U-461 - 5th War Patrol

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

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
St. Nazaire
20 April 1943
Bordeaux
30 May 1943
41

 

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 Attacked
None
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.T.B. "U-461" 5th War Patrol                   - 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    23.03.43 St. Nazaire Boat cleared and prepared for the shipyard.  
    24.03.43 - St. Nazaire Shipyard period (overhaul of the boat)  
    14.04.43   Dry docked from 27.03. to 07.04. and on 14.04.  
      Pierside trial:  10.04.43.  
      Sea trial      :  12.04.43.  
      Shipyard trim test:  12.04.43.  
    15.04.43 - St. Nazaire Boat equipped for 5th war patrol.  
    20.04.43   15.04.43 Degaussing.  
      20.04.43 DF system calibration.  
      20.04.43 Final trim test.  
         
    20.04.43 Bay of Biscay    
    18.00 N 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Cumulostratus, 1015 mb, +17.5°C Cast off from the lock, after test firing artillery taken in convoy.  
    22.25   Released from convoy.  
    22.53 Departure Route Fu.M.B. detection 168 cm vertically polarized.  dived for completion of test dive.  
           
    21.04.43 Bay of Biscay    
    01.10   surfaced.  
    04.00 NNE 2-3, Sea 2, 10/10, Cumulus, Vis. 4 nm, 1008 mb, +14°C Scattered fishermen on the departure route, some sailing vessels, some trawlers, always two in a group.  
    04.30 Departure Route Fu.M.B. detection 162 cm vertically polarized.  dived.  
    05.35   surfaced.  
    06.00 NNE 3-4, Sea 3, 10/10, Cumulus, Vis. 3 nm, 1006 mb, +14°C    
    06.05 Departure Route Fu.M.B. detection 159 cm horizontally polarized.  dived,  
        at the same time to proceed submerged.  
    12.00   29.7  80.4  Day's run: 110.1 nm  
    20.00   Deep diving test to depth A +35 meters.  
    21.50   surfaced.  
    24.00 BF 5894                 
      WSW 3-4. Sea 3, medium SW-swell, 9/10, Cumulus, Vis. 3 nm, 1004 mb, +14°C  
         
    22.04.43 Bay of Biscay  
    04.00 BF 5874  
      WSW 3-4, Sea 3, 10/10, Cumulus, Vis. 3 nm, 1006 mb, +14°C  
    06.20   dived to proceed submerged.  
         
           
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    continued      
    22.04.43      
    08.00 BF 5785    
    12.00 BF 5784 40.1  89.6  Day's run: 129.7 nm.  
    16.00 BF 5775    
    20.00 BF 5774    
    22.00   surfaced.  
    24.00 BF 4986    
      WSW 3, Sea 3, long SW-swell, 10/10, Cumulonimbus, Vis. 4 nm, 1009 mb, +15°C    
           
    23.04.43 Bay of Biscay    
    02.47 BF 4974 Searchlight, greenish white light about 190°T, 300 meters away 50 meters high, aircraft, two engined land-based aircraft, over flies, throws three bombs and 2 smoke floats.  Bombs detonate to starboard abeam at a distance from 10 to 20 meters.  Boat heels heavily at the moment of detonation.  
        dived.  Only slight damage, repaired.  
        Approach was so lightening fast that the 2 cm antiaircraft weapons could not be brought to bear, ordered rudder position did not have any effect due to the sluggishness of the boat.  
        Aircraft must have sighted the boat in the full moon track.  Detection was not noted.  
    04.00 BF 4974    
    05.30   Want to surface, boat at depth 15 meters, 5 light impacts on the bridge cladding are heard clearly, like M.G.  fire.  Dove again  
    08.00 BF 4899    
    08.15 SSW 4, Sea 3, medium SW-swell, 10/10, Cumulonimbus, Vis. 5 nm, 1005 mb, +14.5°C surfaced.  
      Boat has moderate oil trace, forward to starboard, weight and balance is still not determinable, if fuel oil loss.  
    09.25   dived.   
    12.00 BF 4889 46.1  63.9  Day's run: 110.0 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4888    
    20.00 BF 4879    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.04.43      
    22.20   surfaced.  
        Received Radio Message Orders to proceed to AK 89 at high speed, however, taking into account all precautions.  
    22.40 BF 4878 Fu.M.B. detection 161 cm horizontally polarized.  dived.   
        Depth meter in the control room failed, completed repairs.  
    24.00 BF 4878    
           
    24.04.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.25 WNW 4, Sea 3, long high W-swell, 2/10, Cumulus, Vis. 5 nm, 1020 mb, +12°C surfaced, tacking against the long high swell.  
        From BF 4870 to 7210 every half hour 2 fishing trawlers on southerly course.  4 such lighted groups met within 2 hours.  
    02.32   dived to proceed submerged.  
        Bright moon track, very bad aircraft visibility.  Boat pounds heavily against the rolling swell.   
        Mounting for the 2 cm MG C38 is broken.  Have only 2 MG C34 ready on the bridge.  
        During the shipyard period the MG C30 was replaced by the MG C38.  For this purpose an additional support bracket was attached to the bearing cup.  This is broken off by the impact of the seas and lost.  As a result, at present no 2 cm weapons can be mustered.  
    07.53   surfaced.  
    08.00 BF 7136    
      WNW 4-5, Sea 3, high long W-swell, 4/10, Cumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1025 mb, +13°C    
    09.54 BF 4789 dived for aircraft, 4-engined land-based aircraft bearing 90°T, course 180°, range about 6000 meters.  
    12.00 BF 4785 52.2  34.3  Day's run: 86.5 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4776    
    20.00 BF 4772    
    22.15   surfaced.  
    24.00 BE 6986    
      WSW 5, Sea 4, long high W-swell, 10/10, Vis. 4 nm, Cumulonimbus, 1023 mb, +14°C    
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.04.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 6924    
      WSW 6, Sea 5, long high W-swell, 10/10, Cumulonimbus, Vis. 2 nm, 1023 mb, +14°C    
    07.07   dived to proceed submerged.  
    08.00 BE 6599    
    12.00 BE 6598 37.7  77.2  Day's run: 114.9 nm.  
    16.00 BE 6597 From 18.00 to 20.00 hours every 4 to 5 minutes single medium range depth charge detonations, nothing sighted in the periscope, no sound bearings.  (G.H.G. is degraded from aircraft bombs)  
    20.00 BE 6588    
    22.45   surfaced.  
    24.00 BE 6579    
      WNW 5, Sea 4, long high W-swell, 9/10, Cumulonimbus, Vis. 4 nm, 1025 nm, +13.5°C    
           
