U-593 - 11th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason

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
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
22 Jun 43	21.31	37°03'N, 4°26'E	USS LST-333 (torpedoed - total loss)	1,625	American	Elastic
22 Jun 43	21.31	37°03'N, 4°26'E	USS LST-387 (torpedoed - salvaged)	1,625	American	Elastic
5 Jul 43	15.43	37°03'N, 4°10'E	DEVIS	6,054	British	KMS-18B
5 Jul 43	15.43	37°03'N, 4°10'E	HMS LCM-1123 (being transported - sank)	52	British	KMS-18B
5 Jul 43	15.43	37°03'N, 4°10'E	HMS LCM-1229 (being transported - salvaged)	52	British	KMS-18B
			Total = 9,408
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.

	- 1 -
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				"  U.-  593  "
				11th Patrol
				Kommandant:  Kaptlt.  Kelbling
				Patrol from 13 June 1943
				to  11 July 1943
				Total 29 sea days
				(Boat lay 2 days in Messina)
			This Kriegstagebuch contains 24 pages.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 3 -
		29.04. - 12.06.43	Pola	Shipyard period.
		29.04.43		Shipyard conference.
				Torpedo offload, provisions offload, Doctor's examination, Clearing of lockers.
		30.04.43		Beginning of shipyard period:
				Batteries removed, rod antenna removed, 3 cylinder liners of the port diesel sealed.  Periscopes overhauled on land.
		09.05.43		Dry-docked:
				Circulation fans removed, vent linkage for main ballast tanks 2, 3, 4 reinforced, exhaust gas distributor ground, both heads overhauled, both compressors overhauled.
		23.05.43		Un-docked.
				Batteries installed, periscope installed.
		09.06.43		Pier-side trial, degaussing.
		10.06.43		Sea trial.
		11.06.43		Torpedo loading, lockers loaded, Doctor's examination.
		13.06.43
		13.30		Departed Pola for 11th war patrol.
				Operations Order No. 9 in effect.  Operation in Western Mediterranean.
		14.00	Harbor off Pola	Trim test.
		14.30		Surfaced.
				Departed in convoy.
		16.13	CJ 3411	Passed Point Hans.
			ESE 1, Sea 0, cloudless, Vis. 12 nm	Surfaced transit through the Adriatic.
		20.00	CJ 3482
		14.06.43	Adriatic Sea
		00.00	CJ 3845
			ESE 1, Sea 0, cloudless, Vis. good
		04.00	CJ 6233
		07.47	CJ 6386	Dived.  Deep dive test to depth A +45 meters.
		09.34	CJ 6397	Surfaced.
			ESE 0-1, Sea 0, cloudless, Vis. 15 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 13.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.06.43

	- 4 -
		continued
		14.06.43	Adriatic Sea
		10.49	CJ 6632	Crash dive for training.  Roll exercises, damage control exercises, fire control training.
		12.00	CJ 6635	Day's run:  Surf. 220 nm, Sub. 12 nm, total  232 nm
		13.43	CJ 6636	Surfaced.  Machine gun exercises and shooting.
		14.00		Radio Message 0916/14 sent:
				First articulated yoke of the grinding linkage of the port outer exhaust gas valve is torn outside the pressure hull .  Request one shipyard day at Messina.
				- Kelbling -
			Carrying out the patrol without repair would also be possible.  If however short-term repair is possible, it is convenient to have the grinder operable.
		14.20	CK 4417	Crash dive for training.
		14.43		Surfaced.
		17.47	CK 4488	Crash dive for training.
		18.56		Surfaced.
		19.07	CK 4488	Short Signal sent:
				Position 30 hours off arrival point.
				- U-593 -
		21.44	CK 4763	Incoming Radio Message 2120/14:
				Escort positioned on 16 June at 07.00 hours at intake point "Messina".  Stay as short as possible due to air danger.
				- F.d.U. -
		15.06.43	Southern Gulf off Taranto
		00.00	CK 7221	Surface transit to Messina.
			SW 1-2, Sea 0-1, cloudless, Vis. good, bright moon
		04.00	CK 7524
		08.00	CK 7816
		10.19	CK 7765	Crash dive for aircraft.
			W 1, Sea 0-1, cloudless
		11.14	CK 7759	Surfaced.
		12.00	CK 7759	Day's run:  Surf. 331 nm, Sub. 12 nm, total  343 nm
		13.00	CK 7781	Crash dive for aircraft.
		14.12	CK 7784	Surfaced.
		16.21	CK 3335	Dived, because otherwise we will arrive too early at the intake point.
			SW 1, Sea 0-1, cloudless, Vis. 12-15 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 14.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.06.43

