U-66 - 4th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Robert Derencin and Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Arrived
Date
Days at Sea
Lorient
25 December 1941
Lorient
10 February 1942
48

 

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
18 Jan 42
08.33
35°45'N, 74°14'W
ALLAN JACKSON
6,635
American
 
19 Jan 42
06.43
34°57'N, 72°46'W
LADY HAWKINS
7,988
Canadian
 
22 Jan 42
12.39
34°03'N, 75°18'W
OLYMPIC
5,335
Panamanian
 
24 Jan 42
02.40
35°09'N, 75°18'W
EMPIRE GEM
8,139
British
 
24 Jan 42
02.43 - 03.24
35°09'N, 75°18'W
VENORE
8,017
American
 
     
 Total = 36,114
   
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.


 
                                                                                       
 
           
           
           
           
           
                    
           
           
                K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  
               = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =  
           
                  of Unterseebootes  "  U  66  "  
                = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =  
           
                            4th War Patrol  
           
                Beginning:  10. November 1941,  
                Ending:       10 February    1942.  
                      
                   Kommandant:   Korvettenkapitän    Z  a  p  p  .  
           
           
           
                   Distribution:
2 x O.K.M.  SKL.U.
1 x B.d.U.
1 x 2.A.d.Uboote
1 x 2.U.-Flottille
Original boat.
 
           
               Drafted 10.02. 5x    
               2.Ufl.      
           
       
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
    1941      
    10.11.41 Lorient Provisions offload.  
    11.11.41      " Torpedo and munitions offload.  
    12.11. - 14.11.41      " Bunker S 1.  
    15.11.41      " Bunker S 1, cannon offload.  
    16.11. - 21.11.41      " Bunker S 1.  
    22.11.41      " Shifted to dock 2, dry docked.  
    23.11. - 12.12.41      " Dock 2.  
    13.12.41      " Undocked, shifted to Bunker S 2.  
    14.12.41      " Bunker.  
    15.12.41      " Fuel oil loading.  
    16.12.41      " Bunker.  
    17.12.41      " Bunker S 4, pier side trial.  
    18.12.41      " Munitions loading.  
    19.12.41      " Overcharging from land.  
    20.12.41      " Shifted to A 3.  
    21.12.41      " Torpedo and cannon loading.  
    22.12.41      " Provisions loading.  
    23.12.41      " Sea trial and diving test.  
    24.12.41      " Degaussing, trim test, fresh provisions loading.  
                                                             
    25.12.41      
    13.19 Lorient Put to sea.  
    13.30   Taken in convoy.  
    14.20   Released from convoy, taken under escort by Sperrbrecher.  
    15.05 Point L 2 Released by Speerbrecher, departed on course 145°T.  
    16.42   Aircraft in sight, range = 4000 meters.  
    17.18   Dived.  
    18.07   Surfaced.  
    20.40   Steamer light in sight.  
    20.52   Steamer light out of sight.  
    22.12   Steamer light in sight.  
    23.08   Steamer light out of sight.  
    24.00 BF 5826 Course 270°.  
      NW 2, long Swell, overcast                                                        
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.12.41
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.12.41      
    04.00 BF 5734    
    08.00 BF 4934    
    09.30   Dived.  
    09.47   Surfaced.  
    09.54   Dived.  
    12.00 BF 4915 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 308 nm  
                         Submerged =      5 nm = 313 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4911    
    19.00   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BF 4834    
    24.00 BF 4736    
      NNE 1-2, Swell, overcast    
                                                               
    27.12.41      
    04.00 BF 4711    
    08.00 BE 6924    
    09.45   Dived.  
    12.00 BE 6911 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 177 nm  
                         Submerged =  15.5 nm = 192.5 nm.  
    16.00 BE 6836    
    19.45   Surfaced.  
    20.00 BE 6832    
    21.10   To B.d.U.:  My position is square BE 68.  
                                                                       U-66.  
    22.03   From B.d.U.:  
        Zapp reports position by Short Signal from naval square BE 68.  
    24.00 BE 6814    
      WNW 1, Swell, overcast    
                                                               
    28.12.41      
    04.00 BE 6715    
    08.00 BE 5936    
    11.06   Test dive.  
    11.41   Surfaced.  
    12.00 BE 5925 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 138 nm  
      SW 1-2, Swell, overcast                  Submerged =    18 nm = 156 nm.  
    16.00 BE 5836    
    20.00 BE 5825    
    21.30   Steamer lights in sight ahead bearing 275°T.  
    22.30          "          "   out of sight astern bearing 190°T.  
    24.00 BE 5548    
      SE 2-3, Sea 2, overcast    
                                                               
    29.12.41      
    04.00 BE 5462    
    08.00 BE 5451    
    12.00 BE 4662 Day's run:  Surfaced = 217 nm.  
      SSE 6-7, Sea 6, overcast    
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 27.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 28.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 29.12.41
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    29.12.41      
    13.00   Dived.  
    16.00 BE 4652    
    16.30   Surfaced.  
    18.18   From B.d.U.:  
        1.)  On 30 December between 01.00 and 05.00 report weather by Short Signal.  
        2.)  30 December 08.00 hours switch to Greenland Circuit.  
    20.00 BE 4651    
    24.00 BE 4562    
      SE 7, Sea 6, rain No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
                                                               
