U-307 - 9th War Patrol

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

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U-307's mission on this patrol was to support the establishment of the manned weather station "Haudegen".  The station is the subject of a wonderful book written by the station leader, Dr. Wilhelm Dege translated and edited by William Barr.
Click on the image below to buy the book.
	War North of 80 The Last German Arctic Weather Station of World War II
Operation "Haudegen" was the code name for a secretly established weather station located in a remote corner of Svalbard, in the High Arctic, during the winter of 1944-45. During World War II, the German Navy and Air Force set up this and other weather stations in the farthest reaches of the Arctic, from eastern Greenland to Franz Josef Land, to gather and monitor vital weather data needed for German military operations in northwestern Europe. War North of 80 is the personal story of Wilhelm Dege, leader of the last of these stations who, along with his team, was left behind in this desolate land when the Hitler regime crumbled and the war ended in 1945. It was not until later that year, in September, that the Allies sent a ship northward to retrieve Dege and his crew, thus making Dege's team the last German troops to surrender. Accompanied by a detailed introduction, William Barr's translation offers English-speaking readers a rare glimpse into the activities and importance of these isolated outposts. Dege's son, Eckart, visited his father's base camp in 1985, recovering Wilhelm's journal and other documents. From this material, Eckart has contributed appendices on the post-war careers of the men who braved the rigours of the Arctic alongside his father.

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				======================
				"  U  307  "
				Kommandant:  Oberleutnant z.S.d.R.  H  e  r  r  l  e
				9th Patrol.
				Beginning:   25. 8. 1944
				Concluding:  7. 10. 1944
				Distribution:
			Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1 Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 2 Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine 2.Skl./B.d.U.Op. Copy No. 3 Kommandierender Admiral der Unterseeboote Copy No. 4 Führer der Unterseeboote Norwegen Copy No. 5 Führer der Unterseeboote -Ausbildung- Copy No. 6 Kommando der 27. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 7 Kommando der 13. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 8
				Enclosures:  1 Track chart
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 3 -
		25.08.44
		to	Narvik	Alongside "HUASCARAN" for repairs.
		29.08.44
		29.08.44	Narvik-Bogen-Ramsund
		10.15		From Narvik.
		11.30		To Bogen, made fast alongside "KÄRNTEN" for provisions loading.
		16.55		From Bogen.
		18.40		To Ramsund - torpedo loading.
		21.25		From Ramsund via Lødingen for Harstadt.
		23.00	Lødingen	Pilot taken on board.
		30.08.44	Harstadt
		02.30		To Harstadt, made fast destroyer pier.
		14.07		Incoming Radio Message:  Herrle from F.d.U. - Departure Harstadt 30 August evening for Tromsø with pilot.
				Take over gear through Admiral Polar Küste and report when ready.  Berth by Port Captain.  Radio Circuit A1 Nordmeer Very Low Frequency.
		18.45		Continued transit with pilot for Tromsø.
		31.08.44	Tromsø
		02.40		Made fast Tromsø.
		01.09.44	Tromsø
		08.10		Cast off for Ramfjorden.
		10.10		Ramfjorden, made fast alongside "BUSCH".  Gear taken over and convoy conference.
				In agreement with "Haudegen" proposed by Admiral Polar Küste:
				1.) To proceed east of Spitzbergen.
				2.)  Departure via SR 1.

	- 4 -
		continued
		01.09.44	Tromsø
		10.10		3.)  Take half of the "Haudegen" troops aboard U-boat.
		16.40		Cast off from "BUSCH".
		16.50
		to
		17.15		Trim test.
		18.45		Made fast Tromsø.
		02.09.44
		to	Tromsø	Lying in readiness in Tromsø.
		08.09.44
		16.14		Incoming Radio Message:  Herrle from F.d.U. Marineoberkommando Norway wired "Mondschein" from SR 1 via ÄG 89, from there Olga Strait- Hinlopen Strait. Operations order changed accordingly.
		23.35		Cast off to go alongside "BUSCH" anchored in the south roads.  Final meeting with A 1 Polar Küste.

