U-532 - 1st War Patrol

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		Kriegstagebuch "U-532" from 11.11.42 - 24.03.43.
		11.11.42	Hamburg	Commissioning.
		12.11.42 - 15.11.42	"	Testing.
		16.11.42	Brunsbüttelkoog	Transit.
		17.11.42	Kiel	Kaiser Wilhelm Canal, transit to Kiel.
		18.11.42 - 06.12.42	"	U.A.K. testing.
		07.12.42	Swinnenünde	Central Baltic.
		08.12.42	Stettin	25.Uflottille clearing of the boat.
		09.12.42	Central Baltic	Transit.
		10.12.42 - 11.12.42	Danzig	U.A.G. testing.
		12.12.42 - 16.12.42	Gotenhafen	T.E.K. testing.
		17.12.42 - 23.12.42	Hela	Agru-Front.
		24.12.42 - 27.12.42	Danzig	U-boat Base.  Leave.
		28.12.42 - 31.12.42	Hela	Agru-Front.
		01.01.43	Gotenhafen	T.E.K. (New Years).
		02.01.43 - 06.01.43	Hela	Agru Front.
		07.01.43	Hela-Gotenhafen-Pillau	Transit.
		08.01.43 - 16.01.43	Pillau	26.Uflottille. Torpedo shooting.
		17.01.43 - 18.01.43	Gotenhafen	Tactical Flottille
		19.01.43 - 21.01.43	Central Baltic	Tactical training.
		22.01.43	Stettin	Dry docked to change propellers.
		23.01.43 - 29.01.43	Central Baltic	Tactical training.
		30.01.43	Gotenhafen - Danzig	Tactical Flottille final discussion U-boat Base Danzig.
		31.01.43 - 06.02.43	Danzig	25.Uflottille Torpedo shooting.
		07.02.43	Central Baltic	To Bornholm.
		08.02.43	Bornholm, Central and Western Baltic	Sound trials and transit to Kiel.
		09.02.43 - 10.02.43	Kiel	Engine testing.
		11.02.43	Hamburg	Kaiser Wilhelm Canal, Elbe Detusche Werft.
		12.02.43 - 13.02.43	Hamburg	Meetings final adjustments and overhaul, outfitting the boat.
		14.02.43 - 15.03.43	Hamburg	Final adjustments and overhaul.
		16.03.42 - 18.03.43	"	Testing and outfitting.
		19.03.43	Kiel	Transit to Kiel.
		20.03.43 - 24.03.43	Kiel	Testing and preparing for the Front.
		25.03.43	Put to sea on 1st war patrol.
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Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB

			K r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  .                                                  U  5  3  2  .         Kommandant:    Korvettenkapitän Junker.
				1st Patrol.
				Beginning:   25.3.1943.
				Concluding:  15.5.1943.
			Times	D.G.Z.
			All naval squares
			Patrol under Operations Order 54.
			Distribution:	2 x O.K.M.
				1 x B.d.U. Op.
				1 x Kmdr.Adm.d.Uboote.
				1 x F.d.U. -West-
				1 x F.d.U.Ausb.
				1 x 2.Uflottille.
				1 x 27.Uflottille

	- 1 -
		25.03.42	Kiel U-boat Base
		08.00	NEbyN 2, Sea 0-1, misty, Vis. moderate	Cast off for 1st war patrol.
		11.00	AO 7498	Taken under escort by M 1902.
		12.00	AO 7493	Day's run:  47 nm
		16.00	AO 7199
		19.52	AO 7241	Passed barrier in the Great Belt.
		20.00	AO 7241
		26.03.43	Great Belt, Kattegatt
		00.00	AO 4573
		04.00	AO 4815
		07.20	AO 4492	Waited on new escort Vp. Boot 1611 and to carry out escort change.
		08.00	ENE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good
		11.48	AO 4461	Carried out escort change by Vp. Boot 1707.
		12.00	AO 4461	Day's run:  231 nm
		15.40 - 16.10	AN 3638	Carried out test dive.
		20.00	AN 3616
		21.00	AN 3612	Released Vp. Boot 1707, further escort by harbor protection boat.
		21.43	AN 3612	Made fast Kristiansand.
				Fuel supply.
		27.03.43
		06.50	AN 3612	Cast off and continued under escort by U.J. 1207.
		08.00	AN 3614
			NNE 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, misty, Vis. 5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.43

	- 2 -
		continued
		27.03.43
		09.30 - 09.50	AN 3537	Carried out test dive.
		12.00	AN 3521	Day's run: 157 nm
		13.35	AN 3274	An enemy aircraft sighted bearing 280°T.  Range 3000-4000 meters.  Altitude 50-100 meters.  Flying direction SW.
		16.00	AN 3164
		17.15	AN 3137	An aircraft flying directly at the boat (altitude 100-200 meters).  Taken under fire at range 2000 meters.  Aircraft turned away, shot Recognition Signal , recognized as own Ju 88.
		18.15	AN 3121	Released escort U.J. 1207.  Came to westerly course.
		20.56	AN 4333	After 36 nm came to northerly course.
		28.03.43	West coast of Norway
		00.00	AN 2836
		04.00	AN 2335
		05.37	AF 8781	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.
		08.00	AF 8757
		12.00	AF 8754	Day's run: 243 nm
		16.00	AF 8727
		19.54	AF 8724	Surfaced to continue transit on the surface.
		20.00	W 2-3, Sea 2, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. good
		29.03.43	West coast of Norway
		00.00	AF 8454
		04.00	AF 8175
		06.41	AF 8141	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 40 meters.
			WSW 2-3, Sea 2, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. changing

	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		29.03.43
		08.00	AF 8117
		12.00	AF 8114	Day's run: 128 nm
		16.00	AF 8111
		20.00	AF 5777
		21.21	AF 5774	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
				Course change to 300°.
		30.03.43	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AF 4967
		04.00	AF 4673
		06.42	AF 4569	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.
			W 2-3, Sea 2, medium Swell, overcast, few showers, Vis. moderate
		08.00	AF 4565
		12.00	AF 4564	Day's run: 127 nm
		16.00	AF 4553
		20.00	AF 4528
		21.48	AF 4527	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
				Course change to 270°.
		31.03.43	Norwegian Sea
		00.00	AF 4439
		04.00	AF 4419
		05.00	AF 4417	Came to port to course 250°.
		06.48	AE 6662	Dived to proceed submerged depth 50 meters.
			W 3, Sea 2-3, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. changing, fog in places
		08.00	AE 6661
		12.00	AE 6653	Day's run: 126 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.43

	- 4 -
		continued
		31.03.43
		16.00	AE 6655
		20.00	AE 6646
		22.01	AE 6649	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		01.04.43	Iceland Strait
		00.00	AE 6671
		04.00	AE 6587
		07.16	AE 6811	Boat dived to proceed submerged.
			NW 4, Sea 3, medium Swell, overcast, rain in places, Vis. changing
		08.00	AE 6811
		12.00	AE 6733	Day's run: 104 nm
		16.00	AE 6762
		20.00	AE 6753
		22.00	AE 6756	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		02.04.43	Iceland Strait
		00.00	AE 6745
		04.00	AE 5978	"Rosengarten" abeam to port on course 260°.
				Course change to 200°.
		07.03	AE 8269	Dived to proceed submerged depth 50 meters.
			SW 3, Sea 2, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. moderate
		08.00	AE 8269
		12.00	AE 8295	Day's run: 130 nm
		16.00	AE 8298
		20.00	AE 8531
		22.40	AE 8534	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
				Course change to 240°.