    30.12.41      
    01.33   To B.d.U.:  Short Signal weather report:  
        47°N, 22°W, 1014 mb, +15°C, Vis. up to 10 nm, wind SE 7-8, overcast, Altocumulus.  
        (Was not heard by Control),  
    02.33   Short Signal weather report (not heard).  
    04.00 BE 4541    
    08.00 BE 4451    
    12.00 BD 6662 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 64 nm  
      SSE 7, Sea 6, rain                  Submerged =   7 nm = 71 nm.  
    16.00 BD 6661    
    20.00 BD 6374    
    22.21   From B.d.U.:  
        Zapp on 31 December between 01.00 and 05.00 hours report weather by Short Signal cipher.  
    24.00 BD 6296    
      SSW 8, Sea 6-7, cloudy Course 260°.  
        No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
                                                               
    31.12.41      
    02.56   To B.d.U.:  
        Short Signal weather report:  47°N, 25°W, 1008 mb, +13°C, Vis. up to 10 nm, SW 7-8, overcast, Altocumulus.  
        (Was not heard by Control),  
    04.00 BD 6295    
    04.06   To B.d.U.:  Short Signal weather report.  
    08.00 BD 6299 Course 270°.  
    12.00 BD 6298 Day's run:  Surfaced = 82 nm.  
      WbyN 6, Sea 6, cloudy    
    13.44   Test dive.  
    14.40   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BD 6289    
    20.00 BD 6289    
    24.00 BD 6288 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      WbyS 4, Sea 4, heavy Swell, overcast                                                        
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 29.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 30.12.41
Sun and Moon Data 31.12.41
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    1942      
    01.01.42      
    04.00 BD 6287 Course 250°.  
    08.00 BD 6278    
    11.50   Course 240°.  
    12.00 BD 6199 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 81 nm  
      SbyW 7, Sea 5-6, rain                  Submerged =   3 nm = 84 nm.  
    13.05   Dived.  
    16.00 BD 6435    
    20.00 BD 6427    
    20.32   Surfaced.  
    24.00 BD 6451 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      SSW 4, Sea 4, large Swell, overcast                                                        
    02.01.42      
    04.00 BD 6447    
    08.00 BD 5693    
    12.00 BD 5698 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 63 nm  
      SSW 4-5, Sea 4, large Swell, overcast                  Submerged = 12 nm = 75 nm.  
    16.00 BD 5697    
    20.00 BD 5926    
    21.35   From B.d.U.:  
        Contrary to supplemental orders to the Operations Order Hardegen and Zapp proceed independently to square CB 60.  Bleichrodt, Kals, Lüth, initially proceed to longitude of naval square BC 5889.  
    24.00 BD 5919 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      W 6, Sea 5-6, overcast                                                        
    03.01.42      
    04.00 BD 5917    
    08.00 BD 5941    
    10.00   Course 270°.  
    12.00 BD 5866 Day's run:  Surfaced = 77 nm.  
      N 4, Sea 4, large Swell, rain showers, overcast    
    13.30   Test dive.  
    14.10   Surfaced.  
    14.30   Course 240°.  
    16.00 BD 5883    
    20.00 BD 5879    
    24.00 BD 8215 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      NNE 4-5, Sea 4-3, large Swell, overcast                                                        
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.01.42
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.01.42      
    04.00 BD 8139    
    08.00 BD 8162    
    12.00 BD 8159 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 157 nm  
      NNE 4, Sea 3-4, rain, overcast                  Submerged =      2 nm = 159 nm.  
    13.26   Test dive.  
    13.54   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BD 8175    
    20.00 BD 7632    
    24.00 BD 7628    
      NNE 4. Sea 3, overcast                                                        
    05.01.42      
    04.00 BD 7644    
    08.00 BD 7585    
    09.57   Course 260°.  
    12.00 BD 7733 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 174 nm  
      NE 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast                  Submerged =      2 nm = 176 nm.  
        Course 270°.  
    16.00 BD 7722    
    20.00 BD 7711 Course 260°.  
    24.00 BC 9935 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      N 6, Sea 5-6, overcast                                                        
    06.01.42      
    04.00 BC 9924    
    08.00 BC 9839    
    12.00 BC 9851 Day's run:  Surfaced = 155 nm.  
      NbyW 8, Sea 7, cloudy    
    13.19   Test dive.  
    14.09   Surfaced, course 250°.  
    16.00 BC 9847    
    17.09   Course 240°.  
    20.00 BC 9792    
    24.00 BC 9788 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      NW 5, Sea 5, overcast                                                        
    07.01.42      
    04.00 CD 1333    
    08.00 CD 1325    
    11.40   Test dive.  
    12.10   Surfaced.  
    12.00 CD 1318 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 140 nm  
      SSW 4, Sea 3, overcast                  Submerged =      4 nm = 144 nm.  
    13.57   From B.d.U.:  1337/7/270 (Officer Only).  
    16.00 CD 1342    
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 07.01.42
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.01.42      
    20.00 CD 1342    
    20.45   Course 235°.  
    24.00 CD 1345 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      NW 9, Sea 7, overcast                                                        
    08.01.42      
    04.00 CD 1348    
    08.00 CD 1371    
    12.00 CD 1375 Course 245°.  
      WbyN 5, Sea 4, overcast Day's run:  Surfaced = 55 nm.  
    13.44   Test dive.  
    14.28   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CD 1297 Course 250°.  
    20.00 CD 1513    
    24.00 CD 1436    
      S 4, Sea 3-4, overcast    
                                                               
