U-96 3rd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	30 January 1941	St. Nazaire	28 February 1941	30

 

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
13 Feb 41	15.08 - 17.31	60°03'N, 17°00'W	CLEA	7,987	British	HX-106
13 Feb 41	19.50 - 20.16	60°15'N, 16°48'W	ARTHUR F. CORWIN	10,516	British	HX-106
18 Feb 41	02.27 - 03.25	61°14'N, 18°10'W	BLACK OSPREY	5,589	British	HX-106
22 Feb 41	15.49 - 15.52	58°45'N, 16°12'W	SCOTTISH STANDARD	6,999	British	OB-288
23 Feb 41	23.27	59°39'N, 21°00'W	ANGLO-PERUVIAN	5,457	British	OB-288
24 Feb 41	00.16	59°45'N, 20°48'W	LINARIA	3,385	British	OB-288
24 Feb 41	02.20 - 08.36	59°39'N, 21°00'W	SIRIKISHNA	5,458	British	OB-288
			Total = 45,391
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.

 

This KTB uses the depth notation "depth T = xx meters"  Under this scheme, the actual depth was twice the depth given after T = so for example, if the KTB entry read "depth T = 50 meters, the actual depth was 100 meters.  This was intended to hide the actual depth for security purposes. This notation was used from about January 1940 to December 1941.  In these KTBs, depths written without using "T =", for example "dived to depth 35 meters" were not so disguised.

 

---

			Copy No.  . . . 1 . .
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				Unterseeboot  "  U  96  "
				Kommandant:  Kaptlt. Lehmann Willenbrock
				Beginning:        22.1.1941
				Concluding:     28.2.1941
				Distribution:     "U96" Copy No.    1 7. U-Flottille        "    2 B.d.U.-Op.-        "    3 B.d.U.-Org.-        "    4 O.K.M.        " 5 + 6
				Enclosures: 1.) 1 Track chart for Copy No. 1-5 2.) 12 Torpedo firing reports for Copy No. 1-2 3.) Excerpt of the Radio Log for Copy No. 1-5 4.) Officer-Only Radio Messages (only for Copy No. 1)
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		22.01.41	Lorient, Harbor	14.11 hours made fast alongside Gun boat "SUREILANTA".  Muster and greeting by the Flottillen-Chef.
				Kptlt. Dommes assigned.
		23.01.41	Shipyard
		09.00		Began service.  Muster by Kommandanten.
		11.30 - 13.00		Lunch break.
		13.15		Muster by the Kommandanten (Award of the U-boat War Badge to 31 men).
		13.40		With tug assistance cast off and shifted to dry dock.  Entered Dock 3.
		24.01.41
		09.00 - 11.30		Work service (provisions offload).
		13.30 - 16.00		Over charging.
		25.01.41
		09.00 - 11.30		Work service.
		13.45		Muster by the Kommandanten (Award of 2 Iron Cross I and 8 Iron Cross II)
		14.40		Undocked.  Shifted with E-motors.
		15.05		Made fast (alongside AILETTE).
		16.05		Cast off to shift.
		16.30		Made fast (Alongside "AUDACIEUSE").
		26.01.41		Sunday routine.

	- 2 -
		continued
		26.01.41		The following work took place during at the shipyard:
				Repaired foot valve slider, overhauled the fuel injectors position indicators, 1 cylinder head sealed, piping repaired, fuel meter repaired, super charger  clutch and 2 cooling water pumps overhauled, gyrocompass converter and exhaust air repaired, conning tower rebuilt and repainted, over deck overhauled, galley and head painted, 8.8 cm cannon overhauled, radio direction finder resealed.
		27.01.41	Lorient, Harbor
		09.00 - 11.30		Work service (fuel oil loading).
		13.30 - 16.00		Work service.
		28.01.41	Lorient, Harbor
		09.00 - 11.30		Work service.
		13.30 - 18.30		Work service (torpedo loading (10 units), lubricating oil loading).
		29.01.41	Lorient Harbor
		09.00 - 11.30		Work service. (4 torpedoes loaded).
		13.30 - 16.00		Dry provisions loaded.
		16.12		Cast off.
		16.34		Dived for trim test.
		16.52		Surfaced.
		17.28 - 19.40		Degaussing.
		20.08		Made fast alongside "AUDACIEUSE".
		30.01.41	Lorient, Harbor
		09.00 - 11.30		Final adjustments, fresh provisions loading.
				Afternoon:
				Individual outfitting on board
				Kptlt. Linder                                )  Assigned aboard
				Fähnr.z.S. v. Waldeyer-Hartz       )
				Mtr.Ob.Gefr. Staats                      ) on leave
				"     "     "     Stolnik                    )
		18.05		Cast off proceeded in convoy up to Point 2.
		19.56		Released from convoy.

Sun and Moon Data 30.01.41

	- 3 -
		continued
		30.01.41
		19.58	Course 140°	Steered on outbound route to Point 33C.
		20.00	BF 6184
			SW 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 1
		20.44	Course 180°
		21.35	Course 250°
		24.00	BF 5539
			SW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. medium, Swell 1
		31.01.41
		02.37	Course 270°
		04.00	BF 5551
			SW 3, Sea 2, 7/10 (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 1
		08.00	BF 5461
			NW 2, Sea 1, 7/10 (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 1
		08.26	Course 300°	Outside the 200-meter line headed to the operations area west of the North Channel.
		08.47 - 10.13		Test dive depth T = 70 meters [actual depth 140 meters] in square BF 5453.
		12.00	BE 5416	Day's run:  Surfaced       175 nm
			NW 2, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. medium, Swell 1	Submerged       3 nm
		16.00	BF 4392
			NW 3, Sea 2, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 1
		16.30	Course 296°
		20.00	BF 4346
			NbyW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		24.00	BF 4232
			NbyW 4, Sea 4, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 3
		01.02.41
		04.00	BF 1879
			N 5 (6), Sea 4, 5/10 (6) rain, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		08.00	BF 1767
			NbyE 5, Sea 4, 6/10 (7), Vis. good, Swell 3
		09.00	Course 335°
		09.30	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  6 nm in 168°T.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.01.41
	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.41
	Sun and Moon Data 01.02.41

