U-123 - 4th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	10 April 1941	Lorient	11 May 1941	32

 

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
17 Apr 41	15.50 - 16.03	51°45'N, 31°05'W	VENEZUELA	6,991	Swedish
			Total = 6,991
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.

 

This KTB uses the depth notation "depth T = xx meters"  Under this scheme, the actual depth was twice the depth given after T = so for example, if the KTB entry read "depth T = 50 meters, the actual depth was 100 meters.  This was intended to hide the actual depth for security purposes. This notation was used from about January 1940 to December 1941.  In these KTBs, depths written without using "T =", for example "dived to depth 35 meters" were not so disguised.

 

---

			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
			=======================
			of the Unterseebootes "U 123"
			Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant    M  o  e  h  l  e  .
				4th War Patrol.
			Beginning:      1.3.1941.
			Concluding:    11.5.1941
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB

	- 1 -
		Saturday,
		01.03.41		Work service.  Muster by B.d.U.
				Examination of the crew.
		Sunday,		Shipyard period.
		02.03.41
		Monday,		Dry-docked.
		03.03.41
		Tuesday,		Un-docked.
		04.03.41
		Wednesday,		Shipyard period.
		05.03.41
		Thursday,		Shipyard period.  Shifted to the oil pier.
		06.03.41
		Friday		Shipyard period.
		07.03.41
		Saturday,		Shipyard.
		08.03.41
		Sunday,		Shipyard period.
		09.03.41
		Monday,		Shipyard period.  Shifted from oil pier to Dock II.
		10.03.41
		Tuesday,		Shipyard period.
		11.03.41
		Wednesday,		Shipyard period.
		12.03.41
		Thursday,		Shipyard period.
		13.03.41
		Friday,		Shipyard period.
		14.03.41
		Saturday,		Shipyard period.
		15.03.41
		Sunday,		Shipyard period.
		16.03.41
		Monday,		Shipyard period.
		17.03.41
		Tuesday		Shipyard period.
		18.03.41
		Wednesday,		Shipyard period.
		19.03.41

	- 2 -
		Thursday,		Shipyard period.
		20.03.41
		Friday,		Shipyard period.
		21.03.41
		Saturday,		Shipyard period.
		22.03.41
		Sunday,		Shipyard period.
		23.03.41
		Monday,		Shipyard period.
		24.03.41
		Tuesday,		Shipyard period.
		25.03.41
		Wednesday,		Shipyard period.  Shifted from dock II to Dock III,
		26.03.41
		Thursday,		Shipyard period.
		27.03.41
		Friday,		Shipyard period.
		28.03.41
		Saturday,		Shipyard period.
		29.03.41
		Sunday,		Shipyard period.
		30.03.41
		Monday,		Shipyard period.
		31.03.41
		Tuesday,		Shipyard period.  Shifted from Dock III to charging station.
		01.04.41
		Wednesday,		Shipyard period.
		02.04.41
		Thursday,		Shipyard period.
		03.04.41
		Friday,		Shipyard period.  Shifted from charging station to the Isêre.
		04.04.41
		Saturday,		Shipyard period.
		05.04.41
		Sunday,		Torpedo loading.
		06.04.41
		Monday,		Shipyard period.  Degaussing, radio direction finder calibration, water-tightness testing.
		07.04.41

	- 3 -
		Tuesday,		Outfitting of the boat.
		08.04.41
		Wednesday,		Trim test.
		09.04.41
		Thursday,
		10.04.41
		18.00		Departed Lorient.

