U-475 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Patrol	Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
1A	Kiel	4 July 1944	Helsinki	7 July 1944	4
1B	Helsinki	11 July 1944	Helsinki	29 July 1944	19
					23
	Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for these sections of the 1st patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here
1C	Helsinki	31 July 1944	Esplanade	5 August 1944	6
1D	Esplanade	16 August 1944	Esplanade	21 August 1944	6
1E	Esplanade	25 August 1944	Helsinki	31 August 1944	7
1F	Helsinki	3 September 1944	Danzig	6 September 1944	4
					23
	Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying these sections of the 1st patrol.

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This patrol took place during the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union.  From the invasion of the Soviet Union on 22 June 1941 U-boats operated in the Gulf of Finland in coordination with Finnish forces, sometimes using Finish bases.  A ceasefire between the Finns and the Soviets ended hostilities on 5 September 1944 and was followed by the Moscow Armistice on 19 September 1944.
		To read more about the Continuation War click on the Wikipeda icon.
		The patrol used the Finnish grid system to note positions in the KTB.  The Finnish National Archives has digitized charts from this period.  Click on the Icon at left to visit the National Archives of Finland.
		Click on the icon at left to view a Finnish grid chart of the Gulf of Finland from the Finnish National Archives.  There is a key on the chart that shows how the grid system worked.

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Ships Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
28 Jul 44	03.18	60°12.5'N, 28°45.8'E	MO-107 (damaged)	56	Soviet
			Total = 56
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.

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			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h                                                    "U - 475"
			Kommandant:  Kapitänleutnant  S  t  o  e  f  f  l  e  r
			Beginning:  7 July 1943
			Concluding:  24 June1944
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
			Baltic
		07.07.43	Kiel	Commissioning.
		08. - 09.07.43	Kiel	Independent training in the harbor.
		10. - 23.07.43	Kiel	Testing with U.A.K.
		24.07.43	Kiel - Swinemünde	Full load continuous run.
		25. - 29.07.43	Swinemünde	Shooting training at Flakschule VII.
		29. - 30.07.43		Transit to Danzig.
		31.07.43	Danzig	Testing with U.A.G.
		01.08.43	Danzig	Harbor lay time due to overloading.
		02.08.43		Transit to Hela.
		03. - 24.08.43	Hela	Training with the Agru-Front.
			On 6 August 1943 at 10.43 hours while training ran aground at depth 35 meters.  Reached a down angle of 12°.  In so doing bow fairing of tubes III and IV were dented.  Damage was established and determined.
		25.08. - 01.09.43	Gotenhafen	Shipyard period for repair of the bow tube fairings.
		26.08.43	Gotenhafen	Fire in the accommodation barracks of the 22.Unterseebootsflottille.  Masch.Gfr. Nitzsche and Löffler were fatally injured there.
		28.08.43		Put at the disposal of 22.Unterseebootsflottille.  Served as school boat for 2.U.L.D.
		to
		27.02.44
		28.02.44	Gotenhafen	Departed, transit to Hela.
		29.03. - 11.03.44	Hela	Remainder of training with the Agru-Front
		12. - 13.03.44	Gotenhafen	Arsenal to repair the Radio Direction Finder and switchboard in the radio room.
		14. - 25.03.44	Pillau	Training with the 20. U-Flottille.  (pre tactical training)
		26. - 30.03.44	Gotenhafen	Testing with T.E.K.
		31.03.44		Transit to Pillau.
		01. - 17.04.44	Pillau	Shooting training with 26. Unterseebootsflottille from 9. - 14.04.44 shooting training interrupted due to mine situation.
		18.04.44	AO 9430	Participated in the exercise of the training formation of the Flottille.
		19. - 24.04.44	Gotenhafen	Harbor lay time.  Waiting for the beginning of "Tactical Training".
		25.04. - 05.05.44	Gotenhafen	Tactical training with the 27. U-Flottille.
		06.05.44		Transit to Danzig.
		07. - 10.05.44	Danzig	Harbor lay time in the U-boat Base.
		11.05. - 15.06.44	Danzig	Final adjustments in Holmwerft Danzig.
		16.06.44	Eastern Baltic	Transit via Pillau (degaussing loops) to Rönne for sound trials.

	- 2 -
		17.06.44	Rönne	Sound trials with U.A.G. Schall.
		18.06.44	Central Baltic	Transit to Swinemünde.
		19. - 22.06.44	Swinemünde	Shooting training with Flakschule VII.
		23.06.44	Central and Western Baltic	Transit to Kiel for outfitting for the Front.
		24.06.44	Kiel	Outfitting for the Front with the 5. U-Flottille.
				Signed in draft Stoeffler
				Kaptlt. and Kmdt.
			On board, 14 July 1944.                           For correctness:
				On Orders!
				Oberleutnant M.A.
				and Adjutant.

 

			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h                                       Unterseeboot  "U - 475"                                                1st Patrol.
			Kommandant:	Kaptlt    S  t  o  e  f  f  l  e  r  .
				Beginning on:          25 June 1944
				Concluding on:         6 September1944
			Distribution:     OKM Copy No. 1 and 2 BdU  Op        " 3 Kom.Adm. Uboote        " 4 MGK Ost Führungsstab        " 5 F.d.U. Ausbildung        " 6 27. U-Flottille        " 7 9. Sich.Div.        " 8 8. U-Flottille        " 9
			Enclosures: 1. Combat sketches for Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9. 2. Torpedo firing reports for Copy No. 3 3. Summary (Clear text) of General Key Radio Messages for Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 4. Kriegstagebuch Excerpt Maschine for Copy No. 3 5. Short Report for Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9. 6. Comments of the Führers of the new Sich.Div. on the KTB U-475 for Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9.
				© U-boat Archive 2020 - all rights reserved

	- 1 -
				Transit in accordance with Orders F.d.U.-Mitte.
		1944	Baltic
		25.06.44		Remaining work.  Installation of 3.7 cm anti-aircraft gun and new mounts with protective shield for 2 cm twins.  Shooting training.  Renewing main drain pump.  Outfitting for the Front.
		to	Kiel
		03.07.44
		04.07.44	Kiel	Put to sea.
		08.00
		12.00	AO 7811	Day's run:  36.5 nm
			E 3, Sea 2, 3/10, misty, 1007 mb, +23°C
		14.00		Incoming Radio Message 1330/4/0115:  Stoeffler contrary to previous orders go to Libau to offload luggage.  Then continue to Reval, there relieve Roth.
				F.d.U.-Mitte
		15.45		Outgoing Radio Message 1545/4/0121:  Gjedser passed to the east.  Luggage not aboard, because in accordance with regulations all superfluous items given over.  Private luggage remains in Kiel.    U-Stoeffler
		16.00	AO 7835
			NE 3, Sea 2, Vis. good, 3/10, 1007 mb, +20°C
		20.00	AO 7685
			E 4, Sea 3, Vis. good, 3/10, 1007 mb, +18°C
		22.30		Incoming Radio Message 2150/4/0127:  U-475 (Stoeffler) running into Libau settled.    F.d.U.-Mitte.
		23.23		Beginning of twilight.
		24.00	AO 8521
			NEbyE 3, Sea 2, Vis. good, 3/10, 1007 mb, +18°C
		05.07.43	AO 8448
		04.00	ENE 3, Sea 2, Vis. good, 2/10, 1009 mb, +17°C
		02.50		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AO 9417
			NEbyE 2, Sea 1, hazy horizon, 1/10, 1009 mb, +18°C
		12.00	AO 9195	Day's run:  = 276.5 nm.  No particular events.
			NEbyE 2, Sea 1, misty, 1/10, 1010 mb, +24°C
		13.36		Incoming Radio Message 1305/5/0143:  Stoeffler report arrival Reval 12 hours ahead of time.    F.d.U.-Mitte
		15.35	AO 9251	Test dive.
		16.00	AO 9251	Surfaced.
			NE 0-1, Sea 0, Vis. good, 2/10, 1011 mb, +25°C
		20.00	AO 5964
			Calm, Vis. good, 2/10, 1011 mb, +22°C
		22.53		Beginning of twilight.
		24.00	AO 6471
			Calm, Vis. good, 2/10, 1010 mb, +18°C

