U-136 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Andi Forster

Departed	Date	Arrived	Date	Days at Sea
Kiel	22 January 1942	Kristiansand	23 January 1942	2
Kristiansand	26 January 1942	Bergen	28 January 1942	3
Bergen	30 January 1942	St. Nazaire	1 March 1942	31

 

Click the icon to download a KMZ file displaying the U-boat track, significant events and locations for this patrol.  You must have Google Earth loaded on your computer to view this file.  Download Google Earth here

 

Ships Hit
Date	KTB Time	Position	Ship	Tons	Nationality	Convoy
5 Feb 42	22.37	55°57'N, 20°05'W	HMS ARBUTUS (K 86)	925	British	ON-63
11 Feb 42	01.33	56°15'N, 20°45'W	HEINA	4,028	Norwegian	SC-67
11 Feb 42	01.35	56°15'N, 20°45'W	HMCS SPIKENARD   (K 198)	925	Canadian	SC-67
17 Feb 42	22.28	58°09'N, 13°48'W	EMPIRE COMET	6,914	British	HX-174
			Total = 12,792
Note:  The positions in the table above and in the Google Earth patrol summary are derived from the KTB and in many cases do not match those set forth in authoritative references such as Jürgen Rohwer, Axis Submarine Successes of World War Two or the Uboat.net website.  The goal here is to present the picture relative to the U-boat and not the absolute position that the ship was attacked or sank.

---

				Copy No. . . 2. . .
			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g e  b  u  c  h
				"  U  136  "  .
			Beginning:        30.  8.  1941  (Commissioning).
			Concluding:      16.  1.  1942.
			Kommandant:    Kapitänleutnant    Z  i  m  m  e  r  m  a  n  n
			Distribution:           6. U-Flottille Copy No. 1 B.d. U         " 2 2, A.d.U.-Boote         " 3 O. K. M.         " 4 and 5
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB

		30.08.41	Bremen Vegesack Vulkan Werft	Commissioning of the boat.
		31.08.41	Bremen	Took over the boat and broke it in on the Weser.
		01. - 03.09.41	Bremen	Independent training and [illegible few words].
		04. - 05.09.41	Kiel	Transit to Kiel.
		06. - 11.09.41	Kiel	U.A.K. testing in Kiel Harbor.
		12.09.41	Kiel	Testing in pressure dock.
		13. - 19.09.41	Kiel Harbor	Service according to Kommandanten instructions.
		20. - 21.09.41		Transit to Rönne.
		22. - 23.09.41	Rönne	Sound trials in Rönne.
		24. - 25.09.41		Transit to Danzig.
		26. - 30.09.41	Danzig Bay	At the disposal of the Kommandanten, independent training.
		01.10.41	Danzig Bay	Torpedo shooting by T.E.K.
		2.10. - 03.10.41	Danzig Bay	At the disposal of the Kommandanten.

		04. - 06.10.41		Transit to Bremen.
		07. - 29.10.41	Bremen Vulkan Werft	Final adjustments.
		30 - 31.10.41		Transit to Kiel.
		01.11.41	Kiel Harbor
		02. - 04.11.41		Transit to Hela.
		05. - 06.11.41	Danzig Bay	Watch boat.
		07. - 13.11.41	Danzig Bay	Service according to Kommandanten instructions.
		14. - 15.11.41	Danzig Bay	Watch boat.
		16. - 23.11.41	Danzig Bay	Service at the discretion of the Kommandanten, cannon exercises, signal exercises.
		24.11.41		Transit to Pillau.  Cleared the boat.
		25.11.41	Pillau	Boat shifted, torpedo loading.
		26. - 27.11.41	Pillau	Service according to Kommandanten instructions.
		28. 29.11.41		Transit to Danzig.

		30.11.41		Transit to Pillau.  Torpedo loading.
		01.12.41	Pillau	Torpedo shooting.
		02. - 03.12.41	Pillau	Depth control training, torpedo loading.
		04. - 06.12.41		Torpedo shooting.
		07.12.41		Transit to Gotenhafen and Danzig.
		08.12 41	Danzig	Service according to Kommandanten instructions.
		09.12.41		Transit to Gotenhafen.
		10. - 19.12.41	Eastern Baltic	Tactical training with the 27. U-Flottille.
		20.12.41		Transit to Danzig.
		21. - 22.12.41	Kiel	Transit to Kiel.
		23.12.41	Kiel	Shifted to Howaldtwerft.
		24.12.41 - 15.01.42	Kiel	Shipyard lay period.
		16.01.42	Kiel	Sea trial in Kiel Bay.

 

				Copy No. . . . . 5 . . .
			K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
			"  U  136  "  .             Beginning: 17. 1. 1942         Concluding:        1.  3.  1942
			Kommandant:    Kapitänleutnant    Z  i  m  m  e  r  m  a  n  n
			Distribution:     " U 136 " Copy No. 1 6. U-Flottille         " 2 B.d. U         " 3 2, A.d.U.-Boote         " 4 O. K. M.         " 5 + 6
			Enclosures:     6 Sketches For Copy No. 1 - 5 1 Track chart    "         " 1 - 5 1 Radio Log (clear text)    "         " 1 1 Excerpt of the Radio Log (clear text)    "         " 2 - 5

	- 1 -
		17.01.42	Kiel	Final adjustments in shipyard ended.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
		17. - 21.01.42	Kiel, Tirpitz Mole	Outfitting.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
		22.01.42
		06.00	Kiel	Put to sea.
		07.33	Kiel Lightship	Passed.
		08.00	AO 7723
			ENE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 1036 mb, light snowfall, Vis. bad
		09.05	Point rot 5	Continued transit under escort Sperrbrecher 13 through the Great Belt.
			1-5 cm ice layer
		12.00	AO 7541	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 69 nm
			NE 1-2, Sea 0, misty, ice floes	Submerged    =  0 nm
		16.00	AO 7166
			NNE 1, Sea 0, 1038 mb, lightly cloudy, ice floes
		20.00	AO 4876
			NE 1, Sea 0, ice floes 1-8 cm thick
_______________________________________________________________________________________
		23.01.42
		00.00	AO 4819
			NNE 1, Sea 0, 1039 mb, misty, in places ice floes up to 20 cm thick
		01.20		Sperrbrecher continually sticks in the ice, danger of collision.
		02.05 - 02.43		Stopped, middle crossbar of the ice protector broken.  Ice protector was removed.
		04.00	AO 4575
			NNE 1, Sea 0, 1038 mb, misty, ice floes 2-10 cm
		07.49	Point schwarz 23	Continued transit to Kristiansand South under escort "M 1908".
		08.00	AO 4437
			E 2, Sea 0, 1037 mb, Vis. 2 nm
		12.00	AN 3635	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 262.9 nm
			ESE 3-4, Sea 2-3, misty, driving snow, Vis. 1 nm	Submerged    =       0 nm
		16.00	AN 3616	Boat is among the rocks, entrance not seen, went to deeper water and waited for it to clear.
			Thick fog, Vis. 200 nm, Sea 5-6

