U-552 - 6th War Patrol

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

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Ships Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
31 Oct 41	08.34	51°53'N, 27°13'W	USS REUBEN JAMES (DD-245)	1,190	American	HX-156
			Total = 1,190
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.

				Copy No.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  .
				"  U 552  "
				Commander:  Kaptlt.  T  o  p  p  .
		Beginning:  06.10.1941.               Ending    :  26.11.1941.
				Distribution:
				1). " U 552 " Copy No. 1. 2). 7. Unterseebootsflottille     "      " 2. 3). B.d.U.     "      " 3. 4). 2. A.d.U.-Boote     "      " 4. 5). O.K.M.     "      " 5+6
				Attachments:
				1  Track Chart for Copy No. 1 - 5.
				1  Summary of the General Radio Log for Copy No. 2 - 5.
				4  Firing Reports for                                 Copy No. 1 - 3.
				1  Original - General Radio Log                     "       "    1.
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

				1
		06.10.41	St. Nazaire	Unloaded 5 Etos and 2 Atos.
		07.10.41		Began shipyard work.
		08.-11.10.41		Shipyard work.
		12.10.41
		10.00		Docked.
		13.-17.10.41		Cleaning and painting of the outer hull.
				Overhaul of the ballast tanks and vents.
				Other minor shipyard work.
		17.10.41
		18.00		Undocked the boat.
		18.10.41
		14.00 - 16.00		Dockyard testing.
		19.10.41		Loading lubricating oil and drinking water.
		20.10.41
		07.00		Test run and trim tests.
		14.00		Docked for examination of ballast tank No. 5.  Discovered port propeller damaged.  Half a propeller blade missing.  Installation of a new propeller.  Leaking chain guard sealed.
		21.10.41
		18.00		Undocked.
		22.10.41
		09.00 - 12.00		Degaussing.
				In the afternoon, deep discharge of the battery followed by charging.
		23.10.41		Torpedo loading - 1 Ato and 6 Etos.
		24.10.41		Compass calibration, followed by torpedo loading - 1 Ato and 6 Etos.  Provisions loading.
		25.10.41		Fresh provisions loading.

				2
		25.10.41
		19.00		Sailed from the lock at St. Nazaire.
				Delay caused by the repair of the connecting pipe of the cooling water pump bleed valve for the port diesel.
		23.50		Passed N 1.
				Day's run:  22 nm.
		26.10.41
		00.00 to	BF 6438	Test dive.
		00.20	N 2, lightly cloudy, Sea 1, Vis. good
		04.00	BF 6473	Evaded several fishermen.
			NW 2, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. moderate
		08.00	BF 5573
			NbyW 2, overcast, misty, Sea 3
		08.30 - 10.10		Repeated crash dives for training at action stations and by watches.  Fire control exercises.
		12.00	BF 5492
			N 3, overcast, Sea 2
		12.21 - 12.32		Crash dive for training.
		16.00	BF 5473
			N 5-6, overcast, Sea 5, Vis. good
		17.04		Crash dive for Lockheed Hudson.
		17.18		Surfaced.
		20.00	BF 4691
			N 5, nearly overcast, Sea 4
		24.00	BF 4672	Day's run:    232.44 nm
			N 5, overcast, Sea 4, Vis. medium	7.56 nm
				240.00 nm.
		27.10.41
		04.00	BF 4583
			N 5, cloudy, Sea 4-5
		08.00	BF 4571
			NbyE 5, cloudy, Sea 5
		12.00	BF 4454
			NE 4, partial overcast, Sea 3-4, Vis. good, slight swell
		16.00	BE 6635
			NbyE 5, nearly overcast, Sea 4-5
		20.00	BE 6375
			N 2-3, few clouds, Sea 2-3, Vis. good, rain showers

	Sun and Moon Data 25.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.10.41

				3
		27.10.41
		20.09		Short signal:
				= BE 63. =                            U-552
				Given a receipt by control, but the wording is not repeated.
		24.00	BE 6292
			NNE 4, overcast, occasional rain, Sea 3
			Corrected ship's position after a fix:  305°, 9.4 nm.	Day's run:    216 nm.
		28.10.41
		04.00	BE 6243
			NNE 4, overcast, Sea 3, Vis. bad
		08.00	BE 6135
			N 2-3, few clouds, Vis. bad, Sea 2-3
		09.10 - 09.33		Silent crash dive for training.
		12.00	BE 3788
			NNW 5, nearly overcast, Sea 4-5
		16.00	BE 3771
		16.11	N 2-3, nearly overcast, Sea 4	Because the position short signal from the day before was acknowledged without repeating the wording, sent one more time.
				From U-552:
				= BE 37 =
		17.28		Topp reports position in BE 47.  Position given improperly, sent anew.
		18.21		Position short signal
				= BE 37. =                              U-552
		20.00	BE 2983
			NNE 3-4, cloudy, Sea 3-4
		20.48		From B.d.U.:
				= - - - 2)  Topp immediately switch to Greenland Circuit.
		24.00	BE 2945	Day's run:    181.6 nm
			N 5, overcast, Sea 3-4	1.4 nm
				183.0 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.10.41

