U-123 - 9th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Robert Derencin and Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	5 December 1942	Lorient	6 February 1943	64

 

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
29 Dec 42	00.53	43°15'N, 27°35'W	BARON COCHRANE	3,385	British	ONS-154
29 Dec 42	05.00	43°09'N, 27°15'W	EMPIRE SHACKLETON (damaged)	7,068	British	ONS-154
			Total = 10,453
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				of Unterseebootes "U 123"
				10th Patrol.
				Beginning:  5.6.1942
				Ending:       6.2.1943
			Time:          D.G.Z.
			All naval squares
			Patrol in accordance with Operations Order 53
			Kommandant:  Oblt.z.S. v. Schroeter
			Distribution:  2 x O.K.M.
				1 x B.d.U.
				1 x Kmdr.Adm.d.Uboote.
				1 x 2.Uflottille.
				1 x 27.Uflottille.
				1 x Agru-Front.
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

		05.06.42	Stettin	Entered Stettin for major shipyard period.
		07.06.42	Stettin	Beginning of major overhaul.
		12. - 18.06.42	Ausburg	Invitation of the crew by M.A.N. to Augsburg.
		23.06.42	Stettin	Diesel installation hatch removed.
		06.07.42		Dry docked
		05.08.42		Un-docked.
		10. - 17.08.42		Diesel installation hatch installed.
		28.08.42		Dry-docked.
		15.09.42		Un-docked.
		17. - 18.09.42		Pier-side trial.
		21.09.42		Shipyard trim test.
		22. - 23.09.42		Sea trial.
		27.09.42		Shipyard completed.
		28. - 29.09.42		Outfitting.
		30.09.42		Degaussing.  Departed Stettin for the east.
		02.10.42	Hela	Entered Hela for training with the Agru-Front.
		08. - 09.10.42	Danzig	Dry docked in Danzig (Holm Shipyard) due to diving plane damage.
		11.10.42	Hela	Released from the Agrufront at Hela to the 25.U-Flottille Danzig for torpedo firing.
		15.10.42	Danzig	Battery overcharging.
		17.10.42		Released from the 25. U-Flottille Danzig to the 27. U-Flottille Gotenhafen for tactical training.
		31.10.42	Gotenhafen	Released from the 27. U-Flottille for Stettin for final adjustments and outfitting.
		01.11.42	Stettin	Entered Stettin.
		03.11.42		Dry docked.
				05.06.-03.11.42

		17.11.42	Stettin	Un-docked.
		19.11.42		Dry docked and un-docked, pier-side trial.
		20.11.42		Shipyard trim test.
		21.11.42		Sea trial.
		22.11.42		Overcharging, shipyard completed.
		23.11.42		Torpedo loading.
		24.11.42		Ammunition loading.
		24 - .25.11.42		Provisions loading.
		25.11.42		Fuel oil loading.
		26.11.42		Degaussing, took over the boat.
		27.11.42		Departed Stettin for Rönne and Kiel.
		28.11. - 30.11.42	Rönne	Sound trials.
		01.12.42	Kiel	Entered Kiel.
		01. - 04.12.42	Kiel	[illegible word]
				17.11. - 04.12.42

	- 1 -
		05.12.42	Western Baltic
		08.00	WSW 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. medium	Cast off from Kiel on 10th war patrol.
		11.29		Taken in convoy, transit on Route Red through the Great Belt.
		12.00	AO 7495	Day's run:   = 36 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 54°44.4'N
			λ = 10°46.5'E
		16.00	AO 7517
		20.00	AO 7195
		22.59	AO 7241	Anchored at anchorage "E", because the gear of the escort vessels is out of service.
		06.12.42	Samsö Belt
		09.12	AO 7241	Raised anchor, continued in convoy.
			N 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 8 nm
		12.00	AO 7216	Day's run:   = 107.8 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 56°14'N
			λ = 11°21'E
		16.00	AO 4873
		20.00	AO 4819
		07.12.42	Kattegat
		00.00	AO 4571	Transit in convoy.
			NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm
		04.00	AO 4436
		08.00	AO 4428
		12.00	AN 3633	Day's run:   = 175.9 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 58°06'N
			λ = 9°20'E
		16.00	AN 3624
		18.30		Made fast in Kristiansand, took on fuel and water.
		08.12.42	Southern Norway
		07.00	SSW 8, Sea 5-6, overcast, rain, Vis. low	Cast off from Kristiansand.  Due to weather no escort possible, came about.  Trim test.
		10.00		Again made fast.
				Day's run:   = 62 nm, = 1 nm.
		09.12.42	Skagerrak
		10.17	SSW 3, Sea 2-3, fog, Vis. 1 nm changing	Cast off Kristiansand, transit in convoy.
		12.00	AN 3617	Day's run:   = 20 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 57°57.6'N
			λ = 7°42'E

	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42

	- 2 -
		continued
		09.12.42
		14.24	AN 3529	Released from convoy ran off through barrier and own U-boat hunting area on course 270° and 2 x HF (14 knots).
		16.00	AN 3527
		19.00	AN 3429	New course 325°, LF diesel-electric (6.5 knots).
		20.00	AN 3426
		10.12.42	West of southern Norway
		00.00	AN 3184
			SW 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, light marine phosphorescence
		04.00	AN 3141
		08.00	AN 4332
		08.20		Crash dive for training.  New course 350°.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.  Deep dive attempt to depth A +70 meters.  After some tightening, everything holds tight.
		12.00	AN 2895	Day's run:   = 158.5 nm, = 9.2 nm.
			φ = 59°14.5'N
			λ = 3°44.5'E
		16.00	AN 2867
		17.03		Surfaced.  Course 350°, LF diesel-electric.
		20.00	AN 2837
		11.12.42	Shetland-Bergen Narrows
		00.00	AN 2386
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, medium marine phosphorescence
		04.00	AM 2328
		08.00	AF 8775
		09.00		Crash dive for training.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AF 8748	Day's run:   = 100.7 nm, = 21.5 nm.
			φ = 61°15.5'N
			λ = 3°01'E
		16.00	AF 8741
		16.35		Surfaced.  Course 350°, LF diesel-electric.
		20.00	AF 8711
		12.12.42	Northern North Sea
		00.00	AF 7666
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, light marine phosphorescence
		01.25	AF 7663	Second Watch Officer and Bridge Petty Officer see a light at low altitude above the horizon, beneath it a shadow.  Probably an aircraft, no detection.  About 02.30 hours noticed that the boat had steered an incorrect course of about 120°.  Switched over to magnetic compass.  Gyro compass replaced, the gyro compass was out of service for 4 hours.  The Engineer Officer handled quickly and energetically.
		04.00	AF 7632
		08.00	AF 7367	The first navigation fix in 3 days.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after navigation fix 345°T, 41 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.42

	- 3 -
		continued
		12.12.42
		08.49	AF 7364	Crash dive for training.  Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -20 meters, because of the low broken cloud deck and wet bridge favors surprise by air.
		12.00	AF 4958	Day's run:   = 99.5 nm, = 23 nm.
			φ = 63°57'N
			λ = 1°42.5'E
		13.00	AF 4955	New course 295°.
		16.00	AF 4954
		16.29		Surfaced.  Course 295°, LF diesel-electric.
		20.00	AF 4917
		13.12.42	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AF 4823
			NbyE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm
		04.00	AF 4575	Switched to "America 1" Circuit in accordance with Radio Message 1754/12/48.
		08.00	AF 4468	Did not dive because of the thick closed cloud cover, air surprise is hardly to be expected.
		10.47	AF 4455	New course 245°.
		12.00	AF 4457	Day's run:   = 123.5 nm, = 13.5 nm.
			φ = 64°52'N
			λ = 3°08'W
		13.10		AK exercises with diesel for surprise by air.  In so doing found 2 possibilities:
				1.  If, for example, it's night, where there is the possibility of diving early, diesel-electric to AK, then diesel with electric supplementation. Advantages: fast start, one diesel remains ready for diving, one electric motor is running on the shaft.
				2.  If prolonged maneuvering on the surface is likely, both diesels AK. Advantage: more speed. The start-up will not last much longer if you kick over the idle diesel with the running E-motor.
				In addition, in both cases you can drive the diesel with E-supplement and then on crash diving only open the clutches.
		16.00	AE 6696
		18.06	AE 6697	Crash dive for training.  The conning tower hatch is closed by an overcoming sea and the cable of the Fu.M.B. is broken.  Repairs submerged.  In so doing 2 other fractures arise. The solid wire antenna cable is very sensitive, flexible cable would be better.
		20.00	AE 6697
		20.30		Surfaced. Checked Fu.M.B reception by transmitting on 20 meters with the short wave transmitter.
		21.00		Fire in auxiliary switchboard 3 in the control room, caused by short circuit from water running from the conning tower bilge. Extinguished with dry fire extinguishers.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.42

