F.d.U./B.d.U.'S War Log

1 - 15 January 1942

PG30302

     
     
 
1.January 1942.
  
     
 
I.
U 43
-
 BF 40  
U 130
-
 BE 48  
U 582
 - Trondheim        
 
66
-
 BD 58  
135
-
 AL 63  
653
 - AK 49        
 
71
-
 CE 88(Op.Geb.)  
156
-
 AL 39  
701
 - AM 22        
 
84
-
 CE 54("     "      )  
203
-
 CE 84(Op.Geb.)  
754
 - AN 63        
 
86
-
 BE 44  
333
-
 AN 11  
-          
 
87
 - AM 41  
373
 - CE 49(Op.Geb.)  
           
 
93
 - CF 49  
552
 - CE 92("     "      )  
           
 
109
 - BE 48  
553
 - BF 50  
           
 
123
 - BC 91  
571
 - CF 75(Op.Geb.)                
 
125
 - CG 21  
                   
   
   
         
 
 
  On Return Passage:  - . -        Sailed:  - . -        Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) None.
  b) None.
  c) Ship Algonquin (Tanker, passenger ship?) was attacked by a U-boat on 2 January at 0515 hours in area AM 2613.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) U 135 and U 57 received orders to steer course through areas AK 69, AK 88, BD 17 and BC 54.
  b) U 373 received orders to take position in CD 3155 at 0800 on 4 January (convoy for incoming steamer).  Hence this boat belongs to Seydlitz Group no longer.
  c) U 156 and U 653 according to plan.
  d) Nothing.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  None.
       
VI. General:
  Situation of U-boats on 1 January 1942:
  I.
Total in Commission (Exclusive of boats sailing) on 1 December 1941:
   236
Commissioned in December
     21
  257
Losses in December
      9
  248
       
          U 95 - traveling alone, presumed sunk about 7 December 1942, near Straits of Gibraltar.  Nothing more is known.
            U 127 - First operation.  Last report 10 December west of Ireland.  Nothing more was heard 17 December.  Should have gone to area west of Gibraltar.
            U 131 - First operation.  Reported on 17 December she was unable to dive due to damage by 4 destroyers off Gibraltar.  Nothing more heard.
       
- 1 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
          U 206 - After sailing alone from St. Nazaire on 29 November, nothing was heard.  Presumably mined or torpedoed in the Bay of Biscay.
          U 208 - Sailed alone on 2 December for the Mediterranean.  Assumed lost near Gibraltar.  No more information available.
          U 434 - First operation.  Last reported on Gibraltar convoy west of Gibraltar on 17 December.  Presumed destroyed by the convoy.  No further information available.
          U 557 - Rammed and sunk at night on 16 December by an Italian torpedo boat near Crete.  Total loss.
          U 567 - Lt. Endrass, sunk about 12 December while operating against a Gibraltar convoy.  No further information available.
       
  II. Disposition of Boats as follows:
     
 
II
VIIa
VIIb/c
  
VIId
IXb/c
  
Xb
XIV
Total
On patrol
-
-
71
  
-
19
  
-
-
plus UA=91
On test
-
-
64
 1)
4
27
 2)
3
2
100
Training
40
4
12
-
2
-
-
58
Total
40
4
147
  
4
48
  
3
2
248
 
 
 
 
 
1)  U 101 and U 403 for training.
 
2)  U 38.
       
  III. In the course of December:
     
Total number of boats has increased to 12
        "        " combat boats         "   2
        "        " boats testing          " 10
       
  IV. Of 91 combat boats on 1 January 1942:
    a) In operational areas
     
1) N. Atlantic   6
  S. Atlantic   -
  Mediterranean   9
  Arctic   3
     
2) Sailing for  
  N. Atlantic 13
  S. Atlantic   -
  Mediterranean   1
  Arctic   1
     
3) On return cruise from  
  N. Atlantic   3
  S. Atlantic   -
  Mediterranean   1
  Arctic   1
     
  Total at sea 37 boats
     
 
 
     
 
- 2 -
 
     

 

     
     
 
    b) Under repairs at base    54 boats
    c)
1) 6 boats under a)1) are treated as boats westward of Gibraltar, standing off the Azores area during the new moon period.
2) The 13 boats named under 2) include 5 new boats sailing from Germany, 1 boat on convoy exercises and 7 boats sailing for the American coast.  These 7 boats are the first in 6 weeks to repeat a cruise to an Atlantic area.  The North Atlantic has been practically clear for 2 months.  The 5 boats from Germany are free to attack targets of opportunity.
       
