Excerpt from the Radio Log "U-564"
 
 
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
  
 
(Officer-Only)  
1.IV. 18.23 (16.20/21/226)
    1)  Supply "U-582" (Schulte) on 22 April starting at 14.20 hours in naval square. 7555.  Supply "U 571" (Möhlmann) on 23 April starting at 14.00 hours in naval square 7445.
    2)  Wilamowitz to supply or announce if supply on the ordered date not feasible.
    3)  Afterwards meeting place for "U-564" (Suhren), "U 352" (Rathke) will be ordered.
4.IV 19.31 (18.58/24/276)
    American shipping warning "Florida Coast " Danger zone from coast to 20 sm seaward of "Carysfort Reef" to "Sandkey".  B.d.U. adds:  Supposed shooting exercise area.
(Incomming and outgoing)
08.04. 21.07 Located in quare BE 69.  U-564.
21.39 21.24 "Suhren" reports his position from naval square BE 69.
09.04.    
22.17 20.58 I.)  "Suhren" "Rathke" "Borchert" head for square RO 99.  Supply from U-tanker is planned.
    II.)  U-582 to occupy as attack area RO 80 and 90.
22.46 22.20 Zimmermann, Bleichrodt, Suhren, Scholtz morning between 0100 and 0500 hours weather permitting.  Scholtz aditionally send bearing signals.
03.37   45 degrees N, 19 degrees W, falling, 1008 mb, plus 17, 7/10, Vis. 1 nm, SE 5, Sea SE 4.  U-564.
04.35 18.00 From "Lassen":
04.50 19.40 2 days on "Cap Fear" to "Lookout" no traffic observed on the 40 or 20 meter line.  Assume intermittant scattered medium traffic "Lookout" to "Hatteras" on 40 to 20 meter line.  Course 50 degrees.  On 75 degrees West at "Hatteras" fast, empty tankers, course 20 degrees, otherwise light.  Blazing lights as in peacetime.  Air and sea patrol as briefed.  Since 10 April starshells.
09.52 22.35 From Zapp:
    Situation:  Cape Henery, Hatteras, Lookout heavy traffic.  Large part branches off SE to SSE, escorted by destroyer.  Important coastal traffic escorted.  Favorable positions "Nimbel Shoal" and "Raleigh Bay" 40 meter line.  Night air patrol not determined.  Escort vessels without Asdic.
11.04    
18.45 18.04 On 12 April at 08.00 hours Folkers Schat and Shuren switch to Greenland area circuit.
12.04    
18.06 16.42 Per commanders situation messages, listening conditions are poor in calm water off the
 
     
 
