U-20 - 13th War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with the help of Robert Derencin and Andi Forster

Departed
Date
Returned
Date
Days at Sea
Constanța
1 January 1944
Constanța
26 January 1944
26

 

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
16 Jan 44
16.23 - 16.26
42°21'N, 41°31'E
Vaijan Kutur'e
7,602
Soviet Union
     
 Total = 7,602
   
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.

 
 
           
           
           
                                        2nd Copy  
           
           
           
   
K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h
 
           
           
   
"  U  20  "
 
           
                             14th War Patrol  -  5th Black Sea Patrol  
           
                             Kommandant:        Oblt.z.See    G  r  a  f  e  n  
           
                                 
           
           
                                 Beginning:  10.12.43  
                                 Ending    :  26.  1.44  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
         
           
           
           
        © U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved  
Click the flag to view the above page from the original German KTB
 
- 1 -
 
           
           
           
           
    10.12.43 to Constanța Shipyard period, breaking in and outfitting for patrol.  
    31.12.43      
    01.01.44 Constanța    
    11.00 U-boat harbor Departed on war patrol in accordance with routing orders, via CS and the Northern Route.  
    11.27 Constanța Passed the mole outbound.  
    12.00 Constanța Roads Taken in convoy, 1 R-boot.  
      N 3-4, Sea 2, 9/10 (mist), 1010 mb, Vis. 8 nm    
    14.25 CS 2    
    15.05   Released from convoy.  
    15.20 CS 1 Transit via the North Route to the east.  
    16.00 CL 1577    
      N 3, Sea 1-2, overcast, 1010 mb, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    16.11 Dusk    
    20.00 CL 1598    
      N 2, Sea 1, 7/10, 1007 mb, Vis. 3-4 nm    
           
    02.01.44      
    00.00 CL 1697 Transit to the east.  
      NNE 2-3, Sea 1-2, overcast, 1005 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
    04.00 CL 5477    
      NNE 2, Sea 1, overcast (rain), 1004 mb, Vis. 1 nm    
    05.25   Deep diving test to A meters.  
    05.36 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 5479    
    09.55   Surfaced.  
    12.00 CL 5489 Day's run:  = 177.1 nm  
      NW 4, Sea 2-3, overcast, 1006 mb, Vis. 12 nm                         8.6 nm  = 185.7 nm  
    15.15   Silent crash dive for training.  
    15.28   Surfaced.  
    15.35   Crash dive for training.  
    15.45   Surfaced.  
           
Sun and Moon Data 01.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 02.01.44
 
- 2 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    02.01.44      
    16.12 Dusk    
    16.00 CL 5578    
      NW 3, Sea 2-3, low swell, overcast, 1006 mb, Vis. 8 nm    
    20.00 CL 5594    
      WbyN 3, Sea 2, medium swell, 9/10, 1009 mb, Vis. 2-3 nm    
           
    03.01.44      
    00.00 CL 5679 Transit to the east.  
      W 4-5, Sea 3, medium swell, 7/10, 1011 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
    04.00 CL 5698    
      WSW 3-4, Sea 2-3, medium swell, 7/10, 1011 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    05.24 Dawn    
    07.05 -   Port diesel out of service, oil line broken.  
    07.40      
    08.00 CL 6487 Transit to the east.  
      WSW 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1013 mb, Vis. 10-12 nm    
    08.55   Dived, tubes I and II withdrawn, batteries charged.  
    12.00 CL 6489 Day's run:  = 160.5 nm  
                                5.9 nm  = 166.4 nm  
    14.29   Surfaced.  
    16.00 CL 6737    
      WSW 2, Sea 1, low swell, 8/10, 1013 mb, Vis 4 nm    
    16.01 Dusk    
    20.00 CL 6817    
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10, 1012 mb, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    04.01.44      
    00.00 CL 6829 Transit to the east.  
      S 2, Sea 1-2, 8/10, 1012 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 02.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 03.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 04.01.44
 
