U-118 - 3rd War Patrol
Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Robert Derencin and Andi Forster
Departed |
Date |
Arrived |
Date |
Days at Sea |
Brest |
25 January 1943 |
Bordeaux |
27 February 1943 |
34 |
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 |
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Date |
Time |
Position |
Ship |
Tons |
Nationality |
Convoy |
7 Feb 43 |
23.59
|
35°57'N, 5°56'W |
BALTONIA
|
2,013
|
British
|
MKS-7 |
7 Feb 43 |
23.59 |
35°57'N, 5°56'W |
MARY SELSSOR |
5,027 |
British |
MKS-7 |
7 Feb 43 |
23.59 |
35°57'N, 5°56'W |
EMPIRE MORDRED |
7,024 |
British |
MKS-7 |
10 Feb 43 |
? |
35°59'N, 5°58'W |
DUERO (damaged) |
2,008 |
Spanish |
|
22 Feb 43 |
? |
36°01'N, 05°54'W |
THORSHOLM (damaged) |
9,937 |
Norwegian |
GUS-4 |
22 Feb 43 |
11.56 |
35°48'N, 06°00'W |
HMCS WEYBURN (K 173) |
925
|
Canadian |
MKS-8 |
Total = 26,934
|
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Note: All ships struck mines laid by U-118 during the night of 1/2 Feb between 23.10 - 04.21. | ||||||
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. |
- 1 - |
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"U-118" | |||||
====== |
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Kommandant: Korv.Kapt.
Czygan |
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3rd War Patrol from:
25 January to: 26 February 1943 |
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13.12.42 | Lorient | Entered Lorient after the 2nd war patrol. | |||
17.12.42 | " | Shipyard period and dry docking. Administrative leave. | |||
03.01.43. | " | Un-docked. | |||
08.01.43 | " | Shipyard sea trials. | |||
11.01.43 | " | Shipyard period finished. | |||
16.01.43 | " | Trim test. | |||
17.03.43 | " | ||||
16.30 | Departed Lorient. In convoy with 3 new M-boats. | ||||
18.01,43 | Brest | ||||
09.30 | " | Entered Brest. | |||
19.01.43 | " | Shipyard period and dry docking begin. (diving planes, fuel oil trace, main clutches). | |||
21.01.43 | " | Left dry dock. | |||
23.01.43 | " | Shipyard period completed. | |||
10.00 | Begin mine loading. Loading facilities for XB boats in the bunker are inadequate. The electric crane failed continuously. Loading at the floating dock with a floating crane from the mine barge would shorten the loading time considerably, as long as no better loading facilities exist in Brest. | ||||
24.01.43 | " | ||||
03.00 | Mine loading completed. | ||||
25.01.43 | " | ||||
Morning | Calibration of radio direction finder, trim test, sea trials. | ||||
25.01.43 | Brest | ||||
16.30 | Departed on 3rd war patrol. In convoy with Sperrbrecher to B.1, Vorpostenboote to Point 346. | ||||
20.00 | WNW 3, 3/10, Sea 2, 11°, Vis. 5 nm, high SW-swell | Route Kernbeißer. | |||
26.01.43 | Route Kernbeißer | ||||
00.00 | WNW 3, 2/10, Sea 2, 11°, Vis. 3 nm | ||||
04.00 | BF 5571 | ||||
© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.43 |
- 2 - |
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continued | |||||
26.01.43 | |||||
08.00 | BF 5742 | ||||
08.50 | BF 5741 | Dived to proceed submerged. Deep dive to A +40 meters. | |||
12.00 | BF 4961 | Day's run: 194.0 nm | |||
φ = 46°08'N | 13.0 nm | ||||
λ = 7°23.5'W | 207.0 nm. | ||||
On course 232° to initial approach point BF 74. Intend to ecexute the mining task (B.d.U. Secret 11 Chefs. A 2 of 11.01.43): Remain unnoticed, proceeding submerged by day from BF 74 to CG 84. Surface on 1 February at dusk 36 nm from the starting point for discharging the load. Mine laying on the surface from west to east according to established laying plan in 18 groups. | |||||
16.00 | BF 4956 | ||||
19.15 | BF 4958 | Surfaced. | |||
20.00 | BF 7325 | ||||
27.01.43 | Bay of Biscay | ||||
00.00 | SE 3, 8/10 (overcast), Sea 2, 13°, Vis. 13 nm | ||||
