U-625 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Skjomenfjord	4 November 1942	Narvik	29 November 1942	26

 

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 Attacked
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
6 Nov 42	15.58 - 16.30	76°30'N, 16°30'E	CHULMLEIGH	5,445	British
6 Nov 42	22.24	76°15'N, 18°30'E	EMPIRE SKY	7,455	British
23 Nov 42	00.56 - 01.18	75°33'N, 16°30'E	GOOLISTAN	5,851	British	QP-15
			Total = 18,751
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				"  U  625  "
			Kommandant:	Oberleutnant zur See    B  e  n  k  e  r
				Beginning:      4 June  1942,
				Ending    :    30 Sept. 1942.
				© U-boat Archive 2023  - all rights reserved

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

		04.06.42		Commissioning.
		05. - 07.06.42		Maneuvering training and took over the boat.
		07.06.42		Transfer cruise to Kiel.
		07. - 22.06.42		U.A.K. Kiel.
		23.06.42		Cruise to Rønne and U.A.G. Schall (Sound trials).
		24.06.42		Cruise to Danzig.
		25 - 29.06.42		T.E.K. Gotenhafen.
		30.06.42		Measured mile to Danzig and back.
		01.07.42		Cruise to Hela.
		02. - 21.07.42		Agru Front - Hela.
		21.07.42		Cruise to Danzig.
		21 - 27.07.42		Danzig.  Shore tactical training.
		27.07.42		Cruise to Gotenhafen and torpedo loading.
		28.07.42		Cruise fron Danzig to Pillau.
		28.07. - 12.08.42		Shooting Flotilla in Pillau (26. U-Flottille)
		13. - 21.08.42		Danzig, dry dock and repair of the Fu.M.G. [radar]
		21. - 31.08.42		Tactical training.
		01.09.42		Cruise from Danzig to Swinemunde.
		02. - 05.09.42		Swinemunde.
		05.09.42		Began final adjustments and overhaul in Kiel (Deutsche Werk).
		26.09.42		Sea trial.
		27. - 30.09.42		Beginning of outfitting for the Front.  Fuel oil and torpedo loading.
				Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant.

 

			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
			U  625
			Kommandant:
			Oberleutnant zur See Hans Benker
				Beginning:    27  9.42
				Ending    :    29.11.42

	- 1 -
		27.09.42	Kiel U-boat Base	Torpedo and ammunitions loading.
		28.09.42		Dry provisions loading.
		29.09.42	Kiel          "	Radio direction finder calibration and degaussing.  Fresh provisions loading.
		30.09.42	Kiel          "	Balancing, final trim test, afterwards shipyard to renew the antenna cable for the forward net deflector, and overhaul the G.H.G.
		01.10.42	Fair, hazy, 1015 mb	Departed on 1st patrol.
		07.00		1 E-machinist, 3 Midshipmen, 1 Diesel Mechanic, 2 Seamen new onboard.
		10.00		Taken in convoy at Rot 15.  Transit behind M 1907.  A total of 6 U-boats.  Switched to U-boat Coastal Circuit.
		12.00	AO 7439	Day's run:  Surfaced 47 nm
		16.00	AO 7199
		20.00	AO 7218

Sun and Moon Data 01.10.42

	- 2 -
		02.10.42	AO 4857
		02.10		From Point Schwarz 10 under escort by 2 patrol boats.
		04.00	AO 4868
		08.00	AO 4468
		12.00	AO 4428	Day's run:  Surfaced 245 nm
			WNW 4, Sea 3, 1015 mb
		16.00	AN 3635	In AO 44 and AN 36 drifting mines sighted.
		19.00		Arrived Kristiansand South, made fast Marvik.
		03.10.42	Kristiansand South	Transit to the north with GRILLE under escort by 2 U-boat hunters within the German warning area.  Speed 10 knots.
			WNW, Sea 2, 1020 mb, overcast
		12.00	AN 3529	Day's run:  Surfaced 98 nm
			WSW 2, Sea 2, 1020 mb, overcast
		15.00	AN 3274
		20.00	AN 2934	2 nm west of Imsen Beacon escort ended.  Came to course 280°, 14 knots, to quickly get out of the German warning area.
		21.10	WNW 2,	Radar detected on 2.4-meter wavelength, believe German gear.
			Light NW-Swell, overcast, Vis. good
		21.45		Came to diesel-electric HF.
		04.10.42	AN 2979
		03.10		Came to course 0°, 7 knots.
		04.00	AN 2892
		07.15	SW 4, Sea 3, rain, overcast, 1013 mb	Crash dive, afterwards proceeded submerged.
		08.30 - 10.30		Depth control training.
		12.00	AN 2395	Day's run:  Surfaced       161
				Submerged     17
				Total:           178

