U-123 - 5th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	15 Jun 1941	Lorient	23 August 1941	70

 

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
20 Jun 41	20.10	34°15'N, 11°34'W	GANDA	4,333	Portuguese
27 Jun 41	23.57	25°45'N, 23°57'W	P.L.M. 22	5,646	British	SL 78
27 Jun 41	23.58	25°45'N, 23°57'W	OBERON	1,996	Netherlands	SL 78
29 Jun 41	19.36	29°15'N, 27°58'W	RIO AZUL	4,088	British	SL 78
4 Jul 41	03.55	25°51'N, 28°33'W	AUDITOR	5,444	British	OB 337
			Total = 21,507
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 recorded 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.

 

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				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				======================
				"  U 123  "
				________
				Kommandant:  Kaptlnt.  H  a  r  d  e  g  e  n  .
				Beginning:    12 May 1941.
				Ending:    23 August 1941.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 2 -
		12.05.41	Lorient	Shipyard period.
		13.05.41	"	Muster by B.d.U.
		14.05.41	"	Shipyard period, dry docked, transfer of the boat from Kaptlt. Möhle to I.W.O. Obltn. z.See Müller.
		19.05.41	"	Transfer of the boat from Obltn. z.See Müller to Kaptlt. Hardegen.
		27.05.41	"	Undocked, shipyard period up to 2 June.
		03.06.41	"	Propeller damaged during dockyard testing.
		04.06.41	"	Dry docked, port propeller replaced.
		05.06.41	"	Undocked, torpedo loading, fuel oil loading, ammunition loading, degaussing, calibration of direction finder, trimming, test dive.
		06.06.41	"	Fitting out for southern war patrol,  Trim test.
		07.06.41	"	Took over the boat.  Provisions loading.
				_ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _
				During this shipyard downtime sponsorship of U-123 was assumed by II Battalion / 358 in Le Pouldu.  The solemn assumption took place on 29.05.41 in Le Pouldu through the Kommandant by the Battalion Commander, Army Major Kammerer.  On 31.05.41 (the boat is a year in service) and on 01.06.41 a large delegation of the crew were guests of the battalion.
		08.06.41	Lorient
		18.41		Put to sea on 5th war patrol with "U-201".
		19.05		Taken under escort.  Sea trial with M.A.N. personnel.  4 men handed over to the escort.
		22.45		Released escort, test dive.
		23.13		Surfaced.  Proceeded to Point Caesar at 2 x GF.

Sun and Moon Data 08.06.41

	- 3 -
		09.06.41	Bay of Biscay
		04.00	BF 6484 lower-left	Course 233°.
			SEbyS, rain, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	BF 5861 lower-right	Course 233°, both HF.
			SSW 3, 3/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 8 nm, half moon
		12.00	BF 5882 upper-left	Proceeding on one engine at HF.  Intend to head for the NW corner of Spain, then contine to the south.
			SbyW 4-5, 9/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 15 nm
				Day's run:  144 nm
		16.00	BF 5876
			WSW 3-4, 8/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm
		20.00	BF 8311
			NWbyW 4, 0/10, Sea 4, Vis. 15 nm
		24.00	BF 8237
			NNW 2, 4/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 10 nm, moonshine
		10.06.41
		04.00	BF 8253 lower-left corner
			WNW 3-4, 7/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm
		08.00	BF 8196
			As above
		12.00	BF 8197 lower-left corner	Day's run:  118 nm
			NWbyW 2-3, 7/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm	total:  262 nm
		16.00	BF 8423	Since yesterday the hydraulic oil system is out of service.  Approximately 250 liters of oil leaked from two flanges in the control room bilge.  After replenishing the oil the system did not work.  Tried with onboard means to repair the damage.
			NWbyW 3-4, 3/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm
		20.00	BF 8419
			NWbyW 2-3, 3/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm
		24.00	BF 8444
			WbyN 1, 6/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 3 nm, weak moon
		11.06.41
		04.00	BF 7691
			SWbyW 1-2, 6/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 3 nm, light rain
		06.30		crash dive!  A fishing trawler or a patrol vessel ahead to port, dimmed, similar to a corvette, target angle 20°.  Observation through the periscope is not possible because it is out of service.
		07.43	BF 7912
		09.30		Passed 9°W, short signal sent:
				"Position square BF 78."  Was acknowledged.
		12.00	BF 7861	Day's run:  128 nm
			SSW 4, 10/10, rain, Sea 3, Vis. 1.5 nm	total:  390 nm
				of that:     6 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 09.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.06.41

	- 4 -
		continued:
		11.06.41
				In spite of 48 hours of continuous work we do not succeed in getting the hydraulic oil installation in operation.  As a result, both periscopes are out of service, I decide to return to repair the damage in Lorient.  It is not responsible to continue the patrol.  It is a disadvantage that both periscopes rely on the same installation.   As a result both are out of service.  It would be useful, if for example, the air search periscope could be extended and retracted purely electrically, so that there is a real reserve periscope, or to alter the installation so that it can be driven with normal lubricating oil.
		16.00	BF 7854	On course 54°, both diesels GF.  Radio message to B.d.U. concerning return and description of the malfunction.
			SSW 2-3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 2-3 nm
		19.30		Short signal:  "Positioned 24 hours off return harbor."  Was acknowledged.
		20.00	BF 7676
			SSW 2-3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 1-2 nm
		24.00	BF 8418
			SW 2, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 1 nm
		12.06.41	Bay of Biscay
		04.00	BF 8245
			SW 2, 9/10, Sea 2, Vis. 1 nm
		08.00	BF 5875
			As above
		09.00		2 fishing trawlers abeam to starboard.  2 nm distant.
		12.00	BF 5834	Day's run:  322 nm
			WNW 3, 9/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 7 nm	total:  722 nm
				of that:     6 nm
		14.00		Several fishing trawlers and fishing smacks in sight to port and starboard, about 12°.  By short signal requested radio beacon for 15.30 hours.  Ran in the ordered route.
		19.15		Positioned at Point Luzie II.  No convoy in sight.  Went to Point V.  Taken under escort there.
		20.45	Lorient	Made fast to ISÈRE alongside "U-66".
			Experience:  The hydraulic oil installation is filled with 460 liters of special oil, with 50 liters in reserve.  After the loss of 250 liters we had to refill with 200 liters of lubricating oil

	Sun and Moon Data 11.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.06.41

	- 5 -
		continued:
		12.06.41
			which is more viscous.  The whole installation including the pumps was removed, after it was determined that they would not operate.  The cause could not be determined.  An assertion from the shipyard, that it had been a rag in the hydraulic oil reservoir cannot be agreed with, because we only removed the installation, when we learned, that they would not operate with lubricating oil.  The rag could only have come from the shipyard.  In addition, after assembly all piping was blown with oil and compressed air.   They were clear.  However, the pumps did not operate.  Now, after replenishment with special oil the installation runs perfectly again, so that the fault was only with the oil.  Why both flanges could loosen, must still be checked.   This was the main cause of the malfunction.  Additionally, I refer to my statement of 11 June.
		13.06.41	Lorient	Repairs to the hydraulic oil installation, loading of new fresh provisions.  Fuel oil replenishment.  It turns out, that main ballast tank 8 vents.  Some stuffing boxes are leaking, so that the boat must dry dock again briefly.
		14.06.41	Lorient
				On the basis of "U-105" experience 70 shots of incendiary ammunition are exchanged for explosive ammunition.
				Torpedo and armament servicing.
		20.00		Entered dry dock
		15.06.41	Lorient
		08.00	WNW 3, 9/10, Sea 2, Vis. 7 nm	Undocked from Dock III, to depart on war patrol.
		08.35		Taken under escort.
		10.35		Released from escort at Point Luzie II, running at 2 x GF.
		11.50		to depth T = 15 meters, proceeding at 4 knots. [actual depth 30 meters]
		12.00	Bay of Biscay	Day's run inclusive of
			BF 6177	Remaining distance from 12 June:  137 nm
				total:  859 nm
				of that:  6.5 nm
		16.00	BF 5532
		17.20	WbyN 1, 10/10, Sea 1, Vis. fluctuates 1-3 nm	Surfaced at point Bogen, course 223° both engines GF.

Sun and Moon Data 15.06.41

	- 6 -
		continued:
		15.06.41
		20.00	BF 5557
			WNW 2, 10/10, Sea 1-2, heavy haze, Vis. sometimes under 1 nm
		24.00	BF 5739	Went to both engines HF.
			Wind calm, fog, Sea 0, light swell, Vis. 150-300 meters
		16.06.41
		04.00	BF 5759
			E 1, 10/10. Sea 1, Vis. 500 meters, fog
		08.00	BF 8211
			ENE 2, 10/10, Sea 1, Vis. 2-3 nm, heavy haze
		12.00	BF 8158	Day's run:   199.5 nm
			EbyS 3, 3/10, Sea 2, Vis. 3-5 nm	total:  1058   nm
				of that:    28.5 nm
		16.00	BF 7634
			EbyS 3-4, 1/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm
		19.20		Ahead a fishing trawler on course 260°, avoided.  Shortly thereafter a second behind it.
		19.38		On old course 220°.
		20.00	BF 7649
			EbyS 4-5, 1/10, Sea 4, Vis. 15 nm
		24.00	BF 7835
			NEbyE 1, 0/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 15 nm
		17.06.41
		04.00	BF 7873	Passing report 9°W sent by short signal:  "BF 78".  On course 180°.
			NEbyE 1, 0/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 15 nm, moonshine
		08.00	CG 2219
			SE 0-1, 1/10, Sea 0, Vis. 15 nm
		09.18	West Coast of Spain	, crash dive for training.
		09.29		.
		12.00	CG 2273	Day's run:   225.5 nm
			NbyE 1, 2/10, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm	total:  1283  nm
				of that:      29 nm
				Course 140°.
		16.00	CG 2526
			NE 1, 1/10, Sea 0, Vis. 15 nm
		16.11		1 steamer bearing 320°T, course 10°, target angle 80°, maneuvered ahead at the limit of visibility.
		18.13	Wind calm, sea flat as glass	Dived to attack with stern shot out of the sun.  Shortly before the shot, range = 600 meters, turned away because the steamer unfortunately a double neutral.  Spanish steamer "NORTE", 2895 GRT.  Also Swiss flagged and marked "Switzerland".  Driving very carelessly at sea without a lookout.  Several people sat on deck and sunned themselves or watched the scenery.  For us a good attack exercise in which everything worked out well.  Ran off , course 190°, depth T = 15 meters. [actial depth 30 meters]
		20.00	CG 2268
		21.04		, continued transit.  Port stern torpedo tube was flooded.  The stopcock of the drainage was broken off.  After the tube was drained, it was sealed with a set screw.  See torpedo material report.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.06.41

	- 7 -
		continued:
		17.06.41
				On Sunday evening a 3/4 of a flange from the diesel air-compressor was broken in 3 pieces.  A new flange was cut with the autogenous welding gear from 18 mm steel plate and set behind the fragment with bolts.  Clamps were electrically welded over the entire assembly.  Today after 2 days the compressor is again conditionally operable for 180 kg.  The work was well thought out by the engine personnel.
		24.00	CG 2297
			E 1, 3/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 8-10 nm
		18.06.41
		00.10		2 lighted steamers sighted to port.  No attack.
		04.00	CG 2556
			SE 1, 1/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 3-4 nm, moonshine
		08.00	CG 2822
			SSE 0-1, fog, Sea 0-1, Vis. 300 meters - 1 nm
		12.00	CG 2855	Day's run:    162 nm
			Wind calm, fog, Sea 0, Vis. 300 meters - 1 nm	total:  1445 nm
				of that:     38 nm
		16.00	CG 5521
			N 0-1, 2/10, Sea 0, Vis. 8 nm
		20.00	CG 5249
			NbyE 1, 1/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 20 nm
		24.00	CG 5515
			ENE 1, 7/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm
		19.06.41
		04.00	CG 5499	Came to course 226°.
			ENE 1, 2/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	CG 5755
			SEbyS 2, 6/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm
		08.49		Steamer in sight ahead to port.  Bow right.  Emerged quickly.  Moved off at high speed and maneuvered ahead.  Came quickly forward.  Steamer runs at 8 knots.
		09.14		Crash dive.  A large aircraft is with the steamer.
		09.32		Surfaced.  Position of the steamer is still favorable.  Target angle 20°, ran to meet across his course and dived at target angle 0°.  Initiated stern attack out of the sun.  Realize shortly before shooting:  Spanish

