U-109 - 6th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Lorient
18 July 1942
Lorient
6 October 1942
81

 

Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for this patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here

 

Ships Hit
Date
KTB Time
Position
Ship
Tons
Nationality
Convoy
7 Aug 42
21.47 - 23.30
8°27'N, 34°21'W
ARTHUR W. SEWALL
6,030
Norwegian
11 Aug 42
19.12 - 22.30
9°33'N, 28°51'W
VIMEIRA
5,728
British
E-6
3 Sep 42
00.50
0°51'N, 4°15'W
OCEAN MIGHT
7,173
British
OS-37
6 Sep 42
23.53
1°33'N, 11°57'W
TUSCAN STAR
11,449
British
17 Sep 42
13.14
18°03'N, 29°21'W
PETERTON
5,221
British
OG-80
     
 Total = 35,601
   
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.


 
 
           
           
           
           
           
                
           
                  
           
   
K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
of the Unterseebootes  "U  109"
 
                 6th Patrol.
 
 
 
 
        Beginning:  4.6.1942  
        Ending    :  6.10.1942  
           
           
           
                                  Patrol in accordance with Operations Order   50     
                                  Times: D.G.Z.  
                                  All naval squares.  
                                            
           
           
           
           
           
                             Kommandant:     Kapitänleutnant Bleichrodt.  
           
           
                             Distribution: 2 x O.K.M.  
        1 x B.d.U.  
        1 x 2.A.d.Uboote.  
        1 x 2.Uflottille.  
        1 x 27.Uflottille.  
        1 x Agru-Front.  
           
           
           
           
                          
           
        © U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
 
           
           
           
            - 1 -  
           
    04.06.42   Berth A 3.  Cleaned out.  Shifted with 3 tugs to Keroman.  Boat put on the slip in Bunker 2.  Shipyard period.  
    07.06.42   1st leave trip to Germany.  
    28.06.42   Return of the 1st leave trip.  
    29.06.42   2nd leave trip to Germany.  
    30.06.42   Began training service in Hennebont.  
      1 Officer, 2 Petty Officers, 18 men.  
    08.07.42   End of training in Hennebont.  20.00 hours undocked from Keroman.  Shifted with tugs to S 1.  
    09.07.42   10.00 hours shifted by tug from S 1, to B 6.  Installation of the rod antenna, radio direction finder, periscopes, cannon.  22.30 hours shifted to S 2 to charge the battery.  
    10.07.42   09.30 hours shifted to B 6 by tug.  Pier-side trials.  
    11.07.42   Berth B 6 dummy torpedo shooting.  
    12.07.42   Torpedo loading.  Return of the 2nd leave trip.  
    13.07.42   14.15 hours sea trial, dive test, degaussing, made fast at S 1.  
    14.07.42   Berth S 1.  Ammunition loading.  
    15.07.42   Took over the boat, seamanship and technical sections.  
    16.07.42   Provisions loading.  Trim test, magnetic compass calibration.  Error in the gyro-compass system.  Repeated calibration necessary.  Made fast to S 1.  
    17.07.42   Shifted to A 3.  From there cast off for calibration.  Made fast to S 1.  
    18.07.42   Shifted from S 1 to A 4 by tug.  Took over fresh provisions.  
                                                                     
    18.07.42      
    18.00   Put to sea for patrol.  With escort up to L 2.  
    19.50   Passed Lucie 2.  Released escort.  
      NW 4-5, Sea 4, 7/10 Departure Route "Kernleder".  
    20.50   Passed Point "352".  
        Check fire with 2 cm and M.G.  No malfunctions.  
    22.33   Passed Point "Lade".  
                                                                       
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.07.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 2 -  
    19.07.42 Bay of Biscay On departure route avoided several illuminated fishing vessels.  
    00.00 NW 4-5, Sea 4, passing showers, overcast, low hanging cloud deck, Vis. medium, bridge takes over much water, strong phosphorescence    
    01.52   Passed Point "Kern".  
    02.13   Dived.  Test dive.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters to the WSW.  
    04.00 BF 5572    
    08.00 BF 5577    
    12.00 BF 5733 Day's run:  Surfaced  98 nm, Submerged  30 nm  
    14.12   Surfaced to charge.  
    16.00 BF 5728    
      NW 3, Sea 3, 8/10, medium-high cloud deck, partly broken, Vis. good    
    18.59 Completely overcast, low cloud deck Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.  
    20.00 BF 5769    
                                                                       
    20.07.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 4991    
    04.00 BF 4986    
    08.00 BF 4985    
    11.49   Surfaced to charge the battery. Sail fishing vessel astern to port.  Passed slowly out of sight.  
    12.00 BF 4979 Day's run:  Surfaced  58 nm, Submerged  50 nm  
      NW 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10, medium-high clouds, Vis. good    
    12.18   Aircraft astern to port in sun sector.  2-engined land-based aircraft with SW-course, high altitude.  Type not recognized.  Crash dive.  
    14.05   Surfaced.  
    14.32   Sailing vessel ahead to starboard on NE-course.  Fishing gear deployed.  Avoided to the S.  
    16.00 BF 7324    
      Partly broken low cloud deck, lightly misty, Vis. medium, otherwise the same    
    16.11   Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.  1 detonation far off, probably an aircraft bomb.  
    20.00 BF 7317 At periscope depth:  Always still low hanging cloud deck and misty.  Not suitable weather for charging the battery.  
                                                                       
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.07.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 3 -  
    21.07.42 Western Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 7239    
    02.15   Surfaced to charge.  Attack periscope can no longer be extended.  
    04.00 BF 7227    
      NW 2, Sea 1-2, 4/10, Vis. bad-medium, light NW-Swell, misty, marine phosphorescence    
    06.05   Dived to proceed submerged depth A -20 meters.  
    08.00 BF 7137    
    12.00 BF 7129 Day's run:  Surfaced  77 nm, Submerged  43 nm  
    14.00   At periscope depth.  Low hanging cloud deck.  
    16.00 BF 7151 Misty.  Vis. bad, rain showers.  
    20.00 BF 7142 Unfavorable to charge the battery.  
    22.27   3 depth charges, far off.  
    23.55   Surfaced to charge.  
                                                                       
    22.07.42 Western Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 EF 7141    
      NW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. changing bad-medium    
    03.24   Shadow astern to starboard.  Sharp target angle.  Small low silhouette.  SW-course.  Turned away and moved off  (corvette, SE-course).  
    04.00 BE 9372    
      No change, marine phosphorescence    
    04.10   White light astern to port.  Suspect stern light of an enemy search group.  Moved off to the west at high speed.  
    06.31   Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.  
    08.00 BE 9286    
    12.00 BE 9285 Day's run:  Surfaced  86 nm, Submerged  43 nm  
    16.00 BE 9287    
    20.00 BE 9278    
                                                                       
    23.07.42 Western Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BE 9511 Surfaced to charge the battery.  
    03.02   Outgoing Radio Message 0230/20:  Passed 15°W.  
        Am missing Serial No. 47 of 19 July.  
    03.41   Incoming Radio Message from B.d.U. Serial No. 47 settled.  
    04.00 BE 9442    
      NW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good    
    06.28   Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.  
    08.00   At intervals of approximately 20 minutes 3-4 depth charge series.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.07.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 4 -  
    continued      
    23.07.42      
    12.00 BE 8658 Day's run:  Surfaced  93 nm, Submerged  46 nm  
    15.05   Surfaced.  Continued on the surface.  
        Switched to Ireland Circuit.  
    16.00 BE 8673 A nut jammed between the dome and cover of vent 5 starboard and prevented closing the vent completely.  After removal, the vent closes correctly again.  
      NW 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good, light NNW-Swell  
    20.00 BE 8823    
      Overcast, otherwise the same    
                                                                       
    24.07.42 Northwest of the Azores    
    00.00 BE 8739    
      NW 1, Sea 0-1, completely overcast, Vis. changing    
    04.00 BE 8754    
      WNW 1-2, Sea 0-1, completely overcast, (misty)    
    08.00 BE 7991    
      Light NE-Swell, otherwise the same    
    12.00 CF 2121 Day's run:  Surfaced  234 nm, Submerged  9 nm  
      W 2, Sea 1, overcast Balloon launched for radiosonde.  
    16.00 CF 1328    
      W 2, Sea 1-2, 7/10, Vis. good    
    20.00 CF 1346 Incoming Radio Message 1746/24 from B.d.U.:  
      The same Short Signal weather report (observation and radiosonde given).  
    20.26   Dived.  Test dive.  
    21.15   Surfaced.  
                                                                       
    25.07.42 North of the Azores    
    00.00 CF 1268    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, 6/10    
    01.20   Outgoing Short Signal weather report (Observation).  
    03.41            "              "                    "           (Radiosonde).  
        Both sent on Ireland Circuit and understood.  
    04.00 CF 1279    
      WSW 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10, bright moonlit night, Vis. good    
    08.00 CE 3632    
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast    
    12.00 CE 3624 Day's run:  Surfaced  180 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
    16.00 CE 3562 Attack periscope in service again.  Burr removed on the extensible part.  
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, mist, 9/10, Vis. medium - bad  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.07.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 5 -  
    continued      
    25.07.42      
    19.39   Crash dive for training.  Test dive.  
    20.00 CE 3554 Damage control exercises.  Fire control training.  
    21.15   Surfaced.  
    23.32   Incoming Radio Message 1905/25:  Weather (Radiosonde) reported.  
                                                                       
    26.07.42 North of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 3547 Balloon launched.  
      WSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis, medium - bad    
    02.18   Short Signal weather report (Radiosonde) sent on America 2 and was understood.  
    04.00 CE 3486    
      WSW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, bright night    
    08.00 CE 3477    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, passing showers, overcast    
    12.00 CE 2922 Day's run:  Surfaced  152 nm, Submerged  4 nm  
      Long NW-Swell    
    16.00 CE 2917    
      NW 2, Sea 1, 8/10    
    20.00 CE 2840    
      W 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good    
                                                                       
    27.07.42 West of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 2768 Balloon launched.  
      W 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
    01.58   Short Signal weather report (Radiosonde) sent on America 2 and was understood.  
    04.00 CE 2749    
      Bright moonlit night, 8/10    
    08.00 CE 1868    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, (passing showers), 8/10    
    12.00 CE 1987 Day's run:  Surfaced  172 nm, Submerged  --  
      SW 2, Sea 3, Sea 2, 2/10, 6/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 CE 4239    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 3/10    
    16.40   Crash dive for training.  Flood valve port negative buoyancy tank cannot be closed.  
    16.44   Surfaced.  Port negative buoyancy tank expressed and flooded a few times, flood valve port again has normal light forces.  
    17.00   Crash dive for training.  Damage control exercises, depth control training.  
    19.48   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CE 4264    
      S 3-4, Sea 3, 2/10                                                                
         
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.07.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 6 -  
    28.07.42 West of the Azores    
    00.00 CE 4512 Balloon launch.  
      S 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
    01.28   Short Signal weather report (Radiosonde) sent on America 1 and was understood.  
    04.00 CE 4439    
      S 5, Sea 4, 6/10, cross sea, Vis. good    
    08.00 CE 4464    
      SSW 4, Sea 4, 4/10, passing showers    
    12.00 CE 4482 Day's run:  Surfaced  122 nm, Submerged  7 nm  
      Overcast    
    14.24   Incoming Radio Message 1254/28 from B.d.U.:  
        1)  At economical transit speed head for square FC 80.  Scattered north-south bound traffic west of the longitude of square CE 5547 and north - west bound traffic south of the latitude of CB 5581.   [must mean DG 5581]  
        2)  Radiosonde only on orders.  
        Course change to 180°.  
    16.00 CE 4713    
      SW 1, Sea 1, overcast, passing showers, squalls    
    20.00 CE 4743    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, passing showers, squalls    
                                                                       
