U-995 - 8th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Harstad	3 February 1945	Narvik	6 March 1945	32

 

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
2 Mar 45	13.16	69°19'N, 33°34'E	BO-224	105	Soviet
			Total = 105
Note:  The position in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=
		"  U  9  9  5  "                                  6th Patrol.                    Kommandant:  Oberleutnant z.See  H  e  ß
				Beginning:    7.1.45.
				Ending    :    6.3.45.
			Distribution:   Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 1     Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine Copy No. 2     Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine 2.Skl.B.d.U.-Op- Copy No. 3     Kommandierenden Admiral der Unterseeboote Copy No. 4     Führer der Unterseeboote Nordmeer Copy No. 5     Führer der Unterseeboote Ausbildung Copy No. 6     Kommando der 27. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 7     Kommando der 13. Unterseebootsflottille Copy No. 8
			Enclosures: To Copy No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 1 Track chart   2 Combat sketches  "      "        "    3, 5, 8. 4 Torpedo firing reports  "      "        "    3, 4, 8.
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Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB

	- 3 -
		07.01. - 02.02.45		Idle time Narvik.
		03.02.45
		00.02	SE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 6000-7000 meters, 1007 mb	Departed Harstad (BLACK WATCH).
		05.41		Passed Schwarz 25.  Headed for AC 80 in accordance with Outbound Orders.
			Norwegian Sea
		06.56	AB 9838	Drifting antenna mine.
		07.00		Dived to depth A -50 meters to proceed submerged by day.
		08.00	AB 9838
		12.00	AB 9835	Day's run:  Surfaced        70.0 nm
				Submerged      8.4 nm
				78.4 nm
		16.00	AB 9598
		18.06		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		20.00	AB 9566
			WSW 3-5, Sea 3-4, overcast, squalls, (snow, fog), Vis. 200-300 meters, 999 mb
		04.02.45
		00.00	AB 9397
		04.00	AC 7153
			SW 5-6, Sea 5, 9/10, Vis, 200-800 meters, 990 mb
		07.10		Dived to proceed submerged at depth A -40 meters. (Periscope all around sweep minimum every hour).
		08.00	AC 4879
		12.00	AC 4884	Day's run:  Surfaced       182.0 nm
				Submerged     23.6 nm
				205.6 nm
		16.00	AC 4885
		18.05		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		20.00	AC 4971	Outer exhaust gas valve starboard cannot be closed.  Inner exhaust gas valve leaks heavily.
		05.02.45
		00.00	AC 4992
			NNW 4-5, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. 3000 meters, 1005 mb
		04.00	AC 5782
		04.15		Dived to de-ice the 3.7 cm.
		04.35		Surfaced.
		07.10		Dived to proceed submerged by day.
		08.00	AC 5796
		12.00	AC 5799	Day's run:  Surfaced         135.0 nm
				Submerged       27.0 nm
				162.0 nm
		16.00	AC 8133	Surfaced to proceed on the surface.  Starboard exhaust gas valve repaired from the over deck.
		20.00	AC 8196
			NNE 2-3, Sea 2, 6/10, Vis. 4000-5000 meters, Northern Lights
		06.02.45
		00.00	AC 8462	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix:  277°T, 2.5 nm.
		04.00	AC 8496

	Sun and Moon Data 03.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.45

	- 4 -
		continued
		06.02.45
		05.42		Dived, back and forth off the NW tip of the Rybachy Peninsula by day.
		08.00	AC 8577
		11.27	AC 8577	3 single-engined aircraft on training flight over Rybachy.
		12.00	AC 8577	Day's run:  Surfaced         126.0 nm
				Submerged      25.7 nm
				151.7 nm
		16.00	AC 8574
		18.05		Surfaced to charge.
		20.00	AC 8499
			NW 2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 4000-5000 meters, 1022 mb
		21.30	AC 8499	Call from Signal or Command Center on Cape Njemetzki (apparently the diesels were heard due to the onshore wind) ran off to the north, afterwards will go to the entrance of the Kirkenes, to determine the traffic there (the enemy will, if any defense deploys, search off Rybachy).
		07.02.45
		00.00	AC 8494	Back and forth in position on the coastal route Kirkenes-Petsamo [Pechenga].
		04.00	AC 8723
			SW 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. 5-6 nm, 1024 mb, -10°C, Northern Lights, Sea smoke
		05.26	AC 8731	Dived and put the boat on the bottom in depth A meters west of the barrier off the entrance at Liinakhamari.
			Varangerfjord
		08.00	AC 8731
		12.00	AC 8731	Day's run:  Surfaced         110.0 nm
				Submerged       11.3 nm
				121.3 nm
		16.00	AC 8731
		19.05		Surfaced on the coastal route proceeded to the Kirkenes entrance.
		20.00	AC 8722	Because nothing is observed on the route and early recall and positioning off Murmansk must be expected, I intend to explore the ship assembly area off the Kirkenes Roadstead.  Proceeded in Bökfjord with flooded over deck and E-motors.
		08.02.45
		00.00	AC 8721
		00.10		Dived to depth A -60 meters to listen and proceed submerged temporarily.
		01.25		Surfaced to continue as before.
		03.00	AC 8721	Dived to put the boat on the bottom 3 nm off Kirkenes depth A -20 meters, directly off the SW corner of Renöy Island.
		04.00	AC 8721
		06.15		Passing faint sound bearing (suspect patrol vessel) to the north.
		08.00	AC 8721
		09.00		Sound bearing, heavy piston engine bearing 200°T coming closer.
		09.25		Went to periscope depth.  On Renöy Island at a few 100 meters range a command or signal station.  Vessel is probably the fishery protection ship "FRITJOF