	- 4 -
		14.12.42	North of the Faroe Islands
		00.00	AE 6916	Course 245°, LF diesel-electric.
			ENE 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm
		00.55		Crash dive for detection.  Faint, about 182 cm.
		01.33		Surfaced.
		01.50		Crash dive for same detection, louder.
		02.26		Surfaced.
		02.51		Crash dive for detection about 260 cm, very loud.  Perhaps we detected the check transmission of the short wave transmitter itself.
		04.03	AE 6917	Surfaced.  Went to HF diesel-electric (8.5 knots) so that the boat rides better before the sea and takes over less water.
		08.00	AE 6855
		09.58	AE 6849	Crash dive for training.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.
		12.00	AE 6872	Day's run:   = 121.45 nm, = 21.1 nm.
			φ = 63°54'N
			λ = 8°01'W
		16.00	AE 6871
		17.32	AE 6874	Surfaced.  Course 245°, both diesels 2 x HF (14 knots) to pass through the narrowest point.
		20.00	AE 9122
		22.30	AE 9117	New course 225°.
		15.12.42	Faroe Island Strait
		00.00	AE 8365
			SSE 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. 2 nm, high short cross Swell
		00.05		Crash dive for training.  The Fu.M.B. shaft is broken by an overcoming Sea, the cable is safe.  Repaired submerged.
		00.46	AE 8367	Surfaced.  Course 225°, HF diesel-electric (8.5 knots).  At first the boat lies better in the nasty Swell.
		04.00	AE 8388
		08.00	AE 8641
		09.42	AE 8568	Crash dive for training.  Proceeded submerged at depth A -20 meters.
				The flagstaff was fixed up with a spare Fu.M.B.
		12.00	AE 8568	Day's run:   = 163.82 nm, = 14.05 nm.
			φ = 62°06'N
			λ = 13°26'W
		16.00	AE 8594
		17.25	AE 8586	Surfaced.  Course 225°, LF diesel-electric.
		20.00	AE 8822
		16.12.42	West of the Faroe Islands
		00.00	AE 8842	About 01.30 hours the boat drives through a large oil slick for about 1/2 hour.
			SE 5, Sea 4, 8/10, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, medium Swell, rain showers
		03.17	AE 8793	In accordance with Radio Message 1908/15/240 sent a Short Signal weather report on alternate frequency of Radio Circuit B.
		04.00	AE 8793

	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.42

	- 5 -
		continued
		16.12.42
		06.06	AE 8797	Because the Short Signal weather report was still not confirmed, sent once again on Ireland Circuit.
		08.00	AL 3232	After 4 days a celectial navigation fix again.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 56°T, 32 nm.
		12.00	AL 3233	Day's run:   = 120.25 nm, = 16.5 nm.
			φ = 60°48'N
			λ = 15°46'W
		16.00	AL 3256
		16.05	AL 3258	Crash dive for detection, 260 cm.  Dull vibrating tone.   A short time before the Fu.M.B. was back in service, now after a dive the one wire is broken again. A protracted search begins, this is the 4th time!
		20.00	AL 3281
		20.24	AL 3273	Surfaced.  Course 225°, LF diesel-electric.
		21.46		Incoming Radio Message 1853/16/273:  1., . . . U-123 send radiosonde reports.  2.  New objective for U-123 . . . . . is naval square AL 72.
		17.12.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 3277	New course 210°.
			ESE 5-7, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. 3 nm, high Swell	After the first balloon went up on its own and the second burst by striking against the hull, came to course 290° both diesels HF (12 knots) for a short time to launch the third. Unfortunately, the transmitter was not working properly and therefore could not be evaluated.
		04.00	AL 3362
		05.14		Came to course 270° both diesels HF (14 knots) for the last attempt.  Balloon is continually pummeled in the heavy squall against the bridge cladding and finally bursts.  Gave up.
		08.00	AL 3383
		12.00	AL 3516	Day's run:   = 129.9 nm, = 14.55 nm.
			φ = 58°58'N
			λ = 18°41'W
		15.14		Next attempt for radiosonde fails, transmitter does not start.
		16.00	AL 2636
		17.35		Finally good luck with the launch.
		18.25		Incoming Radio Message 1751/17/300 with second request for radiosonde reports.
		20.00	AL 2667
		21.58		Radiosonde message sent on Ireland Circuit.
		18.12.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 2688	Course 210°, LF diesel-electric.
			SW 4, Sea 3, 5/10, overcast, Vis. 2-3 nm, high long Swell
		04.00	AL 2819

	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.42

	- 6 -
		continued
		18.12.42
		06.50	AL 2845	Crash dive for training.  The wood of the Fu.M.B. is broken at the old location.  The repurposed flagstaff was used as a replacement.
				MG 15 taken below deck, the aluminum shows heavy pitting from seawater.
		08.09	AL 2848	Surfaced.  Course 210°, LF diesel-electric.
		12.00	AL 2799	Day's run:   = 131.1 nm, = 4.25 nm.
			φ = 57°21'N
			λ = 21°14'W
		16.00	AL 2937
		20.00	AL 2959
		19.12.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 2987	Course 210°, LF diesel-electric.
			SW 9, Sea 7, 6/10, Vis. 2-3 nm, high short Swell, hail showers	The barometer is like a roller-coaster.  The wind continually shifts so that the respective sea is very short and the heavy boat takes a lot of water.  At the same time mainly precipitation with greatly changing visibility.
		00.15		Our pride, the flag staff-Fu.M.B., breaks exactly like its predecessor.  Salvaged and turned off.
		00.50		Incoming Radio Message 1832/18/232:  1.  As temporary attack areas occupy U-123 AL 48  . . . .
		04.00	AL 5137
		08.00	AL 5138
		12.00	AL 5179	Day's run:   = 123 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 55°32'N
			λ = 23°04'W
		16.00	AL 5417
		20.00	AL 4569
		21.50	AL 4592	New course 250°.  Otherwise everything is smashed from the seas hitting directly ahead.
		22.36	AL 4591	Dived due to weather conditions.  New course 210°.
		20.12.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 4594	Proceeding submerged,  Course 210°, LF.
			S 10, Sea 7-8, overcast.
		04.00	AL 4589
		08.00	AL 4825
		09.00		Surfaced.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 33°T, 68 nm.
		10.00		Switch to Ireland Circuit in accordance with Radio Message 2244/19.
		12.00	AL 4563	Day's run:  = 65.6 nm, = 31.25 nm.
			φ = 55°08'N
			λ = 23°31'W
		16.00	AL 4592	Incoming Radio Message 1459/20/197:  1.  U-123 . . . form Group Spitz.  2.  In named order on 23 December at 00.00 hours be in patrol line from AL 4845 to AL 8541.  This will be our Christmas roast.
		20.00	AL 4592