03.06 | BF 7291 | Dived. Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized. After a long time 4 distant aircraft bombs. | |||
05.45 | BF 7291 | Surfaced. | |||
05.55 | BF 7291 | Dived. Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized. | |||
06.55 | BF 7286 | Surfaced. | |||
07.10 | BF 7285 | Dived. Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized. Proceeding submerged. | |||
When crash diving the boat becomes very heavy passing the through 8-meter line. The upper mine anchors of the bow shafts are probably still leaking despite retightening the packings after complaining in Brest. Otherwise, up to now the mine load has submerged the bow 20 cm deeper in a heavy swell without danger of undercutting, showing no disadvantages on the surface or submerged. | |||||
08.00 | BF 7285 | ||||
12.00 | BF 7513 | Day's run: 103.0 nm | |||
φ = 44°42'N | 42.0 nm | ||||
λ = 9°59'W | 145.0 nm 352.0 nm. | ||||
16.00 | BF 7514 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.43 |
- 3 - |
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continued | |||||
27.01.43 | |||||
19.05 | BF 7438 | Surfaced. | |||
20.00 | BF 7431 | ||||
28.01.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | BF 7725 | ||||
SSW 4, 6/10 (passing showers), Sea 3, 14°, Vis. 3 nm | |||||
04.00 | CG 2125 | ||||
08.00 | CG 2425 | Position reported by Short Signal. | |||
08.35 | CG 2425 | Dived to proceed submerged. On course 180° for CG 84. | |||
12.00 | CG 2451 | Day's run: 172.0 nm | |||
φ = 41°38'N | 35.0 nm | ||||
λ = 11°00'W | 207.0 nm 559.0 nm. | ||||
16.00 | CG 2454 | ||||
19.10 | CG 2481 | Surfaced. | |||
20.00 | CG 2484 | ||||
29.01.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | CG 2754 | ||||
S 5, overcast (passing showers), Sea 4, 15°, Vis. 2 nm | |||||
04.00 | CG 5127 | ||||
08.00 | CG 5421 | ||||
08.35 | CG 5424 | Dived to proceed submerged. | |||
12.00 | CG 5452 | Day's run: 135.0 nm | |||
φ = 38°58'N | 23.5 nm | ||||
λ = 11°04'W | 158.5 nm 717.5 nm. | ||||
16.00 | CG 5454 | ||||
19.30 | CG 5457 | Surfaced. | |||
20.00 | CG 5481 | ||||
20.20 | Ordered to make for DH 21 after execution of special task. | ||||
30.01.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | CG 5727 | ||||
SW 6, overcast (squalls, passing showers), Sea 4, 15°, Vis. 2 nm | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.43 |
- 4 - |
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continued | |||||
30.01.43 | |||||
04.00 | CG 5787 | ||||
08.00 | CG 8157 | Dived to proceed submerged. | |||
12.00 | CG 8181 | Day's run: 101.0 nm | |||
φ = 36°52'N | 24.0 nm | ||||
λ = 11°00'W | 125.0 nm 842.5 nm. | ||||
16.00 | CG 8186 | ||||
19.35 | CG 8187 | Surfaced. | |||
20.00 | CG 8188 | ||||
31.01.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | SW 2, 2/10, Sea 1, 16°, Vis. 2 nm | ||||
04.00 | CG 8567 | ||||
08.00 | CG 8649 | ||||
08.15 | CG 8673 | Dived to proceed submerged. | |||
12.00 | CG 8673 | Day's run: 116.0 nm | |||
φ = 35°59.5'N | 18.0 nm | ||||
λ = 8°48.0'W | 134.0 nm 976.5 nm. | ||||
16.00 | CG 8672 | ||||
19.30 | CG 8672 | Surfaced. | |||
20.00 | CG 8569 | ||||
01.02.43 | Atlantic Strait of Gibraltar | ||||
00.00 | CG 8657 | ||||
SSW 4, blue sky, Sea 3, 17°, Vis. 3 nm | |||||
04.00 | CG 9447 | ||||
08.00 | CG 9467 | Dived to proceed submerged. | |||
12.00 | CG 9467 | Day's run: 130.5 nm | |||
φ = 36°01'N | 15.0 nm | ||||
λ = 6°56'W | 145.5 nm 1122.0 nm. | ||||
16.00 | CG 9468 | ||||
19.43 | CG 9493 | Surfaced. Proceeding at GF for the mining operation in the Strait of Gibraltar. Clear night, excellent visibility. | |||
20.00 | CG 9571 | ||||
SSW 3, 6/10, Sea 2, 17°, Vis. 4 nm | |||||
20.25 | CG 9572 | Dived. Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontal polarization. | |||