- 3 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    04.01.44      
    04.00 CL 6918    
      SSE 2, Sea 1-2, 1/10, 1010 mb, Vis. 4 nm    
    05.12 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 6927    
      SE 3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1008 mb, Vis. 12 nm    
    09.00   Dived.  Tube III withdrawn, battery charged.  
    09.21   Received Radio Message 23.27/3/x62:  
        SSD: Grafen:  
        Head first for "Tapir", from there advance to the southeast at 6 knots, 10 nm stand off from the coast go to operations area "Puma".  
                                         - Commander U-boats -  
    10.53   Distant detonation.  
    12.00 CL 6939 Day's run:  = 128.9 nm  
                                8.9 nm  = 137.8 nm  
    13.05   Surfaced.  Course 90°.  
    15.50 Dusk    
    16.00 CL 9328    
      EbyN 2-3, Sea 1-2, 8/10, 999 mb, Vis. 2-3    
    20.00 CL 9353    
      NE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast (mist), 997 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm    
           
    05.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9358 Arrived in operations area "Puma".  
      SE 4, Sea 2-3, rain, 994 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    04.00 CL 9319    
      ESE 3, Sea 2-3, rain, 993 mb, Vis. 0.5-1 nm    
    05.31   Dived  
    08.00 CL 9325 Nothing observed.  
    12.00 CL 9326 Day's run:  = 95.5 nm  
                             13.3 nm  = 108.8 nm  
    15.49 Dusk    
    16.00 CL 9325    
    16.10   Surfaced.  
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 04.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 05.01.44
 
- 4 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    05.01.44      
    20.00 CL 9326 Course 135°.  
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, rain, 1006 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm    
           
    06.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9367    
      W 3-4, Sea 2-3, Swell, 7/10, 1010 mb, Vis. 3-4 nm, moonlit    
    04.00 CL 9367    
      NW 2, Sea 1, 3/10, 1011 mb, Vis. 3 nm    
    04.53 Gagra Bay Dived.  
    08.00 CL 9447 Various courses submerged.  Nothing observed.  
    12.00 CL 9447 Nothing of note.  
        Day's run:  = 50.8 nm  
                             26.2 nm  = 77.0 nm  
    15.50 Dusk    
    16.00 CL 9448    
    16.24   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CL 9392 Moved off to charge batteries.  
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1016 mb, Vis. 4 nm    
           
    07.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9397 Course 45°.  
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1014 mb, Vis. 4 nm    
    04.00 CL 9393    
      SE 2-3, Sea 1-2, 3/10, 1013 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    04.46 Gagra Bay Dived.  
    05.02 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 9369 Nothing of note.  
    08.17   2 MBR 2 [flying boats] bearing 110°T, (0°), SE-course.  
    10.08   A small boat with a machine gun bearing 100°T (350°), likely a harbor defense boat.  
    12.00 CL 9448 Day's run:  = 60.5 nm  
                             24.8 nm  = 85.3 nm  
    12.40   One MBR 2 circling bearing 100°T (310°).  
    14.06   Received Radio Message 10.56/7/x84:  
        Boats at sea:  
           
Sun and Moon Data 05.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 06.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 07.01.44
 
- 5 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    07.01.44      
        1.)  Harbor reconnaissance flown yesterday.  
        Sokhumi:  1 Küfa 250 tons, Ochamchire:  1 U-boat, 2 U-boat tender. Tuapse:  1 freighter 1000 tons, Küfa and small craft.  
        2.)  "Grafen" also operations area "Schlange".  
        3.)  "Ohlenburg" "Otter" free up to the coast.  
                                                  - U-boat Control -  
    15.51 Dusk    
    16.00 CL 9472 Nothing of note.  
    16.24   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CL 9612 Course 130° for advance to Sokhumi.  
      ESE 1-2, Sea 1, 9/10, 1007 mb, Vis. 2-3 nm    
           
    08.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9627    
      SE 3-4, Sea 2-3, 5/10, 1005 mb, Vis. 3 nm    
    04.00 CL 9635    
      SE 2, Sea 1, Swell, 2/10, 1003 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
    04.31 Sokhumi Bay Dived.  
    05.02 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 9635 Noting of note.  
    08.15   A small guard vessel, bearing 350°T (30°), N-course.  Too small to attack.  
    12.00 CL 9632 Day's run:  = 57.5 nm  
                             27.7 nm  = 85.2 nm  
    15.15 Dusk    
    16.00 CL 9631    
    16.44   Surfaced.  Moved off to charge batteries.  
    20.00 CL 9627    
      N 1, Sea 0-1, rain, 1000 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm    
           
    09.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9627 Course 45°.  Set off for Sokhumi Bay  
      N 1, Sea 0-1, overcast (passing showers), 1001 mb, Vis. 1 nm    
    04.00 CL 9631    
      NW 2-3, Sea 1, rain, 1000 mb, Vis. 0.5 nm    
           
