U-533 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Kiel
15 April 1943
Lorient
24 May 1943
40

 

Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for this patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here

Ships Hit
None
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.


 
 
           
           
           
                 
                              K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u c  h  
                             -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  
           
                                                   of  
                                   Unterseebootes  " U 5 3 3 "  
                                  -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-  
           
      Kommandant        : Oberleutnant zur See  H  e  n  n  i  g  .  
           
      Beginning              : 25 November 1942.  
           
      Concluding           : 24 May 1943.  
           
                                             -.-.-.-.-.-.-  
           
      Distribution           :    
     
Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine, Copy No. 1 and 2
O.K.M. 2. Skl/B.d.U.-Op.,     "      " 3
Kommandierender Admiral der Unterseeboote,     "      " 4
Führer der Unterseeboote West,     "      " 5
Führer der U-Boots-Ausbildungsflottllen,     "      " 6
27. Unterseebootsflottille,     "      " 7
10. Unterseebootsflottille,     "      " 8
 
           
      Enclosures            :    
     
1 Track chart To Copy No. 1,3,4,5,8.
1 Excerpt of the Radio Log   "      "      " 3,4,5,8.
1 K.T.B. Maschine   "      "      " 3,5,8.
 
           
           
           
           
                                            
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
           
    25.11.42 Hamburg    
    11.30 "Deutsche Werft" Commissioning.  
           
    26.11.42 Hamburg/Elbe Sea trial - Damage control exercises.  
           
    27.11.42 Hamburg/Elbe Sea trial - Damage control exercises.  
           
    28.11.42 Hamburg/Elbe Training cruise - damage control exercises.  
           
    29.11.42 Hamburg Took over the boat.  
           
    30.11.42 Hamburg - Brunsbüttel Transit to Kiel through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal.  
           
    01.12.42      
           
    09. - 22.12.42 Kiel Boat with U.A.K. for testing.  
           
    10.12.42   Boat in dry-dock for ballasting.  
           
    22.12.42 Western Baltic AK cruise from Kiel to Arkona.  
      (8 hours full speed)  
           
    23. - 27.12.42 Stettin Boat with the 4. U-Flottille.  
      Part of the crew away on brief leave.  
           
    28.12.42 Stettin-Swinemünde Transit to Swinemünde.  
      Shooting exercises with S.A.S.  
           
    29.12.42 Western Baltic Transit to Rönne,  
           
    29..- 30.12.42 Bornholm Sound trials in Rönne off Bornholm.  
         
    31.12.42 Western - Eastern Baltic Transit to Danzig.  
           
    31.12.42 -      
    -04.01.43 Danzig Boat with U.A.G. 1 Danzig for testing and measured mile.  
         
    05.01. - 07.01 43 Gotenhafen Boat with T.E.K. for testing of the torpedo installation.  
         
    08.01. - 16.01.43 Danzig Boat with U.A.G. 1 for testing and afterwards in the "Holmwerft" to exchange the Fu.M.G. cables.  
           
 
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
           
    17.01. - 08.02.43 Hela Boat with Agru-Front for testing and breaking in of the crew.  
      Special comments:  
      On 18 January during a test dive to depth 45 meters the outer shutoff cock of the speaking tube was forced out.  Water intake into the conning tower.  
      Damage:  None.  
      Conning tower was cleared immediately and the boat blown.  
         
    09.02. - 15.02.43 Danzig Boat with the 25. U-Flottille - torpedo shooting.  
         
    16.02. - 27.02.43 Eastern Baltic Boat with the 27. U-Flottille for tactical training.  
         
    28.02. - 07.03.43 Danzig Boat with the 25. U-Flottille for completion of the remaining torpedo shooting.  
         
    07.03. - 08.03.43 Eastern - Western Baltic Transit to Kiel.  
         
    09.03.43 Kiel - Hamburg Transit through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal to Hamburg to complete final adjustments and overhaul.  
         
    10.03. - 11.03.43 Hamburg Boat at the U-boat Base to clear the boat for Hamburg.  
         
    12.03. - 04.04.43 Hamburg Boat at the "Deutscher Werft" Finkenwärder for final adjustments and overhaul.  
         
    05.04.43 Hamburg Boat at the U-boat Base for outfitting.  
         
    12.04.43 Hamburg - Kiel Transit to Kiel through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal.  
      Boat with the 5. U-Flottille for outfitting.  
         
    15.04.43      
    08.00 Kiel Put to sea for the first patrol  
           
                                    
           
           
           
           
           
 
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
           
    15.04.43      
    08.00 Kiel - Eastern Baltic Put to sea from Kiel for 1st patrol.  
      NW 1, Sea 0, 8/10, 1018 mb, Vis. good    
    09.09   Passed the Kiel Lightship.  
    11.00 Great Belt At Point Rot 15 taken in convoy by Sperrbrecher.  
    12.00 Great Belt Transit in convoy on prescribed route.  
    16.00 Great Belt Transit in convoy on prescribed route.  
    20.00 Great Belt Transit in convoy on prescribed route.  
           
    16.04.43      
    00.00 Great Belt Transit in convoy on prescribed route.  
      NW 3, Sea 2, 0/10, 1017 mb. Vis. good    
    04.00 Great Belt Transit in convoy on prescribed route.  
    08.00 Skagerrak Transit in convoy on prescribed route.  
    12.00 Skagerrak Transit in convoy on prescribed route.  
        Day's run:  295.6 nm  
    16.00 Skagerrak Transit in convoy on prescribed route.  
    18.00 Kristiansand Made fast Kristiansand for fuel supply.  
           
    17.04.43      
    07.00 Kristiansand Put to sea from Kristiansand.  Transit on prescribed route behind escort vessel.  
    08.00 Kristiansand Transit on prescribed route behind escort vessel.  
    12.00 AN 3524 Transit in convoy on prescribed route.  
      Lister abeam Day's run:  113.6 nm  
      WNW 5, Sea 4, 8/10, 1008 mb, misty, Vis. bad    
    14.30   Recognition signal exchanged with German aircraft (B.V. 138)  
    16.00 AN 3193 Transit in convoy on prescribed route.  
    20.00 AN 3134 Transit in convoy on prescribed route.  
    21.05 AN 3131 Convoy ended. Began transit to operations area.  
           