    26.04.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 6498 Received Radio Message Order:  Continue outbound transit from now at transit speed.  
      WNW 4, Sea 3/4, long high WNW-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 4 nm, 1030 mb, +13°C  
      Boat pitches heavily in the long high swell, from 02.45 hours proceeded at 2 x HF so only 5 knots.  
    07.20   dived to proceed submerged.  
    08.00 BE 6488    
    12.00 BE 6487 35.7  57.3  Day's run: 93.0 nm.  
    16.00 BE 6478    
    20.00 BE 6477    
    22.11   surfaced, gave passing report:  Position naval square BE 56.  
    24.00 BE 5691    
      WNW 2, Sea 1, long high W-swell, 9/10, Stratocumulus, Vis. 4 nm, +12°C    
           
    27.04.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 5678    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.04.43      
    08.00 BE 5568    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, medium-high, long W-swell, 8/10, Cumulus, Vis. 5 nm, 1032 nm, +12°C Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  45°T, 30 nm.  
    12.00 BE 5548 23.8  135.1  Day's run: 158.9 nm.  
    14.00   Supply Orders:  Freyberg, Trotha, Holtorf, Krüger, Tinschert, from Stiebler scheduled from 1 May 10.00 hours in AK 8945.  
    16.00 BE 5459    
    15.00 - 16.25   Test dive.  
    16.25 SW 3-4, Sea 3, SW-swell, 9/10, Stratus, Vis. 6 nm, 1030 mb, +15°C surfaced.  
    20.00 BE 5448    
    24.00 BE 4659 According to measurement of weight and trim condition over the last few days have lost 15 cbm through the oil trace.  
      SW 4, Sea 3, medium SW-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 3 nm, 1030 mb, +15°C  
      Oil trace comes from the scupper on the starboard side which leads through fuel oil tank 6a. Trace can only be removed by pumping out this fuel tank.  Pump only from 6a.  
           
    28.04.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 4645 Wind and sea increase, must run at 7 knots to be on time at the supply place.  Proceed at 2 x HF.  Boat loses much momentum in the increasing swells.  
    08.00 BE 4538    
      W 5-6, Sea 4, medium-high W-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Nimbus, Vis. 3 nm, 1024 mb, +13°C    
    12.00 BE 4524 3.4  165.6  Day's run: 169 nm.  
    16.00 BE 4199    
      WSW 5, Sea 4, medium SW-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 2 nm, hazy, 1020 mb, +15°C Received Order, meeting with Metz on 29 April at 16.00 hours in BD 3671 to take over binoculars, Metox and antennas.  
        Metz to report Stiebler total inventory after completion.  
    19.40 - 20.15   Test dive.  
           
    20.00      
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.04.43      
    20.00 BE 4156    
    24.00 BE 1779 Oil trace continues, still losing oil from 6a.  
      W 4, Sea 3-4, medium W-swell, 10/10, Cumulus, Vis. 3 nm, 1020 mb, +14°C    
           
    29.04.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BD 3966    
    08.00 BD 3926    
      WbyN 5-6, Sea 5, long W-swell, 6/10, Cumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1023 mb, +12°C    
    12.00 BD 3681 1.4  164.1  Day's run: 165.5 nm.  
    16.00 BD 3671 From 16.00 hours back and forth in the ordered meeting square  
      NW 5, Sea 4, long NW-swell, 4/10, Cumulus, Vis. 8 nm, 1025 mb, +13°C  
    19.00   In accordance with Radio Message from 1 May from Stiebler for economic return transit in ordered position (at 10.00 hours in AK 8945) Freyberg, Holtorf, Tinschert, KrügerStiebler switch to Diana Circuit at 20.00 hours.  
    19.30   Metz still not sighted.  Must meet Metz today at all costs to be on time to the next supply.  
        At 19.45 hours send Short Signal "Send bearing signals."  
    20.00 BD 3671    
    20.08   U-487 (Metz) in sight (without bearing signals).  
    20.48   Took over the ordered gear.  
    22.15   Gave Metz the following report to send:  
        1)  Inventory 677, 17, 150 days.  81 binoculars, 11 antennas, 12 cables, 8 Metox.  
        2)  In BF at night without detection searchlight approach, aircraft bombs to starboard.  Oil trace from 6a, 20 cbm lost.  
    24.00 BD 3647    
      WNW 3, Sea 2, long W-swell, 6/10, Cumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1024 mb, +13°C    
           
    30.04.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BD 3552    
    08.00 BD 3514 In accordance with Radio Message:  Contrary to previous orders fill Tischert to 90 cbm.  
      WSW 4-5, Sea 4, medium-long W-swell, 10/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1031 mb, +11°C  
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.04.43      
    10.00 - 11.00   Test dive.  
    12.00 BD 3197 2.8  159.5  Day's run: 162.3 nm.  
    16.00 BD 3181    
      W 5-6, Sea 5, high W-swell, 6/10, Stratocumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1028 mb, +13°C    
    20.00 BD 3141    
    24.00 BD 2325    
      SbyW 6-7, Sea 6, high W-swell, Cumulonimbus, Vis. 5 nm, 1023 mb, +13°C    
           