	Sun and Moon Data 31.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.04.43

	- 5 -
		03.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AE 8528
		02.45		Incoming Radio Message 1247/2/175:
				New objective for . . . . . . . . , Junker, . . . . . . . . . , is naval square AJ 99 . . . . . . . . "
		04.00	AE 8469
		07.44	AE 8488	Dived to proceed submerges at depth 50 meters.
			SW 4, Sea 3, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. changing
		08.00	AE 8488
		12.00	AE 8721	Day's run: 117 nm
		16.00	AE 8713
		20.00	AE 8715
		23.00	AE 8714	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		04.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AE 8714
		04.00	AE 7938	Outgoing Radio Message 0514:
				Sent Short Signal weather report.  (On request in accordance with Incoming Radio Message 1904/3/102.)
		07.46	AE 7961	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.
			WSW 4, Sea 3-4, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. good
		08.00	AE 7961
		12.00	AE 7956	Day's run: 57 nm
		16.00	AE 7955
		20.00	AE 7957
		23.00	AE 7973	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		05.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AE 7972
		04.00	AE 7971

	Sun and Moon Data 03.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.04.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		05.04.43
		05.07		Outgoing Radio Message 0507:
				Sent Short Signal weather report.  (On request in accordance with Incoming Radio Message 2046/4/117.)
				Though sent three times, was not heard immediately, probably due to bad transmitting conditions from large Sea State, repeated at 05.53 hours, 06.12 hours and 07.51 hours on Coastal, Africa and Ireland Circuits.
				It is assumed that as a result bearings were taken on the boat from land (Iceland), because an hour later 4 depth charges or aircraft bombs were heard at great range.
		08.00	AE 7895	Dived to proceed submerged at depth 50 meters.
			W 4-5, Sea 4, medium Swell, overcast, at times hail showers, Vis. changing	Because the boat is still in an area especially endangered by air and the Sea State hinders the use of anti-aircraft weapons, like the previous days proceeded submerged until the beginning of dawn.
		08.45	AE 7895	4 detonations from depth charges or aircraft bombs heard at great range (20 nm).
		11.10	AE 7894	Medium strength propeller sounds heard in relative bearing 250°, which for the prevailing Sea State shifted ahead quickly.  At 330°R the sounds went back to 225°R and were gradually fainter, until they disappeared entirely after about 15 minutes.
		12.00	AE 7894	Day's run: 61 nm
		16.00	AE 7889
		20.00	AL 2212
		23.00	AL 2214	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		06.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 2136

	Sun and Moon Data 05.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.04.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		06.04.43
		05.17		Incoming Radio Message 1002/5/124:
				Operational orders for Group Löwenherz".
				(Switched to convoy circuit Hubertus.)
				Initially operate on "Zitzewitz"-convoy, which was assumed to be heading for Reykjavik.
			[apparently 210° is a typo, course of the Mumm-convoy was east]	In accordance with Incoming Radio Message 2105/5/830 operated on "Mumm"-convoy.  General course 210°, 15 knots.  Assumption:  convoy goes to the North Channel.
				Whether the "Zitzewitz" and "Mumm" convoys are one in the same remains open.
		04.00	AL 2157
		08.00	AL 1299
			NWbyW 3-4, Sea 3, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. good	In the course of the morning freshened strongly, wind shifted to the SSW and strengthened to 6-8, speed gradually decreased to 12 knots; plotted at 9-10 knots.
		12.00	AL 1486	Day's run: 158 nm
				Further Radio Messages corroborate assumptions for the "Mumm"-convoy. (Radio Messages from Lange, Otto, Karpf, Fiehn.)
				Due to the absence of new contact keeper reports (the present ones all related to the time from midnight from 5 to 6 April), there was no exact picture of the movements of the convoy.
				Therefore, continued to operate with appropriate maneuver ahead to the east, plotted with general course 100° and 9 knots.
		16.00	AL 1657
		17.28		In the course of the day took a navigation fix from three sun observations which gave a difference between dead reckoning and actual position of 60°T, 53 nm, because for the previous 3 days there has been no possibility of a navigation check.
				Also by the new ship position - if the enemy holds course and speed until the beginning of darkness - will reach an intercept point in the night of 6-7 April at about 03.00 hours.  (Lead in enemy course direction 15 nm.)
		20.00	AL 2574	The arranged bearing signals from "Wolfbauer" for 6 April at 19.00 hours were not heard in 4 Program times.
		[Not understood - Wolfbauer (U-463) was at sea but not involved in the convoy battle.  Possibly Karpf (U-632) was meant.)

Sun and Moon Data 06.04.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		06.04.43
		23.00		Incoming Radio Message 2231/6/704:
				Leadership accepts that the convoy on a course of about 100° will head for the North Chanel passing south of Rockall Bank.  If there is no contact in the course of the night maneuver ahead at highest speed, to be in position ahead of the convoy at dawn for day attacks.
				No new decisions.
		07.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1839
		02.15		Crew to action stations.
				6 tubes ready, of these each 2 bow - one stern tube "MZ" and "AZ", because in the heavy swell use of only "MZ" is considered questionable.
		03.20	AL 1894	Reached intercept point.
		03.40 - 03.52	AL 1894	Dived for all around listening.
				Band of sound bearings from 90°-140°T.
		04.00	AL 1894	Pursued in the direction of the sound bearing band on course 110° at 16 knots.
			W 4, Sea 3, light Swell, Vis. medium
		05.50	AL 2912	In good visibility no enemy seen.
		05.58 - 06.15	AL 2912	New dive for all around listening.  Only still two weak sound bands each 10° wide in 60° and 160°T.  Continued to run on course 100° at 15 knots until dawn.
		07.00		Radio Messages 0215 and 0403 from U-563 mention a broad sound band in naval square AL 1831 and AL 2577.
				Either it is a partial convoy, by this running to the NE, or the "Karpf"-convoy has zigzagged.
		07.33	AL 2922	Because operation on the sound observations by U-563 is hopeless by day in the air endangered area I decide to dive at daybreak in the hope that the "Karpf"-convoy is possibly still to the west and/or that scattered stragglers will pass nearby.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.04.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		07.04.43
		07.33		Boat is on the suspected route for the convoy given by B.d.U.
				It is too bad the good night attack conditions could not be exploited.
				I attribute missing [the convoy] in part to navigation differences and to the absence of continual contact keeper reports on 6 April.
				Since only remaining completely unseen ensures the prospect of success and, at the same time, the necessary assurance against surprises in the heavily air-and sea-monitored area, occasional periscope observations submerged back and forth throughout the day.
		08.00	AL 2922
		09.50	AL 2927	2 depth charges heard.
		11.12	AL 2787	3 depth charges heard.
		12.00	AL 2787	Day's run: 197 nm
		14.38	AL 2788	2 depth charges heard.
		15.33	AL 2787	2 depth charges heard.
		16.00	AL 2787	1 depth charge heard.  (All depth charges at a range of 10-20 nm.)
				Between 11.00 and 16.00 hours individual propeller sounds were distinguished repeatedly, suspected to be from U-boat hunters, as the frequent depth charge detonations showed.  Periscope observations showed nothing.
		20.00	AL 2779
		23.07	AL 2787	Surfaced.
		08.04.43	North Atlantic
		08.00	AL 2774
		04.00	AL 1857
		08.00	AL 1766
			W 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. changing