	Sun and Moon Data 02.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42

	- 3 -
		continued
		04.10.42
		16.00	AN 2375
		19.30		Surfaced at the beginning of twilight.
		20.00	AN 2334	7 knots, course 340°.
			NNW 2, Sea 1, 1006 mb
		05.10.42	AF 8781
		04.00	AF 8718
		08.00	AF 8777
			W 2
		08.05		Crash dive, depth control training and afterwards proceeded submerged.
		12.00	AF 8471	Day's run:  Surfaced       76
				Submerged    41
				Total:          125 [typo 117 nm]
		13.45	SE 3, Sea 2, 1004 mb, rain	Surfaced to ventilate the boat, very bad visibility, low clouds.
		14.25		Crash dive for training, Afterwards deep dive to depth A +70 meters.  All tight.
		16.00	AF 7635
		20.00	AF 7663	Surfaced.
		06.10.42	AF 7391
			WNW 4, Sea 3, 992 mb, rain, overcast
		04.00	AF 7329
		08.00	AF 4988
		10.00		Crash dive for training.
		10.30		Surfaced.
		12.00	AF 4917	Day's run:  Surfaced       115
			SE 2, light Swell, overcast, 1005 mb	Submerged     10
				Total:           125

	Sun and Moon Data 04.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42

	- 4 -
		continued
		06.10.42
		16.00	AF 4823
		20.00	AF 4526
		20.40		Radio Message:  Atzinger, Jakobs, Benker head for Narvik at increased speed.  Readiness for Murmansk convoy.  Further employment in the Atlantic intended.
		21.10		Intend to be at the objective on 8 October at dawn.
		07.10.42	AF 4565
			WSW 4, Sea 4, overcast, rain
		04.00	AF 4623
		07.00		Outgoing Short Signal:  Position 24 hours off return harbor.
				U-625
		08.00	AF 5258
		11.40		Crash dive for training, depth control training.
		12.00	AF 5219	Day's run:  Surfaced       247
			ENE 2, Sea 2, 997 mb, rain	Submerged       1
				Total:          248
		16.00	AF 5226	Came to HF, to not be early at Point A.
		16.14		Incoming Radio Message:  Convoy intake Point Green at 8 October for U-625 at 14.00 hours.
				All proceed to Narvik to GRILLE. [GRILLE had gone ahead]
		19.25		Visibility 2 nm and below. Have had no navigation fix for three days.
				Outgoing Radio Message:  Request radio beacon Skraaven from 04.00-06.00 hours half hourly.
				M.N.O. Narvik from Benker.
		20.00	AF 2976
			995 mb, rain
		08.10.42	AF 3742
		04.00	AF 3732	Positioned on the 200-meter line, came to course 140° and by soundings in Vestfjord.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.42

	- 5 -
		continued
		08.10.42
		08.00	AF 3582	Visibility 2 nm, no land in sight.
		12.00	AF 3615	Day's run:  Surfaced       220
			ENE 1, 999 mb, rain	Submerged     13
				Total:           233
		12.30		Met U-boat hunter at Green 9, that escorted me to Rotvær.
		16.00	AF 3393
		17.30		Made fast alongside GRILLE.
		18.00		Cast off and headed for Skommenfjord.
				Made fast alongside STELLA POLARIS.
				Day's run:  Surfaced  82 nm
		08.10. - 04.11.42
			Skommenfjord and Narvik	At operational readiness waited 27 days on Murmansk convoy.
		04.11.42
		09.30		After conference with Admiral Nordmeer cast off from GRILLE.
		11.45		Took over pilot in Lødingen.
		15.08		Made fast Harstad.  Pilot disembarked.  Provisions loaded.
		17.30		Ship 42 was 40 minutes late, as a result just now departed with U-611 under escort by Ship 42.
		20.00	AF 3333
			W 1, Sea 0, 1015 mb
		23.28		Escort ended.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.10.42
	Sun and Moon Data 04.11.42