    29.07.42      
    00.00 CE 4746    
      SW 1, Sea 1, 6/10, the same    
    04.00 CE 7119    
      WSW 2, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. medium    
    08.00 CE 7176    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, long SW-Swell    
    12.00 CE 7419 Day's run:  Surfaced  142 nm, Submerged  0 nm  
      WSW 2, Sea 2, overcast, passing showers    
    15.35   Crash dive for training.  Damage control exercises. Fire control and depth control training with malfunctions added.  
    16.00 CE 7473    
    16.23   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CE 7774    
      W 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good    
                                                                       
    30.07.42 South of the Azores    
    00.00 DF 3317    
      WNW 1, Sea 1, 3/10    
    04.00 DF 3374    
      The same    
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.07.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 7 -  
    continued      
    30.07.42      
    08.00 DF 3641    
      N 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10    
    12.00 DF 3677 Day's run:  Surfaced  196 nm, Submerged  3 nm  
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, Vis. good    
    16.00 DF 3944    
    20.00 DF 6315    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
    20.20   Incoming Radio Message 1848/30 from B.d.U.:  
        On 31 July at 08.00 hours switch to Greenland Circuit.  
                                                                       
    31.07.42 South of the Azores    
    00.00 DF 6372    
      NNE 1, Sea 1    
    04.00 DF 6642    
      5/10, Vis. good, bright moonlit night    
    08.00 DF 6678 Switched to Greenland Circuit.  
      NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10    
    10.00   Switched to America Circuit as ordered.  
    12.00 DF 6978 Day's run:  Surfaced  199 nm, Submerged  --  
      NE 1, Sea 1    
    16.00 DF 9315    
      Vis. good, the same    
    18.59   Incoming Radio Message 1653/31 from B.d.U.:  
        To Group "Hai"  
        4.)  Schmidt after supply Hirsacker and Schröter in square ES 9277 (2-6 August) return transit at economical transit speed.  Report execution after setting off.  If more than 15 cbm to give remains, add amount with report.  Possibly give to Bleichrodt, save provisions for that.  
    19.45   Crash dive for training.  Fire control and depth control training.  
    20.00 DF 9371    
    20.24   Surfaced.  Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7 is empty.  Expressed and carried as a ballast tank.  
                                                                       
    01.08.42      
    00.00 DF 9314    
      E 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10    
    02.22   Incoming Radio Message 1906/31 from B.d.U.:  
        Send Radiosonde.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.07.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 8 -  
    continued      
    01.08.42      
    04.00 DF 9671    
      ENE 2, Sea 1-2, 3/10, Vis. good, bright moonlit night    
    04.52   Short Signal weather report (Radiosonde) sent on America 1 and was understood.  
    08.00 DF 9917    
      E 2, Sea 1, 4/10    
    12.00 DF 9974 Day's run:  Surfaced  176 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      EbyN 3, Sea 3, 4/10    
    16.00 DS 1162    
      Overcast    
    20.00 DS 1198    
      The same    
    22.26   Crash dive for training.  Fire control and depth control training.  
    23.05   Surfaced.  
                                                                       
    02.08.42      
    00.00 DS 1466    
      EbyN 1-2, Sea 1, overcast    
    04.00 DS 1733    
      EbyN 2-3, Sea 2, overcast (mist)    
    08.00 DS 1847    
      EbyN 2, Sea 2, 9/10, passing showers    
    12.00 DS 4214 Day's run:  Surfaced  175 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      6/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 DS 4272    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 2, 8/10    
    20.00 DS 4518    
      4/10    
    22.38   Crash dive for training.  
    22.57   Surfaced.  
                                                                       
    03.08.42      
    00.00 DS 4576    
      E 2, Sea 2, overcast, gloomy, Vis. very bad-medium    
    04.00 DS 4843    
      Passing showers    
    08.00 DS 4879    
      The same    
    12.00 DS 7254 Day's run:  Surfaced  177 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      E 2, Sea 1-2, overcast    
    16.00 DS 7521    
      Vis. good    
    19.45   Crash dive for training.  
    20.00 DS 7558    
      E 2, Sea 1, overcast    
    20.02   Surfaced.  
                                                                       
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 9 -  
    04.08.42      
    00.00 DS 7825 The prober NE Trade Wind with its typical by-products does not prevail. The sky is continually overcast and the wind is blowing from E or ENE.   Long Swells from the E.  However the boat makes good speed.  Diesel-electric 180-190 nm day's run.  
      The same  
    04.00 DS 7883    
      E 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, dark night    
    08.00 EH 1229    
    12.00 EH 1286 Day's run:  Surfaced  180 nm, Submerged  1 nm  
      Vis. good, otherwise the same    
    16.00 EH 1561    
      ENE 2, Sea 2, overcast    
    19.45   Crash dive for training.  Fire control training.  
    20.00 EH 1594    
      NEbyE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast.    
    20.20   Surfaced.  
                                                                       
    05.08.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 EH 1862    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
    04.00 EH 1898    
      NE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. bad, dark night    
    05.15 EH 4236 Shadow directly ahead:  Large silhouette a passenger ship.  Shifts out quickly to starboard.  Turned with and attempted to maneuver ahead at highest speed, yet the bearing was quickly larger.  Steamer runs at least 18-20 knots.  Course 300°.  
    06.11   Broke off pursuit.  Vessel passed out of sight in target angle 180.  
    08.00 EH 4237    
      Vis. medium    
    12.00 EH 4295 Day's run:  Surfaced  178 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
    16.00 EH 4562    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good    
    20.00 EH 4832    
      9/10    
                                                                       
    06.08.42      
    00.00 EH 4868 "U-116" Korv.Kapt. von Schmidt reports that he has no more fuel for supply for me.  Pity, because I had counted on it so much.  Hopefully it works out later, because I have 21 torpedoes. They want to be shot.  
      NE 3, Sea 2, 9/10, rain (mist), Vis. medium  
    04.00 EH 7236    
      S 3, passing showers, Vis. bad, dark night    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 10 -  
    continued      
    06.08.42      
    08.00 EH 7293    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
    12.00 EH 7536 Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2 is empty, was now carried as a ballast tank.  
      ESE 2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good  
        Day's run:  Surfaced  176 nm, Submerged  --  
    16.00 EH 7569    
      SE 1, Sea 1, 3/10, cross swell    
    20.00 EH 7911    
      S 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10    
    22.05   Dived, test dive.  Fire control and depth control training.  
    23.10   Surfaced.  
        Surprise attack as a test.  Check fired all weapons.  No malfunctions.  
                                                                       
    07.08.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 EH 7944    
      SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10    
    04.00 ER 1311    
      SSE 0-1, Sea 0-1, Vis. bad, dark night    
    08.00 ER 1348    
      SE 0-1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, Vis. good    
    12.00 ER 1618 Artillery cleaning.  
      Passing showers Day's run:  Surfaced  169 nm, Submerged  3 nm  
    16.00 ER 1676    
      The same    
    18.30 ER 1924 Masthead abeam to port.  
        Enemy comes towards me at a sharp target angle.  Turned away and maneuvered ahead at highest speed.  Matched course and speed.  Steamer steers about west.  260-280°, 9-10 knots.  Set off a bit to starboard on the favorable sun side.  Steamer disappeared a long time in a rain squall.  By slowly falling back I soon have him in sight again.  Enemy always lies on a westerly course.  
    20.00 ER 1918    
      As before.  Long S-Swell    
    20.15   Dived for submerged attack.  
        Got into shooting position on changing courses.  It turned out to be a medium-sized tanker with a stern cannon, about 10.2 cm and a machine cannon, mounted on a stern platform.  Bridge between two masts.  
    21.47   Multiple shot from tubes 2 and 3.  
        Depth 3 meters, estimated values.  
        Range - 1000 meters.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 11 -  
    continued      
    07.08.42   Enemy speed:  9 knots.  
        Enemy target angle:  bow right, 85°.  
        After 84 seconds torpedo running time, - 1230 meters running track 2 detonations follow one after another.  Both torpedoes hit at the aim points, and 2 normal explosive column are clearly recognized in the periscope.  1st hit forward edge, 2nd hit after edge of the bridge.  Steamer remains lying stopped and quickly takes a list to starboard.  2 boats were put to the water.  Despite this there are crew members on board.  5 men man the stern cannon.  List was equalized by counter flooding and the tanker floats on an even keel again.  After hit hole is very large and I hope that both hits are enough.  Despite this the tanker does not settle deeper.  I decided on a coup de grâce.  Turned for a stern approach.  
    21.57   Shot from tube 5.  
        Estimated and set values:  
        Range - 1500 meters, speed - 0 knots.  
        Target angle - bow right 90°.  
        Miss, because suddenly in the listening gear propeller RPM were determined.  Tanker propellers again make 50 RPM.  Ran at GF alongside the tanker.  Then the PRM cut out again, started and then stopped for good.  Now ran in for a 2nd coup de grâce.  
    22.48   Shot from tube 1:  
        Range - 800 meters, speed 0 knots.  
        Target angle - bow right 90°.  
        After 30 seconds running time = 450 meters running track hit amidships.  Tanker settled a bit deeper, takes a strong list to port.  However it still won't sink.  I decide to finish the job at the beginning of twilight with artillery.  
    23.00   Surfaced and prepared artillery.  
    23.30   Shot with all weapons at the lying stopped tanker on different courses alternately on distances of 800-600 meters.  Despite the long swell aiming was good and good hit results were realized.  Of 67 shots 10.5 cm shells 55 were hits.  3.7 cm, 2 cm and M.G. 34 shot the bridge superstructure as well as the stern and bow effectively.  
                                                                       
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 12 -  
    08.08.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 ER 1839 Tanker sank with a starboard list over the stern.  
      Misty, overcast, Vis. bad to medium, long SSE Swell The fire control of the 2nd Watch Officer Lt.z.S. Bruns as well as the behavior of the entire artillery personnel made a good impression.  The name was determined from a half flooded lifeboat.  It turned out to be the tanker "ARTHUR W. SEWALL", Norwegian nationality.  6030 GRT.  Tanker steered general course 260° and ran 9-10 knots.  At the huge and rapidly spreading oil slick it was determined that the tanker was loaded with heavy oil.  Lifeboats could no longer be determined.  Came to old course again.  
         
