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

1 - 15 November 1942

PG30313A

     
     
 
1.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BB 43)
U 160
-
 Op(EE)
U 438
-
 Op(AJ 70)
U 564
-
 BE 55
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
161
-
 FH 16
440
-
 Op(CF 92)
566
-
 BE 65
 
68
-
 GQ 83
163
-
 DP 35
441
-
 BE 27
571
-
 Op(BC 24)
 
69
-
 BF 75
172
-
 GP 31
442
-
 Op(BC 20)
572
-
 Op(CF 99)
 
71
-
 Op(AJ 70)
174
-
 Op(FC)
443
-
 BE 25
575
-
 BD 60
 
84
-
 Op(AJ 70)
177
-
 Op(GR)
454
-
 Op(BC 20)
590
-
 EJ 46
 
86
-
 BF 55
178
-
 Op(GR)
459
-
 BE 95
595
-
 BF 55
 
87
-
 EJ 89
181
-
 Op(GR)
462
-
 DC 538
602
-
 BE 27
 
89
-
 Op(BC 10)
183
-
 Op(BC 41)
463
-
 BD 60
604
-
 Op(CF 69)
 
92
-
 BE 55
185
-
 AF 73
465
-
 AO
606
-
 Op(AK 60)
 
98
-
 Op(AK 60)
203
-
 CF 63
504
-
 Op(KZ)
608
-
 CD 13
 
103
-
 Op(CF 93)
218
-
 BE 53
505
-
 Op(EE)
613
-
 AL 18
 
106
-
 Op(BB 55)
224
-
 Op(AK 60)
506
-
 BE 90
620
-
 CF 59
 
107
-
 EJ 45
260
-
 CE 90-Op
508
-
 DP 39
621
-
 BE 27
 
108
-
 BE 87
263
-
 AF 73
509
-
 Op(CF 95)
624
-
 Op(AK 60)
 
117
-
 AK 38
301
-
 BE 87
510
-
 Op(CF 69)
627
-
 AL
 
125
-
 CF 36
332
-
 Op(EE)
511
-
 CF 81
653
-
 BE 65
 
126
-
 FH 18
356
-
 BF 75
514
-
 CE 96
658
-
 Op(BC 20)
 
128
-
 Op(ET)
381
-
 Op(BC 20)
516
-
 DS 38
659
-
 Op(CF 69)
 
129
-
 Op(ED)
383
-
 Op(AK 60)
518
-
 Op(AH 90)
662
-
 Op(CE 90)
 
130
-
 BF 71
402
-
 Op(BC 20)
519
-
 AL 28
664
-
 AL 19
 
132
-
 Op(BC 20)
409
-
 Op(CF 99)
520
-
 Op(BC 16)
704
-
 Op(AJ 10)
 
134
-
 Op(CF 96)
412
-
 AL
521
-
 Op(BC)
706
-
 BE 48
 
154
-
 DE 78
413
-
 AF 47
522
-
 Op(BC 19)
752
-
 CF 56
 
156
-
 EH 66
436
-
 Op(AK 60)
552
-
 Op(ET)
753
-
 Op(BD 62)
 
159
-
 Op(JJ)
437
-
 Op(BC 20)
563
-
 BE 28
D 5
-
 DS 32
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 69 - 87 - 107 - 125 - 156 - 172 - 203 - 301 - 356 - 409 - 441 - 443 - 459 - 506 - 509 - 514 - 516 - 563 - 575 - 590 - 602 - 604 - 621 - 659 - 706 - 753 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 91 - 755 - Brest;  U 173 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 64, see paragraph IVa.
    2) U 563 reports ship traveling alone in BE 2647 on course 00.  Pursuit was broken off because of excessive use of lubricating oil.
      U 463 reports convoy in BD 6815, which steered course 2700 at first and then changed to 1800.
    3) U 664 was heavily attacked by aircraft in approximately AL 10 and has to return to port.  (Possibly air cover for an E. bound convoy).
    4) U 575 reports in connection with sinking of 29 October that the ship formerly described as a freighter was actually a troop ship transport of the "Abosso" type (11,330 T).  At the point where she sank there are about 10 cutters and many rafts full of soldiers.  Boat sighted 3 steamers and 1 destroyer at 1329 1 November in BD 6859, sailing on S. course.  She is returning to base.
       
- 79 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    5) U 332 situation:  nothing further seen in areas EE 60, EF 80 and EP 20 since 23 January.
    6) U D 5 sighted destroyer in DG 8143, course 00.
  b) Aircraft reported convoy in BE 9755 at 1155, consisting of 10 merchant ships, and 3 patrol boats on N. course at low speed.  (Evidently the rest of SL 125.
  c) U-boat sightings:  BC 12.
    Sightings by aircraft:  BC 1258, AL 0134, AL 1834, CH 5896, BE 6178, AL 1938, BF 7381.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 64:
    At 1454 hours the convoy was contacted as planned in patrol area by U 381.  In good visibility with wind N.W. 5 - 6 and sea 2, contact was made by boats U 704 - 402 - 71 - 89 - 522 and U 132, all members of the 16 boat group.  The convoy was steaming on course 400 at speed of 7 knots.  U 552 reported 20 steamers.  According to intercepts there are 27 ships in convoy.  U 438 reports miss on a straggler.  U 89's reports of star shells indicated an attack during the night.
  b) 1) U 572 occupies area off Lisbon and to the S. of that area.
    2) U 440 is sailing at high speed to CG 75 to intercept the reported carrier group.  After breaking off action on Convoy No. 63, Group "Streitaxt", the remainder of the boats of the group took up search for the carrier group reported by air observation on 31 October in BE 1944.  Just in case this convoy is making for Gibraltar, these boats were ordered to take up positions as follows:
      U 510 - CG 72;  U 103 - CC 76;  U 134 - CC 84;  U 409 - CC 75.  All other boats which did not have to return, received orders to sail SE at high speed (toward Gibraltar).
    3) U 566 relieved U 653 in area BE 65.  U 653 then sailed to AK 93.
  c) 1) U 463 carried out transfer of supplies and is returning to port.
    2) U 516 took on provisions for 10 days from U 462.  Tanker situation:  555 cubic meters fuel oil; 8 cubic meters of motor oil; 169 day supply of provisions and 4 torpedoes.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:
U-boats as of 1 November 1942.
 
 
 
- 80 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
I. In commission on 1 October 1942:
359
  
  Commissioned in October
25
  
  (2nd commissioning Black Sea)
384
  
  Lost in October
14
  
   
370
  
  Decommissioned (for Black Sea)
2
  
 
In service on 1 November.
368
  Add foreign boats:
6
  
   
374
  
 
       
 
Losses in October (Those not underlined not yet confirmed):
 
 
 
Type VIIC
 
 
U 253
- Freidricks, 1st operation, evidently sunk end of September N.W. of Iceland by aircraft.
 
   
 
U 353
- Roemer, 1st operation, last report 14 October 1942, evidently N. Atlantic by convoy.
 
   
 
U 412
- Jahrmärker, 1st operation.  Nothing heard since she left Germany 17 October.  Possible aircraft attack in N. Sea.
 
   
 
U 582
 - Schulte W., experienced boat, last report 5 September (transmitter break-down) possibly by N. Atlantic convoy.  [administrator' note:  5 September is a typo in the German original it should read 5 October]
 
   
 
U 597
- Bopst, 2nd operation, last report 12 October, evidently sunk by convoy.
 
   
 
U 599
- Breithaupt, 1st operation, last report 23 October while on return voyage.  Evidently attacked by plane W. Bay of Biscay.
 
   
 
U 619
- Makowski, 1st operation, last report 5 October.  Convoy in N. Atlantic.
 
   
 
U 627
- Kindelbacher, 1st operation, last report 27 October.  N. Atlantic convoy.
 
   
 
U 661
 - von Lillienfeld, 1st operation, last report 10 October N. Atlantic convoy.
 
   
 
Type IXC
 
 
U 171
- Pfeffer, 1st operation, sunk by mine on 9 October off Lorient.
 
   
 
U 512
- Schultze, Wolfgang, last report 28 September E. Trinidad, no clue.  Possible air attack.
 
   
 
Type IX D2
 
 
U 179
- Sobe, 1st operation, last report 18 September from mid Atlantic, no clue.
 
   
 
Type XB
 
 
U 116
- Grimme, experienced boat with new Captain.  Last report 6 October on return voyage.  Evidently air attack W. Bay of Biscay.
 
 
 
- 81 -
 
 
     

 

 

     
     
 
II. Distribution:
    
II
VIIa
VIIb/c
VIId
IXb/c
IXd1
IXd2
Xb
XIV
Total
Foreign
  
Combat:
2
-
141  
3
51
-
3
2
5
207
2
  
Testing:
-
-
   76    
-
17
2
3
1
-
99
1
  
School:
35
4
 21*
-
2
-
-
-
-
62
3
  
 
 37
4
238
3
70
2
6
3
5
368
 
      *  Instead of 4, there are 9 boats training personnel.
       
III. In September (without foreign boats):
 
Total increase:
+
9
Combat boat increase:
+
12
Test boat decrease:
-
6
School boat increase:
+
3
       
IV. Combat boat distribution 1 November 1942:
 
Atlantic (without foreign boats)
160
   plus 2 foreign boats.
Mediterranean
19
  
North Sea
26
   of which 3 were transferred.
Black Sea
2
  
       
V. In October in the Atlantic:
    
Daily average at sea
105.4
   boats
In Operations area
44.7
       "
Outward bound
60.6
       "
Returning to port
21.3
       "
     
VI. In October boats putting out:
    
From Germany
27
 boats.
From West France
43
 boats.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
2.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BB)
U 159
-
 Op(GR)
U 437
-
 Op(AJ 80)
U 552
-
 Op(ET)
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
160
-
 Op(ED)
438
-
 Op(AJ 80)
563
-
 BE 37
 
68
-
 GQ 49
161
-
 Op(EV)
440
-
 Op(CG 75)
564
-
 BE 55
 
69
-
 BF 81
163
-
 DP 64
441
-
 BE 29
566
-
 BE 65
 
71
-
 Op(AJ 89)
172
-
 GG 74
442
-
 Op(AJ 80)
571
-
 Op(AJ 80)
 
84
-
 Op(AJ 80)
173
-
 BF 55
443
-
 BE 61
572
-
 CG 48
 
86
-
 BF 46
174
-
 Op(FC)
454
-
 Op(AJ 80)
575
-
 BE 47
 
87
-
 EJ 84
177
-
 Op(GR)
459
-
 BF 74
590
-
 EH 39
 
89
-
 Op(AJ 89)
178
-
 Op(GR)
462
-
 DS 60
595
-
 BF 46
 
91
-
 BF 55
181
-
 Op(GR)
463
-
 BE 47
602
-
 BE 29
 
92
-
 BE 43
183
-
 Op(BC)
465
-
 AN 36
604
-
 CG 41
 
98
-
 Op(AK 60)
185
-
 AF 47
504
-
 KZ 28
606
-
 Op(AK 60)
 
103
-
 Op(CG 76)
203
-
 CG 47
505
-
 Op(ED)
608
-
 CC 36
 
106
-
 Op(BB)
218
-
 BE 27
506
-
 BF 74
613
-
 Op(AK 60)
 
107
-
 EH 39
224
-
 Op(AK 60)
508
-
 DP 64
620
-
 CF 69
 
108
-
 BE 87
260
-
 CE 90
509
-
 Op(CF 86)
621
-
 BE 29
 
117
-
 AK 65
263
-
 AE 69
510
-
 Op(CF)
624
-
 Op(AK 60)
 
       
- 82 -
 
 
     

 

     
 
 
 
 
125
-
 BE 99
301
-
 BE 94
511
-
 DH 12
653
-
 BE 53
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
332
-
 Op(EF 81)
514
-
 CF 49
658
-
 Op(AJ 80)
 
128
-
 Op(ET)
356
-
 BE 82
516
-
 DS 33
659
-
 CG 18
 
129
-
 Op(ED)
381
-
 Op(AJ 97)
518
-
 Op(BB)
662
-
 Op(CE 90)
 
130
-
 BE 97
383
-
 Op(AK 60)
519
-
 AL 44
664
-
 Op(AL 15)
 
132
-
 Op(AJ 80)
402
-
 Op(AJ 89)
520
-
 Op(AJ 80)
704
-
 Op(AJ 89)
 
134
-
 Op(CG 84)
409
-
 CG 44
521
-
 Op(AJ 86)
706
-
 BE 57
 
154
-
 DP 21
413
-
 AE 68
522
-
 Op(AJ 89)
752
-
 CF 86
 
156
-
 EH 38
436
-
 Op(AK 60)
D 5
-
 DG 94
753
-
 Op(BD 53)
                   
755
-
 BF 55
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 69 - 87 - 107 - 125 - 156 - 172 - 203 - 301 - 356 - 409 - 441 - 443 - 459 - 463 - 506 - 509 - 514 - 516 - 563 - 575 - 590 - 602 - 604 - 621 - 659 - 664 - 706 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  U 617 - St. Nazaire;  U 407 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 64, see paragraph IVa.
    2) U 160 sighted a convoy W. of Trinidad in ED 9429 on course W. speed 8 knots.  Pursuit carried out and reported position at 0504 in ED 8636, about 20 ships.
    3) U 514 reported 7 large ships and a destroyer in CF 4399 on E. course.  U 514 was forced to submerge at once by aircraft and lost contact.  Since this convoy was possibly a troop or equipment transport group for Gibraltar, orders were given U 130 - 620 - 572 and U 103 to operate on supposed course to Gibraltar.  Convoy sailed at estimated speed of 10 knots.  Of the boats mentioned, U 620 has a damaged rudder, U 103 has difficulty submerging and U 440 needs repairs on her stern tube.  No further reports came in on the enemy.
    4) U 440 operated against single ship on courses in CG 7535 at 1418 hours.  No attack because of high speed.
    5) U 606 missed shot on single ship in AK 6839, course 2200, speed 16 knots.
    6) U 172 sank British "Clandillo" (4,966 T) on course 900 from Trinidad to Cape Town.
    7) U 178 sank British "Laurentic" (18,742 T) on 1 November, course 2300, position JJ 8530.  Light air and sea patrols in the area.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  ED 5530.
    Sightings by aircraft:  CG 7349, CG 9551, BE 3747 (Depth-charge attack, no hits).
    U-boat attacks:  BB 63, also unknown position near Trinidad.  "SSS" report:  "Empire Rennie" 4,835 T in FC 52; English "Karlack" 1,837 T in BE 6523; unknown steamer in FG 2780.
  d)  None.
       
