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

1 - 15 May 1944

PG30346

	1.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 12 U 198 - CF 95 U 543 - DP 84 U 843 - JJ 14   68 - DQ 80 218 - BE 69 547 - BF 55 846 - BF 54   92 - BF 46 267 - BD 66 548 - Op(BB 60) 851 - GF 96   129 - FC 85 311 - Op(AL 90) 550 - Op(CB) 852 - MZ 11   155 - Op(EW 80) 385 - Op(AL 30) 667 - Op(BD 90) 853 - AF 76   170 - CD 15 473 - BE 67 672 - BF 49 856 - Op(CB 20)   178 - CG 42 505 - Op(EU 80) 731 - CF 96 859 - BD 18   181 - FT 44 515 - EH 12 736 - Op(AL 60) 860 - AK 85   188 - EH 64 518 - BF 48 741 - BF 54 861 - AE 67   190 - Op(EV 58) 534 - AN 23 765 - Op(AK 68) 960 - BF 84   193 - CF 38 537 - FD 75 802 - BF 57 1222 - AK 39   196 - GF 19 541 - Op(DC 88)
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 218 - 267 - 518 - 672 - 741 - 802.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  U 539 - Lorient.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) 1) Air attacks:  U 846 attacked in BF 5745 at 0115, and U 852 in MP 97 at 0818 on 2.5.     2) U 92 sighted a steamer in BE 4638, course 2700, proceeding at high speed, 1625.   b)  None.   c) 1) No U-boat sightings.     2) ASV (anti-surface vessel) Location: 5 from aircraft of 19 Group, in unspecified position, of which two were cancelled, 3 by Gibraltar aircraft one of which was cancelled.     3) Enemy units were located in AM 1957, 5580, BE 5720, BF 4340.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - b) None.   c) The report of meeting with U 66 was not received from U 68, nor was the request for a position report answered.  Anxiety exists for this boat.  U 188 has only just sufficient fuel and provisions for her own return passage.  U 66's supplies must be practically exhausted.  For this reason the following measures are to be taken:      U 188 is to give half her fuel and provisions         - 260 -

 

	to U 66.  The boats can exist for 3 weeks on this.  U 198 and U 543 are to proceed full speed ahead to DR 60.  The boats should meet in about 9 days.  The boat to arrive first in this area is to supply U 188 and U 66 with fuel and provisions.   d)  The following boats must be considered lost:     U 448:  The boat put out of Brest on 14.2. and operated in the North Atlantic.  On 3.4. the boat reported having 56 cubic m. of fuel, and if stretched to the utmost, provisions for 26 days.  The last message was received on 8.4. according to which the boat had started on the return trip.  As fuel and provisions must by now be exhausted the boat should have already put in.     U 986:  The boat left Kiel at 8.2. and operated in North Atlantic.  The boat still had 45 cubic m. of fuel on 30.3. and reported her intended return trip in a last message on 12.4.  Report of putting in should have been received by now, as the boat cannot have any fuel left.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
	- 261 -

 

	Appendix 1 to KTB of 1.5.1944.         Survey of the results of radio intelligence and the knowledge of value to U-boat warfare derived from it. 1.5.1944         A. Military operational evaluation of wireless traffic.  Information for U-boats, insight into enemy position in certain sea areas.      English Aircraft:       1) Proportional strength of approaching aircraft in radio traffic.   2) Concentration of British reconnaissance as regards time and place.   3) U-boat sightings, reports of attacks on U-boats.   4) ASV location by aircraft.  Generally in connection with U-boat location, also though, in connection with "Thetis" (radar decoy) operations, as numerous reports of radar locations followed by a cancelled position are transmitted from areas where there are no U-boats but possibly Thetis buoys.  Confirmation of the effectiveness of "Thetis" buoys. English and Allied Units and Ships:       1) Intelligence of dispositions and concentrations, by wireless radar.   2) torpedoing reports with positions.   3) Occasional successes with mines as a result of reports from ships that run into them and the closing of mined areas. Groups and Convoys:       1) Evidence that convoys have left the North Channel area after their first appearance in radio traffic.   2) Passing of the area from 400 to east or west shown by the switch over by convoys from English to American radio stations and vice versa.   3) The presence of convoys and groups of vessels as well as chaser groups and the cover names of convoys, groups and chaser groups is only to a small extent known, and in most cases merely indicated that the ships are sea-borne.  Radio bearings confirm roughly the tactical position.   4) In combined U-boat/aircraft operations against a convoy (with the favorable condition that an English position reporting chart has already been specified),
	- 262 -

 

	radio interception can provide confirmation of position, course and speed, as English ships immediately report their own position when sighting German aircraft.         B. Deciphering of English radio messages intercepted.     Of particular importance to B.d.U. as these contain information concerning the convoy and positions:   One subsidiary cipher (own cover name "Gallien").  Two main ciphers ("Frankfurt" and "München").   1) The English subsidiary cipher (Gallien) at the moment still readable, however, positions not according to longitude and latitude, but with distance and bearing from reference points, which are given in writing to the receiving stations and changed for each convoy.  If the position referred to is for the first days of sailing, it is possible to construct a fairly exact draft.  Not otherwise practicable for current operations, important however for gauging the timing.  The route to be followed is apparent from the details of the course (for example, whether the route is to be via the Great Circle or the northern or southern route).   2) English main cipher (Frankfurt) with the convoy assembly points - at the moment pre-arranged, changed on 10.6.1943 and 1.1.1944, no longer readable since then.   3) English main cipher (München) with convoy assembly points also changed at the end of April 1943.  At the end of September 1943 again partly readable, again changed on 1.12.1943 and since then no longer readable.     Both main ciphers are in the process of potentially successful re-construction.
	- 263 -

