U-177 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Ken Dunn and Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Bordeaux
1 April 1943
Bordeaux
1 October 1943
184

 

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 May 43
23.53 - 00.46
35°03'S, 19°38'E
AGWIMONTE
6,679
American
CD-20
28 May 43
23.55 - 01.53
35°03'S, 19°38'E
STORAAS
7,886
Norwegian
CD-20
6 Jul 43
10.05
32°45'S, 42°16'E
JASPER PARK
7,129
Canadian
10 Jul 43
14.59 - 14.55
26°27'S, 44°00'E
ALICE F. PALMER
7,176
American
29 Jul 43
09.00
27°33'S, 52°32'W
CORNISH CITY
4,952
British
DN-53
5 Aug 43
17.45
29°09'S, 49°44'W
EFTHALIA MARI
4,195
Greek
     
 Total = 38,017
   
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    "  U  177  "  
                                        ================================  
           
           
                                        Kommandant    :    Korvettenkapitän    G  y  s  a  e  
           
           
                                        Beginning          :    1 April 1943  
           
           
                                        Ending              :    1 October 1943  
           
                     
           
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    01.04.43 Bay of Biscay Operations Order No. 54 in effect for the patrol.  
    15.10   Departed Bordeaux in convoy.  
           
    12.27   Released from convoy at Point Gabel continued transit independently.  
           
    23.00 BF 9314 Vertically polarized detection on 134 cm, did not dive.  
           
    24.00 BF 9239    
      NW 0-1, Sea 0-1, starry night, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
    02.04.43      
    00.10   Test dive.  Air intake and exhaust valve leaking.  
           
    02.47 BF 9264 Vertically polarized detection on 131 cm, did not dive.  
           
    03.50 BF 9258 Horizontally polarized detection on 150 cm, did not dive.  
           
    04.00 BF 9258    
      NW 1, Sea 0-1, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    07.18   Dived to proceed submerged.  
           
    08.00 BF 9192    
           
    11.20   Deep dive to depth A +45 meters.  There torpedo tube 4 leaks slightly at first, later increasing.  Cause: vent piping from the forward end of torpedo tube 4 leaking within main ballast tank 8.  The head valves of the air intake and exhaust mast are already leaking at periscope depth.  
           
    12.00 BF 9183 Day's run: 166 nm  163 nm surfaced  3.0 nm submerged.  
           
    16.00 BF 9176    
           
    16.30   Surfaced.  
           
    16.55 BF 9175 Crash dive for aircraft bearing 180°T, westerly course medium altitude.  
           
    18.09   Surfaced.  
           
    20.00 BF 8394    
      WNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 8 nm    
           
    21.39   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 26.  
        New objective for Gysae naval square Gustav Richard . . . . . . . . . etc.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.04.43
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    03.04.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 4295    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, partial overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    04.00 BF 8277    
      NE 1-2, Sea 1    
           
    04.30 BF 8199 Fishing vessel sighted bearing 220°T, with set navigation lights.  Avoided on the surface.  
           
    08.00 BF 8187    
      E 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 8 nm    
           
    12.00 BF 7623 Day's run:  207.5 nm  202.5 nm surfaced  5 nm submerged.  
      E 3, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    16.00 BF 7532    
      ESE 3, Sea 2    
           
    17.35 BF 7522 2 fishing vessels sighted on opposite course bearing 310°T, avoided on the surface.  
           
    20.00 BF 7436    
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    21.50   In accordance with outbound orders initially steering for naval square CF 87.  
           
    24.00 BF 7430    
      ESE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    04.04.43      
    04.00 BF 7457    
      SWbyW 2, Sea 1    
           
    05.05 BF 7473 Hospital ship sighted bearing 225°T, on northerly course.  Lighting:  Navigation lights, red cross on smokestack and green stripe from bow to stern.  Avoided on the surface.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.04.43
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    04.04.43      
    08.00 BE 9935    
      SWbyW 2, Sea 1, partial overcast    
           
    12.00 BE 9996 Day's run:  197 nm.  
      W 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    16.00 BE 9976    
      W 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    16.04   Dived to work on high pressure connection (leaking spot in the blowing piping)  
           
    20.00 CG 1233    
           
    20.50   Surfaced, work completed.  
           
    05.04.43      
    00.00 CG 1252    
      W 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    04.00 CG 1272    
      W 1, Sea 0-1, hazy    
           
    08.00 CG 1435    
      WSW 1, Sea 1 fog    
           
    09.14 CG 1437 Passed several corpses in life jackets and wreckage on the surface.  
           
    11.25 CG 1450 Crash dive for large low-flying land-based aircraft on course 10°, bearing 260°T.  
           
    12.00 CG 1450 Day's run:  151 nm  137 Surfaced  14 nm Submerged.  
           
    13.45   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 CG 1476    
      Wind 0-1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 9-10 nm    
           
    18.06   Short Signal sent:  My position is naval square CG 14.    U-177
           
    20.00 CF 3936    
      N 1, Sea 1    
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.04.43
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    06.04.43 North Atlantic    
    00.00 CF 3958    
      W 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
    04.00 CF 6312    
      W 2, Sea 1, cloudless    
           
    08.00 CF 6256    
      W 2, Sea 1, overcast Switched to "Ireland" Radio Message Circuit in accordance with Standing Kriegsmarine Order.  
           
    12.00 CF 6276 Day's run:  180 nm  176 nm Surfaced  4.0 nm Submerged  
      Wind ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast Flange of the blowing piping welded.  Intake and exhaust head valves are examined on the surface.  Cause determined and corrected.  (missing [illegible word Nett? line/control]).    
           
    16.00 CF 6436    
      SE 2, Sea 1, cloudy    
           
    20.00 CF 6458    
      SE 2-3 Sea 2, cloudy    
           
    24.00 CF 6711    
      SSW 3, Sea 2    
           
    07.04.43      
    04.00 CF 5961    
      Wind SSW 3, Sea 2, 2/10    
           
    08.00 CF 5984    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    12.00 CF 8317 Day's run:  176 nm.  
      SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.04.43
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    07.04.43 North Atlantic    
    16.00 CF 8267    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    20.00 CF 8321    
      SE 1-2, Sea 0-1, 3/10, Vis. 8-9 nm    
           
    22.10   Dived, vent line at the forward end of torpedo tube 4 is tightened.  
           
    22.45   Surfaced.  
           
    24.00 CF 8544    
      SE 1-2, Sea 0-1, 4/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    08.04.43      
    04.00 CF 8497    
      SE 2, Sea 0-1, 3/10    
           
    08.00 CF 8735    
      SE 1-2, Sea 0-1, 2/10    
           
    10.48   Dived to [illegible word] the main blowing piping.  
           
    12.00 CF 8779 Day's run:  183 nm  179 Surfaced  4 Submerged.  
           
    12.04   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 DM 1244    
      SE 1-2, Sea 0-1, Vis. 10-11 nm    
           
    20.00 DH 1433    
      E 1-2, Sea 0-1, 5/10    
           
    24.00 DH 1464    
      E 1-2, Sea 0-1, starry night, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
    09.04.43      
    04.00 DH 1489    
      E 1-2, Sea 0-1    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.04.43
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    09.04.43 North Atlantic    
    05.30 DH 1725 Sighted lighted neutral steamer bearing 60°T.  Avoided on the surface.  
           
    08.00 DH 1756 The Wagtail is not ready for flight.  Both sets of blades have been flooded in the tube due to the carelessness of the shipyard. (Badly fitted drain screw connection.)  Attempting to dry the blades.  
      NE 3, Sea 1-2, Vis. 10 nm  
           
    12.00 DH 1787 Day's run:  176 nm.  
      NE 3, Sea 1-2, 2/10    
           
    16.00 DH 4127    
      NNE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast.    
           
    18.46 - 19.05   Wagtail again ready for flight and started, altitude 90 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 DH 4176    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    20.35   Radio Message from B.d.U. to Gysae: . . . . . . . .  
        Switch to America 2 Radio Circuit on 10 April at 08.00 hours. . . . . . . .  
           
    24.00 DG 6666    
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 4/10    
           
    10.04.43      
    04.00 DG 6698    
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 1/10    
           
    08.00 DG 6964 Switched to America 2 Radio Circuit.  
      2-3, Sea 1-2, 2/10    
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    10.04.43 North Atlantic    
    12.00 DG 9324 Day's run:  188 nm.  
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast    
           
    14.05 - 14.20 NE 2-3, Sea 1-2 Wagtail flown, altitude 90 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 DG 9394    
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast    
           
    20.00 DG 9615 Fire in the motor of the gyroscope assembly of a G7e torpedo in the bow room caused by an improperly connected battery switch.  Fire smothered with carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.  
      2-3, Sea 1-2, 4/10  
           
    24.00 DG 9593    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    11.04.43      
    04.00 DG 9838    
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast    
           
    08.00 DG 9886    
      NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    09.43 - 10.00 NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, medium Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 90 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 DT 2127 Day's run:  181 nm.  
      NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    16.00 DT 1395    
      NE 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    16.55 - 17.07 NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, medium Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    19.25 - 19.43   Test dive.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    11.04.43 North Atlantic    
    20.00 DT 1633 After each dive a small amount of water is found in the Wagtail canisters.  
      NE 3, Sea 2, overcast  
           
    24.00 DT 1659    
      SSE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    12.04.43      
    04.00 DT 1924    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    08.00 DT 1972    
      NE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    10.35 - 11.05 NE 4, Sea 3, gusty, medium Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 DT 4312 Day's run:  164 nm.  
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    16.00 DT 4269    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    20.00 DT 4537    
      Wind NE 3-5, Sea 2-3, 8/10    
           
    22.10 NE 4-5, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, gusty Wagtail flown, altitude 80 meters, nothing sighted  
      Winch is not operable, cable was taken up by hand.  
           
    24.00 DT 4523    
      NE 4-5, 8/10, Sea 4    
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.04.43
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    13.04.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 DT 8424 [typo for DT 4824]    
      NE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    08.00 DT 4875    
      NE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    09.00   Flying winch removed and totally overhauled.  
           
    12.00 DT 7163 Day's run: 189 nm.  
      NE 4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    16.00 DT 7184    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10    
           
    20.00 DT 7445    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    24.00 DT 7475    
      NE 3, Sea 3, 5/10, marine phosphorescence    
           
    14.04.43      
    04.00 DT 7742    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 1/10    
           
    08.00 DT 7778 Heavy oil trace is present since departure.  
      NE 3, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
    12.00 EJ 1148 Day's run:  180 nm.  
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2    
           
    16.00 EJ 1415 Aircraft winch installed.  
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 1/10    
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.04.43
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    14.04.43 North Atlantic    
    18.30 - 18.50 NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, medium Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 130 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 EJ 1472    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, 7/10    
           
    20.35 - 20.54   Test dive.  
           
    24.00 EJ 3699 [typo should be approximately EJ 1711]  
      NE 3, Sea 2    
           
    15.04.43      
    04.00 EJ 1741    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10    
           
    08.00 EJ 1784    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
    09.45 - 10.19 NNE 3-4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 190 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 EJ 4138 Day's run:  170 nm  168 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      NNE 4, 6/10, Sea 3    
           
    16.00 EJ 4273    
      NNE 3, 2/10, Sea 2-3, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    20.00 EJ 4325    
      NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.04.43
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    15.04.43 North Atlantic    
    20.18 - 20.45 NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2, low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted .  
           
    24.00 EJ 4561    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    16.04.43      
    04.00 EJ 4674    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    08.00 EJ 4927    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    10.16 - 10.36 NNE 2, Sea 1-2, low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    11.17 - 11.50   Test dive.  
           
    12.00 EJ 4967 Day's run:  160 nm  157.5 Surfaced  2.5 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 EJ 8111 Winds too light for the Wagtail (3 meters/second [6.7 mph]).  
      NNE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.04.43
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    16.04.43 North Atlantic    
    24.00 EJ 8158    
      NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    17.04.43      
    02.20   Radio Message to B.d.U.  
        Wagtail experience from Gysae.  
        1.  Have constantly flown since the latitude of Madeira.  In transit two short flights daily are convenient.  Wagtail used successfully to sea state 4, medium high Swell, where a float plane would not be possible.  
        2.  Landing is the critical point.  Pitching is not an impediment, because the landing platform is in the center of the boat and is steady.  It is expedient to wind in the last meter of cable with the hand crank.  
        3.  Tubes flooded by leaking drains.  As a result both set of blades soaked and temporarily not ready for flight.  Also the hoist.  Here lubrication points for brake cams are necessary, also access for the brake shaft.  
        4.  Stricter selection of personnel is necessary.  Of those ordered on board only one is fully operational.  More value should be placed on training in aircraft maintenance.  
        5.  Other items follow.  14 E-torpedoes, 12 A-torpedoes, 403 cbm.  Naval square EJ 8436.  
           
    04.00 EJ 8542    
      NE 1, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    08.00 EJ 8585    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 4/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    17.04.43 North Atlantic    
    10.49 - 11.11 NNE 3, Sea 1-2, low Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 190 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 EJ 8591 Day's run:  156 nm  150 Surfaced  6 Submerged.  
      NE 3, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
    12.51   From F.d.U. West to "U-177"   On 13 April 1943 Ob.d.M. [Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine - Commander in Chief of the Navy] bestowed the German Cross in Gold to O.Masch Schmidt (Wilhelm).  
                                                 Congratulations F.d.U. West  
           
    13.05   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 EJ 8911    
      NE 3-4, Sea 2-4, cloudy    
           
    16.48 - 17.08 NE 3-4, Sea 3, long shallow Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted, at 150 meters the horizon disappeared in the haze.  
           
    20.00 EJ 8951    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2-3, cloudy    
           
    24.00 EJ 8986    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy    
           
    18.04.43      
    04.00 ES 3117    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.04.43
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    18.04.43 North Atlantic    
    08.00 ES 3184    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 4/10    
           
    11.57 - 12.00 NNE 2, Sea 1, short low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 180 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 ES 3423 Day's run:  166 nm.  
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    16.00 ES 3466    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    20.00 ES 3587    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    24.00 ES 3861    
      S 1-2, Sea 0-1, overcast, light marine phosphorescence    
           
    19.04.43      
    04.00 ES 3893    
      E 1, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    08.00 ES 6316    
      NW 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.04.43
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    19.04.43 North Atlantic    
    11.41 - 12.05   Test dive.  
           
    12.00 ES 6356 Day's run:  171 nm  168 Surfaced  3 Submerged.  
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy    
           
    12.55 - 13.16 NE 2-3, Sea 2, low medium Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 170 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    13.45 ES 6358 U-boat in sight, it is a German boat type IX C, visual recognition signals exchanged. It is "U-160" (Lassen) which is on the return transit.  Verbal exchange of experience.  Then transit continued.  The unexpected appearance of the U-boat in spite of Wagtail being airborne shows that the airman cannot closely monitor the astern sector.  
        (Flying course 330°.  U-boat came in sight from 140° [astern] 10° degrees to port)  
           
    16.00 ES 6394    
      NE 1, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    20.00 ES 6633    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain, Vis. 2-3 nm    
           
    24.00 ET 4446    
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, rain    
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.04.43
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    20.04.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 ET 4489 Incoming Radio Message to Southern boats.  
      NNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, rain Concerning extension of the operations area in the southern area.  
           
    08.00 ET 4842    
      SE 1, Sea 1, overcast, rain    
           
    12.00 ET 4884 Day's run:  157 nm.  
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, rain    
           
    12.32 - 13.10   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 ET 7237    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, rain    
           
    20.00 ET 7347    
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    24.00 ET 7621    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast    
           
    21.04.43      
    04.00 ET 7664    
      SSE 1-2, Sea 0-1, overcast, rain    
           
    08.00 ET 8477    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, rain    
           
    12.00 ET 8716 Day's run:  163 nm  160 Surfaced  3 Submerged.  
      SSE 1-2, Sea 2, cloudy    
           
    13.37 ET 8727 Flying boat sighted bearing 90°T on NW-course, did not dive.  Low altitude.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    21.04.43 North Atlantic    
    14.20 ET 8751 Crash dive for four-motored aircraft (land-based aircraft Liberator) bearing 180°T, on NW-course, very high altitude.  
           
    15.10   Surfaced.  
           
    16.00 ET 8758 While going through the fire control system found a short in the Uzo.  The Uzo is flooded.  
      SE 1-2, Sea 0-1, 2/10  
           
    20.00 ET 8798    
      SE 1-2, Sea 0-1, 5/10    
           
    24.00 FE 2267    
      SE 2, Sea 1    
           
    22.04.43      
    04.00 FE 2533    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast    
           
    08.00 FE 2646    
      SE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    12.00 FE 2689 Day's run:  179 nm.  
      SE 3, Sea 2, 3/10    
           
    13.44 - 14.19 SE 3, Sea 2, short low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 FE 2963    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1-2    
           
    18.03 SSE 2-3, Sea 2, slight Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    22.04.43 South Atlantic    
    20.00 FE 3776    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 7/10 Radio Message to Gysae  
        1)  The third sentence of the Wagtail experience Radio Message is incomprehensible.  
        2)  Question:  is a cable length of 400 meters necessary for operations.  
           
    24.00 FE 6228    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1-2    
           
    23.04.43      
    04.00 FE 6192    
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    08.00 FE 6515    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1-2    
           
    11.06 SE 4, Sea 3, short low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 200 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 FE 6554 Day's run:  168 meters.  
      SE 4, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    16.00 FE 6588    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
    20.00 FE 6837    
      SE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    24.00 FE 6857    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    24.04.43      
    04.00 FE 9291    
      SSE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 6/10    
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    24.04.43 South Atlantic    
    08.00 FE 9263    
      SE 3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    09.45 - 10.07   Test dive.  
           
    12.00 FE 9376 Day's run:  140 nm  138 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      SE 3-4, Sea 3    
           
    15.00 SE 3-4, Sea 3, short low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 FE 9651 Occasionally stopped, because of diver's work on the flooding mechanism.  Outer shutter does not close.  Malfunction is not corrected.  (Diver First Watch Officer)  
      SE 3, Sea 2  
           
    20.00 FE 9651    
      SE 3, Sea 2    
           
    23.01   Incoming Radio Message to . . . . . . . . Gysae etc.  
        On 25 April at 08.00 hours . . . . . . . . Gysae switch Africa Circuit.  
           
    24.00 FE 9668    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    25.04.43      
    04.00 FE 7477    
      SSE 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy    
           
    08.00 FF 7751    
      ESE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 8/10 Went to Africa Radio Message Circuit.  
           
    12.00 FF 7789 Day's run:  138 nm.  
      SE 3, Sea 2, 7/10    
           
    12.37 - 13.02 NE 3, Sea 2, short low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 170 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    25.04.43 South Atlantic    
    16.00 FM 3139    
      SE 3, Sea 2, 7/10    
           
    17.44 - 18.09   Test dive.  
           