	Sun and Moon Data 07.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		08.04.43
		12.00	AL 1756	Day's run: 116 nm
		12.13	AL 1756	Incoming Radio Message 1152/8/751:
				Löwenherz Boats, do not head for the supplier or to home, head for naval square AK 85 at economical transit speed.
				Course change to 200°.
		13.26	AL 1755	Dived for four-engined aircraft (Boeing?).  Flying direction 90-100°, altitude 400 meters, range 3000 meters.
				Due to low speed settings (diesel-electric switched) the boat got away from the surface badly.  At diving depth 20 meters at some distance one aircraft bomb.
		16.00	AL 1757
		20.00	AL 1787
		09.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AL 1917
		04.00	AK 0368
		08.00	AK 0388
			SSW 2, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. changing, fog in places
		12.00	AK 6318	Day's run: 135 nm
		12.32	AK 6318	Dived before an enemy aircraft.  Range about 4000 meters, altitude 400-500 meters, flying direction 70°.  No aircraft bombs.
		16.00	AK 6286
		20.00	AK 6287
		23.00	AK 6515	Course change to 270°.
		10.04.43	North Atlantic.
		00.00	AK 6436
		04.00	AK 6425
		08.00	AK 5636
			SSW 3, Sea 2, cloudy to clear, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 08.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		10.04.43
		12.00	AK 5625	Day's run: 166 nm
		16.00	AK 5536	Incoming Radio Message 1428/10/775:
				As group "Lerche" . . . . . . , Junker, . . . . . . . at increased transit speed occupy patrol line naval square AK 5486 to AK 8916.  Today at 24.00 hours switch to "Ireland" Circuit.
		20.00	AK 5554
		11.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 5735
		00.25	AK 5738	Took position in patrol line, steamed back and forth at low transit speed.
		04.00	AK 5761
		08.00	AK 5738
			NW 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, rain, Vis. changing
		09.15	AK 5738	Incoming Short Signal:
				Convoy naval square AK 8213.
				After receiving the Short Signal steered an intercept course for the convoy at 15 knots.
		12.00	AK 5827	Day's run: 198 nm
		14.03		Dived to listen.  Sound band in 125° to 155°T.
				Because there have been no further contact keeper reports since 10.00 hours, operated on sound band.
		16.00	AK 5915
		16.30	AK 5678	Meeting with U-191.
				Navigation comparison and experience exchange.
		17.40	AK 5689	Dived for all around listening.  Now the sound band has shifted further astern bearing 155° to 215°T.
		19.30	AK 5933	By plotting the convoy should be in sight, still nothing seen.  Therefore dived for all around listening.  Sound band now bears 200° to 250°T.
		20.00	AK 5933

	Sun and Moon Data 10.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43

	- 12 -
		11.04.43
		20.15	AK 5933	Incoming Radio Message 1952/11/101:
				Enemy located naval square AK 5862.  Course 80°, speed 8 knots.    Zitzewitz.
		20.27		Incoming Radio Message 2016/11/102:
			[typo AK5873]	20.00 hours convoy located naval square AK 5073, course 70°, speed 13 knots.    Winkler.
				According to both contact keeper reports the boat is positioned ahead of the convoy.  So the convoy is to the west.  Continued to run on westerly courses.
		22.40	AK 5928	Convoy in sight bearing 280°T.  Stands out well against bright western horizon.
				It turns out to be 12 to 15 steamers proceeding in two irregular columns.  Relatively strongly protected by a minimum of 6 escort vessels.
				Outgoing Radio Message 2240:
				Have contact naval square AK 5916.
				The weather had calmed noticeably. The night fell slowly, and attack conditions were relatively difficult due to the increasing moon.
				Since the boat is positioned favorably for attack ahead to starboard I intended to start as soon as possible.  Convoy course at the moment is about 10°.  I already had the impression that the enemy zigzagged fairly frequently on courses between 0° and 90°.
		12.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 5925
		01.00	AK 5931	Around 01.00 hours suddenly, without any apparent reason being detected, about 20 star shells were shot to either side and ahead of the convoy.  I postponed the attack for a bit and ran ahead of the starboard forward escort of the convoy on a parallel course.
			W 1, Sea 1, cloudy to clear, Vis. good
		11.15	AK 5931	About 01.15 hours turned to run in on course 240°.  Boat is now positioned ahead inside the starboard escort.  Targets were a deeply loaded tanker, estimated 4500 GRT and a somewhat larger steamer, positioned a little behind.  Intention:  two 2-fans.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.04.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		12.04.43
		01.15	AK 5931	If possible the stern 2-fan can be shot while turning away.
				Estimated enemy values:  target speed = 7 knots, target angle = 60°, range = 2000 meters and 2500 meters.
		01.25	AK 5931	Despite the favorable position both fans miss because the enemy turned to starboard about 80° shortly after the shot, observed by the Torpedo Officer immediately after the second fan went.  For this reason also the stern-fan was not shot.
				Due to a regrettable double operating error by the heretofore quite good and reliable TWL-Petty Officer, who for both fans switched to the next fan before the second shot went, only one shot went on the 1st fan, on the second fan the second shot went 3-4 seconds later by hand.  As a result, a still possible hit, despite the turning away of the enemy, was thwarted.
				As a result of the strong enemy course change of about 90° the boat ended up on the port side of the convoy where initially only one escort was observed.  The escort seemed to take his old position in the screen at a higher speed after the change in course, so had to give up my original intention to shoot tube 3 and the two-fan 5 and 6 immediately, so as not to be seen by the escort.  Therefore I ran for a fresh start from ahead.
				Either the destroyer, who is standing in the middle of the convoy as sweeper, performed a planned movement to port, or he had seen the boat in spite of the dark horizon by the strip of foam; in any case, he turned to port and was initially in favorable attack position, bow left target angle 50° about 2000 meters.  I order the stern two-fan to be shot immediately and took the destroyer directly astern.  However, almost at the same moment he turned further to port until he showed bow right target angle 10-20° and then directly towards at target angle 0°.  At this moment the port escort also turned towards the boat at target angle 0°.
				I went to AK, to escape both followers on the surface if possible but did not succeed.  The range amounted to about 1200 meters.  The destroyer shot 3-4 star shells, after that explosive ammunition.
				I order "Crash dive" and immediately go to depth A +20 meters.

Sun and Moon Data 12.04.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		12.04.43		The boat got under very well.  At depth A -40 meters the first depth charges fell, still relatively far off.  Already the second series laid closer, and by the third the distance may have amounted to 100-200 meters.
				I ordered depth A +70 meters.  Fortunately the boat was well trimmed and weighted and was easily held at this depth.  All auxiliary motors including the gyro compass, except for main rudder and diving plane motors were secured.
				The flooding mechanism was put in operation twice; the first time at the beginning of the depth charge pursuit, the second time about half an hour later.
		03.30		Up to 03.30 hours several depth charge series were thrown at short intervals (up to 10 units).  From listening observations 2, at times 3 escorts participated in the depth charge and listening pursuit.
		04.55		Further depth charges followed at 04.55 hours and the last at 06.40 hours.  By conservative estimate, a total of at least 50 depth charges were used against the boat.
				Since I could not expect the pursuers to leave before day break, I remained at depth A +80 meters and ran off at silent running on course 150° by the magnetic compass.
				In the course of the entire depth charge pursuit between the depth charge series various explosive depth sounder-like sounds were perceived, these came in groups of 2-3.  Other locating sounds were not observed. Further information about the explosive sounding sounds cannot be given.
		10.45	AK 5936	After nothing more was heard of the escorts for about two hours and only the depth charge pursuits of other boats at great range, were measures taken to surface and the boat went to periscope depth at silent running.  All around sweep showed nothing.
		11.25	AK 5936	Ordered surfacing.  After surfacing the tubes were reloaded and then dove again because during the depth charge pursuit the clutches and E-motors showed irregularities.
				Damage could be corrected by on board means.
				The behavior of the crew during the entire pursuit was good.