    08.04.43      
    00.00 AN 2985    
      NW 6, Sea 5, 8/10, 999 mb, misty, Vis. medium    
    04.00 AN 2896 Nothing.  
    05.30 AN 2895 Test dive.  
    06.16 AN 2895 Surfaced.  
    06.34 AN 2895 Crash dive for training.            - transit.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 15.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.04.43
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.04.43        
    08.00 AN 2895 Nothing. - transit.  
    12.00 AN 2891 Nothing.    
      φ = 59°26'N Day's run:  192.7 nm    
      λ =   3°41'E      
    12.34 AN 2891 Surfaced to ventilate.    
    12.46 AN 2891 Crash dive for training.    
    16.00 AN 2892 Nothing. - transit, course 0°.  
    20.00 AN 2892 Nothing. - transit, course 0°.  
    20.20 AN 2892 Surfaced.    
             
    19.04.43        
    00.00 West of Bergen Nothing. - transit, course 0°.  
      SW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, rain, Vis. medium, 985 mb      
    04.00 AN 2338 Nothing. - transit, course 0°.  
    06.34 AN 2335 Dived - transit.  
    08.00 AN 2335 Nothing.    
    12.00 AN 2335 Day's run:  99 nm - transit.  
      φ = 61°10'N      
      λ =   3°40'E      
    16.00 AN 2332 Nothing. - transit, course 340°.  
    20.00 AF 8787 Nothing. - transit, course 340°.  
    20.36 AF 8782 Surfaced.    
        Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  34°T, 16 nm.  
          - transit, course 320°.  
             
    20.04.43        
    00.00 AF 8715 Nothing. - transit, course 340°.  
      West of Stavanger      
      W 4, Sea 4, 4/10, 1001 mb, Vis. good      
    04.00 AF 7669 Nothing. - transit.  
    08.00 AF 7635 Nothing. - transit.  
    11.50 AF 7635 Dived due to bad flier visibility  
    12.00 AF 7635 Day's run:  95.3 nm - transit.  
      φ = 62°33'N      
      λ =   2°18'E      
    16.00 AF 7397 Nothing. - transit, course 337°.  
    20.00 AF 7394 Nothing. - transit.  
    20.39 AF 7394 Surfaced - transit, course 337°.  
             
    21.04.43 Northeast of the Faroes      
    00.00 AF 7328 - transit, course 337°.    
      SW 3, Sea 3, 9/10, 997 mb, Vis. medium      
    04.00 AF 4893 - transit, course 294°.    
         
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.04.43      
    05.22 AF 4867 Dived due to bad flier visibility  
    08.00 AF 4867 Nothing. - transit.  
    10.34 AF 4867 Surfaced. - transit, course 294°.  
    12.00 AF 4855 Day's run:  129.6 nm    
      φ = 64°04'N   - transit, course 294°.  
      λ =   0°33'W      
    16.00 AF 4732 Nothing. - transit.  
    20.00 AF 4488 Nothing. - transit, course 277°.  
        Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  15°T, 11 nm.  
             
    22.04.43        
    00.00 North of the Faroe Islands Nothing. - transit, course 270°.  
      AE 6699      
      W 1, Sea 1, 9/10, 1004 mb, Vis. good      
    04.00 AE 6679 Nothing. - transit, course 242°.  
    05.16 AE 6911 Test dive.    
    08.14 AE 6914 Surfaced - transit, course 242°.  
    12.00 AE 6852 Day's run:  195.8 nm    
      φ = 64°08'N   - transit, course 242°.  
      λ =   7°20'W      
    16.00 AE 6847 Nothing. - transit, course 240°.  
        Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  358°T, 1 nm.  
    20.00 AE 6789 Nothing. - transit.  
    23.30 AE 9121 Encounter with approaching German U-boat (probably "U-71").  Recognition signal was not answered.  Passing distance 2.5 nm  
      NE 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1001 mb, Vis. changing  
             
    23.04.43        
    00.00 "Rosengarten" Nothing. - transit.  
      AE 9121      
      NE 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1000 mb, Vis. medium      
    04.00 AE 8358 Nothing. - transit.  
    05.57 AE 8376 Dived due to bad visibility.    
          - transit, course 242°.  
    06.30 AE 8376 Passed a patrol vessel to starboard.  Course 30°, medium speed, distance 1500 meters, no locating.  
    08.00 AE 8376 Nothing. - transit, course 242°.  
    12.00 AE 8532 Nothing Day's run:  188.8 nm  
      φ = 62°40'N      
      λ = 13°26'W      
    16.00 AE 8532 Nothing. - transit, course 242°.  
    18.29 AE 8532 Surfaced.    
    20.00 AE 8527 Nothing. - transit, course 242°.  
         
Sun and Moon Data 21.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.04.43
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    24.03.43 Iceland Passage      
    00.00 AE 8468 - transit.    
      S 4, Sea 4, 8/10, 981 mb, Vis. medium      
    04.00 AE 8487 - transit, course 242°.    
    05.43 AE 8712 Test dive. - transit.  
    08.00 AE 8714 - transit, course 242°.    
    12.00 AE 7936 Surfaced, - transit. Day's run:  140 nm  
      φ = 64°39'N      
      λ = 17°28'W      
    13.46 AE 7936 Crash dive for aircraft ("Stirling").  Approaching had apparently not seen us.  Aircraft course:  170°, coming from Iceland.  Altitude 300 meters.  
    16.00 AE 7963 - transit, course 242°.    
    19.03 AE 7694 Crash dive for aircraft ("Lerwick").  Approached from ahead to starboard out of the sun.  3 aircraft bombs at depth 30 meters, damage still not noted, glass damage.  
    20.00 AE 7964 - transit, course 242°.    
        Repaired aircraft bomb damage.  
    23.31 AE 7981 - transit, repair of aircraft bomb damage.  The air search periscope could no longer be extended.  Pivot socket of the Uzo column came off.  Port diesel out of service.  
             
    25.03.43 South of Iceland      
    00.00 AE 7981 - transit.    
      E 7, Sea 5, 9/10, 980 mb, freshening, Vis. medium Sea runs up from astern, therfore came to course 200°.  
    04.00 AL 2225 - transit, course 200°.    
    07.00 AL 2249 Dived to repair aircraft bomb damage.  
    08.00 AL 2276 - transit, course 242°.    
    12.00 AL 2275 - transit. Day's run:  156 nm  
      φ = 60°08'N Damage was repaired by on board means, the crew worked well.  
      λ = 20°55'W  
      NNE 8, Sea 7, overcast, rain, 984 mb, Vis. bad Remained submerged to listen for the "Throtha-convoy".  
    16.00 AL 2199 - transit, course 275°.    
    17.53 AL 2195 Crash dive for aircraft (Stirling), course:  120°, altitude 600 meters, range:  7000 meters.  
    20.26 AL 2195 Surfaced and dived again due to bad flier visibility.  
    23.00 AL 2195 Surfaced. - transit.  
    23.29 AL 2322 Approach of a "Sunderland" from ahead to port out of a cloud bank, too late to dive. Ordered M.G. ready.  The bridge watch immediately took the approaching aircraft under fire with MG C/38 and MG 15.  Sunderland turned away and approached again from astern.  Our MG C 38 fire was well placed, the aircraft replied with on board weapons  
         
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.04.43 AL 2322 and threw 4 bombs (250 kg) about 100 meters alongside the boat at the level of the conning tower.  Strong concussion in the boat.  After the bombs were thrown immediately crash dived.  Boat got under quickly and turned away hard.  Wounded by the Sunderland fire were:  
        1.)  Btsmt. Buttkus, upper thigh shot through,  
        2.)  Mtr.Gefr. Fekken, lower thigh shot through,  
        3.)  Mtr.Gefr. Ludwig, Lower arm shot through.  
        The wounded were still able to join the crash dive and were then treated immediately.  They distinguished themselves by this behavior.  
           