Surfaced. Beacons on Trafalgar and Cape Spartel are lit. Ahead to starboard one, ahead to port two brightly-illuminated medium-sized trawlers with 3 masts and trawling sails about 3 nm distant; apparently fishing with | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.43 |
- 5 - |
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continued | |||||
01.02.43 | fishing gear, even so, we are making quite a high speed. At irregular distances a strong floodlight barrier from Gibraltar to the south, to the west only a little searching. | ||||
21.32 | CG 9573 | Dived. Enemy radar detection on 136 cm horizontally polarized, steady tone growing louder. Weak propeller sounds bearing 342°. Do not yet know whether detection comes from one of the steam trawlers or a guard as yet unseen. However I believe instead a land station. | |||
22.14 | Surfaced. | ||||
22.22 | CG 9581 | Dived. Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized. A steady tone quickly growing louder. | |||
23.00 | Surfaced. Due to the strong (about 4 knot) eastward setting current I am positioned earlier than intended at the starting point for mine laying. The beacons at Paloma, Trafalgar and Malabata are lit. | ||||
23.10 | The first mine is laid while blowing. Mine lines I and II are laid first on NE-course with 4 mines, because to the north a steam trawler lies about 2.5 distant exactly ahead of the bow and I do not want to go any closer in the good visibility night. | ||||
23.29 | CG 9585 | Dived. Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized. Steady tone quickly growing louder. | |||
23.47 | 2 mines laid on N-course (mine line III). | ||||
23.57 | Surfaced. | ||||
02.02.43 | Strait of Gibraltar | ||||
00.00 | CG 9585 | ||||
SSW 3, 6/10, Sea 2, 17°, Vis. 4 nm | |||||
00.05 | Continued mine laying (mine lines IX - X) even while blowing according to the mine laying plan. During the whole mining operation searching detection on 136 cm horizontally polarized which is weaker in the eastern part of the minefield. | ||||
01.12 | CG 9583 | Dived. Aircraft enemy radar detection quickly growing louder on 160 cm horizontally polarized. | |||
01.33 | Mine line XI with 4 mines laid submerged. | ||||
01.54 | Surfaced. | ||||
02.06 | Continued the operation (mine lines XII - XIV). | ||||
I must give up the intended execution of the mining operation east of 5°50'W, because a fisherman is in the southern part, in the northern part two patrol vessels are positioned and I want to remain unnoticed. | |||||
02.58 | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.43 |
- 6 - |
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continued | |||||
02.02.43 | |||||
02.58 | Lay mine lines XV and XVI with 4 mines to the northeast and | ||||
04.06 | Mine lines XVII and XVIII west of Cape Spartel. | ||||
04.21 | Laid the last mine. The horizontally polarized detections on 136 cm have become stronger as we moved to the west again. Suppose that detection stations are positioned on the coast 1 and 2 nm south and at the same height as Cape Spartel, because there occasionally electric lights are turned on. | ||||
04.47 | CG 9588 | Near the previous horizontally polarized detection on 136 cm a second with another pitch on 132 cm. Continuous tone growing louder. Dived To starboard weak propeller sounds with low RPM moving to the east. Apparently a guard, because the position corresponded with the first detection at 21.32 hours and a fishing vessel was not seen. | |||