    09.01.42      
    01.05   Course 240°.  
    04.00 CD 1437    
    08.00 CD 1452    
    11.52   From B.d.U.:  
        1.)  Occupy the following attack areas:  
        Zapp Attack Area I, in accordance with Secret supplement,  Hardegen II, Folkers III, Bleichrodt IV and V, Kals VI.  
        2.)  Folkers, Hardegen, Zapp continue transit [to arrive in attack area] as early as 10 January, B.d.U. expects arrival in attack areas 13 January.  
        3.)  Bleichrodt, Kals proceed so as to reach the new attack areas on 13 January.  
        4.)  Boats form Group "Paukenschlag".  
    12.00 CD 1443 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 99 nm  
      W 7, Sea 7, rain                  Submerged =    1 nm = 100 nm.  
        Boat can not reach position until 13 January because it is still 1300 nm away.  
    16.00 CC 3646    
    20.00 CC 3659 Course 240°.  
    24.00 CC 3676 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      WbyN 6, Sea 5, overcast                                                        
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.01.42
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
           
    10.01.42      
    04.00 CC 3599    
    03.00   Course 250°.  
    08.00 CC 3825    
    12.00 CC 3763 Day's run:  Surfaced = 143 nm.  
      SSW 2-3, Sea 2, Swell, fair    
    13.16   Test dive.  
    13.56   Surfaced.  
    14.00   Dived.  
    14.34   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CC 3745    
    20.00 CC 2958 Course 260°.  
    24.00 CC 2891 At times no weapons use is possible due to sea state.  
      SSE 7, Sea 6-7, overcast                                                        
    11.01.42      
    04.00 CC 2877    
    08.00 CC 2779    
    12.00 CC 4331 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 188 nm  
      SSW 8, Sea 7, overcast                  Submerged =      5 nm = 193 nm.  
    16.00 CC 4317    
    20.00 CC 4228 Course 250°.  
    24.00 CC 4244 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      NNW 4, Sea 4, overcast                                                        
    12.01.42      
    04.00 CC 4191    
    08.00 CC 4178    
    12.00 CB 6632 Day's run:  Surfaced = 214 nm.  
      SW 3, Sea 2, overcast    
    16.00 CB 6618    
    20.00 CB 6564    
    24.00 CB 6571    
      SSW 3, Sea 3-2, overcast                                                        
    13.01.42      
    04.00 CB 6497    
    08.00 CB 5936    
    12.00 CB 5951 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 227 nm  
      WbyN 5, Sea 4, overcast                  Submerged =      1 nm = 228 nm.  
    13.29   Test dive.  
    14.06   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CB 5868    
    20.00 CB 5881    
    24.00 CB 5795 Use of weapons is only possible at times.  
      NW 8, Sea 6-7, rain                                                        
           
Sun and Moon Data 10.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 11.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 12.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 13.01.42
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
           
    14.01.42      
    04.00 CB 5779    
    08.00 CB 7333    
    12.00 CB 7313 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 148 nm  
      NNW 4, Sea 3, cloudy                  Submerged =      3 nm = 151 nm.  
    13.57 CB 7314 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 310°T, (ahead 60° to starboard).  Turned towards.  Steamer steers northeasterly course.  Due to sea state only HF.  
    16.00 CB 4977    
    16.10   Smoke cloud out of sight bearing 0°T.  Pursuit broken off due to sea state and to great fuel consumption.  
    20.00 CB 7225    
    24.00 CB 7465 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      WSW 3, Sea 3, overcast    
                                                               
    15.01.42      
    04.00 CB 7148    
    08.00 CA 9397    
    10.26   From B.d.U.:  
        To Ziethen and Paukenschlag:  
        When there is another reason to transmit, report fuel inventory.  
    12.00 CA 9536 Day's run:  Surfaced = 194 nm.  
      WbyN 7, Sea 6, rain    
    13.12   Dived.  Proceeded submerged.  
    16.00 CA 9538    
    20.00 CA 9529    
    24.00 CA 9549    
                                                               
    16.01.42      
    00.04   Surfaced.  
    04.00 CA 9547    
    08.00 CA 9495    
    12.00 CA 5713 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 80 nm  
      WbyN 4, Sea 3-4, overcast                  Submerged = 22 nm = 102 nm.  
    13.17   Dived.  Proceeded submerged.  
    16.00 CA 9715    
    20.00 CA 9717    
    24.00 CA 8939    
                                                               
           
Sun and Moon Data 14.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 15.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.42
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
           
    17.01.42      
    00.13   Surfaced, course 270°.  
    04.00 CA 8953    
    08.00 CA 8957    
    12.00 CA 8869 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 84 nm  
      NW 2, Sea 2, overcast                  Submerged = 22 nm = 106 nm.  
    11.38   From B.d.U.:  
        . . . . . . . .  
        4.)  Independent shifting of attack areas is authorized for boats of Group Paukenschlag, if traffic or defense necessitates.  
        . . . . . . . .  
    13.33   Dived.  Proceeded submerged.  
    13.50   Course 250°.  
    16.00 CA 8865    
    20.00 CA 8867    
    24.00 CA 8858    
                                                               
    18.01.42      
    00.30   Surfaced.  
    03.00   Course 260°.  
    04.00 CA 8793    
    05.30 CA 8785 Shadow in sight ahead to port bearing 240°T.  Maneuvered ahead.  
        It is a tanker with 3 masts, small medium height smoke stack distinguished.  Length about 170 meters.  Tanker is fully loaded, steers about 350°, probably to the Winter Quarter Lightship.  Tanker does not zig zag.  
    08.00 CA 8497    
    08.33 CA 8487 Bow shot, target angle 100°, range 1000 meters (estimated), 11 knots.  
        Bow shot, target angle 100°, range 1000 meters (estimated), 11 knots.  
   