 

	General evaluation of T 5 action firing. 2.  5.  1944.         A. 300 shots, of which       hits 154 + 19 possible = 58.5 % misses (explained)   62 misses (unexplained)   34 emergency shots     4 unexplained shots     2 misfire   28         (tube runners 15     early detonators 6     duds 2     surface breakers 2     torpedo failures 1     unexplained failures 3 ).         B. Successes, sunk:       1   cruiser 117 + 19   destroyers and convoy craft 3   U-boats 15   freighters 2   tankers.
	- 264 -

 

	2.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 15 U 198 - DH 22 U 541 - Op(DB) U 802 - BF 55   92 - BE 46 218 - BF 48 543 - DP 75 843 - JJ 16   129 - FK 11 267 - BE 45 547 - BF 57 846 - BF 57   155 - Op(EW 80) 311 - Op(AL 80) 548 - Op(BB 60) 851 - GP 32   170 - CD 21 385 - Op(AL 30) 550 - Op(CB) 852 - MP 97   178 - CG 19 473 - BF 45 667 - Op(BD 60) 853 - AF 72   181 - FT 76 505 - Op(EU 80) 672 - BF 54 856 - Op(CB 20)   188 - EH 19 518 - BF 49 731 - CG 78 859 - BD 44   190 - Op(EV 58) 534 - AN 28 736 - Op(AL 50) 860 - AK 87   193 - CF 39 537 - FD 79 741 - BF 55 861 - AE 83   196 - GF 83 539 - BF 55 765 - Op(AK 60) 960 - BF 84                     1222 - AK 38
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 218 - 267 - 518 - 672 - 741 - 802.   Entered Port:  U 802 - Lorient.   Sailed:  - . -         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) 1) U 473 sent passage report.  On the 28th and 29th April, after having submerged twice, on account of radar locations, surfaced again to charge batteries in spite of continued radar locations.  Trained guns using "Fliege" (radar device) for bearing and location.  Together with bombs, three flares on the surface.       On the 26th and 27th April same experience - no attack followed.     2) U 846 was attacked by aircraft in BF 8111 at 0407.   b)  None.   c) 1) U-boat sighting by aircraft of 19 Group.  2 boats in undecyphered position at 0605.  Aircraft was detected by radar (location uncertain) in BF 7216 at the same time.  3 further sightings at 0355, 0408 and 0605 respectively in unspecified positions.     2) 5 ASV locations in Gibraltar (Mediterranean) area and 4 by aircraft of 19 Group.  All positions were unspecified, all locations cancelled.     3) Enemy units were located in AL 9120, AM 4340, 4690, 5470, BC 2793, CE 2320.   d)  None.         - 265 -

 

	IV. Current Operations:   a)  None.   b)  U 129 has freedom of movement on the coast of Brazil.   c)  None.   d)  U 515 and U 68 must be presumed lost.  In spite of renewed requests neither vessel has reported.  No details of the cause of sinking.  (For loss of U 515 see KTB of 30.4. para. IV c).  Loss of U 68 see also KTB of 1.5. para.  IV c)).         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         3.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 15 U 198 - DH 25 U 541 - Op(DN) U 843 - JJ 26   92 - BE 56 218 - BF 49 543 - DP 85 846 - BF 81   129 - Op(FJ 39) 267 - BE 54 547 - BF 46 851 - GQ 14   155 - Op(EW 80) 311 - Op(AL 80) 548 - Op(BB 20) 852 - Op(MP)   170 - CD 23 385 - Op(AL 30) 550 - Op(CD) 853 - AF 47   178 - CG 25 473 - BE 55 667 - Op(BD 60) 856 - Op(CB 20)   181 - FT 87 505 - Op(EU 80) 672 - BF 54 859 - BC 93   188 - EH 15 518 - BF 57 731 - CG 79 860 - BD 15   190 - Op(EV 58) 534 - AF 79 736 - Op(AL 50) 861 - AE 85   193 - CF 62 537 - FL 14 741 - BF 28 960 - BF 79   196 - GF 92 539 - BF 57 765 - Op(AK 97) 1222 - AK 02
	On Return Passage:  66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 218 - 267 - 518 - 672.   Entered Port:  U 741 - Brest.   Sailed:  U 183 - Penang.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) 1) U 473 sighted convoy consisting of 20 steamers in BE 5182 at 1153.  Course east.  Speed 6 to 8 knots.  After a T 5 miss on a destroyer the boat was attacked with depth charges.  The boat continued the pursuit by night but did not re-establish contact, and proceeded to her operational area.     2) U 518 was attacked in BF 4861 by aircraft at 0307 and reported again at 0435.   b)  None.         - 266 -

 