	- 1 -
		Thursday,
		10.04.41
		18.00	NE 3, Sea 1-2, 0/10, full moon	Departed Lorient for 4th war patrol with escort.
		19.54	At Point 2	Dived for U-boat hunting training with U-Jäger "A".
		20.40		Released from convoy.  Transit via Point "C" to the west.
		Friday,	Bay of Biscay
		11.04.41
		00.00	BF 6455 upper-left	Course 180°, GF.
			NE 3, Sea 2, 0/10, Vis. good
		01.13		Course 270°.
		04.00	BF 5595 upper-right
			NNE 2, Sea 1, 0/10, Vis. good	Course 270°, GF.
		08.00	BF 5496 upper-right	"
			NNE 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good
		12.00	BF 5474 upper-right	Course 278°, HF.
			NNE 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good	Day's run:  222 nm
		14.30 - 17.54		Dive training for instruction of new personnel and deep dive test to depth T = 51 meters. [actual depth 102 meters]
		20.00	BF 4673 upper-right	Course 278°, HF.
			NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good
		Saturday,	North Atlantic
		12.04.41
		00.00	BF 4558 center-right	"
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, 0/10, fill moon
		04.00	BF 4466 center-right	"
			N 1-2, Sea 1, 0/10, Vis. good
		08.00	BF 4443 lower-center edge	"
			N 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, Vis. good
		12.00	BE 6653 upper-right	Course 280°, HF.
			N 1, Sea 0-1, 0/10, Vis. good	Day's run:  215 (437) nm
		12.30		Boxes fished out, contents:  safety matches from India.
		14.23 - 15.14		Crash dive training.
		15.26 - 15.37		"           "

	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.04.41

	- 2 -
		continued
		12.04.41
		20.00	BE 6534 center-right	Course 280°, HF.
			NW 0-1, Swell, 4/10, Vis. good
		Easter Sunday,	North Atlantic
		13.04.41
		00.00	BE 6512 center-left	"
			WSW 1, Sea 0-1, 3/10, full moon
		04.00	BE 6188 upper-left	"
			W 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good
		08.00	BE 5395 upper-right	"
			W 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good
		12.00	BE 5373 upper-left	Day's run:  214 (651) nm
			WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
		04.12 & 11.55		Sent weather report.
		16.00	BE 5259 upper-right corner	Course 280°, HF
			WSW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good
		20.00	BE 5249 upper-left	"
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
		Monday,	North Atlantic
		14.04.41
		00.00	BE 5164 upper-left	Course 310°, HF.
			NWbyN 2, Sea 1-2, overcast (rain), full moon, Vis. good
		04.00	BE 5113 center	"
			WNW 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good
		08.00	BE 1968 lower-center	"
			WNW 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good
		10.30 - 10.55		Crash dive for training.
		11.30		Incoming Radio Message:  Objective for "U-123" square AK 37.
		12.00	BE 1927 center	Course 330°, HF.
			WNW 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good	Day's run:  225 (876) nm
		16.00	BE 1671 upper-right center	Course 330°,   "
			WNW 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good
		20.00	BE 1535 center-left	"
			WNW 2, Sea 1-2, 4/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 12.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.04.41

	- 3 -
		Tuesday,	North Atlantic
		15.04.41
		00.00	BE 1285 upper-right	Course 330°, HF.
			NW 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good
		04.48	BE 1215 lower-right	To Action Stations!  Steamer in sight, coming from astern to starboard.  A large ship of 8000-10000 GRT.  Camouflage, cannon on the stern, bow protection gear.  Speed about 15 knots.  When the boat was on attack course, target angle was already 100-110°.
			W 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good
		05.08		Despite the unfavorable target angle torpedo shot from tube III.  Miss because the speed was initially estimated too low and because of the long range of 1800-2000 meters.
		08.00	BE 1182	Maneuvered ahead at AK and GF.
			SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. good, freshening
		12.00		"                            Day's run:  230 (1106) nm
		12.36	BD 3626 lower-right corner	Pursuit broken off, hopeless.
			WSW 2-3, Sea 2, 8/10 (rain)	Came to course 340°.
		16.00	BD 3388 lower-center	Course 340°, HF.
			WSW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. moderate
		20.40	BD 3356 lower-right	Incoming Radio Message with new attack areas:
			WSW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. moderate	For "U-123":  60 nm strip from AD 78 to AK 24.
		22.00		Came to course 320°, HF with the intention of going around the traffic poor area in accordance with the Monthly Traffic Chart for March, in our view the traffic density must be greater to the NW.
		Wednesday,	North Atlantic
		16.04.41
		00.00	BD 3324 center-right	Course 320°, HF.
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		04.00	AL 7771 center	"
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good
		08.00	AK 9934 lower-center	"
			W 2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 9681 lower-left	"                              Day's run:  143 (1240) nm
			WNW 2, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good
		16.00	AK 9539 lower-right corner	"
			N 2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 15.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.41