	Sun and Moon Data 18.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.12.42

	- 7 -
		21.12.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 4827	Incoming Radio Message 2214/20/108:  . . . . U-123 as soon as possible send radiosonde report.
			SSW 8, Sea 5-6, 7/10, Vis. 2-4 nm, hail and rain showers
				For the time being, it is not possible.
		04.00	AL 4843	Am in attack area.  Back and forth in position on SE-NW courses.
		08.00	AL 4859
		11.30		Finally manage a balloon ascent after one burst and the pressure reducing valve did not work.
		12.00	AL 4859	Day's run:  = 127.5 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 54°01'N
			λ = 24°03'W
		16.00	AL 4899
		16.18		Radiosonde report sent on Ireland Circuit, alternate frequency too weak.
		20.00	AL 4883
		22.12.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 4846	Back and forth in position in AL 48 on SE-NW courses.
			SW 4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. 6 nm, full moon, low long Swell
		04.00	AL 4846
		08.00	AL 4885
		12.00	AL 7231	Day's run:  = 132 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 53°39'N
			λ = 23°50'W
		16.00	AL 7231
		20.00	AL 4885
		23.12.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 4873	Back and forth in position in patrol line with SE-NW courses.
			SW 9, Sea 6-7, 9/10, Vis. greatly changing, 1/2 to 4 nm
		04.00	AL 4873
		08.00	AL 4842	Switched to Diana Circuit in accordance with Radio Message 1912/22/151.
		08.10		Crash dive for training.  Dived to balance the boat and all around sound sweep.
		09.04	AL 4845	Surfaced.
		10.33		Incoming Radio Message 0924/23/762:  . . . . 1.  U-123 immediately report weather.
		11.30		Short Signal weather report sent, was not heard.
		12.00	AL 4841	Day's run:  = 135 nm, = 3 nm.
			φ = 54°04'N	Visibility makes diving to listen no longer required.
			λ = 24°54'W
		12.12		Short Signal weather report sent and understood.
		16.00	AL 4845
		19.00	AL 4849	In accordance with incoming Radio Message 1805/23/766 new course 222°.  By a navigation fix, determined difference between dead reckoning and actual position 106°T, 52 nm.
				Both diesels HF (plotted at 9 knots).
		20.00	AL 5777

	Sun and Moon Data 21.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.12.42

	- 8 -
		24.12.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 7229
			WSW 6, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. 3 nm, high Swell
		02.00	AL 7257	New course 275° to the center of our square.
		04.00	AL 7247
		08.00	AL 7155
		09.36	AL 7145	In square.  SE-NW courses.  Light precipitation makes diving to listen unnecessary.
		12.00	AL 7149	Day's run:  = 177.87 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 53°11'N
			λ = 26°09'W
		16.00	AL 7149
		19.26		Incoming Radio Message 1744/24/772, whereby Group Spitz is to proceed in reconnaissance line course 222°, 6 knots.
		19.57		Crash dive for training.  Dived for a short Christmas celebration.
		20.00	AL 7145	New course 222°.
		22.04		Surfaced.  HF diesel-electric (7 knots), more is not possible against the sea.
		25.12.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 9393
			W 7-9, Sea 7, 5/10, Vis. 5 nm, bright moon
		04.00	AK 9626	It has abated, only the swell is still high.  Came to diesel HF (plotted 8.5 knots).
		08.00	AK 9649
		10.00		After star navigation fix on the bright moonlit horizon position was incorrect 18 nm in 126°T.  Plotted to the 12 hour point in the reconnaissance line, the 11 hours point is not reachable.
		12.00	AK 9647	Day's run:  = 148.25 nm, = 6 nm.
			φ = 52°28'N	New course 40°, one diesel LF.
			λ = 27°41'W
		16.00	AK 9651
		17.00		After sun navigation fix difference between dead reckoning and actual position 277°T, 9 nm.  New course 75°, both diesels HF.
		18.00	AK 9628	In position.  Course 40°, one diesel LF.
		19.00	AK 9625	In accordance with Radio Message 1739/25/778 new course 200°, speed 7 knots.
		20.00	AK 9628
		26.12.42	North Atlantic
			AK 9673	Course 200°, 7 knots.
			W 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10, low Swell, medium marine phosphorescence, Vis. 3 nm
		00.23	AK 9676	Crash dive for training.  Fu.M.B. again out of service.  Used to balance the boat and all around listening sweep.
		01.10	AK 9676	Surfaced.
		04.00	AK 9917
		08.00	AK 9917	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 25°T, 24.6 nm.  Diesel 2 x HF.
		12.00	AK 9899	Day's run:  = 166.94 nm, = 2.55 nm.
			φ = 51°04'N
			λ = 28°05'W

	Sun and Moon Data 24.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42

	- 9 -
		continued
		26.12.42
		13.35	BD 3138	In accordance with Radio Message 1011/26/749 back and forth in position in ordered patrol line.
		16.00	BD 3138
		18.20	BD 3162	Incoming Radio Message 1746/26/797 with convoy sighting by Gräf.  Immediately afterwards disposition order by B.d.U. for Group Spitz and Ungestüm.
		18.45	BD 3138	New course 150°, both diesels GF.
		20.00	BD 3247
		22.00	BD 3513	New course 160°, because B.d.U. believes that the convoy proceeds to the west.  Boat takes much water, therefore
		23.25		new course 140°, both diesels GF.  Boat does not lie better so . . .
		27.12.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 3557	new course 170°, both diesels HF.
			SbyE 8-9, Sea 6, Vis. 2 nm, medium Swell	The radiosonde report requested by Radio Message 2046/26/706 is not possible.  Convoy steers 210-230° since about midnight, as a result our chances improve considerably.
		04.00	BD 3825
		05.55		The 3.7 cm has been beaten loose and turns back and forth.  There is no chance of going on deck.
		08.00	BD 3886
		09.30	BD 6223	New speed both diesels 2 x HF.
		10.40	BD 6237	New speed, both diesels GF.
		11.13	BD 6264	Turned before the sea and launched a balloon.  The third one is finally in one piece and rises.
		12.00	BD 6261	Day's run:  = 227.1 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 47°57'N
			λ = 26°54'W	New course 170°, both diesels GF.
		16.00	BD 6563	The 10 hour convoy position by Gräf sound bearing and Dietrichs sighting suggests a westerly course, therefore new course 190°.
				Fu.M.B. brought out, visibility 2 nm.
		16.59	BD 6565	Radiosonde report sent.
		17.10	BD 6568	Dived to listen.  By Leimkühler's report we must be in the vicinity.  No bearings.  Main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 7 emptied and converted [for use as a ballast tank].
		18.10	BD 6568	Surfaced.  No bearing signals.  Ran along on course 210° with both diesels HF.  Without bearing signals and with the inexact plot, 1-1/2 days without a navigation fix, we sit high and dry.
		20.00	BD 6597	In accordance with Leimkühler's Short Signal 1934, course 150°.
		20.50	BD 6598	Dived to listen.  No bearings.
		21.23	BD 6832	Surfaced.  Still always no bearing signals.
				Ran along on course 190°, both diesels LF.
		28.12.42	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6821	Finally about 03.00 hours a couple of of stars.  Better than nothing.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 338°T, 31.4 nm.
			SW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, low Swell, Vis. 1 nm, slight marine phosphorescence
		04.20	BD 6858	Finally bearing signals.  Initially in 35°T, then not so well in 155°T.  The latter agrees well with the Purkhold report in 9312 so