- 83 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 64:
    Contact kept on the convoy by U 132 and U 522 as long as weather remained good but by 1800 hours contact was lost because of fog.  Ceiling reported zero over the convoy.  U 552 reported in the evening that convoy consists of 9 ships and 2 destroyers.  According to intercepts convoy is steering for known point AJ 6855.  Speed remains 7 knots.  In the course of the day the following success reports were received:
     
U 402 - 4 steamers hit, 1 munitions steamer 7,000 T sinking, 1 freighter 8,000 T heard sinking, 1 freighter 5,500 T left burning.  2 steamers 5,500 T each one sank, the other probably sank.
U 522 - 2 tankers, 1 munitions ship, 4 freighter torpedoed of which 6 steamers of total 38,000 T were observed sinking.  1 freighter heard sinking.
    2 freighters of 3,000 T each were sunk.
U 381 - 2 hits observed on a ship.  One ship heard sinking.
U 438 - 1 hit on disabled 4,000 T freighter.
U 84 - 1 freighter of 8,000 T sunk as she lay hove to.
U 521 - 1 freighter of 8,000 T sunk as she lay hove to.  Evidently one hit on a corvette.
Total - 16 ships of 94,000 T sunk.  4 ships and 1 corvette torpedoed.
    Apparently the signals emanated from the two ships sunk by U 84 and U 521.
  b) 1) Patrol strip of Group Natter from AK 9245 to BE 1144 is made up of U 613 - 224 - 436 - 624 - 606 - 383 - 98 - 218 - 92 - 564 - 653 and 566.  Area will be occupied at 0400 on 5 November, waiting for ON convoy.
    2) Operations on carrier force broken off.  U 510 and 134 sailing S. to DT 50.  Supply activity by U 462 forthcoming.  U 103 and 440 to meet U 509 on 6 November in DG 3355 to take on about 60 cubic meters of fuel each.  Both boats to continue southward.
  c) U 463 took over radar interception escort for U 575.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 172
  1 ship
4,966 T.
 
178
   1 ship
18,742 T.
 
402
   4 ships
26,000 T.
  2 ships hit.
522
   9 ships
49,000 T.
 
381
   1 ship
5,000 T.
   1 ship hit.
438
    
  1 ship hit.
84
   1 ship
8,000 T.
 
521
   1 ship
6,000 T.
   1 corvette hit.
 
 
 
       
- 84 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
3.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BB)
U 160
-
 Op(ED 86)
U 438
-
 Op(AJ 65)
U 566
-
 BE 55
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
161
-
 Op(EV)
440
-
 CB 99
571
-
 Op(AJ 93)
 
68
-
 CQ 44
163
-
 DP 82
441
-
 BE 61
572
-
 Op(CG 50)
 
69
-
 BF 75
172
-
 CF 68
442
-
 Op(AJ 93)
575
-
 BE 48
 
71
-
 Op(AJ 60)
173
-
 BF 48
443
-
 BF 54
590
-
 EH 31
 
84
-
 Op(AJ 96)
174
-
 Op(FC)
454
-
 Op(AJ 96)
595
-
 BF 44
 
86
-
 BF 44
177
-
 Op(GR)
459
-
 BF 73
602
-
 BE 62
 
87
-
 EJ 44
178
-
 Op(JJ 55)
462
-
 DS 94
604
-
 CG 15
 
89
-
 Op(AJ 92)
181
-
 Op(GR)
463
-
 BE 49
606
-
 Op(AK 68)
 
91
-
 BF 45
183
-
 Op(BC)
465
-
 AN 30
608
-
 CC 28
 
92
-
 BE 14
185
-
 AE 91
504
-
 KZ 49
613
-
 Op(AK 60)
 
98
-
 OP(AK 90)
203
-
 CG 18
505
-
 Op(EE)
617
-
 BF 67
 
103
-
 CF 77
218
-
 BE 14
506
-
 BF 73
620
-
 CG 71
 
106
-
 Op(BB)
224
-
 Op(AK 90)
508
-
 DP 86
621
-
 BE 66
 
107
-
 EH 31
260
-
 Op(CE 90)
509
-
 CF 79
624
-
 Op(AK 90)
 
108
-
 CE 24
263
-
 AE 67
510
-
 CG 75
653
-
 BE 19
 
117
-
 BD 83
301
-
 BE 96
511
-
 DH 42
658
-
 Op(AJ 60)
 
125
-
 BF 75
332
-
 Op(EF)
514
-
 CF 28
659
-
 CG 13
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
356
-
 BF 91
516
-
 DG 91
662
-
 Op(CE 90)
 
128
-
 Op(ET)
381
-
 Op(AJ 60)
518
-
 Op(BB)
664
-
 AL 41
 
129
-
 Op(ED)
383
-
 Op(AK 90)
519
-
 AK 65
704
-
 Op(AJ 93)
 
130
-
 CF 38
402
-
 Op(AJ 65)
520
-
 Op(AJ 60)
706
-
 BE 67
 
132
-
 Op(AJ 92)
407
-
 BF 55
521
-
 Op(AJ 94)
752
-
 DH 24
 
134
-
 CG 78
409
-
 CG 18
522
-
 Op(AJ 60)
753
-
 Op(BD 56)
 
154
-
 DP 18
413
-
 AE 83
552
-
 Op(ET)
755
-
 BF 46
 
156
-
 DS 31
436
-
 Op(AK 90)
563
-
 BE 66
D 5
-
 DG 65
 
159
-
 Op(KY)
437
-
 Op(AJ 94)
564
-
 BE 43      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 69 - 87 - - 107 - 125 - 156 - 172 - 203 - 301 - 356 - 409 - 441 - 443 - 459 - 463 - 506 - 509 - 514 - 516 - 563 - 575 - 590 - 602 - 604 - 621 - 659 - 664 - 706 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  - . -
  Sailed:  D 3 - Lorient;  U 454 - 264 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 64, see paragraph IVa.
    2) U 160 followed convoy through ED 8378 until 1130 when she lost contact in ED 8298 after a daylight attack.  Report of end results:  3 November sank freighter of 7,500 T and left a 5,000 tonner sinking.  2 hits on tanker of 8,000 T. and 1 hit on an ore ship of 5,000 T during the day.  Did not see them sink but likely that they did.  Sighted "Concord" type cruiser on 29 October in ED 9816, on course 1600 and in ED 9818 a convoy, course 3100.  No movements off Port of Spain.
    3) U 440 sighted 2 destroyers on E. course at 1035 in CG 7454 and reported at 0130 a convoy in CF 9595, course E.  OPeration impossible because of condition of the boat.  Looks like the same group that was reported by U 514 on 2 November in CF 4399.  Operation was not possible since no boats are in the area.
    4) U 383 fired 4 double misses at single ship on course 2200 in AK 9722.
       
- 85 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    5) U 117 sighted two-stack steamers in AK 8926, course 400, speed 14 knots.
    6) U 662 situation:  Medium freighter in Ponta Delgada.  Forced to submerge outside the harbor on 31 October by 2 destroyers.
    7) U 518 sank 2 ore ships 14,000 T in the roads off Wabana Island (Conception Bay).
    8) U 159 fired two misses at passenger freighter course 3300.  Returning to port from KY 9937.
    9) U 504 on her return cruise sank Brazilian "Porto Alegre" 5,187 T in KZ 4589, loaded with wood and cellulose from Capetown to Durban.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  BB 5285, ED 8830, FC 52, BB 69, ED 85, BB 52.
    Sightings by aircraft:  CH 8214, BB 6930, BE 3675.
    Planes received orders to attack boats in unknown positions.
    U-warning for area KY 9929 and KZ 7110.  
    U-boat attack in ED 8630.   "Empire Guider" reported she had been torpedoed in unknown position.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 64:
     Contact was kept on convoy all day and all night due to moderate weather and good visibility.  Before darkness fell, U 402, 84, 381, 571, 71, 704, 521, 522 as well as U 438 the contact keeper, came up to the convoy.  It appears that after the heavy losses of last night the convoy screen has been strengthened.  U 381, U 402, U 521 and U 522 report depth charges.  Wide variations in reports regarding the convoy.  One boat reports 4 to 6 steamers and 4 destroyers.  Another reported 26 units at 0600 this morning.  It is conceivable that part of the convoy has separated from the rest.
    Reported:
     U 521:  1 tanker sunk type "Trowolite" 7,115 T.  2 hits evidently on a freighter.
     U 89:  sank freighter of 5,000 T.
    A total of 18 ships of 106,000 tons have been sunk from this convoy in AK 41.  Operations on the convoy are continuing.
  b) 1) Group "Natter" was ordered to action at full speed in order to move against the convoy as soon as possible.
    2) New course for U 413 is AK 91.
    3) U 172 and U 68 will have freedom of movement in GF, since movements there are favorable from time to time.
    4) Following orders were given for Special Operation:  U 407 and U 617 steer for CG 61.  U 662 make for U 509 in DG 3355 and take on 30 cubic meters of fuel.  U 440 is to report as soon as boat is repaired.  More follows.
 
 
 
- 86 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 160
   5 ships
31,500 tons.
  
518
   3 ships
14,000 tons.
  
504
   1 ship
5,184 tons.
  
521
   1 ship
7,100 tons.
  1 ship hit.
89
   1 ship
5,000 tons.
  
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
4.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BB)
U 161
-
 Op(EV)
U 440
-
 CF 97
U 571
-
 Op(AJ)
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
163
-
 Op(EE)
441
-
 BF 44
572
-
 CF 68
 
68
-
 GP 38
172
-
 JF 64
442
-
 Op(AK 40)
575
-
 BE 58
 
69
-
 BF 81
173
-
 BF 47
443
-
 BF 52
590
-
 DS 97
 
71
-
 Op(AK)
174
-
 Op(FC)
445
-
 AO
595
-
 CF 33
 
84
-
 Op(AK)
177
-
 Op(GR)
454
-
 AK 75
602
-
 BF 45
 
86
-
 BE 64
178
-
 Op(KP)
459
-
 BF 65
604
-
 BF 77
 
87
-
 EH 38
181
-
 Op(GR)
462
-
 DS 97
606
-
 Op(AK 90)
 
89
-
 Op(AK 40)
183
-
 Op(BC)
463
-
 BE 58
608
-
 CC 43
 
91
-
 BE 66
185
-
 AE 82
465
-
 AN 30
613
-
 Op(AK 90)
 
92
-
 Op(AL)
203
-
 BF 77
504
-
 KY 69
617
-
 BF 57
 
98
-
 Op(AK 90)
218
-
 Op(AK 90)
505
-
 Op(EE)
620
-
 CG 40
 
103
-
 CF 97
224
-
 OP(AK 90)
506
-
 BF 57
621
-
 BF 45
 
106
-
 Op(BB)
260
-
 Op(CE 90)
508
-
 Op(EE)
624
-
 Op(AK 90)
 
107
-
 DS 97
263
-
 AE 82
509
-
 DG 33
653
-
 BE 11
 
108
-
 CF 42
264
-
 AO
510
-
 DH 34
658
-
 Op(AK 40)
 
117
-
 AK 89
301
-
 BF 72
511
-
 DH 48
659
-
 BF 58
 
125
-
 BF 81
332
-
 Op(EE)
514
-
 CF 35
662
-
 DG 33
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
356
-
 BF 64
516
-
 DG 63
664
-
 AL 74
 
128
-
 Op(ET)
381
-
 Op(AK)
518
-
 Op(BB)
704
-
 Op(AK)
 
129
-
 Op(ED)
383
-
 Op(AK)
519
-
 AK 58
706
-
 BE 69
 
130
-
 CF 65
402
-
 Op(AJ)
520
-
 Op(AK 40)
752
-
 DH 46
 
132
-
 Op(AK 40)
407
-
 BF 49
521
-
 Op(AJ)
753
-
 BD 25
 
134
-
 DH 35
409
-
 BF 75
522
-
 Op(AK)
755
-
 BE 98
 
154
-
 DQ 62
413
-
 AL 26
552
-
 Op(ET)
D 3
-
 BF 55
 
156
-
 DS 97
436
-
 Op(AK 90)
563
-
 BF 45
D 5
-
 DG 36
 
159
-
 Op(KY)
437
-
 BD 11
564
-
 BE 11      
 
160
-
 Op(ED)
438
-
 Op(AK)
566
-
 BE 11      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 69 - 87 - 107 - 125 - 156 - 172 - 203 - 301 - 356 - 409 - 437 - 441 - 443 - 459 - 463 - 506 - 509 - 514 - 516 - 563 - 575 - 590 - 602 - 604 - 621 - 659 - 664 - 706 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  U 443 - Brest;  U 459 - 356 - St. Nazaire.
  Sailed:  U 596 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoys Nos. 64 and 65, see paragraph IVa.
    2) Sinkings:
      U 181 sank "East Indian" (8,159 T.) with ore for New York.  Ship had orders to steer S.W. course 500 miles from GR 56, then to Trinidad.
       
- 87 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      U 177 sank munitions ship 8,000 T. on 2 November in GR 1715.  Course 1300.
      U 174 sank "Elmdale" on 1 November in FC 1855.  4920 tons carrying cargo of mixed freight.  On 2 November in FB 3622 she sank Dutch steamer "Zaandam" 10,909 tons, course 3500.  Cargo copra and vegetable oil.  Light air activity in the area.
      U 437 sank a modern ship sailing alone in BD 4145, course 2200, speed 15 knots, 7 - 8,000 tons.
    3) U 557 reports convoy in BE 5983 on S. course.  Pursuit made.  U 263 sighted convoy in AE 7963, course 1300, speed 8 - 10 knots.  Boat lost contact and was ordered to proceed on course as ordered.
    4) U 128 found no activity off Freetown and is presently operating in approximate position ES 62.  (Operation off Brazilian coast in view).
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  ED 9190, DN 8480, EE 7420, DB 6170, ED 6870, ED 91, EE 70.
     U-boat attack in BD 41.
     "SSS" report from AC 1681.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 64:
    The group is operating further against the convoy, aided by good weather and visibility.  Convoy is now in AK 42.  At 0700 this morning contact was lost.  The boats took position near the escorts and reported various patrol craft.  In the evening at 2144 hours, U 89 again reported contact but lost it again later.  Success during the night of 3 - 4 November is: 
    1) U 442 - 1 freighter 7,000 tons sunk.
    2) U 71 - 1 freighter 5,000 tons sunk.
      U 71 observed a hit by another U-boat, evidently U 132, not yet reported.
    3) U 381 - 2 freighters, one 6,000 tons the other 7,000 tons sunk.
      Also another hit.
    4) U 89 - 1 freighter 5,000 tons sunk.
    So far 23 ships have been sunk from this convoy - 136,115 tons.  Operations are continuing.
    Convoy No. 65:
     U 92 sighted a convoy at 2140 in AL 7788 on S.W. course.  It appears to be ON 143, which we are expecting.  Group "Natter" ordered to take action on this report at high speed.  U 92 was
 
 
 
- 88 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    forced under by a corvette and hunted.  Convoy was last heard at 0230 hours in BD 3383, speed at least 10 knots.  Only 4 ships could be seen.  Aside from U 466, which is carrying out listening duty against the convoy, no other boat reported contact.  Operation continued.
  b) 1) U 332 returning to port via DS 89 (supplies to be given her by Vowe).
    2) Destination for U 413 is AK 91, for U 263 and U 185 AK 92.  U 103 sailed S. via DT 60 to take on fuel from U 509.  U 620 and U 572 taking up areas off Lisbon as previously ordered.
    3) U 662 - 444 - 617 - 407 and 596 make up Group Delphin (see paragraph VI.  General).
  c) None.
  d) Boats will again be informed regarding enemy air activity.
       
V. Reports of Success:
 
U 181
  1 ship
8,159 tons.
 
