U-99 - 7th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Lorient	27 November 1940	Lorient	12 December 1940	16

 

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Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
2 Dec 40	05.46 - 06.57	54°51'N, 18°25'W	HMS FORFAR (F 30)	16,402	British	HX-90
2 Dec 40	20.50 - 21.46	53°51'N, 18°15'W	SAMNANGER	4,276	Norwegian	OB-251
3 Dec 40	10.19	54°57'N, 18°15'W	CONCH	8,376	British	HX-90
7 Dec 40	22.39 - 23.41	52°09'N, 23°05'W	FARMSUM	5,237	Dutch	OB 252
			Total = 34,291
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.

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				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				========================
				of
				U  n  t  e  r  s  e  b  o  o  t  e  s    "  U  99  "
				==============================
				Beginning:         9 November 1940
				Ending:            12 December 1940
			Kommandant:              Kapitänleutnant    K  r  e  t  s  c  h  m  e  r  .
				© U-boat Archive 2024 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		09.11 40	Lorient	Shipyard.
		10.11.40	"	"        ; 25 men on home leave, accommodation of the rest in Quiberon.
		11.11.40	"
		14.00		Dry-docked in Basin II.
		12. - 18.11.40	"	Dry-dock.
		19.11.40	"	Shipyard.
		07.50		Un-docked, shifted to "ISERE".
		10.03		Shifted to charging station.
		20. - 21.11.40	"	Shipyard.
		22.11.40	"	Shipyard:  Return of the home leave men.
		23.11.40	"	Shipyard:  Torpedo loading.
		24.11.40	"	Shipyard:  Outfitting.
		25.11.40
		13.13 - 15.12		Made fast at the degaussing loops "AUDACIEUSE".
		26.11.40	"	Shipyard:  Outfitting.
		27.11.40	"	Loaded fresh provisions.
			"AUDACIEUSE"
		16.00		Departed behind mine escort to Point 5, from there with anti-aircraft escort by 2 Vorpostenboote to Point 2.
		18.26	Point 2	Test dive, -transit until the onset of darkness.
		20.00	BF 6173 lower-left
		20.41		Surfaced.  -tactical advance.
		24.00	BF 5529 center
			NNW 3, Sea 3, 2/10
		28.11.40	BF 5467 upper-right
		04.00	N 4, Sea 4, 5/10 (rain)
		08.00	BF 4669 upper-left
			NNE 4, Sea 4, overcast (rain)
		12.00	BF 4648 upper-center	Day's run since departing:  228.5 nm = 221.8 nm
			NE 4, Sea 4, overcast	6.7 nm
		16.00	BF 4529 upper-right
			ENE 3, Sea 3, 8/10

	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.40
	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.40

	- 2 -
		continued
		28.11.40
		20.00	BF 4278 lower-right
			E 3, Sea 3, 5/10
		24.00	BF 4182 upper-right
			E 2-3, Sea 2-3, overcast
		29.11.40
		04.00	BE 6353 upper-right corner
			SE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast
		08.00	BE 6232 upper-center edge
			S 3, Sea 2-3, overcast
		12.00	BE 3848 center-right	Day's run:  270 nm
			S 3, Sea 2-3, overcast
		16.00	BE 3731 lower-center
			S 4, Sea 3, 8/10
		20.00	BE 3449 center
			SW 4, Sea 3, 9/10
		24.00	BE 3177 upper-center
			SW 4, Sea 3, overcast mist (rain)
		30.11.40
		04.00	BE 2339 upper-center
			SW 2, Sea 2, overcast
		08.00	AL 9967 upper-right corner
			SW 2, Sea 2, 6/10
		09.40		Radio Message from B.d.U. to "U-99":  Occupy east-west line at the level of squares AM 44 and 47; focal point at the latter.
				Thereupon transit into operations area.
		12.00	AL 9689 upper-right	Day's run:  226 nm
		16.00	AL 9626 lower-right
			SW 3, Sea 3, overcast (rain)
		20.00	AL 9356 center-right
			SW 4, Sea 3, overcast
		24.00	AL 9323 upper-right
		01.12.40
		00.30		Entered the attack area.
		04.00	AL 6969 center-right
			SW 4, Sea 3, overcast (rain)
		04.45		Muzzle flashes and star shells bearing 320°T.
		05.07		Dived to listen if convoy was in the vicinity.
		05.16		A -detonation.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.40
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.40
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.40
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.40

