U-159 - 4th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	4 March 1943	Lorient	25 April 1943	53

 

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
28 Mar 43	09.07	55°57'N, 18°55'W	SILVERBEECH	5,319	British	RS-3
			Total = 5,319
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
			-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
				of the
			Unterseebootes  "U  1 5 9"
			-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
			Kommandant        : Kapitänleutnant    W  i  t  t  e  ,  Helmut       Beginning              : 6 January 1943.     Concluding            : 25 April 1943.                                                      -.-.-.-     Distribution            :
			Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 and 2 O.K.M. 2. Abt. Skl. B.d.U.-Op.     "      " 3 Kommandierender Admiral der Unterseeboote     "      " 4 Führer der Unterseeboote West     "      " 5 27.Ufl. for 2 U.L.D. and 25. Ufl.     "      " 7 10. Unterseebootsflottille     "      " 6 F.d.U.-Ausbildung for Agru-Front (Kaptlt. Jebsen),     "      " 8 1. U.L.D., 24, and 26. U-Flottille
			Enclosures:             :     1 Track chart  To      "     " 1,3,4,5,6. 1 Excerpt of the Radio Log    "       "     " 3,4,5,6. 1 Torpedo firing report    "       "     " 3,4,5,6. 8 Barograph strips    "       "     " 5.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		06.01.43	Lorient	Cleared the boat
		07.01. -
		23.02.43	"	Keroman bunker.
		24.03.43	"	Pier-side trials.
		25.02.43	"	Fuel and torpedo loading.
		26.02.43	"	Sea trial.
		27.02.43	"	Provisions loading.
		28.02. -
		02.03.43	"	Skorff bunker.
		03.03.43	"	Skorff bunker Berth S 4.
		16.00		Cast off for 4th operation.
				With Sperrbrecher escort to Point "Laterne".
		19.12		Due to damage to the air search periscope and failure of the magnetic compass came about.
		21.50	"	Made fast berth S 1 in the Skorff bunker.
		04.03.43	Lorient
		16.00		Berth S 1 in Skorff bunker cast off for 4th operation.
				With Sperrbrecher escort to Point "Laterne".
		18.30		Convoy ended.
		18.32		Bottom mine detonation 100 meters astern.
		23.55		Dived to proceed submerged.
		05.03.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5548	Course 235°, 15 knots.
		04.00	BF 5571
		08.00	BF 5493
		12.00	BF 5495	Day's run:  = 97 nm, = 22 nm.
			φ = 46°38'N
			λ = 5°40'W
			NE 1, 2/10, hazy

	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.43

	- 2 -
		continued
		05.03.43
		16.00	BF 5497
		20.00	BF 5723
		20.02		Surfaced.
		20.25		Incoming Radio Message (1216):  Head for CA 50.
		21.06	BF 5725	Crash dive for detection (horizontally polarized 168 cm).
		22.47		Surfaced.
		06.03.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5742	Course 240°, 15 knots.
		04.00	BF 4985
		04.07		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	BF 4984
		12.00	BF 4979	Day's run:  = 92 nm, = 26 nm.
			φ = 45°38'N
			λ = 8°05'W
			NE 3, hazy
		16.00	BF 7331
		20.00	BF 7325
		20.25		Surfaced.
		23.49		Crash dive, course 320° and 245°.
				Flares.
		07.03.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7259	Course 240°.
		01.31		Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 7199
		07.14		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	BF 7442
		12.00	BF 7444	Day's run:  = 139 nm, = 28 nm.
			φ = 44°17'N
			λ = 11°27'W
			NNE 3, 0/10
		16.00	BE 9666
		20.00	BE 9666
		20.32		Surfaced.
		08.03.43	West of Finisterre
		00.00	BE 9911	Course 240°, 15 knots
		04.00	BE 9857
		07.32		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	CG 1114

	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		08.03.43
		12.00	CF 3335	Day's run:  = 165 nm, = 26 nm.
			φ = 42°43'N
			λ = 15°17'W
			NbyE 4-5, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. medium
		16.00	CF 3329
		20.00	CF 3328
		09.03.43	West of Spain
		00.00	CF 3262	Course 260°.
		04.00	CF 3244
		00.49		Outgoing Radio Message (0402):  CF 3244, missing Serial Nos., weather.
		07.52		Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	CF 3172	Day's run:  = 116 nm, = 26 nm.
			φ = 42°18'N
			λ = 18°28'W
			NbyE 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium, medium Swell
		16.00	CF 3171
		20.00	CF 2391
		20.04		Surfaced.
		10.03.43	Northeast of the Azores
		00.00	CF 2345	11 knots, course 265°.
		04.00	CF 2257
		08.00	CF 2159
		10.56		Incoming Radio Message (1026):  Head for CE 86, radio silence.    . . . etc,
		12.00	CF 2172	Day's run:  = 147 nm, = 25 nm.  Course 190°.
			φ = 42°15'N
			λ = 22°06'W
			NNO 4, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. good, light Swell
		16.00	CF 2414
		17.22 - 18.11		Test dive.
		20.00	CF 1683

	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.03.43

	- 4 -
		11.03.43	East of the Azores
		00.00	CF 1928	Course 190°, 7 knots.
		04.00	CF 1984
		08.00	CF 4343
		12.00	CF 4378	Day's run:  = 183 nm, = 3 nm.
			φ = 39°18'N
			λ = 23°17'W
			NNE 4, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. good, medium Swell
		16.00	CF 4645
		16.58 - 17.37		Test dive.
		20.00	CF 4911
		12.03.43	Southeast of the Azores
		00.00	CF 4863	7 knots, course 190°.
		04.00	CF 4899
		08.00	CF 7265
			CF 7297	Day's run:  = 163 nm, = 1.8 nm.
			φ = 36°40'N
			λ = 23°48'W
			NbyE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, medium Swell, Vis. medium
		16.00	CF 7524
		18.25		Test dive.
		18.36		Incoming Radio Message (1500):
				1.)  U-159, "Schramm", "Steinaecker", U-67, "Bargsten", "Janssen" as Group "Wohlgemut" on 14 March 09.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from square CE 8272 to 8878, course 270°, speed of advance 5 knots.  Radio Circuit from 13 March 08.00 hours America II.
				2.)  Etc.
		20.00	CF 7518
		23.56		Incoming Radio Message (2211):  22.00 hours convoy CD 8257, course 80°, 8 knots.
				"Keller"
				This is right for "Wohlgemut"!!