	- 6 -
		05.11.42	AB 9868	Course 358°, 12 knots.
				U-611 out of sight.
		04.00	AB 9592
			WbyS 1, Sea 1, 1015 mb
		07.30		Crash dive for training.
		07.45		Surfaced.
		07.50		1 BV 138 in sight bearing 110°T, course 340°.
		12.00	AB 6897	Day's run:  Surfaced       255
				Submerged       3
				Total:          258
		16.00	AB	Air reports steamer in [Luftwaffe grid] square 17 East 07.35 hours with time group 1110.  I can't get the steamer anymore.
		20.00	AB 6529
		06.11.42	AB 6226
			NE 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1015 mb
		04.00	AB 3856
		05.50		Reached operations area.
		08.00	AB 3583
		10.25		Presented Radio Message:  English steamer stranded at 04.26 hours at South Cape Spitzbergen
				Came to course 25° at 14 knots.
		10.30		3 Ju 88 bearing 170°T, course 330°.
				Apparently they were also heading for Spitzbergen.
		11.35		Aircraft bearing 0°T at sharp target angle, Crash dive!  Boat oscillated at depth A -10 meters,  When boat is again at periscope, the aircraft had disappeared.
		11.45		Surfaced.
		12.00	AB 3523	Day's run:  Surfaced       257
				Submerged       8
				Total:           265

	Sun and Moon Data 05.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.11.42

	- 7 -
		continued
		06.11.42
		13.00		Land in sight ahead, South Cape.
				A Ju 88 reported the steamer in [Luftwaffe grid] square 17 East 6747 with three boats.
		14.00		Have the mastheads in sight and dived to look at the steamer submerged.
				Ship makes a normal impression.
				No damage determined.  Lies with the stern about 1 meter deeper.  There still seems to be life aboard, it smokes slightly from the smokestack.  2 cannons are seen.  Boats are lowered, however not seen.  I estimate at 4000 GRT.
		16.00	AB 3281	It gets dark quickly.  Surfaced to give him a coup de grâce on the surface. Apparently the steamer is not so heavily damaged that he cannot be towed away.
			NE 1, Sea 1, Vis. clear, overcast, 1012 mb
				The steamer lies in a cliff circle which can be penetrated from the south.  However this access is blocked by drift ice.  I shoot between the two cliffs.
		15.58		Shot from tube III.
				Target speed 0°, range 1900 meters.
				Hit after 116 seconds running time.
		16.01		Shot from tube I.
				Target speed 0°, range 1800 meters, T 1
				Miss.  I believe the torpedo was damaged by the cliff.  No detonation follows, though there were rocks everywhere.
				After the hit the steamer settles forward.  The forecastle comes to the water.  The stern juts out.
				It seems he is stuck astern.  He takes a list to starboard.
				I have 20 shots of incendiary ammunition fired.  It is very good training for the gun commander.  Despite many hits he does not burn.

Sun and Moon Data 06.11.42

	- 8 -
		continued
		06.11.42
		16.30		Ran back into my attack area.
		17.37		Dived to reload.
		18.30		Propeller sounds bearing 150°T.
		18.40		Surfaced came to course 150° at 2 x GF.
		19.00		A shadow ahead to port.  A large steamer general course 90°.  Matched speed and maneuvered ahead, steamer runs at 8 knots.
		20.00	AB 3372	Ran towards.
			ENE 1, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. completely clear
		20.14		Shot from tubes I and II.
				Target speed 8 knots, target angle 64°, range 800 meters, T 3
				Target speed 8 knots, target angle 67°, range 750 meters, T 3
				Miss.  I had the impression that the steamer had sped up.  Hung on and matched speed once more.  Now runs at 12 knots.  Maneuvered ahead, steamer zigzags heavily.
		20.55		Double shot from tubes III and IV
				Target speed 12 knots, target angle 79°, range 700 meters, T 2
				Target speed 12 knots, target angle 88°, range 700 meters, T 2
				Miss.  The steamer turned hard away as soon as the shots were fired.  Here we go again!
			[Fu.M.G. = radar]	Took position in the wake and matched speed once again with the Fu.M.G. deployed.
				This goes very well and agrees with when I only plotted.  First of all much quicker [the procedure].  He now runs at 10 knots.  Maneuvered ahead and ran along ahead of him.  He slowly grew calmer, zigzags less and now runs at a constant 10 knots.  I still wait a half hour.  At the moment is quite bright with the Northern Lights.  I want to shoot at shorter range so that he can make no maneuver.  I believe that he heard the first torpedoes and outmaneuvered them.