177
   1 ship
8,000 tons.
 
174
   2 ships
15,829 tons.
 
437
   1 ship
7,000 tons.
 
442
   1 ship
7,000 tons.
  
71
   1 ship
5,000 tons.
  
381
   2 ships
13,000 tons.
  1 ship hit.
89
   1 ship
5,000 tons.
  
       
VI. General:
  a) Due to the increasing acuteness of the Mediterranean situation, High Command ordered 4 more boats to that area, besides U 755 and U 595.  Since breaking through the Straits of Gibraltar should meet with success, U 662 and U 440 both of which have been at sea a long time already, and U 617, U 407 and U 596 will be sent.  Captains who have had experience against convoys in the Atlantic are thought best for operations in the Mediterranean by B.d.U.
    These boats make up Group "Delphin".  In view of the great amount of ships and heavy patrols, breaking through the Straits will evidently be difficult this time.  We must count on some losses.
  b)  As far as can be determined, operations in the Mediterranean will find large and worthwhile targets.  It is imperative to use the 39 H type pistol as soon as it has been properly proved in combat.
     In this regard:
     
Message to: Naval Command
  Torpedo Development Division,
and information to: 1st Naval Command
  German U-boat Commander Italy.
     
1.  The situation in the Mediterranean makes use of Pistol 39 H extremely important to Mediterranean boats.  Reasons:
  a) Principal targets are battleships, aircraft carriers and large transports.  Greatest damage possible is desired
 
 
 
- 89 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
    from single shots.
  b) According to air observation the worthwhile targets in the Mediterranean are protected by anti-torpedo nets.  The only workable solution is use of the 39 H pistol.
  c) This would also dispense with premature ignition and faulty shots in an area where not only do we find high seas and heavy swells but also ships of deep draught.
  d) Operational torpedoes of greater destructive power are more urgent in the Mediterranean than in the Atlantic because of the intense situation in Africa.
2. B.d.U. has ordered the 1st consignment of 50 39 H type pistols for the Mediterranean, also is trying to speed up the delay in their operation in the Atlantic.
                                           B.d.U. Secret 4733 A 4.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
5.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BB)
U 161
-
 Op(EV)
U 441
-
 BF 45
U 590
-
 DS 90
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
163
-
 Op(ED)
442
-
 AK 57
595
-
 CF 31
 
68
-
 GF
172
-
 Op(GP)
445
-
 AN 36
596
-
 BF 47
 
69
-
 BF 52
173
-
 BE 92
454
-
 BD 21
602
-
 BF 55
 
71
-
 Op(AK 18)
174
-
 Op(FC 15)
462
-
 DS 97
604
-
 BF 52
 
84
-
 Op(AK 29)
177
-
 Op(GR 81)
463
-
 BE 68
606
-
 Op(AK 90)
 
86
-
 BE 52
178
-
 Op(KP)
465
-
 AN 30
608
-
 CB 63
 
87
-
 EH 31
181
-
 Op(GR 97)
504
-
 KY 91
613
-
 Op(AK 90)
 
89
-
 Op(AK 18)
183
-
 Op(BC)
505
-
 Op(EE)
617
-
 BF 72
 
91
-
 BE 62
185
-
 AL 31
506
-
 BF 40
620
-
 CG 70
 
92
-
 Op(BD 33)
203
-
 BF 76
508
-
 Op(EE)
621
-
 BF 55
 
98
-
 Op(AK 90)
218
-
 Op(AK 90)
509
-
 DG 33
624
-
 Op(AK 90)
 
103
-
 DH 12
224
-
 Op(AK 90)
510
-
 DH 55
653
-
 Op(BD 30)
 
106
-
 Op(BB)
260
-
 Op(CE 90)
511
-
 DH 78
658
-
 Op(AK 20)
 
107
-
 DS 90
263
-
 AE 87
514
-
 CG 11
659
-
 BF 52
 
108
-
 CE 68
264
-
 AN 36
516
-
 DH 14
662
-
 DG 33
 
117
-
 BD 21
301
-
 BF 55
518
-
 Op(BB)
664
-
 BE 14
 
125
-
 BF 40
332
-
 EF 53
519
-
 AK 28
704
-
 Op(AK 20)
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
381
-
 Op(AK 27)
520
-
 Op(BC)
706
-
 BF 48
 
128
-
 Op(ET)
383
-
 Op(AK 90)
521
-
 Op(AK 18)
752
-
 DH 75
 
129
-
 Op(ED)
402
-
 Op(AK 01)
522
-
 Op(AK 20)
753
-
 BD 21
 
130
-
 CF 95
407
-
 BF 47
552
-
 Op(ET)
755
-
 CG 15
 
132
-
 Op(AK 20)
409
-
 BF 52
563
-
 BF 54
D 3
-
 BF 45
 
134
-
 DH 56
413
-
 AL 01
564
-
 Op(BD 33)
D 5
-
 CF 84
 
154
-
 DO 58
436
-
 Op(AK 90)
566
-
 Op(BD 33)      
 
156
-
 DS 90
437
-
 BD 42
571
-
 Op(AK 54)      
 
159
-
 JJ 21
438
-
 Op(AK 20)
572
-
 CG 40      
 
160
-
 Op(ED)
440
-
 CF 90
575
-
 BE 68      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 69 - 87 - 107 - 125 - 156 - 172 - 203 - 301 - 409 - 437 - 441 - 463 - 506 - 514 - 516 - 563 - 575 - 590 - 602 - 604 - 621 - 659 - 664 - 706 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  U 621 - 409 - 659 - 604 - Brest;  U 69 - Lorient.
  Sailed:  U 380 - St. Nazaire;  U 259 - La Pallice;  U 623 - 603 - Kiel.
       
- 90 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoys Nos. 64 and 65, see paragraph IVa.
    2) In convoy reported yesterday, U 263 estimates a search group of 2 small ships and 3 trawlers.  She fired a two shot spread and 3 single shots, all of which missed.  She then moved on.
    3) U 620 reports heavy movements in CG 57, neutral insignia shown.
    4) U 260 began return cruise.  2 freighters and 1 patrol craft in Ponta Delgada on 4 November.
    5) U 552 has seen nothing so far in ET 50, 60, 90 as well as EU 70.  Medium air patrols, weak sea patrols in the area.
      U 126 sank a three masted steamer on 1 November in FH 5578, name, "Helma", 8,297 tons, course 1300.  The steamer had escort.  In addition, she sank "Quedgrou" on 4 November in EW 7531, course 1250 and "New Toronto" on 5 November in EV 6734, 6,568 tons, course 600, zig-zagging and escorted.
      U 129 moved against a convoy on 5 November during the night in EC 9296.  15 large and a number of small ships, course 3100, speed 8 knots.  She sank a freighter of 4,000 tons, tankers of 9,000, 6,000 and 7,000 tons, besides getting a hit on a freighter of 5,000 tons.  Contact lost.  According to sound bearings the convoy put back into Aruba.  Nothing seen in EC 63, 66, 69.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  CA 38.
     U-boat attack:  EC 92.
     Sightings by aircraft:  AF 79, AK 2732 (depth-charge attack), 2 attacks in unknown position, evidently in area AK 20.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 65:  
      Group "Natter" searched S.W. area without finding the convoy.  U 92 reports horizontal radar transmissions in BD 3548 and BD 3496, where the convoy might possibly be.  No contact has been made up to this morning.  Operation is still underway.
    2) Convoy No. 64:
      U 521 made contact for a short time again at 1000 hours but could not keep it.  Due to air patrols over the convoy none of the 7 boats operating against it were able to approach.  All other boats were either returning to port or moving toward refueling points.  Since visibility was so good during the day and surprise attacks by aircraft were likely, boats were
       
- 91 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      ordered to attack only at night when in favorable positions and to cease the operation at daybreak.
      A number of boats reported damage due to aircraft bombs.  
      No further success reported.  Hence the operation ended in the morning of 6 November with the following successes:
      23 ships sunk, 136,115 tons.
      1 destroyer and 1 corvette torpedoed and 5 other hits scored on ships.
      Evidently only U 132 was sunk on this entire operation.
  b) 1) U 108 and U 103 took on fuel from U 509 and sailed southward.  U 128 and U 511 made for FC 50 after being supplied by U 462.
    2) Courses:  U 86 - U 91 - AK 66;  U 413 - 185 - 263 - AK 03;  U 522 - AK 65.
    3) U 440 and 622 were unable to break through Straits of Gibraltar because of engine trouble.  U 380 and 259 are considered as substitutes.
  c) U 462 has supplied:  U 156, 107, 590 and U 87.
    Tanker situation:  415 cubic meters of fuel oil, provisions for 136 days, and 4 torpedoes.
  d) During the past few days the following boats have not reported in spite of many requests and must be considered lost:
    U 132 operated against Convoy No. 64 and last reported from AJ 91 on 3 November.  According to observations of other boats she may have been destroyed when she torpedoed a munitions ship.  
    U 658 and U 520 both operated against Convoy No. 64.  The last reports were 20 October for U 658 and 27 October for U 520.  It is believed that both boats were destroyed by aircraft.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 126 3 ships
15,668 tons.
  
U 129 4 ships
26,000 tons.
  
  1 ship
5,000 tons
 torpedoed.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
6.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BB)
U 161
-
 Op(EV)
U 438
-
 Op(AK)
U 571
-
 AK 59
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
163
-
 Op(EE)
440
-
 CF 82
572
-
 Op(CG 50)
 
68
-
 GF 68
172
-
 GF 68
441
-
 BF 50
575
-
 BF 47
 
71
-
 Op(AK 20)
173
-
 BE 89
442
-
 AK 83
590
-
 DS 90
 
84
-
 Op(AK)
174
-
 Op(FC)
445
-
 AN 43
595
-
 CG 84
 
86
-
 BE 24
177
-
 Op(GR)
454
-
 BD 22
596
-
 BF 82
 
87
-
 DS 65
178
-
 Op(KP)
462
-
 DS 30
603
-
 AO
 
89
-
 Op(AK)
181
-
 Op(GR)
463
-
 BE 68
606
-
 Op(BD 20)
 
91
-
 BE 52
183
-
 Op(BC)
465
-
 AN 30
608
-
 CB 53
 
92
-
 Op(BD)
185
-
 AL 18
504
-
 GR 94
613
-
 Op(BD 20)
 
98
-
 Op(BD 20)
203
-
 BF
505
-
 Op(EE)
617
-
 CG 15
 
103
-
 DG 33
218
-
 Op(BD 20)
506
-
 BF
620
-
 Op(CG)
 
106
-
 Op(BB)
224
-
 Op(BD 20)
508
-
 Op(EE)
623
-
 AO
 
107
-
 DS 90
249
-
 BF 52
509
-
 DG 33
624
-
 Op(BD 20)
 
       
- 92 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
108
-
 DH 11
260
-
 Op(CF)
510
-
 DH 73
653
-
 Op(BD)
 
117
-
 BD 21
263
-
 AL 24
511
-
 DT 18
662
-
 CF 84
 
125
-
 BF
264
-
 AN 28
514
-
 BF 77
664
-
 BE 51
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
301
-
 BF
516
-
 CF 85
704
-
 Op(AK)
 
128
-
 ES 25
332
-
 BF 63
518
-
 Op(BB)
706
-
 BF 49
 
129
-
 Op(EC)
380
-
 BF 67
519
-
 Op(AK 20)
752
-
 DT 25
 
130
-
 DH 25
381
-
 AK 55
521
-
 AK 28
753
-
 BD 21
 
134
-
 DH 73
383
-
 Op(BD 20)
522
-
 Op(AK)
755
-
 CG 72
 
154
-
 DO 99
402
-
 AK 55
552
-
 Op(ET)
D 3
-
 BF 71
 
156
-
 DS 90
407
-
 CG 15
563
-
 BF
D 5
-
 CF 58
 
159
-
 GR 59
413
-
 AL 19
564
-
 Op(BD 20)
602
-
 BF
 
160
-
 Op(ED)
436
-
 Op(BD)
566
-
 Op(BD)      
       
437
-
 BD 55            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 87 - 107 - 156 - 159 - 172 - 381 - 402 - 437 - 441 - 442 - 463 - 506 - 509 - 514 - 516 - 571 - 575 - 590 - 664 - 706 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  U 563 - 301 - Brest;  U 602 - 203 - 125 - Lorient.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 65, see paragraph IVa.
    2) U 508 sighted a convoy at 0135 hours in ED 97, course 3000, speed 9 knots.   She sank a freighter of 9,000 tons.  Convoy was in ED 8759 at 0710 on course 2700, speed 9 knots.  Pursuit taken up.
    3) In the same area U 160 reports eastbound convoy of 8 freighters, 2 destroyers and 2 patrol boats.  She attacked and scored hits on freighters of 7,000 and 6,000 tons.  Neither ship seen to sink.  No contact.  So far no single ship movements off Port of Spain.  Outbound ships sailing with escort on courses 3100 and 900.  Air patrols far and wide.  (One of the torpedoed ships sank, according to radio intercepts).
    4) U 163 sank British "Cordeillera" in EE 7337, 6,865 tons, course 2450, speed 12 knots.
    5) U 161 situation:  sighted 2 steamers on 5 November in EV 7321 on course 2600 and on 6 November 1 steamer course 90.  Both put into Takoradi.  Because of heavy seas and strong easterly currents, shallow water operations are pointless.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  CA 6130, BA 96, KY 64.
    U-boat attacks:  ED 99, ED 86.
     Sightings by aircraft:  U-boats sighted and attacked in CH 81 and 82.
    Heavy sub-chasing activities in CA 38, boat evidently damaged and unable to move.
  d)  None.
       
