U-boat Archive - BDU KTB PG30328

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

16 - 31 July 1943

PG30328

16.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	BF 44	U 197	-	Op(KP 90)	U 435	-	BF 71	U 600	-	Op(ET 50)
	66	-	Op(DC 40)	198	-	Op(KP 30)	445	-	BE 91	603	-	BF 52
	67	-	DF 77	199	-	Op(GA 60)	455	-	Op(CG 55)	604	-	EC 94
	84	-	Op(DM 80)	211	-	BF 55	466	-	DR 76	607	-	BE 91
	86	-	CF 59	221	-	CG 19	468	-	CF 53	608	-	BF 48
	134	-	Op(DM 30)	228	-	BF 49	487	-	DG 77	613	-	BE 92
	135	-	Op(DH 80)	230	-	BD 97	508	-	Op(EV 60)	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	155	-	DS 31	232	-	BE 95	509	-	DG 53	618	-	Op(ET 90)
	159	-	Op(EL 20)	257	-	ET 67	510	-	Op(EP 20)	634	-	Op(DO 70)
	160	-	DG 58	271	-	BF 52	511	-	LE 19	641	-	BF 64
	168	-	DG 55	306	-	Op(EK 40)	513	-	Op(GA 60)	642	-	BF 67
	172	-	Op(GB 50)	333	-	Op(EU 70)	516	-	CF 59	648	-	DG 77
	177	-	Op(JA 20)	336	-	BF 81	527	-	DG 77	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	178	-	Op(KE 80)	340	-	CF 82	532	-	DG 52	662	-	EF 38
	181	-	Op(KF 92)	358	-	Op(EU 90)	533	-	CF 78	667	-	Op(AK 94)
	183	-	DG 77	359	-	DQ 65	558	-	CG 13	709	-	BE 68
	185	-	Op(FC 80)	373	-	CF 62	566	-	BD 89	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	188	-	DG 77	382	-	ES 37	571	-	Op(EU 80)	757	-	CF 82
	190	-	Op(CA)	403	-	BF 44	572	-	Op(ED 60)	759	-	Op(EC 10)
	193	-	CF 57	406	-	DQ 57	590	-	Op(EP 80)	847	-	AE 16
	195	-	CF 57	415	-	Op(EE 40)	591	-	EG 67	951	-	BE 93
	196	-	Op(KE 50)	420	-	BF 55	598	-	EG 64	953	-	BE 69

	On Return Passage: U 67 - 193 - 195 - 211 - 221 - 228 - 232 - 271 - 336 - 420 - 435 - 527 - 558 - 603 - 608 - 641 - 642 - 667 - 709 - 951 - 953.
	Entered Port: U 603 - Brest; U 211 - 271 - 420 - Lorient; U 641 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 608 sighted a cloud of smoke in BF 4989 when entering the Bay of Biscay.
		2)	U 172 chased without success freighter with course 70⁰ and sighted at the same time more freighters with course 215⁰, speed 15 knots, missed these twice in GC 1364, noticed when turning away. Steamer "Harmonic" (4,558 GRT) course 45⁰ with mixed cargo from Buenos Aries to Freetown, sunk in GC 1613 on 15 July.
		3)	U 333 has left the operational area on account of repeated breaking down of electrical compressor and damaged Junkers compressor. Boat is going back to operational area after necessary repairs.
		4)	U 181 sank "Fort Franklin" in KF 9759. Size according to reports 7,000 GRT, on a southerly course from Aden to Durban.
		5)	U 178 sank on 11 July in KE 2168 Greek ship "Mary Livanos" 4,771 GRT course 35⁰. On 14 July in KE 2274 British ship "Brother Beacon" 6,000 GRT course 190⁰, on 17 July after a long chase and inexplicable misses in LT 6591 British ship "City of Canton" 6,692 GRT, course 0⁰.

- 51 -

None.

U-boat sightings: DE 62 and two boats with course 240⁰ in unidentified positions. Aircraft of the 19th Group attacked with depth charges.

Submarine report of attack, from GC 13 (U 172).

Report of torpedoing of ship in South Atlantic convoy.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

U 181 receives orders provisionally, not to go to Cape Town, but to remain in present position, so long as there is a prospect of success there.

According to the decision of the Naval War Staff, 1st Div., the coastal sector in GA 50 is open for attack, as requested by U 513.

On account of the great number of boats in the coastal areas of South America and Africa, it will be possible in future to carry out a combined attack on convoys. Boats receive orders therefore to report convoys they have sighted as soon as possible, preferably even before the beginning of the first attack.

c) -

None.

Reports of Success:

U 172	1 ship	4,558 GRT
U 181	1 ship	7,000 GRT
U 178	3 ships	17,463 GRT.

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

17.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	BE 66	U 196	-	Op(KE 50)	U 445	-	BE 86	U 600	-	Op(ET 50)
	66	-	Op(DC 40)	197	-	Op(KP 90)	455	-	Op(CG 50)	604	-	EQ 34
	67	-	DF 73	198	-	Op(KP 30)	466	-	EG 11	607	-	BE 86
	84	-	Op(DM 80)	199	-	Op(GA 60)	468	-	CF 83	608	-	BF 49
	86	-	CF 88	221	-	CG 13	487	-	DG 77	613	-	BE 86
	134	-	Op(DM 30)	228	-	BF 50	508	-	Op(EV 60)	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	135	-	Op(DH 80)	230	-	CE 22	509	-	DG 57	618	-	Op(ET 90)
	155	-	DS 53	232	-	BE 69	510	-	Op(EP 20)	634	-	Op(DO 70)
	159	-	Op(EL 20)	257	-	FE 33	511	-	LF 50	642	-	BF 64
	160	-	DG 76	306	-	Op(EK 40)	513	-	Op(GA 60)	648	-	DG 77
	168	-	DG 73	333	-	Op(EU 75)	516	-	CF 84	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	172	-	Op(GC 16)	336	-	BF 61	527	-	DG 77	662	-	EF 64
	177	-	Op(JA 10)	340	-	DH 12	532	-	DG 57	667	-	BD 35
	178	-	Op(LT 94)	358	-	Op(EU 90)	533	-	DG 34	709	-	BF 47
	181	-	Op(KF 89)	359	-	DQ 59	558	-	BE 99	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	183	-	DG 77	373	-	CF 93	566	-	CE 12	757	-	DH 12
	185	-	Op(FC 80)	382	-	ES 63	571	-	Op(EU 80)	759	-	Op(EC 10)


- 52 -

188	-	DG 77	403	-	BE 69	572	-	Op(ED 60)	847	-	AD 26
190	-	Op(CA)	406	-	DQ 72	590	-	Op(EP 90)	951	-	BF 47
193	-	CF 53	415	-	Op(EE 40)	591	-	EG 97	953	-	BF 47
195	-	CF 52	435	-	BF 47	598	-	EG 91

	On Return Passage: U 67 - 193 - 195 - 221 - 228 - 232 - 336 - 435 - 527 - 558 - 608 - 642 - 667 - 709 - 951 - 953.
	Entered Port: U 336 - Lorient; U 642 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 558 from CG 2141 low-flying attack by Liberators with super-heavy armament and light bombs, no damage.
		2)	U 613 while proceeding through the Bay of Biscay sighted 5 aircraft in BF 7391, and warded off the attack of 2 aircraft together with U 445 and 607 in BF 7372. After that, contact was lost between the 3 boats, but U 445 and 607 were heard by U 613. Strong wind in BF 70.
		3)	U 333 sighted PC boats on the 200 meter line off Freetown. It, as well as U 618, request from supply submarine, spare parts for Junkers compressor.
		4)	U 177 sank on 10 July in KQ 5388 empty Liberty ship "Williamogen" 7,000 GRT, course 260⁰. According to further report the incendiary shells stood the rest of the day's operations.
	b)	None.
	c)	U-boat sightings: One in CG 1353 (U 558) and three more in undetermined positions, one of them in the Arabian Sea (Japanese U-boat).
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	The following attack areas are ordered for boats approaching the Brazilian coastal region:
			U 466 = area between EO 62, 65, 69, EP 69 and 63.
			U 662 = area between EP 71, 78, 93 and 99.
			U 510 - 590 and 653 are to keep to their present operational areas: Single ships and convoys sail in the areas named. Boats have received exhaustive instructions on all aspects of the situation.

- 53 -

		In future the following positions will be taken up:
		U 591 and 598 the area between FJ 35, 64, FK 26 and 55.
		U 185 and 604 the area joining on to the south as far as FQ 13 and FR 13.
		At the beginning of the dark period (new moon) these boats are to proceed as soon as possible to the meeting places to fix courses, inward or outward as the case may be, so the appropriate main harbors (Pernambucco and Bahia) are covered. In case fighting close inshore is not possible, boats should operate away from shore on known enemy courses.
	2)	On account of the proportionately large number of boats in the Freetown area, there should be a concentrated attack on the convoy traffic between Freetown, Takoradi and Lagos.
		The following is therefore ordered:
		U 257 - 571 - 508 - 358 and 618 are to be in reconnaissance lines from EU 9329 to EV 7744, at 0000 on 23 July. In order to prevent the disposition being discovered beforehand by air reconnaissance, the lines are to keep in constant slow motion. The group is to turn in position line from EV 7125 to 7841 at 0000 on 24 July, and be at new position line from EU 9261 to 9947 at 0000 on 26 July. There the operation is to be repeated at the same speed. On sighting a convoy, boats should report immediately and operate with the highest speed, in order to take full advantage of the surprise factor.
		The boats which are to be in the Freetown area in the future are to take up the following positions for attack: U 382 = EU 70; U 333 = ET 90; U 600 = ET 60. How far this convergence of boats on a relatively small area will be successful, remains to be seen.
c)	U 130 - 648 - 188 - 527 and 133 have been searching for U 487 without success since 14 July. The tanker had orders to supply the boats named in DG 7754. Calls for position report are being sent out.
d)	1)	U 847 has been frozen in, en route through the Denmark Straits. The boat collided with an iceberg and had to set out on return to Bergen on account of damage to the bridge plating as well as breakdown of the D/F gear and all-round dipole.
	2)	U 135 has not replied to several calls. The boat reported last on 13 June from BE 7751 that two shots were fired at type "Glenearn" which missed. It was assigned to join Group "Trutz" and was in reconnaissance line with this group. After dispersal the boat was to operate in the Canary Islands area. It probably did not arrive here at all, as there were no clues which otherwise would certainly have been learnt from radio intercept messages.
	3)	U 511 has entered Penang and has been handed over to the Japanese. Boat will no longer be controlled from the 18th July.

- 54 -

It subsequently reported the sinking of a passenger-freighter of 7,000 GRT on 9 July in LY 26.