	- 5 -
		continued
		15.06.43	Southern Gulf off Taranto
		20.04	CN 3334	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		20.22	"      "	Dived.
		23.59	CN 3352	Surfaced.
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudless, bright moon, Vis. very good
		16.06.43	East of Sicily
		01.08	CN 3346	Passed the arrival point.  Surfaced transit to Messina.
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudless, Vis. good
		04.32	CN 9891 [typo CJ]	Dived.
		06.58	CN 9859 [typo CJ]	Surfaced.  Ran in with escort.
		10.42	CN 9826 [typo CJ]	Anchored in the Messina Roadstead to repair the grinding linkage.
		12.00	CN 9826 [typo CJ]	Day's run:  Surf. 129 nm, Sub.39 nm, total  168 nm
				Repairs should be completed by 20.00 hours.  Due to power failure there is a 5 hour delay.
		17.06.42	Messina Roadstead
		02.00		Repairs ended.  Departure first possible in the evening due to closure by a U-boat hunt.
		20.00	Messina Roadstead	Weighed anchor.
				Anchor had caught on a telegraph cable.  Getting free without a diver is not possible.  Report given to Rome by telex.
		22.43		Incoming Radio Message 2214/17:  To Kelbling:
				Depart on orders by Messina Navy.  Report by telex when the boat is ready again.
				- F.d.U. -
		18.06.43	Messina Roadstead
		06.00		Began diver work.
		08.30		Diver work ended.  Anchor is free.
				Messina Navy gives clearance for departure for 12.00 hours.
		12.00	Messina	Departed with escort.
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10 Cumulus, Vis. good
		13.00	CJ 9831	Escort stays back due to engine damage.
		16.00	CJ 9549
			W 3-4, Sea 4, medium-high W-Swell, 4/10 Cumulus, Vis. 12 nm
		20.00	CJ 9458

	Sun and Moon Data 15.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.06.43

	- 6 -
		19.06.43
		00.00	CJ 8658
			NW 4, Sea 3-4, 4/10 Stratus, Vis. good, full moon
		04.00	CJ 8592
		05.23	CJ 8581	Dived to balance the boat.  Depth control training.
		09.25	CJ 8573	Surfaced.
			WNW 4, Sea 3-4, 3/10 Stratus, veils, Vis. 10 nm
		12.00	CJ 8494	Day's run:  Surf. 24.4 nm, Sub. 12.0 nm, total  36.4 nm
			NNE 2-3, abating, high thin Stratus veils, Vis. 12 nm
		16.00	CJ 7631
			NE 1-2, Sea 2, medium-high N-Swell, 5/10 thin high Stratus - veils, Vis. 12 nm
		18.55	CJ 7614	Crash dive for training.  Proceeded submerged due to blinding effect of the sun.
			NW 1, Sea 2, Vis. 12 nm
		22.00	CJ 7538	Surfaced.
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, nearly cloudless, dark night, no marine phosphorescence, moonrise
		22.22		By Radio Message 1856/19 operations area between the longitude of squares CH 9444 and CH 9516.
				Headed for the operations area circumventing the waiting position of the Italian U-boats.
		20.06.43	Southern Sea of Sardinia
		00.31	CJ 7519	Crash dive for aircraft, which passed at medium altitude at a distance of about 2000 meters.
			Bright full moon, Vis. very good
		01.35	CJ 7519	Passed the western entrance point.  Surfaced.
		03.25	CJ 7462	Dived due to quickly growing louder detection.
		08.00	CJ 7464
		09.00	CJ 7464	Surfaced.
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, cloudless, Vis. 15 nm
		12.00	CJ 7445	Day's run:  Surf. 187.5 nm, Sub. 20.5 nm, total  208 nm
			ENE 2-3, slowly freshening, isolated Stratus wisps, low E-Swell, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm
		16.00	CH 9376
			3/10 high Stratus

	Sun and Moon Data 19.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.06.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		20.06.43	Southern Sea of Sardinia
		17.49	CH 9295	Dived due to cloudiness.
			Quickly increasing Stratocumulus, ENE 3-4, Sea 1-2, Vis. 10 nm
				Initially intend to remain unseen.
		22.05	CH 9297	Surfaced.  Continuous very loud detection probably from 5-6 land stations.
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, isolated high Stratus, Vis. very good, dark night
		23.00	Moonrise, bright full moon
		21.06.43	Algerian coast
		00.07	CH 9521	Reached the operations area.  Dived.
		04.20	CH 9516	Surfaced.  Headed for the coast.
			E 2, Sea 2, cloudless, Vis. very good, bright full moon
		05.05	CH 9519	Dived.  Headed submerged for the coast at Cape Corbelin.
			Dawn
		08.00	CH 9543
		12.00	CH 9546	Day's run:  Surf. 114 nm, Sub. 26 nm, total  140 nm
		16.00	CH 9546
		20.00	CH 9549
		22.22	CH 9549	Surfaced.  Roaring continuous detection over the entire scale.  Details can no longer be heard.  Bearings at this magnitude are also no longer possible.  Battery charging in the direct vicinity of the coast.
			ENE 2, Sea 1-2, 5/10 Stratus-veils, just off the coast misty, otherwise Vis. good, medium marine phosphorescence
		22.06.43	Algerian coast
		00.18	CH 9549	Dived.
			Moonrise
		04.23	CH 9549	Surfaced.
			Bright moon, slowly increasing Stratus-veils, light marine phosphorescence
		05.00	CH 9549	Dived.
			Dawn
		08.00	CH 9549
		12.00	CH 9549	Day's run:  Surf. 20 nm, Sub. 30 nm, total  50 nm
		14.15	CH 9546	3 landing craft and a motor boat passed to the south at a distance of 4000 meters on an easterly course.
		16.00	CH 9546
		20.16	CH 9546	Propeller sounds in the west.  In the periscope a convoy of 2 tankers and 3 freighters is