	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.07.44

	- 2 -
		1944	Eastern Baltic
		06.07.44	AO 6179
		04.00	NNW 1, Sea 0-1, Vis. changing, 2/10, 1012 mb, +19°C
		05.55		Outgoing Radio Message:  ßß 0555/6/0154:  Position 12 hours off objective point.    U-475
		08.00	AO 6138
			NW 1, Sea 1, Vis. very good, 2/10, 1012 mb, +19°C
		12.00	AO 0281	Day's run:  270.4 nm,   0.6 nm = 271 nm.  No particular events.
			SWbyW 2, Sea 1, Vis. very good, 4/10, 1010 mb, +26°C
		16.00	AO 3545
			SW 2, Sea 1, clear, 8/10, 1009 mb, +23°C
		18.22	Reval	Made fast.  Remaining distance 71.5 nm
			Reported to Admiral östliche Ostsee.  Short briefing concerning overall situation.  Nothing important received.  Directed to Helsinki for close cooperation with 9. S.D.
		07.07.44
		09.02	Reval	Put to sea for Helsinki
		12.00	AO 3518	Day's run:  37 nm, remaining distance 35 nm.
			NE 1, Sea 0-1, Vis. very good, 1/10, 1013 mb, +24°C
		15.16	Helsinki	Made fast.
			Reported to Marineverbindungsstab Finnland.  Very general instructions, understanding received in Operational Orders.  Was referred to the 9. S.D.
			Reported to 9. S.D.  There little clarity concerning U-boat operations.  In the evening attended joint meeting with Finnish Flottenstab.  Provisional area delimitation, where Finnish and German submarines are to operate were established.
		08.07.44	Helsinki
		06.36		Incoming Radio Message:  2358/7/0102:
				Boats in the Gulf of Finland:
				1.  Operational radio messages.
				1)  Boats receive orders to depart and operational orders from F.d.U.  Following messages if necessary from 9. Sich. Div. via a U-boat lying in Helsinki.  In particular inbound and outbound instructions, changes, mine situation, instructions concerning own and Finish warships and their protection.
				2)  It is accepted that boats must always remain submerged in the operations area.  Corresponding short duration of the patrol is expected.  Start return transit independently to the next base, from which the boat is to depart.
				3)  Reports are to be submitted:  if the boat has left the archipelago or operations area, or after . . .

	Sun and Moon Data 06.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 07.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 08.07.44

	- 3 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		continued
		08.07.44		surfacing after patrol, or starting archipelago transit, or when a boat makes time sensitive findings and experiences with knowledge or guidance of particular importance.
				4)  Of particular importance are reports concerning enemy sightings, which suggest ventures against the coast.  They are to be submitted immediately even with full commitment of the boat.
				5)  Encounter with Finnish U-boats is possible even in the operations area, notification is not always guaranteed.
				F.d.U.-Mitte
		to 3)	I believe the Radio Message report at the beginning or end of archipelago transit is not advisable.  The distances are so short that the boat will certainly have bearings taken immediately and probably aircraft will be drawn to it in the shortest time.  In the archipelago there is no maneuverability whatsoever.  The same applies to surfacing to report.
				Reported to M.V.O. Finnflotte in Hamina.  Presentation to Finnish Flottenchef.
				Inspection of planned berth for 3 boats.
				In the evening consultation with 9. S.D.
			Findings:  Local conditions and difficulties were not apparent to F.d.U. in Kiel.  Therefore suggested to 9. S.D.:  Apply for a suitable U-boat Officer as an advisor A 1.  Operational subordination 9.S.D., who has most experience in the operations area.
		09.07.44	Helsinki
		05.00		Incoming Radio Message:  2105/8/0125:  Boats in the Gulf of Finland.
				Boats are immediately operationally subordinated to 9. Sicherungsdivision.  All further orders by 9. Sich.Div..  Radio control remains F.d.U.-Mitte.    F.d.U.-Mitte.
		10.07.44	Helsinki
		20.10		Incoming Radio Message 1922/10/0187:  In sea area east  of "Seeigel" north of 60°10'N own surface warships are always to be expected.  U-boats are free to shoot only on perfectly recognized as enemy surface warships.     9. Sich. Div.
			So almost the same as a shooting ban!
		11.07.44	Helsinki
		04.05		Outbound transit by archipelago area to meeting point with U-Roth.  Handover and relief in Oberhausenbucht.
		12.00	141 B 51	Hospital ship conveyed telephone Orders M.V.O. Finnflotte, to be at Kotka Roadstead at 21.00 hours.
			SW 1, Sea 1, misty, 3/10, 1000 mb, +23°C
				Purpose:  take over of M.V.O. and Liaison-Officer.
		16.00	141 B 51
			SW 1, Sea 1, 3/10, 1000 mb, +23°C, Vis. moderate
		20.00	141 B 36
			S 2, Sea 1, hazy, 8/10, 1000 mb, +20°C

	Sun and Moon Data 08.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 11.07.44

	- 4 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		continued
		11.07.44
		21.25	Kotka Roadstead	M.V.O. taken over, continued to Grandhotel.
		23.31	142 A 25	Made fast Grand Hotel.  In readiness.
		12.07.44	Grand Hotel
		16.15		Incoming Radio Message: 1439/12/0139:
				Stoeffler.  On 12 July at 23.30 hours wait on Andersen at Pitkäpaasi.  After his passing depart without escort to position in square 143 A 3.  For 13 July arrange to meet with Guse with position and time relief and report.  9. Sich. Div.
		19.00		Incoming Radio Message:  1655/12/0142:  Use of T V in position in square 143 A 3 forbidden.
		20.00	Grand Hotel	Departed.
		20.25 to 20.45	142 A 25	Trim test.
		20.55	142 A 25	"Aircraft" 3 fighter aircraft, apparently "LaGG".  Fin yellow, nationality not recognizable, flew at the lower limit of the clouds from post astern to abeam to port, initially turned towards the boat, however then turned away and flew off snaking to the southeast.
		23.00	142 B 34	Met Andersen.
		13.07.44
		00.48	143 A 23	Dived.  Risteniemi bears 257°T, 1.2 nm away.
		01.45	143 A 3	Arrived in the operations area.
			ENE 4, Sea 3, 8-10/10, Vis. 2-3 nm, at times rain
		12.00	143 A 31	Day's run:  38 nm,   9 nm = 47 nm.
		20.41	143 A 23	Left the operations area.  No particular events.
			Situation in operations area:  About 08.00 increasing visibility improvement to 10-15 nm in all directions.  Wind E 4, Sea 3, cloudiness decreasing to 2/10.  Around evening abating to 2-3, Sea 1-2.
			Constantly 1-2 patrol vessels (VMV II) in 143 A 33 lower-left corner, which ran off to the ESE at 03.30 and 20.00 hours and after about 3/4 hour came back again, or werer replaced by another.  1 patrol vessel (VMV III) in 143 A 33 upper-left.  A further patrol vessel continually in 143 A 36 center-right edge.  At times 1-2 patrol vessels in transit to and from the direction of Tuppuransaari.  Between 13.00 and 19.00 hours 2 magnetic mine sweepers (tugs with sweeping barges) between 168 C 98 and 143 A 36 back and forth.
		21.41	145 A 23	Surfaced.
		23.00	142 B 34	Met Guse.
		14.07.44	Grand Hotel	Made fast.  In readiness.
		01.45
		15.07.44	Grand Hotel
		01.15		Incoming Radio Message 2211/14/0105:  In and outbound reports fall in the future with scheduled relief.  Short report only with new occurrences, for Leadership.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 12.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 13.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 14.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 15.07.44