	c) 1) U-boat sightings:  at 0930 in CG 9148 (U 731?), course 1170, speed 8 knots.  At 1210 a U-boat attacked convoy in BE 5154 (U 473).  At 1230 by Newfoundland based aircraft U-boat submerging course 900, speed 4 knots.  At 1245 by aircraft of 19 Group - periscope in unspecified position, course 1300, speed 7 knots.  At 0303 U-boat in BF 8246, course 2250, speed 10 knots (U 539?).  At 0410 by aircraft of 19 Group - U-boat on surface, course 3160, speed 8 knots, position unspecified.     2) Enemy unit reported sinking of U-boat at 0648 to Gibraltar.  Survivors taken on board.  This could refer to U 731 or the Mediterranean boat U 967 or 371.     3) ASV detection by aircraft of 19 Group in BF 8581 (cancelled), BF 8524 and 7 locations in unspecified positions all of which were cancelled.       2 locations by Gibraltar aircraft and one by a convoy escort aircraft were also cancelled.     4) Radio guardship "355" located in BE 15.     5) Enemy units were located in:  BE 1730 - BE 9140 - 3834 - 2380 - 2730 - CE 6326 - AM 5266 - 6149 - 5390 - 4970 - 5360 - 7440 - AN 31 - 23.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - d) None.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         4.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 12 U 196 - GP 20 U 539 - BF 85 U 843 - KY 99   92 - BE 64 198 - DH 45 541 - Op(DN) 846 - BF 72   129 - Op(FJ 65) 218 - BF 57 543 - EE 36 851 - GQ 42   155 - Op(EW 80) 267 - BE 56 547 - BF 73 852 - Op(MP)   170 - BD 77 311 - Op(AL 80) 548 - Op(BB) 853 - AE 68   178 - CG 22 385 - Op(AL 30) 550 - Op(CD) 856 - Op(CB 20)   181 - GE 36 473 - BE 25 667 - Op(BD 60) 859 - BD 44   183 - LF 23 505 - Op(EU 80) 672 - BF 54 860 - BD 18   188 - EH 12 518 - BF 48 731 - DJ 13 861 - AE 87   190 - Op(EV 58) 534 - AF 76 736 - Op(AL 50) 955 - AL 24   193 - CF 67 537 - FL 42 765 - Op(AK 99) 960 - CG 79                     1222 - AK 55
	- 267 -

 

	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 218 - 267 - 518 - 672.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  U 490 - 675 - Kiel to Group "Mitte".         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a)  Air attacks:     On U 518 in BF 4922 at 0238     On U 955 in AL 2449 at 0420.   b)  None.   c) 1) U-boat sightings:       19 Group:  At 1235, course 3500, position unspecified, at 0305 2 boats on surface, course 450, speed 10 knots, position unspecified.       Gibraltar:  At 0239 submerging boat, course 2500, speed 12 knots, position unspecified.  Previously Flak.       Iceland:  At 0320 (?) submerging U-boat, course 2500, speed 12 knots, position unspecified (U 955?).       By escort aircraft:  At 1230 submerging U-boat, unspecified position.     2) ASV locations:       19 Group:  One in BF 8816, cancelled, 6 locations in unspecified position, 4 of which were cancelled.       Gibraltar:  2 locations to unspecified position, both cancelled.     3) U.S.A. unit reported to Gibraltar:  One ship torpedoed in Convoy GUS 38.     4) Enemy units were located in BE 3250 - 7140 - 2524 - BF 1830 - 2489 - 1660 - AL 8759 - 9682 - 9774 - AM 4680 - 6460 - 0180 - 7858 - 5580 - 6257.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - c) None.         - 268 -

 

	d)  U 955 is to proceed to the North Sea after execution of special duties (in) Iceland (area).  The boat has apparently not picked up this W/T message and is bound for the Atlantic.  Operational area is to be AL 40/50.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         5.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - DR 99 U 196 - GP 35 U 537 - FL 73 U 843 - KZ 78   92 - BE 65 198 - DG 93 539 - BF 76 846 - BE 96   129 - Op(FJ 92) 218 - BF 57 541 - Op(DN) 851 - GQ 46   155 - Op(EW 80) 267 - BE 64 543 - EF 76 852 - Op(MP)   178 - BF 79 311 - Op(AL 80) 547 - BF 71 853 - AE 67   181 - GF 52 385 - Op(AL 27) 548 - Op(BB 20) 856 - Op(CB 20)   183 - LF 51 473 - BE 17 550 - Op(CD) 859 - BC 71   188 - DR 99 490 - AO 44 667 - BE 73 860 - BD 41   190 - Op(EV 58) 505 - Op(EU 80) 672 - BF 54 861 - AL 22   193 - CF 91 518 - BF 49 731 - CG 95 955 - AL 24   170 - BD 78 534 - AF 72 736 - Op(AL 75) 960 - CG 25               765 - Op(AK 99) 1222 - AK 58
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 218 - 267 - 518 - 667 - 672.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  - . -         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) 1) U-boat sightings:       On 5.5. at 1530 U-boat in DN 6779 (U 541?).     2) ASV locations:       15 Group:  At 2220, position unspecified, cancelled.       19 Group:  At 0126, position unspecified, cancelled.         - 269 -

 

	Gibraltar:  By aircraft "MKAF", between 2216 and 0737, 5 specified radar locations in CG 9588, 9587, 9637, 9688, 9822.  All cancelled.  8 unspecified locations, also all cancelled.       By aircraft "MKAK" between 2214 and 0310 3 locations in CG 9584, 9637, 9965.  All cancelled and 5 cancelled locations in unspecified positions.       Aircraft "E?OBC" sighted, at 2145, periscope in CG 9671, course 900, speed 3 knots (U 731?) and reported an unspecified ASV location at 1715.     3) Enemy units were located in:  BE 3314 - 3490 - BF 7255 - 2110 - BD 9138 - AL 6450 - 9670 - 5435 - 9355 - AM 8465 - 7170 - 4880.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a)  None.   b)  U 385, U 736 and U 765 occupy the following new operational areas and report weather conditions from there:  U 385 - AK 30, U 736 - AK 60/90, U 765 - BD 50/60.   c)  U 66 (see III a) 2)) reported at 0625, that aircraft was in contact and at 0621 "Am being attacked in EH 2546 by surface craft".  Otherwise no report.     Later, a W/T message of 5.5.2317, was broken: the boat was attacked by carrier borne aircraft on night of 2.5. after sending W/T message (at the meeting place with U 188).  The boat attempted an attack on the carrier group.  "Middle of Atlantic worse than Bay of Biscay", 23 cubic meters of fuel, sufficient provisions until 15.5.  It was apparent from the state of fuel and provisions that U 66 had taken on supplies from U 188.  The boat, however, forgot to mention what U 188 did after supplying had been carried out.     U 66 proposes supplying in EJ 16 off the coast.      As, however, the boat has been confirmed by enemy to the east, since 29.4. the proposal is impracticable.      For the choice of new assembly points the following to be considered:     1) The four boats must not be supplied too far apart from one another as in the event of the loss of a boat with a large supply of fuel, there is no further possibility of
	- 270 -

