U-boat Archive - BDU KTB PG30312A

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

1 - 15 October 1942

PG30312a

1.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 92	U 175	-	Op(EO)	U 380	-	BE 70	U 518	-	EF 72
	67	-	DF 25	176	-	BF 40	382	-	Op(AK)	552	-	DG 85
	68	-	GR 18	177	-	BE 75	404	-	Op(AL 71)	558	-	DQ 13
	69	-	Op(BB)	178	-	EH 35	406	-	CF 98	569	-	BE 70
	84	-	BF 40	179	-	CQ 22	407	-	BE 16	575	-	Op(AK 37)
	87	-	EJ 81	181	-	CF 46	410	-	Op(AL 71)	582	-	AK 57
	91	-	BE 66	183	-	AE 87	432	-	BF 40	584	-	Op(AL 74)
	96	-	BF 40	201	-	Op(EE)	437	-	AK 49	590	-	EJ 93
	106	-	BD 68	202	-	Op(EO)	441	-	Drontheim	595	-	BE 19
	107	-	EJ 96	211	-	BE 65	442	-	Op(AK 26)	596	-	BF 40
	109	-	BE 98	214	-	CG 50	454	-	BE 54	597	-	AK 54
	116	-	BD 86	216	-	Op(AL 74)	455	-	BB 97	599	-	Op(AK 70)
	118	-	AK 63	217	-	DE 65	459	-	FM 68	602	-	AF 72
	125	-	Op(FE)	221	-	BD 55	460	-	DT 46	507	-	Op(AK 70)
	126	-	DH 76	253	-	Op(AK 24)	461	-	DQ 13	610	-	Op(AK 26)
	128	-	EH 63	254	-	Op(AK 39)	463	-	BF 40	615	-	Op(AK 70)
	129	-	BF 40	257	-	Op(AK)	504	-	GR 42	617	-	BE 15
	135	-	BF 40	258	-	BD 45	506	-	Op(ET)	618	-	BD 45
	156	-	Op(FE)	259	-	BE 56	507	-	DT 43	619	-	AK 28
	159	-	GR 15	260	-	AK 34	512	-	Op(EE)	620	-	Op(KK 24)
	160	-	CE 34	332	-	Op(EE)	513	-	Op(BB)	621	-	AN 30
	161	-	DH 75	333	-	EJ 84	514	-	Op(FA)	661	-	Op(AK 60-90)
	164	-	CE 26	353	-	AE 87	515	-	DQ 69	662	-	AE 86
	171	-	CE 32	356	-	BD 45	516	-	Op(EO)	706	-	AE 88
	172	-	GR 17	373	-	BF 40	517	-	Op(BB 40)	753	-	Op(AK 39)
				D 5	-	Op(ES)	755	-	BE 66	757	-	AE 88

	On Return Passage: U 91 - 96 - 109 - 135 - 164 - 171 - 176 - 211 - 217 - 259 - 373 - 380 - 406 - 407 - 432 - 459 - 460 - 461 - 507 - 515 - 558 - 569 - 595 - 596 - 617 - 755.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 605 - Brest; U 625 - 611 - 563 - 381 - 301 - 443 - Kiel; U 441 - Drontheim; U 458 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 57 see para. IVa.
		2)	U 407 reported a large 3-funnelled passenger steamer, course northeast, 18 - 20 knots, in BD 3386. Fired a quadruple miss.
		3)	U 597 reported a 4-masted fore and aft schooner in AK 5741. Later Portuguese ship "Jose Alberto".
		4)	U 607 reported large fast ship, 200⁰, 18 knots in AK 79 - 51. Chased her in vain.
		5)	U 125 sank "Kumsang", 5,447 tons, 0⁰ on 30.9. in ET 9434.
		6)	U 599 reported a group of patrol vessels in AK 7894, course east.

- 1 -

U 202 sank an independently-routed ship of 3,000 GRT in EO 1465, course 300⁰.

1.10. slow aircraft on a west course in EO 1432. Boat is proceeding to EP 47.

U 175 bombed in EO 1485. No casualties.

U 584 dived in AL 7498 because of a destroyer. Radar observed.

None.

U-boat sightings: BF 4748, BF 4691, EE 47, AH 9867, BF 4692, CB 23, BB 63.

U-boat attack: EO 14.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

The convoy expected to be in the area of patrol line Group "Luchs" in the morning has not turned up. The patrol line is remaining, as the convoy's speed may have been reduced because of bad weather. U 260, U 437, U 597 and U 582 joined Group "Luchs" and extended the patrol line to the south as far as square AK 6461.

U 607, U 599 and U 615 have been ordered to supply and will therefore leave their operations area.

Group "Letzte Ritter" has been dissolved. U 404, U 584 have been given freedom of action in area BD 33 until fuel is used up. U 410 and U 216 are going to supply.

It is intended to operate U 183 and U 518 off the Belle Isle Straits and they have been ordered to make for AH 96 via AD 96, to see if there is any single-ship traffic from Newfoundland via Greenland to Iceland.

U 353, U 757, U 706, U 662, U 602 and U 441 are to make for AK 65. It is planned to form a new group with these boats.

U 569 has supplied from U 380.

U 253 has not reported despite several calls. She may be lost. Boat made her last report north of Iceland on 24.9. She was then ordered to make for the Atlantic via the Denmark Straits in deep water. Nothing is known of the cause of her loss.

Reports of Success:

U 125	1 ship	5,447 GRT
U 202	1 ship	3,000 GRT.

VI.

General: None.

- 2 -

U-boats as of 1 October 1942.

I.	In commission on 1.9.1942:	350
	Commissioned in September	19
		369
	Lost in September	10	(of which 2 at home)
	In commission on 1.10.1942	359
	Add foreign boats:	6
		365

	Losses in September (Only those underlined have been declared missing):
	U 756,	Harney, first patrol, last report 1.9., onto a convoy in the North Atlantic.
	U 705,	Horn, first patrol, did not enter port although she was announced for 5.9., presumably aircraft attack in Biscay.
	U 162,	Wattenberg, second patrol, rendezvoused 1.9. with U 564 east of Trinidad. No information.
	U 88,	Bohmann, experienced boat, onto a convoy about 19.9.
	U 589,	Horrer, as U 88.
	U 457,	Brandenburg, as U 88.
	U 261,	Lange, first patrol, left Kiel 8.9., no report since leaving Kristiansand.
	U 446,	Richard, sank off Danzig 9.9.42. after striking a mine. Part of crew saved.
	U 165,	Hoffmann Eberhard, did not enter port after having announced herself for Lorient 28.9.42.
	U 222,	Jessen, rammed and sunk 2.9.42. during exercises in the Baltic.

II.

Distribution:

	II	VIIa	VIIb/c	VIId	IXb/c	IXd1	IXd2	Xb	XIV	Total	Foreign	Sum

Front-line:	-	-	132	4	47	-	4	3	5	195	1	196
Trials:	-	-	80	-	20	2	2	1	-	105	2	107
Training:	37	4	16	-	2	-	-	-	-	59	3	62

	37	4	228	4	69	2	6	4	5	359

III.

In September (excluding foreign boats):

Total number of boats increased by:	+	9
Number of front-line boats increased by:	+	24
Number of boats on trial decreased by:	-	15
Number of training boats remained unchanged.

IV.

Distribution of front-line boats as of 1.10.1942:

Atlantic (without foreign boats)	160	boats
Mediterranean	15	boats
Northern Waters	20	boats

During September in the Atlantic:

Daily average at sea	99.7
Of which in Operations area	37.6
on outward passage	60.2
on return passage	22.1

VI.

Sailed in September:

From home	32	boats.
From West France	31	boats.

- 3 -

2.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 83	U 178	-	EH 68	U 410	-	BE 18	U 582	-	AK 64
	67	-	DF 43	179	-	GQ 37	432	-	Op(AL 71)	584	-	Op(BD)
	68	-	GR 51	181	-	CF 76	437	-	BF 40	590	-	ES 33
	69	-	Op(BB)	183	-	AL 33	441	-	AK 01	595	-	BE 56
	84	-	BF 66	201	-	Op(EE)	442	-	Op(AK)	596	-	BF 40
	87	-	EJ 97	202	-	Op(EO)	443	-	AO 40	597	-	AK 64
	91	-	BF 45	211	-	BE 40	454	-	BE 18	599	-	Op(A 70)
	96	-	BF 46	214	-	Op(CG)	455	-	Op(BB 60)	602	-	AE 69
	106	-	BD 59	216	-	Op(AL 44)	458	-	BF 50	605	-	BF 50
	107	-	ET 12	217	-	DF 41	459	-	FM 29	607	-	Op(AK 40)
	109	-	BF 70	221	-	BD 75	460	-	DT 25	610	-	Op(AK 26)
	116	-	BD 15	254	-	Op(AK 39)	461	-	DQ 92	611	-	AO 40
	118	-	AK 91	257	-	Op(AK 02)	463	-	BF 60	615	-	Op(AK 70)
	125	-	Op(ET)	258	-	BD 75	504	-	GH 54	617	-	BE 51
	126	-	DT 36	259	-	BE 65	506	-	Op(ET)	618	-	BD 75
	128	-	EH 95	260	-	AK 48	507	-	DT 24	619	-	Op(AK 28)
	129	-	BF 60	301	-	AO 40	512	-	Op(EO)	620	-	OP(AK 24)
	135	-	BF 40	352	-	Op(EE)	513	-	Op(BB 60)	621	-	AN 20
	156	-	Op(EE)	333	-	ES 23	514	-	Op(EP)	625	-	AO 40
	159	-	CH 27	353	-	AL 33	515	-	DR 43	661	-	Op(AK)
	160	-	CE 28	356	-	BD 75	516	-	Op(EO)	662	-	AE 11
	161	-	DT 34	373	-	BF 45	517	-	Op(BB)	706	-	AF 41
	164	-	CE 33	380	-	BE 58	518	-	AE 69	753	-	Op(AK 02
	171	-	BE 75	381	-	AO 40	552	-	DS 36	755	-	BE 40
	172	-	GH 46	382	-	Op(AK 27)	558	-	DE 95	757	-	AL 96
	175	-	Op(EO)	404	-	AL 71	563	-	AO 40	D 5	-	Op(ES)
	176	-	BF 50	406	-	CF 58	569	-	BE 82
	177	-	CF 19	407	-	BE 18	575	-	Op(AK 02)

	On Return Passage: U 91 - 96 - 109 - 135 - 164 - 171 - 176 - 211 - 217 - 259 - 373 - 380 - 406 - 407 - 432 - 459 - 460 - 461 - 507 - 515 - 558 - 569 - 595 - 596 - 617 - 755.
	Entered Port: U 176 - Lorient.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 57 see para. IVa.
		2)	U 406 sighted a destroyer, course 80⁰, in CF 5838.
		3)	U 69 gained contact with a convoy in BD 5437, 210⁰, low speed. Contact lost after the convoy had zig-zagged away in BB 5497.
		4)	U 160 reported defects in her Junkers compressor, will receive replacement from U 461.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DD 83, Ca 36, BB 63, EO 14, EO 56, CB 41, BE 6593, BB 73.
	d)	None.

- 4 -

IV.

Current Operations:

Group "Luchs" has been ordered to proceed at 2000/2/10 in reconnaissance line via the following position lines, which must be reached in each case by 2000:

3.10.	Square AK 1758 to 5867
4.10.	Square AK 4122 to 7395
5.10.	Square AJ 6553 to AK 7811
6.10.	Square AJ 5967 to BC 3219.

U 618, 356, 221, 258 have been given the following order: After supplying, form a patrol line from BC 3257 to 3591. Tactical order in the order of leaving the supply rendezvous. It is intended to extend Group "Luchs" to the south with these boats on about 6.10. When Group "Luchs" will be in this area.

c) -

None.

Reports of Success: None.

VI.

General:

Convoy action in the North Atlantic:

Anti-submarine conditions being as they are (large number of enemy destroyers and corvettes, surface radar sets) and our own developments not keeping apace, it is essential to have the necessary large number of U-boats onto the convoys, if effective action is to be taken, enemy anti-submarine forces split up and continuous shadowing maintained. The convoy routes are uncertain, the sea areas are so extensive that the few boats which are still all that are available, have to be disposed in lines of no depth at all, so that, the weather conditions being bad on average, it takes a very long time before remaining boats have come up to the convoy on the basis of a sighting report. This means:

First requirement:

Convoy operations lasting several days must be possible.

Experience of several convoys has shown that a successful action can only be fought as a rule in sea area outside the range of the enemy air force.

Second requirement:

Action in sea area without enemy air escort.

Both requirements combined show that the most important condition is: To pick up the convoy early on the side of the Atlantic from which it starts (i.e. ON and ONS convoys in AL, HX and SC convoys in BB and AJ, lower third).