	-5 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		continued
		15.07.44	Grand Hotel
		16.00		Incoming Radio Message: 1355/15/0137:  Stoeffler.  As agreed, relieve "Sons" in Bengalen.  Guse will be at meeting point south of Pitkäpaasi on 16 July at 24.00 hours.  Trinidad remains unoccupied.    9. Sich. Div.
		21.05		Incoming Radio Message: 2036/15/0140:  - S - for T V-operations are ordered:  1.)  No use in water depths less than 30 meters, 2.)  No use in the direction of shallow water, if the 20-meter line is not more than 5 nm away.    9. Sich. Div.
		21.52		Departed.
		22.14 - 22.30	142 A 25	Trim test.
		24.00	142 B 34	Met Sons.  Nothing particular events.
		16.07.44
		00.43	142 B 36	Dived.  Proceeded submerged to "Bengalen".
		04.00	143 A 41
			ESE 2, Sea 1-2, 8/10, Vis. good
		05.50		Incoming Radio Message: 0215/16/0155:  Kr Kr.  Stoeffler.
				1 Fuga 1 nm east of Narvi damaged.  Sink it.  4 own M-Boote are also approaching.
				Pursued at GF.
		05.55		Incoming Radio Message: 0249/16/0156:  Kr Kr.  Stoffler.
				Further own warships approaching from Route 81. 9. Sich. Div.
		06.05		Incoming Radio Message:  0330/16/0157:  Kr Kr.  Stoeffler.
				No own warships in operations area until 07.00 hours.  Continuously occupy Very long Wavelength.    9. Sich. Div.
		06.55		2 mastheads in sight bearing 178°T.  To Action Stations.
		07.22	On closing it turns out that both are watch motor boats.  Nothing seen far and wide of the reported Fuga. Far to the south there is a light fog bank.  Possibly he has hidden behind it.  At Narvi all is peaceful.  One of the VMV had a cannon on the afterdeck with a protective shield assembled.  Caliber about 7.5 - 10.5, as far as could be estimated through the periscope.  Secured from Action Stations !
		08.00	143 C 11
			ESE 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good
		12.00	143 C 18	Day's run:  26.2 nm,   21.0 nm = 47.2 nm.
			ESE 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good
		14.20		In 143 C 54 8 patrol vessels sighted at hight speed, running on westsouthwesterly courses.
		16.00	143 C 25
			N 3-4, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good
		17.00	143 C 11	Off Navi 3 patrol vessels.
			Positioned back and forth seen in detail from 400-600 meters range.  Pity, that we cannot kock them off.  After all, they should be worth a torpedo.  Length about 25-30 meters.  2-3 4.5-cm and 3 2-cm cannons.
			The listening conditions are miserable.  When a patrol vessel went 600 meters ahead of me at high speed, absolutely nothing was heard in the listening gear.
		20.00	143 A 71
			WNW 3-4
			5/10, Vis. very good

	Sun and Moon Data 15.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 16.07.44

	- 6 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		continued
		16.07.44
		23.25	142 B 36	Surfaced.
		24.00	142 B 33	Met Guse.  Began return transit.
			NW 2-3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1011 mb, +18°C
		17.07.44
		02.44	Grand Hotel	Made fast.  Remaining day's run 23.4 nm, 27.1 nm = 50.5 nm.
				Immediate readiness.
		18.07.44	Grand Hotel	Immediate readiness.
		17.10		Incoming Radio Message 1505/18/0101:  Stoeffler.  Today 23.30 hours to relieve "Sons" be one half nautical mile northeast of Ristniemi.  To cover and take in Sons 2 AAF positioned there.  Relief by "Nielsen" 20 July - 00.30 hours anticipated.    9.Sich.Div.
		17.40		Incoming Radio Message 1517/18/0103:  In area Benalgen attack all perfectly identified enemy targets down to watch boats.  In Trinidad the main task remains observing.  There attack free on Fugas and Noskvas.    9. Sich. Div.
			Well finally!  At least the visit of the F.d.U.-Mitte worthwhile for us.
		19.36		Incoming Radio Message:  1700/18/0107:  All boats.
				From area Trinidad report recognized landing intentions, or strong ship gatherings immediately by about 10 second long sending of the letter A.  Boats without rod antenna shortly before or after blowing.  All land stations acknowledge by repeating A with receiving radio call sign.
				9. Sich.Div.
		20.40		Departed.
		23.50	143 A 23	Dived.  Outbound transit to Trinidad
		24.00	143 A 25
			SWbyW 2, Sea 1, 5/10, 1015 mb, Vis. good
		19.07.44		Continual twilight !
		01.50	143 A 32	Two patrol vessels.  (type VMV II)
		04.00	143 A 32
			SSW 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 10 nm
		08.00	143 A 33
			SSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 6/10, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	143 A 32	In operations area.  No particular events.
				Day's run 36.8 nm,   12.2 nm = 49.0 nm.
		16.00	143 A 33
			SW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	143 A 32
			WSW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. 6 nm
		21.05		Incoming Radio Message 1212/19/0131:  "Trinidad" boats.  Patrol vessel M-104 is positioned at "Ruonti" position , for the enemy an important radio monitoring site, free to kill.
				9. Sich.Div.
			Ran after at 2 x HF.  During the day at Rüonti I have not seen one patrol vessel, if he is there, then he must lie disguised directly at land.  Possibly at the beginning of darkness he will move away from the island.
			Made and arch around the island, searched until darkness.  Nothing seen.  Began return transit.  Due to strong current offset left the operations are south of Ristniemi.  Due to

	Sun and Moon Data 16.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 17.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 19.07.44

	- 7 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		continued
		19.07.44
			increasing darkness and cloudiness I must lay on the bottom south-southwest of Ristnieme, because I can no longer see the lighthouse at 1 nm.  Because of that navigation is impossible.
		23.54	143 A 22	Boat lay on the bottom in 12 meters.
		20.07.44
		02.00 to 02.15		Area off Ristniemi was taken under artillery fire from the Russians (caliber 15 cm).
		02.41	143 A 22	Surfaced.  Moved off at GF.
		02.48	143 A 21	"Aircraft"  A two-engined Iwan wants to engage us.  After a few shots from the 3.7 cm and more from the 2 cm twins he turns away and flies in the direction if Koivisten.
		02.54
		02.58		Outgoing Radio Message 0216/20/0162:  Specified one not spotted. Probably lays camouflaged under land.  Otherwise noticeably weak patrols.  1-2 boats and 1 mine clearing tug in Trinidad right.    Stoeffler
		04.00	142 B 1
			WNW 2, Sea 1, 5/10, 1007 mb, +17.5°C, Vis. 20 nm, rain showers
		05.43	Grand Hotel	Made fast. Remaining day's run    17.9 nm   58.3 nm = 56.2 nm. Immediate readiness.
		21.07.44	Grand Hotel	Immediate readiness.
		15.31		Incoming Radio Message:  1459/21/0106:  Stoeffler.
				Today 23.30 hours be at Pitkäpaasi.  Relief there 22 July 23.00 hours by Nielsen anticipated.    9.Sich. Div.
		20.53		Departed.
		23.30	142 B 37	Met Breckwoldt.
		23.59	142 B 39	Dived.  Transit to Bengale.
			SE 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1010 mb, +17°C
		22.07.44
		04.00	143 A 45
			SSE 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 15 nm
		08.00	143 A 77	07.40 hours 4 aircraft easterly course.
			ESE 4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	143 C 11	Day's run   15 nm,   25 nm = 40 nm.
			ESE 4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. 15 nm
		12.25	143 C 11	Smoke cloud bearing 60°T.  Bearing steady.  Closed at high speed.
		13.02	143 C 21	Determined that the smoke cloud is over land and was in the direction of Koivisto.
		16.00	143 C 12
			EbyS 4, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	143 A 71
			EbyS 2, Sea 2, 9/10, Vis. 15 nm
		22.28	143 A 14	Surfaced.  In operations area no patrol vessels, no particular events.
		22.40	142 B 35	Nielsen met, began return transit.
		23.45	142 B 18	Star shells observed in the south.
		24.00	142 B 17
			SEbyE 3, 2, 5/10, 1007 mb, +18°C, Vis. 15 nm
		23.07.44
		01.01		Beginning of twilight.
		01.23	Grand Hotel	Made fast.  Immediate readiness.
		23.27	"	Beginning of twilight.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 20.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 21.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 22.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 23.07.44

