U-230 - 2nd War Patrol

Translation by Jerry Mason with help from Andi Forster

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				K  R  I  E  G  S  T  A  G  E  B  U  C  H
				"  U  230  "
			Kommandant:	Kapitänleutnant    S  i  e  g  m  a  n  n
				Beginning:    1.4.  1943
				Ending:   24.5.  1943
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		01.04.43	Brest, Bunker	Boot cleared, torpedoes delivered etc.
		02.04.-14.04.43	Brest	Shipyard period.
		15. - 18.04.43	Brest	Shipyard test run and trim test, degaussing.
		19. - 20.04.43	Brest	Final adjustment, weapons aboard.
		21.04.43	Brest	Torpedo loading, ammunition loading.
		22.04.43	Brest	Provisions loading.
		23.04.43	Brest	Final trim test, compensation and radio direction finder calibration.
		24.04.43	Brest, Bunker B1
		14.30		Send off by the Chef 9.U-Flottille.
		14.50		Departed on 2nd war patrol.
		15.26 - 15.40	Brest Roads	Test dive, afterwards proceeded in convoy with two Sperrbrecher and two patrol boats.  Shortly before dismissing the Sperrbrecher noticed that the charges for the decoy launcher were not on board.   A patrol boat was sent back to get Bolde.
		18.20		Dismissed the Speerbrecher escort.  Taken under escort by a pair of patrol boats.  Back and forth on Route B 1 to Point 346.
		22.00	SSW 5-6, Sea 4-5, overcast, rain	Returned with Speerbrecher escort to B 1 because there was no opportunity for transfer at sea.  At night at the anchorage off Brest. (Camaret Bay)
		25.04.43
		00.50
		07.55		Weighed anchor.
		11.00	Brest, Bunker B 1	Made fast.  Bolde arrive on board.  Fuel topped off.
		13.00		Presented* Radio Message 1237/25/55  Contains temporary attack area BE 94 for me.  Operation on southbound-convoy intended from 30 April.
		17.30	Brest, Bunker B 1	Departed.
			W 5, Sea 2, 9/10, 1020 mb, +18°
		18.00		Proceeding on the surface with "U-659" on prescribed route with anti-aircraft escort and ground mine escort.
		20.50		At Point B 1 ground mine escort dismissed.
		22.30		Anti-aircraft defense, 2 patrol boats dismissed at Point 346.

*Note:  "Vorlage" is translated as Presented.  The time of the entry is the time that the radio message was presented to the CO after it was received and decoded by the radiomen, presumably to differentiate the presented time from the time of arrival or date time indicator of the message.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43

	- 2 -
		continued:
		25.04.43
		22.27 - 22.37		Detection 161 cm, recurs every 8 minutes.  Used for a test dive.
		23.10		Continued on the surface.  Route Kernbeisser speed 12 knots.
		26.04.43	Bay of Biscay
		06.45		Reached the 200-meter line, course 250° into the operations area.
		06.50		Dived.  Proceeding submerged.
		08.00	BF 5574
		12.00	BF 5495	Day's run:  114.0 nm
				12.8 nm
		13.40 - 13.47		Boat ventilated.  Continued submerged transit.
		14.30	BF 5497	Aircraft in periscope, course north, type not identified.
		16.00	BF 5497	Presented  Radio Message 1221/26/79  Refering to Serial No. 55 of 25 April (see enclosure to K.T.B. "Summary of the Radio Log" Serial No. 2).
		18.00		Surfaced - boat ventilated.
		18.08		Dived.
		20.00	BF 5722	Deep dive to depth A +60 meters.  Air intake valve did not hold tight.  Hull valve to sea in the control room leaks.
		22.24		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		27.04.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5715	Transit to the operations area.
			W 5, Sea 2, overcast, 1033 mb, +13°
		04.00	BF 4954
		04.55	BF 4949	Dived for detection, 169 cm.
		05.55		Surfaced.  Continued transit on the surface.
		07.15		Dived to proceed submerged.
		08.00	BF 4971
		12.00	BF 4893	Day's run:  87.48 nm
				42.41 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 25.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43

	- 3 -
		continued:
		27.04.43
		13.38 - 14.07		Boat ventilated.  Continued submerged transit.
		16.00	BF 4894
		18.41 - 18.50		Boat ventilated.
		20.00	BF 4688
		22.50		Surfaced - proceeding on the surface.
		28.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BF 7221	Transit to operations area.
			N 2, Sea 1, overcast, 1026 mb, +14°, heavy marine phosphorescence
		04.00	BF 7152
		05.35		Dived for detection on 168 cm.
		06.30		Surfaced.
		06.40		Dived - proceeding submerged.
		08.00	BF 7144
		12.00	BE 9568	Day's run:  92.45 nm
				46.58 nm
		13.45 - 15.38		Boat ventilated.  Continued submerged transit.
		16.00	BE 9583
		19.00 - 19.31		Boat ventilated.
		20.00	BE 9381
		22.06		Surfaced - Proceeding on the surface course 263°.
		29.04.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 9796
			N 2, Sea 2, 10/10, 1024 mb, +15°, heavy swell, very heavy marine phosphorescence