	- 4 -
		continued
		01.02.41
		12.00	BF 1752	Day's run:  Surfaced  211.1 nm, Submerged  0 nm
			NW 4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. medium, Swell 1
		16.00	BF 1713
			NNW 4-5, Sea 3, 9/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3
		19.54		Crash dive for training.  Torpedo maintenance.
		20.00	BF 1448
			NW 4, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		22.18		Surfaced.
		24.00	BF 1417
			NW 2, Sea 1, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 1
		02.02.41
		04.00	BE 3361
			NW 4, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 3
		08.00	BE 3322	Radio Message from B.d.U.:
			W 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3	"A daughter arrived for Ob.Masch Johannsen."
		09.40	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  3 nm in 105°T.
		12.00	AM 7957	Day's run:  Surfaced  179 nm, Submerged  4.9 nm
			NNE 5 (6), Sea 3-4, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 3
		16.00	AM 7918
			NNE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 4
		20.00	AM 7677
			N 4, Sea 2-3, 9/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 2
		24.00	AM 7568
			NbyW 5, Sea 3, 7/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3
		03.02.41
		04.00	AM 7537
			NbyE 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		08.00	AM 7285
			N 3, Sea 1-2, 2-3/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 1
		10.25		Radio Message from B.d.U.
				"Report position by Short Signal."
		11.25	Course 0°
		10.46		Short Signal
				Position square AM 72.
				U-96
		12.00	AM 7219	Day's run:  Surfaced  155.5 nm, Submerged  0 nm
			N 2, Sea 1-2, 0-2/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		12.40		Radio Message from B.d.U.
				"Attack area is square AL 58,67, 82 and 91."
		13.05	Course 270°	Came to course for the center of the assigned attack area.
		16.00	AM 7133
			NNW 2-3, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. very good, Swell 1

	Sun and Moon Data 01.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 02.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 03.02.41

	- 5 -
		continued
		03.02.41
		16.15 - 16.38		Determined deviation of the magnetic compass from the gyro compass.
		17.47 - 18.09		Dived for aircraft bearing 280°T, course 180°, range 6000 meters.
		19.30	Course 170°	Maneuvered ahead of a smoke feather for a while, turned out to be an observation error.
		19.45		αα Signal from U-107
				"Convoy in sight square AL 0264, SW-course."
		20.00	Course 270°
			AM 7129
			N 2, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. very good, Swell 1
		20.50		Urgent from B.d.U.
				"U-103, 52, 123, 96 operate on U-107 convoy."
		21.00	Course 275°	Ran towards the convoy based on plotting for own speed 12 knots convoy speed 8 knots.  Distance is 330 nm.  Intercept is possible as early as 5 February at 01.00 hours.
		22.15		αα Signal from U-107
				"Convoy in sight square AL 0257."
				By this Radio Signal the convoy is located about 18 nm further west than the position at 20.00 hours.
		22.39		On the 600-meter wavelength received:
				"Degmqo 56°54'N 20°22'W torpedoed, sss."
		24.00	AL 9334
			SSW 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		04.02.41
		01.58		Radio Message from U-107
				"Convoy dissolved, forced off, contact lost . . . .".
		04.00	AL 9235
			S 4, Sea 2, clear sky, Vis. good, Swell 2
		03.22		Radio Message from B.d.U.
				"Pursue if there is prospect of attack by the afternoon, otherwise take up attack area again."
		08.00	AL 9213	Operation hopeless, at the earliest meeting is possible at night.  Proceeded to the attack area at 1 diesel LF, remained on course 275°.
			S 3-4, Sea 2, overcast mist (rain), Vis. low, Swell 2

	Sun and Moon Data 03.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.41

	- 6 -
		continued
		04.02.41
		10.45		Crash dive for training.  Remained submerged due to low visibility.  (depth T = 70 meters [140 meters], square AL 9133).  Torpedoes adjusted.
		11.50		Reached attack area (square 91).
		12.00	AL 9133	Day's run:  Surfaced  212 nm, Submerged  3.2 nm
			No observation, misty rain
		13.15 to 13.25		Distant depth charge detonations, 20 depth charges.
		14.45		Surfaced.  boat ventilated.
		14.56		Dived again due to poor visibility.
		16.00	AL 9132
			No observation
		19.32		Surfaced.
		20.00	AL 9131
			WSW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 3
		24.00	AL 6779
			WNW 3-4, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. medium, Swell 2
		05.02.41
		00.03 - 00.42		Dived to listen.
		03.02 - 03.45		Dived to listen.
		03.34		Sound, slow running diesel, bearing 235°T, shifting to 240°T.  Surfaced, ran towards, nothing sighted.
		04.00	AL 5899
			W 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, very dark night, Swell 2
		04.13 - 04.20		Dived to listen, sound bears 210°T.  Sound is considerably louder.  After surfacing ran towards the sound bearing.
		04.25	Course 210°
		05.00 - 05.45		Dived to listen, sound is fainter in 210°T, pursued.
		06.45 - 08.42		Dived to listen.  Sound  bears roughly north.  From the type of sound a U-boat was accepted.
		07.35	Course 30°	Hunt broken off.
		08.00	AL 8229
			W 2-3, Sea 2, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 2
		08.47	Course 0°
		09.15 - 14.06		Lying stopped.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.41

	- 7 -
		continued
		05.02.41
		12.00	AL 8237	Day's run:  Surfaced  68.2 nm, Submerged  20 nm
			W 4, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2
		16.00	AL 8229
			W 4, Sea 2, overcast rain, Vis. low, Swell 2
		14.18 - 18.43		Dived due to poor visibility, rain front from the south.
		19.00	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  6.5 nm in 48°T.
		20.00	AL 8223
			NW 5, Sea 3, 6/10 (mist), Vis. changing medium, Swell 3
		21.44 - 23.18		Dived.  High Volume Radio reception while tuned to the 600-meter wavelength.  It is possible that the steamer is nearby.  Visibility is only 2 nm.
		22.10 - 23.00		Changed course to get sound bearings.
				Sounds in 75°T.  Was determined to be the same as in the previous night.  Only a very slow running diesel, disappeared.
		24.00	AL 5885
			NW 4, Sea 2-3, 8/10, Vis. good changing, Swell 2
		06.02.41
		04.00	AL 5845
			WbyN 2-3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 2
		03.55 - 04.25		Dived to listen.  Sounds were no longer heard.
		06.30 - 07.50		Lying stopped.
		08.00	Course 0°
			AL 5841
			SWbyW 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 1
		07.58 - 10.50		Dived to maintain the torpedoes.
		12.00	AL 5814	Day's run:  Surfaced  68.2 nm, Submerged  20 nm
			SWbyW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		13.30	Course 110°
		13.44 - 15.52		Dived due to poor visibility.
		16.00	AL 5811
			SWbyS 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		19.00 - 01.11		Lying stopped.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.41

	- 8 -
		continued
		06.02.41
		20.00	AL 5824
			SWbyW 8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. low, Swell 5
		24.00	AL 5825
			SbyW 6-7, Sea 5-6, Vis. low, Swell 5
		07.02.41
		01.11 - 02.15		Hove to course 220°.
		02.14 - 11.37		Lying stopped.
		04.00	AL 5825
			W 5-6, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. low, Swell 4
		08.00	AL 5823
			W 4-5, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. medium, Swell 4
		11.57	Course 95°
		12.00	AL 5831	Day's run:  Surfaced  34 nm, Submerged  3.3 nm
			WSW 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3
		15.36		Noon latitude, difference between dead reckoning and actual position 0.7 nm in 180°T.
		16.34	Course 150°
		20.00	AL 6742
			SW 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 2
			Course 80°
		21.30 - 22.00		Dived to listen.
		23.59 - 00.30		Dived to listen.
		22.00 - 10.1x		Lying stopped.
		24.00	AL 6751
			SWbyW 3-4, Sea 2, overcast (rain), Vis. low, Swell 2
		08.02.41
		04.00	AL 6751
			SWbyW 3, Sea 2, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 2
		08.00	AL 6728
			WSW 3, Sea 2, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 2
		10.00	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  90°T, 15 nm.
		10.10	Course 25°
		12.00	AL 6736	Day's run:  Surfaced      65 nm
			SWbyW 5-6, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 4	Submerged   2.5 nm
		15.30	Noon latitude, 1.2 nm in 0.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.41