    00.30 ER 1839  
         
         
         
    04.00 ER 1947    
      Wind 0, Sea 0-1, 4/10, Vis. bad    
    04.24 ER 1947 A bright light on the horizon ahead to starboard.  Properly illuminated and marked Swede on north course.  10-12 knots.  This Swede was not reported the this sea area.  
    08.00 ER 1977    
      SW 0-1, Sea 0-1, 3/10, Vis. medium    
    12.00 ER 4358 Day's run:  Surfaced  134 nm, Submerged  9 nm  
      SW 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good    
    15.45   Incoming Radio Message 1413/8 from B.d.U.:  
        Operate in legs via square EH 70 to square ES 50.  Traffic determined there, steering NW and EW courses and the reverse.  Afterwards operation intended off square ET 38.  Anticipate no supply possible.  
    16.00 ER 4623 This Radio Message hits me hard, as it does the entire crew. Again no supplies and an entire belly full of torpedoes. Another recall."  
      Passing showers, 7/10    
    20.00 ER 4667 I could have reached the operations area ordered now faster on a shorter rote.  Then I would still have more fuel!  
      SW 3, Sea 2, overcast  
    22.32   Outgoing Radio Message 2149/8 to B.d.U.:  
        5 August EH 4230 fast passenger ship hunted unsuccessfully, course 300°, 18-20 knots.  8 August ER 1839 armed tanker "ARTHUR W. SEWALL" sunk.  Heavy oil, course 260°, 9 knots.  ER 1947 Swedish steamer course N, 12 knots.  Prescribed markings.  Because ER is already reached and supply cannot be expected, believe coastal area FC and FJ as more favorable fuel and weather-wise.  August in area ES and ET unfavorable month.  Frequent strong rain showers greatly complicate detection of widely scattered independent traffic.  Request freedom to maneuver in above named area.  ER 4630,  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 13 -  
    continued      
    08.08.42   113 cbm, 11 plus 6 torpedoes.  WSW 4, 1013 mb, +26°C, overcast, rain showers, Vis. moderate.  
                                                                       
    09.08.42 Central Atlantic    
    00.00 ER 4935    
      Passing showers, 5/10, Summer lightening, Vis. medium, SW-Swell    
    04.00 ER 4969    
      SW 3, Sea 2-3, 3/10    
    08.00 ER 8114    
      SW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good    
    10.56   Incoming Radio Message 1024/9 from B.d.U.:  
        Go to ordered area via naval square ER 30, there continual traffic in the last period determined.  There is no indication of traffic in naval square FC.  
    12.00 ER 8155 New course 21°.  Intend to cut across the course line of the reported steamer in long legs.  
      4/10  
        Day's run:  Surfaced  167 nm, Submerged  --  
    14.38 SW 3, Sea 3 Dived.  Test dive.  Fire control training.  
    15.11   Surfaced.  
    16.00 ER 8123    
      SbyW 3, Sea 3, 8/10    
    20.00 ER 6765    
                                                                       
    10.08.42 Western Central Atlantic    
    00.00 ER 5811    
      SSW - S 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, dark night Strong rain showers, very bad visibility.  
    04.00 ER 5546    
      NNW 1, Sea 2, overcast, (rain)    
    08.00 ER 5287    
      SbyW 2, Sea 2, passing showers, Vis. bad    
    12.00 ER 5256 Day's run:  Surfaced  172 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      SSW 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good    
    16.00 ER 2898    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, overcast    
    20.00 ER 2929    
      SbyW 1, Sea 1, 9/10, long SSW-Swell    
    20.56   Crash dive for training.  
    21.16   Surfaced.  
                                                                       
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 14 -  
    11.08.42 Southwest of Cape Verde    
    00.00 ER 2695    
      NE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium-bad    
    04.00 ER 3441 Sustained, strong tropical rain.  No visibility.  
      Tropical rain showers, passing showers    
    07.13   Dived, because I can hear further than I can see.  
    08.00 ER 3176    
    10.13 ER 3173 In G.H.G. propeller sounds ahead to starboard.  Direction 10°T.  Easily distinguished, about 120 RPM.  Bearing shifts out slowly to starboard, and was weaker.  
    10.26   Surfaced.  Nothing seen.  Pursued  at highest speed with a lead to starboard in direction 60°T.  The visibility is very bad due to rain showers.  
    11.24   Dived once again to listen.  In the G.H.G. nothing more was heard.  
    11.40   Surfaced.  I decided to search the sector between 130-90°T from the location of the sound bearing up to about 16.00 hours.  
    12.00 ER 3182 Sustained strong rain showers make the lookout very difficult.  
      SSW 3, Sea 2-3, passing showers, 6/10, Vis. changing, bad-medium  
      Day's run:  Surfaced  158 nm, Submerged  11 nm  
    15.44   Mastheads ahead to port.  
        Search was worthwhile.  
        Tanker.  Zigzag around general course 100-110°.  Maneuver ahead was very difficult due to the bad visibility.  Often the tanker was out of sight for a long time.  However was always found again through energetic pursuit.  Must often close to 500-600 meters, because contact could no longer be held on the masts.  Bridge and stern superstructure, as well as the smokestack were seen high out.  
    16.00 ER 3288 Because I am on the enemy's course I must have been seen when the visibility improved.  
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, passing showers, long S-Swell  
      Suddenly the clouds break up and I am positioned on the clear horizon.  Am ahead of the tanker about in 30° relative bearing.  
    18.25   Quick dive for submerged attack.  On changing courses came to attack course.  
        When turning for bow attack the tanker zigzags away strongly to port and shows bow right target angle 75 to 80°.  Must act quickly.  Turned away for a stern shot because the range is still very great.  
    19.12   Two-fan from tubes 5 and 6.  
        Estimated and set values:  
        Range - 2000 meters, target angle - bow right 86°.  
        Depth - 3 meters.  Speed - 10 knots.  Spread width - 100 meters.  
        After 140 seconds torpedo running time equals 2100 meters running track hit.  Initially only a metallic  
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 15 -  
    continued      
    11.08.42   click clearly audible in the entire boat, then a very heavy detonation.  Hit aft in the engine room.  After the high explosion column falls, it was seen clearly through the periscope that aft the stern of the tanker is completely torn away.  Both stern cannons are no longer seen.  Tanker settles deeper aft very quickly.  The stern was overspilled.  Crew took to the boats.  Tanker lies stopped and lay athwart the sea. Because the tanker is only settling aft very slowly, I decide to complete sinking him with artillery.  Have the boat move off a bit submerged ahead of the wreck.  
    20.00 ER 3611 Surfaced.  Artillery ready!  
        In 3 approaches the tanker was shot with all weapons.  Heating oil began to burn and soon the ship is in bright flames.  The oil pours burning onto the sea.  Tanker settles deeper quickly.  Ran off to the lifeboats, to take the Captain and Chief Engineer on board.  In so doing it was determined that it was the British tanker "VIMEIRA" 5728 GRT.  Loaded with heating oil from Aruba for Freetown.  Because the Chief Engineer was killed in the torpedo explosion, only the Captain of the ship was taken on board.  Thereafter moved off on old course, 21°.  The tanker was still in bright flames.  The over deck is now completely overspilled.  
    22.30   "VIMEIRA" sank.  
        Still only the dark smoke clouds show along the evening sky.  According to statement of the Captain, by the hit the ammunition for the two stern cannons went high order.  Therefore the disastrous effect.  The engine watch and all people aft were killed.  
                                                                       
    12.08.42 Southwest of Cape Verde    
      ER 3372 8-10 meters of the stern were torn away.  The transmitter could no longer transmit.  
      SE 1, Sea 1, overcast, passing showers, very dark night  
      The Captain's name is:  
        Norman Ross Caird, is 41 years old.  
        The crew consisted of 43 men.  
        10 men were killed in the explosion.  
    00.14   Outgoing Radio Message 2329/11:  
        Just now sank ER 3611 "VIMEIRA".  Loaded with heating oil.  Captain on board.  Course 110°, 10 knots, SW 1, long S-Swell, +25°C, 1015 mb, rain showers, Vis. bad, 100 cbm, 9 + 6 torpedoes.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 16 -  
    continued      
    12.08.42      
    04.00 ER 3327    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, passing showers, Vis. medium    
    08.00 EH 9983    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, 7/10, passing showers    
    12.00 EJ 7715 Day's run:  Surfaced  189 nm, Submerged  7 nm  
      WbyN 2, Sea 1, 8/10, passing showers    
    16.00 EJ 7773 New course 161°.  
      6/10, (rain) rain, Vis. bad Rain not as rain.  Visibility bad.  
    20.00 EJ 7725    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. moderate    
    22.21   Dived for test dive.  
    22.40   Surfaced.  
                                                                       
    13.08.42 South of Cape Verde    
    00.00 EJ 7768    
      SW 3, Sea 3, passing showers, Vis. bad    
    04.00 ES 1214    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, passing showers, Vis. good, marine phosphorescence    
    08.00 ES 1248    
      SW 2, Sea 1, 6/10, passing shower    
    12.00 ES 1567 Day's run:  Surfaced  166 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 6/10, passing showers    
    16.00 ES 1825    
      SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 6/10, passing showers    
    20.00 ES 1891    
      SW 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, passing showers, Vis. moderate, also frequent rain showers    
                                                                       
    14.08.42 South of Cape Verde    
    00.00 ES 4239    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium    
    04.00 ES 4375    
      SSW 1, Sea 0-1, 5/10, dark night    
    08.00 ES 4643 Starboard exhaust gas valve can no longer be ground. Bolt for the grinding mechanism wore out.  Malfunction corrected after 4 hours.  
      SW 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. changing bad to good, Summer lightening  
    12.00 ES 4688 Ran on changing search courses to ES 50.  To be able to stay here as long as possible, fuel must be saved.  Therefore I decided to run 10-12 hours daily with E-motors.  
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good  
        Day's run:  Surfaced  189 nm, Submerged  0 nm  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 17 -  
    continued      
    14.08.42      
    16.00 ES 4964 2 x E-motors LF course 140°.  
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 7/10    
    20.00 ES 5751 Still hope to be supplied later.  I can't be sent back home again with 15 torpedoes.  
      The same  
                                                                       
    15.08.42 South of Cape Verde    
    00.00 ES 5483    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, 2/10    
    00.16   Dived.  Test dive.  
    00.40   Surfaced.  
    04.00 ES 5464    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, Summer lightening    
    05.00   Diesel-electric to charge.  
    08.00 ES 5432    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. medium    
    12.00 ES 5169 Day's run:  Surfaced  122 nm, Submerged  1 nm  
      SW 3, Sea 3, 4/10    
    15.00   2 x E-motors LF.  
    16.00 ES 2887    
      SW 5, Sea 4, 8/10    
    20.00 ES 2881    
      SW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, passing showers, Vis. moderate    
    20.20   Dived for test dive.  
    20.53   Surfaced.  
                                                                       
    16.08.42 South of Cape Verde    
    00.00 ES 5225 Intend to search square ES 50 and 70 once more in legs at economical transit speed because the most sinkings and sightings were reported here.  
      SW 5, Sea 4, 6/10, passing showers, Vis. good  
    04.00 ES 5229    
      SW 3-4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good    
    08.00 ES 5253    
      SW 3, Sea 3, 2/10    
    09.30   Diesel-electric.  
    11.35   Incoming Radio Message 1049/16 from B.d.U.:  
        Report if there are enemy sightings or successes.  
    12.00 ES 5341 Day's run:  Surfaced  85 nm, Submerged  1 nm  
      SSW 4-5, Sea 4, 2/10    
    15.24   Outgoing Radio Message 1401/16 to B.d.U.  
        Since 11 August nothing seen.  At times bad visibility from frequent rain showers.  SW 4, +26°C, 1015 mb, steady, 90 cbm, still 15 torpedoes.  Square ES 53  
    15.30   2 x E-motors.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 18 -  
    continued      
    16.08.42      
    16.00 ES 5268    
    16.26   Incoming Radio Message 1559/16 from B.d.U.:  
       

Report from Bleichrodt was not requested and therefore wrong.