  V. Estimate of daily average of combat boats at sea in December:
    a) Per day at 14.3  boats
      On return cruise per day   5.5
    b) Total putting out in December 39
      From Germany 14
          "    Western France 25
      Resulting daily average   1.26  boats
    c) Total returning boats in December 28
      Average per day   0.9
    d)
1) The smallest number of boats at sea was on December 25 with 17 boats; of which the following put out, 7 boats; of which the following put in, 10 boats.  Boats in operational areas 0.
  Boats remaining were as follows:
  3  boats from position West of Gibraltar
  2  boats from rescue action "Python"
  1 boat due to damage at sea, returning to Kiel
  1 boat due to damage at sea returning to Trondheim
  7 boats
   
  The boats putting out were as follows
  4  boats for Gibraltar area
  3  boats for Brunsbüttel with sailing orders for Gibraltar area
  2 boats for the American coast
  1 boat for special radio exercise
  10 boats
   
2) The greatest number of boats at sea was on 31 December.  The numbers and ratios compare with those of 1 January 1942.  See IV a to c.  It must be stated therefore that boats should sail for the American coast rather than Gibraltar.
       
  VI. In the course of the month of December the tendency of the number of boats in the Atlantic was at first great, then fell steadily.
 
 
 
- 3 -
  
     

 

     
     
 
2.January 1942.
  
     
 
I.
U 43
-
 BF 36  
U 130
-
 BD 95  
653
 - AK 42        
 
66
-
 BD 72  
135
-
 AL 67  
701
 - AM 24        
 
71
-
 CE 88(Op.Geb.)  
156
-
 AM 45  
754
 - AN 34        
 
84
-
 CE 54(    "    "   )  
203
-
 CE 84(Op.Geb.)  
           
 
86
-
 BD 67  
333
-
 AM 24  
           
 
87
 - AL 93  
373
 - CE 49(Op.Geb.)  
           
 
93
 - CF 49  
552
 - CE 92(Op.Geb.)  
           
 
109
 - BD 92  
553
 - BF 50  
           
 
123
 - BC 84  
571
 - CF 75(Op.Geb.)  
           
 
125
 - CG 21  
582
 - Trondheim  
           
   
   
         
 
 
  On Return Passage:  - . -        Sailed:  - . -        Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 701 reported enemy convoy at 1045 hours in AM 3377 on SE course at low speed.
  b) None.
  c)  English patrol boat sighted surfaced U-boat at 0948 hours in AM 2633 (U-333?)
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  No orders were given regarding convoy reported by U-701:  reasons:
    1) In this area there are heavy air patrols and air cover.
    2) It is an incoming convoy which would be off the coast by dusk.
    3) U 701 and U 333 are fresh from training and have insufficient experience to operate long in this area.
  b) 1) After U 333 was attacked by a patrol boat and U 701 had fired a spread shot which missed, both boats received orders to sail for CB 54 via AL26, AK 27 and AJ 96.  Operation planned off Newfoundland.
    2) U 123 and U 66 were informed, according to supplementary orders on operational orders to sail for area CB 50.  U 109 and U 130 held 450 west as their limit.
    3) U 552, U 203 and U 84 were ordered to steer for BC 70 for operations off Newfoundland.  Therefore these boats belong to group "Seydlitz" no longer.  U 571 occupied area hitherto taken by U 552 (Ponta Delgada!)
    4) U 123 is to make for Greek "Dimitros-Inglessis" in the event she is not more than 150 miles away.  This ship requested aid from tugs on the evening of 1 January in area BU 4335, because of rudder damage.
  c) U 156 and U 653 according to plan.  U 373 same.
       
- 4 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d) U 701 reported man overboard at 1849 hours (2nd watch officer Lt. Weinitschke).
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 134 sank a ship sailing alone in AB 6337.
       
VI. General:
  a) The demand of Group North for positions of 3 U-boats (see 29 Dec. 1941) was refused by Naval High Command.
  b) In connection with further operations in the Mediterranean, High Command ordered the following on 29 December along the lines of my request (secret order 2220):
    1) To send only 2-3 more boats to the Mediterranean.  Therewith further commitments in the Mediterranean are finished.
    2) Prime area of the Mediterranean is the east.  Only 2-3 boats are to operate in the west.
    3) 3 boats are committed to the area West of Gibraltar.  Commitment of boats around Azores still in effect.
      With this decree the end of further commitments in the Mediterranean and corresponding increase of Atlantic activity gives evidence that the situation has become more practical.
      The renewal of the U-boat war in the Atlantic will have to be considered on the following points:
     
a) The number of combat boats, which are to carry the load, is smaller than before the Atlantic battle.  Before the beginning of the Mediterranean campaign the number of combat boats was 73.  Today, without the 25 boats in the Mediterranean and perhaps 2 more, the figure today is 65, of which 3 are in the rich area West of Gibraltar.
b) The entrance of America into the war has provided the commanders with areas which are not hemmed in by defenses and which offer much better chances for success.
c) How far these areas offer compensation for decreased numbers of boats is yet to be shown.  In retrospect, the defenses of these areas are unknown.  They will undoubtedly offer better prospects than the English, who are experienced by their 2 years at war.  Reduction of American warships by transfer from the Atlantic to the Pacific is still not established.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
3.January 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 BE 27  
U 123
-
 BC 85  
U 552
- CE 65        
 
66
-
 BC 95  
125
-
 CC 15  
553
 - BF 40        
 
71
-
 CE 88(Op.Geb.)  
130
-
 BD 85  
571
 - CE 92(Op.Geb.)        
   