	- 4 -
		continued
		16.04.41
		20.00	AK 9282 center	Course 320°, HF.
			N 2, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good
		Thursday,	North Atlantic
		17.04.41
		00.00	AK 9217 upper-right corner	Course 320°, HF.
			N 1, Sea 0-1, 9/10, Vis. good
		04.30	AK 6791 lower-left corner	Steamer in sight directly ahead 20 nm, south of the neutral route.  Course 190°, speed 15 knots with set steaming lights.  Because its course does not conform to the neutral route (220°) took up pursuit.  Estimated size about 6000 GRT.  Maneuvered ahead at AK.
			N 1, Sea 0-1, 7/10, Vis. good
		08.00	AK 9114 lower-right
			SSE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 8638 lower-left corner	Day's run:  248 (1488) nm
			SbyE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. good
		15.05	AK 8936	Dived for submerged attack.
			SbyE 3, freshening, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		15.50		Stern shot from tube VI (G 7a) from target angle 90°, target speed 14 knots on measured range = 1160 meters.  Hit center.  Ship remains lying stopped, crew went to the boats.  It is the Swedish "VENEZUELA" of 6991 GRT.
		16.00		1st coup de grâce from tube I (Eto).  Depth setting 3 meters from about 600 meters range.  No detonation.  Impact of the torpedo heard clearly in the boat in the G.H.G.
				Pi-failure.
		16.03		2nd coup de grâce from tube II (Eto).  Depth setting 3 meters on measured range = 510 meters.  Hit in forward cargo hold.  Heavy detonation,  Ships lists 10° to port.  Because the "VENEZUELA" is a modern refrigerator ship, there is very extensive underwater compartmentalization, this shot was not enough to sink it.
		16.20		3rd coup de grâce from tube V (Eto).  3 meter depth setting from measured range 780 meters.  Hit in engine room on the starboard side.  Heavy detonation.  Ship settles on an even keel up to the cargo deck.  The fore, mid, and aftership still protrude from the water.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.41

	- 5 -
		continued
		17.04.41
		17.27		4th coup de grâce from about 800 meters range from tube III (Eto) with 5 meter depth setting, because the ship's draft has become 11 meters (normal draft 8 meters plus 3 meters due to settling).  No detonation, torpedo impact heard perfectly as with the first coup de grâce (Pi failure).
				Thereupon moved off submerged.
				Artillery firing could not be carried out due to the over coming seas.
		19.28		Surfaced.  Nothing more was seen of the "VENEZUELA", it had sunk in the meantime.
		20.00	AK 8698 lower-left	Course 345°, HF.
			S 4, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. moderate
		Friday,	North Atlantic
		18.04.41
		00.00	AK 8664 center-left	Course 345°, HF.
			SSE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. moderate
		04.00	AK 8623 center-left edge	"
			SSE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. moderate
		08.00	AK 8359 lower-right corner	"
			SW 4, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		12.00	AK 8337 center-left edge	Course 345°, LF.
			NW 7, Sea 6, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate	Day's run:  164 (1652) nm
		16.00	AK 5989 lower-left corner	"
			WNW 7, Sea 6, overcast (rain), Vis. changing
		20.00	AK 5982 upper-center edge	"
			WNW 7, Sea 6, overcast (rain), Vis. changing
		Saturday,	North Atlantic
		19.04.41
		00.00	AK 5951 center-right	Course 0°, LF.
			WNW 7, Sea 6, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		04.00	AK 5924 upper-right corner	"
			NW 7, Sea 6, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		08.00	AK 5684 center-right	"
			NW 7, Sea 6, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate

	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.04.41

	- 6 -
		continued
		19.04.41
		12.00	AK 5654 lower-right corner	Course 0°, LF.
			WNW 8-9, Sea 7, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate	Day's run:  102 (1754) nm
		16.00	AK 5628 lower-left corner	"
			NW 7, Sea 6, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		20.00	AK 5622 upper-center edge	"
			NW 6, Sea 5, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		Sunday,	North Atlantic
		20.04.41
		00.00	AK 5382 center-right	"
			WbyN 5, Sea 4-5, Vis. good
		04.00	AK 5352 center-right edge	"
			NW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
		08.00	AK 5326 upper-left	"
			NW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 0248 center	Course 0°, HF.
			WbyS 3-4, Sea 2-3, 9/10 (rain), Vis. moderate	Day's run:  107 (1861) nm
		15.30 - 16.58		Test dive and conversion of main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank VII for use as a ballast tank.
		20.00	AK 2879 center-right edge	Course 0°, H.F.
			W 4, Sea 3-4, 7/10, Vis. good
		Monday,	North Atlantic
		21.04.41
		00.00	AK 2819 right edge lower	"
			SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 5/10, Vis. good
		04.00	AK 2673 upper-right corner	"
			SSW 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good
		08.00	AK 2613 upper-right	"
			SSE 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 2446 upper-right corner	"                              Day's run:  176 (2037) nm
			NE 2, Sea 1, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		16.00	AK 2276 lower-right	"
			NE 5-6, Sea 5, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		20.00	AK 2243 lower-right	"
			E 6, Sea 5, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate

	Sun and Moon Data 19.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.41

	- 7 -
		Tuesday,	North Atlantic
		22.04.41
		00.00	AD 7998 lower edge right	Course 0°, HF.
			SE 4-5, Sea 4, 4/10, Vis. good
		02.00		Incoming Radio Message with new attack areas:
				For "U-123":  Square AL 33
				Course 130°, LF.
		04.00	AD 8744 center-left edge	"
			ESE 4, Sea 3-4, 6/10, Vis. good
		08.00	AD 8746 lower-center edge	"
			ESE 4, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AD 8785 upper-right	"
			ESE 3-4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. good	Day's run:  145 (2182) nm
		16.00	AK 3121 upper-right corner	"
			SE 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. good
		20.00	AK 3137 upper-left	"
			SE 4, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis, good
		Wednesday,	North Atlantic
		23.04.41
		00.00	AK 3163 lower-center edge	"
			SE 5, Sea 4, 3/10, Vis. good
		04.00	AK 3248 lower-center	"
			SE 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10, Vis. good
		08.00	AK 3248 lower-right corner	"
			SE 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 3288 upper-right	Course 130°, HF.
			SSE 3, Sea 2-3, 3/10, Vis. good	Day's run:  95 (2277) nm
		15.21 - 15.45		Test dive.
		16.00	AK 3435 center	Came to course 50° in accordance with operational orders to operate on "U-95" convoy.  Position 12.00 hours AE 8852.
			SE 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good
		19.07	AL 1178 upper-center	Radio Message from "U-95", that it is not a convoy, instead about 6 patrol vessels and he is keeping contact on them!  Came to old course 130°.
			SE 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.04.41

	- 8 -
		Thursday,	North Atlantic
		24.04.41
		00.00	AL 1337 lower-center	Course 100°, HF.
			SEbyS 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good
		04.00	AL 1442 lower-right corner	"
			SEbyS 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good
		08.00	AL 1442 lower-right	"
			SSE 5, Sea 4, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		12.00	AL 2347 upper-left	"
			SSE 5, Sea 4, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate	Day's run: 155 (2432) nm
		16.00	AL 2357 lower-left corner	Course 100°, LF.
			SSE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. moderate
		20.00	AL 2391 center	"
			SE 5, Sea 4-5, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		Friday,	North Atlantic
		25.04.41
		00.00	AL 2471 lower edge right	"
			SE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. moderate
		04.00	AL 2484 center-right edge	"
			SE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. moderate
		08.00	AL 2498 upper-left	"
			SE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. moderate
		10.00	AL 2499 center-right	In operations area, came to course 170°, LF.
		12.00	AL 3511 lower-left corner	Course 170°, LF.
			SEbyS 3-4, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate	Day's run: 120 (2552) nm
		14.22		Course 0°, LF.
		16.00	AL 3514 center	"
			SEbyS 3-4, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		20.00	AL 3371 lower-center edge	Course 60°, HF.
			SEbyS 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.41