05.43 | CG 9587 | Surfaced. Visibility is decreased in a rainstorm which is favorable for making off. The execution of the mining operation was favoured by the weather, even if in the beginning the night was too clear. The advance submerged by day, was used for depth-keeping exercises, which contributed greatly to the surprise and, except for enemy radar detections, undetected mining operation. Execution completely submerged would be considerably more difficult in the present circumstances and would have become impossible further to the east. The laying arrangement worked perfectly. For navigational reasons and from my experience from mine laying exercises off Hel and in the Skagerrak I had to exceed several times the maximum laying speed of 8 knots. Higher than current laying speeds are absolutely possible and in strong currents are a pressing requirement and with advancement of the sliding rails inwards rounded at the upper end are absolutely possible. | |||
S 3, overcast (rain), Sea 2, 16°, Vis. 3 nm, wind shifting clockwise | |||||
07.55 | CG 9498 | Dived to proceed submerged. | |||
12.00 | CG 9489 | Day's run: 63.5 nm | |||
φ = 35°47'N | 30.5 nm | ||||
λ = 7°05'W | [Does not add up] 93.5 nm 1215.0 nm. | ||||
16.00 | CG 9488 | ||||
19.35 | CG 9479 | Surfaced. On course 265° for DH 21. | |||
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.43 |
- 7 - |
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03.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | CG 8687 | ||||
NW 1, blue sky, Sea 1, 15°, Vis. 4 nm | |||||
00.14 | Sent Short Signal: Mining operation completed as ordered. | ||||
01.45 | Received confirmation. | ||||
04.00 | CG 8832 | Fishing vessel, brightly lit as in the Strait of Gibraltar, avoided. | |||
07.15 | CG 8822 | Dived. Aircraft enemy radar detection on 160 cm horizontally polarized. Proceeding submerged. | |||
08.00 | CG 8821 | ||||
12.00 | CG 8813 | Day's run: 110.0 nm | |||
φ = 35°39'N | 35.0 nm | ||||
λ = 10°01'W | 145.0 nm 1360.0 nm. | ||||
16.00 | CG 8811 | ||||
19.41 | CG 8735 | Surfaced. | |||
20.00 | CG 8784 | ||||
20.17 | Radio Message - Ordered to supply "Dierksen", "Bruns" and "Reeder" in DH. All boats announce arrival by short signal. | ||||
20.36 | "Dierksen" meet on 7 February at dawn for supply. | ||||
21.15 | Incoming Radio Message: Well done. | ||||
23.21 | Issued Radio Message on 36 meters: | ||||
Meeting point 7 February in the morning with 200 nm day's run. | |||||
Task 2 February probably unnoticed. 365 cbm. | |||||
04.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | CG 7963 | "Reeder" reports he expects to be at meeting point on 13 February. | |||
WSW 2, 6/10, Sea 2, 15°, Vis. 3 nm | |||||
04.00 | CG 7973 | ||||
05.45 | "Bruns" position DT 97 with day's run 95 nm. | ||||
08.00 | CG 7898 | ||||
12.00 | DH 3316 | Day's run: 166.0 nm | |||
φ = 34°38'N | 22.0 nm | ||||
λ = 13°33'W | 188.0 nm 1548.0 nm. | ||||
16.00 | DH 3344 | ||||
20.00 | DH 3282 | ||||
20.12 | Test dive. | ||||
20.37 | Surfaced. On course 245° for DH 4755 via DH 2915. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.43 |
- 8 - |
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05.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 3511 | ||||
N 3, 8/10, Sea 2, 16°, Vis. 2 nm | |||||
04.00 | DH 3429 | ||||
08.00 | DH 3445 | ||||
12.00 | DH 2683 | Day's run: 181.0 nm | |||
φ = 33°15.5'N | 1.5 nm | ||||
λ = 16°46.0'W | 182.5 nm 1730.5 nm. | ||||
NEbyE 2, 8/10, Sea 2, 16°, Vis. 12 nm | |||||
16.00 | DH 2833 | ||||
18.05 | DH 2837 | Test dive. | |||
19.01 | DH 2829 | Surfaced. On course 234° for DH 4755 | |||
20.00 | DH 2852 | ||||
06.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 2871 | ||||
04.00 | DH 5125 | ||||
08.00 | DH 5147 | ||||
12.00 | DH 4388 | Day's run: 222.0 nm | |||
φ = 31°26'N | 3.0 nm | ||||
λ = 20°28'W | 225.0 nm 1955.5 nm. | ||||
NEbyN 2, 10/10, Sea 1, 17°, Vis. 14 nm | |||||
16.00 | DH 4563 | ||||
18.02 | DH 4567 | Test dive. | |||
18.35 | Surfaced. | ||||
20.00 | DH 4582 | ||||
07.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 4812 | ||||
04.00 | DH 4737 | ||||
08.00 | DH 4755 | "Dierksen" not in sight. No navigation fix for three days. | |||