    01.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 AK 9774    
    08.00 AK 8958    
      W 7, Sea 6, high W-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 3 nm, 1013 mb, +12°C    
    11.00   Reached supply point, back and forth in position.  
    12.00 AK 8945   181.9  Day's run: 181.9 nm.  
    15.20   U-631  Krüger            )  
        U-267  Tinschert         )     in sight.  
        U-610  von Freiberg   )  
    16.00 AK 8945    
      WNW 5, Sea 5, medium-high W-swell, 8/10, Cumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1022 mb, +9°C    
    16.00 - 18.12   Fuel oil transfer to U-631.  
    17.40   Begin provisions transfer to U-267 (by canisters)  
    20.00 AK 8946    
      WNW 4, Sea 3, long W-swell, 7/10, Cumulus, Vis. 7 nm, 1026 mb, +9°C    
    19.00 - 21.40   Fuel oil and lubricating oil transfer to U-610.  
    24.00 AK 8954    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    01.05.43   In accordance with Radio Message in addition from U-461:   
        Kottmann to 90 cbm  
        Zitzewitz for return transit + antenna  
        Wolfram for return transit to the homeland + cable  
        Rabenau hand over fuel.  
        At 15.14 hours Metz gave the report concerning gear taken over.  
        Supply in these heavy seas and swell is difficult.  The light oiling gear, only hoses, proves itself very well.  The transfer of provisions is the mosre difficult, the connection was cut at 19.45 hours and was not established again until 21.25 hours.  
        Although none of the boats needs provisions, they had to be delivered to keep the boat in balance.  
           
    02.05.43      
    01.20   Provisions transfer to U-267 ended.  
    01.40 - 02.10   Test dive, afterwards with U-267 and U-610 back to supply place.  
    04.00 AK 8946    
    08.00 AK 8945    
      W 3, Sea 2, long W-swell, 10/10, Cumulus, Vis. 5 nm, 1035 mb, +9°C    
    09.00 - 11.20   Provisions transfer to U-610 by rubber boat.  
    10.35   U-108 Wolfram in sight.  
    11.25   U-706 von Zitzewitz in sight.  
        U-706 reports, that he has sighted Holtorf U-598 about 08.00 hours.  
    08.55 - 13.05   Fuel oil and lubricating oil to U-267.  
    12.00 AK 8954 1.2  71.9  Day's run: 73.1 nm.  
      SW 3, Sea 2, long W-swell, 8/10, Cumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1036 mb, +15°C    
    12.30 - 15.40   Provisions transfer to U-108 by rubber boat.  
    13.40 - 14.40   Fuel oil transfer to U-706.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.05.43      
    16.00 AK 8953    
    16.11 - 19.20   Fuel oil and lubricating oil transfer to U-108.  
    16.02 - 17.32   Provisions transfer to U-706 by rubber boat.  
        Gave supply report to U-706:  
        1.)  Supply on 1 May Krüger, on 2 May Freiberg, Tinschert, von Zitzewitz and Wolfram.  
        2.)  Inventory 453, 11, 111 days, 8 Metox, 9 antennas, 12 cables, 70 binoculars.  
    20.00 AK 8938    
      SW 4, Sea 3-4, long SW-swell, 9/10, Cumulus, Vis. 8 nm, 1036 mb, +14°C    
    20.03 - 20.56   Test dive, afterwards transit to supply place so I will arrive there tomorrow at dawn.  
    24.00 AK 8953 Own oil trace is eliminated, fuel oil tank 5a and 6a were delivered [to other boats] and fuel oil pumped.  As reported 20 cbm of fuel oil was lost.  
           
    03.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 AK 8954    
      SW 4-5, Sea 3, long SW-swell, 7/10, Cumulus, Vis. 3 nm, 1034 mb, +9°C    
    08.00 AK 8945 Back and forth in position in supply square from 08.00 hours.  
    12.00 AK 8945 2.8  70.9  Day's run: 73.7 nm.  
      W 5-6, Sea 4, high SW-swell, 6/10, Cumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1033 mb, +10°C    
    14.30   Rabenau reports position AK 8250, supplier not met.  Requests bearing signals.  
        Position is wrong by 120 nm, send no bearing signals.  Await correction by Radio Message.  
    16.00 AK 8945    
    20.00 AK 8945    
      S 5-6, Sea 5, medium-long SSW-swell, 8/10, Cumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1032 mb, +11°C    
    22.00   Correction Radio Message for Rabenau.  According to this:  1.)  Stiebler positioned in AK 8945, therefore go there, no arrival report, return transit with 45 cbm, take over Metox cable.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.05.43      
        2.)  Keep repeated transmission of information to the lowest possible limit  
    24.00 AK 8948 Positioned after good sun navigation fix the entire day in the supply square.  Visibility was good.  Not sighted by Holtorf.  
           
    04.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 AK 8948    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, long SSW-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 2 nm, 1028 mb, +11°C    
    05.04   Zitzewitz sends the supply report I gave him from BD 3913.  
    08.00 AK 8945 Positioned from 07.30 hours in supply square.  
    12.00 AK 8947 0.0  40.0  Day's run: 40.0 nm.  
      NW 3, Sea 2-3, long W-swell, 10/10, Cumulonimbus, Vis. 3 nm, 1037 mb, +8.5°C    
    11.20 - 12.10   Holtorf requests bearing signals.  
        Gave bearing signals. Received acknowledgement:  
        You bear 62°T.  
        Ran to meet on opposite bearing at diesel-electric HF.  
    16.00 AK 8892 Ran over 20 nm, nothing sighted.  Ran back to supply square.  
    19.54   Holtorf reports:  Stiebler not met, positioned AK 9712 sent bearing signals 5 May 11.00 hours.  Then direction finding was determined by Holtorf on the wrong side, boats ran apart.  
    20.00 AK 8944    
      WNW 4, Sea 3, long W-swell, 5/10, Cumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1039 mb, +9.5°C    
    20.20   Again positioned in supply square.  
    22.00 - 23.18   Test dive.  
    24.00 AK 8945 Remained lying stopped overnight.  After the test dive, in accordance with Radio Message Orders switched to Coastal Circuit as Radio Message repeater..  
           