	Sun and Moon Data 17.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.06.41

	- 8 -
		continued:
		19.06.41
				"MAR-TIRRENO", 3000 GRT, range = 480 meters.  Again no!  Steamer had large deck cargo, looked like cork.  Ran off submerged.  The aircraft might have been a "Condor".
		12.03	CG 5751	Surfaced.
			SEbyS 2, 6/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm	Day's run:    189 nm
				total:  1634 nm
				of that:     46 nm
		12.55		Incoming Radio Message:  U-123.  At 08.00 hours crew of an abandoned steamer in square CG 8294.
				I proceed at both engines GF on course 135°.  Am 110 nm from the square.
		13.22		Incoming Radio Message:  To U-123, English convoy was located 18 June at 17.00 hours 5 nm southwest of Cadiz, course northwest.
				I believe it is improbable that it will turn to the north at Saint Vincent, but believe it will go further to the west.  I plot its advance at 8 knots.  Then at about 17.00 hours I would have to be in position.
		16.00	CG 8133
			SEbyS 2-3, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm
		17.00		According to the interception plot I must be positioned at the convoy.  In spite of good visibility nothing is seen.  Dived to listen, depth T = 20 meters.  [actual depth 40 meters] Nothing heard.
		17.24	West Coast of Spain	Surfaced, course to the square of the reported steamer 8294.  If the convoy runs slower, we must also still meet him on this course.  Continuing to operate on him  appears useless, because the information is too inaccurate and 24 hours old.
		20.00	CG 8283
			SbyE 7/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 8 nm
		20.50		Positioned in square CG 8294.  Nothing is seen of the steamer.  Because I suppose that it was towed into a harbor (Lagos), I pursue on course 90° to Cape St. Vincent.
		22.00		Because of the approaching darkness on course 180°, course to Madeira 242°.  One engine HF.  Another search for the independent steamer in the darkness appears useless.  I have bypassed the convoy.   The information was too inaccurate, so that a meeting was a matter of luck.
		24.00	CG 8531
			S 2, 8/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 5

Sun and Moon Data 19.06.41

	- 9 -
		20.06.41
		04.00	CG 8519
			S 2, 9/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	CG 8468
			NW 2, 3/10, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00	CG 8489	Day's run:    238 nm
				total:  1872 nm
				of that:     50 nm Submerged.
		16.00	CG 8784
			WbyS 2, 3/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 15 nm
		20.00	DJ 1169
		24.00	DJ 1169
			SbyW, 8/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 5 nm
		21.06.41
		04.00	DJ 1181
			WbyS 2, 4/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	DH 3396
			NW 2, 6/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	DH 3387	Day's run:    198 nm
			NNW 2, 3/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm	total:  2069 nm
				of that:     53 nm Submerged.
		16.00	DH 3532
			As above
		20.00	DH 3521
			As above
		24.00	DH 3439
			As above
		22.06.41	North of Madeira
		04.00	DH 3452
			NNW 2, 4/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 10 nm
		08.00	DH 2666	Porto Santo in sight 20 nm to port.  Course 270°.
			NNW 1-2, 2/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm
		10.00		The mountains of Madeira in sight to port.
		12.00	DH 2659	Day's run:    176 nm
			NW 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Vis. 30 nm	total:  2275 nm
				of that:     53 nm Submerged.
				This morning the news of the war with Russia struck like a bomb.  The reading of the proclamation of the Führer and that of the Reichsminister for Foreign Affairs was heard on the radio.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.41

Note:  On 20 June at 20.10 hours the unescorted Portuguese neutral GANDA was hit near the engine room by one of two torpedoes from U-123 off Casablanca.  After the crew abandoned ship, she was hit by a coup de grâce at 20.19 hours.   When the ship settled but did not sink, the U-boat surfaced and sank her by gunfire.  As they approached the lifeboats for questioning they realized that they had sunk a neutral ship and departed.  After the patrol the KTB was altered to remove mention of the sinking by order of the BdU.  Source: Uboat.net

 

	- 10 -
		continued:
		22.06.41
				It was a surprise no one had thought of.  Standing War Orders No. 101 and 105 were corrected.
		13.40		Presented Radio Message:  To U-123 from B.d.U.:
				Execute supply "Culebra".  Probably at night from 24 to 25 June.  Exact time follows.
				I had expected this on the basis of a previous Officer-Only Radio Message.  Went around Madiera at 25 nm and headed direct to "Grand Canary".
		14.17		Crash dive for training.
		14.38		Surfaced.
		16.00	DH 2648
			NW 1, 4/10, Sea 1, Vis. 25 nm
		20.00	DH 2835
			NNE 1, 5/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 30 nm
		21.00		On course 155°.
		24.00	DH 2947
			NbyE 1, 2/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 10 nm
		23.06.41
		04.00	DH 5316
			NE 2-3, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm
		08.00	DH 5387
			ENE 2, 4/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	DH 5626	Day's run:    178 nm
			NNE 3, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 25 nm	total:  2450 nm
				of that:     54 nm Submerged.
		16.00	DH 5658
			As above
		20.00	DH 5921
			NbyE 3, 1/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 25 nm
		24.00	DH 5966
			NbyE 2, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm
		24.06.41
		04.00	DH 9112
			NNE 2, 4/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	DH 9152
			NNE 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 8 nm
		12.00	DH 9168	Day's run:    167 nm
			NNE 1, 7/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 15 nm	total:  2617 nm
				of that:     54 nm Submerged.
				Because there is still no exact time when Culebra takes place, I send a short signal position "DH 91" in order to say: "Am ready for "Culebra".

	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.06.41

	- 11 -
		continued:
		24.06.41
		13.10		Presented Message from B.d.U.:  "To U-123, execute supply "Culebra".  Supply takes place during the night of 24 to 25 June.  If today is not achievable then execute tomorrow."  I proceed so as to be alongside tonight at 02.00 hours.
		16.00	DH 9169
			NNE 1, 5/10, Sea 1, Vis. 25 nm
		20.00	DH 9277
			NbyE 2-3, 2/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm
		23.03		Course 275°.
		24.00	DH 9463
			NbyE 1, 6/10, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm
		25.06.41	Canary Islands
		02.00	Dark night, new moon, 8/10	Multiple entering and departing steamers and fishermen must be avoided.  Therefore have to wait a while.  Stayed with a fishing trawler and went inside.
		03.56		Made fast alongside "CORRIENTES".  Executed "Culebra".  The boat was practically invisible against the high, dark hull.  2 fishermen came in [to the port] at a small distance.  Aboard everything was very well prepared.  The quick and smooth execution and the supply of the provisions which were packed in handy little boxes and were soldered for the most part deserves special recognition.  Practically everything was available.  Operations Order No. 40 supplemental enclosure titled "Culebra" appears ineffective.  It was arranged that the Captain prepare detailed lists about existing supplies and procurement opportunities, as well as a useful harbor sketch and special instructions (e.g., attach only to the starboard side, inner harbor traffic is suspended by Spanish Admiral at night etc.) to be given on 30 June to the Kommandant "U-69" informing B.d.U. and left behind a short report about course of the war patrol up to now for Kptl. Metzler for forwarding to B.d.U.
		06.40		Put to sea.  South of the Canary Islands intend to advance to in the area 25°-30°W.
		08.00	DH 9571	Short signal:  "Supply completed"  Sent over Norddeich Radio.  Not acknowledged.  Very good receiving conditions.
			NE 1, 1/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	DH 9738	Day's run:    123 nm
			NNE 2, 1/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm	total:  2740 nm
				of that:     54 nm
		13.20		, trim test.
		13.46		.
		16.00	DH 9727
			W 2, 1/10, Sea 2, Vis. 25 nm
		20.00	DH 8939	Course 255°.
			NE 4, 2/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 20 nm
		24.00	DH 8953
			NbyE 1, 6/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm
		26.06.41
		04.00	DH 8945	A lighted steamer abeam to port.
			NNE 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	DH 8868
			As above, Vis. 10 nm
		12.00	DH 8882	Day's run:    151 nm
			As above, Vis. 15 nm	total:  2891 nm
				of that:     56 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 24.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.06.41

	- 12 -
		continued:
		26.06.41
		16.00	DH 8796
			NE 1, 2/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	DH 8788
			NE 1-2, 2/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm
		24.00	DU 1113
			NNE 1, 4/10, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm
		27.06.41
		03.10		Presented Radio Message:  "To B.d.U., convoy DT 6220, 0°, 10 knots, 8 cbm.    U-69".
				I am positioned very favorably.  Operate on it immediately.  Should meet the convoy at 10.00 hours.  Course 220°, both engines GF.
		03.30		Presented Radio Message:  "To B.d.U., from convoy 2 steamers totaling 30,724 GRT.  Without principal task.  Out of torpedoes.  Convoy 7 knots, DT 3971.    U-69".
				Operating on new convoy position.  Course 200°.  A Radio Message for U-69 requesting contact keeper report was not sent, because he was already asked by B.d.U.
		04.00	DT 3337
			NNE 1, 1/10, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm
		08.00	DT 3627
			NNE 1, 3/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm
		10.00		Despite very good visibility the convoy is not seen.  Assume that the position in the 2nd Radio Message of U-69 was not the convoy, but his own position.  He could hardly check his navigation at night.  Therefore proceeded on course 270° and plot convoy from the 1st location DT 6620 at 7 knots.  If convoy changed course after torpedoing of 2 steamers he will probably turn to the west.  I decide to advance farther to the west.
		10.12		Sent Radio Message to U-69:  "Question contact position DT 3671".  From my position, he must see the importance of a new message.  Thus I hope to have the last position exactly.
		10.56		.   At depth T = 20 meters to listen.  [actual depth 40 meters] Nothing heard.
		11.25		.
		11.59		Convoy in sight bearing 250°T.  7 smoke feathers.  It agrees with plotting of the 1st position.  At last!  Came to course 0°.
		12.00	DT 3586	The clocks on boat were reset to MGZ.  From now on time in the Kriegstagebuch is in MGZ.  [Mittlere Greenwich-Zeit = Universal Time/GMT]
		DGZ	NbyW 1, 3/10, Sea 1, Vis. 25 nm
		10.55		, Crash dive!  Aircraft.  That's all I need.  Type not exactly determined, seemed to be a Sunderland.  Depth T = 20 meters.  [actual depth 40 meters]
		11.10		At periscope depth.  Aircraft 4000 meters abeam. Seems to be no ship or carrier aircraft, but larger.  Again to depth T = 20 meters. [actual depth 40 meters]
		12.00	DT 3558	Day's run:    241 nm
		MGZ		total:  3132 nm
				of that:     61 nm
		13.09		.  Sunderland abeam to port 5000 meters distant, flies off.  Stayed on the surface.  Lost contact.
		13.40		Sent Radio Message:  12.30 hours DGZ, enemy convoy in sight square DT 3587, aircraft escort."
				The convoy must be to port.  Run at highest speed on course 0° and turn 10° each hour to port.  So I am on the outer arc and must get him if he changed course to the west.  I regard a change of course to the east as unlikely, but even then he must appear with the good visibility.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.06.41