				4
		29.10.41
		04.00	BE 2837
			N 4, nearly overcast, long high swells, Sea 3
		08.00	BE 2813
			N 1-2, nearly overcast, Sea 1, light swell, Vis. moderate
		09.16 - 09.29		Silent crash dive.
		12.00	BE 2495
			NNE 2, cloudy, Sea 2
		16.00	BE 2454
			NNE 3, nearly overcast, slight swell, Vis. very good
		20.00	BE 1634
			N 1, few clouds, Sea 0-1, Vis. very good
		24.00	BE 1375	Day's run:    185 nm
			SW 1-2, rain, Sea 1	1 nm
			Corrected ship's position after a fix:  321°, 15.3 nm.	186 nm.
		30.10.41
		04.00	BE 1256
			ENE 3, partly cloudy, Sea 2
		08.00	BE 1217
			EbyN 4, nearly overcast, Sea 3, Vis. good
		12.00	AL 7889
			EbyS 2-3, few clouds, Sea 2, Vis. very good
		12.55		From B.d.U.:
				= 3)  U-571, 577, 567, 133, 552 and 96 constitute Group "Stoßtrupp" occupy patrol line from AJ 9822 to BC 3395.  Attack authorized as in normal attack area. =
		16.00	AL 7796
			SSE 3, nearly overcast, Sea 2-3, Vis. good
		20.00	AL 7758
			SSE 4, cloudy, Sea 3
		24.00	AL 7746
			SEbyE 3-4, cloudy, isolated rain squalls, Sea 2-3, Vis. good
			Corrected ship's position after a fix:  322°, 3.4 nm.	Day's run:    207 nm.
			76°, 6.4 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 30.10.41

				5
		31.10.41
		04.00	AK 9982
			S 1-2, cloudy, bright moonlit night, Sea 1
		05.10		Convoy sighted in the moonlit night at about 5 nm range.  Large ships.
		05.56		Radio message:
				= Convoy in sight AK 9973, enemy steering a northerly course, speed 10 knots. =
				U-552
		06.30		Radio message:
				= Enemy position in square AK 9957, course 10°, speed 8 knots. =                                        U-552
		07.08		Radio message:
				= Convoy in sight AK 9951, course 30°, 9 knots =
				U-552
		07.00		Initiated attack after the moon set even though the visibility is still too great due to aurora borealis and stars.  Escorts are positioned far from the convoy, but are so numerous that in the short time available time before it gets light no way through is found.
		08.00	AK 9927	Until 08.00 hours only encountered escort vessels.
		08.34		At 1000 meters a destroyer silhouette attacked and sunk with a two-fan.  Both hit.  High tongue of flame.  Wreck is disintegrated by enormous detonation own depth charges.
				Ran off a bit and could not start a new approach in time because of coming brightness.
				Maneuvered ahead.
		10.10		Met Endraß.  Gave situation report by megaphone, after that both held contact on the port side.
		10.59		Radio message:
				= Square 9686 course 30° =                U-552
		12.00	AK 9658
			SE 3, nearly overcast, Sea 2-3
		12.14		Radio message:
				= Square 9667, Delta 20°, speed 9 knots =       U-552
				No difficulties with the contact keeping.  Good visibility.
		13.30		Radio message:  = Square 9662, course 0°. =        U-552

Sun and Moon Data 31.10.41

				6
		31.10.41
		14.20		Radio message:
				= Square 9638, course 40°. =                       U-552
		15.29		Radio message:
				= Square 9636, course 30°. =                       U-552
		16.00	AK 9393	Gained position by high speed.  Endraß and I are positioned almost ahead of the convoy.  I intend to attack by day because the nights are too bright.  Two corvettes are seen too late by the lookout from the unengaged side.
			SE 3-4, cloudy, Sea 2, Vis. good
				Attempt to escape on the surface.
				Fails, are fired upon.
		17.01		Placement is good.  Crash dive!
				Go deep before the charging corvette.
				Some distant depth charges, otherwise nothing.
		18.50		Surfaced again.
		19.30		From Topp:
				= Forced to submerge, am in pursuit. =
		19.24		From Endraß:
				= Topp convoy position square 7145, course 20°. =
		19.30		A corvette to starboard, probably returning to the convoy.
		20.00	AL 7144	I follow her.
			SE 2, cloudy, Sea 1	Corvette turns to the east.
		20.47		Endraß reports by radio message:  = Square 7116, 30°. =
				Let the corvette go and regret it some time later as Endraß reports:
		20.51		= Square 7121, course 90°. =
				I don't know if I am to the south or to the north of the convoy.
		22.05		Therefore by short signal:  = Request bearing signals. =
				Homeland did not acknowledge.
				Meanwhile, am in contact with 1 destroyer and 2 corvettes which behave like escort vessels, angling in and out, the destroyer shoots out and fires star shells, until all vessels turn sharply away and disappear.  Headed for them and found nothing.
				On the off chance I run to the east for one hour and find the true convoy.

Sun and Moon Data 31.10.41

				7
		31.10.41		Had previously observed diversionary maneuvers by detached escort vehicles.
		23.15		Radio message:
				= Square 7123, 90°. =                           U-567
		24.00	AL 7746	Day's run:      240 nm
			SE 2-3, few clouds, Sea 2	6.4 nm
				246.4 nm.
		01.11.41
				The convoy is the most heavily protected.  Counting simultaneously:  In front 2 sweepers, on the flank 5 corvettes, astern 3 escort vessels.  The escort vessels are excellently arranged and perfectly coordinated.
				I attempt to approach to within effective range in the moonlit night.  Hopelessly.
		01.14		= On 1 November at 15.00 hours own air reconnaissance on the Topp convoy.  Immediately report bearing signals. =
		01.34		Endraß reports no further contact.
		03.44		Radio message from U-552:
				= Square AL 7225, course 50°. =
		03.55		Short signal from Endraß:
				= Request bearing signals from the contact keeper. =
		04.00	AL 4889
			SE 3, nearly overcast, Sea 2
		04.19		Radio message:
				= Square AL 7223, course 70°. =
		04.44		Topp for Endraß:  Sent bearing signals
		04.45		= Bearing 80°, distant 4 nm = for U-567.
		05.18		= Bearing 150°, distant 3 nm = for U-567.
		05.30		From the unengaged port side a corvette advances with the evident aim again to force U-boats to submerge.
				Attempt an attack in a rain squall.  In the process encounter a destroyer and barely get clear.
				Wait until the moon disappears.  During the long night I gained insight into the convoy and its methods to protect itself.   Wait for a new bank of clouds to cover moon and the

