    3.3  
0900   "    
1200   " 4.3 AE 4753    mileage 49.5
1300   "    
1400 30 2.  
1600   " 2.4  
1800   " 2.5  
1900 0    
2000 180 2.5 AE 4753.
2100 0 0.4 2156-2206  SN(250)
2400 0 2.2  
    0.3 AE 4729.
       
     
20th        April, 1945.
       
0100 320   0054 - 0450  SN (290)
0400 320 17.2 AE 4728.
0500 105 2.5  
0600 180 6.7  
0700     0705-0715  SN(250).
0800   3. AE 4753.
0900   "    
1100 0    
1200 0 5. AE 4753    mileage 45.5.
1400 167 2.5  
1600   " 1.7 AE 4753.
1700   "    
1900   " 3.5  
2000 270 0.9 AE 4756.
2100   "   2105 - 2 fighters.
2400   " 6.8 2315 - 2 fighters  10,000m.   AE 4755.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 9.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
21st        April, 1945.
       
0100 270   0145-0420  SN(290)
0200 0   0546-0645  SN(290)
0300 225    
0400   " 14.4 AE 4757.
0500 45 1.3  
0600 30 6.  
0700 85 1.5  
0800 " 1.4 AE 4754.
0900 "    
1000     1000  1 aircraft Boeing.
1200   5.8 AE 4755    mileage 46.
1300   "   1211 - 4 aircraft bombs
1500 0   Bv - 1210   3.25m.
1600 0 4.5 AE 4756
1700 0 1.5 1610 - 3 guardships.
2000 0 4.5 AE 4753
2100 0    
2300     2324-2329  SN(250)
2400 0 5.2 AE 4729-1/2
       
      22nd    April, 1945.        S.W. ICELAND.
       
0100 0   0113-0652  SN(250)
      Constant alteration of course on account of fishing boats.
0400 290 5.   4 AE 4728.
0500   2.3  
0700 30 9.3  
    0.2  
0800 90 1.0 AE 4756.
0900 0    
1200 0 4.3 AE 4753    mileage 48.
1500 180 2.7  
1600   " 1.5 1600.  Bv.=27 6m.
1700 210 1.2  
2000 315 3.6 AE 4753.
2100 0 1.2  
2400 0 37. AE 4729.
       
     
23rd        April, 1945.
       
0100 0   0105 - 0530  SN(290)
0200 270    
0300 220    
0400 30 16. AE 4729.
0500 180 5.  
0600 180 2.5 Bv.  290 - 36sm.
    2.3 0652-0658  SN(250)
0700   0.9  
0800 180 0.8 AE 4750.
0900 90    
1200 90 4.9 AE 4753 - mileage 46.5
1300 0    
1500 180   1620.  Bv=301.5   3.6m.
1600 180 5.1  
1700 180 1.5  
1800   " 0.5  
1900   " 3.  
2000   " 1.1 AE 4756.
2100 270   2121-2126  SN(250)
2400   " 6. AE 4755.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 10.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
24th        April, 1945          S.W. ICELAND.
       
0100 270   0110-0515  SN(290)
0400 90 14.7 AE 4754.
0500 135 1.5  
  20 2.3  
0600 90 2. 0642-0650  SN(250)
0700 90 2.8  
    1.  
0800 90 1.3 AE 4756.
0900 0    
1100   3.5  
1200 0 1. AE 4753    mileage 47.
1300 180   1312 - 1 single engined a/c.  one a/c bomb.
1600 0 5.6 AE 4753.
1700 0   1835 at Periscope depth next to us 2 guardships.
1800 200 2. 1845  - 6 Depth charges    1906  1.W.
1900 225 4.           - 1 enemy D/ch.
      1945     3      "       "
      2000     5     "       "
2000 270 1.2  
    1.5 AE 4752.
2100      
2200   5.3  
2300 180 2.6  
2400   " 3.8 AE 4754.
       
      25th        April, 1945.        S.W. ICELAND.
       
0100 180 1.5 0100-0555  SN(290)
0200 220 2.3  
  180 3.3  
0300   2.5  
    1.6  
0400 180 4. AE 4782.
0500 200 1.2 0550 in 750 a/c E 3,000m.
0600 30 4.4  
0800 30 4.7 AE 4758.
0900 30    
1200   " 4.3 AE 4758    mileage 53.5
1300   "    
1500   "   Bv=300    4m.
1600   " 4.5 AE 4753.
1700 0 2.5  
2000 0 3.5 AE 4729
2100 0   2120-2125  SN(250)
2200 270    
2300 0 5.3  
2400 0 0.7 AE 4726.
       
