U-230 4th 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

		copy                     S  e  c  r  e  t  !            = = = = = = = =
				K  r  i  e  g  s  t  a  g  e  b  u  c  h  "U  230"
				= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
				4th War Patrol
				Kommandant:  Kaptlt.  S  i  e  g  m  a  n  n
				Beginning  :       9.9.1943
				Ending      :    16.12.1943
				Enclosures:
				1 track chart
				2 excerpts of the Radio Log
				© U-boat Archive 2023 - all rights reserved

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

	- 1 -
		09. -12.09.43	Brest U-Bunker	Torpedo-munitions and provisions offload, boat cleared.
		13.09.43	Brest	Begin shipyard period.
		16.10.43		Pierside trial.
		23.10.43		Proceeded to outer Point "Kern" under escort of a U-boat hunter formation for deep diving test.
		24.10.43
		04.00	AF 6674	Deep diving test to depth 2A +20 meters.  No issues.
		07.30		Return transit to Brest in convoy.
		20.00	Brest	Made fast U-Bunker
				By B.d.U. regulation the boat will be equipped with 3.7 cm automatic cannon.
		25.10. - 15.11.43	Brest	Waited on the arrival of the cannon, installation, firing and training in the harbor.
				Planned departure for 16 November delayed due to special undertaking.
		16.11 - 21.11.43	Brest	Official travel of the Kommandant to Toulon for meeting with F.d.U. Mittelmeer [Mediterranean]
		22.11.43	Brest
		17.00		Farewell by the Flottillenchef 9. Uflottille.
		17.12	W 3, Sea 2, completely overcast, misty, rain, 1020 mb, 16°C	Departed on 4th war patrol.  Operating in accordance with Operations Order F.d.U. Mittelmeer No. 12.
		17.30		Passed Brest war harbor mole outbound.
		17.40		Taken in convoy.  Outer escort to Point "Kern" by 2 U-boat hunter and a minesweeper.  To Point "B1" Fu.M.G. tested by [illegible three initials perhaps N.M.K.] personnel.
		20.00	Point "B 1"	Transfer of the [illegible three initials] testing personnel to an escort vessel.
		23.11.43	Inner Biscay
		07.30	BF 5548	Dived.  Deep diving test to depth 2A meters.  All operable.
			SW 3, Sea 2, 3/10, 1020 mb, 16°C
		10.23		Surfaced.
		10.30		Released escort.  Transit to operations area.  Objective BE 88.
		10.40		Dived to proceed submerged.
			For completion of the task undetected approach to the approach to Gibraltar is required.  I decide to proceed along the north Spanish coast (Piening Route) to about the level of Vigo then along the 100 or 200-meter line conforming to neutral traffic.
			My aim is without rushing and without consideration of moon phase to reach about naval square CG 9581 and from there break through submerged.
		12.00	BF 5572	Day's run:  Surfaced      111.4 nm
				Submerged      4.0 nm
				115.4 nm.
		16.00	BF 5578
		20.00	BF 5812
		24.11.43	Inner Bay of Biscay	Proceeded submerged, course 190°.  Steering for "Cape Ferrol"
		00.00	BF 5811	Proceeded on the surface to charge the battery.  One diesel HF, one diesel clutched to charge due to weather.
		02.00	SWS 5, Sea 6, overcast, low clouds, rain, 1016 mb, 14°C
		04.00	BF 5849
		05.12		Dived.  Submerged transit continued.
		08.00	BF 5847

	Sun and Moon Data 22.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 23.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.43