	Sun and Moon Data 31.10.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.11.41

				8
		01.11.41		aurora borealis.  The U.Z.O. has failed.  Will shoot with a fixed leading angle.
		06.30		Attack the port column with the biggest ships.  Two corvettes are sighted at a sharp target angle long before the intended shot.  Must turn away again.
				The vessels to be attacked proceed one behind the other.
				I approach at high speed close behind the first corvette.  I am forced to shoot when I am at 4000 meters because the escort is there again.
		07.23		I turn slowly to starboard, the I.W.O. fires tubes I to IV on steamers each of which is about 8000 GRT.
				I continue to turn hard and fire tube V on the fifth steamer.
				Shooting was executed as planned.  Marine phosphorescence was extremely strong.  One could follow every single torpedo along its track for a long time.
				Tube III becomes a circle runner and runs deep.  The boat escapes only by turning hard.
				Tube V becomes a tube runner.  Torpedo gets stuck half way in the tube.
		07.30	AL 5747	After 6 minutes a heavy detonation; one of the steamers which we have left at top speed because a corvette is chasing shows a powerful detonation column.  Otherwise nothing is seen.  However, at 4 meters depth, something should happen.
				Nothing was noted from the other two torpedoes.
				The corvette hunts us - unpleasantly with a torpedo hanging half way out of the tube - however, has probably lost us because it throws depth charges.  The stern torpedo is ejected with mine gear.
				When I again reach the convoy, it is already too light for an attack.  I depart intending to attack by day.
		09.00		Test dive.

Sun and Moon Data 01.11.41

				9
		01.11.41		Radio message:
		09.33		= Square AL 5743, course 30°, speed 8 knots. =    U-552
				It is determined that the opening bolt of tube V does not move.  Also, the tube is flooding via the forward vent valve.
		09.40		Crash dive for a 4-stack destroyer approaching from the unengaged side.
		11.18	NE 1-2, Sea 1	Taking aim.
				Perfect firing data.
				200 RPM = 20 knots.
				400 meter range.
				Destroyer filled the view at small enlargement.
				Target angle 80°, two-fan with spread 100 meters.
				Depth 2 meters.  Nothing happens.  The destroyer increases speed immediately after the shot and turns hard.
				The periscope could not have been seen, because I aimed only by the masthead.  Perhaps a torpedo broached and was sighted.  The destroyer turns hard and overruns the boat without throwing depth charges, fortunately for us at 30 meters depth.
		12.00	AL 5715	Then he runs in again and throws small-caliber bombs.  No failures.
				After one hour it is quiet.  Go to periscope depth and immediately descend again because the destroyer approaches, which laid stopped until now.
				After another two hours it is again comparatively quiet.  At periscope depth I see two destroyers covering the area systematically at listening speed.  Observe, also at periscope depth, the additional destroyer throwing depth charges.
				After an unsuccessful search both run off in the direction of the convoy.
		15.30		Surface after a short time.  The horizon is clear.  Operating on the convoy at high speed.
		15.56		From Topp:
				= 1 destroyer sunk, 1 steamer torpedoed, 2 failures.  After fan miss on destroyer 5 hour pursuit.  No contact.  In pursuit.

Sun and Moon Data 01.11.41

				10
		01.11.41
		16.00	AL 5718
			SE 2, lightly cloudy, Sea 1, slight swell, Vis. good
		16.13		To Topp from Endraß:
				= A hunting group about 20 nm behind the convoy, consisting of a steamer and some motor launches.
		19.26		Crash dive for flying boat.  Probably over the convoy.
		19.48		Surfaced.
		20.00	AL 5468
		20.30	E 0-1, nearly overcast, Sea 0-1, Vis. good	In the quiet sea the steamer wakes are clearly visible in an east west direction.  Suppose that convoy changed direction here.
				Turn to 90°.
		20.40		= . . . , Topp on 2 November between 01.00 and xx.00 hours report weather by short signal.
		22.46 - 22.59		Dived to listen.  Without any result.
				In the very quiet sea, the opportunity is taken to transfer the torpedo from the forward upper deck container into the boat.
		23.45		From Topp:
				= No contact.  AL 5561, 3 torpedoes. =
		24.00	AL 5562	Day's run:    228.25 nm
			E 1, nearly overcast, Sea 0	17.45 nm
				245.70 nm.
		02.11.41
		01.10		Star shells bearing 30°.
		03.06 - 03.24		Dived to listen.
				Sound bearings 0°T.  Possibly the convoy.
				Came to course 10°.
		04.00	AL 6176
			Overcast, bright moonshine, very calm, Vis. good
		04.31		Short weather signal:
				= 55°N, 21°W, 1024 mb, +12°, SE, 6/10-9/10 overcast, Vis. 10 nm. =
		05.06 - 05.20		Dived to listen.
				Sound bearing 60°T.
				Came to course 70°.
		07.10	SE 2, nearly overcast, stormy weather (rain squalls), Sea 2, Vis. occasionally bad	Shadow to starboard.  An escorting destroyer.  Moonlit the entire night.
				A storm begins with rain squalls, bad visibility.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.11.41