	- 3 -
		continued
		01.12.40
		05.41		Surfaced, because only one propeller sound was heard, apparently from a U-boat, thereafter a burning ship in sight bearing 20°T.
		08.00	AL 6962 lower-right	I turned to the east, so as not to disturb the operating U-boat.
			W 3, Sea 3, 3/10
		11.21		Dived before an approaching aircraft from 140°T.
		12.00	AM 4746	Day's run:  165.5  163.5 nm, 2 nm
		12.50		Surfaced.
		14.15		A warship with one mast bearing 330°T.
		14.19		Dived because the vessel was approaching quickly.
		16.00	AM 4751 center
		16.15		Surfaced.  Attack periscope out of service, because it is leaking.  Boat is only ready for night attacks.
		19.21		On Radio Message from U-101 to B.d.U.:  Convoy square AL 5883, course 50°, 9 knots.
				Collision course at GF for the convoy.
		20.00	AM 4724 lower-right
			W 3, Sea 3, overcast (rain)
		24.00	AL 6686 upper-center
			NW 3, Sea 3, 3/10, high old W-Swell from the west
		02.12.40		Cannot hold GF in the seas, boat cut under completely once, altough the aft diving plane was also positioned 5° up.  The conning tower hatch closed by itself, so that no major intake of water occurred.  Significant under-pressure in the boat due to the diesels.  Bridge watch stayed safe because they  were strapped-in.
		03.15
		04.00	AL 6586 center
			NW 3, Sea 3, 4/10, high old W-Swell
				Highest speed is only HF due to the seas.
		05.14		A large shadow comes up bearing 70°T.  Initiated attack.  It is a large auxiliary cruiser - modern passenger-steamer with 2 smokestacks and one mast forward.  After mast capped.
		05.40 05.46		A destroyer in sight, coming from the east at high speed towards the boat.  Therefore a forced single shot - G 7a - from long range (3600 meters) on the auxiliary cruiser, afterwards dived.  Boat was overrun by the destroyer, which

	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.40

	- 4 -
		continued
		02.12.40		apparently wanted to join the convoy which, in the meantime, was reported in the next square.
				Torpedo detonation after 2 minutes 50 seconds, apparently a hit.  Auxiliary cruiser was no longer heard.
		06.12		Surfaced.  Auxiliary cruiser was stopped in an enormous oil slick, so a hit.
		06.25		Continual detonations in the vicinity, apparently torpedoes of a boat at the convoy.
		06.39		2nd torpedo on the auxiliary cruiser, Range = 930 meters.  Hit center.  No particular effect.  Ship shoots star shells and red stars.
		06.43		3rd torpedo on auxiliary cruiser, Range = 1215 meters, hit beneath aft smokestack.  No particular effect.  Ship set out no boats, apparently it was very buoyant.
		06.50		4th torpedo on auxiliary cruiser, Range = 1060 meters.  Hit at 1/3 length from the stern.  Ship settled deeper aft.
		06.57		5th torpedo on auxiliary cruiser, Range - 1140 meters.  Hit aft.  Stern breaks off, sinks with detonations of his depth charges, foreship sinks.
		07.04	AL 6581 center	Apparently the auxiliary cruiser sank with a large part of its crew.  It was type: "DUCHESS OF ATHOLL" Canadian Pacific.
			British Auxiliary cruiser "CALEDONIA" 17046 GRT
	[hand written note]		"FORFAR" 16418 GRT (type MONTCLAIR)
		07.12		Moved off for an approaching vessel, because all tubes are empty, reloading on the surface is not possible.  Dove to reload the 5 torpedoes.
		07.25
		08.00	AL 6581 center-right
		08.52		Surfaced and search for contact on the convoy.
		09.42		Parachute flares, apparently from an aircraft, over the sinking location of the auxiliary cruiser.
		10.14		Destroyer bearing 70°T, running to the sinking location.  Was forced off to the south.
		12.00	AL 6835 center-left	Day's run:  204.5 nm 194.5 nm, 10 nm
			SSW 4, Sea 3, 6/10, W-Swell	I can gain contact on the convoy around 18.00 hours if it takes the shortest route to the North Channel, maneuvered ahead.
		13.17		Freighter in sight bearing 80°T, steered zigzag course around about 225°, low speed, 8 knots.