	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.43

	- 5 -
		13.03.43	South of the Azores
		00.00	CF 9652
		00.02		Incoming Radio Message (2319):
				1.)  Keller hold contact.  First clear to attack, as soon as another boat has reported contact.
				2.)  Group "Wohlgemut" operate at increased transit speed . . . . . . on "Keller" report.
				3.)  Both groups go like the Blücher.
		02.10		Incoming Radio Message (0115):  "Wohlgemut" immediately switch to America II Circuit.
				Since 23.00 hours there have been no contact keeper reports.
		03.27		Incoming Radio Message (0247):  Group "Wohlgemut":
				1.)  "Keller" report contact immediately, or last observed enemy position after 23.00 hours.
				2.)  If there is no contact, boats search on enemy courses from 50° to 90° for enemy speed 7-9 knots.
		04.00	CE 9538	Search course 285°.
		08.00	CE 9521
		12.00	CE 9197	Day's run:  = 132 nm, = 4 nm.
			φ = 36°40'N	Wind and Swell make closing up very difficult.
			λ = 27°25'W
		16.00	CE 9172
		20.00	CE 8364	Boats report locating destroyers several times, however there are no definite indications concerning the convoy.  Clouds of smoke seen in various places also do not provide any more exact information.
		14.03.43	Southwest of the Azores
		00.00	CE 8324
		01.47		Incoming Radio Message (0030):  Group "Unverzagt" and "Wohlgemut"
				If there is no contact, search for the convoy such that breaking off, boats can be in patrol line from naval square CD 6345 via CE 4743 to CE 7414 on 14 March at 09.00 hours. Order:  "Sturm", "Rasch", "Emmermann", "Rüggeberg", "Henke", "Witte", "Schramm", "Müller", "Steinaecker".  For "Keller", "Bargsten", "Janssen" free to

	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		14.03.43		maneuver in the area of the patrol line.
		02.00		Course 275°, due to long range I can first be in position 24 hours later.
		04.00	CE 8233
		08.00	CE 8212
		12.00	CE 8122	Day's run:  = 200 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 37°31'N
			λ = 31°10'W
			N 4, Sea 3, overcast, medium-high Swell, Vis. good, rain showers
				"Rüggeberg" reports in CE 4476, 4484 and 4485 broad smoke cloud band, suspected convoy.
				All U-boats operating on "Keller-convoy" are in Group "Unverzagt".
				3 boats are to operate on the convoy, remaining boats 12 knots, course east until conclusive contact keeping reports are at hand.
				That turned the tables and suddenly I'm positioned favorably.
		13.11		Incoming Radio Message (1218):  Group "Unverzagt":
				All boats operate on "Rüggeberg" report.
				Course 320.  Operated on "Rüggeberg" contact keeping reports.
		16.00	CE 4966
		17.04		Incoming Radio Message (1630):  Group "Unverzagt":
				"Rüggeberg" report contact hourly.  The other boats after first sighting strive to maneuver ahead with loose contact, to attack after the onset of darkness.  Strive for a together attack.  If contact is broken by "Rüggeberg" all boats close energetically.
		20.00	CE 4656	"Rüggeberg" reports last convoy position from 4273, was then forced off to the south.

Sun and Moon Data 14.03.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		14.03.43
		21.43		Incoming Radio Message (2104):  "Rüggeberg" was forced off, boats that have contact, report convoy position immediately.
		23.14		Incoming Radio Message (2254):  Group "Unverzagt":
				Convoy goes to Gibraltar, suspect north of the Azores.  Continue to search at highest speed.
		15.03.43	Northwest Azores
		00.00	CE 4351	By plotting the convoy should come in sight at 02.00 hours.
		01.12		Destroyer in 10°T, 5-6 nm away, easterly course, probably belongs to the aft screen.
				Intention:  Maneuver ahead at the radar limit, to attack submerged by day.
		04.00	CE 1959
		05.11		Artillery fire in 150°T.
		08.00	CE 2724
		09.14		Several smoke clouds in 150°T, 1 destroyer.
		10.39		U-159 report weather.
		11.06		Because there have been no contact reports for several hours,
				Outgoing Radio Message (1002):
				1 destroyer, several smoke clouds CE 2761.  Apparently general course east.
				"Witte".
		12.00	CE 2843	Day's run:  = 310 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 48°00'N
			λ = 30°24'W
			W 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, medium Swell
		12.36		Outgoing Radio Message (1158):  Convoy position 2872, general course east, speed 10 knots.
				"Witte".
		13.10		Outgoing weather Short Signal.
				Situation:  Contact holding at the limit of radar  is possible. Penetration of locating screen for surface night attack is not yet successful due to weather conditions, so will try for a collective day attack, which still seems the most promising.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		15.03.43		No more contact keeper reports, since "Steinaecker" reported contact.
				Holding contact and maneuvering ahead on destroyer masts is easily possible.
		14.02		Meeting with U-67 and agreement on collective attack.
				While maneuvering ahead the convoy had a general course of 110°.
		16.00	CE 2899
		18.40		Dived for submerged attack.
				During the attack the convoy zigzagged to 80°, so that the entire enormous group is beyond the range of my maneuver ahead.  I count over 25 large steamers, mostly passenger freighters.
				Ahead on the flank and behind each 2 two-smokestack destroyers as remote escort, all around modern one-smokestack destroyers as close escort
				Despite collision course and repeated GF I could no longer get to shooting range, so that the hard fought for attack must be given up.
		20.00	CE 2984
		20.53		2 torpedo detonations heard.
		22.10		Surfaced.  Pursued.
		22.39		Outgoing Radio Message (2110):  From "Witte":
				CE 2980 failed day attack on convoy by port zigzag.  About 25 ships, mostly passenger freighters, remote and close escort.  To starboard all 9 modern American destroyers.  Convoy course 80°.  172 cbm.
				Intention:  Advance on the aft screen and attack on the surface at moonset.