				11
		02.11.41		I hope to find the convoy by passing directly behind the destroyer.  Found nothing.  Am met by the starboard astern escort.  Two other shadows detected.  Convoy is occasionally lost from sight.
		08.22	AL 6217
			SE 2-3, nearly overcast, occasional rain, Vis. moderate
				Radio message:
				= AL 6217, enemy steering an easterly course. =    U-552
				With dawn breaking visibility becomes better.  But the horizon is misty the entire day.  Hold contact on a destroyer, as it maneuvers to screen it emerges for a short time from the haze.  I must maneuver very strongly in zig zags to maintain contact; bad for contact holding, I gain nothing in space.
		12.00	AL 6253
			SE 3-4, few clouds, misty horizon, Sea 2-3
		12.53		Radio message:
				= Have contact on escort vessels, enemy steering an easterly course, square 6261. =                         U-552
		13.09		Own location is given as the location of convoy.  Therefore, a correction.
				= The correct position of the convoy is square 6236. =                                                             U-552
		14.35		Crash dive! for flying boat, Type "Consolidated 28".
		15.01		Surfaced.
		15.09		Crash dive! for the same aircraft, appearing fast and large from the misty horizon.
		15.49		Surfaced.
		16.08	AL 2636
			SE 4-5, few clouds, Sea 4
				From Topp:
				= Two crash dives for flying boat square 6236. =
				Sound bearing 30°.
		16.42		Crash dive! for flying boat.
		17.15		Surfaced.
		17.34		Turned for flying boat.  Remained on the surface.  Destroyer approaches high out.
		17.57		Radio message:
				= Convoy in sight square 6322, steering easterly course. =
		18.20		Crash dive! for flying boat approaching from very high altitude.

Sun and Moon Data 02.11.41

				12
		02.11.41		Watch has not paid attention.  The boat is seen.  A destroyer is called by the flying boat.  Can watch the coordinated search through the periscope at approximately 3000 meters distance.  Alternating aircraft bombs and depth charges.  Am forced to stay submerged for a long time.
		19.38		Surfaced.
		20.42		From Topp:
				= After repeated aircraft and depth bomb pursuit no contact square 6328.  Last sound bearing 90°.  In pursuit. =
		21.16		. . . . , Topp, on 3 November between 01.00 and 05.00 hours report weather. =
		22.05 - 22.15		Dived to listen.
				Bearing at 50°T.
				Came to course 60°.
		24.00	AM 4152	Day's run:    261.16 nm
			Wind calm, cloudless, Sea 0	12.84 nm
			Correction after a navigation fix:  311°, 19.8 nm	274.00 nm.
		03.11.41
		00.20		A white flare to port.
		00.40		Screening destroyer and shortly thereafter convoy in sight.
				It is a cloudless, moonlit night.
				Convoy can be made out on the horizon.  Estimate 8 nm visibility.
				Am positioned on the unfavorable moon side.
				Decision:  Circle around astern the convoy to reach the favorable side.  The moon will not set tonight.  Also, I can not attack on the other side on the surface, however, I can approach on the surface to the point where I can reach a favorable shooting position.
		01.16		Radio message:
				= Convoy in sight square 4137, 90°. =    U-552
				Directing center does not hear therefore sent again on the Ireland Circuit.
		01.48 -		Short weather signal on Ireland circuit:
		02.40		= 56°N, 15°W, 1036 mb increasing, +14°, wind calm, cloudless, Vis. to 10 nm. =      U-552

	Sun and Moon Data 02.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.11.41

				13
		03.11.41
		01.35		To Topp:
				= Request bearing signals immediately. =
				Endraß
		02.18 -		Bearing signals for Endraß:
		02.48		= Bearing 80°T, 5 nm. =
		02.00		Am positioned exactly astern of the convoy.  3 columns.  2 destroyers sweeping astern force me far off.
		03.46		From Topp:
				= Convoy square AM 4212. =
		04.00	AM 1998	Port astern destroyer zig zags back to the convoy.  Can again come to a parallel course.
		04.06		For Topp:
				= Request bearing signals again. =
				Endraß
		04.46		Bearing signals for Endraß:
				= Bearing 140°T, 8 nm. =
		06.00		Hauling away on the other side has taken much longer than anticipated.  Am now positioned to port abeam the center of the convoy.  Smoke trails are again in sight.
		06.42		Radio message:
				= Square 4236. =                       U-552
		07.00		Closing perpendicular to the convoy behind the port forward sweeper.
		07.10		Two destroyers shoot star shells.  Depth charges dropped.
		07.26		Crash dive! to attack depth.
				I am now positioned such that I can approach to within approximately 600 meters of the port outer column.  Running on attack course 180°.
				Under water a hellish noise.  Depth charges fall in direct proximity.  Powerful vibrations in the boat.   Sound locator reports sounds everywhere quickly growing louder.  See less in the periscope than anticipated.
				A destroyer passes 400 meters ahead locating.  Save the opportunity to shoot for a steamer.  A corvette also passes astern; the only two vessels I have seen.

Sun and Moon Data 03.11.41

				14
		03.11.41		Everything seems to run according to plan.   I can already see to starboard at 45° pillars of smoke of the column.  Now the moon disappears.  Clouds of smoke become blurred.  Can make out the horizon only weakly, in some sectors only a black wall.
				A risky game.  But the prospect of getting a few big ships from this fat convoy, after a 4-day pursuit is tempting.  Sound bearing of the steamers shifts according to plan to the front, then strangely stops and becomes gradually quieter.
				It is a devastating result for us after the effort.
				Just now the convoy has zigzagged to the south about 60-70 degrees.  The star shells were the signal for it, as before in the preceding night.
				It is getting light.  The convoy gradually becomes blurred in the G.H.G.
		09.35	AM 4342	Surfaced.
		10.08	NE 1-2, few clouds, Sea 1, Vis. good
				From Topp:
				= During submerged night attack zigzagged to the south.  Pursuit broken off.  AM 4342.  80 cbm. =
		10.21		Crash dive! for aircraft, screening astern of the convoy.
		10.43		Surfaced.
		10.46		Crash dive! for flying boat, coming out of the sun.
				Remain a little bit longer under water, so that the crew can relax.
		12.00	AM 4262
		12.39		Surfaced.
		13.49		Crash dive! for an oncoming corvette from the west.  Prepare for attack.  At first runs towards me but then turns away in an unpromising position.
		15.03		Surfaced when it is out of sight.  Continued advance to the west.
		16.00	AM 4256	The port diesel is out of service during repairs to the coolant piping.  At the same time engine inspection.
			N 1, few clouds, Sea 1, Vis. good
		20.00	AM 4166	Malfunction repaired.
			N 0-1, cloudy, Sea 1, slight swell