	Sun and Moon Data 26.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42

	- 10 -
		continued
		28.12.42
		05.00	BD 6855	new course 160°.  On request reported position by Short Signal.
		07.00	BD 6889	Dived to listen.  Nothing.
		07.35		Surfaced, lashed the 3.7 cm and loose items on the upper deck.
		08.00	BD 9223	Twilight navigation fix.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position 102°T, 9.7 nm.
		10.30	BD 9269	After Purkhold report came to course 200°.
		12.00	BD 9298	Day's run:  = 241.33 nm, = 6.95 nm.
			φ = 44°42'N
			λ = 26°40'W
		14.00	BD 9564	Dived to listen.  Faint bearing:  a band 130-150°T, individual bearings in 240°T and 270°T.  U-boats?
				Reported by Radio Message.
		14.51	BD 9564	Surfaced.  New course 160°, both diesels HF, it is [pottendick = kettle thick] very foggy.
		16.00	BD 9595
		16.25	BD 9598	Suddenly there is a tear in the horizon and the convoy stands before us, already high out.
		17.09		Short Signal on Diana Circuit, was not heard.
		18.06		Repeated on Ireland Circuit, was understood.  On request by Leimkühler bearing signals sent at 18.40 and 19.20 hours.  Several boats are now on it.  The smoke cloud of the port sweeper is easily distinguished.  Contact keeping report is not given due to the heavy traffic on the frequency.
		20.00	BD 9862	Convoy disappears in the twilight on a completely black horizon, above it on the western evening sky nothing more is seen.
		20.45		The fireworks of star shells and machine gun fire begins, at times quite large across 180° of the horizon.
		21.39 - 21.55	BD 9859	Dived to listen.  Bearing in 285-315°T, was in agreement with Leimkühler report.
		22.10		Reported losing contact with Radio Message 2139/28/711.
		23.02	BD 9855	Finally some shadows, among them a damaged steamer.  One shadow repeatedly pushes us off to the south.
		29.12.42	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	BD 9849	Also with the next cripples a sharp shadow, that eventually turns out to be a cripple.  Because both are still floating well, one with a slight fiery glow under the bridge, the other with a red top light, decide on a coup de grâce.
			SSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, long Swell, Vis. 2 nm, medium marine phosphorescence
		00.53	BD 9849	Tube II (Eto) and tube III (Ato) fire.  Both lead angle 0° on lying stopped targets.  Tube III hit after 2 minutes 05 seconds = 2500 meters on 5000 GRT freighter, smokestack astern, bridge forward freestanding like a whaler, much cargo.  Sank after 6 minutes.
				Detonation on 2nd freighter, normal type 4000 GRT, after about 7 minutes. (nothing further stopped)  Was possibly another U-boat.  Steamer breaks amidships and sinks.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.12.42

	- 11 -
		continued
		29.12.42
		01.07	BD 9849	After the convoy on course 250°, both GF.
		01.31	BD 9848	Shadow to starboard, turns out to be an eastbound independent.  Behind him very faint is a second.
		02.35	BD 9872	Turned away hard before an oncoming shadow, possibly a U-boat, lost again.
		03.30		Questioned B.d.U. because am in the area of Route Anton [blockade runners route].
		04.00	BD 9879
		04.30		Received attack permission from B.d.U.
				Outer tube door of tube I cannot be opened.  Because shot must be taken at long range, shot three-fan with set four-fan with tube I secured and impact point at the target.
		05.00	BD 9882	Fan tube III, II, IV fire.  Target speed 6 knots, target angle right 48°, range = 3000 meters.  Hit forward edge of the bridge after 5 minutes 35 seconds.  That was a little test of nerves.  Identified as type LOCHKATRINE (9419 GRT).  Steamer settles up to the forecastle, turns and approaches again out up to the after edge of the smokestack.  While turning away behind the steamer comes a shadow.  Apparently a U-boat.  Moved off a bit.  After five minutes the steamer was shot with artillery, hardly necessary.  Sank after 42 minutes.
		05.59		New course 280° to the reported convoy position.
		06.05		U-boat in sight, yet another.
		08.00	BD 9872
		08.53		Dived to listen.  Faint sound bearing, nothing seen in the periscope.
		10.05		Surfaced.  In the north a destroyer comes over the horizon.
		10.08	BD 9793	Crash dive.  To periscope depth.  Destroyer shifts by sound slowly to the SW.  In the east a new sound bearing.  After a bit in the periscope a destroyer in target angle 0°.  Turned away for a stern shot.  Destroyer zigzags and passes about 3000 meters behind the stern.  A pity.  In the periscope Morse traffic observed, the second cannot be seen.
		12.00	BD 9848	Day's run:  = 240.27 nm, = 11.85 nm.
			φ = 43°15'N	Meanwhile there are a total of 4 destroyer sound bearings, that slowly shift to the SW.
			λ = 27°47'W
		12.26		Surfaced, nothing more to see.  Reported by Radio Message.  Tightened the bolts on beating upper deck canisters.
				New course 270°, both GF on Purkhold report, 12.30 hours in BD 8997.
		14.20	BD 9793	Own U-boat in sight, Recognition Signals exchanged.  Runs on southwesterly course and passes out of sight again.
		16.00	BD 9783
		20.00	BD 8991	New course 250°, because according to Radio Message 1005/29/754 we should search in a southwesterly direction.
		22.00	BD 8985	New course 245°, on Zetzsche report [convoy] in BD 8893, course 240°, speed 9 knots.

Sun and Moon Data 29.12.42

	- 12 -
		30.12.42	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	BD 8979	Star shells are often seen ahead and to starboard.  Did not turn towards, because they are far off and suspect offset destroyer as we observed ourselves at midday.
			SSE 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. 2 nm, slight Swell, marine phosphorescence
		04.00	CE 21xx
		08.00	CE 1376
		12.00	CE 1521	Day's run:  = 280.31 nm, = 1.3 nm.
			φ = 41°54'N	By plotting am at the intercept point for convoy course 240°.  Search courses on the hour circles for 9 knots.
			λ = 33°49'W
		12.29	CE 1513	Incoming enemy report from Scheibe in CE 1211.  From the Scheibe report of 29 December at 18.30 hours this gives a convoy course of 270°, 8 knots.
				New course 310°.
		16.00	CE 1155
		17.30	BD 7984	By plotting error and navigation fix offset am positioned far to the north.  Dived to listen, nothing.
		18.42	BD 7973	Surfaced.  New course 215°, operating on Scheibe Short Signal of 18.58 hours.
		20.00	BD 7975
		31.12.42	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	BD 7861	Dived to listen.  By plotting am at convoy.  Nothing heard, reported by Radio Message.
			SSE 4, Sea 3, overcast, medium Swell, marine phosphorescence
		01.13	BD 7867	Surfaced.  Because no zigzag to the south has been found, initially operated on northerly courses.
		04.00	BD 7851
		05.38	BD 7819	Dived to listen.  Nothing, reported by Radio Message.
		05.52	BD 7815	Surfaced.  Operated to the south.
				About 06.30 hours the Mech.maat [torpedo man] reported to me that gas was coming from the flooded tube III.  The torpedo has been in the tube 2 days and flooded for 10 hours.  Boat put into the sea and the torpedo withdrawn.  Findings:  battery dry, rather discharged and discharging further; motor charred and scorched, water in it; smells of a short circuit.  Torpedo put into the bilge with continuous ventilation. Mech.maat collapsed, in the afternoon one seaman presents with advanced testicular hernia and we are again 70 nm behind the convoy.  Losing streak!
		08.00	BD 7736
		12.00	BD 7756	Day's run:  = 232.86 nm, = 5.62 nm.
			φ = 43°23'N
			λ = 37°35'W
		16.00	BD 7778	New course 245°.  By plotting tomorrow at 04.00 we will be at the convoy position for 255°, 9 knots.
		20.00	CD 2337
		21.05 - 21.27	CD 2352	Dived to listen.  Nothing.  In accordance with Radio Message 1727/31/876 search broken off and remained in position.  Reported fuel and position by Short Signal.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.12.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.12.42