	Sun and Moon Data 27.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43

	- 4 -
		continued:
		29.04.43
		04.00	BE 9287
		07.25		Dived - proceeding submerged.
		08.00	BE 9199
		12.00	BE 9431	Day's run:  91.04 nm
				43.04 nm
		13.57		Surfaced.  Incoming Radio Message 1028/29/55 Serial No. 4.  Formation of 8 boats in patrol line form Group "Drossel" from BE 8615 to 9526.
		14.10		Dived - continued submerged transit.
		16.00	BE 9423
		19.20 - 19.38		Boat ventilated.
		20.00	BE 9121
		23.26		Surfaced - proceeding on the surface.
		23.55		Presented Radio Message 2247/29/50  Ireland Circuit for Group "Drossel" from 24.00 hours.  Serial No. 6.
		30.04.43
		00.00	BE 9412	Transit to operations area.
			NNW 2, Sea 2, 10/10, 1025 mb, +13°, (rain)	Presented Radio Message 1915/29/82 Serial No. 5.  Announcement of own air reconnaissance for 30 April.  Stand by to receive bearings.
		04.00	BE 8625
			N 2, Sea 2, 5/10, 1025 mb, +14°, Vis. good
		08.00	BE 8625
		08.30		Recognition signals exchanged with "U-607".
		0x.xx	BE 8624	Crash dive for 4-engined aircraft descending, possibly an own Condor.
		09.20		On surfacing aircraft bearing 0°T, course east, along with it detection 167 cm.  Crash dive.
		10.24		Surfaced.
		11.12		Incoming Radio Message 08.47/30/188  Serial No. 7.
				Group "Drossel" shift patrol line 60 nm to the west.

	Sun and Moon Data 29.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43

	- 5 -
		continued:
		30.04.43
		12.00	BE 8628	Day's run:  97.23 nm
			NNE 2, Sea 3, 6/10, 1026 mb, +14°, Vis. good	36.49 nm
		16.00	BE 8615
		18.10		Own U-boat bearing 50°T.
		18.40		Presented Radio Message 1086/30/103  Serial No. 8.
				Concerning results of air reconnaissance.  Remaining submerged in patrol line optional.
		19.50	BE 8535	Reached new position in patrol line.
		20.00	BE 8535
		23.35		PresentedRadio Message 2310/30/107  Serial No. 9.
				[illegible line - Message concerns air reconnaissance, contact keeping (para 1) and encryption table in effect (para 2) - see Radio Log Summary]
		01.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 8536	Dived, back and forth in position in patrol line.
		04.00	BE 8535
		08.00	BE 8534
		09.20 - 09.50		Boat ventilated.
		12.00	BE 8534	Day's run:  28.00 nm
			NE 2, Sea 1, 6/10, 1031 mb, +14°, Vis. good	34.50 nm
		15.42		Surfaced.  Back and forth in position in patrol line.
		16.00	BE 8534
		19.26	BE 8536	Crash dive for aircraft, possibly own Condor.
		20.00	BE 8536
		20.10		Surfaced, aircraft bearing xxT, westerly course, recognized as own.  Surfaced in patrol line on east west courses.
		23.45		Presented Radio Message 2247/1/123  Serial No. 10.
				Air reconnaissance on 1 May without success.  Remaining submerged optional.  2 May again own air in same area.

	Sun and Moon Data 30.04.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.05.43

	- 6 -
		02.05.43
		00.00	BE 8535
		00.07		Dived.  Continued submerged until 18.00 hours.
		04.00	BE 8536
		06.46-07.52		Boat ventilated.
		08.00	BE 8536
		12.00	BE 8534	Day's run:  57.7 nm
			NE 1, Sea 0-1, fair, cumulous clouds, 1032 mb, +16, Vis. good	36.7 nm
		14.02 - 14.17		Boat ventilated.
		16.00	BE 8534
		17.45		Surfaced.
		19.30		Presented Radio Message 1656/2/137 Serial No.11.
				Own air in the morning at first light.
		20.00	BE 8536
		23.50		Presented Radio Message 2210/2/145 Serial No.12.
				Monitor patrol line "Drossel" surfaced during the night etc.
		03.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 8536	Back and forth in position in patrol line.
			NE 3, Sea 3-4, squalls, rain showers, occasional haze, marine phosphorescence, 1029 mb, +15°
		04.00	BE 8514
			SE 3, hazy, overcast, 1029 mb, +15°
		08.20		Presented Radio Message 0740/3/149 Serial No.13.
				Concerning announcement of own air from 08.00 hours.

	Sun and Moon Data 02.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43

	- 7 -
		continued:
		03.05.43
		08.54		Presented Radio Message 0825/3/150  Serial No.14.  Group "Drossel" immediately course east 7 knots.
				Thereupon came to easterly course, diesel-electric LF.
		09.30		Presented Radio Message 0909/3/151  Serial No.15.  To "Drossel"
				1.)  Southbound convoy 08.30 hours BE 6944, 9 knots accepted.
				2.) . . . . Siegmann operate independently at high speed.
				Operated at high speed based on plotting.
		10.21 - 10.55		Dived to balance the boat.
				Course 105°, both diesels AK.
		12.00	BE 8516	Day's run:  148.6 nm
			NE 3, Sea 4, 8/10, 1029 mb, +16, Vis. good	10.0 nm
		12.15		Presented Radio Message 1137/3/55  Serial No. 16.  contains convoy position for 10.00 hours in BE 6977 speed 9-13 knots, 180°.
				I continue to operate on plotting for this convoy position.
		13.48		Radio Message 1237/3/157 Serial No.16a  17.00 hours Condor at convoy.
				Presented Radio Message 1325/3/158  Serial No.17.
				1.)  Convoy possibly further to the southwest.
				2.)  Jeschonnek to Siegmann extend patrol line etc.
				Orders were not to be executed.
		14.24		Incoming Short Signal  Serial No. 18 from "Lohmann" concerning convoy of 6-10 steamers BE 9528.
				I operate on the "Lohmann" report.
		15.15		Presented Radio Message 1444/3/162  Serial No. 19.  containing orders for Group "Drossel" to operate on the "Lohmann" report.
		16.00	BE 9471
		16.50		Presented Radio Message 1610/3/164  Serial No. 20.  "Lohmann" holds contact on smoke cloud, suspects southwesterly course, position of the convoy after navigation correction BE 9524.
				I operate on this report assumed course 200°, speed 10 knots.
		17.55	BE 9487	Dived for detection 160 cm, steady tone, volume 4-5, suddenly broke off.

Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		03.05.43
		18.37		Surfaced and continued to operate on the convoy at highest speed.
		18.50		Presented Radio Message 1822/3/167  Serial No. 21 from Headquarters.
				Still strive to gain contact and attack by day.
		20.00	BE 8731	"Condor" sends bearing signals.  Continue operating with the assistance of bearings of the other boats.
		20.48	BE 9732	Short Signal  Serial No. 22 sent:  My position is BE 9732, bearing 65°T.  (Was first acknowledged after repeating)
				In accordance with Radio Message 1850/3/170 Serial No. 23 convoy is positioned 17.40 hours in BE 9546, course south 10 knots.
		22.43		Incoming Short Signal  Serial No. 24.  "Lohmann" Convoy BE 9827, 180, 8-10 knots.
		22.53		Presented Radio Message 2214/3/175  Serial No. 25 from Headquarters to "Drossel", according to which convoy by boats' bearings is in BE 9820 upper-left corner at 21.00 hours.
		23.40		Positioned at plotted interception point, now steering search courses in sector 165-195°.
		23.59		Short Signal  Serial No. 26.  "Lohmann" convoy position BE 9849.
				I am in the same square.
		04.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 9849
		01.05	BE 9873	Short Signal  "Lohmann" Serial No. 27.
				Convoy BE 9873.
				I now see 2 times behind me short fiery glow, in the boat detonation is heard.  Believe they are "Lohmann" torpedoes.  Ran towards it.  Without success.  The usual fireworks stay out.
		02.30		Request bearing signals from "Zurmühlen".  Waiting for bearing signals.  I believe I am very close to the convoy.
		03.16		Short dive to listen.  Without success.
				By Radio Message 0230/4/184  Serial No. 27a.
				To"Lohmann" report convoy composition, if necessary remaining boats request bearing signals.
		04.00	CG 1153
			NE 4-5, overcast, marine phosphorescence, 1026 mb, +14, clear air

	Sun and Moon Data 03.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		04.05.43
		04.40		From 04.40 bearing signals from "Lohmann".  Am now operating on bearing signals.
		06.20	CG 1211	Receive a brief detection 140 cm (CRT display).  Was not compelled [to react].  Saw briefly around me several weak white lights.  They are small vessels.
		06.15		Dived to listen,without success.
				Am evidently, by the bearings received, either in a fishing fleet or in the landing craft convoy reported by Radio Message 0424/4/189 Serial No. 28.
				(See also Radio Message 2025/3/172  Serial No. 29.)
		07.10		Come to course 190°, highest speed.
		08.00	CG 1139
		08.35	CG 1163	Dived for detection 168 cm, initially CRT display, then audibly, very loud.
		08.41		Radio Message 0755/4/200 from "Teichert" Serial No. 30.
				Confirms my belief that "Lohmann" is positioned in the wrong convoy.
		11.35		Presented Radio Message 0546/4/194 Serial No. 31 from Headquarters.
				Following the correct convoy initially 15 nm southwest landing craft convoy.  I operate accordingly.
		12.00	CG 1432	Day's run:  279.1 nm
			NE 3, Sea 4, hazy sunshine, 6/10, 1022 mb +16°	12.2 nm
				The air reconnaissance announced by Radio Message 0218/4/182   Serial No. 32 is up to now without results.
		16.00	CG 1731
		16.51		Incoming Radio Message 1642/4/107  Serial No. 33.
				If before then no contact new patrol line ordered from CE 6235 to CG 1861 in anticipation of two northbound convoys.
		17.00		Began transit to patrol line.
		20.00	CG 4123
		22.45		Presented Radio Message 2205/4/113  Serial No. 34
				announcing own air for 5 May from 08.00 hours.

Sun and Moon Data 04.05.43

	- 10 -
		05.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	CG 4111	Transit to position in patrol line.
		04.00	CF 6322
		04.40	CF 6321	Arrived at position in patrol line.  Back and forth in position in patrol line.
		08.00	CF 6322
		12.00	CF 6321	Day's run:  218.4 nm
			NNE 3, Sea 4, overcast, Vis. good, 1020 mb, +16	2.2 nm
		14.30	CF 3979	Enemy in sight bearing 270°T.  Initially a masthead and faint cloud of smoke, briefly a 2nd masthead, believe a destroyer's mast.  Engines maneuvering, holding contact.
			Weather unchanged
		15.10		Short Signal sent:  Enemy in sight CF 6324   Serial No. 35.
		15.30		Perceive a small cruiser, after plotting runs at 20 knots and heads 145°.
		16.00	CF 6328
		16.02		Short Signal  Serial No. 36 sent.  Square CF 6351 a light cruiser, 145°, speed 20 knots.
		16.05		Contact keeping not possible for long due to the high enemy speed, fall quickly astern.  Shortly before passing out of sight anti-aircraft fire observed on contact holding "Condor".  Enemy passes out of sight.
		16.35		Pursuit abandoned.  By Short Signal 17.17 hours   Serial No. 37 reporting contact lost from 16.00 hours.
				Radio Message 1552/5/127  Serial No. 38 "Siegmann" report immediately if convoy or warship formation.
				Was already settled when received.
		20.00	CF 6321
		20.14		Presented Radio Message 1915/5/131  Serial No. 39 brings new patrol line from CF 3577 to CG 1428.
				Begin transit at nightfall if possible. Own air from dawn. "Stock" and "Bothe" special orders.
		23.00		Started transit to new disposition.