Sun and Moon Data 07.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 08.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 09.01.44
 
- 6 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    09.01.44      
    04.32   Dived.  
    05.02 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 9631 Noting of note.  
    12.00 CL 9625 Day's run:  =  57.1 nm  
                              30.0 nm  = 87.1 nm  
    15.20   Surfaced.  
    15.52 Dusk    
    16.00 CL 9629    
      WNW 5, Sea 3-4, Swell, 8/10, 1012 mb, Vis. 6 nm    
    20.00 CL 9616    
      WNW 3, Sea 2-3, Swell, 7/10, 1016 mb, Vis. 3 nm    
           
    10.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9614    
      N 2, Sea 1-2, swell, 9/10, 1016 mb, Vis. 2 nm, full moon    
    04.00 CL 9475    
      NbyW 1, Sea 0-1, 7/10, 1016 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
    04.40 Gagra Bay Dived.  
    05.02 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 9448 Noting of note.  
    12.00 CL 9447 Day's run:  =  62.4 nm  
                             23.8 nm  = 86.2 nm  
    15.53 Dusk    
    16.00 CL 9448 The entire day off Gagra closing to within 800 meters.  No traffic and also no worthwhile target for a night artillery attack.  
    16.20   Surfaced.  Moved off to charge batteries and also because of the full moon.  
    20.00 CL 9478    
      ESE 1-2, Sea 1, 6/10, 1012 mb, Vis. 5 nm, full moon    
           
    11.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9621 Course 85°, advance to Sokhumi Bay  
      ESE 1-2, Sea 1, 3/10, 1011 mb, Vis. 6 nm    
           
           
 
Note:  Entries from 11 January 04.00 to 12 January 00.00 are missing although page numbering would indicate that the KTB is complete.
 
Sun and Moon Data 09.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 10.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 11.01.44
 
- 7 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    12.01.44      
    04.00 CL 9631    
      NW 4-5, Sea 3, squalls, 1009 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
    04.33 Sokhumi Bay Dived.  
    05.01 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 9634    
    12.00   Day's run:  =  58.5 nm  
                             26.8 nm  = 85.3 nm  
    15.55 Dusk    
    16.03 CL 9631 Surfaced.  
      WSW 1-2, Sea 1, Swell, overcast (mist), 1016 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    20.00 CL 9624    
      W 1, Sea 0-1, Swell, overcast (mist), 1016 mb, Vis. 1 nm    
           
    13.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9627 Course 55°, for Sokhumi Bay.  
      W 1, Sea 0-1, Swell, 8/10, 1016 mb, Vis. 4 nm, Moonshine    
    04.00 CL 9631    
      ESE 2, Sea 1, 6/10, 1016 mb, Vis. 4 nm    
    04.35 Sokhumi Bay Dived.  
    05.01 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 9497 Nothing of note.  
    12.00 CL 9498 Day's run:  =  59.3 nm  
                             21.9 nm  = 81.2 nm  
    14.36   Received Radio Message 11.28/13/x32:  
        SSD:  - Boats at sea - :  
        Situation:  MPHS noted only low small vessel movements along the east coast during the last few days.  Air reconnaissance discovered shipping traffic of unknown nationality east of Trabzon.  
                                                  - U-boat Control -  
    14.48   Received Radio Message 11.31/13/x33:  
        SSD:   - Grafen - :  
        At most economical speed move to the northern half of  
           
Sun and Moon Data 12.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 13.01.44
 
- 8 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    13.01.44      
        operations area "Panther" and "Biber".  Ensure that new operations area is reached on 14 January at 12.00 hours.  
                                         - Commander U-boats -  
    15.36 Dusk    
    16.03 CL 9631 Surfaced  
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, overcast (mist), 1003 mb, Vis. 0.5-1 nm    
      In the course of the day came to within 500 meters of the tanker and finger pier.  Except for 11 small vessels lying at the marine railway, there were probably 5 escort vessels, 6 motor-cutters and 2 small launches moving in the harbor, no special observations.  
    20.00 CL 9629 Departed previous operational area.  
      ESE 4-5, Sea 3, overcast (mist), 1001 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm.    
           