	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.45

	- 5 -
		continued
		08.02.45		NANSEN", in sight under Norwegian flag and with marking KL 97 on the bow, northerly course, speed 9 knots. Decline to shoot because it seems to me that potential steamers in the Roadstead are more important.  At the same time a patrol vessel runs in (fishing trawler type) and a fishing cutter passes at 500 meters.
		09.45 - 11.30		Fishery protection ship inexplicably circles on various courses and speed settings near the boat south of Renöy Island.
		10.05		2 depth charge detonations at medium range, also explosions possibly on land, 2 similar explosions already observed around 08.00 hours.  Because detection must be expected with the nearly mirror flat sea (small ice floes), continued blind at depth A -40 meters by plotting.
		11.00		Scraping on the hull (suspect the anchor chain of a channel buoy), afterwards ran aground.  As was later recognized, the boat had been forced by the current to the west side of the fjord.  Because the boat lies heavily stern down on the steep coast, and the depth is not known on all sides, and we can not allow ourselves the possibly of breaking the water surface, waited there (1.5 nm north of Kirkenes) at depth A -50 meters.
				Mainly Asdic-like sounds from fishery protection ship and small patrol vessels which are heard in the G.H.G. between 11.00 and 16.00 hours moving back and forth at constantly changing speed settings between 150 and 170°T.  Apparently patrol vessels are positioned directly before the harbor.
		11.00 and 11.43		One each sounding closer, otherwise the same detonations as described above.
		12.00	AC 8724	Day's run:  Surfaced         40.0 nm
				Submerged      11.4 nm
				51.4 nm
		16.00	AC 8724	At twilight the boat is positioned 2500 meters north of Kirkenes at periscope depth.  Large steamer at about target angle 90°, bow left, probably at the coal pier is distinguished.  No further vessels in sight.  Intend to shoot a fan, to account for the set of the current.
		16.15		2-fan (T IIIa Fat II) from tubes I and II depth 5 meters, torpedo speed = 30 knots, target speed = 0, bow left target angle 90°, range = 2200 meters, enemy length 100 meters, spread angle 3°.
		16.17   16.35	AC 8724	After 2 minutes 23 seconds an enormous, very powerful detonation followed quickly by undulating gurgling like water inrush.  Suspect hit in the foreship the second torpedo probably ran on the shallow beach, no detonation.  Turned away.  However, because the steamer still floats, new approach to shoot (Fat I) from tube IV.  Depth 2 meters, torpedo speed = 40 meters, target speed = 0, bow left 90°, range 2000 meters

Sun and Moon Data 08.02.45

	- 6 -
		continued
		08.02.45
		16.37	AC 8724	After 2 minutes 5 seconds detonation, softer sounds than the previous one giving the impression as if the torpedo hit in an area already flooded with water, small very high dark explosion column.  The foreship settles somewhat deeper.  Lights still burning on the steamer extinguish.  Further visual observations are not possible due to the onset of darkness.
				Suspect that the steamer settled to the bottom at the pier.  Size primarily determined by filling 1/2 to 2/3 of the periscope field of view at large magnification and 2300 meters.
				Ran off at GF submerged.  Star shells over the harbor, later searchlights.
		17.23		Surfaced abeam Renöy and moved off pre-flooded with E-motors without further hindrance.
				A vessel comes up from astern, turns into Korsfjord just at range for a reversal shot from tube 5 - no shooting possibility.
			Verangerfjord
		19.20	AC 8722	Aircraft detection bearing 100°T, Volume 2, probably an error (turning on of the main drain pump).
		20.00	AC 8722	Dived to depth A -30 meters.
		21.11		Surfaced and moved off before the Fischer Peninsula. [Rybachy Peninsula]
		21.39		Outgoing Radio Message 1637/724:
				Because there is no traffic at Rybachy, Kirkenes:  2 hits on 6000-tonner at the pier.  Believe settled.  Norwegian patrol boats.
				Hess.
		23.00		Presented Radio Message 2224/26:
				Hess:  Well done.
				F.d.U.
		09.02.45
		00.00	AC 8496
		00.17		Dived to listen.
		04.00	AC 8499	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
			SE 3-4, overcast, Vis. 4000-5000 meters, 1020 mb
		05.39		Dived to remain submerged by day.
		08.00	AC 8575
		12.00	AC 8566	Day's run:  Surfaced        62.0 nm
				Submerged    27.0 nm
				89.0 nm
		16.00	AC 8812
			Murmansk coast
		17.49		Surfaced for a futile hunt for a sound bearing (diesel) coming from the SE, disappeared for Petsamo.  In the very bad visibility diving was necessary several times.  Thereafter the enemy was followed to the narrows between Heinäsaari - Pummanki, was not caught. Additionally, with the passing of the vessel the beacon at Cape Njemtzki was illuminated.
		10.02.45
		00.00	AC 8499
		02.08		Dived to listen.
		02.34
		04.00	AC 8574