Sun and Moon Data 02.12.40

	- 5 -
		continued
		02.12.40		Maneuvered ahead to attack, which can first take place at night due to the failed attack periscope.
		16.00	AL 6863 center
			S 4, overcast, SW-Swell
		20.00	AL 6885 lower-left
			S 5, 7/10, SW-Swell
		20.50		torpedo shot (G 7e), Range - 840 meters, hit center.  Steamer a 4-hatch freighter in ballast, with stern cannon and Norwegian flag, heeled to starboard.  Boats were launched.
		21.24 - 21.46		52 shots, of these 27 explosive and 25 incendiary shells, range = 1000 meters on the starboard side of the steamer.  About 30 hits, the bridge begins to burn quickly from an explosive hit. Soon the entire ship is in flames. Hatch I is flooded completely with water, Hatch II superstructure, Hatch III and IV burn after incendiary hits.  The new incendiary ammunition works very well. The ship, the Norwegian steamer SAMNANGER 4276 GRT is abandoned.  Did not wait for burning out or sinking.
			AL 6885 lower-right
			"SAMNANGER" Norwegian 4276 GRT
				In the meantime the convoy was reported again.  I am more than 150 nm behind it, therefore can no longer catch up before it enters the North Channel.
		24.00	AL 6882 upper-right
			SW 4, overcast, mist (rain)
		03.12.40
		04.00	AL 6828 upper-right
			SW 4, overcast
		08.00	AL 6585 center-right
			SW 4, 5/10
		xx.x4		A large ship bearing 280°T, type still not recognized in the darkness.  Ship lies stopped on an even keel without any list.  On coming closer, you can see in the twilight that the ship, a large appearing fully intact tanker, was completely abandoned by its crew.  Boats were not seen.  It is the

	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.40

	- 6 -
		continued
		03.12.40		British motor tanker "CONCH" 8376 GRT, apparently belonged to the convoy of the previous day, however was only slightly damaged and still could be easily towed.
		10.19	AL 6558 center	I sank the ship with a torpedo shot in the engine room.  Use of the cannon was not possible due to the Sea State.
			"CONCH" British 8376 GRT
		12.00	AL 6581 upper-center	Day's run:  155 nm
			SW 4-5, overcast, SW-Swell
		14.00		The Wehrmacht Report brings the name of the auxiliary cruiser from 1 December "CALEDONIA".  This passenger steamer had 3 smokestacks in sketches, however on 2 December still only 2, which were conspicuously far forward.  When it was upgraded as an auxiliary cruiser, not only the aft mast but also the aft smokestack was cut.
		14.30		Transit into newly ordered attack area square AM 49.
		16.00	AL 6552 center-left edge
			SW 4-5, overcast (fog)
		18.50		Radio Message orders from B.d.U.:  To all boats except those on return transit and "U-140":  Course south, transit speed go until completion.
		19.43		Radio Message orders from B.d.U.:  Occupy areas:
				U-43 area north of 53°N,
				U-99 area south therefrom, both with focal point AL 82.  Further at the level of 53°N,
				U-52 area with focal point at 19°W,
				U-94 are with focal point at 16°W,
				U-103 square AM 48.
				I steer to the new attack area by the shortest route.
		20.00	AL 6518 upper-left
			W 5, overcast
		20.30		Received Radio Message from B.d.U.:
				Eastbound convoy at about 53°N to AM 7173, course from there about 65°.
				Because a time is missing and on the previous direct course my speed is greatly reduced by the Sea State, initially came to the south to 53°N, from there on this latitude to the west in the ordered attack area.