    20.00 FM 3272    
      SE 3-4, Sea 2, 8/10    
           
    24.00 FM 3278    
      SE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 3/10, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    26.04.43      
    02.35   Radio Message to B.d.U.  Second Wagtail experience . . . .
        a)  Wagtail is considered technically proven up to now with 20 flights, after 5 flying hours adjusted the damping element.  
        b)  Every day aviation weather except for two days in the Doldrums.  There despite maximum speed flight is impossible.  
        c)  Visibility range experiments against steamers in the Baltic are requested with values for flying heights and normal visibility without binoculars.  The same for determination of the blind spot and overcoming it in practice by course changes.  
        d)  Cable length of 340 meters is still necessary.  
        e)  Lubrication point is missing for the rope winch brake cam, lubrication point for the brake shaft is inaccessible, for daily lubrication of the air motor a cock has been inserted in the air line.  
        f)  377 cbm.  Naval square FM 32.  
                                                 - Gysae -  
           
    04.00 FM 3527    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1-2, cloudy    
           
    08.00 FM 3556    
      SE 3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    10.25 SE 3, Sea 2, long medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    26.04.43 South Atlantic    
    12.00 FM 3674 Day's run:  127 nm  124 Surfaced  3 Submerged.  
      SSE 4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. 10 nm Uzo removed.  
           
    16.00 FM 3916    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    19.35 SE 4, Sea 3, long medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 170 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 FM 3955    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 3/10    
           
    24.00 FN 4112    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 7/10, faint marine phosphorescence    
           
    27.04.43      
    04.00 FN 4151    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 7/10    
           
    08.00 FN 4183    
      SE 4-5, Sea 3-4, not cloudy    
           
    10.46 - 11.07 SE 4-5, Sea 3-4, long low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 170 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 FN 4433 Day's run:  160 nm.  
      SE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 3/10    
           
    16.00 FN 4527    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    27.04.43 South Atlantic    
    16.55 SE 4, Sea 3, long medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 180 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 FN 4567    
      SE 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast    
           
    24.00 FN 4599    
      SE 4-5, Sea 3-4 , 6/10    
           
    28.04.43      
    04.00 FN 4943    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    08.00 FN 4982 Oil trace still exists.  
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    10.08 - 10.56   Test dive.  
           
    12.00 FN 7331 Day's run:  147 nm  145 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      SE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
    12.06 SE 3-4, Sea 3, long low Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 FN 8145 Uzo repaired, sealed and again installed.  Uzo again in service.  
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, 2/10  
           
    20.00 FN 8431    
      SE 3, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    28.04.43 South Atlantic    
    24.00 FN 8542    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, faint marine phosphorescence    
           
    29.04.43      
    04.00 FN 8576    
      SE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    12.00 FN 8853 Day's run: 158 nm.  
      SE 3, Sea 3, 3/10    
           
    12.48 - 13.15 SE 3-5, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 190 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 FN 8893    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
    20.00 FU 2312    
      SE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    24.00 FU 2354    
      SE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43
 
- 24 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    30.04.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 FU 2386    
      SE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    08.00 FU 2636    
      SE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    12.00 FU 3443 Day's run:  145 nm.  
      SE 5, Sea 4 7/10    
           
    16.00 FU 3486    
      Sea 3-4, SE 3-4, overcast    
           
    15.55 - 16.20 SE 3-4, Sea 3, long low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 FU 3738    
      ESE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    24.00 FU 3847    
      ESE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    01.05.43      
    04.00 FU 3887    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, 4/10    
           
    08.00 FU 6229    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 5/10    
           
    10.59 - 11.14 SE 4-5, Sea 3-4 Wagtail flown, altitude 170 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 FU 6269 Day's run:  144 nm  
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, 7/10    
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43
 
- 25 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    01.05.43 South Atlantic    
    14.31 - 14.47   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 FU 6611    
      SE 3, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    20.00 FU 6654    
      SE 3, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    24.00 FU 6686    
      SE 3, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    02.05.43      
    04.00 FU 6935    
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    06.00 FV 4745    
    [typo 08.00] SE 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    12.00 FV 4784 Day's run:  143 nm.  
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    12.23 - 12.37 SE 3, Sea 2 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 FV 7126    
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    18.34 - 18.55 SE 3, Sea 2 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43
 
- 26 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    02.05.43 South Atlantic    
    20.00 FV 7169    
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    24.00 FV 7278    
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    03.05.43      
    04.00 FV 7528    
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    08.00 FV 7567    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
    11.25 - 11.38 SE 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 180 meters, nothing seen.  
           
    12.00 FV 7911 Day's run:  147 nm.  
      SE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    16.00 FV 7981    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 7/10    
           
    17.35 - 17.58 SE 4, Sea 3, long low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 180 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43
 
- 27 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    03.05.43 South Atlantic    
    16.53   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 459 concerning Wagtail experience in the Baltic.  
           
    20.00 GG 2523    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
    24.00 GG 2363    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
    04.05.43      
    04.00 GG 3172    
      SE 5, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    08.00 GG 3434    
      SE 5, Sea 4, 8/10    
           
    12.00 GG 3547 Day's run:  165 nm.  
      SE 5, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 GG 3587    
      SE 4, Sea 3-4, 7/10    
           
    20.00 GG 3829    
      SE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    24.00 GG 3868    
      SE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43
 
- 28 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    05.05.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 GG 6312    
      SE 4-5, Sea 3-4    
           
    08.00 GG 6351    
      SE 4-5, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    12.00 GG 6391 Day's run 144 nm.  
      SE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    14.35 - 15.07   Test dive, main blow valve for the negative buoyancy tanks overhauled.  
           
    16.00 GG 6633    
      SE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast    
           
    18.05 SE 3-4, Sea 2-3, short medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 GG 6682    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10    
           
    24.00 GG 6931    
      SE 4, Sea 3-4, 8/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    06.05.43      
    04.00 GH 4741    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    08.00 GH 4784    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43
 
- 29 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    06.05.43      
    12.00 GH 7126 Day's run:  134 nm  134 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 11 nm [one of the distances above is in error]  
           
    13.12   Stopped to work on the flooding mechanism.  Leak canvas brought out, because the outer shutter does not close. Proper positioning of the leak canvas by diver (First Watch Officer) checks [the inflow of water].  Afterwards the entry cover opened.  Low water inflow.  Determined malfunction:  worn or improperly-seated guide pin, jumped out guide pin and swollen out rubber seal.  Malfunction cannot be corrected.  
   
   
16.00 GH 7157
  E 2-3, Sea 2, 5/10
   
           
    17.53   Continued transit.  
           
        Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 470 concerning Wagtail.  
           
    20.00 GH 7166    
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    24.00 GH 7275    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    07.05.43      
    04.00 GH 7524    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, 7/10    
           
    08.00 GH 7564    
      E 1, Sea 1, 9/10    
           
    12.00 GH 7596 Day's run:  115 nm.  
      E 1, Sea 0-1, 6/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 GH 8715    
      NE 1-2, Sea 0-1    
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43
 
- 30 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    07.05.43 South Atlantic    
    20.00 GH 8719 Intense training exercise on all artillery weapons.  
      E 1-2, Sea 0-1, 1/10    
           
    24.00 GM 8783    
      N 1, Sea 0-1, 3/10    
           
    08.05.43      
    04.00 GQ 3113    
      N 1, Sea 1, 6/10    
           
    08.00 GQ 3179    
      NE 1, Sea 1, 9/10    
           
    12.00 GQ 3426 Day's run:  177 nm.  
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 9-10 nm    
           
    16.00 GQ 3464    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, rain    
           
    20.00 GQ 3575    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    24.00 GQ 3827    
      SSW 3, Sea 2-3, 5/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    09.05.43      
    04.00 GQ 3891    
      SSW 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10    
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43
 
- 31 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    09.05.43 South Atlantic    
    08.00 GQ 6236    
      NW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    12.00 GQ 6545 Day's run:  163 nm.  
      NW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 9-10 nm    
           
    15.20 - 15.41 W 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 110 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 GQ 6389    
      WSW 3, Sea 2-3, rain, Vis. 7 nm    
           
    20.00 GQ 6663    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain    
           
    24.00 GR 4475    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10    
           
    10.05.43      
    04.00 GR 4724    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, 8/10    
           
    08.00 GR 4767    
      WSW 2, Sea 2, 8/10    
           
    09.12 - 09.38 NW 2, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 GR 7133 Day's run:  167 nm.  
      NW 3-4, Sea 2-3, rain, overcast    
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
 
- 32 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    10.05.43 South Atlantic    
    16.00 GR 7245    
      N 4, Sea 3, 6/10, rain    
           
    17.09 - 17.30 NW 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 110 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 GR 7271    
      NW 3, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    21.10   As no area of operations has been assigned, sent the following short signal:   
        My position is Gustav Richard.    "U-177"  
           
    22.17   Confirmation from Headquarters:  Position report from "U-177" from naval square Gustav Richard heard with strength 4.  
           
    24.00 GR 7516    
      NW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
    11.05.43      
    04.00 GR 7559    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, rain, partial overcast    
           
    08.00 GR 7597    
      NNE 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    09.24 - 09.42 NNE 4, Sea 2-3, short medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 GR 7839 Day's run:  175 nm.  
      ENE 3-4, Sea 3, 4/10    
           
    15.48   Dived for training.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43
 
- 33 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    11.05.43 South Atlantic    
    16.00 GR 7972    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, 5/10    
    16.47   Surfaced.  
    19.45   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 410  
        Attack area for Gysae is the sea area between the longitudes of GR 54 and KY 66 as well as to the north of the latitude of JJ 48.  During favorable moon period operate under the coast, later moving to the south.  Independent traffic is suspected under the coast and in JJ 10-50.  All naval squares.  
           
    20.00 GR 7983    
      SE 3, Sea 2, 9/10    
           
    24.00 GR 7969    
      NE 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, heavy marine phosphorescence    
           
      Intention: because of waxing moon there are still approximately 3 days available for operations under the coast.  Therefore, initially make for the Cape of Good Hope to contact traffic.  
           
    12.05.43      
    04.00 GR xxx6    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10    
           
    08.00 GR 7669    
      E 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10    
           
    12.00 GR 8419 Day's run:  141 nm  138 Surfaced  3 Submerged.  
      E 1-2, Sea 2, 1/10    
           
    16.00 GR 8431    
      E 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43
 
- 34 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    12.05.43 South Atlantic    
    20.00 GR 8248    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    23.58   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 413  
        Concerning Wagtail experience.  (Vsibility testing in the Baltic.)  
           
    24.00 GR 8228    
      SW 3, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
    13.05.43      
    04.00 GR 5897    
      SW 3, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
    07.12   Dived to proceed submerged, to reach the 200-meter line undetected.  
           
    08.00 GR 5899    
           
    12.00 GR 5974 Day's run:  132 nm  120 Surfaced  12 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 GR 5975    
           
    18.15   Surfaced.  
           
    20.00 GR 5943    
      NW 3-4, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43
 
- 35 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    13.05.43 South Atlantic    
    24.00 GR 4924    
      NE 4, Sea 4, 9/10, rain, heavy marine phosphorescence, Vis. 2-3 nm    
           
    14.05.43      
    04.00 GR 5697    
      S 2, Sea 1-2, 8/10 , marine phosphorescence    
           
    06.30   Dived at dawn.  Remained submerged during the day.  
           
    08.00 GR 5695    
           
    12.00 GR 5696 Day's run:  98 nm  69 Surfaced  29 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 GR 5696 Nothing sighted during the day.  No sound bearings.  
           
    18.26   Surfaced at nightfall.  
           
    20.00 GR 5686    
      N 2-3, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    23.15 GR 5627 Two white lights in sight bearing 350°T.  It is 2 small vessels with lights.  Probably pilot vessels.  
           
    24.00 GR 5624    
      E 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43
 
- 36 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    15.05.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 GR 5627    
      E 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10    
           
    06.29   Dive at dawn within visual range of the pilot vessels.  Believe that this is an objective point  
           
    08.00 GR 5617    
           
    12.00 GR 5562 Day's run:  76 nm  63 Surfaced  13 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 GR 5563 Remained submerged the entire day.  Nothing seen in the periscope.  No sound bearings.  
           
    16.16   Surfaced at nightfall.  
           
    20.00 GR 5644    
      E 7 Sea 5, 2/10    
           
    24.00 GR 5674    
      E 7, Sea 5, 1/10    
           
    16.05.43      
    04.00 GR 5914    
      E 7, Sea 5, 2/10    
           
    08.00 GR 5862    
      ESE 5-6, Sea 5, 1/10    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.05.43
 
- 37 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    16.05.43 South Atlantic    
        It is now 3 days before the full moon.  At night it has been dark for about 4 hours.  Therefore am moving to the south as ordered.  
                                Intention: Operate in JJ 10-50 with Wagtail.  With favorable moon again under the coast.  
           
    12.00 GR 5892 Day's run:  80 nm  68 Surfaced  12 Submerged.  
      ESE 5-6, Sea 5, 1/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 GR 8232    
      ESE 5-6, Sea 5, overcast    
           
    20.00 GR 8288    
      ESE 5-6, Sea 5, overcast    
           
    24.00 GR 8526    
      ESE 5, Sea 4-5, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
    17.05.43      
    04.00 GR 8559    
      ESE 5, Sea 4-5, 3/10    
           
    08.00 GR 8818    
      ESE 5, Sea 4-5, 3/10    
           
    12.00 GR 8872 Day's run:  162 nm.  
      ESE 5, Sea 4-5, 4/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 GZ 3321    
      ESE 5, Sea 4, 6/10    
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.05.43
 
- 38 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    17.05.43 South Atlantic    
        Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message  
        From 15 June fuel oil and provisions transfer is scheduled for IX D 2 boats in naval square KS 50.  
           
    20.00 GZ 3334    
      ESE 4, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
    24.00 GZ 3363    
      ESE 3-4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
    18.05.43      
    04.00 JJ 1149    
      ESE 4, Sea 3, 3/10    
           
    08.00 JJ 1189    
      SE 4, Sea 3-4, 6/10    
           
    10.22 SE 3, Sea 2, long low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 170 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 JJ 1436 Day's run:  157 nm.  
      E 5, Sea 2, 8/10, rain, Vis. 8 nm    
           
    16.00 JJ 1563    
      SE 3, Sea 2, 8/10    
           
    19.15   Incoming Radio Message:  Witte reports after return:  
        1.  Strong traffic protected and unprotected independents and small convoys on the 100-meter line on NW-SE courses between squares 5696 and 6729.  Land detection, however not a single proof, in spite of the boat detecting continuous tones.  
20.00 JJ 1673
  ESE 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10
    24.00 JJ 1925 2.  Arriving and departing traffic for 5353, further eastbound traffic on north-south courses, possibly on the 200-meter line.  
 
ESE 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10
        3.  Defense:  Untrained day air, at one point locating night air.  Untrained escorts, few and far between destroyers.  
           
           
           
Note:  the second paragraph of the Witte experience message did not make sense to Gysae and was questioned in a message to B.d.U. on 22 May.
Sun and Moon Data 17.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.05.43
 
- 39 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    19.05.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 JJ 1984    
      ESE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 2/10    
           
    08.00 JJ 4336    
      ESE 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    08.21 - 08.42 SE 3, Sea 2, long low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 180 meters, nothing seen.  
           
    10.17 - 11.56   Test dive.  
           
    12.00 JJ 5151 Day's run:  157 nm  153 Surfaced  4 Submerged.  
      ESE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    13.20 - 13.40 SE 3, Sea 2, long low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing seen.  
           
    16.00 JJ 5168    
      EbyS 3-4, Sea 2-3, 3/10    
           
    17.15 - 17.30 ESE 3-4, Sea 2-3, long low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 JJ 5275    
      ESE 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.05.43
 
- 40 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    19.05.43 South Atlantic    
    24.00 JJ 5523    
      EbyS 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
    20.05.43      
        Incoming Officer Only Radio Message to Cape Town boats concerning abolition of area closed by mines on the Agulhas Bank.  
           
    04.00 JJ 5641    
      ESE 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10    
           
    07.45 - 08.02 ENE 3, Sea 2 Wagtail flown, altitude 170 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 JJ 5654    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, 2/10    
           
    12.00 JJ 5696 Day's run: 157 nm.  
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast, fog, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    16.00 JJ 5657    
      E 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    20.00 JJ 5658    
      E 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    21.20   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 493  
        If there are new Wagtail experiences, include with next situation report.  
           
    24.00 JJ 5542    
      W 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.05.43
 
- 41 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    21.05.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 JJ 5434    
      NE 4, Sea 3, 1/10    
           
    08.00 JJ 5415    
      NE 4, Sea 3, 7/10    
           
    08.42 - 08.58 NE 4-5, Sea 3-4 Wagtail flown, altitude 110 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 JJ 4632 Day's run:  172 nm.  
      NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    14.45 - 14.54 NE 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 90 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 JJ 4388    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    16.54 - 18.15   Test dive.  
           
    20.00 JJ 4371    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    24.00 JJ 4371    
      NE 3, Sea 2, rain, overcast    
           
    22.05.43      
    04.00 JJ 4261 Outgoing Radio Message Serial Number 407  
      SE 4-5, Sea 3, 8/10 1.) From 13 to 15 May positioned in GR 5696 to 5627.  In last square 2 lighted pilot vessels.  Otherwise nothing.  
        2.)  During full moon in JJ.  Intention, afterwards again off the main harbor.  Mine documents not on board.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.05.43
 
- 42 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    22.05.43 South Atlantic    
        3.)  In Witte experience the third square information is improbable.  Send again.  
        4.)  Wagtail now 60 flights with 18 flying hours.  Still on the first set of blades.  Observations with binoculars are possible.  Request other experiences by questions.  
        5.)  JJ 42, all naval squares, 304 cbm.  
        In the Witte experience either the last square information or the expression "eastward" is wrong.  
           
    08.00 JJ 4315    
      SE 4-5, Sea 3, 7/10    
           
    12.00 JJ 1988 Day's run:  150 nm  146 Surfaced  4 Submerged.  
      SW 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
    16.00 JJ 1993    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, 8/10    
           
    18.04   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 409  
        Naval square 5553 is right.  From several documents the bay is an assembly area for north or south bound convoys which may go close to land.  
        Naval square information is evidently wrongly transcribed and must be 5353.  
           
    20.00 JJ 2754    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    24.00 JJ 2733    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    23.05.43      
    04.00 JJ 2579    
      ESE 1, Sea 0-1, 9/10    
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.05.43
 
- 43 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    23.05.43      
    08.00 JJ 2591    
      EbyS 3, Sea, 8/10    
           
    10.06 JJ 2569 Smoke cloud sighted with Wagtail bearing 0°.  In pursuit.  
           
    11.10 JJ 2566 Smoke clouds in sight abeam to port.  In pursuit at high speed.  There are 5 clouds of smoke in line ahead (the middle one is larger) on course 250°.  We are positioned behind them.  
           
    11.55 JJ 2375 As visibility decreases the smoke clouds are lost from sight bearing 250°T.  
           
    12.00 JJ 2375 Day's run:  186 nm.  
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    12.45   With visibility improvement smoke clouds are no longer in sight.  
           
    15.00   Pursued until 15.00 hours in the belief that the vessels are now smokeless.  
           
    15.05 SE 2, Sea 2 Wagtail started, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  The vessels must have run at substantially more than 16 knots.  Suppose a war ship with escort.  
           
    16.00 JJ 2522    
      SE 2, Sea 1, 1/10    
           
                                   Intention: With crossing legs through JJ 20 and 10, then once more to Cape Town.  
           