Sun and Moon Data 06.11.42

	- 9 -
		continued
		06.11.42
		22.24		Ran in.
				Shot from tubes I and III
				Target speed 10 knots, target angle 78°, range 400 meters, T 3, running time 27 seconds
				Target speed 10 knots, target angle 110°, range 350 meters, T 3, running time 25 seconds
				Hit forward 10 and aft 30 meters.
				Initially the steamer takes a heavy list to starboard then to port, settles deeper forward, transmits, however the call sign was not detected by us.  Boats launched.
				On the poop there is an aircraft on a catapult.  Aircraft and cases are seen on deck.  Cannon forward and aft, steamer had seven loading hatches. By estimation 6500 GRT.
				Steamer lies calmly.  I give him one more shot from tube V.
				Target speed 0 knots, target angle 0°, range 500 meters
				Hit after 35 seconds.  The steamer bursts into 1000 pieces.  It is bright as day, munitions detonate in the air.  A deafening roar and ringing, a several hundred meter high column of fire in the sky.  Around us the water seems to boil from the wreckage flying around.  Many hit the boat.  A 1 kg piece falls into the control room.  When the spell is over, except for a giant smoke cloud nothing is seen.  The lifeboats have also disappeared.  In own boat except for light bulbs and fuses no damage
		23.00		Ran back into my attack area.
		07.11.42	AB 3388
		01.20	SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. clear, 1011 mb	Radio Message to Admiral Nordmeer from Benker.
				1)  22.24 hours a large munitions steamer square 3388 sunk.  Aircraft on deck, name despite transmitting not detected.  Outmaneuvered two attacks.
				2)  16.00 hours the South Cape steamer was given a coup de grâce.
				3)  Still 5 torpedoes, 108 cbm, overcast, Vis. clear, clouds 400 meters, SW 1, 1012 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 06.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.11.42

	- 10 -
		continued
		07.11.42		By later determination it is the steamer "BANGALORE" 6067 GRT.
		04.00	AB 3531
			S 1, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. clear, 1010 mb
		04.40		Again position in my attack area.
		08.00	AB 3537
			SSW 2, Sea 1, overcast, misty, 1010 mb	Suspect focal point to the north of my attack area.  Apparently the steamer navigated by sounding in shallow water around Spitzbergen.
		10.35	Fog	Dived at the north edge of the square to listen.  Visibility about 100 meters.
		12.00	AB 3294	Day's run:  Surfaced       135
			SW 1, overcast, fog, 1009 mb	Submerged     18
				Total:           153
		12.12		Surfaced because there are propeller sounds bearing 50°T.  Pursued at 2 x GF.
		12.58		Dived.  Propeller sounds bearing 60°T.
		14.05		Surfaced.  Came to course 65° at 2 x GF.
				Continually drove a serpentine course to detect the enemy with Fu.M.G., however nothing comes in range.
				The water is shallower, we must be directly at the South Cape.  Visibility is still 100 meters.  I can only navigate by soundings and those are very inexact in this area.  Have no exact ship's position.
		14.48		Dived, propeller sounds bearing 70°T.
		15.00		Surfaced, came to course 85° at 2 x GF.
				I must reduce speed soon, because it is shallower and soundings were under 20 meters.
				By the chart there are rocks everywhere within the 20-meter line.  If only the visibility were better.

Sun and Moon Data 07.11.42

	- 11 -
		continued
		07.11.42
		15.20		Still sounding 12 meters water, broke off pursuit and attempted to get to deeper water.  I must go back to the SW because there is shallow water on all sides here.
		15.35		Radio Message to Admiral Nordmeer from Benker.
				Fast eastbound steamer square AB 3267 escaped after listening pursuit.  Fog Vis. 100 meters, no ice.
				Ran on the 20-meter line at high speed to the south.  Perhaps I can still hear him.
		16.20		Dived.  No sound bearing.
		17.16		Surfaced.  Moved off to the south.
		17.30	SSW 1, Sea 1, overcast, misty, Vis. 600 meters, 1009 mb	Began torpedo downloading from the over deck.
		19.30		Downloading ended, went smoothly.
		20.00	AB 3282	Dived to listen, nothing.
				Surfaced, the visibility has gotten better.  Over Spitzbergen bright glacier shine.
		22.00	AB	It is very dark, additionally the fog has thickened.  I decide to proceed submerged because the listening range greatly exceeds the visibility.
		22.02		Dived, moved off to the south at KF.
		08.11.42	AB 3288
		04.00	AB 3525
		08.00	AB 3528	Surfaced in the morning twilight, ran to the north.
			SbyE 2, Sea 3, 1001 mb, misty
		12.00	AB 3285	Day's run:  Surfaced        52
				Submerged    27
				Total:            79
		16.00		Steered search curves.
		20.00	AB 3297
		21.00		Dived to listen.
		21.30		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.42