   
         
 
 
- 5 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
84
-
 CE 51  
135
-
 AK 69  
582
 - Trondheim        
 
86
-
 BD 57  
156
-
 AM 70  
653
 - AJ 39        
 
87
-
 AL 95  
203
-
 CE 73  
701
 - AM 16        
 
93
-
 CF 49  
333
-
 AM 16  
754
 - AF 79        
 
109
-
 BD 81  
373
-
 CD 63  
           
   
   
         
 
 
  On Return Passage:  - . -        
  Sailed:  U 103, 106, 161, 561, 654         Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) On the afternoon of 5 January Bergung's convoy is to move to "Dimitrios Inglenis" (See figure IV b 4 from 2 Jan.)  Reported this to U-123 by radio.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c) U 156 and U 653 according to plan.  U 373 has information on picking up ships transmission and use of radio.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
4.January 1942.
       
I.
U 43
-
 AL 76  
U 123
-
 BC 78  
U 553
- BE 57        
 
66
-
 BC 88  
125
-
 CC 21  
561
 - BF 50        
 
71
-
 CE 88(Ops.Geb.)  
130
-
 BD 75  
571
 - CE 92(Op.Geb.)        
 
84
-
 CE 17  
135
-
 AK 94  
582
 - AE 81        
 
86
-
 BD 44  
156
-
 AM 70  
653
 - AK 27        
 
87
 - AK 69  
161
 - Br'Büttel  
654
   BF 50        
 
93
 - CE 49(Ops.Geb.)  
203
 - CD 69  
701
   AL 26        
 
103
 - BF 50  
333
 - Al 35  
754
   AM 32        
 
106
 - BF 50  
373
 - CD 34  
           
 
109
 - BD 74  
552
   CE 54  
           
   
   
         
On Return Passage:  - . -        Sailed:  U 73        Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) Entrance into operational areas according to plan (see figure IV b 2) and 3) from 2 Jan.).
       
- 6 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) 1) U 653 and parallel exercise U 123 same orders.
    2) According to request, U 156 reported that weather buoys had not been put out because of the bad weather.  Boat was ordered to carry out the exercise in 2-3 days after weather improved, until then she has freedom of movement.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:
          Officer in charge of the German Navy in Italy withdrew his request for 2-3 more boats for the Mediterranean because of the decree of the High Command of 2 January.
          In teletype correspondence with officer commanding U-boats in Italy (of which High Command was informed), I again set forth the principal points of my views on the subject.
 
 
 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
     
 
5.January 1942.
  
     
 
I.
U 43
-
 AK 92  
U 109
-
 BC 86  
U 552
- CE 41        
 
66
-
 CC 31  
123
-
 CC 24  
553
 - BE 58        
 
71
-
 CE 88(Ops.Geb.)  
125
-
 CC 21  
561
 - BE 10        
 
73
-
 BE 50  
130
-
 BC 97  
571
 - CE 92(Op.Geb.)        
 
84
-
 CD 37  
135
-
 BD 13  
582
 - AF 77        
 
86
 - BC 56  
156
 - AM  
653
 - AK 39        
 
87
 - AK 89  
161
 - AN 66  
654
 - BE 10        
 
93
 - CF 49(Op.Geb.)  
203
 - CD 53  
701
 - AL 16        
 
103
 - BE 40  
333
 - AL 25  
754
 - AM 23        
 
106
 - BE 40  
373
 - CD 31  
           
   
   
         
 
 
  On Return Passage:  - . -        
  Sailed:  - . -         Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c) U 653 and U 156 according to plan.
  d) Positions of U 123 - 66 - 130 - 109 and 86 should be 250 miles farther to the east.  Speed was estimated too great.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
6.January 1942.
 
I.
U 43
-
 AK 67  
U 103
-
 BF  
U 161
- AN 43  
U 582
- AM 24
 
66
-
 CD 13  
106
-
 BF  
203
 - CD 28  
653
 - AL 57
 
71
-
 Op(CE 88)  
109
-
 BD 74  
333
 - AK 36  
654
 - BE 29
 
73
-
 BF 49  
123
-
 CC 32  
373
 - CD 31  
701
 - AK 35
   
   
   
   
       
- 7 -
 
 
     

 

 

     
     
 
 
84
-
 CD 25  
125
-
 CC 21  
552
 - CD 37  
754
 - AL 28
 
86
 - BC 69  
130
 - BC 96  
553
 - BE 49  
   
 
87
 - BD 16  
135
 - BD 17  
561
 - BE 67  
   
 
93
 - Op(CP 49)  
156
 - AL 99  
571
 - Op(CE 92)  
   
   
   
         
 
 
  On Return Passage:  - . -        
  Sailed:  U 504 - Kiel         Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  - . -
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) 1) U 653 occupied areas AL 44 and 45 until her fuel was used up.
    2) Group "Seydlitz" (boats U 71, 93 and 571) is operating in area between Azores and Gibraltar.  Width of the area about 40 miles.  Boats ordered to move toward Gibraltar due to moon and defense conditions.
    3) U-161 has AF 8750 and 8720 as operational areas for the purpose of attacking British warships, identified along the Norwegian coast by Group North.
  c)  U 156 and 373 same orders.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:
            According to reports from the 2nd Admiral, many workers from the various yards have been conscripted, results being that completion dates for new construction is indefinite.  Estimates on the growth in numbers of combat boats is therefore impossible.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
7.January 1942.
       