    05.05.43 North Atlantic    
    01.32   Radio Message from Rabenau:  
        When, where and to whom should fuel delivery take place.  Have been in AK 82 from 2 to 4 May.  Since 30 April switched to Ireland Circuit, continuing return transit.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.05.43      
        Radio Message unintelligible.  Expect correction by Radio Message.  
    04.00 AK 8945    
      NW 3, Sea 2, medium NW-swell, 4/10, Cumulus, Vis. 3 nm, 1040 mb, +7°C    
    08.00 AK 8944 This morning good observation possibilities.  Positioned in the center of the supply square at 10.00 hours.  
    11.20   Received bearing signals from Holtorf.  Bearing 64°T.  Proceed at 10 knots to meet.  
    11.30   U-532 (Junker) in sight.  Boat requests a complete Metox with antenna.  Run to meet Holtorf with U-532.  Prepared for transfer.  
    12.00 AK 8942 3.5  22.2  Day's run: 85.7 nm.  
      NNW 1/2, Sea 1, long W-swell, 6/10, Cumulus, Vis. 8 nm, +7°C    
    12.40 - 13.30   Stopped to transfer Metox, antenna and fresh provisions to U-532  
        Afterwards continued on 64°, at 10 knots.  
    15.00   U-598 (Holtorf) in sight.  
    16.00 AK 8934    
    15.55 - 18.30   Fuel oil, lubricating oil and provisions transfer to U-598.  
        Gave Holtorf Radio Message report to transmit:  
        1)  Holtorf supplied, Junker complete Metox transferred.  
        2)  Inventory 411,7,105 days.  
        3)  For Rabenau position AK 8945 for fuel transfer.  
        4)  Kottmann still not met.  
        Afterwards proceeded again into supply square.  
    20.00 AK 8937    
      NNW 2, Sea 1, long NW-swell, 5/10, Cumulus, Vis. 8 nm, 1037 mb, +10°C    
    20.30 - 21.13   Test dive.  
    24.00 AK 8951 In accordance with Radio Message from 24.00 hours switched again to Diana Circuit.  Reception on the Coastal frequencies put off until 07.00 hours.  Very low frequency was so disturbed by other transmitters that reception was impossible.  Missing 8 Radio Messages.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43
 
 
           
           
           
           
    06.05.43 North Atlantic    
    00.30   According to Radio Message after completion of previous task should go to waiting position AK 8769.  Depth 100 nm.  
    04.00 AK 8951    
    06.40   Holtorf sends my report.  
    08.00 AK 8943    
      SE 1, Sea 1, fog, Vis. 500 meters, 1027 mb, +11°C    
    08.13   dived.  
    10.52   surfaced, visibility improved to 2 nm.  Back and forth in position in supply square.  
    12.00 AK 8945 9.1  62.1  Day's run: 71.2 nm.  
    13.00   Rabenau requests bearing signals in accordance with Radio Message at 09.30 hours.  
    13.20   Sent bearing signals, no acknowledgement.  
    13.50   Sent bearing signals, no acknowledgement.  
    14.10   Sent Short Signal:  Sending bearing signals in accordance with Kriegsmarine Orders.  
        Awaiting confirmation by Communications Center.  
    15.20   Sent bearing signals. Received acknowledgement bearing 248°T.  
        Ran on course 68° to meet.  
        Visibility changing greatly from 500 to 2000 meters.  
    16.00 AK 8945    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, long SW-swell, 10/10, fog, Vis. 1000-2000 meters, 1023 mb, +11°C    
    18.20   Sent bearing signals, received acknowledgement.  Bearing 230°T, changed course to 50°.  
    19.50   Reported bearing acknowledgement 35°T.  Boats must have passed by each other in fog.  Stopped.  Visibility about 1000 meters.  
    20.00 AK 8929    
      SW 4, Sea 3, long SW-swell, 10/10, fog, Vis. 1000 meters, 1020 mb, +12°C Reported bearing result at 20.12 hours 307°T.  
                                           at 20.30 hours 58°T.  
        21.10 hours visibility improvement.  
    21.20   U-528 in sight bearing 250°T.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    06.05.43      
    21.42   Hose gear extended.  Connection established.  U-528 yaws very heavily, from target angle bow left 50° to 50° bow right.  Despite established tow connection.  
    22.18   Hose is ruptured at the [exhaust] manifold of the tanker.  Arrange to borrow U-528's rubber boat.  At 24.00 hours U-528's hose is recovered.  
    24.00 AK 8929    
      SW 6, Sea 5, large medium-length SW-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 5 nm, 1018 mb, +11.5°C Gave U-528 speed and course for the night.  Holding measures with the fog and losing sight.  
        Receive today new supply orders:  
        From dawn 9 May in AK 8769  
        Gretschel plus N.A.G. [Netz- und Anpassungsgerät NAG]  
        Popp plus antenna and binoculars  
        Poel, Heinsohn and Looks to 90 cbm each.  
        U-662 supply for economical return.  
           
    07.05.43 North Atlantic    
    03.00   U-528 is lost from sight.  
    04.00 AK 8937    
      SWbyW 7, Sea 6, high SW-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1017 mb, +10.5°C    
    08.00 AK 8938 Steering search courses.  
      NWbyW 6-7, Sea 6, high NW-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 2 nm, 1018 mb, +9.5°C    
    09.56   Gave bearing signals, received acknowledgement:  
        Bearing 205°T, came to course 25°.  
    10.17   U-528 in sight.  
    11.14 - 12.34   Took over hose gear from U-528.  
        Kamecke reports:  08.30 hours 2 destroyers AK 8873, course NE.  
        Radio Message from Communications Center:  Stiebler Beware, if bearing signals are sent today, shift meeting point.  
    12.00 AK 8932 0.0  68.8  Day's run: 68.8 nm.  
        Run, in company with U-528, course 180° at 2 x HF until 16.00 hours.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.05.43      
    16.00 AK 8993 Stopped, go to supply course.   Bring my gear into service and extend it 2 tow lengths.  
      NW 4-5, Sea 5, long NW-swell, 8/10, Cumulus, Vis. 7 nm, 1018 mb, +10°C  
    17.00   Tow out, connection established.  Transfer begins.  
    20.00 AK 9774    
    23.55   Tow connection detached, 101 cbm transferred.  Delivered the Fu.M.B. cable requested by U-528 by Radio Message.  
    24.00 AK 9779    
      NW 4-5, Sea 4, long NW-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 5 nm, 1020 mb, +11°C Gave U-528 report with:  
      Fuel oil transfer completed, inventory 510 cbm going to new position.  
           