     
26th        April, 1945.
       
0100 150    
0300 270    
  0    
0400 45    
  180 11.2 AE 4729
0500 180 2.3  
0700   8.6 Bv=170    3.6m.
0800 180 2. AE 4753.
0900 190    
1200 180 5.6 AE 4753.    mileage 46.
1300 0 1.  
1600 0 3.4 AE 4753.
1700 180    
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 11.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
      26th        April, 1945   (Continued) .
       
1900 180 3.4  
2000 270 1.4 AE 4756.
2100 270    
2300     2313-2324  SN(250).
2400 180 5. AE 4755.
       
     
27th        April, 1945.
       
0100 180   0133-0243  SN(250)        0300-0619  SN(250).
0200   2.3 0643-0650  SN(250)  ventilated U-boat.
0300   " 6.1  
0400 0 4.3 AE 4758.
0500 20 1.5  
    3.5  
0600   " 4.5  
0700   " 1.  
    0.5  
0800   " 1.2 AE 4756.
0900   "    
1200   " 4.8 AE 4753.    Mileage 44.
1300     1300-1505 lay on bottom.  2 corvettes.
1500 30   1317  destroyers pass over us.
1600 180 2.8  
    0.9 AE 4753
1700 180 3.4  
    0.5 Bv 20    5m.
1900   0.5 1915 laid on bottom.
2000   0.5 AE 4753.
2200     rose from bottom.
2300 270 1.1 2320-2325  SN(250)
2400   " 2.3 AE4753.
       
      28th        April, 1945.
       
0100 270   0140-0613  SN(260)
  300 3.4  
0200 0 1.3  
0300 120 6.  
  160 2.5  
0400 180 0.5  
    3.7 AE 4759.
0500 0    
0600 0 9.  
0700 60 0.9  
0800 0 2.2 AE 4756.
0900 0    
1000     Bv 3090    2.4m.
1200   3.4 AE 4753  mileage 43.
1300   0.8 1231 lay on bottom 54m.
1600     AE 4653.
1800 340   1820 rose from bottom.
  0 1.5 2 corvettes 3 small fishing steamers.
2000 180 4.4 AE 4753.
2100 270 0.4  
2200 270    
2300 0    
2400 180 5.6 AE 4753.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 12.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
29th        April, 1945.
       
0100 180   0215-0550  SN(290)
0400 0 14. AE 4752.
0500 180 3.  
0600 140 7.5  
0700   4.  
  90 0.5  
0800 40 1. AE 4756.
0900   "    
1000     1045 lay on bottom 48m.
      AE 4753    mileage 45.5.
1300     On bottom 49m.
1600     AE 4653.
1700 220   1620 rose from bottom.
1800 180    
1900 270 3.2  
    1.2  
2000   " 0.5  
    0.6 AE 4756.
2300   " 3.8  
2400  " 0.5 AE 4750.
       
     
30th        April, 1945.
       
0100 270 1.  
    1. 0115  Action stations    2 Corvettes  E  ?
0200 180   0130  Action stations over 0152-0348  SN(290)
0300 160 5.4 Bv 360.  3.4 miles.  red, green red stars.
0400 190 4.4 AE 4759.
0500 180 4.4 0414-0500  SN(290)
0600 0   0617-0620  SN(250)
0700 40 4.  
0800 40 2.8 AE 4759.
0900 40    
1100 30    
1200 30 6.7 AE 4756    mileage 40.
1300 30    
1400 0    
1500 180    
1600 180 4.9 AE 4753.
1700   0.5 1831 lay on bottom 56m.
2000     AE 4753.
2100 270   2005 rose from bottom.
2200   3.2  
2400 270 2.8 AE 4756.
       
     
1st        May, 1945.
       
0100 180 1.8 0140-0612  SN(290).
0300   8.7  
0400   " 1.3 AE 4783.
    3.5  
0500 10 1.2  
0600 40 6.2  
  10 1.6  
0700 90 1.7  
    0.5  
0800 90 1.7 AE 4753.
0900   1. Lay on bottom  48m.
1200     AE 4753
1500     1558 rose from bottom.
1600 0 0.3 AE 4753
1700 30 2.2  
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 13.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
1st        May, 1945   (Continued) .
       
1800 210 1.9  
2000   " 2. AE 4753.
2100 270    
2300 180 4.  
2400   1.6 AE 4752.
       