	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 10.02.45

	- 7 -
		continued
		10.02.45
		05.44		Dived to remain submerged by day.
		06.27		Presented Radio Message 0013/745:
				1.  Murmansk boats join Group Rasmus.
				2.  As focal point occupy as possible by 11 February before lightness:  Hess AC 8495.  South of AC 82 remain undetected in any case.
				F.d.U.
		08.00	AC 8499
		09.30	AC 8735	2 sound bearings (diesel).  In the periscope despite good visibility up to the coast nothing seen.  Presume close under the coast between Rybachy and Heinäsaari exercise or stationary small motor- or Schnellboote out of Pummanki (S-boat base).  Because sound bearing from yesterday evening in the G.H.G. was the same sound, the futile search is explained by this bearing.
		12.00	AC 8735	Day's run:  Surfaced        119.6 nm
				Submerged      14.7 nm
				134.3 nm
		16.00	AC 8733
		19.00		Surfaced to charge.
		20.00	AC 8499
			E 2-3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, 2000-4000 meters, 1013 mb
		23.00		Dived to listen and repair Tunis.
		23.12		Presented Radio Message 2033/758:  Rasmus:
				1.  PQ-convoy was not expected before  . . .
				2.  Boats, at worthwhile events send first letter of the Kommandant, Control disseminates further, boats operate on it accordingly.
				F.d.U.
		11.02.45
		00.00	AC 8489
		00.55		Surfaced to charge.
		02.45		Dived to eliminate the possibility of being detected.
		04.00	AC 8577
		05.00		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		05.15		Aircraft carrier telegraphy bearing 65°T Volume 4-5.
		05.59		Sent Radio Message, this information is important for Control, however was not understood.
				Surfaced at dawn.
		08.00	AC 8577	2 single-engined aircraft in the periscope on an easterly course, altitude 100 meters, over the coast.
		08.10	AC 8499	2 S- or motor boat bearings as several times in the last days, bearing 290°T.  Not distinguished visually.
		09.00		In between comes a piston engine, now bearing 310°T, that drowns out the motor bearings.
		09.15		In the periscope a steamer of about 3000 GRT, at the limit of visual range.  Range = 3000 meters, bow right, target angle 120°, heard speed 10 knots.  Escort not recognized.  Because I must assume that the loud escort vessels (apparently small motor boats) would distract a T V, and by RPM the enemy must get off Cape Njemetzki at a short range and sharp target angle,

	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.45

	- 8 -
		continued
		11.02.45		did not shoot immediately.  However contrary to earlier observations the steamer remains further from land and passes out of sight in a snow squall.  Additionally at high speed setting on attack course the enemy did not come in sight any more.
		10.15		Headed for AC 8495
		12.00	AC 8499	Day's run:  Surfaced          73.0 nm
				Submerged      31.4 nm
				104.4 nm
		16.00	AC 8495
		16.15	AC 8495	Sound bearing, very faint piston engine and a diesel bearing 320°T.
		16.42		Surfaced after shift to 0°T was determined and pursued.
		17.02		Dived to listen.  No sound bearing.  Pursuit broken off because the sounds probably originated from stone fish.  Later in the same area perfect stone fish sounds were observed in the G.H.G.
		19.15		Surfaced, back and forth in position between the Norwegian coast and Rybachy.
		20.00	AC 8491
		20.47		Dived to listen.
		21.06		Surfaced.
		21.14	AC 8491	Dived for aircraft detection bearing 220°T, Volume 1-2, 3 short dull tones.
		21.49		Surfaced to charge.
		23.20	AC 8495	Convoy voice traffic inexact bearing 60-70°T, Volume 4.
		23.32	AC 8495	Dived for aircraft detection bearing 320°T, Volume 2-3, short whistle tone.
		20.20		Presented Radio Message 1336/772:
				1.  Yesterday air attack . . . . swing to the east is possible, 8-9 knots.  2.  . . . . from possible break through period, monitor U 1 or VLF
				F.d.U.
		12.02.45
		00.00	AC 8495
			ESE 2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 4 nm
		01.54		Dived to observe convoy voice traffic.  Nothing.
		02.41		Dived.
		04.00	AC 8491
		05.25		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		08.00	AC 8491
		10.00	AC 8495	Aircraft (probably MBR 2) in periscope course east, altitude 200 meters, range = 2000 meters.  Morning various individual detonations.
		11.15		Faint sound bearing (circular saw) bearing 60°T very slowly shifting to 90°T.  Suspect, a very far off search group.
		12.00	AC 8495	Day's run:  Surfaced          62.6 nm
				Submerged      30.5 nm
				93.1 nm
		16.00	AC 8496
		19.00		Surfaced to charge.
		20.00	AC 8499
			ESE 3, Sea 2, overcast (snow), 1000 mb, 1015 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 11.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 12.02.45