	- 2 -
		continued
		24.11.43
		11.55		Incoming Radio Message Officer Only 2035/23/45:  (See Enclosure to the K.T.B., Excerpt of the Officer Only Radio Log.  Serial No. 1)
				1)  Continue transit to ordered area by own wishes.
				2)  Undetected approach is crucial.
				3)  Passing report on crossing the latitude xx 33
				4)  If detected east of the longitude of square Dx 2145 and thereby put the task in question move off to the west and after two to three days try again.
				5)  Only break off task if complete failure of Wanze (and/or Borkum) and Naxos occurs.
				6)  Passing report crossing the longitude of CH 7395 center on Mediterranean Circuit.
		12.00	BF 5874	Day's run: Surfaced 21.0 nm, Submerged 50.7 nm = 71.7 nm
		16.00	BF 8311
		20.00	BF 8317
		25.11.43	Bay of Biscay
		00.00	BF 8268	Course 190°.
		02.30	NW 5, Sea 6, overcast, occasional marine phosphorescence, 1016 mb, 13°C	Surfaced, charging transit.
		04.00	BF 8533
		05.50		Dived.  Proceeded submerged.
		08.00	BF 8565
		12.00	BF 8568	Day's run: Surfaced 35.5 nm, Submerged 51.7 nm = 87.2 nm
		16.00	BF 8594
		20.00	BF 8831
		22.50		Surfaced to charge.  The beacons of the Spanish coast in sight.
		23.55		Dived.
		26.11.43	North Spanish Coast
		00.00	BF 8823
			W 5, Sea 6, 4/10, [illegible word] clearing, 1016 mb, 19°C
		03.24		Surfaced to charge.  Very light coastal traffic.
		04.00	BF 8822
		05.45		Dived.
		08.00	BF 8821
		12.00	BF 8818	Day's run: Surfaced 21.1 nm, Submerged 43.7 nm = 64.8 nm
		16.00	BF 8811
		20.00	BF 8733
		22.42		Surfaced to charge and take bearings.
		23.50		Dived.
		27.11.43	North Spanish Coast
		00.00	BF 8734
		04.00	BF 8722
		05.18	W 4, Sea 5, overcast, low hanging clouds, 1016 mb, 13°C	Surfaced.
		07.23		Dived.
		08.00	BF 8778
		10.00		Incoming Radio Message 1926/25/97:  Serial No. 2
				There is a Spanish destroyer stationed In "Cadiz", gun boat and coastal watch boats observed between 26 November and 6 December conducting firing training.
				1.  Training area:  from naval square 9433 and 9436 to 9512 and 9515.
				2.  Training area:  from naval square 9588 and 9822 to the coast.  All naval square CG.
		12.00	BF 7699	Day's run: Surfaced 23.8 nm, Submerged 46.8 nm = 70.6 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 24.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 25.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 26.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.43

	- 3 -
		continued
		27.11.43
		16.00	BF 7932
		20.00	BF 7923
		21.58	W 2, mirror flat sea, occasional marine phosphorescence	Surfaced to charge.  No traffic on the bay off Ferrol.
		23.58		Dived
		28.11.43	North Spanish Coast
		00.00	BF 7951
		04.00	BF 7943
		04.17	W 5 Sea 4, 6/10, 1025 mb, 14°C	Surfaced to charge.  Several fishermen on the 200-meter line.  A small dimmed warship with set side and steaming lights moves back and forth at the territorial limit.  I avoid this vessel, believe it to be a [illegible word] or neutrality watch.
		07.31		Dived.
		08.00	BF 7894
		12.00	BF 7889	Day's run: Surfaced 55.1 nm, Submerged 36.1 nm = 91.2 nm.
		16.00	CG 2223
		20.00	CG 2229
		29.11.43	West of Vigo
		00.00	CG 2261
		01.05	SW 2, Sea 2, cloudless, somewhat misty, Vis. medium, occasionally heavy marine phosphorescence, 1026 mb, 14°C	Surfaced to charge.  Off Pontevedra and Vigo in the course of this is a mirror flat sea and occasionally heavy marine phosphorescence, uncomfortable situation.
		04.00	CG 2299
		04.04		Dived.
		08.00	CG 2532
		12.00	CG 2535	Day's run: Surfaced 37.7 nm, Submerged 37.6 nm = 75.3 nm.
		16.00	CG 2538
		20.00	CG 2562
		22.40		Surfaced to ventilate.
		23.40		Dived.
		30.11.43	West of Portugal
		00.00	CG 2568
		01.55	SSW 2, Sea 2, 2/10, Vis. good, 1026 mb, 13°C
		03.00		Outgoing Short Signal:  My position is CG 25.  "U-230".
				Serial No. 1 sent on 36 meters not confirmed by Communications Center.  I decide to wait 24 hours and send again.
		04.00	CG 2811 West of Porto	Off Porto many small vessels, [illegible word] fishermen. Neutral traffic in N-S direction along the 200-meter line.
		06.00		Dived.
		08.00	CG 2869
		12.00	CG 2899	Day's run: Surfaced 54.6 nm, Submerged 37.0 nm = 91.6 nm.
		16.00	CG 2699
		20.00	CG 5232
		23.04		Surfaced to ventilate and charge.
		01.12.43	West of Portugal
		00.00	CG 5238
		01.00		Dived.
		02.52	SW 2, cloudless, good lighthouse visibility (30 nm), 1027 mb, 13°C	Surfaced.