 

	the other boats being supplied.     2) Assembly points cannot be transferred to the east owing to enemy reconnaissance, nor to the south or southeast because of the trade wind area.     3) The entire area is heavily patrolled however, by enemy reconnaissance.       In this connection the following boats will supply after sunset on 11.5.:  U 534, U 188 in DS 2748, U 198, U 66 in DR 6194.       Reports of non-appearance follow on 14.5.   d)  None.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         6.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - EH 25 U 196 - GP 63 U 537 - FL 87 U 843 - KZ 88   92 - BE 66 198 - DG 97 539 - BF 75 846 - BE 95   129 - Op(FJ 97) 218 - BF 57 541 - Op(DN) 851 - GQ 82   155 - Op(EW 80) 267 - BE 68 543 - EF 23 852 - Op(MP)   170 - BD 84 311 - Op(AL 80) 547 - BE 96 853 - AE 83   178 - BF 84 385 - Op(AL 29) 548 - Op(BB) 856 - Op(CB 20)   181 - GF 57 473 - BD 36 550 - Op(CD) 859 - CD 23   183 - LE 64 490 - AN 34 667 - BE 82 860 - BD 15   188 - DR 94 505 - Op(EU 80) 672 - BF 54 861 - AL 23   190 - Op(EV 58) 518 - BF 57 731 - CG 95 955 - AL 27   193 - CF 86 534 - AF 47 736 - Op(AL 72) 960 - CG 26               765 - Op(AK 93) 1222 - AK 76
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 218 - 267 - 518 - 667 - 672.   Entered Port:  U 534 - Bergen;  U 183 - Penang.   Sailed:  U 292 - 719 - 958 - Kiel to Group "Mitte".         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) - b) None.   c) 1) No U-boat sighting reports.         - 271 -

 

	2) ASV locations:       19 Group:  3 locations in unspecified positions, one of which was cancelled.       Gibraltar:  1 cancelled location.     3) 2 aircraft of 19 Group sent urgent W/T messages from BF 4946 and BF 1819.     4) English units located in:  BE 2257 - AL 6780 - AM 4411 - 5430 - 6830 - 7740 - 7910 - 7290 - AF 8170 - 7510 - 7650.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - c) None.   d)  U 183 put into Penang again on 5.5. owing to thrust bearing going out of order.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         7.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - DS 88 U 198 - DS 33 U 541 - Op(DN) U 846 - BE 97   92 - BF 44 218 - BF 28 543 - DQ 99 851 - GQ 94   129 - Op(FQ 26) 267 - BF 69 547 - BE 95 852 - Op(MP)   155 - Op(EW 80) 311 - Op(AL 80) 548 - Op(BB) 853 - AE 85   170 - BD 85 385 - Op(AL 19) 550 - Op(CD) 856 - Op(CB 20)   178 - BF 88 473 - AL 78 667 - BE 83 859 - CD 25   181 - GF 86 490 - AN 31 672 - BF 57 860 - BD 41   188 - DS 77 505 - Op(EU 80) 731 - CG 95 861 - AL 16   190 - Op(EV 58) 518 - BF 61 736 - Op(AK 71) 955 - Op(AL 50)   193 - CF 88 537 - FS 26 765 - Op(BD 59) 960 - CG 53   196 - GQ 45 539 - BE 97 843 - KZ 94 1222 - AK 78
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 218 - 267 - 518 - 667 - 672.   Entered Port:  U 218 - Brest;  U 518 - Lorient.   Sailed:  U 516 - Lorient.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         - 272 -

 

	III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) U 955 shot down a Liberator during an air attack on 5.5.      Since 29.4. boat has had no longwave reception and therefore not received important W/T messages.  This explains the sailing to the Atlantic instead of Northern Waters.   b)  None.   c) 1) U-boat sighting by American steamer in GR 4118 (Monsoon boats U 181, 196, 851).     2) ASV locations:       19 Group:  In BF 8934, 9582, 9447, two of which were cancelled (Thetis buoys!).       Gibraltar:  1 unspecified, cancelled location.     3) Enemy units were located in:  BE 2420, 1680, AM 8111, 4520, AN 1332.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - d) None.         V. Reports of Success:     U 955                one aircraft.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         8.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - DS 57 U 198 - DS 34 U 543 - DR 75 U 851 - GQ 99   92 - BF 45 267 - BF 47 547 - BF 54 852 - Op(MP)   129 - Op(FQ 61) 311 - Op(AL 80) 548 - Op(BB) 853 - AE 87   155 - Op(EW 80) 385 - Op(AK 03) 550 - Op(CD) 856 - Op(CB 20)   170 - BD 94 473 - AL 84 667 - BE 91 859 - CD 59   178 - BF 82 490 - AF 79 672 - BF 57 860 - BC 89   181 - GF 98 505 - Op(EU 80) 731 - CG 95 861 - AL 17   188 - DR 92 516 - BF 55 736 - Op(AK 93) 955 - Op(AL 18)   190 - Op(EV 58) 537 - FS 65 765 - Op(BD 32) 960 - CG 55   193 - DH 12 539 - BF 95 843 - KZ 96 1222 - BC 33   196 - GQ 57 541 - Op(DN) 846 - BE 89
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 267 - 667 - 672.         - 273 -