Sun and Moon Data 03.11.41

				15
		03.11.41
		21.29		To Topp and Endraß:
				= On the evening of 5 November occupy square AL 81, Endraß in 82, advance to the south with day's run of 100 nm within the longitudes of the named squares.
		24.00	AM 4146	Day's run:    225.00 nm
			Wind calm, few clouds, Sea 0	17.20 nm
			Correction after a navigation fix:  330°, 9.8 nm	242.20 nm.
		04.11.41
		04.00	AL 6397
			W 1, partly cloudy, Sea 0
		08.00	AL 6619
			W 1-2, nearly overcast, Sea 0-1
		12.00	AL 6568
			Wind calm, cloudy, Sea 0
		16.00	AL 6579	Engine inspection of port diesel.
			W 2, overcast, slight swell, Sea 1-2	The opening bolt of tube V is dismantled and reassembled again.  The forward vent tube is sealed with a wooden plug.  By this means it is ready for surface firing.  However, torpedo is not loaded yet because it can not withstand deep diving pressure.
		20.00	AL 6535
			W 4, overcast, sometimes a little misty, Sea 3
		24.00	AL 6751
			W 3, nearly overcast, Sea 2
			Correction after a navigation fix:  321°, 10 nm	Day's run:    184.3 nm.
		05.11.41
		04.00	AL 5869
			W 2-3, overcast, Sea 1-2
		08.00	AL 5885
			WNW 1-2, nearly overcast, Sea 1-2
		12.00	AL 8133
			WSW 4, cloudy, Sea 2-3
		16.00	AL 8153
			SWbyS 4, partly cloudy, Sea 3

	Sun and Moon Data 03.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.11.41

				16
		05.11.41
		23.00 -		Silent crash dive!  Dived to listen.
		23.20
		24.00	AL 8411	Day's run:    165.60 nm
			SW 4, overcast, Sea 3	1.40 nm
			Correction after a navigation fix:  348.5°, 4.3 nm	167.-- nm.
		06.11.41
		04.00	AL 8451
			SW 3-4, overcast, Sea 3, Vis. occasionally bad
		08.00	AL 8491
			SW 2, overcast, Sea 1, Vis. occasionally bad
		12.00	AL 8485
			WSW 3-4, nearly overcast, Sea 2-3
		16.00	AL 8712
			SW 4-5, cloudy, Sea 4
		20.00	AL 8715
			WSW 4, partly cloudy, Sea 3-4
		24.00	AL 8763
			SW 2-3, few clouds, Sea 2
			Correction after a navigation fix:  27°, 17.6 nm	Day's run:    164.-- nm.
		07.11.41
		04.00	AL 8783
			SSW 3-4, few clouds, Sea 2-3
		08.00	BE 1211
		09.17 -09.50	SSW 3-4, cloudy, Sea 3	Silent crash dive!
		12.00	BE 1241
			S 2-3, lightly cloudy, Sea 1-2
		16.00	BE 1254
			SSW 4, overcast, occasional rain, Sea 3
		20.00	BE 1279
			SSW 3, cloudy, rain showers, Sea 2-3
		24.00	BE 1552	Day's run:    170.5 nm
			S 2, overcast, Sea 1-2	1.7 nm
			Correction after a navigation fix:  291°, 5 nm	172.2 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.11.41

				17
		08.11.41
		04.00	BE 1592
			SSE 4, overcast, Sea 3
		08.00	BE 1598
			SE 5, overcast, long swell, Sea 4
		10.30		Met U-569.  Greetings by megaphone within earshot.
		12.00	BE 1829
			SbyW 3-4, overcast, high long swells, Sea 3
		16.00	BE 1882
			E 1-2, overcast, long swells, Sea 2
		19.20		From B.d.U.:
				= - - - - Topp report weather on 9 November between 01.00 and 05.00 hours.
		20.00	BE 4224
			WNW 4, overcast, high swells, Sea 3
		24.00	BE 4281	Day's run:    170.2 nm.
			WbyN 5, cloudy, high long swells, Sea 4
		09.11.41
		01.41		Sent weather report by short signal.
		04.00	BE 4524
			WNW 4, overcast, rain, Vis. bad, Sea 3-4
		09.01 --09.16		Silent crash dive!
		12.00	BE 4821
			NW 6, cloudy, long swells, Sea 4-5	No weapons use because of weather conditions for the entire day.
		16.00	BE 4857
			NW 7, cloudy, isolated rain showers, Sea 6
		17.25		To Group Störtebecker:
				= 1)  To Group Störtebecker add, Topp, Endraß and Schonder.
				2)  Störtebecker on 10 November at 10.00 hours in named order:
				Topp, Endraß, Gyase, Lehmann, Hirsacker, Zahn, Löser, Schnee, Schonder, in reconnaissance line from position BE 7252 to 8163 and at 10.00 hours advance at a speed of 7 knots in general direction north, continue searching.  Air reconnaissance again intended.
		20.00	BE 4879
			NW 6, cloudy, rain showers, Sea 5-6