Reports of Success:

U 177	1 ship	7,000 GRT
U 511	1 ship	7,000 GRT.

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

18.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	BE 67	U 196	-	Op(KE 50)	U 445	-	CF 32	U 600	-	Op(ET 50)
	66	-	Op(DG 40)	197	-	Op(KP 90)	455	-	CG 50	604	-	EQ 61
	67	-	DE 36	198	-	Op(KP 30)	466	-	EF 38	607	-	BE 89
	84	-	Op(DM 80)	199	-	Op(GA 60)	468	-	CF 88	608	-	BF 64
	86	-	DH 15	221	-	BE 96	487	-	DG 77	613	-	BE 86
	134	-	Op(DM 30)	228	-	BF 50	508	-	Op(EV 80)	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	155	-	DS 82	230	-	CE 13	509	-	DG 75	618	-	Op(EU 40)
	159	-	Op(EL 20)	232	-	BF 48	510	-	Op(EP 20)	634	-	Op(DO 70)
	160	-	DG 77	257	-	Op(EU 59)	513	-	Op(GA 60)	648	-	DG 77
	168	-	DG 77	306	-	Op(EK 40)	516	-	DG 33	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	172	-	Op(GC 10)	333	-	Op(EU 70)	527	-	DG 77	662	-	EF 86
	177	-	Op(KQ 73)	340	-	DH 17	532	-	DG 75	667	-	BE 42
	178	-	Op(KE 80)	358	-	Op(EU 90)	533	-	DG 55	709	-	BF 48
	181	-	Op(KF 80)	373	-	CG 74	558	-	BE 99	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	183	-	DG 77	359	-	DO 84	566	-	CD 33	757	-	DH 17
	185	-	Op(FC 80)	382	-	ET 49	571	-	Op(EU 90)	759	-	Op(EC 10)
	188	-	DG 77	403	-	BE 67	572	-	Op(ED 60)	847	-	AF 44
	190	-	Op(CA)	406	-	DP 99	590	-	Op(FA 52)	951	-	BF 48
	193	-	CF 26	415	-	Op(EE 40)	591	-	EQ 37	953	-	BF 49
	195	-	CF 26	435	-	BF 48	598	-	EQ 31

	On Return Passage: U 67 - 193 - 195 - 221 - 228 - 232 - 435 - 527 - 558 - 608 - 667 - 709 - 847 - 951 - 953.
	Entered Port: U 608 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Outer Bay of Biscay.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 572 sank a sailing freighter carrying gasoline on 14 July in EO 1466 and another on 15 July in EO 1198. Boat is moving away on account of the moon period and to reload torpedoes.
		2)	U 358 situation: moderate day and night air activity with location. Boat considers individual operation in the area more advantageous and requests freedom of action off Lagos and S.W. from there. U 358 receives orders however, to take up position in reconnaissance line as ordered.
		3)	U 508 sank in EV 9933 steamer "Incomati" 7,369 GRT, with mixed cargo, from Takoradi to Cape Town via Lagos. Mean course 160⁰.

- 55 -

		4)	U 306 pursued convoy of 9 steamers and 5 destroyers from EK 79 to 49 and sank in spite of air patrol 4 steamers, 27,000 GRT, as well as probably a further 5,000 tons. After that, very heavy air and sea patrol. Return.
		5)	U 445 reports experiences while proceeding through the Bay of Biscay. It is a disadvantage to operate with more than 2 boats. Delay in transmitting orders constitutes danger. Close formation too clumsy in air attacks, extended formation makes it more difficult for the S.O. of the group to be able to judge favorable opportunities for diving. There can be tests for simultaneous firing as the transmission of orders endangers the boats. According to experiences up to now, the opinion of the Commander is only partly right.
	b)	Convoy sighted from the air, with course 300⁰ and speed 15 knots at 2020 in CG 4578.
	c) -	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	No operation is intended on the convoy reported by G.A.F. Boats should however make the most of given chances to attack.
	b)	U 177 would prefer in the future operational area S. of Madagascar. The boat is given the option of remaining in its present attacking area.
	c)	As U 487 has not reported any more, it must be presumed lost. In order to be able to carry out task "Monsun" as intended, it is necessary to appoint two more submarines as tankers besides U 160. Therefore the following is ordered: U 527 and 648 (which are outward bound) are to set out for base together. After withdrawing sufficiently from the present area, U 648 is to refuel U 527. U 155 is to be in DS 8385 from 21 July and is to give up to U 188 - 183 and 168, 35 cubic meters each, as well as the corresponding quantity of provisions. U 160 is to refuel U 509 - 532 - 533 and 516 in DS 1975 from 19 July. Subsequently both submarines are to set out for base together. Individual refueling from the tanker now outward bound, is not possible, as all the fuel will be required for boats which are already in the operational area.
	d)	1)	U 487 must now be considered as missing. The boat was en route from DF 95 to DG 77 and reported on 11 July that refueling had been carried out. According to the report of a Spanish steamer, a large aircraft carrier was observed on 11 July in DG 9910, which was apparently patrolling up and down there. Possibly the boat has been destroyed by carrier-borne aircraft.
		2)	U 590 reported last on 6 July from EP 9738. The boat has no longer answered since 10 July in spite of several calls. On 9 July a U-boat was attacked by aircraft in EP 87. U 590 must have been at about this position. Probably the boat was destroyed by this attack. It must be considered lost.

- 56 -

Reports of Success:

U 572	2 sailing ships
U 508	1 ship	7,369 GRT
U 306	4 ships	27,000 GRT
	1 ship	torpedoed.

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

19.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	BE 83	U 195	-	CF 32	U 415	-	Op(EE 40)	U 598	-	EQ 61
	66	-	Op(DC 40)	196	-	Op(KE 50)	435	-	BF 50	600	-	Op(ET 50)
	67	-	DF 12	197	-	Op(KP 90)	445	-	Op(CF 37)	604	-	EQ 92
	84	-	Op(DM 80)	198	-	Op(KP 30)	455	-	CG 50	607	-	CF 34
	86	-	DH 44	199	-	Op(GA 60)	466	-	EF 67	613	-	CF 31
	134	-	Op(DM 30)	221	-	BF 74	468	-	DH 15	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	155	-	DS 58	228	-	BF 61	508	-	Op(FH 12)	618	-	Op(EU 40)
	159	-	Op(EL 20)	230	-	CD 33	509	-	DS 16	634	-	Op(DO 70)
	160	-	DS 25	232	-	BF 50	510	-	Op(EP 20)	648	-	DG 70
	168	-	DS 25	257	-	Op(EU 80)	513	-	Op(GA 50)	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	172	-	Op(GC 10)	306	-	Op(EJ 83)	516	-	DG 37	662	-	EP 26
	177	-	Op(KQ 70)	333	-	Op(EU 70)	527	-	DG 70	667	-	BE 51
	178	-	KE 37	340	-	DH 69	532	-	DS 15	709	-	BF 50
	181	-	Op(KF 80)	358	-	Op(EV 93)	533	-	DG 81	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	183	-	DS 25	359	-	DQ 77	558	-	BF 74	757	-	DH 47
	185	-	Op(FK 40)	373	-	DH 33	566	-	CD 23	759	-	Op(EC 10)
	188	-	DS 24	382	-	Op(ET 83)	571	-	Op(EU 90)	847	-	AF 48
	190	-	Op(CA)	403	-	BE 83	572	-	Op(EE 62)	951	-	BF 50
	193	-	CF 32	406	-	BE 29	591	-	EQ 64	953	-	BF 50

	On Return Passage: U 67 - 178 - 193 - 195 - 221 - 228 - 232 - 306 - 435 - 527 - 558 - 667 - 709 - 847 - 951 - 953.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	Against convoy, west of Portugal, going northwards.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 667 was attacked in BE 5978 by Liberators with super-heavy armament, bombs and torpedoes. Defence on the surface, without damage to our boat.
		2)	U 134 reports aircraft attack in DM 5210 and 2925. Damage to battery by bombs.
		3)	U 662 warded off a 30 minute attack by a Lancaster in EP 5765, and after surfacing in EP 8132, warded off the attack of a Mosquito. Several bombs were dropped, but there were no casualties. Boat is still operating near the coast.
		4)	U 134 after being attacked by bombs and gunfire, shot down an attacking airship on the night of 19 July in DM 5216. It attained by that the first success of this kind in the war.
		5)	U 66 situation: No traffic from DB 67 - 62. Moderate E.W. naval air reconnaissance activity. Return on account of fuel.

- 57 -

		6)	U 373 sighted in CF 7939 a three-funneled ship, going W., speed 20 knots.
	b)	G.A.F. reconnaissance picked up again, the convoy, already reported yesterday, consisting of 13 large transports, in CF 6215, course 290⁰, speed according to dead reckoning 14 knots.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings: None.
		2)	English unit was located in BF 7440.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	The convoy which has already been reported yesterday by G.A.F. has not been sighted by any boat. From now the order is in force, to take full advantage of chances for attack when in a favorable position.
	b)	Commitment in view for U 403 off Dakar. Meeting with U 306 for the exchange of practical experience, will take place at the given time.
	c)	U 333 reports both compressors hopelessly broken down. Meeting with U 600 is ordered for transfer of spare parts. U 333 is then to proceed home.
	d)	U 607 was proceeding through the Bay of Biscay together with U 613 and 445. On 13 July the group was separated after an aircraft attack in BF 7372 and lost each other. According to reports of U 613 and 445 all three boats were still heard. On the next day U 607 no longer answered the call to report position. It must be supposed, either that even after the first attack the boat could no longer surface, or however, that it was attacked again later while proceeding independently and was thereby destroyed.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 134 1 airship.