	Sun and Moon Data 20.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		22.06.43	Algerian coast	distinguished.  As escort about 8-10 motor boats and far ahead 2 destroyers.
				Becausethe convoy runs too close to land, ran to meet at GF for 26 minutes.
				Thereby the boat gets into good shooting position between the two forward tankers in line abreast at a distance of 600 meters.
				The motor boats are all positioned with the freighters further back, the two destroyers screen 2000-3000 meters ahead of the convoy.
		21.31	CH 9543	Three-fan from tubes I, III, IV.  Enemy speed 9 knots, bow left target angle 100°, range 500 meters, Pi 2, depth 7 meters.
				Single shot from tube V.  Bow right target angle 80°, Pi G7H, depth 3 meters.
				The intended shot on the following freighter is no longer possible because the target angle is too sharp.  After 19 seconds (300 meters) a hit on the first tanker (6000 GRT).  Effect not observed.  After 23 seconds (365 meters) stern hit on the second tanker (6000 GRT) aft 40 meters (engine room), explosion column about 40 meters high.
				Due to ramming danger went deep and to convoy course (90°) ran off 10 minutes at GF.  The on course 110° and silent running took position close off the coast.  After 5 and 10 minutes each a heavy explosion (no depth charges) probably explosions on the tankers.
				Destroyers and motor boats search without locating.
		22.47		All propeller sounds have disappeared.
		23.14	CH 9557	Surfaced.  Nothing more is seen of the tankers.  At the shooting location a faint lamp on the water surface.  Probably survivors.
			ENE 0-1, flat Sea, 3/10, Stratus, misty horizon, medium marine phosphorescence
				Sinking of both tankers is likely.  Moved off as close as possible to the coast so as not to be detected by the locating gear and not surprised off the dark coast.  Continuous detection over the entire scale.  Maximums at 240 and 212 cm.

Sun and Moon Data 22.06.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		22.06.43	Algerian coast
		23.50		All detection shuts off abruptly for 12 minutes.
		23.06.43	Algerian coast
		01.05	CH 9559	Apparently toneless detection on 260 cm (Magic eye lights up fully, at the same time rasping sound).
			Moonrise, Vis. good
				Dived.
		04.20	CH 9559	Surfaced.  To the south just off the coast two landing craft were seen on an easterly course.  Set off to the north, then to the west again just off the coast.
			ENE 0-1, moonshine, Vis. very good
		05.02	CH 9559	Dived.
			Dawn, cloudless, Vis. very good
		08.00	CH 9559	Boat remains stopped lying at depth 48 meters.
		10.00	CH 9559	A landing craft passed to the south at a distance of 5000 meters on a westerly course.
			Flat Sea, medium confused Swell
		11.05	CH 9559	2 destroyers move back and forth at low speed without S- gear.
		12.00	CH 9559	Day's run:  Surf. 24 nm, Sub. 18 nm, total  42 nm
		14.00	CH 9559	The destroyers run off to the east.
		16.00	CH 9559	During the entire day multiple propeller sounds are heard from landing craft, that mostly proceed very close offshore.
		20.00	CH 9557
		22.20	CH 9557	Surfaced.
			NW 0-1, Sea 0, confused Swell, individual Stratus veils, horizon misty in places
		22.48	CH 9557	To the south close offshore the shadow of a motor boat is distinguished at a distance of 2000 meters.  Avoided to the north.
		24.06.43	Algerian coast
		00.13	CH 9558	In the west 2 destroyers come up at a sharp target angle.  At the same time loud continual detections on 130 and 190 cm.  Ran off at AK.  Destroyers turn to target angle 0° and slowly come closer.  Detection was louder.  A sighting was not possible because the boat

	Sun and Moon Data 22.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.06.43

	- 10 -
		continued
		24.06.43	Algerian coast.	ran behind a cloud of mist.
		00.20	CH 9558	Crash dive because the destroyer steadily gets closer at target angle 0°.
				Went very deep.  A depth A +40 meters 3 depth charges fall.  Went to depth A +100 meters.
				Destroyer searches with out S-gear and after half an hour runs off at high speed to the east.
				During the entire night continual mostly far off propeller sounds from destroyers and motor boats.
				Set off a bit further from land due to the heavy surveillance.
		04.50	CH 9552	Surfaced.
			Wind calm, flat Sea, light confused Swell, moonshine, at times misty.
		05.06		Radio Message 0235/24 sent:
				22 June 21.30 hours square 9546 3 hits on 2 tankers each 6000 tons from an eastbound convoy.  2 Pi 2  T 7, one AZ  T 3, sinking likely.
				- Kelbling -
		05.10	CH 9552	Dived.
			Dawn
		08.20	CH 9552	During an all around sweep in the periscope an aircraft is seen in the immediate vicinity.  In the GHG continuous propeller sounds from small vessels.  So the intended surfacing cannot take place.
			Flat Sea, Vis. good
				Moved off from land submerged.
		12.00	CH 9528	Day's run:  Surf. 20 nm, Sub. 25.5 nm, total  45.5 nm
		16.00	CH 9525
		20.00	CH 9522
		22.25	CH 9522	Surfaced.
			SSW 1, Sea 0, individual Stratus-veils, Vis. good, light marine phosphorescence	Moved off to the west.
		23.00	CH 9521	A parachute flare falls ahead to starboard in the northwest about 1500 meters high, 2000 meters away.
				Nothing is heard in the Fu.M.B. except for the usual land detection.