    14.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9667    
      ESE 4, Sea 3, Swell, overcast (mist), 1000 mb, Vis 1-2 nm    
    04.00 CL 1648    
      SE 1-2, Sea 1, Swell, rain, 1002 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    05.01 Dawn    
    05.30   Dived.  
    08.00 CL 1672 Nothing observed.  
    12.00 CL 1644 Day's run:  =  64.7 nm  
                             18.9 nm  = 83.6 nm  
    15.56 Dusk    
    16.02 CL 9668 Surfaced.  
      WNW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 2/10, 1010 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    20.00 CL 9659 Course 180°.  
      WNW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1010 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
           
    15.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9686 Course 70°.  
      NW 2, Sea 1, Swell, 8/10, 1008 mb, Vis 4 nm    
           
           
           
 
Note:  The positions above on 14 January at 04.00, 08.00 and 12.00 written as naval squares CL 1648, 1672 and 1644 are actually CS 1648, 1672 and 1644.
 
Sun and Moon Data 13.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 14.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 15.01.44
 
- 9 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    15.01.44      
    04.00 CL 9693 Course 70°, advance along the coast to the northern part of "Panther".  
      WNW 3, Sea 2, Swell, 4/10, 1007 mb, Vis. 3 nm  
    04.55 Dawn    
    05.25 CL 1648 Dived.  Course 70°.  
      WNW 3, Sea 2, 7/10, 1007 mb, Vis. 6-8 nm    
    08.00 CL 1648    
    12.00 CL 1648 Nothing of note.  
        Day's run:  =  65.3 nm  
                             25.2 nm  = 90.6 nm    [typo 90.5]  
    12.50   2 MBR 2 bearing 290°T (115°) on NW-course flying along the coast.  
    15.57 Dusk    
    16.08 CL 1647 Surfaced.  Positioned under the coast.  
      SW 1-2, Sea 1, Swell, 7/10, 1013 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
    16.25   Received Radio Message 15.30/15/x45:  
        SSD:   - Boats at sea -  
        1.)  Today "U-24" put to sea.  Proceeding on the Northern Route.  
        2.)  "Grafen" report in time with short signal return transit intend that boat use the Northern Route to Constanța.  
                                         - Commander U-boats -  
    20.00 CL 9692, SW 3, Sea 2, Swell, 5/10, 1012 mb, Vis. 1000 meters    
           
    16.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9692 Course 0°.  
      W 4, Sea 2-3, 5/10, 1018 mb, Vis. 3 nm    
    04.00 CL 1647 Course 90°.  
      WSW 2-3, Sea 1-2, 6/10, 1019 mb, Vis. 3-4 nm    
    08.00 CL 1648 Nothing of note.  
    12.00 CL 1673 Nothing observed.  
           
 
Note:  The positions on the page above written as naval squares CL 16xx are actually CS 16xx.
 
Sun and Moon Data 15.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.44
 
- 10 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.01.44      
        Day's run:  =  62.3 nm  
                             21.7 nm  = 84.0 nm  
    15.20   Sound bearing 150°T.  Nothing seen in the periscope.  
    15.58 Dusk    
    16.00 CL 1672 Surfaced.  Several shadows bearing 135°T (225°).  Ran in for attack.  Because it is still very light, and I am positioned on the west horizon, I remain ballasted down.  
      Wind calm, light swell, mist 7/10, 1023 mb, Vis. 3 nm  
    16.23 CL 1672 Double shot from tubes I and II on tanker, about 1500 GRT, protected by 1 M-Boot or escort boat, 1 motor gunboat and 2 U-boat hunters.  Torpedo speed = 30 knots, depth = 3 meters, MZ on, target speed = 7 knots, target angle left 70°, range = 2700 meters.  A single shot on the convoy escort not taken, at the last moment the vessel zigzagged.  Single shot from tube III on tanker.  Torpedo speed = 30 knots, depth = 3 meters, MZ on, target speed 8 knots, target angle left 80°, range 2500 meters.  
   

 

 

                    16.26

 Wind calm, light swell, mist, Vis. 2 nm  
    16.28   Torpedo detonation, observed hit aft 10 meters,  high smoke column, thick billowing smoke.  
    16.30   2 detonations, similar to torpedo detonations.   
        Assumption:  Explosion inside the tanker.  Up to now the tanker and the escort vehicles were easy to make out, however, after this double detonation only a thick smoke cloud can be seen from the tanker.  The other vessels, even the small, more distant U-boat hunters, are still clearly visible.  In my opinion, the tanker broke and then sank.  
    16.34   The first depth charges.  Running on E-motors towards the port escort, the M-boot or G-boot, after approximately 4 minutes he turns away and throws depth charges.  Has not seen me.  
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
 
Note:  The positions on the page above written as naval squares CL 16xx are actually CS 16xx.
 