    26.04.43 South of Iceland    
      AL 2325 - transit  (treated the wounded).  
      NW 7, Sea 7, 9/10, 999 mb, Vis. good    
    04.00 AL 2345 - transit.  
    06.25 AL 1495 - transit.  Test dive.  
        Treatment of the wounded.  
    08.00 AL 1495 - transit.  
    12.00 AL 1489 - transit.  Day's run:  118 nm  
      φ = 59°22'N    
      λ = 23°54'W    
    16.00 AL 1488 - transit.  Based on the experience gained over the past three days, with the close air surveillance and poor flier visibility I believe it is correct to continue transit on the surface only if no further surprises could occur. The Fu.M.B. has not given any indication of localization. Nothing was seen in the magic eye nor was any tone heard.  
    20.00 AL 1481 - transit.  Course 270°.  
           
    27.04.43 Southwest of Ireland    
    00.00 AL 1472 - transit.  Course 270°.  
    02.30 AL 1393 According to incoming Radio message 1293/26/176:  "New attack area for "Wenzel", "Rabenau", "Kandler", square VV 72 [AK 22], "Carlowitz", "Witzendorf", "Hennig" square HD 29 [AD 79]", came to new course 300°.  
    04.00 AL 1358 - transit.  Course 300°.  
    07.13 AL 1345 Test dive.  Fu.M.B. aircraft detection determined in magic eye.  After repairing a loose contact, it seems the gear is in operation again.  
    08.00 AL 1345 - transit.  Course 300°.  
    12.00 AK 3438 - transit.  Course 300°.  
      φ = 59°43'N Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  15°T, 11 nm.  
      λ = 26°46'W  
        Day's run:  120 nm  
        Incoming Radio Message 1038/27/191:  As new Group "Star":  "Carlowitz", "Witzendorff", "Hennig", "Kandler", "Rabenau", "Wenzel", "Junker", "Mäder", "Pückler", "Happe", "Mässenhausen", "Popp", "Löwe", "Stahl", "Brodda", "Pöl" on  
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    27.04.43      
      AK 3438 28 April at 08.00 hours be in patrol line from AD 8431 [typo AD 8731] via AK 3523 to AK 0329.   
    12.30 AK 3436 Came to new course = 320°.  
    15.31 AK 3288 Dived for Fu.M.B. detection (aircraft).  
    16.00 AK 3282 - transit, course 316°.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  24°T, 5 nm.  
    19.16 AK 3246 Crash dive for aircraft (Catalina), altitude 900 meters, range 7000 meters.  Went to depth 80 meters, no bombs.  
    20.00 AK 3245 - transit.  
    20.56 AK 3241 Crash dive for aircraft (Catalina), altitude 800 meters, range 6000 meters.  Course 100°.  Went to depth 80 meters.  No bombs.  
           
    28.04.43 Southwest of Ireland    
    00.00 AK 3241 - transit into operations area.  
    04.00 AD 8795 Back and forth in position in patrol line, course 176° and 356°.  
    07.17 AD 8764 Crash dive for destroyer, that suddenly came out of the morning mist.  Course 45°.  Afterwards was run over and located by a search group (3 vessels).   
    08.00 AD 8764 - cruise.  Turns and silent running before search group.  
    10.20 AD 8764 Surfaced.  
    11.39 AD 8791 Crash dive for aircraft (Sunderland).  Installed start valve for the port diesel.  
    11.49 AD 8791 Surfaced.   
      Between Island and Greenland On receipt of Radio Message 1040/28/12x:  Forced to submerge by Sunderland.  Convoy position AD 8731. Witzendorff.    Operated on convoy by plotting.  
    12.52 AD 8764 Crash dive for Sunderland.  Day's run:  141.0 nm  
      φ = 61°19'N    
      λ = 29°30'W Visibility deteriorating, low hanging clouds.  
    13.31 AD 8756 Surfaced.  
    13.36 AD 8756 Crash dive for Sunderland.  
    14.02   Surfaced.  
    14.31 AD 8755 Crash dive for Sunderland.  Fu.M.B. (magic eye) proved itself well.  Without Fu.M.B. we would be in a fix with the visibility about 1000 meters.  
    16.10 AD 8754 Surfaced.  Pursued convoy at GF, course 260°.  
    19.43 AD 7959 Dived to listen.  No bearings.  
    20.10 AD 7959 Surfaced.  
    20.45                  [typo AD 7922] On receipt of Radio Message 2043/28/140:  Witzendorff sighted convoy 20.40 hours naval square AD 7922.  
        Came to course 300° and 2 x GF.  
    21.50 AD 7924 2 Destroyers come out of the mist at 1000 meters.  Turned away hard and ran off against the sea.  Destroyers give up the chase after 1/2 hour.  After 3/4 hours again angled in towards the screen.  A new advance by a destroyer.  Ran off against the sea.  However this time the destroyer comes up.  At 2000 meters crash dived and went to depth A +40 meters.  At depth A +20 meters 7 depth charges, no damage.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.04.43      
      AD 7924 Due to an operating error water intake in the control room via the main drain pump.  About 7 tons of water got into the bilge.  The Engineering Officer has the boat well in hand and soon balanced for LF.  
           
