Excerpt of the Radio Log of U-202
 
for the patrol from 27.5.42 - 25.7.42.
  
                                                    
  1005/31/78/147/254  
  From B.d.U.  
  Contrary to press reports a state of war with Mexico is still not entered, but attacks by Mexican air and warships must be expected during the next days.  
     
  31.5. 2308 A  
  My position is BE 67.  
     
  2316/31/83  
  Linder reports his position from naval square BE 67.  
     
  2052/1/97/157/294  
  From B.d.U.  
  Mexican Parliament has declared a state of war with Germany.  Mexican air and warships as well as merchant ships are recognized as enemy.  
     
  1307/5/49/186/263  
  Traffic situation in the American area from U-boat reports as new Supplement 1 to Operations Order 50.  (See Operations Order).  
     
  1800/5/58/198/268  
  To all boats.  
  If there is no danger to the boat while taking over and without affecting the combat power by greater consumption of provisions, take Captains from sunken ships as prisoners with ship's papers.  
     
  2156/6/107/201  
  1.)  Folkers, Linder, Varendorf and Bigalk between 01.00 and 05.00 hours give weather on 7 June.  
  2.)  Gießler switch to Ireland Circuit tomorrow at 08.00 hours.  
     
  7.6. 0131 A  
  Short Signal weather report.  
     
  1525/7/99/111/206  
  1.)  To all boats.  
  In the latest period in the Bay of Biscay heavy enemy air has been determined.  Also by night greatest attention is required.  Experience indicates that Englishmen can be driven off from attack by machine gun fire.  Ensure that M.G. 30 are ready for action by frequent functional firing.  
  2.)  Order to proceed submerged by day are still in effect.  During moonlit nights man machine guns.  
     
  2225/7/116/214  
  1.)  Liebe, Deecke, Linder on 8 June at 08.00 hours go to Greenland Circuit.  
  2.)  Hartenstein tonight short situation report.  
     
  8.6. 2318 A  
  From Linder  
  Still have 82 cbm.  
     
 
 
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
 
 
- 2 -
  
 
 
  9.6. 0025  
  Linder reports by Short Signal with volume 4 at 23.18 hours:  Still have 82 cbm fuel on board.  
     
  0947/6/259  
  Dietrichs immediately report weather, Linder immediately report position.  
     
  9.6. 1137 A  
  From Linder  
  My position is CB 3921.  
     
  9.6. 1137 A  
  To Linder  
  Boat is not proceeding at economical speed.  Bad fuel utilization.  
     
  2314/10/36/141/248  
  To all boats  
  Attack on independents on Route Anton north of 35°N and west of 10°W is released from now until further notice.  Regulations for weapons use outside the blockade area apply there.  
     
  1633/11/57/157/284  
  1.)  Undeclared Swedish steamers are exclusively in enemy service.  Are unarmed.  Stopping is desired, as far as danger permits. If steamer behavior is very suspicious perfect zig zag etc. sink without warning.  Report if ship has English or American Escort Officer Ship's Warrant! on board.  
  2.)  Prize Regulation examination of Portuguese are strongly desired.  Sinking only in perfectly correct prize regulation cases.  
     
  14.6. 0325 A  
  From Linder  
  Have completed auxiliary task 1.  
     
  0334/14/281  
  Linder reports by Short Signal have completed auxiliary task 1.  
     
  1040/14/285  
  1.)  Linder and Liebe free to maneuver in sea area west of the longitude and north of the latitude of square EG 1999 [CA 6999].  Focal point square 27.  Go at the new moon!  
  2.)  Poske free to maneuver.  
     
  2349/14/202  
  From Linder  
  Appendicitis case. Today is the eighth day.  Fever up to 39° rising.  Today 39.7°.  Only occasional moderate pain.  Pulse strong 115.  So far, only opium and ice packs.  Abdomen soft, limited small hard painful area. Good general condition, Mech.Gef. Zimmermann.  No more opium on board.  
     
  0335/15/208  
  After eight days rupture danger is over.  Tea diet, ice packs, opium now useless.  Thinking of incarcerated hernia.  
                                                                    Flottillenarzt 1.U-Flottille.  
     