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.44
 
- 11 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    16.01.44      
    20.00 CL 9661 Proceeding to the NW outside my operations area, to send the Radio Message report to U-boat Control which will certainly be detected by the Russians.  Afterwards transit to the southern edge of my operations area to escape so the U-boat hunt starting tomorrow in the north and to be able to position again under the coast.  
      N 1, Sea 0-1, 2/10, 1023 mb, Vis. 2-3 nm  
    20.24   Outgoing Radio Message 19.41/16/x50:  
        To Commander U-boats:  
        16.25 hours in square 1359 on loaded tanker, 1500 GRT 3 single shots.  1 hit aft 10 meters.  4 escorts.  Depth charges while surfaced.  Target speed 8, target angle left 80°, range 2500 meters, MZ on, calm, light swell, mist, Vis. 1-2 nm.  
                                                            - Grafen -  
    21.28   Dived to reload tubes I and II.  
    23.26   Surfaced.  Course 180°.  Hour after hour an acrid fuel smell lies in the air which does not dissipate even after 5 days.  
    23.44   Received Radio Message 21.38/16/x55:  
        KR:  Radio Intercept Service Report:  
      [M.Kb. - Naval gun boat] 21.20 hours:  A mine sweeper and a M.Kb. receive vessel position, 20.28 hours in 42°32'N, 40°49'E.  
    [MPHS - Marine Peil Haupt Stelle - Navy Primary Direction-Finding Station]

- MPHS Yevpatoria -

  
    My assumption is correct.  The Russians detected me with the sending of the Radio Message.  The passed vessel position corresponds exactly my ship's position at 20.30 hours.  
    23.47   Received Radio Message 23.25/16/x54:  
        SSD:  - Grafen -  
        1.)  Bravo, the hex has broken.  
        2.)  If tanker sank, confirm with short signal "Yes" otherwise no message.  
                                                  - U-boat Control -  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 16.01.44
 
- 12 -
 
           
           
           
           
    17.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9658 Course 180°.  
      ESE 1, Sea 0-1, 5/10, 1023 mb, Vis. 4 nm    
    04.00 CL 9826    
      ESE 1, Sea 0-1, 4/10, 1023 mb, Vis. 5 nm    
    04.43   Dived.  
    04.54 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 9834    
    11.10   Received Radio Message 08.52/17/x59:  
        MPHS reports south part of the east coast in the evening increasing small craft movement, altogether 4 mine sweepers, 1 M.Kb. detected.  
    12.00 CL 9834 Day's run:  =  78.0 nm  
                             20.6 nm  = 98.6 nm  
    15.55   Surfaced.  Course 80°.  
    16.00 CL 9835    
      Swells, NNE 1, Sea 0-1, 6/10, 1022 mb, Vis. 5 nm    
    20.00 CL 9692 Course 0°.  
      NNE 1, Sea 0-1, 1/10, 1020 mb, 2 nm    
           
    18.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9668    
      NNE 1, Sea 0, overcast (mist), 1018 mb, Vis. 1 nm    
    04.00 CL 1648 Course 80°.  
      E 1, Sea 0-1, overcast (mist) 8/10, 1018 mb, Vis 4 nm    
    04.35   Dived.  Again intense oil fumes and an enormous thick oil slick.  At the sinking location oil patches arise.  
    04.54 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 1672    
    12.00 CL 1673 Day's run:  =  61.7 nm  
                             17.2 nm  = 87.9 nm   [typo 78.9]  
    16.00 Dusk    
      CL 1671    
      Wind calm, mist, 1016 mb, Vis. 1 nm    
           
           
 
Note:  The positions on written as naval squares CL 16xx are actually CS 16xx.
 
Sun and Moon Data 17.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.44
 
- 13 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    18.01.44      
    16.02   Surfaced.  
      Remained submerged for the whole day near the sinking location.  Lively Mine sweeper and U-boat hunting activity, continuous coast monitoring by 2 MBR 2.  In the north constant depth charge detonations.  
    18.06   Received Radio Message 15.20/18/x74:  
        "U-20":  
        Bravo, "Grafen".  The ice has been broken for further success for the 30th U-boat Flotilla in 1944.  
                                             - Kommandierander Admiral -  
    20.00 CL 9682 Because of poor visibility and to charge the battery, set off on course 270°.  
      Wind calm, mist, 1015 mb, Vis. 200 meters  
    19.52   Sent Short Signal:  
        Intend to start return transit on the 23rd of the current month.  
                                                             "U-20"  
    21.43   Confirmation of my Short Signal by U-boat Control.  
           