	- 9 -
		continued
		12.12.45
		21.00		Presented Radio Message 2004/782:  Rasmus:  Indications for convoy running in tonight. . . Highest readiness.  Do not be fooled.
				F.d.U.
		21.45	AC 8497	Dived for aircraft detection bearing 330°T, Volume 2, 6 short tones.
		22.18		Surfaced because by plotting the passage of the convoy can no longer be expected here (and no sound bearings) which was still confirmed by the last Radio Message.  Moved off at higher transit speed to the Kola Bay, to detect the convoy running in there in time.
		22.35	AC 8497	Aircraft detection bearing 0°T, Volume 2, short tone.  Remained on the surface and launched Aphrodite (wind from land) in order to contaminate the now unimportant area far removed from the actual disposition and to try and not lose time diving.
		13.12.45
		00.00	AC 8577
			SE 1-2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 1000 meters, 1015 mb	3 presented Radio Messages 783-785:
				Award of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross.
		01.35	AC 8824	Convoy voice traffic inexact bearing 170°T, by which convoy or at least a part has already run in (direction Kola Bay), was later confirmed by Radio Message 1147/15/725 from Falke.
		00.35		Assistance calls on 2412 kHz see above Radio Message.  Tsyp-Navolok Light and Radio Beacon in operation.
		02.41		Dived to listen.  Waited submerged, because there were no sound bearings and position is favorable for any stragglers.
		03.05		8 aircraft bombs in medium range.
		04.00	AC 8828
		04.45	AC 8828	Faint sound bearing (circular saw) bearing 170-180°T, back and forth in position, scare depth charges, suspect patrol vessel.  Nothing seen in the periscope.
		08.00	AC 8828
		12.00	AC 8824	Day's run:  Surfaced          88.0 nm
				Submerged      29.0 nm
				117.0 nm
		15.00		Presented Radio Message 1002/795:  Rasmus:
				Convoy . . . suspected still at sea . . . running in from the east possible.
				F.d.U.
		16.00	AC 8821
		18.30		Surfaced to charge along the coast of Rybachy outside the disposition.  If Lange gets contact, I will occupy Krügers vacant position and the area south therefrom based on prisoner statements that convoys to Murmansk pass north of Kildin.
		20.00	AC 8812
		21.15	AC 8499	Dived aircraft detection bearing 0°T, Volume 2, long tone.
		14.02.45
		00.00	AC 8574
			SE 3-4, Sea 2-3, overcast, Vis. 1500 meters, 1021 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 12.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.45

	- 10 -
		continued
		14.02.45
		01.00		Presented Radio Message 2215/701:
				Strong patrol activity indicated convoy approach from the east.
				F.d.U.
				Therefore proceeded again to Kola Bay.
		04.00	AC 8828	Tysp-Navolok is not illuminated tonight (speaks for convoy passage yesterday).
		04.35		Dived positioned as yesterday.
		08.00	AC 8852
		10.30	AC 8828	Sound bearing, piston engine bearing 105°T, Volume  xx.  Pursued at LF and HF.
		12.00	AC 8828	Day's run:  Surfaced          80.0 nm
				Submerged       29.4 nm
				109.4 nm
		12.45		Sound bearing shifts out to 150°T, Volume 3-4.  Always nothing seen in the periscope despite good visibility (land clearly recognized).  Good listening conditions.
		13.03	AC 8828	MBR 2 bearing 160°T, range = 4000 meters, southerly course, altitude 100 meters, later observed again on southerly course.
		13.50		Suddenly, instead of the piston engine, (bearing 170°T. Volume 5) a considerably lighter faster sound like a patrol vessel (motor and propeller sounds).  Bearing steady.  At the same time depth charge detonations start, about 3 hours, over 200 depth charges.  The last hope is dashed that the sounds came from a steamer, believe from own experience that the patrol vessel deployed a noise buoy up to 13.50 hours which mimicked piston sounds.
		14.05	AC 8852	Because the patrol vessel, which was joined by a second identical sound further distant, must be very small (with continuous observation no sighting despite great Volume) and depth charges virtually exclude a reversal shot, moved off in the direction of Tysp-Navolok.
		16.00	AC 8828
		17.30		Presented Radio Message 1851/705:
				13.23 hours 2 flying boats ordered to U-boat hunt in AC 8850.
				F.d.U.
				Agrees with own observations.
		19.10		Surfaced to charge along Rybachy.  Will go again in the vicinity of the ordered position to catch coastal traffic because the convoy has probably already passed and Will has shifted to the south in accordance with Radio Message 711.
		20.00	AC 8813
			SE 3-4. Sea 3-4, 7/10, Vis. 3000-5000 meters, 1027 mb
		21.45		Searchlight from AC 8824, 8812 and 8811 (AC 8811 probably also a signal or control station.)
		22.17 - 02.00		Dived to listen.
		15.02.45
		00.00	AC 8496
		04.00	AC 8498
			SE 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, Vis. 5000-6000 meters, 1026 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.45