 
2010/15/226
  
 
To Linder
  
 
Mech.Gef. Zimmermann bed rest, restricted liquid diet.  Opium no longer necessary, but for severe pain morphine 1-2 times daily. Occasionally report concerning findings.
  
     
     
     
 
- 3 -
  
     
  0944/17/51/110/282  
  New Standing Order No. 13 (See copy).  
     
  1520/18/209  
  1.)  Deecke occupy same operations area as Linder.  
  2.)  Liebe attack free to the north in Berger area.  
     
  2335/19/244  
  From Degen  
  Situation Cape Hatteras:  Traffic in batches, no longer by day, recently set off far from land, rounds Diamond Shoal 10 nm away.  Sighted: 18 June 2 tankers, 1 freighter in line ahead formation without escort, N-course, far out of effective range.  Was surprised by guard vessel in the haze.  Destroyed in 1-1/2 hourly artillery combat.  6 torpedoes.  74 cbm.  Serial No. 299 of 14 June, 219 of 15, 248-252 and 269 from 16 June missing.  
     
  0946/20/250  
  To all boats on the American coast.  
  Traffic situation in area HQ 29 in accordance with Radio Message from Degen again quite favorable.  Boats occupy this area as long as fuel allows.  And report this with "Yes" by Short Signal.  
     
  1126/20/89/142/253  
  To all concerned:  Expansion of the previous blockade area.  (See copy).  
     
  1021/21/278  
  1.)  Linder and Deecke go to naval square 79.  Return transit first with 25 cbm.  Supply now possible.  
  2.)  Fuel economy of Deecke is bad.  There is no reason for high consumption.  
     
  2025/22/164/234  
  1.)  Mohr, Borchert, Höckner, give weather.  
  2.)  Höckner, Lehmann, Vogelsang 23 June at 08.00 hours switch to Greenland Circuit.  
  3.)  Linder and U-67 short situation report tonight  
     
  2359/22/298  
  From Linder  
  1.)  No traffic close under the coast, medium air, no sea patrol.  
  2.)  Today a steamer proceeding independently sunk.  Argentinean "RIO TERCERO", ex "PORTUNSTELLA".  Cyclic traffic New York - Buenos Aires.  Without flag and neutral markings.  
  3.)  Still 8 plus 2 torpedoes, 50 cbm.  LK 0935.  
  4.)  Sun haze, bright moonlit night.  S 1, Sea 1, +24°C, 1007 mb, steady.  
  5.)  Appendix healed.  
  6.)  Am missing Serial Number 227 of 15 June, 54 to 56 of 20 June.  
     
     
     
 
- 4 -
  
     
  1221/20/254  
  To all boats in the American area.  
  1.)  If operation in square 29 is not possible, go close under the coast.  In square 0132 and 33, the bays on the 20-meter line are especially favorable attack positions from the statements of returning Kommandants.  
  2.)  All NQ.  
     
  0413/23/201  
  To Linder  
  Serial No. 254 of 20 June was repeated.  All other missing serial numbers settled.  
     
  1644/23/221  
  Linder, Liebe, operate north of the latitude of square AN 2950, Degen, Deecke, Bülow south there from.  If at all possible, close under the coast.  By day on the bottom, nights attack submerged, traffic still runs as before close to square 290 [typo square 790].  Focal point of the attacks here.  Stay tough.  
     
  2250/23/233  
  To Linder  
  Immediately report:  
  1.)  Time and location of the sinking.  
  2.)  Visibility conditions.  
  3.)  Course and behavior of the steamer.  
  4.)  Was it recognized as "Argentinean" and as "RIO TERCERO"  
     
  0023/24/237  
  For all boats in the area of square CA 79 including Berger possibility of supply is likely.  Further details follow.  Nevertheless conserve fuel.  
     
  24.6. 0133 A  
  From Linder  
  To 1.)  Naval square CA 5627 on 22 June 12.38 hours.  
  To 2.)  Good visibility, hazy horizon.  
  To 3.)  Course 135°, without zig zag.  
  To 4.)  After statement the Captain was subsequently released.  
     