I.
U 43
-
 AK 62  
U 103
-
 BE 92  
U 161
-
 AN 20  
U 571
-
 Op(Azor.-Gibr.)
 
66
-
 CC 36  
106
-
 BE 68  
203
-
 CD 16  
582
-
 AM 16
 
71
-
 Op(zw.Azor.-Gibr.)
109
-
 BC 94  
333
-
 AK 28  
653
-
 AL 44(Op.G.)
 
73
-
 BF 74  
123
-
 CC 26  
373
-
 CD 31  
654
-
 BE 43
 
84
-
 CD 13  
125
-
 CC 20  
504
-
 Br'büttel  
701
-
 AK 27
 
86
-
 BC 64  
130
-
 BC 86  
552
-
 CD 28  
754
-
 AL 01
 
87
-
 BD 14  
135
-
 BC 38  
553
-
 BE 47  
 
 
93
-
 Op(Azor.-Gibr.)
156
-
 AM 71  
561
-
 BE 89  
 
 
   
   
   
 
    On Return Passage:  U 653       
  Sailed:  U 107 - Lorient; U 562 - Brest        
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
- 8 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) 1) Operational areas for Group Ziethen:
     
U 86 - BB 63 and 66: U 203 - BB 68 and 69
U 84 - BB 92 and 93: U 135 - BB 95 and 96
U 87 - BB 98 and 99.      
      U 552 had freedom of movement in this area.  Reference for U 86 that convoy assembly point was evidently off St. Johns.
      U 109 - BC 47 and 71; U 130 - BC 74 and 77.  Operations planned off Halifax for both these boats.
    2) After position report from 161 and answer from Group North, 161 received orders to set out for combined operation area.
  c) 1) U 156 reported operation (Porcupine Bank) completed.  Ordered to return to Lorient after completing Exercise #1 (Rockall Bank).
    2) U 653 began return cruise due to fuel shortage.  Therefore radio exercise cannot be carried out.
    3) Convoy exercise of U 373 evidently according to plan.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
8.January 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 AK 35  
U 103
-
 BE 83  
U 156
-
 AM 10  
U 561
-
 CF 34
 
66
-
 CC 37  
106
-
 BE 59  
161
-
 AF 78  
571
-
 Op(Str.zw.Azo.-Gibr.)
 
71
-
 Op(zw.Azor.-Gibr.)
107
-
 BF 50  
203
-
 CD 11  
572
-
 BF 50
 
73
-
 CG 11  
109
-
 BC 85  
333
-
 AK 01  
582
-
 AL 38
 
84
-
 BC 87  
123
-
 CC 28  
373
-
 BD 76  
653
-
 AL 48
 
86
-
 BC 55  
125
-
 CC 15  
504
-
 AN 63  
654
-
 BE 17
 
87
-
 BC 62  
130
-
 BC 85  
552
-
 CD 16  
701
-
 AK 43
 
93
-
 Op(Str.zw.Azor.-Gibr.)
135
-
 BC 56  
553
-
 BD 67  
754
-
 AK 66
 
   
   
   
 
 
    On Return Passage:  U 653       
  Sailed:  U 587 - 588 = Kiel; U 108 - 128 - 85 = Lorient      
  Entered Port:  U 85 - Lorient.
       
- 9 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U-571 reports at least two steamers at the mole of Ponta Delgada on 6 January, of which one is armed.
  b) - d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) U 156 reported completion of supplementary operation (Rockall Bank).  Boat is returning to Lorient at full speed.
    2) Convoy operation of U 373 evidently going according to plan.
  d) According to weather report from U 156 from area BF 17, she must have completed her supplementary operation 1 (Rockall Bank) against our own signals.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:
            Re-call of U 161 reflects proposed use of type IXc boats.  Boats of this type which are ready by mid-January are to carry out a surprise attack in the Aruba-Curacao-Trinidad area.  Trinidad is the focal point for all ship movement to the south, and so far as can be established, Aruba and Curacao the principal oil ports.  This area does not fall into the same category as the coast of the U.S.A., in which place the boats failed.  If the large boats are ready by mid-January we shall have the opportunity to carry out a surprise attack during the new moon period in February before anti-U-boat activities are organized to any great extent.
            Boats proposed for this operation are U 156, 67, 502, 161 and 129.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 
9.January 1942.
  