 
    20.00 ES 5292    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
                                                                       
    17.08.42 South of Cape Verde    
    00.00 ES 5284    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. good, bright moonlit night    
    04.00 ES 5278 While blowing main ballast tank 7 fuel oil was expressed again, as on the previous patrol.  Suspect leak in the bulkhead between main ballast tank 6 and 7.  
      SW 3, Sea 2, 1/10  
    08.00 ES 5277    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. medium-good    
    11.18   Incoming Radio Message 1044/17 from B.d.U.:  
        If there is no traffic in previous operations area, then search off ET 3829.  [Freetown]  
    09.30   Diesel-electric.  
    12.00 ES 5431 Day's run:  Surfaced  89 nm, Submerged  --  
      SW 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
    16.00 ES 5439    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. good    
    17.00   2 x E-motors LF.  
    20.00 ES 5541    
      SSW 2, Sea 2, 2/10    
    22.15   Diesel-electric.  
                                                                       
    18.08.42 West of Freetown    
    00.00 ES 5583    
      S 3, Sea 2, 2/10    
    03.00   2 x E-motors LF.  
    04.00 ES 5599    
      S 1, Sea 1, 2/10, bright night, Vis. good    
    08.00 ES 5912    
      SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 1/10    
    10.00   Diesel-electric.  
    12.00 ES 5925 Day's run:  Surfaced  117 nm, Submerged  --  
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 ES 5965 In area square ES 50 no further traffic met.  
      S 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10    
    17.00   Dived.  Test dive.  
    17.27   Surfaced.  
    20.00 ES 6773    
      S 3, Sea 2, 3/10    
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 19 -  
    continued      
    18.08.42      
    22.00   2 x E-motors LF.  
                                                                       
    19.08.42 West of Freetown    
    00.00 ES 6785    
      S 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 ES 6759    
      S 2, Sea 2, 1/10    
    08.00 ES 6763 Diesel-electric  
      Vis. medium    
    12.00 ES 6492 Day's run:  Surfaced  125 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      Vis. good    
    16.00 ES 6435    
      5/10    
    20.00 ES 6198    
      Vis. medium, milky horizon    
    20.29   Dived.  Test dive.  
    21.05   Surfaced.  
    21.14   Diesel-electric.  
                                                                       
    20.08.42 West of Freetown    
    00.00 ES 6162    
      S 2, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. medium    
    02.00   2 x E-motors LF.  
    04.00 ES 3798    
      Vis. good    
    08.00 ES 3791    
      Vis. medium-good    
    09.30   Diesel-electric.  
    12.00 ES 3877 Day's run:  Surfaced  118 nm, Submerged  3 nm  
      Vis. good    
    16.00 ES 6243    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, 8/10    
    20.00 ES 6285    
      SSW 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10    
                                                                       
    21.08.42 West of Freetown    
    00.00 ES 6537 2 x E-motors LF.  
      S 2-3, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. medium    
    04.00 ES 6561    
      SbyE 1, Sea 1, overcast, passing showers    
    08.00 ES 6565 Diesel-electric.  
      Vis. medium    
    12.00 ES 6677 Day's run:  Surfaced  122 nm, Submerged  1 nm  
      S 2, Sea 2, overcast    
    14.27   Dived.  Test dive.  Deep dive test to depth A +40 meters.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 20 -  
    continued      
    21.08.42      
    16.00 ES 6918    
      The same    
    16.05   Surfaced.  
    20.00 ES 6981    
                                                                       
    22.08.42 Southwest of Freetown    
    00.00 ES 9331 2 x E-motors LF.  
      S 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium-good    
    04.00 ES 9338    
      Bright night    
    06.00   Diesel-electric.  
    08.00 ET 7147    
      S 2-3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. good    
    12.00 ET 4797 Day's run:  Surfaced  122 nm, Submerged  7 nm  
      9/10, SSE-Swell    
    13.40   Dived.  Test dive.  
    14.44   Surfaced.  
    16.00 ET 4764 Oil trace while blowing main ballast tank 7 remains.  Reason was not determined.  
      SSW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. medium  
    20.00 ET 4737    
      SE-S 1, overcast, passing showers, Sea 1, Vis. often bad    
      From exact records and a review of all courses of steamer sighted or sunk during the past few weeks in area ES and ET, it could be seen that very few of these ships had direct course to or from Freetown.  Namely of 15 ships only 4.  The other 11 ships steered 130-140° or 290-300°.  From this I deduced that this traffic was primarily Great Circle traffic from North American harbors to ports on the west coast of Africa or Cape Town, rather than Freetown traffic.  So I did not go on a direct course to Freetown, but continued to search southeast in legs to pick up the Great Circle traffic again, which was probably only stopped temporarily, the ET 70 and 80 area seemed especially promising to me. But nothing was seen!  
                                                                       
    23.08.42 Southeast of Freetown    
    00.00 ET 4491    
      7/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 ET 4437    
      4/10, bright moonlight night    
    08.00 ET 4183    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10, passing showers, Vis. greatly changing    
    12.00 ET 4191 Day's run:  Surfaced  162 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain Rain persists and was heavier.  No visibility.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 21 -  
    continued      
    23.08.42      
    12.34   Dived.  Proceeded submerged.  
    14.53   Surfaced.  The visibility has improved somewhat.  
    16.00 ET 4433 This unsuccessful search and search has a depressing effect over time. Kapt. Kals does not seem to find it either. The enemy seems to have stopped traffic completely.  
      SSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, rain, Vis. bad  
    20.00 ET 4545    
      Rain, Vis. medium, high S-Swell    
                                                                       
    24.08.42 Southwest of Freetown    
    00.00 ET 4587    
      Overcast, passing showers, Vis. changing    
    00.42 ET 4594 Two illuminated vessels abeam to port.  Held on to them.  It turned out to be the two announced Italian tankers "TAIGETE" and "ARCOLA".  
    04.00 ET 4825 Stayed further to the southeast based on the reports from U-506 Kaptl. Würdemann because I suspect a new objective point in square ES 89 southern third.  
      SSW 2, Sea 2, overcast, passing showers, Vis. medium-good, high Swell  
    08.00 ET 4867    
      3/10, Vis. good, bright night    
    09.49   Incoming Radio Message 0853/24 from B.d.U.:  
        You are reminded of the reports from Würdemann.  
    12.00 ET 4975 Day's run:  Surfaced  138 nm, Submerged  4 nm  
      SSE 3, Sea 2, 5/10    
    15.29   Dived.  Test dive.  
    16.00 ET 7327 Surfaced.  
      6/10, Vis. good    
    20.00 ET 7383    
      7/10, light rain showers    
                                                                       
    25.08.42 Southwest of Liberia    
    00.00 ET 7635    
      Vis. good, bright night    
    04.00 ET 8443    
      SE 3, Sea 2, 7/10    
    08.00 ET 8483    
      SE 2, Sea 1, 4/10    
    12.00 ET 8812 Day's run:  Surfaced  162 nm, Submerged  1 nm  
      SSE 3-4, Sea 3, Vis. good    
    16.00 ET 8852    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, 3/10    
    17.16   Dived.  Test dive.  
    17.52   Surfaced.  
    20.00 ET 8866 Also here nothing more seen.  
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, 6/10                                                                
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 22 -  
    26.08.42 Southwest of Liberia    
    00.00 ET 8981    
      4/10, bright moonlit night, Vis. good    
    01.54   Short Signal:  Have begun return transit due to fuel inventory.  
        Sent and understood.  
    04.00 ET 8973    
      Unchanged, lunar eclipse    
    08.00 ET 8994    
      Unchanged    
    08.50   Incoming Radio Message 0805/26 from B.d.U.:  
        Report position and fuel inventory immediately.  
    12.00 ET 8978 Day's run:  Surfaced  160 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      Vis. good    
    13.38   Outgoing Radio Message 0927/26 to B.d.U.:  
        Position square ET 89, 68 cbm, 15 torpedoes.  
        Except for "TAIGETE" and "ARCOLA" nothing more seen.  
    15.28   Incoming Radio Message 1448/26 from B.d.U.:  
        Return transit is still not necessary.  Remain in operations area off ET 38. Expect supply of 30 cbm.  
        The view of B.d.U. that return transit was not necessary yet is not understandable to me.  I based my decision on return transit on the following calculations:  Total 3600 nm.  Day's run only 150 nm, because one must steam against the NE Trade Winds.  So 24 days.  2.8 cbm per day with 3 cbm fuel consumption.  
        24 x 2.8 = 67.2 cbm  
        For that  = 5.0 cbm for GF.  
                      = 72 cbm    When charging while going through Bay of Biscay and vicinity of the coast.  Nevertheless, Radio Message has caused great joy. I now know we can stay in the operations area and the torpedoes can still be fired.  
    16.00 ET 8894    
    20.00 FE 2235    
      SE 2, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good    
    22.30   With calm weather and clear visibility 6 over deck torpedoes downloaded.  
                                                                       
    27.08.42 Southwest of Liberia    
    00.00 FE 2239    
      4/10, Vis. good    
    00.36   Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message from Kals concerning classified routing instructions for the Cape Town - Freetown route.  
    02.30   Downloading ended.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 23 -  
    continued      
    27.08.42   Operating on connecting line of the objective points reported in the Officer-Only Radio Message from Kals.  
    04.00 FE 2239    
      SE 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good    
    04.13  

Negative pressure check.  Test dive.  Flood valve of the negative buoyancy tank could not be closed.  Re-surfaced.  Freed up again.  Dived once more.

 
    05.17   Surfaced.  
    08.00 FE 2317 Course 98°.  
      Overcast, bright night    
    12.00 FE 2328 Day's run:  Surfaced  116 nm, Submerged  7 nm  
      Overcast    
    16.00 FE 2336    
      SSE 2-3, S 2, 8/10, Vis. good    
    16.09   Crash dive.  Aircraft abeam to port.  Still far off.  Land-based aircraft with double tail.  Easterly course.  Went to depth A +0 meters.  
    17.55   Surfaced.  
    20.00 FE 3119    
      2/10    
                                                                       
    28.08.42 South of Liberia    
    00.00 FE 3161    
      SbyE 3, Sea 3, 2/10    
    04.00 FE 3245    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, 2/10, bright night, Vis. good    
    08.00 FE 3283 Smoke cloud in sight was reported from the bridge.  Closed at high speed.  
      The same  
    12.00 FE 3375 So-called smoke cloud after 1 hour of futile searching recognized perfectly as water fountains blown from whales.  
      S 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10  
        Day's run:  Surfaced  165 nm, Submerged  5 nm  
    16.00 FE 3397    
    20.00 FF 1415    
      5/10, Vis. very good Course 105°.  
    22.00   2 x E-motor LF.  
                                                                       
    29.08.42 South of Liberia    
    00.00 FF 1429    
      SbyE 2, Sea 2, 4/10    
    04.00 FF 1427    
      S 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, bright night, Vis. good    
    08.00 FF 1414 Diesel-electric.  
      4/10    
    11.00   Dived.  Test dive.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 23a -  
    continued      
    29.08.42      
    11.39   Surfaced.  
    12.00 FE 3622 Day's run:  Surfaced  144 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      3/10    
    13.15   U-boat ahead.  Recognized as a German type 9.  Recognition Signals exchanged.  It was Würdemann.  Closed to hailing range and experience exchange.  
        Because Würdemann has not encountered anything in Kals area, I decide to continue searching on the route between square FE 31 and FF 37.  After exchange of views came to old search course.  
    16.00 FE 3375    
      SSE 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good    
    20.00 FE 3374    
      The same    
    22.00   2 x E-motors LF.  
                                                                       
    30.08.42 South of Liberia    
    00.00 FE 3291    
      The same, 2/10    
    04.00 FE 3295    
      Bright night, Vis. good    
    06.00   Diesel-electric.  
    08.00 FE 3379    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, 5/10    
    11.02   Dived.  Test dive.  
    11.27   Surfaced.  
    12.00 FE 3631 Day's run:  Surfaced  140 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      4/10    
    16.00 FF 1415    
      2/10    
    20.00 FF 1429    
      3/10    
    22.00   2 E-motors LF.  
                                                                       