    08.05.43 North Atlantic    
    00.20 - 07.07   Test dive.  Afterwards proceeded at economical speed via AK 8945 to AK 8769, must be there on 9 May at dawn.  
    04.00 AK 9777    
    08.00 AK 8997    
      WNW 5-6, Sea 5, long NW-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 5 nm, 1020 mb, +9.5°C    
    08.32   U-528 reports completion of fuel oil transfer.  
    12.00 AK 8987 2.6  98.8  Day's run: 101.5 nm.  
    16.00 AK 8973    
      NW 2, Sea 1, long NW-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 8 nm, 1020 mb, +10°C    
        Positioned from 17.00 to 22.00 hours in 8940 steering search courses.  Nothing sighted, afterwards began transit to AK 8769.  
    20.00 AK 8945    
    22.30 Arising SSE wind, fog, Vis. 500 meters    
    22.41   dived to proceed submerged.  
    24.00 AK 8866 In accordance with Radio Message "Jessen" should also be supplied spare parts as well as lubricating oil in AK 8769.  
        As a result of visibility deterioration I arrive late in AK 8769.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.05.43
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    09.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 AK 8864    
    08.06 AK 8858 surfaced, switched to America II Circuit in accordance with Radio Message.  
      SWbyW 5-6, Sea 4, 10/10, Fractonimbus, Vis. 4 nm, 996 mb, +10°C  
    12.00 AK 8847 26.4  77.1  Day's run: 103.5 nm.  
    13.00   Arrive at the supply square.  Switch to Diana Circuit in accordance with Radio Message.  
    13.40   Jessen requests bearing signals to meet.  Give bearing signals from 14.40 to 18.16 hours in accordance with Kriegsmarine Orders.  Jessen and Popp give acknowledgements.  At each program time bearing signals were requested from the boats.  
    15.25   U-662 (Müller) in sight.  
    16.00 AK 8769    
      WbyS 7, Sea 6, high SW-swell, 10/10, Nimbus, Vis. 6 nm, 996 mb, +10.5°C    
    18.20 - 19.20   Fuel oil transfer to U-662.  
    18.00   U-266 (Jessen) in sight.  
    18.40   U-552 (Popp) in sight.  
    20.00 AK 8847    
      WSW 6, Sea 5, high SW-swell, 9/10, Cumulus, Vis. 5 nm, 996 mb, +10°C    
    20.00 - 22.25   Provisions transfer to U-662.  
    20.15 - 20.55   Lubricating oil transfer to U-266  
    22.50 - 00.15   Transfer of spare parts to U-266.  
    24.00 AK 8848    
      SW 3-4, Sea 4, long high SW-swell, 6/10, Cumulus, Vis. 5 nm, 993 mb, +12.5°C Ran back to the supply square with U-552 in company during the night.  
      Gave instructions in case of losing sight.  
           
    10.05.43 North Atlantic    
    03.00   U-552 out of sight.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.05.43      
    04.00 AK 8847    
    07.10   U-707 (Gretschel) in sight.  
    08.00 AK 8769    
      SW 2, Sea 1, long high SW-swell, 8/10, Cumulus, Vis. 3 nm, 996 mb, +12°C    
    08.45   U-413 (Poel) in sight.  
    08.50 - 12.50   Fuel oil to U-707.  
    09.50   Send bearing signals for Popp in accordance with yesterday's instructions.  Boat Popp requests bearing signals every time up to program time 12.50 hours.  
    10.20   U-264 (Looks) in sight.  
    10.20 - 14.10   Provisions transfer to U-413.  
    12.00 AK 8767    
      NE 2, Sea 1, long high NE-swell, confused, 6/10, Cumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 992 mb, +14°C    
    13.20   U-552 (Popp) in sight.  
    14.40 - 17.35   Provisions transfer to U-707.  
    15.30 - 16.55   Lubricating oil transfer to U-413.  
    14.55 - 18.20   Fuel oil transfer to U-552.  
    16.00 AK 8786    
      NE 3, Sea 2, high NE-swell, 7/10, Cumulus, Vis. 8 nm, 990 mb, +12°C    
    17.12 - 18.50   Lubricating oil transfer to U-264.  
    18.45 - 23.35   Fuel oil transfer to U-413.  
    20.00 AK 8786    
      WSW 3, Sea 2, high confused swell, NE and SW-swell, 7/10, Cumulus, Vis. 8 nm, 989 mb, +14°C    
    19.20 - 01.05   Provisions transfer to U-552.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    10.05.43      
    24.00 AK 8794    
      WSW 6, Sea 5, high SW-swell, 9/10, Cumulonimbus, Vis. 8 nm, 990 mb, +14°C The long high confused NE and SW swell makes supplying very difficult.  
      In accordance with Radio Message:  Christophersen receives orders to go to Stiebler in AK 8769.  Steibler see Serial No. 798.  The Serial No. was received 6 times always irresolvable.  
        Will wait, if no correction is announced then I will report this in the supply report. Over night ran against the high swell. Looks in company, the boat has instructions in case of losing sight.  
           