    20.00 JJ 2559    
      ESE 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.05.43
 
- 44 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    23.05.43 South Atlantic    
    24.00 JJ 2542    
      ESE 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    24.05.43      
    04.00 JJ 2237    
      SSE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast    
           
    08.00 JJ 2213    
      EbyS 3, Sea 2, 8/10    
           
    09.15 - 09.37 E 4, Sea 3, gentle Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 JJ 2211 Day's run: 123 nm.  
      E 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. 10-11 nm    
           
    15.23 - 15.38 E 4, Sea 3, gentle Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 JJ 2136    
      E 3-4, Sea 2-3, 3/10    
           
    16.25 - 16.50   Test dive.  
           
    20.00 JJ 2167    
      E 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10, marine phosphorescence    
           
    24.00 JJ 2167    
      EbyS 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.05.43
 
- 45 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    25.05.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 JJ 2117    
      EbyS 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10    
           
    08.00 JJ 1668    
      NNE 2, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
    12.00 JJ 1688 Day's run:  136 nm  132 Surfaced  4 Submerged.  
      NE 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 JJ 1918    
      NW 2-3, Sea 1-2    
           
    16.44 - 17.01 WNW 4, Sea 2-3, gentle Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 JJ 1869    
      WNW 4, Sea 2-3, 8/10, rain    
           
    24.00 JJ 1889    
      W 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    26.05.43      
    04.00 JJ 1882    
      WSW 6, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain    
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.05.43
 
- 46 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    26.05.43 South Atlantic    
    08.00 JJ 1619    
      NW 5-6, Sea 3, 9/10, rain    
           
    12.00 JJ 1577 Day's run:  140 nm.  
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 JJ 1462    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    20.00 JJ 1189    
      W 2, Sea 1, 8/10, marine phosphorescence    
           
    24.00 JJ 1154    
      N 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, marine phosphorescence    
           
    27.05.43      
    04.00 JJ 1112    
      W 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    08.00 JJ 8949    
      NNW 4-5, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    08.45 - 09.10 NbyW 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.05.43
 
- 47 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    27.05.43 South Atlantic    
                              Intention: Again operate off the coast at the Cape of Good Hope.  
           
    12.00 GR 8929 Day's run:  161 nm.  
      NNW 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 GR 8683    
      NW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    20.00 GR 8661    
      NW 4-5, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    24.00 GR 8397    
      NNW 3-4, Sea 3, 4/10    
           
    28.05.43      
    04.00 GR 8365    
      NbyW 3, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    07.21   Dived, to approach the coast undetected.  
           
    08.00 GR 5998    
           
    12.00 GR 5996 Day's run:  132 nm  121 Surfaced  11 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 GR 6747    
           
    18.14   Surfaced.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.05.43
 
- 48 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    28.05.43 South Atlantic    
    18.50 GR 6742 Crossed the 200-meter line. (Exact navigation is not possible due to the failure of the Atlas Echolot depth finder).  
           
    19.25 GR 6719 Intermittently flashing light sighted bearing 40°T.  
           
    19.44 GR 6719 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 20°T, held on to it at highest speed.  Further clouds of smoke come into sight to the right and left of it.  
        It is a convoy, about 9 ships, moving in three groups, course about 125°.  Protection consists of several, small shadows set out to seaward, likely escorts.  Over the convoy lighted aircraft move back and forth.  
20.00 GR 6719
  SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. 5 nm
        The following location was observed operating:  
        1)  Horizontally polarized 141 cm, search detection during the entire evening.  
        2)  Horizontally polarized 170 cm from aircraft.  
           
    20.18 GR 6727 From port abeam beam a lighted aircraft flies from the boat.  Low altitude.  Engine sounds are heard clearly on the bridge and in the conning tower.  Simultaneously a report of a roaring aircraft detection from the Fu.M.B.  A machine gun is immediately manned by the watch, both others immediately thereafter.  
        Emergency radio message d is prepared.  
        Aircraft flies behind the stern and continues out to sea.  At the same moment sudden cessation of the detection.  No permission to fire so as to remain unnoticed.  
        Afterwards got ahead in shooting position on the third steamer group.  Matched speed at 8 knots.  While getting ahead surface ship detection is continually very loud.  Therefore, believe detection is ahead of us.  
           
    21.25 GR 6752 Two fan from tubes I and III, depth 4 meters on a large steamer, which drives with smaller ones overlapping.  Bow right, target angle 100°, enemy speed 8 knots, set range 1500 meters.  
           
    21.27 GR 6752 Two fan from tubes II and IV, depth 4 meters on a large tanker.  Enemy speed 8 knots, bow right, target angle 70°, set range 3000 meters.  
        Both fans were fired at long range (2500 meters) because of the laterally offset escorts and detection growing louder.  After 7 to 8 minutes two detonations heard.  But no success observed.  Anyhow, the ships fired at are not hit.  Assumption: end of run detonation in the shallow water.  In the first fan one torpedo is a surface runner.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.05.43
 
- 49 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    28.05.43 South Atlantic    
        Again got ahead, at the same time loaded 2 torpedoes.  At the same time matched speed.  Results this time 9.5 knots.  The first matched speed was too inexact due to bad visibility.  This plus the surface runner explain the misses.  
           
    22.10 GR 6764 Hospital ship on opposite course insight on the far side of the convoy.  Occasionally the coast can be recognized.  
           
    23.53 GR 6769 Two fan from tube II and IV, depth 3 meters on large freighter.  Enemy speed 9.5 knots, bow right, target angle 90°, set range 1000 meters.  Afterwards turned to starboard for a stern fan on a tanker.  In so doing passed the escort proceeding in 40° echelon (distance 1500 meters) to the tanker at short range, however, he does not sight us.  
           
    23.55 GR 6769 Two fan from tube V and VI, depth 3 meters on tanker.  Enemy speed 9.5 knots, bow right, target angle 80°, set range 1000 meters.  
        After a running time of 2 min 12 seconds (1980 meters) two detonations on medium sized freighter.  Minimum estimate 6000 GRT.  Sheared off to port, stops takes a heavy list to starboard.  Emergency lights set.  Crew takes to the boats. After 2 min 20 sec. (2100 meters) engine hit on tanker.  Stops, settles deeper astern but does not sink.  Convoy continues its journey.  An escort and a large blue-funneled freighter shear off to take aboard the lifeboats of the freighter which has sunk over the bow in the meantime.  
    24.00 GH 6769  
   

 

 

29.05.43

SSW, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. 4 nm  
        Because no defense or pursuit is noted, I suppose that the enemy figured on mine hits.  
                                 Intention: Approach again for a coup de grâce on the tanker.  
           
    00.40   Tube IV is reloaded.  We are approaching approximately 2000 meters. The large freighter stays near the tanker at low speed.  Both are circled by escort vessels.  Therefore, delayed finishing shot.  
           
    00.46 GR 6769 Shot from tube IV, depth 5 meters, on freighter.  Enemy speed 0.  After 2 minutes 20 seconds (2100 meters) hit in engine.  
        Freighter similar to type "PERSENS" or "ACHILLES" minimum estimate 8000 GRT.  Escort did not react.  Therefore tube VI reloaded and restarted again.  
           
    01.10 GR 6766 Coup de grâce from tube VI, depth 5 meters on tanker.  Enemy speed 0, this is empty type similar to "W.B. WALKER".  After 2 minutes 35 seconds (2325 meters) hit in stern, ship breaks at the stern third and settles substantially deeper.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.05.43
 
- 50 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    29.05.43 South Atlantic    
    01.25   Freighter tilts steeply and sinks over the stern post with a boiler explosion, escort vessel goes to the shipwrecked.  
        Because there is still no defense, tube III reloaded, in order to sink the tanker for good.  
           
    01.53 GR 6766 Shot from tube III, depth 6 meters, enemy speed 0, after 2 minutes 14 seconds (2010 meters) hit amidships.  Tanker capsizes and sinks over the stern.  On running off a part of the fore ship still floats on an air bubble.  
                                 Intention: Use the short time before twilight to run to deep water. Because the incidents could be seen well from land, I expect a quick response.  
           
                                  Success: Sunk  1 freighter   6000 GRT  
                  1 freighter   8000 GRT  
                  1 freighter 10000 GRT  
        All minimum estimates  
    04.00 GR 6786    
      SSW 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
        To bring the rest of the boats east of the Agulhas Bank to the attack, sent the following Radio Message:  
    06.28   Sent Radio Message:  Serial Number 479  
        1)  Convoy 9 steamers 24.00 hours square 6769 course 125°, 10 knots.  
        2)  Escort, surface ship and air detection, lighted aircraft, all inexperienced.  
        3)  Sank 2 freighters, 1 tanker, total 24000 GRT.  
        4)  Set off to reload in square 53.  All naval squares GR.  
                                                           - Gysae -  
           
    07.02   Dived to proceed submerged during the day.  At the same time 2 tubes reloaded.  Tube I is out of service.  The outer door will not open or close.  
           
    08.00 GR 5999    
           
    12.00 GR 5998 Day's run:  148 nm  120.5 Surfaced  27.5 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 GR 5986    
           
    18.08   Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.05.43
 
- 51 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    29.05.43 South Atlantic    
    20.00 GR 5984 During the night 7 torpedoes down loaded from the over deck.  
      NNW 3, Sea 2, 8/10  
           
    24.00 GR 5985    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    30.05.43      
    04.00 GR 5992    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    07.11   Dived to remain undetected.  
           
    08.00 GR 5959    
           
    12.00 GR 5957 Day's run:  64 nm  37 Surfaced 27 Submerged.  
           
    15.09 - 15.14 GR 5926 Weak sound bearing from a high-speed vessel bearing shifting from 30° to 390°T.  Nothing seen in the periscope so surfaced.  Nothing seen, the coast is covered by rain clouds.  However, the mountains are easily seen.  
           
    16.00 GR 5925 In spite of pursuing at high trip against the sea (NW 5-6, Sea 4) nothing sighted.  
      NW 5-6, Sea 4, 2/10  
           
    16.16   Dove again because the coast can be seen clearly again.  
           
    18.06   Surfaced.  
           
    20.00 GR 5877    
      NNE 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain    
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.05.43
 
- 52 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    30.05.43 South Atlantic    
        Throughout the night at low speed into the sea heading 310°.  Because otherwise the bridge watch gets soaked and cannot see anything in the deteriorating weather  
           
    24.00 GR 5592    
      NNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain, Vis. 2 nm    
           
    31.05.43      
    04.00 GR 5556    
      NNW 7, Sea 6, overcast    
           
    07.05   Dived due to heavy seas.  Proceeded submerged to the north.  
           
    08.00 GR 5527    
      W 7-8, Sea 6, rain, overcast.    
           
    12.00 GR 5521 Day's run:  115.5 nm  67 Surfaced 28.5 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 GR 5287    
           
    17.35 GR 5287 Steamer in sight bearing 160°T, NW-course.  Attack initiated.  Steamer sets lights.  Neutral markings.  
           
    18.31   Surfaced.  In pursuit to identify.  It turns out to be the Portuguese passenger steamer "MOUSINHO"  
           
    20.00 GR 5273    
      W 7-8, Sea 6, rain, overcast    
           
        Again running to the coast.  
           
    24.00 GR 5247    
      WbyN 6-7, Sea 5-6, 6/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 31.05.43
 
- 53 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    01.06.43 South Atlantic    
           
                                  Intention: Operate off Saldanha Bay.  
           
    04.00 GR 5163    
      SSW 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10 Steamer again in sight.  At GF ran out of sight.  
           
    08.00 GR 5218    
      SSW 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10 Incoming Officer Only Radio Message to Gysae. . . . . . . .  
        Concerning supply about 20 June.  
           
    12.00 GR 5223 Day's run:  99 nm  83 Surfaced 16 Submerged.  
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    12.20   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 412  
        Concerning award of the Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross to the Kmdt. Kptlt. Gysae one of 250 military personnel.  
           
    15.00   Dived, to make for the 200-meter line unnoticed.  (navigation difficult due to the failure of the Atlas-Echolot)  
           
    16.00 GR 5252    
           
    18.15   Surfaced at dusk to perform evening navigation fix.  
           
    19.30 GR 5312 Columbine Lighthouse in sight.  
           
    20.00 GR 5312    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.06.43
 
- 54 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    01.06.43 South Atlantic    
    21.23   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 498 from U-178.  
        Convoy positioned today at 07.00 hours naval square KY 6280, course east.  
        So U-Dommes has found our convoy.  
           
    24.00 GR 5343    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, 8/10, rain, weak marine phosphorescence, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    02.06.43      
    04.00 GR 5315    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 2/10    
           
    07.05   Dived at dawn.  
           
    08.00 GR 5313 On back and forth on north and south search courses in GR 5310 to 5340.  
           
    12.00 GR 5319 Day's run:  106 nm  78 Surfaced 28 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 GR 5343    
           
    18.14   Surfaced.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.06.43
 
- 55 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    02.06.43 South Atlantic    
    19.10 GR 5345 6 lights fixed shining upward Bearing 140°T.  Probably an airport with night illumination, or navigation lights of Dassen Island.  
           
    19.20 GR 5345 Fixed lights in sight bearing 30°T (range lights).  
           
    19.35 GR 5348 White lights of the pilot vessel come into sight bearing 175°T.  
        Incoming Officer Only Radio Message Serial Number 450  
        American steamer "WILLIAM MOULTREE" 1 June 20.00 hours in naval square 4128 speed about 10 knots.  
        Operating on this reported steamer.  From plotting the steamer should be on the 200-meter line at about 24.00 hours.  
        Between squares 5315 to 5342 back and forth in place, in the belief that the steamer heads for the lighthouse on Cape Columbine.  
           
    20.00 GR 5348    
      SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 5/10, marine phosphorescence    
           
    24.00 GR 5342    
      NNW 2, Sea 1-2, 1/10, marine phosphorescence, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.06.43
 
- 56 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    03.06.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 GR 5342    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, 7/10 Incoming Officer Only Radio Message Serial Number 449 to Gysae concerning own mine situation at Capetown and the Agulhas Bank  
           
    06.30 GR 5318 Nothing sighted up to dawn.  
           
    07.14 GR 5318 In the advanced twilight, just as the boat is about to dive, mastheads come in sight bearing 45°T.  It is a steamer on course approximately 180°.  It is very bright and every detail can be made out on land.  In the protection of the dark background (rain clouds), try to cut off his route to Saldanha Bay at AK on the surface.  
           
    07.39   Dived to attack.  Getting further ahead unseen is not possible, steamer is above the horizon up to the bridge and is at target angle 50°, range 3-4000 meters.  Approaching submerged at high speed.  
           
    08.00 GR 5519 Steamer changes course for the bay, about 140°.  Target angle and range even more unfavorable.  
           
    08.27 GR 5319 Two-fan from tubes II and III, enemy speed 10 knots, bow right, target angle 100°, set range 3000 meters, depth 4 and 5 meters.  After 7 minutes 15 seconds a heavy detonation.  Steamer stops briefly and lies bow on, then goes on, however, at low speed.  Suppose a ground detonation in the shallow water which was thought to be a mine.  
           
    12.00 GR 5343 Day's run:  128.5 nm  94 Surfaced 34.5 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 GR 5341    
           
    18.15   Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.06.43
 
- 57 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    03.06.43 South Atlantic    
    18.50 GR 5232 3 smoke clouds sighted briefly in the advancing twilight bearing 270°T.  
           
    20.00 GR 5225    
      W 1, Sea 0-1, 8/10    
           
    24.00 GR 5122    
      NE 1, Sea 0, 8/10    
      marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm Pursued during the very bright night.  Nothing found.  
           
    04.06.43      
    04.00 GR 4352    
      W 1, Sea 0-1, 8/10    
           
    08.00 GR 4313    
      E 1, Sea 0-1, 8/10    
           
    08.04 - 08.25 E 2, Sea 0-1, low Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 GR 4324 Day's run:  185 nm  169 Surfaced  16 Submerged.  
      E 1, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. 11-12 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.06.43
 
- 58 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    04.06.43 South Atlantic The calm weather is used to repair sea and machinery damage to the boat.  Determined that main ballast tank 4 and main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 5 were torn, as a result, continuous oil trace since departing and the stern runs deeper.  
        (Cause: Blasting in the dry dock at Bordeaux during the shipyard period.) Tried to remove the fairing of tube I, because the outer door cannot be opened and knocks strongly.  No success.  
           
    17.02 ENE 2-3, Sea 2, long low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 170 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    18.37 - 19.06   Test dive.  
           
    20.00 GR 4333    
      E 2, Sea 2, 0/10, Vis. 3-4 nm The health of Heizer [Stoker/Fireman] Schröder has deteriorated further, so earlier return home is desired.  
           
    22.06   Therefore sent following Radio Message Serial Number 467.  
        Request delivering a Heizer with suspicion of specific lung disease to Bucholz while at the same time taking over torpedoes.  Suggest meeting in the northern part of GQ.  Position GR 53.  All naval squares.             Gysae  
           
    23.57   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 469 to Buchholz.  
        Recommend meeting point with Gysae.  Torpedo transfer weather permitting.  
           
    24.00 GR 5135 During the night again approached the coast.  
      E 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10 Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.06.43
 
- 59 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    05.06.43 South Atlantic    
    01.00   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 471 from Buchholz.  
        Meeting should take place from 10 June 12.00 hours in GR 6255.  
           
    03.42   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number.  To Gysae and Buchholz.  
        Meeting point on 7 June 12.00 hours in naval square GR 4885.  No torpedo transfer.  Afterwards Gysae make for JB 10.  
           
    04.00 GR 5224    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, 0/10 At dawn positioned for attack off GR 53 [Saldanha Bay]
           
    07.05   Dived.  
           
    08.00 GR 5311    
           
    12.00 GR 5312 Day's run:  176 nm  164 Surfaced  12 Submerged.  
        Remained submerged for the rest of the day.  
           
    16.30 GR 5324 Distant depth charges.  
           
    18.40 GR 5324 Closer depth charges. Suppose scare depth charges for a departing convoy.  
           
    18.47   Surfaced in the twilight, to still see something.  
           
    18.55 GR 5313 Several masts in sight.  Ahead a destroyer is identified on zig zag courses.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.06.43
 
- 60 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    05.06.43 South Atlantic    
        It is still quite light and we are positioned exactly in the moon.  
           
    20.00 GR 5315    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
                                 Intention: Keep up until it is completely dark then attack.  
           
        Meanwhile it is slowly getting hazy.  The enemy is briefly lost from sight because course and speed have not been accurately established.  
           
    21.30 - 22.04 GR 2978 Dived to listen, in so doing the enemy is detected bearing 65°T at volume 5.  
           
        I intend to run along with the enemy, until it becomes clear and attack is possible.  Until then stood off to dive to listen in order not to lose the enemy.  
           
    22.40 GR 2974 Searching surface detection horizontally polarized bearing 80°.  
           
    23.38 - 23.48   Dived to listen.  Sound bearing 70°T volume 5, shifting ahead.  
           
    24.00 GR 2945    
      NE 0-1, Sea 0, fog, Vis. 100-300 meters    
        It gets much foggier.  Occasionally the bow of the U-boat cannot be made out.  Suppose that the enemy goes according to plan in this foggy area.  
        Enemy steers 350° and runs at 8 knots.  
           
    06.06.43      
    04.00 GR 2677 We must be quite close to the convoy, because the stack smoke emitted by of a steamer positioned in the fog is around the boat.  Visibility about 200 meters.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.06.43
 
- 61 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    06.06.43 South Atlantic    
    04.23   Dived to listen.  The maximum [loudest volume within the band of sound] of the convoy bears 86°T volume 5, shifting ahead.  
        We let ourselves fall back a bit to avoid collision in the existing weather conditions.  Attack is not possible in this weather.  
        Maneuvered ahead at highest speed before dawn to be in attack position if the fog rises.  
           