Sun and Moon Data 15.03.43

	- 9 -
		16.03.43	North of the Azores
		00.00	CE 2994	So far have managed to avoid the aft sweeper twice on the surface, no surface ship radar determined.
		01.07		Destroyer abeam to port, target angle 0°, high speed.  Steady tone aircraft detection on 168 cm horizontally polarized, therefore the aft sweeper must be working with aircraft radar in the forward sector!
				Despite running off at AK the destroyer comes closer quickly.
		01.15		Star shells, artillery fire, crash dive.  Listening pursuit at depth A +40 meters.
				So even penetrating the aft screen is not very promising.
		04.00	CE 2996
		04.36		Surfaced.
				Intention:  Maneuver ahead on general course Gibraltar outside the radar range for day attack.
		08.00	CE 3787
		12.00	CE 6251	Day's run:  = 146 nm, = 21 nm.
			φ = 39°52'N
			λ = 26°41'W
			WSW 4, Sea 3-4, 5/10, Vis. very good, long Swell
		16.00	CE 6357	Operated on "Rasch" and "Janssen" reports by which general course now seems to be SE.
		20.00	CE 6638
		22.20		Incoming Radio Message (2126):  Contents:
				Situation in Tunis makes further operation on Gibraltar-convoy necessary.
		22.45		Incoming Radio Message (2157):  Contents:
				Use radar detector to maneuver ahead, submerged day attack seems promising.
		17.03.43	East of the Azores
		00.00	CF 4586	Despite being in the convoy square neither detections nor contact.  Assume, that I am to the south, therefore continued to search with general course east.
		04.00	CF 4685
		08.00	CF 5487

	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		17.03.43
		11.24		Incoming Radio Message (1031):  . . . . . . . .
				"Witte" report position.
				. . . . . . . .  etc.
		12.00	CF 5499	Day's run:  = 294 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 38°26'N
			λ = 21°08'W
			SW 2, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. very good, long Swell
		12.47		Outgoing Radio Message (1153):  From U-159:
				16 March 01.15 hours detected by aft screen by aircraft radar 168 cm.  Artillery and star shells.  In pursuit.  Position 5400, no contact, 158 cbm.
		14.44 - 15.00		Test dive.  Broad sound band in aft sector, by sound and contact keeper reports I must now be in the immediate vicinity of the convoy.
		15.30	CF 5813	Smoke cloud in 280°T.
		16.00	CF 5826
		17.19		3 locating destroyers in sight in 210°T to 230°T
				Assumed to be the port forward escort.  Was initially forced off to the northwest and east by the escorts, then closed energetically to the south for a day attack from ahead.  While running off to the east the convoy had zigzagged to course 80°, so that on coming in sight again I am ahead to starboard.  I hoped to be ahead of the convoy in an hour.
		19.16	CF 5835	Crash dive for flying boat in 60°T, 8 nm away.
		20.00	CF 5829
		20.14		Surfaced.  Both cooling water manifolds cylinder 9 are now so cracked that repairs are absolutely necessary.
		20.44		Crash dive for detection 168 cm, horizontally polarized.
		22.06		Surfaced.
		22.19		Incoming Radio Message (2111):  1.)  "Unverzagt" continue operating on general course Gibraltar.  2.)  Etc . . . .

Sun and Moon Data 17.03.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		17.03.43
		22.27		Outgoing Radio Message (2130):  From "Witte":
				Evening twice forced to submerged by aircraft.  Set off to weld cooling water manifold both cylinder 9 and repair to starboard exhaust gas valve.  Question disembarking replacement Chief Engineer to "Emmermann".  CF 5829.
		18.03.43	East of the Azores
		00.00	CF 5819	Course 270°, 7 knots.
		04.00	CF 5729
		08.00	CF 5724
		12.00	CF 5489	Day's run:  = 176 nm, = 8.5 nm.
			φ = 38°27'N
			λ = 21°35'W
			WSW 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good, medium Swell
		14.53		Suspected smoke feather in 0°T.  Hunted in vain.
		16.00	CF 5546	Incoming Radio Message (1532):
				"Emmermann" suggest meeting point with U-159 to take over the new Chief Engineer.  U-159 is about in naval square CE 58 (must mean CF 58).
		17.09		Outgoing Radio Message (1631):  From U-159:
				Ready for operations again.  CF 5546.  Question pursuit.
		17.18		Incoming Radio Message (1646):  From "Emmermann":
				1.)  Suggested meeting point with "Witte" 19 March 09.00 hours CF 5755.
				2.)  . . . .  etc.
		18.32		Incoming Radio Message (1755):
				1.)  "Witte" do not pursue.  Go to meeting point reported by "Emmermann".
				2.)  Further orders for all boats after breaking of the convoy operation.
				Experiences at the Gibraltar-convoy:
				Radar complicated surface night attacks very much in the calm weather, for that reason tried to get ahead for day attack, used radar detector for that