The boats have so far been disposed to meet this requirement and they will continue to be so disposed. It has been found best to form U-boats leaving home ports and Western France at once into a disposition against ON convoys; after picking up a convoy they then proceed southwest, operating against it, and, after breaking off the operation (in the area of the Newfoundland Bank), the boats supply in about DC 90. This supply is necessary, because the boats' fuel stocks after the first operation would not permit a second operation. These refueled boats then form a patrol line northeast of the

- 5 -

		Newfoundland Bank, the distance off the Bank being determined by fog conditions, to pick up SC or HX convoys.
	e)	U-tankers alone have made this procedure, which has already been used several times, possible. In practice a few U-tankers mean the same as considerably more U-boats.
	Mediterranean:
	The general situation in the Mediterranean has again made it necessary to send U-boats from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean to bring up the reduced numbers. Altogether 6 boats are to break through into the Mediterranean (U 438, U 660, U 605, U 89, U 593, U 458). They are to pass through the Straits of Gibraltar during the new moon period in October. (see operations order "Tümmler" attached).

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3.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 73	U 179	-	GR 44	U 432	-	BF 40	U 584	-	Op(BD 30)
	67	-	DF 47	181	-	DG 36	437	-	Op(AK)	590	-	Op(ET 40)
	68	-	Op(GR)	183	-	AL 14	441	-	AF 47	595	-	BF 65
	69	-	Op(BB)	201	-	Op(EE)	442	-	Op(AK)	596	-	BF 60
	84	-	BE 65	202	-	Op(EO)	443	-	AN 30	597	-	Op(AK)
	87	-	Op(ET)	211	-	BF 40	454	-	BE 46	599	-	BD 15
	91	-	BF 40	214	-	Op(CG 50)	455	-	Op(BB 60)	602	-	AE 91
	96	-	BF 40	216	-	BD 28	458	-	BF 40	605	-	BF 40
	106	-	BD 49	217	-	DF 16	459	-	FM 22	607	-	BD 15
	107	-	Op(ET)	221	-	BD 75	460	-	DH 77	610	-	Op(AK)
	109	-	BF 81	254	-	Op(AK)	461	-	DF 73	611	-	AN 30
	116	-	BD 75	257	-	Op(AK)	463	-	BE 60	615	-	BD 16
	118	-	BD 22	258	-	BD 75	504	-	Op(GR)	617	-	BE 53
	125	-	Op(ET)	259	-	BF 40	506	-	Op(FE)	618	-	BD 75
	126	-	DT 66	260	-	Op(AK)	507	-	DG 96	619	-	Op(AK)
	128	-	ER 33	301	-	AN 30	512	-	Op(EO)	620	-	Op(AK)
	129	-	BE 67	332	-	Op(EE)	513	-	Op(BB 60)	621	-	AF 87
	135	-	BF 40	333	-	ES 38	514	-	Op(EP)	625	-	AN 30
	156	-	Op(ET)	353	-	AL 27	515	-	DR 29	661	-	AK
	159	-	Op(GR)	356	-	BD 75	516	-	Op(EO)	662	-	AL 33
	160	-	CE 75	373	-	BF 83	517	-	Op(BB 40)	706	-	AL 26
	161	-	DT 64	380	-	BE 68	518	-	AE 91	753	-	Op(AK)
	164	-	BE 21	381	-	AN 30	552	-	DS 63	755	-	BF 40
	171	-	BE 85	382	-	Op(AK)	558	-	DF 47	757	-	AL 20
	172	-	Op(GR)	404	-	Op(BD 30)	563	-	AN 30	D 5	-	Op(ES)
	175	-	Op(ET)	406	-	CF 61	569	-	BE 92
	177	-	CF 49	407	-	BE 52	575	-	Op(AK)
	178	-	EH 98	410	-	BD 25	582	-	Op(AK)

	On Return Passage: U 91 - 96 - 109 - 164 - 171 - 211 - 217 - 259 - 373 - 380 - 406 - 407 - 432 - 459 - 460 - 461 - 507 - 515 - 558 - 569 - 595 - 617 - 755.
	Entered Port: U 135 - 596 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 660 - Brest; U 593 - St. Nazaire; U 571 - La Pallice; U 520 - 521 - D 3 - Kiel; U 262 - Bergen.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

- 6 -

III.

Reports on the Enemy:

Convoy No. 57 see para IVa ("Luchs").

U 201 has so far sunk a steamer of 3,000 GRT in EO 1472. Course 136⁰, speed 7 knots. Boat was depth charged in shallow water when she made another attack. Strong night air activity, (radar) location probable in one case.

U 214 reports that 3 escort vessels and 4 steamers have left Lisbon. Boat was located and fired on. Contact lost.

U 183 was bombed by an aircraft in AL 3373.

None.

U-boat sightings: EO 1350.

English aircraft reported a U-boat in about AL (probably U 183).

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 57 ("Luchs"):

U 610 sighted the convoy in AK 1796 at 1241, course 50⁰. It was an HK convoy, which, according to dead reckoning, should have been in this area. Boat shadowed until 2000. At 2200 and 0304 U 442 reported contact. The weather deteriorated to wind force 7 in the course of the day. Aurora-borealis affected radio communications very badly during the night and at times made it impossible.

The convoy consisted of 15 vessels and steered a main course of 50⁰ until 0300 in AK 2475, then altered to a west course and was in AK 2484 at 0624. Operation is continuing.

U 129 is to make for ED 98, U 84 for AK 69.

With the arrival of U 459, Group "Eisbär" (U 68 - 159 - 172 - 504) is up to strength. The boat sighted single-ship traffic in FU 24, course 120⁰, GG 16, course 120⁰, FU 82, 310⁰, FU 82, 320⁰, FM 91, 140⁰.

Group "Eisbär" intends to make the first attack early on 8.10. in accordance with operations order.

Reports of Success:

U 201

1 ship

3,000 GRT.

VI.

General: None.

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- 7 -

4.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BD 71	U 181	-	DG 66	U 437	-	Op(AK 50)	U 575	-	Op(AK 40)
	67	-	BE 95	183	-	AL 24	441	-	AE 68	582	-	Op(AK)
	68	-	Op(GR)	201	-	Op(EO)	442	-	Op(AK 27)	584	-	Op(BD 30)
	69	-	Op(BB 50)	202	-	Op(EO)	443	-	AN 20	590	-	Op(ET)
	84	-	BE 52	211	-	BF 40	454	-	BE 18	593	-	BF 50
	87	-	Op(ET)	214	-	Op(CG 50)	455	-	Op(BB)	595	-	BF 44
	91	-	BF 46	216	-	BD 43	458	-	BF 40	597	-	Op(AK 50)
	96	-	BF 60	217	-	DF 22	459	-	FE 85	599	-	BD 43
	106	-	BD 47	221	-	BD 70	460	-	DH 48	602	-	AE 88
	107	-	Op(ET)	254	-	Op(AK 40)	461	-	DF 58	605	-	BE 98
	109	-	BF 80	257	-	Op(AK 40)	463	-	BE 58	607	-	BD 43
	116	-	BD 70	258	-	BD 70	504	-	Op(GR)	610	-	Op(AK 18)
	118	-	BD 43	259	-	BF 60	506	-	Op(FE)	611	-	AN 20
	125	-	Op(FE)	260	-	Op(AK 50)	507	-	DH 48	615	-	BD 43
	126	-	DT 96	262	-	AF 70	512	-	Op(EO)	617	-	BE 66
	128	-	ES 18	301	-	AN 20	513	-	Op(BB 16)	618	-	BD 70
	129	-	BE 81	332	-	Op(EE)	514	-	Op(EP)	619	-	Op(AK 40)
	156	-	Op(FE)	333	-	Op(ET)	515	-	DR 32	620	-	Op(AJ 39)
	159	-	Op(GR)	353	-	AL 41	516	-	Op(EO)	621	-	AF 73
	160	-	DF 35	356	-	BD 70	517	-	Op(BB 40)	625	-	AN 20
	161	-	DT 94	373	-	BF 60	518	-	AE 84	660	-	BF 50
	164	-	BE 88	380	-	BF 47	520	-	AE 40	661	-	AK(Op)
	171	-	BE 95	381	-	AN 20	521	-	AO 40	662	-	AL 32
	172	-	Op(GR)	382	-	Op(AK 40)	552	-	DS 93	706	-	AL 19
	175	-	Op(EO)	404	-	Op(BD 30)	558	-	DF 46	753	-	Op(AK 27)
	177	-	CF 78	406	-	CF 36	563	-	AN 20	755	-	BF 40
	179	-	GR 40	407	-	BE 64	569	-	BF 71	757	-	AL 42
	178	-	ES 14	410	-	BD 43	571	-	BF 90	D 5	-	Op(ES)
				432	-	BF 60				D 3	-	AO 40

	On Return Passage: U 91 - 96 - 109 - 164 - 171 - 211 - 217 - 259 - 273 - 380 - 406 - 407 - 432 - 459 - 460 - 461 - 507 - 515 - 558 - 569 - 584 - 595 - 617 - 755.
	Entered Port: U 373 - 432 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 89 - Brest; U 505 - Lorient; U 402 - La Pallice.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 513 fired a triple miss at a coastal freighter in BB 3916. Gyro-failure.
		2)	Sightings:
			U 584 - 2 destroyers, course east, in BD 3631.
			U 454 - 2 corvettes on a northeast course in BE 1182.
			U 460 - fast independent ship, type "Orcades" in DH 1676, course 320⁰, speed 18 knots.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: CA 7893 - DC 11 - ED 7117 - BB 7593 - AJ 95.
	d)	None.

- 8 -

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 57:

U 382 made contact last night in AK 2484, but was forced to submerge by a destroyer.

At 0805 U 260 sighted a destroyer and 3 small silhouettes in AK 3371, course east. Contact was lost again in a hailstorm. At 1030 the boat reported several smoke clouds in AK 3371. No contact. The following boats also had sight of the convoy for a short time, without being able to maneuver into a firing position: U 619 at 1419, U 382 at 1615, U 582 at 1620, U 706 at 1831. The convoy steered an east course until 1615 in AK 3476, then continued via AK 3498 and, according to dead reckoning, was in about AL 1631 at 0800. Positions based on boats' reports differed considerably, so that Operations Control decided to take that reported by U 619 at 1900 in AK 3498 as correct. At 1830 flying boats appeared for the first time and provided continuous escort; they drove the boats off constantly. U 620 and U 254 requested beacon signals in the course of the evening. Apparently all boats had been driven off by aircraft or destroyers and could not get near the convoy. Contact was not reestablished by morning. This time again boats' operations were severely restricted by bad weather: northwest 8, high swell, hailstorms and moderate visibility.

U 437 reported at 1040 that she had sighted the convoy at 0230 in AK 2986, course 240⁰, speed 6 knots. Boat was constantly forced to submerge and finally driven off in AK 5213. Aurora-borealis made it impossible to make radio messages at once, and thus a promising convoy operation came to nothing.

U 254 sank an abandoned tanker of 8,000 GRT in AK 5561. This confirms the view that the English often just give up badly damaged ships without attempting to tow them in, as was the case in the Autumn of 1941.

The operation is continuing. U 188, which is in the vicinity, is also operating against the convoy.

U 618 - 258 - 356 and 221 are to make for AJ 88. The order for a patrol line is thus cancelled. U 463 is to make for BC 69, U 410 - 607 - 216 - 559 - 615 for AK 96 after refueling from U 118 in AK 96.

U 618 - 258 - 356 - 221 have supplied from U 116. U 116 returning.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 254

1 ship

8,000 GRT.

VI.

General: None.