	- 13 -
		01.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CD 2324	Back and forth in attack area.
			SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 2-3, medium Swell	Sent Radiosonde report.
		04.00	CD 2313
		08.00	CD 2313
		12.00	CD 2313	Day's run:  = 190.8 nm, = 1.5 nm.
			φ = 42°51'N	In accordance with Radio Message 1327/1/887 we have square CD 23 as temporary attack area and should expect a tanker here.
			λ = 39°56'W
		16.00	CD 2313
		20.00	CD 2313	By Radio Message requested to give the seaman with testicular hernia to Dieterichs because the pain has increased.
		02.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CD 2313	New course 90° to meeting point.  Transfer of the seaman approved by Radio Message 0132/2/893.
			SSE 3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. 2 nm, medium Swell
		04.00	CD 2333
		08.00	CD 3126
		12.00	CD 3255	Day's run:  = 190.8 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 42°28'N
			λ = 37°10'W
		16.00	BD 7783
		20.00	CD 3255
		20.57		Met Dieterichs.  New meeting point agreed because transfer of the man is not advisable due to darkness and Sea State.
		03.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CD 3228
			NW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 2 nm, slight Swell
		04.00	BD 7798
		08.00	CD 3228
		10.00	CD 3255	Am in the square by plotting, nothing seen.
		12.00	CD 3255	Day's run:  = 122.68 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 42°23'N
			λ = 37°16'W	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix null.
		16.00	CD 3255
		16.47		By Short Signal requested bearing signals to facilitate meeting.  Unfortunately we had favorable weather this morning for the rubber boat.
		18.04	CD 3255	Dieterichs in sight, he had first supplied Scheibe.  Man transferred in a diving suit on a line.
		20.00	CD 3258	Transfer ended, transit into attack area.
		04.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CD 3248
			SbyW 5, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. 1-3 nm, summer lightening and marine phosphorescence
		04.00	CD 3183

	Sun and Moon Data 01.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.01.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		04.01.43
		08.00	CD 3175
		12.00	CD 2397	Day's run:  = 122.68 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 42°07'N
			λ = 39°27'W
		16.00	CD 2385
		20.00	CD 2388
		05.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CD 3145
		04.00	CD 3141
		08.00	CD 2368
		12.00	CD 2385	Day's run:  = 75.67 nm, = 1.46 nm.
			φ = 42°06'N
			λ = 39°41'W
		16.00	CD 2385
		20.00	CD 2385	Incoming Radio Message 1817/5/832 with supply orders and Radio Message 1857/5/833 by which we are supposed to send radiosonde report tomorrow morning.
		06.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	CD 2381	Attempted balloon ascent three times.  No or bad transmitting.  Transmitters apparently have short circuits from rain and spray.
			SSW 6, Sea 5, 5/10, Vis. 2 nm, rain shower
		04.00	CD 2345
		08.00	CD 2328
		12.00	CD 2334	Day's run:  = 65 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 42°44'N
			λ = 39°22'W
		16.00	CD 2334	Rain has stopped, balloon ascent succeeds.
		20.00	CD 2334
		21.51		Sent radiosonde report.
		07.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	BC 9967	Transit to supply point.
			SSW 4, Sea 3-4, 1/10, Vis. 2 nm, medium Swell
		04.00	BD 7747
		08.00	BD 7757
		12.00	BD 7757	Day's run:  = 65 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 43°13'N
			λ = 37°55'W
		16.00	BD 7757	In accordance with Short Signal Neumann is delayed 15 hours.
		20.00	BD 7761
		08.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	BD 7767
			WSW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. 2 nm, short high Swell
		04.00	BD 7797
		08.00	BD 7785
		12.00	BD 7757	Day's run:  = 65 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 43°15'N
			λ = 37°55'W

	Sun and Moon Data 04.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.01.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		08.01.43
		16.00	BD 7759
		17.08	BD 7755	Hermann comes in sight.  In this Swell U-boats are very difficult to see.
		17.40		Schiebe comes in sight.  We run into the objective square as a threesome.
		20.00	BD 7757
		21.25	BD 7749	Dived to proceed submerged.  Course, speed, depth and meeting point arranged by underwater telegraphy.
		09.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	BD 7748	Proceeding submerged.
			W 6, Sea 4-5, 9/10, medium Swell, rain and hail showers
		04.00	BD 7747
		08.00	BD 7748	No reply on underwater telegraph.
		09.02	BD 7749	Surfaced.  Nothing is seen of the other boats.
		12.00	BD 7757	Day's run:  = 57.75 nm, = 34.9 nm.
			φ = 43°13'N
			λ = 37°54'W
		16.00	BD 7758	Back and forth in position.
		20.00	BD 7783
		21.05	BD 7783	Dived to proceed submerged.  Strong offset to the east.
		10.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	BD 7783
			WbyN 6, Sea 5, 8/10, high Swell, Vis. 2 nm
		04.00	BD 7782
		08.00	BD 7781	Sound bearing shifting astern in 300°T
		08.49	BD 7781	Surfaced.  Briefly encountered sound bearing in 230°T, nothing seen.  Entered square.
		10.37	BD 7757	Hermann in sight.  He had Neumann during the entire night, he must be very close.  Searched.
		12.00	BD 7754	Day's run:  = 64.9 nm, = 28 nm.
			φ = 43°22'N
			λ = 37°58'W
		12.24	BD 7746	Hermann has Neumann in sight.  Closed and during supply protected Neumann to port.
		16.00	BD 7744	Closed again, when Hermann has finished it has freshened strongly.
		20.00	BD 7744	In line abreast proceeded next to Neumann.  He is only temporarily insight, wind from SE reached hurricane strength.
		21.41	BD 7744	By agreement dived to proceed submerged.
		11.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	BD 7748	Despite my request to man the underwater telegraph, Neumann does not answer.  Once again we are off.
			SW 10-11, Sea 8, overcast, Vis. 300-1000 meters

	Sun and Moon Data 08.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.01.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		11.01.43		At 02.00 hours Hermann reports hurricane eye at 945 mb.
		04.00	BD 7772
		08.00	BD 7779
		09.03	BD 7779	Surfaced.  In the mean time wind had shifted to W, strength 8.
		12.00	BD 7773	Day's run:  = 49.25 nm, = 26.38 nm.
			φ = 43°07'N
			λ = 38°00'W
		13.09	BD 7742	Neumann surfaces next to us.  Great.  Hung on.
		16.00	BD 7717
		20.00	BD 9936
		23.15	BC 9932	New course 160°.
		12.01.43	Northwest of the Azores
		00.00	BC 9932
			W 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 2 nm, long low Swell
		04.00	BC 9939
		08.00	BC 9969
		11.00	BD 7774	Began fueling on course 310°.
		12.00	BD 7781	Day's run:  = 81 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 43°10'N
			λ = 37°55'W
		13.12	BD 7781	Completed fueling.  By our measurement received 22.3 cbm.
				New course 335°, HF diesel-electric (7.5 knots).
		16.00	BD 7718
		20.00	BD 7474
		13.01.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BC 9662
			NbyW 4-5, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. 3 nm, medium Swell
		04.00	BC 9386
		08.00	BC 9352
		12.00	BC 6979	Day's run:  = 166.5 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 45°39'N
			λ = 39°36'W
		14.40	BC 6972	In accordance with Radio Message 1032/13/900 reported position by Short Signal.
		16.00 - 16.48	BC 6944	Test dive.
		20.00	BC 6598	In accordance with Radio Message 1836/13/805 we should send radiosonde and Short Signal weather report in the morning.  Balloon ascent succeeds on the second try.
		14.01.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BC 6555	01.56 hours radiosonde report sent.
			SbyW 5, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. 3 nm, medium Swell
		04.00	BC 6522	From 04.30 - 07.22 hours sent Short Signal weather report a total of seven times on America II, Ireland and Hubertus.  Radio repeater!!!!
		08.00	BC 6246
		12.00	BC 6211	Day's run:  = 168.52 nm, = 2.28 nm.
			φ = 48°15'N	New course 315°.
			λ = 41°22'W