	- 8 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		24.07.44
		00.32		Beginning of twilight.
		12.00	Grand Hotel	Immediate readiness.  No particular events.
		20.00	"	Departed.
				Departed without orders because it is anticipated that I should relieve Breckwoldt this evening for Trinidad.
		22.48	143 A 15	Incoming Radio Message: 2150/24/0105:  Stoeffler.  Task south exit of Koiviston Sound.  Between Kiuskeri and Hali to the southeast.  Dive and arrive so that position 143 D 2 and 3 can be occupied from midnight.  Return transit at own discretion.  Report experience by Radio Message.
				9. Sich.Div.
			The late sending of the Radio Message is incomprehensible.  I can not comply in a timely manor, when I am only 3 nm from Pien Kalastaja. I would have to have been in Grand Hotel.
			But I am glad to receive the task which I had wanted from 9. Sich.Div., according to Finish reports a part of the traffic from Lavansaari goes to Koiviskto.
		23.19		Beginning of twilight.
		24.00	143 A 94
			NNW 5, Sea 4, 7/10, 1005 mb, +16C, Vis. 15 nm
		25.07.44
		00.33	143 C 33	Dived.
		00.52		Beginning of twilight.
		04.00	143 D 13
			NNW 5-6, Sea 4-5, 9/10, Vis. 15 nm
		07.25	143 D 61	A patrol vessel on northwesterly course (VMV II).
		08.00	143 D 25
			NNW 5, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	143 D 23	No particular events.  Day's run   21.3 nm   53.3 nm = 74.6 nm.
			NW 5, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. 20 nm
		14.40	143 D 22	A patrol vessel (VMV III) headed south.
		16.00	143 B 89
			NW 4, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	143 D 31
			NNW 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. 20 nm
		23.12		Beginning of twilight.
		24.00	143 D 23	Did not surface, because it is too bright, to avoid being seen from Narvi or Koivussaari.
			NW 4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. 20 nm
		26.07.44
		00.40		Beginning of twilight.
		04.00	143 D 31	4 patrol vessels at position.
			NW 4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. 20 nm
		08.00	143 B 89
			WNW 4, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. 20 nm
		09.41		From Seiskari a vessel comes in the direction of Seivastö.  Operated on it.  It turned out to be a tug with a tow.  Ran into Tammiko.
		12.00	143 D 23	No particular events.  The large ships don't come.
			NW 5, Sea 4, 3/10, Vis. 20 nm	Day's run   20.2 nm
		16.00	143 D 21
			NW 4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	143 C 33
			NNW 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. 20 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 24.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 26.07.44

	- 9 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		continued
		26.07.44
		20.00	143 C 33	Set off to the west to surface.
			NNW 3, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. 20 nm
		22.54		Beginning of twilight.
		22.52	143 C 26	Surfaced.  Boat ventilated and charges.  Dived time 46 hours 19 minutes.
				In the west and southwest anti-aircraft fire, star shells various flares.
			Because the opportunity is favorable, I'll stay one more day, perhaps there will be another worthwhile target.  The crew is in good spirits despite the cold (water temperature +4°C) and bad air.  CO2 content had risen to 3.5%.
		24.00	143 C 26
			NNW 3-4, Sea 3, 2/10, 1020 mb, +15°C, Vis. 20 nm
		27.07.44
		00.45	143 C 26	Dived.
		00.49		Beginning of twilight.
		04.00	143 C 33
			NNW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 15 nm
		08.00	143 D 13
			NW 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 20 nm
		12.00	143 D 22	Day's run   31.9 nm .  No particular events.  One patrol vessel in 143 D 26.
			NW 1-2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 20 nm
		16.00	143 B 89
			NW 1, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	143 D 25	5 very small vessels and 2 patrol vessels headed south at high speed.
			NW 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 10 nm
		22.46		Beginning of twilight.
		24.00	143 D 26
			NW 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 6-7 nm
			I decide, to begin the return transit in the early morning hours.  After no larger unit was seen, now at least I want to send a patrol vessel to the bottom.
		28.07.44
	+	00.53		Beginning of twilight.
		03.18	60°12.5'N	Torpedo shot on patrol vessel type VMV II (three 4.5 cm two 2 cm and a few light machine guns).
			28°45.8'E
			N 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 15 nm	Shooting data:
				Target speed = 0, target angle right 90°, range = 500 meters, depth 0.5 meters, MZ on.  Torpedo:  T IIIa.
			After 36 seconds hit in aftership observed, detonation heard.  Torpedo ran perfectly, without broaching.  Stern torn away.  Aftership immediately up to the bridge in the water.  Due to the approach of two other patrol vessels to the shooting location, retracted the periscope, ran off athwart the attack course.  After further observation both patrol vessels lie stopped at the sinking location and pick up survivors.  Gave up a stern shot because the tube was loaded with "T V" and preconditions for this operations area are as for Trinidad.  While turning for a bow shot the patrol vessels ran off.  No defense.  Moved off.
	+	01.35	To Action Stations.
			Was quite a game of patience, as the enemy constantly swung at anchor.  Had to come to a new attack course four times.
		04.00	143 D 24
			NE 5, Sea 4, 3/10, Vis. 15 nm
		08.00	143 C 31
			NE 4, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. 15 nm
		11.21	143 A 76	Surfaced.  3 patrol vessels off Narvi.  Remained on the surface, to draw them to me.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 27.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 28.07.44

	- 10 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		continued
		28.07.44
		11.30	143 A 73	Dived for 4 aircraft coming from the west via Narvi.
		12.00	143 A 72	Day's run   42.9 nm   1.5 nm = 44.4 nm.
			NEbyN 4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. 20 nm
		14.34	143 A 17	Surfaced.  Moved off at GF into the archipelago.
		16.00	142 A 39
			NEbyE 5-6, Sea 4, 2/10, Vis. 20 nm
		17.00	Grand Hotel	Made fast.  Immediate readiness.  Remaining day's run   1.4 nm   27.6 nm = 29.0 nm.
			Focal point situation for the duration of the Koiviston South patrol:  Square 143 B 89, 97.  143 D 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31, 34, 37.  Weak patrol activity.  At times patrol vessels coming from the SW for the Sound.  No traffic observed.  In operations area water temperature +4°C.  Water layers very strong and changing in a short time between 1.3 and 5.0.  Listening conditions quite good.  Possibilities for navigation checks are good, even at night, because there is sufficient illumination.  Continual position checks are necessary because there are irregular frequent current offsets.  One patrol vessel each always in 143 D 21, 32/35 and 39.  Advance east of 29 or south to Schepel definitely possible.
		29.07.44
		05.45	Grand Hotel	Departed.  Transit via Esplanade to Helsinki.
		12.00	Boistö
		16.00	Helsinki	Made fast south harbor.  Reported to 9. Sich.Div.
		30.07.44	Helsinki	Immediate readiness.
		31.07.44	Helsinki	Immediate readiness.
		17.35	"	Departed for Narwa patrol in accordance with Orders for U-boats in the Nara patrol and Supplemental Orders (9.S.D. Gkdos 837 AIU and II.Ang.)
		19.06		Check fired anti-aircraft weapons.
			With the assistance of a pilot headed for Boistö
		22.55	Hospital ship "OBERHAUSEN" disembarked patients.
		24.00	141 B 94
			NNW 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10, 1021 mb, +18°C, Vis. 6 nm
		01.08.44
		02.09		Beginning of twilight.
		04.00	118 C 45
			SEbyE 1, Sea 1, 1/10, 1021 mb, +17.5°C, Vis. 6 nm
		03.28	118 C 45	Dived. Outbound transit to ordered position.
		08.00	118 C 82
			Calm, 1/10, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00	118 C 45	Day's run   147.8 nm     13.1 nm = 160.9 nm.  No particular events.
			N 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, Vis. 10 nm
				10.45 hours 118 C 82 surfaced.  No enemy sighted.
		16.00	118 C 71	11.54 hours 118 C 58 dived for aircraft.
			SSW 0-1, 2/10, Vis. 8 nm
		20.00	118 C 47	Surfaced.
			Calm, misty
		20.37	118 C 47	Dived.  Nothing seen of the enemy.
		22.25		Beginning of twilight.
		23.57	118 C 46	Surfaced.
		24.00	118 C 46
			NE 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, 1020 mb, +16°C, misty