	- 9 -
		Saturday,	North Atlantic
		26.04.41
		00.00	AL 3361 center-left	Course 210°, HF.
			SEbyS 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
		04.00	AL 3513 center-right edge	Course 340°, HF.  Incoming Radio Message from "U-95":  Two large steamers, two destroyers 03.30 hours square AE 8728, course 250°, 15 knots.
			SEbyS 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good
				Due to inexact own position (three days with no navigation fix) refrained from operating on such fast ships with an initial distance of 168 nm.
		08.00	AL 3341 center-right edge	Course 340°, HF.
			SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. moderate
		12.00	AL 2292 lower-right	Course 135°, HF.
			ESE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. moderate	Day's run: 195 (2847) nm
		14.00	AL 3178 upper-left	Drifting mine shot with MG C/30.
		14.55		Incoming Radio Message with new attack areas.  For "U-123":  AE 73, 76, 79.
				Came to course 0°.
		16.00	AL 3175 center	Course 0°, HF.
			SE 3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good
		20.00	AE 7864 lower-center edge	"
			SE 1, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good
		21.00		Course 160°, HF.
		Sunday,	North Atlantic
		27.04.41
		00.00	AE 7895 center-right	"
			ESE 1, Sea 1, overcast (rain), Vis. good
		04.00	AL 2265 center	"
			ESE 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good
		05.10		Course 60°, HF.
		08.00	AL 3146 upper-right	"
			E 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AL 3135 upper-right	Course 242°, HF.
			NE 1, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good	Day's run: 202 (3049) nm
		15.32 - 15.44		Test dive.
		16.00	AL 3143 lower-left corner	Course 242°, HF.
			NE 1, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 26.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.41

	- 10 -
		continued
		27.04.41
		19.35	AL 2291 center	Crash dive for aircraft, apparently a "Lockheed Hudson".
		19.39		Came to course 220°, depth T = 60 meters. [actual depth 120 meters]
		19.49	NE 1, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good	5 aircraft bombs, however not very close.
		20.30		3 depth charges.
		20.57		5     "          "
		21.09		6     "          "       These depth charges were at great distance (estimated range = 20 nm).  I believe this is a type of cooperation with a search group with the aim of keeping us submerged, until the search group is at the location.
		21.24		Surfaced and initially ran off to the west at GF, because our position was betrayed by the aircraft sighting and in the shortest possible time the appearance of search groups must be expected.
		23.14	AL 2335 center	Smoke clouds in sight to starboard.  Held onto it.  Was distinguished as an inbound convoy with apparently very strong  destroyer escort.
			NE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. good
		Monday,	North Atlantic
		28.04.41
		01.21		Radio Signal sent:  Enemy convoy in sight, AL 2332, enemy steers easterly course.    "U-123".
				Attempted to penetrate into the convoy from astern.  In so doing with each approach was forced off by a destroyer who positioned himself with unerring certainty before our course and approached us, whether we came from starboard, to port, or directly from astern.  Apparently radar gear.  The convoy seems to have been warned to expect U-boat attacks from the aircraft yesterday.
		02.16		Radio Signal sent:  Was forced off.    "U-123".
		04.00	AL 2285 center-right edge	Until dawn the continuous forcing off was repeated by this one destroyer.  When the twilight began, I let myself fall back a bit so as not to have to submerge at daybreak.  When it was light, I had the three columns exactly ahead of me recognized by the three smoke feathers.
			NE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good
				I thought it more important at first by day, to give perfect contact reports for the boats 95, 96, 65 and 552, as well as the Luftwaffe, so I purposefully stayed behind the convoy, and renounced my attack by day.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.41