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
     
 
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    American coast.  Good shooting opportunities were thereby missed.  Therefore:  Do not rely entirely on sound gear, but make frequent periscope sweeps.
13.04.    
xx.37 11.17 American Shipping Warning:
    Danger area between latitudes if 25.10 North and 24.36 North and the longitudes of 82.10 West and 81.30 West. 
    B.d.U. adds:
    Possibly a minefield.
14.04.    
xx.18 23.38 From Hargegen:
    "Canaveral" to "Hatteras" all lights as in peacetime.  Heavy intermittant traffic, southbound, close to shore.  Inside the 20 m line south of "Cape Fear" traffic emerges from bays.  Northbound traffic 5 sm, east of  the line "Hetzel Shoal"-"St. Johns Lightship"-"Savanah Lightship"-" Frying Pan Shoal" directly south of the "St. Johns River" is an airfield.  Here there is heavy air patrol without lights, plentiful illuminating flares on shipping routes.  Good teamwork with destroyers with searchlights.
15.04.    
12.45 21.50 1)  Schnee and Suhren tomorrow between 01.00 and 05.00 hours give weather report. Scholtz additionally send bearing signals.
    2)  Lerchen, Flachsenberg and Dietrichs 16 April 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.
16.04.    
08.01 04.40 SSD
    Net barrage for Hatteras along the 100 meter line from 35 degrees North to 30 nm to the north.  Extension to the south apparently intended.  Black buoys and barrels. When submerging depth charges from escort vessel. "EMPIRE LIGHTEN" sunk.
                                                                         Forster.
16.04.    
07.05 20.38 Situation:  Hatteras Coast:
    Heavy traffic, to a large extent controlled by bays, inside the 25 meter line.  "Capes" are brightly lit for navigation.  Fairway buoys are lit.  Defended by subnaval chasers. "Diamond Shoal" buoy is rounded closely, and/or inside.  Defense is strong in terms of numbers but completely unpractised.  No enemy radar detection noted.  Airplane coverage by day and night, destroyer, trawler, subchaser type "Pafla" C 451, unpleasantly low silhouette.  Valuable targets provided with destroyers and/or airship protection, scare depth charges and aircraft bombs, once parachute flares. Sound conditions constantly changing, however range is further than periscope.  Tanker transmitted after torpedo or mine hit.  Because of cloudy water aircraft can not see boat at periscope depth.
                                                                                        Mützelburg.
17.04.    
06.12 20.14 1)  Borchert, Suhren, Cremer and Mützelburg tomorrow send weather report between 01.00 and 05.00 hours.
    2)  On 16 April 08.00 hours Borvhert switch to Greenland circuit.
18.04. 08.32 41 degrees North, 42 degrees West, 1024 mb, falling, +22, SE 5, Sea 3-4, Vis. 2 nm, medium-high swell, clouds: stratus.
21.04    
19.18 18.00 From Suhren:
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
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    From Suhren:
    Steering for naval square CC 5836.  115 cbm.  Request attack area large square west of JS.
x2.50 21.03 1)  Attack area:
    Rathke square 73, 76, 79 and area to the west from there to the coast, Suhren attack area from Cremer.
    2)  Rathke up to now very bad utilization of fuel.   Expect supplement 7 days provisions.
x2.40 22.11 In alteration of the order concerning supply meeting with "Möhlmann":
    1)  Wilamowitz remains on for 22 April for ordered meeting place with Schulte, Möhlmann, Suhren, Rathke head for this meeting place only by day.
    2)  Wilamowitz stop exactly at the meeting place at 14.00 hours and 20.00 hours. Other boats try to get along without bearing signals.
    3)  Do not go beyond signal range of supply boat.
    4)  Supply in order of arrival.   Await several boats in sequence:   Möhlmann, Suhren, Rathke.
15.04.    
z1.16 00.06 Schnee and Suhren congratulations on the promotion of Leutnant z.S. Muschwitz and Waldschmidt.                                          1. U.-Fl.
x.2.25 02.03 From Suhren:
    Naval square CB 9586.  129 cbm.  1005 mb, Sea 4, rain, 1015 mb, falling.
xx.05.    
x2.57 10.36 American Shipping Warning:
    Mine danger zone is established at point of "Cape Hatteras".  From a point on the coast of "Ocracoke Island" (south of " Cape Hatteras" in 75 degrees 58 of minutes West, then directly south to 34 degrees 53 minutes North, then directly east to 75 degrees 31 minutes west, then northeastward to 35 degrees 05 minutes North 75 degrees 22 minutes West, then west directly to the coast. All ships are warned not to enter this area unless they are under control of U.S.A. authorities.
x2.33 12.35 To Winter:
    Extension of the operations area to the south into the areas exempted from Suhren and Hoffmann.
xx.05.    
x0.25 18.36 Supplement to Operations Order 50:
x1.28 20.06 Traffic conditions off America per U-boat messages.
x2.20 20.52

1)  Area BB in square 50, 60, 70, 90 medium traffic, however because of ice and fog situation at present not favorable. -

x2.56 21.55
x5.24 22.41 2)  "Nova Scotia" "Cape Sable" headed for the south and southwest.  Along the coast on 90 m line medium to heavy traffic to "Halifax".  From here directly or over a point somewhat south of "Sable Island" to "Cape Race", "Sable Island", to "Halifax" also to the south, convoy assembly areas are headed for.  At present usually poor visibility. Medium air patrol south of "Sable Island", heavy, however unpractised, sea-patrol.
    3)  By "Cape Cod" by "Nantucket - Lightship" no traffic observed for three days.
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
- 4 -
 
     
 