	Sun and Moon Data 22.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42

	- 2 -
		continued
		23.01.42
		16.25		Ice protector was broken in the seas, had to be cut away at risk of life by Seemann No.1.
		16.30	Somewhat clearer, Vis. 1/2 nm
		19.05	Kristiansand South at the Silo	Entered, 4.1 xx water taken over.
		20.00	Kristiansand South	[perhaps 410 or 4101 liters - the amount is not clear]
			NNE 4, driving snow, Vis. 400 meters
_______________________________________________________________________________________
		24.01.42
		00.00	Kristiansand South	Ready for sea delayed to 09.00 hours by Escort Leader.
			NNE 4-5, driving snow, Vis. 300 meters
		09.00	Kristiansand South	Put to sea.  Proceeded under escort by U.-Jäger 1702 and Steamer "G.L.M. RUSS" through the West Gap.
			NNE 4-5, misty, snow
		09.52	Vis. 100 meters, driving snow	Came about due to low visibility in the archipelago.  Had to wait for visibility to improve.
		11.00	Kristiansand South	Made fast, fuel loading not possible.  Trim test in harbor.
				Day's run:  Surfaced  = 65.7 nm
		16.00	NNE 5, thick driving snow	Departure of the convoy was ordered for 25 January at 08.30 hours by Seekommandant.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
		25.01.42
		08.00	Kristiansand South	Ready for sea delayed by the Escort Leader until visibility improves.
			NNE 4-5, driving snow, Vis. 300 meters
		12.00	NE 6, driving snow, ground fog, Vis. 100 meters, 1014 mb, temp -20°C	Day's run:  Surfaced  = 0 nm
		14.10		Junkers compressor is out of service.  Intend to run into Bergen for repairs.
				Orders from the Seekommandant.  Stavanger:  26 January 03.00 hours ready for sea, transit to Stavanger, there further orders for Bergen.
				Gruppe Nord, B.d.U. and 2.A.d.U.-Boote informed by teletype.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
		26.01.42
		00.00	NE 4, isolated snowfall, clearing, Vis. 600 meters
		03.00	Kristiansand South	Departed with U-Jäger 1702 and G.L.M. RUSS.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42

	- 3 -
		continued
		26.01.42
		04.00	AN 3616
			Fog, Vis. 300 meters, E 3, Sea 2
		08.00	AN 3413
			NNE 2, misty, Vis. 100 meters, Sea 2
		12.00	AN 3151	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 69.9 nm
			WSW 2, Vis. 3 nm, Sea 1-2, low ground fog	Submerged    =      0 nm
		14.03		Made fast Stavanger.  Order from Seekommandant Continue transit from Stavanger for Bergen 27 January 08.00 hours.
		27.01.42
		08.00	Stavanger	Departed under escort by U.-Jäger 1702 and "GEORG L.M. RUSS", transit to Bergen.
			ESE 2-3, Sea 3, Vis. 1-2 nm, fog, at times snow
		11.20	Kopervik	Entered due to low visibility.
			ESE 5-6, thick driving snow, Vis. 100 meters, temp -10°C	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 51.4 nm
				Submerged    =      0 nm
		28.01.42	Kopervik
		09.00	ENE 5-6, misty, Vis. 3 nm	Departed under escort by U.-Jäger 1702 and "G.L.M. RUSS".
		12.00	AN 2938	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 29.7 nm
			ENE 4, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm, 1005 mb	Submerged    =      0 nm
		16.33	Bergen	Ran in.  New compressor installed.  Control room man badly injured on the right arm by bursting water level glass.  Exchanged with Masch.Gefr. Seiler left behind by   "U-352".
		29.01.42
		12.00	Bergen	Inventories resupplied.
				Day's run:  Surfaced       = 53.6 nm
				Submerged    =      0 nm
				Work on the Junkers compressor finished.
		30.01.42
		01.30	Bergen	Departed under escort of U.-Jäger "UNITAS".
		04.00	AN 2450
		04.00	SE 1, overcast, very bright night, 1019 mb
		04.55	AN 2420	Released escort.
		08.00	AN 2415
			S 4, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, rain shower

	Sun and Moon Data 26.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 27.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42

	- 4 -
		continued
		30.01.42
		09.23	AN 2331	Crash dive for training, proceeded submerged.
		12.00	AF 8784	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 70.6 nm
			S 4-5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 5 nm, rain showers	Submerged    =   6.3 nm
		16.00	AF 8773
			SSE 5, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. 8 nm
		18.32	AF 8749	Far off depth charge detonations.
		18.36	AF 8749	Drifting mine 2 meters away.
		18.45	AF 8749	Surfaced.
		20.00	AF 8742
			SSE 6, Sea 5, overcast, bright night, Vis. 8 nm
		31.01.42
		00.00	AF 7695
			SW 6-7, Sea 5-6, overcast, bright, Vis. good
		04.00	AF 7649
			SW 6, Sea 5-6, overcast, Vis. good, bright
		08.00	AF 7555
			SW 4, Sea 4, overcast, snow showers, Vis. 200 meters in places
		09.32	AF 7546	Crash dive for training, proceeded submerged.
		12.00	AF 7545	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 156.1 nm
				Submerged    =   22.7 nm
		16.00	AF 7466
			SW 2-3, Sea 3, very clear, nearly cloudless
		19.05		Surfaced, proceeded on the surface.
		20.00	AF 7491
			S 1, Sea 1, moonlit, nearly cloudless, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 30.01.42
	Sun and Moon Data 31.01.42

	- 5 -
		01.02.42
		00.00	AE 9993
			SW 1-2, Swell, partial overcast, bright moonlit night
		04.00	AM 3256
			SW 2, light W-Swell, overcast, bright, Vis. good
		08.00	AM 3197
			SW 1, light W-Swell, overcast, rain, Vis. 5 nm
		11.49	AM 2426	Crash dive for land-based aircraft, apparently Handley-Page-Hampden, was unnoticed.
		12.00	AM 2426	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 252.7 nm
			W 3, Sea 2-3, Vis. good	Submerged    =   24.0 nm
		12.35	AM 2426	Surfaced.
		16.00	AM 2296
			W 5-6, Sea 4, cloudy, Vis. moderate
		19.43		Incoming Radio message 1052/1/167/261:  To Zimmermann
				1.  Boat joins group "Schlei", as attack area occupy area AL 30 Varendorf is there.
				2.  Report concerning outbound transit only when one must transmit anyway.
		20.00	AM 2415
			WNW 5-6, Sea 5, overcast, Vis. good
		20.16		Incoming Radio Message 1093/1/68/275:  Zimmermann is reminded of passing report.
				Therefore yesterday's Short Signal sent three times was not understood, despite being sent twice, intend to send a new position Short Signal immediately because the boat is already 150 nm from the attack area.
		22.00	AM 2323	Position Short Signal:  My position is AM 23.
		22.47		Incoming Radio Message 2225/1/73:  Confirmation of own Short Signal.