	- 11 -
		continued
		28.04.41
		07.48	NE 3, Sea 2-3, 8/10, Vis. good	Radio Signal sent:  Position of the convoy is AL 3313, course 110°, 7 knots.    "U-123".
		10.48	Freshening	Radio Signal sent:  Position of the convoy is AL 3188, course 85°.    "U-123".
		12.00	AL 3185 lower-right
			NE 4, Sea 3-4, 7/10, Vis. changing	Day's run: 199 (3248) nm
		12.10		Radio Signal sent:  Position of the convoy is AL 3195, enemy steers easterly course.    "U-123".
		13.47	AL 3183 center	Two American destroyers in sight, course 90°, 15 knots.  Coming up fast from astern.  Moved off to the south and southwest at AK on the surface.  Attack is hopeless in the seas.
			ENE 5, Sea 4-5, 5/10, Vis. good
		15.17	E 5-6, Sea 5, 4/10, Vis. good	Radio Signal sent:  Last observed position of the convoy is AL 3271, was forced off by two destroyers.    "U-123".
		17.00		Am free of the destroyers.  By this hunt I have come so far to the west that a pursuit behind the convoy seems pointless because due to the overcoming seas we can maintain at most 12 knots, that is a 2 knot speed advantage over the convoy.  Because the convoy is 50 nm ahead of us we can first react it after 25 hours.  Then it will already be directly off the coast.
		20.00	AL 3142 lower-right corner	Course 100°, HF.
			E 5-6, Sea 4-5, 3/10, Vis. good
		23.00		Incoming Radio Message:  If no contact on convoy, continue to operate on easterly advance course.    "B.d.U."
		Thursday,	North Atlantic
		29.04.41
		00.00	AL 2263 upper-right	Course 100°, HF.
			E 3-4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. good
		04.00	AL 3161 upper-left corner	"
			E 3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good
		05.10		Incoming Radio Message:  Form patrol line at 09.00 hours for "U-123" AL 1265.    "B.d.U."
		07.17		Short Signal sent:  Can not carry out operational orders due to position.    "U-123".
		08.00	AL 3246 upper-left	Smoke cloud in sight, directly ahead.  On closing recognized as a thick fire cloud.  Probably a shot ship from "U-96" from our convoy.  Closed it at high speed, to give a coup de grâce if necessary.
			E 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.41

	- 12 -
		continued
		29.04.41
		10.15	[Though this depth is written in the T = notation it seem unlikely the actual depth was 260 meters. This was probably a typo and actual depth was 130 meters.]	Mastheads and smokestack come out of the fire cloud over the horizon.  It seems to be a large tanker of about 8000 GRT.
		10.20		Crash dive for destroyer comes out of a hail squall about 3000 meters south from the burning wreck.  Went to depth T = 130 meters.
		10.35		2 depth charges at great range.
		10.50		12    "         "      exactly over the stern.  Destroyer works with sonar, the characteristic ticking is distinguished perfectly.
		11.00		12 depth charges exactly over the conning tower.
		11.06		4       "          "      at greater range.
		11.14		1       "          "             "          "
		11.16		1       "          "             "          "
		11.22		5       "          "     exactly over the conning tower.
		12.08		5       "          "           "       "                   "
				Additionally there were still numerous depth charges at greater range heard up to 15.00 hours.  In total over 100 depth charges were counted, it seems the destroyer has lost us.
		12.00	AL 3276 upper-right corner	Listening pursuit.
				Day's run: 180 (3428) nm
		19.55	AL 3195 lower-center	Surfaced.
			E 2, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. good
		19.57		Crash dive for flying boat coming from directly ahead out of the sun.
		21.15	E 2, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. good	Surfaced.  Finally the air was clear again!
				Moved off on course 270° at GF out of this hell.
		23.18		Incoming Radio Message with new attack areas:  For "U-123" AL 23-34.    "B.d.U."
		Wednesday,	North Atlantic
		30.04.41
		00.00	AL 3318 center-left	Course 270°, GF.
			ESE 1, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good
		04.00	AL 2417 upper-right	"
			SW 1, Sea 1, 8/10 (rain), Vis. changing
		08.00	AL 2317 upper-left	Course 270°, HF
			SE 2, Sea 1, 8/10 (rain), Vis. changing
		12.00	AL 1427 upper-right	"
			E 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good	Day's run: 226 (3654) nm
		16.00	AL 1481 upper-center	Course 15°, LF.
			SE 3, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. good
		20.00	AL 1425 lower-right	Course 70°, LF.
			SE 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.41