	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		18.03.43		to maneuver ahead and hold contact.  Tried for collective day attack, if possible with time set by Leadership.
				Radar forces new tactical measures.  But the development of technology dictates the law of action, which is why radar is forced to be viewed not as an enemy but as a friend and exploited until a countermeasure that can be used at the front is found.
		20.00	CF 5492
		19.03.43	East of the Azores.
		00.00	CF 5489	Course 210°, 5 knots.
		04.00	CF 5751
		08.00	CF 5784
		12.00	CF 5784	Day's run:  = 127 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 38°00'N	Nothing seen of "Emmermann", also no bearing reception.
			λ = 21°48'W
			NNW 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10, long high Swell, rain showers, Vis. good
		12.51	CF 5754	Portuguese "NYASSA" in 150°T, course 270°.
		13.00 - 14.35		Dived to let "NYASSA" pass.
		15.52		Incoming Radio Message (1311):  Important contents:
				. . . . . . . . .
				2.)  "Rasch" from 21 March 10.00 hours give remaining fuel to "Witte" and "Henke" in DH 8755, fill both boats to the same level.  . . . . . . . .  etc.
		16.00	CF 5754
		16.25		Portuguese schooner in 55°T, course 270°.
		17.23		Outgoing Short Signal:  From U-159:
				For meeting send bearing signals in accordance with War Order.
		18.10		Bearing signals from U-172.
		19.33		U-172 in sight in 51°T.  Handed over Ltnt.(Ing.) Hauser to U-172.
		20.00	CF 5756

	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.43

	- 13 -
		20.03.43	Southeast of the Azores
		00.00	CF 5789
		04.00	CF 8156
		08.00	CF 8423
		09.31 - 10.31		Test dive.
		11.20		Incoming Radio Message (1018):  Contents:  Assessment of B.d.U. concerning operation of Group "Unverzagt" on the Gibraltar convoy.
		12.00	CF 8456	Day's run:  = 139 nm, = 7.5 nm.
			φ = 36°11'N
			λ = 21°34'W
			WNW 3, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. good, medium Swell
		16.00	CF 8486
		20.00	CF 8723
		21.03.43	Southeast of the Azores
		00.00	CF 8755
		04.00	CF 8785
		08.00	CF 8758
		12.00	CF 8755	Day's run:  = 107 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 35°15'N	"Rasch" not met so far.
			λ = 21°45'W
			SW 5, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. good, medium Swell
		13.33		Outgoing Short Signal:  From U-159:
				For meeting send bearing signals in accordance with War Order.
		14.40		Bearing signals from "Rasch".
		16.06	CF 8752	U-106 and U-515 in sight in 340°T.
		17.07		Supply put off due to weather conditions, together southern transit.
		20.00	CF 8788
		22.03.43	Southeast of the Azores
		00.00	DH 1258	Course 180°, 8 knots.
		04.00	DH 1525
		08.00	DH 1558
		12.00	DH 1558	Day's run:  = 148 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 33°21'N
			λ = 21°45'W
			SW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast (rain), high Swell, rain showers, 1011 mb	Despite the bad weather this afternoon I want to try taking over via the conning tower hatch, because if I wait any longer,

	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		22.03.43
		15.40		it will no longer be worth taking over.  Began to take over from U-106.  The maneuver is extremely difficult seamanship-wise, because the course and speed of the boats can hardly be held.
		16.00	DH 1573
			WbyS 6, Sea 5-6, high Swell, rain showers
		19.20		Take over ended.  12 cbm taken over.  Because there are still no orders concerning operations area, set off to the SW.
				Immediately after the first bearing signals yesterday, the exact ship's location of both boats was picked up on 425 kHz, at Volume 5 (probably) from a shore station, so there is suspicion that bearings were taken.
		20.00	DH 1573
		23.03.43	West of Madeira
		00.00	DH 1578	Course 210°, 5 knots.
		00.17		Incoming Radio Message (2319):
				During the full moon period occupy as temporary attack area:  U-159 DH 44 . . . . .  etc.
				Expect enemy aircraft in these areas.
		04.00	DH 1736
		08.00	DH 1762
		12.00	DH 1768	Day's run:  = 128 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 32°25'N
			λ = 22°35'W
			WbyS 5, Sea 5, 6/10, medium Swell, Vis. medium
		16.00	DH 4189
		17.13 - 18.55		Test dive.
		20.00	DH 4426
		24.03.43	Southwest of Madeira
		00.00	DH 4458	Course 190°, 5 knots.
		04.00	DH 4488

	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		24.03.43
		08.00	DH 4494
		12.00	DH 4488	Day's run:  = 113 nm, = 2.8 nm.
			φ = 30°22'N
			λ = 22°52'W
			NW 4, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. good, high Swell
		16.00	DH 4488
		20.00	DH 4476
		25.03.43	Operations area
		00.00	DG 6693	Course 10°, 5 knots.
		04.00	DG 6663
		08.00	DH 4411
		12.00	DH 4419	Day's run:  = 130 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 30°55'N
			λ = 23°10'W
			NW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, medium Swell
		16.00	DH 4458
		16.45 - 18.45		Test dive and damage control drills.
		20.00	DH 4494
		22.12		Incoming Radio Message (2032):  1.)  . . . . . .   2.)  "Witte", . . . . . . . . , head for DU 2290 to arrive on 27 March at 08.00 hours
				3.)  Southeast bound slow convoy is expected in the strip in the evening of 26 March.  Boats form Group "Seeräuber".
		26.03.43	Operations area
		00.00	DH 4735	Course 132°, 16 knots.
		04.00	DH 4882
		08.00	DH 7354
		12.00	DH 8173	Day's run:  = 224 nm, = 6.2 nm.
			φ = 28°47'N
			λ = 19°37'W
			NNE 4, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. very good, medium-Swell
		16.00	DH 8496
		17.03 - 17.29		Test dive, starboard exhaust gas  valve leaks heavily.
		18.43		"Hierro" Island in sight in 58°T, 25 nm away.
		20.00	DH 8852