Sun and Moon Data 01.02.42

	- 6 -
		02.02.42
		00.00	AM 2313
			WNW 3-4, Sea 4, drizzle, overcast, bright night, Vis. good
		04.00	AM 2177
			NW 2, Sea 3-4, overcast, Vis. good, bright
		08.00	AM 1422
			SSE 3-4, Sea 3-4, Vis. 7 nm, drizzle
		10.58 - 11.37		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
		12.00	AM 1413	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 169 nm
			SSE 3-4, Sea 3-4, Vis. 7 nm, drizzle	Submerged    =   5 nm
		16.00	AM 1188
			SW 5, Sea 5, overcast, misty
		20.00	AL 3299	Boat is at the east edge of the operations area.
			W 3, Sea 3-4, misty, Vis. 200-2000 meters
_______________________________________________________________________________________
		03.02.42
		00.00	AL 3288
			WSW 3-4, Sea 3, misty, overcast, rain shower
		04.00	AL 3278
			W 5-6, Sea 5, 5/10, bright moonlit night, Vis. moderate
		08.00	AL 3272
			NW 5, Sea 5-6, Vis. good
		10.34 - 11.55		Crash dive for training, boat balanced at depth A +60 meters.
		12.00	AL 3271	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 128.8 nm
			NNW 5, Sea 5-6, Vis. good, 6/10	Submerged    =   3.7 nm
		16.00	AL 3271
			WNW 5, Sea 5-6, 6/10, Vis. good
		20.00	AL 3441
			NNE 2, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. good

	Sun and Moon Data 02.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 03.02.42

	- 7 -
		04.02.42
		00.00	AL 3477
			NNE 2, Sea 3, cloudy, Vis. good
		04.00	AL 3671
			NE 1-2, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. good
		08.00	AL 3644
			NE 2, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good
		10.39 - 11.10		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
		12.00	AL 3811	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 128.1 nm
			NE 2, Sea 3-4, 5/10, Vis. good	Submerged    =   2.2 nm
		16.00	AL 3878
			NE 2, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. good
		20.00	AL 0318
			NE 2, Sea 3, 2/10, Vis. clear
		05.02.42
		00.00	AL 0372
			NNE 1-2, Sea 3, 1/10, Vis. moderate
		04.00	AL 0388
			E 1-2, Sea 4, 4/10
		06.30	AL 0389	17 shadows ahead, came about.
		07.03		F-Signal aa 660/0700:
				Convoy in sight, steers westerly course, square AL 0389.
				- U-136 -
		08.00	AL 0384	It is too bright for a night attack, will wait until twilight.
			NE 2, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. 7 nm
		08.30		F-Signal aa 420/0829:
				The reported convoy consists of 17 vessels, square AL 0358, 10 knots.    - U-136 -
		10.07		F-Signal aa 414/0950:
				Square AL 0375, enemy steers course 280°.    - U-136 -
		10.24		Am ahead of the convoy, two destroyers come up quickly.
		10.40		Submerged to attack.  Convoy zigzagged away to port.
		11.22		Bright white star in the convoy, a destroyer with 4-smokestack is nearby, unfortunately target angle is too broad.

	Sun and Moon Data 04.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42

	- 8 -
		continued
		05.02.42
		11.20		Radio Message with rod antenna:
				Square AL 3996, enemy steers course 270°, speed 10 knots, was forced to submerge by destroyer.
				- from Zimmermann -
		11.45		Aircraft astern, apparently did not belong to the convoy.
		12.00	AL 3992	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 163.4 nm
			E 2, Sea 2, mist, Vis. changing good and bad	Submerged    =   5.5 nm
		13.25		Destroyer disappeared, surfaced, pursued in 240°.
		14.42		Radio Message 1448/5/224:
				Convoy lost, last sighted AL 3996, course 270°, speed 10 knots, NNE 2, Sea 2, misty, Vis. changing, 1032 mb.
				- U-136 -
		15.15		Dived to listen, enemy sound bearing in 220°T.
		15.22		Surfaced, pursued.
		16.00	AL 6222
			NNE 2, Sea 2, Vis. medium
		16.15		Dived, sound bearing 245°T.
		16.29		Surfaced, pursued.
		16.45		Smoke clouds ahead.
		16.48		F-Signal aa 972/1816:
				Square 6138, hold contact, position NE of the convoy.
				- U-136 -
		19.25		Radio Message 1856/5/231:
				To Zimmermann:  For Zetzsche send bearing signals in accordance with War Orders.
		19.45 - 19.50		Bearing signals.
		20.00	AL 6152
			NW 3, Sea 3, misty, Vis. greatly changing
		20.15 - 20.20		Bearing signals.
		20.21		F-Signal aa 170/2021:
				Enemy disappeared in fog, square AL 6157.    - U-136 -
		20.45		Two destroyers astern, apparently I am positioned ahead of the convoy.
		21.04		Three depth charges astern.
		21.12		Four depth charges astern, 3000 meters.  Could they have seen me?

Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42

	- 9 -
		continued
		05.02.42
		21.15		Waiting for darkness for night attack.
		21.27		Initiated attack, advanced into a void, convoy had zigzagged away.
		21.50		Dived, sound bearing in 220°T.
		22.03		Surfaced, pursued.
		22.25		Morse signaling astern in the NE, turned towards, two zigzagging destroyers.
		22.37	AL 6146	Three-fan on destroyer with 2 smokestacks, hit amidships.  Destroyer broke apart and sank immediately.
				Bow right, target angle 90°, speed 12 knots, running time 52 seconds = 780 meters.
		22.40		Turned away in the suspected direction of the nearby destroyer, to reach him.  He comes in sight ahead at a sharp target angle bow right.  Lead angle calculator is still not covered.  Loud shouting on deck from him.  Passing distance was 150 meters.  Crash dive.  Destroyer shoots, good salvo progression, no hits (dirt on the artillery  - at 150 meters).  I still hear four salvos on closing the conning tower hatch.  Went slowly to depth A +80 meters.
		23.01		5 depth charges about 2000 meters.
		23.13		1 depth charge over the boat with shallow setting, no malfunctions.
		23.18		5 depth charges, further off.
		23.35		5 depth charges, range is slowly further.
		06.02.42
		00.00	AL 6148
			NW 2-3, Sea 3, misty
		00.58		Surfaced.
				Radio Message 0057/6/238:
				Destroyer, two smokestacks sunk, forced to submerge, convoy square AL 6146 lost, in pursuit in 280°.    - U-136 -
				Sent 3 times, not repeated.
		02.55	AL 5268	White bright star in 280°T, held onto it.
		03.42		Radio Message 0075/6/238 not repeated and new
				Radio Message 0342/6/240:
				Destroyer, two smokestacks sunk, forced to submerge, convoy AL 6141 lost, in pursuit 250°, W 1-2, Sea 2, misty, 1040 mb.    - U-136 -
		06.56		Dived to listen, sound bearing 295°T.
		07.07		Surfaced, pursued.
				Radio Message 0704/6/242:

	Sun and Moon Data 05.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42

	- 10 -
		continued
		06.02.42
		07.07		Radio Message 0704/6/242:
				To Zetzsche:  Position AL 5161, sound bearing from enemy, course 295°.    - U-136 -
		08.00	AL 5128
			SW 1, Sea 3, misty, Vis. greatly changing 300-3000 meters
		10.24		Radio Message 0950/6/245:
				Zimmermann from Zetzsche:  Sound bearing apparently U-591.  If you suspect you are near the convoy, request bearing signals AL 5144, course 270°, 47 cbm.
		12.00	AL 4253	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 243.4 nm
			SSW 2, Sea 2, fog bank	Submerged    =   20.1 nm
		12.06		Radio Message 1206/6/250:
				To Zetzsche:  Suspect enemy to the south, course about 250°.  Own position is square AL 4253.    - U-136 -
		14.54		Meeting with "U-213".  Verbal agreement:  He steers on the W-edge, I on the E-edge of AL 42, where enemy is expected according to plotting.
		16.00	AL 4515
			S 1-2, Sea 2, clear, 1040 mb
		19.30 - 19.42		Dived, sound bearing 210°T.
				Apparently smoke clouds in sight ahead.
		19.47		Radio Message 1947/6/265:
				Have sound bearing in 205°T, far distant, square AK 9731.  S 2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. good, 1040 mb.    - U-136 -
		20.00	AL 4734
			S 1-2, Sea 2, misty, 1040 mb
		21.10		Radio Message 2103/6/134:
				In 210°T smoke clouds in sight, far off, own position square AK 6855, SSW 2, Sea 1, Vis. good, 1037 mb.
				- U-136 -
		23.01		Radio Message 2226/6/272:
				To Zimmermann and Zetzsche:  If in contact with the convoy hang on and attack.

Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42

	- 11 -
		continued
		06.02.42
		23.01		Radio Message 2226/6/272:
				To Zimmermann and Zetzsche:  If in contact with the convoy hang on and attack.
		07.02.42
		00.00	AK 6919
			SW 1-2, Sea 1, overcast, Vis. medium
		00.17 - 00.34		Dived to listen, without results.
		04.00	AK 9317
			SSW 2-3, Sea 3, overcast, very dark, 1036 mb
		04.31 - 05.10		Dived to listen, without results.
		08.00	AK 9255
			SW 2, Sea 2-3, misty, Vis. changing, 1035 mb
		09.58		Radio Message 2053/6/268:
				Zimmermann and Zetzsche go back to attack area.
		11.26 - 11.37		Dived to listen, without results.
		12.00	AK 9199	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 260.1 nm
			S 3-4, Sea 3-4, misty, Vis. 3-4 nm, 1034 mb	Submerged    =   5.2 nm
		12.42		Radio Message 1203/7/288:
				Contact lost, position AK 9196, proceeding to attack area.  85 cbm, 9 + 2 torpedoes, SSW 3, Sea 3, overcast, Vis. 4 nm, 1038 nm, falling.    - U-136 -
		12.55		Destroyer with two smokestacks in sight on SSW course, apparently was seen.
				Crash dive, destroyer went to listening speed and stopped now and then.  No depth charges.
		13.56		Surfaced, steered in the direction of the destroyer, 220°.
		14.32		Destroyer in sight again.
		14.35		Radio Message 1355/7/296:
				Destroyer on course 220° square AK 9277 sighted briefly then lost, in pursuit, Vis. 3 nm.    - U-136 -
		15.25	AK 9432	Convoy in sight bearing 275°T, 3 nm away.
				Radio Message 1525/7/299:
				Am north of the convoy, course about 290°, square AK 9432, SE 3, Sea 4, misty, Vis. 2-3 nm, 1033 mb.
				- U-136 -

	Sun and Moon Data 06.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42

	- 12 -
		continued
		07.02.42
		15.25		Starboard forward destroyer makes a wide advance about every half hour and throws scare depth charges.  He is bluffing!
				Destroyer about 2 nm away, bridge with 4 smokestacks are recognizable with the naked eye.
		16.34		Radio message 1507/7/298:
				To Zimmermann:  Free to attack in favorable opportunity, return to attack area, caution for surprise due to weather conditions.  No contact keeper reports.
		17.15	AK 9424	Enemy disappeared in the south.
		17.55		Visibility clears up, destroyer just to port turns towards us, distance 3/4 nm.
		17.56		Crash dive, went to depth A +40 meters, however the depth charges expected with certainty did not happen.  Destroyer ran at listening speed and stopped several times.
		18.26		Sounds were fainter, went to periscope depth.
		18.34		Destroyer with two smokestacks in sight astern, low speed, distance about 1000 meters.
		18.54		Stern shot on destroyer, range = 900 meters, target angle:  bow right 118°, target speed 10 knots, miss.
		19.20		Destroyer moves away slowly and throws three depth charges.
		19.25		Destroyer out of sight, surfaced, advance in direction 250°.  To starboard far off destroyer with 4 smokestacks comes in sight and disappears immediately again.  Turned after and did not find him again, went to suspected convoy course 240°.
		20.00	AK 9434
			S 3, Sea 4, misty, Vis. 2-3 nm
		22.04		Due to oncoming darkness, bad listening conditions and bad visibility broke off search in accordance with Radio Message 1634/7/201.  Came to course for attack area.
		08.02.42
		02.10		Radio Message 0010/8/213:
				Varendorf immediately go back to attack area, Zimmermann report situation.
		02.30		Radio Message 0230/8/217:
				Miss on destroyer AK 9435, contact lost, convoy stood 17.15 hours square 9424, course 260°, proceeding to attack area, position 9187.  83 cbm, 8+2 torpedoes, SE 4, Sea 4, misty, 1031 mb.    - U-136 -

	Sun and Moon Data 07.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42

	- 13 -
		continued
		08.02.42
		04.00	AK 9165
			SE 4-5, Sea 5, misty, Vis. 4 nm, 1031 mb
		08.00	AK 9188
			SE 4, Sea 4, Vis. 4 nm, 1032 mb
		12.00	AK 9163	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 134.2 nm
			SE 3-4, Sea 4, Vis. 4 nm	Submerged    =  10.5 nm
		16.00	AK 9283
			SE 3, Sea 3, 9/10, clear, 1033 mb
		20.00	AK 6882
			SE 4, Sea 4, 9/10, clear, 1033 mb
		09.02.42
		00.00	AK 6865
			SE 3, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. good, 1033 mb
		04.00	AK 6918
			SE 4, Sea 3, 9/10, 1033 mb, Vis. moderate
		08.00	AK 6926
			SE 3, Sea 3, 1033 mb
		12.00	AL 4474	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 149.7 nm
			S 3-4, Sea 3, 4/10, 1031 mb, Vis. good	Submerged    =    1.3 nm
		12.44 - 13.06		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
		16.00	AL 4457
			S 3, Sea 3, 4/10, clear, 1030 mb
		20.00	AL 4438
			S 2, Sea 3, 4/10, clear, 1028 mb
		22.44		Radio Message 2213/9/296:
				To Esch, Zimmermann, Zetzsche and Varendorf:  On 10 February 08.00 hours switch to Ireland Circuit.
		10.02.42
		00.00	AL 4279
			S 3, Sea 4, 6/10, 1026 mb, Vis. moderate
		04.00	AL 4266
			SW 2, Sea 3, 4/10, 1025 mb, Vis. moderate

	Sun and Moon Data 08.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 09.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 10.02.42

	- 14 -
		continued
		10.02.42
		08.00	AL 5151
			SE 2, Sea 3, 7/10, Vis. changing, 1029 mb
		12.00	AL 5133	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 180.1 nm
			NE 1-2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. good, 1026 mb	Submerged    =    1.2 nm
		15.07 - 15.21		Training dive, balanced the boat.
		16.00	AL 5213
			N 1-2, Sea 2, 3/10, Vis. good, 1026 mb
		20.00	AL 5233
			NE 2, Sea 2, 2/10, clear, 1025 mb
		20.14		F-Signal aa 128/1930/10/130:
				Enemy convoy in sight, AL 5251, easterly course, runs at low speed.    - U-591 -
				Radio Message 1902/10/229:
				Zimmermann and Varendorf occupy new attack area AM northern half.
		21.10		Operating on Zetzsche-convoy.
				Radio Message 230/10/132:
				Correct position of the convoy is AL 5132, 15 ships, easterly course.  - Zetzsche -
				Radio Message 2037/10/133:
				Zetzsche report contact and attack free, Varendorf and Zimmermann operate on Zetzsche-convoy.  With strong defense all boats move off into ordered attack areas.
		22.25		Radio Message 2205/10/134
				Zetzsche reports position in naval square AL 5213 lower-center.
				So the enemy is directly ahead.
		22.30	AL 5221	By plotting should be at the convoy now.
		22.55		Two detonations.
		22.59		F-Signal aa 218/2250/10/136:
				To U-591:  Send bearing signals.    - U-136 -
		23.20		Radio bearings Zetzsche in 234°T, came to course 234°.
		11.02.42
		00.00	AL 5225
			NE 2, Sea 2, in places misty, 1025 mb, bright night, Vis. mostly good