	Sun and Moon Data 27.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 28.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 29.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 30.11.43
	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.43

	- 4 -
		continued
		01.12.43
		03.29		On 54 meters sent passing report Serial No. 2
		04.00	CG 5283	Short Signal:  My position is CG 52.        "U-230".
		04.29		Incoming Radio Message 0001/1/100:  Serial No. 3
				Confirmation of passing report.
			With the Bay of Biscay is behind me, now the main task is to remain undetected up to the entrance of the Strait.
		12.00	CG 5551	Day's run: Surfaced 62.9 nm, Submerged 30.2 nm = 93.1 nm.
		14.19		Incoming Radio Message 1036/1/7:
				1)  "Siegmann" Circuit for next passing report remains Coastal.
				2)  . . . .
			[illegible two sentences concerning Radio Message procedures]
		16.00	CG 5546
		20.00	CG 5549
		23.00		Surfaced.
		23.56		Dived.
		02.12.43	West of Portugal
		00.00	CG5582
		03.20	S 3, Sea 3, cloudless, somewhat misty, Vis. medium, 1025 mb, 14°C	Surfaced.
		04.00	CG 5589 West of Lisbon	Only 2 small vessels sighted off the entrance.
		07.19		Dived.
		08.00	CG 5669
		12.00	CG 5893	Day's run: Surfaced 57.7 nm, Submerged 42.5 nm = 100.2 nm.
		16.00	CG 5899	[illegible sentence concerning steamer]
		20.00	CG 8233
		23.xx		Surfaced to charge and ventilate.  Several fishing vessels.
		03.12.43	West of Portugal
		00.00	CG 8239
		00.03		Dived.
		03.05		Surfaced to charge.
		04.00	CG 8348	Course change to 92°.
		05.57		Dived.
		08.00	CG 8359
		12.00	CG 8392	Day's run: Surfaced 42.0 nm, Submerged 42.3 nm = 84.3 nm.
		16.00	CG 9171
		20.00	CG 9172
		23.08		Surfaced.  Boat ventilated.  Charging transit.  My next goal is the Spanish destroyer training area reported Officer Only Radio Message 1926/25/97  limited by naval squares CG 9433, 36, 9512 and 9515.  If possible, I want to reach it with a full battery and filled air supply. I believe that from there [one is] within range of "continuous locating".  I want to put the boat on the bottom there and proceed from that point in short jumps to about CG 9581.  For the breakthrough itself, I have planned for Sunday, 5 December.  From naval square CG 9581 I intend to start out the morning submerged and pass through the Strait during the day.

	Sun and Moon Data 01.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 02.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 03.12.43