- 93 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 65:
    Since it was impossible to make contact during the course of the day, the operation was broken off.  No success.
  b) 1) Following boats presently belonging to Group "Natter" and are sailing for AK 9245 to BE 1173 as patrol area at cruising speed:  U 218, 653, 566, 613, 98, 564, 92, 86, 91, 383, 224, 624 and 606.
    2) After completion of operation on Convoy No. 64 Group "Veilchen" was dissolved.  A patrol strip was organized with the rest of the boats from AK 3793 to 6378, to pick up an ON(S) convoy.  Order:  U 84, 521, 519, 704, 413 and 185.  According to later report U 521 cannot carry out orders because of engine trouble.  Her position taken by U 263.
    3) New course for U 173 is ED 99.
    4) U 163 made for area between Aruba and Curacao.
    5) U 154 has freedom of action in EE, EF and to the S. thereof.
    6) Taking on of supplies will be carried out later for U 161 and 126 in approximate area DS.
  c)  U 440 took over radar interception escort for U 516.
  d) 1) U-boats were informed of the sailing of our own ships and instructed regarding the exact limits of operational areas.
    2) Liberty to attack single ships given in area Route Anton between 300 N. and 100 S.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 508
  1 ship
9,000 tons
  sunk
160
   1 ship
7,000 tons
  sunk
  1 ship
6,000 tons
  hit
163
   1 ship
6,865 tons
  sunk.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
- 94 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
7.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BB)
U 172
-
 GF
U 454
-
 BD 21
U 606
-
 BD 38
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
173
-
 CF 21
462
-
 EH 60
608
-
 CB 54
 
68
-
 GF
174
-
 Op(FC)
463
-
 BF 47
613
-
 BD 29
 
71
-
 AK 62
177
-
 Op(GR)
465
-
 AN 30
617
-
 CG 48
 
84
-
 Op(AK)
178
-
 Op(KP)
504
-
 GZ 33
620
-
 Op(CG 50)
 
86
-
 BE 12
181
-
 Op(KY)
505
-
 Op(EE)
623
-
 AN 36
 
87
-
 DT 15
183
-
 Op(BB)
506
-
 BF 61
624
-
 BD 38
 
89
-
 AK 35
185
-
 Op(AK 30)
508
-
 Op(ED)
653
-
 BD 28
 
91
-
 BE 46
218
-
 BD 26
509
-
 DG 33
662
-
 CF 82
 
92
-
 BD 37
224
-
 BD 37
510
-
 DH 77
664
-
 BE 56
 
98
-
 BD 34
259
-
 BF 82
511
-
 DT 71
704
-
 Op(AK)
 
103
-
 DG 33
260
-
 CF 52
514
-
 BF 73
706
-
 BF 68
 
106
-
 Op(BB)
263
-
 Op(AL 16)
516
-
 CF 59
752
-
 DT 46
 
107
-
 DG 97
264
-
 AF 79
518
-
 Op(BB 10)
753
-
 BD 21
 
108
-
 DG 33
332
-
 EG 52
519
-
 Op(AK)
755
-
 CG 86
 
117
-
 BD 21
380
-
 BF 81
521
-
 Op(AK)
D 3
-
 BE 95
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
381
-
 AK 85
522
-
 AK 83
D 5
-
 CF 61
 
128
-
 EH 96
383
-
 BD 37
552
-
 Op(ET)      
 
129
-
 Op(EC)
402
-
 AK 85
564
-
 BD 37      
 
130
-
 DH 43
407
-
 CG 45
566
-
 BD 26      
 
134
-
 DT 31
413
-
 Op(AK 30)
571
-
 BD 95      
 
154
-
 EE 13
436
-
 BE 44
572
-
 CG 50      
 
156
-
 DG 95
437
-
 BD 64
575
-
 BF 47      
 
159
-
 GQ 87
438
-
 AK 58
590
-
 DT 12      
 
160
-
 Op(ED)
440
-
 CF 59
595
-
 CG 86      
 
161
-
 Op(EV)
441
-
 BF 52
596
-
 CG 15      
 
163
-
 Op(ED)
442
-
 BD 98
603
-
 AN 36      
       
445
-
 AF 79            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 71 - 87 - 89 - 156 - 107 - 172 - 159 - 260 - 332 - 381 - 402 - 436 - 437 - 438 - 440 - 442 - 463 - 509 - 514 - 516 - 571 - 575 - 590 - 662 - 664 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  U 441 - Brest;  U 506 - Lorient;  U 411 - St. Nazaire.
  Sailed:  U 155 - 515 - Lorient;  U 411 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 462 reports ship sailing alone in EH 6199 on S. Westerly course.  She was given orders to keep contact for U 128 which is nearby.  At 2016 hours the ship was in EH 6461.  No further reports.
    2) U 508 sighted a Spanish ship in ED 8531.  Strangely enough the U-boat requested permission to sink her.  She was reminded of standing orders.  Later U 508 sank a freighter of 8,000 tons from a convoy.  Was forced to sheer off by a destroyer.  Latest convoy position was ED 8667, course W.
    3) U 43 situation:  No movements or defenses in BA 38 up to 25 October.  Boat given freedom of movement in BA 38.  Refueling foreseen.
    4) U 620 has been standing off Lisbon on the 3 mile limit for 3 days.  Sightings:  8 - 10 neutral ships per day, each having a red cross insignia but no flag.  Clarification of this unusual procedure will be requested from France.
       
- 95 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    5) U 566 sank the English ship "Glenlea" 4,252 tons, loaded with coal and dye from Cardiff to Capetown.  According to the Captain's statements the ship was in convoy up to AK 98 and then separated.
    6) U 613 sank a ship sailing alone, 4,500 tons, course 2250.
    7) Convoy No. 65, see paragraph IVa.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  BB 3971, EC 1280, EC 91, EP 71, BB 4244, BB 39, EV 58.
    Sightings by aircraft:  CH 5927, CH 8276, CH 5928, CH 8272, CH 8433, CG 84.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 65:
     U 117 sighted the convoy at 1726 in BD 2567, course 2500, speed 5 - 7 knots.  This must be Convoy No. 65 which was attacked by Group "Natter"  All boats of this group were ordered to act on report by U 117.  This boat was forced to submerge by a patrol boat at 1940 in BD 2582 and as a result lost contact.  Orders were given to take up pursuit and to replenish the supplies of boats low on fuel in BD 2835.  Boats too far behind to be of any use were ordered to give their positions.  Boats in favorable position were U 566 - 653 - 624 and 753.  These boats pursued the convoy further, which was not picked up by morning however.  All boats not involved were turned loose in an area 100 miles S. of the strip used for patrol up until now.  
  b) 1) Rather than to worry about the former area, which was at best unproductive, U 161 and 126 moved E. and W.  (Former area off Lagos and Takoradi).
    2) In order to lengthen the patrol line to the S. U 552 took up position AK 6651.
    3) New course for U D 3 is DT 10.
  c)  U 116 finished transfer of supplies to U 753.
  d)  In view of the situation in the Mediterranean, Group Delphin U 755 and U 595 were ordered to try and break through the Straits of Gibraltar as soon as possible.  Boats are to sail course 50 W. without further orders on Mediterranean band and come under Officer Commanding U-boats Mediterranean.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 508
  1 ship
8,000 tons
  sunk
566
   1 ship
4,252 tons
  sunk
613
   1 ship
4,500 tons
  sunk.
 
 
 
- 96 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
VI. General:
  Mediterranean Operation:
  Reports of giant massing of forces for landing operations in the Western Mediterranean led to the following decree of Naval High Command:
  1) Immediate investigation and reports, how many more boats for Mediterranean and when.
    a) From operational areas.
    b) From harbors of W. France.  Available by the end of November.
  2) All boats in question are to be equipped for Mediterranean operations when they put out.
       
     
Naval High Command 2271/42 Secret
       
  The teletype reply after consideration of these questions to Naval High Command on 7 November.
     
  I. Only type VIIC will be committed for operations in the Mediterranean.  The following boats of this type will be off Gibraltar at the time in question:
    a) U 259 ready as reserve boat in area AM on 12 November, U 411 (C.O. on first war cruise).  On 16 November, U 91, 86, 566, 693, 92, 752 and 134, of which U 98 and U 564 have Captains on first war cruise.  U 613, 413 and 623, (all have had one war cruise), on 23 November U 264, 445, 623 and 603 (all one war cruise).  All other boats of type VIIC in operational areas are either returning, damaged or short of fuel and are destined to go back to Spezia.
    b) For the following period, boats from harbors of W. France will be off Gibraltar:  On 22 November U 553, 600, 257.  Between 26 and 28 November, U 373, 432, 254 and U 221.  Between 29 November and 1 December, U 610, 757, 455, 569 and 615.
     
  II. Boats of type IX (not considered suitable at present).
    a) From operational area on 13 November, U 510, 130, 173, 103, 108, 155 and 515.  On 15 November, U 519, U 185 (first war cruise).
    b) From harbors of W. France on 17 November U 66, 176 and 164.  On 3- November, U 513, 507 and 517.
       
  III In connection with I and II, it is noticed that none of the boats are equipped with charts of the Mediterranean, recognition signals etc., which would not hamper operations in open sea areas.  The time of the proposed breakthrough of the Straits, 15 November is very unfavorable due to the phase of the moon, not only for the actual passage through the Straits but also the approaches thereto.  The English are aware of the passage of U 755 - 595 - 617 - 407 - 596 and 380 through the Straits and defences are bound to be strengthened.  High percentage of losses must be reckoned on.
 
 
 
- 97 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     In consideration of the high number of misfortunes in the Atlantic War on the one side and the possibilities of success in connection with large numbers of boats in the Mediterranean on the other hand, German High Command received the following statement on 7 November.
       
    U-boat situation 7 November:
    a) Transfer of more boats to the Mediterranean:  The effect of English activities in the Mediterranean are easily noticeable in the Atlantic.  Defences of the convoys most recently attacked were mush weaker than before, evidently because of greater escort power in the Mediterranean.  Numerous slow ships sailing alone, lead us to believe that this is the case.  The same can be applied to ships in the North Sea.  B.d.U. believes therefore that greater prospects of success are in view in the Atlantic due to the decrease in number of screening vessels.
    b) A great number of boats had to return to port after the last convoy action.  Boats putting out at the time can go prepared to the Mediterranean.  A great number of boats will be ready to sail from W. France on 20 November since many boats already at sea are low on fuel, the number of boats in the N. Atlantic will shrink, even though no more are sent to the Mediterranean.  The favorable character of this area cannot therefore be answered by desired strength at this time.
    c) Wariness of the English will already be sharpened in the Straits of Gibraltar by former operations.  It can no longer be assumed that all the single ships, which pass through the Straits one after the other, will be unnoticed.  The result will be increased watchfulness which will probably lead to losses of ships which are passing through, especially when the boats happen to pass through at an unfavorable phase of the moon.  Heavy air patrols will limit freedom of movement of the boats.  Warships and transports are unusually strongly protected and the possibility of losses is correspondingly high.
    d) It appears that the prospects of success in the Mediterranean are slight.
    e) In considering the transfer of more boats to the Mediterranean, the past situation must be regarded and prospects of small successes in the Mediterranean must be weighed against the more favorable chances in the N. Atlantic, keeping in mind the overall situation.  Transfer of boats to the Mediterranean is justified only if small success and heavy losses in the Mediterranean can be seen to offset decrease in the tonnage of ships sunk in the Atlantic.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
- 98 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
8.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BB)
U 160
-
 Op(ED)
U 438
-
 AK 85
U 572
-
 Op(CG 50)
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
161
-
 Op(EV)
440
-
 CF 38
575
-
 BF 61
 
68
-
 GF
163
-
 Op(ED 93)
442
-
 BD 33
590
-
 DG 95
 
71
-
 AL 47
172
-
 GF
445
-
 AK 72
595
-
 CG 90
 
84
-
 Op(AK 30)
173
-
 CF 42
454
-
 BD 29
596
-
 CG 73
 
86
-
 Op(BE)
174
-
 Op(FC)
462
-
 EH 67
603
-
 AN 31
 
87
-
 DG 95
177
-
 Op(GR)
463
-
 BF 49
606
-
 Op(ED)
 
89
-
 AK 85
178
-
 Op(KP)
465
-
 AN 30
608
-
 CB 41
 
91
-
 BE 17
181
-
 Op(KV)
504
-
 GR 78
613
-
 BD 27
 
92
-
 BD 31
183
-
 OP(BB)
505
-
 Op(EE 72)
617
-
 CG 80
 
98
-
 AK 98
185
-
 Op(AK 60)
508
-
 Op(ED)
620
-
 Op(CG 50)
 
103
-
 DG 33
218
-
 AK 98
509
-
 DG 33
623
-
 AN 31
 
106
-
 Op(BB)
224
-
 BD 37
510
-
 DT 27
624
-
 BD 33
 
107
-
 DG 92
259
-
 BF 72
511
-
 EH 33
653
-
 AK 95
 
108
-
 DG 33
260
-
 CF 37
514
-
 BF 54
662
-
 CF 61
 
117
-
 BD 28
263
-
 AK 03
515
-
 BF 55
664
-
 BE 66
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
264
-
 AF 72
516
-
 CF 38
704
-
 AK 60
 
128
-
 EH 69
332
-
 EG 38
518
-
 Op(BB)
752
-
 DS 93
 
129
-
 Op(EC)
380
-
 BF 74
519
-
 Op(AK 30)
753
-
 BD 51
 
130
-
 DH 72
381
-
 BD 21
521
-
 AK 60
755
-
 DG 90
 
134
-
 DT 28
383
-
 BD 35
522
-
 Op(ET)
D 3
-
 BE 32
 
154
-
 Op(EE)
402
-
 BD 21
552
-
 Op(ET)
D 5
-
 CF 33
 
155
-
 BF 50
407
-
 CG 80
564
-
 BD 28      
 
156
-
 DG 66
411
-
 BF 67
566
-
 BD 28      
 
159
-
 GR 74
413
-
 Op(AK 60)
571
-
 AL 78      
       
436
-
 BE 54            
       
437
-
 BD 86            
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 71 - 87 - 89 - 107 - 156 - 159 - 172 - 260 - 332 - 381 - 402 - 436 - 437 - 438 - 440 - 442 - 463 - 509 - 514 - 516 - 571 - 575 - 590 - 662 - 664 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  U 575 - Lorient.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 65, see paragraph IVa.
    2) U 462 sighted her steamer again during the afternoon in EH 6857.  She kept contact for U 128, which sank the ship in approximately EJ 7434.  Size 4,000 tons.
    3) U 218 reported fast ship sailing alone in AK 9549, which disappeared after being followed for a while.
    4) U 160 is in position EP 7650 and intends to go from EO to EE 77 via the coastal route.
    5) U 174 has seen nothing in the upper half of FB since 3 November.  She believes dearth of ship movements due to change in routes on veering off to the south and requests freedom of movement in areas ER 70 and 50.
    6) U 181 sank a 6,000 tonner in KY 6982 on course 2800.
      U 159 sank a munitions ship of 8,500 tons in GR 7,599, course 450.
       
- 99 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    7) U 68 sank "City of Cairo" on 6 November in GF 3811, 8,034 tons, course 2900, sailing from Capetown to England via Pernambuco.  125 passengers on board.  Boat will probably return to port slowly via Anton route via FL.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  EV 7277, ED 6650, DK 2910(?), ET 2340, DB 6148, AB 8884, BC 22.
    U-boat attacks:  EC 68 and EV 72.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 65:
  b) 1) Due to the landing of Americans in French Morocco, U 155 - 515 - 103 - 411 - 572 - 108 - 173 and U 130 received orders to set course for DJ 19 at top speed.  U 510 - 752 - 511 - 185 - 519 - 91 and U 86 also approached the areas sailing 200 miles during the 24 hour period.  The following boats were sent southwards on course for CG 87:  U 413 - 263 - 98 - 218 - 92 - 566 - 564 - 653 and U 613.  Group Delphin, composed of U 595 - 755 - 407 - 596 - 259 - 617 and U 380 steered for CH 8477 at highest speed possible.  U 572 received later orders to go to DJ 2524 (Fedala).  See VI.
    2) U 509 has transferred torpedoes and is sailing for DJ 19.
    3) Boats remaining in N. Atlantic are making for the following areas at cruising speed:  U 521 - AK 83;  U 84 - AK 91;  U 704 - AK 94;  U 624 - AK 95;  U 753 - AK 98;  U 224 - AK 99;  U 383 - BD 32;  U 606 - BD 33;  U 454 - BD 31.  In order to extend the operation, it is proposed to refuel the boats which need it from U 460 on 17 November.
    4) U 552 left the area off Freetown because of slight ship movement and was ordered to prey on S.W. bound shipping across E 46 and EJ 70 (See III a 2).
    5) U 68 and U 172 received orders to stay in their area another 4 days, since recurrent ship movements have been established there.
    6) U 174 has freedom of movement as requested.
  c)  U 103 and U 108 have been supplied by U 509.
  d)  U 595 has passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and now comes under the command of Officer Commanding U-boats in the Mediterranean.
       