	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		26.03.43
		21.09 - 21.27		Test dive repeated to check the starboard exhaust gas valve.
		22.22		Incoming Radio Message (2146):  To "Seeräuber":
				If there is no contact by 01.00 hours, course SW high speed.  On 27 March 08.00 hours in order "Schroeter", U-159, "Müller", "Rüggeberg", "Emmermann", "Sturm" and "Steinaecker" be in new patrol line from 2194 to 2625.
		27.03.43	Operations area
		00.00	DH 8893	Course 131°, 12 knots.
		04.00	DU 2119
		07.44		U-67 in 40°T, 8 nm away.
		08.00	DU 2277	Am in position.
		12.00	DU 2196	Day's run:  = 276 nm, = 4.1 nm.
			φ = 25°55'N	Slowly split the difference between  "Schroeter" position and mine to 2194 because Schroeter is hunting an independent to the south.
			λ = 16°20'W
			NNE 5, Sea 4, 1/10
		13.55		Crash dive for detection on 166 cm (horizontally polarized). Repaired brush bridge port E-motor.
		14.48		Surfaced.
		14.53		Crash dive for "Sunderland" using radar, bearing 190°T, 10 nm away, changing course.
				Repair of the drain valve between the starboard exhaust gas valves.
		15.47		Surfaced.
		16.00	DU 2198
		20.00	DU 2194	Went to old position.
		28.03.43	Operations area
		00.00	DU 2196	Course 165°, 6 knots.
		04.00	DU 2196
		08.00	DU 2198

	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		28.03.43
		09.04		Incoming Radio Message (0840):  From "Sturm" enemy in sight 2378.
		09.51		Incoming Radio Message (0913):
				1.)  "Seeräuber" operate at highest speed on "Sturm" report.
				2.)  . . . . . . etc.
		10.00		33°T, 15 nm.  Operated on convoy by continuing contact keeper reports.
		12.00	DU 2516	Day's run:  = 182 nm, = 5.4 nm.
			φ = 25°38'N
			λ = 16°03'W
			NE 5, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. good, medium Swell
		12.41		U-boat in 30°T.
		12.48		Smoke feather and mastheads in 80°T, 14 nm away, course 225°.
				3 steamers are seen with sharp target angles, I hope to be ahead in an hour, if only aircraft will stay away.
		13.19		U-boat in 140°T.
		13.54		Convoy zigzags to general course 220°.  The U-boat in 140°T has dived, since simultaneous attack gives the best opportunities, I decide not to match speed of the convoy any longer, but to dive immediately.
				Dived for submerged attack.
		14.48	DU 2555	The convoy zigzagged towards just before the shot was to be fired, so a corvette and a steamer approach me at target angle 0°, and I am forced to shoot quickly at the largest steamer with a sharp target angle if the shot is not to be cancelled completely.
			NNE 4-5, medium Swell
				Fan from tube I to IV:
				Enemy speed = 8 knots, target angle 30°, torpedo speed = 30 knots, depth = 4 meters, range = 1500 meters, spread = 4°, 120°.  Enemy course = 220, running time: 71 seconds = 1100 meters.
		14.49		No observation due to defenses, however very heavy detonation heard, afterwards strong sinking sounds.  Target:  modern large freighter of 9000 GRT.
		15.11 - 16.56		23 at times severe depth charges.

Sun and Moon Data 28.03.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		28.03.43		Important failures:  starboard negative buoyancy tank, strong beating of the aft diving planes, strong beating of the port shaft, boat was 4 tons too heavy and one ton heavy by the stern (unexplained, probably from an explosive bang and subsequent strong hissing in the upper deck).
				Depth charges from 2 corvettes, that worked with listening, Asdic and fast running sounding.  Shaken off by expelling Bolde and running off at GF for half an hour against the sea.
		19.08		Surfaced, to run to the shooting location.  A blowing U-boat in 290°T.
		20.00	DU 2551
		20.13 - 20.40		Boat drove through a field of rubble stretching over several nautical miles, all atomized wooden splinters.
				On the over deck several torn pieces of iron were found.
		20.40		Incoming Radio Message (1939):   From "Emmermann" who had seen an ammunition steamer fly into the air at 14.50 hours.
				So for me once again clear confirmation.  Set off to the west for repairs and asses the continually changing weight condition of the boat.
		22.57		Report weather by 05.00 hours.
		23.09		Outgoing Radio Message (2143):  From "Witte":
				1.)  Sank:  11.48 hours square 2555 from convoy 9000 GRT ammunition steamer, course 220°.  Severe depth charges.
				2.)  Set off for repairs, 115 cbm, stiff NE-Trade Winds.

Sun and Moon Data 28.03.43

	- 19 -
		29.03.43
		00.00	DU 2455	Course 270°, 11 knots.
		00.54		Outgoing Short Signal weather report.
		01.10		Brief bright fire glow in 150°T.
		02.00		Set clocks one hour ahead.
		03.46	DU 1668	Dived for detection on 166 cm, horizontally polarized.
		04.00	DU 1668
		05.13		Surfaced, detection Volume 5, steady tone.
		05.14		Dived for detection.
				Intend to remain submerged until lightness and correct depth charge damage. Boat is strongly out of trim with each dive.
		08.00	DU 1667
		10.11		Surfaced.
		11.17 - 12.03	DU 1658	Test dive, because the starboard negative buoyancy tank is in operation again.
			φ = 25°16'N
			λ = 18°56'W	Day's run:  = 137 nm, = 33.2 nm.
			NNE 5, Sea 5, 6/10, medium Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	DU 1547
		20.00	DU 1445
		30.03.43	Southwest of the Canary Islands
		00.00	DT 3664	9.5 knots, course 275°.
		04.00	DT 3645
		08.00	DT 3555
		10.54		Incoming Radio Message (1040):  To "Seeräuber":
				Immediately report fuel and position.
		12.00	DT 3465	Day's run:  = 236 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 25°23N
			λ = 21°51'W
			NE 5, Sea 4, overcast, medium Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	DT 3425
		16.33		Outgoing Short Signal: My position is DT 30, still have 107 cbm fuel oil.
				U-159
		18.00 - 21.00		Work on the over deck, correction of sea and depth charge damage.  Unexplained oil trace.  Suspect 3 torpedo canisters cracked.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		30.03.43
		22.47		Incoming Radio Message (2110, 2145):
				1.)  Occupy . . . .  etc.
				2.)  U-159 operate in naval square 40 of the large square EK with focus on the harbor.  Here suspect inbound and outbound as well as north- and southbound traffic . . . . .
				3.)  . . . .  etc.
				With the present condition of the boat I believe operation in the ordered operations area is not possible, however I still want to wait until the test dive tomorrow.
		31.03.43	Southwest of the Canary Islands
		00.00	DT 2663	5 knots, course 180°.
		04.00	DT 2696
		08.00	DT 2939
		10.00		Starboard exhaust gas piping leaks, repair not possible due to sea state.
		10.59 - 11.24		Test dive, boat is too heavy, started strongly stern heavy, then strongly bow heavy.  Balancing lasts an hour, out of trim probably from re-flooding of torn canisters.
		12.00	DT 2968	Day's run:  = 106 nm, = 3.6 nm.
			φ = 24°24'N
			λ = 22°47'W
			ENE 4, Sea 4, overcast, light Swell, Vis. good
		14.30		Outgoing Radio Message (1148):
				Boat is continually out of trim unexplained, suspect several torpedo canisters torn.  Strong banging of the port shaft, aft diving plane, oil trace.  Believe boat is not ready for operation in ordered operations area, request free sea area.  Naval square DT 2968, Trade Wind 5.    "Witte"
		16.00	DT 5332