	- 5 -
		04.12.43	South coast of Portugal and Spain
		00.00	CG 9147
		00.02		Dived.
		03.08		Surfaced.  Charging transit.
		04.00	CG 9183
			SE 3, Sea 3, partial overcast, 1015 mb, 17°C
		06.45		Dived.
		08.00	CG 9512
		08.30		Reached the Spanish training area.  Battery is full.  Also air banks.  No one suspects me here.
		08.30	CG 9514	Put the boat on the bottom.  5 tons negative buoyancy.  depth 75 meters.  Made final preparations for long submerged cruise.
		12.00	CG 9514	Day's run: Surfaced 53.4 nm, Submerged 30.9 nm = 84.3 nm.
		16.00	CG 9514
		20.00	CG 9514
		20.15		Boat raised from the bottom.  Proceeded submerged.
		23.05		Surfaced.  Ventilated and charged.
		23.53		Dived.  Proceeded submerged.
		05.12.43	West of the Strait of Gibraltar
		00.00	CG 9541
		04.00	CG 9548	Surfaced.
			S 3, Sea 3, cloudy, 8/10, 1005 mb, 15°C
		05.50	CG 9584	Battery and air are full.  The undetected approach is successful.
		05.56		Dived.  Ship's position is exact (3 lighthouses) Cape Spartel distinguished.  Submerged breakthrough of the Strait of Gibraltar begun.  The motors 90 RPM (silent speed of the boat = 2 knots).  Course 120°.  Depth = A -30 meters.  I want to approach Cape Espartel up to the 200-meter line and then parallel to this through the Strait.
		08.00	CG 9585	Several propeller sounds, occasionally two steamer propellers in a northwesterly direction are made out.  Shifting quickly ahead in the direction of the Mediterranean.  Do not feel like attacking, am not compelled.
		10.00	CG 9586	Course change to 65°.  Since 07.05 hours in the sound gear many annoying sounds (racket, squeaking, crackling), that arise neither from the vessels or from the boat.  Listener suspects hog fish.
		12.00	CG 9594	Day's run: Surfaced 31.3 nm, Submerged 31.3 nm = 62.6 nm.
		13.00		Course 80°.
		15.50		At periscope depth for bearings.  Position by careful bearings about abeam Tarifa.  However, no bearings are possible because of the heavy thunderstorms.  I recognize only quite vague outlines from the European shoreline.  The African shore is clearer. I see that I am positioned abeam of a city, a mountain with tower taken at first thought to be Malabata, is identified as the city of Tangier. Disappointed at first, believed to have been in a counter current. Decided to look again shortly.
		16.00	CG 9672

	Sun and Moon Data 04.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.43

	- 6 -
		continued
		05.12.43
		16.30		At periscope depth:  A happy surprise. It is clear. The city thought to be Tangier city turns out to be Ceuta, Monte Hacho is unmistakable. Gibraltar is to port, the massif is already well out the eastern side. The concrete areas (water works) are unmistakable.  The line Cauta - Gibraltar was therefore passed at 16.00 hours.
		16.35		Exact ship's position:  Monte Hacho (Ceuta).  186°T, 4 nm away  Boat is in the Mediterranean.  Breakthrough completed.  Off Gibraltar a small vessel.  Only masts and smokestack are seen, course west, possibly a patrol boat.  No sound bearings, was completely covered by unexplained annoying sounds (like chopping wood, motorcycle).  The boat has covered 45 nm in 10 hours 38 minutes.   That means 4.2 knots over the ground at silent running RPM.  On average the current was 2.2 knots to the east.  Intend to continue transit submerged via CG 9681, 9659, 9639 under the protection of land.
		19.30		Two patrol boat sounds and locating sounds (far off) from the direction of Gibraltar.  Volume varies greatly.  I do not feel I am detected.
		20.00	CG 1682
		06.12.43	Western Mediterranean
		00.00	CG 9659
		04.00	CG 9662
		07.01	CG 9639	Surfaced.
		07.19		Dived.
		08.00	CG 9639
		11.30		At periscope depth, boat positioned in the bay off Malaga.
		12.00	CG 9699	Day's run: Surfaced 3 nm, Submerged 97.3 nm = 100.3 nm.
				Course 95°.
		16.00	CH 7319
		20.00	CH 7328
		20.29	E 2, Sea 2, Vis. xxx, 1017 mb, 19°C	Surfaced.  [illegible sentence concerning battery consumption]
		22.17		Dived.  [illegible sentence concerning function of vent 3]
		07.12.43	Western Mediterranean
		00.00	CH 7412
		00.14	WSW 1-2, Sea 1, cloudy, Vis. xxx, 1020 mb, xxC	Surfaced.  Charging transit. 3.7 cm cannon out of service. [illegible sentence concerning failure of 3.7 cm cannon]  One pair of bevel gears failed.  Spare not at hand.  [illegible word] or repairs are not possible ([illegible words])
		04.00	CH 7512
		04.42	WSW 1-2, low hanging clouds, Vis. good, 1020 mb, 15°C	Dived.
		06.33		Surfaced.
		07.16		Dived.
		08.00	CH 7531
		12.00	CH 7532	Day's run: Surfaced 57.4 nm, Submerged 47.8 nm = 105.2 nm.
		16.00	CH 7299
		20.00	CH 7374
		22.24		Surfaced.  Charging transit.
		23.40		Dived.