	- 11 -
		continued
		15.02.45
		05.07		Dived for the day back and forth off the Heinäsaari-Pummanki narrows, Potsamo-Murmansk traffic must pass there.
		12.00	AC 8499	Day's run:  Surfaced          69.0 nm
				Submerged       40.5 nm
				109.5 nm
		16.00	AC 8733
		19.00		Surfaced for the night.
		20.00	AC 8499
			SE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, 2000-5000 meters, 1031 mb, 8°C
		16.02.45
		00.00	AC 8499
		00.40		Dived to listen.
		01.05
		04.00	AC 8578
		05.10		Dived at the beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AC 8499	Morning several single-engine aircraft (type Jakl) between Heinäsaari, Pummanki and Rybachy apparently training flight and bomb throwing (dive with subsequent light detonation observed).
		12.00	AC 8733	Day's run:  Surfaced          81.5 nm
				Submerged       28.1 nm
				109.6 nm
		16.00	AC 8733
		19.10
		20.00	AC 8496
			W 2, Sea 1-2, 7/10, Vis. 5000 meters, 1036 mb
		21.58	AC 8812	Dived to listen, because the beacon at Tysp-Navolok is illuminated again.  Sound bearing, circular saw bearing 127°T.
		22.15		Surfaced ran behind into Kola Bay.
		17.02.45
		00.00	AC 8813
		02.20	AC 8828	Aircraft detection bearing 140°T, Volume 2, with brief dive Asdic impulses observed.  After surfacing detection continually remains with Volume 5.  Pursuit broken off because there was no prospect of success if noticed.  Volume of the circular saw remains constant.  Ran off to the north.
		04.00	AC 8825
		05.06		Dived and went back to Rybachy submerged.
		08.00	AC 8824	Repairs to the port diesel (thrust bearing camshaft).
		12.00	AC 8813	Day's run:  Surfaced        103.5 nm
				Submerged       29.6 nm
				133.1 nm
		16.00	AC 8573
		17.41		Surfaced.
		18.03	AC 8574	U-boat bearing 330°T, range = 5000 meters, assume Ley.  No recognition signal exchanged because the boat was running off and with only one diesel cannot come up.

	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.45

	- 12 -
		continued
		17.02.45
		20.00	AC 8574
			SW 3-4, Sea 2-3, 4/10, Vis. 5000-6000 meters, 1038 mb
		22.45		Dived to listen.
		18.02.45	Murmansk coast
		00.00	AC 8574
		00.40		Presented Radio Message         /772:
				1.  Hess, Ley, Will do not operate with Group Rasmus, instead as Murmansk boats against expected coastal traffic. . . .                                                                F.d.U.
				Initially remain off Rybachy.
		02.08		Dived to de-ice the weapons.
		04.00	AC 8499	Surfaced.
		05.19		Dived at the beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AC 8499
		12.00	AC 8499	Day's run:  Surfaced          59.0 nm
				Submerged      27.0 nm
				86.0 nm
		16.00	AC 8499
		18.30		Surfaced to charge.
		20.00	AC 8577
			W 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, 1000-2000 meters, 1025 mb, 12°C
		20.22		Dived to de-ice the weapons.
		23.00		Surfaced.
		19.02.45
		00.00	AC 8496
		00.40		Dived to de-ice the weapons.
		04.00	AC 8577	Surfaced.
		05.20		Dived at the beginning of twilight.
		08.00	AC 8577
		12.00	AC 8578	Day's run:  Surfaced          44.5 nm
				Submerged      29.5 nm
				74.0 nm
		16.00	AC 8496
		19.00		Surfaced to charge.
		20.00	AC 8499
			W 3-4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. 6000 meters, 1025 mb, -3°C
		20.02.45
		00.00	AC 8496
		01.34		Dived.
		04.00	AC 8812	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		04.40		Dived.
		08.00	AC 8812
		09.05	AC 8812	Aircraft (Hampden) in the periscope.  Course 90°, altitude 100 meters, range = 4000 meters.
		12.00	AC 8577	Day's run:  Surfaced          61.0 nm
				Submerged      25.9 nm
				86.9 nm
		16.00	AC 8577
		18.05		Surfaced to charge.
		20.00	AC 8577
			SW 3, Sea 2-3, cloudy, Vis. 6000 meters, moon, 1020 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.45

	- 13 -
		21.02.45
		00.00	AC 8812	Dived.
		03.02		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		04.00	AC 8812	Dived.
		05.05
		08.00	AC 8577
		12.00	AC 8577	Day's run:  Surfaced          73.5 nm
				Submerged      27.0 nm
				100.5 nm
		16.00	AC 8577
		17.45		Surfaced with suddenly arising diesel sounds.  U-boat in sight (Ley) bearing 330°T, range = 2000 meters.  Discussed the situation.  Since, in my view, one boat can control the very poor traffic along Rybachy, I will go for a brief observation of the Kirkenes-Pertsamo coastal route.  Before that moved off to the north to test-fire the anti-aircraft weapons.
		22.15		Dived to repair the breech of the 3.7 cm.
		22.02.45
		00.00	AC 8545
		00.15		Surfaced to continue transit.
		04.00	AC 8489
		04.42		Dived on the coastal route.
		08.00	AC 8723
		12.00	AC 8498	Day's run:  Surfaced          89.0 nm
				Submerged      22.6 nm
				111.6 nm
		16.00	AC 8723
		18.30		Surfaced to charge.  Ran past the entrance to Kirkenes up to Vardö.  Nothing seen.
		20.00	AC 8722
			SW 4, Sea 3, 7/10 squalls, Vis. 500 meters, moon, 998 mb
		23.02.45	Varangerfjord
		00.00	AC 8484
		01.50		Dived to listen.
		04.00	AC 8492	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		04.52		Dived at morning twilight.
		08.00	AC 8493
		10.30		Presented Radio Message 2246/745:  Murmansk boats:  Radio traffic indicated arrival of damaged vessel . . . boats operate on it.
				F.d.U.
				As a result and on the basis of the determination that in Varangerfjord there is no traffic, went into Kola Bay,
		12.00	AC 8496	Day's run:  Surfaced          74.5 nm
				Submerged      26.2 nm
				100.7 nm
		16.00	AC 8574
		18.00		Surfaced for night transit.
		20.00	AC 8821	3.7 cm again in service.
			SW 3-4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 3-5 nm, 1006 mb, -6°C, moon