	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.11.41

				18
		09.11.41
		23.33		To Störtebecker:
				= Air reconnaissance on 10 November with 4 Condors intended between 44° and 47°30'N to 23°38'W.  Reconnaissance frequency 443 KHz, Alternate frequency 367 Khz.  Be mindful of bearing signals from 12.00 hours.  Report bearings immediately.
		24.00	BE 4887
			NW 7, nearly overcast, Sea 6-7
			Correction after a navigation fix:  274°, 8 nm	Day's run:     163.1 nm
				0.9 nm
				164.-- nm.
		10.11.41
		04.00	BE 4888
			NWbyW 7, nearly overcast, Sea 6
		07.30		Triple flashing from directly ahead reported by the lookout. Likely sheet lightning which is frequently observed at this time.
		08.00	BE 7225
			NW 7, heavily cloudy, Sea 7
		08.47 - 09.17		Continued on until 08.47 hours, then dived to listen.  Without any result.
		09.57		Both diesels out of service.  Starboard chain for shaft RPM indicator came off.  Port air intake valve inoperative.
		10.27		One diesel in service.
		12.00	BE 4888
			NW 7-8, Sea 7, cloudy	Speed of advance in the sea state only 5 knots.
		16.00	BE 4882
			NW 8, cloudy, squalls with strength 10, Sea 7	No weapons use because of weather conditions for the entire day.
		16.27		Crash dive! for aircraft.  Probably a Condor.
		16.47		Surfaced.
		19.49		To Group Störtebecker:
				When reaching the line from BE 4582 to BE 5493 stop in patrol line and considering weather move back and forth in an east-west direction.
		20.00	BE 4852
			NW 7, Sea 7, cloudy

	Sun and Moon Data 09.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.11.41

				19
		10.11.41
		23.23		From B.d.U.:  = Own aircraft on 11 November from 14.00 hours in the vicinity of Group Störtebecker.  Bearing frequency 367 KHz, Alternate frequency 310 KHz.  Report bearings immediately. =
		24.00	BE 4822
			NW 6-7, partly cloudy, squalls with strength 10, Sea 7
			Correction after a navigation fix:  219°, 1.5 nm	Day's run:     159.9 nm
				2.6 nm
				162.5 nm.
		11.11.41
		04.00	BE 4582
			NW 6, partly cloudy, squalls with strength 7, Sea 7
		08.00	BE 4557
			NW 7, nearly overcast, high swells, Sea 6
		09.00 - 09.15		Test dive.
		12.00	BE 4577
			WNW 6-7, cloudy, long high swell, Sea 6
		16.00	BE 4557
			NW 4, nearly overcast, Sea 4
		19.49		To Störtebecker:  In previous order with economical speed occupy patrol line from AK 9522 to BD 3399.  On 12 November at 08.00 hours switch to Greenland Circuit. =
		20.00	BE 4557
			WNW 4, nearly overcast, high long swells, Sea 4
		24.00	BE 4516
			WNW 4, few clouds, medium swell, Sea 3
			Correction after a navigation fix:  63°, 7.6 nm	Day's run:    157.76 nm
				1.24 nm
				159.-- nm.
		12.11.41
		04.00	BE 4493
			NW 3, cloudy, Sea 3
		08.00	BE 4137
			WbyN 6, overcast, rain showers, Sea 6
		12.00	BE 1785
			WSW 5, partly cloudy, rain squalls, high long swells, Sea 4
		16.00	BE 1719
			NNW 3, cloudy, Sea 3

	Sun and Moon Data 10.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.41

				20
		12.11.41
		24.00	BD 3661
			WSW 5, partly cloudy, high long swells, thunder showers, Sea 4	Day's run:    172 nm.
			Correction after a navigation fix:  36°, 6.6 nm
		13.11.41
		04.00	BD 3388
			W 4, few clouds, medium swells, rain showers, Sea 3-4
		08.00	BD 3345
			WNW 4-5, cloudy, Sea 5-6
		12.00	BD 3233
			NW 3, cloudy, long swells, Sea 2
		16.00	AK 9959
			NW 2, cloudy, medium swells, Sea 1
		20.00	AK 9913
			S 1-2, overcast, medium-long confused swells, Sea 1
		22.44 - 23.13		Dived to listen.
		24.00	AK 9593
			SE 5, overcast, misty, occasional rain, high swells, Sea 4
			Correction after a navigation fix:  355°, 6.6 nm
			260°, 4.5 nm	Day's run:    171.4 nm
				1.6 nm
				173.-- nm.
		14.11.41
		04.00	AK 9526
			SE 6-7, overcast, occasional rain, Sea 5-6
		08.00	AK 9287
			NE 7, overcast, occasional rain, Sea 6-7
		10.18		Topp, Endraß, Gyase, Lehmann, Hirsacker, Zahn, Löser, Schnee form patrol line from AK 6784 to AK 9993. =
		12.00	AK 9288
			N 3, few clouds, Sea 2
		16.00	AK 9245
			SW 3, cloudy, Sea 2
		20.00	AK 9131
			SSW 3-4, overcast, occasional rain, medium swell, Sea 3
		22.50 - 23.06		Silent crash dive, to listen.
		24.00	AK 6787
			SE 4, few clouds, Sea 4	Day's run:    179.25 nm
			Correction after a navigation fix:  89°, 9 nm	1.25 nm
				180.5 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.41