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- 9 -

5.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BC 92	U 181	-	DG 95	U 441	-	AE 83	U 582	-	AK 36
	67	-	DQ 21	183	-	AL 10	442	-	AK 35	584	-	BE 19
	68	-	Op(GR)	201	-	Op(EO)	443	-	AF 79	590	-	Op(ET)
	69	-	Op(BB)	202	-	Op(EP)	454	-	BD 33	593	-	BF 81
	84	-	BE 16	211	-	BF 54	455	-	Op(BB)	595	-	BF 55
	87	-	Op(ET)	214	-	Op(CG)	458	-	BE 93	597	-	AL 10
	89	-	BF 55	216	-	BD 43	459	-	FE 49	599	-	BD 43
	91	-	BF 54	217	-	CD 95	460	-	DH 13	602	-	AL 33
	96	-	BF 64	221	-	BD 70	461	-	DF 53	605	-	BE 89
	106	-	BC 68	254	-	AL 15	463	-	BE 47	607	-	BD 43
	107	-	Op(ET)	257	-	AL 10	504	-	Op(GR)	610	-	AK 38
	109	-	BF	258	-	BD 70	505	-	BF 55	611	-	AF 79
	116	-	BD 73	259	-	BF 68	506	-	Op(FE)	615	-	BD 43
	118	-	BD 43	260	-	AK 14	507	-	DH 18	617	-	BF 55
	125	-	Op(FE)	262	-	AF 27	512	-	Op(EO)	618	-	BD 17
	126	-	EJ 36	301	-	AF 79	513	-	BB 39	619	-	AK 34
	128	-	ES 55	332	-	Op(EE)	514	-	Op(EP)	620	-	AL 13
	129	-	BE 77	333	-	Op(ET)	515	-	DF 96	621	-	AF 47
	156	-	Op(FE)	353	-	AK 63	516	-	Op(EO)	625	-	AF 79
	159	-	Op(GR)	356	-	BD 17	517	-	Op(BB)	660	-	BF 48
	160	-	DF 53	380	-	BF 40	518	-	AE 78	661	-	Op(AK)
	161	-	EJ 34	381	-	AF 79	520	-	AN 30	662	-	AL 35
	164	-	BE 95	382	-	AL 25	521	-	AN 30	706	-	AL 15
	171	-	BF 71	402	-	BF 92	552	-	EH 33	753	-	AK 14
	172	-	Op(GR)	404	-	Op(BD 30)	558	-	DF 28	755	-	BF 52
	175	-	Op(EO)	406	-	BE 99	563	-	AF 79	757	-	AL 13
	177	-	DG 39	407	-	BE 66	569	-	BF 73	D 3	-	AN 36
	178	-	ES 46	410	-	BD 43	571	-	BF 82	D 5	-	Op(ES)
	179	-	Op(GR 40)	437	-	AK 54	575	-	AL 13

	On Return Passage: U 91 - 96 - 109 - 118 - 164 - 171 - 211 - 214 - 217 - 259 - 380 - 406 - 407 - 459 - 460 - 461 - 507 - 515 - 558 - 569 - 584 - 595 - 617 - 755.
	Entered Port: U 755 - Brest; U 96 - St. Nazaire; U 259 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 704 - 71 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 356 sighted a tanker on a west course in BC 6232 while on her way to the patrol line. Boat gave chase.
		2)	U 69 pursued the convoy reported on 2.10. Convoy's position at 1600 BB 1447, course 105⁰, low speed. Boat broke off operations and is proceeding to BA 3830.
		3)	U D5 reported Q ship in ES 5114. The description fits a Q ship previously sighted in this area. Boat was apparently picked up by hydrophones while making an underwater attack. No D/C's.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DC 12, BB 4136, BB 5129.

- 10 -

		U-boat attack: EO 17.
		English aircraft several times reported attacks or sightings of German U-boats in probably AL 10 and 20 as well as in Biscay. Positions were not resolved, as the code for latitude and longitude data has changed.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Positions:
	a)	Convoy No. 57:
		The operation continued to be seriously affected by bad weather, wind force up to 9 and a heavy west swell. It was very difficult for boats to haul ahead and shadow and the appearance of flying boats made it practically impossible. The order was therefore given for boats which did not manage to attack during the night to break off and proceed westwards to a new patrol line. Thereupon, one after the other, the following boats broke off and proceeded as ordered: U 260 - 706 - 757 - 597 - 753 - 442 - 254 - 575 - 183 - 257. The weather did not improve as expected and towards evening it was even reported that the wind was again rising to west 8. At 1005 U 382 sighted the convoy, course east, in AL 2524. Speed 10 knots. At 1534 U 619 also gained contact in AL 2565. Shortly afterwards U 620 reported the convoy in AL 2674, course 110⁰. Fix certain. Speed was now about 7 knots. The boat shadowed until 2013 in AL 2685 ands then lost contact when visibility deteriorated. At 2105 she again sighted 1 steamer and 1 destroyer in AL 2689. She pressed on without success. Later U 602 reported that she had seen plumes of smoke at 1900 in AL 2683. No further contact was made with the enemy. The convoy had strong escort the whole day. U 620 - 183 - 602 and 257 were bombed and U 257 suffered temporary damage. Boats still onto the convoy were ordered to break off the operation at first light.
		U 437 also did not regain contact with the westbound convoy and is now making for her position in the patrol line.
	b)	1)	U 618 - 258 - 356 - 221 - 410 - 615 - 607 - 599 and 216 will form Group "Wotan" and take up a patrol line from AJ 8255 to BC 4315 at 0800/8/10. An eastbound convoy is expected at about 1200/8/10.
		2)	After Group "Luchs" convoy operation has been broken off it is planned to form a patrol line with these and a few additional boats from AK 3675 to AL 7555, by 0800/7/10. For further details see War Log of 6.10. para IVa.
	c)	1)	U 461 has delivered the Junkers Compressor parts to U 160.
		2)	U 410 and 607 have supplied from U 118. Further supply has been broken off on account of a south storm.
		3)	U 661 whose main transmitter has been out of action for some time, is now fully operationally effective. Refueling is intended from U 463.
	d)	3 more boats sailing from home, U 662 0 663 and 354, have been detailed for Northern Waters, to reinforce the group there and compensate for losses at the last PQ convoy.

- 11 -

V.	Reports of Success: None.

VI.	General: None.

	Final review of Convoy No. 57 see War Log of 6.10.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

6.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BC 83	U 181	-	DT 15	U 442	-	Op(AL)	U 584	-	BE 52
	67	-	DQ 15	183	-	Op(AL)	443	-	AF 72	590	-	Op(ET)
	68	-	Op(GR)	201	-	Op(EO)	454	-	AK 93	593	-	BE 99
	69	-	Op(BB)	202	-	Op(EP)	455	-	Op(BB 60)	595	-	BF 50
	71	-	BF 50	211	-	BF 50	458	-	BE 97	597	-	Op(AL)
	84	-	AL 78	214	-	CG 21	459	-	FD 66	599	-	BD 43
	87	-	Op(ET)	216	-	BD 43	460	-	CF 94	602	-	AL 36
	89	-	BF 40	217	-	CE 48	461	-	DF 53	605	-	BE 79
	91	-	BF 50	221	-	BC 65	463	-	BD 65	607	-	BD 43
	106	-	BC 59	254	-	Op(AL)	504	-	Op(GR)	610	-	Op(AK)
	107	-	Op(ET)	257	-	Op(AL)	505	-	BF 40	611	-	AF 72
	109	-	BF 60	258	-	BC 62	506	-	Op(FE)	615	-	BD 43
	116	-	BD 82	260	-	Op(AL 30)	507	-	CF 94	617	-	BF 40
	118	-	BD 43	262	-	AE 69	512	-	Op(EO)	618	-	BC 62
	125	-	Op(FE)	301	-	AF 72	513	-	Op(BB 30)	619	-	Op(AL)
	126	-	EJ 66	332	-	Op(EE)	514	-	Op(EP)	620	-	Op(AL)
	128	-	ES 88	333	-	Op(ET)	515	-	DG 48	621	-	AE 67
	129	-	CE 31	353	-	AL 44	516	-	Op(EP)	625	-	AF 72
	156	-	Op(FE)	356	-	BC 62	517	-	OP(BB 10)	660	-	BE 90
	159	-	Op(GR)	380	-	BF 40	518	-	AE 78	661	-	AK 88
	160	-	EJ 64	381	-	AF 72	520	-	AN 20	662	-	AL 01
	161	-	BE 90	382	-	Op(AL)	521	-	AN 20	704	-	BF 50
	164	-	BE 90	402	-	BF 80	552	-	EH 62	706	-	Op(AL)
	171	-	BF 70	404	-	Op(BD 30)	558	-	DF 31	753	-	Op(AL 30)
	172	-	Op(GR)	406	-	BF 70	563	-	AF 72	757	-	Op(AL)
	175	-	Op(EO)	407	-	BF 40	569	-	BF 40	D 3	-	AN 20
	177	-	DG 68	410	-	BD 17	571	-	BF 70	D 5	-	ES 52
	178	-	ES 86	437	-	Op(AK)	575	-	Op(AL)
	179	-	GR 40	441	-	AE 87	582	-	Op(AL 30)

	On Return Passage: U 91 - 109 - 118 - 164 - 171 - 211 -214 - 217 - 380 - 405 - 406 - 407 - 459 - 460 - 461 - 507 - 515 - 569 - 558 - 584 - 595 - 617.
	Entered Port: U 91 - 211 - 595 - Brest; U 109 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 438 - Brest; U 609 - 658 - St. Nazaire; U 132 - La Pallice.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 67 chased a large tanker in vain in DQ 7913, course 45⁰, speed 15 knots.
		2)	U 202 sank the large freighter "John Carter Rose" in EP 1347, course 100⁰, 14 knots. Sinking heard in hydrophones. (Estimated 7,000 GRT). (Ship was sunk by U 201. See War Log of 8.10.).
		3)	U 175: Sink on 1.10. in EO 1452 freighter of 6,000 GRT ("Empire Tennessee" or similar vessel), course 310⁰.

- 12 -

			2.10. EO 1824 freighter 4,500 GRT, course 310⁰
			4.10. EO 1852 freighter 3,500 GRT, course 140⁰
			5.10. EO 1493 freighter 4,000 GRT, left on fire and sinking, course 310⁰.
			All torpedoes used, starting return passage.
		4)	U 514 sighted nothing in FA 3180 to FB 5830 from 29.9. to 2.10. and again nothing on 5.10. in FB 5840. Boat suspects traffic from FC 78 to ED 99, away from the coast outside the 200 meter line.
		5)	U 517 situation: only inward and outward-bound convoys in the St. Lawrence River area, escorted by a destroyer, corvettes, and escort vessels. Aircraft by day and night. Lively traffic probably in BA 36 - BB 42 - 46 - 49 or 54, nothing seen in BB 43 and 51. No radar, only hydrophone hunts, which are impeded by density layering.
		6)	U 156 encountered no traffic in the sea area around FE.
		7)	U 107 chased 2 steamers from ET 8179 via 5730 to 5560 and there sank "Andalusia Star" (14,943 GRT).
		8)	U 459 sighted a light carrier-borne aircraft in FD 6463.
		9)	U 333 was located by a corvette in about ET 2989 and fired on with guns and machine guns at ranges from 1500 - 0 meters. 1 officer and 3 ratings killed, 1 petty officer missing, C.O. and First Watchkeeping Officer wounded. Boat badly damaged, but can dive. A rendezvous is being arranged with U 459, which is nearby (M.O. on board).
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DN 46, FP 12, FD 33, BA 3725.
		U-boat attack: BB 8721 (English "Milerest" 5,283 GRT).
		English aircraft reported U-boats in about AL 26, AN 5730, AM 5473 and in 2 more unresolved positions.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Convoy No. 57:
		After first light the convoy operation was finally broken off. U 619, 620, 582, 602, 662 and 382, which had not yet reported were told to make their positions. Boats are to steer for AK 38 for the present. All boats reported in the course of the day except U 582 and U 619. The former had trouble with the transmitter and possibly cannot get a report through on her emergency transmitter in this bad weather. U 619 last had contact with the convoy in AL 2565, U 257 had to start on return passage because of bomb damage. The remaining boats and a few additional ones are to be formed into Group "Panther" and were ordered to be in patrol line from AK 3819 to AL 7555 from 0800/7/10 in the order U 582 - 441 - 662 - 620 - 382 - 602 - 575 - 735 - 254 - 353 - 437 - 442 - 597 - 610 - 706 - 260 - 757 - 454 - and 84. Several boats reported that they could not take up their positions until 9.10. owing to weather conditions. It is necessary to extend this patrol line over such a large area, as latterly the convoys have not followed the Great Circle, but apparently made a long detour to the N.
	b)	1)	Owing to the strong S.W. gale U 410 and 607 have been ordered to proceed to Group "Wotan's" patrol line at cruising speed only.
		2)	As the next PQ convoy is expected to sail within the next

- 13 -

few days U 262, U 611 and U 625 have been ordered to Narvik at increased cruising speed. After refueling boats will remain there at readiness to operate on the Murmansk convoy. It is intended to operate them in the Atlantic again as soon as U 622, 663 and 345, which are leaving Kiel, arrive (See War Log of 5.10 paragraph IVd).

U 216 has taken over 20 cbm from U 118.

U 172 reported at 2219 that Capetown Roads were empty when she reconnoited them. Boat requested freedom of action. It is assumed that this absence of shipping is only temporary and, as it is hoped to heighten the effect of operation "Eisbär" as a whole by a surprise coup against Capetown Roads, the time for attack was postponed from 10th to the 11th October.

U 68 also penetrated as far as the roads and reported a searchlight barrage. Success in the roads very doubtful. Heavy transit traffic. Boat suggests attack at discretion from 0000/8/10.

Facts are as follows:

Capetown is empty and it is not certain that the roads will be occupied within the next few days.

Even if they were occupied, prospects of success are doubtful, on account of searchlight barrage.

Submerged attack not possible because of shallow water.

In the circumstances the boats would be running to great risk.

Reports show that both C.O.'s, after their first reconnaissance regard success as doubtful, and think an attack at discretion would be better.

Both C.O.'s are fully aware of the "strategic, propaganda and prestige" effect that the first attack on Capetown Roads was intended to create, and they are in the best position to judge the situation, it was decided to accept their views and they received the order: Attack at discretion from 0000/8/10. The chances of a big surprise coup are very much reduced now that the roads are empty. Possibly the appearance of Japanese U-boats off Madagascar and in the Atlantic has contributed towards the evacuation and defence of Capetown Roads.