	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.45

	- 14 -
		24.02.45
		00.00	AC 8853
		03.00		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		04.00	AC 8856
		04.14	AC 8856	Small, fast running vessel, probably a patrol vessel, bearing 222°T, range = 6000 meters, shifted out to the east, later apparently stopped in position.
		04.21		Dived at dawn.  Back and forth in day position west of Kildin Strait.  On NW the NW-Headland Fu.M.O. gear.
		08.00	AC 8859	In the morning a fishing cutter and a coastal sailing vessel off Kola Bay running towards the Kildin Strait,distance 2000 meters.  To the western part of the Kildin Strait a small fishing trawler briefly in sight, range = 1000 meters. Apparently a patrol vessel.
		12.00	AC 8859	Day's run:  Surfaced         64.5 nm
				Submerged      24.2 nm
				88.7 nm
		16.00	AC 8856	Because there is bright moonlight, it is necessary to set off up to 8 nm to the north of Kildin to charge.
		19.25		Surfaced to charge between Kildin and Teriberski.  No longer expect damaged vessels that arrive from the north.
		20.00	AC 8864	Therefore from now on will wath for arrival from the east, belief is confirmed by the illumination of all of the beacons from Kildin to Tertberski at 21.00 hours.
			SW 4, Sea 2, blue sky, Vis. 8 nm, 1010 mb, moon
		21.15 - 21.25		Dived to listen.
		23.15	AC 8947	Dived, sound bearing in 80°T, Volume 1.
		23.40		Surfaced, pursued.
		25.02.45
		00.00	AC 8947
		00.15		Dived because there was no sighting.  No further sound bearing.  Pursuit broken off.
		02.00		Surfaced.
		02.03	AC 8948	Dived, aircraft detection bearing 180°T, Volume 3.
		03.00		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		04.00	AC 8947	Dived on the Teriberski-Kildin Strait steamer route.  In Teriberka Bay no ships.  Radio station on Cape Terisberski.
		12.00	AC 8971	Day's run:  Surfaced         54.0 nm
				Submerged      30.5 nm
				84.5 nm
		16.00	AC 8893
		19.00		Surfaced to charge.
		20.00	AC 8869
			SSW 5, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 3 nm, 998 mb, -9°C
		20.16 - 20.33		Dived to thaw the weapons.
		26.02.45
		00.00	AC 8942	Dived to listen.
		03.00		Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		04.00	AC 8869

	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.45

	- 15 -
		continued
		26.02.45
		04.40		Dived at dawn.
		08.00	AC 8868	By day 4 vessels passed off the east exit of the Kildin Strait (cutters and coastal sailing vessels) coming from the east, range = 1000-2000 meters.
		12.00	AC 8868	Day's run:  Surfaced         64.0 nm
				Submerged      28.5 nm
				92.5 nm
		16.00	AC 8868
		18.30		Surfaced for charging transit to the east.
		20.00	AC 8869
			S 1-2, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. 5000 meters, 991 mb, moon shines through
		21.18		Dived to repair the Tunis and listen.
		27.02.45	Murmansk Sea
		00.00	AC 8948
		01.50		Surfaced.
		04.00	AC 8869	U-boat bearing 240°T, range = 4000 meters.
		04.08		Dived because U-boat dived at range 2000 meters.  Underwater telephone Recognition Signal exchanged  (U-Will).
		04.17		Surfaced for conference:  because Will is also positioned off the exit of the Kildin Strait, I will run on off on the coastal route Teriberski - Charlow, because there yesterday there was an unexplained sound bearing (patrol vessel).
		04.38		Dived to proceed submerged by day.
		08.00	AC 8972
		12.00	AC 8973	Day's run:  Surfaced         85.0 nm
				Submerged      33.0 nm
				118.0 nm
		16.00	AC 8991
		19.00		Surfaced to charge along the coast to the SE.
		20.00	AC 8982
			S 2-3, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 4-5 nm, 995 mb, moon
		21.58		Dived to listen at the southeastern point near Charlow.
		28.02.45
		00.00	AW 2121
		04.00	AC 8948
		04.40		Dived at dawn off Teriberski.
		08.00	AC 8971
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced         74.0 nm
				Submerged     27.5 nm
				101.1 nm
		16.00	AC 8974	At the inner Roadstead off Teriberski no vessels except for an arriving fish cutter.  Signal station on the west side, barracks?
		19.33		Surfaced to charge north of Kildin.
		20.00	AC 8947
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. 5-6 nm, 1003 mb
		21.29	AC 8862	Dived for aircraft detection bearing 195°T, Volume 2-3 (direction of land gear on Kildin).
		23.09		Surfaced.
		23.30	AC 8861	Dived for aircraft detection bearing 255°T, Volume 1.