	Sun and Moon Data 11.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.01.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		14.01.43
		15.39		In accordance with Radio Message 1340/14/811 weather message sent on B 3.  Not acknowledged.  B 3 was heard with Volume 3.                                   [Bruno 3 Circuit]
		16.00	BC 3791
		17.10		Incoming Radio Message 1558/14/812 with orders to occupy a position 20 nm southeast of Hermann.
		17.31		Weather message sent on America II and understood.
		18.00	BC 3756	New course 285°.
		20.00	BC 3754
		15.01.43	East of Newfoundland
		00.00	BC 3741	Once again we are against the sea. The boat crashes every which way, hopefully the torpedoes will not suffer. However, because the patrol line is not moved a bit every day as assumed, we must now work our way to the west.
			W 9, Sea 7, overcast, high medium-long Swell, Vis. 1-3 nm, rain and hail showers
		04.00	BC 2937	HF diesel-electric plotted at 5 knots..
		08.00	BC 2925
		12.00	BC 2912	Day's run:  = 134 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 49°11'N	In accordance with Radio Message 1132/15/822 we can count on supply in BD 90 from 26 January if necessary.
			λ = 44°29'W
		16.00	BC 2598	New course 305° to the northern end of our sector.
		20.00	BC 2558
		22.00	BC 2546	In patrol line.
		23.31 - 23.57	BC 2549	Dived to listen.  Nothing.
		16.01.43	East of Newfoundland
		00.00	BC 2549
			WSW 7, Sea 5, overcast, medium Swell, showers, Vis. 1-3 nm
		03.33 - 04.06	BC 2581	Dived to listen, nothing.
		07.44 - 08.09	BC 2559	Dived to listen, nothing.
		12.00	BC 2582	Day's run:  = 83.5 nm, = 3.2 nm.
			φ = 49°26'N
			λ = 45°18'W
		15.50 - 16.14	BC 2549	Dived to listen.  Nothing.  Wind shifts strongly to the left, bad visibility due to showers.
		18.00	BC 2557	In accordance with Radio Message 1618/18/833 the patrol line is dissolved and we are to occupy as temporary attack area AJ 8982 with depth 40 nm.
				New course 0°, LF diesel-electric.
		20.00	BC 2551
		17.01.43	East of Newfoundland
		00.00	BC 2521	Transit to attack area.
			N 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm, low long Swell, rain showers
		04.00	BC 2257
		08.00	BC 2224

	Sun and Moon Data 14.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		17.01.43
		12.00	AJ 8984	Day's run:  = 116.9 nm, = 1.35 nm.
			φ = 51°07'N
			λ = 45°21'W	In attack area.
		16.00	AJ 8993	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 72°T, 16 nm.  That is small for 4 days without a navigation fix.
		20.00	BC 2223
		18.01.43	East of Newfoundland
		00.00	AJ 8986	4-hour breakdown in the gyro compass installation.  Thank God the gyro ball itself is in order.  For a day the boat has had a list to starboard.  It turns out the blowing line from starboard been holed below the upper deck.
			NNW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, medium Swell, Vis. 4 nm
		04.00	AJ 8991
		08.00	AJ 8964
		12.00	AJ 8961	Day's run:  = 96.25 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 51°30.5'N
			λ = 44°54'W
		16.00	AJ 8959
		20.00	AJ 8982
		21.38		Crash dive for training.  Proceeded submerged.
		22.30	AJ 8981	New course 270° to the patrol line ordered in Radio Message 1836/18/854.
		19.01.43	East of Newfoundland
		00.00	AJ 8973	The Chief Engineer made repairs to the flooded binoculars, a few are in service again.
			WNW 9, Sea 7, 8/10, medium-high Swell, Vis. clear
		04.00	AJ 8972
		08.00	AJ 8893
		10.31	AJ 8892	Surfaced.  New course 240°.
		12.00	AJ 8895	Day's run:  = 36.97 nm, = 30.65 nm.
			φ = 51°09'N
			λ = 46°19'W
		14.00	AJ 8897	New course 280° to the new patrol line ordered by Radio Message 1225/19/364.  We must work against the sea.
		14.54	AJ 8889	Crash dive for flying boat bearing 120°T, course west.  Was not noticed, no detection.
		15.28	AJ 8889	Surfaced.
		16.00	AJ 8886	New course 330°, HF diesel-electric.
		20.00	AJ 8854	New course 300°.
		20.01.43	East of Newfoundland
		00.00	AJ 8817
			NW 8, Sea 7-8, 9/10, Vis. 2 nm
		04.00	AJ 8734	In our line.  Fu.M.B. brought out.
		04.50	AJ 8731	Crash dive for detection 135 cm, low steady tone.
		05.26	AJ 8723	Surfaced.  While blowing. . .
		05.33	AJ 8723	Crash dive for detection 137 cm, same tone.
		06.45	AJ 8723	Surfaced.  While blowing . . .
		06.50	AJ 8723	Crash dive for detection 133 cm, same tone.
		09.08	AJ 8731	Surfaced.  A weak sound bearing north of us not pursued, because no conyoy-

	Sun and Moon Data 17.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.01.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		20.01.43		sounds.  Bearing located in 0°T, distinct single bearing.  may have been the departing Hellriegel.
		10.30	AJ 8732	Incoming Radio Message 0601/20/873 with shifting of the reconnaissance line to the SW due to the failure of Hellriegel.
		12.00	AJ 8731	Day's run:  = 107.44 nm, = 10.59 nm.
			φ = 51°49'N	In reconnaissance line legs around general course 200°, speed of advance 4 knots.
			λ = 47°58'W
		16.00	AJ 8727
		18.00 -	AJ 8751	Due to continual bad visibility dived to listen.  Driving snow, -5°C
		18.40	AJ 8754
		19.58	AJ 8749	Due to weather conditions dived to proceed submerged.  Barometer falls to 968 mb.
		21.00	AJ 8749	In accordance with Radio Message 1628/20/875 stopped in reached line.
		21.01.43	East of Newfoundland
		00.00	AJ 8748
			SSE 9, Sea 7, overcast, Vis. 1/2-1 nm, snow and hail showers, high Swell
		02.03	AJ 8773	Surfaced for Program time.
		03.09	AJ 8781	Dived.
		04.00	AJ 8773
		08.00	AJ 8773
		10.37	AJ 8773	Surfaced.  Always the same weather.
		12.00	AJ 8772	Day's run:  = 46.8 nm, = 34.33 nm.
			φ = 51°17.5'N
			λ = 48°42.5'W
		14.31	AJ 8781	Dived.
		16.00	AJ 8781	Surfaced.  The rubber dinghy and its bracket goes overboard, the over deck is a huge pile of rubble.
		17.57	AJ 8772	Dived.
		20.18	AJ 8748	Surfaced.  The barometer holds at its low.  Visibility is changing greatly, mostly bad.
		22.07	AJ 8781	Dived.
		22.01.43	East of Newfoundland
		00.00	AJ 8773
			SW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 1/2-2 nm, hail and snow showers, high Swell
		04.00	AJ 8773
		06.20	AJ 8773	Surfaced for Program time.  It has abated, dry bridge.  However still snow showers and fog.
		09.06	AJ 8773	Dived.
		10.55	AJ 8773	Surfaced.  After star navigation fix on the moon horizon difference between dead reckoning and actual position in 192°T, 47 nm.  Last navigation fix on 17 January, sextant only conditionally usable.
		12.00	BC 1342	Day's run:  = 62.16 nm, = 35.45 nm.
			φ = 50°41.5'N	It has abated enough that we can go on the over deck.  Tightened canisters and torpedo gear
			λ = 48°46'W