Sun and Moon Data 24.06.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		24.06.43	Algerian coast
				Crash dive because the boat is not directly detected.
		25.06.43	Algerian coast
		00.00	CH 9524	Surfaced.
				Now steered in continuous zigzag courses to the southwest to the coat again, to make locating difficult for the enemy.
			I suspect that U-boat hunts by aircraft are prohibited in a 20 nm strip along the coast because the destroyers, motor boats and landing craft proceed here and would otherwise be endangered by their own war planes.
		02.00	CH 9542	Ahead bearing 20°T the shadow of a small vessel comes in sight that steers about 90°.  Avoided to the north.
		02.05	SSW 1, Sea 0-1, changing Stratus-veils, Vis. moderate, moonrise	Abeam to starboard bearing 90°T two escort boats on course about 240° and low speed.
			I prefer to keep the last 3 Pi 2  for more valuable target santicipated.
				Avoided to the west.  Fu.M.B. reports fluctuating detection, that was suddenly loud and steady.
			Suspect that the destroyers are following the boat because steers approximately on our old course, but they did not have an exact indication because of our zigzags.
		02.15	CH 9542	Dived to shake off the pursuer.
			Moonrise
		04.00	CH 9542	The intention to surface must be put off because by sound bearings the escort boats are still in the vicinity and now there is moonshine.
		08.00	CH 9542
		11.10	CH 9516	In the east 2 patrol vessels pass 3000 meters away on changing southerly courses and low speed (one mine searcher type "SPEEDY", one barrier watch boat type "BARRAGE".)
				In G.H.G. nothing was heard.
			Very unreliable and changing listening conditions.
		12.00	CH 9516	Day's run:  Surf. 32 nm, Sub. 18 nm, total  50 nm
		16.00	CH 9516
		20.00	CH 9439

	Sun and Moon Data 24.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.43

	- 12 -
		continued
		25.06.43	Algerian coast
		23.00	CH 9438	Moved off on zigzag courses to the west.
			ENE 2, Sea 1, cloudless, Vis. very good, no marine phosphorescence	Except for a land detection on 212 cm no detections.
		26.06.43	Algerian coast
		01.39	CH 9428	Dived.
		04.22	CH 9452	Surfaced, headed for the coast.
			ENE 3, Sea 1-2, cloudless, Vis. very good, moonshine, no marine phosphorescence
		04.58	CH 9455	Dived.
			Dawn
		08.00	CH 9455
		12.00	CH 9455	Day's run:  Surf. 28 nm, Sub. 14.5 nm, total  42.5 nm
		16.00	CH 9455	Boat lay stopped depth 35 meters.
		20.00	CH 9455
		22.34	CH 9455	Surfaced, headed for Cap
			ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, cloudless, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence
		23.50	CH 9449	Dived.  Battery is full.
		27.06.43	Bay of Algiers
		04.20	CH 9449	Surfaced.
			ENE 3, Sea 2, cloudless, Vis. good, moonshine
		04.52	CH 9449	Dived.
			Dawn
		07.15	CH 9449	Propeller sounds in the southeast.
				A convoy with about 20 freighters on westerly course passed in the south at a distance of 9000 meters out of range.  Running to meet has no purpose since the convoy already has target angle 80°.
		08.30	CH 9449	Convoy disappears in the southwest.
		12.00	CH 9472	Day's run:  Surf. 27.5 nm, Sub. 11.5 nm, total  39 nm
		16.00	CH 9472
		20.00	CH 9472	A "U-boat" of the "SNAPPER" class passed on a northeasterly course at a distance of 3000 meters.  Attack on U-boats is forbidden.
		22.35	CH 9472	Surfaced.
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, cloudless, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence
		28.06.43	Bay of Algiers
		00.11	CH 9472	Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.06.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		28.06.43
		04.27	CH 9473	Surfaced.
			NE 1-2, abating, Sea 1, cloudless, moonshine, Vis. good, no marine phosphorescence
		04.50	CH 9473	Dived.
		07.05	CH 9473	A patrol vessel comes from the east with target angle 0°, distance 1000 meters.  Went to depth 20 meters.  Boat was overrun, patrol vessel moved off.
			Wind calm, flat Sea, light NE-Swell
		12.00	CH 9473	Day's run:  Surf. 27 nm, Sub. 16 nm, total  43 nm
		16.00	CH 9473
		20.00	CH 9473
		22.45	CH 9473	Surfaced.
			E 0-1, Sea 0, individual Stratus, Vis. good, light marine phosphorescence
		29.06.43	Bay of Algiers
		00.16	CH 9447	Dived.
		04.24	CH 9447	Surfaced.
			Wind calm, flat Sea, overcast, fog, Vis. below 100 meters
		04.33	CH 9447	Dived.
		08.00	CH 9447
		12.00	CH 9458	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 90°T, 28 nm
				Day's run:  Surf. 22 nm, Sub. 15 nm, total  37 nm
		16.00	CH 9458	Occasionally fast propeller sounds.
				In the periscope nothing seen.  Good listening conditions.
		20.00	CH 9458
		22.36	CH 9458	Surfaced.
			Wind calm, flat Sea, changing Stratus-veils, misty, Vis. 1-2 nm, light marine phosphorescence
		30.06.43	Bay of Algiers
		00.27	CH 9449	Dived.
		04.24	CH 9473	Surfaced.  Detection on 130 cm, probably from a destroyer.
			Wind calm, flat Sea, 6/10, Stratus-veils, misty, Vis. up to 2 nm, light marine phosphorescence
		04.39		Detection was louder and steady.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.06.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		30.06.43	Bay of Algiers
		04.44		Astern bearing 220°T a patrol vessels comes in sight with target angle 0°.
		04.45		Apparently proceeds by locating, dived.
				By sound bearings the patrol vessel drives 2 full circles around the boat and then runs off to the west.  Therefore suspected the boat, but had no exact indication.
				Waiting station 4 nm north of Cap Malifou.
		08.00	CH 9473
		12.00	CH 9473	Day's run:  Surf. 28 nm, Sub. 14 nm, total  42 nm
		16.00	CH 9449
		16.46	CH 9449	Several destroyers pass in the vicinity on various courses.  In the east an aircraft carrier of the "ILLUSTRIOUS" class and a battleship type "QUEEN ELIZABETH" were distinguished in the periscope at a distance of 8000 meters on a northeasterly course.
			Wind calm, low confused Swell, flat Sea
				The formation must have come from the west, however was not detected sooner due to the very greatly changing listening conditions.  Against the coast almost nothing is heard in the G.H.G.  Periscope can only be used sparingly due to the flat Sea, Swell and proximity to land.
		17.37	CH 9449	The formation disappears in the east.
		20.02	CH 9449	A troop transport and a freighter pass to the south on westerly course, distance 8000 meters.  Screen not distinguished.
		22.46	CH 9446	Surfaced.  Set off to the east due to the bad listening conditions.
			W 0-1, calm Sea, 6/10, Stratus-veils changing, horizon misty in places, Vis. 1-3 nm, light marine phosphorescence
		01.07.43	Algerian coast
		00.31	CH 9456
		04.30	CH 9453	The bright glow as from a burning steamer bearing 10°T.  Headed for it.
		04.56	CH 9453	The slow comes from a lifebuoy light.  Otherwise there is nothing nearby.  (probably a marker light thrown from an aircraft)  Dived.
			Dawn