Sun and Moon Data 05.05.43

	- 11 -
		06.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	CF 3984
		04.00	CF 3941
		08.00	CF 3595
		11.38		Presented Radio Message 1125/6/156  Serial No. 40.
				Air reports convoy 10.00 hours in CF 6629.
		12.00	CF 3592	Day's run:  188.1 nm
			NNE 3, Sea 3, bright, 1024 mb, +16°, Vis. good	0.0 nm
		12.28		Presented Radio Message 1207/6/167  Serial No. 41.
				To "Drossel":  Operate on convoy reported by air, convoy course 340°.  Adjusted position CF 6639.
				I operate on course 340°, 7-9 knots in accordance with plotting, highest speed.
		14.12		Additional "Condor" from 15.30 hours announced by Radio Message 1335/6/160  Serial No. 41.
		16.00	CF 3941	Up to now no bearing signals received.
		17.09		Incoming Radio Message 1609/6/169  Serial Number 43.
				If convoy is not caught at intercept point search in accordance with named order in patrol line in sectors from 310 - 0°.
		20.00	CF 6319
		20.30		Course 310, both diesels LF.  Searching in my sector.
		20.45		Incoming Radio Message 2025/6/170  Serial No. 44.
				From air adjusted position CF 6625.  Continue searching in sectors accordingly.  Announced additional "Condor" from 20.30 hours with Fu.M.G.
		20.55	CF 6313	Briefly dived for detection 120 cm and 80 cm.  From Presented Radio Message Serial No. 44.  I believe this may be from our own gear ("Condor").
		2153-22.09		Again detection 120 cm and 80 cm, was not compelled [to react], on the horizon own K.S.Z. [Condor] sighted.  Confirmation of my belief.
		22.30		By Radio Message 2150/6/171  Serial No. 45.  If there is no contact by 7 May ay 08.00 hours new patrol line from CF 2962 to 3522 via 3458 ordered.
		23.44		Dived for detection 168 cm.

Sun and Moon Data 06.05.43

	- 12 -
		07.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	CF 3896
		00.39		Surfaced.
		04.00	CF 3815
		05.43		Short Signal Serial No. 46 from "Jeschonnek":
				Convoy CF 3762, 320°, 8 knots.
				I operate on this report.
		06.30		Light sighted on the southern horizon, are apparently from "Jeschonnek".
				Short Signal Serial No. 47, 0719 hours reported light rockets.
		07.15		Incoming Radio Message 0631/7/176  Serial No. 48.
				Tasking Group "Drossel" to operate on "Jeschonnek" report.
		07.40	CF 3487	Shadow in sight ahead to port bearing 140°T, based on this am at the convoy.  Positioned on the port side of the convoy.  It is too late for night attack, therefore moved away, joined as contact keeper.
		08.00	CF 3479
			NNE 3, Sea 3, clear, overcast, 1022 mb, +14
		08.24		Outgoing Short Signal  Serial No. 49.
				Enemy in sight CF 3487
		09.12		Outgoing Short Signal  Serial No. 50.
				Convoy CF 3476, speed 8 knots, 320°.
		10.26		Outgoing Short Signal Serial No. 51.
				Enemy steers 0°, CF 3484
		10.38	CF 3442	Crash dive for aircraft, land-based aircraft (2 engines).
		10.40		4 aircraft bombs at depth A +10 meters.  Slight damage.
		11.28		Surfaced, hold contact again.
		11.45		Radio Message 1054/7/188  Serial No. 52 sent.
				Air at convoy.  Bombed.  "Siegmann".
		12.00	CF 3465  [typo 3445]	Day's run:  270.6 nm
			Weather unchanged	7.1 nm
				Incoming Radio Message 1136/7/189  Serial No. 53.
				Use every opportunity for submerged attack etc.

Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43

	- 13 -
		continued
		07.05.43
		12.07	CF 3445	Crash dive for aircraft in approach, range = 8000 meters.  3 aircraft bombs with depth adjustment.  Boat is at depth A +20 meters.  In the control room a water level glass of the regulating and reserve fuel oil tank standing under pressure bursts.  A strong jet of water enters the boat, personnel believe initially an outside hull valve has torn off.   I blow at depth A +20 meters, machine guns ready.
		12.18		Aircraft on the horizon over the convoy, in the meantime the Engineering Officer reports the boat is ready to submerge.
		12.20		Crash dive.  No attack.
		13.04		Surfaced.
		13.08		Outgoing Radio Message 1140/7/193:
				Convoy consists of 20 steamers, CF 3473, 7 knots, 350°.
		13.44		Crash dive for aircraft.  At first, no attack.
		13.54		6 depth charges, only light concussions in the boat.
		14.20		Several depth charge series at the same range.  Escort was not heard.  Monkey business?
		15.53		Surfaced.
		16.00	CF 3414	Convoy is still not in sight again.
			NW 4, Sea 4, overcast, low hanging clouds, 1022 mb, +16, Vis. 8 nm
		16.25		Outgoing Radio Message 1530/7/195  Serial No. 55.
				Convoy positioned 13.40 hours CF 3443, 350°, 7 knots.
				"Siegmann"
		17.27		I am thinking of reporting contact lost when convoy comes into sight.  At the same time detection 172 cm.  Crash dive.  I do not want to give away my position, therefore I can not wait until seeing the aircraft.
		18.17		Surfaced.  Contact keeping report.
				Radio Message 1725/7/196  Serial No. 57.
				"In naval square CF 3178 convoy sighted briefly.  Northerly course.  Detection 172 cm.  Radio Message 1706 hours cancelled.
				The Radio Message reported cancelled included contact lost and was only half sent due to the crash dive.
		18.38	Weather improving still only slight cirrus clouds	Short Signal  Serial No. 58 sent.
				Enemy position CF 3175.

Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43

	- 14 -
		continued
		07.05.43
		19.45		Once again dove for detection on 172 cm without aircraft sighting.
		20.00	CF 3147	At periscope depth.  four-engined aircraft over me.  Evidently the close escort.
				Decision:
				I am still positioned 2 nm off the plotted general course line of the convoy.  Start from now for a day attack.  Go to depth 30 meters silent speed, course 90°.  Sound bearing of the convoy is located in the sector 130-150°T and shifts a little astern, becomes steadily louder.
		21.40	CF 3143	During the attempt to go to periscope depth, I am over run from starboard astern to port ahead.  4 depth charges  Boat is at 25 meters.  Depth charges are set shallow and lie on the starboard side.  At first no failures noticed.  I bring the boat deep quickly.  At depth A +60 meters a new depth charge approach.  6 depth charges set deep.  Although I have the sense of being directly overrun again, the depth charges fall behind the boat. Only the first one causes heavy concussions.
				Eject 2 Bolde and attempt to get beneath the convoy behind the wall [of bubbles from the Bolde].  By this the planned submerged attack is spoiled.  Two locating vessels keep me submerged for a long time. Situation is not clear, because the sound locator has suffered with the first depth charges and for a long time I do not know what is nearby.  Am circled numerous times by two vessels equipped with "Asdic", however, no more depth charges fall.
		08.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	CF 5143
			NW 3-4, Sea 4, Vis. changing heavily, haze (rain), medium marine phosphorescence
		01.14		Surfaced.
				I pursue the convoy on course 0°.

	Sun and Moon Data 07.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 08.05.43

	- 15 -
		continued
		08.05.43
		02.00		Radio Message 0005/8/114  Serial No. 59 sent.
				1.)  Forced to submerge all day by air, 2 times aircraft bombs.
				2.)  During attack at 21.45 hours was heard, depth charges.  Over run by convoy in naval square CF 3143.  In pursuit.  80 cbm.
				"Siegmann"
		03.30		Dived to listen.  No sound bearings, because the gear is out of service for now.  Repairs.
		04.00	BE 8887
		05.30		Fast propellers heard bearing 330 and 30°T.  No indication of the convoy.  May be escort vessels, or own pursuing boats.
		05.55		Surfaced.  Nothing seen, continued to pursue.
		08.00	BE 8681
		09.54		Crash dive for aircraft, steering northerly course.  Type not recognized.
		10.51		Surfaced, continued to pursue on course 0°.
		12.00	BE 8822	Day's run:  108.9 nm
			NW 6, Sea 6, overcast, 1016 mb, +14, Vis. 9-10 nm	30.6 nm
		15.50		Incoming Radio Message . . . . /8/115  Serial No. 60.
				To "Drossel".  Discontinue convoy operation, report position by Short Signal.
		16.00	BE 8527
			NW 4, Sea 4, overcast, 1016 mb, +14
		16.15	BE 8525	Convoy pursuit broken off and ran off to the south.
		17.00		Incoming Radio Message 1637/6/133  Serial No. 61.
				Receive new attack area for Group "Drossel".  For me CF 31.
		17.43		Reported position by Short Signal  Serial No. 62.
		20.00	BE 8587
		23.09	BE 8859	Crash dive for aircraft with red searchlight.  Aircraft flew very high, the brightness was very similar to a star. Was detected by motion.  Plane suddenly turned towards the boat.  I decide to transit through the night submerged.

Sun and Moon Data 08.05.43

	- 16 -
		09.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 8859	Submerged transit to CF 31.
		01.00 - 02.30		Patrol vessels locating with "ASDIC" are heard in the vicinity.  Vessel searches the entire area.  I suspect working together with the aircraft.  Was not caught by the search group.
		04.00	BE 8889
		07.21		Surfaced.
				Surface transit to CF 31.
		08.00	CF 3123
		10.11		Presented Radio Message 0005/9/151  Serial No. 63.
				To "Drossel".  Course west.
		10.23		Started transit to the west.
				Diesel-electric LF.
		12.00	CF 3118	Day's run:  168.5 nm
			NW 2, Sea 2, overcast, hazy, 1024 mb, +15	24.6 nm
		14.35		Incoming Radio Message 1353/9/162  Serial No. 64.
				"Drossel".  At high speed operate on "Förster"-convoy  reported at 13.00 hours in CD 3598, 90°, 9-10 knots.  Switch "Hubertus" Circuit.
		16.00	CF 2329	Going at 2 x HF on course 270°.
		19.40		Incoming Radio Message 1904/9/198  Serial No. 65.
				. . . . Group "Drossel" 10 May 10.00 hours switch "Ireland" Circuit.
		20.00	CF 2239
		10.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	CF 2218	For now I steer westerly course, speed 2 x HF.  Still no further indications of the convoy.
		04.00	CF 2129
		08.00	CF 2118
		11.53		Dived.
		12.00	CF 1338	Day's run:  181 nm
			SW 7, 7, 1006 mb, +15, hazy, sunshine	0.4 nm
		13.57		Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 09.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43

	- 17 -
		continued
		10.05.43
		16.00	CF 1319
		18.31		Incoming Short Signal  Serial No. 67 from "Clausen".
				Convoy CE 2425, northerly course.
				I operate on this report and come to 330°, 2 x HF.
		20.00	BE 7786
		21.30		Incoming Radio Message 2110/10/149  Serial No. 66.
				Former Drossel boats operate on "Clausen"-report, count on a northerly convoy course.
		11.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BE 7716
		04.00	BD 9662
		08.00	BD 9355
		11.00		Presented Radio Message 0952/11/104 Officer-Only Serial No. 68.
				To "Drossel".  On 11 May at 16.00 hours east steering "Clausen"-convoy will be in BD 9552.
				Heading according to intercept task, came to course 215°.
		12.00	BD 9314	Day's run:  70.9 nm
			SW 5, Sea 6, cloudy, squalls, occasional rain, 998 mb, +14	9.8 nm
		16.00	BD 9268
		19.08		"Seibicke" reports convoy by Short Signal  Serial No. 69 in BD 9554.
				Operating on "Seibicke"- report.
		20.00	BD 9294
			WSW 7, Sea 6, overcast, squalls, 996 mb, +14, Vis. heavily changing, rain showers
		20.09		Incoming Radio Message 1958/11/122  Serial No. 70.
				Former Drossel boats operate at highest speed on "Seibicke"-report. . . . . . . .