Reports of Success:

U 175	4 ships	18,000 GRT
U 107	1 ship	14,943 GRT
U 201	1 ship	10,000 GRT.

VI.

General:

Final reviews of Convoy No. 57:

The course of the operation again went to prove how difficult it is to fight convoy actions in area of strong air patrol. The early appearance of enemy aircraft points to there now being air bases in Greenland. It is only to be hoped that as the winter goes on and the Greenland coast ices up, the flying boats will not be able to take off, and the U-boats will once more have an area further E. without enemy aircraft. The results of the convoy operation confirm the opinion expressed in the War Log of 2.10. i.e. that convoys must be picked up on the side of the Atlantic from which they start. Admittedly the particularly bad weather conditions contributed very largely to the failure

- 14 -

of the convoy operation.

Result: Sunk: Nil.

Result:	Sunk:	Nil.
	Losses:	U 619, U 582?
	Damaged:	U 257

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

7.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BC 81	U 183	-	AK 35	U 442	-	Op(AL)	U 584	-	BE 56
	67	-	Op(EF)	201	-	Op(EO)	443	-	AM 32	590	-	Op(ET)
	68	-	Op(GR)	202	-	Op(EP)	454	-	Op(AL)	593	-	BE 89
	69	-	Op(BA)	214	-	BF 75	455	-	Op(BB)	597	-	Op(AL)
	71	-	BF 49	216	-	BD 43	458	-	BE 87	599	-	BD 43
	84	-	Op(AL)	217	-	CE 54	459	-	FD 29	602	-	AK 63
	87	-	Op(ET)	221	-	Op(AJ)	460	-	CF 64	605	-	BE 77
	89	-	BE 96	254	-	Op(AK)	461	-	DF 36	607	-	BC 32
	106	-	BC 73	257	-	Op(AL)	463	-	BD 27	609	-	BF 67
	107	-	Op(ET)	258	-	Op(AJ)	504	-	Op(GR)	610	-	Op(AL)
	116	-	BD 92	260	-	Op(AL)	505	-	BF 47	615	-	BD 43
	118	-	BD 43	301	-	AM 32	506	-	Op(FE)	617	-	BF 60
	125	-	Op(FE)	332	-	Op(EE)	507	-	CF 64	618	-	Op(AJ)
	126	-	EJ 96	333	-	Op(ET)	512	-	Op(EO)	619	-	AL 20
	128	-	Op(ET)	353	-	Op(AL)	513	-	Op(BB)	620	-	AL 01
	129	-	CE 27	356	-	BC 20	514	-	Op(FB)	621	-	AE 82
	132	-	BF 92	380	-	BF 60	515	-	AL 11	658	-	BF 91
	156	-	Op(FE)	381	-	AM 32	516	-	Op(EO)	660	-	BE 87
	159	-	Op(GR)	382	-	AK 03	517	-	Op(BB)	661	-	BD 27
	160	-	DF 57	402	-	BF 73	518	-	AL 11	662	-	AL 18
	161	-	EJ 94	404	-	Op(BD)	520	-	AF 79	704	-	BF 49
	164	-	BF 73	406	-	BF 53	521	-	AN 28	706	-	Op(AL)
	171	-	BF 49	407	-	BF 49	552	-	AN 93	753	-	Op(AL)
	172	-	Op(GR)	410	-	BC 33	558	-	CE 77	757	-	Op(AL)
	175	-	Op(EE)	436	-	AO 40	563	-	AM 32	D 3	-	AF 79
	177	-	DG 98	437	-	Op(AL)	569	-	BF 91	D 5	-	Op(ES)
	178	-	FD 34	438	-	BF 55	571	-	BF 47
	179	-	Op(GR)	441	-	AL 22	575	-	Op(AL)
	181	-	DT 45				582	-	AL 20

	On Return Passage: U 116 - 118 - 164 - 171 - 175 - 214 - 217 - 257 - 333 - 380 - 404 - 406 - 407 - 459 - 460 - 461 - 507 - 515 - 517 - 558 - 569 - 584 - 617.
	Entered Port: U 164 - Lorient; U 617 - 380 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 172 reports: nothing seen in the North for 2 days. Considerable traffic along the route through German mines. Shore-based radar.
		2)	U 356 lost sight of the tanker reported in a rainstorm on 5.7. while chasing her. Searched in vain. No action because of bad weather.
		3)	U 332 situation: nothing seen from 2.10.-7.10. in EO 5681 via 6482 - 3651 and 6965. Slight air activity. Without good reason the boat operated too far off the point at which she was ordered to concentrate. She should have searched for the line of traffic which U 175 has reported constantly for 10 days.
		4)	U 202 fired a double miss at an independent ship in EP 1465 course 280⁰. All torpedoes used. Return passage.
	b)	None.

- 15 -

	c)	U-boat sightings: BB 4197.
		SOS from English S.S. "Milerest" in BB 7681, also from S.S. "John Carter Rose" in EP 12.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	U 505 to make for ED 99, U 571 - 89 - 402 - 704 - 71 - 658 - 609 and 132 for AK 93.
		2)	After refueling U 661 will join Group "Wotan" and take up positions in the patrol lines in BC 2354.
		3)	As U 333 is returning, U 87 will occupy this boat's sector.
		4)	According to a Radio Intelligence report there was an English aircraft in about AL 2623 at 0800 in radio communications with a west-bound convoy. It was assumed that this was the expected ON 135, which had made a detour to the north, as expected, and the order was given to extend the patrol line by about 160 miles in the direction of 340⁰. Group "Panther" was ordered to form a patrol line from AK 3644 to AL 4723 by 1200/8/10 with U 602 - 575 - 753 - 254 - 353 - 437 - 442 - 597 - 610 - 706 - 260 - 454 - 84 - 757. U 518 and U 183 will extend the line to the north as far as AK 3536. U 441 - 620 - 382 - 662 and 582 will make for AK 6630 which is the center of the patrol line.
	c)	1)	U 216 has taken over fuel from U 643 and handed over one sick man. Is now making for Group "Wotan's" patrol line.
		2)	U 615 and 599 have refueled from U 118. They are also joining Group "Wotan".
		3)	U 89's special operation is cancelled as radar interception gear is out of order.
		4)	Lieutenant (s.g.) Kasch will take command of U 333 on her return passage.
	d)	1)	There is permission to attack in the following area from 0000/8/10 until further notice: east of the line FE 91 left lower edge to GZ 16 left lower edge. The south boundary is 40⁰ South. The east boundary is 270⁰ East.
		2)	See appendix U-boat situation and intentions.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

8.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BC 72	U 183	-	Op(AK)	U 443	-	AM 23	U 584	-	BE 66
	67	-	EE 62	201	-	Op(EO)	454	-	Op(AL 44)	590	-	Op(ET)
	68	-	Op(GR)	202	-	Op(EP)	455	-	Op(BB)	593	-	BE 87
	69	-	Op(BA)	214	-	BF 54	458	-	BE 78	597	-	Op(AK 30)
	71	-	BF 47	216	-	BD 27	459	-	ES 92	599	-	BD 49
	84	-	Op(AL)	217	-	CE 29	460	-	CF 65	602	-	AK 30(Op)
	87	-	Op(ET)	221	-	Op(AJ)	461	-	CE 79	605	-	BE 77
	89	-	BE 91	254	-	Op(AK 30)	463	-	BD 27	607	-	AJ 97
	106	-	BC 47	257	-	AL 58	504	-	Op(GR)	609	-	BF 82
	107	-	ES 91	258	-	Op(AJ)	505	-	BF 92	610	-	Op(AK 63)
	116	-	BE 72	260	-	Op(AL 44)	506	-	Op(FE)	615	-	BD 49
	118	-	BD 81	301	-	AM 23	507	-	CF 65	618	-	Op(AJ)
	125	-	Op(FE)	332	-	Op(EP)	512	-	Op(EO)	619	-	AL
	126	-	ET 43	333	-	ES 92	513	-	Op(BB)	620	-	AL 01
	128	-	Op(ET)	353	-	Op(AK 30)	514	-	Op(EB)	661	-	BD 27
	129	-	CE 45	356	-	Op(AL 03)	515	-	DG 25	621	-	AE 79
	132	-	BF 82	381	-	AM 23	516	-	Op(EO)	658	-	BF 49
	156	-	Op(FE)	382	-	AL 01	517	-	BB 55	660	-	BE 79
	159	-	Op(GR)	402	-	BE 69	518	-	Op(AK 35)	662	-	AL 01
	160	-	DF 75	404	-	BE 16	520	-	AF 74	704	-	BF 47
	161	-	ET 54	406	-	BF 64	521	-	AN 79	706	-	Op(AL 41)


- 16 -

171	-	BF 172	407	-	BF 58	552	-	ER 33	753	-	Op(AK 30)
172	-	Op(GR)	410	-	BC 31	558	-	CE 73	757	-	Op(AL)
175	-	EE 68	436	-	AN 35	563	-	AM 23	D 5	-	Op(ES)
177	-	DT 16	437	-	Op(AK 30)	569	-	BF 53	D 3	-	AF 74
178	-	FD 63	438	-	BF 49	571	-	BE 55
179	-	Op(GR)	441	-	AL 16	575	-	Op(AK 30)
181	-	DT 84	442	-	Op(AK)	582	-	AL 18

	On Return Passage: U 116 - 118 - 171 - 175 - 214 - 217 - 257 - 333 - 404 - 406 - 407 - 459 - 460 - 461 - 507 - 515 - 517 - 558 - 569 - 584.
	Entered Port: U 406 - St. Nazaire; U 569 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 174 - Lorient; U 522 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 404 (on return passage because of fuel) sighted a convoy of 6-10 steamers and 4 destroyers, course 20⁰, speed 8 knots at 1230 in BE 22. Boat lost contact and continued on her passage. There will be no operation against this convoy.
		2)	U 201 sank "John Carter Rose" course 80⁰, speed 12 knots in EF 9795. According to the crew this is a ship of 10,800 GRT cargo of 7 aircraft, bombs and petrol. This ship was therefore not sunk by U 202 as reported. (see War Log of 6.10) as the C.O. based his sinking report on sinking noises only.
		3)	U 161 sighted a hovering corvette in ET 5813 with an aircraft. No location.
		4)	U 125 sunk the English S.S. "Glendere" 4,412 GRT, course 50⁰, proceeding from Buenos Aires to Freetown in ET 7357.
		5)	U 159 reported her first successes off Capetown. She sank 8.10. in GR 5881 "Salandia" 8,482 GRT, course 240⁰ and in GF 5852 a freighter of 5,300 GRT course 40⁰. Heavy southwest bound traffic, medium air activity.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DN 75, FB 49, CA 76, 84, CA 54, ET 52.
		English aircraft (presumably with SL 120) reported surfaced U-boat (U 404?).
		SOS from U.S.S. "Swiftsure" (8,207 GRT) in GR 5636. British "Welsh Trader" (4,947 GRT), was being chased by a U-boat in ET 5295.
		Torpedo reports: from "City of Athewa" (6,558 tons) in GR 52.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	Group "Wotan" has been ordered to keep radio silent except for messages of tactical importance.
		2)	Group "Eisbär" and U 179 have been given freedom of action in the

- 17 -

sea area of Capetown.

In Group "Panther" U 183 and U 518 are changing positions in the patrol line.

U 621 is now to steer for AK 3530 and change with U 183.

U 506 is steering for DC 70 to refuel.

U 590 has been given freedom of action in the sea area off Freetown.

None.

U 441 and U 621 had to heave to for 1 to 2 days in about AL 30 on account of the heavy gale.