Sun and Moon Data 12.04.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		12.04.43
		12.00	AK 5938	Day's run:  90 nm
		16.00	AK 6474	Outgoing Radio Message 1503/12/708:
				01.23 hours naval square AK 5931 two two-fan miss on tanker, steamer, severe depth charge pursuit.  Damaged clutches, E-motors, batteries repaired. Fully operational.  160 cbm.  In pursuit.
				Came to course 75° at highest speed to pursue.
		20.00	AK 6548
		13.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 6643
		01.00		Outgoing Radio Message 0100/13/728:
				At best it will take until the afternoon of 13 April to catch up with the convoy.  Position now naval square AK 6628.  SW 2-3, . . . . .  Request orders.
		04.00	AL 4424
		04.40		Incoming Radio Message 0423/13/732:
				To Lerche.  1.) . . . . . . . .
				2.)  Junker break off and head for naval square BC 34.
		05.15	AL 4431	Came to course 240° at transit speed.
		08.00	AL 4443
			SSW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, rain, Vis. moderate
		11.20		Incoming Radio Message 1044/13/739:
				To Lerche.  1)  Break off operation on convoy.  . . . . . . .
				2)  All boats, . . . . . . . , head for naval square AK 81.
				3)  . . . . . . . .
				Came to course for new position at transit speed.
		12.00	AK 6668	Day's run:  231 nm
		16.00	AK 6683
		20.00	AK 6676
		14.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 6598

	Sun and Moon Data 12.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.04.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		14.04.43
		04.00	AK 6832
		08.00	AK 6817
			SW 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, misty, Vis. changing
		12.00	AK 6761	Day's run:  119 nm
		16.00	AK 6746
		20.00	AK 5991
		15.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 5973
		00.50		Outgoing Radio Message 0016/15/778:
				Should square in accordance with Radio Message 0423/13/732 or in accordance with Radio Message 1044/13/739 be headed to?
		01.58		Incoming Radio Message 0145/15/780:
				Proceed in accordance with Radio Message 0423/13/732.
		04.00	AK 5985
		08.00	AK 8225
			WNW 2, Sea 1, light Swell, cloudy to clear, Vis. medium
		12.00	AK 8217	Day's run:  155 nm
		16.00	AK 8165
		20.00	AK 8183
		23.08		Outgoing Radio Message 2218/15/875:
				At highest speed will first reach position 16 April . . . . . . .
		16.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 7394
		00.25		Incoming Radio Message 2330/15/876:
				To Meise.  1)  . . . . . . . .
				2.)  . . . . . . . . , Junker proceed to patrol line at 9 knots.
		04.00	AK 7377

	Sun and Moon Data 14.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		16.04.43
		08.00	AK 7522
			SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. bad, fog
		10.33	AK 7515	Carried out test dive, in so doing all around listening.  No results.
		12.00	AK 7514	Day's run:  196 nm
		12.38		Incoming Radio Message 1220/16/885:
				To Meise.  . . . . . . . .
				Boats that are still not in the line halt.
		14.07	AK 7437	Due to continual fog dive for all around listening.  No results.
		16.00	AK 7434
		20.00	AK 7436
		21.51	AK 7522	Incoming Radio Message 2059/16/891:
				1)  . . . . . . . .
				Brosin to Popp fit into the accordingly.
				2)  Entire group on 17 April 10.00 hours in patrol line from AJ 6782 via BD 1154 to BD 4231.
				Headed for position at GF.
		17.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 7277
		04.00	AK 7174
		08.00	AJ 9374
			SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. bad, fog
		09.40	AJ 9283	Reached position in patrol line.  Test dive.  Afterwards at lower transit speed back and forth in position.
		12.00	AJ 9289	Day's run:  238 nm
		14.47	AJ 9282	Incoming Radio Message 1255/17/807:
				. . . . . . . . , Junker, . . . . . . . . , on 19 April at 08.00 hours be in patrol line from AJ 5798 via AJ 9491 via AJ 9898 to BC 3641.  . . . . . . . .
				Headed for new position.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		17.04.43
		16.00	AJ 9285
		20.00	AJ 9284
		18.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 9192
		04.00	AJ 9181
		08.00	AJ 8368
			W 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good
		11.38	AJ 8349	Dived to proceed submerged with separated brief periscope observations and repeated surfacing for navigation fix to remain unseen if possible.
		12.00	AJ 8349	Day's run:  172 nm
		16.00	AJ 8348
		20.00	AJ 8293
		23.54	AJ 8392	Surfaced again to continue the transit on the surface.
		19.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 8392
		04.00	AJ 8391
		08.00	AJ 8382
			WSW 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. changing, intermittent rain and snow squalls
		12.00	AJ 8373	Day's run:  52 nm
		16.00	AJ 8532
		20.00	AJ 8293
		20.30	AJ 8347	Reached position.
		20.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 8374
		04.00	AJ 8374
		08.00	AJ 8344
			W 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.04.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		20.04.43
		11.13	AJ 8347	Incoming Radio Message 0959/20/845:
				Group Meise.  Immediately course north, high speed.
		11.36	AJ 8347	Incoming Radio Message 1045/20/847:
				Group Meise.  In previous order . . . . . ,  . . . . . , on 21 April at 10.00 hours be in patrol line from AJ 1684 via AJ 6117 to AJ 6997.
		12.00	AJ 8347	Day's run:  160 nm
				Headed for ordered position.  General course 350°.
		16.00	AJ 5868
		20.00	AJ 5529
		21.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 5258
		04.00	AJ 2797
		08.00	AJ 2756
			W 5, Sea 4, few clouds, Vis. good
		09.32	AJ 2756	Reached position.
				By sun navigation fix over the course of the day a difference between dead reckoning and actual position of 27 nm in 185°T.  No celestial navigation fix was possible for 36 hours due to weather conditions.
				Incoming Radio Message Short Signal from Trotha:
				Convoy naval square AJ 2772, eastbound, 8 knots.
				By the time group the enemy position was taken as for 09.00 hours, as was also evident in B.d.U. confirmation Radio Message 0952/21/868.
				Therefore I assumed that at 10.00 hours the enemy was still to the southwest and after a test dive moved back and forth at the reached position.
				During the aforementioned test dive there was a heavy water intake into the boat (about 6 tons) through a not closed diesel exhaust gas valve so that the test dive had to be broken off.  After repair of the damage and repeat of the test dive the lubricating oil had to be replaced in both main clutches because there was sea water in it.  (duration 40 minutes).