12.00 | DH 4758 | Day's run: 152.0 nm | |||
φ = 29°46'N | 1.5 nm | ||||
λ = 22°55'W | 153.5 nm 2109.0 nm. | ||||
ENE 3, overcast, Sea 2, 18°, Vis. 14 nm | |||||
16.00 | DH 4756 | ||||
16.45 | Returning Italian U-boat in sight. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43 |
- 9 - |
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continued | |||||
07.02.43 | Recognition signal exchange and short greeting. "Dierksen" not yet found in spite of searching . My plotted position was correct after a navigation fix. | ||||
20.00 | DH 4781 | Remain stopped at night. | |||
08.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 4781 | ||||
04.00 | DH 4773 | ||||
08.00 | DH 4773 | "Bruns" expects to be at the meeitng point 11 February at 08.00 hours. | |||
10.00 | DH 4757 | "Dierksen" in sight. | |||
11.00 | Begin fuel delivery in port formation E-motors KF into the sea with 120 meter long oil hose with 10 cm Manila reinforcement; 4 air bladders are fastened to the half lying with the receiving boat, so that the hose does not sag down when flushing. Provisions and equipment delivery by shuttle with the 6 meter rubber boat. | ||||
11.03 | Radio Message: To "Dierksen": | ||||
1.) If still at "Czygan", take over from two Metox sets and a cable and report with short signal "Yes". In the other case "No". | |||||
2.) "Czygan" immediately switch to America II Circuit. | |||||
12.00 | DH 4757 | Day's run: 28.0 nm 2137.0 nm. | |||
φ = 29°47.5'N | |||||
λ = 23°06.0'W | |||||
NEbyE 2, overcast, Sea 2, 19.5°, Vis. 14 nm. | |||||
13.30 | To "Dierksen" transferred 15 cbm fuel oil, 1 week's provisions, 2 Metox sets and 1 cable. | ||||
16.00 | DH 4754 | ||||
18.03 | DH 4755 | Test dive. | |||
18.42 | Surfaced. | ||||
20.00 | DH 4725 | "Dierksen" reported taking over Metox with "Yes". | |||
Stopped for the night. | |||||
09.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 4725 | "Reeder" is one day early, also at the meeting place on 12 February in the morning at 10.00 hours. | |||
04.00 | DH 4728 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.43 |
- 10 - |
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continued | |||||
09.02.43 | |||||
08.00 | DH 4728 | ||||
11.55 | "Luis" reported for supply. | ||||
12.00 | DH 4722 | Day's run: 31.0 nm | |||
φ = 30°29'N | 2.5 nm | ||||
λ = 22°57'W | 33.5 nm 2170.5 nm. | ||||
NEbyN 3, 5/10, Sea 2, 18°, Vis. 12 nm | |||||
16.00 | DH 4488 | ||||
20.00 | DH 4454 | ||||
20.58 | Received: Up to now one success "medium steamer" is credited. | ||||
10.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 4449 | Stopped for the night. | |||
08.00 | DH 4449 | ||||
09.55 | DH 4473 | Test dive. | |||
10.55 | Surfaced. | ||||
12.00 | DH 4476 | Day's run: 54.0 nm | |||
φ = 30°26'N | 2.0 nm | ||||
λ = 23°12'W | 56.0 nm 2226.5 nm. | ||||
ENE 3, 3/10, Sea 2, 17°, Vis. 14 nm | |||||
16.00 | DH 4716 | ||||
20.00 | DH 4752 | 5 boats of Group "Rochen" reported for supply. | |||
11.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 4756 | Stopped for the night. | |||
04.00 | DH 4755 | ||||
08.00 | DH 4755 | "Bruns" in sight. | |||
09.45 | ENE 2, 3/10, Sea 2, 18°, Vis. 10 nm. | Begin transfer of 30 cbm fuel oil, also one week's provisions and engine spares. | |||
11.40 | Supply ended. | ||||
12.00 | DH 4755 | Day's run: 45.0 nm 2271.5 nm. | |||
φ = 29°54'N | |||||
λ = 22°51'W | |||||
ENE 3, 3/10, Sea 2, 20°, Vis. 14 nm | |||||
16.00 | DH 4755 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 10.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 11.02.43 |
- 11 - |
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continued | |||||
11.02.43 | |||||