    4.)  Heavy traffic for "New York" along the 20 meter line, and/or cutting across to the east by directly in calm water.  "Cape May" to "Cape Henry" heavy traffic by day, stopped by night.  In this area relatively good air and sea-patrol, be alert at full moon time.  Few individually patrolling destroyers, single routine depth charges.  Save fuel whenever possible, the basic option is by spending days submerged, and/or on the bottom, and nights surfaced near the coast.
    5.)  At "Hatteras" heavy intermittant morning and evening traffic, many tankers, sometimes weak destroyer escort.  No traffic at night on the route from "Hatteras" to "Cape Fear"and from there to "Charleston".  Ships steer straight courses from buoy to buoy.  Prevously transmitted bypass of "Cape Hatteras" since 22 March probably because of wrecks or assumed German mines.  Medium air and sea-patrol, individually patrolling destroyers.  Radio and navigation lights as in peacetime, according to observation "Hatteras" light is extinguished.
    6.)  Florida Straits heavy southbound traffic and north-south traffic heading north after passing the "Bermudas".
    7.)  In CA 98, 99 and DC 31, 32 intersection of medium, sometimes heavy traffic in southwest-northeast and southeast-northwest direction, in CA, CB to the middle of CC, heavy scattered single traffic, occasional intermittant heavy traffic in northeast- southwest strips in the area CC 10 to 30 when convoys disband.
    8.)  Defense forces observed are still unpractised and so far no successful hunts have been noticed.  To date the U-boat always has the advantege.
    9)  All squares are naval squares.
xx.05.    
xx.x4 07.02 From Shuren:
    May:  3.  DB 9434  Freighter 6000 BRT.  course 350 degrees.
              4.  DM 2318 Tanker   7000 BRT.  course 180 degrees.
              5.  DB 9762  Freighter 4000 BRT.  course 160 degrees.
    Situation:  Heavy southbound traffic on the west side of the Straits on the 20 meter line.  On the east side no traffic.  Heavy air, light sea patrol, 9 torpedoes.
    Poor visibility.  Steering for DN 2642.  All naval squares.
xx.x6 20.45 From Schacht:
    1.  Situation:  In "Caicos" passage no traffic.
    2.  On the northern coast "Cuba" and "Tortuga" as in peacetime.
    3.  "Bahama Channel" "Nichloas Channel" traffic small steamers.  Heavy air by day and in the "Florida Straits" also Sunday by day no air patrol.
    4.  West of "Tortuga" heavy steamer and tanker traffic, course 135 degrees.
xx.05.    
xx.x4 02.52 From Würdemann
    1.  To and from the "Providence Canal" no traffic.  Lights as in peacetime.
    2.  From "Miami" to "Tortugas" 3. May only 3 independents, "Carysfort Reef" to the north very heavy air patrol seen by day.
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
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15.05.    
x0.22 09.53 From Suhren:
    On 8 May naval square DM 2316 Freighter 5000 BRT, course 0 degrees.
          9 May square 2343 Tanker 8000 BRT, course 0 degrees.
    Within naval square DM 2995 to 6833 no traffic.  Going to square 73 west of WN. 78 cbm, 7 torps.
x9.25 07.17 From Suhren:
    naval square DM 2643 Tanker with darkened lights and not recognizable flag sign on the tail torpedoed.  When tanker burnned, apparently green white red colors on the sign.  Course 0 degrees.  Fully loaded with light oil.  Just ahead was an escort vessel "Argo Class".  Size 5000 BRT.
20.05.    
xx.53 04.39 From Suhren:
xx.54 04.52 1.)  Situation:  Florida Straits at the beginning of of May single traffic in north and south directions close under the west coast.  After presence of U-boats only intermittant groups. On 14 May at dawn 4 ships a destroyer in DM 2682 northward bound.  Traffic completely stopped for 4 days.  On 18 May 14 ships and 4 destroyers at dawn DB 9874 steering for DM 2682 and went outside of warning area to the west
    2.)  Defence:  Medium sea patrol, good sound location gear, no radar.  Heavy air patrol by and the coast near flight schools and airports.
    3.)  Only a stern Ato.  Misses on group and escort.  Returning to base.  Sank: 6 ships 35000 GRT.  Position DB 9870.  All naval squares.
21.05.    
11.21/20 11.05/19 1)  Rasch, Suhren, report situation tomorrow night.
    2)  Winter remain in the area released by Folkers.
26.05.    
19.58 18.46 1)  Hoffmann and Thurmann during the night provide short situation report.  Thurmann append weather report.
    2)  Moreover give weather reports between 01.00 and 05.00 hours: Suhren, Reeder, Löser and U-98.
    3)  Scholz and Bleichrodt on 27 May at 08.00 hours switch to Ireland circuit, Merten at the same time go to Greenland circuit.
27.05.    
02.40   40 degrees N, 1018 mb, falling, +20, S 5, heavy storm clouds, Vis. 10 nm, medium-high S-swell.               U-564
29.05.    
21.15 20.09 1)  Suhren, U-167, Schacht and Bleichrodt tomorrow between 01.00 and 05.00 hours report weather.
30.05.42    
03.24 WW 44 degrees N, 43 degrees W, 1008 mb, steady, +14, W 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. 4 nm, low swell, Clouds: Altocumulous                   U-564
21.52 21.12 1)  Berger, Rathke, Liebe tomorrow between 01.00 and 05.00 hours report weather.
    2)  On 31.05 at 08.00 hours go to Greenland circuit:
    U-129, U-67, Löser, Degen and Berger.  Ireland:  Wattenberg, Schmidt, Suhren and Vogel.
 
     
 
 
     
                          
 
C  o  p  y        m  o  r   e        i  m  p  o  r  t  a  n  t        Radio Messages (Officer Only)
 
     
 