    31.08.42 South of Liberia    
    00.00 FF 1542    
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10, dark night, Vis. good    
    04.00 FF 1551    
      SSE 2, Sea 2, 4/10, bright night, Vis. good    
    06.00   Diesel-electric.  
    08.00 FF 1561    
      S 1-2, 6/10    
    11.20   Dived.  Test dive.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.08.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 24 -  
    continued      
    31.08.42      
    11.45   Surfaced.  
    12.00 FF 1647 Day's run:  Surfaced  132 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. medium    
    16.00 FF 1659    
      Overcast, Vis. good    
    20.00 FF 2447    
                                                                       
    01.09.42 South of Liberia    
    00.00 FF 2459    
      Vis. medium    
    04.00 FF 2467    
      SE 1-2, S 1, overcast, bright night, Vis. good    
    08.00 FF 2571    
      6/10    
    11.04   Dived.  Test dive.  
    11.31   Surfaced.  
    12.00 FF 2589 Day's run:  Surfaced  140 nm, Submerged  --  
      SE 2, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. medium    
    16.00 FF 2588    
      8/10, Vis. good    
    18.27 FF 2575 Mastheads ahead to port.  
      Vis. medium, low hanging cloud deck Held onto it. It turned out to be a large steamer with widely separated masts.  
    20.00 FF 2831 Maneuvered ahead to match speed and course.  Steamer zigzags strongly around general course 110-120°, runs 13-14 knots.  At the onset of twilight held on tightly to the steamer so as not to lose him.  Twilight is brief.  Because the sky is cloudy, the steamer is suddenly lost from sight in a dark cloud.  Pursued at high speed, however could not find.  Must have escaped with a strong evening zigzag.  
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium  
    21.15 FF 2831  
         
    22.08   Dived to listen.  
        However no success.  Nothing heard.  
    22.25   Surfaced and pursued at high speed on the general course of the steamer, to get him in sight during the night by moonshine, at the latest in the morning.  I must find the chap again.  
                                                                       
    02.09.42 South of the Ivory Coast    
    00.00 FF 2918    
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. moderate, dark night    
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.08.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 25 -  
    continued      
    02.09.42      
    04.00 FF 3771    
      The same    
    08.00 FF 3877    
      SE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium With the onset of morning twilight came about and in light zigzags ran to meet the steamer on the opposite course.  
    10.35   Mastheads in sight ahead to starboard.  
        Thank God, that we have the chap again.  Steamer makes enormous zigzags around general course 110-120°.  
    11.01   Dived for submerged attack.  Ran to meet the steamer submerged.  However he does not come in the periscope.  
        The chap must have zigzagged away again.  Could he have seen me?  
        Waited another 10 minutes in the hope that the steamer zigzags back and runs to me.  
        Sound bearing shows 20°T.  
    11.56   Surfaced.  Nothing to see, because the horizon is hazy.  Pursued in the direction of the last sound bearing.  
    12.00 FF 3479 Day's run:  Surfaced  222 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      The same    
    12.52 FF 3487 After 1 hour I have him again ahead to port.  Steamer shows a broad target angle, must maneuver ahead once more.  Steamer makes almost unbelievably big zigzags.  Zigzags from 35° to 165°.  The chap must have seen me.  
        But now nothing helps him at all.  
        He must fall.  
    16.00 FF 3578    
      SE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium About 18.00 hours we are again in a favorable attack position.  
    18.21   Dived to attack submerged, just when the steamer zigzagged hard to starboard again.  Ran at GF towards the steamer, but I always stayed on his port side. Steamer now zigzags again in stages to port.  Turned continually with.  
    19.22   After a new zigzag to port, three-fan from tubes 1, 2 and 4.  
        Estimated and set values.  
        Enemy target angle:  bow left 75°.  
        Enemy speed:  14.5 knots.  
        Range: 1800 meters.  
        Spread angle: 100 meters.  
        Depth: 3 meters.  
        Shortly after the shot the enemy zigzags again to port, therefore fan-miss.  
        Steamer comes closer quickly.  Turned away for a stern shot from tube 5.  
        Set values were:  
        Target angle bow left 105°, speed 13 knots, range - 800 meters.  But steamer zigzags further to port so that this torpedo also missed, despite the low shooting range.  
    20.00 FF 3594 I have not experienced such a completely system-less zigzag.  
      SSE 3, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. medium    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 26 -  
    continued      
    02.09.42   From the 1st bearing after the dive up to the stern shot the enemy turned from 165° to 35°.  I could easily observe that he on several occasions he zigzagged 60°, but immediately zigzagged back 20°.  The steamer turned back to course 90° and ran off on course 180°.  
    20.31   Surfaced.  Steamer is still in sight.  Pursued at AK on course 90°.  Enemy now showed bow right 80-90° and at the beginning of evening twilight was out of sight temporarily.  I pursued at 3 x AK.  I must get the chap again.  
                                                                       
    03.09.42 South of the Ivory Coast    
    00.00 FF 3676 21.00 hours steamer in sight again 40° to starboard.  Now steers general course 105-110° and makes small zigzags of 20° to each side.  
      SSE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, strong marine phosphorescence  
      Slowly maneuvered ahead and matched the speed once again.  Favorable night to attack, only strongly phosphorescent water.  The steamer and also we push a brightly illuminated mustache before us.  
        At midnight, I'm in a good attack position.  I take position directly ahead of the steamer, slow down to 1 diesel KF and run off for a stern approach.  Bow and stern sea are no no longer seen.  
    00.49   Shot from tube 6. Ato.  
        Set values:  
        Enemy target angle: bow left 85°.  Speed - 13 knots.  
        Range: 1500 meters.  Depth: 3 meters.  
        Torpedo running track is easily seen.  Torpedo had a gyro-failure and ran stubbornly to port.  
        Miss!  
    00.50   Shot immediately after recognizing the gyro-failure.  
        Single shot from tube 5.  
        (Eto) at target angle 105°.  
        After 85 seconds torpedo running time - 1300 meters shooting range, hit aft.  Steamer remained lying stopped and set out boats.  Settled deeper astern quickly, however remained lying with a slight list to port athwart the seas.  After the life boats were far enough from the steamer, coup de grâce from tube 3. (Ato).  Torpedo hit in the center after 45 seconds running time - 900 meters shooting range.  With an unusually hard detonation torpedo tears a big hole in the side of the hull, level of the engine room.  Now the steamer sinks quickly over the port side and  
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 27 -  
    continued      
    03.09.42   stern, the bow rose steeply in the air and then finally went into the deep.  Steamer transmitted and emergency signal on the 600-meter wavelength, position and name.  It was the steamer "OCEAN MIGHT".  
        Appearance:  
        Clipper stem, cruiser stern, midship elongated superstructure with a short oval smokestack.  Gray-green outboard paint, stern cannon, about caliber 10.5 cm.  7 cargo holds, for that 2 pair of short pole masts fore- and after edge of the bridge.  1 pair short pole masts after edge of the forecastle.  2 high main masts with pole masts connected and on each side a (total therefore 4) heavy lift cargo derrick.  On the foreship deck cargo in the form of large crates with covered with a round protective bag.  (similar to small barracks hut).  Name of the ship is not noted in Lloyd's Register or in Gröner (Merchant Ships of the World).  It is thought to be American new construction.  
         
         
         
         
         
         
    04.00 FF 3681  
      SSE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. moderate  
        Estimated 10000 GRT.  
        Search for the lifeboats, to take the Captain prisoner, was unsuccessful.  Broke off after 1 hour and moved off to the west, to get to the old search line.  
    04.45   Outgoing Radio Message 0129/3 to B.d.U.:  
        Just now sank FF 3650 after 32-hour hunt "OCEAN MIGHT", estimated 10000 GRT, 14 knots, general course 105°.  Zigzags from 35° to 160°.  Intend search along route between FF 3757 and FF 1166.  44 cbm, 4 + 4 torpedoes.  SSE 3, overcast, 1016 mb, +24°C, Vis. medium.  
        Received and confirmed.  
    08.00 FF 3598    
      The same    
    12.00 FF 3822 Crash dive for aircraft.  Large land-based aircraft  
        Surely searching for us.  
        Day's run:  Surfaced  180 nm, Submerged  9 nm  
    14.15   Surfaced.  
    16.00 FF 3849    
      The same    
    18.00   Crossed the Equator from north to south.  
    20.00 FF 3795    
      8/10, Vis. good    
    22.00   Small Equator Ceremony in the control room.  
        2 x E-motors LF.  
                                                                       
    04.09.42 South of the Ivory Coast    
    00.00 FF 3785 Course 245°. 287°, 315°.  
      SSE 1, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good Searched in light legs on line from square FF 3757 to FF 1166.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 28 -  
    continued      
    04.09.42      
    04.00 FF 3781    
      S 1, Sea 1    
    06.00   Diesel-electric.  
    08.00 FF 3743    
      Vis. medium    
    10.12   Crash dive for aircraft.  Large land-based aircraft out of the sun sector astern to starboard.  
    11.54   Surfaced.  
    12.00 FF 2964 Day's run:  Surfaced  104 nm, Submerged  13 nm  
      Vis. good Despite best visibility nothing seen.  
    16.00 FF 2595    
    20.00 FF 2584    
    22.00   2 x E-motors LF.  
                                                                       
    05.09.42 South of Liberia    
    00.00 FF 2469    
      Vis. good    
    04.00 FF 2491    
      6/10, Vis. medium-bad    
    06.00   Diesel-electric.  
    08.00 FF 2484    
    12.00 FF 1637 Day's run:  Surfaced  104 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, 8/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 FF 1381    
      4/10    
    20.00 FF 1298    
                                                                       
    06.09.42 South of Liberia    
    00.00 FF 1281    
      3/10, Vis. good, marine phosphorescence    
    04.00 FF 1162 Reached northern objective point FF 1160.  
      S 1, Sea 0-1, passing showers, Vis. medium Nothing more seen.  
    08.00 FF 1154 Turned to SW-course, to search on the route given for the unknown ship that should arrive in Freetown on 8 September in Officer-Only Radio Message of 29 August.  
      S 2, Sea 1, 4/10, passing showers  
    12.00 FF 1174 Day's run:  Surfaced  195 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      S 4, Sea 4, 2/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 FE 3392    
      S 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10, Vis. medium    
    20.00 FE 3631 Again turned to NE-course, to not get too far from the objective point.  
      Vis. good  
    20.53 FE 3398 Mastheads in sight astern.  Because twilight has already begun, closed at high speed.  In the course of the increasing darkness angled in towards the steamer, so that he is easily seen in complete darkness.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 29 -  
    continued      
    06.09.42   It turned out to be a large fast ship with general course 60°.  Steamer zigzagged lightly 20° to each side and ran at 14 knots.  After course and speed were exactly matched, ran to attack under the cover of darkness.  
    23.53   2 single shots from tubes 1 and 3 (Ato)  
        Set values:  
        Enemy target angle right 110°, enemy speed 13.5 knots and 14 knots.  Depth 3 meters, range - 800 meters.  
        After 45 seconds running time the first, after another 5 seconds running time the second hit.  Corresponds to a running track of 1000 meters.  
        First torpedo hit at the level of the after mast, the second at the level of the engine room.  
        Steamer stopped immediately and turned athwart the swell.  Settled deeper astern very quickly, so that the aftership is already overspilled in the shortest time.  Boats were launched.  Steamer first transmitted after 10 minutes, however only with emergency transmitter, was not heard by a land station.  It was the refrigerator ship "TUSCAN STAR" 11,449 GRT, British nationality.  Steamer took a strong list to starboard and settled steadily deeper.  When the aftership was already overspilled up to the smokestack, 2 lifeboats still lay alongside.  When these boat finally cast off, the bow rose into the air, stayed for a short time vertically up and down, then sank quickly over the stern post.  
                                                                       