	Sun and Moon Data 30.06.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		01.07.43
		08.00	CH 9453
		12.00	CH 9456	Day's run:  Surf. 32 nm, Sub. 14.5 nm, total  46.5 nm
		16.00	CH 9459
		21.07	CH 9459	2 escort boats on easterly course zigzagging strongly passed to the north and south.  No attack possibility.
			W 2, Sea 2-3, medium W-Swell
		22.56	CH 9459	Surfaced.
			WNW 2-3, Sea 2-3, 7/10, Stratocumulus, in places only misty, Vis. 1-2 nm, medium marine phosphorescence	Only a very weak land detection.
		02.07.43	Algerian coast
		00.47	CH 9464	Dived.
		04.30	CH 9465	Surfacing is not possible due to propeller sounds in the immediate vicinity.
		04.45	CH 9465	Propeller sounds were fainter.  Surfaced to ventilate.
			Dawn
		04.57		Dived.
		09.30	CH 9465	Two landing craft passed to the north on an easterly course.
		12.00	CH 9468	Day's run:  Surf. 27 nm, Sub. 15 nm, total  42 nm
		16.00	CH 9468	Greatly changing listening conditions.  At times can hear at long range, later first in the immediate vicinity.  Volume gives absolutely no indication.
		20.00	CH 9468
		22.37	CH 9468	Surfaced.
			SE 2-3, Sea 1, 8/10, Stratocumulus, Vis. 1-2 nm, light marine phosphorescence, low W-Swell
		03.07.43	Algerian coast
		00.26	CH 9465	Dived.
				Propeller sounds in the southwest, shifting to the east.
		01.08	CH 9465	Surfaced.  Proceeded on course 190°.
			E 3, Sea 1, nearly overcast, Vis. 2 nm
		01.47	CH 9468	Boat is 4 nm from land.  Dived to listen.
				No further sound bearings
		04.23	CH 9468	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.07.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.07.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.07.43