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

20.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	BE 85	U 195	-	BE 94	U 435	-	BF 50	U 598	-	EQ 92
	66	-	Op(DC 73)	196	-	Op(KE 50)	445	-	CF 61	600	-	Op(ET 60)
	67	-	CD 86	197	-	Op(KP 90)	455	-	Op(CG 50)	604	-	FB 93
	84	-	Op(DH 80)	198	-	Op(KP 30)	466	-	EF 89	613	-	CF 25
	86	-	DG 93	199	-	Op(GA 60)	468	-	DH 41	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	134	-	Op(BM 37)	221	-	BF 47	508	-	Op(EV 90)	618	-	Op(EU 80)
	155	-	DS 83	230	-	CD 26	509	-	DS 19	634	-	Op(DO 70)
	159	-	Op(EL 20)	232	-	BF 50	510	-	Op(EP 10)	648	-	DG 45
	160	-	DS 19	257	-	Op(EU 80)	513	-	Op(GA 60)	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	168	-	DS 55	306	-	EJ 46	516	-	DG 56	662	-	Op(EP 58)
	172	-	Op(GC 10)	333	-	Op(ET 94)	527	-	DG 45	667	-	BE 67
	177	-	Op(KQ 90)	340	-	DG 98	532	-	DS 19	709	-	BF 52
	178	-	KL 65	358	-	Op(EV 80)	533	-	DG 78	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	181	-	Op(KF 90)	359	-	ET 35	558	-	BF 47	757	-	DG 96


- 58 -

183	-	DS 53	373	-	DH 16	566	-	CG 24	759	-	Op(EC 10)
185	-	Op(FK 20)	382	-	Op(ET 93)	571	-	Op(EU 90)	847	-	AN 24
188	-	DS 55	403	-	BE 85	572	-	Op(EE 50)	951	-	BF 50
190	-	Op(CA)	406	-	ET 50	591	-	EO 95	953	-	BF 50
193	-	BE 94	415	-	Op(EE 40)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 67 - 155 - 160 - 178 - 193 - 195 - 221 - 232 - 306 - 333 - 435 - 527 - 558 - 648 - 667 - 709 - 847 - 951 - 953.
	Entered Port: U 709 - Brest; U 847 - Bergen.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Assistance required for damaged U 558.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	Report of aircraft attack from U 558 and 193. See paragraph IVd).
		2)	U 455 shot one single and two fan shots on a group of 7 steamers in CG 5882. It heard two detonations, but could not observe any effect, and pushed on. It was known that these ships were leaving port through an agent's report, and the boat was notified.
		3)	U 757 sighted in DU 3387 a large two-funneled ship, and a destroyer, course 40⁰, speed 15 knots. Boat was driven off, and continued on southerly route.
		4)	U 415 warded off a flying boat attack in EE 8498.
		5)	U 662 reports several steamers in EP 8559 presumably on a southerly course.
	b)	U 558 has not been found (See paragraph IVd)1).
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings: EP 85.
		2)	U-boat attack: BF 4284. Furthermore 2 boats were reported in BF 4278, which were set on by several aircraft. Here it concerns U 193 and U 195. Position lies too far to the N. however.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	U 406 receives the same attacking area as U 653, that is the area between EE 71 and EO 33 as far as the coast to the south. An exhaustive situation report from existing messages or War Diaries will be compiled and transmitted for ships between Trinidad and Rio.
		2)	U 359 receives freedom of action inside the squares EB and ED. Commander possesses good local knowledge of numerous peacetime routes of merchant ships.

- 59 -

	c)	1)	U 648 has given fuel to U 527 for the return journey. Both boats are to proceed together.
		2)	U 532 and 533 have been waiting in vain for 36 hours in DS 1975 for the arrival of U 160. Boat has been challenged to give position report.
	d)	1)	U 558 was attacked by an aircraft at 1119 in BF 7262 and by another at 1225 hours in BF 7253. Boat is completely unable to dive, and is proceeding from BF 7265 with course 60⁰ and speed 8 knots.
			U 193 and 195, according to a report by U 193, were likewise attacked several times, and finally at 1030 they were attacked by several aircraft at the same time. They are remaining close by and have received the order to collect U 558.
			Aircraft and torpedo boats requested for further assistance.
			The commitment intended for 9 Ju 88 had to be postponed at first on account of the state of the weather, and later had to be broken off after a short flight, without the aircraft having reached the position last reported by U 558.
			As U 558 had not given the requested position report for the morning at 0800, 2 torpedo boats waited at the reckoned meeting place in BF 57 from 0600. They searched there for 2 hours in different directions and then went to meet the boat on a course 240⁰ until 1000. At about 7⁰ 30' W. the torpedo boats turned as they had reached the boundary of the area of action.
			The 9 Ju 88s remained ready on call from the first light. As U 558 had not been found up to 0800 and as an extensive operation by the Ju 88 is out of the question on account of the continuous bad weather, the aircraft are to stand by for duty for the Western Group from 1000 as a possible protection for the torpedo boats.
		2)	U 435 - 951 and 232 were lying in wait in CG 16, CG 14 and CG 17 to attack the England - Gibraltar traffic from stationary positions. Boats received the order to return on 13 July. They should have reported when setting out on return. Up till now however none of these boats has answered in spite of calls, so that they must be presumed lost. In the period from 9 July, several English units were located in the squares CG 10 and BF 70, and numerous escort groups were detected through radio intercept messages.
			As none of these boats has given a distress signal, it is not out of the question, that they were taken unawares by the patrol groups and were destroyed under water. Only in the case of U 951 there is the possibility, that the boat was sunk by aircraft attack in CG 1447 on 11 July. According to a radio intercepted message a U-boat was attacked in this position.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 455 2 hits.

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

- 60 -

21.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	CF 34	U 190	-	Op(CA)	U 403	-	CF 23	U 571	-	Op(EU 90)
	66	-	DC 58	193	-	BF 49	406	-	EE 48	572	-	Op(EE 40)
	67	-	CD 92	195	-	BF 49	415	-	Op(EE 85)	591	-	FC 11
	84	-	Op(DM 80)	196	-	Op(KE 50)	445	-	CF 83	598	-	EQ 99
	86	-	DT 22	197	-	Op(KP 90)	455	-	Op(CG 55)	600	-	Op(ET 60)
	134	-	Op(DM 30)	198	-	Op(KP 30)	466	-	EP 28	604	-	FC 18
	155	-	DS 83	199	-	Op(GA 60)	468	-	DG 93	613	-	CF 18
	159	-	Op(EL 20)	221	-	BF 64	508	-	Op(EV 80)	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	160	-	DS 19	230	-	CD 24	509	-	DS 19	618	-	Op(EU 80)
	168	-	DS 83	257	-	Op(EU 90)	510	-	Op(KP 10)	634	-	Op(DO 70)
	172	-	Op(GB 30)	306	-	EJ 41	513	-	Op(GA 60)	648	-	DG 27
	177	-	Op(KQ 90)	333	-	ET 82	516	-	DG 82	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	178	-	KE 85	340	-	DT 24	527	-	DG 73	662	-	Op(EP 82)
	181	-	Op(KF 90)	358	-	Op(EV 70)	532	-	DS 19	667	-	BE 68
	183	-	DS 83	359	-	EE 28	533	-	DS 19	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	185	-	Op(FJ 60)	373	-	DH 18	558	-	BF 57	757	-	DU 45
	188	-	DS 83	382	-	Op(EU 70)	566	-	CD 14	759	-	Op(EC 10)
										953	-	BF 91

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 67 - 155 - 160 - 178 - 193 - 195 - 221 - 306 - 333 - 527 - 558 - 648 - 667 - 953.
	Entered Port: U 221 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: U 664 - Brest.

II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	Against convoy traffic and patrol groups in the outer Bay of Biscay.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 664 which was outward bound, reported aircraft attack in BF 5483.
		2)	U 455 followed the bunch of steamers which was reported yesterday, till 0950 in CG 8341. After reaching territorial waters the boat withdrew. Steamers were protected by destroyers and aircraft.
		3)	U 662 was attacked by a Catalina at 1840 in EP 8552, and received a stick of bombs just in front of the bow. After firing a duel lasting an hour, the aircraft turned off. The boat requested urgently, ammunition for the 2 cm gun as well as Metox equipment. It received orders provisionally to move away to the N.
	b)	G.A.F. reports in BE 3454 convoy of 4 merchant ships up to 20,000 GRT, 10 ships up to 10,000 GRT, as well as 5 destroyers, 3 patrol boats, and one aircraft. Mean course 190⁰, medium speed.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings: DN 75, ED 9930.
		2)	English units were located in BE 3255, 3185, 3515, 3569 and 3579.
	d)	None.

- 61 -

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	An operation, on the convoy reported by G.A.F., is not possible, as no boats are on duty.
	b)	None.
	c)	On account of breakdown, U 160 is detailed as a tanker for one of the "Monsun" boats - U 516. It received orders to give up to U 509 - U 532 and U 533 at least 40 cbm each, as well as a corresponding quantity of provisions, from 26 July in DR 9979, and only keep a little for itself for the return journey. Thereby the carrying out of the "Monsun" undertaking is again assured as far as fuel is concerned.
	d)	1)	U 558 has not reported any more. It must be supposed that the boat either was no longer able to remain afloat satisfactorily and suddenly sank, or again that it was destroyed by another aircraft attack. There have been no messages about it. Its loss is probable.
		2)	Likewise, there have been no more reports of U 160. The boat has disappeared without sending a message, or without there having been a radio intercepted message. The last statement of position was on the 10th July from CF 65. It must be presumed lost. (Further see paragraph VI).

V.	Reports of Success: None.

VI.	General:
	A Spanish steamer sighted a large aircraft carrier in DG 9910 on 11 July, which was apparently patrolling up and down there.
	The unexplained loss of U 487 and 160 gives rise to the suspicion, that an air reconnaissance was sent out from this carrier, which was possibly working together with the screening forces of the carrier, and after picking up a U-boat forced it down under the water until the destroyers came up.
	It is therefore ordered, until further notice, that boats are to go round the squares CF, DH and DG, and are to pass the Azores in the west on outward and homeward journeys.
	Boats, which cannot avoid the squares named, because of special approaches or operational areas, should proceed with special caution. It is intended, to repeal this order after a short time, but before that to have single boats scout in the district.

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- 62 -

22.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	BE 87	U 193	-	BF 40	U 415	-	Op(EE 70)	U 598	-	FC 17
	66	-	DC 64	195	-	BF 40	445	-	CF 84	600	-	Op(ET 82)
	67	-	CD 66	196	-	Op(KE 50)	455	-	Op(CG 55)	604	-	FC 49
	84	-	Op(DM 80)	197	-	Op(KP 90)	466	-	Op(EP 50)	613	-	CE 38
	86	-	DT 27	198	-	Op(KP 30)	468	-	DG 98	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	134	-	Op(DM 30)	199	-	Op(GA 60)	508	-	Op(EV 80)	618	-	Op(EU 80)
	155	-	DS 83	230	-	CD 17	509	-	DS 44	634	-	Op(DO 70)
	159	-	Op(EL 20)	267	-	Op(EU 70)	510	-	Op(EP 10)	648	-	DG 43
	168	-	DS 83	306	-	EH 35	513	-	Op(GA 60)	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	172	-	Op(GB 30)	333	-	ET 82	516	-	DS 23	662	-	Op(EP 50)
	177	-	Op(KQ 68)	340	-	DT 45	527	-	DG 43	664	-	BF 54
	178	-	KQ 13	358	-	Op(EV 70)	532	-	DS 47	667	-	BF 47
	181	-	Op(KF 96)	359	-	Op(EE 40)	533	-	DS 45	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	183	-	DS 83	373	-	DH 31	566	-	CC 38	757	-	DU 75
	185	-	Op(FJ 60)	382	-	Op(ET 90)	571	-	Op(EU 90)	759	-	Op(EC 10)
	188	-	DS 83	403	-	BE 87	572	-	Op(EE 40)	953	-	BF 68
	190	-	Op(CA)	406	-	EE 70	591	-	FC 41

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 67 - 155 - 160 - 178 - 193 - 195 - 306 - 333 - 527 - 648 - 667 - 953.
	Entered Port: U 953 - La Pallice.
	Sailed: U 459 - 117 - Bordeaux; U 647 - 489 - Kiel.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 664 was attacked when outward bound in BF 54 by 2 or more aircraft.
		2)	U 66 followed U.S. tanker with course 170⁰ and speed 16 knots as far as DN 36. It obtained two hits at the first run-in and later at dusk a three-fan shot which missed. This was followed by wild artillery fire. Tanker got away with an increasing list. Boat continued its homeward passage.
		3)	After several challenges to no purpose, U 190 reported the following position: Air activity, from CA 86 to the west, air activity during the day in the whole area.
			Single ship traffic of fast ships off the southern edge of CA with courses about 20⁰ and 200⁰.
			No continuous traffic inside the 100 meter line from CA. During the day single ships and convoys and escorts entering and leaving port cross the line. Nothing at night. Routes are altering continually. Sea patrol in the whole area, as well as continuous location transmission by day.
			On 25 May in CB 7569 2 double misses on a fast freighter, impact without detonations.
			On 15 June in CA 9489 triple miss, on 26 June in CA 8676 convoy and escort returning to port course 290⁰, heavy night air activity at the same place. Returning on account of fuel.