V. Success Reports:
    
U 128 1 ship
4,000 tons.
    
U 181 1 ship
6,000 tons.
   
U 159 1 ship
8,500 tons.
    
U 68 1 ship
8,034 tons.
   
 
 
   
 
- 100 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
VI. General:
  North African Operations:
  A.  At 0630 the head of Naval High Command was informed by B.d.U. of the large scale of the landing operations underway on the Moroccan Coast by the Americans.
     Estimate of the situation:  The invasion of the Algerian and Moroccan coasts must be treated as a large scale operation, for which the enemy will need an enormous amount of supplies.  Operations of U-boats began too late for the first landings, since the U-boats will not appear on the scene until 9 to 11 November.  U-boat activities can indeed make serious inroads on shipment of supplies.  Prospects of success should not be regarded too highly for the following reasons:
    a) Boats must operate in water of less than 50 meters depth when attacking troop transports and warships.
    b) Heavy aircraft operations from Gibraltar using long range planes, carrier borne aircraft.  Operations of fast bombers is expected from air fields installed in the meantime.
    c) Heavier destroyer and corvette patrols must be reckoned with.  
     U-boats can make only stationary attacks.  U-boat activities can be regarded as favorable by the enemy as regards their course.  Each attack therefore means complete operation.  Nevertheless the importance of these supply trains calls for all-out U-boat operations.  Hence:  B.d.U. has ordered the following, without advice of Naval High Command.  U 155 - 515 - 103 - 108 - 411 - 572 - 173 - 130 to proceed at high speed and U 510 - 752 - 511 - 185 - 519 - 91 and U 86 to average 200 miles per day and to steer for DJ 19.
     An order for full speed is pointless due to heavy seas and the fact that the large consumption of fuel would limit later activities of the boats.
     Incoming message No. 2291/42 Secret from Naval High Command.
    1) On the basis of present situation the focal point of action for U-boats is the landing of the enemy and supply trains for which the enemy is waiting.
     
A) The Casablanca area, Safi and Port Lyautey being the most important harbors for flanking action.  According to reports received, the enemy attack on Casablanca ia already underway.
B) Traffic from England and America to the Mediterranean comes through the Azores - Gibraltar area where boats are being sent as fast as possible.  Intentions are reported with the numbers of the boats.
    2) It is not contemplated sending more boats to the Mediterranean after Group Delphin has been sent in, at least not for the time being.  Further operations will depend on the development of the situation.
 
 
 
- 101 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    Radio order:
    1) U 413 - 263 - 98 - 218 - 92 - 566 - 564 - 653 - 613 ordered to make for CG 87, averaging 200 miles per day.
    2) Action discontinued on Neumann convoy.
    Purpose:  To employ a large number of boats first against landing operations on the Moroccan coast.  Later to attack ships W. of Gibraltar as they approach the Mediterranean with supplies.
       
 
Atlantic Situation
  B. Withdrawal of a total of 31 boats (U 755 - 595 - 617 - 407 - 380 - 259 - 155 - 515 - 103 - 108 - 411 - 572 - 173 - 130 - 510 - 572 - 511 - 185 - 519 - 91 - 86 - 413 - 263 - 98 - 218 - 92 - 566 - 564 - 653 - 613) present the following situation in the Atlantic.
    1) Operation of U-boats against convoys has ceased.
     
a) South of the Great Circle route on the England - American convoy path there are 9 boats in AK 90 and BD 30, (521 - 522 - 84 - 624 - 704 - 224 - 454 - 383 - 606) which cannot be sent to CG 87 because of fuel shortage, damage and lack of torpedoes.  No further convoy attacks can be carried out by these boats, in fact it would be difficult for them to find a convoy.
  Purpose:  After these boats have been supplied and refueled by a U-tanker between 7 and 20 November, at least one group will be available for action against convoys.  Until then they will be spread out in their operational areas in AK 90 and BD 30 as Group "Kreuzotter".  Some success is expected against ships sailing alone and targets of opportunity.
b) Further present in the N. Atlantic:  Newfoundland and Nova Scotia areas - U 518 - 106 and 43.  New York area - U 406.  3 outgoing boats in the North Sea.
    2) Middle Atlantic:
     
a) Trinidad area:  7 boats (129 - 163 - 508 - 505 - 160 - 67 - 154).
b) Coast of Brazil and Cape Verde areas:  4 boats (U 174 - 562 - 134 - 128).
c) Guiana coast:  2 boats (U 161 - 126).
 
    3) Cape Town area:  3 boats (U 177 - 178 - 181).
      Total of 29 boats.
      The situation will become even less favorable since some boats will have to return to port soon for supplies - also there are fewer boats in Germany.  The withdrawal from operational areas will be especially large.  A total of 9 boats of type IXC which were on their way southward, received orders to go to DJ 19.  Some of these boats were S. of the
 
 
 
- 102 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      Canaries and one boat moreover was already off Cape Verde.  Due to modification of the orders of earlier operations, the actions off Morocco and Gibraltar - which could not be anticipated - the effect on the general Atlantic U-boat warfare was great since most of the boats are far from their normal operational areas with depleted fuel supplies and long voyages before them.
       
  C.  Enemy supply movements are to be anticipated on a great scale in the Western Mediterranean.  I therefore consider it imperative that Mediterranean boats, as far as possible, be equipped with type G 7a F.A.T. torpedoes.
    Report of German Naval Command, Torpedo Station:
    1) B.d.U. considers use of G 7a F.A.T. on boats in the mediterranean as pressing and important due to heavy protection of warships and transport groups.  In many cases the firing possibilities are limited to excessive ranges.
    2) Use of F.A.T. torpedoes has promise in the case of groups of ships at long range.  (Supply convoys and gatherings of ships in the roads off landing areas).
    3) The question of F.A.T. used with G 7a being practical only on night operations is answered by the mixed charges of G 7a and G 7e which is favorable for both day and night operations.
    4) According to establishment of possibilities at hand, B.d.U. sets forth the following:
     
a) Immediate designation of 24 F.A.T. torpedoes lying ready in Kiel.  6 for Pola and 18 for Spezia.
b) To send out working groups from Kiel to adapt the tubes of the following boats:  U 375 Pola 17 November, U 562 Spezia 22 November, U 453 Spezia 28 November, U 83 Spezia 29 November.  Adaptation of 2 tubes on each boat considered enough, in case no more work can be done because of time.
c) To send out instruction groups from the torpedo testing stations to Italy for the purpose of instructions the Commandant regarding use of F.A.T.
    5) Boats will carry 6 G 7a F.A.T. type torpedo the rest G 7e with 39 pistol.  Daytime for bow tubes:  3 G 7e, 1 G 7a F.A.T.  Nighttime for bow tubes 2 G 7a F.A.T. and 2 G 7e with 39 pistol.  Different loadings are indeed decided by the situation.
    6) Use of F.A.T. for Western boats is not foreseen because of the former mode of action.
    7) Details of all action in the area must be cleared with Officer Commanding U-boats Italy.
 
 
 
- 103 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
9.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BB)
U 160
-
 Op(EP)
U 436
-
 BE 56
U 566
-
 BD 58
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
161
-
 Op(EV)
437
-
 BD 95
571
-
 BE 16
 
68
-
 FU 41
163
-
 Op(ED)
438
-
 BD 25
572
-
 DJ 12
 
71
-
 AL 84
172
-
 FT 23
440
-
 CG 11
590
-
 DG 66
 
84
-
 Op(AK 30)
173
-
 CF 58
442
-
 BE 19
595
-
 CG 90
 
86
-
 BE 42
174
-
 Op(FB)
445
-
 AN 23
596
-
 CG 86
 
87
-
 DG 66
177
-
 Op(KZ)
454
-
 BD 28
603
-
 Kristiansand
 
89
-
 BD 25
178
-
 Op(KP)
462
-
 EH 68
606
-
 BD 30
 
91
-
 BE 48
181
-
 Op(KY)
463
-
 BF 50
608
-
 CA 61
 
92
-
 BD 35
183
-
 Op(BB)
465
-
 AN 30
613
-
 BD 37
 
98
-
 BD 35
185
-
 AL 74
504
-
 CG 93
617
-
 CG 90
 
103
-
 DH 24
218
-
 RD 34
505
-
 Op(EE)
620
-
 CG 27
 
106
-
 Op(BB 83)
224
-
 BD 30
508
-
 Op(ED)
623
-
 AN 23
 
107
-
 DG 63
259
-
 CG 48
509
-
 DH 10
624
-
 BD 20
 
108
-
 DH 24
260
-
 BD 97
510
-
 DT 32
653
-
 BD 37
 
117
-
 BD 28
263
-
 AK 66
511
-
 DT 78
662
-
 CF 39
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
264
-
 AE 69
514
-
 BD 61
664
-
 BF 54
 
128
-
 EH 93
332
-
 EH 19
515
-
 CF 72
704
-
 Op(AK 60)
 
129
-
 Op(EC)
380
-
 CG 16
516
-
 CG 11
752
-
 DT 54
 
130
-
 DH 56
381
-
 BD 28
518
-
 Op(BE)
753
-
 Op(BD 20)
 
134
-
 DT 46
383
-
 BD 30
519
-
 AK 96
755
-
 CG 90
 
154
-
 Op(EE)
402
-
 BD 28
521
-
 AK 60
D 3
-
 CF 26
 
155
-
 BF 72
407
-
 BD 25
522
-
 Op(AK 60)
D 5
-
 BE 98
 
156
-
 DH 14
411
-
 BF 72
552
-
 Op(ET)      
 
159
-
 GQ 95
413
-
 AL 69
564
-
 BD 38      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 71 - 87 - 89 - 107 - 156 - 159 - 172 - 260 - 332 - 381 - 402 - 436 - 437 - 438 - 440 - 442 - 463 - 504 - 509 - 514 - 516 - 571 - 590 - 620 - 662 - 664 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  U 514 - Lorient.
  Sailed:  U 184 - Bergen;  U 66 - 176 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 704 fired a 4 torpedo spread at a ship presumed to be "Queen Elizabeth" class at 1300 in AK 6553.  One hit for certain - sharp detonation heard.  After 15 minutes the ship made off on a course 2500.  Pursuit impossible because of high seas.  She is believed to be a battleship.
    2) U 522 sighted a two-funneled passenger steamer in AK 6652 on course 1800.  Pursuit was discontinued because speed of ship was too great.  The same ship was possibly sighted by U 263 in AL 4177 on course 2500.
    3) U 462 again sighted a large tanker on S.E. course in EH 6851.
    4) U 128 sank a ship of 10,000 tons in EH 6969 and is evidently hunting another steamer.
    5) On the night of 8 November U 161 sank two ships out of convoy in EV 7278, 5,000 and 7,000 tons, convoy course 700, speed 9 knots.  Average air patrols in the area.
       
- 104 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    6) U 67 situation:  Nothing seen on coastal route in EO.  Freighter of 4,000 tons torpedoed in ED 9944.  Sank a 6,000 ton freighter on 9 November in ED 9644.  3 patrol boats encountered in Tobago Passage.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  FB 2711, FK 1162, CA 3794.
    Sightings by aircraft:  in BF 4832.
    SOS message from Norwegian tanker "South Africa" (9,234 tons) in DQ 3750.
    SSS message from unknown steamer in KZ 4612.
    Report of torpedoing British steamer "Cerion" (2,588 tons) in KY 6963.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) 1) The boats remaining in the N. Atlantic were joined together to make Group "Kreuzotter"  (U 521 - 522 - 84 - 704 - 624 - 753 - 224 - 454 - 383 and 606).
    2) U 172 and U 68 to operate on shipping in ER 70 and 50, which was reported by U 174.  Boats had been ordered to return previously.
    3) Because of heavy S.E. shipping in EH 60 and 90 as well as EJ 40 and 70, U 128 received orders to operate in these areas after being supplied from Vowe  In case heavy shipping continues as was first established by U 462, it is planned to send U 134 to this area.
    4) U 155 - 515 - 103 - 108 - 411 - 572 - 173 and 130 make up Group "Schlagtot" and are making for DJ 25 at highest possible continuous speed.  U 572, as the first boat, is operating against transports in DJ 2524.
  c) U 519 has laid weather buoys in A 9755.
  d) 1) U 407, 596 and 617 have passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and are now under the jurisdiction of the Mediterranean U-boat command.
    2) The boats operating in the Gibraltar and Morocco areas have received the following radio message:
     
1) The Fuehrer sends to boats in the Mediterranean "I expect a completely victorious operation."
2) I expect the same from boats off Morocco and Gibraltar.  We must relentlessly carry out the Fuehrer's will with our tested brutal methods of attack.  The sinking of transports will have great significance for the American attack and the French defence.
                                                          Commander-in-Chief.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 704 1 ship
  torpedoed
U 128 1 ship
10,000 tons
  sunk
U 161 2 ships
12,000 tons
  sunk
U 67 1 ship
6,000 tons
  sunk
  1 ship
4,000 tons
  torpedoed
 
 
 
- 105 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
10.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BB 68)
U 156
-
 CF 84
U 383
-
 Op(BD 32)
U 521
-
 Op(BD 25)
 
66
-
 BF 55
159
-
 GQ 59
402
-
 BD 20
522
-
 Op(AK 83)
 
67
-
 Op(EE 74)
160
-
 Op(EP)
411
-
 BE 98
552
-
 ES 60
 
68
-
 FT 38
161
-
 Op(EV)
413
-
 AL 78
564
-
 BD 69
 
71
-
 BE 13
163
-
 Op(ED)
436
-
 BE 66
566
-
 BD 95
 
84
-
 Op(AK 91)
172
-
 FM 84
437
-
 BE 75
571
-
 BE 28
 
86
-
 BE 73
173
-
 CF 99
438
-
 BD 20
572
-
 DJ 20
 
87
-
 DH 17
174
-
 Op(FB)
440
-
 BE 96
590
-
 DH 14
 
89
-
 BD 20
176
-
 BF 55
442
-
 BE 72
603
-
 Kristiansand
 
91
-
 BE 87
177
-
 Op(KZ)
445
-
 AF 76
606
-
 Op(BD 33)
 
92
-
 BD 69
178
-
 Op(KP)
454
-
 BD 20
608
-
 CA 20
 
98
-
 BE 71
181
-
 Op(KY)
462
-
 EJ 72
613
-
 BD 69
 
103
-
 DH 35
183
-
 Op(BB)
463
-
 BF 65
620
-
 CG 21
 
106
-
 BD 29
184
-
 AF 72
465
-
 AO 40
623
-
 AF 76
 
107
-
 DH 12
185
-
 BE 15
504
-
 GQ 56
624
-
 BD 25
 
108
-
 DH 35
218
-
 BD 63
505
-
 Op(EE)
653
-
 BD 95
 
117
-
 BD 29
224
-
 Op(AK 99)
508
-
 Op(ED)
662
-
 CG 12
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
259
-
 CG 85
509
-
 DH 26
664
-
 BF 52
 
128
-
 EJ 73
260
-
 BF 74
510
-
 DH 82
704
-
 Op(AK 94)
 
129
-
 Op(EC)
263
-
 AL 74
511
-
 DT 58
752
-
 DT 34
 
130
-
 DJ 17
264
-
 AE 91
515
-
 CG 12
753
-
 Op(BD 98)
 
134
-
 DT 64
332
-
 EH 29
516
-
 BE 96
755
-
 CG 90
 
154
-
 Op(EE)
380
-
 CG 49
518
-
 Op(BB)
D 3
-
 CF 28
 
155
-
 CG 15
381
-
 BD 20
519
-
 BD 34
D 5
-
 DF 74
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 71 - 87 - 89 - 107 - 156 - 159 - 172 - 260 - 332 - 381 - 402 - 436 - 437 - 438 - 504 - 440 - 442 - 463 - 509 - 516 - 571 - 590 - 620 - 662 - 664 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  U 664 - Brest.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 128 sank 3 ships the last of which was the British "Start Point" (5,293 BRT) in this area.  All on course 1200.
    2) U 183 situation:  Single ship and convoy movements in BB 8175.  On 6 November U 183 torpedoed a tanker of 6,000 tons in BB 8146.  She was hit by a two torpedo spread shot while sailing in strongly protected convoy.  Due to destroyer activity, she could not observe the sinking.
    3) U 178 sank a passenger freighter of 4,000 tons and "Trektive" 5,244 tons on 4 November in KP 53.  Nothing sighted in KQ 50 from 7 to 10 November.  Ship reported sunk on 1 November was not the "Laurentic" but "Talma Class".  According to intercepts "Mandoza" 8,199 tons was sunk.
  b)  None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  ED 72, EE 48, EE 7840, CH 8395.  
    Aircraft sighted U-boats in CH 7623 and BF 7923.
     Torpedoing report from "Viceroy of India" in CH 8449.  SOS message from KZ 46.
  d)  None.
       