Reports of Success:

U 125	1 ship	4,412 GRT
U 159	2 ships	13,782 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

9.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BB 93	U 201	-	Op(EP)	U 459	-	ES 92	U 605	-	BD 88
	67	-	Op(EE)	202	-	EF 84	460	-	BE 91	607	-	Op(AJ 80)
	68	-	Op(GR)	214	-	BF 52	461	-	CE 82	609	-	BF 48
	69	-	Op(BA)	216	-	BD 14	463	-	BD 27	610	-	Op(AK 30)
	71	-	BF 65	217	-	CE 36	504	-	Op(GR)	615	-	BC 63
	84	-	Op(AL)	221	-	Op(AJ)	505	-	BE 86	618	-	Op(AJ 80)
	87	-	Op(ET)	254	-	Op(AK)	506	-	ET 78	619	-	AL
	89	-	BE 58	257	-	AL 81	507	-	BE 91	620	-	Op(AL 40)
	106	-	BB 68	258	-	Op(AJ)	512	-	Op(EO)	621	-	AL 24
	107	-	ES 92	260	-	Op(AK)	513	-	Op(BB)	658	-	BF 47
	116	-	BE 81	301	-	AM 15	514	-	Op(FA)	660	-	BD 96
	118	-	BD 59	332	-	Op(EO)	515	-	CE 98	661	-	BD 27
	125	-	Op(ET)	333	-	ES 29	516	-	Op(EO)	662	-	Op(AL 40)
	126	-	ET 58	353	-	Op(AK)	517	-	BB 67	704	-	BF 65
	128	-	Op(ET)	356	-	Op(AJ)	518	-	Op(AK 26)	706	-	Op(AL 40)
	129	-	CD 93	381	-	AM 15	520	-	AM 32	753	-	Op(AK 30)
	132	-	BF 48	382	-	Op(AL)	521	-	AF 75	757	-	Op(AL 40)
	156	-	Op(FE)	402	-	BE 55	522	-	AO	D 3	-	AN 32
	159	-	Op(GR)	404	-	BE 28	552	-	ES 42	D 5	-	Op(ES)
	160	-	DQ 32	407	-	BF 52	558	-	CE 55
	161	-	ET 83	410	-	Op(AJ)	563	-	AM 15
	171	-	BF 64	436	-	AN 28	571	-	BE 43
	172	-	Op(GR)	437	-	Op(AK)	575	-	Op(AK 30)
	174	-	BF 55	438	-	CG 16	582	-	Op(AL 40)
	175	-	BF 41	441	-	Op(AL)	584	-	BF 57
	177	-	DT 45	442	-	Op(AK)	590	-	Op(ET)
	178	-	FE 57	443	-	AM 15	593	-	BE 78
	179	-	Op(GR)	454	-	Op(AL 46)	597	-	Op(AK 30)
	181	-	EH 36	455	-	Op(BB)	599	-	BC 63
	183	-	Op(AK)	458	-	BD 86	602	-	Op(AK 30)

	On Return Passage: U 116 - 118 - 125 - 171 - 175 - 202 - 214 - 217 - 257 - 333 - 404 - 459 - 460 - 461 - 506 - 507 - 515 - 517 - 558 - 584 - 407.
	Entered Port: U 214 - 407 - Brest.

- 18 -

	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	For U 753's report see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 332 was bombed by fast shore-based aircraft in EO 5181. Attack periscope out of order.
		3)	U 254 sank a steamer of 6,000 GRT in AK 3589.
		4)	U 201 attacked a British ship type "Astroma" 8,401 GRT, in EP 3132 and reported a clean case of pistol failure. She pressed on and sank the ship in EF 9773. Boat suspects from the way the steamer behaved that she was a Q ship.
		5)	U 69 torpedoed a freighter of 4,000 GRT in BA 3845, ship broke up, sinking certain. More hits probable. On 27.9. the boat attacked a straggler of 3,000 GRT from the convoy reported. She fired one surface and one submerged miss with good data.
		6)	Sinkings off Capetown:
			U 159 on 9.10. in GR 8144, "Colorandan" (6,575 GRT), course 260⁰.
			U 172 GR 5593 "Chichasaw City" (6,196 GRT) course 270⁰. GR 5671 "Firethory" (6,000 GRT) course 90⁰. GR 5648 freighter of 3,500 GRT, course 260⁰. Boat reports air and sea patrol from 8.10., was depth-charged in GR 5650, hunted for 28 hours with hydrophones and Asdic, no damage.
			U 68 reported heavy inward and outward-bound traffic day and night between the Cape and the mined area, course 160 or 320⁰. On 8.10. she sank a freighter of 8,000 GRT, a freighter of 6,000 GRT, and the American "Swiftsure" (8,207 GRT). On 9.10. the American "Examlea" (4,981 GRT) and a freighter of 6,000 GRT.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: EO 5190, EO 5270.
		By an American aircraft in ED 92.
		Attack and/or torpedo reports: Unidentified ship (probably "New Hellas") in ES 96. British "Oronsay" 20,043 GRT in ES 92.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	U 753 in Group "Panther's" patrol line, sighted several silhouettes on a northwest course at 1424 in AK 3824 in a rain storm. As, from dead reckoning, this could be the expected convoy, the north wing of Group "Panther" with 8 boats, was ordered to take action on this report. They steered searching courses of 290 - 230⁰, enemy speed 5-8 knots. So that the south wing should not be too far

- 19 -

behind when the convoy was found, it was ordered to proceed on a west course at a speed of advance 7 knots. Towards 1600 U 753 lost sight of the enemy in AK 3824. She pressed on on a course of 290⁰ and at 1828 reported contact lost. 2 steamers without escort were sighted. Boat thought they might have been independently-routed ships. Operations Control decided to continue the operation until dusk and then ordered Group "Panther" to return to the old patrol line. At 2210 U 254 sighted 2 independent ships in AK 3589 on a southwest course and sank one of 6,000 GRT. According to dead reckoning this was probably the enemy unit reported by U 753. Group "Panther" reformed the patrol line.

U 621 will make for AK 35, U 543, 381, 301 and 563 for AL 41. After refueling U 661, U 463 will wait in BD 57.

U 620, 382 and 662 will join Group "Panther" and occupy positions in the patrol lines from AK 6339 to AL 4413. U 610 and 757 will cruise south in the direction of the patrol line and take up positions from AL 4451 - 7211.

U 582 will occupy AK 63 as attack area.

U 177 will proceed to GR via FM 90, FU 50 and GG 10.

U 333 is being brought home by Lieutenant (s.g.) Kasch. Boat is damaged, but is able to crash dive. The C.O. and First Watchkeeping Officer are not on the danger list.

With immediate effect, at B.d.U.'s request, permission to attack is granted in the following extended sea area: east of the line FE 8910 via FM 4954 to GY 3598, south boundary 40⁰ South, east boundary 27⁰ East.

U 619 on her first enemy patrol, was operating against Convoy No. 57 as part of Group "Luchs". She last reported the convoy in AL 2565 at 1834/5/10. Since then the boat not yet replied to several calls. She may have been sunk by an escort vessel or an aircraft. There is no further information. (Sinking by bombs very probable, 4 reports of attacks.)

U 582 was also shadowing Convoy No. 57 and reported at 1016/5/10 that her transmitter was out of action. As the boat may not, for this reason, have been able to radio, she is not yet regarded as missing.

U 171 was to have been at point L2 at 1600/9/10 to pick up escort. The boat arrived too soon, and towards 1400 she sank 3 miles northeast of L2 after an explosion. Probably hit by a magnetic or acoustic mine. 30 members of the crew were saved, including all officers.

U 438 will not carry out special operation as radar interception gear is not working. She will now steer for AK 93.

Reports of Success:

U 254	1 ship	6,000 GRT
U 201	1 ship	8,400 GRT.


- 20 -

U 69	1 ship	4,000 GRT
	1 hit
U 159	1 ship	6,557 GRT
U 68	6 ships	38,188 GRT
U 172	3 ships	15,696 GRT

VI.

General:

Loss of U 171:

Re loss of U 171 off Lorient near point L2 in about 37 meters of water shows that U-boats even at greater depths than 25 to 30 meters, are in grave danger from ground mines. It is not known whether in this case a magnetic or an acoustic mine was responsible. At all events acoustic mines must be expected, and nothing certain is known as to the range at which mines fire and over which they are effective. For this reason and in order not to endanger U-boats which have missed their escort, or are waiting for it and therefore standing off and on at the rendezvous, the U-boats have been ordered not to cross the 50 meter line without ground mine escort. Accordingly, in agreement with F.O. Western Defences, the rendezvous with escorts have been transferred further out to depths over 50 meters, except for Brest, where the old rendezvous (B7) fulfils the new requirements. "Laterne" was decided on as a rendezvous for Lorient point 438 for St. Nazaire and "Gabel" for La Pallice and the Gironde.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

10.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BE 67	U 181	-	EH 66	U 454	-	Op(AL)	U 584	-	vor Brest
	67	-	Op(EE)	183	-	Op(AK)	455	-	Op(BB 60)	590	-	Op(LT)
	68	-	Op(GR)	201	-	EF 67	458	-	BD 84	593	-	BD 98
	69	-	BA 36	202	-	EF 58	459	-	ES 92	597	-	Op(AK)
	71	-	BE 56	216	-	BC 31	460	-	BE 90	599	-	BC 34
	84	-	Op(AL)	217	-	CF 21	461	-	CE 68	602	-	Op(AK)
	87	-	Op(ET)	221	-	Op(AJ)	463	-	BD 27	605	-	BD 79
	89	-	BE 43	254	-	Op(AK)	504	-	Op(GR)	607	-	Op(AJ)
	106	-	BB 59	257	-	BE 97	505	-	BE 80	609	-	BE 60
	107	-	Op(ET)	258	-	Op(AJ)	506	-	ES 96	610	-	Op(AL)
	116	-	BE 67	260	-	Op(AL)	507	-	BE 90	615	-	BC 34
	118	-	BD 69	301	-	AL 37	512	-	Op(EO)	618	-	Op(AJ)
	125	-	ES 69	332	-	Op(EO)	513	-	Op(BB 60)	620	-	Op(AK)
	126	-	ET 94	333	-	ES 92	514	-	OP(EP)	621	-	AL 74
	128	-	Op(ET)	353	-	Op(AK)	515	-	CF 72	658	-	BE 60
	129	-	CD 94	356	-	Op(AJ)	516	-	Op(EO)	660	-	BD 86
	132	-	BE 60	381	-	AL 28	517	-	BB 47	661	-	BD 27
	156	-	Op(FE)	382	-	Op(AL)	518	-	Op(AK)	662	-	Op(AL)
	159	-	Op(GR)	402	-	BE 19	520	-	AM 24	704	-	BE 56
	160	-	DQ 26	404	-	BE 63	521	-	AE 93	706	-	Op(AL)
	161	-	ET 96	410	-	Op(AJ)	522	-	AN 30	753	-	Op(AK)
	172	-	Op(GR)	436	-	AF 87	552	-	ES 54	757	-	Op(AL)
	174	-	BF 40	437	-	Op(AK)	558	-	CE 61	D 3	-	AN 24
	175	-	EF 24	438	-	BE 97	563	-	AL 37	D 5	-	Op(ES)
	177	-	DT 74	441	-	AL 13	571	-	BE 14
	178	-	FE 94	442	-	Op(AK)	575	-	Op(AK)
	179	-	Op(GR)	443	-	AL 37	582	-	Op(AK)

	On Return Passage: U 116 - 118 - 125 - 175 - 201 - 202 - 217 - 257 - 333 - 404 - 459 - 460 - 461 - 506 - 507 - 515 - 517 - 558.
	Entered Port: U 584 - Brest.

- 21 -

	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 513 situation: No more traffic by day from Habana to St. Johns. Airfields observed at 47⁰ N 42⁰ 43' W. Aircraft with searchlights defend the coast at night.
		2)	U 753 in Group "Panther's" patrol line, sighted a seaplane and U 437 a fast independent ship in AK 0331, course northwest. Lost sight in a gust of rain.
		3)	U 126 sighted a small convoy escorted by destroyers in EU 7440. Boat has been ordered to continue on her passage, as this is a French convoy.
		4)	U 590 chased a 3,000 GRT freighter in vain from ET 5777 to 5812, course 40⁰. Apparently working together with aircraft.
		5)	U 333 reported a vessel in ES 2649, course 260⁰, 14 knots.
		6)	U 506 sighted a freighter, course 50⁰, on 9.10. in ET 7519, and lost her in a rainstorm. 10.10. in ET 4876
		7)	U 172 sank the British "Orcades" (23,456 GRT) course 280⁰ in GR 7339.
		8)	U 178 sank the British "Dutchess of Atholl" (20,119 GRT) in FM 3734 proceeding from Capetown to England.
		9)	U 177 sighted an American battleship with close destroyer screen in EH 3820, course 330⁰, 16 knots, after a 5 hour chase boat was picked up by searchlight shortly before the attack and forced to submerge.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: ED 98 and EH 38.
		English aircraft five times reported German U-boats in unidentified position, probably AL and east of this.
		SSS - report from ES 9293 also SOS from English S.S. "Shworton" in the Bristol Channel. Ship was abandoned.
		British S.S. "Agapenor" 7,392 GRT, torpedoed in ET 5611, also British "Dutchess of Atholl" 20,119 GRT (U 178) and British "Orcades" 23,456 GRT (U 172).
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	Group "Wotan's" patrol line will be formed by 0800/11/10.

- 22 -

According to dead reckoning there is an east-bound convoy in the vicinity.

U 520 and U 521 are proceeding to AN 96 via AD 95 (North entrance to Belle Isle Straits).

Group "Panther's" patrol line is being extended to AL 7276 by U 571, 402, and 99.

U 441 is taking up U 183's position, AK 3536, U 621, U 518's position, AK 3395. U 757 (Diesel damage) will steer for BD 6468 as soon as U 571 arrives.

UD 5 has been given freedom of action in the sea area off Freetown.

U 661 has supplied from U 463, also U 552 from U 459.

U-boats have been informed of the sailing of "Burgenland", "Spichern" and "Rio Grande".