 

08.45

  After 122 seconds two detonations.  Hit forward 40 meters and amidships.  Tanker burns after the first hit and breaks at the after edge of the bridge.  Foreship sinks after 5 minutes, aftership after 10 minutes.  
        Tanker could be as big as 12000 GRT.  Estimated at 9200 GRT.  
        Fiery glow from burning oil  was still visible two hours later.  
   

10.07

10.40

CA 8725 Shadow in sight abeam to port 60°T.  Steamer zig zagging heavily and disappears in a cloud bank.  It was believed that this steamer transmitted at 10.36 hours on 600 meters the following Radio Message:  
        (To Baltimore):  
        Light flash and subsequent red glow lasting 45 minutes from approximate position Cape Hatteras 249° carre . . . . . . . . 312°  . . . . . . . .  
                                             ELISABETH LENSEN (London)  
           
Sun and Moon Data 17.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.42
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.01.42      
    12.00 CA 8727 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 185 nm  
      SSW 2-3, Swell, overcast                  Submerged =   17 nm = 202 nm.  
    12.55   Dived to proceed submerged.  
    15.30   Two detonations to the east.  
    16.00 CA 8755    
    20.00 CA 8782    
    21.00   Propeller sounds ahead bearing 180°T.  Went to periscope depth and put ahead.  2 aircraft observed through the periscope.  
    22.20   Sounds suddenly ceased.  
        Again went deep.  
    24.00 CA 8725    
                                                               
    19.01.42      
    00.38   Surfaced.  
    00.54   Dived.  
    01.12   Surfaced.  
    01.13 CA 8783 Shadow in sight bearing 0°T (abeam to port).  Large freighter and passenger steamer, about 150 meters long, high broad superstructure, medium high smoke stack, 2 masts, (had resemblance to MEERSBURG).  Steamer zig zags irregularly approximately 70° around general course 80-90°.  
        Maneuvered ahead.  
        Zig zags about 40° with southeasterly course, then moves off to the north.  
        Zigzags about 40° with northeasterly course, therefore like a sine wave about the general course.  
    04.00 CA 8793    
    06.20 CA 8894 Steamer lights and then afterwards illuminated hull in sight bearing 180°T.  
    06.43   Closed to 2000 meters, target angle 110°.  Shortly before firing the steamer zigzags away 40°.  Maneuvered ahead again at AK.   
    07.40   Lights out of sight.  [Lights of the neutral sighted at 06.20 hours]
    07.43 CA 8896 Shortly before firing the steamer turned away, shot with updated target angle:  
        Stern shot, target angle 80°, speed 14 knots, range 1000 meters,  
        Stern shot, target angle 85°, speed 14 knots, range 1000 meters.  
        2 detonations after 80 seconds (1200 meters).  
        Steamer sinks after about 30 minutes.  Size 9000-11000 GRT.  Estimated tonnage:  9000 GRT.  
        Pursuit of the steamer running at 14 knots was especially difficult due to heavy sparking from the exhaust.  The boat  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.42
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.01.42   had to keep a great distance.  
    08.00 CA 8896    
    12.00 CA 8894 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 116 nm  
      SE 3, Sea 2, overcast                  Submerged =   25 nm = 141 nm.  
    12.20   A light in sight astern bearing 80°T.  
    12.25   Light out of sight astern.  
    12.50   Dived.  
    16.00 CA 8886    
    20.00 CA 8885    
    24.00 CA 8884    
                                                               
    20.01.42      
    00.36   Surfaced.  
    04.00 CA 8844    
    05.14   From B.d.U.:  
        Bleichrodt report situation, Folkers, Zapp report situation if detected.  
    08.00 DC 1333    
    12.00 DC 1342 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 66 nm  
      W 5, Sea 4-5, cloudy                  Submerged =  24 nm = 90 nm.  
    13.08   Dived.  
    16.00 DC 1337    
    20.00 DC 1361    
    24.00 DC 1356    
                                                               
    21.01.42      
    00.54   Surfaced.  
    03.31   From B.d.U.:  
        Zapp, Bleichrodt and Folkers immediately report situation, position and successes.  
    04.00 DC 1349    
    05.25   To B.d.U.:  
        First in operations area on 18 January, all darkened.  Otherwise situation as with Hardegen.  18000 GRT, 135 cbm, Serial No. 42, 44, 90 missing.  DC 13.  
                                                                     Zapp.  
    08.00 DC 1355    
    12.00 DC 1363 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 99 nm  
      NE 3, Sea 2, overcast                  Submerged =  24 nm = 123 nm.  
        After sinking steamer steered easterly course because traffic was suspected in this square.  
    12.13   From B.d.U.: 1021/21/234 Officer Only.  
        Based on Radio Message closed land up to the 200-meter limit.  
    13.25   Dived.  Course 180°.  
    16.00 DC 2142    
    20.00 DC 2145    
           