	Sun and Moon Data 20.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		21.04.43
		12.00	AJ 2759	Day's run:  228 nm
				After repair of the damage ran at slow transit speed 1 1/2 hours to the north so that in no case the enemy can pass through in this direction undetected. Visibility at this time 10-12 nm interrupted by occasional brief snow squalls.
		14.00	AJ 2755	Came about.
				Actually the convoy had already broken through to the north at this time, taking into account the aforementioned navigation fix and the time differences existing in the information received so far. (See Radio Message ßß 0908 - Radio Message 0952/21/868 - Radio Message 1011/21/877, the latter received on the boat at 15.24 hours.)
				After receiving new sun navigation fixes it was clear to me that we were already behind the convoy.  This was confirmed by receipt of Radio Message ßß 19.30 hours from Trotha with enemy position AJ 2833.
		14.30	AJ 2753	Came to ENE course.
				At first because of heavy stern sea (bridge repeatedly runs full from astern) only HF and on cross courses before the sea so that for the first night there was only a slight prospect of a timely approach to convoy
		16.00	AJ 2791
				After weather improvement pursued at 15, occasionally 16, knots.
		20.00	AJ 2856
		22.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 2924
		04.00	AJ 3477	New weather deterioration forces a speed reduction.
		08.00	AJ 3485	At the breaking of early dawn still nothing is seen of the convoy (visibility was sometimes very bad, down to 500 meters), which also attributed to the navigation inaccuracy of the reporting boats (Trotha, Holtorf, Krüger).
		12.00	AJ 3495	Day's run:  241 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43

- 21 -
		continued
		22.04.43
		12.45		Incoming Radio Message 1203/22/135:
				Request for position reports by Short Signal.
		14.00	AJ 3490	Since receiving Radio Message 0430/22/189 from Trotha no new contact keeper reports.  Suspect the enemy continued on an easterly course and 7-9 knots, this was confirmed by Radio Incoming Message 1544/22/102.
				Therefore continued on course 75° and according to the weather conditions at highest possible speed.
		14.25		Outgoing Radio Message Short Signal:
				Position naval square AJ 3490.
		16.00	AJ 3581	No air observed during the entire day.
		20.00	AJ 3566
		23.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AJ 3646
		01.15	AJ 3654	Incoming Radio Message 2345/22/117:
				Orders for "Meise" for new patrol line.
				Headed for new position.
		02.47	AJ 3665	Incoming reconnaissance Radio Message 0213/23/119 from Trotha:
				Convoy located 24.00 hours AJ 3299, easterly course.
				Operated on convoy.
		04.00	AK 1718
		08.00	AK 1736
			NNW 2-3, Sea 1, light Swell, cloudy, Vis. good except for isolated show showers
		12.00	AK 1657	Day's run:  237 nm
				Accurate sun navigation fix gives a difference between dead reckoning and actual position  of 83°T, 50 nm; this large navigation offset is due to the fact that on the day before the navigation fix was already very inaccurate due to very bad weather conditions and also   - caused by inaccuracy of the speed measurement system - a low speed measurement.
				This easterly correction later worked out to our advantage.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		23.04.43
		16.00	AK 1622	Operated further by continual contact keeper reports.  Am ahead of the convoy and because the weather is expected to continue for the night (winds from W to NNE), intend to maneuver to the north on the windward side of the convoy.
		20.00	AK 1436	Rapid weather improvement.
				Visibility 15-20 nm.  Sea 1, low Swell.
				On the basis of the last contact keeper report came to a westerly to southwesterly course, as intended the boat is positioned north of the convoy.
		21.00	AK 1438	Two flying boats sighted at long range. Initially dived so as not to be recognized prematurely.
		21.47		Surfaced again.  Shortly thereafter smoke clouds in sight in direction 214°T which were soon recognized as belonging to the convoy.
		22.15		Outgoing Radio Message Short Signal:
				Have contact.
				Due to the good visibility must hold contact at a range of approximately 15 nm.
				Boat angled in because the horizon to the south gradually became a little obscured, closed in steps.
		22.56	AK 2317	Destroyer masts in sight, turned away.
				Visibility decreased as the sunset gradually set in, especially in the direction of the enemy, while the horizon behind the boat towards NW remains sharp contrary to expectations.
				This circumstance probably also meant that the boat was seen by the destroyer.
				At this time, the clouds of smoke slowly became fainter, resulting from a change in the course of the convoy in a south-easterly direction.
				Visibility deteriorated after the destroyer passed out of sight.  To the SE and S dark rain and snow bands.

Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43

	- 23 -
		24.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2318	Boat advanced in the direction of the last enemy bearing.
		00.51	AK 2316	Escort in sight (bearing 180°T).  Moved off.
				Gradually angled in again, in so doing frequently got into snow storms. After they passed nothing was seen of the convoy.
		02.17	AK 2327	Dived for all around listening.  Sound band in 135° to 145°T.
		02.30	AK 2327	Surfaced and initially continued to run in the direction of the sound band.
		02.51	AK 2328	Pursued in 110°T, the direction of the bearing signals from   "Freyberg" .
		03.22	AK 2329	Shadow in sight bearing 90°T (broad target angle); suspect the escort that forced the boat boat off at 00.51 hours.  Angeled away to maneuver ahead unseen by the escort.
		04.13	AK 2327	Once again a shadow in sight. The same picture as at 03.22 hours.
				I hope that the next zigzag of the convoy will take it to the northeast and bring me into shooting position before the beginning of dawn.
				However, the slowly rising moon has to hide again
		05.47	AK 2414	Initially one shadow in sight, taken as an escort. Angled away ny 20°.
		05.50	AK 2414	With rapid visibility improvements about 10 vessels in sight.
				All tubes ready.  Range initially still too great (5000 to 6000 meters).  Target angle about 90°.
				Closed, was very difficult with prevailing smooth sea and moonlight.
				Intention:  Bow four-fan, while turning away stern two fan.
		05.57	AK 2415	Out of the haze the same escort again, because the range from me to him with a sharp target angle amounts to only 2000 meters, continuing towards the convoy is not possible at this moment.
		06.00	AK 2415	Turned away with the intention, to fire a stern two-fan at the escort.

Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43

	- 24 -
		continued
		24.04.43
		06.02	AK 2415	Intention spoiled by a sudden turn away of the escort about 60-80° to starboard.  Immediately thereafter recognized that the entire convoy had turned away to starboard to about course 90°, target angle around 150°.
				Turned to a parallel course with the convoy.
				Now again bright moonshine, so that steaming along at highest speed in the immediate vicinity of the convoy is impossible.
				Because with the imminent early dawn another night attack is pointless, angeled away, to maneuver ahead at the limit of visibility by day.
		06.50	AK 2413	Outgoing Radio Message Short Signal:
				Convoy 06.15 hours naval square AK 2415, course eastward.
				It is a shame that there is not enough time available to exploit this position and get to a favorable shooting range.
				In my opinion, the weather and visibility conditions this night were very much in favor of the convoy leader, who also understood it very well, and thwarted the U-boats attack possibilities by course changes at the right moment.
				I have the impression that the enemy has the means to enable them to detect the boats before they shoot, and then, with the help of an excellently organized order transmission, to direct the convoy route and in many cases to thwart success even after a shot is fired.
		07.29	AK 2287	"Crash dive!"  Dived for sea-based aircraft.
		07.35	AK 2287	Surfaced again.
		08.00	AK 2287	Searched for contact on easterly and southeasterly courses.  At times heavy show squalls, in general however, otherwise good visibility.
		10.30	AK 2433	About 10.30 hours smoke clouds and mastheads in sight.

Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43

	- 25 -
		continued
		24.04.43
		10.59	AK 3311	Sea-based aircraft bearing 200°T.  No attack.
		11.07	AK 3311	Outgoing Radio Message Short Signal:
				10.30 hours convoy naval square AK 3317, easterly course.
		11.10		Outgoing Radio Message Short Signal:
				Sea-based aircraft.
				Ran to the port side of the convoy and held contact.  In so doing several aircraft coming from Iceland were sighted,  which continually circle the convoy.
				The boats remains unnoticed by all the aircraft.
		12.00	AK 3179	Day's run:  242 nm
		13.12	AK 3187	Outgoing Radio Message Short Signal:
				12.45 hours convoy naval square AK 3351 changed course to the south.
				Due to an error in the Radio Message inadvertently "changed course to the north" was sent.
				Error corrected in Radio Message 1628/24/119.
		14.20	AK 3325	Outgoing Radio Message 1326/24/111:
				Continuous air from Iceland, relief every three hours.  9 T III, 3 T V, 8 Atos, 71 cbm.
		14.43	AK 3326	Flown at by a flying boat in gliding approach from 85°T.  Range = 3000 meters, altitude 200 meters.
				"Crash dive!"  At depth A -40 meters one aircraft bomb, very close.  Light damage.  Boat went well to depth A meters.
		16.00	AK 3326	Surfaced.  Pursued the convoy.
		16.28	AK 3326	Outgoing Radio Message 1628/24/119:
				14.43 hours dived before aircraft square AK 3326, close aircraft bomb, light damage, contact lost.  Last convoy position naval square AK 3351 at 12.45 hours, southerly course.
				Short Signal 1312 must mean south.
		15.15	AK 3334	Dived before flying boat.  Passing flight.  No attack.
		17.45	AK 3334	Surfaced, continued on.
		18.48	AK 3339	Dived before an approaching flying boat from 250°T.  Range = 3000 meters, altitude 400 meters.  No bombs, suspect in return flight.

Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43

	- 26 -
		continued
		24.04.43
		20.00	AK 3417
		20.59	AK 3417	Surfaced to repair the damage, which had turned out to be a bit more extensive in terms of the battery and electrical system; moved off to the south.
				In the mean time increasing weather deterioration, freshening wind from the NE to NNE Strength 5.  Suspect convoy is at least 40 nm to the east-southeast, was later confirmed by a contact keeper report.
				Regaining contact and reaching a position for daytime attack before the break of dawn, is not to be expected given the increasing weather deterioration, even with a completely operable boat.
		22.48	AK 3399	Outgoing Radio Message 2114/24/127:
				21.00 hours position naval square AK 3417.  Repeatedly forced off by continual air.  Set off for repairs.
		25.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 3399
		04.00	AK 3565
		08.00	AK 3734
			NW 3-4, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 3753	Day's run:  172 nm
		15.14	AK 3757	Incoming Radio Message 1240/25/153:
				Orders to take up a new position line for slow NE-convoy.
				Headed for new position.
		16.00	AK 3758
		20.00	AK 3717
		26.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2697
		04.00	AK 2646

	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43

	- 27 -
		continued
		26.04.43
		05.49	AK 2539	In changing visibility, shadow in sight astern to starboard bearing 95°T.  Turned towards.  Recognized as a large vessel running off.  Came to highest speed, pursued.
				Shadow quickly out of sight.  Stopped briefly to listen.  Fast propeller sounds in relative bearing 340°, turned towards. Nothing further seen of the vessel.  Dived to listen.  Clear fast propeller sounds, noticeably fainter.  Surfaced.
				The ship ran at a minimum of 18 knots, pursuit with the imminent breaking dawn is pointless, turned away on course to take up the initial position.
		07.08	AK 2536	Outgoing Radio Message Short Signal:
				06.45 hours AK 2615 independent course northeast, high speed.
				Acknowledgment by Control not heard.  In confirmation Radio Message 1001/26/170 last group "71°" confirmed incorrectly.
				Because I presume that the remaining boats received my Radio Message directly, refrained from sending a correction.
		08.00	AK 2397
			N 0-1, Sea 0, light Swell, few clouds, Vis. good
		09.10	AK 2386	Reached position on the position line.
		12.00	AK 2386	Day's run:  173 nm
				With the flat sea repaired damage from seas and aircraft bombs in the over deck.  Corrected an oil trace.
		16.00	AK 2386
		20.00	AK 2387
		27.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2386
		04.00	AK 2386
		08.00	AK 2382
			NE 0-1, overcast, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43

	- 28 -
		continued
		27.04.43
		10.30	AK 2386	Incoming Radio Message 1038/27/191:
				As new Group "Star".
				. . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . , Junker, . . . . . . . . , from 28 April at 09.00 be in patrol line from AD 8731 via AK 3523 to AK 0329.
				Slow SW-convoy expected tomorrow.
		12.00	AK 2386	Day's run:  124 nm
		12.25	AK 2386	Meeting with "U-Pückler".
		16.00	AK 2471
		19.20	AK 2485	Own U-boat sighted.  Recognition Signals exchanged.  ("U-Mäder")
		20.00	AK 2486
		28.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2492
		04.00	AK 3345
		08.15	AK 3328	Reached starting position.
		08.21	AK 3329	Dived for listening observation.  No results.
			ESE 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy, Vis. medium
				Continued submerged to remain unseen in any case.
		12.00	AK 3337	Day's run:  118 nm
				Surfaced.
		12.15		Incoming Radio Message 1040/28/123:
				. . . . . . . .   convoy position AD 8731.  Witzendorff.
				Operated on convoy.
				In the course of the early afternoon significant visibility deterioration, sometimes down to 1 nm.
		12.30		Incoming Radio Message 1028/28/121:
				To Star.  1)  Passing of an eastbound convoy is expected from today.  Utilize favorable attack opportunities.
				2)  Boats in line remain unseen in any case.  . . . . . . . .
		16.00	AK 2296	Dived for all around listening for eastbound convoy.  No results.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43

	- 29 -
		continued
		28.04.43
		16.30	AK 2296	Port diesel out of service due to oil contamination.  Duration of repairs cannot be foreseen.
				Continued to operate.
		18.01	AK 2291	Outgoing Radio Message 1801/28/133:
				From 16.30 hours malfunction in port diesel.  Duration unknown, continuing operation.  Position AK 2291.
		20.00	AK 2281	Diesel malfunction determined.
				The positions given from Witzendorff, Kandler and Mäder are not close to one another.  Therefore kept well ahead to be certain.
		29.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2125
		02.52		Outgoing Radio Message Short Signal:
				Request bearing signals from contact keeper.
		02.58	AD 7891	Dived for all around listening.  Sound band from 355° to 15°T.
		03.11	AD 7891	Surfaced.  Initially continued on old course.
				By Radio Message 2015/28/139 from Witzendorff the convoy consists of at most 6 steamers.
		04.00	AD 7856	"To Action stations!"
		04.12	AD 7853	Dove again to listen.  Sound bearings in 40°T, from 80-95°T and in 130°T.
				Surfaced and came to course 70°.
		04.45	AD 7853	Escort in sight 10° to port.
				Shortly thereafter convoy sighted ahead to starboard.  Boat is positioned exactly ahead of the convoy.  There is still no clear picture of its expanse.  A minimum of 10 steamers are seen and 3 to 4 destroyers or escorts, they are positioned ahead and ahead  to both sides.
				Judging by the rather strong forward screen and subsequent impressions, the convoy is much larger than Witzendorff reported in Radio Message 2015/28/139, according to which there should be no more than 6 steamers.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43