    07.49   Dived in changing visibility between 600 and 1000 meters, because by plotting we must be ahead of the enemy.   However, the maximum for the enemy already bears 94°T, volume 4/5 decreasing.  Nothing is seen in the periscope.  
   
08.00 GR 2539
  NE 0-1, Sea 0, fog
           
    08.19   Surfaced, as there is no opportunity to attack.  
        As a last resort I intend a surprise attack on the surface out of the fog.  
        To this end, will maneuver ahead at high speed, at the same time approaching the convoy to the limit of visibility, then open outer doors and attack.  
        We must hurry, because fog appears to be breaking up and the boat may be detected by day air immediately.  Later submerged attack with Atos in the mirror smooth sea in flat water appears inappropriate.  
           
    08.44 GR 2536 While angling in at high speed towards the last held convoy position the U-boat suddenly encounters patches where the fog has broken up at the convoy.  By chance it had stopped before for about 5 minutes and then turned to a westerly course to assemble.  
        A modern destroyer is positioned at the head, then approximately 12 medium-sized steamers (including two large-sized) also 2 corvettes and a peculiar gun boat.  
        We are detected immediately and are taken under fire by all ships.  Prompt opening of the outer doors is not successful because several are stiff from warped fairings.  
        Turned away behind the numerous short impacts at highest speed and zigzag courses in the fog, 2 escort vessels take over the pursuit, also throwing depth charges.  2 steamers transmit U-boat warnings on the 600-meter wave. (Position is too southerly).  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.06.43
 
- 62 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    06.06.43 South Atlantic    
    09.45 GR 2561 Fog becomes weaker.  We slowly come to deeper water. Pursuers have lost us.  
           
    10.18 GR 2564 Flying boat in sight bearing 100°T on a northerly course.  Apparently we were not sighted.  
           
    10.20 GR 2564 Crash dive to depth A +15 meters and after changing course 5 aircraft bombs without effect.  
        Intend to remain submerged during the day and then proceed to the meeting with Buchholz.  Another attack opportunity on the convoy does not exist for me for the reasons noted above.  
           
    12.00 GR 2559 Day's run:  160 nm  131 Surfaced  29 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 GR 2581    
           
    18.27   Surfaced.  
           
    20.00 GR 2576    
      WSW 1-2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.06.43
 
- 63 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    06.06.43 South Atlantic    
    21.21   Outgoing Radio Message Serial Number 496.  
        1.)  From 1 to 5 June in square 53 under the coast.  
        2.)  3 June square 5319 miss on independent freighter.  After 7 minutes end of run detonation.  
        3.)  5 June convoy departing Bay in the evening.  About 12 ships, destroyer and corvettes.  Scare depth charges.  Location horizontally polarized 80° ineffective.  From the 200-meter line in fog and visibility of 200 meters maintained contact by sound bearings up to square 2536.  There by surface attack in breaking up fog on the then assembling convoy, heavy gun defense by all ships.  Pursuit.  Escape. Crash dive before flying boat.  Aircraft bombs.  No failures.  
        4.) Suggest meeting Buchholz 8 June 09.00 hours square 4455. Position square 2577, 1 Eto, 12 Atos.  255 cbm.  All naval square GR.  
                                                    Gysae.  
           
    24.00 GR 2799    
      W 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.06.43
 
- 64 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    07.06.43 South Atlantic    
    01.21   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 489  
        To Buchholz.  Go the meeting point suggested by Gysae.  
           
    04.00 GR 2733    
      NW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10    
           
    08.00 GR 2719    
      SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 5/10    
           
    12.00 GR 1968 Day's run:  126 nm  110 Surfaced  16 Submerged.  
      SW 3, Sea 3, 8/10    
           
    16.00 GR 1966    
      W 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10    
           
    20.00 GR 4265    
      W 2-3, Sea 2, 5/10    
           
    21.16   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 404  
        To Nissen . . . . . . etc.  
        3) Gysae on easterly transit go far enough south that use of the Wagtail is possible.  
           
    24.00 GR 4284    
      W 3, Sea 2-3, 3/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    08.06.43      
    04.00 GR 4439    
      W 4, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
    08.00 GR 4453    
      W 2-3, Sea 3, 4/10    
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.06.43
 
- 65 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    08.06.43 South Atlantic    
    12.00 GR 4455 Day's run: 183 nm.  
      WSW 3, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
        In spite of precise evening - and morning navigation fix, U-Buchholz does not come in sight.  
        Wagtail is used in the gusty weather to search.  In so doing on starting the rotor blades are caught in a gust and broken.  
           
    14.05   As up to 14.00 hours not in sight, at 14.05 hours the following short signal is sent:  Positioned at ordered meeting point.  Have not met U- boat.  
                                                             U-177.  
           
    14.20   Incoming short signal from U-195:  I send bearing signals in accordance with Naval War Orders.  
           
        Both short signals were not heard by headquarters.  
           
    14.39   Navigated by bearing signals.  
           
    16.00 GR 4455    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 2/10, high Swells    
           
    17.14   U-Buchholz in sight.  
        Sent Masch.Gefr. Schröder.  
        Took Masch.Gefr. Lipke aboard.  
        By statement Buchholz only arrived at the square at 11.30 hours.  According to our navigation he was 30 nm in error.  
           
    20.00 GR 4449 Continued transit.  
      S 2-3, Sea 2, 2/10, high Swell    
           
    24.00 GR 4485    
      S 2-3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 4 nm, high Swell    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.06.43
 
- 66 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    09.06.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 GR 4735    
      S 1-2. Sea 2, 1/10    
           
    08.00 GR 4845    
      S 3, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
    12.00 GR 4885 Day's run:  136 nm.  
      S 2-3, Sea 2, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 GR 7231 Incoming Officer Only Radio Message Serial Number 421  
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, 3/10 To Gysae etc.  Concerning supply on 20 June in naval square KB 77.  
           
    20.00 GR 7517    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    24.00 GR 7581    
      SSE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, rain, Vis. 2-3 nm, marine phosphorescence    
           
    10.06.43      
    04.00 GR 7631    
      SSE 1-2, Sea 0-1, overcast    
           
    08.00 GR 8441    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, 9/10    
           
    12.00 GR 8422 Day's run:  162 nm.  
      SE 1, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. 12-15 nm    
           
    16.00 GR 8733    
      SE 1, Sea 1, 9/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.06.43
 
- 67 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    10.06.43 South Atlantic    
    20.00 GR 8846    
      E 1, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    24.00 GR 8886    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, rain, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
           
           
    11.06.43      
    00.42   Outgoing Radio Message Serial Number 435  
        Ill Masch.Gefr. Schröder delivered.  
        At the same time Masch.Gefr. Lipke on board. Naval square 8841, 231 cbm.  
           
    04.00 JJ 1114    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, rain, overcast    
           
    08.00 JJ 1154    
      WNW 4-5, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
    12.00 JJ 1198 Day's run: 175 nm.  
      WNW 4-5, Sea 3-4, 6/10, Vis. 9-10 nm    
        Incoming Officer Only Radio Message Serial Number 437  
        To Gysae etc. for supply not before 22 June 250 cbm each boat.  
           
    16.00 JJ 1516    
      W 4-5, Sea 3-4, 6/10    
           
    20.00 JJ 1549    
      WNW 6, Sea 4-5, rain, overcast    
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.06.43
 
- 68 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    11.06.43 South Atlantic    
    24.00 JJ 1556    
      WNW 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast, rain, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    12.06.43      
    04.00 JJ 1641    
      NW 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast    
           
    08.00 JJ 1627    
      W 6-7, Sea 5-6, heavy westerly storm with high Swells, overcast    
           
    12.00 JJ 1394 Day's run:  143 nm.  
      W 7-8, Sea 6-7, 6/10, Vis. 9-10 nm    
           
        Due to stern seas proceeded at a higher speed setting  
           
    16.00 JJ 2172    
      W 7-8, Sea 6-7, 5/10    
           
    20.00 JJ 2158    
      W 7-8, Sea 7, 7/10    
           
    24.00 JJ 2244    
      W 7, Sea 6-7, 5/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    13.06.43      
    04.00 JJ 2299    
      W 8, Sea 7, 6/10    
           
    08.00 JJ 2282    
      W 8, Sea 7, 7/10, rain    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.06.43
 
- 69 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    13.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    12.00 JJ 2326 Day's run:  165 nm.  
      W 8-9, Sea 7, 8/10, Vis. 9-10 nm    
           
    16.00 KY 9528    
      WSW 8, Sea 7, 4/10, rain    
           
    20.00 KY 9676    
      WSW 7, Sea 6, 4/10, rain    
           
    24.00 KY 9669    
      WSW 7, Sea 6, 5/10, rain, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    14.06.43      
    04.00 KZ 7482    
      SSW 4, Sea 4-5, 9/10    
           
    08.00 KZ 7545    
      SSW 3, Sea 3, 8/10    
           
    12.00 KZ 7557 Day's run:  250 nm.  
      WNW 3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 KZ 7613    
      WNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 4/10    
           
    16.31 - 17.10   Test dive.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.06.43
 
- 70 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    14.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    20.00 KZ 7636 Incoming Officer Only Radio Message Serial Number 459  
      WNW 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10 To Gysae etc. concerning appearance of supply tanker and time for the meeting.  
           
    24.00 KZ 8422    
      WNW 3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    15.06.43      
    04.00 KZ 8278    
      WNW, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
    08.00 KZ 8291    
      NW 6, Sea 5-6, 6/10    
           
    12.00 KZ 8355 Day's run:  214 nm  212 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      NW 7, Sea 5-6, 2/10, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    16.00 KZ 8359 The new conning tower proves itself in the heavy westerly seas.  Even heavy seas only break astern and then run very much weaker in the conning tower.  
      SW 9-10, Sea 6-7, 8/10, rain  
           
    20.00 KZ 9119    
      SW 9, Sea 7, 7/10    
           
    24.00 KZ 9163    
      WSW 9-10, Sea 8, 6/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.06.43
 
- 71 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    16.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KZ 9251    
      SSW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast    
           
    08.00 KZ 9311    
      SW 5-6, Sea 5, 5/10    
           
    12.00 KZ 6958 Day's run: 198 nm.  
      SW 4, Sea 4-5, 9/10, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    16.00 KZ 6935    
      SW 4-5, Sea 4-5, 9/10    
           
    20.00 JA 4472    
      SW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    24.00 JA 4438    
      NW 3-4, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    17.06.43      
    04.00 JA 4192    
      WNW 3-4, Sea 3    
           
    08.00 JA 4219    
      NW 5, Sea 3, overcast    
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.06.43
 
- 72 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    17.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    12.00 JA 4237 Day's run:  192 nm.  
      NNW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 JA 4215    
      NNW 4-5, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
    20.00 JA 1998    
      NNW 1-2, Sea 2, overcast, rain    
           
    24.00 JA 2779    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    18.06.43      
    04.00 JA 2793    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, overcast.    
           
    08.00 JA 2891    
      W 4-5, Sea 4, rain, overcast    
           
    12.00 JA 2943 Day's run: 210 nm.  
      W 9, Sea 7, overcast, rain, Vis. 7-8 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.06.43
 
- 73 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    18.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    16.00 JA 2937    
      SbyW 8, Sea 7, overcast    
           
    20.00 JA 3717    
      SSW 7-8, Sea 6-7, overcast, rain Incoming Officer Only Radio Message Serial Number 492  
      To Gysae etc.  concerning execution of the inventory message after supply.  
           
    24.00 JA 3725    
      SSW 8, Sea 7, 5/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    19.06.43      
    04.00 JA 3753    
      S 6-7, Sea 5-6, 5/10    
           
    08.00 JA 3493    
      S 7, Sea 6, 6/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    12.00 JA 3573 Day's run: 136 nm.  
      S 6-7, Sea 6, 5/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    14.26 - 14.46   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 JA 3559    
      S 4, Sea 3, 7/10    
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.06.43
 
- 74 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    19.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    16.51   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 403  
        To Gysae.  Requesting further Wagtail experiences.  
           
    20.00 JA 3644    
      S 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    22.05   Outgoing Radio Message Serial Number 408  
        1)  South of 34° heavy westerly storm from 10 June no use of weapons or Wagtail.  Also bad weather to the north.  
        2)  In answer to today's Wagtail request:  
        To 1) No.  To 2) No.  To 3) Negligible.  To 4) Yes.  First rotor blade set destroyed by a gust.  
        3)  Since departure tears in main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 5 and main ballast tank 4.  
        Caused by demolition in dry dock.  Tube I and II not in service due to fairings.   
        Intend to repair with improving weather.  
                                                Naval square JA 36.  
           
    24.00 JA 3652    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
    20.06.43      
    04.00 JA 3663    
      SSE 4, Sea 2, 9/10    
           
    08.00 JB 1419 Stopped for repairs to the fairings of torpedo tubes I and III.  Despite flooding the stern main ballast tanks the fairings are constantly awash.  Work with welding gear is not possible.  
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10  
           
    12.00 JB 1419 Day's run:  130 nm  128 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, Vis. 10-13 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.06.43
 
- 75 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    20.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    15.00   Started to weld main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 5.  
           
    16.00 JB 1451    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10    
           
    16.45   Welding broken off due to darkness.  
           
    20.00 JB 1455 Remaining 5 over deck torpedoes transferred into the boat.  
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10    
           
    23.10   Continued transit.  
           
    24.00 JB 1491    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
    21.06.43      
    00.14 - 00.36   Test dive.  
           
    04.00 JB 1543    
      SE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast    
           
    04.30   Stopped to weld main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 5 and main ballast tank 4.  
           
    08.00 JB 1553    
      SE 2, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
    12.00 JB 1555 Day's run:  108 nm  106 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      SE 0-1, Sea 0, 2/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.06.43
 
- 76 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    21.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    16.00 JB 155x    
      SE 2, Sea 1, 7/10 Worked with a cable lamp until an hour after darkness.  Work on main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 5 and main ballast tank 4 completed.  
           
    20.00 JB 1562 Transit continued.  
      SE 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    24.00 JB 1627    
      SE 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
    22.06.43      
    04.00 JB 1xxx    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, 6/10 Wagtail ready again after changing the rotor blades.  
           
    07.55 - 08.26   Wagtail flown, altitude 170 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 JE 2157    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, 6/10    
           
    08.40   Again stopped to work on the fairings.  
           
    12.00 JB 2166 Day's run:  158 nm.  
      SE 3, Sea 1, 1/10 Despite sealing the flooding slits work without underwater cutting torch is not possible.  
        Work broken off.  Transit to supply point continued.  
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.06.43
 
- 77 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    22.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    16.00 JB 2251    
      NE 3, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
    20.00 JB 2235    
      ESE 3, Sea 1-2, 5/10    
           
    22.05   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 451  
        Boats in the supply group "SCHLIEMANN" after completion move off in a northeast direction.  
        The last boat will attach any traffic experiences of supplier to the ordered completion message.  
           
    24.00 JB 2313    
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    23.06.43      
    04.00 KR 8997    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    08.00 KR 9776    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    12.00 KR 9759 Day's run: 181 nm.  
      ENE 2, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. 12-13 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.06.43
 
- 78 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    23.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    12.00 - 12.15 NE 2, Sea 1, long low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 120 nm, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KR 9843 Incoming Officer-Only Radio Message Serial Number  
      NE 2, Sea 1, 1/10 After supply occupy the following attack area "Gysae" KQ 92 depth 400 nm etc.  
           
    20.00 KR 9855    
      NE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    24.00 KR 9915    
      NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    24.06.43      
    04.00 KR 9697    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 8/10    
           
    06.34 - 07.17   Test dive.  
           
    07.08   Wagtail flown, altitude 170 meters.  
           
    08.00 KR 9639    
      E 4, Sea 2-3, 8/10    
           
    08.27   Aircraft landed, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.06.43
 
- 79 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    24.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    11.06 - 11.31 ENE 4, Sea 3, low Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KS 7477 Day's run:  177 nm  175 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      ENE 4, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    12.30   Supplier is not in square.  
        Surfacing U-boat sighted.  Visual recognition signals exchanged.  It is U-Dommes, which will lead us to the tanker.  Tanker has driven 30 nm to the west.  
           
    15.20   SCHLIEMANN and 4 U-boats in sight.  
           
    16.00 KR 9658    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
    20.00 KR 9657    
      NE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    24.00 KR 9657    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 8/10, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    25.06.43      
    04.00 KR 9673    
      NW 2-3, Sea 2, 8/10    
           
    08.00 KR 9673    
      NNW, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.06.43
 
- 80 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    25.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    09.00   Begin taking over fuel oil and water.  
           
    12.00 KR 9673 Day's run:  66 nm.  
      N 3-4, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. 12-13 nm    
           
    14.00   Commanding Officers meeting aboard "SCHLIEMANN".  
           
    16.00 KR 9677    
      N 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10 Taking over fuel oil and water ended.  
        Taking over provisions only possible later, after the other boats are supplied.  
        Also the tanker and the other boats have no under water cutting torches on board.  
           
    20.00 KR 9833    
      N 3-4, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    24.00 KR 9833    
      NNW 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    26.06.43      
    04.00 KR 9833    
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast    
           
    08.00 KR 9833    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 5/10    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.06.43
 
- 81 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    26.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    12.00 KR 9836    
      NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    12.31   Taking over provisions.  
           
    16.00 KR 9836    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
    18.00   Taking over provisions broken off due to darkness.  
           
    20.00 KR 9835    
      NE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    24.00 KR 9835 During the night in protective position to the east of the tanker.  
      NNE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.06.43
 
- 82 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    27.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KR 9835    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 2, 9/10    
           
    08.00 KR 9857 Remainder of provisions and equipment taken over.  
      NE 2, Sea 1, 6/10    
           
    12.00 KR 9857    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 4/10    
           
    14.45 - 16.00 KR 9829 Test dive  
      ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 4/10    
           
    16.09      
           
    17.30   Supply ended.  Set off for the operations area.  
           
    20.00 KR 9819    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    24.00 KR 9739    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.06.43
 
- 83 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    28.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KR 9719    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, 4/10    
           
    04.45 KR 9718 U-boat in sight bearing 270°T (Bartels) visual recognition signals exchanged.  
           
    08.00 KR 8959    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    09.30 KR 8957 U-boat out of sight.  
           
    12.00 KR 8927 Day's run:  163 nm  159 Surfaced  4 Submerged.  
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 11-12 nm    
           
                                   Intention: Initially heading for the southeast point of Madagascar  
           
    16.00 KR 8838    
      NNE 2, Sea 1-2, 5/10    
           
    20.00 KR 8822    
      NNE 2, Sea 1-2, 4/10    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.06.43
 
- 84 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    28.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    24.00 KR 8574    
      NNE 2-3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    29.06.43      
    04.00 KR 8457    
      NW 4, Sea 3, 8/10    
           
    06.32 - 07.18 W 4-5, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KR 8413    
      N 4, Sea 3, 1/10    
           
    11.12 - 11.35 N 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KR 8175 Day's run:  156 nm.  
      N 3-4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. 11-12 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.06.43
 
- 85 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    29.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    15.15 - 15.35 N 3-4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, Nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KR 8144    
      N 3-4, Sea 3, 1/10    
           
    20.00 KR 7332    
      N 3-4, Sea 3, 1/10    
           
    22.37   Outgoing Officer Only Radio Message Serial Number 227/485  
        Concerning completed supply, inventory of the boats and the tanker.  The details were established in a Commanders meeting under the leadership of the senior Commanding Officer (U-198).  
           