     
 
I.
U 43
-
 AK 31  
U 106
-
 BE 57  
U 161
-
 AM 32  
U 582
-
 AL 02
 
66
-
 CC 52  
107
-
 BF 40  
203
-
 BC 79  
587
-
 Br'büttel
 
71
-
 Op(Str.Azor.Gibr.)  
108
-
 BF 50  
333
-
 AK 46  
588
-
     "
 
73
-
 CF 38  
109
-
 BC 73  
373
-
 BD 91  
653
-
 AL 87
 
84
-
 BC 75  
123
-
 CC 43  
504
-
 AN 40  
654
-
 BD 38
 
86
-
 BB 45  
125
-
 CB 62  
552
-
 CD 11  
701
-
 AK 48
 
87
-
 BC 59  
128
-
 BF 50  
553
-
 BD 58  
754
-
 AK 67
 
93
 - Op(Str.Azor.Gibr.)  
130
   Op(BC 70)  
561
   CF 56        
 
103
-
 BE 81  
135
-
 BC 58  
571
-
 CF 81  
 
         
156
 - BF 42  
572
 - BF 40        
   
   
   
 
 
    On Return Passage:  U 653 - 156  
  Sailed:  - . -      Entered Port:  - . -
       
- 10 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) - b) None.
  c) 1) Entrances to Portland and Boston have been mined.
    2) 13 U.S.A. harbors have been designated as defense areas, among which are New York, San Francisco, Boston and Norfolk.
       
  d) A convoy outbound from England was expected in Gibraltar (this convoy does not appear on our plan).
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) 1) Distribution of attack areas off the American coast:  
      U 66 - CA 79, 97, DC 12-13; U 123 - CA 28, 29, 52, 53
      U 125 - CA 38, 59, 62, 63; U 109 area between points BA 9633 - CB 1577 - BB 7355 - BB 8575.  
      U 130 - BB51, 52, 54, 55, 57, 58.  This boat will be assumed to be in her area on 13 January.  
      Designation:  Group Paukenschlag.
    2) U 73 - 572 - 561 have orders to pass through Straits of Gibraltar in the next new moon period.  Until then they have freedom of action West of the Straits.
  c) Convoy operation of U-373 evidently going according to plan.
  d) U 108 which put out on the evening of 8 January started return cruise because of damage to her diesels.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 
10.January 1942.
  
     
 
I.
U 43
-
 AL 11  
U 106
-
 BE 72
U 156
-
 BF 50
U 571
-
 Op(Str.Azor.Gibr.)
 
66
-
 CC 45  
107
-
 BF
161
-
 AM 01
572
-
 BF
 
71
-
 Op(Str.Azor.Gibr.)
108
-
 BF
203
-
 BC 75
582
-
 AL 45
 
73
-
 CF 60 
109
-
 Op(BC 47)
333
-
 AK 48
587
-
 AN 60
 
84
-
 Op(BB 90)  
123
-
 CB 62
373
-
 BE 44
588
-
 AN 60
 
86
-
 Op(BB 60)  
125
-
 CB 52
504
-
 AN 20
653
-
 BE 22
 
87
-
 BC 84  
128
-
 BF
552
-
 CC 32
654
-
 BD 29
 
93
-
 Op(Str.Azor.Gibr.)
130
-
 Op(BB 50)
553
-
 BD 49
701
-
 AK 71
 
103
 - BE 75 
135
 - BC 73
561
 - CF 90
754
 - AK 82
 
  
 
 
 
 
    On Return Passage:  U 108 - 161 - 156 - 653.  
  Sailed:  U 85 - Lorient.      Entered Port:  U 156 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
- 11 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)- b) None
  c) 1) Yugoslav steamer "Nikolina Matkovic", urgently requested help due to loss of her rudder.  AJ 92.
    2) Unknown steamer sunk in BB 7690.
    3) Unknown ship in danger in BC 5850.
    4) According to English reports 3 German U-boats were sunk by a Gibraltar convoy on 17 December, since men of three separate crews were landed in Gibraltar.
  d) 1) Further reports, founded on rumors, state that another German and even an Italian U-boat was towed into Gibraltar.
    2) An English gunboat checked up on what was evidently the Spanish steamer Lola off Melilla.  Lola was alleged to be supplying German U-boats.
    3) Harbor situation Gibraltar:  35 ships - 14 patrol craft.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - b) None.
  c) Convoy operation of U 373 evidently going according to plan.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 584 sank a U-boat in the Arctic Ocean.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 
11.January 1942.
  
     
 
I.
U 43
-
 AL 22  
U 103
-
 BD 96  
U 161
-
 AM 19  
U 572
-
 BF 9
 
66
-
 CB 83  
106
-
 BD 94  
203
-
 Op(BB 60)  
582
-
 AK 62
 
71
-
 Op(Azor.Gibr.) 
107
-
 BE 59  
333
-
 AJ 96  
587
-
 AN 43
 
73
-
 CG 70  
108
-
 BF 50  
373
-
 BE 56  
588
-
 AN 23
 
84
-
 Op(BB 90)  
109
-
 BB 94  
504
-
 AF 75  
653
-
 BE 35
 
85
-
 BF 50  
123
-
 CB 51  
552
-
 Op(südl.Neufl.)  
654
-
 BD 51
 
86
-
 Op(BB 60)  
125
-
 CB 43  
553
-
 BC 69  
701
-
 BC 31
 
87
-
 BC 77  
128
-
 BF  
561
-
 CG 70  
754
-
 AK 76
 
93
 - Op(Azor.Gibr.) 
130
 - BB 92  
571
 - Op(Azor.Gibr.)  
   