	- 30 -
		continued
		29.04.43
		04.45	AD 7853	On the contrary I believe the report from Mäßenhausen in Radio Message 1130/29/154 is correct, by which the convoy's strength is about 30 vessels.
				I suspect that a search group stationed east of Greenland took over the convoy in the evening of 28 April to strengthen the screen during the night and on 29 April took over prosecution of the U-boats that were forced to submerge because I can not imagine that the actual escort could spend practically an entire day on the pursuit of individual boats.
				Visibility is changing.  The convoy comes from the dark horizon, while own boats are positioned before the unfavorable west horizon
				Convoy course is proximately 220°.  Initially came to course 180° to get free of the escort ahead to port.
				Intention:  turn in to port to fire all tubes at the foremost ship of the convoy.  Range must be long due to the unfavorable (to the boat) visibility conditions.
				During the approach the convoy turns to starboard to about course 270°.
				Turned after.
				Despite the still somewhat sharp target angle I decide to shoot immediately based on the experience of the previous convoy battle.
		05.14	AD 7856	Four-fan on the third steamer, seem especially large (5000-6000 GRT)
				Target speed = 8 knots, target angle = 40°, range = 4000 meters, target length 100 meters, depth 3 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots.
				Turned away.
		05.17	AD 7856	Stern two-fan on escort, behind which at grater range lay the steamer of the convoy.
				Target speed = 10 knots, target angle = 30°, range = 2500 meters, target length 100 meters, depth 3 meters, torpedo speed = 30 meters.
				Outgoing Short Signal:
				Have contact.
				7 1/2 minutes after the four-fan was shot and about 7 minutes after the two-fan each one perfect detonation was heard.  Effect could not be observed due to diving.

Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43

	- 31 -
		continued
		29.04.43
		05.17	AD 7856	It is thought possible that in one case the torpedoing may be the 7000 tonner sunk by Mässenhausen in AD 7846 with 2 coup de grâce reported in Radio Message 1455/29/179.
				I tried to move off ahead of the convoy to port.  However due to the course change of the convoy this didn't work because apparently  the destroyer stationed to port of the convoy was closing up on a NW-course.
		05.23	AD 7856	At 05.23 hours this destroyer came from ahead, when abeam to port it turned towards me at target angle 0°.  I order "Hard to starboard!" however recognized that the destroyer had already seen me and was running at the boat at high speed.  Range about 1200 meters.
		05.24	AD 7856	"Crash dive!"
				Initially went to depth A +20 meters, afterwards steered at A +80 meters.
				At depth A +60 meters the first depth charge series fell, still relatively distant.
				In the following 2 hours up to 08.00 hours there were a further 6 series (up to 10 depth charges each series), of these two lay especially close directly over the boat.
				The entire pressure hull was violently shaken.  Before each depth charge series sounds like explosive sounding were heard as observed during the first depth charge pursuit on 12 April.  The sounding sounds were heard individually and in groups, moreover, they followed more frequently but more irregularly than the first time.
				A fixed system for the sounding phenomena was not recognized on this occasion. On the other hand, after the third actuation of the flooding mechanism, three sounding impulses, which ran through one another in succession, with up to 10 echoes were observed.  Thereafter the boat was overrun by the destroyer without depth charges.
				It was thought possible that the soundings were unfavorably affected by the flooding mechanism.
				One major failure determined was significant binding of the forward diving plane with loud knocking sounds; when put in "Hard up" the plane jammed in this position, however it could be freed again

Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43

	- 32 -
		continued
		29.04.43
				For the following period it was limited to "Up 15°".
				In addition to other conspicuous knocking sounds inside and outside the boat a considerable number of pressure gages, lamps and electrical equipment failed, however the failures had no limiting consequences.
				In contrast, Battery I again had severe cracking and as a result again acid was detected in the bilge.
				For the most part, vents and outboard closures held tight; only in certain places was the dripping water inflow a little stronger than before, so that about every hour lesser depths had to be sought to pump.
				The failure of the magnetic compass was made unpleasantly noticeable because of the need to turn the gyro-compass off for silent running, thus it was impossible to control the course of the boat.
				This circumstance later forced me - after restarting the gyroscope (around 20.00 hours) - to wait 5 hours after surfacing until the swinging of the gyroscope returned to normal, in order not to run in the wrong direction and thus into the hands of the enemy again.
				It seems appropriate to me to give each U-boat a boat compass, with the aid of which it can at least determine course changes and even if only accurate to within 20° to 30° the main points of the compass.
				After the initial one and a half hours of more or less close by escort sounds, calm followed.  Between 09.30 and 17.00 hours at various time intervals more depth charge series, as well as individual throws of 1-3 depth charges, in between sounding sounds were often heard as well.
		12.00	AD 7856	Day's run:  219 nm
			(Position inexact due to securing of the gyro-compass)	The last throws lay, as far as could be determined, even further away; between 12.00 and 15.00 hours propeller noises were no longer detected, however they [depth charges] occurred again.
				I do not consider it impossible that some of the detonations that occurred in the early afternoon were the time-mechanism, buoy-mounted depth charges mentioned in "Standing Order No. 37".

Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43

	- 33 -
		continued
		29.04.43
		15.00		After 15.00 hours however there were sounding sound for a long time.
				As it turned out after surfacing later, it had freshened considerably from the west. I believe that it is largely thanks to these circumstances that the boat could gradually escape the listening pursuit and locating.
				After 1700- 1900 hours nothing significant occurred, the gyroscope was started again, and I intended to surface around 24.00 hours.
		19.00		Because the CO2 level had risen to approximately 3%, at 19.00 hours potash cartridges were distributed and emergency breathing apparatus donned. Moreover, the behavior and condition of the crew was good and no further measures were required.
		21.30		Between 21.30 and 23.15 hours there were 3 depth charge series of up to 5 depth charges were still heard, which in my opinion were not meant for us, but which caused me to wait to surface until late dusk so as not to attract the pursuers again.
		30.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AD 78
		01.40	AD 78	Surfaced.  Moved off at highest speed to the ENE.
				The thorough examination of the operational readiness of the boat which was carried out after surfacing, revealed the stiffness and the loud knocking noise from the forward diving planes as the main limitation, as well as considerable self noise while cruising submerged, which made silent running impossible in a similar situation.
				The convoy had a minimum of 20 hours head start and in the current weather conditions - there prevailed WSW-Wind Strength 5, Sea 4, with corresponding heavy Swell - regaining contact with the convoy was not to be expected in the next 48 hours.
				Therefore I decided, to begin the return transit, because my fuel inventory had dropped to 47 cbm.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43

