U-190 - 1st War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

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
8 Mar 43	21.59	58°03'N, 28°12'W	EMPIRE LAKELAND	7,015	British	SC-121
			Total = 7,015
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.

			K  R  I  E  G  S  T  A  G  E  B  U  C  H
			= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
			Unterseeboot  "  U  1  9  0  "
			for the period from
			24. September to 29. February 1943
			Kommandant:  Kaptlt. Wintermeyer
			= = = = = = =
			Distribution:	2 x O.K.M.
				1 x B.d.U.
				1 x Kmdr.Adm.d.U-Boote.
				1 x F.d.U.-West-
				1 x 2.Uflottille.
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		24.09.42	Bremen	Commissioning of " U-190 ".
		28.09.42	Bremen	Transit to Wesermünde.
		29.09.42	Wesermünde	Transit to Finkenwerder.
		01.10.42	Finkenwerder	Transit to Kiel.
		02.10. - 12.10.42	Kiel	U.A.K. Kiel.
		13.10. - 25.10.42	Kiel	Shipyard period.  Damage to supercharger.
		26.10. - 29.10.42	Kiel	U.A.K. Kiel.
		30.10.42	Kiel	Transit to Swinemünde.
		31.10.42	Swinemünde	Transit to Stettin.
		01.11.42	Stettin	Transit to Swinemünde.
		02.11.42	Swinemünde	Corrective maintenance work on the transmitter switching panel.
		03.11.42	Swinemünde	Transit to Danzig.
		04.11. - 9.11.42	Danzig	U.A.G.  I.  Danzig.
		10.11. - 14.11.42	Gotenhafen	T.E.K.  Gotenhafen.
		15.11. - 02.12.42	Hela	Agru-Front  Hela.
		03.12.42	Hela	Transit to Pillau.
		03.12. - 14.12.42	Pillau	Shooting with the 26th U.-Flottille.
		15.12.42	Pillau	Transit to Gotenhafen.

	- 2 -
		17.12.- 30.12.42		Tactical training in the Eastern Baltic.
		30.12.42	Gotenhafen	Transit to Stettin.
		31.12.42 - 10.03.43	Stettin	Final adjustments and overhaul.
		10.02.43	Stettin	Put to sea for Swinemünde.
		11.02.43	Swinemünde	Artillery shooting followed by transit to Rönne.
		12.02. - 15.02.43	Rönne	Sound trials not possible due to weather.
		15.02.43	Rönne	Transit to Kiel.
		16.02.43	Kiel	Instruction.
		17.02.43	Kiel	Transit to Sonderburg for sound trials.
		18.02. - 20.02.43	Kiel	Outfitting.
		20.02.43	Kiel	Put to sea for the Front.

				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
				= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
				of the Unterseebootes " U 190 "
				____1st Patrol.____
				Beginning:  20. February 1943.
				Ending    :  30. March     1943.
			Time:  DGZ.
			All naval squares.
			Operating according to Operations Order 54.
				Kommandant:  Kptlt. Wintermeyer.
				Distribution: 2 x O.K.M.   1 x B.d.U.   1 x Kmdr.Adm.d.U-Boote.   1 x F.d.U.-West.   1 x 2. Uflottille.   1 x 27.Uflottille.   1 x Agru-Front.

	- 1 -
		20.02.43
		08.30	Kiel	Put to sea from Kiel with U-530, 642, 641, 447, 633, 229, 665, Senior Kommandant U-190.
		11.20	Great Belt	Taken in convoy.  One boat of the 19 MS Flottille.
		11.45		Outgoing Radio Message on NB:
				All taken in convoy.
		11.50		U-190 completed frequency change.  Went to U-boat Coastal Circuit.
		12.00	Great Belt
			Lat.    54°45'N
			Long. 10°47'E	Day's run:  33 nm.
		21.40	Great Belt	Aircraft warning.
		23.00		A 4-engined aircraft over flies tactical No. 4 of the formation coming from thte west.
		23.10		Aircraft warning ended.
		21.02.43	Great Belt
		00.00	WNW 4, Sea 3, Vis. 10 nm
		03.15	Kattegat	Air danger Kattegat.
		11.15	Kattegat	Drifting mine sighted, attempted to shoot.
		12.00	Kattegat	Day's run:  196 nm
			Lat.    57°30.5'N
			Long. 11°29'E
		13.30	Kattegat	Patrol boat hands over escort to Sperrbrecher.
		14.30	Skagerrak	2 patrol boats join as flank escort.
		22.02.43	Skagerrak
		00.00	W 5, Sea 4, misty, Vis. 5 nm
		08.00	Kristiansand Fjord	Headed for Kristiansand harbor
		08.20	"           "	Released from convoy.
		09.10	Kristiansand	Entered Kristiansand.  Refuelled.
		12.00	"	Day's run:  143 nm
		13.10	"	Put to sea for Farsund with patrol boat 5301.
		16.25		Sighted drifting mine.
		18.20	Farsund	Made fast Farsund.
		23.02.43	Farsund
		08.05		Put to sea from Farsund, patrol boat 5301 as escort.
		11.03	South coast of Norway	Sighted drifting mine.
		12.00	"       "              "	Day's run 103 nm.
			Lat.    58°24.3'N
			Long. 5°53.2'E
		12.30	South coast of Norway	Drifting mine sighted.
		16.46	"       "              "	Drifting mine sighted.
		17.00	AN 3122	Released from convoy  The first four boats of the formation proceded to the north in order of tactical number.
		17.34	AN 3121	Test dive, afterwards ran on westerly course from the coast and to depart the warning area.
		20.00	AN 3111
		24.02.43
		00.00	AN 2868
			Sea area west of Stavanger
			SSW 3, Sea 3, Vis. 8 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 20.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 22.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.43