    07.09.42 South of Liberia    
    00.00 FF 1149 From the statements of the shipwrecked the Captain went down with his ship.  Women and children were found in one of the lifeboats.  The 3 lifeboats are very stable and very big, but they are overloaded.  Suddenly cries for help were heard on the port side.  When searching with spot light a man was found in the wreckage, clinging to a crate.  The chap is about to drown head cut under now and then.  Quickly went to him and pulled the chap out of the oily water before he "went under".  
        It turned out to be the 2nd Radio Officer of the ship, who did not get into the boats in time.  
        Name:  Gordon Herberth Gill, 21 years old, from Manchester.  
        Again ran to the lifeboats and  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 30 -  
    continued      
    07.09.42   gave milk and bread to the one in which the women and children were found.  Informed the 1st officer who steered the boat, that the radio operator Gordon Bill was saved and is on board.  Great joy and thanks prevailed in the lifeboat.  With loud calls "Thank you" and "Good Luck" the people thanks us and waved to us.  Hopefully for these people, the delusion that we Germans are barbarians is healed now and forever.  Moved off to the east.  
        As shipwrecked man has recovered to some extent, he is interrogated briefly.  
        Determined "TUSCAN START" came from "Buenos Aires" fully loadad with 10,900 tons of frozen meat via Freetown for England.  
        On board there were 89 men.  60-man crew and 29 passengers, among them 7 women and 2 children.  Ran further to the east to operate on the line square FF 3757 and square FF 1160, because also Würdemann reported traffic in this area.  
    02.37   Outgoing Radio Message 0010/7 to B.d.U.:  
        Square FF 1149 "TUSCAN STAR" course 60°, 14 knots sunk.  4 plus 2 torpedoes, 93 cbm.  S 3, 1015 mb, +24°C, Vis. good.  
    04.00 FF 1191    
      Vis. medium-good    
    08.00 FF 1275    
      8/10    
    08.17   Dived.  Test dive, proceeded submerged.  
    12.00 FF 1287 Day's run:  Surfaced  137 nm, Submerged  16 nm  
    14.06   Surfaced.  
    16.00 FF 1286    
      S 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good    
    19.02   Incoming Radio Message 1126/7 from B.d.U.:  
        "Begin return transit" via square DS 30.  
    20.00 FF 1282 This Radio Message is very depressing. Just now when I believe I have found a traffic artery, I am to leave this area.  I definitely expected later supply down here in the area and I was sure that I could still shoot my remaining torpedoes.  
      6/10  
                                                                       
    08.09.42 South of Liberia    
    00.00 FF 1626    
      Overcast, passing showers, Vis. bad I decide to send a Radio Message to B.d.U. requesting to remain in the area.  
    04.00 FF 1637    
      S 1, Sea 0-1, 8/10, Vis. strongly changing, bad to medium    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 31 -  
    continued      
    08.09.42      
    08.00 FF 2441    
      7/10    
    10.41   Outgoing Radio Message 0952/8 to B.d.U.:  
        Request remaining in area and later supply like Schacht.  
    11.05   Dived.  Test dive.  
    11.35   Surfaced.  
    12.00 FF 1622 Course 287°.  
      Vis. medium Day's run:  Surfaced  125 nm, Submerged  8 nm  
    13.33   Incoming Radio Message 1236/8 from B.d.U.:  
        Return transit to square DG 50 must be ensured.  Before no supply is possible.  
    16.00 FF 1374  
      Vis. good    
    20.00 FF 1282 So that means return transit.  Once again "U-109" must begin return transit due to fuel shortage, without exhausting combat power.  
                                                                       
    09.09.42 South of Liberia Again return transit must begin with 6 torpedoes.  This is very bitter and depressing.  
    00.00 FF 1247    
      S 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 FF 1153 The cited square DG 50 can hardly be reached with the fuel shortage.  Then we’ll just have to sail in the free Atlantic.  
    08.00 FF 1117  
      S 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium    
    09.12 Vis. good Smoke cloud ahead to port.  
        Held onto it.  
        Mastheads and 2 smokestacks come quickly over the horizon.  Attempted to get ahead with 3 x AK.  Despite the boat running at 17.5 knots, the steamer comes up quickly.  Attempted to still get ahead in a rain squall and get closer, but when the visibility was clear again the steamer had come out so high that danger exists we were seen by him.  
    10.23   Dived and attempted submerged at AK to get into long-range shooting position for Atos.  However when the steamer is in target angle 90-100° it is still 10000-12000 meters away.  Must let him go with a heavy heart.  It should not be.  
        Thought to be a passenger steamer of type "DUTCHESS OF BEDFORD".  Course 350°, 18-20 knots.  
    12.00 FE 3331 Day's run:  Surfaced  158 nm, Submerged  5 nm  
    12.27   Surfaced.  
    13.15   Outgoing Radio Message 1150/9 to B.d.U.:  
        Type "DUTCHESS OF BEDFORD" hunted in vain, course 350°, 18 knots,  27.5 cbm, 4 plus 2 torpedoes, square FE 3331.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 32 -  
    continued      
    09.09.42      
    16.00 ET 9977    
      S 3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good    
    20.00 ET 9886    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, 2/10    
                                                                       
    10.09.42 Southwest of Sierra Leone    
    00.00 ET 9847    
      S 3, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. medium    
    04.00 ET 9756    
      S 2, 4/10    
    08.00 ET 9741    
      S 3, Sea 3, overcast    
    12.00 ET 8926 Day's run:  Surfaced  170 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      Vis. good, 6/10    
    16.00 ET 8599    
      5/10    
    20.00 ET 8584    
      S 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium    
                                                                       
    11.09.42 Southwest of Sierra Leone    
    00.00 ET 8468    
      7/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 ET 8454    
    08.00 ET 7633 Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 6 and 3 blown and carried as ballast tanks to save fuel and not to bring unnecessary amounts of water along.  Additionally for reasons of saving fuel a test dive was made only every 3rd day.  
      S 2, Sea 2, overcast  
    12.00 ET 7383 Day's run:  Surfaced  187 nm, Submerged  --  
      Vis. good    
    16.00 ET 7342    
      SSW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium-good    
    20.00 ET 4998    
                                                                       
    12.09.42 West of Sierra Leone    
    00.00 ET 4858    
      WSW 2, Sea 1-2, rain, Vis. bad    
    04.00 ET 4816    
      WSW 1, Sea 1, passing showers, 7/10, Vis. medium    
    08.00 ET 4496    
      4/10    
    12.00 ET 4453 Day's run:  Surfaced  164 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      SW 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 ET 6366    
      3/10    
    20.00 ES 6366    
      SW 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, passing showers, Vis. good                                                                
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 33 -  
           
    13.09.42 West of French Guinea    
    00.00 ES 6325    
      No more rain showers    
    04.00 ES 6325    
      Vis. medium    
    08.00 ES 3972    
    12.00 ES 3581 Day's run:  Surfaced  187 nm, Submerged  --  
      SW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast    
    16.00 ES 3512    
      SW 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, Vis. good    
    20.00 ES 3168    
                                                                       
    14.09.42 South of Cape Verde    
    00.00 ES 3125    
    00.42 3/10 On request sent Radiosonde report.  Because in accordance with the Weather Short Signal Book latitude only encodes down to 26°N, an extra Short Signal must be given for latitude.  
    08.00 EJ 9772    
      Duck pond, Vis. bad, strong marine phosphorescence    
    12.00 EJ 8684 Day's run:  Surfaced  190 nm, Submerged  --  
      2/10, mist, W 1, Sea 0, 4/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 EJ 8641    
      NE 1, Sea 0, 8/10    
    20.00 EJ 8297    
      N 2, Sea 1, 4/10    
                                                                       
    15.09.42 South of Cape Verde    
    00.00 EJ 8245    
      NE 1, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 EJ 8131    
      N 3, Sea 2, 2/10    
    08.00 EJ 5757    
      N 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
    12.00 EJ 4935 Day's run:  Surfaced  200 nm, Submerged  --  
      NbyE 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. medium    
    16.00 EJ 4682    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. good    
    16.07   Incoming Radio Message 1504/15:  
        Schnoor heads for supply Steinhoff, Poser, Rosenberg, Liebe square DS 30.  Meet with Blechrodt here.  
    20.00 EJ 4641    
      NE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good    
                                                                       
    16.09.42 West of Cape Verde    
    00.00 EJ 4288    
      NE 3, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good    
    04.00 EJ 4245    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, 5/10    
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 14.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 34 -  
    continued      
    16.09.42      
    04.33 Long NE-Swell Incoming Radio Message 0153/16:  
        From 19 September switch to America 1 Circuit.  
    08.00 EJ 4135    
      4/10, Vis. good    
    11.13   Dived.  Test dive.  
    11.40   Surfaced.  
    12.00 EJ 1754 Day's run:  Surfaced  188 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      NE 4, Sea 3-4, 5/10, high Swell    
    16.00 EJ 1714    
      6/10    
    20.00 EH 3691 For fuel saving reasons, I must now proceed at night with E-motors.  
      NE 4, Sea 3-4, 6/10, Vis. good  
                                                                       
    17.09.42 Northwest of Cape Verde    
    00.00 EH 3627    
      NE 5, Sea 4, 2/10    
    02.20   Outgoing Radio Message 0101/17 to B.d.U.:  
        Square EH 3610, still 8 cbm.  Transit with diesel only still to charge, otherwise E-motors.  Request instructions for Schnoor for the purpose of running to meet to the south, because reaching square DS 30 is no longer ensured fuel-wise.  NE 5, long NE-Swell, 1018 mb, +25°C, clear night, Vis. good.  
    05.12   Incoming Radio Message 0420/17 from B.d.U.:  
        Proceed on course 340° as economically as possible.  
    08.00 EH 3374    
      2/10, Vis. good, NE 3, Sea 2-3    
    10.53 EH 3256 Mastheads ahead to starboard.  
        Ironically, now, where every drop of fuel is needed for the transit to the meeting point, I still have such a steamer on the way. But with 8 cbm, there is still plenty to start with.  In any case, first closed at maximum speed and matched heading and speed.  Fortunately, it is not a fast runner.  Steamer steers 200-180°.  Speed about 8-10 knots.  Am soon in a good, favorable position and can already dive to attack at 12.09 hours.  
         