	Sun and Moon Data 20.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.01.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		22.01.43
				secured, blowing piping 7 starboard brought in order.
		14.26	BC 1315	New course 75° on the convoy reported by Hellriegel.
		16.00	BC 1321
		17.00	BC 1323	From Radio Message 1605/22/900 it is clear that Group Jaguar should remain.  New course 325° to position.  A Radio Message of a boat with a convoy report was not heard by Control and was interrupted.  Somewhat later Holtorf reported an independent with SW course nearby.  Therefore initially did not operate on it, awaited orders.
		20.00	AJ 8785
		21.00	AJ 8781	Operated on corrupted convoy report.  Apparently Control still didn't have it.  The boat (Zitzewitz) reported a second time, that he had lost contact.  Group Haudegen should have a radio repeater!  We ourselves were also not heard.
		23.01.43	Northeast of Newfoundland
		00.00	AJ 8711
			NNW 3, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 4 nm, low Swell	Poel reports contact at 02.15 hours, was not heard by Control.
		04.00	AJ 7625
		08.08	AJ 7317	Because by plotting we must be in the immediate vicinity, dived to listen.  Weather has strongly freshened, NNW 10.  Fu.M.B. cable is repaired.  It is now so short that the gear must be moved to the control room.  About 09.30 hours one time 1 and 2 times 3 depth charges to port far off.
		10.44	AJ 7314	Surfaced.  Due to weather conditions ran along for a while on course 0°, KF diesel-electric (plotted 3.5 knots).  We are positioned to the east and at some point the convoy must go to the east.
		12.00	AJ 7311	Day's run:  = 212.17 nm, = 3.5 nm.
			φ = 53°39'N
			λ = 50°26'W
		14.24	AJ 4977	Dived to listen.  The listening has its drawbacks, due to possibly missed Radio Messages.  Because Control has not heard us, they are also not repeated.
		15.00	AJ 4974	Surfaced.
		16.00	AJ 4974
		18.02	AJ 4971	Crash dive for training.  The boat is stuck on the surface like postage stamp and must be kept just at periscope depth with 5 tons negative buoyancy.
				The Fu.M.B. is broken in a sea, now our self-made iron rod extends almost to the cross.
		18.42	AJ 4947	Surfaced.
		20.00	AJ 4947
		22.00	AJ 4944	Dived to listen.  Proceeded submerged due to weather conditions.  New course 90°.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.01.43

	- 21 -
		continued
		23.01.43		From the Poel situation report the northeast tendency of the convoy is evident.  Because our fuel is just enough for return transit, I decide to operate on the most easterly possible course of the enemy, following the great circle.
		24.01.43	Northeast of Newfoundland
		00.00	AJ 4945	New course 70°.  Thereafter we are for enemy course 60° and speed excess of 4 knots at intercept point in about 20 hours.
			NW 6, Sea 5, 5/10, Vis. 3 nm, medium Swell
		04.00	AJ 5714
		05.44		Radio Message to B.d.U.:  Position AJ 4945.  Operating on general course 60°.  41 cbm plus 2 cbm lubricating oil.  Request orders!  Only now sent because of clogged frequency. However, Control does not listen to us and to the very quickly interjecting radio repeater.
		08.00	AJ 5496
		10.29	AJ 5558	Radio Message sent on Ireland Circuit and understood.
		12.00	AJ 5565	Day's run:  = 180.78 nm, = 9.27 nm.
			φ = 55°04'N
			λ = 46°18'W
		12.99	AJ 5566	In accordance with Radio Message 1112/24/846 began return transit.
		13.06 - 13.35	AJ 5644	Dived to listen.  Nothing.
		15.39		Radio Message to B.d.U.:  1.  14.00 hours naval square 5644 no sound bearings.  Return transit 33 cbm.  2.  NW 4, 986 mb rising, 1/10 Cumulus and Alto-cumulus, +3°C, low short Swell, Vis. 12 nm.
		16.00	AJ 5912
		20.00	AJ 5926
		25.01.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 6714
			NWbyN 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. 3 nm, medium Swell
		02.40		In accordance with Radio Message 1912/24/855 sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	AJ 6728
		07.00		Radio Message 0130/25 and 0312/25 from Jessen repeated for Control.
		08.00	AJ 6738
		12.00	AJ 6865	Day's run:  = 132.8 nm, = 1.8 nm.
			φ = 54°10'N
			λ = 41°48'W
		16.00	AJ 6945
		17.00		In accordance with Radio Message 1259/25/871 balloon ascent completed.
		19.31		Sent radiosonde report.
		20.00	AJ 6958
		26.01.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 6968
			NNE 3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. 2 nm, low Swell

	Sun and Moon Data 23.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.01.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		26.01.43
		02.29		In accordance with Radio Message 2153/25/881 sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	AK 4772
		08.00	AK 4782	In accordance with Radio Message 2153/25/881 Switched to Ireland Circuit.
		12.00	AK 4794	Day's run:  = 104 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 53°52'N
			λ = 38°54'W
		16.00	AK 4796
		17.05		In accordance with 1137/26/135 sent Short Signal weather report.
		20.00	AK 4887
		20.18		A Short Signal from Hesemann not heard by Control:  Destroyer AJ 3438, course 110°.  Repeated, also not understood.
		27.01.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 7232	In accordance with Radio Message 1929/26/139 attempted to balloon ascent twice unsuccessfully.
			NW 6, Sea 4-5, 7/10, Vis. 2 nm
		04.00	AK 7312
		08.00	AK 7326	Again attempted two balloon launches.
		12.00	AK 8117	Day's run:  = 124 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 53°29'N
			λ = 35°29'W
		15.12		In accordance with Radio Message 1158/27/143 sent Short Signal weather report.
		16.00	AK 8423	Balloon ascent succeeded.
		20.00	AK 8514
		21.33		Sent radiosonde report.
		28.01.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 8528
			SW 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 2 nm, flat Swell
		04.00	AK 8563
		08.00	AK 8651
		12.00	AK 9471	Day's run:  = 142 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 52°12'N
			λ = 30°56'W
		16.00	AK 9482
		16.19		In accordance with Radio Message 1225/28/156 sent Short Signal weather report.
		16.21	AK 9482	Dived to proceed submerged due to weather situation.
		20.00	AK 9489
		29.01.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 9498	Proceeding submerged.
		03.58	AK 9811	Surfaced, the same weather.  Just go straight with both diesels LF.  Remained on the surface to charge.
		08.00	AK 9824
		09.38	AK 9828	Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	AK 9829	Day's run:  = 65.45 nm, = 40.5 nm.
			φ = 51°38'N
			λ = 28°36'W
		13.57	AK 9837	Surfaced, it picks up again.
		16.00	AK 9862
		16.43		The delightful weather has gone, the control room and diesel bilge continually run full. Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.01.43

	- 23 -
		continued
		29.01.43
		20.00	AK 9941
		22.40	AK 9946	Surfaced to charge.  In so doing held the boat abeam to the sea with one E-motor, with the other diesel only charged.  No possibility for the radiosonde report requested in Radio Message 1117/29/175.
		30.01.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 9946
			WbyS 8, Sea 6, 5/10, high Swell, Vis. 1 nm, hail showers
		04.00	AK 9946
		06.02	AK 9957	Dived to proceed submerged.  Wind reaches hurricane strength.
		08.00	AK 9958
		12.00	AK 9959	Day's run:  = 22 nm, = 37.75 nm.
			φ = 51°20'N
			λ = 27°09'W
		16.00	AK 9967
		18.02	AK 9992	Surfaced. It is moderating again.
		20.00	AK 9993
		22.00	AL 7775	With a sea running from behind the entire bridge watch hangs only by the belts, the diesel takes water.  The Obersteuermann slams on his left shoulder and must be caught.  Turned off somewhat, took over the watch myself.
		31.01.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 7779	Course 130°, LF diesel-electric.
			WbyS 7-9, Sea 7, 8/10, Vis. 2 nm, high short Swell
		04.00	BD 3326
		08.00	BD 3365	In accordance with Radio Message 0036/31/104 switched to Coastal Circuit.
		12.00	BE 1172	Day's run:  = 100 nm, = 13.8 nm.
			φ = 50°22'N
			λ = 24°45'W
		16.00	BE 1189	Finally we can steer on the Great Circle again.
		20.00	BE 1543	Fu.M.B. checked by control transmission.
		01.02.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 1553
			WNW 6, Sea 5, 6/10, Vis. 2 nm, high long Swell
		00.15	BE 1561	Crash dive for detection 142 cm; dull, raucous tone.
		01.17	BE 1561	Surfaced.
		04.00	BE 1644
		04.18		Crash dive for detection 142 cm, same tone.  Is this caused by our own control radiation?
		06.24	BE 1645	Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 1646