	- 2 -
		continue
		24.02.43
		00.39	AN 2864	U-boat sighted to starboard, probably U-Lange.  Turned away and ran until out of sight and then came to old course again.
		04.00	AN 2367
		06.40		Came to course 340°.
		07.14	AF 8787	Dived.
		08.00	AF 8784
		12.00	North Sea	Day's run:  224 nm.
			AF 8783
			Lat.    61°08'N
			Long. 3°28'E
		16.00	AF 8749
		18.13	AF 8745	Surfaced.
		20.00	AF 7818
		25.02.43
		00.00	AF 7696
			WNW 4, Sea 3, Swell, Vis. 8 nm
		04.00	AF 7662
		07.20	AF 7631	Dived.
		08.00	AF 7397
		12.00	North Sea	Day's run:  117 nm.
			AF 7386
			Lat.    62°51.3'N
			Long. 1°56'E
		18.02	AF 7358	Surfaced.
		18.29		Came to course 300° due to heavy stern sea.
		20.00	AF 7354
		26.02.43
		00.00	AF 7317
			NW 7, Sea 7, heavy Swell, Vis. 3 nm, rain
		04.00	AF 7236
		07.28	AF 7231	Dived.
		08.00	AF 7231
		12.00	North Sea
			AF 4889	Day's run:  77 nm.
			Lat.    63°37.4'N
			Long. 0°23'W
		16.00	AF 4888
		18.00	AF 4885	Surfaced.
		20.00	AF 4873
		27.02.43
		00.00	AF 4765
			W 6, Sea 6, heavy Swell, Vis. 4 nm, rain
		08.00	AF 4711
		09.28	AE 6935	Test dive.
		10.40		Surfaced.
		12.00	AE 6942
			Sea area Iceland-Faroes
			Lat.    64°18'N
			Long. 5°04'W
		16.00	AE 6942
		20.00	AE 6867

	Sun and Moon Data 24.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.02.43

	- 3 -
		28.02.43
		00.00	AE 6876
			SW 5, Sea 5, heavy Swell, Vis. 5 nm, rain
		04.00	AE 6877
		05.30	AE 6799	Crash dive for training.
		06.33	AE 6798	Surfaced.
		08.00	AE 6798	Dived.  Changed course to 245°.
		12.00	Sea area Iceland-Faroes
			AE 6797	Day's run:  117 nm.
			Lat.    63°37.2'N
			Long. 9°05'W
		16.00	AE 9123
		18.40	AE 9124
		01.03.42
		00.00	AE 8363
			WSW 4, Sea 4, heavy Swell, Vis. 6 nm
		04.00	AE 8359
		08.00	AE 8375
		08.15	AE 8374	Dived.
		12.00	Sea area south of Iceland
			AE 8296	Day's run:  119 nm.
			Lat.    62°48.6'N
			Long. 13°06'W
		16.00	AE 8298
		19.00	AE 8297	Surfaced.
		19.40	AE 8531	Due to heavy head sea changed course to 225°.
		20.00	AE 8523
		02.03.43
		00.00	AE 8525
			WSW 8, Sea 7, heavy Swell, Vis. 6 nm
		04.00	AE 8527
		08.00	AE 8543
		12.00	Sea area south of Iceland
			AE 8571	Day's run:  76 nm.
			Lat.    62°03'N
			Long. 15°05'W
		15.00		Test dive.
		15.50		Surfaced.
		16.00	AE 8731
		20.00	AE 8752
		22.08	AE 8855	Course changed to 260°, difference between dead reckoning and actual position after a navigation fix 79 nm.
		22.35	AE 8855	Incoming Radio Message 2209/2/199:
				1) As temporary attack are occupy:  Baberg square AK 75, Deetz MT 69.
				2)  New objective for:  Löser, Wintermeyer, Lange, Brünning, Rendtel, Haupt, Bothe, Müller, Schetelig is square AK 66.
		03.03.43
		00.00	AE 8845
			W 2, Sea 2, Swell, Vis. 10 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 28.02.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.03.43

	- 4 -
		continued
		03.03.43
		00.10	AE 8845	Headed for AK 65.
		04.00	AE 8797
		08.00	AL 3254
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AL 3199	Day's run 202 nm.
			Lat.    60°04'N
			Long. 17°32'W
		13.52		Incoming Radio Message 1256/3/110:
				1.)  Bothe, Schetelig, Haupt, U-633, Rendtel, Wintermeyer, Lang, Brünning, Tippelskirch, Baberg, Deetz, Dieterichs, Schug, and Löser form group Neuland.
				2.)  In named order on 7 March at 12.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from AK 6625 to BE 1132 course 240° speed 5 knots over ground.
				3.)  Do not arrive early in the line, boats arriving early stand off from the line, free to maneuver.  Radio silence in the vicinity of the line.
		14.25	AL	Test dive.
		15.07		Surfaced.
		16.00	AL 3329
		20.00	AL 3354
		04.03.43
		00.00	AL 3372
			SSW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 8 nm	Proceeding to position in reconnaissance line (see Radio Message).
		04.00	AL 2633
		08.00	AL 2661
		09.00	AL 2664	Test dive.
		11.20	AL 2659	Surfaced.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AL 2682	Day's run:  128 nm.
			Lat.    58°28'N
			Long. 20°07'W
		16.00	AL 2816
		20.00	AL 2845
		05.03.43
		00.00	AL 2793
			W 4, Sea 3, Swell, Vis. 8 nm
		04.00	AL 2931
		08.00	AL 2953
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AL 2958
			Lat.    56°52'N
			Long. 22°08'W
		12.10	AL 2957	Dived for aircraft.  Range = 1000 meters, altitude 800 meters.  Flying boat biplane appearance like Type Saro London II.
		13.43	AL 2957
		16.00	AL 2948
		20.00	AL 0169
		06.03.43
		00.00	AL 0159
			SW 5, Sea 4, Vis. 5 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 03.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.43