	- 9 -
		continued
		08.02.41
		16.00	AL 6763
			SWbyW 6-7, Sea 4, 4/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3
		19.20	Course 210°
		19.36		Short Signal sent to Norddeich:
				"No traffic."
				Short Signal was not confirmed.
		20.00	AL 6788
			W 4-5, Sea 3-4, 8/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3
		21.00	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  7.5 nm in 259°T.	Since departure no steamers have been sighted.
		22.00 - 09.00		Lying stopped.
		24.00	AL 6791
			W 4, Sea 3-4, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		09.02.41
		04.00	AL 6792
			W 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		08.00	AL 6792
			W 4, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		09.00	Course 180°.
		10.00	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  4.5 nm in 290°T.
		10.17		Radio Message from B.d.U. to U-96:
				"Immediately give Short Signal weather report."
		10.41		Sent Short Signal weather report.  Contained an encoding error.
		11.16		Short Signal weather report sent correctly encoded.
		12.00	AL 6797	Day's run:  Surfaced      43.5 nm
			WSW 4, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 3	Submerged       0 nm
		16.00	AL 9164
			W 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		20.00	AL 9194
			WbyN 5, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
			Course 320°
		20.06		Short Signal to B.d.U.:  "No traffic."    U-96.
				Short Signal was confirmed by a Radio Message at 20.55 hours.
		20.45	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  3.8 nm in 172°T.
		22.20		Radio Message from B.d.U. with new assignment of the attack area.
				". . . . U-96 square AL 32 and AM 11 . . . "
				Transit speed.
			Course 15°	Began transit to new attack area on both diesels LF.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.41

	- 10 -
		continued
		09.02.41
		24.00	AL 9164
			W 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		10.02.41
		04.00	AL 9195
			W 4, Sea 2-3, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		08.00	AL 6811
			W 3, Sea 2, 6/10, Swell 2, Vis. good
		10.10	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  6.5 nm in 73°T.
		10.28 - 10.51		Crash dive for training to balance the boat.
		12.00	AL 6554	Day's run:  Surfaced      198.5 nm
			W 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1	Submerged      1.3 nm
		16.00	AL 6285
			SbyW 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		20.00	AL 6234
			S 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		20.45	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  6.5 nm in 242°T.
		24.00	AL 3968
			S 2-3, Sea 2, 9/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 2
		11.02.41
		04.00	AL 3874
			SE 3, Sea 1-2, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		08.00	AL 3813
			SbyE 4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 2
		12.00	AL 3627	Day's run:  Surfaced      253 nm
			SEbyS 6, Sea 4-5, overcast mist, Swell 4, Vis. poor	Submerged      0 nm
		12.03		2 destroyer sighted bearing 60°T, bow left, target angle 70°.  It is not known if we were sighted.  Weapons use is not possible, therefore went very deep.  Depth T = 75 meters. .[150 meters]
		12.05		Crash dive.
		12.06 - 13.07		Changing courses.  By sound bearings the destroyer steers a zigzag course.  Main course by observed target angle NW.
		13.07		Surfaced.
		13.10	Course 0°
		15.24 - 19.00		Dived due to poor visibility, rain front.
				Torpedoes ventilated and adjusted.
		16.00	AL 3487
			No observation
		20.00	AL 3481
			SSE 6-7, Sea 5, overcast (mist), Vis. low, Swell 5

	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 10.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 11.02.41

	- 11 -
		continued
		11.02.41
		23.45		Reached attack area.
		24.00	AL 3287
			SSE 5-6, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 4
		12.02.41
		04.00	AL 3254
			SSE 7, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium
		05.00	Course 200°
		08.00	AL 3254
			EbyS 6, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 5
		10.11		Radio Message from B.d.U.:  "All attack areas including U-73 except for "U-123" shift 50 nm to the north."
		10.51	Course 0°
		12.00	AL 3246	Day's run:  Surfaced      225 nm
			SSE 6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 5	Submerged   8.2 nm
		16.00	AL 3216
			SE 7-8, Sea 6, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 6, freshening
		17.30		Reached new attack area.
		17.40 - 21.30		Dived due to high sea and bad visibility.
		20.00	AE 8776
			No observation
		24.00	AE 8746
			SE 6, Sea 5, Vis. medium, Swell 5
		13.02.41
		02.00	Course 200°
		04.00	AE 8745
			SEbyE 4, Sea 4, 6/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 4
		08.00	AE 8772
			SEbyE 4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		12.00	AE 8774	Day's run:  Surfaced      191 nm
			SEbyE 4-5, Sea 4, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 4	Submerged      7 nm
		12.32		Tanker in sight bearing 210°T, course 120°.  Maneuvered ahead for submerged day attack.
		14.07		Dived.  Tanker makes slight zigzags around 120°.  Low speed.
		15.08		1 G 7e stern shot taken.  Hit center, tanker burns immediately and breaks in the center.  Strong smoke development at the detonation.  Shooting data:
				Target angle bow right 85°, speed 9 knots, lead angle 18°, range = 600 meters.  By running time = 34 seconds = 510 meters.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 12.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.41

	- 12 -
		continued
		13.02.41
		15.10	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  30 nm in 204°T.	Surfaced.  Tanker works with difficulty in the large seas and breaks apart at the hit position.  The crew goes in 4 life boats and 1 raft.  Both parts still float, the bridge is burned out.
				Name found on the bow:  Tanker "CLEA" London, 7987 GRT.  A cannon astern, on each bridge wing there is an armored observation position with slits.
		16.00	AL 3279
			SEbyE 4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		16.10 - 16.45		Artillery manned and 83 8.8 cm rounds shot at both parts of the ship that continue to float with a heavy list.  Stern sinks at 16.59 in square AL 3279.
		17.31		Fore ship floats vertically however still with the name out of the water.  Fired at the fore ship with MG C/30.  Side of the hull was hit, compartments ventilated the fore ship sank slowly.
		17.42		Smoke cloud in sight bearing 330°T.  Ran towards.  Shifts to starboard.  Maneuvered ahead to attack.
		17.56	Course 10°
		18.15	Course 40°
		18.47		Changing courses.
		18.55		It is seen that the ship is smoking amidships.  Fiery glow.  It is a tanker.  Runs at low speed, 7 knots, course about 120°.
				Attack on the surface is possible, because I am coming out of the smokescreen.  On closing the name is found to be:  "ARTHUR F. CORWIN", London, 10516 GRT.
				On the 600-meter wavelength at 17.12 hours received:  "ARTHUR F. CORWIN" 60° 20' N, 17° 11' W torpedoed 14.39 hours.
				I accept that U-103 is nearby and has torpedoed the tanker, therefore from 19.15 - 19.40 hours repeatedly gave Underwater Telephone Recognition Signals, no answer.
				Initiated attack.
		19.50		Shot 1 G 7e.  Hit center.
				Shooting data:  Target angle bow left 80°, speed 6 knots, lead angle 12°, range = 500 meters, running time 44 seconds = 660 meters.
				At the detonation strong co-detonation of the fuel, heavy smoke and coil of fire.  Oil running out continues to burn on the water.  Fire spreads out.  Creates a hazy smoke cloud and strong fiery glow in the sky.
				Steamer settles deeper, however continues to run.  Crew is still partly on board and is located astern.  3 cannons on the superstructure aft cannot be manned due to the heavy smoke.  No lifeboats are seen.  Initiated a new surface attack, because