  24.6.1622 A  
  From Linder  
  1.)  10000 GRT passenger steamer type "NYASSA" hunted from naval square CA 9510 to 9127, 14 knots, course 320°.  Sets lights at darkness.  Closed to 500 meters.  Portuguese markings.  Believe misuse of flag unlikely.  Possibly Portuguese?  
  2.)  Still 44 cbm.  Request decision on supply otherwise return transit.  
  3.)  NNW 2, Sea 2, overcast, 1006 mb, Vis. medium.   Serial No. 281 missing.  
     
  1856/24/259  
  Serial No. 281 for Linder settled.  
     
     
     
 
- 5 -
  
     
  1753/25/279  
  To Linder  
  During the night report:  
  1.)  Is it established without doubt that Argentine proceeded without markings or only observation of the Kommandant during the attack.  
  2.)  Did the Captain admit missing markings.  
     
  26.6. 0310 A  
  From Linder  
  To 1.)  Absence of markings and flag was observed by the Kommandant and all officers during the attack.  
  To 2.)  Not mentioned by the Captain.  
  3.)  No indication on the busy U.S.A. propaganda broadcast yet.  
  4.)  High pressure weather, cloudless, square RB 1470.  Still 42 cbm.  
     
  0925/26/296  
  To Linder  
  Sinking was correct.  
     
  1138/26/299  
  1.)  Boats in the North American area:  Supply is assured.  
  2.)  Schäfer immediately head for naval square 50 of the large square east of naval square WS.  Report position.  
  3.)  "Pharkwort":  Task not applicable, head for square WJ.  Destroy Operations Order 53.  
     
  1941/26/204  
  From Bülow  
  26 June CA 9570 steamer and escort course 320°.  Forced to submerge by 4-smokestack destroyer.  A few depth charges, 2 hour listening pursuit.  Suspect convoy.  
     
  2202/26/206  
  1.)  Bülow hold contact.   
  2.)  Boats positioned favorably report Yes by Short Signal if operating on Bülow report.  
     
  2250/26/208  
  From Bülow  
  Because of sound pursuit by searching destroyers still another 5 hours submerged and two hours east advance at highest speed at best 40 nm from CA 2760 possible, question pursuit.  
     
  27.6. 0542 A  
  From Linder  
  "Yes"  report enemy speed.  
     
  0556/27/218  
  To Linder  
  Linder reports by Short Signal volume 5 "Yes" and report enemy speed.  
     
  0721/27/218  
  To Linder  
  Enemy speed probably 10 knots.  
                                                                    - Bülow -  
     
     
     
 
- 6 -
  
     
  0805/28/232  
  Boats at Hatteras that are positioned favorably to operate on Deecke-convoy report by Short Signal "Yes" whether contact keeper reports are requested.  
     
  1.7. 0513 A  
  From Linder  
  1.)  After 6-1/2 hour AK hunt sank large steamer with destroyer escort in square CA 9782.  Course 125°, speed 11 knots.  Suspect transport.  Type like "SEMINOLE".  Thereafter well placed depth charges at great depth.  No damage.  
  2.)  Return transit with 24.5 cbm.  High pressure weather, Still 4 plus 2 torpedoes.
     
  0712/16/202 of 1.  
  Serial No. 201 from Linder settled.  Check key word.  Contents:  1.)  After 6-1/2 hour AK hunt etc. (see copy).  
     
  0815/1/203  
  To Linder  
  Return transit first with 16 cbm.  Use torpedoes.  
     
  0933/2/222  
  To Deecke, Linder and Degen  
  Supply will take place in square 40 or 70 of the large square east of SP.  Return transit accordingly.  
     
  0054/4/244  
  From Linder  
  In naval square CA 8469 double and single miss on large freighter type "BRASTAGI", course north, 15 knots.  Still 1 plus 1 torpedoes.  Forward over deck canister with torpedo heavily damaged by depth charges.  Still 20 meters.  
     
  1022/4/247  
  To all boats  
  During diesel electric drive and low charging current 50 to 100 Amperes constantly suction at a minimum of 5 millimeters.  It is suspected that a battery explosion was caused by the fact that with interrupted suction in diesel-electric drive gas accumulations arose that were ignited by a spark.  
     
  1746/4/65/128/254  
  Markings of Argentinean merchant ships:  
  On each side painted several national flags and ship name and port.  Always flag at the stern. In darkness prescribed lights and lighting of the national colors.  Arrival and departure, as well as approaching and setting off from the coast as possible, only during the day.  The absence of any mark does not give a right to sink.  
     