	Sun and Moon Data 05.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 06.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 07.12.43

	- 7 -
		08.12.43
		00.00	CH 7372
		03.42		Surfaced
		08.00	CH 7342
			NE 1, Sea 1, low hanging clouds, rain, misty, 1016 mb, 16°C
		07.26		Dived.
		08.00	CH 7321
		12.00	CH 7331	Day's run: Surfaced 42.8 nm, Submerged 25.1 nm = 67.9 nm.
		16.00	CH 7332
		20.00	CH 7333
		22.35	xx 4, Sea 4, [illegible word], 8/10, Vis. good, 1020, 15°C	Surfaced.
		22.49		Outgoing Short Signal Serial No. 5 on 54 meters.
				My position is CH 8111.  "U-230".
		23.35		Dived.
		09.12.43
		00.00	CH 5776
		00.06		Incoming Radio Message 2311/8/8:  Serial No. 6
				Confirmation of the Passing report.
				Switched to Mediterranean Circuit.  Coastal Circuit manned for another 24 hours.
		03.56		Surfaced.
		04.00	CH 5778
			NE 4, Sea 4, low hanging clouds, Vis. good, 1020, 16°C
		05.35		Incoming Radio Message Officer Only 0301/9/562:  Serial No. 7
				"Siegmann" from F.d.U.
				1)  If fully ready for operations go to attack area on the North African coast between the longitude of square 9546 and 9666.  "Keitschka" is positioned to the east, in the west "Kelblung".
				2)  If not ready for operations, report "No" by Short Signal and via square 6785 and 6645 go to Toulon.
				3)  All squares naval square CH.
		06.23		Dived.
			I decide to proceed to Toulon.  Reasoning:
			1)  Total failure of the cannon installed with so much hope and the resulting significant degradation of anti-aircraft armament which may be required in the operations area.
			2)  Lengthening of the diving time due to the failure of vent valve 3 and repair by onboard means is not possible.
		08.00	CH 5769
		12.00	CH 5767	Day's run: Surfaced 35.3 nm, Submerged 30.4 nm = 65.7 nm.
		14.33		Incoming Radio Message 0301/9/562:  Serial No. 7
				Contents the same as Officer Only Radio Message 0405/9/10. [probably the same message on different Circuit]
		16.00	CH 5765
		20.00	CH 5763
		23.30		Surfaced.
		23.56		Dived.
		10.12.43	Western Mediterranean
		00.00	CH 5763
		04.00	CH 5847
		04.05	NE 2, Sea 6 [non sensical], light overcast, Vis. good, 1019 mb, 17°C
		05.09		Outgoing Short Signal:  No.   "U-230".  Serial No. 8
		07.10		Dived.
		08.00	CH 5823
		12.00	CH 5597	Day's run: Surfaced 32.0 nm, Submerged 33.5 nm = 65.5 nm.

	Sun and Moon Data 08.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 09.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.43