    11.05.43 North Atlantic    
    01.30 - 02.08   Test dive.  
    04.00 AK 8797    
    08.00 AK 8799 Looks out of sight.  
      WSW 3, Sea 2, long SW-swell, 4/10, Cumulus, Vis. 3 nm, 990 mb, +10°C    
    09.50   Looks bears 67°T bearing acknowledgement was not received.  Ran at high speed on it.  In accordance with Radio Message 11.17 hours Looks requested bearing signals despite confirmed radio message.  
    11.15   U-264 (Looks) in sight.  
    12.00 AK 8875 1.8  46.4  Day's run: 48.2 nm.  
    11.55 - 16.15   Fuel oil and provisions transfer to U-264.  
        Gave Looks supply report to send:  
        1)  On 9 May Jessen, Müller, on 10 May Gretschel, Popp, Poel, on 11 May Looks supplied.  
        2)  Inventory 171, 4, 37 days, 7 Metox, 7 antennas, 8 cables.  
        3)  Heinsohn still not met.  
        4)  Serial No. 798 not resolved.  
        In accordance with Radio Message Becker also has orders to go to me.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    11.05.43      
        Accordingly I wait for Heinsohn, Christophersen and Becker.  
        Instructions for the supply of Becker as for Christophersen have not arrived yet.  
    16.00 AK 8875    
      WbyS 2, Sea 1, medium-high long SSW-swell, 5/10, Cumulus, Vis 10 nm, 990 mb, +11°C    
    20.00 AK 8769    
    20.30 - 21.45   Test dive.  
    24.00 AK 8766    
      N 6, Sea 5, short N-swell, 10/10, Nimbus with rain. Vis. 5 nm, 990 mb, +8.5°C    
           
    12.05.43 North Atlantic    
    02.30   Becker reports arriving on 13 May at 12.30 hours.  
    04.00 AK 8739    
    08.00 AK 8733    
      NNW 5, Sea 4, short N-swell, 7/10, Cumulus, Vis. 3 nm, 998 mb, +7°C Switch to Hubertus Circuit in accordance with Radio Message orders.  
    12.00 AK 8769 3.7  74.8  Day's run: 78.5 nm.  
        Looks sent my supply report.  
    14.21   The missing Serial No. was repeated.  Christophersen is to deliver a wounded man and get spare parts. Among other things it is not possible to deliver a cylinder head because to do so the battery hatch must be opened.  
    16.00 AK 8793    
      NbyW 6-7, Sea 6, high N-swell, 7/10, Cumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1012 mb, +13.5°C Steered search courses the entire day, nothing sighted.  
    20.00 AK 8871    
    24.00 AK 8871    
      NNW 4-5, Sea 4, long N-swell, 7/10, Cumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1012 mb, +13.5°C    
           
    13.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 AK 8847    
    08.00 AK 8844    
      NNW 4, Sea 3, long N-swell, 5/10, Cumulus, Vis. 8 nm, 1016 mb, +7.5°C    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.05.43      
    09.45   U-218, Becker in sight.  
    10.50 - 13.06   Took over a patient.  
        Have no instructions concerning supply of U-218.  Becker does not either, he refused supply, because he is still well equipped.  
    12.00 AK 8844 Day's run:  61.9.  
    13.40 - 14.35   Test dive.  
    16.00 AK 8869    
      WNW 4, Sea 3, medium N-swell, 6/10, Cumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1026 mb, +9°C    
    20.00 AK 8869    
    24.00 AK 8866    
      NWbyW 3, Sea 2, medium N-swell, 3/10, Cumulus, Vis. 8 nm, 1028 mb, +9.5°C    
           
    14.05.43 North Atlantic    
    03.00   Becker reports completion.  
    04.00 AK 8844    
    08.00 AK 8841    
      SSW 3, Sea 2, long NW-swell, 4/10, Stratocumulus, Vis. 4 nm, 1028 mb, +10°C    
    12.00 AK 8769 2.2  29.0  Day's run: 31.2 nm.  
      SbyW 5, Sea 4, medium S-swell, 4/10, Cumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1027 mb, +9.5°C    
    13.57   dived to handle the patient and for diesel repairs.  
    16.00 AK 8769    
    16.37 WSW 7, Sea 5-6, long SW-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 3 nm, 1023 mb, +10°C surfaced.  
    17.30   Received new supply orders:  
        1.)  In BD 2659 from 15 May at 20.00 hours remaining fuel in equal parts to Baltz, Trojer, U-666, Brüning, supply Christophersen in accordance with Serial No. 798.  Do not report late arrival.   
        2.)  After supply Stiebler return transit.  Begin transit to BD 2659.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.05.43      
    20.00 AK 8871    
      SSW 8/9, Sea 8, high SW-swell, 10/10, Nimbus with rain, Vis. 1000 meters, 1020 mb, +10°C    
    20.50   dived to proceed submerged, with both diesels HF the boat stays in the same position.  
    24.00 AK 8875    
           
    15.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 AK 8887    
    08.00 BD 2122    
    08.16 SbyW 6-7, Sea 5, high S-swell, 10/10, Nimbus with rain, Vis. 2000 meters, 1024 mb, +10.5°C surfaced.  
    09.19   In accordance with Radio Message on 18 May deliver potash containers and binoculars to Reichenbach in BD 2659.  
    12.00 BD 2158 35.6  42.3  Day's run: 77.9 nm.  
    16.00 BD 2249    
      SSW 5-6, Sea 5, high SW-swell, 10/10, Fractonimbus, Vis. 1 nm, 1032 mb, +13°C    
    20.00 BD 2286 From 20.00 to 02.00 hours fog visibility changing from 300 to 1000 meters, then clearing.  
    24.00 BD 2614    
      SbyW 2, Sea medium SW-swell, 10/10, Fractonimbus, fog, 1030 mb, +14°C Intend to be in the meeting square tomorrow at dawn.  
           