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 20.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 21.01.42
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.01.42      
    21.05   Sound bearing 300°T.  
    23.34   Surfaced, nothing to see.  
    23.36   Dived.  
    23.45   Last sound bearing 226°T.  
    24.00 DC 2148    
                                                               
    22.01.42      
    00.30   Surfaced.  
    00.58   Course 250°.  
    04.00 DC 2172    
    0x.00   Course 270°.  
    08.00 DC 1620    
    11.45 DC 1535 A light in sight ahead to port bearing 250°T.  
        Maneuvered ahead.  
    12.00 DC 1298 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 114 nm  
      NW 4, Sea 3, overcast                  Submerged =   22 nm = 136 nm.  
        Steamer was distinguished as a freighter.  Had apparently illuminated upper deck lights from the engine room.  Length about 140 meters, steers straight course, about 335°, speed 8 knots.  
    12.39 DC 1295 Stern shot, target angle 100°, speed 8 knots, range = 800 meters.  
        Stern shot, target angle 100°, speed 8 knots, range = 800 meters  
        After 36 seconds (540 meters) 2 detonations.  
        Hit forward, hit amidships.  
        Steamer breaks in the center and sinks within one minute.  
        Steamer was about 140 meters long and was estimated at 7500 GRT.  
    12.57   Course 270°.  
    13.14   Dived.  
    16.00 DC 1322    
    20.00 DC 1322    
    22.45   Sound bearing 110°T.  
        Through the periscope nothing to see.  
    24.00 DC 1321    
                                                               
    23.01.42      
    01.17   Surfaced.  
    03.13 DC 1262 Narrow, low shadow in sight astern.  
    03.20   Shadow out of sight.  Perhaps a patrol vessel.  
    03.46   Dived for sound bearing.  
        No sound bearings.  
    04.00 DC 1239    
    04.30   Surfaced.  
    08.00 DC 1253    
           
Sun and Moon Data 21.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    23.01.42      
    08.13 DC 1253 Faint light in sight bearing 150°T.  
        Turned towards.  
    08.24   Light out of sight.  
    12.00 DC 1254 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 77 nm  
      NW 3, Sea 2, cloudy                  Submerged = 25 nm = 102 nm.  
    12.43 DC 1254 Light in sight ahead to starboard bearing 40°T.  Attempted to maneuver ahead.  General course 345°.  Steamer runs at high speed, could not close at 14 knots.  
    13.12   Dived due to brightness.  
    13.14   Course 180°.  
    13.30   Sound bearing lost.  
    16.00 DC 1254    
    20.00 DC 1252    
    21.50 DC 1234 Sound bearing 160°T.  
        At periscope depth, a steamer passed at range 600 meters at target angle 110°.  
    24.00 DC 1229    
                                                               
    24.01.42      
    00.54   Surfaced.  Steamer is still in sight.  Steers about 340°.  
        Maneuvered ahead.  
        Distinguished as an ore steamer.  Bridge forward, several small masts on the over deck.  Steamer zig zags about 40°.  
    01.40   40° to starboard a shadow in sight.  Shifts from starboard ahead of the bow and proceeds on approximately the same course as the ore steamer.  Was distinguished as a tanker.  
        While maneuvering ahead the tanker sets a faint stern light, likewise the ore steamer sets side lights.  Because it was improbable that both steamboats could be shot at the same moment, decision: attack the ore steamer first, because it appeared longer.  Tanker suddenly changes course and runs ahead of our tubes, so that we must shoot immediately.  
    02.40 CA 7968 Bow shot, target angle 80°, range = 500 meters, speed 7 knots,  
        Bow shot, target angle 80°, range = 500 meters, speed 7 knots.  
        After 40 seconds (600 meters) 2 detonations, hits amidships and aft 40 meters.  
        Tanker burns immediately.  Oil burns on the water, so that flames run to within 50 meters of the boat.  Boat must run off somewhat and immediately turn again to shoot.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.01.42      
    02.43   Bow shot, target angle 100°, range = 1000 meters, speed 9 knots,  
        Bow shot, target angle 100°, range = 1000 meters, speed 9 knots.  
        Ore steamer turns about 2 minutes after the tanker blew up.  
        After 114 seconds (1710 meters) 1 detonation, 1 miss.  Tanker gives SOS, SSS and his name:  CHARLES G. BLACK, 14305 GRT.  Ship's position matches ours.  
        Boat was brightly illuminated during the attack on the ore steamer, so that the steamer detected the attack.  
        Ore steamer decreased speed and attempts to set itself on the beach.  
        Boat can not get close enough because position is not established exactly and on the attack course ahead a bar stood.  Another coup de grace therefore had to be taken at long range.  
        Reloaded.  
    03.24   Bow shot, target angle 95°, range = 2000 meters, speed 8 knots.  
        After 114 seconds (1710 meters) hit amidships.  
        Steamer blows off steam, slows and steers in circles.  
    03.35   Tanker sunk.  
    03.50   Coup de grace on ore steamer.  
        Stern shot, target angle 90°, range = 3000 meters, speed 6 knots.  
                                  Missed !  
    04.00 CA 7996    
    04.05 CA 7968 Ore steamer capsizes to starboard and sinks.  
        Lies in about 26 meters of water.  
        Agrees in length and appearance with "AMERIKALAND" and "SVEALAND" types.  Was estimated at about 10000 GRT.  
    04.10   Course 80°.  
    05.56   A shadow in sight bearing 210°T.  
        Maneuvered ahead.  
        Shadow was distinguished as a tanker.  
        Tanker zig zags at 40-50°.  
    07.02 DC 1311 Bow shot, target angle 70°, range = 600 meters, speed 10 knots,  
        Bow shot, target angle 80°, range = 500 meters, speed 10 knots.  
                                  Missed.  
        (After about 5 minutes a detonation was heard.)  
        Range was under estimated, boat turned hard away immediately after the 2nd shot and only came clear ahead of the bow of the tanker by 20 meters at 3 x AK.  
        New maneuver ahead.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.01.42      
    07.16   Bow shot, target angle 90°, range = 1300 meters, speed 7 knots  
                                  Missed!  
        All 3 shots from this short range are unexplained.  
    07.20   Ran off, because there are no more torpedoes below deck.  
        Course 90°.  
    08.00 DC 1321    
    08.10   Course 80°.  
    10.00   Course 90°.  
    12.00 DC 2111 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 143 nm  
      W 5, Sea 4, overcast                  Submerged =    22 nm = 165 nm.  
    13.03   Dived.  
    16.00 CA 8878    
    20.00 CA 8879    
    24.00 CA 8861    
                                                               