	- 5 -
		continued
		06.03.43
		04.00	AL 0188
		08.00	AL 4234
		09.15	AL 4237
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AL 4264	Day's run:  97 nm.
			Lat.    55°34'N
			Long. 23°56'W
		12.25	AL 4264	Test dive.
		13.15		Surfaced.
		16.00	AL 4298
		17.00	AL 4535
		19.54		Incoming Radio Message 1545/6/730:
				1.)  Bothe, Schetelig, [Haupt], U-633, Rendtel, Wintermeyer, Lange, Brünning, Tippelskirch and Baberg are detached from Group Neuland.
				2.)  These boats are intended to operate on NE-bound convoy that was reported by Hopmann on 6 March at 13.50 hours in AK 4454.  For this purpose the first 5 boats head for AK 0220 the last 5 AL 6170 at highest transit speed.  All naval squares.
				3.)  Entire group immediately switch to Hubertus Circuit.
				4.)  For the remainder of Group Neuland the previous order remains in effect.
		20.00	AL 4564
		21.05	AL 4563	In accordance with 1545/6/730 headed for AK 6170.
		22.27		Incoming Radio Message 2202/6/849:
				Boats operating on Hopmann-convoy.  Ex Neuland boats form Group Ostmark.  Remaining boats form Group Westmark.
		07.03.43
		00.00	AL 4527
			W 2, Sea 2, Vis. 8 nm
		04.00	AL 4425
		08.00	AK 6622
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AK 6289	Day's run:  247 nm.
			Lat.    55°28'N
		[typo 28°30'W]	Long. 23°30'W
		12.30		Incoming Radio Message 1158/7/874:
				Group Ostmark in the morning of 8 March at 08.00 hours in old named order be in patrol line from AK 1453 to AK 2841.
				Group absolutely must be in position at the indicated time because the convoy may pass there from 08.00 hours. If there is contact on the convoy during the next night, attack directly, without occupying the patrol line.
		14.00	AK 6278	Course changed to 328° to position in ordered reconnaissance line.
		16.00	AK 6169
		20.00	AK 0295
		22.37		Reaching ordered position in reconnaissance line at the ordered time is not possible in the current weather, because the required speed can not be maintained.
				Outgoing Radio Message 2232/7/802:
				Can not reach position for tomorrow due to weather.  Naval square AK0256 NNW 9, Sea 8, heavy Swell.

	Sun and Moon Data 06.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		07.03.43
		22.46		Incoming Radio Message 2153/7/200:
				1.)  Convoy may have separated into two groups, one goes to the east and one steers on the old general course.
				2.)  Group Ostmark tomorrow 8 March at 09.00 hours in patrol line located from AK 2619 to 0269.  Operate directly on the convoy only if specially ordered.
				3.)  Shoot even in bad weather.
		08.03.43
		00.00	AK 0228
			NW 8, Sea 8, rain showers, Vis. 2 nm
		00.30	AK 0225	Course changed to 16° (see radio message) to position in new patrol line for 8 March 09.00 hours.
		04.00	AK 0286
		08.00	AK 2856	Test dive.
		09.00	AK 2856	Arrived in ordered position in reconnaissance line.
		10.00	AK 2856	5 detonations heard.  Surfaced.
		11.50		Incoming Radio Message 1138/8/815:
				Convoy located in square AK 2691.
				from Möglich
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AK 2856	Day's run 185 nm.
			Lat.    57°40'N
			Long. 30°42'W
		12.55		Incoming Radio Message 1220/8/818:
				Westmark and Ostmark boats operate on Möglich report if there is no own enemy contact.
		14.00	AK 2839	Operating on convoy position reported by Möglich:  Course changed to 518° [probably 51°] (see Radio Message).
		16.00	AK 2839	Incoming Radio Message 1623/8/833:
				To Ost- Westmark boats.
				Attempt to catch the convoy in daylight.  Shoot right at the beginning of the night, the other boats can come up by star shells. The somewhat calm weather conditions are correct for you, yet still unfavorable for the defense of the enemy. The farther the convoy lies to the east the more difficult the battle because of increasing air. Therefore go! You are together 24 boats, the strongest group up to now.
				By the continuing bad weather, and by overcoming and stern seas both periscopes, despite maintenance and continuous drying are cloudy and of limited usefulness.
		17.12	AK 3712	Steamer sighted high out, maneuvered ahead on general course 80°, steamer is deeply loaded, makes slight course changes, it is too late for a day attack.
		18.45		Outgoing Radio Message 1700/8/843:
				Have contact on independent freighter, easterly course low speed.  Naval square AK 3710.  Sea 5, SW 6, Vis. changing.
		20.00	AK 3731
		21.59	AK 3814	3-fan on 6500 GRT freighter.
				Target speed xx, range = 1000 meters, torpedo running time 69 seconds.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43