 

	Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  U 534 - Bergen.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) U 385 (northern weather boat) reported at end of weather report heavy day and night air activity also 80% failure of 2 cm armour piercing shells.   b)  None.   c) 1) American unit reports hydrophone contact in EC 9319 at 0120 on 9.5.     2) ASV location:       19 Group:  In BF 6414, BF 6414, BF 5555, BF 5558 (cancelled), one unspecified, cancelled location.       Gibraltar:  One location in unspecified position, 2 cancelled locations in CG 9916 and 9914 (?).     3) Enemy units were located in:  AL 6740 - 41/42 - 5576 - 6567 - AM 1780 - 5260 - 6410 - BE 3648, AF 5157.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - b) None.   c) 1) U 548's operational area is extended 300 sea miles to the south in order to facilitate avoidance of the fog situation.     2) U 1222 received position CC 55.  Deployment in CB planned.   d)  None.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         9.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - DS 51 U 198 - DS 28 U 543 - DR 81 U 846 - CF 31   92 - BF 54 267 - BF 48 541 - Op(DN) 851 - GZ 23
	- 274 -

 

	129 - Op(FQ) 311 - Op(AL 80) 547 - BE 89 852 - Op(MP)   155 - Op(EW 80) 385 - Op(AL 17) 548 - Op(BB) 853 - AE 79   170 - BD 92 473 - AL 82 550 - Op(CD) 856 - Op(CB 20)   178 - BF 83 490 - AF 76 667 - BE 92 859 - CD 49   181 - GF 34 505 - Op(EU 80) 672 - BF 57 860 - BC 96   188 - DR 83 516 - BF 55 731 - CG 95 861 - AK 38   190 - Op(EV 58) 534 - AF 79 736 - Op(AL 95) 955 - Op(AL 40/50)   193 - DH 12 537 - FT 14 765 - Op(BD 32) 960 - CG 59   196 - GQ 85 539 - BE 94 843 - JA 73 1222 - BC 62
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 267 - 667 - 672.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  U 857 - Kiel;  U 767 - 1191 - Kiel to Group "Mitte".         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) U 548 reported position off Newfoundland:     1) T 5 on destroyer in BB 6652 on 3.5.  Liberator simultaneously beaten off.     2) Destroyer sunk in BB 6964 on 7.5.     3) No steamer traffic Newfoundland Bank and St. Johns, only strong destroyer groups.  Heavy day and dusk air activity - slight radar activity. Daily fog and ice in entire area is a great hindrance.   b)  None.   c) 1) Report of U-boat in DN 5438 (U 541?) at 0330.     2) ASV locations:       19 Group:  In BF 5795 at 2330, later cancelled.       Gibraltar:  In CG 9635 at 0315, in CG 9634 at 0333, 0323 and 2200.  All cancelled.     3) Enemy units were located in:  BE 8593 - 5750 - 1846 - AL 5171 - 5168 - 6819 - 9710 - 4472 - AM 1939 - 4276 - AM 2190.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a)  U 853 is detailed to operational area in AK 40/70 to report weather conditions twice a day.     U 539 detailed to operational area Caribbean Sea with Panama Canal as central point.         - 275 -

 

	U 851, 181 and U 196 are detailed to operational area LC.  A free hand off Cape Town and Mauritius on the outward voyage.   b) - d) None.         V. Reports of Success:     U 548               one destroyer.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         10.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - DS 27 U 198 - DS 27 U 543 - DS 58 U 851 - GZ 35   92 - BF 28 267 - BF 49 547 - CF 31 852 - Op(MP)   129 - Op(FQ) 385 - Op(AK 30) 548 - Op(BB 92) 853 - AL 22   155 - Op(EW 80) 473 - Op(AL 67) 550 - Op(CD) 856 - Op(CB 20)   170 - BD 93 490 - AF 72 667 - BF 71 857 - AO 47   178 - BF 83 505 - Op(EU 80) 672 - BF 57 859 - CD 75   181 - GP 62 516 - BF 49 731 - CG 95 860 - CD 22   188 - DR 58 534 - AF 76 736 - Op(AK 95) 861 - AK 39   190 - Op(EV 58) 537 - GE 23 765 - Op(BD 32) 955 - Op(AL 45)   193 - DH 12 539 - BE 89 843 - JA 82 960 - CG 83   196 - GQ 97 541 - Op(DN) 846 - CF 23 1222 - BC 37
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 92 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 267 - 667 - 672.   Entered Port:  U 92 - Brest.   Sailed:  U 107 - Lorient.         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) U 516 was attacked by aircraft in BF 5767 at 2320.   b)  None.   c) 1) No U-boat sightings, no ASV locations.     2) According to radio intelligence report, drifting life-boat containing eight men in FR 2811 (U 129's success?).     3) Enemy units were located in:  AL 6253, AM 4391, 6156, BF 1646.   d)  None.         - 276 -

 