    25.01.42      
    00.40   Surfaced.  
    03.23   To B.d.U.:  
        Up to now 5 ships, 50000 GRT.  Of these 2 tankers, 1 passenger ship, 1 ore steamer.  Heavy traffic from the south for Hatteras.  Only 2 over deck torpedoes, request return transit.  Serial Number 39 of 21 January missing.  Square CA 88.  
                                                                      Zapp.  
    04.00 CA 8927 Course 80°.  
    06.31   From B.d.U.:  To Zapp:  
      [Square DD 18 = Bermuda] Begin return transit.  Attempt to move off to download.  Pass by square 18 of the large square east of DC.  Missing serial numbers are of no importance.  
    08.00 CA 9711    
    11.45   From B.d.U:  To Zapp  
        Well done.  Do not pass by square 18.  Delayed return transit.  
    12.00 CA 9733 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 136 nm  
      W 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy                  Submerged =    24 nm = 160 nm.  
    13.04   Dived.  
    14.00   Course 90°.  
    16.00 CA 9811    
    20.00 CA 9812    
    24.00 CA 9812    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.42
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
           
    26.01.42      
    00.05   Surfaced.  
    01.00 - 05.00   Torpedo transfer from the over deck.  
        After the transfer the wind increased again so strongly that the torpedoes could not have been transferred on subsequent days.  
    04.00 CA 9677    
    07.09   To B.d.U.:  
        At Hatteras sank:  
        18 January square 8487 tanker 9200  
        19 January square 8896 passenger freighter 9000  
        22 January square 1295 freighter 7500  
        24 January square 7968 CHARES BLACK and ore steamer 10000 GRT  
        On additional tanker 3 unexplained. 10 hits. 2 misses.  Have downloaded.  Square 98.  
                                                                      Zapp.  
    07.20   Course 80°.  
    08.00 CA 9686    
    12.00 CB 7475 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 134 nm  
      SbyW 3, Sea 2, fair                  Submerged =    22 nm = 156 nm.  
    13.19   Test dive.  
    13.39   Surfaced.  
    13.58   Course 80°.  
    16.00 CB 7469    
    20.00 CB 7567    
    24.00 CB 7655 From noon no weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      SbyW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast    
                                                               
    27.01.42      
    04.00 CB 8442    
    05.45   Course 90°.  
    08.00 CB 8439    
    09.58   Course 100°.  
    12.00 CB 8529 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 258 nm  
      SSW 7, Sea 6, overcast                  Submerged =     2 nm = 260 nm.  
    16.00 CB 8646    
    20.00 CB 8669    
    22.25   Course 80°.  
    24.00 CB 9483 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      WNW 5, Sea 3, overcast    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
           
    28.01.42      
    02.00   Course 90°.  
    04.00 CB 9547    
    08.00 CB 9582    
    12.00 CB 9593 Day's run:  Surfaced = 226 nm.  
      NW 3, Sea 2, fair    
    12.38 CB 9643 A smoke cloud in sight directly ahead.  Distinguished as a tanker.  
        Maneuvered ahead on general course 220°.  
    13.32   From B.d.U.:  
        Return harbors are for . . . . . . . .  
        . . . . . . . . Zapp Lorient . . . . . . . .  
                                                                      B.d.U.  
    14.14   Reached position ahead.  Steamer steers without zig zagging 240°.  Dived.  
        The boat was very difficult to hold at periscope depth in the high short swells.  Even at depth 13.5 meters the periscope is nearly continually swamped.  Also was unable to get a sound bearing, because of the swell and probably self noise in the boat which was stronger after stowage of the loading gear.  
    15.45   Sound bearing 220°T.  
        Tanker came in sight for a moment at target angle 5-10°, range 5-6000 meters; therefore abeam distance between 600-1200 meters.  
        Came to attack course.  
        As a result of continuous undercutting and swamping of the periscope the tanker first came in sight again at target angle 80°.  
        Because I believed incorrectly that the abeam distance was still 1000 meters, I thought that the tanker was a small vessel at most 100 meters long. (Actual length amounted to 134 meters)  
    16.00 CB 9911    
    16.03   Shots fired at target angle 95°, range 1000 meters.  
                                  Miss.  
    16.40   Surfaced, because there are no further sound bearings and the tanker is out of sight in the periscope.  
        After surfacing immediate artillery defense.  Due to high swell artillery operation by day is not promising.  
    16.47   Therefore crash dive.  
    18.12   Surfaced, tanker out of sight.  
        Tanker transmitted SSS and his name "BRITISH CORPORAL".  
    19.26   Because it is a 6972 GRT sized tanker and not a small vessel, pursued at 15 knots.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    28.01.42      
    20.00 CB 9885    
    23.51   Pursuit broken off because the tanker was not in sight up to darkness.  Course 70°.  
        The whole approach was subject to a deception. Apparently the tanker had settled after he was spotted at target angle 5-10°, so that the transverse distance was not 1000 meters but about 3000 meters.  Miss due to large parallax.  
    24.00 CB 9885    
      SE 3-4, Sea 3, overcast    
                                                               