15.IV 06.31 hours  ( 23.16/14/80 )
  Route "rosa" between Point 35 and 36 and between Point 32J and 33C again open.   "Pallice" incoming boats proceed on route "rosa" until point 35C, from here to P.1 arrival "Lorient" remains unchanged.
21.IV. 18.23 hours  ( 16.20/21/226 )
  1)  Supply "U 582" (Schulte) on 22 April at 14.20 hours in naval square 7555.  Supply "U-571" (Möhlmann) on 23 April at 14.00 hours in naval square 7445.
  2)  Wilamowitz to supply or announce if supply on the ordered date not feasible.
  3)  Subsequently meeting place for " U-564" (Suhren), " U 352" (Rathke) will be ordered.
26.IV. 02.55 hours  ( 01.00/26/295 )
  Because of mines naval square BF 5830 route "Tannennadel" is closed until further notice.
30.IV. 23.56 hours  ( 23.07/30/288 )
  Route "Bogenlampe" and extension to 46 51.2 North, 5 15.8 West is approved.  External point mentioned is to the southwest.  Direction to head for.  Because of ememy mines line between point 47 02 North, 5 11.5 West and point 47 31.5 North, 4 48 West may not be crossed under any circumstances northward.
9.V 11.18 hours  ( 19.29/8/277 )
  Very long radio messages on alternate frequencies can identify valid alternate frequencies to the enemy and remove the intended bearing protection.  Therefore use alternate frequencies only for short signals, short weather and radio messages up to 30 groups.  Longer radio messages in exceptional cases.
24.IV. 19.31 hours  ( 18.58/24/276 )
  American Shipping Warning "Florida Coast": Danger zone off the coast to 20 nm seaward of "Carysfort Reef" to "Sand Key".  Additive B.d.U. probably an exercise firing area.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
  16.52 2nd Addition to Operations Order 50:
  18.36 Traffic and defense situation in the West Indian area from U-boat messages.
  19.45 1.) Traffic radially from bunker station "Port of Spain" to "Mona Passage", "Anegada Passage" and to the north along the "Lesser Antilles" in both directions.  Ships heading for "Port of Spain" from the southwest direction proceed 15 to 30 nm north of the 200 meter line along the "Guiana coast", then run north.  "Port Castris" is also a bunker station.  In "Antioa" area medium to strong air surveillance, light sea patrol by coast guard ships, no destroyer protection thus far.
    2.) In the "Aruba" area, "Curacao" feeder tanker traffic from "Maracaibo Bay" off the coast, average tanker size 2600 to 3500 GRT.  Apparently does not run out from the lagoon any more at high water times.
    Defence:
    Medium to strong air patrol, single patrol and smaller vessels.  After B-dienst report recently also a U.S.A. destroyer.  Area of naval square EC 59, 56, 69, 67 is a traffic node for lanes: "Yucatan", "Aruba ", "Vjcoenn" - "Mona Passage", "Colon" - "Mona Passage", east-west traffic.
    3.)  "Mona Passage" heavy traffic.  Heavy air patrol, likely also civilian air traffic.
    4.) "Windward passage" heavy traffic in passage about "Cape Mas" and "Cape Dukote", Steamers proceed close under land.  Up to now no air, isolated patrols.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
08.04.    
21.39 21.24 "Suhren" is in BE 69.
xx.xx 18.14 From 12.04 12.00 hours chart key address takes effect for U-boats:  Leopold Böttcher, Wrangelstr. 34
09.04.    
22.17 20.58 I.)  "Suhren" "Rathke" "Borchert" head for square RO 99.  Supply from U-tanker is planned.
    II.)  U-582 to occupy as attack area RO 80 and 90.
22.46 22.20 Zimmermann, Bleichrodt, Suhren, Scholtz morning between 01.00 and 05.00 hours weather permitting.  Scholtz aditionally send bearing signals.
03.37   45 degrees N, 19 degrees W, falling, 1008 mb, plus 17, 7/10, Vis. 1 nm, SE 5, Sea SE 4.                                  U-564.
04.35 18.00 From "Lassen":
04.50 19.40 2 days on "Cap Fear" to "Lookout" no traffic observed on the 40 or 20 meter line.  Assume intermittant scattered medium traffic "Lookout" to "Hatteras" on 40 to 20 meter line.  Course 50 degrees.  On 75 degrees West at "Hatteras" fast, empty tankers, course 20 degrees, otherwise slight.  Blazing lights as in peacetime.  Air and sea patrol as briefed.  Since 10 April starshells.
09.52 22.35 From Zapp:
    Situation:  Cape Henery, Hatteras, Lookout heavy traffic.  Large part branches off SE to SSE, escorted by destroyer.  Important coastal traffic escorted.  Favorable positions "Nimbel Shoal" and "Raleigh Bay" 40 meter line.  Night air patrol not determined.  Escort vessels without Asdic.
11.04    
18.45 18.04 On 12.04 08.00 hours Folkers, Schat and Shuren switch to Greenland area circuit.
12.04    
18.06 16.42 Per commanders situation reports messages, listening conditions are poor in calm water off the American coast.  Good shooting opportunities were thereby missed.  Therefore:  Do not rely entirely on sound gear, but make frequent periscope sweeps.
13.04.    
xx.37 11.17 American Shipping Warning:
    Danger area between parallels 25.20 North and 24.36 North and the meridians of 82.10 West and 81.30 West. 
    B.d.U. adds:
    Possibly a minefield.
14.04.    
xx.18 23.38 From Hargegen:
    "Canaveral" to "Hatteras" all lights as in peacetime.  Heavy intermittant traffic, southbound, close to shore.  Inside the 20 meter line south of "Cape Fear" traffic emerges from bays.  Northbound traffic 5 sm, east of  the line " Hetzel Shoal"-"St. Johns Lightship"-"Savanah Lightship"-" Frying Pan Shoal" directly south of the "St. Johns River" is an airfield.  Here there is heavy air patrol without lights, plentiful illuminating flares on shipping routes.  Good teamwork with destroyers with searchlights.
15.04.    
12.45 21.50 1)  Schnee and Suhren tomorrow between 0100 and 0500 o'clock weather permitting. Scholtz additionally send bearing signals.
    2)  Lerchen, Flachsenberg and Dietrichs 16 April 08.00 hours switch to Ireland circuit.
16.04.    
08.01 04.40 SSD
    Net barrage for Hatteras along the 100 meter line from 35 degrees North to 30 nm to the north.  Extension to the south apparently intended.  Black buoys and barrels. When submerging depth charges from escort vessel. "EMPIRE LIGHTEN" sunk.
                                                                         Forster.
 