Sun and Moon Data 13.02.41

	- 13 -
		continued
		13.02.41		waiting with the tell-tale  fiery glow and the sky full of black smoke cloud is dangerous.
		20.00	AL 3281
			SEbyE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. medium, Swell 2
		20.16		Shot 1 G 7e, on the surface.  Hit under the after mast.  The same effects.  Steamer stops, settles deeper astern.  The side of the hull at the hit position is torn out over a length of 10 meters.  Shooting data:
				Bow left target angle 90°, enemy speed 4 knots, lead angle 8, range = 400 meters, running time 24 seconds = 360 meters.  The fire on the water spreads rapidly.  Must back away energetically.
				20.22 and 20.25 hours detonations on board, apparently tanks going high order, gasoline or ammunition.  Tanker now lies burning.  Torpedoes seem sufficient for sinking.
		20.30 - 20.57		Dived to listen.  Propeller sounds bearing 10°T, shift to 310°T.  260 later 120 RPM.  Turbine.  Destroyer suspected.  Moved off submerged.  After surfacing a destroyer with 4 smokestacks illuminated by the fiery glow, type "DERSEY" (American) distinguished, apparently lies stopped at the wreck.  Want to close and attack the destroyer from the dark horizon against the fiery glow.  Distance is about 4000 meters.  On starting the diesel the destroyer comes towards at high speed.
		21.17		Crash dive.  Silent running at depth T = 70 meters.  [140 meters] Continued to move off, sounds become distant.
		22.26		Surfaced.  Intent to lie in wait to see if the tanker sinks.  Reloaded torpedoes, charged the battery.  Destroyer is still at times in the vicinity of the wreck, seen bearing 300°T, 6 nm against the fiery glow.
		23.30 - 01.54		Lying stopped.
		24.00	AL 3285
			SEbyE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast (hail), Vis. medium, Swell 2
		14.02.41
		01.59		Changing courses around 300°.
				Steamer does not sink, fire is slowly dies off.  I decide to close once more and give a coup de grâce.
				Ran in the vicinity of the tanker, from 02.51 hours with E-motors, so that I cannot be heard by the destroyer.
				On coming closer, recognized that the tanker is

	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.41

	- 14 -
		continued
		14.02.41		broken at the hit position before the aft superstructure.  Both parts are still connected by the flying bridge.  The fore ship is twisted sideways and awash.
		04.00	AL 3273
			SEbyE 3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. medium, Swell 2
		04.35		Dived to listen and wait.  Believe that a further coup de grâce is not necessary.  Destroyer sounds heard.  Destroyer was distinguished in the periscope.  Attempted to reach position for a stern shot, however the destroyer turns away. Apparently he had seen me before diving.  Went to depth T = 70 meters [140 meters] when the destroyer turned towards.  The destroyer passed by ahead, S-gear locating heard.
		04.56		4 depth charges, fall too late.  The boat had reached depth T =  55 meters.  [110 meters] The G.H.G. fails (tubes jumped from the filter amplifier).
		05.00		Changing courses around 60°.
				Steered changing courses, to lose the destroyer.  Was approached several times.  No longer in the vicinity.  No further depth charges.
		07.08		Surfaced, moved off at high speed into own attack area.
		07.10	Course 350°
		08.00	AL 3246
			SEbyE 3, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		11.30		Again in old attack area.
		12.00	AE 8767	Day's run:  Surfaced      180 nm
			S 6, Sea 4-5, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 4	Submerged   15.5 nm
		1x.30	Course 25°
		16.00	AE 7987
			SEbyE 6, Sea 4-5, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 4
		17.45 - 20.43		Dived.
		20.00	AE 8744	Heard 6 depth charges, 20.15 hours 3 depth charges, long range.
			No observation
		21.00	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  1 nm in 270°T.
		24.00	AE 8718
			EbyN 5, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. medium, Swell 4
		15.02.41
		02.00	Course 150°
		03.25		Light seen bearing 240°T.  Ran towards.  Small fishing trawler with set lights, course 140°.  Did not attack.  Probably a patrol vessel.
		04.00	AE 8718
			NE 5, Sea 3-4, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 3

	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.41

	- 15 -
		continued
		15.02.41
		08.00	AE 8757
			NE 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		08.20		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"English aircraft reports 14 February 15.00 hours convoy about AE 8811.  Course presumably 285°."
				Am positioned about 130 nm behind the convoy.  Pursuit is hopeless with the inexact position.
		10.00	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  6 nm in 6°T.
		12.00	AE 8782	Day's run:  Surfaced      81 nm
			NE 4, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 3, later rain and hail squalls, Vis. changing	Submerged    6 nm
		15.25		Changing courses.
				Large steamer bearing 240°T comes out of a rain squall.  Target angle 0°, very close.
		15.30		Dived for submerged attack.  Steamer zigzags away and shifts ahead quickly.  Shooting range 4000-5000 meters.  Inexact shooting data.
		16.00	AE 8786
			ENE 6, Sea 4-5, overcast (passing showers hail), Vis. changing medium, Swell 4
		16.08		Gave up attack.  Steamer had passenger superstructure, one large canted smokestack, 2 masts, estimated size 14000 GRT.
		16.12		Surfaced.  Attempted to maneuver ahead to the south.  Steamer runs quickly and passes out of sight in a rain squall.  I cannot run at high speed due to the high head sea.
		17.55		Broke off pursuit.  Weapons use is no longer possible.  Dived.
		17.56	Course 330°
		19.38		Heard 6 depth charges, far off.
		20.00	AE 8797
			No observations
		20.41		Surfaced.
		22.30		Light bearing 20°T.  Suspected patrol vessel.  Let him go.
		24.00	AE 8786
			NEbyE 5, Sea 3-4, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		16.02.41
		04.00	AE 8758
			NE 6, Sea 5, 3/10, Vis. good, Swell 5
		06.00	Course 190°
		07.00		Light on the patrol vessel comes in sight once more.
		08.00	AE 8758
			NE 5, Sea 4-5, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 5