     
2nd        May, 1945.
       
0100 180   0140-0443  SN(290)
0300 250 8.8  
0400 250 4.6 AE 4755
0500 180 1.7  
0600 30 3. 0622-0628  SN(250)
0700 0 1.9  
  355    
0800 90    
  90 2. AE 4753.
0900 80    
1000 80 4.6 0959 lay on bottom 39m.
1200     AE 4735    mileage 36.5.
1300 300   1206 rose from bottom.
1400 330    
  270 3.5 1320 action stations 2 guardships.
      1331 Salvo from tube 1 and 4 after 35" explosion.
      1340  2 explosive charges.
      1353  pushed out Bold (S.B.T.2)
      1415  action stations over.
1500 315 1. 1515-1800 on bottom.
1600 315 2.4 AE 4729.
1700 0   1642    2 guardships  1 land and 1 seaplane.
1800     1800  1 plane
1900 0   1825  5 planes.        1935 on bottom    50m.
      Bv 1220    4.9m.
2000   9.5  
2400      
       
      3rd        May, 1945.
       
0100 0 2.4  
0400 0 9.8 Rose from bottom 0054.    0159-0550 SN(290)
0500 100   AE 4789.    5 guardships, 2 corvettes passed over us twice.
0600   " 9.5  
0700 90    
0800 0 2.5 AE 4723.
0900 0   0947 bottomed  83m.
1000   4.6 1012-1044  1 explosive charge each time.
1200     AE 4723    mileage 45.5.
1300     On bottom  AE 4723.
1800   1. 1812  periscope depth  1 island and inland steamer        AE 4723.
      On bottom  AE AE 4723.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 14.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
4th        May, 1945.
       
0100 315 1.3 0155 rose from bottom.    0220-0607  SN(250)
    1.  
0200   "    
0300 220 3.  
0400 130    
  200 5. AE 4726.
0500 75 1.  
    4.  
0600 180 1.2  
  0 0.2  
0800 180 1.7 AE 4726.
0900 180 0.5 0811  bottomed  60m.
1000   1. Bv 2910    2.3m.
1100     1016 rose from bottom   steamer 4000
1200     AE 4726    mileage 21.5.
1300 90 2.3 1316 bottomed  72m.
1600     AE 4726.  On bottom.
2300     2307 rose from bottom.
2400   2.1 AE 4726.
       
     
5th        May, 1945.
       
0100   1. 0038  action stations.  4 - 5 steamers - 4 escorts.
0200 NADK 3. (2 steamers - 3 escorts)  0105 spread from tubes I, II, IV  T3.  0115 fired tube III  T.5.
      0125-0446  Webos     0209 after series of D/ch.
      Stbd. shaft catches.
      0131 rammed - Detonations of spread.
      I 28"    III 6' 30"    II  1' 24"    Tube III  6' 15"
      AE 4726.
0500 330   Sank 1 escort 800 T.  Torpedoes with 2 torpedoes 1 tanker 7000T.
0800   "   AE 4726.
1200   " 18. Total 2 escorts - 1 - 7000 T.  550 ch.
1300   "    
1600   "   AE 4623.
2000   "   AE 4721.
2100   "    
2400 270 14. AE 4487.
       
     
6th        May, 1945.
       
0100 270   0125-0132  SN(250).
0200   2.5 0131  D/ch 22.
      0239-0555  SN(250).
0400 270 7.3 AE 4478.
0500   " 4.  
0600   " 4.  
0700 325    
0800 325 23. AD 5696.
0900   "    
1200   " 4. AD 5693.    mileage 38.
1300   "    
1600   " 4. AD 5692.
2000   " 5. AD 5668.
2100   "   SN(250)  from 2026-2038.
2400   " 5. AD 5664.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 15.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
7th        May, 1945.
       
0100 325    
0200   3.7 0158-0333  SN(250).
0300     0337-0552 surfaced.
0400   8.8 AD 5628.
0500   "   from 0414-0610  SN(250)
0600   " 9.5  
0800   " 4.7 AD 5621.
0900   "    
1200   " 5.8 AD 5387    mileage 44.5.
1600   " 4.2  
    0.6 AD 5379.
1700 20    
2000   " 4.4 AD 5376.
2100   " 1.3 2012-2022  SN(250).
2400   " 4.8 AD 5581.
       
     
8th        May, 1945.
       