  1211/6/277  
  Supply for Linder, Deecke, Heyse from Schäfer in square 8656 of the large square east of disguised square TU anticipated.  Receiving boats immediately report arrival and fuel inventory at arrival.  Economical transit speed.   
     
     
     
 
- 7 -
  
     
  1415/6/277  
  From Linder  
  Arrival 10 July 08.00 hours with 6 cbm.  Day's consumption 2.2 cbm,  request 30 cbm.  Ob.Masch Petersen injury on both shins.  Periosteum probably damaged.  For over three weeks, no cure. So far, cod liver oil dressings.  Naval square CB 8453.    
     
  2018/6/291  
  To Linder  
  Healing not expected.   Rest and continue cod liver oil.   
                                                                    Flottillenarzt.  
     
  1208/7/210  
  1.)  Linder, U-402, Bülow report weather.  
  2.)  Höckner and Lehmann give situation.  
  3.)  Wolff 9 July at 08.00 hours switch to Greenland Circuit.  
     
  1822/8/226  
  To all boats  
  Expect neutral traffic of the countries France, Spain Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Chile, Argentina as well as the Brazilian vessels used for diplomatic exchange outside the blockade area in the "Caribbean" and in the Gulf of Mexico.  
     
  2134/8/226  
  To U-202.  For Ubootsmaat Mühlhausen.  
  Sunday boy.  All doing well.  Congratulations.  
     
  0312  9.7. A  
  From Linder.  Short Signal weather report.  
     
  1136/9/249  
  To all boats  
  It should be noted that at present U-boats are at risk in the Bay of Biscay due to air surveillance more than in operations area.   Kommandants must take all measures to keep risk to a minimum.  
  1.)  Sensible division of submerged transit and charge times depending on weather situation and visibility. As possible charging transit by day, risk is greatest at night, probably less in completely hazy or foggy weather.  
  2.)  Reinforced best lookout, possibly 2 Watch Officers on the bridge. Hard action against carelessness by the lookout.  Both machine guns ready and manned at the beginning of charging transit.  
     
  0446/11/275  
  From Deecke  
  1.)  Schäfer reports:  Fueling completed.  Linder 31 cbm, 2 cbm lubricating oil, 14 days provisions.  Deecke 34 cbm, 14 day's provisions.  Remaining inventory 228 cbm, 83 day's provisions.   
  2.)  SW 5, Sea 4, 2/10, 1020 mb, Vis. good.  
     
  2033/12/207  
  1.)  Piening, Linder, U-402 report weather.  
  2.)  Linder, Deecke, Wilamowitz, Heyse 13 July at 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.  
  3.)  Löwe, U-67, Degen give situation report.  
     
     
     
 
- 8 -
  
     
  13.6. 0217  
  Short Signal weather report.  
     
  1713/15/133  
  If no other return route is ordered by Radio Message, boats running for Lorient via "Kernlader", for Nazaire via "Morgennebel", for Pallice via "Handgepäckt".  
     
  1904/15/139  
  Standing Order 13, Paragraph 4 (see copy).  
     
  1837/15/137  
  Standing Order 20 (see copy).  
     
  1251/17/153  
  Return harbors are:  Nazaire for Wilamowitz, Lorient for Bauer, Brest for Deecke and Linder.  
     
  1855/17/156  
  1.)  U-654, Linder, U-402 report weather.  
  2.)  Kölle, Lehmann give situation.  
     
  17.7. 2146 A  
  Kr Kr  
  From Linder  
  Convoy naval square BD 6979.  Course 250°, medium speed.  
     
  2227/17/158  
  Linder remain at convoy as long as fuel permits,  Suhren, U-654 go.  
     
  17.7. 2258 A  
  From Linder  
  BD 9313, general course 210°, speed 7 knots.  
     
  17.7. 2329 A  
  Radio Signal  
  Enemy steers southerly course.  
                                                                    - U-202 -  
     
  18.7. 0005 A  
  Radio Signal  
  Enemy steers southeasterly course.  
                                                                    - U-202 -  
     
  2324/17/161  
  Wattenberg reports his position by Short Signal from naval square CE 4730 with volume 2-3.  
     