	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.41

	- 16 -
		continued
		16.02.41
		10.00	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  275°T, 20 nm.
		12.00	AE 8775	Day's run:  Surfaced      102 nm
			NEbyN 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 4	Submerged      8 nm
		14.00	Course 325°
		16.00	AE 8774
			EbyS 5 (6), Sea 4, 5/10 (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 4
		17.45 - 19.57		Dived.
		18.10		Heard 4 depth charges, far off.
		20.00	AE 7993
			ENE 6, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. medium, Swell 5
		21.30		Radio Message from B.d.U.:  "Occupy new attack areas:  . . . . U-96 square AE 7949 . . . . all boats depth 40 nm."
				It is 30 nm to the new attack area.
		22.08		Dived due to large sea and low visibility.
		23.15	Course 309°
		23.39		Sound bearing 0°T.  Growing louder.  Shifting to 330°T.
		23.55		Surfaced.  Steered changing courses by the sound.  Nothing seen.
		24.00	AE 7965
			ENE 7, Sea 5-6, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 5
		17.02.41
		00.23 - 08.26		Dived, listening speed.
		04.00	AE 7964
			No observation
		08.00	AE 7961
		08.04		One depth charge detonation, far off.
		09.00		Reached new attack area.
		10.00	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  8 nm in 308°T.
		11.00	Course 180°
		12.00	AE 7928	Day's run:  Surfaced       50 nm
			ENE 6, Sea 4, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 3	Submerged  18.7 nm
		16.00	AE 7958
			NE 5, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		20.00	AE 7988
			NEbyE 5, Sea 3, 8/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3
		21.00	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  333°T. 6 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.41

	- 17 -
		continued
		17.02.41
		21.00	Course 350°
		24.00	AE 7988
			NEbyE 5-6, Sea 4, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 3, very dark night
		18.02.41
		01.47		Steamer sighted bearing 260°T.  Zigzag course around 120°. The red glow from the smokestack was seen far away.  Maneuvered ahead to determine shooting data.  Initiated attack.  Steamer zigzagged towards, as a result shooting range was very short.  Shot because I believed range was greater than 200 meters.
		02.27		Shot one G 7a..  No effect observed.  Shot hit without detonation, probably below the safety range, the steamer stopped.
				Shooting data:
				Target angle bow right 80°, enemy speed 8 knots, lead angle 11°, estimated range = 300 meters.
		02.28		Dived, to not be seen.  Initially still propeller sounds, shifted ahead.
		02.35		Surfaced to maneuver ahead again.  Steamer is very close.  Sharp or very broad target angle.  Assumed ramming position.
		02.38		Crash dive.  Moved off submerged.  No propeller sounds heard.
		03.08		Surfaced.  Steamer lies abeam to port, stopped, athwart the sea.  Am now certain that the shot hit but did not detonate.
				Maneuvered with E-motors to attack.
		03.25		Shot 1 G 7e.  Hit between bridge and smokestack.  In the listening gear three sympathetic detonations heard, probably boiler explosions.  Steamer was down by the bow, hurriedly set out boats and sank at 03.37 hours after 12 minutes over the fore stem.
				Shooting data:
				Target angle bow right 70°, speed 0, lead angle 0°, estimated range = 700 meters, running time 53 seconds = 795 meters.
				At 03.27 hours the steamer transmitted on the 600-meter wavelength:  sss, 61°14'N, 18°10' W BLACK OSPREY torpedoed.
				Ships position is good.
				"BLACK OSPREY" is 5589 GRT.  English Admiralty gave a U-boat Warning.
				At 05.25 hours Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"English U-boat Warning for square AE 7967 on 18 February at 05.00 hours."
		03.39 - 05.20		Dived to reload.

	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.41

	- 18 -
		continued
		18.02.41
		04.00	AE 7983
			No observation
		05.30	Course 230°
		08.00	AL 3113
			NE 4-5, Sea 3, 7/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3
		09.00	Course 350°
		12.00	AE 7979	Day's run:  Surfaced       92 nm
			NE 5, Sea 3-4, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3	Submerged   3.3 nm
		16.00	AE 7949
			NNE 4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		20.00	AE 7918
			NNE 4, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		21.00	Course 180°
		24.00	AE 7948
			NNE 3, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. medium, dark night, Swell 2
		19.02.41
		04.00	AE 7978
			NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. medium, Swell 2, dark night
		01.55 - 03.36		Dived to listen.
		06.00 - 08.15		Dived to listen.
		06.36	Course 350°
		08.00	AL 2236
			No observation
		12.00	AE 7978	Day's run:  Surfaced       103 nm
			NNE 3-4, 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 3	Submerged     6.9 nm
		16.00	AE 7847
			NbyE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast (snow), Vis. medium, Swell 2
		16.40		Radio Message from B.d.U.:  ". . . . U-96 . . . . Course southeast, high speed."
		16.48	Course 135°
		18.15		"kr kr"
				1.)  Own aircraft report:  14.30 hours convoy square AM 3443, 45 medium steamers, course west.
				2.)  20 February at 12.00 hours:  U-73, U-107, U-48, U-96, U-69, U-103 be in patrol line from square AM 2111 - AM 2377, depth 6 nm.
				3.)  2 Italian U-boats lengthen patrol line to the south.
		19.08	Course 108°	Position in patrol line is square AM 2314.  Will reach position at 12 knot transit speed at 12.00 hours.
		20.00	AL 3122
			NNE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast (snow), Vis. medium, Swell 2

	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.41

	- 19 -
		continued
		19.02.41
		20.49		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"Own air reconnaissance from 20 February 09.30 hours.  Stand by for bearing signals on 581-meter wavelength."
		21.21		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"U-103" begin return transit.  U-73, U-107, "U-48", U-96, "U-69" at 12.00 hours in patrol line from square 2111 to square 2377."
				New position for "U-96" is 15 nm to the south.  Will reach position at 14 knots at 12.00 hours.
		24.00	AL 2291
			NbyE 4 (5), Sea 3-4, 8/10, Vis. low, Swell 4, Vis. predominantly low, Swell 3
		20.02.41
		00.30	Course 103°
		04.00	AM 1148
			NbyE 5, (4), 5/10, Vis. low, Swell 4
		08.00	AM 1333
			NbyE 6, Sea 4-5, overcast, Vis. bad, Swell 4
		08.35		Light sighted bearing 30°T.  Ran towards.  It is a patrol vessel on a southeasterly course.
				From 09.00 hours manned receiver on 581-meter wavelength.
		10.55		Received baring signals from aircraft bearing 136°T.  Aircraft send "a, a, a, great hurry".
		10.56	Course 135°	Ran on the bearing.
		11.43		"kr kr" from B.d.U.:
				"Air reports:  Convoy square 2393, course 300° at 10.50 hours.  Search for contact."
				Continued to run on the bearing.  The reported position must have a large navigation error.
		12.00	Course 150°	Day's run:  Surfaced       280 nm
			AM 1468	Submerged       0 nm
			NNE 5, Sea 4, 7/10 snow, Vis. changing mostly good. Swell 4
		12.30		New bearing received in 150°-153°.  Quite fast shift.
		12.33	Course 170°	From the bearing shift for westerly course of the convoy plotted a lead angle of 20° and ran on a collision course at 16 knots.  Accepted enemy speed 6-7 knots.
				No further bearings were received.  Nothing sighted.  At 16.00 hours the boat is located at the most southerly point that the convoy could have reached by plotting the shift of the bearing ray.  Intent to search further