0100 20    
0200   3.3 0236-0536  SN(250)
0400   " 6.9 AD 5354.
0500   " 9. 0611 -       SN(270)
0800   9. AD 5325.
0910   "   0926 surfaced.
1000   3.5  
    6.9  
1200 300 26.3 1207 dived (alarm) smoke.  100(400rw)  AD 2965.
      mileage submerged 47, surface 33.2 = 80.2.
1300 65    
1600   " 7. AE 2966.
1700   "    
2000   " 7.2 AE 1741.
2100   " 4.3 2024 surfaced ; 0005 dived.
2200 90 16.5  
2400   " 22.5 AE 1738.
       
     
9th        May, 1945.
       
0100 90 1.  
0400   " 7. AE 1817.
0500   "    
0600   3.6  
0800   " 3.6 AE 1818.
0900   "   0811 surfaced.
1000   21.8  
1200   26. AE 1917.    mileage surfaced 68.8 - subm. 31.4 = 120.2.
1300 90    
1600 90 46.4 AE 1939.
2000 90 56. AE 2817.
2400 90 56. AE 2917.
       
     
10th        May, 1945.
       
0100 140   000 a/c 1400
0400   " 56. AE 5331.
0600   " 56. AE 6184.
0900     0815 a/c 1130
1200   56. AE 6519.  mileage 326.5.
1500 113    
1600   " 56. AE 6672.
2000   " 56-1/2 AF 4711.
2400   " 48. AF 4762.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
EXTRACT OF LOG OF GERMAN U-BOAT        979.
 PAGE 16.
     
 
TIME
COURSE
MILES
  
       
     
11th        May, 1945.
       
0100 113    
0400   " 48.  
0800   " 50.  
0900   " 18. 0930 at 1640
1000 164    
1200   " 5. mileage 281.
1300   "    
1600   "    
2000   " 14.  
2100   "    
2400   " 3.6  
       
     
12th        May, 1945.
       
0100 164   0033-0333  SN(180)
0400   " 16.6 AF 7398.
0800   " 8.3  
1200   " 7.5  
1300   "    
1600   " 7.5  
2000   " 7.2 AF 8441.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
SECRET
 
 
 
LAST PATROL OF U-boat U.979
 
 
(Enclosure No.2 to Flag Officer, Western Germany, No.3/3/4/56 of 23rd June '45)
 
     
 
INTERROGATION OF FIRST LIEUTENANT OF U.979
 
     
  PERSONAL DETAILS.  
     
          Oberleutnant Opitz, aged 23 years.  Home in Hamburg, at 69 Ise Strasse.  Served in U.546 early in 1944, making one unsuccessful patrol in Atlantic.  Then served for three weeks in U.1064.  Joined U.979 in August, 1944.  
     
  LAST PATROL OF U.979.  
     
          The following information was given in amplification of the Deck Log entries:  
     
          10th April.  "Tick tick from 2250 to 0615" refers to the apparent transmissions from some sort of buoy, which were heard throughout that period.  
     
           24th April.  U.979 raised the periscope almost alongside two patrol vessels.  Depth charges were heard almost immediately.  The U-boat remained at periscope depth with periscope lowered, and escaped by frequent alterations of course.  
     
          2nd May.  A mild counter-attack was avoided by usual evasive alterations of course, remaining at periscope depth with periscope lowered, and use of S.B.T.  
     
 
        5th May.  At 0115 a "Gnat" was fired at a small convoy.  Explosion was heard.  Counter-attack was prompt, and altogether 55 depth-charges were dropped.  Only slight superficial damage to U-boat, but starboard shaft became noisy and so starboard engine was stopped.  Throughout the hunt the U-boat remained at periscope depth, raising periscope as necessary.  At 0131 the U-boat was rammed from aft, the escort vessel being sighted too late.  Believed that S.B.T was used during the hunt.  The hunt was shaken off after about four hours, and it was decided to return to Bergen for repair to starboard shaft.
 
          After the depth charge attacks, it seemed that one depth charge must have fallen on the casing and lodged there, for it was heard rolling about.  It remained there until the following day, when it was heard to roll off and there was an explosion a little later.  
     
  GENERAL TACTICS.  
     
          It was not considered safe to approach too close inshore.  The U-boat was bottomed as convenient, relying on charts and personal knowledge of a locality.  In general, U.979 proceeded at periscope depth, only using Schnorchel when it became necessary to charge batteries.  Evasive tactics depended on depth of water, and in depths of under fifty fathoms it was usual to remain at about periscope depth, depending for escape on frequent changes of course, with occasional use of S.B.T.  
     
 
 

 

 

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