         
    12.00 EH 3258  
      NE 3, Sea 2, 4/10  
      Day's run:  Surfaced  142 nm, Submerged  0 nm  
    12.09   Because for fuel reasons I cannot get involved in a drawn out matching of the exact speed I decided to shoot a three-fan.  Brought the boat in a good shooting position with low shooting range.  Because my steamer seems very short through the periscope, I reduce the spread angle  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 17.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 35 -  
    continued      
    17.09.42   from 8° to 5°.  However stuck with a three-fan, because first I have no exact speed and because my steamer looks very suspicious.  2 cannons astern, several quick loading cannons  of small caliber.  
    13.14   Three-fan from tubes 1, 2 and 4.  
        Set values:  
        Enemy target angle:  bow left 90°.  
        Enemy speed - 10 knots.  Torpedo depth - 3 meters.  
        Range - 800 meters, spread angle 5°.  
        After 26 seconds torpedo running time = 390 meters shooting range there follows first and a few seconds later 2nd and 3rd hits, amidships, before and after edge of the bridge.  Very loud detonations.  The chap has enough!  Takes a strong list to port and settles deeper quickly.  Despite this a few fellows ran to the aft cannon, but soon have to realize that there is nothing left to do and go quickly into the boats.  
        The steamer settles deeper very quickly, the list to port is stronger and stronger until the steamer suddenly capsized over the port bow and sank over the forestem.  Surfaced and went to the lifeboats.  Took the Captain of the ship with papers on board.  Thereupon came to old course.  It was the British steamer "PETERTON", from Hull to Buenos Aires with coal.  
        5221 GRT.  
        Steamer was armed with 1 stern cannon about 10.5 cm, 2 Oerlikon 4.7 cm quick loading cannons and 4 throwing mechanisms for light depth charges.   
        There was tremendous rejoicing in the boat when the torpedoes hit. This steamer appeared shortly before the limit of Route Anton and shortly before the lat minute with our fuel, as if sent by "Fortuna" just front of the torpedo tubes and yet still some torpedoes found their well-deserved sacrifice.  
        Captured the English Captain.  
    14.20   Came to old course to the north.  
    16.00 EH3251    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. good    
    16.19   Outgoing Radio Message 1341/17 to B.d.U.:  
        Just now square EH 3258 still one knocked off.  British "PETERTON" 5221 GRT with coal from Hull for Buenos Aires.  Course 190, 10 knots, 7 cbm.  1 Eto, 2 Atos.  Stiff Trade Winds 4, 1017 mb, +25°C, Vis. good.  
    20.00 DS 9879    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, 2/10    
    22.00   2 x E-motors LF.  
                                                                       
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 36 -  
    18.09.42 Northwest of Cape Verde    
    00.00 DS 9844    
      ENE 2-1, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good, bright moonlit night    
    00.38   In accordance with ordered gave Radiosonde report and position Short Signal.  
    04.00 DS 9763    
    07.00   Diesel-electric.  
    08.00 DS 9733    
    12.00 DS 9455 Day's run:  Surfaced  140 nm, Submerged  --  
      ENE 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 DS 9179    
    18.24   Incoming Radio Message 1112/18 from B.d.U.:  
        Steer course 320° and early 20 September report position and speed of advance.  
        Schnoor afterwards establish meeting point.  
        Give fuel only for economical return transit.  
    20.00 DS 9144 Came to course 320°.  
      ENE 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10    
    22.00   2 x E-motors LF.  
                                                                       
    19.09.42 Northwest of Cape Verde    
    00.00 DS 8336    
      6/10    
    00.25   Sent Radiosonde with position Short Signal as ordered.  
    04.00 DS 8332    
      ENE 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, Vis. good    
    07.00   Diesel-electric.  
    08.00 DS 5986 Now it's about time I get fuel, otherwise we will have to sail.  
      Overcast  
    12.00 DS 5838 Day's run:  Surfaced  149 nm, Submerged  --  
    14.55   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    16.00 DS 5585    
    20.00 DS 5581    
    20.53   Surfaced.  
                                                                       
    20.09.42 Northwest of Cape Verde    
    00.00 DS 5439    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10    
    01.11   Outgoing Radio Message 2336/19 Officer-Only "Karl" to B.d.U.:  
        Among other secret instructions, the following control points for the route from Freetown to Lagos and Takoradi were found from the British steamship PETERTON:  
        ET 6115, ET 6411, ET 9963, FF 2231, EV 7634, arrival Lagos only in daylight.  Harbor Freetown protected by timber barrier.  Entry through barrier by day and night.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 37 -  
    continued      
    20.09.42      
    02.00   2 E-motors LF.  
    04.00 DS 5431    
      Vis. good, bright moonlit night    
    08.00 DS 5186 Diesel-electric.  
      5/10    
    08.25   Outgoing Radio Message 0805/20 to Schnoor:  
        Position 08.00 hours DS 5186, course 320°, 7 knots.  
    11.38   Outgoing Radio Message 1121/20 to Schnoor:  
        Request giving of meeting point.  
    12.00 DS 4363 Day's run:  Surfaced  123 nm, Submerged  16 nm  
      NE 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, light NW-Swell    
    12.38   Incoming Radio Message 1158/20 from Schnoor:  
        Suggest meeting point today 21.00 hours in square 1954.  
    16.00 DS 1988    
      E 1, Sea 1, 4/10    
    20.00 DS 1954    
    20.12   U-boat ahead to port.  
        U-460.  After brief greeting and exchange of views began transfer immediately.  38 cbm fuel oil and 5 day's provisions were taken over without special incidents in 3 1/2 hours from 21.00 - 00.30 hours.  
                                                                       
    21.09.42 West of the Canary Islands    
    00.00 DS 1954 Set off from U-460 and came to an easterly course to get out of Route Anton as quickly as possible.  
    04.00 DS 1939 There is a difference of 8 cbm between the fuel measurement gages of the two boats.  
      NEbyE 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good  
      U-460 claims 42 cbm was transferred, while out gauge shows only 39 cbm.  
    08.00 DS 2722    
      2/10    
    12.00 DS 2548 Day's run:  Surfaced  156 nm, Submerged  --  
      ENE 2, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. good    
    13.35   Dived.  Test dive.  
    14.03   Surfaced.  
    16.00 DS 2561    
    20.00 DS 2616    
      5/10    
                                                                       
    22.09.42 West of the Canary Islands    
    00.00 DS 2393    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good    
    01.28   Radiosonde report given on orders.  
    04.00 DS 3155    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 38 -  
    continued      
    22.09.42      
    08.00 DS 3217    
      High ENE-Swell    
    12.00 DG 8878 Day's run:  Surfaced  182 nm, Submerged  2 nm  
      ENE 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. good    
    16.00 DG 8854    
    20.00 DG 8587    
    20.03   Incoming Radio Message 1859/22 from B.d.U.:  
        On 23 September at 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.  
                                                                       
    23.09.42 West of the Canary Islands    
    00.00 DG 8552    
    04.00 DG 8297    
      ENE 3, Sea 3, 3/10, bright night, Vis. good    
    08.00 DG 8262 Switched to Ireland Circuit.  
    12.00 DG 5971 Day's run:  Surfaced  175 nm, Submerged  0 nm  
      NEbyE 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
    13.42   Incoming Radio Message 1227/23 from B.d.U.:  
        Return harbor is Lorient.  
    16.00 DG 5918    
    16.22   Incoming Radio Message 1508/23:  To Bleichrodt:  
        In grateful appreciation of your heroic effort in the struggle for the future of our people, I award you as the 125th soldier of the German Wehrmacht the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Cross.  
                                                        - Adolf Hitler -  
        Heartfelt congratulations.  
                                                         - Befehlshaber -  
    20.00 DG 5676    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good    
    20.14   Dived.  Speech to the crew.  
    23.02   Surfaced.  
                                                                       
    24.09.42 South of the Azores    
    00.00 DG 5654    
    04.00 DG 5323    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good    
    04.41   Radiosonde sent on orders.  
    07.19   Incoming Radio Message 1851/23 from Oberbefehlshaber:  
        Bleichrodt.  On the award of the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Cross I give my congratulations and  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 39 -  
    continued      
    24.09.42   thankful recognition for you and your brave crew's achieved performance and great successes.  
                                                         - Your Oberbefehlshaber -  
    08.00 DG 5367    
    12.00 DG 2999 Day's run:  Surfaced  161 nm, Submerged  7 nm  
      6/10    
    16.00 DG 3742    
      NNE 1, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good    
    18.47   Incoming Radio Message 1459/24.  To Bleichrodt:  
        On the award of the Oak Leaves congratulations.  
                                                         - O.d.N. -  
    20.00 DG 3479 [O.d.N. - possibly a typo O.d.M. or O.d.H. = CinC Army]
      NbyW 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
                                                                       
    25.09.42 South of the Azores    
    00.00 DG 3419    
      N 2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good    
    02.00 Bright moonlit night Course 42°.  
    03.21   Outgoing Radio Message 0135/25 to B.d.U.:  
        If possible, request together transit with Fu.M.B. boat.  NNW 3, 1021 mb, +23°C, bright moonlit night.  
    04.00 DG 3186 Sent on Norddeich Alternate Frequency.  
      NNW 3, Sea 2-3, 5/10    
    07.14   Incoming Radio Message from Flottille-Chef:  
        "Congratulations".  
    08.00 DG 3167 Radio Message 0135/25 up to now still not confirmed.  
      NNE 4, Sea 3, rain, Vis. medium-good    
    09.21   Dived.  Test dive, damage control exercises.  
    11.29   Surfaced.  
    12.00 DG 3214 Weather was worse boat makes only 5 knots. Must save substantial fuel to still make it home.  
      NE 5-6, Sea 5, passing showers, 7/10, short high NE-Swell  
      Day's run:  Surfaced  160 nm, Submerged  5 nm  
    15.28 CE 9984 Masthead in sight abeam to starboard.  While closing can only run both HF, because the boat takes too much water over.  Mastheads and smokestack come out quickly.  It is a tanker, presents bow left, target angle 80-70°.  
         
    16.00 CE 9984  
      N 5, Sea 5, 6/10, Vis. partly bad in rain showers  
     

While maneuvering ahead the tanker passes out of sight in a rain squall, in direction 90°, pursued on Gibraltar course until 17.00 hours, still the tanker did not come in sight.  Must break off the search due to fuel shortage and come to old course.

 
    20.00 CE 9965    
      NEbyN 7, Sea 5-6, passing showers, 8/10, Vis. moderate    
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 40 -  
    continued      
    25.09.42      
    23.22   Outgoing Radio Message 2243/25 to B.d.U.:  
        If possible, request together transit through the Bay of Biscay with an Fu.M.B. boat.  NE 6, 1022 mb, +21°C, cloudy, Vis. good, 27 cbm, CF 7814.  
        Sent once more on Norddeich Alternate Frequency.  
                                                                       
    26.09.42 Southeast of the Azores    
    00.00 CF 7812    
    01.34   Confirmation of the Radio Message by Incoming Radio Message 0042/26 from B.d.U.:  
        Escort Bleichrodt by Fu.M.B. boat not possible.  
    04.00 CF 7581    
      NE 6, Sea 5, passing showers, 8/10, Vis. medium-good, squally    
    08.00 CF 7556 Boat pounds in the short high seas from ahead completely stuck and makes only a little way.  
      NE 5, Sea 5, Vis. good  
    09.30   Dived.  Proceeded submerged.  Damage control exercises.  After the fuel was emptied from the external bunkers, it was determined that instead of 42 cbm U-460 transferred only 39.15 cbm, now I miss these 3 cbm very much.  
    12.00 CF 7534 Day's run:  Surfaced  136 nm, Submerged  8 nm  
    16.00 CF 7532    
    16.59   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CF 7371    
      NE 5, Sea 4, 2/10, Vis. good    
                                                                       
    27.09.42 East of the Azores    
    00.00 CF 7351 Course 21°.  
      ENE 4, Sea 4, 8/10, cross sea, Vis. good    
    03.48   Outgoing Radio Message 2358/26 to 2. U.-Flottille:  
    04.00 CF 4988 Officer-Only "Toni" suggest Bootsmaat Seidel Berthold for the German Cross in Gold.  
      ENE 3, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. good, long high NNE-Swell  
      Combat Bridge Petty Officer and Combat planesman.  Participated in 14 war patrols with 80 weeks at sea, involved in the sinking of 61 ships with a total of 405000 GRT.  
    08.00 CF 4964    
      Vis. very good, high N-Swell    
    12.00 CF 4899 Day's run:  Surfaced  134 nm, Submerged  12 nm  
      4/10 Outer tube door fairing for tube 2 torn away.  A third of the flap is bent outward and positioned obliquely.  Cannot have it worked on because the Swell is too high.  
    16.00 CF 5441    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 5/10, Vis. good, long Swell    
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 26.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 41 -  
    continued      
    27.09.42      
    20.00 CF 5179    
      NW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, passing showers, Vis. medium, long high NNW-Swell    
                                                                       