- 63 -

G.A.F. reports: at 1000 in BF 4772 3 destroyers with course 210⁰, at 1015 convoy with aircraft carrier in BE 6992 course 180⁰, at 1520 in BF 7537 3 destroyers, course 200⁰, high speed.

U-boat sightings: DM 2760, FC 37.

U-boat attack: DO 17 and doubtful attack in EE 82. Attack on U-boat in FC 84.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

a) -

None.

As soon as the refueling has been carried out as ordered, U 516 is to proceed to EG 5255 and is to deliver over to U 662 there, 1,200 rounds of ammunition for 2 cm gun as well as Metox equipment. Both boats are calculated to arrive after 30 July. U 662 is subsequently to occupy its former occupational area. U 516 is to set out on return.

U 178 is to be in JK 5282 on 1 August and there is to deliver to I 9 (Japanese) about 70 cubic meters. U 178 has so much fuel that it can accomplish the return journey to Western France without further refueling.

U 199 did not meet U 513 at the rendezvous ordered in GA 6699. New meeting will be ordered for 24 July.

In order to bring the tanker, which is urgently required at present, through the Bay of Biscay with some degree of safety, the C in C Navy has ordered into operation the destroyers, which are on duty. U 459 - 461 and 117, - U 461 unfortunately had to turn back again, soon after leaving port on account of a split in the external fuel tank - will be escorted from there by 3 destroyers as far as BF 4751 and are to proceed alone from there on.

U 117 left port to lay mines off Gibraltar (See Special Order) (Mines were not laid) See War Diary of 24 July IVd).

Reports of Success:

U 66

1 ship

2 hits.

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







- 64 -

23.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	CF 13	U 190	-	CB 77	U 406	-	Op(EO 50)	U 572	-	Op(EE 40)
	66	-	DO 11	193	-	BF 68	415	-	Op(ED 90)	591	-	FC 72
	67	-	CE 18	195	-	BF 68	445	-	CE 99	598	-	FC 48
	84	-	Op(DM 80)	196	-	Op(KE 50)	455	-	CG 54	600	-	Op(ET 80)
	86	-	DT 45	197	-	Op(KP 90)	459	-	BF 83	604	-	Op(FC 79)
	117	-	BF 83	198	-	Op(KP 30)	466	-	Op(EP 50)	613	-	CE 52
	134	-	Op(DM 30)	199	-	Op(GB 41)	468	-	DT 18	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	155	-	DS 83	230	-	CC 38	489	-	AO	618	-	Op(EU 90)
	159	-	Op(EL 20)	257	-	Op(EU 90)	508	-	Op(EU 90)	634	-	Op(DO 70)
	168	-	DS 83	306	-	DS 89	509	-	DR 93	647	-	AO
	172	-	Op(GB 30)	333	-	ET 80	510	-	Op(EP 10)	648	-	DG 12
	177	-	Op(KQ 68)	340	-	DT 71	513	-	Op(GA 60)	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	178	-	KQ 44	358	-	Op(EU 90)	516	-	DS 24	662	-	Op(EP 50)
	181	-	Op(KF 96)	359	-	Op(ED 60)	527	-	DG 12	664	-	BF 45
	183	-	DS 83	373	-	DH 32	532	-	DR 96	667	-	BF 48
	185	-	Op(FJ 60)	382	-	Op(ET 90)	533	-	DS 71	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	188	-	DS 83	403	-	CF 13	566	-	CC 52	757	-	EK 11
							571	-	Op(EU 90)	759	-	Op(EC 10)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 67 - 155 - 178 - 190 - 193 - 195 - 306 - 333 - 455 - 527 - 648 - 667.
	Entered Port: U 193 - 195 - Bordeaux.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	Against enemy warship units in the Bay of Biscay.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	While proceeding together through the Bay of Biscay U 43 and U 403 successfully warded off the attack of a Sunderland which lasted for 30 minutes on the evening of the 16th in BF 4495 during which U 43 was bombed unsuccessfully. Attack with aircraft armament by Liberator on 19 July in BE 6455. Probably shot down by U 43. Impact and noise of sinking heard by both boats.
		2)	U 571 was bombed in a low-level attack by Wellington in EU 9686. Four depth charges came very near, one of them rolled down on the upper deck. Attack was warded off, hits were observed in the aircraft. Boat set out on homeward route on account of damage.
	b)	G.A.F. reports the following sightings:
		1220 convoy of 14 merchant ships in BE 5675, course 180⁰ at 0825 in BE 6397.
		1 aircraft carrier, 5 destroyers, course 210, at 1441 in BE 6632.
		2 destroyers with course 300, at 1515 1 cruiser and 1 destroyer in BE 6645 with course N. at 1603 in BE 6675.
		2 destroyers with course 90⁰, 3 fighter aircraft were with them.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings: FB 61.
		2)	Unidentified English units were located in BE 3637.
	d)	None.

- 65 -

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	As U 571 is proceeding home, U 382 received the order to steer for the reconnaissance lines with highest cruising speed possible according to the air activity there, and to take over the position of U 571.
		2)	U 333 is serviceable again after having had a Junkers compressor built in, and is occupying ET 20 as an attacking area.
	c)	1)	U 333 has taken over a Junkers compressor from U 600.
		2)	U 155 refueled U 183 with 214 cubic meters, U 188 with 203 cubic meters, and U 168 with 214 cubic meters. Boat is to meet U 306 on 24 July at 1300 in DS 5445 in order to return with it.
	d)	The departure of U 459 and 117 with destroyer escort is running up to now according to plan. On account of the massing enemy sea forces in BE 66 it is left to the boats to withdraw to the S.W. after being released from the escorts.

V.	Reports of Success:
	U 43 1 aircraft.

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- 66 -

24.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	BE 76	U 190	-	CB 76	U 445	-	CE 89	U 591	-	FC 87
	66	-	DO 21	196	-	Op(KE 50)	455	-	CG 42	598	-	FC 76
	67	-	CE 28	197	-	Op(KP 90)	459	-	BF 47	600	-	Op(ET 80)
	84	-	Op(DM 80)	198	-	Op(KP 30)	466	-	Op(EP 50)	604	-	FK 17
	86	-	DT 74	199	-	Op(GB 90)	468	-	DT 44	613	-	CE 43
	117	-	BF 47	230	-	CC 52	489	-	AN 36	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	134	-	Op(DM 30)	257	-	Op(EU 90)	508	-	Op(EV 70)	618	-	Op(EV 70)
	155	-	DS 82	306	-	DS 89	509	-	DR 99	634	-	Op(DO 70)
	159	-	Op(EB 80)	333	-	ET 82	510	-	Op(EP 10)	647	-	AN 36
	168	-	DS 83	340	-	EJ 11	513	-	Op(GA 60)	648	-	CE 76
	172	-	Op(GB 30)	358	-	Op(EV 70)	516	-	DS 43	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	177	-	Op(KQ 60)	359	-	Op(DE 60)	527	-	CE 76	662	-	Op(EP 50)
	178	-	KZ 35	373	-	DH 33	532	-	DR 99	664	-	BF 44
	181	-	Op(KF 90)	382	-	Op(ET 90)	533	-	DR 99	667	-	BF 49
	183	-	DS 83	403	-	BE 76	566	-	CC 43	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	185	-	Op(FJ 60)	406	-	Op(EE 70)	571	-	Op(EU 90)	757	-	EK 41
	188	-	DS 83	415	-	Op(ED 90)	572	-	Op(EE 40)	759	-	Op(EC 10)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 67 - 155 - 178 - 190 - 306 - 455 - 527 - 648 - 667.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 404 - St. Nazaire; U 262 - 760 - La Pallice.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 664 was attacked by aircraft while outward bound. No damage.
		2)	U 373 reports from DH 1685 attack by carrier-borne aircraft warded off while on the surface, after the bombs were dropped it dived. Returning on account of damage and casualties to personnel.
		3)	U 340 while proceeding through CF 53, DT 67 and EJ 93 did not detect either air activity or location.
		4)	U 199 sank in GB 4191 a passenger freighter of 10,000 GRT course N.W.
	b)	G.A.F. sighted at 0900 in BE 6883 aircraft carrier and 5 destroyers with course 210⁰, low speed. After comparison with yesterday's report, by dead reckoning the average speed is 5 knots. Then the formation seems to have stopped in order to patrol the area.
	c)	1)	U-boat sightings: BE 6949, CB 72, FJ 82.
		2)	U-boat either attacked or was attacked in EC 35, EE 77.
		3)	An unidentified English unit was located at 1726 in BE 9930.
	d)	None.

- 67 -

IV.

Current Operations:

a) -

None.

A meeting is ordered for U 527, 648 and 67 at 1600 hours on 28 July in BD 9925 with a view to returning together. U 648 reports however, that it dived because of a flying boat at 1600 on 23 July, in CE 9773 and since then has lost U 527. Boat is challenged for its position.

On account of the special operation, according to paragraph VI, the intended mining of the Straits of Gibraltar is to be abandoned. U 117 is to carry out the alternative task (New York) (See Special Order).

Reports of Success:

U 199

1 ship

10,000 GRT.

VI.

General:

By reason of the tense situation in the Mediterranean the Supreme Command of the Navy orders the sending of 3 more ships to the Mediterranean.