	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.43

	- 21 -
		continued
		31.03.43
		16.05	DT 5332	Crash dive for four-engined land-based aircraft in 10°T, 6 nm away, southerly course.
		17.23		Surfaced.  Detection on 166 cm, horizontally polarized, Volume 5.
		17.24	DT 5331	Crash dive for detection.
		18.21		Surfaced.
		20.00	DT 5321
		20.10		Incoming Radio Message (1904):
				1.)  . . . . . . . . , "Henke" occupy previous ordered attack area for U-159.
				2.)  U-159 free to maneuver in square EJ 10, 20. 40, 50.  Possible enemy traffic up to bunker station.  Return transit without supply.
		21.00		Course 195°, 8 knots.
				Ordered attack area was once a productive hunting ground, but today?  . . . one can only hope!
		01.04.43	North of the Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	DT 5344	Course 195°, 7 knots.
		04.00	DT 5299
		08.00	DT 5562
		12.00	DT 5597	Day's run:  = 158 nm, = 3.8 nm.
			φ = 22°16'N
			λ = 23°50'W
			ENE 3, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. very good, light Swell
		16.00	DT 5854
		17.40 - 18.36		Test dive.
		20.00	DT 5878
		02.04.43	North of the Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	DT 8241	Course 195°, 8 knots.
		04.00	DT 8198
		08.00	DT 8464
		12.00	DT 5597	Day's run:  = 173 nm, = 2.2 nm.
			φ = 19°28'N
			λ = 24°48'W
			NNE 3, Sea 3, 1/10, light Swell, Vis. good
		16.00	DT 8757

	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		02.04.43
		16.06 - 17.33		Test dive.
		20.00	DT 8779
		03.04.43	Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	EJ 2144	Course 205°, 7 knots.
				Intention:  Cross through EJ diagonally, attempt to correct oil trace, then go inside the island group.
		04.00	EJ 1632
		08.00	EJ 1658
		12.00	EJ 1921	Day's run:  = 172 nm, = 3 nm.
			φ = 16°46'N
			λ = 25°53'W
			NNE 4, Sea 3, 2/10, light Swell, Vis. very good
		16.00	EJ 1944
		19.45		Test dive.
		20.00	EJ 1898
		21.27		Surfaced.
		04.04.43	Operations area
		00.00	EJ 4223	Course 205°, 6.5 knots.
		04.00	EJ 4257
		08.00	EJ 4512
		12.00	EJ 4466	Day's run:  = 151 nm, = 3.9 nm.
			φ = 14°33'N
			λ = 27°12'W
			NNE 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. very good, light Swell
		16.00	EJ 4722
		17.10		Fuel oil was pumped into 6 and 2, apparently there is a crack in 4 port, then the oil trace was lighter.
		20.00	EJ 4746
		22.19		Fuel transfer and over deck work ended, transit speed.
		05.04.43	Operations area
		00.00	EJ 7111	Course 50°, 7 knots.
		04.00	EJ 4781
		08.00	EJ 4762

	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.04.43

	- 23 -
		continued
		05.04.43
		12.00	EJ 4811	Day's run:  = 167 nm, = 0 nm.
			φ = 14°04'N
			λ = 27°02'W
			N 3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. good, light Swell
		16.00	EJ 4584
		20.00	EJ 4564
		20.37 - 22.15		Test dive.
		06.04.43	Operations area
		00.00	EJ 4539	Course 50°, 6 knots.
		04.00	EJ 4387
		08.00	EJ 4367
		12.00	EJ 5141	Day's run:  = 142 nm, = 2.4 nm.
			φ = 15°32'N
			λ = 25°14'W
			NNE 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. very good, light Swell
		16.00	EJ 5124
		20.00	EJ 2769	Intend to search 20 north of the island group.
		20.31 - 21.42		Test dive.
		07.04.43	Operations area
		00.00	EJ 2752	Course 290°, 7 knots.
		08.00	EJ 1922
		12.00	EJ 1832	Day's run:  = 164 nm, = 3.2 nm.
			φ = 16°48'N
			λ = 26°20'W
			NE 4-5, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. good, light Swell, hazy
		12.15		Detection on 168 cm, horizontally polarized rising from Volume 2 to 5, hear at 12.40, then broke off, no attack.
		16.00	EJ 1863
		20.00	EJ 1899
		20.10 - 22.06		Test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.04.43