	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.41

	- 20 -
		continued
		20.02.41
				on course 300°.
		15.19		kr kr from B.d.U.:
			Next meridian latitude, position line:  Az = 190° Δ Z = -2.4'	"U-73 to U-69 form patrol line from square AM 2178 to square 2518.  Highest speed."
				My position is AM 2378, distance 28 nm.
		15.30	Course 20°
		16.00	AM 2517
			NNE 4-5, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 4
		17.05		Smoke feather sighted bearing 60°T.  Ran towards.  It is a patrol vessel on southeasterly course.  Ran back to position.
		17.37		Destroyer sighted, 2 smokestacks, bearing 280°T on easterly course.
		17.41 - 18.15		Dived to not be seen.  Attack is not possible due to sea state and distance.  Shifted quickly.
				From 18.00 hours back and forth in position.
		20.00	AM 2378
			NW 4, Sea 3m 9/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		20.30		kr kr from B.d.U.:
				"Supposed convoy position 12.30 hours in square AM 2514, course 240°, 6 knots.  U-73 - U-69 take up position in patrol line from square AL 3821 to square AL 0362 at highest speed."
				Distance to new position is 168 nm.
		20.45	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  20 nm in 276°T.
			Course 235°
		22.00	Course 224°	Course to new position in patrol line.  By my plot of the convoy there is a possibility of meeting at 03.30 hours.
		24.00	AM 1642
			NW 3-4, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		21.02.41
		00.39 - 04.08		Dived to listen.
		05.15 - 05.38		Dived to listen.
				With the first listening sound bearing 270°T, 180 RPM.  Apparently a destroyer.
		04.00	Course 245°	Ran with 20° lead angle, because convoy is suspected.  With 2 dives no further sounds were heard.  Therefore it was assumed to be a destroyer proceeding independently.
			AM 1731
			NNW 3, Sea 3, overcast (hail), Vis. medium, Swell 3
		05.33	Course 220°
		08.00	AM 1745
			NWbyN 2-3, 3/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		09.25	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  7.5 nm in 84°T.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.41

	- 21 -
		continued
		21.02.41
		11.00		In assigned position in patrol line.
		11.15		Sighted a German U-boat 500 ton type.  Ran towards and came within hailing range.  It is "U-69".  Experience exchange.
		12.00	AL 0332	Day's run:  Surfaced       284.5 nm
			NW 3, Sea 2-3, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 2	Submerged       2.5 nm
			Course 270°
		12.40		kr kr from B.d.U.:
				"Own aircraft report:
				Convoy 10.30 hours square AL 3861, westerly course, low speed.  Search for contact."
		13.00	Course 300°	Operated on plotted intercept for the convoy.  Meeting expected about 16.00 hours.
		16.00	AL 3873	Up to 18.00 hours on old course 300°, I believe I passed ahead of the convoy.  Searched for contact on southwesterly course.
			NW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 5/10 rain (hail), Vis. medium, Swell 2
		19.00	Course 210°
		20.00	AL 3792
			NbyW 3, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 2
		21.00	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  7 nm in 56°T.
		21.23		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"U-73, U-107, U-48, U-96, U-69 break off search at 21.00 hours.  Course NE, transit speed.  Report position and possible return transit."
		21.37	Course 45°
		21.48		Sent Short Signal:  Position square AL 37.
		24.00	AL 3793
			N 2, Sea 1-2, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		22.02.41
		04.00	AL 3819
			NbyE 2, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		08.00	AL 3698
			NNE 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		09.30	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  120°T, 2 nm.
		09.30	Course 0°	Took course to square AL 3494
				According to Radio Message from B.d.U. on 22 February at 07.23 hours a damaged tanker was reported there.
		10.22		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"Occupy attack areas . . . . U-96 between 61°30' and 60°18N, 12°00' and 13°54'W."
		10.35		Aircraft bearing 350°T, 6000 meters away, course 250°.
		10.36 - 10.50		Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.41

	- 22 -
		continued
		22.02.41
		12.00	AL 3668	Day's run:  Surfaced       101.5 nm
			NNW 1, 6/10, Vis. good, Swell 1	Submerged         0 nm
		12.32 12.35	Changing courses	Mast in sight bearing 340°T.  Made out as a tanker lying on an easterly course.  Maneuvered ahead to attack.  Got ahead quickly.  Tanker lies stopped.  It turns out that the tanker is damaged.  Position differs from that reported by 30 nm.
		13.10		Dived for submerged approach.  The tanker is not protected.  Apparently 2 bomb hits.  1st bomb hit astern, smokestack is bent.  2nd bomb hit forward, because the tanker lies very deep forward.
		14.35		Sound bearing 290°T.  Nothing seen.
		14.40		Destroyer distinguished bearing 300°T.  4 smokestacks.  Attempt to shoot a 3-fan.
		14.52		The destroyer zigzags towards me, runs at quite low speed.  Went to depth T = 70 meters. [140 meters]  Was overrun by the destroyer.  S-impulses perceived.  No depth charges.  Suspect that the destroyer hear us while we closed the tanker at increased speed.
		15.35		Sounds were fainter and disappeared in 170°T.  Went to periscope depth.  The destroyer is not seen.  Executed attack on tanker.  Large ship, about 10000 GRT.
		15.49		Shot 1 G 7e.  Hit before the bridge.
				Tanker is down by the bow further.  Propellers come out of the water in the swell.
				Shooting data:
				Enemy speed 0 knots, lead angle 0°, bow left target angle 90°, range 600 meters, running time 34 seconds = 510 meters.
				Turned to enemy course.  While turning the destroyer was heard at 260 RPM.
		15.52	[presumably depth 140 meters but the entry was not written in T = 70 meters notation]	Shot 1 G 7a.  Aim point before the after superstructure.  Hit heard, effect not observed because immediately after the shot went to depth 70 meters.  Zigzag course, main direction north.
				Shooting data:
				Enemy speed 0, lead angle 0°, bow left target angle 90°, range 400 meters, running time 21 seconds = 315 meters.  Destroyer comes very close.  S-gear pursuit.
		16.11 - 21.14		37 depth charges.  The first depth charges lie closest, depth charges fall individually or in 6 charges.  After the first depth charges temporary failure of the main drain pump.  Destroyer loses the boat.  Depth charges detonate further away, apparently around the shooting position.
		16.00	AL 3661
			No observation