Reports of Success:

U 172	1 ship	23,456 GRT
U 178	1 ship	20,119 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

11.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BB 55	U 181	-	EH 98	U 454	-	Op(AL)	U 590	-	Op(ET)
	67	-	Op(EE)	183	-	AK 35	455	-	Op(BB)	593	-	BD 89
	68	-	Op(GR)	201	-	EF 63	458	-	BD 75	597	-	Op(AK)
	69	-	Op(BA)	202	-	EF 37	459	-	ES 58	599	-	Op(AJ)
	71	-	BE 24	216	-	Op(EC)	460	-	BF 90	602	-	Op(AK)
	84	-	Op(AL)	217	-	BE 88	461	-	CF 43	605	-	BD 99
	87	-	Op(ET)	221	-	Op(AJ)	463	-	BD 57	607	-	Op(AJ)
	89	-	BE 12	254	-	Op(AK)	504	-	Op(GR)	609	-	BE 60
	106	-	BB 51	257	-	BE 26	505	-	CF 21	610	-	Op(AL)
	107	-	Op(ET)	258	-	Op(AJ)	506	-	ET 44	615	-	Op(AJ)
	116	-	BE 60	260	-	Op(AL)	507	-	BF 40	618	-	Op(AJ)
	118	-	BE 49	301	-	AL 52	512	-	Op(EO)	620	-	Op(AK)
	125	-	ES 60	332	-	Op(EO)	513	-	BC 43	621	-	Op(AK)
	126	-	EU 75	333	-	ES 31	514	-	Op(EP)	624	-	AO 40
	128	-	Op(ET)	353	-	Op(AK)	515	-	CF 54	658	-	BE 60
	129	-	DF 21	356	-	Op(AJ)	516	-	Op(EO)	660	-	BD 84
	132	-	BE 60	381	-	AL 29	517	-	BC 55	661	-	BD 14
	156	-	Op(FE)	382	-	Op(AK)	518	-	AK 33	662	-	Op(AL)
	159	-	Op(GR)	402	-	AL 87	520	-	AM 16	704	-	BE 43
	160	-	DQ 46	404	-	BE 60	521	-	AE 67	706	-	Op(AL)
	161	-	EF 13	410	-	Op(AJ)	522	-	AN 20	753	-	Op(AK)
	172	-	Op(GR)	436	-	AF 72	552	-	AN 20	757	-	Op(AL)
	174	-	BF 40	437	-	Op(AK)	558	-	CF 53	D 3	-	AM 16
	175	-	DQ 89	438	-	BE 83	563	-	AL 28	D 5	-	Op(ES)
	177	-	EH 38	441	-	AK 35	571	-	AL 75
	178	-	FM 61	442	-	Op(AK)	575	-	Op(AK)
	179	-	Op(GR)	443	-	AL 37	582	-	Op(AK)

	On Return Passage: U 116 - 118 - 125 - 175 - 217 - 201 - 202 - 257 - 333 - 459 - 460 - 461 - 506 - 507 - 515 - 517 - 558 - 404.

- 23 -

	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	For U 620's report see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 516 situation: Nothing sighted until today in EO 68, 61, 53, 52, 27, and 19 except the 2 steamers and destroyers reported sunk.
		3)	U 87 sank the British "Agapenor" 7,392 GRT, in ET 5535, course 40⁰.
		4)	U 607 chased an independently routed ship in AJ 8968.
		5)	U 615 sank the English "Ellare", 4,655 GRT, in AJ 8898, in ballast from Iceland to New York. Captain and Chief Engineer on board.
		6)	U 514 sank the American "Steel Scientist", 5,688 GRT in EP 4761, course W.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: DN 7133, AN 9564, BA 9356, DN 8546, DN 8229, ED 9899.
		English aircraft: Reported 3 U-boats sighted, one attacked with D/C's.
		U-boat attack in BB 5437
	d)	In BB 1738 or 1761 probably anti-S/M station with constant patrol of the surrounding area.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	Report from U 620:
		The boat sighted 3 large steamers and 1 destroyer at 2030 in AK 6332, course 260⁰, speed 5 knots. As the convoy may still be expected, in view of the continued bad weather during the last few days, 4 more boats (U 382, 662, 597, 442) were ordered to take action. U 620 lost contact at 2230, pressed on and sighted the enemy again at 2345 in AK 6323. She reported that an attack was impossible in present weather conditions (W 10), but that the speed could be maintained. The boats were nevertheless ordered to continue the operation. U 620 shadowed until 0305. The boat suspected, from a hydrophone bearing, that the convoy was in AK 6312 at 0330. U 597 was in contact with the enemy at 2240 in AK 6321 and fired a quadruple fan at a 7,000 tonner. Two hits and sinking noises heard for certain. U 442 could not operate as ordered as her position was incorrect and the weather was too bad.
	b)	1)	U 563, 443, 381 will join Group "Panther" and relieve U 620, 382 and 260 in that order. The latter 3 will make for BD 57 when relieved or at 0800/13/10. U 301 will also join

- 24 -

Group "Panther" and occupy AK 39 and 83, W. half as attack area. U 71 and 704 will occupy AL 7524 and 7555 in the line. Group "Panther" will then be in patrol line from AK 3395 to AL 7555 in the following order: U 621 - 441 - 602 - 575 - 753 - 257 - 353 - 437 - 442 - 597 - 563 - 443 - 662 - 610 - 706 - 381 - 454 - 84 - 571 - 402 - 89 - 71 - 704.

After refueling U 125 and 552 will be given freedom of action in the Freetown area according to traffic situation.

U 106 and U 43 have been given freedom of action in BB, N.W. sector (St. Lawrence River).

U 125 has taken over 20 cbm from U 459.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 87	1 ship	7,392 GRT
U 615	1 ship	4,655 GRT
U 514	1 ship	5,688 GRT
U 597	1 ship	7,000 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

12.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	Op(BB)	U 179	-	Op(GR)	U 442	-	Op(AK)	U 571	-	Op(AL)
	67	-	Op(EE)	181	-	ES 17	443	-	Op(AL)	575	-	Op(AK)
	68	-	Op(GR)	183	-	AK 30	454	-	OP(AL)	582	-	Op(AK)
	69	-	Op(BA)	201	-	BF 33	455	-	Op(BB)	590	-	Op(ET)
	71	-	BE 13	202	-	EF 32	458	-	BC 98	593	-	BD 79
	84	-	Op(AL)	216	-	Op(BC)	459	-	ES 50	597	-	Op(AK)
	87	-	Op(ET)	217	-	BE 97	460	-	BF 91	599	-	OP(AJ)
	89	-	Op(AL)	221	-	Op(AJ)	461	-	CF 28	602	-	OP(AK)
	106	-	Op(BB)	254	-	Op(AK)	463	-	BD 57	605	-	BC 80
	107	-	Op(ET)	257	-	BE 61	504	-	Op(GR)	607	-	Op(AJ)
	116	-	BF 47	258	-	Op(AJ)	505	-	CE 32	609	-	BE 16
	118	-	BE 59	260	-	Op(AL)	506	-	ES 36	610	-	Op(AL)
	125	-	Op(ES)	301	-	Op(AK)	507	-	BF 91	615	-	Op(AJ)
	126	-	FT 21	332	-	Op(EO)	512	-	Op(EO)	618	-	Op(AJ)
	128	-	Op(ET)	333	-	EJ 68	513	-	BC 64	620	-	Op(AK)
	129	-	DF 18	353	-	Op(AK)	514	-	Op(EP)	621	-	Op(AK)
	132	-	BE 61	356	-	Op(AJ)	515	-	CF 34	624	-	AM 35
	156	-	Op(FE)	381	-	Op(AL)	516	-	Op(EO)	658	-	BE 24
	159	-	Op(GR)	382	-	Op(AK)	517	-	BC 66	660	-	BC 99
	160	-	DQ 47	402	-	Op(AL)	518	-	AK 14	661	-	Op(AK)
	161	-	FF 26	404	-	BF 57	520	-	AM 33	662	-	OP(AL)
	172	-	Op(GR)	410	-	Op(AJ)	521	-	AM 12	704	-	BE 13
	174	-	BE 93	436	-	AE 69	522	-	AF 79	706	-	Op(AL)
	175	-	DQ 96	437	-	Op(AK)	552	-	Op(LT)	753	-	Op(AK)
	177	-	EH 93	438	-	BE 28	558	-	BE 50	757	-	Op(AL)
	178	-	FN 71	441	-	Op(AL)	563	-	Op(AL)	D 3	-	AL 39
										D 5	-	Op(ES)

	On Return Passage: U 116 - 118 - 175 - 201 - 202 - 217 - 333 - 404 - 459 - 461 - 506 - 515 - 517 - 558 - D 3.
	Entered Port: U 507 - Lorient; U 460 - St. Nazaire.

- 24a -

	Sailed: U 154 - Lorient; U 572 - La Pallice.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoy Nos. 58 and 59 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 504 situation: 28.9. sighted freighter, course 140⁰ in GH. No traffic between GR 5320 and 5620. Freighter which she was attacking in GR 5612 on 8.10. was sunk by another boat. Subsequently destroyers, A/C, D/C's.
			UD 5 has so far encountered no traffic in ES 9840.
			U 706 torpedoed "Stornest"4,265 GRT in AK 4477 course 250⁰. Probably sunk.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: ED 8619, BA 38, BA 36.
		English aircraft: reported U-boats 3 times in about AL, one of which was attacked with D/C's, one hit probable.
		Torpedo report: from British S.S. "Stornest" 4,265 GRT in AK 6915 (U 706).
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 58:
			U 597 made contact with steamer and destroyers at 0918 in AK 6311, course 290⁰. During the previous night, towards 0130, she had fired 3 single misses at an independent ship. Boat shadowed until 1145 in AK 3999. At 1142 U 620 sighted a convoy of 2 destroyers, 1 corvette and 5 steamers in AK 6222. From several sightings of single ships it seemed possible that the expected convoy had been dispersed in the gales and was proceeding in groups. U 254 - 353 - 437 and 442 were ordered to take action on the reports of U 597 and 620 if this was possible in present weather conditions. U 620 was attacking but did not manage to fire as the enemy was zig-zagging. She reported the convoy in AK 5156 at 1842 and towards 2000 was forced to submerge by a group of destroyers and depth-charged for 6 hours. Boat broke off the pursuit on account of low fuel stocks.
			U 597 also lost contact at 1200.
			At 1421 U 382 reported 4 steamers in AK 3988. She attacked in AK 6211 at 1640 and fired a triple fan at a destroyer, probable hit. Contact was lost. Convoy's last course was 260⁰, speed 6 knots. 3 of the boat's bow tubes were out of action, apparently bent by bombs. Boat pressed on as ordered. The operation is continuing.

- 25 -

Convoy No. 59:

U 258 of Group "Wotan" shadowed escort vessels in a N.E. course for 1700 - 2300/11/10. Last position AJ 8521. Radio message was not clearly received by control station until the morning of the 12th. Probably because of disturbances caused by the earth's magnetism. As SC 104 is at present expected in this area Group "Wotan" was ordered to take action on U 258's report. Contact was regained at 1215 in AK 8373. Corvette was steering 60⁰ and then zig-zagged to E. The convoy was not sighted despite a long search.

At 1330 U 356 sighted a large steamer and several smoke clouds in AK 8355, course W. As the expected E-bound convoy had not been found by about 2000, the operation was broken off. Boats were to operate on U 356's report if their positions were not too unfavorable, otherwise reform the old patrol line. U 356 was forced to submerge by a corvette and lost contact, but U 221 sighted the E-bound convoy in AJ 8358 at 0155. Group "Wotan" was ordered to operate on the basis of this report. Apparently several radio messages were not received by the control station. Weather: N W 7, sea 5, visibility 2 miles. U 221 seems to have maintained contact during the night. She reported the convoy in AJ 9145, course 75⁰ at 0703. Boat attacked and so far has sunk 4 steamers totaling 20,000 GRT and left one of them in flames.