	- 16 -
		continued
		03.07.43	Algerian coast
		04.54	CH 9465	Dived.
		07.55	CH 9465	Suddenly very strong propeller sounds.  Before the boat is at periscope depth was overrun by several vessels.
				A convoy consisting of about 12 freighters on a westerly course.  No attack possibility due to very broad target angle.
				There is no reliance at all on the G.H.G.
		12.00	CH 9465	Day's run:  Surf. 40 nm, Sub. 14 nm, total  54 nm
		16.00	CH 9465
		20.00	CH 9465
		22.57	CH 9465	Surfaced
			E shifting counter clockwise 3-4, Sea 2, overcast, Cumulus, lightening, rain showers, Vis. 1-2 nm, moderate marine phosphorescence
		04.07.43	Algerian coast
		00.16	CH 9465	Dived.  According to all enemy reports of the last period the main traffic now runs further from land.  Therefore shifted waiting station 10 nm seaward.
			NNW 1-2, Sea 2, 7/10, Cumulus, clearing, Vis. 2-3 nm, light marine phosphorescence
		04.32	CH 9462	Surfaced.  Fluctuating detection on 205 cm, probably from a destroyer.
			N 1, Sea 1-2, 3/10, Cumulostratus, Vis. 2-3 nm
		04.58	CH 9462	Volume of the detection rises to 5.  Dived due to dawn.
			Dawn
		08.00	CH 9462
		12.00	CH 9462	Day's run:  Surf. 28 nm, Sub. 12 nm, total  40 nm
		16.00	CH 9462
		20.00	CH 9465
		22.35	CH 9465	Surfaced.
			NE 2, Sea 2, 6/10, Stratocumulus, Vis. 2-3 nm, light marine phosphorescence
		05.07.43	Algerian coast
		00.17	CH 9465	Dived.
		04.34	CH 9467	Surfaced.
			NE 2, Sea 2, 5/10, Stratocumulus, clearing, Vis. 2 nm, light marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 03.07.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.07.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.07.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		05.07.43	Algerian coast
		05.01	CH 9467	Dived.
		08.00	CH 9467
		12.00	CH 9467	Day's run:  Surf. 28 nm, Sub. 15 nm, total  43 nm
		15.00	CH 9544	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 90°T, 17 nm
			Wind calm, flat Sea, low E-Swell
				Sound bearing in the west.  A convoy on an easterly course, ahead 3 destroyers, coming towards us.
		15.20		The destroyers pass the boat to starboard and port zigzagging with S-gear at a distance of 500-800 meters.  2000 meters behind the convoy in 2 lines ahead next to one another.  Spacing 1500 meters.
		15.38		Turned to southerly course and got between the columns.  Intend to shoot 2 freighters each 8000 tons of the starboard column with 2 two-fans and a freighter of 5000 tons of the port column with the stern torpedo.
		15.43	CH 9544	Fan from tubes I and IV and fan from tubes II and III.  Bow left target angle 100°, enemy speed 9 knots, range 1000 meters.  Tube I, II and IV, Pi 2 depth 7 meters, tube III impact depth 3 meters.
				The Torpedo Weapons Controller holds the firing switch with the first fan too long, so that the second fan goes immediately when switching over.
				With that the boat has a strong rising tendency and was caught at 12 meters with strong countermeasures, however then falls through to 17 meters, so that observing the hits and shooting of tube V is no longer possible.
				After 80.4 seconds (1200 meters) one hit is heard.
				Ran under the shot steamer on course 120° to set off towards land and went to depth A +100 meters.  Ran for 12 minutes at GF, then to silent running, popping and cracking as from ammunition and strong sinking sounds.
				2 destroyers search with S-gear, boat was not detected.
		16.11	CH 9547	One series of 4 apparently very strong depth charges, that however were thrown without exact data.