     
 
 
     
     
 
16.04.    
07.05 20.38 Situation:  Hatteras Coast:
    Heavy traffic, to a large extent controlled by bays, inside the 25 m line.  "Capes" are brightly lit for navigation.  Fairway buoys are lit.  Defended by subnaval chasers. "Diamond Shoal" buoy is rounded closely, and/or inside.  Defense is strong in terms of numbers but completely unpractised.  No enemy radar detection noted.  Airplane coverage by day and night, destroyer, trawler, subchaser type "Pafla" C 451, unpleasantly low silhouette.  Valuable targets provided with destroyers and/or airship protection, Schreckwabos and Fleibos, once illumination flares. Sound conditions constantly changing, however range is further than periscope.  Tanker transmitted after torpedo or mine hit.  Because of cloudy water aircraft can not see boat at periscope depth.
                                                                                        Mützelburg.
xx.x8 02.15 For 2 days at the buoy for "Hattteras" to "Henry" no night traffic lights as in peacetime, patrols as briefed, illuminating flares.
                                                                                 Uphoff.
xx.x2 22.27 To all boats:
xx.x8 23.21 Prepare short reports on current operations in detailed form ready for transmitting.  Report must contain: approximate routes and operations areas, observed warships and merchant vessels of each type, provide details of type, number, date, times, location, course and speed.  (In well trafficked areas, for example, arrival ports, only general data).  Sighted vessels with date, location, type designation.  Sighted laying mines with date and position.  If in an area several days where nothing is sighted, an appropriate note with date.  Other statements, like ice and unusual conditions etc. individual small fishing vehicles are not to be announced, on the other hand report fishing fleets and/or. vessels, which have military characteristics or appear to be suspicious.
17.04.    
06.12 20.14 1)  Borchert, Suhren, Cremer and Mützelburg morning weather permitting between 01.00 and 05.00 hours.
    2)  On 16. April 08.00 hours switch receiver to Greenland circuit.
18.04.    
08.32   41 degrees North, 42 degrees West, 1024 mb, falling, +22, SE 5, Sea 3-4, Vis. 2 nm, medium-high swell, clouds: stratus.            U-564.
xx.03 15.40 1)  Message instructions figure 146 are revised as follows from 12.00 hours on 19 April:
xx.57 17.07
    In those areas where enemy surface forces search by day and night proceed as follows:  Communications center requests message delivery by flashing "A" for 5 seconds.  Boat repeats 3 times answer characters for sea/air forces and afterwards Morse identification.
    2)  Figure 151:
    Boats approaching the current battle area and the French, German and Danish coasts unsolicited answer characters for sea/air armed forces.
    b.)  On Norwegian Coast shooting signal cartridges is forbidden.
    3.)  Figure 152:
    If boats believe they must make their presence known by a signal, e.g. because they appear unexpectedly or at a time other than announced at the coast, they proceed in accordance with. Figure 151.
new day?    
xx.x6 11.27 To all boats:
    To not later than to 20 April provide all as yet announced successes.
new day?    
xx.35 02.35 Coastal area CA 79 as briefed.  Twice daily airships.  Hatteras is headed for frequently on NW course.
                                                                         Möhlmann
xx.xx 23.52 In 18 April and 19 April in FH 29 heavily escorted traffic before dusk in 10 meters of water.  Strong motorboat and air patrol, also small airships, very low.
 