	- 7 -
		continued
		08.03.43
		21.59	AK 3814	Hit at the after edge of the bridge, heavy detonation with high explosion cloud, moved off from the steamer which sinks after 11/12 minutes.
		22.00	AK 3814	Ran off on course 90°.
		23.45	AK 3826	Changed course to 80°.
		09.03.43
		00.00	AK 3824
			SW 5, Sea 4, Swell, Vis. 4 nm
		00.55		Outgoing Radio Message 2342/8/859:
				Naval square AK 3814, at 21.58, independent 6500 GRT sunk.  12 + 6 torpedoes.  193 cbm.  Operating on Möglich convoy.
		01.15		Incoming Radio Message 2217/8/863:
				Naval square AK 3645 While attacking forced to submerge by the enemy.  Enemy course east.
				From Möglich
		04.00	AL 1711
		04.35	AL 1579	Course changed to 30° according to plotting of the last contact keeper report from Möglich.
		07.42	AL 1552	Dived for test dive and to listen.  Nothing heard in sound gear.
		08.00	AL 1552
		08.12	AL 1552	Course changed to 30°.
		10.52	AL 1529	Surfaced.  New course 340°.
		11.26	AL 1529	Dived for approaching aircraft.  Range = 5000 meters, altitude = 400 meters, course 110°, type Lockeed Hudson.
		11.50	AL 1525	2 depth charges heard.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AL 1525	Day's run:  250 nm.
			Lat.    58°56'N
			Long. 25°10'W
		12.25	AL 1525	While rising to depth 30 meters and intending to surface, the boat was suddenly over run by a destroyer.  Destroyer throws sounding charges and was only heard in the G.H.G. at the last moment just before throwing the sounding charges.  Immediately ensuing depth charge pursuit apparently by 3 destroyers.  Depth charges are well placed.  Boat quickly goes to safe depth 2A +20 meters and runs off on a straight course.  Damage:  merely diving plane and rudder, fuses, depth gage glass, starboard regulating tank, 1 battery cell torn and out of service.
		15.30	AL 1522	Convoy heard ahead to starboard.
		15.45	AL 1522	Shifts slowly astern.
		16.00	AL 1522	Depth charge pursuit ended.
		16.30	AL 1522	While going higher and with the intent of surfacing, determined in the G.H.G. that a previously stopped destroyer astern has hung on and was picking up speed.  Stops and speeds up again and again at the same interval.
		19.30	AL 1522	Nothing more heard.  I decide to surface at the beginning of dawn and move off.
		20.00	AL 1521
		22.00	AL 1513	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		09.03.43
		22.40		Incoming Radio Message 2215/9/806:
				To Ost- and Westmark boats:  Continue searching in an easterly direction.  There is still a chance of encountering the convoy or independents.
				The boat is positioned far behind the convoy, searching in long legs in an easterly direction.
		10.03.43
		00.00	AL 1376
			W 6. Sea 5, hail and rain showers, Vis. 1-4 nm
		00.25		Outgoing Radio Message 2301/9/812:
				11.26 hours dived for aircraft naval square AL 1526.  Depth charge and sound pursuit by destroyer naval square AL 1513.
		01.00	AL 1372
		04.00	AL 1388
		04.25	AL 1389
		08.00	AL 1565
		10.07	AL 1593
		11.23	AL 1649
		12.00	North Atlantic	Incoming Radio Message 1016/10/827:
			AL 1646	Ost- and Westmark boats.
			Lat.    58°30'N	1)  Boats in promising position in the vicinity of the convoy hang on and utilize the last chance for attack.
			Long. 24°05'W
				2)  Boats in hopeless position move off to the west expect stragglers on the convoy route.  Report fuel inventory and position.
		12.50 - 14.15	AL 1651	Dived for test dive and to listen.
		15.00		2 aircraft bombs heard at long range.
		16.00	AL 1652	Surfaced.
		16.42	AL 1628	Changed course to 230°, to search for stragglers of the convoy.
		20.00	AL 1624
		22.45		Incoming Radio Message 2220/10/858:
				Ost- and Westmark boats:
				1.)  All boats break off operation at dawn on 11 March and search to the west for stragglers on the convoy route.
		11.03.43
		00.00	AL 1642
			WNW 7, Sea 7, Vis. 5 nm
		04.00	AL 1671
		08.00	AL 1599
		09.00	AL 1733
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AL 1596	Day's run:  93 nm.
			Lat.    58°23'N
			Long. 24°30'W
		12.32	AL 1593	Dived before aircraft.
		13.31	AL 1593	Surfaced.
		14.00	AL 1569	Changed course to 270°.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		11.03.43
		15.50	AL 1567	Incoming Radio Message 1416/10/882:
				Bahr, Ühlig, Engel, Pietzsch, Schetelig, Möglich, Brünning, Tippelskirch, Israel [Kinzel], Baberg, Rendtel, Haupt, Wintermeyer, Lange in named order as new Group "Stürmer" on 15 March 20.00 hours be in reconnaissance line from AK 0371 to AL 7278, course 240°, speed of advance 5 knots.  Do not occupy position earlier then odered.  Switch to Ireland Circuit from today at 20.00 hours.
		12.03.43
		00.00	AL 1878
			W 4-5, Sea 4, heavy Swell, Vis. 6 nm
		04.00	AL 0118
		08.00	AL 0148
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AL 0178	Day's run:  104 nm.
			Lat.    56°54'N	Dived for a test dive.
			Long. 24°28'W
		12.20	AL 0178	Aircraft bombs heard at long range.
		14.45	AL 0178	Surfaced.
		16.00	AL
		19.50		Incoming Radio Message 1853/12/169:
				1.)  Former "Stürmer" reconnaissance line cancelled.
				2.  Group "Stürmer" with 14 boats and additionally Krüger, Holtorf, U-384, Brosin on 14 March at 08.00 in new reconnaissance line from square AK 3563 to AL 7275 course 260°.  Speed of advance 5 knots.  Interval 20 nm.
				3.)  By that named boats join the Group.
		20.00	AL 4251
		13.03.43
		00.00	AL 4281	Sounds in the Fu.M.B.  Dived.
			WSW 4, Sea 4, Vis. 5 nm
		01.15	AL 4281	Surfaced.
		04.00	AL 4221
		08.00	AL 4554
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AL 4584	Day's run:  104 nm.
			Lat.    54°56'N
			Long. 24°10'W
		16.00	AL 4824
		20.00	AL 4857
		22.00	AL 4887	Headed for position in reconnaissance line.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.03.43