 
     
135
 - Op(BB 90)  
     
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
    On Return Passage:  U 108 - 161 - 653
  Sailed:  U 82 La Pallice.  U 402 - 581 St. Nazaire.
    Entered Port:  U 108 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
- 12 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy number 2 see figure IV a.
    2) U 43 reports convoy in AL 0336 spread over a wide area, steaming south into the sea at 10-12 knots.  Use of weapons impossible because of high seas.
  b) None.
  c) 1) English steamer "Cyclops" (9076 BRT) torpedoed in CB 2420.  Disabled steamer in AJ 5950.
  d)   Westbound convoy passed Tarifa at 1845 hours.  11 ships, 4 destroyers.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy Number 2.
            Group Seydlitz moved against westbound convoy "HE 78" with U 93 - 71 - 571.  U 93 made contact in CG 9468 0655/12, course 2700, speed 5-7 knots.  Contact will be kept.
  b) 1) U 85 - destined for the Mediterranean is to remain in the Atlantic and received orders to make for BC 87.
    2) Operation for U 587 and %88 is foreseen in top third of AM.  Due to floating mines etc, boats are to follow courses:
      U 557 AF 7460 - AM 3281 - AM 2420
      U 588 AF 7580 - AN 3284 - AM 2490.
  c) English aircraft reported enemy merchant ship and U-boat in BF 7571.  This is believed to be U 373 with "Essberger".  Boat received orders to report position in case she was sighted by aircraft.  U 373 confirmed aircraft attack.  "Else Essberger" thereupon received orders via U 373 to make for El Ferrol.  The U-boat to wait outside the territorial waters.
  d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:
  1) Enemy situation off the East coast of America was reported as follows:
    a) Along the coast of the USA and to the south still heavy single ship movements.  Fuel points New York, Baltimore etc., Straits of Florida, Aruba, Trinidad.
    b) Also heavy single ship movements after waiting for activity at the assembly points on the Halifax - Sydney Line.  Only sparse movements to Bermuda.  Assembly and organization of convoys in USA harbors possible but not yet noticeable.
    c) Enemy air patrols heavy but not dangerous because of inexperience.
 
 
 
- 13 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    d) Activity similar to that in English waters during the 1st 2 years of war.
  2) Our own situation is marked by removal of bases and rich reserves of boats for operations:
    a) Type VIIc boats in Scotland area.
    b) Type IXb boats in Straits of Florida.
    c) Type IXc boats from Trinidad to Aruba.
  3) We must take advantage of the situation before changes are made.  Principal attacks must be on single ships so that no mass movements will be possible.
  4) My observations are as follows:
    a) Commitment of 5 boats in area from Sydney to Cape Hatteras.
    b) Commitment of the next 4 boats type IXc to Trinidad and Aruba.
    c) For experience further commitment of type IXb boats in area 4a, type IXc in area IVb.
    d) Experience will be gained for later operations.  As long as the ratio is extant, the east coast of America is to be considered the most successful area for large boats.
    e) Use of torpedo mines not contemplated since success will result only from large numbers.
    f) Use of VIIc boats in the area South of Newfoundland where we can expect greatest traffic and least defense of enemy ships.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 
12.January 1942.
  
     
 
I.
U 43
-
 AL 03  
U 103
-
 BD 86  
U 203
-
 Op(BB 60)  
U 581
-
 BF
 
66
-
 CB 77  
106
-
 BD 84  
333
-
 AK 49  
582
-
 AK 59
 
71
-
 CG  
107
-
 BE 57  
373
-
 BE 49  
587
-
 AK 79
 
73
-
 CG 80  
109
-
 BB 86  
402
-
 BF  
588
-
 AF 77
 
82
-
 BF  
123
-
 CB 66  
504
-
 AM 32  
653
-
 BF 40
 
84
-
 Op(BB 90)  
125
-
 CB 42  
552
-
 Op(südl.Neuf.)  
654
-
 BD 41
 
85
-
 BF 40  
128
-
 BF  
553
-
 BC 64  
701
-
 BC 28
 
86
-
 Op(BB 60)  
130
-
 BE 59  
561
-
 CG 80  
754
-
 BC 33
 
87
 - Op(BB 90)  
135
 - Op(BB 90)  
571
 - CG  
   
 
93
 - CG 89  
161
 - AL 97  
572
 - CG 17  
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
    On Return Passage:  U 161 - 653
  Sailed:  U 108 - Lorient ; U 586 - 94  Kiel
    Entered Port:  - . -
       
- 14 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy number 2 see figure IVa.
    2) U 43 reports sinking 1 steamer.
    3) U 701 the same.
    4) U 130 reports area SW Newfoundland has heavy air patrols.  Boats believes it has been seen.
  b) None.
  c) Disabled ship in AJ 8563.
  d) English Admiralty reports sinking of corvette "Salvia" (evidently in the Mediterranean).
       