  2336/17/161  
  Wattenberg reports his position by Short Signal from naval square CE 4730 with volume 2-3.  
     
  2338/17/164  
  U-654 reports his position from naval square CE 10 by Short Signal received with volume 5.  
     
  0021/18/165  
  Serial No. 163 is solved with Signal Table 3.  
     
     
     
 
- 9 -
  
     
  18.7. 0006 A  
  Forced off by destroyer.  Last convoy position naval square BD 9327, course 130°, speed 8 knots.  Pursuing.  
     
  2319/17/160  
  Wattenberg reports by Short Signal at 23.07 hours with Volume 3: operating on convoy to the north.  
     
  18.7. 0130 A  
  From Linder  
  Convoy by sound bearings BD 9354.  Southerly zig zag.  No wind, Sea 0-1, low clouds, Vis. bad, 1030 mb, +19°C.    
     
  0209/18/169  
  According to Short Signal Scholtz is operating on convoy to the north.  
     
  0228/18/170  
  Position report was heard from naval square CF 13 from U-108 with volume 4.  
     
  18.7. 0346 A  
  From Linder  
  Last sound bearing is from BD 9375.  Therefore taken initial course of 215° again.  
     
  0619/18/172  
  Continue operation on Linder-convoy, even if contact is broken.  
     
  18.7. 0744 A  
  Radio Signal  
  Enemy convoy in sight BD 9563, course 210°.   
                                                                    - U-202 -  
     
  0927/18/175  
  To Linder  
  Hold contact without regard to fuel.  Supply from an outbounder is assured.   
     
  18.7. 1106 A  
  Radio Signal  
  Enemy located square BD 9566.  
                                                                    - U-202 -  
     
  18.7. 1317 A  
  From Linder  
  Escort vessel course 255°, 12 knots.  Position BD 9594.        
     
  1157/18/180  
  From Bauer  
  Convoy naval square BD 9591.  Question holding contact.  
     
  1255/18/181  
  To Bauer  
  Hold contact without regard to fuel.  
     
  1158/18/183  
  From Wattenberg  
  CE 39 Wednesday 2 R-boot types shaken off.  
     
     
     
 
- 10 -
  
     
  1355/18/185  
  From Bauer  
  BD 9831, course 130°, 7 knots.  
     
  1434/18/186  
  From Bauer  
  Visibility 1 nm.  
     
  18.7. 1448 A  
  From Linder  
  Was hunted by corvette and fired at from great range with artillery.  Last convoy position BD 9598.    
     
  1524/18/188  
  From Suhren  
  BD 9839, northeasterly course.  
     
  1630/18/189  
  To Suhren  
  Check course northeast and send again.  
     
  1551/18/191  
  From Bauer  
  Square 9863, course 130°, 8 knots.  Distinguished:  16 vessels in widely separated line abreast.  Visibility heavily changing.  
     
  1833/18/192  
  U-108 requests bearing signals from contact keeper.  
     
  1814/18/194  
  From Bauer  
  Scholtz has contact.  
     
  1835/18/196  
  From Scholtz  
  Have contact square BD 9942, course 130°, 8 knots.  
     
  1921/18/197  
  Forster positioned west of the enemy.  Kenngruppe gives ship transmitter key.  
     
  1930/18/198  
  From Scholtz  
  Convoy square BD 9946, course 130°, 8 knots.  
     
  1915/18/199  
  From Suhren  
  Forster has contact.  Convoy position square 9972.  
     
  18.7. 1943 A  
  From Linder  
  1.)  Have shaken off corvette,  Operated for three hours on convoy.  Am still positioned 30 nm behind from the last position from Scholtz.  
  2.)  Question return transit, if there is no contact by darkness.  Supply then still not required.  
     
     
     
 
- 11 -
  
     
  2004/18/102  
  From Bauer  
  9973, question contact keeper Scholtz or Bauer.  
     
  2038/18/103  
  To Linder  
  48 hours off meeting point with escort.  
     
  From B.d.U. Radio Control  
  On 25 July at 14.00 hours U-202 will be off meeting point with escort.  Signal was received with volume 2.  
     
  To Linder (2014/23/1)  
  25 July 14.00 hours be at Point 346 for convoy intake.