    29.01.42      
    04.00 CB 9945    
    08.00 CB 9935    
    12.00 CC 7484 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 198 nm  
      S 5, Sea 4, overcast                  Submerged =   13 nm = 211 nm.  
    13.44   Test dive.  
    14.15   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CC 7469    
    20.00 CC 7551    
    24.00 CC 7535    
      SSE 7-8, Sea 7, overcast No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
                                                               
    30.01.42      
    04.00 CC 7378    
    08.00 CC 7394    
    11.47   Course 80°.  
    12.00 CC 8143 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 184 nm  
      SE 9, Sea 8, rain                  Submerged =     1 nm = 185 nm.  
    15.05   Course 70°.  
    16.00 CC 8135    
    17.00   Course 60°.  
    20.00 CC 5878    
    24.00 CC 5859    
      W 6, Sea 7, overcast No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
                                                               
    31.01.42      
    04.00 CC 5943    
    08.00 CC 5931    
    12.00 CC 6474 Day's run:  Surfaced = 178 nm.  
      WbyS 7, Sea 6, rain    
    13.11   Test dive.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 29.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    31.01.42      
    13.38   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CC 6459    
    20.00 CC 6463    
    24.00 CC 6525 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      WbyS 6-7, Sea 6, overcast    
                                                               
    01.02.42      
    04.00 CC 6299    
    08.00 CC 6385    
    12.00 CD 4157 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 242 nm  
      WbyS 6, Sea 5, cloudy                  Submerged =     2 nm = 244 nm.  
    16.00 CD 4219    
    16.04 CD 4233 Smoke cloud in sight bearing 50°T.  
        Matched; steamer steers about 90-100°.  
    20.00 CD 4315    
    24.00 CD 5115 No weapons use possible due to sea state.  
      W 6-7, Sea 5-6, cloudy    
                                                               
    02.02.42      
    01.30   Steamer was distinguished as a neutral with set lights and illuminated hull side.  
    01.45   Course 70°.  
    04.00 CD 5133    
    08.00 CD 2885    
    12.00 CD 2869 Day's run:  Surfaced = 279 nm.  
      NNW 7, Sea 6, overcast    
    13.47   Test dive.  
    14.30   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CD 2961    
    20.00 CD 3725    
    24.00 CD 3575 Weapons use only possible at times.  
      N 4-3, Sea 2-3, cloudy    
                                                               
    03.02.42      
    04.00 CD 3647    
    08.00 CD 3663    
    12.00 CE 1423 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 251 nm  
      NNW 4, Sea 3, rain                  Submerged =     2 nm = 253 nm.  
    14.38   Test dive.  
    15.14   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CE 1287    
    20.00 CE 1357    
    24.00 CE 2117    
      NE 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy    
                                                               
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42
Sun and Moon Data 01.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42
 
- 20 -
 
           
           
           
           
    04.02.42      
    04.00 CE 2135    
    08.00 CE 2221    
    12.00 BD 8999 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 252 nm  
      E 5, Sea 4, rain                  Submerged =     2 nm = 254 nm.  
    13.08   Test dive.  
    13.40   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BD 9759    
    20.00 BD 9818    
    21.43   From B.d.U.:   . . . . . . . . Zapp report weather on 5 February between 01.00 and 05.00 hours.  
    24.00 BD 9832    
      E 4, Sea 3, overcast    
                                                               
    05.02.42      
    04.00 BD 9685    
    04.16   To B.d.U.:  
        Short Signal weather report:  
        44°N, 26°W, 1024 mb, rising, +15°C, E 3-4, Cumulus clouds with precipitation in showers, Vis. up to 10 nm, low E-Swell.  
    08.00 BD 9666    
    12.00 BE 7419 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 241 nm  
      EbyN 3, Sea 2-3, showers                  Submerged =     1 nm = 242 nm.  
    13.15   Test dive.  
    13.48   Surfaced.  
    13.38   Course 80°.  
    16.00 BE 7515    
    20.00 BE 7532    
    24.00 BE 7388    
      E 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast    
                                                               
    06.02.42      
    04.00 BE 8174    
    08.00 BE 8192    
    12.00 BE 8259 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 267 nm  
      EbyN 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast                  Submerged =     2 nm = 269 nm.  
    13.18   Test dive.  
    13.51   Surfaced.  
    16.00 BE 8343    
    20.00 BE 8363    
    24.00 BE 9125    
      NE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast    
                                                               
    07.02.42      
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42
 
- 21 -
 
           
           
           
           