	- 24 -
		08.04.43	Operations area
		00.00	EJ 4313	Course 90°, 6 knots.  Going into the island group.
		04.00	EJ 4331
		08.00	EJ 5113
		12.00	EJ 5126	Day's run:  = 143 nm, = 4.4 nm.
			φ = 15°44'N
			λ = 24°48'W
			NNE 4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. good (hazy), medium Swell
		14.30		Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message "Xant" (1342):
				1.)  To "Scheibe":  In the next days picking up the complete U-boat crew of "Sturm" from DH 9450 is intended.  More on that to follow.
				2.)  U-159 head for DT 69 at economical transit speed.  There meet with "Scheibe" and take over a part of the crew.
		16.00	EJ 5136	Course 315°.
		20.00	EJ 2786
		20.23 - 22.04		Test dive.
		09.04.43	West of the Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	EJ 2794	Course 315°, 6 knots.
		04.00	EJ 1939
		08.00	EJ 1688
		10.00		Course 0°.
		12.00	EJ 1655	Day's run:  = 135 nm, = 4 nm.
			φ = 17°12'N
			λ = 25°42'W
			NNE 5, Sea 4, 6/10, hazy, medium Swell
		16.00	EJ 1388
		20.00	EJ 1355
		20.14 - 22.04		Test dive.
		10.04.43	North of the Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	EJ 1322	Course 0°, 6.5 knots.
		04.00	DT 7958
		08.00	DT 7925

	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43

	- 25 -
		continued
		10.04.43
		12.00	BF 7682	Day's run:  = 152 nm, = 4 nm.
			φ = 19°45'N
			λ = 25°42'W
			NE 4, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. good, medium Swell
		16.00	DT 7625
		20.00	DT 7381
		20.19 - 21.37		Test dive.
		11.04.43	North of the Cape Verde Islands
		00.00	DT 7329	Course 0°, 6.5 knots
		04.00	DT 4989
		08.00	DT 4956
		12.00	DT 4923	Day's run:  = 154 nm, = 4 nm.
			φ = 22°12'N
			λ = 25°42'W
			NE 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, medium Swell
		14.22		Incoming Radio Message (1132):
				1.)  . . . . . . . .
				2.)  U-159 report position and fuel.
		16.00	DT 4656
		16.19		Outgoing Short Signal:  DT 4683, 73 cbm.
				U-159.
		20.00	DT 4623
		20.05 - 21.51		Test dive.
				Balancing difficulties from unexplained weight condition still exist.
		12.04.43	Southwest of the Canary Islands
		00.00	DT 4356	Course 0°, 6.5 knots.
		04.00	DT 4323
		08.00	DT 1956
		12.00	DT 4923	Day's run:  = 154 nm, = 4 nm.
			φ = 25°01'N
			λ = 25°42'W
			NE 4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, medium Swell
		16.00	DT 1563
		20.00	DT 1299
		20.15 - 22.06		Test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.04.43

	- 26 -
		13.04.43	West of the Canary Islands
		00.00	DT 1266	Course 0°, 6.5 knots
		04.00	DT 1233
		08.00	DG 9764
		12.00	DG 9497	Day's run:  = 155 nm, = 4 nm.
			φ = 27°36'N
			λ = 26°14'W
			NE 5, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. good, medium Swell
		16.00	DG 9483
		20.00	DG 9453
		20.07 - 22.01		Test dive.
		22.43	DG 9425	Lifeboat in 340°T.  Went to the boat, found there that it was from the "Liberty Ship" sunk on its initial voyage by "Buchholz" on 12 April.
				Name:  "A.W. DENVER", size: 10000 GRT, with piece goods from New York to North Africa.
		14.04.43	West of the Canary Islands
		00.00	DG 9423	Course 0°, 6 knots.
		04.00	DG 9182
		04.59		"Scheibe" reports task carried out.
		08.00	DG 9152
		11.52		Incoming Radio Message (1059):
				"Scheibe" on 16 April in DH 4455 give about 10 men to "Wissmann" and the rest of the "Sturm" crew to U-159.  Afterwards named boats return transit.  U-159 report execution.
		12.00	DG 9122	Day's run:  = 124 nm, = 4 nm.
			φ = 29°20'N
			λ = 26°30'W
			NNE 5, Sea 4, 3/10, Vis. good, medium Swell
		13.00		Course 66°.
		16.00	DG 6794
		20.00	DG 6871
		20.08 - 21.41		Test dive.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.04.43

	- 27 -
		continued
		15.04.43	West of the Canary Islands
		00.00	DG 6849	Course 63°, 5 knots.
		04.00	DG 6855
		08.00	DG 6839
		12.00	DG 6915	Day's run:  = 116 nm, = 4 nm.
			φ = 30°10'N
			λ = 24°27'W
			NbyE 3, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good, medium Swell
		16.00	DG 6688
		20.00	DG 6695
		19.30 - 22.06		Test dive.
		16.04.43	Northwest of the Canary Islands
		00.00	DG 6695	Course 69°, 5 knots.
		04.00	DH 4449
		04.23		U-117 in sight in 99°T.
				Joined.
		08.00	DH 4448
		08.55		U-581 in sight in 130°T.
		10.10		U-455 in sight in 150°T.
		10.37 - 11.50		Took over 2 officers, 18 men of the "Sturm"-crew.
		12.00	DH 4452	Day's run:  = 112 nm, = 5 nm.
			φ = 30°51'N
			λ = 22°54'W
			NE 3, Sea 3, 6/10, light Swell, Vis. good
		13.00 - 15.50		Gave 2 cbm lubricating oil and 6 days provisions to U-518.
		16.00	DH 4455	Return transit.  Course 350°, 11 knots.
		20.00	DH 4149
		20.16 - 20.47		Test dive.
		21.44		Outgoing Short Signal:  Have carried out task.
				U-159.
		17.04.43	Southeast of the Azores
		00.00	DH 4115	Course 350°, 10 knots.
		04.00	DH 1744
		08.00	DG 3668