	Sun and Moon Data 28.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 29.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 31.07.44
	Sun and Moon Data 01.08.44

	- 11 -
		19.44	Gulf of Finland
		02.08.44
		01.58	118 C 46	"Aircraft". Was attacked by 2 aircraft - one a single engine and one a 2-engined land-based aircraft.  Aircraft attacked with bomb series and onboard weapons.  The two-engined showed a faint white light on both sides of the canopy.  Aircraft must have seen us against the bright northern horizon.  We did not recognize the aircraft in a timely manor, instead first when they fired their onboard weapons and when overflown.  They attacked from ahead on the diagonal.  One bomb series lay very acurately - 20 meters to port and 30 meters to starboard.  Altitude between 50 and 100 meters.
			NE 1, Sea 0, 2/10, 1020 mb, +15°C, Vis. 7 nm
		02.11		Aircraft forced off.
		02.12	118 C 84	Crash dive.  No further bombs.  No damage, no failures.
			Frequent anti-aircraft exercises by night showed good results.  The men were calm.  It worked like clockwork.  The Chief Engineer, Control Room Mate and one man, served as ammunition men in the Control Room to avoid crowding the Control Room. This proved very well.
		04.00	118 C 49
		08.00	118 C 41
		12.00	118 C 44	Day's run   18.2 nm   14.5 nm = 32.7 nm.  No particular events.
		13.50	118 C 45	Surfaced.
			NW 1, Sea 1, 3/10, 1020 mb, +18°C, Vis. 20 nm	Due to the danger of surprise aircraft attack by night, in good weather surfaced duriung the day.
		14.34	118 C 49	Dived for 3 aircraft.  Was not sighted by the enemy.
		16.00	118 C 61
		20.00	118 C 83
		22.12		Beginning of twilight.
		23.48	118 C 82	Surfaced.
		24.00	118 C 73
			W 2, Sea 1, 3/10, 1020 mb, +16°C, Vis. 10 nm
		03.08.44
		00.01	118 C 73	Dived.
		02.14		Beginning of twilight.
		04.00	118 C 45
			ENE 5, Sea 4, 4/10, Vis. 15 nm
		04.48	118 C 42	Surfaced.
		04.57	"	"Aircraft".  2 aircraft, two-engined, twin tailed.
		05.02		Aircraft out maneuvered.  No enemy sightings.
		05.17	118 C 41	Dived.
		08.00	118 C 44
			NEbyE 5, Sea 4-5, 10/10, Vis. 15 nm
		10.56	118 C 48	Surfaced.  Nothing to see of the enemy.  In the water drift small pieces of wreckage and mine sweeping gear buoys.
		11.21	118 C 48	Dived.
		12.00	118 C 46	Day's run   22.2 nm   7.1 nm = 29.3 nm.  No particular events.
			NE 5, Sea 4, cloud gaps, Vis. 15 nm
				No further reception on Very Long Wavelengths.
		16.00	118 C 82
			NE 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 20 nm
		19.15	118 C 83	Surfaced. No enemy sightings.
		19.32	118 C 83	Dived for several aircraft.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.08.44

	- 12 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		continued
		03.08.44
		20.00	118 C 83
			NNE 3, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. 20 nm
		22.16		Beginning of twilight.
		24.00	NEbyE 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. 15 nm
		04.08.44
		02.21		Beginning of twilight.
		02.23	118 C 17	Surfaced.  Nothing to see of the enemy.
		03.38	118 C 11	Dived for 4 aircraft (2-engined).
		04.00	118 C 11
			NE 3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 15 nm
		08.00	118 C 17
			NE 3, Sea 2-3, 7/10, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00	118 C 42	Day's run   27.8 nm   10.5 nm = 38.3 nm.  No particular events.  No enemy sightings.
			NNE 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 20 nm
		16.00	118 C 47
			NEbyE 1, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. 20 nm
		16.23	118 C 72	Surfaced. Nothing to see of the enemy.
		16.45	118 C 72	Dived for 2 fighters.
		20.00	118 C 46	Surfaced.  Because-since 3 August there has been no Very Long Wavelength reception . . .
			WSW 1, Sea 1, 8/10
		20.19		Outgoing Radio Message:  1950/4/0165:  9.Sich.Div.
				Request orders today 23.30 hours.  Last Serial No. 0129.
				Stoeffler
		20.24	118 C 18	Dived.
		22.09		Beginning of twilight.
		23.28	118 C 14	Surfaced.
		23.49	"	Dived.  Set off to the northern part from Position 4, to be able to charge properly.
		24.00	118 C 14
			Confused 1, Sea 0-1, cloud gaps, Vis. 5-7 nm
		05.08.44
		00.10		Incoming Radio Message:  2243/4/0167:  Stoeffler - Breckwoldt.   4 August 24.00 hours be at Point 16 on Route Violet for relief.  Stoeffler go to Esplanade.  Confirm Radio Message.    9. S.D.
		02.18		Beginning of twilight.
			Can no longer meet Breckwoldt on time, because I am too far to the north.  Gave up going to the relief point.
		03.28	117 B 66	Surfaced.  Began return transit.
		03.41		Outgoing Radio Message 0257/5/0175:  To Radio Message 1541/4/0157:  Breckwoldt not met, because point cannot be reached on time.  Have begun return transit.  Request return to Helsinki require assistance for bearing casting for the main clutch release sleeve.    Stoeffler
		04.00	117 B 35
			NNW 2, Sea 1, 9/10, 1020 mb, +14.5°C, Vis. 20 nm
		04.30		Incoming Radio Message:  0414/5/0176:  Stoeffler.  Temporarily Go to Esplanade.    9.S.D.
		06.20		Stayed at Esplanade.  Immediate readiness.
				Attempt repairs with Hospital Ship OBERHAUSEN.  Also not possible there.  Used shipyard assistance in Kotka.  Bearing was poured there immediately the shipyard worked until night.  Boat was fully operational again the next morning.
		06.08.44	Esplanade	Immediate readiness.  No particular events.