	- 13 -
		Thursday,	North Atlantic
		01.05.41
		00.00	AL 1483 center	Course 170°, LF.
			ESE 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. good
		04.00	AL 1491 upper-right	Course 10°, LF.
			SE 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. good
		08.00	AL 1423 center	Course 170°, HF.
			SE 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AL 1491 upper-center	"
			SE 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good	Day's run: 180 (3834) nm
		16.00	AL 1492 center	Course 10°, HF.
			ESE 2-3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. good
		16.29		Smoke cloud in sight to starboard.  Held onto it.
		16.39		Crash dive.  Destroyer coning at high speed towards us.  Came to course 130°.
		17.50		7 depth charges at long range.
		17.51		1      "          "         "        "
		17.55		6      "          "         "        "
		19.37		2      "          "         "        "
		20.00	AL 1491 right edge lower	Listening speed to depth 100 meters.  There are no indications that he has founds us with sonar or listening gear.
		22.30		Surfaced, sky is clear.
				Moved off on course 220° at GF.
		23.50		Incoming Radio Message with orders for a patrol line.  For "U-123":  Square AE 8725, should be in position on 2 May at 12.00.  Cannot be there at the ordered time due to great distance.
		Friday,	North Atlantic
		02.05.41
		00.00	AL 1627 upper-right	Course 0°, GF to ordered patrol line.
			EbyS 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good
		04.00	AL 1424 center-right edge	"                     "              "
			EbyN 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good
		08.00	AL 1221 lower edge right	Course 77°, GF.        "              "
			ENE 2, Sea 1-2, 4/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AE 7797 center	"                     "              "
			E 1-2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good	Day's run: 160 (3994) nm

	Sun and Moon Data 01.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.41

	- 14 -
		continued
		02.05.41
		16.00	AE 7882 center-right	Course 77°, GF.  Transit to patrol line.
			E 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. good
		20.00	AE 7954 upper-right	Course 240°.  Began return transit due to lack of fuel.
			E 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
		22.48		Short Signal sent:  Have begun return transit.    "U-123".
		Saturday,	North Atlantic
		03.05.41
		00.00	AB 7889 upper-left	Return transit course 200°.
			S 1, Sea 0, 9/10, Vis. good
		04.00	AL 2198 upper-right corner	"                     "
			SE 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good
		08.00	AL 2388 upper-center	"                   220°.
			SSE 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AL 1639 center	"                     "
			ESE 4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. good	Day's run: 219 (4213) nm
		16.00	AL 1683 lower-left corner	"                   200°.
			SE 4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. good
		20.00	AL 1827 lower-left	"                     "
			SE 4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. good
		Sunday,	North Atlantic
		04.05.41
		00.00	AL 1872 lower-right	Return transit, course 180°.
			EbyS 4, Sea 3-4, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		04.00	AL 0118 upper-center edge	"                       "
			ESE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast (rain), Vis. moderate
		08.00	AL 0172 center-right edge	"                       "
			SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	AL 4228 left edge upper	"                     240°.
			SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good	Day's run: 170 (4383) nm

	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.41

	- 15 -
		continued
		04.05.41
		16.00	AL 4244 lower-right corner	Return transit, course 120°.
			SbyE 1, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good
		20.00	AL 4283 right edge upper	"                    240°.
			SbyE 1, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good
		Monday,	North Atlantic
		05.05.41
		00.00	AL 4277 upper-center edge	"                    120°.
			SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		04.00	AL 4525 center-right edge	"                    240°.
			SE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		04.11		Sent weather report.
		08.00	AL 4541 lower-right corner	Return transit course 120°.
			EbyS 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	AL 4583 center	"                    240°.
			EbyS 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good	Day's run: 174 (4557) nm
		16.00	AL 4578 lower-left corner	"                    120°.
			SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast (rain), Vis. changing
		20.00	AL 4829 center	"                       "
			SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast (rain), Vis. changing
		Tuesday,	North Atlantic
		06.05.41
		00.00	AL 5744 lower-right edge	"                    240°.
			E 2, Sea 1, 9/10 (rain), Vis. changing
		04.00	AL 4896 center	"                    120°.
			ENE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. moderate
		08.00	AL 8111 upper-center	"                    240°.
			EbyS 1, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AL 7253 center	"                    120°.
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. good	Day's run: 176 (4733) nm