U 614, 706 and 454, which have good Commanders, are being considered for the task.

The number of boats in the Mediterranean has been reduced recently to 15 boats, if U 409 is already considered lost. The last attempt to increase the number of boats in the Mediterranean was made in April/May. Of the 4 boats sent at that time, only 3 arrived in the Mediterranean. The fourth (U 409 - Massmann) was probably lost en route.

The 75% losses, which arose from the last attempt to break through, make it very difficult to decide whether to make a new attempt. It seems however, that the losses arose not only in the Straits of Gibraltar itself, but beforehand in the Atlantic. The break through, by the Straits will probably still be possible on account of the following current. It will therefore be a question of getting the boats unnoticed as far as the Straits itself. The boats have had this specially pointed out. For the breakthrough itself they have been ordered, either to pass through the Straits submerged or to proceed direct on the surface, under the African coast, perhaps, after observing the traffic, camouflaged as neutral ships with correspondingly placed lights.

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25.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	CF 21	U 197	-	Op(KE 50)	U 445	-	DG 13	U 598	-	Op(FK 10)
	66	-	DD 87	197	-	Op(KP 90)	455	-	CG 12	600	-	Op(ET 60)
	67	-	CE 31	198	-	Op(KP 30)	459	-	BE 68	604	-	Op(FK 40)
	84	-	Op(DM 80)	199	-	Op(GB 45)	466	-	Op(EP 50)	613	-	CD 63
	86	-	EJ 67	230	-	CC 42	468	-	DT 74	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	117	-	BE 68	257	-	Op(EV 70)	489	-	AN 34	618	-	Op(EV 70)
	134	-	Op(DM 20)	262	-	BF 91	508	-	Op(EV 70)	634	-	Op(DO 70)
	155	-	DS 54	306	-	DS 54	509	-	DR 99	647	-	AN 34


- 68 -

159	-	Op(EB 80)	333	-	Op(ET 50)	510	-	Op(EP 40)	648	-	CE 55
168	-	EH 26	340	-	ET 15	513	-	Op(GB 60)	653	-	Op(EO 80)
172	-	Op(GB 20)	358	-	Op(EV 70)	516	-	DR 99	662	-	Op(EP 60)
177	-	Op(KQ 60)	359	-	Op(ED 80)	527	-	CE 58	664	-	BE 66
178	-	KZ 61	373	-	DH 15	532	-	DR 99	667	-	BF 57
181	-	Op(KF 90)	382	-	Op(EU 90)	533	-	DR 99	732	-	Op(EC 10)
183	-	EH 61	403	-	CF 24	566	-	CB 63	757	-	EK 47
185	-	Op(FJ 60)	404	-	BF 67	571	-	EU 88	759	-	Op(EC 10)
188	-	EH 29	406	-	Op(EE 70)	572	-	Op(EE 40)	760	-	BF 91
190	-	CB 85	415	-	Op(ED 90)	591	-	Op(FK 10)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 67 - 155 - 178 - 190 - 306 - 455 - 516 - 527 - 571 - 648 - 667.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 614 - St. Nazaire.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 358 sighted on 25 July in EV 7732 patrol ship, and a Portuguese ship with course 75⁰. Aircraft using location in the whole area. Boat requests to operate further eastwards on account of breakdown of the Metox. It is pointed out that the W/T message delivered from the patrol lines was false.
		2)	U 177 was bombed several times on 12 July in KP 30, and on 24 July in KQ 4770 torpedoed a large tanker with course 265⁰.
	b)	G.A.F. reported 1030 in BF 4878 5 destroyers with 2 aircraft course 170⁰.
	c)	1)	Unidentified enemy units were located at 1302 in BE 6590.
		2)	In BE 7757 U-boat either attacked or was attacked.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	In the Freetown area the following attacking areas are occupied:
			U 340 = ET 90; U 86 = ET 80; U 757 = ET 70; U 468 = ET 50.
			According to dead reckoning, the boats have reached the area with 80 - 90 cubic meters, so that they, by carrying out the refueling as planned, can use about 60 cubic meters in the operational area.
		2)	The new approach for U 664 and U 459 is DF 20.

- 69 -

The meeting between U 199 and 513 has not taken place up to now. It is supposed that, according to a sighting report submitted by a U-boat, U 513 is remaining in a more favorable position close inshore and wants to go on operating there.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 197

1 ship

torpedoed.

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26.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	CF 15	U 196	-	Op(KE 50)	U 445	-	DG 17	U 598	-	Op(FK 10)
	66	-	DD 89	197	-	Op(KQ 79)	455	-	BE 93	600	-	Op(ET 60)
	67	-	BD 98	198	-	Op(KP 30)	459	-	BE 59	604	-	Op(FK 40)
	84	-	Op(DN 80)	199	-	Op(GB 60)	466	-	Op(EP 50)	613	-	CD 64
	86	-	EJ 98	230	-	CB 66	468	-	EJ 11	614	-	BF 58
	117	-	BF 83	257	-	Op(EU 90)	489	-	AN 28	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	134	-	Op(DM 20)	262	-	BF 57	508	-	Op(EU 90)	618	-	Op(EU 90)
	155	-	DS 15	306	-	DS 15	509	-	DR 99	634	-	Op(DO 70)
	159	-	Op(EB 80)	333	-	Op(ET 20)	510	-	Op(EP 40)	647	-	AN 28
	168	-	EH 61	340	-	ET 54	513	-	Op(GA 60)	648	-	CE 53
	172	-	Op(GB 20)	358	-	Op(EV 99)	516	-	DR 99	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	177	-	Op(KQ 60)	359	-	Op(ED 80)	527	-	CE 52	662	-	Op(EQ 11)
	178	-	KZ 58	373	-	DG 33	532	-	DR 99	664	-	BE 68
	181	-	Op(KF 90)	382	-	Op(EU 90)	533	-	DR 99	667	-	BF 64
	183	-	EH 68	403	-	CE 36	566	-	CB 56	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	185	-	Op(FJ 60)	404	-	BF 58	571	-	EU 77	757	-	EK 74
	188	-	EH 64	406	-	Op(EE 70)	572	-	Op(EE 40)	759	-	Op(EC 10)
	190	-	CB 98	415	-	Op(ED 90)	591	-	Op(FK 10)	760	-	BF 57

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 67 - 155 - 178 - 190 - 306 - 373 - 455 - 516 - 527 - 571 - 648 - 667.
	Entered Port: U 667 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	Against enemy units in the outer Bay of Biscay.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	An Italian U-boat sighted an aircraft carrier on 25 July in ES 69 and scored a probable hit.
	b)	G.A.F. reported at 1055 in BF 7274 5 destroyers, course 200⁰.
	c)	U-boat sightings: EC 12 and ED 24.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	1)	U 359 receives freedom of action in the whole Caribbean Sea (Commander knows the conditions there well).

- 70 -

		2)	U 159 receives a collective report on practical experience by boats, which have operated in the sea area off Colon in the year 1942.
	c)	U 516 reports that it has carried out the delivery of fuel to U 532 and 533. U 509 has not met up to now.
		U 516 continues its route to the meeting point with U 662.
	d)	None.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

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

27.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	CE 37	U 196	-	Op(KE 50)	U 445	-	DG 47	U 598	-	Op(FJ 30)
	66	-	DD 96	197	-	Op(KQ 70)	455	-	BF 47	600	-	Op(ET 60)
	67	-	BD 99	198	-	Op(KP 30)	459	-	BE 82	604	-	Op(FK 70)
	84	-	Op(DM 90)	199	-	Op(GA 90)	466	-	Op(EP 50)	613	-	CD 57
	86	-	ET 17	230	-	CB 56	468	-	EJ 42	614	-	BF 57
	117	-	BE 85	257	-	Op(EU 90)	489	-	AF 87	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	134	-	Op(DM 20)	262	-	BF 73	508	-	Op(EU 90)	618	-	Op(EU 90)
	155	-	DF 96	306	-	DF 96	509	-	DR 99	634	-	Op(EC 30)
	159	-	Op(EB 80)	333	-	Op(ET 20)	510	-	Op(EP 10)	647	-	AF 87
	168	-	EH 92	340	-	Op(ET 90)	513	-	Op(GA 50)	648	-	CE 31
	172	-	Op(GB 40)	358	-	Op(EU 90)	516	-	DR 99	653	-	Op(EQ 20)
	177	-	Op(KQ 60)	359	-	Op(ED 40)	527	-	CE 31	662	-	EG 75
	178	-	KZ 76	373	-	CF 72	532	-	DR 99	664	-	BE 59
	181	-	Op(KF 90)	382	-	Op(EU 90)	533	-	DR 99	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	183	-	EJ 77	403	-	CE 37	566	-	CB 54	757	-	ET 14
	185	-	Op(FJ 90)	404	-	BF 57	571	-	ET 97	759	-	Op(EC 20)
	188	-	EH 96	406	-	Op(EE 70)	572	-	Op(EE 40)	760	-	BF 73
	190	-	CC 47	415	-	Op(ED 90)	591	-	Op(FK 10)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 67 - 155 - 178 - 190 - 306 - 373 - 455 - 516 - 527 - 571 - 647.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 129 - 525 - Lorient; U 461 - 461 - 504 - Bordeaux.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 510 situation: EP 40 = 100 to 150 miles from the coast strong day and night air activity. During the day short location transmission flares. Boat asks for freedom of action to the southeast.
		2)	U 172 sank on 24 July in FR 1517 "Port Chitchin" 6,000 GRT, course 25⁰. With ore and iron from Rio.
	b)	G.A.F. sighted at 0915 in CG 4536 55 merchant ships, 15 patrol ships, medium speed, course 180⁰. At 0925 in CG 4345 1 corvette and 1 merchant ship 5,000 GRT, low speed, course 120⁰.

- 71 -

U-boat sightings: Probably in the area of Santos.

Report of torpedoing: from EC 96.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

U 117 receives approach point CD 50.

U 527 receives orders to proceed on its course alone in case it does not arrive in good time at the meeting place with U 67 and 648.

U 66 is to go via CD 50, in order to be refueled by U 117 in about this area.

U 509, which did not arrive at the first rendezvous in DR 9975 for supply by U 516, receives the order to go to the rendezvous of U 516 and U 662 in EG 5255.

None.

Reports of Success:

U 172

1 ship

6,000 GRT.