    24.00 KR 4985    
      N 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    30.06.43      
    04.00 KR 4946    
      NNE 4, Sea 3, 1/10    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.06.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.06.43
 
- 86 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    30.06.43 Indian Ocean    
    06.46 - 07.10 NNE 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KR 4911    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 3/10    
           
    12.00 KR 4812 Day's run:  143 nm.  
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 3/10, Vis. 15 nm    
           
    12.46 - 13.05 NNE 3, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    15.05   Dived, in the course of which received very low frequency (Goliath transmitter) at strength 1 to 2 on the direction finder.  
           
    16.00 KR 4594    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10    
           
    16.08   Surfaced.  
           
    20.00 KR 4557    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 1/10    
           
    24.00 KR 4518    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.06.43
 
- 87 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    01.07.43      
    04.00 KR 4196    
      N 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10    
           
    07.30 - 07.36 NNW 3, Sea 2, low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KR 4755    
      NW 2-3, Sea 2, 2/10    
           
    12.00 KR 4119 Day's run:  135 nm  132 Surfaced  3 Submerged.  
      SSW 3, Sea 1-2, 2/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    12.53 - 13.17 SSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 130 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KQ 3999    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 2/10    
           
    16.15 KQ 3995 The coast comes into view bearing 305°T.  
           
    20.00 KQ 3959    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, 1/10    
           
    23.05 KQ 3943 Sounded water depth 115 meters.  
           
    24.00 KQ 3943    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.07.43
 
- 88 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    02.07.43 Indian Ocean    
        Back and forth in position off the coast.  
           
    04.00 KQ 3919    
      NW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 5/10    
           
    05.05   Dived at dawn.  
           
    08.00 KQ 3977    
           
        Submerged in sight of the coast.  No traffic observed.  
           
    12.00 KQ 6233 Day's run:  96 nm  72 Surfaced  24 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 KQ 6339    
           
    16.32   Surfaced.  
           
    20.00 KQ 6292    
      NbyE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 1/10    
           
    24.00 KQ 6537    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.07.43
 
- 89 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    03.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    00.43 KQ 6561 A light in sight bearing 200°T.  Maintained contact.  It is from a small boat with a sail heading west. (French fisherman or lifeboat).  Not determined in order to remain unnoticed.  
           
    04.00 KQ 6597    
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 1/10    
           
    08.00 KQ 6856    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    09.08 - 09.38 NbyE 2, Sea 1 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KQ 6885 Day's run:  141 nm  125 Surfaced  16 Submerged.  
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 KQ 9224 No Wagtail ascent.  Too little wind.  
      NNE 0-1, Sea 0-1, 0/10    
           
    17.58 - 18.14   Test dive.  
           
    20.00 KQ 9246    
      NE 1-2, Sea 1, 0/10    
           
    24.00 KQ 9282    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1, 0/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.07.43
 
- 90 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    04.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KQ 9525    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3-4, 4/10    
           
    07.25 - 07.45 SSE 5, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 130 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KQ 9555    
      SE 4, Sea 2-3, 9/10    
           
    12.00 KQ 9582 Day's run:  116 nm  114 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      SSE 4-5, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    13.58 - 14.26 SSE 4, Sea 3, long low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 80 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KQ 9824    
      SSE 4, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
    20.00 KQ 9857    
      SSE 4, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
    24.00 KQ 9888    
      SE 3-4, Sea 2, 2/10, weak marine phosphorescence, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.07.43
 
- 91 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    05.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 JA 3252    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, 2/10    
           
    08.00 JA 3289    
      S 3, Sea 2, 1/10    
           
    12.00 JA 3271 Day's run:  163 nm  161.5 Surfaced  1.5 Submerged.  
      SbyW 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    12.40 JA 3272 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 350°T.  
           
    16.00 JA 3197 It is a freighter on course approximately 245° speed 9-10 knots.  Coal burner.  Smokes very heavily.  Maneuvered ahead.  It becomes too late to attack by day.  Therefore, will attempt submerged twilight attack.  
      SSW 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10  
           
    17.45   Dived.  Due to unfavorable cloudiness it becomes even darker.  The ship is not to be made out in the periscope. Because of failure of the GHG the enemy can no longer be heard.  
           
    18.36   Therefore, surfaced and again detected the enemy.  
        Maneuvered ahead to attack.  
           
    20.00 JA 3415    
      SbyW 0-1, Sea 0, 2/10, long low Swells    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.07.43
 
- 92 -
 
           
           
           
    continued                    
    05.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    21.25 JA 2633 Narrowed two-fan from tubes II and III, depth 3 and 4 meters, shooting range about 1000 meters.  Target angle 75°, bow right, speed 10.5 knots.  Sure data.  
        The first torpedo left the tube, however, does not run further, but sinks instead.  Due to a failure in the electrical launch system the 2nd torpedo is launched by hand a few seconds later.  
        From approximately 1-1/2 minutes to 2 minutes the long glowing track of a torpedo is seen at the height of the forward mast, so that a hit is assumed.  However, steamer shows no effect and maintains course and speed.  
        After about 7 minutes a torpedo detonation is heard in the boat. Probably an end of run detonation.  (It was later determined that the steamer has deployed protective torpedo nets. See KTB page 93).  
           
    22.50   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 442.  
        By which the Kommandant is promoted to Korvettenkapitän.  
           
    24.00 JA 2631 After the detonation the steamer turned in a large circle to port back to the same course and stopped briefly.  U-boat remained unseen.  Steamer did not transmit.  
      SE 1, Sea 0, 3/10, marine phosphorescence, long low Swell, Vis. 5 nm  
        After a while, after several zigzags, resumes course and speed.  
           
    06.07.43      
        Again maneuvered ahead.  In so doing, course and speed monitored.  Values adjusted.  
           
    04.00 JA 2964    
      SE 1, Sea 0, 3/10    
           
        It has become completely calm.  Only a long Swell with mirror smooth sea.  Heavy marine phosphorescence   Un detected night attack with the big boat at shooting range less than 1000 meters is no longer possible.  
        Maneuvered ahead at the limit of visibility for day attack.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.07.43
 
- 93 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    06.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    05.30 JA 2958 Steamer changes course to 200° and later to a westerly course.  
           
                                 Intention: To wait for the morning course change, then attack.  
           
    08.00 JA 2977 Steamer again steers 245°.  
      SbyW 0, Sea 0 4/10, long low Swells    
           
    08.57   Dived to attack submerged.  
           
    10.05 JA 2577 Narrowed three-fan from tubes II, III and IV, depth 4 meters, 5 meters and 4 meters, range 800 meters, target angle bow right 65°, speed 10.5 knots.  
        Afterwards periscope was retracted because of the mirror like sea and the closeness of the steamer.  After 23 and 24 seconds 2 hits are heard.  In the extended periscope determined that steamer was hit twice in the foredeck. (Before and after the forward mast).  
        The torpedoing report of the steamer is received with the rod aerial. (Position is correct).  Steamer sinks up to the foredeck to the waterline, the cruiser stern with rudder and propeller at times out of the water.  However, the ship does not sink.  
           
    11.04 JA 2577 Steamer is unchanged for an hour.  It is not clear if people are still aboard.  
        Hence a coup de grâce from tube VI.  Depth 6 meters, range about 900 meters (missed).  Unexplained failure (possibly torpedo nets).  Determined that steamer had long torpedo nets on both sides to the stern.  In addition many spars extending from the hull.  On both sides of its gantry masts are long slender poles which are the hangers from which the nets are suspended.  (Photographs of the steamer were taken in the air search periscope.)  
    11.18   Surfaced for artillery combat.  During this period strong sinking noises.  When boat surfaced the steamer has just sunk.  Went to the sinking location.  There of 2 lifeboats and several tea canisters and bales of tobacco,  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.07.43
 
- 94 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    06.07.43 Indian Ocean    
        It is the Canadian freighter "JASPAR PARK".  Cargo tea and tobacco from Calcutta to Durban.  Size probably similar to Liberty-ship 7000 GRT (from the statements of the crew 10000 GRT.  Believed likely cargo displacement.) Constructed in 1942.  
           
    12.00 JA 2733 Day's run:  218 nm  207 Surfaced  11 Submerged.  
      N 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. 12 nm    
        Presence of the torpedo defense nets are openly admitted by the survivors.  Up to now they had worked well and during the present day, unfortunately, had not been deployed.  
        (We did not expect you)  Concerning the possibility of partial torpedo defense nets during the night and at the coup de grâce no clear picture is to be agreed.  Particularly as in both boats there are mostly "deadbeats".  
           
    12.20   Set off on deceptive course to the west.  
           
    16.00 JA 2453    
      N 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    16.04   Because the presence of U-boat is now known.  
        Sent Radio Message Serial Number 453.  
        Just now sank Canadian "JASPER PARK" with tea and tobacco from India for Durban, 245°, had transmitted.  Had unfurled torpedo defense nets.  Naval square JA 2577.  
                                                                 - Gysae -  
           
    20.00 JA 2435    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 5/10    
           
    24.00 JA 2273    
      E 4, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.07.43
 
- 95 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    07.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 JA 2253    
      ENE 4-5, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
    08.00 JA 2233    
      ENE 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast    
           
    12.00 KQ 8975 Day's run:  163 nm  158 Surfaced  5 Submerged.  
      EbyN 5, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. 10-11 nm    
           
    13.55   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 KQ 8953    
      ENE 5, Sea 4, 8/10,  [illegible notation]    
           
    20.00 KQ 8951    
      NE 5-6, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    24.00 KQ 8652    
      NNE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. 4 nm. faint marine phosphorescence    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.07.43
 
- 96 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    08.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KQ 8636    
      NNE 5, Sea 3-4, 6/10    
           
    08.00 KQ 9415    
      NNE 6, Sea 4, 4/10    
           
    12.00 KQ 9413 Day's run:  128 nm  122 Surfaced  6 Submerged.  
      N 5-6, Sea 4-5, 6/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 KQ 9137    
      N 5-6, Sea 4-5, 4/10    
           
    20.00 KQ 9191    
      N 5, Sea 5, 7/10    
           
    24.00 KQ 9165    
      N 4, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.07.43
 
- 97 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    09.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KQ 6798    
      N 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    08.00 KQ 6792    
      NW 5, Sea 4, 6/10    
           
    09.13 - 09.42 NNW 5, Sea 3-4, short Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 180 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KQ 6736 Day's run:  111 nm.  
      NW 4-5, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    13.31 - 13.50 NW 4, Sea 3, short Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    15.28 - 15.46   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 KQ 6489    
      NNW 5, Sea 5, 2/10    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.07.43
 
- 98 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    09.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    20.00 KQ 6469    
      NNW 4-5, Sea 5, 1/10    
           
    24.00 KQ 6517    
      NNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, 2/10, Vis. 4 nm, faint marine phosphorescence    
           
    10.07.43      
    03.38 KQ 6512 Masts in sight bearing 345°T.  
        It is a large freighter.  Course about 250°.  Speed 9.5 knots.  
        It is already too late for night attack.  Therefore, ran at highest speed to the limit of day visibility.  In the course of this it is getting light slowly.  
    04.00 KQ 6278    
      SSW 5-6, Sea 4, 2/10    
           
    05.15 KQ 6433 Steamer changes course to 260° and increases speed to about 12 knots.  It is a three-masted vessel of Liberty-type.  
           
    08.00 KQ 6424    
      SSW 6, Sea 4, 2/10    
           
    12.00 KQ 5389 Day's run:  176 nm  174.5 Surfaced  1.5 Submerged.  
      SSW 5-6, Sea 4-5, 1/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    12.58   Dived to attack.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.07.43
 
- 99 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    10.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    15.49 KQ 5387 Narrowed two-fan from tubes II and IV, depth 4 and 5 meters, target angle bow right 70°, target speed 11.5 at set range 1000 meters.  After 25 seconds (500 meters) hit at the stern.  Ship breaks at the stern and remains incapable of maneuvering (So it ran even faster).  In the periscope determined that the crew abandons ship occupying 2 row boats and a motorboat.  The armament (9 machine guns on various levels and 2 light guns) is unmanned.  
           
    14.28   Surfaced.  Approached 2 lifeboats.  The 3rd boat with the Captain left the ship first and has rowed far away.  
        It is the American Liberty ship "WILLIAM OGDEN".  Size 7000 GRT.  Home port San Francisco.  Traveling in ballast.  Destination harbor supposedly Rio de Janeiro.  Crew about 70 men.  
           
    14.55 KQ 5388 Afterwards sank the ship with 14 incendiary and 85 explosive shells.  
        Incendiary shells are very effective.  
    16.00 KQ 5388    
      SSW 5-6, Sea 4, high Swell    
           
    16.25 KQ 5612 Meanwhile, it is getting dark.  Ran off on easterly course and am operating on discovered steamer route.  
           
    18.22   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 499.  To Gysae etc. concerning transmitter failure of Italian U-boats.  
           
    20.00 KQ 5632    
      SW 4, Sea 3, 4/10, high Swells    
           
    24.00 KQ 6411    
      NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 6/10, Vis. 5 nm, high Swells    
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.07.43
 
- 100 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    11.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KQ 6412    
      ESE 4, Sea 2-3, 4/10    
           
    08.00 KQ 6431    
      SE 2, Sea 2, 5/10    
           
    08.11 - 08.47   Test dive.  
           
    12.00 KQ 6277 Day's run:  123 nm  115 Surfaced  8 Submerged.  
      ESE 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    14.42 - 15.15 ESE 3-4, Sea 3, high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing seen.  
           
    16.00 KQ 6279    
      ESE 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10    
           
    20.00 KQ 6292    
      E 3, Sea 2, 2/10    
           
    24.00 KQ 6347    
      ENE 4-5, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.07.43
 
- 101 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    12.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KQ 6327    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    06.39 - 07.31 ENE 4, Sea 3, medium-high Swell s Wagtail flown, altitude 180 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KQ 6371    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 2-3, 4/10    
           
    09.36 - 10.04 ENE 3, Sea 2-3, medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KQ 6299 Day's run:  111 nm.  
      ENE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    12.07 - 12.36 ENE 3, Sea 2-3, medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    14.08 - 14.32 ENE 3, Sea 2-3, medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KQ 6535    
      ENE 3, Sea 2, 2/10    
           
    16.04 - 16.25 ENE 3, Sea 2, low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.07.43
 
- 102 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    12.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    20.00 KQ 6536    
      ENE 3, Sea 1-2, 4/10    
           
    24.00 KQ 6587    
      ENE 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    13.07.43      
    04.00 KQ 6818    
      ENE 2, Sea 2, 3/10    
           
    08.00 KQ 6769    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10    
           
    08.15   In accordance with Radio Message of 10 July listened for transmitting Italian submarine.  Nothing heard.  
           
    08.34 - 08.55 SW 2-3, Sea 2 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    11.06 - 11.22 SW 4, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KQ 9131 Day's run:  138 nm.  
      SWbyW 4, Sea 2-3, 6/10, Vis. 13-14 nm    
           
    13.08 - 13.25 WSW 6, Sea 4 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.07.43
 
- 103 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    13.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    16.00 KQ 9157    
      WSW 6, Sea 4, 4/10    
           
    20.00 KQ 9179    
      SW 5, Sea 3-4, 8/10    
           
    22.58   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 438  
        To Gysae etc.  Occupy naval square GH in the following new moon period.  Until then, free to maneuver.  
           
    24.00 KQ 9418    
      SbyW 6-7, Sea 4-5, 5/10, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    14.07.43      
    04.00 KQ 9471    
      S 6-7, Sea 5-6, 7/10, rain    
           
    08.00 KQ 8691    
      S 6, Sea 5-6, 4/10    
           
    12.00 KQ 8688 Day's run:  123 nm.  
      SE 6, Sea 5, 5/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 KQ 9828    
      SSE 4, Sea 5, 6/10    
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.07.43
 
- 104 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    14.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    16.37 - 17.05   Test dive.  
           
    20.00 KQ 9843    
      SE 2, Sea 2, 8/10    
           
    24.00 KQ 8891    
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    15.07.43      
    04.00 JA 2231    
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10    
           
    08.00 JA 2253    
      E 0-1, Sea 1, overcast No Wagtail ascent due to calm wind.  
           
    11.10 JA 2249 Masthead in sight.  It is an abandoned lifeboat of the Canadian steamer "JASPER PARK" sunk on 06.07.43.  
           
    12.00 JA 2249 Day's run:  123 nm  121 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      E 1-2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 12-13 nm    
           
    16.00 JA 2436    
      N 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    20.00 JA 2491    
      NW 3, Sea 2, 3/10    
           
    24.00 JA 2715    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, 0/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.07.43
 
- 105 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    16.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 JA 2743    
      NbyW 3-4, Sea 3, 1/10    
           
    07.24 - 07.38 NNW 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 JA 1993    
      NNW 4, Sea 3, 8/10    
           
    09.12 - 09.24 NNW 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 JA 1964 Day's run:  157 nm.  
      NW 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    12.17 - 12.37 NW 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    15.08 - 15.26 NW 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
                                Intention: Before advancing to square GR operate in JA 20 and 10 also KQ 70.  
           
    16.00 JA 1916    
      NNW 5-6, Sea 3-4, 3/10    
           
    20.00 JA 1672    
      NbyW 5-6, Sea 3-4, 0/10    
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.07.43
 
- 106 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    16.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    24.00 JA 1566    
      NNW 4-5, Sea 2-3, 1/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
    17.07.43      
    04.00 JA 1289    
      WNW 5, Sea 3, 3/10    
           
    07.29 - 07.51 NNW 5, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing seen.  
           
    08.00 JA 1254    
      NNW 5, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
    10.21 - 10.51 NNW 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 JA 1218    
      N 4, Sea 2-3, 1/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    13.08 - 13.30 N 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    15.07 - 15.54 N 3-4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KQ 7799    
      N 3-4, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.07.43
 
- 107 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    17.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    17.14 - 17.32   Test dive.  
           
        On the basis of the last sinkings of U-Dommes and U-Lüth believe that Madagascar traffic will still increase.  
           
    20.00 KQ 7767    
      N 4, Sea 2-3, 3/10    
           
    22.37   Outgoing Radio Message Serial Number 862  
        1)  On 10 July in square 5388 sank empty Liberty ship "WILLIAM OGDEN" 7000 GRT, course 260°.  
        2)  Incendiary shells proven in day application.  
        3)  With Agfa request shelf-life of tropic-proof film footage stored frozen at minus 20°.  
        4)  Square 74, all naval square KQ, 1 Eto, 3 Atos, 378 cbm.  
                                                           - Gysae -  
           
        Presume that an operation off Cape Town is no longer possible with 3 Atos and the damage previously reported on 19 June.  
           
    24.00 KQ 7728    
      N 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. 6 nm    
           
    18.07.43      
    04.00 KQ 7476    
      N 4, Sea 2-3, 6/10    
           
    07.31 - 07.44 N 4-5, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.07.43
 
- 108 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    18.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    08.00 KQ 7477    
      N 4-5, Sea 2-3, 3/10    
           
    09.21 - 09.32 N 4-5, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    11.25   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 405  to Gysae  
        Concerning shelf-life of Agfa film.  
           