20.00 | DH 4755 | From Group "Rochen" "Looks", "Koch", "Krech", "Poser" and "Berger" should get 30 cbm of fuel oil each and "Luis" should take over the rest of my fuel. Afterwards I should start return transit and report the fuel situation and order of the supplied boats. | |||
12.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 4755 | Stopped for the night. | |||
04.00 | DH 4755 | ||||
08.00 | DH 4754 | ||||
ENE 2, 4/10, Sea 2, 18°, Vis. 14 nm | |||||
10.00 | "Reeder" in sight. | ||||
11.00 | Begin fuel oil transfer. Doctor's assistance. | ||||
12.00 | DH 4755 | Day's run: 7.5 nm 2279.0 nm. | |||
φ = 29°49'N | |||||
λ = 22°51'W | |||||
12.15 | "Reeder" received 20 cbm fuel oil, 1 week's fresh provisions, engine spares and 1 Fu.M.B. cable. | ||||
Took over the patient Masch.Mt. Eggers from him. | |||||
16.00 | DH 4755 | ||||
17.50 | Test dive. | ||||
19.04 | Surfaced. | ||||
20.00 | DH 4755 | "Looks" expectes to be at the meeting point on 14 February. | |||
13.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 4755 | Stopped for the night. | |||
04.00 | DH 4755 | ||||
08.00 | DH 4755 | "Krech" and "Koch" in sight. | |||
ENE 2, 2/10, Sea 1, 18°, Vis. 10 nm | Begin fuel transfer to "Krech" and provisions with the 6-meter rubber boat. Doctor's assistance. | ||||
11.40 | "Krech" received 30 cbm fuel oil, 14 day's provisions, engine spares, 1 Fu.M.B. cable. | ||||
Took over the patient Matr.Ob.Gefr. Teuber. | |||||
12.00 | DH 4752 | Day's run: 19.5 nm | |||
φ = 29°58'N | 2.5 nm | ||||
λ = 22°52'W | 22.0 nm 2301.0 nm. | ||||
13.40 | Begin supply of "Koch". | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.43 |
- 12 - |
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continued | |||||
13.02.43 | Could have started 1 hour earlier. However, a section of oil hose had to be renewed, which was worn out in spite of benign conditions. "Poser" in sight. | ||||
15.35 | "Koch" received 30 cbm fuel oil, 14 day's provisions, engine spares, 1 Fu.M.B. cable. Began supply of "Poser", Doctor's assistance. | ||||
17.00 | DH 4752 | ||||
ENE 2, 3/10, Sea 2, 19°, Vis. 14 nm | |||||
19.00 | "Poser" received 30 cbm fuel oil and 14 day's provisions. Tomorrow he intends to transfer his patient II Watch Officer to me. | ||||
20.00 | DH 4752 | ||||
14.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 4755 | Stopped for the night. | |||
04.00 | DH 4755 | ||||
07.00 | "Berger" in sight. | ||||
08.00 | DH 4754 | "Looks" in sight. | |||
ENE 3-4, 4/10, Sea 3, 19°, Vis. 12 nm | |||||
09.37 | Begin supply of "Berger". Provisions in canisters. | ||||
11.37 | "Berger" received 30 cbm fuel oil and 1 week's provisions. | ||||
Patient II Watch Officer Leutnant z.S. Schultze is taken over from "Poser". | |||||
12.00 | DH 4755 | Day's run: 14.0 nm 2315.0 nm. | |||
12.37 | Begin supply of "Looks". | ||||
14.45 | "Looks" received 30 cbm fuel oil and 14 day's provisions. | ||||
15.56 | "Luis" in sight. | ||||
As requested, reported how much "Rochen boats" are supplied up to now, by short signal: "Have completely finished supply task". | |||||
16.00 | DH 4755 | Begin supply of "Luis". Provisions by 6-meter rubber boat. Doctor's assistance. | |||
20.00 | DH 4752 | Have delivered to "Luis" 71 cbm fuel oil, 3 weeks' provisions. Afterwards delivered 2 cbm lubricating oil after flushing the oil hose. | |||
21.00 | Total supply task completed. Start return transit. On course 32° for CG 12. | ||||
15.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 13.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 14.02.43 |
- 13 - |
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15.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 4728 | ||||
04.00 | DH 4723 | ||||
07.53 | DH 4495 | Reported accomplishment of supply: | |||