	Sun and Moon Data 10.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 11.02.42

	- 15 -
		continued
		11.02.42
		00.08		Shadow in sight, closed, it is the convoy on easterly course, maneuvered ahead.
		01.32	AL 5235	Am ahead to port of the convoy, it zigzags 30° towards me, unexpectedly I am ahead of the foremost line abreast, screen on both ends is set back somewhat.
		01.33		Torpedo shot on freighter from tube I.
				Target angle left 50°, target speed 8 knots, range = 1000 meters, firing angle 18.7°, lead angle 11°, miss.
				Torpedo shot on freighter from tube 2.
				Target angle left 50°, target speed 8 knots, range = 800 meters, firing angle 18.7°, lead angle 11°, hit.
				Torpedo shot on freighter from tube 3.
				Target angle left 80°, target speed 8 knots, range = 1000 meters, firing angle 359°, lead angle 15°, hit.
		01.35		Starboard screen corvette comes very close ahead.  Torpedo shot while turning to port on corvette.
				Target angle left 90°, target speed 10 knots, range = 1000 meters, firing angle 340,° lead angle 19°, hit amidships, running time 40 seconds (600 meters).
				Very heavy detonation, enormous fiery glow, corvette sank after 30 seconds over the forestem.  Range 300 meters.
		01.39		Shot from tube 5 on freighter.
				Target angle left 70°, target speed 7 knots, range = 1000 meters, firing angle 163°, lead angle red 13°, hit.  Miss.  Apparently the freighter stopped.
				Several destroyers and corvettes come forward at high speed out of the convoy.  Numerous depth charges behind me.  Ran ahead of the convoy to the east with strong zigzags.  Pursuers except for one destroyer came about.  Depth charges were fainter.
		02.30		Radio Message 0158/11/140:
				Request to give up contact keeper because only 38 cbm of fuel, square 5235.    - Zetzsche -
		02.35		Ran of to the SE, would like to hold  contact; destroyer follows despite strong zigzags at target angle 0°.  (Radar?)
				Radio Message 0314/11/142:
				01.34 hours naval square AL 5235 1 corvette knocked off, hits on 2 steamers, one burning, was forced off by a destroyer.  No contact, strong escort between steamers.  6143, SE 2, Sea 2, mist in places, 1025 mb.    - U-136 -
		03.15		Destroyer passes out of sight in the mist in a NW direction, pursued in direction 305°.

Sun and Moon Data 11.02.42

	- 16 -
		continued
		11.02.42
		04.00	AL 6142
			SE 2, Sea 2, Vis. clear, in places mist, 1025 mb
		04.22		Radio Message 0350/11/143:
				Zimmermann and Varendorf:  Question contact, 36 cbm, square AL 6116, convoy easterly course, speed 10 knots.
				- from Zetzsche -
				This is already answered by own Radio Message 0314/142.
		05.12		2 vessels in sight ahead, it turns out to be 2 lifeboats, unmanned, no name.  Came to easterly course, passed numerous boxes and planks.
		05.30		Radio Message 0458/11/145:
				To boats at the convoy:
				1)  Move off with strong defenses.
				2)  Varendorf report position.
				3)  Zetzsche fuel inventory seems ample.
		08.00	AL 6116
			SE 2, Sea 3, 9/10, misty, 1025 mb
		09.40		Radio Message 0843/11/149:
				1)  Zetzsche download [torpedoes] however only in darkness.
				2)  Boats operating at the convoy, break off attack with strong air defenses and return to attack areas.
		10.47 - 11.07		Dived, balanced the boat.
		11.46		Aircraft ahead, possibly circles over the convoy.
		12.00	AL 6216	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 227.4 nm
			WSW 3-4, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. good	Submerged    =    2.1 nm
		12.54		Radio Message 1230/11/153:
				Enemy located square AL 6237, easterly course, 9 knots, flying boat, stand by for bearing signals.    - Zetzsche -
				Therefore by plotting I am behind the convoy.
		15.18		Radio Message 1455/11/156:
				Convoy located square AL 6212, downloading not possible at the moment.    - Zetzsche -
		16.00	AL 6316
			W 3, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. changing, 1023 mb
		16.45		Radio Message 1628/11/157:
				Zimmermann and Varendorf report position.
		17.00		Reported own position by Short Signal AL 63.
		20.00	AL 6338
			W 3, Sea 3, 8/10, Vis. changing, 1020 mb

Sun and Moon Data 11.02.42

	- 17 -
		12.02.42
		00.00	AM 4229
			W 4, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. moderate, 1016 mb
		04.00	AM 4235
			W 4-5, Sea 5, 8/10, 1020 mb, Vis. moderate
		04.26		Radio Message 0315/12/165:
				Convoy in sight, AM 4219, easterly course, WNW 6, Sea 5, 1020 mb, Vis. 3 nm, +9°C.    - U-591 -
		04.55		Radio Message 0436/12/166:
				To Zetzsche:  Request bearing signals.    - U-136 -
		05.50		Bearing signals from Zetzsche in 273°T, closed.
		06.00	AM 4315	By plotting should be at the convoy.
		06.45 - 06.47		Bearing signals from Zetzsche suddenly break off, suspect that the boat was forced to submerge.
		08.00	AM 4327
			W 5-6, Sea 6, misty, 1014 mb
		08.40		Radio Message 0525/12/167:
				To Zetzsche, Zimmermann and Varendorf:  Break off pursuit before lightness and move off, Varendorf to new attack area naval square AL 50, Zimmermann to naval square AM northern half, Zetzsche delayed return transit to Bergen.
				Proceeded to the northern half of AM.
		12.00	AM 0187	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 258.8 nm
			NW 7, Sea 7, 8/10, rain showers, otherwise Vis. good, 1014 mb	Submerged    =    1.2 nm
		12.17 - 12.36		Dived to balance the boat.
		12.27		Detonation far off.
		16.00	AM 0185
			NW 7, Sea 7, 5/10, Vis. good, 1015 mb
		20.00	AM 0156
			NW 6-7, Sea 7, 6/10, clear, 1017 mb
		13.02.42
		00.00	AM 0131
			NW 5-6, Sea 5, 8/10, 1020 mb, Vis. bad
		04.00	AM 1892
			NW 5, Sea 5, 4/10, Vis. 6 nm, 1023 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 12.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.42

	- 18 -
		continued
		13.02.42
		08.00	AM 1838
			NW 4, Sea 5, 5/10, 1025 mb, Vis. 6 nm
		10.46 - 11.01		Crash dive for training.  Balanced the boat.
		12.00	AM 1699	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 100.5 nm
			N 4, Sea 6, 10/10, 1028 mb, Vis. 7 nm	Submerged    =    2.1 nm
		17.00		F-Signal aa 778/1600:
				Convoy in sight square AE 7568, 3 vessels, screen ahead of the convoy, steers 110°, speed 10 knots.    - U-352 -
		20.00	AM 1632	Operating on the convoy.
			NW 4, Sea 5, 3/10, 1029 mb, Vis. good
		23.00		Radio Message 2202/13/181:
				1)  Varendorf occupy as attack area AM northern half, Rathke area west of AE 4840.
				2)  Ordered weather reports from Rathke, Varendorf, Greger, are canceled from now on.
				3)  Rathke, Forster report weather on 14 February between 01.00 and 05.00 hours.
		14.02.42
		00.00	AM 1416
			SW 3-4, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. 3 nm, 1028 mb
		04.00	AM 1249
			SW 4-5, Sea 4, 6/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1026 mb
		04.10		Radio Message 0221/14/183/244:
				Contact lost, position of convoy 20.00 hours AE 7675, course 120°, speed 9 knots, 43 cbm.
				- U-352 -
				Steamed against the convoy, meeting point about 10.00 hours, am positioned roughly on his course line.
		08.00	AM 1241
			SW 4, Sea 5, 7/10, 1021 mb, Vis. moderate
		10.50 - 11.10		Crash dive for training, balanced the boat.
		12.00	AM 1126	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 183.8 nm
			WNW 5, Sea 5, 7/10, 1021 mb, Vis. 7 nm	Submerged    =    1.8 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 13.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.42