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
  17.27 [Illegible line]
    thoughts allow to lead.  Estimate size objectively from length, appearances, number of loading hatches etc.  If possible indicate type.
    Motto: We are a respectable firm.
21.04    
19.18 18.00 From Suhren:
    Steering for naval square CC 5836.  115 cbm.  Request attack area large square west of JS.
x2.50 21.03 1)  Attack area:
    Rathke square 73, 76, 79 and area to the west from there to the coast, Suhren attack area from Cremer.
    2)  Rathke so far very bad utilization of fuel.   Expect supplement 7 days provisions.
xx.x7 21.23 In alteration of the order concerning supply meeting with "Möhlmann":
x2.40 22.11 1)  Wilamowitz remains on for 22 April for ordered meeting place with Schulte, Möhlmann, Suhren, Rathke head for this meeting place only by day.
    2)  Wilamowitz stop exactly at the meeting place at 14.00 hours and 20.00 hours. Other boats try to get along without bearing signals.
    3)  Do not go beyond signal range of supply boat.
    4)  Supply in order of arrival.   Await several boats in sequence:   Möhlmann, Suhren, Rathke.
new day?    
  16.27 1.)  Speed and course of sunken ships is to be announced when operating beyond the coastal shipping routes.
    2.)  Every Commander is obliged to plot the messages of other boats on the chart to develop an exact view about the current situation on the shipping routes.
  22.00 Standing Order No 18.
    1.)  Passing through the approaches to the coast within the 200 meter line is not possible in summer nights during darkness.  Mine danger here is greater then danger from aircraft. Boats should therefore proceed, so far as necessary, on the surface by day, unless the chances of surprise by air are particularly high.
    2.)  If a boat must wait for the announcement of the ordered meeting place and time, that is to say 36 hours before convoy meeting point, boat must remain submerged, so make announcement possibly before diving.
15.04.    
z1.16 00.06 Schnee and Suhren congratulations on the promotion of Leutnant z.S. Muschwitz and Waldschmidt.                                          1. U.-Fl.
x.2.25 02.03 From Suhren:
    Naval square CB 9586.  129 cbm.  005, Sea 4, rain, 1015 mb, falling.
new day?    
xx.55 11.05 Reception by convoy are as yet after dawn.  With daylight proceed on the surface, possibly only to outer part of the inbound route.
xx.38 13.06 Messages from boats prove that boots operating far beyond the coast have had little success because of light traffic.  Repeated indication:
    Given fuel shortage it is most advantageous to operate directly under the coast.  Reason:
    Heavy traffic density allows stationary operations, thereby saving fuel by laying on the bottom and shorter maneuvering to get ahead.  Given the long transit, operations off America pay only if every boat practices low fuel consumption to allow him more days in the operational area to ruthlessly exploit his chances of success.
new day?    
xx.x5 02.14 Position north of Hatteras as briefed. Lighted buoy OV 2669 green flashes every 6 seconds.
                                                            U-136.
 
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
    [2 illegible lines]
    by "Frying Pan Shoal".   Medium air patrol by day, bright moonlit nights.
new day?    
  17.02 Because of special danger from aircraft during bright full moon nights may have to move away from the coast.  M.G. C 30 ready for firing, magazine set.  Weapon must be well maintained and be checked by test firing.  If aircraft is noted only shortly before the attack during the approach, do not dive, but shoot.  Increase speed, turn away sharply.  If the first attack fails, as the aircraft turns away, dive before the next approach. With AK to depth.
new day?    
  10.39 To all boats:
    To clarifiy the situation on the shipping routes in the sea area west of 65 degrees W and north of 20 degrees N this night report: since 24 April sighted or sunk ships, apart from neutrals, with date, location, course, as well as other information or reasonable assumptions of the overall situation on the shipping routes, no repetitions of previous messages.  Only report if sightings are present.
new day?    
  12.36 It is pointed out again, to treat neutral ships beyond the blockade area according to regulations.  The Commander must confirm before the delivery of the shot the hostile nature of the ship to be attacked.  This is applies particularly with poor visibility, difficult rough sea, or twilight attack.  Political disadvantages by sinking of neutral ships weigh more difficultly than the possible disadvantage of not sinking an opponent that has been given prior warning of immediate operation.
new day  
  16.30 To all boats:
    From 1 May 24.00 hours the old orders, again apply to route "A" meaning: attack forbidden on single ships, attack freely only on closely escorted single ships.
xx.05.    
x2.57 10.36 American Shipping Warning:
x1.52 11.00 Mine danger zone is established at point of "Cap Hatteras".  From a point on the coast of "Ocracoke Island" (south of " Cape Hatteras" in 75 degrees 58 of minutes West, then directly south to 34 degrees 53 minutes North, then directly east to 75 degrees 31 minutes west, then northeastward to 35 degrees 05 minutes North 75 degrees 22 minutes West, then west directly to the coast. All ships are warned not to enter this area unless they are under control of U.S.A. authorities.
new day?    
xx.33 09.51 Chilean merchant ships are by the statement of the Chilean government uniformly marked.  By national colors in middle of the ship's side about whole vertical height, also, on the bow and stern.  Between the national colors on the bow and stern "Chile" is painted.  Ships have instruction to enter American harbors only during the day or, as the case may be, to depart and proceed otherwise beyond the 3 nm zone.
new day?    
x2.19 00.18 Amerca I :
    00.00 to 12.55 hours FTF 38.16 m
    13.00 to 23.55 hours FTN 24 m, 44 m
    America II:
    00.00 to 11.55 hours FTF 30.11 m
    12.00 to 23.55 hours FSE 21.79 m.
new day!    
x2.33 12.35 To Winter:
    Extension of the operations area to the south into the areas exempted from Suhren and Hoffmann.
 