Sun and Moon Data 22.02.41

	- 23 -
		continued
		22.02.41
		20.00	AL 3637
			No observation
		20.58		Surfaced.  Destroyer and tanker are no longer seen.  Distance from tanker by plotting is 7 nm.
		21.15	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  6 nm in 90°T.
		21.25		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"To U-73, U-96, U-69, U-123:  If up to 21.00 hours no U-boat has contact form reconnaissance line from square AL 2658 to square AL 2869 and at 10.00 hours course 65°, speed 7 knots . . . ."
				Am missing about 20 Radio Messages.
		21.15	Course 250°	Set course for the reconnaissance line.  At 22.45 hours a Radio Message was repeated and decoded from U-73 concerning contact on a convoy in square 1369, southwest course, low speed.
				I believe that the still missing Radio Messages are also contact keeping reports.  Position ahead of the convoy course is favorable, plotted on convoy course of 240°, intercept point is then 01.00 hours.
		22.50	Course 100°
		24.00	AL 3639
			N 2, 3/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
			Course 135°
		23.02.41
		01.00	Course 315°
		01.02 - 02.17		Dived to listen.  Sounds coming closer, from the NE, 180 RPM.
				On surfacing nothing seen.  Probably a destroyer proceeding independently.  Went back on the old course line (135°) to search.  No further contact reports follow from U-73.
		04.00	AL 3636
			N 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		04.40	Course 250°	Course to the reconnaissance line.  At highest speed can first reach our point in reconnaissance line at 12.30 hours.
		08.00	AL 3641
			NbyW 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		09.39		Changing courses
		09.40		Smoke feather bearing 340°, distinguished as a convoy.  Held contact.
		09.45	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  53°T, 6 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.41

	- 24 -
		continued
		23.02.41
		10.06		αα Signal:
				"Convoy in sight square AL 3552.  Enemy steers southwesterly course."        "U-96"
		11.22		U-boat in sight bearing 90°T.  Boat dives at 11.32 hours.
		11.30		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"U-96" send bearing signals in accordance with Kriegsmarine Order 205."
				Bearing signals were given from 12.15 to 19.45 half-hourly.
		11.50		αα Signal:
				"The correct position of the convoy is square AL 3528."
		12.00	AL 3552	Day's run:  Surfaced       183.5 nm
			NbyW 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good, Swell 1	Submerged        25 nm
		13.44		αα Signal:
				"Convoy located square 3387, steers northwesterly course."
		14.46		"Convoy located square 3376."
		15.34		"Convoy located square 3374."
		16.45		"Convoy located square 2496."
		17.43		"Convoy located square 2491."
		18.55		"Convoy located square 2483."
		19.37		"Convoy located square 2458."
				Visibility is very good.  Contact keeping on the standing smoke feathers and mast heads is easy.  No aircraft. Screen is not distinguished.  The convoy proceeds in three columns.
		15.19		1 steamer proceeds to the south.  Avoided it.
		15.22		U-boat, on coming closer "U-69"  -  continues on and remains in the vicinity.
				"U-69" and "U-73" report contact on the convoy by Short Signal.
		16.00	AL 3511
			NbyW 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		19.18		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"U-96"attack free after darkness.  In the course of this continue contact keeping reports."
		20.00	AL 2473	After 21.00 huors maneuvered ahead for attack.  Initially the night is favorable for attack.  The convoy proceeds in three columns, apparently somewhat staggered to port and set out.  Apparently ahead several destroyers.  A tanker is positioned there.  1 destroyer behind the 3rd column.  Steamers are widely separated, poorly organized.  Initiated attack on the port side of the 2nd column and
			NW 2-3, Sea 2, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 2

Sun and Moon Data 23.02.41

	- 25 -
		continued
		23.02.41
		22.56		Shot 1 G 7a on the outer steamer, about 5000 GRT.  Depth setting 3 meters.  Miss.
				Shooting data:
				Bow left target angle 90°, speed 8.5 knots, lead angle 17°, range 1500 meters.
				Initiated a new attack on the same steamer.  In so doing the 3rd column made a zigzag to port.  As a result I am in the middle of the convoy.  A large steamer with a passenger superstructure has target angle bow right 5, astern to starboard and mmediately shot at this.  As the target angle increased recognized as an auxiliary cruiser, gaff ensign, camouflaged, cannons, partly with shields.  2 masts, many stub masts.
		23.27		Shot a double shot G 7e.  Both hit between the bridge and the after mast, close together. With the 2nd hit heavy sympathetic detonation, powder stench, strong pressure wave perceived in the boat.  Auxiliary cruiser breaks in two and sinks after 9 minutes in square AL 2441.
				Shooting data:
				Target angle bow right 90°, speed 8 knots, lead angle 16°, range 500 meters, running time 30 seconds = 450 meters.
				Convoy goes in every directions.  Steamers zigzag constantly.  Hung on to two medium steamers.  Turned off to the NE and closed up a bit.  Other groups proceed in a similar fashion.
		22.53		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"Question contact."
		23.56 - 00.15		Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				"Convoy square AL 2441."    "U-96"
				Was not repeated.
				Strong Northern Lights display, apparently receiving and transmitting conditions are strongly impaired.  Control is only heard with Volume 1.
		24.02.41
		00.16		Shot 1 G 7e at a freighter about 4500 GRT.  Hit astern.
				Shooting data:
				Speed 8 knots, bow left target angle 90°, lead angle 16°, range 700 meters, running time 24 seconds = 360 meters.
				After the detonation artillery attack from the steamer located astern ro starboard.
		01.18		Crash dive.
		01.35		Surfaced.
				The hit steamer sinks over the stern post in square AL 2418.
		01.46		A medium steamer in sight bearing 170°T, course NW, estimated size 8000 GRT.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.41

	- 26 -
		continued
		24.02.41
				Modern ship, cruiser stern, 2 masts, astern 2 stump masts.  Closed to attack and
		02.20		Shot 1 G 7e.  Hit center.  Steamer remains lying stopped and blows off steam.  Crew goes into the boats.
				Shooting data:
				Bow right, target angle 90°, speed 9 knots, lead angle 18°, range = 600 meters, running time 43 seconds = 645 meters.
				Remained in the vicinity, to await sinking.
				Will then pursue to the NW to contact keep.
				All torpedoes below deck are expended.
				From the SOS calls on the 600-meter wavelength it is clear that the other boats are also on it and shooting.
		03.08		Radio Message to B.d.U.:
				"Convoy is dissolved in groups.  Pursuing to the NW.  Square AL 2417."
		03.46		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"If you have contact on a group of several steamers, send bearing signals."
				The hit steamer does not sink, remains lying with a list.
		03.15 - 05.30		Moved off, took the forward over deck torpedo below and prepared it for shooting.
		04.00	AL 2417
			NW 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 1
		07.51		Dived and proceeded submerged.
		08.36		Shot a coup de grâce.  Hit center, this time on the starboard side.  Steamer breaks in two and sinks quickly.  Square AL 2441
				Shooting data:
				Speed 0, lead angle 0°, target angle bow right 130°, range = 500 meters, running time 18 seconds = 270 meters.
		08.00	AL 2417
			No observation
		08.38		Surfaced and began return transit.
				Pursuit is now no longer necessary.  All boats have contact.  (Radio Messages!)
		09.39		Sent Radio Message on request from B.d.U.:
				"Return transit Lorient.  5 weeks shipyard.  From convoy 1 auxiliary cruiser, 2 steamers, previously "CLEA", "ARTHUR F. CORWIN", "BLACK OSPREY" tanker damaged by air. total 55600 GRT.  Square AL 2363."
		11.29		Destroyer in sight bearing 260°T, target angle 0°.  Was seen.
		11.30		Changing courses.  Crash dive, went to depth T = 70 meters [140 meters] and steered zigzag course.  Overrun by destroyer, S-gear, with 2nd approach depth charges.  Lay close, however over the boat.