	- 5 -
				9th   P  a  t  r  o  l  .
				(  Operation "Haudegen"  )
			Operation in accordance with Operations Order 15 and special Orders
		09.09.44	Tromsø
		04.55		Departed with "BUSCH" to the north behind escort.
				It is intended to pass SR 1 at darkness.  Orders to "BUSCH" and escort boat, to anchor in "Langstrandfjord" while I run into Hammerfest for fresh provisions.
		16.10		Released "BUSCH" and M-boat.
		16.50		Incoming Radio Message:  Herrle subordinate from F.d.U. - "Haudegen" received Order from Marineoberkommando Norway, immediately disembark desired man with full equipment and year's provisions. Report to F.d.U. Norway.
		17.00		Anchored Hammerfest, provisions loading.
		19.25		Anchor up.
		20.20		Made fast alongside "BUSCH" Langstrandfjord.
			Since separating a year's rations for the disembarked man will take at least 8 hours, if they are within reach and this can only be accomplished by re-stowing, ready for sea set for 10 September 18.30 hours.
		20.55		Cast off.  At the request of Dr. Dege, proceeded to Hammerfest in order to consult with F.d.U. by telephone.
		21.15		Outgoing Radio Message: "Haudegen" to F.d.U. for Marineoberkommando - Departure delayed to the evening of 10 September due to debarkation.
		21.50		To Hammerfest.  Made fast to buoy.

	- 6 -
		10.09.44	Hammerfest
		16.20		Departed Hammerfest.
		16.32 - 16.49		Trim test.
		17.40		Made fast alongside "BUSCH" "Langstrandfjord".  Took over 6 men of group Haudegen including the leader Dr. Dege.
		18.15		Together with "BUSCH" departed Langstrandfjord.
		18.50		Convoy intake at Håja.
		22.20		Escort boat released at SR 1.  Continued transit behind "BUSCH".
		11.09.44	South of Bear Island
		00.00	AL 7242 [AL = AC]
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, rain, 1015 mb
		03.10		Beginning of twilight.
		04.00	AL 4872	In convoy with "BUSCH", heading for Hoffnungs Island.
			NE 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1019 mb
		08.00	AL 4542
			N 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1020 mb	Day's run:  Surfaced 123 nm.
		16.00	AL 4272
			NbyW 3, Sea 2, overcast, passing showers, 1020 mb
		20.00	AL 1872
			N 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1024 mb
		21.13		Beginning of twilight.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 11.09.44

	- 7 -
		12.09.44	North of Bear Island
		00.00	AL 1818
			NbyW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, mist, 1025 mb
		02.23		Beginning of twilight.
		04.00	AL 1548
			NbyW 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1026 mb
		08.00	AL 1278	Southern cape of Hoffnungs Island.
			NbyW 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, fog, 1026 mb
		12.00	AL 1231	Day's run:  Surfaced 227 nm.
			NWbyW 2, Sea 2, overcast, fog, 1027 mb
		16.00	ÄG 8837
			NbyW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, 1028 mb
		18.00		Entered Olga Strait
				Intend to circumnavigate Nordaustlandet to the east, because in the Hinlopen Strait I must expect possible enemy observation.
		20.00	ÄG 8587
			NWbyW 1, Sea 1, overcast, rain, 1029 mb
		13.09.44	East coast of Spitzbergen
		00.00	ÄG 8522
			W 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1028 mb
		04.00	ÄG 8263
			WSW 2-3, Sea 1, overcast, mist, 1024 mb
		08.00	ÄG 5981	Storøya Island east of Cape Leigh Smith is obviously longer in east-west direction than is shown on the chart.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 13.09.44

	- 8 -
		continued
		13.09.44	East coast of Spitzbergen
		08.00		From Olga Strait up to and including Rijpfjorden the water depths on the steered course were continually entered on the chart as a sounding line.
		12.00	ÄG 5834	Day's run:  Surfaced 234 nm.
			S 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, mist, 1015 mb
		16.00	ÄG 5824
			SSW 2, Sea 1, overcast, mist, snow, 1009 mb
		17.07		Passed Cape Platen.
		20.00	ÄG 5765
			SEbyS 2-3, Sea 1, overcast, 1009 mb
		21.45	ÄG 5792	Went to the end of Rijpfjorden to anchor at hunter's cabin.  Exploration of the site by expedition leader.
		14.09.44	Rijpfjorden	Rijpfjorden at anchor
				Remaining distance:  90 nm
		15.09.44	Rijpfjorden
		09.06		Anchor up, reconnaissance of the fjord for possible cabins.
		23.15		Anchored at old berth again.
				Distance:  32 nm
		16.09.44	Rijpfjorden	Lying at anchor in Rijpfjorden.  Supported Haudegen with the unloading.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 14.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 15.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.44