Sun and Moon Data 03.12.40

	- 7 -
		continued
		03.12.40
		24.00	AL 6574 lower-right
			W 6, overcast
		04.12.40
		04.00	AL 6847 upper-right	No weapons use possible.
			W 10, overcast, rain
		08.00	AL 9214 center-right
			W 9, overcast, rain
		12.00	AL 9771 center-right	Day's run:  153.5 nm              [typo probably AL 9271]
			W 9, overcast (rain)
		14.00		At 53°N, course change to the west.
		16.00	AL 9198 lower-left	Hove to, no weapons use possible.
			W 10, overcast
		20.00	AL 9196 lower-left
			W 10
		22.50		Radio Message from B.d.U. to "U-99":  Report weather daily at 03.00, 13.00, 17.00 hours.
		23.56		Dived to listen.
		24.00	AL 9195 center
		05.12.40
		03.49		Surfaced.
		04.00	AL 9194 lower-left
			S 7, overcast, mist (rain), W-Swell
		07.17		Dived to listen.
		08.00	AL 9185 center
		08.37		Surfaced.
		12.00	AL 9174 center-right edge	Hove to, no weapons use possible.
			W 10, overcast	Day's run:  66 nm = 57 nm
				9 nm
		16.00	AL 9179 center-left edge
			W 11, 7/10, (fog, rain), Vis, 1 nm
		17.56		Dived due to bad visibility (1000 meters).
		20.00	AL 9412 center

	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.40

	- 8 -
		continued
		05.12.40		Surfaced, hove to, no weapons use possible.
		2x.xx		A large freighter bearing 90°T, course about 250°, passed the boat at a distance of 500 meters.  I decide to attempt a torpedo shot despite the weather (Wind Strength 11).
		2x.xx	xxx, 7/10	Torpedo shot from 500 meters; of course a miss.
		24.00	AL 9411 center
			xxx, 5/10
		06.12.40
		04.00	AL 9x36 center-right	No weapons use possible
			xxx, overcast (hail, rain)
		08.00	AL xx38 lower edge right
		12.00	AL 8538 upper-left	Day's run :  55 nm = 46 nm
			xxx, 6/10, (hail)	9 nm
		1x.xx		Dived to reload the torpedo.
		16.00	AL xx32 lower-left
		xx.xx		Surfaced, no weapons use possible.
		20.00	A xx98 upper-left
			xxx, 8/10
		24.00	AL xx95 lower x corner
		07.12.40
		04.00	AL xx31 upper-center
			xxx, overcast (rain)
		08.00	AL xx26 center-right
		xx.xx		A steamer bearing 100°T, course 250°.
		xx.xx		Dived for attack.  Day attack had to be given up because the conning tower periscope is out of service; extension of the control room periscope is not possible due to the Sea State.
		12.00	AL 8529 center	Day's run :  55 nm = 44 nm
				11 nm
		1x.xx	xxx, 5/10, Swell	Surfaced.  Held contact for night attack.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.40