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
    [Illegible line]
    10.00 to 16.05 hours, 12.00 to 12.05 hours on high frequency America I, from 00 to 05 minutes each odd hour on high frequency America 1 around 00.00 hours no control transmission because of frequency changes on all frequencies.
new day?    
03.50 21.16 Location of Sweden ships at 00.00 hours on 5 May outbound:  KLIPPAREN, SUMANLAND, MALMÖLUS in AR 67.  Inbound: TAINARA in AE 86, SVENSALEN in GF 47, STEGEHOLM in DS 48, CAPELLA in DL 30 Floridas Straits. DROTTINGHOLM departs 7 May New York to Lisbon.  All naval squares.  Do not attack.
new day?    
  15.11 To all boats:
    From 24.00 hours on 1 May the old orders again apply on route Anton. That is to say attack prohibited on single ships, attack only permitted on closely escorted single ships.
new day?    
x0.50 09.45 The occasional presence of American subarines in the coastal areas and costal approaches of America is to be reckoned with.  Therefore exercise caution when targeting another submarine, take more than a single look.
new day?    
  15.03 To all boats:
    In the morning not previously announced successes are to be reported up to 7 May.
new day?    
  21.19 1.)  Current knowledge of success and traffic conditions is a precondition for the correct approach in broad areas.
    2.)  Sinkings are to be announced immediately from there.  Exception if sinking is unseen in a new operations area, if radio silence is ordered.
    3.)  Convey traffic conditions concisely, no novels.
xx.05.    
xx.x4 07.02 From Shuren:
    May:  3.  DB 9434  Freighter 6000 BRT.  course 350 degrees.
              4.  DM 2318 Tanker   7000 BRT.  course 180 degrees.
              5.  DB 9762  Freighter 4000 BRT.  course 160 degrees.
    Situation:  Heavy southbound traffic on the west side of the Straits on the 20 meter line.  On the east side no traffic.  Heavy air, light sea patrol, 9 torpedoes.
    Poor visibility.  Steering for DN 2642.  All naval squares.
xx.x6 20.45 From Schacht:
    1.  Situation:  In "Caicos" passage no traffic.
    2.  On the northern coast "Cuba" and "Tortuga" as in peacetime.
    3.  "Bahama Channel" "Nichloas Channel" traffic small steamers.  Heavy air by day and in the "Florida Straits" also Sunday by day no air patrol.
    4.  West of "Tortuga" heavy steamer and tanker traffic, course 135 degrees.
new day!    
xx.23 17.58 Questions concerning inbound route and desires concerning shipyard port are redundant.  Boats will receive inbound route immediately, as soon as Control movements are considered.  Shipyard port primarily per Flotilla affiliation.  Other harbors only if required for special shipyard work.
xx.05.    
xx.x4 02.52 From Würdemann
    1.  To and from the "Providence Canal" no traffic.  Lights as in peacetime.
    2.  From "Miami" to "Tortugas" 3. May only 3 independents, "Carysfort Reef" to the north very heavy air patrol seen by day.
 
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
xx.05.    
x0.25 18.38 Supplemtary to Operations Order 50:
x1.28 20.06 Traffic conditions off America per U-boat messages.
x2.20 20.52

1)  Area BB in square 50, 60, 70, 90 medium traffic, however because of ice and fog situation at present not favorable. -