- 106 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) 1) As attack areas:  U 130 - 173 - 108 and 509 have sector off Fedala and Casablanca, U 103 off Safi.  Attacks ordered on all types of transports and warships and in still water complete action.
    2) As compensation for boats drawn from the mid-Atlantic areas for the N. African operation, 2 boats were turned back from their homeward cruise to take positions in EH 60 and EJ 70.  These two boats are U 332 and U 552 whose cruises can be extended since they have recently been refueled (boats have already been at sea 69 and 64 days).
    3) U 611, 262 and 663, until now under the command of Admiral Arctic have been ordered to AK 03 via AD 50.  It is proposed to have these boats operate against N. Atlantic shipping in the area of Group "Kreuzotter".
  c) 1) U 66 was bombed in BF 4998 by an English airplane on her outward bound voyage.  She was unable to dive and returned to Lorient by "Kernleder" route.  The plane followed the boat until about 0300 hours.  Security Division sent 3 trawlers and 2 JU 88 which picked up U 66 at Point Kern and convoyed her home.  By morning she was again seaworthy.
    2) The blockade runner "Spichern" was in BF 7642 at 0200 hours and sailed for El Ferrol at a speed of 6 knots.  The ship was heavily bombed by an English plane.  Boats nearby were ordered to spread out to pick up any of the crew who might have gone overboard.
    3) U 608 completed her mining operation according to orders.  (New York).
    4) Due to unfavorable weather, transfer of supplies from "Neumann" were put off.  U 454 was the second boat to carry out the transfer.
  d) 1) The temporary attack permission on "Anton" route between 300 N., and 100 S. was lifted by degrees:  Restrictions from 11 November at 0000 to 200 N.  From 13 November at 0000 restrictions to 100 N. and from 14 November attack is forbidden on "Anton" route.  Captains are required to obey these orders to the letter.
    2) U 259 has passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and is therefore under jurisdiction of U-boat Commander of the Mediterranean.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 128 1 ship 5,293 tons.  
U 183 1 ship 6,000 tons.  
U 178 2 ships 9,244 tons.  
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
 
- 107 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
11.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BB)
U 156
-
 CF 56
U 383
-
 Op(BD 32)
U 521
-
 BD 20
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
159
-
 GQ 54
402
-
 BD 20
522
-
 Op(AK 83)
 
68
-
 FT 22
160
-
 Op(EP)
411
-
 CG 46
524
-
 AO 40
 
71
-
 BE 23
161
-
 Op(EV)
412
-
 BE 72
552
-
 ES 32
 
84
-
 Op(AK 91)
163
-
 Op(ED)
436
-
 BF 67
564
-
 CF 21
 
86
-
 CF 23
172
-
 FM 47
437
-
 BE 84
566
-
 CF 15
 
87
-
 CE 88
173
-
 Op(DJ 12)
438
-
 BD 20
571
-
 BE 65
 
89
-
 BD 20
174
-
 Op(ER)
440
-
 BF 75
572
-
 Op(DJ 20)
 
91
-
 CE 38
176
-
 BF 49
442
-
 BE 81
590
-
 CF 85
 
92
-
 BE 78
177
-
 Op(KZ)
445
-
 AF 47
603
-
 Kristiansand
 
98
-
 CF 21
178
-
 Op(KQ)
454
-
 BD 20
606
-
 Op(BD)
 
103
-
 Op(DJ 19)
181
-
 Op(KZ)
462
-
 EJ 70
608
-
 Op(CA 20)
 
106
-
 Op(BB)
183
-
 Op(BB)
463
-
 BF 62
611
-
 AD 20
 
107
-
 CF 85
184
-
 AF 47
465
-
 AD 40
613
-
 CF 13
 
108
-
 Op(DJ 16)
185
-
 BE 54
504
-
 GQ 24
620
-
 BF 85
 
117
-
 BD 28
218
-
 BE 75
505
-
 Op(EE)
623
-
 AF 47
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
224
-
 Op(AK 99
508
-
 Op(ED)
624
-
 BD 20
 
128
-
 EH 69
260
-
 BF 73
509
-
 DJ 14
653
-
 CF 15
 
129
-
 Op(EC)
262
-
 AD 20
510
-
 DH 64
662
-
 BF 72
 
130
-
 Op(DJ 20)
263
-
 BE 15
511
-
 DT 38
663
-
 AD 20
 
134
-
 EH 36
264
-
 AM 13
515
-
 CG 57
704
-
 Op(AK 94)
 
154
-
 Op(EE)
332
-
 EH 37
516
-
 BF 75
752
-
 DH 87
 
155
-
 CG 43
380
-
 CG 89
518
-
 Op(BB)
753
-
 Op(AK 98)
       
381
-
 BD 20
519
-
 BE 71
755
-
 CG 90
                   
D 3
-
 CF 57
                   
D 5
-
 BF 73
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 71 - 87 - 89 - 107 - 156 - 159 - 172 - 260 - 332 - 381 - 402 - 436 - 437 - 438 - 442 - 463 - 504 - 509 - 516 - 571 - 590 - 620 - 662 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  U 463 - St. Nazaire.
  Sailed:  U 460 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 106 situation:  Only 1 steamer sighted in BB.  Heavy sea patrols both by single ships and groups, medium air patrols.  Boat operating further in BB and CB 20.
    2) U 173 sighted a strongly protected convoy in DJ 2519 - 2 battleships, 1 transport, about 10 freighters entering Casablanca.  3 detonations were heard as she attacked, one hit scored on a freighter for sure.  Aircraft and destroyer groups working together off the harbor.
    3) U 160 sank "City of Rippen" in EO 1574, 6,368 tons, course 2900.
    4) U 174 saw nothing in ER 50 and returned to FC and FB.
    5) U 505 was bombed in EE 8468 and has only limited diving ability.  Doctor's help is seriously needed.  Boat received orders to sail for EH 60 where U 462 is waiting with a doctor on board.
    6) U 704 reported that the ship torpedoed was not a battleship but the fast steamer "Queen Elizabeth".
  b)  None.
       
- 108 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) U-boat sightings:  BB 4141, ER 9552, ED 7243.
     Air observation reported U-boats in BF 1427, BF 81, (unsuccessful depth charges) and CG 7931.
     U-boat warning for KZ 46.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) New course for U 455 - 264 - 623 and 184 is AK 93.  Action on convoys is foreseen for these boats.
    2) U 174 returned to areas FC and EB.  According to report of Italian U-boat "J 8" ships are moving through this area again.
    3) U 608 given freedom of movement along the whole American coast to Newfoundland.  Refueling and supplying is foreseen.
  c)  U 117 has supplied U 402 and U 381 for return cruises and U 454 for further operations.
  d) U 755 and 380 have passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and are under jurisdiction of Commanding Officer Submarines Mediterranean.  All boats have now entered the Mediterranean as planned.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 173 1 ship torpedoed    
U 160 1 ship sunk 6,368 tons.  
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
12.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BC 40)
U 159
-
 GQ 14
U 402
-
 BD 28
U 522
-
 Op(AK 83)
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
160
-
 Op(EO)
411
-
 CG 84
524
-
 AN 36
 
68
-
 FM 76
161
-
 Op(EV)
413
-
 BE 55
552
-
 ES 23
 
71
-
 BE 55
163
-
 Op(EC)
436
-
 BF 52
564
-
 CF 52
 
84
-
 Op(AK 91)
172
-
 FL 62
437
-
 BE 96
566
-
 CF 52
 
86
-
 CF 63
173
-
 Op(DJ 25)
438
-
 BD 28
571
-
 BF 44
 
87
-
 CF 59
174
-
 Op(ER)
440
-
 BF 81
572
-
 DJ 20-Op
 
89
-
 BD 28
176
-
 BE 99
442
-
 BE 91
590
-
 CF 67
 
91
-
 CG 47
177
-
 Op(KZ)
445
-
 AE 68
603
-
 Kristiansand
 
92
-
 CF 29
178
-
 Op(KQ)
454
-
 BD 31
606
-
 Op(BD 33)
 
98
-
 CF 61
181
-
 Op(KZ)
460
-
 BF 58
608
-
 Op(CA)
 
103
-
 Op(DJ 10)
183
-
 Op(BB)
462
-
 EH 65
611
-
 AD 50
 
106
-
 Op(BB)
184
-
 AE 68
465
-
 AO
613
-
 CF 28
 
107
-
 CF 37
185
-
 BE 88
504
-
 GQ 11
620
-
 BF 93
 
108
-
 Op(DJ 16)
218
-
 CF 25
505
-
 Op(EE)
623
-
 AE 68
 
117
-
 BD 28
224
-
 Op(AK 99
508
-
 Op(ED)
624
-
 BD 28
 
126
-
 Op(EW)
260
-
 DF 81
509
-
 Op(DJ 10)
653
-
 CF 53
 
128
-
 EH 65
262
-
 AD 50
510
-
 DJ 17
662
-
 BF 81
 
129
-
 Op(EC)
263
-
 BE 54
511
-
 DH 88
663
-
 AD 50
 
130
-
 Op(DJ 20)
264
-
 AL 36
515
-
 Op(CG 19)
704
-
 AK 94
 
134
-
 EH 63
332
-
 EH 65
516
-
 BF 81
752
-
 DH 59
 
154
-
 Op(EF)
381
-
 BD 37
518
-
 Op(BB)
753
-
 Op(AK 98)
 
155
-
 CG 87
383
-
 Op(BD 32)
519
-
 CF 21
D 3
-
 CF 87
 
156
-
 CF 38      
521
-
 BD 20
D 5
-
 BF 52
 
       
- 109 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 71 - 87 - 89 - 107 - 156 - 159 - 172 - 260 - 332 - 381 - 402 - 436 - 437 - 438 - 440 - 442 - 504 - 509 - 516 - 571 - 590 - 620 - 662 - 704 - D 5.
  Entered Port:  U 436 - D 5 - Lorient;  U 620 - La Pallice.
  Sailed:  U 118 - Lorient;  U 439 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 505 sank a freighter of 5,500 tons in EO 1122 on 7 November, course 3200.  Addition to yesterday's damage report:  After gun bombed by aircraft on 10 November.  Plane shot down.
    2) U 108 situation:  Nothing seen from 11 to 12 November while en route to Casablanca on "Cape Caetin" coastal area.  Lengthy depth charge attack by search group in DJ 2281.
    3) U 173 sighted a convoy in DJ 2218 at 2332 hours, course 3000, speed 15 knots.  She followed but was unable to attack because of fast screening vessels.  Last position 0250 DJ 2132.
    4) U 130 sank 2 transports off Fedala in a daylight attack.  A third was possibly sunk.  Total 22,500 tons.  Situation:  about 20 freighters off Fedala also 1 carrier.  Heavy sea patrols, especially at night.  Heavy air patrols during the day.  Ships moving only during the day in water of 30 meters depth.
    5) U 515 fired 4 torpedoes at a "Birmingham" type cruiser - a fifth hit was heard.  K class destroyer evidently sunk.
    6) U 572 situation:  heavy destroyer patrols 30 miles off the coast.  Forced to submerge every night by destroyers.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  BD 63, EC 41, EC 96, BB 66, BA 9739.
    English aircraft report U-boats in AL 85, CG 8691, AN 1629.
    U-boat attack in FD 95/96 and EC 96.
    SSS report from English "Ascanius" (100,048 tons) in KY 56.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Boats in CG moved against convoy reported by U 173. Boats in DJ are to operate only if they are in position ahead after night attack so that daylight attack can be carried on.  Due to U 173 losing contact and high speed of the convoy no other boats approached it.
  b) 1) U 704 has sick aboard and has begun return cruise.  U 521 took inner position of Group "Kreuzotter", area (AK 94).
    2) U 172 requested permission to return via FK and FC and to operate in FC 50 for a few days.
       