	- 10 -
		14.03.43
		00.00	AL 4873
			SW 2, Sea 1-2, Vis. 6 nm
		04.00	AL 4845
		08.00	AL 4733
		11.25	AL 4494	Test dive.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AL 4494	Day's run:  130 nm.
			Lat.    54°43'N
			Long. 25°10'W
		13.00	AL 4494	Surfaced.
		16.00	AL 9483
		20.00	AL 4451
		23.15		Incoming Radio Message 2241/14/123:
				Group "Stürmer" and "Dränger" from 15 March 08.00 hours steer 135° not 260°.
		15.03.43
		00.00	AL 4441
			W 3, Sea 3, Vis. 6 nm
		04.00	AK 6661
		08.00	AK 6651	Course change to 235° (see Radio Message of 14 March 23.15 hours)
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AK 6648	Day's run:  109 nm.
			Lat.    54°56'N
			Long. 27°46'W
		16.00	AK 6596
		20.00	AK 6822
		16.03.43
		00.00	AK 6818
			SW 8, Sea 7, Vis. 5 nm
		04.00	AK 6766	Because of increasingly rough seas decided to temporarily change about 20° to each side of the general course, because the bridge watch can hardly be maintained due to the rough head seas and overcoming water. Matr.Gefr. Kaopke was slammed against the periscope shear and broke his lower jaw losing 3 teeth and breaking off 3 teeth.
		08.00	AK 6759
		09.23	AK 6783
		09.36		Incoming Radio Message 0845/16/139:
				Feiler reports at 08.25 hours convoy naval square BD 1491, course 40°.
		11.52		Incoming Radio Message 1048/16/141:
				The 11 southernmost boats of Group Stürmer therefore Tippelskirch to Brosin operate at highest speed on Feiler-convoy.  Immediately switch Hubertus Circuit.  Convoy position 08.25 hours naval square BD 1491, course 70°, about 7 knots.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AK 6784	Day's run:  116 nm.
			Lat.    53°54'N
			Long. 30°25'W
		12.38	AK 6784	Operating on Feiler-convoy by plotting (course 207°).
		16.00	AK 9141
		20.00	AK 8637
		20.05		Incoming Radio Message ßß 2005:
				Convoy square BD 1538, course 100°, speed 8 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 14.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.43

	- 11 -
		continued
		16.03.43
		22.00		Decide to operate on the Kapitzky convoy reports.  Enemy course is unlikely.  Bearing signals from the contact keeper are not heard or were not sent.
		22.30		Incoming Radio Message 2203/16/811:
				Enemy in sight square BD 1619 course 90°, speed 8 knots.
				- U-615 -
		17.03.43
		00.00	AK 8925
			SW 3, Sea 3, Vis. 6 nm
		01.00	AK 8952	Operating on contact keeper report 2203/16/811.
		01.32		Incoming Radio Message 2346/16/815:
				Convoy BD 1612, course 30°, 6 knots, about 20 steamers in 3 columns.
				from Kapitzky.
				Because still no bearing signals are heard from the contact keeper, initially operated further on the report from U-615.  Still no bearing signals.
		03.15		To starboard flashing lights seen 2 times.
		04.00	BD 2213
		04.15		Decide to change course based on Kapitzky contact keeper reports.
		08.00	BD 2127
		09.14		Operated by plotting convoy position and course.
		09.24	BD 2118	Then at 09.24 hours smoke clouds in sight to starboard. Assumed it was the convoy, held contact.
		09.30	BD 2118	Outgoing Radio Message 0930/17:
				Have contact on smoke clouds naval square BD 2116.  U-Rendtel comes in sight to starboard and also operates on smoke clouds.  Held contact with convoy course 50° to starboard.  In changing visibility, smoke clouds are occasionally lost from sight.
		11.18	AK 8883	The last smoke cloud sighted.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AK 8883	Day's run:  304 nm.
			Lat.    51°14'N	Pursued, course changed from 50° to 300° and finally to the west.  Despite temporary deteriorating visibility due to snow squalls convoy must come into sight again.
			Long. 33°08'W
		16.15	AK 8762	Because pursuit is unsuccessful decide to operate on Raubgraf-convoy at highest speed.  According to Zurmühlen Radio Message 1457/17/869 at 14.41 hours it was located in naval square AK 8892 and steers 70°.
		20.00	AK 8829	Smoke clouds sighted briefly to port, pursued.  Thereafter crash dive for aircraft, Liberator, abeam to port.  Dived unsighted, no sound bearings on the questionable steamers to port.
		21.00	AK 8829	Surfaced, continued to operate in the direction of the convoy at highest speed, from the position and speed reported by Kinzel at 12.11 hours naval square BD 2127, course 50°, 7 knots.