IV. Current Operation:
  a) Convoy number 2:   U 93 keeping further contact and reports convoy at 0918 hours in CG 9473, speed 8-10 knots.  Last report 1030 hours CG 9478.  At 1330, U-571 had contact in CG 8937 and held steady contact until 1800 hours.  Boat had to submerge and reported at 2318 hours that the convoy was in CG 8947 at 1756 hours.
    U 73 believed she had sound bearing in CG 8862 at 2032 hours.  No final action ordered for the night.  B.d.U. estimated convoy at 0900 hours on the 13th at about DJ 11-12, perhaps farther north.  Contact will not be made again until morning.  Air recce expected for 13 January.
  b) 1) Following boats dispatched for action against single ships in the area NW of the Hebrides.
      U 587 E-W strip AM 11 and top half of 43.
      U 588 E-W strip AM 11 and lower half of 43.
  c) Sailing date of "Elsa Essberger" is proposed for 13 January.  U 373 still remains outside the territorial waters off El Ferrol.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 77 reports torpedoing a Jervis class destroyer and ripping off the stern.  According to an Italian report she was evidently later sunk.
  U 43 and U 701 reported sinking 1 steamer each in the Atlantic.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 
13.January 1942.
  
     
 
I.
U 43
-
 AM  
U 103
-
 ED 86  
U 203
-
 Op(BB 60)  
U 582
-
 AK 81
 
66
-
 CA 97  
106
-
 BD 75  
333
-
 AK 74  
586
-
 Br'büttel
 
71
-
 CG  
107
-
 BE 72  
373
-
 BF 80  
587
-
 AF 77
 
   
   
   
 
 
       
- 15 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
     
 
I.
73
-
 CG
108
-
 BF 50
402
-
 BF
588
-
 AM 35
 
82
-
 BF
109
-
 Op(süedl Nova Scotia)
504
-
 AM 21
653
-
 BF 50
 
84
-
 Op(BB 90)
123
-
 Op(CA 20/50)
552
-
 Op(süedl Neuf.)
654
-
 BC 62
 
85
-
 BF
125
-
 Op(CA 20/50)
553
-
 BC 55
701
-
 BC 54
 
86
-
 Op(BB 60)
128
-
 BE 58
561
-
 CG
754
-
 BC 37
 
87
-
 Op(BB 90)
130
-
 BB 50
571
-
 CG
 
 
93
-
 CG
135
-
 Op(BB 90)
572
-
 CG
 
 
94
-
 Br'büttel
161
-
 BE 25
581
-
 BF
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  On Return Passage:  U 504 - 161 - 653
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 653 Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  
    None due to bad weather.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 43 reported from AL 2659 the sinking of 4 steamers, 21,000 BRT, supposedly from convoy number 3.
    2) Convoy number 2 see section IVa.
  b)  None.
  c)  Admiralty gives U-boat warning for EU 8190 (none of our boats).
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy number 2:  was not again contacted by our boats.  Air recce failed because of bad weather.  Convoy steered south and B.d.U. believes it followed the same coastal course as convoy number 1.  Estimating speed as 8.5 knots, the following patrol line was established:  CF 9356 to CF 9676.  U 71 - 93 and 571 in line.  In this way the boats will be in the same area covered by proposed air recce on 14 January.
  b) Attack areas:
    1) U 701 - BB 63 and 66 (U 86 in same area)
    2) U 754 - BC 47 and 71.
  c) Convoy operation of U 373 called off.  Boat returning to La Pallice.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 43 reported sinking 4 steamers totaling 21,000 BRT from convoy, of which 1 had already been reported on 12 January.
       
- 16 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    U 552 sank the British steamer Dayrose, 4113 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
14.January 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 AL 26
U 103
-
 BD 85
U 203
-
 Op(BB 60)
U 582
-
 AK 78
 
66
-
 Op(CA 70-80)
106
-
 BD 77
333
-
 AJ 99
586
-
 AN 63
      DC 10
107
-
 BD 93
373
-
 BF 80
587
-
 Op(AM 11+13)
 
71
-
 CG
108
-
 BF 49
402
-
 BF
588
-
 Op(AM 13+15)
 