    07.02.42      
    04.00 BE 9211    
    08.00 BE 9231    
    09.09   Dived, proceeded submerged.  
    12.00 BE 6979 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 240 nm  
                         Submerged =   11 nm.  
    16.00 BE 6985    
    20.00 BE 6991    
    21.55   To B.d.U.:  
        Am 36 hours off return harbor.  
                                                                      U-66.  
    23.04   From B.d.U.:  
        Zapp will be off return harbor Lorient on 9 February at 10.00 hours.    B.d.U.  
    24.00 BF 4771    
      EbyN 2-3, Sea 3, rain    
                                                               
    08.02.42      
    04.00 BF 4759    
    08.00 BF 4851    
    09.12   Dived, proceed submerged.  
    12.00 BF 4914 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 142 nm  
                         Submerged =   24 nm = 166 nm.  
    16.00 BF 4915    
    20.00 BF 4916    
    20.19   Surfaced.  
    23.06   From B.d.U.:  
        Zapp and Hardegen will be taken under escort on 9 February at 10.00 hours at Point L 2.  
                                                                      B.d.U.  
    24.00 BF 5713    
      ENE 4, Sea 3, overcast    
                                                               
    09.02.42      
    04.00 BF 5575    
    07.18   To B.d.U.:  
        Will be at Lucie 2 this morning at 10.00 hours.  
                                                                      Zapp.  
    07.37   Dived, proceeded submerged.  
    08.00 BF 5585    
    12.00 BF 5585 Day's run:  Surfaced     = 152 nm  
                         Submerged =   26 nm = 176 nm. [typo act. 178 nm]
    16.00 BF 5585    
    20.00 BF 5584    
    20.31   Surfaced.  
        Proceeded on Lorient entry route.  
    20.46   From B.d.U.:  
        Escort for Zapp positioned on 10 February at 10.00 hours at Point Lucie 2.  
                                                                      B.d.U.  
    22.58   Short Signal to B.d.U.:  
        Request bearing signals from Transmitter II.  
                                                                      Zapp.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42
 
- 22 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.02.42      
    23.55   From B.d.U.:  
        Bearing transmitter II runs from 10-15 minutes and 40-45 minutes hourly until dawn.  
                                                                      B.d.U.  
    24.00 NE 3, Sea 1-2, fair    
                                                               
    10.02.42      
    07.20   2 dimmed patrol boats on opposite course in sight.  
    07.30   Patrol boats out of sight.  
    09.45 Point L 2 Taken in convoy  
    11.20   Escort ended.  
    11.40 Lorient Made fast Lorient.  
                                                               
                                                     Korv.Kpt. and Kommandant  
                                                                   "U 66"  
         
      General Remarks:  
              The weather was very unfavorable during the whole patrol except for a few days. Except for the first 3 days after departure and the American coast the boat experienced only heavy weather.  Also during the return transit unrestricted use of weapons was only possible in the last 4 days prior to return.  The bridge personnel were particularly heavily stressed under these circumstances.  
              Fortunately during pursuit and attacks the weather was favorable.  The sinking of the extraordinarily skilful zig zagging and 14 knot fast cargo and passenger steamer would not have succeeded if wind strength had been even 1-2 more.  
              Due to the effects of the continually bad weather, it was impossible to reach the operations area until 13 January 1942.  A radio message to this effect was not sent to preserve radio silence and because it was assumed that all the boats suffered equally under the bad weather conditions.  
              When the first situation and success message from "Hardegen" arrived on 18 January the prospect of a great success seemed very low to me, because late arrival in the operations area ruled out the element of surprise.   Success is only possible if the boat is undetected for some time, i.e. all ships were sunk quickly, the survivors needed more time to get ashore and ships could no longer send radio messages.  Therefore, the boat remained submerged by day approaching the coast and in the operations area.  
              All steamers in the operations area were identified at night, although they are all blacked out and the nights were quite dark.  All lookouts worked well.  Here Obersteuermann Frölich was particularly excellent and deserves special recognition.  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42
Sun and Moon Data 10.02.42
 
- 23 -
 
           
           
           
           
              Traffic situation:  The heaviest traffic was determined to be from the south to north to the "Diamond" Lightship to off "Cape Hatteras".  Here bunches of traffic are especially heavy and proceeds in all directions.  All beacons were extinguished and all steamers darkened.  The zig zags of the steamers were still very clumsy, except for the previously mentioned cargo freight-passenger steamer, who by his general course was probably an Englishman.  Medium traffic is present in squares CB and CC, apparently from/to South America and the Bermudas.  
              Surveillance:  During the inbound and outbound transits no surveillance vessels were noted.  In the operations area and on crossing the sinking location of the 1st tanker a medium sized fast vessel with a strong searchlight, therefore probably a warship.  By day two times aircraft were observed through the periscope to protect traffic in the vicinity of the 200-meter line at "Cape Hatteras".  A clear assessment of the surveillance conditions can not be made with the few observations.  
              Casualties:  One seaman had the Flu with a fever of 41°C, that however quickly fell again.  
      The behavior of the entire crew was impeccable in spite of the continuous bad weather and the day-long submergence without ventilation and heat up to 30°C.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 
 

     
     
                                             Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote  
                                            -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-  
                                            on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-66" from 10.11.41 - 10.2.42.  
                                            -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-  
     
     
                                                   A well conducted, very successful patrol.  
     
     
   

Signed in draft: D  ö  n  i   t  z  .

 
 
For correctness:  
            
                                                                              Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant  
     
     
     
 


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