Sun and Moon Data 05.07.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		05.07.43	Algerian coast
				Boat was overrun several times by destroyers,  No further depth charges.
		17.00	CH 9547	Propeller sounds were slowly fainter in the east.
		20.00	CH 9548
		23.06	CH 9549	Surfaced.  Set off to the east just off the coast.
			NE 1-2, Se1 1, 8/10, Stratocumulus, misty, Vis. 1-2 nm, moderate marine phosphorescence, moonset
		23.32	CH 9558	Radio Message 2130/5 sent:
				15.43 hours square CH 9544 8000 tonner sunk from convoy.  Pi 2 depth 7.
				- Kelbling -
		23.42	CH 9558	Port astern an aircraft lights a searchlight, about 1000 meters away.  However the searchlight does not penetrate through the mist because the aircraft flies too high.  The aircraft quickly comes lower and closer, however does not fly exactly towards the boat, instead passes a bit astern.  Because the searchlight only penetrates through the mist a short distance, initially the boat was not detected.  Crash dive.
				Except for the usual land gear in the Fu.M.B. only a rising and falling detection was heard on 192 cm, Volume 1-2, which from previous experience was probably comes from a destroyer.  The aircraft must have flown by locating gear which the Fu.M.B. cannot detect.
		06.07.43	Algerian coast
		03.34	CH 9558	Surfaced.  Charged the battery directly off land between Cap Corbelin and Cap Sigli.
			NE 0-1, 5/10, Stratus, misty, Vis. 1-2 nm
		04.40	W 2, abating, quickly arising closed cloud deck, Vis. 1 nm, strongly misty, medium marine phosphorescence
		05.16	CH 9558	Dived.
		08.00	CH 9558
		12.00	CH 9558	Day's run:  Surf. 31 nm, Sub. 14 nm, total  45 nm
		13.20	CH 9558	Destroyer of the V-Class passes to the north 10000 meters away on an easterly course, high speed.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.07.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.07.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		06.07.43	Algerian coast
		16.00	CH 9555
		20.00	CH 9555
		22.46	CH 9555	Surfaced.
			W 2-3, Sea 2, 3/10, Stratocumulus, Vis. 2 nm, light marine phosphorescence
		23.17	CH 9555	One patrol vessel bypassed to the north.
		07.07.43	Algerian coast
		00.16	CH 9546	Dived.
		04.36	CH 9545	Surfaced.
			W 2, abating, Sea 1-2, individual Stratus, Vis. 2 nm, light marine phosphorescence
		05.06	CH 9545	Dived.
			Dawn	In the G.H.G. S-gear and propeller sounds from several destroyers is heard.  The destroyers remain in the vicinity until 06.30 hours and stop occasionally.  The boat was overrun twice.  Went to depth A +100 meters.
		06.20	CH 9545	6 depth charges fall far off.  Boat was not detected.  Suspect that the destroyers ran on the basis of locating however had no exact data.
		06.30	CH 9545	Propeller sounds disappear in the east.
		08.00	CH 9545
		12.00	CH 9545	Day's run:  Surf. 27 nm, Sub. 16.5 nm, total  43.5 nm
		16.00	CH 9545
		20.00	CH 9548
		21.15		By Radio Message 1825/7 a new attack area was ordered between the longitudes of squares CH 8294 and CH 9455.
		22.38	CH 9548	Surfaced to ventilate.
			E 1, Sea 0, nearly cloudless, Vis. 2-4 nm, bright moon horizon
		22.45		Dived due to bright moon horizon.
		08.07.43	Algerian coast
		00.00	CH 9548	Surfaced.  Headed for new attack area on westerly course.
			Moon set, Vis. 2-3 nm
		00.51	CH 9469	Two patrol vessels on opposite course at low speed.  Avoided to the north
		02.01	CH 9463	Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.07.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.07.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.07.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		08.07.43	Algerian coast
		04.00	CH 9466
		08.00	CH 9466
		12.00	CH 9549	Day's run:  Surf. 27 nm, Sub. 14 nm, total  41 nm
		15.10	CH 9549	Sound bearing in the west.  In the periscope a convoy with a minimum of 12 freighters is distinguished.
				4000 meters ahead there are 3 destroyers with S-gear.  On a freighter in target angle 0°, 5000 meters away there spars for torpedo nets that are like forecastle spars extending from the hull and about 15 meters long.
		15.28	CH 9549	Convoy zigzags away to the north at 5000 meters range, at the same moment the first destroyer (Type "TRIBAL") of the forward screen passes in good shooting position and range 800 meters, strong S-gear.
			NE 2-3, low Swell, Vis. good
				Because a shooting opportunity on the convoy is questionable, three-fan from tubes I. III, IV, target angle 40°, enemy speed 9 knots, range 800 meters, spread angle 8°, depth 3 meters, AZ.
				Shortly after the shot of the fan the destroyer turns to target angle 0°, so that the fan misses.
				Went quickly to great depth.  At depth A -50 meters the boat was overrun.  No depth charges, the zigzag must have been accidental.  After 6 minutes 48 seconds (6120 meters) a detonation, possibly a hit in the convoy.  The boat was now overrun by the entire convoy which therefore had come back again.
				Picturing this ideal shooting position one could get gray hair.
				No pursuit, boat  was not noticed at all.  The S-gear is nearly unusable near the coast due to the strong water layers.
		16.50	CH 9549	Sound bearings disappear slowly in the east, in the periscope only still smoke clouds and an aircraft area seen.

Sun and Moon Data 08.07.43

	- 21 -
		continued
		08.07.43	Algerian coast
		20.00	CH 9549
		22.37	CH 9549	Surfaced.
		22.46		Dived due to bright moon horizon.
		09.07.43	Algerian coast
		00.44	CH 9546	Surfaced, began return transit because torpedoes are expended except for one stern torpedo.
			NE 1-2, freshening, quickly increasing Cumulonimbus, low NE-Swell, Vis. 2 nm, moonset
		02.26	CH 9516	Short Signal sent:
				Began return transit due to consumption of torpedoes.
				- U-593 -
		02.28	CH 9516	Dived.  Proceeded submerged.
		05.52	CH 9513	Incoming Radio Message 0248/9:
				Return harbor for Kelbling is Toulon.    - F.d.U. -
		09.50	CH 9273	Surfaced.
			NE 2-3, abating, medium NE-Swell, Sea 1, individual Cumulus, Vis. 12 nm
		12.00	CH 9227	Day's run:  Surf. 53 nm, Sub. 30 nm, total  83 nm
		13.41	CH 9224	Dived due to cloudiness.
			Increasing cloudiness
		16.51	CH 6888	Surfaced.
			NE 2, Sea 2, medium-high N-Swell, 6/10 Stratocumulus, Vis. 12 nm
		17.44	CH 6885	Dived due to cloudiness.
		22.24	CH 6829	Surfaced.  Proceeded on the surface.
			NE 2-3, freshening, Sea 2, medium-high NE-Swell, 6/10 Cumulus, Vis. very good, dusk
		22.40		Radio Message 1647/9 sent:
				11 July 00.00 hours 42°N 09.00 hours intake point.
				- Kelbling -
		10.07.43	West of Sardinia
		00.00	CH 6597
		04.50	CH 6296	Dived.
			NW 2, Sea 2, medium-