	- 19 -
		continued
		14.02.42
		16.00	AM 1113
			SW 5-6, Sea 6, 4/10, Vis. 6 nm, 1018 mb
		20.00	AE 8786	Came about.
			SW 6-7, Sea 6, 9/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1017 mb
		15.02.42
		00.00	AE 8799
			SSW 4-5, Sea 5, 10/10, Vis. 2 nm, 1018 mb
		04.00	AM 1125
			SW 5, Sea 6, 5/10, Vis. 2 nm, 1020 mb
		08.00	AM 1137
			SW 5, Sea 5, clear, Vis. 2 nm, 1021 mb
		10.50 - 11.00		Dived, balanced the boat.
		12.00	AM 1245	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 117.6 nm
			S 6, Sea 6, 10/10, Vis. 6 nm, 1022 mb	Submerged    =    1.0 nm
		16.00	AM 1258
			SSW 5, Sea 5-6, 6/10, Vis. 6 nm, 1024 mb
		20.00	AM 1268
			SSW 6, Sea 6, 9/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1025 mb
		16.02.42
		00.00	AM 2175
			SSE 7, Sea 7, 10/10, Vis. 1 nm, 1027 mb
		04.00	AM 2188
			SSE 7, Sea 7, 3/10, Vis. moderate, 1029 mb
		08.00	AM 2328
			SSE 7, Sea 7, 8/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1028 mb
		10.23 - 10.40		Dived, balanced the boat.
		12.00	AM 2354	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 94.6 nm
			SE 8, Sea 7, 10/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1030 mb	Submerged    =   1.1 nm
		16.00	AM 2348
			S 7-8, Sea 7, 9/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1030 mb
		20.00	AM 2374
			S 7, Sea 7, 7/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1032 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 14.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 15.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 16.02.42

	- 20 -
		17.02.42
		00.00	AM 1632
			S 8, Sea 8, 10/10, Vis. 1.2 nm, 1035 mb
		04.00	AM 1626
			SE 5, Sea 7, 9/10, Vis. 1 nm, 1038 mb
		08.00	AM 1651
			S 5-4, Sea 5, 10/10, misty, 11038 mb
		10.32 - 10.44		Dived, balanced the boat.
		12.00	AM 1645	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 90.8 nm
			S 6, Sea 7, 8/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1039 mb	Submerged    =   0.8 nm
		16.00	AM 1595
			SE 5, Sea 6, 5/10, Vis. 6 nm, 1038 mb
		20.00	AM 1723	Steamer in sight, course ESE, maneuvered ahead.
			SE 5, Sea 6, 4/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1038 mb
		22.28	AM 1811	Two-fan tubes 1 and 4 on freighter, about 8000 tons, target angle left 87°, target speed 11 knots, firing angle 330°, lead angle 21°, range 1000 meters, depth 4 meters, target bearing 4°.
				2 hits, forward and astern, running time 40 seconds (620 meters).
		22.37		Steamer sank over the forestem after 9 minutes, the stern rose vertically, afterwards heavy detonation from depth charges, ran off to the west.
		18.02.42
		00.00	AM 1733
			SbyE 6, Sea 6, 10/10, Vis. 1/2 nm, 1041 mb
		04.00	AM 1721
			SE 5, Sea 6, 8/10, Vis. 1 nm, 1040 mb
		08.00	AM 1711
			SE 5, Sea 6, 9/10, Vis. 1 nm, 1039 mb
		10.15 - 10.30		Dived, balanced the boat.
		12.00	AM 3836	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 119.4 nm
			SE 7, Sea 7, 10/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1039 mb	Submerged    =   0.7 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 17.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.42

	- 21 -
		continued
		18.02.42
		16.00	AM 1547
			SE 4, Sea 5, 10/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1039 mb
		20.00	AM 1518
			SE 6, Sea 6, 10/10, Vis. 6 nm, 1039 mb
		19.02.42
		00.00	AM 1379
			SE 5, Sea 5, 10/10, Vis. 100 meters, 1039 mb
		01.07		Sent Short Signal weather report.
		04.00	AM 1357
			SE 4, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. 3 nm, 1039 mb
		09.28	AM 1323	2 shadows in the west, apparently destroyers, quickly approaching in the morning twilight.
		10.00		Crash dive for destroyers.
		10.45		Surfaced.
		10.47		Convoy in sight in the west, course about 160°.
		10.49		Went to periscope depth, because the convoy is approaching quickly, came to attack course but could not get close enough.
		11.56	AM 1326	Torpedo shot from tube 2 on freighter.
				About 3000 tons.
				Target angle left 80°, target speed 9 knots, lead angle 17°, firing angle 12°, range = 2000 meters, depth 3 meters, miss
		12.00	AM 1326
			ESE 3, Sea 3, 6/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1040 mb
		12.06		Escort vessel turned towards us, apparently had heard the torpedo, went to depth A +60 meters.
				Sounds disappeared in the G.H.G.
		12.52		Surfaced, escort was close to port, target angle bow left 90°, lies stopped about 1000 meters away.  I have had not seen him in the periscope in the high swell.
		12.53		Crash dive, went to depth A +60 meters, I must have been seen.
				Sound bearing comes closer, he runs after us.
		14.06		Sounds went away slowly.
		15.11	AM 1324	Surfaced, pursued in the SE.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42

	- 22 -
		continued
		19.02.42
		15.11	AM 1324	Radio Message 1156/19:  From - U-136 -
				AM 1326 convoy, course SE, speed 8 knots.  Forced off by listening pursuit, out of torpedoes below deck.  On 17 February independent freighter 800 GRT sunk.  ESE 3, Sea 4, 1040 mb, AM 1324, 52 cbm.
		16.00	AM 1329
			SE 5, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. 6 nm, 1041 mb
		16.07		Crash dive for land-based aircraft (Avro-Anson).  4 bombs, minor caliber, well placed.
		17.00		Surfaced.
		17.09		Crash dive for aircraft, one bomb.
		18.24		Surfaced.  Convoy can no longer be reached before daybreak and nearing the coast.
				Came to northerly course.
		20.00	AM 1135
			SE 5, Se 5, 6/10, Vis. 8 nm, 1037 mb
		20.20		Radio Message 1710/19/164:  To Zimmermann.
				If pursuit is not possible, set off to the west and reload.
				Reloading is not possible at this time.
		20.02.42
		00.00	AE 8887
			SE 4, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. 2 nm, 1038 mb
		04.00	AE 8874
			SSE 4, Sea 4, 4/10, Vis. 3 nm, 1035 mb
		08.00	AE 8763
			SE 3, Sea 4, 3/10, Vis. 2 nm, 1032 mb
		12.00	AE 8792	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 101.3 nm
			SE 5, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1032 mb	Submerged    =  15.0 nm
		16.00	AM 1111
			SE 5, Sea 5, 6/10, Vis. 8 nm, 1030 mb
		17.07		Dived for escort vessel.
		17.44		Far off detonation.
		18.00		Surfaced.
		20.00	AM 1114
			SE 5, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. 3 nm, 1030 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 19.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.42