- 110 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      U 68 also given permission for freedom of action on her return cruise because of Italian U-boat's report of ship movements in the area.
    3) Following boats took position on E. - W. routes:  U 411 - CG 8640;  U 155 and 86 - CG 8671 and CG 8674;  U 515 and U 91 - CG 8677, 8911, 8914.  Eastern focal point is Gibraltar.  U 510 is operating in area DJ 1992.  U 98, 564, 653, 566, 613, 92, 218, 519, 185, 413 and U 273 are sailing at top speed for CG 89.  U 752 and 511 - DJ 21.
  c) 1) U 117 has supplied U 438, 89 and 624.
    2) U 413 transferred her sick to U 71.
  d) 1) Experienced captains who have returned give the following advice to the boats:  Dive to 80 meters when in danger of aircraft attacks.  Go to shallower water only when you are sure you have not been seen or when it is appropriate because of bearings.  Go only as far as periscope depth if you are not seen, since it is easier to resurface from there.
    2) In order to intercept traffic moving along the Brazilian coast at this time in FC - FB, B.d.U. change the route "Anton" as follows:  Western limit: 470 30' N. - 020 40' W.  over 470 30' N. - 300 W. over 400 N. - 450 W.  south to 50 N. - 450 W. to 10 N. - 290 W. to 150 S. - 290 W. and a 400 miles strip along the coast.
      Eastern limit:  Spanish coast to 420 N. over 420 N. - 300 W. to S. and 130 N. - 300 W. to 50 S. - 140 W. to 400 S. - 50 E. (Changed later - see War Diary of 17 November).
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 505 1 ship
5,500 tons
 
U 130 3 ships
22,500 tons
 
U 515 1 cruiser and 1 destroyer sunk.    
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
13.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BC)
U 159
-
 GG 79
U 413
-
 BE 89
U 564
-
 CG 71
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
160
-
 Op(EO)
437
-
 BE 72
566
-
 CF 69
 
68
-
 FL 69
161
-
 Op(EV)
438
-
 BD 39
571
-
 BF 92
 
71
-
 BE 94
163
-
 Op(EC)
439
-
 AO
572
-
 Op(DJ 20)
 
84
-
 Op(AK 94)
172
-
 FL 51
440
-
 BF 52
590
-
 CF 38
 
86
-
 Op(CG 73)
173
-
 Op(DJ 20)
442
-
 BE 93
603
-
 Kristiansand
 
87
-
 CF 38
174
-
 Op(ER)
454
-
 Op(BD 31)
606
-
 BD 33
 
89
-
 BD 20
176
-
 CG 14
445
-
 AE 86
608
-
 Op(CA)
 
91
-
 Op(CG 80)
177
-
 Op(KZ)
460
-
 BE 49
611
-
 AD 80
 
92
-
 CF 69
178
-
 Op(KP 80)
462
-
 EH 60
613
-
 CF 69
 
98
-
 CG 71
181
-
 Op(KZ)
465
-
 AO
623
-
 AE 86
 
103
-
 Op(DJ 10)
183
-
 Op(BB)
504
-
 GG 79
624
-
 BD 23
 
106
-
 Op(BB)
184
-
 AE 86
505
-
 EE 91
653
-
 CF 64
 
107
-
 CG 11
185
-
 CG 41
508
-
 Op(ED)
662
-
 BF 57
 
108
-
 Op(DJ 20)
218
-
 CF 66
509
-
 Op(DJ 20)
663
-
 AD 80
 
117
-
 BB 20
224
-
 Op(AK 99)
510
-
 Op(DJ 10)
704
-
 BD 32
 
118
-
 BF 55
260
-
 BF 59
511
-
 DH 64
752
-
 DJ 41
 
       
- 111 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
262
-
 AD 80
515
-
 Op(CG 18)
753
-
 AK 98-Op
 
128
-
 EH 60
263
-
 BE 98
516
-
 BF 61
D 3
-
 DH 14
 
129
-
 Op(EC)
264
-
 AL 28
518
-
 Op(BB)      
 
130
-
 Op(DJ 20)
332
-
 EH 60
519
-
 CF 61      
 
134
-
 EH 60
381
-
 BD 39
521
-
 BD 20      
 
154
-
 Op(EP)
383
-
 Op(BD 32)
522
-
 Op(AK 83)      
 
155
-
 Op(CG 80)
402
-
 BE 41
524
-
 AF 28      
 
156
-
 BE 98
411
-
 Op(CG 80)
552
-
 EJ 76      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 71 - 87 - 89 - 107 - 156 - 159 - 172 - 260 - 332 - 381 - 402 - 437 - 440 - 442 - 504 - 509 - 516 - 571 - 590 - 662 - 704.
  Entered Port:  U 440 - Brest.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 103 saw no ships either in area from DJ 1995 - 1965 or in the roads.  Strong destroyer screen in front of the harbor.
    2) U 510 sighted two smoke plumes in DJ 1977 which she established as patrol craft.
      U 509 reported tow mine detonated under her stern in DJ 2522.  She was hunted by a destroyer.  Water depth 60 m.  B.d.U. discredits this mine report - considers it unlikely.
    3) U 185 sighted convoy of large, many funneled steamers and a London type cruiser in CF 6226, course 3350.  Could not approach because of high speed of the convoy.
    4) U 438 lost contact on a steamer in BD 3853, two stacks, course northward, speed 16 knots.
    5) U 89 reported sinking a ship on 4 November and 2 further detonations although other ships were not seen to sink.
    6) U 224 sank "New Cannes", 7,000 tons on 12 November in AL 7481.  Course 600.
    7) U 181 sank "Meldahl" on 10 November in KZ 4681, 3,799 tons, course S.E., underway from Capetown to Bombay.  On 13 November she sank "Exelli" in KZ 1914, 4,969 tons, course 2350, underway from Suez to Capetown.
    8) U 159 on 13 November sank the six masted schooner "Star of Scotland", 2,290 tons, underway from Capetown to Paranagua, loaded with artillery.
    9) U 154 on 8 November, sank a freighter of 7,000 tons in EE 5386 course 2400.
      U 505 situation:  Ships entering Port of Spain are doing so during the day via EO 1510 and 1120.  Two shots missed on a freighter, course 3200.
    10) U 129 has encountered convoy movements in EC 9610 and 9270 since 5 November.  On 13 November she sighted a convoy in EC 9533 on course 3100, speed 8 knots.  Additional convoys
       
- 112 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      leave Curacao at dawn via EC 9227 and 9521.  Movements in opposite direction at dusk.  Medium to heavy patrols by land based aircraft.
    11) U 163 encountered a convoy forming at 1900 in EC 9628 and sank a freighter of 6,000 tons.  More hits were heard on a freighter of 5,000 tons.  2 hits scored on a destroyer, which was left in a burning and sinking condition.
    12) 1st Officer of the "Start Point" sunk by U 128 has revealed the following courses:  ships leaving N. Channel sail to 300 W., the S. to EH 61, then follow course 1250.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  BB 63, EC 9232, CG 8558, BB 66, BA 97, FB 9830, BB 41.
    U-boat attacks:  in ED 9430 and KZ 28.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) 1) Group "Kreuzotter" received orders to take position in order:  U 264, 522, 521, 624, 753, 454, 224, 606, 383.  Boats to take up patrol area from AK 3946 to AK 8686 on 15 November.  S.W. bound convoy is expected on 15 November according to our own data.  This convoy operation is possible due to refueling of U 624, 454, 606 by U 117 and the return of U 264.  A U-tanker is underway to aid (U 84 - 224 - 383 - 606) who are all low on fuel.  To strengthen the group the following boats are sailing from Germany at top speed for AK 55 (U 611 - 262 - 363 - 445 - 184 and 623).
    2) Due to the imminent return of a number of boats operating in the south, U 176 is sailing via CF 70 and DS 90 to FC, the area where greatest concentration of ships from Capetown to Trinidad is found.
    3) In case U 128 is not in her operational area at the end of 3 days, she will be ordered to FC 50 for further operations.
    4) New course for U 118 is DS 90, for U 460 is BD 65.
    5) The following are taking positions in area of 25 nm depth:  U 92 - CG 9431;  U 411 - 9464;  U 155 - 9494;  U 515 - 9737;  U 91 - 9795;  U 98 - 8665;  U 86 - 8698;  U 564 - 8965;  U 653 - 8268;  U 566 - 9376;  U 613 - 8614;  U 218 - 8671;  U 519 - 9817;  U 413 - 8971;  U 108 - DJ 2117;  U 185 - 2135;  U 263 - 2184.  Boats were free to move out to sea because of strong static defences.  U 511 occupied area off Mogador and Agadir.  In case there is no activity there, she is to go to AJ 21.  U 509 sails today for Mehdia, since troop transports are evidently in that area.  U 752 and 510 are in areas off Casablanca and Fedala.
  c)  U 505 and U 154 have transferred morphium in EE 60.
  d)  None.
 
 
 
- 113 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 224 1 ship
7,000 tons
   sunk
U 159 1 ship
2,290 tons
   sunk
U 163 1 ship
6,000 tons
  1 destroyer sunk
  1 ship
5,000 tons
  torpedoed
U 181 2 ships
8,768 tons
  sunk
U 154 2 ships
13,000 tons
  sunk.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
14.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BC)
U 156
-
 BF 45
U 402
-
 BE 43
U 524
-
 Kristiansand
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
159
-
 CG 42
411
-
 Op(CG 90)
552
-
 EH 93
 
68
-
 FL 64
160
-
 Op(EO)
413
-
 CG 42
564
-
 Op(CG 85)
 
71
-
 BE 66
161
-
 Op(EV)
437
-
 BF 67
566
-
 CG 81
 
84
-
 BD 31
163
-
 Op(EC 59)
438
-
 BE 17
571
-
 BF 68
 
86
-
 Op(CG 90)
172
-
 FL 17
439
-
 AN 36
572
-
 Op(DJ 20)
 
87
-
 CG 12
173
-
 Op(DJ 20)
442
-
 BF 67
590
-
 CG 11
 
89
-
 BE 17
174
-
 Op(FC)
445
-
 AE 83
603
-
 AN 28
 
91
-
 Op(CG 90)
176
-
 CF 30
454
-
 Op(BD 31)
606
-
 Op(BD 33)
 
92
-
 CG 82
177
-
 Op(KZ)
460
-
 BF 71
608
-
 Op(CA)
 
98
-
 Op(CG 85)
178
-
 Op(KP)
462
-
 EH 60
611
-
 AD 86
 
103
-
 Op(DJ 19)
181
-
 Op(KZ)
465
-
 AO
613
-
 CG 81
 
106
-
 Op(BB)
183
-
 Op(BB)
504
-
 CG 48
623
-
 AE 94
 
107
-
 BE 99
184
-
 AL 37
505
-
 EV 45
624
-
 Op(AK 95)
 
108
-
 Op(DJ 20)
185
-
 CG 48
508
-
 Op(ED)
653
-
 CG 48
 
117
-
 Op(BD 35)
218
-
 CG 81
509
-
 DJ 20
662
-
 BE 93
 
118
-
 BF 48
224
-
 Op(AK)
510
-
 DJ 19
663
-
 AD 80
 
126
-
 Op(EV)
260
-
 BF 55
511
-
 Op(DJ 40)
704
-
 BE 15
 
128
-
 EH 60
262
-
 AD 80
515
-
 Op(CG 90)
752
-
 Op(DJ 20)
 
129
-
 Op(EC)
263
-
 CG 42
516
-
 BF 55
753
-
 Op(AK)
 
130
-
 Op(DJ 20)
264
-
 AL 01
518
-
 Op(BB)
D 3
-
 DG 66
 
134
-
 EH 60
332
-
 EH 60
519
-
 CG 72      
 
154
-
 Op(EE)
381
-
 BE 43
521
-
 Op(AK 94      
 
155
-
 Op(CG 90)
383
-
 Op(BD 32)
522
-
 Op(AK 83      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 71 - 87 - 89 - 107 - 156 - 159 - 172 - 260 - 332 - 381 - 404 - 437 - 438 - 442 - 504 - 509 - 516 - 571 - 590 - 662 - 704.
  Entered Port:  U 516 - Lorient;  U 571 - La Pallice.
  Sailed:  U 758 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 508 reports convoy of 16 to 20 steamers in ED 9497, course 3100, speed 9 knots.  She was forced to sheer off by aircraft and suspected that the convoy veered sharply on bearing 200.  Contact was lost because of showers.  Convoy course is evidently N.W., last position was at 0513 in ED 9188.
      U 163 operated against the convoy in EC 6835.  Boat was repeatedly attacked by land based bombers during the night because her Radar Interception gear was out of order.  Heavy air activity during the day without location.
       
- 114 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    2) U 134 requested permission to attack steamer in EH 9551, (E. corner route "Anton") on W. course, approaching from the E.  After clearing with Naval High Command, permission was granted and the ship, Scapa Flow", of 7,000 tons, was sunk.  Course 2900.
    3) U 413 made contact on convoy at 0900 in CG 4556.  Convoy included a carrier, course N, speed 10 knots.  She sank the troop transport "Warwick Castle", 20,107 tons.  Further action was impossible because of the weather situation.
    4) U 185 sighted a corvette in CG 7397 on course 00.
    5) U 155 scored hits on 3 large transports in CG 8665.  Boat was forced to submerge after the attack and was not able to make further observations.
    6) U 564 reported enemy in sight in CG 8543.  4 large transports with 2 patrol craft were seen.  Contact was lost due to trouble with the starboard diesel.  According to sound bearings, convoy course is N.E., last bearing from CG 8527 lay in direction 800.  At 0642 she sighted another enemy group on course 2300, speed 14 knots.
    7) U 108 plans to repair her diving gear in DH 29 or 26.
    8) U 509 situation:  No activity observed on 13 November either day or night up to the 100 meter line.  Mine detonation is considered to have been an antenna mine, as opposed to former conjectures.  Dragging noises could be heard the entire length of the hull.  Detonation blossom was 10 meters high.
  b)  None.
  c) 1) U-boat sightings:  EC 75, EC 93, EC 96, BB 6375, ET 75.
      Aircraft reported U-boats in CG 8489, CG 8674 (depth charge attack).
      Torpedo reports from British "Advertiser" 6,348 tons in KZ 3441 and "Warwick Castle" 20,107 tons in CG 4524.  
      U-boat warning for KZ 27 and KY 9234.
    2) Sailing report of a convoy for 14 November consisted of 1 carrier (converted type), 2 raiders, 2 destroyers, 5 corvettes and 5 large transports.  Sailing from Gibraltar toward the Atlantic.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 572 went to Mazagan and U 91 to Mehdia to sound out the harbor and roads of these ports.
      U 518 given permission to go to BB 70 in case there is no activity in her old area (BA).
      U 445 and U 653 are sailing at cruising speed for the area as ordered, as opposed to yesterday's plan.  Position of the boats was farther eastward than supposed and it was pointless to wait for the expected convoy.
 
 
 
- 115 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    2) U 154 was ordered to EO, or in case this was not possible, to EP, for operation against ships believed moving through these areas, as related by intercepts.  Course of the 2 steamers is available.  Boats will be informed.
  c) U 332 and 134 have been supplied by U 462.
  d) 1) Boats were forbidden to attack sailing vessels of about 50 tons in area E. of 450 W. and S. of 480 N. in the Bay of Biscay.  Reason being that some of our own craft of this size are carrying out a very important operation.
    2) According to experienced captains who have returned, it is better to cruise with Radar Interceptor gear turned off during clear weather.  Boats have been given a corresponding order.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    
U 134 1 ship
7,000 tons
 
U 413 1 ship
20,107 tons
 
U 155 3 ships
torpedoed.
  