	Sun and Moon Data 03.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.08.44

	- 13 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		07.08.44	Esplanade	Immediate readiness.  No particular events.
		08.08.44	Esplanade	Immediate readiness.  Evening Kommandant toppled from the berth.  Sent to the Hospital Ship with a bruised rib.
		09. - 13.08.44	Esplanade	No particular events.
		14.08.44	Esplanade	Immediate readiness.  Kommandant fully operational again.  No particular events.
		15.08.44	Esplanade	Immediate readiness.  No particular events.
		16.08.44	Esplanade	Immediate readiness.  No particular events.
		15.45		Incoming Radio Message 1145/16/0171: Urgent  Stoeffler.  Depart for operations area Schepel 29°E, 60°N 3 nm to the east and west on 18 August anticipated.  Depart on Route 28 x so that the boat passes Ulkotammio lighthouse about 21.30 hours. Lighthouse manned from 21.00 hours to 23.00 hours.    continued . . .
		16.19		Outgoing Radio Message 1545/16/0176:  Urgent  9.Sich.Div.  Route 28 x unknown.  Request send.
				Stoeffler
		18.35		Incoming Radio Message: Continuation:  1205/16/0172:  Transit via 143 D 26.  Return transit 18 August evening on outbound route anticipated.  Attempt to ventilate at night from 17/18 August to be able to transmit.  Do not be seen.  On outbound transit experience exchange with Nielsen in Grand Hotel.  Report ready by Short Signal "Yes".
				9. Sich.Div.
		18.40		Incoming Radio Message 1647/16/0177:  Kr Kr.  Stoeffler  Positions for Route 28 x.
		19.00	Esplanade	Departed.
		20.00	142 A 5
		21.40	Grand Hotel	Made fast.  Experience exchange with Nielsen and Blaudow.
		22.43	"	Cast off.
		21.33		Beginning of twilight.
		24.00	142 A 64
			SSW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, 1017 mb, +13°C, Vis. 1 nm at times decreasing to 50 meters in rain showers
		17.08.44
		00.17 - 00.24		Grounded four times.  Lightly slipped over rocks on the keel.
			The night is completely black with rain.  Visibility sometimes decreasing to 50 meters.  Proceeding in the archipelago is impossible.  After grounding illuminated the area by searchlight.  Determined that the boat lay 30-40 meters alongside a 25-meter high rock.  Despite combat night lookout not recognized.  Thereupon archipelago transit and departure given up.  Returned to Grand Hotel.
		01.52	Grand Hotel	Made fast.
			Want to attempt to depart in the morning.
		03.05		Beginning of twilight.
		03.46	Grand Hotel	Departed.
			A short time later is suddenly breaks up and was abruptly bright.  Visibility improved to 15-20 nm.  Departure hopeless.  Postponed for 24 hours.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 17.08.44

	- 14 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		continued
		17.08.44
		20.00	Grand Hotel	Departed.
		20.06	"	Outgoing Radio Message ßß  2006/17/0109:   Have started as planned.    U-475
		21.24		Beginning of twilight.
		22.38	142 B 97	Dived.
		24.00	142 B 96
			SW 2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. 10 nm
		18.08.44
		01.45	143 A 76	Surfaced.
		02.33	143 C 34	Dived.
			Because there was no navigation fix and Barrier "Brummbär 2" must be in the immediate vicinity, put the boat on the bottom until the beginning of lightness.
		03.07		Beginning of twilight.
		04.25	143 C 35	Raised the boat from the bottom.  Proceeded submerged.
		08.00	143 C 33
			S 5, Sea 4, cloud gaps, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00	143 D 28	Day's run:  36.8 nm,   21.6 nm = 58.4 nm.   One patrol vessel in 143 D 29.  Otherwise no particular events.
		16.00	143 D 62
		17.30		In 143 D 31 one steamer and 6 torpedo boats in sight on southerly course. (confusion with Fugas possible)
		18.24		Attempted without success, to send a radio report concerning the enemy sighting.  Nothing heard from Control.
		20.00	144 C 77
			WNW 4, Sea 3, cloud gaps, Vis. 15 nm
		23.37	143 D 96	Surfaced.
		21.09		Beginning of twilight.
		23.48		Outgoing Radio Message 2310/18/0157:  Kr Kr.  6 torpedo boats, type Malli No. 116 and one steamer 16.30 hours Seivästö passed to the south.
		24.00	143 D 96
			SWbyW 3, Sea 2, misty, 10/10, Vis. 1.5 nm
		19.08.44
		01.07	143 D 93	Dived.
		04.00	144 C 71
			SW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, Vis. 2 nm
		08.00	144 C 77
			WSW 2, Sea 1, 10/10, Vis. 2 nm
		11.50	144 C 78	Mine search boats "PREZ. SMETONA" and "VIRSAITIS" in sight.  Came directly under land about 2 nm west of Schepel and ran in position to a red buoy.  Range = 2600 meters.
		11.56		To Action Stations.  Boats connect gear, or each deploys individual gear.  Not exactly recognized.
		12.00	144 C 97	Day's run   28.3 nm   0.3 nm = 28.6 nm.
			Calm, Sea 0, 1/10, Vis. 2.5 nm
		12.02		Boats run off on westerly course.
				Followed.  Boats now change course continually.  When plotted the result is a pentagon.  Always came to new attack courses.  Was foiled every time.  Finally, the boats left to the east.  I'm positioned exactly behind them now

	Sun and Moon Data 17.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 18.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 19.08.44

	- 15 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		19.08.44
		13.24		Shot from tube III.  Torpedo type " TV ".  Steering NS, target speed 0°, target angle 180°, depth 4 meters, range = 2000 meters.
			No hit, no detonation.  Boats stopped multiple times after the shot, at times very strong propeller sounds similar to noise buoy heard over the entire scale, even long after they passed out of sight.  I do not believe that the torpedo could have been heard.
		16.00	144 C 77
			Calm, Sea 0, 1/10, Vis. 1 nm, fog
		17.35		Sound bearing 270°T, shifting ahead.
				Pursued.  Nothing seen with the fog.
		17.45		Sound bearing shifted astern.
				Came to opposite course.
		17.50	144 C 74	At the limit of visibility, range about 2500 meters, 6 T-Boote or Fugas in sight in line ahead formation on an easterly course.
				In fog only shadows recognized.  Rough estimate 16 knots.
		17.53		Shot from tube III.  Torpedo type " T V ".  Steering WS, depth 4 meters, target speed 14 knots, target angle left 108°, range = 2000 meters.  Aim point stern of the first boat proceeding in line ahead at an interval of 3 about boat lengths.  No hit, no detonation.
			Assumption:  Miss due to underestimating speed.  No experience concerning Lachs. [presumably the type of vessel]   Boats showed no defensive maneuvering, instead-proceeded on calmly.  Mood:  one of disappointment.
			Afterwards considered if a 3-fan would have led to success.  Unlikely, due to time shortage due to the bad visibility the shot would have to be made with only approximate data, so in my view the TV was preferable.  The crew displayed a good attitude despite the two failures.  Was not discouraged. Trusted in the next opportunity.
		20.00	143 D 93	21.05 hours beginning of twilight.
			Calm, Sea 0, 3/10, Vis. 2 nm
		17.58		Incoming Radio Message:  1145/19/0166:  Urgent  U-Stoeffler.  Night of 19/20 run in on Route 28 without escort.  Supplemental for MVO Finnish Flotte:  Measure "Ulkotammio" requested. 9. Sich.Div.
			Time and battery-wise no longer possible.  However, with the bad visibility I can charge well and would like to remain as long as possible.  Why am I not left to determine the return time based on the situation?  Because in this area is still something left to knock off!
		23.38	143 D 69	Surfaced.
		23.58		Outgoing Radio Message:  2330/19/0181:  9. Sich.Div.  To Serial No. 0166:  Arrival first on possible 21 August at early twilight.  Request Ulkotammio from 01.00 hours.  Today 18.00 hours 6 T-Boote Schepel on easterly course.
				Stoeffler
		24.00	143 D 69
			SbyE 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10, 1016 mb, Vis. 2 nm