	- 13 -
		continued:
		27.06.41
		13.45		Presented Radio Message:  "U-69 reports no contact on convoy B.d.U."  I must regain contact by all means.
		16.00	DT 3433	Presented Radio Message:  "To U-123, free to attack.  Hang on.  Report contact.  U-66 operate on convoy.  B.d.U."
			NbyE 2, 2/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 25-30 nm
		16.34		Convoy in sight ahead to starboard.  I am steering course 250°.  His course is 310°.  He has turned to the west.  Come to course 310°.
		18.00		Sent Radio Signal to "py":  1845 (DGZ) the correct position of the convoy is DT 3453, course 310°, 7 knots, U-123".  Was not repeated by Control.
		19.05		Astern to port a "Sunderland".  Flying back and forth near the convoy.
		19.41		, crash dive!  Sunderland turned towards.
		20.03	DT 3178	.
			NbyE 1, 1/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm
		20.23		Sent Radio Message:  "Convoy DT 3415, 310°, 7 knots, Sunderland".  A destroyer, 4 stacks, type U.S.A. "MAHLEY", sets out far to the north and forces us off.  Sunderland circles with the destroyer.  It is not possible for me to approach nearer in the existing darkness.  Suspect that the convoy changes course now farther to the west.
		20.41		Destroyer turns away, Proceeding at high speed on course 220°.
		21.28		Convoy in sight.  Has turned to 270°.  I am positioned astern.  Attempt to get ahead.  Must constantly outmaneuver 2 destroyers.  Do not succeed in getting ahead.  Now proceed from astern between the columns and operate on the last steamers in the center column.   Here there are 4 large tankers. Now I am safe from destroyers who are positioned outside. Moved ahead at GF to target angle 80°.  Turned towards at KF.
		23.57		2 Etos shot from tubes IV and II at 10000 GRT tanker and 6000 GRT freighter.
		23.58
		24.00	DT 2623	1 Eto on 8000 GRT tanker.  Due to operating error the shot was taken late, after the first had hit.  The tanker turned away.  Torpedo passed by.  After 2 Min 58 seconds impact and 1 second later detonation is heard.  In the outer port column saw a black explosive cloud, thereupon 2 white lights of night lifebuoys.  Therefore an accidental hit.  Because I could not make out the steamer perfectly, I guess 4000 GRT.  I had not observed smaller steamers in the convoy.  Sinking was not observed, but likely.  Hit at the location of the stack.
			NbyE 1, 2/10, Sea 1, Vis. 12 nm, dark night
				Freighter was hit amidships, immediate heavy list, after 1-1/2 minutes boiler explosion, bright firey glow, sank after 5 minutes.  Range = 600 meters, target angle 80°.
				Tanker hit amidships, high explosion column, breaks in the center.  Both ends tilt towards, sinking not observed.  Shoots 2 light rockets.  Range = 1700 meters, target angle 90°, Type:  "CANADOLITE" 11,309 GRT.

Sun and Moon Data 27.06.41

	- 14 -
		continued:
		27.06.41
				Made off astern, when a corvette, the port astern sweeper, approached me.  Both engines AK.  Was shot at by the last merchant steamer with artillery.   Began to think that the corvette no longer sees me, when he suddenly throws a light buoy, sets masthead lanterns and closes in the wake at target angle 0°.
		4 stack destroyer		destroyer                                                     crash dive!
			distance about 1100 meters	artillery fire    corvette
		28.06.41
		00.14		, crash dive!  Depth T = 65 meters. [actual depth 130 meters] In total 33 depth charges, for the most part well placed in direction, although above the boat.  Not too high an explosive charge like depth charges in the north.  Corvette emitted a type of random depth sounding, with it depth charge series of 6 charges.  No Asdic.  No failures
		02.15		, pursued in direction 300°.  Sent Radio Message:  "Convoy DT 2623, 280°, 7 knots, 25 steamers, 2 destroyers, 1 corvette, 2 freighters 20,000 GRT, depth charge pursuit, no contact, in pursuit."
		05.27		Convoy in sight 60° to starboard.  It is already too bright for a new night attack.  Ran at highest speed to be at the limit of visibility when it gets light.  Convoy steers course 280°.
		07.19		, crash dive!  1 destroyer approaches at target angle 0°.  Nothing happens.
		08.26	NNW 0-1, 1/10, Sea 0, Vis. 15 nm	, nothing seen.   I suppose that as yesterday evening the destroyer has advanced out to force U-boats submerge and while doing that the convoy changed course to the north.  New course 320°.
		09.20		Convoy again in sight.  His course is now 310°.  An adjusted contact keeper report is not sent.
		10.14		, crash dive!  Sunderland, depth T = 20 meters. [actual depth 40 meters]
		10.20	DT 2247	4 aircraft bombs, well placed in direction, heavy concussions in the boat, no damage except for Papenburg depth gauge glass.  I am amazed given the depth. Believe that he saw the diving location with the flat as glass sea by the disturbance from venting.  I believe direct sighting of the boat is not possible. Went to depth T = 40 meters. [actual depth 80 meters]
		10.30		2 bombs further off.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.06.41

	- 15 -
		continued:
		28.06.41
		11.24		11 depth charges.  Destroyer sounds.  Depth T = 65 meters.  [actual depth 130 meters] Up to 12.15 hours 53 depth charges.  The first well placed, then further off, the last again surprisingly well placed.  No damage.
		12.00	DT 2247	Day's run:    230 nm
				total:  3362 nm
				of that:     80 nm
		15.56	DT 2246	, nothing seen.  Convoy must be 45 nm away.  In pursuit.
			NbyW 0-1, 2/10, Sea 0, Vis. 20 nm
		16.00	DT 2246
			As above
		16.25		Sent Radio Message:  "Convoy 11.30 hours (DGZ) DT 2246, 300°, forced off, aircraft bombs and depth charges, in pursuit."  Operating on general course 310° and 300°.  Up to darkness nothing seen.
		20.00	DG 9898
			As above
		23.15		From plotting must be at the convoy position.  to listen.  Nothing heard.
		23.55	DG 9872	, At night intend to proceed on course 300° at 7 knots and operate during the day in accordance with interception plot on general course which he probably has.  Do not believe that he goes farther to the west.  Suppose evening change of course to the north.  It is also possible that he already changed course to the north at noon, because aircraft and destroyers had us on his port side.  The mean of these two possibilities in 5° increments up to 345°.
			NbyW 1, 4/10, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm
		29.06.41
		04.00	DG 9761
			As above
		07.05		Sunderland in sight bearing 80°T.  Flies off.  This confirms my suspicion that the convoy is located to the NE of us.
		08.00	DG 9721
			NNE 1, 4/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 20 nm
		11.42		Convoy in sight.  4 smoke clouds far apart.  It is positioned exactly on the plotted general course approximately 5 nm ahead of where I have plotted for 24 hours.  I am glad to have contact again after 25 hours.
		12.00	DC 9428	Day's run:    224 nm
			NNW 1, 3/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 25 nm	total:  3586 nm
				of that:     92 nm
		12.15		Presented Radio Message:  ". . . . . . . . square DG 9240 several independents, course 345°, U-103".  Suppose that at night faster steamers have detached from the convoy to proceed as independents.  Plot them at 10 knots.  Tendency of the convoy is again to the north.
		12.25		Sent Radio Message:  "Enemy convoy in sight square DG 9421, course 315°, 7 knots, wide formation".
				Signal was not understood.
		13.29		Sent again.  Was understood.  A steamer sweeps ahead of the convoy, at times bow right, at times bow left.  Initially suspect a destroyer.
		14.00		Pushes ahead far to the west and forces me off.  Hold contact on him.  Convoy is lost from sight.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 29.06.41

	- 16 -
		continued:
		29.06.41
				Seems to be a freight steamer, because he smokes frequently and heavily.  Suppose a U-boat trap or an auxiliary cruiser, far on the port side of the convoy making an advance to detect and to draw submarines to itself or to force them to submerge.  Zig zags 60° very irregularly and frequently all for 5 to 10 minutes, getting ahead is difficult and time consuming.
		16.00	DG 8391
			NNW 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 22 nm
		18.00		Positioned ahead of his general course of about 305°.  His speed was plotted at 10 knots.
		18.31		, ran towards at GF.
		19.36	DG 8316	Shortly before shooting the steamer changes course from 270° to 315°.  Can just barely run off at HF and shoot stern shot from range = 350 meters, target angle 85°.  [Steamer] Seems to run faster, fired at forward mast.  Hit at the bridge.  High water column.  Bright firey glow.  On the chart house the name: "RIO AZUL", 4088 GRT.  From the gaff the War Flag.  Gray warship painting.  The stern platform has 2 cannons, approximately 7.6 cm, 2 depth charge throwers.  People move to the stern to the cannons.  Steamer collapses in the middle.  The forship sinks.  Stern rights itself.  Gun's crew slides to the center.  Stern with running screw into the deep.   Total time: 2-1/2 minutes.  On the bridge wings 2 cm. On the forecastle probably a cannon, not exactly recognized. On each side 2 boats swung out.  Smashed.
		19.40		, at the sinking location an oil slick, much wreckage.  Some people swim in the water on beams, a wooden raft with 8 men, some severely injured.   After 10 min an under water detonation,  Wreckage is thrown upwards.  This was the punishment, because he forced us from the convoy.
		20.00		Course 60° to the convoy.
		20.45		Sent Radio Message:  "Forced off by auxiliary cruiser "RIO AZUL".  Sunk.  In pursuit.  DG 8327".

Sun and Moon Data 29.06.41

	- 17 -
		continued:
		29.06.41
				Evening navigation fix showed 12 nm shift to the NW. Therefore, the true location was: DG 8316.  No contact up to darkness.  At 24.00 am positioned at the supposed location of the convoy.  Proceeded on course 320° to search for contact again during the day.
		24.00	DG 5982 lower-right corner
			NNW 1, 5/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 5 nm
		30.06.41
		04.00	DG 5918
			NNW 2, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	DG 5593	Suspect that the convoy has a northerly general course and search  in 5° increments up to 345°.
			NNE 2, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm
		12.00	DG 5379	Day's run:    254 nm
			N 2, 8/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm sometimes reduced to 4 nm in thunderstorms	total:  3840 nm
				of that:     96 nm
				Up to now nothing seen. Came to 270°, later 250° because yesterday evening the convoy may have made an evening change of course to the west again and the auxiliary cruiser was searching ahead in that direction.  I must now cross all possible courses.  Unfortunately, visibility is heavy deteriorated in thunder storms, so that I can easily pass by.
		16.00	DG 5551
			As above
		20.00	DG 5458	Running on plotted general course of 315°.
			NNW 2, 9/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm
		21.00		Sent Radio Message:  "33 hours with no contact.  Question continuing southern transit.  DG 5473."
		24.00	DG 5187
			NW 2, 3/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 20 nm
		01.07.41
		04.00	DG 5147
			As above
		08.00	DG 4362
			N 1, 7/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 20 nm
		08.45		Presented Radio Message:  "To U-123, U-66.  Continue southern transit. . . . . . . . ."
		09.00		On course 140°.
				I regret not gaining contact again on the 4th day.  It is possible that the convoy scattered due to attacks of  U-69 and me,

	Sun and Moon Data 01.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.06.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.41