    29.04.43 Between Iceland and Greenland    
    00.45 AD 7947 After correcting damage and moving off from the destroyer, surfaced.  Pursued at 2 x GF.  
    02.05   Shadow to starboard (destroyer).  Ran off and slowly angled in.  
    02.15   "To Action Stations!"  
        Approach on a destroyer.  Ran towards at LF.  Visibility 2000 meters, dark rainclouds in my background.  The boat cannot be seen.  Shortly before the shot the destroyer turns towards the boat and runs toward at medium speed.  I must turn away at AK.  The destroyer follows in the wake for 25 minutes and then turns back to the convoy.  
    03.59 AD 7945 2nd approach on the convoy.  Attempt to break through behind the forward destroyer screen.  Even though the boat is not seen the forward sweeper turns toward the boat.  At a distance of 2000 meters I must turn away, the destroyer follows in the wake and comes up quickly.  At range 1000 meters crash dive.  7 depth charges at depth A +10 meters, no damage.  Destroyer remains lying in the vicinity of the boat until the astern search group comes up then runs off.  Search group (2 vessels) searches with listening gear.  45 depth charges, no damage.  I can withdraw from the group at silent running at depth A +40 meters.  
    08.14 AD 7945 Surfaced.  Pursued the convoy.  Course 290°.  
    12.00 AD 7855 Day's run:  201.5 nm  
      φ = 61°18'N    
      λ = 34°20'W    
    16.00 AD 7761 Course 290°.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  0°T, 11 nm.  
    1x.38 AD 7746 Dived:  1.)  To treat the three gun shot wounded.  Mtr.Gefr. Fekken worries me.  Infection seems to have come into the wound.  2.)  To balance the boat.  The port negative buoyancy tank has failed, and new fillings must be determined.  
    20.00 AD 7749 - transit.                         Course 270°.  
    21.18 AD 7749 Surfaced.                            - transit.   Course 270°.       
           
    30.04.43 East of Greenland    
    00.00 AD 6993 At 22.48 hours came to course 170°; suspect the convoy is located to the south.  
      SW 7, Sea 7, 8/10, 989 mb, high Swell, Vis. medium  
    01.00 AD 6996 Convoy in sight ahead to port.  Course 240°.  Was forced off by a destroyer, angled back towards the convoy again.  Due to the high swell can only run at LF.  Beta Beta Signal was not heard by Control, likewise no radio message.  
    05.25 AD 9428 Dived to listen.  Sound bearing in 60°T.  
    05.45 AD 9428 Surfaced.  Came to course 60°.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    30.04.43      
   

06.20

06.35

AD 9494 Advanced towards the forward convoy screen, ran off before a destroyer.  Could not get away and had to dive:  Crash dive.  
        Was located, scare depth charges.  
        Convoy ran over me.  
    07.20 AD 9424 To Action Stations!  Tubes I - IV were made ready, in so doing a operation error in the bow room.  5 tons flooded into the torpedo compensating tank.  The boat was only held at GF and by pumping.  After correcting this the convoy is past us!  At periscope depth only the aft screen is recognized, which detects us the same moment and holds us submerged.  
    12.42 AD 9442 Surfaced.  Pursued convoy at GF.  
      φ = 60°36'N Course:  240°.                   Day's run:  218 nm  
      λ = 38°36'W    
    13.42 AD 9442 Aft screen of the convoy in sight.  I set off to port at the limit of visibility.  
    16.00 AD 9445 By plotting the convoy should be in sight again.  Seems to have zigzagged.  
    20.00 AD 9444 - transit.  Course 240°.  It is freshening, later up to 7-8.  Ran against the sea.  
    20.54 AD 9369 Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.  
    22.40 AD 9169 Came to course 190°.  Operated on the "Pückler-convoy" to the south.  Transit speed only 7 knots against the sea.  
      SW 8, Sea 8, clear, 996 mb, rising, Vis. good  
           
    01.05.43 Southeast of Greenland    
    00.00 AD 9396 - transit.                         Course 180°.  
      SW 8, Sea 8, clear, 998 mb, Vis. good    
    02.43 AD 9733 Dived before destroyer.  
        - transit.                          7 depth charges.  
    04.00 AD 9735 - transit.                           Course 220°.  
    08.00 AD 9737 Went to periscope depth.  Destroyer is astern to port.  Range:  1100 meters, target angle bow right 15°, is turned athwart the sea.  Went to silent running.  Submerged attack in the high seas and Swell is not possible.  
      W 10, Sea 10, 9/10, 1003 mb, high and long Swell, Vis. bad  
    12.00 AD 9756    
      φ = 59°37'N Day's run:  201.5 nm             - transit.  Course:  220°.  
      λ = 39°46'W    
    15.23 AD 9764 Surfaced.                               - transit.  Course:  160°.  
        Continued to operate on the "Pückler-convoy".  
    16.00 AD 9767 - transit.  Course:  160°.  It freshens further.  Wind 10 from the SW.  
    20.00 AJ 3232 - transit.  Course:  160°.   
    21.42   Incoming Radio Message 2011/1/880:  Group Star:  If by the beginning of darkness no boat of the group has contact, break off operations.  Remain in reached area.  More to follow on 2 May.  
           
    02.05.43 Southeast of Greenland    
    00.00 AJ 3237    
      SW 10, Sea 10    
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43
Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.05.43      
      Vis. bad, hail showers - transit.  Course:  160°.  
    02.15 AJ 3264 Dived to top up the batteries  
    04.00 AJ 3264 - transit.  Course:  270°.  
    08.00 AJ 3256 - transit.  Course:  270°.  
    09.00 AJ 3255 Surfaced.  In waiting station.  Steamed back and forth on 1 motor LF on course 150° and 330°.  
    12.00 AJ 3283 - waiting station. Day's run:  95 nm  
      φ = 58°32'N      
      λ = 39°29'W      
    16.00 AJ 3252 - waiting station.  No new orders up to now, because Radio Message reception on short wave is not possible.  At the moment is it not possible to send a Radio Message to Control.  
    18.10 AJ 3252 Incoming Radio Message 1033/2/95:  1.  Group "Star" at highest speed considering fuel operate on "Hasenschar-convoy", which at 01.00 hours is in naval square AJ 8896, northerly course 8 knots.  Immediately including Neckel switch to "America I" circuit.  Supplier positioned XH 32.  2.  Group "Star" consists of 14 boats.  
    18.30 AJ 3252 Operated on convoy by plotted intercept.  New course:  250°.  
    20.00 AJ 3282 - transit, course 250°.  Highest speed against the high sea and swell only 9 knots.  
             