Sun and Moon Data 19.08.44

	- 16 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		20.08.44
		01.10	144 C 47	Dived.
		04.00	144 C 47
		03.11		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	144 C 71
			SSW 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. 2-3 nm
		12.00	144 C 78	Day's run   15.0 nm   2.5 nm = 17.5 nm.  No particular events.
			Calm, Sea 0, 1/10, Vis. 2 nm
		13.10		Began return transit.
		16.00	143 D 62	In the course of the afternoon depth charge detonations heard several times, some in the direction of Koivisten Sound, some in the direction of Bengalen.
			Calm, Sea 0, 1/10, Vis. 1.5 nm
		20.00	143 D 15
			Calm, Sea 0, 4/10, Vis. 2 nm
		21.11		Beginning of twilight.
		22.49	143 A 89	Surfaced.
		24.00	142 B 97
			Calm, Sea 0, 5/10, Vis. 1-2 nm
		21.08.44
		00.18	142 B 97	Crash dive for searchlight off Narvi.
		03.21	142 B 79	Surfaced.
		03.26		Beginning of twilight.
		04.00	142 B 77
		06.10	Grand Hotel	Made fast.  Immediate readiness.
		15.13	"	Departed.
		17.50	Esplanade	Made fast.  Immediate readiness.  No particular events.
		22.- 24.08.44	Esplanade	Immediate readiness.  No particular events.
		25.08.44	Esplanade	Immediate readiness.  No particular events.
		15.22		Incoming Radio Message:  1150/25/0118:
		15.38		1158/25/0119:  Urgent
				1)  Panke night of 25/26 August return on Route 28 x.  Advantageous at lightness in the archipelago.
				2)  Stoeffler when it gets dark depart on Route 28 x and then south of Narvi via 43 D 11 into operations area Schepel 60°N 29°E 3 nm to the east and west.
				3)  Breckwoldt when it gets dark on same route go into square 43 D 23 and 25.
				4)  MVO Finnish Flotte order measures.
				5)  East of Seeigel attack on U-boats prohibited.
			Because from experience Russian patrol vessels lie in position southeast of Narvi, I believe breaking through north of Narvi is favorable.  I have always used this route, Panke is departing on the same route.  Request approval to break through to the north by Radio Message.  Was denied.  Had to break through to the south.
		18.10	Esplanade	Departed.
		20.00	142 A 55
			SW 3, Sea 1-2, 2/10, 1030 mb, +19°C, Vis. 20 nm
		20.57		Beginning of twilight.
		21.44	142 D 21	Dived for searchlight from Narvi.
		22.30	143 D 22	Surfaced.
		22.56	142 D 34	Dived due to good visibility and searchlight play at Narvi, Someri, Suursauri, Lavansaari, Seiskari, Keitist and Kotka.
		24.00	142 D 35

	Sun and Moon Data 20.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 21.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 25.08.44

	- 17 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		26.08.44
		00.46		Several detonations in the direct vicinity.  As later established by Radio Message was shot at by artillery at Narvi.
		02.29	143 C 16	Surfaced.
		03.05	143 C 31	Dived.
		03.31		Beginning of twilight.
		04.00	143 C 31
			SW 3, Sea 2, 1/10, Vis. 15 nm
		08.00	143 D 15
			WSW 4-5, Sea 3-4, 1/10, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00	143 D 52	Day's run:  44.5 nm,   27.3 nm = 71.8 nm.  No particular events.
			WSW 5, Sea 4, 1/10, Vis. 20 nm
		16.00	143 D 63	With the very good visibility passed Koiviston Sound and Seivästö.  No enemy sightings, also no patrol vessels.
			SSW 4, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. 20 nm
		20.00	144 C 71	Visibility gradually decreases.
			SWbyW 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. 5-7 nm
		20.39		Beginning of twilight. Put the boat on the bottom.
				Waited for darkness in order to charge.
		23.30	144 C 71	Raised the boat from the bottom.
		24.00	144 C 71
			W 3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. 2 nm
		27.08.44
		00.10	144 C 71	Surfaced.
		01.00	144 C 71	Dived.  Put the boat on the bottom again, to await twilight.
		03.39		Beginning of twilight.
		04.00	144 C 71
			WNW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. 3 nm
		08.00	144 C 77
			NW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. 2 nm
		09.50	in 120 S 12	Patrol vessel with changing speed settings and courses coming from the west close under land.
		12.00	143 C 95	Day's run   19.0 nm.  No particular events.
			NW 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 2 nm
		12.30	in 143 C 77	2 patrol vessels on westerly course.
			They cruised in large legs via 60°N.  Many crew members on deck, about 15 men on each boat.  In the G.H.G. sounds similar to E-sounding mixed with faint chirps. At times firecracker sounds.  Assumption:  U-boat hunting group.  Showed a sharp silhouette.  Was not detected.
		13.20	The visibility was somewhat better.  As a result, I believe I will not be able to charge tonight.  As things stand, even at the moment when everything is stirred up because "Panke" has knocked one off there, there will be an opportunity in the area.  Began return transit.  My port shaft has a knock.  At KF grinding-, at GF banging sounds, like a piston engine.
		16.00	143 D 69
			W 3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. 5 nm
		20.00	143 D 19
			WSW 1, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. 7 nm
		20.50		Beginning of twilight.
		23.15	143 C 32	Surfaced.
		24.00	143 C 24
			Calm, Sea 0, 1/10, 1015 mb, Vis. 8 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 26.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 27.08.44

	- 18 -
		1944	Gulf of Finland
		28.08.44
		00.21	143 C 14	Dived.
		01.12	South of Narvi	Grounded at depth 17 meters.  A moment later sound bearing.  Engine sounds of a patrol vessel, close-by.  At first remained lying, to let him run off.
		02.30		Raised the boat from the bottom.
		03.46	142 D 32	Surfaced.  4 minutes later, Breckwoldt surfaced exactly in our wake!
		03.48		Beginning of twilight.
		04.00	142 D 23
			S 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10, 1013 mb, +17°C, Vis. 2 nm
		06.15	Grand Hotel	Made fast.  In readiness.
		15.36	"	Departed.
		18.15	Esplanade	Arrived.  Put the boat on the bottom in depth 7 meters.
				Immediate readiness.
		29. - 30.08.44	Esplanade	Immediate readiness.
				Telephone Orders:  Come to Helsinki.    9.S.D.
		31.08.44
		05.10	Esplanade	Departed.
		07.41	141 C 13	Shot a drifting mine.
		08.00	140 C 37
		10.50	Helsinki	Made fast South Harbor.  Immediate readiness.
		01. - 02.09.44	Helsinki	Immediate readiness.  No particular events.
		03.09.44	Helsinki
		12.30	"	Departed.  Verbal orders for return transit to Danzig from 9.S.D.
		16.00	AC 3518
			E 6, Sea 5, rain, 10-/10, 1007 mb, +10.5°C, Vis. 2.5 nm
		20.00	AC 0259	20.31 hours beginning of twilight.
			SE 3-4, Sea 4, 10/10, 995 mb, 13C, Vis. 5 nm
		24.00	AC 0275
			SW 6, Sea 5, 10/10, 99x mb, +13°C, Vis. 5 nm
		04.09.44
		04.00	AO 6135
			SSW 7, Sea 6-7, 10/10, 991 mb, +14.5°C, Vis. 10 nm
		04.29		Beginning of twilight.
		05.13 - 05.40		Chased a steamer.  Set no flag, attempted to run.  Determined:  Steamer "KRUSAU" home port Bremerhaven, from Riga to Reval  (had own flag set while chasing).
		08.00	AO 6158
			WSW 7, Sea 6, 10/10, 993 mb, +12°C, Vis. 4 nm
		07.52		Incoming Radio Message 0741/4/0197:  Stoeffler.  Go to Libau, pick up luggage.    MOK - Ost Fürstab.
		12.00	AO 6176	Day's run:  184.0 nm.  No particular events.
			WNW 6-7, Sea 6, 10/10, 999 mb, +13°C, Vis. 10 nm, large Swell
		16.00	AO 6441
			W 6, Sea 5, 10/10, 1006 nm, +14°C, Vis. 10 nm
		16.30		Incoming Radio Message:  1603/4/0103:  U-475 (Stoeffler)
				1)  Make fast Holm Basin 2, Berth 4.  2)  Report time when boat made fast.  Chef 8. U.-Flottille.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 29.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 03.09.44
	Sun and Moon Data 04.09.44