	- 18 -
		continued:
		01.07.41
				and got together again later.  This is indicated by the independent steamers reported by U-103 which undoubtedly came from the convoy.   Success from this convoy:
				Auxiliary cruiser "RIO AZUL" 4088 GRT   1 tanker 10000 GRT   1 freighter 6000 GRT   1 freighter 4000 GRT     24088 GRT
		12.00	DG 4365	Day's run:    254 nm
			NE 2, 6/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm	total:  4094 nm
				of that:     96 nm
		16.00	DG 5175
			NNE 1, 6/10, Sea 1, Vis. 25 nm
		20.00	DG 5424
			ENE 1, 5/10, Sea 1, Vis. 25 nm
		24.00	DG 5467
			ENE 1, 9/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm, moonshine
		02.07.41
		04.00	DG 5499	Presented Officer-Only Radio Message:  "From U-66, square DG 60, 3 steamers, 16240 GRT, square DG 26 one steamer damaged in artillery combat. . . . . "
			ENE 1, 9/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm
				These 4 steamers certainly came from our convoy which had temporarily scattered.  U-66 pushed ahead on the basis of my messages, must have come to this conclusion, and should have reported enemy contact by radio signal.  I was positioned nearby and would then have advanced further to the NE instead of searching to the W.  Regaining contact on part of the convoy would have been likely.  In any case because boats in the area report repeatedly, absolute radio silence was not required.  A more meaningful co-operation would have been more helpful to the overall operation.
		08.00	DG 5818
			NEbyE 2, 2/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 20 nm
		09.42		, converted main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7.
		10.37		.
		10.55		, flushed main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7.
		11.01		.
		11.04		, flushed main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7.
		11.25		.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.07.41

	- 19 -
		continued:
		02.07.41
		12.00	DG 5857	Day's run:    150 nm
			ENE 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Vis. 25 nm	total:  4244 nm
				of that    104 nm
		16.00	DG 5897
			As above
		20.00	DG 8263
			As above
		24.00	DG 8372
			EbyN 1, 9/10, Sea 1, Vis. 8 nm
		03.07.41
		04.00	DG 8627
			ENE 1, 7/10, Sea 1, Vis, 5 nm
		08.00	DG 8667
			ENE 1, 5/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	DG 8699	Day's run:    156 nm
			NNE 1, 1/10, Sea 1, Vis. 25 nm	total:  4400 nm
				of that    104 nm
				New course 205°.
		16.00	DG 8962
			NNE 2, 2/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 25 nm
		16.58		Smoke cloud astern to starboard.  Ran towards.  Steamer has two masts, one stack, heavy zig-zags around general course 215°, 40° to either side.  Maneuvered ahead on general course.
		19.39	DG 8959	, ran towards.  Turned for stern shot.  Steamer changed course strongly and irregularly, so that I would have been in an unfavorable position:  range = 800 meters, target angle 110° if I had taken the shot.  Estimated target speed 11 knots.  Size 5500 GRT estimated.  Astern 1 cannon, about 3.7 cm.  Details can not be made out, the steamer is silhouetted against the sun.  Called off shooting.  Had a crows nest with a 2 man lookout forward.
		21.29	Bright moonshine	, steamed and ran along until moonset.  Steamer no longer zig zags, but instead runs on course 215°.
		24.00	DT 1117
			NNE 1, 7/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm
		04.07.41
		02.45		Moon has set.  To Action Stations.  Because it is now very dark, if I did not extend too far.  At target angle 90° I initially had range = 2000 meters.  Turn away again on parallel course and move further ahead.  Because I was not sure of his speed (he actually ran at 12 knots) I must go closer.  At target angle 50° turned towards again.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.41

	- 20 -
		continued:
		04.07.41
		03.55	DS 3387 lower-right	Shot, 1 Ato from tube III.  Range = 1000 meters, target angle 90°, target speed = 11 knots.  Enemy just fills the periscope.  After 63 seconds hit forward edge of the after mast.  Heavy bang, light explosion column.  Steamer settles astern.  On 600 meter sends:  "SSS, AUDITOR g k m j, 25.47N, 28.25W torpedo."  This position is only 6 nm from our plot.  Steamer remains with the stern at the waterline.  2 boats are launched.  After 20 minutes the stern suddenly settles deeper.  When smoke stack dips, white steam cloud.   No fires.  Bow rises steeply.  After 23 minutes he has sunk.  "AUDITOR", 5444 GRT, Liverpool.  On old course 205°.
		08.00	DS 3642
			N 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	DS 3596	Day's run:    208 nm
			NbyE 2, 2/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm	total:  4608 nm
				of that    109 nm
		16.00	DS 3837
			NbyE 2, 3/10, Sea 2, Vis. 25 nm
		20.00	DS 3882
			N 2-3, Sea 3/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm
		24.00	DS 6216
			NNE 1, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm
		05.07.41
		04.00	DS 6247	Passed the Tropic of Cancer.
			NNE 1, 3/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	DS 6432	On course 125°.
			NNE 1-2, 3/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	DS 6519	Day's run:    156 nm
			As above	total:  4764 nm
				of that    109 nm
		16.00	DS 6567
			"      "
		17.13		, crash dive for training.
		17.28		.
		20.00	DS 6595
			NE 2-3, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm
		24.00	DS 6913
			NEbyN 3, 6/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 8 nm
		06.07.41
		04.00	DS 6961
			NNE 2, 2/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	DT 4747
			NEbyE 2, 3/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 20 nm
		10.00		On course 235°.
		12.00	DS 4777	Day's run:    155 nm
			"	total:  4919 nm
				of that    110 nm
		16.00	DS 9334
			"
		20.00	DS 9346
			"
		24.00	DS 9292
			"

	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.07.41

	- 21 -
		07.07.41
		04.00	DS 9521
			NEbyE 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm
		08.00	DS 9439
			NE 3, 5/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	DS 9459	Day's run:    156 nm
			NE 3, 5/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm	total:  5075 nm
				of that    110 nm
				New course 115°, intend to make for the Cape Verde Islands to check traffic there.
		12.34		, crash dive for training.
		12.53		.
		16.00	DS 9493
			ENE 3-4, 4/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	DS 9733	Strong off set to the west.
		24.00	DS 9816
			NE 4, 2/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 8 nm
		08.07.41
		04.00	DS 9861
			NE 4, 5/10, Sea 4, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	DS 9945
			NE 5, 4/10, Sea 4, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00	DS 9983	Day's run:    145 nm
			"	total:  5220 nm
				of that    111.5 nm
		16.00	DS 9996
			"
		20.00	EJ 1115
			"
		24.00	EJ 1126
			"
		09.07.41
		04.00	EJ 1163
			NE 3-4, 4/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 8 nm
		08.00	EJ 1246
		12.00	EJ 1259	Day's run:       120 nm
			NE 3-4, 7/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm	total:     5340 nm
				of that    111.5 nm
		16.00	EJ 1374
		20.00	EJ 1378
		24.00	EJ 1622
		10.07.41	Cape Verde
		04.00	EJ 1635
			NE 2, 9/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 5 nm
		07.30		San Antão in sight ahead to starboard, 20 nm distant.
		08.00	EJ 2418
		12.00	EJ 2453	Day's run:    120 nm
			NEbyN 3, 10/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 20 nm	total:  5460 nm
				of that    111.5 nm
		16.00	EJ 2466	New course 125°.
		20.00	EJ 2573
			NE 3, 6/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 20 nm
		24.00	EJ 2588
			NE 2, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm
		11.07.41
		04.00	EJ 2835	New course 180°.
			NE 3, 8/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 5 nm
		07.48		A steamer ahead to starboard, course about 55°.  Came to 30°, maneuvered ahead.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.07.41

	- 22 -
		continued:
		11.07.41
		08.00	EJ 2865
			NE 3-4, 8/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm
		09.38		to attack submerged - stern attack, small steamer estimated at 1500 GRT.  No flag, no neutrality markings noted.  Shortly before the shot, range = 300 meters name recognized.  "VINTE E OITO DE MAIO", 1113 GRT.  Portuguese after all.  Only now I note a flag 2 x 3 meters on the side of the hull.  Seen very poorly, because for the most part the color had already flaked off.  Under it "Portugal".   Both very low, so that it is impossible to see with frugal periscope use and at longer range.  Also the name could be recognized only at this short range.  With this painting neutrals should not be surprised if they are sunk.
		11.58	EJ 2917	.
			NEbyN 3, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm	Day's run:    120 nm
				total:  5580 nm
				of that    116.5 nm
		16.00	EJ 2899
		18.00		New course 240°.
		20.00	EJ 5226	Received Radio Message concerning assigned operations area north of "Point Anton". [Point Anton = Freetown]
		24.00	EJ 5245
			NEbyN 3, 7/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 5 nm
		12.07.41
		04.00	EJ 5192
		08.00	EJ 5187
			NE 3, 6/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	EJ 4636	New course 140°.
				Day's run:    152 nm
				total:  5732 nm
				of that    116.5 nm
		16.00	EJ 4669
		20.00	EJ 5715
		24.00	EJ 5733
			NE 2, 5/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 5 nm
		13.07.41
		04.00	EJ 5792
		08.00	EJ 8212
			NEbyN 2, 6/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00	EJ 8252	Day's run:    144 nm
			NE 2, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm	total:  5876 nm
				of that    116.5 nm
				New course 155°.
		16.00	EJ 8286
			NE 3, 7/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 20 nm
		16.58		, crash dive for training.
		17.18		.

Message from B.d.U. concerning U-123's operational area as recorded in U-66's KTB

		21.40		Radio Message 2058/11/130
				To southern boats.
				Boundary: in the Kriegsmarine Order Paragraph IVB named place [Freetown] is to bear 40°.  UA operates south of this line, U-66 and U-123 north of it.  The greatest chances for success are believed to be close to the place, possibly on the 200-meter line.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.07.41

	- 23 -
		continued:
		13.07.41
		19.45		Presented Radio Message, that there are no attack area restrictions for U-boats to the west within the borders of the operations area.   Nevertheless, initially I intend to go to point "Anton" to detect traffic expected to be there on the 200-meter line.  Even if "U-A" found nothing there  for 14 days, it may be that this was only a temporary diversion of traffic.  After one week if there is no traffic, I intend to march in long legs to the west, up to the western border of the operations area to detect traffic frequently found there.  At the same time there I will be close to the supply point, because I must supply in not later than 3 weeks.
		20.00	EJ 8538
			NE 2, 9/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 15 nm
		22.19	Rain squalls, Vis. 1-2 nm	An illuminated steamer to starboard, course 25°, about 4500 GRT.  Passed by at range = 300 meters.  Neutrality not recognized with certainty.  Seems to have an illuminated banner on the stern.  Steamed in the wake under the cover of a thick rain squall and closed.  At range = 75-100 meters offset to port and starboard.  Banner has Spanish colors.  Also has a flag and name painted on the side of the hull.  People standing at the rail were clearly visible with the naked eye.  Because we were positioned in black rain squall and he is blinded by own light to the stern, he cannot see us at this short range.
		24.00	EJ 8618
			ESE 2, 10/10, Sea 1-2, heavy rain
		14.07.41
		00.44		After neutrality was recognized with certainty, turned off on old course 155°.
		04.00	EJ 8654
			Wind calm, 6/10, Sea 0, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	EJ 8689	Course 100°.
			ENE 1, 9/10, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00	EJ 9711	Day's run:    158 nm
			NEbyN 1, 7/10, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm, long swells	total:  6034 nm
				of that    118 nm

Message concerning UA's experience as recorded in U-66's KTB

		13.07.41
		05.22		Radio Message to B.d.U.
				Since 01 July at point "Ida" also on the 200-meter line neither traffic nor air reconnaissance met.  Delayed transit to the north.  Square ET 2760.        UA