    19.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9837 Course 85°.  Set off for Batumi  
      Wind calm, mist, 1015 mb, Vis. up to 1.5 nm    
    04.00 CL 1716 Course 85°.  
      ENE 1, Sea 0-1, overcast (mist), 1013, Vis. 2 nm    
    04.50   Dived to advance to Batumi.  
    04.54 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 1716 Since 07.12 hours constant distant detonations.  
    12.00 CL 1719 I cannot get close to Batumi.  2-6 U-boat hunters and minesweepers cruising off the Roadstead and under the coast.  Too flat sea for periscope use.    
      Oil slick sea, sunshine  
    16.00 CL 1712, Wind calm, mist, 1011 mb, Vis. up to 500 meters Set off on course 270°.  
    16.01 Dusk    
           
 
Note:  The positions on written as naval squares CL 16xx are actually CS 16xx.
 
Sun and Moon Data 18.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.44
 
- 14 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    19.01.44      
    16.05   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CL 9822    
      NW 2, Sea 1, rain, 1011 mb, Vis. 1 nm    
           
    20.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9685    
      W 3, Sea 2, overcast (mist), 1011 mb, Vis. 2 nm On N-S courses back and forth.  
    04.00 CL 9822    
      NW 2-3, Sea 1-2, rain, 1011 mb, Vis. 1-2 nm    
    04.27   Dived.  
    04.53 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 9686    
    09.10   Surfaced.  
    12.00 CL 9673 Day's run:  =  100.6 nm  
      WSW 1, Sea 0-1, Swell, 9/10, 1011 mb, Vis. over 12 nm                        15.2 nm  = 115.8 nm  
    16.00 CL 9673 Course 160°.  
      S 1, Sea 0-1, overcast, 1011 mb, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    16.02 Dusk    
    20.00 CL 9657 Course 20°.  Approaching the coast north of Poti.  
      Wind calm, Sea 0, 7/10 (mist), 1011 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
           
    21.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9691 Course 75°.  
      ENE 1-2, Sea 1, rain, 1011 mb, Vis. 1 nm    
    04.00 CL 1641    
      ESE 1, Sea 0, 1/10 (mist), 1012 mb, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    04.31   Dived.  
    04.53 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 1645 Nothing of note.  
      Wind calm, oil slick sea    
           
           
           
 
Note:  The positions on written as naval squares CL 16xx are actually CS 16xx.
 
Sun and Moon Data 19.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 20.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 21.01.44
 
- 15 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    21.01.44      
    12.00 CL 1645 Nothing of note.  
        Day's run:  =  87.9 nm  
                               9.0 nm  = 96.9 nm  
    14.00   2 MBR-2 bearing 330°T (180°) SE-course, range = 600 meters.  
    16.00 CL 1647    
      Wind calm, 3/10 (mist), 1016 mb, Vis. 3 nm    
    16.03 Dusk    
    16.08   Surfaced.  
    20.00 CL 9667    
      WNW 2-3, Sea 1, Swell, 7/10, 1016 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
           
    22.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9667 Course 90°.  Going again close under the shore.  North of Poti.  
      NNW 2, Sea 1, 7/10, 1018 mb, Vis. 2 nm  
    04.00 CL 1647    
      ENE 2, Sea 1, 3/10, 1018 mb, Vis. 2-3 nm    
    04.39   Dived.  
    04.52 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 1648    
    12.00 CL 1673 Nothing of note.  
        Day's run:  =  66.7 nm  
                              16.1 nm  = 82.8 nm  
    16.00 CL 1671 Nothing observed.  
      WSW 2, Sea 1, 5/10, 1021 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
    16.04 Dusk.    
    16.17   Surfaced.  
    17.30   Received Radio Message 16.18/22/x10:  
        SSD - Boats at sea - :  
        1.)  "Grafen" on 23 January return transit on Northern Route.  If change in the date of return transit announce by short signal.  
        2.)  "Petersen" rescheduled on 24 January for "Panther" and "Biber".  
                                                  - U-boat Control -  
           
           
 
Note:  The positions on written as naval squares CL 16xx are actually CS 16xx.
 