	- 19 -
		1944	Eastern Baltic
		continued
		04.09.44
		20.00	AO 6476	20.24 hours beginning of twilight.
			WbyS 5, Sea 4, 10/10, rain showers, 1006 mb, +13.5°C, Vis. 1.5 nm
		24.00	AO 6744
			E 2, Sea 1, 10/10, rain, misty, 1006 mb, +14°C, Vis. 1.5 nm
		05.09.44
		04.00	AO 6775
			WSW 4, Sea 4, 10/10, 1007 mb, +15°C, Vis. 1.5 nm, medium-high long Swell
		04.18		Hove to on the 40-meter line, to await lightness.  Will then run to the coast.  Up to now nothing seen of Libau.
		04.48		Beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AO 6781
			SSW 4, Sea 3, rain showers, 10/10, 1007 mb, +13°C, Vis. 2 nm, large Swells
		10.10	Libau	Made fast.  Took over luggage.
			Half of the luggage was robbed while being transported from Kiel to Libau.  Above all am missing uniform items.
		12.00	Libau	Day's run:  168.5 nm.  No particular events.
		12.05	"	Departed for Danzig.
		16.00	AO 9312
			SSW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, 1008 mb, +16.5°C, Vis. 15 nm
		20.00	AO 9268
			SbyW 4, Sea 3, 6/10, 1009 mb, +16°C, Vis. 15 nm
		20.24		Beginning of twilight.
		24.00	AO 9528
			SSW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, 1007 mb, +17.5°C, Vis. 10 nm
		06.09.44
		04.00	AO 9579
			SSW 3, Sea 2, 6/10, 1008 mb, +17.5°C, Vis. 4 nm
		05.02		Beginning of twilight.
		06.23	Watch ship Hela	Taken under escort.
		08.00	AO 9811
			S 2, Sea 1, 5/10, 1009 mb, +18.5°C, Vis. 6 nm
		09.50	Danzig	Made fast Holm Basin 2.
			Total distance covered:  Day's run:  2263.9 nm,   523.6 nm = 2787.5 nm.
			Summary of experiences on this patrol:
			The patrol was divided into individual operations.  Each operation was completely separate from another, even if it took place in the same operations area.  The operations areas characterized by low water depths, interspersed with known and unknown rocks.  One can probably better describe it as a be-dewed meadow. Difficult navigational conditions due to strong and erratic current offsets.  However, it had to be done and it worked, even if the boat also suffered some bumps.  It was unpleasant to proceed in the fog in a 2 nm wide strip between rocks and mine barriers.
			Russian defenses were completely unskilled.  Attacks seemingly up to now only on perfectly sighted U-boats, which made themselves noticeable by surfacing or showing the periscope.  Enemy air observed by day only in Narwabucht, in other operations areas only very isolated flights.  In Narwabucht also enemy air by night,

	Sun and Moon Data 04.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 05.08.44
	Sun and Moon Data 06.08.44

	- 20 -
		1944	Eastern Baltic
			which fought the boat against the bright northern horizon.  Attack attempts generally took place on the diagonal from ahead.  In so doing shot on board weapons.  Bomb series from altitude 50-100 meters.
			Listening conditions generally very bad.  Sometimes Schnellboote were not heard at periscope depth 100 meters from the U-boat.
			It is advantageous that the water is so little transparent.  A dark, or black painted boat is not seen at the periscope depth from an aircraft.
			From the breaks between the individual operations the crew got through the patrol very well.  The resilience remains.  Morale is excellent.  Everyone is eager to return to the enemy as soon as possible.
			Cooperation with the Finnish Flotte was very good.  A Finnish Liaison Officer was always ordered to "Grand Hotel".
			On board 6 September 1944
				Kaptlt. and Kdt.

	Enclosures to U-475's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Chart
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

 

	S  h  o  r  t    R  e  p  o  r  t
	===================
	Unterseeboot " U-475 ", 1st patrol from 4.7. - 6.9.44.
	Kommandant:  Kaptlt.    S  t  o  e  f  f  l e  r.
	04.07. Kiel Put to sea.  Transit and Operational Orders by F.d.U.-Mitte. 06.07. Reval Arrived.  Reported in to Adm.östl. Ostsee.  There short general orientation. 07.07. Reval Departed for Helsinki   Helsinki Arrived.  Reported in to 9. Sich.Div.  Orientation there and with Marineverbondungsstab.     Afterwards ordered as consultant A 1 of   9. S.D. for U-boat operations. 11.07.   Relieved U-Roth. 12. - 14.07.   1st Operation in operations area Trinidad.           Patrol vessels and magnetic barges observed. 15. - 17.07.   2nd Operation in area Bengalen.           Patrol vessel activity. 18. - 20.07.   3rd Operation in area Trinidad.           Patrol vessel activity.  On 19 August in the evening at Ruonit Island searched for important patrol vessel (intercept-station).  Nothing discovered. 21. - 23.07.   3rd Operation in operations area Bengalen.           No particular events.  No patrol vessels. 24. - 28.07.   4th Operation in operations area Koiviston Sound South exit.           Lively patrol vessel activity.  On 28 July 03.18 hours torpedoed patrol vessel VMV II.  Left sinking. 31.07. - 05.08   5th Operation in operations area Narwabucht.           No particular events.  Strong air.  Several attacks.  Without success.  No enemy sightings. 9. - 13.08.   Kommandant out of action due to a rib bruise. 14.08.   Operationally ready again. 16. - 21.08.   6th Operation in area Schepel.          18 August 17.30 hours in 143 D 31 a steamer and 6 torpedo boats sighted.  Attack not possible.  19 August 13.24 hours miss M-Boote proceeding with connected gear.  "PREZ.SMETONA" and "VIRSAITIS".  17.53 hours miss on line ahead formation of 6 M-Booten type "Fugas". 25. - 28.08.   7th Operation in operations area Schepel.           No particular events.  2 patrol vessels apparently conducting a U-boat hunt.  Not determined with certainty. 03.09.   Return transit orders for Danzig by 9.S.D. 06.09. Danzig Arrived.
	On board 7 September 1944.
	Kaptlt. and Kdt.

	C  o  m  m  e  n  t  s
	of the Führers der 9.Sich.Div. on the KTN "U-475 (Stöffler)
	from 25.6. to 5.9.44
	1.) The observation on 27 August at 12.30 hours shows at most the possibility of underwater locating.  However this is in no way determined with certainty, as was initially accepted and seems unlikely. 2.) An aggressive patrol in new circumstances. 3.) It is recommended that the sinking of a V.M.V. II (28 July 1944) be accredited.
	Konteradmiral
	and Führer der 9. Sicherungsdivision

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U 475" (Stoeffler) from 25.6. - 6.9.1944.
	A good operation in a navigationally difficult area.  After attack opportunity on 16 July could not be exploited due to shooting ban, after attack permission on small vessels on 28 July a beautiful success was realized by the sinking of a patrol vessel.  Aircraft attack was countered by good anti-aircraft readiness on 2 August.  Further attacks did not lead to deserved success due to misjudgment and defensive measures.
	Accredited success:    1 patrol vessel sunk.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

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