73
-
 CG 90
109
-
 Op(südl. Nova Scotia)
504
-
 AM 20
654
-
 BC 59
 
82
-
 BE 65
123
-
 Op(CA 20+50)
552
-
 Op(südl. Neufundland)
701
-
 AJ 93
 
84
-
 Op(BB 90)
125
-
 Op(CA 30-60)
553
-
 BC 73
754
-
 BC 53
 
85
-
 BF
128
-
 BE 57
561
-
 CG 90      
 
86
-
 Op(BB 60)
130
 - Op(BB 50)
571
 - CG
 
 
87
 - Op(BB 90)
135
 - Op(BB 90)
572
 - CG 90      
 
93
 - CG
161
 - BF 40
581
 - BF      
 
94
 - AN 63                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  On Return Passage:  U 504 - 161 - 43 - 373.
  Sailed:  U 751 - 575  St Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:
  Convoy number 2 in area CG 70.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy number 2 see IVa.
    2) U 552 reports sinking steamer "Dayrose" south of Cape Race.
  b)  Aircraft picked up convoy in CG 7721.
  c) 1) U-boat sighting in BK 4560.  (none of our boats).
    2) "Dayrose" torpedoed off Cape Race (U 552).
    3) Numerous troop transports off St. Johns.
    4) Tanker in sinking condition at 1530 14 January in area DC 6770 (U 123?).
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy Number 2:  Aircraft picked up convoy at 1804 hours in CG 7721.
     Bearing signals were given for a very short time only and were evidently not heard by the boats.  Air position again given to the boats.  U 93 made contact at 2357 hours in CF 9665, course NW, speed 6 knots.  Orders:  U 93 send bearing signal, the rest of the boats act on U 93's reports.  According to later report of U 571 (had been forced to submerge) the position of the convoy at 2200 hours was CG 7471.  Thereafter air observation was
       
- 17 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    enough.  U 71 presumed convoy on sound bearing CE 7177 at 0120 hours.  No further contact reports.  Air observation expected for the 15th January.
  b) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:
          Sinking of "Dayrose" (see IIIa) and the tanker (see IIIc) are the first reports of success from the boats in the west.
          The result is not yet established.  Conjectures are as follows:
  a) It is not known whether the boats have reached their positions off the coast of USA.  It is possible that they will arrive later than the estimated time because of bad weather.
  b)  U 552 reports bad weather south of Newfoundland so that boats must be having difficulty taking position, to say nothing of attack.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
15.January 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 AM 14
U 103
-
 BD 76
U 203
-
 Op(BB 60)
U 581
-
 BF
 
66
-
 Op(CA-DC)
106
-
 BC 98
333
-
 BC 31
582
-
 BC 32
 
71
-
 CF 90
107
-
 BD 95
373
-
 BF 67
586
-
 AN 43
 
73
-
 CG 90
108
-
 BE 92
402
-
 BE 59
587
-
 Op(AM 10)
 
82
-
 BE 56
109
-
 Op(südl. Nova Scotia)
504
-
 AM 47
588
-
 Op(AM 10)
 
84
-
 Op(BB 90)
123
-
 Op(CA)
552
-
 Cape Race-Op.
654
-
 BC 82
 
85
-
 BE 57
125
-
 Op(CA)
553
-
 BC 78
701
-
 AJ 97
 
86
-
 Op(BB 60)
128
-
 BE 72
561
-
 CG 90
751
-
 BF 50
 
87
   Op(BB 90)
130
   Op(BB 50)
571
   CF 90
754
 - BC 54
 
93
   CF 90
135
   Op(BB 90)
572
   CG 90
   
 
94
   AN 43
161
   Bf 50
575
   BF 50
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  On Return Passage:  U 504 - 161 - 373 - 43.
  Sailed:  U 566 - Lorient;  U 132 - Trondheim;  U 455 - 191 - 352 - 656 - 578 - Kiel.
  Entered Port:  U 161 - Lorient; U 373 - La Pallice.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:
    Convoy number 2 in area 500 miles west of Gibraltar.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  Convoy number 2, see IVa.
  b)  Aircraft picked up convoy in CF 6893.
  c) 1) Unknown ship reports suspicious craft in BA 9846.
    2) U-boat warning given on 12 January for area 40 miles SW Cape Palmas.
       
- 18 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy number 2:  After contact was broken off during the night, U 71 sighted a destroyer at 1045 hours in CF 6987 on NW course.
    At 1114 hours U 571 reported convoy in CF 6977 on NW course.  Boat had interrupted contact until 1500 hours and then broke off.  Weather: SW 6, rain squalls.  Air recce sighted the convoy in CF 6893 at 1550 hours.  Bearing signal was picked up and reported only by U 71 but she was unable to hold contact.  If the boats did not make contact as result of air observation by Group West on 16 January, the boats received orders to continue during the night and if still contact had been made by dawn they were to report position and fuel status and return to their operational area between the Azores and Gibraltar.  Main point being to the east (see IVb of 6 January 1942).  No reports received up until 0800.
  b) 1) Operational areas:
      U 586 E - W strip in AM 11-31
      U 587        "        "      AM 13-33
      U 588        "        "      AM 15-65
      U 94 has freedom of movement in this area.
    2) U 333 area BC 74 and 77
      U 582    "    CC 13 and 21
    3) Due to entrance of our warships to Trondheim, U 94 - 586 - 132 eastward of our own minefields were ordered not to fire at warships and to remain W. of 30 40 minutes.
  c) - d) None.
       
VI. General:
          The situation in the Aruba, Curacao and Trinidad areas were discussed by 2 merchant ship captains who have good knowledge (Lt.Cdr. Kregohl of the Supply Group West and Capt. Struewing of KMD Hamburg).
            As a result operational possibilities are given as:  1 boat for Aruba, 1 boat for the route from Maracaibo to Aruba and 1 boat for Curacao.  Most of the boats ready (U 502 - 156 - 67) are destined for this operation and will begin during the period of the new moon in February.  They should leave about 19 and 20 January.
       
       
                                                                                           Dönitz
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
- 19 -