	Sun and Moon Data 13.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.07.41

	- 24 -
		continued:
		14.07.41
		16.00	EJ 9722
			NbyE 2, 5/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	EJ 9842
		24.00	EJ 9852
			NbyE 1, 6/10, Sea 1, Vis. 2-3 nm
		15.07.41
		04.00	EJ 9866
		08.00	EJ 9958
			N 2, 7/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00	EJ 9993	Day's run:    156 nm
			NbyW 2, 7/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 20 nm	total:  6190 nm
				of that    118 nm
		16.00	EK 7781
		20.00	EK 7796
			N 1, 5/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm
		24.00	EK 7887
			NbyE 1, 1/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 5 nm
		16.07.41
		04.00	EK 7898
			Still, 2/10, Sea 0, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	ET 1321
			SSE 0-1, 3/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 25 nm
		12.00	ET 1335	Day's run:    156 nm
			SEbyS 1-2, 4/10, Sea 1, Vis. 25 nm	total:  6346 nm
				of that    118 nm
		16.00	ET 2119
		17.58		, crash dive for training.
		18.16		.
		20.00	ET 2127	New course 135°.
		24.00	ET 2167
		17.07.41
		04.00	ET 2277
			SSE 2, 5/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 4 nm
		05.00		New course 145°, positioned on the 200-meter line.   It becomes shallow very quickly here, sounded 50 meters.
		08.00	ET 2519	New course 120°.  Proceeding on the 200-meter line.
		12.00	ET 2564	Day's run:    143 nm
			SbyW 3-4, 8/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm, frequent rain showers	total:  6489 nm
				of that    119 nm
		16.00	ET 2671
		19.00		A steamer 2 points to starboard, 1 smokestack, 2 masts, heavy cargo derricks ahead of the mast, topped for heavy cargo.  Well positioned ahead.  Ran along, until it is completely dark.  Steamer on course 275°, 12 knots, comes from Freetown.  With darkness I notice that he proceeds illuminated. I had not expected this, because he must have come from Freetown.
		20.00	ET 2678	Turned towards him and ran directly ahead.  A U.S.A. ship, about 6,500 GRT, heavily
			SWbyS 3, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 3 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 14.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.07.41

	- 25 -
		continued:
		17.07.41
				loaded, black smokestack, wide red ring set off by 2 narrow white stripes appearing like the "Luckenbach Line", however the "L" of the shipping company was not seen on the smokestack.  The clearly visible flag is painted on the side of the hull and brightly illuminated by floodlights.  The flag flew astern, also brightly illuminated by floodlight. Because he yawed heavily, I suddenly approached to 200-250 meters and for a short time stood in the light of the stern floodlight.   People could be observed in the brightly illuminated side deck however, they had to be blinded.  It is a very dark night, pitch-black rain squall as a background.  I can hardly believe that he has sighted us.
		20.48		New course 110°.  I still hope to meet other steamers. However, perhaps the English take advantage of the current political situation and allow ships to proceed under the U.S.A. Flag, because that is currently the best life insurance
		22.45		Presented Radio Message:  "To southern boats, . . . . . . . . currently no supply beyond own bases is possible.  Begin return transit accordingly. . . . . . . ."
				Bad news, especially since only neutrals go here.  It is fortunate that we have been stingy with the fuel.  Inventory:  109 cbm still 6 Etos and 5 Atos.  I can still stay out 5-6 weeks and hope to make good use of the torpedoes.  Perhaps by then the supply situation will change again.
		24.00	ET 2921
			SSW 3, 6/10, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm
		18.07.41
		02.19		1 point to port, 2 black shadows.  Turned away hard, keeping them astern.  Typical warship silhouette.  One certainly a destroyer, the other seems larger, suspect a light cruiser.  Running at high speed, bow and stern wake can be seen clearly.  Running on

	Sun and Moon Data 17.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.07.41

	- 26 -
		continued:
		18.07.41
				changing courses between 290° and 220°.  All torpedo armament ready, both were out of sight again.  In pursuit in the direction of the last bearing, at 03.00 hours the enemy comes in sight again.  I do not succeed in reaching a shooting position, because the night is very dark and they are lost from sight again.  At 03.20 hours again in sight, but very blunt target angle.  Distinguished perfectly as warships.
		03.34		Both out of sight, came to course 300° and ran off.  It seems to be a search group which perhaps, was looking on behalf of the Yankee. Where warships are looking for submarines, there must also be merchant vessels which must be protected.  Will push ahead by day on these courses in the direction of Freetown.
		04.00	ET 2926
			SSW 2, 9/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	ET 2675
		11.30		New course 150°.
		12.00	ET 2592	Day's run:    156 nm
			SSW 3, 6/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm	total:  6645 nm
				of that    119 nm
		15.00		New course 95°.
		16.00	ET 2671	Navigation correction of 16 nm NbyW.  A strong current runs here to the north, so that one can only rely on the depth sounder for navigation, about 18.00 hours the sea was almost covered with barrels, amongst wreckage.  Already heavily encrusted with mussels.   A barrel was fished out.  It contained butter which however, was already rancid, and only partly edible.  A predecessor has dealt the English butter supply a serious blow.
		18.51		, crash dive for training.
		19.06		.
		20.00	ET 2681
			SbyW 2-3, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm
		20.22		A light bearing 10°T.  Turned towards and closed at high speed.
		20.58		Range 500 meters, again the steamer is a U.S.A. ship.  About 6500 GRT.

Sun and Moon Data 18.07.41

	- 27 -
		continued:
		18.07.41
				On the hull the flag is illuminated by floodlight.  Astern an illuminated banner.  Proceeding in ballast.  Took position in the wake and followed.  His course 115° goes exactly to Freetown.
		23.48		2 destroyers in sight astern.  Again one is particularly large.  It seems to be the same group from yesterday.  It may not be the size of a small cruiser but instead a torpedo boat destroyer of the "LE FANTASQUE" class in English hands.
		24.00	ET 2691
		19.07.41
				I had to haul out to the north and followed a curved path to a reciprocal heading while slowly increasing speed.  The destroyers steered changing courses with general course behind the U.S.A. ship.  Distance about 7-8 nm.  Yesterday and today the lowest range of the destroyers was 2500-3000 meters.  Because I was in shallow water (65 meters), I turned to the south and quickly came to greater depths.   One destroyer had briefly shown a light, probably on the bridge someone had carelessly opened a bulkhead. The shadow, bow and stern wake could be seen with the naked eye.  It shows once again that the enemy, by being on the defensive is at a disadvantage, because with a little bit more attention he would also have seen our stern wake.  Because we are always on the attack, we had to recognize the enemy earlier.
		00.45		Both destroyers out of sight.
		04.00	ET 2678
			SSW 2, 2/10, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm
		07.00		New course 335°.  Intend to operate on the discovered route to find traffic there.
		10.00		Received Radio Message:  "To U-123, U-66, report situation in operations area, . . . . . . . . ".

	Sun and Moon Data 18.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.07.41

	- 28 -
		continued:
		19.07.41
		12.00	ET 2529	Day's run:    157 nm
			SSW 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 25 nm	total:  6802 nm
				of that    120 nm
		16.00	ET 2515	New course 125°.
		20.00	ET 2553	New course 100°, running along the edge of the 100-meter line.
			SbyE 2, 4/10, Sea 1, Vis. 5 nm
		22.40		Ray of light bearing 200°T.  Turned at high speed to maintain contact.  Again a brightly lit steamer about 7000 GRT.  Course 105° proceeding direct to Freetown.  Speed 15-16 knots.  I am soon positioned astern and do not approach any closer than range = 2000 meters.  The U.S.A. flag was clearly recognizable on the side of the hull.
		24.00	ET 2677
			WbyS 2-3, 1/10, Sea 2, Vis. 3 nm
		20.07.41
		00.25		New course 255°.  Again astern there was a brief shadow and light.  So the same magic.  There is nothing to be gained here, I move my operations area to the west.  It is a bitter feeing to watch as the Englishman apparently lets his ships proceed as U.S.A. ships because he knows that we do not attack.  At the same time he uses them as a lure for submarines and performs a U-boat hunt with destroyers.   I was not allowed to attack these destroyers, although twice the opportunity was very favorable for a stern shot.
		01.21		Sent Radio Message:  "From U-123, "AUDITOR" sunk.  In EJ neutral traffic, off Point Anton heavy inbound and outbound independent traffic of U.S.A. ships, on entrance route daily U-boat hunt by destroyer groups."  I was only in the operations area 3 days, but we did not need to complain about boredom.
		04.00	ET 2597
			WSW 2, 1/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	ET 2574
		12.00	ET 2489	Day's run:    167 nm
			WSW 2-3, 0/10, Sea 2, Vis. 25 nm	total:  6969 nm
				of that    120 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 19.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.07.41

	- 29 -
		continued:
		20.07.41
		12.30		Presented Radio Message:  "To U-66, U-123, operations area in the "Cape Verde" sea area to the east of 30°W, if opportunity for success appear low off Point Anton.  Concentration of traffic probably in the west."  We were already on the way to the new hunting ground.
		14.34		, crash dive!  An aircraft to port, biplane, flying back and forth.
		15.21		.
		16.00	ET 2712
			WSW 2, 2/10, Sea 2, Vis. 25 nm
		20.00	ET 1934
			As above, Vis. 10 nm
		24.00	ET 1919
			"     "       Vis 5 nm
		21.07.41
		04.00	ET 1862
			WNW 2, 1/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	ET 1854
		12.00	ET 1792	Day's run:    153 nm
			W 3, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 25 nm	total:  7122 nm
				of that    122.5 nm
		16.00	ET 4121
		17.23		, crash dive for training.
		17.33		.
		20.00	ES 6336
			SW 2, 6/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 10 nm
		24.00	ES 6328
		22.07.41
		04.00	ES 6341
			W 2-3, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	ES 6255
		12.00	ES 6247	Day's run:    155 nm
			SWbyW 4, 7/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm	total:  7277 nm
				of that   123.5 nm
		16.00	ES 6186
		20.00	ES 6178	New course 270°.
		24.00	ES 6413
			SWbyW 2, 2/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 5 nm
		23.07.41
		04.00	ES 5632
			SWbyW 3, 2/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 13 nm
		08.00	ES 5622
		12.00	ES 5611	Day's run:    148 nm
			SW 4, 4/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm	total:  7425 nm
				of that   123.5 nm
		16.00	ES 5523
		20.00	ES 5513
			SW 4, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 5 nm, rain squalls
		24.00	ES 5432

	Sun and Moon Data 20.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.07.41

	- 30 -
		24.07.41
		04.00	ES 5422
			SW 3, 9/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	ES 5412
			NW 3, 7/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 10 nm
		12.00	ES 4631	Day's run:    120 nm
				total:  7545 nm
				of that   123.5 nm
		16.00	ES 4621
			SW 2-3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm
		17.55		, crash dive for training.
		18.11		.
		20.00	ES 4533	New course 310°.
		24.00	ES 4286
			WSW 2-3, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm
		25.07.41
		04.00	ES 4249
			SW 2-3, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm
		08.00	ES 4139
		12.00	ES 4123	Day's run:    140 nm
			WSW 4, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm	total:  7685 nm
				of that  124.5 nm
		16.00	ES 1773
		18.46		Smoke cloud bearing 235°T, turned to close.
		20.00	ER 3993	On old course 310°, probably an illusion, because today and during the last days there were peculiar swelling clouds on the horizon.  Nothing more was seen up to darkness.
			WSW 2-3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm
		24.00	ER 3961
		26.07.41
		04.00	ER 3924
			WbyS 2, 6/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	ES 1472	After 4 days a 54 nm correction in direction 80° after a navigation fix.
		12.00	ER 3661	Day's run:    137 nm
			SSW 1, 7/10, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm	total:  7822 nm
				of that   124.5 nm
		16.00	ER 3624
		20.00	ER 3267
			WbyN 1, 5/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 10 nm
		24.00	ER 3219
		27.07.41
		04.00	EH 9799
			W 1-2, 4/10, Sea 1, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	EH 9758
		10.00	EH 9751	Both engines stopped.  As a substitute for the Crossing-the-Line Ceremony party was organized on board.  A shark was caught at midday.
			SSW 1, 2/10, Sea 1, Vis. 20 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 24.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.07.41