Fuel situation and order of accomplishment of supply: On 13 February "Krech" 57, "Koch" 69, "Poser" 61, on 14 February "Berger" 61, "Looks" 78, "Luis" 92. To "Koch", "Krech" Fu.M.B. cable. To all average 14 day's provisions. Naval square DH 4495, 48 cbm." | |||||
09.09 | DH 4459 | Test dive. | |||
10.00 | Surfaced. | ||||
12.00 | DH 4446 | Day's run: 58.0 nm | |||
φ = 30°45'N | 2.5 nm | ||||
λ = 22°38'W | 60.5 nm 2375.5 nm. | ||||
NE 4, 7/10, Sea 3, 17°, Vis. 12 nm | |||||
16.00 | DH 4435 | ||||
20.00 | DH 4277 | Report taking over the patients as a supplement to the supply accomplishment message, in spite of some hesitation, because I regard the transfers as important to the flotillas: From "Reeder" Masch.Mt. Eggers, "Krech" Ob.Matr.Gefr. Teuber, "Poser" Leutnant z.S. Schultze. Naval square DH 4272, ENE 5, shifting clockwise, Sea 4, long swells, 8/10, 35 mb. | |||
16.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 4272 | ||||
ENE 5, 9/10, Sea 4-5, 17°, Vis. 3 nm | |||||
04.00 | DH 4246 | ||||
08.00 | DH 4251 | ||||
12.00 | DH 4225 | Day's run: 82.0 nm 2457.5 nm. | |||
φ = 31°53'N | |||||
λ = 21°49'W | |||||
NE 6, 8/10, Sea 5, 17.5°, Vis. 9 nm | |||||
16.00 | DH 1889 | ||||
20.00 | DH 1834 | ||||
17.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 1832 | ||||
ENE 7, 4/10, Sea 5, 16.5°, Vis. 3 nm | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 15.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 16.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.43 |
- 14 - |
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continued | |||||
17.02.43 | |||||
04.00 | DH 1596 | ||||
08.00 | DH 1648 | ||||
12.00 | DH 1645 | Day's run: 109.0 nm 2566.5 nm. | |||
φ = 33°30'N | |||||
λ = 20°52'W | |||||
ENE 6, overcast (passing showers), Sea 5, 16°, Vis. 10 nm | |||||
16.00 | DH 1619 | ||||
20.00 | DH 1378 | ||||
18.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | DH 1373 | ||||
ENE 5, overcast (passing showers), Sea 5, 16°, Vis. 3 nm | |||||
04.00 | DH 1354 | ||||
08.00 | DH 1352 | ||||
09.04 | DH 1329 | Test dive. | |||
09.54 | Surfaced. | ||||
12.00 | DH 1326 | Day's run: 80.0 nm | |||
φ = 34°40'N | 2.0 nm | ||||
λ = 20°20'W | 82.0 nm 2648.5 nm. | ||||
NEbyN 5, 8/10, Sea 5, 16°, Vis. 12 nm | |||||
16.00 | CF 8897 | ||||
20.00 | CF 8868 | ||||
19.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | CF 8863 | ||||
04.00 | CF 8917 | ||||
08.00 | CF 8912 | ||||
12.00 | CF 8684 | Day's run: 84.0 nm 2730.5 nm. | |||
NE 5, 8/10, Sea 4-5, 15°, Vis. 10 nm | [typo 2732.5 nm] | ||||
16.00 | CF 8651 | ||||
20.00 | CF 8626 | ||||
21.31 | "Return port is Brest" | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 17.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 18.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 19.02.43 |
- 15 - |
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20.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | CF 8394 | ||||
04.00 | CF 8366 | ||||
08.00 | CF 8331 | Switched to Coastal Circuit. | |||
09.14 | CF 9114 | Test dive. | |||
09.57 | Surfaced. | ||||
12.00 | CF 9112 | Day's run: 104.0 nm | |||
φ = 37°28'N | 2.0 nm | ||||
λ = 18°31'W | 106.0 nm 2836.5 nm. | ||||
ENE 2, 3/10, Sea 2, 15°, Vis. 14 nm | |||||
16.00 | CF 6773 | ||||
17.57 | "Return port is not Brest, but rather Bordeaux". | ||||
20.00 | CF 6727 | ||||
21.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | CF 6722 | ||||
04.00 | CF 6491 | ||||
08.00 | CF 6465 | ||||
12.00 | CF 6514 | Day's run: 121.0 nm 2957.5 nm. | |||
φ = 39°10'N | |||||
λ = 17°26'W | |||||
NE 3, 9/10, Sea 2, 14°, Vis. 12 nm | |||||
16.00 | CF 6257 | ||||
18.55 | Report as requested western border of the executed mine area: "Western border 1.5 nm east of CG 9585. | ||||
20.00 | CF 6229 | ||||
22.02.43 | Atlantic | ||||
00.00 | CF 3898 | ||||
04.00 | CF 3944 | ||||
08.00 | CF 3924 | ||||
09.00 | CF 3659 | Test dive. | |||
09.55 | Surfaced. | ||||