	Sun and Moon Data 16.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.03.43

	- 12 -
		18.03.43
		00.00	AK 8931
			NNW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 6 nm
		02.24		Convoy is not encountered.  Continued search in course direction and operated on Tippelskirch sighting report in accordance with Radio Message 2356/17/871 (Convoy sighted by Tippelskirch at 23.47 hours in naval square AK 8667)
				Assume, that Tippelskirch in this square has sighted the Raubgraf-convoy.  No course given.  Raubgraf-convoy is not encountered.  No contact keeper.
		04.00	AK 9459	Because the boat must be in the vicinity of this convoy, and visibility is sometimes only 300 meters due to rain squalls, for the morning of 18 March decide to continue searching on convoy course 60° at the convoy speed of advance.  No contact keeper reports.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AK 9255	Day's run:  330 nm.
			Lat.    53°17'N
			Long. 28°40'W
		12.35		Incoming Radio Message 0932/18/847:
				Convoy in sight AK 9165.
				- from Freyberg -
				If the position of the sighting report is plotted with an easterly convoy course the boat is located directly ahead of the convoy.  Visibility is constantly under a mile.  Continued advance on convoy course.
		13.05		Incoming:  Kr Kr boats at Raubgraf-convoy operate at highest speed on Freyberg report.  Pursuit and advance in the direction of the convoy is pointless and therefore remained on convoy course.
		13.20		Incoming Radio Message 1252/18/850:
				Wintermeyer and Schug report weather before 17.00 hours.  Schug report as well.
		16.00	AK 9238	Outgoing Radio Message 1602/18:
				Sea NNW 6, Wind NW 6, 990 mb, Vis. 2 nm, air temperature +9°C, water temperature +1°C.
		20.00	AK 6987	Just now the first contact keeper reports are received.  Unfortunately given without course.
		20.27		Incoming Radio Message 1630/18/869:
				Operate on Freyberg report.  By a later contact keeper report from Brosin convoy is located far to the south and far behind.
		22.45		Incoming Radio Message 2055/18/880:
				Convoy broad formation, 7 steamers, slow speed, course 70°, naval square AK 9314.
				- from Brosin -
		19.03.43
		00.00	AK 6963	Decide to operate on the last convoy position from 20.55 hours.
			N 2, Sea 2, Vis. 6 nm
		01.55	AK 6992	Fiery glow to port can only be a torpedo detonation.  Hold on to the fiery glow up to 02.39 hours.  Believe that I am pursuing the Brosin-convoy.
		02.39		On reaching, went to the intercept point on the convoy course, as the fiery glow must be another partial convoy.

	Sun and Moon Data 18.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		19.03.43
		03.31	AL 4774	Boat must be in the immediate vicinity of the Brosin-convoy, therefore dived to listen.  Broad sound band over the entire starboard side.  Maximum in forward sector.
		03.45		Surfaced and operated on the convoy by sound bearing.
		04.00	AL 4774
		04.45	AL 4773	Shadow in sight ahead to starboard.  Despite the bright moonshine to port I intend to maneuver ahead to port to still reach attack position by night at all costs between moonset and morning twilight.  In so doing determined that the convoy steers more than 70°.  While setting off to port initially avoided the port astern sweeper destroyer.  Destroyer steered changing and running off courses.  Once he forced me to run at high speed when the boat was positioned in the moon track.   The destroyer is very far away, whether I was detected by him visually or by locating, I can not judge.
		05.25		Am detected by destroyer, destroyer runs towards.
		05.30	AL 4749	Dived before the destroyer.  Boat is taken to depth A +60 meters.  Destroyer comes on quickly.  Sound gear location.   First depth charge series of 7 charges is close to the boat. (at depth 2 A +10 meters several depth charge series at short intervals close to the boat).  In the sound gear determined that two vessels are conducting the sound pursuit.  They take turns listening and running in.
			NW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 6 nm
				Ejecting a Bold does not succeed, because the locating is only by listening type.
		05.30		4 depth charge series of 7, 3, 7, 12 depth charges were counted.
		05.47	Attempts to shake off the throwing of the pursuers are unsuccessful despite energetic changes of course and increasing speed.  At higher speeds the patrol vessels approach immediately.	Since the beginning of the depth charge pursuit no more Asdic location was heard.  Assuming that initial sound locating was by the escort destroyer, the prosecution was then handed over to an attached convoy patrol vessel group. Under the prevailing weather conditions (Sea 0-1) locating conditions appear to be particularly favorable. Stopping of the patrol vessels and over running for throwing charges could be observed perfectly in the G.H.G.  At times runs with explosive depth sounding and fire cracker sounds like knocking on the pressure hull were observed. Despite energetic course changes and increasing speed whenever the thrower came on, shaking off the pursuers remained unsuccessful.

Sun and Moon Data 19.03.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		19.03.43
		07.10 - 08.10		No depth charges, patrol vessels lie stopped and listen.
		08.10 - 09.00		New depth charge runs:  series of 10, 3, 4, 4, again an hour pause, no depth charges, patrol vessels stopped.
		10.00		The depth charges lie exactly over the boat and apparently were thrown set deep which was confirmed afterwards by the destruction of the over deck torpedo containers at depth 2A +20 meters.  The boat was forced to remain at this depth.
				One double series of 2 (4 depth charges).
		[250 meters = 820.21 feet! - deepest depth I have seen in a KTB - Yikes!]		Last run severe concussion, boat settles to depth 3A +10 meters.
				Severe deformation in the pressure hull whereby a frame in the control room cracks.
				Suspect pressure hull strain also in the end rooms, since cracking was heard in the boat assume that upper deck containers were damaged by depth charges and flooded, as boat was suddenly inexplicably heavy. Bilges and closures showed no changes at the time.
		10.00 - 12.00		Only isolated depth charges over the boat.  Patrol vessels have apparently run out, remain lying stopped and go from time to time.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AL 4772	Day's run:  176 nm.
			Lat.    53°55'N
			Long. 26°12'W
		14.15		This was the last time a patrol vessel was heard running past.
		16.00	AL 4775	In total there were 62 depth charges and 37 fire crackers heard.
		18.00		Surfaced.
				Damage:  5 over deck containers destroyed, crushed.
				Pressure hull frame 44 cracked.
				Tube 3 flooded on its own.
				Fixed periscope out of service.
				Junkers compressor conditionally operable.
				30 battery cells cracked.  1 cell out of service.
				Vents 6 + 7 out of service.
				The boat held well despite the well placed depth charges at depth 2A +80 meters.  Additionally after the pressure hull frame was cracked the boat held well during the subsequent depth charges.  Water intake did not take place.  The amount of water which penetrated through stern tubes, filters, main bilge pump, exhaust gas valves, stop bushings of the outer tube door linkage was within acceptable limits. The attitude of the crew was good. They worked well and thoughtfully.