    12.00 KP 9936 Day's run:  164 nm  162 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      W 4-5, Sea 2-3, 5/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    12.10 - 12.26 NbyW 5, Sea 4 Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KP 9966    
      NbyW 6, Sea 4, 6/10    
           
    17.07   Because I believe on the basis of the last stipulations that it is correct to remain in the traffic route area, the following Short Signal sent:  Delay return in the operations area advantageous.  
                                                                   U-177  
           
    18.05   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 408  
        To Gysae, old operations area optional.  
           
                                 Intention: Run to the NE on the course of the sunken "JASPER PARK".  Then positioned back and forth between KR 49 and KQ 63.  
           
    20.00 KP 9399    
      NW 6-7, Sea 4-5, 3/10    
           
    24.00 JA 1121    
      NW 6-7, Sea 5, 2/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.07.43
 
- 109 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    19.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 JA 1138    
      NW 5, Sea 4, 4/10    
           
    08.00 JA 1243    
      NW 4, Sea 2, 7/10    
           
    08.01 - 08.29 NW 4, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 80 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 JA 1255 Day's run:  155 nm.  
      SW 5-6, Sea 3, 5/10, rain, Vis. 8 nm    
           
    16.00 JA 1269    
      SW 4-5, Sea 4, rain, overcast    
           
    20.00 JA 1573    
      SW 5-6, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    24.00 JA 1589    
      N 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 4-5    
           
    20.07.43      
    04.00 JA 2411    
      SSW 5-6, Sea 4-5, 8/10    
           
    08.00 JA 2427    
      S 5, Sea 4, 6/10    
           
    12.00 JA 2461

Day's run:  151 nm.

 
      S 4, Sea 3-4, 5/10, Vis. 12-13 nm    
           
    16.00 JA 2562    
      S 3, Sea 2, 1/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.07.43
 
- 110 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    20.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    16.51 - 17.15   Test dive.  
           
    20.00 JA 2559    
      E 2, Sea 1-2, 1/10    
           
    24.00 JA 2593    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
    21.07.43      
    04.00 JA 2676    
      NbyW 3, Sea 1, 1/10    
           
    07.10 - 07.29 NW 3, Sea 2 Wagtail flown, altitude 130 nm, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 JA 2669    
      NW 3, Sea 2, 1/10    
           
    09.10 - 09.28 NW 3, Sea 1-2 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 JA 3417 Day's run:  164 nm  162 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      NNW 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    12.29 - 12.50 NNW 3, Sea 2, long medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    15.02 - 15.20 NNW 3, Sea 1-2, long medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 130 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 JA 3173    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    16.19 - 16.45 NNW 1-2, Sea 1, long medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 130 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.07.43
 
- 111 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    21.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    18.48   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 451  
        To Gysae.  Occasionally report whether the altimeter of the Wagtail is in order and is working properly.  
           
    20.00 JA 3116    
      NNW 2-3, Sea 2, 1/10, marine phosphorescence    
           
    24.00 KQ 9798    
      E 0-1, Sea 0, 1/10, Vis. 5 nm, marine phosphorescence    
           
    22.07.43      
    04.00 KQ 9881    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 1, 1/10    
           
    05.39 - 06.12 ESE 3, Sea 2 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 nm, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KQ 9893    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    08.16 ESE 4, Sea 2-3, long low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KQ 9982 Day's run:  196 nm.  
      EbyS 6, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 KQ 9934    
      ESE 4-5, Sea 2-3, 6/10    
           
    20.00 KQ 9994    
      SSE 4-5, Sea 2-3, 6/10    
           
    24.00 KR 7788    
      E 4-5, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.07.43
 
- 112 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    23.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KR 7799    
      ESE 7, Sea 6, overcast    
           
    08.00 KR 7875    
      ESE 6, Sea 5, overcast    
           
    12.00 KR 7849 Day's run:  143 nm.  
      ENE 5-6, Sea 4-5, 9/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 KR 7852    
      ENE 6, Sea 5, 7/10    
           
    20.00 KR 7597    
      ENE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 2/10    
           
    24.00 KR 7593    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    24.07.43      
    04.00 KR 7642    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 7/10    
           
    08.00 KR 7376    
      ENE 5, Sea 3-4, 6/10    
           
    12.00 KR 7355 Day's run:  127 nm.  
      ENE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 KR 7335    
      ENE 5, Sea 4, 3/10    
           
    16.26 - 16.48   Test dive.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.07.43
 
- 113 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    24.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    20.00 KR 7353    
      ENE 5, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    24.00 KR 4982    
      ENE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 6/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    25.07.43      
    04.00 KR 4946    
      NNE 3, Sea 3, 5/10    
           
    08.00 KR 4863    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10    
           
    08.16 - 08.30 NE 3, Sea 2-3, short medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 70 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KR 4825 Day's run:  144 nm  141 Surfaced  3 Submerged.  
      NE 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    13.16 - 13.29 NE 3, Sea 2, short medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KR 4576    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10    
           
    20.00 KR 4544    
      NE 2, Sea 0-1, 3/10    
           
    24.00 KR 4438    
      N 2, Sea 0-1, 1/10, Vis. 3 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.07.43
 
- 114 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    26.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KR 4423    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    08.00 KR 4171    
      N 1-2, Sea 0-1, 2/10    
           
    12.00 KQ 6364 Day's run:  159 nm.  
      N 1-2, Sea 0-1, 6/10, rain, Vis. 12-13 nm    
           
    14.44 - 15.12 ESE 3, Sea 1-2 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KQ 6321    
      ESE 3, Sea 1-2, 6/10    
           
    20.00 KQ 6325    
      ESE 3, Sea 1-2, 1/10    
           
    24.00 KQ 6362    
      ESE 3-4, Sea 1-2, 3/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    27.07.43      
    04.00 KR 4147    
      EbyS 3, Sea 2, 8/10    
           
    06.03 - 06.35 ESE 6, Sea 3-4 Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.07.43
 
- 115 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    27.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    08.00 KR 4173    
      ESE 6, Sea 3-4, 6/10    
           
    09.16 - 09.34 ESE 5-6, Sea 4 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KR 4188 Day's run:  124 nm.  
      ESE 5, Sea 4, 4/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    14.12 - 14.27   Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KR 4451    
      E 5-6, Sea 4, 7/10    
           
    16.15 - 16.29 E 5, Sea 4 Wagtail flown, altitude 80 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 KR 4462    
      E 5, Sea 3-4, 9/10    
           
    24.00 KR 4574    
      E 4-5, Sea 5, 2/10, Vis. 3 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.07.43
 
- 116 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    28.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KR 4819    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    06.48 - 07.03 NE 3, Sea 2 Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KR 4852    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 1/10    
           
    08.42 - 09.05 NE 3, Sea 2, low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    11.38 - 12.00 NE 3, Sea 2, low Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KR 4941 Day's run:  151 nm.  
      EbyN 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    13.39 - 14.07 NE 3-4, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KR 4952    
      NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10    
           
    16.00 - 16.19 NE 3-4, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 130 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.37 - 16.56   Test dive.  
           
    20.00 KR 4969    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 2/10    
           
    24.00 KR 5775    
      E 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. 3-4 nm, marine phosphorescence    
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.07.43
 
- 117 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    29.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    03.35 KR 8122 Shadow in sight bearing 110°T.  
        It is a medium sized merchant steamer on a northerly course.  
           
    04.00 KR 5788 In morning twilight maneuvered ahead for a day attack..  
      E 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    08.00 KR 5723 An American Liberty ship (three master) in sight bearing 320°T on a southerly course.  
      NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast  
        Due to failure of the port forward lookout (Matr. Gefr. Wille Balz) the ship is sighted and reported too late.  Range is approximately 3-4 nm.  
           
    08.04   Dived to remain unseen.  
        At the same time attack on northbound freighter initiated.  
           
                                  Intention: Stern fan, to have the bow tubes ready later for the second steamer.  Cannot because the outer door of tube V does not open.  Therefore, initiated bow approach.  
           
    09.00 KR 5726 Narrowed two-fan from tube II and III, depth 4 meters, target angle 70°, target speed 9.5 knots.  Range is about 300 meters.  
        After 12 seconds (240 meters) a hit amidships.   
           
        The steamer was hit deep, bacause after one minute it had already sank.  Suspect that due to the short range both torpedoes were not yet controlled, the first torpedo in depth and the second torpedo under steering.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.07.43
 
- 118 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    29.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    09.15   Surfaced.  
        Second steamer vanished bearing 260°T.  Had sighted the sinking and sent the following Radio Message:  pi - 2741 South 5225 East unknown ship torpedoed 290743 ar -  
           
        Went to the sinking location.  There are 6 survivors on rafts.  
        The following determined.  It was the English steamer "CORNISH CITY" with coal on the way from Durban to Aden.  Previously from Cardiff via Cape Town, Durban to Lourenço Marques [Maputo], then again to Durban.  
        45 man crew.  
        Afterwards 260°T in pursuit of the second steamer.  
           
    11.00 KR 5728 Wagtail flown, altitude 50 meters, steamer in sight 230°T.  At 30 meters altitude the steamer is again out of sight.  
      N 2, Sea 1-2  
           
    12.00 KR 5746 Day's run:  192 nm  183 Surfaced  9 Submerged.  
      N 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    12.30   Steamer in sight on southerly general course, zig zagging heavily and irregularly.  
           
        For the moment no attack possibility for stern approach.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.07.43
 
- 119 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    29.07.43 Indian Ocean    
           
                                Intention: To hang on and wait until steamer calms down.  
           
    16.00 KR 8118    
      N 2, Sea 1-2, 10/10    
           
    20.00 KR 8425    
      N 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, marine phosphorescence    
           
        Steamer still feels pursued and zigzags strongly and irregularly the entire night.  
           
    24.00 KR 8474    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 4 nm, weak marine phosphorescence    
           
    30.07.43      
    04.00 KR 8772    
      NNW 4, Sea 3, 0/10    
           
        Set off to the limit of visibility before dawn.  
           
    08.00 JB 2144    
      NW 5, Sea 4, 5/10    
           
        Because weather and visibility becomes worse, I want to try a stern attack in spite of the wild maneuvers of the steamer.  Therefore, maneuvered ahead at highest speed.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.07.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.07.43
 
- 120 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    30.07.43 Indian Ocean    
    12.00 JB 2445 Day's run:  276 nm.  
      SSW 6, Sea 4-5, 7/10, Vis. 8 nm changing heavily    
        Because of the very hazy horizon the ship is repeatedly out of sight, however, is found again every time during the pursuit.  
           
    13.25 JB 2475 Enemy sometimes out of sight in the haze.  
        Last bearing 6°T.  
        We are positioned ahead of him.  Therefore proceeding at slow speed.  
           
    14.15   Because enemy is not yet in sight, in pursuit.  No success.  Ran in at the last observed position of the enemy at 15.00 hours, there at 15.00 hours  
    15.11   Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 JB 2449    
      SSW 5, Sea 4-5, 2/10, high Swell    
        Although in the worst case the enemy might be 20 nm away, nothing is found with the Wagtail in the unfavorable conditions.  (This shows the limited application possibility of the Wagtail).  
           
    16.05   Wagtail landed.  
           
        Suppose base course change of the enemy.  
        Pursuit hopeless given the approaching darkness.  
           
    18.24   Outgoing Radio Message Serial Number 479.  
        1.)  Yesterday sank "CORNISH CITY" in square KR 5726, course 10° with coal from Durban to Aden.  
        2.)  The sinking a was seen and reported by a southern bound ship.  Was held with the Wagtail and hunted to JR 2473.  Was finally lost in deteriorating visibility.  
        3.)  Wagtail altimeter faultless.  
        4.)  Still 2 stern torpedoes, 352 cbm.  Square JB 16 all naval squares.  
           
    20.00 JB 1662    
      SSW 4-5, Sea 3, 0/10    
           
    24.00 JB 1626    
      SW 4, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.07.43
 
- 121 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    31.07.43 Indian Ocean    
           
                                 Intention: Further operations south of Madagascar.  
           
    04.00 JB 1381    
      E 3-4, Sea 1, 4/10, weak marine phosphorescence    
           
    08.00 JB 1346    
      W 2-3, Sea 1-2, 6/10    
           
    08.27 - 09.27   Test dive.  
           
    12.00 JB 1325 Day's run:  171 nm  168 Surfaced  3 Submerged.  
      W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 KR 7993    
      WSW 2-3, Sea 2, 2/10    
           
    20.00 KR 8743    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, 0/10    
           
    24.00 KR 8729    
      WSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 1/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.07.43
 
- 122 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    01.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KR 8753    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    06.57 - 07.31 WSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 130 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KR 8494    
      WSW 2-3, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    11.47   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 498  
        1)  Gysae etc.  freedom to maneuver.  
        2)  etc. . . . . . . .  
           
    12.00 KR 8455 Day's run:  153 nm.  
      SW 2, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    12.41 SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    14.30   Torpedo transferred from stern room to bow room.  
           
    16.00 KR 8429    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10    
           
    18.50   Transfer completed.  
           
    20.00 KR 8432    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 4/10    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.08.43
 
- 123 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    01.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    24.00 KR 8421    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    02.08.43      
    04.00 KR 7633    
      SW 1-2, Sea 0-1, 5/10    
           
    06.45 - 07.12   Test dive.  
           
    08.00 KR 7384    
      NW 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    09.04 - 09.26 N 2-3, Sea 2, high Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KR 7371 Day's run:  146 nm  143 Surfaced  3 Submerged.  
      N 2-3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    12.21 N 2-4, Sea 2, medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    15.09 N 2-3, Sea 2, medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.08.43
 
- 124 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    02.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    16.00 KR 7355    
      NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
    20.00 KR 8117    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
    24.00 KR 8122    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    03.08.43      
    04.00 KR 5796    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    08.00 KR 5855    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    12.00 KR 5862 Day's run:  197 nm.  
      NNE 2, Sea 0-1, 3/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    16.00 KR 5912    
      NE 0-1, Sea 0-1, 0/10    
           
    20.00 KR 5596    
      NE 1-2, Sea 0-1, 6/10    
           
    24.00 KR 5558    
      N 1-2, Sea 0-1, 1/10, Vis. 2-3 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.08.43
 
- 125 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    04.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KR 5541    
      NW 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10    
           
    08.00 KR 5422    
      NNW 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10    
           
    12.00 KR 5177 Day's run:  180 nm.  
      NNE 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    16.00 KR 4367    
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, 0/10    
           
    20.00 KR 4351    
      NE 2, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
    24.00 KR 4239    
      NE 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    05.08.43      
    04.00 KR 4221    
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 4/10    
           
    05.53 NE 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 nm, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KR 1799    
      NE 4, Sea 3, 1/10    
           
    08.20 - 08.43 NE 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.08.43
 
- 126 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    05.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    11.08   Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters  
           
    11.13 KR 1759 Steamer in sight bearing 360°T, out of sight at 50 meters altitude.  
           
    11.16   Aircraft landed.  
           
        In pursuit at highest speed bearing 350°, the speed and course of the steamer was not determined.  
           
    12.00 KR 1756 Day's run:  185 nm.  
      NE 5, Sea 4, 2/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    12.15   Steamer in sight bearing 10°T.  It is a medium-sized steamer on general course 20°, speed 8.5 nm.  
           
    16.00 KR 1745 Maneuvered ahead for submerged attack.  
      ENE 4-5, Sea 4, 2/10    
           
                                Intention: If it is too late for a day attack, will attempt a submerged twilight attack.  
           
    16.38   Dived at the end of twilight to attack submerged.  
        In the course of this the steamer is lost and only regained just before the shot.  Shot range is approximately 1500 meters.  
           
    17.45 KR 1543 Two-fan from tubes II and IV, target angle 105°, speed 8.5 knots, depth 3 meters, set range 1500 meters.  
        2 detonations heard after 1 minute 20 seconds (1600 meters).  Steamer is hit amidships and astern.  
           
    17.54   Steamer sank.  With rod antenna determined that the steamer did not transmit further.  
           
    17.57   Surfaced and went to the single lifeboat with survivors.  
        Following determined:  It is the Greek steamer "EFTALIA MARI" (4195 GRT) with coal from Durban to Aden.  
        Of the 45 man strong crew, there are 26 survivors.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.08.43
 
- 127 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    05.08.43 Indian Ocean    
        Delayed return begun.  Boat still has an inoperative Eto (air cylinder leaking) which is still being worked on.  
           
    20.00 KR 1545    
      NE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 3/10    
           
    24.00 KR 1579    
      NE 5, Sea 3-4, 7/10, Vis. 3 nm, rain, weak marine phosphorescence    
           
    06.08.43      
    04.00 KR 1846    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10, rain    
           
    06.15 - 07.06 NE 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KR 4713    
      NE 4, Sea 3, 7/10    
           
    08.48 - 09.18   Test dive.  
           
    11.15 - 11.29 NE 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KR 4719 Day's run:  182 nm  173.5 Surfaced  8.5 Submerged.  
      NE byE 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.08.43
 
- 128 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    06.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    14.15 - 14.30 NE 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KR 4255    
      NE 4, Sea 3, 1/10    
           
    16.11 - 16.24 NE 4, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 KR 4291 Out of service Eto is repaired and again ready for a short range shot.  
      NE 4, Sea 2-3, 5/10  
           
    23.05   Outgoing Radio Message Serial Number 481  
        1.)  Sank 5 August square 1543 "EFTHALIA MARI", course 25° with coal from Durban to Aden.  Did not transmit.  
        2.)  Was directed by Wagtail.  Up to now 150 flights.  
    24.00 KR 4611 3.)  Delayed return transit, 1 Eto.  No more fire hoses.  297 cbm.  square 9299 all naval square KR  
      NE 4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. 4 nm  
          [position in paragraph 3 is a typo 4299 was intended]  
    07.08.43      
    04.00 KR 4651    
      NE 4, Sea 3, 5/10    
           
    06.41 - 06.55 NE 3-4, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KR 4663    
      NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.08.43
 
- 129 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    07.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    09.10 - 09.25 NE 3, Sea 2 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KR 4699 Day's run:  140 nm.  
      NE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. 12-13 nm    
           
    12.01 - 12.24 NE 3, Sea 2 Wagtail flown, altitude 160 nm, nothing sighted.  
           
    15.06 NE 3, Sea 2 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, steamer in sight bearing 285°T.  Out of sight at altitude 90 meters.  
      KR 5479  
           
    16.00 KR 5475 Immediate pursuit is not possible, because of a large fire in the diesel caused by the spontaneous ignition of the rotor blades of the reserve wagtail  
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 5/10  
        The fire is extinguished only after the use of all fire extinguishers.  
        Afterwards in pursuit in 230°T.  
           
    16.10 - 16.15 KR 5475 At the beginning of twilight Wagtail flown to search.  Steamer in sight bearing 253°T.  Steamer is lost from sight at an altitude of 40 meters.  Steamer now steers a southerly course.  
      NNE 2, Sea 1  
           
        Continued pursuit, based on southerly course.  
        In the bright moonlight (moon sets about 21.00 hours) the steamer is again in sight.  
           