Sun and Moon Data 21.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.44
 
- 16 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    22.01.44      
    19.30   Departed "Panther".  Transit to the north through operations area "Tapir".  
    20.00 CL 9657    
      WNW 1, Sea 0-1, Swell, (passing showrers) 8/10, 1021 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
           
    23.01.44      
    00.00 CL 9616 Course 320°, both engines LF.  
      NW 3, Sea 1-2, rain, 1019, Vis. up to 2 nm    
    00.51   Sent Short Signal:  
        Started return transit.  
                                                           "U-20".  
    01.30   Confirmation of the Short Signal by U-boat Control.  
    04.00 CL 9392 Course 320°.  
      SE 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1019 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
    04.36 Gagra Bay Dived for another reconnaissance of the Gagra Bay and to work on the torpedoes.  
    04.57 Dawn    
    07.37 -   4 distant detonations.  
    08.15      
    08.00 CL 9369 Nothing of note.  
    12.00 CL 9367 Day's run:  =  84.4 nm  
                              27.2 nm  = 111.6 nm  
    14.50   2 distant detonations.  
    15.15   Surfaced.  Transit to the north continued.  
    16.00 CL 9353    
      SW 1, Sea 0, overcast, 9/10, 1017 mb, Vis. 4 nm    
    16.07 Dusk    
    20.00 CL 9312    
      SSW 2, Sea 1, Swell, 7/10, 1017 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
           
    24.01.44      
    00.00 CL 6691 On course 270° began return transit on Northern Route.  
      SW 2, Sea 1, Swell, 1/10, 1017 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 22.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 23.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.44
 
- 17 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    24.01.44      
    04.00 CL 6593 Nothing of note.  
      SSW 3, Sea 2, 1/10, 1015 mb, Vis. 4 nm    
    08.00 CL 6573 Nothing of note.  
      S 2, Sea 1, 8/10, 1012 mb, Vis. 10 nm    
    10.41   Received Radio Message 10.28/24/x30:  
        SSD:  "Grafen" :  
        Announce arrival at CS 1 on time.  Afterwards further routing of boat by base.  
                                                  - U-boat Control -  
    12.00 CL 6478 Day's run:  =  180.3 nm  
      SSE 2, Sea 1, 4/10, 1008 mb, Vis. over 12 nm                          5.4 nm  = 185.7 nm  
    16.00 CL 5687    
      Wind calm, 4/10, 1008 mb, Vis. 8 nm    
    16.31 Dusk    
    16.51   Sent Short Signal:  
        Position 36 hours from meeting point with escort.  
                                                  - "U-20" -  
    19.10   Confirmation of Short Signal by U-boat Control.  
    20.00 CL 5598    
      SSE 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1008 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
    22.40   Received Radio Message 22.13/24/x36:  
        SSD:  "Grafen":  
        Own convoy from Sevastopol runs in zone Cäsar ahead of "Grafen" for Constanța.  Therefore U-boat hunters only suspended with limitations.  
                                                  - U-boat Control -  
    25.01.44      
    00.00 CL 5579 Course 270°.  
      S 3, Sea 1-2, 5/10, 1006 mb, Vis. 4 nm    
    04.00 CL 5497 Nothing of note.  
      S 2-3, Sea 1-2, Swell, overcast (mist), 1006 mb, Vis. 1 nm    
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 24.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.44
 
- 18 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.01.44      
    05.29 Dawn    
    08.00 CL 5479 Transit to the west.  
      SSW 3-4, Sea 2, 6/10, 1006 mb, Vis. 12 nm    
    12.00 CL 1698 Day's run:  Surfaced =  186 nm  
      WNW 2-3, Sea 2, 9/10, 1007 mb, Vis. 12 nm    
    16.00 CL 1599 Noting of note.  
      NW 2, Sea 1, Swell, 2/10, 1010 mb, Vis. 8 nm    
    17.07   Received Radio Message 15.40/15/x40:  
        SSD - "Grafen":  
        Today 2 own S-boats run from Sevastopol for transit to Constanța on CS 1.  Boats arrive there possibly 06.00 hours.  May encounter.  
                                                  - U-boat Control -  
    17.13   Received Radio Message 15.43/25/x41:  
        SSD - "Grafen":  
        1.)  Escort 1 R-boat positioned 05.00 hours at CS 1.  
        2.)  Radio beacon Group 1 operates from 24.00 hours.  
        3.)  Report "No", if convoy is not found by 06.00 hours.  
                                                  - U-boat base -  
    20.00 CL 1579    
      Wind calm, overcast (mist). 1011 mb, Vis. 2 nm    
    20.09   Received Radio Message 19.27/25/x45:  SSD:  
        "Grafen":  
        Morning 26 January possible encounters:  
        a)  Convoy 3 vessels 04.30 hours from Zone Cäsar on CS 1.  
        b)  Convoy 4 vessels from Varna today 20.00 hours by Route Grün to Constanța.  
                                                  - U-boat base -  
    20.36   Received Radio Message 19.54/25/x46:  - KR - :  
        "Grafen":  
        Contrary to Serial No. x 41 convoy intake at CS 1 will only take place at 07.00 hours.  To avoid ambiguous situations at dawn  
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.44
 