	Sun and Moon Data 08.07.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.07.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.07.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		10.07.43	West of Sardinia
			High N-Swell, individual Cumulus, Vis. very good
		08.00	CH 6371
		09.59	CH 6347	Surfaced.
			NNW 3-4, Sea 2-3, nearly cloudless, Vis. 12 nm
		12.00	CH 6315	Day's run:  Surf. 120 nm, Sub. 30 nm, total  150 nm
		12.29	CH 6315	Dived.
		16.58	CH 3973	Surfaced.
			NW 4, Sea 3, medium NW-Swell, individual high Stratus, Vis. 12 nm
		18.30	CH 3954	Dived.
		20.00	CH 3951
		22.55	CH 3955	Surfaced.
		11.07.43	Gulf of Lion
		00.00	CH 3922
			NNW 2-3, Sea 2, lightly cloudy, Vis. 8 nm, moonshine
		01.10		By Radio Message 2116/10 "U-593" was authorized to pass 42°N.
		04.00	CH 3625
		05.37	CH 3385	Dived.
		08.00	CH 3386
		08.43	CH 3386	Surfaced.
		09.18	CH 3386	Taken in convoy.
		10.28		Made fast Toulon.
				Total distance covered:  13 June - 11 July 1943:
				Surfaced               1945 nm
				Submerged             499 nm
				Total                      2414 nm
				===================

	Sun and Moon Data 10.07.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.07.43

	- 23 -
			Lessons Learned:
			In the operations area by night in an approximately 15 nm wide strip parallel to the coast strong surveillance by motor and escort boats, two or three move back and forth in position at low speed and changing courses, separated at the limit of visibility.  The escort boats are partly equipped with Fu.M.G. [radar] (frequency of 130 and 190 cm were observed) but which in general only give inaccurate values.  The escort boats react to zigzags first after a long time, so that avoiding on the surfaced is sometimes possible.
			In this area locating by night fliers was only observed in one case during the night after an attack.  I suspect that in this approximately 15-20 nm wide strip U-boat hunts by night aircraft are prohibited so as not to pose a danger to own warships.
			By day also surveillance by search groups, partly with S-gear.
			Traffic was mainly observed between 4 and 8 nm from the coast.  The screen was in all cases weaker, less experienced, and less tenacious than earlier patrols (suspect American).  2000-4000 meters ahead of the convoy a few destroyers, partly with S-gear, that was ineffective due to the strong water layers even at the lowest range.  Therefore almost no close and flank screen, which made the attack much easier.
			The S-gear pursuit after the attack was countered by diving beow the convoy and moving off towards land.  The boat was never detected.
			Listening conditions just offshore were greatly changing and unreliable due to water layers.
			Continual detection from several land gear at great Volume however ineffective.
			Boat lay stopped submerged between 30 and 40 meters, so that hardly any current was consumed.
				Kptlt and Kommandant

	Comments of the F.d.U. Italien on the K.T.B. of "U 593"
	from 29.4. - 11.7.1943 (11th Patrol)
	1.) An especially well executed patrol. The Kommandant proved himself by his unwavering determination to strike the enemy.  By his attack spirit, skillful maneuvering and great ability he achieved a beautiful success which would have been still higher with a little bit more luck.       2.) On torpedo employment it is noted:   a) On 22 June.     On the basis of observation at the target and the heard hits the sinking of both tankers is accepted.  According to B-Deinst 10 minutes after the time of the shot an American steamer was to give assistance to two steamers.   b) On 5 July.     The failure by the Torpedo Weapons Controller is quite regrettable and probably cost the boat another success.  The sinking of the freighter is taken as certain.   c) On 8 July.     The decision of the Kommandanten to shoot at the destroyer after the convoy turned away was correct.  The fan miss was due to the zigzag of the destroyer.  However, with the depth setting of the torpedo at 3 meters, the destroyer may have been under run even in the case of otherwise correct shooting data.       3.) Acknowledged is the positive attitude of the Kommandanten to the enemy's locating, whereby he could not be impressed by land-locating, since he recognized it as ineffective.   The non-detection on the Fu.M.B. on 5 July when (in opinion of the Kommandanten) an approach took place by locating gear confirmed the suspicion that the enemy located the boat due to radiation from the Fu.M.B. receiver (Metox).       4.) Noteworthy is the fact that at Cap Corbelin the boat could charge the battery close to the shore without difficulty, a procedure also used by other boats at other parts of the North African coast as long as these were steep cliffs.  The changing listening conditions under the coast have prevented a timely sighting of the enemy in several cases.  As for example with too late detection passing of an aircraft carrier and a battleship on 30 June.  On the other hand, the same conditions also render the enemy listening and S-gear ineffective, as the Kommandanten repeatedly determined.       5.) The clear and well considered lessons learned are very valuable.

	6.) Accredited as sunk were:   2 tankers each 6000 GRT   1 freighter 8000 GRT

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	to the K.T.B. of "U 593" from 13.6. - 11.7.1943.
	There is nothing further to add to the comments of the F.d.U.
	Accredited success: 1 tanker 6000 GRT sunk   1 tanker 6000 GRT sunk   1 freighter    8000 GRT  sunk.     20000 GRT  sunk.   =========================
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The chief of the Operations Department -

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