    03.05.43 Southeast of Greenland      
    00.00 AJ 3274 - transit.  Course:  250°.  
      SW 9, Sea 9, 10/10, 1006 mb, Vis. bad      
    04.00 AJ 3423 - transit.  Course:  250°.  
    07.33 AJ 2639 Crash dive before destroyer.  Came in sight ahead 20° to starboard out of a rain cloud.  
    11.30 AJ 3418 Surfaced.    On Radio Message 2215/2/243:  
        "  . . . by sound bearing Hasenschar convoy continues to run on course 30° and 7.7 knots from square AJ 8896.  
        Operated on new course = 156°.  Suspect convoy has not held a northerly course, because up to now none of the boats has found the convoy on this course.  
    12.00 AJ 3418      
      φ = 57°55'N Day's run:  206 nm - transit.  Course 156°.  
      λ = 42°27'W      
    13.53 AJ 3445 Incoming Radio Message 1143/3/261:  "Hasenschar-convoy" 1.)  "Specht" and "Star" 18.00 hours in reconnaissance line located from naval square AJ 5333 via 6348 to naval square AK 4449.  Named Order:  Group "Specht" in preciously named order without "Ölrich", after that from naval square AJ 6340 Group "Star" in named order:  Mäder, Happe, Stahl, Hennig, Neckel, Löwe, Poel, Pückler, Wenzel, Popp, Brodda, Mässenhausen, Witzendorff.  . . .  
    14.00 AJ 3449 Attempt to run against the sea on new course = 180° is not successful.  So much water comes over that pumping can no  
         
Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    03.05.43 AJ 3449 longer keep pace.  
    16.00 AJ 3476 - transit.  Course:  156°.  
    20.00 AJ 3819 - transit.  Course:  156°.  
        Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  70°T, 40 nm.  
             
    04.05.43 Southeast of Greenland      
    00.00 AJ 3515 - transit.  Course:  180°.  
      SW 9, Sea 9, 10/10, 1024 mb, Vis. medium, high Swell      
    00.50 AJ 3881 Steamer in sight ahead 10° to port.  Bow right.  Course 270°.  Turned away and maneuvered ahead.  Steamer seems to have seen us.  Angled back in after 20 minutes,  Steamer is no longer seen.  Dived 2 times to listen.  Faint sound bearing in 260°T.  Pursued.  After 1-1/2 hours gave up because I can only run at 7 knots against the high Swell.  Continued transit to reconnaissance line.  
    04.00 AJ 3879 - transit.  Course:  196°.  
    08.00 AJ 6329 - transit.  Course:  196°.  
    12.00 AJ 6384 - transit.  Course:  205°.  
      φ = 55°34'N Day's run:  172 nm    
      λ = 40°50'W      
    16.00 AJ 6619 Back and forth in position in reconnaissance line with 1 engine LF on course 135° and 315°.  
    20.00 AJ 6619 - waiting station.    
    21.02 AJ 6618 Incoming Radio Message 2029/4/289:  Hasenschar has detected a convoy at 20.17 in AJ 6271.   
        Operated on convoy by plotted intercept and came to course 343°.  After corrected Short Signal by Hasenschar came to course 245°.  
    24.00 AJ 6614 - transit.  Course:  343°.  
             
    05.05.43 Southeast of Greenland      
    00.00 AJ 6614 - transit.  Course:  343°.  
      W 4, Sea 4, 6/10, 1039 mb, high Swell, Vis. good      
    03.05 AJ 6553 Crash dive for aircraft.  Approaching and locating with searchlight.  
    03.43 AJ 6553 Surfaced.    
    04.03 AJ 6554 Crash dive for aircraft.    
    04.40   Surfaced.    
    05.24 AJ 6546 Crash dive for aircraft.    
    05.38   Surfaced.    
    08.00 AJ 6466 - transit.  Course:  0°,  evasion before aft screen.  
    12.00 AJ 6453      
      φ = 53°00'N - transit.  Course:  180°. Day's run:  186 nm  
      λ = 43°40'W      
    16.00 W 1, Sea 1, 2//10, 1032 mb, clear, Vis. good - transit.  Course:  180°.  Maneuvered ahead.  Convoy located to starboard.  Distance 15 nm.  
    20.00 AJ 9147 - transit.  Course:  220°.  Position ahead of the convoy with 8 boats.  Visibility deteriorating.  
         
Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.05.43      
    23.30 AJ 8639 Search course athwart convoy course 180°.  Visibility 200 meters, rain.  Based on bearing signals came to course 60°.  After 1/2 hour came to course 270°.  
           
    06.05.43 East of Newfoundland    
    00.00 AJ 8639 - search course 270°.  Visibility 50 meters.  At any moment a destroyer or corvette with "Dete" [radar] can detect the boat and ram;  sharpest lookout.  
      SE 2, Sea 2, overcast, misty, rain, 1030 mb, Vis. bad  
    01.34 AJ 8639 Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.  Only Asdic sounds and depth charges not too far away.   
    01.44   Surfaced.  Course:  270°.  
    04.00 AJ 9447 - search course 270°.  Nothing seen.  
    06.55 AJ 8683 Brief illumination of a small searchlight to starboard directed beam at the boat, immediately turned away hard to port and came to GF.  A minute later a destroyer came out of the fog towards the boat at target angle 0° and highest speed.  The destroyer turned with and shot at the boat with automatic weapons (2 cm). When crash diving the abeam distance was about 50 meters.  The boat gets under well and quickly.  At depth 8 meters 5° bow down the boat was solidly rammed.  Immediately afterwards one depth charge directly alongside the boat; no failures.  The Chief Engineer has the boat well and surely in hand.  Afterwards depth charges, depth A +40 meters, no damage.  
    08.00 AJ 8691 - silent running.  Depth charges.  
    11.17 AJ 8669 Surfaced.  From the ramming the starboard net deflector is torn away, canister 1 dented, starboard exhaust gas manifold is crushed.  Bunker 2 port is apparently torn.  The boat has a light oil trace.  
    12.00 AJ 8669 - transit, course 90°.  Moved off to the east at 2 x GF for repairs.  Day's run:  232 nm  
      φ = 52°14'N  
      λ = 44°32'W    
    16.00 AJ 9462 - repairs as far as Sea State allows.  The boat is again operable except for the oil trace, which will be also eliminated soon.  
    18.00 AJ 9513 - transit, course 90°.  Oil trace corrected.  
    20.00 AJ 9534 - transit, course 90°.   
           
    07.05.43 East of Newfoundland    
    00.00 AJ 9624 - transit, course 90°.   
      W 4, Sea 4, 10/10, 1026 mb, Vis. medium    
    04.00 AJ 9368 - transit, course 35°.  
    08.00 AK 7115 - transit, course 35°.  
    08.50 AK 7112 Dived to work on the starboard diesel.  
    12.00 AK 4779 - transit, course 35°.  Day's run:  209 nm  
      φ = 53°34'N    
      λ = 39°40'W    
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.05.43      
    16.18 AK 4781 Surfaced.  - transit, course 35°.  
    20.00 AK 4757 Incoming Radio Message 1201/7/269:  As new Group "Elbe" in named order Dahlhaus, Heydemann, etc. on 8 May 08.00 in patrol line from naval square AJ 9421 to BC 6246.  Boat interval 20 nm, More to follow.  
    20.30 AK 4757 Came to opposite course = 215°.  Cannot be in position at the appointed time because range = 230 nm.  
           