	- 9 -
		continued
		17.09.44	North of Nordaustlandet
		10.25		With Dr. Dege on board left Rijpfjorden with the intention of establishing an satellite depot in Wahlenbergfjorden and simultaneously check the NW bays for cabins. Reconnaissance of Sabine Bay and side bays without result.
		20.00		Passed the North Cape.
		22.50		Reached Zeipelbutka, no cabins.
				Distance:  71 nm
		18.09.44	North of Nordaustlandet, Hinlopen Strait
		06.15		Anchored in Branntwein Bay; one abandoned cabin.
		10.20		Anchor up, transit to Wahlenbergfjorden.
		16.35		Passed Verlegenhuken.
		20.30		Passed Cape Selanderneset.
		23.30		Anchored in Bodleybukta; good anchor ground in 20 meters water.
		19.09.44	Wahlenbergfjordenen	Brought the satellite depot ashore.
		20.09.44	Hinlopen Strait
		06.40		Anchor up departed Wahlenberg Forjd.  It is intended to set up additional satellite depots at Cape Laura and in Duvefjorden.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 17.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.09.44

	- 10 -
		continued
		20.09.44	Hinlopen Strait - Olga Strait
		08.50		Passed Cape Selanderneset.
		12.00	ÄG 8151
			SbyE 7, Sea 4, fog, snow, 1005 mb
		14.10		Passed Cape Torellneset.
		16.00	ÄG 8183
			ESE 4-5, Sea 3-4, mist, snow, 1000 mb
		20.00	ÄG 8276
			SW 4, Sea 3, overcast, 1002 mb
		21.09.44	North of Nordaustlandet
		00.00	ÄG 8264
			WbyN 3, Sea 2-3, blue sky, 1006 mb
		04.00	ÄG 8312
			NW 3-4, Sea 3, blue sky, 1006 mb
		04.30		Passed Cape Laura
				Because of the heavy SE swell present there no unloading possibility. Continue transit to Albertini Bay.
		08.00	ÄG 5941
			W 3, Sea 2-3, blue sky, 1005 mb
		11.30		Anchored in Albertini Bay.  The satellite depot intended for Cape Laura was unloaded here.
		12.00	ÄG 5855
			NW 2-3, Sea 2, blue sky, 1002 mb
		14.27		Anchor up, headed for Duvefjorden.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.44

	- 11 -
		continued
		21.09.44	North of Nordaustlandet
		14.27		Anchor up, headed for Duvefjorden.
		16.00	ÄG 5843
			NW 2-3, Sea 2, blue sky, mist, 1001 mb
		18.55	ÄG 5769	Anchored in Duvefjorden.
		22.09.44	Duvefjorden - Rijpfjorden	Unloading of the satellite depot.
		10.25		Anchor up, transit to Rijpfjorden.
		12.00	ÄG 5818
			WNW 2, Sea 1, mist, cloudy
		13.40		Passed Cape Platen.
		16.40		Anchored in Rijpfjorden.
		23.09.44	Rijpfjorden
				Support of the expedition with construction of the warehouse.
		24.09.44	Rijpfjorden	Support of the expedition.
		25.09.44	Rijpfjorden	Support of the expedition.
		26.09.44	Rijpfjorden	Completion of work which support the boat is necessary.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 22.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 23.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 24.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 26.09.44

	- 12 -
		27.09.44	Rijpfjorden - Liefdefjorden
		03.00		Departed Rijpfjorden.  Intentions:  Because BUSCH still needed ballast for return transit via sea, I decide to take this in the form of food and equipment from the previous expedition "Kreuzritter" in Liefdebucht. Then I intend return transit via "Ny-Ålesund".
		04.00	ÄG 5792
			NE 3, Sea 1-2, overcast (fog), 1012 mb
		06.15		Passed Cape Platen.
		08.00	ÄG 5716
			E 3, Sea 2, overcast, fog, 1011 mb
		08.40		Passed North Cape.
		12.00	ÄG 4928
			EbyN 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, fog, (rain), 1010 mb
		13.55		Outgoing Radio Message:  Have completed task, intend return transit via ÄG 7288.        "U 307".
		14.00		Passed Verlegenhuken.
		16.00	ÄG 4978
			EbyN 5-6, Sea 3-4, overcast, fog, 1006 mb
		16.25		Passed Gråhuken.
		18.30	ÄG 7335	Liefdefjorden, anchored off main station "Kreuzritter"
				Distance:  152 nm
		28.09.44	Liefdefjorden
		01.14		Incoming Radio Message:  Herrle from F.d.U. - 1.)  Marineoberkommando Norway disagrees with intention due to danger of exposure.  Return transit remains on outbound course.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.44