	- 8 -
		continued
		10.12.43
		15.10		Lighthouse "Cape Formentara" bearing 9°T, Vedra island bearing 341°T.
		15.20		Course change to CH 6785 (85°).
		16.00	CH 5562
		19.14		Surfaced.
		20.00	CH 6598
		21.04		Dived.
		21.18		Incoming Radio Message 1304/10/581:  Serial No. 9
				"Siegmann"  As soon as possible report time of intended crossing latitude 42°N. Arrive so that intake point 250°T degrees 2 nm from Cap Cepet, is reached at dawn. Off Toulon expect hostile submarines, usually beginning at 120 nm.
				- F.d.U. -
		11.12.43	Balearic Islands
		00.00	CH 5672
		01.44	W 3, Sea 3, 9/10, 1019 mb, 12°C	Surfaced.
		02.10		Dived.
		04.00	CH 5667
		04.34		Surfaced.
		06.25		Dived.
		06.43		Surfaced.
		07.10		Dived.
		08.00	CH 5686
		12.00	CH 5699	Day's run: Surfaced 38.1 nm, Submerged 35.9 nm = 74.0 nm.
		16.00	CH 6777
		20.00	CH 6775
		21.12		Surfaced.
		23.34		Dived.
		12.12.43	Balearic Islands
		00.00	CH 6775
		02.43	SW 1, Sea 2, overcast, Vis. good, moonshine, 1018, 17°C
		04.00	CH 6764
		05.59		Dived for detection 160 cm, about 3-5 seconds with volume 2 heard.  widely spaced tones, good readout.
		07.10 - 08.00	CH 6459	Bearing 310°T and 40°T fast propeller sounds [illegible two words] far off.  With the apparently very good sound conditions in this area I [illegible word] the vessels very far away from me.  I believe the detection was from an aircraft.  Continued submerged, battery is full.
		12.00	CH 6574	Day's run: Surfaced 49.6 nm, Submerged 30.4 nm = 80.0 nm.
		16.00	CH 6572
		18.30 - 19.50		Depth charge [illegible word], 3 series, very far off.
		20.00	CH 6548
		22.20	NW 1, Sea 1, 4/10, moonshine, 1019 mb, 18°C	Surfaced.
		13.12.43	Western Mediterranean
		00.00	CH 6554
			ESE 1, Sea 1, completely overcast, 1016 mb, 17°C
		00.04		Dived
		02.42		Surfaced.
		03.37		Dived.
		08.00	CH 6644
		12.00	CH 6645	Day's run: Surfaced 42.0 nm, Submerged 29.5 nm = 72.5 nm.
		12.40		Came to course 0°.  Entrance [illegible few words].

	Sun and Moon Data 10.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 11.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 12.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.43

	- 9 -
		continued
		13.12.43
		16.00	CH 6642
		20.00	CH 6618
		23.01	ESE 4, Sea 4, rain, overcast, 1016 mb, 17°C, [illegible word]	Surfaced.
		23.xx		[illegible word] arrival report sent of 54 meters, [illegible word] not heard by Communications Center.
		14.12.43	Western Mediterranean
		00.00	CH6378
		00.27	NE 4, Sea 4, completely overcast, 1012 mb, 17°C	Dived.
		03.53		Surfaced.
		04.00	CH 6348
		04.47		Incoming Radio Message 2105/13/530:  Serial No. 10
				"Kolbling" report position by Short Signal.
				"Siegmann" is reminded to report.
				- F.d.U. -
		05.20		On Radio Circuit "Bruno" on 54 meters.
				Sent Radio Message 0451/14:  Serial No. 11
				15 December 08.00 hours 42°N.  Intake point 24 hours later.
				"Siegmann".
				Norddeich repeated date time group 0400/14.
				Mediterranean Circuit was only heard with insufficient volume.
		05.30		Dived for detection 150 cm.  Search with visual indication, rising volume.
		08.00	CH 6342
		12.00	CH 6319	Day's run: Surfaced 33.5 nm, Submerged 35.4 nm = 68.9 nm.
		14.14		Incoming Radio Message 1043/14/563:  Serial No. 12
				29. U-Flottille takes command of "Siegmann" on 15.12.43 at 05.00 hours.  [illegible word] r.p.t. on U.N.Z.
				- F.d.U. -
		16.00	CH 6313
		20.00	CH 3972
		15.12.43	Western Mediterranean
		00.00	CH 3984
		04.00	CH 3954
		04.16	N 5, Sea 5, completely overcast, 1015 mb, 15°C	Surfaced.
		08.00	CH 3928
		12.00	CH 3925	Day's run: Surfaced 24.6 nm, Submerged 36.4 nm = 61.0 nm.
		14.23		Incoming Radio Message 0431/15/577:  Serial No 13
				15 December 18.00 hours crossing 42°N approved.  Escort positioned on 16 December 08.00 hours intake point.  16 December air escort by AR 196 from the beginning of twilight.  Additionally for M.N.O. Bernau r.p.t. on U.K.K.
				- 29. Uflottille -
		16.00	CH 3925
		20.00	CH 3922
		22.02	ENE 3-4, Sea 4, overcast, Vis, medium, 1012, 17°C	Surfaced.
		23.41		Dived.
		16.12.43
		00.00	CH 3658
		04.00	CH 3652
		04.14		Surfaced.
		04.34		Dived.  Land in sight ahead.
		07.27		Surfaced
		08.00	Cape Cepet bearing 290°T, 2 nm	Surfaced at escort.
		09.30	Toulon	Made fast at the U-boat base.