    08.05.43 North Atlantic, east of Newfoundland    
    00.00 AK 7111 - transit, course 215°.  Incoming Radio Message 2259/7/285:  New patrol line for 8 May 12.00 hours.  Group "Elbe" without Jessen from BC 3141 to 6859.  Interval 20 nm.  No reports concerning late arrival.  From tomorrow at midday an eastbound convoy is expected.  
      NW 2, Sea 2, 10/10, 1027 nm, rising, Vis. moderate  
    04.00 AK 9373 - transit, course: 215°.  
    07.35 AJ 9562 Dived to listen.  Fog, visibility 200 meters, no sound bearings.  
    09.00   Surfaced.  
    12.00 AJ 9829 Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.  
      φ = 54°38'N Day's run:  241 nm  
      λ = 42°09'W    
    12.16   Surfaced.  - transit, course: 180°.  Fog, visibility 100 meters  
    16.00 BC 3153 - transit, course: 180°.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  12°T, 9 nm.  
    20.00 BC 3426 - transit, course: 180°.   
           
    09.05.43 North Atlantic, southeast of Newfoundland    
    00.00 BC 3489 Incoming Radio Message 0025/9/878:  . . . 2.)  Group "Elbe" from 01.00 hours, course 120°, speed of advance 10 knots.  
      SW 3, Sea 4, 10.10, 1009 mb, Vis. medium  
    00.35   Came to course 120°.  
    04.00 BC 3819 - transit, course: 120°.   
    07.15 BC 3867 Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.  
    08.50 BC 3868 Surfaced.  - transit, course: 120°.   
    12.00 φ = 48°22'N Day's run:  277 nm  
      λ = 39°32'W    
    13.25 BC 6322 Incoming Radio Message 1311/9/885:  Convoy in naval square CD 3598, medium speed, course 90°, 13.06 hours reported by Förster  
        By plotting that is 600 nm for us to the intercept point.  Therefore we receive no order to operate.  Therefore we must wait.  
    16.00 BD 6363 - transit, course: 140°, diesel-electric.  
    17.30 BD 4141 Incoming Radio Message 1632/9/891:  To Group "Elbe":  1.)  On 10 May in the evening patrol line absolutely must be reached from BD 8111 to CE 1849.  A further convoy following along behind the one detected today is expected.  Tomorrow by day in transit and by night in the patrol line sharpest lookout.  
        2.)  . . .  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 08.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.05.43      
    18.00 BD 4145 Came to course 142.  
    20.00 BD 4184 - transit, course: 142°.  Diesel-electric 11 knots.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  308°T, 25 nm.  
           
    10.05.43 North Atlantic, southeast of Newfoundland    
    00.00 BD 4425 - transit, course: 140°.   
      SW 4, Sea 3, 10/10, 1004 mb, Vis. medium    
    04.00 BD 4496 - transit, course: 140°.   
    08.00 BD 4854 - transit, course: 140°.   
    12.00 BD 7235 - transit, course: 140°.   
      φ = 45°29'N Day's run:  264 nm  
      λ = 35°44'W Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  338°T, 21.5 nm.  
    16.00 BD 7314 - transit, course: 145°.   
    20.00 BD 7388 - transit, course: 145°.   
    21.41 BD 7668 Incoming Radio Message 2000/10/814:  As new Group Elbe I Dahlhaus, Heydemann, Deeke, Witzendorff, U-752,    U-614, Weber, Hennig etc.  . . .  11 May 10.00 hours be in patrol line from BD 5711 to 8747.   . . .  
    22.45 BD 7693 Came to course 10°.  Am 42 nm away from my new position.  
           
    11.05.43 North Atlantic, west of the Azores    
    00.00 BD 7666 - transit, course: 10°.   One diesel LF.  
      W 2, Sea 1, 10/10, 1008 mb, Vis. medium    
    04.00 BD 8414 - transit, course: 10°.   
    07.35 BD 8174 Dived to listen.  No sound bearings.  
    09.10 BD 8411 Surfaced. Back and forth in position in patrol line with one diesel LF. The visibility is good.  Therefore we must definitely see the convoy if he comes through here.  
    12.00 BD 8174 - transit, course: 0° and 180° in patrol line.   
      φ = 44°50'N Day's run:  179 nm  
      λ = 33°53'W    
    16.00 BD 8414 - transit, course: 0° and 180°.  
    18.50 BD 8414 Incoming Radio Message 1840/11/119:  Convoy 18.35 hours naval square CE 1543 reported from Luis.  
    19.06 BD 8414 Operated on "Luis-convoy".  Came to course 140°.  Both diesels LF.  
    20.00 BD 8417 - transit, course: 140°.   
           
    12.05.43 North Atlantic, northwest of the Azores    
    00.00 BD 8489 - transit, course: 140°.   
      SW 6, Sea 6, 10/10, 1008 mb, Vis. bad    
    04.00 BD 8878 - transit, course: 180°.   
    06.50 CE 1367 Dived to listen, no sound bearings.  
    08.00 CE 135x Surfaced.  - transit, course: 180°.   Must be at the convoy now.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.05.43      
    12.00 CE 2182 Day's run:  245 nm  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  310°T, 30.8 nm.  
      φ = 42°12'N  
      λ = 31°15'W - transit, course: 333°, both diesels GF.   
    16.00 BD 8881 - transit, course: 0°.   
    17.00 BD 8857 Encounter with "U-Janssen".  Navigation comparison gives a difference of 310°, 10 nm.  Pursued to the east.  Course 100°.  
    20.00 BD 8893    
   

21.30

 

 

22.20

BD 8976

 

 

BD 8976

2 U-boats abeam to starboard come towards us at highest speed.  Therefore they must have been at the convoy.  As a precaution came to the same course and to GF.  After 1/2 hour destroyer masts come in sight behind the boats.  Went to AK.  The two other boats are quicker than me.  The destroyer comes out further and opens cannon fire at 7000 meters.  After 20 minutes the fire is so accurate that I must dive.  Afterwards for 7 hours well-placed depth charges, locating and listening pursuit.  
           