	- 23 -
		continued
		21.02.42
		00.00	AM 117x
			SE 5, Sea 5, 7/10, Vis. 2 nm, 1029 mb
		04.00	AM 1171
			SE 3, Sea 4, 7/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1027 mb
		04.35 - 06.12		Forward torpedo downloaded, stern not possible.
		08.00	AL 3293
			E 4, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1026 mb
		12.00	AM 1311	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 50.4 nm
			ESE 3, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1025 mb	Submerged    =  6.4 nm
		16.00	AM 1318
			ESE 4, Sea 4, 9/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1024 mb
		20.00	AM 1348
			SE 3, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1024 mb
		21.12 - 23.56		Stern torpedo downloaded.
		22.02.42
		00.00	AL 3439
			ESE 3, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1023 mb
		04.00	AM 1512
			SE 2, Sea 3, 4/10, Vis. 3 nm, 1023 mb
		08.00	AM 1528
			ESE 3, Sea 3, 10/10, Vis. 6 nm, 1021 mb
		12.00	AM 1561	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 117 nm
			ESE 3, Sea 3, 9/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1020 mb	Submerged    =    0 nm
		14.24		F-Signal 1220/22/194/220:
				Enemy convoy in sight, AK 6823, enemy steers easterly course, runs at medium speed.    - U-154 -
				Operated on convoy.
		15.05		Aircraft astern, easterly course, was unseen.
		15.06		Crash dive for another aircraft from starboard, apparently was unseen.
		16.07		Surfaced.
		16.00	AM 1553
			ESE 3, Sea 2-3, 9/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1019 mb

	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.42

	- 24 -
		continued
		22.02.42
		16.15		Radio Message 1523/22/196/205:  To Kölle.
				1.  Attack free, every 4 hours report contact.  Boats operating at the convoy brief contact reports if necessary.
				2.  Immediately switch to Ireland Circuit.
		16.43		F-Signal aa 240:
				The reported warships are 2 destroyers, 6 merchant ships, steering 90°, 10 knots.  My position is AK 6677.
				Radio Message 1757/22/198:  English aircraft reported a German U-boat at 15.06 hours in AM 1501.
				So the 2nd aircraft saw us.
		19.19 - 20.16		Dived for approaching aircraft.
		20.00	AM 1716
			ESE 3, Sea 2, 8/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1019 mb
		22.36 - 22.58		Dived, aircraft on parallel course close to starboard.
		23.02.42
		00.00	AM 1771
			NNW 3, Sea 3, 9/10, showers, Vis. good, 1018 mb
		02.33		Radio Message 0035/23/105:  From Kölle.
				AL 4451, course 70°, enemy located AL 4452.
		04.00	AL 0386
			ESE 2, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 3 nm, 1016 mb
		08.00	AL 6346
			ESE 3, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. 2 nm, 1015 mb
		10.29		Radio Message 0525/23/106/239:  3 night attacks on convoy of 16 steamers, 3 destroyers, 10 misses with good data.  Was forced off, contact lost.  Convoy 06.25 hours AL 4522, course 70°, 9 knots, E 3, Sea 2-3, long Swell, Vis. 3-4 nm, overcast, 4 + 1 torpedoes.    - Kölle -
		12.00	AL 6259	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 186.7 nm
			N 2, Sea 2, Swell, 7/10, showers, Vis. 14 knots, 1014 mb	Submerged    =    9.7 nm
		12.42 - 13.50		Dived before approaching aircraft on SE course, apparently was unnoticed.
		14.33		Crash dive before 2-engines land-based aircraft, circled over the boat.
		15.31		Surfaced, navigation comparison with U-752.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.42

	- 25 -
		continued
		23.02.42
		16.00	AL 6246
			N 3, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1014 mb
		19.20	AL 6111	Convoy in sight bearing 320°T.
		20.00	AL 0288
			N 2, Sea 2, 5/10, Vis. 13 nm, 1015 mb
		20.09		Radio Message 1954/23/255/112:  AL 0273 convoy easterly course, one destroyer far forward 9 nm, all day remote escort by land-based aircraft.    - U-136 -
		21.00		Radio Message 2105/23/113:  Kölle to Zimmermann.
				Request bearing signals.
		21.45 - 21.50		Bearing signals, maneuvered ahead.
		22.00		Radio Message 2146/23/115:  To Zimmermann.
				2 hourly contact reports, attack free.
				Bad attack opportunity, in the south bright moon, in the north bright Northern Lights.
		22.45		Bearing signals.
		23.45		Bearing signals.
		24.02.42
		00.00	AL 6131
			N 2-3, Sea 2, 4/10, Vis. 4 nm, 1013 mb
		01.40		Radio Message 0141/24/1118:  Correct position of the convoy is AL 5971 [typo AL 3971], course 65°, 11 knots.  SE 2, Sea 2, cloudy, 1013 mb
		02.47		Bearing signals.
		03.15		Bearing signals.
		03.45		Bearing signals.
		04.00	AL 3984
			N 2, Sea 2, cloudy, Vis. 4 nm
		04.15		Bearing signals.
		04.25	[position incorrect]	Radio Message 0313/24/210:  Convoy AL 3933, course 90°, speed 12 knots.    - U-136 -
		04.45		Bearing signals.
		04.55		Radio Message 0400/24/     :  To Zimmermann from U-213.
				Request contact keeper reports, own position square AL 3993.
		05.15		Bearing signals.
		05.22		Radio Message 0438/24/123:  Convoy located AL 3985, course 90°, 10 knots, Giving bearing signals.    - U-136 -

	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.42

	- 26 -
		continued
		24.02.42
		05.26		Turned to attack on the starboard side of the convoy.
		05.44	AL 3997	Shot from tube 2 on destroyer.
				Target angle right 95°, lead angle 5, target speed 5 knots, depth 2 meters, range = 1200 meters, firing angle 325°, miss, apparently the destroyer had stopped.
				Shot from Tube 5, fixed angle 180° on freighter.
				Target angle right 80°, lead angle 14, target speed 10 knots, depth 2 meters, firing angle 196°, range = 2000 meters, miss.
		06.15		Bearing signals.
		06.45		Bearing signals.
		07.15		Bearing signals.
		07.40		Radio Message 0702/24/124:  From U-136.
				Enemy located AL 3994, easterly course, 35 cbm.  Out of torpedoes, 2 misses, SE 1, Sea 2, 1011 mb.
		07.45		Radio Message 0727/24/125:  Kölle reports by Short Signal contact on convoy.
		08.00	AL 3996
			SE 1, Sea 1, Vis. 4 nm, 1010 mb
		08.02		Detonation, apparently a torpedo.
		09.48		Radio Message 0932/24/127:  Enemy located AL 0378, course SE, 10 knots.    - U-136 -
		09.59	[12.00 position in error approximately AL 0384]	Radio Message 0947/24/128:  Kölle return transit to Lorient at high speed.  Zimmermann hang on, report contact.  Schröder report position.
		12.00	AL 3988	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 249.0 nm
			N 1, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. 15 nm, 1010 mb	Submerged    =    5.5 nm
		12.03		Crash dive for flying boat from the direction of the convoy.  Balanced the boat, am behind the convoy.
		12.31		Surfaced.
		12.38	[position in error]	Radio Message 1207/24/131:  AL 3983, course 85°, 12 knots, escort by flying boat.    - U-136 -
		13.52		Detonation far off.
		14.14		Crash dive before an aircraft approaching from astern.
		14.18	AL 0394	1 aircraft bomb badly placed.
		14.56		Surfaced.
		15.13		Radio Message 1430/24/130:  From U-136.
				Convoy AM 1972 was attacked by land-based aircraft, NE 1, Sea 1, Vis. 15 nm, +16°C, 1008 mb.
		15.27 - 15.58		Dived before land-based-aircraft.