    16.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BD 2643    
    07.15   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  114°T, 24.5 nm, therefore arrival in supply square initially at 11.20 hours.  
    08.00 BD 2693    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, long SW-swell, 6/10, Altostratus, Vis. 10 nm, 1034 mb, +13°C    
    11.40   U-221, Trojer in sight.  
    12.00 BD 2659 Day's run:  160.4 nm.  
    12.17 - 15.35   Supplying U-221.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.05.43
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.05.43      
    16.00 BD 2664    
      NNE 1, Sea 1, long Sw-swell, 4/10, Cirrus, Vis. 15 nm, 1031 mb, +17°C    
    16.01   U-666  Engel                )  
        U-228  Christophersen )            in sight  
        U-642  Brüning             )  
        U-603  Baltz                  )  
    17.05 - 20.15   Supplying U-666.  
    16.50 - 19.10   Took patient over and supply of U-228.  Cylinder head transfer from me impracticable, arrange for U-666 to give the head to U-228.  
    18.40 - 21.45   Supplying U-642.  
    20.00 BD 2664 In accordance with Radio Message switched to "Diana" Circuit.  
    20.20 - 23.45   Supplying U-603.  
        U-228 reports cylinder head taken over from U-666.  
        Gave U-603 supply report with:  
        1.)  On 16 May supplied Trojer, Brüning, Balz, Engel, Christophersen.  
        2.)  Engel cylinder head transferred to Christophersen. (this report was not sent, reported by me by short signal on request for update of the supply.)  
    24.00 BD 2662    
      E 2, Sea 1, long SW-swell, 3/10, cirrus, Vis. 12 nm, 1028 mb, +16°C    
           
    17.05.43 North Atlantic    
    00.00 - 00.42   Test dive.  
    04.00 BD 2665    
    08.00 BD 2664    
      NE 3, Sea 2, 10/10, Fractonimbus, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1029 mb, +14°C    
    09.30   In accordance with Radio Message immediately report update of the supply.  
    10.29   Report by Short Signal:  Supply completed.  
    12.00 BD 2659 2.1  36.5  Day's run: 38.6 nm.  
      NE 2-3, Sea 2, 10/10, Fractonimbus, Vis. 1-2 nm, 1028 mb, +14°C    
    16.00 BD 2659    
    20.00 BD 2683    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.05.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    17.05.43      
    22.00   dived, remained submerged during the night due to the visibility.  
    24.00 BD 2686    
           
    18.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BD 2686    
    07.55   surfaced.  
    08.00 BD 2683    
      N 6, Sea 6, medium NNE-swell, 10/10, Stratonimbus, Vis. 2-4 nm, 1017 mb, +12°C    
    12.00 BD 2659 22.0  17.0  Day's run: 39.0 nm.  
    16.00 BD 2651    
      NbyW 6, Sea 6, high N-swell, 10/10, Cumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1020 mb, +14°C    
    20.00 BD 2627    
    23.06   dived.  
    24.00 BD 2627    
           
    19.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BD 2651    
    07.15   surfaced.  
    07.55   U-217, Reichenbach in sight.  
    08.00 BD 2651    
      S 3, Sea 1, long N-swell, 8/10, Cumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1021 mb, +12°C In accordance with Radio Message switched to Ireland Circuit.  
    08.40 - 11.45   Supplying U-217.  After supply started return transit.  
    12.00 BD 2654 18.7  31.0  Day's run: 49.7 nm.  
    16.00 BD 2691    
      SE 2, Sea 1, medium N-swell, 4/10, Cumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1020 mb, +12°C    
    20.00 BD 3711    
    23.06   Gave supply report:  
        a.)  Reichenbach supplied.  
        b.)  Issued, in addition 7 Metox, 7 antennas, 6 cables.  
        c.)  Return transit  SSE 4, 1017 mb falling.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.05.43
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.05.43      
    24.00 BD 3751    
      SE 4-5, Sea 4, 8/10, Altocumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1016 mb, +14°C    
           
    20.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BD 3791    
    08.00 BD 3799    
      SEbyS 4, Sea 4, 3/10, Altostratus, Vis. 10 nm, 1012 mb, +13°C    
    10.45 - 11.38   Test dive.  
    12.00 BD 6215 2.7  136.5  Day's run: 139.2 nm.  
    14.06   Reported weather by Short Signal on request.  
    16.00 BD 6252    
      SE 5-6, Sea 5, medium SE-swell, 10/10, Altocumulus, Vis. 5 nm, 1009 mb, +14°C    
    16.12   Received orders to proceed via BE 44, there to give Metox gear to "Wolfbauer".  
    20.00 BD 6264    
    23.40 SEbyS 5, Sea 5, medium SE-swell, 10/10, Nimbus, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1006 mb, +15°C dived.  
    24.00 BD 6293    
           
    21.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BD 6378    
    07.00   surfaced.  
    08.00 BD 6621    
      SSW 4, Sea 3, medium SE-swell, 8/10, Cumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1001 mb, +14°C    
    12.00 BD 6662 20.3  87.1  Day's run: 107.4 nm.  
    16.00 BE 4474    
      SSW 5-6, Sea 5, W-swell, 7/10, Cumulus, Vis. 8 nm, 1004 mb, +14°C    
    18.53   In accordance with Radio Message Stiebler do not meet with Wolfbauer, return transit.  On 22 May at 08.00 hours switch Coastal Circuit.  
    20.00 BE 4488    
    24.00 BE 4738    
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.05.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.05.43      
    24.00 BE 4738    
      WSW 5, Sea 4, medium W-swell, 8/10, Cumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1006 mb, +13°C    
           
    22.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 4873    
    08.00 BE 7223    
      WSW 4, Sea 3, W-swell, 10/10, Cumulus, Vis. 8 nm, 1014 mb, +13°C    
    12.00 BE 7345 175.2  Day's run: 175.2 nm.  
    12.55 - 16.18   Dived, machinery work.  
    16.00 BE 7373    
    20.00 BE 8451    
      SWbyS 3-4, Sea 2, SW-swell, 5/10, Cumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1016 mb, +15°C    
    24.00 BE 8451    
           