	- 13 -
		continued
		28.09.44	Liefdefjorden
		01.14		2.)  Due to enemy situation return transit as initially ordered.
				Took over on "BUSCH" numerous abandoned provision boxes, hydrogen bottles etc.
		10.20		Anchor up, departed Liefdefjorden.While BUSCH steamed on orders for Sorgefjorden to anchor there, I head for the main satellite depot of the expedition in Raudfjorden to check on the provisions stored there.
		20.00	ÄG 7236
			Calm, blue sky, 1000 mb
		21.20		Passed Gråhuken.
		29.09.44	Raudfjorden - Sorgefjorden
		00.00	ÄG 4891
			Calm, blue sky, 999 mb
		04.00	ÄG 7223	Raudfjorden, anchored off Raudfjorden glacier.
			SSW 1, blue sky, 1000 mb	Despite searching for many hours the depot was not found.
				Distance:  72 nm
		08.55		Anchor up, transit to Sorgefjorden.
		12.00	ÄG 4888
			SbyE 1, blue sky, 1000 mb
		12.27		Passed Flathuken
		16.00	ÄG 4975
			EbyS 2, Sea 1, blue sky, damp air, 1001 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 28.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.44

	- 14 -
		continued
		29.09.44	Raudfjorden - Sorgefjorden
		17.48		Passed Verlegenhuken.
		19.30		Anchored in Sorgefjorden in the vicinity of BUSCH.
				Distance:  85 nm
		30.09.44	Hinlopen Strait - Olga Strait
		08.00	AG 4986	Anchor up.  Headed for Palanderbukta, where I intend to anchor until arrival of the return transit orders.
			SEbyE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, 1006 mb
		08.50		Passed Fosterneset.
		12.00	ÄG 7336	Day's run:  Surfaced 36 nm.
			Calm, fog, 1008 mb
		12.58		Incoming Radio Message:  Herrle. Continue return transit.  Report intended arrival SR 1 after passing 76° N.
				F.d.U.
				Changed course and headed for the Olga Strait.
		16.00	ÄG 8158
			Calm, fog, 1009 mb
		20.00	ÄG 8511
			NEbyE 1-2, Sea 1, fog, 1000 mb
		01.10.44	East of Spitzbergen
		00.00	ÄG 8559	With BUSCH on return transit.
			NEbyE 2, Sea 1, overcast, fog, 1008 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 29.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 30.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.44

	- 15 -
		continued
		01.10.44	East of Spitzbergen
		04.00	ÄG 8826
			SE 3, Sea 2, overcast, mist, (fog), 1009 mb
		08.00	ÄG 8888
			NWbyW 1, Sea 1, overcast, fog, 1010 mb
		12.00	AC 1275	Day's run:  Surfaced 234 nm.
				Passed Cape Thor to the west.
		13.09 - 13.30	AC 1285	Test dive.
		16.00	AC 1552
			SSE 1-2, Sea 1, fog, overcast, 1010 mb
		16.05		Incoming Radio Message:  Herrle due to enemy situation begin return transit first on 2 October.        F.d.U.
		16.20		Outgoing Radio Message:  Position 30 hours off objective point, question continued transit.        Herrle.
		18.00		Incoming Radio Message:  Herrle from F.d.U.
				Hold North of 76°N, continue return transit on orders.
		18.08	AC 1581	Came about with the intention of heading for Cape Thor and anchoring on the east or west coast of Hoffnungs Island depending on the weather conditions.
		20.00	AC 1821
			N 1, Sea 1, overcast, fog, 1010 mb
		02.10.44	Southeast of Spitzbergen
		00.00	AC 1881
			NNE 2, Sea 1, overcast, fog, 1010 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 01.10.44
	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.44