Sun and Moon Data 24.02.42

	- 27 -
		continued
		24.02.42
		16.00	AL 0396
			NE 1, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. 15 nm, 1010 mb
		17.30		Radio Message 1617/24/136:  Convoy AL 0393, am 20 nm behind, dived for air escort 3 times.    - U-136 -
		17.35		Schröder positioned by Short Signal 47 nm behind.
		18.43		Radio Message 1843/24/138:  Enemy proceeds in three line abreast, AM 0198, course 90°, speed 12 knots.
				- U-136 -
				Radio Message 1851/24/81/138/297:
				Zimmermann check position.
				Boats at the convoy move off before morning twilight.
		20.21		Destroyer advances from the convoy astern.
		20.21 - 21.03		Dived before destroyer.
		21.03		Radio Message 2102/24/143:  Enemy position in Radio Message 1843 must mean AM 1995, now position is AM 0187.    - U-136 -
		21.45		Bearing signals.
		22.15		Bearing signals.
		22.26		Radio Message 2133/24/143:  Zimmermann, Varendorf, Schröder break off pursuit before lightness then begin return transit and report.  Varendorf, Schröder go back to old attack area and report position by Short Signal.
		22.30		Convoy no longer in sight.
		22.50 - 22.58		Dived to listen, sound bearing in 125°T, pursued.
		23.15		Bearing signals.
		23.27		Radio Message 2257/24/146:  Enemy position AM 4311.  Wind calm, Sea 1, very clear, 1009 mb.  - U-136 -
		23.45		Bearing signals.
		25.02.42
		00.00	AM 4233
			NE 0-1, Sea 1, Vis. clear, 1011 mb
		00.15		Bearing signals.
		01.15		Forced off by destroyer.
		02.05		Radio Message 0134/25/150:  Forced off to the SW by destroyer, last position of the convoy at 00.15 hours AM 4318, course 120°, 12 knots, NE 1, Sea 1, very bright night, Vis. 6 nm, 1011 mb.    - U-136 -

	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.42

	- 28 -
		continued
		25.02.42
		04.00	AM 4361
			NE 1, Sea 1, Vis. clear, 1011 mb
		04.31		Radio Message 0417/25/153:  To Zimmermann
				Begin immediate return transit to France.
		04.43		Radio Message 0412/25/154:  Enemy located AM 4326, course 80°, Speed 12 knots.    - U-136 -
				Began return transit.
		08.00	AM 4379
			SE 1, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. good, 1012 mb
		11.08 - 11.35		Test dive.
		12.00	AM 4565	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 262.0 nm
			SW 2, Sea 1, 7/10, clear, 1013 mb	Submerged    =   10.9 nm
		16.00	AM 4821
			SW 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1013 mb
		20.00	AM 4841
			SW 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. 15 nm, 1014 mb
		26.02.42
		00.00	AM 7132
			SW 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. 6 nm, 1015 mb
		04.00	AM 7195
			SW 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. 7 nm, 1015 mb
		08.00	AM 7544
			SW 2, Sea 1, 8/10, Vis. changing, showers, 1016 mb
		09.00		Radio Message 0858/26/167:  From U-136.
				Square AM 7547, question return harbor.
		12.00	AM 7579
			SW 2, Sea 1, 5/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1018 mb
		16.00	AM 7867
			SW 2, Sea 1, 4/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1018 mb
		19.23		Radio Message 1859/26/24/170:  Return harbor for Kölle is Lorient, for Zimmermann and Heinicke St. Nazaire.
		20.00	BE 3314
			SW 2, Sea 1, 6/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1018 mb
		23.00	BE 3381	Aircraft bearing 56°T, circles with red and white light, 200 meters high, 4 nm away.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.42

	- 29 -
		27.02.42
		00.00	BE 3385
			SW 2, Sea 1, 4/10, clear, very bright, 1018 mb
		04.00	BF 3669
			SSE 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good, 1018 mb
		08.00	BF 1783
			SSE 2, Sea 1, 3/10, Vis. good, 1018 mb
		08.51 - 09.27		Dived for fishing trawler with set lights, course about 210°.
		09.40		Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	BF 1799	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 141.0 nm
				Submerged    =   9.5 nm
		16.00	BF 1877
		20.00	BF 2213
		20.33		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		20.37		Short Signal ßß 2037:  Position 36 hours off convoy intake.
		21.20		Radio Message 2102/27/44:  Zimmermann be at Point N 1 at 08.30 on 1 March.  Kölle be off Lorient at 09.00 hours on 1 March.
		23.01		Radio Message 2237/27/48:  U-136 from 7. U.-Flottille.
				Escort will be at N 1 at 08.30 hours on 1 March.
		28.02.42
		00.00	BF 4266
			S 4, Sea 3, 5/10, Vis. good, 1015 mb
		04.00	BF 4389
			SSW 4, Sea 3, 3/10, Vis. 12 nm, 1015 mb
		08.00	BF 5459
			SSW 4, Sea 4, 8/10, Vis. 10 nm, 1013 mb
		08.30	BF	Radio Message 0822/28/52:  Kölle, Zimmermann, Winter, entry route Tannennadel.
		09.30		Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	BF 5527	Day's run:  Surfaced       = 179.5 nm
				Submerged    =   33.2 nm
		16.00	BF 5581
		20.00	BF 5563
		20.56		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.42
	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.42

	- 30 -
		01.03.42
		00.00	BF 5591
			SE 5-6, Sea 5, 10/10, Vis. 2 nm, 1006 mb
		02.33	Point T	Passed.
		04.00	BF 6471
			SSE 4-5, Sea 4, 1006 mb
		07.16	Point 34 t	Passed.
		08.00	BF 6453
			SSE 3-4, Sea 4, 10/10, Vis. 5 nm, 1008 mb.
		09.15	N 1	Taken in convoy.
		12.20	St. Nazaire, Bunker 9a	Made fast.
			General Experiences:
			1. Listening pursuit no particularly good, locating gear was not heard. 2. Last convoy ran in the last night off the North Channel 12 knots with light zigzags. 3. Remote escort by surface vessel was not determined only thrusts by single vessels before course changes. 4. Air reconnaissance and patrol vessel activity on Route Rotterdam, square AL NW-edge, square AM and 110 nm west of Ireland is weak.   Sighted apart from convoys only 1 fisherman square AM 1112                                                         1 aircraft      square BE 3381                                                         1 fisherman  square BF 1790 5. 2 times aircraft with set lights sighted.

Sun and Moon Data 01.03.42

 

	Enclosures to U-136's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Sketches	Combat sketches
Radio	Excerpt of the Radio Log

 

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
	on the Kriegstagebuch of "U-136" from 17.1.42 - 1.3.42.
	-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
	Magnificently executed, first patrol of the Kommandanten with a new boat.
	The operation on both convoys demonstrated drive, toughness and attack spirit.  Especially highlight that the Kommandant did not overestimate screening forces and attacked them without hesitation when they got in his way.
	By overestimating the enemy screen many boats have brought on premature or long defensive measures.
		Signed in draft:  D  ö  n  i  t  z  .
		For correctness:
		Leutnant z.S. and Adjutant

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