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

28.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	CE 55	U 196	-	Op(KE 50)	U 455	-	BF 49	U 572	-	Op(EE 40)
	66	-	DE 71	197	-	Op(KQ 70)	459	-	BE 79	591	-	Op(FK 10)
	67	-	BD 99	198	-	Op(KP 30)	461	-	BF 91	598	-	Op(FJ 30)
	84	-	Op(DM 90)	199	-	Op(GA 90)	462	-	BF 91	600	-	Op(ET 60)
	86	-	ET 45	230	-	CB 57	466	-	Op(EP 50)	604	-	Op(FK 70)
	117	-	BE 76	257	-	Op(EU 90)	468	-	EJ 73	613	-	CD 72
	129	-	BF 54	262	-	BF 72	489	-	AF 76	614	-	BF 73
	134	-	Op(DM 20)	306	-	DG 47	504	-	BF 91	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	155	-	DG 47	333	-	Op(ET 20)	508	-	Op(EU 90)	618	-	Op(EU 90)
	159	-	Op(EB 80)	340	-	Op(ET 90)	509	-	EG 34	634	-	Op(EC 30)
	168	-	ER 33	358	-	Op(EU 90)	510	-	Op(EP 19)	647	-	AF 76
	172	-	Op(GB 40)	359	-	Op(ED 40)	513	-	Op(GA 50)	648	-	BD 99
	177	-	Op(KQ 60)	373	-	CE 95	516	-	EG 52	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	178	-	KY 99	382	-	Op(EU 90)	525	-	BF 54	662	-	EG 57
	181	-	Op(KZ 78)	403	-	CE 55	527	-	CE 32	664	-	BE 82
	183	-	ES 18	404	-	BF 73	532	-	EH 73	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	185	-	Op(FJ 90)	406	-	Op(EE 70)	533	-	EH 48	757	-	ET 41
	188	-	ES 14	415	-	Op(ED 90)	566	-	CB 48	759	-	Op(EC 20)
	190	-	CC 57	445	-	DG 77	571	-	ET 84	760	-	BF 71

	On Return Passage: U 67 - 66 - 155 - 178 - 190 - 306 - 373 - 455 - 516 - 527 - 571 - 648.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 106 - 107 - Lorient.

II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	Against enemy units in the outer Bay of Biscay.

- 72 -

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 466 reports 4 bombs from a Catalina in EP 4811 on 23 July. Attack warded off, hits observed. On 24 July in EP 4323 a Liberator warded off, 1 motor and the tail shot into flames. 4 direct bombs on the stern. 1st Watchkeeping Officer, 1 rating badly wounded, Commander, 2nd Watchkeeping Officer, Warrant Quartermaster slightly wounded. Returned home quickly. Air activity as in the Bay of Biscay. Location by day and night. No traffic.
		2)	U 415 on 24 July convoy of 20 steamers course about 315 towards EE 7745, then west. Air and sea escort. In 7773 continuous running of four-engined aircraft with short location transmission. Warded off. No possibility of diving for 30 minutes on account of flares. Otherwise no traffic. Strong location defence everywhere.
		3)	U 615 up to the 11th July fast single ships on E. and W. courses, some escorted, above the edge of ED 76. On 12 July chased without success tanker, E. course, 15 knots. From EC 96 to the S.E. small independent coastal craft. Limited sea patrol off the main ports. Heavy traffic from the N. to the N.W. Detached convoys and groups of tankers up to 6 ships, are in loose formation. Exploratory sweep on an A/S hunt, slight air activity. Submerged by day, location detected once at night, without attack. Sank tanker 6,000 GRT in EC 9626 on 28 July.
		4)	U 333 situation in Freetown area: On 25 June convoy of about 20 ships in ET 2586, course 300⁰, speed 8 knots. Prematurely located by destroyer, chased, and forced under water, location 140 - 144 centimeters.
			Off the approach point, bad listening conditions by day, continuous bad visibility on account of the rainy season at night. On 6 July fast convoy 220⁰ in ET 90, 50, 60 and 20 as well as the left half of EU 70, continually on the surface at night, no air activity. On being observed in EJ 71 a day of continuous air activity, location. The boat proposes that several individual boats should be disposed along the 200 meter line from ET to the south.
		5)	U 572 reports in ED 9960 single ship traffic at intervals escorted by sea and air, N.E. to S.E. course and opposite, also neutrals. In ED 9650 slight single ship traffic N.E. course. EN 33, along the coast no convoys located only sailing freighters. Daily airship and flying boat reconnaissance, air activity with location at night after boat had been observed. Attack warded off in EE 7591.
		6)	U 634: Off the harbor in ED 1326 and eastwards, traffic close inshore, nothing at night. Except a liberty ship, only a coastal steamer, a PC boat and an aircraft supply ship. Continuous location at night, probably from Mona Passage, as boat was not picked up. Area changed after boat was picked up by a continuous night air activity with location.
		7)	U 732 nothing in DN 7559 from 25 to 26 July. Slight air activity at night, location from the land. In

- 73 -

DN 7630 since 27 July. In DN 8178 dived because of 2 destroyers. Depth charges.

U 134 taken unawares by land based aircraft in DM 2925 on the night of 19 July. Three bombs under the bow, damage. Boat moved away towards DP for repairs.

U 653 reports on 6 July in EO 6115 fast independent freighters, with air escort, 110⁰. Nothing from EO 61 to 52, ED 98 to 99. Slight air activity by day, no activity at night so far.

10)

U 404 reports aircraft attack from DF 47.

11)

U 262 reports aircraft attack from BE 9343. Boat reports later 3 shadowing flying boats, dived at a favorable moment.

G.A.F. reports convoy, course N. at 1900 in CF 3235.

Cruiser, 2 destroyers, course N. at 1503 in AF 7370 and a battle cruiser and aircraft carrier, a heavy cruiser and smaller units at 1750 in AF 7346.

U-boat sightings: BF 7419, BE 9233, BE 9399 (U 614, 404, 262, 760?), BE 3352 (aircraft subsequently gave SOS in BF 7268).

Submarine report from CB 1322 (torpedoed).

U-boat either attacked or was attacked in EC 39 and EC 63.

English unit located at 1728 in AF 7677.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

U 510 received the order, not to operate to the S.E. of its present operational area, as requested, but to operate to the N.E. Reason: C-in-C U-boats presumes, on account of the very slight concentration of traffic inshore, that the traffic is running further out.

U 653 is permitted to move away from the area to operate, as apparently there is no traffic in the present area.

U 333 and U 571 are to meet at 1200 on 13 July in ES 2122 in order to return home together. After the meeting has taken place both boats are to steer for EH 20 for refueling.

U 107 left port today on mine task "Charleston" (See appendix).

Reports of Success:

U 615

1 tanker

6,000 GRT.

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

- 74 -

29.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	CE 82	U 190	-	CC 56	U 455	-	BF 57	U 572	-	Op(EE 78)
	66	-	DE 46	196	-	Op(KE 50)	459	-	CF 15	591	-	Op(FK 10)
	67	-	BE 75	197	-	Op(KQ 70)	461	-	BF 48	598	-	Op(FJ 60)
	84	-	Op(DM 90)	198	-	Op(KP 30)	462	-	BF 48	600	-	Op(ET 60)
	86	-	ET 60	199	-	Op(GB 40)	466	-	Op(EP 50)	604	-	Op(FK 70)
	106	-	BF 54	230	-	CB 47	468	-	EJ 89	613	-	CC 92
	107	-	BF 54	257	-	Op(FU 90)	489	-	AF 72	614	-	BF 72
	117	-	BE 17	262	-	BE 95	504	-	BF 82	615	-	Op(ED 40)
	129	-	BF 46	306	-	DG 41	508	-	Op(EU 90)	618	-	Op(EU 90)
	134	-	Op(DM 20)	333	-	ET 26	509	-	EG 52	634	-	Op(EC 30)
	155	-	DG 41	340	-	Op(ET 40)	510	-	Op(EP 10)	647	-	AF 47
	159	-	Op(EB 80)	358	-	Op(EU 90)	513	-	Op(GA 50)	648	-	BE 75
	168	-	ES 17	359	-	Op(ED 40)	516	-	EG 52	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	172	-	Op(GR 10)	373	-	CE 82	525	-	BF 49	662	-	EG 52
	177	-	Op(KQ 60)	382	-	Op(EU 90)	527	-	BE 77	664	-	BE 57
	178	-	JK 20	403	-	CE 85	532	-	ER 21	732	-	Op(EC 10)
	181	-	Op(KG 70)	404	-	BF 71	533	-	EH 87	757	-	ET 70
	183	-	ES 46	406	-	Op(EE 70)	566	-	CA 68	759	-	Op(EC 20)
	185	-	Op(FJ 90)	415	-	Op(ED 90)	571	-	ES 48	760	-	BE 93
	188	-	ES 42	445	-	DS 16

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 67 - 155 - 178 - 190 - 306 - 333 - 373 - 455 - 466 - 516 - 527 - 571 - 648.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: U 847 - Bergen; U 218 - 383 - Brest; U 454 - 706 - La Pallice.

II.	Air Reconnaissance: Against Gibraltar convoy traffic.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 455 on return passage sighted submarine, with course 270⁰ in BF 8344. Probably ours.
		2)	U 406 was attacked by aircraft in operational area (EO 5626).
		3)	U 504 likewise reports aircraft attack in the Bay of Biscay. No damage.
		4)	U 84 situation: slight traffic in DM 70, slight air activity. Moderate traffic along the shore-edge. Slight undisciplined day and night air activity there. Aircraft without location when there is a moon and some with lights. Heavy air activity at night without location in the Yucatan Straits. Moderate single ship and convoy traffic, course E.W. and W.E. in DM 18, 19, 27. Heavy air activity by day, sea patrol and a little air activity with location at night. Tortugas Bank is the approach point for ships coming from the Gulf. 6,000 ton ship left burning on 16 July in DL 6415, unexplained double and single miss on a 7,000 ton ship in DL 2618. Fall of shots heard. Chasing of a tanker given up on account of temporary breakdown of the starboard diesel engine in DM 1949 on 28 July.
	b)	G.A.F. reports convoy of 45 merchant ships, 10 patrol ships, course N. speed 8 knots, at 0900 in BE 9419.

- 75 -

U-boat sightings: BF 4765 and another in an undetermined position in the Bay of Biscay.

U-boat attacked or was attacked in EO 56.

Submarine report and U-boat sighting report in CA 54 (none of our own boats in the neighborhood.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

a) -

None.

The attention of U 647 and 489 is drawn to the shipwrecked members of the crew of a BV 138 in center and northern third of AF 70.

U 509 last reported from about CF 80 on 12 July. It had orders to remain in DR 9979 on 26 July, in order to refuel U 516 there. The boat has not arrived there up to today. It must be presumed lost. It is possible that the boat was destroyed by carrier-borne aircraft, which were reported on 14 July in DG 34 and 29 by U 168. There are no clues about it however.

U 527 has not reported up to now, in spite of several calls. The boat was in DG 8174 on 21 July and was returning with U 648. Both boats lost each other, after an alarm because of a flying boat, in CE 9773 on 23 July. In spite of a long search U 527 was not found by U 648. U 527 must be presumed lost.