	- 12 -
		continued
		08.11.42
		23.30		Incoming Radio Message:  Occupy as new attack areas, depth 40 nm.
				Benker    square 3284 lower left
				Marks          "     3556 right edge lower
				Grau            "    3374 lower edge left
				Brodda        "     3863 lower edge right
				All Anton Bruno
				Nordmeerschef
		24.00	AB 3531
			S 4, Sea 3, overcast, 995 mb
		09.11.42
		04.00	AB 3285
		08.00	AB 3282
		09.00		West coast of Spitzbergen in sight.
		12.00	AB 3283	Day's run:  Surfaced        57
			S 3, Sea 3, overcast, 991 mb	Submerged      1
				Total:            58
		16.00	AB 3286
		20.00	AB 3523
			SSE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, 989 mb, misty
		20.46		Dived to listen.
		23.56		Surfaced.
		24.00	AB 3524
		10.11.42
		04.00	AB 3281
		08.00	AB 3252
			WSW 3, Sea 2, 980 mb, overcast, Vis. good
				Day's run:  Surfaced        104
				Submerged        7
				Total:            111

	Sun and Moon Data 08.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.11.42

	- 13 -
		continued
		10.11.42
		16.00	AB 3294	Steered search curves.
		20.00	AB 3289
		24.00	AB 3281
			NE 4, Sea 3, overcast, 985 mb
		11.11.42
		00.12		The visibility was very bad, dived to listen.
		04.00	AB 3254
		08.00	AB 3252
		08.05		Surfaced in the morning twilight.
		12.00	AB 3253	Day's run:  Surfaced         78
			NW 3, Sea 3, misty, overcast, 996 mb	Submerged      24
				Total:            102
		16.00	AB 3374
		20.00	AB 3372
		24.00	AB 3295
			NW 4-5, Sea 4, 1116, misty, Vis. clear
		12.11.42
		04.00	AB 3286
		08.00	AB 3284
		10.56		Dived for approaching aircraft.
				Type not recognized.
		11.30		Surfaced.
		12.00	AB 3294	Day's run:  Surfaced        115
			NW 3, Sea 3, 1021 mb, overcast, Vis. clear	Submerged        4
				Total:            119
		16.00	AB 3295
		20.00	AB 3296
		24.00	AB 3283

	Sun and Moon Data 10.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 12.11.42

	- 14 -
		13.11.42	NNE 2-3, Sea 2, 1015 mb, overcast
		04.00	AB 3288
		08.00	AB 3289
		09.04	Misty	Dived to listen.
		12.00	AB 3295	Day's run:  Surfaced         92
				Submerged     10
				Total:            102
		14.20		Surfaced.
		16.00	AB 3281
		20.00	AB 3257
		24.00	AB 3282
			SE 2-3, Sea 3, rain, 998 mb
		14.11.42
		04.00	AB 3283
		08.00	AB 3264
		12.00	AB 3256	Day's run:  Surfaced        78
			SE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, 997 mb	Submerged     13
				Total:            91
		16.00	AB 3283
		20.00	AB 3288
		24.00	AB 3285	Since the moon is there the nights are brighter than the twilight hours of the said day.
			NE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, 998 mb
		15.11.42
		04.00	AB 3257
		06.12		Obscuration, dived to listen.
		07.05		Surfaced.
		08.00	AB 3282
			NE 3, Sea 3, overcast, 996 mb
		12.00	AB 3285	Day's run:  Surfaced        90
				Submerged      3
				Total:            93