	- 16 -
		continued
		02.10.44	Southeast of Spitzbergen
		01.45	AC 1267	East coast of Hoffunugs Island, anchored at Cape Thor.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced 117 nm.
				1 nm
				118 nm
		13.30		Incoming Radio Message (Officer-Only):  1.)  U-307 (Herrle) continue return transit from AC 10 with KWS "BUSCH" for Hammerfest.  2.) . . . . .
		13.50		Anchor up, underway.
		14.00		Passed Cape Thor.
		16.00	AC 1523
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, fog, 1015 mb
		16.07		Outgoing Radio Message:  Position 30 hours off objective point.        U-307.
				Radio Message only repeated by Hammerfest, therefore still did not go to Circuit A 1.
		17.00		Short Signal from Control repeating, switched to A 1 Circuit.
		17.51		Beginning of twilight.
		20.00	AC 1583
			ENE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, (fog), 1015 mb
		03.10.44	South of Bear Island
		00.00	AO 1855
			Calm, overcast, fog, 1016 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.44

	- 17 -
		continued
		03.10.44	South of Bear Island
		03.40		Incoming Radio Message:  Herrle from U-boat Base Hammerfest.
				1.)  Ingøy transmits hourly for 5 minutes from 18.00 - 00.05 hours.  Memel 511 Khz.
				2.)  Hasvik from 18.10 hours . . . .
				3.)  Bearing boat half hourly for 5 minutes.  From SR 1 from 19.00 hours, Otto 470 Khz.
				4.)  Expect increased U-boat danger off the coast.
				5.)  Report passing SR 1 by time of day Short Signal.
		04.00	AC 4224
			Calm, overcast, fog, 1016 mb
		08.00	AC 4287	Test dive.
			WbyN 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1017 mb
		11.25	AC 4546	Sighted a motor lifeboat for 28 persons (English) in pristine condition, probably from a sunken ship of the last convoy.
		12.00	AC 4573	Day's run:  Surfaced 221 nm.
			SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, 1018 mb	1 nm
				222 nm
		16.00	AC 4842
			SSE 1, Sea 1, overcast, passing showers, 1019 mb
		17.50		Beginning of twilight.
		20.00	AC 7215
			WNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, passing showers, 1021 mb

Sun and Moon Data 03.10.44

	- 18 -
		continued
		03.10.44	South of Bear Island
		20.00	AC 7215
			WNW 2, Sea 1, overcast, passing showers, 1012 mb
		21.40		Convoy intake at SR 1.
		21.44		Outgoing Radio Message:  21.40 hours.        U-307.
				Remaining distance:           95 nm
				2075 nm
				Total distance covered    2170 nm
				Of this Surfaced              2166 nm
				Submerged               4 nm
		04.10.44	Hammerfest
		01.40		Entered Hammerfest, made fast alongside "BLACK WATCH".
		05.10.44	Hammerfest
		18.00		Departed Hammerfest, together with BUSCH transit behind convoy for Tromsø.  The departure from Hammerfest was delayed by the need to repair the port thrust bearing.
		06.10.44	Norwegian Schären
		13.50		Made fast at the wooden pier Tromsø.
		13.54		Outgoing Radio Message:  Made fast Tromsø.  Herrle.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.44

	- 19 -
		continued
		06.10.44	Norwegian Schären
		13.54		Outgoing Radio Message:  Made fast Tromsø.  Herrle.
				Short report to Admiral Polar Küste.  The cooling water pump armature requested for U-Unverzagt is still not ready.
		16.15		Departed Tromsø with pilot for Lødingen.
				BUSCH comes, because he still has to take over cargo later.
		16.16		Outgoing Radio Message:  Departed Tromsø, Unverzagt armature is still not ready.        Herrle.
		22.40		Outgoing Radio Message:  Passed Harstadt.  Herrle.
				Switched to Norway Circuit.
		23.10		Incoming Radio Message:  Herrle enter Narvik 7 October 09.00 hours.  Make fast alongside STELLA POLARIS.
				U-boat Base.
		07.10.44	Norwegian Schären
		01.40		Pilot disembarked in Lødingen.
		06.00		To Narvik, lying stopped off barrier.
		09.00		Made fast alongside "STELLA POLARIS".
				Thanks to the favorable ice conditions, the patrol was carried out according to plan.
				Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant.

Enclosure 1 to F.D.U. Nordmeer Gkdos - 5488 -
Comments of the "F.d.U. Nordmeer"
on the K.T.B. of "U 307" from 25.8. to 7.10.44
1) With prudence and seamanship skills the proven Kommandant made well-executed landings in unexplored coastal areas     2) To 28 September 01.14:  With careful reconnaissance of Ny-Ålesund, strict radio silence and further back-up southward by the U-boat it is seen that there was no danger in a landing there to pick up the valuable installation components. "Herrle" could have detected the chance approach of naval vessels in time while enemy aerial reconnaissance was not expected there.
	on behalf of!

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