				21
		15.11.41
		04.00	AK 6773
			SSE 6-7, partly cloudy, occasional rain, Sea 5-6	One cyclone after another.  Each time we are positioned at the peak.  The wind direction changes quickly and violently, likewise the air pressure and temperature changes.
		08.00	AK 6788
			WSW 7, nearly overcast, rain squalls, Sea 6
		12.00	AK 6773	Air pressure and temperature changes.
			W 9-10, partly cloudy, Sea 8	Use of weapons is impossible.
		12.24		Group Störtebecker:
				= Course 138°, speed of advance 8 knots. =
		13.41		To Group Störtebecker:
				= 1)  Operation on outbound convoy detected by B-Dienst intended.
		16.00	AK 9123	2)  In addition from today at 14.00 hours on course 138°, speed of advance 8 knots to reach the patrol line from AL 7771 to BE 1867, stop there until 22.00 hours on 16 November.  Then advance on course 180°, 7 knots and occupy patrol line from BD 3641 to BE 4561.
			W 7, cloudy, Sea 7
		20.00	AK 9244
			SWbyW 6-7, nearly overcast, long high swell, hail storm, Sea 6
		24.00	AK 9288
			SWbyW 8, overcast, occasional rain, Sea 7-8	3)  Air reconnaissance on the convoy intended in the morning. =
				Day's run:    160.-- nm.
		16.11.41
		00.52		Störtebecker:
				= On 16 November air reconnaissance will be flown by 5 Condors.  Be prepared for bearing signals from 13.00 hours.  Report bearings immediately.  Bearing frequency 310 KHz, Alternate frequency 548 KHz. =
		04.00	AK 9538
			WSW 8-9, nearly overcast, Sea 8
		08.00	AK 9672
			WbyN 8-9, cloudy, Sea 7-8
		12.00	AK 9923
			WbyN 6-7, cloudy, Sea 5-6
		16.00	AK 9966
			W 6-7, cloudy, medium-long swells, Sea 5
		20.00	AL 7771
			W 7, cloudy, Sea 6
		24.00	BD 3311
			WNW, cloudy, high long swells, Sea 4
			Correction after a navigation fix:  0°, 9.3 nm	Day's run:    159.-- nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.41

				22
		17.11.41
		04.00	BD 3347
			WSW 3-4, few clouds, medium-long swells, Sea 2-3
		08.00	BD 3614
			WNW 3-4, few clouds, Sea 3-4
		09.47 - 10.07		Silent crash dive!
		11.14		To Group Störtebecker:
				After arriving in position move back and forth in the direction of the patrol line, beginning today at 12.00 hours to the NW.  At 14.00 hours, 16.00 hours, 20.00 hours etc., be at the center of the positions.  At most economical cruising speed.  Deviation from course 30° on each side because of the rough sea authorized. =
		12.00	BD 3645
			NW 5, partly cloudy, Sea 4
		16.23	BD 3641
			N 4-5, partly cloudy, medium-high swell, Sea 4
				From B.d.U.:
				= Greger, Hesse, Möhlmann, Schauenburg immediately join Group Störtebecker and in named order extend the ordered patrol line to the southeast from 4675 to 8152. =
		20.00	BD 3641
			WSW 4-5, nearly overcast, medium-long swells, Sea 4-5
		24.00	BD 3641
			NNW 2, cloudy, medium-long swells, Sea 3	Day's run:    151.7 nm
				0.7 nm
				152.4 nm.
		18.11.41
		04.00	BD 3641
			NWbyW 3, nearly overcast, Sea 2
		08.00	BD 3641
			S 5-6, cloudy, medium-long swells, Sea 4-5
		12.00	BD 3641	Weapons can not be used all day due to weather.
			SSW 5-6, heavily cloudy, Sea 5-6
		16.00	BD 3641
			S 7, overcast, Sea 6
		20.00	BD 3641
			S 8, overcast, Sea 7
		22.20	SSE 8, overcast, occasional heavy rain, Vis. very bad, Sea 7-8	Am on the forward side of a warm front.  Submerged because of poor visibility and continuously listening.
		24.00	BD 3563	Day's run:    129.25 nm
				3.1 nm
				132.35 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.41

				23
		19.11.41
		02.10		Surfaced.
		02.16		From B.d.U.:
				= Own air reconnaissance on 19 November from 13.00 hours in the area of the eastern half of Group Störtebecker.  Report bearings immediately.  Bearing frequency 367 KHz, Alternate frequency 310 KHz. =
		04.00	BD 3641
			SSW 5, cloudy, Sea 4
		08.00	BD 3641
			W 4-5, partly cloudy, long high swells, Sea 3-4
		12.00	BD 3641
			W 6, few clouds, medium swells, Sea 5
		16.00	BD 3644
			WSW 5, few clouds, Sea 5
		20.00	BD 3539
			WbyS 4, cloudy, Sea 3
		22.25		To Störtebecker:
				= 1)  With days run of 120 nm advance to the following new attack areas, as Group . . . . Gödecke:  . . . . U-552 AK 9275.
				2)  Depth 80 nm.
		24.00	BD 3641
			SW 4, partly cloudy, medium-long swells, Sea 3
			Correction after a navigation fix:  163°, 10 nm	Day's run:    119.06 nm
				3.04 nm
				122.10 nm.
		20.11.41
		03.29		1)  Advance to ordered attack areas also begin even if fuel is not sufficient to occupy the spaces.
				2)  Do not begin return transit any earlier than absolutely necessary. Group Gödecke requires only 25 cbm, group Benecke only 20 cbm, Group Störtebecker 15 cbm. =
		04.00	BD 3298
			WSW 3, nearly overcast, Sea 3
		08.00	BD 3256
			W 5, overcast, high swell, Sea 4
		12.00	BD 3221
			WNW 3, cloudy, rain squalls, medium-high swells, Sea 2
		16.00	AK 9948
			SW 5, few clouds, long swells, Sea 3-4
		20.00	AK 9946
			W 3-4, cloudy, Sea 2-3