	- 31 -
		continued:
		27.07.41
				In the afternoon there was a big sports meet with sack races, egg-and-spoon race, sausage grab, various boat relay races etc.   The stern was found out to be an ideal wave pool in the swell.  Afterwards prize distribution.  In the afternoon a smoke cloud was sighted which proved to be the same illusion as on 25 July.  It has become apparent that such an onboard festival, during a longer patrol, particularly if for some weeks there was no further success, had a refreshing and stimulating effect on the entire crew.
				Day's run:    143 nm
				total:  7965 nm
				of that   124.5 nm
		20.00	EH 9745	New course 60°, began delayed return transit with 85 cbm.
			NNE 1, 6/10, Sea 0-1, Vis. 15 nm
		23.09		2 lights on the horizon for about 3 seconds bearing 160°T.  Closed at high speed, because it must be a darkened ship, which was briefly lighted through negligence.
		24.00	EH 9756	Because nothing could be seen and a search in the dark night promises little success, on old course 60°.
			SO 1, 8/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 3 nm, rain squalls
		28.07.41
		04.00	EH 9817
			NO 2, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 3 nm
		04.27		A distinct light on the horizon again for a longer time bearing 330°T.  Closed at high speed.  Possibly it is the same steamer steering a northerly course.
		05.00		Course 10°, running at 10 knots, to possibly see a cloud of smoke when it gets light.
		08.00	EH 9571
			NEbyE 2, 10/10, Sea 1, Vis. 6 nm, rain squalls	Nothing seen, low visibility, many rain showers, again on course 60°.
		12.00	EH 9555	Day's run:    115 nm
			NNE 4, 7/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm	total:  8080 nm
				of that   124 nm
		16.00	EH 9539
		18.24		, test dive.
		18.40		.
		20.00	EH 9613
			ENE 2, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm
		24.00	EH 9392	New course 310°.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.07.41

	- 32 -
		29.07.41
		04.00	EH 9352
			NW 1-2, 4/10, Sea 1, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	EH 9311
		12.00	EH 6894	Day's run:    151 nm
			N 1, 7/10, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm	total:  8231 nm
				of that   125 nm
				A convoy detected by U-371 to the east of the Azores seems to be approaching on southerly courses.  Although it is still 1500 nm away, I proceed on steep legs to the north to join 4 southern boats positioned to the north of me which also run towards the convoy.
		16.00	EH 6846
		20.00	EH 6736
			NE 3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm
		22.28		Sent position Short Signal:  "EH 67".
		24.00	EH 6489	New course 50°.
			NEbyE 3, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 5 nm
		30.07.41
		04.00	EH 6469
		08.00	EH 6541
			NNE 3, 8/10, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm
		12.00	EH 6524	Day's run:    150 nm
				total:  8381 nm
				of that   125 nm
		16.00	EH 6297
			NE 4, 4/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm
		20.00	EH 6347
		24.00	EH 6324	New course 0°, because down here there is no traffic, I proceed according to the orders for other southern boats also to the north.  The U-371 convoy appears to have disbanded, so that on 2 August independent steamers are to be expected.
			NNE 3, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 6 nm
		31.07.41
		04.00	EH 3981
		08.00	EH 3927
		12.00	EH 3684	Day's run:    138 nm
			NNE 3, 8/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm	total:  8519 nm
				of that   125 nm
		16.00	EH 3651
		20.00	EH 3387	Begin transfer of 4 over deck torpedoes below deck.
			NNE 2, 3/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 8 nm, moonshine
		23.39		Transfer ended.  Gear stowed.  Despite the

Message concerning convoy as recorded in U-371's KTB

		29.07.41
		18.10		Sent Radio Message 1745/29/160:
				Enemy position square CF 7624, 2 columns, zig zag on general course 200°, low speed.        "U-371"

	Sun and Moon Data 29.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 31.07.41

	- 33 -
		continued:
		31.07.41
				swells the transfer went well.  Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank VI was converted to a ballast tank and blown.  The boat came 10 cm higher forward.  On opening the torpedo hatch only small splashes entered.  The transfer was complicated and drawn out, because the boat possesses no cross-ship transportation.  The installation seems urgently required.  For more, see the torpedo report.
		24.00	EH 3351
			NNE 2, 3/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 6 nm
		01.08.41
		04.00	DS 9987
			NNE 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	DS 9954
		08.44		, test dive after torpedo transfer.
		09.03		.
		12.00	DS 9687	Day's run:    150 nm
			NE 2, 3/10, Sea 1, Vis. 25 nm	total:  8669 nm
				of that   126 nm
		16.00	DS 9654
			"
		20.00	DS 9621	New course 295°.
			"
		24.00	DS 9296
			"
		02.08.41
		04.00	DS 9258
		08.00	DS 9241	New course 0°.
			EbyN 2, 8/10, Sea 1, Vis. 10 nm
				Today on this course I must meet independent steamers from the U-371 convoy, if they steer 200° or 205°.  I have plotted separate speeds of 9-12 knots and run so that the entire day I continually cross the individual points on both courses.
		12.00	DS 6877	Day's run:    156 nm
			NNE 2, 8/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm	total:  8825 nm
				of that   126 nm
		16.00	DS 6761
			EbyN 2, 1/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	DS 6494	Unfortunately nothing sighted the entire day.
		21.18		Sent Short Signal:  "No traffic"
				"       "         "   :  "Moved my operations area to DG."  For the following reasons operations area is moved:

	Sun and Moon Data 31.07.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.08.41

	- 34 -
		continued:
		02.08.41
				1.)  Because for 1 month no enemy ships sighted, I suppose that independent traffic runs farther to the west.  However, the intersection of N-S traffic and SE-NW traffic is in the eastern part of square DG.
				2)  In square DG I have a starting position to operate on reported Gibraltar convoys or southbound convoys, if any are detected by the 8 boats established in CF und DH.
		24.00	DS 6438
		03.08.41
		04.00	DS 6195
			NE 2-3, 5/10, Sea 2, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	DS 6138	On course 30°.
		12.00	DS 3877	Day's run:    156 nm
			EbyN 3-4, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm	total:  8981 nm
				of that   126 nm
		16.00	DS 3846
		20.00	DS 3823
			EbyN 3-4, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm
		24.00	DS 3568
		04.08.41
		04.00	DS 3617
			EbyN 1, 8/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 4 nm
		08.00	DS 3384
		09.03		, crash dive for training.
		09.12		.
		12.00	DS 3353	Day's run:    155 nm
			EbyN 3-4, 8/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm	total:  9136 nm
				of that   127 nm
		16.00	DS 3323
		20.00	DG 8972
			ENE 2-3, 2/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm
		24.00	DG 8919
		05.08.41
		04.00	DG 8685
		08.00	DG 8664
			ENE 2-3, 3/10, Sea 2, Vis. 25 nm
		12.00	DG 8632	Day's run:    154 nm
			NEbyE 2, 3/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 20 nm	total:  9290 nm
				of that   127 nm
		16.00	DG 9171
			EbyN 2, 4/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	DG 9116
		24.00	DG 6782
			NE 3, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 02.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.08.41

	- 35 -
		06.08.41
		04.00	DG 6753
		07.58	DG 6732	Smoke cloud bearing 45°T.  Positioned clearly on the horizon, had quickly grown, and shifted quickly.  Closed at high speed.  A heavy rain squall moved past to port.  No new smoke cloud was seen.
			NEbyE 2-3, 9/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 15 nm
			2 water spouts
		08.14		Astern the same phenomenon.  This time it was closer and clear to see that these were water spouts which looked deceptively similar to a cloud of smoke at greater range.  Afterwards, in spite of good visibility after nothing more was seen ahead.
		08.30		Again on course 30°, one engine LF.
		12.00	DG 6547	Day's run:    154 nm
			ENE 2-3, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm	total:  9444 nm
				of that   127 nm
		14.00		Cleaned the artillery, fired 10 shots from the 3.7 cm canon.
		16.00	DG 6516
		20.00	DG 6282
			ENE 4, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm
		24.00	DG 6237
		07.08.41
		04.00	DG 3899
			ENE 3-4, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	DG 3945
		12.00	DG 3921	Day's run:    146 nm
			EbyN 4-5, 7/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 15 nm	total:  9590 nm
				of that   127 nm
				Because a convoy from Gibraltar is expected tomorrow, I decide to run to the NE to meet it, and to operate on the directions for boats established off Gibraltar.  I have the advantage of proceeding at economical speed to the supposed meeting place in the southeastern part of CF, and then  with contact to operate on the convoy with 11 torpedoes under deck and approximately 35 cbm of fuel reserve.
		16.00	DG 3943
			ENE 4-5, 9/10, Sea 4, Vis. 15 nm
		20.00	DG 3926
		24.00	DG 3698
			EbyN 3-4, 5/10, Sea 3, Vis. 5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 06.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.08.41

	- 36 -
		08.08.41
		04.00	DH 1475
		08.00	DH 1457
			EbyN 9/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 15 nm
		11.22		, test dive.
		11.48		.
		12.00	DH 1461	Day's run:    119 nm
			ENE 3-4, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm	total:  9709 nm
				of that   127 nm
		16.00	DH 1433
		20.00	DH 1278
		24.00	DH 1282
			ENE 4, 9/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 5 nm
		09.08.41
		04.00	DH 1265
		08.00	DH 1318
			ENE 5, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00	DH 1324	Day's run:   124.5 nm
				total:  9834 nm
				of that   129 nm
				The clocks on board were again advanced to D.G.Z.  From now times in the KTB are again in D.G.Z.
		16.00	CF 8889
			ENE 4, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm
		20.00	CF 8893
		24.00	CF 8949
			NE 3-4, 9/10, Sea 3, Vis. 3 nm
		10.08.41
		04.00	CF 8953
		08.00	CF 8956
			NE 4, 10/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 8 nm
		12.00	CF 9478	Day's run:   126.5 nm
				total:   9961 nm
				of that    129 nm
				New course 80°, both engines HF.  I operate on Gibraltar convoy on the basis of the first report of U-79.  Distance 550 nm.
		16.00	CF 9488
			NE 4-5, 7/10, Sea 4, Vis. 15 nm
		20.00	CF 9574	New course 70°.
		24.00	CF 9567
			NE 5, 7/10, Sea 4, Vis. 4 nm	Both engines 300 revolutions.
		11.08.41
		04.00	CF 9643
		08.00	CF 9633
			NE 5-6, 9/10, Sea 5, Vis. 10 nm
		12.00	CG 7186	Day's run:      221 nm
				total:  10182 nm
				of that      129 nm

Messages concerning convoy as recorded in U-79's KTB

		10.08.41
		14.01		Signal:  Convoy in sight square [CG] 8661.
		15.00		Signal:  The correct position of the convoy is square [CG] 8626, course 290°, speed 6 knots.
		15.08		Signal: was forced off by destroyer.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.08.41