	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.05.41

	- 16 -
		continued
		06.05.41
		16.00	AL 7291 center	Return transit, course 120°.
			ENE 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. changing
		20.00	AL 8178 lower-center	"                    240°.
			EbyN 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good
		Wednesday,	North Atlantic
		07.05.41
		00.00	AL 7534 lower-right	"                    120°.
			ENE 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good
		04.00	AL 8442 lower-center edge	"                    240°.
			ENE 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good
		08.00	AL 7591 center-left	"                    120°.
			ENE 1-2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good
		12.00	AL 8711 left edge lower	"                    240°.
			ENE 2, Sea 1-2, 3/10, Vis. good	Day's run: 164 (4897) nm
		16.00	AL 7852 upper-right corner	"                    120°.
			ENE 2, Sea 1-2, 1/10, Vis. good
		18.00	AL 7664 center-right	Destroyer in sight directly ahead.  Course about 210°, 15 knots.  Probably "THUNDERBOLT".  Crash dive.  Seems not to have noticed us.
		20.00	AL 7868 upper-left corner
			ENE 2, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. good
		20.24		Surfaced.  Return transit course 150°.
		Thursday,	North Atlantic
		08.05.41
		00.00	BE 1243 left edge upper	Return transit, course 120°.
			EbyS 1, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. good
		03.00	BE 1268 lower-right	Destroyer in sight abeam to starboard in the moonlight.  Moved off at high speed.
		04.00	BE 1293 center	Return transit, course 120°.
			E 1, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. good
		08.00	BE 1623 lower-left corner	"                    120°.
			EbyN 1, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. good
		12.00	BE 2441 upper-right	"                       "
			ENE 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. good	Day's run: 232 (5129) nm

	Sun and Moon Data 06.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.05.41

	- 17 -
		continued
		08.05.41
		16.00	BE 2491 lower-right corner	Return transit, course 120°.
			ENE 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. good
		20.00	BE 2816 upper edge right	"                       "
			NE 3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good
		23.49		Outgoing Radio Message:    Successes:  "VENEZUELA" 6991 GRT.    "U-123".
		Friday,	North Atlantic
		09.05.41
		00.00	BE 2947 center	Return transit, course 120°.
			N 1, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good
		04.00	BE 5332 lower-center edge	"                       "
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good
		08.00	BE 6159 lower-right	"                    100°.
			NE 2, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good
		12.00	BE 6286 left edge upper	"                       "
			NbyE 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. good	Day's run: 300 (5429) nm
		16.00	BE 6613 lower-left	"                     95°.
			NNE 4, Sea 3-4, 2/10, Vis. good
		18.36		Outgoing Short Signal:  Will be off return harbor in 36 hours.
				"U-123".
		20.00	BF 4414 right edge lower	Return transit, course 95°.
			NNE 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
		Saturday,	Bay of Biscay
		10.05.41
		00.00	BF 4439 upper-left	"                       "
			NNE 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good
		04.00	BF 4537 lower-right corner	"                       "
			NNE 3-4, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. good
		08.00	BF 4653 lower-center	"                       "
			NNE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good
		11.30		Crash dive for aircraft astern.
		12.00	BF 5454 upper-left	Return transit, course 95°.
			NNE 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good	Day's run: 302 (5731) nm

	Sun and Moon Data 08.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.41

	- 18 -
		continued
		10.05.41
		12.02		Surfaced.
		16.00	BF 5488 lower-center edge	Return transit, course 100°.
			NNE 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good
		20.00	BF 5596 lower-center	"                     90°.
			NNE 2, Sea 1-2, 4/10, Vis. good
		23.25		Reached Point "C".  Course 357°.
		Sunday,	Bay of Biscay
		11.05.41
		00.00	BF 6482 upper-left	Return transit, course 357°.
			NNE 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good
		04.00	BF 6179 lower-center	"                    0°.
			NNE 1-2, Sea 1, x/10, Vis. good
		06.30		Taken in convoy at Point II.
		08.24		Made fast Lorient.
				4th patrol ended.
				Success:  1 steamer 6991 GRT, 31 sea days, 5952 nautical miles.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.41

	Comments of the B.d.U.
	1.) It is regrettable that the boat was able to maintain contact with the convoy until other boats arrived.  It is unfortunate the boat failed. 2.) When the "VENEZUELA" was sunk, the Kommandant might have been able to establish neutrality on closer inspection.  On the other hand, in case of doubt it is correct to decide to sink.
		Signed in draft: Dönitz
		For the Befehlshaber der Untereseeboote
		The Chief of the Operations Department

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