	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.41

				24
		20.11.41
		24.00	AK 9914
			W 4, cloudy, rain squalls, Sea 3
			Correction after a navigation fix:  130°, 24.8 nm	Day's run:    154.-- nm.
		21.11.41
		04.00	AK 9592
			SW 3, few clouds, Sea 2
		08.00	AK 9553
			W 3, few clouds, Sea 2
		12.00	AK 9257
			WSW 3-4, few clouds, Sea 2-3
		16.00	AK 9215
			WSW 4, cloudy, Sea 3
		20.00	AK 9165
			SSW 5, few clouds, medium-long swells, Sea 2
		23.40 - 23.57		Dived to listen.
		24.00	AK 9186
			SW 3, few clouds, high swells, Sea 2
			Correction after a navigation fix:  64°, 4.6 nm	Day's run:    174.96 nm
				1.31 nm
				176.27 nm.
		22.11.41
		04.00	AK 9181
			NW 3-4, few clouds, Sea 2-3
		08.00	AK 9124
			WNW 3, few clouds, medium-long swell, Sea 3
		12.00	AK 9161
			S 6, overcast, rain, Sea 5-6
		16.00	AK 9275
			SWbyS 6, overcast, misty, fog, Sea 4-5
		18.35		From B.d.U.:
				= Topp, . . . . Begin return transit to Western France, harbor to return to will follow. =
		20.00	AK 9526
			S4, overcast, rain, Sea 4
		24.00	AK 9651
			S 4-5, overcast, rain, Sea 4	Day's run:    202.-- nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.41

				25
		23.11.41
		04.00	AL 7472
			S 5, overcast, rain, Sea 4
		08.00	AL 7733
			SwbyS 6, overcast, rain squalls, Sea 5
		12.00	AL 7862
			WSW 6, overcast, medium-long swells, Sea 4-5
		14.44		= Return harbors are:
				. . . . .  Nazaire . . . . , U-552, . . . =
		16.00	AL 7892
			WSW 6, nearly overcast, cloudy, Sea 5-6
		20.00	BE 1322
			WSW 6, cloudy, Sea 5
		24.00	BE 2155
			WSW 4-5, overcast, medium-long swells, Sea 4, Vis. good
			Correction after a navigation fix:  298.5°, 14 nm	Day's run:    325.-- nm.
		24.11.41
		04.00	BE 2284
			SSW 5, overcast, Sea 5
		06.10		From B.d.U.:
				= 1)  . . .
				2)  . . . Topp on 24 November at 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit. =
		08.00	BE 2619
			SW 5, overcast, rain, haze, Sea 4-5
		12.00	BE 3471
			S 8, overcast, occasional rain, Sea 7
		16.00	BE 3731
			WNW 7, overcast, long swells, Sea 6. Vis. bad
		20.00	BE 3855
			WNW 6, nearly overcast, occasional rain, Sea 7
		23.45		Short signal:
				= Positioned 35 hours off return port.  U-552 =
		24.00	BE 3971
			W 4-5, few clouds, high long swells, Sea 3-4
			Correction after a navigation fix:  280°, 15.8 nm	Day's run:    308.-- nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.41

Note:  While there is no page numbered 26 in the copy of the KTB used for this translation, there do not appear to be any missing entries

				27
		25.11.41
		00.46		From B.d.U.:
				= Topp position off St. Nazaire on 25 November at 12.00 hours. =
		04.00	BE 6336
			W 3, few clouds, medium swells, Sea 2
		08.00	BF 4165
			WNW 3, few clouds, Sea 2
		10.10		= Escort for Hesse, Schauenburg and Topp positioned on 26 November at 11.00 hours at Point N 1.  Expect fighter protection.
		12.00	BF 4296
			W 4, few clouds, Sea 3
		12.27		In spite of caution measures while shifting fuel/ballast tank II a man was washed overboard by a one time high swell.   Was fished out.
		13.39		Crash dive for aircraft, which, through the carelessness of the bridge petty officer, was seen only at 1000 meters at the low-attitude target angle 0°.  By the closing of the tower hatch the aircraft (Lockheed Hudson) was over the boat.  Either duds were dropped, which were not heard over the noise of the alarm, or the bomb release mechanism failed.  Aircraft dropped a bomb in the second approach, but the boat was already at 50 meters depth.
		14.40		At periscope depth.
		15.47		Surfaced.
		15.56		From Topp:
				= Bombed by aircraft square 4294. =
		16.03	BF 4294	Crash dive! for high approaching aircraft.  A poorly aimed bomb at 10 meters depth.
			W 4, few clouds, Sea 3
		17.51		Surfaced.
		18.05		Crash dive!  Aircraft on the horizon astern, turns toward the boat.  Was not seen.
		18.58		Surfaced.
		19.04		Crash dive!  Aircraft in the falling dusk turns toward the boat.
		19.21		Surfaced.
		20.00	BF 4387
			W 2, few clouds, Sea 1-2
		22.50		From Topp:
				= Also will not arrive at the meeting point until 12.00 hours. =
		24.00	BF 5416
			W 1, cloudless, Sea 0-1
			Correction after a navigation fix:  250°, 14.5 nm	Day's run:    264.48 nm           16.52 nm.

Sun and Moon Data 25.11.41

				28
		26.11.41
		00.53		= To Endraß, Topp, Schauenburg and Hesse.
				Be at Point N 1 on 26 November at 12.00 hours.  Whoever cannot reach this escort, retreats to sea and will be escorted in at noon on 27 November.
		04.00	BF 5542
			NWbyW 1-2, few clouds, misty, slight swell, Sea 0-1
		08.00	BF 6441
			NWbyW 2, cloudless, slight swell, Sea 0-1
		11.30		At Point N 1 taken under escort.
		14.00		Entered St. Nazaire.
			Correction after a navigation fix:  130°, 4.8 nm	Day's run:    183.2 nm

Sun and Moon Data 26.11.41