	Sun and Moon Data 13.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.42

	- 15 -
		continued
		15.11.42
		16.00	AB 3284
		20.00	AB 3288
		22.16		Dived to listen.
		24.00	AB 3288	Surfaced.
			NE 6, Sea 5, 1002 mb, misty, overcast
		16.11.42
		00.15		Dived due to bad visibility.
		04.00	AB 3285
		04.15	ENE 7-8, Sea 7, 5/10, 1010 mb
		08.00	AB 3282
		12.00	AB 3283	Day's run:  Surfaced        71
			NNE 2-3, Sea 3, 5/10, 1014 mb, Vis. good	Submerged    16
				Total:            87
		16.00	AB 3295
		16.44		Shadow to port.  Took ahead with tubes ready to shoot.
				At 1000 meters was distinguished as a U-boat.  After calling 3 times Recognition Signal was answered at a distance of 500 meters. It is not nice to have a U-boat before the tubes, even one that is own with 95% certainty, however has not answered Recognition Signals.
				After name exchange turned away.  It was U-376.
		20.00	AB 3286
		21.07		Visibility deteriorates, dived.
		22.16		Surfaced.
		24.00	AB 3283
			E 3, Sea 2, overcast, 1004 mb, misty
		17.11.42
		04.00	AB 3258
		06.35		Visibility was worse, fog, dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	AB 3282
		12.00	AB 3286	Day's run:  Surfaced        67
			NE 4-5, Sea 3, overcast, 997 mb	Submerged    14
				Total:            81

	Sun and Moon Data 15.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		17.11.42
		13.02		Surfaced.
		16.00	AB 3288
		20.00	AB 3285
		24.00	AB 3282
			E 2-3, Sea 1, 7/10, 998 mb
		18.11.42
		04.00	AB 3282
		08.00	AB 3286
		10.58		Dived due to driving snow.
		11.58		Surfaced.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced        83
				Submerged     3
				Total:            86
		16.00	AB 3297
		20.00	AB 3294
		24.00	AB 3286
			SW 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, 982 mb
		19.11.42
		04.00	AB 3285
		08.00	AB 3281
		08.24		Dived due to bad visibility.
		12.00	AB 3281	Day's run:  Surfaced         84
			SE 2-3, Sea 2, 8/10, 975 mb, snow	Submerged     11
				Total:             95
		12.32		Surfaced.
		16.00	AB 3253
		15.35		Incoming Radio Message.
				1)  From the Luftwaffe Intercept Service an outbound convoy on 18 November at noon at Cape Grodetzki with a strength of 28 steamers, suspect 5 destroyers, 8 escorts.
				2)  Form patrol line by 20 November 20.00 hours from square AC 2287 to square AC 2745 in named order:  Grau, Borm, Hopmann, Benker, Marks, Mäder, Brodda and  Esch.
				From Adm. Nordmeer

	Sun and Moon Data 17.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.42

	- 17 -
		continued
		19.11.42
		16.30		Headed for the Cape to get a good departing position.
		20.00	AB 3294	Course 101°, 14 knots.
		24.00	AB 3395	The night is bright as day from the moon, the full moon is not until 22 November.
			E 3, Sea 2, 7/10, 978 mb
		20.11.42
		04.00	AC 1434	The seas come exactly from ahead.  Bridge was wet.
		08.00	AC 1538
			E 5, Sea 4, 978 mb, overcast.
		12.00	AC 1556	Day's run:  Surfaced 224 nm
		16.00	AC 2457	Have over 50% speed loss due to Sea State.  I will arrive 2 and 1/2 hours late at my position, according to B-Dienst report the convoy runs at 8 knots.  From this an encounter will not be expected before tomorrow at noon.  Therefore believe that my lateness is not important enough to break radio silence.
			E 6-7, Sea 5, 973 mb
		20.00	AC 2459	The conning tower hatch must be closed because the pump cannot keep up with the water.  Therefore have no Fu.M.B.
			EbyN 8-9, Sea 7, 973 mb
		23.00		Have reached position in patrol line.
		24.00	AC 2468	Dived to repair both ballast pumps.
			E 8, Sea 7, 974 mb, very bright
		21.11.42
		02.30		Surfaced, auxiliary ballast pump remains out of service.
		04.00	AC 2466
			EbyN 10-11, Sea 9, 975 mb, overcast
		08.00	AC 2548	Incoming Short Signal
				1 destroyer square AC 2248.
				U-378
		09.27		Incoming Short Signal.
				1 steamer square AC 2465.
				U-405

	Sun and Moon Data 19.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 21.11.42