	- 37 -
		continued:
		11.08.41
		14.00		New course 30°, both engines HF.
		16.00	CG 7167
			NE 5, 8/10, Sea 4, Vis. 8 nm
		20.00	CG 7134
		24.00	CG 4849
			NE 4, 4/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 3 nm
		12.08.41
		04.00	CG 4825
		07.45		, test dive.
		08.00	CG 4591
			NNE 5-6, 6/10, Sea 5, Vis. 10 nm
		08.12		.
		12.00	CG 4612	Day's run:      199 nm
			NNE 6, 4/10, Sea 5, Vis. 15 nm	total:  10391 nm
				of that      131 nm
				New course 120°.  Positioned ahead of the convoy according to the reports from U-93, U-94 and U-331.
		13.30		Came to 330°.
		14.00		By request of B.d.U. to all boats, sent position Short Signal:  "CG 4613".  Was confirmed by serial number without contents from B.d.U.
		16.00	CG 4378	New course 290°.
		17.15		"Condor" in sight ahead to port.
		18.20		"Condor" bearing 208°.  New course 240°.
				Sent signal:  "CG 4296, 208°".  Convoy position according to bearing CG 4556.  Convoy must come in sight at 22.00 hours.
		20.00	CG 4531	Course 245°.
			NbyE 5, 4/10, Sea 4-5, Vis. 20 nm
		20.30		Detonation heard to port.
		21.27	CG 4534	Smoke cloud to port, thereafter a destroyer target angle 0°.  It must be at the head of the convoy, according to the bearing at 18.20 hours: 300°, it must be running at 6.5 knots.  Sent reconnaissance report.  Destroyer forces me off.  Reported by radio signal.
		21.45		Destroyer turns away again.  Pursued at 220°.
		22.50		U-boat ahead to starboard.  Exchanged Recognition Signals.  Went alongside U-126.  Had also sighted smoke cloud and destroyer.  Decided to pursue in 190° and 200°.

Message concerning convoy as recorded in U-94's KTB

		11.08.41
		15.15		Radio signal sent:  Enemy convoy in sight square [CG] 5876, steering westerly course, running at slow speed.        "U-94"

Message concerning convoy as recorded in U-331's KTB

		12.08.41
		02.00		Radio Message 0200:  Enemy convoy in sight square [CG] 5477.  Escort positioned ahead of the convoy.  Enemy steers NW-course.        U-331.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.08.41

	- 38 -
		continued:
		12.08.41
		22.30	CG 4518	Destroyer in sight to port.  Suspect at the head of the convoy.  Closed on a curve to port to meet the convoy. Destroyer ran at low speed on changing courses.  Nothing seen.  I recognize that I passed by behind the rear of the convoy.  Pursued in 300°.
		24.00	CG 4542
			NNE 4-5, 8/10, Sea 4, Vis. 2 nm
		13.08.41
		04.00	CG 4434
			NNE 4-5, 9/10, Sea 4, Vis. 3 nm
		07.00		On the basis of U-331 report on course 350°.  The convoy must come into sight at 10.00 hours.  Position strikes me as too far to the north, U-331 report was also on the basis of noon navigation fix.  Therefore I went past ahead.
		08.00	CG 4175
		08.43		U-boat in sight astern.  Recognition signals exchanged.  U-126 has not seen anything.  Went to KF.  U-126 came alongside.  We have a navigation discrepancy of 10 nm.  Bearing signal detected 323°, probably an Italian.  Decided to pursue in 310° and 320°.
		12.00	CG 4112	Day's run:      210 nm
			NNE 4, 8/10, Sea 3-4, Vis. 15 nm	total:  10592 nm
				of that      131 nm
		14.00		Came to course 270°, because I suspect the convoy is more to the south.
		14.30		On the basis of the Italian report new course 230°.  I understand that U-126 also goes to about 200°.
		15.40		Exact navigation fix square CF 3985.
		16.12		Astern to port a "Condor".  Circles over U-126, before 20 minutes lost from sight in that direction.  Exchange of recognition signals observed.  Flew off to the south.  Subsequently came to course 180°.  Shortly thereafter U-126 reports"  "Was forced off by destroyer."
		16.15	NNE 4-5, 5/10, Sea 4, Vis. 12 nm	Ahead to port a "Condor", it circles and also flies off to the south.  It must have been with U-371.  Bearing signals bearing 144°.  In the mean time

Message concerning convoy as recorded in U-331's KTB

		13.08.41
		06.43		Radio Signal: (06.30) Enemy convoy in sight.  Enemy steers 310°.  Square {CG] 4155.       U-331.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.08.41

	- 39 -
		continued:
		13.08.41
				both "Condors" in sight about 5-6000 meters off.  Therefore, the position according to the bearing must lie to the north of the convoy.
		16.44		"Condor" circles over the boat and gives bearing signals over the entire scale.  Despite good visibility nothing is seen.  Because the aircraft provides no distance and bearing of the enemy, a false picture arises.  Flies of at 150°.  I follow.
		16.52		Abeam to port anti-aircraft fire.  Suspect that I am ahead of the convoy, came to courwse 130°.
		17.00		Ahead heavy anti-aircraft fire, two smoke clouds sighted.  A "Condor" flies from the direction to port where I suspect U-126 is.
		17.17	CF 6322	"Condor" throws a bomb.  Explosion column observed on the horizon.  Detonation heard.  "Condor" flies to us.
		17.20		Circles over the boat and sends: "Enemy in sight in direction 180°." by flashing light according to the LM-Tafel. [Luftwaffe 3-leter signal table]  Farther gives after F.Au.T. [Aircraft Reconnaissance table], could not be deciphered, because the tables on board are only in effect up to 15 July.  Continually flies off in direction of the convoy and back again to us, circling constantly around the boat.
		17.20		Destroyer in sight target angle 0°.  I put him astern bearing 200°T. "Condor" remains continually around the boat.  It is exasperating.  He does not seem to notice how he is giving away our position.  As glad as I was as an airman when  I first heard the noise of the engines, I curse him now as an U-boat driver.  Destroyer comes further out, has a long pennant in the masthead.
		17.35	CF 6324	, crash dive!  To depth T = 65 meters [actual depth 130 meters], course 270° ran off at GF.  After 10 minutes to silent speed.  Nothing heard.  After one hour during which nothing is heard, I suppose that the destroyer was content forcing us to submerge and returned to the convoy.

Sun and Moon Data 13.08.41

	- 40 -
		continued:
		13.08.41
		18.50	CF 6316 - 6324	Went to depth T = 20 meters [actual depth 40 meters] heard sound locating there.  Immediately went deep.  Destroyer runs in and the first series arrives when we are at depth T = 60 meters.  [actual depth 120 meters] Not too bad.  Remained deep between depth T = 75 meters [actual depth 150 meters] and depth = 85 meters.  [actual depth 170 meters] 2 destroyers are above.  7 accurate approaches, 5-6 times 3 depth charges each.  2 blind approaches.  A total of 126 depth charges of which 39 were very respectable. I have to praise them, they have done their job well.  Neat precision work.  The most unpleasant situation was when during a series at depth T = 85 meters [actual depth 170 meters] the following failures occurred at once:   Both E-motors, gyro-compass, magnetic compass, control room, bow room and stern room depth meter, engine telegraphs, rudder indicator.  By the next series the E-motors and gyro-compass were working again.   Also the depth meter in the control room.  At times there were very strong vibrations in the boat.  Both E-motors failed again when the automatic battery switch failed.  The water level glass burst in regulating and reserve fuel oil tank I starboard, which was being used as a deep pumping tank at 16 atmospheres excess pressure.  Because the valve was very difficult to move, the pressure rose greatly in the boat.  The boat was heavily down by the stern due to leaking of the stern tubes.  During each depth charge series this was pumped out and trimmed forward.  The technical staff worked calmly and carefully to correct the malfunctions.
		24.00	CF 6322
		14.08.41		Last depth charges 21.50 hours, last sound locating 22.30 hours.  Because it is still very dark now, I decide to surface quickly.   The high overpressure was equalized through the diesel air mast.
		00.05		.  Nothing seen.  Course 320°.  Because both shafts beat strongly and loudly, and all

	Sun and Moon Data 13.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.08.41

	- 41 -
		continued:
		14.08.41		damage is still not fully surveyed, I am only capable of 10 knots.  Sent Radio Message on the position of the convoy at 16.45 hours and "Condor" experience.
		02.15		Both diesels have lost 300 liters of lubricating oil each, which ran into the bilge.  Apparently leakage in the lubricating oil collecting tanks.  Proceeding with one E-motor KF, because the battery is quite empty sent Radio Message concerning engine breakdown.
		04.00	CF 3976
			NNE 3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	CF 3972	I suppose while I was submerged the convoy made a course change to 30°.  This corresponds to the location reported by U-124 and me.  Because a new Italian report - with west course was received , I operate on course 330°.
		09.00		Breakdown repaired.  Both diesels 300 revolutions.
		12.00	CF 3837	Day's run:        86 nm
			N 2-3, 8/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm	total:  10678 nm
				of that      150 nm
		15.45		"Condor" ahead to starboard very high, flies to port.  Gives recognition signal by Vartalamp.  Because I am again positioned near the convoy did not answer.
		16.00	CF 3581
			NNW 2-3, 7/10, Sea 1-2, Vis. 15 nm
		18.30		New course 270°, on the basis of position of the convoy in CF 2925 according to B-Dienst [Radio Intercept Service] report.
		20.00	CF 3438
			NW 3-4, 9/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm
		24.00	CF 3418
			WNW 2, 5/10, Sea 2, Vis. 3 nm
		15.08.41
		04.00	CF 2627
			NNW 4, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 3 nm
		06.30		New course 320°, heading to ordered area to arrive at 11.00.  Believe it is too far to the west.
		08.00	CF 2523
		11.00		Positioned at ordered point.  Received new Radio Message concerning new position line at 11.00 hours.  Proceeding on course 45°.  Can be at the appropriate point at 17.00 hours continue to operate on general course 330°.
		11.25		"Condor" in sight ahead.  Flying high.  Recognition signals exchanged.  Flies to the west.

Message from B.d.U. concerning convoy as recorded in U-371's KTB

		14.08.41
		18.30		Radio Message 1745/14/177:  From B.d.U.:  "Convoy positioned according to B-Dienst 1700 hours in CF 2925, continue to operate on it."

	Sun and Moon Data 14.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.08.41

	- 42 -
		continued:
		15.08.41
		12.00	CF 2254	Day's run:      250 nm
				total:  10928 nm
				of that      150 nm
		13.52		"Condor" astern to starboard.  Flying low, to the east.  Probably  the same aircraft on return flight no bearing signals heard.
		16.00	CF 3215
		17.00		New course 330°.
		18.11		U-124 in sight ahead to starboard.
		18.30		Alongside.  U-124 wants to operate on the report of U-371 from this morning.  At the same time receive Radio Message about new position line at 20.00 hours.  Heading for both our points.   Came to course 220°.  Because my point is 88 nm away, I can hardly reach the ordered point by 20.00 hours.
		20.00	CF 2236	For early tomorrow a new patrol line is ordered which I can reach at the correct time.
			NbyW 3-4, 7/10, Sea 3, Vis. 15 nm
		24.00	CF 2282	New course 260°.
		16.08.41
		04.00	CF 2194
			NNW 4, 4/10, Sea 3, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	CF 1626
		08.04		, test dive.
		08.24		.
		10.00		Positioned in ordered patrol line.  Have covered the gap caused by the failure of U-371.  New course 340°.
		11.30		Course 200°.
		12.00	CF 1612	Day's run:      233 nm
			NbyW 2-3, 1/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm	total:  11161 nm
				of that      151 nm
		14.00		Course 340°.
		16.00	CF 1533
		20.00	CF 1265	Course 45°, in accordance with Radio Message from B.d.U. after nightfall dismissed, free to maneuver according to fuel inventory.  Because I have 24 cbm remaining, I report return transit.
			SWbyW 3-4, 6/10, Sea 3, Vis. 20 nm
		22.00		Course 75°.  One engine LF.
		24.00	CF 1319
			WbyS 3, 8/10, Sea 2, Vis. 3 nm

Message from B.d.U. concerning convoy as recorded in U-371's KTB

		15.08.41
		18.10		Radio Message 1722/15/102:  From B.d.U.:  "From 20.00 in previous order take position in line square CF 2725 to 2245.  B.d.U. suspects convoy here or to the east."