	Sun and Moon Data 29.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.02.43

	- 24 -
		continued
		01.02.43
		10.23		In accordance with Radio Message 0818/1/14 reported position by Short Signal, fuel appended.
		12.00	BE 1692	Day's run:  = 124.35 nm, = 9.25 nm.
			φ = 49°28'N	By Radio Message 1450/1/20 return harbor is Lorient.
			λ = 20°44'W
		16.00	BE 2473
		19.30	BE 2494	Mastheads in sight directly ahead.  It is a modern freighter of about 6000 GRT with southerly course.  We get a bearing and then the steamer is lost from sight in a hail squall.  Closed and maneuvered ahead a bit.  In the twilight the mastheads are not seen again.  In the high Swell shadows can be seen everywhere.
		20.34 - 20.45	BE 2497	Dived to listen.  Quite weak sound bearing in 120-150°T.
				Steered 30 minutes with both diesels GF, course 150°, nothing seen.
		21.25	BE 2732	Broke off due to lack of fuel.  Due to erroneous data did not report.
		22.30	BE 2733	A medium size running up sea smashes the Fu.M.B. cable, which has become very weak due to the many patches. Beautiful prospects with this aft sea.
		02.02.43	Southwest of Ireland
		00.00	BE 2814	Instead of the requested by Radio Message 1924/1/24 Requested radiosonde report sent by Short Signal weather report in order to express the infeasibility of balloon ascent.
			WbyS 8, Sea 5, 8/10, medium-high Swell, Vis. 1 nm, showers
		02.57		Dived for repair of the Fu.M.B. cable.
		04.19	BE 2825	Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 2838
		09.53	BE 2917	New course 140°.  The sea continuously runs up from astern over the heads, using the Fu.M.B. is unthinkable.
		11.29	BE 2942	When it starts on this course, turned off strongly, dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	BE 2942	Day's run:  = 147.7 nm, = 5.95 nm.
			φ = 48°49'N
			λ = 17°12'W
		16.00	BE 2951
		19.16	BE 2955	Surfaced.  It had greatly abated, the most beautiful weather.
		20.00	BE 2955
		22.00		Balloon ascent completed.
		03.02.43	Southwest of Ireland
		00.00	BE 2969	00.50 hours sent radiosonde report.
			W 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 2 nm, long Swell
		01.45	BE 3772	Crash dive for detection 260 cm. Dull, raucous tone.
		03.15	BE 3772	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.02.43

	- 25 -
		continued
		03.02.43
		04.05	BE 3773	Crash dive for detection 142 cm.
		05.00	BE 3773	Surfaced.
		08.00	BE 3786
		09.16	BE 3794	Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	BE 3798	Day's run:  = 73 nm, = 29.45 nm.
			φ = 48°23'N
			λ = 14°42'W
		13.04 - 13.11		Surfaced to shoot the sun.
		15.43 - 15.52	BE 6136	Surfaced to shoot the sun.
		16.00	BE 6214
		19.08	BE 6215	Surfaced.
		20.00	BE 6215
		04.02.43	West of the Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BE 6262
			NNW 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 2 nm, flat Swell
		04.00	BE 6359
		08.00	BF 4176
		08.49	BF 4416	Short Signal sent:  Position 48 hours off meeting point with escort.
		08.50	BF 4416	Crash dive for inbound aircraft bearing 135°, large land-based aircraft, possibly own Condor.
		12.00	BF 4424	Day's run:  = 142.1 nm, =21.65 nm.
			φ = 47°12'N
			λ = 10°51'W
		16.00	BF 4429
		18.59	BF 4434	Surfaced.
		20.00	BF 4435
		05.02.43	West of the Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 4528
		04.00	BF 4618
		08.00	BF 5441
		08.34	BF 5445	Aircraft bearing 180°, range 3000 meters, course south.  Had overflown us in the clouds, was not seen.
				Looked like a Ju 52.
		09.00	BF 5446	Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	BF 5454	Day's run:  = 151.6 nm, =24.03 nm.
			φ = 46°57'N
			λ = 6°28'W
		16.00	BF 5455
		18.53	BF 5456	Surfaced.
		20.00	BF 5467	From this point on multiple lighted fishermen.
		21.28	BF 5571	New course 55°.
		22.06	BF 5571	Passed Point Kern.
		23.41	BF 5545	Crash dive for detection 142 cm.
		06.02.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5545
			SSW 4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 1 nm, marine phosphorescence
		00.09	BF 5545	Surfaced.
		00.15	BF 5543	While blowing crash dive for detection 142 cm.  The radioman determined that locating reception took place even at a depth of 80 meters.  Investigated and found that own shallow depth sounder was the cause.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.43

	- 26 -
		continued
		06.02.43
		01.29	BF 5543	Surfaced.  Because out soundings indicate an offset to the northwest and this brings us into the warning area off Penmarch, requested bearing signals from Transmitter 1 by Short Signal.
		02.17	BF 5555	The first bearings.  We are not to the northwest but to the southeast.
		03.19	BF 5552	Bearing inexact from 55-60°T.  New course 55°.
		04.00	BF 5529	Good bearing exactly 55°T.
		08.00	BF 6478
		08.50	BF 6177	Taken in convoy.
		11.15		Made fast Lorient.
				Day's run:  = 98.1 nm, =21.15 nm.
				Total distance covered     :  7866.32 nm
				:     635.49 nm
				8501.81 nm.
			G  e  n  e  r  a  l    R  e  m  a  r  k  s  .
		Fu.M.B. Wooden cross: The shaft is too lightly constructed, little by little up to 80 cm had to be replaced by metal parts from below (70 cm from the quartz).   Cable: Very delicate, had to be patched constantly. If breaking point unknown, tedious searching required with many penetrations through the rubber sheath, thereby reducing the overall strength. In addition, the cable got shorter, so that the unit had to be moved into the control room. The inner shield of the cable could not be maintained after many repairs, receiving was good anyway.   Suggestion: Stronger wooden cross, as already seen with other boats. Provide spare cable and patch material. If possible, a plug on the cable at the cross to attach to the cable so that it can just be replaced if broken. Broken cables can then be repaired in calm without the device being out of service. The best would be flexible cable instead of solid wire.       Anti-aircraft weapons     M.G. C/30: Continuous ammunition difficulties even with good ammunition. Mostly case burners, sometimes failures, which can also be caused by low tension level of the breech recoil spring.   M.G. 15: In general good.     The mount is too weak in the forked column. The light metal is corroded by seawater and the M.G. slips out. Spring tension in the drums slowly fell off, as a result, from the outset or after 30-40 shots, bad cartridge feed and firing failure.
				Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant.

Sun and Moon Data 06.02.43

 

	Enclosures to U-123's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart for the entire patrol
Sketch	Sketch of convoy operation

 

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U 123" from 5.6.42 - 6.2.43.
	First patrol of the Kommandant.         The operation on the Spitz convoy was neither skillful or lucky. Contact was first gained by the boat in the afternoon of  28 December.  The attack opportunities were only hesitantly perceived and fired at great range on the disabled vessels. The observation on 29 December at 05.00 hours and the behavior of the boat are not entirely clear. The pursuit was not energetic enough (see 30 December at 00.00 hours).  The operation of the boat was affected by navigation difficulties.         To operate by sound observation:  U-boat sounds can be distinguished well during reasonably close observation from the sounds of a destroyer or steamer.         If there is prospect of success in contact with the enemy, one should not be stopped because of fuel concerns. The B.d.U. will not let you down, if you use the last drops of oil in the attack.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		Chief of the Operations Department.

---

Click the icons to view the associated records
	Return to the U-boat KTB page