	- 9 -
		continued
		07.12.40
		13.45		The following Radio Message was overheard on the 600-meter wavelength:  AGHIA EIRINI, position 52°38'N - 22°52'W at 10.51 GMT want immediate assistance.  29 on board.  All holds full of water.
				I intend, after sinking the steamer in sight, to operate on the "AGHIA EIRINI".  This ship, a Greek of 4330 GRT must be sunk with artillery.
		16.00	AL 8546 lower-right
			WNW 6, 6/10
		20.00	AL 8456 lower-right
			W 4, overcast, high NW-Swell
		22.39	AL 8473 center	Torpedo shot, range = 550 meters.  Hit at the stern above the waterline.  According to Radio Message from B.d.U., from today ETOs were to be shot with depth settings of 2 meters.  Due to this shallow setting the torpedo broke through the water surface several times and during such a leap detonated on the side of the hull.  The speed loss was so great that the torpedo hit took place at the stern despite the very low shot range and exactly matched shooting data.  Effect:  The superstructure on the stern with the cannon was ripped overboard.  No water intake.
			SSW 5, confused high Swell
			"F A R M S U M "
				Steamer stopped, transmitted name and position; a part of the crew went into the boats.
				It is the Dutch steamer "FARMSUM" 5237 GRT.
				Sinking or shooting on fire with artillery is not possible due to the strong Swell.
		22.50		Coup de grâce G 7e with depth 2 meters, range = 600 meters.  Torpedo continually broached and made a bayonet.  Its running track is followed up to the target.
				Hit in the stern, hard below the waterline.  No particular effect.

Sun and Moon Data 07.12.40

	- 10 -
		continued
		07.12.40
		23.41		2nd coup de grâce, G 7e, depth:  3 meters, range = 570 meters.  Straight run and depth steering was now (with depth setting 3 meters) considerably better.  Torpedo hit at the aim point between bridge and smokestack.  Significant effect.  Ship capsizes to port and sinks 3 minutes after the hit.
				After the most recent experience I believe the depth setting of the G 7e of 2 meters in the Sea State is incorrect.  Due to the continuous broaching the strait run, speed and effect on the target were greatly impaired.
		23.46		Course for the position transmitted by "AGHIA EIRINI" at 13.45 hours.
		24.00	AL 8473 upper-right
			SSW 6, overcast
		08.12.40
		02.30		Nothing seen of the ship in the position from "AGHIA EIRINI" also in the area.  Because I have continually monitored the 600-meter wavelength, I would have known of the sinking of this ship.  Therefore it only remains that the ship shifted in the direction of the North Channel.  I follow on this course.
		04.00	AL 8422 lower-right corner
			SW 7, 8/10
		08.00	AL 8198 lower-edge right
		09.23		Radio Message received on the 600-meter wavelength:  "AGHIA EIRINI", lost every try to come near the shore in spite of the ship's holds full of water.  The helm is out of action now again.  Position at 07.25 GMT 53°35'N - 18°12'W.
		09.25		Radio bearing stations at Land's End and Malin Head give him his bearings.
				This gives a position of 54°07'N - 18°29'W for "AGHIA EIRINI".  I now steer for this position at HF.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.40

	- 11 -
		continued
		08.12.40
		11.50		Received a telegram from "AGHIA EIRINI" on the 600-meter wavelength.
				"AGHIA EIRINI" received:
				The Admiralty - No hope to come near the shore.  We are asking your immediate help.  Helm out of use.  Ship is full of water three days ago.  No ship came to our rescue three days ago.  Position 54°06'N 18°18'W approx.  - Master.
		12.00	AL 8282 upper-left	Day's run :  Surfaced       167.5 nm  =  172.0 nm
			W 6, 7/10, Short Swell	Submerged       4.5 nm  ========
		12.43		A large passenger steamer bearing 158°T NE-course, high speed.  Maneuvered ahead.  Ship is apparently an auxiliary cruiser.
		15.25		Dived for destroyer bearing 348°T.  Destroyer ran off to the east.  Nothing is heard of from the auxiliary cruiser in the GHG.
		16.00	AL 8235 lower-left	Port E-motor fails, can only still go at KF.
		16.20		No further sound bearings, surfaced without prior all around sweep because conning tower periscope is out of service.
		16.21		Dove immediately again, because auxiliary cruiser bears 120°T, 2-3 nm away lying stopped.  Very long diving time with one E-motor.  In the GHG is heard that the auxiliary cruiser now ran off.
		16.30		The sounds of 2 destroyers and impulses from a locating destroyer which overran were heard in the GHG.
		16.52		One destroyer overran the boat and threw 10 well-placed depth charges.  No failures in the boat except for diving plane indicators and gages on the main switchboard.
				I ran off at depth T = 45 meters [actual depth 90 meters] against the seas.  However no new attacks followed.
		20.00	AL 8226 lower-left
		2031		Surfaced.
				I ran back, to find the auxiliary cruiser and the destroyers again.  They appeared