	Sun and Moon Data 15.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43

	- 28 -
		continued
		17.04.43
		12.00	DG 3397	Day's run:  = 236 nm, = 1.5 nm.
			φ = 33°58'N
			λ = 23°50'W
			ENE 5, Sea 4, 9/10, medium Swell, Vis. good (rain)
		16.00	DG 3328
		16.19 - 18.52		Dived to repair the Fu.M.B. (oscillation gap)
		18.53		Veil of smoke in 85°T, only seen briefly, shifted out very quickly to the south.  Hunted for an hour, nothing more found, probably a fast independent.
		20.00	DG 3334
		20.41		Switch to Ireland Circuit on 18 April at 08.00 hours.
		18.04.43	East of the Azores
		00.00	CF 7864
		04.00	CF 7581
		08.00	CF 7512
		10.11	CF 7247	"St. Maria" in sight in 280°T, 15 nm away.
		12.00	CF 7251	Day's run:  = 210 nm, = 6 nm.
			φ = 37°06'N	Course 55°, 11 knots.
			λ = 24°24'W
		16.00	CF 4898
		20.00	CF 4954
		19.04.43	Northeast of the Azores
		00.00	CF 5486	Course 55°, 13 knots.
		04.00	CF 5518
		08.00	CF 5293
		08.26		Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	CF 5348	Day's run:  = 260 nm, = 7 nm.
			φ = 39°38'N
			λ = 19°46'W
			NE 3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. good, light Swell
		16.00	CF 5346
		20.00	CF 5351
		22.15		Surfaced.
		22.28		Incoming Radio Message (1234):   . . . . .  Return harbors U-159 is Lorient.  . . . . etc.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.04.43

	- 29 -
		20.04.43	West of Portugal
		00.00	CF 5334	Course 55°, 11 knots.
		04.00	CF 3773
		08.00	CF 3737
		08.12		Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	CF 3735	Day's run:  = 95 nm, = 24 nm.
			φ = 40°54'N
			λ = 17°45'W
			NE 3, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. good, light Swell
		16.00	CF 3735
		19.10		Spanish vessel in 135°T 8 nm away.  Name not made out in the swell.
		20.00	CF 3733
		22.05		Surfaced.
		22.31		Incoming Radio Message (2122):  Contents:
				U-159 switch to Coastal Circuit from 21 April at 08.00 hours.
		21.04.43	West of Portugal
		00.00	CF 3582	Course 55°, 14 knots.
		04.00	CF 3621
		07.56		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	CG 1146
		12.00	CF 3735	Day's run:  = 145 nm, = 25 nm.
			φ = 42°30'N
			λ = 14°35'W
			NE 1, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. medium, light Swell, rain showers
		16.00	CG 1153
		20.00	CG 1129
		22.05		Surfaced.
		22.04.43	East of Finisterre
		00.00	CG 1211	Course 55°, 14 knots.
		04.00	BE 9942
		04.25	BE 9943	Crash dive for detection on 169 cm, (horizontally polarized) four second long tone, then three second pause.
		05.40		Surfaced.
		07.24		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	BE 9923

	Sun and Moon Data 20.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43

	- 30 -
		continued
		22.04.43
		12.00	BE 9923	Day's run:  = 110 nm, = 30 nm.
			φ = 43°48'N
			λ = 11°57'W
			NE 1, Sea 0, 8/10, Vis. good, light Swell
		16.00	BE 9697
		20.00	BE 9659
		21.56		Surfaced.
		23.04.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7446	Course 55°, 14 knots.
			NE 1, Sea 0, 2/10, strong marine phosphorescence
		01.54	BF 7426	2 illuminated fishing trawlers in 25°T.
		02.47	BF 7434	Crash dive for detection on 168 cm, horizontally polarized.
		04.00	BF 7433
		04.30		Surfaced.
		07.04		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	BF 7283
		12.00	BF 7267	Day's run:  = 98 nm, = 29 nm.
			φ = 45°00'N
			λ = 9°30'W
		16.00	BF 7268
		20.00	BF 7266
		21.50		Surfaced.
		24.04.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7328	Course 56°, 13 knots
			W 4, Sea 4, 3/10, medium Swell, marine phosphorescence
		01.04		Outgoing Short Signal:  Position 30 hours off entry point.
				U-159.
		04.00	BF 4968
		06.53		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	BF 5742
		11.30		Surfaced.  Intend to run on the surface to the 200-meter line due to favorable weather conditions.
		11.37		Incoming Radio Message (0926):  Escort positioned for U-159 25 April 07.00 hours at Point "Laterne".
		12.00	BF 5719	Day's run:  = 115 nm, = 29 nm.
			φ = 46°17'N
			λ = 6°40'W
			S 3, Sea 3, 4/10, high Swell, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43

	- 31 -
		continued
		24.04.43
		16.00	BF 5466	Dived to proceed submerged.
		20.00	BF 5544
		25.04.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5544	Course 120°, 2 knots.
		01.30		Propeller sounds in 250°T (diesel sounds).
		02.50		Surfaced.
		04.00	BF 5551	Course 55°, 14 knots.
		05.17		Incoming Radio Message (1642):  To "Witte":
				On 24 April afternoon run out:  U-103, U-107, "Lorient" U-230, U-456, U-566 "Brest".
				F.d.U. West.
		07.15	BF 6174	Aircraft (Ju 88) in 90°T, 8 nm away.
		08.00	BF 6173
		08.55		Sperrbrecher in sight in 315°T.
		09.15		Taken in convoy (Sperrbrecher, 2 Minensuchboote).
		11.02		Escort ended.
		11.20	Lorient	Day's run:  = 155 nm, = 22 nm.
				on board 26.4.1943.
				Kptlt. and Kmdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43

 

	Enclosures to U-159's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart of entire patrol
ConvoyA	Convoy pursuit 14 - 18 March
SketchA	Combat sketch 15 March
ConvoyB	Convoy pursuit 28 March
SketchB	Combat sketch 28 March

 

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. "U-159" (Witte) from 6.1.43 - 25.4.43.
	The boat tried tenaciously and operated correctly on both convoys. The operation was broken off prematurely due to damage.
	Accredited Success:
	1 Ammunition steamer                    9000 GRT sunk.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

---

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