	Sun and Moon Data 10.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43

	- 18 -
		continued
		11.05.43
		20.42		Incoming Radio Message 2017/11/127  Serial No. 71 from "Seibicke".  Convoy BD 9528, course 45°, 13 knots.
		21.30		Incoming Radio Message 2124/11/128  Serial No. 72.
				To "Seibicke"-convoy.  Convoy runs at best 10 knots.
		21.39		Incoming contact keeper report "Seibicke".
				Radio Message 2112/11/129  Serial No. 73.
				Convoy located at 21.00 hours BD 9289, course 0°.
		22.15		Dived for detection 168 cm.
		12.05.43	North Atlantic	Up to darkness convoy not found.  Operating on "Seibicke" contact keeper reports.
		00.00	BD 9291
		04.00	BD 6883
		04.30 - 05.00		Dived to listen.  Weak sound bearing 270°T.  Not certainly recognized as from the convoy.  Surfaced, came to 270°, in so doing ran into a destroyer at low range (300 meters).  Enemy had about target angle red 40°.  Got away on the surface, additionally, I was Morsed with a blue lamp.
		05.20	BD 6858	Crash dive.  Quickly went deep.  No depth charges.  Am at the convoy, loud ontinuous sound bearings in 270°T.
			WSW 5, Sea 5, hazy, rain showers, squalls, 1000 mb, +15, lightening and marine phosphorescence
		06.00		Surfaced.
		06.10		Convoy in sight.  See initially only 2 steamers, very long distance (2000-3000 meters).
				I decide, because it is quickly getting light, the lightening has stopped, to attack immediately on the last ship.  Freighter of 7000 GRT.  Type "Liberty - Fleet".
		06.25		Shot from tube II.  Target speed = 9 knots, target angle = 110°, lead angle = 16°, FAT-intial run 3000 meters, range 1500 meters.
		06.27		Shot from tube IV.  Target speed = 9 knots, target angle = 85°, lead angle = 17°, FAT-intial run 3000 meters, range 1500 meters.  Both loops right long.
				After 1st shot recognized, that beginning position [target angle] was over estimated, therefore, 2nd shot with new shooting data.   Both missed.  Reason: target speed set too low.
				Twice I try to shoot but the attempt does not succeed, because it has cleared very much and has been getting light.  Furthermore, the starboard flank escort has dropped back, so that a surface attack is no longer possible.

	Sun and Moon Data 11.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43

	- 19 -
		continued
		12.05.43
				Set off at highest speed to maintain contact and maneuver ahead.
		07.44		Short Signal Serial No. 74 sent.
				Convoy BD 6825.
		08.00	BD 6831
			SE 4-5, low hanging clouds, Vis. good, 1002 mb, +15
		09.20		Was surprised by a carrier aircraft at short range (1500 meters), approaches me out of a rain cloud.  Onboard weapons fire without effect.  MG C/30 manned by bridge watch, the aircraft turns away hard and tries to attack from ahead.  I turn the boat toward the aircraft, so that target approach is hindered.  In so doing the pilot stalls the aircraft and crashes 100 meters from my side.  The aircraft goes under in the bomb detonations.
		09.26		Radio Message 0926/12/149  Serial No. 75 sent.
				Carrier aircraft at convoy.
		10.23		Contact keeper report sent,
				Short Signal  Serial No. 76.
				Enemy in sight BD 6674, 50°, 10 knots.
				Contact keeping brings no further difficulties, the visibility is good and the convoy smokes.
		12.00	BD 6659  [typo 6649]	Day's run:  243.2 nm
			SE 4, Sea 4, fair, cloudy, 1002 mb, +15	6.7 nm
		13.04		Outgoing Short Signal  Serial No. 77.
				Convoy BD 6652, 45°, 10 knots.
				From time to time the close escort comes in sight out of the smoke clouds.
				Am now positioned ahead of the convoy.  Convoy is temporarily out of sight.  "Lohmann" and "Seibicke" are apparently nearby.
		14.22	BD 6661	Crash dive for detection 172 cm.  Steady tone.  Because a large dark cloud hangs over the convoy, I do not dare stay on the surface.
		14.31		4 aircraft bombs.  Am at depth A +20 meters.  Initially believe to be scare depth charges.  No damage.  Unfortunately, however, sound sweep proves a pair of approaching escorts who initiate pursuit with "Asdic" and listening.

Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43

	- 20 -
		continued
		12.05.43
		16.00 20.00	BD 6663 BD 6666	Now a lengthy pursuit begins with a lot of depth charges, but none close to the boat, as only light vibrations appear.  Search group evidently works by listening, "Asdic" (chirping) and a type of sonic depth finder detection.  Although the detection impulses can be heard from time to time without the G.H.G. in the whole boat, from the position of the depth charges I do not believe were detected.  Several times I am directly overrun by an escort vessel, or driven slowly around in a narrow circle.
				Own efforts:
				Attempt to place the escorts, who always place themselves approximately 90° to each other, astern.  Silent running.  Placing astern does not succeed in the long run.  Therefore, initially tried to run off in direction 50° later 180°.  Drainage equipment not operated.  I steer between depth A +60 meters and 2 A meters.   Each pump out - short blowing of main ballast tank 3 - results in receiving 6-9 depth charges. Unfortunately, with stern down angle the boat makes loud sounds from the damaged starboard shaft. Only limited sound reception.
		13.05.43
		00.00	BD 6669
		02.45	BD 6669	Because for an hour there are no further sound bearings, surfaced.  Nothing nearby.
		04.00	BD 6696
		04.27		Presented Radio Message 0349/13/193  Serial No. 78.
				Orders for breaking off the operation, if there is no contact by getting light and air in the area.  Switch to "Diana" Circuit and operate on convoy located to the southwest.
				Broke off, heading 225°.
		07.00		Outgoing Radio Message 0600/13/200  Serial No. 79.
				1.)  Yesterday at dawn 2 miss at convoy.
				2.)  10.00 hours carrier aircraft repelled.  Crashed.
				3.)  During attack by day located by aircraft.  Depth charges at depth A +20 meters after 9 minutes.  Thereafter 10 hours listening and depth charges.
				4.)  Ready for operations except for damage to starboard shaft.  Position naval square BD 6931.  Switching "Diana" Circuit.  52 cbm.
		08.00	BD 6952	Course 225°.
			SW 5, Sea 5, overcast, 1018 mb, +15
		12.00	BD 6972	Day's run:  74.6 nm
				46.6 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 12.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43

	- 21 -
		continued
		13.05.43
		15.40		Presented Radio Message 2246/12/184  Serial No. 80.
				To "Siegmann-convoy".  Continue operating on courses from 40-65°, 10 knots etc.  "Siegmann" report fuel inventory.
				In the meantime the Radio Message is outdated.
		16.00	BD 9235
		20.00	BD 9255
		20.25		Incoming Radio Message 1846/13/722  Serial No. 81.
				Boats from "Siegmann-convoy".  Switch "Diana" Circuit.  Operate on last contact BD 8984 at 01.20 hours.  Course 20-40°.
		21.44	BD 9281	Detection on 172 cm.  Dived for aircraft coming in sight.
		22.00		Came to course 330°, speed 12 knots.
		14.05.43
		00.00	BD 9242
		04.00	BD 6792
		08.00	BD 6723	Course 70°.
		11.45		Crash dive for carrier aircraft.
		12.00	BD 6575	Day's run:  202.6 nm
			WNW 1, Sea 1, clear, Vis. good, 1033 mb, +14	7.2 nm
		12.47	BD 6576	Crash dive for carrier aircraft.
		14.25	BD 6584	Crash dive for carrier aircraft.
				Nothing seen of the convoy up to now.
		14.40		Presented Radio Message 1250/14/747  Serial No. 82.
				Break off convoy operation.  Boats remain positioned in reached area.
		16.30	BD 6581	Positioned with two other boats, one of these is "U-231" (Wenzel) in the same square.  Therefore, I set off to the south.
		20.00	BD 6852
		21.49		Incoming Radio Message 2001/14/758  Serial No. 84.
				1.)  . . . . . . . .
				2.)  . . . . . . . .
				3.)  "Siegmann" report immediately if ready for supply to 90 cbm and further operations.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43

	- 22 -
		continued
		14.05.43
				I have expected this question.  Examination proves that the sometimes very strong sounds, which appear particularly with stern down angle, are caused only by the starboard shaft.  With this the boat is no longer ready for day attack.  However, this is important for the next full moon period.
		15.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6888
		04.00	BD 9216
		08.00	BD 9246
		08.08		Radio Message 0740/15/775  Serial No. 85 sent.
				Boat no longer ready for day attack due to heavy self noise.  No sound reception with slight stern down angle.  42 cbm.
				"Siegmann"
		10.42		Incoming Radio Message 1024/15/779  Serial No. 86.
			[BD 6643]	1.)  16 May from dawn "Siegmann" give 10 cbm to "Dahlhaus" in LF 1643.  Afterwards both boats return transit.  "Siegmann" report.
				2.)  "Siegmann" today 20.00 hours switch "Coastal" Circuit.
		12.00	BD 9214	Day's run:  159.0 nm
			NNE 3, Sea 2, sunshine, slightly cloudy, Vis. good, 1035 mb, +16	12.6 nm
				Transit to BD 6643 to give fuel to "Dahlhaus".
		16.00	BD 6881
		20.00	BD 6853
		16.05.43	North Atlantic
		00.00	BD 6599
		04.00	BD 6645
		07.17 - 09.15	BD 6643	Dived.
		09.25		"Dahlhaus" in sight.
		12.00	BD 6643	Day's run:  159.5 nm
			ENE 4, Sea 4, overcast, hazy, low hanging clouds, squalls, 1028 mb falling, wind and sea are heavier	7.6 nm

	Sun and Moon Data 14.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.05.43

	- 23 -
		continued
		16.05.43
				"Dahlhaus" does not have the thick oil transfer hose ready.  The connection with fire hose breaks two times, so that we postpone our plans for the time being.  "Dahlhaus" lets himself drift and I stay in the square moving up and down.
		16.00	BD 6627
		20.00	BD 6628
		17.05.43
		00.00	BD 6629
		04.00	BD 6625
		08.00	BD 6621
		09.00		Oil transfer to "Dahlhaus".
		12.00	BD 6387	Day's run:  81.9 nm
			ESE 3, Sea 2, hazy, 1016 mb, +16, Vis. 5 nm	0.0 nm
		12.20		Oil transfer 10 cbm ended.
				Start return transit.
		16.00	BD 6388
		20.00	BD 6633	By Radio Message 2049/17/26  Serial No. 87 "Dahlhaus" reports that he has taken over 10 cbm from me.
				Therefore I refrain from sending a Radio Message.
		18.05.43	North Atlantic	Return transit.
		00.00	BE 4422
		04.00	BE 4436
		04.02 - 04.48		Dived.
		08.00	BE 4524
		12.00	BE 4558	Day's run:  61.0 nm
			E 1, Sea 1, 10/10, 1009 mb, +15	2.6 nm
		16.00	BE 4619
		20.00	BE 4637