U 174 is to steer for ED 98.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 706	1 ship	4,265 GRT
U 382	destroyer	Probably hit
U 221	4 ships	20,000 GRT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

13.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	BB10	U 178	-	FN 79	U 441	-	Op(AK)	U 572	-	BF 90
	67	-	Op(EE)	179	-	Op(GR)	442	-	Op(AL)	575	-	Op(AK)
	68	-	Op(GR)	181	-	ES 46	443	-	Op(AL)	582	-	Op(AK)
	69	-	Op(BA 30)	183	-	AK 23	454	-	Op(AL)	590	-	Op(ET)
	71	-	Op(AL)	201	-	DR 76	455	-	Op(BB 60)	593	-	BD 77
	84	-	Op(AL)	202	-	DR 74	458	-	BC 98	597	-	Op(AK)
	87	-	Op(ET)	216	-	Op(BC)	459	-	ES 50	599	-	Op(AJ 80)
	89	-	Op(AL)	217	-	BE 92	461	-	CF 31	602	-	Op(AK)
	106	-	Op(BB 10)	221	-	Op(AJ)	463	-	BD 57	605	-	CC 33
	107	-	Op(ET)	254	-	Op(AK)	504	-	Op(GR)	607	-	Op(AJ)
	116	-	BF 40	257	-	BF 40	505	-	CE 29	609	-	AL 78
	118	-	BE 67	258	-	Op(AJ)	506	-	EJ 96	610	-	Op(AL)
	125	-	ES 50	260	-	Op(AL)	512	-	Op(LO)	615	-	Op(AJ)
	126	-	FF 34	301	-	Op(AK)	513	-	BC 66	618	-	Op(AJ)
	128	-	Op(ET)	332	-	Op(EO)	514	-	Op(EP)	620	-	Op(AK)
	129	-	DE 66	333	-	EJ 38	515	-	CF 33	621	-	Op(AK)
	132	-	BE 19	353	-	Op(AK)	516	-	Op(EO)	624	-	AN 20
	154	-	BF 50	356	-	Op(AJ)	517	-	BD 27	658	-	BE 17


- 26 -

156	-	Op(FE)	381	-	Op(AL)	518	-	AD 99	660	-	BC 98
159	-	Op(GR)	382	-	Op(AK)	520	-	AL 33	661	-	BC
160	-	DP 95	402	-	Op(AL)	521	-	AL 31	662	-	Op(AK)
161	-	FF 38	404	-	BF 60	522	-	AF 72	704	-	Op(AL)
172	-	Op(GR)	410	-	Op(AJ)	552	-	Op(EO)	706	-	Op(AL)
174	-	BE 87	436	-	AE 67	558	-	BE 92	757	-	Op(AL)
175	-	DR 48	437	-	Op(AK)	563	-	Op(AL)	753	-	Op(AK)
177	-	EH 99	438	-	BE 15	571	-	Op(AL)	D 3	-	AM 15
									D 5	-	Op(ES)

	On Return Passage: U 116 - 118 - 175 - 201 - 202 - 217 - 333 - 382 - 404 - 459 - 506 - 513 - 515 - 517 - 558 - D 3.
	Entered Port: U 404 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 409 - 659 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 58 and 59 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 159 sank the British "Empire Nomad" 10,000 GRT in GR 8996 on 13.10. On her way out the boat sighted a freighter course 180⁰ in FU 4119 on 21.9, 2.10. GQ 6392 freighter course 110⁰. 11.10. GR 8248 2 destroyers course 280⁰.
		3)	U 126 was forced to submerge by an aircraft when hauling ahead of a small convoy in EU 8596 on 12.10. Later was located by 2 destroyers while attacking. Heavy D/C's. Got away after dark considerable damage.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: BB 56, EO 17, EO 12, AK 62.
		Torpedo report from S.S. "Bjoa" in AK 6683 (Possibly "Stornest"). S.S. "Irischbeech" going to her assistance. "Bjoa" had a list and was out of control.
		U-boat attacks: EO 18, AK 69, AJ 69.
		U-boat was attacked in AJ 9173.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	1)	Convoy No. 58:
			The boats continued to operate along the convoy's supposed course, weather remained bad. U 382 started for the supply point because of shortage of fuel. At 1522 U 254 sighted the convoy (8 steamers) in AK 5516 course SW. Boat reported that the speed could not be maintained at wind force SW 9. Nevertheless Group "Leopard" was ordered to carry on, even if the contact was lost for a time. It is intended to operate these boats against the oncoming convoy No. 59, if occasion arises. Convoy No. 58 was in AK 5541 at 1800. It made a sharp leg to the S. and U 254 lost contact towards 1900. It was not regained by morning. Weather continued bad WSN 8, moderate visibility, heavy rain and hailstorm. The operation continues. The following boats belong to Group "Leopard": U 254 - 437 - 597 - 662 - 353.
		2)	Convoy No. 59:
			U 221 continued to shadow. According to dead reckoning, the

- 27 -

convoy was steering a main course E, making long legs. At 1302 1st position was AJ 9241, course 75⁰ speed 7 knots. 15 steamers and a whale-factory ship were sighted. At 1538 U 599 requested beacon signals. The boat had shadowed an escort vessel during the previous night in AJ 9146. At 1206 U 216 reported a destroyer in AJ 9162. U 221 regarded prospects of attack as favorable for the night NW 5. U 607 also made contact at 2110 in AJ 9318. U 258 was driven off in AJ 9338 by a destroyer. She sighted rocket flares at short range. At 0004 U 221 attacked and sank the whale-factory ship "Vesthold" 14,547 GRT, and freighter of 6,000 GRT, 4,000 GRT, and 3,000 GRT. This boat has thus sunk 47,547 GRT from the convoy. U 615 reported in AJ 9330 that the convoy was heavily escorted. She had been driven off and was pressing on. U 618 also attacked at 0430 and sank a freighter of 6,000 GRT in AJ 6997. Another 5,000 tonner probably sunk, also 1 hit scored. No further reports were received, the operation continues.

U 174 is to make for ED 98.

U 67 has been allocated the sea area off Trinidad as attack area.

U 438 - 658 - 132 will also join Group "Panther". This group's patrol line now runs from AK 3395 to AL 7524 in the following order: U 621 - 441 - 602 - 575 - 753 - 301 - 563 - 443 - 610 - 706 - 381 - 454 - 84 - 571 - 402 - 89 - 71 - 704 - 609 - 430 - 658 - 132.

None.

U 512 has not so far reported despite several calls. Her last message was on 29.9. and mentioned damage to her Junkers and electric compressors. Boat intended to operate in a remote area. She may be lost. There is no information on the subject.

No radio message has yet been received from U 528 (See War Log of 9.10. paragraph IVd). If the boat's transmitter had been completely out of action she would certainly have tried to reach another nearby boat. She must be presumed lost. [administrator' note: U 528 is a typo in the German original it should read U 582]

Detachment of further U-boats for the Mediterranean, U 89 and U 438, which were intended for Mediterranean were ordered to remain in the Atlantic when their radar interception dear failed. U 605 - 660 - 458 - 593 - passed through the Straits of Gibraltar on the 10th and 11th 10 without particular difficulty and are at present on their way to La Spezia. The positions given for these boats in the War Log are not their actual ones by dead reckoning (disguised until they had passed through the Straits of Gibraltar).

Reports of Success:

U 159	1 ship	10,000 GRT
U 221	4 ships	27,547 GRT
U 618	2 ships	11,000 GRT
	1 ship	Probable hit.

- 28 -

14.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	Op(BC)	U 159	-	Op(GR)	U 443	-	Op(AK)	U 599	-	Op(AJ)
	67	-	Op(EE)	181	-	ES 85	454	-	Op(AL)	602	-	Op(AK 30)
	68	-	Op(GR)	183	-	AK 13	455	-	Op(BB)	607	-	Op(AJ)
	69	-	Op(BA)	201	-	DR 58	459	-	BJ 83	609	-	Op(AL 40)
	71	-	Op(AL)	202	-	DR 49	461	-	BE 97	610	-	Op(AK 03)
	84	-	Op(AL)	216	-	Op(AJ)	463	-	BD 57	615	-	Op(AJ)
	87	-	Op(ET)	217	-	BE 69	504	-	Op(GR)	618	-	Op(AJ)
	89	-	Op(AL)	221	-	Op(AJ)	505	-	CE 54	620	-	AK 23
	106	-	Op(BB)	254	-	Op(AK)	506	-	EJ 67	621	-	Op(AK 30)
	107	-	Op(ET)	257	-	BF 45	513	-	BD 54	624	-	AF 87
	116	-	BF 50	258	-	Op(AJ)	514	-	Op(EP)	658	-	BD 33
	118	-	BE 69	260	-	BD 34	515	-	BE 50	659	-	BF 54
	125	-	Op(ET)	301	-	Op(AK)	516	-	Op(EO)	661	-	Op(AJ 60)
	126	-	EU 89	332	-	Op(EO)	517	-	BD 61	662	-	Op(AK 50)
	128	-	Op(ET)	333	-	DT 98	518	-	AD 97	704	-	Op(AL 40)
	129	-	DE 92	353	-	Op(AK)	520	-	AL 23	706	-	Op(AK 03)
	132	-	BE 11	356	-	Op(AJ)	521	-	AL 23	753	-	Op(AK 30)
	154	-	BF 49	381	-	Op(AK)	522	-	AF 47	757	-	BD 38
	156	-	Op(FE)	382	-	Op(AK)	552	-	Op(ET)	D 3	-	AL 03
	159	-	Op(GR)	402	-	Op(AL)	558	-	BE 69	D 5	-	Op(ES)
	160	-	EE 26	409	-	BF 54	563	-	Op(AK 30)
	161	-	EG 17	410	-	Op(AJ)	571	-	Op(AL 40)
	172	-	Op(GR)	436	-	AE 85	572	-	BF 82
	174	-	CF 13	437	-	Op(AK)	575	-	Op(AK 30)
	175	-	DR 51	438	-	AL 75	590	-	Op(ET)
	177	-	ES 18	441	-	Op(AK)	597	-	Op(AK 50)
	178	-	FU 25	442	-	Op(AK)

	On Return Passage: U 116 - 118 - 175 - 210 - 202 - 217 - 333 - 382 - 459 - 461 - 506 - 513 - 517 - 558 - D 3.
	Entered Port: U 515 - Lorient.
	Sailed: U 604 - Brest; U 510 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Convoys Nos. 58 and 59 see paragraph IVa.
		2)	U 332 has observed no traffic since 9.10. in EO 18-14. Very heavy air activity at night at times. Boat is continuing to operate along the Capetown-Trinidad route discovered by Radio Intelligence.
		3)	U 516 was chased by 2 S/M chasers, type PC 451 with D/C's on 13.10. in EO 1490. No radar observed. Intends to operate against the same traffic as U 332 on her way back.
		4)	U 455 chased a fast tanker in vain on 2.10. in CB 36. Lay close inshore S. of St. John's for 9 days. Slight sea and air patrol. Searchlight barrage off the main harbor. Altogether only 1 steamer and 1 tanker sighted. Moved away, as Gyro was out of order. Boat has been ordered to return.
		5)	U 126's engines are in working order and she is able to

- 29 -

dive. She is making for the point ordered (FP 23).

U 590 was hunted by a solitary patrol boat with hydrophones in ET 7354.

U 620 examined the Irish ship "Irish Pine" in AK 9583. Ship is continuing on her way to Dublin.

None.

U-boat sightings: EO 14, ET 2464, AK 47, BB 7981.

U-boat attack: AJ 9311, BB 5511.

SSS report from unidentified ship, probably in convoy No. 59. An unidentified American steamer sighted a U-boat in ET 2464 and opened fire.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 58:

The boats continued to operate on a SW course but did not make contact. They may encounter Convoy No. 59 in the course of today. Operation against convoy No. 58 is at an end.

Convoy No. 59:

U 607 also attacked last night and sank a steamer of 7,000 GRT in AJ 9321. She was forced to submerge by a destroyer and heavily depth charged while diving. U 216 regained contact at 1155 in AK 4765. It appeared from boats' reports that the convoy was in 2 groups. Main course of both groups was E. U 661, 258 and 599 also made contact. The last certain report of the convoy was from U 661 in AK 4895 at 2100. U 410, U 615 and U 607 requested beacon signals. U 221 is returning, as she is unable to reload torpedoes. Towards evening both groups, which came closer and closer to each other during the day, were out of sight. Boats were constantly forced to submerge by destroyers. It is possible that this convoy took over additional escort forces from No. 58. U 661 was fired on with machine guns by a destroyer and a corvette at 0032/15, U 607 was forced to submerge at 0110 by 3 escort vessels. There was no further action. The operation is continuing.

U 258 chased a 3-4,000 tonner, making smoke, from 1030, but was driven off towards 20,000.

U 174 is proceeding via DS 3955 to deliver fuel and spare parts for radar interception gear to U 506 and U 459.

c) -

None.

Reports of Success:

U 607

1 ship

7,000 GRT.

- 30 -

15.October 1942.