    23.05.43 North Atlantic    
    02.09   dived to proceed submerged.  
    04.00 BE 8462    
    08.00 BE 8463    
    08.16 SSW 3, Sea 2, SW-swell, 10/10, Cumulonimbus, Vis. 6 nm, 1013 mb, +15.5°C surfaced.  
    10.45   dived to proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BE 8552 31.4  143.6  Day's run: 175 nm.  
    16.00 BE 8553    
    16.20   surfaced.  
    20.00 BE 8642    
      WbyN 4, Sea 2-3, long W-swell, 5/10, Cumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1015 mb, +16°C    
    21.05   dived.  
    24.00 BE 8651 From 13.30 to 15.00 hours some distant some close depth charges.  Likewise from 22.00 to 23.00 hours.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.05.43
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 8653    
    06.34   surfaced.  
    08.00 BE 8663    
      SW 3, Sea 2, long W-swell, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 10 nm, 1016 mb, +16°C    
    09.10   dived.  
    12.00 BE 9442 41.9  71.6  Day's run: 113.5 nm.  
    16.00 BE 9443    
    16.56 SSW 3, Sea 2, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 10 nm, 1018 mb, +16°C surfaced.  
    19.28   dived.  
    20.00 BE 9461    
    24.00 BE 9462 Depth charges as in the previous day, this time also between 10.00 and 11.00 hours.  
           
    25.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 9541    
    06.40   surfaced.  
    08.00 BE 9551    
      SbyW 3, Sea 2, Altostratus, Vis. 8 nm, 1020 mb, +16.5°C    
    09.23   dived.  
    12.00 BE 9556 44.2  49.9  Day's run: 94.1 nm.  
    16.00 BE 9565    
    16.21 SW 2-3, Sea 1, 10/10, Fractocumulus , Vis. 8 nm, 1024 mb, +17°C surfaced.  
    18.48   dived.  
    20.00 BE 9645    
    24.00 BE 9654 Also today at the same times depth charges.  
           
    26.05.43 North Atlantic    
    04.00 BE 9655    
    06.24   surfaced.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.05.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    26.05.43      
    08.00 BE 9665    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, Fractocumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1028 mb, +17°C    
    08.59   dived.  
    12.00 BF 7445 43.0  50.2  Day's run: 93.2 nm.  
    16.00 BF 7446    
    16.21 NNW 1, Sea 0-1, 3/10, Fractocumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1030 mb, +17°C surfaced.  
    17.28 Fog, Vis. 1000 meters dived.  
    19.32   surfaced.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  120°T, 21 nm.  
    20.00 BF 7541    
      NE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 6/10, Fractocumulus, Vis. 8 nm, 1029 mb, +16°C    
    21.05   dived.  
    24.00 BF 7557 As during the days before depth charges. On surfacing at 19.32 hours 8 isolated water columns were sighted in the sector of 290°T to 220°T distance approximately 6 nm. Suppose there were depth charges dispensed from aircraft with buoyancy and time fuses.  Thus an explanation for the depth charges.  
           
    27.05.43 Bay of Biscay    
    04.00 BF 7559    
    06.25   surfaced.  
    08.00 BF 7647    
      ENE 4-5, Sea 4, 10/10, Stratus, Vis. 8 nm, 1026 mb, +16°C    
    09.05   dived.  
    12.00 BF 7657 42.7  72.2  (with shift after navigation fix) Day's run: 114.9 nm.  
    12.35   Fishing trawler, N-course, BF 7657.  
    16.00 BF 7658    
    16.21 E 5-6, Sea 5, 10/10, Altocumulus, Vis. 6 nm, 1024 mb, +16°C surfaced.  
    19.04   dived.  
    20.00 BF 8444    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.05.43
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.05.43      
    24.00 BF 8446 Also today depth charges, but not so frequently.  
           
    28.05.43 Bay of Biscay    
    04.00 BF 8454    
    06.32   surfaced.  
    08.00 BF 8465    
      NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, Cumulus, Vis. 10 nm, 1024 mb, +17°C    
    10.37   dived.  
    12.00 BF 8551 39.6  69.2  Day's run: 108.8 nm.  
    16.00 BF 8553    
    16.23 EbyN 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Stratocumulus, Vis. 12 nm, 1024 mb, +18°C surfaced.  
    18.20   Sent report, will be at positioned at convoy acceptance point on 30 May at 10.00 hours.  
    19.00   dived.  
    20.00 BF 8627    
    24.00 BF 8625    
           
    29.05.43 Bay of Biscay    
    04.00 BF 8634    
    05.50   surfaced.  
    08.00 BF 9413    
      NEbyE 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, Stratus, Vis. 10 nm, 1020 mb, +19°C    
    08.36 BF 9421 Fu.M.B. detection 131 cm horizontally polarized.  dived.  
    12.00 BF 9188 44.3  63.2  Day's run: 107.5 nm.  
    15.57 WSW 1-2, Sea 0-1, heavy haze, Vis. 1000 - 2000 meters, 1018 mb, +19°C surfaced.  
    18.34   dived.  
           
    30.05.43 Bay of Biscay    
    07.55 NbyE 3-4, Sea 3, 10/10, Stratocumulus, Vis, 6-8 nm, 1023 mb, +18°C surfaced.  Conning tower hatch jammed closed, emerged via the officer's hatch. Grating had come lose making the opening of the conning tower hatch impossible.  
    10.10   Taken in convoy.  
    12.00   42.8  75.4  Day's run: 118.2 nm.  
    14.30   Passed Le Verdon, released from convoy.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.05.43
 
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.05.43      
    18.00   Made fast Bordeaux Base.  
           
        Total distance covered:  3390.6 nm  
                                                757.5 nm  
                                      Total:  4148.1 nm  
           
           
                       On board 30 May 1943  
           
                                  
                              Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.05.43

Enclosures to U-461's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Report Report on Supply Operations

 
 
     
 

Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote

 
 
on the K.T.B. of "U-461" (Stiebler) from 23.3.43 - 30.5.
 
 

 

 
 
The very well executed supply task by which the operational potential of 26 boats was strengthened.
Otherwise nothing of note.
 
     
     
    For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote  
    - The Chief of the Operations Department -  
     
     
     
     
 


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