    13.05.43 North Atlantic, northwest of the Azores    
    00.00 BD 8971 Silent running, depth charges, explosive locating, Asdic.  
      NW 2, Sea 2, 2/10, 1014 mb, Vis. good    
    04.00 BD 8957 Silent running, depth charges.  
    07.58 BD 8955 Surfaced.  Set off to the east to repair depth charge damage.  Port outer exhaust gas valve can only be closed with difficulty, over deck canister 8 dented, fuses and glass damage.  Torpedo-flooding mechanism out of service. Port outer exhaust gas valve warped.  Heavy oil trace.  
    12.00 BD 8963 Day's run:  186 nm  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  184°T, 17 nm.  Pursued the convoy on course 90°.  
      φ = 43°26'N  
      λ = 29°34'W  
    1x.00 BD 9743 Failures corrected except for the port outer exhaust gas valve and oil trace.  At GF am only limitedly ready to crash dive.  Came to course 40°.  
    16.00 BD 9754 - transit, course: 40°.   
    20.00 BD 9726 - transit, course: 40°.  Broke off search and attempted to correct the oil trace.  All test lines were flushed without results.  Main fuel bunker 3 starboard was emptied with a hand pump to 7 starboard.  Oil trace remains.  
           
    14.05.43 North Atlantic, northwest of the Azores.    
    00.00 BD 9495 - transit, course: 40°.   
      N 2, Sea 1, 4/10, 1031 mb, Vis. good    
    04.00 BD 9544 - transit, course: 40°.   
    08.00 BD 9516 - transit, course: 40°.   Last attempt.  
        Main ballast tank 4 port was emptied by hand pump to 6 starboard, oil trace is corrected.  By this main ballast and reserve fuel oil tank 2 and 3 starboard and 4 port are torn.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    14.05.43      
    12.00 BD 9516 - transit, course: 270°.  Day's run:  145 nm   
      φ = 44°35'N Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  208°T, 3 nm.   
      λ = 27°31'W  
    16.00 BD 9524 - transit, course: 270°.   Dived 3 times to flush the main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks.  
    20.00 BD 9298 Crash dive for training.  Diving time increased by the port outer exhaust gas valve to 59 seconds.  Boat was reported fully operational by Radio Message.  
           
    15.05.43 North Atlantic, northwest of the Azores    
    00.00 BD 9289 - transit, course: 320°.   
    04.00 BD 9242 - transit, course: 320°.   
    00.00 BD 9214 Came to course 58 based on Incoming Radio Message 0102/15/891:  1.)  On the course of 15 May give up fuel from:  Auffermann to "U-752" in 1546 . . . Hennig to Kruschka in 1868, Janssen to Heydemann in 1866, all BD.  3.)  Thereafter type IX-Boats economical return   transit . . .  
        By plotting am 60 nm from the meeting point.  
    08.00 BD 6879 - transit, course: 58°.   
    12.00 BD 6869 Back and forth in the square, nothing seen.  
      φ = 45°58'N Day's run:  199 nm   
      λ = 26°56'W    
    16.00 BD 6868 Had incorrect navigation fix.  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  210°T, 29 nm.   
    16.05 BD 6868 Came to course 30°, both diesels HF.  It is freshening to Wind 5, Sea 5.  
    20.00 BD 6868 Am positioned in ordered square.  
           
    16.05.43 North Atlantic, northwest of the Azores    
    00.00 BD 6868 Positioned at meeting point, nothing seen of Kruschka.  
      NE 4, Sea 4, 3/10, 1034 mb, Vis. good    
    04.00 BD 6868 Search courses in square.  Vis. good, nothing seen.  
    08.00 BD 6868 Search courses in square.  
    08.15 BD 6868 U-Kruschka seen abeam to port 10 nm away in the morning mist, closed.  
    09.40 BD 6882 In hailing range from Kruschka.  Fuel transfer delayed by the weather conditions.  At Sea 4, NE 5 freshening connection with the light transfer gear is not possible.  I have him give me three drinking water hoses for the transfer.  Thereafter moved off to the south at 1 diesel LF.  
    12.00 BD 6892 - transit, course: 180°.   Day's run:  70 nm   
      φ = 45°48'N    
      λ = 26°50'W    
    16.00 BD 9231 - transit, course: 180°.   
    20.00 BD 9264 The wind has abated somewhat.  The visibility is 1000 meters.  We begin the fuel transfer.  The passing of the hose is made difficult by the prevailing swell.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 15.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 16.05.43
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.05.43 BD 9264 In addition, both boats are equipped with different sized water hoses so that at the connecting point a new coupling hasto be placed, which however had no holding power.  The hose broke twice at this location and each time had to be laboriously taken in for repairs.  Also Kruschka's two drinking water hoses are so poor that much oil is lost through leakage.  The work on deck is made difficult in the high Swell.  
           
    17.05.43 North Atlantic, northwest of the Azores    
    00.00 BD 9264 Both boats proceed in starboard echelon before the sea, both E-motors KF.  
      NE 2, Sea 2, 10/10, 1018 mb, misty, Vis. bad  
    02.30 BD 9264 Fuel transfer broken off when the hose breaks for the third time.  Additionally of the 20 tons delivered 12 were pumped into the Atlantic.  We have a considerable oil trace.  Gear taken in, flushed and stored under the deck.  In the mean time set off to the south at HF, to get away from the oil trace.  
    04.00 BD 9294 - transit, course: 180°.   
    07.45 BD 9526 - course: 300°.   Fuel transfer continued.  
        With the nice weather it comes off much better today.  The hoses are wrapped so that very little is lost.  During the transfer we could work on the over deck.  Sea damage and depth charge damage was corrected.  
    12.00 BD 9521 Day's run:  70 nm   Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  270°T, 9 nm.   
      φ = 44°39'N  
      λ = 27°19'W    
    13.45 BD 9521 Fuel transfer ended.  Hawser taken over from Kruschka.  We gave 50 cbm.  He received 37 cbm.  
        Came to course 180°, to get clear of the oil trace and to carry out a test dive.  
    13.55 BD 9521 Test dive.  
    15.32 BD 9521 Surfaced.  Began return transit.  Course 90°.  
    20.00 BD 9554 - transit, course: 90°.  Diesel-electric.  
    21.30 BD 9556 Crash dive for aircraft.  Type not distinguished.  In approach to the boat.  Range = 7000 meters, altitude = 1000 meters, course = 40°.  No bombs.  No locating determined.  
    22.00 BD 9556 Surfaced.  
           
    18.05.43 North Atlantic, northeast of the Azores    
    00.00 BD 9566 - transit, course: 70°.   
      W 2, Sea 2, 3/10, 1020 mb, Vis. good    
    04.00 BD 9627 - transit, course: 70°.   
    08.00 BD 9636 - transit, course: 70°.   
    08.09   Test dive.  
    08.39   Surfaced.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 17.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 18.05.43
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.05.43      
    12.00 BE 7421 - transit, course: 70°.              Day's run:  171 nm  
        Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  107°T, 17 nm.   
    16.00 BE 7278 - transit, course: 70°.   
    20.00 BE 7283 - transit, course: 70°.   
           