Sun and Moon Data 19.03.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		19.03.43
		18.15	AL 4748	U-Struckmeyer sighted ahead to port.  Went within signal range.
		19.00	AL 4748	Came to course 180°.
		20.00	AL 4772
		21.05	AL 4778	Test dive.
		22.02	AL 4745	Surfaced.  Set off to the west for repairs, because pursuit of the convoy in this condition is pointless.
		22.52		Outgoing Radio Message 1938/19/863:
				Naval square AL 4749 at 05.26 hours dived before destroyer 9 hour depth charge and sound pursuit.  All over deck containers destroyed.  Pressure hull frame 44 half cracked.  Suspect the same in the end rooms.  Tube 3 flooded on its own.  Fixed periscope out of service.  Junkers compressor conditionally operable.  31 battery cells cracked.  One out of service.  Vents 6 and 7 out of service.  Conditionally clear to dive.
				Immediately switched to Diana Circuit.
		20.03.43
		00.00	AK 6964
			SW 2, Sea 2, Vis. 5 nm
		04.00	AK 6954
		05.00		Incoming Radio Message 0407/20/876:
				To Wintermeyer:
				Move off at high speed to the southwest and initially repair damage.   Request if the assistance of another boat is required or to remain nearby within hailing distance.
		08.00	AK 6866
		09.00	AK 6865	To Radio Message 0427/20/876 course southwest and continued repairs.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AK 6887	Day's run 147 nm.
			Lat.    53°42'N
			Long. 30°06'W
		16.00	AK 9159
		20.00	AK 8634	In the course of the day the fixed periscope and the Junkers compressor are again in service.
				Check of the individual rooms results in no further damage to the pressure hull and frames to the extent inspection is possible.
		23.00		Incoming Radio Message 1821/20/721:
				To clarify:
				On return transit without supply:
				Schamong, Tippelskirch, Kinzel, Christophersen, Strehlow, Struckmeier, Wintermeyer.
				Control expects subsequent return transit of the boats.  Repair of the boat still not ended, continue to move off.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.03.43

	- 16 -
		21.03.43
		00.00	AK 8658
			E 6, Sea 5, Vis. 5 nm
		04.00	AK 8675
		08.00	AK 8833
		10.30 - 11.50	AK 8835	Test dive.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			AK 8837	Day's run 183 nm.
			Lat.    51°45'N
			Long. 33°00'W
		16.00	AK 8851
		20.00	AK 8848
		20.56	AK 8847	Fu.M.B. sounds, dived.
		21.24	AK 8847	Surfaced.
		21.37	AK 8847	Fu.M.B. sounds, starboard astern a fiery glow, ran off to the west.
		22.00	AK 8769	Still sounds in the Fu.M.B., dived.
		22.20		Depth charges heard, far off.

Sun and Moon Data 21.03.43

	- 17 -
		22.03.43
		00.00	AK 8769	Surfaced.
		00.25	AK 8793	Again brief Fu.M.B. sounds.
		00.40		In the distance depth charges heard.
		02.20	AK 8795	Surfaced.
		02.21		Fu.M.B. sounds, dived.
		04.00	AK 8795
		05.12		Surfaced.
		06.15	AK 8796	Fu.M.B. sounds, dived.
		08.00	AK 8796
		09.00	AK 8789	Surfaced.  Fu.M.B. sounds.
				These continual location sounds in the Fu.M.B. can not possibly originate from an aircraft or vessel.  Therefore I decide to continue to run on the surface.  In the course of the morning one can still hear three typical sounds, that cut out now and then.
		11.25		Outgoing Radio Message 1902/21:
				Damage repaired:
				Fixed periscope, Junkers compressor.
				Request Metox cable.
				Concerning:  Pressure hull frame crack and return transit request decision, otherwise operable.
				AK 8845.  138 cbm.  Switched to Coastal Circuit on 22 March 08.00 hours.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			BD 1319	Day's run:  108 nm.
			Lat.    50°54'N
			Long. 35°06'W
		15.00		It is determined, that the Fu.M.B. sounds originated from an unshielded hair drier which was turned on in the conning tower while surfacing to dry the order transmission system.  Because required repairs are complete and the boat is not completely ready for continued operations at the Front on the basis of the break in the pressure hull frame, I ask for a decision concerning return transit.
		16.00	BD 1292
		17.30		Incoming Radio Message 1538/22/10:
				Wintermeyer on 23 March in BD 2547 give about 50 cbm of fuel oil to Wolfbauer.  Afterwards return transit remain on Diana Circuit.
		18.00	BD 1288	Changed course for the meeting point with Wolfbauer.
		18.00		Incoming Radio Message 1654/22/14:
				From F.d.U. West:
				As return harbor it is determined:
				Pallice for Zurmühlen
				Nazaire for Kinzel
				Lorient for Wintermeyer.
		20.00	BB 1532
		23.03.43
		00.00	BD 1399
			S 2, Sea 2, Vis. 6 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 22.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.03.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		23.03.43
		04.00	BD 2428
		08.00	BD 2466
		10.45	BD 2547	U-Wolfbauer in sight.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			BD 2549	Day's run:  185 nm
			Lat.    49°30'N
			Long. 32°08'W
		14.00	BD 2549	U-Uphoff in sight.
		16.00	BD 2573	Begin the fuel oil transfer to U-Uphoff.
		20.00	BD 2573
		22.15	BD 2583	Fuel oil transfer ended, afterwards began return transit.
		22.47	BD 2583	Test dive.
		24.03.43
		00.00	BD 2583
			SE 2, Sea 2, Vis.7 nm
		00.16	BD 2591	Surfaced.
		04.00	BD 2676
		08.00	BD 2698
		10.10	BD 3479	Test dive.
		10.43		Surfaced.
		12.00	North Atlantic
			BD 3731	Day's run 136 nm.
			Lat.    49°12'N
			Long. 28°58'W
		16.00	BD 3732
		20.00	BD 3814
		25.03.43
		00.00	BD 3828
			NW 2, Sea 2, Vis. 6 nm
		04.00	BD 3946
		08.00	BD 3969
		09.47	BE 1749	A vessel in sight ahead to port (target angle 0°).  It is already well out.  In visibility of 6 nm approaches quickly out of the haze.  Dived to attack.  Steered attack course for stern attack by sound bearings.  Attack periscope can only be extended slowly.  The bearing only by hand.  Vessel comes slowly astern and zig zags.  It is a very small vessel with a long, thin smokestack. Approximately 1500 GRT. Green paint with white camouflage stripes. Long, thin masts, crow's nest.  Steers approximate general course of 230°.  From construction and appearance might be a U-boat trap, smokes heavily.  Shortly before the shot at range = 1500 meters the after periscope fails.  Both cables spring from the drum.  The periscope is stuck.  Shifted to forward periscope.  Forward periscope can not be operated at all.   With operation of the bearing control by hand extends very slowly.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		25.03.43
				Meanwhile, the vessel has moved to starboard and after the makeshift extension of the periscope has a very broad target angle.  Both periscopes are out of service for submerged attack
				I decide not to pursue and to continue the return transit based on the appearance of the vessel and the failure of the periscopes.
		12.50		Outgoing Radio Message:
				Small steamer with camouflage, course SW zig zagging, suspect U-boat trap.  Naval square BE 1881, 10.00 hours.  Continuing return transit.
		12.00	Sea area SW of Ireland
			BE 1781	Day's run:  244 nm.
			Lat.    48°29'N
			Long. 22°53'W
		16.00	BE 1874
		20.00	BE 1898
		26.03.43
		00.00	BE 1989
			SE 1, Sea 1, Vis. 2 nm
		04.00	BE 5113
		08.00	BE 5251
		12.00	Sea area SW of Ireland
			BE 5344
			Lat.    47°51'N
			Long. 17°22'W
		16.00	BE 5362	Heavy visibility deterioration
		19.00 - 19.20	BE 6154	Test dive.
		20.00	BE 6159
		27.03.43
		00.00	BE 6283
			SW 3, Sea 2, Vis. 2 nm
		04.00	BE 6388
		07.25	BE 4421	Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	BF 4421
		12.00	Outer Bay of Biscay
			BF 4423	Day's run:  277.
			Lat.    49°20'N
			Long. 10°38'W
		13.50	BF 4423	Surfaced to ventilate the boat.
		14.05	BF 4431	Dived for aircraft, 4 aircraft bombs, boat at depth 60 meters.
		16.00	BF 4431
		20.00	BF 4426
		20.46	BF 4436	Surfaced.
		21.47		Outgoing ßß:
				Position 36 hours off escort meeting point.  Direction finder out of service.