	IV. Current Operations:   a) - b) None.   c)  Only spasmodic reports are received from boats detailed to give continuous weather reports.  The reason is among other things adverse transmitting conditions.  One also receives the impression that the enemy is intensifying his attacks on these boats as compared with the last three months (Loss of U 342, air attack on U 765, report of increased patrols from U 736).      As reports are essential (Invasion estimate, air situation) boats are ordered to avoid coming to grips with the enemy:     1) To proceed at high speed to a different position between reports.     2) In the event of heavy patrol activity to submerge for several hours after reporting.     3) Unrestricted operational areas to the west and east.   d)  U 311 must be presumed lost.  This boat put out of Brest on 9.3. and operated in the North Atlantic.   On 12.3. she shot down a Boeing B 17 in BF 4585. A convoy was sighted at 0930 on 17.3. and was reported until 2000.  5 "T 5" hits during submerged attack on destroyer.  The boat attacked a steamer escorted by three destroyers and scored a hit on 19.3.  In the last message received (2.4.) U 311 reported the non-appearance of U 358 and that her fuel supply consisted of 83 cubic meters.   No report since then.  No details of cause of loss.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         11.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - DS 27 U 198 - DS 27 U 543 - DS 58 U 852 - Op(MP)   107 - BF 55 267 - BF 57 547 - CF 34 853 - AL 23   129 - Op(FQ) 473 - Op(AL 60) 548 - Op(BB 20) 856 - Op(CB 20)   155 - Op(EW 80) 490 - AF 47 667 - BF 73 857 - AN 35   170 - BE 71 505 - Op(EU 80) 672 - BF 58 859 - DE 33   178 - BF 83 516 - BF 57 731 - CG 95 860 - CD 27   181 - GQ 47 534 - AF 72 736 - Op(AK 95) 861 - AK 39   188 - DR 58 537 - GE 38 765 - Op(BD 32) 955 - Op(AL 45)   190 - Op(EV 58) 539 - CF 31 843 - JA 67 960 - CG 91   193 - DH 12 541 - Op(DN) 846 - BE 49 1222 - BC 59   196 - GZ 21 385 - Op(AK 36) 851 - JJ 17
	- 277 -

 

	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 267 - 667 - 672.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  U 988 (to Group "Mitte").         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) - b) None.   c) 1) No U-boat sightings.     2) ASV locations:       19 Group:  BF 5449, 8524, 5847 (all cancelled).  One location in unspecified position.       Gibraltar: 3 cancelled locations in CG 9655, 9668 and 9694 between 0018 and 0617 from aircraft "KVQF".  Also locations later cancelled, in CG 9636 and 9635 by other aircraft.     3) Guardship "956" located in area CG 64.     4) Enemy units were located in: AK 9130 - AL 6450 - 7426 - AM 4869 - 5615 - 7320 - 2970 - BF 1911 - 4181.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a)  None.   b)  U 155 began return passage.     Situation report:  No traffic sighted during southerly passage from DU 41 to EK 77.  "Naxos" activity day and night in EK 44.  Approached by aircraft in EK 7719.  Proceeded from EU 85 via 9318, only isolated vessels off the coast from EV 7626 to FH 22.  No radar location, no aerial activity.  Listening distance greater than visual distance.      Boat in operational area during unfavorable full moon period.   c)  None.   d) The loss of U 550 must be presumed.  The boat sailed from Kiel on 6.2.44 and from 26.2. to 20.3. reported weather conditions from the North Atlantic.   Finally she occupied the operational area south of Newfoundland. It is possible that the boat torpedoed a steamer in CA 6231 on 16.4.  According to         - 278 -

 

	radio intelligence reports all U.S. warships received orders at 1305 on that day, to proceed to the torpedoing area.  Presumably the boat was destroyed as a result.  Four requests for a report between 24.4. and 10.5. remained unanswered.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         12.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - DS 27 U 198 - DS 27 U 543 - DS 58 U 852 - Op(MP)   107 - BF 57 267 - BF 57 547 - CF 29 853 - AL 16   129 - Op(FQ) 385 - Op(AK 38) 548 - Op(BB) 856 - Op(CB 20)   155 - Op(EW 80) 473 - Op(AL 60) 667 - BF 81 857 - AN 28   170 - BE 75 490 - AE 69 672 - BF 65 859 - DE 39   178 - BF 89 505 - Op(EU 80) 731 - CG 95 860 - CD 46   181 - GQ 72 516 - BF 49 736 - Op(AK 85) 861 - AK 39   188 - DR 58 534 - AF 47 765 - Op(BD 32) 955 - Op(AL 44)   193 - DH 12 537 - GF 44 843 - JA 67 960 - CG 95   190 - Op(EV 58) 539 - CF 34 846 - BE 78 1222 - BC 82   196 - GZ 26 541 - Op(DN) 851 - JJ 19
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 267 - 667 - 672.   Entered Port:  U 672 - St. Nazaire.   Sailed:  - . -         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) - b) None.   c) 1) No U-boat sightings:     2) ASV locations:       Gibraltar:  In CG 9545, the only report not cancelled.  Cancelled reports in CG 9692, 9585, 9679.       19 Group:  Aircraft reported at 0912:  "Am over U-boat".  Position unspecified.  At least one aircraft received instructions at 1120 to carry out U-boat search with a radius of 20 sea miles.  Another aircraft reported from the same position at 1707 as in the forenoon "Am over U-boat".  Aircraft D/F'd in outer Biscay area.  Cancelled ASV location in BF 9415.     3) Enemy units were located in:  AL 8133 - AM 4833 - 4489 - 6170 - 4125.         - 279 -