Sun and Moon Data 24.02.41

	- 27 -
		continued
		24.02.41
				Destroyer now works only with listening gear.  He apparently heard the sounds from the boat however very inexactly.
				Gradually the depth charges fall further away.
				Quite calm water.
				Up to 15.00 hours 35 depth charges.
		12.00	AL 2487	Day's run:  Surfaced       199 nm
			No observation	Submerged        4 nm
		15.20		Destroyer is no longer heard.
		16.50		Surfaced.  Destroyer sighted bearing 170°T, sharp target angle.
		16.55		Crash dive.  Moved off to the west.  By sound bearings the destroyer goes past behind.
		17.30	Course 228°
		20.00	AL 2615
			No observation
		20.40	Course 180°	Surfaced.
		22.00	Course 150°
		24.00	AL 2687
			N 2, Sea 1-2, 9/10, Vis. medium, Swell 1
		25.02.41
		04.00	AL 2895
			NbyE 2, Sea 1, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 1
		08.00	AL 3981
			NbyE 2, Sea 1, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 1
		12.00	AL 6267	Day's run:  Surfaced       170 nm
			NbyE 2-3, Sea 1, 7/10, Vis. very good, Swell 1	Submerged     25.5 nm
		14.36 - 14.52		Test dive.
		16.00	AL 6642
			NNE 1-2, Sea 1, 2/10, Vis. very good, Swell 1
		20.00	AL 6937
			SEbyE 1-2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. very good, Swell 1
		21.10	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  18 nm in 270°T.
		24.00	AL 9336
			SEbyE 2, Sea 1, 6/10 (rain), Vis. good, Swell 1
		26.02.41
		04.00	AM 7187
			SSE 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. good, Swell x

	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.41

	- 28 -
		continued
		26.02.41
		08.00	AM 7496
			ESE 4-5, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 3
			Course 143°
		10.00	Course 170°
		12.00	AM 7841	Day's run:  Surfaced       214 nm
			SSE 4, Sea 3-4, 8/10 (rain), Vis. changing, Swell, 3	Submerged     1.1 nm
			Course 143°
		16.00	BE 3223
			SSE 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast (rain), Vis. changing, Swell 3
		20.00	BE 3374
			SEbyS 4-5, Sea 3-4, overcast (rain), Vis. good, Swell 3
		24.00	BE 3652
			S 5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
		27.02.41
		03.00		Sent Short Signal:  "Position 36 hours off return harbor."
				Was confirmed.
		04.00	BE 3699
			S 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
		07.00	Course 116°
		08.00	BF 1725
			SbyE 4, Sea 3, overcast (rain), Vis. medium, Swell 3
		10.00 - 10.32		Test dive.
		11.30	Course 130°
		12.00	BF 1844	Day's run:  Surfaced       284.5 nm
			SbyE 3-4, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 3	Submerged      1.0 nm
		12.53		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"U-96 return transit to St. Nazaire."
		16.00	BF 1887
			SE 4, Sea 3-4, 5/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		16.47		Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				"Escort for "U-96" will be at Point N 1 on 28 February at 15.00 hours."
		17.06		Short Signal:  "Position 24 hours off return harbor."
				Was not confirmed.
		20.00	BF 4351
			SWbyW 4, Sea 3-4, 7/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		20.45	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  13 nm in 246°T, inexact due to indistinct horizon
		21.53		Radio Message to "U-96", "U-123":

	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.41

	- 29 -
		continued
		27.02.41
				Hearty congratulations from the Führer.
				Ob.d.M.
		22.30	Course 113°
		24.00	BF 4395
			SbyW 3-4, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. good, Swell 3
		28.02.41
		04.00	BF 5426
			SbyW 3-4, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
		07.30	Course 90°
		08.00	BF 5556
			SbyW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. good, Swell 3
		10.45	Navigation fix:  sun and soundings: difference between dead reckoning and actual position:  10 nm in 124°T.
		11.30	Course 70°
		12.00	BF 6459	Day's run:  Surfaced       311 nm
			SbyW 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. medium, Swell 3	Submerged        0 nm
		13.00		Zigzag course around 70°.
		14.10	Île du Pilier in sight, bearing 0°T
		14.55		Proceeded with escort.
		18.00		Made fast St. Nazaire Lock.
		[Wilhelm Richter, commander of the 716th German infantry division]		Reception by Flottillen Chef and Divisionsgeneral, Generalleutnant Richter.
		18.19		Cast off.
		18.34		Made fast in the dock.
				Remaining distance:
				Surfaced      40 nm
				Submerged    0 nm
				Summary:
				Duration of the patrol:  30 days
				of which cruise duration surfaced      600 hours 50 minutes
				submerged  102     "    10      "
				Distance covered:    Surfaced   4816 nm
				Submerged    188 nm
				Consumption:  Fuel oil              110.08 cbm
				Lubricating oil      1190 kg
				Drinking water     2595 kg

	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.41
	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.41

	- 30 -
				13 torpedoes were fired, of these 12 torpedoes hit, 1 missed.
				Of the hits 8 torpedoes were attack shots, of these 1 failure (below the safety distance), 4 coup de grâce torpedoes.
				Sunk were:                                 55600 GRT
				Of these from convoy
				1 auxiliary cruiser,          estimated 9000 GRT
				1 steamer                            "         8000    "
				1 steamer                            "         4500    "
				Independents:
				Tanker "CLEA"                             7987 GRT
				"      "ARTHUR F. CORWIN  10516   "
				air damaged tanker
				estimated 10000   "
				Steamer "BLACK OSPREY"           5589  "

 

	Enclosures to U-96's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log
Torpedo	Torpedo firing reports

 

	Commentary of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	An excellent patrol.
	On 20 February a Radio Message concerning the bearing direction of the aircraft could have clarified the situation.  For the future this will be a basic procedure.
		Signed in draft:    D  ö  n  i  t  z
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote.
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -
		Signed in draft:    G  o  d  e

 

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