	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.45
	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.45

	- 16 -
		continued
		28.02.45		Remained submerged to repair cooling water piping.
		01.03.45
		00.00	AC 8861	Surfaced.
		01.00	AC 8861	Brief diesel sounds running from 200-220°T.  Suspect a small patrol vessel because nothing was seen on surfacing and while pursuing.
		01.23		Dived for aircraft detection bearing 230°T, Volume 2.  Sound bearing in 275°T, shifting out to 360°T.  Probably the same sound source as above, continued pursuit.
		03.14 - 03.25		Surfaced, continued pursuit.  Tsyp-Navolok is illuminated from surfacing to 03.25 hours.
		04.00	AC 8828	Dived to listen because there is still no sighting.  Sound bearing in 305°T, no Volume change.
				Search broken off because we do not get closer, apparently a very fast enemy off Rybachy (NW course) and twilight is beginning.  Will go to the inner Kola Bay because I no longer expect damaged vessels coming from the east and now want to monitor at the same time the route from Murmansk to the east and north.  Likewise in accordance with Officer-Only Radio Message 1615/715 I expect the most likely possibility of finding and hitting the destroyer at sea when it runs in.
		04.05		Surfaced, remained as long as possible on the surface to get to the south quickly.
		05.00		Dived.
		08.00	AC 8859	Several faint sound bearings apparently stationary, frequently stopping patrol vessels.  Despite good visibility and maximum coastal distance to the west of 6000 meters no periscope bearing.
		12.00	AC 8859	Day's run:  Surfaced         60.0 nm
				Submerged     34.8 nm
				94.8 nm
		16.00	AC 8858
		19.04		Surfaced to charge north of Kildin.
		20.00	AC 8864
			SE 2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. 4 nm, 1010 mb, -12°C, moon
		21.08		Dived to listen at the southeastern-most point.
				Presented Radio Message 2001/742:  Murmansk boats:  Intend to use old boats to engage next PQ-convoy.  Therefore save fuel so as to stay in the operations area until 15 March.
				F.d.U.
		21.50		Surfaced.  Since by then there will not be enough fuel, I want to inform Control and at the same time give the situation and outlook.
		23.08		Outgoing Radio Message 2308/746:  Still have 20 cbm fuel.  No traffic only surveillance, AC 8850.
				U-995.

Sun and Moon Data 01.03.45

	- 17 -
		02.03.45
		00.00	AC 8853	Dived at the northwest point of the charging route to listen.  Only patrol vessel bearing in 240°T like yesterday by day.
		00.40		Surfaced.
		00.58	AC 8852	Small vessel in sight similar to an English M.L. boat (as on 24 February at 04.14 hours) bearing 182°T, range = 6000 meters.  Morse traffic with signal station on Sjethuk.  High speed, zigzags on an easterly course.
		01.30	AC 8853	Vessel out of sight.
		01.39		Dived to listen, sounds disappear in 50°T.
		02.30		Surfaced.
		02.52	AC 8853	Dived for aircraft detection bearing 158°T, Volume 1. (again land gear on Kildin?)
		03.33		Surfaced with favorable visibility conditions to get as far in Kola Bay as possible.
		04.00	AC 8859	Dived because am nearly in sought after day position.
		08.00	AC 8858
		10.45		Presented Radio Message 2359/747:  Will, Hess proceed so that arrival Narvik afternoon 5 March is guaranteed.
				F.d.U.
		11.10	AC 8858	After several minor sound bearings of a small and not identifiable vessel, as on the day before, escort boat (probably type ATHERSTONE) coming from Kola Bay, bearing 172°T, range = 4000 meters, bow left target angle 20°.  Suddenly begins to zigzag and run in circles.  One depth charge medium range.
		11.20	AC 8858	Reversal shot tube II:  depth 3 meters, target speed = 11 knots, bow left target angle 20°, range 800 meters, steering NNN S.
		11.31		After 11 minutes 10 seconds detonation, assume end of run.  Miss explained by incorrect setting (NNNS instead of WWWW S):  Enemy zigzagged at the last moment to a broad target angle of 20° and had already crossed minimum range, order error due to lack of time for setting.  After the detonation the escort boat remained lying stopped or 30 minutes.
		12.00	AC 8858	Day's run:  Surfaced         66.0 nm
				Submerged     22.2 nm
				88.2 nm
				After the boat went briefly to depth A -40 meters to avoid the enemy and torpedo, a barely shifting escort boat apparently the same one in the south, lingers out of range.  In the SW and SE two faint, not visible sound bearings.
		12.51   13.16	AC 8858   AC 8858	2nd escort boat in sight bearing 330°T, range = 4500 meters, bow left target angle 60°.  Later zigzags.  Because this boat is positioned favorably, turned to run towards it.  In so doing another escort boat passes out of sight under the coast.  After the enemy, which lay stopped for a long time had gotten underway with sharp target angle, reversal shot  from tube II, depth 4 meters, target speed 12 knots, bow left target angle 20°, range = 800 meters, steering WWW S.
		13.23		After 7 minutes 32 seconds enormous detonation, high explosion column, escort boat flies apart.  Moved off to the north at KF, later NE in the hope that the 2nd escort boat would