Message from B.d.U. concerning convoy as recorded in U-371's KTB

		15.08.41
		20.45		Radio Message 1836/15/104:  From B.d.U.:  "After darkness in previously ordered line set off, occupy patrol line from CF 1623 to CE 3692 on 16 Aug.  Order from NE to SW.  Driver before 08.00 hours, Hardegen before 10.00 hours, Bauer before 13.00 hours, Schulz before 15.00."

	Sun and Moon Data 15.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.08.41

	- 43 -
		17.08.41
		04.00	CF 1332
		08.00	BE 7899
			NW 3, 5/10, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm
		12.00	BE 7956	Day's run:      225 nm
				total:  11386 nm
				of that      151 nm
		16.00	BE 7983
			NW 5, 5/10, Sea 4, Vis. 12 nm
		20.00	BE 7969
		24.00	BE 8746
			NWbyN 3, 6/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 3 nm
		18.08.41
		04.00	BE 8753
			NW 4, 4/10, Sea 3, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	BE 8739
		12.00	BE 8816	Day's run:      139 nm
			NbyW 3, 7/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm	total:  11525 nm
				of that      151 nm
		16.00	BE 8834
		20.00	BE 8911
			NW 2, 4/10, Sea 2, Vis. 20 nm
		21.00		The U-201 convoy seems to come down on southerly courses.   Because the possibility exists to approach tomorrow evening, I come to course 0° and run towards it.
		24.00	BE 8672
		19.08.41
		04.00	BE 8618
			NW 3, 9/10, Sea 2, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	BE 8378
		12.00	BE 8345	Day's run:      139 nm
			WNW 2-3, 5/10, Sea 2, Vis. 15 nm	total:  11664 nm
				of that      151 nm
		14.20		Aircraft bearing signal 5°T.  Sent radio signal.  Aircraft replied with only:  "aaa r4q".  No bearings received from other boats.  After 2 hours bearing signals were heard again from another aircraft, but so weakly, that bearings were impossible.  Also, no bearings were reported by other boats.
		16.00	BE 5978
		17.00		On the basis of new contact keeper reports I go to 300 revolutions and must be at the convoy's position at 23.00.  However, I have only 1.5 tons of fuel oil for attack.

Message concerning convoy as recorded in U-201's KTB

		17.08.41
		21.56		Sent 1st contact keeper report:  "Enemy convoy in sight square AL 9379, steering SW course.  U-201" (2131/17/151/224)

	Sun and Moon Data 17.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.08.41

	- 44 -
		continued:
		19.08.41
		20.00	BE 5919
			NW 3-4, 4/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 15 nm
		22.00		New course 30°.
		23.00		"         "     90°,  I am positioned in the same 6 nm square as the convoy according to report from U-201 at 23.00 hours.   The convoy must therefore be located within our navigation difference.   Unfortunately, the visibility is miserable, 1-2 nm, very dark, light rain, obscured horizon.  A meeting would be pure luck.  Why couldn't the visibility be as good as yesterday?
		24.00	BE 5681
			NW 2, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm, rain
		20.08.41
		00.00		Came to course 180° at 7.5 knots.  I run along at the reported course and speed.  I suspect that the convoy is still to the north of me.  The last hope is that we see the hit effects from an attack by U-201 and thereby the position.  There is not enough fuel to search any longer and has there is little prospect of success with the current visibility.  Because the sound locator is only limitedly operational and I have no air for diving due to the breakdown of both air compressors, also I can take no sound bearings.
		02.00		Broke off.  Course 85°, one engine LF.  Continued return transit.  14 cbm.  1 hour more, then I would get in sight by day!
		04.00	BE 5689
			WNW 3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm
		08.00	BE 6477
		12.00	BE 6487	Day's run:      182 nm
			W 4, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 4 nm, rain	total:  11846 nm
				of that      151 nm
		14.15		Aircraft bearing signals bearing 247°T.  Sent radio signal.  15.40 hours.
		15.40		By B.d.U. request, bearing signals received bearing 227°.  Sent radio signal.
		16.00	BE 6495	New course 90°.
			W 5, 10/10, Sea 4, Vis. 5 nm

Message concerning convoy as recorded in U-201's KTB

		19.08.41
		23.19		Sent 15th contact keeper report:  "BE 5657, course 180.        U-201.  (2258/19/117)

	Sun and Moon Data 19.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.08.41

	- 45 -
		continued:
		20.08.41
		20.00	BE 6575
			W 3-4, 10/10, Sea 3, Vis. 4 nm
		24.00	BE 6586
		21.08.41
		04.00	BE 6674
		08.00	BE 6684
			WNW 3-4, 10/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 8 nm
		12.00	BE 6695	Day's run:      144 nm
				total:  11990 nm
				of that      151 nm
		16.00	BF 4712
			WNW 1-2, 10/10, Sea 1, Vis. 3 nm
		20.00		BF 4723
		24.00		BF 4733
		22.08.41
		04.00	BF 4821
			NE 2-3, 10/10, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm
		07.35		I sailing vessel astern to starboard, 1 white lifeboat keel up.
		08.00	BF 4832
		12.00	BF 4913	Day's run:      154 nm
			ESE 2, 10/10, Sea 1, Vis. 8 nm	total:  12144 nm
				of that      151 nm
		1335		1 sailing vessel ahead to port.
		13.50		4 aircraft directly ahead, southerly course.
		16.00	BF 4923
		18.30		Several sailing vessels to port, 1 outbound U-boat.
		20.00	BF 5817	new course 70°, both engines 2 x HF
			SE 1, 8/10, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm
		24.00	BF 5599
		23.08.41
		02.30		At Point Ceder a large dimmed vessel avoided, steered a zig zag course on the route at high speed.  Several small shadows nearby.  It turned out in the morning, it was a mine searching flotilla.  On the route it is again teeming with fishermen.
		04.00	BF 6452
		06.45		Positioned at Luzie 2, taken in convoy.
		09.10		Lorient, made fast alongside "ISÈRE".
				Total:  260 nm
				12404 nm were covered in 10 weeks during the patrol, of which 151 were submerged.
				Kptlt. and Kmdt. U-123

	Sun and Moon Data 20.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.08.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.08.41

	- 46 -
				L e s s o n s  L e a r n e d .
		I. General:             At the present time, operating a single southern boat in the wide sea area promises little chance of success, because the sea area is too large and traffic too widely scattered.  It is believed that south of 23°N the traffic runs further than 30°W to the west.  For example, this is supported by the course of the "AUDITOR", which at 26°N and 29°W steered a general course of 215°.             Operating off African harbors is promising, if the U.S.A. issue is clarified.  For example, with direct advance, IX B boats could operate approximately three weeks off Freetown without supply, IX C boats appropriately longer.             Adjusting to the climate takes place relatively quickly.  Temperatures in southern boats were bearable due to the room fans.  Taking a doctor on southern boats proved to be advantageous.             Difficulties at higher speed settings were reported by other southern boats.   This did not occur because we have no spark arrester installed.  With 29°C outboard water temperature exhaust gas temperatures above the permissible level did not occur.  The installed sprinkler spark arrester proved itself, because at night the steam cloud is acceptable.     II. Cooperation with "Condor" aircraft.             As long as the aircraft can still be seen by the convoy or remote escort, it may not fly about the submarine in close circles and indicate the bearing of the submarine by patrolling in the direction of the convoy.  The location of the submarines will be betrayed by this.  In 13 August it was observed how destroyers were drawn to U-126, afterwards to us.  Although aircraft had to recognize that we ran off at high speed from the destroyer, it continually circled around us and gave by flashing light location of the convoy which we already had in sight.  The destroyer had to recognize our location perfectly, particularly when every now and then the aircraft flew in the direction of the convoy, was fired upon there with anti-aircraft armament and then came back to us and circled.  Otherwise, it would have been possible for us to escape on the surface unseen by the destroyer, because we were difficult to see on the horizon with the heavy rough sea, and to continue to hold contact

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		on the convoy.  It might have been more appropriate for the aircraft to attack the destroyer with bombs as he did once and distract it from the U-boat.  Position U-boats much further away from the convoy, so that aircraft can no longer be seen by the convoy (at least 25 nm) then the method would still be useful.  The aircraft can then send more detailed information by Morse communications.             Distance and bearing to the enemy was never given with the bearing signals from the aircraft.  This is required at all costs.  In one case the "Condor" circled about the boat and gave, in addition, a bearing mark.  We still stood off approximately 18 nm from the convoy, and did not have him in sight yet.  Then bearings were evaluated and unavoidably resulted in the wrong convoy location.       III. Depth charge pursuit:             At crash diving the destroyer was approximately 6-7 nm away.  Ran off perpendicular to the course, after 12 minutes went to silent speed.  For 1 hour nothing took place, nothing was heard.  Believing that the destroyer had returned again to the convoy, because there were still several U-boats nearby, after 1 hour I went to periscope depth.  The destroyer had fulfilled its escort task by forcing us to submerge.  Because he knew that several submarines were located nearby which had been brought up by the peculiar "Condor", it was quite possible, that he declined an attack in the interest of close convoy protection.  It is another matter if it had been pure search group.  At depth T = 20 meters [actual depth 40 meters] suddenly heard sound locating.  Immediately went again to depth T = 65 meters. [actual depth 130 meters] At the same moment destroyer ran in and threw the first series which were well placed.  While I ran off at GF, destroyer must have come up to the diving place and stopped lying there in the hope that the U-boat would again surface if it heard nothing.   Two destroyers likely cooperated.  Because the sound locator was only partially operable, this is not certain.  The destroyer threw with every approach, approximately 5-6 times, 3 depth charges, of those one likely allowed to fall over the stern.  This was set deepest.  Both others to starboard and port thrown with mortars, set shallow.  Continuous active sonar.  Destroyer runs with uncanny precision, exactly over the boat.  Because I mostly steered at depth T = 80 meters, [actual depth 160 meters] I could not have steered much shallower. What was striking about previous

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		experiences was, that the destroyers ran in very slowly.  The beginning could barely be heard.  Continuous sound location up to throwing the depth charges.  Two times blind approaches, destroyers stops exactly above the boat and locates, probably to determine the diving depth.  Because of the slow destroyer speed, the "approach" was barely perceptible, in practice the "Herbert Schultze method" could not be applied, because immediately after completion of rudder and engine commands the throwing was heard and shortly after the detonation.       IV. Torpedo armament:                  No special experiences.       V. Artillery:                                    "        "              "        .       VI. Radio Communications:             There was always sufficient connection with the homeland on one of the three circuits.  Apart from that see Special report Radio Communications.

 

	Enclosures to U-123's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart covering entire war patrol                23 December 1941 to 8 February 1942
Operations	Combat sketch for the operations area period 13-17 January 1942
Convoy A	Combat sketch for the period 27 June - 1 July 1941
Convoy B	Combat sketch for the period 27 June - 1 July 1941

 

	Commentary of the B.d.U.
	A well executed, successful and rewarding patrol.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		The Chief of the Operations Department

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