	Sun and Moon Data 16.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 17.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 18.05.43

	- 24 -
		19.05.43	North Atlantic	Return transit.
		00.00	BE 5442
		04.00	BE 5453
		07.05 - 08.25		Test dive.
		09.15	BE 5545	Crash dive for land-based aircraft.  Northerly course.  Long range.  Remained undetected.
		10.16	BE 5545	Surfaced.
		12.00	BE 5556	Day's run:  156.6 nm
			SW 2, Sea 2, overcast, low hanging clouds, occasional rain squalls and bad visibility	7.4 nm
		16.00	BE 5648
		20.00	BE 5688
			Weather improving, cloudless, Vis. clear
		20.10		Recognition signals exchanged with "U-608" (Struckmeier).
		23.45		Passed 15°W.
				Dived to proceed submerged.
		20.05.43	North Atlantic	Return transit.
		00.00	BE 6482
		04.00	BE 6491
		06.30 - 06.48		Ventilated the boat.
		08.00	BE 6493
		12.00	BE 6571	Day's run:  66.2 nm
			SW 1, Sea 1, fair, cloudless, 1023 mb, +16	36.3 nm
		12.35 - 15.28		Proceeding on the surface to charge.
		16.00	BE 6591
		17.00 - 17.20		Depth charge detonations.  Nothing seen in the periscope.

	Sun and Moon Data 19.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.43

	- 25 -
		continued
		20.05.43
		20.00	BE 6672	Presented Radio Message 1616/20/98  Serial No. 86.
				Return harbor for me is Brest.
		21.08 - 23.17		Charging batteries.
		21.05.43	Outer Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BE 6682
		04.00	BE 6691
		06.17 - 06.39		Surfaced to ventilate.
		08.00	BE 6693
		12.00	BF 4472	Day's run:  171.3 nm
			SW 1, Sea 2, overcast	56.4 nm
		13.04		Surfaced.
		13.24		Crash dive for land-based aircraft, south-north course.  Remained undetected.
		14.22	BF 4471  [typo 4481]	Surfaced.
				While blowing sighted by inbound "Sunderland".  Distance 3000 meters, altitude 1500 meters.
				Machine guns ready.  Aircraft turned away when we brought the weapons to bear.
		14.24		Turn used to crash dive.
				4 aircraft bombs at depth A meters.  Slight temporary damage.
		16.00	BF 4482
		18.50		Surfaced.
		17.48		Crash dive for Sunderland, northerly course, range = 6000 meters, altitude 2000 meters.  2 aircraft bombs at depth A +20 meters.  No damage.
		20.00	BF 4491	During attempt to surface 2 times enemy aircraft in the periscope.  Type "Lockheed"  and "Whitley", course northeast.
		21.41 - 00.00		Surfaced to charge.

	Sun and Moon Data 20.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 21.05.43

	- 26 -
		22.05.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 4573
		04.00	BF 4582
		06.46		Surfaced.
		07.10		Crash dive for land-based aircraft, southerly course, range = 10000 meters.  No attack.
		08.00	BF 4591
		12.00	BF 4593	Day's run:  52.1 nm
			SW 2, Sea 2, fair, +16	59.8 nm
		14.53 - 17.56		Charging transit.
		14.59		Short Signal  Serial No. 89 sent.
				Position 48 hours off meeting point with escort.
		16.00	BF 4682
		20.00	BF 5447
		22.50 - 23.0x		Boat ventilated.
		23.05.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 5448
		00.10		Presented Radio Message 1852/22/44  Serial No. 90.
				Convoy positioned from 24 May - Flottille for me.
		04.00	BF 5457
		05.43 - 06.11		Boat ventilated.
		08.00	BF 5458
		11.57 - 12.32		Boat ventilated.
		12.00	BF 5459	Day's run:  48.5 nm
			SE 3, Sea 2-3, overcast, hazy, 1013 mb, +14	47.2 nm
		14.30 - 15.00		Several times depth charge detonations at great range.

	Sun and Moon Data 22.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.05.43

	- 27 -
		continued
		23.05.43
		16.00	BF 5467
		18.35 - 19.30		Surfaced to charge.
		20.00	BF 5571
		24.05.43
		00.00	BF 5473
		04.00	BF 5481
		06.42		Surfaced to proceed on the surface.
		07.10		Reached Point "Kern".
		08.00	WNW 9, Sea 8, 1012 mb, +14, partial overcast
		11.57		Short Signal Serial No. 91 sent.
				Arrival at the expected meeting point 2 hours late.
		12.00		Day's run:
		15.16		Incoming Radio Message 1250/24/99 Serial No. 92.
				Convoy intake 19.00 hours B1, no patrol boat group.
		16.20		Point 341.
		16.27		Point B 1 taken in Sperrbrecher convoy.
		22.00		Boat made fast in Bunker A 1.
				On board, 24 May 1943.
				Kaptlt. and Kmdt.

	Sun and Moon Data 23.05.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.05.43

	Enclosures to U-230's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart covering entire war patrol                24 April to 24 May 1943
Radio	Summary of Radio Log

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U-230" (Siegmann) from 1.4.43-24.5.43.
	The boat participated in 2 convoy operations.  The Kommandant operated correctly and in both cases gained contact.  On the "Drossel-convoy" from 7 May - 8 May the boat had no attack opportunities due to air and depth charge pursuit. The favorable attack position on 12 June was a failure due to a miss.  After the Kommandant could no longer reach attack position. Otherwise no remarks.   Accredited success: 1 aircraft was caused to crash without munitions expenditure.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of Operations -

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