	- 18 -
		continued
		21.11.42
		12.00	AC 2548	Day's run:  Surfaced        77
				Submerged      9
				Total:            86
		12.37		From U-378.
				Have lost contact square AB 2722.
				Apparently the convoy is located to the south.  Made an intercept run for enemy speed 8 knots, course 280°.  Can be at the meeting point in 4 hours.
		14.20		Incoming Short Signal.
				1 destroyer square 2719.
				U-209
		14.50		Incoming Radio Message.
				1)  Boats from Grau to Esch form Group "Boreas".
				2)  Boats of this group without contact from now course west speed 8 knots.
		16.00	AC 2426	I will still run up to the intercept point and thereafter go to the west.  Believe only limited use of weapons is possible.
			NE 8, Sea 8, 981 mb
		18.00		Nothing seen, came to course 270°, 8 knots.
		20.00	AC 1684	Visibility is 1/2 nm, dived to listen.
			NNE 10-11, Sea 8, 987 mb, overcast
		21.10		Surfaced.
		20.33		Incoming Radio Message.
				To "Boreas"
				1)  If up to 22.00 hours there is no contact at highest speed occupy patrol line square 3295 to square 3985, both AB.  In old named order.  Plus Vogler in southernmost position.
				2) Hopmann report last position of steamer.
		22.00		Proceeded at highest speed to new position, can make 12 knots.
				Wind shifts to the north, it is colder, boat begins to ice strongly.

Sun and Moon Data 21.11.42

	- 19 -
		22.11.42
		24.00	AC 1594
			NE 7-8, Sea 7, 991 mb	I must dive to de-ice the boat.
		04.00	AC 1491	Both diesel air masts are frozen.
		08.00	AB 3669	Papenberg and buoyancy indicator also.
		08.45		I am 15 nm from my new position.
				Surfaced.
				Have reached new position.  If the convoy runs at 8 knots, it must pass through at 12.00 or 13.00 hours.
				Day's run:  Surfaced        261
				Submerged        4
				Total:            265
				The visibility was bad 500 meters, dive to listen.  In the south diesel sounds are heard, which shift east then west.  Must be a U-boat.
				Surfaced.  Visibility was about 5 nm.  Hopefully the convoy has not gotten through south of Bäreninsel.
				A shadow bearing 100°T.  Recognized as a merchant ship.  Zigzags heavily, steers 290°. Maneuvered ahead.
		24.00	AB 3569
		23.11.42	AB 3569
			N 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, 1008 mb, Vis. clear
		00.008		Short Signal.
				Steamer square AB 3647.
				U-625
				Was not repeated by Control Center.  It is a very bright night, full moon with broken cloud deck.  I decide on submerged attack.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.42

	- 20 -
		continued
		23.11.42
		00.20		Dived target angle 0°.  The situation is difficult.  Buoyancy indicator is frozen, the papenberg gage thaws slowly.  Additionally the pennant of the attack periscope jumped from the roller and jams at 12 meters.  The objective is continually iced and the Chief Engineer must let the boat cut under, which also does not contribute to clarifying the situation.  Proceeded by sound bearings.  Saw the steamer once at target angle 0°.  Then it disappears when a cloud covers the moon.  Ran onto attack course ny the clock. Suddenly see him at target angle 80° directly in the moon track.
		00.56		Two-fan from tubes I and III.
				Target speed 10 knots, target angle 90°, range 400 meters, spread angle 8°, T 2.
				Hit after 22 seconds.
				Boat cuts under, when it again comes out the steamer burns at the after mast.  The steamer settles deeper astern.  Normal merchant ship with 2 cannons.  It shoots rockets that break down into about 10 white stars.  He has to go otherwise he will bring a destroyer from the convoy on my neck, which should still be in the vicinity.
		01.18		Shot from tube V, target speed 0, target angle 0°, T 3.
				Hit after 33 seconds under the bridge.
		01.45		Steamer sinks over the stern post.  The cargo continues to burn on the water.  Cellulose.  I go to the boats to determine the name. From statements of the crew the Captain remained on board.  Steamer was called "GOOLISTAN" (5851 tons).  Loaded with wood and cellulose.
		02.15		Went back to my position.