I.	U 43	-	Op(BB)	U 178	-	FU 65	U 441	-	Op(AK 30)	U 590	-	Op(ET)
	67	-	Op(EE)	179	-	Op(GR)	442	-	Op(AK)	597	-	Op(AK 40)
	68	-	Op(GR)	181	-	FD 32	443	-	Op(AK 03)	599	-	Op(AK)
	69	-	Op(BA)	183	-	AD 96	454	-	Op(AL 40)	602	-	Op(AK 30)
	71	-	Op(AL 40)	201	-	DQ 77	455	-	BC 46	604	-	BF 55
	84	-	Op(AL 40)	202	-	DR 35	459	-	EJ 61	607	-	Op(AK)
	87	-	Op(ET)	216	-	Op(AK 40)	461	-	BF 50	609	-	Op(AL 71)
	89	-	Op(AL 40)	217	-	BF 50	463	-	BD 57	610	-	Op(AK 03)
	106	-	Op(BB)	221	-	Op(AK)	504	-	Op(GR)	615	-	Op(AK 40)
	107	-	Op(ET)	254	-	Op(AK)	505	-	CE 72	618	-	Op(AK)
	116	-	BE 50	257	-	BF 57	506	-	EJ 19	620	-	AK 98
	118	-	BF 50	258	-	Op(AK)	510	-	BF 55	621	-	Op(AK 30)
	125	-	Op(ET)	260	-	BD 31	513	-	BD 67	624	-	AF 72
	126	-	FG 24	301	-	Op(AK 30)	514	-	Op(EO)	658	-	Op(AL 70)
	128	-	Op(ET)	332	-	Op(EO)	516	-	Op(EO)	659	-	BF 46
	129	-	DQ 21	333	-	DT 38	517	-	BD 63	661	-	Op(AK)
	132	-	Op(AL 57)	353	-	Op(AK)	518	-	AD 95	662	-	Op(AK)
	154	-	BF 47	356	-	Op(AK)	520	-	AK 34	704	-	Op(AL 40)
	156	-	Op(FE)	381	-	Op(AK 63)	521	-	AL 24	706	-	Op(AK 03)
	159	-	Op(GR)	382	-	AK 22	522	-	AE 91	753	-	Op(AK 30)
	160	-	EE 52	402	-	Op(AL 40)	552	-	Op(ET)	757	-	BD 64
	161	-	FG 51	409	-	BF 46	558	-	BF 50	D 3	-	AL 63
	172	-	Op(GR)	410	-	Op(AK)	563	-	Op(AK 30)	D 5	-	Op(ET)
	174	-	CE 72	436	-	AE 71	571	-	Op(AL 40)
	175	-	Op(DR)	437	-	Op(AK 54)	572	-	BF 72
	177	-	ES 57	438	-	Op(AL 40)	575	-	Op(AK 30)

	On Return Passage: U 116 - 118 - 175 - 201 - 202 - 217 - 221 - 254 - 257 - 333 - 382 - 455 - 459 - 461 - 506 - 513 - 517 - 558 - 757 - D 3.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 203 - Brest; U 509 - Lorient; U 134 - La Pallice.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 67 situation: 11.10. EO 1975 sighted freighter, course SE, 10 knots, EO 4352 via 1816 to 1422 nothing except 3 freighters of up to 4,000 GRT, course 310⁰, 9 knots. Subsequently 2 patrol vessels, severe bombing in EO 1816.
		2)	U 514: nothing sighted in EP 4920 to 70 up to 13.10. also nothing in EP 2560-2370.
		3)	U 156 operated without result in the area of Ascension. Airfield on the island, and strong air activity.
		4)	U 69 sank a 6,500-GRT passenger ship escorted by a destroyer in BB 5190, course 40⁰. Boat suspects outward-bound convoys through the Canso Straits, and a further route for small convoys via BB 5450 to 5130.
			After a steamer had been sunk, strong sea patrol and constant patrol by aircraft with radar in BA 36, BB 14, 18.

- 31 -

None.

U-boat sightings: BB 92, ED 95, BB 63.

Aircraft reported U-boats 3 times probably in AK.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

Convoy No. 59:

U 254 was in contact with the convoy at 0500 in AK 4989. While attacking she was forced to submerge 3 times by destroyers and damaged by D/C's. Return passage necessary.

U 410 sank a damaged independent ship of 3,000 GRT in AK 5733 at 1330. U 258 encountered in AK 8131 the same anti-S/M group as yesterday as did U 599 at 1935. At 1530 U 442 sighted the convoy again in AK 8126, but was driven off at once. Contact was lost and was reestablished for a short time at 0500 by U 353 in AK 9112. Boat was forced to submerge and depth-charged. Afterwards the convoy was not found again.

Towards evening a/c appeared for the first time in this area. U 615 was bombed by a Liberator in AK 5846 and U 437 was forced to submerge by a seaplane in AK 5825.

U 607 reported D/C damage which she could not repair and which would force her to return home.

Operation against the convoy is continuing.

U 572, 203, 134, 659, 604 and 409 are to make for CF 84.

U 160 has been allocated an ops. area off Trinidad.

U 513 has completed refueling from U 757.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 69	1 ship	6,500 GRT
U 410	1 ship	3,500 GRT.

(Signed): DÖNITZ.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



- 32 -

B.d.U.

Most Secret 392 S.O. only.

Headquarters, 28.9.42

Most Secret. S.O. only By hand of Officer.

Additional Order to Ops. Order No. 53.

U 605, U 438, U 660, U 458, U 593, U 89.

(Group "Tümmler")

Operation:

To penetrate through the Straits of Gibraltar to the Mediterranean during the new moon period in the middle of October. Further operation in the Mediterranean according to F.O. (U-boats) Italy's Ops. Order.

The operation is only to be abandoned:

In case of engine trouble necessitating return.

In case of failure of radar interception gear.

If several attempts to break through fail (See paragraph III 5).

II.

General:

Passage through the Straits of Gibraltar can only be made without a hitch if the enemy remains ignorant of the intention to break through, therefore:

Strictest secrecy on the part of officers and ratings until passage report has been made (especially within the flotilla).

Remain unseen in the area of Gibraltar at all costs (Sea area (S of 43⁰ N.).

III.

Execution:

Boats to sail between 1 and 3 October.

Make passage report N of 42⁰ N.

Between 42⁰ N and 39⁰ N.

Radio silence except for messages of tactical importance or concerning the operation.

General permission to attack, but no convoy operation. Just take advantage of any chances of firing which offer.

S of 39⁰ N. between 15⁰ W. and 0⁰ E.

Radio silence except for damage signals if boat has been observed, and situation report if this is important for other boats.

Only battleships and A/C carriers may be attacked.

All boats are to pass through the Straits in one night, probably the night 9/10 October. The order to pass

- 33 -

	through will be given about 2 days beforehand under the order "Carry out operation........" plus a double figure which, divided by 2, will give the date of the day on the evening of which boats are to pass through the Straits. E.G. "Carry out Operation No. 36" would mean: break through on the night 18/19 October.
	If for special reasons a postponement is necessary, the order will be given "New operation......" plus a double figure, which should be divided by 3. E.g. "New operation 60" would mean: break through in the night of 20/21 October.
	In order to insure reception on the day before the night of the break through, boats will switch to very long wave reception, from midday on this day as far as possible for the first 15 minutes after every hour, i.e. 1200 - 1215, 1400 - 1415. German summertime est.
	If the break-through does not succeed in the first night, it is to be attempted the next night. If it again fails, move away to the W. Fresh attempt on the 5th night.
	If the operation should be broken off prematurely, by failure of radar interception gear, or after the third attempt, boats will move away to the W, and report by radio message when they have passed 15⁰ W.
	Boats which have to return are not to report before they reach 43⁰ N.


		(Signed): GODT.
		Chief of Ops. Department.
		for B.d.U.

Copy certified correct 15.10.1942.

		(Signed): Demmler
		Lieut. (j.g.) and Adjutant.

- 34 -

Supreme Command of the Navy	Berlin 30 October 1942.

Naval War Staff (1st Div) Reg. No. Most Secret S.O. only 2200/42

MOST SECRET.	S.O. ONLY
	BY HAND OF OFFICER.

To: B.d.U.	Copy No. 4.

Information: Naval War Staff (1st Div)

Subject: Remarks on B.d.U.'s Most Secret S.O. only No. 407 of 7.10.42.

to 1 B and C.

Convoy Situation in the N. Atlantic:

If pressure from U-boats continues, it is to be expected that convoys on the N. Atlantic route will in principle adopt a more scattered formation by comparison with their present sailing directions on this traffic route, but such a formation has not been observed so far.

If 2 W-bound convoys (probably ON 131 and 133) were encountered in September much further N than hitherto mentioned in the previous reference, this is probably due to the fact that from the middle of September (starting with ON 131) the center of ON traffic was transferred N.

Nevertheless, after this, of 11 convoys picked up, 3 still used the S. sector of the N. Atlantic route. It cannot yet be seen whether this is the beginning of wide scattering of the whole of ON traffic or whether the enemy is routing this traffic according to an unknown plan (perhaps based on speed or time of sailing) in order to have a part in the N. and a part in the S. sector of the main route.

E-bound convoys however, have not been diverted N. of the routes established in June and July, and wider scattering than hitherto, in the formation of these convoys has not been observed.

To 9.

B.d.U.'s view, based on a sighting report from U 459 on the route Freetown-Capetown, that the appearance of an auxiliary cruiser has not apparently affected enemy traffic or forced it to hug the coast, it is not shared by Naval War Staff (3rd Div).

Enemy traffic situation in the S. Atlantic has developed as follows since the middle of July of this year:

At the end of July and beginning of August, single ship traffic, which had hitherto sailed through the areas in the S. Atlantic adjoining S. America and W. Africa (Picked up by radio interception in the form of general sailing directions for the S. Atlantic.). The Capetown - Freetown traffic was thus diverted to the sea area within 600 miles

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		of the African coast. In the middle of August this area was narrowed down to 300 miles off the African coast (see Naval War Staff (3rd Div) FH (b) Most Secret No. 2160/42 of 12.9.42.).
		It is not known for certain if this re-routing applied at the time to the whole of single ship traffic in the S. Atlantic, including fast troop transports, as the directions were only incompletely received. It is quite possible that fast troop transports on their way back to England in the S. Atlantic were allowed to use the direct Capetown - Freetown route, while all other independently-routed ships were bound by the new regulations.
	b)	The regulations in force at the beginning of August for traffic between S. Africa and the W. Indies are still unchanged, as far as can be gathered from sailing directions picked up in the meanwhile. (2 diversions from these regulations have so far been observed, but they occurred at such a time that they can only be explained as exceptions.)
		For Capetown - Freetown traffic however, traffic regulations seem to have been relaxed to a certain extent since about the middle of September, as was seen from results of radio intelligence which were received later.
		The relaxation was first observed in the second half of September when sailing instructions for unidentified ships were picked up (left Durban 16.9., due Freetown 29.9.) (see Appendix). THis showed that the Freetown area could be approached directly from about 15⁰ S., whereas previous instructions had been to sail right round the Gulf of Guinea, making for a point 3⁰ S., 3⁰ 30' E.
		Directions from regulations hitherto in force were shown more clearly in the passage of the 2 English ships, S.S. Nestor" and S.S. "Troilus" which left Freetown for Capetown on 2.10. and were picked up by radio interception on 6.10. about 50 miles N. of Ascension. These ships were clearly to sail from Freetown straight through the Ascension - St. Helena area to Capetown (see Appendix).
		From both observations it can be deduced that the regulations made for Freetown - Capetown traffic at the beginning of August were wholly or partly altered in the second half of September or early October.
	c)	The traffic observed in the S. Atlantic in the direct Freetown - Capetown route by U 459 and one other boat confirms this deduction as far as the ships sighted were normal freighters and not troop transports.
		The alterations were probably as follows:
		From the middle of September direct Freetown - Capetown traffic was all routed directly via Ascension and St. Helena, while ships which called at S.W. African ports as a rule probably still sail according to previous instructions.
	d)	Within about 6 weeks the enemy twice re-routed his Freetown - Capetown traffic. The most probable reason for the first re-routing, which involved considerable detours along the coast, was German activity on the direct Freetown - Capetown route. This route was threatened at the

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		time by an auxiliary cruiser. There does not appear to be a similar reason applicable to the sea area used meanwhile, for transferring shipping back to the old route in the middle of September. It seems most probable therefore, that this was done because there was no more activity by German auxiliary cruisers or U-boats in the E sector of the S. Atlantic for 4-6 weeks after the first re-routing, and no German activity of any kind was observed on direct Freetown - Capetown route (U-boats on their way to Capetown kept their radio silence.)
	e)	Naval War Staff (3rd Div) therefore consider that the further use, whole or partial of the direct route from Freetown to Capetown, confirmed by U-boat sightings, is proof of the fact that the enemy first re-routed his traffic at the beginning of August, because of the activities of the auxiliary cruiser.


			(Signed): PRAUSE.
			Of Naval War Staff (3rd Div).


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(CHART)

Erfasste Feindl. Einzelschiffahit vom 15 Sept - 15 Okt 1942.
			= Enemy single-ship traffic picked up 15th September - 15th October 1942.

Erfasste Keuse = courses picked up
" Standard = Positions picked up.

Meldungen = Reports.

Geleitsug = Convoy.

Seegebeit für Einzelverkehn zwischen Kapstadt u. Freetown
			= Sea area for single-ship traffic between Capetown and Freetown

Sonderbestiminugen für Einzelfahen seit Ende Jul.
			= Special directions for independently-routed ships since the end of July.

Unbek Dpfr. 16 9. ab Durban nach Freetown 29.9. au
			= Unidentified ship, left Durban 16.9, due Freetown 29.9.

Unbek Dpfr. 11.10. ab Kapstadt nach Freetown 2.11. au
			= Unidentified ship left Capetown 11.10, due Freetown 2.11.

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