12.00 | CF 3662 | Day's run: 175.0 nm | |||
φ = 41°42'N | 2.0 nm | ||||
λ = 15°19'W | 177.0 nm 3134.5 nm. | ||||
NE 2, 9/10, Sea 2, 14°, Vis. 12 nm | |||||
16.00 | CG 1178 | ||||
20.00 | CG 1155 | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 20.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 21.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 22.02.43 |
- 16 - |
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23.02.43 | Bay of Biscay | ||||
00.00 | CG 1216 | ||||
04.00 | BE 9973 | ||||
08.00 | BE 9938 | ||||
11.00 | Dived to proceed submerged. | ||||
12.00 | BF 7488 | Day's run: 213.0 nm | |||
φ = 43°52'N | 6.0 nm | ||||
λ = 10°58'W | 219.0 nm 3353.5 nm. | ||||
16.00 | BF 7486 | ||||
19.47 | Surfaced. | ||||
20.00 | BF 7494 | ||||
24.02.43 | Bay of Biscay | ||||
00.00 | BF 7552 | ||||
ENE 1, blue sky, Sea 1, 12°, Vis. 5 nm | |||||
04.00 | BF 7624 | ||||
06.50 | Sent Short Signal: Position 48 hours from meeting point with escort. | ||||
08.00 | BF 8413 | Dived to proceed submerged. | |||
12.00 | BF 8421 | Day's run: 147.0 nm | |||
18.0 nm | |||||
165.0 nm 3518.5 nm. | |||||
16.00 | BF 8422 | ||||
19.35 | Surfaced. | ||||
25.02.43 | Bay of Biscay | ||||
00.00 | BF 8287 | ||||
NNE 2, blue sky, Sea 1, 12°, Vis. 1 nm | |||||
04.00 | BF 8375 | ||||
08.00 | BF 8396 | Dived to proceed submerged. | |||
12.00 | BF 9174 | Day's run: 117.0 nm | |||
φ = 44°52'N | 18.0 nm | ||||
λ = 4°17'W | 135.0 nm 3653.5 nm. | ||||
16.00 | BF 9175 | ||||
19.25 | Surfaced. | ||||
20.00 | BF 9176 | ||||
23.00 | Requested Radio Beacon Group III. | ||||
Sun and Moon Data 23.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 24.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 25.02.43 |
- 17 - |
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26.02.43 | Bay of Biscay | ||||
00.00 | BF 9271 | ||||
03.15 | BF 9259 | Enemy radar detection quickly growing louder horizontally polarized 140 cm. Dived. | |||
04.35 | Surfaced. | ||||
07.00 | Point Gabel | Sperrbrecher is not in position. By radio bearings and depth sounding my position is accurate. Proceding back and forth, waiting for bearing signals in accordance with B.d.U. Standing Order. | |||
09.15 | Sperrbrecher does not send bearing signals, sent Short Signal: Position off ordered meeting point. Request bearing signals. | ||||
10.45 | Radio Message from 12th U.Flottille: Sperrbrecher will be positioned at convoy intake point about 12.00 hours. | ||||
12.00 | Positioned at Point Gabel. Sperrbrecher escort will not be at intake point until 14.00 hours. | ||||
17.00 | Escort dismissed at Le Verdon. | ||||
20.00 | Made fast for the night at Pauillac. | ||||
27.02.43 | Gironde | ||||
07.00 | Departed Pauillac. | ||||
09.00 | Made fast at Bordeaux. | ||||
Korv.Kapt. and Kmdt. | |||||
Sun and Moon Data 26.02.43 | |
Sun and Moon Data 27.02.43 |
Enclosures to U-118's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document | |
Radio | Excerpt of radio log (Funkkladde). |
Commentary of the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote |
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to the K.T.B. of "U-118" from 25.01.43 to 26.02.43 |
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The mine mission was performed satisfactorily and has resulted in a string of successes perfectly documented by Intercept Sercice and press releases. | |||
The following supply of 9 boats extended their sea endurance for important operations! | |||
Otherwise nothing to note! | |||
For the Commander in Chief U-boats |
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- The Chief of Operations - |
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Click the icons to view the associated records |
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Return to the U-boat KTB page | ||