x2.56 21.55
x5.24 22.41 2)  "Nova Scotia" "Cape Sable" headed for the south and southwest.  Along the coast on 90 m line medium to heavy traffic to "Halifax".  From here directly or over a point somewhat south of "Sable Island" to "Cape Race", "Sable Island", to "Halifax" also to the south, convoy assembly areas are headed for.  At present usually poor visibility. Medium air patrol south of "Sable Island", heavy, however unpractised, sea-patrol.
    3)  By "Cape Cod" by "Nantucket - Lightship" no traffic observed for three days.
    4.)  Heavy traffic for "New York" along the 20 meter line, and/or cutting across to the east by directly in calm water.  "Cape May" to "Cap Henry" heavy traffic by day, stopped by night.  In this area relatively good air and sea-patrol, be alert at full moon time.  Few individually patrolling destroyers, single routine depth charges.  Save fuel whenever possible, the basic option is by spending days submerged, and/or on the bottom, and nights surfaced near the coast.
    5.)  At "Hatteras" heavy intermittant morning and evening traffic, many tankers, sometimes weak destroyer escort.  No traffic at night on the route from "Hatteras" to "Cape Fear"and from there to "Charleston".  Ships steer straight courses from buoy to buoy.  Prevously transmitted bypass of "Cape Hatteras" since 22 March probably because of wrecks or assumed German mines.  Medium air and sea-patrol, individually patrolling destroyers.  Radio and navigation lights as in peacetime, according to observation "Hatteras" light is extinguished.
    6.)  Florida Straits heavy southbound traffic and north-south traffic heading north after passing the "Bermudas".
    7.)  In CA 98, 99 and DC 31, 32 intersection of medium, sometimes heavy traffic in southwest-northeast and southeast-northwest direction, in CA, CB to the middle of CC, heavy scattered single traffic, occasional intermittant heavy traffic in northeast- southwest strips in the area CC 10 to 30 when convoys disband.
    8.)  Defense forces observed are still unpractised and so far no successful hunts have been noticed.  To date the subnaval always has the advantege.
    9)  All squares are naval squares.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
15.05.    
x0.22 09.53 From Suhren:
    On 8 May naval square DM 2316 Freighter 5000 BRT. course 0 degrees.
          9 May square 2343 Tanker 8000 BRT. course 0 degrees.
    Within naval square DM 2995 to 6833 no traffic.  Going to square 73 west of WN. 78 cbm, 7 torps.
new day?    
x1.44 11.13 In messages concerning shipping note whether they were sunk etc. or only sighted.
new day?    
x8.48 18.16 Announce previously unannounced successes up to the present, further report whether a boat is operating or has operated in naval square BB 18.
new day!    
08.31 02.31 From U-98:
    Between "Poncedeleon" and "Saint Lucie" on the 20 m line no traffic, only destroyer, patrol vessels and subnaval chasers with a very low silhouette.  Heavy air patol, also at night, with illumination flares.  Co-operation with subnaval chasers.  All lights as in peacetime.
new day?    
x9.25 07.17 From Suhren:
    naval square DM 2643 Tanker with darkened lights and not recognizable flag sign on the tail torpedoed.  When tanker burnned, apparently green white red colors on the sign.  Course 0 degrees.  Fully loaded with light oil.  Just ahead was an escort vessel "Argo Class".  Size 5000 BRT.
new day!    
  16.04 To all boats:
    During the coming new moon nights, try to gain contact by closely approaching traffic junctions and harbours.  As soon as clear, report.
  03.57 Mannstein reports location from 26. with volume 2 - 3.
new day?    
xx.31 14.31 Convoy 24 steamers sea and air escort in naval square DM 2843, course West, slow speed.                                                    Mannstein.
20.05.    
xx.53 04.39 From Suhren:
xx.54 04.52 1.)  Situation:  Florida Straits at the beginning of of May single traffic in north and south directions close under the west coast.  After presence of U-boats only intermittant groups. On 14 May at dawn 4 ships a destroyer in DM 2682 northward bound.  Traffic completely stopped for 4 days.  On 18 May 14 ships and 4 destroyers at dawn DB 9874 steering for DM 2682 and went outside of warning area to the west
    2.)  Defence:  Medium sea patrol, good sound location gear, no radar.  Heavy air patrol by and the coast near flight schools and airports.
    3.)  Only a stern Ato.  Misses on group and escort.  Returning to base.  Sank: 6 ships 35000 GRT.  Position DB 9870.  All naval squares.
21.05.    
11.21/20 11.05/19 1)  Rasch, Suhren, report situation tomorrow night.
    2)  Winter remain in the area released by Folkers.
26.05.    
19.58 18.46 1)  Hoffmann and Thurmann during the night provide short situation report.  Thurmann append weather report.
    2)  Moreover give weather reports between 01.00 and 05.00 hours: Suhren, Reeder, Löser and U-98.
    3)  Scholz and Bleichrodt on 27.05 at 08.00 hours switch to Ireland circuit, Merten at the same time go to Greenland circuit.
27.05.    
02.40   40 degrees N, 1018 mb, falling, +20, S 5, heavy storm clouds, Vis. 10 nm, medium-high S-swell.               U-564
29.05.    
21.15 20.09 1)  Suhren, U-167, Schacht and Bleichrodt tomorrow between 01.00 and 05.00 hours report weather.
 
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
30.05.42    
03.24 WW 44 degrees N, 43 degrees W, 1008 mb, steady, +14, W 4, Sea 3-4, Vis. 4 nm, low swell, Clouds: Altocumulous                   U-564
21.52 21.12 1)  Berger, Rathke, Liebe tomorrow between 01.00 and 05.00 hours report weather.
    2)  On 31 May at 08.00 hours go to Greenland circuit:
    U-129, U-67, Löser, Degen and Berger.  Ireland:  Wattenberg, Schmidt, Suhren and Vogel.