	- 34 -
		continued
		30.04.43
				Due to transmitting side difficulties in radio communications the report concerning the pursuit of the last 24 hours was first sent after 3 days, that is on 1 May.
				The said Radio Message had the following wording:
				Outgoing Radio Message 1733/1/128:  (from 1 May)
				29 April 05.14 hours naval square AD 7856 four and two-fan, heated, long range, each a perfect detonation after 7.5 and 7 minutes.  Effect not observed.
				15-hour listening, locating and severe depth charge pursuit.  Forward diving plane stiff, loud noise, further unacceptable self noise.
				Return transit.  43 cbm.  Torpedo inventory:  4 T III, 2 T II, 8 Atos.
				Gradually came to southeasterly and southerly courses and proceeded through the center of square AK.
				For the reasons mentioned above the weather report requested in Radio Message 2220/30/109 was not sent.
		04.00	AD 7832
		08.00	AD 7955
			SW 4, Sea 3, few clouds, Vis. good
		10.28	AD 7995	Dived before aircraft.  Altitude 1000 meters, flying direction 300°.
		12.00	AD 7995	Day's run:  141 nm
		16.00	AD 2221
		20.00	AK 2222
		01.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2228
		04.00	AK 2228
		08.00	AK 2458
			W 1-2, Sea 1, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 2622	Day's run:  119 nm
		16.00	AK 2657
		20.00	AK 2667

	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43

	- 35 -
		02.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 2833
		04.00	AK 2853
		08.00	AK 2858
			SW 6-7, Sea 6, heavy Swell, cloudy to clear, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 2884	Day's run:  134 nm
		16.00	AK 0221
		20.00	AK 0219
		22.41		Outgoing Radio Message 2202/2/144:
				Weather report.
		03.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 0246
		04.00	AK 0276
		08.00	AK 5323
			SW 6-7, Sea 5-6, heavy Swell, overcast, Vis. medium
		12.00	AK 5454	Day's run:  81 nm
		16.00	AK 5357
		20.00	AK 5374
		04.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 5535
		01.16		Outgoing Radio Message 0012/4/180:
				Weather report.
		04.00	AK 5565
		08.00	AK 5595
			SW 3, Sea 2, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 5835	Day's run:  114 nm
		16.00	AK 5868
		17.06		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		20.00	AK 8311

	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43

	- 36 -
		05.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	AK 8347
		04.00	AK 8614
		08.00	AK 8674
			W 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	AK 8918	Day's run:  172 nm
				From 11.37 to 13.24 hours meeting with U-461.  Replaced Metox, Doctor on board.
				According to the last information received the air threat in the Bay of Biscay had increased further, in particular in squares BE 50, BE 60, BF 40 and BF 71-73.  Therefore I decide to carry out the return transit south of these squares.
				I believed the increased U-boat danger in the vicinity of the Spanish northwest and north coast was less dangerous.
		16.00	AK 8949
		19.00	BD 2223	Came to course 130°.
		20.00	BD 2234
		06.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 2345
		04.00	BD 3171
		08.00	BD 3185
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. good
		12.00	BD 3436	Day's run:  204 nm
				The radio messages on 6 May and the following days revealed a northbound convoy, whose position was first reported by air reconnaissance on 6 May at 10.00 hours in naval square CF 6629 on northerly course.  Group "Drossel" was deployed.
				There is the possibility that if the convoy steers a northerly course long enough that I might still gain contact on it or on the wounded.  My fuel inventory allows no higher speed than LF.  Likewise, because of the boat's limited operational capacity as a result of the last depth charge pursuit, I did not think I would take a course through the particularly air-endangered area, and search for good luck at a convoy. Since there were no further contact keeper reports after 24 hours in my opinion it would probably not lead to success anyway.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43

	- 37 -
		continued
		06.05.43
		16.00	BD 3546
		20.00	BD 3586
		07.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 3836
		04.00	BD 3954
		08.00	BD 3994
			W 4, Sea 3, light Swell, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	BE 4114	Day's run:  167 nm
		16.00	BE 4155
		20.00	BE 4277
		08.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 4528
		04.00	BE 4592
		08.00	BE 4913
			W 4, Sea 3, light Swell, overcast, Vis. medium
		12.00	BE 4953	Day's run:  179 nm
		16.00	BE 4993
		20.00	BE 8112
		09.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 8153
		04.00	BE 8193
		07.00	BE 8278	Came to course 95°.
		08.00	BE 8513
			NNW 2, Sea 1, medium Swell, overcast, Vis. good
		12.00	BE 8523	Day's run:  172 nm
		16.00	BE 8611
		20.00	BE 8621

	Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43

	- 38 -
		10.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 8632
		04.00	BE 9413
		08.00	BE 9434
			SW 7-8, Sea 6-7, high Swell, overcast, Vis. changing
		12.00	BE 9514	Day's run:  162 nm
		16.00	BE 9526
		20.00	BE 9533
		11.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 9616
		00.08	BE 9616	Dived to proceed submerged.
				On approaching north Spanish waters dove to proceed submerged at the beginning of darkness.
				Shortly after submerging the first far off depth charge detonations were heard.  This condition lasted the entire transit through the Bay of Biscay, mostly during the day.  It is noteworthy that both aircraft and search groups were involved in this, as in some cases larger series were heard in rapid succession. Moreover, in these days the Gibraltar-England convoy traffic was quite active, so the presence of enemy surface forces is explainable.
				During the day, in one are or another, in certain areas there can also be scare bombs as they repeated themselves each day at approximately the same time, and consisted chiefly of 2-4 depth charges.
				Overall, in the days and nights of 11 to 14 May by careful counting 150 detonations, mostly heard at great range.
				The boat dived at daybreak and proceeded on the surface each evening for about 2-3 hours to charge the battery and ventilate.
				The further north the boat got, the shorter the over water cruise became.  Additionally during the day two or three times the boat surfaced briefly to take a sun navigation fix.

	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43

	- 39 -
		continued
		11.05.43
		04.00	BE 9625
		08.00	BE 9639
			SSW 2, Sea 1-2, clear, Vis. good
		12.00	BF 7457	Day's run:  150 nm
		16.00	BF 7458
		20.00	BF 7467
		22.41	BF 7549	On 105 cm steady tone medium Volume, suspect aircraft.  Dived.
		12.05.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 7557
		04.00	BF 7559
		08.00	BF 7644
			SSW 2, Sea 1, cloudy to clear, Vis. good
		12.00	BF 7651	Day's run:  105 nm
		16.00	BF 7629
		20.00	BF 7635
		16.00	BF  7629
		20.00	BF 7635
		13.05.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 8425
		04.00	BF 8426
		08.00	BF 8678	Came to course 20°.
			E 1, Sea 0, clear, Vis. good
				From the current position of the boat will react the convoy intake point on 15 May at 11.00 hours.
		12.00	BF 8273	Day's run:  99 nm
		16.00	BF 8273
		20.00	BF 8254
		14.05.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 8223
		04.00	BF 5794
		08.00	BF 5765
			N 1, Sea 0-1, cloudy to clear, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43

	- 40 -
		continued
		14.05.43
		12.00	BF 5738	Day's run:  82 nm
		16.00	BF 5814
		20.00	BF 5811
		15.05.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5577
		04.00	BF 5571
		05.30	BF 5571	Surfaced.  Headed for the convoy intake point at highest speed.
		08.00	BF 5554
			E 1, Sea 0-1, clear, Vis. good
		11.00	BF 6173	Reached meeting point with escort.
				Taken in convoy.
		12.00	BF 6173	Day's run:  126 nm
		14.30		Arrived in Lorient.
				Korvettenkapitän and Kommandant.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.43