U 218 left port here on a mining task at Trinidad. (Execution of task postponed, as boat had to turn back again after 3 days)

Reports of Success:

U 84

1 ship

6,000 GRT.

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









- 76 -

30.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	CE 87	U 196	-	Op(KE 50)	U 454	-	BF 91	U 591	-	Op(FK 40)
	66	-	DE 28	197	-	Op(JA 10)	455	-	BF 91	598	-	Op(FJ 60)
	67	-	BE 81	198	-	Op(KP 30)	459	-	CF 10	600	-	Op(ET 60)
	84	-	DM 86	199	-	Op(GB 40)	461	-	BF 47	604	-	Op(FK 40)
	86	-	Op(ET 80)	218	-	BF 54	462	-	BF 47	613	-	CC 85
	106	-	BF 46	230	-	CA 92	466	-	DR 78	614	-	BE 92
	107	-	BF 46	257	-	Op(EU 90)	468	-	ES 35	615	-	Op(ED 70)
	117	-	CE 32	262	-	BE 83	489	-	AF 47	618	-	Op(EU 90)
	129	-	BF 48	306	-	DG 11	504	-	BF 47	634	-	Op(ED 10)
	134	-	Op(DO 10)	333	-	ES 31	508	-	Op(EU 90)	647	-	AE 68
	155	-	DG 11	340	-	Op(ET 90)	509	-	EG	648	-	BE 81
	159	-	Op(EB 80)	358	-	Op(EU 90)	510	-	Op(EP 10)	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	168	-	ES 46	359	-	Op(EC)	513	-	Op(GA 50)	662	-	EG 52
	172	-	Op(FR 70)	373	-	CE 52	516	-	EG 52	664	-	BE 49
	177	-	Op(KQ 90)	382	-	Op(EU 90)	525	-	BF 48	706	-	BF 91
	178	-	JK 52	383	-	BF 54	527	-	BE 76	732	-	Op(DN 70)
	181	-	Op(KG 70)	403	-	DG 12	532	-	ER 29	757	-	Op(ET 70)
	183	-	ES 85	404	-	BE 92	533	-	ER 25	759	-	Op(EC 20)
	185	-	Op(FJ 90)	406	-	Op(EO 65)	566	-	CA 83	760	-	BE 83
	188	-	ES 57	415	-	Op(EE 70)	571	-	ES 29	847	-	AF 79
	190	-	CC 66	445	-	DS 54	572	-	Op(EE 70)

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 67 - 155 - 178 - 190 - 306 - 333 - 373 - 455 - 466 - 516 - 571 - 648.
	Entered Port: - . -
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance:
	Fighter thrusts for U-boat groups leaving port.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 177 sank in KR 5726 "Cornish City", 4,950 GRT course 10⁰, with coal from Durban to Aden.
			Sinking was seen and reported by southward bound ship. This ship was picked up with a "Stelze" (observation device) and chased as far as JB 2475. Contact lost when visibility became bad.
		2)	U 406 reported attacks by four-engined aircraft with flares and depth charges. Attacks were warded off on 30 July in EO 5667 and on 31 July in EO 2937, no casualties.
		3)	U 571 dived in ES 3479 because of flying boat and proposes a new rendezvous with U 333 in EJ 7993.
		4)	U 604 was surprised by aircraft in FJ 91. Boat received well aimed depth charges, the motor was shot into flames. Several members of the crew were wounded. Boat set out on return passage.
	b)	The aircraft which were sent to attack did not have any success, because they could not penetrate far enough. (See figure IV d2)

- 77 -

An English unit was located in BF 7160 as well as another in BE 9330.

U-boat sightings: BF 7123, BF 7155, BF 7165, BF 7495, BF 4787.

None.

IV.

Current Operations:

None.

The new approach for U 262 - 760 - 404 - 462 - 461 and 504 is CE 19.

U 664 is to steer with the lowest speed for the same square, and wait there for U 383 with the object of taking over a mains unit. Decisions can be made about further use of the boats, only after both the tankers have passed the Bay of Biscay.

U 117 and 306 are to remain from 1600 on 1 August in CE 4265, in order to refuel for return to base at economical cruising speed.

U 648 has not met U 67 at the rendezvous ordered in BD 9925. Calls are being sent out for a position report.

The outward-bound group consisting of U 461 - 462 and 504 was attacked by several enemy aircraft from 1000 on. At 1157 U 461 reported, that the group was engaged with 5 aircraft. Position BF 7124. Boat requested air protection 9 Ju 88 were appointed, which however could not reach the area until about 1400. The aircraft had to turn before reaching the boats however, as they could not penetrate far enough into the area. No further message came in from the boats. On account of enemy location in BE 9330 boats are ordered to disperse and continue independent routes.

U 459 was escorted, together with U 117 through the Bay of Biscay, by 3 destroyers and departed on an independent route on the night of 24 - 25 July. The boat did not give the passage report which was ordered. It must therefore be considered lost. Possibly U 459 was destroyed by enemy warship units, which were reported in BE 66 on 24 July. There are no clues about it however.

Reports of Success:

U 177	1 ship	4,590 GRT
U 604	1 aircraft.

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



- 78 -

31.July 1943.

I.	U 43	-	DG 17	U 196	-	Op(KE 50)	U 454	-	BF 82	U 598	-	Op(FJ 60)
	66	-	DE 31	197	-	Op(KQ 70)	455	-	BF 64	600	-	Op(ET 60)
	67	-	BE 83	198	-	Op(KP 30)	461	-	BF 92	604	-	Op(FJ 92)
	84	-	Op(DM 90)	199	-	Op(GB 40)	462	-	BE 68	613	-	CC 75
	86	-	Op(ET 80)	218	-	BF 46	466	-	DR 49	614	-	BE 83
	106	-	BF 47	230	-	CA 82	468	-	Op(ET 40)	615	-	Op(ED 70)
	107	-	BF 47	257	-	Op(EU 90)	489	-	AE 68	618	-	Op(EU 90)
	117	-	CE 22	262	-	BE 82	504	-	BE 68	634	-	Op(ED 10)
	129	-	BE 69	306	-	CE 72	508	-	Op(EU 90)	647	-	AE 67
	134	-	Op(DO 20)	333	-	ES 21	510	-	Op(EP 10)	648	-	BD 96
	155	-	CE 72	340	-	Op(ET 90)	513	-	Op(GA 50)	653	-	Op(EO 20)
	159	-	Op(EB 80)	358	-	Op(EU 90)	516	-	EG 52	662	-	EG 52
	168	-	ES 84	359	-	Op(EC)	525	-	BE 69	664	-	BE 71
	172	-	Op(FR 10)	373	-	CE 26	532	-	ER 65	706	-	BF 82
	177	-	Op(JB 13)	382	-	Op(EU 90)	533	-	ER 61	732	-	Op(DN 70)
	178	-	JK 50	383	-	BF 46	566	-	Op(CA 73)	757	-	Op(ET 70)
	181	-	Op(KG 70)	403	-	DG 17	571	-	ES 23	759	-	Op(EC 20)
	183	-	FD 23	404	-	BE 83	572	-	Op(EE 70)	760	-	BE 82
	185	-	Op(FJ 90)	406	-	Op(EO 34)	591	-	Op(FK 40)	847	-	AF 76
	188	-	ES 89	415	-	Op(EE 70)
	190	-	BC 31	445	-	DS 86

	On Return Passage: U 66 - 67 - 155 - 178 - 190 - 306 - 333 - 373 - 455 - 466 - 516 - 571 - 648.
	Entered Port: U 455 - St. Nazaire.
	Sailed: - . -

II.	Air Reconnaissance: None.

III.	Reports on the Enemy:
	a)	1)	U 107 was attacked by an aircraft in BF 7492 and reported later, that the aircraft was still shadowing her.
		2)	U 185 sank in FJ 8372 5,000 ton ship with course 230⁰, speed 10 knots. Nothing seen en route from FK 21 to FJ 87 via FK 78. 4 steamers met off Bahia from 24 to 30 July, one heard on hydrophones. Inward and outward bound traffic only by day approximately along the 200 meter line. Neither air nor sea patrol at night.
		3)	U 572 reports aircraft attack in EO 1612.
		4)	U 406 situation: double miss on a fast independent tanker, course 270⁰, speed 16 knots, on 21 July in EF 7881. From 21 to 23 July in EF 71 to 76, remained on the surface detecting location several times, nothing seen. On 23 July in EF 7259 enemy periscope. No traffic in EO 55, 56, 64. From 30 July night air activity, only able to fix location after the first run-in.
	b)	None.
	c)	1)	An enemy unit was inaccurately located in BE 93 and another in BF 1910.
		2)	U-boat sightings: EO 56, BF 16, BF 4577. A U-boat was attacked in EO 56 and another in EO 21.

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		3)	Submarine report of the Greek steamer "Point Clear" from LD 5190.
	d)	None.

IV.	Current Operations:
	a)	None.
	b)	After meeting U 516, U 662 is to occupy as an attacking area, the sea area between EF 34, 41, EP 38, EG 49. Traffic going N.W. and S.E. is expected there. U 662 has not arrived up to now at the rendezvous. Inquiry re position is being sent out.
	c)	1)	For the delivery from U 572 to U 406 of a possible quantity of ammunition and grease, the first rendezvous to be proposed is in about EE 93.
		2)	Refueling of U 306 from U 117 is not necessary. According to new report boat reached as far as France, with the amount of fuel remaining. U 117 therefore met U 66 in CD 6755 on 3 August and refueled it for return home.
	d)	1)	U 566 has successfully carried out the mine task near Norfolk.
		2)	U 67 has not reported again in spite of calls. The boat must be presumed lost. Last W/T message from about DP 60 was dated 13 July, in which was reported the situation and that the boat was returning. Every clue is missing on the cause of the loss.
		3)	U 159 reported last on 29 June from DQ 1225, that it had dived when it was fired upon by warship units. The boat had orders to operate in the are off Colon. As there are neither sighting reports nor other clues coming from this area, about the appearance of this boat, it is presumed, that the boat had already been destroyed on the way there. It must be presumed lost.
		4)	U 613 has been challenged several times for position report, without answer. Last report was dated 18 July from BE 86. The boat was to lay mines off Jacksonville, but according to dead reckoning it did not get as far as that. This boat must be presumed lost. There are no clues.
		5)	U 759's last report was on 11 July from EC 1264. Boat intended to operate during the full moon period in the southern part of its operational area. (EC 10 and 20) According to a radio intercept report, a U-boat was attacked by an aircraft on 15 July in EC 27. As all the other boats, which come into question, have reported up to the present, it must concern U 759. It must be presumed lost.
		6)	U 513's last report was on 15 July from GA 60. Boat proposed rendezvous with U 199 for 22 July in GA 6699. U 513 did not arrive there and has not reported again in spite of several challenges. According to a radio intercept report, a fishing boat on coastal patrol in GA sighted a U-boat on 23 July, which was diving with difficulty. Whether this

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			report is true, cannot be verified. It is presumed that U 513 was destroyed by aircraft, as it was confirmed that there was a sea patrol in this area.
		7)	U 591 was refueled by U 487 in DF 68 on 10 July, and subsequently had assigned to it as an attacking area, the area off Pernambucco. The challenge on 31 July to propose a rendezvous with U 604, was not answered by the boat. It must be presumed lost. According to a radio intercept message a U-boat was attacked by an aircraft in FC 84 on 22 July, a boat was sighted in FJ 82 on the 24 July. Whether the loss of U 591 is connected with that, cannot be verified.
		8)	U 662 was to meet U 516 in EG 5255 on 30 July, but up to today it has not arrived there. It reported on 21 July from EP 8911 that it dived, after a stick of bombs from a Catalina, and an exchange of fire lasting an hour. Another breakdown of the Metox gear. Subsequently it proceeded to the rendezvous. There are no clues about the destruction by aircraft or patrol vessels. It must be presumed lost.