    17.25 KR 5479 Steamer in sight bearing 245°T.  
           
        Course and speed are certain.  Steamer runs about 9.5 knots and swings between 190°-150°.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.08.43
 
- 130 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    07.08.43 Indian Ocean    
           
                                  Intention: It is too late for a submerged moonlight attack and still too bright to attack on the surface with the last limited Eto. Therefore, hang on and maneuver ahead until dawn. Then attacked submerged from short range.  
           
    20.00 KR 5771    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 5/10    
           
    24.00 KR 7358    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
    08.08.43      
    04.00 KR 7637    
      NNE 2, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
    04.40   Twilight begins.  We are positioned ahead of the steamer, however, it begins wild and irregular zig zags, so that we do not arrive at shooting position.  
           
    08.00 KR 7926    
      N 3-4, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    10.00   Until noon zigzags are followed to detect a pattern.  It is useless, because in the afternoon the steamer steers in a different zigzag pattern and sets off further to the east.  
           
        Until 13.00 hours again maneuvered ahead.  
           
    12.00 KR 7984 Day's run:  227 nm.  
      NNW 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    13.25   Dived to attack on the probable new general course.  Steamer zigzags wildly.  Could only approach to 2400 meters.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.08.43
 
- 131 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    08.08.43 Indian Ocean    
           
        Did not shoot, because use of the single Eto with a short running track offers little probability of success.  
           
                                  Intention: Hold contact through dusk.  Then immediately maneuver ahead for a submerged moonlight attack.  
           
    15.25   Surfaced.  
        Continued to hold contact while maneuvering ahead.  
           
    16.00 JB 1352    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
    20.00 JB 1652    
      NNW 4, Sea 3, 8/10    
           
    20.50   Boat is positioned ahead of the steamer.  The enemy can be made out well in the air search periscope.  
           
    20.55   Dived to attack.  
        Approximately 10 minutes after diving a heavy rain and thunderstorm front moves over us from the south.  Suddenly it is pitch-black.  Only sound bearings.  The enemy has zigzagged away to the SE.  
           
    21.23   Surfaced.  
        Heavy torrential rain with lightening.  
        Visibility between 30 and 100 meters.  
        Proceeding on the general course and speed of the steamer.  
           
    24.00 JB 1921    
      SW 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 2 nm    
           
    09.08.43      
                                Intention: If the steamer is not in sight when the weather improves, search with Wagtail.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 08.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.08.43
 
- 132 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    09.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 JB 7637    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, overcast, rain    
           
    05.20   The rain gradually becomes weaker.  With improving visibility the steamer cannot be found.  
           
    05.52 - 05.46 NW 3-4, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    07.08 - 07.25 NW 3-4, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 JB 4214    
      NW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 6/10    
           
                                 Intention: Further pursuit is useless, because the steamer probably used the thunderstorm to change base course.  
           
      Delayed transit.  At the same time running in long legs to the west and operate in KZ 30 with Wagtail on steamers running in and out of Durban.  
           
    09.12 - 09.27 WNW 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    11.20 - 11.37 WNW 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 JB 1885 Day's run:  206 nm  188 Surfaced  18 Submerged.  
      WNW 4, Sea 4, 1/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    14.10 - 14.23 WNW 4, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.08.43
 
- 133 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    09.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    15.32 - 15.49 WNW 4, Se 3-4 Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 JB 1849    
      WNW 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    20.00 JB 1763    
      NW 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    24.00 JB 1725    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. 6 nm    
           
    10.08.43      
    04.00 JB 1478    
      NNW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, marine phosphorescence    
           
    08.00 JA 3692    
      NNW 4, Sea 3, 5/10    
           
    12.00 JA 3655 Day's run:  169 nm.  
      NNW 5, Sea 3-4, 6/10, Vis. 9-10 nm    
           
    16.00 JA 3595    
      NNW 5-6, Sea 3-4, 5/10    
           
    20.00 JA 3825    
      WNW 4-5, Sea 4, 3/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.08.43
 
- 134 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    10.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    24.00 JA 3843    
      NW 6-7, Sea 5, 9/10, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    11.08.43      
    04.00 JA 3793    
      W 4-5, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    06.36 - 07.10 WSW 4, Sea 3, medium-high Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 100 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 JA 6131    
      WSW 4-5, Sea 3-4, 2/10    
           
    09.05 WSW 4-5, Sea 3-4, medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 JA 6119 Day's run:  165 nm.  
      WSW 4-5, Sea 3-4, 3/10, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    12.08 - 12.20 WSW 4, Sea 3, medium-high Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    15.16 - 15.36 WSW 4, Sea 3, medium-high Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 JA 5365    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.08.43
 
- 135 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    11.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    16.58 - 17.12   Test dive.  
           
    20.00 JA 5558    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, 7/10    
           
    24.00 JA 5611    
      WSW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 0/10, Vis. 6 nm    
           
    12.08.43      
    04.00 JA 5537    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
    08.00 JA 5554    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
    12.00 JA 5571 Day's run:  151 nm  149 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      SSW 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 JA 5723    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10    
           
    20.00 JA 5743    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, 1/10    
           
    24.00 JA 4969    
      W 5, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.08.43
 
- 136 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    13.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 JA 4988    
      SW 5-6, Sea 5, 6/10, rain    
           
    08.00 JA 7321    
      WSW 6-7, Sea 5, rain, overcast    
           
    12.00 JA 4892 Day's run:  152 nm.  
      SW 4-5, Sea 4, 8/10, rain, Vis. 8-9 nm    
           
    16.00 JA 4853    
      SSW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast    
           
    20.00 JA 4819    
      SSW 4, Sea 3-4, overcast    
           
    24.00 JA 4732    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. 6 nm    
           
    14.08.43      
    04.00 JA 4481    
      SW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    07.08 - 07.25 SW 4, Sea 2-3, high Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 140 nm, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.08.43
 
- 137 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    14.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    08.00 JA 4444    
      SW 4, Sea 2-3, 5/10    
           
    09.31 - 09.47 SW 4, Sea 3, high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 140 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KZ 6637 Day's run:  155 nm.  
      SW 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. 11-12 nm    
           
    16.00 KZ 6624    
      WSW 5-6, Sea 3-4, 3/10    
           
    17.28 - 17.45   Test dive.  
           
    20.00 KZ 6372    
      WSW 4-5, Sea 3, 7/10    
           
    24.00 KZ 6233    
      W 5, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
    15.08.43      
    04.00 KZ 3895    
      SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10    
           
    08.00 KZ 3837    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    12.00 KZ 3564 Day's run:  159 nm  157 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      N 1-2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.08.43
 
- 138 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    15.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    16.00 KZ 3536    
      NNE 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10    
           
    20.00 KZ 3268    
      EbyN 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    24.00 KZ 3235    
      NE 1-2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    16.08.43      
    04.00 KP 9892    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    06.59 - 07.15 NNE 3, Sea 2, medium-high Swell Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KP 9835    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    09.15 - 09.30 E 3, Sea 2, long medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    11.28 - 11.42 E 3-4, Sea 2-3, long medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KP 9859 Day's run:  171 nm.  
      E 3-4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. 12-13 nm    
           
    13.34 E 4, Sea 3, long medium-high Swells Wagtail flown, altitude 130 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KP 9688    
      E 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.08.43
 
- 139 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    16.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    16.12 - 16.28 E 3-4, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 KZ 3251 In accordance with Radio Message Order high frequency section of the Metox receiver removed and secured by the Kommandant.  
           
    24.00 KZ 3274    
      ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 6/10, Vis. 6 nm    
           
    17.08.43      
    04.00 KZ 3438    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
    07.12 - 07.24 NE 3-4, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    08.00 KZ 3485    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, 3/10    
           
    11.15 - 11.30 NE 3, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KZ 3724 Day's run:  160 nm.  
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.08.43
 
- 140 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    17.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    13.34 - 13.41 NE 3, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 160 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    14.41 - 14.54 NNE 3, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    15.28 - 16.10   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 KZ 3745    
           
    16.54 - 17.16 NNE 3-4, Sea 2-3 Wagtail flown, altitude 150 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 KZ 2999    
      NNE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 1/10    
           
    24.00 KZ 5353    
      NNE 4, Sea 3, 0/10, Vis. 6-7 nm    
           
    18.08.43      
    04.00 KZ 5387    
      NNE 3-4, Sea 3, 1/10    
           
    07.17 - 07.30 N 4-5, Sea 3-4 Wagtail flown, altitude 110 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.08.43
 
- 141 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    18.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    08.00 KZ 5619    
      N 4-5, Sea 3-4, 2/10    
           
    10.16 - 10.34 N 4-5, Sea 3 Wagtail flown, altitude 120 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    12.00 KZ 5647 Day's run:  160 nm  158 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      N 4-5, Sea 3, 1/10, Sight 12 nm    
           
    13.15 - 13.51 N 3, Sea 2 Wagtail flown, altitude 130 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    16.00 KZ 5833    
      N 2-3, Sea 2, 1/10    
           
    16.13 - 16.23 N 2, Sea 1-2 Wagtail flown, altitude 110 meters, nothing sighted.  
           
    20.00 KZ 5855    
      NbyE 3, Sea 2, 0/10    
           
    24.00 KZ 5857    
      N 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.08.43
 
- 142 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    19.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    04.00 KZ 5877    
      N 5, Sea 4, 5/10    
           
    08.00 KZ 8122    
      NNW 6-7, Sea 5, 4/10    
           
    12.00 KZ 8117 Day's run:  153 nm.  
      NNW 5-6, Sea 5, 2/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 KZ 7394    
      NNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, 6/10    
           
    19.42   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 478  
        "Gysae" report position.  Afterwards "Schäfer" suggest meeting place for transfer of Bellatrix [cypher code].  
           
    20.00 KZ 7613    
      W 4-5, Sea 4, 1/10    
           
    24.00 KZ 7538    
      WNW 5, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. 3-5 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.08.43
 
- 143 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    20.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    00.42   Outgoing Radio Message Serial Number 485  
        1)  Sighted 8 August in square JB 1654 a freighter course 190°, was directed by Wagtail.  
        2)  Rotor blades of the Wagtail in the diesel room burned by self-combustion.  
        3)  Bellatrix held, but code books only up to 1 October.  
        4)  KZ 75, 242 cbm all naval squares.  
                                                                  - Gysae -  
           
    04.00 KZ 7528    
      SW 6-7, Sea 5, 9/10    
           
    08.00 KZ 7443    
      S 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast.    
           
    09.28 - 11.14   Test dive.  
           
    12.00 KZ 7441 Day's run:  141 nm  137 Surfaced  4 Submerged.  
      S 5, Sea 4, 9/10, rain, Vis. 10-11 nm    
           
    16.00 KZ 7464    
      S 5, Sea 4, 3/10    
           
    16.11   Short signal from Bartels:  
        Aircraft attack with train of bombs, am not clear to dive.  To the south of square KQ 8252.  
                                                           U-197  
        (not heard by headquarters)  
           
    19.13   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 495  
        Short signal from Bartels 16.14 hours:  Aircraft attack with train of bombs, am not clear to dive.  To the south of square KQ 8252.  
        Received garbled.  
                                                                 "Hartmann"  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.08.43
 
- 144 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    20.08.43 Indian Ocean    
    20.00 KZ 7458    
      S 4-5, Sea 3-4, 2/10    
           
    24.00 KZ 7448    
      SW 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    21.08.43      
    02.14   Incoming Officer Only Radio Message from Schäfer  
        Meeting point 23 [August] 12.00 hours JJ 4655 naval square.  
           
    04.00 KY 9693 From previous experience meeting so far to the south is unfavorable because of weather conditions, strong current dislocation and the rare opportunities for navigation fixes.  Believe that Control will amend the meeting place.  
      W 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10  
           
    08.00 KY 9682    
      S 6-7, Sea 5-6, 7/10    
           
    12.00 KY 9684 Day's run:  110 nm.  
      W 8-9, Sea 6, 8/10, Vis. 11 nm, rain    
           
    16.00 KY 9679    
      S 6, Sea 5, overcast, rain    
           
    20.00 KY 9914    
      SSW 6, Sea 4, 7/10, high Swell    
           
    24.00 KY 9864    
      SSW 5-6, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.08.43
 
- 145 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    22.08.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 KY 9884    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    08.00 JJ 2638    
      SW 4, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
    12.00 JJ 2681 Day's run:  141 nm.  
      SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 11-12 nm    
           
    16.00 JJ 2911    
      SSW 4-5, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    20.00 JJ 2856    
      SSW 4, Sea 2-3, 7/10    
           
    24.00 JJ 2877    
      W 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    23.08.43      
    04.00 JJ 5156    
      SW 6-7, Sea 5, overcast    
           
    08.00 JJ 5411    
      W 8-9, Sea 7, overcast    
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.08.43
 
- 146 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    23.08.43 South Atlantic    
        As expected the weather becomes much worse.  Because Control has not changed the meeting location and under these conditions it will not be possible to deliver a mail bag, the following Officer Only Radio Message sent:  
    11.19   To "Schäfer from Gysae".  Due to weather meeting 24 hours later 130 nm to the north.  
        (Was not heard by Headquarters.)  
           
    12.00 JJ 4384    
      W 8, Sea 7, 9/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 JJ 4327    
      W 7-8, Sea 6, overcast    
           
    20.00 JJ 1976    
      WSW 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast    
           
    24.00 JJ 1919    
      W 7, Sea 6, rain, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    24.08.43      
    04.00 JJ 1672 As expected the weather is good and suitable for transfer. (Launching the inflatable is possible)  
      NW 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10  
           
    08.00 JJ 1963    
      WNW 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.08.43
 
- 147 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    24.08.43 South Atlantic    
    09.55 JJ 1645 Flying boat (Sunderland type) in sight bearing 260°T.  Southeasterly course, high altitude.  
        Aircraft flies towards, 2 cm anti-aircraft manned, turned stern to, went to AK.  
        Flying boat turns away and fly's back and forth behind the boat  
           
    10.04 JJ 1643 Second flying boat in sight close to the first.  
           
    10.08   The moment both aircraft are not approaching and range is large enough, crash dive.  
        No attack.  
           
    12.00 JJ 1643 Day's run:  160 nm  154 Surfaced  6 Submerged.  
           
                                 Intention: Remain submerged until darkness, in the meantime surface briefly to warn Schäfer by Radio Message.  
           
    14.04   Surfaced to send Radio Message, extended the rod antenna at the same time.  
           
    14.08   Short signal sent:  Was probably sighted at meeting point.  Sea planes. Starting return transit.  
                                                         - U-177 -  
           
        More suitable groups are not found in the Short Signal Book.  
           
    14.16   Dived.  
           
    16.00 JJ 1627    
           
    16.07   Short Signal for Schäfer retransmitted on the rod antenna.  
           
    18.46   Surfaced and again set off to the west.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.08.43
 
- 148 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    24.08.43 South Atlantic    
    20.00 JJ 1533    
      NW 3-4, Sea 2, 2/10    
           
    21.00 JJ 1531 Occasionally the light from a searchlight is seen shining upwards shining against the dark clouds.  Suppose that this is related to the flying boats searching for the shipwrecked.  
           
    22.00   Outgoing Radio Message:  
        Due to westerly storm moved meeting point 150 nm north. There two flying boats held contact.  Set off.  Request meeting be canceled.  
           
    24.00 JJ 1521    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    25.08.43      
    01.20   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 448  
        To "Gysae" and "Schäfer"  
        1.)  Meeting settled.  Continue transit.  
        2.)  Meeting with another boat scheduled later for "Gysae".  
           
    04.00 JJ 1432    
      NNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, 7/10    
           
    08.00 JJ 1171    
      NW 7, Sea 6, overcast    
           
    12.00 GZ 3385 Day's run:  166 nm  145 Surfaced  21 Submerged.  
      NW 7, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. 11 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.08.43
 
- 149 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    25.08.43 South Atlantic    
    16.00 GZ 3372    
      NW 6-7, Sea 6, 8/10    
           
    20.00 GZ 3267    
      NNW 6, Sea 4-5, rain    
           
    24.00 GZ 3252    
      WNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, 9/10, rain, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    26.08.43      
    04.00 GZ 3216    
      W 6, Sea 4-5, 8/10, rain    
           
    08.00 GR 8778    
      W 6-7, Sea 4-5, 8/10, rain    
           
    12.00 GR 7992 Day's run:  115 nm.  
      WSW 6, Sea 4-5, 7/10, rain, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 GR 7956    
      WSW 6, Sea 4, 7/10    
           
    20.00 GR 7922    
      SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 5/10    
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.08.43
 
- 150 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    26.08.43 South Atlantic    
    24.00 GR 7676    
      WSW 3, Sea 2-3, 3/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    27.08.43      
    04.00 GR 7545    
      SW 5, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
    08.00 GR 7585    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    12.00 GR 7272 Day's run:  146 nm.  
      W 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    13.09 - 13.47   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 GR 7162    
      SW 3-4, Sea 2, 5/10    
           
    20.00 GR 7119    
      SW 3, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
    24.00 GQ 6999    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. 3 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.08.43
 
- 151 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    28.08.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 GQ 6964    
      WNW 4, Sea 2-3, 3/10    
           
    08.00 GQ 6687    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
    12.00 GQ 6642 Day's run:  173 nm  171 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    12.45 GQ 6642 On the edge of a rain squall a smoke cloud in sight bearing 10°T.  
           
        It is a small merchant steamer of about 1500 GRT, smokestack aft, two masts forward, course 110°, speed 8.5 knots.  
           
        Maneuvered ahead to attack.  
           
    16.00 GQ 6635    
      SSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 6/10    
           
    16.45   Dived to attack.  
        Shortly before the shot neutral markings recognized, it is the Argentinean steamer "BABE" from Buenos Aires.  Markings are correct, no armament.  Let him go.  Stopping is not possible because of air situation.  Ran out of sight submerged.  
           
    18.57   Surfaced.  Return transit continued.  
           
    20.00 GQ 6395    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, 8/10    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.08.43
 
- 152 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    28.08.43 South Atlantic    
    24.00 GQ 6351    
      SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10, Vis. 4 nm, marine phosphorescence    
           
    29.08.43      
    04.00 GQ 3987    
      S 4, Sea 2-3, 4/10    
           
    08.00 GQ 3914    
      S 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10    
           
    12.00 GQ 3592 Day's run:  192 nm  184 Surfaced  8 Submerged.  
      S 3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. 13 nm    
           
    16.00 GQ 3525    
      S 3, Sea 1-2, 4/10    
           
    20.00 GQ 3249    
      SE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 8/10    
           
    24.00 GQ 3214    
      SE 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.08.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.08.43
 
- 153 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    30.08.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 GH 8891    
      SE 4, Sea 3, 8/10    
           
    08.00 GH 8827    
      SE 5, Sea 4, 6/10    
           
    12.00 GH 8575 Day's run:  180 nm.  
      SE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. 8-10 nm    
           
    12.31 - 13.11   Crash dive training.  
           
    16.00 GH 8434    
      E 3-4, Sea 3-4, 4 nm    
           
    20.00 GH 8148    
      E 4, Sea 3, 2/10    
           
    24.00 GH 7336    
      ESE 2-3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.08.43
 
- 154 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    31.08.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 GH 4983    
      ESE 4, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
    08.00 GH 4915    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, 0/10    
           
    12.00 GH 4595 Day's run:  199 nm  195 Surfaced  4 Submerged.  
      E 3-4, Sea 3-4, 0/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 GH 4529    
      SE 3, Sea 3, 0/10    
           
    20.00 GH 4249    
      ESE 3-4, Sea 3, 0/10    
           
    24.00 GH 4136    
      ESE 3-4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.08.43
 
- 155 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    01.09.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 GH 1783    
      ESE 5, Sea 3-4, 0/10    
           
    08.00 GH 1715    
      E 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10    
           
    12.00 GG 3692 Day's run:  193 nm.  
      ESE 3, Sea 2-3, 5/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    12.34 - 13.01   Crash dive for training.  
           