Sun and Moon Data 08.12.40

	- 12 -
		continued
		08.12.40		as if they had met at a common waiting station.  So far a convoy was not detected.
		21.36		Neither the auxiliary cruiser or the destroyers were found at the old position.  I went once gain to the south in my own attack area.
		24.00	AL 8266 left edge upper
			W 6, overcast (rain)
		09.12.40
		04.00	AL 8299 upper-left corner	Examination of the E-motor showed that it cannot be returned to service with on-board means.  Because the diving times in the Sea State with one E-motor off are lengthened to an unacceptable degree, I began the return transit to Lorient.
			Wyn 7, overcast (rain)
		04.22		Short Signal to B.d.U.:  Have begun return transit due to mechanical malfunction.  U-99.
		08.00	AL 8566 upper-right
			W 7, 6/10, (rain)
		12.00	AL 9711 center-right	Day's run :  Surfaced       160 nm  =  172 nm
				Submerged      12 nm  ========
		16.00	AL 9782 center
			W 7, 6/10
		20.00	BE 2248 upper-left
		24.00	BE 2537 center
		10.12.40
		04.00	BE 2913 center
		08.00	BE 2992 lower edge left
		12.00	BE 6145 lower-right	Day's run :  Surfaced  304 nm
		16.00	BE 6274 upper-left
		20.00	BE 6532 center
			W 6, 9/10
		24.00	BE 6653 center
		11.12.40
		04.00	BF 4483 upper-left corner
			NW 5, 8/10
		08.00	BF 4585 center-left
		12.00	BF 4678 upper-left	Day's run :  Surfaced  320 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.40

	- 13 -
		continued
		11.12.40
		13.12		Dove.  Proceeded submerged for 6 hours, to be able to go through coastal waters during the night high tide.
		16.00	BF 4686 center
			High old Swell
		19.03		Surfaced.
				An attempt to convert the empty main ballast and reserve fuel oil tanks could not be carried out correctly because the operation of no less than 18 valves on and under the upper deck was not possible in rough seas.  This downright fair-weather arrangement can no longer be used in mid-Atlantic weather, so that desirable buoyancy condition "A" can only be established in theory.
		20.00	BF 4696 upper-left
			NW 3, overcast (rain), high old Swell
		24.00	BF 5589
		12.12.40
		04.00	BF 5529 center
		xx.x5		Ile de Groix in sight.
		xx.30	Point 2
		xx.44		Anchored off Port Tudy Roadstead next to Sperrbrecher No. 1.
		xx.40		Weighed anchor.
				Entered.  Escort by Sperrbrecher I.
		x.1.42	Lorient	Made fast alongside "AUDACIEUSE".
				Kapitänleutnant

	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.40
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.40

 

	Enclosures to U-99's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the documents
ChartA	Transit to and from operations area
ChartB	Period in operations area
Torpedo	Torpedo firing reports

 

	Comments of the B.d.U.
	Very successful, well executed patrol.
		Signed in draft:  Dönitz
		For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
		The Chief of the Operations Department.

---

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