V.	Reports of Success: None.

VI.	General:
	1)	On account of breakdown of U 459, some boats, whose replenishment of supplies was no longer secured, had to be fetched back. U 84 - 572 and 134 therefore received the order to set out on return to base. So far as is necessary, it is intended to refuel them from U 117. Further, see situation summary in the War Diary of 5th August 1943.
	2)	Group West reports, as result of experiments by Radar Instruction and Experimental Troops, that the radar interceptor, Metox type, of the U-boat, produces a radiation of its own, which can be detected by aircraft at a flying height of:
			500 meters at a distance of 23 kilometers
			1000 meters at a distance of 33 kilometers
			2000 meters at a distance of 50 kilometers.
		Results exceed considerably the maximum range of the Metox radiation, which was known up to now by C-in-C Submarines, and these results are disturbing in connection with numerous unexplained losses throughout the last week. Immediate examination of the situation in virtue of the existing particulars and the opinion of the Chief of the Naval Communications Service shows the following.
		a)	It appears possible that the enemy utilizes the Metox radiation in order to approach the target, without putting radio location into action. From the reports of the boats facts can only be gathered for the assumption, it is true, from a few individual cases. The more and more numerous radar interceptions of lengthy location activity of the enemy in the Bay of Biscay and other areas speak against the assumption. The danger of the enemy using the Metox radiation exists above all when the receiver (for example when

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expecting location or the appearances of further locations) remains fixed on a certain tuning and so radiates on a constant frequency. The danger appears to be less, if the tuning of the receiver is continuously charged (Searching Watch).

In clear weather, where the look-out can detect aircraft in good time, radar interception with Metox can only offer a slight advantage, but under the circumstances also a considerable disadvantage, if it is made easy for the enemy to find the boat through utilizing the Metox.

In bad conditions of visibility, the U-boat can be picked up by aircraft, either by radar location or by approaching the target by reason of the Metox radiation. If the U-boat uses the Metox for radar interception then in many cases it can at least detect it in good time the enemy, who is using radar location, and can protect itself from being taken by surprise. These cases are more and more numerous, as appears from reports handed in, W/T messages and War Diaries.

Operation of our own radar location equipment, gives greater protection from surprise in each case. Very much against this at present however is the fact that U-boat installations are still inadequate.

The following Command by W/T is issued for all boats in the Atlantic.

On account of the suspicion, that the enemy identifies the oscillator radiation of the Metox at a greater distance and uses it for location, action must be taken as follows, until further clarification by experiments:

1)	According to current Order No. 13, paragraph C 1 a, switch off Metox in area when conditions of visibility are such that aircraft are picked up in good time by the lookout.
2)	In unfavorable conditions of visibility the boat must surface to charge batteries and use Metox gear, but it must alter the tuning continuously, that is to say covering the waveband continuously and evenly. When enemy location is detected the boat is to switch off immediately and dive.
3)	In cases where our own radar location is serviceable boats must install this in place of Metox while proceeding surfaced, as the detection of enemy aircraft will be made more certain by that.
4)	In other sea area especially in Mid and Southern Atlantic, tactics at discretion and according to one's own observation. As long as enemy aircraft approaches after clearly observed location activity, there should be no hesitation about the use of Metox gear. When aircraft approach, without location having been detected beforehand, especially in bad conditions of visibility, caution is requested, procedure according to paragraph 1 to 3 is then advisable.
5)	The use of Metox radiation by sea forces at a distance, which is operationally useful, is improbable.

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	The following measures are to be introduced immediately:
	a)	Re-examination of the situation with technical establishments, re-examination of the reports of the boats for further clues on this problem.
	b)	Verification of the results of experiments reported, by further experiments.
	c)	Identification of the radiation of the new radar interceptor (Hagenuk, Wave Indicator) which is shortly coming into operation by trials as near the operational area as possible.
	Further measures and supplementary orders are in view, which will correspond to the results of these examinations and further experience.

For the C. in C. U-boats,

Chief of Operations Department.

(Signed): GODT.











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Supreme Command of the Navy

Naval War Staff (2nd Division) C-in-C U-boats Operations
Reg. No. - Gkdos. 286 Chefs. A2
			2 July 1943.

Operations Order "New York" for U 117

I.	Operation:
	An extensive laying of mines is to be carried out in the convoy routes off "New York".

II.	Enemy Situation: According to radio intercept reports heavy regular convoy traffic is to be expected in the main and secondary convoy routes.
	1)	From the light-ship Ambrose an outward route and an approach route has been ordered which lead in direction 135⁰ for 30 miles to the convoy rendezvous.
	2)	From this rendezvous on, the main convoy route to England is on a course of 90⁰.
	3)	Gibraltar convoys steer from the rendezvous on a course of about 130⁰.
	4)	2 secondary and coastal convoy routes run out from the rendezvous on courses of about 60⁰ and 210⁰.
	5)	According to an agent's report - minefields lie off the entrance to New York, one to the S. and one to the E.
		(See Standing Order No. 491 figure 24 and attached maps)
	6)	Convoy traffic.
		a)	5 convoys averaging 35 steamers each, going to and from England, are expected during the month.
		b)	4 outward and inward bound convoys, likewise of about 35 steamers each are going to Gibraltar via the Bermudas during the month.
		c)	Irregular subsidiary convoy traffic on noted routes, about 5 steamers per week.
		d)	Stragglers on all convoy routes.
	7)	Defence situation: Air and sea patrol is expected in this area, especially when convoys are leaving and entering port. Probably strong to very strong air activity as soon as our boats are observed. According to the timing of the convoy

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		traffic known up to now, a convoy is expected to leave New York for England on 1 August and 2 convoys are expected to leave New York for Gibraltar one on the 4th and another on the 5th of August. There are no accounts about location.

III.	Minefield Material:
	1)	66 shaft mines with 400 moored mines, time adjustment = 55 days, minimum time interval for sinking times fuse set for 36 hours, depth setting minus 15 meters. Period delay mechanism 1.
	2)	The greatest depth of water into which the mines may be thrown is 350 meters, the least depth of water is 50 meters, the distance between the mines should be at least 400 meters.

IV.	Execution:
	1)	The boats are to leave harbor when operationally ready. No operation is to be carried out as a tanker, before the mining task. Mines are to be laid if possible at the new moon period.
	2)	Mines are to be laid at random on noted convoy routes. Concentration of mines on the main convoy routes to England and Gibraltar. The mining of this area must be carried out as near as possible to the convoy rendezvous, having regard however to the 50 meter line. Enclosed sketch is to be taken as data for carrying out this task.
	3)	Commanders are allowed to make changes when laying mines, according to the enemy situation which is observed or transmitted. The Commanders are allowed to choose their own times for laying mines after they have been informed about the area.
	4)	About minefields and extinguishing of light see Standing Order No 491.

V.	Reports: Report is to be made by short message as soon as possible after carrying out the mining, but from a distance of at least 100 miles.
	In this connection:
			A.F.K.P. = have carried out minelaying off "New York".

VII	In case the enemy situation does not allow the task to be carried out, move away and report by W/T message, with the object of being allotted new mine-laying areas.

IX.	After mines have been laid there will be further disposition orders for boats acting as tankers.


			For the C-in-C U--boats
			Chief of Operations Dept.
			(Signed): Hessler

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Copy No. 8

Supreme Command of the Navy

Naval War Staff (2nd Division) C-in-C U-boats Operations
Reg. No. - Gkdos. 269 Chefs. A2
		29 June 1943.

Operations Order "Charleston" for U 107

I.	Operation: A mine laying operation is to be carried out in the approach routes to Charleston inside the 20 meter line.

II.	Enemy Situation: A regular single ship traffic from Charleston to the other eastern ports of the American coast is to be expected, likewise boats departing from, or approaching the coastal convoys.

III.	Defence: Air patrol especially by day is to be expected "U 455" reported in September 1942, a patrol vessel immediately in front of the entrance, a lighthouse and an approach buoy are burning as in peacetime.
	No data about location.

IV.	Minefield Material: 12 torpedo mines type B, time adjustment = 80 days, time fuse = 2 mines 1 day, 2 mines 3 days, 4 mines 5 days and 4 mines 6 days, sensitivity 10 millioersteds. Detonation of 2 mines the first time a ship runs over, 2 mines at the second covering run, 3 mines at the fourth and 5 mines at the sixth (5 blue, 4 red, 3 green).
	Mines should only be laid at a depth of from 10 - 20 meters. Distance between mines 300 meters.

V.	Geographical boundaries: None. The mines are to be laid as near as possible to the entrance and on the main inward course.

VI.	Execution: On the way to the operational area the tubes are to be loaded with torpedoes. Tubes are to be reloaded 1 day before reaching the area, for laying mines. One bow tube and one stern tube are to remain ready for action with torpedoes. Before laying mines enemy traffic is to be observed. The Commander has to try under all circumstances, vigorously and tenaciously, to lay the mines far in where they give promise of the greatest success.
	The Commanders can choose their own time for laying mines, after they have been informed about the area, the period of the new moon is to be utilized fully.

VII.	Report is to be made by short message as soon as possible after laying the minefield, but from a distance of at least 100 miles.
	In that connection:
		A.F.K.P. = have carried out minelaying off "Charleston".

VIII.	After the mine-laying there will be W/T messages allocating operational area.

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IX.	In case the defence situation does not allow the task to be carried out, move away and report by W/T, with the object of being allotted new mine-laying areas.


		For the C-in-C U--boats
		Chief of Operations Dept.
		(Signed): Hessler

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