    19.05.43 North Atlantic, northeast of the Azores    
    00.00 BE 7269 - transit, course: 90°.   
      NW 2, Sea 2, 4/10, 1022 mb, Vis. changing Anti-aircraft weapons repaired and fired, ammunition prepared.  The magazines in the pressure-proof containers are all unserviceable, the ammunition is soaked.  
    04.00 BE 7358 - transit, course: 90°.   
    08.00 BE 7386 - transit, course: 90°.   
    12.00 BE 8158 - transit, course: 90°.                 Day's run:  175 nm  
      φ = 45°04'N Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  180°T, 5.5 nm.   
      λ = 19°49'W  
    16.00 BE 8159 - transit, course: 90°.   
    20.00 BE 8258 - transit, course: 90°.   
           
    20.05.43 North Atlantic, northwest of Spain    
    00.00 BE 8347 - transit, course: 84°.   
      SW 3, Sea 2, 6/10, 1025 mb, Vis. medium    
    04.00 BE 8355 - transit, course: 84°.   
    08.00 BE 9144 - transit, course: 84°.   
    08.30 BE 9145 Crash dive for "Sunderland".  Approached out of a cloud deck abeam to port, range = 4000 meters, altitude 800 meters.  At depth 30 meters 4 aircraft bombs, no damage.  Locating not observed.  
    12.00 BE 9151 - transit, course: 90°.   
      φ = 45°12'N Day's run:  191 nm  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  73°T, 7 nm.   
      λ = 15°25'W  
    13.50 BE 9151 Surfaced.  - transit, course: 90°.   
    16.00 BE 9161 - transit, course: 90°.   
    17.00 BE 9163 Dived due to bad flier visibility.  
    20.00 BE 9243 - transit, course: 90°.   
    23.30 BE 5251 Surfaced.  - transit, course: 90°.   
           
    21.05.43 Western Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BE 9251 - transit, course: 90°.   
      S 2, Sea 1, 10/10, 1022 mb, Vis. medium    
    03.24 BE 9263 Dived for locating by aircraft.  
    04.15 BE 9341 Surfaced.  - transit, course: 90°.   
    05.05 BE 9342 Dived, because Fu.M.B. is out of service.  
    09.14 BE 9351 Surfaced.  Fu.M.B. in service again.  
    09.58 BE 9352 Dived for locating by maritime reconnaissance.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 19.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 20.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 21.05.43
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.05.43      
    12.00 BF 9352 - transit, course: 90°.   Day's run:  140 nm  
      φ = 45°15'N Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  38°T, 6 nm.   
      λ = 12°10'W  
    13.30 BF 9353 Surfaced.  - transit, course: 90°.    
    13.47 BF 9353 Dived for detection.  
    15.47 BF 9361 Surfaced.  - transit, course: 90°.    
    16.23 BF 9362 Crash dive for "Stirling", approaching from abeam to port, no locating determined.  
    20.00 BF 7142 - transit, course: 90°.    
    22.39 BF 7151 Surfaced.  - transit, course: 90°.    
           
    22.05.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 7152 - transit, course: 90°.    
      S 3, Sea 3, 10/10, 1023 mb, Vis. bad    
    02.58 BF 7243 Dived for detection.  
    04.12 BF 7251 Surfaced.  - transit, course: 90°.    
    06.12 BF 7253 Dived.   - transit, course: 90°.    
    08.00 BF 7262 - transit, course: 90°.    
    12.00 BF 7341 - transit, course: 90°.    
      φ = 45°15'N Day's run:  130 nm  Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  78°T, 16 nm.   
      λ = 9°04'W  
    13.46 BF 7342 Surfaced.  - transit, course: 90°.  
        Short Signal arrival report, meeting point with escort reported.  
    16.34 BF 7352 Dived due to visibility deterioration.  
    20.00 BF 7362 - transit, course: 90°.   
           
    23.05.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 8127 - transit, course: 90°.  
      S 2, Sea 1, 8/10, 1017 mb, Vis. bad    
    02.43 BF 8139 Dived due to bad visibility towards the moon lee.  
    04.00 BF 8219 - transit, course: 32°.   
    08.00 BF 8214 - transit, course: 32°.   
    09.40 BF 8212 Surfaced.  Two patrol vessels ahead 70° to starboard, range = 7000 meters, bow right target angle 50°, course: SW.  In Fu.M.B. detection on 132 cm determined.  Ran off on course 300° at GF.  
    10.40 BF 5776 Dived due to visibility deterioration.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 22.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 23.05.43
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.05.43      
    12.00 BF 5784 Proceeded submerged, course 32°.  
      φ = 45°46'N    
      λ = 6°28'W    
    14.55 BF 5758 Surfaced.  Proceeded on the surface, course 32°.  
    16.15 BF 5761 Dived before detection.  
    20.00 BF 5738 Proceeded submerged, course 36°.  
    23.15 BF 5733 Surfaced.  Proceeded submerged, course 36°.  
           
    24.05.43 Bay of Biscay    
    00.00 BF 5574 Proceeded submerged, course 36°.  
      SW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1012 mb, Vis. bad    
    02.30 BF 5571 Dived.  Positioned at Point "Kern" submerged until morning.  
    04.00 BF 5571 Proceeded submerged, course 270° and 90°.  
    07.58 BF 5571 Surfaced.  On prescribed route "Kernleder" ran with 2 diesels GF to Point "Laterne".  
    15.16   Taken in convoy at Point "Laterne".  
    16.50   Made fast Lorient, Keroman III Box 13.  
           
           
        On board, 24 May 1943.  
           
           
           
                                                . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
                                                 Oblt.z.See and Kmdt.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.05.43
Sun and Moon Data 24.05.43

 
 
     
                         Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote  
                         on the K.T.B. of "U-533" (Hennig) from 25.11.42 - 24.5.43  
     
  First patrol of the Kommandanten with a new boat.  
     
  The anti-aircraft defense on 25 April was good and soon more effective ammunition will also lead to more certain shoot downs. The operation on the "Witzendorff-convoy" pitted the boat against strong air and sea defense which the Kommandant bravely outmaneuvered without reaching attack position. 2 bad operating errors with depth charges on 28 April and while preparing the torpedo tubes on 30 April which could easily have been disastrous for the boat ruined a promising attack opportunity for the Kommandant.  
     
  The operation on the "Pückler-convoy" and "Hasenschar-convoy" lead to no success - but instead a very strong contact (ramming) with a destroyer, which the boat escaped by a hairsbreadth.  
     
  During operation on the 'Luis-convoy" the boat encountered only defenses.  
     
  The first patrol was very rich in events of all kinds and was a harsh baptism of fire. Kommandant, boat and crew have welded together well.  
     
   

For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote

 
 
- The Chief of the Operations Department -  
                         
   
     
     
 


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