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
15.November 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 43
-
 Op(BC)
U 159
-
 CF 36
U 413
-
 Op(CG 84)
U 572
-
 Op(DJ 20)
 
67
-
 Op(EE)
160
-
 Op(EO)
437
-
 BF 65
590
-
 BF 77
 
68
-
 FL 51
161
-
 Op(EV)
438
-
 BE 51
603
-
 AF 87
 
71
-
 BF 48
163
-
 Op(EC)
439
-
 AN 31
606
-
 Op(AK)
 
84
-
 AK 93
172
-
 FK 35
442
-
 BF 67
608
-
 Op(BB)
 
86
-
 Op(DG 80)
173
-
 Op(DJ 20)
445
-
 AE 87
611
-
 AK 24
 
87
-
 BF 77
174
-
 Op(FC)
454
-
 Op(AK 60)
613
-
 Op(DG 80)
 
89
-
 BE 51
176
-
 CF 83
460
-
 BE 95
623
-
 AE 94
 
91
-
 Op(DJ 20)
177
-
 Op(KZ)
462
-
 EH 60
624
-
 Op(AK 60)
 
92
-
 Op(DG 90)
178
-
 Op(KZ)
465
-
 AO
653
-
 Op(CG 80)
 
98
-
 Op(DG 80)
181
-
 Op(KZ)
504
-
 CF 62
662
-
 BF 72
 
103
-
 Op(DJ 10)
183
-
 Op(CB 20)
505
-
 EF 64
663
-
 AK 27
 
106
-
 Op(CB)
184
-
 AL 01
508
-
 Op(ED)
704
-
 BE 57
 
107
-
 BF 75
185
-
 Op(DJ 20)
509
-
 Op(DJ 20)
752
-
 Op(DJ 20)
 
108
-
 Op(DJ 20)
218
-
 Op(CG 80)
510
-
 Op(DJ 20)
753
-
 Op(AK)
 
117
-
 BE 14
224
-
 Op(AK 60)
511
-
 Op(DJ 40)
758
-
 AO
 
118
-
 BE 93
260
-
 BF 61
515
-
 Op(DG 90)
D 3
-
 DT 12
 
126
-
 Op(EW)
262
-
 AK 23
518
-
 Op(BB)      
 
128
-
 Op(EH 90)
263
-
 Op(DJ 20)
519
-
 Op(CG 80)      
 
129
-
 Op(EC)
264
-
 Op(AK 30)
521
-
 Op(AK)      
 
130
-
 Op(DJ 20)
332
-
 Op(EH)
522
-
 OP(AK 60)      
 
134
-
 EH 97
381
-
 BE 58
524
-
 Kristiansand      
 
154
-
 Op(EE)
383
-
 Op(AK 60)
552
-
 Op(EH 60)      
 
155
-
 Op(DG 90)
402
-
 BE 53
564
-
 Op(DG 80)      
 
156
-
 BF 57
411
-
 Op(DG 90)
566
-
 Op(DG 80)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 68 - 71 - 87 - 89 - 107 - 156 - 159 - 172 - 260 - 332 - 381 - 402 - 437 - 438 - 442 - 504 - 509 - 590 - 662 - 704.
  Entered Port:  U 260 - Lorient;   U 437 - St. Nazaire.
  Sailed:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
- 116 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) Convoy No. 66, see paragraph IVa.
    2) Situation and sighting reports:
      U 171 in KY 6968, ship "Cerion", sailing empty was engaged by artillery over a period of 2 days and nights in heavy swells, course 2400.  Artillery action broken off due to failure of U-boat gun.  15 November ship "California" pursued in vain.  Course 2700, speed 16 knots.  Coastal movements from East London to Durban along 200 meter line.
      U 126 reports no activity from EV 59 over 69 to EW 47, 75 and 84.  2 Spanish ships seen in area EW 80.  Off the entrance to Duals there are standing patrols on the 40 meter line, otherwise no activity and no air patrols.
      U 504 FU 8788 supply ship, course S.E. speed 16 knots.
      U 160 15 November an empty freighter in EO 1568, course 3100.  Began gradual return to port.  Boat received orders to remain in operational area.  Refueling and supplying is foreseen.
    3) U 67 sighted "Rio Diamante" on 14 November in EE 7758 and sank "King Arthur" (5,224 tons) on 15 November in EO 7788, course 2950.
    4) U 608 sank 5,00 ton freighter in BB 8898 on course 1600.
    5) Situation report - Moroccan Coast:
      U 173 - harbor of Fedala empty.  3 freighters beached in Bouznicha Roads (U 130).  Cruiser with screen entered Casablanca on 14 November.  On 15 November a heavily protected convoy sailed over DJ 2259, 2326 and 5519.  Battle group consisted of 2 battleships, 1 carrier and 2 transports.  Daily sea and air patrols off Casablanca Roads in 25 - 30 meter area.  Periodic locations during the night.  Hit scored on passenger steamer with air cover.  6,000 tons, course 2250, speed 15 knots.
      U 218 was picked up by destroyer while attacking the carrier escort.  Due to heavy air and surface depth charging she was damaged and ordered home.
      U 510 sighted a battleship in DJ 2173 also carriers, transports and 10 destroyers, course W., medium speed.  3 misses on battleship from extreme range.  Heavy air patrols.  Pursuit was without success.
      U 752 damaged by depth charges in DJ 2192.
      U 509 forced to submerge (on 14 and 15 November in DJ 2250 and 2220) during the day by aircraft.  Heavy air and sea depth charging due to oil track.  Forced to sheer off at night by patrol vessel. Damage negligible.
      U 511 Agidir Roads clear on 14 November, no patrols.  Nothing seen off Mogador 15 November.
 
 
 
- 117 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      U 572 made off from land because of faulty Radar Interception gear.  Boat ordered to return because of depleted fuel supply.
      U 130 sighted patrol craft off Mehdia Roads.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  EC 7530, AL 2640, CG 8963, CG 7398, BE 9438, CG 7659, EC 7520.
    Depth charge attacks by aircraft:  CG 8175 and 8422.
    British ship "Advertiser" reported being torpedoed in KZ 3441.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 66:
    U 521 reported at 2327 expecting convoy of 20 ships in AK 6136, speed 7 knots.  Boat had trouble with radio and must use emergency transmitter.  Group "Kreuzotter" received orders to act on Bargsten's report immediately.
  b) 1) Before sighting the convoy U 611, 262, 663 received orders to join Group "Kreuzotter" and lengthen the patrol line to AK 2866 in the N.  U 184 took up the position of U 624.  This boat and all others S. thereof are taking positions in the S.
    2) U 163 is operating in area E. of Trinidad because of Radar Interceptor failure.
    3) Due to return cruise of U 218, U 613 took position in CG 8671, U 566 in CG 8614 and U 92 in CG 9476.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  
 
U 67 1 ship
5,224 tons.
 
U 608 1 ship
5,000 tons.
 
U 173 1 ship
6,000 tons
  torpedoed.
       
       
                                                                    (Signed):  DÖNITZ
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
- 118 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     
28 October 1942.
       
Additional Order to Operational
Order No. 53 for "U 595" and "U 755"
       
I. Operation:  To sail through Straits of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean during the new moon period in the first half of November.  Further operations in the Mediterranean comes under F.d.U. Italy.
  Operation to be given up only:
  1) If mechanical damage necessitates return.
  2) Failure of Radar Interceptor.
  3) In case repeated attempts to break through meet with failure.  (See III 5)
       
II. General:  Breakthrough will succeed without trouble only if the enemy has no forewarning of the attempt, therefore:
  1) Strictest secrecy must be maintained by Officers and men until report is given that they have passed through.
  2) Boat must remain unseen when in the Gibraltar area.
     
III. Operational Plan:
  1) Boats to put out between 30 October and 1 November.
  2) Report passing N. of 420 N.
  3) Between 420 N. and 390 N.,
    a) Radio limited only to matters of tactical importance.
    b) General freedom for attack, but no convoy operation or requests for attack clearance.
  4) S. of 390 N. between 150 W. and 00 E.,
    a) Radio silence except for danger reports.  Situation report only in case it is important for other boats.
    b) Liberty to attack only battleships and carriers.
  5) Both boats to break through in one night, according to plan on 9 November.  Report of breakthrough to be given "Operation . . . . . . . . carried out" with 2 digit number, whereby the number divided by 2 gives the evening during which the breakthrough was carried out.
    Example:  "Operation 36 carried out" means:  Breakthrough accomplished on night of 18-19 November.  In case another attempt is necessary a 2 digit number will be given which when divided by 3 will give the date.  Example:  "New operation 60" means:  Breakthrough accomplished on 20-21 November.
    In order to receive messages on the day before the attempt is made, boats are to switch to the longest wave length possible at mid-day and listen for the first 15 minutes of each hour, that is 1200 - 1215, 1400 - 1415 German Standard time, etc.
 
 
 
- 119 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    In case operation is unsuccessful the first night, another attempt will be made the next night.  In case this also fails, boats will sail westward and try again on the 5th night.
       
IV.   Experience gained from the last breakthrough in October 1942:  Course followed was between middle of the Straits and the 200 meter line along the African side.  Patrol boats unable to be seen.  Searchlights from Gibraltar from time to time.  Due to continuous air patrols Enge sailed through submerged.
       
V.   In case the operation fails because of Radar Interceptor breakdown or 3 unsuccessful attempts have been made, boats are to sail westward and report after passing 150 W.  On return cruise boats must report first when N. of 430 N.
       
       
                                                                    For the Officer Commanding U-boats
                                                                    Chief of Operations Division.
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 120 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
Estimate of U-boat Situation
18 November 1942.
       
1) The U-boat operation in the Mediterranean has met with the following success since 8 November:  100,000 tons of merchant shipping sunk, including the presumed "Viceroy of India".  1 cruiser, 2 destroyers, 1 escort boat.  Damaged were:  1 carrier, 1 cruiser, 1 destroyer, 1 corvette.  Against this we have losses and damage to 19 U-boats.  5 boats evidently lost (U 259 - 331 - 595 - 605 - 660).  8 boats heavily damaged and no longer seaworthy.  3 boats lightly damaged.  That is to say, within 10 days 2/3 of the boats have either been destroyed or put out of action.  These heavy losses must be attributed to attack of the first line of the enemy forces during the landing operations.
       
2)   Estimations of the prospects for the future are as follows:
  a) The large umber of targets, which has resulted in our successes to date, will fall off after the main landing operation has been completed.  Current supplies will be brought in with smaller but more heavily protected convoys.  Possibilities of success will therefore fall off.  Chance for success against ships in the roads is no longer to be expected, after the enemy has taken possession of the harbors.
  b)  Losses to date have been attributable to air attacks.  The air situation will however, become worse, rather than better after the enemy has taken over air fields and put them into operation.  Already the boats must attack from set positions.  F.d.U. Italy requires boats to send their positions.  That is indeed a misfortune.  That is to say that the boats will continually be under the eye of the enemy air force from the time they leave port until they reach their targets.
  c)  The experience gained from the operation so far indicates that U-boats have not hindered enemy operations where all safety precautions; including heavy air patrols, were used.  This also applies to future landing activities of the enemy and attacks we make on him.  The U-boat is destined for this operation and there is no way out.
       
3) Operations of 22 boats W. of Gibraltar and Morocco resulted in:  54,000 tons of merchant shipping, 1 cruiser and 1 destroyer sunk.  Damaged were: 6 merchant ships.  One U-boat was badly damaged and 3 had superficial damage.  It has not been yet established whether any boats were lost.  Almost half of the damage was done by one attack on the ships in the roads as they lay motionless.  Success and losses were smaller in proportion to boats in the Mediterranean in view of large number of boats and the short time the action lasted.
  Prospects for the future (as under 2) in the Mediterranean is just as valid in the battle against the supply lines of U.S.A. and England coming to Gibraltar area between or immediately W. of the St. Vincent - Casablanca line.
  a)  Good prospects of success can be seen only in areas outside the realm of air patrols.  Such an area cannot be found on the route from England to Gibraltar.  That we have learned from experience in our action against convoys.
  b)  Action against convoys from U.S.A. outside air patrol areas, that is, W. of the Azores, holds no promise either, since the enemy can
 
 
 
- 121 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
     scarcely be found in such a large area.  The ratio here is fundamentally different than in the case of convoy attacks in the N. Atlantic, where current information regarding time and course of convoy movements and establishment of intercept service, makes for successful operation on even single convoys in spite of the expanse of the area.
  c) The area to the E. of the Azores would perhaps make possible more freedom for operation than the St. Vincent - Casablanca area if air patrols and air cover were less intense.  Time and space do not suffice to offer large success against E. bound targets before they reach the coastal areas and nothing can be expected from W. bound convoys save occasional individual sinkings.  These however are easier in other areas.
       
4)   Action near the entrance to the Mediterranean can therefore be carried out only W. of the Gibraltar corner.  Moreover small prospects of success and large possibilities of losses must be considered here as well as in the Mediterranean, for U-boat warfare has not been thought feasible in this area for the past 2 years, due to the proximity of the coast.
       
5)   In summary, B.d.U. regards further operations against the supply of Africa in the light of high losses and small success.  No comparison can be drawn to the proportion of high success at the outset and the special course of the enemy operations, and no weight can be placed on future enemy plans.
       
6) This operation of U-boats was decisive moreover in the course of the war on tonnage in the Atlantic in which B.d.U. indulged as the principal U-boat action.  The war on tonnage was perhaps the decisive contribution of the U-boats at the start of the war.  The enemy has made clear to us that his principal worry is the battle in the Atlantic even today, that is to say, the continual weakening of his power through sinkings by U-boats.  As already reported, B.d.U. believes that the unusually high sinkings recently in the Atlantic has some bearing in connection with the African invasion.  If these sinkings are accepted because U-boats have been withdrawn for action in the Gibraltar area and Mediterranean then the enemy must be right and must feel the ultimate outcome will be a strengthening rather than a weakening of his power.  Similar comparisons have been set forth at the time of withdrawal of boats for the N. Atlantic and the first Gibraltar operation at the end of 1941 and beginning of 1942.  B.d.U. is convinced that the sinking results which these boats found in the favorable American situation was even more important than the undisputed success in the Arctic, while the same sort of operation W. of Gibraltar has met with almost nothing but losses.
       
7)   The management of the war in the Atlantis will be as follows:
  a)  In the Mediterranean there are presently 20 boats.  Up to the new moon period in December there will probably be further losses so that in order to have 24 boats, about 6 - 8 will have to be sent into the Mediterranean.  Full use of 24 boats will not be possible because of the situation which finds improvements on the bases going slowly.
  b)  In order to keep 20 boats in the Gibraltar area about 6 boats must be sent there on 1 December and about 8 on 15 December.
  c) Without considering losses and damage, there will be about 30 boats in area outside the Mediterranean, the Arctic and Gibraltar, by 1 December.  On 15 December there will be about 40 boats, which will be spread out in areas from Iceland to Capetown.
 
 
 
- 122-
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  d)  Without considering the coming and going or long periods of boats in the yards due to bomb damage, 20 boats in the Gibraltar area represent 1/3 of all available Atlantic combat boats.  (60).
  e)  Out of 20 boats in the Gibraltar area about 30 will be at sea for this operation when we consider those underway to and from port.  U-boats in the Atlantic have sunk 200 tons per boat per day at sea during the last month and during the last week the figure has doubled.  Therefore the operation will at least reach 30 x 30 x 200 or 189,000 tons, perhaps more as a result of recent experiences and this cannot be outweighed by any possible success in the Gibraltar area.  Decrease in sinkings due to withdrawal of boats to the Mediterranean is not once considered in this case.
       
8)   According to the opinion of B.d.U. this is a question of widest scope to consider.  B.d.U. is clearly convinced that the weight of the U-boat war must be carried out in the Atlantic, that only war against tonnage will be effective in the overall war and that any deviation from these fundamental concepts will only lead to damage of the total war effort.  B.d.U. requests that orders be modified to permit new revisions on the grounds of the above consideration.
       
       
                                                                    B.d.U. Secret 508.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
- 123 -