- 19 -
 
           
           
           
    continued      
    25.01.44      
        do not proceed unescorted.  
                                                  - U-boat base -  
    21.20 CS 1    
    21.39   Dived.  Put the boat on the bottom at 64 meters depth.  
           
    26.01.44      
    05.45 CS 1 Rose from the bottom.  
    06.32   Surfaced.  
    07.10   R-boat in sight.  Visual recognition signals given.  
    07.30   In convoy with R-boats via CS 2 and 3 to Constanța.  
    11.00 Constanța Passed through mole.  
    11.20 Constanța Made fast.  
      U-boat and S-boat harbor.    
           
   
_._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._
  
           
      Distance travelled:  
      a)  Surfaced                                    = 2292 nm  
      b)  Submerged                                =   438 nm  
      Total:                                              = 2730 nm  
      ================================  
      Remained submerged       233 hours 20 minutes  
      ================================  
           
           
                                     On board, 26 January 1944  
                                             
                                     Oblt.z.See and Kmdt. "U-20"  
           
           
           
           
           
           
Sun and Moon Data 25.01.44
Sun and Moon Data 26.01.44

  Enclosures to U-20's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
   
Chart A Track chart covering transit to/from the operational area
Chart B Combat sketch of attack on Vaijan Kutur’e
Radio Excerpt of Radio Log
Torpedo Torpedo firing reports.

 

 
 
     
 
Comments of the Flottillenchefs
  
 
on the
 
 
KTB U-20 14th War Patrol (5th Black Sea Patrol) from 10.12.43 - 14.01.44
 
     
 
1.) A boldly and decisively accomplished enterprise, in which the new commander achieved his well-earned first sinking success.
   
2.) In detail:
  Page 8, 13 January, 16.03 hours:
  The decline of Russian small vessel activity in December-January is probably due to winter overhaul.
  Page 10, 16 January, 16.00 hours:
  Surface and immediate attack was the chain of thought.  One never knows what may interfere later!
  Page 10, 16 January, 16.28 hours:
  The double shot probably in erred because speed was set too low.  The single hit home.  It would have been better to use a three-fan with a deliberately smaller firing angle!
  Page 10, 16 January, 16.30 hours:
  These observations, together with those on page 11, 23.36 hours and page 12, 18 January, 04.35 hours were stipulated to confirm acceptance of the sinking.  Recognized the sinking on the basis of this information.
  Page 11, 16 January, 20.00 hours:
  A correct consideration which was soon confirmed by events!  Be cunning!
  Page 13, 18 January, 16.02 hours:
  The observed mine sweeping operation shows that the Russians did not realize the cause of the sinking.
   
3.) The KTB is sparse to and too meager.  The considerations which lead to movements or certain behavior should be noted.
   
  Place of action, on 14.02.44                        
                                                                                 Kptlt. and Flottillenchef
 
           
           
 
 
     
 
C  o  m  e  n  t  s
 
 
of
  
 
Commanding Admiral Black Sea
 
 
on the KTB  of "U-20" 5th Black Sea War Patrol from 10.12.43 - 26.01.44
 
     
     
 
1.) Concur in the comments of the Flotilla Commander.
   
2.) Sinking of the tanker is confirmed without a doubt by observations at firing and afterwards.
 
     
                                                                                 For the Admiral Black Sea  
                                                                                       the Chief of Staff  
                                                                                
     
                                                                                
     
     
           
           
 
 
     
 
Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
 
 
on the K.T.B. of "U-20" (Grafen) from 10.12.43 - 26.01.44
 
     
 
Concur with the comments of the Flotilla Commander.
  
     
                                                                            For the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote  
                                                                             - The Chief of Operations Department -  
     
     
     
                                                                           
     
           
           

 

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