Sun and Moon Data 02.03.45

	- 18 -
		continued
		02.03.45		run to the sinking location and thereby come within range.  However, this was not the case.  Faint propeller beats bearing 92°T quickly grew louder.  In the periscope in light sea smoke nothing seen.
		13.34		Headed deep at a depth charge series in medium range because no torpedo shooting is possible against M.L. boats.
		13.40		Was overrun at depth A -50 meters.  Bolde ejected.
		16.00	AC 8853
		13.34		107 medium-close to close depth charges between depth 2A -20 and A -20 meters later from 3 small vessels (possibly 1 listening noise from escort boat) by carousel method.  Main drain pump and starboard E-motor (stern tube bushing) temporarily out of service.
		17.30	AC 8853	Surfaced.  Began return transit along Rybachy.
		18.00		Presented Radio Message 1651/759:  Flying boat apparently received orders at 16.20 hours to take prisoners after attack on U-boat east of Kildin.  Murmansk boats report position immediately.
				F.d.U.
		19.08		Outgoing Radio Message 1316/761:  AC 8858 stationary search group:  English escort boat sunk.  (Hess).
		20.00	AC 8813
			S 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. 2000-5000 meters, 1019 mb
		20.08		Served as radio relay for Ley's position Short Signal.
		03.03.45
		00.00	AC 8463
		04.00	AC 8157
		06.07		Dived to proceed submerged by day.
		08.00	AC 7363
		12.00	AC 7334	Day's run:  Surfaced         167.0 nm
				Submerged       32.5 nm
				199.5 nm
		16.00	AC 7324
		17.48		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		20.00	AC 7261	Difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix = 230°T, 12 nm.
			SE 1, Sea 1-2, cloudy, Vis. 5000-6000 meters, 1019 mb
		23.53		Outgoing ßß 0045/783:  Position 30 hours off objective point.
				U-995
		04.03.45
		00.00	AC 7166
		04.00	AC 7124
			NNE 1-2, Sea 1-2, 7/10 (snow), Vis. 500-3000 meters, 1018 mb, -4°C
		05.30		Dived to proceed submerged by day.
		08.00	AB 9397
		12.00	AB 9622	Day's run:  Surfaced         138.0 nm
				Submerged       37.5 nm
				175.5 nm
		16.00	AB 9616
		18.05		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		20.00	AB 9643

	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.45
	Sun and Moon Data 03.03.45
	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.45

	- 19 -
		continued
		04.03.45
			NE 3, Sea 2, cloudy (snow), changing cloudiness, Vis. 500-5000 meters, 1016 mb
		21.30		Presented Radio Message 1136/698:  Hess immediately report if arrival 5 March latest 16.00 hours is assured.  If not, first arrive 6 March 10.30 hours.  After passing Schwarz 25 proceed as prescribed.
				F.d.U.
		22.06		Outgoing Radio Message 2208/791:  Yes.  Am 7 hours off objective point.
				U-995
		05.03.45
		00.00	AB 9862
		00.30		Dived to proceed submerged.
		01.55		Passed Schwarz 25.
		05.50		[Surfaced]
		06.53		Made fast Harstad.
		09.18		Harstad for Narvik.
		12.00		Day's run:  Surfaced         164.5 nm
				Submerged       38.9 nm
				203.4 nm
		11.50		Passed Lödingen.
		16.20		Made fast Ramsund, gave over T V.
		06.03.45
		14.00		Ramsund for Narvik.
				Made fast Narvik.
				Remaining Day's run:  Surfaced 25 nm
				Total Day's run:  Surfaced       2531.0 nm
				Submerged     839.5 nm
				3370.5 nm
				Oblt. z. See and Kommandant

	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.45
	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.45
	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.45

	Enclosure - 1 - to F.d.U. Nordmeer B.Nr.Gkdos - 1145 -
	Commentary of the F.d.U. Nordmeer
	on the K.T.B. of "U 995" from 7.1.45 to 6.3.45.
	1) Again an excellent coastal patrol without snorkel by the daring and imaginative young commander.   Successes:  Freighter 6000 GRT torpedoed on the bottom, 1 escort boat "ATHERSTONE"-type sunk. 2) The bold, well-thought-out penetration on 8 February in the mines unsafe entrance of Kirkenes and torpedoing a pier lier led to the award of the Knight's Cross to the Kommandant. 3) Good reporting and reconnaissance results. 4) To 14 February 13.50:  Piston sounds could have come from torpedoed ship of the incoming convoy.  Also from strong stratification noise may overlap partly.
	i.V.

---

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