 

	d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) - b) None.   c)  VII-C boats in the North Atlantic have received orders to arrange operations in such a way that the whole time does not exceed 8 weeks.      These measures are to lessen sea time and relieve too heavy a strain on the crew.  Increased losses must not be risked by lowering the standard of watchfulness and energy at this critical stage of present day U-boat warfare.   d)  None.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         13.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - DS 25 U 198 - DS 54 U 541 - Op(DN) U 851 - JJ 28   107 - BF 49 267 - BF 57 543 - DR 91 852 - Op(MP)   129 - Op(GB) 385 - Op(AK 03) 547 - CF 58 853 - AL 17   155 - FF 37 473 - Op(AL 60) 548 - Op(CB 30) 856 - Op(CB 20)   170 - BE 76 490 - AE 65 667 - BF 82 857 - AN 23   178 - BF 83 505 - Op(EU 80) 731 - CG 95 859 - BF 47   181 - GQ 87 516 - BF 48 736 - Op(AL 78) 860 - CD 72   188 - DR 56 534 - AE 69 765 - Op(BD 32) 861 - AK 83   190 - Op(EV 50) 537 - GF 43 843 - JA 67 955 - Op(AL 45)   196 - GZ 35 539 - BE 74 846 - BE 77 960 - CG 95                     1222 - BC 87
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 155 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 267 - 667.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  U 241 - Bergen;  U 477 - 671 - 987 - 1192 - Kiel for Group "Mitte".         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) U 190 reports from the coast of Guinea:     1) Situation as "Rudolf".  Nothing off the coast in to the operational area during the moon period.  Isolated fast surface craft in EV 8312 and 7432.  MTB's and escort vessels.  No radar or aerial activity.         - 280 -

 

	2) Fast freighter of 5,000 GRT sunk with T 5 in EV 7916 on 12.5.  Course N., zig-zagging, unescorted.     3) "Fliege" (radar device) proved effective in approach.  Boat proceeded on homeward voyage owing to fuel shortage.   b) None.   c) 1) No U-boat sightings.     2) ASV locations:       19 Group:  One ASV location, cancelled.       Gibraltar:  Eight ASV locations, three not cancelled.     3) Enemy units located in:  AM 4532 - 6430 - 6420 - 4588 - 5763 - 5825 - 5147 - 4866 - 4930.   d) None.         IV. Current Operations:   a)  None.   b) U 1222 detailed to operational area off Halifax, U 853 northern weather reporting area.   c)  None.   d)  U 193 must be considered lost.  Boat has not sent passage report after 21 days. Loss probably caused by air activity in Biscay area.         V. Reports of Success:     U 190               1 ship                 5,500 GRT.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         14.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - DG 87 U 241 - AF 79 U 543 - DS 77 U 852 - Op(MP)   107 - BF 48 267 - BF 57 547 - CF 85 853 - Op(AK 14)   129 - Op(GB) 385 - Op(AK 02) 548 - Op(CB 30) 856 - Op(CB 20)   155 - FF 28 473 - Op(AL 60) 667 - BF 58 857 - AF 79   170 - BE 84 490 - AE 67 731 - CG 95 859 - BF 74   178 - BF 83 505 - Op(EU 80) 736 - AL 75 860 - CD 78   181 - GQ 89 516 - BF 72 765 - BD 65 861 - AK 88   188 - DR 38 534 - AE 68 843 - JA 67 955 - Op(AK 68)   190 - Op(EV 77) 537 - GF 88 846 - BE 77 960 - CG 95   196 - JJ 17 539 - BD 99 851 - JK 25 1222 - CC 35   198 - DS 84 541 - Op(DN)
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 155 - 170 - 178 - 188 - 267 - 667 - 736 - 765.   Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  U 549 - Lorient.         - 281 -

 

	II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) Corrupt message from U 505 on situation off the coast of Liberia. Boat has presumably begun return voyage.   b) None.   c) 1) No U-boat sightings.     2) ASV locations:       Gibraltar: By aircraft "JULB" in CG 9933 - followed by cancellation.  By aircraft "JULF" 4 locations with cancellations in CG 96 and CH 74 from 2230 to 0203.     3) Enemy units were located in: AM 5180, 5529, 6111.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a)  None.   b)  U 543 reported in short message that U 188 had not arrived at the assembly point, in spite of a three day wait.  U 188 was requested immediately for a position report.   c) - d) None.         V. Reports of Success:  None.         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -         15.May 1944.
	I. U 66 - DG 85 U 241 - AF 87 U 541 - Op(DN) U 851 - JK 23   107 - BF 47 267 - BF 57 543 - DR 58 852 - Op(MP)   129 - Op(GB) 385 - Op(AK 64) 547 - CF 87 853 - Op(AL 13)   155 - FF 16 473 - Op(AL 60) 548 - Op(CB 30) 856 - Op(CB 20)   170 - BE 82 490 - AE 83 549 - BF 55 857 - AF 76   178 - BF 83 505 - EU 80 667 - BF 58 859 - DR 11   181 - GZ 12 617 - BF 74 731 - CG 95 860 - DF 14   190 - EU 98 534 - AE 67 736 - BE 11 861 - BD 16   196 - JJ 18 537 - GP 24 843 - JA 66 955 - Op(AL 48)   198 - EH 24 539 - BD 98 846 - BE 77 960 - CG 95                     1222 - CC 29
	On Return Passage:  U 66 - 155 - 170 - 178 - 190 - 267 - 505 - 667 - 736.         - 282 -

 