    28.09.42 East of the Azores    
    00.00 CF 5155    
    01.36   Radiosonde report sent on orders.  
    04.00 CF 2789    
      WNW 3, Sea 2-3, passing showers, 8/10, Vis. medium    
    09.00 CF 2765 In the high short Swell the boat takes much water over and makes little way.  
      WNW 4, Sea 4, 8/10, passing showers, Vis. medium - good, high N-Swell  
    08.57   Dived, proceeded submerged.  
    12.00 CF 2739 Day's run:  Surfaced  148 nm, Submerged  7 nm  
    13.46   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CF 2812 It has freshened.  Boat continually pounds in the long, high Swell and only makes a little progress.  
      NNW 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium, long high NNW-Swell  
    20.00 CF 2582    
      NNW 7, Sea 6-7, squalls, overcast, the same    
                                                                       
    29.09.42 Northeast of the Azores    
    00.00 CF 2561    
      NNE 6-7, Sea 6, rain, overcast, squalls    
    04.00 CF 2611    
    08.00 CF 2373    
      NNW 7, Sea 7, passing showers, overcast    
    12.00 CF 2356 Day's run:  Surfaced  124 nm, Submerged  5 nm  
    16.00 CF 3114    
      NbyW 6, Sea 5-6, rain, 9/10    
    20.00 BE 8889    
      NNW 7-8, Sea 7, passing showers, 7/10    
                                                                       
    30.09.42 Northeast of the Azores    
    00.00 BE 8896    
      NNW 8, Sea 7, passing showers, Vis. medium-bad, Summer lightening    
    00.06   Dived, depth A -30 meters.  
    04.00 BE 8971 Because with the seas on the surface diesel-electric the boat makes only 4-5 knots way and fuel is becoming scarce, must dive and proceed submerged, should the prevailing weather linger, fuel worries will be serious.  
    08.00 BE 8949  
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 28.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 42 -  
    continued      
    30.09.42      
    09.40   Surfaced.  
    12.00 BE 8955 Wind has shifted through N to NNE.  Heavy high seas, boat rolls and pounds heavily and makes little way.  
      N 8, Sea 7, 8/10, Vis. good  
        Day's run:  Surfaced  93 nm, Submerged  28 nm  
    15.07   Dove again to proceeds submerged at depth A -30 meters.  
    16.00 BE 8961    
    19.35   Surfaced.  Heavy weather from the NNE always prevails.  Heavily cloudy.  
    20.00 BE 8938    
      NNE 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium    
    22.27   Dove again to proceed submerged at depth A -30 meters.  
                                                                       
    01.10.42 West of Ortegal    
    00.00 BE 8939    
    04.00 BE 9715    
    05.00   Went to depth 14 meters to get Very Low Frequency Program Time.  
    05.40   Again to depth A -30 meters.  
    08.00 BE 9713    
    10.12   Surfaced.  The high strong sea from north subsided, which now blows a fresh NE to ENE Strength 6-7 with sea state 4-5.  Must come to an E-course and get ahead a bit at least in the period of charing.  Cloudiness is favorable for aircraft lookout.  If I had a fuel reserve now, I could use this clear weather and continue on the surface.  
    12.00 BE 9722  
      NE 6-7, Sea 5, 7/10, Altocumulus, Vis. good  
      Day's run:  Surfaced  30 nm, Submerged  42 nm  
      Now you sit here in the Bay of Biscay in this devil's pond and have to take besides the aircraft danger also the fuel worries.  Enough fuel should be available to the boats for a brisk passage through this dangerous area. The Kommandanten shuld be relieved of these concerns and allowed to pass the air endangered area without regard to fuel.  
    14.02   Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.  
    15.30   Several depth Charge detonations.  Far off.  
    16.00 BE 9732    
    19.37   Surfaced.  Charged the battery.  
        Low cloud deck, bad airspace surveillance.  
    20.00 BE 9499    
      NEbyE 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, high NE-Swell    
    21.00 Low cloud deck Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters.  
    22.00   To reception depth for Very Low Frequency Program Time.  
                                                                       
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.09.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 43 -  
    02.10.42 Western Bat of Biscay    
    00.00 BE 9577    
    01.20   Again to depth A -20 meters.  
    04.00 BE 9576    
    05.00   To depth 14 meters for Very Low Frequency reception.  
    05.45   To depth A -20 meters.  
    08.00 BE 9584    
    09.22   Surfaced to charge.  
        Again unfavorable low clouds.  
    12.00 BE 9671 Day's run:  Surfaced  53 nm, Submerged  52 nm  
      EbyN 4, Sea 3, overcast, (rain), misty Vis. bad, low clouds, ENE Swell    
    12.58   Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -30 meters.  
    15.30   Several detonations, aircraft bombs, far off.  
    16.00 BE 9681    
    19.29   Surfaced to charge.  Visibility has grown somewhat better.  
    20.00 BE 9659    
      EbyN 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, low hanging clouds, short Swell    
    21.00   Dived to proceed submerged depth A -20 meters.  
    22.00   Very Low Frequency Program Time.  To reception depth.  
    23.40   Again to depth A -20 meters.  
                                                                       
    03.10.42 Western Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BE 9663    
    04.00 BE 7414    
    05.00   At Very Low Frequency reception depth.  
    06.50   Again to depth A -20 meters.  
    07.51  )      
    07.53  )   Several aircraft bomb series, far off.  
    09.00  )      
    08.00 BF 7416    
    09.35   Surfaced to charge.  
    12.00 BF 7435 Initially the clouds are unfavorable for airspace surveillance.  However then the cloud deck breaks up, and clearer, blue sky makes far good visibility.  
      E 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. good-medium, partly misty, long WNW-Swell  
      Day's run:  Surfaced  53 nm, Submerged  59 nm  
    14.37 BF 7421 Aircraft abeam to starboard in the sun sector, E-course.  
        Crash dive to depth A +0 meters.  
        Proceeded submerged at depth A -10 meters.  
    16.00 BF 7522 Dull, long rolling detonation far off.  
    18.41   Surfaced.  Totally changed weather conditions.  
        Misty, low wispy clouds.  Bad aircraft area surveillance.  
    20.00 BF 7533    
      E 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium-bad, misty, low cloud deck, long WNW-Swell    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 44 -  
    continued      
    03.10.42      
    20.16   Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -10 meters.  
    22.00   At Very Low Frequency reception depth.  
    23.20   Again to depth A -10 meters.  
                                                                       
    04.10.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF    
    04.00 BF    
    05.00   To reception depth for Very Low Frequency Program Time.  
    05.40   Again to depth A -10 meters.  
    08.00 BF    
    09.45   Surfaced to charge.  
    12.00 BF 8148 With light east wind, again fully overcast shy.  Cloud height only 400-500 meters.  Partly fog banks. Unfavorable weather for aircraft area surveillance.  But must remain on the surface and charge the battery.  Hopefully there will be breaks in the cloud deck in the course of the afternoon.  
      E 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. bad, low cloud deck, often foggy, very long NW-Swell  
        Day's run:  Surfaced  72 nm, Submerged  51 nm  
    13.35   Dived.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -10 meters.  
    14.45   Several detonations far off.  Probably aircraft bombs.  
    16.00 BF 8129    
    18.57   Surfaced to charge.  
    19.11   Outgoing Radio Message 1821/4 to B.d.U.:  
        6 October 10.00 hours Point "Kern".  16.00 hours Lucie 2.  Question can own air be expected on the route.  
    20.00 BF 8133 After operational confirmation switched to Coastal Circuit.  
      E 0-1, Sea 0, overcast, Vis. bad, low cloud deck, foggy    
    20.00   Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -10 meters.  
    22.00   To Very Low Frequency reception depth.  
    22.40   Again to depth A -10 meters.  
                                                                       
    05.10.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 5776    
    04.00 BF 5784    
    06.00   At Very Low Frequency reception depth.  
    06.50   Again to depth A -10 meters.  
    08.00 BF 5758    
      NNE 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, Vis. good    
    09.35   Surfaced.  
        Took continual bearings on radio beacons.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
 
 
           
           
           
            - 45 -  
    continued      
    05.10.42      
    12.00 BF 5753 Day's run:  Surfaced  59 nm, Submerged  46 nm  
      NNE 0-1, Sea 0, 8/10, medium-high clouds, Vis. medium    
    12.18   Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -10 meters.  
    14.00   To reception depth for Very Low Frequency Program Time.  
    14.10   To depth A -10 meters.  
    14.13   3 detonations, afterwards light aircraft bombs, medium range.  
    14.18   5 light aircraft bombs, far off.  
    16.00 BF 5737    
    19.00   Went to periscope depth for Very Low Frequency reception.  
        Ahead to starboard a sailing vessel.  Bow right 30°.  
    19.25   Incoming Radio Message 1329/5:  
        For U-109 6 October at 16.00 hours escort will be at "Lucie 2".  
    20.00 BF 5735    
      NNE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, medium-high cloud deck, Vis. medium    
    20.02   Surfaced, to send Radio Message, ventilate the boat.  
    20.17   Outgoing Radio Message 1951/5:  
        Request Bearing Transmitter 1 and Group 2 from 09.30 hours.  
    20.35   Dived.  Proceeded at depth A -10 meters.  
                                                                       
    06.10.42 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 5733    
    04.00 BF 5577    
    06.00   At periscope depth for Very Low Frequency Reception.  
    06.31   Incoming Radio Message 2113/5:  
        Bearing transmitter 1 and Radio Croup 2 continually from 09.30 to 16.30 hours.  
    06.05   Incoming Radio Message 0427/6:  
        Bearing transmitter 1 out of service until further notice.  
    07.15   Again to depth A -10 meters.  
    08.00 BF 5575    
    09.20   Surfaced.  Ran to Point "Kern" on N-course.  
        Because Bearing Transmitter 1 is out of service.  
    11.16   Outgoing Radio Message 1101/6:  
        Request Beacon Eckmühl from now.  
    12.06 Day's run:  Surfaced  22 nm, Submerged  45 nm Passed Point "Lade".  
    12.07 Outgoing Radio Message 1157/6:  
        Position already Lucie 2 from 15.00 hours.  
    12.59   Incoming Radio Message 1233/6:  
        Radio Beacon funs from now until 16.00 hours.  
        With assistance from Radio Beacons ran in on Route "Kernleder".  
    14.30   Passed Point "352".  
    14.39   Sperrbrecher in sight.  
    15.05   Sperrbrecher takes us in convoy.  
    15.20   Passed Lucie 2.  
    16.40   Made fast at A 3.  
                                                                       
                                                                     Kptlt. and Kmdt.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42

 

Enclosures to U-109's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart Track chart covering the entire patrol

 

     
     
 

Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
 
on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-109" from 4.6. - 6.10.1942.
 
 

 

 
          A well and deliberately executed patrol.  The tenacious hunt for fast independent ships brought the commander as a success two large, valuable ships.  
          With the large number of boats it is not possible to supply all with fuel.  Ddistribution takes place by Leadership based on situation and operation area.  Therefore a disregard of ones own boat is not to be taken personally and cause discord, as is evident from this K.T.B.  
     
   

For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
   
- The Chief of the Operations Department -
 
 
 
     
     
 


Click the icons to view the associated records

Return to the U-boat KTB page