    16.00 GG 3625    
      ESE, Sea 1-2, 4/10    
           
    20.00 GG 3349    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
    24.00 GG 3236    
      SE 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    02.09.43      
    04.00 FV 8863    
      E 1-2, Sea 1, 6/10    
           
    08.00 FV 8816    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.43
 
- 156 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    02.09.43 South Atlantic    
    12.00 FV 8493 Day's run:  182 nm.  
      S 2, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 FV 8426    
      S 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10    
           
    20.00 FV 8142    
      S 2, Sea 1, 4/10    
           
    24.00 FV 4999    
      S 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    03.09.43      
    04.00 FV 4953    
      S 2, Sea 1, 9/10    
           
    08.00 FV 4676    
      S 1-2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    12.00 FV 4539 Day's run:  212 nm.  
      S 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    12.58 - 13.15   Crash dive for training.  
           
    16.00 FV 4285    
      S 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.09.43
 
- 157 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    03.09.43 South Atlantic    
    18.30 FV 4219 A steamer in sight out of a rain squall bearing 360°T.  
        It is an American Liberty ship on a westerly course.  
           
    20.00 FV 4212    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast    
           
        Hung on during the twilight, because it is too late to attack by day.  
           
    24.00 FV 4111    
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    04.09.43      
        Maneuvered ahead to attack on the surface at night.  
        At 00.38 hours during a surface night attack the steamer changes course to about 210°.  Suppose base course change.  We arrive at shooting position unseen with sure shooting data at 600-800 meters (At target angle 70° 1/2 to 2/3 of the steamer fills the eyepiece).  
           
    00.38 FU 3995 Shot from tube III, depth 4 meters, target angle 70, target speed 12 knots, range 800 meters.  
      Weak marine phosphorescence  
        It is the repaired last Eto whose tail piece was removed.  
        (See torpedo material report)  
        No success.  Unexplained failure.  
        Assumption: by sound information torpedo run was not straight.  
           
    04.00 FU 3962 Continued return transit.  
      S 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    08.00 FU 3692    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast    
           
    12.00 FU 3632 Day's run:  247 nm  245 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 FU 3382    
      SSE 3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.43
 
- 158 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    04.09.43 South Atlantic    
    20.00 FU 3318    
      SSE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    24.00 FN 9892    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    05.09.43      
    04.00 FN 9825    
      SE 3, Sea 1-2, overcast    
           
    12.00 FN 9436 Day's run:  184 nm.  
      SE 3, Sea 2, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 FN 9159    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast    
           
    20.00 FN 9124    
      SSE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
           
    24.00 FN 6747    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.09.43
 
- 159 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    06.09.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 FN 5931    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, 5/10    
           
    08.00 FN 5643    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, 5/10    
           
    12.00 FN 5296 Day's run:  208 nm.  
      ESE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 FN 5229    
      E 2-3, Sea 1-2, 4/10    
           
    20.00 FN 2875    
      ESE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast    
           
    24.00 FN 2738    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, 8/10, rain, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    07.09.43      
    04.00 FN 2482    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    08.00 FN 2415    
      ESE 3, Sea 3, 6/10, rain    
           
    12.00 FN 1393 Day's run:  204 nm.  
      ESE 2-3, Sea 2, 5/10, rain, Vis. 10 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.09.43
 
- 160 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    07.09.43 South Atlantic    
    16.00 FN 1326    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, 9/10    
           
    16.14 - 17.24   Crash dive training.  
           
    20.00 FF 8973    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    24.00 FF 8864    
      ESE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    08.09.43      
    04.00 FF 8813    
      ESE 1, Sea 1, overcast    
           
    08.00 FF 8428    
      ESE 3, Sea 2, 3/10    
           
    12.00 FF 8177 Day's run:  215 nm  210 Surfaced  5 Submerged.  
      SSE 2, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 FF 7356    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10    
           
    20.00 FF 7315    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, 2/10    
           
    24.00 FF 4884    
      SSE 2-3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. 4-5 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.09.43
 
- 161 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    09.09.43 South Atlantic    
    04.00 FF 4766    
      S 3, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
    08.00 FF 4721    
      S 3-4, Sea 2, 3/10    
           
    12.00 FE 6668 Day's run:  217 nm.  
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, 10/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 FE 6624    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, 6/10    
           
    20.00 FE 6295    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, 5/10    
           
    24.00 FE 6224    
      SSE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
    10.09.43      
    04.00 FE 3796    
      SSE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 10/10    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.09.43
 
- 162 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    10.09.43 Central Atlantic    
    08.00 FE 3752    
      SSE 3, Sea 2-3, 9/10    
           
    12.00 FE 2699 Day's run:  212 nm.  
      SE 3, Sea 2, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    15.10 - 15.52   Crash dive for training.  
           
    16.00 FE 2655    
      SE 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    20.00 FE 2611    
      SE 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10    
           
    24.00 FE 2283    
      SE 2, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
    11.09.43      
    04.00 FE 2241    
      SE 3, Sea 2-3, 10/10    
           
    08.00 ET 8788    
      SE 2, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.09.43
 
- 163 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    11.09.43 Central Atlantic    
    12.00 ET 7966 Day's run:  206 nm  203 Surfaced  3 Submerged.  
      SE 3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    16.00 ET 7925    
      SE 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    20.00 ET 7674    
      SE 2-3, Sea 2, 1/10    
           
    24.00 ET 7573    
      SE 2, Sea 1-2, 1/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
    12.09.43      
    04.00 ET 7465    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 6/10    
           
    08.00 ET 7416    
      SE 2, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
   

08.20

08.45

ET 7416 At the beginning of dawn shadow in sight bearing 210°T. Set off on the surface to remain unseen.  However, vessel will soon be visible.  Therefore, dived at 08.45 hours.  
        It is a small merchant or fishing steamer (2 masts, 1 slanting stack).  Vessel steers about 70° and runs at low speed.  
           
    10.12   Surfaced, because the vessel is out of sight.  Continued return transit.  
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.09.43
 
- 164 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    12.09.43 Central Atlantic    
    12.00 ES 9399 Day's run:  186 nm  180 Surfaced  6 Submerged.  
      S 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    15.00   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 415  
        1)  . . . . . . . .  
        2)  To Gysae . . . . . . on 13 September at 08.00 switch to America II Circuit.  
           
    16.00 ES 9358    
      SSE 3, Sea 2-3, 5/10    
           
    20.00 ES 9239    
      SW 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    24.00 ES 6876    
      W 3, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. 6 nm    
           
    13.09.43      
    04.00 ES 6765    
      NW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, rain    
           
    08.00 ES 6721    
      W 3, Sea 2, 8/10, rain    
           
    12.00 ES 5693 Day's run:  204 nm.  
      WNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 6/10, rain, Vis. 9 nm    
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.09.43
 
- 165 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    13.09.43 Central Atlantic    
    16.00 ES 5628    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, 5/10    
           
    20.00 ES 5374    
      NW 3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    24.00 ES 5256    
      NW 3, Sea 1-2, 3/10, Vis. 6 nm    
           
    14.09.43      
    04.00 ES 5219    
      WNW 3, Sea 1-2, 4/10    
           
    08.00 ES 2791    
      WNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 3/10    
           
    12.00 ES 2743 Day's run:  191 nm.  
      WNW 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 12 nm    
           
    14.00 ES 2715 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 100°T.  Becomes weaker with pursuit at HF.  
        Continued return transit, because of limited lubricating oil supply higher driving speeds can only be run for a short time.  Besides all torpedoes are shot.  
           
    16.00 ES 2478    
      N 2, Sea 1, 3/10    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.09.43
 
- 166 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    14.09.43 Central Atlantic    
    24.00 ES 2147    
      N 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. 5-6 nm    
           
    15.09.43      
    04.00 ES 1353    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, 4/10    
           
    08.00 EJ 7959    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, 2/10    
           
    12.00 EJ 7954 Day's run:  183 nm.  
      NNW 1, Sea 0-1, 3/10, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    15.00 - 15.15   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 EJ 7912    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, 5/10    
           
    20.00 EJ 7644    
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 8/10, rain    
           
    24.00 EJ 7291    
      NNE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 6/10, rain, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    16.09.43      
    04.00 EJ 7228    
      NNE 4-5, Sea 3, overcast    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.09.43
 
- 167 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    16.09.43 Central Atlantic    
    08.00 EJ 4873    
      NNE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, rain    
           
    12.00 EJ 4818 Day's run:  187 nm  185 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      ENE 5, Sea 3, overcast, rain, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    13.15   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 540:  
        1.)  . . . . . . . . etc.  
        2.)  If Gysae needs provisions, report position.  
        As provisions are sufficient, did not reply.  
           
    16.00 EJ 4575    
      ENE 6, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    20.00 EJ 4542    
      ENE 5-6, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    24.00 EJ 4278    
      NE 5, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    17.09.43      
    04.00 EJ 4245    
      ENE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast    
           
    08.00 EJ 4212    
      ENE 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, rain    
           
    12.00 EJ 1848 Day's run:  141 nm.  
      NE 4, Sea 3-4, 9/10, Vis. 10 nm    
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.09.43
 
- 168 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    17.09.43 Central Atlantic    
    14.34   Incoming Officer Only Radio Message Serial Number 548.  
        . . . . . . after which the old code book remains in force for "U-177".  
           
    14.58 - 15.28   Test dive.  
           
    16.00 EJ 1813    
      ENE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast    
           
    20.00 EJ 1573    
      ENE 4, Sea 3-4, overcast    
           
    24.00 EJ 1542    
      NE 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain    
           
    18.09.43      
    04.00 EJ 1275    
      NE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    08.00 EJ 1241    
      NE 5, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    12.00 EJ 1153 Day's run:  125 nm  123 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 DT 7797    
      NE 4, Sea 3-4, 8/10    
           
    20.00 DT 7769    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    24.00 DT 7573    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.09.43
 
- 169 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    19.09.43 Central Atlantic    
    04.00 DT 7527    
      ENE 4, Sea 4, overcast    
           
    08.00 DT 7286    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
    12.00 DT 4586 Day's run:  254 nm.  
      ENE 4-5, Sea 3-4, 4/10, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    16.00 DT 4538    
      ENE 4, Sea 3-4    
           
    17.45 - 18.05   Crash dive for training.  
           
    20.00 DT 4571    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, 9/10    
           
    24.00 DT 4319    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    20.09.43      
    04.00 DT 1984    
      ENE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    08.00 DT 1929    
      ENE 3, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
    12.00 DT 2441 Day's run:  195 nm  193 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      N 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    16.00 DT 2176    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.09.43
 
- 170 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    20.09.43 Central Atlantic    
    20.00 DT 2128    
      NE 3-4, Sea 3, 4/10    
           
    24.00 DG 9918    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. 5 nm    
           
    21.09.43      
    04.00 DG 9681    
      NE 4, Sea 2-3, 3/10    
           
    08.00 DG 9623    
      NE 4, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
    12.00 DG 9338 Day's run:  237 nm.  
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. 10 nm    
           
    16.00 DH 4771    
      NE 4, Sea 2-3, 4/10    
           
    18.55 - 19.31   Crash dive for training.  
           
    20.00 DH 4712    
      NNE 4, Sea 3, 3/10    
           
    24.00 DH 4428    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    22.09.43      
    04.00 DH 4159    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 2/10    
           
    08.00 DH 4136    
      NNE 3, Sea 3, overcast, rain    
           
Sun and Moon Data 20.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.09.43
 
- 171 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    22.09.43 Central Atlantic    
    12.00 DH 1873 Day's run:  216 nm  214 Surfaced  2 Submerged.  
      NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, rain    
           
    16.00 DH 1825    
      NNE 4, Sea 3-4, 3/10    
           
    20.00 DH 1568    
      NNE 3-4, Sea 3, 7/10    
           
    24.00 DH 1618    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    23.09.43      
    04.00 DH 1383    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10    
           
    05.45 DH 1364 Illuminated steamer in sight bearing 130°T, northwesterly course. Avoided on the surface.  (Spanish)  
           
    08.00 DH 1362    
      NNE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
           
    12.00 CF 8978 Day's run:  188 nm.  
      NNE 3-4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. 11 nm    
           
    16.00 CF 8953    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 8/10    
           
    20.00 CF 8477    
      NNE 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    24.00 CF 8426    
      N 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 4 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.09.43
 
- 172 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    24.09.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 CF 9272    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 3/10    
           
    08.00 CF 9226    
      NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 4/10    
           
    08.16   Dived to proceed submerged.  
           
    12.00 CF 6898 Day's run:  225 nm  215 Surfaced  10 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 CF 6896    
           
    20.00 CF 6869    
           
    21.14   Surfaced.  
           
    24.00 CF 6927    
      NNE 3-4, Sea, 5/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    25.09.43      
    04.00 CF 6693    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 3/10    
           
    08.00 CG 4429    
      NNE 3, Sea 2, 4/10    
           
    08.04   Dived to proceed submerged.  
           
    12.00 CG 4435 Day's run:  149 nm  113 Surfaced  36 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 CG 4433    
           
    20.00 CG 4277    
           
    21.00   Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.09.43
 
- 173 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    25.09.43 North Atlantic    
    21.27   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 343  
        To Gysae  
        On 21 September 1943 at 08.00 switch to Ireland Circuit.  
           
    21.35   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 342  
        To Gysae - - - concerning plotted convoy locations.  
           
    24.00 GH 4253    
      NbyW 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    26.09.43      
    04.00 CG 1979    
      NNW 3, Sea 2-3, 7/10    
           
    05.50   Dived to proceed submerged.  
           
    08.00 CG 1956    
           
    12.00 CG 1961 Day's run:  149 nm  115 Surfaced  34 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 CG 1936    
           
    20.00 CG 2711    
           
    21.21   Surfaced.  
           
    24.00 CG 2485    
      WNW 3-4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. 5 nm, marine phosphorescence    
           
    27.09.43      
    03.12 Heavy marine phosphorescence Dived to proceed submerged.  
           
    04.00 CG 2465    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.09.43
 
- 174 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    27.09.43 North Atlantic    
    05.52   Surfaced.  
           
    07.36   Dived to proceed submerged.  
           
    08.00 CG 2518    
           
    12.00 CG 2516 Day's run:  105 nm  63 Surfaced  42 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 CG 2521    
           
    20.00 CG 2289    
           
    21.18   Surfaced.  
           
    22.40 CG 2292 Lighthouses Salvern Island and Cabo Silleiro in sight.  
           
    24.00 CG 2262    
      NNW 1-2, Sea 1, 1/10, Vis. 6 nm, marine phosphorescence    
           
    28.09.43      
    00.40 CG 2238 Several fishing vessels in sight bearing 350°T.  
           
    01.40 CG 2251 Abeam Cape Finisterre.  
           
    02.50 BF 7892 Abeam Cabo Villano lighthouse.  
           
    04.00 BF 7869    
      N 1, Sea 1, 3/10, heavy marine phosphorescence    
           
    06.14 BF 7943 Several fishing vessels and lighted neutral steamers in sight.  
           
    07.15   Dived to proceed submerged.  
           
    08.00 BF 7927    
           
    12.00 BF 7926 Day's run:  139 nm  101 Surfaced  38 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 BF 7932    
           
    19.45   Abeam Cape Ortegal.  
           
    20.00 BF 8477    
           
    21.12   Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.09.43
 
- 175 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    28.09.43 Bay of Biscay    
    23.40   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 196  
        1.  . . . . . . . . Gysae on 29 September at 08.00 hours switch to Coastal Circuit.  
           
    24.00 BF 8721    
      WNW 4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, very heavy marine phosphorescence    
           
    29.09.43      
    04.00 BF 8815    
      NNW 3, Sea 2, 6/10    
           
    06.48 BF 8826 Several illuminated fishing vessels in sight bearing 80°T.  
           
    06.56   Abeam Cape Penas.  
           
    07.29   Dived to proceed submerged.  
           
    08.00 BF 8598    
           
    12.00 BF 8599 Day's run:  126 nm  92 Surfaced  34 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 BF 8677    
           
    20.00 BF 8679    
           
    21.07   Surfaced.  
           
    24.00 BF 8922    
      NW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 6 nm, heavy marine phosphorescence    
           
    30.09.43      
    00.13   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 80  
        Return harbor for Gysae is Bordeaux etc.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.09.43
 
- 176 -
 
           
           
           
                         
    30.09.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.10   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 81  
        1)  Gysae return transit via Piening Route . . .  
           
    01.56   Short Signal sent:  
        Positioned 36 hours off meeting point with escort.  
                                                              U-177  
           
    04.00 BF 8696    
      NW 3, Sea 2, overcast, marine phosphorescence    
           
    07.15   Dived to proceed submerged.  
           
    08.00 BF 9454    
           
    12.00 BF 9452 Day's run:  105 nm  79 Surfaced  26 Submerged.  
           
    16.00 BF 9437    
           
    20.00 BF 9435    
           
    20.40   Surfaced.  
           
    22.57   Dived to proceed submerged.  
           
    24.00 BF 9278    
           
    01.10.43      
    04.00 BF 9276    
           
    04.11   Incoming Radio Message Serial Number 10  
        "Gysae" convoy positioned on 1 October at 14.00 hours Point "Gabel".  
                                                      12. U.-Flottille  
           
    05.57   Surfaced.  
        Proceeding on Route Handgepäck for Point Gabel.  
           
    08.00 BF 9282    
           
    12.00 BF 9314 Day's run:  109 nm  79 Surfaced  30 Submerged.  
           
    12.40   Taken in convoy at Point Gabel.  
           
        Made fast Bordeaux  
           
                             
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.09.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.10.43

 
 
     
 

Comments of the Commander in Chief U-boats

 
 
on the K.T.B. of "U-177" (Gysae) from 1 April - 1 October 1943.
 
 

 

 
 
        During this 6 month long patrol the Kommandant seized every opportunity with proven ability and tenacious commitment and achieved in the South African sea area and Indian Ocean a gratifying success sinking 7 ships.  The performance of the crew is to be recognized particularly in regard to the long duration of the patrol.
 
        The lessons learned of the "Wagtail" were evaluated against implementation measures separately.
 
Accredited successes: 1 Freighter
6000
GRT
Sunk
  1 Tanker
10000
GRT
"
  1 Freighter
8000
GRT
"
  "JASPER PARK"
7000
GRT
"
  "WILLIAM OGEN"
7000
GRT
"
  "CORNISH CITY"
5000
GRT
"
  TA "EFTHALIA MARI"
__4195
GRT
  7  Ships
47195
GRT
Sunk
 
     
   

For the Commander in Chief U-boats

 
   
- The Chief of Operations -
 
 
                                      
                                                                             
     
 

  Enclosures to U-177's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
   
RadioA Summary of the General Radio Log for outgoing messages
   
RadioB Summary of the General Radio Log for incoming messages
Sketch Sketch of action on 3 June 1943


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