	Sun and Moon Data 13.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 14.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 15.12.43
	Sun and Moon Data 16.12.43

	- 10 -
		Summary and collected experiences for the successful breakthrough of the Gibraltar Straits. In addition to the fortunes of war necessary for this task which enabled me to advance unnoticed to the western exit of the Strait to naval square CG 9584, the following points may have contributed to the success. 1) Secrecy:   An 15 November 1943 the departure was delayed and the Kommandant was ordered to Toulon for instruction.  In the base of the 9. U-Flottilla only a small circle was informed of the objective of the voyage and the task derived there from. The task was first announced to the crew and their officers at sea. 2) The route for the advance was elected along the Spanish and Portuguese coast in the belief that there the air surveillance was lower than farther removed from the coast (Gibraltar - England convoy route). 3) I found it pleasant that I did not depart simultaneously with several boats with the same task from the western bases, so that I was not particularly tempted to hurry to be the first. 4) Although I departed from Brest just under 5 days before new moon, I did not hurry, only charging transit on the surface, submerged at economical consumption, one E-motor 90 RPM. 5) I was determined from the outset to carry out the break through submerged as far as possible. Therefore, the new moon phase and the day's run were not of crucial importance, according to the observations made by me concerning patrol of the Strait by day, I saw only one steamer. Later, on passing close Gibraltar - Ceuta, possibly two were heard in the direction of Gibraltar, a successful outcome by day seems promising to me. 6) It seems favorable to me to leave the time around the new moon free, because in my opinion the enemy expects U-boats mainly at this time. 7) The low traffic in the Strait at the moment of my breakthrough - no convoys in East-West or West-East direction - also facilitated my task. It was also advantageous to me that the breakthrough was on a Sunday. 8) I have, from square CG 9584 - CG 9672 along the 200-meter line at depth A -30 meters, made a speed of 4.2 knots with both side 90 RPM, that is to say there was an easterly current of 2.2 knots. 9) I am convinced that submerged locating or listening is ruled out in the Strait. I can confirm the previous experience of other boats of the peculiar listening conditions. 10) The following measures were taken in preparation:   On the surface along the 100-meter line, submerged along the 200-meter line. I was determined in the discovered Gibraltar maneuvering area east of Cape Vincent if necessary to proceed via shallow water in the dark night hours . Additionally I had emergency breathing apparatus for every man on board.   For the breakthrough I was prepared for 50 hours submerged transit. The galley was not in service, cold food had been prepared beforehand and was served. This has proven to be a powerful consumer of oxygen. On surfacing for ventilation, which was possible after 25 hours, the air was very good, The emergency gear was put in operations after 10 hours submerged transit. Consumption for a total of 37 hours submerged transit was 6400 Ampere hours per battery 11.) Transit depth for all submerged transit was A -30 meters. [50 meters keel depth]
				On board, 18 December 1943
				Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant.

	Enclosures to U-230's KTB - click on the text at left to proceed to the document
Chart	Track chart covering entire patrol
Excerpt	Excerpt of KTB
Radio	Excerpt of Radio Log

	Comments of the F.d.U. Mittelmeer on the K.T.B. of "U-230"
	from 9.9.- 16.12.1943 (4th War Patrol).
	1.)  The success of the breakthrough without difficulties is due in large part  to the thorough preparations of the Kommandant who tackled the task with skill and absolute confidence and performed with unflinching resolve.
	Here, the transit as a single boat put him in good stead, because from the outset a "race" was avoided and the possibility of being detected due to the discovery of another boat was precluded.  A submerged breakthrough is also promising according to the experience of most other boats.  As a prerequisite it requires a full battery and reaching the approaches to the west of Gibraltar Strait unnoticed.  The breakthrough itself is then no longer a difficult problem.
	2.)  The return transit of the boat to Toulon is approved in view of the failures and damage.
	3.)  The very clear and thoughtful "experiences" are particularly noteworthy.

	Comments of the Befehlshabers der Unterseeboote
	on the K.T.B. of "U-230" (Siegmann) from 9.9 - 16.12.1943.
	Nothing to note.
		For the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
		- The Chief of the Operations Department -

Click the icons to view the associated records
	Return to the U-boat KTB page