Sun and Moon Data 23.11.42

	- 21 -
		continued
		23.11.42
		03.00		Radio Message from Benker.
				1)  01.45 hours square AB 3592 "GOOLISTAN" sunk.  Independent, course west, cellulose.
				2)  Steamer on 6 November was "BANGALORE".  Still 2 torpedoes, 65 cbm, NNE 2, 7/10, 1007 mb, Vis. 7 nm
		04.00	AB 3569	Dived to reload tube V.
		04.20		Propeller sounds bearing 60°.
				Do not shift.
		04.34		Surfaced.  Came to course 60° at AK.
		05.20		Crash dive to listen.  Sound now bearing 330°T therefore a westbound steamer.
		05.31		Surfaced.  Pursued.
		06.05		Steamer in sight.  Large ship, stubbornly steers 270°, runs at 12 knots.  Maneuvered ahead.
		06.12		Short Signal:  1 steamer square AB 3645.
				U-625
		07.33		I already have him in target angle 30° and want to attack in 1/2 hour, again submerged, then it will be bright as day.  Suddenly the steamer is torpedoed.  I am beaten to the punch.  Two independents in a single night would have been something precious.  I sincerely wished luck on the other.
				Ran back to patrol line.
		08.00	AB 3529
			NNW 3, Sea 1-2, 1005 mb, 5/10
		12.00	AB 3644	Day's run:  Surfaced        144
				Submerged       10
				Total:            154
		16.00	AB 3648
		17.30		Dived due to bad visibility.
		20.00	AB 3644
			E 3, Sea 2, 987 mb, overcast, Vis. 1/2 nm

Sun and Moon Data 23.11.42

	- 22 -
		continued
		23.11.42
		21.43		Surfaced.  Visibility has gotten even worse.  After ventilating the boat dived.
		24.00	AB 3644
		24.11.42
		04.00	AB 3647
		08.00	AB 3647
		08.05		Surfaced.
		12.00	AB 3647	Day's run:  Surfaced        40
			NNE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, 996 mb, Vis. 3 nm	Submerged    35
				Total:            75
		16.00	AB 3647
		20.00	AB 3671
		20.05		Due to visibility deterioration dived to listen.
		20.30		Surfaced.
		24.00	AB 3644
			NE 1, Sea 1, 9/10, 999 mb
		25.11.42
		04.00	AB 3671
		08.00	AB 3671
		12.00	AB 3671	Day's run:  Surfaced        86
			NE 1, Swell 2, overcast, 998 mb	Submerged      3
				Total:            89
		16.00	AB 3643
		20.00	AB 3646
		24.00	AB 3643
			ESE 1, Sea 1, 6/10, 1000 mb
		26.11.42
		04.00	AB 3651
		08.00	AB 3651

	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.42

	- 23 -
		continued
		26.11.42
		12.00	AB 3651	Day's run:  Surfaced       106
			NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 7/10, 1006 mb	Submerged      2
				Total:           108
		16.00	AB 3651
		20.00	AB 3646
		24.00	AB 3647
		27.11.42
		04.00	AB 3644
		07.50		Dived due to bad visibility.
		08.00	AB 3647
		12.00	AB 4647	Day's run:  Surfaced         99
			NE 1-2, Sea 1, 1008 mb, overcast	Submerged       8
				Total:           107
		13.07		Surfaced.
		13.20		Incoming Radio Message.
				U-625 return to Narvik.
				Nordmeerchef.
		14.00		Course 182°, 15 knots.
		16.00	AB 3911
		20.00	AB 3976
		21.22		Radio Message:
				Request Radio Beacon Tromsö and Andesnes on 28 November from 10.00 to 16.00 hours.
				from Benker.
		24.00	AB 6377

	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.42

	- 24 -
		28.11.42	NE 1-2, Sea 1, 1006 mb, overcast
		03.20		Short Signal:
				Position in 12 hours off objective point.
				U-625
		04.00	AB 6835
		08.00	AB 9235
		10.00		From 10.00 hours took bearings on Radio Beacon Andesnes and Linges.
		12.00	AB 9562	Day's run:  Surfaced         99
			NNE 3, Sea 2-3, 5/10, 998 mb	Submerged       8
				Total:           107
		16.00	AB 9838	Point Schwarz 7.
		20.00	AB 9897	Delayed off Topsund by a snow storm.
		24.00	AF 3333
			NW 2, 990 mb, overcast, snow
		29.11.42
		01.30		Made fast Harstadt.
		10.00		Departed Harstadt.  Pilot on board.
		14.30		Entered Narvik.  Made fast U-boat base.
				Day's run:  Surfaced 215 nm.
			Duration of patrol 25 days.
			The crew, as far as one can judge after such a simple patrol, was well proven.
			The evaluation of the Fu.M.G. is reported separately

	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.42
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.42

 

	Comments of the Admiral Nordmeer on the K.T.B. of "U-625"
	for the period from 27.9. - 29.11.1942.
	A skillfully and energetically carried out patrol that resulted in the sinking of 2 steamers and the destruction of another steamer which was stranded.
	On board, 21 January 1943

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-625" from 27.9. - 29.11.1942
	Concur with the comments of the Admiral Nordmeer.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		the Chief of the Operations Department

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