	Sun and Moon Data 25.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.03.43

	- 20 -
		28.03.43
		00.00	BF 4529
			N 3, Sea 3, Vis. 8 nm
		00.25	BF 4537	Astern to port a lighted aircraft searchlight (300 meters).  Machine gun ready.  Before we can shoot, aircraft over flies the boat at low altitude and shoots from the stern turret.  No Fu.M.G. [radar] location in Fu.M.B.
		00.27		Crash dive.
		04.00	BF 4538
		07.00	BF 4538	Surfaced.
		08.00	BF 4641
		08.50	BF 4643	Ahead to port smoke cloud and 2 mast heads.  Fishing vessels in sight.
				Dived.  Sound bearings shift slowly astern.
		10.45	BF 4643	Surfaced.
		11.05	BF 4651	Aircraft bearing 320°T, altitude 800 meters, range = 4000 meters.  Dived.  4 aircraft bombs, boat at depth 50 meters.
		12.00	West of Biscay
			BF 4651	Day's run:  116 nm.
			Lat.    47°3.5'N
			Long. 7°54'W
		15.50	BF 4652	Surfaced.
		17.45	BF 4664	Dived for aircraft bearing 280°T, altitude 500 meters, range = 5000 meters.  No aircraft bombs.
		19.16	BF 4665	Surfaced.
		19.45		Incoming Radio Message:
				From Lorient Communications Center.  For U-190 escort positioned at 10.00 hours at meeting point.  Due to danger from ground mines wait on Sperrbrecher.  Bearing Signal Transmitter 2 and Group 2 runs from 20.00 - 08.00 hours.
		20.00	BF 4666
		20.22		Outgoing Radio Message:
				Position 30 March 08.00 hours at meeting point for escort due to air.
		20.28	BF 5444	Dived.  Proceeding submerged.
		29.03.43
		00.00	BF 5445
		04.00	BF 5446
		07.50	BF 5457	Surfaced.
			SW 2, Sea 2, Vis. 10 nm
		09.07	BF 5459	Dived to proceed submerged.
		12.00	West of Biscay
			BF 5459	Day's run:  76 nm.
			Lat.    46°51'N
			Long. 6°00'W
		16.00	BF 5459
		17.00	BF 5465	Surfaced.
		18.00	BF 5571	Dived.
		19.30		Incoming Radio Message 1055/29/27  Received while submerged on very low frequency from Lorient Communications Center:  For U-190 escort positioned 30 March 06.00.
		20.30		Reached objective point, headed for Lorient.

	Sun and Moon Data 28.03.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.03.43

	- 21 -
		30.03.43
		02.15		Surfaced.
		08.00		Taken in convoy.
		10.30		Entered Lorient, made fast.
				Day's run:  130 nm.
				_____________________________________________
				Completed at sea, on 30 March 1943.
				Kptlt. and Kmdt.

Sun and Moon Data 30.03.43