	Entered Port:  - . -   Sailed:  - . -         II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.         III. Reports on the Enemy:   a) - b) None.   c) 1) One U-boat sighting in unspecified position (15 Group).     2) ASV locations:       Gibraltar:  In CG 9928 at 0015, cancelled three minutes later.     3) Enemy units were located in:  AL 9434 - AM 5130 - 4690 - BC 5140 - BE 2493 - 8381.   d)  None.         IV. Current Operations:   a) 1) U 543 is to operate at her own discretion according to her fuel situation, as U 188 has not yet reported.  U 198 also received instructions to continue the outward voyage and to report on 17.5. as there is no report on the meeting of U 66 and 198.     2) Positions allotted: U 107, the area off New York, U 516, the area round Aruba, U 547 the Liberian coast, and U 549 the north coast of Brazil.  This boat is to lay ten "Thetis" buoys in the Biscay area from point "Eis" to BF 7474.   b) - c) None.   d) 1) U 765 (Wendt) must be considered lost.  The boat reported weather conditions twice daily between the lines BD 51 and 84 and was attacked by aircraft in AK 9377 on 6.5.  Loss probable as a result of this attack, as there has been no report since then.     2) U 188 (Lüdden) must also be considered lost.  The boat sailed from Penang on 9.1.44 homeward bound and sank 7 ships of altogether 50,077 GRT and 7 cargo sailing vessels mainly in the Gulf of Aden.       U 188 and U 66 were ordered to meet in EK 1825 on May 3rd.  The meeting must have taken place because U 66 reported larger         - 283 -

 

	quantities of fuel and provisions than previously. Apart from this U 66 reported from the assembly point on the second night - groups of carrier borne aircraft.   It would appear that U 188 was sunk by these aircraft or possibly by aircraft and patrol groups combined.         V. Reports of Success:  None.                                                                                            For the Senior Officer of Submarines,                                                                                 Chief of Operations Division,                                                                                      (Signed):  GODT.
	- 284 -

 

	U-boat Situation on 1 May 1944         I. In service on 1 April 1944: 444   Losses in April:     On operations 18                                   By bombing attack on Toulon 1                                   At home (U 803) 1   Out of action (U 2) 1   Again in operation (U 180, 1102) 2   Newly in service in April 23   In service on 1 May 1944 448         In addition foreign boats:  Operational 2                                                  Home 6   Given to Japan - so far 2   U 552 recalled from operations for training 444           II. Losses in April:     Atlantic: Type VII U 302, 342, 392, 448, 744, 961, 962, 986, 974 9   Type IX U 68, 515 2   Type XIV U 488 1 Mediterranean: Type VII U 223, 343, 421, 455 4 Northern Waters: Type VII U 288, 355, 360 3       19 Home waters: Type IX U 803     1       20         III. Distribution of boats:     II VII VIIb/c VIId VIIf IXb/c IXD1 IXD2 Xb XIV XVII Total Foreign Operational: 6 - 108 2 3 34 1 9 1 - - 164 2 Trials: - -   156   - - 27 - 8 2 1 4 198 - Training: 31 3      49    - -   3 - - - - -   86 6     37   3 313 2 3 64 1 17 3 2 4 448 8     In April 1944   Recently operational + 17 (+18) Additions to total + 4 (+2) Operational boat decrease - 2 (+/-0) Trial boats increase + 6 (+3) Training boats increase +/- 0 (-1)
	- 285 -

 

	IV. Operational Distribution on May 1 1944:           In Atlantic including "Landwirt" 100 (103) Mediterranean 14 (17) Northern Waters:   Operations 27 (28)                                   Group "Mitte" 15 (11)                                   Torpedo suppliers 2 (1)                           6 (6)   164 (166)           Group "Landwirt" on 1 May Brest: 14   (5 Schnorchel boats) Lorient: 3   (1 Schnorchel boat) St. Nazaire: 12   La Pallice: 3                             32           V. In the Atlantic in April:           Daily average at sea 57 (68) Of these, in operations area 16 (24) On passage 41 (44) Of these, on return passage 19 (11)         VI. Put out in April:           From home:            to Atlantic 6       "        "                   Northern Waters 1   (torpedo supply)     "        "                   Group "Mitte" 17       "      Norway to Atlantic 0       "      France    "       " 7       "      Group "Mitte" to Northern Waters 2                                                                                      (Signed):  GODT.
- 286 -

 

	Appendix to 2 Skl. B.d.U. U-boat Operations.  Most Secret       U 302 Veteran boat.  Last message 29.3.  Middle North Atlantic.  Cause of loss unknown.     U 342 1st trip.  Last report 17.4. S.E. by W. Greenland.  Cause of loss unknown.     U 392 Veteran boat.  No report.  Cause of loss unknown.     U 448 Veteran boat.  Last report on 8.4.  S.E. by W. Greenland.  Cause of loss unknown.     U 744 2nd trip.  Last report on 5.3. south of Iceland.  Loss may have been due to aircraft.     U 961 1st trip.  No report.  Cause of loss unknown.     U 962 2nd trip.  Last message on 8.4.  West of Bay of Biscay.  Cause of loss unknown.       U 986 1st trip.  Last message at 10.4. south of Iceland.  Cause of loss unknown.     U 974 1st trip.  Last message at 19.4.  Skudesnes Fiord.  Loss caused by U-boat.     U 68 Veteran boat with much experience.  Last report 4.4. west of Portugal.  Cause of loss unknown.     U 515 Veteran boat with much experience.  Last message 5.4. west of Portugal.  Cause of loss unknown.     U 488 Veteran boat.  New Commander.  Last report on 30.3. west of Cape Verde.  Loss probably caused by aircraft.     U 223 Veteran boat.  No report.  Cause of loss unknown.     U 343 Veteran boat.  No report.  Cause of loss unknown.     U 421 Veteran boat.  Loss on 29.4. by aircraft in Toulon.     U 455 Veteran boat.  Last message on 2.4. western Mediterranean.  Loss perhaps due to U-boat.       U 288 2nd trip.  Last message on 3.4. Northern Waters.  Loss probably caused by convoy escort aircraft.     U 355 Veteran boat.  Last message on 1.4. Northern Waters.  Lost attacking convoy.     U 360 Veteran boat.  Last message 1.4.  Northern waters.  Lost attacking convoy. -------       19 (12 veteran)
- 287 -